On the Lifaus Plains, the rising sun cast its golden light upon the blood-soaked land. The morning mist gradually dissipated, revealing a ra
On the Lifaus Plains, the rising sun cast its golden light upon the blood-soaked land. The morning mist gradually dissipated, revealing a ravaged battlefield. The members of the subjugation party were working in coordination. Some began to dismantle the White Whale's massive carcass, while others cleaned up the battlefield and tended to the wounded.
"After a whole night of fighting the White Whale, it's finally over." Natsuki Subaru stood on a slightly higher mound, the morning breeze ruffling his somewhat messy black hair.
As Emilia's knight, my successful subjugation of the White Whale this time not only eliminated most people's prejudiced views of Emilia but will also greatly consolidate Emilia's position and safety in the upcoming Royal Selection. All in all, this White Whale subjugation operation had more pros than cons.
"And also, Miss Crusch's friendship..." Then, Natsuki Subaru subconsciously touched the lion insignia in his breast pocket, the token Crusch had just given him. With the support of the Karsten family, Emilia's situation in the Royal Capital should be much better.
"Speaking of which, my own strength has also improved quite a bit." Thinking this, Natsuki Subaru willed it, and the familiar system interface unfolded before his eyes:
Host: Natsuki Subaru
Level: 37
Class: None
Title: Wolf Slayer
Spirit: 162
Strength: 196
Agility: 164
Stamina: 151
HP: 2800/2800
MP: 14000/14000
EXP: 196488/4500000
Distributable Points: 0
Skill List:
Life Resilience (Passive)
Advanced Dagger Arts (Passive)
Throwing Dagger (Active)
Blessing of the Great Shaman Kandiaru (Active)
Sprint (Active)
Killing Intent (Active)
"I actually leveled up three times..." Natsuki Subaru looked at the system panel, secretly surprised. "The White Whale's experience points are so generous; it's practically equivalent to a dungeon's lord-class boss."
Thinking about it carefully, it makes sense. The White Whale's sky-obscuring massive body, its almost perverse HP recovery ability, plus the highly corrosive white fog and the final splitting skill—from any angle, the strength of this Mabeast that has ravaged for four hundred years could definitely compete with a dungeon lord.
"Killing the White Whale this time was a huge gain. At this rate, I'll probably break through the level 40 mark soon..." Natsuki Subaru thought to himself, "But, the higher the level, the more experience points are needed, and the harder it is to advance..."
"OOOHHH!"
A cheer from the distance interrupted his thoughts. It turned out the soldiers had successfully severed the White Whale's head and were preparing to load it onto a carriage to transport back to the Royal Capital. Natsuki Subaru's lips unconsciously turned up; this spoil of war would become the best propaganda for Emilia's faction.
Gazing at the gradually bustling camp, Natsuki Subaru began to plan his next steps. The return route was already planned, and he had also notified Reinhard in advance to come and provide support. With a cheat-level character like Sword Saint Reinhard present, even if the Sin Archbishops of Greed and Gluttony attack together, we should have a fighting chance.
"Everything is proceeding smoothly according to my plan. If there are no accidents..."
A gentle breeze brought a floral scent. Only then did Natsuki Subaru notice that on the ground around the White Whale's carcass, many small white flowers had bloomed at some unknown time. They stubbornly poked their heads out from the blood-stained soil, swaying gently in the morning light.
"This time, I will definitely protect everyone. Emilia, Rem..." Natsuki Subaru clenched his fists and muttered softly, "...and Crusch... yes, these comrades who fought alongside me."
"Subaru-kyun, what are you muttering to yourself about, meow?" Ferris had approached at some point, his cat ears twitching curiously.
"Ah, nothing." Natsuki Subaru quickly closed the system interface and said casually, "I was just thinking that the White Whale's strength truly befits the title of a 'calamity'."
"Indeed." Wilhelm's voice came from behind. The old Sword Demon was wiping his beloved sword, his silver hair shining in the morning light. "This old man has sought it for fourteen years and finally fulfilled my wish today."
"Old Man Wil finally got his revenge, meow!" Ferris said seriously to Wilhelm. "Lady Theresia will surely be very happy, meow!"
Wilhelm's gaze turned to the White Whale's head being loaded onto the carriage in the distance, his expression complex and unreadable. He just sighed lightly.
"Yes, she can finally rest in peace."
"...Um..." Watching this scene, Natsuki Subaru's heart was filled with mixed feelings. He cleared his throat and changed the subject. "Speaking of which, how are the preparations for the return journey?"
"Everything is going smoothly, meow..." Ferris immediately regained his vitality, holding up a finger to report, "The wounded have all been stabilized, the White Whale materials have been packed, and Lady Crusch is doing the final checks, meow~"
As they were talking, Crusch's voice came from the front of the formation:
"Subaru, we're ready. It's time to set off."
Natsuki Subaru turned to see Crusch walking slowly towards him, her long, jade-green hair fluttering gently in the morning breeze, her heroic bearing carrying a rare touch of fresh, refined elegance.
"Wait a moment, Miss Crusch." Natsuki Subaru suddenly adopted a serious tone. "There's something I need to tell everyone."
"What is it?" Crusch tilted her head slightly, a hint of alertness in her emerald eyes.
"Actually, before the White Whale subjugation, I had already notified Reinhard to come and provide us with backup." Natsuki Subaru said, looking at Crusch.
"Reinhard?" Crusch's brow furrowed, her fingers unconsciously stroking the hilt of her sword. "Are you perhaps worried that some special situation might arise?"
"Eh?" Natsuki Subaru glanced at Crusch, slightly surprised. Has Crusch already sensed something...
"Because your every step is meticulously calculated, just like your thorough deployment during the White Whale subjugation before." Crusch sighed lightly, but a knowing arc lifted the corners of her lips. "To specially invite the Sword Saint this time, there must be a reason."
"Err... you really can't hide anything from you, can you." Natsuki Subaru scratched his head, his expression gradually becoming grave. "Actually, I'm worried that the Witch Cult might take this opportunity to launch an attack."
"The Witch Cult..." The moment this name was spoken, the atmosphere on site instantly froze. Crusch's gaze sharpened like a blade, Ferris's cat ears pricked up alertly, and even the usually calm Wilhelm unconsciously tensed his body. In this world, the fear brought by the Witch Cult had long since become a collective psychological shadow.
"For us, now is not the time to let down our guard," Natsuki Subaru said slowly, looking around at everyone.
"How did you perceive the connection between the White Whale and the Witch Cult?" Crusch asked thoughtfully, gazing at Natsuki Subaru.
I can't just say I saw it in the original work... Natsuki Subaru silently retorted to himself but maintained a calm expression on the surface. "According to my investigation, the White Whale's activity trajectory highly coincides with that of the Witch Cult. Now that we have successfully subjugated the White Whale, it's highly likely they will take action."
"That's true..." Ferris suddenly interjected. "The data Old Man Wil has been investigating all these years has also led to a similar conclusion, meow."
"Eh... Mister Wilhelm has also made such a discovery?" Natsuki Subaru looked at Wilhelm in surprise.
"Perceiving the connection was purely accidental." Wilhelm paused for a moment, then nodded and continued, "The locations of the White Whale's appearances coincide with the records of Witch Cult activities to an unnatural degree. This is enough to constitute conclusive evidence."
"Actually, for Old Man Wil, the White Whale was the main target; the Witch Cult was just a side investigation~" Ferris continued. "To be honest, Ferris was also skeptical at first. After all, although there were similar rumors in the Knightly Order, they were all dismissed as baseless talk..."
"In any case, it's my good fortune to have gained your trust." Natsuki Subaru looked at everyone and said, "The connection between the White Whale and the Witch Cult is absolutely certain. After all, this Mabeast was originally created by a Witch."
"Although legends do say so, the origin of Mabeasts has always been a mystery. Some reproduce like ordinary creatures, while others, like the White Whale, suddenly appear in the world." Wilhelm lightly stroked his blade, his eyes under his silver hair shining with contemplation. "However, special cases like the White Whale, in this world, there are probably only the Black Serpent and the Great Rabbit."
"Regardless, the Witch Cult's involvement in this matter is beyond doubt." Natsuki Subaru looked at Crusch and the others, then added, "Judging from their doctrines and past activities, they will absolutely not let this opportunity go."
"The White Whale and the Witch Cult are one and the same, bringing disaster and plaguing the living. How many families have been shattered because of it." Crusch's gaze sharpened, her long green hair fluttering in the wind. "In the territory of Lugnica alone, their actions are enough to make one's blood boil."
"So, it's highly likely they will launch an attack on our return journey. We might even encounter a Sin Archbishop," Natsuki Subaru said slowly, his gaze fixed on the others.
It's known that, according to the original story's plot, when Crusch, Rem, and the others were returning to the Royal Capital with the spoils of war, the White Whale, they encountered the Sin Archbishops of Greed and Gluttony. Greed's purpose was to join the fun, while Gluttony was there to confirm who killed the White Whale and, while at it, devour some memories and names. In the process, Greed and Gluttony attacked Crusch, Rem, and the others, which ultimately led to Rem falling into a coma and Crusch losing her memory. The abilities of the Sin Archbishops of Greed and Gluttony also played a key role in this attack. It's worth mentioning that the Sin Archbishop of Gluttony's ability is to devour memories and names, causing the devoured person to be forgotten by the world and fall into a comatose state. And the Sin Archbishop of Greed's ability is even more powerful, capable of stopping time, rendering him invincible, and even cutting through space.
"I see. No wonder you are so cautious." Crusch nodded slightly and pondered for a moment. "Do you need me to order reinforcements from the Royal Capital's Royal Guard Knights?"
"No need." Natsuki Subaru showed a confident smile. "With Reinhard present, plus our current combat strength, we should be able to handle it."
That's Sword Saint Lai Aotian, who can go toe-to-toe with the Witch of Envy! With this world's ceiling of power here, there shouldn't be a problem. Thinking of Reinhard's almost bug-like strength, Natsuki Subaru's tense nerves relaxed a little.
"Lord Subaru, you've considered things very thoroughly." Wilhelm suddenly chuckled lightly and patted the sword at his waist. "This old bag of bones is quite looking forward to meeting those skulking fellows."
"Th-then Ferris will do his best to provide support, meow!" Ferris also spoke up.
Sunlight dappled on the four of them. In this brief moment of tranquility, an unspoken understanding flowed between them. Everyone understood that the road ahead was fraught with danger, but at this moment, they were already prepared to fight side-by-side.
"!" The members of the Iron Fang mercenary group, dragging their weary steps, walked over.
"The young lady gave us a lot of instructions before we left," Mimi said, energetically puffing out her flat chest to the listless Hetaro. "Although Mimi has forgotten all of them!"
"Please be quiet, sister..." Hetaro tried to dissuade her tiredly, his orange cat ears drooping listlessly.
The contrasting behavior of this pair of young cat siblings caught Natsuki Subaru's attention.
"What's wrong with you two? You look quite tired."
"Big brother, we've been processing the carcass of that big guy, the White Whale, all this time!" Mimi bounced and spun around, her tail wagging happily. "We got a lot of precious materials from the White Whale's body, which can be used by the young lady's trading company~"
"I see. Mimi is so capable..." Natsuki Subaru looked at Hetaro, who was panting for breath, and couldn't help but ask, "But then again, your brother is clearly so tired, how come you're still so energetic?"
"Heehee... Hetaro's body is too weak, so frail, it's really—so embarrassing—!" Mimi giggled, pointing at her brother Hetaro, mocking him mercilessly.
"..." But, if I were to say, it's simply because the brother is a complete klutz when it comes to physical stamina. It's less that Mimi is the berserker type who gets happy from fighting, and more that she's the ultimate positive thinker who can find fun in anything. It's really quite enviable. Natsuki Subaru thought to himself, looking at the energetic little cat girl.
"We're almost done packing up over here. The Iron Fang is getting ready to depart." Ricardo suddenly interjected, his thick arm pointing to the distance. "Although it's still a bit far, the other half of our mercenary group is also in that direction."
"The other half?" Natsuki Subaru frowned in confusion, his gaze following the direction Ricardo was pointing.
"Little bro, it's exactly what it sounds like." Ricardo scratched his messy hair and began to explain, "For this operation, our Iron Fang only deployed half its forces for the White Whale subjugation. The remaining half has a more important mission."
Ferris came closer, his cat ears twitching curiously.
"What mission could be more important than subjugating the White Whale, meow?"
"Yeah, what mission is so important?" Natsuki Subaru couldn't help but ask as well.
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