In the rear mountains, within an exquisitely built pavilion, a middle-aged woman of serene elegance sat quietly, her calm presence blending perfectly with the tranquil scenery around her.
A dozen beautiful young women stood outside the pavilion, silent and composed.
Inside, Maria—the woman who had once crossed weapons with Overthunder, wielding her long whisk broom—was reporting on the situation at Horn Mountain.
"You fought them personally," the middle-aged woman asked softly, "how strong do you think those soldiers are?"
"Their defensive formations are strange," Maria replied after a pause. "I attacked several times and still couldn't completely break through. Those black-armored warriors could summon thunder like divine punishment itself—their power is terrifying. And those spectral entities… they're difficult to capture, even when you can sense them. Overall, they pose a tremendous threat."
Her expression was grim.
