72: Kelvin

"Help!"

"Ah—!!!"

The sudden charge of over a dozen magical beasts caught the knights on the defense line off guard, and a breach appeared almost instantly.

A magical beast that burst through the defense line was like a dragon entering the sea, slaughtering frantically; many nearby civilians died instantly upon contact.

The spraying of blood mixed with various wails, sounding like mournful cries from the depths of hell.

Akman Knight-Captain's expression changed drastically upon seeing this, and he immediately ordered: "Everyone, don't get tied down, quickly follow me back to reinforce!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the spear in his hand swept out fiercely, and a blue energy permeated with terrifying cold shot out from the spear tip.

Shhh!

The two closest magical beasts bore the brunt, had no chance to react, and were instantly frozen into ice sculptures, then shattered into pieces on the ground.

The terrifying aura made the remaining magical beasts look wary, and they dared not advance further for a moment.

Glancing aside, Akman Knight-Captain swiftly turned his horse, preparing to lead the knights toward the defense line.

Just then, a chilling wolf howl sounded again, and the source of the sound was extremely close.

The next second, several sharp, massive ice crystal spikes shot out fiercely from behind the beast pack.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

The streaking lights cut through the air, accompanied by violent sonic booms, appearing behind Akman Knight-Captain in the blink of an eye.

Feeling the danger of death, Akman Knight-Captain instinctively twisted with all his strength.

"Pfft—!"

The sound of flesh being torn rang out, and Akman Knight-Captain let out a painful wail; his entire left arm had been severed.

"Akman Knight-Captain!"

"Knight Captain!"

The anxious cries of the knights immediately rang out, but Akman Knight-Captain, hardened by countless battles, endured the pain and swept his spear backward.

The massive silver wolf that was pouncing on him mid-air hesitated with a humanized look in its eyes, twisted its body to dodge, but consequently lost momentum and dropped to the ground.

"That's the Silver Wolf King! Retreat quickly!"

Akman Knight-Captain roared loudly and spurred his horse toward the defense line. The other knights reacted swiftly and followed closely.

None of the closest magical beasts dared to step forward to block them. Seeing this, the Silver Wolf King behind them let out an angry growl but made no further moves.

Soon, under the pincer attack of Akman Knight-Captain and the other knights returning for reinforcement, more than half of the dozen magical beasts attacking the defense line were killed or injured within a few breaths.

The remaining magical beasts, intimidated by their terrifying might and wary of the risk of injury and death, had no choice but to retreat.

A moment later, Viscount Connor felt a pang of distress upon seeing Akman Knight-Captain, whose severed arm was hastily bandaged and still dripping blood.

The sweating Akman Knight-Captain knelt on one knee and saluted: "My Lord Viscount, your subordinate has found the mastermind behind the beast tide. It is a Silver Wolf King, at least Silver Rank strength. Your subordinate was no match and has disappointed you."

"This is not your fault, Akman Knight-Captain. The enemy is simply too powerful," Viscount Connor reassured him, then said helplessly, "If we continue to drag this out, we will suffer a slow death. It seems we have no choice but to call for aid."

Half an hour later, several cavalrymen rode out from the castle manor. After breaking through the defense line under the cover of the knights, they galloped at full speed in different directions... Although the near-noon sun was somewhat dazzling, it brought no warmth in the cold winter.

Ferguson Bazer Baron Territory, located near the edge of the Mist Forest.

A convoy consisting of dozens of figures was slowly passing through this area.

Although the weather was clearly cold, the plump young man inside the central carriage was sweating profusely, looking miserable, and constantly fanning himself vigorously.

Finally, unable to bear the heat, he kicked open the carriage door, and the cold air instantly rushed inside.

Feeling the 'refreshing and pleasant' air, he let out a long, comfortable sigh, as if he had been resurrected from a scorching volcano.

The attendants, laborers, and others behind him were startled by the commotion.

However, the coachman and the Knight Squad protecting the sides looked normal, clearly accustomed to the plump young man's behavior.

"Gregory, how much longer until we arrive?"

The middle-aged man in full armor at the front of the convoy turned his head and replied: "Replying to Lord Kelvin, we should arrive this afternoon."

"This afternoon, that's acceptable." Kelvin nodded contentedly, then continued with a concerned tone: "I haven't seen Lister since he inherited his territory. I wonder how he's doing."

Speaking of which, his tone became extremely envious: "Although I don't know how that guy became a Baron, at least he has his own territory. He's much more comfortable than me."

"Damn it, why is it my brother sitting in the luxurious carriage and not me?"

"And this time, I, the poor guy, have to bring him gifts. Where's the justice in that? Damn it, when I get to his territory, I'm definitely going to extort a good sum from him."

Despite his complaints, there was no hint of jealousy in Kelvin's tone.

Just then, the convoy slowly passed the edge of the Ferguson Bazer Baron Territory.

In the previously quiet environment, a sudden roar broke the silence. A massive rock shot out fiercely from the woods not far to the right of the convoy, heading straight for them.

Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh!

The speed was so fast that it created a piercing sound of rushing air. The closest escort knight on the right reacted quickly, immediately wielding his spear to block it.

Boom!

The moment the spear shaft collided with the massive rock, a huge roar erupted, and a terrifying force directly blasted the knight off his horse, slamming him into the side door of the carriage.

"Damn it! What happened!!"

Due to the impact on the carriage, Kelvin, who had been daydreaming, changed expression drastically, his body crashing inside the carriage until he saw stars.

"Enemy attack! Enemy attack! Protect Lord Kelvin quickly!" Knight Captain Gregory roared.

As he spoke, he swiftly drew his longsword and maneuvered his horse to block the path between the carriage and the direction the massive rock had come from.

The other knights and Soldiers quickly assembled around the convoy, standing ready for battle.

Meanwhile, the attendants and laborers either stood frozen in panic or were so scared they found cover to hide.

As everyone moved, a massive black ape, whose skin was glossy black like black obsidian, darted out from the woods.

With just one look, all the knights recognized its identity: the magical beast Black Armored Ape.

"Roar!"

After pounding its chest fiercely with both palms, the Black Armored Ape charged toward Gregory, who was blocking the front.

Seeing this, Gregory refused to show weakness, swinging the longsword in his hand and spurring his horse forward to meet the charge.

"Thump! Thump! Thump!"

"Boom! Boom! Boom!"

Accompanied by the sound of hooves and the heavy stomping of the Black Armored Ape's feet, the longsword collided with the Black Armored Ape's massive palm in an instant.

"Bang!"

Enormous power was transmitted from the Black Armored Ape's palm, through the longsword, and into Gregory, instantly blasting him off his horse.

Gregory, who had slammed heavily onto the ground, rolled backward several times before barely managing to steady himself.

His expression changed drastically, and he shouted in horror: "Not good! Its strength is equivalent to a High-Rank Bronze Knight!"

Hearing this, Kelvin, who had already leaned out of the carriage, cried out in alarm.

"What! High-Rank Bronze!!"

"I am doomed!!!"

Just then, a fiery red crescent energy slash suddenly streaked across everyone's vision.

"You won't be doomed."