Chapter 32: Gathering Together

While the Red Ghosts and their allies harbored murderous intent toward each other for their own interests, Neo was counting his gains and planning the next steps. Many members of the guard team, including Valentina, had worried along the way whether Neo’s plan was too ambitious. It wasn’t until they learned that the trap in the valley was designed to asphyxiate rather than burn that they realized Neo had taken great care to minimize their own losses.

Under the current circumstances, tents were of immense value to the migration group—essentially supplies that kept them alive. This was precisely why the Red Ghosts fell into the trap, having just experienced the severity of the cold. On the other hand, the Wind Raiders’ outstanding performance and the unprecedented authority of the Dief regime were key factors in ensuring these tents could be transported here to set up the trap. Overall, though the victory seemed simple and lucky, it was actually the result of Neo’s utmost efforts. This victory was enough to fill everyone with pride.

Now that everything was settled, with the battlefield cleaned up and all data compiled—though roughly—Valentina could form a clear and complete picture. First, there were numerous Red Ghost corpses, along with their furs and cotton armor. After simple processing, these could be used as raw materials to make leather and cotton products. With these supplies, the migration group’s heating problems were completely solved, with even leftovers.

Second, there was an abundance of meat. After the Sacred Event, the migration group’s diet had completely changed. Their daily rations consisted mainly of meat, organs, and blood sausages, supplemented by plants available in the jungle such as pine needles and snow mushrooms, along with moderate amounts of wheat and rice. At Neo’s suggestion, boiled stone water (rich in minerals) was also added, ensuring a balanced supply of nutrients and preventing major health issues in the short term. This was why the migration group’s progress wasn’t affected.

Third, there were metal objects—armors and weapons. After disassembling and modifying them, Valentina estimated that, along with what they already had, the migration group could arm a force of 350 people, equipped with short swords, spears, and armor made of a mix of leather and iron. With such armed forces, both the people and the guards would feel much safer and more confident about the future. The positive impact of this would likely be profound and immeasurable.

Post-battle tasks included not only clearing the battlefield but also taking care of the dead and wounded and repairing the camp. Normally, the dead were cremated, but this required the presence of their relatives and the blessing of Priest Norlund. The wounded were assigned to intact tents to rest, with dedicated caregivers. After Valentina took charge of the guard team, a medical unit was added, enabling basic first aid at the battlefield. As for those seriously injured, their fate depended on luck—Neo couldn’t perform any treatments, and if they couldn’t survive the night, there was nothing to be done.

After a short rest, most of the guards continued with their duties, mainly setting up alarm bells, before taking turns to rest through the night. As for dismantling the damaged tents, rebuilding and reinforcing the collapsed ones, and thoroughly cleaning the ground—these tasks could all be done the next day. The migration group’s next campsite was right here, and fast riders had already returned to the group overnight. Early the next morning, the group would embark on a long journey, covering about 10 kilometers more than usual. However, since there was no need to set up a camp, this goal was still achievable.

As Rooted had learned, Neo and Valentina had indeed planned to launch a counterattack on Wurtzburg overnight. Of course, this plan was hardly feasible. The cold weather was one factor, but more importantly, people’s energy and stamina were limited. Both the Wind Squad and the guard team had worked extremely hard that day and simply didn’t have the strength to pursue any further plans. If a counterattack were to happen, it would be carried out by relatively elite members like Neo, Valentina, and Mach, who had strong nerves and extensive experience in sustained combat, using Neo’s life-based techniques to once again attempt an impossible task. But with Neo injured, this plan became unfeasible.

By the time Valentina finished her outside tasks and came to check on Neo, it was already past midnight. Neo had been moved to a tent on the surface. Valentina’s sleeping tent was another side tent next to where Neo was. She hadn’t wanted to disturb him, but the slight noise she made still woke him up.

“What time is it?” Neo asked softly.

“It’s almost 2 a.m.” Valentina pulled over a small stool and sat beside Neo’s bed. Upon closer inspection, Neo’s face still appeared pale from blood loss, but compared to when he was first injured, his condition had improved significantly. His eyes were bright, his clothes clean, and there was a scent of medicine—the caregivers had done a good job, and Neo’s recovery rate satisfied Valentina greatly.

“How are your injuries?” Neo asked, feeling a bit awkward as Valentina stared at him intently. He broke the silence first. He wasn’t delirious—last night, Valentina had endured two attacks from Sarug. Even with Neo’s healing, she hadn’t fully recovered, otherwise dealing with that Red Ghost Centurion wouldn’t have been so difficult.

“I’m fine now,” Valentina said, sharing her experiences from the techniques: “I found your healing techniques quite amazing. With heavy exertion and movement, they actually enhance their effectiveness.”

Neo nodded. Valentina’s insights were important. After all, for now, she was the recipient with the strongest control over the techniques, and her perceptions were more delicate than others’. Neo analyzed, “As far as I know, those effects actually stimulate your own potential. It’s only a matter of time before it manifests. Under normal circumstances, it’s better to be steady and moderate—on a broader scale, that can lead to greater progress.”

“Oh, I see,” Valentina nodded and asked in return, “How about you? How are you?”

Neo smiled slightly. “With the werewolf’s natural healing ability plus the spells from the Life series, I almost enjoy the perks of immortality. What could be more terrifying than the power to start over countless times?”
“If it were really as wonderful as you say, you’d probably be somewhere in the underground tunnels of Wurtzburg by now,” Valentina bluntly exposed Neo’s trick. Seeing Neo try to get up, she quickly placed her hands on his shoulders. “Just lie down and talk. Don’t treat yourself too lightly.”
“I actually just wanted to turn over to use the bathroom. I was sleeping soundly when I got woken up from holding it in,” Neo said with a sheepish grin.
After a pause, Valentina tapped him on the forehead and glared at him. “You really are shameless!” Though she said that, she still went to get him a night pot, the kind of hot water bottle used by the Gale Team.
Seeing Neo move slowly, Valentina added, “Can you do it? Do you need help?” Her tone was bold and friendly.
“I can. A man usually doesn’t say no to that,” Neo replied, still moving slowly but steadily.
“Oh…” Valentina drew out the word, a sly look in her eyes.
He slowly turned over to face inward and unzipped his pants…
“Huh? Why don’t I hear any sound of water?” Valentina asked anxiously.
Neo blushed and struggled for a while before saying, “Let’s not be this silly. If I laugh, my wounds might actually burst open.”
Valentina nodded in satisfaction. “Oh, it’s not about not being able to do it—it’s about pretending you can.”
“…”
Although Valentina would tease Neo from time to time, her playful attitude vanished completely when he talked about serious matters. After discussing the settlement and itinerary of the migration team, their conversation turned to taking root.
“Rajef suggested taking the opportunity to get rid of this guy under the guise of carrying out a mission. With my abilities, I should be able to do it.”
Neo nodded. “Cutting through the problem quickly—this is a pretty straightforward solution. What about you? What do you think?”
“I’ve always had one question I can’t figure out: What do the Dark Claws want from us? I think this fundamental question is very important.” Valentina stared at Neo. She had held this question in her mind for a long time and believed Neo should know the answer.
“I… it’s because of me,” Neo hesitated for a moment before admitting it.
“To be honest, I’m not surprised at all to hear that. After all, there are many mysterious things about you.”
Neo thought to himself, “What’s even more mysterious is that almost none of these so-called mysterious traits are directly related to why the Dark Claws are hunting me.”
“I’m sure you have a fascinating story to tell me,” Valentina said, sitting on a small stool with her hands on her knees and chin in her hands, ready to listen.
“It was just an exhilarating escape journey…” Neo recounted in detail his imprisonment, execution, escape, pursuit, and flight in the city of Solis, all the way to embarking on a journey to Tures with knight Adrian and his team. He didn’t omit the grudges with Vladimir and the spy at the West Wind Camp either, telling everything as it happened.
“You deeply love Melian, right?”

Valentina’s question took Neo by surprise, but he answered firmly and promptly. “I think so,” he said.
“Slap!” Valentina slapped Neo across the face. It didn’t hurt much, but it was loud. “Who gave you the right to do that to me last night?”
Neo remained calm, his expression unchanged. “No matter how you look at it, I wouldn’t just stand by and watch you die. Even if I knew in advance you’d object, I still wouldn’t hesitate.”
“How do you plan to explain this to Milien?”
“I haven’t thought it through yet. I hope to phrase it gently, but…” Neo shook his head with a smile. He admitted he couldn’t bring the same ease he used in combat to handling emotional matters.
“Maybe don’t say anything then…” Valentina had learned from Milien that there was little privacy between her and Neo, but such openness might also hurt each other and those around them.
Neo shook his head cheerfully. “Hiding secrets only builds a wall between two people. I’d rather trust Milien’s understanding and tolerance.”
Valentina pursed her lips and ultimately said nothing. From her perspective, Neo was too idealistic; such things were an undeniable flaw for both men and women.
Seeming to read Valentina’s thoughts, Neo smiled. “It’s me who got slapped. Why do you look so aggrieved?”
“Ugh!” Valentina rolled her eyes at him awkwardly, though her worries lessened somewhat.
“Since I’ve gone to the trouble of telling this story, at least add fuel and bring me a cup of hot water.”
At Neo’s reminder, Valentina realized the coals in the fire pit had burned down, their surface covered in gray ash, making the tent quite cold. She reproached herself for lacking femininity the moment she got involved in real life…
The two settled their emotions, and the conversation returned to Root. With Neo’s simple explanation, Valentina easily understood that Root was like a barbed arrow buried in flesh—must be removed, but carefully, otherwise the harm would be greater.
“We can’t get rid of Root for now, but my injury has nullified the effect of spreading rumors among the migration group. Root might think this is a rare opportunity and inform his dark minions, prompting them to act again.”
“Then we shouldn’t give Root that chance. You should leave here overnight.”
“I do need to leave, but the anger stirred up by Root and his dark minions can’t be suppressed. I’m worried they’ll retaliate against the migration group again. Besides, Root might suspect he’s been exposed, which could drive him to take reckless actions.”
“What do you suggest then?”
“The problem lies with me, so I have to be the bait…” Neo pondered before sharing his plan with Valentina.
——Divider——
The noise outside the tent woke Root, who already slept lightly. During his time in the enemy camp, he had his own troubles, one of which was not sleeping too deeply, fearing he might reveal his identity through sleep talk.

“Who? Oh, it’s the instructor. Truly a battle-hardened veteran with excellent vigilance.” It was said by a guard holding a torch, as they helped clean up a sled vehicle.
“What vigilance? He was woken up by needing to pee!”
“Hehe!”
Zhanza’s humble self-deprecation, without any trace of arrogance, once again won everyone’s goodwill.
“What’s going on?”
“Nio needs to be moved overnight.” The guard’s smile vanished.
Zhanza’s heart skipped a beat. He had already sent the first urgent message. If Nio didn’t move, the Dark Elite would arrive around dawn the next day. “Could it be I was too hasty and exposed my plans?”
“No!” Zhanza quickly dismissed this possibility. Frowning, he sighed, “Is it because Nio’s injuries have worsened?”
“It seems so!” the guard replied worriedly. “I’m not entirely sure about the details, but the power of the War Gods isn’t something that can be resolved simply by cutting a wound. Nio is really in danger this time.”
“It’s so cold, and it’s night—traveling at night is difficult.”
“Exactly!” Another member secured the last leather buckle on the sled’s roof and checked it again. “Miss Srod will escort him personally. I heard from Van Rending of the Wind Team that even Priest Norlund isn’t enough to save Nio’s life.”
“Then who can? The Wind Team’s healer?”
“Maybe. The Wind Team must have a skilled healer. Otherwise, with continuous battles, even they wouldn’t be able to hold on.”
“But I heard the Wind Team is going to attack Watzburg tonight. Would they go on such a big operation without a healer? Could it be…”
This time, the guards shook their heads firmly. One of them said, “Rushing to the Red Ghosts’ lair to save them? That’s utterly crazy.”
The one who had secured the buckle earlier replied, “Which of the things we’ve done these past few days isn’t crazy? Besides, you saw how desperate Miss Srod was when Nio was injured before. Do you think she’s a coward?”
“But Watzburg is currently in the midst of a fierce battle, right?”
“Are you stupid? Have you forgotten what Ebut said about those man-beasts’ habits? They go to bed in the middle of the night and don’t get up in the morning. If they attack, it’s when those guys are sound asleep, killing them one by one…”
Zhanza laughed and left. He needed to calm down and think carefully.
“Watzburg… Over 1,000 Red Ghosts dead, and there are reportedly many human slaves as well. Assassinations, plus freeing slaves, using houses as fortifications, and with guard support the next day—there’s really a chance of success. What if the elite troops led by Lord Faddei arrive at a critical moment before the guards get there?” A smile appeared on Zhanza’s face. “The Wind Team, Nio—trapped like fish in a jar! Even if Nio happens to escape Watzburg by luck, the Wind Team is done for. Without the Wind Team, where else can Nio go?”

To be safe, Zhuanja didn’t send a second urgent message right away but observed secretly. Only after confirming that Valentina and Vanlending were heading toward Wurtzburg on a sled pulled by white socks and following them for several miles to be sure did he send the urgent message. The message wasn’t delivered by Erulus’s immortal owl but by a magical falcon, which transmitted it instantly—very fast. However, as a one-time-use item, Zhuanja couldn’t carry many, and he wouldn’t use it unless it was extremely urgent.

After sending the message, Zhuanja returned to the camp filled with anticipation and excitement, waiting for good news, unaware that someone in the sky was watching every move he made.

Gladith not only watched Zhuanja’s actions almost the entire time but also caught up to the magical falcon. Using her avatar—a chubby, fierce-looking strongman—she imprisoned the magical falcon and read the secret message.

Flapping its wings, the magical falcon flew away again. Gladith, hovering in the air, smirked. “No wonder. I almost thought I was too old and unwanted—turns out it’s just a black-clawed one. Impressive acting!” she murmured, gazing toward Wurtzburg. “It seems things are going to get lively…” After a brief thought, Gladith summoned her spirit messenger and headed straight for Wurtzburg.

About 5 minutes after Gladith left, Liz, enveloped in purple light, appeared where Gladith had been.

Just as Gladith had guessed during their confrontation in the infirmary camp, Liz hypnotized Neo and then used the mystic technique of the seer—Soul Implantation. Although Nancy hadn’t yet become Neo’s assistant and monitored his body fully like she does now, the basic power of the sacred artifact was already active, proving that Neo could use his life-draining skills without worrying about accumulation.

Due to the presence of the sacred artifact, Nancy’s use of Soul Implantation deviated slightly—instead of binding to Neo’s soul, it settled within the artifact. Since the artifact’s functions hadn’t fully recovered, and the technique itself didn’t cause any harm to its host, it succeeded. As a result, a feminized avatar, actually Nancy in disguise, appeared to protect Neo.

As Neo’s relationship with Nancy deepened, Liz hoped to complete the soul bond with Neo. For this reason, as the sacred artifact’s power recovered, Liz’s avatar would become stronger. Meanwhile, if Neo was in danger, Liz would sense it. Of course, she was still puzzled why she only sensed Neo’s injuries rather than suffering them herself.

After struggling to free herself, Liz rushed over from the migration group. She noticed Gladith’s actions and sensed that Neo was heading toward Wurtzburg. After much deliberation, she finally gritted her teeth and pursued him as well.

Over 30 minutes later, Zhuanja’s second urgent message was delivered to Fad. Fad had mocked Kyles’ group of vampires more than once, calling them despicable scum. But now, he himself had become like them, accustomed to lurking in the shadows by day and night.

“Hmph!” After reading the letter, Fadé let out a cold snort, casually tossing the letter down the steps before continuing to stroke the long wound on his right cheek that resembled a baby’s mouth with his icy, rough metal nails. It was a reminder of the Battle of Daylight—Fadé had kept this wound so he could always remember his humiliation. Anger, hatred, and madness would further activate the dark forces within him, intensifying them like fire adding oil to the flames, making him stronger—and, of course, more twisted in mindset.

Fadé’s loyal subordinates stood like statues at the bottom of the steps, hands behind their backs, heads held high, their expressions solemn as they held their breath. Even under the threat of death, even idiots could adapt astonishingly well. These dark followers now understood Fadé’s temperament quite well. They had lost the battle for the Seeds of Divine Power of Daylight, but they couldn’t show cowardice or hesitation. Instead, they had to appear resolute and unflinching, as if they would willingly face any danger at Fadé’s command.

It must be said that this attitude was effective. Coming from a knightly background and known for his toughness, Fadé despised the weak, especially in his own ranks, especially after a defeat or when he was in a bad mood.

Fadé glanced at Eirith with his eyes glowing with a sinister light.

Eirith understood. He stepped forward, picked up the urgent letter, unfolded it, and read it aloud.

Eirith was currently very popular among Fadé’s followers mainly because, during the battle for the Seeds of Divine Power of Daylight, while everyone else failed, Eirith seized the opportunity to capture the souls of all ten Air Guards of the Free Wings, becoming the only highlight aside from Fadé himself, who had wounded one Air Knight severely. When the three Air Knights escaped on giant Carban eagles, accompanied by a flock of crying Carban falcons, Fadé felt that he had managed to save some of his face.

Fadé leaned back in his seat covered with white bear fur, tapping the metal cone at the tip of his right foot against a skull, producing a drum-like thumping sound. “The message is clear. Now, tell me—what are your thoughts?”

Whoosh! Vladimir stepped forward instantly. “My lord, I am willing to be your spear, ready to be shattered to pieces without ever retreating!”

“Damn! How fast he is!” Several of Vladimir’s colleagues muttered in secret. Everyone knew how to express loyalty in such a way that it meant nothing, and it was the easiest way to get by—now someone else had taken that shortcut.

Sure enough, Fadé was satisfied with Vladimir’s attitude. “Don’t worry. This time, you’ll get to kill thoroughly!”

Just hearing those words from Fadé, most of the others had an idea of what to do. Gotton stepped forward and said, “My lord, I believe we should take action against Würzburg. Even if it doesn’t work out perfectly, it can still deal a heavy blow to the Gale Team. If necessary, we can leave them wounded but alive, weakening their strength. Then they’ll need medical supplies, making it much easier for us to find them.”

Another shapeshifter stepped forward and added, “The Migration Team’s plan to move eastward is now quite clear—it’s to stay close to us. By occupying Würzburg, we can also trap the Migration Team, forcing them to find ways to weaken us, just like they did with the Bone-Beast Men. That way, we’ll have more opportunities to wait for them to fall into our trap.”

Another Shifter stepped forward and said carelessly, “My lord, this time you don’t even need to take action personally. Those Morthock brutes can only raid in the Erdrite lands under our protection. With just one word from you, how many heads do they have that wouldn’t obey?”
Fad snarled slightly, waved his hand, and the Shifter was struck as if by an invisible hammer, flying backward with a bang—shattering the door in the process.
“Lying with your eyes open!” Fad said, then stepped on him hard; with a crack, his skull was crushed. This skull belonged to a man-beast. After boiling it in a pot over high heat, removing the flesh and shaping it to coat it in paint as a wine vessel, Fad had thrown it at his feet in a fit of anger not long ago.
Gordon took the opportunity to say, “I still think it’s better for us to wait until they fight to the death before intervening.”
“Hmm, how do we know when the fighting inside is almost over?”
“I’m willing to lead a few elites to spy on them secretly, while the main army can rest nearby and wait for signals.”
Fad remained silent and looked at Vladimir.
“I’m willing to follow your lead, my lord.”
Fad then turned to Erlius. Erlius, being wise and experienced, knew well that talking too much could lead to mistakes. He said, “The information provided by Root is clear and well-organized. It’s rare that he added any subjective judgments, indicating that he was in a relatively good state of mind when sending it.”
Fad nodded. “Alright, let’s go join in the fun.”
“My lord, may your might be unmatched and your success assured!” The dark followers cheered in admiration…
While the dark minions prepared to head to Wurzburg, a group of Stoneback man-beasts was already on its way there.
Leading this thousand-strong army was Doge, the Stoneback leader who had once been toyed with byNeo. After losing track ofNeo, Doge, out of necessity, had to find a place to rest nearby. By chance, thanks to timely action and resentment, he wiped out a orc raiding party of over 300 members who had taken control of a village, seizing large amounts of loot and corpses, thus solving his immediate problems.
Success continued—first, he caught some humans fleeing south along the eastern road, and then he took in a man-beast group defeated by other alien raiders. After combining them, his forces exceeded a thousand.
With a strong army and no worries about food or drink for the time being, Doge still couldn’t forgetNeo, who had mocked him. The Stonebacks were known for pursuing their targets relentlessly, so he repeatedly asked the old priest to find out whereNeo was. The old priest helplessly told Doge that this man was no ordinary person, difficult to track, and that getting involved with him would only bring trouble.
“I don’t believe that!” Doge was stubborn. At least he knewNeo had gone east, so he directed his army eastward while sending scouts to look for clues. During this time, though he didn’t findNeo, good things kept happening, including making contact with another Stoneback raiding party. That party had also thrived, its membership rising from 800 to over 1,300, with several slave teams of other races under their control. With the two groups supporting each other, Doge became even more unrestrained.

Not long after midnight today, another Beach Stone Predation Squad delivered a special letter—a partnership invitation from an organization. The deal was substantial and the promises tempting, but it required significant strength, meaning at least two Beach Stone Predation Squads had to work together to qualify for it.
Dorji didn’t pay attention to anything else; he immediately spotted the trick hidden in the information attached to the invitation. “Humans fleeing eastward through the Terres of Tures and the Knightdom of Mathuya—perfect! Isn’t this exactly what I’ve been looking for?” Dorji felt as though he had finally found what he’d long sought without any effort.
“We can’t wait! By the time we cooperate with that worthless organization to wipe out those Boneblood fools, those humans will have long fled. I know for sure—they’re extremely cunning. There’s no time to lose. Tonight! With the Bonebloods defeated and their defenses weakened, we’ll seize control, take hold of Watzburg, block the fleeing humans, avenge our losses, and reap even greater gains…”
The vision Dorji painted for his subordinates was truly magnificent, and he planned to keep all the rewards for himself. He ordered them to send a message to the leaders of allied forces that night, roughly saying: “Why wait for cooperation when we can take the initiative? By capturing Watzburg, we’ll be in a stronger position to negotiate with that organization. I’ll lead my men in the attack at dawn; you bring your troops to support us at daybreak—surely we’ll achieve a great victory!”
And so, the Beach Stone beasts also joined this “exchange meeting.” That dawn was truly bustling…