Lord Summoner's Freedom Philosophy: Grimoire of Love

Lyan urged Shadow onward, the horse’s hooves beating a steady rhythm against the snow-covered road. The landscape was a frozen wonderland, filled with snow and ice, characteristic of the Redania Empire’s absolute winter. The dense forests surrounding Redania gradually gave way to the rolling, snow-dusted hills and icy plains that led to Arkansas. The biting cold of the night air began to ease slightly as the early dawn crept in, casting the world in a soft, ethereal light. Despite the breathtaking beauty of the icy scenery, Lyan’s mind remained focused and sharp. Every rustle in the frosted bushes and shadow in the distance set his senses on high alert. He knew the path to Arkansas was fraught with dangers, both natural and man-made. His thoughts lingered on Josephine, Belle, Alina, and Xena—the women whose safety he was determined to ensure.

As the sun climbed higher, casting a pale, golden glow over the icy landscape, Lyan’s vigilance paid off. Ahead, he spotted a group of bandits blocking the road. Their leader, a burly man with a scar running down his face, grinned menacingly as he saw Lyan approach.

"Looks like we’ve got ourselves a traveler with a nice horse," the bandit leader sneered, his breath visible in the cold air. "Hand over your valuables and you might just live to see another day."

Lyan’s hand instinctively moved to the hilt of his sword. "I don’t have time for this," he said coldly. "Step aside."

The bandits laughed, their numbers giving them confidence. There were forty-two of them against one lone traveler. The thought of losing didn’t cross their minds even for a second. But their amusement was short-lived. With lightning speed, Lyan drew his sword and charged. Shadow, well-trained and agile, moved in perfect sync with his master. The first bandit fell before he even had a chance to react, his blood staining the pristine snow.

"B-Bastard..." one of the bandits uttered in rage as he watched his companion fall.

"Don’t think you’ll live—eh? What’s that?" another bandit stammered, his bravado faltering as he noticed something amiss. From the ground, a huge ice boulder and a massive rock began to rise, forming into a towering ice golem and a formidable rock golem.

"Behind us!!" another bandit shouted in fear, eyes wide as he looked over his shoulder.

From the rear, Winter wolves and Hobu, the shadow goblin lord, emerged, their eyes glowing with deadly intent. The bandits were surrounded.

"Those... Those huge figures...? What kind of skeletons are those!?" one of the bandits pointed in terror.