Chapter 418
"They still haven't shown themselves. Not a single one of those bandits." Calmly, Lucia added as Valten hesitantly turned back to her. "The Agent of the Saint ran into the darkness long ago, yet not a single one of them has appeared."
"What? That's all the more reason to hurry. Before something happens to him." Bewildered, Valten snapped his fingers, the metallic click sharp against the silence.
His warhorse galloped into view from the distance as he continued, "He made a reckless decision. Those bastards are infamous for their cunning and brutality. If their leader, Versar, is in command, it's even more dangerous."
His gaze flicked back to Lucia. "That creature has devoured more than a few Lions. It forces its wounded enemies into duels, only to let its subordinates tear them apart before finishing them himself—slowly, mercilessly."
The frustration in Valten's voice was palpable. When he had asked Ian to guard the rear, it had been just that—a request to secure their flank. Not to charge off alone to fight an entire group of corrupted ones. Especially not here—in the demonic realm, where not even a god's influence reached, nor a dragon's dominion extended.
"Even so, I doubt the Agent of the Saint is in danger." Yet Lucia's voice remained steady, her expression calm. "But if you're truly that concerned, I won't stop you anymore."
"That's a wise decision—" Before Valten could fully respond, Diana cut in. "You probably don't need to go."
She was still looking behind them, not even bothering to glance his way. "Either way, the outcome seems to be out already."
Valten, who was staring at the back of her head, finally looked up. Beyond the mist, a faint silhouette was emerging. As the sound of hooves grew closer, Valten's eyes widened. A growing silhouette showed a monstrous warhorse carrying Ian. A long, pole-like object was slung over his shoulder, his cloak billowing behind him.
"He really came back alive," Diana muttered quietly, seemingly surprised by the results.
Valten finally turned his head toward Lucia, sensing her gaze.