After the Demon King's departure, the air finally calmed.
Andre and Volak sat together, trying to steady their hearts.
When their breathing slowed, Andre asked,
"How did you get the ancient blade of the Demon King?"
Volak looked down.
"Andre… I didn't find the sword — it found me.
It used to come to me, whispering in my dreams before I ever saw it.
And when I finally laid eyes on it during the knight selection tournament,
and heard its voice… I knew it was my fate."
Andre frowned.
"What the hell do you mean? Do you realize that sword carries the blood of the first demon — the strongest of them all?"
"Yes," Volak said quietly. "I never wanted to use it, and I haven't.
I reject it… Yet without it, I'm nothing.
I've only wielded it once, but… what else can I do? I need it."
Andre fell silent. Then Volak rose to his feet.
"If that's true, and you really need the sword's power," he said,
"Then you must learn to control it — right?"
Andre nodded. "Y-yeah."
Volak extended his hand.
"Then… will you accept me as your teacher?"
Andre stared at him, astonished.
"Wait—are you serious? You'd help someone carrying demonic power? Are you out of your mind?"
"Yes," Volak replied firmly. "I just don't want to make the same mistakes again. So, do you accept?"
Andre grasped his hand and stood.
"I accept you as my teacher. I'll rely on you for my training."
Volak smiled faintly. "Then rely on me."
"Now, we must go. I'm sure the Ice Lord is already searching for you.
Trust me—his anger is something you never want to face."
Andre frowned. "But descending this mountain will take a full day!"
Volak smirked. "Then hold on to me."
"What? Why?"
"Because this will be your first lesson.
If you have power and can use mana to fly,
Why bother walking down?"
"But I don't know how!"
"Then use the mana around you—shape it beneath your feet and step on the air, like this."
Volak jumped from the cliff. The height was terrifying, but he used mana to stand on the wind for a few seconds before landing safely below.
Andre shouted, "You… you actually landed!"
Volak grinned. "That's your first lesson. Now, let's move."
"Right!"
---
Meanwhile, far above, Morris watched them with a twisted smile.
He didn't follow Andre — he stood there, gazing down the mountain.
"Heh… what a spectacle. Did you see that?"
"Yes," replied a shadowed figure beside him. "Your plan failed, Morris. They've all united."
"United?" Morris chuckled darkly. "Do you think that's why I'm smiling?
Look closer—did you see that demon's image? That's the ruler of all demons.
This is the best thing that's ever happened to me—to witness the greatest demon in existence."
"So what, you plan to let him possess that boy?"
"Not yet. I have another plan."
"You mean turning the chief's son into a demon? That failed already."
"True. And what good is one demon? He can be defeated.
I'll admit, that was my first plan.
But now…" He grinned wider.
"I'll turn this entire kingdom into demons."
The shadow asked, "How will you do that?"
"You'll see soon enough. No need to rush.
And besides…" Morris looked down into the abyss below.
"The legendary beast sleeps beneath us.
I wonder what will happen when it wakes…
Hahaha! What a delight this will be.
Dear Andre… you and I will make the perfect pair—hero and villain.
So get ready… while I prepare the stage for our grand performance."
---
Later, Andre and Volak arrived near the Fortress of the Ice Knights.
"Hey, Andre," Volak said, "think you can sneak in?"
"What? No, idiot! Didn't you hear the order?
Everyone was told to stay inside until negotiations are over.
If you go out now, you'll be breaking command!"
"Yeah, yeah… fine. I'll try to get someone to open a door for us."
Volak smirked. "Or maybe… instead of thinking too hard,
just walk through the front door. Everyone already knows anyway."
---
"Hey, Iris!" someone shouted as they entered.
"He wasn't trying to sneak in—"
"Yes, he was! He literally tried to sneak in!"
"Ugh—yeah, sorry," Andre mumbled.
"Apologizing already? Fine, I'll let it go.
Since your tribe and ours have made peace, Volak, I'll overlook it this time.
Also—welcome back, Vice Captain."
"Huh? Wait—Oliver, what—"
"Volak's here!" Oliver shouted.
Everyone rushed out, trampling poor Oliver as he fell.
"Ow! Could someone please not step on me?!"
"Volak! Welcome back! We missed you, one-eyed devil!"
Volak chuckled. "After all the fighting and insults, you guys never change.
Sure, we had our disputes—but now that we've made peace,
there's no reason to fight anymore.
So… what do you say I return to the squad?"
Everyone shouted, "Just say yes!"
Julian laughed. "You'd give someone else your position that easily?
How naïve! But fine, take it—it's all yours along with the headaches.
Our squad causes more trouble than natural disasters anyway."
"Hey, Captain, that's harsh," someone muttered.
"At least say it when we're not here!"
Silence.
"See? I'm right."
Then the captain turned to Andre.
"Andre, the commander wants you in your quarters. He's already there."
Andre froze. "Is… is he mad?"
"Go see for yourself."
---
Andre went to his room and found the Ice Lord sitting on his bed,
holding his sword — eyes filled with murderous intent.
"Andre," the Ice Lord said coldly. "Come in. We have much to discuss."
"Sir, please, I have an important reason—"
"I don't care." His tone froze the air.
"I gave you one order: do not leave your room until the treaty is complete.
Did you disobey me?"
"—I-I had an urgent mission—"
"More urgent than my command?" The Lord's gaze burned like frost.
"Let me remind you… Which order could possibly be more important than mine?"
The walls shook with silence.
Moments later, a scream echoed through the fortress — Andre's voice, loud and desperate.
Someone muttered from below,
"Dig a grave for him already."
Another replied,
"No… the commander's not done punishing him yet."
----
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