Chapter 315: Confident Nigun, Her Following Me May Not Be a Good Thing

The atmosphere turned cold in an instant.

"Seven-Colored Scale" Kokesh lifted its snake head slightly, the iridescent scales on its face reflecting a faint light, and its crimson snake pupils looked down at the three humans before it.

Forming an alliance with humans this time was, in its own way, a helpless move.

"Sigh."

"Seven-Colored Scale" Kokesh sighed deeply in its heart.

Although their demi-human individuals were powerful, they were far from being a match for that Death Knight and the powerful magic caster who controlled the undead; a large number of demi-humans and races had died at the hands of the enemy and been turned into undead.

If they could not resolve these two enemies, they would only be able to cower in a corner.

Go-Jin had gone to request human support and had faced opposition from many surviving demi-human tribes, but "Seven-Colored Scale" Kokesh could only acquiesce.

It was likely holding an attitude of "treating a dead horse as if it were still alive."

It did not believe that humans would care about the life or death of demi-humans in the hilly region, nor did it feel that the Holy Kingdom possessed the power to defeat that powerful magic caster.

However—

The humans had actually come!

"Seven-Colored Scale" Kokesh felt no joy, but rather a sense of doubt and wariness from the bottom of its heart.

The fact that these humans appeared here could only mean that they possessed the confidence to defeat the enemy!

Did humans actually possess such power?

Under these circumstances, how could "Seven-Colored Scale" Kokesh easily allow this human woman before it to approach their demi-human gathering place?

Looking at the gradually stiffening atmosphere.

Tang Zheng turned his head to look at Go-Jin: "This is different from the situation we discussed at the beginning."

"We are here to provide support; perhaps there were various issues between humans and demi-humans before, but now our common enemy is the undead."

Tang Zheng knew that this was the right time for him to communicate with Go-Jin to break the stiff atmosphere.

Go-Jin was also somewhat dissatisfied with "Seven-Colored Scale" Kokesh; the human side had just been attacked, so how could they be attacking the enemy at a time like this?

"I also feel it is inappropriate," Go-Jin said.

"Like this."

"Seven-Colored Scale" Kokesh flicked its forked red snake tongue slightly and did not refute, instead following up on these words:

"Recently, that mysterious magic caster has not appeared, and I am worried that a more dangerous situation will arise."

"That is why I have been somewhat anxious."

"Since that is the case, then you humans may rest here for the time being, and we will also stand guard here together to prevent further attacks by the undead."

Subsequently, the two sides exchanged and probed each other once more.

"Seven-Colored Scale" Kokesh, however, never once relented on the matter of taking Tang Zheng and the others to the demi-human gathering place.

In the end!

The two sides could only end the exchange in a lackluster manner, with both sides clearly lacking any trust in the other.

Tang Zheng and the other two returned in the direction of the human troops.

"Team Leader Tang, thank you for your potions."

Kelart put away her previously cold expression and said gratefully: "If it weren't for your potion's treatment, my sister would likely... in any case, I will report your merits to Her Majesty the Holy Queen."

"Please do not take what my sister said to heart; she has a very straightforward personality and does not actually have any opinion of you personally."

"Captain Remedios, as long as she has recovered, that is fine; she is an indispensable fighting force for what is to come."

Tang Zheng waved his hand lightly: "The problem now is the demi-human side, and how we should proceed next?"

"Hah!"

Captain Nigun sneered, a cold glint shining in his expressionless eyes: "The enemy's intelligence has been basically figured out; this evil organization, [Zuranon], has 12 disciples under its leader."

"The two who appeared earlier were two of those twelve disciples."

"Sending those two, and even deploying a Death Knight, I suspect the other disciples are likely not in the hilly region."

At this moment, Captain Nigun finally shed his usual reticent demeanor, revealing a cold and ruthless appearance.

"Team Leader Tang, Captain Kelart, you should have both seen the performance of that Death Knight."

Captain Nigun looked at the two with his black eyes.

These two before him!

Kelart goes without saying; she represents the Holy Kingdom.

What truly required Captain Nigun to take seriously was this "free-willed" adventurer team leader.

It was the first time he had seen the method of summoning two Fourth-Tier Angels!

Captain Nigun was deeply shocked inside; even with his own power, he could only summon one.

Fourth-Tier Angels were High-Tier Angels!

Especially the Principality of Observation, whose attack-to-defense ratio was three to seven, making it the monster with the strongest defensive capabilities among summoning magic of the same tier.

In Captain Nigun's knowledge, the number of people capable of defeating a Principality of Observation was very limited.

Even that arrogant monster with great strength, Clementine, could not easily break through the defenses of a Principality of Observation.

His innate talent, "Monster Summoning Enhancement," even if it boosted the power of a Fourth-Tier Angel, could not compare to the strength of Tang Zheng summoning two at once.

The other party was also a genius alchemist!

Such strength was definitely that of a powerhouse who had stepped into the realm of heroes.

If placed within the Slane Theocracy, there would be no problem with him serving as a captain of the Scripture troops, and he might even be recruited into the [Black Scripture] unit.

Such a genius and powerhouse.

Captain Nigun naturally placed Tang Zheng on an equal or even higher standing than Kelart.

"The Death Knight is indeed terrifying, but since it can be briefly suppressed, it does not pose that great a threat to us."

Captain Nigun continued: "Therefore, the real threat is actually that leader of [Zuranon]; it is good that those demi-humans know their location."

"I will deal with the Death Knight!"

A look of surprise appeared on Kelart's face; this was not feigned, but genuine astonishment.

She was surprised by Captain Nigun's sudden move, and also caught the hidden meaning behind his words.

The Theocracy actually let him carry an out-of-spec item!

Although Kelart had long suspected it, now that it was indirectly admitted by Captain Nigun, she could not help but be shaken.

Tang Zheng's eyes flickered.

This was somewhat inconsistent with the attitude Captain Nigun had been displaying; had he changed his initial plan after the brief exchange with the demi-humans?

After speaking.

Captain Nigun offered no explanation, his expression cold and arrogant as he strode away, returning toward the [Sunlight Scripture] troops.

Quietly watching Captain Nigun's retreating figure.

"Team Leader Tang, you don't seem too surprised?" Kelart's long, narrow eyes revealed a faint smile as she suddenly said softly.

"Surprised?"

"I just had a guess about it for a while."

Tang Zheng smiled dismissively, appearing somewhat carefree, while also showing curiosity:

"I know Gazef from the Kingdom; he is a commoner genius who defeated all his opponents in the 'Royal Duel' relying on his own ability."

"He should have been granted a knighthood, but because of the obstruction of the nobles, the King re-drafted a title and position of 'Warrior Captain,' and to compensate Gazef, he specifically permitted him to use national treasures."

"Those are very powerful—even somewhat unimaginable magic items."

Tang Zheng said this, looking at Kelart, whose thoughts were impossible to easily guess, and shrugged his shoulders:

"Since the Kingdom possesses such powerful items, your Holy Kingdom and the Slane Theocracy should also possess them."

"You know, I am an adventurer, and adventurers are always curious about legendary or special things."

Hearing this.

The smile on Kelart's face seemed to deepen a fraction: "This should also be the reason why Team Leader Tang participated in this extremely dangerous mission."

Tang Zheng did not speak, maintaining a non-committal appearance.

"Ha."

Kelart chuckled, raising a slender, fair finger and tapping her chin lightly: "What a dangerous gamble and a heart for curiosity."

"I was a bit uncertain before, but since Captain Nigun has said so, Team Leader Tang can just rest assured."

"Even without the assistance of the demi-humans, we can still eliminate the enemy!"

Kelart said at the end, her tone firm.

In the brief conversation just now with Captain Nigun, both sides had already made the decision to exclude demi-human interference.

"I hope so."

Tang Zheng did not seem to fully understand, instead changing the subject, "Captain Kelart, you shouldn't be like the rumors say, only mastering the power of Fourth-Tier magic, right?"

Kelart stared at the black-haired youth before her, smiled brilliantly, flicked her long brown hair lightly, and walked back toward the team with a light step: "Thank you to your team members for bringing their corpses back intact."

Watching Captain Nigun and Kelart leave one after another.

"Good grief."

"Both of them are so confident."

Tang Zheng's eyes returned to calm.

If it weren't for the "Death Spiral Ritual," establishing a reasonable contact with the Slane Theocracy, and other schemes, he wouldn't bother playing house with these people.

When Tang Zheng returned to the human camp, he saw the 51 corpses of the Holy Knights placed in the center.

Among them, the skin of 10 corpses had turned gray-black, clearly in a state of becoming undead, while the others remained as they were.

Immediately following.

Tang Zheng noticed Anri sitting not far from the corpses, hugging her knees; he pondered for a moment and walked over.

Since he had taken her away from Carne Village, Anri had not actually experienced any normal adventurer quests, merely helping him handle the sale of some potions.

Seeing someone she knew killed like this was her first experience.

"My lord Captain."

Hearing the familiar footsteps and seeing the white robe appear in her field of vision, Anri looked up, her eyes rimmed with red.

Looking at the bloodshot whites of her eyes and her weary cheeks.

Tang Zheng walked over gently, sat down beside Anri, and comforted her slowly: "It’s alright, cry if you want to."

"Anri is not."

Anri lifted her eyes stubbornly, though the corners of her mouth tightened.

A brief silence.

Anri suddenly turned to her side and slumped onto Tang Zheng’s lap, her whole body trembling incessantly, yet she never let out a single sob.

"There, there."

Seeing his white priest robe gradually becoming dampened, Tang Zheng raised his palm and gently stroked Anri’s chestnut-gold hair:

"Take a nap, perhaps they will come back to life."

"Anri... is not a child, a kid." Anri hugged Tang Zheng’s crossed legs tighter, murmuring in a voice as soft as a mosquito’s hum.

Having first endured a long-distance raid through the night, then a battle starting from dawn, even a warrior with a physique as strong as a Paladin would feel exhausted, let alone Anri, who was merely an ordinary person.

Before long.

Anri’s trembling shoulders stopped, and she fell asleep.

Tang Zheng did not move, letting Anri lie on his lap while calmly watching the Paladins and the group of weary priests resting in the distance.

The Evil Spirit Dog stood behind Tang Zheng, wagging its tail slightly as it crouched on the ground.

The Green Leaf Witch also stood quietly to the side; her bright yellow pupils glanced at the sleeping Anri, flickered slightly, and remained expressionless.

"She is only 14 years old."

"The village chief of Carne Village and her parents handed Anri over to me, likely believing it was a very good choice."

"Perhaps I have been too focused on my goals."

Tang Zheng’s voice was soft, his tone melancholy: "Her leaving Carne Village with me may not necessarily be a good thing, the future..."

Tang Zheng did not continue.

"Master, it was Anri herself who decided to participate in the mission."

The Green Leaf Witch responded calmly: "Being able to follow you is her honor for a lifetime."

Tang Zheng shook his head imperceptibly.

Night gradually descended!

Kairet, who had been motionless, only now arrived before the group of corpses, looking at the remains of these Paladins.

Kairet’s entire body began to release intense magical fluctuations, and a sacred white light surged, making it appear as if she were draped in a holy robe of light.

This movement!

Instantly attracted everyone’s attention, especially in the dim night, where the sacred light could be clearly seen even by the demi-human side stationed not far away.

"5th Tier Magic—Resurrection!"

Kairet began to chant.

A blue magic circle condensed above her head, transforming into a faint, thin pillar of light that shone down upon one of the Paladin corpses.

Amidst the incredulous and shocked exclamations from the Holy Kingdom side.

The chest of the Paladin who had already died began to heave violently, and the next moment, he sat up abruptly from the ground, gasping for air.

"Resurrected?"

"He really was resurrected!"

"My lord Kairet actually mastered resurrection magic."

"We had never heard of this before!"

"……!"

Noisy discussions erupted.

The fact that Kairet possessed 5th Tier magic power was clearly a rather secret piece of intelligence even within the Holy Kingdom.

Remedios, whose injuries had already recovered, saw the surprised expressions of the Paladins and priests, crossed her arms over her chest, and looked as if they were making a fuss over nothing.

Turning her head.

Remedios’s gaze quickly searched for a certain figure in the crowd, and she soon discovered Tang Zheng, a look of triumph appearing on her cheeks.

It was just like a child wanting to show off something.

However.

When she noticed Anri lying on Tang Zheng, Remedios’s expression suddenly turned cold.

"Unmannerly wretch." Remedios snorted coldly.

Kairet did not stop, continuing to cast resurrection magic, and only paused after reviving five people in one breath.

On the demi-human side.

"Seven-Colored Scales" Lokkesh, "Beast General" Hektwist, and Go-Jin stood at the very edge, looking toward the direction of the humans.

"What is that?" "Beast General" Hektwist felt the powerful force filling the sacred light and was somewhat astonished and uncertain.

"5th Tier 'Resurrection', that woman actually possesses such power!"

Go-Jin was also stunned and surprised.

"Seven-Colored Scales" Lokkesh did not speak, his scarlet snake pupils flickering.

He felt more and more that the hill demi-humans had been too arrogant before, and had underestimated the power of humans too much.

(End of chapter)