Chapter 12: Misunderstanding

None of those still inside the maze could fight.

Plus, the Super Strength Tree Armor technique had not yet faded.

Just ten minutes.

The entire maze, all twenty people, were cleanly and efficiently eliminated by Luo De.

Luo De wiped blood from his steel sword as he asked Xiti.

Xiti was that boy of the Wingcrystal tribe.

“Would it be alright to bring the human army here?”

Xiti nodded.

“We’ll use precious materials to create an illusion to conceal the stone door—even high-grade spells can’t penetrate it.”

“Then why didn’t you use it when these people came in?”

“This illusion spell drains us heavily; it can only last about two days. They’ve been here for nearly half a month.”

Xiti gave a bitter smile.

Luo De stopped speaking to him, picked up Daphne, still in a daze, and left the maze.

They agreed to re-enter the stone door together after the searchers had left.

On the mountain path.

The half-deerman, sweating, pointed toward the northern slope.

“That might be it.”

His deer ears, as a medium, trembled as they continuously received the so-called “spiritual currents.”

“Lady Isabella, you understand—intuition has limits and is always vague; we can’t predict things with perfect accuracy.”

He feared Lady Argyle’s eldest daughter might strike him; now his tone was no longer arrogant, but timid and hesitant.

Isabella softly hummed in acknowledgment.

Along the way, she had dispatched scouts to track signs.

Shuangzhi Mountain had always been a place with few traces of people.

But recently, many strangers had appeared.

At this point, she knew the half-deerman’s spiritual intuition had not failed.

She merely wanted to test him, to consider bringing him into her service.

As for Daphne.

Dear Daphne.

Sadness welled up in Isabella’s heart.

The family’s harsh teachings constantly influenced her, forcing her to hide her weakness.

In truth, she was an optimist who always prepared for the worst.

She believed this beloved younger sister had almost certainly been murdered.

Anyone bold enough to target nobility.

Were money-obsessed, ruthless bastards.

They knew full well the power of nobility, so they hid their identities thoroughly; once they got the ransom, they’d kill every witness.

“Daphne, I’ll kill every single person who hurt you.”

“Alert!”

The scout up ahead whispered suddenly.

Because Shuangzhi Mountain was too vast, the half-deerman had only indicated a general direction, so they’d yet to find the right spot.

To avoid scaring off the bandits, they abandoned their horses upon entering Shuangzhi Mountain and moved on foot in secrecy.

Isabella hurried over.

Under the scout’s guidance, she saw a man.

The man was covered in bloodstains, with a cross-shaped steel sword hanging at his waist.

On his back sat a demon with sharp horns and a heart-shaped tail, whispering and giggling into the man’s ear.

Most importantly.

He was leading a horse.

On the horse sat a dazed young girl.

It was Daphne.

Isabella’s heart jolted.

Daphne was unharmed.

“All troops! Attack!!!”

Overjoyed, she drew her greatsword and charged forward first.

The soldiers lagged half a beat, then roared as they burst from the bushes.

Luo De immediately went on high alert.

In the distance, a female general in white armor and cloak charged ahead, wielding a greatsword.

Her spiritual resonance was immensely strong—stronger than Father Owen.

“Give me back Daphne!!!”

Luo De flung Tally off his back.

Tally was quick—she instantly slipped into the shadows.

In an instant, she activated [Constant Grace Seal], [Minor Body Enhancement], [Tree Armor], [Lightning Blade], and other buffs.

Fortunately, they hadn’t left Shuangzhi Mountain yet.

Under the special boost of [Tree Armor] and [Tree’s Blessing], Luo De regained the [Super Strength] buff from the Giant Locust Tree.

CLANG!

The two collided.

A violent shockwave erupted outward from between them.

Dust and shattered stones on the ground were flung up.

Luo De was blasted backward from the dust, spitting a mouthful of blood, face twisted in pain.

Even his steel sword was now only half its length.

Isabella didn’t budge—an inch unaffected.

Her white cloak fluttered midair as she charged again.

Faster, stronger than before.

Three massive steel vines predicted her position and burst from the ground.

[Steel Vine Assault]!

Yet white spiritual light flashed across her armor.

The steel vines struck her armor—and shattered themselves.

“What kind of monster are you?!”

Luo De cursed inwardly.

In an instant, she cleaved through all the vines and arrived before Luo De at blinding speed.

Luo De had no intention of fighting her head-on.

He cast [Steel Vine Assault] again—this time beneath his own feet.

Isabella’s sword slashed empty air.

Luo De stepped on the vines and leapt high into the air.

Crossbow and poison-laced lime were launched simultaneously.

Isabella’s reaction was monstrous—her greatsword had just swung, leaving no time to defend.

Yet she simply slapped sideways with her other hand and knocked the bolts away.

But the poison lime struck.

It coated her face.

Luo De landed steadily, spun around, and ran.

No good.

Can’t win.

Run!

“Misunderstanding! Misunderstanding!!!”

“This is Lady Isabella Argyle! This is Luo De, forest warden of Windwall Forest!”

“We’re on the same side!!!”

David shouted as he rushed over.

Several constables nearby recognized Luo De and joined in shouting.

Hearing this, everyone halted their charge.

After all, they weren’t Isabella’s personal troops—most were temporary conscripts from town, not disciplined soldiers who obeyed without question.

Isabella Argyle?

Daphne’s sister—and she’s this strong?!

Luo De stopped walking and regarded David with suspicion.

Fortunately, Isabella, upon hearing this, showed no intention to strike again.

She let out a soft breath, and the poison ash on her face was shaken loose.

Her gaze burned steadily at Luo De.

"Tsk"

David came forward to mediate.

"Luo De! You saved Young Lady Daphne!?"

He eagerly led his horse over.

Upon seeing her younger sister, Isabella’s expression finally softened.

But upon noticing her sister’s condition, she frowned again.

Luo De had no desire to strain their relationship.

So he told them about the half-orc Aili’s attack, how he found the secret letter, and his ambush in the abandoned labyrinth.

Of course, he concealed all mention of the Wingcrystal Clan.

"Father Owen said that returning Young Lady Daphne to the Argyle family while she was under mental control was exactly what they wanted."

At this, Isabella seemed to recall something, and her expression changed.

She ordered her subordinates to bring her horse.

She swiftly departed with Daphne.

Before leaving, she looked at Luo De and said:

"The Argyle family will remember your aid."

David walked over, his gaze complicated.

"Luo De, do you know? I always thought if you and I fought, the outcome would be uncertain."

Luo De gave a light laugh.

"Secret."

(End of Chapter)