Chapter 295: Defensive Line

No one knew that the beastification disease had spread with terrifying speed, reaching its current scale within just two days.

Rosalia's expression was grave.

Today she wore a more practical outfit, her hair tied into a simple ponytail.

She looked less mature and seductive, more youthful and energetic.

"According to my intelligence network, multiple reports mention a black-robed mage carrying a recording stone; based on the patterns on his robes, he is almost certainly a student of the Bahadur Magic Academy, and this incident is undoubtedly tied to him."

Luo De nodded in agreement.

Either way, from now on, if you see a black-robed mage, just draw your sword and cut him down.

Rosalia pointed to a mountain path where beastified patients were especially numerous.

A pile of fallen rocks blocked most of the infected; even those who managed to climb over were dealt with by the Wendigos behind them.

Wendigos have no physical form—their terrifying appearances are entirely composed of bone leaves and stones they've absorbed, and even being drenched in beastification blood causes them no harm.

In fact, the primary transmission method of beastification is blood contact, so using non-flesh beings to handle them is ideal.

"Look, Mr. Luo De, that's the main road through the Claw Valley mountains—the busiest point. Demia's Wendigos are holding it well enough, with almost no breaches, but the problem is there—"

Rosalia pointed to another direction.

Before she could finish, steady footsteps approached from behind.

"What's this? Just some beastified patients?"

Everyone turned to see a human man clad in dark red leather armor.

His features were fairly handsome, and a golden greatsword adorned his back.

Judging by his aura, he was a seventh-rank beginner Spiritual Warrior.

"Mr. Ryan."

The tiefling Lin Saixier called out his name, her expression puzzled—she didn't know why he was here.

"Saixier, why didn't you ask me for help? I only found out from Gavin and the others."

The warrior Ryan was effortlessly familiar, gazing at Saixier with a tender smile.

The girl stepped back, her eyes tinged with distaste.

"Sorry, the farmland needed mages—I didn't think much about it."

"Is that so? Fine, I forgive you. But surely this area needs help, right?"

With that, he stepped forward past the group, reaching the very front of the mountain.

He smiled down at the chaos before him.

Worried Luo De might misunderstand, Saixier quickly explained: "This is Mr. Ryan, who recently traveled through the Twilight Hills. I worked with him once on a monster-hunting contract, and haven't since. This is our third meeting—the second was an accidental encounter at the Spiritual Guild."

Luo De chuckled silently—he'd never heard such a formal introduction before.

The fairy Rosalia added: "Then stay. A seventh-rank Spiritual Warrior is still useful. The city hall is severely short on funds—no pay, of course—but given Mr. Ryan's character, he surely doesn't care about money, right?"

"What?! Cough… Of course! Money means nothing! What matters is protection! Protecting those I love!"

Ryan, having accidentally revealed his true feelings, quickly adjusted, striking what he thought was a dashing pose toward Saixier.

The girl remained expressionless, avoiding his gaze entirely.

She even unconsciously stepped closer behind Luo De.

Ryan frowned, glancing at the famed forest warden.

Tch.

He's just a bit more handsome, a bit taller, a bit better proportioned—that's all!

Defeated two seventh-rankers?

Hah. I don't believe it.

【Jealousy +165】

Luo De ignored him, continuing his discussion with Rosalia about securing the mountain path.

There were two issues.

First, it was the northern edge of the Claw Valley mountains—the Han Sen River, which cuts through the Ke Clan Plains and Twilight Hills, flowing straight to the Monster Sea at Coral Bay.

Normally, since beastified aren't zombies, their brains may be sluggish, but that's due to primal instincts—they're still far smarter than animals, so they avoid risky water crossings.

But due to the sandstorm's near-zero visibility, many beastified stumbled into the swift Han Sen River and were washed straight into the Twilight Hills.

The three captured beastified all had soaking-wet clothes—they must have arrived that way.

The second issue: several high-ranking Spiritual Warriors have been infected. When not actively symptomatic, they clearly retain higher intelligence and now lurk around the perimeter of Claw Valley, occasionally attacking the Wendigos guarding the path.

Holding the line for two days is manageable, but over time, they'll grow exhausted and eventually slip up.

"What did Windstorm City say?"

Though he knew they were overwhelmed, Luo De asked as a matter of routine.

"They gave me six words: 'You are fully responsible.'"

A bitter smile appeared on the fairy's seductive face.

"I get it. No money, no people. Succeed, and they take credit. Fail, and you take the blame."

"Exactly."

She lowered her voice:

"In the Dawn City recapture, Aithelon won, but barely. Casualties were far higher than the newspapers reported. All regional cities, including Windstorm City, were ordered to supply manpower, equipment, and Jin Along. The pressure is immense—had the Aigal family's lingering prestige not held, Windstorm's ambitious nobles would've already carved out their own fiefdoms. After all, this is the far western frontier—less fertile than the interior, but far easier to defend."

"Oh, why tell me this?"

Rosalia smiled lightly: "Aren't you and Lady Daphne, the Aigal family's favorite daughter, deeply in love? Why not save Windstorm City from ruin? I think you'd make a fine ruler—even if you're a bit lecherous, you're better than those useless nobles."

"Wait."

Luo De turned to her, seeing burning ambition in her eyes.

This bitch is using me as a weapon.

"I recall you said Baron Ram was kind to you—why are you now pushing me to oppose them?"

Rosalia paused, then—uncharacteristically—stuck out her tongue.

"Fine, Baron Ram is a poor widow. She's not that bad—just greedy and fond of keeping male favorites."

Uh.

Her expression suggested she'd forgotten Baron Ram entirely—she clearly didn't care about her at all.

Luo De began to suspect the foreign fairy had used some trickery to even claim a connection to Baron Ram.

"Your most loyal servant, Pan Ni, comes to guard you—"

The ghoul Pan Ni's voice echoed from above.

Whoosh—

Wind and sand swept past.

A magical aura of flight rippled through the air.

The elf Kali, the ghoul Pan Ni, and the banshee Kriste drifted gracefully to the ground.

(End of Chapter)