Chapter 266: Breaking the Evil

Chapter 266: Breaking the Evil



As Ren led Kraya to the carriage, the female servant leader, Shadiya, was inside, causing Kraya to slightly pull her delicate hand away from Ren as she opened the carriage door.

"Ren, that was so satisfying! Seeing you teach those two ungrateful traitors, Lord Rodlin and his son, a lesson was sweeter than honey!" Shadiya exclaimed excitedly upon seeing Ren's display.

"Thank you, but isn't this what I should be doing as Miss Kraya's Guardian Knight?" Ren smiled in response to Shadiya's compliment.

Hearing Ren mention 'Guardian Knight' again, Kraya's pretty face flushed slightly.

The group continued their rapid journey towards Myester County, and as night fell, the knights showed no signs of fatigue, but the cavalry's faces revealed a hint of exhaustion.

"Good."

...

The three of them immediately returned to the carriage to discuss the matter.

After a moment's thought, Ren nodded and said, "There shouldn't be any issues."

In an instant, a half-meter wide burning black flame ball with a long tail flame shot towards Ren, who was charging towards the battle formation and the Black Flame Cultivator.

"Speak! Who do you serve?" Viscount Sir Seril demanded.

Facing the massive black flame ball, Ren roared, activating his Giant Strength Talent! In a flash, the hardened electrum surface of his plate gauntlets transformed into a large square tower shield!

"Northeast direction, archers and crossbowmen, maximum distance attack!" Kraya quickly commanded.

The opponent could dodge, but if he did, the battle formation behind him would suffer!

The group immediately gathered around the carriage, with shield-wielding cavalry in front, forming a circular defensive formation. Inside the circle were archers and crossbowmen, and at the center were Viscount Sir Seril and Ren.

"I think I know who it is." Ren said after a moment's thought.

If they ruled out political enemies, the most likely opponent was the Black Flame Cult.

"The Black Flame Cult," they said almost in unison.

If the opponent only mastered two techniques, it wouldn't be difficult to deal with. Kraya could deliver the final blow in time.

"Huff!"

Facing the rapidly formed defensive formation...

Leading the way was a luxurious carriage without any emblem, followed by over ten black-robed cultivators.

But it seemed like they were taught the wrong lesson! From the situation, they didn't seem to have the advantage, or rather, although the female High Priestess hadn't made a move yet, the first battle was a clear loss.

"Miss Kraya, please forgive me."

Ren was puzzled as to why Bloodfeather had taken the initiative to land and contact him. Soon, he noticed a carrier pigeon in Bloodfeather's claws.

...

"The area is foggy, and it's getting denser," Ren suddenly said.

"By the way, is there any news from Bardalis?"

"Rest assured, High Priestess."

After a rain of arrows, a faint black membrane ripple appeared in the distance, as if the arrows had been blocked by an umbrella, failing to even slow down the opponent's spellcasting.

Soon, Curious began sniffing, starting with the person closest to it. Before long, it barked at a panicked cavalryman by a campfire not far away. "Miss Kraya, it seems we've found the informant." Ren smiled and turned to Kraya beside him.

After a simple exchange of gestures between Ren and Bloodfeather, they understood the situation.

Galina's enchanting eyes glanced out the window, tapping her long fingernails, and said, "Don't be complacent. Send a few people up and cast a few Fog Spells."

On the Dark Ritual Array side, they saw a figure suddenly leap out of the battle formation and rush towards them!

At that moment, Kraya, inside the carriage, asked the elderly steward outside, "Where are we now?"

The problem was that disbanding the formation was not only a matter of time but also a devastating blow to their morale! Kraya faced a difficult choice.

"Defensive formation, assemble!" Kraya ordered.

As soon as Ren finished speaking, he stomped heavily on the ground, leaving an indentation from his plate boots. He leaped high into the air, quickly passing the front line of shield-bearing cavalry, and stood alone at the forefront of the formation.

Although the cart had wide wheels to prevent it from sinking into the ground, it still left deep tracks, about ten centimeters wide! "High Priestess, the weather is in our favor! Look, we don't even need to cast Fog Spells, as mist is already rising all around."

A black-robed cultivator bowed slightly and spoke to Galina inside the carriage.

Boom!

Ren's eyes flickered, his face showing contemplation, just as he had guessed.

The sound of dense objects falling resounded!

Hearing that they could set up camp and rest, the cavalry immediately breathed a sigh of relief, smiles appearing on their faces.

Four Black Flame Serpents converged like a hundred rivers into the Black Flame Ball in front of Kurban!

Ren removed the small bamboo tube tied to the carrier pigeon's leg and pulled out a piece of paper from inside.

"Iron Wall!"

The Blood Feathered Eagle flapped its massive wings, stirring up a strong gale, and landed on Ren's arm.

The next second, screams echoed from all around.

"Smokey, why did you do this!"

Fortunately, this informant or spy was not from his team; otherwise, it would have been difficult for him to explain himself.

"Hmm, they should have arrived already," Ren said, his eyebrows arching.

Soon, Ren found Kraya inside the carriage with the note in hand.

Pop! A sound like a bubble bursting echoed. A faint silver figure wearing sharp metal gauntlets pierced through the dim light membrane, then forcefully tore it apart as if it were a thin sheet of paper, instantly ripping open the dark veil.

This scene left Kurban and the other Black Flame Cultivators momentarily stunned.

If she wasn't mistaken, the opponent had just used at least two Techniques: a shield-type Technique and one similar to a sharp dagger.

Meanwhile, in a hidden valley not far from the temporary camp.

The hundred or so new cultists, though they couldn't see the details from a distance, could still discern the general outline of the battle formation. They knew that charging head-on would result in significant losses.

This greatly relieved Viscount Seril!

This scene immediately caused the cavalry to panic, drawing their weapons in readiness.

This scene left the Black Flame Cultists in shock! The numerous new cultists looked at each other in confusion, wondering why the High Priestess of Wales County, Countess Galina, had them observe this battle!

As for why their reaction was so slow? It was because the opponent had actually withstood the 'Black Flame Burst' enhanced by the Dark Ritual Array, a scene that greatly surprised Galina.

Kraya's delicate eyebrows furrowed. "We don't know who this informant is serving. Sir Ren, can we find this informant?"

"Miss Kraya, I think you need to see this," Ren said, handing her the note.

Kraya's face turned serious after a quick glance. "This is not the style of communication we use with the family. Sir Ren, it seems we have an enemy informant in our team."

Just as they had set up their defensive formation, the enemy immediately responded with a Dark Ritual Array, and based on the energy fluctuations of the array, a powerful dark spell was about to strike!

Around the four Black Flame Cultivators, black flames coiled like serpents, and Kurban, with his hands held up, formed a fist-sized Black Flame Ball about a meter in front of him.

A smile appeared on Galina's face. "I heard that this daughter of Baron Habsburg, Kraya, is a high achiever at the Imperial Royal Academy. She does seem to have some skill."

"Miss Kraya, I'm sorry," Jodrel, the butler, said, both angry and self-reproachful.

"Yes, if they stay put, Kurban, you know I don't want too many casualties. Don't forget, there are many new cultists observing."

The cavalry were merely well-trained ordinary people, and a day of travel had indeed left them a bit fatigued.

It read: "The team has set up camp, located between Colmar Town and Ezz Town."

After spending the night in the temporary camp, they could continue their journey the next morning and should arrive in Myester County by mid-afternoon.

But the powerful 'Black Flame Burst' was forcefully blocked by Ren!

Open field, temporary camp.

"Miss Kraya, should we retreat and avoid the attack now?" Viscount Seril, realizing the severity of the situation, asked.

"Hmm?" Kraya and Viscount Seril looked at Ren. "Prepare for battle!" Ren was the first to get off the carriage.

"Yes, I agree."

"Don't worry, this is my pet," Ren said, waving his hand.

Earlier, it wasn't that she didn't want to help, but when she was about to get out of the carriage, she realized that Ren had already broken into the Dark Ritual Array, and it was too late to assist him!

Kurban, the Black Flame Cultivator, led five other Black Flame Cultivators forward and began setting up materials on the ground at a distance.

Ren immediately understood.

Before Kurban and the others could relax,

From the sleeves or collars of their robes, all had a burning black flame tattooed, clearly indicating that these gray-robed individuals were the new cultists that Galina had mentioned were being trained in Wales County.

Isn't this supposed to be a practical combat lesson?

The two dismounted from the carriage, and as soon as Ren shouted 'Curious', a small spirit hound the size of a pony came running over, wagging its tail excitedly at Ren.

In an instant, dozens of black blade arcs flashed through the air above the Dark Ritual Array on the ground!

The black light membrane was struck by a swift Short Spear, creating a basin-sized dent, but it managed to withstand the blow, preventing the spear from piercing through. However, this attack significantly dimmed the black membrane, clearly having consumed a substantial amount of energy due to the intense collision with the spear.

The most numerous members of the group were over a hundred people dressed in identical gray robes with hoods.

"Blood Feather, you noticed that every now and then, a little bird flies out from our team, right?"

Soon, bonfires started to rise in a clearing by the roadside, and everyone began roasting various kinds of jerky.

"Send someone to scout the surroundings immediately."

A man named Little Maoki, who was an insider, cried out, "Sir, I really don't know who I'm working for. I only know that by reporting the team's situation and itinerary, I can receive a generous reward."

Ren demonstrated the intermediate Technique of the Kadar Fist Technique, 'Rapid Slice'! Two seconds later, the entire Dark Ritual Array above them returned to calm, and the five people stood there motionless, with dozens of crisscrossing blood lines appearing on their faces and bodies! "Clap! Clap!"

The mist around them formed a circular wave, surging outwards, and the scattered black flames that splashed out were highly corrosive, igniting on contact! Of course, the most lethal aspect was still the powerful explosive force, no less than that of a modern medium-caliber mortar!

Hearing Kraya's voice, everyone around, whether knights or cavalry, felt much more relieved.

Because if it were a political enemy of the Habus family, they would never dare to attack the Habus family while they were fighting against a cult, risking the wrath of the Empire's upper echelons.

Sure enough, Kraya and Viscount Seril pulled back the curtain on the carriage window and noticed that as night fell, a thin fog began to rise around them.

Immediately, he rushed towards the direction of the energy fluctuation! "Ren, your weapon!" Kraya exclaimed in surprise when she saw that Ren had charged forward unarmed.

Judging from the fluctuations, it seemed that multiple people were performing a joint attack, which meant that a powerful wizard attack was highly likely to follow.

It was as if to say, you're next.

"Aim at this guy who jumped out. Let's see if he dodges or not!" Kurban smiled and said.

"Set up camp nearby, and don't forget to notify Viscount Seril."

Galina's expression at this moment became solemn.

A sixteen-horse carriage was dragging a massive object, moving slowly behind the team.

"Curious, find the owner of this small bamboo tube."

Butler Yodel quickly recognized that the cavalryman was one of the members brought by Myester.

Just now, Ren had used the core skill 'Beast Eye' to see through Blood Feather's perspective, but unfortunately, due to the influence of the mist, he couldn't see clearly from a hundred meters in the air.

Soon, under the command of the Black Flame Master named Kurban, a Dark Ritual Array with intricate black lines was set up! Five Black Flame Masters, including Kurban, stood at the five corners of the inverted pentagram array, with Kurban at the foremost vertex. Simultaneously, they began chanting incantations.

A fist-sized black flame ball rapidly expanded at a visible speed, emitting a powerful energy fluctuation.

The five Black Flame Masters, who had been wearing black robes, were now gone, and in their place on the ground at the five corners of the array were five pools of bloody flesh.

Considering that the Sea Goddess Church's main area of operation was along the coastline, fighting against the Empire's sea and land forces, it was reasonable to believe, or at least the most likely scenario, that the cult that had seriously injured Count Habus was the Black Flame Cult, aiming to destabilize the Empire's rule over Myester County.

Kraya looked up sharply.

Viscount Seril's question left Kraya deep in thought.

She realized that the enemy was far more challenging than she had anticipated.

The moment the giant Black Flame Ball made contact with the Tower Shield, it exploded!

"Focus on the carriage!"

Naturally, this scene left Kurban and the other five Black Flame Masters stunned, their eyes bulging in disbelief! "How... How could this be blocked?!" Kurban exclaimed.

A massive force, several times larger than Ren's team in terms of numbers, was rapidly approaching them!

Earlier, Kraya had told him that they would be camping outdoors to save time, according to the plan.

"Ren, be careful!" Kraya's eyes widened in alarm.

Ren, standing beside her, remained silent.

This is a suicide mission! At this moment, they were nearing the end of their incantation, and the next second, they would unleash a Dark Spell—the Black Flame Burst—with a power far beyond that of a first-level witchcraft!

Ren's Tower Shield in his hand glowed with Essence Power and vibrated at a specific frequency.

As the fog thickened, Kraya's expression turned solemn. "It's getting too dense too quickly, Viscount Seril. Increase vigilance; the enemy might already be nearby."

Ren brought a small bamboo tube to Curious's nose, letting him sniff it.

"Leave it to me!" a calm and familiar voice said, reaching Kraya's ears.

Evidently, this person was the Golden Rank Swordmaster, the inside informant mentioned in the previous urgent message.

Each piece was roughly the size of an adult man's fist, cut almost identically, and they were piled together, a mix of blood, organs, and white brain matter. Ren slowly stood up, his Clawed Finger weapons still dripping with blood, and his gaze was calm as he looked towards the large force of the Black Flame Cult.

Ren?

As a student of the Imperial Royal Academy and the daughter of a Count of the Empire, Kraya had undergone battle formation training since childhood and immediately took command.

Kraya and Viscount Seril quickly dismounted from the cart, following Ren.

Ren was about to invite Kraya to further practice the Arcadia Sword Technique when suddenly, a loud screech of a raptor came from the sky, followed by a massive raptor with blue and purple feathers spiraling down.

The clash of attack and defense made Galina increasingly wary. Initially, she had planned to test her new killer move, but seeing this scene, she decided to let the big guy at the back take the lead first.

"Whoosh!"

"Sizzle!"

"As you command, Miss Kraya," said the man.

Ren's entire body flashed into action, and this scene startled the five men, including Kulban, who quickly dodged.

"High Priestess, this is what we expected. Their reaction to the ambush is just as we predicted," said a tall, thin Black Flame Cultist beside her with a smile.

A homing pigeon?

"It seems we've been targeted by an opposing force. Ren, who do you think it is?" Kraya ignored the traitor and turned to Ren, asking him.

"Bang!!!"

"Kulban, leave the matter of breaking the formation to you," Galina said with an enchanting smile.

"Damn, it's a combined witchcraft, no, a Dark Spell formation!" Kraya's expression changed immediately.

She shifted her gaze to the end of the formation.

The homing pigeon wasn't dead; it just seemed terrified of the Blood Feathered Eagle and didn't dare struggle violently. Its tiny eyes revealed fear.

The Blood Feathered Eagle looked at Ren and nodded.

In an instant!

Indeed!

Charging straight ahead was suicidal! No, wait!

A short black spear, fast as lightning, suddenly rushed towards him.

"Of course, High Priestess, rest assured. I've brought the materials for the Dark Spell formation. They'll soon know that under its power, all battle formations are like chickens under a brick!" The Black-robed Cultist spoke with a sinister expression.

After all, even with the Blood Feathered Eagle's excellent vision, it was impossible to see through the Dark Spell formation.

Obviously, there was an insider in the team, and if it were a friendly message, it wouldn't be this frequent or expressed in this manner.

Ren, in the middle of the battle formation, frowned immediately as he sensed a strong energy fluctuation from a not-too-distant source.

The next second, his face contorted, and he began to chant and cast another spell. "I don't believe you can withstand it again!"

"Miss, we have already passed Colmar Town. Now, we're roughly halfway between Colmar Town and Eztown," replied the old butler Yodel, who was riding a horse outside the window, he responded.

At this moment, Ren's left arm, holding the shield, had swollen muscles, and his entire body resembled a giant. His armored boots had sunk deep into the ground, creating two deep trenches, and the surface of the Tower Shield had a noticeable dent.

Although the cart was covered with a thick canvas, it was unclear what it was, but one could vaguely make out that the object seemed to have a giant silhouette.

Otherwise, this matter would have to be considered carefully!

"Bardalis has already led a group from Colmar Town to surround the enemy's camp. They should arrive at the same time as us. High Priestess, the enemy won't be able to retreat now; we've blocked both escape routes," said the man.

After all, this wasn't a task assigned by the Wind and Sea Goddess Church, but a request for assistance from her predecessor, Raksool.

Additionally, there was something else she didn't quite understand.

The opponent had seemed to be holding a shield to defend against the Dark Spell formation's 'Black Flame Burst,' but somehow, the shield had disappeared. Did they throw it away? Galina was puzzled.

Shaking her head slightly, Galina decided not to think about this for now. She turned to the Black Flame Cultist beside her and said, "Go! Activate the Giant Axe Guardian!"

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end