Chapter 186
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Hmm.
Cuculli, who had been crying uncontrollably in the arms of her friends, gradually regained her composure.
The children formed a circle around her, enveloping her within.
There was nothing but the sound of snow crunching all around.
Everyone remained silent, waiting for her to calm down.
Ah.
Embarrassing.
Cuculli blinked rapidly.
In the absence of sadness and joy that had swept over her moments ago, a deep sense of embarrassment began to take over instead.
Ahem.
Her ears turning crimson.
Cuculli subtly slipped out of the circle surrounding her.
It was a relief that the other council members hadnt witnessed this scene.
They would have surely doubted her qualifications as a successor.
Haha, this is the first time Ive cried like this. Ever!
Oh, I see.
Well, it happens.
The children pretended not to notice her embarrassment, showing remarkable maturity.
But for Cuculli, their consideration only made her more uncomfortable.
It was only natural for her to desperately try to change the subject.
But, why are you here?
Lucas, who had been awkwardly watching them from behind, was taken aback.
Uh, sorry.
Huh?
What a personality.
Cuculli was surprised by the unexpected reaction as well.
What possessed you this time? First semesters Ban?
Possessed? No. I just.
Just came to help.
Lucas stopped himself from saying more.
His last memory with Cuculli was when he was possessed by Enoch, happily beating her.
Although they had ended up coming all the way to the North, there was no comfort in facing her now.
Gerald chuckled.
Youre embarrassing everyone.
I-Im not embarrassed at all?
Well, anyway, calm down. Thanks to him, we were able to get here so quickly.
Gerald briefly explained the situation to Cuculli.
The chaos at the resort due to her disappearance.
The Principals order to close off the artificial island.
Despite all this, they managed to escape with Lucass help.
Hijacking a train, evading pursuit, and so on.
All the trials and tribulations they had endured to get this far were summarized and conveyed.
Cuculli couldnt help but be dumbfounded by her friends recklessness.
What were you thinking?
One persons face naturally came to mind.
What if the professor finds out?
She would be free from the anger of the Principal and the Hero.
There were also the peculiar circumstances of her baptism, and whether she could return to the academy in the first place was uncertain.
But her peers were different.
They had come to the dangerous North without permission, right before the start of classes.
Even if they returned now, it would be difficult to make it back in time for the start of the semester.
In other words, a collective unauthorized absence was scheduled.
This is a major incident.
Cuculli sighed deeply, shaking her head.
At least suspension, if not expulsion In the worst case scenario.
The childrens bodies trembled simultaneously at her words, poking at the reality they had been avoiding.
Ah Thats too far.
If we all get kicked out, Rosenstark will suffer huge losses, right?
Um, wouldnt it be enough to just get suspended?
Even as they said this, their expressions showed they werent entirely sure.
Even Gerald was already preparing the next plan.
Lucas, hows life as a dropout?
Watching them, Cuculli sighed deeply.
Alright, you guys should go back now.
It wasnt an empty statement.
By coming to the North, her friends had given her the courage to move forward.
Their role was now over.
It was now up to her.
Cuculli didnt want her friends to stay in the dangerous North.
Nor did she wish for them to become Heroes.
If you go back now, itll probably just end with a little scolding.
But despite hearing Cucullis words telling them to return, the children didnt even flinch.
They just seemed lost in their own thoughts.
Just as Cuculli was about to speak again, Karen pointed at the sky.
Huh? The snow stopped.
At her words, the children looked up at the sky with joyful faces.
The heavy snowfall had suddenly ceased.
Between the dispersing clouds, the strong sunlight poured down.
As the warm breeze blew in, Karen relaxed her tightly hunched body.
Ugh, now it feels like we might survive. Its only the beginning and its already this cold.
Karen, who hailed from the southern edge of the territory, was particularly sensitive to the cold, so this trip to the North had been quite tough for her.
But now, thankfully, even she was loosening the straps of her coat as the weather quickly warmed up.
Some observant ones chuckled, and that was when it happened.
Its strange?
Why is it suddenly getting warm like this?
Can the weather change so drastically in just a few minutes?
The children looked around in confusion only to find Cucullis expression frozen stiff, unlike anything they had seen before.
Standing like a statue, Cuculli stared intently northward. Her lips had tightened.
It was a completely different demeanor from just moments ago.
Hey, guys.
But Ban was quicker.
Were not going.
Sharp-witted.
Cuculli glared at them with narrowed eyes.
Suddenly, the chatter of the children ceased rapidly.
Silence once again enveloped the surroundings.
Im really grateful that youve come this far. But now, its best for you to go back.
Why?
Because you dont know anything. You dont know whats happened, whats happening, or what will happen in the North.
A quick retort followed.
If we dont know, you can tell us.
Dont be stubborn.
Cuculli.
Ban let out a blatant sigh.
It was the moment when Cuculli flinched at his unexpectedly strong gesture.
You really think that we came here without any thought, plan, or preparation.
What?
We knew that the North was becoming dangerous. And we also have a hunch that youre the key to solving this storm and crisis.
.
So, thats why youre telling us to go back. You dont want us to get into danger because of you.
Bans gaze shifted to the ground.
The melted snow, stained with the blood of the Polar Bear Tribe chief, was seeping into the ground, leaving ominous and fiery traces.
But there was no sign of fear or reluctance from him.
Do you remember what the professor said when we first applied for extreme?
Cuculli naturally recalled the pre-explanatory meeting.
Our adversaries are monsters. Powerful monsters that threaten our peace and snatch away what is most precious to us.
I want someone who wants to see the end of those creatures as my disciple. Someone who can sacrifice anything for that purpose.
Extreme is a lecture prepared for such individuals. So, I hope you will consider it carefully before applying.
Ban spoke slowly, with force.
The thing that harmed your father, and the thing that is now threatening the North and scaring you, must be the same monsters professor mentioned. Things we have to end with our own hands.
Like Enoch who killed his mother.
Flames flickered in Bans dark brown pupils.
So, this isnt just because of you.
Ban took a step closer to Cuculli.
We are your friends and at the same time, we came to the North as disciples of Heroes to do what we can.
Cuculli met his intense gaze without flinching.
You are definitely the biggest reason we came to the North, but you have no right to stop us.
Ban laid out all the words alone, as if becoming the spokesperson for the children.
But no one disagreed.
Everyone already confirmed that they were on the same page.
With a faint smile, Ban concluded his words.
So lets do this together. Your duty and ours.
Cuculli looked at the firm smile on the boys lips.
And she realized that no amount of persuasion would work on him now.
Just like her father did.
And just as she was trying to do now.
It was a face determined to fulfill its duty.
So she could only grumble.
You guys when did you grow up like this?
All thanks to you.
Fine.
Cuculli looked at each of her friends standing on the snowy plains.
Then she turned northward.
It was your choice. Theres no use complaining later I want to say that, but if it gets dangerous, you can always step out. No, you must leave.
The children nodded.
It wasnt to say, Lets do that, but to reassure Cuculli.
Both she and the children knew.
She couldnt stop them, and if Ban was representative of the children, she knew that they were all on the same page.
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Grumbling, Cuculli sighed deeply again and continued.
Lets go for now. Theres no time. Ill explain when we get there.
What about the destination information?
We need to go to our tribes shelter first. But ultimately.
After a long sigh, Cuculli said the next words.
The Sanctum. The Sanctum is our final destination.
What is that?
Seeing Cucullis serious expression, the children could only swallow their questions.
.
.
.
Clang-
Karen held the leash of Rune Wolf, who was vigorously running on the snowy plains.
The creature with its fluffy fur seemed to enjoy the sensation of the cold snow under its feet, jumping around energetically.
But unfortunately, there was no time to let it enjoy now.
Shadow! Be good. Ill let you play as much as you want later.
Clang clang-
Oh my, why is he like this?
Karen tightened the leash that had become taut.
They had agreed to take turns handling Shadow.
Despite being obedient just a moment ago, Shadow started misbehaving, causing Karens expression to sour.
Hey, we need to go quickly!
Karens gaze darted back and forth between her friends who were walking ahead and Shadow, who was stubbornly resisting.
Why are you being so stubborn?
There was nothing behind them when she looked back.
Only the clear sky and sparkling snow-covered ground.
Even when she extended her senses, there was nothing to detect.
It was a moment when Karen looked around with an uneasy expression.
Karen! What are you doing over there?
At Geralds urging, Karen pulled on the leash with renewed vigor.
Aooo-
Shadows howling echoed in the empty snowfield.
Thud-
It was only a moment later that a new set of footprints appeared on the path they had just passed.
* * *
Meanwhile
The first hindrance the Hero encountered occurred on the evening of the second day after leaving the Great Forest.
Using all his skills in paradox, magic, and domain, he maximized his speed, repeatedly obtaining horses from nearby cities or towns whenever his strength ran out.
Alright, at this rate, I should reach the northern border in less than a week.
Since he was traveling alone, there was no need to allocate time for the companions rest.
The power of paradox proved to be more formidable than expected, significantly shortening the journey.
As he was receiving real-time reports on the childrens whereabouts from Duke Wellington and Yussi, the Hero felt a bit relieved.
Return the children before anything happens and help ensure that Cucullis baptism is safe and successful.
It was around the time when such optimistic views and plans were being made.
Suddenly, an arrow rain poured down on the road.
!
His reaction was delayed because he had exhausted all his magic.
Plus, he hadnt anticipated the attack itself.
Who would have expected to be attacked while still on the main road before sunset?
Especially by collaborators.
At first, he thought they were thieves because of the arrow rain.
But they seemed to have no intention of hiding, spraying demonic energy brazenly.
Hes here. Attack!
For the master!
Some of them seemed to be so drenched in demonic energy that they appeared to be out of their minds.
They werent particularly threatening in terms of numbers or strength, but
My horse got injured.
Of all things, the horses leg was injured.
It wasnt a coincidence.
The Hero recalled the image of a man who was persistently attacking the horses legs even though his body was split in half.
Cut the horse first! Even if you die, leave at least one wound!
Come to think of it, the arrow rain wasnt aimed at him but at the horse.
Their weapons were all trapping devices like nets. Their intentions were clear.
Theyre trying to delay my arrival in the North.
The closer he got to the North, the more intense the hindrance became.
The size of the enemies climbing steeply.
The Hero couldnt help but wonder even more.
Whats the catch?
The number of elites and collaborators of the Demonic Church that he cut down was more than dozens.
Occasionally, demons from the West, who were lurking, were also mixed in.
It was a waste of resources to consume such significant power for the purpose of delaying time, not for any great purpose.
They must have lost a lot of power in the demonic realm.
This was an act of throwing away everything the demons had carefully built in the human world.
To deliberately delay my arrival.
His eyes narrowed.
Naturally, such thoughts came to mind.
Could they know about the baptism?
If not, it didnt make sense for them to block him so desperately.
It must be to prevent me from reaching the North, then take advantage of that opportunity to harm Cuculli and threaten the North.
Of course, it was an inference that I couldnt be completely sure of.
The existence of the baptism was known only to a few tribes and the core leadership of the Dawn Knights.
But
If Im right, then this all fits.
The thought that Ivar might be a traitor made his spine chill.
Considering that killing Dorempa might have been the starting point of some elaborate scheme, the Hero felt a chill down his spine.
Even if he deliberately abandoned the horse and took to the mountain paths, they somehow managed to follow him or wait ahead, behaving annoyingly.
It seemed like there was a tight surveillance and communication network in place.
Therefore, he even considered quickly changing into a bird or something similar and flying rapidly toward the North.
But theres something I need to do before that.
The Hero looked at the ambush forces pouring out of the woods, extending his senses toward them.
From the scattered powerful magic sensations, it seemed that there were intermediate-level or higher demons mixed in.
They even called the manager of the nearby stake.
But his gaze didnt linger on the demons.
His eyes were fixed on one of the churchgoers standing behind.
Finally.
He found it.
A follower who could wield illusions.
There!
Prepare for battle!
Dont gather, spread out! Dont forget the goal!
The Hero took a deep breath.
Lets sort this out.
The demons are trying to disrupt Cucullis baptism.
It might have been unexpected for them that the children joined, but theyll probably try to eliminate them together, thinking its the right thing to do.
Their plan for that must be progressing steadily.
But he had too little information at the moment.
He had no information about what kind of scheme they were up to.
Heading to the North without any information was a mistake.
I need to know when, how, and through whom theyll carry out their plans.
So, he had been searching for answers all along.
Season: Infinity.
Creating a new technique.
The Heros gray eyes scattered a dreary light.
A chill began to flow from his body, enough to make even the church members and demons who had prepared for death flinch.
They looked at the Hero with widened eyes.
Did the Hero use such a technique?
Magic? No, its completely different. What is that?
Cucullis cold energy is added to the base, Bans senses are added, and then they are processed into the form of Karens seeking arrow.
Finally, Bryces magic of explosion and Solintails archery technique of dispersion were added.
This is a new form of technique.
Would you like to save the new technique?
Please specify the technique name.
Infinite Style: Cast Annihilation.
Crackle-
Thirty ice arrows emerged into the air without any incantations or gestures.
The moment they hit their target, they exploded with the worst killing power, scattering shrapnel inside the body.
With the detection of Ban embedded, it was impossible for them to evade it with their skills.
It was a technique that the Hero, in his position of needing to break through them as quickly as possible, would choose.
Swish-
The Heros hand, which had been pointing towards the sky, gradually descended parallel to the ground.
His lips moved at the same time.
The rest is unnecessary.
Crack-
Ice arrows streaked across the sky.
Some of the surrounding forces hastily dispersed, while others charged forward, facing death head-on.
But it was all in vain.
They all met the same fate.
Gah!
Aargh!
Thunk!
The ice arrows floated through the air like living fish, tracking down the enemies, and if they so much as brushed against their flesh
Crackle-
Ice flowers bloomed inside their bodies.
Even demons with strong regenerative abilities were torn apart in an instant, writhing on the ground.
Heugh, h-heuggh.
After the commotion subsided, only two remained standing on the ground stained with red and black blood.
A member of the Demonic Church.
The Hero and the lingering aura of Enochs Miasma.
There was no need to mix words.
Thud-
The Hero propelled himself towards the bastard and grabbed his terrified face with his right hand, bringing him to his knees on the ground.
Manifesting Enochs Miasma.
The answer lies within this.
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