A gift
Outside the [Fog], Sword Demon Ferdinand watched silently.
The fog's range was wide, but it didn't restrict entry or exit.
As long as one knew the direction, they could enter or leave.
And who was eager to leave now?
The citizens, the prisoner, and… the enemy.
The ambush wasn't limited to the [Fog]; he also had loyalists waiting outside.
Any monster clearly stronger than the citizens, unless his own, would be eliminated instantly!
Better to kill by mistake than to let any escape!
No one would question it; the monster world was a brutal one.
Those without strength would die where they stood.
Among monsters, only the truly high-ranking families had strong bonds.
There was no need to worry about younger generations challenging the old; the old couldn't beat the young.
Unless they were of vastly different levels.
[Fog] activated only upon the cage's destruction, implying the prisoner's escape.
The prisoner possessed combat abilities; however, with her senses restricted, using wind magic inside would make her a target.
If she fought, she'd dispel the [Fog].
Then they could capture her easily.
If the enemy attacked to steal, they'd be killed!
If they fled… even better!
After this battle, imprisoning the prisoner securely would suffice.
Presenting her to the royal family was a certainty!
Whether these mercenaries would rebel wasn't a concern.
Within his territory, he was stronger; any fight would result in casualties.
It was mutually beneficial; they received payment, he received a reward; why risk life and limb, or even death?
If they couldn't grasp that, they shouldn't be mercenaries but bandits.
"Strange, is Audrey Celeste controlled?" the pigeon-headed monster beside Sword Demon asked doubtfully.
"Likely," Ferdinand said.
[Audrey Celeste] was a ferocious enemy; her swordsmanship was fierce, her attacks relentless, even comparable monsters struggled against her onslaught.
Even Sword Demon had lost numerous subordinates during the encirclement, leading to significant territorial losses.
If she could still fight, she would dispel the fog and attack fiercely.
But…
The fog showed no sign of being dispelled.
"Wait!
Lord, look!" the raven-headed monster pointed to the sky.
A swirling silver light descended into the fog.
"That's… Audrey Celeste's sword?!" the pigeon-headed monster exclaimed, "Lord! She's going to attack!"
"Ah, finally," Ferdinand sneered.
He'd obtained her sword, but hadn't kept it.
He'd placed it atop the highest mountain nearby; its appearance would alert the entire city!
The sword's arrival in the fog indicated an attack!
"Ha ha ha—This Elf couldn't contain her anger!" the scorpion-headed monster roared with laughter.
"Prepare to move!" Ferdinand smiled.
He drew twin swords from his hips, unsheathing two more from his back, wielding four large swords.
From a human perspective, they'd be considered great swords!
Once the fog dispersed, they would attack!
The fog disperses!
The fog disperses…
…The fog disperses.
The fog? Is? Dispersing????
The monsters stared at the thick black smoke; it showed no sign of dissipating.
Their plan relied on Audrey using powerful wind magic to dispel the [Fog].
She knew what it was!
Sword Demon had used it on her during her capture!
But… why hadn't the fog dispersed?!
Had she merely retrieved her sword?
Huh?
"Don't rush!" Ferdinand sheathed his swords. "Perhaps… she's resting."
"But Lord, retrieving the sword doesn't mean she's about to fight?" the raven-headed monster questioned.
Ferdinand snapped: "I may not understand Audrey, but I understand swords!
And those who wield them!
A swordsman, separated from their blade, feels an intense connection upon reunion.
Perhaps she hasn't held a sword in a long time and wants to reminisce."
He understood!
He understood perfectly!
He was the Sword Demon!
"Ah…"
His lieutenants glanced at each other, then agreed:
"As the Lord says!"
"Indeed, Lord!"
"A true swordsman!"
Ferdinand clasped his hands, nodding: "Good.
And if she hasn't been discovered, she might be recovering.
It doesn't matter; she'll be found soon."
The [Fog] made it easier to find her.
Few in the city possessed Audrey's mana level.
Based on the current situation, Anyi realized his previous historical predictions were wrong.
He'd thought Audrey would face a few Class 6 and perhaps some Class 5 monsters.
But…
In previous life, upon release, she'd dispelled the [Fog] and fought against over a dozen Class 6 and fifty Class 5 monsters.
All those monsters focused on Audrey, forcing her into a disadvantage.
Otherwise, Hilo wouldn't have single-handedly slain Sword Demon.
As the saying goes… a skinny camel is still bigger than a horse?
...
"This is…?!"
Feeling warmth coursing through her body, Audrey looked at her hands in disbelief, then at Ariana;
"What… magic is this?!
No… incredible!
Yes! Incredible!!"
All of Audrey's wounds, large and small, had miraculously healed!
She could feel it; her internal organs, bones, all her injuries were completely restored!
All the areas where her mana had been blocked were now flowing freely!
Audrey couldn't hold back her tears; they streamed down her face.
"Healed… why?! Healed!!
Even the greatest healing spells couldn't do this!
Has magic advanced this far?!"
Ariana smiled and waved her hand: "It's not magic, but a power granted by Kami-sama."
Seeing Audrey's excitement, she felt elated.
When she'd rescued Audrey, she'd noticed her low health and lack of recovery.
Heroes automatically recover; unless severely injured, they slowly recover even without food, like mana.
What if they didn't recover?
Use Holy Healing!
Once wasn't enough; she used it three times!
Three times wasn't enough; she used it four times!
Bringing health directly to 100%!
That's how it happened.
Audrey was stunned.
She also discovered that not only were her internal and bone injuries healed, but the curses on her were gone!
Previously, her mana could only recover to a tenth of its peak, and the recovery rate was incredibly slow.
This was due to curses inflicted by powerful undead monsters during prolonged battles.
The curses had been dispelled by the Purification, but since her body hadn't fully recovered, she hadn't noticed.
But now… it was all back!
She could feel her mana recovering at a speed thousands of times faster than before!
The monster territory was rich in mana; now…
Her body was greedily absorbing it!
Without any unforeseen circumstances, she could return to her peak strength within half a month!
Audrey knelt, tears streaming down her face.
"Such a debt… how can I repay it…" She wiped her tears, sobbing.
"Join us!" Ariana laughed, "We need experts to exterminate monsters!
Without monster extermination, humanity will be extinct in ten years, so help us!"
Audrey bowed, wiping her tears with the cloak Anyi gave her, a smile on her lips: "Okay…
Okay!
It's just monsters!
No matter how many, I'll slaughter them all!"
"Let's start with the closest ones," Anyi said.
"Sounds good!"
Audrey stood, smiling, looking towards the nearest Class 5 monsters.
...
Within mere minutes.
The monsters within the [Fog] were decimated.
Why?
Why did a creature with surging mana appear in the darkness?!
The Class 5 monsters had wanted to investigate.
But her mana instantly surpassed theirs!
The Class 6 monsters tried to flee.
But halfway there, her mana surpassed theirs!
And… it was still rising!
What was happening?
Ally or enemy?!
They couldn't determine the situation!
But they didn't need to.
Hesitation, uncertainty, attempts to flee or fight… all ended in death within seconds.
She was like the Grim Reaper, sweeping across the land, harvesting lives.
Audrey didn't dispel the [Fog] but used it as cover, relying solely on mana-enhanced strength, slaying enemies with her sword.
She didn't use wind magic or her masterful Sword of the Rage.
Simply mana-enhanced physical strength had achieved this.
This was a glimpse of the power of one of the twelve Royal Elves, comparable to the seventy-two Servants of the Demon Lord.
And she'd only been recovering mana for two minutes.
...
"That… what was that?!" The pigeon-headed monster trembled, "That terrifying aura!"
"To the point of sending something like that?!" The raven-headed monster shrieked.
Even Ferdinand's calm demeanor was shattered.
Fine, they wanted to play, didn't they?!
Everyone was using wooden swords, while he'd brought out a real one!
Was there no justice?!
"Hmph—!! As enemies, you're a little too strong!
Is this a gift?!"
Suddenly, an incomprehensible voice echoed from below.
The monsters looked down.
A small figure with short hair, holding a sword, looked up at them, her eyes filled with displeasure.
Hilo, using Monster Language, shouted: "So, who among you is the lord?"
Seeing the sudden appearance of a mana-less figure, the monsters were stunned.
Knowing Monster Language, she must be a monster, right?
Seeing her, Ferdinand's anger subsided: "It's over."
He felt like he was a giant, crushing forests with his feet from afar.
Then he looked down and saw an ant moving on the ground.
He felt no different from that ant.
He simply stood there, his senses useless, aware of the impending danger but unable to react.
Before such overwhelming Strength, he was helpless.
[Audrey Celeste], could only yield.
"Hey! Four-armed one! You're the lord, right?!" the small figure shouted, "Dare you duel me one-on-one?!"
"You win," Ferdinand waved dismissively.
Hilo: "?"
...
"Is this… the end?" Anyi asked, watching Audrey slaughter the monsters.
"No, the area's lord and some of his subordinates are still alive," Audrey replied.
"Don't kill them," Anyi said suddenly.
"Ah? Why?" Ariana asked.
Anyi: "Because [Audrey Celeste] is still among the monsters.
She was captured by a large, powerful monster with high mana."
Audrey was stunned, then chuckled: "Alright, I understand.
I'll leave this here."
Audrey raised her hand; black matter gathered, quickly forming a longsword.
The color changed, eventually becoming the same ancient longsword Audrey usually used.
"Wow! Is that magic?!" Ariana exclaimed.
Anyi: "It's magic."
"Clang!"
The longsword was plunged into the ground; Audrey left several wind blade marks, signifying her past battles here.
"Now it's done," Audrey nodded in satisfaction.
Anyi and Ariana received a message in the group chat.
[Blade Hero: You won't believe this, but the Sword Demon surrendered!
He's the city's lord!]
Ariana: "?"
Anyi: "?"
[Heal Hero: Why is Sister with the Sword Demon?! Is she injured?!
I can't get out yet! Holy Maiden-sama, please help!!
Shield Hero: Where are you?! I'm coming! Even though I can't see or hear anything! I should be able to find you by sensing!
Blade Hero: Don't interrupt! I said he surrendered!
He! Surrendered!! Can't you understand?!
Sword Hero: What happened?
Blade Hero: Hahahahaha—!!
Amazing!
I challenged him, and he said I won with a single glance!!
He must have been intimidated by my killing intent! He lost his will to fight the moment he saw me!!]
Anyi: "..."
Scared by his Master?
Though Anyi had made preparations for disguise, the Sword Demon's surrender was an unexpected surprise.
Well… the good deed was done.
They could leave a gift behind.
...
"Sword Demon! Baron Ferdinand!
Listen carefully!"
Hilo suddenly pointed at Ferdinand and shouted.
Ferdinand sighed wearily.
So what?
I don't even want to kill you; can you just leave?
"Go ahead," Ferdinand sighed.
Hilo coughed twice, clearing her throat: "Ahem!
Thank you for your offering to my Master, Phoenix!
We'll meet again!
With that, Hilo vanished instantly.
From her appearance, she'd spoken nonsense, offering no useful information, like a barking dog, incomprehensible.
Until she mentioned a name…
Phoenix.
She said…
My Master, Phoenix.
"Ha ha… Hahahahaha—!!"
Sword Demon Ferdinand suddenly laughed uproariously.
Phoenix!
That monster!
Immortal Bird · Phoenix!
Good! Excellent!!
"Lord…" the pigeon-headed monster didn't know how to console Ferdinand.
"Good! Since Phoenix-sama has taken the prisoner, I have nothing more to say!" Ferdinand relaxed completely, his tension dissipating.
His subordinates thought he'd gone mad.
"Lord! It's alright! We'll have other chances!"
"That's right! Let's capture other prisoners!"
"We couldn't avoid meeting that sama!"
Ferdinand shook his head: "No, no, you don't understand!
We might have lost a little, but the other lords didn't gain anything!
Phoenix-sama took the prisoner; we accept our loss!"
Only then did the monsters realize.
That's right!
They might have lost a little, but the other lords gained nothing!
Their defenses were against other lords trying to steal the reward!
"Good! Good!!"
"Ha ha ha ha—!! Good!"
"The Lord is right!!"
A wave of relief washed over the monsters.
Then…
The story of [Immortal Bird · Phoenix] seizing the monster prisoner [Audrey Celeste] and his subsequent actions spread.
But that's a story for another time.
The [Fog] dissipated; the city's citizens were still fighting fiercely.
The eight Heroes, with Audrey, escaped the city through the tunnels.
Hilo, who'd charged into the [Fog], hadn't immediately headed for the tunnels but waited for the fog to clear.
Her size allowed her to traverse the city unnoticed; she quickly reached the tunnel entrance.
"Ha ha ha—Complete victory!!" Hilo laughed joyfully.
"I was terrified; I thought Sister would fight the Sword Demon… we're no match for Class 6 monsters," Sisrine sighed in relief.
"Are you stupid?!" Hilo yelled.
"Oof…" Sisrine shrank back.
"You call me Sister, but you think I'm an idiot?!
His stats are far superior! Why would I fight him!
Besides, I haven't fought Anyi Carl yet!" Hilo grumbled.
Anyi: "Then why did you challenge him?
You said in the group chat that you challenged him, and he surrendered."
"Ah…" Hilo's expression froze.
"Right, why?" Ariana asked.
"I… I figured I couldn't escape, so I might as well fight him!" Hilo's cheeks flushed.
She hadn't known that emerging from the smoke wouldn't be light but a pack of Class 6 monsters.
Damn it, she didn't want to play; she'd fight them!
Running away would be too cowardly!
And she might be caught.
The Sword Demon had 30 Agility, and the monsters had physical advantages.
If she fought, she'd fight with style!
So, she'd pretended to be powerful and challenged the Sword Demon.
Fortunately, he surrendered…
Fortunately, she survived.
If she'd died, she couldn't have protected Sisrine.
Audrey walked at the rear, smiling as she listened to the "children" chat.
Her gaze lingered on Anyi.
Suddenly, she remembered something.
A voice transmission reached Anyi's ears…
"If I'm not mistaken…
That was the fourth form of Sword of the Rage, Gale Step, wasn't it?
Could you tell me who taught you?
Mr. Anyi Carl."
「How did she see through it.
No, it would be strange if she hadn't.」
Anyi thought silently.
He activated a series of movement speed boosts, saving [Gale Step] for last.
He wanted Audrey to recognize his footwork.
Even manipulating various elements, which Audrey couldn't sense, she could still recognize [Sword of the Rage] from his movements.
But…
Who taught him?
Was there another disciple in this world?!
Audrey's voice transmission continued: "I've isolated your voice; the others can't hear you.
So, can you tell me now?
Who taught you this swordsmanship?
Human or Elf?"
Anyi, without turning, said softly: "I developed it myself."
Audrey: "? What did you say?"
Anyi explained calmly: "Gentle breezes, gales, storms, wind currents all follow patterns.
If there's a pattern, we can predict and defend.
So I wondered if mana control over wind could be used for this.
Manipulating the elements, making the wind unpredictable, chaotic, difficult to grasp, and making its trajectory elusive.
If wind is integrated into the sword, the sword becomes wild.
But integrating wild wind into footwork makes the body difficult to control.
But if the chaotic wind is channeled into one's feet, using it as a force, could it increase speed?"
"Thump."
Suddenly, Audrey, at the rear of the group, knelt.
The eight in front turned to look.
She trembled, supporting herself against the tunnel wall, struggling to stand, her lips trembling slightly.
Ariana asked worriedly: "What's wrong? Are you injured? Or unwell?"
"Gen…"
"Gen?"
"Genius!!!"
Audrey pointed at Anyi, shouting!
With a flash, Audrey appeared before Anyi, knocking him to the ground, her emerald eyes filled with fervor: "My disciple… no! I'll be your disciple… no!
Be my disciple! I'll teach you! Everything! You must! Absolutely must! Become my disciple!!"
While others were stunned, Miruku happened to be opposite Audrey's open cloak.
She saw Audrey's thin prison clothes and her legs moving against Anyi's body…
"Pfft!"
Miruku's brain overloaded; blushing, she collapsed.
Ariana: "Miruku?!"
What was happening?!
Anyi: "Be your disciple… Fine, you're a swordsmanship master, one of the twelve Royal Elves; I have no reason to refuse.
So, should I call you Master now?
Master."
"Ah… ah… Waaaaaaa!!!" Audrey suddenly burst into tears, hugging Anyi, "Good! So good! Disciple! My good disciple! Waaaaaaa——!!"
Anyi: "Mm mm mm."
She was still as loud as before.
But it was good; this was what a Master was like.
No, Her Highness the Holy Maiden was already troublesome enough; adding a Master… might be unbelievably troublesome?
Their next task was to figure out how to make his Master stop liking him.
Exterminating monsters and defeating the Demon Lord were more important!
This operation, while yielding no experience points or loot, had yielded enormous gains.
Before deciding to rescue Audrey, he had planned it.
Rescuing Audrey would end everything; no one in [Moonwish City] could defeat his Master.
In his previous life, he'd known about Audrey's injuries, but they'd been wandering, exterminating monsters, and Anyi hadn't known if other Heroes could heal her.
They hadn't had contact.
In this life, while he wasn't sure Ariana could completely heal his Master, he knew she could at least remove the curses.
The physical healing was an unexpected bonus.
Besides rescuing Audrey, they'd gathered a lot of monster information.
Beyond the ordinary Class 3 and 4 monsters, there were also Class 5 and 6 monsters; the League of Heroes database had expanded significantly.
They had also learned the monster language.
And…
The conquest of [Moonwish City] would be significantly expedited.
The monsters suffered heavy casualties; almost all Class 5 and 6 monsters had been slain by Audrey.
Even many Class 3 and 4 monsters had been killed in the streets.
Now, the city held no high-level monsters besides Sword Demon and his subordinates!
Conquering the city, which previously took half a year, could now be done in half a month.
Of course, they needed to wait for the Heroes to level up.
...
In Sword Demon City, Sword Demon Ferdinand, after searching, did indeed find Audrey's sword.
And it had been there for several days.
The sword hadn't been retrieved, meaning she hadn't had a chance to fight and was likely under some form of control.
Probably, the Immortal Bird · Phoenix had presented her to the Demon Lord.
Somehow, the news quietly spread among the monsters.
...
"I, Audrey Celeste, one of the twelve Royal Elves of the Elven King, bestow upon you the blessing of the wind!
Receive."
In the training yard, Audrey, her eyes shining, placed her hand on Anyi's head.
Quickly, the blue light faded.
A system message appeared before Anyi.
[Blessing Received: Wind's Blessing!
Agility boosted by 30%!
Wind Elemental Affinity: Max!
Wind Elemental Damage increased by 40%!
Damage reduction from Wind Elements: 60%!
Title Acquired: [Wind's Kin]]
As in his previous life, he received this blessing again.
This was the power of [Wind Elf: Audrey Celeste].
She wasn't just a Royal Elf; she represented the Wind Spirit.
In the realm of [Wind], no Elf surpassed her.
Of course, there were also Fire Elves, Water Elves, etc., but he hadn't encountered them yet.
Nor would he soon.
"You mastered Sword of the Rage without the Wind's Blessing; you've truly… surprised me," Audrey praised generously.
"Because I'm a genius," Anyi replied calmly.
"Yes! A genius! You're the most talented disciple I've ever taught!" Audrey laughed.
Actually, Anyi's insistence on calling himself a genius was because of Audrey.
She often praised his genius, but he knew it was the system assisting him.
As the [Sword Hero], when learning sword-related skills, he ignored [Technique].
Regardless of his Technique level, he could learn quickly.
Unless his base Intelligence was low.
Constantly calling someone a "genius" sounds strange.
But Anyi was different.
He was… repeating his Master's words.
That phrase.
Anyi: "Master, your body has recovered. I want to ask about your plans."
Audrey: "Plans…"
Anyi: "Be serious."
Audrey: "I haven't said anything yet!"
"I want to know if you'll remain in human territory or return to the monster territory to find other Elves," Anyi asked.
"Other Elves don't exist," Audrey's pointed ears twitched.
Anyi: "So you'll stay in human territory."
"Yes, you rescued me to help you, right?
My strength is restored; I can handle monsters, even Servants!
So… Anyi, how will you utilize my strength?" Audrey smiled faintly.
Anyi: "Utilize… that sounds harsh."
Audrey approached Anyi, whispering in his ear: "But on the first day, you intended to do this, didn't you?
Rescue me, heal me, and I'd destroy the monster city.
Your plan was to have the Holy Maiden heal me, wasn't it?"
Anyi was silent for a moment, then said: "Yes."
"You didn't know the extent of my injuries or whether I could recover my strength.
If I were rescued but mana-depleted, you'd be in danger too?
Yet you still rescued me to be healed; you… understand me to what extent?" Audrey smiled faintly.
She couldn't quite figure him out.
Many things were suspicious.
For example, why was Anyi so happy when he first saw her?
Why did he trust her strength so much?
Why did he know she was injured, not mana-depleted?
If they didn't know this, their best option would be to gather intelligence and leave.
But they seemed incredibly sure they could change the situation.
This was all Anyi's plan.
"You said I saved you thirty years ago; how did you know I wouldn't be a depleted Elf thirty years later?" Audrey recalled his joke.
"Intuition," Anyi said.
"Although you rescued me, I have nothing to offer humanity.
If I must say something…
I can teach you wind magic," Audrey said seriously.
Fighting for humanity or training a disciple wouldn't significantly impact the human race.
But teaching humans more Elven wind magic would enhance the entire race's strength!
"Let's try," Anyi nodded.
Yes, this is what he'd been waiting for!
A month later, the League of Heroes began distributing a free book to Heroes.
Titled "Intelligence 0 Can Learn Wind Magic Guide".
Another month later, numerous Heroes flooded [Moonwish City], crushing the monster city with their levels and skills.
Three months earlier than the first conquest in his previous life!
Far in the monster hinterlands, Phoenix received the news.
"'Immortal Bird · Phoenix' captured 'Audrey Celeste'…?
Who! Where did this news come from?!
What 'Audrey Celeste'? I've never seen her; how could I capture her?!" Phoenix raged impotently.
Then he looked out the window at several powerful Servant-level monsters.
"We heard… you captured a member of our race and haven't handed her over?"
Phoenix: "I didn't!"
"Still denying it?! I think you, Immortal Bird, are tired of living!"
"Seize him!"