Crack crack crack.

The strands of demonic energy tried to pierce and shatter the solid ice, but the more they did, the more the ice emitted a chilling cold. Between the sky and the earth, a circular magic circle rose layer by layer. As it approached the ground, the magic circle grew smaller and smaller, glowing as it strengthened the shield at its base.

The one protected by the shield was only one person.

“……Cadel.”

At the appearance of the fairy, Cadel’s expression gradually twisted as he looked up at him.

“You kept your promise.”

The fairy, showing a bright smile unchanged from before, made Cadel unsure of how to respond. With trembling hands, Cadel gently stroked Lydon’s cheek.

“Thank you.”

With those heartfelt words, Lydon pulled Cadel into a short embrace. Resting his cheek against Cadel’s temple, where blood had clotted, Lydon spoke in a trembling voice.

“Please, win.”

Lydon had brought his kin, who once lived a peaceful life in the forest, into the bloodstained battlefield. All for Cadel Lytos, the commander. For the human he had promised to carry the burden of his fate for. How could he not repay that love and trust?

Pulling away from Lydon’s embrace, Cadel leaned on his shoulder and met his gaze. Lydon’s red eyes were a mix of desperation, concern, and burning love. Whatever might be contained within them, it would only be joy and happiness.

“You made the right choice, and I’m glad you brought everyone…… You’ll come to think so.”

Squeezing his hand on Lydon’s shoulder, Cadel looked up at the sky again. There, the vanished strands of demonic energy and the fading remnants of the magic circles were visible. As all the magic circles disappeared, what remained was.

“……Hey. What am I looking at right now?”

The fairy legion filled the sky with a dazzling light. Their bodies, clad in ice armor, held spears, swords, and bows in their hands. The sunlight passed through their transparent wings, making them appear like sacred messengers of the gods amidst the blood-soaked battlefield.

At the forefront of that legion stood a fairy. Upon seeing him, Cadel turned to Dreyfe, who had lost his senses, and spoke.

“They’re our final reinforcements. If we can’t finish it here, then defeat is all that’s left.”

* * *

With a single flap of wings, ten shudders. No matter how far he gazed, no matter how many times he flapped his wings, there were no obstacles. He could move forward endlessly, and with each flap, the changing scenery made his heart swell.

He couldn’t quite express the rising emotions. The loud cheers, in comparison to the beating of his own heart, seemed peaceful.

Hyron inhaled the outside air deeply.

“Lord Hyron, please descend.”

At Melphis’s voice, Hyron’s gaze moved. The magic circle he had created peeled away layer by layer, revealing the humans below. Even from afar, it was clear that their eyes met.

Hyron raised his voice to the warriors behind him.

“Protect the humans, and kill the demons. That is all that needs to be done.”

Having given his firm orders, he lowered his altitude without hesitation. Attacks from demons and monsters flew at him from all directions, but as soon as they entered his range of perception, they all turned into rigid blocks of ice. A brilliant ice path formed along his flight path.

Having quickly frozen the surroundings, Hyron stopped flying in front of Cadel. His golden hair, slightly disheveled, fell calmly as a strange excitement flickered across his gentle face. Hyron smiled faintly at Cadel.

“It’s been a while, Cadel. I never imagined we’d meet again like this.”

“……Thank you for coming.”

“In such a short time, Lydon has changed a lot. He’s gained incredible powers as well. I’ve wondered several times if he’s really my son.”

Cadel, feeling both gratitude and guilt, had no words to say to Hyron. While he was thankful for the support of the Pinhai Tribe, he also felt a deep sense of responsibility.

Hyron, as if understanding Cadel’s heart, lightly offered his hand for a handshake. When Cadel grasped it, a warm energy flowed through him.

“We’re not fighting for humans. We fight for the freedom of the Pinhai Tribe. So, Cadel, make the most of our battle.”

Cadel, nodding heavily, shared the critical information about the enemy. Hyron quickly absorbed the information and soared into the sky to lead the warriors. Taking a short breath, Cadel turned to Lydon.

“There’s someone I need to deal with first.”