* * *

Thanks to Hyron’s help, fortunately, there were no casualties. However, the search in the village, which had been completely destroyed in the explosion, was pointless. They needed to find clues in a new location to track down their allies.

“I’m no detection dog. It’s impossible to search the entire Demon Realm and find a specific person with just a fraction of my power.”

Cadel couldn’t hide his disappointment at Kunra’s assertion. Even though Kunra had explained the unfavorable situation on the human side, this answer meant that it wasn’t just a matter of inconvenience—it was truly difficult to carry out the search.

Cadel sighed and ran a hand through his hair as he looked over at the knights and the commander, who were some distance away, along with Hyron. He had already made an excuse to buy them some time together due to Kunra’s fierce temperament. It was good that they had secured some time alone, but right now, finding a way to turn the tide of the battle was more urgent than searching for the Demon King’s heir.

“We need to join up with the allies as soon as possible and attack the castle where Emilia is. Until then, we can’t make any reckless moves.”

“I know.”

“Is there really no way? Even if it’s just a general direction, if we can figure that out…”

As Cadel continued speaking, his gaze shifted. A white hand had quietly placed itself on his shoulder, pressing down with gentle strength.

“I can get a general direction.”

Cadel swallowed nervously as he looked up at Yozen, who had quietly appeared as usual. He had gotten used to Yozen’s silent approach by now, but every time, his heart would skip a beat from the surprise.

“Don’t interfere in this one’s conversation with the halfling.”

“I didn’t eavesdrop on purpose. I came because I found a way to track the allies.”

Ignoring Kunra’s irritation with ease, Yozen spoke to Cadel.

“You know I have the shadow clone of Modeleine, right?”

“Yes. But the clone in the Demon Realm doesn’t last long, and it’s hard to trace its whereabouts, like you said.”

“I’ve been trying ever since we came to the Demon Realm. It’s harder to control the dark energy here than it is on the surface, but I’ve managed to reach the point where I can roughly locate the clone.”

“What? Really? That’s amazing, Yozen!”

Yozen smiled faintly at Cadel’s delighted voice. Watching them, Kunra grumbled, saying that if he were the real body, he would’ve found the location instantly, before disappearing back into the pendant.

“Alright. Let’s inform everyone and move out immediately.”