Chapter 1, The Changing Tides of Time

Truba, you go prepare the carriage and take a few people to get everything ready for the carriage

It is now time for him to fulfill the responsibilities of the lord.

"Where is Ximit?" Lingdi exclaimed.

These stones are not only loose, but also have a chaotic texture, and their color is extremely unattractive. Even the lumberjacks in the town of Aolmai show no interest in them whatsoever

The delicate young woman who was asked lowered her head, pondered for a moment, and said: "Ximit's brother has already arranged everything for him. After next year, Ximit will leave here for the capital. Before reaching adulthood, he will reside at the home of the Marchioness of Glins, where he will be exposed to high society. The Marchioness of Glins knows many learned scholars, and Ximit will be able to learn a great deal from them"

Three crossbow bolts pierced through the body of the heron. In addition, there was a large hole in its abdomen and back. Clearly, the bolt that struck this unfortunate heron still had enough force to shoot out after penetrating its body, and by now, it must have fallen somewhere unknown.

On the vacant land beside the workshop, thick logs that have just been felled are piled up

Thank you, my lord, you are truly generous." The middle-aged man said as he waved his hand, instructing the other servants to take the game away. Although the lord had not given any orders, Harrian was well aware of how that bobcat should be handled

That is a spotted lynx, and its mature appearance indicates that it is an adult lynx. It measures nearly over one meter in length, and its size is even larger than that of most hunting dogs

However, the lumberjacks had to admit that this lord indeed possessed some skills

The small river that once flowed through the city has now vanished, replaced by a wide avenue

The severe injuries on the arms and legs astonished the demon clan at the formidable lethality of humans; simultaneously, the people inside the house were equally shocked by the terrifying endurance of the demon clan

However, that demon race knows from ancient memories that humans are a completely different species, among which there are some individuals with extremely powerful abilities

The lord furrowed his brow and said: "Moreover, that demon might not attack us; it looks rather dazed, and I have yet to see it move."

The second command left another servant nearby in a state of panic; this servant was clearly not as loyal and reliable as the middle-aged servant. He could be seen taking steps backward, evidently unwilling to carry out the command

The hunters hurriedly took cover, bowing their heads slightly and partially shielding their eyes to prevent dust from getting in.

"This goat, please take care of it as well. I would like to host a barbecue party in the evening. Could you calculate how many additional people we can invite besides those here?" the old man asked.

The forest was enveloped in silence. Suddenly, there came a flurry of wingbeats.

"Yes—yes—yes, I—I will take care of it immediately." The servant's face turned ashen as he trembled and crawled up from the ground

Once the master has given the order, they need not waste time on these preparations

Originally, there were no lords in Aolmai. After this area was developed into a small town, His Majesty the King granted this land to a count named Hammo.

The branch hung in the air for a moment, and just when everyone thought it had become entangled with the branches of other trees and would never fall, they saw that the sturdy branch, along with a large cluster of broken branches and fallen leaves, fell to the ground

Everything has changed except for the towering peaks and the rolling hills

Downstream of the town, there are more than ten lumber mills situated.

The servant quickly climbed to the top of the tree, using his feet to push against the sturdy branches, while his arms rummaged and searched among the dense leaves and twigs of the canopy

What brought everything to an end was a crossbow bolt that was accidentally fired

Gentlemen may delay time and keep the ladies waiting, but they do not possess such privileges

In the early spring season, there is still a hint of chill, thus the women seated on the chairs are draped in thick, luxurious fur coats

"Oh, my dear, your harvest is quite abundant," said the elegant noblewoman as she approached the elder at the forefront.

The middle-aged servant glanced out the window, and the demon clan remained in the same place.

Currently, most wealthy widows either indulge in the sweet words of their lovers or cherish their freedom too much, planning to change their lives only when they grow old and can no longer find a lover. However, my little Bob would never marry an old woman for the sake of wealth, no matter how rich she is, as it would tarnish the family name. As long as my brother has not gone mad, he will not allow his son to do such a thing. " Janie pouted.

The initial settlers here were only these lumberjacks; at that time, Olmay was merely a forest camp constructed by dozens of laborers who had nothing but axes.

The demon was subjected to a fatal attack, and its arm struggled to block the arrows coming from the side

It was precisely for this reason that he, while speaking, made faces at Ximit.

This esteemed aunt spoke at length, not with the intention of dissuading the young Ximi Te, for in her view, it was inherently impossible for an ordinary person to become a knight of the Holy Hall

Upon hearing the praise from Count Hamor, a proud smile spread across Simit’s face

The heavy cavalry knights also wield heavy military crossbows, and the arrows they launch possess greater lethality than the weapons held by Count Hammur.

When he came down from the tree, he was seen holding a rather sizable heron in his hand

They brought prosperity to this remote town

The outskirts of the town of Olmai in the western region of Danmore are covered by an unbroken expanse of dense forest

Some nobles, like those merchants, only come here during the hunting season; however, there are also some nobles who stay in Olmai year-round

The servants were dressed in thick, close-fitting short jackets made of linen, adorned with various items scattered across their bodies

However, the injured demon approached like a swift and agile leopard

Xi Mit was originally well-behaved; upon seeing her aunt's anger, she immediately lowered her head, resembling a child earnestly confessing before her mother, repeatedly apologizing to her aunt.

Very well, please instruct the servants to distribute these weapons. What we need most right now is a sufficient number of warriors. Unfortunately, Harrian has gone to seek reinforcements; he is quite an exceptional archer.

However, once the weather warms up, it becomes difficult to say. Nevertheless, I will reinforce our troops. The heavy infantry from Trevenburg is currently en route and will arrive in two weeks. The cathedral has also dispatched two highly skilled knights who will deal with the demon race.

The heron has long since died, its freshly molted dark gray feathers stained with blood, leaving the servant's hands covered in blood as well

Hamo was desperately trying to calm himself down

The servants had already retreated into the villa, and they did not even remove the herons that were being roasted on the forks from the fire

The sunlight filtering through the silk no longer appears so intense

The hunters awaited the great bird to make a sound once more; if that great bird remained completely still, they would have no means to act.

Surrounding the villa is a vast expanse of flat and neatly arranged lawn

This immortal body caused all the knights to lose their courage

"Alright, Lingdi, let go of Ximit. You know how much he enjoys hunting, and he would never venture into the forest alone. With us old hunters around, you need not worry about Ximit getting hurt." The old man quickly joined in to offer his reassurance. Having spent so much time together, he was certainly aware of the hidden concern that lingered in Lingdi's heart.

A woman suddenly screamed in a high-pitched voice

However, his words were met with a fierce glare from his wife

When the demon clan was already very close to the villa, the lord shouted loudly and was the first to pull the trigger

Now, the lumberjacks of Aolmai have moved to other places, always proudly declaring that their small town is a wonderful place where even the noble gentlemen linger and do not want to leave

The husbands quickly embraced their wives tightly and ran towards the nearest villa

The three wild rabbits, having just endured a harsh winter and appearing somewhat emaciated, are sure to satisfy those gourmets who favor robust meat

"Mahim, quickly take the ladies into the cellar, and you stay at the door of the cellar." The count pushed his wife aside and instructed another servant outside.

The knightly guard searched the nearby forest, but found nothing. No one understands better than us how difficult it is to locate a swift creature in this vast forest. For now, we can only hope that the demon will attack passersby; as long as it appears in Olmai, the knights will be able to eliminate it completely. The lord said calmly, for there is no use in being anxious at this moment. It would be best to approach everything with a calm mind.

The prey was placed on the long table. Although the ladies inherently felt a sense of aversion towards blood and corpses, since their husbands were obsessed with hunting, they had to learn to endure it and pretend to appreciate it.

Fortunately, all the people here are experienced and excellent hunters, skilled in the use of crossbows and spears

He gazed at the vast land before him

A forest ram with long, elongated horns and a coat of jet-black fur is the largest among all the prey. It will be the centerpiece of the dinner, and the servants have already gone to prepare the forks and roasting racks for this large animal.

"Hurry and prepare the carriage! Otherwise, I will immediately sentence you to death for betraying your master. Choose for yourself: will you die under the crossbow bolts, or will you fight for a chance to survive?" The lord's tone was deep and severe

The lord's words brought a slight sense of calm to everyone.

Take these herons down, two for grilling, one for stewing, and the other one for marinating, just like the last time you marinated the wild goose; many people here really enjoy that flavor

This is precisely what I have been worried about. I have served as the lord here for many years, and there has never been a significant incident, except for two years ago when a group of wood-stealing bandits came from the Olmai River. There has never been any crisis here. I did not expect to discover traces of the demon race. I have already summoned the knight guard from the nearest Traivien Castle.

The heavy crossbow bolts finally came into play, and a series of cracking sounds of breaking branches echoed in the air

The first reaction of those nobles was to take the crossbows from the hands of their servants. At this moment, those using light crossbows gained a significant advantage, quickly drawing back the bowstrings, nocking the arrows, taking a brief aim, and then launching the bolts.

The demon clan has begun to act boldly.

The forest is only over 300 meters away from the town

This awareness has made everyone become braver

"Yes, he learned quite a few hunting skills from our husband," said the petite and delicate noblewoman

The demon tribe did not anticipate such an attack; it had never truly encountered arrows before

Although he appeared quite imposing while issuing orders just now, he is not a true soldier; all of this is merely the result of his two years of apprenticeship in Morgengrad before taking on the role of lord here

Here is the edge of the vast forest, yet the trees that have grown for hundreds of years still appear inconspicuous to the humans who weave through them

The sounds of screams rose and fell, this time emitted by those knights

Five ladies gathered together, engaging in a lively conversation.

The old man said: "Tubo, Wensidun, Charlie, the arrows on this heron were shot by you, and there is also a mark left by a heavy crossbow..."

The changes have been truly significant

For these lumberjacks, the lord is undoubtedly a vampire who does nothing at all

The male servant standing nearby occasionally picked up a cup and wiped it clean with the white silk handkerchief in his hand

Mahim tested the air in the cellar with a candle

This year's early spring is too cold, and the animals have not yet awakened from hibernation, resulting in a natural decrease in prey," the gentleman explained

Because this lord is an unabashed hunting enthusiast, he spends most of his time each day engaged in this pastime

At this time, those who wielded crossbows had already loaded their arrows. These highly lethal weapons could easily kill any kind of animal, and even elephants were not spared in their presence

Upon hearing her remarks just now, the couple beside her, who had been quite affectionate, evidently became somewhat uncomfortable.

It seemed as if they had been infected, and other women also began to scream loudly

"Harrian, Harrian," the old man called out loudly to his servant

Nobles prefer to live in the suburbs, as it is convenient for hunting and the scenery is enchanting

Upon seeing Mahim, the lord could not help but be filled with rage. He shouted, "Did I not instruct you to guard the cellar door? Why have you come here? If you find that task too leisurely, I can assign you to be the bait or serve as the vanguard, leading the charge against that demon race"

After the gentlemen had admired their spoils, the servants placed the heron into a bag. The youngest boy, taking the opportunity, plucked a few remarkably elegant and beautiful feathers from the heron and began to play with them

Although no one can clearly see the specific appearance of that indigo creature from such a distance, everyone seems to deeply sense an impending sense of crisis.

As soon as there is any movement, the row of crossbow bolts poised below will inevitably rain down like a shower, but these sharp, steel, deadly arrows do not fall from the sky; rather, they originate from the ground

The scenes of hell are manifested in this world, where blood and the writhing bodies of suffering are everywhere. The demon race clearly still cannot distinguish between the steed and the knight.

For him, who possesses a long life, time has almost become meaningless

The larger hand, clad in thick leather gloves, led the hunting dog as it jumped between the rocks and trees

Count Hamor remained calm; he pulled his panicked wife close and, taking the already drawn crossbow from the middle-aged servant's hands, ran towards the villa with her.

Taking advantage of this opportunity, the uncle feigned comfort to Ximi Te, naturally glossing over the matter.

The luxury goods store makes this small town more glamorous than those medium-sized cities

On the steep mountain ridges, a raggedly dressed man stands alone between the peaks

At that time, he was merely a youth completely unaware of the affairs of the world, living a carefree life in a villa in the countryside of Aolmai

"Who is Lady Glencora?" asked the tall, slender noblewoman

Although the price of timber continues to rise, the number of merchants coming here to purchase wood is increasing. Every spring, this small town is always crowded, and the rent is even more exorbitant than in those central cities

The middle-aged man glanced around, then looked at the goat and said softly: "Sir, the ladies have small appetites, and you do not eat much either. Young Master Murphy's appetite can also be considered negligible. In my view, inviting two more pairs of guests would not be a problem. It is also not possible to serve only roasted goat in the evening; I will prepare two salads and some sausages as well. Even if you invite three pairs of guests, there will still be enough food provided."

The jagged peaks stand tall above the Aolmai Plain, while in the distance, a prosperous city is situated there. Outside the city, nine avenues crisscross and meander, disappearing into the horizon.

"Lingdi, how long do you plan to let Xiaoximi stay here? What are your plans for his future?" asked a slightly plump noblewoman.

Today luck is on our side, and with so many of us, we did not miss a single prey" the old man said cheerfully; when it came to discussing the hunting results, he completely forgot the fatigue he had just felt

The other half was a promise made to my mother, which occurred during the year following my father's passing. Subsequently, he moved in with my aunt.

"Everyone else is ready with their weapons, Count Diwen, this is your villa. Do you have enough arms to equip all of us?" the lord inquired

The servant stared blankly into the distance and mumbled, "Bald, well-developed muscles, sturdy limbs"

This is our little hero, a masterpiece by Ximite. Lingdi, you did not see how swift Ximite's reaction was; as soon as the hound let out a howl, Ximite located this bobcat. This agile little creature was then crouched on a tree, not knowing whether it had just woken up or was planning to attack the bird's nest in the tree

The lord's preferences have gradually made this place a renowned hunting sanctuary in Danmore

Perhaps the cold of early spring still affects it; this fellow, who caused us a false alarm, may have already frozen stiff

However, his aunt clearly did not think so. The gentle and delicate lady furrowed her brows and said anxiously, "Simit, how could you engage in such dangerous activities? This is a bobcat, a fierce and terrifying beast, and this type of animal holds grudges. Their attacks can be fatal. If you do not guarantee that you will not provoke those ferocious beasts again, I will not allow you to go hunting in the future."

The demon, covered in arrows, was still fiercely resisting, showing no signs of slowing down. All of this instilled a deep sense of fear in the people inside the villa

If we also consider the lumberjacks who come here every spring and summer in search of work, as well as the merchants purchasing timber, for nearly half the year, Oermai is hardly different from those small towns of modest scale

This esteemed aunt spoke these words to comfort his wife, aiming to calm her down and extinguish her anger

As Baron Diven returned downstairs with his weapons and equipment, distributing them to the servants, the sounds of hooves and wheels gradually echoed from outside the villa.

In the depths of the dense forest, sunlight penetrated the thick canopy, sparingly casting down a few rays of light

Suddenly, a sound of flapping wings echoed in the air

Apart from collecting taxes for His Majesty the King, the only discontenting order from this lord was the prohibition against the woodcutters hunting in the forest

Behind the archer, more servants stood ready with hunting forks and darts; however, they were merely putting on a show. In the event that the demon managed to break through the dense barrage of crossbows and enter the villa, these hunting forks and darts would be of no use whatsoever

"In the armory on the second floor, there are seven crossbows, three bows, approximately five or six short-handled hunting forks, over a dozen throwing darts, and a long spear for hunting buffalo," Count Diwen said, recounting the items as if they were family heirlooms

Among them, there are two individuals who are slightly older, while the others are in their prime. One of them is evidently a bit younger than the rest, and thus he carries the crossbow and arrows on his own

The demon tribe clearly did not anticipate that the humans they faced were aiming deadly crossbows at it

On a relatively high and seemingly spacious hill, there are exquisite wooden platforms placed, each surrounded by four or five chairs.

A small river meanders through the town, providing the town with refreshing drinking water

Those arrows may have been lodged in some branch, or perhaps guided by the dense foliage, deviating from their original course

Blood and brain matter gushed forth as the demon clan member collapsed to the ground in despair

The hunters waited patiently, the canopy above shrouded in darkness, rendering it impossible to see anything. No one dared to confirm whether the arrows that had just been shot had struck the unfortunate bird soaring through the dense forest.

"Our husband, when will he be able to return with the game? I certainly do not wish to start cooking the food at one o'clock in the afternoon." A delicate young woman looked up at the sky, clearly trying to estimate what time it was.

The old man said with joy, "Ximit has only fired one arrow, yet it accurately hit the bobcat; this is the greatest achievement of the day." Every wrinkle on his face was filled with delight.

Instinctively, the demon race did not wish for these arrows to strike their bodies. It began to evade, dodging the majority of the lethal crossbow bolts with a speed and agility beyond human imagination

Although the bodies of the demon race are unexpectedly strong and hard, with their skin even more solid and sturdy than that of hard wood, heavy crossbows can pierce through even rock

This time the harvest is indeed abundant, and those herons from the south have miscalculated the days of migration; they are destined to become the main dish on today's dining table

The plate of pudding clearly caters to the tastes of the gathered individuals, and thus it is nearly gone

"Not bad, not bad. You may invite the Count and Countess of Vincent, Viscount Leibel and his son or daughter, or both together; arrange the food in the largest portions, and if there are leftovers, they are on you," Count Hammo said with a smile.

Everyone's eyes were fixed intently on the dark, invisible canopy of the trees

I only hope that Ximite does not engage in those risky activities; his character is much like that of my unfortunate brother, who lost his life due to his excessive love for adventure. If Ximite's character were as cautious as his brother's, I would feel at ease. As soon as the topic of her deceased brother was mentioned, a hint of sorrow and melancholy added to the elegance of the lady's features.

Upon hearing the lord's stern words, the servant hastily selected a few helpers and quietly slipped out of the villa from the side at the back of the kitchen

Although Mahim was not the servant of Count Hamor, at this moment and in this place, he also forgot to consult his master's opinion. He led those noblewomen, who were clearly overwhelmed by this sudden turn of events, into the cellar

Moreover, today they also brought Murphy and Ximit, and taking care of the two of them will likely hinder their movements significantly said the elegant lady

At the forefront is an old man wearing a deer leather wide-brimmed hat, dressed in a brown hunting outfit, and leaning on a cane.

He seems to have gone upstairs; I saw him go up the stairs," a servant said

Arrows were swiftly loaded into the crossbow, and inside the villa, there was a profound silence. The only sounds that could be heard were the heartbeat and the creaking of the bowstring being drawn tight

Among the crowd, the most conspicuous were two young boys, one about fourteen or fifteen years old, and the other no more than eleven.

Therefore, like all the buildings in Almay, these villas are all constructed of wood

The sponge cake seems to have not been disturbed at all, remaining neatly stacked in place.

After much discussion and persuasion, the anxious lady was finally convinced to enter the cellar, and the heavy oak door was shut with a thud

Occupy advantageous positions, with two individuals standing in front of the windows on both sides, ensuring that the demon has no blind spots to evade. Do not panic, and do not shoot the crossbow bolts indiscriminately. Follow my orders, and only shoot when the demon approaches.

"Janie, you seem to know these matters very well," said the elegant lady.

These villas are in no way inferior to any other villa in Danmore

No one knows where this crossbow bolt came from or who shot it

When those knights realized they were too close to the frenzied demon clan, death had already descended upon them

The nobles were all dressed in hunting attire, and the elderly, due to perspiration, wore hunting outfits made of thick cotton fabric

Timber is the largest trade in Aolmai. Every year during the spring and summer seasons, many merchants come here to purchase large quantities of timber, as the presence of this small river makes the transportation of wood both convenient and inexpensive

In his memory, this place was originally just an ordinary town, but it has now transformed into a bustling metropolis

The elder had not finished speaking when he was interrupted by the middle-aged servant standing beside him

When the arrow pierced the chest of the demon, it let out a deafening wail, a mournful cry that made everyone realize that demons are indeed creatures capable of feeling pain

Now everyone can clearly see the swaying and trembling branches, beneath which are seasoned hunters guarding the area. From the flickering and indistinct shadows, they can be certain that it is a gray heron that has just returned from the south

The arrow shot towards the unfortunate gray heron

This work is quite dangerous, as there may be ferocious leopards hidden in the trees, water snakes in the water, and caves are the most perilous places, where anything can be found—things that no one wishes to encounter, such as groups of venomous snakes, badgers, and bears

Ximi Te's heartfelt apology softened his aunt's heart, while the onlookers found the situation quite amusing; naturally, no one wished to expose the true nature of young Ximi Te.

"Harien, you must immediately go to the city to gather the knight guards and the library team, and be quick about it." The old man thought for a moment and added, "You can ride my horse to get there."

Everyone has encountered such a situation, waiting under a tree for a full half hour without noticing any movement. At that time, they could only leave here helplessly and seek the next target

The camp transformed into a village, ultimately becoming a small town with a population of three to four thousand people

The other servants also came to their senses one by one, and they hurried to prepare the weapons that their master usually used

On the picturesque rolling hills in the outskirts of Aolmai, there stand several villas.

There have never been any bandits around Aolmai, and the town is filled with strong and robust men who are not afraid of wild beasts' attacks; they do not need any lord to protect them

"To be able to seize a vast inheritance from her husband's family, this marchioness must be an exceptionally astute individual. She should be well aware of how to protect her wealth while enjoying a fulfilling life. A husband who can be completely controlled is indeed the most suitable choice," said the elegant lady.

After the first crossbow bolt was shot, it was immediately reloaded to prepare for the launch of the second bolt

"Will we become targets of the demon clan's attacks?" a lady asked with concern

Aolmai gradually flourished

The ones manipulating these crossbows, apart from the experienced noble hunters, are a few servants who usually accompany the gentlemen on their hunting expeditions.

In the early spring of the year 623, the weather was particularly cold, and people were still reluctant to take off their thick fur coats

As the demon clan rapidly approached, Count Hamor felt a tickling sensation in his throat, as if even breathing had become difficult for him

The Olmecs have considerable grievances regarding His Majesty the King's decree

Have there been any discoveries? a gentleman inquired

Mit shrugged his shoulders, knowing that Count Hamober was treating him like a child to amuse himself

Since it is necessary to sustain thousands of people, there must naturally be large tracts of farmland surrounding Aolmai

I wish I could become a Templar Knight," said Symmet with great longing

However, that piece of farmland does not belong to the lumberjacks of Aolmai

Dear Aunt, I assure you that I will absolutely no longer take risks and will not cause you any more worry. Ximitte was very clear about what he should say now; he had long since ceased to take such assurances to heart, and he had lost count of how many times he had made such promises.

The servants had already brought a long white table from the villa

The middle-aged servant, trembling with fear, cautiously lifted the heavy crossbow, carefully opened the door, and swiftly darted outside.

Certainly, the nobles could not reside in the town like the lumberjacks. Although there were originally two quite luxurious noble mansions in the town, they had never been inhabited.

In addition to the old man, there were six other individuals among those behind him, all of whom were evidently of equally noble status.

An arrow, as thick as a thumb, pierced through the left ear of that demon and emerged from the right side of the skull

That demon transformed into a death god from hell, pulling the knights down from their horses

"Should I go find him?" asked Count Difen.

No one would like bobcat meat; it can simply be skinned off.

He then cautiously invited those ladies to enter

To this day, Ximit remains vividly aware of everything that transpired on the day that changed his fate

Oh, damn it, causing us trouble at this time. After this is over, he should be reprimanded for this incident. Sometimes, children indeed cannot be overly indulged, the old man murmured to himself

This person appears to be merely a sixteen or seventeen-year-old youth, yet his gaze seems so aged, reflecting an indifference towards everything.

From the window, a series of cold, menacing arrows are aimed at the outside

"Alright, alright, do not be sad anymore. Ximite will be a well-behaved child; he will not engage in those risky activities." As a husband, Count Boro continuously comforted his wife, while he kept signaling to Ximite.

Among all the servants, only he carries nothing on him. However, after the masters shoot, he must quickly climb the big tree or jump into the river, and sometimes even crawl into a cave to drag out the dead prey

The smaller one was held in the arms of a servant

Upon hearing Ximite's response, the sorrowful wife felt somewhat relieved; she did not wish to dampen the mood or disrupt the atmosphere of this gathering

This is difficult to say; once these men become engrossed in such matters, they are likely to have long forgotten the passage of time, remarked a slightly older petite lady beside her

The elder glanced around and said, "That must have been hit by the small system's Mitter, you are truly remarkable, Mitter."

The second wave of shooting followed closely, with light crossbow bolts being launched almost continuously, while heavy crossbow bolts had already become the main force of the attack. Each launch added new scars to that demon race.

The early spring of the year 623 was a day that would forever remain unforgettable for the system.

The arrival of the carriage signified that they could successfully escape. Just as everyone felt a slight sense of relief, the demon clan suddenly began to take action

The lumberjacks were quite skeptical about whether His Majesty the King sent this fellow to Olmai because of his fondness for hunting

Seeing his wife in anger, the uncle naturally had to chime in, "Indeed, Symit, behind every paladin, there are always numerous sacrifices. They are the unfortunate ones who were not chosen by the divine, and the chance of becoming a paladin is at most one in three. I have personally witnessed the selection ceremony for paladins.

The vast forest has now been almost completely felled, and the fertile land has been transformed into farmland

"By the way, when will the husbands be able to bring back the game? I'm feeling a bit hungry," the tall, slender lady shifted the topic back to the original subject.

The demon clearly realized that it could not break into the villa, and it turned back to flee into the forest, leaving a long trail of blood behind it

However, it remains exceedingly difficult to find such places within the dimly lit forest. Fortunately, these hunters are accompanied by hunting dogs that guide their passage.

Following him was evidently his servant, a sturdy middle-aged man who not only carried his master's bow, crossbow, and arrows, but also two large silver water flasks.

"Lingdi, do not worry, nothing will happen. With Count Hanmo here, he is the bravest and wisest person in this place. Moreover, it seems to me that they are very fortunate today, as the Father God has sent messengers to accompany them, protecting them at all times. Otherwise, when they were in the forest, they would have encountered that demon clan, and at that time, they would have been completely unprepared, certainly with no way out," advised the slender noblewoman.

"Alas, this is truly outrageous; they even took little Murphy along. I do not wish for my brother to become someone who wanders aimlessly in the forest all day. He is supposed to attend the church school there run by Gurilkov, and in the future, he is to inherit our father's title. He cannot afford to be so idle," the delicate young woman lamented.

On the central table, there are five silver trays, each adorned with an array of exquisite pastries in various colors

Clearly, those carriages led this dangerous creature to believe that the people in the villa wanted to escape

A very plump heron, this is quite a delicacy in the wild

From the actions of the demon clan, it appears that the demon has emerged in the mountainous region surrounding Aolmai. It seems to have just awakened from its slumber and is not yet accustomed to the surrounding environment. We are too far from it; it would not risk coming here and facing the danger of freezing.

The ladies linked arms with their husbands and returned to the hillside

The vast fields, lush and green, are sprouting tender shoots, while neatly planted roadside trees line both sides of the road. Further away, between the undulating hills, glimpses of red tiles and blue bricks can be seen, revealing exquisite small villas.

I hope so. The lord clearly does not have much confidence in this.

As logs were continuously transported from that small river to various places, an increasing number of people migrated here. Some came alone, carrying only an axe, while others brought their wives, children, and the entire family moved here.

On the edge of the distant woods, there stands a terrifying creature of indigo hue, upright on two legs, gazing in this direction

The first arrow needs to be shot quickly, but the second arrow must be aimed carefully. This is the experience gained from years of hunting with * maps *.

A young man is softly laughing and joking with a woman who is evidently older than him

Blood sprayed all over the ground from the wound

It is now early spring, and the weather is quite cold. The blood temperature of those demonic beings is much lower than that of humans. These relatively cold-blooded creatures do not favor the cold season, which greatly restricts their movements

Such examples are rare. Apart from a few recorded instances of large-scale invasions by the demon race in ancient literature, generally speaking, demons tend to resurrect as individual entities. These terrifying creatures bear some resemblance to frogs and snakes; when the temperature becomes cold, they enter hibernation. However, compared to snakes, their hibernation lasts much longer, often measured in centuries.

"How can Murphy be compared to Smith? Smith is the youngest son; he does not have to bear any family responsibilities. Attending a church school is at most for the purpose of gaining some knowledge, so that he can find a decent official position in the future, or perhaps become a private secretary to some marquis or duke. If he can establish a connection with the church, he might even become a high-ranking clergyman, which would indeed be a bright future." The delicate young woman argued somewhat discontentedly.

"Demon race? I have never seen a demon with my own eyes, but the books record that demons are entirely indigo in color, adorned with peculiar circular patterns..."

The somewhat submissive husband immediately softened, clearly recalling that being timid does not equate to being without danger, a reality he had often experienced firsthand

Although Mahim secretly complained in his heart, he could only advise the lady to enter the cellar, "Countess Borobor, please enter the cellar and wait at ease; I will immediately fetch Master Ximit.

Just as the demon clan was about to approach the edge of the forest, suddenly, more than thirty mounts burst forth from the forest

It is precisely for this reason that Ximit has long been well-versed in all effective methods of apology, whether it be feigning pity, making false vows, seeking sympathy, expressing remorse, or even pretending to be confused; for him, these have long since become second nature, executed with ease.

"Count Hamor, I have heard that in recent days, traces of the demon clan have been discovered in Olmai, is that correct?" Tupo inquired.

In addition to these delicious animals, there is another animal that, although it is worth much more, few people intend to eat.

Forget it, I don't have time to deal with this kid anymore, anyway, the upstairs is relatively safe

crossbows, arrows, walking sticks, water bottles, umbrellas, blankets, and even folding stools

The distance from the master must be neither too far nor too close, so as not to hinder the master's movements, while also being prepared to assist the master in case of a fall, allowing one to step forward and support the master's body.

The injured demon clearly realized that it could not escape, and it charged at the knights as if it had gone mad

The successful ceremony resulted in the emergence of a new sanctuary only after the sacrifice of two outstanding youths, while the failed ceremony left behind six corpses. Moreover, the bloodline of the sanctuary knights is passed down through generations; the wives of sanctuary knights can only be the daughters of sanctuary knights, and the sanctuary knights themselves can only be the sons of sanctuary knights. There has never been any report of a sanctuary knight arising from a non-sanctuary knight lineage, nor has there ever been any mention of the existence of female sanctuary knights.

That piece of farmland belongs to the lord

Although its claws could not penetrate the hard armor, the demon clan quickly discovered that tearing off the head and limbs could also be fatal

The slender servant, who had already tidied up, quickly climbed the tall tree; he was a servant specifically tasked with such dangerous work

This time, they can undoubtedly be said to have returned fully loaded, as the game bags of the two servants were stuffed to the brim

That is precisely the heavily armored knight that Harrian summoned from the town

In the dense forest, there are no true roads; those areas that are slightly flatter and passable for pedestrians naturally become the paths of nature

Count Hamor was evidently in high spirits; he pointed at each piece of game and joyfully recounted the scenes from the recent hunt

"Ximit is an exceptionally outstanding hunter," said the slender lady

The servants who had just been attending to the ladies began to light the charcoal, preparing wooden basins and clean water

In this dim forest, the eyes of the hunting dogs radiate waves of emerald light

The countess stared blankly at her husband, her expression resembling that of a heart-wrenching farewell.

Only then did the middle-aged man run swiftly from a distance

The clean cups are neatly arranged there, waiting for people to use them

The hunters, laden with their spoils, and their wives sat down in pairs on either side of the long table

A rather wealthy widow, whose late husband was the chairman of the council, the renowned Marquis of Riobella. After the marquis's death, his family sought to persuade the marquise to relinquish her claim to the marquisate. It was tacitly acknowledged that the marquise retained ownership of all the private assets that belonged to the marquis during his lifetime. It is well known that this nobleman was an astute economist and an exceptionally fortunate investor, with private wealth that even captured the attention of His Majesty the King.

Everyone felt that this servant was somewhat inexplicable. The lord was just about to erupt in anger, but when he followed the servant's gaze into the distance, the reprimand that was on the tip of his tongue was immediately swallowed back.

Although this demon clan knows of the terrifying nature of humans from ancient memories, having never personally experienced the power of humans, it finds it difficult to imagine what challenges these weak-limbed, slow-moving, and sluggish creatures could possibly present.

An increasing number of nobles have built villas here

That was a hundred years ago

Is the secret meeting still going on outside? Count Borobor leaned closer to the window to observe carefully

However, judging from the actions of those humans entering the wooden structure, they do not appear to be particularly powerful individuals

The young man and the two boys were all dressed in sharp and stylish leather hunting attire

The high-quality reddish-brown cedar wood forms the framework of the villa; these exceptionally hard materials will undoubtedly withstand several centuries of use without any issues

Although there are numerous mountains surrounding Aolmai, the rocks that form the rugged and steep peaks are not suitable materials for construction

The elegant noblewoman tugged at the somewhat impetuous and delicate young woman.

The finest quality rosewood serves as the primary material for the window railings and is also the chosen raw material for indoor furniture, while the flooring is made of teak

"Templar? Is it a warrior of skill or a warrior of strength?" Ximi Te asked excitedly. Although he was already very familiar with Templars from legends and novels, he could even recite the names and titles of all the famous Templars since the establishment of the Danmore Dynasty.

The ladies stood up to welcome their husbands' return

The light is dim in the dense forest, and the path is rugged and uneven, with tree roots and large rocks protruding from the ground everywhere

While waiting for the arrival of the wild game barbecue, those people gathered together to chat

"Alright, alright, let your brother enjoy a good spring and summer before going to the church school. I have heard that the monks at those church schools can be quite strict, and little Murphy's days ahead are bound to be rather dull." Another equally delicate-looking woman advised.

However, this time, they need not be in such a hurry.

However, as long as a single demon clan member awakens, it will be an unprecedented disaster for the nearby humans. Apart from the paladins and mages, no one can contend with these inhuman and dangerous creatures said the lord

With the arrival of numerous merchants, this place has become even more prosperous

Seeing the cowardly appearance of the servant, the old man suddenly turned the crossbow and pointed it at the servant's chest

The servant's legs went weak, and he collapsed to the ground

This statement immediately caused his aunt to jump up from her chair, her brow furrowed as she glared at Ximi Te, "You swore that you would no longer engage in any risky activities; have you forgotten what you just said so quickly?"

On the table, there are also two silver jugs with a capacity of approximately one pint, containing rich fresh milk and fragrant wine

It grasped the arrows with its strong and powerful hands, and deflected other terrifying arrows. When evasion was impossible, the demon used its own arms and legs as shields to block them

The cellar is at the end of the kitchen, filled with salted meat and sausages, thus the smell is truly unpleasant; however, there is nothing else to worry about now

Several warhorses had their limbs broken, and like their masters, they writhed on the ground in agony.

"Lady Glennis, oh, the Earl of Tattenis has indeed considered his younger brother quite thoughtfully," said the elegant noblewoman, nodding.

The crossbow and arrows, as well as the staff, must be held in hand for the gentlemen's convenience at any time.

There are about ten people traversing through the forest

When the sun rose to its zenith and began to descend slightly towards the west, the hunters finally emerged from the dense forest

Apart from the multitude of birds and beasts across the mountains, it is hard to imagine what could captivate those nobles

The candle burns vigorously, indicating that there is sufficient air in the cellar

Indeed, besides Little Murphy, there is also a Little Symmet, who is only fourteen years old and is not much older than Murphy," said the slender, tall lady sitting on the other side.

I do not know, the prey is becoming increasingly scarce. Last week, the lord did not even catch a single hare." said Jenny

As for those solitary individuals, they can only sit awkwardly at the end.

This informal gathering does not arrange seating according to rank or title

Dear, why must it be this way? Simit is quite an excellent hunter; he can handle a bobcat, and this animal is not as fierce as you might imagine. In fact, they are even more timid than cats," Simit's uncle advised from the side

The people who migrated here have left this place in the end, but more have settled here

Prior to this, it had also cautiously tested the strength of this race. Those humans, who were relatively robust and could fell large trees in the forest, indeed possessed a certain degree of lethality. However, their movements were simply too slow to be compared with its own.

As a competent servant, all of this must be taken into consideration

Since the age of four, when I began to understand things, Simit has lost count of how many troubles he has caused. In the past, with his father protecting him, he was always able to receive forgiveness. However, ever since his father perished during an adventurous journey, both his mother and aunt have imposed numerous restrictions on his behavior, fearing that he might follow in his father's footsteps

When she saw little Murphy follow his sister into the cellar, Lingdi suddenly remembered that Simit had not been by her side all along

Standing here, gazing into the distance, Ximit seems to have returned to that distant era

Little Murphy has a younger brother still in swaddling clothes. It would indeed be a wonderful thing if he could also find a wealthy widow for him. However, finding a widow as rich and wise as Lady Glins is not an easy task

Just as Count Difen was leading several servants upstairs, Mahim hurriedly ran over from behind

The demon, with five or six arrows embedded in its body and completely piercing its flesh, was still able to move swiftly and nimbly, which not only shocked everyone but also heightened the fear in their hearts

The lumberjacks found some comfort in the fact that Count Hanmore was relatively kind and reasonable compared to the other nobles of Danmore

In addition to himself, Lord Rovel also used a heavy crossbow, and it is highly likely that he was the one who shot this heron

Do not think of escaping, otherwise, I will certainly issue a warrant for your arrest and bring you to justice, and then you will be punished for your act of betrayal on the stake, which is specifically designed for people like you

Having accompanied the master on hunts for so long, those servants have long since become accustomed to the methods of carrying these items

I do not know about this; it is a message conveyed by the "Messengers of Light" from the church. However, since we are dealing with the elusive demon race, it should be a warrior of great personal attack power.

These heavily armored knights are clad in thick, shining armor, and even their warhorses are wrapped in padded cloaks adorned with metal plates.

My lord, please do not be angry

The trees along the stretch of hills to the west of the small town were completely cleared in the early part of the first century. After the roots were excavated, that piece of land became the most fertile farmland

Otherwise, no noble would be willing to come to this remote and impoverished area to serve as the lord of a small town. The annual produce here is just enough to sustain the local population, and the tax revenue that can be collected is extremely limited

Everyone patiently stood guard there, even the boy who wanted to be held in someone's arms was aiming with a light, soft crossbow, looking up at the treetops.

Dear Madam, it seems I have misjudged; the early spring temperatures are insufficient to restrain the actions of the demon clan. You should take the ladies down to the cellar." Count Hamor instructed his wife, and after speaking, he gave her a heavy kiss on the cheek

What do demons look like? Have you seen them, my lord?" Little Murphy asked in his still somewhat childish voice

The idea is indeed well thought out: a wealthy widow who holds considerable influence in the elders' council. The Earl of Tattenis is quite the strategist; however, how can he be certain that the wealthy widow would take an interest in young Mr. Smith?" asked the petite lady.

The fatal crossbow bolts pierced its chest multiple times

Dear Millie, since the Marchioness of Glens has lived with such a distinguished economist for such a long time, she has naturally learned some business acumen. Rather than investing everything in a rather risky industry, it would be better to start from scratch and manage an industry that she can fully control.

Inside the villa, Count Hammur was like a true commander, instructing the invited guests and their servants to prepare for defense

That lady is also an outstanding economist. She exchanged a marquisate, which holds little value for her, for the vast fortune under her ex-husband's name, and used this wealth to please the court, thereby earning the title of Marchioness. She lost nothing and became renowned throughout the upper social circles. The only gentleman beside her interjected, clearly having conducted thorough research on this lady.

The Order fundamentally rejects any ordinary person attempting to become a Knight of the Order. Every year, there are numerous individuals who approach them seeking to become Knights, but all of them are met with rejection

My lord, do you think there will be more than one demon race in Aolmai?" a gentleman inquired

The hunters continued to advance, as a small heron could not satisfy their enthusiasm

One of the guaranteed subjects is the aunt, who even forbids herself from climbing trees

To provide protection from rain and sun, more than a dozen wooden stakes, each over 3 meters high, stand around, supporting an exceptionally large oilcloth.

The servant held four large hunting dogs in his hand, their fur a tawny brown with a long black stripe along their backs

Hotels and restaurants gradually began to appear in this desolate land, and their numbers continued to increase

The water bottle can only be hung on either side of the body; if it has been moved to the back, it is best to move it back when the master is not looking

Broken branches and leaves drifted down from the sky, among them even a stout branch as thick as an arm, laden with a full array of leaves, hung down.

Although there was a desperate offensive, the sense of fear in people's hearts continued to grow

Since his arrival, the price of timber has risen significantly, as this lord does not permit people to sell timber at low prices. At times, he even spends his own money to purchase all the timber.

White birch wood is the primary material for walls and partitions, not only because of its fresh color but also due to its durability against wind and rain, as well as its resistance to discoloration

An outstanding servant must possess additional skills; if he can become an indispensable assistant to his master during hunting, then he can be considered to have achieved great success

Mit has even forgotten what this place looked like the last time he was here

The middle-aged servant was the calmest among all the servants, holding a heavy crossbow that his master usually did not use. The arrows, as thick as a thumb and with tips covered in barbs and hooks, had already been securely fastened in the bow's groove

Mahim said with great trepidation: "I did not intend to disobey your orders, it is just—just that Master Mit is missing"