Not far in the woods, a burly figure lay prone on the grass, silently watching Verlith’s camp.

He’d been hiding here so long his legs went numb. Uncomfortably, he shifted positions, trying to loosen stiff limbs. He strained not to make a sound—but failed.

His clumsy movements rustled the grass. Luckily, the mercenaries’ night patrols were lax without alarm devices. Only two Mercenaries patrolled; others had retired. No one spotted the scout.

His full attention fixed on the central tent.

On this pitch-black night, all surrounding tents were dark. Only that one glowed, light piercing its curtain.

He waited for the lamp to go out.

Verlith and Alyssa chatted long. Alyssa began yawning. Verlith bid her goodnight and headed to her own tent.

“Finally, my chance!” The scout chuckled lowly as Verlith stepped out.

The night air was chilly. Verlith passed a patrolling Mercenary. After walking a short way, she reached her tent.

Suddenly, Verlith’s ears perked up!

Footsteps behind her!

A gust lifted her curtain.

Verlith ducked, twisted, and dodged the grabbing hand. She dashed forward three steps, then spun to face the intruder.

Moonlight through the curtain barely revealed a man’s face.

“Who are you?” Verlith frowned, demanding.

“Little beauty, don’t you remember me?” the man asked, astonished. “I’m Lal! I’ll be the only man in your life!”

“Absurd. I recall no one named Lal,” Verlith said coldly.

“How could you forget me so fast!” Lal sounded deeply wronged. “No! You must remember me! Come with me now!”

He lunged for her hand. Verlith nimbly dodged the unthreatening grab.

“Wait!” Verlith raised a palm to stop him. Fighting here might alert the Mercenaries—too troublesome.

“You have no choice!” Lal paused, then growled a threat. “Come quietly, or I’ll kill the others and take you by force! Only two options!”

“Pfft!” Verlith brushed her long hair, amused. “Let’s skip whether you can kill all Mercenaries. A good maid won’t disturb her master’s rest. Since you insist, I’ll go.”

“In this situation, you ponder weird questions?” Lal snarled. “But you’re being sensible—that’s fine!” He grew excited.

“Lead the way. Don’t disturb anyone,” Verlith murmured, flicking her hair.

Lal happily exited the tent. Verlith followed, walking out of camp unchallenged.

Mercenaries near Alyssa’s tent lay face-down, knocked out by Lal.

“Useless,” Verlith muttered, pursing her lips.

They entered the pitch-black woods. Lal turned, flashing a cold smile.

“No tricks, my beauty. Running won’t work.”

“I never planned to run,” Verlith said, eyes narrowed.

“Good! Serve me well, and I’ll reward you! Whatever you want, I’ll get it!” Lal declared confidently.

Verlith’s gaze turned icy. “I won’t run—but I won’t obey you either.”

“What?” Lal looked stunned. Seconds later, he burst into laughter. “I get it! You think your fists can beat me? Naive! Give up—that’s impossible!” He recalled the Rest Station beating but still underestimated her.

“Confident?” Verlith flexed her wrists, glancing sideways.

“I’m not the man from the Rest Station!” Lal roared.

“Oh? Are you Lal’s brother? Twins might explain the resemblance,” Verlith teased.

“That’s not it!” Lal’s face flushed, jaw twitching.

“Aha, then who are you? Why get surgery for this ugly face? Your taste baffles me,” the Silverhaired Maiden drawled, leaning lazily against a tree, sarcasm thick.

“Enough nonsense!” Lal snapped. “This handsome face is heaven’s gift! Not surgery! Listen, girl—I’m no ordinary mortal now! I—”

“Annoying!” Verlith moved instantly.

Before Lal reacted—

Thud!

Her fist slammed into his face.

“Tch. Buzzing like a fly,” Verlith said leisurely, blowing on her knuckles without glancing at Lal, who flew backward like a cannonball.

Boom!

Lal’s body crashed into a tree. The fragile trunk groaned, holding for seconds—

Snap! It broke.

Verlith held nothing back. Even if Lal survived, he’d be immobile for months. She brushed dust off her clothes, waving away falling leaves. Calmly, she waved toward his crumpled form.

“If I spared you, learn restraint. Never pull such stupidity again. Next time, luck won’t save you.”

“Ugh… ah…” Faint groans rose from the broken tree.

“Lucky fool,” Verlith sneered, turning to leave.

Suddenly, terrifying power erupted from Lal’s spot!

Verlith sensed energy acutely. Instantly, she spun around, watching silently.

Power surged like ocean waves, rippling outward.

Rustle rustle rustle…

A gale whipped the calm woods, bending branches violently.