On the other side, King Garp led his royal guards out of Aetron County. Morale was low. No one understood why their lord had been so weak before Jeep.

But Garp offered no explanation. He simply pressed on, head down.

Suddenly, a massive roar echoed ahead, kicking up clouds of dust.

Everyone snapped to alert. Moments later, the source came into view.

It was a huge army, radiating bloodthirsty intent. Even recognizing them as Danga’s troops, they showed no respect.

This mixed force of infantry, cavalry, and wagons—over ten thousand strong—surrounded them completely.

A general beside Garp growled, “Which unit dares disrespect us like this? Do you know who commands this army?!”

“We know. Just a traitor who sold out his nation. Hearing we were coming, he handed over his land without a fight.”

A rough voice boomed out. Its owner was a general riding a swift dragon.

“General Johnny?! How dare you disrespect His Majesty like this?!”

Johnny cursed loudly, “Edward, I no longer recognize that worthless king! My lord now is Queen Daisy!”

“Queen Daisy?! You’ve betrayed His Majesty!”

“Only a dog would serve a king who kowtows to others. Edward, you’re a real man—get away from that coward before it’s too late.”

“Insolence!”

Edward drew his spear to charge, but Garp blocked him.

Garp asked calmly, “Where’s Daisy? Knowing her, she should be here by now.”

Johnny pointed his blade at Garp. “You, Danga’s criminal, don’t deserve to see the Queen!”

Garp remained expressionless, icy cold. “Whether I deserve it isn’t for you to decide.”

“You—!”

Before Johnny could retort, a voice cut through from behind him.

“General Johnny, you’ve done well. Leave the rest to me.”

Soldiers parted smoothly, clearing a wide path.

A strikingly handsome woman rode a swift dragon forward slowly. Beside her stood a loyal female knight.

It was Daisy and Mika.

Johnny stepped back respectfully—a stark contrast to his earlier arrogance.

Seeing Garp, Daisy’s heart churned violently. She barely suppressed her rage and confusion, then asked steadily, “Uncle Garp. Long time no see.”

Garp gazed at his niece, deeply moved. She’d shed her old weakness and naivety. Now, she truly deserved to be queen.

“Long time no see. You must have many questions.”

Daisy replied coldly, “So many, I don’t know where to start.”

Garp dismounted his swift dragon. He stripped off his armor, handing his sword and dagger to Edward. Ignoring Edward’s protests, he walked to the center between the armies. “Come. I’ll answer them.”

Daisy dismounted to approach, but Johnny blocked her, eyeing Garp warily. “My liege, beware—he might be tricking us.”

Daisy hesitated, glancing at Garp. Last time, she’d been controlled under unclear circumstances.

Mika noticed her doubt and patted her chest. “I’ll go with you.”

Daisy frowned at Mika, puzzled by her confidence.

Mika pulled out a scroll. “Alicia gave this for protection. Even Larry couldn’t break it quickly—it blocks physical, Yuan Technique, and mental attacks in three layers.”

“How do we use it? What if we get controlled...”

“Just crush it.”

Mika shattered the scroll. Golden light enveloped them both.

Daisy winced, watching the scroll turn to glittering dust. This could’ve blocked an S-Rank Adventurer’s strike! What a waste—this silly girl was so reckless.

Still, it eased her mind. She strode straight to Garp.

Though the scroll’s protection made Daisy safe, Mika followed anyway.

“Speak, Uncle Garp,” Daisy demanded, no pleasantries. “Why did you control me to kill my parents?!”

Garp sighed. “So that’s what you wanted most. Simple—he was a good man. But he was also a king.”

...

“Bad news—he’s channeling earth veins to attack my Barrier!”

Marjory’s goal was obvious. Any Yuan Technique user could sense the earth’s pulse.

“Stop him, Larry!”

“But in your current state...”

“I’m still no match for these small fries.”

Alicia urged, “Go! Now!”

“I’ll be back soon,” Larry said hastily. He spun and shot off like thunder from clear skies.

Though not a Yuan Technique user, Larry spotted Marjory easily—the disturbance blazed like a spotlight in the dark.

He charged straight toward it. Converted Soulspirit Race members crossed his path. He showed no mercy, slaughtering them like a reaper from hell, harvesting lives without pause.

Meanwhile, Soulspirit Race forces attacked Alicia after Larry left.

Alicia smirked coldly. She summoned Mitchell. With a light tap in the air, black flames erupted like a dragon, engulfing nearby Soulspirits.

Merely touching the flames tortured them as if flayed alive. They writhed on the ground in agony.

Soulspirits drew power from their minds. Their attacks were mental. Even wounded, they could heal instantly if their spirit remained strong.

But that was also their weakness. Alicia’s Yuan Technique restored spirit—but through Mitchell, it burned spirit instead.

To Soulspirits, it felt like endless branding.

Under Alicia’s control, the black fire coiled like a giant serpent, swallowing Soulspirits whole. Those consumed dissolved slowly into pus.

This wasn’t a summoned beast. Soulspirits were made of spirit—that’s why they twisted hosts’ bodies so drastically.

Alicia’s flames burned their spirit to nothing. Without it, their bodies couldn’t hold.

“Hah~”

Alicia exhaled as enemies vanished. But before she finished, more swarmed in.

Endless nuisance.

She grumbled inwardly. Normally, she’d fear any number. But now, she maintained a Barrier over all Aetron County. Using Mitchell drained her too.

This drain was wearing her down.

Her wand hand trembled. Her body felt heavier by the second.

Mitchell couldn’t stay silent. “Hardworking Miss! Drop that draining Barrier—you can’t hold on much longer.”

“Shut up! I know my own limits.”