So this is Prince Aide. I must report back to my comrades at once—and later, crush the prince of Sradon Kingdom right here.

The Demonkin concealed behind a nearby tree had been crouching in wait for ages. This assassination mission came straight from Bailie of the Three Demon Generals, aimed at sabotaging potential cooperation between human nations to boost the Demonkin’s chances of conquest.

He then slowly retreated deeper into the forest.

Perfect!

I felt a surge of relief sensing his departure—I knew exactly where he was headed.

“What are you even saying, Master? Your words just now were so weird… claiming I was Father in disguise or something?” Aifei asked, utterly bewildered.

“Just treat my words as nonsense. But pick up the pace—run ahead.”

“Um… okay. Aren’t we… supposed to find some cover here… for… you know…?” Aifei murmured timidly, face flushed crimson, fingers fidgeting and pressed together.

“No need. No one’s here. Sigh… We’ll drill that skill later. Your perception really needs work.”

Perception? What is he talking about??

Wasn’t he talking about finding cover for… *that*? Since when does finding cover require perception?

“Mm. Understood,” Aifei replied calmly despite her swirling confusion, and pressed on through the woods.

“I’ll watch over you from above.”

With that, I spread my crimson wings, soared directly above her, and matched her speed.

Forty Demonkin lay in ambush: over ten radiated power rivaling high-tier mages or warriors; the rest were mid-tier.

If the king of Sradon Kingdom saw this lineup, he’d be stunned—it rivaled his elite guard.

Yet to me, this “formidable” force was trash. In my era, even a common civilian surpassed them.

Pathetically weak. My shoeshine boy back home’s stronger. Hell, my pet cricket could wipe them out effortlessly.

Aifei—if you win, fine. Lose? Just wait till I get my hands on you!!

A chill of foreboding crept up my spine. This forest felt… wrong.

As Aifei ran, unease tightened with every step.

The woods were unnaturally silent. Before, low-level magical creatures swarmed from all sides. Now? Not a single trace.

Clear sign: outsiders had camped here long enough to drive the creatures away.

Her playful fantasies shattered. Aifei’s expression turned sharp—she finally understood her master’s warnings.

*They’re here. And there are many.*

*I must clear them out.*

Her hand settled firmly on her sword hilt. Golden magic swirled fiercely around her—a knight ready for battle.

“They’re here! Execute the plan—attack together!”

The moment Aifei reached the marked spot, ambushers erupted from hiding, spells flashing.

Earth Magic — Earth Shatter

Earth Magic — Ground Collapse

…

Every earth mage triggered collapse spells. The ground vanished beneath her feet.

Thud!

Aifei jammed her sword into the pit wall. After a sharp scrape, she barely stabilized herself.

As a knight, she lacked flight magic—her greatest vulnerability.

Skyfire Rain

Ice Spear

Thunderball

Mages above unleashed barrages, aiming to bury her deep. Warriors stood guard at the rim, blocking any escape.