“What does the captain mean by that?”
Roland kept his expression perfectly natural, though he let a hint of confusion show.
“We truly only saw Elves, and our last mission was simply to hunt the Spirit Mother.”
“Hmm, we’re well aware of that. We’ve also done a quick check on you and Sasha—you’ve lived in the empire for years with no suspicious activity. Don’t worry, I’m not doubting you.”
Both Jamie and Roland understood the unspoken tension, but Jamie was the one who finally broke it.
“You know, Roland, this large-scale sweep of the Black Forest? It all started with the Black River Train incident.”
He sighed inwardly, glancing at the resting soldiers around them.
“We should’ve been loafing around, yet a group of Elves crossing the border has us jumping at shadows.”
“The fact they got in is the kingdom’s own failure.”
“Ahaha, bold words! But I agree. They slashed border defense funds back then. Now the scandal’s out, and they expect us to clean up the mess.”
Jamie grumbled.
“Truth is, this sweep serves two purposes: calm public nerves by showing action, and investigate whether Elves slipped in through the Black Forest—which is why we’re stuck combing this godforsaken place.”
“If I recall, a Lord-class monster lurks deep in the Black Forest. Can you handle it?”
“No need to worry. If things go south, I’ll be the first to run—alone.”
Jamie didn’t radiate military discipline at all. Honestly, he felt cut from the same cloth as a mercenary.
“So… Captain Jamie, why tell *me* all this? Even details about Black River’s higher-ups? You could’ve talked to Tina. Why seek me out?”
“Nothing much. Just wanted to ask a few questions. After all… you’re my junior martial brother.”
“…”
Roland’s solemn face froze in surprise.
“Eh? Martial brother?”
“Didn’t you notice? I showed a move when I saved you earlier.”
Jamie shrugged helplessly.
“Lunar God Style—Crescent Slash.”
“…”
Hearing that, Roland finally connected the dots.
That flash breaking through the monster lines *had* resembled Crescent Slash… but never at that scale.
“So you’re also… Master Gudao’s…?”
“Exactly.”
“But how did you recognize me?”
“From the Lionbite Shark’s corpse. That elegant crescent sword mark on its neck—only Lunar God Style sword aura leaves that.”
Jamie placed his hands on his thighs and chuckled.
“The earlier act was just to test your potential.”
“…”
“I heard the old man hasn’t taken new disciples since teaching you. Makes you the youngest junior brother.”
Roland blinked, slightly taken aback.
“Master has other students?”
“Naturally. But he teaches wherever he wanders—never founded a school, never boasted of his swordsmanship. Few know.”
Jamie grinned.
“Let me name one senior brother you’d recognize.”
“Recognize?”
“Yes. Your Lis Empire’s border commander—the Stellar Sword Emperor, Faust. He’s mastered the truth of Stellar Flow.”
“Stellar Flow…”
Roland nodded slightly. The Celestial Cloud Manual listed four sword styles: Lunar God Style, Stellar Flow, Solar Radiance Style, Shadowcloud Style. He’d sampled all four, but Lunar God Style suited him best. And Jamie practiced it too—a quiet resonance hummed between them.
“Don’t be fooled by his cold public persona—in interviews or speeches, he seems untouchable. But he deeply cares for his junior brothers. If trouble comes, go to him. Trust me, he won’t disappoint.”
Jamie patted Roland’s shoulder.
“And of course, come to me anytime. Anyone bullies you? Tell me—I’ll ride like the wind to back you up.”
“That might spark an international incident.”
Roland smiled wryly. Jamie laughed.
“True enough! Hahaha!”
…
…
Inside the tent, four girls sat together.
“Sasha, how’s your hand?”
Agnes gently massaged Sasha’s entire left arm.
Sasha nodded. “Mm.”
Meanwhile, Xue Die worked on her right arm.
“Does it hurt?”
Sasha shook her head. “Mm~”
Her feet rested on Tina’s lap as Tina carefully kneaded them.
“How are your legs? Any stiffness?”
“No, no—please don’t fuss over me.”
Sasha was so relaxed she nearly drifted off.
“Honestly, my body’s tougher than anyone’s. Autumnwater was probably hurt worst.”
“Don’t men’s wounds just heal if they lick them?” Agnes said casually. Tina puffed her cheeks.
“We shouldn’t say that.”
“Yeah…” Sasha agreed. Comparing men to cats or dogs? No magical healing like that.
Tina added brightly, “Some wounds they can’t reach alone—they *must* lick each other’s!”
No, no, no!
That’s not the correction we needed!
Sasha’s mind instantly conjured Thuke and Autumnwater licking each other’s wounds.
Stop making things up!!
“Just drink a healing potion,” Xue Die stated bluntly.
True—modern magic-tech *did* produce fast-acting potions. But forced magical healing risked hidden ailments, subtle yet impactful on one’s path ahead.
“Anyway,” Tina clapped her hands, “we leave after noon. The Lionbite Shark’s defeated, and everyone’s experienced the Faithhunter Goggles trial.”
“Use this time to decide: join Clear Sky or not. Your choice. And yes—I’ve prepared real gifts this time. No tricks, I promise.”
“…”
Sasha fell silent for a long moment.
Then she asked softly,
“So… has that Deity really left?”
“…”
Agnes and Tina exchanged a glance. Finally, Tina’s lips curved into a sly smile.
“Guess~”
