Chapter 161

"Let's put the horses in the stables for now. Even if we're fine, the horses must be exhausted."

The horses had been through a lot. It's hard to roam this desert without them, so rest was essential.

Helmut dismounted at Luke Yeager's suggestion.

Neighing, Helmut's white horse snorted as he dismounted, seemingly relieved by the lifted burden.

Not native to this hot country, the horse had endured well.

Helmut stroked its snout.

However, White turned its head away sharply, as if rejecting the touch. Luke Yeager burst into laughter at the sight.

"Your horse is hot-tempered! Seems like it's got quite the personality."

"It seems you've changed skin in the meantime."

Looking at Luke, who had turned tan under the sun, Helmut murmured as if he were looking at a stranger.

"Before coming to Basor, I was quite fair. I had a young lord's look like you. Now, I've practically become a full-fledged Basorian."

"It's better to stand out against the sand."

Helmut remarked softly in passing. The desert sand was a light yellowish-white. He would stand out more with his dark eyes.

"What are you saying? You should rest at the accommodation too. The monster subjugation won't be easy."

He spoke as if he knew, even though it was also his first time. But Helmut did not argue.

The goal felt within reach. It was crucial to be in top condition.

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At that time, Ciceros, the commander of the Palma Knights, was receiving reports from the commander of Deser.

Since the first attack, no further assaults had been reported. The nearby oasis residents, trembling with fear, were taking refuge in Deser.

The regular monster subjugations conducted by the Palma Knights had decimated most common monsters.

An attack of this magnitude, with monsters so boldly aggressive, hadn't happened in over a decade.

"Are we not able to occupy the oasis?"

"After five scouts were killed by formidable monsters near the oasis, they didn't dare to approach any further."

The soldiers and knights of Deser, adjacent to the desert, were accustomed to battling monsters.

However, the monsters this time were unusually strong, not the small fry they were used to handling.

Other oasis residents had fled on their own, without Deser deploying forces for protection.

"Waiting for support is better than increasing casualties needlessly."

The deputy commander nodded. The desert belonged to them.

"They must be concentrated near there."

A collective movement. If there are guardians around the perimeter, a smart leader is likely positioning its forces there.

Ciceros concluded crisply.

"We'll clear them out in one fell swoop."

His gaze intensified for a moment. As the commander of the Palma Knights, no one could guess he might have other intentions just by looking at him.

The knights around him responded in unison.

"Yes."

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A single command was issued to the entire Palma Knights.

'Depart for the attacked oasis around midnight.'

The Palma Knights' movement speed was fast. If they rode diligently, they could arrive before noon. They left at night to arrive during the day.

The accommodation was arranged for two per room. Hours before departure, as tension began to rise, Luke was seen caring for his sword.

"The residents are trembling in fear. We need to quickly eliminate those monsters and restore peace. While you and I have our contest, unlike you, I prioritize the mission."

"You've only been in the Palma Knights for 8 months, yet you seem to feel a sense of belonging to Basor."

"Soon? I am a member of the Palma Knights. A person of Basor."

"With your skills, you could have received a good treatment in other countries too. Why specifically choose Basor?"

For Helmut, it was incomprehensible.

Because he wanted to leave this hellishly hot Basor as soon as possible. Luke chuckled.

"Even if my grandfather made his place here, as a foreigner, you're always on the outskirts. Especially, Basorians aren't well-liked in other countries. There's a limit to how high you can rise."

"I see."

It made sense. Luke, though polished, had a rougher edge compared to the academy students. That must be the Basor temperament.

"The only place where my skills are truly recognized is Basor. Plus, I like this country. Maybe it's because of the Basor blood running through me."

Basor greatly favors the strong.

Places like the Palma Knights, renowned for allowing skilled individuals to join immediately, are indeed rare.

For Luke, Basor represented a new chapter and opportunities in life.

"…I see. Let's keep that in mind."

"What's there to consider? Stop talking nonsense and prepare yourself. We'll be fighting wearisomely for the next few days."

"Right."

Helmut nodded. Fighting in the desert would be a new experience. He looked forward to it greatly.

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The forced march continued.

Departing after midnight, the Palma Knights rode diligently towards the oasis.

All knights of the Palma could manipulate bis, enhancing their vision, so darkness was not a hindrance. They were well-prepared to handle any attacks.

But they were human, after all. Their vision wasn't completely unrestricted, making daytime combat decidedly preferable.

"Where were the scouts attacked?"

A knight murmured. They were taking a breather, an hour away from the oasis.

Contrary to expectations, they encountered no monsters on their way.

The desert, which had cooled down overnight, was now rapidly heating up.

They set up simple tents and rested briefly.

"Not a single one has appeared."

"Maybe they retreated knowing we were coming."

"Could be. The speed of their movement in the desert is incredible."

Listening to the murmured conversations, Helmut squinted.

Though faint, traces of magical energy lingered. Signs of their presence were everywhere nearby.

Helmut was more sensitive to magical energy than anyone else.

Most were minor creatures. Strong ones were likely few, as the Palma Knights' annual subjugations hadn't been in vain.

"But even the weak become stronger under the rule of a powerful one."

It was like the presence of a commander in a human army. Monsters under a leader's rule lose fear and become more ferocious.

Even so, there was no problem. Helmut found dealing with monsters easier than humans.

"The issue is the negative influence on the seed of darkness."

But he couldn't afford to hold back, considering that. Once this was over, he wouldn't encounter monsters for a while.

"Hmm."

Ciceros looked at a compass in his hand, a device that detected nearby monsters.

It was reacting towards the oasis, indicating monsters still lingered there.

Soon after, he stood up and ordered.

"We depart immediately. Stay alert."

The oasis, now in view, was a ruin. Shacks that once stood were collapsed, presumably ravaged by hungry monsters.

Yet, from afar, the oasis appeared tranquilly serene.

"Horten, Kenneth, Alex! Advance and scout the path!"

"Yes!"

Three knights, designated by the commander, charged towards the oasis.

Suddenly, one of them, Alex, staggered. His horse's foot had sunk into the sand, halting its stride.

"What's this?"

Alex tried to regain balance.

But the horse collapsed sideways. The ground seemed to open, sucking in the sand rapidly. A sudden, large pit had formed.

With the sound of sand rushing, Alex's horse screamed as it was swallowed into the center, followed by the horrifying sound of bones and flesh being crushed.

The current was swift, like floodwaters. Though Alex managed to jump off, he couldn't escape the pull of the vortex.

He landed on the edge but found no solid ground to stand on. Struggling in the flow, he thought,

'I'll be sucked in at this rate!'

"Alex! Grab the rope!"

Another knight threw him a rope. Clutching it, Alex barely managed to counteract the pull with his bis.

But he couldn't relax. Below him, a heavy presence filled with magical energy was palpable.

The existence of a monster buried in the sand became starkly evident.

"It's a monster!"

Giant pincers burst through the sand. An insect-like monster had revealed itself.

Alex, while holding the rope, struggled to climb up.

The monster, initially targeting Alex, switched its focus. Two massive pincers emerged from the sand.

Though he managed to balance, his lower body was trapped in the sand, but he hadn't dropped his sword.

"Horten! Be careful!"

Kenneth, supporting Alex, couldn't assist him. Any wrong move could drag him in too.

Alex attempted to help, but his movements were hindered by the rope and sand.

Horten gritted his teeth. A moment of carelessness had put him in jeopardy.

Sharp pincers aimed directly at him!

At that moment, someone from the main Palma force dashed towards them.

"Horten!"

With swift movements, he tied one end of a rope to his saddle and wrapped the other around his waist before launching himself.

His distinct silver-grey hair contrasted the desert. It was Luke Yeager!

"Sorry!"

Instead of rescuing, he stepped on Horten's shoulder to gain momentum.

He couldn't dodge Luke's sword. Skillfully navigating between the pincers, Luke's blade pierced the monster's eye.

The monster thrashed wildly, causing the pit to churn. But the sand flow stopped.

Luke, standing atop the monster's head, struck again. The sound of flesh being torn echoed.

Alex approached, advising, "Stop. It's already dead. No need to waste energy."

Catching his breath, Luke withdrew his sword and asked, "Horten, are you alright?"

Horten glared at him with smoldering eyes. The injuries he sustained weren't fatal.

It was fortunate his life was saved, but the fact that Luke Yeager was his savior was a source of humiliation, especially since he was stepped on in the process.

He spat out with bitterness, "Yes, thanks."

A shout came from behind. Another monster had appeared.

Luke's gaze shifted away from the now still pit to the distance. A thrill ran through him like an electric current.

In the face of battle, he was still a hot-blooded teenager. Luke Yeager immediately sprang into action.