Chapter 26.2

With the giant orcs by their side, the combat power of the group had increased significantly. The sounds of battle outside made it clear that the Emperor had brought true salvation.

The dryads were thrown into flight by these gigantic creatures, being shorter than the average person. Their advantage was in their rough skin and resistance to blows. In terms of combat effectiveness, they were not very proficient. They still relied on surprise to deal with Kevin's group.

Without hesitation, Kevin kicked away the rocks blocking the door.

Despite the chaos, the two tree spirits guarding the gate remained steadfast. One of them hugged the pillar tightly while waving an iron sword. They were too preoccupied to notice the captives had already escaped. It wasn't until Kevin broke through the door that the two dryads finally became aware of their escapees and jumped over.

It is unfortunate that even a momentary lapse of attention could prove fatal when facing Kevin.

"The level of dedication shown by these two tree spirits is commendable," Kevin commented briefly on their efforts.

He stepped aside to avoid the bulkier dryad and, with a swift chop of his hand, severed the thin and withered wrist of the other.

Clang--

The Thin Dryad's fingers went limp, and the iron sword fell to the ground. As it bent down to pick it up, it saw a slender hand flash before its eyes, followed by the sound of bones cracking in its neck.

For a moment, its shock left it dumbfounded, and only then did it realize that its neck had been twisted. Its expression slowly froze as it fell to the ground, with a final clear "click" audible before it died.

Kevin dispatched both dryads with ease, and dusted off his hands as he bent down to pick up the fallen iron sword.

The subterranean settlement was illuminated by the glowing insect sacs that hung overhead. Everywhere he looked, he saw fallen dryads, scattered weaponry, and the collapsed roofs of kitchen-like caves. There were likely no survivors.

Having put a stop to the scuffle, Kevin leaned against the pillar in front of one of the remaining caves, sword in hand.

Several raptors flew overhead, letting out a long chirp and shaking off the feathers that had been rubbed off by swords and arrows. Once they cleared the battlefield, they began to descend.

Kevin raised his gaze, only to see a giant eagle swoop down, bearing a man who sat on its back with his knees bent. His eyes were half-closed, with his chin slightly raised, and his overall pose was haughty and condescending.

With mocking smile, Kevin said, "Impressive timing, Your Highness. If I were an eighteen or nineteen-year-old girl, I'd be crying and clamoring to marry you after being rescued like this."

As the giant eagle descended more than two meters from the ground, the man, Oswald, rolled off it. He pulled the cloak on his shoulders and threw his copper wire mask to the deputy Wujin Iron Cavalry who followed.

Looking at Kevin with an expressionless gaze, Oswald said coldly, "Who said I came to save you?"

Kevin smiled, feeling relieved that the burden of fighting had lifted. "Alright then. May I ask why Your Majesty has come?"

Oswald reached into a leather pouch hanging on his waist, extracting two balls of crumpled paper. He unfolded them slowly, shaking them at Kevin. "I came to see if you were in a hurry."

Though the papers were crumpled, Kevin recognized them as the letters he had written to His Majesty the Emperor. "Whatever could you be talking about?"

"I asked you to write down the route. You just drew something perplexing. I couldn't imagine it, and the priests asked twice but still didn't understand it. I don't have the nerve to show them," Oswald said with a sneer.

Kevin shamelessly raised his chin. "I draw concise images, and those who can't understand are mentally challenged."

Oswald's silence was deafening, but Kevin continued, "As for imagination... Your Majesty, isn't yours beyond that of ordinary people? But I suppose it's understandable, being in your early twenties and full of vigor."

Feeling pleased with himself, Kevin turned to leave, intending to retrieve the officers who were still inside. Behemoths in human form all landed behind him.

As he walked away, Dan, the leader, snuck a peek at the papers by craning his neck to get a better view. Before he could get a proper look, Oswald had already stashed the papers back into the leather pouch.

"What's the matter? Don't be stingy. Let me see," Dan complained.

Oswald remained resolute. "No."

Dan muttered to himself, feeling frustrated with the inexplicable Oswald.