Chapter 46 - Mages Or Not

Alpha and Vex returned to the Land of Adenlia after their successful mission against the Knife Hand Barbarians. As they arrived, they were greeted by the other puppets, who had been eagerly awaiting their return. Adrian stepped forward to greet them and congratulate them on a job well done.

"Alpha, Vex, I am so proud of you both," Adrian said, beaming with pride. "You have proven yourselves to be powerful warriors and loyal servants. The destruction of the Knife Hand Barbarians is a great victory for us."

Alpha and Vex bowed their heads in respect and gratitude. "Thank you, Master," Alpha said. "We are honored to serve you and protect this land."

Adrian smiled and patted Alpha on the head. "I have no doubt that you will continue to serve me well," he said.

As Alpha and Vex made their way back to their resting places, the other wood puppets cheered and applauded them. They all knew that they had accomplished something truly remarkable and that their creator was pleased with their efforts.

Three days had passed since the battle with the Knife Hand Barbarians, and Adrian had been busy working on his creations. He had just finished crafting fifty more humanoids and ten additional wolf puppets.

Adrian looked at his new creations with pride. The humanoid puppets were summoned to be stronger and more durable than their predecessors, with better weapons and armor. The wolf puppets had been given sharper teeth and stronger claws to make them more effective in combat.

"I actually did not need to do anything at all. Because my soul power is strong, the newly created and summoned puppets are even stronger. I also can focus my energy on upgrading the existing ones."

As he inspected his new creations, Adrian made a mental note to start training them as soon as possible. He knew that the more his puppets were trained, the more effective they would be in battle.

With the new additions to his army, Adrian was confident that he could continue to expand his territory and defend it against any threats that might come his way.

Two individuals, one male and one female, were passing through Glen Forest. They were wearing black robes and hoods to hide their faces; the woman was Lenia and the man was named Andex; they were mages from Black Star.

As Lenia and Andex made their way through Glen Forest, Lenia suddenly felt a prickling sensation on the back of her neck. She paused, turning to Andex and pointing toward the distant horizon.

"Look over there," she said, "smoke from a campfire."

Andex followed her gaze, spotting the smoke rising up from beyond the trees. "Do you want to investigate?" he asked, his hand moving to the hilt of his sword.

Lenia nodded, and the two of them moved swiftly towards the source of the smoke. As they drew closer, they could see a clearing up ahead and the flicker of flames dancing within.

Cautiously, Lenia and Andex approached the clearing, scanning the area for any signs of danger. As they drew closer, they could see the figures of wooden puppets moving about the campsite, gathering wood and tending to the fire.

Lenia frowned, unsure of what to make of the strange creatures. "Who could have made these?" she murmured, looking to Andex for answers.

But before he could reply, the sound of footsteps alerted them to the presence of another. Lenia and Andex whirled around, drawing their weapons, as a figure emerged from the trees.

It was a man, tall and broad-shouldered, with a determined look in his eyes. He wore a coat made of wood and had a stern expression on his face as he approached them.