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"Master, that should be the territory where the Ice Wolf Tribe roams."
Freya pointed toward the rugged mountain range ahead as she spoke.
The Kingdom of Geolarl had been built on stolen demi-human land. Even after the nation was established, its old habits never really died.
They kept a special unit that disguised themselves as mercenaries, raiding and pillaging demi-human settlements.
And among demi-humans, the Ice Wolves—prized for their rarity—were always prime targets.
So even if their exact village wasn't pinned down, the general area was already clear.
Naturally, information like this wasn't much of a secret to Freya.
The Star Spirit glanced around, then asked, "Master, what exactly are we doing here?"
"Looking for a girl from the Ice Wolf Tribe."
"Knew it. Master, your brain really doesn't have room for anything besides women, does it?"
Edgar grinned faintly. "Of course. I'm a devil building a harem. Problem with that?"
The Star Spirit twitched her lips, at a loss for words.
Her master really was shamelessly lecherous.
Ignoring her grumbling, Edgar studied the glowing mark of his demon contract. Without hesitation, he spread out his senses.
Moments later, the corners of his mouth lifted. "Looks like I've found her."
With the target locked, Edgar led Freya and the others in that direction.
It didn't take long before a figure appeared within sight.
The moment Edgar laid eyes on her, his gaze lit up.
She was stunning. Delicate, striking features; skin as smooth and pale as jade, glowing faintly in the moonlight.
Silver hair cascaded like fresh snow, framing a pair of fluffy wolf ears that were impossibly cute.
Her height was modest, but her figure was flawless.
Rough furs clung tightly to her curves, their coarseness only emphasizing her dangerous allure.
From her wrists down to her thighs, her soft skin was lined with white fur.
A lush wolf tail swished behind her, radiating raw, untamed charm.
A perfect beast-eared beauty.
I wonder what it'd feel like to really run my hands through that fur?
The thought popped into Edgar's mind unbidden.
This was no fake like Leone—this girl was the real deal.
At the same time, the Ice Wolf girl—Setsuna—had spotted Edgar's group while on patrol.
Her eyes sharpened instantly.
To her, humans were all the same: vile creatures who kidnapped her people and turned them into slaves.
Buzz.
Frosty air swirled as razor-sharp claws of ice encased her hands.
Like a lone wolf striking down prey, she lunged straight at Edgar.
Got him.
Seeing him standing there unmoving, a faint smile tugged at Setsuna's lips.
But—
A blade gleaming with icy light was already blocking her strike.
So fast?!
When did she draw that sword?
Setsuna's pupils shrank. She twisted her body low, instantly shifting her attack.
In the next heartbeat, she stomped against the ground and slashed her ice claws at the swordswoman.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
Metal rang out in a rapid flurry.
In the blink of an eye, her ice claws shattered into glittering shards.
Forced back, Setsuna retreated several meters.
Anna stood there smiling sweetly, sword in hand.
"Miss Ice Wolf, striking at our Master like that is very rude, don't you think?"
Setsuna's face hardened, every muscle tense. "Humans like you don't come here with good intentions."
She glanced at her trembling hands, frustration flashing in her eyes.
This woman… she's strong. Too strong.
And she had only been defending. Even then, she'd dismantled Setsuna's assault like it was nothing.
Worse, the swordswoman didn't look much older than her.
Why?
She was supposed to be the most gifted of the Ice Wolf Tribe.
Yet her level cap had been sealed. No matter how hard she trained, this was her limit.
And here was just a bodyguard—already this powerful.
So what kind of man was the one she was protecting?
A storm of questions raced through Setsuna's mind in just those few seconds.
But—
She didn't run.
A warrior of the Ice Wolf Clan would never flee without a fight.
"Master, you see that?"
Sensing the sudden surge of battle intent, Anna turned toward Edgar. She knew immediately—this wolf-girl was probably his real target. So, when she moved, she moved gently.
"Don't hurt her."
"Yes, my lord."
Anna nodded and stepped forward, heading straight toward the girl.
Opportunity.
刹那's (Shana's) eyes sharpened like blades. If she could just take this woman down, it would cripple their fighting strength.
And in the next instant—
Her body vanished.
In a blink, she was right in front of Anna, her ice claws tearing through the air like they could shred her prey to pieces.
Anna, however, only smiled softly.
"Not bad at all."
She had to admit—the girl's use of energy and skillful technique were impressive. In fact, she was probably the strongest opponent Anna had ever faced.
Too bad her raw power was still far too weak.
Even without the Eye of Insight, Anna could see flaws all over her attack.
Clang! Clang!
Anna's blade intercepted the claws cleanly, her stance perfectly steady. Her other hand dropped onto Shana's shoulder, pressing her down with terrifying force.
The Ice Wolf warrior stumbled, instantly pinned to the ground.
Her eyes widened. "You humans—let me go right now!"
Anna's tone was gentle, almost playful. "I'll let you go… but no more attacking, alright?"
"…Fine. Let me up first."
"Of course."
Anna released her and even helped her back to her feet.
In her heart, she already saw this girl as a future companion, someone she'd be working alongside. No reason to ruin things before they even began.
"You're… really letting me go?" Shana looked dazed, uncertain. "Aren't you here to sell us as slaves like the others?"
"We're not mercenaries."
Edgar stepped forward with a light laugh. "And besides—if you think about it, you're the one who attacked us first, aren't you?"
"Don't you think you owe us an apology?"
That made her freeze.
…He wasn't wrong.
Maybe she'd completely misunderstood.
Her pretty face flushed pink as she lowered her head. "S-sorry. I thought you were one of those mercenaries hunting my people… so I struck first."
"It's fine. Forget it."
Edgar waved it off, his gaze locking onto hers. "I should introduce myself. I'm Edgar… a demon."
Shana blinked, staring hard at him. "Aren't you human? …You don't really look like one, though."
"Details like that don't matter." Edgar didn't bother explaining the whole "demon" thing. "What does matter is this—do you want to become stronger?"
Shana drew in a deep breath.
The question blindsided her. It seemed ridiculous, almost absurd. But—
Those words struck directly at the core of her heart.
Become stronger.
That single obsession was the one thing that kept her alive.
She dropped into a deep bow, her voice trembling with resolve. "Lord Edgar… I want to grow stronger. Please—tell me how."
"Then let's make a deal."
Edgar's eyes gleamed with a mysterious light, his smile calm and knowing. "For me, giving you power is simple. But in return… you'll have to pay a price."
Shana lifted her head, eyes burning with determination. "Alright. I accept."
She had danced on the edge of life and death too many times, yet her strength had never advanced an inch.
She was sick of it.
So even if the man before her was lying—even if it was a trap—she was willing to gamble everything.
"..."
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