The process itself was simple.
All Nolan had to do was channel a thread of soul power into Malenia's body.
Even the faintest spark was enough to keep the Goddess of Rot lurking within her from stirring.
But simple did not mean easy.
As the seconds dragged on, it became a quiet torment for Nolan.
At last, after what felt like an eternity, he finally drew back and managed a breath.
Still slightly short of air, he glanced at Malenia, who seemed faintly unsettled, then gave a solemn nod.
"Valkyrie. The name suits you."
Malenia shot him a cool look.
"Save the flattery. If anything, you're the one helping me this time."
She paused, then added quietly,
"There's something else you should understand. If I fail… my brother and sister will have to rely on you."
She turned slowly, her tall figure outlined in the glow of the setting sun. For a moment, she looked almost unreal.
Her golden prosthetic arm lifted slightly and rested behind her back in an elegant motion.
"And…"
She hesitated.
Nolan caught on immediately.
"You don't want Trina or Miquella to know. Right?"
He raised a finger and made a sealing gesture across his lips.
"It's not the first time. Why are you still so suspicious of me? I won't say a word."
If he had added something foolish like "I'll take this secret to my grave," she would probably have cut him down on the spot.
Malenia gave a faint nod.
At least he could read the room. That counted for something.
"By the way," she said, "are you returning to the Haligtree immediately, or staying a few days?"
Nolan had been distracted, thinking about the fact that he and Trina had done nothing more than hold hands.
Her question snapped him back.
"Huh? There's something else?"
Malenia flicked her right hand.
With a crisp click, a golden blade slid into place within her prosthetic palm.
She smiled.
"Long time no see. I hear you've grown. You even slew a Flying Dragon. I'd like to see how much."
"Another time."
Nolan waved her off casually.
If you want to hit me, just say so. No need to dress it up.
He changed the subject directly.
"Do you have any prisoners? Preferably strong ones."
"Prisoners?" Malenia raised a brow. "Of course we do. What do you need them for? You're not recruiting them. If you have time to waste, you might as well hurry and bring my sister here."
"I found a way to grow stronger."
The words left his mouth without hesitation.
He lifted his head slightly, his gaze distant, as if he could see a sleeping girl deep within a towering tree overseas, a gentle smile on her face.
"Hunting souls?" Malenia's eyes narrowed. "You're serious?"
"Have I ever lied to you?"
Nolan leaned forward, bracing both hands on the table, a faint smile on his lips.
"Bring the strong ones. The weak are a waste of time."
Malenia studied him for only a heartbeat before making her decision.
"Guards. Bring in the prisoners."
…
As dusk settled, Nolan walked back to his tent, steps heavy yet steady.
Even he felt a little dazed. Somehow, he had spent the entire day tangled up with that woman.
Not that he had been indulging Malenia's temper. There simply hadn't been time. She might look calm on the surface, but who knew how much worry she kept buried inside?
Most of the day had been spent discussing arrangements for his return to the Haligtree. If a Demigod-level enemy truly lurked behind the scheme, sending Nolan back alone was hardly reassuring.
"Working under those two sisters is exhausting…"
At last he reached his tent and pushed the flap aside.
He glanced at the doll he had just taken out of the spirit ring, then collapsed onto the bed like a deflated wineskin.
The atmosphere within the Haligtree Army was unlike anywhere else.
Magnificent armor stained with blood. Noble knights who, in battle, looked no different from fiends crawling out of hell. And yet every one of them burned with excitement, because a powerful Demigod charged at the front.
Blades raised high. War cries ringing out. Severed limbs flying before their eyes. Blood splashing across polished steel.
And at the center of it all, their lord.
Whenever someone felt they were about to break, Malenia's towering figure would appear before them. Her swordsmanship bloomed like a flower in purgatory.
Beautiful. Terrifying.
Intoxicating.
To have a commander who fought at the very front was both a blessing and a burden.
A hero's pride. A knight's virtue. A soldier's faith.
There was no room to retreat.
Still… it was better than before.
Nolan exhaled slowly and examined his own mental state. He needed proper rest tonight.
He had hoped to gain a significant boost before returning to the Haligtree, but there were barely any true heroes among the prisoners. Knights and soldiers were little more than scraps.
Heroes were rare everywhere.
Even in the Royal Capital, it wasn't as though Lords filled the streets and heroes were as common as dogs. Their numbers only seemed large compared to the forces of other lords.
And on a brutal battlefield, the strongest naturally gathered together into elite units. Capturing them alive was no easy feat.
"I've just about reached the threshold of a first-rate hero," Nolan muttered, stroking his chin. "Not a bad improvement."
"My knight, you've grown stronger again."
The petite Ranni sat on his shoulder and lightly tapped him.
As a master of puppetry, she understood the human body well. A brief test was enough for her to draw a conclusion.
Yes. Stronger.
"So this is the Haligtree camp? It truly surpasses Liurnia of the Lakes."
Ranni blinked, curiosity shining in her eyes as she looked around.
The moment she entered the camp earlier, she had fallen asleep. Lacking a physical body meant she needed deep slumber to recover. She hadn't even had time to take in the surroundings.
"I've already grown used to it," Nolan said lazily. "Though I still haven't seen the Redmane forces or Volcano Manor's army in person."
"We passed through too quickly this time. Do you want to meet that general and the Praetor?"
The words slipped out casually.
Ranni's smile faded, her tone turning distant.
"No. I may miss the past from time to time, but since we have already walked separate paths, there is no need to cling to it."
"You've heard the rumors about my brother these days, haven't you? And you still dare to stand against him?"
Nolan smiled faintly.
"Of course. I haven't forgotten my promise to Your Highness."
Ranni's expression softened.
He could have urged her to abandon that distant, uncertain dream.
Instead, he chose to stand with her.
Nolan narrowed his eyes, staring at the extinguished glintstone lamp. The petite Ranni rested in his arms, also gazing upward.
They would depart tomorrow.