“Alright, this is far enough.”
Via jumped down from the carriage.
She walked up to the horse with demonic bloodline and raised her hand.
The horse lowered its head, stepping closer to her and standing obediently.
“You’ve worked hard along the way. Beyond this point, it’ll be too dangerous for you. The Desolate Fallen Continent beyond the Yamar Border is filled with magical beasts.”
Via personally removed the restraint device from the horse’s head and severed its connection to the carriage’s mana system.
With that, the horse was free.
“Hrr?”
The horse looked at Via, seemingly surprised.
“If you want to stay free, then head into the wilderness. But there’s risk — no guaranteed food, and you might be attacked by wild beasts or even magical beasts. Everything will depend on yourself.”
Via gently stroked the horse’s head.
“If you want to return to your old life, you can go back to a nearby city. People there will treat you well once they see your bloodline. After all, you’re quite valuable.”
“Hrr.”
The horse nodded, as if it understood her words.
That wasn’t surprising — being a hybrid, it was far more intelligent than ordinary horses.
Via gave its head a light push. “Go on.”
The horse first glanced back toward the road they had come from — where the town lay.
After staring for a full ten seconds, it seemed to make up its mind and ran in the opposite direction, embracing the wind as it charged freely into the wilderness.
That was its choice.
Freedom… even knowing it might not survive.
Via watched as its figure gradually disappeared from view, letting out a quiet sigh.
“Meow~”
The Little Yellow Cat jumped onto Via’s head and sprawled across it.
“Little Ha, if you regret it now, it’s not too late. I can still send you back to town,” Via said.
“Meow meow!”
Little Ha flicked its tail, showing no intention of jumping down — clearly determined to follow her.
“Alright then. Since you’ve made your choice, we’re heading to the checkpoint at the Yamar Border next. I won’t give you any chance to regret it later.”
Via raised her hand and patted the cat’s round head.
“Even if you cry and make a fuss, I won’t let you go.”
Yamar Border — Checkpoint
Between the human world and the domain of the demonkin flowed a river known as the Yamar River, naturally dividing the two sides.
This was the origin of the name Yamar Border.
Though separated only by a river, the two sides were worlds apart.
On the side of the Saint Luo Empire, life flourished with vitality.
On the other side — the Desolate Fallen Continent — everything felt lifeless and bleak.
The border soldiers of the human race had two primary responsibilities.
First, to monitor the movements of the demonkin on the other side around the clock and report any abnormalities immediately.
Second, to guard the empire’s side strictly, forbidding anyone from crossing the Yamar River without permission.
At this moment, the soldiers stationed at the border were carrying out their usual duties.
“Have you heard? Things inside the empire are in chaos right now.”
A weary veteran lit a cigarette, taking a deep drag to stay alert.
He exhaled a ring of smoke in front of his companions.
“It’s a complete mess. A terrible disaster happened in Kado City. On Saint Prayer Day, the Holy Land gathered many clerics and brought in the Saintess Candidates Sophie and Via to perform the ritual.”
“Oh, those two daughters of Lady Sylvia?”
The veteran nodded, the cigarette dangling between his fingers.
“Yeah. While those twin Saintess Candidates were performing the ritual, a terrifying monster descended upon Kado City. Demonized beings sealed off the city and slaughtered our people without mercy.”
“Demonized beings? Are they insane?!”
“An individual might not dare, but this was a coordinated group. They’re part of an evil organization called the Abyssal Eye. They worship something called the Abyssal God and want to turn everyone into demonized beings.”
“That’s horrifying…”
“And that’s not all. The Demon King appeared in Kado City too.”
“The Demon King?!”
“The Demon King of War — Ville! The most evil of them all!” the veteran said angrily. “Yes, the very one you’re thinking of — the Demon King who once waged war against humanity. Turns out the Abyssal Eye has been lurking in our world under his command, carrying out all kinds of terror activities, trying to destroy humanity from within.”
“But… wasn’t the Demon King dead?”
The veteran paused, his tone growing excited.
“That’s what everyone used to think. But he did appear in Kado City. However — Lady Selina, the Silver Sword Princess, appeared as well! At the moment of greatest despair, she used the Divine Might Armament, broke through the demonized blockade, slew countless traitors, and drove back the Demon King, saving everyone!”
“Really?! Lady Selina is my idol! I grew up hearing her stories!”
“Absolutely true. Just in the past few days, the Holy Land and the Empire have jointly announced it. Lady Selina never died back then — she survived with severe injuries and has been recovering in secret all this time, waiting for the moment humanity would face crisis again!”
The veteran spoke animatedly.
Most humans shared the same sentiment toward the Silver Sword Princess’s return.
No one doubted her motives — she had always fought for the future of humanity.
“If Demon King Ville dares to appear again, Lady Selina will definitely defeat him—”
“That won’t happen.”
Before the veteran could finish, a strange voice interrupted him.
The soldiers at the border were startled and turned toward the source of the voice.
A pink-haired girl stood at the checkpoint, a small yellow cat perched on her head.
“You are… Miss Via?!” The veteran quickly recognized her.
Within the Saint Luo Empire, Via — the daughter of the Perfect Saintess Sylvia — was quite well-known. Many had seen her in newspapers.
Hearing her name, the soldiers were stunned.
None of them understood why a Saintess Candidate from the Holy Land would appear in a place like this.
“If I remember correctly—”
Via raised her hand and pointed beyond the checkpoint.
“Once you pass through here… the Yamar River is just ahead, right?”