This brought some vitality to the land.

The caravans are escorted by armies, some from the Jisoleox Duchy, some by the merchants’ own guards, ensuring safety in the wilderness. Yet, Kaled felt frustrated; if things were like this, how could he offer enough tribute to the Lady?

He decided to continue distancing himself from mankind.

Gradually approaching Arden Forest, Kaled finally saw his prey as he had hoped. Amid the clatter of horse hooves of the Expedition Knights, a panicked woman was desperately fleeing through the woods, trying to escape him.

Kaled immediately confirmed who she was — wearing a green robe full of stains, topped with a pointed Wizard Hat, the woman screamed as she fled through the woodland upon sighting the Expedition Knights. Her expression was filled with fear, with many magic powers unwillingly being released, forming green waves in the air, with a cursed scent wafting from her gray hair. She tried to rush down the hillside, intending to disappear deep within the forest.

This is a Wild Mage! A female Wild Mage who awakened her Magic Talent without systematic training! Kaled knew that among the people, they have a customary unified term for them — Witch.

Kaled had recently seen witch hunting in the valley below Black Stone Stronghold. The witch was tied to a stake, awaiting the purifying flames. Yet, to everyone’s shock, the witch showed no fear of the fire; she unleashed a piercing laugh and controlled the flames to attack the peasants, loudly cursing everyone and warning them that she would definitely return to destroy this land.

Then the Dwarf’s Cannon immediately blasted this witch into smithereens.

In this world, witches are by no means a symbol of primary productivity or goodness and kindness. Under Chaos Corruption’s pollution, every Wild Mage without systematic training would sooner or later become a Chaos Mage and eventually transform into a Chaos Demon through the teleportation gate to the Mortal World.

"Evil creature, Chaos minion, meet your end!" Kaled fiercely spurred his beloved steed, the Pure-blooded Elf Warhorse, which neighed loudly as it charged through the woodland. The horse’s hooves echoed on the snow-covered muddy ground. The dense branches caused Kaled to lose sight of his surroundings. The witch chanted her spells, and the frenzied growth of thorns and spikes nearly enveloped Kaled entirely; she intended to disappear from the vision of the Expedition Knights.

She nearly succeeded.

"For... the Lady!" The Expedition Knight gripped the Longsword tightly in both hands. The branches coiled around him seemed to become empty; the Divine Sword Durandal unleashed the Light of the Lake God. Kaled released endless fury and curses, slicing through the obstacles surrounding him with several forceful slashes, fiercely urging his steed for the final sprint: "Finish her!"

Amid the witch’s screams of terror, the warhorse thundered through the deep woods like a lightning bolt. Durandal accurately tore through the thorns and spikes, showcasing the Expedition Knight’s extraordinary swordsmanship. The witch’s spine was smoothly cut open by Durandal’s blade. With a flash of cold light, her head, unable to close its eyes in death, dropped to the ground, and her headless body took two more steps before stumbling into a muddy puddle, twitching slightly before falling still.

"Hmph!" Kaled dismounted filled with disgust, examining the witch’s corpse carefully, realizing that he had encountered just a minor character. If this level of tribute could satisfy the Lake Fairy, then the Holy Grail Expedition would not be so arduous. The Expedition Knight knelt on one knee, praying to the Lady and recounting his insignificant victory, then intended to continue setting off to find his next target.

However, before the prayer had ended, the sound of horse hooves suddenly echoed from deep within the forest.

A thoroughly green figure appeared in front of Kaled, riding a tall warhorse, wearing peculiar green armor entwined with ivy. He was clad in green light, yet exuded endless majesty.

"Who are you?!"