A Soldier’s Resolve and a Mysterious Hunt

“The situation in the forest over there isn’t looking optimistic.” After hearing the returning soldiers’ reports, the other squad leaders came to this conclusion.

Once Anto and Ilivy had brought the wounded back to the outpost, Anto resolved to return to the forest.

“They need help,” Anto declared. “No other teams have gone for reinforcements, and the rest have already returned. The sun will set in less than two hours; by then…”

“Lord Anto,” Ilivy began, “your going into the forest now isn’t solely about your responsibility to them. You are already at the outpost. There’s no way you can leave; they won’t permit a nun to depart at this time.”

“The wounded have already received treatment; they won’t have major issues.” Anto then strode towards a tent.

Ilivy followed him. Anto began to unfasten his nun’s habit.

“True, a nun can’t leave here,” he stated. “But a soldier can.”

As Anto spoke, he pulled a set of soldier’s light armor from a chest beside him. Ilivy watched him, then promptly said:

“But this is still very dangerous, Lord Anto. If I may speak frankly, I hope you will act rationally.”

“I am being rational; I am perfectly normal right now,” Anto replied. “I came here to save people and deal with the undead creatures emerging from the abyss. Right now, Sister Lu Wei’s fate is unknown. I *must* save her. It’s that simple. Why do you keep repeating yourself? She is my friend.”

Anto looked at Ilivy.

“And my comrade-in-arms.”

At that moment, Anto stepped closer, fixing Ilivy with a stare.

“Don’t assume I’m a delicate girl just because I look like a maiden. Here, I am a warrior—one who will not abandon their comrades in this fight.”

“Ilivy, don’t stop me. If you truly wish to uphold your vows, then uphold them, but do not stand in my way,” Anto asserted.

Ilivy nodded, yet still remained standing before Anto.

“So, what is this situation?” Facing Anto, Ilivy looked at him and then spoke.

“If Lord Anto wishes to slip out, it won’t be enough to merely don a soldier’s uniform. Wait for me a moment; I can procure a sturdy pony skilled in navigating forests and also have the Mother Superior prepare the necessary documentation.”

“You’re not going to stop me anymore?”

“My vows do not include disobeying Lord Anto. All I can offer is counsel.”

“If Lord Anto is determined to do something, then do it. I will take responsibility for Lord Anto’s safety. Please allow me to guard you.”

“But earlier, you…”

“Because Lord Anto himself knew that wouldn’t work,” Ilivy explained. “Abandoning so many wounded to rush to help in such a state wouldn’t earn their gratitude.”

“At that moment, Lord Anto’s heart was in turmoil, requiring reason. Now, the rescue is complete, and the mission is fulfilled. What comes next is something you wish to do from your heart, and I have no right to obstruct it.”

“…Is that so?” Anto gazed at Ilivy. He had to admit, ever since hearing about Lu Wei’s predicament, his heart had been in a state of panic.

This wasn’t a sign of immaturity, but rather a reflection of his inexperience in handling such events. Perhaps, at times like these, having someone nearby who could offer advice was truly crucial.

“Thank you, Knight,” Anto said, then suddenly extended a fist and gently tapped Ilivy’s armor.

“And truly, please don’t call me ‘Lord.’ It really doesn’t sound right.”

“Understood, Sister,” Ilivy responded. Anto smiled faintly.

Ilivy then departed to make preparations, while Anto looked out the window, his eyes filled with resolve.

“Please, you must wait for me. I beg you, just wait until I get there.”

****

At this very moment, Captain Vincent’s squad, having been surrounded, did not engage in any major battle. The reason? They surrendered.

A dozen or so border soldiers were bound within the Black Cross Church’s camp. The elderly priest, who led them and carried a greatsword, stepped forward to inspect the confiscated equipment.

“A standard border patrol,” he remarked, glancing at Captain Vincent. “What brings you into this forest?”

“Saving people,” Captain Vincent stated directly. “Is this your idea of courtesy? Binding us and dragging us before you? I’d also like to ask, what are *you* doing here?”

“A forest bordering the abyss naturally requires guardianship,” the old pastor replied, crouching down. “Moreover, this Black Tide has already brought ruin to countless lives. We are here for a hunt.”

“A hunt?” Captain Vincent looked up. The old pastor eyed his own men.

“Otherwise, even more undead would escape from here,” the old pastor explained. “My brothers have been vigilant in this area. You must have seen; the deceased have all peacefully returned to the earth.”

“Check if any of them are infected. If not, disarm them and escort them out of the forest. Leave their equipment.”

“Did you capture a nun named Lu Wei?” Captain Vincent asked. “She is a nun from the Border Church. Her squad was attacked by an unknown monster before arriving here, and she came this way to lure the creature away… Father, we are searching for her.”

“If that’s the case, we will find her,” the priest responded. “But most likely, it will be her corpse.”

“You didn’t encounter her?” Captain Vincent pressed. The other man shook his head.

“We detected something entering the woods, but we didn’t find her. We are currently hunting a very large demon. Perhaps she might be found there.”

“No, you absolutely appeared somewhere near her,” Captain Vincent declared, pulling out a crucifix. “Don’t take us for fools.”

“…Interesting. Such a crucifix…” the old pastor murmured, walking over to examine it. The expression in his eyes seemed to shift slightly.

He then took the crucifix and looked outside. “Night will fall soon. Take them away, out of the forest. We have more important matters to attend to tonight, so don’t delay.”

“Our mission is vast, and there is much to be done. If our compatriot truly survives, we will find her—rest assured, the Black Brotherhood will not abandon its mission or its responsibilities.”