Chapter 75: The Descent into Fafnir’s Lair

“Is Roalsa truly in there?”

While Roalsa remained within the cavern, patiently awaiting an opportune moment to escape, the exit on the other side was already thronged with people. The moment the woman emerged, she immediately launched a flare stone, summoning all the knights. Now, every available combatant had converged upon the cave entrance.

Olivia stood guard at the mouth of the cave, her sword held firmly, while the other knights formed a tight perimeter, arrayed in a defensive posture, awaiting Roalsa’s emergence.

“Indeed, Captain Roalsa is inside the cave,” the woman replied, peering into the darkness from her crouched position at the entrance, before glancing up at the sky once more.

In the preceding hours, the woman had lost count of how many times she had gazed skyward. From afternoon to dusk, and then from dusk to the depths of night, Roalsa’s figure remained absent. This prolonged wait had instilled a subtle unease not just in the woman, but in nearly everyone present.

“Perhaps we should send a few people down to investigate?”

Qing Yu, who had been standing by, could no longer bear the wait and offered his suggestion.

Olivia, however, merely cast a fleeting glance at Qing Yu without speaking. She then silently lowered her gaze, her fingers lightly tapping the golden hilt of her sword.

“That’s right, Commander,” the knight with long black hair standing nearby added, urging Olivia. “Roalsa hasn’t emerged after all this time; she must be in danger. I suggest we send a few more people down to check.”

“Waiting indefinitely like this is no solution.”

Olivia remained unresponsive. She ceased her actions and turned her gaze towards the woman who had accompanied Roalsa.

The woman, sensing Olivia’s scrutiny, turned to face her.

It was then that Olivia spoke.

“Tell me,” she began, “roughly how many people are inside the cave, and what is the extent of their power?”

“It’s hard to say definitively. I only saw two individuals, but the one who appeared to be the leader could undoubtedly contend with both you and Captain Roalsa combined. As for the other, their magical circuits are immensely powerful, and their strength is certainly no less than yours.”

Upon hearing the woman’s assessment, Olivia rested a hand on her chin, nodding thoughtfully. After several minutes of contemplation, she turned and gestured towards Miss Caesar, who stood nearby.

“Miss Caesar, I ask that you temporarily oversee the knights outside,” Olivia instructed. Then, turning to the woman and several other high-ranking knights, she added, “You will lead the way. The rest of you will accompany me down to assess the situation.”

“Wait, please allow me to join you.”

Before Olivia could complete her arrangements, Aldoran, who had remained silent until then, spoke up.

Aldoran, too, harbored a deep curiosity about the situation within the cave. She yearned to witness firsthand the individuals capable of challenging the combined might of Olivia and Roalsa.

After all, Olivia’s power was considerable; defeating Aldoran would pose no challenge for her.

“I believe I could also be a valuable combatant.”

“Aldoran,” Qing Yu murmured, tugging gently at her hand, a silent plea for her to reconsider her impulsiveness.

From the woman’s words, the cave appeared fraught with peril, and Qing Yu worried whether Aldoran could truly handle those within.

“Don’t worry, we’re only going down to observe the situation. Nothing will happen.”

“But what if…”

“There won’t be any problems. If Roalsa had engaged in a struggle with those inside, we would surely have sensed the magical fluctuations. Yet, everything has remained perfectly calm until now, hasn’t it?”

With Aldoran’s assurances, Qing Yu found himself with no counterarguments, though he still clung to her hand, reluctant to let go.

“Aldoran, you can see what’s happening with Roalsa through your own eyes, can’t you?”

Aldoran shook her head.

She still wished to meet those two individuals herself.

“Rest assured, I’ll be perfectly fine.”

As they spoke, two knights from Olivia’s group had already descended into the cave. Now, including Olivia, only three knights remained above ground.

“Thrud, Liliya, please look after Qing Yu. I’ll be back soon.”

Aldoran gently withdrew her hand from Qing Yu’s grasp, then followed Olivia into the cavern, leaping down after her. Qing Yu made to grab Aldoran again, but Thrud swiftly pulled him back.

“Lord Qing Yu, you would only get hurt if you jumped.”

“Oh, come on, Aldoran is so strong! She even defeated that white horse that used to harass our tribe. She’ll be fine, Qing Yu, try to relax a little.”

Liliya, cradling a pinecone she’d acquired from who knew where, munched on it as she spoke, scattering crumbs everywhere. Noticing Qing Yu’s worried expression, she casually scooped a handful of pine nuts and tucked them into his pocket.

“There, there, have some yourself. Don’t look as if you’re about to become a widow.”

“Miss Liliya, you mustn’t speak like that,” Thrud admonished, tapping Liliya’s shoulder, which made her jump, sending the pine nuts in her hand scattering to the ground.

“Alright, alright, Thrud, you made me spill all my pine nuts!”

“My apologies, my apologies.”

Thrud immediately scratched her head in apology, bending to help Liliya gather the fallen pinecones.

Observing the two, utterly devoid of any sense of impending danger, Qing Yu could only sigh. Resigned, he sank to the ground, awaiting the return of Aldoran and her companions.

****

“Since everyone is here, Varian, lead the way,” Olivia commanded.

At Olivia’s order, the woman, Varian, immediately let out a hearty shout, hoisted her axe, and strode towards the depths of the cavern.

Within the dim cavern, the group proceeded in pairs. Varian, the woman holding the torch, led the way, while the others, hands against the walls, slowly advanced.

The cave featured numerous forks in the path, but fortunately, Roalsa and Varian had been lucky; they hadn’t taken a wrong turn and had traversed directly to where Fafnir resided.

“Just follow me, everyone. Don’t let my rough appearance fool you; I’m quite meticulous. Once I’ve walked a path, I never forget it.”

Varian exuded confidence, seemingly without a hint of apprehension.

However, one knight in the group seemed displeased with Varian’s demeanor. She let out a soft “Tsk,” and murmured something under her breath.

Varian paid little heed to the knight’s dissatisfaction, continuing to lead the group forward with unwavering confidence, showing no sign of anger.

Olivia, on the other hand, admonished the knight, instructing her to reflect thoroughly upon her return.

“Everyone, pay attention,”

As they reached a particular fork, Varian’s voice dropped to a whisper, and everyone else immediately grew alert.

“Are we nearly there?” Olivia inquired softly. The woman nodded.

“Yes, everyone be careful,”

Varian advised, hunching her body and beginning to move slowly. The others emulated her, proceeding cautiously.

The tunnel was eerily silent, and the ground beneath their feet grew muddy. Between the narrow walls, the only sound was the squelch of their boots in the mire.

Everyone held their breath, straining their ears, meticulously searching for any suspicious sound.

‘Squish, squish.’

‘Squish, squish.’

Suddenly, the same sounds echoed from the other side of the tunnel. Everyone immediately drew their weapons, forming an orderly and alert perimeter within the confined space.

“Who’s there?”

Olivia demanded, her voice sharp. She gripped her sword hilt tightly, energy coiling around her hands, ready to strike.

From the darkness opposite, the sounds abruptly ceased. Everyone instantly spread out, creating space for their companions to cast spells.

After a long moment, a woman’s perplexed voice finally emerged from the opposing shadows.

“Olivia?”

“Roalsa?”

Olivia lowered her sword and took a few steps forward. Roalsa, too, emerged from the darkness.

“Why have you all come in?”

“We were concerned for your safety, so we brought people to investigate. Why did it take you so long to emerge?”

“I was merely waiting for that bandit to fall asleep, so I could find an opportune moment to leave.”

Roalsa stepped forward.

“You haven’t encountered anything, have you?”

“No, and you?”

“Nor have I,” Roalsa replied, joining the group. “This isn’t a good place to talk. Let’s discuss it once we’re outside.”

“How strong are those two individuals?” Aldoran asked, pushing her way through the crowd. Roalsa, without hesitation, gave a direct answer.

“They are exceedingly powerful. The Knight Order may not be able to contend with them at present.”

“You all go ahead. I’m going to take a look.”

Aldoran patted Roalsa’s shoulder.

“Hey, alone?” Roalsa grasped Aldoran’s hand. “Don’t be reckless.”

“Don’t worry, I’m only observing; I won’t act rashly.”

“Please, be sure to stay safe. If you encounter any danger, come out immediately. I’ll remain outside to provide support.”

With that, Roalsa waved to the others and led the group out of the cavern.

“Those two are formidable. Do not act rashly; you won’t be able to handle them.”

Before leaving, Roalsa did not forget to offer Aldoran one last warning.

Aldoran simply nodded, then walked deeper into the tunnel without a backward glance.

****

“Hey, you, isn’t it time you got up?”

Within the fire-lit cavern, Fafnir, a black-haired loli, discontentedly kicked the young woman prostrated at her feet.

“Yes, yes, Master.”

Startled awake by the kick, the young woman hastily pressed her forehead to the ground, answering deferentially.

Though her voice was steeped in sincerity and fear, her eyes, fixed intently on the ground, blazed with resentment and fury.

‘b*tch.’

The young woman cursed silently, yet her words and gestures were filled with flattery and obsequiousness.

Fafnir, however, paid no mind. Casually crossing one leg, her black skirt slid down her pale, soft thigh, then draped smoothly to the ground, blossoming like a rose. She propped a hand gently on her throne of white bones and pressed her foot onto the young woman’s head.

“Hey, massage my legs for me.”

“Yes, Master.”

The young woman rose from the ground to her knees, obediently beginning to massage Fafnir.

“Hey! That’s too much force!”

Observing the young woman’s compliant demeanor, Fafnir deliberately sought fault, delivering a harsh slap across her face.

The crisp sound of the slap echoed through the cavern. The young woman maintained her respectful posture, not daring to show even a hint of displeasure.

“Hey, why aren’t you resisting? Don’t you have a lot of opinions about me? Answer me!”

Another slap.

The young woman prostrated herself again.

“I dare not.”

“That’s more like it, you damn mare.”

Fafnir smiled contentedly, rubbing the young woman’s head with her foot.

“Yes, Master’s lesson is well-received.”

The young woman continued to parrot Fafnir’s words, though the fury in her eyes intensified with each syllable.

‘Bastard, one day I will have my revenge.’

The young woman gritted her teeth, forcefully suppressing the murderous intent within her heart.

Now was not the time; Fafnir’s power was too immense. The young woman needed to wait until Fafnir was defeated, then she would repay the humiliation she had endured tenfold.

‘Scum, harlot.’

“That’s an excellent answer. Continue.”

Fafnir was utterly satisfied. This feeling of being flattered and fawned over was truly delightful, leaving her insatiable.

This was precisely the treatment a noble dragon should enjoy. Defeated foes ought to become her slaves, prostrating themselves at her feet.

“Ah, this is truly enjoyable~”

Fafnir closed her eyes, savoring the moment contentedly.

“By the way, that fellow, Brunhilde, has he finally yielded today?”

“I’m not sure. He still hasn’t said anything today.”

The young woman replied.

“Tsk.”

“What’s so bad about following me? Whether in beauty or strength, I far surpass those idiots outside. Moreover, I possess countless treasures of gold and silver, and in the future, I will reign supreme over all.”

“I truly don’t understand what he’s thinking.”

“Yes, you are right. He is simply too blind.”

The young woman agreed verbally, but a cold sneer formed in her heart.

‘You’re also an idiot. A mere human, possessing no value beyond being food. How can you even fawn over such a low-level creature, and still talk about reigning supreme?’

‘Worthless!’

Fafnir, of course, remained oblivious to the young woman’s thoughts. She simply kept her eyes closed, lost in her grandiose dream of ruling the world. Meanwhile, the young woman, her heart seething with silent curses against Fafnir, gazed at the seemingly obedient face before her, her eyes brimming with murderous intent. Both were utterly engrossed in their own worlds, completely unaware of Aldoran, who had been eavesdropping from outside for quite some time.

Aldoran leaned against the stone wall, simultaneously listening to their conversation and probing their inner thoughts. Setting Fafnir aside for a moment, the young woman was someone Aldoran knew all too well.

Silvery-white long hair, azure pupils, a sweet voice, and an arrogant disposition.

Aldoran was intimately familiar with all these traits. This was none other than the eight-legged divine steed who had once wreaked havoc in the Harpy tribe, fought Aldoran to a mutual defeat, then fled—

Sleipnir.