Chapter 457 The Demon King's most human episode
Irene had a long, long dream.
In the dream, she was no longer in the forest soaked in chaos and blood, but returned to the manor in the countryside of Thunder City.
The afternoon sun passed over the treetops, casting mottled tree shadows on her teacup.
Collin was sitting next to her, quietly reading books, with a faint smile on his lips.
He was always very quiet, and there were too many things written in those deep purple eyes that she could not read.
Sometimes, she felt sorry for him.
Although she has never mentioned this matter, she is even more embarrassed to mention it.
Gradually, Irene felt a little tired from the dazzling light, so she yawned and fell asleep like a lazy cat.
Collin did not leave, nor did he shake her awake. He just sat quietly beside her, gently caressing her forehead with his warm palm, and wiped away the fine sweat stains caused by her nightmare.
That tenderness made her feel extremely attached to him. She wanted to stay by his side like this and never wake up.
However, she knew very well that she couldn't just sleep.
She carries not only armor on her shoulders, but also the people of the Principality of Campbell, and many things that she cannot put down.
“..—I’m going to take a nap, remember to wake me up.” She murmured softly, as if she had returned to her childhood, when her father was still by her side.
Colin put his hand on her forehead and responded softly.
.I will give you new life. ""
The sweet dream was fleeting like quicksand between fingers. After an unknown amount of time, Irene slowly opened her heavy eyelids.
What comes into view is not the familiar manor, nor the peaceful and peaceful paradise, but a rock wall illuminated by a bonfire.
She is still alive.
This is simply a miracle.
Irene slowly moved her neck and found that she was lying on a soft fur, covered with a heavy coat.
Colin is missing.
That is obvious, he could not be here even though he was far away overseas.
Irene subconsciously wanted to sit up, but immediately felt something strange.
She found that the heavy plate armor on her body had been taken off, and she was only wearing a close-fitting lining, and even the collar was spread out, making it look messy.
Feeling the gaze that was so close to Chi Chi, the eyes of the sleepy-eyed Irene suddenly froze, and a cold murderous aura shot up into the sky!
The "Light of Praise" is not far from her hand!
And it is maintaining the form of a sword!
Without any hesitation, she grabbed the hilt of the sword with her right hand like lightning, stood up, and slashed at the black shadow in the corner beside her with a backhand sword!
Dang one by one!
The golden sword light tore through the darkness in the cave, leaving a palm-wide sword mark on the thick rock wall!
However, unfortunately, the sword struck an empty space and did not kill the rude man!
The ethereal black shadow was like a weightless feather, floating deeper into the darkness of the cave in front of her.
Immediately afterwards, a hoarse and sinister laughter sounded from there.
"You finally woke up."
The voice was emotionless, like a devil looking down at the chessboard, whispering to his interesting pieces.
"Who are you!"
Irene's eyes were filled with murderous intent.
She grasped the collar of her chest with one hand, and held a sword in the other hand. Her whole body was tense, and she stared at the bottomless darkness with vigilance.
She felt a dull pain in her heart, but she had no time to confirm the extent of her injury.
His intuition told her that the guy in front of her was very strong, even scarier than Rolandal who played with her in the forest before!
But he doesn’t seem to be hostile?
After calming down, Irene gradually realized that the reason why she moved here from the forest may have something to do with the man in front of her.
He should have saved himself.
At least if he wanted to do something while she was unconscious, she would have absolutely no chance to resist, let alone hold the Light of Praise in her hand as soon as she opened her eyes.
But even after confirming this, Irene did not dare to be careless at all. Who knows if this is a trick of the Chaos Apostles?
Their rituals are more elaborate than those of the demons in hell.
"This is a good question."
Looking at Irene who was still in chaos, Luo Yan, who hid his figure, thought for a moment and whispered a response.
"My name is Luo Yan.
This is the first time that he has said his real name in front of Irene.
After Kallen who knew his two vests, now someone who knew his three vests was born. But unlike Kallen, Erin didn't know that these three vests were all the same person.
"..—Luo Yan?""
Irene's eyes flashed with confusion for a moment.
She tried hard to search for this name in her memory, but could not find any clues.
Whether it is the nobles of the Principality of Campbell or the famous strong men in Osland, no one seems to have this name.
But she felt that this name was so kind, even familiar -
Just when Irene was confused, the deliberately lowered voice sounded again.
"We will meet again."
Irene was startled and realized that he was leaving, so she hurriedly spoke.
The man did not wait.
The moment the words fell, the black shadow, together with his unfathomable aura, completely disappeared into the darkness.—
He left.
Watching the black shadow disappear into the depths of the cave together with his aura, Irene was unable to do anything about the man who called himself "Luo Yan". His strength was as bottomless as the maze of Thunder County, as if he came from a hell even deeper than that.
Even if she returns to her full strength, she may not be his opponent, not to mention that it is difficult for her to even stand now.
It is better to join the large army first.
With reason, Irene gave up the idea of exploring deep into the cave. Full of vigilance and confusion, she turned back to the bonfire.
Surprising.
Her equipment is all there, neatly stacked.
That mysterious man seems to be a very particular guy, even doing such small things meticulously.
Of course, even though he has a delicate side, he is still a vast ocean away from the elegant and decent Mr. Colin.
At least that gentleman would never do anything to embarrass a lady.
She would not disappear without saying an inexplicable word, leaving her alone here to suppress the distracting thoughts in her heart. Irene quickly tidied up her messy clothes and put the cold and familiar armor back on her body again.
The heavy weight of the metal pressed against her shoulders, making her feel a little at ease.
Under the last piece of the stomach, there is also a well-drawn map and a brass compass.
On the map, a small circle drawn with red ink clearly marked her current location.
This meticulous care formed a strange contradiction with the demonic aura, which also made Eileen's suspicions deepen.
What on earth does this guy want to do?
She couldn't understand.
However, what we need to do now is not to explore the truth, but to return to the people who care about us as soon as possible and figure out what is going on outside.
Irene walked out of the cave, and outside was a quiet forest shrouded in moonlight.
The night wind caressed her face softly, and you could faintly hear the chirping of insects and the choking of leaves in the forest.
Irene took a deep breath, raised the torch removed from the bonfire, and walked in the direction of the military camp with the help of the map and compass.
The forest at night is so dark that no matter how bright the torch is, it can only disperse the shadows within five steps.
But for Erin Campbell, that was enough.
She walked in the forest for a long time, and the view ahead finally opened up a little. Low vegetation and flat land replaced the dense woods and mounds.
· Campfires and cooking smoke could be faintly seen in the distance, and a small pea-like river passed through the forest. The sound of gurgling water replaced the noisy insects.
Irene stopped.
The continuous fierce battles and high mental tension made her feel exhausted. She wanted to wash her face before returning to the camp to make herself look more energetic.
She squatted down, stuck the torch in the soil beside her, and looked down at the river, which was illuminated by the bright moon.
At this moment, she was stunned.
I saw a pale face reflected on the river. It was different from her previous rosy white face, but almost as white as paper.
That's not all - her lips have also lost their blood color, and are thin red with black and blue.
But this is not the point.
Irene knew that she had lost too much blood and her body was at its weakest. It was normal for her lips to turn white and her face to have no color.
What really surprised her was that her golden hair, which should have shone like the sun, turned into as bright as the moonlight!
Untied the braid on the back of her head.
Irene raised her hands with slightly trembling index fingers, and instead of holding up a ring of clear spring and threw it on her face, she held up a strand of her own hair.
That delicate touch reminded her clearly that what she saw before her was not an illusion.
Wrong and hesitation were intertwined on that resolute and delicate face. She stood there for a long time without saying a word.
What happened? !
That look of holding back heartbreak but still remaining strong is really heartbreaking. However, Luo Yan, who was standing in the distance, did not come out from the shadow of the woods.
After Irene left the cave earlier, he did not just leave. Instead, he followed her quietly until she reached the small river.
Once here, she is basically safe.
Unless she can't think about it herself.
"Lord Demon King, is it really okay to leave her alone there?" The milky white ghost floated beside Luo Yan and asked in a low voice.
As the master's godhead and follower, Luo Yan will certainly feel sorry for those who feel sorry for him.
Looking at the back that looked particularly lonely in the moonlight, Luo Yan was silent for a long time before slowly speaking.
「This is the best choice.」
He has considered many possibilities, including a direct showdown or letting it go, but this plan is the most reliable.
It is true that she is a strong person, but if she is allowed to bear all the truth at once, even that strength will be easily destroyed.
It is obvious that the name "Colin" has been deified by her, and has even become her only spiritual support, and has even been engraved into the light of legend.
That was most likely her drowning in the water, with only the straw left in her hand.
Hence, Luo Yan made a compromise choice, first letting her adapt to the changes in her body, and then leaving the power to herself whether to accept this "new life"
h.
If she really doesn't want to continue living as a vampire, the "Light of Praise" is in her hands.
But obviously, Irene seemed to think that she still had unfinished business, so she did not point the sword at herself. Under Luo Yan's gaze, she suppressed all the emotions in her heart, washed away the stains on her face, then reorganized her emotions, and continued walking firmly in the direction of the military camp.
She shoulders the expectations of her brother and all her people. She must win this war and end the corruption of Chaos that is raging in the Dusk Province at all costs!
Looking at the figure disappearing on the forest path and the heavy footprints left on the ground, Luo Yan breathed a sigh of relief and whispered to Youyou beside him.
"It's time for us to show up too."
He will comfort her.
But instead of using the name Luo Yan, he uses the name "Colin".
The colorful butterflies flew away from the shadow of the trees. At the same time, Luo Yan's figure disappeared into the shadows, replacing the illusion more than ten kilometers away.
It was not far from Campbell's military camp. The news of Eileen's disappearance had not yet spread. Most of the soldiers were celebrating their victory during the day. Heroic laughter could be faintly heard in the campfire, as well as the bagpipes played by the dwarves.
Thanos has been waiting here for a long time, and has prepared a half-tired horse for his esteemed majesty.
Now, the role Luo Yan wants to play is Colin, who has just disembarked from the port of Thunder City and galloped all the way to the front line—
"Stop! Who is that person!"
The patrolling sentry soon discovered Colin, who was riding alone towards the camp. He immediately took off the musket on his back and shouted sharply.
It was a dark place, so of course they couldn't recognize Colin's identity. They just felt that the person who came was extraordinary, and he was no ordinary person at first glance. Therefore, they felt a little guilty. They were afraid that he was a noble, but they didn't dare to point their guns at him.
Luo Yan reined in the reins suddenly, and the horse with only one breath left under him let out a tired neigh, and shouted loudly at the soldiers.
"Roxey Colin! I am the prince of the Principality of Colin! Please tell your general Eileen Campbell for me that I am here to find her!"
The soldiers present have certainly heard of Colin's name, but no one expected that the noble Highness would actually appear here.
Isn’t he overseas?
What is the Kao continent?
Of course, after the previous big storm event, the name seemed to have changed to Janna Continent again, because a lizardman country called Gutav United Kingdom preferred this new name.
Just when everyone was undecided, a powerful voice suddenly came from the entrance of the camp.
"Are you Colin?"
Luo Yan looked around and saw a dwarf wearing heavy armor and a beard braided into several braids, striding towards him.
Different from the shaved hell dwarf, this guy's hair is quite thick, and the two eyes hanging above his beard are as big as copper bells.
Luo Yan looked at him and said cautiously.
"I am Colin. Who are you?"
"Quentin Bronze Furnace!"
The dwarf walked up to him, beat his chest heavily with his hand armor, and said in a loud voice, "I am the lord of the Mountain Kingdom! By the order of my king, I come forward. Come to support the Northern Rescue Army in quelling the rebellion in Dusk Province and annihilating the apostles of Chaos! "
"Nice to meet you, Lord of the Mountain Kingdom."
Luo Yan immediately performed a standard imperial noble etiquette, and Qutin also responded with the aristocratic etiquette of the dwarf kingdom.
Although the two met for the first time, they both felt from each other the calmness of a strong man and the heavy family tree behind them.
Although he doesn't often interact with human nobles, Quentin can tell that Mr. Colin is a true imperial noble.
He is very confident anyway.
"Irene is in the camp—please come with me, I will take you to see her." Quentin turned his body like a barrel to the side and made an awkward gesture of invitation.
Although Luo Yan knew that Aileen was not here, he still pretended not to know and followed him into the command tent not far away.
The command tent was empty, with only a brazier and a table, as well as a military map spread out on the table.
As soon as he entered the tent, Quentin stepped back. Before Colin could ask, a trace of solemnity appeared on his carefree face.
"Mr. Colin, with all due respect, you came at the wrong time."
Luo Yan was stunned for a moment.
� ．What do you mean - —— ——
Quentin said in a deep voice.
"Your Highness Irene...is missing."
"Missing?! How could it be!" Luo Yan's eyes widened, filled with disbelief, like a bolt from the blue.
"In the daytime, during the decisive battle between her and the Chosen of Chaos - in order not to affect the morale of the army, we blocked the news and hoped that you could keep it a secret." Quentin stared at him.
From the anxiety that came from his heart, he could feel that this person was not lying. He is indeed a friend of Her Highness Irene, and the relationship is not shallow.
Before this, he had heard Irene mention this Prince Colin more than once. It is said that he was a very noble and kind gentleman, a model and model of morality.
Now that I see him, I can see that this gentleman is indeed a talented person.
Just·
Irene's disappearance had such a great impact on him that he stood there for a long time without coming back to his senses.
After a while, a hoarse and trembling voice came out of the tightly closed lips.
That is trembling with anger!
She, but they haven't come back until now - "No! I'll go find her too!"
After saying that, Luo Yan turned around and was about to leave, with a worried expression on his face, as if he didn't want to stay here any longer.
Looking at Colin who was turning to leave, Quentin was startled and quickly reached out to pull the guy's arm, urging him to put the overall situation first.
How can this news get out?
Let alone Irene missing, even if she is dead, the coalition forces will have to remain silent. At least they will capture Twilight City before mourning.
Li will definitely advise you in the same way!"
"I came here from the Janna continent just to help her! If she is gone, what's the point of coming here!
Let me go!"
"I will never let go until you hear what I have to say! Don't say you are the prince of the empire, it is useless even if you are the emperor himself!"
If he didn't use the magician's BUFF and relied purely on the pull of strength, Luo Yan really couldn't pull this dwarf who was as heavy as a mountain, even if this long-haired braised egg was only platinum level.
But he didn’t want to win, he just made a strong show of insisting on leaving. He could pull him if he wanted. Anyway, Irene was coming soon.
He had calculated the time before coming.
Quentin Tongluo grinned and held his arm hard, but he did not dare to use too much force. He really crushed this guy and crippled him.
But then again, isn’t this prince a magician?
Where does it come from so much strength? !
Just when the two were "arguing", the heavy curtain at the entrance of the tent was suddenly violently opened from the outside.
Irene and Teresa's faces appeared at the door at the same time, with expressions of disbelief on their originally heavy faces.
"Colin?!"
"Your Highness, Your Highness?!"
At this moment, Irene was wearing a large cloak, following Teresa who looked tired, with the lowered hood covering her face.
Those emerald green eyes were filled with the surprise and disbelief of seeing each other again after a long separation, but in addition, there was also a subconscious panic and desire to escape.
「EIrene——!」
Luo Yan had surprise in his eyes and was about to rush to Irene's side. However, the big hand holding his arm did not let go. Instead, it tightened like a vise.
"Boy - don't be impulsive, that's not your little lover, stand behind me!"
Quentin's voice deepened, and he pulled the young human prince behind him, looking directly at Irene's face like a torch.
Irene did not dodge, but calmly responded to the hostile gaze, waiting for the ally to speak.
Luo Yan could see that she was not as calm as she showed, and the shaking of her shoulders had revealed her uneasiness.
Perhaps this is because of myself.
The silence lasted for a long time.
Quentin suddenly sneered and broke the silence between the two, "If we dwarves hate anything besides the rats in the mines, the undead probably rank first, followed by demons. And by coincidence, I saw a combination of the two things."
After a pause, he stared at Eileen and continued.
"The lord of the Mountain Kingdom needs an explanation."
Theresa moved her lips and wanted to say something on behalf of her lord, but was stopped by Irene.
She took a step forward, looked at the dwarf lord who was facing a formidable enemy, and said in a hoarse and sincere voice.
"I also want to give you an explanation, but to be honest, I am actually confused myself. I don't understand why I became like this. After I awakened the legendary power, I lost consciousness - and when I woke up, I was in the cave."
She swallowed and said with difficulty.
"I don't even know if Rolandal is dead."
While saying these words, Irene unconsciously glanced at Colin behind Quentin, as if that was her only weakness. To be honest, her expression of wanting to explain but not knowing where to start was really heartbreaking.
She almost begged, hoping that no matter what he saw, Quentin would not discuss her current situation in front of her beloved.
At least change the place.
However, dwarves don't understand the concept of compassion, let alone the so-called emotional intelligence. At least these things are not prepared for humans.
Vampires are the sworn enemies of dwarves.
Not only because they believe in the evil demon god, but also because these guys who drink blood dare to laugh at the dwarfs who have no necks and cannot eat!
This is Chiguoguo’s slander!
Everyone knows that dwarves have necks!
This slander was recorded on the first page of the "Book of Hatred", and every dwarf lord in the Alpine Kingdom will remember it in their hearts!
As for the second page, write about the guy who laughed out loud when he saw the first page.
Really?
Quentin chuckled, his eyes narrowed dangerously, and he unceremoniously revealed the fact that Irene was desperately trying to hide.
"Do you think I would believe what a vampire says? You vampire! I have a very clever nose, you can't even try to hide it from me!"
He could see it at a glance!
The air suddenly became quiet.
Theresa was silent, while Irene closed her eyes in pain, hiding her sadness under her lowered eyelashes and hood.
She was unable to defend herself.
This is a fact.
From the perspective of "Colin", perhaps Luo Yan should act more realistically, at least showing a certain degree of shock.
For example, exclaim "Vampire?!"
However, looking at the pretty face that was about to cry but was trying to show off her strength, he really couldn't bear to act according to the script that had been arranged, so he changed it to improvisation.
He is still a human being after all.
As promised, I am here to comfort her.
"I think there may be some misunderstanding here." Luo Yan, who was standing behind Qutin, suddenly spoke, breaking the silent atmosphere in the tent.
The previous panic on that handsome face was gone, replaced by a sophistication and calmness that belied his age. He was a completely different person in front of Quentin.
Quentin looked at him with wide eyes, his big eyes almost bulging out, but he only dared to look at him once, and then he moved his eyes back to Irene.
He did not dare to take it lightly for a moment!
Even though his neck is only a short length.
"Are you crazy?! That's a vampire! A vampire! A biting mosquito! A devil that eats people without spitting out their bones—"
Those vicious curses were like nails, hammering into Irene's chest, attacking the most vulnerable part of her heart.
Looking at that sad face, even if Irene could hold it back, Luo Yan didn't want to wait any longer.
That is also a "relative" of the Colin family.
Do you, a dwarf on the Peak of Hatred, come to chew your tongue?
That is the language of the dragon
It’s also magic!
Just two syllables put a pause on the noisy voice.
Quettin's face that was flushed with anger froze in an instant, his mouth was open but no sound came out, and only annoyance and confusion remained in his eyes.
Do you know what you are doing?
Looking at Colin, he seemed to be saying this with his eyes.
Luo Yan can "hear" with his eyes.
But he is also a prince with a temper. Whether to pay attention to him or not is another matter.
"You've been holding my arm for so long, so it's only fair that I tell you to shut up for a while." Taking his arm away from Quentin's hand, Luo Yan waved his wand gently, lifting the spell on Quentin's chin, "Calm down now?"
Quentin stared like an angry bullfrog.
He still did not speak, but stared at everyone with a murderous gaze, as if he wanted to engrave everyone here in the book of hatred.
Humbling him up with just one sentence·.
This prince’s strength is probably even more important than his temperament.
Luo Yan does not object to him doing this. After all, hatred is actually a kind of belief, but now he still has to relieve the dwarf lord.
「Colin, I—.」
"Don't speak yet."
Luo Yan glanced at Irene who was about to say something, gave her a reassuring look, and then looked at Quentin Tongluo, who was blowing his beard and staring blankly.
"I'm not sure what happened during the day, but I know that what our enemies want to see most at this moment is that we fall into internal reservation."
There is nothing wrong with this sentence.
Seems to be aware of this. Quentin's heaving chest gradually calms down, but the burning anger and hostility have not subsided.
"What if she is a chaotic person?"
Luo Yan looked at him and answered without joking.
"If so, you are already dead."
Quentin narrowed his eyes and sneered.
"Just her? A vampire? My ax is specially designed to kill those half-human beings who are not ghosts one by one"
Luo Yan interrupted his words and spoke quietly.
"What if I'm added to the list?"
The camp became quiet again.
But this time it was not because of any magic, but because of the rebellious and even blasphemous declaration of the Imperial Prince.
In addition to Luo Yan himself, the three faces all showed different expressions, including Irene, who looked sad.
Among them, Quentin's expression is still the most exaggerated. His wide eyes are almost as if you are asking if you are crazy.
Targeting the wand at a dwarf friend for an undead soul!
Are you crazy? !
No matter how careless the human race is, no matter how forgetful they are, they still won’t lose their brains!
"Do you know what you are talking about? The tribunal will judge you! They will hang you on the gallows, and you will lose all your titles! No matter who you are!"
Although Theresa did not speak, the shocked expression on her face said everything she wanted to say.
Even for the prince of the empire·
This is too reckless!
“Then let them come, and I will bear witness for her, and convince them, using the exact words of the Book of the Word—I will forgive the sins of ignorance, for mortal life is too short, and it is not their intention to get lost.”
Faced with the child's threats, Luo Yan's face did not waver at all. He just looked at the panicked God Qutin Bronze with a smile.
"I believe in Eileen Campbell's character, including her piety, loyalty, bravery, generosity and kindness, and all other good qualities."
"At the same time, I unconditionally believe in every word she said. It was definitely not her intention for things to develop like this, and even...perhaps all this is the will of the gods!"
Those loud words were full of unquestionable firmness, as if His Royal Highness standing here had really heard the oracle from the underworld.
In fact, it cannot be regarded as “as if”.
After all, no one said that the god could not be himself.
"Whether she is a human or a vampire—"
"I will stand with her!"