Verrier shook the blood and mud from her sword.

Day after day, day after day, she continues to fight.

She swung her sword relentlessly, continuing to take the lives of monsters. Even as she stood before the mountain of corpses that had piled up, anxiety consumed her heart.

This was because her older brother, Kylan's condition was worsening day by day.

To save her older brother, the only way is to defeat the Nightwalker, who is the root cause.

She also knew it was highly likely that the location was Tigress, a city within the Aldrian Kingdom.

Finally, because that was the town where her older brother was attacked. So, she first wants to get to Tigress.

However, with their current strength, they can't even reach the Tigress. So for now, all they can do is keep hunting the monsters in front of them.

To take as many lives as possible, accumulate power, and use it as a foundation to reach the Nightwalker.

It's been known since ancient times that the more monsters they defeat, the more their body grows. That's why she just kept defeating monsters, defeating them left and right.

However, the growth gained from that was minimal, and impatience was brewing within Verrier.

Once they returned to base, Verrier didn't even take a moment to catch her breath before interrogating one of the knights.

"When will the next advance be?"

At her terrifying appearance, the knight guarding her couldn't help but shout at her.

"Verrier-sama... please rest for today! It's dangerous to go any further!"

"I can't rest... I have to hurry, or my older brother will..."

(If I don't become stronger, I will...)

It was then that Verrier was about to raise her voice.

Suddenly, a calm atmosphere flowed from a certain point in the campsite.

The noise recedes as if the tide is going out.

At that change, Verrier looked up.

Within the campsite, a woman was quietly walking toward them.

Clad in pure white robes, her movements are utterly without waste or flaw.

Beside her, two women who looked like ladies-in-waiting were attending her.

Her calm yet resolute presence was so out of place in this desolate battlefield.

And then, the woman stood before Verrier and gracefully bowed.

"Nice to meet you, Verrier-sama."

"...And you?"

At Verrier's question, the woman quietly raised her face.

"My name is Sofia. I work as a saint, though I'm not sure how much that means. By His Majesty's command, I have come to investigate the barrier."

(...Oh, that reminds me, I heard the saint was coming.)

"...I see. So you are Saint Sofia. It's an honor to meet you... And, what brings you here today?"

"I have come to ask for your cooperation in restoring the barrier."

"...The restoration of the barrier, you say?"

That was a story she couldn't just let slide.

Because if the barrier can be restored, some of the problems Verrier is currently facing will be resolved.

Verrier had instinctively stood up as she felt a little embarrassed by her actions and glanced at Sofia.

"Yes. Based on the investigation, we have found that the Holy Maiden's barrier may be deployed using media located throughout the continent as focal points... I'm not sure if it was due to not being able to withstand years of operation or some other reason... but I believe the one in the Aldrian Kingdom has broken down."

Sofia paused there and asked Verrier.

"Do you have any idea where that medium might be located, Verrier-sama? Perhaps if we investigate and find the cause, we might be able to restore the barrier."

Verrier thinks for a moment about Sofia's question.

"...No, I don't have any idea... no, but..."

"Is something the matter?"

"Our country has places that have been considered important strategic points since ancient times. According to historical records, the kingdom developed from that land... Perhaps there's something there."

"...I see. Which locations are those?"

"It's the Capital City of Aldrian and the city of Tigress."

Verrier had her subordinates bring her a map and pointed out the location on it.

As if to confirm the distance from their current campsite, Sofia is peering at the map.

"The closest one from here is... Tigress. Alright, I will go investigate for a bit."

When Sofia said it so casually, Verrier exclaimed in surprise.

"The T-Tigress, you say?! Alone?!"

"Yes."

"...That land has already become a den of monsters. Even for the Saintess, it's far too dangerous! Besides, in Tigress... that Nightwalker who devoured my older brother's soul should still be there!"

Sofia quietly listened to Verrier's heartrending plea.

"I see... In that case, I must go even more."

Upon seeing her like that again, Verrier couldn't stay silent.

Although she was somewhat afraid, Verrier called out immediately to help her older brother.

"Sofia-sama... I also want to accompany you... I want to help my older brother. Would you allow us to come with you?"

Sofia didn't answer right away.

After hesitating for a moment, she nodded slightly.

"...Yes, that's right. Understood. Verrier-sama, please accompany us... I'm not very familiar with the area, and it would be better to have someone who can guide us."

"...Alright. I will definitely protect you."

"I'm fine. I can protect myself. Please take care of yourselves as well."

"...Yes. When will we be departing?"

"Let's do it tomorrow morning. I want to finish it in one day, so I will leave early in the morning."

"Yes, I understand."

After Sofia left, Verrier was alone and let out a small breath.

(...I don't know if I can even reach Tigress. But to save my older brother... it's now or never...!)

If they don't defeat the Nightwalker as soon as possible, it might be too late.

Trying to contain the urge to leave immediately, Verrier clutched the necklace at her chest tightly.

It's not just her older brother. The hopes of the people who escaped are now weighing on her shoulders, and the thoughts of all the citizens who died.

(...I have to do it, no matter what. Fighting is... still scary... Even going outside the barrier is scary... but still, I have to try.)

To be in top condition for tomorrow's battle, Verrier focused on getting rest.

Chapter 35