Bear School Astartes

After quite a while, Margaret finally confirmed that Lann had no intentions towards that cold, alluring female Warlock with black hair and purple eyes.

Although the feelings between Yennefer and Geralt were a highly talked about gossip topic among warlocks.

They were also the first to become famous within the close circles of warlocks, the combination of female warlocks finding demon hunters as lovers.

Of course, now as Lann has made the fame of the demon hunter community grow larger and larger, more female warlocks have come to understand this previously unfamiliar group.

Superior strength, robust physique, generally heightened physiological needs due to hormonal mutations... indeed, they make good options as indulgent lovers.

Thus, many female warlocks now wish to find a demon hunter to satisfy their curiosity and thirst for new experiences.

But Yennefer played very recklessly before, and among the female warlock community, she was considered part of the ’reckless’ type, which made Margaret, a well-informed friend, curl her lips.

”So, should I discuss this problem with Tishaya?”

Lann grimaced speechlessly, attracting a light laugh from Margaret.

”No, no need to involve her in this sort of matter. It’s actually not difficult to handle.”

The current director of Airetusa shook her head.

”Supporting an action that is likely to yield rich returns and gain recognition from warlocks is not new for Airetusa.”

”Although the action sounds risky and might go against the will of several kings. So you know...”

At this point, Margaret’s voice also carried the rationality and calm of a leader.

”Airetusa will not provide direct help before the situation becomes clear. The help will be limited and discreet.”

”Cautious betting.” Lann expressed no extra emotion after hearing this, ”It’s a prudent choice. But it’s still enough.”

”Before we have achieved real results, being able to attract this kind of sponsorship is thanks to my efforts.”

Saying this, Lann jokingly praised himself.

”Let’s see what kind of commotion they can stir up in the future.” Margaret shrugged. ”But, should we first discuss... how to handle the corpse of that Terror Tyrannosaurus?”

Though the night was perfect, the fragrance of flowers was intense, but there were no insect chirps or bird calls here.

Because these weak and sensitive creatures were still fleeing headlong due to the oppressive pressure of the Terror Tyrannosaurus’s corpse.

And just the corpse of the Terror Tyrannosaurus was dangerous enough for this world.

No one knew what changes might occur in that corpse rich in exceedingly vigorous life force, influenced by the chaos magic power scattered across the world.

Although Lann had already killed that Terror Tyrannosaurus once, who knew whether a twisted demon spirit might emerge from the brutal, deeply hungry corpse?

”The corpse of the Terror Tyrannosaurus cannot remain here.” The demon hunter solemnly offered a general conclusion first. ”Not only because it is dangerous, but it is also my duty.”

”Preventing dangerous things from coming here through the conjunction of spheres was part of my original pledge.”

”Which means you must return its corpse to its original world.”

Margaret slightly furrowed her brows, murmuring while calculating in her mind.

”This thing is so big and heavy, it’s impossible to move it out of the mountains... Transport? Might be feasible.”

”It’s not just about transportation; things aren’t that simple.” Discussing the details of the operation, Lann couldn’t help but furrow his brows slightly.

However, the demon hunter slightly turned his head and asked in a seemingly casual manner.

”By the way, Rita... is Tishaya available recently?”

”Available? Look at how you’re asking, how long counts as being available?”

”At least... a month or more?”

”A month or more?” Margaret finally caught on, looking curiously at the demon hunter, ”If it’s in Airetusa, certainly. But by what I understand from you... what are you thinking?”

Lann blinked and smiled.

-----------------

Until close to three or four in the morning the next day, others finally found their way here, tracking the path of destruction caused by the Terror Tyrannosaurus and Lann along the treacherous and hard-to-navigate mountain trails of the Mahakan Mountains.

This was with the supernatural illumination provided by Triss and Tishaya as warlocks; otherwise, moving around the mountains at night would be impossible.

”Even having turned into a corpse, the terrifying pressure from this thing still makes me feel breathless.”

Unable to hide his fatigue, Lincoln, leading the rest of the Honored Swordsmen of the Embers Knight Order, arrived.

The young secretary, like Margaret before, cautiously touched the slippery skin of the Terror Tyrannosaurus.

”Well done, you all did a great job before.”

Lann stood next to him, offering recognition and encouragement to each Honored Swordsman.

They had previously greatly mitigated the cursed Fog Demons’ impact on the battle situation.

To achieve this, they even risked spreading out their forces despite potential casualties. Fortunately, the Embers Knights were truly of exceptional quality, and their training, inherited from the Demon Hunters, made them highly effective against creatures like the Fog Demons.

So, among the knights, only three were slightly injured and had already received bandaging and treatment.

However, the prolonged march and fierce battles, despite them being the tough soldiers who followed Lann through the Siege of Sodden Mountain, now mostly showed clear signs of mental fatigue and distraction.

They were truly exhausted to their limits.

Triss and Tishaya also stood by the corpse of the Terror Tyrannosaurus, its two legs trapped in a pit, covering their mouths and noses with perfumed handkerchiefs. Their expressions were awe-struck yet serious as they gazed at the dark green giant beast.

They were Warlocks, and their dual roles as researchers made them feel not only the same sentiment as Lincoln towards this unprecedented terrifying monster but also a subconscious curiosity to explore.

”Sir.” One of the Ember Knights, despite his fatigue, spoke clearly, ”Is this considered the end of the battle? How should we handle this corpse?”

The overall high quality of the Embers Knights was reflected in just that one sentence.

They were not ordinary knight orders with a singular focus on fighting. For a typical knight order, the battle ended when it was over.

But for this group, who took Lann as their role model and goal, managing the aftermath was equally part of their combat duties.

And they immediately realized the significance of this corpse.

The Mahakan Mountains had experienced such massive ecological damage, even threatening the safety of the Ponta River Valley, a major artery for river transportation.

If there wasn’t an explanation, the kings of the Northern Four Countries would find it difficult to deal with.

However, on the other hand...

The Embers Knights had now removed their helmets, exchanging calm, meaningful glances in silent communication with one another.

It must be stated that even though the Embers Knight Order had gained fame along with Lann after the Siege of Sodden Mountain, receiving a warm reception and arrangements from King Veltrest of Temeria, they did not trust the Northern Four Countries much.

One of the reasons traces back to the failure of the first Siege of Sodden.

At that time, the Northern Four Countries’ military faced internal command issues and mutual constraints, leading to a massive defeat. It was only during the Siege of Sodden Mountain that they managed to turn the tide against the Niflgaard Legion.

Additionally, after the Siege of Sodden Mountain, the Embers Knights who followed Lann personally witnessed the fervent atmosphere among the soldiers towards their own generals.

On a life-and-death battlefield, a general who could lead their team to victory was akin to a god!

Lann, under the watchful eyes of all, had dismantled all the ’gods’ on the Niflgaard side, securing ultimate victory!

After the battle, even though Lann was unexpectedly teleported away by Triss, the soldiers still maintained their respect and fervor for him.

This fervor even spread to the Embers Knight Order led by Lann.

It’s difficult to say how much of the Embers Knight Order’s current reputation is due to Lann as their leader.

And under such collective emotions, the Embers Knights managed to remain the calmest and most enraged due to Lann’s unexpected teleportation.

They were able to observe their surroundings attentively amidst the chaotic emotional tide.

And from their observations... as the kings of the Northern Four Countries, seeing soldiers who should have been loyal to them instead show such fervor towards another person after the battle, their true feelings wouldn’t be good.

Their attitudes were inconspicuous amidst the chaos, and none of the kings, being masterful actors, displayed their emotions openly, shifting naturally with speed.

Yet those emotions were still observed by the Embers Knights. This has led to the current state of distrust.

Previously, they simply followed their master to assist Veltrest, ensuring the safety of the Ponta River Valley. Once the task was done, they’d report back accordingly.

But just now, Lann had explained to them the goals on his side, in line with Sachia and Iophis.

A free city with racial equality... this idea resonated well with the Embers Knights.

On one hand, having emerged from a baptism of fighting their way out of Hell, they’ve already formulated their own thoughts on society, race, and justice, resonating deeply with their master.

On the other hand... the ”Duke” title above their master’s head was still nominal, something they found rather unsightly.

And under such circumstances, regarding whether or not to formally report back to Temeria, the Embers Knights began to have their own hesitations.

”Sir, I noticed you seemed very familiar with this monster earlier... have you seen it before?” Lincoln asked as he wiped the dirty blood from his hands, stained by the Terror Tyrannosaurus’s skin. ”But wasn’t it brought here by the Conjunction of Spheres?”

”Precisely because it came from the Conjunction of Spheres that I recognize it.”

Lann simply replied, having not yet detailed his agreement with the Lady of the Lake or the task he carried himself to the Embers Knights.

But it was only a matter of time.

After all, the Embers Knight Order was his most trusted force.

With this thought, Lann even took interest in pointing at the Terror Tyrannosaurus’s corpse, giving Lincoln and Tishaya a brief explanation.