Bear School Astartes

”What’s happening?”

Riding his newly bought ’Carrot’, Geralt caught up with Belengar and asked.

The two armored demon hunters and their horses looked like they were from a miniature world beside Lann and Qilin’s combination.

Rong Buqiu jumped from one of Lann’s shoulders to the other, its furry little helmeted head looking around.

It had cooperated with Lann for a long time; even though they didn’t travel together last time, they hadn’t lost their rapport.

This kind of situation only occurred when Lann discovered something.

Unfortunately, the little cat lifted its face and twitched its pink nose, yet still found nothing.

Meanwhile, the young demon hunter’s expression was grim as he looked at the nearby meadow and sneered.

”It seems that it’s not just Ciri being pursued.”

”Even my side is... hmph hmph.”

When Lann finished the first half of the sentence, Belengar and Geralt’s brows furrowed tightly.

The pupils in their cat-like eyes started contracting unpredictably, following Lann’s gaze.

This place was near the hill where High Hill Castle was situated, so unlike the swamps and stagnant pools common in Velen’s territory, it was merely a meadow with a few wildflowers.

The ground often trampled by beasts and monsters had patches of exposed yellow soil.

But under the activated demon hunter’s senses, suddenly that green meadow highlighted chaotic and numerous footprints.

At least ten people with ten horses had once observed here.

The traces of their horses pacing and pawing after halting were visible in the demon hunter’s sight, as if etched in memory.

The hill where High Hill Castle stood was visible from afar, an ancient oak on a larger mountain. During festivals in Velen, that mountain would be lively.

But despite that, the hill where High Hill Castle stood was still seldom visited.

No merchants nor caravans pass through here since coming here is a losing venture.

Lann could even remove his hooded cloak on the way here without any psychological burden.

But in such a place, it’s now certain: four or five days ago, ten people with ten horses lingered here.

”Did Veltrest send you supplies?”

Belengar stared at the chaotic meadow under the demon hunter’s senses and softly mumbled words even he didn’t believe.

The Embers Knight Order receives supplies and even funding from Temeria.

However, due to the remote and seldom-visited nature, those supplies are sent at fixed times and in large quantities for long periods.

This is not the time for supply delivery.

”There hasn’t been rain in Velen lately.” Geralt’s voice was cold, ”Yet we only see footprints, not smell any residue. No livestock stink, no human sweat... nothing. Not even a pile of horse manure.”

His recent experiences led him to distrust luck and optimism, analyzing issues from the worst angle.

— This group not only stayed here but erased some traces.

To this extent, the targeted malice is glaringly obvious.

”Not just that.” Lann looked at the meadow, softly adding, ”They also understand demon hunters... understand how our senses work.”

Demon hunter senses are indeed an extraordinary observation power, but their ability to capture traces isn’t suitable for prolonged activation.

Doing so would make demon hunters feel dizzy.

Demon hunters rely on their visual sharpness to first loosely define a range at the incident site before observing and searching within the range.

But their extraordinary sense of smell and hearing can generally remain constantly active.

This was on the way up the mountain; why would demon hunters activate extraordinary senses on a fleeting path? Trying to make themselves dizzy while riding?

If Qilin hadn’t run too fast, they would specifically stop at the foot of the mountain waiting for the others, allowing Lann to activate extraordinary senses and look around. Then this footprint would likely go unnoticed.

So complex footprints and hoofprints need not be overly managed, but the smells of livestock and human bodies must be specifically eliminated.

Using alchemical deodorizing powder or masking with strong grassy and earthy smells could work.

Regardless, this wave of people handled their traces in a way that unmistakably demonstrates understanding of demon hunter senses.

They know how to strategically evade these extraordinary senses in daily life.

”Do you think they know?”

Geralt asked while casting his gaze to the mountaintop’s barely visible castle towers.

Lann was silent at first, then shook his head.

”I believe their abilities are top-notch among the Knights, but the opposing party has long been investigating and preparing, which gives them the upper hand. And... ultimately, they are just ordinary humans.”

Ordinary humans can’t spot footprints left a few days ago on the grass.

”Really gutsy, causing trouble right under your and the Embers Knight Order’s noses,” Belengar commented, then turned to the young Demon Hunter, ”Could it be... Veltrest?”

”Not sure,” Lann remained calm after learning that his Knight Order was being watched, shaking his head.

”Veltrest isn’t usually so irrational, but maybe he’s been provoked recently. Also, even if we do find traces belonging to Temeria, they might be using his name as cover.”

”It’s really...” As he spoke, Lann sighed heavily, ”a mess.”

After a snort, Lann and the others didn’t linger, heading uphill along the road the Knight Order had repaired, which was still rugged due to the rocky terrain.

As usual, outside High Hill Castle, even if Lann didn’t cover his face, the Embers Knights used crossbow arrows with demon-blocking golden arrowheads to confirm it wasn’t a magical disguise before lowering their guard and opening the gate.

”You’re making me lose face in front of friends, treating me like an outsider.” As he dismounted from the Qilin, Lann sternly criticized Lincoln, who was there to greet him. ”Look, I’ve brought new friends!”

”For your dignity, we face life and death without fear.” Lincoln smiled at his superior, his gaze reverent and solemn, ”But first, I must confirm it’s really you.”

”Of course, if you could lead us and stay by our side, these doubts would naturally vanish. Like dew at noon.”

The young secretary of the Knight Order smiled, speaking with a deep meaning.

Lann scratched his head incredulously, glaring at Lincoln as if angry, then suddenly broke into a wide smile.

”Ha, it’s been a while!”

They opened their arms with mutual understanding and gave a firm hug.

Embers Knights emerged from various parts of the castle, exchanging greetings with Lann.

There was no awkwardness or forced familiarity after a long absence between superior and subordinates; everything was natural.

Or perhaps, soldiers personally led by him would feel unnatural if they entered another military system.

After experiencing the rhythm of seemingly controlling all battlefield information and breaking through obstacles, they were no longer ordinary soldiers.

Moreover, it seemed Lincoln and the ten who accompanied Lann on the last outing had spontaneously assumed special roles within the team.

The work of the Sword Giver was commendable too.

No member of the Embers Knight Order wore a hand-and-a-half sword at their waist; all adopted the Elf Long Blade style.

In their movement and breathing, Lann could see prominent traces of training in the swordsmanship he taught.

”Master Belengar, Master Geralt.”

After greeting Lann, Lincoln also nodded respectfully at the two other Demon Hunters, who were familiar as well.

Except the Knight Order’s secretary raised an inquisitive brow upon seeing the two accompanying Lady Yan’ans.

After all, Yan’an’s fashion and temperament... were really quite distinct.

”Since you are the lord’s friends, please make yourselves at home at High Hill Castle.”

The young Lincoln seemed experienced in hosting.

”Though judging by your demeanor, this castle may seem a bit small, we’ll do our utmost.”

”No need for such comments,” Maria said as she dismounted, holding the reins, ”We’re here for help, and the surroundings are wonderful.”

Knight Order members came to help settle the horses, and as expected, the Qilin received esteemed treatment, making it appear proud.

”Hey, let me help, meow!”

Rong Buqiu jumped off Lann’s shoulder, actively joining the knights.

It was excited for the adventure to resume, enjoying comfort on Lann’s back throughout the journey, purring in delight, eager to stretch its muscles now.

The knights were familiar with Rong Buqiu, not distant.

And after all, although the Elu Cat was small, it was the one that taught these Knights swordsmanship... well, the cat taught them!

”Quite handy,” Lann whispered to Lincoln, watching Maria and Adeline relax, ”I didn’t know you could do a steward’s job?”

Not far away, the female Hunter of Yan’an looked puzzled, asking the Knights taking over the horses.

”Hmm... are the horses here always like this? They seem particularly... noisy. Or is it sick?”

The Knights handling the horses looked confused, certain the horse was very healthy, occasionally snorting and whinnying, which was considered noisy? Aren’t horses always like this?

Beside Lann, the young secretary kept a smile, responding quietly to his lord.

”Learned from Stuart, he knows the court steward routine well. He was supposed to be the host, but he said his disfigured appearance might unsettle guests... so after training me for a while, he left this task to me.”