Lord Summoner's Freedom Philosophy: Grimoire of Love
Chapter 234: City of Arkansas (2) The Deadlight’s Concern

Chapter 234: City of Arkansas (2) The Deadlight’s Concern

Lyan’s journey to the south, to the city of Arkansas, wasn’t short of obstacles. No matter how strong one is, a long journey is always dangerous and filled with challenges.

After dealing with the bandits, Lyan pressed onward, determined to reach Arkansas as swiftly as possible. The path ahead was treacherous, winding through the harsh and frozen wilderness of the Redania Empire. The cold was relentless, biting through his layers of clothing and armor, but he pushed on, fueled by his resolve.

The first major obstacle came as he traversed a narrow mountain pass. The snow had piled high, turning the path into a treacherous, slippery route. Shadow struggled for footing, and more than once, Lyan had to dismount to lead his horse carefully around particularly dangerous sections. The biting wind howled through the pass, making progress slow and arduous. But Lyan’s determination never wavered; he knew he had to reach Arkansas in time.

As they descended from the mountains, they entered a dense forest, the trees heavy with snow and ice. The path was obscured, and the shadows between the trees seemed to move with a life of their own. Lyan was on high alert, knowing that the forest could be home to both natural predators and hidden enemies. His hand never strayed far from the hilt of his sword, ready to defend against any threat.

One night, as they camped in a small clearing, the tranquility was shattered by the howls of a pack of wolves. These were no ordinary wolves; their eyes glowed with a supernatural light, and their fur was as white as the snow. Lyan quickly realized they were Winter Wolves. He stood ready, summoning a small barrier of ice to protect Shadow.

The wolves circled the camp, their growls echoing in the stillness of the night. Lyan’s eyes narrowed as he drew his sword, the blade gleaming in the moonlight. The first wolf lunged, but Lyan was faster, his blade striking true. The wolf yelped and fell, but the pack didn’t retreat. They attacked in unison, their movements coordinated and deadly.

Lyan fought with precision, his sword a blur as he struck down one wolf after another. The battle was fierce, the wolves relentless in their assault. But Lyan’s skill and determination saw him through. As the last wolf fell, silence returned to the forest. Lyan lowered his sword, his breath visible in the cold air, and checked on Shadow, who had remained calm throughout the fight.

"Looks like we’re not alone out here," Lyan muttered, patting Shadow’s flank reassuringly. "I’m sorry, I was just relieving my stress,"

Monsters that inhabit the frozen north seemed to be attracted to Lyan’s campfire and the scent of the dead winter wolves carried by the wind. Creatures like Frost Trolls, Ice Wraiths, and Snow Wargs circled the area, their eyes gleaming with predatory hunger. This part of the region was infamous, known as a death trap for travelers and even locals, especially during the harshest winters. These monsters, wielding the thick ice mana that permeated the surroundings, turned the cold into their weapon, hunting any unfortunate soul that crossed their path.

But this time, they had chosen the wrong prey.

Lyan, sensing the encroaching danger, remained calm. "I know, I know. I’ll let you guys take over from here," he muttered, seemingly to the thin air. But soon, a dark black magic circle filled with death mana appeared before him. The encircling monsters halted, their primal instincts screaming a warning as they felt the thick, oppressive sensation of death emanating from the circle.

A creature emerged from the circle, its very presence casting an eerie silence over the area. "Yes, master. Killing these pests and clearing your path should be our task," came a grim and chilling voice. It was a voice that would make any human shiver, potentially even lose their soul if they were weak-hearted.

The figure was skeletal, draped in tattered robes that fluttered as if caught in an unseen wind. Its bones gleamed with an unnatural light, and an aura of death seemed to seep from its very being, causing the temperature around it to plummet even further. It was as if the concept of death had taken physical form and stood before Lyan, ready to serve.

This was Grimclaw, the Deadlight. His eyes glowed with an eerie luminescence, casting an unsettling light on the snow and ice around him. The arrogant monsters that had looked at Lyan as their prey now faced Grimclaw’s chilling gaze. The Frost Trolls hesitated, their brutish strength seeming to wane in the face of this new terror. The Ice Wraiths, normally intangible and ghostly, flickered uncertainly, sensing the aura of true death. Even the Snow Wargs, with their feral cunning, whined and backed away, their instincts screaming at them to flee.

Grimclaw stepped forward, his bony hands crackling with necrotic energy. He moved with a purpose, each step resonating with the finality of the grave. The Frost Trolls, emboldened by their numbers, roared and charged. Grimclaw raised his hand, and a wave of dark energy burst forth, freezing the trolls mid-charge. Their roars turned to screams as the energy consumed them, leaving behind only shattered remnants of ice and bone.

The Ice Wraiths, seeing the fate of the trolls, attempted to surround Grimclaw, hoping to overwhelm him with their ethereal forms. But Grimclaw merely extended his hand, and tendrils of dark magic snaked out, ensnaring the wraiths. They struggled, their ghostly forms writhing in agony as the tendrils tightened, draining their life force until nothing remained.

The Snow Wargs, the last of the encroaching threats, tried to flee. But Grimclaw was relentless. With a swift motion, he summoned a blizzard of necrotic ice, the storm tearing through the wargs with merciless precision. Their howls of pain were cut short, leaving the night eerily silent once more.

Grimclaw turned back to Lyan, his task complete. "The path is clear, master," he intoned, his voice echoing with the finality of death. But in front of his master, the skeletal figure seemed gentle and very respectful. "However, I believe it would be best for you to rest first, master. I understand your concern, but your health is equally important."

Looking at his faithful summoned monster before him, Lyan smiled. "It’s fine. I’ve taken enough rest. It’s time to continue the journey. My time is limited, Grimclaw."

"Master, if you’re that enraged, you can entrust me and the rest of us with your command. We’ll kill that man referred to as Duke Ravindor and all of his followers without mercy. There is no need for you to take any consideration for that human. Let us handle them and ensure the safety of your queens simultaneously," Grimclaw’s concern was evident in his tone and words, making Lyan’s smile widen.

With a nod, Lyan replied, "Grimclaw, I believe you are wise enough to understand why I can’t do so."

Lyan’s words made Grimclaw lower his head. As a summoned creature with the ability to converse like a human, Grimclaw’s intellect allowed him to grasp the pain Lyan had suffered, understanding his master’s emotions and history through the grimoire’s shared memories. He also knew that dark magic was taboo in this world, and necromancy, monsters, and his very existence were considered evil. Protecting his master in broad daylight would make the whole world see Lyan as an enemy.

"But master, at least take some rest. Even your horse seems tired from the journey..." Grimclaw suggested.

Snort!

Shadow snorted, as if declaring he wasn’t tired in the slightest. The black horse, in front of the terrifying Deadlight, narrowed his eyes and snorted again, as if saying, ’What are you saying, huh? You want me to kick your butt?’

The exchange made Lyan chuckle, especially seeing Grimclaw slightly flinch at Shadow’s aggressiveness.

"You see that? Neither of us is even slightly tired. It will be fine, Grimclaw," Lyan reassured him.

"Sigh! Then at least allow me to set up some guards for your journey, master," Grimclaw uttered with a sigh.

Lyan nodded. "Very well. Set up the guards. We can’t be too cautious."

Grimclaw summoned the winter wolf alpha and its pack, each ridden by goblin champion skeletons. This setup ensured they could keep pace with Lyan and Shadow, providing rear protection and fending off any dangers they might encounter. The reason Lyan couldn’t keep his monsters constantly summoned was their speed. The skeletons, the golems, and the rest of the creatures were too slow compared to Shadow and the winter wolves, especially in the treacherous northern terrain. Constantly summoning them would only slow Lyan down, but with this arrangement, they could effectively guard him without hindering his progress.

"Hm? So you’re part of the guards as well, Grimclaw?" Lyan asked, noticing Grimclaw riding the winter wolf alpha.

"Of course, master. I won’t let anyone defend you while I stay idle. Please allow me to do this," Grimclaw replied, his tone resolute.

Lyan chuckled. "Of course. Thanks for your concern, Grimclaw. Now, let’s continue our journey."

With their guards in place, Lyan and Shadow pressed on through the harsh winter landscape. The frozen terrain was unforgiving, but the presence of the winter wolves and the goblin champion skeletons gave Lyan an added sense of security. The creatures moved with an eerie grace, their eyes glowing with an unnatural light as they scanned the surroundings for any threats.

As they traveled, the cold grew more intense, the wind biting through even the thickest of cloaks. The snow crunched underfoot, and the distant howls of wild beasts echoed through the night. Despite the harsh conditions, Lyan remained focused on his mission, his thoughts constantly drifting to the women he needed to protect in Arkansas.

_____________________________

<Deadlight (Lv. 63 -> Lv. 74)>

Name: Lyan Arkanium Evocatore

Occupation: Mythril-ranked Mercenary

Money: 3,775,710,950 Elnes / 3775 gold 71 big silver 9 big coppers 5 coppers

Weapon: Magic Glaive, 1 (Decent) One-handed Sword, 5 (Good-Quality) One-handed swords, 1 (Decent) bow, 1 Gryphon-Winged Sword

Equipment: 3 Black leather cloak, 2 Leather Armor, 2 Breastplate, 4 Health Potions, 2 Poison Vials

Grimoire’s Companions: 8 High Spirits, 3 Valkyrie, Shadow Goblin Lord (Lv. 5), Papilio Slime (Lv. 45), Galewing Butterfly (Lv. 45), Rock Golem (Lv. 50), Deadlight (Lv. 74), Moonlight Butterfly (Lv. 45), Ice Golem (Lv. 50), Acid Ant Queen (Lv. 9), Magma Bear (Lv. 1), Fey Mammoth (Lv. 1), Arcane Retriever (Lv. 1), Winter Wolf Alpha (Lv. 12), Fenris (Lv. 1), Gargoyle (Lv. 1)

Grimoire’s Army: 6 Shadow Servants, 800 Skeleton Army (24 Goblin Champion Skeletons, 226 Hobgoblin Skeletons, 550 Goblin Skeleton Army, 20 Acid Ants Workers, 10 Acid Ants Soldiers, 4 Female Winter Wolves)