Lord Summoner's Freedom Philosophy: Grimoire of Love
Chapter 247: The Summoner’s Companions (End) The Mock Battles

Chapter 247: The Summoner’s Companions (End) The Mock Battles

"Alright, everyone," Lyan called out, his voice firm and commanding. "Let’s begin the training. Show me what you can do."

The creatures responded with a unified roar, their enthusiasm and readiness evident. They moved into their designated positions, their eyes focused and determined. Lyan watched with a sense of pride and anticipation as his companions began their training exercises, honing their skills and testing their abilities.

As the training progressed, Lyan observed each creature closely, noting their strengths and areas for improvement. The Seltas Queen’s command over her drones was impressive, their coordinated attacks and defenses showcasing their strategic capabilities. The Shadow Nymm’s shadow servants moved with fluid grace, their stealth and agility making them nearly impossible to detect.

Hobu’s leadership and dark magic proved invaluable in disrupting enemy formations, while the Rock Golem and Ice Golem held their ground with unwavering resilience. The Papilio Slime and Galewing Butterfly’s adaptability and support abilities provided crucial tactical advantages, and the Moonlight Butterfly and Gargoyle’s aerial reconnaissance and magical defenses were highly effective.

The Winter Wolf Alpha and Fenris led their pack with ferocity and precision, their pack tactics overwhelming their opponents. The Fey Mammoth and Arcane Retriever provided powerful support, their abilities adding to the overall strength of the group. Deadlight and his skeleton army demonstrated their versatility and coordination, acting as a formidable independent force.

The Acid Ant Queen’s soldiers and workers displayed their impressive numbers and corrosive abilities, their presence bolstering the defenses and providing a significant offensive capability.

Lyan tested the abilities of all of the monsters and had them have some mock battles with each other that he found himself rather immersed in.

He called for the Seltas Queen to engage in a mock battle against Hobu The Shadow Goblin Lord and his shadow servants. The Queen’s drones moved with synchronized precision, their exoskeletons glinting in the dim light as they attacked with a blend of brute force and poison. Hobu and his servants, on the other hand, used the shadows to their advantage, disappearing and reappearing unpredictably, casting dark magic that disoriented the drones.

Meanwhile, the Rock Golem faced off against the Ice Golem. Their clash was like a force of nature, with the Rock Golem’s heavy, earth-shattering blows meeting the Ice Golem’s frosty defenses. Each impact sent tremors through the ground, and the air grew colder as the Ice Golem’s freezing aura spread. Despite their size and power, both golems demonstrated remarkable resilience and strength, making it clear that they were perfect for holding the front line in any battle.

The Papilio Slime and Galewing Butterfly engaged in a fast-paced aerial duel. The slime, shifting through various forms and colors, utilized its adaptability to counter the butterfly’s swift, wind-infused maneuvers. Their mock battle showcased their versatility, with the Papilio Slime’s amorphous attacks meeting the Galewing Butterfly’s gusts of wind and rapid strikes.

In another corner, the Winter Wolf Alpha and Fenris led their pack in a coordinated assault against Deadlight and his skeleton army. The wolves’ ferocity and teamwork were on full display, their howls echoing through the hall as they darted in and out of the skeleton ranks. Deadlight’s army responded with disciplined formations, their bony limbs clashing against fur and fang. The Goblin Champion Skeletons and Hobgoblin Skeletons added their own unique abilities to the fray, making it a thrilling and evenly matched contest.

The Moonlight Butterfly and Gargoyle took to the air, their mock battle highlighting their aerial prowess. The butterfly’s spectral and lunar powers clashed against the gargoyle’s stone might and agility. Their duel was a dazzling display of magic and physical prowess, with moonlit beams and stone fragments lighting up the space.

The Fey Mammoth and Arcane Retriever faced off in a battle of might and magic. The mammoth’s massive strength and tusk attacks were countered by the retriever’s arcane blasts and swift movements. Their battle was a testament to their unique abilities, with the Fey Mammoth’s raw power meeting the Arcane Retriever’s magical prowess.

The Acid Ant Queen’s soldiers and workers formed a defensive line, simulating an invasion by a group of skeletons led by Deadlight. The acid ants’ corrosive abilities and sheer numbers created a formidable defense, melting through bones and armor with ease. The workers bolstered the defenses, reinforcing weak points and supporting the soldiers with their diligent efforts.

Lyan found himself completely engrossed in the spectacle. The sight of his companions testing their limits, improving their skills, and working together filled him with a deep sense of fulfillment. It was like witnessing a childhood dream come to life—a fantasy where creatures of myth and magic battled for honor and glory.

As the training session came to an end, Lyan felt a deep sense of satisfaction. His companions had performed admirably, their strength and loyalty evident in their every action. He knew that with their combined power, they could face any challenge that lay ahead.

"Great job, everyone," Lyan praised, his voice filled with pride. "You’ve all done exceptionally well. Let’s keep training and growing stronger together."

He unsummoned most of his companions, except for the girls’ monsters, and sent the ones with ’Mothers’ far away, like the Fey Mammoth and Arcane Retriever, back to their respective mothers.

(Now I remember, I didn’t visit Mia’s village, Bruinsan Village, since I was rushing to get here. I guess I’ll take some time to visit her when everything has calmed down) (Lyan)

"But sure... There are lots of things to think about, huh..." he murmured, recounting the things he had encountered on his journey and the unanswered questions still lingering.

(Lyan... I believe you didn’t forget) (Hestia)

Hestia’s voice brought Lyan’s expression to a serious one.

"Of course. I didn’t forget," Lyan replied firmly. "Griselda’s killer. Of course, I won’t forget. I’m also considering how I would bait him out; we have a score to settle, after all."

(I’m glad. It looks like this trouble in Arkansas is affecting Griselda quite a bit. She’s not as eager to eat, her face turns solemn in several situations, and she doesn’t stop watching your activities like before. She usually focuses on her play and battles against Eira. But it’s been different lately) (Hestia)

Hearing this from the usually haughty Hestia made Lyan chuckle. It seemed that being confined in the grimoire’s space together had made them emotionally attached to each other, even making Hestia worry about Griselda.

"It will be fine. I’ll try my best to find her killer and protect the ones she deemed important as well," Lyan said confidently.

(Good. You’re as sharp as I thought you were. But Lyan...) Hestia’s tone softened.

"Hm?" Lyan responded.

(Remember that you might also be included in Griselda’s important people. It would hurt her pride if you got hurt or even killed because of her. So remember to avoid taking reckless actions) (Hestia)

Lyan could feel the genuine concern Hestia held for Griselda and a hint of personal concern for him as well. This subtle acknowledgment of their bond strengthened Lyan’s resolve to be cautious and considerate in his actions, knowing he had more than just his own safety to think about.

"Of course. As if I would die that easily. It will be fine," Lyan uttered with a shrug. But then, his expression immediately turned solemn again.

There were several questions still up in the air. The leader of [Crow], the enemy of the Valkyries; the figure causing havoc in the Redania Empire’s towns; the noble family that had turned Josephine’s life into chaos before she owned the House of Roses; and, most importantly, the killer of Griselda. Many unresolved issues lingered.

One thing was certain: the possibility of Griselda’s killer being connected to Duke Ravindor was high. The leader of [Crow], Loris, and the troubles plaguing Redania’s towns all pointed back to the Duke. The breadth of his influence was alarming.

"By the way, where are those girls? I thought they were going to eliminate some bandits and catch up with me, but I didn’t even cross paths with them on my way back," Lyan mused, thinking about the Valkyries. "Judging from the signal from my connection with them through the grimoire, I can feel they are still far from me. The connection feels thin, though."

The thinness of the connection indicated that the Valkyries were still at a significant distance. Lyan knew they were capable, but he couldn’t help but feel a twinge of concern for their safety. The challenges they were likely facing must have been formidable to delay their return.

"Well, I trust they’ll be alright. They’re strong, and they know how to handle themselves," he reassured himself, though the lingering worry didn’t entirely dissipate.

___

Achoo!

A powerful sneeze seems to resonate throughout the inn.

"Caught a cold, Surena?" The Small General, Alicia, asked the sneezing girl.

"Ugh... It’s been a while since I sneezed that hard. By the way, I wonder where the master is...?" Surena uttered under her breath.

"This is the last city before the capital of Redania. I can’t believe it, but I guess he’s already there. Or maybe further. Seriously that man, just how fast did he travel in this extreme weather..." Emilia uttered with a wry smile.

"Seriously," Surena uttered as she wiped her nose and made a smile. "Truly an interesting man our master is,"