The Mad Dog of the Duke's Estate

Chapter 111

One week later, at the southern gates of Galad, Orion stood with the patrol unit to see off Caron and his group.

"Congratulations, Caron Leston. You've achieved remarkable growth," Orion said, his keen senses quickly noticing the significant increase in Caron's strength.

"I just got lucky," Caron replied with a casual grin, nodding slightly. He remarked, "It seems the forest truly is an ideal training ground."

"Have you reached 7-Star?" Orion asked.

"Not quite, but I'm definitely stronger than before," Caron admitted. To emphasize his point, he flicked his fingers, releasing a small wisp of darkness.

Seeing that, Orion nodded with a look of understanding, then asked, "So, you've managed to fully control Pluto's power?"

"Control might be overstating it... We've just gotten a bit friendlier," Caron answered.

"In Spirit Magic, nothing is more critical than harmony with your spirit. You're heading in the right direction. I'm sorry I couldn't be of more help," Orion said, then sighed as he glanced briefly at Caron's companions.

There was no precedent for handling a spirit like Pluto, because not a single elf had ever succeeded in forming a contract with one. Orion's expression turned wistful as he studied the group, noticing their achievements. If anything, Caron's group seemed to have grown even more significantly than Caron himself had.

"What impressive progress," Orion observed.

"You can tell that they've gotten stronger, right?" Caron said proudly. "Thanks to the Dew of the World Tree, everyone made some huge strides."

"...But are you really okay with this?" Orion asked hesitantly.

Despite their newfound strength, Caron's comrades glared at him with murderous intent in their eyes, as if he were their most bitter enemy.

Caron waved it off with a dismissive gesture and said, "They're just a little frustrated. Once they get out and fight some real battles, they'll cool off."

Grinding his teeth, Leo muttered, "Watch your back, Caron."

"Wow, this is why you shouldn't take in ungrateful brats," Caron teased. "Leo, thanks to me, you're a 6-Star knight now. Ever heard of something called gratitude?"

"...Is that really what the guy who tortured us for an entire week should be saying?" Leo snapped.

"Torture? What are you saying? That was training. Pure, disciplined training," Caron replied smugly.

"Training? Y-You used us to test Pluto's abilities... Argh!" Leo shuddered, visibly repressing the traumatic memories, and fell silent.

Beside him, Leon and Utula clenched their fists tightly, clearly still fuming.

"Caron," Leon said icily, "you'd better keep your promise. After this mission, you're getting your lights punched out for one solid hour."

"I'll make sure you understand a warrior's fury," Utula growled, his voice heavy with barely restrained rage.

Their words carried such intense anger that it was impossible to imagine what horrors Caron had subjected them to over the past week.

Caron, however, only chuckled and adjusted his sword as if their threats were nothing more than playful banter.

Orion offered a faint smile as he pulled an envelope from within his coat. He said, "This is a gift from me to you."

Caron took the envelope from him, opening it slowly to reveal a small document tucked inside. The paper bore intricate illustrations and descriptions. It was a detailed map of the Southern Great Forest.

"I was going to assign you a guide," Orion explained, "but I figured you wouldn't want one."

"Is it really okay to hand a map like this to a human?" Caron asked, raising an eyebrow.

The map outlined the terrain of the Southern Great Forest in exquisite detail. While humans had only ever measured the forest's vastness, they had never managed to create such a precise map. After all, charting a map like this required skilled surveyors, and no human surveyor had ever dared to venture so deep. As a result, the map itself was a priceless strategic asset. If it fell into the hands of the greedy, disaster would undoubtedly follow.

"It's a sign of how much trust we place in you," Orion said, meeting Caron's eyes with a steady gaze. He pointed at a yellow mark on the map, then asked, "Do you see this spot marked in yellow?"

"Yes," Caron replied, leaning in.

"That's the place the regent herself pointed out. Whatever it is you're looking for, it's likely there," Orion explained.

True enough, the map featured a bright yellow dot near the southern sea.

"As you can see, it's not far from the southern sea," Orion continued. "That area can be dangerous this time of year, as Nagas are likely to be active. If you do run into them..."

He tapped another spot on the map—a place labeled "Eär Village"—and said,"Head to this village and request support. It's a place where Mother's roots run deep, home to many elves who will gladly aid you."

It was a considerate gesture.

"But what about these lines?" Caron asked, pointing to two different paths marked on the map. One was red, the other blue. The red line led to the western path, and the blue line led to the eastern path.

"The red line is a shortcut, while the blue line is a detour," Orion explained.

"Looks like the blue route takes a lot longer," Caron observed. "What's the difference between the two?"

Orion exhaled a small sigh before replying in a low voice, "The difference is whether you avoid the forbidden zone entirely or just cross through it briefly."

"The forbidden zone?" Caron repeated.

"There's an abandoned dragon's lair along the red path. Its original owner disappeared ages ago, but the Guardians it left behind still remain. That's why the area is designated as forbidden," Orion explained.

Caron's expression brightened with intrigue, then asked, "How much time would the red path save us?"

"At least six days," Orion answered. "That's why I marked it as an option."

"So, it's a choice between a dangerous shortcut or a safe but slow route. Simple enough," Caron said with a shrug. Without hesitation, he added, "We'll take the red path."

Orion nodded in understanding and said, "I suppose you've spent enough time here already. I respect your decision."

"Huh? We're not in a rush," Caron replied, scratching his ear casually before flashing a grin.

"Then why choose the dangerous route?" Orion asked, puzzled.

"You said the red path was dangerous, so of course we'll take the dangerous route," Caron replied with a laugh.

"...Why is that?" Orion asked, confused.

"How else are we supposed to grow? I refuse to let my comrades become fragile greenhouse flowers," Caron said.

It was such a quintessentially Caron response that Orion could only shrug. Although he felt a pang of sympathy for Caron's comrades, there was little he could do. It was their fate to follow this man.

"May fortune favor you," Orion said at last.

And with that, their time in the city came to an end, and the mission resumed.

***

As Caron and his group made their way south toward the Southern Great Forest, Halo was in the far north, receiving a report from Zerath via the communication orb. The news he received about Caron and the other younger members of the family surpassed his expectations.

"Leo has reached 6-Star, and Leon is nearing the peak of 6-Star... Indeed, that is wonderful news," Halo remarked, sounding pleased.

"Yes, my Lord," Zerath replied through the orb.

"It seems Caron has quite the fondness for his cousins. It is a commendable attitude," Halo added with a faint smile.

Around him lay the lifeless bodies of numerous beasts, a testament to a recent battle. With a contented expression, he perched atop the heap of slain creatures.

"This might well be the greatest generation in the family's history," Halo mused.

Every member of the younger generation had surpassed 6-Star—from the eldest grandson, Hugo, to the youngest, Caron. While the family was known for their exceptional talent, these achievements far outshone the previous generation, a truly inspiring feat.

At the center of this unparalleled success stood none other than the youngest, Caron Leston.

"Did Caron say anything about his own progress?" Halo asked.

"He mentioned that he may soon reach 7-Star," Zerath reported. "Oh, and there is one unusual detail... He's formed a contract with a spirit."

"A spirit?" Halo's brow furrowed as he burned the blood of demonic beasts off his sword with a flicker of mana. He instructed, "Tell me more."

"All I know is that he contracted was a Spirit of Darkness. He didn't elaborate further," Zerath said.

"A Spirit of Darkness... That's a rare kind. I wasn't aware such spirits even existed," Halo murmured.

"According to Young Master Caron, it's distinct from the usual four elemental spirits," Zerath clarified.

"How intriguing," Halo said, his curiosity piqued.

In the history of the Ducal Family of Leston, no one had ever formed a contract with a spirit. Such agreements were even rare among humans.

Still, Halo wasn't overly alarmed. There were no rules forbidding contracts with spirits, and given that it was Caron, he was fine with that.

"It seems Caron has gained a new source of power," Halo concluded.

"I'm a bit concerned he might neglect his swordsmanship," Zerath admitted.

"Zerath," Halo said firmly, "do you think Caron is the type to abandon his sword simply because he's gained a new power?"

"...No, my Lord," Zerath admitted.

"The more weapons he has, the better. He's an intelligent one; he must have deemed it valuable. Still, it wouldn't hurt to confirm some details about the Spirit of Darkness. On my way back, I'll visit the Magic Tower and inquire about Spirits of Darkness," Halo said.

Though Halo trusted Caron's judgment, he preferred to leave nothing uncertain. Rising from his seat atop the beast corpses, he began walking across the snow-covered shore.

"Is that all you have to report?" Halo asked.

"There's one more matter, my Lord,"

"Go on."

"The King of the Southern Sea has made a move. Two of the Seven Heroes have led their fleets toward the Southern Great Forest," Zerath reported.

"How timely," Halo murmured.

The southern seas were rich and warm, unlike the harsh northern waters. With numerous islands scattered across it, the area thrived on trade and bountiful fishing. Meanwhile, the King of the Southern Sea was the ruler of those waters. When the southern kingdoms were devastated by war, the king had led their forces to take control of the seas.

"The Queen has made a move herself," Halo remarked.

Also known as the Pirate Queen, she had united countless pirate factions under her command, forging them into a formidable force. The name of Kynda Reynolds was one of the few that came up when discussing the continent's strongest figures.

"Why would she move toward the southern Great Forest? That's Naga territory," Halo wondered aloud.

"This isn't confirmed, but there's a rumor that they're after the hatchling of the Accursed Dragon," Zerath replied.

"The Accursed Dragon? You mean the green dragon, Etyron?" Halo asked.

"Yes, my Lord," Zerath said.

Etyron was a notorious green dragon that had destroyed an entire southern kingdom centuries ago. During the demonic invasion three hundred years prior, it had allied with the demons, betraying humanity.

Our first ancestor killed that bastard with Guillotine. Why is its name surfacing now? Halo wondered, his gaze sharpening.

He paused for a moment, then asked, "Caron and the others are headed toward the sea bordering the Southern Great Forest, correct?"

"Yes, my Lord," Zerath confirmed.

"I suppose they might encounter them," Halo said.

"Shall I dispatch reinforcements?" Zerath asked.

Halo hesitated before shaking his head slowly. He instructed, "Pass information about the pirates to the elves and let them handle it. We'll observe for now."

Unless the Pirate Queen herself intervened, Halo saw no need to act directly.

"I'll leave this to Caron. It'll be a good experience for him, especially since he's mostly faced knights so far," Halo added.

The Seven Heroes were the Pirate Queen's trusted commanders, each leading their own fleet. Every one of them was fearsome, and even the weakest among them was 7-Star.

However, Halo had faith in Caron. If it had been four years ago, perhaps he would have worried, but now, Caron had grown into a true monster.

"Can we relay this information directly to the children?" Halo asked.

"The secure communication orb has been destroyed, so that's not possible," Zerath admitted.

"That's unfortunate, but alright. I'll return to Azureocean Castle in one week. Report any updates," Halo said.

Ending the communication, Halo exhaled deeply, his breath visible in the icy air. He murmured, "Caron... It won't be easy this time."

Pirates were nothing like the enemies Caron had faced before. They were ruthless and cunning, and they would even sacrifice their own allies to secure victory.

"I hope you can entertain me again," Halo said to himself, his lips curling into a faint smile.

With that, he gripped his sword once more and turned to the shoreline, where countless beasts were surging over the horizon.