Vlad carefully released Bjorn’s grip from his arm and nodded, seeing that the man had fallen unconscious. The blows had been harsh, but the damage was limited to the flesh, so the viking would heal after a few hours.
"He will be fine by the time he wakes up," Vlad reassured the group accompanying Bjorn, a little surprised to see admiration and gratitude in their faces.
The group respected Vlad’s power and courage and was also grateful that he had ended the clash without causing too much harm to Bjorn. They clapped their hands to the Depravita before taking a deep bow toward Freya, recognizing the young woman’s wisdom and perception in choosing such a powerful ally.
Freya smiled and glanced at Vlad with delight but did not lose focus and spoke in a commanding tone, "Where is Gray Hawk? I do not see him here."
"Commander Gray Hawk is leading a group toward the other side of the mountain, my princess. They are training, collecting sacrifices, and making a map," answered one of the female vikings that seemed to take the leadership of the group. She had golden hair and blue eyes, similar to Bjorn, indicating she might be a relative.
Freya nodded and didn’t ask anything else. She was just curious about the old viking’s state and did not intend to bring him with her, as his experience and guidance would be of better use in the Nagan Mountain.
With everything in order, Vlad focused once more on Grand Marshal Anglius. "You will accompany us back to the Silent Wind Military Base. Brigadier General Mitchell will be left in charge of the Nagan Mountain’s fortification."
"Yes, Your Highness." Grand Marshal Anglius immediately nodded. The foundation was already in place, and he trusted Mitchell to carry on with the task.
The middle-aged man gave a few orders and spoke briefly with Brigadier General Mitchell, ensuring everything was in order before joining Vlad’s group.
After visiting the warehouse and taking materials that could be of use, Vlad led Freya, Jormungandr, Grand Marshal Anglius, and the nineteen bloodline soldiers back to the Silent Wind Military Base. All of them, including the Mages, possessed powerful bodies and great resilience, allowing them to move across the mountain road without problems, shortening the time needed to return to the base.
The group returned to the Silent Wind Military Base in less than a week, and the sight that greeted them was majestic, leaving them full of awe and wonder.
Vlad couldn’t help but smile. Progress and security were evident in the myriad of magic formations covering the walls and the ground around the base, which was a pleasant surprise. He was sure the number of Mages in the base had increased, and they had been working day and night fortifying the position
The current defenses of the Silent Wind Military base could easily take down a demonic horde even if a dozen Champion demons led it.
"I am back!" The doors opened as soon as Vlad sent those words through the communicator gem, and his group easily walked into the Silent Wind Military Base.
The area was empty, with only a few soldiers patrolling, so Vlad’s figure and his group did not attract much attention. Soon, an old man reached the group.
Chief Councillor Aloz had an energetic stance, full of vitality. The bags and pale expression on his face due to continuous exhaustion had faded, thanks to the help of his Runic Set, which allowed him to obtain a lot of rest while still working.
"My King, Lady, Lord." The old man saluted Vlad, Freya, and Jormungandr before nodding to the rest of the group.
"Aloz, you have done a great job. Well done." Vlad knew the progress made in the Silent Wind Military Base was thanks to the old man.
"I thank you for your kind words, my King. I have a report ready for you and several pieces of important information that must be discussed." Chief Councillor Aloz bowed once more, then stood straight and spoke solemnly.
Vlad’s eyes narrowed, sensing the urgency in the old man’s tone, but he shook his head. "That can wait. I need to pay my respects."
"Of course, my King. He is resting on the small hill." Aloz nodded, a saddened expression appearing as he turned toward a remote corner of the Silent Wind Military Base. It was an empty plot used as a graveyard for the great warriors of the Xaos Kingdom.
Vlad nodded and walked toward the graveyard. Freya, Jormungandr, Grand Marshal Anglius, and the bloodline warriors also wanted to pay their respects to the Royal Guard, so they followed silently after the Depravita of Wrath.
The group soon reached the graveyard, guarded by several soldiers. It was not a strategic position but a place where honorable warriors rested, and it had gradually risen to an exalted place in the Xaos Kingdom.
Of course, Vlad and his group were able to enter the graveyard and silently walked among the tombstones until their eyes focused on the hill that stood above all others. The Depravita of Wrath’s eyes narrowed as he saw the figures of a young woman and a small dog in the distance.
Vlad froze for a moment as he saw Mirena and Oro. He was a man who would not hesitate to charge against an army of a thousand zealous fanatics, but he couldn’t help but grow nervous as he glanced at the sister of the man who had given his life to protect him.
"Ahhh, wait here," Vlad spoke in a solemn voice before silently walking toward the small hill, soon reaching the grave.
Mirena had been praying when she suddenly opened her eyes and detected someone. Her eyes narrowed as she saw Vlad, and she silently stood up before performing a bow.
Vlad stared at the woman, sensing the myriad of emotions in her heart. He was nervous but did not dare to hide, so he spoke calmly. "How do you feel?"