But those ordinary Demon Hunters were different.
During their previous meeting, Hillrenes and Sonia had intentionally avoided ordinary people, yet now, a terrifying creature from legend emerged from the Mist, its heavy steps echoing.
The sheer impact of this scene was enough to rob everyone of their ability to think.
"Who is he?" Henrik’s body trembled.
His strength was only at the pinnacle of the Third Tier. Even from a great distance, the oppressive aura of the Giant Dragon was unbearable for him.
In an instant, a familiar figure appeared before him.
Claudia stared expressionlessly at the massive Giant Dragon.
"It looks like he’s just been through a battle. His scale armor and claws are stained with too much blood—the blood of Transcendents."
Higurashi Chika remained silent, merely gripping the sword in her hand tighter. Behind her, a shadow began to take form, its massive shape expanding as a low, guttural growl rumbled from its throat.
That was Yuan Guanghai.
By this point, Goway and the others had already retreated to the rear. Combat was not their forte, and blindly approaching would only create more trouble.
Evans deliberately slowed his steps. "So, this is the place..."
A cruel glint shone in his eyes as the funnel-shaped mark on his forehead flickered, seemingly attuned to something.
He raised his head, his gaze bypassing everyone and locking onto the room at the top of the castle.
"It’s faint, but there’s no mistake—Lady Dora’s soul is stored there, which means Amanda is also present."
Evans let out a sinister laugh. "It seems those people didn’t die in vain. They bought us precious time. Once we complete the mission and return to Erode, the Speaker will undoubtedly be very pleased."
His chilling gaze turned toward the group standing near the drawbridge.
"I was right to come here. These people must be the ones Geralt cares about."
On the small square beside the drawbridge stood a towering statue.
The sculpture depicted none other than Roger.
"You poor fools—run while you still have legs!"
Evans spread his grin wide, emerald wind blades gathering around him. Amidst the roaring gales, the trees surrounding him were instantly cut down.
Moments later, the frenzied winds imploded inward. With a deafening roar, a devastating shockwave surged toward the group by the drawbridge!
"Damn it, the force is too strong."
Evans put on an exasperated expression. "I should’ve taken my time tormenting them."
Even before the attack reached them, the overwhelming pressure flooded the entire castle.
Not just Henrik and the others—ordinary Demon Hunters standing on the streets felt an even greater weight pressing down on them. Yet in this moment, faced with an assault that could kill them dozens, even hundreds of times over...
There was little fear on their youthful faces. They neither scattered in panic nor broke down crying in the face of death.
Even as they struggled to stay upright under the crushing force, nearly everyone fought to hold their ground.
Distinct marks began to manifest on their bodies.
They bore the legacies of the Cat Fraction and the Bear Fraction.
Their strength was limited, yet within it lay the unyielding resolve of every soul present.
As the dreadful attack barreled toward them, Higurashi Chika had just begun to move forward when Henrik’s steady voice sounded in her ear.
"Don’t move." Henrik gave a soft chuckle.
"Roger said, as long as we stand right here, we’re safe."
"Show a little dignity."
Straining against the immense pressure, he puffed out his chest and glanced across at Evans in the distance, a faint smile on his face:
"Welcome to Kaer Morhen!"