This scout unit at the army's vanguard moved swiftly.

Even though they were in the complex environment of the large forest, they maintained a steady marching speed, rarely hindered by the terrain along the way.

Before long.

The team collided headlong with the migrant camp along the path to Hamono, which exuded a bloody aura in the night.

...

The person in the front immediately saw the horrific scene within the migrant camp.

Even military personnel could not help but lose their words and appear dazed upon seeing such a scene. Only the leader of the group quickly made some hand signals to their subordinates, seemingly arranging the subsequent actions.

This scene seemed quite reasonable.

Moreover, there was no issue with the sequence of events.

However, if observed closely, one would notice that the scout leader making the hand signals showed a hint of certainty in his eyes apart from shock after seeing the camp's horrific scene.

As if he knew what would happen at the migrant camp before arriving.

The current scene.

Confirmed his trust in the source of the information.

After a brief rest, the scouts began to sneak into the migrant camp.

Some also went back to convey information to the main army marching behind.

The scouts acted cautiously.

However, not long after, it was the migrant camp that took action first.

The migrants, having just been reassured from their panic, certainly couldn't detect the people approaching from within the darkness, but the casters from Hamono could.

—Especially Lama.

This powerful archdemon was on a rather important mission tonight, maintaining an exceptionally high level of vigilance.

Even upon meeting the High Priest for the first time tonight.

Lama vaguely sensed Catherine's confusion magic, almost spotting Ronald's presence.

Under this serious and cautious attitude.

The scouts, only at the elite level of ordinary casters, couldn't escape Lama's detection.

So, at the instant they began operating within the migrant camp.

Lama, who was originally standing next to the High Priest providing protection, suddenly turned his head and cast his gaze into the deep night.

"High Priest, it seems you have guests again?"

"..."

"Guests?"

The High Priest's expression was somewhat bewildered, not knowing what Lama was referring to.

It wasn't until he extended his perception in the direction Lama pointed.

The aged elder finally discovered the scouts approaching.

The High Priest's eyes narrowed, immediately making a judgment:

"These people are not members of the tribe!"

"Mr. Lama, from your tone, are they not from Hamono either?"

The archdemon shook his head solemnly:

"If they were our people—I wouldn't call them 'guests.'

After exchanging a few words with the High Priest, Lama sprang into action.

He understood that the migrants, just hit by this disaster, certainly couldn't respond to an emergency.

So the archdemon took a step forward.

As his magic power surged, he shouted into the dark night towards those hidden figures:

"Everyone, since you're here, stop hiding!"

"Hamono welcomes every good-hearted visitor, but those stealthy and unsavory—well, that's a different story!"

As he finished speaking, Lama waved his hand in the dark night.

Currently in human form, the archdemon did not use his iconic demon magic, but simply stirred magic power, hurling several stones towards their position.

Clack, clack, clack—

The sound of stones colliding echoed through the darkness.

The flying stones either hit the ground raising dust or shattered due to their weak texture.

However, among the approaching scouts, no one was injured.

Lama's move was merely a warning.

Therefore, he didn't actually aim at those individuals, but rather hit the stones in their vicinity, using pure strength to demonstrate his formidable power, warning them against overstepping.

"..."

The forest was silent for a few seconds at night.

Then a sharp whistle rose in the camp.

Under the leader's command, about one-third of the hidden scouts revealed themselves, exposing themselves to view.

"I didn't expect this."

"On such a special night, you, the archdemon, would appear outside the city of Hamono."

The speaker was the leader among the scouts.

He clearly recognized Lama, who had just launched the attack, with a familiar expression upon seeing the archdemon.

Or more accurately speaking.

The scout leader's decision to bring part of his team forth was because he knew the archdemon's strength, prompting his choice.

"..."

"Leush, it's you?"

Upon recognizing the face, Lama also identified the man's identity.

The next second, the archdemon's tone became more earnest than before, with magic power rapidly condensing:

"Hamono and Lin Yin City haven't any contracts to fulfill lately."

"If you're here now without a good reason—Leush, don't blame me for being rude!"

Lama's stance was distinctly clear, even showing hostility towards the man before him.

But Leush smiled nonchalantly.

He directly opposed the archdemon, stepping forward with a firm voice to retort:

"A good reason?"

"Lama, I can certainly provide you a good and reasonable explanation!"

As soon as he began, Lama showed an utterly distrustful attitude, even on edge to interrupt:

"Leush, don't think I don't know those shady dealings you're up to in the city, today you…"

"Come on, archdemon!" Leush interrupted promptly as soon as Lama began, "I'm not here tonight to deal with those wayward ones from Hamono, but for these innocent civilians affected by the catastrophe!"

When the scout mentioned this, Lama immediately realized the man's intention.

Yet before he could halt Leush's actions.

The scout leader spread his arms, condemning in a loud, righteous voice:

"Look at their plight!"

"Under the influence of evil spells, they turned against each other, family against family."

"Anyone with a conscience couldn't allow such wickedness to continue growing in this sacred forest!"

"Lin Yin City is here today for this cause!"