Sword of Salvation-Chapter 57: - Flower of Levia

THE KINGDOM OF MANGOLLA stood in the northwest of Neiracia Empire.

It was a kingdom founded on the principle of neutrality. They did not engage in conflicts with any nation, nor did they lean toward any particular state. Because of this, the Kingdom of Mangolla was considered one of the most peaceful nations.

Mariel and Celinee sped through the kingdom’s borders at high speed. There were no guards anywhere—no hidden garrisons of soldiers. They didn’t protect their borders at all. In this regard, they were no different from Neiracia and most other nations.

The two mercenaries entered Mangolla’s territory just as dusk settled. Four days had passed since they left Norania. It had been a rather long journey. However, since they had circled Neiracia in just two weeks, this trip was less than half that distance.

They could have entered Mangolla faster if they hadn’t allocated so much time to resting, eating, and other necessities. However, that would have been too risky. No one knew what awaited them ahead. What if they suddenly had to face a powerful demon? Conserving their stamina was crucial.

Celinee and Mariel continued speeding through a wide, dense forest. There was a large lake to the left, possibly with a settlement nearby. However, they were determined to reach the capital as quickly as possible. Taking a detour would only prolong their journey. Thus, they stuck to the path that led directly to Iresvilea.

They emerged from the forest about two and a half hours after sunset. Before them lay a small lake with a tiny island at its center.

Unlike Camelot, there was no large city by the lake. Mangolla only had six major cities, and none were located in the southeast. There was no city connecting Iresvilea to the southeastern border. Perhaps that was why there were no soldier garrisons along their journey—the capital was too far from the border.

On the lake’s edge was a large village. Mariel could see the silhouettes of houses from the forest’s edge. The closer they got to the lake, the clearer the view became. It was a large village, likely a combination of three or four smaller ones. There was even a Sterminatore branch located there.

Celinee and Mariel decided to spend the night in the large village and continue their journey the next morning.

The village gate was guarded by two burly men with scars on their chins and cheeks. They looked quite strong for ordinary guards, though not strong enough to match a Rare Demon. Both were at the same level as Extra Demon. Together, they might have been able to defeat an average Rare Demon.

"We’re mercenaries who just completed a mission in Neiracia. It’s fine for us to stay at one of the village inns, right?" Celinee asked as they reached the gate, following the guards’ questioning gazes.

Normally, Mariel would have taken the lead.

However, they had agreed that Celinee would take command during the journey. Mariel had no issue with that. It was a good opportunity to test Celinee’s decision-making skills. If the ninja succeeded in impressing him, Mariel might reconsider involving Celinee in his plan to conquer the world.

"What organization are you from?" asked the taller of the two guards.

"Ultores," Celinee replied, showing her necklace. Mariel did the same.

The guards looked surprised, but their expressions quickly turned into ones of joy.

That overly enthusiastic reaction wasn’t normal. Ultores was indeed a prestigious mercenary organization, but Mariel and Celinee were not yet famous. Even if they had been, such a reaction would have been unusual. Even if Shin himself stood before them, that level of excitement wouldn’t have made sense. There had to be a specific reason.

"What’s going on?" Celinee asked, focusing her detection technique. She reached the same conclusion as Mariel.

"The village has been under a threat—"

"This?!"

Celinee’s sudden exclamation cut the guard’s sentence short. All eyes turned to the ninja, silently asking for an explanation.

"How could this be? How could there be 128 demons in this village? Even worse, they are inside the villagers’ houses, as if living with them. What’s really happening?" 𝑓𝓇𝘦ℯ𝘸𝘦𝑏𝓃𝑜𝘷ℯ𝑙.𝑐𝑜𝓂

Mariel hadn’t expected this. The exaggerated excitement on the guards’ faces had indeed been strange, but what Celinee just said was something entirely different. There was a Sterminatore branch here, and Mangolla wasn’t in the same state as Neiracia. So, how could so many demons be in this village?

"They’re not demons," the two guards said in unison.

"How is that possible?" Celinee’s tone was slightly raised. "I’ve exterminated many demons. There’s no way I’m mistaken. What I sensed is definitely demonic."

"Ah, this is a long story. How about you speak with the village chief?" one of the guards suggested.

"Since you’re members of Ultores, you must be strong," the other guard added. "The village chief might ask for your help with this case. So, it’s better if we discuss this there and let him explain everything."

Celinee instinctively glanced at Mariel, silently asking for his opinion.

Mariel shrugged. Celinee was the leader on this journey, so she had to decide their course of action. Although she had said he could share his opinion if asked, Mariel wanted the ninja to make her own decision.

"Alright," Celinee agreed. "Take us there. We want to hear what’s happening and why you’re so insistent they’re not demons."

The two guards nodded, and one of them led Mariel and Celinee into the village.

The village’s silence was unsurprising since it was quite late. However, there was a slightly eerie atmosphere. Despite the numerous fire lamps on poles and the moon’s light illuminating the area, the village still felt dark.

Mariel noticed a few villagers in their yards. Sterminatore branch building, however, was mostly empty. The guard leading them explained that Sterminatore had been focusing their watch around the lake since the first day of the incident—around six days ago.

The guard didn’t elaborate on the incident, insisting that Celinee and Mariel hear it directly from the village chief.

After nearly six minutes of walking, they arrived at the village chief’s residence. The guard knocked on the door and called out to the homeowner. It turned out that another guest had already been meeting the chief despite the late hour.

The guard and the village chief exchanged words for a moment before the chief invited Mariel and Celinee inside. The guard then excused himself, returning to his post without delay to avoid leaving his partner alone for too long.

Inside, Mariel found that the village chief’s guest was a Sterminatore member.

The man introduced himself as Roland after Celinee and Mariel sat down. He was a Level 2 Sterminatore and the leader of the local branch. His reason for visiting the village chief related to the incident the guard had mentioned. As expected, it involved demons.

Mariel and Celinee introduced themselves. Mariel wasn’t wearing a mask anymore, so he used his real name. Celinee, still wearing mask, introduced herself as "C". She then repeated what she had told the guards.

"This incident began six days ago," began Arkhan, the fifty-year-old village chief. "A group of fishermen had visited Roa Island to gather medicinal herbs. There, they found something unusual. The island, normally overgrown with wild plants and herbs, had dark blue flowers blooming all over."

"The fishermen were curious about the unique and beautiful flowers," the chief continued. "They picked several sacks of the flowers to bring home alongside the herbs. Once back in the village, they showed off the flowers. They were beautiful and fragrant, and everyone liked them. The fishermen agreed to give some to anyone who asked. Some villagers planted the flowers in their yards, while others used them to decorate their homes. My wife and I were also interested, but we didn’t get any."

"No one thought the flowers would bring disaster. My wife and I were grateful we didn’t get any, but we regretted what happened to the villagers. Everyone who took the flowers fell ill the next morning. The blue flowers had embedded themselves in the center of their chests. Their skin turned blue, and they seemed to transform into demons. They lost consciousness and couldn’t wake up."

"Some of us tried to forcibly remove the flowers," Roland added. "But we immediately regretted it. Those from whom we removed the flowers suddenly woke up, became wild, and attacked the villagers. Their appearances became hideous, like Lesser Demons. We had no choice but to kill them."

"Burning the flowers caused the bodies they were attached to to burn as well. Since then, we’ve dared not try anything. The village chief sent a letter to the capital, reporting the situation and requesting help. I also requested assistance from Sterminatore branch there. But help won’t arrive in time, so I sent several members to Roa Island. Unfortunately, they haven’t returned."

"The letter we sent hasn’t received a response either," the village chief continued. "And the members Roland sent still haven’t come back. They should’ve returned two days ago, but we’ve heard nothing. Worse, the villagers’ conditions are worsening. Their bodies are becoming like plants, with roots growing from their skin. I dread to think what will happen if this continues."

"That’s why I’m here," Roland added. "I suggested that the chief allow us to investigate the island again. If the demon responsible for the flowers is there, we might find clues to save the villagers. I also hope my members are still alive. But the chief disagreed, worrying we’d suffer the same fate and that the villagers could wake and attack at any moment."

"Yes," the chief confirmed. "I didn’t want to take that risk. We need Roland and his men here. Even if they go, I wanted them to wait two or three days until help arrived. That was my initial plan. But after Rob told me about Ultores’ entrance exams, I’m convinced you’re strong. So, without further ado, I’d like to hire you to investigate the island."