Volume 4 Chapter 97 Scipio’s Assault on Cyclops Island
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
Kian’s time with Talia lasted until the first light of dawn. Between the lingering heat of the battle and their own relentless drives, they were far beyond restraint. By the end, the unspoken roles of who was taking and who was giving had vanished. They were simply two animals, lost in a blur of instinct and carnal hunger.
Once the seabirds began their noisy chorus outside, they finally moved to the bath. Inside the sealed room, Kian transmuted ¹ a tub, and they used the soap they had brought to scrub the grime from one another.
Water was at a premium. Talia lathered her own body and pressed herself against Kian, using their shared heat and the friction of their skin to wash away the night with the barest amount of moisture. Naturally, the intimacy sparked another fire, and they coupled again in the water, locked in a seated embrace.
They were almost entirely silent. The only sound was their ragged breathing as they took everything from each other’s lips and bodies. They reached the peak three more times, connected in every way possible, before they finally returned to the task of actually getting clean. Talia seemed to have developed a true addiction to the pleasure of her rear—a path that had been widened since her time in Lyritisse. As Kian cleaned her with his fingers, she ground herself against his thigh, her voice reaching a loud, vulgar climax that was far from her usual royal poise.
By the time they were finished, the hour was late enough that a summons for breakfast wouldn’t have been a surprise. They changed into fresh clothes in a hurry.
Kian pulled on a plain shirt and trousers. Talia wore a white blouse with her usual indigo miniskirt and black tights. Her shift from wine-red to a high-quality pure white suggested she wasn’t planning on seeing any blood today.
The Shidarkan warships had likely retreated to resupply, and Aliona was busy turning the island into a piece of the Underworld ². Talia’s job was essentially to mass-produce golem sentries to patrol the perimeter while she sat back and yawned.
”H-hey… you little pig-c**k,” Talia said, fidgeting. She had tied the ribbon at her collar and swapped her hair ornament for a simple band. She looked the picture of elegance and purity. Standing there, no one would have suspected her womb was currently filled to the brim with Kian’s seed.
”What is it?” Kian asked.
”A kiss,” Talia replied.
”Talia, more s*x would be a bad idea right now. We need to get outside,” Kian replied.
”Not that! I mean… a ‘see you later’ kiss,” Talia muttered.
”Oh. Right,” Kian said quietly.
”D-don’t get the wrong idea! It’s not because I’ve fallen for you or anything. It’s just to make sure I don’t forget my mission in the Harem—to ensure the bloodline of Cain is preserved for the future—” Talia began.
Kian cut her off by taking her lips. She smelled of herbal soap and her own natural, gentle scent, free of the usual mist of perfume. As he pulled her slender shoulders against him, she rose on her toes and clung to him.
”Mmm… hah… chu… pua…”
It turned into something much longer than a parting kiss. As Kian massaged her backside—still heavy with what he’d given her—she broke the kiss and panted loudly. “No… it’ll leak out,” she whispered, looking panicked. Kian immediately stopped.
”I won’t get pregnant, but I’m going to absorb every bit of the essence you gave me. I won’t waste a drop,” she said.
”Ah… yeah,” Kian replied.
The way she stroked her lower abdomen over her skirt was undeniably erotic. As he looked down at her, the urge to pin her back down started to swell.
”Talia… call me ‘you’ (omae), would you?” Kian asked.
”Where is this coming from?” Talia asked, surprised.
”If I don’t hear your ‘High-and-Mighty’ voice, I’m going to end up dragging you back to bed. I need your Sadist Mode to cool me down,” he said.
”So you’re saying my overbearing voice turns you off? You seemed to be enjoying it plenty last night,” she teased.
”Please. Just do it,” Kian asked.
Talia looked unconvinced but leaned in and whispered into his ear. “Let’s… do it again soon, Kian-kun♡”
”—!!”
The moment his c**k throbbed, Kian lunged for her. This wasn’t a parting kiss; it was a desperate, deep-lunged pull. He held the back of her head, leaning into her as he tasted the mint of her breath-freshener and the sweetness of her saliva.
”Haa… hah…”
”Nngh… mmm…”
He ground himself against her stomach, his grip on her shoulders tight. Talia didn’t resist; her fingers were already tracing the shape of his heat. Just five more minutes. Just ten—
Suddenly, he felt it. A presence approaching the Underworld Island. It was the giant Owl kept by Sir Scipio.
”……”
”That was close,” Kian muttered.
They broke apart, catching their breath. The moment was over.
* * *
The urgent message from Eugenia-san—or rather, from Sir Scipio—was brief: ‘There are matters of grave urgency. I am coming to see you now.’
Kian wondered if the man was like an onion—all layers and no substance—but given the risk of the Owl being intercepted, the vagueness was a rational precaution.
He tried to gather the others, but Aliona had spent the night leveling the southern ruins, and the rest—Leanan Sidhe, Rou, and Leprobus—were exhausted from patrolling the coast.
In the end, the meeting was just Kian, Talia, and Aliona. Leanan Sidhe stayed to guard the others while they slept.
To wash away the scent of Talia, Kian took a quick dive off the southeastern coast, catching some octopus and shellfish for a meal. Meanwhile, Talia used their rations to quickly prepare soup and bread. Despite her royal upbringing, her time with Erynys had forced her to learn the basics of domestic life.
An hour later, as the three of them ate breakfast on the beach, a teleportation gate opened. Eugenia-san and Balinars appeared.
Balinars, the Chief of Staff for Minister of War Sir Scipio, was supposed to be with the fleet at ‘Water Island.’ His presence here was a surprise.
”……”
”—-“
As Kian chewed on butter-garlic octopus, Talia and Aliona exchanged a silent look. Talia’s eyes narrowed, and while Aliona kept her smile, her gaze was icy as she looked at Balinars.
”General Balinars, good morning,” Kian said, standing up. Behind him, Talia and Aliona gave the formal bows of Western court magicians.
”Ho! Morning, Lord Kian! That smells incredible!” Balinars shouted.
”Would you like to join us?” Kian asked.
”I’ll take some of that grilled seafood. What about you?” Balinars asked his companion.
”I shall decline, Mr. Balinars,” Eugenia-san replied tensely. She turned to Kian. “Good morning, Lord Kian. Thank you for your help with Ryoma.”
”Of course. Did he and the magic sword reach the capital?” Kian asked.
”He’s being held at the base on ‘Grass Island’ for now. They’ll begin the interrogation once he’s recovered,” Eugenia-san explained.
Balinars snatched a piece of octopus with his bare hands and began to chew. Talia offered a fork, but he waved it away.
Sir Scipio is supposed to be in a standoff at Cyclops Island ³, Kian thought, yet his advisor is acting like he’s on vacation.
”How is the situation on your end, Mr. Balinars?” Kian asked, keeping his tone polite.
”Things are well in hand, thanks to you. Vahid’s army is gone. The Shidarkan Legion is crippled. My spooks tell me Gensou has retreated. Only Mansoor and the Shakerdoust Legion are still standing,” Balinars said.
”Is Shidarkan at Cyclops Island?” Kian asked.
”Yeah, he’s holed up there. That brings me to why I’m here… we’re launching a night attack on Cyclops Island tonight,” Balinars said.
”…I see,” Kian replied.
A night attack. Crete’s forces were largely made up of a rabble of mercenaries. You can train regular soldiers for night operations, but a disorganized crowd of sell-swords usually can’t pull off something that complex.
”I’ve heard your suggestion, Lord Kian,” Balinars continued. “You want to use the victory here to bait Chatillon and the Western Church into the war, right?”
”Yes,” Kian said.
”I agree with you. But Sir Scipio isn’t convinced,” Balinars added.
It was strange. The guards who had visited yesterday said Balinars was the one pushing for the assault, while Sir Scipio was the one hesitant. Information was clearly getting crossed. Still, they were in the same faction; it didn’t matter to Kian which one was leading the charge.
”With all due respect, General…” Kian began.
Aliona spoke in an elegant tone, her voice cutting through the room. Though she maintained her usual gentle air, there was an undeniable weight of authority that forced everyone to listen.
”A vassal must occasionally propose a superior strategy, even if it draws the ire of the high command,” Aliona said. “Now is that time. A charge into Island Cyclops is all risk and no reward.”
”We have neutralized Vahid’s primary casters, General, but the great magician of the Shidarkan forces remains completely unscathed,” Talia added.
”Army Mansoor is also at full strength,” Talia continued. “If we strike Island Cyclops now, expect a bloodbath.”
”Even so, Excellency Scipio seems desperate for a military victory,” Balinars replied. “It’s a political game. Lately, Excellency Scipio has faced a string of blunders. Failing the negotiations with the Western Church was bad enough, but having that idiot Asterios bail him out was the final blow.”
”I imagine so,” Aliona said. “Cardinal Homolka’s impression of him was likely beyond repair.”
”At this rate, even a victory won’t save Excellency Scipio from being forced to resign as Minister after the war,” Balinars muttered. “The Royal Council will ultimately decide, but the island’s influential nobles won’t accept his continued leadership. King Minos himself can’t ignore the ‘will of the people’ forever.”
”Does Excellency Scipio truly have that many enemies?” Kian asked.
”Rather, why would you think he has so few?” Balinars said, his shoulders slumping beneath his glittering armor.
”If the Western Church and Chatillon join the war now, Mansoor and Shidarkan might propose a ceasefire,” Balinars continued. “If that happens, the conflict could end without another real battle.”
”I doubt it,” Aliona argued. “There will be a standoff for months. The enemy will look to regain leverage for better terms, while cautiously waiting for an opening to avoid further decisive losses. Since the Western Church and Chatillon aren’t fully committed, we can’t push back with numbers. The status quo will hold, and Excellency Scipio’s achievements will surely grow in the interim.”
”Hah! You’re serious?” Balinars laughed. “The moment the Azrael mainland hits Mansoor and Shidarkan with sanctions, it’s over. This war ends by the end of the month. You know that as well as I do, Kian.”
Kian simply gave a vague nod. He had no desire to alert the General to just how deeply the Merchant Guild Kian understood the situation.
”General, what if Excellency Scipio himself acted as the envoy to urge the Church and Chatillon to rejoin?” Aliona suggested. “If he succeeds, his previous failure is erased. He can report to the council that his personal skill brought the war to a close.”
Balinars only shook his head.
”Excellency Scipio is determined to win this back on the battlefield,” Balinars explained. “You lot dealt the first blow. Now, the Minister of Military Affairs wants to be the one to fire the shot that ends it all.”
”I don’t think Mansoor will let him have a decisive win that easily,” Kian said, frowning.
”Actually, it’s classified, but Mansoor has already started preparing a retreat,” Balinars whispered.
”Are you certain?” Kian asked.
”Multiple reports from my intelligence agents say so,” Balinars replied. “We scouted the northern base on Island Cyclops-the one you and Princess Selda Guria trashed. It’s a ghost town.”
”Where is the main force?” Kian asked.
”The southern base, on the far side of the island past the Gorgon Temple,” Balinars said. “They can’t sail north to Mansoor’s homeland directly, so they retreated south with Shidarkan. Shidarkan will head home through southern waters, while Mansoor likely intends to cut through the territories of General Gensou and General Jibril to reach Shakerdoust.”
If that were true, Jibril would almost certainly execute Mansoor. Then Jibril could install a puppet at the head of Shakerdoust, further strengthening his position. He had every reason: an unjust invasion and the deaths of countless soldiers due to poor command. Kian realized a proposal to detain Mansoor would likely pass the Twelve Divine Generals Council with ease.
”We cannot just sit here and twiddle our thumbs!” Eugenia shouted. Her eyes burned with a searing fury.
”I will be the first spear to take revenge on that coward Mansoor ~desuwa!” Eugenia cried. “For my fallen comrades, for the wounds dealt to Vice Commander Medea… and for poor Amora, whose life is ruined! I will never forgive him!”
”See? It’s not just Scipio. All the youngsters are itching for a fight,” Balinars sighed. “I’m just the one left wondering how we got here. Gods above…”
”You are a staff officer, General,” Aliona chided. “This is when the calm of an elder is most required.”
”Elders are in short supply,” Balinars grunted. “Ten years ago, Nizaam harvested the heads of anyone with talent. This momentum can’t be stopped now.”
”General, it won’t be a problem if we win!” Eugenia barked.
”Yes, yes. If we win. Everything is fine if we win,” Balinars muttered, scratching his head.
”Enough talk. We charge Cyclops tonight,” Balinars stated. “The decision is final. The orders are circulating in secret. Excellency Scipio is determined not to be outdone by Kian; he’s gathered every magic sword and high-performance tool he can find.”
Kian saw Talia and Aliona exchange a look behind him.
”Merchant Guild Kian, keep holding Underworld Island,” Balinars commanded. “If the Shidarkan main fleet doubles back, pin them down.”
”That was our intention from the start,” Kian replied.
”Good. Also, tell General Asterios to wait off the coast of Island Cyclops as a reserve,” Balinars added. “I’ll handle the defense of ‘Grass Island’ myself.”
”Have you spoken to General Asterios?” Kian asked.
”Princess Selda Guria turned me away,” Balinars shrugged. “Apparently, Asterios is in love with her. You’re the manager-you pull that ox-man out. Honestly, I don’t want to go near him. One bad mood and-crack-I’m dead.”
Balinars sneered, noting that anyone who could talk back to a creature like that was a true hero.
”I understand. I will go and request his aid immediately,” Kian said.
”Good. The enemy is focused on retreat, and the dangerous Army Gensou isn’t a factor here,” Balinars noted. “Gensou’s Mithril fleet is still keeping watch over Beirut.”
”Are Jibril and General Gensou at odds?” Kian asked.
”No idea. I’m not friends with either,” Balinars said. “Jibril supported Gensou’s brother once, but I doubt Gensou wants a fight. It’s a cold peace.”
”President Kian, we need the tactical details if we are to convince General Asterios,” Aliona whispered.
Balinars spread a map across the desk Talia had summoned.
”The plan is simple,” Balinars began. “We strike the northern base at sunset. We occupy the empty docks, then the elite of the Order of the Lightning Knights will circle to the south.”
The port at the northern base was narrow; the three hundred warships of Crete couldn’t all fit. They would split the force between the landing party and the magicians providing fire support from the sea. Once the base was secured and the anti-teleportation barriers were shattered, the main force would gate in.
”The night raid will be carried out by the Lightning Knights and Excellency Scipio’s personal guard,” Balinars explained. “They are called ‘guards,’ but they are all top-tier battle-mages. Since Medea is incapacitated, Circe will lead the charge.”
”I see,” Kian said, nodding.
The Dark Elf Head Magician possessed staggering magic power. Kian couldn’t tell if she or Aliona was stronger. While power wasn’t everything, he suspected Circe had no equal in the enemy’s ranks. She was in a different league than someone like Hanami.
”How do you plan to finish Mansoor? I hope you aren’t planning to trade blows with him in close quarters,” Kian said.
”Of course not,” Balinars replied. “Circe and the Lightning Knights will incinerate that old general with a collective Great Magic ritual. Once they reach the mountain ridge above the southern base, they’ll erase him and his inner circle in one shot.”
”The most efficient way to kill a master swordsman,” Kian agreed.
Kian knew the logic. At a hundred meters, he could beat Aliona. But at a kilometer, she would vaporize him before he could move. Mansoor was a threat, but without an artifact like the seventh magic sword Mizuki, he was defenseless against long-range annihilation.
”Do you have his location?” Kian asked.
”Circe will sense him once she’s close,” Balinars said. “There is no escaping her.”
”The ultimate magician,” Kian remarked.
”Exactly,” Balinars smirked. “Asterios is the hammer for close range; Circe is the long-range trump card. They even say she’s immortal, though I wouldn’t know.”
”She sounds invincible,” Kian said.
”Yeah. With her on our side, we can hold our own even against the mages of Mansoor Shidarkan,” Balinars said. “Once we’ve wiped Mansoor off the map, the Order of the Lightning Knights will become the bolt itself and sweep up the remains. It’s finally time we settled the score for what Nizaam did to us ten years ago.”
(Wait. This actually feels winnable. More than I’d hoped,) Kian thought.
It didn’t look like they were being forced into a suicide mission by a pack of hot-headed recruits. There was a genuine path to victory here. Though, I suppose that was exactly why the older veterans like Balinars couldn’t keep a lid on Lord Scipio and his faction.
If we can win, why shouldn’t we take Mansoor’s head?
That was their logic, I realized. If they just sat back and watched his retreat now, they’d never be able to look the families of their fallen comrades in the eye again. Even in the cold world of military maneuvers, it’s emotion – not reason – that moves the needle.
”With all due respect, General,” Talia said, raising her hand with a tight expression. “Look at how jagged this coastline is. If the Cretan fleet commits to a full-scale charge, the lead ships will effectively be cut off. There will be no way to retreat.”
”You’re probably right about that,” Balinars replied.
”Then is it possible this empty camp is a lure? A trap to draw us in?” Talia asked.
”The enemy is spread too thin without Gensou. They don’t have the numbers to pull off an encirclement,” Balinars said. “Besides, our intelligence reports no sign of Old Man Umar’s ‘odorless powder’ being moved into the area.”
”So you’re saying an ambush or a fire-trap is off the table?” Talia asked.
”Exactly. You can’t spring a trap with resources you don’t have. There’s no ambush coming because there’s no one left to hide,” Balinars replied.
Talia gave a small, reluctant nod and stepped back.
”In addition, if Asterios stays on standby as a reserve force, there isn’t a one-in-ten-thousand chance of failure. Lord Kian, I’m counting on you.”
”Understood,” Kian replied.
As Kian nodded, a rare, genuine smile creased the corners of Balinars’ eyes. It was perhaps the first time I’d seen a smile from him that didn’t feel like it was hiding a price tag.
”Since I was the one loudest about opposing the breach, Sir Scipio has effectively frozen me out,” Balinars muttered.
”So that’s why you’re out here?” Kian asked.
”Haha… forget being Chief of the Guard; I’ll be lucky if I have a job at all by morning,” Balinars said. “Sir Scipio was beyond furious. I think it’s finally time for me to step down.”
”During the intrusion, where will the General be?” Aliona asked.
To Aliona’s question, Balinars answered, “Standby duty. Near the waters of ‘Grass Island’,” Balinars replied.
A demotion in all but name.
(So he really did stick to his guns and voice his opposition until the end,) Kian thought.
I’d seen them butt heads during the Asterios affair; it was only a matter of time before he pushed Scipio too far. This was just the final straw.
”That’s the long and short of it! Sorry for crashing your afternoon,” Balinars said.
”Not at all, General. Watch your back out there,” Kian said.
”Yeah. I wish I could offer you some kind of reward, but in my current state, I’ve got nothing but well-wishes,” Balinars said. “I’m sure Sir Scipio will see you properly compensated after the victory. I hope it’s enough to give your business a real boost.”
”You sound like you’re saying goodbye for good…” Kian said.
”Well, after the war, Scipio might just have me thrown in a dungeon,” Balinars said.
”What…?” Kian asked.
Kian wasn’t the only one stunned; Eugenia watched the General’s retreating back with a look of pure bewilderment.
”Anyway, I’m off. Take care,” Balinars said.
”Safe travels,” Kian replied.
The parting was abrupt. Under the watchful eyes of Kian, Talia, and Aliona, Balinars vanished through the gate Eugenia held open. With a quick bow to Kian, Eugenia followed him into the shimmer, and the gate closed.
As silence reclaimed the coast, the three of them stood there, trading wordless, heavy looks.
* * *
After waking Rou and the others for a quick council, it was settled: Kian would take the form of Asterios and hold position near Cyclops Island. It was a request he couldn’t exactly turn down.
The truth was, Kian (Asterios) had no intention of letting the Asterios persona truly violate Guria – which, in the brutal logic of their world, would be his death sentence. Both he and Guria had to keep living in Crete once the dust settled.
But if Asterios did absolutely nothing during the final battle, their social standing would be decimated. Kian could always be re-sealed on Underworld Island, but what would become of Guria?
A royal who couldn’t control her beast, whose mind had been fried by a mindless bull, would be a permanent stain on the Cretan lineage. If Asterios was simply locked away again, Guria would lose everything. The Kian Merchant Guild wasn’t ready to harbor a disgraced royal, and knowing Scipio, he’d likely have her locked in a tower for the rest of her life just to keep her out of sight.
Kian needed to prove, right now, that Asterios had evolved into a loyal guardian. He had to raise his stock enough that Scipio and the council would see the value in having the Minotaur protect the islands rather than rotting in a seal.
”There’s always the chance of the worst-case happening,” Aliona said softly.
Rou and the others had headed back to rest. Kian looked up at the darkening southwestern sky and turned to the High Elf.
”You think the assault will fail?” Kian asked.
”Not just fail. I fear a catastrophe,” Aliona replied. “Usually, I’d say that’s impossible with Circe on the field – she’s a terrifyingly capable mage – but…”
”You know her, Lady Aliona?” Talia asked, pausing her work salting the midday fish.
Aliona gave a faint, weary smile. “I’ve lived a long time, dear. You tend to collect acquaintances.”
”Is it true she’s immortal?” Kian asked.
”It is,” Aliona said. “Her methods differ from my Restoration Curse, but the result is the same. Unless you can sever her soul, she simply won’t stay down.”
”Then why the talk of catastrophe?” Kian asked.
”Because,” Talia answered for her, “there is no proof that Gensou actually left.”
She looked Kian in the eye. “You doubted it yourself when you first heard the story, didn’t you?”
”But the Cretan spies confirmed the retreat,” Kian said.
”That is merely what General Balinars was told,” Talia countered. “Kian, you have to track the information. How many hands did that ‘truth’ pass through before it reached us? It’s too convenient. There’s no secondary verification.”
”And in the extreme,” Aliona added, “if Balinars himself is a liar… then we’re already dead.”
Kian was silent.
(He’s a distant branch of the royal family. A blood relative. He owes everything to the crown… would he really turn traitor?)
Kian stared down at the grilled fish, his mind racing. You couldn’t read a human heart by looking at a face. Some were as obviously crooked as Gensou; others, like Balinars, hid everything behind a warm, boisterous laugh.
”Kian. After this, you’ll be talking with Ms. Rita when she wakes up, right?” Aliona said, breaking his trance.
”Yes. According to Leprobus, she wants to speak with me one-on-one,” Kian replied.
”No one-on-ones,” Aliona commanded. “Ms. Talia, if you would?”
”Count on it,” Talia said. “Kian, I won’t eavesdrop, but I’m staying within earshot.”
”You don’t trust Rita?” Kian asked.
”I’m neutral,” Talia said simply. “But your safety is my only priority.”
”I, however, do doubt her,” Aliona added sharply. “Kian, mercenaries sell their loyalty for money. Someone like her, with no home and no ties? Even more so. It doesn’t matter how kind she seems; the bottom line is always the same.”
”I see… is that so,” Kian muttered.
”Lady Aliona, you should rest after lunch,” Talia suggested. “I’ll have Apollon and Hylonome handle the perimeter patrol.”
”I’m sorry. Please do,” Aliona replied.
Kian watched them exchange smiles, feeling more lost than ever. He stuffed a piece of fish into his mouth, knowing Rita was waiting.
For what it was worth, Talia’s cooking was actually good. Whether she’d learned it from Lyritisse or just picked it up by watching him, she was surprisingly skilled. He’d always figured princesses were useless in a kitchen, but Talia was the exception to every rule.
—
Summary:
Kian and Talia’s intimate moment is interrupted by a summons from Scipio. General Balinars announces a night attack on Cyclops Island, a political move by Scipio, despite tactical concerns. Kian notices inconsistencies in intelligence and is tasked with recruiting Asterios while holding off reinforcements. Balinars reveals he’s been sidelined for opposing the plan, and Kian decides to use the Asterios persona to safeguard Guria’s future. Aliona and Talia distrust the enemy’s retreat and allies like Balinars and Rita.
—
Trivia:
- Talia’s obsession with an*l pleasure is tied to her history in Lyritisse.
- Aliona has been working all night to reshape the island.
- Scipio uses a giant Owl as a messenger/scout.
- Talia’s shift to white clothing indicates her expectation of a non-combat day.
- Balinars is eating with his hands, showing his lack of courtly manners
- Asterios is currently staying with Princess Selda Guria.
- Scipio is specifically motivated by a desire to outshine Kian.
- Mansoor’s northern base is a distraction; the main force is south.
- General Jibril is likely to betray and execute Mansoor if he enters his territory.
- Circe is rumored to be immortal, adding a layer of supernatural dread.
- The war is expected to end within the month due to mainland sanctions
- Balinars is being sidelined to ‘Grass Island’ duty.
- Kian’s primary motivation for the upcoming battle is Guria’s safety and social status.
- Aliona mentions that Circe can only be killed by a ‘soul-slashing’ technique.
- Talia’s cooking is noted as being surprisingly good, breaking the ‘useless princess’ trope.
- The ‘odorless powder’ is a unique technological threat mentioned by Balinars
—
Character Insight:
Talia shows a ‘tsundere’ side by masking her affection behind her ‘mission’ to Cain’s bloodline. Kian demonstrates sharp military intuition by spotting inconsistencies in the chain of command’s intentions.
—
Behind the Scenes:
The author uses the contrast between s*xual intimacy and cold military planning to heighten the stakes of the upcoming invasion.
—
TL Notes:
Notes:
• Talia – A high-ranking vampire spirit currently possessing the body of Lyritisse. In this form, she has flaxen hair, blue eyes, and thick lips.
• Shidarkan – Gloomy, bearded son-in-law of the Malc family (Flora’s clan); once a modest Malc magician, ordinary next to Shajar’s elites. Attends the Cyclops Island war council after losing his wife, Flora, and sisters-in-law in the northern base’s destruction. First appears Vol. 4 Ch. 45. Reminder: bereaved Malc son-in-law—sober, doubtful, and dim but dutiful.
• Eugenia – Red-haired girl with a ponytail, serving as a messenger pigeon for Sir Scipio.
• Leprobus – Rou’s comrade who sacrificed his chance to escape during a pirate raid by pushing Rou off in a small boat. He returned to the deck, sword in hand, to protect the others. Distinguished by his giant blood and burning red hair, marking him as more than human. He is released by Kian on Cyclops Island jail.【v4c23】.
• Mansoor – Crimson-eyed elder monk and Azrael’s Divine General from the Shakerdoust domain near Dacia. Wielding mist form, blood-drinking, rapid healing. He ties to allies like Ryoma and Hanami Tsai. First appearing in Vol. 4 Ch. 25. Quick tag: vampiric red-eyed grandpa-general who mist-forms and drinks blood, obsessed with rescuing his captured son unlike other human monks.
• Gensou – Eccentric young Eastern monk-general in Azrael’s army, playful yet ambitious. Wields sun-like magic, swordsmanship, and assassination tactics. Linked to three masked wives—Seishi, Oushoukun, and Yougyokukan (Head Magician). Ally of Mansoor and Oji, serves under Jibril, proposes Operation Assassination. First appears Vol. 4 Ch. 45. Reminder: playful Eastern general with masked harem wives, always late but magically explosive, contrasting serious monks with his bathrobe vibe and schemes.
• Amora – Scipio’s fiance, and the knight of crete.
• Nizaam – A former member of Azrael’s Twelve Divine Generals and the current head of the Malc family, though he has passed both titles to his daughter to return to the battlefield. He is a prominent warrior noble in Azrael, known for his love of beautiful boys and fierce battles.
• Mag – The wolfwoman under Yelmar—the one who was caught by Kian’s group earlier.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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