Lord: I can see loyalty.

The moment the holy light surged into Vio's body, a layer of golden light flowed across his dark skin, and he glanced at the panel.

[Status: Temporary Blessing of Holy Light]

There is no need for further explanation.

The smile on the face of the black figure hovering in mid-air was gradually freezing.

"you……"

Before he finished speaking, Vio had already disappeared from his spot. He activated his breathing technique and burst out at his fastest speed, appearing less than three steps in front of the humanoid black mud!

"What?!"

The humanoid black mud's pupils contracted sharply, and it instinctively raised its hand to form a shield. The large black shield that had just blocked all the crossbow bolts instantly took shape in front of its arm.

But it was too late.

The will of the Southern Realm, imbued with golden light, slashed down fiercely!

*Pfft!*

The massive black mud shield, strong enough to withstand a volley of crossbow bolts, was torn apart in the middle like a thin piece of cloth by this sword strike, the blade slicing straight through!

With a "whoosh," a black arm flew high into the air, turning into a splash of black mud in mid-air!

"Hiss!" The humanoid black mud let out a painful groan, the first time it had felt pain since taking human form.

It retreated frantically, its shadow leaving afterimages in the air, instantly creating a distance of tens of meters, hovering in mid-air and panting heavily.

At the severed end, the black mud writhed wildly, attempting to regenerate, but after entangled at the cut for a moment, the wriggling began to slow down.

At the edge of the wound, the remaining golden specks of light were still burning, preventing the black mud from healing.

"Damn light!" the humanoid black mud gritted his teeth, his standard face contorted into an expression of rage. "Damn outsiders!"

Vio did not choose to pursue, not because he did not want to, but because after that sword strike, he clearly felt that he would find it difficult to unleash the speed he had just displayed.

Moreover, even though that humanoid black mud had lost an arm, it seemed to have become much faster.

It is indeed still evolving; in battle, even while being burned by holy light, it continues to adapt and grow stronger.

"Count Vio!" Heinrich's voice came from behind, panting, "The Holy Light will diminish over time; you must wait until it is fully adapted..."

"I know." Vio gripped the hilt of his sword.

He knew that with the Holy Light alone, he could only suppress his opponent temporarily. Once the monster fully adapted to its current speed, he would be overtaken.

Just then, a loud shout came from behind.

"Count Vio!"

It was Albright.

The Cooper chief strode forward, his face resolute, and stretched out his totem-patterned arm, looking directly at Vio.

"The protection of the sacred forest can also lend you a hand."

Vio was taken aback: "This thing can be lent out?"

"It's not a loan." Albright spoke very quickly. "The forest's sanctuary is a power bestowed upon the guardians by the Sacred Forest. Since you are helping this land, helping the Cooper tribe, and helping this Loba Mountain, I believe the Sacred Forest is willing to help you as well."

He held out his hand. "Take it, Earl."

Vio did not hesitate and took Albright's hand in his.

In that instant, he clearly felt a clear stream, completely different from the holy light, flowing from Albright's palm.

The totem on Albright's arm glowed green, then moved like a living thing, flowing into Vio's body through their clasped hands!

In the distance, the expression on the humanoid black mud figure changed once again.

Its instincts sensed a strong threat. Although it still didn't believe that Vio and the other humans could surpass it, its intuition told it that it couldn't let Vio receive the forest's protection.

It charged forward frantically, trying to interrupt the scene, but it was too late.

The green light completely entered Vio's body, and a new status appeared on the panel.

[Status: Temporary Blessing of Holy Light, Temporary Forest Sanctuary]

But Vio didn't need to look at the panel; he could already feel it firsthand.

It was an indescribable clarity; the wind made way for him, the ground gave him leverage, and even the stench in the air seemed to be diluted by the greenery.

His body felt lighter than ever before, so light that it seemed he could reach anywhere he wanted.

The humanoid black mud had already rushed in front of him, and its only remaining arm transformed into a pitch-black blade, piercing straight into his heart!

This attack was faster than any before, and stimulated by it, it evolved once again.

But Vio was faster. He didn't even draw his sword; he simply turned slightly to the side, letting the black blade graz the armor on his chest. At the same time, the Southern Will in his right hand drew an arc from bottom to top.

"Pfft!"

The only remaining arm was severed at the elbow! Black mud splattered everywhere!

"Aaaaaahh ...

It staggered backward, the golden and green light spots at the severed arm intertwining and burning, almost halting its regeneration.

The monster finally got scared and retreated at full speed, trying to create distance and stall for a while longer.

Given a little more time, it will adapt, it will evolve, it will…

But Vio didn't give it time.

On his dark skin, gold and green patterns intertwined. His figure appeared as if by teleportation in front of the retreating humanoid black mud, and the will of the Southern Territory soared high.

"..."

The humanoid black mud opened its mouth as if to say something—perhaps begging for mercy, cursing, or revealing some so-called truth.

But Vio's sword had already fallen!

The sword light slashed into the black mud, grazed the neck with resistance, and finally swept out horizontally.

With a "poof," a head flew high into the air.

The expression on that standard, rigid face had vanished the moment it left the body.

The headless torso swayed and began to disintegrate from the inside. The black mud that had once coalesced into a human shape now completely lost its vitality, peeling off piece by piece, turning into ashes, and scattering in the wind.

The battlefield was completely silent this time.

"...Is it over?" someone asked, trembling.

No one answered; everyone was worried that the clump of ashes might move again, that the voice might sound again.

But clearly, this time it was truly dead.

"We won!" Someone shouted first, and then cheers echoed through the mountains!

Glenn stood at the edge of the cheering crowd, his head down. No one knew what he was thinking, but his eyes seemed to have calmed down considerably.

Vio stood still, his Southern Will supporting him on the ground, panting heavily.

My body really can't take it anymore.

The cost of simultaneously utilizing the breathing technique, Holy Light, and Forest Protection—three powers at full power—is now becoming apparent.

He felt his muscles were sore and weak, his breathing was disordered, and he even had difficulty standing. This was the first time he had experienced this since he mastered the breathing technique.

After all, breathing techniques are always good at restoring physical strength, but the battle just now consumed far more than just physical strength.

Gina had appeared beside him without him noticing and reached out to support his arm.

"Count Vio!"

Heinrich strode over. The old knight's face was full of fatigue, but his deep blue eyes could not hide his shock and admiration. He stopped in front of Vio, examined him carefully for a moment, and slowly nodded.

"Incredible... Holy light and forest, two completely different powers." His voice was deep.

Albright pushed through the crowd and strode up to Vio. "Count Vio! From this day forward, you are not only allies of the Cooper tribe, but also their benefactors! This sacred forest, this Loba Mountain, will remember your name!"

Heinrich nodded slightly, looking at Vio, "Count Vio, you will become an excellent knight, an excellent lord."

Vio didn't answer. He just looked at Gina, who was supporting him, then at the soldiers still celebrating in front of him, and finally at the sky.

Unbeknownst to them, they had been fighting all day. The first rays of dawn had already torn through the thick clouds, and daylight was approaching.

The nightmare of Mount Loba is finally over.