Due to the fierce battle between a Martial Warrior at Stage 9 and a Tier 3 Demonic Beast, the entire forest descended into chaos.
Many Tier 1 Demonic Beasts and animals were terrified by the commotion, panicking and fleeing in disarray.
Along the way, Elder Corwin halted the carriage abruptly, sensing the disturbance.
In the sky, hundreds of thousands of birds could be seen fleeing the forest, a sight that sent chills down one's spine.
Inside the carriage, Iris observed the scene with a frown. From her knowledge, such a phenomenon often signaled a bad omen.
Her instincts proved correct. Moments later, countless demonic beasts began emerging from the forest, one after another.
"Young Miss, there are so many Tier 1 Demonic Beasts coming out of the forest! Please stay inside the carriage while I defend us!" Elder Corwin said, his voice trembling.
As a Martial Apprentice at Stage 7, Elder Corwin could easily handle one or two Tier 1 Demonic Beasts in a matter of moments. However, dealing with a horde was a completely different matter.
How many were there now? Thirty? Forty? Fifty? And the numbers kept increasing!
Iris peeked through the carriage window, her face turning pale. She clutched her talisman tightly, breathing heavily.
Her father had given her ten talismans, but most were defensive rather than offensive. Grasping one of the talismans, Iris stepped out of the carriage and hurled it at the approaching beasts.
Elder Corwin, locked in combat, saw her action and desperately hoped the talisman would work.
The talisman detonated in a massive explosion, engulfing the demonic beasts in flames. Five of them were instantly killed.
However, the horde continued to swell, rendering the damage insignificant.
"Young Miss, d-do you have any more offensive talismans?" Elder Corwin asked, his voice shaking.
Iris slowly shook her head, panic evident in her eyes. She deeply regretted having only one offensive talisman. Her father likely never imagined she would face such a dire situation.
"Don't worry, Young Miss. Please return to the carriage. I'll defend you with my life," Elder Corwin said firmly.
Iris nodded hesitantly. As an ordinary human, she could do nothing to help. All she could do was follow his instructions and avoid being a burden.
Before retreating, she handed him five defensive talismans. "Uncle, please take these."
"Thank you, Young Miss. These will be of great help," Corwin replied.
Iris returned to the carriage, her hands trembling. She tried to calm herself by writing a letter.
Before she could finish, the carriage shook violently. Looking out the window, she saw Elder Corwin using the carriage as a shield against the demonic beasts.
To her shock, Elder Corwin suddenly abandoned the fight, running away to save himself and leaving her behind.
Iris opened her mouth to call out to him but stopped. Memories of Corwin's past flooded her mind.
Years ago, her father had saved Corwin, who had been held hostage by bandits after his family was killed. Her father, a benevolent man, took Corwin in and raised him, granting him a position in the Narhan Clan. Corwin had been entrusted with her protection, and Iris had always regarded him as family.
His betrayal left her heartbroken.
Suppressing her emotions, Iris resumed writing her farewell letters—one for her father, another for Karina, and others for her clan.
Meanwhile, the demonic beasts continued pounding on the carriage.
Suddenly, a sharp sound of a blade slicing through the air echoed. Moments later, the beasts turned into fountains of blood, their heads rolling to the ground.