NOVPUBGhislain's confident smile set the tone as he finalized preparations for a new expedition into the Forest of Beasts. Claude, standing beside him, nodded gravely.
“You’ve finally decided to go back,” Claude said.
“Yes, the timing is ideal,” Ghislain replied with certainty. 𝖓𝔬𝖛𝔭𝔲𝖇.𝔠𝔬𝖒
“Are you not concerned about leaving the territory vulnerable? The dukedom factions must be grinding their teeth in frustration by now.”
“Not at all,” Ghislain said with a smirk. “The Crown Prince’s faction is on edge, and there’s no immediate threat in the North capable of challenging us. Even if someone were bold enough to start a conflict, it would take them considerable time to mobilize and march here.”
Claude hesitated before bringing up a critical name.
“What about Reyfold?”
The mention of Amelia Reyfold made Ghislain chuckle.
“She won’t make a move—not yet. She’s far too shrewd for that.”
If Amelia had intended to eliminate Ghislain, she would have struck during their last encounter. Instead, she had chosen a different path, one marked by calculated restraint. That same strategy had left the Balroa Baron’s rebellion unchecked, with Amelia opting to systematically eliminate any nobles and lords who might side with him rather than quelling the uprising outright.
“She’s not foolish enough to attack without guarantee of success,” Ghislain said. “And even if someone were to launch a surprise assault, the defenses I’ve left behind will hold until I return.”
Claude gave a resigned nod, trusting Ghislain’s judgment for now.
A Clear Mission
Ghislain wasted no time summoning his retainers and announcing his intent.
“We’re heading back to the Forest of Beasts to gather rune stones. This time, we’ll also collect some additional resources.”
His words made Belinda, Gillian, and Kaor visibly tense. The mere mention of rune stones stirred unpleasant memories.
“Are you serious?” Belinda asked cautiously.
“Yes. We’re going deep into the forest.”
Belinda opened her mouth to protest but quickly shut it. She knew better. Ghislain had once ventured into the forest when his strength was far inferior to what it was now. Stopping him would be impossible.
Instead, she voiced a different concern.
“Do you know where to find them this time? The forest is enormous, and last time we only stumbled across the deposits by chance.”
Ghislain smirked.
“I know exactly where to go. We’ll not only find rune stones but uncover other valuable resources along the way.”
“...How do you know this? Is it another one of those rumors you’re following?” Belinda asked, suspicion coloring her tone.
Ghislain’s smile widened, his gaze unreadable.
“Let’s just say I have my sources. Trust me, you’ll understand everything in time.”
The room was filled with silence as the retainers exchanged uneasy glances. They had long stopped trying to understand how Ghislain always seemed to have such precise knowledge of things no one else could fathom.
Ghislain quickly changed the subject.
“This time, we’re venturing much deeper into the forest than before. Prepare accordingly.”
Kaor, ever the braggart, grinned and flexed.
“Ha! Looks like it’s time for the ‘Ogre Slayer’ to shine again.”
Kaor and his band of hunters, who had been retained in Fenris under the guise of handling security, were clearly part of Ghislain’s long-term plans for the forest. Few others in the region had the expertise to deal with the dangerous beasts lurking within.
Ghislain spread out a map of the Forest of Beasts. The previously vague and incomplete map now bore new markings, indicating improved knowledge of the terrain.
“This is our target.”
With a pen, he traced a path leading from their previous venture deeper into the forest, marking a large circle at its farthest point.
“There’s a rune stone deposit here. It’s much larger than the one we mined last time.”
The room fell into stunned silence. Ghislain’s retainers stared at the map, their thoughts racing.
“Larger than the last deposit?”
Rune stones were the foundation of Fenris’s prosperity. They powered its growth, financed its armies, and enabled the development of its advanced infrastructure. Securing more would be transformative.
Ghislain’s words kindled a shared thought in everyone present: If this deposit is as large as he claims, it could catapult the territory’s progress into an entirely new league.
Belinda voiced the collective thought.
“This could change everything. The possibilities are endless...”
The retainers’ excitement mounted as they considered the implications. Enhanced military equipment, expanded agricultural systems, fortified infrastructure—Fenris could truly become an unstoppable force in the North.
Ghislain’s expression turned serious as he addressed them.
“Now that you understand the stakes, spare no effort in your preparations. We’re not just going to collect resources—we’ll secure territory and establish control over the area.”
Preparations Underway
Fenris mobilized like a well-oiled machine. Unlike the first expedition, this operation began with the full might of the territory’s resources.
Thump! Thump! Thump! Thump!
Three thousand elite soldiers marched in perfect formation, their steps synchronized and deliberate. These were veterans of the Cabaldi War and the Desmond conflict, the finest warriors Fenris had to offer. They were well-fed, well-equipped, and carried themselves with the pride of the strongest force in the North.
The knights were no less confident. Many were seasoned fighters with a history of battling beasts and monsters. Some were survivors of Ghislain’s first foray into the Forest of Beasts, now retelling their embellished tales to anyone who would listen.
“I remember the time we faced those shadow fiends. Regular weapons couldn’t even scratch them, but I had the bright idea to use a light scroll, and boom!” Gordon said, his exaggerated storytelling causing a few knights to roll their eyes.
Amidst the disciplined ranks of soldiers and knights, a ragtag group of hunters dragged their weapons behind them, their demeanor starkly contrasting with the others. Kaor led them, a cocky grin plastered on his face.
“These poor fools don’t know what they’re walking into,” he said, earning a few chuckles from his fellow hunters.
A New Venture Begins
Ghislain surveyed the assembled forces with satisfaction. This time, he wasn’t venturing into the unknown with a handful of allies. He was bringing the full might of Fenris, and he had every intention of carving a path straight to the heart of the Forest of Beasts.
As Ghislain’s army prepared for the journey into the Forest of Beasts, a sense of anticipation and excitement filled the air. Among those assembled, Kaor and his band of seasoned hunters were already boasting loudly.
“Hey, I’ve been there before. It’s nothing special,” Kaor bragged with a cocky grin. “I even took down a Blood Python with the lord himself!”
His confidence was contagious. The hunters, veterans of the Shadow Mountain Range, viewed the forest not with fear but with curiosity. To them, the rumors surrounding the forest were more intriguing than daunting.
Behind them, a group of elves equipped with bows and arrows lined up in formation, their movements as precise as their aim. All 200 elves of Fenris participated, their natural agility and precision essential for the mission.
The mages, however, were fewer in number. Only 50 were selected to join the expedition, including both newly arrived and veteran members. Many were left behind to manage the ongoing responsibilities within the territory, ensuring the Fenris administration continued smoothly. Even so, the inclusion of Vanessa and Alfoi meant that Fenris’s magical elite were fully represented.
The Final Preparations
With the forces assembled and supplies secured, Gillian bowed slightly to Ghislain.
“All preparations are complete.”
Claude followed up, his eyes on a thick ledger.
“Provisions and medical supplies are ready and will be replenished via the supply line as needed. Laborers are set to follow the main force to begin constructing fortifications.”
This time, the approach to the Forest of Beasts was methodical. Rather than rushing headlong into danger, the plan was to secure the area step by step. Each cleared zone would be fortified with palisades and defensive positions to ensure safe passage and control over the territory.
The expedition even included dwarves and a 500-strong labor force to carry out the construction work.
“The laborers will have adequate lodging at the forward base,” Claude added. “We’ll ensure no delays in resupply.”
Ghislain nodded approvingly, his gaze sweeping over the assembled forces.
“Well done. It’s taken years, but we’re finally able to mount an operation like this.”
Before him stood a formidable army:
Belinda and Gillian exchanged glances, a mixture of pride and nostalgia in their eyes.
“Back then, it just seemed like reckless bravado,” Belinda murmured.
“All of us tried to stop him,” Gillian added with a faint smile.
But now, the results spoke for themselves. What had once been dismissed as madness had laid the foundation for Fenris’s current strength and prosperity.
Into the Forest
Ghislain mounted his black steed, Black King, signaling the beginning of the journey.
“Let’s go.”
The expedition moved out, their pace swift as they made their way toward the frontier of Fenris.
At the Frontier
At the Fenris forward base in the Ferdium region, Homerne, the administrator, sipped tea in quiet satisfaction.
“Finally, some peace and quiet,” he mused.
The recent war had ended in a miraculous victory, leaving Ferdium in a celebratory mood. The roads were bustling with activity, and the region was thriving like never before.
“We owe it all to the Grand Duke,” Homerne admitted, raising his cup in a toast to Ghislain’s success.
His peaceful moment was interrupted by a soldier bursting into the room.
“Sir! The Grand Duke is here!”
“Ah, wonderful. What brings him here today?” Homerne asked casually.
“He’s brought an army,” the soldier said, visibly pale.
“An army? How many?”
“Over 4,000.”
Homerne froze, his teacup trembling in his hand. He leapt to his feet, spilling tea everywhere.
“That traitorous bastard! He’s finally showing his true colors! He means to seize this land for himself!”
“It’s not like that, sir,” the soldier quickly assured him.
“Then what is it?”
“He’s here to resume the expedition into the Forest of Beasts.”
Homerne collapsed back into his chair, his face red with embarrassment.
“Why does he always act first and inform us later? Fine, let him do whatever he wants. At least he’s not attacking us.”
He sighed in relief, waving the soldier away. He had learned from experience that trying to stop Ghislain was futile.
As Ghislain’s army marched through Ferdium, the local residents cheered.
“It’s the Grand Duke!”
“North’s strongest!”
“Over here! Look this way!”
The sense of unity between Ferdium and Fenris was palpable. To the people, they were all part of one powerful northern domain.
Belinda, riding beside Ghislain, was moved by the sight.
“The man they once called the ‘North’s Madman’ is now its savior,” she thought, her chest swelling with emotion.
At the Forest’s Edge
The forward guard at the forest entrance had assembled to greet Ghislain. Skovan, their leader, stepped forward, bowing slightly.
“You’re entering the forest again?” Skovan asked.
“Of course,” Ghislain replied, grinning.
Unlike the last time, when Ghislain had requested secrecy, this time, there was no pretense. The operation was public and on a massive scale.
Skovan extended an arm theatrically, bowing as though escorting royalty.
“Then, after you.”
Ghislain chuckled at the gesture before turning to Ricardo, another guard.
“You’re still as handsome as ever,” Ghislain said playfully.
“...Thank you,” Ricardo replied, wisely choosing not to comment further.
As Ghislain gazed into the dark expanse of the Forest of Beasts, he took a deep breath.
“This place feels different now,” he thought.
The danger was no less real than it had been during his first expedition. But now, Ghislain was stronger, wiser, and surrounded by capable allies.
Raising his hand high, Ghislain addressed his assembled forces.
“We’re not here to challenge the Forest of Beasts this time.”
He paused, his gaze fixed on the shadowy expanse before them. A predatory smile spread across his face, his eyes glowing with a crimson light.
“This time, the Forest of Beasts will have to stop us.”
The soldiers and knights straightened, their weapons at the ready, as Ghislain led them into the depths of the forest. The air was thick with determination and the promise of conquest.
The second expedition into the Forest of Beasts had begun.
