PS: I figured since the winds are blowing fiercely, I should at least add another update as a sign of my efforts. I've exhausted myself to write one more chapter. It's the end of the term, a lot is going on, hope everyone understands.

In the snow-covered Rickward Forest, the Demon Hunter Abel was sprinting at full speed, breathing in the icy forest air. His thick cloak couldn't shield him from the penetrating chill.

"Huff, huff, huff," the Demon Hunter ran with all his might, gasping for breath as he ran and thought.

Following Laine's instructions, Abel relied on the protective spells cast on him by Veronica, successfully completing his mission.

Veronica had cast two Light Element enhancement spells on Abel.

"Fei's Sheltering Light" could cloak Abel's presence in magic while enhancing his resistance to the Beastmen's ranged weapon damage and Shaman Magic curses.

"Bai Rona's Time Distortion" increased the Demon Hunter's speed and agility by a full forty percent, making him incredibly swift.

After Tygris' guidance, Veronica's magic ability had greatly improved, and her supportive spells lasted a long time. At least Abel was certain that without the assistance of this Light and Flame Witch's spells, he wouldn't have been able to retreat so easily.

Oh, and there was also the Ice Mage's spell, Abel mused with a smile. Teresa had also cast an Ice Barrier spell on him, which passively triggered to block a powerful attack once and protect him for ten seconds.

Having help from a Wizard is great, the Demon Hunter's face betrayed no emotion, but inside he was immensely envious.

Abel found himself unable to get a meal, partly due to his own stubbornness. As a Legendary Powerhouse, if he were really willing to swallow his pride, he wouldn't have ended up so poor that he couldn't even afford a meal.

Abel's plight represented the decline of a Demon Hunter school he led.

Before the Great Holy War, being a Demon Hunter was relatively free. We've already discussed how Demon Hunters emerged and developed. There's no need to repeat it here.

The difference lay after the Great Holy War. Following the Great Holy War, Savior Ludwig saw the role Demon Hunters played in eliminating Chaos Cultists and purifying Chaos Corruption. He passed a resolution to join the empire, offering Demon Hunters serving the Emperor under the Justice Church imperial financial support and protection from the Church. Of course, they would also have to pay part of their commission earnings and accept management.

Abel's school of Demon Hunters wasn't interested in becoming the Emperor's enforcers. They believed purging Chaos Corruption and eliminating Chaos Cultists was their duty and obligation. Once mixed with court politics and church influences, it no longer remained pure.

This group of Demon Hunters refused to join the Justice Church. They decided to combat Chaos and the Undead in their own way.

As time passed, this group of Demon Hunters was gradually dwindling. Led by individuals like Abel, they insisted on supporting themselves solely through commissions, refusing to rely on noble or church forces to fight Chaos. Their numbers were slowly declining, but there were still quite a few left.

But this was a belief, a guidance from the vice president of the Demon Hunter Guild, Master Jacob, which Abel always remembered.

Thoughts wandering far, Abel already sensed the approaching chaotic footsteps of the Beastman Tribe coming closer. The Demon Hunter swiftly ducked under a half-fallen deadwood, skillfully sliding across the snow for a good distance, leaped off a small slope, and continued his rapid pace.

Within the forest, the Beastman's sounds were already clearly audible.

When Abel found the Beastman Tribe, these Children of Chaos were performing some kind of mysterious ritual.

Concealed by the Light of Shelter, Abel used his Fire Cannon to blast off the head of that Beastman Shaman, then bolted away.

The Beastmen chased relentlessly, vowing to tear this Demon Hunter to shreds.

Abel exhaled heavily, aware that the spells cast on him were wearing off. His steps became sluggish, and his previously agile form began to stiffen. Instinctively, he reached into his bag for potions, only to find they were long depleted.

Once this mission is completed, I must go to Hemgart to buy more herbs, Abel decided silently.

The designated ambush point was approaching.

It was a narrow hillside.

On the hill, Laine, fully armed, gripping Mjolnir, sat atop Grape: "They're coming, I hear them."

"I can't wait," Rick Guard Rudolph raised his Cavalry Lance, his face brimming with excitement: "Great, the legendary story of Rudolph Lichtenstein starts today with this ambush on the Beastman Tribe! Don't you all agree?"

"Yes! Battle! Battle!" the dozen Knight's Squires behind Rudolph shouted, as eager and hungry as wolves, all anticipating military glory!

To transition from Knight's Squire to full-fledged Knight, military merit was indispensable. These Beastman heads were the path to glory!

Another Rick Guard, a new recruit named Wagner Schmidt, seemed more composed, somewhat expectant yet a bit apprehensive, resembling a typical new soldier. However, his equipment was anything but. The son of the Master of Engineering held a brand new Vanguard Knight Revolver in one hand and a Knight's Sword in the other.