“Half a year ago, our Great Wall Legion launched a full-scale offensive. Not only did we shatter Wolf King Will’s ambition to breach the wall, but we also seized the werewolves’ stronghold. This is the greatest victory the Great Wall Legion has achieved in a decade.” Weary as he was, the Commander-in-Chief’s eyes lit up with a fierce spark.
“However, even though we annihilated the main wolf army, we failed to capture the Wolf King. The werewolves will rise from the ashes and retaliate fiercely. I’m certain that the deaths of Peter, Shu, Camon, and Hannibal over the past six months are all part of Will’s revenge.” Orek sighed heavily.
“The Wolf King is ruthless indeed. His retaliation has dealt us a heavy blow. Especially Magician Peter and Dreamwalker Shu—they were Holy-tier Mages of the kingdom, pillars of the Great Wall Legion, my right-hand men. Their deaths still weigh on my heart.” Orek closed his eyes, his voice thick with grief.
Listening to the Seer, Shana felt a twinge of sadness too. She hadn’t known these men, but they were all allies on the good side—no one wanted to see their comrades fall. If only I’d come to the Great Wall earlier, she thought. With me here, they’d never have died!
After a moment of silence, Orek opened his eyes again.
“The Wolf King sent more than one killer. The Wolf Seductress A Shan was only the one who killed Hannibal. But the werewolves who killed Peter, Shu, and Camon are still at large. And I know this—those murderers are hiding within our Great Wall Legion, even in this very room.”
Orek scanned the room, his gaze sharp as a blade. The atmosphere shifted instantly, each face flickering with subtle unease. Shana knew she had nothing to do with the killings, but the tension in the air was like an invisible chain, tightening around her heart.
“I want to tell that hidden werewolf: light will always dispel darkness, and no one escapes the eyes of the gods! The Great Wall is not a place for you to run wild. I, Orek, swear by my titles as Commander-in-Chief of the Frost Great Wall, Seer of the Crystal Temple, Holy Grand Mage, and Earl of Luminara City in the Western Marches—I will find you! You will pay for your crimes!”
His words rang out like a bell, and Shana felt a surge of admiration. In the days since she’d arrived at the Great Wall, she’d heard whispers that the Seer had lost his divination abilities, which was why the werewolves were running rampant. But now she knew those were just rumors spread by troublemakers to stir up doubt among the good side. The Seer acts on the gods’ will to save us! Any good person should never doubt him. Boss Orek must be laying a trap. When the time is right, the werewolves will have nowhere to hide!
The sharpness faded from Orek’s eyes, and he returned to his weary state. He coughed softly and continued: “Now, an important announcement. The esteemed Archbishop of the Crystal Temple has arrived in the Northern Realm. He has summoned me to meet him in Holy Light Village, so I will be leaving the Great Wall for a few days to fulfill this meeting.”
A murmur of shock rippled through the room. The Archbishop is in the Northern Realm! Shana was stunned too. Before coming to the Great Wall, she’d visited the Crystal Temple in the royal capital and met the Archbishop. He’d given her a few key pointers that had unlocked several magic puzzles she’d struggled with for months.
“Boss, let me go with you!” Fito raised his hand immediately. “I… I want to meet the Archbishop…”
“I know what you’re thinking, Fito, but this meeting is special. The Archbishop has already arranged his itinerary.” Orek turned to the half-human knight: “He’s assigned the Rat Knight to accompany me to Holy Light Village.”
Fito froze, glanced at the Rat Knight, and said nothing.
“Lord Orek, who will lead the legion while you’re gone?” Scholar Old Ray asked.
That’s obvious! You’re the second-in-command, so it should be you! Shana thought.
“The Archbishop’s instructions, conveyed by the Rat Knight, couldn’t be clearer.” Orek rubbed his nose: “Lady Ray, you will act as interim Commander-in-Chief of the Great Wall, in charge of all affairs here. Old Ray, please assist her with advice and support.”
“A gasp escaped Shana’s lips. How could it be her?!”
Ray stood up and spoke loudly: “Thank you for your trust, Seer. I will work closely with the scholar and all divine beings to guard the Great Wall, and ensure no traitors or werewolves find an opportunity to strike.” After she finished, she shot Shana a sidelong glance.
Shana read that look loud and clear: You’re about to get what’s coming to you! Come at me! Shana stared back defiantly. I’m not afraid of you!
Orek continued: “The Great Wall Legion, Golden Knights, and Witch Coven are all brothers in the same trench. Lady Ray is a talented warrior who holds her own against any man. I hope everyone will support her in her role as interim Commander-in-Chief. Can you do that?”
“Yes!” The divine beings chorused in unison.
“Good.” Orek nodded. “Now, any other questions?”
“Lord Orek.” Old Ray stood up.
“Speak.”
“There’s something I must report. Our three rangers—Vitt, Shao Si, and Ding Rui—were sent on a patrol beyond the wall. It’s been over ten days, and they haven’t returned…”
“I’ve already discussed this with Ray. She will arrange a search party for them once I’m gone.”
“Um… Lord, I mean, their disappearance isn’t random. It might mean the Wolf Fort is active again, that the werewolves are coming back…”
“The reason I withdrew from the Wolf Fort half a year ago is that it has no strategic value. The werewolves can easily find a new lair, but if we occupied it, we’d waste massive resources maintaining it. So yes, they might have reclaimed the fort, but it doesn’t matter. They’ll need years to recover their strength. We just need to stabilize our ranks—we don’t need to worry about what’s beyond the wall for now.”
“I understand, Lord. Werewolves can never be fully eradicated. But this time might be different. Have you noticed the Blood Moon has returned to the sky? It’s the first time in a century. They say the Blood Moon is the werewolves’ deity. When it’s full, their power will awaken. I fear trouble is coming…”
“There will be no trouble.” The Seer’s voice was firm and unyielding. “The main wolf army was crippled. Even if the remaining scraps of their forces gain ten times their strength, what can they do? They’re good at hiding in the dark and assassinating people, but when it comes to open, honest combat, they’re no match for us!”
“But the Wolf Fort is only the territory of the Black Wolf Clan. Beyond the wall, there are also the White Wolf Clan and Wild Wolf Clan. If all the werewolf clans unite…”
“Even if they unite, they can’t beat us. Besides, the Black and White Wolf Clans have a blood feud. Instead of worrying about them joining forces, we should wait for them to fight each other. Old Ray, I understand your concern, but you’re overthinking it.” Orek waved a hand to dismiss the topic.
The scholar said no more, gripping the chair’s armrest as he sat down.
Orek pulled a pure black badge from his robe. Shana’s eyes lit up—she’d seen this badge depicted on the library walls at Mandala Palace. The Night Watch Badge! It was the symbol of the leader of the good side.
“Lady Ray, the Night Watch Badge is yours.”
As Shana watched Orek hand the badge to Knight Ray, her eyes dimmed instantly.