Chapter 26

The next morning, a mist-like vapor was rising, more so than the previous day.

"Your Highness, here."

"Ah."

Even though the volcano was not actively erupting, such changes were not uncommon. Alvis put on his cloak imbued with the power of water. After finishing breakfast, the group set off for their destination. It wouldn't take long to reach the purification site.

They arrived at the purification site by mid-morning. It was clear that miasma was spreading throughout the area, appearing to mix with the vapor and rise into the sky.

"Sir..."

"Hmm... This is indeed different from the last time."

"Father, what do you mean?"

Alvis asked Rakwell, who had a stern expression after seeing the miasma. According to Rakwell, while the miasma from Gackle Volcano usually spread over a wide area, he had never seen it mix with vapor and rise like this.

"Your Highness, it's a monster."

"!"

At Din's voice, Alvis drew his beloved sword and became alert. The area where the miasma was spreading was wide. The fact that Rakwell was approaching with a crystal meant that the monster was likely powerful. Alvis smiled.

"Egan, please take care of Father."

"Master Alvis?!"

"Din, Rex, come with me."

"...Understood."

Purification couldn't be done in this state. The current situation was different from the usual state of Gackle Volcano. It seemed that an abnormality, similar to what they experienced during the expedition, was occurring. A quick look around revealed that Alvis and his group were surrounded by monsters. Their power was probably on par with the monsters they encountered during the expedition. If an abnormal situation had arisen, it was understandable for Alvis to take action to protect himself. Din didn't object because of this.

"Can we take them all down?"

"A few are heading towards Father and the others, but Egan and Ed's brothers should be able to handle them. If they can't, they don't deserve to be guards. However, this is clearly abnormal. Also—"

"The monsters seem a bit strange. They appear to be types not previously reported in Gackle Volcano."

"Stay alert, but I also need some information. Can you do it?"

Had the ecosystem of the monsters in Gackle Volcano changed? Or was it due to the abnormal miasma? Clarifying even this much would be a gain. Alvis infused his sword with mana.

"Are you going all out? That's rare."

"There are few of us, and there are no trees here. Even if I go a bit wild, it won't damage the natural environment."

"Indeed, that's true."

Surprisingly, Din didn't oppose Alvis's actions. If Din agreed, Rex wouldn't object either. Alvis smiled and readied his sword.

"Father and the others are behind us. The guards are there, so don't let any slip through."

"Understood."

"Got it."

"Your Highness, please don't overdo it."

"I know."

As if it were a signal, Alvis charged at the monsters. Din and Rex followed closely behind.

After returning from Marana, Alvis had felt a sense of unease. Everything had left a bad taste in his mouth. Perhaps he wanted to release some of that tension. Alvis was aware that his strength was extraordinary. Even during training with the royal guards, he couldn't always fight at full strength. During his time with the knights, he often went on expeditions and fought monsters. But since his transfer to the royal guards, the frequency of such experiences had sharply decreased. As a prince, he no longer went to the front lines as a matter of course. Honestly, he felt underutilized. His strength. So, for Alvis, the current situation was a welcome one.

"Ha!"

He cut down the monsters without hesitation. While he couldn't fully release all his mana, he had the opportunity to wield his sword freely. There was no need to hold back. Alvis smiled wryly at his own excitement.

"Master Alvis, behind you!"

"No problem!"

He knew a monster was attacking from behind. Without turning around, Alvis extended his left hand backward and used his mana to dispel the monster. Meanwhile, another monster attacked from the front, which Alvis cut down with his sword.

"Whew."

"Sealing, focus."

Din whistled teasingly, and Rex promptly received a scolding. The atmosphere was like during training. Din and Rex continued to dispatch the monsters one after another. When only the miasma remained, Alvis sheathed his sword.

"It's over."

"Yes."

Looking at Rakwell and the others, they had started the purification process. The miasma gradually thinned, and it seemed the purification of the area would proceed without issues.

After completing the purification of this site and the remaining areas, Alvis and his group descended Gackle Volcano.