Starting the Strategy from Frieren

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"Shura Armor, Fusion!"

Although this so-called transformation magic didn't actually require shouting a command, Ivan felt that if he didn't shout it out loud, something would be missing.

The moment the Great Demon Tribe's power was infused into the transformation device, a surge of immense magic erupted from his belt, swiftly enveloping Ivan's entire body.

During this process, his figure was surrounded by a purple glow. When the light faded, it was replaced by a menacing suit of armor, gleaming with a metallic sheen.

"What kind of magic is this?"

Frieren's bright eyes widened in curiosity as she asked, "I can sense an immense amount of magical power from this armor."

"This is the magic of love."

Ivan clenched his fists, feeling an overwhelming surge of power coursing through him. The magic cultivated by the Great Demon Tribe was fascinating—it even included a form of future-sight magic.

However, calling it "future sight" was somewhat misleading. Rather than truly seeing the future, the magic leveraged one's own mana to interact with the world's laws and make calculations based on existing conditions.

But this method had a fatal flaw: it couldn't account for variables the world had yet to observe. That was likely how Celia had encountered an enemy while roaming after their departure—an adversary who used previously unseen magic to obliterate their opponent in an instant.

Those who could foresee the future often grew arrogant, believing the world was under their control. Their inevitable downfall was only natural.

Ivan had no intention of expending vast amounts of mana to predict the future. He merely used this ability as an auxiliary computation tool to assist in battle.

"We'll discuss the details later. Right now, the most important thing is making these demons pay for invading human lands!"

With that, Ivan returned to the battlefield.

Compared to his earlier cautious approach, fighting was far more exhilarating now that he was clad in armor. Every attack slowed before his eyes, and every monster's weak point became glaringly obvious. It was as if he had activated cheat-like abilities. In no time, he had slaughtered all the demons and magical creatures on the battlefield.

After the battle, the casualty count was surprisingly low, thanks to the zombie troops that fearlessly absorbed most of the damage. Moreover, with the remnants of defeated forces being absorbed into their own ranks, the army only grew stronger.

The Siege of Vine City

Next on the agenda was heading to Vine City. Once the official explanation regarding the deaths of the city lord and his son was agreed upon, the army marched forward. Within an hour, they reached the city's gates.

Although the city's barrier blocked demons, it still had a physical gate. Ivan stepped forward and called out:

"Open the gates! Ivan, Viscount of Suiye City, has come to bring warmth to the people. Do not be afraid, villagers! The Demon King's forces have been completely wiped out by me. We only seek shelter and rest within the city."

A noble lady hurriedly climbed onto the city walls and shouted down, "Viscount, if you truly defeated the Demon King's army in this region, then tell me—where are my father and brother, the lord and heir of Vine City?"

Ivan sighed, shaking his head. "I regret to inform you that the city lord and his son were brutally murdered by the demons. My soldiers can all testify to this."

Upon hearing the news, the noblewoman's body stiffened, and she fainted, collapsing backward. Fortunately, someone nearby caught her, preventing a nasty head injury.

Ivan, growing impatient, snapped, "Hurry and open the gate! My troops have been battling the demons for ages. We're exhausted and need a safe place to rest."

A middle-aged nobleman, also dressed in aristocratic attire, responded from atop the wall.

"We deeply appreciate your efforts in breaking the siege, Viscount Ivan. However, our city is small and overcrowded. Accommodating thousands of soldiers inside would be difficult. Perhaps you could set up camp outside the walls? We will provide food and water."

It was clear they had no intention of opening the gate.

News of Ivan's actions in Suiye City had already reached Vine City. To the nobility, he was a dangerous figure—someone who executed nobles without the king's approval, wiping out entire families and confiscating their estates.

A barbarian among barbarians.

Letting someone like him inside the city? No noble in their right mind would take that risk. Even if it meant openly opposing him, they would never open the gates.

A Showdown at the City Walls

"I'll say this one more time—open the gate for my army."

With those words, Ivan leaped onto the city walls.

Immediately, countless archers aimed their bows at him, while soldiers drew their blades.

"Oh? Are you treating me as an enemy now?"

Ivan raised an eyebrow.

The middle-aged noble quickly barked, "Is this how you treat the hero who came to save you? Lower your weapons at once!"

Then, turning to Ivan, he forced a polite smile.

"Viscount Ivan, of course, you are welcome to enter the city and rest. However, if your entire army enters, conflicts with the citizens might arise. That wouldn't be good for anyone, would it?"

"Don't worry. My soldiers won't disturb the citizens."

Ivan's voice was steady, absolute. "I swear upon my noble honor."

Any soldier who dared disobey him and cause trouble would have long since become part of his zombie special forces.

Though it wasn't crucial whether or not his army entered the city, the way Vine City's nobles treated him was important.

This test made one thing clear: negotiation wouldn't be enough to seize control.

The middle-aged noble still refused to budge. "With the city lord and his heir gone, I am the highest-ranking noble in Vine City. I have a duty to ensure the city's safety. I ask for your understanding."

Ivan narrowed his eyes. "I swore on my honor, and you still don't trust me? That wounds me deeply."

He raised his sword, its blade gleaming with an ominous light.

"When a noble's honor is doubted, he has the right to challenge his opponent to a duel. Are you prepared to test the sharpness of my blade?"

With a crisp sound, the sword pointed directly at the noble's throat.

A burly knight beside the noble stepped forward, unsheathing his own sword.

"My blade has never been dull either!"

The tension in the air became suffocating.

"Enough!"

The middle-aged noble grabbed the knight's hand, forcing him to sheath his weapon.

He sighed, then turned to Ivan and calmly met his gaze. "This is entirely our city's failure. We were unable to provide the army with proper shelter."

Ivan lowered his sword, suddenly developing a rare sense of appreciation for the man. "You're quite capable. A talent like you is rare."

It had been a long time since he encountered a noble who wasn't an idiot.

"Very well. I won't force the issue. We'll withdraw and return to Suiye City. However, you must pay the expedition fees. Also, just so you know—most of your routed soldiers have already joined my ranks. Before the demons attack again, I suggest you start rebuilding your forces."

The middle-aged noble fell silent for a long moment.

Then, he sighed and said, "…Let's discuss the army resting inside the city after all."

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