Western Plains

Somewhere far from the base of operations, Nadia, Willow, and her Royal Spiders are present in the plains. As for the opposite side of the plains, the Armored Man was there.

But strangely enough, he took off his armor and revealed himself as a [Divine Dragon] with a human-like appearance. Something Nadia didn't expect from him.

As for his clothes, they consisted of only a leather fauld with only covering the sides of his waist but not his groin, black shorts, dragon-scaled greaves that covered the front part of his legs, and gladiator sandals. What clarifies him as a Divine Dragon is his white scaly skin, toothy grin, and his fingernails were razor sharp.

The reason why they're in the plains is due to the destructive power of this Armored enemy, and his methods for negotiations go way back to the time he was found the current Demon Lord of this land.

A test of strength and failure leads to the negotiator's death.

As per Nadia's order, Willow and the Royal Spiders were present with weapons ready, but they were meters away from the two.

"So... Do you think you have what it takes to topple the likes of the Demon Lord, Little Girl?" The Armored Man questioned,

"Whatever it takes to make him fall, I shall do it," Nadia stated, "But first, I'll be dealing with you as you proposed,"

The Armored Man smirked at this, and cracks his fingers, "Good..."

Nadia cracks her neck a few times and stretches her arms all over the place. After she was done, she glanced at Willow and her men, then back at the Armored Man.

"Are you going to question me of your men, Little Girl?" The Armored Man inquired,

"What's there to ask about?" Nadia raised her hand and snapped her fingers to create a barrier that separates her from Willow and the others. Much to their disbelief as Willow attempted to rush forward, "You'll just kill them once this is all over on your end,"

The Armored Man chuckled with glee, "That's all I needed to hear,"

The Armored Man then dashed towards Nadia with incredible speed, then jumped up in the area, and came down with his fist smashing against the ground with tremendous power.

Nadia moves away, but the sheer wind force of the blow knocked her several meters away from the Armored Man. However, she recovers on two feet and straightens herself once more as she stares at the destruction of this enemy.

If she gets hit once, it would have been the end for her. But she wasn't going to let that stop her as she powers up on her abilities, stomps her foot hard against the ground, and assumes her fighting stance with her left fist forward and her right fist close to her chest.

[It's Ready]

Magicules accumulate within her right fist, and Nadia prepares her first attack.

When the Armored Man charges once more with another one of his attacks. But Nadia intercepts him in the middle and lands a swift yet destructive punch toward the Armored Man's stomach area. To add more damage to the mix, Nadia unloads the magicules through her knuckles into the Armored Man's insides.

The result to the Armored Man grunting from the impact and knocking him against the barrier a few meters away from Nadia. Though the bruise was visible, Nadia waved and moved her fingers as the Armored Man's body was harder than a thick steel wall.

Should she hit him with brute force alone, the results would lead to a broken hand or worse.

The Armored Man, on the other hand, checked the bruise on his stomach and grins at Nadia for having sustained damage from her compared to the opponents he deemed unworthy.

But that wasn't enough as he powered up an orb on hand and amplify its power tenfold. Then he hurls the orb toward Nadia's way.

[Nadia, Incoming!]

Nadia reacted quickly and resorted to a magic shield with the center heavily reinforced to the brim. When the orb comes into contact with Nadia's shield, it soon results in a devastating explosion.

Outside the barrier, Willow audibly gasps upon witnessing the explosion and presses her hands against the barrier. The Armored Man stood idly and waited for the dust to settle.

However, he didn't expect a Magic Arrow whizzing through the dust cloud and heading towards the Armored Man's direction. The latter had quick reactions and attempts to swat the arrow away, but in doing so, the arrow ricochets from his arm and then against the barrier.

The Armored Man watched the arrow bounce around the barrier, then sensed several more arrows whizzing towards him. He resorts to raising his arms and blocking every arrow sent his way.

The Arrows, once again, ricochet and bounces all over the barrier. In the midst of this, Nadia appears and goes head-to-head with the Armored Man but she was armed with a modified Morningstar club.

The Armored Man tried to defend himself, but the spikes somehow pierces through his thick skin after he used his right arm to block the attack. With a twist on the handle, Nadia pulls the Morningstar out of the Armored Man's arm but leaves the spike inside his arm.

As Nadia keeps her distance from him, the Armored Man examines the wound and chuckles, "Not bad, little girl,"

The Armored Man then materializes his cracked sword to his unwounded arm and grips tightly on the handle. Nadia glances at the sword, then goes in to attack the Armored Man with a few swings at him.

The sounds of clanging metal rang all over, but the advantage goes to Nadia as the combination of her attacks and arrows was proven to be difficult for the Armored Man to handle despite receiving light and medium injuries throughout the battle.

But that doesn't leave Nadia unscathed as the explosion from the Armored Man's orb. Which consists of bruises and burns, and in the middle of their clash, she received a few scratches from the cracked blade.

As for the Armored Man, he cared little about his physical condition as the thrill of battle got to his head and relentlessly pressed the attack whenever Nadia goes for the defensive. It didn't matter if he was exerting too much power on his damaged sword, What mattered to him was satisfying his newfound battle lust.

And they both know that it only ends with one of them winning this fight...

...

...

...

And Nadia guarantees her victory...

After she struck the Armored Man several times with her Morningstar, the spikes were mostly gone after striking them against certain parts of the Armored Man's body. She then keeps her distance away from the Armored Man.

The latter let out a laugh, and grinned madly at Nadia, "You've impressed me, little girl. More so than the Demon Lord has put up centuries ago!"

"I'll take that as a compliment," Nadia calmly stated,

"But surely," The Armored Man soon threw away his already broken sword, "You have more to show,"

"Correct," Nadia said, "But this one will be the last I'll pull for today,"

Nadia twists the handle, and the spikes stuck within the Armored Man began to glow much to his confusion. It soon became clear as the arrows continued to bounce, hitting him and disappearing upon impact.

In return, the spikes within his body began to glow as the arrows continued to hit him regardless of whether he blocked the arrows or the arrows hit him. Once all the arrows are gone, Nadia twists the handle once more and the head of her Morningstar began to charge up.

She then charges forward with the intent to hit the Armored Man head-on, the latter takes notice and prepared himself for the attack. When Nadia dashes forward, he waits for her to get in range of his arm and attempted to swat her aside.

Upon impact, he was fooled as the one he hit was nothing more but an afterimage as it dissipates into smoke. This gives Nadia an open target as she closes the distance to prevent the Armored Man from retaliating against her.

Thus, Nadia deals the final blow against him and swings the head of the Morningstar against the Armored Man's chest. It then triggered the spikes within the Armored Man's body, lets out a high pitch noise, and unleashes a precise but devastating explosion within the Armored Man's body.

The last explosion was larger as the head of the Morningstar was far stronger than the spikes' consecutive explosions. Sending her rolling against the ground and what remained of her Morningstar club was half of the shaft and handle.

What's more, she suffered a few injuries when fragments of the Morningstar scattered all over upon explosion. Though she would soon focus on her healing as bits of fragments were being pushed out of her body, and holes were slowly being closed.

Though her wounds have healed, she was a bit exhausted due to her clashes against the Armored Man and his strength and tenacity were no joke as her arms were still shaking and her hands were strained.

Not even her healing abilities could hasten the process.

Laughter soon roared within the barrier, and Nadia jerked her head towards the source. As the dust cloud clears, she was greeted with a horrifying sight...

The Armored Man had lost his left arm, and his right arm mangled beyond recognition. A portion of his left abdomen had been blown wide open and covered with the residues of the explosion. Some of the fragments of the Morningstar are also visible as they were sticking out and puncturing certain areas.

If he were human, Nadia would be able to believe how much this person can go through so much punishment yet remain tall despite everything she put into his body. But due to her awareness towards [Divine Dragon] creatures and his well-founded experience. He was more than what she originally expected...

But that doesn't matter to her as she forced herself to straighten her body and stare at the Armored Man in the eyes, "Convinced?"

The Armored Man grins despite his current condition and focuses on healing his injuries for several minutes. But no response was made as Nadia can tell from his expression alone.

She then dispels the barrier around them, and Willow took the chance to rush towards Hope and tend to her aid while the Royal Spiders circled her with weapons at the ready.

Though such actions weren't necessary after everything that has happened today...

Several Minutes Later...

After everyone was healed, partially thanks to Altan's assistance, a meeting was assembled. Though the Armored Man remained standing with four Royal Spiders weapons in hand.

Willow is furthest away from the Armored Man and on her lap is Nadia looking rather dejected as if this was forced on her after the battle.

As for Reese and Osman, they were sitting in the middle and cautiously stared at the Armored Man amid this intense silence. Assassin is also present and stands next to Nadia with a neutral yet cautious expression after she was informed of the events.

Nadia soon gathered her thoughts together and proceeds with negotiation with this Armored Man.

"Now that we've handled everything on your terms. May we proceed with the terms?" Nadia inquired,

"If you insist," The Armored Man complied, utterly unbothered by the Royal Spiders around him,

"But before that, I'd like to know your relationship with this Demon Lord that controls the ant regions," Nadia requested, "Intimidation and Interrogations will not work with the likes of you. But our fight has determined that I'm worthy of your attention,"

"Oh, it does. But I cannot share everything since that would spoil the trials you'll face," The Armored Man said, "If you want to know what he is and what powers he wields, only you can figure that one out yourself,"

"I'd preferred you give my lady what she wants," Willow warned, "Unless you want to lose your head,"

"Oh, please do... I cannot wait to see you try," The Armored Man insisted,

"Enough," Nadia stated directly to Willow, then turns back to the Armored Man, "So you won't tell me. Fine, but if I were to compare our fight to the fight you had against the Demon Lord, I take it he's more powerful than I am,"

"Oh, that was centuries ago," The Armored Man remarked, "Now, I am interested to see how you'll fare against him and his armies,"

Reese and Osman frowned at him but they remained silent rather than complain against him.

"So he has grown lazy in his throne, has he?" Nadia inquired,

"Oh, I doubt 'lazy' describes him," The Armored Man remarked, "Why do you think he has put these pathetic ants under his thrall? It's those subordinates of his that have grown incompetent,"

"I see..." Nadia muttered, "Let us change the subject. What do you want from me when I demand that you throw away your allegiance to the Demon Lord?"

"Allegiance, you say? I'd prefer the term 'partnership' since I never bent my will to servitude," The Armored Man said, "I only do what he wants as long as I have my fill of worthy opponents,"

"That explains your assault," Nadia presumed, and the Armored Man lets out a low tone chuckle,

She averts her eyes from him for a moment and thinks for herself. If his interest comes from battle, she can think of a few worthy candidates that may quench his battle lust and maintain her side of this deal.

That's when a particular individual pops into mind and turns back to the Armored Man, "Alright then, I have made my mind up,"

"And...?" The Armored Man inquired,

"You are deemed too dangerous to keep around, but there was once a human who once said 'Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer," Nadia quoted, and everyone jerked their heads towards her, "With that, I've decided to welcome you to our ranks and aid us against the Demon Lord,"

"Lady Nadia!" Reese cried out, but Nadia holds up her hand before he said any further,

"I am completely aware that everyone here is against my decision. But I fought this person on his terms to negotiate a bargain," Nadia said, "Hence, my decision stands. If any of you are against my decision, share them now,"

Everyone was silent while the Armored Man seemingly grinned at Nadia's words since such boldness would bring conflict within her ranks. He could tell just by examining their very expressions.

Even the Royal Spiders around him, share the same expression...

Their silence was grim for Nadia, but she set that matter aside and focused on the Armored Man, "Well? Do you say?"

"You wish to sever my partnership with the Demon Lord for yours?" the Armored Man contested, then grins rather sinisterly at Nadia, "In that case, you'd better not disappoint me..."

"Then the deal is set, but I'd like to ask you one last question," Nadia requested,

"Go on," The Armored Man inclined,

"Do you have a name, by any chance?" Nadia inquired,

"Hm... No," The Armored Man replied,

"From someone nameless, you seem rather powerful," Nadia remarked, then makes another bold suggestion, "Would you like to have one?"

"You wish to name me? Why bother with such hubris?" The Armored Man remarked,

"Because I know how great one's potential becomes upon evolution. Although, I'm uncertain as to what you'll become. I'd prefer to call people by their names rather than recognize them by their appearance," Nadia clarified, "If that isn't enough, then think of this as my way of settling our agreement,"

"Be warned, little girl," The Armored Man stated, "You may not handle it..."

"I'll take my chances," Nadia said, 'Now let's see...'

Nadia thinks of a particular name in mind while everyone just stares at her. As soon as she finishes deliberating a suitable name for him, she goes off of Willow and approached the Armored Man. The former just remained seated rather than follow behind her for once.

"Your name will be..." Nadia suddenly gets lightheaded and loses balance after a name was given, '... Eh?'

[Magicule Reserves Drained... Initiating Hibernation Mode]

Meanwhile...

Isaac and his escorts have arrived at their designated area and dismount from the large spider. They also took the provided supplies with them.

As soon as they were off of the spider, it turned in the opposite direction and runs to where it once came from.

"There it goes," Fernand remarked, then turns to land they still have to walk through, "And yet we still have to walk our way home,"

"No use nagging about it. After all, that spider was instructed by Lady Nadia to get here instead of the rendezvous area," Carona remarked,

"Let's go, you guys," Kayden commanded, "The faster we get back, the better it'll be everyone,"

Kayden and the rest of the adventurers grabbed their shares of the supplies and carried them on their backs. Isaac also carried his supplies and insisted that he can lift his weight rather than let others do it for him.

As they make their way to the rendezvous, Eva couldn't help but glance at Isaac. Though she suspects his motives, his hardworking personality contradicts the suspicions she has against him. She even doubts that he could pose a threat to Nadia.

But recalling what happened in her former life made her think otherwise...

Thus, she decided to keep tabs on Isaac for a little longer while keeping her actions covert. In the event she discovers something ominous about Isaac, she would send the info directly to Nadia.

Western Region Capital

Astranul continues to lavishly live his luxurious and carefree lifestyle. Then he heard a knock on his door.

He grunts in response to the knocking and gestures to one of his ant servants to open the door for him. The one that comes in was one of his underlings and bends a knee to Astranul.

"What do you want?" Astranul questioned,

"We've received an abundance amount of goods from the neighboring capitals," The Underling reported, "Apparently, the slaves have become more active than they used to,"

"That's great, now get out before I force you," Astranul remarked,

"I understand your response, but don't you think this is a bit... suspicious?" The Underling remarked,

At first, Astranul didn't think of any of it, but when it came to ants' activity. He finds it suspicious as they aren't that enthusiastic to work for him or the Demon Lord that rules them. Hence, he decided to drop his lavish style and formulate a particular plan in case these ants get any suspicious ideas in taking arms against him.

"Prepare some men, we've got work to do," Astranul ordered,

"Understood, Sir," The Underling responded and goes to prepare the men,

"Leave," Astranul ordered to his ant servants,

The ant servants complied and left the room. Astranul then closes the doors and walked towards a window overlooking the towns.

"I think it's time I repay these people for the hard work they've put up for today," Astranul remarked before chuckling to himself