Chapter 114: A Journey of Trials and Revelations

I’m going to learn slap massage. I heard your world has this thing called slap massage? First we’ll learn the basics here, then head off to Thailand.

Wait a minute… So, are you planning to stick around here for years?

Well, why don’t you try kicking me out like I tried to kick you out?

Rozally flashed a bold smile at Kim Bing-ui. The words hit him like a promise that they would never let go, sending a shiver down his spine; he murmured, “Do as you please.”

One by one, the students entered the classroom and the lecture began. Listening to the professor, Kim Bing-ui gazed out the window. Although the sky looked as usual, somehow today it appeared even bluer.

***

Under a clear blue sky and blazing sun, a short blond-haired woman stood. She had chopped off her long hair for convenience and had been off adventuring for four years.

Elina II looked upward. At that moment, she beamed at a flock of soaring birds before galloping fiercely across the vast plains.

“Silpid!”

Drawing on the power of spirits, Elina II levitated high into the air. Slowly flapping her arms like a bird’s, she spotted a carriage at the junction of the plains and the forest. Surrounding the carriage—clearly meant for high-ranking nobles—bandits had encircled it.

“You brutes! How dare you block the way of someone so important…!”

“It doesn’t matter who rides it! Hand over the money now, or you’ll all be in deep trouble!!”

With a thunderous shout, the bandits raised their menacing axes. Though only five knights guarded the carriage, when around twenty bandits charged simultaneously, half the knights were disarmed and soon lay stunned.

“Sir Rick, Sir Jade!”

Amid the fierce battle, a girl in a delicate dress burst from the carriage shouting, “You mustn’t come out!” Almost as soon as a knight’s desperate cry ended, the bandit leader roughly grabbed the girl’s wrist.

“Heh heh heh, this little lady would fetch a pretty penny!”

“Let her go!”

Twisting her wrist in a futile attempt to break free, the girl could do nothing. In that instant, the ground erupted with a colossal crack—bandits tumbled into the chasm—and a raging whirlwind swept away any remaining foes.

“Behold—a natural disaster!”

With all his henchmen falling at once, the bandit leader panicked and fled into the forest. Barely freed, the girl collapsed onto the ground, when a pair of gentle footsteps landed before her.

“Are you alright? Any injuries?”

Looking up at the kind inquiry, the short-haired woman regarded her. The girl, momentarily dazed, shyly collected herself and stood. She introduced herself as the Second Princess of the Crinia Kingdom, Priscinia Arlein Crinia.

“I’d love to be of service. Please, allow me to help.”

Thus, fate intertwined, and Elina II joined the Second Princess on her journey.

During one long yet fleeting month, many events unfolded. They battled monsters while crossing a mountain range, clashed head-on with bandits, and even faced the kidnapping of the Second Princess during a brief stop in a town.

After enduring hardships and trials, the group barely reached the far end of the Western Continent. In such a remote region, with poorly maintained roads and scarce villages, they had no choice but to camp for the night.

As the knights set guard and prepared for sleep, Elina II and Priscinia sat amicably by a campfire, sharing stories.

“My dream is to become the world’s greatest Spirit King Master. That’s why I ran away from home; until I met you, I wandered alone everywhere!”

“That’s truly amazing. I’ve never known freedom like this—this is my first journey, too.”

“Hold on… I think someone’s here.”

“Elina II?”

“Shh.”

Elina II listened intently to the report from lower spirits—armed men were closing in around them.

“Get up, quickly!”

At her command, the knights swiftly drew their swords and rose. Simultaneously, arrows whistled through the dark trees.

“Silpid!”

A massive wall of wind suddenly encircled the camp, shielding Priscinia. Then, emerging one by one from the shadowy trees, several Inyoung appeared.

Fully armored and unmistakably knights, they approached. The lead knight removed his silver helmet, revealing a cascade of blue hair. Though his delicate features might have passed for feminine, his firm, resolute voice soon commanded attention.

“Intruders trespassing on this land—you are under arrest. Comply and I promise we won’t resort to force.”

“Understood. But first, show proper respect for royalty! For your information, this is none other than Second Princess Priscinia Arlein Crinia of the Crinia Kingdom!”

When Sir Malph, the head of the guard, stepped forward and shouted, the surrounding knights immediately knelt. Their leader, the blue-haired knight, bowed to apologize for their insolence.

“I am Captain Kaila. Now, let us escort you to the castle.”

Quickly, Elina II and her party gathered their belongings and followed the knights deeper into the forest. Just as Sir Malph was about to demand an explanation for this unusual route,

the blue-haired knight Captain Kaila suddenly stretched his hand into the air. In an instant, a brilliant burst of light erupted from his palm, conjuring a portal right in the heart of the forest.

As the knights entered, Elina II and her group slowly followed. The portal led directly to the town square, where a grand fountain stood, children frolicked nearby, and musicians played, painting a picture of a peaceful late evening.

Behind clusters of quaint mansions stood a castle—not grand in size but remarkably beautiful. Stepping inside, Elina II’s curiosity sparkled with one question: Why were almost everyone here—from villagers and gate guards to workers—women?

Her question was answered moments later. Arriving at the King’s audience chamber, Elina II was left speechless upon facing the ruler on the throne.

“…Eh, Elina III?”

Dressed in an immaculate uniform with long silver hair cascading down, Elina III, who looked over the throne, offered a rare smile. “Long time no see.” Her voice carried both warmth and authority.

“So, are you really the ruler here? What on earth happened?”

“Do you remember what I told you when I left the Empire?”

She had vowed to build a nation where women could serve proudly as knights. Elina III recalled events from roughly three years ago.

“It was when I first stormed onto the Western Continent after leaving the Empire. This region was in such disarray—with daily disasters that made my old home seem like a paradise.”

The coastal areas of the Western Continent, near the islands, had long been ravaged by barbarians from the island nations. Many girls were captured and even sacrificed.

Learning that children were being exploited and abused, Elina III, alongside a band of cross-dressing knights, stormed the island nation. Although intense battles saved countless lives, the aftermath posed new challenges.

Most of those taken in their childhood had lost all trace of their families. These women and children needed support to survive and rebuild their lives.

“I contacted Elina V. She graciously provided substantial assistance—supporting the town, the castle, and even supplying essential provisions. We are deeply grateful.”

“Then what about this portal? Was it your doing?”

“Since we never know when another attack might strike, Elina IV created this portal. It’s a magical system that only the citizens of this nation can use.”

Elina III’s account left not only Priscinia but also the knights in awe. Behind them, the knights’ eyes shone with quiet pride as they regarded their leader.

“It’s not just about survival—we’re also introducing new education. As I mentioned, we’re building a nation where women can proudly be knights. Of course, knighthood demands physical prowess, so other professions are developing too.”

Soon after knights, the next most promising role was that of mages. The Minister of Demon Realm Education, Elina IV, visited weekly to offer guidance, while top students had already been in talks with Demon Realm leader Elina V for various magical roles.

“But doesn’t educating an entire town cost a fortune?”

Priscinia, quietly attentive, raised her hand and spoke. As a princess eager to learn, her eyes sparkled with curiosity.

“About two years ago, the famed entertainer Elina I—my sister to both Elina II and me—came for a broadcast at my request. Thanks to her show, global sponsorships are now flowing in.”

“Ah, that’s truly impressive.”

In a harsh environment where dreams still bloomed, Elina III looked down at Priscinia with a firm yet gentle gaze.

“Only when people possess strength and ability can we prevent such tragedies from recurring.”

Priscinia nodded, grateful for the inspiring words. Elina II, pleased that the princess was positively influenced, smiled contentedly beside her.

After a brief reunion with Elina III, Elina II and the princess’s party set off again the next morning. They faced crises, arguments, laughter, and tears along the way, but ultimately reached the kingdom safely.