Freya stared directly into Vlad’s eyes as she listened to his words. Their relationship had greatly developed during this odyssey, but the mission had come to an end, and both of them had forces they needed to take control over.
However, before Freya could answer, Grey Hawk spoke. "I assume you will attempt to take control over Nagan Mountain, am I right?"
Vlad’s eyes had been focused solely on Freya, wanting to know what the young woman would do, but the words of the old viking drew his attention. "Yes, I will extend my force to this place. It is roughly two thousand kilometers from my current headquarters, but I expect to gain control of the entire territory in less than six months."
There was no need to deny it since it was obvious how useful the Molten Demonblood Essence was for him. After all, it was the only thing that could help him improve his Depravita Constitution and develop the Depravita Fog forming in the ceiling of his Soul Dimension.
Grey Hawk stared at Vlad for a moment, and a sharp light appeared in his eyes as he turned toward Freya. "My Lady, I think you should stay with the World King’s Candidate as he returns to his headquarters."
Freya and Vlad were surprised by the words of the old viking. Up to a few days ago, he had been completely against the idea of the duo interacting outside the battlefield.
A meaningful light appeared in Freya’s eyes as she heard those words, and a small smile began to form on her face, but suddenly sharpness returned, and a sense of focus and conviction arose. "I cannot leave my men alone at this time. I need to guide them."
It was clear that Freya would have liked to remain with Vlad, but she was not a child who could simply follow her emotions without thinking of the greater picture. Hundreds of people had followed her to this New Plane and put their lives in her hands. She could not just run away from her responsibilities like a spoiled princess.
Vlad could not help but smile as he saw the determination in the young woman’s face. Freya’s refusal of the old viking’s words did not diminish what he felt for her in the slightest. If anything, her determination and strength only improved his impression of her.
Grey Hawk also smiled as he saw the determination in Freya’s face, but soon focus and sharpness returned, along with a serious expression. "Princess, this is for the good of our cause. You are the most important one in our group and our leader. If you remain with the World King’s Candidate, it will make gaining the goodwill of the Plane Will much easier."
Freya’s eyes widened as she heard those words. There was no better way to gain the recognition of the Plane Will than being close to and helping one of its most beloved children, a World King’s Candidate.
"Besides, Princess, you will not be separated from your troops for long. I will return and guide our forces through a path of conquest from Glory City to Nagan Mountain." Grey Hawk made a pause as he turned toward Vlad with a serious expression. "At that moment, we can discuss an alliance that can help both sides improve our might and achieve our goals."
Vlad stared at Grey Hawk with a sharp and meaningful light as he clasped his hands and nodded. "I will gladly agree to an alliance with a powerful force that values honor as much as the vikings of Valhalla."
Grey Hawk smiled as he heard that. He had learned a lot about the young man from this journey and knew that if Vlad gave his word, he would not break it for anything.
Freya was at a loss for a moment as she did not know what to do. It did not feel good to leave her soldiers, but Grey Hawk’s words were right. If she stayed with Vlad while both sides marched toward the same goal, it would greatly benefit the vikings’ goal of gaining Terra’s goodwill and access to Origin Force.
Although there was a lot to consider, it did not take long for Freya to make a decision. "Your advice is the best path, and I will follow it. Make sure to keep in contact and do not hesitate to request my help through the communicator totem in case of any danger, as I will drop everything and reach your side as soon as possible."
Grey Hawk smiled and nodded before clasping his hands and performing a deep bow to Freya. "With your permission, Princess, I will be leaving. I need to reach Glory City as fast as possible to mobilize our forces." The old viking then turned toward Vlad and Jormungandr and nodded to the duo. "It was good to fight with such brave warriors. I hope it happens again in the future."
"Same here." "You are fine." Vlad and Jormguandr nodded to the old man, recognizing him as a great warrior.
After finishing the goodbyes, Grey Hawk jumped down the mountain peak and began to use his spells to slide down.
Freya glanced at Grey Hawk’s back with a flash of sadness as they had been together for a long time, the old viking always protecting and guiding her. Of course, those emotions did not last long as focus returned to her eyes when she glanced at Vlad.
Vlad could see that the young woman’s eyes were full of focus and sharpness, eager to know what his next move would be, as she was not someone who procrastinated. It did not bother Vlad, as he was the same.
"It will take a few more days before I can fully heal. After that, we will march back to my city and rally my forces for the next mission." There was already a clear path in Vlad’s mind, every detail being polished.
Freya nodded to the young man, then adopted a meditative position on the ground and began to harness the environment’s energy, improving her power.