Vlad, Jormungandr, Freya, and the 19 bloodline soldiers marched down the Nagan Mountain at a surprising speed, quickly taking down all the monsters and mutated creatures that arose in their path. Other than killing, they accumulated many resources that would be useful for the upcoming projects.
The Depravitas and Viking princesses were fast, but the bloodline soldiers did not lag behind. All of them had advanced greatly in the last two months, using the abyssal bloodline radiation to nurture their bodies and energy pools. Their rapid growth had already brought them to Level 5, and their Seas of Consciousness were expanding at a remarkable rate, hinting at their imminent rise to the Champion Tier.
Vlad was extremely happy with the evolution of the 19 bloodline soldiers, as the group had already proven their loyalty and bravery during the Strong Hammer Military Base’s saga. With their rising power, they would soon become one of the elite forces under his command.
It didn’t take long for the group to reach the base of Nagan Mountain, and Vlad was greeted with a wondrous sight. The area was dotted with dozens of tents, bustling with hundreds of powerful men and women. The camp was divided distinctly by two forces.
Vlad’s eyes narrowed as he took in the scene. On the one side stood a nearly three-meter-tall man clad in resplendent golden armor, surrounded by warriors in gleaming metallic armor. The soldiers moved with precise coordination, their disciplined demeanor unmistakable. In stark contrast, the other side featured individuals with rugged appearances adorned in leather armor and tribal tattoos that snaked across their bodies. Their movements were fluid and natural, showing great adaptability and fierceness.
’So those are the forces of the vikings of Valhalla,’ Vlad thought as he focused on the people with tribal tattoos and noticed how soon all their eyes focused on him.
"My King, you are fine!" Grand Marshal Anglius, the giant man in golden armor, was the first to speak as he saw Vlad’s figure. He walked forward, looking at the young man with awe and shock.
The middle-aged man still remembered how Freya and Jormungandr arrived two months ago with Vlad’s body covered in deep and grievous wounds. Back then, Anglius was frozen, and terror arose in his heart since those wounds should have crippled anyone else. Yet now, he saw Vlad standing before him, even stronger than before!
Vlad only smiled at the giant man, seeing the happiness and thrill in his eyes, and calmly nodded. "It took a little longer than I anticipated, but I am all right now." After that, he focused on the soldiers and camp and nodded. "Good, you have done a great job securing this position and taking control of Nagan Mountain’s base."
Grand Marshal Anglius performed a deep bow before turning to the side of the vikings and speaking with an annoyed expression: "I do not deserve all the praise, as our allies did a great job. They are unruly and wild but fearless and honorable warriors."
It was evident that Grand Marshal Anglius did not fully embrace the viking’s style, which was understandable given his military upbringing. Yet, he couldn’t help but admire their bravery and honor of the vikings.
"Hahaha, golden giant, unruly and wild is how all men should be. Why do you make it sound as if it were a bad thing?" A young man walked forward. He had blue eyes and short golden hair, and his body was tall and muscular. There was a scar on the right side of his face, but that only made his aura and charm grow stronger.
The man was not alone. With him was a group of powerful vikings, all unleashing a vibrant aura full of savagery. Despite that, as they grew closer, their eyes turned toward Freya, and all clasped their hands and bowed.
"We salute you, princess," they said with respect in their voices and solemn light in their eyes, clearly showing how they felt about the young woman. However, moments later, they turned toward Vlad, and their eyes were full of defiance.
Vlad focused on the group and was a little surprised by their sudden hostility toward him, which frankly confused him. After all, they had never met before and were supposed to be allies.
"Bjorn, is there a problem!?" Freya immediately stepped forward as she saw the way the group was looking at Vlad, her eyes sharp and exerting formidable pressure.
As soon as Freya moved forward, the remaining vikings stepped back, except for the young man with the scar, Bjorn. He managed to stand firm and glanced at Freya before turning toward Vlad.
"So, you are Vlad Xaos, the World King Candidate. I will admit that the men who follow you are formidable, honorable warriors with whom I have had the great pleasure to fight, but if you want us to accept this alliance, you must show your power!" Bjorn’s eyes were sharp and strong, not bothering with useless pleasantries and going straight to the point.
Vlad was honestly surprised by the man’s straightforwardness, but before he could speak, Freya acted again.
"I am the leader of this force and accepted the alliance. Are you defying my status!?" The Viking princess’s voice was cold as she glanced at the man.
Bjorn’s eyes narrowed, and he felt tremendous pressure, but his eyes were sharp as he focused on Freya. "Your power is undisputable, princess, and Odivaldr’s grace runs deep into your soul. However, you are a woman, and we all know women think with their hearts."
The moment Freya heard those words, her eyes widened. Immediately, her mace appeared in her hand, and she seemed ready to flash forward and bash the man’s head.
"Wait, wait, wait! Please, my lady, let me finish!" Bjorn’s face grew pale as he felt the killing intent of the young viking princess, and he only relaxed when he saw Freya stop moving forward and glance at him with coldness.
"As I was saying, women think with their hearts just as men think with their dicks."