As the scout training program ended, Samael finally received his mission. It was to delve deeper into the dense fog and gather information.

Unbeknownst to them, Samael had his own purpose aside from that.

He was tasked by Ajax to investigate the moles as the Saint took the spot light, ridding Samael of unnecessary attention.

Samael sighed as he leaned back. In his hand nestled a stack of documents. The said documents contained information about his meeting with the Liesco knights.

As promised by Timeus, the general has arranged joint meetings for Samael and the knights to venture further on the Georgo Road.

With this, Samael can hide his intentions and make it appear as though his full focus is on the information gathering.

Our meeting is scheduled in a small camp not too far from Stellaris. It shouldn't take too long to get there, Samael thought.

Based on his information, the liesco knights consisted of 12 knights. They're highly active, which gave Timeus quite a headache, as getting a hold of them is quite a task.

"Samael," a voice from outside the tent called, breaking him out of his stupor.

"Come in," Samael replied.

Ajax made his way in, sitting across Samael as he spoke.

"I heard you're setting out to meet the knights tomorrow," Ajax said.

"Yes, Timeus managed to keep his promise," Samael said with a nod.

"Good. Be sharp. I won't be able to go with you as per our plan," Ajax said.

A light chuckle escaped Samael's lips. "Are you worried about me, Ajax?" he asked. "But don't worry. I'll keep my guard up," he resumed.

Ajax gave a nod before he rose up and left without another word. However, he did leave some files pertaining to his extermination raids.

Samael opened the envelope, carefully reading the contents inside.

On the document were Ajax's raid history. It seemed that the saint started his hunt in the area near Stellaris, clearing off the wolves he managed to track down. Due to this, the camp was safer than ever before, making the overall population and morale higher.

It seems he's already dealing quite the damage Samael thought. Having a saint was certainly quite the game changer.

Ajax's assault went on unhindered for a while until they faced some resistance in the hostile region.

Well, it was expected. The hostile region had quite a number of abominations residing within it. Not to mention, the fog of decay there is far worse compared to the average region.

Ajax was but one scout. If there were no fog, he might've been able to manage somehow. Unfortunately, that's not the case.

But not anymore.

As the commander of the newly formed Scout regiment squad, he has the right to dispatch his trained companions and to hand out missions whenever deemed necessary.

Now was the time.

Samael took out his map of Georgo Road. On its surface, it detailed the minor roads along with the major roads and the regions.

Samael took out a pen, and soon scribbling noises filled the room. As Samael put down his quill, he examined the map.

Currently, he has highlighted the areas Ajax has cleared. Within those areas, new camps have been created. Samael has also marked the paths and roads that Ajax and his squad took. Making sure to list down the blockades they faced.

With the information he currently possessed, Samael put three claw marks on some of the roads, signifying the number of Imgrave wolves present in said areas. On the other hand, he also pinpointed the safer routes.

Now it was time to distribute.

Samael listed down each scout they have, checking their abilities before he separated them into specific regions.

Scouts like Yuin, Ramon, and Ashley, who were far ahead of the competition, were positioned deeper, while the less talented individuals were tasked with the safer routes.

This should do it, Samael said as he rose up and marched towards Timeus's office.

Arriving there, he was granted immediate council as he raised his purpose.

"How may I help Samael?" Timeus asked.

Samael put down the documents he wrote earlier as he replied. "Can you get these delivered to their respective camps?"

Timeus took the papers, his gaze darting back and forth as his brows formed an arch.

"You're already giving them missions? It hasn't been long since they've settled at their camps," Timeus said.

"It is what they've been trained for. It is only natural," Samael answered.

"If that's what you wish, then it's only right that I do as you say," Timeus said as he raised his hand, beckoning for Lucas to come closer.

Timeus whispered a few things before his assistant left with haste.

"The letters should arrive by nightfall," Timeus said.

The author's tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

"Thank you," Samael said.

"Are you leaving for your meet-up with the Liesco knights?" Timeus asked.

Samael gave a brief nod.

"I see. Take care, Samael," Timeus said as he escorted Samael out.

***

As the sun rose to its peak, Samael found himself treading towards Nocturn camp.

As he arrived there, he was greeted by an inspection.

"Ah yes, sir Samael. We've been expecting you," the knight greeted.

"The Liesco Knight squad is waiting in tent 46, sir," the knight said.

Samael gave a nod as he inched towards the camp. Compared to Stellaris, the nocturn was small. However, due to its position, it was relatively safe and close in distance for reinforcements to arrive at.

For knights, they sure picked quite the safe spot, Samael thought.

After some wandering, Samael soon found himself before tent 46. It was larger than most, and Samael could hear the bickering of the knights inside.

"Liesco knights?" Samael called.

Upon hearing his voice, a hand pried the entrance open, showing a man appearing to be in his thirties. He had long brown hair and a finely kept brown beard. He was adorned in white armor with a long sword strapped behind him.

"You are sir Samael... I presume?" The man asked as he looked at Samael up and down.

"Yes. You've been informed of my arrival, right?" Samael clarified.

"Ah yes, of course. Please come in," the man beckoned as he stepped aside.

Inside rested the other eleven knights. Much like the man who greeted Samael, they were all adorned in silver armor. However, their weapons varied a lot. One, in particular, had a sword with a serrated edge.

"Knights, this is the guest we've been waiting for. The Grim Hound, Samael." The man with brown hair spoke.

Shifting his gaze back at Samael, he continued. "I believe introductions are in order."

Putting his hand on his chest, he spoke. "My name is Portugal Rein. I'm the leader of the Liesco knights. That woman there is Quich; the one next to her is Erre," Portugal said.

"The burly one is David; that's Seth," Portugal said as he pointed at the man with the serrated blades.

"That's Miya, Claire, Anton, Railey, Ash, and Orion," Portugal said.

Each member gave Samael a nod.

"So you're the famous Grim Hound," Seth said as he circled Samael.

"Seth," Portugal called, his voice heavy and commanding.

"What? I'm not doing anything!" Seth said as he raised his hand.

"Just curiosity is all," Seth said. "Nice to meet you," he continued as he extended his hand.

Samael's brows furrowed. He can sense a smudge of mockery in Seth's tone. However, Samael dispelled such thoughts as he took the man's hand.

As Samael took Seth's hand, the man tightened his grip, a mischievous smile forming on his lips.

Unfortunately, Samael was already far too used to such meager pranks.

Without an ounce of hesitation, Samael put some force in his hands.

CRACK!

"FUCK!" Seth roared as he yanked his hand back, grasping his wrist as he stepped back.

"What's going on?" Portugal asked.

"He almost broke my damn hand!" Seth roared, veins pulsing in his neck.

Samael remained cold. "I merely gave him a handshake. I did nothing wrong," he replied.

"You—" Seth's words were cut short as Portugal shot him a glare.

"I'm sorry for his troublesome behavior. Seth can be a little unstable sometimes," Portugal apologized.

"Now, enough with the jokes, and let's get to business. May we know the purpose of your visit?" Portugal swiftly changed the subject.

A soft sigh escaped Samael's lips. "As the note said, we're to conduct a scouting mission in the hostile regions tomorrow at the break of dawn," Samael said.

"In the hostile region...?" Portugal asked.

"Yes," Samael clarified.

"I see. Do we have any specifics?" Portugal inquired.

"Locate the Imgrave wolf camps and routes safe for use," Samael said.

"I understand. Me and my men will go prepare for now," Portugal said.

Samael tipped his head before leaving.

As Samael passed through the tent entrance, he felt a presence coming his way.

Shifting his gaze up, Samael saw a man adorned in white. A white cloak with gold linings...

Samael's gaze widened, a burst of rage erupting in his chest. Fragments of memories of his past crashed through him like a tsunami.

The man came to a halt. He was in his 40s with black hair mixed with white stripes. Much like everyone else, he had dark circles under his eyes, but a small smile remained on his face as he spoke.

"Ah, you must be, sir Samael. I have heard of your arrival. I deeply apologize if I was late for the meeting," he said. However, Samael remained silent, his eyes averted downward.

Samael felt the urge to rip the man before him in pieces. He wanted to drive his axe between him and make him confess to the sins they did to him.

Samael's fist shook. For a moment, a flash of suffocating killing intent dispersed off the surroundings, opting for the man before him to shiver.

Not now, Samael, he thought as he clenched his jaw, locking away the raging emotions in his chest as he shifted his gaze up, meeting the man in the eyes.

"It is quite cold today," the man said as he brushed his shoulders.

"Oh! I forgot. Please excuse my ignorance. My name is Vapad, a priest of the church of light," Vapad said as he extended his hands.

Samael stared at Vapad's hands, his eyes empty, as he slowly accepted the priest's greetings.

"Is there something wrong?" Vapad asked.

Staring the man directly in the eyes, Samael shook his head briefly. "No. Everything is okay."

"Well, that's good to hear. If you'll excuse me," Vapad said before he went inside the Liesco Knights tent.

As the man vanished before Samael's gaze, he couldn't help but stay idle for a moment, his gaze focused on his palm.

Samael felt angry. He felt resentful. How could he not? He remembers it as clear as day. That same robe. That same insignia. How can they stand there, ignorant of what they did?

Samael stormed off from the camp, swiftly entering the forest and submerging himself within the fog of decay.

Samael did not know where he was going. He did not know what dangers lay ahead. But at that moment, the only thing he wanted to do was release his rage.

And so he did.

Samael's steps were halted as growls reverberated in the air, accompanied by footsteps.

From the thinning fog, multiple silhouettes formed, taking the shape of imgraved wolves as they presented themselves, fangs roaring to go.

Samael's hand balled to a fist, a burst of darkness seemingly manifesting out of thin air as it latched unto his skin, morphing it black.

The imgrave wolves roared as they launched themselves at Samael.

Fools they were.

Howls and whispers left trails of echoes in the air as the scent of blood wafted in the wind.

The imgrave wolves stood frozen in place, trembling as they watched Samael stand there, drenched in the blood of their kin. In his hand nestled the spine of an imgrave wolf and its corpse under his foot.

Without another word, Samael's figure turned to a blur as he appeared beside another abomination, grabbing the beast by the neck as he slammed its face down the ground.

Samael gritted his teeth.

"ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!" Samael roared as he ran at full speed, dragging the wolf face first through the ground and leaving a straight trail of blood.

Samael screamed his heart out, uncaring for the damage he was causing as he barreled through the trees and the abominations in his path.

As he came to a halt, the imgrave wolf he was holding was reduced to nothing but the piece of flesh he held.

Samael's chest rose up and down, his eyes lost and distant.

However, in its midst, a small panel flickered before him. Breaking him from his rageful stupor.

Devoured Void Essence of "Imgrave Wolf" [Hatchling III] +960 x7

Samael shot a glance at the panel hovering in the air, its illuminating light bringing about a sense of clarity.

Samael stared at his bloodied palms, his face morphing in confusion and desperation.

"What am I doing...?" Samael asked himself, his voice shaky.

Samael stepped back as he leaned against a tree, allowing himself to slump down as he rested his head back, his hand grasping a necklace hanging on his neck, a sense of relief brushing past him.

He was, yet again, consumed by his rage.

Get your shit off the gutter! Samael thought as he pushed himself off the ground, his gaze burning in determination.

Now was not the time to cower.