She was still wearing a black veil, covering her from head to toe, with only her curvaceous figure subtly revealed.
However, this curvaceous figure did not evoke any desire in Shen Mu, his Holy Tree Knights, or the Swadian Light Infantry around him.
Instead, a unique feeling, like prey being targeted by a hunter, began to spontaneously surface in their hearts.
This left Shen Mu, including these Holy Tree Knights, with a sense of awe permeating their hearts.
As for the Swadian Light Infantry, their bodies were trembling slightly, as if they were unable to maintain normalcy due to the fear surfacing in their hearts.
This seemed very abnormal.
However, when Shen Mu reached for the Horn of Encouragement at his waist, the special feeling of dread that had appeared in his heart slowly dissipated.
Or rather, as the 20 Holy Tree Knights once again came before Shen Mu and began to form a simple spear phalanx with their lances, that unprovoked fear also began to dissipate in their hearts.
Because the slight fear and dread itself did not seriously impact Shen Mu and the Holy Tree Knights beside him.
It was just that to the Swadian Light Infantry, who were like ordinary people, they saw a ferocious lion.
And it was a ravenous, ferocious lion.
On the other hand, for Shen Mu and these Holy Tree Knights, it was like seeing a rabid, mad dog.
Although there was indeed some fear in their hearts, it was certainly impossible for them to truly be scared and terrified, to the point of trembling all over.
"Oh, I apologize, Respected Lord Shen Mu."
Then, the servant girl, whose entire body was shrouded in black gauze, spoke with a hint of playfulness in her tone.
She slowly bowed and curtsied, as if apologizing to Shen Mu.
Then she said, "To prevent certain unpleasant incidents from occurring, I subconsciously activated my soul, which is this special innate spell, so upon seeing me, one will involuntarily recall the things they fear in their hearts."
"Yes, it does indeed make one feel a bit apprehensive."
Shen Mu spoke indifferently, glancing at the Swadian Light Infantry, who were also holding lances, gritting their teeth, and looking both angry and fearful, his tone growing a little displeased: "If possible, I would prefer that we communicate normally, rather than confronting each other like this."
"Of course, Lord Shen Mu, I only came to check on the situation, after all, the Hell Devil and us Vampires do not have a very harmonious relationship."
The servant girl spoke softly.
And in her words, she made no attempt to hide her disdain for the Hell Devil.
It was as if the two sides were enemies.
And in fact, it was largely true; after all, the Undead race and the Devil race were fundamentally two distinct races.
Even if the crystal wall system on the fantasy side directly collapsed, leading them to directly join forces, this only meant they could cooperate, but it did not mean they wouldn't engage in infighting.
After all, the Undead and Devils were not allies, just as the blood feud between Devils and Demons would absolutely never lead to an alliance.
They all harbored ulterior motives, forced by circumstances to have a tacit understanding of cooperation.
In terms of their true stance, their own interests remained paramount.
And this Vampire Servant also earnestly explained to Shen Mu.
Of course, she also explained that their Vampire Undead race and other Undead races, as well as other Devils and Demons, were completely different matters, and could not be compared at all in terms of their respective positions.
"So, you came here simply on Lady Isabelle's orders to see why Hell Rules appeared here?"
Shen Mu also understood the Vampire Servant's meaning.
"That's right."
The Vampire Servant nodded, looking at the Holy Tree Knights, a hint of surprise appearing on her pale face beneath the black veil: "I must say, these knights you possess, Shen Mu, are truly astonishingly powerful beings."
The last time, this Vampire Servant had also seen these Holy Tree Knights around Shen Mu.
But at that time, there were only 10 of them.
In a sense, the threat they posed to this Vampire Servant was not strong, and could even be said to only provide Shen Mu with simple self-preservation.
If the elite knights brought by these Vampires and she herself, and even the Matriarch Isabelle, disregarded the blue star rules, they could slaughter Shen Mu and all his troops at a certain cost.
At that time, this Vampire Servant had sufficient confidence.
But now, seeing these newly appeared Holy Tree Knights, and having seen those Holy Tree Knights in mid-air when she first flew in, their numbers had already exceeded a hundred, and she still felt a little uneasy.
The main reason was that this Vampire Servant had already noticed that the armor and weapons of these knights, wearing bright silver armor and wielding weapons with tree-shaped patterns, were somewhat special, seemingly mixed with some sacred magical materials.
"Mithril?" The Vampire Servant questioned.
"It seems you're referring to the equipment and weapons of my knights."
Shen Mu had no intention of hiding it, nodding in affirmation: "That's right, their weapons and equipment are all mixed with mithril."
"Indeed, Lord Shen Mu, your luck is exceptionally good to have encountered the forces of these human kingdoms that once possessed powerful foundations in the Spiritual Realm."
The Vampire Servant's tone grew even more emotional: "But I also cannot discern which kingdom's foundation they are from, though considering how vast the prime material plane is, it's possible there are kingdoms I don't know about."
This Vampire Servant did not dwell on these issues, but instead bowed slightly to Shen Mu again to show her respect:
"Since I know that your troops, Lord Shen Mu, repelled the invasion of those Hell Devil, I understand now.
Next, I will report to Matriarch Isabelle, and at the same time, convey her greetings to you."
"Alright, please also convey my respect and greetings to Lady Isabelle."
Shen Mu nodded.
It was just pleasantries, and there was no need to make things too tense at this point.
So, the Vampire Servant let out a faint laugh, transformed into that special form condensed from darkness and gray mist, and then dissipated into nothingness.
This action, however, left Shen Mu slightly stunned, and the Holy Tree Knights and Swadian Light Infantry were all filled with surprise and uncertainty.
Because this special form was truly too unique.
To directly transform into darkness and gray mist and dissipate into nothingness, this was essentially a special form of invisibility.
Moreover, Shen Mu also discovered that this Vampire Servant had descended from the sky, which meant that this Vampire Servant could fly.
Able to fly and be invisible.
"This is a bit terrifying."
Shen Mu slowly tightened his grip on the hilt of his Holy Tree Knight Sword, which was already slowly tightening.
This essentially confirmed one thing.
His city walls could not stop certain special means, such as flying and invisible enemies, from approaching him.
Just like this Vampire Servant now, if this Vampire Servant had any ill intentions towards him, then he would be in danger.
If someone who could fly and be invisible harbored murderous intent towards him, they could quickly approach him and launch a sneak attack, which would be extremely dangerous.
At least, based on Shen Mu's current assessment, he would be quite difficult to deal with then.
The only countermeasure available was the Holy Tree Suit he wore, but the special reaction mode of this Holy Tree Suit, as it gradually heated up, was too slow.
At most, it could detect approaching danger, but it didn't know where the danger was.
Once an enemy attacked at an extremely fast speed, it was uncertain whether the Holy Tree Suit would be useful then.
"Quick, quick, hurry over."
At this moment, urgent commands also came from outside the castle.
Then, Aleron, Bestour, Lezalit, and the other 90 Holy Tree Knights appeared at the main gate of the castle.
At the same time, each of them had already drawn their weapons and held them in their hands.
At this time, white light flickered on these weapons.
Along with a chilling glint, it also carried the vigilance and killing intent on their faces.
Because just now, they had also noticed that something seemed to have suddenly appeared at the main entrance of the castle hall on the hilltop, especially among those Holy Tree Knights, as the warmth surged through them, they also heard faint shouts coming from the castle.
Of course, they all immediately assembled and rushed quickly towards the castle's location.
And when they assembled and entered through the inner gate, they had already seen a black figure indeed appearing at the main entrance of the castle on the hilltop.
Relying on their keen sixth sense, they immediately realized that the black figure was not one of their own.
That's right, it was not one of their own.
Because as Mount & Blade Soldiers existing within the Mount & Blade System, they all possessed distinct characteristics from their respective Mount & Blade Worlds, which was the protection of the Mount & Blade Rules.
This protection was rather subtle.
It was somewhat similar to the friendly fire identification that automatically arises when they are recruited by Shen Mu and are in the same team.
In this way, if they shot arrows or used swords to strike, they would not cause harm to friendly forces.
This was equivalent to a special sixth sense derived from the game rules.
Now that they had come to this real world, it had also exerted its effect.
Therefore, when they saw that black figure, they immediately realized that it was neither their companion nor their ally, which was why they were so anxious, drawing their weapons and rushing towards the hilltop without waiting for full assembly.
The reason for their eagerness was to ensure that Respected Lord Shen Mu, the legendary figure and their savior, would not be harmed.
After all, it was clear that a strange black figure had suddenly appeared at the castle gate.
And not requested an audience with Shen Mu from outside the castle.
That certainly couldn't be considered a friendly act.
To protect Shen Mu's life, they charged so quickly.
"Lord Shen Mu! We just saw a figure in black armor at the castle entrance."
Aleron, holding his Holy Tree Knight Sword, had a very solemn expression: "It's truly great to see that you're unharmed. We thought there might have been a problem with the castle's defenses."
"Yes, we were really scared! Respected Lord Shen Mu!" At this moment, Lezalit and Bestour no longer had their previous unruly demeanor. If something had truly happened to Shen Mu, regardless of whether they felt guilty or not, or whether they would be extremely angry...
Even if they returned to Calradia, the almost world-ending crisis that would emerge after this news spread would be enough to force them to atone with their lives.
Moreover, even their own spittle would be enough to drown them all.
After all, Shen Mu, this legendary figure and savior in Calradia—no, he should be called the savior of the entire Mount & Blade World—his lofty prestige alone would be enough to leave those who failed to protect him with no other option but suicide.
That's why they rushed here so quickly, genuinely fearing that if something happened, it might already be too late.
Shen Mu then briefly explained what had just happened to the generals and Holy Tree Knights who had come to protect him.
One by one, they all breathed a sigh of relief.
After all, both Aleron and these Holy Tree Knights had experienced the battle against the Vampire faction at the large Shopping Mall.
They all had an impression of the Vampire Servant sent by the Vampire faction for negotiations at the end.
And they remembered that these Vampires had even given Shen Mu a gift.
It was a gesture of friendliness and peace.
"Phew, you really scared me to death." Aleron's tense expression relaxed slightly, and he looked at the mere 20 Holy Tree Knights beside Shen Mu with some concern, saying helplessly, "However, Lord Shen Mu, I think you absolutely must have personal guards who can protect you in time."
"Exactly, only personal guards can protect your life at critical moments." Lezalit and Bestour also nodded at this.
Personal guards are truly very important.
They all came from noble families, had served as high-ranking commanders, and had even experienced the crucible of real combat.
Therefore, they understood very well that the presence of a personal guard unit was truly necessary to protect a commander's life.
After all, on a chaotic and complex battlefield, a commander needs to consider many things, from troop formations to the deployment of various units, and then counteracting the weather, terrain, and enemy movements.
It could be said that the mental effort of outsmarting the enemy occupied most of the commander's thoughts.
Therefore, they didn't consider their own safety much.
If there was a personal guard unit at this time, that unit wouldn't need to consider anything else; it would only need to focus on how to protect Shen Mu, the commander, which would increase the commander's survival rate.
After all, if one doesn't consider the overall battlefield environment and only focuses on the commander's life.
Being responsible for vigilance and ensuring there are no abnormal situations around.
It is indeed a relatively simple task.
And as long as they serve as personal guards for long enough, they can accumulate a lot of experience as personal guards, becoming more and more skilled at protecting the commander's life, and their experience will become richer and richer.
Of course, the commander's life will also become safer and safer.
"Hmm." Shen Mu pondered for a moment, then looked at Aleron and said, "Then, from now on, Aleron, you will lead these 110 Holy Tree Knights to serve as my personal guard unit."
"Thank you for your trust." Aleron's face immediately lit up with joy, and he quickly and respectfully placed his hand on his chest, then bowed in thanks.
Beside them, Lezalit and Bestour exchanged glances, both seeing the envy in the other's eyes.
But there was nothing they could do.
For Aleron to lead these Holy Tree Knights as Shen Mu's personal guard unit was indeed proper; at least in their eyes, it was very reasonable.
Holy Tree Knights are very powerful knights, and both of them greatly admired these Holy Tree Knights.
Whether in terms of combat experience, combat skills, or conduct, they were trustworthy individuals.
Therefore, becoming Lord Shen Mu's personal guard unit was absolutely qualified.
Moreover, they knew Aleron's combat level from their time in Calradia, as this eldest son from a high-ranking noble family of the Vigia Kingdom was very upright in his conduct and possessed a noble sense of honor.
Coupled with his formidable personal combat ability, leading these Holy Tree Knights to become Shen Mu's personal guard captain was indeed fitting.
Of course, this was an important position concerning Lord Shen Mu's life, and if they were to honestly ask themselves, they were prone to carelessness.
Easily influenced by external factors.
They were indeed not as reliable as Aleron, who was a professional fighter.
Although Lezalit and Bestour both wished to be Shen Mu's personal guard captain, this was definitely not the time for rivalry; they both understood this very well.
So, they simply bowed their heads to Shen Mu, which also served as an endorsement of Shen Mu's decision.
Shen Mu's decision to make Aleron his personal guard captain was also based on this consideration.
That is, Aleron's combat prowess can basically rank among the top three in the entire Mount & Blade Warband World.
It could even be said to be number one.
Because Aleron's inherent definition is that of a fierce general responsible for charging into battle, his personal martial power is extremely strong, and no one else can compare to him in terms of combat effectiveness.
Generally speaking, in the game, the protagonist also likes to have Aleron follow him closely to charge into battle together.
Instead of arranging various tasks and leading teams like Fatis, Bandak, and the Lezalit and Bestour in front of him.
Fatis and Bestour are both excellent cavalry commanders.
Fatis is a heavy cavalry commander.
Bestour is a light cavalry commander.
Bandak is a Crossbowman commander specializing in ranged combat.
Lezalit can be either an infantry commander or a cavalry commander, but his professional role is that of an instructor.
Responsible for training low-level soldiers.
His role is to personally lead teams, allowing those low-level soldiers to quickly accumulate combat experience and complete upgrades.
Even James and Manid, these two non-combat personnel, are responsible for battlefield care and commerce.
Only Aleron is completely irresponsible for other matters, only responsible for fighting.
Even having Aleron lead a certain unit in combat.
For Aleron, the results were not very good.
Compared to Fatis, who is responsible for heavy cavalry; compared to Bestour, who is responsible for light cavalry; compared to Bandak, who is responsible for Crossbowmen; and Lezalit, who is specifically sent out to train soldiers.
He is far inferior.
Of course, as long as Aleron takes the lead and charges forward, he can unleash his super combat power.
Therefore, Aleron himself is a fierce general, a vanguard.
Of course, he can also serve as a personal guard captain.
'Buzz!'
Of course, this was just a small interlude.
As Shen Mu briefly chatted with his three generals about what had just happened, a ray of light began to appear in the sky.
The daytime, a fusion of Blue Star World's rules and spirit world rules, instantly dispelled the complete darkness.
Expelling death spirit rules from this Blue Star World.
"It's dawn."
Shen Mu stood at the castle gate, watching as the environment outside suddenly switched from the previous gloom to the current daytime with the morning light.
His mood gradually relaxed from the previous slight oppression.
No matter what.
Daytime now meant a period that all Blue Star Humans and Spiritual Realm creatures could rely on.
At least they could breathe a sigh of relief from the dangers of the night.
And at the moment of dawn.
New dialogue boxes had already appeared before Shen Mu's eyes.
"Ding! Congratulations! You and your troops, through excellent deployment, successfully held out until dawn! You have completed the mission!"
"After the system's post-battle evaluation, you have obtained a 'Hearty Victory'! And you have received 3 'Gold-tier Treasure Chests'!"
"Your soldiers can level up!"
Dialogue boxes popped up one after another.
The contents of the dialogue boxes were rewards from the battle against the Hell Devil last night.
And the generosity of these rewards somewhat surprised Shen Mu.
However, he didn't check them now. Instead, he turned to the Holy Tree Knights beside him and ordered, "Pass on my command: have the soldiers rest in batches, and then have the kitchen prepare more food for breakfast."
"Understood." A Holy Tree Knight immediately nodded and went to relay Shen Mu's command.
The personal guard unit inherently served as messengers.
Therefore, these Holy Tree Knights did not refuse this task.
Moreover, being able to become Lord Shen Mu's exclusive personal guards was an honor for these Holy Tree Knights.
