Just as that Neige said, Licht had already given them the heads-up.
So now was the time to lay low and avoid detection by the Magic Knights.
Of course, there were always fools in the group—like Barro, driven by greed, trying to commit crimes under the nose of the enemy.
But after what happened with Rades, would Licht still tolerate his subordinates acting without restraint?
In Ethan Hayes' view, the chance was slim—if not zero.
If Licht wasn't tolerating it, then he probably knew exactly what his underlings were up to.
He knew… but didn't stop them.
That could mean only one thing.
"A trap? But who's the bait meant for?"
Furrowing his brows, Ethan ran through the possibilities in his head.
Could they be setting a trap specifically for the Magic Knight search squads? Lure them in and wipe them out?
No, that would be pointless. Killing off grunts wouldn't change the outcome of the war.
If anything, it'd only further enrage the Clover Kingdom.
Then they'd send squad captains… maybe even Magic Knight captains. That wouldn't benefit the Eye of the Midnight Sun at all.
And if it wasn't meant for the search parties… then that left only one other target.
"…Me?"
With a bitter smile, Ethan realized the obvious answer.
Of course—it was him.
After all, it was Ethan who had exposed Licht's identity through careful planning.
If their roles were reversed, he'd hate himself too.
If they had the chance, of course they'd want him dead.
Especially with how rapidly he was growing in strength.
If they didn't get rid of him now, he'd soon become a serious threat—
—a bone too tough to chew.
And that would do the Eye of the Midnight Sun no good.
"So I just have to sit back and watch, huh?"
Ethan clicked his tongue, clearly annoyed.
He wasn't sure if stepping in would turn out the way he expected.
But it probably wouldn't be far off.
If this really was a trap for him, and he fell for it…
He wasn't Licht's match yet.
"Guess I'll wait a little longer… maybe Asta and the others will show up soon?"
Fighting with backup would be much easier. That's what Ethan hoped.
But Asta didn't arrive.
Instead, someone completely unexpected did.
"Ethan ! What are you doing out here in the middle of the night?!"
Noelle's voice boomed through the open cavern.
Ethan's expression immediately twisted like someone constipated.
Just his luck. Of all people, it had to be her.
"Who's there!?"
Barro shouted suspiciously, and Neige immediately pulled out his grimoire, readying himself.
Ethan stepped out from behind the corner, glaring daggers at Noelle.
Why was she out here in the middle of the night instead of sleeping? Why follow him?
"Uh… who are all these kids?"
Looking around, Noelle finally realized she might have just blown Ethan's cover.
But hey, not her fault!
It was the middle of the night and he was sneaking around. She was just curious, okay?!
"We'll talk later. I'll handle these two—get the kids out of here and treat them!"
Now that things had escalated, Ethan had no time for blame.
He could only say: hell of a time to show up.
His grimoire flew open, and before Noelle could respond, he vanished from sight.
[Wind Creation Magic – Storm Fang!]
A surge of magic condensed and shot forth.
Suddenly, fierce winds erupted inside the cave.
A white tornado screamed toward the two enemies with terrifying force.
[Snow Creation Magic – Mountain Giant!]
BOOM!
A thunderous crash.
The raging wind dragon clashed with a towering snowman.
Ordinary snow wouldn't have stood a chance.
But Neige—timid as he was—was no weakling in magic.
His mana rivaled that of a squad vice-captain—between the Fifth and Sixth Realms.
Still, to Ethan Hayes, that wasn't enough.
"Too slow!"
Like a gust of wind given form, Ethan darted between the colliding magics and reached Neige's side in a flash.
Wind magic's greatest strength was speed and sharpness.
He wouldn't waste time in a magic slugfest.
If he could finish a fight in one move, why waste ten?
[Wind Creation Magic – Tempest Blades!]
Gentle breezes turned into countless razor-sharp wind blades.
Neige, just finishing his spell, was wide-eyed in panic.
Too fast!
Ethan had crossed a hundred meters in an instant.
This wasn't like any opponent he'd faced before!
Whoosh! Whoosh!
Blades flew in from every direction.
Neige barely had time to throw up a full-body mana shield to reduce the damage.
But Ethan specialized in blitz combat—he wouldn't give him a second to breathe.
BANG!
Ethan's foot slammed into Neige's chest.
He wasn't as freakishly strong as Asta, but still far from weak.
The kick sent Neige crashing into the stone wall, buried deep into it like a broken statue.
Not even a crowbar could dig him out easily.
The whole battle hadn't even lasted ten seconds.
Barro, watching from the sidelines, was completely stunned.
"Neige! Neige! What the hell are you doing?! Get up and fight! Protect your big brother!"
Panicked, Barro slowly backed away as Ethan turned to him.
Sure, he had a grimoire too…
But if this guy could take out Neige in ten seconds, Barro figured he'd be toast in one.
"Hm? No ambush?"
Ethan narrowed his eyes at the trembling Barro.
Still, he kept his guard up and scanned the surroundings.
But nothing.
No hidden enemies waiting to strike while he was distracted.
"Noelle, take the kids out. And go notify the Magic Knights.
Have them sweep the area thoroughly. Make sure no one slips away."
"Got it. Be careful!"
Noelle nodded, gathering the children and heading toward the cave's exit.
But in the next second, Ethan jumped in front of her and raised a wall of wind.
[Wind Creation Magic – Gale Barrier!]
CLANG!
A sharp, metallic sound rang out like clashing steel.
Noelle's eyes widened in shock.
Dozens of golden light swords rained down like a deadly storm.
If not for Ethan's quick reflexes…
She—and every child behind her—would've been turned into pincushions.
Dead on the spot.