I Was Reborn in Another World, But I Awoke Inside a Corpse

Chapter 201: Blades in the South

The drums of Vaelorn did not play music.

They rang like war declarations—measured, cold, and final.

When the delegation from House Vaelorn entered the elven capital, even the outer city guards stood straighter. Ten soldiers in full battle gear moved in formation, not one of them out of step. Their crimson and black cloaks marked them clearly: military elite. Strategists, not showmen. Guardians of the southern frontier.

And at the front rode a tall figure in armor etched with spellwoven steel.

Vaelyss Vaelorn.

Commander. Tactician. Heiress to the dynasty of fortresses.

Her presence was a blade honed by necessity.

—

Sylvalen met her at the southern gate of the capital.

She did not greet her with ceremony—only with quiet calculation and the simple nod exchanged between warrior leaders.

"Commander Vaelyss," Sylvalen said. "It's been years."

"Princess Sylvalen," Vaelyss replied curtly. "I come not for politics. This is war."

Sylvalen gave a faint, knowing smile. "Then speak plainly. You've come to the right place."

—

In the high council war room, a shimmering map hovered over a crystal-lit table. Isaac stood beside Sylvalen, with Lira and Selene close behind. When Vaelyss entered, she wasted no time.

"We've lost three outposts near the Ironroots," she said, projecting glowing red markers onto the map. "At first, we suspected migrating beasts—seasonal aggression."

She waved a hand. The image changed.

A burned fortress. Walls melted. Spikes of corrupted growth curling through shattered gates.

"Then we found this."

Isaac narrowed his eyes.

Selene's lips parted slightly.

Vaelyss continued. "Scouts encountered not wild monsters—but organized packs. Mutated, fast-evolving creatures. Some casting magic beyond any known classification."

Lira's brow furrowed. "That's not natural evolution. That's directed corruption."

Vaelyss nodded. "And worse…"

She summoned a second projection—faint spiral-shaped glyphs scorched into tree bark and earth.

"This pattern has been found in every overrun zone. It radiates dark mana. Older than anything our court historians can classify."

Isaac stepped forward slowly, his expression tightening. He recognized the shape. Not exactly the same as what he'd seen before… but close.

Too close.

—

Vaelyss turned to him then.

Her gaze sharp, tone unbending.

"You are not of Elaraiya. But you've destroyed things that the gods feared to name. You command fire, armies, and death itself."

She didn't kneel.

She didn't beg.

She simply stated:

"We request your strength. And your mind."

Sylvalen said nothing, letting the silence test Isaac's reaction.

He didn't answer right away.

Instead, he looked at the projection again—those spiral marks. That signature of something darker spreading through the land like rot.

And he remembered the feel of Beelzebub's essence.

Of Satan's wrath.

Of the abyss beneath the surface of this world.

"I'll go," Isaac said quietly.

Lira stepped up beside him. "We'll go."

Selene gave a small nod. "If corruption spreads, it's not just your empire that suffers. We'll stand with you."

Sylvalen folded her arms. "Then we move quickly. The southern fortresses must hold. If they fall, the core cities will be exposed within a month."

Vaelyss gave a sharp nod.

"Then let the south see fire—and know it burns for them."

—

Outside, the wind shifted.

Banners fluttered.

And somewhere beyond the horizon, monsters twisted in the dark.

But they would not go unanswered.

Not now.