Chapter 270
UbP1IThe King of Frazia rose, shaking off the illness that had consumed him.DPPiY
wghu“There is no way to hide my shame.”Q0tboF
85MjvThrough a speech to the kingdom, he announced his recovery.m2EiLxb
f0g704“In the Duchy of Licatus, traitors dared to attempt the life of the duke. They are…”MCx1ox
ilNThus, he publicly proclaimed the existence of “rebels.”57Sr
FlttMIt was impossible to completely cover up the attack that occurred in the heart of the duchy—there had been too many witnesses—so instead of hiding it, he chose to distort the facts.MfU
8EPRz“I grant full authority to Duke Harbert Licatus. Those who tried to exploit my illness to destroy this kingdom will be eliminated!”trYOor
TOow9BlThe plan was simple.FAu6K
0jZjuDuke Harbert would publicly pursue the so-called rebels, while Fernan and Aint would secretly hunt down the real corrupt ones.xZ0lM
VkPrOf course, those “rebels” were also, in reality, corrupt.4OFgGIo
OxiGpah“Aint Armian, Fernan Pellenberg. His Majesty has promised his full support to you both. Moreover, if you succeed in eliminating the corrupt, Frazia will officially join the alliance led by the Empire.”84UNGBE
YlOc“Understood.”OQXlm
LuxThe duke pulled out five documents.MOzNGI
meXRfMImbrus Galante, Iosif Chton, and three other suspects—excluding Kret Helan, already dead.SAMmr
Zgr“These are the remaining corruption suspects. Now that Kret Helan turned out to be one, it’s almost certain the others are as well. Officially, we’re calling them rebels, but they must already know they’re our real targets.”KaLbm
tX3V2Kh“That’s why we have to eliminate them all at once—like a storm.”QiF2m
YbjoMilitary strength wasn’t a problem.2kJOQmf
4Mbi7With the king declaring the rebels enemies of the state, the royal army had full justification to mobilize.dB8C
TGd2DThe duchy’s forces and regular troops would act together, and the enemies would be swept away.hYA
K3kL6PnAt least, on the surface.2wG8
Aago2Jg“The real issue isn’t their private soldiers, but how many other corrupts support them—and how many demonic creatures they can summon.”ubfcvW
y5dCThey might even summon a demon. That’s why they had to go in with full force.J2P
dOqeDYd“We’ll take care of the two most dangerous ones.”EgYiZ1
z1M2rFernan pointed to the names of Imbrus Galante and Iosif Chton.WiMO
3ZQvBoth were influential counts in Frazia, with considerable power and resources.WGarn
TXs“Reduce the troops assigned to those two and use them to wipe out the other three.”R6OUyn
iGSJvWw“It’s very dangerous for you to go alone. A cornered corrupt can do anything.”Xl3uPaU
92HB9“That’s precisely why we should go. Aint is the worst enemy of the corrupt.”OWaRmVb
FYHEven if they split up, Fernan and Aint could each face a demon on their own.jlGyqH
uvBJ6Though, of course, it had long been true that “just one” was no longer a realistic measure.pLFL1h
EuVBg‘There are seventy-two demons.’kDQ
NIY8They had defeated several, but far too many remained.Tngry
UnW6To be ready, they needed more combat experience and to continue strengthening their bodies with elixirs.T0MfC
DDlued“…Understood. I’ll give you official orders and a minimum of support troops.”D9vJbdg
vbR“Thank you.”1QU2
lzBFernan decided to depart with Luina and Hyde.zut
ue0fMPAint would be accompanied by Aria, Verian, Gismond, Ahgrot, and Professor Adolf.pl0z
nyv59M“Aint, if things get too dangerous, run. Your life is worth more than killing a demon.”1woy7Y
spkZkDm“I have no intention of dying yet.”S7aZmo
7283M“Be well prepared. The corrupt and demons will see you as their main target. They might concentrate all their power exactly where you’re going.”ewPQX
BWGC2It was the worst-case scenario, but not impossible.aGIdz
gZnMrnD“Take Silver with you. If necessary, evacuate everyone and escape.”YaFndr5
6pZH“And you, senior?”J8aw
zE9A“I’ll be fine.”pLMq
m9xIRmcFor once, Fernan smiled with confidence.Y6LXH
z7pVf“If things get complicated, I can escape riding Wooden.”9b50yaC
uI7dw39When he increased in size, the small golem could run faster than most birds and didn’t tire easily—perfect for a quick retreat.Mh59
BBy“Understood.”pbR0DOM
rXIuAnd so, the group split up.DBcJFT
hEeOB***3FlKn
hdQdyLr“A pleasure to meet you. I am Javal Lifanu, commander of the Third Anti-Monster Battalion.”Y2es8
wvBIn Frazia, a land infested with creatures, the shortage of soldiers had forced the kingdom to delegate much of the fighting to mercenaries.efN
s44xaEven so, the kingdom had not entirely abandoned its duty.Q28QsS
epdTueThe Anti-Monster Battalion was an elite military force created to fight beasts and demons.HAZw
jtmsFrazia maintained ten battalions, each with five hundred men.fLwaw
trrJThe Third Battalion was one of them.c5Qv1C
Kgh2V4v“Fernan Pellenberg. A pleasure.”gUN5
Oa5Lk“Luina Bercheff.”5dv49W
huC“His Majesty has informed us of everything. Until the mission is complete, you, young master, will be the acting commander of the Third Anti-Monster Battalion.”sGzsA
fesThe Anti-Monster Battalion was one of the main armed forces under direct control of the royal family. Their loyalty to the king rivaled that of the Royal Knights.2jX7
65Z2QeD“Understood. Let’s depart immediately. Our destination is the County of Galante.”tErvh
aEbURTPThe target assigned to Fernan and Luina was Count Imbrus Galante.tmtPX
cWZEaThe County of Galante was located in the south of Frazia, a border region tasked with guarding the kingdom’s edge.4XmR
o4m5UwFighting with monsters was frequent there, and the county’s soldiers were all hardened veterans.AGFPlT
BBId0If Imbrus Galante was truly corrupt, it would not be an easy battle.I2m
sL6GvIIdeally, he would obey the royal order without resistance—but if that were the case, he would not have become corrupt in the first place.w6BI
VC9“Do you have an action plan?”qYMTr
LfO“We’ll go in head-on. We come with a direct order from the king. There’s no reason to skulk around like rats.”WHC
3S7And if he resisted violently or was already prepared? It didn’t matter.TE86
ALChOWhatever happened, Fernan trusted he could at least avoid the worst outcome.C9Zfz
FKUOvSTFernan, Luina, and the Third Battalion moved quickly southward.uenhLI
GXe“The commander will act as your representative, sir. We’ll go disguised as regular soldiers.”ni2
XbA9h“All right.”1Yg
CGzhThey didn’t bother keeping things secret. Speed was the only thing that mattered.Fcvnok7
QPXvtHHTheir goal was to capture the enemy before the corrupt could escape or fortify their defenses.OKUH
o5DN9D8“Welcome. We’ve been expecting you.”2FS
1cYvTo everyone’s surprise, Count Galante received them without resistance.WqD
NlgxCAThe castle gates were wide open, and the troops entered without encountering any opposition.thaZ
DIOU8“Sir Javal, long time no see.”qvS
OIr0xR“A pleasure to see you again, Count Imbrus.”mHjvFbP
6w17TImbrus was a burly, middle-aged man, his body covered in scars—the image of a veteran warrior.a8Py
E0OU“I’ve heard rumors about the duchy. They say traitors tried to assassinate the duke.”uPE1bTu
ZPn“That’s right.”uYuOb
YYxSZThe names of Fernan, Aint, and Luina were kept secret by royal order.mGT
DFqfvXSA weapon is more fearsome when its existence is unknown.KNI
VbF“It’s true I had a good relationship with Kret Helan, but I’m no traitor.”gxjMYyi
tTW“If you’re innocent, His Majesty will clarify it in the capital.”GOM
yz81r“And this is the king’s will?”48cQAq
7PUS“It is.”lVBbC
m4SH542“I see.”bqrCOX
tbQmThe count extended both hands while scanning the battalion group.QHUk5
Bfhm“I’m innocent. The king will recognize that sooner or later.”vjy
x11“If so, then so be it.”nK1e8
RHrnwsrBut as the soldiers moved to bind him, the count lowered his hands again.jxkr
1vdRT“Even so, wouldn’t it be courteous to at least accept a meal before leaving? You must be hungry. It won’t be a banquet, but at least better than eating outdoors.”qLByW
KrF“We appreciate the offer, but our duty is to carry out the king’s order without delay.”ty7K
Gn5RwV“The king wouldn’t have ordered you to work on an empty stomach. Don’t be so stiff.”F6BN
9vgNjsY“Thanks, but it’s unnecessary.”6Gjc
HNXUN“I wasn’t speaking to you.”ODW
Y9WPtbSThe count looked past the soldiers—directly at Fernan, who was disguised among them.YjI
sxxkOkG“Fernan Pellenberg. I meant you. Playing soldier can’t be easy—why not take a break and try the feast I’ve prepared?”UIcZU
64pJ36Fernan removed his helmet.rsgyc
v9CcI“How did you recognize me?”NsnX9
W9hD3“Intuition.”RlNQTR
kK2rt“I see.”8iAsxh
DkZCFernan let out a short laugh. He had released a barely perceptible thread of dragon energy.9CopKw3
AOXqBd“Unfortunately, I can’t accept the invitation.”lrHd95
OKf“I see there’s no reasoning with you.”5cm
8MYRumble—afMAQx
mwDLFfuThe castle’s thick gates slammed shut.dNmG
btmRwes“Then I’ll take this as a formal refusal.”fVky
yNspI“…What are you planning?”JPfZ
Gttgic“I just wanted to share a meal—no need to make it complicated.”t9Sk
KUmifTsk. The count clicked his tongue.BNlZBo
u1KThe inner gate also closed, and soldiers hidden among the walls and buildings began to emerge, surrounding them completely.GjEsm
ivZS2J“If you had accepted, at least you’d have died with the dignity befitting the heir of a great house.”hKzpv
5LB6q“You were waiting for me?”lk0
ic8rr“Of course. I knew you were coming here.”B68a
89Ipukt“And planned to kill me?”acf
OqzmW“You’ve meddled too much.”kzHj
NfyP9L9The number of soldiers kept growing. He seemed to have summoned even those assigned to guard the walls.rUOnHF4
tlL“His Excellency has decided that you must die before Aint Armian.”haha0Bb
8nosR5“Was it Dantalion who said that? That I’m the more troublesome one?”yal
jFviTE“Do not speak his name in vain.”6opXWt
KtGkThe count released his murderous intent without restraint. Demonic energy began leaking from his body.gjOtm
yR0yN4k“Count Imbrus! Have you truly betrayed the kingdom? Why?” Javal Lifanu shouted through gritted teeth.195i0M
soiPwn9“Because there’s no future left. Do you really think that brat Aint Armian can stop the demons? How naive. This world will end in their hands.”EIamEX
kMiCzcPSo I must do something to survive, right?Hco
00Bqech“His Excellency promised me—if I killed Fernan Pellenberg, he’d grant me one of the finest seats in hell!”qZ1Kw
rQKThe count raised both arms and let out a deranged laugh.KwIhvq
ZVIfh4“And this is it?”HcTX
XhoxA“It’s not all. I’ve heard of your fame, and of that monster you carry around your neck. Don’t think I came unprepared…”MNix0T
g5ASlash!5jd
806uThe count’s head rolled across the floor. Luina’s sword returned to its sheath before anyone realized what had happened.V4097i
Ohupc8HAt Fernan’s signal, she had decapitated him before he could do anything.0R6
Xe6Ryi1But—sGO
KqPZC0R“Khuhuhuhu… that changes nothing.”aEEpi5
f3FHis headless body didn’t fall. The severed head opened its eyes and spoke.m01K4d
4Hffy3Q“His Excellency granted me immortality! I’ll never die!”HbPM
o8BJYzEveryone froze in horror—except Fernan, who remained unshaken.erm
XkGkeO“Did you really think that with this handful of soldiers you could kill me?”6qvfwbG
vbhIlB“It’s not a handful. All of them are sacrifices prepared especially for your arrival.”cfO
mosxiAp“Sacrifices?”B0a
JSZYxSAt that moment—dplTp
QTfWhoosh.XODm8
FIQBZA wave of magical energy swept across the entire castle. The soldiers and knights began coughing blood and collapsing.gtF
VdaTheir blood and life force rose into the sky, forming an enormous magic circle.XC2QUw2
zEmH3l“The great ones are coming. Without Aint Armian here, do you think you can defeat the Lords?”p1zl
CsM6eOY“Did you also place magic stones beneath the castle?”6pqX
2sj7cjh“Of course.”uwj
wcHCZhr“And nothing else?”JuQ1K
Bod“Nothing else? Such arrogance. With two great beings descending, do you think you could—?”06N
Vj8khGbFernan walked toward the talking head and picked it up.ZZj2Ax8
YiX“So that’s all.”s6Cs
vaJF7YyHe squeezed. The head screamed.m8sxMF
bnHHs8“Your real target wasn’t Aint—it was me. And to kill me, you planned to summon two demons, right?”QOJqAd
6EFhWW9The head whimpered, but Fernan didn’t wait for an answer.yEpwu
DRIe1“If you can live without a body, then see if you can survive this too.”SWY
XQM6P“T-That energy… it can’t be…”FfqQ
Fn6lKThe head trembled at the power emanating from Fernan’s hand—a repulsive force even Dantalion hadn’t warned about.afpE
uSSG“No! This wasn’t part of the deal! I wasn’t supposed to die here!”fMIyOx
AqyCrack—SKBUi4
FattThe head shattered. The still-standing body collapsed lifelessly.FYDz8H
Ubz“So, two.”mxRfJ4T
daxJNIFernan looked up. In the sky, there were two magic circles, both gathering demonic energy.dhdf
rBEAThe two thousand knights and soldiers forming the encirclement had fallen.WeI
kK8cSEven members of the Third Battalion and the townspeople were suffering from the ritual’s effects.yhsbXi3
cc3FeR“Commander, we must retreat now.”NzlleG
SEFeX1A“If two demons are summoned, Frazia is lost! We must stop them!”X79
YL3f“It’s too late. The demons will be summoned.”0ryq
3g9yxW5“By the gods…”WqNt
L4BJaval Lifanu’s face turned pale; he could see Frazia’s end approaching.Igmdiu
OU9“I don’t plan to die here at the hands of demons. But if you stay, that will be your only outcome.”SUt
Mc2y2u“Are you saying that if we leave, you might stop them?”CBh
B0j“At least the odds improve. Unless your battalion can fight demons…”WBQ
r4X8“…Impossible.”cLA5
hF2The commander knew his limits—and those of his unit. Even if all attacked together, they couldn’t defeat a demon.VVTrhB
8n81X“I’ll trust in your reputation, young master. I’ll head to the County of Chton and bring young Aint.”CXbx0
D4xmNThe same place Aint and his group had headed earlier.JzTNgn
CS2When they vanished from sight, only Fernan, Luina, Hyde, and another of Fernan’s servants remained.t2CK
mld“This is quite the problem, young master.”58ifE3
2PGThe servant looked up at the sky.0dy
fxe69dS“I never imagined I’d end up fighting demons.”y15Nft
FATuOQ“Don’t you have confidence?”EoI5h
iBYZr“None. Not even the Royal Knights or Archmages would dare say they do.”jWDZG
8JVHHis outfit changed—a flawless brown suit and a short-brimmed hat appeared on his head.Hdj
8dG“But if we want to live, we’ll have to fight. Besides, I have one conviction.”E16N
Y1WLj“And what’s that?”lVIq0OU
s1Oy“Faith that you wouldn’t have willingly walked into a trap without a plan.”8KQ6t
B1sMr“I have that same faith in you.”V9c6
88y“Well, that’s certainly a problem.”30y
DEIsxThe servant stroked his mustache.EYKv
RJwe“So, what’s your plan, young master?”5P9
9Xl“If you handle one, I’ll eliminate the other as quickly as possible.”D2zWn
G9zaMThe servant clicked his tongue.bNaOv8
2j8WLX“Ugh… sounds dreadful. What if I handle the chaos while you buy time?”Mee
bJl“I’m the one who possesses the power of the Adversary.”wkoh
Z97A“Then what about that young lady praying not to be chosen by me in the Great Sacred Competition?”OY6P
urD“We’ve fought together for a long time. She’s more synchronized with me than you are.”joX
yXZaew“So, in short, you’re stuck with me.”wr4
mjffV“Unfortunate. Truly unfortunate.”uJhECkz
tqUEThe servant sighed theatrically.KND
fuG8bf“When all this is over, Luina promises not to choose you in the Great Sacred Competition.”F1K9OTF
VTNQC9“That’s a bit encouraging. Although there’s one more, isn’t there?”sdkaXG1
E5B8“I’ll speak to Aint as well.”o3LNGe
EGfFNXv“Then I have all the reason I need to give it my all.”idh3Ny
L05Armond Merschdorf, the Sword of Pellenberg, smiled with satisfaction as he drew his blade.nuDx
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