《A Knight Who Eternally Regresses》 Chapter 1 A sh of light flickered. Encrid couldn¡¯t understand what was happening. He just felt a pain like a hot iron poker stabbing his throat. He realized that the leather-padded armor was of no use. He lost consciousness as he poured out the red, hot liquid coursing through his body. He opens his eyes again. It¡¯s the start of another day. It¡¯s not a dream. He had already experienced it numerous times. He didn¡¯t know why this was happening. It just happened. ng. The sound announcing the morning. The sentry bangs a pot with adle. The same morning for the third time. Only then did Encrid truly realize. ¡®Again?¡¯ Every day, whenever he died, the same day repeated. My dream was to be a knight. The teacher who taught Encrid how to use a sword had a rather good personality and never said anything harsh. ¡°You.¡± The teacher, leaning against a sword held vertically with the scabbard still on, called out to Encrid. ¡°Go back to the vige. If you don¡¯t like farming, join the vige militia. You¡¯ll end up as the Militia Captain.¡± If he had listened to those words from his experienced teacher back then, things might have been better. But he didn¡¯t. The problem was a single sentence he heard when he was young. ¡°Enki, you¡¯re a genius.¡± He had a wooden sword fight with some older kids in the vige and won easily. He was 11 years old then, the first time he was called a genius. He didn¡¯t realize it at the time. The other kids were just terrible at sword fighting. At 15, Encrid fought and won against a vige elder with wooden swords. After that, he gained confidence in his skills. In the small vige where he was born, there was no one who knew how to wield a sword properly. The only one who did was a third-rate mercenary. He was a drifter who had lost a leg and ended up in the vige. He taught swordsmanship to the vige kids. Encrid was among them. ¡°You¡¯re a genius.¡± At fifteen, he heard the same words for the second time. The first time was from an ignorant vige elder, but this time it was from a mercenary who imed to have lost his leg for ady and given up his knighthood. ¡®I¡¯m a genius.¡¯ He thought so. He had a dream. He decided to be a knight. A knight serving a ruler who would unify a continent engulfed in war. A knight who would put an end to the war. Around this time, a minstrel¡¯s song spread widely across the continent. So widely that it even reached Encrid¡¯s small vige. The content was simple, but the melody was captivating, and the final lyrics were stirring. A knight to end this war! A knight to paint the war in twilight! We will call him the Knight of Twilight! The Knight of the End! The knight to end the war! The knight to conclude the war. The minstrel¡¯s song ignited a fire in the hearts of the boys and girls. ¡®I will be that knight.¡¯ Encrid was no different. At eighteen, believing there was no one in the vige who could best him, he left. He had no parents, no siblings. He had a few friends, but there were few who remained close to Encrid, who had been obsessed with the sword since childhood. In that gap, the boy grew up and left. Thus, he began his life as a mercenary. His skills weren¡¯t bad. His attitude towards hard work wasmendable. But it only took two months for him to realize he wasn¡¯t a genius. He was beaten by a nameless, so-called third-rate mercenary. ¡°You¡¯re not fully ripe yet.¡± He heard such words. He thought all he needed was a good teacher. He saved money. He gave it his all. He fought bandits, risking half his life. With the money he earned that way, he sought out a training school. In the big cities, there were a few swordsmanship schools. He learned swordmanship. He wasn¡¯t unlucky. His teacher was honest and conscientious. The teacher told Encrid to give up the sword. ¡°No. I won¡¯t.¡± Encrid didn¡¯t give up. ¡°You¡¯re really diligent. Very diligent.¡± Everyone who saw Encrid said the same thing. And they had to. Because effort never betrays. His palms split open, his arm muscles trembled. He repeated it countless times. In ces where simr people gathered, it was fine. Encrid was an exceptional hard worker. As he saved money and wandered from one training school to another, he passed his twenties. By the time he was over twenty-five, he had gained enough experience and skill to make a name for himself as a mercenary. Though in small towns, you¡¯d have to ask around a few times to hear, ¡°Ah, that guy, he¡¯s pretty good with a sword.¡± Up to this point, he still had a glimmer of hope. The hope that he would get better. So, in the spring of his twenty-seventh year, Encrid realized his talent was insignificant. An incident that happened in passing brought about this realization. After just five exchanges, the sword in his hand flew away, and he was left with a hole in his abdomen. Encrid pressed his palm against the gaping wound and asked. ¡°How old are you?¡± ¡°Twelve.¡± Twelve, he said. It was unbelievable. This was what a real genius was. ¡°Sorry, it was my first real fight.¡± The kid said. A serf, neither noble normoner. He had been holding a sword for just half a year. ¡°My hand was too heavy. Use this for the medical expenses.¡± The kid¡¯s teacher tossed a pouch of money. It wasn¡¯t a life-threatening injury. His internal organs weren¡¯t damaged, and the wound wasn¡¯t that deep. Still, he took the pouch. From the age of eleven until now, for sixteen years, he had swung his sword until his palms bled. But he lost to a twelve-year-old who had only trained for six months. It would be a lie to say he wasn¡¯t depressed. However, he didn¡¯t live with gloomy emotions. There was no reason to live so darkly and dismally. ¡®At least I didn¡¯t lose any limbs.¡¯ Encrid knew he wasn¡¯t a genius, but that didn¡¯t mean he had to give up. So he continued his life as a swordsman. After roughly ten years as a mercenary. While he couldn¡¯t be an outstanding knight or swordsman, he could be a seasoned soldier. Encrid quit being a mercenary and received military training. This was the best choice he could make. He couldn¡¯t just start farming at this point. A third-rate swordsman from a mercenary background, it was an apt description. ¡°Do you think the military is a joke? Do you think they ept just anyone?¡± Someone mocked him. ¡°Hang in there.¡± Someone patted him on the shoulder. He gained recognition and fell behind at times. Thus, at thirty, Encrid was with the 4th toon of the 4th Company, 4th Battalion, 4th Regiment, Cyprus Division, in the Kingdom of Naurillia. He held the rank just below toon leader, as the Decurion. ng, ng, ng. The sentry nged a piece of metal, waking up the entire barracks. ¡°¡­What a disturbingly chaotic dream.¡± Encrid muttered as he woke up to the noise. ¡°What kind of dream did you have to say that?¡± A subordinate, who had just woken up from his makeshift field bed made ofyered canvas, shoved his feet into his boots and asked. Though his attitude was nonchnt, he was more skilled than Encrid. ¡°My life.¡± ¡°Sounds ominous. Ugh, a bug.¡± There was a bug in his boot. The subordinate took it off, shook it out, and put it back on. After seeing the bug fall to the ground, he spat on it and crushed it with his foot. The mixture of sticky bug guts and spit left a mark on the ground. Encrid, seeing this, got up and prepared his gear. He donned a breastte with a throwing knife strapped near his heart, arm guards, and shin guards. Underneath, he wore a padded inner armor made ofyers of thick cloth. Over that, he wore a leather armor made of severalyers of leather, although it wasn¡¯t particrly strong. A well-sharpened de could easily cut through it. The arm guards reinforced with oiled wood were slightly better than what others had. ¡°I heard the previous Decurion had a simr dream before he died.¡± Encrid muttered, recalling the vague rumor he had heard. ¡°Am I fated to die today?¡± His subordinateughed, and Encrid smacked him on the back of the head. ¡°Don¡¯t talk about bad luck. I¡¯m not dying today.¡± He got up, poured water into a pot, and threw in a few pieces of jerky. He added some edible vegetables and started boiling it. It was their breakfast. ¡°Is there a battle n today?¡± The subordinate next to him asked, and Encrid shook his head. ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± He was just a low-ranking Decurion. Above the fourDecurions, there was one toon leader. That toon leader probably didn¡¯t know either. Encrid¡¯s swordsmanship was mediocre, and he wasn¡¯t a noble, so he remained a Decurion under the squad leader. But his battlefield experience was enough to surpass manypanymanders. Knowing this, the subordinates respected Encrid. ¡°So, what did you want to be when you were a kid?¡± A subordinate approached and asked. ¡°A knight.¡± ¡°If Iugh, will you hit me?¡± ¡°I won¡¯t hit you.¡± ¡°Pfft.¡± ¡°So, you¡¯reughing at me? You little punk.¡± He kicked the subordinate in the butt. The subordinate pretended to be hurt and said. ¡°Still, a knight, really?¡± What is a knight? A knight is someone who changes the course of a battlefield. A monster who can face a thousand enemies alone. A hero who ys hundreds of foes single-handedly. Moreover, the unit they belonged to, the division, was named after a knight. The Cyprus Division, meaning the army of Sir Cyprus. And Encrid dreamed of bing such a knight. ¡°Your dream is quite ambitious.¡± ¡°Dreams are supposed to be ambitious, you fool.¡± Encrid said, casually gathering the dishes. He was on dishwashing duty today. While he wasn¡¯t sure about other squads, Encrid¡¯s squad shared all chores equally. As a Decurion, his role was mainly to receive and ry orders. Usually, the one who used the spear or sword best took on this role. In this respect, Encrid was a bit special. Hisbat prowess was weaker than that of the other squad members. But he could unite those who had been practically expelled from other squads. Other units referred to Encrid¡¯s squad as the 444 Squad. The troublemaker squad of the 4th toon in the 4th Company. Encrid was the leader of such a squad. ¡°I¡¯ll help you.¡± ¡°Then shut your mouth and follow me.¡± ¡°Will do.¡± The subordinate chuckled. He was an oddball, and Encrid wondered how he ended up here. Though unique, Encrid wasn¡¯t particrly curious about his subordinate¡¯s personal history. So he never asked. The squad members liked Encrid¡¯s attitude. He didn¡¯t ask about the past, and he didn¡¯t scrutinize the present. He didn¡¯t demand anything special either. Perhaps this was why all the squad members followed him. As they ttered and washed the dishes, the subordinate sshed around in the stream and asked, ¡°Why did you want to be a knight?¡± He had followed to help but was now just sshing water. Would heugh if Encrid said it was because of a minstrel¡¯s song? After a brief moment of thought, Encrid answered, ¡°I wanted to be good with a sword, and if I was going to do it, I thought bing a knight would be nice.¡± ¡°You¡¯ve got a boyish spirit.¡± The subordinate chuckled again. ¡°I told you to shut up.¡± ¡°So, that¡¯s why you practiced with your sword morning and night?¡± ¡°Because effort never betrays.¡± His palms were covered in calluses from countless swings. ¡°And even now?¡± ¡°Do you still want to be a knight?¡± Could that even happen? Encrid knew better than anyone that it was unlikely. But he didn¡¯t give up. He simply endured silently and kept moving forward. Encrid was aware of reality. His dreams had fallen silent, and the silent Encrid had be just another soldier living meal to meal. ¡°Once you¡¯re done, let¡¯s go.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± It was a perfunctory conversation. They rose and returned to the barracks. Whether there would be ongoing conflicts with neighboring kingdoms or raids by the recent bandit groups targeting supplies, they didn¡¯t know. What they would do was uncertain. ¡®The air feels heavy.¡¯ The air on the battlefield always did. But today, it felt heavier than usual. The wait was long. There wasn¡¯t much to do. Considering swinging his sword, he ended up dozing off. There were days when he didn¡¯t feel like doing anything at all. ¡®It¡¯s not as easy as it used to be.¡¯ He had put in relentless effort. And this was the result. A squad leader of third-rate mercenaries. As the sun crossed two fists above the western horizon, the sergeant shouted, ¡°All members of Squad Four, assemble.¡± There was a skirmish. The members of thepany gathered, taking up a crucial position in the army. Encrid¡¯s squad was no different. A chilling tension gripped their bodies. Encrid briefly grasped the amulet talisman he had acquired during his mercenary days before tucking it away inside his clothes. ¡®Was this supposed to save my life?¡¯ It might sound like nonsense, but soldiers heading into battle often easily believed in superstitions. However, if asked whether Encrid believed in this talisman himself, he would likely respond with uncertainty. He had merely seen the old woman who handed it to him and heard her earnest tone, which had touched his heart. ¡®Just have to make the best of a bad situation.¡¯ After risking his life in battle, all he had received as a reward was this talisman. Half of it was luck that he survived; if he had made a misstep, it would have been his own life on the line. Even in the perilous task of clearing out dangerous monsters. Living in a small vige meant there was no money to spare. He had simply happened to pass by when someone grabbed his sleeve, pleading for him to deal with the monster, promising a meager reward. ¡®It¡¯s ridiculous.¡¯ Pity risking your life¡ªit¡¯s madness. But Encrid didn¡¯t regret that day. Because that¡¯s what a knight does. Dreams may have been silenced and torn apart by reality, but traces remained. He had wanted to be a knight. He had wanted to be a hero of war. But now he was just an ordinary soldier. ¡°Aaaaah!¡± A battle cry erupted. Encrid, caught up in the moment, raised his voice, veins bulging in his neck. From up ahead, the wave of the army surged forward. The setting sun, setting aze the sky with its long shadows. Breaking through that fiery glow, both armies shed. Encrid charged ahead as well. ¡°Protect your lives as you fight!¡± His ever-smiling subordinate shouted and rushed forward first. Soon, swords and spears from both sides began to mingle blood and flesh. Today¡¯s battle was a pitched struggle. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 2 Through the eye slits of the leather helmet, it looked as if a ck dot was flying towards him. Encrid raised the shield fixed to his left forearm. Thud. He felt a heavy weight. He tried to deflect it while striking, but only half seeded, leaving his forearm stiff. Encrid brought his de down on the helmet of the one who thrust the spear at him. Thunk. The de fell on the shoulder of the one who instinctively tilted his neck. A heavy sound of hitting the scap echoed, and his grip tingled. ¡°Ugh,I¡¯ll kill you.¡± The enemy muttered, then grabbed the spear shaft shorter and swung it. It was a well-trained skill. Without a second thought, Encrid kicked the enemy¡¯s stomach with the sole of his foot. ¡°Ugh.¡± The struck enemy lost bnce and fell. Closebat, it was a battle close to a melee. When the vanguard of both sides entangled and mixed, friend and foe inevitably became intertwined. Thus, falling down meant imminent death. Taking his eyes off the fallen enemy, Encrid gripped the shield handle tightly and looked for an ally. Losing one¡¯s mind and rampaging meant death. In a melee, pretending to be a berserker didn¡¯t turn you into one; it turned you into a corpse. The reason he survived for many years with little talent. Encrid knew his limits. ¡®Don¡¯t stand out.¡¯ He blocked a de flying from somewhere with his shield. The de struck the edge of the shield, denting the iron rim. The oil-soaked wooden shield warped. At best, it would be useless after a few more uses. ¡®Attack shortly and simply.¡¯ After blocking, Encrid tightened his grip on his sword and swung. Thud. Soon, a heavy impact struck his hand. One unlucky enemy got hit on the head and rolled to the side. An ally¡¯s spear plunged into the chest of the fallen enemy with a squelch. The thick gambeson, made byyering cotton and linen, couldn¡¯t withstand the spear¡¯s impact and was pierced. The hit enemy struggled desperately to survive. Thump! Thump! Thump! The ally soldier repeated the same motion without pause. Whether blocked or not, he forcefully drove the spearhead while keeping his distance. Squelch. Eventually, the spearhead pierced through the armor and lodged into the unlucky enemy¡¯s torso. ¡°Guh.¡± The enemy coughed up blood and, trembling, grabbed the spear shaft that had pierced his belly. ¡°Shit, let go! I said let go, you bastard.¡± The enemy held onto the spear shaft to the end, and the ally soldier abandoned his weapon and picked up the enemy¡¯s spear. Seeing this, Encrid stepped back and swallowed his breath. ¡°Hoo, hoo, hoo.¡± He took in his position, the positions of his allies, and the positions of the enemies, and mapped them out in his mind. ¡®If I stand out, I die.¡¯ If he tried to break through the enemy lines with his skills, he would be fertilizer spread across the battlefield. Just like the enemy who died a moment ago with a hole several timesrger than his navel. That one had rushed to the front lines in excitement, but his skills were mediocre. He might have grown overconfident after catching a few enemies less lucky and less skilled than himself on the battlefield. Or he might have simply been unlucky. After all, he had fallen to Encrid¡¯s de, which wasn¡¯t even aimed. It hadn¡¯t rained for days, leaving the ground hard and stone-like. Blood sttered across it, but that didn¡¯t change the dryness. There hadn¡¯t been enough rain. He felt his throat burning, the smell of blood rising from deep within it. Swallowing dryly, Encrid scanned for his squad members. Of course, he couldn¡¯t see them. Instead, he heard a scream. ¡°Uraaaah!¡± Someone shouted. Two steps away, he saw one of his toon members thrusting a spear. ¡®What are you doing?¡¯ The thrust itself was good, but the soldier stumbled and tripped over his own left foot with his right, falling. With a thud, he dropped his weapon. ¡®Are you praying to be killed?¡¯ The fallen soldier lifted his head, looking like he was praying while lying down. Encrid cut off his thoughts and moved. He advanced, raising his shield and holding his breath, tensing his muscles. Thud. Crack. An enemy de struck his shield. The heavy impact spread through his arm to his whole body. He barely managed to block the de as the oil-soaked wooden shield split. Encrid threw the broken shield forward and, using all his strength, swung his sword fiercely from side to side. Once from right to left, then again from left to right. Whoosh, whoosh. ng! As he swung from left to right, his weapon shed with the enemy¡¯s. Sparks flew as des met, and he saw the enemy¡¯s weapon slip from their grip. He had aimed for this. Encrid trusted more in his strength than his clumsy swordsmanship. He had trained more than most elite mercenaries. It was his strength that created this opportunity. But he didn¡¯t rush in. Just as there is always opportunity in crisis, there is always danger in opportunity. ¡°Waaaah!¡± The enemy, having lost their weapon, hesitated and then rushed at him with arms raised. He seemed to think he was a bear. Encrid pretended to thrust his sword, then dropped it to the ground and bent his body, catching the charging enemy and throwing him over his back. The weight of the armor, helmet, various gear, and the full-grown man¡¯s body pressed down on his back. It was heavy. As he carried the enemy on his back, his waist and thighs screamed in protest. Ignoring the pain, Encrid straightened his back and stood up. ¡°Ugh!¡± The enemy¡¯s body flipped backward. He didn¡¯t need to look back at the fallen foe. His position was just a step inside the line his allies had formed. In this area, he would usually encounter three types of enemies. One, the unlucky ones pushed to the front. Two, the fools, full of overconfidence after several days of battle. Three, the real deal who led the fight because they trusted their skills. The enemy he had just flipped was the first type. Rushing in recklessly, he had fallen among the enemies, a dead man. Encrid picked up his sword from the ground. He saw the allied soldier who had tripped over his own feet slowly getting up. He noticed that the soldier¡¯s helmet was neatly split in half, and blood was flowing from his head. ¡®What incredibly tough luck this guy has.¡¯ He had just saved this soldier¡¯s life moments ago. He was indeed a lucky guy in many ways, and he was also someone Encrid knew. ¡°Bell, did you lose your mind because your head got split open?¡± Encrid said. The soldier with the half-split helmet, Bell, wiped the blood running down into his eyes and replied. ¡°Fuck, damn it, I barely survived.¡± ¡°If you barely survived, cover my back.¡± In the middle of a battlefield, it¡¯s difficult for a single soldier to read the tide of the battle. A squad leader and decurion¡¯s main role is usually to ry orders, notmand strategy. But Encrid read the tide. To be precise, he felt it. ¡®This doesn¡¯t look good.¡¯ For countless years, he had lived with the blood and des of the battlefield. Those days didn¡¯t give him a talent for swordsmanship, but they did teach him to sense the flow of battle. To be honest, it was purely instinct. But that instinct had saved him many times. ¡®This feels like a disaster.¡¯ ¡°Alright, let¡¯s do this,¡± Bell replied, wiping the blood from his head. He retrieved his weapon and moved with measured steps. Holding his spear, Bell took two steps while scanning the surroundings. Thud. A sh flew through the air and pierced his head. It struck through the partially split helmet. An arrow lodged into his head, the impact causing one of his eyeballs to pop out and hit Encrid¡¯s leather armor. ¡®Ah.¡¯ Bell died without uttering even a short groan, his mouth agape. Encrid turned his gaze. Beyond the sky, specifically in the void, in an indeterminate space. He saw a sh of light and a dot. The moment he saw it, he knew it was headed for his head. Encrid closed his eyes. How many people remainposed in the face of death? Encrid was no exception. As he closed his eyes, memories of his past life surfaced, like the proverbial sh before his eyes. Time seemed to slow down. The battlefield noise faded, and even his breathing seemed to slow. Thud, tap! Soon that feeling vanished. The proverbial sh disappeared, and the noise of the battlefield returned. Encrid felt himself breathing normally again. ¡°Are you thanking me for killing you with a prayer?¡± It was one of his subordinates, from his decurion. He had pushed him aside, and the arrow had lodged into the ground. ¡°Rem¡±, Encrid called his name. ¡°A damn sharpshooter or a feathered son of a bitch hase in this battle, so watch out for arrows,¡± Encrid warned. ¡°Do you think I wouldn¡¯t watch out?¡± Rem retorted. ¡°Just wait while I deal with it,¡± Encrid replied. This guy was really audacious. Encrid nodded his head, thinking, ¡°Well, it¡¯s not like I¡¯m giving up my life, right? Today I skipped training and took a nap.¡± ¡°Is that meddling?¡± Rem asked. ¡°Just in case someone wants to get killed, I¡¯d feel uneasy,¡± Encrid responded. ¡°Damn it, who wants to die?¡± Eating a stab wound isn¡¯t the same as trying tomit suicide. ¡°It¡¯s just a saying that even though you fight well usually, you close your eyes at the critical moments.¡± ¡°Do you close your eyes because you want to?¡± It seems like he repeated something simr earlier. Rem had an axe in his right hand and a broken spear in his left. He was proficient with weapons like swords, axes, and maces, using whatever was avable. He scratched his head with his thumb, holding the axe in his right hand. It didn¡¯t look refreshing. Because he was scratching his helmet. ¡°Damn, this helmet smells like crap.¡± ¡°I agree with that,¡± Encrid replied. ¡°If you feel like you¡¯re about to die, focus even more,¡± Rem said. It was amon saying. Encrid knew it well. He understood the meaning behind those words. Rem often said it. At the moment of imminent death, that sh of light, people focus to the level of a supernatural being. He urged to apply that tobat. Damn it, was that even possible? That was his talent. To open his eyes at the moment that separates life and death, to face the opponent and do what needed to be done. ¡°Focus is nonsense,¡± Encrid said. ¡°Well, it would be nice to learn from dying hundreds of times, but you only have one life. See you again.¡± Rem chuckled and leaped back into the battlefield. He¡¯s a good fighter. Encrid refocused on the battle. He fought alongside his shoulder with a fellow soldier. He repeated this. Encrid drew his sword. If you¡¯re lucky, you¡¯ll be lucky. Or none of that. Thump. It would just be a blow at the level of stabbing with just the tip of the sword. The tip of the sword that did not pierce the opponent¡¯s armor pushed the opponent like a blunt weapon. ¡°Um.¡± The guy who got hit groaned and stepped back, and a fellow soldier¡¯s war hammer passing by hit him on the head. Bang. He erased his thoughts. It feels like your nerves are burning just blocking, avoiding, and wielding a sword, spear, or club flying in front of you. He was nervous because he didn¡¯t have a shield, so he picked up an axe that fell on the floor and used it as a substitute for a shield. He continued to block, hit, and stab with his fellow soldiers around him. When there was an opportunity, he showed off his mediocre swordsmanship. With his left foot forward,he moved his weight and did not release the strength of his arm straight. Stab. With moderately tensed muscles and focus, and a sense to exploit openings, sess seemed usible. Ping, ting ding ding! Encrid¡¯s thrust only partially seeded. ¡®Tch¡¯ He aimed for the gap in the helmet and breastte, but the opponent moved, narrowly avoiding it. Though he left a deep cut on the opponent¡¯s neck, it wasn¡¯t immediately fatal. The eyes of the bleeding man locked onto Encrid. They were filled with venomous rage. The man clenched his teeth silently. ¡®Danger.¡¯ The intuition of the battlefield spoke. As Encrid stepped back, an allied soldier filled the gap. Silently, the man shifted his body and struck the enemy¡¯s jaw with his fist clenched around a knife. Crunch. The sound of bones breaking echoed. ¡°Argh!¡± As the soldier with the broken jaw fell, the enemy drew a dagger and shed at the ally¡¯s throat. The process of stabbing and withdrawing was seamless, almost like a preordained scene in a y. Blood sprayed as the enemy breached the soldier¡¯s armor. He pushed the fallen soldier away, still motionless. Ah. Critical moment. The boundary between life and death. Countless scenes shed outside the radiantmp, like pictures of Encrid¡¯s life. Like a dream dreamedst night. At the end of his life, in that fleeting moment, the enemy¡¯s de pierced Encrid¡¯s throat. It was the same thrust he had executed moments before. A perfect thrust. At least, that¡¯s how it seemed to Encrid. A searing pain engulfed him from his throat to his whole body. Encrid faced the moment of life and death, and understood what Rem meant by that concentration. However, it was simply toote. ¡°Was this something I could only learn by dying?¡± Encrid cursed inwardly, closing his eyes. No, his mind moved on its own. Desire, yearning, longing. ¡®I wanted to wield the sword well.¡¯ ¡®I wanted to be a knight.¡¯ ¡®I wanted to be a hero.¡¯ In the end, Encrid, who could not be any of those, found himself settling down in a decent vige, earning a decent living, building a home. But he didn¡¯t do that. He couldn¡¯t. The burning passion in his heart wouldn¡¯t allow it. Even in his final moments, he squandered the money earned from bloodshed on things like training schools. ¡®I could have done better.¡¯ If only there had been more time. In the time when others excelled, ying in what they called the time of prodigies or geniuses, he thought he could swing more. At the end of the journey, the face of the artisan he had saved with his own strength for the first andst time emerged. ¡°The talisman will move ording to the knight¡¯s wishes.¡± The talisman was a gift from the chief of the sh and burn vige. The old woman with a few missing front teeth that made a windy sound. Regret and longing mixed, filling his chest with emotions he had never felt before. Regret. ¡®Would things have changed if I had swung the sword a few more times?¡¯ The two letters ¡®death¡¯ were engraved on his body. Beyond his eyes, he saw a ck river. And Encrid regretted taking a nap instead of wielding a sword this afternoon. If I had done a little more then, I might not have known if thest thrust had seeded. A faceless sailor was sitting on a boat over the ck river. The sailor asked. ¡°Do you really think so?¡± Hmm? ¡°You¡¯re funny.¡± Uhh? ¡°Then let¡¯s do that.¡± The faceless sailor said. The sound of his voice couldn¡¯t be heard anywhere. The area around his mouth was as dark as if he had worn a ck mask, and it was just dark. Encrid couldn¡¯t say a word. He lost consciousness as it was. And woke up again. ng, ng, ng The sound of a pestle tapping a mortar. More precisely, it¡¯s the sound of hitting a pot with adle. A familiar sound that woke up the morning. ¡°¡­.¡± Without saying a word, look beside you. ¡°Did you dream of something stupid?¡± Next to him, Rem, waking up from a makeshift bed, muttered as he slipped his foot into his boots. ¡°Oh, a bug.¡± A bug in his boot. Encrid blinked. It was too real to be called a dream, memories shing through his mind. ¡°Phew.¡± After flicking the bug away, Rem spat and crushed it with his foot. Traces of bug fluid and spit mixed on the floor. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 3 The same day as yesterday ¡®Dream?¡¯ It felt so vivid, was that a dream? He was bewildered. Was it a dream, or was it real? Faced with another battlefield, resembling the day before, he spent the day almost identically. Another skirmish, fighting in almost the same spot, made it feel like a hallucination was ovepping with reality. ¡®Didn¡¯t this happen yesterday too?¡¯ He shook his head, stopping the thought. It¡¯s just a random thought. It must have been a dream. Was he lucky enough to have a prophetic dream? ¡®Is it even right to say having a prophetic dream is lucky?¡¯ He didn¡¯t know. He couldn¡¯t know. Encrid was confused. Especially when the oil-soaked shield shattered. ¡°Damn, almost died there.¡± It was even more confusing when Bell said that. ¡°Bell, did your head get split open, making you lose your brain?¡± He reflexively spat out the words he remembered. ¡°What nonsense are you talking about?¡± Bell gets up slowly. Encrid looked at Bell and thought. Bell will die soon. Should he just watch? He did. Since it didn¡¯t feel real, he let it happen. A sh burst Bell¡¯s head, and his eyes popped out and hit Encrid¡¯s chest again. ¡°If you keep spacing out, what do you expect to happen?¡± Rem saved him again. ¡°What?¡± ¡°Have you finally gone crazy?¡± Rem twirled his finger next to his ear. He saw the axe in Rem¡¯s hand. ¡°Some bastard with the eyes of a hawk or feathers or something came to this battle, so I need to deal with him.Get your head straight. Damn, if I leave you alone, you¡¯ll die in no time.¡± ¡°Take care of yourself.¡± He responded reflexively, and Rem tilted his head but stepped away. ¡°I told you to focus. You never listen.¡± Muttering that, Rem left. He picked up the axe that had fallen to the ground instead of a shield with his left hand and stood on the battlefield with a sword in his right hand. It felt uneasy. Holding on like that. An enemy soldier closed the distance in front of him. It was in an instant. The guy knew how to use his feet. One of his swordsmanship teachers once said that in swordsmanship, seven-tenths is done by the feet. The de came into view, and Encrid once again faced a moment of death. In that fleeting moment, his focus shone. He saw a dot. The dot grew smaller and then quicklyrger. Encrid watched it until the end. Until that dot became a de that pierced his neck. ¡°Ah.¡± There was no scream or groan. His neck was pierced, after all. Only the hissing sound of air escaping came from his throat. Horrific pain spread from his throat throughout his body. Encrid clutched his neck and copsed to the ground. Blood gushed out as he did. ¡°Mercy.¡± The enemy soldier, who had been watching him for a moment, spoke and stabbed his head with the tip of his sword. With that, darkness came again. And Encrid heard it again. ng, ng, ng. The sound of adle hitting a pot. ¡°I want to ask why you look like that since the morning.¡± It was Rem, sitting next to him. He spoke while holding his boots. Another day. The same day. ¡°Dream?¡± ¡°Did you have a nightmare or something?¡± ¡°Right, it¡¯s a dream, isn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°Ah, damn, a bug.¡± Rem shook a bug out of his boot, spat, and stomped on it. It was the third time he had seen this scene. Encrid wasn¡¯t wearing boots or any gear. He was just sitting there idly. ¡®Is this really a dream?¡¯ The day started again. Bell dies, and Rem saves him. Rem leaves to find an archer nicknamed after a part of a hawk. An enemy soldier skilled with a sword blocks his path. ¡°What are you?¡± Encrid asked. The enemy thrust his sword without answering. That thrust, impressive every time he saw it. Thump. His heart pounded. His focus sharpened. Encrid could see the tip of the sword more clearly than before. He twisted his body to dodge. Crack! The result wasn¡¯t great. The elegant thrust didn¡¯t pierce his neck, but it tore arge chunk from the side of it. A fiery pain spread from his neck throughout his body. He fell to the ground again. Blood gushed out. ¡°Mercy.¡± The de came down on his head. ng, ng, ng! ¡°Ah!¡± He woke up screaming. The pain was still vivid. Encrid rubbed his neck. ¡°A nightmare? Did a witch steal your virginity or something?¡± Rem made a silly joke. ¡°There¡¯s a bug in your boot.¡± Encrid said, covering half his face with his hand. The pain from dying was one thing. He couldn¡¯t fathom what was happening. ¡°What? How did you know?¡± Rem tossed the bug out of his boot, spat, and stomped on it. ¡°Just knew.¡± ¡°Are you a prophet?¡± ¡°No.¡± He waved his hand dismissively. Encrid got ready as usual, then stopped before heading out. ¡°Rem.¡± ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°My head hurts too much. Sort out your meal, and if anyone looks for me, tell them I¡¯m sick in the tent.¡± ¡°If you¡¯re just trying to bezy.¡± Rem chuckled. He was a friend whoughed easily. If this isn¡¯t a dream. If he¡¯s really repeating after dying. Could that be true? Can such a thing happen? Encrid needed time to sort out his thoughts. He went back into the tent, removed his gear, and sat down. He thought and thought again. How could this be happening? ¡®Why is this happening?¡¯ A thought came to him, and he fumbled around his chest. It wasn¡¯t there. The ne he got from the vige chief was gone. ¡®Because of that?¡¯ A desire? A wish? ¡®A blessing?¡¯ No, could this really be called a blessing? It¡¯s just the same day repeating itself. Encrid had heard a few things about the blessing-type artifacts, but he had never heard or seen anything like this. ¡®Isn¡¯t this closer to a curse?¡¯ Thinking this, Encrid rubbed his neck. It was excruciatingly painful. It hurt terribly every time he died. His head felt like it was going to explode from theplicated thoughts. By the time he skipped lunch, Rem brought him something to eat. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you? Do you really just want to bezy?¡± His expression seemed to suggest he doubted that possibility. Encrid was known as a hard worker even here. ¡°Yeah.¡± ¡°Really?¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± Encrid nodded twice. ¡°That¡¯s unusual. Well, then rest up. There¡¯s a battlete in the afternoon, so rest well. I¡¯ll cover for you until then, so get yourself together.¡± Rem left. Time passed. His thoughts didn¡¯t get organized. This wasn¡¯t the kind of thing that could be sorted out by thinking. Aaaah! He heard shouts. The ground rumbled. The battle had started. Encrid had no intention of going out. If he went out, he would die from that thrust. He decided to hold out. But he couldn¡¯t hold out forever. A mere expendable soldier couldn¡¯t avoid the battlefield just because he was sick. ¡°Everyone get ready and go out! It¡¯s battle time!¡± There was a guard patrolling inside the tent. Encrid geared up and went out. He fought again. He fought much further back than yesterday. Holding on without seeing Bell or Rem. Suddenly, the front line shook violently. The enemy¡¯s movements were unusual. The allied forces were being pushed back. Before he knew it, Encrid was at the very front. And he met that guy again. Is this a coincidence or inevitability? He didn¡¯t know. However, it was certain that wherever he went on the battlefield, he would either die or meet this guy. Therefore, now was the time to worry about ¡®how,¡¯ not ¡®why.¡¯ Instead of figuring out why he kept meeting him, he needed to figure out how to survive. A thrust. The de came flying. ¡®What was the name of that technique again?¡¯ Rem had mentioned something about this technique before, telling him to focus. He said that just knowing this would prevent him from dying easily on the battlefield. He had also said that even if trapped in a monster¡¯sir, one should calmly catch their breath. What Encrid was attempting now was something Rem had taught him. It was called something heart-rted. The name almost came to mind but slipped away. That skill, the name of which he couldn¡¯t remember, shone once again. Encrid realized he was holding his breath while watching the de. Thump. His heart pounded. He saw the timing and angle at which the de would pierce his neck. He threw his body to the side. He rolled on the ground ungracefully but survived. The joy was short-lived. Thud! A blow to the back of his head brought excruciating pain. His head felt foggy. He didn¡¯t even realize he had fallen to the ground. Another enemy had struck his helmet with an axe from behind. Looking up with dazed eyes after the blow, he saw. ¡°Mercy.¡± The thrusting guy plunged his de again. Thud. ng, ng, ng! He opened his eyes again. Another repeating day. ¡®Don¡¯t think about it.¡¯ Don¡¯t think about whether the ne is a blessing or a curse. Don¡¯t think about what is happening. There are only two things to think about now. Surviving the battlefield. And doing whatever it takes to achieve that. ¡°There¡¯s a bug in your boot.¡± ¡°Huh? Are you a prophet?¡± ¡°What was that thing again? The thing you tried to teach me before.¡± Blink, blink. Rem blinked his eyes and then said. ¡°The Heart of the Beast?¡± That¡¯s right. That was the name. The Heart of the Beast. With the mere heart of a human, how could one keep their eyes open on a battlefield where spears, swords, and axes flew? By adopting The Heart of the Beast, one could do so. He recalled what Rem had said. ¡°Teach me again.¡± ¡°Huh?¡± Rem was taken aback. Encrid understood Rem¡¯s reaction. At one time, Encrid had struggled desperately to learn, and Rem, charmed by his passion, had struggled desperately to teach. In the end, Encrid had gained nothing, and Rem had taught nothing. The basic training was to not close your eyes in a fleeting moment. Keeping your eyes open until the brink of death was not something one could do with ordinary courage. And it wasn¡¯t just about keeping your eyes open. In Encrid¡¯s view, Rem¡¯s skill was better than most elite mercenaries. The essence of the training was to watch and evade until Rem¡¯s axe was halfway through your neck. ¡°Let¡¯s do it, the training.¡± The fire of passion burned in Encrid¡¯s eyes. A me ignited in his chest. ¡®Does it matter if it¡¯s a blessing or a curse?¡¯ He knew he had no talent. That much was certain. And time was fair to everyone. So a dull person could never beat a genius. But what if time wasn¡¯t fair? Even a curse would be fine. This was a lifeline. A lifeline to move forward. ¡°Alright. I¡¯ve been feeling drainedtely, like a dog that lost its bone, but seeing you so energized gives me a boost too.¡± Rem stood up and said. ¡°Right after breakfast.¡± ¡°Well, let¡¯s do that.¡± After breakfast and washing the dishes,they shared the casual remark that being a knight was a dream, and Remughed at that. Then it was time for the lesson. ¡°Forgot the training method?¡± ¡°Completely.¡± So impressive that Encrid even had nightmares because of Rem¡¯s training. Nightmares of that axe cutting through his neck. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± The essence of the training was simple. When the axe aimed for the neck, keep your eyes wide open and evade. If Rem made a mistake, Encrid would die. Originally, fear had prevented him from doing it properly. But now, the situation is somewhat different. ¡°Even if I die, I¡¯ll just bounce back.¡± It was a moment of losing fear. He awakened the concentration he learned from dying for the first time, The Heart of the Beast. Encrid¡¯s heart began to beat. The beating of the heart, which had been startled, calmed down. The beast does not easily startle. The slowed heartbeat brought tranquility. Tranquility, the essence of The Heart of the Beast. A calm mind allowed him to see the trajectory of the axe de. Training in controlling his body had been ongoing. Avoiding the trajectory was not difficult. The axe de cut through the air. Encrid timed it perfectly, stepping his right foot back and shifting his body backward. The axe de passed in front of him. ¡°¡­Did you practice without telling me?¡± Rem asked. ¡°A little.¡± ¡°Good. Good. But your timing was a bit early there. You need to evade just before.¡± It¡¯s a training to toughen the heart¡¯s skin. Rem swung the axe. Encrid waited until the axe almost grazed his neck before dodging. ¡°Well, in our camp, there weren¡¯t many who learned and practiced this. It¡¯s fascinating.¡± Morning training came to an end. Rem patted Encrid¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Well done. With this level, you should be able to handle those mediocre guys in realbat.¡± ¡°And what about those beyond mediocre?¡± ¡°What are you asking?¡± ¡°What if you face someone like that?¡± ¡°I¡¯m asking out of curiosity.¡± Looking straight at him, Rem spoke. There was a look in his eyes today that made Encrid wonder why he was like this. ¡°You run.¡± Yes, it¡¯s running. It¡¯s madness to confront a stronger opponent on the battlefield. Encrid survived this long because he was perceptive and knew his limits. And now. ¡°It would be better to train against opponents who are not mediocre, wouldn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°If you train like that, you¡¯ll be short of a hundred lives.¡± Rem chuckled. Hearing thatughter, Encrid thought. Right now, it feels like he has hundreds of lives. Blessing or curse. ¡®If I can use it, I¡¯ll use it all.¡¯ Encrid has lived like that so far. Having lived like that, he thought the same now. That strike, facing it. He thought it would be a good training partner. The pain of death is terrible, but the reward is equally great. After ten years, Encrid felt the joy of growth. A joy that filled his heartpletely. A satisfaction iparable to any drug. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 4 ¡°Assemble, everyone! 4th squad, gather!¡± The shout of the squad leader echoed in front of the barracks. It was the end of a fulfilling day, a daying to a close. Thete afternoon began as the sun started to set in the west. ¡°In simpler terms, this isn¡¯t something you can learn with just your body. So practicing a hundred times won¡¯t help if you don¡¯t have the talent. But seeing how much you¡¯ve mastered through training, it¡¯s hard to say you¡¯re not talented, right?¡± Moving at the squad leader¡¯s call, Rem responded seriously without answering. ¡°Oh, really?¡± Encrid only responded with a question. It¡¯s not easy to believe what happened to oneself as it is, and even if one does, it¡¯s a problem. What if the story spreads? If it¡¯s really a blessing from God, I don¡¯t know, but if it goes even a little off track, it¡¯s a meeting with the inquisitor. Would it be good to end the interview with the inquisitor? No way. If you do well, it¡¯s a pyre, and the worst is a torture party waiting. No one wants to be nailed and have their fingernails pulled out. Of course, Encrid did too. In the mercenary era, he saw a lot of people unfairly treated as heretics. I¡¯ve helped some of them a little. I would have scoffed at those who said they would choose tomit suicide. It was that dangerous. Still, I did. Because helping was the right thing to do. If I didn¡¯t even do that, there would be no reason to live as a swordsman. ¡°What¡¯s with that expression? It doesn¡¯t look very good, did you find gold nuggets or something? nning to desert today? You don¡¯t know that if you eat that alone, you¡¯ll get caught?¡± Gold nuggets¡­ I got something better than that. ¡°Shut up and let¡¯s go.¡± The assembly order has been given, so it¡¯s time to move. Encrid wiped the sweat off his forehead with his sleeve. It would probably smell foul if he put on his helmet like this. But he couldn¡¯t exactly go to the stream right now to wash himself. Rem standing beside him wasn¡¯t sweating at all. What kind of training led to that? Encrid belonged to the 4th squad. He moved to his squad¡¯s position. ¡°Will it work?¡± Learning in just one day was impossible. Still, he had grasped some techniques. Thanks to the experience of being stabbed to death. ¡°We are!¡± The squad leader shouted. ¡°We will win!¡± The squad leader was an unremarkable person without any ws. Just someone who followed orders well from higher-ups. The door to the battlefield was about to open again. As the sun set in the west, the spider began to hang. His heart trembled. Why? Encrid asked himself. The answer came quickly. Fear. Stabbed to death with a sword three times. That pain, that dizziness, it didn¡¯t seem like he¡¯d ever get used to it no matter how many times he experienced it. Encrid stroked his neck. Even though there was no damage, it was still tingling. It felt like he had swallowed a de. ¡°Why? Doesn¡¯t it seem like your throat doesn¡¯t feel good?¡± Next to him, Rem whispered, ¡°Ease up a bit. It¡¯s the battlefield.¡± Encrid replied as he stepped forward to themand ¡°Advance, all units!¡± Rem matched his steps beside him. ¡°Tension makes your body stiff. Didn¡¯t you learn that from me to avoid that?¡± It was a valid point. Hence, annoying. The Heart of the Beast. He had said that there weren¡¯t many who learned from being taught. He suppressed his pounding heart. He regted his breathing to match his steps. ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right. That¡¯s how it goes. Let¡¯s not falter today either. Dream of bing a great captain.¡± Listening to Rem¡¯s words, Encrid decided not to talk about how he dreamed of bing a knight tomorrow if he died again today. It was the battlefield again. The start of a pitched battle. Another identical day passed. It was the fourth today for Encrid. He tried to stop his shield from breaking. What exactly was the shield¡¯s purpose in the first ce? It seemed more ridiculous to strain to hold something in order to prevent the other side¡¯s sword, spear, or axe from being blocked. ¡®Instead of doing that¡­¡¯ His mind wandered. Suddenly, something swiftly flew at him. Without even a sound of surprise, he instinctively leaned back, extending his shield forward. Force surged through his body involuntarily. Bang! The flying spear tip struck the edge of his shield. He narrowly blocked it. His left shoulder felt numb. It was a spear, and the blow had been quite forceful. The enemy retracted and thrust the extended spear again. Normally, his rigid posture wouldn¡¯t have loosened. He would have blocked it again, stiff and facing another crisis. But his heart sank. Thanks to that, he saw the spear tip. It seemed twice as slow as the thrust that had killed him. Therefore, there was nothing inevitable about avoiding it. He stared at the tip of the spear until he turned his head. Shing. The spear tip grazed past the side of his helmet. It was a move almost unheard of since birth. The Heart of the Beast doesn¡¯t easily get excited. A dodge with a small movement. That¡¯s how much leeway he had. The calm in his mind brought a new perspective. In Encrid¡¯s eyes, he saw a gap between the helmet and breastte of the one he had thrust the spear into. A gap where the chin was just visible. Not wide, but not narrow either. Wide enough for a de to enter. He gripped the sword and thrust upward. Smoothly. From below to above, the de pierced from the chin to the throat. ¡°Gurk.¡± The enemy soldier spat out a lump of flesh and severed tongue. A precise sword strike aimed at gaps didn¡¯t require great momentum. Reflecting on this once again, Encrid recalled the words of his former swordsmanship instructor. ¡°If you can evade the opponent¡¯s attack with minimal movement, the rest bes easier.¡± It had been quite an expensive academy, but the teachings were few. And even those few, Encrid had thought were nonsense for a while. ¡®Worth every coin.¡¯ One of those supposed nonsense teachings had now be reality. The short, efficient movements of evasion and attack were effective. Using his foot, he pushed against the enemy¡¯s abdomen and withdrew his sword. Blood gushed from the hole beneath the chin. The enemy soldier copsed backward. ¡°This bastard!¡± Another foe charged from directly behind. Encrid neither gasped for breath nor hastily responded. ¡®Six steps.¡¯ Encrid measured his steps against his opponent¡¯s and drew the shield strap fixed to the back of his left hand with his sword. Thud. Swish. Thud. He shed twice, severing the strap he had fixed on his arm to secure the shield by winding it around. It was a survival technique he had learned to ensure he wouldn¡¯t easily lose his shield in the chaos of battle. But now, it wasn¡¯t needed. An enemy soldier approached. Encrid grabbed the shield and threw it. Thunk! Startled by the sudden flight of the shield, the enemy soldier holding the spear instinctively pulled both hands back. The spear naturally retreated as well. It wasmon for reactions to slow down. Though the shield was broad, it was enough to obscure the opponent¡¯s vision momentarily. Having thrown the shield, Encrid took two quick steps to the left through the gap where the opponent¡¯s vision was obscured. A helmet was a tool for protecting the head, but it narrowed the peripheral vision. Encrid had experienced the sudden disappearance of enemies in front of his eyes several times. He often used this to deceive the enemy¡¯s eyes, bending his body down and using their momentum to throw them over his back. He had done this on the day he first died. This time, he executed it even more neatly. He aimed at the opponent¡¯s right side. Before charging, Encrid attacked the enemy soldier¡¯s hand. He held the front of the long spear shaft with his left hand and the back with his right hand. It was an ambidextrous grip. Things that wouldn¡¯t normally be visible were now clear. It was the perspective given by calmness. In smaller skirmishes or duels, these techniques were asionally used, but in chaotic battles, they weren¡¯t easily employed. Insight learned from surviving as a mercenary. A right-handed spearman finds it difficult to swing the spear to the right. The enemy soldier who blocked the shield hastily turned his head left and right. Startled. It was understandable. The opponent in front of them had suddenly disappeared. The enemy soldier¡¯s eyes soon found Encrid. Turning his head left and right in surprise, in that moment, Encrid swung his sword diagonally from the back of the opponent¡¯s head towards the front of their chest. Thud! The guy¡¯s armor covered the back of his neck. Thick cloth and thin leather over it prevented his neck from beingpletely cut off. The de was halfway stuck behind the neck. ¡°Cough,cough, ah.¡± The enemy soldier¡¯s eyes appeared. Eyes full of surprise. Eyes wide open. Despite his neck being halfway cut, the spearman reflexively swung his spear. The spear shaft hit Encrid¡¯s right shoulder. There was no impact. He was already halfway dead, and he had moved at an angle that made it difficult to put strength into the spearhead in the first ce. Encrid lifted the sword upwards to draw it out. Crunch. The de had been embedded in bone, requiring quite a bit of strength to pull out. Blood clung to the withdrawn de as it dripped down. ncing briefly at the battlefield¡¯s situation, Encrid picked up a shield with a broken edge instead of an axe from the ground. Now he had enough leeway. ¡°This will do.¡± It was too easy. In the chaos of the battlefield, it was difficult to demonstrate even half of one¡¯s usual skill. That was natural. Standing in the midst of death and killing, how could one move as usual? asionally, there were those who thrived in the madness, but most were prone to confusion. Until experiencing death three times, Encrid had been the same, but now he was different. ¡°It should work.¡± He wondered if that thrust would be enough to handle his opponent. What Encrid did didn¡¯t change the course of the battlefield. It simply meant one soldier fought a little better. There was no shift in the battle¡¯s tide. Yet, for Encrid personally, it marked a significant change. After knocking down two enemy soldiers. ¡°Ugh!¡± Bell stumbled again. Having a little breathing room gave him time to recover. ¡°Are you okay?¡± ¡°Damn it, there¡¯s a damn rock here.¡± It¡¯s a dry in. It¡¯s not umon for rocks to stick up. However, Bell tripped over his feet, so Bell was the fool for falling. ¡°Get it together.¡± Enkrid grabbed Bell¡¯s hand and pulled him up. ¡°Thanks to you, I survived.¡± Enkrid didn¡¯t loosen his grip on Bell¡¯s hand. ¡°¡­ Hand.¡± Bell mutters to let go of his hand. Half-split helmet, blood-stained skull, and Bell¡¯s eyes. The sh was an arrow and the arrow pierced Bell¡¯s skull. It¡¯s already known. However, it¡¯s difficult to detect arrows flying in the chaos of battle. It was too difficult. Encrid tried to pull the hand he caught. Bell staggered, lost his bnce, and struggled to force himself. Thunk. The skull cracked. An arrow flew and broke Bell¡¯s skull. Blood sttered on the armor. Encrid immediately lowered his head when he saw Bell¡¯s head explode. A creepy something passed over his head. It must have been an arrow. ¡°Did you offer prayers to the goddess of luck beforeing?¡± Rem¡¯s voice was heard immediately after he dodged. He couldn¡¯t protect Bell¡¯s head, but he saved his own. Of course, even if he hadn¡¯t, Rem would have saved him. It was the same situation even on the fourth try. ¡°Something like that.¡± He vaguely answered, and Rem snickered. His teeth were visible through the helmet. Rem was a pretty boy in appearance, but his speech and actions were unbearably harsh. ¡°Alright. The archer who shot these arrows is said to be the Hawk¡¯s Nipple or something, so I¡¯m going to find him. Pray ten more times to the goddess for me.¡± ¡°If you die on the way, I¡¯ll pray for you too.¡± ¡°Then I¡¯m grateful. Don¡¯t forget this.¡± Rem tapped Encrid¡¯s left chest with his pommel and turned back towards the battlefield. He was going after the eyes or ws. Encrid nodded, hoping tonight he could ask Rem if he killed the archer who shot this arrow. Rem disappeared, and allies and enemies started to gather. The gap was starting to narrow, and Encrid decided the battlefield¡¯s flow wasn¡¯t good. He had already had three experiences. His allies were losing ground. But there was only one thing he could do. Survive. Encrid felt a strange excitement enveloping him. He was about to meet a skilled soldier. Soon it became reality. That thrust was targeting his head again. Instead of avoiding it, Encrid pushed his de against the iing de. Ting,ting,ting. Sparks flew into the air. He met the enemy¡¯s gaze. Block this? It was a questioning eye. ¡°Your skills are good.¡± The enemy soldier spoke as he thrust his sword again. Once, twice, thrice. The first time Encrid blocked with his shield, the second he dodged by rolling his body to the side, and the third he countered by swinging his sword backward. Encrid¡¯s de traced a short path through the air. Then, as the enemy soldier pulled his arm back again, something struck Encrid¡¯s waist from behind. Thwack! ¡°Agh.¡± He bit back the involuntary scream. Next, another thrust came at him. He intentionally shifted his body weight forward as if to roll awaypletely. The intention was good, but the timing was off. Thud. The de shattered the rib cage beside his neck and pierced inward, searing through flesh and bone. ¡°Agh!¡± The pain was excruciating, rendering him almost unable to scream. Trying to grasp the embedded de with his hand, he recoiled as the enemy swiftly withdrew the sword. The de seemed exceptionally sharp, as if it had been meticulously honed. When the sword was pulled out, even more excruciating pain followed. His vision blurred with white-hot agony. Encrid gritted his teeth and nced back. A hulking enemy soldier stood askew. He held a club in his hand. Apparently, that was what had struck him in the waist. ¡°Mercy.¡± The man who had killed him three times said this as he vertically positioned his sword for a strike. That was the end. His eyes closed. Darkness seeped into his vision. ng, ng, ng. The sound of adle tapping against a pot echoed again. ¡°The fifth time.¡± Damn it. I thought it was over. ¡°What¡¯s the fifth time?¡± Rem asked from beside him. ¡°A bug in my boot.¡± Encrid replied as he got up. He died again, but he learned something. No, it was a lesson he gained from pouring money into the academy in coin units for so long. Nothing happens all at once. So what do you do then? If once doesn¡¯t work, try ten times. If ten times doesn¡¯t work, try a hundred times. Normally, once you die, that should be it. Fortunately, Encrid could repeat this endlessly. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 5 ¡°Uh? Huh? How did you know?¡± ¡°I¡¯m not a prophet.¡± In response to Encrid¡¯s words, Rem shook the bug out of his boot and spoke with a confident tone. ¡°Did the squad leader put it in?¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t put it in.¡± ¡°Ugh.¡± Rem did not withdraw his suspicious gaze. Encrid didn¡¯t care about Rem¡¯s suspicious look. That wasn¡¯t the important thing. Encrid crushed the bug that Rem had dropped to the ground with his foot. Squelch. A rather unpleasant feeling traveled up through the sole of his boot. ¡°Spit.¡± Encrid spat and roughly rubbed the bug¡¯s corpse into the dirt on the ground and said, ¡°Can you teach me ¡®Heart of the Beast¡¯?¡± ¡°Hmm? You remembered that?¡± Rem stood up, adjusting his boots. ¡°It¡¯s not something one can forget.¡± ¡°And yet, you kept pouring alcohol into your stomach as if you wanted to forget.¡± Back then, it was like that. The scene of his neck being chopped off by an axe kept appearing in his dreams, making life feel unbearable. ¡°So, can you teach me or not?¡± ¡°You¡¯re unusually enthusiastic today? Good. Let¡¯s do it.¡± Rem nodded. ¡°Jaxon, can you take the morning shift? I¡¯ll do it tomorrow.¡± You need to eat to have strength, but there¡¯s no need to waste time on things like washing dishes. ¡°Sure, I can do that.¡± Jaxon was a squad member who smiled often and got along well with others. He had such a mild-mannered personality that it was hard to understand why he was here. When Encrid first saw him, he thought Jaxon yed the role of a mediator here. Jaxon brushed his reddish-brown hair and stepped out of the tent. Rem, who was watching him, blew his nose with a sniff. ¡°That guy always gives me a bad feeling.¡± Naturally, if Jaxon had been performing the role of mediator well, Encrid might not have needed toe here. Jaxon got along well with other squads but had a poor rtionship with the members of his own squad. Except for Encrid, of course. Encrid had a peculiar way of earning his squad members¡¯ trust. He didn¡¯t know if it was because he silently handled various requests or because of his unimpressive skills that made it seem like he would remain a squad leader forever. He just thought it was one of those two reasons. Rem began walking towards the outside of the tent. Encrid followed him. ¡°That guy gives me the creeps. I have a bad feeling about him, so it¡¯s best not to get too close.¡± What about you? Encrid retorted only in his mind. Is this something a guy who broke his superior¡¯s jaw in a fight at the previous squad should be saying? Rem was a benefactor to Encrid. But to other squads, especially his former squad, the 1st toon, they often looked at Rem as if they wanted to kill him. They wouldn¡¯t find someone who shattered their toon leader¡¯s jaw endearing. Encrid didn¡¯t argue. Arguing wouldn¡¯t change anything. It¡¯s a waste of time. Better to learn more about The Heart of the Beast. There were many things to do besides learning The Heart of the Beast from Rem. ¡°Especially when he¡¯s close with the guys from the 1st toon, it makes me even more uneasy.¡± Fine, let¡¯s say that¡¯s the case. When Encrid didn¡¯t respond, Rem stopped walking. ¡°Why?¡± ¡°Squad Leader, you¡¯re acting really strange today. Usually, you¡¯d have something to say by now, wouldn¡¯t you?¡± That¡¯s right. Normally, he would say something like it¡¯s not something a guy who broke his superior¡¯s jaw should be saying. If not that, he¡¯d say if you¡¯re not going to get along, don¡¯t even look at each other. He believed it was better to keep people apart to prevent fights rather than forcing them to get along. That was also Encrid¡¯s secret to leading the uniquely intense ¡®Death Squad¡¯. ¡°I have nothing to say.¡± Encrid cut off his words. Rem scratched the back of his head vigorously. ¡°This is a really strange day.¡± They had breakfast and then headed to the open space on the outskirts of the barracks. It might seem odd to train in such a manner on the battlefield. But this was normal for Encrid. To those who knew, it was nothing special. Even passersby didn¡¯t pay much attention to them. And so, the teaching of ¡®The Heart of the Beast¡¯ began again. ¡°¡­Have you secretly learned from someone else? That can¡¯t be.¡± ¡°I just repeated what I learned.¡± ¡°Training alone can achieve this?¡± Another death was another experience. Encrid found it easier to steady his mind than before. Seeing this, Rem gave him a curious look but then said, ¡°Alright,¡± and moved on. ¡°In my opinion, Squad Leader,you have talent. If you¡¯re doing this well.¡± Rem repeated something simr to what he had said yesterday. Talent, huh? It would have been nice if that were true. Just a moment ago, Encrid had failed to dodge Rem¡¯s axe. The axe stopped just in front of his throat. It was so close that a slight flick of the wrist could have left a long scar on his neck. ¡°That was close.¡± Rem chuckled as he spoke. He seemed to find Encrid¡¯s learning impressive. There was a hint of satisfaction in his smile. Encrid felt it too. ¡°What kind of skill allows you to swing an axe like that?¡± The axe swing, from a moment ago. Rem¡¯s axe was faster than the stabs that had killed him several times. The axe de approached his neck¡¯s skin in the blink of an eye. Encrid didn¡¯t even blink, yet he missed the movement of the axe de. ¡°Hmm, talent?¡± For the first time in a while, Encrid thought Rem was a really annoying bastard. He had always been like this. ¡°If training were enough, there wouldn¡¯t be anyone in the world who couldn¡¯t wield a sword.¡± Rem chuckled. Just as Encrid had read the satisfaction on Rem¡¯s face earlier, he also realized that this guy enjoyed teasing him. A strange guy indeed. Then again, was there anyone in this squad who wasn¡¯t strange? ¡°What if I train more? If I try harder? If I swing my sword without sleeping?¡± Encrid reflexively questioned. It was a dilemma he had for a long time. If hecked talent, should he give up? Encrid never gave up. Instead of giving up, he chose to advance. If he didn¡¯t have talent, what did he have? The only thing he had was his determination to keep going without getting tired. While so-called geniuses took ten steps at a time, he would take even a quarter step consistently and steadily. ¡°Really. You¡¯re acting really strange today. Did you have a shot of seriousness or something?¡± Rem said as he roughly hung his axe on a string tied around his waist. ¡°No.¡± ¡°Squad Leader.¡± Rem called Encrid without a hint of a smile. Their eyes met. After a brief silence, Rem spoke. ¡°A person will die if they don¡¯t sleep.¡± As soon as Rem finished speaking, he tried to suppress hisughter, his cheeks shaking, then burst intoughter with a hearty ¡°Pahahaha!¡± It was his answer to the question about swinging a sword without sleep. ¡°Get lost.¡± Encrid made a universal hand gesture, raising his middle finger. Rem chuckled and suggested they go have lunch. Encrid didn¡¯t beg for more teaching. You can¡¯t get full from the first spoonful. Encrid knew this fact all too well. After lunch, he reviewed his swordsmanship. Basic swordsmanship: thrusting, shing, and swinging. What he learned after basic swordsmanship was the Valen-style mercenary swordsmanship. It wasn¡¯t shabby. He had traveled a lot and spent quite a bit of money. This was not swordsmanship one could learn for a few silver coins. Valen Mercenary Sword Technique. It was named after Valen, who was quite renowned in the mercenary world, though he was far from a knight¡¯s level. If it had to be categorized, it belonged to the realm of illusion swords style. He didn¡¯t know how Valen originally used it. But he had mastered several techniques in his own way. Encrid focused his efforts on it. ¡®After dying, the same day repeats, but what remains in the body does not disappear.¡¯ The Heart of the Beast was learned not with the mind but with the body. That meant what was ingrained in his body stayed with him. He pushed his body to the limit. He swung his sword until the calluses on his hands split open again. Normally, soldiers don¡¯t use swords; spears are the basic weapon. Being the leader of the ¡°Death Squad¡± afforded him special privileges. Encrid didn¡¯t want to let go of his sword. He trained repeatedly. His hands hurt, but he endured. His stomach ached as it struggled to digest, but he endured. He focused all his senses on his fingertips and toes. The illusionary swordsmanship is a deceptive sword. He was told to use any means necessary to deceive the opponent. In fact, some techniques of Valen Mercenary Sword Technique had already spread in the mercenary world. For instance, pretending to fall and then stabbing the opponent. It couldn¡¯t be called dishonorable. Why is it dishonorable to do whatever it takes to survive? If someone said that knights don¡¯t do such things, Encrid wouldn¡¯t argue with them. They have their values. He has his own. The allowed time was half a day. His legs didn¡¯t tremble. If his legs gave out from this, all the daily endurance training he had done would be meaningless. Encrid¡¯s legs were strong. ¡°A sturdy body is indeed an advantage.¡± Rem said to Encrid when he returned. A messenger had juste and gone. On the sixth repetition of today, he could roughly guess the time of day just by looking at the sky. ¡°It¡¯s a body trained for over 20 years.¡± Encrid roughly answered and moved back to the squad area. ¡°Don¡¯t let that sturdy body turn into a training dummy. Keep up the hard work.¡± Rem chuckled again, right before the battle began. ¡°I¡¯ll take over the duty tomorrow.¡± Jaxon also spoke from the side. One seemed to be teasing him. The other seemed to be expressing a determination not to be on meal duty for two days in a row. Well, regardless of how they expressed it, both seemed to wish for his safe return. ¡°See youter.¡± The sixth repetition of today began. Encrid killed the enemies more easily than on the fifth day. The first enemy he tripped and smashed the back of their head with the edge of his shield. The second enemy he distracted with his sword before stabbing them. Valen Mercenary Sword Technique. Not themonly known techniques in the mercenary world, but skills he had learned separately by putting in effort and spending money. A wavering sword tip was said to be a mirage that confused the opponent¡¯s sight. He implemented what he had learned, and it worked. He felt a sense of aplishment. The joy of growth and fulfillment filled his heart again. What he achieved through the repetition of days was not insignificant. Encrid did not spend his days carelessly just because he coulde back to life after dying. On the contrary, he was more intense, more focused, and more immersed. He had to, because he lived with the desire and hope that if an opportunity arose, he wouldn¡¯t miss it. That¡¯s how Encrid lived. He shed, struck, and tripped the enemy soldiers. The repeated battles provided him with unique experiences. ¡®The Heart of the Beast.¡¯ He saw things he hadn¡¯t noticed the previous day. He had reached the point where he could anticipate Bell¡¯s fall. Fighting in the same ce every day, he saw Bell repeatedly. He couldn¡¯t pull back the front lines or move elsewhere even if he wanted to. Carelessly crossing the front lines was a suicidal act. Changing one¡¯s position on the battlefield was not an easy task. ¡®I¡¯m not skilled enough for that.¡¯ Encrid knew himself well. He had gained some confidence, but he wasn¡¯t yet capable of breaking through enemy lines or taking risky actions. He also wasn¡¯t skilled enough to anticipate the arrows of seasoned archers. Whack! Bell¡¯s head exploded again. ¡°Damn it.¡± He had intended to save him this time but failed again. Encrid immediately ducked. An arrow whizzed through the air, just as he had predicted. The sound of it cutting through the air lingered by his ear. His movements were as if he had anticipated it. ¡°Feeling sharp today?¡± Rem had approached without him noticing. ¡°Go, either slit the throat of the bastard shooting arrows.¡± ¡°I was just about to do that. Feeling good, so take care.¡± Rem left. He encountered enemy soldiers who relied heavily on thrusting attacks again. Encrid failed once more. This time, he dodged the club swung from behind by a soldier but immediately next to him, someone threw a throwing axe. Damn it. The seventh morning dawned. ¡°I put in a bug.¡± He told Rem. ¡°Are you crazy? Have you lost it?¡± ¡°Not crazy. Keeping calm even in situations like this, that¡¯s The Heart of the Beast, right?¡± ¡°Hmm?¡± ¡°Teach me.¡± Today begins again. Rem blinked and then epted. Learning. Mastering. Swinging the sword. This time, he didn¡¯t even try to save Bell. To save him, you have to read the arrowsing. If that doesn¡¯t work, you have to rely on luck. How does Rem dodge arrows? Encrid wondered and moved his body. He died from a thrust again. ¡°Mercy.¡± That damn mercy. He dies. Like that, for the eighth, ninth, tenth, eleventh, twelfth¡­ over a hundred deaths, Encrid repeated today, starting with death. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 6 Repeating today. Encrid spent each day as valuable. He did not spend any day in vain. ¡®I am an all-rounder.¡¯ In terms of swordsmanship, he could not be a master or a prodigy. Genius was out of the question. After the eighth failure, Encrid thought. ¡®I tried to finish the meal with one fork.¡¯ Rather than genius or prodigy, he was on such a subject. Encrid divided his work. ¡®Half a step at a time.¡¯ There was no boredom. Repeating today, along with increasing skills. It was a drug. Encrid enjoyed this situation more than anything. ¡®There are many good points.¡¯ Above all, the best point is being able to experience realbat endlessly. It is a profound experience that costs life. Encrid made full use of it, and until he stepped onto the battlefield, he spent his day fulfilling. Training The Heart of the Beast. Learning swordsmanship anew. Along with it, repeating time also made him memorize what was happening around him. The gambling at the neighboring barracks during breakfast was a good example. ¡°What the hell! You cheated, didn¡¯t you?¡± ¡°Cheated? This guy. It¡¯s just luck.¡± It¡¯s a lively morning scene. It¡¯s not cheating. I¡¯ve seen it several times. The dice always roll the same number, and Encrid knew that. Passing by, he spends another day. He repeats. Repeated real battles broadened Encrid¡¯s concept. To be precise, he had plenty of time to think, so his thinking expanded. ¡®There¡¯s no need to specifically deflect an arrow to save Bell.¡¯ That¡¯s what a first-rate mercenary can do. Encrid gave up cleanly, and thus he could save bell. Thump! All he needed was a stronger shield. The arrow stuck into the round shield. No matter how skilled an archer is, it¡¯s impossible to hit the head of a soldier hiding behind a shield. ¡°¡­Where did you pop out from?¡± The breathless Bell said with wide eyes. ¡°How long are you going to roll on the ground? Get up already?¡± Encrid wiped the sweat off his forehead with his hand, then kicked Bell¡¯s butt with his foot. Having his butt patted, Bell headed back to the battlefield once again. ¡®Can I see that guy¡¯s face tomorrow from saving him here?¡¯ Who knows. He just made this ce his first checkpoint. Rummaging through the battlefield to find Bell was Encrid¡¯s small goal. He achieved that on the twenty-fifth today. ¡°Oh dear. Mother Superior of the monastery. If I have time, I¡¯ll save you too. Instead of those other unit bastards.¡± It was a daily urrence for Rem to suddenly pop out from behind and babble nonsense. Every time he rescued Bell, he would spit out insane remarks with a different repertoire. Each time, Encrid would respond in kind. Mother referred to the nun in charge of the monastery. ¡°You¡¯re a scandal. You look filthy.¡± The monastery doesn¡¯t ept anyone who isn¡¯t a believer. A scandal means leaving Mother¡¯s embrace, essentially being expelled from the monastery. It¡¯s quite a high-level joke to do with Rem. ¡°A dirty world that discriminates based on appearance, pffft.¡± As always, Rem didn¡¯t back down and darted away. It was obvious he was going after someone with the eyes of a hawk or something like that, without saying a word. Despite repeating such days countless times, Encrid couldn¡¯t defeat the enemy troops by thrusting. He was fortunate to block several attacks, but at that moment, someone jumped out from the side and smashed his skull with a hammer. ¡°There¡¯s no time to waste.¡± The one who shattered Encrid¡¯s skull spoke. Encrid didn¡¯t even know how it happened. Suddenly, his vision spun around and the ground approached. He couldn¡¯t even lift his head. He just felt sticky liquid flowing down his face. When he finally somewhat regained consciousness, he realized he was kneeling with his sword lost. ¡°Must be painful, but it¡¯s mercy.¡± Soon, he had to struggle with the pain as the de pierced his throat. The de plunged into his throat. Unbearable pain surged through his entire body. The pain of a heated iron rod twisting in his throat shook his brain. As Encrid approached death, he blinked. His world turned red from blood entering his eyes. Beyond that reddened sight, through the helmet¡¯s gap, he saw the red eyes of an enemy soldier wielding a sword. It might not actually have been red, but that¡¯s how it appeared at that moment. There was a grim satisfaction in the enemy soldier¡¯s eyes. Having faced death so many times, everything seemed trivial. Perhaps it was thanks to the trained heart of a beast. ¡®What a twisted bastard.¡¯ The purpose wasn¡¯t to show mercy, but to feel exhration in the act of killing. He always inserted and slowly withdrew the de into Encrid¡¯s throat. He might not have realized that he was aroused by feeling someone¡¯s final breath escape through the sword. Despite realizing this, Encrid remainedposed. Having crossed the moment of death countless times naturally instilled courage in him. It was inevitable. And then. ¡°Are you secretly enjoying some kind of illicit affair?¡± Out of nowhere, Rem spoke for the sixty-sixth time. Encrid frowned at Rem¡¯s words. What nonsense is this? ¡°What?¡± ¡°The Heart of the Beast, you learned it from me. But there¡¯s no way you could train like this alone.¡± The edge of the axe de hovered just inches from his eyeballs. If it hade any closer, the rush of air alone would have scratched his cornea. Thanks to this, Encrid could only see half of Rem¡¯s face beyond the finely honed axe de. Yet even in this moment, he didn¡¯t falter. It was the strength provided by The Heart of the Beast. The courage that allowed him to endure, knowing that pain woulde. Encrid looked into Rem¡¯s questioning eyes beyond the axe de and thought, ¡®Such things can happen.¡¯ By repeating today, his heart of a beast had been trained, so as the one who taught him that, it could be absurd. Now that he realized it, it was partly because Rem was the type of squad member who didn¡¯t hold back in any situation. Rem often made rude remarks, but he wasn¡¯t one to nitpick over things. But The Heart of the Beast would be a different story. Especially since he taught it himself. Encrid didn¡¯t make any petty excuses. There was no need for that. After thinking all day, he could make up for it on the day that started again. Thunk, Rem pulled back the axe. Encrid¡¯s vision cleared. There was no trace of anger on his face. Rem handled the hefty axe like an extension of his own hand. Pulling back the axe, Rem scratched his head with the end of the handle. ¡°I don¡¯t get it, did you learn this from someone else, not me?¡± Even as he said it, his expression questioned the logic of his words. Encrid was the sergeant, and without him, this damn squad was a stubborn group that wouldn¡¯t listen. Since learning The Heart of the Beast from Rem, Encrid had never left this squad. So, even if he wanted to learn, there was no time to learn. Rem had been watching Encrid all along. Perhaps he had learned secretly while on duty, but that also didn¡¯t make sense. ¡°Using a sword is something you can understand even if you die this afternoon, ¡®Ah, I see.¡¯ But how could only the heart toughen up?¡± Rem said, but it doesn¡¯t make sense. He might die this afternoon. Rem didn¡¯t know anything, but his words hit home for no reason. ¡°I¡¯ve crossed the brink of death countless times.¡± Encrid thought, giving a vague reply. There¡¯s nothing more from Rem to learn about The Heart of the Beast. No excuse canpletely satisfy the doubts of this barbarian-born guy. ¡®I can¡¯t say that I learn from you every day as today repeats, and that¡¯s how it turned out as I learned while dying.¡¯ But he could somewhat brush it off. Rem isn¡¯t that picky. Indeed. There was no need to prolong the conversation. ¡°Let¡¯s leave it at that. Sometimes the goddess of luck drops a coin without even realizing it.¡± It¡¯s amon saying for soldiers who survive through unexpected coincidences. Does that apply when mastering such tricks? If not, what then? Rem had crossed over. ¡°Thanks to you, it¡¯s more fun than before. My skills have improved a bit. What secret mischief are you up to?¡± ¡°Something so painful it could kill.¡± Encrid wasn¡¯t lying. ¡°Yeah, a man should have a few secrets. That¡¯s what makes a man. You should know.¡± Rem didn¡¯t even care about that. He just said what he had to say and lifted his axe, as before. ¡°One more round?¡± Rem with the axe said. Encrid silently raised his sword. If saving the fallen soldier Bell is the first goal. The second and final goal is to feel exhration every time he kills someone. It was to kill the perverted bastard who is good at stabbing. He was prepared for that. It was a scorching day, the hundredth, facing off with Rem. Encrid pulled his arm and flexed his muscles. Stretching his left leg forward, he aimed to step on Rem¡¯s foot. Quickly catching on, Rem withdrew his foot, and seeing this, Encrid twisted his waist around his left foot nted firmly on the ground instead of Rem¡¯s foot and swung his sword with all his might. The foot was a feint. It was a move aimed at making Rem step back. He exerted force in his muscles and swung his sword. In a fleeting moment, Encrid saw Rem¡¯s arm bend like a whip. It was such an unreal sight that even the axe in his hand seemed to bend. Thump! It happened in an instant. The axe de bent and shot upward like lightning. That¡¯s when Encrid struck with the sword he held. The sword flew upwards. Slipping from Encrid¡¯s hand, the sword whizzed through the air and then thudded sharply onto the ground. The sound echoed as the sword¡¯s edge identally struck the stone embedded in the ground. Encrid could see the sword rolling on the ground. ¡°Let¡¯s take a look.¡± Suddenly approaching, Rem grabbed Encrid¡¯s wrist. His hand trembled from the shock of losing the sword. Rem looked at Encrid¡¯s hand and clicked his tongue. ¡°It should draw a little blood.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°Adjust your strength a bit, wielding an axe recklessly isn¡¯t the point here.¡± ¡°That thrust was alright, decent, but itcked a bit. I¡¯m not good at exining this, but you should¡¯ve shattered the hilt just now. It¡¯s not about letting go of the sword even if you die.¡± Encrid raised his right hand, remembering countless teachings from his swordsmanship teacher. Starting each day anew amid repetitive days is exhausting. Encrid remembered to change the beginning of each day little by little. Since childhood, his memory has been exceptional. Up until now, his memory hasn¡¯t been much help in swordsmanship. Of course, it¡¯s different now. Especially when recalling what he learned from his teachers. That¡¯s what he said as he recalled his teachings. ¡°What nonsense is this? If necessary, throw your sword at the enemy¡¯s face. This, ah, it¡¯s good. Let¡¯s make it easier. Where did you aim that thrust earlier?¡± Rem said, snorting. Encrid didn¡¯t answer easily. That thrust was a secret technique. A technique he stole from the enemy, stabbing his throat more than a hundred times. From the overall posture, the position of the foot and the sword¡¯s weight, muscle movement, the direction of the toes, and the shape of the hand holding the sword. He stole and imitated everything. ¡°A moment ago, that sword strike, superficially convincing, but, damn it. It¡¯s ridiculously difficult to exin. Here, this is Boosh.¡± Rem lowered the axe and drew arge circle on the dirt floor. It was roughly the size of a human head. ¡°Let¡¯s say our destination is around here,¡± Rem said, rotating the axe over the circle and then making a sharp mark. ¡°But in reality, we¡¯re going here.¡± At first, Encrid was puzzled by what this meant. But perhaps the time spent learning from his swordsmanship teacher wasn¡¯t in vain. Despite the vague exnation, he grasped it like a sweet, ripe fruit stuck on the tongue. ¡®Target.¡¯ What was the essence of the thrust he had just executed? Did he want praise for doing well? By imitating well, did he want recognition that he had even the slightest talent? What is the point? What is a sword used for? Cutting and thrusting, a lethal weapon. Among them, thrusting is a fundamental technique in swordsmanship, aiming for a single point. It¡¯s especially prevalent in techniques like the triple swordy. I heard that there are knights who use a thin de to attack gaps in armor. ¡°I really can¡¯t exin it any better. I thought you¡¯d naturally evade or block, so I let go of the sword too easily. But that thrust earlier should have been decisive. Like, ¡®I¡¯m going to stab you, and you can¡¯t dodge.¡¯ I needed to show that decisively,¡± Rem said, still reflecting on whether he had exined himself well. True to his yful nature, his exnation was a bit erratic. However, if the opponent understood roughly, even a neighbor¡¯s barking dog-like exnation could be considered excellent. So, to Encrid, it was a great exnation. ¡°I wasn¡¯t confident in my sword,¡± he thought. The thrust earlier had been like that of a third-rate mercenary. On the hundredth and first day, Encrid realized. Up until the hundred and twentieth day, he¡¯d been thrusting with all his might. On the hundred and twenty-fourth day, Rem¡¯s lightning-like axe tore his handle apart. It didn¡¯t just tear; it exploded. Blood streamed down his handle. Encridughed at what he¡¯d aplished. ¡°Are youpletely insane now? On the battlefield, there¡¯s no one more dangerous than a crazy ally, right? No, why do you keepughing?¡± Rem looked unusually embarrassed, but Encrid couldn¡¯t stopughing. ¡°For fuck¡¯s sake, stopughing. You look like a crazy bastard.¡± Rem said, witnessing the events of the hundred and twenty-fourth ¡®today¡¯. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 7 Since he couldn¡¯t keepughing forever, Encrid soon stopped. Seeing this, Rem grabbed Encrid¡¯s wrist and pulled out a bandage from his chest, wrapping it around tightly. ¡°Just stay behind me today. With your hand like this, you¡¯re just asking to get yourself killed. If you tell the squad leader you got hurt during training, he¡¯s going to flip out.¡± ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡± ¡°What do you mean, it¡¯s fine? You¡¯ll die if you go to the battlefield with that hand. Is your lifelong dream tomit suicide? Because if it is, I won¡¯t stop you.¡± Rem wasn¡¯t wrong. Going into battle with a hand like this would be asking for death. However, for Encrid, it wasn¡¯t a big problem. If he died one more time, it would just be the end of it. Then, the hundred and twenty-fifth morning would dawn. ¡®It¡¯s not boring.¡¯ Because he could end today¡¯s repetition. Encrid hadn¡¯t only been honing his swordsmanship all this time. By repeating the same day a hundred and twenty-four times, he had devised ways to get through ¡®today¡¯. People often say that when amon soldier survives their first battle, it¡¯s like they picked up a coin dropped by the goddess of luck. If you don¡¯t have exceptional talent, luck ys a huge role in keeping you alive. By Encrid¡¯s calctions, he would need such luck several times to avoid death. ¡®But I can¡¯t rely on luck alone.¡¯ Encrid didn¡¯t need to do that. He knew what would happen on the battlefield, especially around him. Therefore, he could prepare and brace himself. On the one hundred and twenty-fourth time, Encrid was impaled through the neck again. His hand was so messed up that he couldn¡¯t properly counter with his sword. Even so, not wanting to waste even a single day, he watched the enemy soldier¡¯s thrust carefully. He took a deep breath and endured until the end. He did that. ¡°It must hurt. That¡¯s mercy.¡± He endured the burning pain of the de through his neck as he listened to the enemy soldier¡¯s voice. Something caught on his tongue, so just before he died, he spat it out. It was a broken mr. It happened because he clenched his teeth so hard from the pain. Yeah. It wasn¡¯t boring. He had spent the repetitive days meaningfully, and that made it enjoyable. But no matter what reason he attached to it. ¡®I don¡¯t want to die.¡¯ There was no way dying could be enjoyable. Especially having to die at the hands of some sadistic bastard who enjoy others¡¯ pain. If he could end it, he would. The moment he realized he was trapped in a day, Encrid had made that decision. And then. ng! ng! ng! The hundred and twenty-fifth morning dawned. * * * Encrid got up and picked up Rem¡¯s shoes, shaking them out. ¡°What are you doing? Those are mine.¡± ¡°I know, they stink. If you throw them at the enemy, the smell alone would take out fifty of them.¡± ¡°Judging by your foul mood, did you have a good dream or something?¡± A bug fell out of Rem¡¯s boot with a thud. Encrid stepped on it, crushing it. ¡°I saw it go in this morning.¡± ¡°¡­Thanks.¡± Rem chuckled and put his boots back on. Leaving Rem behind, Encrid pushed aside the tent p and stepped outside. The sky was just beginning to lighten, a mix of dawn¡¯s blue and the yellow of the rising sun. The soldiers on the guard duty were busy nging pots and pans. The newly awakened soldiers either rubbed their eyes and grumbled or silently went about their tasks. ¡°Damn it, stop banging that. My head¡¯s going to split.¡± ¡°Well, who told you to get drunkst night?¡± It came from the tent in the back. ¡°Shut up. If they catch you drinking, you¡¯re in for a punishment.¡± ¡°Whatever.¡± It was a conversation between the guard on duty and a soldier who had gotten drunk the night before. Listening to this, Encrid nced back and looked at the face of the drunken soldier. He was a squad leader in another unit. And that guy had a good mother. On the sixty-sixth day, to remember that day, Encrid had struck up a conversation with him and pretended to be friendly. ¡°Aren¡¯t you on morning duty?¡± ¡°You do it.¡± As he nced back, Encrid spoke abruptly to Rem, who had followed him. ¡°Why should I?¡± ¡°You could do it just once. I¡¯ve covered for you more than five times.¡± ¡°Were you really counting that?¡± ¡°Yeah, just yours.¡± ¡°Why just mine?¡± ¡°Because you¡¯re annoying.¡± During the hundred and twenty-five times, Encrid hadn¡¯t been able to leave a single scratch on Rem¡¯s body. Not that he resented him. If he had any feelings, it was gratitude. Anyway, Rem would do it. Leaving morning duty to Rem was the pattern that had the highest survival rate and started the day in the best condition. ¡°Fine. Damn it, I¡¯ll do it.¡± After some stretching to warm up, the cold morning air didn¡¯t make him shiver. While twisting his body this way and that, Encrid stayed in front of the barracks. One by one, the squad members stepped outside. The first was Jaxon. He was one of the more diligent squad members. Jaxon made eye contact and gave a nod. Encrid nodded back, somewhat casually. After a few more came out in session, Encrid caught thest one, who was half-asleep. ¡°Hey, Big Eyes.¡± ¡°Huh?¡± Nicknamed Big Eyes, his real name was Krais Olman. He was a squad member with a delicate appearance. And although the 444th squad was known for being full of misfits, Krais was the only one with below-averagebat skills. More precisely, he was someone even Encrid could beat up. ¡°Yawn, why are you bothering me so early? Waking up at dawn is torture for someone as elite as me.¡± Krais said, opening his mouth wide enough to tear. He hadn¡¯t even wiped the sleep from his eyes or sshed water on his face, but it was a face worth looking at. It was the kind of face that would catch the eye of anyone interested in men. ¡°Get me a few things.¡± Krais tilted his head at Encrid¡¯s words. It was unusual for Encrid to make such requests, so he was curious. ¡°Did you start smoking? Or drinking? I can¡¯t get you women. No matter how good I am, I can¡¯t bring one here in these times.¡± Krais was the unit¡¯s ck market dealer who could get anything. ¡°Do I look like I want a woman?¡± ¡°No. So what do you need?¡± ¡°Five throwing knives, oil-soaked leather, arge needle, deer leather gloves, ten white hellebore flowers, and a handful of alum.¡± Encrid indicated the size of the leather with his hands, roughly enough to wrap around an adult man¡¯s torso. ¡°¡­That¡¯s a lot of things I can¡¯t make sense of.¡± ¡°So, can¡¯t you get them?¡± Krais looked at Encrid for a moment and then nodded. ¡°There¡¯s nothing I can¡¯t get. But even if you¡¯re the squad leader, it¡¯s not free. You know that, right?¡± ¡°How much?¡± ¡°Seventeen silver coins.¡± Scammer. Five throwing knives could be bought at a cksmith for one or two silver coins. Of course, if the price of iron soared, it could exceed three coins, but that was rare. Moreover, what Krais would procure wouldn¡¯t be purely made of high-quality steel. Still, they would be decent enough to use. Good leather could be expensive, but it wouldn¡¯t be the kind that goes to renowned workshops. The only items that would really cost money were the needle and the deer leather gloves. Those would definitely cost at least three silver coins, even at the lowest price. White horse flowers could be found in a vige for a few pennies. Alum could be acquired cheaply if there was a nearby leather workshop. Even though Encrid had a good eye for these things, he didn¡¯t argue. Firstly, it was difficult to get such items within the unit without Krais. Secondly, the odd price of seventeen coins suggested it was the fair rate Krais had set. There was another reason as well. ¡°I can get them after breakfast, right?¡± ¡°You know that means I¡¯ll have to skip breakfast?¡± ¡°You never ate properly anyway.¡± ¡°True. But as far as I know, squad leader, you¡¯re not exactly swimming in silver, right?¡± Krais made a round shape with his thumb and forefinger. ¡°Not right now.¡± Sometimes he saved his wages, but recently he had spent it all on getting a new sword. Right now, he was broke. He would receive his pay after the battle, but asking for it in advance would make him look like a deserter. ¡°Damn, this is troublesome,¡± Krais said. Encrid smiled in response. It was the kind of smile that only someone with a solid backup n could show. ¡°Lend me five copper coins.¡± Krais generally didn¡¯t trust people. But it was different when it came to Encrid. ¡®Because he¡¯s the squad leader.¡¯ From what Krais had seen, Encrid wasn¡¯t the type to mess around. Most importantly, Encrid had saved his life. Krais took out five copper coins and handed them over. Encrid, jingling the coins in his hand, headed to the adjacent barracks. Inside, a group had already set up a game early in the morning. It was a dice game involving thest night watch and a few others who preferred gambling over sleep. They were surprised to see Encrid, but upon recognizing him, they looked puzzled. ¡°What¡¯s this? Isn¡¯t it the squad leader of the 444th?¡± ¡°Working hard early in the morning, I see.¡± Krais, observing this, was impressed. He disliked gambling. He hated being swindled by con men, and he didn¡¯t like the idea of leaving hard-earned money to luck, risking to gain or lose it. Winning might be nice, but once someone gets a taste of it, they might get addicted to gambling. Losing would just mean the pouch of money would disappear meaninglessly. To Krais, gambling was something only fools did. And yet, Encrid joined such a scene. ¡°Mind if I join?¡± ¡°Here?¡± It was thest night duty guard of the neighboring barracks. He rolled his eyes and nced at his gamblingpanions before nodding. ¡°Sure.¡± A fool is always wee. As Encrid moved to squat down, Krais grabbed his cor. ¡°You¡¯re nning to waste my five copper coins here?¡± His eyes were bright andrge despite the sleep in them, staring at Encrid. ¡®He must have made quite a few women cry.¡¯ Encrid thought, pushing Krais¡¯s hand away. ¡°Once borrowed, it¡¯s my money now.¡± With that, Encrid took a seat. The gathered gamblers shifted to make room. ¡°You know how to y dice?¡± A soldier rolling dice made from pig bones in a wooden cup asked. ¡°If you get the same number, it¡¯s double. If you bet on higher or lower numbers, you get what you bet. Right?¡± He had watched over the shoulder, but he had seen it a hundred and twenty-five times. It was impossible not to know. There were three dice in total. The sum was 18. So, you call whether the sum would be higher or lower than 9. The guy in the middle was the dealer. This side rolled the dice while the others ced their bets. ¡°Let¡¯s go for the first round then.¡± They yed a quick game before breakfast. The stakes weren¡¯t high. At least five copper coins, at most two silver coins. Encrid ced a bet of five copper coins. ¡°Low.¡± ¡°High.¡± ¡°Low.¡± ¡°Low.¡± ¡°High.¡± ¡°High.¡± ¡°Low.¡± In less than ten minutes, Encrid had two silver coins in his hand. The charm of dice games is their speed. It¡¯s a game that¡¯s enjoyable for its rapid, quick-paced nature. That¡¯s how they yed. At first, Encrid memorized the numbers that came up just for fun. Would the dice always show the same numbers every day? Even though it was a repeated day, things around him changed subtly. So he knew. The dice rolls were always the same. ¡°The goddess of fortune must have given you more than a coin; maybe even a kiss,¡± said the soldier acting as the dealer when the silver coins in Encrid¡¯s hand exceeded ten. ¡°Isn¡¯t this cheating?¡± Originally, another soldier right next to him would have spoken, but the dealer beat him to it. ¡°No cheating here, just some good luck today. Seems like the goddess whispered in your ear.¡± Encrid casually brushed off the suspicious nces. They couldn¡¯t argue with that. The dealer rolls the dice. Even though they joke and tease, this was a bit too much. Moreover, from the middle onwards, Encrid subtly bet on the winning side, gaining an advantage. ¡°If it¡¯s cheating, you¡¯re the one rolling the dice.¡± ¡°Thought you were casting a curse or something.¡± ¡°Well, it seems to be working.¡± ¡°On other days, you¡¯d go on like crazy, even if you kept losing.¡± A soldier who had managed to make some money thanks to Encrid chuckled. The dealer acknowledged and spun a few more rounds before saying, ¡°Let¡¯s wrap it up. Time¡¯s short.¡± Before they knew it, it was almost breakfast time. Encrid rolled ten silver coins in his hand. Starting with five copper coins, he hade this far. It was all the dealer¡¯s money. ¡°That was fun. How about I take these ten coins for the final round? Ready to take my winnings and leave.¡± Originally, the maximum bet was five silver coins. The dealer frowned at that. Given today¡¯s uracy, there was no reason to hand over the winnings. ¡°Then let¡¯s bet the same amount and wrap it up.¡± Encrid continued before the other person could respond. ¡°What are the odds of rolling three dice and getting the same number? The soldier rolling the dice had never seen it in all his years, let alone in an actual game. It was all just fooling around for Encrid, and he was ready to wager all his winnings. At least that¡¯s how it sounded to him. Suddenly, Krais stabbed Encrid¡¯s back. Krais made a face. ¡®Crazy, right?¡¯ No, not at all. Encrid wasn¡¯t crazy. ¡°Ten silver coins on the same number.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± ck! The soldier rolled the dice and dropped them loudly on the floor. Just to be safe, he gently rolled them, ready for any ident. ¡°Let¡¯s see.¡± With an expectant smile, the dealer opened the dice cup. ¡°Wow, damn.¡± ¡°Lady Luck came through, she did.¡± ¡°Is this for real?¡± Everyone gathered was amazed. Except Encrid. Three. The dice showed the same number. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 8 ¡°I don¡¯t want to die further¡± is a superficial reason. Encrid felt a different fear repeating ¡®today¡¯. I might be settling here because I¡¯m afraid I¡¯ll never get this chance again if I skip today, a desire to stop here. That desire was a fear for Encrid. ¡®Was this what I wanted?¡¯ Settling for today is a wasted life. It¡¯s a life that cannot progress. Looking forward to tomorrow is a natural human psyche. Moreover, Encrid was a human who dreamed of tomorrow with his inadequate talent. There were also rational and valid reasons. ¡®I¡¯ve learned everything there is to learn.¡¯ There¡¯s too little to gain from further training here. Then it must be time to move towards tomorrow. ¡®What will happen if I survive?¡¯ Will this day just end then? I agonized countless times. In conclusion, I don¡¯t know. I didn¡¯t know how it would be after surviving. ¡®If I can move forward.¡¯ Let¡¯s move forward. Isn¡¯t that how I¡¯ve lived my whole life? Above all, Encrid needed certainty. Can I really see tomorrow by repeating today? I don¡¯t know. That¡¯s why I¡¯m challenging it. The mindset of a challenger was his everyday life. Today will be a long day. I¡¯ll have to use everything I¡¯ve built up so far. * * * ¡°How did you do that?¡± ¡°Luck.¡± ¡°Are you just going to pass it off as luck?¡± As they exited the tent, Krais asked with wider eyes than usual. The dealer friend who rolled the dice was speechless. But he didn¡¯t make a fuss, saying it was unreasonable. It was my hand that rolled the dice. Thanks to that, Encrid was able to get up and leave easily. He had no guilt. He hadn¡¯t cheated before. Just like an amateur fortune teller, he knew every number the dice would throw up. ¡°I owe you a drink in townter.¡± A soldier who benefited from Encrid¡¯s share pped his shoulder and passed by. ¡°It¡¯s real luck. I¡¯m no good at gambling.¡± Encrid said, turning his steps. Krais followed closely. ¡°If that¡¯s not being good, then all the good ones must be buried underground.¡± ¡°Sometimes luck just finds you.¡± ¡°¡­If luck finds you twice, your pockets will be so full they might burst.¡± As they walked, Encrid tossed seventeen silver coins. ng. At the sound of the coins hitting, Krais grabbed his pockets. Taking them, Krais said, ¡°Alright, I don¡¯t need to know.¡± Then suddenly, he stared at Encrid with big eyes rolling. ¡°I understand.¡± Understand what? When Encrid asked with his eyes, Krais continued with a sly smile. ¡°You¡¯re nning to impress themander who¡¯sing tomorrow, right? Hence the flowers? Well, rather than white campion, wouldn¡¯t roses or lilies be better?¡± Gambling aside, it seemed like a peculiar type of request to fetch. ¡°¡­Will that work?¡± What on earth is going through this guy¡¯s head? Rumors were swirling that a new battalionmander wasing tomorrow, and apparently she was a woman. Yeah, they did say a woman wasing. But would she really fall head over heels just for a bouquet? Even the country girls wouldn¡¯t fall for that. Of course, if you had someone like Krais as your backup, maybe it could work. No, would it even then? If it goes well, you break even; if not, it could be straight to the gallows for insubordination. ¡°If the squad leader gets dressed up, he actually looks quite decent.¡± ¡°Do you have to ask so thoroughly every time I ask you to fetch something?¡± Will he have to run himself into a sweat until lunchtime to get the goods? Seeing his gaze, Krais understood and turned away. Krais would move swiftly. It had to be that way. It had happened a few times before: depending on how quickly that guy fetched it, Encrid might have to sweat it out too. So now was the time to rest. Encrid leisurely ate his breakfast. It was porridge with well-broken barley and wheat, hard bread, and dried meat. Meat came only every three days. Luckily, today was that day. Otherwise, within the repetitive days, he wouldn¡¯t have even seen meat. Normally, he would soak the bread in the soup and eat it. He chewed on the somewhat thickened broth, finding it vorful but still rough. He tore and mixed the dried meat as if dissecting it, then adjusted the seasoning to taste. Encrid chewed thoroughly. A meal soon became the energy to move. Regardless of skill level, soldiers who had eaten well for days showed a difference inbat effectivenesspared to those who had starved. The warm broth slid down his throat and settled in his stomach. After repeating this a few times, his bowl was empty. ¡°Tasty? The vor of exploiting thebor of yourrades?¡± Rem approached, grumbling. ¡°Very.¡± ¡°It¡¯s good if you eat without being picky. I haven¡¯t seen anyone who survives longer than the guy who eats whatever food is given. We have someone like that in our squad too.¡± ¡°Despite that, it seems like he continues to live well.¡± ¡°Maybe not for long.¡± Rem, who had been gossiping about his squadmates, soon picked up his bowl and moved away. It was time to diligently clean the bowls. After filling his stomach with bread and dried meat wrapped in thick soup, Encrid carefully wiped down his sword with an oiled rag, then again with a dry one. The newly acquired sword wasn¡¯t made of famous steel or crafted by a renowned artisan, but it was quite serviceable. Its weight distribution was good, and the de was sharp. It could cut through thick cloth armor or thin leather armor without difficulty. After finishing the sword maintenance and stepping out in front of the barracks, Krais appeared. Turning his head left and right, Encrid called out as he saw Krais approaching. ¡°Big Eyes.¡± Krais approached with what looked like a bundle in his hands. ¡°Here you go.¡± The bundle, of course, was the item Encrid had ordered. Upon receiving it, it was exactly as he had expected. Five throwing knives, slightly impure but usable. The quality wasn¡¯t great, but there was a greased bundle of leather and arge needle. ¡°I could only manage to get deer leather gloves.¡± Krais said as he rubbed his finger against the de of the throwing knife. Indeed. There was only one pair of gloves for the left hand, not two. ¡°So here.¡± Krais handed back one silver coin. ¡°I calcted the deer leather gloves as two coins.¡± Big Eyes, he¡¯s really sharp with money. It¡¯s a known fact. If you argue, you might get it, but it would take time. It was better to focus on today¡¯s work instead. There wasn¡¯t much time for this and that. He brought back dried white campions. ¡°If you¡¯re not going to confess, why bother? I can¡¯t find any fresh ones.¡± The cheating bastard. Encrid nodded. This was within his expectations. Who in their right mind would find a dozen fresh flowers on the battlefield? ¡°Instead, there are twelve.¡± At least the swindler had some conscience. ¡°And here.¡± Krais handed over a small box. Opening it revealed rice packed inside. Perhaps, if the deal had fallen through, he would have haggled over the rice and barely managed to procure itter. It was a shady deal, but Encrid didn¡¯t mind. He had everything he needed. ¡°Thank you.¡± ¡°But seriously, what are you going to do?¡± Krais was genuinely curious about what this amiable toon leader was up to. ¡°Thinking of doing some sewing and maybe brewing some liquor.¡± Krais could only tilt his head at Encrid¡¯s response. Sewing all of a sudden? And why brew liquor? ¡°Well, alright then.¡± Without pressing further, Krais left, and Encrid securely sheathed the knife at his waist before tossing the rest into the tent. Then he strode purposefully. His destination was already set. As he walked unceasingly toward the outskirts of the barracks, a soldier spotted Encrid and shouted. ¡°Hey, you there! The Squad leader, right? If you¡¯re here for business, don¡¯t go that way.¡± ¡°Why?¡± ¡°Yesterday, someone peeing there got bitten by a snake. Not a deadly one, but it¡¯s been itching and causing trouble all day.¡± ¡°I¡¯m in a hurry. I¡¯ll be quick.¡± ¡°I warned you.¡± He wasn¡¯t actively looking for trouble. The soldier just dismissed Encrid. ¡°Unless your luck¡¯s really bad, you should be fine.¡± With that thought, the soldier turned away from Encrid. Encrid walked leisurely, surveying his surroundings. The outskirts of the barracks, designated for relieving oneself. Several foul-smelling pits and plenty of dry leaves scattered between a fewrge trees. Encrid avoided the stench and spread the rice. Then he found a spot devoid of grass, squatted down, and picked up a nearby fallen branch, trimming its end with the tip of a throwing knife. He used the de to scrape and shape the branch repeatedly, exerting force to refine its tip. After several cuts, the branch split at the tip like a spear. To onlookers, it seemed like he was passing time with nothing to do, but his mind was elsewhere. While working, Encrid kept an eye on the dry leaves. Not long after finishing the branch, the leaves rustled. Snakes dislike rice. Having spread it to one side, it was natural for the snake to avoid that area. He had asionally hunted snakes. Catching a good venomous one could fetch a good price. Once, when he asked a city drunkard what he did with snakes, heughed heartily. ¡°You never tried snake liquor? If not, just shut up.¡± He was quite the jovial drunkard. Swish. Pushing through the dry leaves, he spotted a squirming creature. It had a brown body with a moderately angr head. Encrid pressed the end of the branch against its neck. Poke. In this simple action, he mixed in what he had learned about piercing. The snake couldn¡¯t avoid it. He swiftly knocked the snake¡¯s head with the knife handle to stun it. ¡®One down.¡¯ He repeated the same process a few more times. After spreading the remaining rice out, he continued until no more snakes appeared. It didn¡¯t take long. Before the sun could pass overhead, he was finished. Encrid had caught five snakes. He attached each snake, gripped by its head, to a pouch made of thin leather. Startled, the snakes released venom from their venom nds. He repeated this process five times and then ced the remaining snakes into a thick leather bag. ¡°Constipation? It didn¡¯te out for so long, I was about to check if I really got bitten by a snake.¡± It was the soldier he had spoken to earlier. He looked serious, as if genuinely concerned. ¡°Thanks to you, I¡¯m feeling relieved.¡± Encrid replied casually and walked briskly away. * * * Right behind Encrid, near the barracks, the Squad Leader of that section had been doing piecework sewing since childhood. With decent handiwork skills, this friend had learned sewing over his mother¡¯s shoulder, and he wasn¡¯t bad at it. But he didn¡¯t think he could make a living from sewing, so he enlisted. And there¡¯s more. Especially love booze. Encrid knew these things about the sewing squad leader. He tossed the leather bundle in front of the squad leader, who was suffering from a hangover. ¡°You need something?¡± Hisplexion wasn¡¯t great, but this guy¡¯s sewing was really worth it. It wasn¡¯t the first time. Threatening him with having drunk too much in front of thepanymander would usually get him to half-ass the sewing. ¡°Can you make gloves and knee, elbow, and arm guards with this?¡± ¡°Why should I?¡± The squad leader looked annoyed. A natural reaction. They hadn¡¯t interacted much before. It was too urgent to persuade him properly. Even starting now would be risky before the battle. ¡°Do you have some hidden booze?¡± At that, the guy¡¯s expression changed, and he raised an eyebrow. He had the temperament of a wild boar. He actually looked like one. With that appearance, he had delicate sewing skills. ¡°If we soak this in it, it¡¯ll kill the taste.¡± Saying that, Encrid gently ced down the bundle of caught snakes. They wriggled and danced on the leather. A mad dance. ¡°Snakes.¡± Without even looking inside, the guy said, ¡°Ever tried snake booze?¡± At that, the squad leader nodded as if it were obvious. ¡°You know it kills the taste?¡± Encrid hadn¡¯t tried it himself, but he knew from the hearty boozer. ¡°If you haven¡¯t tried it, you don¡¯t know the taste.¡± Saying it again, the squad leader vigorously nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll give you the snakes. Just make this.¡± ¡°How did you know I¡¯m good at sewing?¡± ¡°I heard it from thepanymander the other day.¡± Never happened. It was something this guy had said while drunk. Well, it wasn¡¯t important. ¡°Damn, bbermouth.¡± While grumbling, he picked up the needle. It was a fair deal. ¡°Then¡¯please.¡± ¡°Yeah, fine, I got it.¡± His fellow soldier¡¯s eyes didn¡¯t stray from the snake pouch. Quite the snake liquor enthusiast, it seemed. Encrid returned to the barracks, gathered the remaining items, and made his way to the spot where he had sparred with Rem. No one was asking questions. In such moments, the 444th Squad was preferable¡ªa squad that also yed the role of scapegoat. Behind a sparse little grove where few people came and went, Encrid wore deer leather gloves and crushed white moonflowers with a rock. He repeated this until the white petals turned a dark green, then mixed in the snake venom. Normally, this venom only induced itching, but when mixed with moonflowers, it changed. On the seventy-seventh day of today, in front of a paralyzed Encrid, there was an enemy whoughed aloud. What¡¯s good about telling how to make this? So, after making it a few times, it was pretty good. Smash the flowers, mix the venom, and put the resulting sticky green liquid on a t, regr stone with a dagger. The knife sparkled, reflecting a shiny green light. ¡°That¡¯s the end of preparation.¡± Thud! Thud! ¡°Each squad assemble!¡± Inside the military camp, there was a loud scream. After repeating today, Encrid was well aware of what was going on. It was a call forbat orders. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 9 It wasn¡¯t a ce for exining grand strategies, just to give the order to prepare for battle. Themand to be ready was all. As soon as Encrid heard the order, he headed towards the rear barracks. By now, the sewing master who had sent a recement to the squad leader¡¯s assembly under the excuse of being sick would have finished making the items. ¡°You didn¡¯t give me the thread.¡± Indeed, it was so. The sturdy leather hand, knee, and elbow guards greeted Encrid in a decent shape. ¡°Thread?¡± Feigning ignorance, the squad leader who liked alcohol snorted. ¡°What do you expect me to do if you only give me the leather?¡± What else? ¡®You¡¯ll unravel the nket thread, twist it well, and make it yourself.¡¯ This wasn¡¯t the first time. Even without giving him any thread, this guy, who had received the squirming gift, managed it well on his own. ¡°I forgot.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t look like you forgot at all.¡± Even with a hangover, he had a keen sense. ¡°No, I really forgot.¡± ¡°Hmph.¡± He didn¡¯t look convinced. But what did it matter? Encrid gathered up the leather guards. The stitching was meticulous. Although Encrid had made them himself before, this guy¡¯s work was certainly of higher quality. He was satisfied. ¡°I feel deceived.¡± ¡°Good job.¡± He patted the shoulder once and returned to the barracks. As soon as Encrid returned, he only mentioned that there would be a battle in the afternoon, then sat in his ce and busily moved his hands. Srrrng. Encrid drew his sword, holding the deer leather gloves in both hands, and cut them back and forth. After cutting the leather almost halfway, heid it out long and started crafting a sheath for the throwing knife. Finally, he cut the end of the leather into several long strands with the sword, tied it into a knot, and wore it like a belt. It wasn¡¯t the first time he had done this. Having repeated it dozens of times, Encrid was familiar with it. His hands moved without hesitation. Seeing this, Rem poked his head over his shoulder and asked. ¡°What are you doing? You have a small knife, why are you using that?¡± ¡°Just testing if the de is sharp.¡± ¡°You have good hands. Your sword skills should be just as good.¡± This guy always had to stab people with his words. It wasn¡¯t a hurtfulment. It was something said lightly even when his skills weren¡¯t improving and he was making no progress. Encrid ignored him. ¡°After all the trouble I went through to get it for you, you tear it up just to make a sheath?¡± Krais poked his head over the other shoulder. ¡®Why are these guys so interested in me?¡¯ Maybe their heads were messed up and they thought of him as their real mom. ¡®That¡¯s kind of horrifying.¡¯ ¡°Because I used it all.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re thinking. Did you eat something bad somewhere?¡± ¡°Come to think of it, you¡¯ve been running around all day. What¡¯s going on?¡± ¡°Nothing.¡± He brushed it off lightly. After wiping the de once more, Encrid sat down quietly and closed his eyes. Then he recalled the countless battlefields he had experienced. The events shed by like a panorama. It was the battlefield he had faced one hundred and twenty-five times. Encrid repeated it in his mind. Preparation was for survival, not for improving swordsmanship. ¡®The battlefield isn¡¯t a swordsmanship training ground.¡¯ Even if his swordsmanship wasn¡¯t perfect, the long experience of survival didn¡¯t go away. Was it truly the sword that kept Encrid alive during that time? No. Situations, luck, preparation, calmness. He survived by mixing all those together. Therefore, ¡®today¡¯ too. ¡®The same.¡¯ He does his best to survive. Encrid decided to escape today. * * * ¡°Charge!¡± The cry of an ally is heard. Encrid was soon driven to the center of the battlefield. He wasn¡¯t flustered. He didn¡¯t run in excitement. He lifted his head, watched the battlefield with his eyes, and regted his breathing with his mouth. Hoo. Short but calm breaths. He saw the enemy. He saw his allies. The charging enemy, the retreating allies. Srrrng. He drew his sword. And then a flying de came into sight. Encrid deflected the spear de with the shield in his left hand. Thud! It was a task he had repeated many times. There were no mistakes. Deflecting the spear de, he took a step forward. ¡°Hiyah!¡± He thrust his right foot into the heel of the startled enemy and bent his knee, preparing for the impact. Everything happened in a single breath. As if they had practiced together, the opponent tripped naturally and fell backward. Thud! The one who fell headfirst blinked his eyes. He looked bewildered. He probably didn¡¯t even know how it happened. He had thrust his spear and tried to retreat, but tripped and fell with a thunk. It all happened in an instant. As Encrid passed by the fallen opponent, he kicked his chin with the tip of his foot. Snap! With a crisp sound, fragments of teeth and blood flowed from his mouth. He was knocked out. He didn¡¯t even feel the need to kill. As he advanced, he raised his left arm. Thud-! Crack! A club swung at his shield, grazing Encrid¡¯s elbow. Crunch! It was a club with embedded spikes. No injury. The leather armor wrapped around his elbow did its job. ¡°Damn it!¡± The enemy gritted his teeth. Beneath the helmet that covered half his face, his jaw muscles were tensed. This guy was a tough opponent, one that would take a lot of effort to handle properly. Throughout today, there had been many times when this guy had targeted his left arm. Gripping the handle, he stepped forward with his left foot. It was the Valen Mercenary Sword Technique. He locked eyes with the opponent. If he drew his sword, a fight was inevitable. Both he and the enemy knew this. Their eyes met, and an unspoken agreement was made. They would fight with sword and club. The enemy¡¯s eyes focused on Encrid¡¯s right hand. Srrrng. Before the sword was even fully drawn, Encrid¡¯s left hand moved first. A throwing knife, previously tucked in his waist, flew through the air. The enemy with the club, startled, raised his arm. Thud- The de embedded itself in the enemy¡¯s arm. Even though he wore a gambeson (a padded cloth armor), the arm wasn¡¯t thickly padded. Otherwise, it would restrict movement. Thus, the de likely reached and pierced the skin. ¡°You coward!¡± The enemy spoke. There is no such thing as cowardice or dishonor in a fight. Encrid silently sheathed his sword with a swift motion. The Valen Mercenary Sword Technique involved pretending to draw the sword while throwing a dagger or a stone instead. ¡°You scoundrel!¡± The furious enemy with the spiked club raised veins on his forehead. That only made the poison spread faster. The enemy, who had been charging, suddenly copsed forward. The paralyzing poison took full effect. With a thud, he crashed face-first into the ground. Then he gasped and wheezed. Encrid watched this and calmly walked past him. The next opponent received a kick to the groin and was shoved aside. The one after that was quietly pushed from behind as Encrid walked up. An ally¡¯s hammer struck the head of the enemy who was stumbling in surprise. Smack! Even with a helmet, a blunt weapon can crack the skull. Moreover, it wasn¡¯t even a metal helmet but a leather one. Encrid hadn¡¯t shown any particrly extraordinary feats. He merely disyed the necessary moves and actions at the right moments. Of course, all of this contributed to minor victories for the allies around him. ¡°Thanks for saving my life.¡± Someone whose face he didn¡¯t recognize said. He gave a slight nod and passed by. It wasn¡¯t particrly noteworthy. ¡°You¡¯re a lifesaver.¡± ¡°Sa-sa-sa-Squad Leader? Was it luck or skill? Anyway, I¡¯ll buy you a drinkter.¡± ¡°Damn, I almost died.¡± There were quite a few people like that. The growthpared to before his first death was iparable. At the center of it all was, of course, The Heart of the Beast. ¡®Calmly.¡¯ And once again, calmly. The Heart of the Beast does not recklessly throb. Because it harbors wildness, it can look at everything calmly. In the middle of the battlefield, Encrid felt the heartbeat and walked again. A battlefield he had repeated dozens of times. That doesn¡¯t mean he wasn¡¯t tense. ¡®The more familiar you get, the more you get caught by variables.¡¯ Just because today repeats, it doesn¡¯t mean everyone he meets does the same things. How Encrid responds changes the opponent¡¯s actions as well. Therefore, he walked slowly, prioritizing taking in the surrounding situation. ¡®Around here.¡¯ Swoosh. Someone shes a dagger from below. A novel attack aiming at his leg as they fall during the fight. ¡®I¡¯ve been caught by this before.¡¯ He had tried to dodge a few times. Then he found an easier way. It¡¯s like blocking an arrow. If you can¡¯t dodge it, you block it. Thump. The dagger that hit the leather greaves didn¡¯t cut Encrid¡¯s shin. Of course it didn¡¯t. ¡°Huh?¡± The single, foolish word from the enemy was hisst. Encrid struck the back of the fallen enemy with the iron rim of his shield. Thud! ¡°Guh!¡± The scream was short and small. ¡°Uraaaah!¡± Instead, the battlefield¡¯s roar echoed in his ears. Encrid¡¯s valiant efforts couldn¡¯t change the tide of the battle. Only those around him felt a little more at ease. ¡®I can¡¯t save everyone.¡¯ This is a battlefield, a ce where the number of dead reaches dozens or even hundreds. Trying to save everyone in such a ce was a foolish and stupid act. ¡°Huff,e at me! You bastards!¡± The shout came from a spearman of another squad. He knew who it was without seeing his face. Encrid had taken down more than five enemies as he walked. That guy, shouting triumphantly, had actually died dozens of times. If Encrid hadn¡¯t stepped in, he would have died today too. Being cut in the shin and rolling on the ground to die was his usual fate. Encrid straightened his back, took a deep breath, and exhaled. ¡®This is the first step.¡¯ It was a battle repeated dozens of times. Encrid had set his own standards. The first goal was to join the front lines without getting hurt. ¡®No injuries.¡¯ A little while ago, I achieved my first goal. The second is¡­ ¡®Finding familiar faces amidst the chaos.¡¯ Of course, I must avoid injury even in this chaos. That¡¯s the only way to properly face those twisted, stabbing enemies. After rolling across the battlefield more than a hundred times, I had only one thought. ¡®I want to fight in full condition.¡¯ Will all the effort, learning, and training I¡¯ve done today pay off? Can I defeat the twisted ones who prefer mercy? Can I get through today with all my efforts? My heart races. Not with the bravery of the Heart of the Beast, but separate from it. ¡®Today, I will get through it.¡¯ With clear goals and a definite purpose, Encrid¡¯s heart beats. Back to the battlefield, walking, sometimes running. ¡°Uwaaa!¡± ¡°Damn it, spare me!¡± ¡°Yeeeaargh!¡± ¡°You bastards!¡± Amidst a symphony of curses and shouts, Encrid swiftly turned his head in all directions. ¡®The one crouching and being cautious.¡¯ It¡¯s the one I¡¯m looking for. It didn¡¯t seem difficult to find. I spotted a figure sneaking through the enemy ranks. ¡®First things first.¡¯ Before facing the stabbing enemies, there was a task to be dealt with. ¡®The clubber from behind.¡¯ Someone who has earned their nickname in their own way. If left alive, this bastard repeatedly stabs Encrid in the back during fights. If it¡¯s fate, then so be it. Of course, Encrid doesn¡¯t believe in fate. ¡®Everything predetermined since birth? That¡¯s nonsense.¡¯ If the sword breaks, even with a broken de. If there¡¯s no weapon, even with fists. If there are no teeth, even with gums. If talent fails, ¡®Even like this, I¡¯ll crawl up.¡¯ What kind of people are knights, really? What is the force that changes the course of the battlefield? Unattainable hopes be delusions. But if you can approach, it soon bes a dream. Encrid hasn¡¯t given up on his dream. ¡°Huff.¡± Exhaling, Tock. He draws a dagger and pulls his arm back with force. In the murky midst of the battlefield, He feels the weight of the dagger at his fingertips, eyes on the target, drawing an imaginary line straight ahead. It¡¯s the throwing technique taught by the winner of a dagger-throwing contest one day in a tavern. He¡¯s practiced this dozens of times, repeating it today. Lifting his left foot slightly and releasing it, he twists his waist and extends his right hand forward. Lastly, focusing on the sensation at his fingertips, he snaps his wrist. Swish! The dagger flies along the imaginary line Encrid drew. ¡°Ugh!¡± The thrown dagger embeds itself around the shoulder of the club-wielding guy. Since his armor was light, it wasn¡¯t a difficult feat. ¡°What a bastard.¡± The guy curses, looking around. There was no need to meet eyes. Without a cleric or antidote, he should just lie down quietly. Soon, the guy falls, and Encrid calmly starts looking for the second guy. This time, it¡¯s someone good with throwing axes. This bastard has been hurling axes repeatedly, causing havoc. They need to be taken care of beforehand to avoid interference in the duel. ¡°Oh, gods!¡± A determined cry from loyal allies echoed. Curses and determined words were heard from all around. Encrid scanned his surroundings and zeroed in on his target. He blocked minor attacks with his shield,stepping in to exploit any openings. With a swift blow to the head using the shield¡¯s edge, he struck down the fool who foolishly tightened his helmet. Just that action alone broughtfort to Encrid¡¯s surrounding allies. ¡®There are three throwing knives left.¡¯ No sight of the axe thrower. ¡®His position changes every time.¡¯ But generally, this area seems correct. ¡®First, take care of Bell.¡¯ It¡¯s time to save an ally who might be pierced by the eyes of a gnat. ¡®Move to the right from here.¡¯ He walked while observing the allies¡¯ movements. After blocking several attacks while walking, he discarded his broken shield. Despite repeating this many times, it always broke. ¡®Around here.¡¯ The battlefield repeated more than a hundred times, but it was somewhat familiar and ustomed, even with changing conditions each time. The shield rolls on the ground. Encrid stepped on the shield¡¯s edge with his foot. The shield, wedged against a stone, shot up into the air with a thunk. He grabbed it with a flick of his wrist. It was a gesture bordering on finesse, but after countless repetitions, it was morefortable than bending over. ¡°¡­Nice move.¡± The voice of a fellow soldier who happened to witness it. ¡°Enemy behind.¡± A friend who had been distracted several times today almost got caught off guard. Told not to die,he quickly turned around. There, he faced an enemy wielding a spear. ¡°Damn rat!¡± Soon, the two fought for their lives. The ally emerged victorious. It was a fight witnessed at least twenty times. Therefore, there was no need to watch. Familiar and yet unfamiliar battlefield. Encrid divided the area in his mind and drew a map. ¡°Let¡¯s go from Bell.¡± He moved his steps. ¡°Oof!¡± Bell stumbled. Thump. A shield blocking an arrow. ¡°Ugh, what was that? I¡¯m alive?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t just lie there. Crawl back. Arrows are flying.¡± Bell faithfully followed my advice. Among the repeated days, the second arrow to pierce Bell¡¯s head was about sixty times. So crawling back was the right move. ¡°¡­What? Did you secretly arrange a date with the goddess of luck?¡± It was Rem. Anyway, a barbarian. If a devout follower of the goddess hears this, they¡¯d make a fuss without any hesitation. ¡°Not even a scratch?¡± Meeting the thrusting foe in prime condition. That was Encrid¡¯s final goal for today. ¡°Do you have something to do there?¡± ¡°Yeah, yeah, but you seem different today.¡± ¡°I¡¯m a different man every day these repeated days. Each day is a day of growth.¡± ¡°¡­You might need to take some medicine, squad leader.¡± With that, Rem left. ¡®Was I too unlucky earlier?¡¯ Maybe so. But whatever it was, the truth was that. Just then, Encrid spotted the enemy who enjoyed throwing axes. An enemy carrying an axe loosely at his waist. Wait for it. Encrid drew his poisoned dagger. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 10 ¡°Gurk.¡± The man wielding the throwing axe shouted his final curse. A poisoned dagger embedded in his side, a spear tip pierced through his throat. ¡°Krrrrrrrr.¡± Foam mingled with blood, light fading from his eyes. And that¡¯s it. Encrid stared into the man¡¯s eyes before stepping back. ¡°Uwaaaah!¡± Arade nearby screamed in agony. Immediately, the enemy in front echoed the scream. ¡°Kraaaagh!¡± Both were of considerable stature. The impact was like two carriages colliding head-on. They grasped each other and began to spin around. Watching this, Encrid stepped back. What must he do to preserve himself? What lessons had he learned, risking his life over a hundred times? The art of self-preservation. That meant avoiding fighting as much as possible. Encrid took cover. ¡°You¡¯re dead!¡± ¡°Damn it, you bastard.¡± Curses instead of battle cries, rushing with swords, spears, axes, and clubs. ¡°Don¡¯t touch my brother. You damn bastard.¡± The dying soldier¡¯s parting words. ¡°Stop bullshitting. Even if you say that, you¡¯re not responsible for your brother.¡± A soldier nonchntly dismissing arade¡¯s death. ¡°He¡¯s dead! He¡¯s dead!¡± Amidst the heat of the battlefield, a rookie soldier lost in a frenzy. ¡°That crazy bastard.¡± ¡°Let him be, he¡¯s just trying to y warrior.¡± A veteran protecting his squad members while watching the frenzied rookie. ¡°My name is Bar-, kraack!¡± The enemy soldier, showboating, is cut down mid-sentence. Pulling out the spear he stabbed with, hisradesugh at him. Thud. The toe of a boot hits the ground, kicking up dust. In the pouring sunlight, dust floatedzily in the air. Beside that, an enemy poured out blood with a loud st. Next to them, arade with a shattered heady fallen. Flesh scattered on the ground, blood staining the earth. No matter how much you try to protect yourself. You can¡¯t survive the battlefield without doing anything. ¡°Sigh, hooo.¡± Taking short breaths and exhaling long. Encrid regted his breathing. Between the dust, a spear head flew menacingly towards him. Encrid loosely held his shield and blocked the spear de. Twa-ang. The shield hit the spear head, deflecting it to the side. Loosely gripping the handle allowed him to absorb the impact. At the same time, a club came flying diagonally from the side. Encrid crouched forward to dodge the club and leaped towards the wielder. Thud, he mmed his shoulder into their chest. As they fell, he pulled out his dagger and stabbed them in the thigh. Squelch! The de, tearing through thick cloth and more, left a long gash on the opponent¡¯s thigh. ¡°This son of a bitch!¡± The enemy shouted, pushing Encrid back. Using the force of the push to steady his stance, Encrid drew his sword and swung horizontally. The thigh injury hindered movement. The stumbling opponent couldn¡¯t dodge and took the de to the neck. Thump! The de sank halfway. Encrid applied force to pull it out. Crunch. As the de withdrew, muscles, nerves, tendons, and bones were severed. Blood gushed out, and the soldier instinctively covered his neck with his palm. Naturally, trying to stop such a wound with a palm was futile. Encrid didn¡¯t look back. The spearman whose shield he had hit knew others would intervene. ¡°You damn bastard!¡± It was Bell. His rescue wasn¡¯t in vain. If he saved someone, he¡¯d always watch his back. He¡¯s a loyal friend. ng! ng! The shing of iron resounded continuously. Encrid turned away from his fallen opponent and picked up a stone from the ground. Then he turned and threw it immediately. Amid the melee, an enemy soldier struck by the thrown rock hesitated. Smash! Bell swung his spear grandly, cleaving through the head. It was a splendid strike. ¡°Seems like the debt¡¯s been repaid?¡± Bell gasped for breath as he spoke. ¡°Do you really think so?¡± Is repaying a life debt that easy? ¡°I feel like I¡¯ve only repaid half.¡± Bell scratched his helmet with his blood-stained hand. But would that be enough? Bell stepped back slightly. Once you fall, you learn to protect yourself moderately. Following the flow of the battlefield, Encrid also moved step by step. ¡°Please, save me.Gurgle.¡± A soldier pleading, foaming at the mouth, appeared. A familiar face. A dice gambler who had seen death many times. ¡°I can¡¯t save you.¡± Encrid said calmly. He had tried countless times, but saving him was impossible. Thus, he stepped onto the battlefield. In the approaching enemy ranks, he found the pervert shouting mercy. It wasn¡¯t difficult. The moment he found him, Encrid drew hisst remaining dagger and threw it in rhythm with his running. Thwack, swoosh, swish! If he was just an ordinary guy, the timing of the thrown dagger would draw a solid line in the air that couldn¡¯t be avoided. Thunk! The man twisted his body to deflect the dagger with his shoulder. The dagger, entering at an angle, bounced off the scap. Even though it was a reflexive action, it was a defense close to perfect. Encrid felt the gaze upon him. Blocking the dagger and immediately identifying its source? He had thought it many times, but this sadistic attacker was no ordinary person. He charged. With each pounding step kicking up bloody soil behind him. It wasn¡¯t more than a few steps away. So, this was the moment to test everything learned through repeated trials today. His physical condition was better than ever before. Thus, the preparation wasplete. The man swung his sword vertically. Encrid raised his shield. Thwack! A solid force reverberated from the de hitting the oiled wood. ¡°The basics of swordsmanship? It¡¯s strength.¡± One of the swordsmanship instructors had said. ¡°Ovee strength with technique? Hah, that¡¯s a joke. Try defeating a giant with just technique.¡± ¡°Who knows how many fools died babbling about not spilling blood against giants.¡± ¡°The basis of swordsmanship is strength. Strength, that¡¯s what rolls.¡± Thanks to that teacher, he could properly prepare his body. With his shield, Encrid didn¡¯t easily give ground. In terms of strength, he was nearly equal to his opponent. ¡°Hmph!¡± The sadistic attacker sneered. While his vision was obscured by the shield, the man swept at Encrid¡¯s ankle. Encrid blocked the man¡¯s toe with his shin guard. The steel-ted boots were weapons in themselves. Thud. There was a sharp pain in his thigh, but it didn¡¯t break. That¡¯s good. Pushing his shield outward, he drew his sword and swung from bottom to top. Swoosh! As if anticipating the thrust, the sadistic attacker had already retreated beyond the reach of the sword. Encrid then leaped forward deeper than the distance he had retreated. It was a charge aimed at exploiting the opening left by the sword swing. ¡°Hah!¡± Encrid shouted as he swung his shield like a hammer, putting all his strength into it. The charging pervert jerked his head back. Thwack! The man struck on the head and toppled sideways. Encrid stepped back after attempting another swing with his sword. Swoosh. The fallen man pulled out his dagger and swung it diagonally. If he had charged forward, the de would have struck above Encrid¡¯s shin guard. It was seizing the opportunity to find a gap in the shin guard¡¯s position in a brief moment. The world might call such a skill a talent. Encrid had to learn to hit The Heart of the Beast countless times to do that, even though it had cost him his life. But his opponent was not that. However, there was no skill that could roll endlessly on the battlefield. Encrid could see it too. His opponent was either a rookie or a soldier with little battlefield experience. Otherwise, they wouldn¡¯t charge so recklessly. It was the same when they first met. He almost fell victim to his own thrust. Inexperienced yet gifted. He wasn¡¯t jealous. ¡®I can catch him.¡¯ ¡°I can do it.¡± Confidence surged within him. He had a gut feeling that today¡¯s efforts wouldn¡¯t be in vain. It was time for his efforts, apanied by death, to reap their rewards. ¡°This bastard.¡± Fierce anger gleamed in his eyes. The man swiftly got up, and in the midst of it, another ally intervened between Encrid and him. Without hesitation, the sadistic attacker crouched and struck at the ally¡¯s shin with the hand holding the sword. Crack. The sound of bones breaking. Whenever allies intervened, this pattern always followed. Then, in one fluid motion, he stabbed the ally¡¯s throat with his dagger. A fluid attack pattern like flowing water. It was a pattern he was already familiar with. The sadistic attacker pulled out his dagger. The startled soldier could do nothing but widen his eyes. Just before the de pierced his throat. Swiftly, the soldier¡¯s body jerked backward. sh, thunk. Instead of piercing his throat, the de stabbed his cheek, grazed his carotid artery, and scraped off his helmet. ¡°Ah!¡± The startled soldier fell back, unable to speak, clutching his buttocks in pain. Encrid released the hand that had gripped the soldier¡¯s neck instead of the sword and stood before the soldier. ¡°Back off.¡± This was his fight. That was his opponent. He had to confirm what he had achieved. Thump. His heart pounded. Encrid felt a whirlwind ofplex emotions. Firstly, whether it was right to surpass this day. Doubts about whether he could defeat his opponent. Rising adrenaline rushing through him. And an unfounded intuition that he had to surpass the opponent in front of him to move forward. ¡°I¡¯m not impressed,¡± the sadistic attacker said. Look, how petty this is. It¡¯s evidence ofck of experience, apart from talent. If he had been truly serious. ¡®He should have shown vulnerability instead of words.¡¯ That¡¯s right, he should have feigned carelessness and attacked back. That¡¯s what he needed to do to win. So, Encrid did just that. ¡°Hoo, hoo.¡± Deliberately breathing heavily. Startling at a gesture from his opponent. At one moment, the opponent¡¯s eyes, which had seemed fiery red, now looked dull brown. Those brown eyes gleamed. The sadistic attacker approached confidently, drawing his knife. Swish! It was apletely different speed than before. Thump. His heart pounded. There was no panic or closing of the eyes. The Heart of the Beast was always courageous. ¡°Watch Closely and just dodge.¡± Rem always said that. I thought I was being mocked. No. It showed. He put force into his ankle, twisting his body. The de grazed his shoulder raw. After dodging, he shed horizontally with the de. Ping! The opponent stood their dagger upright. Encrid¡¯s sword and the opponent¡¯s dagger formed a cross. Tididididing! In that state, he exerted force, causing the des to spark. The opponent twisted their dagger obliquely, deflecting the de sideways. Encrid didn¡¯t thrust his sword but held his shield close to his body. ng! The de struck the edge of the shield. Sparks flew here too. The thrusting man had somehow pulled the sword and swung it. Did he experience it once or twice? The pattern became familiar. Quickly turning his head, suddenly the enemy¡¯s figure was gone. Encrid raised his sword vertically and stamped it on the ground. The man charging forward stopped. With a loud thud, the tip of the sword pierced the blood-soaked ground. The man bent over with a twisted posture, only lifting his head. His youthful eyes were fierce. ¡°Tricks.¡± With his words, he clenched his teeth. Tricks are also a talent. My son. Encrid didn¡¯t reply. Instead, he kicked dirt at his opponent. Thwack! ¡°Ugh!¡± The man swiftly blocked his face with his forearm. Blocking with reflexes again. Not the first or second time seeing this scene. It was trivial. ¡°This bastard!¡± When gaining the upper hand, he boasted mercy and discussed vile joy. Easily agitated in the heat of the moment. His character was grasped early on. As he rose, the man charged again. Thwack! Thud! Bam! Blocking the continuous sword strikes with his shield, the shield soon began to creak. Amidst the flurry, the man closed the gap and thrust with his dagger. Aiming for the side. Previously, he had staggered and died from this. Encrid raised his elbow to intercept. Thud! The de was blocked by sturdy leather armor. At the same time, Encrid leaned forward, pushing his forehead out. Valen Mercenary Sword Technique, closebat. A headbutt. Bam! ¡°Ugh!¡± With all my strength, I pushed forward, and his head jerked back. Normally, at this time, there would be someone swinging a club from behind. But not today. No one threw an throwing axe either. Instead, there was Bell. ¡°Damn, I¡¯m helping!¡± Bell shouted. ¡°Deal with anyone interfering or blocking.¡± ¡®Because he¡¯s my opponent.¡¯ Suppressing the rising nausea, he bnced himself and heard the opponent muttering as anger surged in him. ¡°This crazy bastard.¡± ¡®Yeah, if my head is spinning, yours will too.¡¯ The dizziness quickly faded. ¡°Watch as you struggle and die.¡± The stab fiend took a stance. One foot forward, the other back. A posture akin to charging cavalry. From that stance begins the arrow-like speed of his thrust. Tension squeezed his heart.He exhaled to release the tension. ¡®Stay calm.¡¯ Could he ovee the wall of talent with repetition of today? It¡¯s time to find that answer. He moved. It was just a dot. It seemed so simple. Many times I¡¯ve experienced it, yet it remained the same. The dot soon became light and then a de, piercing through Encrid¡¯s body. No, narrowly dodged. Pang. The de grazed his side. Anticipating the stance, predicting where he aimed, he moved with the de¡¯s motion. Encrid¡¯s body faithfully followed his thoughts. A sharp pain followed as his side grazed. He ignored it. Instead, his left foot forward, sword back. His right elbow pulled back with strength. Like an arrow drawn for battle. Power to his left foot shifted the center of gravity. Learned by watching. Learned by being pierced. Mastered through sparring with Rem. Thud. Advancing, focusing more on bnce than strength. His determination imbued in the de. ¡®Stab.¡¯ With resolute determination imbued into the sword, Releasing the tensioned muscles, he thrust his sword. Thwack! The meticulously sharpened tip of the sword pierced through the fiend¡¯s heart. Breaking through leather and thick cloth armor. Touching that heart. It felt as though sword, hand, and arm had be one in satisfaction. In that moment of enjoying the fruits of effort, the taste of achievement. ¡°Hey!¡± Someone shouted. Encrid didn¡¯t even register the cry. Before he could revel in the joy of victory. Thwack! Starting from his left side, he felt a tremendous shock that lifted his body into the air. ¡®Huh?¡¯ What¡¯s this? In the twenty-five ¡®todays,¡¯ he had never experienced such a situation. ¡°It¡¯s a damn frog!¡± Whether it was Bell or someone else, he couldn¡¯t tell, but he heard that shout. That was Encrid¡¯sst memory. He cked out. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 11 ¡°Damn it.¡± Rem spat and twirled the axe in his hand as if performing a trick. He had just missed catching the one called Hawk¡¯s Eye or whatever. It felt as irritating as not wiping after taking a dump. ¡®I can¡¯t remember thest time I failed a hunt.¡¯ The archer was quick-witted and fast on his feet. The moment he sensed Rem¡¯s presence, he bolted. And the arrow he shot while fleeing was sharp. Rem touched the spot near his left side where the arrow had grazed him. No wound. Just a failed attempt to dodge perfectly. A bad feeling was a bad feeling. He had charged in, skewing the enemy formation. Rem began to make his way back to the area he had scouted. ¡°Who the hell is this guy?¡± ¡°Kill him!¡± There were hardly any allies around. He had gone in a bit too deep. But it wasn¡¯t something he was particrly concerned about. Instead of grumbling or cursing, Rem swung the axes in his hands. The axe in his right hand was one he had picked up from an enemy, and its bnce was awful. But that didn¡¯t bother him either. If it was useless, he¡¯d just throw it away, whatever. Whoosh, thud! With a single strike of the axe in his left hand, he split the jaw and neck of the foe blocking his path, causing sluggish blood to spurt out. A fountain of blood gushed forth. Rem deftly avoided the blood spray and swung his right hand with force. The axe in his hand sliced through the air. Whoosh¡ª Though it wasn¡¯t meant for throwing, the axe flew powerfully and hit its target. Thud! The axe embedded itself, splitting the enemy¡¯s skull in half. After shaking up the enemy lines with his charge, Rem returned to the allies¡¯ formation. ¡®I wonder if our Squad Leader is still alive.¡¯ He¡¯s not the type to die easily. Rem had never met such a tough guy in his life. ¡®Even among my tribe, there was no one like him.¡¯ He¡¯s probably holding on well, using his wits. He¡¯s too valuable to die here. Although he¡¯s not exactly suited for the battlefield either. ¡®If only he had some of The Heart of the Beast within him, he¡¯d be fine, but it¡¯s a shame about his talent.¡¯ Rem had even taught him some of the tribe¡¯s secrets out of pity. Not that he was trying to y the role of a teacher. He¡¯s just one of those people you don¡¯t want to see die right in front of you. If he dies out of sight, well, that¡¯s another matter. Having made his way back to the familiar area, ¡°You caused a ruckus and achieved nothing.¡± It was Jaxon. One of the main characteristics of Squad 4-4-4 was that no one got along, except for their Squad Leader, Encrid. The fact that such a squad managed to function must mean that the Squad Leader has an inexplicable, almost magical charm. ¡°Huh? Are you talking to me because you want to die? Want your head split by an axe?¡± ¡°Thanks to missing the archer, the battlefield is a mess.¡± This was definitely picking a fight. Even without seeing the whole battlefield, you could feel it. It wasn¡¯t because of the archer, but because of Frog. Somewhere, a Frog warrior had burst onto the battlefield, wreaking havoc. Whether it was good luck or bad luck, Rem hadn¡¯t run into him. ¡°Shut up. If you don¡¯t want to die, don¡¯t talk to me.¡± ¡°Crazy barbarian.¡± They both turned away from each other. It was just a chance encounter. Their usual routine of mutual insults. Squad 4-4-4 doesn¡¯t particrly maintain formation. They fight on their own. Even without formation, even without sticking together, they¡¯re noticeable. ¡®Except for that big-eyed bastard.¡¯ Rem himself had probably drawn some attention by tearing through the enemy lines. Jaxon had a knack for appearing suddenly and silently. In the distance, he could see a few other squad members. Everyone was fighting on their own. One was swinging his sword with azy demeanor. Another was beating people to death in a rigid stance. None of them were ordinary. Of course, the standout was the Squad Leader. Living on sheer grit with less than average talent. Who would call that ¡®ordinary¡¯? ¡®Just in case.¡¯ Rem decided to find and protect the Squad Leader. He nned to watch his back without being noticed. He still thought the Squad Leader was too valuable to die. ¡®Besides, he¡¯s the first one on this continent to learn my techniques.¡¯ Thinking of various reasons, he moved. Soon, Encrid came into view. ¡®Huh?¡¯ While he was momentarily distracted, an enemy soldier rushed in. Reflexively, Rem tripped the charging enemy and struck his jaw with the axe handle. The enemy spat out broken teeth. Spinning his body half a turn, Remnded an elbow strike. Thud. Crack! Hitting the helmet, it sounded like thick wood breaking. The neck bone had snapped in one blow. Even as Rem twirled his right arm, his gaze remained fixed. No, while fending off attackers, his eyes had been on the Squad Leader. ¡®Skillful?¡¯ It was a sight he hadn¡¯t seen before. That skillfulness made him watch rather than rush to help. It didn¡¯t look like he was going to lose. It felt almost instinctual, bing reality. He was fighting against a formidable enemy soldier. He showed an unprecedented calmness and boldness. ¡®How?¡¯ How can a person change so much overnight? ¡°I find it surprising too.¡± Next to him was Jaxon again. Why did their paths keep crossing? Was he here to watch the Squad Leader¡¯s back too? ¡°I¡¯ve been watching all day. While you were fooling around.¡± ¡°So?¡± ¡°It¡¯s like he¡¯s shacking up with the goddess of luck.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°He got lucky.¡± Just luck? It didn¡¯t seem right to attribute his current state to luck alone. ¡°His skills have also improved remarkably.¡± Jaxon got along well with other squads, but not with him. Well, that was pretty much the case for everyone in this squad. In fact, this conversation was the longest normal exchange they¡¯d had since he joined the squad. That showed how surprised Jaxon was. Rem was just as surprised as Jaxon. Moreover, Rem witnessed two more astonishing things after that. One was Encrid dodging a thrust and then countering with a nearly perfect sword strike. ¡°Good job!¡± Rem said without realizing it. Jaxon also nodded faintly. Unceasing effort. Knowing how much blood the Squad Leader had shed while wielding his sword, a feeling of support naturally arose. Talent is a funny thing. Sometimes you can leap several steps in an instant. Both Rem and Jaxon had experienced such leaps themselves, so they didn¡¯t feel disconnected from what they were seeing. It seemed like the Squad Leader had also leapt several steps all at once. ¡®He won.¡¯ The opponent was formidable. Of course, if Rem had been the one fighting, a few swings of his axe would have sufficed. The Squad Leader had always lost to this opponent ten times out of ten. But this time, he won. It didn¡¯t seem like an easy victory. Small wounds were visible. The shield in his left hand had be a shattered piece of junk. The leather guards on his hands and knees were torn and ragged. From his heavy breathing, it was clear he was exhausted. ¡®The Heart of the Beast.¡¯ Rem assessed the Squad Leader¡¯s condition at a nce. Boldness and calm. The foundation for that was likely the techniques he had taught him. ¡®To have mastered it to this extent?¡¯ It was an astonishing level of proficiency. Rem decided to put everything aside and throw a joke. ¡°Frog!¡± Someone shouted at that moment. It was another soldier standing right behind the Squad Leader. What was his name again? Was it Bell? He remembered it because it sounded simr to his own name. As Bell had said, a Frog was charging in, a dark shadow. Frog, the frogman. His face resembled that of a frog. So did his skin. His skin was slick as if covered in oil, causing all weapons, whether des or blunt objects, to slide off. To kill them, you had to pierce their heart or burn them with magic or spells. That wasn¡¯t an easy task. Frog were a natural warrior race with superior strength andbat instinctspared to humans. No matter what weapon they held, they could master it within days. The Frogunched itself parallel to the ground, kicking the Squad Leader¡¯s side with the t of its foot. It didn¡¯t look like it intended to end the fight with that single strike. After seeing the Squad Leader fly sideways from the kick, the Frognded heavily and took its stance. It reached back, grabbing a spear. If left unchecked, the Squad Leader would die. He would definitely die. The moment Rem saw the dark shadow, he pushed off the ground. Boom. The earth shattered with a loud noise. The force of his leap made the ground erupt like a small fountain. In a short moment, Rem¡¯s body reached the Frog¡¯s side. Whoosh! Without a word, he swung his axe in a long arc. From above, the axe curved like a whip, transferring power from his shoulder and arm to the de. The Frog, instead of throwing the spear, performed an incredible trick. In the throwing stance, it moved its right foot to the side and swung the spear shaft upward like a wooden stick. The shift in posture and the upward swing of the spear shaft happened in an instant. ng! Axe met the spear shaft. A vibrating shockwave spread from the point of contact. ¡°Grr, an annoying pest? Ugly human?¡± ¡°You damn frog bastard, that man is our Squad Leader.¡± ¡°¡­The Squad Leader is weaker than the squad members?¡± The Frog instantly recognized Rem¡¯s skill. Dash, axe strike, judgment. The Frog was a natural-born warrior race. If there was one thing as exceptional as theirbat skills, it was their discernment. Their bulging, rolling eyes could instantly gauge an opponent¡¯s abilities. They were a race born with the talent to identify talent. The Frog rolled its eyes around and then backed off. ¡°Enough. I¡¯ve calmed down.¡± ¡°What the hell?¡± ¡°Ugly human, that guy pierced ¡®it¡¯ of someone I know. That¡¯s why I got excited for a moment. But he¡¯s someone I taught, so¡­ well, anyway, it¡¯s fine now. It¡¯s not worth risking my life here.¡± The Frog¡¯s discernment wasn¡¯t limited to assessing human talent. Theirbat instincts allowed them to instantly evaluate the advantage or disadvantage in a situation. Rem didn¡¯t necessarily think the Frog was at a disadvantage. Still, if a fight could be avoided, it was preferable. Fighting a Frog for small change was not worth it. He fully understood what the Frog was saying. Frogs could regenerate limbs as long as their heart wasn¡¯t pierced. Because of this, they were sensitive to the word ¡®heart¡¯. They wouldn¡¯t even use the word ¡®heart¡¯. Seeing someone¡¯s heart pierced next to them could make them lose their sanity. A berserk Frog exuded a truly savage aura. Frogs that weren¡¯t adequately trained wouldn¡¯t even step onto the battlefield. Rem reflected on what he knew. ¡®Damn, I must be really getting used to this ce.¡¯ The fact that he could recite information about Frogs so easily indicated that he had fully adapted to life on this continent. The Frog patted his chest armor. Armor designed solely to protect the heart, known as ¡®Heart Armor¡¯. Seeing him wear that confirmed he had followed proper procedures to be here. The Frog cities were known for breaking unrefined swords rather than letting them out. The Heart Armor was like an ID badge for Frogs. ¡°See youter, ugly human.¡± But why does that thing keep calling me ugly? Frogs love jewels and have a unique sense of aesthetics. They preferred good-looking humans. ¡°You do have a face that¡¯s too good to kill.¡± The Frog flicked its tongue out as it spoke. The long tongue darted out like catching a fly and then quickly retracted. That was probably its version of a smile. He¡­no, she nced at the Squad Leader and slowly backed away. Females liked handsome males. Males liked pretty females. That was a Frog trait. Their standards for choosing mates among themselves were different, but for some reason, they liked attractive humans. Well, that wasn¡¯t Rem¡¯s concern. ¡°Are you alive?¡± Rem saw Jaxon holding the Squad Leader. ¡°A kick to the side fractured his rib. But in that brief moment¡­.¡± ¡°Yeah, he blocked it with his arm.¡± Excellent. It was worth teaching him. To remainposed and block in the moment of impact¡ªthat was thanks to The Heart of the Beast. Rem felt a sense of pride. ¡°The impact rattled his head. He won¡¯t die, but if we leave him like this, he might.¡± ¡°The heat of the battlefield has cooled a bit. Lift him. Let¡¯s take him with us.¡± ¡°You lift him. I¡¯ll clear the way.¡± ¡°¡­You¡¯re really asking to get hit on the head with my axe.¡± ¡°You should watch out for a dagger in your back more than anything.¡± Rem snorted but didn¡¯t escte into a fight. Well, at least the Squad Leader had performed well. That¡¯s what mattered. Rem lifted Encrid. Jaxon moved ahead of him, clearing the path with his sword and shield. At first nce, he didn¡¯t seem particrly skilled. But upon closer inspection, you could see. Clearing the path without even showing half of his true skill. ¡®Crafty little cat.¡¯ Rem cursed silently to himself as they walked. The Squad Leader on his back continued to breathe softly, as if asleep. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 12 Frog recalled the scene reflected in his eyes. ¡°I thought he would win.¡± He was someone who had been taught and had quite talented himself. His personality wasn¡¯t particrly pleasing, but that¡¯s not something he could change. A soldier trained primarily in thrusting. He was quite skilled. He wasn¡¯t someone who would die so easily on such a small battlefield. If he had kept him, he would have at least be a squad leader. Frog recalled why the soldier had died. ¡°Was it due tock of experience?¡± No, there were only a few soldiers trained in this way until now. He wasn¡¯t just someone who would die like this. ¡°Was it because the opponent was skilled?¡± So, it was bad luck. He was ignored by the goddess of luck. Frog chuckled softly. ¡°Luck is also a skill.¡± As he entered his camp, an lieutenant approached. ¡°I¡¯ve been looking for you for a while, General.¡± ¡°Oh, really?¡± ¡°Were you out on the enemy lines?¡± ¡°I just went out for fun.¡± ¡°You seem to be in a good mood.¡± ¡°I saw the guy who got stabbed there.¡± Frog considers ¡®heart¡¯ a taboo word. Just watching someone get stabbed to death next to him makes him sick. But Frogughs while saying that. The lieutenant thinks there might be bugs in the general¡¯s head. But the lieutenant doesn¡¯t doubt him. The experienced Frog sometimes mentions the word ¡®heart¡¯. And the Frog general in front of him was a seasoned soldier. If he set his mind to it, he could spit out the word ¡®heart¡¯. So he couldugh while watching someone get stabbed to death. To be precise, when he saw something more interesting than getting stabbed in the heart, Frog couldugh. ¡°You seem to have seen something interesting.¡± ¡°Well, just¡­ a strangely interesting guy.¡± He wouldn¡¯t be an ally. If he had been, he would have brought him in earlier. Frog walked briskly, saying ndly. Frog¡¯s soles are thick. He didn¡¯t even need boots. Sometimes, because it was too slippery, there were some who put nails in Frog¡¯s soles. However, General Frog didn¡¯t like those who put nails in their soles. If it is apanied by good sense and appropriate training¡¯slippery soles also be weapons. ¡®He mimicked the thrust.¡¯ It wasn¡¯t his area of talent. Frog¡¯s eyes gauge the degree of skill the opponent has mastered. General Frog saw the enemy soldier thrust. Thanks to this, it was possible to know. ¡®Countless tempering and tempering skills.¡¯ It is closer to the skill learned by staking his life than to be said to have learned it. The area of ??ignorant effort rather than talent. ¡®A skill honed through countless repetitions.¡¯ If luck oveps dozens or hundreds of times, there are things that can¡¯t happen. If you survive even after seeing thrusts countlessly in front of you, you could make such moves. Everything else is a mess, but only the thrust was worth it. But does this make sense? ¡®With that kind of skill?¡¯ Surviving time and again on the battlefield? Staking his life to learn means proving that he barely survived. Clearly, it was a move that could be seen by repeatedly colliding and breaking with opponents stronger than oneself. Does this make sense? It doesn¡¯t. So it piques interest. ¡°I hope to see him again next time.¡± General Frog thought such a thing would not happen. The goddess of luck is unfair. She¡¯s biased. She favors someone with luck. But even that luck has its limits. ¡°He must have used up a lifetime¡¯s worth of luck.¡± There won¡¯t be another time to see it. That doesn¡¯t mean he¡¯ll die today. He kicked away the excitement, but somehow managed to stop it. And seeing the two who came to protect him at the end, he didn¡¯t seem likely to die on the battlefield right now. Still, it didn¡¯t seem like it wouldst long. Rushing recklessly towards a superior opponent, even with modest talent, would improve one¡¯s skills. Because hundreds of lives may be needed. ¡°General.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s eat.¡± Frog stopped thinking about that and lost interest in the other side. Now it¡¯s time to focus on other things. Namely, eating. It was time to devise a strategy. The blonde lieutenant nodded at the general¡¯s words. ¡°Let¡¯s go. I¡¯ll prepare the meal.¡± * * * A sailor appeared. Encrid realized he was sitting on a boat. ¡®A dream?¡¯ It seemed like he had encountered something like this before. It was a distant memory. When was it? ¡®When I first woke up again.¡¯ A sailor without a mouth. A voice tinged with curiosity. He recalled the vague memory. ¡®Back then.¡¯ He had thought it was a daydream. What importance did meeting a sailor in a dream have? ¡°You¡¯ve crossed over a day like a dragon?¡± The sailor said. Just like then, Encrid couldn¡¯t say a word. It seemed that listening was the only thing allowed here. ¡°Having eyes but unable to see, having a mouth but unable to speak, having ears but unable to hear properly.¡± The sailor spoke as if singing, a mix of actual melody and rhythm. He couldn¡¯t even blink. Unable to move anything at will, including his senses. It felt stifling and frustrating. ¡®What can I do now?¡¯ If it¡¯s a dream, shouldn¡¯t spellse out of your hands and all that? It¡¯s a dream, but not just a dream. Realizing this, Encrid knew all he could do was listen. ¡°Can you continue to endure? Can you do that? I will continue to stand in your way.¡± I don¡¯t understand what he¡¯s saying. Didn¡¯t he just say that even if he has ears, he can¡¯t hear properly? ¡°You still can¡¯t even hear my name.¡± He looked at the sailor. A vague figure appeared over the ck veil. It seemed obscured by droplets of dew, blocking his view. It was that vague. All ck. At first, he thought there was only no mouth, but there was nothing at all. ¡°Right now, all you can hear is my whims and kindness.¡± He says and chuckles. It wasn¡¯t clear that he wasughing. He seemed to be letting the other person know that he wasughing. ¡®So what does he want me to do?¡¯ ¡°Ah, there¡¯s nothing over, and you can¡¯t get away. The ¡®wall¡¯ blocking your way will always be there. That will be your fate.¡± The word ¡®wall¡¯ sounded strange. Actually, he seemed to hear something different, but it sounded like ¡®wall¡¯. What on earth is this? ¡°Can you survive?¡± I don¡¯t know what nonsense this is. ¡°Of course.¡± Huh? Words areing out? There was no doubt about it. It seemed like the other person was even more surprised. ¡°You¡­¡± Whatever the sailor whispered was soon lost in a haze. Ssh. The boat disappeared. Encrid fell into deep water. Above the water, through the mist, a dark mass, not words but intent, conveyed: ¡°This won¡¯t stay in your memory. But.¡± Chuckle. The sailorughed and spoke. ¡°You¡¯re really an interesting one.¡± That was the end of it. Losing consciousness as he sank into the deep water. Encrid descended into the abyss like that. * * * ¡°Who is the hero of this battlefield?¡± ¡°Cyprus!¡± ¡°Who is the master of this battlefield?¡± ¡°Cyprus!¡± ¡°Who charges towards tomorrow?¡± ¡°Cyprus!¡± ¡°Who passes judgment?¡± It was a song. A cheerful melody, a deep voice, perfectly timed rhythm. ¡°A military anthem?¡± No, it wasn¡¯t a military anthem. Since joining this unit, I had learned a few military anthems, but nothing like this. What I learned here was more like a rhythmic chant than a military anthem. ¡°We will prevail!¡± Under the protection of the unyielding sun! Embraced by the power of the divine! Well, that kind of thing. No melody, just shouts thrown out with vigor and force. But now there was melody and rhythm alive in it. It was a familiar song to the ear. ¡°A bard¡¯s song.¡± Not all bard songs are the same. Among them, there are those who enlist in the military to boost morale on one side. It might be the case even now. Where would a bard want to create and sing praise for someone like Cyprus? Moreover, that young one probably hasn¡¯t even seen a knight named Cyprus. ¡°Are you alive?¡± Turning towards the voice, Rem appeared. His side was twitching like mad. As he reached out to touch, Rem grabbed his hand. ¡°You didn¡¯t break anything too narrowly, so don¡¯t worry. But your head sure got a good shake. How many fingers is this?¡± Rem held up and folded a few fingers, shaking them. ¡°Go eat shit.¡± Encrid tried to ept the current situation. ¡®Today¡¯ was over. Just facing that situation made his mind fierce. It was difficult to ept Rem¡¯s banter. ¡°See, you seem out of it. I¡¯m Rem, forever buddy of the squad leader.¡± ¡°You crazy bastard.¡± ¡°Forget me? That¡¯s too harsh.¡± Encrid closed his eyes for a moment, then opened them. Today has passed. So, a day had gone by. His mind was scattered. The dream was too chaotic. ¡®Didn¡¯t he say I wouldn¡¯t remember?¡¯ But it remained vivid. Dark water, a boat, a sailor with no eyes, nose, or mouth. I remembered everything he said. It felt a bit blurry, like something from a distant past. But my memory has always been good since I was young. Encrid remembered it all. ¡°I haven¡¯t forgotten. Noble hunter.¡± He recalled the nickname Rem once had. ¡°Shh, that¡¯s supposed to be a secret.¡± Finally, Rem¡¯s banter ceased. He stared at him, likely wondering why he brought up that topic. Encrid gathered his thoughts. First things first. ¡°What happened to me?¡± Finally, he could hear the full story. The fallen soldier, the unexpectedly increased skill, and Frog. ¡°Did a Frog interfere?¡± Despite years of being a mercenary, this was the first time he had seen Frog in person. Of course, also the first time he had been hit by Frog. It was fortunate that his ribs weren¡¯tpletely shattered. If you encounter Frog as an enemy on the battlefield? ¡°Run.¡± ¡°Hide.¡± ¡°Die.¡± Three seasoned mercenaries offered different answers. Yet the conclusion was the same. If you can¡¯t run or hide, you¡¯ll die. Frog was that dangerous and formidable. That¡¯s how it is with warrior races. Giants, dragons, even fairies. Any race inherently possessed superior abilitiespared to humans. But it¡¯s humans who most often rise to knight-level prowess. That¡¯s likely why humans are the dominant force on this continent. ¡°After that, I literally had to ¡®personally¡¯ carry you out of the battlefield. It was truly a treacherous path. I almost died.¡± If it had been genuinely dangerous, he wouldn¡¯t have been able to speak like this. ¡°I owe you.¡± ¡°If you knew that, you could just do the dishwashing duty about ten times.¡± This guy, seriously. Encrid sighed inwardly but nodded his head. He had said to leave once he finished speaking, but Rem didn¡¯t get up easily as usual. His usual smiling face. ¡°You practiced alone? When I wasn¡¯t looking?¡± What kind of nonsense was this? ¡°Your heart was ripened?¡± Huh? ¡°I taught you, didn¡¯t I know?¡± ¡°Oh!¡± Encrid realized that Rem had been watching him. Well, since he was watching, he could help in times of trouble. ¡°By ident. After surviving several close calls, I figured out what it was.¡± Already a usible excuse dozens of times. Among them, it was the most usible thing to say. It was a true truth without lies. Just a little reduced. Without going through several close calls, he couldn¡¯t really die. ¡°Well done.¡± Rem finally brushed himself off and got up. ¡°Rest well. Your body needs to recover for what¡¯s next.¡± Encrid finally looked around. It was a medical tent. Where the injured gathered. Shall I get up? When he tried to get up, a soldier sitting on one side said with blurry eyes. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t move yet. It will make things worse. My head shook a lot.¡± He seemed to have visited a military official from a private soldier. Just a private soldier, if he¡¯s hurt, it¡¯s a relief if there¡¯s a guy who knows some herbs among his colleagues. If not, it¡¯s a usual thing to just die. ¡®How did I get here, even in a medical tent?¡¯ It was okay to find outter. More than that. ¡®Today¡¯s gone.¡¯ It¡¯s important that a new day has started. Looking toward the entrance of the tent, light came in through the cracks. It wasn¡¯t sunlight. The light of a flickering torch, along with the shadows that moved with it. The minstrel¡¯s song continued. ¡°Who is the hero?¡± ¡°Cyprus!¡± The sound of soldiers shouting through the rear window. He survived today and lived the next day. However, he seemed to have spent the entire morning and afternoon unconscious, waking up only in the evening. ¡°Did I pass the day?¡± He asked the medic who was waiting. ¡°It¡¯s been a day, it¡¯s the second day.¡± The shock was immense. Encrid closed his eyes, thinking nheless that getting through today was what mattered. He defeated the jabbing soldier. He surpassed him with skill. Afterward, Encrid thought about the sailor. He recalled and pondered over what he had said. There was no choice. He had said it would repeat. Therefore, ¡°If I die, today repeats.¡± As if suggesting to endure some punishment. However, ¡°Why would that be a punishment?¡± To Encrid, it was not a punishment but a trial. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 13 After being unconscious for two days straight, Encrid slept for another half day. Upon waking, he saw bread and soup in front of him. A long shadow passed over the bread and soup, then disappeared. He turned his eyes to the half-open tent entrance. It seemed to be dawn. There was no sound of peopleing and going, and fewer torch stands were set up, so the light entering the tent was much less than before. Everyone inside the tent was asleep. Encrid reached for the bread. ¡®My arm moves without any trouble.¡¯ Since he was reaching for the bread, he decided to try to sit up. Zing. Then pain surged from his side, hurting so much it made the back of his head tingle. ¡®Still, this much¡­¡¯ Rem said it wasn¡¯t broken. He thought the same. Although he had fainted from the shock to his head, luckily, there didn¡¯t seem to be any serious damage. He wasn¡¯t dizzy, and his eyes, nose, and ears were all fine. He dipped the torn bread into the cold soup and shoved it into his mouth. ¡®My tongue is fine too.¡¯ He must have been really hungry because even this tasted good. His tongue reacted to the subtle sweetness of the flour. The soup, though slightly more vorful than in water, was enough to fill his empty stomach. Encrid chewed each bite thoroughly and swallowed slowly, as if the thick soup and bread were dishes from a proper restaurant. ¡®Eating quickly after fainting will upset your stomach.¡¯ He knew this from experience. Normally, this would be something a soldier guarding the infirmary would tell him. The soldier he saw in the evening seemed annoyed by everything. A soldier guarding the infirmary¡ªwas that really a necessary position? ¡®He must have some connections.¡¯ Otherwise, would a perfectly healthy person be here guarding the injured? After filling his stomach, Encrid forced himself to sit up. Lying down immediately after eating hinders digestion. If you¡¯re injured, you need to eat well and rest well. Proper digestion was part of eating well. ¡°Whew.¡± Encrid let out a small sigh and stared nkly at the flickering light at the tent entrance. His eyes were fixed on the flickering torch, but his mind was filled with other thoughts. The repeated days, today, and finally, that day he overcame. Encrid reviewed and reviewed that ¡®today¡¯. He recalled that moment so vividly that it even appeared in his dreams. If he considered the thrust alone, it was excellent. Even he thought it was a perfectly clean strike. ¡®Bringing the fight to that point wasn¡¯t bad either.¡¯ Valen¡¯s Mercenary Sword Style was a great help. And he had honed his skills through countless repetitions of today. But that didn¡¯t mean everything was perfect. ¡®It was sloppy.¡¯ That was the result of recalling that moment countless times. Someone passed by in front of the tent. Whoosh. The shadow of a soldier passing in front of the burning torch stretched long. In Encrid¡¯s imagination, the elongated shadow transformed into a thrusting form. ¡®When I thrusted¡­¡¯ What if the opponent had dodged? The shadow evaded the thrust. After dodging, it swung its sword and shed. The de effortlessly cut through the neck of the shadow that represented Encrid. ¡®Then I¡¯d be the one dead.¡¯ Was he fully prepared? Hardly. ¡®I wascking.¡¯ If the opponent had been just a little bit smarter, if they had known how to fight just a little bit better. If they had just a bit more experience. If they had survived just until the next battlefield. ¡®No, that¡¯s going too far.¡¯ That¡¯s an exaggeration. Thinking like this could go on forever. The shadow wielding a sword was a product of his imagination, and as he shook off his thoughts, it disappeared. Encrid stopped worrying about what had already happened. ¡®Instead of dwelling on what-ifs, let¡¯s think about the next step.¡¯ Rem said that he must know how to thrust with all his strength. But that didn¡¯t mean he could do it with every attack. So, he thought it through. Show the thrust once. Before that, keep provoking the opponent. When the provoked opponent attempts a thrust, counterattack. ¡®I bet everything on a single thrust.¡¯ A thrust that, if it failed, meant death. Was that really the right thing to do? Leading the fight in that way was not the answer. Encrid knew that too. What if it didn¡¯t work out and he faced a new ¡®today¡¯? ¡®If the thrust didn¡¯t work, should I have relied on luck?¡¯ No, that couldn¡¯t be. That was uneptable. Not luck, but skill. Encrid believed it was the best way to seize the opportunity given to him. Thinking it over didn¡¯t fill him with self-reproach. It was simply a matter of recalling the facts and distinguishing between what he did well and what hecked. Just as he had always done after a battle or a sparring match. ¡°If you fought and survived by betting half your life, that fight will be your asset, Enki.¡± The old swordsman was a fencing teacher in a quiet coastal town, teaching children. In terms of skill, he was probably too ashamed to make a name for himself even in a smallmercial city, let alone a big city. But he wasn¡¯t bad at teaching. At least to Encrid, he was an excellent teacher. ¡°If you n to eat sword meals until the day you die, after a battle, digest everything you gained from that fight, defecate it, and then digest it again. That¡¯s how you¡¯ll survive.¡± It was a path the old teacher had experienced firsthand. He limped on his left foot. His body was covered in sword scars. Hard-earned lessons learned through life and death struggles. That instructor charged a lot for his lessons. But it wasn¡¯t a waste. It was a valuable time. Now was the time to recall what he had learned from him. ¡®There must be another way.¡¯ He couldn¡¯t thrust with all his strength every single moment. Otherwise, he would be the one to die. Rem wouldn¡¯t fight like that either. But when it came to sparring with that crazy Rem bastard, every single one of his axe swings felt heavy and filled with killing intent. ¡®How could he do that?¡¯ The joy of sessfullynding the thrust was fleeting. Encrid didn¡¯t let himself bask in the sense of achievement. Well, he was happy. He felt a great deal of satisfaction in oveing a barrier through his own efforts. But he didn¡¯t stop there. Naturally, Encrid envisioned the future. What came after the sessful thrust. Because a future he couldn¡¯t see before achieving it was now visible. He was reaching for and walking toward that tomorrow¡¯s sun. ¡®What if I thrust with all my strength but didn¡¯t put my whole heart into it?¡¯ He was getting closer to the answer. Thinking alone revealed very little. But that was okay. This wasn¡¯t all the time Encrid had been given. The faceless ferryman had said so. This wasn¡¯t the end. Walls would keep appearing. ¡®Did he say it would repeat?¡¯ Then, he would just have to bet his life and challenge again. Knowing that such moments woulde again made his heart race. A peculiar warmth that started in his lower abdomen spread throughout his body. Encrid ignored that heat. Now was not the time to push his body. ¡®First, I need to rest.¡¯ Even without a doctor, his throbbing side clearly needed several days of rest. ¡®But how did I even get here?¡¯ What usually happens when a soldier gets injured? Regardless of the severity, they are either treated at their own barracks until they die, or, ¡®if they¡¯re lucky, they get a doctor by their side for treatment.¡¯ Alternatively, if the goddess of luck showered them with a bundle of coins, they might receive a priest¡¯s prayer. Divine healing is possible only when luck and connectionse together. Of course, it would be a different story for a high-ranking officer. In any case, Encrid was none of these. That meant someone had intervened here. ¡®I have no idea.¡¯ Seeing that he was starting to burp, it seemed his digestion was done. Encridy down and slept. He slept very deeply. When injured, eating well and sleeping well is the best. The next day, when he opened his eyes, He saw a pair ofrge, round eyes. ¡°Move your face away.¡± When he pushed the big-eyed face with his hand, the person moved back before he could even touch them. ¡°I didn¡¯t want to wake you because you were sleeping so soundly, but you woke up at the right time.¡± ¡°Hardly.¡± This guy was more likely to kick him awake,ining about wasting time. ¡°Who do you think put the Squad Leader in here?¡± The big-eyed guy said, puffing out his chest. So, it was his doing. Well, if it wasn¡¯t him or Jaxon among the squad members, no one else had such pull. ¡°I had to loosen my purse strings for this. You owe me. Don¡¯t forget it.¡± He never asked to be put here. But still, it was a good thing. The infirmary offers better meals than the regr barracks and is located at the rear. It also has the advantage of not having to do anything. Everyone is exempt from duties, regardless of their status. If it weren¡¯t for being here, Encrid would be clutching his aching side and struggling to keep the squad in order. ¡®But will the squad run well without me?¡¯ It was an unnecessary worry. Who is the weakest in the 4-4-4th Squad to be worrying? ¡®Ah, the weakest one is this guy.¡¯ Big Eyes was terrible at fighting. But that didn¡¯t mean he was without talent. No matter what trick he used, he managed to get out of the way every time a battle broke out, iming he was in a special unit and heading to the rear. Quite a talent. This time, Encrid benefited from his skills. ¡°Should I thank you by bowing my head?¡± ¡°No need for grand gestures. Just don¡¯t forget.¡± ¡®Why is it so important for me not to forget?¡¯ ¡°Got it.¡± ¡°Good. I¡¯m busy, so I¡¯ll be off now.¡± It was gracious of him to visit despite being busy. It wasn¡¯t just Big Eyes and Rem who came. Jaxon stopped by and casually tossed a small jar to him. ¡°Apply this to your side once a day, and it should ease the pain. Just don¡¯t mention where you got it.¡± ¡°Especially a secret from our squad members, right?¡± Jaxon shrugged and left swiftly. When Encrid twisted open the small jar, about the size of two fingers, he saw a dark green ointment. ¡®Did they crush some herbs to make this?¡¯ If it was made specifically for him, it was quite thoughtful. Of course, that wasn¡¯t the case. He had seen this stuff a few times before. Though it was his first time using it. He scooped some ointment with his fingertip, shoved his hand between his clothes, and carefully spread it over his side. The pain surged every time he moved. But the area where he applied the ointment started to warm up, and the pain eased considerably. ¡®Not bad.¡¯ Encrid decided to use it sparingly, closed the jar tightly, and put it under the bed. ¡®But was the infirmary close to our barracks? Doesn¡¯t seem like the kind of ce you¡¯d just pass by.¡¯ Anyway, it didn¡¯t matter. Getting an effective ointment was enough. After that, two more squad members came and went. ¡°Sorry, Squad Leader. There¡¯s nothing I can do to help.¡± One spoke as if there was something he could do but wasn¡¯t doing. ¡°The squad¡¯s a mess without you. Here, take this.¡± Another tossed him half an apple he had been eating and left. Thest one who stopped by definitely just happened to pass by. That guy often got lost. He had heard him outside the infirmary saying, ¡®Our Squad leader is here? Why?¡¯ ¡®That guy didn¡¯t even know I was injured.¡¯ Raising squad members is a waste. ¡®Not that I raised them.¡¯ Everyone but Encrid knew how to fight well and bail out when needed. ¡®I should worry about my own matters.¡¯ If one person¡¯s absence makes the squad a mess, imagine how chaotic it would be. Everyone will manage on their own. It¡¯s best to set aside unnecessary worries. But¡­ ¡°Hey, you.¡± This was more concerning. A new visitor entered the barracks during lunchtime. The infirmary wasrge. It could amodate over ten people if squeezed in. Yet, there were only three patients in thisrge infirmary. Encrid, with a sore side. And the newly arrived squad leader who was staring at him. And in the corner, lying down, absentmindedly staring at the ceiling, was a blonde. The one who approached Encrid was the squad leader. ¡°Skill level of a bottom-tier soldier, and a mercenary turned squad leader. Are you going around giving orders, even kicking someone¡¯s butt? How did you be a squad leader?¡± So, this was the bigger issue. This squad leader was a real piece of work. His name was Vengeance. Whoever promoted him must have really liked his name. Why Vengeance hate him? No idea. He¡¯d been growling since their first meeting. ¡°And to top it off, you¡¯re in the infirmary. Realfortable, huh?¡± ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s what I think too.¡± The armrest is quitefortable. If only toon leader Vengeance weren¡¯t here, it would have been perfect. ¡°Yes, nice to meet you, toon leader.¡± ¡°Nice?¡± Would it be rude to say he was just okay? Encrid was an adult. He knew how to wear a mask. ¡°Yes, a bit.¡± ¡°A bit?¡± ¡°Not very much.¡± ¡°This guy¡­¡± Vengeance erupted in anger, but he didn¡¯t rush in. It was more urate to say he couldn¡¯t. He had deeply wounded his thigh in the previous battle. It was so difficult for him to get up right away. So. ¡®Isn¡¯t this the perfect opportunity to tease him?¡¯ Encrid was an adult. He knew how to wear a mask. And he knew how to tease a stubborn guy. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 14 ¡°Hey,You!Come here!¡± ¡°Your voice is loud. This is the infirmatory.¡± ¡°What do you want, you brat.¡± Growling aside, even a rough beast poses no threat when it¡¯s out of reach. ¡°It seems our fates are intertwined. The first time we met was in the lower vige, right?¡± It was a cursed fate. A fate that always seemed to collide unexpectedly. ¡°Where does this unlucky bastard pretend to be friendly?¡± The one who first spoke was Vengeance. Encrid didn¡¯t bother to argue about that. He wasn¡¯t narrow-minded enough to care about such things. ¡°Well then.¡± Instead, he turned his body. Jaxon¡¯s ointment worked wonders. Even moving like this, he hardly felt any pain. ¡°What are you doing?¡± ¡°You told me not to pretend to be friendly, so I¡¯m pretending not to know.¡± ¡°Is this guy joking?¡± Vengeance shouted angrily. If he had known it was a joke, there would have been no need to get angry. But, you know. ¡°Maybe it¡¯s because I¡¯m usually among such stern squad members.¡± Seeing Vengeance after a long time made him almost cute. Watching Rem and Jaxon and the other squad members argue often felt like it was shortening his lifespan. ¡°Oh, you noticed. Indeed,toon leader, the future of the Cyprus Battalion.¡± ¡°You, you!¡± Vengeance, with veins bulging on his forehead, threw his boot. Encrid promptly caught them. ¡°A gift?¡± ¡°I¡¯ll kill you, you bastard!¡± Rem had said something like that once. He was good at reading people himsfairy, but¡­ ¡°I don¡¯t really want to get involved with a squad leader who just opens his mouth recklessly.¡± Encrid said casually, holding the boots with a calm expression. Vengeance snorted as he watched him. And then¡­ ¡°Hahaha!¡± A soldier who had been relentless in passing the timeughed loudly, looking into the air. It was augh that seemed to suggest he was about to go crazy with joy. At the sound of thatughter, Vengeance¡¯s stern gaze quickly turned away. The blonde man, whoseughter had brought tears to his eyes, wiped them away with a finger bent outward. ¡°No, a gift? Really? I couldn¡¯t bear it anymore. I was pretending not to know from the start. Whew.¡± Crackle. Encrid thought Vengeance¡¯s mrs might break before he turned forty. Continuously grinding mrs isn¡¯t good for the gums either. He debated whether to mention this. If he said a little more, he might not be able to bear his anger, and he¡¯d be recorded as a dead soldier with blood rushing to his head. ¡°Your affiliation?¡± Vengeance asked calmly. Instead of swearing at his opponent, he asked about his affiliation. ¡°Me? Oh, just a passing soldier.¡± Oh? Encrid secretly admired his opponent¡¯s ambition. He himsfairy might be a squad leader. But the other seemed to be just an ordinary soldier. Yet with that kind of attitude. However, saying that made it feel like he was actually hiding his affiliation and position. Vengeance wasn¡¯t sure what to make of it either. ¡°You can¡¯t reveal your affiliation?¡± ¡°Yeah, sort of. But I really am just a soldier. I forgot my unit.¡± Calmly, Encrid saw a noble demeanor in the blonde man. If the scoundrel who forgets his own unit isn¡¯t noble¡­ ¡°He deserves a good beating.¡± There would be nothing left to say even if he were beaten to death. So, the attitude he showed now was dignity. Scratch, scratch. Vengeance couldn¡¯t say or do anything. ¡°But right now, you shouldn¡¯t be looking at me like that. You should probably look behind.¡± Encrid and Vengeance had been looking towards the blonde man. So, both turned their heads back. There was someone behind them. ¡®When?¡¯ He couldn¡¯t say his instincts were exceptional. But he had a sense on the battlefield. There was some intuition, but right now he didn¡¯t know who was behind him. He didn¡¯t even hear it. ¡°Here? Is this where the Fourth-Fourth Squad Leader is?¡± It was a woman, and generally, her body¡¯s lines were thinner than those of humans. Her eyes were sharp and her ears of arger type. She was a fairy. She stared directly at the blonde man and spoke. Seeing her natural tone, it was clear she was a superior. Encrid assessed the situation and raised his hand to speak. ¡°I am Squad Leader Encrid of the 4th toon, 4th Squad, of the 4th Company.¡± The fairy woman¡¯s gaze finally shifted away from the blonde man. Then, a soldier guarding the entrance to the tent fluttered in and added further exnation. ¡°Yes, he¡¯s the squad leader under yourmand.¡± ¡°A fairy?¡± Apparently quite surprised, Vengeance finally reacted. Ignoring his remark, the fairy turned her head without even moving an eyebrow. ¡°He¡¯s the 3rd toon leader in thispany.¡± The soldier responsible for the duty barracks spoke without being asked. The fairy woman¡¯s tone that followed was exceptionally dry. Someone once said fairies symbolize grass and trees, but her voice was akin to the sands of the desert. ¡°Does the 2nd toon teach to mention one¡¯s race upon seeing a superior? I know I¡¯m a fairy better than anyone.¡± ¡®It¡¯s killing me.¡± Encrid saw innate grace and charisma in the fairy woman. With a single word, he pressed down on her counterpart. ¡°Ah, n-n-no, not at all! I¡¯m the 3rd toon leader, Benz, Vengeance!¡± ¡°Just one request.¡± ¡°Yes!¡± ¡°Vengeance, toon Leader, while I¡¯m around, I sincerely hope you keep that mouth shut. You don¡¯t need to respond to my request right now. If that mouth of yours opens, I might just want to stick a knife or a fist in your face.Is that clear?¡± Encrid didn¡¯t explicitly mention that Vengeance¡¯s name was Vengeance. Vengeance started to open his mouth but then mped it shut with both hands. ¡°Well then, I heard you¡¯re leading an interesting squad.¡± Thepanymander¡¯s gaze returned to Encrid. ¡°Yes, thank you.¡± There was nothing good about standing out in the newpanymander¡¯s eyes. He replied sinctly. During their subsequent conversation, Encrid felt a strange sensation. ¡®Why did this womane here?¡¯ That was the only irrelevant thought. They might say she distinguished herself in battle. If you look at Encrid as an individual, his performance is good. He had dispatched enemy troops with piercing uracy. In the process, he had saved quite a few nearbyrades within arm¡¯s reach. But if asked if that had an impact on the battlefield. ¡®Well,okay.¡¯ He didn¡¯t think so. Separate from his skills, Encrid had a keen eye for the battlefield. ¡°You survived encountering Frog?¡± ¡°Yes, I was lucky.¡± ¡°Luck is also a skill. The goddess of luck doesn¡¯t often drop her coin.¡± ¡°Yes, thank you.¡± Why go through such conversations like this? Encrid couldn¡¯t fathom the other party¡¯s intentions at all. Anyway, the fairypanymander, with eyes glowing green, spoke to him and Encrid responded dutifully. Shortly after, thepanymander turned away, saying, ¡°Well, I¡¯ll expect more from you in the future.¡± Just before leaving, she nced back once more. This time, her gaze was directed at the blonde man. ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡± ¡°Uh, um, Krang.¡± Rolling his eyes and furrowing his brow as he said his name. Clearly. ¡®Clearly just made it up.¡¯ That was the kind of name it was. ¡°I see.¡± Thepanymander replied nonchntly and left the tent. By then, Vengeance, who had barely been able to breathe properly, finally breathed deeply. ¡°Damn.¡± ¡°Oh,Company Commander.¡± Upon hearing the curse, Vengeance jumped in surprise when Encrid spoke. ¡°Oh, it¡¯s just a passing soldier.¡± ¡°This damn bastard.¡± For today, Vengeance, who had be ¡®Benz Vengeance,¡¯ as fiery as could be, vented his anger. The blonde man who identified himsfairy as Kranughed loudly again. The soldier guarding the tent, wondering why these three were behaving like this, nced over and slipped outside. Encrid looked at toon Leader Vengeance and thought there would be no dull moments while he was here. * * * A review of the fight. The direction to move forward. Encrid focused on two things. ¡®To stab with all his might, but not to put all his heart into it.¡¯ Not even a day passed before he found a lead, and his body was itching. Still, he couldn¡¯t roll his body right now. Because his side hurts, the only training he could do is the arm strength training. Encrid trained his fingers and forearm muscles. In some ways, it looked like a fool¡¯s deed. ¡®The body is the foundation of all skills.¡¯ No matter how small a leaf is, it weighs, and even a drop of water can pierce the rock with time¡¯s help. Therefore, the insignificant efforts now will be helpful in the future. Encrid believed so and built his tower until now. ¡°You¡¯re working really hard.¡± It¡¯s Krang. After themander left, two days. Except for a review of the fight, Encrid didn¡¯t do anything. He devoted himself to rest. Resting is important, too. If something has changed, Only a half-crazy soldier, who made excuses and forgot his affiliation, leaves my side. ¡°Why are you working so hard?¡± Krang dropped a word to everyone. Encrid was natural. It was the same for Vengeance. ¡°I¡¯m a toon leader. I¡¯m a senior!¡± It was also a joke. Seeing it, he didn¡¯t seem to be hurt and came here. And it seemed like he was quite skilled. He was not an ordinary person to see his footsteps seem to miss Vengeance on purpose. ¡°What?¡± Since the opponent was a soldier,Encrid also spoke. ¡°They say I squeeze and hold hands every day. Besides that, I stare into space and wonder what thoughts I have, and why I¡¯ve been squeezing and rxing my hands so hard.¡± There were many things that he was curious about, even though he wasn¡¯t eight years old. It wasn¡¯t that annoying. ¡®I¡¯m bored too.¡¯ Making fun of Vengeance¡¯s toon leader was once or twice. Casual conversations and having such a partner were good tools for oveing boredom. ¡°This is grip strength training, and staring into space isn¡¯t spacing out. It¡¯s reviewing mistakes I made on the battlefieldst time.¡± ¡°So why do that?¡± Why do that? ¡°So I won¡¯t die in the next battle.¡± ¡°A soldier who goes that far to not mess up, I haven¡¯t seen.¡± ¡°Then there are guys who¡¯ve lived for a long time among those soldiers?¡± ¡°Well, quite a few?¡± I guess he¡¯s lived looking at this. Encrid thought from the start that the other party was ying a game with ordinary people. But that doesn¡¯t mean there¡¯s any change. Even if the other side wanted it, he could fit into things like this. It¡¯s not like losing. If you were going to be springing up in things like this, you¡¯d be half crazy because of your talent for swordsmanship. Encrid didn¡¯t do that. Rather, there¡¯s a way to go. He felt more satisfied with the joy of growth. ¡°I think I need to practice stabbing more.¡± The wholehearted effort needed training. The Heart of the Beast remained a pir for Encrid. One step forward. A step taken every day. Even if today didn¡¯t repeat itself, nothing changed. Of course, not everything stayed the same. ¡°What do you want to be?¡± Krang asked. It was simr to when Rem asked before. Memories of that time came back. ¡®Why does that seem like such a distant past?¡¯ Days that had already disappeared. Days that vanished because he had died. So the aspiration he casually expressed vanished just as casually. If he were to speak of the future, of dreams¡­ ¡®Would today disappear?¡¯ No. Even if dreams were silenced, devoured, torn apart by reality, traces remained. Traces, yes, merely traces remained in his heart. He had thought that way before. But now, how is it? ¡®Are there only traces left?¡¯ Encrid looked at his palm. There were calluses that had formed and burst repeatedly, leaving his palm distorted and scarred. The calluses, tough and ingrained at each joint of his fingers, would probably never disappear in his lifetime. This was what he had hoped for. ¡®Is that really the case?¡¯ Are there still only traces left? He asked himself. And he seeks an answer. No, it won¡¯t be. He believes it isn¡¯t. Ironically, even during those times when only traces remained, Encrid never gave up. ¡°A Knight.¡± A third-rate mercenary turned junior soldier. Then a squad leader on that topic. Nothing more than a squad leader. A modest rank, insignificant skill. Yet the words he uttered were at the peak of everyone¡¯s thoughts. Vengeance tried to mockinglyugh from the side. But Krang¡¯s response was quicker than that. ¡°Yeah. A knight.¡± It was strange. He should haveughed. He had to. Krang¡¯s attitude prevented that. It wasn¡¯t forced, but instinct said it shouldn¡¯t be done. Just a calm tone, but weighty. It carried weight. Krang earnestly epted that whimsical dream. With all his might, he took it to heart. He could listen to the act to this extent. ¡°Seeing you makes me feel like I understand how to live.¡± Krang said. Encrid shrugged. The strange air that filled the medical tent for a moment disappeared as suddenly as it appeared. ¡°Hah! A knight? You¡¯re funny!¡± So Vengeanceughed heartily. But it looked ridiculous. Neither Encrid nor Krang bothered to respond to him. ¡°I am a superior.¡± Vengeance attempted a feeble rebellion. Of course, it didn¡¯t fly. * * * Exactly one week. Encrid¡¯s side no longer hurt. ¡®Thanks to the ointment?¡¯ He recovered quickly. As bedtime approached, Krang asked. ¡°Back to duty tomorrow?¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± Today was straightforward. The returning bard praised Cyprus¡¯ praises right next to the infirmary from morning. The soldier on duty for the medical tent waste for breakfast. He also saw Krais during a light walk around noon. Big Eye¡¯splexion wasn¡¯t good. Without saying anything, he walked away alone. After that, nothing happened. Since the patients in the medical tent didn¡¯t keep watch, they had really rested well. ¡°Sleep well, Encrid.¡± ¡°You too, Krang.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s see when you get back, both of you.¡± Vengeance also greeted each other every day. So Encrid closed his eyes and fell asleep. And¡­ ¡°Cyprus! Cyprus!¡± He woke up to the bard¡¯s singing. ¡°Again today?¡± The author, who tasted the vor of money and became a bard on the battlefield, was heard singing around the barracks. So, it meant he didn¡¯t stay in one ce for more than two days. Today, the singing should have been heard from a farther ce. Why mention two consecutive days here? ¡°Are you cking off again? Why isn¡¯t breakfast served?¡± Vengeance grumbled as he got up. Encrid bristled at his words. He had heard thatint yesterday too. Or exactly, he heard it in today¡¯s repetition. ¡°Was the soldierte for breakfast yesterday too?¡± Encrid asked. Vengeance stared at Encrid and chuckled before replying. ¡°What nonsense are you spouting? Yesterday, it was served on time.¡± Encrid sighed in frustration. This confirmed it. Today was a repeat. It meant¡­ ¡®I died in my sleep without anyone knowing.¡¯ [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 15 ¡®Got stabbed while sleeping?¡¯ Encrid was so bewildered that he couldn¡¯t evenugh. ¡®Was I that oblivious?¡¯ Even if I got stabbed and died while sleeping? Could that even happen? If I were that oblivious, I wouldn¡¯t have survived until now. It was hard to guess how he died. Encrid recalled the moment before falling asleep. There was nothing unusual. He didn¡¯t feel any signs. He fell asleep. And after that, he never woke up. Did he hear the sound of insects during his sleep? Was he restless in his sleep? No. He slept soundly. It was a return after just one day. He slept without thinking. He thought it was his final rest. After that? He felt like he was possessed by a ghost. But he didn¡¯t foolishly panic. If he froze his head in shock, he would die. It was just another day beginning. Since he had already done it once, Encrid knew what he had to do, what he had to think about. There were two things to think about. One is ¡®how¡¯. Whether it¡¯s cutting the throat or covering the nose and mouth. How can you kill a person without feeling any pain? The other is ¡®why¡¯. ¡®Why me?¡¯ He died without even knowing when it happened. It¡¯s not some clumsy trick. If the opponent is an assassin, they would be top-tier or beyond. If it¡¯s an enemy soldier. ¡®Probably someone more than a top-tier assassin.¡¯ The infirmary is in the rear. If they¡¯vee this far without being noticed, they must be assassins capable of slitting a knight¡¯s cheek and returning unscathed. The answer to the question ¡®why¡¯ is practically already somewhat apparent. Apart from myself, there¡¯s only Krang and Vengeance in the tent. ¡®No one else could aim for Vengeance.¡¯ So there¡¯s only one answer. Krang. A soldier who says he forgot about his own unit. Such a person couldn¡¯t just be a soldier. The answer to ¡®why¡¯ came out. And ¡®how¡¯ was resolved. You¡¯ll understand tonight when it happens to you. Funny thing is. When I was stabbed by that pervert, I thought it was tough because of the damn pain I felt each time I died. And looking into that pervert¡¯s eyes made me feel like crap. ¡®Here¡¯s more crap.¡¯¡± It felt disgusting. To die without even knowing what¡¯s what. Truly, it felt incredibly disgusting. It wouldn¡¯t even feel like this rolling around in shit. ¡®Feels really.¡¯ Like crap? But saying that won¡¯t change anything. Encrid forgot about feelings like that. Instead, he recalled what needed to be done and organized his thoughts. ¡®Checking how it will be tonight, and assuming why came aiming for Krang.¡¯ Another question arose here. Beyond ¡®how¡¯ and ¡®why,¡¯ it¡¯s about ¡®who.¡¯ Who is the assassin? Assuming it¡¯s not an enemy soldier. Someone who knows the position of theinfirmary, knows how to hide their body, and is capable of assassination. Someone whose target is already identified and who has easy ess. One figure immediately came to mind. ¡®Company Commander?¡¯ It was a reasonable suspicion. Fairies move quietly, with subtle and swift movements. A perfect race for assassination. Moreover, since he himself is here, there¡¯s a reason toe and go here. If the purpose was this direction, wasting time with pointless talk a few days ago also makes sense. It fits like a puzzle piece. ¡°What are you doing?¡± Vengeance asked beside him. Encrid reflexively answered. ¡°Thinking.¡± ¡°Thinking? That was one hell of a short sentence. Are you really crazy, you lunatic?¡± Checking how much his thigh injury had healed, Vengeance, hobbling, stood up. ¡°Oh, I thought you were Krang, sir. My mistake.¡± ¡°If you call it a mistake, is that all?¡± ¡°I apologize.¡± ¡°Is an apology all it takes?¡± Caught him by the tail. ¡°Bring some food for me.¡± Encrid ignored Vengeance as usual and walked out of the tent. Behind him, amidst Vengeance¡¯s muttered curses, came a voice. ¡°I¡¯m not eating!¡± Krang¡¯s voice rose quietly. He wasn¡¯t bitter about his friend getting him killed. It felt disgusting. And it was irritating because of him. But Krang didn¡¯t kill him. In the end, it wasn¡¯t because of hisck of skill. Or maybe just really bad luck. Encrid thought that. ¡®If you know, you won¡¯t be attacked.¡¯ An assassin who sneaks up on him. Just causing a disturbance will make nearby allies gather. It was enough to catch a cat sneaking in at night. No need to catch it personally. Soon, a soldier responsible for the infirmary approached, rubbing his eyes. Dragging his feet, he looked really annoyed. This guy was always the same. ¡°Because of you beingte, the toon leader is really pissed off.¡± ¡°Because I¡¯mte? It¡¯s because you, as the squad leader, keep messing around, isn¡¯t it?¡± Officially, this soldier was also of squad leader rank. So, we were of the same rank. ¡°You¡¯reining even though you¡¯re just a low-ranking soldier with swollen legs?¡± As we met on the way back together, thezy soldier asked. It was a question that cut both ways, but it wasn¡¯t hard to understand. He kept asking why he didn¡¯t rush in without fear. ¡°Vengeance?¡± ¡°He¡¯s a mid-ranking soldier.¡± Not only the Cyprus Division but also the Naurillian Kingdom¡¯s army divided soldiers into grades. It was practically a reward system for boosting morale. Prove your skills and you¡¯ll be awarded an appropriate grade. I heard there¡¯s a bonus each time your grade goes up. Encrid also found this system useful in many ways. Lowest, low, mid, high, top. With five grades, soldiers were motivated to train fiercely. Naurillia respected martial prowess, so mostmanders had at least a high rank in the military. And knights were excluded from the ranks. Knights were just knights. They were beyond human limits. They couldn¡¯t be bound by such a system. So a toon leader was at least a mid-ranking soldier. A squad leader was either a low or mid-ranking one. Of course, even if they were skilled, they wouldn¡¯t disrupt themand structure. When it came to toon leaders or above, they were somewhat selectively chosen. But exceptions always existed. Encrid was a low-ranking soldier and a squad leader. His squad members were at least mid-ranking soldiers. ¡°You seem like a peculiar person.¡± The soldier said thoughtlessly. Encrid felt strange. ¡®Me?¡¯ I¡¯ve only ever heard that I¡¯m ordinary all my life. Or that Ick talent. ¡°Two servings will be enough for the meal.¡± Encrid said. The soldier looked at him and muttered, ¡°He¡¯s definitely a bit strange,¡± but prepared only two portions. Returning to the tent, Encrid calmed Vengeance down a bit. After sorting out breakfast, they trained as usual and reviewed past battles. Krang didn¡¯t eat breakfast and was absent. So, only Encrid and Vengeance were eating. ¡°Krang said he was going to be absent?¡± ¡°Well, yeah.¡± The infirmary soldier responded to Encrid¡¯s question with a nonchnt nod. Although the fairypanymander was considered a suspect,this side was also usible. ¡°This soldier cane and go here anytime, right?¡± There were guards in front of the infirmary, but they wouldn¡¯t stop the medic. ¡®Let¡¯s not jump to conclusions.¡¯ Even if the guess is likely to be correct, making a decision on it will make your head stiff. It¡¯s better to keep the possibility open. Krang returned after lunch. It was the same day. Of course, only Encrid moved differently. ¡°Are you busy?¡± When Encrid spoke, Krang, who returned, nodded his head and asked with a slight smile. ¡°Do you know that?¡± Suddenly, what are you talking about? ¡°What?¡± ¡°You¡¯re the first to speak.¡± ¡®Did I?¡¯ Now that I think about it, it seemed like that. I didn¡¯t particrly notice it. ¡°Maybe I did.¡± What a logical thing. Krangughed and sat on Encrid¡¯s bed. Encrid wasn¡¯t particrly curious about Krang¡¯s identity. No, he hadn¡¯t been. But because of the soldier who concealed his identity, today began to repeat itself, and he became curious. What is he doing that the assassin approaches? It was okay to coax him gently and reveal his identity. He was someone who sincerely listened to his dreams. Sometimes it¡¯s better to convey sincerity to the other person rather than ask back. Encrid did that. He sat beside him and looked straight into his eyes. ¡°What¡¯s your identity?¡± Vengeance woke up, seeing the two of them together and stopped muttering anything. Because he too had heard Encrid¡¯s question. Vengeance was also curious. Encrid calmly waited for an answer. Krang smiled. But it wasn¡¯t as rxed as before. He looked at Encrid¡¯s eyes without erasing his smile for a while. ¡®Is he asking for an eye duel?¡¯ Encrid patiently waited for his mouth to open. When Vengeance, unable to bear it, tried to say something. ¡°Um, I can¡¯t say.¡± ¡°Why?¡± ¡°If I tell you, it won¡¯t be fun. Plus, I have a promise to keep.¡± ¡°Really?¡± ¡°Really.¡± Encrid nodded at Krang¡¯s reluctance to reveal more. Vengeance, watching the two from the back bed, had heard the entire absurd conversation. And he thought. What kind of nonsense is this? Why is he nodding over there after asking the question himself? So, is there a hidden identity? If there¡¯s a reason he can¡¯t reveal it? Is he an enemy? A spy? Vengeance¡¯s thoughts ended, and his mouth opened simultaneously. ¡°Are you a spy?¡± ¡°I¡¯m just a Squad leader.¡± ¡°Not you, idiot.¡± ¡°Me? No.¡± Krang shook his head. Hearing Vengeance¡¯s question, Krang immediately denied it, made a short humming sound, and then stood up from the bed. Encrid quietly watched him. He walked a few steps and stood in the middle of the infirmary. The soldier guarding the infirmary, half-asleep, looked at him and squinted his eyes. ¡°I can¡¯t reveal my identity, but there¡¯s one thing I can say.¡± It was a strange feeling. His steps as he walked to the center of the tent, his manner of speaking, his gestures, his smile, his gaze, his breath. Everything seemed to fit perfectly, creating a strange feeling. It was as if he was an actor walking on a prepared stage. A peculiar aura that naturally drew everyone¡¯s attention flowed from his body. Encrid unconsciously focused on Krang¡¯s lips. If you know how to listen with all your heart,maybe you can speak words that captivate the ears and hearts of others. ¡°I cannot betray this kingdom.¡± A statement neither too fast nor too slow. Just a simple statement. Sometimes it can be a lie. Sometimes it can be meaningless noise. Sometimes it¡¯s used to whisper a love that will soon fade. It¡¯s just such a simple statement. But it changes drastically depending on whose mouth ites from. Krang¡¯s words sounded like the inevitablew that flowers bloom in spring, leaves turn in autumn, and leaves fall in winter. It sounded like an indisputablew. Encrid saw a vision. The tent suddenly seemed to widen dramatically. Krang appeared to stand in the very center. It felt vast. He remembered passing through the granary ins of the Kingdom of Naurillia while mercenarying. The surroundings opened up like those vast grasnds. Even with the expanded surroundings, Krang stood vividly in the center. His presence seemed to epass the wilderness. ¡®Not just an ordinary person.¡¯ He was the type that couldn¡¯t be ssified by rank. ¡®A knight?¡¯ No, could a knight-level warrior have such mediocre skills? Even if a knight-level warrior hid his true abilities, no one would be able to tell. It was just a hunch. He probably wasn¡¯t a knight. ¡°Well, if you don¡¯t believe me, that¡¯s fine.¡± As Krang casually threw out this remark, the vast grasnds and wilderness disappeared. Krang, who had appeared so vividly, returned to his usual appearance. ¡°I¡¯d appreciate it if you believed me, though.¡± ¡°I think I should believe you.¡± ¡°Really?¡± ¡°Yeah. Because you said so.¡± Encrid couldn¡¯t even guess the true identity of his counterpart. ¡®It doesn¡¯t really matter.¡¯ As long as he could fend off the assassin, that was all that mattered. It was just curiosity. It would be nice if the other person would tell him, but if not, it wasn¡¯t a problem. ¡°Phew.¡± Vengeance, who had been holding his breath, finally exhaled deeply. Then he looked at Encrid and Krang, trying to say something. ¡°Damn it.¡± That was all he said before turning away. Krang¡¯s identity seemed to be quite extraordinary, and Vengeance couldn¡¯t find any more words. Seeing this, Krang burst outughing and said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, toonLeader. I¡¯m just Krang for now.¡± ¡°¡­Who said otherwise?¡± Tch, he¡¯s really scared. Encrid found Vengeance almost endearing. It was fascinating how he constantly picked fights with him yet shut up entirely in front of Rem. He didn¡¯t really bother any of the other squad members either. ¡®Come to think of it, I¡¯m curious why he only does it to me.¡¯ Encrid nced at Vengeance and killed time. Another ordinary day passed. ¡°Sleep well, Encrid.¡± ¡°You too.¡± ¡°Ahem.¡± Squad Leader Vengeance, perhaps fearing future repercussions, skipped his usual evening greeting. It left Encrid feeling oddly empty. Soon, the assigned night guard stood in front of the tent. Encrid didn¡¯t sleep. He could fall asleep quickly if he wanted to, but if necessary, staying up all night for a day wasn¡¯t a problem. His survival as a mercenary was more due to his stamina and wits than his swordsmanship. Time passed. Night deepened. The night guard changed twice. Vengeance snored loudly beside him. Encrid lost himself in various thoughts, forgetting sleep. ¡®If I keep lying here, I¡¯ll end up dozing off.¡¯ Just as he considered getting up to go relieve himself, A prick. His neck felt a slight sting. Thinking he might¡¯ve been bitten by a bug, he scratched his neck. Then, he felt something catch on his hand with a tick. ¡®A needle? A poisoned needle?¡¯ He carefully pinched it between his fingers and pulled it out. It was a thin needle made of wood. ¡®Well, this is unexpected.¡¯ He had nned to scream when the attacker appeared. But soon after the sting, a dull pain started at the pierced area, and then he couldn¡¯t feel anything. It was as if his neck and body had been cut off and taken away. He knew they were there, but he couldn¡¯t feel anything below his neck. ¡®What is this?¡¯ Soon, dizziness hit him, and his head spun. ¡®A poisoned needle.¡¯ He had been hit. This was the answer to the ¡®how¡¯. No matter how dull a person was, no matter how deeply they slept, how could they not know if their neck was cut or their heart pierced? The answer was right here. It was a severe paralytic poison. Encrid tried to keep his eyes wide open until the end. He couldn¡¯t afford to waste this day. A blurry shadow came into view. The figure was small. Unless they had an unusual physique, it wasn¡¯t an adult male. It appeared to be a woman or a child. The shadow approached and swung an arm, and that was thest thing he saw. ¡°Cyprus! Cyprus!¡± The praises to Cyprus rang out. A new day had begun. To be precise, it was the third day. ¡°Are you cking off? Why haven¡¯t you brought breakfast?¡± It was the same. toon Leader Vengeance wasining about the soldier who hadn¡¯t brought breakfast. Since there was no need to waste time today. ¡°I¡¯ll go out and check.¡± Without confronting him, Encrid stepped outside. First, he needed to fetch the soldier. Let¡¯s start anew. To be honest, he didn¡¯t even know where the poisoned needle hade from. So what should he do? The answer was to stay awake and be prepared, not just lie down. What he needed now was a usible excuse. An excuse to stay awake and up at night. Even though this was the rear, it was still a battlefield. Excuses to stay awake were plentiful. ¡®Let¡¯s try again, assassin.¡¯ Encrid began his preparations. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 16 The third today. Grip strength training andbat review were done as usual. Encrid did not waste time. It was another ordinary day; nothing happened during the day. On the surface, that is. ¡®I just didn¡¯t notice.¡¯ Today was different from usual. Krang skipped breakfast and only returned after lunch. The medic in the infirmary was absent for a long time. Normally, this soldier¡¯s job was to always guard the infirmary. Everything else was the same. There were still a few patients in the other infirmaries around. Encrid sat in front of the infirmary, observing the soldiersing and going. Since this was the rear, thebat troops were fewerpared to the front lines. One of the wheels on a handcart broke, causing the cart to tip over. Groans from the patients could be heard here and there. Thanks to the strong wind, there was a soldierining. All things considered, it wasn¡¯t a state of high alert. ¡®Still, it¡¯s not like we would miss a few assassins.¡¯ The objective remained unchanged. To cause amotion when facing the assassin, and that would be the end. He steeled his resolve. He spent the rest of the day as usual. ¡°Isn¡¯t that boring?¡± Krang asked his usual question. ¡°When we get back, we¡¯ll see about that, you bastards.¡± There was Vengeance¡¯s meaningless muttering. Night had deepened. Encridy down, then got up and sat half-perched on his bunk. He sat and reviewed the information he knew. The time the assassin woulde was: ¡®After the third guard change.¡¯ The weapons used were poison needles and des. The suspect appeared to be of a female or childlike physique. The main suspect was the newly appointedpanymander. The likely target was Krang. This was all he knew. It was enough. They weren¡¯t after him, and all he had to do was cause amotion. Watching the changing of the guard, Encrid got up. ¡°Haah, going to pee?¡± A yawning guard asked. ¡°No, I just can¡¯t sleep.¡± ¡°Aren¡¯t you rejoining the main unit tomorrow?¡± The guard smiled slightly. He was a soldier with freckles, droopy eyes, and a gentle demeanor. Encrid, being a squad leader, was of higher rank than a regr soldier. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Are you too nervous to sleep?¡± ¡°No, the moon is too bright.¡± At Encrid¡¯s words, the freckled soldier looked up. It was a dark night. The clouds tightly covered the moonlight in the night sky. Although a distant star sparkled brightly, the darkness was so thick that one couldn¡¯t see an inch ahead without a torch. ¡°The moon?¡± ¡°Just joking.¡± Encrid said, ncing at the guard in the neighboring tent. No matter how strictly discipline was enforced, soldiers like that always appeared. He saw a guard dozing off, leaning against a tent pole. ¡°Haha.¡± The freckled soldier let out a stiffugh. ¡°Actually, it¡¯s the torches that are too bright for me to sleep.¡± ¡°You¡¯re sensitive.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve always been like that since I was a kid.¡± It wasn¡¯t just idle talk. Encrid was more sensitive than most people. He could hear well, smell well, and distinguish tastes well. His senses were sharp. ¡®Yet I was caught off guard twice already.¡¯ The opponent was quite skilled in stealth. Of course, if an assassin wasn¡¯t confident in stealth and infiltration, what would they be confident in? It¡¯s dark. Looking at the stars in the night sky and the burning torches, Encrid exchanged a few more trivial words. Talk about where their hometowns were, and how they ended up in the army. The freckled soldier shared his story without hesitation. Encrid didn¡¯t listen closely. While talking, he was constantly on alert for what was happening behind him. He kept touching his neck. ¡®Since it hit the neck, the poison took effect immediately.¡¯ Had it hit the forearm instead of the neck, there would have been enough time to react. Preparation. If he was awake, he would at least have enough time to scream¡­. ¡°Laura said she was waiting for me¡­¡± The freckled soldier was in the middle of talking about his girlfriend back home. At that moment, there was a sudden ¡®thud¡¯ as something pierced through the freckled soldier¡¯s neck. ¡®A de!¡¯ A de as long as a finger emerged from his neck. There was no sudden gush of blood. Before pulling out that de, it effectively acted as a tool to stem the bleeding. The freckled soldier staggered sideways and silently copsed, his mouth covered. Ping¡ªa sound, and something flew towards Encrid. All of these actions urred in a single breath. Encrid reacted too. He reflexively covered his neck with his hand. A poisoned needle pricked the back of his hand. Now it was time to scream. There¡¯s an assassin here! We¡¯re under attack! Or at least. Aaaaaah! Even such a meaningless scream would have sufficed. But then. Thud. Something covered his mouth. No sound, no warning. Encrid felt someone grabbing and twisting his neck. Crack. Afterwards, he felt a hot pain in the back of his neck as a de was thrust in. Having been stabbed so many times, he could now roughly gauge the depth and severity of the wound. This was a fatal wound. Encrid copsed to the ground with the de still in him. Warm blood flowed from his neck down to his chest. The assassin did not deliver a final blow. Encrid had no strength left to check the situation around him. ¡®Krang? The toon Leader Vengeance?¡¯ As he gushed out blood, the very essence of life, Encrid checked the two sprawled before him. One was the freckled soldier. He was dead with his neck pierced. Blood poured out, soaking the tent floor. ¡®What was his name again?¡¯ He had talked about so many things but hadn¡¯t listened attentively to any of it. Inside the tent entrance, he also saw the toon leader Vengeance. He tooy sprawled, eyes wide open, as if strangled. But Krang was nowhere to be seen. Using hisst bit of strength, Encrid lifted his head to look inside the tent. As he moved, the de embedded in him shifted, causing excruciating pain. ¡°Grrh.¡± A groan escaped involuntarily. Despite the pain, he steadfastly raised himself and looked. He saw a slender woman. Behind the torn tent, blocking the way, there was the fairy woman. ¡®So it was you.¡¯ It was the newly appointedpanymander. No matter how unobservant he was, he couldn¡¯t have missed this. ¡°Already taken out¡­¡± Another voice mixed in. That was the end of his memory. ¡°Cyprus! Cyprus!¡± Today began again. ¡®Damn it.¡¯ A dry, hollowugh escaped involuntarily. The opponent was an assassin. Regardless of having the Heart of the Beast, Valen¡¯s Mercenary Sword Style, or whatever, there was nothing he could do. First, he had to face and fight them to do anything at all. But they stabbed him in the neck andunched poison needles without a single word. With a sudden kick, he threw off the nket and got up. ¡°Have you gone crazy this early in the morning?¡± The toon leader Vengeance asked, half-covered by the nket that had flown onto his head. ¡°Oh, no.¡± That wasn¡¯t the important part. ¡°Alright then, wanna die? This is mutiny, isn¡¯t it?¡± Ignoring the limping Vengeance, Encrid walked outside. ¡°Hey! Are you running away? You bastard! If you get caught, you¡¯re dead!¡± Behind Vengeance¡¯s shouting. ¡°Why is it so noisy this early in the morning?¡± Came Krang¡¯s voice as he woke up. The same day repeating again. ¡®Let¡¯s see how you do this time, assassin.¡¯ Encrid prepared for the fourth night. This time, he also brought several daggers. He persuaded the freckled soldier toe into the tent with him. ¡°Isn¡¯t everyone who needs protecting here?¡± It was an easy sell. The naive country boy waspletely taken in by Encrid¡¯s words. He brought one of the torches inside and ced it upright. The inside of the tent became much brighter. ¡®So, assassins, can you work in such a well-lit ce?¡¯ It was possible. He didn¡¯t know when they had sneaked in. He didn¡¯t know how they got close. An assassin dropped with a thud from above the tent. The shadow that fell plunged poisoned needles into the necks of both the freckled soldier and Encrid. Just before dying, Encrid saw the tent being sliced open with a swish. A white de. A dark figure beyond it. Thanks to the torch he had brought inside, the light illuminated the face of the attacker. It was the newly appointedpanymander. ¡°Cyprus! Cyprus!¡± The fifth day dawned. ¡°Alright.¡± Even knowing it, he was caught. It was the fourth time. Determination set in. He tried again in a simr manner, but this time, he focused with all his might. The result wasn¡¯t much different. The beds in this tent were elevated off the ground. A ck shadow emerged from underneath, throwing short arrows. These were thrown arrow weapons. The arrow tips were poisoned. It was a deadly poison. The pain was of a different magnitude than being stabbed by a knife. It felt like ants were gnawing on his heart. His breath was cut off, unable to continue breathing. Thus, he died without being able to do anything. The sixth day was simr. There were asional minor changes. Just before dying, he heard the group of assassins saying something. ¡°You, ho¡­¡± ¡°You are¡­¡± ¡°This is a warn¡­¡± ¡°Fairness¡­¡± Of course, hearing that didn¡¯t change anything. He couldn¡¯t understand what they were saying anyway. At best, it was just a few words. No matter how much he tried to piece it together, he couldn¡¯t find an answer. With determination, Encrid tried various methods. Not giving up was a strength, but in this situation, it could be a weakness. The old saying that stupidity leads to suffering holds true. Endless attempts aren¡¯t always the solution. Fortunately, Encrid wasn¡¯t a fool. Twenty attempts and failures. ¡®Even screaming is pointless.¡¯ It showed just how skilled the assassin was. Once, he tried shouting about an attack before the assassin could do anything. The soldiers from the surrounding tents gathered where Encrid was. He even saw Krang rubbing his eyes as he woke up. Roughly, it was after the third guard had arrived. It could be considered a preemptive strike attempted with the right timing. ¡°Attack? Where?¡± As a result, he just got kicked in the shin by the neighboring toon leader. If he shouted first, nothing happened? Would that mean the day just passed by? In that case, getting kicked in the shin was nothing. After themotion ended, Encrid roughly excused it as a bad dream. ¡°How did you know?¡± For the first time, Encrid heard the assassin¡¯s voice. It was a man¡¯s voice, mixed with a metallic rasp. And then he died. A de lodged in his neck. If he tried that, he would have tried other things too. ¡°toon leader Vengeance. Are you perhaps mad at me?¡± ¡°What the hell?¡± ¡°It¡¯s not me, it¡¯s Krang, right? Isn¡¯t it because Krang keeps talking nonsense?¡± Encrid tried to lighten the mood and give a warning. ¡°There will be an assassin tonight.¡± ¡°¡­Gopletely mad, you crazy bastard.¡± Vengeance didn¡¯t believe him. ¡°Got a secret birth story? Why would an assassine?¡± Krang didn¡¯t believe him either. They were people with ack of faith. It was a failure. He tried various things, but the cause of failure was simr. ¡®Insufficient skill.¡¯ It could be summed up with one reason. The assassin was too skilled. He needed to find a way. The Heart of the Beast, Valen¡¯s Mercenary Sword Style. They were not helpful now. ¡®Bring Rem in the middle of the night?¡¯ Couldn¡¯t that be the way? If it were Rem or another squad member, they wouldn¡¯t be taken down so easily. ¡®As long as it¡¯s not Big Eyes.¡¯ He wouldn¡¯t be caught. But how to bring Rem? There was no way. He was just a squad leader and they were just soldiers. Regardless of skill, their ranks were like that. If he talked to the squad leader responsible for the duty squad? ¡®He would surely listen.¡¯ What excuse would he use? There are things that can and cannot be done. It was impossible to bring a squad member. So what other way was there? There was one. Repeat the same today. Encrid knows when and where to find Big Eyes. ¡®Should I ask for advice?¡¯ All his squad members are incredibly talented. ¡®You can listen to opinions even if you don¡¯t bring them.¡¯ It¡¯s better than enduring it with an obsession. Encrid decided to meet Big Eyes. ¡°Where are you going?¡± Vengeance toon leader asked from behind. Krang also left early in the morning. Enkrid figured Vengeance asked because he was also leaving. Encrid answered with a question andughed. ¡°Are you lonely?¡± ¡°What, you?¡± ¡°Or not.¡± ¡°Hey, you, this, fuck.¡± Ignoring him, he walked out. ¡°If I get out, you¡¯ll see!¡± Inside the tent, toon leader Vengeance shouted. Encrid cocked his ear. Finding Big Eyes wasn¡¯t difficult. Although his expression was quite bad. What was important was Big Eyes¡¯s expression. This side has repeated the day 20 times without even seeing the opponent¡¯s face. ¡°Big Eyes.¡± Big Eyes, who was walking fast, turned his head at the call. He furrowed his brow, then spotted Encrid. ¡°Squad Leader? Are you okay now?¡± ¡°Can we talk for a moment?¡± ¡°Ah, I¡¯m a bit busy. If you need someone to talk to, Jaxon is over there.¡± Big Eyes seemed genuinely busy, raising his thumb and pointing backward, then casually continued walking. There was no chance to catch him. Anyway, Big Eyes wasn¡¯t the target; Encrid was going to call another squad member. Encrid headed towards the tent indicated by Big Eyes. It was a small tent between the maintenance tents. It wasn¡¯t arge tent, but a small one. A maintenance tent that isn¡¯t much used in supply items. It was a ce where defective goods were gathered, so people didn¡¯te and go often. ¡°Squad Leader?¡± Jaxon was there. Red hair with a red-eyed brownish tint. A squad member showing an average smile. And ording to Rem¡¯s evaluation. Thest man toe. He said he enjoyed poking holes and taking care of them rather than confronting his opponent. He also said, Scratch. Encrid scratched his head with his finger and asked. It seems to havee at a difficult time. ¡°Do you have time?¡± Jaxon nodded nonchntly. Behind him, a woman with tangled yellow hair poked her face out of the tent and quickly went inside. ¡°I¡¯m done with my business.¡± Jaxon stood up, putting on a shirt with all the buttons open over his shoulders. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 17 If you had the skills, you could meet a prostitute even inside here. I heard that prostitutes preferred entering the unit over going to city or rural towns. For one, they could earn more money than usual. Even though it was known secretly, this wasn¡¯t something that happened under militaryw and discipline. The men you met here, whether they were soldiers ormanders, were extremely averse to causing a scene. No one enjoyed creating a troublesome situation by getting caught calling for a woman. Therefore, this ce was full of big spenders. ¡®Even so.¡¯ You¡¯re quite skilled. No matter how much you want it, there are those who can do it and those who can¡¯t. ¡®Big Eyes must have arranged this.¡¯ ¡°Well, um, I¡¯m envious. You¡¯re quite skilled, aren¡¯t you?¡± ¡°There¡¯s no need to live with unfulfilled desires, is there?¡± He wasn¡¯t wrong. If you can do it, living that way isn¡¯t a bad thing. Jaxon buttoned up his shirt as he walked. It seemed he was truly only connected to the woman in the tent through money, as he didn¡¯t even look back. A red kiss mark was visible through the unbuttoned shirt. It looked like he had quite a passionate time. Jaxon¡¯s reddish-brown hair fluttered slightly in the wind. His appearance was strangely attractive. Ordinary yet handsome. Yeah, with looks like that, it¡¯s no wonder women would flock to him. ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± Jaxon asked, ncing at Encrid. He was the same as usual. Easygoing and unpretentious. Squad member Jaxon. Rem evaluated him as a pervert who preferred to exploit weaknesses. Encrid briefly recalled Jaxon on the battlefield. If Rem resembled a charging beast, then this one was¡­ ¡®Not particrly.¡¯ Encrid had never properly seen Jaxon fight. All he knew was from what Rem had said. And he had seen Jaxon poke an enemy¡¯s back with a spear once. That was all. However, you could infer his skill. Even Rem, who was very skilled, would often get minor injuries. But Jaxon had no such wounds. It was very rare for him to get injured, and when he did, it was only minor. ¡°Are you going to fight properly or not?¡± asionally, Rem would growl and say this. And Jaxon would openly sneer at him. ¡°I don¡¯t enjoy seeing blood.¡± ¡°If you don¡¯t enjoy seeing blood, then just die or don¡¯t stay here, you sly bastard.¡± ¡°That¡¯s none of your business.¡± ¡°Oh yeah? Should I split your head open or your body?¡± ¡°Before that, I¡¯ll make two thumb-sized holes in your heart.¡± That was as far as their conversation went. Encrid had stepped between them, seeing Rem with a bleeding arm holding an axe, and Jaxon quietly standing up. ¡°If you want to kill each other, wouldn¡¯t it be easier for one of you to go to the enemy¡¯s side, rather than doing it here?¡± After that, they still red at each other as if they wanted to kill, but they didn¡¯t fight. Words alone wouldn¡¯t stop them, but if someone physically got between them, they would miraculously calm down. There were quite a few squad members who had been stopped this way. Rem called Jaxon a sly wildcat. And Jaxon called Rem a crazy barbarian. Encrid had seen Jaxon poke an enemy¡¯s back with a spear he had picked up from somewhere. Even after being stabbed, the enemy couldn¡¯t find Jaxon¡¯s position. As Jaxon crouched down, Encrid¡¯s ankle was kicked. The image of the enemy iling on the ground with a spear stuck in his back was vividly remembered. Curious about how that was possible, Encrid had asked during some free time. ¡°It was because the enemy¡¯s attention was entirely focused on the front.¡± There were no detailed exnations. Rem was the type to easily share what he knew and had, but the same couldn¡¯t be expected from Jaxon. Still, Encrid didn¡¯t give up easily. ¡°Squad Leader?¡± Jaxon stopped walking. Before they knew it, they were in front of the infirmary where Encrid was. Hearing the question about what was going on, Encrid fell into thought. There was no need to ponder the answer to that question. Encrid didn¡¯t aim to be the Squad Leader of the troublesome squad of the 4th toon of the 4thpany. Who could n to form such a rtionship? So, there was no need to worry. If he was curious, he asked. If he needed something, he demanded it. Encrid treated his squad members like that. ¡°If a guy like you were to stab me in the back, how would I avoid it?¡± Jaxon understood Encrid¡¯s words immediately. He had pestered him countless times to teach him the method of sneaking up behind someone. It was persistent to the point of being relentless. Every few days, he repeats the same question. It would have been easier to deal with if he had whined about it. He could have scared him off just enough to chase him away. But the Squad Leader didn¡¯t do that. All that was visible was the desire to know, to learn. While he wasn¡¯t impressed by that passion, one thing was certain. If left unchecked, he would probably continue to ask the same question every few days for his entire time in the squad. If he knew this guy for a lifetime, he would probably ask for a lifetime. Jaxon doesn¡¯t easily call someone persistent. He knows the limits of people too well. He understands the hollowness of terms like mental strength, conviction, and willpower. And yet¡­ To him, Encrid was a relentless man. His passion for the sword and martial arts was hotter than anyone else¡¯s. Could that passion be driving him this way? ¡°Why are you so eager to learn?¡± ¡°Knowing it would increase my chances of survival, wouldn¡¯t it?¡± Spending all the money he earns on some training center, what¡¯s the point of surviving longer? Jaxon almost asked him what he wanted to do so badly. What would be the point of knowing? Isn¡¯t this a fleeting connection anyway? After that, although it wasn¡¯t easy, Jaxon exined sincerely. Of course, the Squad Leader couldn¡¯t master it. Naturally. It wasn¡¯t something useful for his ¡®type.¡¯ But today¡¯s question was a bit more refreshing. ¡°Do you think your ribs were injured by a blind strike, or rather a blind kick?¡± To Jaxon, it was an obvious question. If Encrid thought that getting kicked by Frog in the previous battle was due to not sensing his presence, he was greatly mistaken. ¡°No, it¡¯s because the opponent was overwhelmingly strong.¡± ¡°Then?¡± Rarely, the question continued. ¡°Curious?¡± Encrid, in turn, asked back. He knew Jaxon¡¯s usual demeanor well. Jaxon wasn¡¯t the type to be curious. He just kept an appropriate distance from everyone, neither getting too close nor too distant. There was no one who considered Jaxon very close. Except for the members of the 444th Squad, there was no one who particrly disliked him either. A proper distance. That was Jaxon¡¯s usual way. So it was awkward for him to ask like this. And Encrid knew that if he asked like this, Jaxon wouldn¡¯t inquire further and would give an answer. This wasn¡¯t an intentionally established rtionship, but over time, he hade to understand their usual reactions and stances well. ¡°No. If there¡¯s someone trying to stab you from behind, you just need to notice it first.¡± As expected, the exnation was the worst. Rem might say he can¡¯t exin things well, butpared to Jaxon, Rem could be a prestigious swordsmanship instructor. Fortunately, Encrid had met and experienced various teachers. Some were better at teaching than their actual skill suggested. Some were skilled but terrible at teaching. From all those teachers and moments, Encrid always got his money¡¯s worth. Therefore, he had more than enough methods to learn effectively. ¡°How do you notice it first?¡± Encrid asked. ¡°Always keep an eye on your surroundings.¡± ¡°What if you get caught even after looking around?¡± ¡°Look around more frequently.¡± ¡°You can¡¯t spend all day turning your head, can you?¡± ¡°If you¡¯re the Squad leader, you can.¡± ¡°No, I can¡¯t.¡± Jaxon sometimes makes him out to be a strange person. Unlike Rem, who jokes around, Jaxon is serious. From several experiences, Encrid had learned how to respond. He had to firmly say he couldn¡¯t do it. As if Jaxon changed his mind at that firmness, he looked around and then walked slightly to one side. It was a ce where various items were stacked beside the infirmary. Sitting down on them roughly, he leaned slightly against the adjacent tent and said, ¡°It seems like this will be a long talk.¡± ¡°Today is a long day.¡± At least until bedtime, he had plenty of time. ¡°Don¡¯t we need to eat?¡± ¡°Will you die if you miss one meal? I¡¯ll take your ce as the meal duty officer for the rest of my life. Ah, of course, only while we¡¯re in the same squad.¡± Anyway, a promise that would disappear after today. Encrid made promises freely. ¡°If that was a joke, it wouldn¡¯t be funny.¡± Funny enough, all members of the 444th Squad hated doing dishes and meal duties the most. They¡¯d rather fight. The reason? They hate taking care of what other squad members eat and cleaning up after them. They¡¯re consistently crazy, but there¡¯s a lot to learn. At least in battle andbat, they were the best teachers for Encrid. What if Jaxon couldn¡¯t solve this? Instead of worrying about this nonsense, he would focus. If that still didn¡¯t work, he would find Rem or another squad memberter today. A soldier without residual scars from battle. Whether Jaxon was truly skilled or not, Encrid wasn¡¯t sure. He hadn¡¯t seen it with his own eyes. But the conclusion was that Jaxon was an exceptional soldier. Rem¡¯s attitude vouched for Jaxon¡¯s skill. So there must be something to learn. Even if it wasn¡¯t immediately useful, it would definitelye in handyter. The Heart of the Beast, after all, was useful from the moment he learned it. ¡°I¡¯m not idle enough to make empty promises.¡± ¡°Didn¡¯t you say we had all day earlier?¡± ¡°That was a different matter.¡± ¡°Alright. You¡¯ll keep your promise, right?¡± Encrid nodded. He also sat down right in front of Jaxon. A few passing soldiers noticed them, but no one bothered to speak. Between the passing soldiers and the supply carts, the two sat facing each other. One was sitting on a pile of items, so his eye level was higher, but it didn¡¯t particrly matter. Jaxon felt a strange emotion. Encrid had plopped down and was looking at him. With gravel and embedded stones on the ground, it must have been ufortable. Moreover, the carts passing by kicked up dust, but he seemed to forget about the environment. He was fully focused on Jaxon¡¯s story without a hint of doubt. Moved by Encrid¡¯s serious gaze, Jaxon began to speak. ¡°Humans have five senses.¡± ¡°You mean eyes, nose, ears, that kind of thing?¡± ¡°Yes. Sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch.¡± Why bring that up now? One might have such a question, but not Encrid. He just listened intently. It was a good attitude, enough to make unexpected wordse out. Jaxon initially intended to say that training the five senses was enough, but he began to exin. It was a voice that came from the heart, not the mind. ¡°If you can¡¯t keep turning your head, you need to put eyes on your back.¡± Wordsing from the heart aren¡¯t necessarily kind. Jaxon thought what he said sounded like nonsense even as he spoke. The exnation was wrong. ¡°I see.¡± But Encrid nodded. ¡®Well, this is something.¡¯ Jaxon chose his words carefully. He hadn¡¯t expected to teach something like this, but there was no reason not to. He could just teach a part of what he had trained in. He knew from watching him all this time. The Squad Leader was ordinary. His senses were ordinary. He wasn¡¯t naturally gifted. But that was okay. The training they were about to do would be effective even for a regr person. If done consistently for a few months, it would yield quite good results. Originally, this training was done in a cave-like ce. A better training method would be to be threatened by an assassin intent on killing the Squad Leader dozens of times, but that¡¯s not realistic. ¡°You can¡¯t always look around with your eyes, but you can with your ears.¡± His exnation was still crude. ¡°Oh, right, because sound doesn¡¯t distinguish between front and back.¡± Encrid, in his attentive stance, quickly understood. ¡°To be precise, sound does have front and back. By distinguishing sounds, your hearing will develop. It¡¯s a training you can do even while sitting down. Now, listen.¡± Of course, various sounds were heard. The sound of carts rolling, the grumbling of soldiers, the groans of patients, the indifferent doctor¡¯s voice telling them to endure, and even the sound of the g fluttering in the strong wind today. After a brief silence, Jaxon spoke. ¡°Today, the wind is from the west, and the doctor is in the third tent from here in the front. And that cart has a loose left wheel joint. If we¡¯re lucky, it willst two more days; if not, the wheel wille off today.¡± Just as he said, the well-rolling cart wheel creaked and copsed to one side. ¡°Damn it!¡± The soldier driving the cart shouted in frustration. ¡°By distinguishing and discerning sounds, you can always keep an eye on your surroundings.¡± Encrid was surprised. Is this really possible? Jaxon had just demonstrated that it was. ¡°How to put eyes on your back¡ªtraining your hearing. Can you do it?¡± This auditory training depended on the environment; the method itself wasn¡¯t difficult. It was all about distinguishing sounds. Of course, that didn¡¯t mean it was easy. ¡°It would help to listen to and distinguish the same sounds repeatedly, right? And then change methods once you get used to it?¡± The Squad Leader was definitely good at listening, separate from his swordsmanship and martial arts skills. Being a good listener also meant he understood quickly. The Squad Leader quickly grasped Jaxon¡¯s words. ¡°Yes, that¡¯s correct. One of the ways to detect the footsteps or presence of a silent-moving assassin is by distinguishing the sound of the air around you. If you know an assassin well, it would be good to ask them to sneak up and target your neck. That would be the best training method.¡± Half of what he said afterward was a joke. He even spoke with a slight smile. It was a joke, but he definitely said something unnecessary. Understanding his lousy exnation so well, Jaxon said it without realizing. He also thought it was something that would never be relevant to the Squad Leader. But then. ¡°Really?¡± The Squad Leader¡¯s eyes lit up even more. An iprehensible man. That was Jaxon¡¯s assessment of Encrid. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 18 When night fell, he tried to hear the sound of the approaching assassin. It was meaningless. There was no sound or sign to be felt. ¡®Let¡¯s do it this way for now.¡¯ There was no hesitation. Once the training method was decided, he simply followed through like an ox plowing a field. Encrid did just that. Before the poisoned needle flew, the assassin would definitely enter the tent. He listened for that sign. Every day, hey down to sleep and greeted the same morning. However, he didn¡¯t foolishly repeat night training only. If he could, he did his best. During the day, he sought out Jaxon. It was today, the day after he learned the auditory training. Encrid had to wait quietly in front of the tent. He had arrived too earlypared to usual. Hearing murmurs from inside, he didn¡¯t get any closer. He didn¡¯t know what secrets were being whispered, but there was no need to listen in. After waiting, he met Jaxon. ¡°Let¡¯s walk together.¡± They walked and talked. Same questions, same attitude. Encrid, while hearing the same words every time, unconsciously showed the listening attitude that Krang had taught him. Listening well was deeply connected to learning well. To proceed, you first had to listen and understand. Even if he hadn¡¯t realized it, Encrid instinctively knew that listening was important. In that respect, the attitude of attentive listening was an excellent tool. Jaxon repeatedly said the same things. Encrid sometimes had to pretend to be a genius. ¡°Having eyes in the back of your head means listening, right? Hearing with your ears?¡± ¡°¡­It doesn¡¯t really need an exnation.¡± ¡°Sounds have directions too. You can distinguish front and back, left and right. It¡¯s about the sound you hear and its intensity, right?¡± ¡°Were you a genius?¡± ¡°What did you say?¡± ¡°Nothing. You¡¯re smarter than I thought.¡± ¡°Did I look like an idiot to you?¡± ¡°That¡¯s not it.¡± And then he dies again. Today repeats once more. The day starts with theints of toon Leader Vengeance. ¡°Oh, no breakfast? Where did this bastard disappear to?¡± ¡°Yes, it¡¯s natural to get cranky when you¡¯re hungry.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°Our toon leader is whining, so I¡¯ll go get breakfast.¡± ¡°¡­Are you crazy?¡± Not really. No matter what he said, it didn¡¯t mean much, so he started by teasing. Observing the people passing by. Using some of the daily urrences as indicators, he spent today slightly differently. Encrid half-jokingly got through breakfast and repeated his day. Five times, ten times. As he repeated, he got used to fetching Jaxon from the tent. At first, it was awkward, but after overhearing their secrets once, he was undeterred. Today, what was good. Last time, what was good. They were talking about their preferred positions and such. In the repetition of today, Encrid boldly pulled back the tent p. ¡°Jaxon, do you have a moment?¡± ¡°¡­What is it?¡± ¡°If you want to continue, then step aside.¡± ¡°Even if I wanted to, you¡¯ve ruined the mood.¡± ¡°Thene out.¡± The woman next to him looked at Encrid with a bewildered gaze that said, ¡®What is with this guy?¡¯ At first, it was awkward, but he became shameless as he got used to it. He ignored her. Above all, Jaxon didn¡¯t particrly express anyints even when Encrid acted this way. He was only curious about why Encrid was behaving like this. His curiosity was always resolved in the same way. ¡°Are you curious about that?¡± ¡°No. Never mind.¡± It was the same with training. As he got used to hearing certain sounds, Jaxon raised a question. ¡°¡­Have you learned this before?¡± ¡°My grandfather taught me a bit when I was young.¡± Encrid was a war orphan. He didn¡¯t even know his parents, let alone a grandfather. ¡°I see.¡± Even with such flimsy excuses, Jaxon just let it go. Encrid always made his day worthwhile. When he trained in thrusting, moving his body was the task. This time, sitting still was the task. There were results. Encrid made slow but steady progress. ¡®Let¡¯s do as I¡¯ve learned.¡¯ If you can¡¯t take a full step, take a half step. If a half step isn¡¯t possible, take a quarter step. If even that isn¡¯t allowed, start by wiggling your toes. After repeating the same day about twenty times, ¡®I can hear it.¡¯ He heard the sound of the wind hitting feathers. Screech. He heard the grating sound from the wheels of a carriage. It sounded like a damaged cogwheel in a clock. ¡®That¡¯s the sound of breaking.¡¯ Soundse in different types. Some sounds convey information as if speaking. For instance, the sounding from a g does this. ¡°Finding out it¡¯s a westerly wind is easy. Just check where I¡¯m sitting, find north, then follow the direction of the sound of the g pping.¡± Easier said than done. No one can do this instantly. Repeat and repeat again. As always, even though living by splitting each day, his mindset remained unchanged. Everything created a synergistic effect. ¡®Follow the sound of the g fluttering.¡¯ Depending on his seated position,he could determine the direction of the wind. It¡¯s not particrly useful in everyday life or on the battlefield. You can tell the wind¡¯s direction even from where you¡¯re sitting. However, the significancey in determining it purely by sound. He distinguished the voice of a doctor. He estimated the size and gauged the distance. ¡®If I master this properly, it could be useful on the battlefield.¡¯ Come to think of it, Jaxon always avoided dangerous battlefields by a step. Did he listen, judge, and move beforehand? Is that even possible? Right now, he didn¡¯t know. The first step of this training was to distinguish sounds. The second step was to gauge distance by listening. Encrid had just barelypleted these two steps. The third step was to discern and listen to the tiniest of sounds. The best training was said to be listening to the movements of an assassin. ¡®Funny, but¡­¡¯ It was the perfect environment. Dying without knowing what happened was, surprisingly, really unpleasant. The situation where you just go without any resistance is the worst. Still, ¡®Isn¡¯t this an opportunity?¡¯ That thought came naturally. He didn¡¯t get up from his bed. If he tangled with the freckled watchman, he would always die. There was no need for that. Hey down with his eyes closed and concentrated. First, he focused on listening. The next steps could be thought aboutter. During the day, he listened to the sound of rolling carts, the sound of wooden pegs breaking and shaking, and conversely, the sound of intact carts. He distinguished the sounds of gs pping in the wind, tents rustling, and people¡¯s voices. For some, repeating the same task could be exhausting and painful. ¡®It¡¯s fun.¡¯ For Encrid, it was different. Even the smallest growth brought him joy. Although it wasn¡¯t as physically demanding as when he learned The Heart of the Beast,the mental strain was intense. When he concentrated too much, he often got splitting headaches. But after about thirty repetitions, he quickly got used to it. He lived today a little differently than yesterday. Encrid loved that to the point of shivering with excitement. So, on the fifty-sixth night, Swoosh. The sound of a torch burning on the stand. The sound of a soldier on night watch, startled awake and tapping the ground with his spear. The freckled sentry at the infirmary, asionally peeking inside. Among these sounds, a tiny sound reached his ears. The faint sound of wind slipping through. ¡®I heard it.¡¯ It was distinctly different from usual. Encrid¡¯s ears distinguished the slight difference. The moment he heard it, Encrid rolled to the side without hesitation. ¡®I dodged it.¡¯ The initial n was to dodge and then shout. Encrid couldn¡¯t do that. Swoosh. He heard the sound of air being sliced behind him. There was no time to draw the dagger hidden in his bosom. He rolled forward again. Whoosh, swoosh, swish. An indescribable small noise kept reaching his ears. By distinguishing the direction of the sound, Encrid barely, just barely, avoided the attacks. The tip of the de even grazed his thigh. ¡®That was lucky.¡¯ If he had been a bit slower, his thigh would have been cut. Even a scratch would be dangerous against this opponent. Would someone who used poisoned needles leave their de uncoated? He kept rolling and bouncing away. The Heart of the Beast shone through. Despite the continuous dangerous moments,his heart remained calm and steady. There was no need to get excited. If it was just about hearing and avoiding, ¡®It¡¯s okay. I can do this.¡¯ If he gave up counter attacking, he could avoid the strikes. The de aimed at his back, making a long vertical sh. The assassin¡¯s intention was clear. They wanted to at least graze him. Encrid rolled towards Vengeance¡¯s bed, who seemed oblivious to themotion. Rolling, he bumped the bed with his shoulder. Thud. A heavy impact reverberated through his shoulder muscles. Despite ramming it with all his strength, toon Leader Vengeance did not wake up. ¡®Poisoned needle.¡¯ He wouldn¡¯t wake up. It must be a poison rted to paralysis or sleep. ¡°You tough bastard.¡± This time, it seemed the assassin was in quite a hurry, muttering and stomping the ground. Encrid, his breath catching in his throat, panted heavily. The assassin, sensing his opponent¡¯sbored breathing, thrust the knife in his right hand while throwing the poisoned needle with his left. It was a near-fatal move. Encrid, despite his ragged breathing, responded swiftly. He dodged the knife and used Vengeance¡¯s arm as a shield to block the poisoned needle. Thud, the needle embedded itself in Vengeance¡¯s forearm. Seeing his attack blocked, the assassin hesitated, giving Encrid a moment to roll towards the tent entrance. The heavy breathing was a ruse. ¡®This is the Valen¡¯s MercenaryTtechnique, the deceiving breath.¡¯ It was a ploy to create an opportunity by pretending to give the enemy an easy chance to end the fight. A beautifully executed trick. Encrid, using the momentum from his roll, half-rose and acted as if he was bolting out of the tent. The assassin lunged. That too was a ruse. Instead of heading for the entrance, Encrid moved towards the wall. He drew a dagger from his bosom and shed at the tent wall. The n was to tear through and escape, winning the fight that way. Rip. Before he could react, the tent wall was already torn. Beyond the cut tent wall, ¡°You¡¯re a bitte.¡± A voice apanied by glowing green eyes appeared. It was the fairypanymander, the mastermind of the assassination. Encrid instinctively attempted a thrust. Though he held only a dagger, it was a technique he had practiced countless times, ingrained in his body. Pivoting on his left foot, he twisted and thrust at his opponent in one swift motion. His right arm shot out like a spear. The fairypanymander, eyes gleaming, stepped inside and swung his right hand from inside to outside. Thud, whoosh. The trajectory of Encrid¡¯s thrust was deflected by that gesture. Simultaneously, themander kicked out Encrid¡¯s supporting leg. The world spun, and Encrid tumbled to the ground. What the fairypanymander did next was iprehensible. Tick, tick. Encrid turned away, pulling his cloak and using it as a shield in front of him. Thud, thud, something embedded itself into the cloak. It was the poisoned needles. ¡°You okay?¡± In a state of bewilderment, he saw Krang crouching outside the tent. ¡°Was there a guard?¡± The assassin¡¯s voice was clearly shaken. ¡°The thought of assassination makes me nauseous.¡± The fairypanymander let the cloak drop as he spoke. Encrid¡¯s mind was busy trying toprehend the situation. ¡®Not an assassin?¡¯ Was she on the defending side? So, what he saw when he died was not the one who killed him but someone who arrivedte? ¡°Doesn¡¯t look like you¡¯re hurt.¡± ¡°Just startled.¡± Encrid answered Krang¡¯s question and turned his body. Seeing the fairypanymander, the assassin seemed ready to flee, his weight shifted backward. Themander didn¡¯t seem interested in stopping him. Soon, the assassin began to retreat, slipping out of the tent entrance and fleeing. Even while running, his footsteps made almost no sound. ¡°Well, this is something.¡± Krang chuckled awkwardly as he entered the tent. Themander approached the tent, grabbed the shoulder of the freckled soldier who appeared to have fainted, and dragged him inside. She nced at toon Leader Vengeance before turning away. Her green eyes met Encrid¡¯s. A brief silence ensued. After a moment, thepanymander tilted his head and spoke. ¡°You¡¯re alive?¡± There was a note of surprise in his question. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 19 He endured today. The repetition of training and drills. That¡¯s how Encrid lived. And it was the first time he¡¯de this far in the repetition of today. ¡®Am I going to die?¡¯ It was the first thought that came to his mind at thepanymander¡¯s reaction. Encrid quickly corrected himself. ¡®If she wanted to kill me, she would have done it earlier.¡¯ When did Krang slip away? He hadn¡¯t felt any sign of that. ¡®Sigh.¡¯ Even in this situation. ¡®I¡¯m stillcking.¡¯ Encrid felt the inadequacy of his trained hearing. It was in his nature. So, he missed the timing to respond. The newly appointedpanymander, a fairy woman, was staring intently at him. Did she say, ¡°You¡¯re alive?¡± Then what should he reply with? Encrid opened his mouth. ¡°¡­Should I have died?¡± ¡°Hmm, that¡¯s not it.¡± Thepanymander replied, moving only her lips. She stared at Encrid for a long time and then turned around. She then retrieved the poisoned needle that had fallen on the floor and checked the state of the guards she had brought along with Vengeance, turning their eyes over to inspect them. ¡®Is she checking to see if any soldiers died in the meantime?¡¯ Then, she brought the poisoned needle to her lips and lightly touched it with her tongue. ¡®She must have some knowledge of herbalism.¡¯ asionally, he had seen mercenaries doing such things. Fairies, being naturally inclined to nature, often had deep knowledge of poisons and medicines. Encrid just watched while sitting down. He had no desire to get up. Of course, if someone were to target his neck right now, he would roll or dodge to avoid it, but it was still exhausting. Though not as much as the first repetition of today, this was just as tiring. If the first time was a matter of physical stamina,this time, it felt like he had drained his mental strengthpletely. He had dodged numerous repeated attacks by sound alone. Not a single scratch was on him. Of course, it wasn¡¯t by chance. How many times had he been attacked before? There had been times he was caught off guard, but he had also narrowly avoided the first strike many times. Repeated patterns tend to be learned. There were patterns even in the actions of an assassin. Encrid had reflexively learned them. ¡®I¡¯ve tried this once before.¡¯ Was it a bit easier the second time? No. It was never easy. If anyone had seen Encrid¡¯s repeated today, if they had been with him, they would never say such a thing. But no one could do that. In the isted today, he was always alone. Encrid pressed his temples with his fingers while sitting down. His excitement hadn¡¯t subsided, and his head throbbed. In time, it would turn into a headache. Instinctively, he knew this. Swish. Sensing someone bringing something close to his neck, Encrid instinctively twisted his body to the side and extended his palm. He saw Krang mimicking a chop to his neck with the edge of his hand. ¡°Do you really have eyes in the back of your head?¡± Krang said, seemingly amazed. ¡°This doesn¡¯t seem like a time for jokes.¡± Look at this carefree friend of his. Krangughed and spoke in a rxed tone. ¡°Ah, sorry.¡± Was it really an assassin targeting this guy? ¡®Then why didn¡¯t they just kill him, whye after me first?¡¯ Was it just bad luck? Was it really just a matter of misfortune? That couldn¡¯t be it. The target must have been Krang. No matter how he thought about it, it didn¡¯t make sense for an assassin toe after him and Vengeance. ¡®If it was me and Vengeance, it would be easier to frame us and kill us quietly.¡¯ Why send an assassin to deal with two powerless soldiers? There was no need for that. Why send an assassin at all? They wanted to eliminate someone quietly and without a trace. After the killing, what about the body? Just set the tent on fire. Who would care about the cuts on a burnt corpse? Even if not that, there were many ways to deal with a body. Erase the blood and traces, and throw it in a remote ce. People would assume it was desertion, not focus on abduction and murder. Moreover, this was an outlying infirmary. It wasn¡¯t a ce for officers to stay; it was just a temporary medical tent for soldiers. A ce no one really paid much attention to. Of course, it wasn¡¯t a ce you coulde to just because you wanted to. ¡°They were probably targeting me.¡± It was when thepanymander was roughly assessing the situation inside and ncing outside the tent. Krang, who was squatting nearby, suddenly spoke. ¡°Uh, why?¡± ¡°You don¡¯t seem very surprised.¡± ¡°I am surprised. Plenty.¡± ¡°You have a good poker face.¡± Is this really the time to focus on that? Encrid wanted to snap at him but held back. He knew from experience. This guy was carefree by nature. ¡®Of course, he knows when to be serious.¡¯ Though today had already passed, and Krang wouldn¡¯t remember it, the image of Krang giving a speech, absorbing everything around him, was etched into Encrid¡¯s mind. ¡°You¡¯re not going to tell us who you are, are you?¡± Thepanymander had approached silently and spoke. Krang nodded slightly and spoke again. ¡°Anyway, sorry about that.¡± Is that supposed to be an apology? Krang stood up, looked around, and met thepanymander¡¯s eyes. ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯m in a position to give orders, so I¡¯ll ask for a favor.¡± Krang spoke casually to both Vengeance and thepanymander. If he wasn¡¯t a high-ranking noble, he couldn¡¯t do that. Otherwise, he¡¯d have no right toin if he got stabbed and died. He didn¡¯t just open his mouth for no reason. One step. He merely took a single step forward. It was the same as back then. The atmosphere became reminiscent of the time when they asked about his identity. Krang quietly epted their gaze. Two spectators, one actor. But the actor was like a vortex. A greedy being that absorbs everything around him. ¡°Can I ask this favor? I¡¯ll consider it a debt to be repaid.¡± ¡°Go ahead.¡± Thepanymander answered with a bow. Krang spoke with a gentle smile. ¡°I hope no one else dies today.¡± His voice was small but firm, quiet yet stormy. If a voice could have magic, it would be like this. It made you want to grant his wish. The tone and manner of speaking made you feel that way. How does he make one feel like this? Encrid felt a strange sense of d¨¦j¨¤ vu. Because he had experienced it once before. The vortex that absorbed everything around it quickly subsided. Krang, having spoken, extended his hand to Encrid. ¡°Are your legs giving out?¡± ¡°No, not quite.¡± Encrid, with mixed feelings, grasped his hand. ¡°¡­Is this the reason you changed your mind?¡± Seeing the two of them, thepanymander asked. ¡°Let¡¯s just say that it is.¡± Krang replied. Encrid couldn¡¯t understand any of the conversation between them. Not that he had any intention to ask. ¡®They probably wouldn¡¯t tell me anyway.¡¯ Thepanymander sighed slightly and spoke to Encrid. ¡°Can you keep today¡¯s events to yourself?¡± ¡°Yes, of course.¡± Considering she asked with a tone that implied she¡¯d put a hole in his neck if he didn¡¯t, there was no other answer he could give. He had caught a glimpse of the newpanymander¡¯s skills earlier. Just one move. ¡®Could she really deflect it like that?¡¯ A single move pushing away with the back of her hand. With a single gesture, Encrid lost his bnce and fell. He would prefer not to see that repeated. If so, he could die and that would be the end of it. He could repeat today. What if he refused to keep quiet here? Would they not kill him? No, that wouldn¡¯t work. There were plenty of ways to silence him without killing him. It would be useless. Besides, he had no intention ofmitting suicide on purpose. ¡°I ask you.¡± Most importantly, Krang said this. Encrid had known him only for a few days and had only a few conversations. But he felt a considerable bond with Krang. Their rtionship was strangely intimate despite the short time they had spent together. ¡°Keeping my mouth shut is my specialty.¡± It wasn¡¯t an empty promise. He knew several secrets within the squad. Some were important, others not so much. But he had never spoken about any of them anywhere. ¡°Then we just need to resolve this situation,¡± thepanymander said, looking at the torn tent and the two fallen soldiers. ¡°When you say you hope no one else dies, that includes those two as well,¡± Krang said. Thepanymander nodded nonchntly. No one knew what had happened here yet. But if they found out? It seemed revealing Krang¡¯s identity would be problematic. Thepanymander was contemting. ¡°When those guards wake up, will they know they were attacked?¡± Encrid asked, brushing the dirt off his backside. ¡°I suspect they won¡¯t. Even if they did, they wouldn¡¯t have seen anything,¡± thepanymander replied with a hint of confidence. Encrid thought the same. He had been caught off guard several times himself. That freckle-faced guard likely passed out without knowing anything. So then¡­ ¡°Just carry one of them outside,¡± Encrid said. Thepanymander looked back at him. ¡°I have a simple and convenient solution. But I might get some k for it. You¡¯ll need to cover for me, Commander.¡± Encrid exined his n. Krangughed upon hearing it, while thepanymander nodded without a trace of a smile. * * * Whoosh! ¡°Hmm?¡± The guard, who had been dozing off in front of the tent, suddenly felt a stinging sensation on his cheek and opened his eyes. When he looked around, he felt a warm heating from somewhere. Still half-asleep, he turned to the side and instantly froze. ¡®Fire?¡¯ There was fire. mes were rising up the front of the tent, sending sparks flying. ng. The sound of the spear he had been holding hitting the ground fully woke him up. ¡°F-Fire! Fire! Fire!¡± The soldier who dropped his spear shouted. He was so shocked his tongue got twisted. ¡°Fire! Fire! Fire!¡± He couldn¡¯t even manage to say ¡®There¡¯s a fire¡¯, just kept shouting ¡®Fire¡¯. But his urgent cries quickly reached the ears of those around him. ¡°Fire!¡± A nearby patrol guard shouted loudly, making the situation clear. ¡°The medical tent is on fire!¡± The sharp voice of the patrol guard echoed loudly. ¡°Bring water!¡± Finally, other soldiers started to poke their heads out and assess the situation. ¡°Damn it, is anyone inside the tent?¡± ¡°Were there people inside?¡± ¡°Yeah, those damn soldiers!¡± The fire that started in front of the tent quickly spread upwards, engulfing the entire tent. Chaos erupted in the middle of the night. ck soot and smoke rose into the sky. Even the bravest soldier wouldn¡¯t dare go inside. ¡°Bring water!¡± The supply officer shouted loudly. Those who had been running around quickly brought buckets of water. Ssh! They threw the water onto the fire. For a moment, the smoke billowed. ¡°Form a line and pass the buckets along!¡± The supplypanymander shouted, showing his experience from hauling supplies. The bucket brigade method involved soldiers lining up and passing items along a single line. A long line of soldiers began passing water buckets forward in the same manner. Ssh! One of the soldiers dropped a bucket on the ground. ¡°Are you messing around? Pick it up quickly!¡± ¡°Yes, sir!¡± Amid themotion, the mes illuminated the soldiers¡¯ faces. The supplypanymander was stomping his feet in frustration. The fire on the tent wasn¡¯t the main concern. If it spread to the nearby tents, it would cause chaos. To him, the fire spreading was a bigger issue than a few soldiers dying inside. As the bucket brigade started to quell the mes, the supplypanymander sighed in relief. ¡®Why did a fire break out suddenly?¡¯ Was it fire season? The weather wasn¡¯t particrly dry. Fortunately, the fire didn¡¯t spread. The mes, as if they had waited for this moment, consumed just the one tent and died down. ¡°There¡¯s someone in there!¡± One of the soldiers with good night vision shouted. ¡°Get them out, it¡¯s lucky if they¡¯re alive.¡± The supplypanymander said, though he didn¡¯t really mean it. He was a hundred times more relieved that the fire hadn¡¯t spread than that the people inside were saved. * * * Encridid the freckled soldier down next to toon Leader Vengeance, who thepanymander had moved outside. ¡°Here!¡± He shouted, and people rushed over. ¡°Are you okay?¡± ¡°A fire, all of a sudden?¡± ¡°What happened?¡± Encrid, with soot on his face, coughed and sputtered. Anyone could see he had just emerged from the burning tent. ¡°I don¡¯t, cough, really know either,¡± Encrid said between coughs. The midnight fire ultimately ended as an ident. * * * A distant owl¡¯s hoot echoed. It was probablying from the forest. The fairypanymander, listening to the sound, aligned the map in her mind with their current location and walked in the right direction. It was a gravelly stream not far from the camp. Upon reaching the destination, thepanymander spoke. ¡°If it weren¡¯t for that squad leader, it would have been dangerous.¡± Just by inspecting the tent, themander had figured out the assassin¡¯s intention. ¡®Eliminate the ones at the entrance first, then go straight for the target.¡¯ Encrid had been at the entrance. Thanks to him, they survived. Had he held out even a little less, he would have died. He would have died, and so would the escort target. ¡°I see.¡± Krang said, taking a deep breath in and out. Themander turned around, looking at him. ¡°Then.¡± A straightforward farewell. The fairy¡¯s light footsteps made not even the slightest sound. Her current position was Company Commander of the 4th Company, 4th Battalion, Cyprus Division. It was time to return to the camp. The fairy¡¯s figure soon vanished from sight, disappearing into the darkness. Watching this, Krang thought of Encrid¡¯s dream. ¡®A knight.¡¯ ¡°When I see you, I feel like I have a better sense of how I should live.¡± Krang responded after hearing Encrid¡¯s dream. It wasn¡¯t an empty remark. Krang might deceive others, but he had never given a false word to those who approached him sincerely. Krang had a secret about his birth. However, he didn¡¯t like his birth or his secret. So, he had avoided it until now. ¡®I¡¯ll face it too.¡¯ He recognized Encrid¡¯s skill at a nce. Such a person dreams of bing a knight. Out of ten passersby, five would say that dream is unattainable. The remaining five would be busy mocking it. Yet he dreams. He won¡¯t give up. Although it had only been a few days, Krang could sense from Encrid¡¯s steady, repeated practice of clenching and unclenching his fists that he would not change. Such a person doesn¡¯t change easily. ¡°He was indeed an interesting friend.¡± A peculiar sense of intimacy lingered. The clouds above Krang¡¯s head parted. The moonlight began to peek through again. He walked on. A slightly different life awaited him now. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 20 Between the tents, there is a torch stand. And in the supply tent, there is oil. He had been training for days, listening to sounds repeatedly. He could find the location of anything around them even with their eyes closed. ¡°Just a moment.¡± It was really a simple task. Using sound to identify the patrol guard¡¯s location and secretly retrieving oil from the supply tent. He sprinkled the oil roughly around the tent. The next part was even easier. All he had to do was kick the torch stand, making it fall. Since there shouldn¡¯t be any witnesses, he used the shadows as hispanion, crawling in to pull the torch stand down. The spark at the end of the torch stand met the oil with a whoosh- and greeted warmly with a big me. ¡°That¡¯s quite a skill.¡± Thepanymander said indifferently. Was this apliment? Encrid thought so as he set the tent on fire. Naturally, the fire first caught where the oil was poured. Encrid skillfully avoided the mes, smudging his face with soot and inhaling some smoke. It¡¯s much easier to react genuinely than to fake it. ¡°Ah-cough!¡± Coughing, Encrid carried the fallen freckled soldier, and exited through the tear in the tent where thepanymander had entered, circling around to copse in front of the infirmary. This was sufficient. ¡°Fire!¡± The fire was deliberately set to coincide with the patrol guard¡¯s timing. No, it had to be that way. The guy on guard duty in the next tent was a master of sleeping while standing. He didn¡¯t wake up at all. Encrid thought an assassin might have shot a poisoned dart at him too. It didn¡¯t require any extraordinary preparation up to this point. Stealing oil from the supply tent, which he already knew about. All he had to do was knock over the torch stand. But Krang and thepanymander seemed quite impressed as they watched. ¡°Really, if you had joined a band of thieves, you would have easily be the leader.¡± Krang¡¯s words just before leaving lingered in his mind. He wondered if that was supposed to be apliment. As he ran his hand through his hair, his curled hair tangled around his fingers. ¡®I guess I need a haircut too.¡¯ Without even thinking about wiping the soot off his face, hey down on the ground. It wasn¡¯t a big fire. It wouldn¡¯t be a major incident. No one had died. He had a rough excuse ready for the guard duty. ¡®Ask tomorrow. Tomorrow.¡¯ Without exaggeration, he just wanted to lie down and sleep as he was. It had been a long night. A very long day. His headache had turned into a dull numbness in his head. He didn¡¯t want to think about anything. ¡°Survivors?¡± ¡°It¡¯s over there. But, um, I think he just passed out.¡± Encrid knew the words were directed at him, but he ignored them and closed his eyes. Fatigue overwhelmed him. * * * The freckled soldier who was on watch wasn¡¯t the one Encrid felt a one-sided sense of closeness with, but he still felt a certain bond. ¡°You don¡¯t know it, but.¡± Encrid had talked with him. He knew where he was from. He knew about the girlfriend he left behind. He even knew why he joined the army. Today was something Encrid had, but he didn¡¯t. This created a sense of closeness. Besides, the fire and the attack weren¡¯t his fault. So, he gave him a suitable excuse. As soon as the fire broke out, he shouted and tried to save those inside. Then he inhaled the smoke and passed out. He was a new recruit who had just finished training. There wouldn¡¯t have been any training on how to handle tent fires. It was a reason everyone could ept. ¡°Did I really do that?¡± He was understandably confused since he had no memory of it. ¡°Looks like you lost your memory.¡± The supplypanymander just epted the exnation and moved on. Encrid wondered if anyone might suspect him, but no one did. He had crafted his excuse so perfectly that he thought someone might find it suspicious, but fortunately, that wasn¡¯t the case. The supplypanymander seemed relieved that the supply tent hadn¡¯t caught fire. That was part of his n, so things went as intended. A new bright morning dawned. Today wasn¡¯t a repetition. Encrid woke up still feeling a headache. But he was satisfied. After all, he had gotten through another ¡®today¡¯. ¡°You saved me?¡± Having washed his face and body, changed his smoke-scented clothes, and roughly trimmed his hair with a dagger, Encrid set out. Vengeance, sitting on a box of supplies, asked. ¡°I couldn¡¯t just let you burn to death in front of me.¡± At Encrid¡¯s words, Vengeance mumbled something. After mumbling, he asked. ¡°¡­Why?¡± Encrid wondered if this really needed a reason. He didn¡¯t want to have a long conversation because of his still throbbing head. ¡°Because you¡¯re arade.¡± He said it without much thought. Vengeance¡¯s expression hardened upon hearing this. ¡°Hmm.¡± Seeing his hardened expression, Encrid spoke, ¡°The flower of the battlefield is¡­¡± ¡°¡­The infantry.¡± It was a greeting from the infantrypany. With those words, Encrid turned his body. He had just received orders to return. ¡°I was always so mean.¡± Vengeance¡¯s grumbling voice faintly brushed Encrid¡¯s ears from behind. He could hear what normally would have gone unheard. ¡®Hearing training.¡¯ Encrid reflected on the ability he had gained. He also recalled the fairypanymander deflecting a sword to the sidest night. He remembered dodging the stab and the assassin¡¯s attack. A question naturally arose. ¡®Am I still in the same ce?¡¯ It wasn¡¯t serious. He was just curious. How different was he todaypared to yesterday? Suddenly, he felt like having a bout with Rem. ¡®But first.¡¯ The priority was to return to the main barracks and get a good rest. His head was still throbbing. ¡°The weather is really nice.¡± After walking a few steps, Encrid noticed his shadow stretching long to his right. He looked up at the sky and saw a clear, blue canvas. Cotton clouds were scattered across it, the breeze was cool, and the sunlight was warm. Today was an exceptionally clear day. It felt like just walking would make his headache go away. * * * Krais appeared calm on the outside, but inside he was sighing heavily. It had been exactly a week since Encrid had left. ¡®How did we manage back then?¡¯ Krais¡¯s mind wandered away from the current situation before him. He remembered the time when Encrid wasn¡¯t around. ¡°So, I¡¯m the squad leader here. So, you all have to listen to me. So, that means gather in front of the barracks now.¡± The squad leader kept repeating ¡°so.¡± He had an authoritarian attitude. And he died a terrible death in the first battle. ¡°Follow me!¡± He seemed to have heard some strange rumors. The troublemaking squad was few in number, but their skills were top-notch. Did he really think they would meekly follow him? He charged ahead alone and got his head impaled on a spear. When his helmet flew back, Rem kicked it away with a back kick. ¡®The next Squad Leader.¡¯ ¡°I heard you guys are good fighters, so how about a skills test? Anyone want to spar with me?¡± He was said to be the son of a noble. He was serving as a soldier because of some crime. He mentioned he would roll around here for a few months and then return. That nobleman was confident but inexperienced. ¡°Can we really spar with the squad leader?¡± Rem scratched his head as he asked. ¡°Hmm, not you. Yeah, you,e out. The red-haired guy.¡± He chose Jaxon as his opponent. Anyone could tell Rem was a thug just by looking at him, so he looked like he could fight. Calling Krais would have been too unreasonable. Jaxon must have seemed like the easiest target. Of course, it was a big mistake. ¡°Me?¡± ¡°Yeah,e out. Let¡¯s have a match. Ha ha, I¡¯ve never lost before.¡± ¡°What if someone gets hurt while sparring?¡± ¡°A man afraid of that? It¡¯s all part of the game!¡± The arrogant and cocky noble squad leader. ¡°Aaagh!¡± His forearm broke. ¡°I thought he would obviously dodge.¡± Jaxon, who was usually easygoing, sometimes became quite a madman. It was Rem and the other squad members who provoked Jaxon as he casually dealt with the noble. ¡°You should have stepped forward with your left foot there.¡± ¡°That¡¯s funny, you could have just tripped him up and knocked him down.¡± ¡°You¡¯re not gripping your sword tightly enough. Grip harder. If you underestimate your opponent, you¡¯ll get hurt.¡± ¡°Tsk, you¡¯re such a weakling that you can¡¯t even knock down a woman. I would¡¯ve finished this a long time ago. Ah, boring.¡± Those words made Jaxon turn fierce. Thepanymander got furious at Jaxon for breaking the noble squad leader¡¯s arm. ¡°Assaulting a superior officer?¡± ¡°I explicitly said it was part of the fight.¡± ¡°Yeah, yeah. A man who breaks his word isn¡¯t a real man.¡± ¡°One mouth, many changing words. Ah, the sinner is repenting.¡± With each squad member throwing in ament, thepanymander couldn¡¯t say much. The truth was the truth. The fight had been agreed upon as being off the record. Naturally, the noble squad leader withdrew. In his family, he might have had plenty of paid swordsmen willing to lose to him, but this was the battlefield. Thepanymander never seemed to have any intention of taking the noble squad leader into actualbat. He was just given the title of squad leader. ¡®The next squad leader was no different.¡¯ They were all pretty much the same. The squad leader, who often got furious, had a quiet conversation with Rem outside and then quietly requested a transfer without any further fuss. Others also left for simr reasons. Those who stayed merely coexisted like indifferent cows and chickens. ¡°Sigh.¡± Krais turned his head at the sound of a sigh behind him. ¡°Finally.¡± He muttered in relief as he saw the familiar face. ¡°What happened to you?¡± It was Encrid. He approached, pressing his temples with his right index finger. Encrid looked at the two facing off in front of the 4th Squad barracks. This was the reality Krais had been avoiding. ¡°Without a squad leader, I¡¯m practically the acting leader, so do as I say. Ragna, the squad member?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t call my name. Address me with respect, you barbarian.¡± ¡°Huh, has this picky eater wrapped himself in a noble shell?¡± ¡°It¡¯s just unpleasant for an uncivilized beast to call my name.¡± ¡°Oh, really? Maybe you need a savage beating to get your head straight?¡± Rem¡¯s hand bulged with veins, ready to swing his axe and split Ragna¡¯s head. The squad member called Ragna faced him nonchntly, standing casually with his hands at his sides. This was Ragna¡¯s ready stance. Jaxon watched indifferently, while another squad member quietly prayed, trying to mediate. ¡°Brother, fighting and violence are bad.¡± ¡°Step aside, religious zealot.¡± ¡°Move back. A sword knows no eyes.¡± Rem and Ragna answered simultaneously. ¡®What a mess this squad is in.¡¯ This chaos after just one week. The headache that had subsided returned. ¡°Krais, got any spare medicine?¡± Jaxon, indifferent to the fight, asked Krais while nodding at Encrid. ¡°Not right now. Squad Leader, you¡¯re back. I was going to look for you. We¡¯ve had some issues.¡± Krais shook his head at Jaxon and turned to Encrid. ¡°Just a moment.¡± First, I have to stop these two. If left unchecked, it looked like it would really turn bloody. It was like this on the day he arrived too. Back then, the opponent wasn¡¯t Ragna but the praying squad member. ¡°There are many things that cannot be resolved through fighting and violence.¡± Even the guy saying that isn¡¯t normal. ¡°Hey!¡± Ignoring his throbbing headache, Encrid stepped in to break up the fight. The way to stop their fights was simple. Words wouldn¡¯t work. He had to physically get between them. Encrid walked between the two. ¡°Really, they say ignorance is bold, huh? You¡¯re here?¡± Rem muttered. The veins on the back of his hand twitched and then stopped. ¡°Well, I can¡¯t just cut through both of you. Squad leader, um, never mind.¡± Both Rem and Ragna backed off, though not without exchanging parting shots. ¡°Don¡¯t die on the battlefield, because I want to be the one to kill you.¡± Ragna said. ¡°Huh? What? Want to die tomorrow? You¡¯re just dying to taste my axe?¡± Rem retorted. ¡°That¡¯s enough,¡± Encrid said. Encrid shook his head in the middle of the two. Why do they dislike each other so much? He didn¡¯t know. It had been this way from the start. Both were still ring at each other. Geez, the first thing he saw upon returning was a fight. ¡°Anyway, all sorts of things happened while you were gone, Squad Leader,¡± Krais spoke up from behind. ¡°Really?¡± It was obvious. When he was in the infirmary, Ragna had said the barracks were a mess, and he was right. He had somewhat expected it. It was fine. After dealing with so many harsh situations, the trouble these guys caused didn¡¯t bother him at all. Not organizing meal duty, so everyone had to fend for themselves. Getting into a fight with the squad member from the next tent and punching him in the jaw. Ignoring the squad leader¡¯s call. ¡®Is it too chaotic just because I¡¯m gone?¡¯ He had thought about it, but it was really okay. Krais continued to chatter. Encrid realized the chaos wasn¡¯t limited to the troublemaker squad. ¡°A curse?¡± Encrid asked, forgetting his throbbing headache. ¡°Yes, they say the whole camp is cursed.¡± What kind of nonsense is this? It was absurd enough to make him forget his headache. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 21 Boom. Suddenly, lightning struck a clear sky, and raindrops began to fall. ¡°Ugh, what a mood killer.¡± ¡°Hmm.¡± Rem and Ragna, whose tempers had red, avoided each other¡¯s gaze. That was the end of the fight. The two sought shelter from the rain and entered the tent. It had been so clear, and now, rain, suddenly? The weather was going crazy. It was the end of autumn, not the season for showers. The sky was stingy with rain. Especially a shower without a single dark cloud was really rare. ¡°Sudden rain, huh,¡± Krais said, looking at the lightning and rain streaks in the clear sky. Encrid also looked at the sky, recalling the events that had happened while he wasn¡¯t around. The curse was, as expected, nonsense. ¡°They¡¯ll say even this rain is a curse?¡± ¡°Maybe. Anyway, over the past three days, Bo tripped and broke his nose, Jaxon broke his arm, and Rotten got bitten by a snake.¡± All three were scouts. Bo was agile enough to do somersaults, so it was fortunate he only broke his nose while wearing armor. Jaxon was a foul-mouthed soldier who overestimated his spear-handling skills. He broke his arm during a sparring match, and one could bet his opponent intentionally broke it. Lastly, Rotten was careless for a scout. Though it wasn¡¯t the season for many snakes, this grasnd had areas particrly dense with them. So, it was understandable for all three. ¡°Besides those three, there was someone who burned their hand on a pot.¡± Big Eyes said this as if he were excited. If he really believed this was a curse, he wouldn¡¯t be talking like this. It was just something to talk about. ¡°And there was news that the medical tent caught fire. Ah, Squad Leader, you were there, right? Did you hear anything?¡± The tent burning, is that being called a curse too? ¡°Yeah. It burned well.¡± Krais paused as he was entering the tent and quickly turned his head. ¡°Did you see it yourself? Did the fire really just suddenly re up? There¡¯s also talk that a spy got in.¡± No. That¡¯s not it. ¡®I did it.¡¯ Encrid had set the fire. And as for a spy, there had been a raid, but he doubted it was the enemy. He didn¡¯t know Krang¡¯s true identity yet, but it seemed he was at least a noble¡¯s illegitimate child. So, wasn¡¯t that raider likely from their own side? As for the curse, what¡¯s there to say? Themand will soon crack down on this. Nomander would wee such talk spreading within the unit. ¡°Hey? Didn¡¯t you see anything?¡± Big Eyes urged. Encrid met hisrge eyes for a moment, thinking. Krais was too loose-lipped to tell everything. Even if he wasn¡¯t, there was no reason to. He had decided to keep quiet, so that¡¯s what he would do. ¡°The tent I was in caught fire.¡± ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°Didn¡¯t you know?¡± ¡°Not at all. So, it wasn¡¯t an enemy attack? The fire just suddenly started?¡± ¡°The guard fell asleep, the wind knocked over a torch stand. There was a fuel canister nearby, set there for refueling the torches. The fallen torch stand ignited the tent, and it spread.¡± Encrid clenched his fist and then opened it, mimicking the spread of mes with his hand. ¡°Nothing special then.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t think about the fact that I almost died?¡± ¡°You¡¯re standing here just fine.¡± What is this, are they worried about me or what? ¡°If you aren¡¯t alive and well, are you a ghost, Squad Leader?¡± Rem chimed in from behind,ughing. Was this guy making a joke? ¡°The Lord says, let the spirits rest in peace.¡± A squad member, deeply religious, performed a verbal exorcism. Encrid thought that if he were really a ghost, these words would be quite ufortable. ¡°Just my hair got a little singed.¡± The ends of his bangs were a bit scorched, so he cut them. The hastily cut hair looked uneven. ¡°Your hair is naturally ck, so it doesn¡¯t show even if it¡¯s burnt.¡± Rem keptughing. ¡°Then is your hair just ashes?¡± Rem¡¯s hair was gray. ¡°Oh, how did you know? My hair is ash.¡± Was this guy really finding this funny? He was the only oneughing inside the tent, yet he kept at it. Whether it was really a shower, the rain that had been falling soon stopped. The chatter was brief. Once the rain stopped, Krais said he had business to attend to and left. Encridy down in his ce, using the sound of raindrops falling from the edge of the tent as a background to fall asleep. It was a sweet nap. After sleeping for a while, his aching head felt clear. The fatigue was gone. Encrid got up and twisted his waist from side to side. There was no pain in his side at all. Good. He felt refreshed. There was no one in the tent. Listening closely, he heard peopleing and going in front of the tent and a soldier¡¯s disgruntled voice from the tent next door. ¡°What kind of rain starts and stops like this?¡± Encrid pushed open the entrance of the tent and stepped outside. The squad members were scattered in front of the tent, enjoying their personal maintenance time. It was expected that Jaxon and Krais wouldn¡¯t be visible. The rest were in their ces. He approached Rem, who was scribbling something on the wet ground. ¡°You look like you have nothing to do.¡± ¡°Does it look that way? You¡¯re right. I was just thinking about cracking someone¡¯s skull out of boredom.¡± One of Rem¡¯s specialties was provoking the nearby squad members with his nasty banter. When the provoked person retaliated, it was his hobby to beat them up a bit. Since Encrid arrived, this had be less frequent, but he hadn¡¯tpletely given up the habit. ¡°Then let¡¯s have a sparring match.¡± ¡°A sparring match?¡± ¡°Yeah, a sparring match.¡± Rem nodded willingly. This wasn¡¯t the first or second time this had happened. Encrid¡¯s request for sparring was a regr urrence. ¡°Sounds good.¡± The two headed to the open space behind the tent. Thanks to the erratic weather, there was no one around. Even if there were, no one would care. Encrid and Rem stood facing each other ten paces apart. Rem grinned and twirled his wrists. As his wrists moved, the freshly sharpened axe de reflected the dry sunlight. The rain that had beening and going had stopped, and it was now perfectly clear. The air felt humid rather than dry, and the smell of earth filled the nose. The ground wasn¡¯t muddy; it was soft but firm enough not to sink in. The clouds were just enough to cover the sun, so it wasn¡¯t blinding. ¡°It¡¯s a good day for a fight.¡± ¡°Is it?¡± Encrid responded by awakening The Heart of the Beast. He strived not to waste time through repeated daily routines. This included not only physical training and honing his hearing but also using his mind. ¡®Valen¡¯s Mercenary Sword Technique doesn¡¯t work.¡¯ He knew this from countless fights with Rem while practicing thrusts. Valen¡¯s Mercenary Sword Technique was useless against Rem. So, what should he do? Considering his own weapon, the intimidation from the opponent, and past experiences. If he fought with all these in mind, what attack would be effective? How could he create an effective strike? It was time to verify the answer to his repeated considerations. Swoosh. Rem stepped forward. His step, firm and confident, showed no hesitation. His confidence was evident. Encrid thought so. ¡°Should I go first?¡± Instead of answering, Encrid focused on his opponent¡¯s breathing. Inhale and exhale. Rem¡¯s breathing was long and slow. In the middle of that long exhale, Encrid closed the distance in an instant. He pushed off with his back foot and advanced. As he closed the gap. Whoosh! He swung his sword, cutting horizontally. Rem dodged by leaning back as if lying down. It was a feat possible because he precisely predicted the range of the sh. Even in a half-lying position, Rem¡¯s eyes never left Encrid. Seeing this, Encrid instinctively pulled his sword back to block in front of him. Whoosh. Thud! Before he knew it, the axe had struck his sword de. The impact wasn¡¯t strong. No matter how strong he was, it was an axe swung from a lying position. In that same position. Whoosh, whoosh! The axe kepting. Thud! Thud! ng! Gripping his sword tightly with both hands, he blocked and blocked again. He tried to pause to adjust his stance and counterattack, but Rem didn¡¯t stop. Encrid felt like he was under a continuous guillotine. Rem¡¯s barrage of axe attacks ended as he fully stood up. There was a brief opening, but Encrid didn¡¯t retreat. He didn¡¯t adjust his stance. As Rem straightened up and pulled back his arm, instead of retreating and catching his breath, Encrid¡­ Thrust forward! With one step forward, he executed a thrust he had practiced countless times. His sword, extending from his defensive stance. He was determined tond the strike. Everything happened in an instant. As he thrust and aimed at Rem¡¯s midsection, Encrid¡¯s eyes saw the blue sky and Rem¡¯s face intersecting. ¡®Huh?¡¯ Encrid saw Rem¡¯s face upside down. Whoosh. At the moment of the thrust, Rem kicked Encrid¡¯s ankle. It was an instantaneous decision. As a result, the tip of the sword sliced through empty air. Instead of swinging his axe, Rem let it go, grabbed Encrid by the cor, and threw him to the side. ¡°Ugh!¡± Rolling to the side, Encrid quickly understood how he had been bested. It was a trick. He had been timing the moment Rem pulled back the axe. Rem had used that against him. ¡°Phew.¡± Lying sprawled on the ground, Encrid inwardly shook his head. Such incredible strength. Encrid prided himself on his strength, believing he wasn¡¯t easily outmatched by anyone, but to be thrown with one hand. Even though he wasn¡¯t wearing heavy equipment, making him rtively light, it was still a feat of brute strength. Looking up from his sitting position, he saw Rem¡¯s face. It bore a peculiar expression. Normally, Remughed throughout their sparring matches. But not now. His mouth was straight. Composed. He wasn¡¯t smiling. ¡°Hey, have you been eating something special behind my back?¡± Rem asked with a serious face. Thinking about it, this reaction was only natural. He wouldn¡¯t remember helping Encrid with thrust training. After all, the first time he broke out of the usual routine was when he was assigned kitchen duty. ¡°I¡¯ve thought this before, but it seems your skills have suddenly improved. Especially that thrusting technique, it was good. Not bad at all.¡± ¡°Really?¡± ¡°Yes. And I don¡¯t givepliments lightly.¡± ¡°Yeah, right.¡± This guy, who constantly spouted nonsense, was now iming to be serious. ¡°I¡¯m serious.¡± ¡°Got it. Then let¡¯s review.¡± ¡°¡­¡­Squad Leader, you really are a consistent man. Why don¡¯t you ever change?¡± Reviewing after sparring. This was also a routine. No matter how little there was to gain, Encrid would persist with his sparring partner. To learn and internalize even the smallest detail. Often, the opponent had little to say. Only if the skill had improved would there be anything worth discussing. That¡¯s how it had been until now. So, after sparring, Rem would often say things like, ¡®Show some more determination.¡¯ Words that were meaningless and without value. No. Rem knew. He knew the end of those without talent. That¡¯s why he taught him what was necessary to survive. For the same reason, he passed on The Heart of the Beast. But now? Things had changed significantly. The fact that there was much to discuss after this sparring session was proof. ¡°First of all, it¡¯s too obvious that you¡¯re waiting for my axe strike. Even if I don¡¯t fall for it easily, shouldn¡¯t you at least try to be deceptive?¡± Rem began to speak. Encrid nodded. As always, he adopted a proper attitude of listening. Rem saw this and chuckled. He promptly pointed out the core issue first and left the minor details forter. That was Rem¡¯s way. Encrid listened attentively to each and every word. * * * There were no battles for three days, and during that time, Encrid sparred with Rem three more times. ¡°You should work on your lower body. Your bnce is oddly off.¡± Even though he usually spouted nonsense, Rem had a knack for getting to the heart of the matter. Encrid pondered and mulled over those words. After that, he threw himself back into training. Even during rest times, he continued. Everyone had their own way of spending personal maintenance time. Some wrote letters. Others focused on rest. Except for eating and sleeping, Encrid devoted everything to practice and training. Someone might call it obsessive if they saw him, but for him, it was pure peace. The sense of fulfillment from improving each day was the greatest reward. Thanks to that, he didn¡¯t feel the pain from the intensified physical training. ¡°A relentless guy, back at it right after returning from the medical tent.¡± ¡°He was quiet for a while, but he¡¯s fired up again.¡± ¡°If I trained like that, I¡¯d have be a knight by now.¡± ¡°Huh? Why are you talking crap?¡± He rolled his body and focused on his hearing. When his muscles screamed in pain, concentrating on his hearing often made the pain fade away. Encrid could hear the idle chatter of two soldiers in another tent. They were from the 3rd squad of the same toon but felt distant. He extended his hearing further. He listened to the sound of clothes rustling from behind and tried to guess the action. He also tried identifying people by their footsteps. Five out of ten times he was wrong, but he could recognize familiar footsteps. Light and fast, but the sound of stepping on the dirt was lively. ¡®Big Eyes.¡¯ He was right. ¡°Training again? It¡¯s creepy. Creepy.¡± Krais said as he approached. Encrid ignored him. Repeating squats, his legs began to tremble. Sweat dripped from his scalp, pooling at the ends of his eyebrows. The weather had cleared, reverting to the dry, windy climate it usually was. Sweating enough to drench oneself on a day like this wouldn¡¯t seem normal. Especially on the battlefield. Training in a ce where a fight could break out any time. Yet, everyone epted it. Encrid had always been like this, day in and day out. It was their routine. ¡°Isn¡¯t that tiring? You manage to do that every day.¡± Krais said, sitting down nearby and chewing on some t jerky. Sweat trickled down his forehead, dripped from the tip of his nose, and fell to the ground. A heavy pain rose from his thighs. His muscles trembled, and nausea surged. He was at his limit. Encrid sat down, drenched in sweat. Closing his eyes, the cool wind brushed against his damp forehead and ears. Training for the day wasplete. As he enjoyed the breeze, he heard firm footsteps. The footsteps stopped behind Encrid. ¡°Still working hard, I see.¡± He tilted his head back to look at the speaker. A long shadow covered Encrid¡¯s face, blocking the sunlight. Though the face was hard to see against the light, he could tell it was a man with a thick beard. ¡°Can we talk?¡± He was the 4th toon leader. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 22 The toon leader made an offhandment. Encrid gave a half-hearted response, letting the words wash over him, but he sensed that the man had something to say. ¡°If you have something to say, please go ahead.¡± He was enjoying the cool breeze after being drenched in sweat. Now was the perfect moment. He was enjoying the wind with a sense of moderate rxation. So, he hoped the man would hurry up and say what he had to say and leave. ¡°¡­I¡¯d like you to join the scout unit and carry out a mission.¡± The toon leader said, folding his arms. In his posture, there was a defensive attitude rather than the firmness of amander. Encrid thought. A scout unit. It wasn¡¯t amon assignment. Besides, Encrid himself knew that his position was quite ambiguous. The only reason he could remain at the squad leader level was because this was the 444th Squad. And they want to pull someone like him into the scout unit? ¡°Are you sure? Taking our squad leader?¡± Rem suddenly popped up from behind, speaking as he leaned his chin on Encrid¡¯s shoulder. The height difference wasn¡¯t significant, so it ended up being afortable position. ¡°Are you serious?¡± He asked with a half-smile, as if protesting against taking Encrid away. ¡°It¡¯s an order, Rem.¡± The toon leader red. It was just bravado. Encrid saw through it immediately. Rem was a troublemaker. He was a rogue who would swing an axe if things went wrong. Waving amander¡¯s authority in front of such a rogue was meaningless. The toon leader knew it, Encrid knew it, and Rem knew it. ¡°Rem.¡± Encrid called his axe-loving squad member¡¯s name to stop him from saying anything more and shrugged his shoulder to push Rem back. ¡°Well, do as you please then.¡± Rem grumbled, stepping back. ¡°I can go instead.¡± Ragna watched silently and then spoke indifferently. ¡°¡­Was being lost your dream?¡± Hearing this, Rem chuckled. Ragna, who was about to re up, held back his anger. It wasn¡¯t wrong. Ragna had no talent for finding his way. No, even if you gave him a map and exined it, he¡¯d end up somewhere else. He wasn¡¯t particrly good at coordinating with others, either. He ended up here because he ignored orders and fought however he wanted in any squad he was in. There were too many issues to make him a scout. ¡°Even if everyone else can do it, you can¡¯t.¡± The toon leader could only shake his head at Ragna. Encrid felt that this whole situation was a bad sign. ¡®Considering everything, I¡¯m the right fit, but¡­¡¯ His ambiguous position only had meaning among the 444th Squad members. Just being away for a week had caused quite a stir. And yet they specifically called for him? It sounded like there was no one else to call. The talk of curses had quickly died down, but¡­ The impact remained. Bo, Jaxon, and Rotten were all part of the scout unit. They were short on numbers. ¡°Sigh, I¡¯m having a hard time too. One of the toon leaders has food poisoning and can¡¯t move.¡± It might have made sense to think it was a curse. Such a thing happened only to the scout toon. The toon leader looked exhausted. He didn¡¯t particrly seem like he wanted to call Encrid. ¡®I feel strangely uneasy.¡¯ Thinking this, Encrid stared intently. ¡°Don¡¯t look at me like that. I¡¯ll tell you everything.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t look at me with those eyes.¡± ¡®What did I do?¡¯ The toon leader sighed deeply, overreacting to just being stared at. ¡°Hey, what do you mean by giving me that look? Sometimes, you have to consider the feelings of the person on the receiving end, especially when it¡¯s your superior.¡± Rem chuckled as he spoke. Reacting to such jokes would never end well. Deciding to listen, Encrid looked back at the toon leader. ¡°To increase the scout unit numbers, a squad leader was temporarily promoted to toon leader, but we still seem to be short on numbers. So, in a hurry, we were ordered to recruit personnel from each unit who can perform scout missions. And the higher-ups suggested including you, which is why we¡¯re here.¡± ¡°The higher-ups?¡± ¡°The newpanymander. You haven¡¯t done anything to get on his bad side, have you?¡± Do they know a secret and want to send him to the scout unit to kill him quietly and silence him? No, if that were the case, there would be no reason for all this hassle. There wasn¡¯t. They seemed capable enough to kill him secretly. Even if not, there were many other ways. Not that he would die easily, but from the other side¡¯s perspective, that was the idea. So¡­ ¡°It seems like they just mentioned it without much thought.¡± Encrid concluded. ¡°It¡¯s an order from the higher-ups. So, let¡¯s go.¡± Rem was ring from the side. Ragna was saying he would go instead from behind. Right in front of the barracks, a squad member who was a head taller than the average soldier, looking like he could take down a bear with his bare hands, was praying to the sky. ¡°Oh, Most Holy Lord, please do not take away my small and precious squad leader. Do not test this small and fragile servant.¡± The toon leader couldn¡¯t hide his astonishment. Who was taking anyone away? And who was small and fragile? The praying soldier¡¯s bicep muscles bulged. With a bit of exaggeration, his biceps were as thick as an average soldier¡¯s thigh. He was tall and had long limbs, so many might not notice at first nce, but the soldier¡¯s arms were weapons in themselves. If that devout soldier was considered fragile, there wouldn¡¯t be many ordinary people in the world. ¡°This will only be for once. Winter ising soon, and this expedition will be over by then.¡± During the next deployment, the scout unit will be reorganized anyway. They won¡¯t keep the squad leader of the 444th Squad in the scout unit then. Encrid understood the toon leader¡¯s words. Few fools continue a war into the winter. Therefore, it was likely that this war would also stop after autumn. There was no need to overthink it. This kind of thing happened frequently. Being called to fill in for various tasks. Though hecked fighting talent, he was above average at other tasks. Scouting missions were no exception. However, perhaps because he had recently been absent from the barracks due to an injury, none of his squad members weed the idea of him leaving. ¡®I am indeed the right person for the job.¡¯ It wasn¡¯t baseless confidence. If he made a wrong turn and died, he could repeat the day. This mission would be more advantageous to him than anyone else. Sensing and avoiding danger was his specialty. ¡°It¡¯s an order. Squad Leader.¡± The toon leader said it was an order, but it sounded like he was asking for help. Encrid looked back. Rem was sharpening his axe. Ragna reiterated that he could go instead. Thest squad member kept murmuring, ¡°Is this really a test, Lord?¡± ¡®The atmosphere is strange.¡¯ It felt like if he came back with a single scratch, they would all rise up together. Were they always like this? It didn¡¯t seem like it. When he first joined the squad, they weren¡¯t this involved with each other. When did it all change? ¡®Did they struggle a lot while I was gone?¡¯ Even Big Eyes shook his head. But what could he do about the superior¡¯s order? His squad members might be unruly, but Encrid was not. ¡°I guess I have to go.¡± He said this after exhaling a deep breath. It was a decision made by the higher-ups. Disobedience was not an option from the start. Sure, if he resorted to all sorts of means, he could wriggle out of it, but there was no need for that. With Encrid¡¯s one word, the atmosphere settled. It was only natural. No matter what, he was still the leader of this small squad of six. ¡°Do as you wish.¡± Rem snorted and responded. ¡°Seriously, I said I could go.¡± Ragna insisted to the end, but it was to no avail. How could someone who gets lost even within the camp be a scout? Encrid was more curious about how Ragna had managed to live a wandering life. Didn¡¯t he say he had been to the easternmost sea? Could it be that he got lost and ended up there? It was a reasonable question. But there was no point in asking. As always, Encrid kept a suitable distance from them. He wouldn¡¯t ask or probe if the other party didn¡¯t want it. That was Squad Leader Encrid. ¡°Alright, fine.¡± The toon leader said and turned away. His steps were lighter than when he hade. It was as if a burden had been lifted from his shoulders. After the toon leader left, while Encrid was washing and resting, a smallmotion started inside the barracks with a single remark. ¡°Are you still practicing what you learned?¡± Jaxon, half-leaning on his bunk, started the conversation. Jaxon¡¯s bunk was the innermost one. Encrid¡¯s was at the very front. Everyone in the barracks heard Jaxon¡¯s voice. Encrid nodded reflexively. Since he had learned to train his hearing from Jaxon, it was only natural to ask. But Rem reacted unpleasantly to this. ¡°What did you learn?¡± During that time, Encrid had learned various things from many squad members. From Rem, Ragna, and even the devout squad member, he had picked up a bit here and there. All of it was about surviving on the battlefield. Encrid had learned diligently, but he didn¡¯t master everything and only used what he could manage. Most of it was too difficult to learn perfectly. At least, now, The Heart of the Beast had properly taken hold in his body. However, he had never learned anything from Jaxon before. ¡°What did you teach him?¡± Rem asked, sitting up. ¡°Keep practicing. It helps.¡± Jaxonpletely ignored Rem, causing a me to ignite in Rem¡¯s eyes. ¡°This bastard?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t.¡± Encrid grabbed Rem¡¯s shoulder as he red up. ¡°What did you learn from that sly guy? Learning just anything can lead to bad habits.¡± ¡°Hmph.¡± Jaxon chuckled, overhearing Encrid and Rem¡¯s conversation. ¡°Oh, I see, it¡¯s time for you to die. Today, right? You want to be food for the wandering monsters in the ins, don¡¯t you? Isn¡¯t that right?¡± Jaxon remained unfazed. Encrid sighed deeply and pulled on Rem¡¯s arm. ¡°Take it easy. It¡¯s not like you¡¯re going to kill each other.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll survive.¡± That¡¯s not what he meant. ¡°Who¡¯s going to survive?¡± ¡°Oh, Lord, may I lift up this foolish soul who has no faith? If you permit, I shall do so.¡± Ragna and the devout squad member reacted to Rem¡¯s words. ¡°Enough, enough, enough. I¡¯ll stop you no matter how many times you fight. Don¡¯t do unnecessary things and don¡¯t waste your strength.¡± Encrid began to regret taking on the scout mission. Was it right to leave them behind? ¡°Don¡¯t worry too much. They usually don¡¯t go too far. They just sh weapons a few times and that¡¯s it.¡± Krais said, counting the silver coins in his pocket. That¡¯s the problem. Those few weapon shes. To outsiders, it looked like a deadly fight. Despite being troublemakers, themander didn¡¯t cast them out. Why? Because of their exceptional abilities. On the battlefield, they were soldiers with superiorbat skills, able to take on ten enemies each. So, it was right for Encrid to leave for the scout mission. ¡®I¡¯m not a significant loss to our strength, after all.¡¯ But they are not like that. As soon as that thought crossed his mind, Encrid realized his own shorings once again. ¡®I have no talent.¡¯ He lost to a twelve-year-old kid. Even if that kid was a genius. An adult who couldn¡¯t even properly handle the weight of a sword lost to a child who wielded a sword with ease. It wasn¡¯t a matter of pride. It wasn¡¯t something to be discouraged about either. It was just something that made him reflect on himself. But did he give up? No. He just kept chewing over that situation, urately recognizing himself. So, was that the end? No, that wasn¡¯t the end either. If he had no talent, then¡­ ¡®Someday.¡¯ If one step isn¡¯t possible, then take half a step. As long as he didn¡¯t stop moving forward, it would be fine. And Encrid had never stopped moving forward, not even once. Feeling like he wouldn¡¯t be able to sleep, Encrid took his sword and went outside. He thought that swinging his sword and breaking a sweat might help him sleep. Seeing this, Ragna got up and followed him. ¡°Let¡¯s check your stance; it¡¯s been a while.¡± ¡°And I¡¯m here?¡± Rem got up btedly and spoke. The two locked eyes, and a fierce energy passed between them. It felt like a whirlpool would form at the point where their eyes met. ¡°Consistent practice will help. More than clumsy sword swings.¡± Jaxon, lying on his bed, spoke. The fierce gazes of the two, who seemed ready to kill each other, swiftly turned to Jaxon. ¡°Clumsy?¡± Rem said. ¡°Sword swings?¡± Ragna continued. ¡°Both of you said you¡¯d check my stance, didn¡¯t you?¡± Encrid stepped between the three of them. Finally, Encrid calmed the two down and went outside the barracks. He swung his sword over and over, based on half advice and half scolding from the two. Another day passed, drenched in sweat. When the morning sun rose, he would have to temporarily change his assignment to the scout toon. He wasn¡¯t too worried. He didn¡¯t think it would be a particrly difficult task. After sweating profusely, everyone seemed to have shaken off their unpleasant feelings. Encrid, who had washed himself at the stream after sweating, also slept soundly. * * * ¡°Company Commander, why did you specifically assign that guy to the scout unit?¡± The fairypanymander saw the 1st toon leader standing near the torch stand and spoke. ¡°Step away from the torch stand. If it falls, it could start a fire.¡± ¡°Excuse me?¡± ¡°Move aside.¡± ¡°Yes, sir.¡± The 1st toon leader took a few steps to the side. Thepanymander¡¯s tent was taller and wider than the regr tents. A torch stand was ced in the center to provide light. It was crude, but there was also a table for meetings. This was the ce where thepany¡¯s scout routes were decided through meetings. In the midst of this, the 1st toon leader had asked his question. And it was a fair question. The 1st toon leader also served as thepanymander¡¯s aide, a long-standing tradition of the Cyprus Division. ¡°I thought a soldier who¡¯s quick-witted and knows how to take care of himself would be a good fit.¡± ¡°Yes, I see.¡± It wasn¡¯t a heavily weighted decision. It was an assignment based on intuition. There wasn¡¯t a particr reason. If someone asked, the answer would simply be ¡®just because it felt right¡¯. Of course, thepanymander¡¯s judgment was correct. A fairy¡¯s intuition was sometimes sharper than a prophet¡¯s words. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 23 ¡°Listen to the sounds that feel unnatural.¡± The scout team set out in the blue dawn, before the sun had even risen. As Encrid was packing his things alone, Jaxon, who was on thest watch, casually spoke up. ¡°All of a sudden?¡± Encrid, curious about what he meant, asked again. ¡°You asked how not to get hit by a sword in battle.¡± Encrid tried to recall. The infirmary, the assassin¡¯s attack, the fairypanymander, Krang, the fire. After ending all thatmotion, the troublemaker squad was brawling. It was enough to scatter his thoughts. Thanks to that, he remembered after hearing it again. Before all that happened, before the final dance with the assassin, he had asked in passing on thest day. ¡°I get the part about listening well, but you can¡¯t keep focusing on listening in battle to avoid getting hit, right? How do you dodge without looking back?¡± Hearing training, yes, that¡¯s good. But this requires a high level of concentration. Can you really listen like that in the midst of a battlefield? ¡®It¡¯s difficult.¡¯ He knew because he had tried. Once you get used to it, you might be able to disy movements that seem almost like tricks against multiple opponents. But it¡¯s clear that just listening well isn¡¯t enough. Jaxon was diligent. He didn¡¯t ignore a passing question and answered sincerely. And Encrid was even more diligent. He didn¡¯t miss the opportunity to learn. ¡°You mean to sense the oddness?¡± ¡°It would be good to awaken senses different from usual, but that¡¯s not easy. So, if you¡¯re in a grassy field, pay close attention to the sound of grass des rustling and try to find the sound that¡¯s different.¡± The scout area is a grassy field. It¡¯s filled with grass that ranges from knee-high to eye-level. It seemed like Jaxon¡¯s words were spoken with this knowledge. Listening to the kind advice, Encrid suddenly asked out of curiosity. ¡°You¡¯re being quite detailed?¡± At that, Jaxon stared directly into Encrid¡¯s eyes. As if his gaze was saying, ¡°You know why you¡¯re asking.¡± When Encrid tilted his head in confusion, Jaxon finally spoke again. ¡°Because the squad leader is relentless.¡± ¡°¡­What?¡± Where did the direction of this conversation go wrong? Why did he suddenly mention being relentless? Jaxon knew about the squad leader¡¯s persistence. He knew about his passion for the sword. That¡¯s why he said it. But Encrid didn¡¯t notice at all. He was about to ask more, but then Encrid closed his mouth. Does the reason matter? The squad members¡¯ capriciousness was nothing new. So, the reason didn¡¯t matter. What mattered was that there was someone here to learn from and someone to teach. If the content had value, that was enough. They were being summoned for a scout mission right now, so reflecting on and practicing this advice wouldn¡¯t be a bad idea. Therefore, he ignored the unnecessary questions. ¡°How do you distinguish between different types of sounds?¡± Encrid quickly erased his confused expression and returned to the main topic. Jaxon¡¯s gaze turned peculiar as he watched. It was as if he were looking at a dragon with three heads. ¡°Why?¡± ¡°No reason.¡± The exnation continued. What are these unusual sounds? How should one utilize their hearing? It was excellent. It was the joy of learning. Encrid set out on his path with immense satisfaction. ¡°Yes, that¡¯s how it was.¡± Jaxon still looked at Encrid with that peculiar gaze. Encrid didn¡¯t notice and turned away. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll be back.¡± He walked towards the outskirts of the camp for his scout mission. Watching him, Jaxon thought to himself. ¡®It doesn¡¯t make sense.¡¯ He had recently seen the squad leader listening carefully to footsteps. He had responded from quite a distance. His hearing range was impressively wide. While others might not have noticed, he couldn¡¯t fool his own eyes. It was just a bit odd. If hepared it to all the training methods and all the people who had received simr training. Listening and training one¡¯s hearing means continuously hearing and distinguishing different sounds. Eventually, you understand the types of sounds. But how is the squad leader now? ¡®His listening is top-notch, but his ability to distinguish is that of a novice.¡¯ It¡¯s as if he had intensely trained only the act of listening in a short period. But can one really achieve that through training? If he had dozens of spare lives, maybe he could train that way. ¡®It¡¯s peculiar.¡¯ The squad leader is a peculiar person. Anyway, thanks to him, Jaxon shared what he knew, even if just a bit more. And the squad leader would soon absorb what he had just learned. Training one¡¯s ears to listen is the hard part. Distinguishing and categorizing sounds is just an additional task. As Jaxon finished his watch and entered the barracks, he saw Rem looking at him with sleepy eyes. Lying askew, propped up on one hand, Rem looked at him with a grinning face, which was highly unpleasant. ¡°Your eyes are annoying.¡± Jaxon greeted him in the morning. Rem smiled softly and replied. ¡°Have you fallen for the squad leader¡¯s charm too? Don¡¯t you just feel like teaching him when you watch him?¡± ¡°It¡¯s a fair exchange. I owe him, so I¡¯ll receive equivalent valueter.¡± Equivalent exchange Jaxon. That¡¯s his nickname within the squad. But even as he spoke, Jaxon knew. Teaching the squad leader wasn¡¯t an act to demand something in return. It was an impulsive decision. Was it because he was impressed by the squad leader¡¯s recent remarkable performance on the battlefield? Jaxon didn¡¯t think too deeply about it. He knew that sometimes it¡¯s okay to act on impulse. So, he decided to end the matter here. ¡°Screw off, bastard. Getting all shy like a girl.¡± Rem chuckled, theny back down and closed his eyes. He pulled the nket up to his chin, and soon, he was breathing evenly, as if enjoying thefort. Sometimes, Jaxon wondered. What gives that crazy barbarian the confidence to act like that? ¡°Lie down. If you attack me while I¡¯m sleeping, I¡¯ll split your head open.¡± Rem, pretending to be asleep, spoke. Jaxon ignored Rem¡¯s words and found his spot. Arguing with him would just make him talk more. ¡°Damn bastard, always ignoring me.¡± As expected, Rem grumbled to himself after speaking. * * * The scout team, which had set out in the early hours of the morning, started off on a rocky note. ¡°If we meet those Aspen bastards, we¡¯ll split their heads open. Got it?¡± These were the words of the squad leader in charge of the small unit. For a moment, Encrid almost asked what the squad leader thought the scout was about, but the squad leader spoke again before he could. ¡°Troublemaker Squad Leader, right now you¡¯re just a soldier. If you¡¯re going to disobey orders, say it now, and we¡¯ll settle it with our skills. Unlike some, I didn¡¯t be a squad leader by kissing ass, so I¡¯m confident.¡± His tone was anything but friendly. Encrid didn¡¯t get angry. He didn¡¯t feel particrly offended. He had received such ¡®praise¡¯ many times before. The simple criticisms of those who didn¡¯t know him meant nothing. And he thought it would be better to patrol quietly and reflect on what he had learned, rather than cause unnecessary trouble. ¡°Even if you don¡¯t like it, hold back. He seems to have a bit of a shy personality.¡± Another soldier, close by, spoke. He had a rough voice and seemed older. ¡°I¡¯m not bothered.¡± ¡°Well, that¡¯s a relief.¡± The soldier next to him smiled humbly, avoiding the squad leader¡¯s gaze. He had an unpleasant demeanor. ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± A total of ten, the scout and patrol team set off. Not all scout missions involved spying on enemy territory. This in was called the Green Pearl of the continent, a vast grasnd. To the east, there were a few gentle hills and mountain ridges. But generally, it was wide open with nothing to obstruct the view. To the west, the Pen-Hanil River flowed, a major waterway shared with the enemy Duchy of Aspen. Due to the geographical features, ambushes were almost impossible in this in battle. So what was the job of the scout team? Exploration of enemy territory and patrolling the surroundings. Their job was to check if any groups were moving by day or night. To see if there were any signs of enemy cavalry moving. Or to confirm if the enemy was up to something else. This included checking key areas. Of course, scouting was dangerous. They could encounter the enemy at any time. Skirmishes between scout teams often led directly to full-scale battles. But such incidents didn¡¯t happen often. Nor should they. ¡°Let¡¯s go, and show the greatness of the Naurillian infantry.¡± To Encrid, that young squad leader was a fool intoxicated by his own abilities. Was he some noble¡¯s illegitimate child? If not, he might have some backing within the militarymand. He was probably just neen or twenty. As a squad leader in the regr Naurillian army, it was a fairly quick promotion. Still,pared to real geniuses, there were plenty of soldiers like him. The role of the scout team seemed to havepletely slipped out of the head of the scout squad leader. Some of the soldiers even agreed with him. ¡°Of course. With your skills,Squad Leader, a few enemies wouldn¡¯t be a problem at all.¡± ¡°Show us the might that took down five mercenaries!¡± ¡®That squad leader¡¯s arrogance will get us all killed.¡¯ Even without anyone exining, it was obvious how this situation came about. Unfortunately, the scout team probably had frequent injuries among its soldiers, leading to a shortage of men. Because of that, Encrid and those idiots ended up here. Still, no matter how you look at it, these guys were below average. But it shouldn¡¯t be a problem. The scout team¡¯s route was predetermined anyway. ¡®Patrol in a circle based on the friendly base.¡¯ The squad leader was responsible for the detailed route. Encrid organized the information in his head and hoped the scout squad leader wouldn¡¯t act too foolishly. ¡°These are nu tracks.¡± The squad leader noticed animal tracks while passing by. Nu are animals that roam the grasnds in herds, resembling cattle. They could move in groups of fifty, or as few as twenty. ¡°If we follow these, we¡¯ll feast today. Let¡¯s have a barbecue, everyone.¡± ¡­Chase twenty nu? What was more absurd was that these tracks weren¡¯t even from nu. The tracks belonged to a gazelle, not a nu. ¡°Yeah, right.¡± The friendly-looking soldier trailing behind mumbled. Finding it absurd, he chuckled and looked at the back of the squad leader¡¯s head. On the first day, the scout team advanced, searching in vain for nu that weren¡¯t there. Naturally, no animal would let itself be caught by a group that was tantly and menacingly staring around. ¡°Damn it.¡± The squad leader grumbled irritably. If they had caught any nu, would that idiot really have tried to start a fire? If so, it would have been quite a sight. A scout team making a campfire, on top of already moving conspicuously. It¡¯s almost like saying, ¡®I¡¯m a perfect fool!¡¯ Perhaps it was a blessing that they didn¡¯t catch any animals. Before sunset, they found a spot with a few hills and four tall trees, where they prepared to camp. ¡°Where are you from, Troublemaker Squad Leader?¡± The soldier with the good first impression, who especially seemed to despise the idiot leading the scout unit, asked. ¡°Border Guard.¡± ¡°A professional soldier?¡± Encrid nodded. Border Guard is a fortress town that guards the frontier. It also has farnds and merchants, but it is fundamentally a military town. It¡¯s a town filled with training facilities and professional soldiers. ¡°I¡¯m from a mountain vige and am confident in hunting, but when you called those tracks nu earlier, I was taken aback. They were gazelle tracks.¡± Encrid felt the same way. A sense of camaraderie formed between them. The hunter-turned-soldier¡¯s name was Enri. He had an easygoing personality but deeply disliked the current squad leader. ¡°Tomorrow, I¡¯ll show you something interesting. Although it seems like there are no paths in the grasnds, there are actually trails that animals use.¡± After chatting a bit more, Enri soon fell asleep. As the third watch of the night, Encrid reflected on what Jaxon had taught him. Though he didn¡¯t hold a sword, he swung his hand through the air, recalling what he had learned. The sparring sessions with Ragna and Rem before the scout mission had been quite helpful. ¡®He said to thrust from any stance.¡¯ That was something Rem had said. Encrid was training for it too. Rem had even shown him how. He told him to strengthen his lower body. The scout team walks a lot. Unless you¡¯re cavalry, there¡¯s no way around it. ¡®Walking is good.¡¯ It¡¯s not a bad way to build leg strength. Having filled his stomach with just jerky, he might have felt empty inside. But Encrid didn¡¯t have time to think about such things. His mind was filled with the training he needed to do immediately, the training he had to do in the future, swordsmanship, the auditory skills he learned from Jaxon, and the hunting tricks that Enri had promised to teach. He purely enjoyed learning and mastering new things. Of course, he also enjoyed using what he had learned. ¡®When I get back, I¡¯ll spar again.¡¯ Throughout his watch, Encrid continued to train his auditory senses to detect anomalies. Soon, he woke the next person for their watch and went to sleep. On the second day, as dawn began to break, the scout team set out again. In the morning, Enri roughly taught him how to spot animal trails. Listening to the sound of their steps brushing against the grass that reached their calves. ¡®There¡¯s so much to learn.¡¯ Encrid genuinely thought so. The hunter¡¯s knowledge that Enri shared was quite interesting. He hadn¡¯t had the luxury to gather such knowledge before. ¡°This way.¡± The scout squad leader led the way. They headed towards a field of tall weeds. ¡®Not bad.¡¯ Considering his earlier talk of splitting heads if they encountered the enemy, the route was uneventful. It was also one of the points they needed to check. Of course, the scout squad leader quickly shattered Encrid¡¯smon sense. ¡°We¡¯re going to cut through the grasnd and track the scout team¡¯s traces. How does that sound?¡± ¡®Is this guy really insane?¡¯ Encrid almost let those words slip out but held them back. How could they find their bearings in a field of tall weeds? Where was the guarantee that they would encounter the enemy¡¯s scout team by going this way? All they needed to do was roughly check for any signs of an enemy ambush or unusual activity. ¡°Don¡¯t interfere. Not all squad leaders are the same.¡± A subordinate soldier spoke up, trying to smooth things over with a roundaboutment. Ha. Encrid still wasn¡¯t angry. He just wondered if it was okay to leave things as they were. His deliberation was brief. He decided to let it be. If things went wrong and they ended up dead,he would reconsider the next day. If not,¡®We¡¯ll juste back empty-handed.¡¯ Either way, it wouldn¡¯t be a loss for him. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 24 ¡°The wind is blowing this way right now, right? But you see how these short grasses are lying in the opposite direction and forming a circr pattern?¡± Enri stepped on the base of the tall grass. In doing so, he pushed aside the tall grass to reveal the ground covered in shorter grass. Seeing the tracks in the grass, Enri started to speak fluently. ¡°I see it.¡± Encrid replied, carefully inspecting the ground. Now that it was pointed out, he understood, but if he had been told to find it on his own, it would have been difficult. This ce was called the Tall Grass Meadow. Looking around, it was a symphony of green. A bard travelling across the continent once named this nearby in the Green Pearl in the height of summer. It meant the Green Pearl. Among them, the tall grass meadow appeared deeper, like the depths of the ocean. No wonder. This cursed grasnd was not a pleasant ce for humans to wander through. If you weren¡¯t careful, the swaying grass would smack you in the face and eyes. Bugs would cling to you from all sides. Crickets and grasshoppers would jump out and scatter, and asionally you¡¯d spot frogs in the waterlogged areas. Seeing the frogs reminded him of Frog, who had once kicked him. Of course, Frog imed they were entirely different beings from actual frogs. In fact, if you killed a frog in front of them, they wouldn¡¯t react. But threaten to crush their hearts, and they¡¯de at you with fury. ¡®One hit to the side.¡¯ He reflexively blocked, but just one hit knocked him down. How much time would it take to match Frog¡¯s strength? Not now, but maybe one day he could fight Frog. He doubted it. There¡¯s no helping it. Just because you don¡¯t give up doesn¡¯t mean you don¡¯t doubt. But there was no time for doubt. He¡¯d rather swing his sword one more time than waste time doubting. Encrid shook off the negative thoughts as soon as they came. There was no time to worry about such things. It¡¯s foolish to waste energy on something you can¡¯t solve right now. With that in mind, he listened to Enri¡¯s exnation again. This soldier, a former prairie hunter, was inherently positive. Even if the squad leader did some stupid things, he would just go along with it. Encrid didn¡¯t need to tolerate it either. He was used to just going along with things. Even in this situation, Enri disyed his hunter¡¯s skills, continuously examining various things. It was interesting to listen to. ¡°There¡¯s not much animal dung here. Why is that?¡± Enri tilted his head in puzzlement. ¡°Is that a problem?¡± Encrid asked, pushing away the long, thick des of grass that kept drooping over his head. ¡°This grasnd may seem like a worthless weed patch to humans, but in reality, it isn¡¯t. For those creatures that rely on this grass as their staple, this ce is like a natural treasure trove, so there are usually many traces of animals. But now, it¡¯s rare.¡± Few animals. Why? Encrid, who had been half-listening, plucked a grass bug off his cheek with his fingers. It wasn¡¯t a leech, but it had something protruding from its mouth, trying to suck his blood. Seeing the bug and the grass that obstructed his view, he felt a sudden urge to grab a sharp scythe and chop it all down. ¡°Shh, you¡¯re talking too much.¡± The scout squad leader said, looking back. He frowned at the sight of a cricket passing by in front of him. But he didn¡¯tin. ¡®This is unexpected.¡¯ He had suggesteding here, so Encrid expected him to be annoyed andin. Though it was called a symphony of green, upon closer inspection, there were many spots where the grass had faded to a light brown. Signs that autumn was approaching. In winter, this lush grasnd would disappear as if it were asleep, leaving only traces. Then, when it got warm again, the tall grass would grow back, nourished by the dead grass. This happens every year, repeatedly. ¡®Die and grow again.¡¯ Was it thew of nature? Then what was happening to him? The repetition of today. Even if he tried not to think about it, the thoughts kept swirling in his mind. There was no helping it. He couldn¡¯t just brush off the repetition of each day as unimportant. However, Encrid had firmly decided on his course of action. ¡®Use everything I can use.¡¯ Then this is no different. He didn¡¯t think of it as a blessing. Even if it were a curse, nothing would change. While they were walking through the grasnd for quite a while, someone tapped Encrid on the shoulder. It wasn¡¯t Enri. It was the soldier who had been sticking close to the squad leader. ¡°Our squad leader may seem immature, but please understand. He has his reasons. He needs to prove himself, but being sent to ces like the scouting unit, he¡¯s frustrated.¡± What was this all of a sudden? ¡°You¡¯re a squad leader too, right? I¡¯d appreciate it if you could forget about that assholement.¡± What an odd timing. Thinking that, Encrid roughly epted the apology. What good would it do to get upset while on a mission together? There was no need to get upset anyway. Encrid still had the same thought. Rather than wasting energy on this, he would spend a little more time on training. ¡°Alright.¡± ¡°You¡¯re generous, squad leader.¡± The soldier who said that smiled. He had faded blonde hair and a face that looked like he was good at fighting. In other words, he was the opposite type of Big Eyes. To put it more simply, he was ugly. He nodded and turned his attention back to his surroundings. He habitually focused on his hearing. At that exact moment, an unusual sound caught his ear. Rustle. Hiss! Crackle. The training he had consistently done since learning from Jaxon paid off. ¡®The sound is different?¡¯ The ten scouts walked closely enough to see each other¡¯s backs, though not quite shoulder to shoulder. The sound of them pushing through the tall grass was now familiar. But the sound they just heard was different. It came from farther away. It was definitely the sound of someone moving through the grass. Amidst that, there was the hissing of an animal and the sound of grass being trampled. People. It certainly wasn¡¯t their allies. The tall grass meadow itself wasn¡¯t valuablend. Its significancey in the fact that the enemy territory was beyond this cursed grasnd. However, once you emerged from the tall grass meadow, you were immediately on open ins with no cover. Therefore, moving through it wasn¡¯t a smart move. Did this mean the other side had a squad leader just as foolish as theirs, sending out scouts? ¡°There are others besides us.¡± Encrid said. The soldier in front, with the tough-looking face, blinked. ¡°What?¡± His expression asked what he was talking about, frowning and tilting his head. ¡°I think I heard it too.¡± Enri chimed in from the right. ¡°What?¡± When Encrid stoppedpletely, the scout squad leader, who had been leading, stepped back and approached to ask. ¡°The enemy.¡± As soon as he said it, understanding it was a different matter. Ping! Thud! Before they could fully register that there were enemies, the enemy¡¯s attack hit first. ¡°Argh!¡± The squad leader fell back as a short arrow lodged into the head of the soldier at the front. He pinpointed the direction from the sound. His eyes scanned the shape of the arrow. ¡®A bolt.¡¯ A short arrow, good for close-range use. Not something used with a longbow. ¡®A crossbow.¡¯ The conclusion was immediate. As soon as the soldier at the front had a hole punched in his head, Encrid spoke up. ¡°Get down!¡± At the same time, he grabbed the squad leader by the cor and pulled him down. ¡°Ugh!¡± The squad leader let out a groan. As they pressed close to the ground, the sound of desperate cries followed. ¡®Front, right, left.¡¯ Even if they lowered their stance to avoid the first volley, death was inevitable. So what needed to be done? They had to run. Pick a direction and break through. Then, don¡¯t stop. Encrid, with his belly almost touching the ground, threw himself in one direction. Rustle! The grass parted, revealing his movement to the enemy. Naturally, countless crossbow bolts flew towards him. ¡°Foolish!¡± Enri shouted in surprise. It looked like a suicidal act. Whizz. Half of it was luck, but Encrid managed to dodge most of the bolts. One struck his left shoulder, but he could now see the enemy. The enemy had cut the tall grass to create some space to move. Through the grass, he saw someone in green clothing holding a crossbow. As soon as he saw them, he drew his sword. ¡®At any time, from any stance.¡¯ Execute the best attack. He acted as he had been taught. He pushed off the ground and closed the distance. The enemy tried to reload the crossbow. It was a mistake. As soon as he was within striking distance, Encrid nted his left foot and thrust with one hand. The tip of his arming sword pierced through the air, grazing the enemy¡¯s neck. The sharp de sliced through the thin skin of the neck. Blood spurted from the cut, soon gushing out in thick streams. The soldier clutched his neck and staggered, then copsed. Encrid didn¡¯t stop. He immediately darted to the left. It wasn¡¯t a distance for bolts. A spearhead came flying toward his chest. Encrid pretended to charge, then stopped, letting the enemy¡¯s spear stab into thin air. He saw the infantryman¡¯s short spear and the eyes of the soldier wielding it. Eyes filled with a strange mix of excitement and surprise. The eyes of a soldier on the battlefield. Crossbows, short spears, green-dyed clothing. They were equipped for an ambush. He absorbed the information in an instant and moved forward, swinging his sword horizontally. The spearman retreated to avoid the sword¡¯s arc and thrust the retrieved spear again. Encrid, seeing the spear thrust toward him, pivoted on his right foot instead of dodging. He spun half a turn in ce and thrust his sword again. A seamless blend of evasion and attack,bining offense and defense in one strike. His sword pierced the enemy¡¯s torso. He felt a heavy resistance in his grip. The enemy¡¯s armor was thick, padded fabric. With sufficient strength and skill, and a sharp de, it wasn¡¯t hard to prate. ¡°Grrr.¡± The enemy soldier, with the sword embedded in his abdomen, dropped his spear and grabbed Encrid¡¯s sword with both hands. Blood flowed from his hands as they were cut by the de. ¡®I can¡¯t pull it out immediately.¡¯ Short thoughts, quick actions. That¡¯s the iron rule for surviving on the battlefield. He let go of the sword held by the enemy and picked up the spear from the ground. Swish. Meanwhile, another enemy soldier swung his crossbow like a club. Thanks to his crouched position, the crossbow just grazed over Encrid¡¯s head. The arming cap he wore instead of a helmet got caught on the end of the crossbow and was flung off. As the cold air touched his scalp, he felt a refreshing chill. Encrid thrust the spear he had picked up into the visible foot of the enemy who swung the crossbow, adorning his foot with a brutal decoration. Thud! ¡°Aaaargh!¡± Pain triggered screams. Screams draw attention. Thus, screams serve well to demoralize the enemy soldiers. He then grabbed the opposite knee of the enemy whose foot was speared and twisted it backward. Crack! ¡°Aaaargh!¡± It was a technique he learned from a devout squadmate. It was extremely clumsy, but this wasn¡¯t the time to worry about that. Encrid drew the shortsword from the fallen enemy¡¯s waist. Then, standing up and adjusting his stance, he pressed the shortsword tightly against the neck of the soldier whose foot was impaled. ¡°Grrr!¡± Before the enemy could resist, he smoothly pushed the de in and pulled it sideways. Squelch. He felt resistance as the de sliced through flesh. The sound of blood bubbling filled the air. The soldier, clutching his neck, crumpled to his knees. Breathless, Encrid knelt behind the dying soldier, using his body as a shield, and caught his breath. ¡®One side down for now.¡¯ They were surrounded on three sides. One side was left open. Now, if things went south, they had a chance to escape. ¡°¡­You¡¯re supposed to be the lowest rank soldier?¡± Enri said, suddenly behind him. ¡°Yeah.¡± Encrid replied, catching his breath, as Enri shook his head. ¡°You call these skills the lowest rank soldier?¡± ¡°Damn it, I¡¯m an idiot.¡± Meanwhile, the scout squad leader uttered something foolish. What was he thinking? ¡°Stay back, don¡¯t step forward.¡± The tough-looking soldier blocked the squad leader. There were four of them left alive. The rest of the scouts were dead. Immediately in front of them, there seemed to be over twenty ring enemy soldiers. ¡°¡­What the hell.¡± One of the enemy soldiers, from Aspen, spoke. He looked at Encrid in shock, then at the pile of dead soldiers. Three of their soldiers were dead. Encrid didn¡¯t care whether the enemy was surprised or not. As always, he just found the best move he could make in the current situation and executed it. The crossbows were still a threat. The enemy numbers were high. He had lost his sword. ¡°Run!¡± It was time for the Valen-Mercenary tactic: retreat. Without hesitation, Encrid turned and ran. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 25 ¡°Let¡¯s cut through the grass and track the scout team¡¯s trail. How does that sound?¡± Upon closer inspection, the scout squad leader¡¯s eyes were sparkling as he said this. A mix of anticipation, confidence, and appropriate tension was visible. It was a new day. In conclusion, the escape attempt failed. Encrid woke up and started his day by reflecting on the previous one. ¡®Where did it go wrong?¡¯ Maybe going east was the mistake. ¡®No, it seemed fine up to that point.¡¯ Reviewing the events is Encrid¡¯s habit. While fleeing east, he encountered the crossbow unit again, got shot multiple times, and copsed. Lying on the ground, twitching, a bolt struck his head, killing him. He doesn¡¯t want to recall the pain from that moment. But if he doesn¡¯t review it, he will keep dying. That¡¯s even worse. Reviewing and retracing steps to find the problem. Encrid kept thinking. ¡®I heard it, so I got the first opportunity.¡¯ He caught an unusual sound. What he learned from Jaxon helped. Then, The Heart of the Beast helped him to look at the situation calmly. He had to choose one direction and push through. He failed, though. ¡®If I do it again.¡¯ He thinks he can seed. It was bad luck to run into the waiting unit instead of the pursuing one. ¡®I just need to find the path again.¡¯ Lost in thought, someone tapped him on the shoulder. It was Enri. Encrid thought he was too lost in his thoughts. ¡°Just take a quick look around and leave it at that, alright?¡± He wondered what Enri kept telling him to bear with. ¡°Your expression doesn¡¯t look good.¡± As Enri spoke, he subtly pointed ahead with his eyes. Turning his gaze forward, Encrid¡¯s eyes met those of a rough-looking soldier trailing behind the squad leader. Though it seemed like the soldier was ring, it wasn¡¯t to pick a fight. ¡®He wants me to understand the squad leader, so he must have some sense.¡¯ By now, the soldier was likely thinking about how to properly approach and persuade him. Judging that it wasn¡¯t the right moment to speak, the rough-looking soldier averted his gaze first. Encrid nodded at Enri in understanding and started walking. He brushed aside the grass with his hands and stepped forward. Soon, a familiar scene blocked his view. Tall green grass severely limited his vision. It was definitely not wise to face an ambushed enemy here. Normally, risking one¡¯s life to enter such a ce wouldn¡¯t be a reasonable choice. ¡®What if we just didn¡¯t enter here in the first ce?¡¯ That¡¯s not an option. The purpose and reason for this squad being here is to scout this tall grass field. What could they say if they ignored that and went back? That they noticed an enemy ambush even before entering? Even if they decided to change the scouting direction. The ten people here wouldn¡¯t all agree to that. There¡¯s no avoiding it. This is how most of the newly faced ¡®todays¡¯ have always been. But if asked whether it was troublesome. ¡®Not bad.¡¯ Although he had only fought properly once. Enri had questioned him, wondering how such a low-ranking soldier like him could be there. The squad leader had belittled himself. ¡®Realbat.¡¯ Even though it was just one battle, that single experience was valuable. The Heart of the Beast didn¡¯t give him time to panic. He swung and thrust his sword, exploiting every gap. He predicted the opponent¡¯s behavior patterns and moved ordingly. He used everything he had learned in between. Thump. His heart pounded. It felt like something thrilling was coursing through his body. ¡®A good opportunity.¡¯ Before setting out on the scouting mission, Rem and Ragna took turns watching and evaluating his swordsmanship. What he learned from them. What he realized on his own. He was able to fully absorb it all. ¡°Do you see this? The spot where the grass is pressed down?¡± ¡°Animal tracks.¡± Encrid was a man who knew how to use what he learned. He pretended to know. Enri looked at Encrid, rolling his eyes before asking, ¡°Do you have hunting experience?¡± He didn¡¯t. It was something he learned from Enri. ¡°I just picked up a few things along the way.¡± It was something he heard from Enri. After answering honestly, he continued with trivial chatter. He quickened his pace slightly and moved forward. Right behind the squad leader. Encrid was now assessing the formation of the scout team. It was something he hadn¡¯t paid much attention to before. The squad leader was at the front, two on the right, two on the left. Directly behind the squad leader was the rough-looking soldier. The remaining members followed at the rear, like a rearguard. ¡®They¡¯re not just fools.¡¯ The formation looked reasonable. If enemies appeared, it was a good formation for responding. Though against a unit armed with crossbows, the formation wouldn¡¯t be of much use. In the failed attempt, the scout squad leader didn¡¯t make foolish mistakes anymore. He silently followed Encrid¡¯s lead. Moreover, his swordsmanship was quite good. The rough-looking soldier was a very skilled fighter. ¡®At least mid-level or higher.¡¯ By Naurillia¡¯s standards, that¡¯s how it was. Both the squad leader and the rough-looking soldier. Both were quite skilled. Enri wasn¡¯t bad either. Walking with a shortbow in his left hand, he could shoot arrows quickly. However, that didn¡¯t mean he could survive dozens of bolts flying at him. ¡®Avoid the crossbow unit at all costs.¡¯ Encrid deliberately walked closely behind the squad leader. Seeing that he was watching the squad leader, the rough-looking soldier didn¡¯t engage in conversation. Rustle. Hiss! Crackle. He heard the same sound again. ¡°Duck.¡± He immediately grabbed the squad leader by the scruff and threw him backward. Last time, only four survived and escaped. This time, he intended to save a few more. ¡°Ugh!¡± The squad leader fell backward, letting out something like a scream. ¡°Enemy!¡± The enemy shouted. Soon, bolts came flying. In the meantime, Encrid kicked the knees of two allied soldiers in session. Bolts whizzed over the heads of the fallen soldiers. Encrid also spread his legs front and back, lowering his body as much as possible. A startled grasshopper leapt and scurried away in front of him. Using the tension in his thigh muscles and erector spinae, Encrid sprang up and threw a throwing knife. With a whizz, the knife sliced through the air. The knife cut through the empty space, hitting nothing, but it made the enemy flinch momentarily. A brief gap, but enough. Smack. He lightly hit the squad leader¡¯s forehead with his elbow as he extended it backward. ¡°Get a grip.¡± As he spoke, he sprang forward. Thud, thud, thud. He trampled the dirt and grass, drawing his sword. As he drew it, he assumed his stance and thrust with one hand. ¡®Full force.¡¯ He aimed to pierce throughpletely, but he couldn¡¯t afford to let his muscles lose strength after the thrust. How to thrust with full force while conserving strength? ¡°You need a feel for it. How can you get a feel? Keep doing it. You¡¯ll get it eventually.¡± That¡¯s what Rem had said during their sparring. Encrid was now embodying that lesson in this very moment. Thump! The tip of his sword pierced through the enemy¡¯s chest. He twisted and withdrew it. The de, which had split muscles, nerves, and heart, was pulled out. Feigning a horizontal sh, he closed the distance and swung his foot, kicking the shin of another enemy. This enemy was just about to aim his crossbow. ¡°Ugh!¡± The struck soldier involuntarily lowered his head, and Encrid smashed the back of his head with the pommel. Crunch! The action felt like striking through a poorly made leather helmet with a blunt weapon. He could feel the sensation of splitting solid greenwood through his hand. Having taken down the second enemy, he saw another one charging at him, wearing thick cloth armor and wielding arge round shield. Ping, ping, ping! Enri fired three rapid arrows. However, the arrows couldn¡¯t prate the armor. No blood oozed from the impact points. One poorly lodged arrow wobbled and then fell to the ground. In his haste, Enri hadn¡¯t fully utilized the bow¡¯s draw strength. Encrid quickly switched his sword to his left hand and swung. ng! The edge of his de met the rim of the shield, sending sparks flying. He dented the shield frame, but the impact also numbed his hand. ¡°Argh!¡± The enemy roared, bringing his weapon down on Encrid¡¯s head. Thump. A moment of carelessness could lead to death here. Panic meant death. That¡¯s what the battlefield was. The Heart of the Beast shone in moments like these. It provided a calmposure in the heart of battle. With his thick muscles doing their job, Encrid could see the exact trajectory of the descending shield. ¡°Watch carefully, dodge skillfully.¡± It was Rem¡¯s teaching. Observe and evade. ¡°There are no unnecessary parts of the sword. From the handle to the tip, use it all.¡± This was Ragna¡¯s teaching. Encrid carefully observed and retreated at thest possible moment. Whoosh¡ªthe shield brushed past his nose, the wind from it causing his hair to flutter. ¡°Huff, huff!¡± The enemy, having mmed down his shield, gathered strength in his muscles and raised it again. Rough breaths could be heard from behind the shield. Through the sound of his breathing and the movement of his shoulders, it was clear the enemy was tense. He peered over the shield, eyes fixed on Encrid. Striking the shield would only prolong the fight. Encrid reversed his grip on the sword, so the handle was up and the de down. In this reversed grip, he rotated his waist and knees, swinging with all his might. The move was executed before the shielded enemy could react. Whish, thunk! The tip of the sword¡¯s de lodged into the enemy¡¯s eye. Blood burst from the eye, mingled with clear fluid. ¡°Argh!¡± The now one-eyed soldier screamed. Thanks to gripping the de, Encrid drew a short sword with his bloody hand. He then plunged it into the neck of the frenzied, one-eyed enemy and pulled it out. Thwack! Blood spurted in sync with his movement. Gurgling, blood-foaming from his neck, the shielded soldier copsed to the ground. ¡°This way! It was a series of brutal scenes. Everyone was stunned, their mouths agape, staring at Encrid. How many had he taken down in such a short time? Encrid retrieved the sword that had pierced the enemy¡¯s eye. Blood coated the handle of the sword, sticky and thick. He wiped it off as best as he could and kept moving. This time, six had followed him. He had saved two more. ¡°¡­Who are you?¡± the scout squad leader, who had stuck close to his side while running, asked. ¡°Do you really need to ask?¡± Running would be better than talking. Encrid continued running east. He continued to knock down and kill every enemy he saw. This time, he had ventured even deeper. ¡®I chose the wrong direction.¡¯ He was certain it wasn¡¯t the east. This time, they encountered fifty spearmen. Fifty trained spearmen made up a toon. The three of them couldn¡¯t handle it. They lost the rest on the way, leaving only the scout squad leader and the rough-looking soldier. ¡°Unlucky,¡± the rough-looking soldier said. ¡°Damn it,¡± the scout squad leader muttered, looking around with a grimace. Encrid said, ¡°I¡¯ll take five with me.¡± He steeled himself and charged. From the enemy¡¯s perspective, he must have seemed insane. Charging at fifty spearmen? To the spearmen, he was clearly a madman. Unless he was a knight or part of a knightly order. What was this? Watching him use his sword, it was clear he could fight, but he wasn¡¯t exceptional. At best, he might be called a skilled soldier. There was no way charging recklessly at fifty spearmen could look sane. Encrid charged and killed three spearmen. Then he was impaled by a spear in the abdomen and died. It was, of course, excruciatingly painful. As he died, he saw a long g lying behind the group of spearmen. That was hisst memory. * * * ¡°Let¡¯s go this way. If we kill the enemy beyond the grass, it¡¯s a great achievement, right? Or maybe capturing them would be better?¡± Listening to the squad leader¡¯s words, Encrid reflected on the day once more. Reviewing. ¡®There¡¯s no clear path to the east.¡¯ Then this time, it¡¯s north. Actualbat was great nourishment. Even Rem and Ragna, who got along so poorly, agreed on this. Didn¡¯t Jaxon also say the same? The best way to train the senses is to fight with your life on the line. He said that in the moment of death, a person¡¯s concentration shatters its limits. Encrid was proving that statement with his own body. ¡®I¡¯ve improved.¡¯ It¡¯s neither arrogance, nor overconfidence. Objectively speaking, his skills had significantly improved. And he was still improving. In the repeated ¡®today¡¯, Encrid died nine more times in the north. Six more times in the east. And twelve more times in the west. The battles continued. Skill improvement doesn¡¯t happen overnight. That¡¯s unavoidable. But one can take steady steps forward calmly. Encrid felt tion once again. Because he was still growing. Because today was better than yesterday. ¡°Argh!¡± Thwack! During the repetitive days, the spear de of a rather brave soldier grazed his cheek. It was a strike that the previous Encrid wouldn¡¯t have been able to avoid. It was much like the thrusting attack of the spearman, but he dodged it. And he didn¡¯t just dodge. Countless real battles had instilled good habits in Encrid. As he dodged, he brought his sword down from above. A vertical strike. Thud. And at that moment, Encrid felt a strange sensation. He had brought down his sword, but there was no sensation left in his hand. No, it was too faint. He had clearly cut through the enemy¡¯s arm, but it felt like slicing through a rotten branch. It was that easy. Meanwhile, the enemy¡¯s arm was cleanly severed, flying through the air. He didn¡¯t even hear a sound. A perfectly clean strike. The kind of strike often described as having no feeling in the hands. The kind of strike executed countless times by those called geniuses. ¡°Ah.¡± Encrid was so astonished that his concentration broke for a moment. It was the first time he experienced this in battle. He could fully feel the weight of the sword in his hand. The thrilling sensation left in his hand made him feel ecstatic. ¡°Ha, really.¡± He was too excited. Heughed, covered in blood. He couldn¡¯t suppress hisughter from the overwhelming satisfaction. ¡°You crazy bastard!¡± From the enemy¡¯s perspective, he was nothing short of a crazy bastard. In any case, Encrid died countless times. And he repeated ¡®today¡¯ countless times. In those repeated days, what he learned through sparring seeped into his body. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 26 ¡®I should have dodged there.¡¯ Encrid mulled over yesterday¡¯s events that existed only for him. ¡®No, dodging wasn¡¯t the problem. I was too fixated onnding a single strike.¡¯ Dodge what needs to be dodged, strike what needs to be struck. Hadn¡¯t he heard time and again how crucial split-second decisions were? From countless swordsmanship instructors, and from Rem as well. ¡®What¡¯s the use of The Heart of the Beast if you can¡¯t make the right choices? One wrong choice, and you¡¯re dead.¡¯ It felt as if Rem was standing next to him, snickering. If that bastard Rem knew, he¡¯d definitely say that. Encrid mulled over the moment again and again. ¡®Today, a slightly different route.¡¯ He changed his path every day. It was a privilege of someone who repeated the same day. ¡®We¡¯re going to catch the enemy scouts beyond this grass field. How about it?¡¯ As always, the scout squad leader was leading them all into ruin. He had no intention of stopping him. No, Encrid knew it was pointless to change the scouting route. No matter which different route they took, it was the same. ¡®The area is already full of ambushed troops.¡¯ The enemy filled the tall grass field. If he wanted to survive, the best option was to return to where he had woken up. ¡®But that¡¯s not possible.¡¯ Doing so would be disobeying orders. Disobeying orders could lead to summary execution in severe cases. So should he desert and leave these nine behind? Should he survive by doing that? ¡®Is that why I learned the sword?¡¯ Knight, general, hero. Even now, he swung his sword, dreaming of such things. But knowing they¡¯d all be annihted and just leaving them behind¡ªwas that the answer? Was that really the best option? ¡®No.¡¯ Everyone has something they can¡¯tpromise on. Encrid knows he is neither a good person nor a saint. But this was something he couldn¡¯tpromise on. Some would call it conviction. Some would call it stubbornness. And Encrid didn¡¯t care what others thought. ¡®It¡¯s what I¡¯ve decided.¡¯ If he had lived by the standards set by others, he would have long since given up on everything and taken a leisurely position in a vige vignte group. He discarded the option of fleeing. The goal was to find a way to escape today beyond that. He fought again. He shed blood and killed the enemy. This time, his sword broke while using it as a shield. He was struck on the head by a spear shaft. The world spun around. Naturally, death followed. Whether it was the spear de piercing his chest or the blow to his head that caused his death, he wasn¡¯t exactly sure. The cycle repeated again. He died and died again. By repeatedly experiencing life-and-death battles, he digested what he had learned in practice. He revisited what he already knew. Throughout all that time, Encrid kept only two things in his mind. One was how to fight better. The other was how to escape this today. Moving toward tomorrow. Encrid knew that relentless effort was necessary for that moment. Because he had survived two of today¡¯s this way. But this time, things were a bit different. ¡®I can¡¯t see a way.¡¯ Everywhere he went was full of enemies. Why they had so many troops ambushed in a humid, muddynd full of grasshoppers, locusts, and tall grass blocking their view, he couldn¡¯t understand. ¡®You damn bastards.¡¯ Moreover, they are all properly trained soldiers. They are not some ragtag mercenaries fighting for money. They are not conscripts dragged out unwillingly. They are all sried soldiers. And some even consider these soldiers to be elite troops. On arge-scale battlefield, ¡®elite¡¯ might mean something different. But in this kind of battlefield, professional soldiers like these are considered elite troops. If soldiers who practice fighting, swinging their spears to fill their bellies, aren¡¯t considered elite, then what soldiers can be called elite? ¡®This is troublesome.¡¯ In a surprise attack, he could kill three or four of them. But more than that would be impossible. Especially with a group of soldiers armed with crossbows behind him, fighting while fleeing was even more out of the question. ¡®The strength to kill them all.¡¯ Would it be possible if he repeated this today countless times? To gain that kind of strength? No, it¡¯s not possible. He knew because he had tried. Why did he try to move on to tomorrow by surpassing the spearman the first time he repeated today? ¡®There are limits to what you can learn within a stagnant time.¡¯ Encrid knew himself well. To improve his skills and feel the joy of growth, he needed a good teacher and opportunity. But that didn¡¯t mean he was wasting the repeated ¡®today¡¯. He trained his hearing, practiced swordsmanship, and reviewed his battles. He repeated and repeated. His growth was slow, but continuous. ¡°I¡¯m confident in archery, but my nerves get the best of me, and my hands tremble in the chaos of battle.¡± Enri said beside him. It was something he had heard a few times. He imed to have small nerves but was quite skilled with a bow. ¡°Can you hit an apple ced on a head from a hundred paces away?¡±¡± To lighten the mood, he made a joke. ¡°Hundred paces is too far, but within thirty paces, I can give it a try. If you put an apple on the scout squad leader¡¯s head, I¡¯ll take a shot at it.¡± ¡°Too bad, we don¡¯t have an apple.¡± ¡°Indeed, that¡¯s a shame.¡± Enri knew how to enjoy a joke. ¡°But I¡¯m quite confident within thirty paces. Maybe not hitting an apple on the head, but hitting the head itself.¡± Enri added, his face quite serious. ¡°If you can hit heads with your arrows, you could probably take out ten of the enemy.¡± Encrid said, ncing at Enri¡¯s quiver. The t leather quiver on his waist held about ten arrows. To keep it from shaking, leather straps connected the quiver to his thigh and waist, binding the ten arrows together with another strap. When the strap was loosenedter, it would be easy to draw the arrows. True to his background as a ins hunter, Enri seemed proficient in handling his bow and arrows. ¡°Hey. What are youughing about? We¡¯re on a scouting mission. Seriously, tsk.¡± The scout squad leader red and clicked his tongue. Of course, Encrid didn¡¯t care. In this repeated ¡®today¡¯, the squad leader¡¯s interjections were amon urrence. ¡®It would be nice to start by taking a few out with arrows.¡¯ The tough-looking soldier walking behind the squad leader signaled to Encrid with a nce. It seemed to mean not to respond and to just stay quiet. Same as before. There was no need to make a fuss, so there was nothing to argue about. ¡®Then it¡¯ll be easier tounch a surprise attack from here.¡¯ In Encrid¡¯s mind, the virtual battle continued. The information gathered from the repeated ¡®today¡¯ allowed him to vividly visualize a usible battle in his head. In the end, he dies. In most cases, he will die. Even if there is a significant skill gap, the difference in numbers is too great. Unless their side had the advantage in armament. ¡®Which they don¡¯t.¡¯ What would Rem have done? There would be no hesitation. He would have gone in with two axes in hand and swung them fiercely. Even with Rem¡¯s skills, he wouldn¡¯t be able to kill all hundred of them. But he could kill enough and then escape. He was that agile and had exceptional skills. ¡®It¡¯s funny that such a guy is just a soldier.¡¯ Rem himself didn¡¯t seem to have anyints. In some ways, it seemed like Encrid was the only one with ambitions in their troublesome squad. It seemed like he was the only one who wanted to be more than just a squad leader. What¡¯s the point of thinking about a squad member who isn¡¯t here? Encrid changed his line of thought. A small snake slithered quickly through the short grass. The grass underfoot was growing taller. It was a sign they were approaching the tall grass field. ¡®I¡¯m not Rem.¡¯ He pictured the virtual battle in his head again. A thought struck him. ¡®How skilled is the scout squad leader?¡¯ Until now, he had been too preupied to properly assess. He just recognized that the leader wasn¡¯t bad. The scout squad leader, the tough-looking soldier, and Enri. And the rest of the scout squad. His thoughts followed one after another, leading to a conclusion. ¡°I don¡¯t need to protect them.¡± ¡°¡­What?¡± Enri asked, responding to the muttered words that escaped his lips. ¡°Nothing.¡± He had been stupid. Until now, Encrid had tried to get through this alone. He fought with the idea of protecting everyone by himself, reacting passively when encountering the enemy. Thus, he thought he had tried every possible means, but one remained. A means topletely change the game. Crack. Encrid twisted his neck from side to side. There was still some time before they reached the grass field. Striding forward, Encrid grabbed the shoulder of the tough-looking soldier and pulled him back. ¡°Huh?¡± The soldier reflexively tensed up. ¡°What¡¯s this about?¡± ¡°You red at me earlier, didn¡¯t you?¡± He knew. It wasn¡¯t a re but a look asking for understanding. But when your face is your weapon, just looking can seem like ring. ¡°No, hey, that¡¯s not¡ª¡± ¡°Why is your tongue so long?¡± Wham! Encrid swung his fist. The tough-looking soldier tilted his head back to dodge it. ¡°¡­Are you crazy?¡± The scout squad leader asked in bewilderment from the front. ¡°Come on.¡± Encrid ignored him and kicked at the soldier¡¯s ankle. The tough-looking soldier dodged it too, frowning. ¡°You seemed like a perceptive guy.¡± ¡°Exactly, I could read your annoying look.¡± Rem had once said that Encrid might be the best in the continent at getting under people¡¯s skin with words. ¡°Come on, fight me, you ugly bastard.¡± Indeed, just a few words had turned the seasoned soldier¡¯s face red. ¡°Fine, you¡¯re gonna get it now.¡± Encrid fought him. Instead of drawing his sword, he used his fists as des and his feet as blunt weapons. The exchange of blows was roughly even. No, to be honest, he was slightly on the losing side. ¡®He fights well.¡¯ By the kingdom¡¯s standards, he was at least at an intermediate level, possibly transitioning to advanced. ¡°You said you were a low-ranking soldier?¡± The soldier, whose face looked like he¡¯d fail at mating repeatedly, spat blood from his split lip end asked. ¡°That¡¯s right. Low-ranking.¡± ¡°They say you get money and other stuff when you get promoted. Why aren¡¯t you trying that?¡± Encrid knew it too. He wasn¡¯t at a low-ranking soldier¡¯s level. He hadn¡¯t been low-ranking since he joined the army. He just didn¡¯t see the need to raise his rank. He knew his skills and limits clearly. There was no need to attach thebel of a low-ranking soldier. Of course, things are a bit different now. If the opportunity arises, he will get promoted. But it¡¯s not his top priority. The criteria that distinguish third-rate, second-rate, and first-rate mercenaries, or the grades of soldiers here¡ªwhat¡¯s the importance? ¡°You fight well.¡± Encrid honestly admired him. Yes, he should at least be this good. His skills were better than expected. He¡¯s the type to fight even better in actualbat. If given the proper chance to fight, that is. ¡°What are you doing?¡± The scout squad leader, watching the fight with a face turning red and blue, opened his mouth with a re. He looked ready to pounce on Encrid at any moment. Before he could, Encrid spoke first. ¡°It¡¯s a sparring match. Just a good warm-up.¡± His answer was not just brazen but confidently delivered, causing the scout squad leader to falter, words catching in his throat. It was understandable that he was at a loss for words. ¡°Just leave it be. There¡¯s no hard feelings.¡± The tough-looking soldier intervened to calm the scout squad leader. Encrid shrugged. ¡°Watch your mouth, troublesome squad leader. You might get in trouble because of that tongue of yours one day.¡± ¡°That¡¯s for me to deal with.¡± Encrid replied and turned back to his spot. Next to him, Enri sidled up, eyeing the swollen area near his cheekbone. ¡°You said you were a low-ranking soldier?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Was it really that surprising? Several other scout squad members also nced at Encrid. ¡°You fought too well for that.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve trained hard.¡± It wasn¡¯t a lie. He had put in relentless effort through the repeated ¡®today¡¯. Despite themotion, the scout squad leader stubbornly led them into the tall grass field. There had to be something valuable hidden in there, if not a stash of gold then maybe a lover. Snap! Crack. Hearing the same sound, they realized the enemy was approaching again. A new ¡®today¡¯ was beginning. This was the start. ¡°Enemy.¡± With his split lip, Encrid spoke and nudged Enri. ¡°There, shoot.¡± He wanted to see Enri¡¯s archery skills. Enri didn¡¯t react immediately. ¡°What?¡± It seemed like he froze at the mention of the enemy. Afterward, he never really managed to shoot his bow properly. Maybe he did have a small liver, as he imed, because as soon as the battle started, he was busy scrambling around. Even so, seeing him shoot a few rapid shots, it was clear his form was solid. ¡®This won¡¯t do as long as I¡¯m just a squad member.¡¯ The others needed to respond to orders, but he hadn¡¯t established that kind of rtionship with them. Encrid pondered his position. ¡®For now, I¡¯ll put this aside.¡¯ In the end, he repeated simr events. Struggling and dying. Encrid repeated today a few more times. During that time, he could assess the squad leader¡¯s skills. Not bad. It was clear he had learned proper swordsmanship somewhere. ¡°I¡¯ll ept your challenge anytime.¡± After engaging in a few mock fights and letting the leader win a bit, the squad leader seemed quite pleased. Encrid got familiar with the leader¡¯s habits and patterns by sparring with him a few times. ¡®Hecks realbat experience.¡¯ That was likely why the tough-looking soldier stuck to him like a nanny. So, what was the rtionship between them? When he casually asked. ¡°He¡¯s the son of someone I respected a long time ago.¡± The tough-looking soldier blurted out. This guy was overflowing with loyalty. His entire presence here was for this kid. He really was a nanny. ¡°A noble?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t you know that fallen nobles aren¡¯t treated as nobles?¡± The scout squad leader was a fallen noble. ¡°I see.¡± They brushed off the rest of the conversation, and Encrid looked at the sun overhead. The noonday sun. The wind was moderately cool. Neither hot nor cold. All the scouts wore light armor. It made sense if they needed to move quickly. Simple equipment and light armor. That was the basic setup. Encrid reviewed the equipment, skills, and everything they had. He needed to understand everything else, too. Encrid took in everything he knew about the current situation. The weather, the wind, the location, the situation, allies, and enemies. If he could move all these elements actively, it would reveal a way through, like an arrow hitting its mark. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 27 The name of the scout squad leader was Andrew. His full name was Andrew Gardner. Once a baron, he is now the sole heir of a fallen family. He had only one desire: to revive the Gardner family in his generation. ¡°Andrew, you are our hope.¡± His mother¡¯sst words as shey dying from illness remained vividly in his mind. She had saved money by working as a seamstress and a maid in other people¡¯s houses. And all that money was spent on Andrew. From swordsmanship lessons to clothes and food. While he didn¡¯t have an affluent upbringing, he didn¡¯tck either. His mother, overwhelmed by work, gradually fell ill and died. Her one wish was the same. ¡°Continue our family line, and be a great person.¡± He decided to honor that wish. There was only one way Andrew could think of to revive his family. After all, it was an age of war. He would fight and fight again to prove his abilities. He received timely help at a point when training and connections were crucial. Before she died, his mother sought help from a man who was once like a brother to her husband. ¡°He has talent,¡± said the man who was his father¡¯s sworn brother. After that, Andrew underwent rigorous training and joined the army. He started as a professional soldier and earned the position of squad leader at a young age. ¡®I need achievements.¡¯ That thought filled Andrew¡¯s mind. He was confident in his abilities. His confidence came from killing three or four ordinary soldiers on the battlefield. ¡°You must be cautious in everything.¡± His advisor and supporter constantly nagged him. It was almost unbearable. But Andrew didn¡¯t ignore those words. ¡®Surviving is also important.¡¯ One must stay alive to ensure the revival of the family. That doesn¡¯t mean he could abandon a challenging life. What happens to those who give up on challenges? His father, who had lost the family¡¯s prestige, was a perfect example. His father, whocked talent since childhood, swung his sword every day, but his efforts were futile. Eventually, his father couldn¡¯t dream of reviving the family. He gave up quickly. Spending the remaining assets became the entirety of his life. He died, stabbed by a gambler he got into a fight with. ¡®A life without a future is bleak.¡¯ Thus, while dreaming of reviving his family, he also valued his own life. Of course, there were always annoying matters. One such annoyance was the troublemaker squad leader who caught Andrew¡¯s eye. Andrew was in his position due to his abilities. He was working tirelessly for the great task of reviving his family. But what about that guy? He was a bottom-tier soldier who had luckily be a squad leader, a sry thief. Was he worthy of being a professional soldier? Andrew saw traces of his father in him. ¡®He¡¯ll just live collecting his sry and eventually die.¡¯ He would only pretend to train by swinging his sword. It wasughable that a mere soldier wore a sword belt and carried a sword under the pretense of training. If he knew Encrid, he wouldn¡¯t have thought that way, but Andrew didn¡¯t know him. And now, from the morning, that troublemaker squad leader was staring at him. Their eyes met. An unpleasant feeling flowed between their gazes. At the end of that feeling, Andrew¡¯s brows furrowed. ¡®His eyes are irritating.¡¯ Just as he was about to speak, the troublemaker squad leader spoke first. ¡°Your eyes are unpleasant.¡± ¡°Hmm? Who are you talking to right now?¡± Andrew¡¯s brows furrowed sharply, his scowl reflecting his state of mind. One of the soldiers who had apanied him stepped forward first. ¡°What did you just say?¡± The soldier had a scar on his forehead. Wasn¡¯t he the one who used to wander around fight clubs? Andrew had once told him, ¡°Follow me. I¡¯ll give you a life better than that of a thug.¡± Since then, he had be Andrew¡¯s loyal follower. His skills were still poor, and he hadn¡¯tpletely shed his thuggish habits, but he was decent in a fight. That¡¯s why Andrew had brought him along. There were three such soldiers. The three of them stood up and surrounded the troublemaker squad leader. * * * Encrid had repeated several ¡®todays¡¯ ande to a conclusion. ¡®As a squad member, it¡¯s not enough.¡¯ They needed to follow his words faithfully and act on hismands. That was the minimum requirement. So what should he do? How does a knight earn people¡¯s trust? How do they stir excitement as soon as they step onto the battlefield? It¡¯s for a simple reason. Skill. It was possible because they had shown their abilities. Then what was needed to make the ten, including himself, move as one? What was needed to earn trust? It was impossible to get close and build a bond in just one day. The only thing left was violence based on coercion. ¡°That mouth seems to be a problem. Should I give you a pretty tattoo or something?¡± The soldier with the scar on his forehead said, his eyes gleaming. He had the look of someone who had beaten up a few people. This guy¡¯s lines are always the same. Encrid thought as he looked at the positions of the three. For them, this was the first time, but for him, it was just another repetition of today. The reason for the repetition? There was only one. The more overwhelming the violence and coercion, the better. For that, experience was necessary. Aside from skill, he needed to know their reactions and patterns. For that reason, the Valen Mercenary Sword Technique was excluded. He had to subdue them with pure skill. The first hurdle to oveing today¡¯s repetition was to subdue the three thug soldiers. ¡°Cat got your tongue?¡± The thug-turned-soldier swaggered. Encrid thought words were unnecessary. So he acted ordingly. He took a step forward without a word. The opponent reacted, flinching and raising his fist, preparing to fight. One of the three even ced his hand on the hilt of his short sword. Encrid lifted his left foot first, and that step was very slow. With bewildered eyes, they watched, unsure of what was happening, finding it too ambiguous to say anything. Then Encrid¡¯s right foot struck the ground swiftly. By mixing slow and fast movements, the slow one appeared quicker. It was a simple trick, a tactic tounch the first attack. And it was quite, no, extremely useful. ¡°Ugh!¡± The soldier with the scar on his forehead gasped, trying to throw a punch. But Encrid was faster, kicking his opponent¡¯s shin. Thud! As he kicked the shin sideways, the opponent¡¯s stance faltered. Immediately, Encrid struck the temple of his off-bnce opponent with the back of his hand guard. It was a satisfying, powerful swing. Thwack! ¡°Ugh!¡± The opponent let out a short cry and staggered to the side, copsing. Encrid¡¯s next movements were fluid and smooth. As he turned sideways, a short sword aimed at his exposed side sliced through the air. Almost as if it was a rehearsed move, he grabbed and twisted the wrist of the soldier holding the short sword. The key was to apply just enough force to avoid causing serious injury. Crunch. Snap. He twisted the wrist and struck near the jaw at an angle, causing the second soldier to faint and copse. He gentlyid the copsing soldier down on the ground. As he stood up, he picked up the fallen short sword. Encrid, his breathing unchanged, asked, ¡°Want to continue?¡± Thest soldier who had stepped forward broke into a cold sweat. It was the opponent who had drawn their weapon first. He wouldn¡¯t have anyints if Encrid stabbed him right then. ¡°What¡¯s your intention?¡± The scout squad leader, who had been watching up to that point, stepped forward. ¡°I didn¡¯t like you from the start. A rookie barely learning to walk.¡± Encrid turned away from the frightened soldier towards the scout squad leader. There was no need to get angry over trivial matters, so he usually let things slide without putting much meaning into what others said or did. That had been the case until now. But if there was a need to get angry? Then he would say everything he had to say. ¡°If I follow a guy like you, we might all get wiped out on even a simple scout mission, so let¡¯s settle this with skill.¡± Defiance was a serious offense. However, the situation was delicate. Encrid was originally a squad leader. If the other had respected that, it might have been different. But the scout squad leader had shownplete disregard and hostility. No one could me him for not putting up with it. In fact, the higher-ups wouldn¡¯t care which of the two led the scout squad. Didn¡¯t the toon leader tell them to look after the young squad leader when he left? Now was the time for that. Not just to watch his back, but to step up and take charge. ¡°¡­Whoever wins the fight will takemand of the squad?¡± The scout squad leader frowned and asked. ¡°That works for me. I have no intention of being under someone weaker than myself.¡± In fact, in the troublemaker squad, except for Krais, there were only monsters who fought better than Encrid. But that was just an excuse. It was best if the opponent got riled up and attacked first. ¡°Bring it on, you wet-behind-the-ears brat. Have you ever slept with a woman? Or is your manhood still underdeveloped?¡± Andrew¡¯s expression hardened. He hadn¡¯t had his first experience yet. He had used that time to train his body. He felt as if the scout squad leader was mocking all the time, effort, and everything he had done to get this far. Thump. The squad leader drew his short sword. ¡°You can draw your sword too. The length of the de won¡¯t determine skill.¡± ¡°Alright, then.¡± The rough-looking soldier beside Andrew initially tried to intervene but then shook his head and sighed, stepping back. He had worked as a mercenary for quite a long time and had seen such situations countless times. There had been discord from the beginning. It might be better to resolve it now. Letting emotions fester would be a bigger problem. Men often cleared the air by fighting it out. Moreover, he knew Andrew well. He had taught him swordsmanship. In some ways, Andrew might seem like a brash young upstart. But he knew how to handle a sword and had a straightforward nature. Most importantly, he knew right from wrong. ¡®It won¡¯t be easy, though.¡¯ If things went south, he would step in. However, there was one thing. Judging by the troublemaker squad leader¡¯s stance and the position of his feet, he didn¡¯t seem like an ordinary opponent. His thick, hard calluses, which had formed from gripping a sword for so long, were evident on his palms. They were not the marks of someone who had trained for just a day or two. ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll do it barehanded.¡± ¡°This bastard?¡± Andrew got excited. That was a w. He easily showed his emotions. The man thought to himself that this was something to point outter. He decided to sit back and watchfortably. It didn¡¯t seem like it would end quickly. Both of them were not exceptionally skilled, but neither did they appearpletely ipetent. Nevertheless, he secretly hoped Andrew would win. Being excited didn¡¯t mean his basic skills would disappear. He had talent. The troublemaker squad leader gestured, beckoning Andrew to attack. Andrew charged forward. And then. Thud! ¡°¡­In one blow?¡± What was this? The rough-looking soldier¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. The moment Andrew charged, the troublemaker squad leader made a feint with his left hand. Sensing this, Andrew swung his short sword. But his opponent perfectly read the trajectory of the sword and struck the de with the leather gauntlet on his left hand. As a result, Andrew¡¯s chest was momentarily exposed. The troublemaker squad leader lunged into Andrew¡¯s open chest. In that tight space, his body moved dynamically. Whack! He kicked off the ground, twisting his body inside and drove his elbow precisely into Andrew¡¯s sr plexus. That one blow was enough. ¡°Ugh.¡± Andrew groaned. His legs trembled. His breath caught, and his limbs went weak. That¡¯s what happens when you get hit in a vital spot. Andrew groaned again, bending his back like a shrimp. If this had been a real fight, he would have been dead. ¡®What a strength.¡¯ He managed to deliver a blow through thick gambeson armor. His skill was better than that of an average mercenary. An inevitable question arose. Why is he considered a bottom-tier soldier? [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 28 Encrid sighed in relief as he watched the staggering scout squad leader. ¡®Just barely made it.¡¯ The trick of parrying a sword with the back of his hand only worked five out of ten times. Well, he had gotten somewhat used to it over time. It was possible because he had be familiar with the unique habits of this fellow. Otherwise, it would have been an impossible feat to even attempt. But that was purely from Encrid¡¯s perspective. From the side, it just looked like a stark difference in skill. He deflected the iing de without blinking an eye and struck the sr plexus, rendering his opponentbat ineffective. It was a trick that couldn¡¯t be seen unless there was an overwhelming difference in skill. ¡°Are you really a low-rank soldier?¡± How many times had he heard this now? It was getting tiresome. ¡°I haven¡¯t taken the promotion test. I didn¡¯t think it was necessary.¡± Having perfectly answered the next expected question, Encrid twisted his stiff wrist left and right. There was no problem. He had undergone all the necessary training while wielding his sword. Strength training was a given. In terms of sheer strength, Encrid was well-trained enough to be considered one of the top in the unit. That¡¯s why this result was possible. ¡°From now on, I am the squad leader.¡± Encrid dered. It was as if he had just crossed a mountain. The scout squad leader didn¡¯t even protest. He just stared nkly and then mumbled, ¡°Uh, you, uh,¡± before closing his mouth. No one disobeyed. The soldier with the next most influence, who had a rough appearance, quietly followed Encrid. It was as expected. After that, the path to find an escape route continued. ¡°Enri, what is your dream?¡± Encrid changed the formation, taking the lead, and walked with Enri beside him. This was after amotion had settled down. Enri, though feeling like he was about to lose his mind, quickly pulled himself together at Encrid¡¯s words. ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°I asked if there¡¯s something you want to do.¡± Enri blinked a few times, then, flustered, expressed a rather detailed wish. ¡°Uh, well, I want to survive and settle down with the widow who runs the flower shop.¡± That¡¯s right. Everyone has their own goals. ¡°First, we have to get back alive. What about you?¡± He then turned his head and asked the person behind him. Right behind Encrid was Andrew. The first thing Encrid did after changing the formation was ce Andrew directly behind him. He even handed him his weapon as it was. Enri saw this and thought. Encrid really had no fear. What if Andrew stabbed him in the back out of malice? Even if Encrid got stabbed, he could just start the day over, but Enri didn¡¯t know that. Andrew, who was asked the question, let out a deep breath. ¡°Fine. I admit defeat.¡± He said. ¡°So, what do you want to do? Soldier.¡± He was demoted from squad leader to soldier. No one objected. The difference in skill had been too clear. ¡°Revive my family¡¯s honor.¡± So he was from a fallen noble family. ¡°Then you also need to get back alive first.¡± Encrid siad. Everyone stared intently at their newly appointed squad leader, wondering why he was acting this way. He continued to repeat the same question and gave the same responses. ¡°You have toe back alive to earn money.¡± This was his answer to the soldier who dreamed of saving money to open a shop. ¡°Your lover is pregnant? If you don¡¯t want your child to grow up fatherless, you need toe back too.¡± One of the rough soldiers was already a soon-to-be father. ¡°You all have the same goal.¡± Encrid continued. ¡°Then let¡¯s make sure we all get back alive.¡± No one understood why he was doing this. But no one argued. Encrid made eye contact with each of them. Normally, it would have been a meaningless gesture, but he had already sown the seeds with his words. The soldiers, including Andrew, each thought of what they had left behind. Encrid wanted them to have a sense of purpose. He had started with violence and coercion, but now he needed them to fight well on their own. It was a method he had used many times. Instilling a desire for life in their hearts. It was a very effective tactic. It was far more advantageous to break through with ten men moving as one than going alone. In fact, they might even attempt an ambush instead of just fleeing. An ambush could change the situation entirely. ¡®It might work.¡¯ If there was even a hint of possibility, he could try it as many times as needed. As long as he was prepared for death, he could do it. Through several trials and errors, Encrid memorized the enemy¡¯s positions and numbers. Another day passed with him knocking down the squad leader a few more times. ¡°What is your dream?¡± Another day of repeating the same words passed. It could have been tedious, but Encrid spent each repeated day diligently. From this, he gained two key insights. An ambush and the g. ¡°Let¡¯s do this.¡± Now was the time after all those repeated days. He had practiced enough in those countless repetitions of today. ¡°Let¡¯s all get back alive.¡± When Encrid turned around, the entire scout squad nodded. They all thought this wasn¡¯t such a dangerous mission. Still, with him constantly saying it, their hearts stirred. ¡°Then let¡¯s go.¡± What they had learned through training was now ingrained in their bodies. There was no need to repeat today any longer. Encrid didn¡¯t move cautiously. There was no need for that. He had already memorized the enemy¡¯s positions roughly. ¡°Have you been here before?¡± Enri, a former ins hunter, asked. He was walking alongside Encrid at the front. ¡°A few times.¡± It would have been strange if he said he hadn¡¯t. He was navigating the path with such confidence. ¡°Oh, I see.¡± After walking a bit further, Enri asked again. ¡°Are you perhaps a former hunter?¡± ¡°No, but I learned a bit from a hunter I know.¡± He was referring to his ability to read tracks and the direction in which the grass was bent. And, naturally, it was Enri who had taught Encrid these things. Leading the way, Encrid nced back and saw the soldier who stuck close to Andrew. With that appearance, if he ever became a real nanny, the kids would be terrified and run away. But on the battlefield, he would be an excellent bodyguard. Watching Andrew and the soldier who resembled a nanny, Encrid thought. ¡®If a battle breaks out, that rough-looking soldier will definitely follow Andrew.¡¯ While walking, Encrid repeatedly visualized the escape route he had carefully thought out. As they reached their destination, Encrid raised his right fist to stop the squad. ¡°Phew.¡± He took a deep breath at the stop. Everyone¡¯s eyes turned towards him, wondering why they had stopped. They were just at the edge of the grassy field. But no one spoke first. Encrid was a domineering squad leader. He never discussed the direction or the route with them. He was dictatorial. But that wasn¡¯t necessarily a bad thing. After all, the purpose of a patrol mission was to survey a specific area. If it were an important scout mission, a more suitable team would have been assigned, but the role of this unit didn¡¯t seem particrly significant. The point was to do what was needed and then return. ¡°Shoot.¡± Encrid ordered, pointing to one side. Enri, holding a crossbow, stared nkly at Encrid. Confused Enri asked, ¡°Huh? Where?¡± This was a repeated urrence. It couldn¡¯t be helped. These men didn¡¯t experience the repeated days. ¡°Shoot. I won¡¯t say it twice.¡± Enri wasn¡¯t clueless. Encrid¡¯s tone was cold, with a determination that brooked no argument. He was pointing beyond the tall grass. Nothing was visible. No signs of movement either. But Enri did as he was told. He had seen Encrid fight. Despite the rumors, it was clear he wasn¡¯t someone to be taken lightly. As Enri drew back the bowstring and pulled the arrow, the string grew taut. He nced at Encrid and then released the arrow in the direction his finger indicated. Because it was the squad leader¡¯s order. The arrow flew with a whoosh and then a thunk as it hit something. Simultaneously, there was a dying groan. ¡°¡­¡­What?¡± Enri was bewildered. At that moment, only two were not surprised: the grizzled veteran soldier with the harsh demeanor and Encrid. ¡°Follow me, Andrew.¡± cing Andrew directly behind him was for this very moment. Though hisbat experience wascking, he was still a fairly skilled soldier. If someone waspetent, it was best to use their abilities effectively. In the past, Encrid had made the mistake of trying to solve everything on his own during these repeated days. Now he knew that wasn¡¯t necessary. As Encrid dashed forward, Andrew instinctively followed, and the harsh-looking soldier cursed under his breath and trailed behind them. When the three soldiers reached the other side of the tall grass, they saw a corpse with a bolt embedded in the center of its forehead. Surrounding it were a group of soldiers. It was Aspen¡¯s crossbow unit. There were about ten of them. Encrid started with a lethal move. A thrust. Twisting his body and stepping with his left foot, he drove his sword through the neck of one of the enemy soldiers. ¡°Gurk!¡± Blood poured from the wound where the de had entered. The soldier, now with a hole in his neck, raised his hand to grab the sword. Encrid immediately kicked the dead soldier¡¯s abdomen to withdraw his sword. As the sword came out, a dark hole appeared, and blood gushed from it. Meanwhile, Andrew swung his short sword nearby. It looked clumsy at a nce. He was clearly flustered by the sudden order to follow. It was merely a reflexive strike upon seeing the enemy. ng! The enemy soldier, having discarded his crossbow, drew a dagger to block the attack. ¡®How clumsy.¡¯ But it was fine. Bringing Andrew along was partly because of the veteran soldier behind him. The harsh-looking soldier moved. He neither shouted nor made any aggressive moves. He simply circled behind the soldier blocking Andrew¡¯s short sword, grabbed the enemy¡¯s jaw with his right hand and head with his left, and sharply twisted both hands in opposite directions. Snap! The enemy¡¯s head twisted at an impossible angle. Naturally, he died. The harsh-looking soldier then drew the short sword from his waist and spun backward like a top. Whoosh. His short sword sliced through the exposed neck between the helmet and breastte of the soldier behind him. The skin on the neck split open instantly. Swish. Swish. Blood spurted from the severed neck. Watching this, Encrid kicked at the ankle of the enemy soldier next to him. The soldier, who was wary of the sword in Encrid¡¯s hand, toppled sideways. Encrid then kicked the fallen soldier¡¯s head. Thud! Crack. The neck bone snapped, and the struck soldier let out a strange groan before fainting. ¡°Ambush!¡± ¡°Enemy soldiers!¡± Finally, the startled cries of the enemy soldiers could be heard. Atst, the rest of Encrid¡¯s squad, including the brawler soldiers, joined the fight. ¡°Kill them all.¡± Encrid ordered. Ping! No sooner had Encrid given the order than Enri¡¯s bolt flew. The bolt struck the chest of a soldier in front of Encrid. The bolt pierced the gambeson the soldier was wearing with a thud, and red blood began to flow out. ¡°You bastard¡ª¡± The soldier started to say something. Encrid didn¡¯t let him finish. He immediately thrust his sword, creating a hole in the soldier¡¯s neck. ¡°Phew.¡± He exhaled, letting his muscles rest after the intense movement. In the meantime, the sound of shing metal rang out. He realized he didn¡¯t have to face everything alone. As he turned his body, reflecting on this newfound understanding, he heard an irritating sound three steps ahead. Hiss-ack! He had seen this scene many times before. The wary cry of a beast. He turned his gaze to identify the source. ck fur. That creature was why the enemy crossbow unit stationed here was caught off guard. Through repeated attempts, Encrid had scouted several advantageous ambush locations. After risking his life, he chose this spot as the most favorable for an ambush. The reasony there. The small beast wandering the grassy field had diverted the attention of the crossbow unit. It was a worthy distraction. He already knew. Though unintentional, the creature had been helpful. The owner of the ck fur looked at Encrid with blue eyes. Encrid¡¯s blue eyes met the creature¡¯s gaze. Their eyes locked. One of the enemy soldiers, hissing in frustration, was seen thrusting a foot soldier¡¯s spear toward the ck-furred beast. ¡®It¡¯s a debt I owe.¡¯ He had no intention of letting the creature die. Encrid brushed his chest with his hand and then extended his arm forward. His outstretched hand was in a straight position with all fingers extended, stopping at a right angle to the ground. In sync with this motion, the knife embedded in his chest flew through the air. With a whizz, the knife struck the enemy¡¯s shoulder. This caused the spear-wielding soldier to falter. Roar! Seizing the moment, the small creature, barely the size of a forearm, let out a terrifying cry and bit into the enemy¡¯s calf. There was a stter of flesh and blood. But it didn¡¯t end there. The creature then wed at the bitten spot with its front paws. Blood smeared its ws and fur, making them glisten. After wing, it quickly retreated. ¡°You damn bastard!¡± The enemy soldier with the bitten calf stabbed at the ground with his spear, but the ck-furred creature had already dodged. ¡®That thing¡­¡¯ It was a remarkable creature. A young ck panther, incredibly clever and fierce. The enemy soldier, with a knife in his shoulder, was killed before he could react by the harsh-looking soldier. He appeared from behind the enemy and slit his throat in one swift motion, clearly not his first time doing so. The screams stopped. Thest remaining enemy soldier was killed by Andrew. It seemed he had stabbed the soldier multiple times in the torso with his short sword, then finished him off by stabbing his face on the ground. Andrew, having killed the enemy, was breathing heavily. He wasn¡¯t the only one. Heavy breathing was heard from all around. ¡°Huff, huff, whew, whew, what the hell is this?¡± A startled ally asked. His face was familiar, but Encrid couldn¡¯t remember his name. Instead, Encrid scanned the bodies of the fallen soldiers to find their ally among them. No matter what he did, that guy always died. This time, it seemed he was killed by a spear to the face from an enemy soldier. It was a gruesome sight. He had tried to save that guy multiple times, but every time he did, the guy would try to escape midway, messing things up. It was something Encrid knew from his repeated days. ¡°They¡¯re enemy soldiers. Didn¡¯t you know this could happen during a patrol mission? Don¡¯t forget. We have to get back alive.¡± Encrid once again fueled the squad¡¯s desire for life as he led them. ¡°This way.¡± The harsh-looking soldier spoke up, stopping Encrid. ¡°That leads further in, Squad Leader.¡± ¡°Is this defiance? If you wanted to dissent, you should have done it earlier.¡± Encrid dismissed the opposing opinion and continued walking resolutely. As if there were no other options but to follow him. It was a silent pressure and coercion. It had to be done. There was no time to exin everything. As he ran and nced sideways, he saw the eyes of the young ck panther. Blue, deep like ake. Encrid turned his head, looking into eyes that resembled his own. Now was the time to fight desperately for survival, more than anything else. There was no time for bonding with the beast. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 29 ¡°You¡¯re going further? This is madness.¡± The stern-looking soldier who was closely following Encrid spoke up. After their initial sessful ambush, the scout unit, now led by Encrid instead of Andrew, attempted two more ambushes. The second battle was against a group of five soldiers, and in the third battle, they encountered more than fifteen soldiers. Both were tough fights. In the second battle, there was a skilled enemy among them. In the third battle, they were outnumbered. In the midst of it all, the number of surviving soldiers was seven. They lost two more. ¡®No more can be saved.¡¯ No matter what they did, some things were just impossible. Encrid knew he wasn¡¯t a saint. Repeating today to save the three who died here was like the sound of a fairy gnawing on bones. It was thanks to Encrid¡¯s efforts that they managed this much. Of course, the allied soldiers fought fiercely too. Though they survived, one lost an eye. Andrew had a scar on his face. He wrapped his left cheek in a linen bandage, a wound that would make a good medal if he survived. Despite the situation, Encrid headed further inwards. It was like a reckless charge without considering the retreat. From a general perspective, it was indeed madness. The stern-looking soldier was neithercking in skill nor experience. Even in this situation, he hadn¡¯tpletely lost his sense of direction. He realized that Encrid was heading towards enemy territory. Seeing this, Encrid nodded to himself. ¡®Not bad.¡¯ Compared to Rem or other squad members, he was far behind, but still a useful asset. If he sets his mind to it, he might at least be a toon leader. ¡°From now on, we can catch our breath a bit.¡± When Encrid spoke, the stern-looking soldier frowned. ¡°That¡¯s not what I meant.¡± ¡°As I said earlier, insubordination is¡­¡± ¡°Insubordination or not, if it¡¯s a path to death, I¡¯ll find a way to survive even if I have to stab the squad leader in the back. I will.¡± This bastard was spouting dangerous words recklessly. How did he n to face everyone if they made it back alive? He stared boldly, unflinching. Shameless. And rightly so. Human livese first, before any mission. Especially for someone like him, serving with a special purpose, it was undoubtedly the case. Andrew and his own lives would be his top priority. Encrid looked up to check the position of the sun, then stopped walking. Naturally, his allies stopped too. Everyone listened to the conversation between Encrid and the stern-looking soldier. Encrid spoke among the group of soldiers, who were catching their breath with their shoulders heaving. ¡°If we go back now, we¡¯ll die anyway. Behind us, there¡¯s nothing but enemies gathered like a pack of mad wild dogs.¡± As he spoke, Encrid loosened the guard on his hand. The leather-padded guard was undoubtedly useful, but wearing it for too long made his hand muscles feel crushed. If he wore it loosely, it would certainly be dangerous during battle. ¡°How do you know that? They don¡¯t even know we exist. How could they have already blocked the retreat?¡± The stern-looking soldier, ncing at Encrid loosening his hand guard, furrowed his brows deeply. He didn¡¯t seem to like Encrid¡¯s calm demeanor. Encrid had faced this moment dozens of times. ¡®Today¡¯ has been repeated dozens of times. The enemy had superior numbers and, as soon as they confirmed an ambush, they always cut off the retreat route. And very persistently at that. He didn¡¯t know who theirmander was, but it seemed they were desperate to avoid showing they had been ambushed here. That was always the case. The allied soldiers, crouched low in the tall grass, looked uneasy. They were following blindly, but listening to the conversation, they felt as if they were standing in the middle of a dangerous battlefield. Even so, no one stepped forward easily. They just perked up their ears. Encrid nced up again, calcting the time in his head. In three or four hours, darkness would fall. Then a way out would open. But first, he had to convince them here. It would be good if he could just force them, but they weren¡¯t the type to be subdued easily. It wasn¡¯t a problem that could be solved with coercion either. Coercion and violence had pushed them this far, but that was the limit. Ambush, escape, ambush. He had driven the squad relentlessly to this point, but now it was time to wait. As they waited, such doubts arose. There was no need to go to great lengths to persuade them. ¡°Don¡¯t you realize it¡¯s toote now that we¡¯vee this far?¡± He was right. Time had already been wasted. Going back now was even crazier. The stern-looking soldier chewed his lip. What kind of crazy bastard is this? He seemed to want to say. But instead, he rolled his eyes and asked, ¡°You have a n, right?¡± Encrid looked into the eyes of his counterpart and then met the gaze of each of his allies, including Enri and Andrew. Their eyes were filled with doubt and anxiety. As their breath returned, so did theirposure. Composure led them to start thinking. They must have realized it was already toote. Encrid had no intention of providing a rational exnation. In fact, he couldn¡¯t provide an adequate reason. How could he say it? That he had seen the future by repeating today? That to end this repeated day and move forward to tomorrow, they had to follow his words unconditionally? Who would believe that? So, there was only one thing he could say. ¡°I want to live too.¡± It was a short statement, but it contained everything. It meant he wasn¡¯t struggling just to die. The desire to live. Wouldn¡¯t everyone have that same desire? He wanted to remind everyone that he felt the same way. Of course, if Encrid died, he would simply repeat today again. ¡®I will not remain stagnant.¡¯ No matter who that ferryman was. No matter how high and solid the wall is standing before him. He had no intention of stopping. For Encrid, today, repeated over and over, was a mountain to climb and a challenge to conquer. Therefore, ¡°Trust me. This is not a path to death.¡± Skipping any exnation, he aimed to earn their trust. Based on their trust, he intended to twist today enough to escape it and greet tomorrow. The desire to live, repeated battles, the anxiety that arose after the excitement faded¡ª in such a situation, people would cling even to a straw. To such people, Encrid¡¯s brief words conveyed an indescribable depth of trust. He wanted to live too, so he asked them to believe him. Moreover, they instinctively knew there was no other way. What could they do right here and now? The enemy was swarming all over the tall grass. There seemed no way to escape from here. In such times, trusting someone might be the only solution. ¡°I really want to live.¡± Enri mumbled. His words started a chain reaction as everyone turned to look at Encrid and nodded in agreement. The stern-looking soldier remained the mostposed, but he too had no other options. Andrew was the most shocked among them. Beyond his skills, Encrid seemed like a person who had achieved personal maturity. Wasn¡¯t Encrid now resembling the person Andrew dreamed he would be in the future? ¡®Stayingposed even in this situation.¡¯ He didn¡¯t give up and earned everyone¡¯s trust. How magnificent was that? ¡°I believe too. I also believe.¡± With that, Andrew spoke up. His tone had naturally risen, and it didn¡¯t feel awkward. A warm, intense feeling seemed to arise among the allies, reaching Encrid. ¡°Then everyone.¡± Receiving everyone¡¯s gaze, Encrid began to speak. ¡°From now on, until you receive my signal, lie down like moles and stay silent.¡± Having gained their trust, it was time to use it. He led by example. Hey down t on the ground and held his breath. Everyone followed Encrid¡¯s lead. Though they wondered what he was doing instead of running away immediately, what could they do? They had just shared a profound moment. It was the time to trust, even if just for five minutes. The stern-looking soldier watched a small insect hop over his nose and disappear, feeling both amazed and exasperated. ¡®This guy, he¡¯s an incredible tactician.¡¯ His skill in handling people was extraordinary. Was he moving that troublemaking squad with this kind of skill? Naturally, such thoughts arose. Rustle, rustle. At that moment, the sound of footsteps on the grass could be heard. Everyone began to breathe cautiously. They sensed the presence of people around them. They weren¡¯t too close. The tall grass was like a dense thicket. Unless someone approached right in front of them, it was difficult to spot people. It was a good ce to hide. The sound of grass being trampled echoed loudly around them. The direction of the sound moved from front to back. Those who had stopped couldn¡¯t see the situation. But if there had been a bird flying above the tall grass witnessing the scene, it would have seen something astonishing. The grass around where Encrid¡¯s group had stopped was shaking and moving in all directions. All of them were enemies. However, they avoided the exact spot where Encrid¡¯s squad was hiding, moving around the central area where Encrid¡¯s group remained still. In other words, the ce where Encrid had halted was like a safe ind amid enemies, an uninhabited zone. Even if luck was on their side, it would have been impossible to find such a gap amid the enemy¡¯s movements. It was as if the goddess of luck had not just kissed them but poured out all her blessings. Of course, this wasn¡¯t luck. It was a trick learned through the maddening repetition of today. As the sound of footsteps faded, making it difficult to discern the enemy¡¯s position, Encrid spoke again. ¡°Move out. Advance in single file.¡± It was time to move. Encrid stretched his crouched body and walked slowly until the numbness in his legs subsided. As he did, he realized how useful the sensory training he had learned from Jaxon was. Judging distance and direction by sound. It wasn¡¯t a skill that could be acquired through ordinary training, but Encrid had learned it by offering his neck to an assassin, and by repeating today in the grasnd, he could distinguish the sounds. ¡®We¡¯ve passed the second target.¡¯ Repeating ambushes and escapes, letting the enemies pass by. This was the second key to the escape route he envisioned. Now, the final third step remained. That required the help of time. Once the numbness in his legs had eased, he increased his pace a bit. Instead ofining, everyone followed well. Inwardly, they were all quite amazed. No matter how they looked, it seemed like the enemies were everywhere, yet they were wondering how they were evading them so well. Thinking back, the pattern of their battles was peculiar. They attacked as if they knew the enemy¡¯s positions. Every battle had begun with an ambush by their allies. Thanks to this, they could fight from advantageous positions. In all those battles, Encrid took the lead, showcasing mad skills. He seemed like someone who disregarded his own life. All the squad members following him knew that Encrid fought with his life on the line. He took the most risks at the front. In the quiet grasnd, a strange heat arose again. It was the warmth of the me that ignited in the hearts of the surviving allies. Encrid did not feel that heat. He only thought about what came next. ¡®Up to this point.¡¯ It was easy. To be honest, it wasn¡¯t difficult. It shouldn¡¯t have been difficult either. He had already experienced this ¡®today¡¯ more than fifty times up to this point. So, this was the expected result. Why had he experienced this ¡®today¡¯ over fifty times? It was all for the next operation. They were few, the enemy many. Their intentions were unknown. There was only one thing he could be certain of. The enemymander intended not to let a single person who approached this ce leave alive. In the first few attempts, he gritted his teeth and tried to break through to secure a retreat. Naturally, he failed every time. Would the oue change with the help of the squad members? Not a chance. After that, he shifted his thinking. ¡®What if something more troublesome than catching us happened?¡¯ The sun was setting. As the sunset began, the orange glow of twilight descended. As the setting sun illuminated the tall grass, it felt as if they were entering ake glowing orange. At this moment, this ce felt less like a green field and more like an orange pearl. Today, the sky was clear, and the setting sun cast an incredibly warm glow. The sun quickly disappeared beyond the western horizon. And then darkness fell. It was time for Encrid to take the third objective of his escape route. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 30 When is the moment to make friends with the darkness? If this were the question, the answer would be simple. A ce you know well. A ce where you understand the terrain as clearly as your own front yard. It would be even better if it was a ce where you¡¯ve lived until recently. Just being able to vaguely see the surroundings would help you grasp the general location. It would be best if it was a ce you were extremely familiar with, like a location you used for night training until just yesterday. That was the kind of ce Encrid had reached now. Originally, it should have been an unfamiliar ce. ¡°This is¡­¡± Originally, he should have been surprised to see it. ¡°Damn it.¡± Originally, he should have despaired at the sight of the enemy¡¯s size. But that didn¡¯t apply to Encrid. He had alreadye here several times. And not juste here. He had rolled and rolled again. He had fought and fought again. Each time, the people who came with him changed a little. But the basicposition was simr. Andrew and a rough-looking soldier, Enri, and the other squad members. Among them, the two squad members who used to be thugs were particrly helpful. They had just escaped from the tall grass. An unexpected scene unfolded before them. Some of the squad members thought this way was now the only way out since the retreat to the headquarters was blocked. Specifically, Enri thought that way. He had a good sense of direction, just like the rough-looking soldier. He hadn¡¯t yed the ins hunter for nothing. Enri thought the enemy was ambushed in the grass, so this side might actually be empty. His guess was wrong. That made it even more despairing. Enri felt his legs give out. Whoosh. The first thing they saw was a burning torch. Then they saw a wide, thick cloth partially blocking the firelight. As soon as Enri saw it, he took a step back. When he raised his head and widened his view, the shape of the structure came into focus. It was a tent. Why is there a tent here? Relying on the faint light, he turned his head to the side and saw the burning torch next to the tent. Torches lined up, stretching far into the distance. Even a rough count showed there were more than ten. The gaps between the torches were wide enough to barely see the surroundings. The interwoven light of the moon and the torches widened their view. What they saw were tents. At least more than twenty tents stretched along the side of the tall grass. This was the opposite side from their base. So the tents in front of them were the encampment of the enemy, the Duchy of Aspen. ¡°Damn, what is this?¡± The ex-thug soldier instinctively lowered his voice and muttered. ¡°Ha, this is where we ended up.¡± Enri spoke in a voice filled with despair. ¡°Shh, quiet.¡± At this moment, the rough-looking soldier reacted the fastest. If they were discovered by a sentry now, a battle would break out. And if that happened, they would be killed instantly. Besides the torchlight, everyone could see several moving lights in the distance. No one needed to tell them that those were the torches carried by sentries. ¡°Shut your mouths.¡± The rough-looking soldier said as he looked around. If things went wrong, they would die. In moments of crisis, a veteran¡¯s experience shines. He acted based on his experience. He lowered his posture and tried to sense the presence of the sentries. He aimed to hide himself as much as possible, assess the situation, and find a way to escape. If they were lucky, it might be possible. It was night, and although it wasn¡¯t his intention, they had moved in a direction far from what the enemy expected. Even though they were in the heart of the enemy camp, close enough to touch the enemy¡¯s tents, as long as they weren¡¯t discovered, there was a chance to escape. He made that judgment. As long as they kept their wits about them, they could survive even if they fell into the middle of a horde of monsters. ¡°Don¡¯t draw your weapons and keep low.¡± He acted as if he were the leader. Most of the squad members followed his words. Except for two. One was Encrid, and the other was Andrew. ¡°He must have a n. Encrid is the squad leader.¡± Was the beating good for him? The only one who supported Encrid was the guy who had been beaten up and lost his position as squad leader this morning. ¡°This is not the time to be joking around.¡± The rough-looking soldier turned his head back while crouching. His voice was low, but it carried the force of a growling beast. He was in a hurry. They were in the heart of enemy territory. This situation was several times more dangerous than facing the ambush in the tall grass. They were at a point where an enemy spear could thrust out from beyond the tent at any moment. In such a situation, what use were thoughts? The rough-looking soldier¡¯s reaction was reasonable. In fact, Encrid had often thought the same thing about this soldier. ¡®He¡¯s no ordinary guy.¡¯ His skills, experience, judgment, and decisiveness were all far above average soldier level. If Encrid hadn¡¯t been here, if today hadn¡¯t been repeated, it would have been right to make this man the squad leader and follow his lead. But there was no need for that now. Though the other squad members didn¡¯t know, everything up to this point had gone ording to Encrid¡¯s n. The timing, location, everything. How many nights had he spent here already? How many times had he thrown his life away? How many times had he repeated today? He knew that in the tent before them, there were three soldiers fast asleep. And there was still some time before they would encounter the patrolling sentries. Knowing all this, Encrid acted. Swish. He drew his sword and shed through the wall of the tent. The de reflected the moonlight as it moved from bottom to top. ¡°You crazy bastard.¡± The rough-looking soldier was startled. At this moment, Andrew reacted to Encrid¡¯s actions. He swiftly entered the torn tent and plunged his shortsword into the neck of the enemy soldier, who woke up in surprise. Thud! Following that, Encrid also rushed in. He pressed his de against the neck of another soldier who was trying to get up. The startled enemy, waking from sleep, gasped and reached for the de. Encrid pressed down with his strength and slit his throat. sh. The sound of tearing flesh echoed, and soon the tent was filled with the smell of blood. Thest enemy soldier was taken down by the ex-thug squad member, who stabbed a dagger into his heart. ¡°Gurgle, gurgle.¡± The soldier, hit in the heart, crawled on the floor, reaching out his hand. He was a tough one. The light streaming in from the tent entrance illuminated the head of the soldier reaching out. And over it, a dark shadow fell. It was the rough-looking soldier. He pressed his knee on the enemy¡¯s back, grabbed his neck, and twisted. Crack. The enemy soldier¡¯s neck snapped, and he died with his tongue sticking out. ¡°Hey, you.¡± In the darkness, the rough-looking soldier¡¯s eyes shone brightly. He red at Encrid. It was sheer luck that saved them; otherwise, they would have been surrounded and annihted in the heart of the enemy camp. This was nothing short of a gamble. From his perspective, that¡¯s what it was. ¡°We¡¯re moving sideways.¡± Encrid ignored his gaze. Before the soldier could say anything, Encrid extended his sword. ¡°Hey, you crazy bastard.¡± The rough-looking soldier spoke in a low voice. One could feel the deep annoyance and anger. From his perspective, it was an utterly insane act. Encrid shed and made a cut through the side of the tent with his sword, only turning his head back slightly. He showed no sign of concern that anyone would try to harm him from behind. Even with such a murderous aura? Despite charging into enemy territory with only a patrol unit, creating a tense and deadly atmosphere between them, everyone else watched the two nervously. ¡°Name?¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°Your name.¡± Was it because of Encrid¡¯s calm demeanor? Or his boldness in not reacting to the murderous aura? In response to Encrid¡¯s question, asked while lowering his sword, the rough-looking soldier replied reluctantly. ¡°Call me Mac.¡± Even while speaking, he didn¡¯t let go of his murderous intent. Encrid, looking away from the soldier, said, ¡°Mac, I won¡¯t tolerate insubordination.¡± ¡°What?¡± Rip. Encrid finished tearing through the tent wall and stepped out. The rest had only one choice. They had to follow him. ¡°Phew, I really don¡¯t know what¡¯s what.¡± Mac muttered to himself, making eye contact with Andrew. ¡°Yes, let¡¯s go.¡± Mac responded to that look. For now, they had to follow. The adjacent barracks were empty. It seemed all the soldiers in the barracks had gone out for night guard duty or something. ¡®Does that even make sense?¡¯ The tent wasrge enough to amodate at least ten people. At a minimum, it could house a squad. If they pushed it, it could even hold two squads. Judging by the traces inside the tent, more than ten people had been there. ¡°Forward.¡± After passing by that tent, the troublesome squad leader didn¡¯t even bother to tear through the tent walls. He peeked out from the tent entrance, looked left and right, and then moved forward swiftly. The squad members followed him. By now, clouds had covered the moon, making it harder to see with just the torchlight. Even though they blinked several times to adjust to the night, it was still dark. In such darkness, Encrid moved forward without hesitation. Except for the breathing of the squad members following him, there was no other sound. ¡°This way.¡± A voice echoed in the darkness. It wasn¡¯t a particrly quiet voice. If there were enemies nearby, it was loud enough for them to hear. Mac felt a chill down his spine. ¡®This guy is really¡­¡¯ But there was no sign of the enemy. There was no movement they hadn¡¯t detected. If they had been discovered, they would have heard shouts demanding who they were by now. Encrid moved again. By now, even Mac found it hard to tell direction. In the tall grass, the sun above made it easy to navigate, but now it was dark all around. ¡®Does he know where he¡¯s going?¡¯ It seemed so. Encrid¡¯s steps showed no hesitation. He moved forward, stopping only when he saw two torches together by a tent in the distance. Encrid used a suitable tree in front of him as cover and gestured behind him. In the darkness, they could barely see his gesture. Mac felt like he was possessed by a ghost. ¡®How long have we been walking?¡¯ He didn¡¯t know exactly. But based on the number of tents and the size of the camp, ¡®Did we prate it?¡¯ It seemed like they had walked through the enemy camp. But no one noticed? Why haven¡¯t we been caught? It was no wonder he felt like he was possessed by a ghost. ¡°Wait here.¡± Encrid turned around and whispered. ncing at the tent he mentioned, there were four soldiers guarding it. Even though the enemy camp was unusually quiet for the night, that particr tent seemed busy. Whoosh. A breeze blew, causing the torch light to flicker, and the soldiers¡¯ shadows moved around. Then someone came out of the tent and said something. They were too far away to hear the voice clearly, but they saw the soldiers nodding in response. ¡®What are they guarding?¡¯ So the troublesome squad leader targeted that? Only then did Mac understand the situation. Or rather, he guessed. A sudden thought crossed his mind and settled in his brain. ¡®It¡¯s a secret mission.¡¯ A mission given solely to the troublesome squad leader, excluding himself and the other squad members. This indicated themander¡¯s trust in him. Mac recalled what Andrew had mentioned. He had said that the troublesome squad leader had joined under thepanymander¡¯s orders. Now everything made sense. Encrid, the squad leader, was on a secret mission. ¡®So that¡¯s what it was?¡¯ It had been a misunderstanding. Mac had a small realization but didn¡¯t voice it. Even if Encrid knew about this misunderstanding, he wouldn¡¯t bother to exin it further. There were more urgent matters at hand. ¡°We¡¯re going to set fire to that barrack.¡± Encrid pointed with his finger. It was a barrack guarded by four soldiers at the front. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 31 ¡°Somehow, it feels like setting fire to tents has be my specialty.¡± Encrid thought so while leaning against a tree, briefly exining the n. None of the squad members added anyments and just listened. By now, it was as if the arrow had already been shot. After that, Encrid moved. ¡°I¡¯ll go first.¡± He stepped very quietly, not making a sound. Later, he lowered his posture and eventuallyy t on the ground and crawled. All the squad members watched Encrid crawl on the ground. The n he had instructed was simple. A straightforward trick of shouting from the east and attacking from the west. The ones shouting were Mac and the rest of the squad members. Only three were excluded from the shouting group. Encrid, Andrew, and a soldier with a thug background. ¡°I¡¯ll do it.¡± Mac volunteered to take on the role of drawing the soldier¡¯s attention. Noints, he spoke up readily. Though Mac¡¯s attitude suddenly changed, Encrid didn¡¯t think much of it. If he listens well, that¡¯s good enough. In the darkness, Mac stretched his body quietly, picked up a stone, and threw it hard. The flying stone hit the soldier¡¯s head. Smack! The stone bounced off the helmet, and the soldier who was hit screamed in pain. ¡°¡­¡­Damn it.¡± ¡°What the hell!¡± The four soldiers on guard turned in one direction. Encrid held his breath and watched them. No words were needed. ¡°Intruder!¡± A soldier shouted. Themotion started. Encrid took advantage of the timing and tried to move close to the tent. ¡°You little rat.¡± He got caught. There was no need to panic. He had learned from several experiences today. ¡®You can¡¯t do it alone.¡¯ Next to the tent, a soldier holding a spear red at him. Before the opponent could rush at him, Encrid stood up. The dirt on his chest fell to the ground. Without even a shout, the soldier braced himself against a torch and thrust the spear. Encrid, watching the flying spear to the end, twisted his body to dodge it. No, he didn¡¯t just dodge. He took a gamble, betting nearly half his life. The Heart of the Beast gave him the audacity to attempt such a crazy move. He dodged and moved forward. The spear de grazed his shoulder. He barely avoided it. A burning heat radiated from his shoulder. Instead, Encrid managed to get right in front of the enemy. As he gained distance, he shed his sword upward. The enemy soldier, realizing the danger, lowered his spear to block it like a shield. And Encrid, who had been hiding a knife in his left hand from the beginning, stabbed it toward the enemy¡¯s corbone. Thud! The de pierced through both bone and flesh. ¡°Ugh!¡± The enemy soldier groaned. Encrid then headbutted the soldier¡¯s nose. Smack! The struck soldier couldn¡¯t even groan and fell backward. It was a Valen Mercenary Sword Technique, the Three Swords Style. The first sword was a feint, the real attack was with the knife in the left hand and a headbutt. He had taken the gamble and rushed toward the spear for this. He took down the enemy soldier. But since he had already been discovered, setting the tent on fire was now a distant hope. Another soldier appeared behind the fallen one, holding a torch and a sword. The man with a scar near his eyes looked formidable. You could tell just from his gait and demeanor. He wasn¡¯t an amateur. ¡°Pathetic.¡± He hissed through his teeth and spoke. There was a sense of confidence in his steps as he walked. He saw an attacker emerge from the darkness, yet showed no sign of fear. ¡°Ugh, this is taking too long.¡± Encrid muttered. The man frowned at those words. Fwoosh. It was behind the man. mes were rising. The tent had somehow caught fire. ¡°Put it out!¡± The man shouted. Watching this, Encrid rushed forward and stabbed with his sword. He pushed off with his right foot and stepped firmly with his left. ¡°Everything starts from the feet.¡± This was the basic principle of swordsmanship that Rem and Ragna always spoke of. Encrid followed it. From the feet. He kicked off the ground and moved forward. The soldier holding the sword and torch grewrger in his vision. He was looking back. His entire stance was full of openings. Encrid thrust his sword. It was a thrust powered by the momentum of his entire body, the same thrust that had killed Encrid countless times before. Thwack. The de cut through the air and reached its target. It happened in an instant. Among all the thrusts he had performed countless times, this was the best. Evenpared to all the repeated ¡®todays¡¯. Encrid thought he had killed his opponent. To the focused Encrid, everything seemed to move in slow motion. Everything slowed down. His sword, the man¡¯s hand. In this slowed world, the enemy soldier¡¯s hand twitched. Soon the enemy¡¯s sword shot up from below. Whack! sh! Encrid moved past the man, almost bouncing to the side, and stopped, clutching his stomach. The enemy soldier, who had been looking back, turned to face forward again. He looked at Encrid and raised his eyebrows. ¡°You arrogant bastard.¡± The enemy seemed extremely angry. Of course, the anger itself was no problem. The problem was his astonishing swordsmanship. ¡®In that moment?¡¯ The thrust was perfect. Satisfyingly so. Even Rem wouldn¡¯t have been able to block it unless he had his whip-like axe. But he dodged it. Though it left a slight scratch on his neck, it was hardly a serious injury, more like a mere graze. On the other hand, the sword the enemy reflexively swung upward had precisely grazed Encrid¡¯s side. It wasn¡¯t a deep wound. No bones were damaged. It wasn¡¯t fatal, but still¡­ ¡®I was careless.¡¯ Yet, this was the result. Moreover, how familiar was this ¡®today¡¯ to Encrid? And still. It felt as if a great rivery between the enemy soldier and himself. The enemy could cross the river and stab or sh him at any time. But Encrid felt like merely dipping his foot in the water was the best he could do. There was a clear difference in skill between them. So what could he do? When had he ever only fought against weaker opponents? Encrid steadied his breathing and gripped his sword tightly. If this was the turning point of today, he would simply do his best. The skill gap felt overwhelming. But that didn¡¯t change anything. While others might feel this overwhelming gap as despair and a cliff. Encrid felt it as a staircase. A staircase he could climb one day. A thrilling excitement filled him from his toes to his chest. Behold. How could repeating today be a curse? After surpassing so many ¡®todays¡¯, he would eventually defeat this formidable opponent. He would definitely do it. He would never settle for today. Therefore, the exhration filled him. Encrid¡¯s feelings showed on his face. ¡°Are you smiling?¡± The enemy soldier¡¯s face twisted. If Encrid was filled with exhration, the enemy¡¯s face showed anger. ¡°I¡¯ll tear you apart and feed you to the dogs.¡± Encrid sensed death. An opponent he couldn¡¯t win against right now, no matter what he did. But that didn¡¯t mean he would just take it quietly. He braced himself for pain. He wouldn¡¯t back down. Just as he gripped his sword and steadied his mind. Fwoosh. mes soared behind the man. The earlier fire seemed like a joke, as if a dragon was spewing fire. The entire tent caught fire. Sparks flew everywhere with a crackling sound. Desperate voices could be heard beyond the mes rising from the tent. ¡°These bastards! Put out the fire!¡± ¡°Someone poured oil on itmander!¡± ¡°The torch stand has fallen!¡± Wow, they¡¯re doing a great job. Encrid had drawn attention twice to set this tent on fire. Once with Mac and the squad members. Another time, he did it himself. The fire was started by Andrew and the squad member with a thug background. The thug-background squad member was showcasing his troublemaking skills from the city here. ¡°The gpole is burning!¡± Then a man shouted as he watched the mes rise right next to the tent. He was a man with a strange tattoo on his face. ¡°Commander! Do you not understand what¡¯s important right now!¡± He scolded the man in front of Encrid. Seeing this, Encrid quietly stepped back. No matter how much his skills were inferior, he wouldn¡¯t die from just one or two strikes. The opponent knew that too. If he stood his ground, he could hold out until the mes consumed the tent and the gpole inside it. Frankly, Encrid couldn¡¯t understand why they were risking their lives for a few gpoles. He knew only one thing. The opponent valued it greatly. Much more than the lives of a few soldiers. ¡°You, just wait.¡± The opponent, themander of the Aspen unit, red at Encrid before turning around sharply. He decided that dealing with the people setting the fire behind him was more urgent than facing Encrid. Encrid sighed in relief inwardly. He felt like he had just narrowly escaped death. No matter how many times he experienced it by repeating today, he could never get used to dying. That, too, was a curse if it could be called one. Having to repeatedly endure that terrible moment. Of course, the suffering from facing all that pain and death was not a major issue for Encrid. If it allowed him to move forward. If it improved his skills. Why couldn¡¯t he endure it? ¡°We need to go.¡± As he kept watch around him, he heard Andrew¡¯s voice from behind. He nced back and saw Andrew¡¯s face covered in soot. ¡°We¡¯re retreating,¡± Encrid said, starting to move. The thug-background soldier followed behind him. As they ran, Andrew pulled a whistle from his chest and blew it. Tweet, tweet! Two long sts, and in the distance, Mac came running with the remaining squad members. Enri was bleeding from his arm, and there were no other soldiers following behind Mac. The squad, which originally had ten members, was now halved. And the escape route Encrid wanted had opened up. ¡°The enemy is busy, norge-scale pursuit, right?¡± It seemed Mac was asking if this was Encrid¡¯s n. His forehead was also cut, proving that he too had faced difficulties. Blood was flowing from the wound. ¡°Probably.¡± Encrid responded and kept moving. Blood continued to flow from his side as well. He had thought the wound wasn¡¯t deep, but without any chance to stop the bleeding, it just kept flowing. There was nothing to do at the moment but press down with his hand and keep running. From now on, it was an unknown ¡®today¡¯, so Encrid kept an eye on their rear. The enemy was pursuing them. Five of them were chasing. ¡°These crazy bastards!¡± They were rtively unscathed. Their faces were smudged with soot, but they had no injuries. The five were enough for Encrid, Andrew, and Mac. Enri had a hole in his stomach and was staggering, likely due to the blood loss from his abdomen. The thug-background squad member was helping him and couldn¡¯t fight properly. ¡°Damn it, we¡¯ll all die like this, get a grip!¡± The thug-background soldier scolded Enri but didn¡¯t abandon him. In fighting the pursuit team, Encrid¡¯s side wound opened further. But it wasn¡¯t fatal. Mac had killed two of the pursuing soldiers but got a cut on his thigh. He took out a linen bandage, wrapped it up, and kept pace without falling behind. Andrew seemed to have significantly improved his skills after just a few battles. ¡®No, that¡¯s not it.¡¯ Encrid realized that Andrew hadn¡¯t suddenly improved his skills. It was more urate to say that his original skills had emerged through intense battlefield experience. If Andrew¡¯s sword hadn¡¯t fiercely cut down two of the pursuing soldiers in an instant, their escape might have failed. Or at least been much harder. Blood was seeping again from the wound Andrew had initially received on his cheek. Everyone was battered, but they weren¡¯t dead yet. As they kept heading in a direction all night, Enri spoke in a near-death voice. ¡°If we go west from here, we¡¯ll reach the ins where foxes and snakes live. They won¡¯t be able to follow us easily there.¡± This in, known as Green Pearl, was home to various animals. Among them were foxes and snakes. While the foxes were one thing, the snakes, many of which were venomous, posed a danger. ¡°If we go there, we might shake off the enemy, but we¡¯ll get bitten by the snakes first.¡± Mac said. Enri responded with a faint smile. ¡°There¡¯s a ce where the habitats of the foxes and snakes ovep. I know the way. It¡¯s safe there since it¡¯s the border of their territories. It¡¯s a hunter¡¯s path.¡± Encrid looked at Enri, thinking it was impressive he could smile despite being so pale. Guiding them in such a state showed exceptional mental strength. Everyone looked at Encrid. The decision was his to make. ¡°That way.¡± Encrid said and moved. There was no hesitation. As he walked, he pondered. ¡®A man I¡¯ve never seen before.¡¯ The enemymander had left a deep impression on Encrid. If thatmander had appeared every time, Encrid would have been too busy dying. But it was the first time. Perhaps he showed up because they had been pushed to this situation. ¡®Or maybe not.¡¯ Now that he thought about it, he seemed to have heard that voice before. It was when he had sneaked into the burning barracks after several repeated todays. When he barely managed to enter the barracks guarded by enemy soldiers, Encrid saw a strange sight. gpoles and gs. A bowl emitting strange smoke, and a man with tattoos all over his face. It looked like he was performing some kind of ritual. But the man¡¯s reaction was too intense. ¡°Catch him!¡± When Encrid kicked over the gpole, the man was horrified. That was when Encrid realized. These gpoles were something important to them. And then there was someone who shed his neck from behind. ¡°Who is this bastard?¡± Now that he thought about it, it seemed like the same person as the owner of that voice. Lost in thought, Encrid continued walking guided by Enri, as the surroundings began to turn blue. A blue light enveloped the surroundings from top to bottom, signaling the start of a new day. It was dawn. The sun was starting to rise. Encrid realized he had survived another today. As the sun rose and the surroundings brightened, Encrid¡¯s scout team finally met up with the main force. ¡°What happened to you guys?¡± As soon as they met, the scout toon leader asked, ¡°What happened to you guys?¡± Encrid had more urgent matters than exining. There were too many injured people. Reporting could wait until they were on their way back. For now, it was enough that they were alive. ¡°Phew, I¡¯m about to pass out now,¡± Enri said from behind. Encrid didn¡¯t reply. There was no point in speaking to someone who had already passed out. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 32 ¡°How¡¯s the gpole?¡± ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡± Thepanymander of the Aspen Duchy wasn¡¯t too pleased with the current operation. But what could a meremander do about orders from higher-ups? When ordered, you follow. So, he was following orders, and a minor problem arose in the midst of it. A few rat-like creatures from Naurillia infiltrated the camp and set it on fire. Even though more than half of the troops were ambushed in the tall grass, the infiltration was allowed. No matter how much he disliked it, the operation had already begun. Suffering here was a matter of pride. Failure was even less eptable. ¡°You should have been more thorough with the defenses.¡± The owner of the gpole said. His words made thepanymander¡¯s forehead veins bulge. He found it annoying that this guy, who could be killed with a single sword stroke, was talking. But what could he do? It was true that there was a breach in the unit¡¯s defense. ¡°Indeed.¡± Whoosh! Thepanymander said this and shoved the tent¡¯s door open as he stepped outside. He couldn¡¯t understand the situation. ¡®Does this make any sense?¡¯ The enemy detecting this ce? Sure, let¡¯s say they could. But what about after that? With less than ten people, they bypassed the troops hidden in the tall grass and attacked the main unit¡¯s gpole? Thepanymander believed in his unit. Of course, he did. He was often nicknamed the Demon Commander. It was a nickname earned from his harsh training methods. His philosophy was that one must spit blood during training to avoid spitting blood and dying on the battlefield. It was a unit he had trained himself. ¡®They managed to break through this?¡¯ There are soldiers who lose in battle, but none who fail in guarding. Thepanymander genuinely believed this. So, should he me his allies for their defense? He couldn¡¯t do that recklessly. The ones who nned and executed this were not ordinary. They had the courage to infiltrate enemy territory with a small number. The skill to survive a confrontation with hispanymander. And the perfect finish of setting the fire and escaping. Even if thepanymander had to let them go because the fire spread behind him. ¡®Luck is also a skill.¡¯ Thepanymander of Aspen, who had roamed the battlefield for a long time, also knew the importance of luck. Themander spoke to the waiting lieutenant. ¡°Call all themanders except for the toon leader on duty.¡± ¡°Yes, sir.¡± Hispany was under the battalion, but it had its own operational authority. In other words, it was an independentpany. And usually, independentpanies had nicknames. The name of this unit was ¡®Gray Hound¡¯. In the Duchy of Aspen, a Gray Hound was a dog with grey fur, known for its persistent nature. A Gray Hound had to be connected to its chosen target, no matter what. Whether it was for love or for a fight. Because of this, the Gray Hound unit was also called ¡®The Tenacious Lovers¡¯. Now, themander of that unit had set his sights on an enemy scout squad leader whose name he didn¡¯t even know. ¡®I will catch and kill him for sure.¡¯ The Gray Hound, the grey-furred dog, had chosen its target. Themander repeatedly etched this resolve into his heart. He would definitely catch and punish him. Above his head, inside the tent, clouds started to gather, perhaps due to the work of the shaman present. It looked like it was going to rain soon. The recent asional rain was mostly the work of the shaman inside the tent. And this shaman was the key to the current tactics. He still didn¡¯t like it, but there was no denying that this was an efficient operation. If this operation had been nonsense, the independentpany Gray Hound, or the ¡®Tenacious Lovers¡¯, would never have participated, no matter what. A battlefield where victory was promised. Apart from his burning desire for revenge, he found it extremely uninteresting. * * * ¡°By chance, you discovered the enemy¡¯s ambush, by chance, you infiltrated their main camp, and by chance, you set their camp on fire?¡± Saying it like this does sound strange. Instead of nodding, Encrid added a footnote. ¡°Yes, I thought it was the appropriate action at the moment, and it happened by chance.¡± The scout toon leader blinked. What was this guy saying right now? A guy who was about his age and became a squad leader by luck. A fool who swung his sword at every chance despite his poor skills. That was the general assessment of the troublemaker squad leader. But listening to what he did now, this is something else. Even hearing it from Encrid, it sounds like this. The story from the surviving squad members was even more ridiculous. ¡°Rumors can¡¯t be trusted. If possible, I¡¯d like to learn more from you.¡± Andrew, who used to be so arrogant that it was worrisome before he left. There was concern that something might happen to him if he was sent off like that. He had hismand of the scout team taken away forcibly, and now he says it was natural. No, he wants to learn more. Is this really the Andrew I knew? ¡°In terms of skills, I¡¯d say he¡¯s above the level of an intermediate soldier.¡± Next was Mac, Andrew¡¯s mentor. The scout toon leader knew Mac¡¯s skills. Half of the reason he entrusted Andrew with the scout team was because he believed in Mac. And now Mac acknowledged him. With skills, no less. ¡°He knows a lot. I just did as he instructed, and this happened.¡± Thest was Enri, the ins hunter. The squad members¡¯ evaluations were unanimous. They just trusted and followed him. They all couldn¡¯t be lying together. So this actually happened. Encrid took over themand of the scout team. With just ten men, he evaded the eyes of the enemy troops ambushed in the tall grass, set the enemy camp on fire, and returned alive. ¡®Does this make any sense?¡¯ It doesn¡¯t seem possible, but since he set the fire and gathered intel on the enemy¡¯s movements, there¡¯s nothing more to say. Trying to piece together everything he heard was bewildering. He stood still among the enemy, and they avoided him on their own. He moved through enemy territory in the dark without being caught by anyone. ¡°Um, well, you must have been extremely lucky.¡± In the end, the scout toon leader couldn¡¯t say anything else. Encrid thought that was an appropriate statement. He couldn¡¯t say he memorized the enemy¡¯s movements and the state of their camp because of the endlessly repeating day. ¡°Yes, luck was on my side.¡± If this was luck, it was extraordinary luck. It was like the goddess of luck had done more than kiss him; she had spent the night with him. But apart from luck, there was no other way to exin it. There was nothing particrly secretive about it, so rumors started to spread within the scout toon. Encrid, the troublemaker squad leader, was a man of luck, a man who the goddess of luck had entrusted with a coin, luck itself. Or that he had used up all his lifetime¡¯s luck on this scouting mission. The return to the main camp was uneventful. During the half-day walk, it only drizzled for a short while. Rain fell from a clear sky. It was rare but not unheard of. And all the way back, Encrid was preupied with one thought. ¡®Was that the best I could do?¡¯ It was a question he asked himself. If he had repeated ¡®today¡¯ a few more times, could he have achieved a different result? Regret lingers in everything. Encrid had realized this since he was young. What mattered were the choices and the process of making those choices. ¡®I thought it was the best I could do.¡¯ Being able to repeat today brought different thoughts. He wondered if it was indeed the best choice, feeling doubt and regret, questioning if there were other options. ¡®Only four.¡¯ That was the number who returned alive. Including himself, that made five. Half of his unit is died. The results questioned Encrid. Was this the best he could do? Was there no other way? ¡®Five died.¡¯ Those five were neither Encrid¡¯s family, nor friends. They were merelyrades who shared a short mission. Their presence or absence wouldn¡¯t change anything. At that moment, on that day, they were simply Encrid¡¯s responsibility. The dream he had harbored in his heart for a long time, the conviction that had guided him straight till now, reprimanded him. Was that really the best he could do? Couldn¡¯t he have protected them better? ¡®What kind of knight do you aspire to be?¡¯ Young Encrid was captivated by the mere notion of being a knight. The boy enchanted by the songs of minstrels about knights had grown into an adult. Over time, Encrid realized he possessed mediocre talent. Rolling through battlefields, he recognized his limits. Yet, he never abandoned his dream. Even if that dream had be worn and tattered leather. Even if it had turned into a piece of cloth torn and shredded by the sword of reality. He never gave up. Thus, he wasn¡¯t just someone who remained enchanted by the mere title of knight. A knight is a protector, a knight is someone who steps forward, a knight is someone who acts on their convictions. ¡®What kind of knight do I want to be?¡¯ By repeating today, Encrid could step beyond his limits. Therefore, he had to uphold the things he had seen, heard, realized, and established through his eyes and ears. ¡®What kind of knight do I want to be?¡¯ His torn and shredded dream, turned into the word conviction, reprimanded him. Encrid epted that reprimand. By doing so, he decided to let go of what had already passed. Even if he could have saved five more by repeating today, it was now beyond his control. That ¡®today¡¯ had already ended. Clinging to it was foolish. ¡°The main camp.¡± One of the soldiers walking with him said. ¡°Phew, we made it.¡± From the back, Enri, who was being supported, muttered. ¡°So, are you going to rush to that flower shop widow as soon as we return?¡± ¡°We can only go once this battle is over, right?¡± At Encrid¡¯s words, Enri responded with a joyful face. The joy of having survived, of making it through the ordeal alive, filled his heart. The same was true for everyone else. Especially for the ex-thug soldier. He kept ruminating over the events that had transpired on the way back. How had he managed to survive? He thought he would live and die like a thug, but somehow he ended up joining the army. And somehow, he came to serve under Andrew. And then there was this scouting mission. He had learned a lot from it. The ex-thug soldier, limping on his injured leg, approached Encrid. It wasn¡¯t intentional, but he hadn¡¯t spoken a word to him the entire way back. ¡®If you don¡¯t repay kindness, you¡¯re not a man.¡¯ That was something his older brother, who had taken him in when he was young, used to say. That brother was long dead, but the words he had said had be a guiding principle in his life. Even if he had lived a rough life, the ex-thug knew to repay kindness. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for my rudeness. I will repay the favor of saving my life if I get the chance.¡± Encrid looked at the soldier who suddenly approached and spoke, then nodded. Did he really save his life? In truth, it was a situation where he could have died, and surviving was due to the soldier¡¯s own luck. In fact, repeating today, this soldier had died many times. It was just that on that day, at that moment, the goddess of luck had briefly stayed with him. ¡°Do as you wish.¡± He answered indifferently and turned around, seeing Andrew and Mac next. ¡°I owe you.¡± Mac spoke first, his gaze unusually friendly. Andrew was even more so. ¡°I¡¯d like to see you again sometime.¡± He had thought of him as an endlessly arrogant kid, but his attitude had changed. His eyes had be respectful. Encrid pressed his palm gently against his aching side and spoke. ¡°If we¡¯re on the same battlefield, we¡¯ll see each other again. The flower of the battlefield.¡± ¡°Is the infantry.¡± He used the infantry¡¯s motto as a farewell. The scout toon leader, who had been watching from the side, approached. ¡°You may all return. The wounded should visit the medical tent for treatment. You¡¯ve all done well. And, well, never mind.¡± The scout toon leader almost mentioned rewards and recognition to Encrid before stopping himself. ¡®Report first.¡¯ They had done something almost unbelievable. He wasn¡¯t sure if the higher-ups would even believe it, so talking about this now seemed premature. ¡°Alright then.¡± Feeling the pain in his side subside quickly, Encrid decided he didn¡¯t need treatment and started walking. It was time to return. ¡®Hope nothing happened.¡¯ He hadn¡¯t had time to think about this in the tall grass, but now that he was returning to the camp, he wondered if his squad had behaved. Maybe they had gotten into fights with other soldiers. Or perhaps they had been fighting among themselves. Whatever the case, it seemed like something might have happened. There was a reason his squad was called troublemakers. He hadn¡¯t even reached the barracks when¡ª ng! The sound of metal striking metal hit his ears. His hearing, trained through Jaxon, immediately pinpointed the source. It wasing from the main barracks. Encrid quickened his pace. As he approached the barracks, he saw people gathered around. At the center were two figures with weapons locked. In front of the troublemakers¡¯ barracks. The one holding the axe was Rem. The one with the sword was Ragna. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 33 The Company Commander¡¯s emerald green eyes showed confusion as he listened to the scout toon leader¡¯s report. ¡°With just ten men?¡± Everything that happened during the scouting mission of the other squad was ordinary. The only notable event was encountering an Aspen infantry scout team on the ins and parting ways without a fight. Naturally, Aspen would also operate scout teams, so encountering them on the ins wasn¡¯t unusual. In fact, it was more unusual to have only encountered them once. However, what the Encrid squad did was entirely different. The enemy was ambushed in the tall grass. The enemy was up to something. It¡¯s understandable to gather intelligence. But to infiltrate the enemy camp and set fire to it with just ten soldiers? ¡°What the hell?¡± At the center of all this was Encrid. Just like the previous assassin incident. Wasn¡¯t the squad leader Encrid always involved in these peculiar situations? Could it be sheer bad luck? But for that, he had a strange resilience to bad luck. Not just being there, but repeatedly making notable achievements. His skills were mediocre, yet the oues of his actions were consistently beyond expectations. Didn¡¯t the squad leader endure during the assassin incident, protecting the target? What he did this time was even more impressive. Infiltrating the enemy camp and gathering intelligence was worthy of countless awards. ¡°Yes, that¡¯s what happened,¡± the scout toon leader replied. Of the ten who infiltrated the enemy camp, only five died, and the remaining five returned with incredible achievements. They weren¡¯t elite troops raised by the Cyprus division but a scouting team led by the lowest-ranking soldiers. The Company Commander was intrigued. ¡®Encrid, Encrid.¡¯ What the hell is this guy? His skills are mediocre, yet how does he manage this? It wasn¡¯t something to ponder deeply. ¡®Luck.¡¯ She thought it was just luck. If it wasn¡¯t luck, what could it be? Unless he had memorized the entire position of the enemy forces as if he had entered the enemymander¡¯s mind. That made even less sense. The hypothesis that he might be a spy nurtured by the Aspen Principality seemed more usible. But that was equally nonsensical. What kind of fool would send such a spy? A mere squad leader with poor skills? ¡°Do you want to call the squad leader and confirm the facts?¡± ¡°If he¡¯s dumb enough to lie about this, he¡¯d be dead already.¡± The Company Commander sat, resting her chin on his fist, thinking. Assuming the squad leader Encrid is just lucky. What are the Aspen bastards nning? First, he needed to inform the battalionmander. That was the proper order. She finished her thoughts and stood up. ¡°Where are you going?¡± Who chose this fool as the toon leader? The Company Commander pushed the idiot aside and said, ¡°I¡¯m going to the battalionmander¡¯s tent.¡± Given these events, reporting was the top priority. * * * Rem was bored. No minor skirmishes, nothing to do. Currently, both armies were busy ring at each other from their respective positions. Rumors began circting within the unit that the war might end just like this. ¡°Well, that¡¯s how it is. Winter ising soon, and the battle on this in isn¡¯t going to end abruptly, right? So, they¡¯ll probably postpone it until next year.¡± That was Krais, with his sharp ears. It was more of a conclusion he reached by synthesizing the rumors rather than his own opinion. Rem didn¡¯t care what Krais said or about these matters. Whether this battlefield repeated every year,or that Aspen and Naurillia were once on good terms,what did it matter? ¡°Nothing to do, damn it.¡± Sharpening his axe de and juggling it to pass the time didn¡¯t change the fact that he had nothing to do. Rem was incredibly bored during this time. Everyone else seemed to have something to do. ¡°Are you asking for that price for the cigars? Are you crazy? Did you get an arrowhead stuck in your head?¡± Over on one side, Big Eyes was busy selling things. After a battle, profits decrease for a while, so he was trying to earn as much as he could now. He was really living diligently. ¡°What? Arrowhead?¡± asionally, there were guys who would re at Big Eyes because of his small stature. Rem sometimes took it as a small hobby to intimidate those guys. Just licking the recently sharpened axe de while staring at them would do the trick. In the first ce, he never sharpened the axe de too finely. If it was sharp enough to cut a finger upon contact, it would easily chip. Unless touched by magic or a craftsman¡¯s hand, this was the proper way to maintain it. So licking the axe de wouldn¡¯t cut his tongue. ¡°¡­I did get hit by an arrow on my helmet in thest battle.¡± These guys would back off quickly. ¡°Cigars are hard toe by. So, how many do you need?¡± Krais raised his voice again. He was every bit the merchant. The sneaky street cat-like Jaxon was more often found outside wandering around than inside the tent. The religious nut was praying, looking incredibly depressed, with his head on the ground. He kept muttering, ¡°God, give me an answer.¡± Seeing that, one would feel reluctant to approach him. Just watching him gave off a strong smell of a mad fanatic. Why the hell is that guy always like that? Lastly, there was Ragna, who spent his time sleeping whenever he could. Wasn¡¯t he bored? He just spaced out all day, slept, spaced out, and slept again. Is that fun? ¡°It¡¯s too boring without the squad leader around.¡± Rem silently grumbled to himself. He wondered if the squad leader had died. Scouting missions were dangerous. And although the squad leader had improved a lot, from Rem¡¯s perspective, his skills were still embarrassinglycking. What if he was dead? He would be a bit, no, very disappointed. ¡°Geez, have I grown attached to him?¡± From what he had observed so far, he was a person worth keeping alive. But following him around to protect him would be ridiculous. What was so special about that guy? Nothing. He was just a person he happened to like. ¡®A person I like?¡¯ Come to think of it, such people were rare. How many people like that had there been in Rem¡¯s life? He hoped he woulde back alive. But he wasn¡¯t anxious. He wasn¡¯t someone who would be easily defeated by amateurs. At the end of his various thoughts, Rem could no longer stand the lingering boredom. Whether the squad leader was dead or alive, he had to solve the current boredom. ¡°Do I want to kill you?¡± Rem chose a straightforward method. He kicked the lounging Ragna lightly and spoke. Ragna stared up at Rem. With a look that said, ¡°What the hell is this guy doing now?¡± ¡°Do you have a death wish?¡± Ragna was serious. ¡°I¡¯m bored. Let¡¯s have a fight.¡± No more words were needed. Jaxon, who had briefly entered the tent, saw them and walked past, ignoring them. The religious nut was busy with his head on the ground, looking as depressed as usual. Krais was absent. The two agreed and went outside. ng. With a light sh of axe and sword, the fight began. They started swinging their weapons at each other. Whoosh! Rem¡¯s arm swung, and the axe came down with terrifying force. Ragna twisted his body to avoid the axe de and thrust his sword forward. The sharp thrust aimed at Rem¡¯s abdomen was far more refined than the countless stabs shown by Squad Leader Encrid. Rem put all his strength into his toes and jumped back. Thud. A footprint was left where his foot had been. Anyone with a discerning eye would have been astonished by the level of skill disyed in their exchange. Squad Leader Encrid arrived just as the fight reached its peak. * * * ¡°Kill him!¡± One excited soldier shouted. By now, a crowd had gathered to watch the two of them. Why was the troublemaker squad known as the troublemaker squad? Because it was a collection of individuals with various issues. So why did the unit keep such a troublesome group? Because of their skills, of course. With the two of them showing off their skills, how could this not be a spectacle? Bang! As the sword and axe shed, dust rose around them. Even so, they didn¡¯t take their eyes off each other. Screech. The axe de seemed to drop from above, scraping the ground. Small stones flew as the axe de scraped them. Ragna avoided the axe shing the ground and brought his sword down from above. Whoosh. The sword¡¯s trajectory was invisible even with eyes open. The sword, which was above, suddenly dropped to sh Rem¡¯s neck. Bang! The axe and sword shed again. Sparks flew from the weapons they held. ¡°Crazy.¡± The toon Leader of the 2nd toon, 4th Company, muttered to himself. It was obvious that their skill levels were several times higher than his own. Even a few soldiers who were confident in their abilities were astounded. Among them were those who were almost at the level of senior soldiers. They all felt the difference in skill level. Of course, there were also those who tried to gauge the abilities of the two fighters. ¡®I could do that much too.¡¯ ¡®If it were me, I would have finished it by now.¡¯ These thoughts were possible only because they mistakenly believed they were seeing everything the two had to offer. Meanwhile, Encrid stood still, eyes wide open, oblivious to the surrounding chatter. At this moment, Encrid¡¯s eyes were entirely focused on tracking their movements. His mind was fully upied with countering their sword and axe. Sweat dripped from the tip of Encrid¡¯s nose. Just watching and concentrating was enough to soak his entire body in sweat. Sometimes, just observing can improve one¡¯s skills. Though no one intended it, Encrid realized what he needed to do at that moment. ¡®This method won¡¯t work.¡¯ Everyone has their own way of learning, whether it¡¯s swordsmanship or physical training. Encrid had something others didn¡¯t. The curse of a repeating day. The endlessly appearing walls the faceless ferryman spoke of. If that were the case, he needed a new method that suited him, not just ordinary training or practice. Watching their sword and axe, the method suddenly came to Encrid¡¯s mind. Excitement and realization struck quickly and faded just as fast, like a pot of cold water being poured. Watching their sparring match, Encrid had to admit it honestly. He had never drawn out such skills from either of them. Neither Rem nor Ragna had ever shown such abilities when sparring with him. Beyond strength and speed, he could tell from their expressions. Rem was smiling. It looked so joyous. Ragna¡¯s expression was also full of life. It was a face rarely seen from him. How many times had he repeated today? How many times had he narrowly escaped death? Even so, he couldn¡¯t seriously contend with either of them at the moment. That was his current position. But he wasn¡¯t discouraged. If he were the type to give up so easily, he wouldn¡¯t have started in the first ce. Instead, he found it amusing. He now had a goal. ¡®Those expressions.¡¯ Watching them, he resolved to make them show those expressions while fighting him. Encrid found that deeply satisfying. He saw a new path ahead and had the time to walk it. He was immensely, truly immensely, joyful. Ting. The axe and sword shed, creating a strange sound. At the same time, Rem and Ragna distanced themselves. Both were sweating heavily. Sweat was running down Ragna¡¯s forehead. Rem exhaled and grinned. ¡°Not bad for someone who just sleeps all the time.¡± Ragna scoffed at that remark. ¡°And where do you get off judging, you barbarian who only bullies the weak?¡± Despite the sharp words, they both lowered their weapons. They didn¡¯t need to speak to know each other¡¯s state. If they continued, they would have to fight to the death. While they might have done that if they were more excited, this wasn¡¯t the time. It was a sparring match with some energy left in reserve. While fighting, they noticed a familiar face among the onlookers. It was the squad leader. It was proof that they had the presence of mind to look around even during the fight. ¡°Here to watch? If you¡¯re going to keep watching, why don¡¯t you join in?¡± As Rem spoke abruptly, the crowd of onlookers quickly dispersed. Among the dispersing crowd, only the scruffy-looking Encrid remained. ¡°You¡¯re back?¡± Rem greeted Encrid. Ragna also acknowledged him with a nce. The fight was over. And Encrid had returned safely. Soon, Jaxon came out, running his hand through his tousled red hair, and Krais ran over when he saw the squad leader. ¡°You¡¯re back?¡± ¡°Squad leader!¡± ¡°God has watched over you.¡± Even the religious squad member acknowledged him. A total of six, they were supposed to be a ten-member squad. Encrid, now one of the six, announced his return. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 34 ¡°Is the scouting I know different from the scouting the squad leader knows?¡± Rem said, twirling the axe in his hand. ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°It looks like you came back half dead.¡± ¡°A little scratch on the side, that¡¯s all.¡± ¡°If that¡¯s a scratch, would a cut kill you immediately?¡± Rem said andughed. This guy hasn¡¯t changed at all. Well, how could he change in just a few days? For Encrid, it¡¯s been months, but for them, it¡¯s only been less than a week. ¡°I almost died.¡± Encrid said, feeling the wound on his side. In reality, he had experienced death countless times, but he couldn¡¯t say that outright. ¡°Let me see.¡± Jaxon approached and examined the side wound. Encrid turned his body and lifted his shirt to make it easier to see. ¡°What do you know by looking?¡± Rem grumbled, but Jaxon ignored him and inspected Encrid¡¯s wound. ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡± Encrid said. ¡°The bone isn¡¯t damaged, but if you underestimate a minor wound, you¡¯ll suffer.¡± That was true. ¡°I¡¯ve applied ointment.¡± ¡°That¡¯s a relief.¡± Jaxon nodded. ¡°Did you encounter an enemy while scouting?¡± Big Eyes said, looking at Encrid¡¯s shabby appearance. His hair was greasy, and he had dark circles under his eyes from not resting after the battle and continuing on foot. Throughout the mission, he barely washed, ate, or drank, so it was natural for him to look shabby. ¡®Was it just an encounter? I stirred up the enemy camp.¡¯ He nodded slightly, not needing to exin everything. Having watched the battle between Rem and Ragna right after arriving, he was drenched in sweat and exhausted. So now, ¡°Is there anything to eat? Water too.¡± It was time to eat and rest. To be honest, he wanted to swing his sword right away, but there were limits to what he could do in his current condition. Moreover, after seeing the enemy gathered in the tall grass, it didn¡¯t seem like this battle would end here. Therefore, since he would likely have to head back to the battlefield, he needed to get his body in shape. ¡°Go wash up. We¡¯ll prepare a royal feast for you,¡± Rem said with a smile. Encrid nodded and headed to a nearby stream. They didn¡¯t ce the infantry camp here for no reason. The stream in the back made it easy to get drinking water and wash up. When he put his hand in the water, a chill quickly rose up. ¡®It¡¯s getting cold.¡¯ It was the time of year when the temperature dropped. Encrid washed his face roughly and took off his clothes to wash off the blood, oil, sweat, and dirt from his body. ¡®That guy.¡¯ As he washed, memories of the recent events filled his mind. The tall grass, the ambush, passing the g, and finally, the guy holding the sword and torch. ¡®I feel like I¡¯ll see him again.¡¯ It was a premonition that they would meet in an unavoidable situation. ¡®Is this the wall?¡¯ Hadn¡¯t the faceless ferryman said that the wall would endlessly block his path? He wasn¡¯t worried. If there was a wall, he would just have to climb over it. To be honest, he was rather looking forward to it. He regretted not having a showdown with that guy. Of course, if they fought, he would probably die, but he didn¡¯t want to avoid it. He wanted to fight him once. Seeing that guy stirred a strangepetitive spirit in him. Sometimes, you meet someone like that. It¡¯s simr to falling in love at first sight, but instead, you want to fight and win against them. When he finished cleaning up and returned, there was warm soup, bread, and even roasted meat skewers that someone had managed to find. It couldn¡¯t be called a royal feast, but it was a rare treat in the midst battlefield. ¡°Rabbit?¡± Encrid asked, and Rem proudly stepped forward. ¡°I personally prepared it.¡± ¡°No, it wasn¡¯t Rem, it was me who found it,¡± Jaxon said. Then Big Eyes red. ¡°Yeah. Thanks.¡± Encrid devoured the food as if it was thest meal on earth. ¡°Every time I see you eat, squad leader, you really have a hearty appetite.¡± ¡°One needs to eat well to gain strength.¡± ¡°You are the most unique person I¡¯ve ever seen.¡± Rem, standing with his arms crossed, spouted nonsense while watching Encrid eat. Here was a squad full of troublemakers, and among them, he was being called unique by someone whose hobby was assaulting allies. ¡°You¡¯re thest person I want to hear that from.¡± At this remark, Remughed again. After that, the squad members dispersed. Jaxon said he had something to do and left, Krais went out iming it was time to do business. The religious squad member began praying in a corner while Rem idly spent time outside the tent, probably making silly jokes with passing soldiers. And Ragna kept staring at Encrid. He could feel the gaze. ¡°What?¡± Annoyed by the persistent stare, Encrid turned his head and asked. ¡°Just looking.¡± Half-lying down, Ragna answered. When Encrid tilted his head in confusion, Ragna turned away, indicating it was nothing. It seemed like he had something to say, but Encrid didn¡¯t press further. From leading this troublesome squad, he knew that asking now wouldn¡¯t get a response. In such cases, waiting often led to them bringing it upter. If nothing was saidter, then it would just be let go. Since they had just returned from a mission, they were exempt from guard duty and meal duty. Encrid ate well and slept soundly. Jaxon¡¯s ointment was effective. The wound on his side healed quickly. At this rate, two days of rest should be sufficient. Even though Encridy down to rest, he wasn¡¯t just idling away his time. ¡®Even if I fight ten times, I feel like I¡¯ll lose all ten.¡¯ Encrid sat and repeatedly swung his sword in his mind. The first opponent was Rem, then Ragna, and after that, the enemy he encountered in hostile territory. He pondered and pondered again. The old sword master who taught him in the quiet coastal town had said: ¡°If you don¡¯t want to die by a blind de, you have two options. One is to pray and pray again to the goddess of luck.¡± One was to rely on luck. ¡°The second is to think and think endlessly.¡± If you survived a fight where you risked half your life, that fight would be your asset. It was something the old sword master of the coastal town often said. So, how do you fight risking half your life and survive? Pondering. Thinking. Deliberation. He said to think of ways endlessly. If you faced an enemy without any thought, you would have to rely entirely on the first method at that time. He said if you didn¡¯t want that, you should always ponder. ¡®He was a good teacher.¡¯ It was advice perfectly suited to Encrid at that time. And that advice still shone now. Encrid pondered and thought. How to win. At the very least, how not to lose. The desperate struggle to find that method was Valen Mercenary Sword Technique. That swordsmanship, which some called crude trickery, was also Encrid¡¯s core skill. Feints, headbutts, the three-sword style, quick-draw techniques to throw daggers or stones. Though absurd and futile when actually experienced, it worked well against opponents encountering it for the first time or those with mediocre skills. Encrid in his mind swung his sword. He took a stabbing stance and threw a stone. Pretending to draw his sword, he threw a throwing knife. Rem deflected everything with his axe, and Ragna dodged everything with agile footwork. The enemy with the sword and torch ignored the flying stone, charged, and pierced Encrid¡¯s heart with his sword. In reality, things might not move as he imagined, but at least in Encrid¡¯s mental image, they did. ¡®Again.¡¯ He pondered endlessly. Encrid spent the entire day this way and then fell asleep. When he did, he fell into a deep sleep as soon as his head hit the pillow. It was after a grueling mission. He was utterly exhausted. The next morning, Krais brought breakfast. It was thin soup, salty dried jerky, and crumbly bread. ¡°Is it your turn for duty?¡± ¡°Yes, you slept really well, didn¡¯t you?¡± ¡°I was tired.¡± Krais rolled his big eyes and asked, ¡°What happened? Tell me.¡± Krais, Big Eyes, was the information hub of the battlefield. Encrid started to speak but then paused to think. He decided there was no need to keep it a secret. It would be known soon enough, and it wasn¡¯t exactly ssified information. Still, he couldn¡¯t go into too much detail, so he only mentioned that there was an enemy ambush in the tall grass. He didn¡¯t borate much, as he didn¡¯t have all the answers himself. ¡°Damn. If they set up an ambush, they¡¯re not nning to just let it slide. But is there any point in making an ambush there?¡± Big Eyes sometimes hit the mark despite knowing nothing about strategy. ¡®There¡¯s no point.¡¯ If the scouting route hadn¡¯t been set through there, it would have been bypassed unnoticed. If Encrid didn¡¯t have the ability to repeat the day, the scout team would have been wiped out. An ambush is a tactic to prepare for an attack. But the allied forces weren¡¯t advancing towards the tall grass. Obviously, it was pointless. That¡¯s what Big Eyes meant. ¡°We don¡¯t know yet.¡± We don¡¯t know. That was the correct answer. He assumed the higher-ups were nning something. There was definitely something going on. The g, the guy guarding it. Even from the troop deployment, it felt like they were fully intent on annihting any approaching enemies. Normally, troops wouldn¡¯t be deployed that way. So the conclusion was that the enemy was preparing something. ¡°Sigh, I thought this would end here.¡± ¡°Probably within the next day or two, we¡¯ll get orders,¡± Encrid said. Not long after their idle talk, they heard someone shouting outside. ¡°Move out. 4th Company, move out!¡± It was the voice of the 4th toon leader. ¡°You didn¡¯t hurt your leg, did you?¡± The one shouting outside poked his head into Encrid¡¯s tent. ¡°I heard you went through a lot?¡± ¡°Where did you hear that?¡± ¡°The rumor¡¯s all over. They¡¯re saying you¡¯re the hidden child of the goddess of luck.¡± Since he had chalked up the recent events to luck, this reaction was expected. ¡°Then who¡¯s my dad?¡± ¡°How should I know?¡± The toon leader chuckled at Encrid¡¯s joke. ¡°You must be tired, but we¡¯re moving out. We¡¯re heading east from the camp, so let¡¯s get moving.¡± With that, Encrid got up and dusted himself off. East meant towards the tall grass. Knowing about the ambush, they wouldn¡¯t enter the grass. ¡°There¡¯s going to be a fight; the air feels different,¡± Rem said, suddenly appearing next to him. ¡°Does it?¡± ¡°If you act up thinking your skills have improved, you¡¯ll end up dead. Be careful.¡± Was he worried or cursing him? Not only the 4th Company but the entire infantry battalion was moving. So, most of the infantry forces that were pulled out for this battle were moving. With each toon roughly numbering forty soldiers, it was around six hundred infantrymen moving. With the sound of footsteps, the infantry battalion marched. There was no battle that day. After moving, they set up a makeshift camp again. They lit fires and each found their ce. Themanders wouldn¡¯t give orders to charge into the tall grass unless they had arrows stuck in their heads, so it seemed like they were moving the troops here to prepare for any possible situations. After spending the day like that, the wound on Encrid¡¯s side barely bothered him anymore. The next day, orders were given for each squad to prepare their own meals. The six squad members gathered and cooked stew in a single pot. ¡°Caught a lizard on the way,¡± Jaxon said, adding the drained lizard meat to the stew. ¡°What¡¯s gotten into you to do somethingmendable?¡± Rem said, clearly pleased. Of course, Jaxon didn¡¯t respond. Seeing this, Rem growled about being ignored again, but Jaxon also ignored that. ¡®They weirdly get along,¡¯ Encrid thought. One side talking and the other ignoring seemed to fit together oddly well. In the army, moving, eating, and resting were work in themselves. Throughout the move and meals, Encrid felt an odd gaze on him. Someone was staring at him. It was Ragna. ¡°You¡¯re going to wear out your eyes,¡± Encrid said casually, causing Ragna to look away. ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡± It was clear he had something to say. The atmosphere became tense as if a battle could break out at any moment, but another day passed without incident. In his spare time, Encrid tried to practice the techniques he had envisioned. Some were easier than he thought, while others were harder. He spent the morning swinging his sword in a corner when Ragna approached and asked, ¡°Why do you go to such lengths?¡± It was a question that came out of nowhere. But Encrid understood perfectly. There were always a few people who couldn¡¯t express themselves well. Ragna wasn¡¯t one to have a way with words. He spoke in his own way. So, the listener had to interpret well. In that sense, Encrid was the right person. He could roughly understand what Ragna was trying to say. Scratch. Encrid scratched his forehead with his finger. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 35 The members of the Troublemaker Squad each had strong personalities, but they shared onemon trait. They were not particrly interested in their surroundings. Among them, Ragna was especially indifferent to the attention around him and didn¡¯t really care much. ¡®Just eat enough, fight enough, and live enough.¡¯ He lived a veryx life and slept a lot. Knowing this about Ragna, Encrid was secretly surprised when Ragna volunteered to rece him in the scout unit. That Ragna was stepping up to do the scouting? Has ourzy squad member changed? No, that wasn¡¯t the case. Ragna was whimsical and capricious. He might have been caught up in the mood at that moment, but he would have probably backed out in a day, or even half a day. That¡¯s why he wasn¡¯t sent in the first ce. It wasn¡¯t for no reason that Encrid ended up handling most of the troublesome tasks in the Troublemaker Squad. In some ways, Ragna could be said to have a personalitypletely opposite to Encrid¡¯s. He was generally unmotivated, while Encrid was the type to split his time to swing his sword. Of course, Ragna sometimes wielded a sword too. As seen upon his return, he mingled with Rem and sometimes made a mark on the battlefield. Though each time, Ragna would mutter, ¡®It wasn¡¯t intentional.¡¯ Knowing this about Ragna, Encrid found it curious that Ragna was showing interest in him. ¡®What¡¯s the reason?¡¯ It was truly a rare urrence. Sometimes he would ask questions or make requests. But he wasn¡¯t the type to observe closely for days and then ask questions persistently. Encrid lowered the hand that had been scratching his forehead. Among the squad members, Rem was the most active, but even Rem only dealt with people within a certain boundary. It was evident when you looked closely. He was the type who didn¡¯t let people inside that boundary. In some ways, Rem could be considered more difficult to deal with than azy person like Ragna. Still, Rem would say what needed to be said. Ragna, on the other hand, rarely said even what was necessary. That¡¯s why Ragna¡¯s question was so surprising. Encrid stared into Ragna¡¯s eyes for a moment. A silent pause passed between them. Encrid stared intently as if in a staring contest, then soon looked up. He saw a cloudless sky. Despite the frequent recent rains, the sky was clear and blue without a single cloud. It made him feel refreshed. Looking at the sky, all thoughts about why Ragna was behaving this way, what his reasons for asking these questions were, and whether Encrid¡¯s assumptions were correct, disappeared. Encrid stopped worrying. He asked a question, so he answered. Whether dealing with a sword or with people, he always did his best. ¡®Since when did I start worrying about such things?¡¯ Even when doing his best in everything, what he desired was always far away, so he lived a life of constant longing. Ragna asked why he did it. He was probably referring to the way Encrid would swing his sword whenever he had the chance. He was probably referring to his attitude of not taking anything lightly. He was probably asking about his determination not to give up despite his mediocre skills. So Encrid answered the question with a question. ¡°What if I were good with the sword?¡± Outside the makeshift camp. In a ce without any shade, under the sunlight enveloping them both, Ragna¡¯s gaze remained on Encrid¡¯s face. Encrid spoke again. ¡°If I were good with it, what could I have be?¡± Encrid¡¯s voice was smooth, like a well-crafted instrument. At least, that¡¯s how it sounded to Ragna. It wasn¡¯t a voice heated with excitement, nor was it one filled with despair. It was calm and serene, like reading a storybook to a child. ¡°Right now, I swing my sword to survive. But that¡¯s not how I want to live.¡± With those words, Encrid swung his sword. From top to bottom, vertically. Whoosh. The de cut through the air, spreading its distinctive scent. The smell of iron mixed with the battlefield¡¯s aroma tickled Ragna¡¯s nose. Encrid continued what he was doing, whether Ragna was beside him or not. He was practicing his swordsmanship. From top to bottom. From bottom to top. Diagonally, then horizontally. Soon he was engaging with an imaginary opponent, performing binds, pulling the sword and then executing a backhand strike. Ragna watched the Squad Leader intently without saying a word. A soldier of the lowest rank in the Kingdom of Naurillia. Ragna knew that the Squad Leader¡¯s skills were not just at the lowest level. However, that didn¡¯t mean he could be considered a high-level swordsman or warrior. Even if he entered the mercenary field now, he would at best be slightly above average. A mid-level mercenary was not considered highly skilled. Having once been deeply involved in the mercenary world, Ragna knew well the levels of mercenary skills. Regarding the sword, he had an innate insight as sharp as Frog¡¯s. He could assess the Squad Leader¡¯s skill and see his limitations. ¡®It¡¯s already toote.¡¯ The start was wrong. He should have focused on the basics when he first held the sword. Lack of talent had robbed him of opportunities. What about the Squad Leader now? It was as he said. Desperate struggle to survive, the skills honed for that purpose were holding him back. There were only two things he had that were somewhat useful. One was what he had learned from the barbarian Rem, who, despite his bad luck, had decent skills. Then there was the sudden improvement in his thrusting technique. Aside from those two, hecked the basics and always relied on unorthodox methods. That reliance on unorthodox methods was the problem. Ragna fully utilized his insight but instead of telling him, he asked about what was on his mind. ¡°If you be good with the sword, what will you do then?¡± Encrid stopped swinging his sword. Sweat beaded on his forehead, trickling down to his chin before falling to the ground. The sweat quickly seeped into the dirt beneath his feet. Sunlight, sword, wind, sky. With all of this in his heart, Encrid spoke the dream he had repeated countless times. ¡°A knight, I want to be a knight who charges to the end of the battlefield.¡± ¡°Why?¡± Ragna asked back. To him, it was a natural question. Ragna could see the path. A path where the destination was clear even without experiencing it. Would that path be enjoyable? If there¡¯s nothing specific to do or desire at the destination, there¡¯s no will to walk that path. That was Ragna. He saw the path and the destination but was a wanderer who didn¡¯t want to walk it, who couldn¡¯t walk it. ¡°Do I need a reason to want to be one?¡± Encrid asked in return. This is a romance. A longing. It¡¯s his life and the days he¡¯s lived through. It¡¯s also the dream of his younger days when he was captivated. How many times had he repeated his dream? There¡¯s no need for a reason to want something. But it¡¯s not just a fleeting desire. ¡°I want to live ording to what I believe is right. To draw my sword for the poor and sick, to draw my sword for honor, and to draw my sword for the ones I love.¡± What is a knight? Is it merely a well-trained killing machine? Often, knights were referred to as such. Abat weapon specialized in killing. But if the knight Encrid dreamed of was merely that, he wouldn¡¯t have continued wielding his sword till now. A person who expresses his will through honor and faith, through the sword. A sword embodying chivalry that most people no longer seek. As Encrid spoke, he thought of Krang. Why did Krang¡¯s words have such power? How did his words draw everyone in? Now, he felt he understood a little. It was because they were sincere and genuine. That was the foundation. So Encrid spoke with all his heart. This came as a shock to Ragna. Of course, Encrid didn¡¯t know this because Ragna didn¡¯t show it outwardly. Ragna asked himself a question. He wanted to live ording to what he believed was right, but why did he need a sword? Because without power, it¡¯s hard to realize what one believes in. There was always a void swirling in his chest. That was the source of his helplessness. But now, during his conversation with Encrid, a different me was igniting in his heart instead of that helplessness. With this me starting to bloom in his heart, Ragna fell into deep thought. He even sat down on the grass on one side of the in. What is a knight, and what is a sword? As these thoughts trailed off, he came to a conclusion. ¡®I won¡¯t know unless I walk the path.¡¯ He found a reason to walk the path. Encrid left him alone and continued to swing his sword. In the silence, only the sword, the sky, and the wind moved. Though some distance away, the noisy sounds of soldiers in the camp could be heard, but other than that, it was quiet. The silence didn¡¯tst long. ¡°Do you want to learn the sword?¡± Ragna, staring nkly at a pointed rock stuck in the ground, opened his mouth. Smack! With a thrust, sweat scattered into the air. Encrid stopped in that position. He answered, his breath steady and his gaze fixed on the tip of his sword. ¡°Yes.¡± It was a simple and calm response. If there was an opportunity to learn, he wouldn¡¯t miss it. For Encrid, it was a given. Ragna was surprised at what he said and at himself for saying it. ¡®Why did I say that?¡¯ But soon he realized the reason. Half of it was the desire to show the desperate Squad Leader the right path. The other half was for himself. ¡®If the Squad Leader is by my side.¡¯ He would unconsciously put in more effort. Seeing how Encrid lived was stimting. Ragna needed stimtion, something to push him to walk the long and tedious path. The presence of the Squad Leader was that stimtion for him. With him around, he would train, however clumsily. The moment he saw the Squad Leader making progress, it brought a vitality he had never felt before. He had sparred with the Squad Leader, volunteered to go scouting, and even loosened up through Rem. It was a rare urrence. At least for Ragna himself. So, what would happen if he taught the Squad Leader? It was more of a selfish act than an altruistic one. And Encrid didn¡¯t worry about reasons. ¡®Why is he doing this?¡¯ He hadn¡¯t asked for help, yet Ragna offered to teach him the sword. When learning The Heart of the Beast, he had only managed it by pestering Rem. And when he learned from Jaxon. All of it happened because he pushed himself first. But this time, it was different. After observing him for days, Ragna suddenly approached, asked a few questions, and offered to teach him the sword. It felt like a good opportunity. So he didn¡¯t want to question the reason. When sparring, Ragna would remain silent about swordsmanship except for the necessary movements. Encrid was like a hungry wolf when it came to the sword. During sparring, he asked countless questions and pushed further, but Ragna evaded answering. And now, suddenly, he was offering to teach. ¡°Then first of all.¡± Ragna dusted off his pants as he stood up, chewing on his words as if carefully choosing them. Encrid, with his sword tip pointed down, waited patiently. While waiting, Rem¡¯s words came to his mind. ¡°I¡¯m not really the one to teach you the sword.¡± Rem was skilled with both the axe and the sword. Encrid had seen him slice and stab enemies with his sword multiple times. ¡°I swing based purely on instinct, and that¡¯s not something you can teach. So it¡¯s better for the Squad Leader to learn more systematically.¡± It didn¡¯t seem like he didn¡¯t want to teach out of reluctance or because he was stingy with his skills. If that were the case, he wouldn¡¯t have taught him The Heart of the Beast. At the time, Encrid had simply epted it and moved on. While Encrid was lost in thought, Ragna spoke. ¡°Something about the beast¡¯s heart or conscience that you learned from the barbarian.¡± ¡­The Heart of the Beast. How did that be the beast¡¯s innards? If Rem had heard that, he would have swung his axe immediately. ¡°And the thrust.¡± Ragna continued, looking Encrid straight in the eye. ¡°Other than that, you need to rebuild from the beginning. Are you okay with that?¡± Encrid tilted his head, momentarily not understanding. ¡°So, I¡¯m saying you need to rebuild your basics. Can you do that?¡± Ragna knew no other way to teach or learn. Encrid found it momentarily difficult to ept. ¡°Why?¡± Valen Mercenary Sword Technique. No matter what others said, he thought it was a great technique and swordsmanship. ¡°If you keep using that mercenary swordsmanship, you won¡¯t be able to get any better than you are now.¡± Then Ragna continued to exin. His examples were crude, and his exnations were not clear, but Encrid quickly understood. The core message was simple. His current state had clear limits. He could improve if he continued training as he was. But the progress would be slow, and he wouldn¡¯t be able to surpass his limits. When asked why, Ragna said it was because he had learned too many misceneous things. ¡°The point is, youck the basics.¡± He didn¡¯t expect to hear such words. Even when he took silver or gold coins to find a training school, they always emphasized the importance of basics, so he had epted it and invested quite a bit of time. In hindsight, it made sense to hear this now. He had always paid to learn. During that time, Encrid couldn¡¯t focus on just the basics. So, he had practiced what he thought were basic shing and thrusting moves on his own. That was the problem. A brief realization dawned on him. Encrid felt a sudden joy that shook his entire body. The hand holding his sword trembled. He saw a path. It was crude, but beyond the wall and darkness that always blocked his view, a path had opened. The joy of this moment was iparable to any other emotion he had experienced in life. As his hand trembled, Ragna spoke in a cautious tone. ¡°Now you have to choose. Will you start anew, or will you be satisfied with where you are?¡± Ragna thought Encrid would give up. Starting anew meant rebuilding from the ground up. That would mean his current mid-upper level skills would drop to a lower level. Could he endure that? Someone who makes a living in the heart of the battlefield? Unless he had multiple lives. Even if he wanted to, it wouldn¡¯t be easy. In the face of death, his body would naturally rely on the techniques it was familiar with. ¡°You¡¯ll need to stake a few lives on this.¡± Ragna said, his tone rough but filled with concern. Encrid nodded. Ragna questioned with his eyes, unclear about the meaning, so Encrid continued. ¡°I¡¯ll rebuild from scratch.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Ragna was surprised by the answer. There didn¡¯t seem to be a hint of hesitation in Encrid¡¯s response. Even though just a moment ago, his hands had been trembling. Ragna had thought it was out of anger, frustration, or despair. But Encrid¡¯s reaction was the exact opposite. ¡°Yes.¡± He was genuinely happy. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 36 Ragna was bewildered but soon gave up thinking. ¡®He was a strange person to begin with.¡¯ From his perspective, Encrid was not normal either. ¡°So, from now on?¡± Encrid asked. ¡°Yes, let¡¯s do it.¡± Ragna replied. Under the clear sky, they began anew by gripping their swords. No, they started by finding the right weapon. ¡°You have great strength, so there¡¯s no reason to use a light weapon. It would be better to switch to a heavier longsword. Let¡¯s trade.¡± Ragna said as he handed over the sword at his waist. Encrid found it shocking. Do people usually hand over weapons they¡¯re used to so easily? ¡°I haven¡¯t used it enough to get ustomed to it either.¡± Ragna continued. Upon receiving it, it didn¡¯t seem like a very good sword. The one he had been using seemed better, but he epted it. The person teaching him now was Ragna. He decided to follow his words. ¡°Got it.¡± From an arming sword to a longsword. The handle was longer, allowing it to be wielded with both hands. The de was also a span longer, and it weighed more. However, it wasn¡¯t a terrible sword. Though it wasn¡¯t made of the best steel, the bnce and finish seemed decent. ¡°Right hand in front, left hand behind.¡± After changing the sword, they started anew with the grip. Encrid was deeply absorbed in that moment. And so was Ragna. Just the presence of the Squad Leader was stimting. Teaching directly, his enthusiasm soared, and he was engrossed in the moment. They spent time like that until past noon. They were so focused they didn¡¯t notice the time passing, even skipping a meal. ¡°What are you doing, skipping meals and ying around like children?¡± Only when Rem came by did Encrid notice the passage of time. ¡°Come to think of it, I¡¯m hungry.¡± Ragna muttered. ¡°You bastard, did you bother our Squad Leader?¡± ¡°Get lost. Barbarian.¡± ¡°You get lost. Lazy bastard.¡± The two bickered. Encrid, drenched in sweat, let his sword hang low. He was quite exhausted. He had resolved to start anew, but it wasn¡¯t something that could happen immediately. ¡®It¡¯s not enough.¡¯ Time was woefully insufficient. Initially, he thought he¡¯d just pick up the techniques with some sense. He expected that repeating today would improve his skills. ¡®It¡¯s the opposite.¡¯ He hadn¡¯t realized howcking his fundamentals were. It was something he never considered. And he realized one more thing anew. Building fundamentals while being watched by someone skilled in swordsmanship was vastly different from doing it alone. ¡°What was the intention behind the direction of your toes?¡± ¡°Your grip is too loose.¡± ¡°Were you trying to thrust or sh?¡± ¡°What do you want to do right now?¡± ¡°This won¡¯t do. You need to learn how to walk properly first.¡± Critiques rained down on him. Each one became an asset. Ragna, who had been bickering with Rem, suddenly asked Encrid. ¡°By the way, do you want to show off your sword skills or something?¡± Ragna asked, recalling why he had picked up a sword when he was young. It would be a lie to say there was no desire to reveal and stand out. Naturally, Encrid also had ambition,petitiveness, and desires. Among his fantasies was standing guard in front of ady and receiving a handkerchief from her. How could he not? The desire for recognition is something everyone has. ¡°I have a lot of that. I really want to show off.¡± Encrid replied. He wanted to be cheered by someone and be the protagonist of a bard¡¯s song. Naturally, he had such desires. Ragna nodded at his words. It seemed like an answer. ¡°What are you talking about? Anyway, we¡¯ve been summoned. The order to gather has been given because the enemy has started to appear.¡± It was time for battle again. Encrid nodded. Ragna, looking at Encrid, thought he had done something unnecessary. ¡®Will he make it through today?¡¯ What would happen if Encrid went out to the battlefield like this? An unfamiliar sword, clumsy and awkward skills. That was what he had built up today. So he predicted that Encrid would die. ¡®He has no talent.¡¯ Throughout the rebuilding of the basics, he realized Encrid¡¯s skills were insignificant. It wasn¡¯t something that could be achieved overnight. Ragna briefly med himself. ¡®Did I push him towards his death?¡¯ Regret. His mouth was the problem. Nothing good hade from him stepping in. And he did it again today. Ragna sighed with regret and made a decision. ¡®I¡¯ll stay nearby.¡¯ He wanted to protect him for at least today. ¡°Enemy!¡± The time for battle approached quickly. Before they could even tidy up the temporary fortifications, the enemy infantry began striding through the tall grass and from the front. Their march was remarkably fast. As each unit gathered to see the enemy, the way the enemy troops were forming was peculiar. Clusters were spread out, and each unit carried long banners. p, p, p! gs fluttered on the banners they held. Suddenly, a strong wind blew from the enemy¡¯s side towards them. As Encrid squinted against the wind hitting his eyelids and looked at the banners and enemy soldiers, he realized this battlefield would be far from easy. It was an instinct born from the survival instinct that had kept him alive for years. And it didn¡¯t take long to confirm that his instinct was correct. ¡°What is this?¡± At the front of the lined-up infantry, a toon leader muttered. It was a familiar face. The Vengeance toon Leader. The same toon leader who had given a rather awkward infantry-style farewell when they parted at the medical tent. And then, a thick fog began to form between the toon leader ahead and Encrid. * * * ¡°We¡¯ve been hit!¡± The Fairy Company Commander understood the situation even before her lieutenant spoke. The keen senses of a fairy allowed her to feel the flow of the battlefield in her skin. ¡®Magic? Sorcery?¡¯ A thick fog started to nket the battlefield. It wasn¡¯t a natural phenomenon. The senses of the fairies, who were friends of nature and the forest, detected something unnatural. The artificial fog thickened rapidly, soon making it impossible to see even an inch ahead. ¡°Commander!¡± In the voice of her panicked lieutenant, the Fairy Company Commander realized an important fact. ¡®No one was prepared for this.¡¯ Suddenly, visibility was gone. Everyone must be panicking. It wasn¡¯t just a problem for the 4th Company. If this fog was artificially created, it wouldn¡¯t end here. That ominous feeling soon became reality. Thud, thud, thud! Quarrels and arrows began to fly. Invisible arrows. A sudden shower of death¡¯s summons from beyond the fog. With a thud, quarrels embedded themselves into the soldiers around her. The lieutenant was struck in the head by an arrow and fell. The Fairy Company Commander sharpened her senses and swiftly retreated. Arrowsnded where she had just been standing. As she moved back, she drew her sword and swung it. Ting, ting! Two arrows hit her sword and deflected. Themander then grabbed the corpse of her fallen lieutenant to shield herself. If she didn¡¯t, she would die from the blind arrows. Fog and arrows. ¡®A premeditated strategy.¡¯ They had been thoroughly caught off guard. * * * ¡°It worked!¡± A look of exhration appeared in the eyes of themander of the Duchy of Aspen. Soon, this battlefield would be adorned with the name of victory. The resources expended for this were significant. Failure was not an option. As soon as the fog thickened, themander shouted. ¡°Fire!¡± Themand, mixed with joy and excitement, was given, and the prepared arrows and quarrels rained down on the enemy. What Aspen had prepared was sorcery. The spell was called the ¡®Fog of Annihtion¡¯, which blinded the enemy! The sorcerer smiled with satisfaction at themander¡¯s cry. The spell had seeded. It was a spell created with the blood of a hundred newbornmbs, calves, and foals, and water from ake untouched by human hands. Not only were ordinary materials used. Much had been sacrificed for the spell. Themander didn¡¯t know the full extent. In any case, the sorcerer had put his heart and soul into it. The terrain, the climate, and even the rain-summoning spells performed in the past were all for this. The ground needed to be wet for the spell to activate. The blood-soaked gs and banners were the spell¡¯s medium. The troops protected by the banners were unaffected by the fog. This was the entirety of the sorcerer¡¯s craft. However, calling it simple would be an understatement. While the enemy couldn¡¯t see, this side could. Even a fool would know how effective that is on arge battlefield. The sorcerer didn¡¯t care about the direction of the fight or its oue. He was simply pleased with the spell¡¯s sess. ¡°Are you happy because it worked?¡± Themander guarding the banner asked. It was the samemander who had previously cornered Encrid with his excellent swordsmanship. ¡°We almost failed, so of course I¡¯m happy.¡± The sorcerer said, recalling the time the enemy hadunched a night raid. The negative energy from that incident almost wiped out all the prepared magical power. Thinking back on it still gave him chills. Themander, listening to the sorcerer, remembered the one who had carried out the night raid. ¡®That bastard.¡¯ As a member of the ¡®Gray Hound¡¯, the persistent lover, he had always wanted to kill that guy with his own hands. Somewhere in the enemy lines, that man must be there. The Aspenmander had not forgotten the face illuminated by the torchlight. The delicate face of the enemy. He wanted to meet him again. * * * As the spreading fog approached, the smell of water became noticeable. At the same time, visibility vanished. The Vengeance toon Leader, who had been visible until a moment ago, disappeared. And it wasn¡¯t just him. Ragna, who had been right next to him, was also out of sight. ¡°Magic!¡± Someone shouted. No, it wasn¡¯t just someone. It was Rem¡¯s voice, filled with irritation. ¡°Which damned bastard is it?¡± Sorcery? What kind of sorcery? Encrid ducked as he thought. Suddenly, arrows and quarrels flew overhead. ¡°Well done. Don¡¯t raise your head.¡± A voice came from right next to him. It was Ragna. Ting! Thud! Such sounds came from above his head. The ominous premonition had be reality. Encrid, with his head lowered, thought. ¡®Sorcery.¡¯ Why would a sorcerer be here? Even among the indigenous peoples of the western frontier, sorcerers were extremely rare. Why would one be here? The question of why was practically meaningless now. Encrid dismissed the thought. Suddenly, a spearhead thrust towards him. Thump. The Heart of the Beast responded. Boldness surfaced. Without it, his body would have frozen, leading to his death. Encrid instinctively twisted his body to the left and swung his sword upward from below. Crack! He couldn¡¯t cut through the oiled spear shaft with his clumsy swing. The shaft deflected away. The spearhead had suddenly emerged from the fog. Encrid tried to gauge the position from which the spearhead hade and moved forward. Then another spearhead flew at him. Crack! He barely blocked it again. As he blocked it, he thought. His stance was off, and his weight distribution was a mess. The only thing he did right was gripping his sword tightly. He had forgotten all the nagging lessons Ragna had drilled into him. ¡®What a mess.¡¯ Of course, he didn¡¯t expect to master it after just one lesson. So, what should he do? ¡°Move back.¡± Ragna said. Encrid moved in the opposite direction of his words. Thanks to Jaxon, his hearing had be more sensitive. He couldn¡¯t see, but he could hear. ¡°Aagh!¡± ¡°Ugh!¡± ¡°Die!¡± ¡°Damn it!¡± Amidst the screams and cursesing from all directions, Encrid threw himself forward. ¡°¡­Squad Leader!¡± He heard Ragna¡¯s startled cry behind him. And then, Thud! A spearhead pierced his neck. ¡®Precise.¡¯ Rather than making a clumsy hole in his body, this was better. A horrible pain spread from his neck to his entire body. His vision started to go dark. ¡°Crazy bastard.¡± The soldier who had stabbed Encrid muttered. He was startled by Encrid suddenly thrusting his neck forward. ¡°Die.¡± The soldier kicked Encrid. The spearhead slid out, bringing a second wave of excruciating pain. Encrid felt death approaching. He knew that in just a few breaths, the darkness would fully envelop him. He was satisfied with death approaching. What was terrible, the pain and the fear of death that never became easier to endure, no matter how many times it was repeated? ¡®Because of this¡­¡¯ The ¡®today¡¯ where he could learn the basics from Ragna had begun. And it was so enjoyable. ¡°Heh.¡± Encridughed, blood gushing out. The enemy soldier, seeing this, clicked his tongue. He had encountered a madman,pletely deranged. Darkness enveloped him. When he opened his eyes, today had begun again. * * * ¡°Why do you go to such lengths?¡± Ragna asked. This time, instead of scratching his forehead, Encrid answered immediately. ¡°Because I want to be good with a sword.¡± It was a different answer from before, but the goal remained the same. ¡°Do you want to learn the sword?¡± Of course. Ragna made the offer again, and Encrid epted. The second day of basic training began, the second ¡®today¡¯ started. They stood on the battlefield once more. The fog spread out. ¡°What the¡­? Damn it!¡± Rem cursed again. This time, Encrid parried the spear shaft three times before letting the spearhead pierce his neck again. By bad luck, it only grazed him. His neck skin was torn, spilling blood onto the ground. ¡®Damn it.¡¯ The thought of dying from excessive bleeding was excruciating. Before he could dwell on it, another enemy soldier thrust a spearhead into him. He was grateful. Thud. He died once more. And the third ¡®today¡¯ began. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 37 ¡°Where did you learn that step?¡± Ragna abruptly asked on the fifth ¡®today¡¯. Of course, you taught me. Encrid couldn¡¯t be honest. ¡°I¡¯ve been to over twenty training schools.¡± Some of them were close to being frauds, but many taught properly. ¡°Hmm.¡± Ragna nodded. As Encrid moved based on the steps he learned from Ragna, Ragna¡¯s expression became more lively. He was enjoying this moment. To be honest, Ragna wasn¡¯t a great teacher. He couldn¡¯t be. A genius doesn¡¯t look at their own feet. That¡¯s why it¡¯s difficult for them to teach the path they¡¯ve taken. How do you exin something that you just do naturally? When he says to strike with the sword, he thinks you just strike. He doesn¡¯t exin the steps and weight shifts needed in between. No, he can¡¯t exin them. He¡¯s the worst type to open a swordsmanship school. Encrid realized this on the first day. But it was fine. If the teacher is a mess, the student just has to be good. In that sense, Encrid was arguably the best on the continent. ¡°Where should my foot go? Which direction should my toes point?¡± ¡°Do I have to tell you that too?¡± It¡¯s not a tone of criticism. He¡¯s genuinely curious. ¡°Yes.¡± Ragna corrected his posture by telling him the direction his toes should point and showed his own stance. That stance was exemry of basic techniques. Anyone with an eye for talent would drool over such skills. Just watching Ragna¡¯s stance repeatedly helped Encrid. ¡°How about the weight shift?¡± ¡°Yes, do it at that timing.¡± Encrid asked, and Ragna answered. Throughout the twelve repetitions of today, Ragna only taught Encrid steps and posture. ¡°Stance and footwork first, basics next.¡± ¡°Sometimes you manage a decent swing.¡± ¡°Right now, you¡¯re not even capable of chopping firewood.¡± ¡°If the enemy soldier dies from that downward strike, thank him three times for dying.¡± ¡°So, was I dancing just now?¡± ¡°It was a dance. Since you held a sword, it might be called a sword dance, but I don¡¯t want to call it that. Let¡¯s name it the stick dance.¡± Ragna delivered his sarcastic remarks calmly. ¡®Was this guy always like this?¡¯ Rem was a much softer teacher byparison. Sometimes, hisments made you wonder if he was crazy, but overall, he was satisfying. Every day felt like breaking out of an egg and being reborn. As they started practicing diagonal shes, Ragna spoke. ¡°The line connecting the opponent and yourself is called the attack line. This line is usually the shortest distance between two people and the path the weapon will take during an attack.¡± ¡°Blocking the opponent¡¯s attack line and extending your own, this is also a basic. Do you understand? It doesn¡¯t seem like you do. Oh, is this one of those things? Where you understand it in your head but your body won¡¯t cooperate?¡± ¡°Let me rephrase. The squad leader understands it only with his mouth.¡± Ragna was a person who couldn¡¯t teach without sarcasm. Learning and learning again. Twenty days passed. Twenty-five days passed. ¡°¡­I thought your basics were terrible, but at least you know how to use your feet.¡± It was something he heard on the thirty-fifth day today. By this time, Encrid¡¯s behavior had changed a bit. He didn¡¯t die immediately after the mist settled. He dodged the first thrust of the spear, then charged in and died. Spears often stuck into his body like a porcupine. It was a pretty decent method. Sometimes, a spear would miss. Why would anyone withdraw a spear when someone runs at them asking to be killed? I understand. It must be baffling to see someone suddenly rushing in asking to be killed. When the spear missed, he had to writhe for an hour before dying. That was truly an unbearable sequence of pain and a series of horrible moments. Each time, Ragna would call or shout at Encrid. ¡°Squad Leader!¡± ¡°Crazy!¡± ¡°Hey!¡± Eventually, in urgent situations, he would just shout ¡°Hey!¡± Encrid faithfully filled each day. ¡°Your posture is better than I thought.¡± He improved little by little. Every time he changed, Ragna frowned. ¡°Until yesterday, you definitely¡­¡± He would mutter like this. ¡°¡­Where did you learn that?¡± When a hundred days had passed, Ragna asked, ¡°Who are you?¡± When Encrid looked at him wondering what he was talking about, Ragna eximed, ¡°You were a mess until yesterday. How did you improve so much in one day? Is it magic?¡± Ragna was astonished. Encrid burst outughing at his reaction. ¡°Why? Do you think my skills are better than you expected?¡± ¡°It¡¯s more than just a little. I¡¯m starting to wonder if you¡¯re really the squad leader.¡± Ragna looked at him with genuine suspicion. This was the squad full of troublemakers, and Ragna was an entric himself. ¡°So, are you not going to teach me?¡± ¡°It¡¯s not that.¡± Ragna started again with a hesitant attitude. After that, they practiced with an imaginary sparring partner. Concepts of the attack line, how to grip the sword, and how to use the sword for defense. ¡°If it¡¯s a good-quality sword, you can block with the side, otherwise, block with the de.¡± ¡°shing, thrusting, cutting¡ªthese three are the basics. Your steps and posture aren¡¯t bad, so focus on refining these three fundamental techniques.¡± Ragna taught many types of steps. Advancing, passing by, prating, evading, sidestepping, turning around, and making a wide turn. Just memorizing these was mentally exhausting, but through practice, they became somewhat ingrained in his body. Even a slow learner improved with one-on-one guidance from someone of this skill level. While the subtleties were invisible to a genius, for Encrid, every slight improvement was exhrating. ¡°Picture your opponent in your mind. Then swing your sword.¡± ng! He continued learning through dozens of repetitions of ¡®today¡¯. Diagonal shes, sword binds, wrapping strikes, angled cuts, overhead horizontal shes, side shes, top-down shes, counter strikes, half-sword fighting, parrying, deflecting, continuous strikes, prating, drawing cuts. As time passed, Ragna¡¯s sarcastic remarks diminished. ¡°You¡¯re better than I thought. Where did you learn the binding technique?¡± ¡°One of my previous instructors drilled binding into me relentlessly.¡± ¡°Excellent.¡± Ragna seemed satisfied with that. He used this approach when learning other techniques as well. ¡°The previous training school said my overhead horizontal sh was always a mess. If you¡¯re going to teach me swordsmanship, we should start with that.¡± ¡°¡­I¡¯m the one teaching, but it seems you¡¯ve already decided what you want to learn.¡± ¡°Not necessarily.¡± When Encrid shrugged, Ragna conducted a short test. Then, he soon followed Encrid¡¯s suggestion. ¡°Let¡¯s do that.¡± Ragna would never know, but after repeating today several times and teaching, he would move on once he thought it was enough. Each time that happened, Encrid moved on to the next lesson. Repeating today, sweating under the zing sun as their roof. What might have been tedious and nauseating for someone else, was not so for Encrid. When about two hundred days had passed. ¡°Hmm?¡± Upon opening his eyes, he saw a ck river. What was going on? He saw a ferryman, a ferryman with his eyes covered. Although he didn¡¯t see the ferryman¡¯s mouth open, a voice clearly pierced his ears. ¡°Are you crazy? You keep dying on your own? You foolish idiot.¡± The ferryman¡¯s tone was calm, but the content was not. Before Encrid could respond, he woke up from the dream. Again, it was the familiar ¡®today¡¯. Encrid just opened his eyes and didn¡¯t move. He fell into thought. ¡°Did you have a wet dream or something? What are you doing?¡± Next to him, Rem made a noise like a puppy might make. Ignoring him, Encrid got up. ¡®Let¡¯s just assume he wanted to call me a crazy idiot.¡¯ Even if he wanted to ask why, he couldn¡¯t ask that. There¡¯s no point in clinging to a question that won¡¯t yield an answer no matter how much he thinks about it. Encrid stood up. ¡°Do you know anything about magic?¡± At those words, Rem quickly turned his head. ¡°Magic?¡± ¡°If you know something, tell me.¡± Every time the mist rolled in, Rem would say something rted to magic. He surely knew something. All this time, Encrid had been too busy honing the basics of swordsmanship, but now he had some leeway. His training had be second nature. Ragna was always surprised by how much his skills had improved. Although he hadn¡¯t tested his abilities yet, Encrid felt he had definitely gotten better. ¡°Magic is magic, what else would it be?¡± ¡°Tell me what you know, it sounds interesting.¡± Normally, Encrid wouldn¡¯t start a conversation like this. Rem grinned and began to speak. ¡°What wind blew that made you curious? Alright. Let¡¯s put it simply. Do you know the difference between magic and witchcraft?¡± ¡°Magic is moremon.¡± Although rare, magicians could be seen asionally. But witchcraft? Encrid, who had traveled all over the continent, had never seen it. It was that rare. ¡°That¡¯s not incorrect.¡± Rem said as he tidied up his sleeping spot. He roughly rolled up the nket and pushed it aside, put on his boots, and stepped outside. Encrid followed him out. It was the same today as always. He didn¡¯t feel bored. Whatever today was, for Encrid, it was always an enjoyable day. As Encrid followed, Rem continued. ¡°Witchcraft requires a medium. I know magic sometimes needs a medium too, but witchcraft relies heavily on sacrifices or mediums. Without them, it can¡¯t even begin.¡± ¡°Did your tribe use that too?¡± Rem was from the western frontier. That area became a frontier because the central continental empire won the war. Before that, the west was thend of different tribes. This story was over a hundred years old. Now, it had firmly be the western frontier, and the western tribes had been assimted as a part of one race. They were still derogatorily called barbarians sometimes, but witchcraft had originated from the west. That wasmon knowledge. ¡°I¡¯ve seen it a few times. But do you know that there are very few real witch doctors? The ones wandering the continent are all chatans, chatans.¡± If Rem says so, it must be true. Encrid nodded and went back to his tasks. ¡°Where are you going?¡± ¡°Training.¡± He went to meet Ragna to hone his basics again. Around the 250th repetition of today, Ragna spoke up. ¡°Have your fundamentals always been this solid?¡± Ragna¡¯s red pupils widened as he brushed his blonde hair aside. ¡°It seems you¡¯ve always specialized in the longsword.¡± Yeah, that sounds about right. He had been training with this sword all along. It¡¯s unfamiliar, but his hand is used to it. It¡¯s the first time this sword has felt Encrid¡¯s touch, but this process has been repeated many times. It¡¯s the familiarity gained through repeated days. ¡°It¡¯s time for some realbat.¡± Ragna said after training. Encrid nodded, acknowledging. ¡°What are you doing? They¡¯re calling us.¡± Rem called them. On the way back, Encrid got some bread through Krais and started chewing. He soaked the hard bread in water and chewed it down, also getting some jerky to eat. He checked his equipment and stood back on the battlefield. As the longsword he exchanged with Ragna swung at his waist, Rem asked, ¡°Didn¡¯t you pay a lot for the sword you were using?¡± ¡°This one feels morefortable.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve seen many guys switch weapons overnight and end up dead.¡± Is that a curse or a concern? ¡°Worry about yourself.¡± He exhaled and steadied his mind. The Heart of the Beast is said to give courage, but he couldn¡¯t rely on that alone. If it¡¯s realbat, it should be for the sake of ¡®tomorrow.¡¯ Encrid thought before the enemy came into view. ¡®Witchcraft needs a medium.¡¯ That medium is incredibly important. ording to Rem, it is. What if the enemy stayed in the tall grass not for an ambush, but for concealment? What if they had something they wanted to hide? Encrid had seen it beforehand. gpoles and banners. When he set fire to one tent, instead of killing the intruder, they were busy putting out the fire. Soon the enemy came into view. A soldier from the adjacent 3rd squad, holding a spear, frowned and muttered. ¡°Why is their formation like that?¡± It was a formation clustered around the gpoles, with no tactical value. Then it must hold only ritualistic value. Six gpoles and banners rose above the enemy. They are the mediums of witchcraft. ¡°Huh!¡± Fog spread and obscured his vision. Alright, let¡¯s swim through the fog of witchcraft. Encrid¡¯s ears twitched. The keen hearing he got from Jaxon would now rece his sight. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 38 ¡°Do I really have to learn the sword?¡± Ragna had said it. It was a biting remark. It meant that his body couldn¡¯t keep up, and it was true. Encrid was not born with talent. He lived by adding only hard work to his dull body. However, he had met countless instructors, learned swordsmanship, and had time to ponder alone. His thinking was flexible, and his adaptability was excellent. The initial learning was difficult, but once he mastered it and entered actualbat, it was different. In fact, one is born with some talent. Flexibility and adaptability, that was Encrid¡¯s talent. ¡®Use whatever fits the situation and need.¡¯ By the standards of the Kingdom of Naurillia, he was at least intermediate. In the mercenary world, he was also intermediate. His skill level was average wherever he went, that was Encrid¡¯s current position. But aside from skill, hisbat power in real situations was excellent. He had lived a life with minimal talent. Encrid knew how to make full use of what he had. A soldier¡¯s spearhead flies toward him. His sharpened ears hear the swoosh of the spear cutting through the air. It wasn¡¯t as precise as what he could see, but he caught the direction. He pictured the opponent¡¯s movements in his mind. ¡®A step to the side.¡¯ Encrid stepped aside. The Heart of the Beast brought him boldness. He put strength in his left heel and moved his right foot back, turning his body. With that move, the spearhead whizzed past his face. Even though the spearhead suddenly flew out of the fog, Encrid wasn¡¯t flustered. There was no need to be. It was a spear that had already stabbed him to death dozens of times. He had avoided the first spear thrust over two hundred times. Instead of drawing his sword, Encrid grabbed the middle of the spear shaft and pulled. The enemy soldier, dragged by the sudden force, opened his mouth in surprise. ¡°Huh?¡± The enemy soldier¡¯s head emerged from the fog, and Encrid grabbed it and twisted. Crack. The soldier¡¯s neck broke. A person with a broken neck cannot survive. As the soldier with the broken neck crumbled to the ground, Encrid picked up the dead soldier¡¯s spear. Before the fog spread in his mind, he recalled the enemy¡¯s formation. They were all clustered together. ¡®No matter where I throw it, I¡¯ll hit someone.¡¯ He stomped the ground with his left foot and threw the spear with all his might. The spear cut through the air and with a thud, it lodged into something. ¡°Ugh!¡± A death cry was heard. ¡°What the¡­?¡± ¡°Crazy!¡± The sounds of the enemy soldiers¡¯ confusion. Encrid, listening carefully after throwing the spear, ducked low and charged forward. Even if someone could see through the fog, it would be hard to spot someone rushing in low to the ground. Thud thud thud! Crossbow bolts and arrows flew over his head. ¡°Argh!¡± ¡°Ugh!¡± ¡°Damn, arrows!¡± From behind, the screams and curses of his allies erupted. His hair might have stood on end, but it was fine. He had done this many times before. In fact, theck of tension was more of a problem. Encrid closed the distance and drew his longsword. He gauged the distance by sound, and it was precise. Swish! He drew his sword, held it with both hands, and performed a modified upper horizontal sh. The original upper horizontal sh was a technique where you block the opponent¡¯s sword with your guard and sh with the back edge. Encrid altered it as he pleased. The stance was simr. Holding the sword above his crown parallel to the ground, he changed his grip. It was a thumb-raised saber grip. In that position, he drew a circle with his sword. Due to his crouched posture, the upper horizontal sh became a lower horizontal sh. It was an unconventional stance, so the sword didn¡¯t carry as much force. But it was an unexpected strike. The enemy couldn¡¯t react in time. Swish! Thud! Thwack! He felt resistance as the de cut through. ¡°Ack!¡± ¡°What the hell!¡± ¡°On the ground!¡± ¡®Well, you noticed quickly, didn¡¯t you?¡¯ Breaking through the fog and rising up, Encrid saw the enemy soldiers. Even though his field of vision was limited to the range of his sword, it was something. He saw the enemy, their weapons, and his own sword. The situation is different now. Three of them had been severely shed in the shins. They were all limping, bleeding heavily, and armed with crossbows. One of them gritted his teeth and aimed his crossbow. Encrid moved swiftly. He stepped diagonally forward with his left foot, his right foot following. In an instant, his position changed. The bolt flew past where he had been. Encrid didn¡¯t just dodge the bolt. At the same time, he attempted a downward sh from above. The heavy longsword descended from above. The enemy soldier with the crossbow reflexively drew a shortsword and tried to block it, forming a cross with the longsword. Encrid pressed down with his strength. ng! Crack! Unable to withstand the force, the opposite de of the shortsword pressed into the leather helmet and sank into the enemy¡¯s head. It wasn¡¯t so much a cut as it was a crushing blow. Crunch. The enemy, head shattered and frothing blood, fell backward. Blood poured from the deeply indented leather helmet, creating a red curtain in front of the soldier¡¯s face. ¡°Guh, guh.¡± The enemy soldier with the shattered head couldn¡¯t speak, falling on his backside, his vision blurring. Encrid withdrew his sword, taking a step back and turning his body. In an instant, he moved a step to the side. A soldier¡¯s short spear whizzed past where he had just been. The spearhead grazed his left side, tearing his cloth armor slightly. And that was all. After dodging, he thrust his sword. Not quickly, but slowly. The soldier who had swung the spear reflexively pulled back and blocked the de with the spear shaft. Thnk. The sword and spear shaft met. In that position, the sword started to glide down the spear shaft. With a forward step, he followed through with a bind and subsequent sh. Scrrr! The sound of the spear shaft being shaved down was heard. Thud! The sword¡¯s destination was the enemy soldier¡¯s chest. In an instant, the de had traveled down the spear shaft and shed open the soldier¡¯s chest. Flesh was cut, and bones were shattered. When he pulled out his sword, blood spurted out. A stream of blood soaked Encrid¡¯s chest. In a slightly crouched position, he retrieved his sword and stood up. With a flick, he straightened his knees and stood tall. What he had learned so far were the basics. It was a time to discard bad habits and build anew. To be honest, he had just barely returned to his previous level. However, having now trained in the basics of swordsmanship, what he had waspletely different. It was like adding wings to a lion. Encrid¡¯s flexible thinking produced results beyond his skill level. His blood-soaked sword moved among the remaining soldiers. Encrid silently performed his sword dance. * * * Six banner units. Themander of the Duchy of Aspen pondered. ¡®Even if they realize it¡¯s magic, they won¡¯t know which of those six to take down.¡¯ Victory was assured. Now it was time to decide what kind of victory to achieve. ¡°Cut off their retreat.¡± The Gray Hound unit, which had been held as an independent reserve, moved. It was behind the Naurillia Kingdom¡¯s army. Now, if the enemies, startled by the fog, tried to flee, they would run into the Gray Hound unit. Themander gave the order and reviewed his strategy for any ws. There were none. General Frog hade and emphasized that failure was not an option for this mission. If it weren¡¯t for that, a general wouldn¡¯t havee to this battlefield. Themander gave the order again. ¡°Kill them all.¡± This battle would change the fortunes of Aspen and Naurillia. As his order was given, Encrid was performing his sword dance with the First Banner Unit. * * * ¡°Damn it!¡± The battalionmander of Naurillia thought he was in a nightmare. ¡®We were outyed.¡¯ If the enemy had something prepared, so did they. But if they lost all their troops here, their preparations would be for nothing. ¡°Retreat! Retreat!¡± Cries for retreat echoed from all around. The battalionmander was anything but calm. ¡°Ugh!¡± Even as his allies retreated, crossbow bolts flew at them. ¡®Damn those crossbow units!¡¯ The battalionmander felt a surge of dizziness. He marveled at how they managed to hide so many crossbows. Where? The scout report had already provided the answer. ¡®The Tall Grass Field!¡¯ Now was not the time to be thinking about this idly. The battalionmander¡¯s mind escaped reality. ¡°Get a grip! Regroup!¡± Two somewhat skilledpanymanders tried to rally the troops, but the enemy¡¯s skill was exceptional. The unit moving in from behind was the Gray Hound. An independentpany, the pride of Aspen¡¯s forces. The battalionmander realized they had been outmaneuvered. He desperately tried to pull himself together. ¡°It¡¯s the Fog of Annihtion! Aspen¡¯s forces have employed a sorcerer!¡± Damn bastards. ¡°How do we clear the fog?¡± Few of his subordinates had an answer. ¡°Bring someone who knows!¡± They couldn¡¯t see ahead, and the enemy was pounding their allies from both front and back. At this rate, they could be annihted. No, they would be annihted. Soon, a subordinate brought the answer. ¡°We need to destroy the medium of the spell!¡± The medium? The banner. ¡°Charge towards the banner!¡± The battalionmander shouted. ¡°¡­We don¡¯t know which direction the banner is.¡± The lieutenant uttered words of despair. The enemy they initially saw had shifted positions like clockwork. They spun around in circles, making it impossible to pinpoint their location. The battalionmander couldn¡¯t shake the word ¡®annihtion¡¯ from his mind. While the battalionmander was agonizing, the fairypanymander, in charge of the 4thpany, realized the enemy wouldn¡¯t let them retreat easily. Her prediction was correct, and that wasn¡¯t a good thing. ¡®Without a turnaround, we¡¯ll all die.¡¯ She thought a new wind was needed on the battlefield, but ultimately, that wind didn¡¯te. The battle ended in a crushing defeat. The fairypanymander barely survived, escaping death by a hair. As she fled, the fog lifted behind her. It was annihtion. There couldn¡¯t have been fifty survivors among their allies. * * * ng! Encrid had fought well. Incredibly well, and he was satisfied. Though his allies were nearly annihted, he alone had taken down nearly twenty soldiers. Blood flowed from his hand gripping the sword. His forearm had been shed in the recent battle. ¡®My strength is fading.¡¯ Up until now, he had only invested time in basic training. Ragna had told him not to spar until he had eliminated all his bad habits andpleted his training. Then he immediately added, ¡°Not something you should say on a battlefield.¡± Even Ragna must have realized how nonsensical it sounded. Telling someone not to fight to correct bad habits in the middle of a battlefield. What then? Just die quietly? But Encrid managed. Instead of quietly surrendering his life, he excludedbat from his considerations. And today, for the first time, he demonstrated his skills in actualbat. ¡®It¡¯s different.¡¯ Until now, whether it was Valen Mercenary Sword Technique or anything else, he fought using any means necessary. That was how he had survived. And that hasn¡¯t changed. The difference now was that swordsmanship had be central to his fighting. ¡®I want to learn more.¡¯ His desire for learning surged even more. He didn¡¯t want to end with just the basics. Having killed the equivalent of two squads on his own, the enemy soldiers hesitated to approach him. For some reason, as he held his ground, Encrid¡¯s vision cleared further. The fog created by sorcery no longer affected him. He could see the enemy forming a semicircle before him. They all held crossbows. ¡°Let¡¯s fight one-on-one, like real men.¡± He spoke to test the skills he had gained through his basics one more time. ¡°Crazy bastard.¡± The one who appeared to be the enemy squad leader said. Thwip! The crossbows released their bolts. Quarrels embedded themselves all over his body. The quarrel lodged in his eye brought excruciating pain. ¡®It¡¯s agonizing.¡¯ But it also brought a sense of joy. As hey dying, Encrid thought about what he had to do amidst the repeated events of today. Ragna constantly emphasized the basics. ¡°Train and train again, and keep fighting with your life on the line, and someday, it will stick to you.¡± It was a very irresponsible statement, but it had meaning. Encrid needed more realbat. The word ¡®death¡¯ settled over his entire body. Before he took hisst breath, an enemy soldier looked down at him and said, ¡°Persistent bastard.¡± Even until then, Encrid was gripping his sword tightly. The blood he had shed pooled on the ground. ¡°No matter what happens, even if you die, do not let go of your sword. That is the first thing.¡± Countless instructors had said this, Ragna had said it, and Rem had said the same thing. Encrid had done just that. ¡°Ptuh!¡± An enemy soldier, who had lost countlessrades, spat on Encrid¡¯s face. And that was the end. * * * Morning dawns. A new day begins again. Encrid reflected on what he had gained from yesterday¡¯s fight. ¡®I need more realbat.¡¯ That was the conclusion he reached. He sought out Ragna again to learn. ¡°Your basics are pretty well established, but you seem like someone who has trained alone all their life. Where did you learn the basics of swordsmanship?¡± That was true. He felt it himself. What he needed now was actualbat. ¡°From here and there.¡± ¡°¡­From here and there? Well, let¡¯s go with that. It¡¯s good to make what you¡¯ve learned in traininge out naturally through sparring. And whoever your teacher was, they taught you well.¡± That teacher was you. Ragna unwittingly praised himself. Encrid responded with a ¡°Really?¡± and focused on sparring. And how enjoyable it was. In the battles that followed, Encrid single-handedly slew thirty soldiers. It wasn¡¯t solely by skill. There were bolts and arrows flying at him. He achieved it by dodging them skillfully. He had to use his wits to increase hisbat experience even a little. He repeated several more days. And he swung his sword again. Soon, what was called the basics stuck perfectly to his body. ¡°In terms of fundamentals, there¡¯s nothing more I can teach you.¡± Eventually, Ragna had to admit this, as Encrid¡¯s skills had significantly improved. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 39 ¡°Eyes, feet, hands.¡± Ragna spoke. ¡°You start with your eyes, move with your feet, and end with your hands. The sword.¡± He did as instructed. By using his eyes, he predicted the enemy¡¯s movements, positioned himself with his feet, and used the sword to finish. Swish. In the next real battle, he put it into practice. Instead of reacting to what he saw, he predicted and evaded. The enemy¡¯s attack line could not reach Encrid, but Encrid¡¯s attack line reached the enemy. Thrusting the sword was just a confirmation. Thuck! The sword pierced the throat. As he pulled the sword out to the side, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels were severed, causing blood to gush out. As soon as Encrid killed the enemy soldier, he rolled on the ground and struck another soldier¡¯s shin with his pommel. Crunch! Since there was no guard, it was natural for the bone to break. ¡°Ugh!¡± The falling enemy iled. Encrid pulled a quarrel from the ground and stabbed it into the soldier¡¯s heart. Due to the armor, the arrow only went halfway in. He stood up and pressed it down with his foot. With a squelching sound, the quarrel buried itself in the shaft. He lifted the dead body with one hand and tilted it to the side. With a thud, the quarrel embedded into the corpse. Here, Encrid made a small mistake. A quarrel nicked his thigh. Reduced mobility made it hard to rampage among the enemies. Still, he did what he could. Thirty-two. He had killed two more in one day. Even though he had made a mistake in the middle. ¡®Eyes, feet, hands.¡¯ See with your eyes, move with your feet, end with your hands. He thought a few more real battles would help him master it. Encrid continued this way. By repeating today¡¯s actions, he roughly understood the enemy¡¯s movements. ¡®They protect the gpoles.¡¯ And they always circled in one direction. If he charged head-on one day, he would run to the left the next. He had never broken the gpole, but he came close enough to almost touch it. Encrid felt a thirst. He felt that something was missing in himself. ¡®Can¡¯t I do it alone?¡¯ If that were the case, he could bring Rem or Ragna along, but stubbornness took hold. He had learned and mastered proper swordsmanship. He wanted to take one more step forward. It wasn¡¯t impatience, but the thought of advancing kepting to him. ¡®Let¡¯s see.¡¯ If this was just being stubborn, he could reassess afterward. Encrid had an opportunity gained through repeated ¡®todays¡¯. ¡°Hey, who are you?¡± After several battles, he faced the enemy¡¯s toon leader. It wasn¡¯t a familiar face. It was someone he had never seen before, with a rat-like beard. ¡°What do you think?¡± Encrid replied with a slight smile. Facing death, he couldn¡¯t act so boldly. The rat-bearded soldier of the Duchy of Aspen swallowed hard and thrust his spear. ¡°Unlucky bastard.¡± * * * After dying and reviving, it was back to training. As the concept of eyes, feet, and hands became familiar, Ragna moved on. What started as getting used to the basics soon included the history and concepts of swordsmanship. ¡°Fortunately, the roots of what you learned align with mine.¡± Of course, since Ragna had taught him. ¡°I imitated one of the particrly good instructors, and it seems I¡¯m really lucky.¡± Encrid said something absurd, but Ragna had no choice but to believe it. Otherwise, it wouldn¡¯t make sense. The fact that his skills improved in one day could be epted. He had been continuously training the basics alone, but if he didn¡¯t know how to apply them, this could happen. Of course, this was also very unusual, but it wasn¡¯t worth worrying about. The basics of northern-style swordsmanship settled into his body, and he decided to move on to the same concept. What was the point of questioning it? The Squad Leader had never questioned his past. So he should do the same. ¡°Do you know? Respectful and prompt recovery.¡± Encrid nodded at Ragna¡¯s words. Respectful and prompt recovery. This refers to the principles of the straight sword, the heavy sword, the illusory sword, the swift sword, and the gentle sword. To borate: A correct and precise sword. A heavy and vigorous sword. A mesmerizing and deceptive sword. A fast and faster sword. A soft and flowing sword. Five hundred years ago, an unparalleled genius was born. He was a child born in a small farmhouse, truly a genius among geniuses. At the age of nine, this genius killed a group of bandits attacking the farmhouse with just a wooden stick. At the mere age of nine, he killed twelve adult bandits, some of whom were quite skilled with swords. ¡°This is swordsmanship.¡± The nine-year-old child was precocious. It was said he lost his parents early. By observing the bandits wielding their swords, the child understood the principles of swordsmanship. After hearing that a young boy had killed twelve bandits with just a wooden stick, a nobleman sought out the child. He adopted the boy. Thus, the child was given the surname Oniac. Leonesis Oniac. This genius thus gained a name. Leonesis was blessed with a heaven-sent talent, but he was also born with a matching misfortune. At around the age of ten, he developed a disease that caused his limbs to lose strength. It was an incurable disease that no magician, doctor, or healer on the continent could cure. The disease paralyzed his entire body before he turned twelve. Despite his illness, the Oniac family did not abandon Leonesis. The unfortunate genius was almost forgotten. But at the age of twenty, paralyzed from head to toe, Leonesis made a mark in the history of swordsmanship. He synthesized all existing swordsmanship into five distinct categories. These are the principles of the straight, heavy, illusory, swift, and gentle swords. Despite being unable to use his body, he rewrote the history of swordsmanship. This marked the beginning of the Oniac family¡¯s rise to the top of the empire. The school of swordsmanship created by Leonesis was passed down through generations and became the established norm. Today, it ismonly referred to as the northern heavy sword, the central straight and gentle swords, the western swift sword, the southern illusory sword, and the eastern technical sword. The continent isrgely divided into five regions, each with its own development in weaponry. ¡°I have developed a technique to use the northern heavy sword. It¡¯s more useful than the beast¡¯s innards.¡± It was another sunny and windy day. On this day, Encrid learned a new technique from Ragna. From Rem, he learned The Heart of the Beast. From Jaxon, he learned the sense of the de. And from Ragna, he learned something called the Focus Point. ¡°The principle is simple. Forget everything around you, focus on your opponent with your eyes, and concentrate on what you are doing. Don¡¯t take in anything else, just focus.¡± The exnation was a mess. ¡°The basics of the heavy sword lie in its foundation. It¡¯s called the sword that breaks even when blocked, the sword you can¡¯t avoid even when you know it¡¯sing, and the sword that pours all its power into a single strike. That¡¯s how you do it. With focus.¡± If that could be achieved through concentration, then what did it mean for those who couldn¡¯t do it? ¡°I¡¯ll teach you a little trick.¡± With those words, Ragna¡¯s sword turned into a beam of light. Even though he had just changed swords and it was not yet familiar in his hand, the de was invisible. Even his arm, swinging like a whip, was not visible. In just a sh, something passed by his neck. Swish. The de grazed his neck skin. It was only after his skin was cut that he realized how fast the sword had been. His nape felt warm. Blood trickled down. ¡°Are you harassing the Squad Leader, you bastard?¡± Rem appeared out of nowhere, ring. Encrid put his hand to his neck. ¡®I almost died.¡¯ It was a perilous strike, cutting through the skin with such unseen speed. ¡°They say a person concentrates dozens of times more in the moment of death. I¡¯m helping you.¡± ¡°You crazy bastard, what use is learning such a technique after you¡¯re dead? Do you even know how long it took the Squad Leader to master The Heart of the Beast, huh?¡± He was oddly emphasizing something. Wasn¡¯t the ¡®looooong¡¯ too long? As Encrid tried to say something, Ragna snorted. ¡°Because the teacher was bad.¡± ¡°What? Are you saying you want an axe in your head?¡± Rem raised one hand to his ear. ¡°I¡¯m not an ignorant barbarian. My teaching methods are rational.¡± Rational, Encrid pondered the meaning of that word. To him, Rem and Ragna were the same. ¡°But if you¡¯re from the Pr Tribe, aren¡¯t you also a barbarian?¡± Ragna¡¯s skin was pale, and his eyes were red. These were characteristics of the Pr Tribe, the northern people. ¡°Don¡¯t put me on the same level as the western barbarians. It¡¯s very unpleasant. Extremely.¡± ¡°¡­Fine, just die. After you¡¯re dead, I¡¯ll personally go north and bury you.¡± It seemed like they were about to have another argument. Encrid intervened. ¡°You know what I¡¯m going to say, right?¡± Despite his interruption, Ragna¡¯s gaze remained fixed beyond Encrid. ¡°I know the Squad Leader is as dull as a northern ox, but I didn¡¯t realize he had mastered the basics this well.¡± ¡°What the hell, you bastard, stop twisting your words and get ready. I¡¯m going to stick an axe in your head.¡± ¡°Crazy barbarian bastard.¡± The northern ox minimizes its movements to withstand the cold. It¡¯s a metaphor used to describe someone incredibly dull. Although both of them kept calling him dull, Encrid didn¡¯t feel wronged. ¡°You said you¡¯d teach me a trick.¡± Encrid held Ragna with his words and turned his head toward Rem. No words were necessary. Just a look was enough. Rem, who had been fuming, snorted and yelled as Encrid stared at him. ¡°I said gather up!¡± Then he turned and strode back toward the camp. ¡°I guess we should return.¡± Seeing this, Ragna said. As he tried to gather his drawn sword, Encrid grabbed his wrist. ¡°The trick?¡± The thirst for learning was the driving force behind Encrid¡¯s actions. Especially now, as he was about to learn something new. He called it the Focus Point. Concentrate One, a technique Ragna had refined from an old secret art. He was eager to learn it. ¡°It won¡¯t be easy.¡± Even the basics were not easy. Adopting new stances, learning new steps, discarding old habits, and mastering new thrusts and shes were all challenging. Yet, it was enjoyable. Joy followed. The pleasure of growing day by day filled his entire being. He had dreamed of bing a knight, but it might have just been because he loved the sword so much. When he held and swung the sword, Encrid found such joy that he forgot all worldly matters. As he held Ragna¡¯s wrist, Ragna spoke calmly. ¡°You need to be in a life-threatening situation. When you feel like you¡¯re going to die, a person¡¯s nerves be extremely alert. You need to repeat that heightened sensation countless times.¡± The trick was simr to when he learned The Heart of the Beast. However, while The Heart of the Beast required boldness even in the face of death, the Focus Point technique that Ragna spoke of was the opposite. You had to struggle desperately to avoid death. The fear of death would make a person¡¯s nerves stand on edge like needles. ¡®Combine it with realbat.¡¯ Encrid made a n in his head and moved. ¡°Just learning the trick won¡¯t be enough.¡± ¡°Tell me what it feels like once you master it.¡± ¡°It feels like everything around you disappears, and the sword moves as you will.¡± Ragna spoke readily. Encrid looked into Ragna¡¯s red eyes. He saw a seriousness he hadn¡¯t seen before. ¡®What has suddenly gotten into him?¡¯ Ragna was known for his whims. But it was the first time he had shown such enthusiasm. With a hidden passion, a fire burning deep in his eyes, Ragna spoke. ¡°It¡¯s time to go.¡± Encrid nodded. ¡°Indeed.¡± The battle resumed, and fog rolled in. ¡°Magic? Damn bastard.¡± Rem was angry. ¡°Lower your stance!¡± Ragna shouted at Encrid, who was running. Previously, he was busy trying to stop him, but not now. Now, he knew that Encrid wouldn¡¯t fall to some mediocre soldier. As Encrid charged, he faced the enemy soldiers once again, following the sequence of eyes, feet, and hands. ¡®Start with the quarrel squad.¡¯ What had changed from before was that, through the repetition of many days, Encrid had memorized the enemy¡¯s formation. Well, to be precise, it wasn¡¯t that he had memorized it consciously. He had internalized it naturally. Before the first enemy soldier could even thrust his spear, Encrid was already close, stabbing upward with a dagger. Thud! The dagger pierced the chin and roof of the mouth. He abandoned the dagger and pushed the dead soldier with his shoulder. ¡°Ugh!¡± ¡°Ah!¡± The soldier pushed back and was startled. In that moment, Encrid threw two daggers. The flying daggers struck the necks of two enemy soldiers. It was an extraordinary feat. He then drew his longsword and shed it diagonally. ng! A spear shaft blocked it. Anticipating this, Encrid used the rebound from hitting the spear to retrieve his sword and shed the neck of the enemy soldier on the opposite side. sh! The well-sharpened de cut through the soldier¡¯s neck. It was another fight. Another battle. Another repeated day. Fighting and dying again. In doing so, Encrid struggled desperately. He understood the trick the moment he heard it. It wasn¡¯t about boldly facing death but about desperately trying to avoid it. That was crucial. Ultimately, he couldn¡¯t escape death. But that was fine. He would get what he wanted anyway. Of course, he had to aplish his mission in the process. ¡®The gpole.¡¯ Attacking the gpole that served as the medium for the magic. Heyered the goal over the real battle. Encrid charged toward his objective. Through the repeated days, Encrid knew the movements of the enemy soldiers in advance. The soldiers, trusting the fog, were startled by a single attacker. Encrid took full advantage of that. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 40 Every day, after learning Focus Point from Ragna, he would plunge into practice. This was Encrid¡¯s repeated routine today. Countless repetitions. Despite facing death repeatedly, the technique of single-point focus seemed just out of reach. ¡®Don¡¯t get impatient.¡¯ Encrid shifted his thinking. For now, let¡¯s try breaking the gpole first. When the battle began again,Encrid pondered how to minimize damage. Thinking and contemting were among his specialties. Once more, the fog settled in. The fog of death. Hence, this spell was called the Fog of Annihtion. Of course, Encrid didn¡¯t know the name of the spell. He just realized he couldn¡¯t sumb like this. Before the fog settled and Rem could shout anything, Encrid spoke first. ¡°Everyone, get down!¡± They were caught off guard. Even the toon leader ducked his head at someone¡¯s shout. ¡°Shields up!¡± When Encrid shouted again, the allies instinctively raised their shields. Feeling his left hand empty, Encrid grabbed a shield as well. Lowering his stance and running while holding the shield at an angle, several bolts and arrows thudded against the shield. The oil-soaked shield performed its role dutifully. ¡®I should have brought a shield earlier.¡¯ There had been times when he was hit by bolts or arrows while running here and had to start fighting. Thanks to this, he became familiar with the routes to approach while dodging. He ran forward while thinking. From his past experiences, he knew that to escape the fog¡¯s influence, he had to get close to the enemy. Encrid did just that. While running, Encrid suddenly pushed off the ground and threw himself to the left. Whoosh! Whoosh! Spears passed through the spot where Encrid had been. It was a pattern he had already memorized. You can¡¯t demonstrate Focus Point by deliberately creating a life-or-death crisis. You have to struggle. Encrid resolved to do so. After dodging the spears, he ran again, getting right up to the enemy¡¯s nose. Only then did he see the enemy beyond the fog. The face inside the round leather helmet was extremely startled. Encrid kicked the ankle of the surprised enemy soldier. ¡°Ugh!¡± He struck the head of the fallen enemy with the edge of his shield. Crack! The sound of splitting wood echoed. If the enemy survived that, it would be sheer luck. As he passed the fallen enemy, he drew his longsword. Drawing it and swinging it widely in one motion, several enemy soldiers trying to close in were taken aback. Seeing that, Encrid mapped out his route in his mind. Today alone, he had repeated this over 300 times. He could navigate the battlefield with his eyes closed. He knew the location of the gpole and the positioning of the enemy soldiers. From the enemy¡¯s perspective, Encrid¡¯s movements must have seemed ghost-like. * * * Ron, a soldier of the Duchy of Aspen, was startled by the sudden movements of the Naurillia soldier as soon as the fog rolled in. The soldier sprang out from the left, cutting down several of Ron¡¯srades, then suddenly disappeared. At least, it seemed that way. It looked as if the soldier had vanished into thin air. In reality, the soldier had just lowered his stance abruptly. ¡°Gah!¡± ¡°Below! He¡¯s below!¡± Ron knew that the fog surrounding him was created by some spell or magic. This fog didn¡¯t obscure the vision of his allies. However, the thicker parts of the fog did hinder their view. For instance, at ground level. So, while they could see well above the chest, the ground was harder to make out. The enemy seemed to act as if he knew this. ¡°Kill him!¡± ¡°That bastard!¡± Commotion erupted everywhere. The enemy moved as if he had ten bodies. Ron tensed up. He was ready to strike the enemy¡¯s head the moment he appeared nearby. Tension filled the air. ¡°Argh!¡± ¡°Ugh!¡± ¡°Over here!¡± The enemy continued to move through the fog on the ground as if it were his own domain. Ron swallowed hard. It felt like a de could appear right in front of him at any moment. He felt the urge to urinate. Yet, the enemy did not show himself for quite some time. Just as the tension reached its peak. ¡°Break the gpole!¡± A scream erupted from the back. It was the voice of the squad leader. Ron quickly turned his head. He saw the squad leader falling forward and an enemy soldier rising next to him. The enemy emerging from the fog on the ground looked like a skeletal soldier rising from a grave. ¡®Was he alone?¡¯ Did he cause all this chaos by himself? The enemy, gripping his sword with both hands, struck the gpole. Smack! With one heavy blow, the middle of the gpole broke. The g tilted and fell to the side. The g that had been fluttering in the wind just moments ago lost its sound and movement. Thud. The fallen g kicked up a cloud of dust. Through that dust, the enemy soldier seemed to tilt his head. That¡¯s how it appeared to Ron. Then the enemy moved again. ¡°Kill him, kill him!¡± As someone was dying, they grabbed the enemy soldier¡¯s pant leg. It wasmendable, a disy of the elite soldiers of Aspen, disregarding their own life. Allies swarmed over him like bees. With two spears stuck in his left side and five quarrels embedded in his thigh, the enemy soldier bled profusely as he asked, ¡°Why isn¡¯t the fog clearing? It¡¯s supposed to be the medium for the spell.¡± A squad member scoffed in ce of the dead squad leader. ¡°You fool, why do you think there are six gpoles?¡± The squad member didn¡¯t mince words. The enemy was about to die anyway. Knowing this wouldn¡¯t change anything. ¡°Five are decoys, and only one is real.¡± ¡°Crazy bastard.¡± ¡°Why is Focus Point so difficult? Then again, nothing has been easy so far.¡± ¡°What are you talking about?¡± ¡°Sigh, focus, focus, focus.¡± ¡°He¡¯s out of his mind.¡± Smack! The enemy soldier, muttering to himself after asking and hearing the answer, was struck by Ron, who couldn¡¯t hold back any longer. His head exploded, spraying blood. The struck enemy writhed on the ground, spewing blood from his limbs. ¡°Grrrhh.¡± Ron turned away from the foaming, bloodied enemy and looked around. Even though one enemy had prevented the g unit frompleting its mission, the tide of the battle had already turned. It was a great victory for the Duchy of Aspen. As long as this fog was present, they could not lose. * * * Agonizing pain filled Encrid¡¯s entire body. To forget the pain, he sank into thought. ¡®How did I learn ¡®The Heart of the Beast¡¯?¡¯ The ¡®Sense of the de¡¯ was greatly aided by the assassin. ¡®The Heart of the Beast¡¯ was learned by rolling on the battlefield until the brink of death. But ¡®Focus Point¡¯ was noting easily. Was the boldness given by ¡®The Heart of the Beast¡¯ a hindrance? That didn¡¯t seem to be the case. If he had easily achieved it within a few attempts, Encrid would have been a person of outstanding talent. It could have been frustrating, but Encrid remained calm. He wasn¡¯t impatient. There was no need to be. ¡®If it doesn¡¯t work, I¡¯ll keep at it until it does.¡¯ Because his heart was resolute and firm, he did not know despair or frustration. Death would visit him again, and he would wake up in the morning. He would steady his mind, trusting his body to the sunlight and wind. ¡°It¡¯s called ¡®Focus Point.¡¯ Do you want to learn it?¡± Ragna kept teaching as if following a predetermined path, and Encrid nodded. He learned and learned again, but still couldn¡¯t grasp it. Through learning the basics of the northern-style heavysword with Ragna, he had a small realization. When learning something for the first time, it must be learned properly. ¡°Does the fear of death make your nerves stand on end?¡± No matter how much he tried, it felt like an ill-fitting garment, so he asked. ¡°How did you learn it?¡± ¡°I just did.¡± Ragna said kindly. This made him seem even more annoying. Why was he being kind now? Encrid almost preferred the times when Ragna spoke harshly. ¡°Just like that?¡± ¡°Yes, I soon became one with the sword by forgetting my surroundings and focusing.¡± It wasn¡¯t said boastfully. His tone was t. ¡°Really?¡± ¡°Yes, really.¡± What was trivial for Ragna seemed like an unreachable star for Encrid. However, this did not stir jealousy or envy in him. If his spirit could be broken by this, he wouldn¡¯t have dared to dream of bing a knight. He repeated the same action countless times. Ragna stopped his sword right in front of Encrid¡¯s eyes, urging him to feel the fear of death. In terms of speed, Ragna seemed faster than Rem. When watching the two fight, Rem appeared faster. Encrid¡¯s mind still vividly remembered their duel. When he actually faced them himself, Ragna seemed faster. ¡°What are you doing? We¡¯re supposed to gather. Are you practicing with the squad leader as a straw dummy? Still bitter about losing to me before?¡± ¡°Who¡¯s the one who lost? Your head, maybe?¡± Why do these two always fight whenever they meet? ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Back to the battlefield. Encrid had learned much through death. One of those things was that five out of the six gpoles were decoys. ¡®I have to choose the right one.¡¯ It was time to test his luck. This time, before the fog even rose, he rushed toward the enemy who had suddenly approached. ¡°¡­Squad Leader?¡± He heard Ragna¡¯s astonished question from behind. It must have seemed like a reckless move to anyone. ¡°The Squad Leader has gone mad!¡± Rem also shouted. Others were whispering, wondering why he was doing that, questioning if he had lost his mind. At that moment, the fog engulfed them. ¡°What!¡± ¡°I can¡¯t see!¡± Encrid shouted while running. ¡°Get down! Shields up!¡± Having done this before, he expected them to follow his orders, but the result was different this time. The response from his allies was dyed. Arrows and quarrels flew, tearing into hisrades. The enemy, wielding spears, approached and started stabbing while his unit was still in a state of panic. ¡°Why?¡± The timing was the problem. He should have given them a moment to catch their breath after the initial confusion. It was a mistake he knew well. It¡¯s fine. He would do better next time. Others might say that the goddess of luck had kissed him or given him a bagful of coins. But Encrid knew himself well. He wasn¡¯t particrly lucky. The second gpole he attacked. A fierce battle was necessary, just like before. Though he still hadn¡¯t mastered Focus Point. However,bining his newly acquired basic skills with realbat seemed to have significantly improved his abilities. ¡®Still a long way to go.¡¯ Encrid¡¯s standards were Rem and Ragna. It took three more days to break the second gpole. When he broke the gpole, the squad leader, with a dagger stuck in his belly,ughed and coughed up blood. ¡°It¡¯s a decoy!¡± ¡°I know.¡± Encrid nodded with two arrows lodged in his thigh. ¡°¡­What?¡± ¡°Four more to go.¡± ¡°What did you say?¡± ¡°Focus, focus.¡± Was it ack of concentration that made it difficult? Focus Point was challenging. Ignoring the enemy squad leader¡¯s chatter, Encrid focused his concentration. He boldly deflected and parried the enemy¡¯s spear, swinging his sword. The upward sh, now several times more familiar, split the enemy¡¯s chin. It cleaved from the mouth up to the nose. A quarrel flew from the side. Thunk, it lodged in his side. Thanks to his armor, he didn¡¯t die, but he hadn¡¯t noticed the five soldiers with crossbows. There were about 80 enemy soldiers near the gpole. A number he couldn¡¯t handle alone. ¡®I need to attack the gpole and also consider a retreat route.¡¯ He pondered and deliberated repeatedly. To achieve Focus Point and break the gpole, he transcended death. The third gpole required five more days. The fourth gpole required seven more days. ¡®If I were the enemymander,he would hide the gpole in the safest ce.¡¯ Before the fog settled, he used two more days to observe the enemy formation. Then he saw it. The enemy had encircled a single g unit. It was in the innermost part. Encrid warned his allies without making a mistake and ran forward. Everyone ducked well and held their shields properly. ¡°Rem, follow me!¡± He then brought Rem along. ¡°Magic¡­ what?¡± ¡°Just follow me!¡± He shouted and dashed forward, with Rem following behind. ¡°What kind of crazy thing are you trying to do?¡± Encrid didn¡¯t answer and instead charged toward the g unit blocking their path, with Rem by his side. ¡°Just the two of you!¡± An enemy soldier roared in anger. Encrid skillfully shifted his position, lowering his body to hide in the fog and leaving the enemy to Rem. ¡°Who cast the spell?¡± Rem¡¯s voice was like a cold me as he swung his axe. Turning back, Encrid saw the enemy soldier¡¯s head fly off with a thud even though the axe wasn¡¯t clearly visible. Blood spurted like a fountain from the severed neck before the body crumpled to the side. ¡°I¡¯ll get the answer from the next one.¡± Rem went berserk. Watching this, Encrid mentally mapped out the enemy¡¯s movements. It took five more days to finally encounter the innermost g unit. Only after five more grueling days could he prate that unit. Encrid used his head. Instead of charging head-on, he slipped in from the side, lowering his stance and watching carefully. He stealthily approached the gpole. Then someone blocked his way. ¡°Am I dreaming?¡± The one blocking his way spoke. Who is this guy? ¡°The gods have favored me and granted my wish. I always wanted to kill you with my own hands.¡± Encrid tilted his head, looking at the opponent blocking his way. He didn¡¯t remember who he was. ¡°¡­You forgot me in just a few days?¡± For the opponent, it had only been a few days, but for Encrid, thanks to the repeated days, it had been a year on this battlefield. ¡°Sorry. Please introduce yourself.¡± Encrid said politely, and a vein popped on the opponent¡¯s forehead. ¡°I¡¯m Mitch Hurrier, squad leader of the Duchy of Aspen.¡± Even hearing the name didn¡¯t jog Encrid¡¯s memory. ¡°I see.¡± When he nodded, Mitch¡¯s eyes red with anger. ¡°You bastard.¡± Mitch drew his sword in a rage. The ng of the drawn sword seemed somewhat familiar. ¡°Where have I seen this before?¡± ¡°Wait.¡± Encrid raised his hand to stop him. Mitch pointed his sword at him and asked, ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°I truly don¡¯t remember. Who are you?¡± ¡°You¡¯ll remember after a few sword strikes!¡± Mitch charged at him. Encrid drew his longsword to face him. ng, ng! Swords shed, resonating with the sound of metal on metal. They locked swords and then separated, and Mitch was inwardly surprised. ¡°This guy?¡± His skills had improved significantly. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 41 He aimed for the opponent¡¯s eyes and then shed the shoulder. After cutting the shoulder, he lowered his sword, shed at the thigh, and forcefully thrust the de. Encrid widened his eyes, observing his opponent¡¯s movements, gestures, and footwork, then predicted the next move. He then defended against the anticipated sword strike, blocking everything. Sparks flew between them, dissipating some of the fog. Amidst this, two shining eyes. ¡®The shoulder.¡¯ The opponent¡¯s line of attack aimed for his shoulder again. Encrid stepped back with his left foot, which he had previously moved forward. Instantly, his left shoulder moved back, and the opponent¡¯s sword thrust fiercely. He pivoted on his right foot, rotating sideways while bringing his left foot behind his right. With a whoosh, the de grazed his shoulder. Seizing the opportunity, Encrid raised his sword from a modified mid-stance, with the tip of the sword angled downward. Usually, when holding a sword, the edge facing the opponent is called the front edge, and the edge facing oneself is called the back edge. Raising the sword from a lowered position was called a back edge strike. The back edge of Encrid¡¯s sword aimed at the opponent¡¯s chin. Encrid anticipated the opponent would dodge. ¡®Even if he dodges, it creates an opening.¡¯ This would allow him to attack in the direction he intended next. It was a move he had honed through countless real battles. He intended to seize victory with a single step and a follow-up attack. ¡°You arrogant bastard!¡± The opponent, enraged, swung the sword horizontally after thrusting at his shoulder. Encrid had to quickly duck his head to avoid it. Naturally, the sword he was raising upward failed to fulfill its mission. ng! Encrid instead pulled his sword close to his body and quickly raised it above his head to block the next attack. The opponent had only feigned a horizontal sh and instead raised his sword above his head to bring it down. It was an overhead strike. Barely managing to block that attack, their swords locked together, stopping them both. ¡°Trying to catch me with just one step?¡± The opponent pressed down from above, losing his temper. ¡°Why? Is that not allowed?¡± Encrid retorted bluntly. The soldier who introduced himself as Mitch Hurrier red at him with anger in his eyes and expression. He had a remarkable talent for showing his anger through his face. ¡°You really don¡¯t want to die peacefully, do you?¡± ¡°No, my wish is to die of old age.¡± When it came to scratching at one¡¯s insides, Encrid was no less skilled than Rem. In fact, he was even better at running his mouth than Rem. A thick vein bulged on Mitch¡¯s forehead. ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll cut off all your limbs and shove you into a cesspool until you die of old age.¡± ¡°No, I¡¯m going to die of old age next to my great-grandchildren with all my limbs intact.¡± ¡°You bastard!¡± Thud! Mitch lifted his foot and kicked forward, but Encrid deflected it with his own foot. This created a distance of more than two steps between them. As soon as the gap widened, Encrid attempted to swing his sword, while Mitch used his momentum to rush forward. Mitch¡¯s body seemed to leave a long afterimage as he charged at a terrifying speed. Seeing this, Encrid adjusted his sword¡¯s trajectory and swung it downward. ng! Their swords met again. The sound of grinding metal echoed as their des shed. Encrid tried to push Mitch back with force, but Mitch¡¯s sword stuck to his as if glued. Mitch then twisted his wrist upward in an instant. With that single motion, the tip of his sword rose towards Encrid¡¯s head, bing parallel to the ground and lifting his sword. In a sh, Mitch¡¯s sword, with its strong part near the hilt, caught the tip of Encrid¡¯s sword. Mitch then thrust his sword straight forward. Despite his raging anger, Mitch¡¯s swordsmanship remained precise. ng, ng, ng. Their des shed noisily. If this continued, Encrid¡¯s throat would be pierced. Encrid mirrored Mitch¡¯s movements, twisting his wrist to lift his sword. ng! Sparks flew between them once more. In a split second, Mitch had flicked his sword away. Without a moment to catch his breath, the next attack followed. This time, Encrid initiated the attack. From the upper right to the lower left. A diagonal sh. He had trained and honed this move countless times. His skills, polished through real battles and rigorous training, shone brightly. A graceful line was drawn. The line traced down Mitch¡¯s body. Step, timing, stance, sword strike. It was a textbook sh, wless in every aspect. Mitch parried Encrid¡¯s sword with his own. At that moment, it felt to Encrid as if he was slicing through soft cotton rather than flesh. Mitch¡¯s sword bent gently, deflecting Encrid¡¯s de, then reversed direction, bringing its back edge down towards Encrid¡¯s head. Mitch rotated his wrist, drawing a small circle with his sword. ¡°Hah!¡± Out of breath, Encrid twisted his body sideways, unable to even think of blocking. Whoosh. Mitch¡¯s sword cut through the air where Encrid¡¯s head had just been. He dodged, but it threw off his stance. The falling de shed Encrid¡¯s right forearm. Though it wasn¡¯t a deep wound, blood flowed freely. There was no time for more words. ¡®The abdomen.¡¯ He had to deflect the sword aimed at his stomach and then dodge the diagonal sh targeting his thigh. Dodge, block, and strike at any openings. He tried to force the opponent back with an upper horizontal sh, but his foe was relentless. Instead of retreating, Mitch raised his sword and continued closing the distance. They were now at a range where their swords could converse. Encrid found himself on the defensive, barely able to block and dodge. ¡®Upper sh, diagonal, thrust.¡¯ He poured everything he had learned from basic training and realbat into his defense. Thrust, sh, pull, parry, and when he saw an opening, he used his feet as well. Mitch read all his moves, blocking what needed to be blocked and dodging what needed to be dodged. All the while, he inflicted more and more wounds on Encrid. First, his forearm, then his shoulder, thigh, and numerous minor cuts umted. Encrid barely, just barely managed to dodge. One attack that knocked off his helmet and grazed his forehead was so close that he felt lucky to have avoided it. It was aplete defense. Blood flowed from his forehead, sttering everywhere due to his intense movements. ¡®Next, the shoulder.¡¯ There was no time to breathe, no time to think. All that was left was blocking, dodging, and counter attacking. Even amidst this, he managed to counterattack asionally. For every three or four hits he took, he could deliver one, but he could keep attacking, so Encrid stayed focused. It felt like one wrong breath could mean death. Mitch felt the same way. When he first saw the lunatic who attacked their camp, he was clearlycking in skill. Even after exchanging only a few blows, his limits were obvious. Mitch had noticed this. But now, something was different. In just a few days, his skill had improved so much that Mitch questioned whether he was even the same person. It was almost more believable to think he had a twin. ¡®A twin?¡¯ Whenever he had distracting thoughts, Mitch¡¯s sword would unfailingly target his openings. Mitch realized that the thrust that had grazed his cheek just moments ago could have easily put a hole in his neck. ¡®This bastard.¡¯ Mitch focused. He couldn¡¯t afford to worry about what was happening around him or where he was. He concentrated solely on killing his opponent. Encrid was the same. He dodged and blocked. Blocked and dodged. Even when he saw openings, he hesitated to exploit them. Hesitating to thrust the sword into an opening meant he would soon be on the ferryboat prepared by the ferryman of the ck River. Even if he had to repeat today endlessly until death. Encrid had no intention of wasting any day. He gave his all. Because of this, repeating today had meaning. ¡®The chest, no, the abdomen.¡¯ He dodged a feinting thrust. He blocked and deflected the descending de as if he were an eagle. The deflecting technique was something he hadn¡¯t properly learned, so it was clumsy. It was more like blocking than deflecting. Encrid¡¯s heavy sword style primarily relied on overpowering the opponent with strength. Conversely, Mitch mixed precise sword techniques and fluid sword techniques. The precise sword technique involved driving the opponent into a predetermined path and then countering. The fluid sword technique involved deflecting the opponent¡¯s attacks to create openings. ng. Their swords met, radiating intense heat. Encrid gave his all, unable to neglect a single nerve. Even blinking could lead to defeat. At this moment, as they exchanged blows, Encrid¡¯s mind was free of everything: no gs, no thoughts of victory or defeat, no swordsmanship. Only the act of cutting, thrusting, and swinging at the opponent remained. Everything else vanished, leaving only one thing. The sword and him, him and the sword. The opponent¡¯s sword, the sword and the opponent. Encrid, holding the sword again, and the opponent holding the sword. After that, he forgot himself and forgot his opponent. In a state of oblivion, forgetting himself. Only the sword remained. Swinging, cutting, thrusting, blocking, and dodging filled Encridpletely. An endless ecstasy surged within him, and conversely, a fervent desire boiled up. ng! ng! Ting! ng! Clink! The metal shed in various ways, producing a variety of sounds. But nothingsts forever. Knowing this. ¡®Just a little more.¡¯ Encrid wished for this moment tost longer. He instinctively knew that merely repeating today would not easily bring him to this moment. He had experienced it once before. There had been a time when he felt no resistance at all and had cleanly cut down his opponent. It was a perfect sh. He had tried so hard to recreate that experience. It wasn¡¯t easy. He had not seeded since then, even up to now. It was the same now. Having forgotten himself and being left only with his sword, he wished this moment wouldst forever. But everything has an end. Thud! As he brought down his heavy sword from above, his opponent skillfully deflected it. The force was perfectly directed outward, leaving Encrid¡¯s chest exposed. Squelch! The opponent didn¡¯t miss that opening. The de, like a hot iron skewer, pierced his chest. ¡°Ugh¡­¡± With the sword lodged in his chest, Encrid stopped his arm. His limbs trembled. Having focused and exerted all his strength, his muscles were strained. Encrid, with his trembling arm lowering his sword, lifted his head. He saw his opponent drenched in sweat. ¡°I remember now.¡± Encrid said, blood dripping from his mouth. ¡°Finally?¡± ¡°You¡¯re the one with the torch, right?¡± As the de struck him, memories slowly resurfaced. It had left that much of an impression. ¡°Mitch Hurrier. toon leader of the Duchy of Aspen.¡± ¡°Encrid, Squad Leader of the Kingdom of Naurillia.¡± Encrid was soaked with blood and sweat. Sweat and blood streamed down his forehead. He was drenched as if caught in the rain, and his opponent was in the same state. They silently stared at each other in that condition. Encrid felt something he had never experienced before. He harbored no ill feelings toward the opponent who had just killed him. He only had a desperate desire to fight once more. Mitch Hurrier was expressionless. But his eyes told a different story. His gaze had changed. The anger had subsided, reced by an indescribable emotion. ¡°The dream has shattered.¡± A dream? Ah. ¡°It was a lie. Would a swordsman¡¯s wish really be to die of old age?¡± ¡°Yeah, just die now.¡± Mitch spoke and pulled out the sword. The de, like a hot skewer, tore through his chest again. The pain came, making his head go white. Encrid endured the pain and fell to one knee. Blood gurgled from his throat and flowed out of his mouth. Without the need to cough it up, the blood just flowed back up. ¡°What¡¯s going on? Has the enemy arrived?¡± Suddenly, a group of Aspen soldiers surrounded them. One of them spoke as he approached. ¡®I didn¡¯t even notice them.¡¯ Encrid nced around. The area was filled with enemies. ¡°Yes. He sneaked up here. Seems like he¡¯s good at ambushing.¡± ¡°You seem regretful, toon Leader.¡± ¡°¡­No.¡± Mitch spoke, staring intently at Encrid. Honestly, he felt regret. Meeting such an opponent was rare. He felt as if he had stepped into a new realm by fighting with his life on the line. Naturally, this brought a sense of regret. However, there was no trace of such emotions on the face of his opponent. He looked relieved and even excited, like a seven-year-old child holding a wooden sword. ¡°What are you?¡± Mitch opened his mouth in disbelief, but Encrid was no longer listening to him. He was dying, and a single thought dominated his mind. ¡®Ragna, you crazy bastard. It¡¯s not the fear of death that¡¯s needed.¡¯ The prerequisite for achieving Focus Point wasn¡¯t concentration at the moment of death. It was about having an opponent who would push your abilities, emotions, and everything else to the limit through long, life-and-death battles. An opponent against whom you had to pour out everything you had to survive. A fight filled with the exhration that it would end if you looked away for even a moment. He needed a worthy adversary. In that sense, Mitch Hurrier was perfect. He was a worthy opponent. Encrid realized this as hey dying. The sensation and experience from earlier were exactly what Ragna had referred to as Focus Point. He realized he had achieved it. And he understood that he had the chance to relive that sensation and experience by repeating today. To draw out that moment he wished hadsted a bit longer. That was Focus Point. Would it be easy? Probably not. But he would keep trying until he seeded. Mitch Hurrier¡¯s presence made it possible. Encrid realized this. So how could he not feel excited? Seeing the path forward again, Encrid died with a smile. ¡°Was he a madman?¡± Mitch could only tilt his head in puzzlement as he watched Encrid die with a smile. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 42 Ragna, discussing the technique called Focus Point, asked: ¡°Are you going to learn it?¡± ¡°Of course.¡± Encrid didn¡¯t hesitate. ¡®When did I get so skilled?¡¯ The basics of the northern style of swordsmanship were firmly ingrained. It wasn¡¯t just about swinging in the air and learning stances simply. These skills had been honed in realbat, bing a part of him. ¡®Amazing.¡¯ The Squad Leader was a fascinating person. Until yesterday, he had been primarily using the Valen Mercenary Sword Technique. Today, he demonstrated solid fundamental skills. ¡°From whom did you learn the sword?¡± ¡°It cost a lot of money.¡± He was saying he learned from a swordsmanship instructor. ¡®It must have cost a lot indeed.¡¯ It made sense. Even if he had tried to teach himself, he couldn¡¯t have done better. So, it was worth learning beyond the basics. Thus, he brought up Focus Point. However, Ragna was somewhat skeptical as he mentioned this. ¡®Learning it doesn¡¯t mean mastering it.¡¯ Though he imed to have developed it, it was actually one of the secret techniques passed down in his family. Of course, he didn¡¯t teach it exactly as it was. He couldn¡¯t just hand out his family¡¯s secrets to anyone. So, he modified and improved parts of it before teaching. Thus, saying it was a technique he developed wasn¡¯t entirely false. ¡®I¡¯ve never seen anyone actually seed.¡¯ Ragna had seen less than five people enter the state of Focus Point. Considering the time he had wandered the continent and his experience, it was a very small number. ¡®Not even five, it¡¯s more like three, at best.¡¯ Two of the five were like arrows shot haphazardly that hit a wolf¡¯s head. They were like finding a coin dropped by the goddess of luck. So, it¡¯s urate to say that there are only three people who can properly handle the ability to focus. It required talent. It¡¯s not easy to forget your surroundings and concentrate solely. This kind of talent wasn¡¯t limited to swordsmanship. Some schrs exhibited this level of concentration when mastering and learning their fields. They could even put themselves into such a state of concentration at will. They did this by immersing and engrossing themselves. But doing this while fighting¡ªcould it really be easy? It was natural to be skeptical. Even if luck allowed for a brief experience, mastering it would be impossible. ¡®Difficult, very difficult.¡¯ Ragna had managed to make Focus Point his own with just one step. But it would be hard for Encrid. Yet, why did he show such determination in his eyes? ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to exin? I don¡¯t need an exnation for the basics. Just teach me Focus Point.¡± How could he be so straightforward and honest? He felt like he was looking at a straight tree. A giant tree standing tall and firm, unburned even by a typhoon or thunderstorm. Despite knowing it was almost like chasing after a dream, the Squad Leader said he would learn. He nodded as if he somewhat understood. It seemed genuine. Well, the Squad Leader was always sincere. Whether training, swinging his sword, or doing anything, he faced it with his utmost effort. That was impressive, and it¡¯s likely why he was being taught the technique now. ¡°I think I get it.¡± The Squad Leader said. Ragna nodded, thinking Encrid might have misunderstood, but he nodded in support. It was a nod of encouragement. He knew the limits of talent clearly. While most geniuses fail to see what¡¯s beneath their feet, Ragna, having wandered the continent, had seen it. He had gone underground, met those who lived there, conversed, and crossed swords with them. ¡®Talent.¡¯ How many people had fallen to those two letters: ¡®talent¡¯. The Squad Leader would be one of them. It was the natural order of things. Nevertheless, because he didn¡¯t give up, Ragna felt a surge of motivation watching him. Selfishly, by not giving up, the Squad Leader allowed Ragna to continue on his path as well. So he decided to teach him with all his might. Ragna resolved to do just that. ¡°Forget your surroundings, forget yourself, and leave only pure concentration. That is Focus Point, the essence of concentration. When your life hangs by a thread, they say your past life shes before your eyes. Use that as a reference.¡± ¡°Really? I see.¡± Upon hearing this, the Squad Leader seemed to be only half-listening. That¡¯s unlike him. He certainly wasn¡¯t someone who would give up just because it seemed impossible. Ragna tried to force the concentration by threatening him with a sword a few times, but the Squad Leader still couldn¡¯t enter the state of concentration. ¡°Alright. Let¡¯s go.¡± Yet, he still went to the battlefield with a bright face. Seeing this, Ragna also felt a sudden surge of enthusiasm. ¡°Today, I¡¯ll loosen up my body a bit more intensely.¡± Normally, he wouldzily swing his sword, embodying the epitome of azy genius. Those weren¡¯t words that would usuallye from him. Encrid watched Ragna with a puzzled look. * * * What¡¯s with him now? Well, it¡¯s not a bad thing that he wants to fight seriously. Encrid, leaving the eager Ragna behind, focused on his own task. Today has started again. Ragna¡¯s method of training Focus Point was wrong. No, even if it was right, the method a genius grasped instantly didn¡¯t suit him. Then, was his own method right? He didn¡¯t know if it would work or not. So what should he do? ¡®Just test it out.¡¯ Encrid moved along a familiar route. After ordering the troops to lie down and hold their shields, adjusting their movements, he called for Rem. ¡°Who! The! Fuck! Is doing the sorcery!¡± Rem was fuming about the sorcery. ¡°Follow me!¡± He tapped Rem on the shoulder and said. ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°It¡¯s a charge.¡± ¡°What? Squad Leader, did you eat something bad?¡± Despite saying this, he followed well. It was the same route. This time, without being called, Ragna also followed. ¡°A charge? If it¡¯s to break the enemy vanguard, let me join.¡± ¡°Did you eat something bad too?¡± Rem said, looking at Ragna who had followed. Ragna ignored him and rushed forward. Although the area was shrouded in fog, it did not significantly hinder their movements. Rem was like a typhoon. The two axes in his hands crushed the enemy. He seemed capable of cutting down eighty infantrymen by himself. Ragna looked like a heavy battering ram. He mercilessly smashed through the infantry as if they were a fortress wall. Though not fast, his hands showed no mercy. Whether quarrels flew or enemy spears came at him, he cut and blocked them all with a single arming sword. It was a remarkable disy of skill. ¡®At least top-tier.¡¯ Top-tier was a level designating soldiers above the high level in the Kingdom of Naurillia. Above high-level was the highest level, and beyond that was top-tier. ¡®Or perhaps the highest level.¡¯ Encrid still didn¡¯t clearly know his own level. Therefore, he couldn¡¯t assess their level either. Anyway, now wasn¡¯t the time to be idly watching. Following the same route, Encrid stood in front of Mitch Hurrier. ¡°Let¡¯s have a duel.¡± This time, he spoke first. Mitch¡¯s eyes widened, then heughed. ¡°Crazy fool, you¡¯vee to die by your own will.¡± It wasn¡¯t entirely wrong. Even if he killed Mitch now, there would be no way to survive. But that was fine. He wasn¡¯t here to die but to sh with his best effort. ¡°Are you here targeting me? This is amazing; it¡¯s a first for me.¡± Mitch expressed his astonishment with his whole body. ¡°Why? Is this the first time you¡¯ve received a confession? I fell for you at first sight and came for you.¡± Encrid spoke. Mitch chuckled, then red. ¡°My squad is the Gray Hound, the persistent lovers. It¡¯s been a long time since someone found me before I found them.¡± ¡°Is that so? Are you disappointed? Should I hide again so you cane find me?¡± ¡°Enough nonsense.¡± Mitch Hurrier charged. Encrid steadied his breathing. He willed himself into a state of concentration and failed. The oue of the fight was quickly decided. His opponent was better than Encrid¡ªin skill, mental strength, and talent. He wasn¡¯t an opponent who could be taken on with just the basics. ¡°What did you trust in to face me? How did you get this far?¡± His lungs and intestines were shredded by the sword. It felt as if someone had ced a burning coal inside his stomach; the pain was excruciating. ¡°I trusted in myself. This time I made a mistake. My mindset was wrong.¡± Reliving today and having the same experience again wouldn¡¯t be easy. ¡°What?¡± ¡°I think I can do it next time.¡± Just like when he first entered a state of concentration and found enlightenment, he now gained a small realization. So he should try again. ¡°Even if I let you go, you¡¯ll die. What ¡®next time¡¯ are you talking about?¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t he crazy? Don¡¯t bother with him, toon Leader.¡± Swish! An enemy soldier beside them drew his sword and ced it against Encrid¡¯s neck. Without waiting, Encrid twisted his neck to cut himself on the de. Rip. The de must have been well-sharpened, as a searing pain apanied a deep wound on his neck. With the intense movement, pain surged from both his abdomen and neck simultaneously. Enduring pain so severe it felt like dying¡ªno, he was about to die, truly experiencing a pain leading to death¡ªEncrid opened his mouth. ¡°See you again.¡± Leaving those words, he bled out and died. * * * Today started again. Encrid sought out Mitch Hurrier once more. ¡°Nice to see you, my friend.¡± ¡°¡­Did you seriouslye looking for me?¡± ¡°Yes. That¡¯s right. I came to find the toon Leader of the Gray Hound, the persistent lover. Let¡¯s have a duel.¡± ¡°You¡¯re a crazy bastard.¡± They fought again. Encrid realized his mistake. ¡®You can¡¯t force it.¡¯ The more you think about needing to concentrate, the more you get bogged down by that thought. So, what should you do? Do it like the first time. Move to the rhythm of the opponent¡¯s sword, matching its tempo with your own. Fight, and fight again. It took eighteen repetitions of ¡®today¡¯ to get it right. Only then did Encrid re-enter the state of concentration. He was so happy. Even with one arm severed and lying on the ground, he smiled. He was so happy he forgot the pain. ¡°You¡¯re smiling?¡± Seeing this, Mitch brought his sword down. That ended it. Repeat again. Continue until you get it. Anyone watching would call him a stubborn bastard. They would say his persistence was remarkable. But for Encrid, persistence wasn¡¯t necessary. Entering the state of concentration. Improving his swordsmanship through repeated realbat and meeting worthy opponents. It was so satisfying that it was simply enjoyable. After twenty-eight repetitions of today, Encrid got the hang of the concentration state. Through forty-eight repetitions, he could intentionally bring out Focus Point. And after ny-four repetitions, he could bring out Focus Point whenever he wanted. Pure concentration. It meant havingplete control over his sword and body. With that came not only power but also skill. After mastering Focus Point, he began learning from Ragna again. When he showed Focus Point immediately after learning, Ragna frowned. ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°Why?¡± ¡°It seems like you¡¯ve learned this somewhere else first¡­ No, this isn¡¯t something you can just learn. Were you a genius?¡± A genius? Even with incredible luck and persistent experience, it took over a hundred repetitions to finally grasp it. Encrid knew he had no talent, but he didn¡¯t dwell on it. He simply enjoyed the present moment. So, repeating today, he said the phrase that had be a habit. ¡°I was lucky.¡± ¡°Do you think this is something that happens just because you¡¯re lucky?¡± Ragna was taken aback. Seeing this, Encrid thought it was time to move on from this day. After mastering the essence of Focus Point and pretending to be a genius, he turned away from Ragna. As he did, Ragna asked. ¡°Where are you going?¡± ¡°To meet the Company Commander.¡± Ragna let Encrid go. He was just amazed that the Squad Leader had mastered Focus Point in one go. Could the Squad Leader really be a genius? It didn¡¯t seem like it. Although he demonstrated Focus Point, there was a meticulousness about him, like a sculpture created through countless strikes. It was definitely not something he had learned after just one attempt. ¡®How is that possible?¡¯ As Ragna pondered, he quickly dropped the thought. There was no point in pondering if it wouldn¡¯t yield an answer. Leaving it alone was the best option. Just watching the Squad Leader filled him with motivation. Seeing Ragna¡¯s eyes shine with determination again today, Encrid thought, ¡®No matter what, today is a day filled with enthusiasm for him.¡¯ ¡®I should focus on my own tasks.¡¯ It wasn¡¯t the time to worry about Ragna. In this battle, no matter what, their side would suffer near-annihtion. To prevent this, two things were necessary. One was to clear the Fog of Annihtion. The other was for their troops to take cover while the fog cleared. He couldn¡¯t do both at the same time. Encrid only had one body. Breaking the gpole also posed a problem. He would need to escape from the middle of the enemy camp afterunching a surprise attack. Encrid didn¡¯t intend to remain trapped in ¡®today¡¯. Thus, he had to dismantle and destroy the enemy¡¯s strategy. ¡°I need to see the Company Commander.¡± Encrid approached the 4th toon Leader and said. ¡°¡­Now?¡± The atmosphere was tense among the troops as they could feel the approaching battle. In such a situation, it was understandable to be taken aback when someone asked to see the Company Commander. The toon Leader was resting, having propped his pike against the wall of the tent. He sat up from the camp bed, still wearing his boots. ¡°Yes, now.¡± ¡°Why?¡± ¡°I remembered something from the previous scouting mission.¡± The 4th toon Leader looked closely at Encrid, then nodded and stood up. There was a cracking sound from his knees as he stood and stretched before asking, ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°I think the Aspen Army has hidden some sorcery.¡± ¡°Sorcery?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± The toon Leader hesitated, unsure if this was true, but then, recalling that Encrid wasn¡¯t one to talk nonsense, he quickly moved. If there was something to say, it had to be said. The Company Commander would make the judgment. Soon, they arrived at the Company Commander¡¯s tent and were allowed inside. ¡°You wanted to see me?¡± The Company Commander, a green-eyed Fairy, asked. The tent was cozy. Encrid nodded as he watched the short torches crackling. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°For what reason?¡± The Fairy Company Commander¡¯s tone was cold, suggesting there would be consequences if this wasn¡¯t important. ¡°Sorcery.¡± Encrid didn¡¯t waste time. ¡°Sorcery?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± The toon Leader hesitated, unsure if this was true, but then, recalling that Encrid wasn¡¯t one to talk nonsense, he quickly moved. If there was something to say, it had to be said. The Company Commander would make the judgment. Soon, they arrived at the Company Commander¡¯s tent and were allowed inside. ¡°You wanted to see me?¡± The Company Commander, a green-eyed Fairy, asked. The tent was cozy. Encrid nodded as he watched the short torches crackling. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°For what reason?¡± The Fairy Company Commander¡¯s tone was cold, suggesting there would be consequences if this wasn¡¯t important. ¡°Sorcery.¡± Encrid didn¡¯t waste time. ¡°Sorcery?¡± ¡°The gpoles, the gs, and the person I saw in the enemy camp.He looked like a sorcerer.¡± Thanks to the relentless repetition of today, he remembered what he had seen, albeit vaguely. Encrid conveyed what he had seen with slight embellishments, enough to be persuasive. If this wasn¡¯t convincing enough, there was nothing else he could do. ¡®I¡¯ll just have to try again.¡¯ It was a privilege of someone who repeats the same day. Fortunately, the Fairy Company Commander listened to Encrid attentively. ¡°Tell me more.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± He mentioned hearing the enemy soldiers call out for their sorcerer. The Fairy Company Commander¡¯s eyes sparkled. He didn¡¯t mention that there would be fog. That would be too much. Sorcery was a closely guarded secret, not easily recognized at a nce. This was as far as he could go. The rest depended on the Company Commander¡¯s ability. Encrid delivered his message and returned to his position. He was now at the forefront of the battlefield. It was time to surpass Mitch Hurrier and break the gpole. ¡®This is as far as I can go.¡¯ The rest was up to themander. ¡°Phew.¡± It was time to ovee himself, trapped in today. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 43 The Duchy of Aspen is governed by three main families, with the Hurrier family symbolizing military strength. In the Hurrier family, regardless of whether a child was a boy or a girl, they all learned martial arts from birth. They assessed the children¡¯s talents and only gathered those who showed potential. Talent is biased, and the pranks yed by the goddess of luck are always unpredictable. To gather such biased talent, the Hurrier family did not discriminate between direct and coteral lines. Mitch Hurrier was one of them. Born into a coteral branch with a differentst name, he eventually became part of the Hurrier family. Mitch Hurrier showed exceptional talent from a young age. By the age of fifteen, he could already take on a couple of adult soldiers. By the following year, he had far surpassed the level of ordinary soldiers. At eighteen, he proved his skills by defeating a swordsman who could represent an entire vige in a one-on-one duel. At just twenty-two, he could spar with those renowned in an entire city without being significantly outmatched. The number of people who could match swords with him could be counted on one hand. There were few peers of his age. Such an environment bestowed upon him arrogance. ¡®If you try a few times, you¡¯ll get it, so why bother?¡¯ Why train until your thighs are swollen? Why swing your sword until your palms are torn? He didn¡¯t want to. He was content with his present. He didn¡¯t strive as he did when he first picked up a sword. Even so, with talent alone, he became one of the top three skilled fighters in the ¡®Gray Hound¡¯. This was the first time for someone like Mitch to face such a situation. Thud! He deflected the downward sh from below. Momentarily careless, the de grazed his shoulder. Mitch thrust his sword and kicked at his opponent¡¯s shin. It was a trick he often used against those less skilled than himself. When focused on the sword, it¡¯s not easy to block a kick aimed at the legs. Even if blocked, at least a gap would be created. His opponent, as if familiar with this pattern, dodged the thrust by twisting his shoulder and blocked the kick with one foot raised. Yet, his bnce remained unshaken. He had solid fundamentals. ¡®He certainly wasn¡¯t at this level before.¡¯ Mitch recalled the moment he faced the guy earlier. The guy had approached him abruptly and casually said, ¡°Hello, nice to meet you. How about we risk our lives for a duel?¡± It was a familiar face. It was definitely that bastard. An enemy soldier who had carried out a night raid. How did he get here with the fog obscuring visibility? There was no time to dwell on the question. The opponent had been the first to extend his sword. Thud! Mitch blocked and thought it could be another diversionary tactic. So this bastard would hold him off while telling hisrades to guard the rear. If the gpole fell, it would disrupt the entire operation. Wasn¡¯t that why he was here? If thepanymander leading the Gray Hound was to capture the enemy¡¯s retreat route and charge, his role was to hold this ce. The enemy soldier who had blocked his kick aimed his sword at Mitch¡¯s crown. Mitch blocked and deflected the opponent¡¯s sword, forming a cross with his own. ng. The des scraped against each other at an angle. In the final moment, they exerted force and pushed each other away. A gap of more than five steps formed between them. Before attacking again, Mitch spoke. ¡°Have you been hiding your skills?¡± ¡°Something like that.¡± ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡± ¡°Encrid.¡± He was the one Mitch had desperately wanted to meet. He felt he couldn¡¯t be satisfied unless he killed him. And this guy hade to him personally. Mitch licked his lips with his tongue. ¡°Alright, Encrid. I¡¯ll remember your name.¡± ¡°No need to remember. If you forget, I¡¯ll tell you again.¡± ¡°Crazy bastard, you¡¯re going to die here.¡± Mitch raised his sword over his left shoulder. After shing a few times, he could gauge his opponent¡¯s skill. Now it was time to show his true ability. At most, five strikes. In that time, Mitch believed he could behead this Encrid fellow. Five strikes passed. Mitch¡¯s brows furrowed. He scowled. This was a first for him. He understood if the opponent¡¯s skill was far superior, but that wasn¡¯t the case. It felt like his opponent was barely keeping up with him. Yet, it was as if he knew all of Mitch¡¯s habits, blocking, enduring, and countering. Mitch increased his speed. He mixed in some feints. Still, it didn¡¯t end. After exchanging a few more strikes, he began to see only his opponent. The sword and the opponent, the de and himself, himself and the de. Mitch Hurrier felt the same sensation as when he first picked up a sword. Back then, when he first held the sword, it felt like there was nothing under the sky but the sword and himself. When he swung, it felt like his opponent would be cut. When he thrust, it felt like he would pierce. When he drew back to strike, it felt like he would be hit. Mitch did just that. He struck downward, swung around, extended, thrust, and then swung again. And his opponent did the same. * * * Encrid drew upon a state of focus. In that state, he exchanged blows with Mitch. Thanks to countless repetitions of ¡®today¡¯, his opponent¡¯s habits were clear. He blocked his foot and parried the sword. Then, suddenly, his opponent¡¯s sword changed. It became fiercer and sharper than before. Thrusting, curving, shing, the de twirled. Thud! ng! Thudududung! With each forceful sh, sparks flew from the des. A few strikes grazed his shoulder and shed his side. They weren¡¯t deep wounds, but blood droplets scattered in the air. At least three times, he narrowly escaped death. In those moments, Encrid¡¯s concentration deepened. Even deeper. Encrid intentionally pushed himself further into a focused state. He forgot his surroundings and entered a world where only he and his sword existed. His Focus Point activated fully. In his eyes, there was only Mitch Hurrier¡¯s sword. In Mitch Hurrier¡¯s eyes, there was only Encrid¡¯s sword. They fought like madmen. Both risked their lives. Their exchanges were so intense that even those watching felt dizzy. Swoosh. Failing to cut each other¡¯s throats, they both bled from their necks. Mitch, still in his focused state, used his ultimate technique. He stepped back with his left foot and forward with his right, creating an unfamiliar distance. He lowered the tip of his sword behind his hip. ¡°Hup.¡± With a short intake of breath, his muscles tensed. True sword and Phantom sword. Both resembled sword techniques meant to counter. Mitch had mastered a technique of counter-shing with a reversal. It was called the Wheel sh, a technique that drew arge circle from bottom to top. By changing his stance and hiding the sword with his body, he concealed the starting point of his attack, creating an unblockable strike. He adjusted his footing to alter the distance solely for this one Wheel sh. As Mitch prepared for the Wheel sh, Encrid experienced a deep state of focus. What he gained from that experience wasn¡¯t just swordsmanship. ¡®I can see it.¡¯ Although he couldn¡¯t see it, he could clearly picture his opponent¡¯s movements in his mind. His hearing became incredibly acute as he entered a state of intense focus. The sound of feet stepping, the sound of a sword being drawn back while steadying his breath¡ªevery sound that reached his ears was processed into information, forming an image in his mind. He had died more than ten times to the Wheel sh. Due to his countless experiences with the technique his opponent was now using, the image in Encrid¡¯s mind was exceptionally vivid. It was as if he could see the hidden sword and hear his opponent¡¯s breathing. Combining all this, he read the timing of the Wheel sh. Whoosh. The sound of the de cutting through the air pierced his ears. The de soon soared upward, curving from below. Encrid, in his focused state, reflexively brought his sword down. It was precisely the trajectory needed to block the Wheel sh. ng! The sword rising from below met the swording down from above. Both exerted such force that a crack appeared in Encrid¡¯s sword with a snap. In the moment their swords met, Mitch was surprised his strike was blocked, causing his focused state to waver. But Encrid remained unwavering. The cracked sword in Encrid¡¯s hand moved along the opponent¡¯s de as if sliding. Screech! As the des rubbed against each other, they emitted a strange noise. Mitch instinctively raised his sword. Normally, his de would have risen, but Encrid pressed it down with sheer strength. It was only natural that pressing down from above was more advantageous than lifting from below. Moreover, with daily training, Encrid had superior strength. In a contest of strength, Mitch couldn¡¯t match him. Encrid pressed down on the de, extended his left foot forward, and applied more force, pushing his sword downward as if flicking it away. Whoosh! Mitch¡¯s sword was knocked downward. Encrid, still in motion, stepped forward with his left foot and twisted his waist. His sword extended forward, pinpointing its mark. The tip of the sword thrust into Mitch¡¯s chest with a thud. Although Mitch was wearing armor, the force behind the sword was overwhelming. His chest was pierced. However, it didn¡¯t pratepletely. Encrid quickly withdrew his sword. With a swoosh, the blood-stained de came out. ¡°Hoo, hoo.¡± Encrid retrieved his sword and took a deep breath. He had exerted all his strength in that brief moment. His limbs were trembling. Blood gushed from Mitch¡¯s chest. Staggering back like a drunk, Mitch took a few steps and then steadied himself. His pupils seemed to dte, but he soon widened his eyes and gathered his strength. ¡°I should have aimed for the counter.¡± Mitch spoke. Blood continued to flow from his chest, not in small amounts. The streaming blood quickly soaked his clothes. ¡°If I had blocked, deflected, and created an opening, it would have been a fight in my favor. Don¡¯t you agree?¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t the result what decides the oue?¡± Encrid responded with a question. ¡°You¡¯re not wrong, but I feel so frustrated. Or maybe not. Yeah, I shouldn¡¯t have skipped training. In the end, I lost purely to strength.¡± Mitch¡¯s gaze grew hazy. He was going to die even if left alone. The blood flow increased. Encrid raised his sword and took two steps forward. ¡°Stop!¡± Just as he was about to thrust his sword, someone shouted and rushed forward. With a heavy thud, Encrid angled his sword to partially shield his upper body. Thud! A heavy impactnded on his sword. Encrid took two steps back and looked at his opponent. It was a man with a mustache. He stood in front of Mitch, blocking Encrid. ¡°Protect Mitch!¡± The man shouted. Encrid nced around. Three or four more soldiers appeared and simrly stood in front of Mitch. Then they sprinkled powdered medicine on Mitch¡¯s chest. The bleeding from his chest stopped quickly. ¡°You bastard. Do you know where you are, daring to fight alone?¡± The mustached man red at him. He looked furious. His eyes darted to Mitch. Is that guy important? Encrid steadied his breathing while observing his opponent. His shoulders heaved, indicating he was out of breath. Yet, his stance had no openings. The mustached man had just returned after checking the gpole. He had thought Mitch would win. Encrid¡¯s skills didn¡¯t seem impressive. But the result was the exact opposite. Even though Encrid had defeated Mitch, he didn¡¯t get excited. There was still work to be done. This was a battlefield, and they were in the midst of a fight. The purpose was not a romantic one-on-one duel or a sparring match. Encrid was clear about his task. ¡°They say the bigger the medium for a spell, the worse it is. Is that right?¡± Encrid spoke as he watched two soldiers support Mitch and take him away. The mustached man blocking his path narrowed his eyes. ¡°This guy knows something.¡± A lot. Encrid tapped the ground with his toe and swiftly kicked upwards. Dust and short weeds flew up, covering the mustached man¡¯s face. The man quickly raised his hand to block and shouted. ¡°Stop him! Don¡¯t let him get to the gpole!¡± The moment Encrid saw his opponent¡¯s vision obscured, he dashed forward. Swish! A quarrel flew from behind. Though he quickly twisted his body to the left, one shot hit the back of his right shoulder. ¡®This much is fine.¡¯ Encrid sprinted straight toward the gpole. An enemy soldier blocking his path wielded a spear. Charging like a rhino and snorting, Encrid nted his foot firmly five steps ahead and veered to the right. The quarrel fired at Encrid from behind struck the soldier with the spear instead. ¡°Ah! My eye!¡± The unfortunate soldier was hit in the eye by the quarrel. More than three others were hit in their arms or torsos. ¡°Stop shooting! Stop shooting!¡± Amander among the crossbowmen shouted. Encrid, though not in a full state of focus, maintained a partial state of concentration. His Focus Point and the sense of his de ovepped. He used the sounds to map out the positions and situations of the enemy in his mind. He spun backward with his sword raised and leaped into the midst of the crossbowmen. ¡°Ah!¡± As he shed downward on the head of a surprised soldier, there was a sickening crack as the skull split open. Due to the force of the chopping motion, the sword was lifted upward by the recoil. He swung his sword in a sweeping arc around him. Whoosh! The startled enemy soldiers retreated. ¡°Gray Hound! Chase him!¡± The mustached man who was pursuing shouted. Encrid, after jumping into the group of crossbowmen, dashed to the opposite side. Thrust! As he moved forward, he stabbed an enemy soldier in the neck with his sword. He picked up a fallen quarrel and threw it to the side. The quarrel flew with a twang, hitting an enemy soldier¡¯s armor and falling uselessly to the ground. The struck soldier drew a shortsword and charged, but a throwing knife thrown by Encrid right after the quarrel embedded itself in his forehead. He had let his guard down after blocking the quarrel. ¡°Huff!¡± Encrid exhaled shortly, weaving through the enemy lines as if they were his own territory. He had two main objectives. One was to destroy the gpole. The second was hoping that his alliedmander would stop doing something stupid and cover his back. ¡°You bastard!¡± The mustached man snorted, anger seemingly boiling to the top of his head. Encrid, after dodging and weaving, finally reached the vicinity of the gpole. He threw all the throwing knives in his hand. Thwip, thwip, thwip! Five knives flew through the air. All five throwing knives struck the fluttering g. Since the g was made of thick cloth, it didn¡¯t easily get punctured. The enemy soldiers were startled when Encrid threw the knives. ¡°Damn it!¡± More enemy soldiers started cursing. ¡°Stop him! Stop him!¡± A voice, presumably from a sorcerer under the gpole, shouted in panic. As everyone turned their eyes to the g being struck by the knives, Encrid rolled on the ground. Even though no one was shooting quarrels or arrows at him, he suddenly did a forward roll. No one paid attention to that. His roll caused him toe to a halt, and the mustached soldier closed the distance. Got you, you bastard. Just as the mustached soldier was sure of his victory. Encrid was in the process of picking up a fallen spear from the ground. ¡°Stop him!¡± ¡°No!¡± Both the mustached man and the sorcerer shouted. Encrid responded with his actions. He nted his left foot firmly and used his whole body¡¯s momentum to hurl the spear. With a thud, the spear flew and struck the g. Rip! The g tore, creating a hole. If the medium for a spell is damaged, it falls apart. There was no need to topple the entire gpole. Just tearing the g was enough. He didn¡¯t have to reach the front lines. Seeing the fog around him dissipate, Encrid let out a long breath, almost a sigh of relief. ¡°You crazy bastard, do you think you can get out of here alive?¡± The mustached man¡¯s eyes zed with anger. Encrid raised his sword, assuming a defensive stance aligned with his body¡¯s centerline, and nodded. ¡°Maybe?¡± The odds were fifty-fifty. A fifty percent chance of survival, a fifty percent chance of death. For most people, those odds would be terrifying. But not for Encrid. If he failed, he could always try again. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 44 The Fairy Company Commander twitched her ears. At the same time, the events happening around her became vividly clear in her mind, as if she could see them. Her keen senses were an innate talent of the fairies. Relying on her hearing, she took two steps to the right. Whoosh. This positioned her in front of an enemy soldier thrusting a spear. She was at the forefront of her allies. The Fairy Company Commander struck upwards at the enemy¡¯s spear shaft. As she deflected the shaft upwards, her sword, moving like a de of grass carried by the wind, pierced the enemy¡¯s neck and returned. Squelch! Pop! Blood spurted from the punctured throat. She flicked her sword downward, scattering the blood on the floor. She kept moving. Staying in one ce would only make her a target for quarrels. Running, the Fairy Company Commander swung her leaf-shaped sword. Ting. Two quarrels were deflected off the de. The sword she held was called ¡®Naidil¡¯. Shorter, sharper, and more streamlined than a typical sword, it was a piece of fairy equipment resembling a leaf. When the handle was pulled out, the de¡¯s shape evoked the image of a small boat or a leaf. The fairy¡¯s unique swordsmanshipbined three forms: flowing sword, precise sword, and swift sword. Naidil was a weapon specialized for that kind of swordsmanship. And the technique thepanymander disyed was just that. There was no soldier who could withstand the technique of deflecting, parrying, and piercing like a ray of light. ¡®This is not good.¡¯ Despite her overwhelming the enemy, the Fairy Company Commander felt a sense of doom. Was sorcery always this dangerous? She had faced a berserker warrior under a curse before. The berserker, ignoring his own injuries and charging recklessly, was dangerous and fierce, but it was temporary and not something that could dominate an entire battlefield. Her knowledge of sorcery was limited to that. So, when the fog rolled in, she couldn¡¯t help but be surprised. Was this really sorcery? Fortunately, she was prepared and reacted ordingly. When the fog first appeared, the Fairy Company Commander had her unit form a tight circle formation. She executed themands ¡®down¡¯ and ¡®shields¡¯ precisely. When she shouted, several toon leaders echoed themands like crazed parrots, holding their ground. Suddenly being unable to see was enough to induce panic. The dire state of the battle was natural. Even in this situation, she did her duty. She broke formation and single-handedly cut down and stabbed the enemy¡¯s front line. If she didn¡¯t, her allies would be wiped out in no time. The 1st Company might hold out, but just barely. ¡®Like sprouting potato buds.¡¯ The Fairy Company Commander cursed the battalionmander inwardly. Potato sprouts are poisonous. Fairies tended to enjoy using nt metaphors. When a potato sprouts, you must cut off the sprouts before eating it. Eating them as they are causes poison to umte in the body. The current battalionmander was exactly like those potato sprouts. In this situation, themand should being up with some kind of countermeasure, but there were no orders from the battalionmander. No whistles, no shouts, no instructions at all. He led the unit carelessly, relying solely on his backing. Despite countless warnings about sorcery and preparations, he didn¡¯t seem to take it seriously. This kingdom was like a peach covered in mold. Rotten, in other words. How could they send such a piece of trash to the front lines as a battalionmander? ¡®Even with luck on our side.¡¯ Would even ten out of a hundred survive? The fog blinded their allies. That was fatal. While predicting such a bleak future, the fog in front of her suddenly lifted. ¡°Huh?¡± The Fairy Company Commander stopped, holding her sword, Naidil. She was bewildered. The fog disappeared as quickly as it had appeared. The enemy was more surprised than she was. ¡°What?¡± The enemy soldier holding a long spear right in front of her was too stunned to think of thrusting it. The Fairy Company Commander¡¯s bewilderment was brief. She fought well even in the fog. She swung Naidil in a sweeping arc. The de traced a semicircle in the air, slicing the enemy¡¯s throat urately. ¡°Gah!¡± Another enemy soldier fell. Thepanymander judged that this was the turning point of the battle. There was no time to ponder why the fog had lifted. ¡°Everyone, turn around! Counterattack!¡± Her shout was met with responses from all around. ¡°Charge! Charge! Chaaaarge!¡± ¡°Kill! Kill them all!¡± ¡°You bastards!¡± ¡°Crush them all!¡± As their momentum shifted, so did the flow of the battlefield. The Fairy Company Commander sheathed her sword, Naidil, and held her position. Soon, herpany swept past her. ¡°Companymander!¡± The 1st toon leader shouted. ¡°Grind them all down.¡± Thepanymander replied. The 1st toon leader answered with a battle cry. ¡°Raaah!¡± The air of the battlefield heated up. The grim atmosphere that had been lingering among the allies vanished instantly. The Fairy Company Commander then wondered why the fog had suddenly disappeared. ¡®Could it be?¡¯ That Squad Leader? She had no reason to believe it, but she felt he had done it. It was a pure instinct. The fairy¡¯s instincts were still sharp. * * * The captain of the Gray Hound, an independentpany of the Aspen Kingdom, was blocking the retreat route from behind. It was precisely at the point where the fog lifted. All he had to do was kill the emerging enemies as they came out. Enemies in panic and fleeing were the easiest targets. But suddenly, the fog lifted. ¡°What¡¯s this? Why did the fog clear?¡± ¡°Captain, the enemy is turning around.¡± There were no particr hills to obscure vision on the Green Pearl ins. They could see the Naurillia Kingdom¡¯s army turning around. The captain quickly assessed the situation. Whether the sorcerer had messed up or the sorcery had failed, there was a problem. If things continued like this, the strategy their allies had prepared wouldpletely fall apart. ¡°Attack from behind! Don¡¯t break through, cut them down from the side! Follow me!¡± The captain charged ahead. They attacked the rear of the Naurillia Kingdom¡¯s army. By attacking from behind, they intended to aid the retreat of their allies on the front lines. ¡°What the heck.¡± The captain of the Gray Hound resolved to punish whoever had lifted the fog. * * * Encrid realized that his calctions were way off. The quarrel lodged in his right shoulder de prevented him from wielding his sword properly with his right hand. His opponent was slightly more skilled than Mitch Hurrier. Even when he tried to focus on a single point, enemies suddenly appeared, thrusting spears at him from behind. It would have been fortunate if there were only spearmen aiming for his back. Five crossbowmen followed him, continuously targeting him. Because of this, a quarrel was also embedded in his thigh. ¡®Running with this leg is out of the question.¡¯ His sword, already cracked, had broken in half. The enemy used a middle sword technique, employing powerful strikes. Blood from his thigh and back, mixed with the blood of his enemies, covered Encrid in gore. Seeing him hold out with a half-broken sword, the mustached man felt a grudging admiration. Though he was an enemy, spoke irritatingly, and had disrupted the sorcery. His spirit was remarkable. Even now, he showed no sign of giving up. ¡°What makes you keep going?¡± The mustached man asked. Encrid, catching his breath, looked at the crossbowmen behind him and replied. ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°I¡¯m asking why you haven¡¯t given up yet.¡± Encrid answered without hesitation. ¡°Because I¡¯m a Squad Leader.¡± ¡°So?¡± ¡°In my squad, there are friends named Rem and Ragna.¡± ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°They fight so well, it¡¯s hard to believe they¡¯re just squad members.¡± ¡°Are theying to rescue you?¡± ¡°That was one scenario.¡± Havinge this far, he thought they¡¯d be nearby. But no, they were nowhere to be seen. He thought they would have appeared by now. If they hadn¡¯te by now, they wouldn¡¯t being. That was the reality. At the same time, Rem was pushing through, having decimated an enemy, making his way through the tall grass. Ragna, hindered by the fog, was dealing only with the enemies charging at him. Once the fog cleared, he rejoined the allies. Neither knew where their Squad Leader was. The mustached man took a step forward with his sword. Encrid, dragging his injured right foot, stepped back. Despite that, his eyes were still so full of life. Encrid¡¯s eyes were still aiming for something. With that leg? Where was he nning to run? Looking at the mustached man, Encrid thought he was a meticulous bastard. But that didn¡¯t mean he was going to give up on ¡®today.¡¯ If he died and repeated, so be it. He knew it all too well. But he didn¡¯t think he was fatally wounded yet. Above all, if he had spent all those ¡®todays¡¯ meaninglessly, the current Encrid wouldn¡¯t exist. Up until hisst breath, Encrid would resist. He would do his utmost to live today. Never giving up and struggling until the end was who he was. ¡°It¡¯s a shame you¡¯re an enemy.¡± The mustached man said, taking another step forward. Encrid could retreat no further. Behind him, an enemy soldier with a spear was ring at him menacingly. He nced back once and then looked forward again. The mustached man gripped his sword with both hands. The de of the longer-than-usual bastard sword reflected the sunlight that had broken through the lifting fog. ¡®Right? Left?¡¯ Which way to dodge? No matter which way he dodged, he couldn¡¯t avoid a fatal wound. But he didn¡¯t want to die quietly. ¡®If I can¡¯t dodge.¡¯ Encrid gripped his broken sword tightly. If he couldn¡¯t go left or right, and retreating was not an option, then he had to advance. The moment he decided, as the sword was falling, he rushed forward. Thwack! With the sound of a string snapping, a quarrel flew and embedded itself in his left shoulder. Taking advantage of the moment he was distracted by the sword, one soldier had fired a crossbow. Encrid let out a short groan, oveing the pain, and spoke. ¡°Hmm, dirty move.¡± ¡°Thanks for thepliment.¡± The mustached man said, holding his sword. There was no hint of a smile. Even if he killed the enemy in front of him, the war would likely still be lost. The life of one soldier versus the oue of the battlefield. Even an eight-year-old passing by would know which was more valuable. But letting him live was even more absurd. Swoosh. The sword came down. A strong strike with a heavy sword. Encrid did not close his eyes. He watched the descending sword to the end. The Heart of the Beast gave him courage. Without blinking, Encrid thought. ¡®If my body were normal, how would I block this?¡¯ Until the very end, he focused on wielding his sword. And just before the sword struck his forehead. ¡°Aaah!¡± A soldier¡¯s scream came from behind. Simultaneously with the scream, a dark shadow struck the mustached man¡¯s sword. Thud! Encrid didn¡¯t get a proper look at what the shadow was. He just thought it wasn¡¯t a sword or an arrow. If it were a sword or an arrow, it wouldn¡¯t have twisted in the air andnded on the ground like that. ¡°¡­What?¡± Encrid confirmed the presence of the shadow. Blue eyes, fur as ck as silk. It was a ck panther. Suddenly, a distant memory surfaced. Normally, it wouldn¡¯t be such a distant memory, but thanks to repeating today so many times, it had faded. A memory that should have been forgotten. Yet a memory that wasn¡¯t forgotten. Seeing the ck fur and blue eyes, the memory came to mind clearly. It was the beast he had encountered in the tall grass. ¡°You?¡± ¡°Grr.¡± The ck panther seemed to have grown since then, its body a bitrger. It continued to re at the mustached man and let out a fierce roar, ¡°Kaaaargh!¡± ¡°What is this now?¡± The mustached man¡¯s eyebrows shot up in astonishment. Then he expressed his anger. In response, two crossbowmen aimed at the panther and fired their quarrels. ¡°Hey, watch out!¡± Encrid shouted in surprise. The panther twisted its body gracefully and kicked off the ground several times, easily dodging all the quarrels. Then, with a powerful leap, itunched forward. The mustached man reflexively struck down with his sword. The panther didn¡¯t evene close to him. It looked like a stretch of ck silk. It was that fast. The panther¡¯s target was the crossbowmen. ¡°Gah!¡± The panther¡¯s ws were so sharp that with a swipe, it cut through the Achilles tendon at the back of the crossbowman¡¯s ankle, causing blood to stter. Leather boots were no match for its ws. ng! When the panther pounced, the soldier drew a shortsword. The panther then disyed an even more astonishing move. Instead of targeting the soldier, it kicked the crossbow. It jumped, using its front paws to break the crossbow string with its back ws. Then, it stomped on the crossbow and kicked it away before pouncing on another one. It did the same thing again, shing the string of the crossbow with its front paws. ¡®Did it aim for that?¡¯ Once could be a coincidence, but cutting all five crossbow strings couldn¡¯t be seen as mere chance. ¡°Such a lowly creature.¡± The mustached man¡¯s face turned red with anger. The panther ignored him. It swiftly returned to Encrid¡¯s side and bit down on the scruff of his neck. ¡°Grr!¡± For some reason, the panther seemed displeased, snorting as it started running. The panther was incredibly strong. Though Encrid¡¯s legs dragged and his body scraped against the ground, it was as fast as if he were running himself. His back hurt and fresh cuts appeared on his limbs in real-time. As he was dragged along, he felt something warm flowing down the back of his neck. He wanted to turn his head to check, but he didn¡¯t have the chance. ¡°Chase them!¡± The mustached man shouted. Even so, it seemed difficult to escape from here. ¡°Run.¡± Encrid spoke. Naturally, the panther didn¡¯t respond. Warm liquid kept flowing down his neck while the mustached man pursued them from behind. Encrid, with the panther biting his scruff, was being dragged across the ground in a desperate escape. Still, this kind of escape had its limits. The panther¡¯s endurance was finite. The mustached man showed no intention of letting them go. Determination was etched in his bloodshot eyes. ¡°I said run.¡± He repeated to the panther, but then a dark shadow appeared above his head. ¡°We¡¯vee to rescue you.¡± ¡°What?¡± It was unexpected reinforcements. An ally drenched in blood. A familiar face, once a frequent target of his teasing¡ªthe toon leader. ¡°toon Leader Vengeance?¡± ¡°Yes, it¡¯s me. I¡¯vee.¡± He stood in front of Encrid, wielding his sword. And he wasn¡¯t alone. More allied soldiers swarmed in behind him. A toon had somehow broken through and reached them. Encrid, or rather the panther, had bought enough time for them to arrive. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 45 ¡°Bring it on!¡± The Vengeance toon Leader shouted as he swung his sword down. The Mustached man held his sword horizontally to the ground, cutting through the middle. The swords of the Vengeance toon Leader and the Mustached man met. ng! The moment the swords shed, the Mustached man stepped forward, putting his weight into pushing his opponent back. Vengeance, who was focused solely on swinging his sword, was helplessly thrown backward. ¡°Ugh!¡± Losing his bnce, he not only stumbled but rolled backward entirely. Dust rose from the spot where he rolled. With his head between his legs, Vengeance¡¯s body came to a stop right next to Encrid. The eyes of the Vengeance toon Leader and Encrid met. A brief silence hung between them. A cold wind blew from somewhere, whistling through. Vengeance¡¯s face turned bright red. Encrid carefully chose his words. ¡°¡­You said you came to save me.¡± Vengeance¡¯s pupils trembled violently. ¡°Why is that bastard so strong?¡± Encrid let out a hollowugh. No, you came to save me, so why are you knocked out with one hit? The Vengeance toon Leader, who rolled his body once more to stand up, grabbed the sword that had fallen to the ground and took his stance again. ¡°Damn, this bastard.¡± He red at his opponent and then shouted. ¡°Shoot!¡± Half of Vengeance¡¯s toon were archers. ¡°Shoot freely!¡± At hismand, arrows flew. ¡°Block it!¡± ¡°Raise your shields!¡± A few enemy soldiers, closely following the Mustached man, rushed forward and raised their shields. Thud! The arrows were blocked by the shields. It was perfect timing. The Mustached man peeked over the shield, ring at Encrid with fierce eyes. Then he snatched a shield from one of his subordinates. This is insane. Encrid gritted his teeth and stood up abruptly. A burning pain shot through his leg and back where quarrels had struck. There was no time to groan. Growl. A panther bared its fangs next to him. In the meantime, the shield held by the Mustached man drew closer. ¡°That crazy bastard!¡± Vengeance shouted in surprise. Encrid endured the pain and drew the shortsword from Vengeance¡¯s belt. ng. By then, the Mustached man was right in front of him. There was no chance to retreat. Whoosh. Vengeance shed his sword, aiming to intersect the opponent¡¯s de. He intended to block the charge with force. The Mustached man pretended to sh swords but twisted his wrist, pulling his sword back and deflecting Vengeance¡¯s blow. Whoosh. Vengeance¡¯s sword sliced through the air. Behind him, the panther pounced with a thud. The Mustached man was different from ordinary soldiers. He lowered his shield diagonally, blocking and deflecting the panther¡¯s path. ¡°Yelp!¡± The panther, letting out a cry, was thrown aside. All these actions urred within mere seconds after the charge. Gripping the shortsword, Encrid focused intensely. Soon, it was just him and his opponent in his mind. It was a Focus Point. The injury, the relief, the emotional shifts all heightened his concentration. For a moment, time seemed to slow down. Encrid saw the bloodshot eyes of the Mustached man. At the same time, he saw his opponent¡¯s hand. The Mustached man gripped just above the pommel, extending his reach for a decisive strike. He drew an arc with his sword, from top to bottom. He couldn¡¯t even remember when he raised his sword, but it wasing down now. The de was descending. It felt like the de of a guillotine. The Mustached man¡¯s de seemed to say that today would repeat once more. Encrid hated that. He swallowed his breath. There was no time to exhale. There was no time to whine about the pain. He had practiced heavy swordsmanship, but now he couldn¡¯t rely on the basics he learned from Ragna. So then. Among the dozens of sword techniques he had learned, practiced, observed, and imitated, which one could he use now? He had been struck countless times, studying and researching over and over again. He always maintained an attitude of watching and learning. His body instinctively raised the sword. A shortsword was weak against impact. Blocking with force would shatter it. The Mustached man was confident of his victory. He believed he could take the life of the annoying person in front of him. Swish. Ting, chiiing. Thud! To put it simply, the Mustached man¡¯s strike failed. He only managed to cut Encrid¡¯s shoulder. The cut was deep, and blood gushed out, but he didn¡¯t die. He wasn¡¯t killed. ¡°You.¡± Instead of attacking again, the Mustached man opened his eyes wide in surprise. His eyes were filled with disbelief. ¡°Where did you learn that!¡± The Mustached man shouted. Encrid answered honestly. ¡°I learned it while fighting.¡± Mitch Hurrier had shown Encrid countless times the technique of deflecting and redirecting blows. His deflecting technique was truly superb. In a dangerous moment, it had unconsciouslye out. When the Mustached man¡¯s sword came down, Encrid deflected it to the side with his shortsword. He intercepted the middle of the de, absorbing the force, and loosened his grip to redirect it. The distribution of force and timing had to be perfect. If anything had been wrong, it wouldn¡¯t have ended with just a shoulder cut. Encrid, who answered, was inwardly surprised. ¡®This actually works.¡¯ He had studied and endured it countless times, but it was his first time actually using it. No, it was his first time using a technique sessfully without rigorous training. It was a truly amazing thing. For Encrid, whocked any remarkable talent, it was unbelievable. His heart raced at this first experience. The technique of deflecting a sword was something that couldn¡¯t be imitated without considerable training. ¡°You bastard!¡± Behind the Mustached man, Vengeance, who had swung his sword in the air, turned around and shouted as he charged. The Mustached man turned, deflected Vengeance¡¯s sword, and raised his shield to guard the front again. Thud! An arrow embedded itself in the shield. A skilled archer had targeted him, but he blocked it. ng! ng! The Mustached man exchanged a few more blows with Vengeance in ce. He red at Encrid with fiery eyes. Encrid was only looking at the shortsword in his hand. It was already toote to charge again and kill. On the contrary, if he got stuck here, they could all die. The Mustached man turned around. ¡°Retreat!¡± He shouted and withdrew. As he retreated, he finally spoke to Encrid. ¡°You, I won¡¯t forget you.¡± Encrid responded sincerely. ¡°You can forget me.¡± He meant it. What good would it do to remember him? Vengeance¡¯s toon didn¡¯t pursue further. Even though they had been at the forefront, they were now far ahead of their own troops. If they went any further, Vengeance¡¯s toon could be annihted by a counterattack. ¡°Hey, your shoulder!¡± Vengeance, having red at the retreating Mustached man, turned to check on Encrid. Blood was flowing steadily from his shoulder. He had blocked and deflected the blow, but it wasn¡¯t perfect. Still, Encrid smiled. ¡®This actually works.¡¯ He repeated the same thought he had when the technique seeded earlier. He tried to recall how he had deflected the opponent¡¯s sword, but he couldn¡¯t remember clearly. His body had moved on its own. A surge of exhration rose within him. It was his first time feeling this way. ¡°Hey, you crazy bastard, is this the time to smile?¡± Vengeance came over and wrapped his shoulder with cloth. ¡°No bandages! Fall back immediately. Move behind the 3rd toon!¡± Vengeance ordered his toon to retreat. The battle was already won. Thepanymander had instructed them to pursue the enemy¡¯s rear but not to go too deep. Having been severely affected by the enemy¡¯s magic before, they needed to regroup. ¡°You¡¯re bleeding too much.¡± Vengeance said as he supported Encrid. Encrid looked at Vengeance, who was holding him, and spoke. ¡°We need to bring the panther, too.¡± They had saved each other¡¯s lives. They couldn¡¯t just leave it behind now. ¡°You crazy fool, worry about yourself first.¡± Even as he said that, Vengeance took care of the fallen panther. He looked to see where it was injured and noticed blood flowing from between its teeth. ¡®So that¡¯s what was trickling down its back.¡¯ Despite bleeding from its gums, the panther hadn¡¯t let go. Encrid held the panther in his arms. It didn¡¯t feel heavy. How could such a body exert such strength? Whimper. The panther let out a soft groan in his arms. ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± Then Vengeance supported Encrid and they left the battlefield. From the midway point, Encrid was semi-conscious. He had lost too much blood. The ferryman of the ck river appeared in the air and asked. ¡°Hey, why go to such lengths?¡± He was hallucinating from excessive blood loss. He stared nkly, too weak to answer, and the ferryman continued talking. ¡°You can just start over.¡± ¡°It repeats endlessly, countless times.¡± ¡°Why do you go to such lengths?¡± ¡°Why not just live carelessly in a day that will repeat anyway?¡± ¡°Settle down, stop, refine yourself and face today again. If you die, you can start a more perfect ¡®today¡¯.¡± ¡°Ah, is it the fear of death? No, you¡¯ll get used to it if you keep at it. What¡¯s the harm in letting go a bit, who cares? That today is entirely for you.¡± Encrid had no strength to speak. He could barely walk, half-dragged along. So he answered inwardly. Why should one settle? Even if it repeats, even if there¡¯s another chance, why shouldn¡¯t you give your best today? Otherwise, even if it repeats countless times, you¡¯ll remain in the same ce. Living like that, you¡¯ll be trapped in today. Then there will be no tomorrow. Without tomorrow, there¡¯s no dream. Without a dream, it¡¯s all meaningless. ¡®I don¡¯t want to stop.¡¯ Even if each painful step was only a fraction of what others could take. I wanted to move forward. I wanted to live like that. Even if I couldn¡¯t be a knight, I wanted to struggle to be one. Thud. He had no strength left to walk and stumbled over a rock. ¡°Don¡¯t die.¡± Vengeance muttered right next to his ear. His vision was blurry. He couldn¡¯t see clearly ahead. At some point, the ferryman of the ck river had disappeared. Encrid suddenly realized what kind of curse this was. ¡°If I start over, I feel like I could do better?¡± Repeating today often brought such thoughts. But not Encrid. He always wanted to walk towards tomorrow. He instinctively knew that a failed tomorrow was better than a perfect today. ¡®Settling is the end.¡¯ That¡¯s why this wasn¡¯t a blessing but a curse. If today is repeated countless times, one can never face the next day. At the end of his thoughts, Encrid asked himself. ¡®So was this the best I could do?¡¯ He didn¡¯t know. Only the gods knew what a perfect ¡®today¡¯ was. The ¡®today¡¯ Encrid spent was partly due to luck. There was no guarantee that this luck woulde again in the new ¡®today¡¯. If so, then, as always, he would just keep walking towards tomorrow. He felt the warm body in his arms. Looking down through blurred eyes, he saw the ck panther looking at him. He saw eyes as blue as ake. And then Encrid lost consciousness. He thought he might die. Then today would repeat again. He wouldn¡¯t be disheartened by not reaching tomorrow. He would repeat it, struggling to live once more. Darkness came and enveloped Encrid. He lost consciousness, bing a wanderer invited to the world of darkness. * * * ¡°Did I make the wrong choice?¡± The ferryman of the ck river appeared. Encrid heard him mutter to himself. He turned his head. All he saw was the same, smooth, ck, mirror-like surface. ¡°Let¡¯s wait and see.¡± At his words, Encrid came to his senses. When he opened his eyes, he saw the ceiling of a tent. ¡°Oh, you survived? This time, I really thought you were going to die.¡± He heard Rem¡¯s voice. His shoulder, back, leg, and side hurt. There wasn¡¯t a part of him that didn¡¯t ache. His head was spinning too. ¡°Thest cut on your shoulder was bad. I don¡¯t know who did it, but they cut deep.¡± Rem kept talking. Encrid, who was half-conscious, blinked several times. Then he soon realized he felt warmth at his side and reached down. A sharp pain came from his shoulder. His hand touched soft fur. ¡°Grrr.¡± The ck panther made a pleased sound, enjoying the touch. ¡®We made it through today.¡¯ ¡°You¡¯re getting into the habit of passing out.¡± ¡°Who wants to pass out? I¡¯m thirsty.¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± Encrid saw Rem sitting with his arms crossed. Standing behind him was Big Eyes. Big Eyes brought him water. A few sips and his parched throat felt refreshed, like drynd absorbing rain. ¡°Wow, our Squad Leader is tough. Look, he survived.¡± Big Eyesmented, seeing him drink. ¡°You lost a lot of blood.¡± Jaxon remarked casually. In the background, a squad member devoted to religion offered prayers. ¡°Lord, we thank you for hearing our prayers.¡± Ragna watched over him quietly and then spoke. ¡°Are you alright?¡± ¡°It¡¯s not fatal.¡± Because he was alive, he could say that. Because he had made it through today and was facing tomorrow, he could say that. Encrid smiled modestly and theny back down again. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 46 Encrid was told that the healer came by because he had stab wounds and puncture wounds all over your body. ¡°Fortunately, there won¡¯t be any permanent disabilities. You¡¯re lucky, Squad Leader.¡± Big Eyes said with a smile. ¡°It sounds like you wanted me to get hurt.¡± ¡°No, I¡¯m worried. You should be honored. You¡¯re the first man I¡¯ve worried about.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Encrid had thought they would retreat soon, but the forces were still facing off against the Duchy of Aspen. Will there be more battles? Even if there are, it wouldn¡¯t be a concern for Encrid. It was impossible to stand on the battlefield again with a body like this. Maybe if it was just watching. Big Eyes had left an apple, which he was munching on, when Rem came in. The whole squad was out, so there was no one in the tent. Rem sat next to Encrid, resting his elbows on his knees and his chin on his hands. With his lips tightly closed, Rem stared intently at Encrid. ¡°If you¡¯re thinking of confessing, let me reject you first.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t you know I like women? If you and a woman fell into the water, I¡¯d save the woman. Provided she¡¯s pretty, of course.¡± ¡°It¡¯s fine. I¡¯m a good swimmer. I can save myself.¡± ¡°Then save meter. Come to think of it, I¡¯m not a good swimmer.¡± So what was this idiot thinking when he said he¡¯d save a woman who fell into the water? Encrid thought it was typical of Rem. ¡°Sure, I¡¯ll throw you a rock.¡± It was the usual banter. Then Rem stopped talking and stared at Encrid. His gray eyes looked steadily at Encrid, a seriousness in them that hadn¡¯t been there before. ¡°Do you have something to say?¡± ¡°How did you know it was sorcery?¡± Huh? Encrid didn¡¯t expect this question here. ¡°I saw it during a scouting mission.¡± ¡°Did you guess it was sorcery just from that? You seemed to know the g was the target and ran straight for it?¡± That¡¯s right. That was the target. He knew everything. But he couldn¡¯t say that he knew through repeating ¡®today¡¯. He needed a suitable excuse. So he tried toe up with various lies and excuses, but the gray eyes staring at him were getting on his nerves. Even if he told the truth, Rem wouldn¡¯t believe it. But should he pass it off as a lie no matter what? Rem would see through a clumsy lie right away. He had a feeling. Encrid didn¡¯t want to treat Rem like that. So he mixed in some truth. ¡°I used to live with a settler once.¡± That was true. Rem was from a settler background. ¡°I heard a lot of things from that friend.¡± That was also true. Rem had talked about sorcery. ¡°So I pondered and guessed.¡± This wasn¡¯t entirely true, but in a way, it was close to the truth. Instead of pondering and guessing, he repeated today and figured it out through experience. He could say he thought with his body instead of my mind. At least Encrid believed that and spoke. ¡°It seemed like the g was a medium for the sorcery. I saw something strange in the enemy formation before the fog appeared, and then, well, I charged.¡± ¡°Hmm.¡± Why do people believe mixed truths and lies? It¡¯s because the speaker is sincere. Because of the sincerity, even a perceptive person finds it hard to detect the lie. Encrid spoke with sincerity except for the part he couldn¡¯t say. Rem believed it. Even if he didn¡¯t believe itpletely, it wasn¡¯t something he could argue with. ¡°Is that so? It was impressive how you figured it out immediately.¡± ¡°So what if it¡¯s sorcery?¡± ¡°I wanted to let you know not to use it carelessly.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Rem nodded. Encrid remembered that Rem had disappeared during the battle. He had certainly charged with him, so Encrid thought he woulde to his location, but he didn¡¯t. She was nowhere to be seen after that. Then he returned to the unit. ¡°I want to ask where you went during the battle.¡± ¡°Nothing special. I was curious about who raised that g, so I went to take a look.¡± ¡°¡­You went to take a look?¡± ¡°Had a chat with my axe.¡± Rem grinned and walked out of the tent. Encrid recalled the moment when he had toppled the g. The sorcerer had been shaking a bell and then quickly disappeared. At the time, he was too busy destroying the g to pay attention. It seemed that the sorcerer had tried to retreat alone and ran into Rem¡¯s axe. Encrid didn¡¯t think much of it. Rem¡¯s impulsive actions were nothing new. In a previous battle, he had charged into the enemy lines to catch someone called the Hawk¡¯s Eyes. Knowing this, the toon leader had neatly excluded the troublesome squad from the main force. Only the remaining squads were counted as part of the toon¡¯s strength. This time was no different. However, there was one difference. This time, Encrid had left the formation first. That was unusual. ¡°Hey, are you okay?¡± The toon leader came to the tent. ¡°Are you visiting the sick? Are we not returning yet?¡± Encrid asked abruptly. The toon leader shrugged. ¡°There¡¯s no order from above yet. Everyone is on standby.¡± Winter ising soon. It¡¯s a difficult season for battles. Though they wouldn¡¯tpletely abandon this position, since this battalion had made significant efforts in the current battle, they would likely rotate out. So it was strange that there were no return orders yet. The toon leader scratched his head while looking at Encrid. ¡°You.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± The toon leader hadn¡¯t thought much of Encrid¡¯s departure at the time. He just thought Encrid had finally gone mad. Then, barely surviving the shouts to get down and hold up their shields. In the fog, at the moment he thought they were all done for, the fog suddenly cleared. They turned around and fought the enemy. Later, he heard that the fog was sorcery and that sorcery has a medium that must be destroyed or the sorcerer must be killed to break the spell. He heard all of this from the Company Commander¡¯s mouth. ¡°Who could have done that?¡± The Company Commander had asked, staring intently with her green eyes. At that moment, the toon leader thought of Encrid¡¯s name. At least he figured that squad had done something. After all, hadn¡¯t Encrid rushed out just before the fog appeared? And that shout sounded like Encrid¡¯s voice. The toon leader organized his thoughts and spoke up. ¡°They say that fog was sorcery.¡± ¡°Oh, yes, that¡¯s right. I reported that.¡± Indeed. It was Encrid, dispatched on a scouting mission, who had reported it. ¡°Hmm. Right.¡± The toon leader looked at Encrid for a moment, then told him to take care and got up. ¡®It¡¯s absurd.¡¯ He knew Encrid¡¯s skills. He wasn¡¯t the lowest rank, but at best, he might be a vige militia leader. While there were some formidable members in his squad, Encrid wasn¡¯t one of them. The medium for sorcery would have been deep within the enemy lines, unless the enemy wereplete idiots. That would mean someone had to infiltrate that far. ¡®Through that dense fog?¡¯ Facing a barrage of quarrels and arrows? The Troublesome Squad Leader? Not a chance. Just in case, he had asked Rem if he had done it, but he said no. And Ragna? No way. When the fog cleared, he was already fighting by his side. So, maybe the remaining squad members? But they were also part of the rear toon formation, fighting. ¡®Could there have been reinforcements from the main unit?¡¯ The toon leader thought as he stepped outside the tent. The sudden drop in temperature brought a chill. ¡°Are we really not retreating?¡± He missed the city¡¯s air. He longed to see his home, his wife, and his daughter. He wanted to roast potatoes over a fire and sleep soundly. * * * After lying down for two days, Encrid was able to get up and move around. ¡°Don¡¯t push yourself,¡± Big Eyes cautioned, but Encrid felt better than expected. ¡°Has that beast left?¡± Big Eyes asked. Encrid, who was sitting up in bed, nodded and looked around. ¡°Seems so. I don¡¯t see it.¡± ¡°It seemed to follow you well, Squad Leader.¡± ¡°Weren¡¯t you scared?¡± ¡°Of course, I was. It¡¯s a beast, after all. A beast.¡± ¡°It still seemed like a cub.¡± ¡°Do you know the hunter Enri, who went on scouting with you? They said he went out with you.¡± Big Eyes asked suddenly. Encrid nodded, thinking that Big Eyes really had connections. How does he even know Enri? ¡°He¡¯s a ins hunter, you know.¡± Encrid knew this well. He had learned a lot from Enri. ¡°Enri said there are many beasts on the Green Pearl ins, and the top one is the Blue-Eyed ck Panther, also called the Lake Panther.¡± Big Eyes seemed excited, as if this story piqued his interest. ¡°They say its eyes are likekes, hence the name Lake Panther. Anyway, they hunt gazelles and nus, but they also feed on some energy from the earth. It¡¯s a mystical creature. Just one of its ws is worth over ten thousand Krona.¡± Krona was the currency made by the Empire. One copper coin was equivalent to one Krona. A hundred copper coins made a silver coin, and a hundred silver coins made a gold coin. So, ten thousand Krona was equivalent to a gold coin. One w worth a gold coin. That was more than Encrid¡¯s sry. ¡°That w can slit a person¡¯s throat. Think you can pull it out?¡± ¡°¡­No, I don¡¯t have that kind of greed.¡± Big Eyes waved his hands dismissively. As Encrid moved around a bit, sweat formed on his forehead. There was a dull pain, but it was manageable. After facing death so often, he could gauge the state of his wounds just by the level of pain. ¡°If you push yourself, it¡¯ll get worse.¡± Jaxon watched all this and spoke. Everyone else seemed to be gone, leaving only Big Eyes and Jaxon. ¡°I¡¯m still adjusting,¡± Encrid responded vaguely and continued moving his body, recalling the moment when he dodged the mustached man¡¯s strike. How has that been possible? Could he do it again if he tried? He wasn¡¯t sure. Maybe not? Or maybe, with a few more attempts, he could do it again. As he was lost in thought, Rem and Ragna returned. ¡°Keep your distance. Laziness is contagious,¡± Rem said provocatively. ¡°Why do you have a death wish every day?¡± Ragna shot back twice as harshly. Before the argument could escte, Encrid spoke first. ¡°I have a question. About swordsmanship.¡± Both of them turned their attention to him. ¡°Go ahead,¡± Rem said. ¡°If it¡¯s about swordsmanship, I should answer,¡± Ragna added. As they red at each other again, Encrid quickly exined. There wasn¡¯t anythingplicated. He had seen the enemy do it a few times, and it became ingrained in him unconsciously. That was the gist of it. He exined as calmly as he could. ¡°Isn¡¯t that something thates with practice?¡± Rem replied first. ¡°That¡¯s an interesting experience. I don¡¯t think it¡¯s special since I¡¯ve been that way since childhood, but in your case, Squad Leader, it¡¯s like a blessing from the gods. The goddess of luck stumbled and spilled gold coins,¡± Ragna added. Neitherment was particrly helpful. As they bickered with Encrid caught in the middle, more detailed exnations emerged. ¡°Sometimes, in the heat of battle, your vision can clear. Usually, this happens only after countless real-lifebat experiences. If you¡¯ve achieved a Focus Point, the chances are higher,¡± Rem said. ¡°The Heart of the Beast has stuck with you a bit, huh? You¡¯ve gained the ability to look your opponent in the eye without blinking. If you had a chance to see your opponent¡¯s sword move up close, you might have noticed the way they wield the sword or distribute their strength. Then your body might react on its own, but that¡¯s only if you have a solid foundation,¡± Ragna added. ¡°A solid foundation, yes, but you¡¯d also need to have gone through hundreds of roughbats.¡± Listening to them, Encrid came to a conclusion. ¡°I see.¡± For some, today is just another day. For Encrid, it was one of the many fiercely intense days he had endured hundreds of times. It wasn¡¯t just another day given up and passed. It was a day where every moment was spent desperately and with utmost effort. The countless hours of enduring and enjoying, had brought him fortune. In truth, it wasn¡¯t even luck. It was inevitable. The reward for enduring cuts, stabs, scratches, and death in his relentless pursuit. The foundation of all this was, of course, the boldness given by The Heart of the Beast and the Focus Point. ¡®I¡¯m grateful, after all.¡¯ So, it was thanks to these two. Moreover, hadn¡¯t Ragnapletely revamped the basics of his swordsmanship? The battle with Mitch Hurrier, the chase with the mustached man, today on the battlefield. Theseplex thoughts filled his mind and stirred a single desire. He wanted to hold the sword again. He wanted to swing it. He wanted to see how well thest technique had stuck with him. ¡°I want to spar.¡± When Encrid muttered this, both Rem and Ragna shook their heads. Rem added ament. ¡°I¡¯ve been told since I was young that I wasn¡¯t normal, that I was crazy. But from what I see, Squad Leader, you¡¯re crazier than I am.¡± Of all people, he didn¡¯t want to hear that from Rem. He constantly tormented nearby soldiers. He even tried to decapitate his superiors. To be considered as crazy, or even crazier, than this madman? ¡°Today, I have to agree with that. How can you think of sparring in your condition?¡± Wanting to spar doesn¡¯t mean people should treat him this way. Encrid felt very wronged. ¡°Sparring is too much in your condition, Squad Leader.¡± The p serving as the tent¡¯s door was pushed aside, and a voice was heard. Looking up, he saw the Fairy Company Commander. As Encrid tried to rise, the Company Commander stepped forward. ¡°So, it was you.¡± Before he could salute, the Company Commander asked abruptly. Encrid, seeing the Fairy¡¯s cold, sharp, and beautiful appearance like a sculpture made by an artist, opened his mouth but first wet his dry lips with his tongue. In fact, he had expected the question toe from here rather than from Rem. How did you break the sorcery? That was a question that themand would naturally ask. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 47 The Fairy Company Commander learned after the battle that the g was the medium for the spell. So, who broke this g? By retracing the situation on the battlefield, the answer came out. ¡®The Troublemaker Squad Leader.¡¯ That¡¯s why she was here. The battalionmander hadn¡¯t even noticed. He didn¡¯t seem interested in who broke the spell¡¯s medium. He thought the foolish sorcerer had simply failed. Given that there were many quacks among the sorcerers on the continent, his conclusion made sense. Even if that wasn¡¯t the case, the battalionmander was likely too overwhelmed to think straight. After all, a figure of higher rank hade to the unit. ¡°What do you mean?¡± A response came to the question of whether it was him. ¡°Sorcery, gpole, medium.¡± With those three short words, she said everything she wanted to. Encrid didn¡¯t intend to deny what he had done, even though no one had asked him about it. ¡°Yes. I did it.¡± ¡°How?¡± A brief question came back. ¡°I picked up the spear and threw it.¡± ¡°There were five decoys.¡± There were six gpoles in total, with only one being the real one. ¡°I guessed.¡± ¡°You knew the gpole was the medium?¡± ¡°I saw something while scouting, and I knew a bit about spells beforehand.¡± His answers flowed smoothly. The Fairy¡¯s sharp intuition judged that he wasn¡¯t lying. However, it was clear he wasn¡¯t telling everything, even if it didn¡¯t require the Fairy¡¯s intuition to know that. How should I put it? He admitted to doing it, but he seemed reluctant to go into details. The Fairy Company Commander looked into Encrid¡¯s blue eyes and nodded. ¡°Understood.¡± ¡°Did youe here just to ask that?¡± ¡°Yes. I thought I¡¯d see you while I was at it.¡± After briefly pausing, the Company Commander took a deep breath and said, ¡°It seems we¡¯re connected by fate.¡± Leaving this ambiguous remark, themander turned away. It was a statement ripe for misunderstanding. Rem jabbed Encrid in the ribs, who was stunned by the absurdity. ¡°What¡¯s your secret?¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°Tell me your secret for charming fairies. I¡¯ll listen.¡± ¡°Impressive,¡± Ragna chimed in. ¡°I don¡¯t think that¡¯s it,¡± Encrid replied. Even Big Eyes acknowledged Encrid¡¯s looks. Without even trying, he often attracted women when he was in the city. He wasn¡¯t a virgin, obviously. Encrid wasn¡¯t naive or clueless enough to mistake signals between men and women. So, that wasn¡¯t the nature of their conversation. There were no signals exchanged. Instead, it left him with a lingering sense of unease. Especially since it came from a superior¡¯s superior. ¡°There wasn¡¯t even time to meet separately. Ah, I get it. Was it back then? When you were in the infirmary? That was the only time!¡± ¡°No, you crazy fool.¡± Rem went on about the same topic for the next four hours. Ragna left in the middle to take a nap. Jaxon, who came inter, nodded meaninglessly, which somehow made Encrid feel a bit better. Big Eyes, who came in afterward, was about to chatter when he heard what Rem had said and leaned close to Encrid. ¡°So, instead of rolling around on the battlefield, let¡¯s start a noblewoman¡¯s salon together.¡± ¡°No way. You lunatic.¡± Big Eyes¡¯ dream was to save up a lot of Krona and open his own shop. His dream was to open a ce where handsome men would entertain noblewomen. The shop would sell drinks and snacks. With a clear purpose, he believed that even if he charged multiple times the price for drinks and snacks, people woulde. He had suggested partnering up before. He had mentioned it to Rem once and nearly got beaten up, so he hadn¡¯t brought it up for a while. ¡°Don¡¯t talk to me about it. I¡¯ll split your head with an axe.¡± Rem chuckled from behind. ¡°Oh, I won¡¯t do it.¡± Big Eyes spoke in a voice that was barely alive. ¡°Only pretends to be a barbarian at times like this.¡± Big Eyes grumbled quietly. He didn¡¯t seem to have the courage to speak up loudly. No, having this much courage was impressive. There was no way Rem hadn¡¯t heard his muttering. As Rem red at him, Big Eyes pped his hands together. ¡°Oh, right! This is what I came rushing to tell you. I almost forgot because of the Squad Leader talk.¡± As if he could forget. Big Eyes hurriedly spoke before Rem could retort. Encrid knowingly yed along. Anything would be more valuable than the current conversation about thepanymander and his supposed love story. ¡°He¡¯sing.¡± ¡°Who?¡± ¡°Oh, he¡¯s already here.¡± Big Eyes whispered, his expression so serious that Encrid couldn¡¯t help but lean in. ¡°A knight¡¯s squire.¡± ¡°The Red Cape Knights?¡± Encrid asked. ¡°Yes.¡± Currently, Encrid and the others belong to a division named Cyprus. That was also the name of a knight belonging to the Red Cape Knights. Typically, military units were named after knights, and those knights belonged to a knightly order. Of course, there weren¡¯t many who could be called knights. Knights were individuals with rare talents even across the continent. Therefore, the kingdom¡¯s knight orders didn¡¯t consist solely of knights. There were those who had the potential to be knights in the future. Squires, who were the followers and students of knights, or apprentice knights. Afterpleting their apprenticeship and being acknowledged by a knight, they became junior knights. That was how they joined the knight order. Usually, squires didn¡¯t participate in battles separately from their knights. The fact that one hade to the battlefield now meant: ¡°He¡¯s about to be a junior knight.¡± What is a knight? A minstrel once said: ¡°Thinking of knights as the same as regr people is a big mistake. Yes, that¡¯s right. They are beyond the limits of humans, beyond any category. Otherwise, how could they face beings like Frogs?¡± A knight is said to be someone who surpasses human limits. So, what is a junior knight? They are those who have the potential to be knights before they actually do. Junior knights are experts inbat and battle. If knights are those who have ovee human limits, junior knights are those who are at the threshold of those limits. A squire about to be a junior knight and join the knightly order. Encrid wanted to see them. He was curious about their skills. The knight he aspires to be is not merely a title of honor. In this era, knights were symbols of power. A part of that symbol had arrived here. ¡°You look like you¡¯re dying to see them,¡± Rem said to Encrid. ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t I be?¡± ¡°I heard they¡¯re already prepared for deployment,¡± Big Eyes said. ¡°Did theye alone?¡± Rem asked, crossing his arms. Big Eyes nodded. ¡°Yes, they said one is enough.¡± With those words, Encrid understood why their forces hadn¡¯t retreated. ¡®If Aspen had prepared their spell.¡¯ This side had kept their military strength as a trump card. Naurillia and Aspen. They introduced an element of unpredictability to the annual, tedious skirmishes. ¡®Is their intention to seize a part of the ins with this?¡¯ If the spell had worked properly, there would be nothing for the junior knight to do, no matter how skilled they were. But now, that wasn¡¯t the case. The spell had been blocked, and our side had secured the victory. Had the squire arrived a day or two earlier, they would have been able tounch an all-out assault. ¡®A bitte, indeed.¡¯ By now, the enemy would have alsopleted their preparations. ¡°Prepare for deployment! The entire army moves now!¡± Encrid broke out of his thoughts at the sound from outside. It was the toon leader¡¯s voice. Suddenly, the toon leader poked his head into the tent. ¡°Hey, did you hear that? Oh, I guess you did.¡± He asked and then answered himself, seeing Krais. ¡°We¡¯re all deploying. We¡¯re going to push the front line of Green Pearl ins right up to their base.¡± ¡°Are you supposed to talk about the operation so openly?¡± Encrid asked, looking at the toon leader. ¡°There¡¯s nothing to hide. We¡¯re moving out immediately. Are youing too?¡± ¡°I¡¯d like to see it,¡± Encrid said, getting up despite his injuries. He still wasn¡¯t fully healed and ideally should avoid the battlefield. ¡°I¡¯ll stay by your side,¡± Krais volunteered, raising his hand. He was always good at keeping himself safe in the rear. Encrid would be fine staying close to him. The toon leader didn¡¯t care for Encrid like family. Being quite a bit older, he often found Encrid burdensome. Moreover, as the Squad Leader of a troublesome unit, they often shed. Still, the thought of Encrid dying bothered him. He was a diligent person, always practicing with his sword and never wasting a moment, even drawing some ire from those around him for his dedication. Seeing such a person turn into a corpse was something he couldn¡¯t stand. ¡°Take care of yourself,¡± the toon leader said as he left. ¡°If you want to watch, then you should go.¡± Rem nodded. Ragna began to prepare for deployment, gathering his gear. Jaxon strapped on his sword and packed a few throwing knives, equipment he usually didn¡¯t bother with. ¡°I¡¯ll stay by your side,¡± Jaxon said. ¡°By my side?¡± Rem joked. Jaxon shook his head. ¡°You stink so much it¡¯s hard to share the same tent.¡± Rem was good at gentle teasing, but Jaxon was equally good at delivering a single stinging insult. ¡°Squad Leader, I think I want to split this guy¡¯s head more than Aspen¡¯s. What do you think?¡± ¡°Endure it. Let¡¯s just go watch. Aren¡¯t you curious how well the squire will fight?¡± ¡°He¡¯ll probably fight like a demon,¡± Rem replied, grabbing his axe. As Encrid limped into formation, Vengeance approached him. ¡°Are you hell-bent on getting yourself killed?¡± After the battle, Encrid had thanked him, and Vengeance had grumbled his way to the tent. He¡¯d then rambled on, saying he had repaid his debt and felt better now. When Encrid had asked what debt he meant. ¡°The medical tent fire back then, have you already forgotten?¡± ¡°Of course not. How could I forget?¡± He had forgotten. The repetition of days had that side effect. Still, it wasn¡¯t something he couldpletely forget. Krang, the assassin, and the fire. Encrid had started the fire. Vengeance thought he¡¯d saved Encrid from the mes, but in truth, Encrid had saved him from the assassin. ¡®A rescue is a rescue.¡¯ A debt is a debt. It was easier if Vengeance thought of it that way. That¡¯s why he had rushed to save Encrid on the battlefield. Watching Vengeance re at him, Encrid spoke. ¡°No one wants to die.¡± ¡°Then why are you here?¡± ¡°I want to see.¡± ¡°See what?¡± ¡°They say a squire has arrived.¡± ¡°Hey, don¡¯t overdo it. I won¡¯t save you a second time.¡± With that, Vengeance returned to his formation. ¡°Why¡¯s he acting all friendly now? Wasn¡¯t he always picking fights with you?¡± Rem asked beside him. There was a time like that. Vengeance had really disliked Encrid. How long ago was that? ¡°He¡¯s not a jerk; he¡¯s the toon leader. We got to know each other, and he¡¯s not bad.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t treat people too kindly. If you get stabbed in the back and start crying, it¡¯ll be toote.¡± ¡°Mind your own business.¡± The unit quickly assembled and started moving. The formation wasn¡¯t perfectly neat. They began marching in a wide, radial formation. Someone was walking alone at the front. A red cape fluttered in the wind. The person at the head walked slowly, caped. At a nce, the squire¡¯s or junior knight¡¯s greatness wasn¡¯t apparent. ¡°Hmm, judging by the walk, he¡¯s probably quite skilled.¡± Rem crossed his arms and frowned. ¡°It¡¯s more than just a bit. His stance is solid. Unless they have something like a Frog on the other side, it¡¯s going to be a boring fight.¡± Ragna added his observation. Jaxon also looked ahead, his gaze seemingly following the red cape. Big Eyes, next to Encrid, spoke up with a different concern. ¡°We should fall back now. We need to retreat or we¡¯ll get caught in the fray.¡± Big Eyes was timing their retreat. At that moment, the red cape fluttered dramatically. The cape caught the wind and billowed behind as its owner dashed forward. Encrid blinked, needing to confirm what he was seeing. The figure running ahead left a trail of afterimages. How fast must someone be running to leave afterimages like that? ¡°Looks like he¡¯s channeling his will into his legs,¡± Ragna muttered, watching the scene. Encrid didn¡¯t fully understand what that meant but didn¡¯t feel like asking right now. It was time to close his ears and focus. The sight of the cape wearer running startled the enemy, who fired arrows. Unlike before, it seemed they hadn¡¯t positioned crossbowmen separately, as a concentrated volley of arrows flew overhead. At least a hundred archers must have drawn and released their bows. A rain of arrows fell over the caped figure. Instead of raising his sword to parry, the squire elerated. Boom! The ground and dirt erupted like a fountain, and the cape¡¯s owner had already closed the distance to the enemy. Just by running, he had moved beyond the range of the arrows. It was certainly a movement that surpassed human limits. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 48 It was the first time such a level of force was deployed in a small-scale skirmish. Just as the enemy had prepared their spells. On this side, the card prepared was a squire. The impact of that squire on the battlefield was horrifying. The junior knight, dodging the rain of arrows by advancing, drew his sword and shed. Swish. The moment a silver line was drawn in the air, the heads of three soldiers blocking the front were lopped off. The squire retrieved his swung sword and struck downward from above. The sword fell like a ck lightning bolt and immediately rose back up. The head of a soldier holding an infantry spear was caught in its trajectory. Crack! Rather than cutting, it smashed. The sword that split the soldier¡¯s head with the impact now flew like a butterfly. The fluttering of the butterfly¡¯s wings quickly turned into a dirge filled with terror. The fluttering of the sword¡¯s de in every gap took the breath of the enemies. Then, two soldiers withrge, thick wooden shields blocked the path. As they covered themselvespletely with the shields, the fluttering of the sword was blocked. When the sword struck the shield with a thud, deep dents appeared on the shield¡¯s surface. ¡°Close in!¡± An enemy soldier shouted. Despite sweating coldly, he did his best. But no matter how hard he tried, he was not free from the touch of the grim reaper. The owner of the red cape gripped his sword with both hands and swung it horizontally. Bang! Crash! The sword battered the shield. The iron rim didn¡¯t cut through but bent, serving its purpose as a shield, but the hands of the soldier holding it couldn¡¯t withstand the impact. ¡°Aaagh!¡± The wrist holding the shield twisted and broke, with the wrist bone piercing through the skin. As the shield fell powerlessly to the ground, the sword shed horizontally across the soldier¡¯s torso. His upper body was severed, and his entrails spilled onto the ground. Blood sttered everywhere. Fear seeped into the eyes of the surrounding soldiers. ¡°Damn it.¡± One of the soldiers from the Duchy of Aspen cursed, his voice trembling. Whether the owner of the cape heard it, his nose twitched, and he immediately kicked off the ground. As terrifying as his swordsmanship was, the most frightening thing about this figure was his movement. Whenever he kicked off the ground, he would appear here and there, slicing soldiers¡¯ throats and piercing their bodies. Even when soldiers tried to block him with shields or armored themselves in defense, it all seemed futile. ¡°Shoot him!¡± One of themanders shouted. It was a bold decision. Thirty crossbowmen, who had been waiting on one side, fired their quarrels. Avoiding all the close-range shots was impossible. Themander was confident in this. But the owner of the cape shattered that confidence. Bang! Before the quarrels could reach him, he kicked off the ground and flew into the sky. The quarrels futilely cut through empty air. What goes up muste down. The owner of the cape, flying in an arc,nded ten steps in front of themander of the Duchy of Aspen. It was the heart of the enemy camp. ¡°¡­Block him!¡± The desperate cry of the highestmander of the Duchy of Aspen was pitiful. If only the Gray Hound unit were still there. But they had already retreated due to the responsibility for the defeat and Mitch Hurrier¡¯s injuries, among various otherplex situations. ¡°Hooo.¡± The owner of the cape exhaled deeply and swung his sword again. From above to below, and from below to above. Swish! The de curved andshed at themander¡¯s bodyguard like a whip. Crack! Snap! The thick leather armor draped over the body was cut clean through. The bodyguard, wearing an iron helmet, was struck on the head by the sword¡¯s edge and thrown aside. Bang! After one hit, the bodyguard rolled to the side, blood streaming from his nose. Though he appeared fine externally, his skull had been shattered by the impact, killing him. The squire, having dealt with the bodyguard, pierced themander¡¯s neck. Thud. The squire, having killed the enemymander alone in the midst of the enemy camp, turned and headed back. His return was just as impressive. Kicking an enemy aside, he leaped and dashed several times across the ground. From a distance, it looked as if a red line was being drawn across the middle of the battlefield. Encrid and hispanions watched the fight from beginning to end. Rem thought the cape¡¯s owner, the squire, was quite skilled. ¡®He knows how to fight.¡¯ He knew how to wreak havoc in the enemy camp. By showing no mercy and demonstrating his superiority, he instilled fear. Through this, he ravaged the enemy camp at will. Particrly impressive was how he evaded the crossbowmen¡¯s ambush prepared by the enemy. ¡®If it were me, I would have jumped into the group of crossbowmen first.¡¯ His opponent certainly showed signs of being well-trained. The title ofbat and warfare expert was not for nothing. Instead of dealing with the crossbowmen first, he left them alone. When they targeted him, he disyed his reserved leg strength. Kicking off the ground, he leaped through the air and struck down the enemymander. He was like a fierce tiger. It was as if one was watching a winged tiger. Ragna assessed his opponent¡¯s level andpared it to himself. His opponent had already walked the path he needed to follow. ¡®At that level.¡¯ We can reach that level without taking shortcuts or undergoing grueling training. While Rem observed the opponent¡¯s strategy, Ragna gauged the level of their abilities. ¡®His swordsmanship is sharp.¡¯ It¡¯s a middle sword style based on quick sword techniques. At first nce, it might look like he¡¯s using a normal sword, but it was all a deception. Quick sword and middle sword. He mixes the two styles. He clearly has an excellent swordsmanship teacher. Usually, mixing two sword styles results in sloppy basics. But there was no such sloppiness in the squire with the red cape. ¡®Well, he is a squire.¡¯ Having assessed the level, Ragna felt his motivation wane. The path and the destination were already clear. Seeing someone who had already gone ahead didn¡¯t stir anypetitive spirit. All that remained was to walk the path. The training and drills were just tedious, painful in their monotony. It was simply the problem of having too much talent. Jaxon assessed the opponent¡¯s skills and found the gaps. ¡®At least, five times.¡¯ The enemy could have taken down the cape¡¯s owner. It was a matter of strategy, not ability. Themander was foolish. They were also caught off guard by the unexpected attack. If it had been Jaxon, he would have ended it before such a situation arose. The squad member from the religious sect observed the opponent¡¯s movements and nodded. ¡°A brother who is skilled at guiding the reaper to God¡¯s side.¡± It was a way of saying he fought exceptionally well. ¡°We don¡¯t need to fall back.¡± Big Eyes stuck out his tongue in amazement. Just one person was manipting the flow of the battlefield at will. It felt like victory was promised even before the fight started. And Encrid¡­ ¡®This is a knight.¡¯ He was stirred. His heart pounded wildly, his whole body trembling. The hair on his skin stood on end, and he felt a chill. At the same time, a warm sensation rose from his lower abdomen. His eyes never left the squire. In the current continent, squires and junior knights are the main force of the knightly orders. They are just one step below the knights who can change the course of a war single-handedly. A killing machine was now sweeping through the battlefield. He killed the enemymander and returned leisurely. ¡®How can he do that?¡¯ The owner of the cape was neither a beast nor a frog. So how could he disy such power? A symbol of the might that could cut down thousands alone, that¡¯s what a knight is. What made that possible? What allowed him to reach the limits of human capability? Encrid didn¡¯t know. Perhaps that¡¯s why he was even more impressed by his opponent¡¯s movements. At the same time, he felt something explode in his mind. ¡°Sometimes you can learn just by watching.¡± The words of a swordsmanship instructor from a big city shed through his mind. As his excitement subsided, Focus Point activated unintentionally. With superhuman concentration, he could understand the meaning behind his opponent¡¯s steps. He saw the intention behind the swung sword. ¡®Middle sword technique.¡¯ The power of the middle sword. The ability to wield a sword with such strength also meant the ability to swing it quickly. His opponent had mixed the essence of the middle sword with the quick sword. Encrid could see it. ¡®He withdrew his foot.¡¯ He subtly moved his foot back, making it seem like he was determining the range of his attack line. ¡®No, he¡¯s not determining it; he¡¯s already determined it.¡¯ The northern middle sword technique Ragna taught focused on building a foundation around the attack line. The squire¡¯s method was slightly different. He drew a circle around himself. It was swordsmanship based on the central continent¡¯s basics. He drew a circle with his body at the center and massacred anyone within that circle. If they got caught, he shed; if they approached, he stabbed. At a nce, it seemed like he was using his footwork to dominate the opponent, but in reality, it was different. ¡®He maintains his range.¡¯ He only used his footwork when necessary. Though a few of his sword strikes were impressive, most of his attacks were thrusts. He kept watching and analyzing. He gathered the information and organized it in his mind. ¡®Does using a middle sword technique mean it must always rely on brute strength?¡¯ The secret move Mitch Hurrier revealed was simr to a middle sword technique rather than a normal or light sword technique. A wheel-like sh that cuts through anything it encounters. Why did he use that as his trump card? To deceive the opponent? No. Just because the five sword techniques are divided, it doesn¡¯t mean they arepletely different from each other. There are intersections among the five sword techniques. Using a middle sword technique doesn¡¯t necessarily mean it must always involve downward strikes and brute force. His eyes moved, his brain worked, and Encrid¡¯s fingers twitched involuntarily. ¡°Enjoying the view? Hmm?¡± Rem was about to speak thoughtlessly but stopped. Ragna, having lost interest in the squire¡¯s movements, turned around at the sound. ¡°Don¡¯t touch him.¡± Ragna whispered. He recognized the squad leader¡¯s state at a nce. Whether on the battlefield, in a tavern, in an alleyway, or in a lover¡¯s arms. Realization strikes like the pranks of the goddess of luck. Suddenly, unexpectedly, out of nowhere, ites silently and shakes the brain abruptly. ¡°Keep watch on the sides.¡± Jaxon stepped forward first and spoke. Ragna stood on the right, and Rem on the left. The religious squad member quietly moved to stand behind Encrid. Big Eyes whispered, asking what was going on. Rem answered the question. ¡°It looks like the squad leader is about to break out of his shell. It¡¯s about time. He¡¯s been swinging his sword night and day on his own.¡± Rem acknowledged the squad leader¡¯s efforts. He deserved such fortune. Of course, this wasn¡¯t merely luck. It was a natural oue of repeatedly experiencing real battles, enduring hardships, and refining his swordsmanship basics. Seeing Encrid now, more than the squire, reignited Ragna¡¯s motivation. ¡®How can this be possible?¡¯ What drives the squad leader like this? Despite knowing the clear limits and end, how can he keep wielding his sword? To Ragna, it was fascinating. As always, the squad leader intrigued him more than the opponent who had single-handedly wreaked havoc on the battlefield. Shortly after a member of the knightly order returned, the shout of their alliedmander echoed through the air. ¡°Charge!¡± Soon, their allies surged forward. Battle cries and shouts mixed together, and as the infantry charged, the ground shook with a rumble. Encrid, however, just stared nkly into space. He was still in a state of profound realization. Due to their outstanding performance in the previous battle, the Troublemaker squad could afford to take on the role of bystanders. No one said anything to them for staying still. In fact, even if anyone wanted to, they couldn¡¯t approach because of the intimidating aura emanating from the four, excluding Big Eyes. Even though they had seen the squire rampaging ahead, the allies who saw the Troublemaker squad up close felt they were even more terrifying. Thus, the war raced towards its end, leaving them alone. This winter and the uing spring would likely be very busy. They would have to endure the winter with their stockpiled resources and rebuild their fortifications. The border between Naurillia and Aspen would be redrawn. While their allies charged forward, Encrid was recalling the basics he had learned. Intersection, swordsmanship, Valen Mercenary Sword Technique, Northern Middle Sword Technique. Everything was a weapon he had learned. There was no need to confine these weapons within the framework of basic techniques. He could parry and deflect with the middle sword. Binding, the technique of attaching the swords, was the basis of parrying. He hadn¡¯t realized it while learning. The state of profound realization, this sudden enlightenment, didn¡¯t instantly elevate Encrid¡¯s skills. It did, however, slightly increase his insight, but his limited talent prevented him from instantly embodying it. Nevertheless, Encrid clearly understood his limitations. This meant that, given enough time, he could train to his limit and surpass it. The end of the cliff, once so high and invisible, was now in sight. When the wall ahead is so high and wide that its end is invisible, it¡¯s insurmountable. But if the end is visible, no matter how far, high, or wide it is¡­ Even if you can¡¯t walk, you can crawl over it. Encrid realized this. ¡°Ah.¡± He was so delighted he drooled. Indeed, he woke up from his state of profound realization, drooling. ¡°Why are you even drooling?¡± Rem scolded him from the side. Encrid opened his eyes and looked around. At some point, all the allies around him had disappeared. ¡°They all charged ahead. If you¡¯re tired, you should rest in the barracks instead of dozing off while standing.¡± ¡°Oh.¡± ¡°Oh, what? Let¡¯s go back. There¡¯s nothing more to do in this battle, anyway.¡± And that was true. The junior knight in the cape had returned to the main camp. The battle was over. The enemy was not just retreating but fleeing back to their homnd. It was time to return. Time to go back to the city. Encrid turned his body, looking at the setting sun. The sight of the squire¡¯s power had rekindled a fire in his heart. His destination and ideal were right before his eyes. An old dream resurfaced. ¡®What must I do to be a knight?¡¯ Simply increasing his strength wouldn¡¯t be enough. First, he had to prove his skills. The time for remaining as a low-ranking soldier was over. Encrid muttered to himself inwardly. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 49 ¡°Victory.¡± ¡°Damn it, we won!¡± ¡°You Aspen bastards!¡± Victory brought cheers. Cheers brought heat. Heat brought madness. The rising heat intertwined and swept across the entire battlefield. When does the greatest achievement on the battlefield ur? When you chase down the fleeing enemy. Naurillia bit fiercely at Aspen¡¯s tail. ¡°Uoooh!¡± The joy of victory swept over the allies before they could mourn the dead. It was natural for a hint of madness to show. Just a few days ago, they were nearly annihted. The fear of death brought by the fog was still deeply engraved in their hearts. And now, standing on the battlefield with that fear, they had achieved an overwhelming victory. ¡°Long live the Red Cape Knights!¡± ¡°Long live Naurillia!¡± The squire did not reveal his name. Instead, the name of the knights¡¯ order was exalted. ¡°Long live the Red Cape Knights!¡± That cheer, that heat, that madness. At the forefront of the battlefield, receiving all the cheers, stood the one at its center. Fwoosh. The squire, waving the symbolic red cape, raised one hand in response to the cheers. ¡°Uoooh!¡± Among the soldiers intoxicated by the victory, there were some shedding tears of joy. Everyone was shouting cheers. Everyone was intoxicated by the madness. Watching this, Encrid quietly muttered. ¡°Me too.¡± No one heard him, but within those words was his long-held dream. The madness and heat spread, making Encrid¡¯s heart race. The end of the battle, thest night on the battlefield. Although many had died, Encrid felt ted. He recalled the words of a fencing instructor from the big city who was missing three fingers. ¡°A guy who eats with the sword despite having no talent? There are two types. One who enjoys the battlefield, or one who enjoys killing. Oh, there are three types. There are also those who live without any thoughts.¡± ¡®I guess I¡¯m the type who enjoys the battlefield.¡¯ The cheers were enviable. He had the desire to stand in front of them. More than just swinging a sword, he wanted to carve through the battlefield. The reason he honed his martial arts wasn¡¯t solely because he was enamored with the sword. Encrid thought about what he had done in this battle. All he did was struggle to survive. In the end, he did earn some merit by tearing the g and breaking the sorcery medium. ¡®That too was just a desperate struggle to survive.¡¯ The sudden surge of tion brought back Encrid¡¯s dreams, and with them, the ambitions and desires he had forgotten due to hisck of talent. ¡®Knight.¡¯ He would be one. He was determined to be one. This was a moment of reaffirmation. ¡°It¡¯s annoyingly loud.¡± Rem, who wandered the battlefield without a thought, said as he picked his ear. He didn¡¯t seem to enjoy the battlefield or the killing. There was no sign of tion in him. Next to him, Ragna yawned. ¡°Isn¡¯t it over now? Can¡¯t we retreat tonight?¡± Yeah right, retreat tonight. This guy must be one of those thoughtless types too. Jaxon was wiping his sword de with leather. He was already tending to his sword. He didn¡¯t speak or show it outwardly, but did Jaxon enjoy something about this too? Who knows. He was always good at hiding his true self. ¡°Wow, the battle just ended like that. I wonder if it would sell if we made it into a story or a song?¡± ¡°Do you know how to make songs, brother?¡± ¡°No. We¡¯ll have to get another bard to do it.¡± ¡°It¡¯s a scam to make a song about something you didn¡¯t even witness.¡± ¡°Scam? That¡¯s a dangerous thing to say. It¡¯s not like that at all, Audin.¡± It was a conversation between Big Eyes, who thought they could even sell the battlefield, and a religious squad member whose intentions were unclear. On the day Encrid tore the gpole, he heard that the religious squad member¡¯s whole body was drenched in red, as if he had bathed in blood. That means he fought ferociously. Though he seemed quiet and calm, he possessed tremendous power. I don¡¯t know why he stands on the battlefield. As his thoughts continued to spiral, Encrid imagined his squad members in his ce. ¡®If it had been Rem.¡¯ It wouldn¡¯t have ended with just piercing and tearing the g. The same would apply if it had been Ragna, Jaxon, or the religious squad member. They all would have fought better than he did. ¡®Next time, I¡¯ll do better.¡¯ As the tion from the battlefield tightened around his heart, it only fueled Encrid¡¯s desire. On the night the battle ended, themand distributed alcohol and food. There was salted rabbit meat, venison, and arge oak barrel filled with strong liquor. ¡°Alcohol, alcohol!¡± Rem and Ragna were ecstatic about the alcohol. ¡°I only drink wine.¡± The religious squad member refused the liquor, and Jaxon didn¡¯t touch alcohol at all. ¡°Women are better than alcohol.¡± He would say such things without hesitation. Despite talking like this, women were still drawn to him. Why was that? ¡®It must be the face.¡¯ Even Encrid found women attracted to him without any effort, thanks to his face. In addition, his well-trained, sharply defined muscr body was a weapon that captured women¡¯s hearts. ¡°This is cheap alcohol. I¡¯m not drinking it.¡± Big Eyes had a refined pte. As night deepened, the battalionmander entered the tent. ¡°444 Squad Leader?¡± Encrid rose at the sound of someone calling for him. Everyone was starting to prepare for sleep as the heat of the night had cooled down. Due to his injury, Encrid hadn¡¯t touched any alcohol. Thanks to that, there was no mishap of failing to recognize the battalionmander¡¯s face. ¡°An injured person drinking? An injured guy drinking? Drinking while being hurt?¡± Rem scolded him. ¡°It¡¯s better to refrain. You need to recover first.¡± Jaxon also advised against it. Ragna silently shook his head. Big Eyes snickered at Encrid. They were truly a squad of lunatics. When Encrid went outside in response to the battalionmander¡¯s call, the battalionmander, reeking of alcohol, waved off his salute. ¡°They say the g was the sorcery¡¯s medium? And you were the one who tore it.¡± It sounded like they had found the one who made a significant contribution to the battle by breaking the sorcery. Crackle, crackle. Sparks flew into the air from the lit campfire. ¡°Yes.¡± Encrid replied calmly. ¡°There will be a reward when we return. Well done.¡± The battalionmander patted Encrid on the shoulder. It was quite a remarkable acknowledgment. This was the first time he had spoken with the battalionmander since bing a squad leader. That showed how significant Encrid¡¯s actions were. He had changed the course of the battle. However, only a handful of people knew this. To be precise, only themand knew. The credit for oveing the sorcery in this battle would likely go to themand. He didn¡¯t mind. Instead, the reward would be substantial. ¡®I¡¯m not disappointed.¡¯ Normally, he should im the credit for what he had done. ¡®It was a desperate struggle.¡¯ Seeing the knight, no, just a squire, had changed his perspective a lot. He felt he had gained more than what these small merits could offer. ¡°You look good.¡± After the battalionmander patted his shoulder and left, Encrid was about to re-enter the tent when he heard footsteps tapping on the ground. ¡°Who¡¯s there?¡± Turning his gaze to the source of the sound, he saw eyes resembling emeralds. Seeing them at night gave him a somewhat eerie feeling, like seeing a ghost. A beauty beyond human. It was the Fairy Company Commander. ¡°They won¡¯t give a half-hearted reward for tearing the g.¡± If that was all she had to say, thepanymander turned to leave. But then, he turned his head slightly and spoke again. ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to salute?¡± Encrid btedly made a motion of pressing down a weapon with his left hand, and the Fairy Company Commander waved his hand dismissively. ¡°Enough. I¡¯m leaving.¡± What kind of Fairy is that? When thepanymander left and Encrid entered the tent, Rem was lying on his side, resting his head on his arm. ¡°Squad Leader, don¡¯t leave me just because you¡¯re getting popr.¡± ¡°Are you drunk?¡± ¡°I¡¯m not drunk.¡± It was just a joke. The night was deep. Encrid closed his eyes and reflected on what he had seen and felt about the squire. There was much to do once his body healed. * * * Upon waking up, the Naurillia infantry battalion headed for the Border Guard. After four days of marching, they could finally face the fortress city walls of the Border Guard. This city, with its long walls and threerge watchtowers built on a basin higher than other areas, stood tall. This was thest bastion against the Duchy of Aspen. The frontier fortress, Border Guard. * * * The appearance of the squire from the Red Cape Knights had the potential to change the dynamics of the battlefield. Until now, the reason the skirmishes on the Green Pearl ins were maintained on a small scale was due to an unwritten rule to not deploy the knight order¡¯s forces there. In this situation, the Kingdom of Naurillia had yed its trump card by sending the squire into battle. Naurillia had broken the unwritten rule. Even though the one on the battlefield was in the process of transitioning from squire to sub-knight, crossing the line was still crossing the line. ¡°Those damn bastards!¡± The King of Aspen erupted in fury. His eyes turned red and veins bulged on his forehead. ¡°Send ours out too!¡± But it wasn¡¯t possible to send them out immediately. It was winter. Starting a war in winter would cause severe declines in national power for both countries. If a full-scale war, rather than a skirmish, was anticipated, it was necessary to rally national strength. Moreover, Aspen¡¯s main forces were currently away on another mission. To fight properly, Aspen also needed time. At the end of the war, even if the enemy was so enraged that their heads seemed ready to explode like a volcano, if winter approached, they had to hold back. Naurillia had likely anticipated this and deployed their forces at the war¡¯s end. Conversely, Aspen had read the timing of winter¡¯s approach and deployed their sorcerers. However, while the sword prepared by Aspen was blocked, the dagger prepared by Naurillia had sunk deep into their arm. It hurt. Badly enough that they might lose the use of one arm. ¡°At least put diplomatic pressure on them. Deploying knights on the battlefield is clearly an issue.¡± The Duke, known for his martial prowess, couldn¡¯t let this go. Though he didn¡¯t shout, his voice simmered with anger like boiling water. The Duchy of Aspen was a nation supported by three major families. Duke Aspen. Hurrier of military power. And Ekins of administration and affairs. Diplomacy was the responsibility of the Ekins family. Minister Ekins was in a difficult position. It was because of the letter sent from Naurillia. The fact that the letter arrived around the same time as the deployment of the Red Cape Knight was proof that Naurillia had prepared a perfect excuse. The letter stated that General Frog, affiliated with Aspen, had appeared in enemy territory, and in response, they had dispatched their knight. The reason seemed usible. Too fitting. Why, of all times, did General Frog have to go there? Frog had always been a free spirit. These issues had been possible ever since they put him in a soldier¡¯s uniform. ¡®Even if it wasn¡¯t the general, they would have found another excuse.¡¯ Ekins was no fool. Naurillia had not impulsively sent their knight. General Frog had be a convenient excuse, but even without him, Naurillia would have found a suitable pretext. In conclusion, Aspen was outmaneuvered and that was the end of it. The start of all this was because the sorcery had been disrupted. If the Fog of Annihtion had seeded, the skirmishes on the Green Pearl ins, which had been dragging on for a long time, would have been a great victory for Aspen unless a true knight appeared. Ekins recalled the report that a single enemy soldier had ruined the sorcery. ¡®Are they ming the failure on a single enemy soldier after failing to maintain their defenses?¡¯ Does that even make sense? Everyone involved in this matter would have to take responsibility. The sorcerer had been found dead after retreating. Whether it was a passing bandit or not, they had cut the sorcerer and his guards all in half. ¡®Nothing is going right. Nothing at all.¡¯ ¡°Hey, are we just going to let this slide?¡± The king shouted, forgetting his dignity. This autumn, a bold move strongly advocated by Ekins had backfired. The battlefield of the drawn-out skirmish had ended with Aspen¡¯s defeat. * * * Ten dayster, Encrid felt that his body had fully recovered. So as soon as he got up, Encrid immediately sought out Rem. ¡°Rem.¡± ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± Rem, who had just returned from his watch duty, stood in front of Encrid. ¡°Let¡¯s have a bout.¡± ¡°A what?¡± ¡°A sparring match.¡± ¡°¡­Didn¡¯t you just recover?¡± What does that matter? His body was itching to move right now. Encrid conveyed his intent through his expression. If that was a skill, it was indeed one. He expressed his inner thoughts using only his eyebrows and the corners of his mouth. ¡°Let¡¯s do it. If you want to, you should. You might get beaten up again.¡± ¡°Bring it on, you arrogant foreigner.¡± ¡°Oh, this time you want your leg broken?¡± Rem responded to Encrid¡¯s taunt with a smile. The two soon headed outside their quarters. Watching this, Ragna agreed with one thing Rem had said, even if he didn¡¯t understand the rest. Among all the madmen he had seen, the squad leader was the craziest. Despite hisck of talent, he always got up and picked fights. Less than thirty minutester, Encrid reopened the door to the quarters. ¡°Ragna,e out. I will rid you of yourziness.¡± The squad leader was excited. Even though there was a crust of dried blood near his temple, his expression was bright. ¡°Alright, alright, let¡¯s do it.¡± Ragna didn¡¯t waste his energy arguing. It would only take a few bouts. This was their daily routine. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 50 After the battle ended, Encrid fulfilled his duties as a member of the Border Guard¡¯s standing army. He stood guard at the borders and patrolled within the city. During his remaining time, he immersed himself in his sword training every day. To someone observing Encrid for the first time, his repetitive routine might seem tedious. However, it was a peaceful routine that everyone around him considered normal. In fact, even if someone had paid close attention, it wouldn¡¯t have bothered him. He was deeply introspective, constantly pondering. ¡®How can I win?¡¯ Or, how can I wield the sword better? It was a time to review and reflect on what he had. Watching the junior knight¡¯s skills, a fierce desire to surpass him boiled within. But he wasn¡¯t impatient. Slowly, one step at a time. Even if it¡¯s slow, he always moves forward. That was Encrid¡¯s specialty. ¡°The Heart of the Beast, the Sense of the de, Focus Point.¡± To move forward, he utilized everything he learned from Rem, Jaxon, and Ragna in his sparring. At first, he mainly sparred with Rem, andter Ragna joined in. Then Jaxon asionally joined as well. ¡°Before your brain turns into muscle, let me refresh it for you.¡± ¡°Huh? Are you saying that for me to hear?¡± A strayment sparked tension between Rem and Jaxon, but to Encrid, it was just a part of his peaceful routine. Sparring with Rem was rough. It required quick thinking and instant judgment. He had to focus on boldness. It was a time when his body had to move before his mind. Ragna was a bit different. The fight with Ragna focused on swordsmanship itself. Even if it started offensively, letting your guard down could quickly put you on the defensive. Throughout the sparring, he had to be mindful of the overall flow of the fight. Jaxon was different from the other two. Jaxon often used tricks. He deceived with sounds, footwork, hand gestures, and slight movements of his shoulders. Every action required attention. It was a fight that made him think reflexively. ¡°Clear your mind. Focus on the present.¡± These were Jaxon¡¯s words. The knight was soon erased from Encrid¡¯s mind. He repeated what he could do every day. In the afternoon, two weeks after returning to the Border Guard, there was a reward ceremony. ¡°These are those who contributed to the victory against the treacherous Aspen!¡± Thepanymander distributed the rewards. Among them, Encrid received the most. ¡°For revealing and breaking the spell, we bestow this reward!¡± The lieutenant loudly proimed Encrid¡¯s achievement. ¡°They¡¯re actually mentioning all this?¡± Encrid was surprised, thinking themand might have imed his achievement for themselves, but they acknowledged it openly. Among the severalpanymanders lined up next to the battalionmander, a fairy with green eyes stood out. What did thepanymander do? He couldn¡¯t tell. It didn¡¯t seem like they would answer if asked. ¡°It¡¯s our victory!¡± The battalionmander shouted victory once more. However, unlike thest night on the battlefield, no one was overwhelmed by madness. The soldiers at the front, led by the toon leader, pped their hands. As Encrid returned to his ce, a few soldiers at the back nced and muttered among themselves. ¡°Sorcery? Did he break that banner by himself?¡± ¡°Probably one of his squad members did it.¡± ¡°No way he did it alone.¡± ¡°The fog was a spell, and they say he dispelled it? I can¡¯t believe it. That squad leader?¡± That was something someone who knew the usual Encrid would say, he thought. But not Rem. ¡°Do these youngsters miss the taste of my axe or something?¡± He spoke expressionlessly, but the meaning behind his words was terrifying. He was the kind who usually enjoyed hitting the heads of the surrounding soldiers. ¡°Why do we even do this? We could just get some more sleep instead.¡± Ragna grumbled as he nced behind. The battalionmander¡¯s speech seemed extremely tedious to him. Encrid, as the squad leader, calmed him down. The battalionmander was in the middle of his long-winded speech. He was bragging about his role on the battlefield, iming it was his idea to send the scouts, and that he knew it was a spell as soon as he saw the banner¡ªa parade of nonsense. As the boredom grew, the murmuring behind Encrid increased. ¡°That troublemaking squad leader, he¡¯s probably sneaking into the battalionmander¡¯s quarters too?¡± ¡°Hey, he¡¯s not some male whore, what kind of nonsense is that?¡± The soldier who mentioned the term ¡®male whore¡¯ughed louder at his own words. It was the usual kind of talk. A squad leader surviving by pandering to his squad members¡¯ whims. Even back when his skills were terrible, he didn¡¯t let it bother him. Now, he had reached a level where he didn¡¯t even hear suchments. Encrid ignored it again. But his squad members did not. ¡°Having fun, are we?¡± It was Jaxon. The red-haired squad member had silently moved and now had his arms around the shoulders of the two soldiers who had been talking. Encrid hadn¡¯t even noticed Jaxon move. He saw the two soldiers flinch in surprise. Jaxon lowered his head between them and whispered something. With his head lowered, Encrid couldn¡¯t read his lips, but whatever he said made the two soldiers immediately shut their mouths. Their faces turned pale as a bonus. Jaxon leisurely returned to his original spot. ¡°What did you say?¡± Rem, curious, asked. Ragna also perked up, and even Big Eyes and the faithful squad members subtly leaned towards Jaxon. While Encrid didn¡¯t care what the others were talking about, he was curious about what Jaxon had said. ¡°Just advice, essential advice for living life.¡± ¡°Yeah, right.¡± Rem scoffed at him. Encrid didn¡¯t see it, and neither did Big Eyes, but the rest did. In Jaxon¡¯s hands, draped over the shoulders of the two soldiers, were short knives. The tips were precisely pressing against their necks, sending a chill down their spines. ¡°Do you need some advice too?¡± Jaxon asked Rem. His tone was casual. Rem heard it andughed, veins bulging on his forehead. ¡°Quiet. The battalionmander is giving a speech.¡± Encrid intervened just in time. Despite Jaxon¡¯s show of force, the discontent towards Encrid persisted. The criticisms were tinged with jealousy and envy. Originally, he was a nobody. Originally, he was struggling at the bottom. Originally, he was a squad leader barely surviving thanks to his squad members. That was Encrid¡¯s position. Being a low-ranking soldier also yed a part. But this soldier had broken the spell. The battalionmander personallymended him, and the kingdom even sent a reward. There were more people with the hearts of snakes, filled with envy, than there were those genuinely happy for him. In Naurillia, snakes were traditionally depicted as treacherous, jealous creatures who couldn¡¯t stand to see others seed. Hence, this kind of behavior was often described as having a ¡®snake¡¯s heart¡¯. The soldiers¡¯ current behavior was exactly that. They couldn¡¯t stand that someone who was supposed to be beneath them had achieved something significant. Even though Encrid saved them by breaking the spell, many soldiers couldn¡¯t easily acknowledge it. ¡°Could it be, that squad leader?¡± Even a casual remark like this one reflected the entire situation. The disbelief that a mere squad leader could have aplished something significant was filled with contempt, envy, and jealousy. ¡°Hmph, everyone sure has a lot to say.¡± Even Big Eyes, who usually let things slide, made ament. The battalionmander¡¯s speech finally ended. The leather pouch Encrid received was heavy. If it wasn¡¯t just copper coins, it was a substantial amount. Encrid decided to buy a new sword with his hefty reward. ¡°Disperse! It¡¯s time for the shift change.¡± The battalion lieutenant announced the end of the tedious time. ¡°Want to have a match right away? Do you have a duty?¡± As everyone started to disperse, Encrid asked Rem, ¡°Want to have a match right away? Do you have a duty?¡± Rem found this man endlessly fascinating. ¡°Have you ever thought about ying with those loudmouths instead of me?¡± ¡°Those guys? Why? Would it help?¡± The squad leader just stared at his sword again. Seeing this made Rem feel a warm affection. How could someone be so consistent? Dealing with the arrogant loudmouths could wait. ¡°Let¡¯s do it. Let¡¯s spar.¡± Rem suddenly recalled the first time he saw Encrid at the Border Guard. Back then, he was beyond terrible, relying solely on tricks. But now? He vividly remembered the time they sparred again after the battle in the city. ¡®Where did he get such solid fundamentals?¡¯ His swordsmanship, based on solid basics, seemed like it had been taught by a prestigious family. It was hard to believe it was the same person. ¡°You¡¯ve improved a lot.¡± With that, Rem quickly raised his game. He had to. The sparring couldn¡¯t be the yful match it used to be. While Rem took it in stride, Ragna was quite surprised after sparring with Encrid. ¡°If I had taught him, he couldn¡¯t have done better.¡± The squad leader¡¯s skills had improved significantly. His fundamentals were solid, and the Focus Point technique, which Ragna had briefly taught him, was executed well. This wasn¡¯t surprising, though. The Focus Point technique was about pushing oneself into a trance-like state. With talent, it could be mastered in a day. Ragna had done it himself. Although it was surprising that the squad leader had achieved it, ¡®It¡¯s not impossible.¡¯ Thinking that someone else can do something just because you can is the mindset of a genius. That was how Ragna understood Encrid¡¯s current state. Jaxon found joy in facing a squad leader whose skills had suddenly improved. ¡®Is this enjoyable?¡¯ What is a sword, what is a spear, what are weapons including daggers? They are tools meant to kill someone. Until now, he had always regarded weapons as mere tools. But strangely, after sparring with the squad leader, he felt a sense of satisfaction. To the point where he momentarily forgot the goal he had set for himself. It was a truly curious thing. So, he wanted to look out for the squad leader even more. On the other side, the faithful squad member, Audin Plumray, was staring intently at the squad leader. His insight was quite remarkable. ¡®His skills improved significantly in just one day.¡¯ Did the squad leader have this much talent for physicalbat? If that were the case, his skills should continue to improve. But now, he seemed to be stagnating again. Everything you learn and master can hit a teau. Audin knew this, but he always felt a sense of awkwardness when looking at the squad leader. ¡®Something feels strangely off.¡¯ But it wasn¡¯t something to worry about too much. Or, if he thought of it as a blessing from the gods, it eased his mind. Encrid was someone who trained so hard that a day felt too short. If someone like him didn¡¯t receive a blessing, then who deserved to be blessed? Audin embraced the questions that started with the squad leader. God and man, blessings and curses. He took everything that came to mind as a topic of contemtion and fell into deep thought. * * * ¡°Seems pretty decent.¡± Encrid had bought a sword. ¡°Decent? It¡¯s not just decent. That one has Valyrian steel mixed in!¡± The cksmith spoke with a vein bulging on his forehead. ¡°Is that so?¡± Encrid asked as he examined the de. There were no traces of the distinctive bluish hue of pure Valyrian steel. Seeing Encrid inspect the de like an expert, the cksmith continued. ¡°I said it¡¯s mixed with Valyrian steel, not that it¡¯s pure Valyrian steel.¡± ¡°I see.¡± Valyrian steel is renowned across the continent as high-quality metal. Steel from the Valyrian region is highly stic and resistant to breaking. When a sword is made with Valyrian steel, it doesn¡¯t chip easily. Once sharpened, it bes an exceptionally durable weapon. What better ally on the battlefield than a sturdy sword? That¡¯s why everyone coveted weapons made of Valyrian steel. If not Valyrian steel, the next best option was Imperial steel, but Imperial steel was never exported outside the empire, making Valyrian steel the best avable option. ¡°I¡¯ll take it.¡± Spending half of his reward money on a single sword made Big Eyes shake his head. ¡°Why spend so much on a sword? You could just use something lying around the battlefield, or even apply for standard issue.¡± ¡°Wouldn¡¯t it be a shame to die from using a shabby weapon?¡± ¡°¡­When you put it that way, I can¡¯t argue. So, are you going to apply for promotion right away?¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± He had recently refined the skills he had honed through countless sparring sessions. Now, he wanted to test his abilities. ¡®How far can I go?¡¯ He was currently at the lowest rank. He judged that he could at least reach the intermediate rank. Then what about the advanced rank? The highest rank? The elite rank? Naurillia had introduced a soldier ranking system to boost morale. To advance in rank, one simply had to defeat a soldier of a higher rank. Challenges were always epted. There were even people in the unit who arranged these sparring matches. It was a simple but effective system. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s go.¡± Big Eyes was one of those who arranged these matches. Krais, or Big Eyes, would do anything that made money. Promotion matches involved betting, which meant there was money to be made. The higher-ups knew about the betting but turned a blind eye. Somemanders even ced bets on the matches themselves. ¡°I bet on the Squad Leader¡¯s victory.¡± Big Eyes said. It wasn¡¯t because he trusted his own judgment. Before starting, he had squeezed some information out of Rem. ¡°If possible, bet on the Squad Leader.¡± That was all, but since Rem wasn¡¯t one to speak lightly, Big Eyes believed him. ¡®If I lose¡­¡¯ He wouldn¡¯t just let it slide. Of course, he wouldn¡¯t confront Rem directly. Krais knew well that challenging Rem would mean being left in pieces. ¡°You want to have a promotion match?¡± When Encrid requested it from the toon leader, he nodded in agreement. ¡°Well, there¡¯s no need to stay at the lowest rank.¡± After getting the toon leader¡¯s permission and with Big Eyes¡¯ arrangement, preparations for the sparring match were made in the central training ground, attracting a few idle soldiers. It wasn¡¯t really an event that should gather spectators, but this was the infamous Troublemaking Squad Leader. The one who supposedly broke the Spell of the Fog. The squad leader is rumored to have survived by licking his squad members¡¯ anuses! So, naturally, the spectators increased. More and more eyes gathered. With over twenty spectators present, Encrid faced his opponent. The soldier was a mercenary with curly hair. ¡°I¡¯m an intermediate rank. You applied directly for the intermediate soldier rank?¡± ¡°I did.¡± ¡°You¡¯re arrogant.¡± After this brief exchange, they crossed swords. Encrid received his opponent¡¯s downward strike. ng! The sound of metal shing echoed. Encrid waited for his opponent to attack again. That¡¯s how it had always been. Rem, Ragna, and Jaxon all did the same. In every sparring match, they exploited Encrid¡¯s gaps. And in real battles? Even the pervert who loved to thrust. Even Mitch Hurrier of Aspen. They were all formidable opponents who did not tolerate any gaps. But his current opponent was not like them. ng! ng! A few more strikes were exchanged. Encrid furrowed his brow. ¡®Is he ying around?¡¯ His opponent¡¯s skill was far below his expectations. It was hard to tell if he was serious or not. ¡°Ha!¡± The soldier who imed to be of intermediate rank swung his sword down. There were so many openings that it was almost concerning. Encrid pretended to block, then dodged and tripped his opponent with his foot on the shin. Thud, whoosh, bam. The soldier¡¯s right foot lifted to the side, causing him to fall t on his back. Hended with a crash. ¡°Aagh!¡± As he fell, he must have ced his hand wrong, because he screamed and clutched his wrist, rolling on the ground. This was unexpected. Encrid¡¯s mind was flooded with questions. ¡®Why is he so weak?¡¯ That was Encrid¡¯s main concern. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 51 ¡°You¡¯re lucky.¡± One of the soldiers watching the duel spoke. He was also a former mercenary. He was one of those who had grumbled to Encrid during the recent reward ceremony. With a scowl on his face, he stepped forward. ¡°Not tired yet? How about one more round?¡± To be promoted, one must be recognized by three intermediate soldiers or defeat three of them. Facing just one wasn¡¯t enough. ¡°Uh, Squad Leader?¡± Big Eyes nced around nervously. The atmosphere was tense, with the opponent growling. Encrid looked at the fallen soldier with questioning eyes. Is this right? With just one trip, the match was decided. The fallen soldier got up, clutching his wrist. ¡°You¡¯re a lucky bastard.¡± The soldier, holding his wrist, retreated, tears welling up in the corners of his eyes from the pain. It must hurt a lot. But it didn¡¯t seem bad enough to cry over. Encrid turned his gaze. It was toward the second opponent. Looking at him, Encrid assumed his stance. ¡°I¡¯m not tired.¡± ¡°Alright, then this time I¡¯ll be your opponent.¡± Encrid briefly reviewed the previous fight in his mind. ¡®Luck was on my side.¡¯ The soldier had been too defenseless as he fell. He hadn¡¯t thought to protect himself. He hadn¡¯t expected to be taken down at all. ¡®Why?¡¯ The reason for his carelessness was underestimating his opponent. But can a match be decided just by a light kick? Does that even make sense? I don¡¯t know. Then I¡¯ll just have to try again. The opponent pulled out a spear. The infantry battalion stationed at the Border Guard consisted of two main types of soldiers. One was light infantry, and the other was heavy infantry. Using a spear as a weapon was a characteristic of the heavy infantry. These were infantry soldiers whom the Border Guard had invested heavily in, training them with Krona. Their status was different from that of the light infantry. As such, even as intermediate soldiers, they were better trained and more skilled. The opponent aimed a short spear for individualbat and began spinning the spearhead. Encrid didn¡¯t let his gaze be drawn to it. ¡°When fighting, keep the opponent¡¯s entire body in your sight.¡± That was Ragna¡¯s advice. Encrid adhered to it. Whoosh. The spearhead aimed for his side. It was a swift thrust, like a hawk targeting its prey. ¡®Too slow.¡¯ Butpared to the thrusting maniac he¡¯d faced earlier today, it was slow. The trajectory was clear, and it was avoidable. Encrid shifted his stance, pivoting on his left foot and adjusting his body¡¯s centerline, instantly showing his wit. Not only did he dodge the spear, but he also trapped it by his side. When the spear was suppressed with a thud, the opponent pulled it back. Encrid jumped forward, matching the force pulling him. ¡°Huh!¡± The soldier, who expected Encrid to resist, gasped when Encrid instead rushed forward with the spear. Startled, the soldier raised his left arm from his two-handed grip on the spear to guard. Encrid feigned a thrust at the opponent¡¯s eyes with his sword, then extended his foot to trip the opponent¡¯s shin. With his right foot hooking the shin, Encrid extended his left foot forward, twisted his hips, and drove his shoulder into the opponent¡¯s chest. Thud. With a heavy thud and a cracking sound, the opponent fell to the side. There was no need to aim his sword. Encrid simply looked down from above. The soldier from the 1st toon of the 1st Company, heavy infantry, looked up at Encrid from the ground. To him, the Troublesome Squad Leader¡¯s body seemed twice asrge as it had when they first faced each other. This was due to the psychological pressure of being overpowered. ¡®Damn.¡¯ Even though he was breathless from being hit so hard, he cursed the Troublemaker Squad Leader who had bested him. Of course, that included cursing himself as well. ¡®What is the lowest level?¡¯ Encrid looked down at him and asked, ¡°More?¡± ¡°No, no, let¡¯s stop.¡± The second intermediate soldier withdrew, and it was time for the third intermediate soldier to step forward. ¡°Idiots.¡± One of the soldiers who had been watching Encrid¡¯s promotion match muttered. It was Andrew. The same Andrew who had carried out the scouting mission with Encrid. Andrew had judged that Encrid had already surpassed the intermediate level back then, but now he fought even better. Something had happened in the meantime that had refined his swordsmanship. Andrew praised himself for betting all his Krona on Encrid. At the same time, he wondered who would win if he were to fight Encrid now. He had been diligently training as well. Mac, who was standing right next to him, spoke as he watched Andrew. ¡°What on earth happened to that guy?¡± ¡°Why?¡± ¡°His skills have improved tremendously.¡± ¡°By how much?¡± Seeing Andrew¡¯s expression as he spoke, Mac shook his head. ¡°He¡¯s different from before.¡± After the previous scouting mission, Mac had told Andrew that if he wanted to properly challenge the Troublesome Squad Leader, he should gather his resolve and gain more experience. But now he had to retract those words. ¡°If I fight him now, it will be difficult. It will be difficult for me too.¡± Mac was an exceptionally skilled swordsman, capable of evaluating Andrew¡¯s swordsmanship. For him to say it would be difficult was significant. Andrew nodded. This was how it should be. After all, this was the person who had knocked him down with one blow. And for the first time in his life, he felt a natural desire to follow someone. Off to the side, Vengeance was also watching the duel. He had just finished his duty and was on his way back when he noticed themotion in the corner of the training ground, where the dueling area made of soft earth was located. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± One of his subordinates exined the situation. Vengeance watched the duel, holding his spear at his side with his helmet hanging from the spear¡¯s end. Encrid had fought twice and had taken down his opponents twice. It sounded easy when put into words, but anyone with a keen eye could see the truth. ¡®If that¡¯s luck.¡¯ It would be as if the goddess of luck had been reincarnated as a man. The third opponent was hesitant to step forward. Krais finally realized that his Squad Leader fought better than expected. He was sharp enough to notice. So he pointed out the third opponent himself. ¡°You there, 2nd toon? How about a match?¡± Krais could be a bold provocateur if he had nothing to lose and something to gain. If necessary, he would even provoke his opponent to draw them out. ¡°Me?¡± The number of onlookers had increased significantly. Stepping forward only to get beaten wasn¡¯t an appealing prospect. ¡°Who else would I mean? You seemed confident enough when talking behind my back, calling him a male prostitute and all.¡± Krais sneered at his opponent. At this point, the third soldier couldn¡¯t refuse. ¡°Spit, fine, I¡¯ll do it.¡± The foul-mouthed soldier spat on the ground and stepped forward. Standing on the soft earth, he faced Encrid. Encrid had just finished reviewing his second fight. ¡®I¡¯ve only had tough fights.¡¯ This opponent seemed too easy. Rem and the other squad members oftenined about the soldier ranking system being a mess. ¡°Can all intermediate soldiers be the same? Even the higher ranks are somewhat useful, but the disparity is too great. And do you think the oue of a life-or-death battle is decided solely by skill? There are plenty of guys on the continent who, despitecking skill, use their wits to kill their opponents.¡± That was Rem¡¯s opinion. Still, to gain recognition here, one had to rise through the soldier ranking system. ¡®If not that, then stand above the ranking system itself.¡¯ Those who stand above the ranking system. They are the masters of the Red Cape. The Border Guard is stationed with two battalions. They take turns being dispatched to Green Pearl for rotational duty, so usually, one battalion and a reserve force are stationed in the city. The unit currently stationed in the city is the 1st Battalion, to which Encrid belongs. Half of the 2nd Battalion is out in the field in the Green Pearl ins. Even if not fighting the enemy, it is their duty to hold the fort. Taking turns guarding through the winter each year is the role of the Border Guard¡¯s standing army. In a city with barely ten thousand people, there are two infantry battalions and a royal direct unit. Although it was the first time a member of the Red Cape Knights participated directly in the battlefield, asionally, knights from the order were dispatched. All this is possible because the Border Guard is a direct dominion of the kingdom. In the past, when rtions with Aspen were good, the Border Guard was a trade city where various goods, including spices, were stored. After Aspen started its invasion wars, this ce transformed into a military and fortress city. The low walls were built up, and watchtowers were erected. The three watchtowers symbolized Naurillia keeping an eye on Aspen. Because of this, most of the troops stationed within the unit were highly skilled. Although it was a border town, it was a gathering ce for forces seasoned by repeated battles. That was the strength of the Border Guard. So, even the soldier before him should be seen as having considerable skill. For this reason, no opponent should be taken lightly. At the beginning of this battle, it was the same. This ce was filled with those more than capable of challenging Encrid. ¡°Were you daydreaming?¡± The opponent asked. ¡°No.¡± Encrid was startled but immediately shook his head. Do not underestimate your opponent. This was a phrase countless swordsmanship instructors had said. To honor those words, he pondered the past of the city, which had be a strategic point. Do not underestimate, they said, a phrase that once seemed unrtable. ¡®Who can I afford to underestimate?¡¯ But now, he had to steel himself to keep those words in mind. He didn¡¯t feel likeughing. He was simply content. It was a joy separate from the pleasure of growth. Proving and disying his skills. That brought Encrid joy. ¡°What¡¯s so amusing?¡± the opponent asked again. Encrid realized he had a faint smile on his face. ¡°Fighting is fun.¡± ¡°You¡¯re crazy.¡± The opponent, after catching his breath, charged. He brought his sword down vertically. Encrid watched the trajectory of the swinging sword and moved ordingly. He gathered strength from the foot nted on the ground, through his knee, and to his waist. With that momentum, he struck the opponent¡¯s sword with his own. ng! A sharp metallic sound rang out. The opponent¡¯s chest was exposed. When Encrid pulled back his sword and feigned a thrust, the opponent attempted to draw his arms back into a defensive position. Encrid merely feigned the thrust and raised his sword tip while closing the distance. Then, looking into the startled opponent¡¯s eyes, he locked des, extended his left foot to hook the opponent¡¯s heel, and pushed forward with strength in his sword hand. The opponent managed to bring his sword to his chest just in time. With the des locked together, the opponent couldn¡¯t use his sword for an attack. The soldier was helplessly caught. Thud. Tripped by the hook, the opponent fell. He had no means to resist andnded hard on his backside. Encrid ced the de on the fallen opponent¡¯s crown. Everything had happened in an instant. And with these three fights, Encrid had truly demonstrated his skill. The fallen soldier looked up, his eyes widening as he saw the sword ced above his head. ¡°¡­I lost,¡± the soldier admitted. Naurillia had always revered the strong. It wasn¡¯t called the country of knights for nothing. Andrew and Mac as well. Vengeance, who had been watching from behind. The Fairy Company Commander, who hade to watch at some point. Rem, Ragna, and the other troublesome squad members. Even the soldiers who had once insulted Encrid behind his back. No one spoke. The sunlight nted down, reflecting off the de and illuminating half of Encrid¡¯s face. The light shone on his face, casting long shadows and creating a white mist rising from his shoulders in the cold air. All these elements created a strange illusion. It seemed as if Encrid had emerged from the center of the battlefield, tearing through the gpole that served as the medium for the spell. The fact they had all denied and pushed away now became a reality etched in their minds. The one who had shattered the spell of the Fog of Annihtion was the person who had saved them. ¡°Unbelievable.¡± Someone murmured. That was an acknowledgment. They could criticize him when they were unaware of his skills, but now they couldn¡¯t. Acting foolishly was only temporary. The soldier who had lost the second fight spoke. ¡°I spoke out of line. I apologize.¡± Encrid silently nodded. After all, the Border Guard¡¯s standing army was full of people like this. A tough unit that could not tolerate standing before someone without skill. That was the army of the Border Guard, the Sword of the Frontier. Conversely, they would respect anyone who proved themselves through skill. Encrid had proven himself by overwhelming the intermediate soldiers. ¡°Spellbreaker.¡± Someone murmured. There was no cheer. The atmosphere wasn¡¯t right for that. But it seemed likely that this would be his nickname. Spellbreaker, it was an excessive title. Encrid thought so, and after a brief moment of considering what to do next, he spoke. ¡°It looks like it¡¯s time to face a superior soldier.¡± He had taken down three intermediate soldiers with just one trip. So, what¡¯s left now? What¡¯s left is clear. A superior soldier remains. Thinking about fighting again in this situation? Krais widened his alreadyrge eyes even more, thinking that their Squad Leader was truly unstoppable. So, should they arrange another fight now? As he pondered this, ¡°Whistle.¡± Someone whistled and stepped forward. The soldier who stepped forward smiled inly and said, ¡°Interesting.¡± The soldier wore an epaulet with an eagle emblem. The emblem indicated that he was a member of the royal direct unit, the Frontier Guard. It was a unit as famous as the Gray Hound, the independentpany of Aspen. They were known as the Frontier ughterers, a nickname given to the most ferocious unit within the already rough and tough Border Guard. The total strength was two hundred, but as a royal direct unit, all members were advanced soldiers or higher. The one who stepped forward was one of them. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 52 ¡°Let¡¯s give it a try.¡± The soldier who spoke stepped forward. His appearance was unremarkable. He was slightly shorter than Encrid but had a solid build. The blue de of the shortsword in his lowered hand reflected the light. The Border Guard was a small elite force, known for their ruthless efficiency. Though it was a mere two hundred strong, the squad leader held the same rank as a battalionmander. ording to Naurillia¡¯s organization, they were part of the kingdom¡¯s direct forces. This meant that the Border Guard had its own chain ofmand, separate from the infantry units stationed there. The Border Guard soldier looked at Encrid with in eyes. It wasn¡¯t a provocative look. Rather, it was an arrogant gaze, as if he was looking down on him. This stirred Encrid¡¯spetitive spirit. He felt this was a challenge he could take on. Encrid was delighted. ¡®I can fight.¡¯ Unlike the past when he would immediately crumble due tock of skill or be overwhelmed by sheer talent before he could even start, now he is different. He was momentarily enjoying the joy of this change. Thinking Encrid was hesitating, the surroundings began to buzz. ¡°Spell Breaker.¡± ¡°The Troublesome Squad Leader.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s give it a try.¡± ¡°What¡¯s so special about an elite?¡± Despite only having three short duels, everyone was cheering for Encrid. It was a strange experience. Never in his life had he experienced this before, so it was a first for him. ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± ¡°Come on!¡± ¡°Show them!¡± ¡°The flower of the battlefield!¡± ¡°Infantry!¡± Now, they were even shouting the infantry¡¯s motto. It was amusing because his opponent was also an infantry soldier. Nheless, the supportive sentiment was clearly conveyed. The desire to fight. The thirst that could not be satisfied with just mid-level soldiers. The discipline of the infantry gathered behind him. In an instant, a tingling sensation spread from his toes to his entire body. Watching the situation unfold from the outside, Vengeance could understand the support for Encrid. ¡®It makes sense.¡¯ Even Vengeance himself had shouted to Encrid, ¡°Show them!¡± A soldier who swung his sword even during sleeping hours, the lowest-ranking soldier. The Squad Leader who managed a Troublesome Squad. His rank was insignificant. His skills were poor despite his efforts. That was the evaluation until now. Everyone probably thought the same. But now, how is it? Encrid, the Troublesome Squad Leader, showed apletely different side. By demonstrating his exceptional skills, he proved himself. Breaking spells and changing the course of the battlefield, savingrades¡¯ lives in the process, became a reality. It was something they knew but doubted. That doubt became reality, and now everyone knew. They knew who the top contributor of the previous battlefield was. The battalionmander acknowledged his achievements with a bag of Krona and words of praise. As with any army, this one had a culture of taking credit from above. Especially, the current battalionmander had a rather bad reputation. Rumors spread widely that he saw his soldiers merely as expendables. Many soldiers had subtly noticed Encrid¡¯s skills. Including a few, himself. Among them was Bell. The soldier Encrid had protected from the Hawk¡¯s Eyes¡¯ arrow with his shield. ¡®I knew it!¡¯ He had recognized him ever since he saved him. The Troublesome Squad Leader was someone who could do anything. ¡®Absolutely.¡¯ That wasn¡¯t all. The hearts of all those who had unknowingly formed a bond with him united. Encrid now represented themon soldiers of the Border Guard. Receiving their cheers, Encrid kicked the tip of his sword with his foot and took his stance. Simultaneously, he suppressed the tingling excitement and regted his breathing. ¡°You¡¯re going for it?¡± ¡°There¡¯s no reason to avoid it.¡± Seeing Encrid step forward indifferently, the Border Guard soldier, Torres, thought to himself. ¡®Look at that?¡¯ The ughterer of the Frontier. There was a reason his unit had earned that nickname, yet his opponent did not avoid the fight. Instead, he seemed even more eager to engage, a faint smile ying on his lips. It was interesting. Exciting. And at the same time, infuriating. Torres wanted to show the difference between an ordinary soldier and a special forces operative. Whoosh. Torres lunged first. His speed was frightening. Encrid waited and then thrust his sword to the center. It was a good move. The opponent would have to dodge either left, right, up, or down. The moment they dodged, a heavy strike would follow. But Torres didn¡¯t dodge. Instead, he met Encrid¡¯s iing sword with his own. As the des met, Encrid tried to press down with force, but his opponent had a trick up his sleeve. ng! As the des shed, Torres angled his sword upward, twisting their meeting point to a diagonal. The downward force was deflected. It was the basic technique of deflection. Sparks flew where the des met. When his pressing force was deflected, Encrid didn¡¯t hesitate. He pulled his right foot from behind and kicked forward. Wham! Just before his toe reached its target, the opponent blocked Encrid¡¯s shin with his palm. The distance closed. It was now inside the reach of their swords. Torres dropped his shortsword and closed in further on Encrid. Crossing his arms, Torres grabbed Encrid¡¯s cor, aiming to choke him. Encrid didn¡¯t care if his opponent was choking him. He drew his sword straight up between his legs. It was a calcted move, aiming for the opponent¡¯s back. Even if he was being choked, he wouldn¡¯t pass out immediately, and in that time, he could leave a deep mark on the elite soldier¡¯s back. Torres twisted his body. Instead of grabbing the cor, he pushed Encrid¡¯s chest with both hands. Encrid resisted the pushing force. Without retreating, he changed the direction of his sword and swung it horizontally. From the moment Torres let go of his shortsword, his defeat was almost certain. One had a weapon, and the other didn¡¯t. Which side had the advantage? But Encrid had another surprising experience. His opponent suddenly disappeared. ¡®Disappeared?¡¯ His focus shattered. The opponent had vanished before his eyes. No sound, either. Instinct took over Encrid¡¯s movements. An instinct honed from countless near-deaths, a survival instinct earned through countless struggles each day to see the next. He grabbed his sword with only his right hand and jerked his chin back. This opened his chest wide. At that moment, a sh of light shot up from under his chin, right in front of him. Swish! The sh grazed his cheek. In that brief moment, Encrid regained his focus. Miss, and he would die. Instinct still clearly warned him. The sh that shot up suddenly fell. Encrid didn¡¯t miss it. He caught the sh with his left palm and raised his knee. Smack¡ªThud! A burning pain seared through his palm. He could see Torres¡¯ eyes trembling, now right in front of him. Blood trickled from Encrid¡¯s left palm, where it had caught the dagger¡¯s de. It was the aftermath of Torres, who had discarded his shortsword, pulling out a dagger and delivering a deadly sh. A drop of blood fell to the ground. As more blood dripped down, Torres exhaled and made a gesture as if to withdraw his sword. Encrid let go of the de. Pain surged through his left hand¡ªa burning, intense pain. He also felt a stinging pain and blood flowing from his cheek. His cheek had been cut earlier. Had he not dodged, his jaw would have been split open. He was lucky. If it hadn¡¯t been for his instinctive movements. ¡®That was close.¡¯ Encrid thought. ¡°You¡¯re lucky, huh?¡± Then, Rem¡¯s voice was heard. Rem was suddenly right behind Torres, with an axe slung over his shoulder. He was within striking distance if he decided to swing. Beside Rem, Ragna was seen cing his left hand on his sword and taking a half-step forward with his left foot. It was the stance he used when demonstrating his sword technique. ¡°That¡¯s enough,¡± Ragna muttered. If these two had Torres¡¯s back, there was also someone standing beside Torres. The red-haired squad member, Jaxon. He didn¡¯t have a weapon in his hand. Yet, he looked more dangerous than Rem and Ragna. Instincts red from the recent duel told Encrid so. And it didn¡¯t end with just these three. Encrid¡¯s gaze fell downward. Between himself and his opponent, a de was blocking the space. A leaf-shaped sword, a distinctive weapon of the Fairy Tribe, Naidil. ¡°That¡¯s enough. I¡¯m the 4th Company Commander. Any more, and it¡¯s considered friendly fire.¡± It was the Fairy Company Commander. Her sword had somehow slipped between the two of them. ¡°Why so hostile? It was just a duel. After a couple of strikes, there would be multiple holes in our bodies.¡± Torres retrieved his dagger. Rubbing his stomach where Encrid had struck him, he raised both hands. Only then did the people who had been holding their breath watching the duel exhale. ¡°That was an amazing fight.¡± ¡°Seriously, how is he a low-ranking soldier?¡± There was no need for an official evaluator. ¡°At least upper-rank!¡± Even these onlookers could recognize it. Especially considering who the opponent was. ¡°I¡¯m Torres, a Squad Leader in the Border Guard.¡± He tapped his insignia and extended his hand. Encrid sheathed his sword and extended his uninjured right hand to shake it. ¡°Encrid, 4th Squad Leader of the 4th toon in the 4th Company.¡± Since the other spoke formally, Encrid also followed military courtesy. ¡°The Troublesome Squad Leader, I¡¯ve heard of you.¡± Even within the city, those who needed to know about Encrid knew him. Torres shed a friendly smile. He didn¡¯t look like someone who had just fought a life-and-death battle. ¡°You fight really well. Let¡¯s do this again sometime.¡± Torres spoke and turned away. As he walked through the crowd of spectators, the soldiers parted for him. The ughterer of the Frontier, the renowned name of this unit, was well-respected even among their own ranks. A squad leader from such a unit had recognized Encrid. Only the soldier who had destroyed the spell and saved the battalion in the previous battle remained. ¡°Why does he have to be so handsome, too?¡± Someone remarked, seeing Encrid brush his sweaty bangs aside. Everyone in the training grounds had their eyes on Encrid. It wasn¡¯t intentional, but this became a turning point in changing everyone¡¯s perception of him. Oddly enough, after this event, no one spoke ill of Encrid anymore. ¡°What? That squad leader? Isn¡¯t he just a sly bastard who relies on his squad?¡± On the contrary, any soldier who hadn¡¯t witnessed the duel and spoke poorly of Encrid was rebuked. ¡°Are you out of your mind? He saved your life in thest battle, and you dare say that?¡± ¡°Huh?¡± The soldier who had been on leave was bewildered by hisrade¡¯s reaction. ¡°Don¡¯t you know the Spell Breaker? Do you think that spell just broke by itself? You idiot!¡± Just before his leave, wasn¡¯t he also cursing the Troublesome Squad Leader with them? The change in hisrades was too drastic. But he couldn¡¯t say anything because it wasn¡¯t just one person who had changed. The soldier who had returned from leave was swept up by the new atmosphere. It seemed to make sense to him, too. ¡®They said he destroyed the spell.¡¯ He had even received an award for it. He started thinking that maybe the Troublesome Squad Leader had indeed done something amazing. Those who had previously imed it was thanks to his squad disappeared. At the forefront of this change was Bell. ¡°I almost died from an arrow, but he appeared and blocked it.¡± Vengeance had also yed a part. ¡°There was a fire and, well, despite me not being friendly to him before, he saved me. I heard he copsed after carrying me out of the mes. And yes, it was Squad Leader Encrid who broke the spell. I saw him charging at the front with my own eyes!¡± Andrew also joined in. ¡°I thought from the beginning that he was no ordinary person. It wasn¡¯t me but Encrid who predicted the enemy¡¯s movements and led the scouting.¡± They even started adding ¡®sir¡¯ after his name. Mac, Andrew¡¯s mentor, also chimed in. ¡°Throughout the scouting mission, he threw himself into the most dangerous positions, the most perilous tasks. His swordsmanship? It¡¯s beyond my ce toment.¡± Mac was considered one of the top soldiers even among the regr troops. The atmosphere hadpletely changed. However, this didn¡¯t mean daily routines were altered. While there were many talks about how the Troublesome Squad Leader was surprisingly skilled. ¡°An upper-ranking soldier?¡± To the battalionmander, the promotion of a single soldier to an upper rank wasn¡¯t a big deal. To him, the Troublesome Squad Leader was just a somewhat annoying presence. So he ignored it. Encrid also didn¡¯t get carried away by the changing atmosphere. He focused on tending to his wounds and doing his best on guard duty. Two days after the promotion evaluation, Encrid was on guard duty at the southern gate of the Border Guard with Rem. ¡°Was this all intentional? You¡¯re quite sly, Squad Leader.¡± Rem remarked. ¡°What was it?¡± ¡°Nowadays, the kids can¡¯t stop talking about you, the Squad Leader, and you act like you don¡¯t notice.¡± Encrid had ears and eyes. Besides, he had Krais around, who loved to gossip. He knew everything there was to know. At first, he felt proud. Even if it was a desperate struggle to survive, it was true that he broke the spell. But pride was one thing. Encrid soon reverted to his usual self. Training and drilling. ¡°Aren¡¯t you bored?¡± ¡°No. Want to spar after duty?¡± ¡°Sure.¡± Rem smiled faintly. He liked the Squad Leader¡¯s consistency. As they were heading back to the barracks after their shift, someone blocked their path. It was an unfamiliar face. ¡°Can we talk for a moment?¡± Before Rem could raise an eyebrow and question who the guy was, ¡°Sure.¡± Encrid recognized the person. It was clear that pretending to know Rem would not be beneficial in this situation. ¡°Go ahead.¡± Encrid sent Rem away. ¡°You don¡¯t need to stay with me?¡± ¡°Just get lost.¡± Encrid said, horrified at Rem¡¯s attempt to act like a caretaker. ¡°Man, even when I look after you, you get all worked up.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t look after me.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll say it again, if you abandon me, I¡¯ll sulk. Just like a teenage girl, I¡¯ll pout like crazy!¡± Rem continued to speak jokingly until the end. What a troublesome guy. Encrid pushed Rem¡¯s back lightly, indicating he understood. Remplied and went inside. The man who had been watching this exchange shook his head slightly. ¡°Discipline is a mess.¡± ¡°There¡¯s a reason they call us the Troublesome Squad.¡± They were right in front of the barracks. The man began to walk along the low wall of the military base, and Encrid walked alongside him. ¡°You know who I am, right?¡± ¡°You¡¯re themander of the 1st Company, aren¡¯t you?¡± The man nodded. 1st Battalion, 1st Company. He was themander of the Border Guard¡¯s renowned Turtle Heavy Infantry. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 53 ¡°Do you want to transfer to anotherpany?¡± It happened just five steps out of the barracks. It was notmon for someone to directly pull a soldier from within the unit. ¡®Is it because I became a higher-ranking soldier?¡¯ That might be the case. There aren¡¯t many higher or top-ranking soldiers within the unit. Or there might be another reason. Spell Breaker. It¡¯s the name most frequently mentioned within the unit these days. Being noticed and receiving attention. It¡¯s a first for him. But that doesn¡¯t mean he should get excited and jump around like a fifteen-year-old kid. It¡¯s enjoyable, but there are things that should be passed over because they are enjoyable. Encrid had experience. He had survived until the age of thirty while eating the soldier¡¯s rations without dying. ¡°To the 1st Company, you mean?¡± ¡°Do you think I came to put you in the fool¡¯s Palto Company or the Rayon Company?¡± Palto and Rayon are the names of the 2nd and 3rd Company Commanders. ¡°Come to mypany.¡± Encrid¡¯s promotion duel was strongly etched in everyone¡¯s memory. Among them, Graham, the 1st Company Commander responsible for the heavy infantry, especially liked Encrid. He was originally known within the military for valuing talented people. He was also mentioned as the next Battalion Commander. Such was his offer. It was not a light matter. The 1st Company, famous for its heavy infantry, was the core unit of the Cyprus Division and an elite course within the army. But Encrid shook his head. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± It was a polite refusal without hesitation. ¡°Refusal? Why? If you¡¯re worried about conflict with the Company Commander, I¡¯ll protect you.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not that.¡± Encrid¡¯s attitude while answering was overly calm. There was not even a hint of hesitation. Graham frowned and then rxed. ¡°You don¡¯t seem to have any regrets?¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± Graham stared nkly at Encrid. Encrid met his gaze, wondering what more to say. ¡°It seems that way.¡± It was not a problem to be solved by force or coercion. Graham thought so. ¡°Then.¡± Encrid pressed his left hand to his left waist and bowed his head in a military salute. To receive a salute, one should at least nod, but Graham mirrored Encrid¡¯s action like a reflection. Pressing his left hand to his waist, he returned the salute. Then he spoke. ¡°Thanks to you.¡± Thank you? When Encrid stared nkly, Graham continued speaking. ¡°You survived. I should at least thank you.¡± Spell Breaker. That fog was truly horrifying. The more capable themander, the more its power was felt. The Fairy Company Commander had cursed the Battalion Commander extensively during the battle. Graham had cursed the Battalion Commander just as much as she had. ¡°That idiot, that dumbass!¡± He had shouted this in the middle of the battlefield. When there was no trouble, it was fine to just take care of his own business. But in a crisis, amander¡¯s ability inevitably showed. The Battalion Commander was an idiot. At least, Graham thought so. Especially since he subtly took credit for this battle, which was the dumbest thing to do. Eventually, everyone within the unit who knew, knew. The real hero of the previous battle was not the Battalion Commander. The two men who had stood stiffly giving a salute rxed. Graham extended his hand first, and Encrid grasped it and shook it. It was a farewell mixed with gratitude, regret, and a bit of sadness. ¡°Go on, and don¡¯t forget how disappointed I am.¡± ¡°Should I send Rem in my ce then?¡± Encrid joked. ¡°Not that bastard!¡± Graham pretended to be angry and red. The two soon smiled and parted ways. ¡®He seems like a good person.¡¯ It was the first time Encrid had such a conversation with the heavy infantry Company Commander. Encrid felt a sense of fondness towards him. Though the barracks were right behind him, he wanted to walk a bit more. As he walked, he took a rare opportunity to look around various parts of the city. Before he knew it, he had reached the edge of the market in the city center. Even though it was a military city, it was natural for merchants and farmers toe and go. In fact, there were far more itinerant merchants than people engaged in agriculture. Border Guard was a ce known as a military city on the frontier. The number of stationed troops exceeded 1,000. If the ratio of soldiers to the poption was one in ten, the city should have had more than 10,000 citizens. But 10,000 was obviously too much, and it didn¡¯t even reach 5,000. Still, the city functioned well. This was because it was a royal domain. Thanks to the kingdom¡¯s support, the military city of the Border Guard could be maintained. But they couldn¡¯t rely on the kingdom for everything, so they also farmed and weed merchants. Among these, the business of attracting merchant guilds was quite sessful. Recently, it was heard that by the king¡¯s order, several merchant guilds had entered the city, and perhaps because of this, the market was bustling like never before. As a result, Big Eyes had been chattering about how the innkeeper¡¯s mouth was practically reaching the ceiling. ¡®It¡¯s understandable why he¡¯s happy.¡¯ There were indeed many people. When merchant guilds increase in the city, innkeepers¡¯ happiness increases ordingly. Moreover, one of the main businesses of the Border Guard was the lodging industry. ¡®A major trading venue for the guilds.¡¯ One of the advantages of having a significantlyrge number of professional soldiers in the city was solid public security. There were more than enough troops to patrol and guard the city. As a result, it became a major trading venue for various guilds. A city with not many residents but many visitors. A military city, yet also exhibiting the characteristics of a trade city. That was the true nature of the Border Guard. Encrid nced at the entrance of an alley, where buildings were haphazardly constructed, creating aplicated structure. He then turned his body. He felt as though someone was watching him, but upon closer inspection, there was nothing. Encrid turned back and walked to the front of the barracks. After he left, a beggar, who had been hiding under a filthy nket up to his head, crawled out from the inside of the alley. The beggar sat down on the ground and began to beg. The eyes within the nket were sharp. To anyone watching, he didn¡¯t appear to be just a mere beggar. * * * Before he could even enter the quarters, Rem¡¯s voice hit Encrid¡¯s ears. ¡°Our Squad Leader is preparing to abandon us. Everyone, get ready.¡± That crazy guy. ¡°Is it true?¡± As soon as he entered, Big Eyes ran up to him. ¡°No.¡± Encrid tly denied it and tried to exin, but everyone¡¯s eyes looked hostile. Ragna, half-closing his eyes, spoke. ¡°If you¡¯re leaving, take me with you.¡± It was a straightforward tone. It would be understandable if he spoke like that while following orders, but Ragna was naturallyzy. He was someone who rarely followed anyone¡¯s orders easily. Would there be a unit that weed someone like Ragna? ¡°Well, transferring units is amon thing.¡± Jaxon agreed, ncing over his belongings. He looked ready to pack up and follow at any moment. Jaxon was a bit better, but still. ¡®He¡¯s also¡­¡¯ He wasn¡¯t part of this troublesome unit for no reason. He kept his duty hours well enough, but he frequently skipped training. He often disappeared suddenly, making people search for him. Though he was friendly with people. ¡®There are limits, and he definitely chooses whom to interact with.¡¯ He obviously showed his preferences openly. He was not the type to blend well into the unit. Naturally, there weren¡¯t manymanders who weed Jaxon. ¡°These crazy bastards, where do you think you¡¯re going? Even if the Squad Leader epts you, who would ept you? You¡¯re all a hindrance to his future. So don¡¯te. I¡¯ll go alone. Trust me. I¡¯ll get rid of those guys and leave.¡± Rem blocked Encrid¡¯s way, puffing out his chest and shouting. ¡®No, you¡¯re the biggest problem.¡¯ Encrid looked at Rem¡¯s broad back and let out a hollowugh. The heavy infantrypanymander would never ept Rem, even if he might ept others. Considering Rem beat up his superior officer. There were many who went beyond disliking Rem and outright hated him in the unit due to that assault. Ragna and Jaxon probably wouldn¡¯t be epted either, but if he had to rank them, Rem was the biggest obstacle. ¡°You definitely have a problem in your head. I¡¯ve seen many like you, and none of them lived past thirty.¡± Ragna spoke while lying on his side, scratching his head as if he hadn¡¯t washed it in days. ¡°So, is it time for me to die now?¡± Jaxon responded to that remark. Why these two always seemed to achieve such perfect harmony in moments like this was a mystery. Was Rem really thirty? Encrid subtly stepped aside to get a look at Rem. He saw the crooked smile of the immigrant from the West. Rem looked furious. ¡°Squad Leader, is it okay if we kill those two and go on our own?¡± Where are you going, and who are you killing in the first ce? ¡°No.¡± It was best to intervene before it escted into a big fight. ¡°I¡¯m not going anywhere.¡± As he said that to defuse the situation, Big Eyes nodded and said, ¡°Really?¡± But the others didn¡¯t calm down easily. When words didn¡¯t seem enough, Encrid was about to physically step between his squad members when there was a knock at the door. The religious squad member was the only one not present, but he wouldn¡¯t knock on his own quarters¡¯ door. So it had to be a guest. When Encrid signaled with his eyes, Big Eyes opened the door. ¡°Who is it?¡± At the sound of Krais¡¯s voice, Encrid turned around. Beyond the flimsy wooden door stood a member of the Border Guard. It was Torres, wearing an eagle insignia. ¡°Nice to see you again.¡± He raised his hand in greeting, and Encrid responded with a salute, pressing his left hand to his waist. ¡°Can we talk for a moment?¡± ¡°With me?¡± ¡°Who else?¡± Encrid pointed to himself and blinked a few times. Then he nodded. As Encrid turned to tell everyone, including Rem, to calm down, he was startled. Rem, Ragna, and Jaxon had silently stood up and were now behind him. They moved so quietly and swiftly that Encrid hadn¡¯t even noticed. ¡°That¡¯s the guy with the bad habit.¡± Rem said. Ragna and Jaxon just stared silently. Torres raised both hands. ¡°I¡¯m not here to fight.¡± Gazes were exchanged between the three and Torres. The air inside the quarters felt thick and tense. Torres broke the silence. ¡°I heard this is a Troublesome Squad, and they really do jump in without thinking.¡± Torres showed a displeased expression. It seemed like a fight could break out if anyone provoked him even a little. At that moment, Encrid stepped in between them. Blocking his three squad members¡¯ line of sight with his back, Encrid spoke. ¡°Let¡¯s go outside.¡± If a fight broke out, it would be difficult to clean up the mess. As they exited, Rem snorted behind them. Once outside and walking, Torres frowned and spoke. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with them? Are they all frustrated? Tell them to go to the red-light district if they¡¯re boiling over, and not to think about spilling blood.¡± Torres had seen something Encrid hadn¡¯t. The moment the door opened, Rem, the officer assaulter, moved first. With a single step, he stood behind Encrid, exuding a murderous aura. Next was the one who had been lying on the bed. He silently got up and stood behind Encrid as well. In that moment, it seemed as if an imprable shield had formed in front of Encrid. Thest one, whom Torres had lost sight of, was the man with auburn hair. He was suddenly standing there, staring at him. The killing intent pierced, tore, and shed through Torres¡¯s entire being. It was natural for Torres to be tense. It hurt his pride, but he knew that one wrong move could have meant his death. ¡®From just three regr soldiers?¡¯ The reputation of the Troublesome Squad¡¯s skills was well known. But he didn¡¯t expect it to be to this extent. Would the situation have turned ridiculous if Encrid hadn¡¯t intervened? When Torres had faced Encrid before, he had only shown half of his skills. It was enough. Could he have managed that against any one of those three? The elite units were considered the best in the army, second only to the knightly orders in terms of training and talent. Especially the Border Guard, which had proven its might, time and again. It was a blow to his pride. But work was work, and he had to say what needed to be said. Torres took a few deep breaths to steady himself. ¡°I¡¯ll get straight to the point.¡± He had received a mission, and he was carrying it out. ¡°Come to the Border Guard.¡± The Royal Guard, the Border Guard, was an offer beyond that of the Turtle Heavy Infantry. It was a royal unit, after all. A unit that received direct orders from the kingdom, not the Cyprus Division. It was undeniably an attractive offer. ¡°What do you think?¡± Torres¡¯s attitude was full of confidence. There was a hint of pride in being a member of the Border Guard. Encrid quietly looked at Torres before opening his mouth. ¡°What does the Border Guard aim for?¡± What can one achieve by bing a guard? As a soldier, what direction are you heading? Encrid asked. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 54 Purpose, some objective, or goal, does it exist? Beep. A hawk that was roaming the green ins flew overhead. The hawk¡¯s cry brushed past between them. It was a not-so-cold winter day. By the fence within the camp, Encrid responded to the proposal with a question. Torres hesitated. He thought it over and then spoke. ¡°The soldier grading system is crap, but it does set one clear standard. What is an elite soldier?¡± His voice was quiet, low, and deep. It seemed to match well with a bass hymn. His usual thoughts were aligned with the question. Torres¡¯ words were mixed with sincerity and conviction. ¡°It means reaching the limits of human capability. They say you cut down on sleep and swing your sword until your hands are calloused even on the battlefield, right?¡± As Torres spoke, he grabbed Encrid¡¯s hand. Encrid willingly let his hand be held by him. Turning over Encrid¡¯s palm, Torres spoke. ¡°Look.¡± The palm was hard with several calluses that had burst. The evidence of effort, countless days of swinging a sword, was left on his hand. ¡°There are many who put in this much effort. But those with talent to back it up are rare. Truly rare.¡± Torres spoke while slightly shaking his head. He was right. Knowing too well that he had crawled and crawled because hecked talent. ¡°A unit of soldiers who havebined effort and talent, reaching the limits of human capability! That¡¯s the Border Guard. Want to improve your skills? Join our unit. It will fill the gap in you.¡± He asked about his purpose but was told it would fill his gap. Encrid got his answer from that. Seeing his eyes full of passion, desire, and conviction, Encrid spoke. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± It was a refusal. It could have been an exceptionally good opportunity. A path to the dream that, though torn, he hadn¡¯t forgotten¡ªno, couldn¡¯t forget¡ªan exceptionally good opportunity. But Encrid couldn¡¯t go. The Border Guard could be a stairway to higher ces, but the end of those stairs couldn¡¯t be the world he wanted. ¡®Stopping at the limit is out of the question.¡¯ Reaching the limit is not enough. The Border Guard, the unit stationed at the border, is the most exceptional killing force. But didn¡¯t the member of the Border Guard, who¡¯s ring at him now, just say it himself? The Border Guard isposed of those who have reached the limits of human capability. Encrid¡¯s dream was higher than that. Of course, for someone who hasn¡¯t reached the limit to think they can surpass it is mere arrogance. But you can¡¯t set off expecting to stop halfway before reaching your destination. Encrid shook his head. ¡°You know the characteristics of our unit, right?¡± They turn ordinary soldiers into excellent killing machines in a short time. He knows. There is no half-hearted training. It is a group that trains soldiers to a much higher standard than ordinary soldiers. It¡¯s just the method that¡¯s the problem. In fact, the question implied in Encrid¡¯s question was simple. Are there any who became knights after being in the Border Guard? No. They learn and master the most convenient and efficient ways to kill. It¡¯s not for nothing they have the nickname ¡°The ughterers of the Frontier.¡± If youpare it to swordsmanship, it¡¯s swordsmanship that prioritizes tricks and irregr methods over basics. You can¡¯t be a knight with just tricks and irregr methods. Knowing that, it was a path he couldn¡¯t take. ¡°You¡¯re an idiot.¡± But to others, it might look like this. Torres rxed his gaze. ¡°I hear that a lot.¡± ¡°Ha, never thought I¡¯d get rejected by a man instead of a woman. Can I ask why?¡± Should he tell? Would he be ridiculed again? Whenever he talked about his dream, it seemed like all he heard was ridicule. Oh, maybe not. ¡®Krang was serious.¡¯ None of the others were like that. Rem was excited to find an excuse to tease him. The rest didn¡¯t seem to have such a positive reaction either. Some instructors, in particr, showed what it meant to look at someone like they were crazy. ¡°I want to go higher than the Border Guard.¡± Even so, Encrid spoke frankly. He had nothing to hide. ¡°Higher?¡± ¡°I want the Red Cape.¡± It didn¡¯t have to be the Red Cape specifically, but it was an appropriate metaphor. Naurillia had only one order of knights. They were the King¡¯s guard, wearing capes as red as blood, the symbol of Naurillia¡¯s military might. They were also the only unit permitted to bear the King¡¯s emblem. On their capes was clearly emzoned the symbol of three crossed swords, the kingdom¡¯s emblem. Three crossed swords and the mythic beast, the sun lion with a round head and fiery mane. These two were the symbols of Naurillia. It meant he wanted to be a knight. Torres understood well enough. So he was taken aback. ¡°¡­That¡¯s a bit much.¡± Torres assessed Encrid¡¯s skill. He was exceptional. For someone who discovered their talent at thirty, he was exceptional. But that was it. In fact, his skill was borderline for even being epted into the Border Guard. Maybe if it were one of Encrid¡¯s squad members they met earlier in the barracks. ¡®They wouldn¡¯t make it.¡¯ That side is impossible for another reason. They all have too many issues. No matter how much trouble they cause, they must listen to be considered soldiers. In that aspect, they were below standard. If the de I wield can also harm me, it can¡¯t be called a good weapon. Such a thing should be discarded. ¡°Are you serious?¡± ¡°Of course.¡± Rejected cleanly. Torres nodded. He didn¡¯t want to discourage the other¡¯s aspirations. But there was one thing he had to say. ¡°You will regret it.¡± ¡°Maybe.¡± Encrid replied sincerely. Not every choice is always the right one, so he might regret it. Torres, the toon leader of the Border Guard, turned away without saluting. He might have looked sulky, but his shoulders seemed lighter. Watching Torres walk away, Encrid turned around. As he walked back to the barracks, he recalled his conversation with Ragna. ¡°Are you talking about the Red Cape Knights? Are you curious about how they move like that?¡± The impact of seeing the Red Cape Knights was not small. What is a Knight? How can they move like that? It would be a lie to say he wasn¡¯t curious. Moreover, the squires were only semi-knights. ¡°It¡¯s a bit early for you to know.¡± Ragna had said, and Encrid silently waited for his next words. As expected, Ragna continued. ¡°Knights don¡¯t just deal with physical strength. Their bodies contain a very special power. Handling that power is not something to discuss now. Knowing about it would only hinder you.¡± ¡°Just point me in the right direction. I want to know if I¡¯m on the wrong path or not.¡± It might be an unreasonable request. But as Encrid¡¯s skills grew, he increasingly realized that his squad members were anything but ordinary. Among them, he learned the basics of swordsmanship from Ragna and noticed something. If there was someone in the squad closest to being a knight, it was Ragna. ¡°Basic skills are a simple and brute disy of technique. You¡¯ll know if you fight, but would you improve faster by building on the mercenary swordsmanship the Squad Leader learned? Or by honing basic skills?¡± Why are shortcuts called shortcuts? Why are irregr methods irregr? If it was just about fighting well, Valen¡¯s Mercenary Swordsmanship was several times better than learning the basics of heavy swordsmanship. ¡°For further advancement, it¡¯s the right path. You must walk the proper path. I think that answers your question.¡± It was an overwhelming answer. Advancing through fundamental swordsmanship. Oveing countless obstacles in front and walking the right path through it. That was the task at hand. Encrid came to that conclusion. ¡°Growl.¡± As he entered the barracks, this time he was greeted by the sound of a beast. The barracks were a mess. Beds pushed to one side, a table turned over, and in the middle, Big Eyes had a scratched face and looked distressed. ¡°Oh, why the face?¡± ¡°You are quick.¡± ¡°Leopard meat isn¡¯t tasty, but meat is meat.¡± Behind Big Eyes, Ragna and Rem each added ament. The beast was a ck panther. A young panther with blue eyes, like the one they fought alongside before. It had suddenly disappeared, and Encrid thought he would never see it again. Somehow it had made its way here. The panther bristled and red at Ragna and Rem, but when Encrid entered, it turned and jumped into his arms. Rem, with a thumb scratching his head while holding an axe, asked, ¡°If I had been a bitter, that axe might have cut the panther¡¯s neck.¡± ¡°Was that the squad leader¡¯s pet?¡± ¡°Hmm, is that so?¡± Ragna, who was endlessly serious and heavy when talking about knights, returned to his usualzy self. He put away the sword he had held in its scabbard andy down on the bed that was pushed to one side. Seeing this, Rem also lowered his axe. ¡°Was it yours, Squad Leader? That thing is quite fierce.¡± Big Eyes asked, cautiously eyeing the panther. ¡°You got scratched?¡± ¡°I tried to pet its head.¡± Big Eyes, gauging his wound with his hand, spoke while Rem snickered beside him. ¡°He tried to check if it was a male or female and got his hand bitten.¡± ¡°Kaak!¡± The intelligent panther seemed to understand, extending its head and baring its fangs. Seeing this, Big Eyes jumped back in fright, only to slip on a discarded leather canteen and fall. With a thud, hended on his butt, making Rem burst outughing. ¡°You alright? How¡¯s your face?¡± Encrid asked with a chuckle. Big Eyes was always boasting that his face was a blessing from the Kingdom of Naurillia. ¡°I¡¯m fine. I need some holy healing or medicine to prevent a scar.¡± Holy healing for a scratch like that? Only someone with an abundance of Krona would think of that. ¡°Uh, sure.¡± Encrid responded dismissively and looked at the panther in his arms. The creature, which had been baring its fangs, was now quietly looking up at him. It didn¡¯t seem light or small, but holding it made it feel light and small. ¡°Did youe to y?¡± Encrid asked. The panther understood. It blinked and let out a small purr, rubbing its head against Encrid¡¯s chest. Its fur, smoother than silk, felt quite nice. Seeing Encrid petting the panther, Rem spoke. ¡°Are you going to keep it? You won¡¯t be bored, that¡¯s for sure.¡± Rem was surprisingly tolerant of animals. Ragna and Jaxon showed no interest. Audin, the religious squad member who had returned from his duty, also had no interest. Big Eyes and Krais were the only ones still keenly interested. ¡°It¡¯s a female.¡± ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°Do you think it would have ended with just my face scratched?¡± Big Eyes crossed his arms and spoke triumphantly. Really? Impressive. ¡°Sure.¡± Encrid replied and started tidying up the area. Rem set up the overturned table, sat on it, and asked, ¡°Now that you¡¯re a high-ranking soldier, it seems like everyone is after you. How do you feel about it? The Border Guard doesn¡¯t seem like a bad option.¡± Encrid sometimes wanted to look inside this sly man¡¯s mind. Though he seemed to joke around all day, he would hit the nail on the head like this. ¡°I¡¯m not going.¡± Encrid stated his conclusion first. He didn¡¯t want this to be a noisy issue. ¡°Why?¡± It was Jaxon. His speech was short. ¡°Sir.¡± He added a respectful term btedly. ¡°Just because.¡± Was there really a need to exin in detail? He was about to leave it at that, but Rem interrupted. ¡°Are you serious? Even if the soldier grading system is idiotic, from the upper ranks onwards, it¡¯s quite decent. And you¡¯re rejecting a direct unit of the kingdom?¡± ¡°He must have a good reason.¡± Ragna, perhaps having inferred the situation from their previous conversation, interjected, which made things worse. ¡°¡­Damn it, is that guy pretending to know something? He seems to know something, doesn¡¯t he?¡± ¡°Why?¡± Jaxon asked again. This time, the respectful term didn¡¯t follow. His gaze was quite insolent. ¡°Lord, grant wisdom to these ignorant ones.¡± Audin fanned the mes, and the atmosphere heated up. It was a situation that couldn¡¯t be ignored. If left alone, it would lead to meaningless violence. Encrid knew this kind of situation all too well from his past experiences. The temperamental squad members always sought solutions through force. ¡°The Border Guard ends once you reach the limits of human capability. It¡¯s a unit for that purpose.¡± ¡°And that¡¯s a problem?¡± Realizing that this was a problem was not something to be heartbroken about. When talking with Ragna about the path to bing a knight, Ragna had added this at the end: ¡°If you are a natural talent, a prodigy blessed by the heavens, then you don¡¯t really need to learn and internalize the basics. It will happen on its own.¡± Being a knight is a game for geniuses. Among those born with martial talent, only a select few are chosen. They seek out the geniuses among the talented. Only such individuals can be knights. So, should one not even dream of it? Is it something that shouldn¡¯t even be desired? Even if it¡¯s been torn apart and left without a trace. If it hasn¡¯t been abandoned, that dream still resides in the heart. That¡¯s why Encrid dreamt. ¡°It is a problem. My goal is higher.¡± Everyone stared at him nkly. Encrid opened his mouth. Very inly and casually. In the same tone and voice as if he were sayingmb stew would be served for breakfast tomorrow. ¡°I¡¯m going to be a Knight.¡± In the past, this statement had been met with ridicule. In fact, Encrid¡¯s dream had always been a subject of mockery. So this reaction felt unfamiliar. ¡°You¡¯ll have to ovee several obstacles, but if you want to do it, then do it.¡± Rem spoke first. Ragna showed the asional fiery look in his eyes. Jaxon responded with, ¡°Is that so?¡± Big Eyes gaped and eximed, ¡°Wow.¡± unable to close his mouth. Audin sped his hands in prayer. ¡°Even if dreams and hopes seem futile and invisible, grant your grace upon the effort to hold onto them without giving up.¡± There was no need to be moved by the prayer. Even if they had ridiculed him, nothing would have changed. Encrid was that kind of person. What mattered more than others¡¯ ridicule or disdain was the dream he held. High-ranking soldier. A recognized rank in the soldier grading system. In fact, this was just the beginning. Building his skills and making a name for himself to be a knight. Growl. The panther purred and nudged Encrid¡¯s cheek. It felt like encouragement. ¡°Smart one.¡± Remughed heartily at the sight. Even though it didn¡¯t matter, Encrid¡¯s heart tingled. It was the first time he received encouragement instead of ridicule. ¡®There are a lot of things that are new to me these days.¡¯ No matter what anyone said, it was a joyful moment. * * * Encrid spent the next two days training as usual. On the third day, he went on market patrol duty. Thump. Then he was stabbed in the stomach with a dagger. It was a fatal wound. It felt like a hot iron skewer was tearing his guts apart. ¡°Damn it.¡± Encridughed in disbelief, blood dripping from his mouth. It was apletely unexpected blow. Screams! In the middle of the market, a passing waitress¡¯s scream echoed. The dying Encrid closed his eyes, the scream thest thing he heard. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 55 It was really no big deal. City patrol duty was something we did all the time. In fact, it was a rotating duty we had to perform three or four times a month. And where were we? Border Guard. A city under direct control of the King, where any trouble was not tolerated. It was not for nothing that this ce was regarded as a prime trading spot by major merchant guilds. Naurillia, on the eastern edge, was a border city adjacent to Aspen and the front lines, but its security was second to none. With arge number of stationed troops, we were on duty day and night. Border Guard had a well in the center, surrounded by four inns, and the crossroads where the four inns met was the marketce of Border Guard. Built on a basin, when you went to the outskirts, you could see a gentle slope below, and beyond the northern slope, a river flowed. The Pen-Hanil River. It was the water source responsible for most of the surrounding cities. Around the river, there were farnds, with farms scattered here and there. This summer, the river overflowed and broke one side of the levee, and a group of workers was busy rebuilding it. Most idents happen among people; though we asionally patrol farnds or deal with monsters, today¡¯s duty was market patrol. ¡°I¡¯m Jack, and this is Bo.¡± Since they moved in groups of three, two soldiers joined Encrid. Encrid, Jack, and Bo. The three of them were heading towards the market. ¡°Was that fog a spell? Damn, I almost died because of those Aspen bastards, but thanks to you, I survived. Thanks!¡± Jack spat on the ground as he spoke. Holding his infantry spear, his demeanor didn¡¯t really show much gratitude. Encrid nodded indifferently. ¡°I almost couldn¡¯t use the Krona I saved up.¡± Bo also expressed his gratitude. He was a particrly light-footed soldier. I had heard from Big Eyes that he was quite talented. ¡®But where have I heard of thisbination before?¡¯ No specific memory came to mind. It wasn¡¯t something important, so Encrid didn¡¯t try to remember. The three of them walked towards the market, and the atmosphere was good. Encrid didn¡¯t talk much, but Jack and Bo were in the same squad. They would chat and praise Encrid. ¡°An elite soldier, huh? Your skills must be amazing. Damn, let¡¯s have a spar sometime. I want to see what an elite soldier can do.¡± Jack tapped the ground with the back of his spear de. ¡°Sounds good.¡± Encrid did not refuse a sparring match. He believed that sparring, no matter who it was with, always offered something to learn. ¡°It¡¯s a promise then. Damn.¡± Jack always punctuated his sentences with curses. ¡°I heard you were sessful in your scouting mission. Squad Leader Andrew couldn¡¯t stop praising you.¡± Bo also praised Encrid. ¡°Just lucky.¡± ¡°And humble too.¡± Bo even gave him a thumbs-up. No one dislikespliments. Encrid was no different. The two chatted andughed as they walked along. They reached the edge of the market, passed a few single-story buildings, and entered the market. On one side, someone was picking and selling wildflowers. On the opposite side, tanned leather goods were being sold. From the opposite entrance, the sound of metal nging echoed from a distance, centered around the market. It was the sound from a cksmith¡¯s forge. Even though it was on the outskirts of the market, the sound of metal striking metal softly filled the air. ¡°No, if we sell it at that price, there¡¯s no profit left.¡± A merchant¡¯s voice. ¡°Freshly baked bread!¡± A boy standing by the roadside, calling people to his shop. Rumble. Even the carts passing through the center of the market. It was chaotic. Markets were naturally like this, so it was a familiar sight. ¡°Dried apples are delicious.¡± As Encrid walked, he made eye contact with a vendor selling various dried fruits. ¡°No, thank you.¡± The vendor quickly turned away. It was an ordinary day. After the patrol, maybe he would coax Jaxon into a sparring match today. Or perhaps, it would be fun to hang out with Jack right after returning. The weather had gotten quite cold, and his body kept stiffening. Walking was better than standing still. ¡°Shall we walk a bit more?¡± ¡°Yes, yes.¡± Jack and Bo came closer, sticking to either side of him. He thought they were doing it because of the cold. A kid in rags came running from the front and suddenly fell forward. Encrid instinctively caught the kid. He felt a sudden, searing pain. He tried to twist his body immediately, but the cold had stiffened him, making his reaction slow. If he had twisted just a little, it might have been okay, but the dagger mercilessly tore into his innards. Right after piercing his guts, the de was thrust into his heart without hesitation. A terrible pain struck his brain. As the knife was stabbed, a scream or groan tried to escape his lips, but someone behind him covered his mouth with thick cloth. The market was bustling. People barely noticed someone copsing. Jack and Bo shielded Encrid with their bodies. ¡°Ah, having a drink this early in the day, huh?¡± Jack joked. ¡°Exactly.¡± Bo echoed. What the hell is with these bastards? Encrid couldn¡¯t understand what was happening. The final touch was from the kid who had stabbed his belly and heart. ¡°A persistent lover never forgets.¡± It wasn¡¯t a kid. Inside the rags wererge ears and eyes shining like jewels. It had a unique appearance. One eye was green, the other brown. Heterochromia. The green eye was as clear as a jewel, making the brown eye look very dull inparison. It was like dirty oil mixed in clear water. The skin was mottled, like a spotted cat, with deep wrinkles around the mouth and eyes. The features alone might have been considered pretty, but together, they gave an unsettling impression. ¡®A half-blood fairy.¡¯ Encrid recognized the identity of his attacker. Not that it changed anything. With his mouth gagged, blood was flowing onto the ground. Encrid¡¯s arms were held tightly. Jack and Bo didn¡¯t give him any chance to move. ¡°Farewell.¡± The half-blood fairy said. Judging by the wrinkles and the way he spoke, he wasn¡¯t young. Though he looked like a boy of about twelve or thirteen. ¡®I really didn¡¯t see thising.¡¯ An assassination? And a persistent lover, at that. Isn¡¯t that the name of Aspen¡¯s independentpany? They were rumored to be persistent, and now they¡¯ve sent an assassin after the battle is over. ¡®These guys are truly insane.¡¯ Considering the Krona and effort it takes to send an assassin, doing this just to kill a single soldier was undoubtedly madness. From the perspective of the victim, it was even more infuriating. As Encrid tried to tilt his head back with force, the person gagging him tightened their grip. ¡°Let him go. It seems he has something to say.¡± Was it the fairy¡¯s intuition? The small, old half-blood fairy somehow read Encrid¡¯s intent. Soon, the thick cloth gagging his mouth loosened. ¡°Did Aspen send you? Are Jack and Bo spies?¡± Encrid swallowed the pain that surged up as he asked. ¡°Something like that.¡± ¡°Who¡¯s behind this?¡± ¡°Do you really want to know that as you¡¯re dying?¡± ¡°If I go without knowing, I¡¯ll be resentful. I¡¯ll be waiting in hell.¡± ¡°Rotten.¡± Thest word was whispered from behind. Rotten? That name sounded familiar too. Jack, Bo, Rotten. Aren¡¯t they all from the scouting unit? As death approached, his mind spun, memories resurfacing automatically. The reason for the scouting mission at the Green Pearl battlefield. Jack had a broken arm, Bo had a broken nose, and Rotten had been bitten by a snake. These bastards all deliberately avoided the scouting mission? ¡°Damn it.¡± A hollowugh escaped him. ¡°Persistent, weren¡¯t they?¡± The fairy said that and then stepped aside like a picture. The fairy moved quickly towards the outskirts and then disappeared into an alley. Jack and Bo subtly released their hold and quietly stepped away. As for Rotten, there was no need to mention him. He had spent all his energy talking. He didn¡¯t even have the strength to scream. Even if he had strength left, he probably wouldn¡¯t have screamed. Instead, he tried to look behind him as he fell. Even though he was called Rotten, he wondered if it could be someone else. But what did Rotten look like again? He couldn¡¯t remember his face. At the moment he thought it wouldn¡¯t matter even if he saw him, Encrid let his strength drain away. Blood flowed continuously from his mouth, and his insides felt like they had been stirred with kindling. The pain soaked his body and the blood soaked the floor. The cold gripped him even more intensely. His body was shaking uncontrobly. ¡®Damn bastards, if you¡¯re going to do this, at least finish it off.¡¯ Dying from bleeding out like this was the worst. It would be better to go all at once. ¡°Aaaah!¡± A passing maid saw the blood pooling on the ground and screamed. That was thest thing Encrid heard. He closed his eyes and faced death. * * * In the morning, with a sh. As he suddenly woke up and sat up, Rem, wrapped in a nket, asked from the side. ¡°Nightmare?¡± ¡°No. I just wanted to start the morning with energy.¡± ¡°It¡¯s damn cold today.¡± Rem grumbled from the morning. Although arge bonfire was lit in the barracks¡¯ training ground and the night guard ced heated stones inside the barracks every night, it was far from enough to fend off the cold. If there were an abundance of Krona, they could bring in fur or magical heaters. But an ordinary soldier didn¡¯t have that kind of Krona. In fact, they didn¡¯t even need a magical heater. The hide of a magic beast that emitted a gentle heat would be perfect. Even that was an expensive item, though. To put it simply, it was all just wishful thinking. ¡°Krais, aren¡¯t you cold?¡± ¡°Cold? Very.¡± Rem asked Krais out of nowhere. Big Eyes was the only one around here with an abundance of Krona. ¡°How about a magical heater?¡± ¡°Us using something meant for nobles? That¡¯s rich. Why don¡¯t you try bing a noble from tomorrow?¡± ¡°Huh? Want a massage with an axe de?¡± ¡°Resolving everything with violence is a bad habit, Squad Leader!¡± At the end of the conversation, Big Eyes turned to Encrid. ¡°Don¡¯t bully him.¡± Encrid¡¯s gaze, having preemptively stopped bullying in the squad, turned to the muscr religious soldier who was getting up. His name was Audin Plumray. For some reason, this muscr soldier had ended up in this troublesome squad. It was an especially cold day. Jaxon was on leave for some reason, but Rem, Big Eyes, and Ragna showed no intention of getting out of bed. Even wrapped in nkets, they were still cold. ¡°Since you¡¯re up, Squad Leader, bring us some stones.¡± Even a few stones heated by the bonfire overnight would help a bit. ¡°Okay.¡± Even as he replied, Encrid didn¡¯t move. Instead, Audin stepped out of bed, striding over as he spoke. ¡°Brother, if you stay in bed because it¡¯s cold, your body will stiffen. Moving around to generate heat can help you ovee the cold. Come, try it.¡± ¡°Screw off before I carve you up and warm myself with your blood.¡± ¡°That¡¯s not good, Brother. Such words can be unpleasant to hear.¡± ¡°Unpleasant? Then I¡¯ve seeded. That was the intention.¡± ¡°Brother, do you want to go to heaven?¡± How consistent he is. Encrid, who would have normally stopped this long ago, silently watched Audin before speaking. ¡°You mentioned a training method to preserve body heat, right? Teach it to me.¡± Audin, who had been looking steadily at Rem, turned his head. ¡°Barehanded training method, you mean?¡± Audin wasn¡¯t immune to the cold either. But he certainly endured it better than the others. He had mentioned a training method to keep the body from stiffening due to the cold. For some reason, that came to Encrid¡¯s mind now. It seemed useful. Since he couldn¡¯t just jump up and down in ce to keep warm. Learning a method to keep the body from stiffening didn¡¯t seem like a bad idea. It was impulsive, but also logical. Encrid was always eager to learn. ¡°Yes, that one.¡± ¡°Teaching it is not difficult. Do you have time now?¡± ¡°Now is fine.¡± ¡°In a day or two, you¡¯ll grasp the basics. It¡¯s not hard.¡± Audin smiled, seemingly pleased that Encrid wanted to learn. Seeing Encrid get ready to start right away, Rem mumbled from the bed. ¡°No, Squad Leader, bring us the stones first. I¡¯m cold.¡± Ah, he had forgotten. Encrid fetched the stones first. There were still two hours before duty. It was a good time to have breakfast and train. That¡¯s what Encrid did. The barehanded training method was painful but effective. And then he went back on duty. ¡°How did I end up on duty with you guys?¡± Someone must have pulled some strings. ¡°Ah, damn, it¡¯s an honor. Serving on duty with the Spellbreaker.¡± Jack answered. Encrid nodded. After entering the market and preparing himself, he stared at the fairy kid before he could approach. When Jack and Bo tried to grab his arms, Encrid punched out to either side. Whack, thud! Jack was hit in the jaw, and Bo reflexively dodged. Bo was quick. He sidestepped swiftly. While doing so, he ced his hand on his waist. A short sword was strapped to his belt. The fairy was still far off. That meant Bo had to be dealt with first. Encrid also grabbed the hilt of his longsword. He drew and swung it. He sharpened the de of his senses, using boldness as his weapon. At the same time, Whoosh! He heard a strange sound. He tried to dodge, but whatever wasing was faster. Thump! Encrid¡¯s breath was momentarily taken away. Looking down, he saw the tip of a de embedded near his heart. It was a throwing knife, with no handle or decorations, just a de on both sides. This type of knife was notoriously difficult to handle. ¡°A persistent lover never forgets their prey.¡± The fairy, who had approached without him noticing, whispered and stepped aside. ¡®I was prepared.¡¯ He hadn¡¯t anticipated something being thrown. Even if he had, it would have been difficult to block such a skillful throw. Encrid thought he needed to prepare more thoroughly as he closed his eyes. And then the third day began. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 56 ¡°Think of it as stretching your muscles, brother.¡± Audin¡¯s barehanded training method focused on dividing and stretching each muscle of the body in detail. ¡°Ugh.¡± A groan escaped from Encrid¡¯s lips. The muscles behind his thighs felt like they were going to snap, but Audin intensified the pressure by climbing onto Encrid¡¯s bent back. Encrid, now in a sitting position with his hands reaching for his toes, spoke. ¡°You¡¯re killing me.¡± ¡°Is that a threat?¡± ¡°I mean, I¡¯m dying.¡± His voice was barely a whisper. It really felt like his muscles were going to tear. A few more breaths like this, and he really would be! When he was at his limit, Audin finally released his hands from Encrid¡¯s back. ¡°This is just the basics.¡± Audin repeated the word ¡®basics¡¯ several times. He bent one leg inward to press against the hip muscles. He grabbed a column with one hand, bent his waist halfway, and twisted his body. Twisting, stretching, and squeezing the body. Yes, squeezing. There was no better word to describe it. After wringing his body like a wet towel, he was drenched in sweat. Wasn¡¯t this actually a method of torture? If the basics were like this, what would the advanced course be like? Disassembling a person? He had such misceneous thoughts, but to sum up, the effectiveness of the exercises Audin taught him was excellent. It was painful while doing them, but once finished, his body felt much lighter. Not only did he feel lighter, but his body also felt warm. His heart pounded, spreading warmth throughout his body, making the cold much more bearable. ¡°Eat well, rest well, and move well¡ªit¡¯s the way to endure the cold, Squad Leader.¡± Audin said with a smile. Encrid nodded. Training his body was part of his daily routine. And physical pain made his mind sharper. A sharp mind led him to thoughts. Repeating today, he recalled the assassin who hade to kill him. ¡®That skill.¡¯ He hadn¡¯t even seen how the throwing knife was thrown. Encrid was quite confident in his own throwing knife skills, but¡­ ¡®It doesn¡¯t evenpare.¡¯ It was an excellent skill. Regardless, it was just a matter of preparing for it. The first pattern was approaching and stabbing. If that didn¡¯t work, they¡¯d throw a throwing knife. ¡®Should I say the wall is thin and low?¡¯ The ferryman of the ck River kept saying that a wall appeared before Encrid. ¡®If it¡¯s at this level.¡¯ It was easy. That¡¯s what he thought. Hence, he was being so rxed about it. ¡°Hey, look. Is this difficult? Is this?¡± Rem, suddenly in high spirits, jumped out of bed and perfectly mimicked Encrid¡¯s movements. There wasn¡¯t a single hitch; it was smooth. Seeing his fully stretched body, it was clear he had exceptional flexibility. ¡°Let¡¯s work on our flexibility, huh?¡± This guy was annoyingly smug. No, he was always an annoying fellow. ¡°Is this difficult? Is this?¡± Rem kept mocking, but Encrid ignored him cheerfully. With half-closed eyes, Ragna, who had been observing them, began to move. He was also exceptionally talented in using his body. To surpass a certain level of swordsmanship, one had to know how to properly use their body. So Ragna, too, perfectly replicated the movements. Picking out and performing the actions Encrid struggled with, bending his waist while stretching his legs¡ªRagna was also an annoying type. ¡°Have you developed a hobby of twisting your body?¡± Jaxon, who had just returned from a night out, entered and spoke. To him, it looked like a den of madmen. Encrid, drenched in sweat, caught his breath. In front of him, a grinning barbarian bent over, touching his toes. And next to him, azybones was sitting with his legs split. Had they all gone mad together? ¡°We¡¯re learning a training method to withstand the cold, brother.¡± Audin exined the situation. Jaxon, seemingly uninterested, moved to his spot, avoiding them. As it was nearing the time for Encrid to go on duty, he stood up and, out of sheer curiosity, spoke. The throwing dagger used by the assassin¡ªit was a shape he had never seen before. ¡°Have you ever used a dagger like this? It¡¯s for throwing.¡± ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°No.¡± ¡°Never, brother.¡± He was describing a throwing knife without a handle. Rem, Ragna, and Audin were speaking, and Big Eyes naturally stayed silent as he didn¡¯t know anything. Jaxon frowned and then rxed his expression. ¡°Where did you see that? The one you¡¯re talking about?¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t see it.¡± He was about to go see it now. ¡°By any chance, was there a round groove near the handle?¡± Jaxon asked without sitting down, holding his coat in his hand, ready to hang it up. ¡°Yes.¡± There was no need to recall. He had just been hit by that de today. There was a round groove at the end. ¡°Why are you asking about it?¡± Rem asked as he got back into bed. ¡°I just heard about it somewhere.¡± Jaxon turned away, but from Encrid¡¯s bed, a blue-eyed ck panther emerged. The panther that had snuggled into his arms and sleptst night had just woken up. It was a creature that really loved beds and sleep. Feeling cold, it shivered as soon as it got up, then stretched its body from front to back. Encrid stroked the panther¡¯s back from head to tail, and Jaxon¡¯s voice was heard. ¡°If possible, avoid it. It¡¯s a Whistling Knife.¡± ¡°A Whistling Knife?¡± It was a name he had never heard before. ¡°It¡¯s a nickname given because of the sound it makes when thrown, and it¡¯s a weaponmonly used for assassinations. It¡¯s difficult to handle, but if you meet someone who can use it properly, well, run.¡± Jaxon¡¯s tone was cold but kind, as always. The content, however, was the problem. Run away? Just because the guy knew how to throw a knife? Grrrr. The panther purred contentedly as it was being stroked. When Big Eyes tried to pet it, the panther quickly bared its fangs fiercely. ¡°Alright, alright. I got it.¡± It looked like it would bite if he got any closer. At first, he worried that the panther might harm a squad member, but he quickly set those concerns aside. No matter how agile the panther was, it couldn¡¯t do anything to Rem or the other squad members. As long as Big Eyes was careful, there shouldn¡¯t be any problems. The panther appeared to be very intelligent. After a few days, there were no issues. Encrid gently stroked the panther¡¯s head and said, ¡°Don¡¯t hate them too much. I¡¯ll be back after duty.¡± Encrid stood up. ¡°Continue the barehanded training exercises. It will be beneficial, brother.¡± He didn¡¯t specify how it would be beneficial, but it was easy to figure out. What did Encrid always immerse himsfairy in? The sword. It was clear that it would help with his swordsmanship. ¡°That¡¯s not wrong,¡± Rem nodded. Ragna and Jaxon nodded as well. Everyone was attentive when it came to Encrid¡¯s matters. It was quite remarkable. These people usually didn¡¯t care about much else. Encrid stepped out of the barracks for his duty. He thought it was a repetitive task and rtively easy, but Jaxon¡¯s words made him reconsider. His mind was troubled. ¡°Avoid it? Run away?¡± With his current skills? Even if he fought head-on? He should have asked about that. No, he could find out by trying it now. The cost would be his life and today, but he would also gain something. It wouldn¡¯t be regrettable. Despite facing death countless times, Encrid never wasted a single day. Even if today had to be sacrificed for some necessity. In such situations, he still tried to gain something more. This repeated cycle had given him instincts. Those instincts whispered to him. That the odd-looking half-fairy assassin wouldn¡¯t be easy. ¡°Oh, the Spell Breaker, our superior soldier!¡± Jack and Bo were the same. They praised Encrid and lightened the mood. If he didn¡¯t know better, he might not have noticed. But knowing their intentions, he could see through them. The excessive praise was meant to inte his ego and rx him, making him let his guard down. ¡®When you look at it this way, they¡¯re really meticulous.¡¯ Even if their assassination target was just a mere soldier, they did all this? Could they be perfectionists? While picturing the half-fairy¡¯s face and specting about their personality, they arrived at the market. ¡°So many people here.¡± Jack quipped beside him. Bo closed the gap from the other side. ¡°Yeah.¡± He replied, noticing a ragged man approaching from the front. Suddenly, he spread his arms wide. Whack! Again, only Jack got hit while Bo avoided it. Encrid decisively twisted his body to the side. Though the cold had stiffened him, Audin¡¯s exercises had helped. His body was less stiffpared to the first ¡®today.¡¯ Without time to draw his sword, he grabbed Bo by the cor, and Bo reflexively swung his fist. With the courage given by The Heart of the Beast, Encrid watched the trajectory of the punch to the end, predicting it, and dodged by tilting his head. The fist grazed his earlobe with a tick sound. Then it was Encrid¡¯s turn. He tightened his grip on Bo¡¯s cor, twisting to choke him. ¡°Gah!¡± The man groaned. ¡°Gasp.¡± Encrid took a short breath, intending to use Bo as a makeshift shield, and swung him to the side. Even though Bo was light, the weight of an armored adult man was heavy on his arms. He lifted and twisted his waist, using centrifugal force to swing him around. As he half-turned and pulled Bo in, Encrid saw the half-fairy assassin throw off the rags. Their eyes met at that moment. The fairy seemed to be mocking him. Why, in this situation? He had just acquired a human shield. The assassin should have been surprised since the assassination target had predicted and reacted to his n. But the half-fairy remained calm. With a sneer, he merely waved his hand. The moment the assassin¡¯s lowered hand reached his chest, it was like a sh of light. Lightning. A dagger flew at a speed that was literally imperceptible. The light matched the speed at which the assassin¡¯s hand reached his chest and sprang forward. Before Bo could be swung fully in front of him, the dagger had already flown and lodged near his heart. Whistle! Only the whistling sound reached his ears btedly. The pain that followed the thudding sound made clear what the assassin had done and what had happened to him. The dagger had been thrown and had pierced his heart. ¡°Damn.¡± His instincts had been right. The opponent was no ordinary foe. Just seeing his skill in throwing the dagger proved that. What if he prevented him from throwing the dagger? Even with the dagger embedded in his body, to those around, it just looked like Encrid and another soldier were fighting. ¡°Let go of me!¡± Bo shouted, kicking Encrid in the stomach. The strength in his grip faded. Encrid released his hold on Bo¡¯s cor as he was kicked in the stomach. A dagger in the heart¡ªit would be strange if he were fine. Blood gushed from his mouth. As he fell to one knee, struggling to stay upright, the half-fairy assassin approached and asked, ¡°You anticipated it, didn¡¯t you? Was their acting that bad?¡± People around them screamed in horror, but the half-fairy ignored it. At that moment, it felt like the only important thing was the two of them, here and now. ¡°¡­Why?¡± With hisst breath, Encrid asked. Despite the screams andmotion around them, the assassin heard Encrid¡¯s words clearly. ¡°Why ask? I¡¯m curious. It seemed like you knew and reacted.¡± Encrid weakly nodded and, gathering hisst bit of strength, spoke. ¡°The acting was terrible. Even a passing dog wouldugh.¡± The fairy nodded and flicked his hands to the sides. Thud. At close range, two daggers flew from his hands. Encrid saw the tips of the des embedded in the foreheads of Jack and Bo. Two grooves, Whistling Knives, Whistle Daggers. ¡°Th-that.¡± ¡°Why, why.¡± Neither could speak further and fell back with a thud. The half-fairy stopped there. Encrid knew Rotten was behind him. But Rotten wouldn¡¯t jump into this situation. He¡¯d be hiding somewhere. The half-fairy hadn¡¯t killed Rotten yet. But who knows, maybe he would chase him down after this. In any case, that had nothing to do with Encrid. ¡°A persistent lover never loses his prey.¡± Encrid nodded at the assassin¡¯s words. ¡°Indeed.¡± ¡°Aren¡¯t you surprised?¡± ¡°Should I be?¡± ¡°Well, most people would be.¡± Sorry, but this is already the third time. Instead of being surprised, Encrid grasped the dagger lodged in his chest and pulled it out. Squish. As the dagger that had pierced his heart was removed, excruciating pain surged through him. Blood gushed from the wound in his chest. As Encrid¡¯s vision blurred, the assassin said, ¡°You¡¯re an interesting one.¡± Yeah, is that so? ¡®I¡¯ll make it even more interesting.¡¯ Encrid thought as he closed his eyes. With the darkness came the ferryman. ¡°Heh heh heh.¡± Without saying a word, the ferryman mocked him. He seemed to be thoroughly enjoying himself. Though his eyes, nose, and mouth were not visible, and his body movements were hardly discernible, the feeling the ferryman conveyed was unmistakable. The ferryman¡¯sughter was brief. After the darkness, a new morning dawned again. * * * ¡°Good morning.¡± Encrid sprang up, grabbed Audin, and quickly learned about the exercises. As soon as he saw Jaxon returning, he grabbed his sleeve and took him outside. The moment Jaxon¡¯s sleeve was grabbed, he started to push away his assant, then stopped when he realized it was his Squad Leader. ¡°Huh? Where are we going?¡± Rem asked from behind. ¡°I have something to ask.¡± Jaxon, known for his equivalent exchange, surprisingly knew a lot. While Big Eyes was good with general information, the more important details had toe from Jaxon. He was nicknamed ¡®Equivalent Exchange Jaxon¡¯ because he doubled as an informant. He would give you what you wanted, but you also had to give him what he wanted. ¡°You know about Whistling Daggers, right?¡± Jaxon frowned. ¡°Where did you hear about those?¡± Observing Jaxon¡¯s reaction, Encrid concluded that the Whistling Daggers were no ordinary items. ¡°Tell me about the Whistling Daggers.¡± ¡°¡­Is this a trade?¡± Right now, he wasn¡¯t a squad member but Equivalent Exchange Jaxon. ¡°Yes.¡± The cost didn¡¯t matter. Any conversation today would disappear when the day repeated. Even if he faced tomorrow, he could repay the favor then. However, he sensed that this conversation would be forgotten, as he realized he had hit a wall he couldn¡¯t surpass on just the fourth today. A wall is a wall. It¡¯s not something easily ovee. The ferryman¡¯s mockingughter seemed to transform into words, echoing in his mind. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 57 It was a sudden question. However, Jaxon was never one to be flustered. As always, his face was expressionless. Jaxon hesitated for a moment, as if he was about to speak, but then stopped. He appeared to be contemting. Encrid, with his arms hanging at his sides, quietly waited for Jaxon to speak. There was no point in rushing him. The contemtion was brief. Soon, white breath emerged from Jaxon¡¯s mouth and spread into the air. ¡°The Whistling Knife, once known as the Silent Rain de.¡± As he spoke, Jaxon scratched his cheek. For someone who hesitated to speak, he continued smoothly. ¡°The Silent Rain de, it means it¡¯s that fast. So fast that it¡¯s hard to track with the human eye. That¡¯s why it¡¯s difficult to counter. Most people die without even knowing what hit them. That¡¯s the kind of weapon the Whistling Knife is.¡± ¡°If one has to face it?¡± Is there a way to avoid an assassin? Probably not. It didn¡¯t seem like there was. This was an opponent who had meticulously prepared. They had utilized spies nted among the allies and thoroughly prepared for the kill. At least, that¡¯s how it seemed to Encrid at the moment. He was in a situation where his limbs were bound by chains and he had to be dragged along as the opponent pulled. It was time to find a way out. ¡°If one has to?¡± Jaxon tilted his head. To him, it sounded like a peculiar question. ¡°If one has to.¡± Encrid emphasized once more. Jaxon looked intently into Encrid¡¯s eyes. Encrid didn¡¯t avoid his gaze either. Blue eyes and reddish-brown eyes met in the air. Jaxon seemed to be asking with his eyes. ¡®Why is that necessary?¡¯ Encrid ignored it. Jaxon, a man of equivalent exchange, was someone who sold the necessary information. He wasn¡¯t someone who asked ¡®why¡¯ to his opponent. Jaxon soon hardened his expression and spoke. ¡°This information won¡¯t be cheap.¡± ¡°The more expensive, the better.¡± He was sincere. After all, ¡®today¡¯ was unlikely to be thest ¡®today.¡¯ When morning dawned again, the value of the information Jaxon was sharing would diminish significantly. It would be something Encrid already knew, at least for him. Jaxon¡¯s expression hardened. He seemed somewhat frustrated. Encrid ignored even that. Right now, Jaxon¡¯s feelings were the least of his concerns. ¡°Before you hear the sound, you need to watch the hand movements. Everything hinges on the hand movements.¡± Jaxon sinctly exined the countermeasure. Don¡¯t be deceived by the sound; when you hear it, it¡¯s already toote. Capture the opponent¡¯s movements with your eyes. ¡°You mustn¡¯t lose sight of your opponent for even a moment. Especially if they are a top-tier assassin who knows how to throw invisibly.¡± The Whistling Knife¡¯s most notable feature was its paper-thin de. Sharpening the de repeatedly was crucial, ensuring it could pierce even a well-made steel breastte. If the person throwing it was skilled enough, it could indeed prate steel tes. He added that depending on their skill, they might use multiple thin des stacked together. Jaxon described two main ways to throw the dagger. One was to swing the hand broadly to increase power. The other was to throw it without showing the action. ¡°You¡¯ve seen me throw a dagger, right?¡± Encrid asked. He had once been obsessed with perfecting the skill of dagger throwing. ¡°Yes, it was like skipping stones.¡± With a single remark, Jaxon dismissed Encrid¡¯s skill. He implied that throwing a stone would be more effective than a dagger. A stone could at least cause an impact, whereas the dagger might not even hit its mark. ¡®Harsh.¡¯ No matter how stoic Encrid was, Jaxon¡¯s words were sharp enough to pierce through hisposure. It didn¡¯t feel like a dagger to the heart. But it did feel like it had lodged somewhere in his forearm. ¡°Why don¡¯t you teach me how to throw properly?¡± Encrid, feeling a bit annoyed, spoke out bluntly. ¡°Then teach me. I¡¯ll add this to the list of deals.¡± ¡°Hmm?¡± ¡°Do you not want to?¡± It wasn¡¯t that he didn¡¯t want to. For Encrid, who was always driven by the desire to learn, this offer was like an oasis in the desert. Always thirsty for knowledge, Encrid immediately nodded. ¡°No, I like it.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s start with how to hold it.¡± The lesson time was short as it was almost time for patrol duty. At most, half an hour. In that brief time, Encrid saw Jaxon in a new light. ¡°Without practice, it will be meaningless.¡± How to hold and throw a thin de, a hand axe, and a heavy dagger. Each grip and throw was different. There was so much to learn. As he turned to leave for patrol duty, Jaxon spoke. A small but firm voice. ¡°Don¡¯t create situations where you have to face them. Thates first.¡± He had been subtly grumpy the whole time, but ended with concern. Encrid suddenly thought about what he had given these people. ¡®Be kind without a reason.¡¯ It wasn¡¯t a romantic rtionship, nor had he ever thought of having a deep friendship with them. Yet, Jaxon, Rem, Ragna, and other squad members seemed to take care of him as if he were a child left by the water. ¡®No, that¡¯s not it.¡¯ In battlefields, fights, or other missions, they never tried to follow him, so he wasn¡¯t like a child left by the water. It was a needless thought. ¡°Sure.¡± He had no intention of creating such situations. Avoiding them wasn¡¯t always possible. ¡°Is the Squad Leader on duty? I heard you¡¯ve be a senior soldier? Ah, damn, congrattions.¡± It was Jack. And of course, Bo was with him. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± He plunged into the waves of today once more. The bone-chilling cold air swept over him, but wearing an extrayer of clothing made it feel like he was donning a thousandyers of armor. The thick clothes and the exercises he learned from Audin helped warm his body. The cold felt much more bearable. ¡°I can¡¯t sell it for that price, damn it!¡± In the always bustling market of today. Encrid used a merchant¡¯s shout as a benchmark. It was around this time. When the scolding shout of the leather merchant was heard, a rag-d half-blood fairy would appear. At the same time, Jack and Bo nked him on both sides. Encrid had no intention of spending another day in vain. Of course, he had a n for today as well. Thud. He tripped Jack¡¯s foot with his left foot. ¡°Huh.¡± Jack, who was on Encrid¡¯s left, fell forward. As soon as Jack fell, Encrid drew his sword from his right waist. It was a dagger known as a guard sword. A weapon with a wide, thick de that could also be used as a shield. Ching, scratch. ¡°¡­Crazy!¡± Bo eximed in shock from the side. It was understandable. The broad de of the dagger Encrid drew had just cut Jack¡¯s neck. ¡°Grrk.¡± There was no final scream to speak of. Jack, whose throat was cut, fell to the ground, clutching his neck and struggling. Blood flowed onto the floor. People who saw the fallen Jack screamed. ¡°Ahhh!¡± ¡°Oh no!¡± The crowd of merchants retreated in an instant. No one wanted to be hit by a stray de. In the midst of it, Bo flinched. Encrid didn¡¯t allow Bo any movement. The broad de in his hand moved again. An overhead strike aimed at the corbone. ng! ¡°You bastard!¡± Bo drew his dagger to block. It was a thin, thrusting weapon. If things went south, he could have used it to stab Encrid in the side. Encrid pressed down on the blocked de and pushed Bo back. He bought himself time and shielded his heart with the broad de, turning his body. All of this happened in just a few breaths. Had he not been prepared, it would have been enough time to fluster him into inaction. ¡®Up to this point.¡¯ Everything went ording to n. Encrid¡¯s gaze met the assassin¡¯s. The man threw back the hood of his ragged cloak. His appearance was oddly unsettling. Curiosity and interest gleamed in his eyes. Then it began again. ¡®Not the sound, but the hand.¡¯ He shut his ears and focused all his attention on his eyes, predicting the next move based on visual information. This was the countermeasure Jaxon had taught him. Thump! Encrid expected the opponent to aim for his heart. If not that, then his head. His concentration turned into a beam of light, transforming into a de. However, he couldn¡¯t see where that de would strike. Thus, he shielded his heart and turned his head. The whistling dagger the opponent threw struck his right forearm. With a searing pain, his forearm muscle was shredded, and his fingers lost their strength. The nerves were damaged, and it was a critical injury that would be impossible to heal without divine intervention. ¡°Heh.¡± A hollowugh escaped him. It was an unexpected blow. Shielding his heart made his hand a target. Rather than piercing the shield, the attacker took out the one holding it. It was a unique perspective. ¡®He¡¯s no amateur assassin.¡¯ The already realized fact imprinted itself on his mind once more. Whistle. The second whistle sounded, and the dagger embedded itself in his heart. Did this bastard have some deep-seated grudge against Frog? It seemed like he wouldn¡¯t be satisfied until a dagger was stuck in the heart. ¡°Cough.¡± He coughed up blood. It was a sudden gush. Kneeling on both knees, he supported himself with only his left arm, casting a shadow over his head. ¡°You¡¯re an interesting one. A persistent lover never¡­¡± ¡°¡­lets go of his prey.¡± Encrid mustered hisst bit of strength to steal the words from his opponent. When he looked up at the half-blood fairy, he saw a bewildered expression. With his mouth half open, the fairy couldn¡¯t finish his sentence and stammered a one-word question. ¡°You?¡± Surprised? Of course. This guy always acted like he anticipated everything. Encrid wanted to see his expression break. He was satisfied. ¡°See you again.¡± Though the assassin wouldn¡¯t remember, Encrid was speaking of today, a day he remembered. From that ¡®today¡¯, he was suggesting they meet again. The assassin was taken aback by Encrid¡¯s words. ¡°Was it a trap?¡± The half-blood fairy looked around. Hiring a top-tier assassin to kill a mere soldier seemed excessive. It made sense if it were a trap. The thought that his opponent might have a n to survive because of the ¡°see you again¡± remark crossed his mind. But it was all a misconception. There was no trap. With a thud, Encrid¡¯s head slumped. Another day ended. The ferryman appeared once more, mocking him again. ¡®Does this bastard have nothing better to do?¡¯ Encrid thought as he faced today once more. ¡°Ugh, it¡¯s so damn cold.¡± Rem¡¯s whining voice was heard from the morning. ¡°Move around to warm up. It helps.¡± Encrid took the words from Audin and said them first. Then he got up and started stretching. A body that¡¯s warmed up is better than one that¡¯s stiff. That much was certain. In this respect, Audin¡¯s exercises were definitely helpful. As he began to stretch, Audin came over and asked, ¡°Where did you learn that?¡± ¡®I learned it from you.¡¯ But he couldn¡¯t say that outright. ¡°From a passing monk.¡± Audin had said that the origin of the exercises he taught was from a temple. In other words, it was one of the ways priests trained their bodies. More precisely, it was likely the training method of monks who usedbat and martial arts as a means of training. ¡°You learned it well.¡± Audin chimed in, stretching again with the exercises. ¡°When it¡¯s cold, don¡¯t you know it¡¯s best to just huddle under a nket? Why don¡¯t you go and get us some heated leather or something? Now that you¡¯re the Squad Leader, you should solve your squad members¡¯ cold problem.¡± As Encrid lightly retorted to Rem¡¯s grumbling, Jaxon returned. ¡°Let¡¯s talk.¡± Encrid took Jaxon away abruptly. ¡°Hey, where are you going without me!¡± Rem was still grumbling behind them. ¡°I want to learn how to handle the Whistling Knife.¡± This was one of the things Encrid had learned from repeating today. Instead of trying to convince people with borate reasoning, it was better to straightforwardly ask for what he needed. ¡°Where did you hear about that?¡± ¡°When you wander around, you hear and learn things. I want to learn it.¡± ¡°What¡¯s the price?¡± ¡°Anything you want. I can even give you a nk check.¡± Famous merchant guilds sometimes issued promissory notes. One of the most famous stories involved thergest merchant guild on the continent, Rengardis. The only son of the Rengardis guild master joined a monster subjugation team out of adventure. The Rengardis family, upon discovering this, set out to find him. By the time they found him, he was already in mortal danger. The Imperial Knights, who happened to be passing by, saved him. In gratitude, the Rengardis family issued a nk check to the Imperial Knights. Whatever amount they wrote, the guild would cover it. This famous story became an idiom. Offering a nk check now meant offering anything except one¡¯s life. Jaxon¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°That¡¯s not something you should say lightly.¡± ¡°I want to learn that much.¡± Encrid replied sincerely. He wanted the Whistling Knife that the half-blood fairy wielded. He wanted to learn it. His desire was boiling over. Seeing the look in Encrid¡¯s eyes, Jaxon nodded. There was a fire burning within. A fire that would break and burn anything it touched, a fire called desire. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 58 Once, even the desire to be greedy was not permitted. Dreaming and hoping, yet knowing that it was unattainable, living a life of mere struggle. That was Encrid¡¯s life. But not anymore. Now, he could show his desire and go after it. No, in fact, it was more advantageous now. After warming up with some exercises, it was time to learn how to throw a knife from Jaxon. ¡°I want to learn more.¡± ¡°It seemed like you were a beginner.¡± Jaxon muttered after watching Encrid throw a knife. Encrid replied nonchntly. ¡°There was a guy on the battlefield who threw like this. I watched and learned.¡± Jaxon stared at Encrid with a nk expression. ¡°Believe me, it¡¯s true.¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± Of course. Isn¡¯t that what genius is like? Throughout his life as a durd, he had seen countless times what geniuses or those with talent did. Now, he pretended to be like that, acting as if he were a genius. It was something he could do because he repeated it daily. Revealing one¡¯s desire meant that it was advantageous to maintain such an attitude. What are geniuses like? They would not hesitate to express their desires, knowing that what was before them was something to be seized. Above all, he was sincere. When it came to the desire to learn, Encrid was the best on the continent. ¡°Fine.¡± It¡¯s always the same. The hesitation is brief, followed by seriousness. Jaxon taught properly. It was quite an interesting time. Encrid repeated how to grip and throw the knife. In a short time, he was drenched in sweat. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you had to go on duty?¡± ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡± It¡¯s just a warm-up, not to the point of overexertion. Today began again. No, to be exact, it was the seventh ¡®today¡¯. Instead of walking with Jack and Bo on either side, Encrid walked on the far left. ¡°I have to stand on the far left, it¡¯s a superstition.¡± Encrid insisted, and there was no way around it. Jack and Bo had nothing to say. ¡°Is that so? That¡¯s quite peculiar.¡± ¡°Yes, stand where you¡¯refortable.¡± Though his sweat quickly cooled, the warmth inside his body remained. Even though it was the seventh repeat of today, the air felt strangely different. The sunlight pierced through the cold wind and touched his skin. The chirping of winter birds brushed his ears. He enjoyed the feel of the soil underfoot and the resonance of the ground with each step. The air, the ground, the soil, the wind. All of it enveloped, brushed, warmed, lingered, and flowed past his body. The sky was clear too. The biting cold wind, signaling the end of the year, as winter, the fourth season, arrived, brought with it a chilling breeze. But even that wind brought a refreshing feeling more than the cold. In the repeating today, he had always endured with fierce intensity. But somehow, today, he felt a bit less tense. A calmness enveloped him. That didn¡¯t mean he had forgotten his intensity. It was justfortable. The path he was walking now, this moment, everything. ¡®Why is my mind at ease?¡¯ He didn¡¯t know. Knowing he would die soon. Despite the approaching moment when he would have to struggle to face that pain and death. Even though dying repeatedly never became familiar like it was the first time every time. ¡°When you throw, it¡¯s in an instant, but before that, rx your entire body. Let your body go limp and focus in a state of calm. It will be difficult.¡± Jaxon¡¯s words were only half right. It was difficult, but not to the point of giving up. It was difficult, but doable. Boldness, a gift from the Heart of the Beast. Boldness allowed him to see everything through to the end, even in the face of death. Focus Point, intense concentration, made him perceive the same situation differently than ever before. Thus, thebination of boldness and concentration allowed Encrid to grasp the edge of talent. Ordinarily, he would not have been able to gain such boldness or concentration, but now Encrid had both strings. ¡®It works.¡¯ Just a few teachings and a few repetitions. After only three or four repetitions, it became ingrained in his body. Luck yed a significant role. What he should not have been able to grasp even after countless repetitions was now in his hands. That thin thread was an immense joy to Encrid. It was an unprecedented euphoria. ¡°Are you okay?¡± Bo asked from the side. Walking with a dazed face and then grinning, he couldn¡¯t exactly be said to be in a normal state. It was a relief he wasn¡¯t drooling. ¡°Ah, um, I¡¯m fine. Made a fool of mysfairy.¡± Encrid walked, unnecessarily wiping his mouth. Watching his cheerful steps, Jack and Bo exchanged nces. Jack signaled with his eyes. ¡®That guy seems a bit crazy, doesn¡¯t he?¡¯ ¡®I think so too.¡¯ They conversed only with their eyes and gestures. It was a familiar routine. It was a signal they had used since their days in the thief guild. ¡°The weather is nice.¡± Encrid said. ¡°It¡¯s cold enough to die.¡± Jack said, pouting his lips. Normally, they would need to boost their opponent¡¯s confidence to induce carelessness, but their opponent was already too rxed before they could even attempt any tricks, which naturally provoked resistance. What on earth was this guy? ¡°Of course, it¡¯s cold. It¡¯s thest season of the four.¡± Winter is harsh. But one should not be fooled by the harshness and cold into missing the warmth. Rxing the body isn¡¯t something that can be achieved simply by repeating it in one¡¯s mind. Jaxon¡¯s demonstration resurfaced in his mind. Oveid with the image of a half-fairy assassin. To rx the body, the mind must first be rxed. Mental burden, threats, and anxiety. Encrid threw them all away. In his rxed mind, he repeatedly envisioned the scene of the half-fairy throwing a whistling knife. It was essentially no different from today¡¯s repetition. What can be learned from defeat? What have I learned in countless situations where my life was on the line? The stage where I must sacrifice my life to gain something has passed. He endlessly repeated questions to himself. Thanks to his moderately rxed body and mind, his steps were somewhat wobbly. He walked, but without the strictness required for patrol duty. As he walked, he found himself in the market. ¡°Hey, Squad Leader, what¡¯s making you so happy?¡± Jack stopped and asked. He probably wasn¡¯t genuinely curious. As he asked, he subtly shifted his body. Bo also took a step. Both moved to positions where they could apply pressure. They maneuvered to obscure the view and be ready to draw their des and stab Encrid at any moment. Encrid, keeping both in his sight, took a single deep breath. Then he extended his leg. He lightly tapped Jack¡¯s shin with the tip of his foot. He thought his body and mind were rxed, yet his body moved more freely than ever. It was a kick with an uncanny timing, leaving the opponent unable to react. Smack. ¡°Ouch!¡± Jack doubled over in pain. Encrid, with a light and almost cheerful motion, pressed the back of Jack¡¯s head with his left hand and raised his knee. Thud! The sound of dough being pped echoed. Jack¡¯s head snapped back up. His face, now a bloody mess with a broken nose, was visible. ¡°Damn it, I can¡¯t give you that price!¡± He was a step ahead of schedule. It was a move separate from today¡¯s nned actions. It wasn¡¯t intentional. He just moved as his body directed. ¡®Does it matter?¡¯ Encrid didn¡¯t care. It was as if he had taken a drug that induced euphoria and made his mind hazy. Even if he had actually taken such a drug, it wouldn¡¯t matter. His body felt that light. ¡°What the!¡± Bo eximed in surprise. Encrid¡¯s hand was already reaching for Bo¡¯s nape. ¡°Tch!¡± Bo jerked his neck back in surprise. It was expected. Bo always reacted in the same pattern when caught off guard. Having seen that pattern more than five times, Encrid was familiar with it. Instead of extending his left hand, Encrid nted his left foot on the ground and twisted his body in the opposite direction. Using his left foot as a pivot, he spun around. Rather than facing forward, he turned to the side and extended his right hand. In an instant, the reach of his arm extended, and his right hand touched Bo¡¯s retreating face. It didn¡¯t end with just a touch. Bang! The punch created a sound like a leather drum bursting. With strength, speed, and concentration, Encrid¡¯s heated punch broke Bo¡¯s face. ¡°Ugh!¡± Bo clutched his face and staggered back a few steps. Watching that, Encrid smoothly turned his body. Was it because he started a bit early? He didn¡¯t know. Just because today repeated didn¡¯t mean the same things always happened. Everything could change. Encrid knew that very well. Where he was looking, he saw the half-fairy. The creature moved its hand without even taking off its rags. From bottom to top. A beam of light followed its right hand. He hadn¡¯t prepared a specific means of defense. But ¡®Does it matter?¡¯ Time seemed to slow down. It was the second time Encrid experienced this. It was the moment when concentration broke the limits. A time gap that those within the realm of genius face countless times. When he dodged the blow of the mustached soldier in the final battle with Aspen, a simr sensation shone through. It was the same now. Of course, Encrid didn¡¯t realize it. His mind was still half-entranced. His entranced mind, his burning concentration, his razor-sharp senses, and the boldness of the beast. He saw the beam of light. It allowed him to predict its destination. ¡®Can I dodge it?¡¯ No. There was no time. The split second of time closed. Encrid¡¯s brain, spinning at high speed, produced an answer. Thud! Squeal! He blocked it with his arm. The de embedded itself in his left arm, which was shielding his heart. Just as he heard the whistling knife¡¯s noise, pain red in his forearm. A heavy impact and the searing pain from the de. The pain felt faintly distant. The surroundingmotion sounded far away. Seeing it made him want it. Having it made him see. Encrid¡¯s eyes could now trace the trajectory of the whistling knife. That¡¯s how he blocked it. He looked up and saw the enemy. The half-fairy, having discarded its rags, moved its hands ceaselessly. It looked like a living rapid-fire crossbow. No, it was fiercer than that. He couldn¡¯t dodge the first one, but this time he could. He saw the starting point of the hand and predicted the endpoint of the iing beams of light. Whoosh! He dodged two perfectly, and one grazed his cheek. The whistling knives¡¯bined cries created a strange harmony. Encrid, who dodged them all, pulled the knife out of his forearm. Blood flowed from his forearm, but it wasn¡¯t enough to hinder his movements. He hadn¡¯t been hit in a vital spot; he had blocked it with the part of his arm he intended. Thanks to this, he had a cut on his arm, but it wasn¡¯t immobilizing. The leather armor on his forearm also served its purpose. ¡°You bastard.¡± The half-fairy, furious, closed the distance. While closing in, it continued to unleash beams of light from hidden spots on its body. He couldn¡¯t dodge them all. No, he could have endured longer. But today was different from other days. Rotten approached from behind without him noticing. Encrid didn¡¯t realize it. Rotten pushed Encrid¡¯s back. Thud. That was the end. Three knives screamed as they embedded themselves¡ªone in the heart, one in the side, and one in the neck. Terrible pain surged through him. Encrid¡¯s body slowly copsed. As he mustered his strength and dropped to one knee, something warm and thick gurgled up from his throat. Unable to hold it back, he opened his mouth and bloody foam spilled out. Aaaaaah! Only then did the surrounding screams hit his ears properly. His hazy mind returned to its original state. The pain became vividly real. The half-fairy assassin approached the fallen Encrid. His expression was not pleasant. ¡°You.¡± He uttered a single word but did not continue. A persistent hunter never loses its prey. It was his turn to say those words, but he didn¡¯t. No, he couldn¡¯t. The assassin¡¯s eyes fixed on Encrid¡¯s face. ¡°You bastard.¡± His eyes red with fury like a poisoned toad. Encrid was smiling. ¡°Ha-ha.¡± Even as he spat out bloody foam, heughed. This was bound to cause a misunderstanding. The fairy felt mocked, but Encrid had no such intention. Dying, he reflected. ¡®Just seven times.¡¯ He had repeated ¡®today¡¯ seven times. Yet, not only had he found a breakthrough, but he had seen beyond it. Just seven times. No, he couldn¡¯t call it ¡®just¡¯. Without knowing despair and frustration, he had only looked forward to tomorrow, enabling him to achieve this. Meager talent created a human who relentlessly strove. Endless effort allowed this human to grasp the edge of talent. It was a miracle. No, miracles didn¡¯t exist. This was merely the reward for not harboring despair and hopelessness in any of the repeated todays. In another ¡®today¡¯, when he would rise again. Encrid believed he could end this. ¡°You crazy bastard.¡± Thud! The fairy thrust his extended de through Encrid¡¯s neck once more at point-nk range. That was the end. The moment of death. Death approached, and darkness enveloped the world. Beyond the darkness, he saw the ferryman on the river. Hehe! The ferrymanughed at Encrid once again. Encrid was very curious about how the ferryman would react the next time they met. How would that mockingugh change? * * * ¡°Good morning.¡± He opened his eyes to a new morning. Encrid got up easily. It wasn¡¯t perfect, but he had learned how to throw the whistling knife. Also not perfect, but he had learned the basics of monk exercises from Audin. ¡°It¡¯s cold enough to die, what¡¯s making you so happy?¡± ¡°I had a good dream.¡± A very, very good dream. It had been a day spent in a hazy state of mind. That day, that ¡®today¡¯. Encrid had glimpsed the life of someone with talent. He was more than satisfied. At the same time, he saw the path forward. The path ahead, the way to ovee the wall that blocked his way. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 59 Encrid was hit in the side by a quarrel on the eighth day. The quarrel pierced through the ribs and tore into his internal organs. ¡®This is unexpected.¡¯ It happened right after he dodged all the whistling knives and kicked Rotten, who was attacking from behind. In a brief moment, the quarrel suddenly flew in. It was impossible to avoid. ¡®Such thorough preparation.¡¯ Pulling out the quarrel would likely cause a more fatal injury. As he lifted his head, he saw the ugly face of a half-blood fairy right in front of him. Are all half-bloods that ugly? He didn¡¯t know. It was the first time he had ever encountered a half-blood. He knew they generally weren¡¯t well treated. ¡°You¡¯re very perceptive. Aren¡¯t you?¡± The half-blood fairy spoke from above. He was someone who really enjoyed talking. ¡°Pretty much, yeah. Hoo.¡± Encrid spoke as he calmed his breathing. He memorized the half-blood fairy¡¯s position and distance in his mind to make his final desperate move. Ting. In an instant, he drew a broad-ded dagger and thrust it upward. The so-called guard sword nicked the half-blood fairy¡¯s cheek. The fairy, dodging by tilting his head to the side, kicked Encrid in the stomach. Thud. ¡°Ugh.¡± Instead of a scream, a groan escaped. The arrowhead lodged in his intestines stirred inside him. It was unbearably painful. It had been painful since he started moving, but getting hit made the excruciating pain turn his vision white. ¡°Where do you think you¡¯re going?¡± It didn¡¯t take long for death toe. The fairy¡¯s hand was clean and sharp. Encrid closed his eyes as his neck was severed. When he faced today again, the fairy, Rotten, Jack, and Bo attacked all at once. Even as his hands fumbled and he was dying, Encrid killed Jack and Bo and took one of the half-blood fairy¡¯s arms. The final blow was to his heart again. The half-blood fairy stabbed his heart with a stiletto hidden at his waist. After spending nine of these days, the tenth morning dawned. After finishing his exercises with Audin, he met with Jaxon. It was a repetitive routine. Because he couldn¡¯t afford to waste a single day, Encrid put in his full effort today as well. ¡°Could you check my stance?¡± It didn¡¯t matter whether it was an equivalent exchange or anything else, so Encrid demonstrated how to throw a dagger to mess with Jaxon. His proficiency was entirely different from when he first learned it. It was a skill he had ingrained in his body by clinging to the edge of his talent. It was indeed different from before. Encrid activated Focus Point, rxed his body, and then used his entire body¡¯s muscles as if they were spring-loaded for a moment. His hand sliced through the air, and the dagger in his hand flew with a swoosh. It wasn¡¯t as fast as light, but it was several times faster than before. ¡°Your arms and hands are theunch pad, using the sticity of your entire body. Up to this point, you understand well. Do you see anythingcking?¡± Gape. Encrid saw Jaxon open his mouth wide for the first time in his life. Wasn¡¯t he always the squad member who used calm eyes and a steady tone? He was a friend with little emotional change and expression. The open mouth expressing astonishment quickly closed. Although his eyes still wavered, his expression returned to its usual state. The mouth was open for barely a second. ¡°Jaxon?¡± ¡°Where did you learn this?¡± ¡°There was a guy on the battlefield who threw daggers spectacrly.¡± ¡°Threw daggers?¡± ¡°I learned by watching.¡± ¡°Learned by watching?¡± He was busy repeating the words, almost like a parrot. It was indeed surprising because this type of skill couldn¡¯t be mastered through simple training. It was different from honing basic skills. It was nonsense to learn it without having a natural sense. Jaxon knew this well. That¡¯s why he was surprised. But the Squad Leader? His skills had indeed improved significantlytely, but this was something else entirely. Jaxon, who had been staring at Encrid nodding his head, finally spoke. ¡°That¡¯s good enough. It¡¯s not a skill to delve into too deeply. However, the weapon you¡¯re holding now has weight, so it¡¯s better to imbue your fingertips with heaviness rather than lightness.¡± Jaxon chose his words carefully. Encrid nodded. ¡°It¡¯s called the Tangum technique.¡± Then Jaxon suddenly spoke. Even if it wasn¡¯t an equivalent exchange, Jaxon wasn¡¯t the type to withhold teaching. Encrid straightened his posture. It was a stance he had ingrained in his body and a listening attitude he had learned by watching Krang. There¡¯s a way to give your best even when listening. Seeing this, Jaxon felt pleased. Who else would listen so earnestly to mere throwing techniques? Had Encrid not shown this attitude regrly, he might have ignored and disregarded the Squad Leader long ago. ¡°A long time ago, there was an unparalleled assassin named Geor who established the basic framework for this technique. There¡¯s a theory that he was inspired by Leonesis¡¯sption of five sword techniques, but we don¡¯t know for sure.¡± It was a technique with history. Encrid¡¯s concentration intensified. Ragna exined and simultaneously indicated the path forward. Listening intently, Encrid¡¯s eyes sparkled with seriousness. Though it was called the Tangum technique, it wasn¡¯t just about throwing swords. It epassed handling all throwing weapons. In the midst of this, unsolicited, the topic of whistling knives came up. ¡°There¡¯s a throwing dagger called a Whistle Knife. If you encounter one, avoid it. They are difficult to deal with. The reason the Tangum technique includes the ¡®sword¡¯ character is because of the Whistle Knife.¡± Additional exnations followed. Whistling knives were originally made byyering thin des together. Geor¡¯s ultimate pursuit was to use just one singleyered knife. Throwing just one de wouldn¡¯t even produce a sound, hence it wouldn¡¯t be called a whistling knife anymore. ¡®How manyyers was it?¡¯ Encrid reflexively recalled the dagger thrown by the half-blood fairy. He remembered when it got stuck in his forearm. The dagger embedded in his arm had threeyers. ¡°Hey, isn¡¯t it your shift today?¡± Bo hade up to Encrid in front of the quarters. He had been so absorbed that he didn¡¯t realize his shift time was approaching. ¡°Oh, I forgot. Let¡¯s go. It¡¯s the same shift as today, right?¡± ¡°Yes, it¡¯s with me.¡± ¡°I know. Part of the scouting team.¡± Encrid responded casually to Bo and then spoke to Jaxon. ¡°Learned a lot.¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± Jaxon had never thought of himself as talkative, but he had to admit that he became unusually verbose in front of the Squad Leader. He only said what was necessary, but it was still a lot. ¡®Did I go too far with the whistling knife?¡¯ Why did that topice up? Thinking about it again, it made sense. It was a relevant topic. It was because of the stance Encrid had shown. ¡®The throwing technique was simr.¡¯ Geor¡¯s Tangum technique isn¡¯t a rigidly defined throwing method, but it does have a basic framework. The stance the Squad Leader showed earlier reminded Jaxon exactly of the whistling knife. It was a clean stance, as if someone had guided him. Although Jaxon couldn¡¯t possibly know, the one who had helped Encrid perfect his stance was none other than him. * * * ¡°Let¡¯s go this way.¡± Encrid arbitrarily changed the patrol route. ¡°What? We¡¯re supposed to patrol the market. We¡¯ll get disciplined for this,¡± Jack protested. ¡°I¡¯ll take responsibility.¡± He was the Squad Leader, recently promoted to high ranking soldier, and a talent desired by both the 1st Company and the Border Guard. At thirty years old, he was ate-blooming rookie who had just started to get noticed. That was Encrid. There was nothing the two soldiers in the scouting team could do to rebel. ¡°I said I¡¯ll take responsibility. We should take it easy on duty sometimes. Let¡¯s go.¡± Encrid took the lead. He acted as if it was only natural for the others to follow. ¡°Leaving the patrol route is grounds for discipline.¡± Bo muttered, looking at Jack. Jack¡¯s hands moved busily. ¡®What should we do?¡¯ ¡®I don¡¯t know.¡¯ Bo shook his head. Encrid felt like he could hear their conversation even without looking. Deliberating wouldn¡¯t yield an answer. There are things in the world you just can¡¯t avoid. When your superior gives an order, you follow it. And right now, he was both the superior and the senior. The assassin had prepared the ce, time, and people. Was it necessary to follow it exactly? ¡®Change the location.¡¯ The opponent was an assassin, there was no need to enter the stage he had prepared. This was the conclusion Encrid had reached after much thought. He moved at his own discretion, strolling around the outer area of the castle gate. He didn¡¯t even go near the downtown area with its buildings. Jack and Bo were troubled. They tried to persuade him to head towards the market, but Encrid was immovable. After walking for about half an hour, Encrid suddenly stopped. ¡°Huh? Why did you stop?¡± Encrid watched as the two walked two steps past him, then stopped and turned back. They had finally given up on heading towards the market, leaving coded messages here and there along the way. So now it was time. Encrid, staring at them, asked, ¡°Why did you do it?¡± nk stares. Jack and Bo looked at Encrid, then at each other. What the hell is he talking about? How should I know? ¡°What?¡± Bo asked on behalf of both of them. ¡°Why did you do it?¡± ¡°What are you talking about? Speak clearly so we can understand.¡± Jack said gruffly. ¡°I¡¯ve thought about it several times but I can¡¯t figure out the reason. What changes by being a spy as just a regr soldier? Krona? Money?¡± At these suddenly thrown words, Jack and Bo recoiled. Then, looking awkwardly at each other, Bo scratched the back of his head and spoke up. ¡°What are you talking about?¡± ¡°What the hell, are you suddenly using us of being spies?¡± Jack also burst out angrily. ¡°Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s a pathetic excuse to say that while stepping back and putting your hand on your sword hilt?¡± At Encrid¡¯s words, they looked at each other again. And then. Cha-chang! Both drew their swords. Bo with a stiletto-like thin de. Jack with a rtively thicker short sword. Encrid stood still. ¡°Damn, he¡¯s really perceptive.¡± ¡°We¡¯ll have to kill you here.¡± The n had gone awry, but the task at hand was clear. Jack and Bo exchanged nces and nodded. As they hesitated, Encrid also drew his sword. Ching! The sharpened longsword reflected the sunlight as it was drawn. Then, with the sword still drawn, he took arge step forward and swung the sword in a wide arc. As he swung it wide, Jack and Bo gauged the distance and dodged. But they didn¡¯t stop there. Because Encrid had swung his sword broadly, there were many openings. Bo took advantage of one of these openings and charged. He was a soldier with excellent physical skills even in normal circumstances. He pushed off with his back foot and charged forward. Encrid was just in the middle of shifting his weight to the right as he grabbed the sword with both hands and swung. At the moment Bo reached the distance where his short sword could touch. Thud! A de suddenly emerged from under Encrid¡¯s left armpit. The de pierced Bo¡¯s neck. It was the Valen Mercenary Sword Technique, the Shadow Thrust. It started by pretending to swing broadly and drawing the enemy in. Then, supporting the longsword with only his left hand and hiding his right hand with his body, he drew a dagger from his right waist and thrust it through the gap under his armpit. The enemy would never have expected a de to emerge from there. Bo had narrowed the distance too much, trusting his reflexes. Encrid had predicted Bo¡¯s response. A nimble fighter wouldn¡¯t miss the chance to close the gap. Just because he had built his foundation on the Northern Heavy Sword Technique didn¡¯t mean he had to forget what he had previously learned. It was a realization from hisst moments on the battlefield with Aspen and the battle with the mustached soldier. Basics are just basics. Adding and subtracting are up to the user. One could swing a heavy sword smoothly or go for a counter. He could mix in the Valen Mercenary Sword Technique as well. As long as the foundation wasn¡¯t shaken, it was fine. With a gurgle, Bo copsed to the ground. Blood poured from the wound in his neck, soaking the ground. ¡°Damn, that was filthy.¡± Jack¡¯s face turned pale at the sight. He had no confidence to flee, nor to fight. So what could he do? ¡°Why did you do it?¡± ¡°What does it matter to you, damn it?¡± Jack remained consistent, and since Encrid hadn¡¯t prepared a merciful de for his opponent, their confrontation was brief. A short, downward strike with the longsword. Jack dodged rather than blocking. Predicting this, Encrid, who had swung as if to strike down, instead swung his sword horizontally. sh! St! The well-sharpened de created a hole in Jack¡¯s side where there shouldn¡¯t have been one. ¡°Huff, damn it.¡± That was Jack¡¯sst moment. Instead of a final cry, he copsed with a curse. Encrid paused and waited at the spot. He nted his sword into the ground and caught his breath for a long time. Only then did the others arrive. A quarrel flew with a whoosh from behind. As Encrid tilted his head to dodge, he saw one masked figure, a hesitant Rotten next to him, and finally, an assassin dressed in rags. Encrid, still holding his sword in the ground, asked, ¡°You¡¯re alling at once, aren¡¯t you?¡± It seemed futile to suggest a one-on-one fight. And it was. The man with the quarrel aimed at him again. Encrid took a short breath. He rxed his entire body. Leaving his sword nted in the ground, he let his arms hang loose. His hanging hand swung like a pendulum. Then his right hand snapped up like a whip, and he flung the dagger he held. Swish! The Tangum technique utilizing full-body sticity. The flying de embedded itself in the forehead of the masked crossbowman. It was indeed like a ray of light. The half-blood fairy¡¯s shoulders flinched and trembled for a moment upon seeing this. ¡°Interesting.¡± He muttered shortly after. It was exactly what Encrid himself wanted to say. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 60 This is fun, it¡¯s something I want to say. ¡°You¡¯re really fun.¡± A half-blood fairy wrapped in rags licked its lips with its tongue and let its arms hang down. The white back of its hand was visible outside the rags. Just by looking, you could tell. It was a ready stance. Once those hands moved, a terrible whistle would sound. ¡°Reacting to the projectile itself is toote. So watch the hands.¡± Jaxon was exining the way to counter the whistling knife and how to deal with those who handle throwing weapons. Catching an arrow with your eyes is difficult. ¡°It¡¯s tough unless you¡¯re really a knight. But there is a way to dodge an iing arrow even if you¡¯re not a knight.¡± It¡¯s called ¡®selective throw vision.¡¯ Even if the hands are cleverly hidden, the moving arms cannot bepletely concealed. Keep the enemy in front of you. Watch the hands and arms. Then see the whole body and dodge. That was the key. Jaxon¡¯s tone was calm but his words were clear and stuck in your mind. When Rem teaches something, he mainly uses his body. His body moves before his words. Jaxon is the opposite. He gives a detailed exnation first and then uses his body. Understanding with the heades first. Ragna, on the other hand, is careless until he gets interested, and once he does, he exins and demonstrates simultaneously. He¡¯s a type that goes with the flow. Audin is simr to Rem, but his tone is always optimistic. He might be the worst in some ways. ¡°You can do it, brother.¡± ¡°It¡¯s okay, brother. This won¡¯t reach God¡¯s embrace.¡± ¡°Does it hurt? Good, you¡¯re improving.¡± Learning gymnastics was not easy. But it was worth it. On the outskirts of the city, in the shadow cast by the city wall. The air here was several times colder than where the sunlight touched. Yet, his body was warm enough. It didn¡¯t feel stiff. Thanks to the exercises learned from Audin. Even while distracted, Encrid¡¯s eyes did not leave the half-blood fairy. The way to dodge the whistling knife is to watch the fingertips. Hands are faster than eyes, but you can¡¯t do anything about the swinging arms. See, feel, and perceive the trajectory. If you can see it, you can dodge it. He had done it several times already. Not taking his eyes off, that was what Encrid had to do now. Encrid also let his hands hang down. The half-blood fairy was in the same situation. Although not at the level of the whistling knife, the opponent¡¯s throwing technique was still formidable. ¡®How can I get a hit in?¡¯ The half-blood fairy was excited. Originally, it was a boring and tedious task. The mission was to kill an ordinary soldier. There was no reason for it to be interesting. The half-blood fairy assassin had two peculiar quirks. One was to exploit the enemy¡¯s carelessness and stab them in the heart. The other was to kill a top-tier warrior head-on. Both were his preferences. He initially thought he couldn¡¯t be satisfied and focused on the former. ¡®This is going to be fun.¡¯ Now he shifted to thetter. The half-blood fairy kept licking his lips with his tongue. It was a habit when he was focused. He continued to look for gaps in his opponent¡¯s defense with his eyes. They weren¡¯t easily visible. A clear realization struck his mind. No matter how he threw the whistling knife, the opponent would dodge it now. But that was fine. ¡®So, you¡¯re prepared for my knife throwing, huh.¡¯ He didn¡¯t know how the opponent figured it out, but they had countered his preparation. With the simplest means possible, by changing the location. Things had gone awry. Three people were dead, and there had been amotion, but no one was approaching. The original assassination spot was the middle of the market, a bustling ce. The hustle and bustle momentarily slowed down perception. There, Jack and Bo, the two disposable pawns, would have engaged in trivial chatter to cause a distraction. And that wasn¡¯t the end of it. He had brought someone skilled with a crossbow and hidden him on a rooftop. He also had a guy named Rotten follow secretly. All these preparations were thwarted just by changing the location. There were no buildings nearby to hide in. Two fools were killed before they could even start. And at the moment of confrontation, an unexpected knife throw had also killed the crossbowman. ¡®Did he calcte everything?¡¯ He licked his lips again. As his concentration reached its peak, his lips kept drying. The half-blood fairy spected on the actions his target had taken to get here. ¡®He calcted everything.¡¯ He calcted it all. He didn¡¯t know how, but the opponent knew first. ¡®The information leaked.¡¯ It didn¡¯t matter where it leaked from. The result was all that mattered. He quickly dealt with Jack and Bo and then immediately took care of the soldier with the crossbow. ¡®Clean.¡¯ The calctions, methods, and even the strategy of the opponent. After confirming everything, this was the conclusion. ¡®He¡¯s in the same business.¡¯ He¡¯s either doing a simr job or has a lot of experience in such matters. It was a misconception. But it was understandable. The opponent had read the assassination method and countered it head-on. No matter how much information had leaked, such a response could onlye from someone experienced in this kind of work. ¡®Then what methods do I have left?¡¯ He had a few options left. He had three types of poison in his possession. He also had his own modified weapon at the back of his waist. A long stiletto, about the length of his forearm. The weapon was called Needle, one of the weaponsmonly used by the fairy race along with Naidil. Draw it and stab. That would be the end. Until now, only one creature had survived this method, more precisely, a certain Frog. That damned Frog bastard. ¡°Why do you look so filthy?¡± That crazy frog bastard who openly insulted his appearance. The half-blood fairy had aplex about his appearance. Fairies are supposed to be beautiful, but as a half-blood, he was excluded from that blessing of beauty. Since the day he met that Frog, the half-blood fairy always ended his jobs by shattering the opponent¡¯s heart. Licking his lips when focused and aiming for the heart as the final blow had now be habits. ¡®The poison is too precious.¡¯ Thinking of the Frog made him want to split his opponent¡¯s heart. It didn¡¯t even seem like a difficult task. ¡®Close the distance, then pierce with Needle in one swift move.¡¯ Although the opponent had skill in swordsmanship, that was only relevant in a head-on fight. The half-blood fairy trusted his own secret methods. Now, how to close the distance. While considering a few methods, he felt the idiot named Rotten flinch. ¡®Stupid bastard.¡¯ The half-blood fairy spoke. ¡°Don¡¯t move. You fool.¡± At those words, Rotten gulped. It was the moment he tried to sneak away. The pressure made him want to escape. Having worked in the Thieves¡¯ Guild for a long time, Rotten recognized the air of death. His instincts were ringing rm bells frantically. ¡°How many do you have?¡± The half-blood fairy caught Rotten with his words and then raised his voice towards the front. Encrid shrugged his shoulders. He was probably asking about the number of daggers he had. ¡°I only have two.¡± The half-blood fairy lied. His lips had been moistened several times already. ¡°I have one.¡± Encrid answered honestly, knowing everything. ¡°I seem to have the advantage, don¡¯t I?¡± ¡°That¡¯s what you think.¡± The daggers Encrid had thrown were a special weapon he had obtained by pestering Krais since the morning. He had asked for something thin and light, and Krais had provided it. As a result, a soldier had his meat-cutting knife taken away. Encrid now had a throwing knife that had been ground down so much that the de was as short as a finger. ¡°You¡¯re really fun.¡± The fairy muttered. If things went wrong, the whistling knife would fly. Yet Encrid agreed with the fairy¡¯s words. The tension warmed his entire body. One wrong blink, and the hand of death would grip and strangle his neck. Even so, it was enjoyable. Measuring his skills against his opponent. Pitting the tricks he had prepared against those of his opponent. A desire to win filled his chest, along with apetitive spirit. It was something he hadn¡¯t easily felt before. When had he ever had the chance to think about winning? He had always been too busy struggling to survive. But now, how was it? Today, after facing countless deadly encounters. It wasn¡¯t just his swordsmanship that had changed as a result. His inherent resilience had always been there, but he hadn¡¯t easily wished for victory. Especially against opponents with a certain level of skill. But now. ¡®I can win.¡¯ He wanted to win, and he could win. It was a change in mindset. ¡°Pick up the corpses. Use them as shields.¡± The half-blood fairy spoke to Rotten, not caring that Encrid could hear. ¡°If I throw it at you, he¡¯ll die too. I won¡¯t use that trick. Take the crossbow as well.¡± The half-blood fairy chose the most rational, efficient, and certain method among the ideas that came to mind. He would utilize the advantage of numbers. There were two of them. Rotten hesitated. The half-blood fairy exined the situation in a calm tone. It was necessary. ¡°We¡¯re in the city. Won¡¯t the patrols be here soon?¡± It was true. Encrid was in a favorable situation just by stalling for time. Soon, the patrol would arrive. Then it would be over. Rotten knew that once they encountered the patrol, not only would his cover be blown, but it would also be hard to survive. ¡°Damn it.¡± Rotten cursed the lousy situation and carefully picked up a corpse. He was so tense that his back was drenched with sweat. ¡®When did he get so skilled?¡¯ ring at Encrid as he moved, Rotten¡¯s actions were sluggish. He groped the ground, first gently cing the crossbow aside and then lifting the corpse with a knife embedded in its head. It was heavy. He groaned with effort. If he stumbled here, it would be over. Rotten focused, and sweat dripped from his forehead onto the corpse. ¡®Move carefully. That bastard can¡¯t throw knives.¡¯ Thinking so, he held the corpse as a shield. Whoosh, thud! Encrid¡¯s arm moved. The knife flew. It was before the corpse could fully cover his body. Rotten twisted desperately. Perhaps because of that, the flying knife embedded in his shoulder. ¡°Ugh.¡± Rotten swallowed his scream. At the moment he was struck, the fairy¡¯s hands also moved. Both hands moved up and down exactly four times. Whistle! The sound of the whistling knives ovepped and rang loudly. Four knives flew. Even as Encrid threw his knife, his eyes never left the half-blood fairy. Because he didn¡¯t blink even once. He read the trajectory of the iing whistling knives and immediately spread his legs front and back, lowering his body to the ground. He bent his waist and put his hands on the ground. Four whistling knives flew to where Encrid¡¯s head and chest had been. All of this happened in the moment Encrid took half a breath after throwing his knife. And in the time it took to take the other half of that breath, the half-blood fairy¡¯s hands moved again. After throwing four knives, there was a very short pause. It was a timed attack. Two more whistling knives flew toward Encrid¡¯s head and thighs in his crouched position with hands on the ground. Encrid reflexively rolled to the side. Thud! The knife embedded itself in the ground. Rolling across the floor, Encrid quickly lifted his head to find his enemy. If he missed the moment when the knife was thrown, it would be over. Encrid¡¯s gaze darted left and right. He couldn¡¯t spot the enemy. What first caught his eye was Rotten, with a knife in his arm, and the rag that fluttered through the air. Encrid¡¯s eyes pierced through the space between the rags. There was nothing. The assassin was nowhere to be seen. Instinctively searching for a position to throw his knife, he had missed it. During that moment, the half-blood fairy had lowered his stance and was rushing forward. He was within Encrid¡¯s widened field of vision. His ears perked up, indicating the presence of someone pushing off the ground. Encrid¡¯s eyes finallynded on the half-blood fairy. The distance between them had closed significantly. Only a few steps remained. * * * Using the rag to divert attention and close the distance. The opponent couldn¡¯t have anticipated that he would close the distance so quickly. It was the half-blood fairy¡¯s strategy. His guess was right. Encrid¡¯s expression was pure surprise. Yet, he still moved. Ping! ¡®Bastard.¡¯ The half-blood fairy cursed internally, not even thinking about his own lie. There was a third knife in Encrid¡¯s hand. But it wasn¡¯t aimed at him. The half-blood fairy¡¯s most efficient method. Having more numbers is always an advantage. Because of that, if Rotten used the crossbow to keep him in check, it would be over. He wouldn¡¯t have had a choice either. The flying knife whooshed and embedded itself in Rotten¡¯s forehead, who had been holding the crossbow instead of the corpse shield. Of course, the half-blood fairy didn¡¯t see this. He just kept running with all his might. Now within two steps. He reached for his waist. After Encrid threw his knife, he desperately grabbed his longsword. But before he could draw and sh, the half-blood fairy¡¯s short stiletto-like sword pierced Encrid¡¯s heart. ng! Tding! ¡®Blocked?¡¯ The half-blood fairy was shocked. Truly, terrified. This should not have been blocked. It was his trump card, his killing blow. There was no way it could be blocked without prior knowledge. But it was blocked. It was an unfair situation for him. Encrid had already seen the stiletto-like sword, Needle, in his ninth death. Instead of drawing his longsword, Encrid blocked and deflected the stiletto with the de of his guard sword, which he had drawn while throwing the knife. It wasn¡¯t a perfect technique, but he could mimic it closely enough. As a result, the de broke instead of piercing through. The broken de shattered like a burst of light from Encrid¡¯s chest. Encrid, who had dropped the guard sword¡¯s grip, drew his longsword. All of this happened in one breath. Block, discard, and draw. There was no pause. It was a continuous flow of smooth movements. The longsword he drew was brought down forcefully from above, like flowing water. This urred in the brief moment the broken de fell to the ground. Even to his surprise, the half-blood fairy blocked above his head with Needle. It was toote to dodge, so this was the best defense he could manage. Encrid fully utilized the basic technique of the heavy sword style. No matter what blocked it, it was a sword that crushed and shattered as it struck. ng! Needle broke like a twig, sparks flying, and the de of the longsword fell on the half-blood fairy¡¯s head, fulfilling its purpose. Thud, crack! The filthy appearance of the half-blood fairy, once openly mocked by the passing Frog, was no longer recognizable. His face was split in half. The de of the longsword in Encrid¡¯s hand split the fairy¡¯s jaw and came down. The dead fairy, without even a death cry, fell forward, blood pouring from his split face. ¡°Phew.¡± Encrid exhaled the breath he had been holding. Then, retrieving his sword, he thought. Ten times, just ten times. That was the number of repetitions that ended this day. It was the shortest repeat he had experienced so far. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 61 Encrid gathered the dead bodies in one ce and waited for the patrol. ¡°This is part of the job too.¡± He muttered to himself as he handled the corpse of a half-blooded fairy. As he fumbled to lift the assassin, a peculiar sensation met his fingertips. It was near the chest. As he followed the sensation with his fingers, it extended to the side. When he opened the cloak, he saw a sheath for whistling knives strapped to the body. Inside were four remaining whistling knives. These were notmon items. ¡®I almost forgot.¡¯ They are excellent weapons. He had just learned how to throw them. Having them would prove useful. He had experienced the power of the whistling knives firsthand. He took the sheath with the knives and, while he was at it, thoroughly searched the others¡¯ belongings, picking up some Krona and other valuables. Besides the whistling knives, there was a pouch containing some powder and other unknown items. It emitted a peculiar smell that suggested it should not be handled carelessly. If it was a poison that could be absorbed through contact, there would be no immediate antidote avable. Moreover, he was already averse to using poison, making this item all the more burdensome. Encrid left the poison pouch behind. Later, it was no surprise that the patrol who discovered Encrid was utterly shocked. After all, the Troublemaker Squad Leader, who had disappeared during duty hours, suddenly reappeared with five corpses. ¡°What is this!¡± At first, they were so startled that they pointed their spears at him. ¡°Spies.¡± Encrid exined briefly. It was enough. ¡°I recognize this guy. He came in four days ago, iming to be a peddler¡¯s errand boy.¡± One of the patrol soldiers, holding a crossbow, pointed at one of the dead men. A peddler, meaning a merchant carrying goods that could be slung over the shoulder and moved around. It was a suitable disguise. ¡°Didn¡¯t you check his identification badge?¡± ¡°We did, it was well-crafted.¡± A meticulously forged identification badge. Could such things be made somonly? Probably not. Afterward, one of the soldiers, using the tip of his spear, searched the belongings of the half-blooded fairy and grimaced at the sight of a head-split corpse. While Encrid stood waiting on one side, the 4th Company Commander, a Fairy, appeared. She inspected the dead assassin¡¯s belongings and soon spoke. ¡°He carried poison. He indeed was an assassin.¡± After inspecting not just the poison but also the body shape, they reached their conclusion. Encrid calmly exined the presence of the assassin. And that was the end of it. Throughout the wait, the patrol soldiers gave him suspicious looks, but the misunderstanding was brief. ¡°You took down five? One of them seemed to be quite skilled.¡± ¡°These three are Jack, Bo, and Rotten.¡± One of the patrol soldiers spoke up. Jack was good with a spear, Bo was agile, and Rotten was regarded as a formidable warrior among the soldiers. Three such soldiers, a half-blooded fairy assassin, and a soldier with a crossbow. He faced all of them and wasn¡¯t severely injured. Just a few scratches. ¡°¡­By yourself?¡± A patrol soldier asked, forgetting the presence of the Company Commander beside him. He was that surprised. ¡°Somehow.¡± Encrid replied and looked at the Company Commander. The Fairy Company Commander said nothing. Her expression didn¡¯t change. She just stared at Encrid with her usual jewel-like green eyes. ¡°Understood. Return to your post.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± He saluted and turned to leave. As Encrid walked away, the Fairy Company Commander spoke. ¡°You left your post, so you¡¯ll have to make up for itter.¡± A strict remark. To think she would bring up leaving the post in this situation. The three patrol soldiers exchanged nces. Encrid, on the other hand, silently nodded. ¡°Yes, understood.¡± The Company Commander is a superior. Arguing would only be a waste of breath. There are those who strictly adhere to militaryws and regtions within the unit. The Fairy Company Commander didn¡¯t seem like that type, but¡­ When she says something like that, it¡¯s a subordinate¡¯s duty toply. No point in resisting. ¡°Then.¡± Encrid finally walked away from the scene. Two dayster, two border guards came looking for Encrid again. Inspecting scenes within the city fell to the border guards, so they were there to investigate. Encrid cooperated fully. ¡°They attacked suddenly.¡± ¡°Did you leave your post knowing something?¡± ¡°No, I didn¡¯t. The two seemed strange, but I just wanted some fresh air.¡± ¡°Leaving your post ended up uncovering spies? These two seemed to be killed in one strike?¡± ¡°They attacked outright.¡± ¡°But you managed to subdue them without getting injured?¡± The questions from the two border guards were sharper than expected, but Encrid remained calm. Since he was the only one who survived among those who had directly encountered the assassins, it was understandable. ¡°Yes, I was lucky.¡± ¡°If you¡¯re lucky twice, you could bring down a wall. It means there was that much difference in skill.¡± One of them made a half-hearted joke. They weren¡¯t doubting Encrid. It would be ridiculous to suspect the person who had been ambushed. Moreover, the border guards had already conducted a thorough background check on Encrid. This was done when they tried to recruit him to their unit. ¡°You¡¯ve done well.¡± ¡°I heard you got promoted? Congrattions.¡± ¡°Yes, thank you.¡± Both were of higher rank than him. The ranks within the border guard were originally like that. ¡°You really don¡¯t want to join us? It¡¯s a shame, with your skills.¡± As they finished the investigation and were about to leave, the short-haired guard spoke. ¡°No.¡± His curt response left them speechless. ¡°Oh, alright.¡± Encrid returned to his quarters. As he opened the door, something suddenly dropped from above his right side. He instinctively dodged to the side. After dodging, he lowered himself further and rolled. He barely managed to avoid it, and some of his hair got cut off. Barely avoiding the iing object, he looked to see what it was. ¡°Oh, you passed the ambush test!¡± Rem was grinning and speaking. The culprit was the axe Rem had swung. ¡°Rem, you crazy bastard.¡± It was enough to make him curse. Encrid¡¯s cut hair floated down gently. Had he been a bit slower, the axe would have left a mark somewhere on his neck. A bleeding mark, a scar. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I only intended to cut a bit of your hair even if you didn¡¯t dodge.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t even talk.¡± There are many madmen in this world, but a few of the truly insane ones were in his squad. Encrid had realized this long ago, so he wasn¡¯t even angry. ¡°With assassinsing after you, it¡¯s time to learn how to avoid ambushes, don¡¯t you think?¡± ¡°Nice excuse.¡± Encrid shook his head. ¡°I think it¡¯s time to cut your hair, isn¡¯t it?¡± Rem said casually. It was indeed time to trim his hair. His bangs were starting to obscure his vision. When he faced the half-blooded fairy, he had been in a state of heightened concentration and was too focused on his tactics to notice, but now it was bing a nuisance in daily life. ¡°Please do it.¡± Encrid said. It wasn¡¯t Rem who stepped forward, but Krais. ¡°Alright.¡± Krais was surprisingly good with his hands. While the others could handle swords and axes skillfully, they would make a mess of someone¡¯s hair. ¡°I¡¯ll trim the bangs a bit shorter and tidy up the rest.¡± Krais said. His tools were a short knife, scissors, and a hornb. ¡°That¡¯ll be ten coins.¡± ¡°That¡¯s expensive.¡± ¡°My skills have improved. If you don¡¯t like it, you can go to the city barber.¡± He didn¡¯t want that. The barbers in the city were expensive and less skilled than Rem. There was no reason to pay double the price. Instead, city barbers were better known for their wound care, attracting injured people more than those seeking a haircut. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s start.¡± Snip, snip. The sound of cutting hair soon reached his ears. He sat in a chair right in front of the barracks entrance. White snowkes began to fall from above. Rem, who was watching, grumbled. ¡°Looks like devil¡¯s dandruff.¡± When it snowed, they¡¯d be busy clearing the training grounds and drainage ditches for a while. It was a task that fell to everyone equally. Neither Rem nor Ragna could escape thisbor. If they didn¡¯t clear the snow, it would cause a mountain of problems. ¡°I dislike this.¡± Ragna said, wrapping his shoulders in a nket. ¡°It¡¯s certainly cold.¡± Jaxon agreed. ¡°No matter how much you warm your body, this kind of cold is hard to bear, brother.¡± Audin said, joining them. Why were they all out here watching? Although it should feel less cold when it snows, today the temperature has dropped noticeably. Sitting outside made his lips turn blue. ¡°Ah, my hands are trembling. If I make a mistake, I might cut your ear.¡± Krais said. Krais, who was cutting his hair, spoke. ¡°I can hear you.¡± ¡°That means I¡¯m concentrating.¡± Krais warmed his hands with a moderately heated stone and focused on cutting Encrid¡¯s hair. Encrid, watching the falling snow, pondered about the spies. ¡®How did they get in?¡¯ The one who came in as a peddler had forged identification papers. The half-blooded fairy had infiltrated secretly. The Border Guard city was harder to infiltrate than expected. Forging identification papers was a serious crime. Both tasks were not easy to aplish. Moreover, it was odd that Jack, Bo, and Rotten had turned into spies. ¡®Where did all threee from?¡¯ He felt like he had heard it somewhere. ¡°You know the three who died this time?¡± Encrid asked. Krais nodded, then realizing he was behind Encrid and not visible, answered. ¡°Yes, I do.¡± ¡°Do you know where they were from?¡± ¡°Jack was caught pickpocketing and was serving his sentence, Bo was guilty of insulting a noble.¡± ¡°A decent guy, then.¡± Remmented at the mention of a noble¡¯ insult, and Encrid chuckled. ¡°Indeed.¡± Rem pretended not to hear, and Krais continued. ¡°Rotten used to be a guard for some merchant guild.¡± ¡°Which guild?¡± ¡°It was a guild that went under a while ago, I think.¡± All three had joined around the same time, within a year. Krais, being well-informed, knew a lot. ¡®If someone intentionally nted them¡­¡¯ Forging identification papers, knowledgeable about the city¡¯s back doors, and familiar with crime. Could such a group bemon? Within the Border Guard, a few ces came to mind. Thergest among them. ¡®The Thieves Guild.¡¯ Though called a guild, it was essentially a gathering of individuals involved in various crimes. A year ago, there had been aplete turnover of its members. He recalled hearing about this somewhere. When he asked Krais, he confirmed that there were such rumors, but he couldn¡¯t dig into the details. Encrid¡¯s gaze shifted to Jaxon. ¡°Do you know anything about the Thieves Guild?¡± It was a direct question. Jaxon silently stared at Encrid. ¡°Why are you asking me?¡± ¡°Because you might know.¡± The reason was clear. Starting with learning how to throw knives and honing his senses, Encrid was smart enough to piece things together. Even if there was no explicit intent, he could roughly guess Jaxon¡¯s background. A thief, an assassin, or a rted profession. Or something simr. That¡¯s why he asked. Jaxon remained silent for a moment. Encrid signaled Rem with his eyes to stay silent. Ragna, as usual, looked on with half-closed eyes. Audin quietly waited with his hands sped, seemingly anticipating an answer. Snip, snip. Krais broke the silence as he continued trimming Encrid¡¯s hair. ¡°I¡¯d like to know too. Do you think the assassination attempt on the Squad Leader originated from there?¡± Krais was perceptive. It was reasonable for those who had directly experienced the situation to have suspicions. Especially those capable of critical thinking. Krais was quick-witted. Having lived among the lower sses, he likely knew a lot. Thus, Encrid¡¯s suspicion was justified in Krais¡¯ view. Jaxon finally spoke. Encrid expected him to ask for something in return, but he didn¡¯t. ¡°There was a turnover about a year ago. I don¡¯t know what happened after that. All my connections were cut off.¡± It was worth investigating. Encrid thought so. ¡°All done.¡± Soon, Krais announced, and as he finished cutting his hair, the snow began to fall heavily. ¡°Ah, I really hate this.¡± ¡°Same here.¡± ¡°I agree.¡± ¡°Brother, it is a trial from the gods.¡± ¡°It¡¯s really annoying how much it¡¯s falling.¡± These werements directed at the falling snow, in order, from Rem, Ragna, Jaxon, Audin, and Krais. Encrid watched them and then spoke. ¡°I¡¯m thinking of establishing a mission with the authority of a Squad Leader, where we go out immediately instead of clearing the snow.¡± At those words, the ears of the five perked up. Ten eyes looked at Encrid like hungry wolves. It seemed they would do anything to avoid shoveling snow. ¡°First, I need to get the Company Commander¡¯s permission.¡± Encrid said, brushing the hair off his face. ¡°Go on, then.¡± ¡°What are you still doing here?¡± ¡°This way.¡± They were all urging him to go quickly. Encrid thought it was best to act while the idea was fresh. He didn¡¯t want to go back to the barracks and be pestered by those intense res from the five of them. Encrid, melting the umted snow to wash the hair off his face, immediately headed to the Company Commander¡¯s tent. ¡°You got a haircut. But why are you here? Another ambush?¡± Was the ambush remark a joke? The Company Commander¡¯s words made Encrid hesitate. ¡°That¡¯s not it.¡± ¡°Then?¡± ¡°I suspect the Thieves Guild. I want to investigate.¡± The Fairy Company Commander lived alone. She spoke while looking at the falling snow through the window, her hands behind her back. ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°I want to undertake a mission on my own initiative.¡± ¡°Hmm.¡± The Fairy Company Commander, with her hands still behind her back, asked while looking out the window. ¡°It¡¯s not just because you don¡¯t want to shovel snow, right?¡± ¡°That¡¯s not it.¡± It was half the truth, but the other half was also true, so he had no qualms. ¡°Alright.¡± The Fairy Company Commander granted permission. ¡°You need to be careful. The criminal guilds in the city are quite adept at working with those above.¡± As she spoke, she raised her right index finger to point at the ceiling. In this military city, there wasn¡¯t a mayor but a battalionmander, and the battalionmander wasn¡¯t the only authority. There were also several nobles dispatched from the state to handle administrative duties. They were the key power figures in the Border Guard. ¡°It won¡¯t be good if you fall out of favor with them.¡± Politicsing from a Fairy¡¯s mouth felt strange, but Encrid took the advice. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°When you leave, avoid the torches and take a wide path around. This is my room. It would be troublesome if a fire broke out.¡± There were short torches in themander¡¯s quarters, making the air pleasantly warm. ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll be careful.¡± Even as he responded, Encrid thought he would never get used to the Fairy¡¯s jokes. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 62 ¡°Wait here for a moment. I¡¯ll send someone.¡± Just because permission was granted didn¡¯t mean they could depart immediately. When they returned to their quarters, the squad members looked like baby birds waiting for their mother. ¡°Prepare yourselves.¡± One word conveyed the situation. ¡°Oh, I knew it. I knew the Squad Leader would make it happen!¡± ¡°Good.¡± Rem and Jaxon added a few words, and the others started to move as well. Even if it was rough, they needed to gather their equipment. ¡°For now, wait. Orders wille soon.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± No matter what was said now, the mood would be warm. It was rare for the entire squad to be united like this. Thump. Even when Ragna and Rem bumped into each other while moving, they both passed by without a word. No sharp remarks were exchanged. ¡°You sly alley cat, don¡¯t you have a spare cloak? It¡¯s damn cold.¡± Rem particrly disliked the cold. Jaxon shook his head at Rem¡¯s words. Under normal circumstances, a fight would have broken out, but it passed smoothly. ¡®They do get along.¡¯ How nice would it be if they could always step back and live like this? Of course, it was just wishful thinking. Encrid sat on his bed, watching the busy squad members. Soon, someone sent by the Company Commander arrived. ¡°What did you do to get the entire squad assigned to the operation?¡± It was the 4th toon Leader, sent by the Company Commander. ¡°We¡¯re trying to track down the trail of the assassin. The Thieves¡¯ Guild.¡± ¡°¡­Be careful. Even a knight¡¯s grandfather can¡¯t dodge a knife in the back. Thieves are dangerous.¡± The toon Leader shared his concern with a long piece of advice. A knife in the back. Once, a general who ruled the continent died by the dagger of a subordinate he trusted. A very long time ago, not quite a legend but a story that couldn¡¯t even be called history. An event that might have actually happened. As Encrid nodded in acknowledgment, ¡°No, a knight can avoid it.¡± Ragna said. ¡°Even if it¡¯s not a knight, one can avoid it.¡± Jaxon agreed. ¡°If you get stabbed helplessly from behind, you¡¯re an idiot.¡± Rem concluded. As soon as the toon Leader finished speaking, the three of them fired back. ¡°Let¡¯s not talk about it.¡± The toon Leader shook his head and left. Anyway, permission was granted. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Encrid spoke as he stood up. The weather had gotten even colder than yesterday, making the inside of the quarters feel like an icebox. As for equipment, all Rem had was a single hand axe. Ragna had an arming sword he had previously swapped with Encrid. Jaxon only had a short sword that appeared to be his sole weapon. Audin carried two short, oil-soaked, and dried clubs tucked into his waist. ¡°Stealing is bad. Let¡¯s go teach them a lesson.¡± Audin spoke up as he stepped forward. Rem chuckled at his words. ¡°That¡¯s right. It is bad.¡± Though their equipment was simple, Jaxon was bundled up in thick fur clothing, making him look bulky. Ragna wore a tattered, hole-ridden cloak made fromyers of cloth that even a passing beggar wouldn¡¯t covet. But the most impressive sight was Rem. ¡°Are you really going like that?¡± Jaxon¡¯s attire was within eptable limits, and Ragna¡¯s could be considered passable with a generous perspective. But what was this? Rem had wrapped himsfairy entirely in a nket. He looked like a walking bedroll, with no intention of even extending his arms, only his toes peeking out. ¡°I hate the cold.¡± Would he listen if they tried to dissuade him? Encrid chose an efficient approach. He ignored Rem. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± The ragtag squad set off towards the marketce. ¡°This seems dangerous.¡± Krais muttered to himsfairy as he followed. Faced with the choice of either shoveling snow until his arms swelled or taking a risk, he chose the risk. He really despised shoveling snow. * * * No matter the battle, Encrid had a long-standing habit of reflecting on it repeatedly afterward as a means of survival. This time was no different. The half-fairy drew attention with a whistling knife and Rotten. ¡®A trick.¡¯ Simple but effective as a distraction. The n was then to engage in closebat. With just one move, a decisive strike intended to end the fight. For some reason, the half-fairy had a fascination with hearts. This allowed Encrid to predict the target area and, through repeated encounters, he had be familiar with the enemy¡¯s weapon. He could fight with everything calcted. ¡®What if I had failed?¡¯ Encrid pondered. ¡®Did I rely on luck?¡¯ The half-fairy might not have acted ording to Encrid¡¯s expectations. For him to act as predicted required a certain amount of luck. Encrid questioned himself. On the first day, when he killed that perverted bastard who liked to stab. Encrid had used a powerful thrust as his weapon. It was an act of cing his life on the line, not considering what would happen afterward¡ªa gamble. He reflected on that time, recalling the mistakes he made. Had he made the same mistake this time? Not this time. ¡®Even if I had used a different move,¡¯ In the end, he would have still won. He was confident he could have overpowered his opponent in terms of individual tactics and overall skill. Even if the half-fairy had fought with all his might and Rotten was waiting behind him, ¡®I still had a better chance of winning.¡¯ Of course, it wouldn¡¯t have been as clean and without injury as it was this time. He constantly reviewed and reflected. Repeating it over and over. While walking, he visualized and applied it to different scenarios. The patrolman who found Encrid was startled twice. First, at the sight of the corpses, and second, at the sight of the Squad Leader who had reached the level of a senior soldier. Senior soldier, in name only. How manymon soldiers disyed such skill? Especially considering that until the recent battle, he had been quite ipetent. In conclusion, he was now recognized by others and himself as no longer being at the bottom level in swordsmanship. Yet, Encrid still pondered. ¡®There might have been an easier way.¡¯ It was an attitude hard to believe for someone living the same day repeatedly. But perhaps it was this very attitude that allowed him to always face tomorrow. His thoughts continued to spiral, leading Encrid to recallst night¡¯s dream. ¡®Is it because I have nothing to do?¡¯ An unfathomable entity, no matter how he looked at it. He was thinking of the ferryman of the ck River. The ferryman, who appeared in his dream, did not sneer at him as before. He merely stared at him for a moment and then spat out one sentence. ¡°What are you?¡± A voice without a mouth. Because of this, the emotions carried by the voice were clearly conveyed. No, it was because the ferryman wanted them to be conveyed. Encrid instinctively felt this. The emotion in that single word was curiosity. Pure curiosity, untainted by any fragments of disappointment or anger. He couldn¡¯t respond. Because it was a dream. Of course, it wasn¡¯t an ordinary dream. ¡°Squad Leader.¡± Perhaps he had been too lost in thought, but it wasn¡¯t until someone grabbed his arm and called from behind that Encrid stopped walking. ¡°Sorry, what did you say?¡± He had missed what was said to him a moment ago. ¡°I said, if you go in with that mindset, you¡¯re likely to get stabbed by a thief.¡± Rem said. It didn¡¯t seem like a long speech. More importantly, Rem himself looked like he was the one who would get stabbed if he rushed in wrapped in that nket. Ignoring Rem, Jaxon spoke. ¡°He asked if there¡¯s a n.¡± A n? What n? The same feeling of curiosity he saw in the ferryman in his dream appeared in Encrid¡¯s eyes. ¡°Are you nning to just ask around about the Thieves¡¯ Guild and then storm in? Do you know the location of their headquarters?¡± Jaxon asked, crossing his arms. The thick clothes made his elbows stick out in aical way, but Jaxon seemed unfazed. Their enemy was involved in pickpocketing, human trafficking, and all sorts of crimes. The guild¡¯s name was Gilpin. It literally meant the organization led by Gilpin. Commonly referred to as a Thieves¡¯ Guild, it was essentially a criminal organization. Would such people reveal their base and operate openly? No. Like vermin that thrived in the darkness and back alleys of the city, they hid themselves. ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± ¡°Then we should start by forming a n.¡± ¡°Did you really have no n at all?¡± Rem interjected again. Ragna, meanwhile, remained silent, simply exhaling into the cold air. Audin just smiled broadly. ¡°Did you really have no n at all?¡± Krais looked at Encrid with his big eyes and asked, ¡°I thought you would at least know the headquarters.¡± ¡°No matter how smart I am, how would I know the location of this guild? If we try to find out, we¡¯ll get our throats cut.¡± Krais made a slicing motion across his neck as he spoke. Would a criminal guild really kill a regr army? Were they that powerful? It didn¡¯t seem like they were capable of such actions. The truth was, Encrid didn¡¯t care. He didn¡¯t have the time or energy to worry about such things. ¡°Haven¡¯t you ever carried out a small-scale operation?¡± Jaxon asked again. It seemed like he was scolding Encrid for leading the entire squad without a proper n. Encrid was gradually running out of things to say. How had he lived his life until now? He had been busy struggling to survive, and he spent his days sacrificing sleep to swing his sword one more time. He hadn¡¯t had the opportunity to learn about strategy. Of course, he had experience as a mercenary. He also had experience serving as a squad leader. He had participated in small-scale operations several times. But the flow of battle and carrying out small-scale operations outside the battlefield were entirely different stories. On the battlefield, for instance, leading a scouting squad was a familiar area, but now the situation was different. Moreover, ¡®That was¡­¡¯ It was the result of desperate survival efforts, not moving based on a thorough strategy. Everything he knew had been learned by risking his life. So, should he do the same this time? Should he risk his life and repeat today? Encrid stopped walking. The bitterly cold wind slipped through his tattered cloak and brushed against his side. It was a piercingly cold wind. ¡®I don¡¯t want to do that.¡¯ He didn¡¯t want to use repeating today as a method. The pain of death wasn¡¯t something he weed. More importantly, his instincts told him there was no need for that. So, what should he do? He hadn¡¯te herepletely without a n. He had considered the usual methods. ¡°Won¡¯t we find out everything if we ask around? No matter how well they hide, the city natives know everything.¡± In this world, there are no secrets. A secret is onlyplete with death. When the only person who knows the secret dies, no one else can know it. A criminal organization couldn¡¯t hide itself so thoroughly. Therefore, the conclusion is that someone knows. ¡°It¡¯s difficult to do it that way. The Gilpin guys are known for cutting off loose ends and being incredibly frightening. Even if you catch some low-level members and press them, they don¡¯t know anything. And if they identally spill something, Gilpin would break all their limbs and cut out their tongue.¡± They rule the organization through the fear of retaliation. So, how? No immediate solutions came to mind. When it came to desperate survival and rted schemes, he could think of plenty. If this were a battlefield, he knew how to hold positions ording to strategy to some extent. But this wasn¡¯t such a situation. ¡°Squad Leader, give us the orders.¡± While he was lost in thought, Ragna, who had been gazing at the sky, spoke. Encrid¡¯s eyes turned to Ragna. A genius in swordsmanship, with few equals when he held a sword. That was how Encrid saw Ragna. Ordinarily, Ragna was azy and careless person. The kind who would often get lost and drop things from his pockets. But sometimes, though rarely, Ragna could grasp the core of a matter and strike deeply. As if he held a sword in his hand. ¡°The leader just needs to give orders. Leave the execution to those who know how to carry them out.¡± That one sentence. Ragna¡¯s softly spoken words were immensely significant and weighty to Encrid. He called him a leader. That was indeed his position. Squad Leader, the one who leads the squad. So, had Encrid truly been leading the squad up until now? ¡®Have I been a true Squad Leader?¡¯ No. A person with poor skills, merely struggling to survive, could hardly be a leader of a group. Especially when each member of the squad was exceptionally talented. But Ragna¡¯s one word changed the situation. ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Rem acknowledged. Jaxon slightly nodded. ¡°That¡¯s how it should be, brother. The leader gives orders, and others execute them.¡± Audin agreed. Krais, however, was out of sync with the atmosphere. He had always considered Encrid as the Squad Leader in his heart. ¡°Right. It¡¯s true. Jaxon, do you have a n?¡± Jaxon, known for his principle of equivalent exchange, also dealt in information. While Krais¡¯s knowledge was broad and shallow, Jaxon¡¯s was narrow and deep. ¡°Yes, I do.¡± ¡°Tell us.¡± ¡°If you secure an inn in the market and wait, I¡¯ll return before sunset.¡± When asked for a n, he said he would leave. ¡°Leave it to me, and I¡¯ll find out.¡± ¡°Alright. Let¡¯s go to the inn.¡± Once decided, there was no looking back. That was how Encrid operated. On the way to the inn, while not yet in the heart of the market where it was less crowded, Encrid continued to voice his thoughts on the well-trodden dirt path. ¡°We¡¯ll find the guild¡¯s headquarters and wipe them out in one go.¡± Their target was a criminal organization. Even if they had no solid evidence, using force to crush them wouldn¡¯t be questioned. Of course, it would punch a hole in the pockets of some noble or the Battalion Commander backing them, but ¡®What does that matter?¡¯ A true knight, after all, should have no shame in their heart. As he had seen, heard, learned, and dreamed in his youth. That was how Encrid had lived. And he intended to keep living that way now. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 63 It was quick. As expected of Jaxon. They set out around midday, and Jaxon returned before the sunset even cloaked thend. ¡°That was fast?¡± It was after they had finished their meal of pumpkin soup and well-cooked pork hind leg stew. Rem patted his belly and asked. It sounded like he was teasing him for eating well. Jaxon didn¡¯t even nce at Rem and spoke to Encrid. ¡°I will guide you.¡± He seemed ready to leave immediately. ¡°Sit.¡± Encrid said, still seated. Jaxon hesitated. Though they had located the position, the trail might be discovered if too much time passed. The target could hide. Or prepare. Or they might cut off the tail following them instead of hiding. That could happen. Was there any need to take unnecessary risks? If he were alone, if the decision and execution were his alone, it wouldn¡¯t even be a matter to worry about. As thoughts swirled in Jaxon¡¯s mind, the voice of the Squad Leader broke through. ¡°The pumpkin soup here is delicious.¡± Who didn¡¯t know that? The inn was called ¡®Vanessa¡¯s Pumpkin Soup.¡¯ It was the ce with the best food among the four inns at the market crossroads. ¡°Krais is paying out of pocket. Let¡¯s eat and go.¡± It wasn¡¯t until Encrid spoke again that Jaxon sat down. For some reason, Rem, Ragna, and Audin also said nothing. Jaxon roughly brushed the snow off his shoulders and head. Thanks to the warmth of the firece, the snow quickly melted. As a result, his outer clothes got a bit wet. It wasn¡¯t too unpleasant. ¡°Here, one serving of pumpkin soup and the barbecue we had earlier.¡± ¡°Yourpanion has arrived! Yes!¡± The waitress said in a cheerful tone. She was a lively person. Generally, the squad liked the Pumpkin Inn. That¡¯s what good food does. It might be a bit of a sorry tale for those responsible for cooking within the squad, but in Ragna¡¯s words, eating squad meals was like torturing your mouth. Sometimes it was edible. But generally, it was like that. In contrast, meals at Vanessa¡¯s Pumpkin Soup Inn were beyond excellent. There were even rumors that the best cook in the Border Guard was here. ¡°Dying isn¡¯t a good idea.¡± Jaxon said as he sat down. Encrid nodded and replied. ¡°It¡¯s still snowing.¡± Does Encrid want to do hardbor? Unless it¡¯s sword training or martial arts training, even for him, snow is like the devil¡¯s dandruff. No, everyone serving in the squad feels the same way. If they attacked the Thieves Guild now, they would be weed by piled-up snow upon their return. This is why Rem and the others didn¡¯t say anything. It¡¯s also why Krais opened his wallet. Jaxon understood everything. ¡°That¡¯s true.¡± After that, he focused on eating. By the time dusk slowly crept in, everyone, including Encrid, got up. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± ¡°Come again!¡± The cheerful waitress said. Krais nodded slightly in response. The two seemed to know each other already. They had been seen whispering to each other often while staying at the inn. ¡°Do you know her?¡± Encrid asked. ¡°Her name is Laysa, she¡¯s seventeen. Her father is a shoemaker, and her mother is a weaver. Neither has ever joined a guild.¡± A shoemaker is someone who makes and sells shoes using leather and other materials. A weaver is someone who weaves fabrics. Both aremon professions. Manufacturing and woodworking guilds do exist in the city, but if they¡¯ve never joined one, their skills might not be outstanding. ¡°Her dream is to go to the capital someday and open an inn. For now, she¡¯s learning culinary skills at Vanessa¡¯s Pumpkin Soup.¡± ¡°She has big dreams.¡± Rem interjected, adding ament. It was understandable. Running an inn might sound easy, but it¡¯s not something anyone can do. The cost alone is significant, but having armed guards is also essential. Selling alcohol and food often leads to disturbances. Today, it¡¯s quiet because of the falling snow and theck of people, but on a typical day, there would likely be a few people causing a ruckus. Just a moment ago, the armed guard nced at them as they left. To Encrid, he seemed like a retired soldier. Having a former Border Guard soldier as an armed guard would be convenient in many ways. They can handle minor disturbances discreetly. If a more significant incident urs, the guard alone can¡¯t do much, and the squad¡¯s security troops would need to be called in. With connections within the squad, the security troops can be summoned more quickly. For these reasons, employing retired soldiers as guards is a must for the Border Guard. In addition, inns are heavily taxed. By Border Guard standards, an inn must have meeting halls, deluxe rooms, private training areas, a restaurant, and a tavern. Since there is no lord or manor in the Border Guard, most events take ce in inns. There is a meeting room within the squad, but it¡¯s a military facility. It¡¯s not open to just anyone. Naturally, inns have to develop under such conditions. Opening such an inn in the capital would be challenging. That doesn¡¯t mean it¡¯s impossible to pursue the dream. ¡°You know a lot.¡± Encrid said, walking alongside Jaxon, who was leading the way. ¡°Every pretty woman can be a potential future customer.¡± Wasn¡¯t Krais¡¯s goal to open adies¡¯ salon? A salon exclusively for women. Naturally, all the attendants would be men, and handsome ones at that. A creative idea. nning to empty noblewomen¡¯s purses with male beauty. Krais, feeling uneasy, continued to speak. ¡°But is Lake Panther going to be okay? Isn¡¯t it cold? Why doesn¡¯t it move when I tell it to?¡± ¡°Still after its ws?¡± ¡°No. I feel like I wouldn¡¯t survive if I tried. There¡¯s a reason they¡¯re expensive.¡± Encrid chuckled at Krais¡¯s words. Despite what he said, it was clear he was still interested. ¡°You should name it. You seem to be keeping it around.¡± Encrid inwardly nodded at Krais¡¯s words. They couldn¡¯t keep calling it ¡°this one¡± or ¡°that one¡± forever without a name. As they continued talking, they found themselves deep in a shadowy alley. They had turned so many times that even Encrid, with his decent sense of direction, was starting to get confused. ¡°Are you taking a bribe from the Thieves Guild and leading us into a trap on purpose?¡± Rem said, sneering. Jaxon ignored himpletely. ¡°This guy ignores me every time I speak.¡± Rem grumbled, but Jaxon maintained his consistent attitude of ignoring Rem. ¡°Enough.¡± Encrid stopped Rem from making anotherment. ¡°Are you ying favorites? If I get upset, it won¡¯t be fun.¡± Rem¡¯s attempt to needle Encrid was a good sign. It meant he was willing to end the argument here. The group fell silent after that. Ragna, perhaps bored, kicked at the ground with his toes as he walked. ¡°Winter is cold.¡± Audin said, noticing a group of beggars lying on the ground despite the cold. The snow had stopped, but a thinyer covered the solid, frozen ground. By tomorrow afternoon, it would melt under the sunlight, making the ground muddy. ¡°We¡¯re here.¡± After wandering through the alleys for about half an hour, they saw an old wooden door. It was a door like any other in the Border Guard. The sun had set, but the soft moonlight provided enough illumination. Just as Encrid was about to push the door open, Rem, standing in the moonlight, asked, ¡°Do you want to take the left?¡± ¡°I¡¯ll take the right. I should earn my keep.¡± Audin replied. ¡°Do whatever you want. As long as they don¡¯te at me, I¡¯m fine.¡± Ragna yawned. ¡°Youzy bastard. Squad Leader, we¡¯ve gotpany.¡± Encrid turned at Rem¡¯s words. They were all draped in rags. Looking closely, they realized these were the same beggars they had seen sprawled out earlier. A half-fairy came to Encrid¡¯s mind but quickly vanished. ¡®These guys are twice the size.¡¯ Encrid absently ran his hand along the back of his belt. His fingers brushed against a knife. It wasn¡¯t an ordinary item. He had swiped it from the corpse of a half-fairy. He also had a whistling knife securely strapped to his chest. Seeing a whistling knife, it was clear it wasn¡¯t something that could be easily made. So what should one do? Quickly grab it, of course. He took everything, from those stuck in the ground to those in the fairy¡¯s body. ¡°One would think you didn¡¯t learn as a child not to wander into ces like this after dark.¡± one of the beggars said. His front teeth showed as he spoke, appearing more ck than yellow. It wasn¡¯t easy to see in the dark. Despite the winter cold and the distance, he seemed to give off a foul odor. ¡°Bullshit.¡± Rem responded and moved. It wasn¡¯t a quick pace. He simply strode forward to close the distance. The leading beggar pulled a pocket knife from his sleeve. A knife with a de less than a span long. He made a stabbing gesture with it. ¡°You¡¯re dead.¡± That was hisst word. Rem didn¡¯t stop walking, and the beggar lunged with his knife. The beggar aimed for his stomach, but Rem grabbed his wrist with his left hand. Rem pulled the beggar inward and struck his head with his right elbow. Smack! Crack! It was a bold and decisive blow. The beggar¡¯s neck twisted at an unnatural angle from the elbow strike. Crack. At the same time, Audin on the opposite side grabbed a beggar¡¯s jaw with just his thumb, index, and middle fingers, twisting it. With just three fingers, he twisted the jaw, snapping the neck. It was a feat of immense strength. ¡°Crazy bastard!¡± ¡°Shit!¡± Two of the remaining three turned red with rage, while the other quickly tried to back away. The fights Rem and Audin engaged in were brief. Closing the distance and ignoring the knives, they struck with a single blow¡ªthat was all. Rem struck a beggar¡¯s throat with a knife hand and then punched the temple, knocking him out. Audin was even simpler. He stepped forward with his left foot and extended his left fist. Wham! Bam! His punch was like a cannonball. With a twist starting from his toes and traveling up through his waist, Audin delivered a powerful blow. The straight punch starting from his shoulder smashed into the beggar¡¯s face, obliterating his nose. His face caved inwards, and he fell to his knees before copsing sideways. A single blow had crushed his face. It was no surprise that he fainted and fell. Meanwhile, the beggar who had fled was dealt with by Encrid. Thunk, thud! ¡°Ugh!¡± The fleeing beggar, now adorned with a dagger in the back of his neck, fell forward. Rem, who was about to give chase, stopped and turned his head. Audin blinked a few times, and even Ragna, who had been half-asleep, opened his eyes wide. Jaxon¡¯s furrowed brow rxed. Amid the heavy, cold air enveloping them, Krais let out a short exmation. ¡°Wow.¡± Encrid lowered his hand from the position of having thrown the dagger and said, ¡°Why? It¡¯s a waste of time to chase them.¡± ¡°Since when did our Squad Leader get so good at throwing daggers?¡± Rem asked. ¡°Practice makes perfect.¡± ¡°That¡¯s quite something.¡± ¡°Now¡¯s not the time to focus on the knife I threw, is it?¡± Rem nodded in agreement. Encrid was right. No one was surprised that five beggars had attacked them. Even Krais remained calm. ¡°Aren¡¯t you surprised?¡± Encrid asked. He had already noticed the bodies and hands of the lying beggars as they walked. They hadn¡¯t survived as mercenaries this long by being careless. To live long with mediocre skills, one needed something else. Awareness. Encrid had a keen sense of awareness. He knew from the beggars¡¯ presence that Jaxon was leading them on the right path. If there were guards, there must be something worth guarding ahead. ¡°Huh? Oh, no, I¡¯m not surprised. What beggar attacks armed soldiers? Their excuse was flimsy. So, it¡¯s certain that this is either the hideout of the criminal guild or they¡¯re hiding something up ahead.¡± Is that something anyone could notice? Or maybe Krais was just clever. It seemed more likely to be thetter. Still, he was bold. Even though he was good at dodging and running away on the battlefield, Krais had witnessed battle firsthand. This was nothing inparison. ¡°These criminals are surprisingly organized.¡± Krais remarked. ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°Judging by the way those guys attacked, it looks like they were rotating shifts. That¡¯s pretty meticulous for a small gang. That guy Gilpin must be very capable.¡± Krais was indeed smart. He could infer the bigger picture from a small detail. ¡°That¡¯s true.¡± While they exchanged a few words, Jaxon moved to open the door but stepped back, grasping his sword handle as if ready to strike. At that moment, Audin stepped forward. ¡°Let me knock.¡± It was the headquarters of a criminal organization. Knocking wouldn¡¯t make them open the door. Bang! But Audin¡¯s knock was a bit different. ¡°Wow, nicely done, our religious friend.¡± Rem said, impressed. Encrid was also silently impressed. Audin had pulled his right shoulder back and twisted his body on his left foot, mming the door with his palm. He immediately pulled his hand back after the strike. It was a precise, cutting blow. The door¡¯s hinges lifted, and the door itself caved inward. In other words, the door was opened¡ªor rather, broken open. It was an impressive knock. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 64 After the door opened, Rem was the first to step inside. ¡°Where¡­?¡± As he entered, he tried to say something, but there was no time to speak. Something fell from above Rem¡¯s head. As if he had predicted it, Rem swung his axe vertically. A sh of light from the axe sliced through the darkness of the room. As soon as Rem swung his axe, he immediately leaped to the side, almost as if he had beenunched. All of this was executed smoothly, like a prearranged sequence. Thud. The falling corpse was the only thing that indicated what had just happened. ¡°What the¡­?¡± Krais peeked his head out in surprise. It had been hiding in the ceiling. Holding short knives in both hands, the creature was split from chest to crotch by Rem¡¯s axe, spilling its innards and blood onto the floor. The stench of blood and death assaulted their nostrils. ¡°I thought it was just a petty crime guild.¡± Krais muttered. ¡°These bastards.¡± Rem twisted his lips into a grin. ¡°Cute.¡± With that, he stepped further inside. The interior was quite spacious. Next to the neatly made walls of bricks, soil, and straw, a passageway branched off to the right. As Rem strode forward, ¡°Is it you?¡± He suddenly spoke and swung his axe. The merciless blow created a second corpse. The one hiding next to the passageway had attempted to stab with something resembling a skewer, but it was futile. Rem¡¯s axe was faster. The opposition was a crime guild. They were pickpockets and extortionists. On the other hand, this side consisted of soldiers whose profession wasbat. Moreover, Encrid himself was an elite soldier, and the rest were even better fighters than he was. ¡®I thought we had the advantage.¡¯ Seeing it firsthand gave a different impression. The criminal gang had hidden discreetly and thrust their knives from the shadows, and their skill was not to be underestimated. But Rem destroyed all their ambushes. It couldn¡¯t be said that he was rampaging wildly, but there was a quiet madness visible in him. A madness that said he would chop anyone who came at him with his axe. As he moved, Rem didn¡¯t stop talking. ¡°Or is it you?¡± He spoke every time he killed anyone. ¡°Is it you?¡± sh! ¡°Is it you?¡± He split the head of the fifth ambusher and asked. ¡°Dead men can¡¯t speak.¡± From behind, Encrid spoke up. Rem lifted his axe, dripping with blood, and scratched his head with the handle. ¡°I know, but even the living aren¡¯t answering, are they?¡± Someone else must have the answers. After passing the right-angled corridor, they saw a room to the left, another to the right, and a space that seemed to be used as a reception area straight ahead. It wasn¡¯t aplicated structure. Reception room, two rooms, a ce that could be used as a food storage, and a kitchen. That was all. And there were five dead ambushers. None of them spoke. ¡°For a criminal organization, they were overly prepared. It seems these guys were indeed targeting the Squad Leader.¡± Krais said, examining the dead bodies. After staring at one of the faces for a while, Krais looked up. ¡°I don¡¯t recognize any of these faces.¡± Encrid nodded. It was a sign of agreement that he didn¡¯t recognize them either, and that these seemed to be the ones targeting him. ¡®Lucky or unlucky, who knows.¡¯ To be honest, half of it was an excuse to avoid the devil¡¯s powder. He knew that a crime guild was suitable for forging identities and guiding assassins. ¡®But targeting a professional soldier of the Border Guard?¡¯ It¡¯s not something easily attempted if one wants to live in this city. Yet, they did it. They must have had their reasons. Of course, those reasons didn¡¯t matter to Encrid. It was a shot in the dark. A roughly aimed arrow hitting a wild boar between the eyes. ¡°Is this it?¡± Rem, who was searching the inside, said. There were no more answers, just five guys attacking with knives. It was all over with just one rampaging Rem. ¡°That can¡¯t be. With this level of preparation and if Jaxon got the information right.¡± Krais said. He took out a flint from his pocket, apparently because it was dark, and lit the straw lying around. With the clink of the flint, the straw caught fire. A me flickered in the cold air of the house. Using a makeshift torch made of bundled straw, Krais meticulously searched the surroundings. Soon, he stomped his heel on one side of the reception room floor. Thud. There was a hollow sound. The inside was empty. ¡°Let me handle this.¡± Audin stepped forward. A cheap fur rug was spread on the floor with a chair ced on top of it. He grabbed the end of the fur and threw it to the side. The chair wrapped in the fur hit the ground with a heavy thud. Then, Audin gave a hearty knock once more. Bang. His fist, driven vertically from a sitting position, punched a hole in the wooden door. Audin reached through the hole, inserted his arm inside, and unlocked thetch. ¡°Where does this lead?¡± ¡°The headquarters.¡± Jaxon answered Krais¡¯s question, as if he had expected this oue. Rem looked at Encrid. Thanks to the burning straw torch, Rem¡¯s eyes, which were originally gray, appeared red. ¡°Let¡¯s keep going.¡± Encrid spoke before Rem could even ask. They had to see this through to the end. This wasn¡¯t just about eliminating a petty criminal gang but dealing with a guild-sized adversary. It wasn¡¯t just a ragtag group calling themselves a guild; they were organized. If these were indeed the ones targeting him, he had to deal with them ordingly. No fool would quietly leave those who threatened his life. Fortunately, Encrid was no fool. ¡°Of course!¡± Rem took the lead again. The tunnel wasn¡¯t long. Within half an hour, they saw a passage leading upwards. Though it was bitterly cold, Rem had already discarded any nkets or coverings when he met the beggar. Watching Rem¡¯s shivering back, one could sense the rage emanating from him. ¡°There¡¯s someone up there.¡± Jaxon, walking right behind Rem, spoke. It meant there was a guard. ¡°They¡¯re expecting us.¡± Krais, bringing up the rear, said. ¡°We can¡¯t let these bandits run rampant within the city.¡± Audin spoke again. He seemed adept at breaking down doors. It might have been his hobby. He climbed the poorly made dirt steps two at a time, twisted his body upwards, and hit the door with the edge of his shoulder and back. It was a unique technique. Encrid¡¯s eyes sparkled as he watched. Bang! The sound was like an explosion. Perhaps it was an exploding fire spell. Simultaneously, the door flew upward. ¡°Argh!¡± The startled cries of those waiting could be heard. Then it was Rem¡¯s stage once again. ¡°Is it you!¡± He leaped upwards with his enigmatic question. With his first step on the stairs, his second on Audin¡¯s thigh, he soared through the air, swinging his hand axe. All Encrid could see from below was Rem¡¯s backside. But the oue was clear. With the sound of bodies hitting the ground, blood flowed and spilled over the edge of the gaping hole. ¡°That brother has bad manners, stepping on someone else¡¯s thigh like that.¡± Audin dusted off his thigh and climbed up first, followed by Jaxon and Ragna. Encrid and Krais climbed up after them. Fwoosh. As they ascended, they were surrounded by torches. ¡°I was wondering what kind of crazy bastards you were.¡± A voice echoed around them. Encrid looked around. He saw at least thirty men. Each of them was armed with something. Spiked clubs, short swords, spears, and even ckjacks filled with sand in leather pouches were visible. They were well-armed. The torches illuminated the area. Krais tossed the straw torch, which had served as their light source until now, into the hole they had emerged from and marveled. ¡°Wow, that¡¯s a lot of them.¡± Yes, there were indeed many. Encrid thought the same. ¡°Soldiers, right?¡± Among the thirty men, one stood out. He wore a fine silk shirt and trousers, and over them, a coat made of beast leather. He was standing with a cane. It wasn¡¯t the kind of cane used for a leg injury. It was a cane with a jeweled handle, carried by nobles or wealthy merchants as a symbol of their wealth. With two perfectly good legs, the cane was merely a symbol of vanity. ¡°Are you the Gilpin gang?¡± Encrid answered the question with another question. The aristocratic-looking man frowned. It was clear he was offended. ¡°Why is everyone so eager to die?¡± ¡°We¡¯re here to ask about the ambush incident that happened within the Border Guard.¡± Before Encrid finished speaking, Rem opened his mouth. ¡°Was it you?¡± A short but pointed question. Encrid realized he was asking about the ambush on him. But would they really get an answer just by asking like that? It suited Rem¡¯s style, though. ¡®Even I wouldn¡¯t answer that.¡¯ ¡°I have no idea what you¡¯re talking about.¡± The opponent wasn¡¯t flustered, instead, he was rather confident. That confidence made him even more suspicious. Encrid¡¯s squad members needed no more than suspicion to act. ¡°It¡¯s that bastard.¡± Jaxon muttered. ¡°Hmm, so it was him.¡± Ragna said, looking at the man with the cane. Considering Ragna¡¯s usual demeanor, this was akin to a re. He was staring directly at the man with wide-open eyes. Normally, he walked around with his eyes half-closed. ¡°Brother, did you really target our Squad Leader?¡± Audin stepped forward and asked. A few men nearby flinched. In the dark night, with the shadows cast by the torches, Audin¡¯s figure seemed evenrger. Encrid was nearly 180 cm tall, and Audin was a full handspan taller than him. He was just shy of 2 meters. It wasn¡¯t just his height. Up close, his entire body was muscr. His forearms were thicker than most women¡¯s thighs. All of Encrid¡¯s troublesome squad members were well-built and muscr. Even Krais had sculpted abs, maintained for every woman he met. But Audin¡¯s physique was overwhelmingly imposing. If the thickness of muscles were the measure of a man, Audin might be one of the greatest men on the continent. ¡°Is it true, brother?¡± ¡°What nonsense is this? Why would we send an assassin to kill a mere soldier, let alone a Squad Leader?¡± The man seemed to flinch at Audin¡¯s presence and spouted unnecessary words. ¡°We didn¡¯t say anything about sending assassins.¡± They mentioned an ambush, not assassins. At Encrid¡¯s words, the aristocratic-looking man grew even calmer. ¡°So what?¡± What did they expect? They were over thirty armed criminals. Well-armed, too. It was clear they had known Encrid¡¯s group wasing. Somewhere, there had been a leak of information. So, what changed? Nothing. At least, that¡¯s what Encrid thought. The same applied to the crimes they hadmitted. There was no evidence. So, whether they admitted to it or not didn¡¯t matter. So, nothing mattered. That went for both the enemy and Encrid. What use was evidence when it came to exterminating a crime syndicate? So, what to do now? Even among the crime guild, there were likely those who had grabbed a weapon out of sheer desperation. Should they all be killed? Encrid had no such intention. So, he decided to give them a chance. Shing. Encrid silently drew his longsword and etched a line in the ground. A few flinched at the sight of the drawn sword, but no one attacked. A line formed on the frozen winter ground. It wasn¡¯t clearly visible with only the torches as light sources, but the meaning was what mattered. A short line appeared in the wide clearing. Encrid pressed the tip of his sword against the line he had drawn and spoke. ¡°Anyone who has never killed the weak, who will quietly go to prison, who does not want to die, drop your weapons and cross over.¡± This wasn¡¯t a battlefield. Even if they were criminals, from now on, it would be a one-sided ughter. The enemy might not know this, but Encrid did, and so he gave them a chance. ¡°Think carefully. Otherwise, you will all die today.¡± He spoke of ughter. Such was the world. It was an era where killing and being killed was not unusual. Yet, murder was never pleasant. If this were a battlefield. If it were for survival. Then it might be unavoidable, but this wasn¡¯t the case. So, he gave them a chance. ¡°What did he say?¡± ¡°Huh? Who¡¯s gonna die?¡± ¡°Has he gone mad from fear?¡± ¡°Hey, buddy. Did you piss yourself?¡± The criminals mocked Encrid heartily. One even twirled his finger next to his head, mimicking madness. In the end, no one crossed the line Encrid had drawn. ¡°What are you doing?¡± Rem asked. Encrid didn¡¯t feel embarrassed. He had intended to give them a chance from the beginning. ¡°Brother, their eyes are blinded by the devil, they won¡¯t believe until they see.¡± Audin whispered. Killing them all would be a poor choice. Encrid chose a different approach. ¡°Who¡¯s the best with a sword?¡± By demonstrating his skill, he would broaden their options. Unlike before, he was now confident. Confident that he could win against most opponents. Encrid stepped forward, his sword drawn. ¡°Come on, face me.¡± The guild leader sneered, as if watching a show. A challenger stepped in front of Encrid. ¡°You¡¯re pretty cocky, aren¡¯t you?¡± He looked like a former mercenary. His long beard made it difficult to guess his age, but he didn¡¯t seem older than forty. ¡°You¡¯ll die acting like that. Just give up while you can¡­¡± Valen Mercenary Sword Technique. Interrupting mid-sentence to strike. That was the technique the opponent used. It reminded Encrid of his past self. The opponent abruptly thrust his spear while still talking. His spear-handling skill was impressive. But it wasn¡¯t as good as the first elite soldier¡¯s thrust. And it was far inferior to Mitch Hurrier, who had blocked Encrid¡¯s path with his spear. Encrid dodged the iing spear and closed in on his opponent, raising his sword. A strike from below. Thrust! It was a single strike. The duel was decided in one move. The opponent¡¯s skill level was simr to Encrid¡¯s past self. Because of this,Encrid realized his own growth. ¡®At this level¡­¡¯ He didn¡¯t need to repeat today. He could gauge his opponent¡¯s level at a nce. With the fight ending in one move,the man, impaled by Encrid¡¯s sword, gurgled and bled. Encrid pushed him aside with force. As he pulled out his sword with a whoosh, the man¡¯s body, lying on the cold ground, trembled and hot steam rose from the spilling blood. Silence descended upon the scene, mingling with the cold air. A single sword strike was enough to assert his dominance. Everyone¡¯s gaze on Encrid changed. Encrid asked again, ¡°Anyone else want toe over?¡± [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 65 ¡®Predicted the enemy¡¯s actions.¡¯ Jaxon thought that was the benefit of the de¡¯s Sense. Seeing him fully utilize the skills he had taught made his heart tingle. It was gratifying. However, Jaxon did not confront his feelings. He was not ustomed to reflecting on his emotions. ¡®What¡¯s the big deal?¡¯ A person who bothers him if they die in front of his eyes, that¡¯s all. Why would he care so much about what that person does? It was nothing. That¡¯s what he thought. Jaxon believed that pretending to be a soldier was not important. His goal was clear. Even with that thought, the difort remained. That was why. Jaxon stared intently at the guild master behind Encrid. ¡®I don¡¯t like his looks.¡¯ Jaxon found an appropriate excuse. It was never because of the Squad Leader. He just didn¡¯t like the look of that bastard. Therefore, if he attacks, he will kill him. Here, he would stay true to his mission. Rem saw Encrid use the Heart of the Beast to wield boldness as a weapon. Seeing him dive into the enemy¡¯s chest while thrusting his spear. A few months ago, he couldn¡¯t have imagined the Squad Leader showing such a sight. At some point, his skills had increased significantly, and at the center was his own teaching. ¡®Of course.¡¯ That made him feel good. But then an assassin had targeted Encrid. ¡®Just kill them all.¡¯ Rem wanted to grind the enemy into dust. Ragna saw traces of himself in Encrid¡¯s swordsmanship anew. ¡®Where did he learn that?¡¯ Excellent. The way to shift his weight, the way to step, the way to thrust his sword, everything. Though he asionally guided him in swordsmanship, to master it to that extent required grueling training. ¡®Amazing.¡¯ A person deemed talentless suddenly shows outstanding skills. Ragna had always liked Encrid. His ceaseless progress was a good stimulus for Ragna. An assassin, a gang of criminals targeting such a person? ¡®It¡¯s easier to just kill them all.¡¯ Forgetting his usualziness, Ragna decided to kill the entire criminal guild. However, the leadership here belonged to the Squad Leader. He intended to follow his will. Audin looked over Encrid¡¯s body with his eyes, tapping his thigh with his fingers. ¡®A well-trained body.¡¯ But it is not a systematically built body. The monks of the temple build their bodies before honing their skills. It is the secret of physical training. Audin had refined it several times to create his own technique. ¡®If he builds his body, he will improve.¡¯ The Squad Leader is someone who knows how to make persistent efforts. This thought suddenly resurfaced in Audin¡¯s mind. Why does God not bestow talent on those who strive so hard? ¡®Because a mere human cannotprehend God¡¯s will.¡¯ Those words were like a dagger to his heart. Whenever those words came to mind, a dull pain spread from his heart to his entire body. But now, in front of his eyes, there was someone trying to ovee the wall of talent with effort. Someone who didn¡¯t care about God¡¯s will and fully believed in himself. ¡®My Lord,¡¯ Audin prayed silently. ¡®Watch over him.¡¯ Let the one who dreams of shining not die in vain by a blind de.¡¯ As if his heart was in the prayer, he also deeply disliked the idea of someone targeting Encrid. It was too unfortunate for such a person to die from a dagger in the back. However, Audin had no intention of killing anyone. ¡®Breaking both legs and taking one arm from the leader should suffice.¡¯ So, taking everything except their lives was enough. * * * In a single bout! The shock Encrid delivered was quite significant. Even so, no one tried to cross the line. ¡®It¡¯s not enough, is it?¡¯ How should he overwhelm the opponent with force? By delivering continuous shocks. Encrid was aware of his position. He didn¡¯t necessarily need to step forward himself. ¡°Rem.¡± ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°Kill just three of them.¡± Even though avoiding his gaze was an excuse, this was both an operation and a mission, and Encrid was the Squad Leader. Rem stepped forward without hesitation. It was just before the shock Encrid delivered had worn off. Rem, spinning two hand axes in his hands, charged forward. He moved so fast it looked as if he had disappeared. Rem reappeared in front of a brute with a vicious look and a spiked club. It was a scene he had witnessed many times. Rem¡¯s arm whipped like ash. The axe de at the end of the whip shed. Whoosh! Thud! Whoosh! Crack! Snap! The first axe stroke severed the neck of the brute with the vicious look. The second axe stroke split the head of the one to the right of the brute. Thest one was to the left. Twisting his waist, Rem struck the neck of another brute with a fierce look using the axe handle. Necks were severed, heads were split, and thest one¡¯s neck was broken. After killing them, Rem swung the hand axes diagonally downward to shake off the blood. Drops of blood sttered onto the ground. Then he turned his back on the guild members and walked back confidently. ¡°Three killed.¡± Encrid thought two shocks would be enough to provide an opportunity. ¡°Those who want toe over.¡± This was the third time he made the same offer. Now, there was no choice but to ept. He couldn¡¯t show mercy to those who tried to kill him. It¡¯s a kill-or-be-killed era. They should know that trying to kill someone could mean their own death. ¡°¡­Were you from the Frontier Defense Force?¡± The distinguished-looking guild master asked. ¡°No.¡± Encrid only led a modest squad. However, the members of the squad were unique individuals. ¡°Infantry Battalion of the Border Guard Cyprus Division.¡± He revealed his origin while holding his sword loosely. There was no reason to hide it. A few who had been hesitating started to lower their weapons, but the guild master¡¯s eyes turned fierce. ¡°Let¡¯s see you struggle to survive. Do you think I¡¯ll just let it happen?¡± It was a message to his own men. He remembered what Krais had said. Gilpin, that bastard, ruled his subordinates with fear. If they crossed him, he would break their limbs and cut out their tongues. ¡°Don¡¯t get swept up in the atmosphere! Those bastards are human too. If you stab them, they¡¯ll die. Don¡¯t you see they¡¯re not even wearing proper armor? Kill them! No one can withstand a beating!¡± Writing letters now, are we? Encrid thought to himself that it was true. Overwhelming with numbers. It¡¯s generally the right method. Trained soldiers are most effective in collective battles. In a fight with a small number of people, even a random thug could kill a soldier. How could anyone survive if a de struck a vulnerable spot? In a small skirmish, thugs might have the upper hand. Of course, this doesn¡¯t apply to knights or those who have surpassed human limits. And it wasn¡¯t applicable now either. ¡°Don¡¯t do it.¡± Encrid warned. The unruly squad was made up of those who fought however they pleased, outside the bounds of strategy and tactics. These were the kind of people who could fight gleefully againstrge numbers on the battlefield and return unscathed. For such individuals, facing thirty armed men, who weren¡¯t even soldiers, was a suicide mission. ¡°Let them be. Some people only cry when they see the coffin.¡± ¡°Brother, it seems the time hase for divine retribution.¡± ¡°Step back and just watch.¡± For some reason, even Audin and Ragna were showing enthusiasm. Jaxon stepped forward without a word. With a ng, he drew his sword and took a step forward. A thief on the opposite side, perhaps eager, rushed out. The thief swung a broad-ded scimitar as he charged. The de came down towards Jaxon¡¯s head with a whoosh. Jaxon lifted his sword horizontally, deflecting the scimitar¡¯s de, and then brought his sword down in a smooth motion. Rip. The sword cut through the opponent¡¯s belly. It didn¡¯t seem to require much effort, yet it was enough to slice the skin and expose the intestines. ¡°Gah.¡± The thief, spilling pink intestines, fell to his knees and copsed. That was the beginning. ¡°Kill only those who attack.¡± Encrid spoke. In response, Rem just swung his axe from his spot. Even so, it was no different from a shredder. A thug swung a il, but when his weapon was cut in half, he retreated, only to have his head split by the axe. As he backed away, blood and brain matter spilled out, and he fell backward. Ragna wielded an arming sword, swinging it mechanically from top to bottom. There didn¡¯t seem to be any special technique, but with each strike, a corpse was added. Heads were split, and shoulders were severed. Audin grabbed two clubs, one in each hand, and struck down the iing des. ng, ng, ng! As a result, Audin¡¯s side was the loudest. He parried the weapons and closed the distance quickly. His speed wasparable to Rem¡¯s. Once close enough, Audin swung his clubs skillfully, breaking the enemy¡¯s legs. Crack, snap! ¡°Aaaargh!¡± The screams of those with broken legs echoed through the clearing. It made one wonder if the patrol guards might be dispatched due to the noise. Fortunately, no one came. Krais thought it was natural. ¡®Half an hour in the cave.¡¯ The hideout they found at the end of the alley was on the outskirts of the city. This mansion area was likely an upscale region where some wealthy merchants had invested within the city. It was usually a ce with few people. Moreover, their opponents were the Gilpin Guild, a criminal organization. They had probably bribed the higher-ups. ¡®They must have ensured no onees around.¡¯ They probably thought it was easier to deal with things without people around than having patrols walking by. Krais was neither surprised nor threatened by their numbers. He was also a member of the unruly squad. He roughly knew the level of his fellow squad members. For Encrid, now an advanced soldier, to struggle to such a degree. ¡®All of them are above the Frontier Defense Force level.¡¯ Then the answer is clear. They are no match. Krais¡¯ mind was actively nning the next steps. He had deliberately leaked information for this. ¡®That friend can be dealt withter.¡¯ The leaked information and the current situation were somewhat within Krais¡¯ intentions from the start. Is there anyone here who would notice this? The Squad Leader might figure it out. He may appear to be a straightforward fool, but the Squad Leader could use his brain. Rem might also understand if he had a clue, but he didn¡¯t know much about how the city operated. ¡®Probably not.¡¯ Ragna and Audin would certainly not notice. Jaxon only cared about what he wanted, ignoring everything else. So, everything was going as nned. In the meantime, the number of corpses continued to increase. From Audin¡¯s direction, the screams were unrelenting. ¡°Aaaargh!¡± Audin didn¡¯t just stop after breaking one leg. He always returned to break the other leg too. And he never forgot to preach. ¡°I do not ask you to be a saint. However, please avoid a life that harms your neighbors.¡± Saying half-understood words while breaking legs meant no one understood him. Yet Audin remained consistent in his actions. Encrid¡¯s eyes were busy. At first, he was captivated by Jaxon¡¯s controlled movements. ¡®Correct Sword Technique.¡¯ The basic form is the Correct Sword Technique. Utilizing the opponent¡¯s sword for a counterattack, guiding them along a predetermined path. Swift Sword movements were mixed in. A sword thatbined offense and defense into one, the essence of the Correct Sword Technique. Beyond simple sword forms, his decision-making in wielding the sword was extraordinary. He chose means that certainly killed the opponent. It was a sword for killing. There was much to learn from it. Then Rem caught his eye. While he was simply striking down the approaching enemies, the trajectory of his axe painted an unexpected picture. ¡®How can he do that?¡¯ The sword technique was precise and quick, like it belonged nowhere. It was natural. Rem¡¯s axe strikes were thoroughly based on instinct. If ssified, it would be a Strange Sword technique. Of course, since he used an axe, it should be called Strange Axe Technique. Encrid learned from this as well. The same applied to Ragna¡¯s Heavy Sword Technique. It demonstrated the extremes of the basic swordsmanship Encrid had learned. If blocked clumsily, it would break through and hit the target. That single strike cracked skulls and severed shoulders. What about Audin¡¯s martial arts? Swordsmanship is fundamentally based on martial arts. Proper swordsmanship cannot be achieved without using fists and feet. Mastering closebat was essential. In this aspect, there was the most to learn from Audin¡¯s fighting. He observed the process of breaking legs with two short clubs. Movements that would have been unnoticed before were now etched in his mind. Encrid was so busy watching and absorbing techniques from the four that he was unaware of his surroundings. Realizing them physically was another matter. What was clear was that there was a lot to learn. The fight didn¡¯tst long. They couldn¡¯t afford to take much time. Many lost their will to fight. In the midst of this, Jaxon, uncharacteristically, bulldozed his way forward. Towards the guild master with a cane. Jaxon closed the distance and swung his sword abruptly. It was a high horizontal sh aiming for the head. The guild master pulled out the handle of the cane. It wasn¡¯t an ordinary cane, but a sword stick. A de was hidden inside the cane. With a ting, the long de blocked Jaxon¡¯s sword. Sparks flew between them. Then, two men who were guarding the guild master tried to join in. ¡°Don¡¯t.¡± ¡°Let them fight.¡± Rem and Ragna, who had approached unnoticed, spoke. The two who stood as the guild master¡¯s guards nced at each other. Should they fight? Their eyes turned to the path Rem and Ragna had walked. A path of blood. It was lined with corpses. The only survivors were those too frightened to fight, wetting their pants, and those who hadn¡¯t dared to challenge them. The two guards quietly lowered their weapons. Both held daggers. They sheathed their daggers and knelt quietly. A posture of surrender and submission. ¡°You bastards!¡± The guild master yelled at his guards for their actions. But what could he do? The most important thing in the world is one¡¯s own life. Only those swept up in the atmosphere and charged ahead were pitiable. Jaxon remained expressionless. His brown eyes, tinged with red, fixed on the guild master. ¡°I surrender!¡± The guild master shouted. Jaxon didn¡¯t listen. ¡°I said I surrender! Why are you doing this? If you need money, I¡¯ll give you money!¡± His tone was urgent. ng, ng, ng, ng, ng! While the guild master pleaded, Jaxon¡¯s sword moved swiftly. He struck the sword stick five times in quick session. Sparks flew into the winter night. The darkness of the night and the zing torches. The dead bodies and the groaning wounded. Those terrified and those who instilled fear. Amidst it all, Jaxon¡¯s voice rang out. ¡°I don¡¯t like your face.¡± ¡®What kind of nonsense is this?¡¯ That was the guild master¡¯sst thought. Soon, Jaxon¡¯s sword sliced through the guild master¡¯s expensive clothes and cut his neck. Slice. A chilling sound. The guild master died with his eyes wide open in indignation. He still had so much to say. Did they know who was backing him? And most importantly, how much Krona he had poured into the pockets of those in power. It was unfair and frustrating. Of course, anyone who dies by the sword always feels unjustly treated. Jaxon let his blood-stained sword hang at his side. By then, all the fighting around him had ended. Encrid closed his eyes, recalling all the movements of his squad members, and then opened them again. It was time to take stock of the situation. On this dark night, with the cold winter air and the torches as a backdrop, Encrid stepped forward. He found himself in the exact center. Among the circle of torches, shadows and gazes converged. Gathering everyone¡¯s attention, Encrid opened his mouth. ¡°Anyone want to switch sides?¡± One word was enough. Everyone who survived dropped their weapons. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 66 ¡°Let¡¯s kill them all.¡± Some had even wet themselves beyond just dropping their weapons. With these people in front of him, Rem spoke while holding a blood-stained axe. ¡°P-Please, spare us.¡± It was only natural for them to be terrified. They were already demoralized. Rem thought they should be killed. He was a settler from the west, often derogatorily called a barbarian. Rem spent his childhood in the west. In thend of pioneers, leaving any threat behind was not an option. ¡°It seems they sent an assassin. What¡¯s the point in arguing about who the culprit is here? Let¡¯s slit their throats and be done with it. That¡¯s the clean way, isn¡¯t it?¡± The terrified men couldn¡¯t even open their mouths. Rem stood between Encrid and the kneeling criminals, looking ready to swing his axe at any moment. They remained silent. ¡°Where did you throw your nket?¡± Rem was about to say that if Encrid didn¡¯t want to do it, he would handle it himself. Then, an unexpected question came. ¡°What?¡± ¡°Your nket.¡± When they left the lodgings, he had been wrapped in a nket. But at some point, he had thrown it all away. ¡°Near the alley entrance?¡± Before he saw the beggar. His unique instincts, the beast¡¯s sense of smell, had prepared him for battle. ¡°Then, where will you sleep tonight?¡± He didn¡¯t understand why Encrid kept asking these things, but Rem had a n from the moment he discarded the nket. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll use the nket of the guy who sleeps out every night. I won¡¯t steal the Squad Leader¡¯s nket.¡± ¡°Touch my stuff and you die. No, I¡¯ll kill you. Absolutely.¡± Jaxon understood and reacted. The guy who often slept out was Jaxon. Jaxon met many women. Whenever they came into town, he often left the lodgings at night. ¡°You stingy bastard, you don¡¯t even use it.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t touch it. Barbarian.¡± ¡°Damn sneaky stray cat, you¡¯re so narrow-minded.¡± As the two started bickering, Encrid pped his hands. ¡°That¡¯s not necessary, Rem.¡± From the beginning, when he targeted the Thieves Guild, Encrid had a n. It was a bit more usible than Rem¡¯s clumsy n to steal a nket. Half of it was because he suspected these guys had sent the assassin, the other half was for a different n. ¡®This is unexpected.¡¯ He was more than half convinced that these weren¡¯t the ones behind the assassination. Didn¡¯t they already know Aspen had sent the assassin? So, if anyone had bet on Krona, it wouldn¡¯t have been the guild. They might have wagered a few pennies they could afford to lose. Whether these guys were behind it or not didn¡¯t matter. He had a more important n. ¡°It¡¯s pretty cold. Don¡¯t you want to stay warm?¡± Rem tilted his head in confusion, wondering what Encrid was talking about. ¡°Huh?¡± Only Krais, with his keen intuition and quick thinking, understood. He blinked hisrge eyes and looked at his Squad Leader with disbelief. Encrid nodded slightly. It had been years of training with mercenaries under the Valen Mercenary Sword Technique, but he had learned many other things besides swordsmanship. For example, ¡®It¡¯s fair to rob a thief who tries to rob you.¡¯ That sort of thing. Encrid had made up his mind. He didn¡¯t think this would affect his dreams. After all, they were just a gang of criminals. The wealth they had umted was not earned through virtuous means. There might be future repercussions or other issues, but he didn¡¯t care. ¡®It doesn¡¯t matter.¡¯ As his skills improved, his confidence in handling other matters naturally grew. He believed he could solve anything that came his way. Breathing out, Encrid continued. ¡°Let¡¯s rob them. Even if it¡¯s not a magical heater, let¡¯s get a few warm monster skins in our lodgings.¡± Silence fell again. It was an unexpected turn of events. Soon, Rem burst intoughter. ¡°Right, whates from thend I¡¯ve secured is mine.¡± That was a typical Rem expression. ¡°Warmly?¡± Ragna also responded. Nobody likes being cold. ¡°Haha, the gods said, steal from thieves and use it for good.¡± he said. Would such words actually be written in scripture? Or would the temple teach such things? Neither seems likely. However, Audin conveyed the righteousness of the situation by firmly believing in what he said. ¡°Not bad.¡± Jaxon also nodded. ¡°Are we just going to rob them?¡± Krais voiced an advanced opinion. ¡°Let¡¯s go inside and talk. It¡¯s cold.¡± The temperature was cold enough to quickly chill the warmth from the entrails and blood of the dead. They immediately entered the mansion. Krais urged those hesitating and watching to go inside, and the remaining ones followed. Since some had broken legs. ¡°Help carry everyone inside.¡± At Krais¡¯ words, those who had been watching each other¡¯s faces in hesitation started to move. Wouldn¡¯t it be better to just run away? Their faces clearly showed their indecision. ¡°We will chase you. Either the guy with the axe or the guy who enjoys breaking legs.¡± Ragna and Jaxon fought well, but to the gang, the most terrifying were Rem with his axe and Audin who swung his club to break legs. They were the embodiment of fear. ¡°Do you think you can escape the eyes of the Border Guard¡¯s standing army? Or are you nning to explore the end of the season where the monsters roam at night? You¡¯ll either freeze to death or be monster food. We won¡¯t kill you, soe inside.¡± Krais was a master of persuasion. Encrid, entering inside while listening to Krais,plimented him. ¡°You would have made a good con artist.¡± ¡°Is that apliment?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°It doesn¡¯t seem like one.¡± Once inside, there was a fire burning in the firece. It seemed like the dead man had lived here, as the warmth of people could be felt all around. Above the firece, two blunt practice swords and a shield were crossed and hung, and a few paintings were hung on both walls. ¡°Are they expensive?¡± Encrid nced at the paintings and asked. Krais replied as if it wasn¡¯t worth a closer look. ¡°No, they are cheap. I wonder who would buy such things.¡± Even to Encrid, whocked any artistic sensibility, it was clear. ¡°I could draw better with my foot.¡± Rem seemed to agree. They all stood by the firece, creating long shadows behind them. ¡°Light the torch. It¡¯s dark.¡± Encrid said while warming himself by the fire. He didn¡¯t direct his words to anyone in particr, and no one moved. Encrid added, ¡°Since Gilpin is dead, the next guy should do it.¡± ¡°Gilpin isn¡¯t dead.¡± Then one of the unharmed men stepped forward. He was the one with a bald head resembling a sand dune. If seen during the day, it would have been blinding. He had a long scar above his eyebrows, but thebination of the scar and the bald head did nothing to make his appearance intimidating. With drooping eyes and thick lips, he didn¡¯t look threatening at all. But what did he say? ¡°Gilpin isn¡¯t dead?¡± Did he have some kind of monstrous regenerative ability? So, he survived even after being beheaded? The guy lying dead in the open space in front of the mansion? There was no sign of such a thing. The bald guy spoke. ¡°Because I am Gilpin.¡± What kind of situation is this? ¡°So, he¡¯s not the leader? Ah, it¡¯s like cutting off a lizard¡¯s tail?¡± Krais pointed outside, asking and answering his own question. Encrid remembered some of the casual conversations he had heard in the mercenary industry. ¡°Sometimes the scum in the criminal guilds do this. They name the gang after one of their subordinates.¡± ¡°Why?¡± ¡°So they can sacrifice the subordinate and escape if things go south. It¡¯s a cheap trick they use when the army suddenly shows up to wipe out the criminals.¡± ¡°Why do you know so much about this?¡± ¡°I was briefly involved in that scene. Anyway, it¡¯s notmon, but the ones who do this are real bastards.¡± Encrid had never actually seen someone do this. Usually, out of pride, people named their gangs after themselves. Using a subordinate¡¯s name meant that the guy who died outside was a particrly sneaky bastard. ¡°A real bastard.¡± Understanding, Encrid spoke. From behind, Ragna asked what was going on. The quick-witted Krais roughly exined the situation. Encrid¡¯s n was usible but simple. Hit the Thieves Guild, and if they cooperated, take their offering and leave. If they resisted, beat them until they offered something and then leave. Of course, there would be repercussions for messing with the Thieves Guild. But he was confident he could suppress that with force. He believed he and his squad members were sufficient. However, there was a real connection to the assassin who targeted him. So what? ¡®What does that matter?¡¯ ¡°Will it really be warm?¡± Rem whispered from behind. He was so close that it was ufortable. ¡°Get lost.¡± Encrid whispered back and looked at Gilpin. Gilpin, rubbing his sand-dune head with his hand, spoke hesitantly. ¡°If you¡¯re going to kill, just kill me and spare the others. Some of them have sick mothers they are struggling to care for.¡± ¡°Just because you¡¯re struggling doesn¡¯t make it right to rob others.¡± Caring for a sick mother doesn¡¯t justify threatening others and taking their money. ¡°Well, I¡¯d appreciate it if you just spared us.¡± Encrid folded his arms and stood straight, looking at Gilpin. This guy had some guts. His request to be the only one killed was quite impressive. So why didn¡¯t he fight back earlier? When asked, ¡°Why would I fight for a bastard who¡¯d sell me out to save his own skin?¡± The two who had been the nameless guild leader¡¯s guards nodded behind him. They were barely alive too. From the way things were going, it was clear what the dead man had done. All his subordinates seemed to hate him. ¡°Will you cough up what you¡¯ve saved? Then you can leave peacefully.¡± Encrid proceeded ording to n. ¡°Sure, if they cough it up, there¡¯s no need to kill them.¡± Rem agreed, knowing the value of staying warm far outweighed any pioneer ideology. Would the others be any different? ¡°Yes. But the safe key was hidden by that dead bastard.¡± ¡°Oh, that¡¯s fine.¡± We have a wizard here who can unlock doors with just a knock. A safe box? Piece of cake. Gilpin was wise. When he realized no one would be killed, he handed over all the wealth they had umted. ¡°Oh, it¡¯s heated leather!¡± ¡°If you take all of that, the people guarding the path will die.¡± He was referring to the beggars guarding the alley. The same beggars they had already killed on the way in. Krais spoke up when he heard that the beggars had lined their shabby clothes with monster leather. ¡°This stuff is useless if it¡¯s stained with blood.¡± They couldn¡¯t take the beggars¡¯ belongings after all. Once again, Encrid looked at Gilpin with newfound respect. ¡®He took care of even the lowliest subordinates.¡¯ From the way things were unfolding, it seemed that Gilpin, despite only borrowing the guild leader¡¯s name, was more generous than the original guild leader. Everyone seemed to follow Gilpin¡¯s lead, even the two guards who looked like they could handle a sword. ¡°Leave some.¡± Encrid appropriately restrained them. Fortunately, no one was particrly greedy. Well, except for one. Krais was usually the greediest of the squad members. But for some reason, he only checked the items without taking anything. ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to take anything?¡± ¡°No, actually, Squad Leader, I have something to discuss.¡± Encrid also had something to discuss. They had already gathered information and prepared ordingly. There was only one ce where the information could have leaked. It wasn¡¯t from within the unit. Only two people knew they wereing here. ¡®The Company Commander and the toon Leader.¡¯ Could they have been bribed by the criminal guild with Krona? ¡®Doesn¡¯t seem likely.¡¯ So, that left only one ce. ¡®Vanessa¡¯s Pumpkin Soup Inn.¡¯ When Krais whispered to the barmaid, he had casually mentioned their mission to raid the Thieves Guild. ¡°The barmaid, did you do it on purpose?¡± ¡°Oh, you figured it out? You¡¯re smart, Squad Leader.¡± Not bad, indeed. Years of surviving in this harsh world had sharpened his instincts. ¡°Yes, many people have been passing information to this guild without knowing it. The barmaid was probably a dedicated informant. A lively barmaid at an inn is perfect for gathering various bits of information. Oh, it¡¯s frightening. That seemingly innocent girl was an informant for thieves.¡± Scary? You¡¯re the one who seems scarier. You knew and fully exploited the situation, didn¡¯t you? ¡°I wasn¡¯tpletely sure. I confirmed it with this incident.¡± You should have said something earlier. It was a needless trick. Krais, realizing his mistake, started making excuses. ¡°Enough. Let it go. But next time, it¡¯s better to tell me in advance.¡± It was probably something he did considering the squad members¡¯ skills. Encrid himself thought this way was more convenient. Otherwise, they would have had to chase and track down the remaining members even after hitting the base. Thinking about it, Krais indeed had his own aims. What could be gained by gathering and then destroying the Thieves Guild¡¯s forces? ¡°Squad Leader, don¡¯t you need Krona?¡± Krais asked suddenly, blinking his big eyes at Encrid, who had shown leniency. Feigning innocence, blinking like that, meant he was up to something again. Krais knew how to use his appearance to his advantage. And he was clever. But that didn¡¯t mean it worked on Encrid. ¡°Let¡¯s hear what trick you¡¯re nning.¡± Though the pretty eyes didn¡¯t work, Krais¡¯s words struck a chord. The term ¡®Krona¡¯ used in the context of Imperial currency, meant he was asking if Encrid needed money. Money was always needed. They had exhausted their reward money to buy a sword, making it difficult to acquire other equipment. What they looted now had put out the immediate fire, but money would always be needed in the future. ¡°We should take what we have here.¡± Krais said calmly. With that, he proposed a second job to Encrid. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 67 Krais found the most efficient way to gain benefits from the ongoing situation. ¡°Even if it is called the Thieves Guild.¡± Upon closer look, it¡¯s no different from a business enterprise. Collecting protection fees, eliminating petty theft, and only utilizing the best resources¡ªsuch a business wouldn¡¯t be too bad. More importantly, Krais had a business n based on the Thieves Guild. This ce is the Border Guard, known for its strictw enforcement. Normally, it wouldn¡¯t be easy for a criminal guild to thrive here. But not here. The Gilpin Guild had made it work. It¡¯s not clear what they did, but it wouldn¡¯t have been easy with ordinary means. Right now, how many heated leather pieces did they produce? There were also several coins and notes worth over a hundred thousand Krona. Some promissory notes were also found, but they seemed difficult to utilize. If he organized his ns and the businesses here. ¡®There¡¯s no way I can lose.¡¯ Krona was at stake. Krais demonstrated the wisdom befitting a sage, understanding and epting the situation. ¡°Be a thief?¡± Encrid asked back. Krais briefly looked at the Squad Leader. He had said his dream was to be a knight. He wanted to go higher. To get proper training and quality equipment, he would need Krona. Knights traditionally earned money through warfare. They didn¡¯t earn the nickname ¡®experts in ughter¡¯ for nothing. ¡°There¡¯s nothing wrong with thinking about it. The Gilpin group is finished now, and if they leave, how long do you think it will take for another Thieves Guild to take their ce?¡± Krais¡¯s mind was racing. Blood flowed to his brain, making it spin. Considering Gilpin¡¯s nature, this was a golden opportunity. ¡°It will take at most a month.¡± It was true. Encrid reflexively nodded. ¡°It¡¯s warm!¡± Rem eximed from the side, wearing a coat made of heated leather. ¡°Of course, are you cold?¡± Ragna scolded Rem. After briefly diverting his gaze, Krais¡¯s voice drew Encrid back. It was calm yet contained a strange intensity. ¡°In that case, Gilpin seems like a decent person. Let¡¯s leave him as he is and form a Thieves Guild that doesn¡¯t kill people or steal items.¡± It was a usible suggestion. Truly tempting. Maintaining honor as a knight? That was also something that required Krona. Encrid knew the reality well. Of course, if he possessed knight-level martial prowess, Krona would naturally roll in. In fact, even among those with knight-level skills, there were some who would move if you paid them enough. Most importantly, Encrid believed that the honor of a knight was about following one¡¯s heart. There was nothing objectionable about Krais¡¯s proposal. Viewed positively, it was actually a good idea. ¡®If it makes people¡¯s lives easier.¡¯ Then, there would be fewer crying children. Parents raising their children would have fewer worries. As in any city, there are always those who live difficult lives. It might provide somefort to them. At first, he had just intended to gather firewood to survive the winter, but if this opportunity could help people. There was no reason not to do it. ¡°Is it alright?¡± ¡°Yes, it¡¯s fine.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll divide the profits appropriately and give them to the Squad Leader. Just make sure to handle the other squad members well.¡± He wondered why Krais was so intent on convincing him. It was because of Rem and the others. If Krais decided to take over the guild, they wouldn¡¯t just let it happen. ¡°What benefit do you get out of this?¡± He suddenly became curious. Was it worth having a thieves guild while paying tribute? How much actual profit did he expect? ¡°Information.¡± Encrid was newly impressed by Krais¡¯s cleverness. Information is money. Even trivial information within the city could turn into quality Krona within the squad. For example, just knowing the name and hobbies of the flower shop girl would have people lining up to buy that information. It could also be used in other ways. ¡°You understand right away. That¡¯s why I like you as a Squad Leader.¡± Krais extended his fist. Encrid also extended his fist and bumped it. Thus, a promise was made and a deal was struck. Encrid would gain Krona and handle the squad members. Krais would get the guild. When Encrid returned to stand in front of the firece, ¡°I¡¯m fine with it. Krais can have it.¡± said Jaxon first. ¡­What a scary guy. He had incredibly sensitive ears. They seemed to have spoken at least ten steps away. ¡°Gilpin, take care of the corpses here and sort out those among the survivors who are prone to murder, who have significantly harmed the weak, or who might cause problems in the future. I¡¯ll take them to prison.¡± Leaving things as they are didn¡¯t mean leaving them exactly as they were now. ¡°Hmm, it seems like we need to hand over a few guys.¡± ¡°And from now on, this friend is the guild leader. That means you can stay here. Oh, and if you quit here and start another guild, we¡¯ll meet again.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t have the guts for that.¡± Out of habit, Gilpin scratched his white sandy hair as he spoke. ¡°But, sir soldier.¡± Then he continued. ¡°What?¡± ¡°Well, I think it¡¯s best to disband. If we stay, we might all get killed.¡± All get killed? Why? Encrid asked with his eyes. Gilpin hesitated and then roughly exined the situation so far. Most people probably didn¡¯t know, but the dead guild leader was a contractor who handled jobs for Aspen. Not a spy, but a contractor. ¡°There¡¯s someone whoes periodically to check on the guild. If it weren¡¯t for that, we would have switched ces long ago.¡± Even though Gilpin seemed gentle and cared for his people, he was still part of the Thieves Guild. He wouldn¡¯t be in his current position if he were an ordinary person. The person who came to visit, that guy was the problem. ¡°If they don¡¯t see the dead guy, there will be chaos. We were already nning to sell the mansion at a low price and disappearpletely.¡± ¡°How many areing?¡± ¡°One person, but¡­ it¡¯s¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s?¡± ¡°It¡¯s a Frog.¡± Members of a race that instills heart-phobia. Abat species with strength far superior to humans. Encrid had once been kicked by a Frog. It hadnded him in the infirmary. ¡°A Frog ising?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± What should be done about this? Why would a Froge to monitor a Thieves Guild in a frontier town? There¡¯s a saying that Frogs who are on the continent are recognized Frogs. It means they¡¯re already proven experts to some extent. By the military grading system of Naurillia, the minimum would be a special-grade or higher. ¡°What is this ce exactly?¡± ¡°For the details, only the dead guy knows. One thing is certain, whenever that Froges, they leave some Krona as operational expenses.¡± Not collecting money, but leaving it? Seriously, what is this? Encrid couldn¡¯t fathom the reason at all. ¡°That¡¯s curious.¡± Krais felt the same way. There was nothing more to say. So, what now? ¡°We¡¯re taking over the guild.¡± Nothing changes. There¡¯s still time. The matters thate afterward can be dealt with then. Or, they could disband and give up when the timees. Thus, they decided to take over the guild entirely. Gilpin had no particrints. He thought it was a relief just to be alive. Encrid believed that although these thieves agreed for now, they might cause problemster. Could such a group really remain obedient? Of course, from now on, it would be Krais¡¯s skill in handling them. Since he decided to do it, it was now up to him. ¡°I¡¯ll take this.¡± Jaxon collected a few rings and jewelry, presumably for a woman. Rem grabbed a heated coat and some leather to use as a rug, and then began inspecting the contents of the safe. Ragna looked over the swords gathered by the guild and dismissed them all as trash. After that, he lost interest in the valuables. Audin was the same. ¡°They say focusing on wealth blinds you.¡± He only prayed. Instead, he fulfilled Encrid¡¯s request. ¡°Could you open the safe?¡± ¡°Yes, brother.¡± It was the dead guild leader¡¯s safe. It had a sturdy lock with chains wrapped tightly around it. Audin stood in front of the lock and grasped it. With a crunching sound. From then on, it was like watching a strongman show. He broke the lock with his bare hands. It seemed almost unbelievable. ¡°Wow, you¡¯re pretty strong, aren¡¯t you?¡± Rem eximed in amazement. With the lock broken, the chains were useless. Normally, it would take a long time with a hacksaw, but this was done instantly. This was the strength of a squad member who could open doors without knocking. Encrid was also curious about what was inside the safe. He walked over briskly. ¡°Are you going to open it yourself?¡± Rem looked at Encrid and spoke. ¡°Shall I?¡± It was pure curiosity. As he approached the safe, Encrid asked. ¡°So, when does this Froge?¡± Gilpin, who was standing next to him, answered. ¡°He¡¯lle at the start of the first season. He said hees once at the beginning of the four seasons and once in the third season.¡± Once in spring and once in autumn. That meant there was still time. Encrid nodded and stood in front of the safe. What could be inside? He was curious. He grabbed the handle of the safe with his fingertips and lifted it. Creak. The hinges, apparently not oiled, made a rusty sound as they moved. Thud. The safe opened. The heavy lid swung back and hit the body of the safe, making a dull noise that echoed faintly in Encrid¡¯s ears. Thud. Thuuud. Thuuuuud. He couldn¡¯t see anything. He couldn¡¯t touch anything. But he felt something wrapping around his body. He felt isted from the world. Suddenly, everyone around him vanished from his sight. He tried to blink, but his body wouldn¡¯t respond. ¡®Hmm?¡¯ He tried to open his mouth, but even that didn¡¯t work. ¡°What¡¯s up? Found something good?¡± Suddenly, Rem¡¯s voice broke through. Encrid snapped back to his normal state. He blinked and opened his mouth. There was no problem. ¡°Did that seem a bit strange just now?¡± ¡°The Squad Leader has always been a bit strange. I know that well.¡± No one else seemed to have noticed anything. Dismissing Rem¡¯s nonsense, Encrid also thought it was just his imagination. ¡°Let¡¯s see what¡¯s inside.¡± He shook his head slightly and looked into the box. Inside was a leather armor. ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± Encrid¡¯s mouth opened. The question was directed at Gilpin. ¡°I don¡¯t know. All I know is that the dead guy cherished it.¡± He picked it up and examined it. It didn¡¯t seem like an ordinary item. When he pressed it with his finger, it felt resilient. ¡°It looks like precious leather. Take it, Squad Leader. Better not get a hole in your belly.¡± ¡°It seems like a good item.¡± At Rem¡¯s suggestion, Krais inspected it. He had an eye for valuable items. He decided to keep it. Good armor is several times more valuable to a warrior than a good weapon. ¡°I¡¯ll take this.¡± There were no objections. After packing it, Krais decided to handle the rest of the matters. ¡°By now, the snow should be all cleared, right?¡± Rem continued to speak up. Encrid pondered the time and looked out the window. The snow had not yet melted. If they returned now, they might have to shovel snow all night. It wasn¡¯t something to worry about, so Encrid muttered as he gathered his squad¡¯s opinions. ¡°Our mission ends tomorrow morning.¡± By tomorrow morning, there surely wouldn¡¯t be any snow left to clear. ¡°Good. It seems like there¡¯s still a lot to do here.¡± Rem agreed, settling in front of the firece. For now, Rem was as docile as could be. It made sense. Rem was savoring the word ¡®happiness¡¯ with the warmth of the heated leather and the firece. ¡°Indeed, there¡¯s still a lot to do.¡± Ragna took a seat opposite the firece. ¡°Yes, it seems there¡¯s still much to convey the words of the gods.¡± Audin added. ¡°Then I¡¯ll return tomorrow morning.¡± Jaxon opted for individual action. At times like this, there¡¯s no room for disagreement. They worked well together. Encrid wished they were always this cooperative. It was a recurring thought during this task. ¡°Squad Leader.¡± Krais called Encrid and subtly gave him a thumbs-up. It was high praise. * * * ¡°Reporting the return of all squad members. We have located and eliminated the Thieves Guild.¡± Upon Encrid¡¯s words, the Company Commander, wrapped in a thick coat, nced up. It was themander¡¯s private training ground. Despite lighting fires on two poles, it was still a cold day. The Company Commander, standing on the frozen ground like stone, asked again due to the cold weather. ¡°Eliminated?¡± This woman, did she know something and was asking for confirmation? Encrid calmly replied. ¡°Yes, eliminated. We sent those destined for prison and executed the remaining resistors.¡± ¡°I see.¡± The Company Commander spoke while rotating his shoulders, as if loosening up. Did he really know something? Still, it wasn¡¯t like Encrid could just calmly say, ¡°Krais took over the guild.¡± ¡°The treasures from the base were brought to the unit.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Except for a few heated leathers and some jewelry, everything else was returned to the unit. That was only natural. Any additional gains from operations were supposed to be handed over to the unit. It¡¯s customary to turn a blind eye to taking a small amount. ¡°You did well.¡± Fortunately, the Company Commander didn¡¯t press further. Instead, she just made a suggestion, looking at Encrid¡¯s blue eyes with his jewel-like green eyes. ¡°A match?¡± ¡°¡­What do you mean,mander?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t you want to test the Fairy Sword?¡± ¡°Do you mean a sparring match?¡± ¡°I heard you never refuse.¡± The Fairy Sword is light but sharp. That¡¯s its reputation. Encrid had faced the Fairy Sword a few times. Encountering fairies wasn¡¯t rare during his mercenary days. But back then, his skills were poor. Their sensitivity made Valen¡¯s Mercenary Sword Technique ineffective, so it was embarrassing to even say he properly faced them. ¡°Yes.¡± A sparring match. It seemed like a valuable experience. Lately, he had been thinking, ¡°The more I fight, the more I gain.¡± Encrid knew that his talent was mediocre. The more experience, the better. All of it shone when he faced another today. Of course, even without such a reason, he wouldn¡¯t refuse. That was just the kind of person Encrid was. ¡°Alright.¡± ¡°Good, I like your spirit. Come at me.¡± The Fairy Company Commander drew her sword. ng. Naidil, the sword of the fairies. It was a real sword duel. Encrid drew his own sword. ng. The longsword and the Naidil shed once. Ting. Simultaneously, they both stepped back two paces. Encrid was cautious. He remembered a time when a mere gesture from the Fairy Company Commander had knocked him down. It was back in the infirmary. How much has he changed since then? He didn¡¯t know. He was about to find out now. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 68 Swish. The world spun around. With a thud, he hit the ground on his back, knocking the wind out of him. ¡°If you m him a bit harder, your ribs and organs will get damaged.¡± As Encrid grimaced through the pain, the musical voice of the Company Commander resounded from above him. ¡°Stop?¡± ¡°One more time.¡± If he could, Encrid wanted nothing more than to repeat the process, even if it meant being beheaded by Naidil. He knew he couldn¡¯t win. Rem had once nced at the Fairy Company Commander and said, ¡°That woman is aplete monster.¡± Then there was Ragna¡¯s assessment: ¡°She¡¯s the best among the Company Commanders.¡± And Audin¡¯s addition: ¡°Her body is well-built.¡± Knowing he couldn¡¯t win didn¡¯t change anything, so Encrid gripped his sword with both hands. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± The Fairy Company Commander was the same as always. Her voice was t and emotionless. Naidil curved inward. The sword Naidil, made by the fairies, bent as if to slice and then, at some point, became a point to thrust. Earlier, Encrid had tried to avoid the thrust and allowed the distance. This time, he stepped back and swung his longsword upward. He definitely had the advantage in strength. If he could strike Naidil upward from below, it would create an opening. He envisioned the course of the fight in his mind. This naturalbat prediction came from countless real battles, fights where his life was on the line. He predicted the opponent¡¯s reactions and prepared ordingly. Those who were inherently talented or had honed their skills in realbat could do this naturally, but for Encrid, it was a skill gained only after losing his life countless times. Saaak. Just before the Company Commander¡¯s Naidil shed with Encrid¡¯s longsword, Naidil bent softly. It really seemed like a leaf, living up to its nickname, the Leaf Sword. The de bent and wavered. It was a trick of the Company Commander¡¯s wrist. She twisted and shook it. Despite seeing the de bend, Encrid put more strength into his sword, determined to hit it. In the end, his upward swing missed the bending de. Encrid shed at empty air. It was swordsmanship that could only be described as a trick. The Fairy then closed the distance again. She moved right into his chest. Encrid, who had prepared, raised his knee. Thud. The Company Commander did not evade. Instead, she ovepped her hands and pressed down on the knee. Before Encrid could apply proper force, the pressure disrupted his bnce. Knowing yet still falling for it. That was what Encrid thought. He had anticipated such a close-range fight, yet still. As he tried to headbutt impulsively, the Company Commander dodged, receiving Encrid¡¯s forehead with his shoulder. The following sequence was simr to before. Only the strike technique was different. The Company Commander, with both hands sped together, blocked his knee and struck Encrid near the heart. Thud! For a moment, he lost his breath again, and strength drained from his limbs. If this had been a fight to the death, he might have bit his tongue in a desperate struggle, but it was a sparring match. At this point, he had already lost. ¡°Gah, hoo, hoo.¡± Encrid stepped back a few steps, then knelt on the ground, catching his breath. When he finally looked up, he saw the Company Commander¡¯s green eyes. ¡°More?¡± She asked. ¡°Hoo.¡± Encrid¡¯s heart ached painfully, but he smiled. He was genuinely happy that she didn¡¯t stop just because she had won. And so he kept charging again and again. Getting hit, falling down, and lying sprawled out. * * * ¡°Did you get beaten up for not shoveling the snow? Is that what happened?¡± Back at the quarters, Rem, wrapped in a heated leather, reacted first. ¡°What?¡± ¡°Why do you look like that? Who did this?¡± Despite his words, he seemed ready to rush out, but his hands clutched the heated leather more tightly. Yeah, that must be pretty warm. Encrid knew it too. Today was particrly cold. ¡°What happened?¡± Ragna asked. For some reason, even Jaxon, who was at the quarters today, watched Encrid closely. It was as if he was asking with his eyes. Audin muttered quietly. ¡°Why do you always get beaten up, brother?¡± ¡®The way he says it makes me sound really fragile.¡¯ Like a childish kid who gets hit at the slightest provocation. Thinking this, Encrid answered. ¡°I was sparring.¡± ¡°With whom?¡± ¡°The Company Commander.¡± ¡°Our Company Commander?¡± Encrid nodded. ¡°Why¡¯d you do that? If you want to get beaten up, I could do it for you.¡± That guy¡¯s words were always so irritating. Encrid didn¡¯t bother to respond. He had just washed up with superhuman effort. Fortunately, their barracks had a bath that provided hot water with just a bit of Krona. Without it, he might have given up on washing altogether. His entire body ached. He didn¡¯t even have the strength to lift a finger. But that was okay. He just needed to rest. A couple of days of good rest should be enough. With no duties or training, he had plenty of time to rest. ¡°Considering your efforts for the city¡¯s security, you are granted a four-day leave. There will be no bonus.¡± The Company Commander had said this after ending their sparring session as the sun was setting. No duties, she had said. Although there was no bonus, Encrid considered the sparring itself as a reward. Moreover, there were the spoils obtained from the Thieves Guild. ¡°It must have been over ten times.¡± That was the number of times he had been sprawled out on the frozen ground. His body suffered, but he had learned something. ¡°What Ick now.¡± The Company Commander spoke not with words, but with her sword and fists. Mastering swordsmanship, Focus Point, The Heart of the Beast, and the Sense of the de was fundamental. Those were the basics. However, Encrid realized there was something he needed to fill within himself. ¡°You¡¯re dull.¡± The Company Commander¡¯s final words hit like a dagger, but it didn¡¯t hurt much. Teachers he had before were far harsher. ¡°Is this really something you need to learn?¡± ¡°Just give up and go back to your hometown to farm.¡± ¡°I can¡¯t teach someone who¡¯s going to die as a third-rate swordsman.¡± The better the person, the harsher their words. Though the Company Commander called Encrid dull, Encrid still obtained what he wanted from that dullness. ¡®Ack of technique.¡¯ Specifically, ack of body-handling technique. The Fairy Company Commander repeatedly threw him down in the same way. She taught with her body, and Encrid learned with his. He never missed an opportunity to learn, like a hawk hunting its prey. ¡®What I need.¡¯ Wrestling, grappling, hand-to-handbat, and ground-fighting techniques. Just because one swings a sword doesn¡¯t mean one fights only with the sword. Using hands, feet, and the body was also part of it. Encrid had employed such tactics before. ¡®But it¡¯s clear I never learned properly.¡¯ The Company Commander¡¯s skills were outstanding. Especially when she rushed in, throwing him to the ground and breaking his bnce, then locking his knee¡ªit was impossible to counter. What if he drew a dagger and struck down? No, the Company Commander would dislocate and break his knee joint before he could draw and stab. ¡®Not easy.¡¯ The point was the difference in technique. There was also a difference in skill level, but what they had learned and possessed was different from the start. ¡°It was fun, though.¡± His whole body ached, and he felt as if he was falling apart, but he had learned something. Moreover, that learning had opened a new path for him, which made Encrid happy. As he moved to lie down on his bed, he saw a panther peek its head out, looking at him with blue eyes. ¡°I said I¡¯d give you a name.¡± It was troublesome not to have a proper name to call him by. As hey down on the bed, the panther snuggled into his chest. He felt a warm sensation. Somehow, the warmth seemed to alleviate his aching body a little. ¡°Should I name you Stove since you¡¯re warm?¡± ¡°Is that what you call a name?¡± Rem chimed in from the side. This guy always had to butt in. ¡°Is it weird?¡± ¡°Is that even a question?¡± From the other side of the bed, Ragna answered. He was lying down, toozy to get up but still had the energy to talk. ¡°Brother, do you dislike the panther?¡± Even Audin joined in. ¡°Do you dislike it?¡± Encrid asked the panther, which responded by swatting Encrid¡¯s cheek with its paw. ¡°Seems like he really dislikes it.¡± Muttering, Encrid held the panther in his arms, lost in thought. What should he name it? He hadn¡¯t expected to be troubled over something like this. ckie? No, that sounds like a dog¡¯s name. Its eyes are blue like ake, so should I call it Blue Eyes? That seemed a bit better. The panther, nestled in his chest, lightly tapped him with its paw, as if reading his thoughts and rejecting all his suggestions. You don¡¯t like Blue Eyes either? Then what should I call you? Should I call you ck Panther? That seems convenient enough. Press. The panther pressed its paw against his chest, rubbing insistently, showing its strong dislike. ¡®Can you read my mind or something?¡¯ I had spent the night with therades of those I had killed during an external operation. In such a situation, it was odd that Rem, who snored loudly, and Ragna, who slept like the dead, could sleep so soundly. Some level of tension was necessary. Because of this, I couldn¡¯t sleep deeply at the thieves¡¯ headquarters. I only managed a light sleep, barely closing my eyes for a moment. After returning, I reported immediately and then went straight into sparring. Sparring that involved rolling on the frozen ground several times, exhausting my body. Thanks to that, my body felt lethargic. After washing with hot water and wrapping myself in heated leather and a nket, warmth seeped into my body. The warmth from the panther also helped. The rhythmic pressing of its paws lulled me to sleep. Encrid was in a half-asleep state. ¡®What¡¯s your name?¡¯ Half in a dream and half in reality, he asked. In that drowsy state, Encrid had a dream. In the dream, a beautiful woman with silver blonde hair and blue eyes appeared. Her wide-open eyes wererge and clear, and her straight, prominent nose seemed to reflect her personality. She seemed like a proud beauty, straight and unyielding. In the middle of a flower meadow filled with white, red, yellow, and blue blossoms. She stood alone among the flowers, like a shining star. A star that gave light to all the flowers. ¡°You¡¯re very beautiful.¡± Encrid spoke. His voice carried across the meadow to her. It was something he could understand because it was a dream. And then. ¡°My name is Esther.¡± She said. Her voice also crossed distance and space to reach Encrid. The meadow and she disappeared again. In his half-asleep state, Encrid mumbled. ¡°Esther, let¡¯s call you Esther.¡± ¡°¡­Are you dreaming?¡± Rem responded from beside him, but Encrid, already asleep, did not answer. Seeing the sleeping Squad Leader, Rem tilted his head. No matter how tired he was, he wasn¡¯t the kind of person to fall asleep sopletely. ¡°He must be really exhausted.¡± Rem muttered. It seemed the Company Commander had really pushed the squad leader to his limits. He didn¡¯t like it much. The Fairy woman who was their Company Commander was a mysterious type whose intentions were never clear. Why was she treating their Squad Leader so harshly without anyone¡¯s permission? ¡°Grrr.¡± As if reacting to the word ¡°Esther¡±, the panther in the Squad leader¡¯s arms let out a contented purr. ¡°Yeah, let¡¯s call you Esther.¡± Rem joked and closed his eyes as well. The current warmth was satisfying. He hated the cold. Absolutely detested it. Did they say there were no duties for three days? Rem had no intention of leaving his heated leather except to eat and relieve himself. * * * Theke panther, Esther, caught a familiar scent from the man named Encrid. It was a scent rted to spells, mysteries, and secrets. In truth, if investigated deeply, it was closer to a curse. ¡®It only lingered on the surface.¡¯ The mystery, called a curse, had left its trace around Encrid without exerting any power. From her experience, it seemed like a spell trap had been triggered. It activated, but it didn¡¯t affect him. She had an idea why the curse only lingered without taking hold. Of course, it was just a guess. In her current form, she couldn¡¯t prove anything. She wanted to know more, to dig deeper, but now was not the time. To be precise, it wasn¡¯t something to be pursued. Savoring the scent of the spell, she absorbed the energy lingering around Encrid, which had not affected him but remained on the surface. The malevolent intent and will that could be called a curse had already dissipated, leaving only pure energy and mana. Esther savored it. It was a delightful scent. It had been a long time since she had tasted a part of the spell world. During this, she projected herself into the man¡¯s dream, who was about to name her without her consent. ¡°My name is Esther.¡± She conveyed her name properly. She couldn¡¯t let it slide. In the world of spells, names held special significance. Especially since her current state was not good. Receiving a new name in her current form would deepen the curse. So, she had to reveal her true name. That¡¯s why she appeared in the man¡¯s dream, despite the effort it took. Perhaps thanks to the mana remaining on Encrid and projecting her image into his dream. For a brief moment, Esther regained her original form. Naked, in the arms of the man she had chosen. ¡°Hmm.¡± The man held her tightly. Esther¡¯s face turned bright red since she had never allowed anyone so close before. But no one saw it. The man¡¯s firm chest muscles were right in front of her face. Esther let out a thin breath, stayingpletely still. She wasn¡¯t in a position to cause amotion. Her original form had returned only for a very brief moment. The man¡¯s eyelids slowly lifted. His eyes were still sleepy, not fully focused. The moment she met his gaze, Esther was so startled she forgot to breathe. ¡°Huh?¡± The man looked at her with a dazed expression, closed his eyes gently, then opened them again. His eyes were still sleepy. In that moment, Esther transformed back into her panther form. It was the mystery of magic. The man, who had opened his eyes again, closed them and fell back asleep. ¡°Esther, Esther.¡± The man mumbled her name in his sleep. He probably won¡¯t remember, right? She was relieved to have turned back into a panther. Although technically, it wasn¡¯t the first time she had seen this man, being naked in his arms was something she didn¡¯t want to imagine. She then regretted it. ¡®Thank goodness for the curse.¡¯ she thought. It wasn¡¯t something she wanted to think about even by ident. But this was her first time being held in a man¡¯s arms like this. The panther considered pushing the man away but stayed still. The scent of mana lingering on the man¡¯s body enticed her. She convinced herself it was because of the mana and snuggled deeper into his chest. Just as Encrid felt the warmth of the panther. The panther also felt Encrid¡¯s warmth. She had regained enough strength to briefly find her true form. Now, even as a panther, she could move around a bit more. It would still take some time to fully regain her form. ¡®Soon.¡¯ It was just a matter of time. Staying close to this man named Encrid made it possible. Otherwise, she wouldn¡¯t have sought him out in the first ce. ¡®I do like his face.¡¯ From her perspective, Encrid was a rare handsome man. Of course, Esther didn¡¯t think that was the important part. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 69 Encrid had a dream. There was a flower field and a woman. ¡°I¡¯m going to rely on you for a while, just so you know.¡± She had an aura of mysterious charm. Even though Encrid rarely took a second look at women, she seemed hard to forget. The dream was chaotic. First a flower field, then a ck river, then a ferryman appeared, then the woman, and suddenly a panther. ¡®Why are you here?¡¯ He asked inwardly, and the panther shook its head and then turned away as if pouting. Finding it adorable, Encrid couldn¡¯t resist and scratched the top of its head with his fingers. Grrrr. He had heard that theke panther was a fierce beast, but at moments like this, it was just like a cat. It purred in satisfaction, a sound that Encrid foundforting. Then he briefly opened his eyes, finding it hard to distinguish between dream and reality. The woman he saw in the flower field and the ck river was in his arms. And she was naked. He blinked, and the woman disappeared, reced by the top of the panther¡¯s head. It must have been a dream. ¡®For a dream¡­¡¯ The lingering weight in his arms, the scent and warmth that couldn¡¯t havee from a small panther, left a strange impression. ¡®This dream feels too real.¡¯ Then sleep overtook him again, and Encrid didn¡¯t resist the pull. When he woke up in the morning, the panther, which never left his side until he awoke, was nowhere to be seen. ¡°Panther, Esther.¡± He recalled the name he had given in his half-asleep state. Then he saw theke panther standing stiffly in one corner. It was hiding so well in the shadows of the quarters that it was hard to spot unless you looked closely. With eyes as blue as ake and fur as ck as ebony. It walked across the floor with delicate steps and then sat gracefully in one spot. It settled on a leather mat made for it to rest on, of course, a heated leather mat. ¡®From nothing to luxury overnight.¡¯ The sight of even a panther grooming its ws on a heated mat was remarkable. There was jerkyid out, probably brought by Big Eyes or Rem. The pantherzily cut the jerky with its ws and began to chew it. But why did he feel so empty? Because the small animal that warmed his arms in the morning was gone? Or was the dream too vivid? He felt he could draw the naked woman from the dream with precise detail. Of course, he had no talent for drawing, so it would be a mess. But the memory was that clear. ¡®She was beautiful, indeed.¡¯ Her beauty was exceptional, almostparable to the Fairy Company Commander, who boasted an inhuman beauty. ¡°What are you thinking so hard about?¡± ¡°I had a dream, and it stuck with me too vividly.¡± Esther looked at Encrid. The panther¡¯s gaze was peculiar. When he mentioned his name in the dream, the impression might have been stronger than he thought. For someone with weak willpower, just that could have been mentally impactful. So, what should he do? Should he find a way to use the panther¡¯s body to do something about it? The panther became serious. ¡°What kind of dream was it?¡± Rem asked, rolling up in the leather mat. ¡°Are you a caterpir?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right. I¡¯m a caterpir. A big-mouthed caterpir. So feed me breakfast. Otherwise, this weak caterpir will starve to death.¡± This guy was definitely half-mad. Encrid ignored Rem¡¯s words. He was the kind of guy you could do that to. ¡°So what kind of dream was it?¡± Rem asked again. Encrid scratched his chin and replied. ¡°It was a strange dream.¡± ¡°Strange?¡± Rem tilted his head. Since only his head was sticking out, he expressed everything through his face and head. That in itself was a talent. ¡°I saw a naked woman.¡± ¡°Grrk! Cough, cough!¡± ¡®Hmm?¡¯ Encrid¡¯s eyes turned to the panther. The panther was coughing repeatedly, as if a piece of jerky had gotten stuck in its throat. ¡°Esther?¡± The panther ignored the call, its head still buried in the floor. It was a panther that exuded mystery from the moment they first met. A beast among beasts, the owner of the Green Pearl. Ake-eyed panther, the Lake Panther. Such a fierce beast was now coughing and drooling on the floor. ¡°Ugh!¡± It seemed like it might die from choking. ¡°I¡¯ve never seen a panther die from choking on jerky, so was she pretty?¡± She was extremely pretty. But he didn¡¯t answer. What was the point? It was just a dream, after all. ¡°Aren¡¯t you moving too slowly because it¡¯s winter, Rem?¡± Encrid said, getting up. Once he stood, he realized there wasn¡¯t a part of his body that didn¡¯t ache. Just moving was painful. But staying still at times like this only made things worse. He knew that from experience. That didn¡¯t mean he needed to train. In the past, he might have pushed himself harder out of impatience. But he knew that doing so would only damage his body further. Since learning that, he had set boundaries. He wasn¡¯t as impatient as he used to be. ¡®Rest is also part of training.¡¯ Countless swordsmanship instructors had said that. If you stretch your body adequately today, tomorrow will be a bit morefortable. The monk exercises he learned from Audin should suffice. ¡°So, was she pretty or not?¡± ¡°What does it matter? It was just a dream.¡± He gave a vague answer and went outside. It was cold again today. His whole body ached, but he started to stretch. He didn¡¯t think much. In fact, after sparring and rolling around, things became clearer. It was always a question. ¡®What should I do next?¡¯ For those with talent, the so-called geniuses, they say the path bes clear even if they don¡¯t seek it. Finding what they need at the moment and identifying what theyck is also a talent. So, what about those without talent? They try this and that. That consumes time. They start at a different line. That¡¯s why a great teacher is necessary. A teacher who can point out what onecks is always a treasure. This time, the Fairy Company Commander yed that role partially. The remaining gaps now needed to be filled by someone else. ¡°Audin.¡± In the morning, Audin alwayses out. Cold? He doesn¡¯t care about such things. So much so that people around call him the praying bear. It¡¯s not just his size that earns him that nickname. ¡°Yes, brother, it¡¯s a good day, isn¡¯t it?¡± A sharp cold wind whistled between them. The Border Guard is in the northernmost part of the Pen-Hanil continent. It¡¯s a particrly cold region within the Pen-Hanil continent. Thanks to the overcast sky, the surroundings looked mottled even though it was morning. But Audin was always like this. If the sun rises, he greets it; if it rains, he epts it. Of course, he doesn¡¯t say ¡°good morning¡± on snowy days. ¡°It is.¡± Encrid replied. What does the weather matter? Actually, it was a good day. Any day where you learn something new is a good day. ¡°Teach me wrestling.¡± Encrid was always straightforward. He did things as he always did. His goals and will were clear. Because he always treated his squad members like this, the current rtionships were formed. Audin tilted his head. To him, this guy was a truly unique person. Seeing his skills improve in just a few days, he wondered what kind of luck he had to be like that. Encrid, the Squad Leader, was like a burning me to Audin. A me that doesn¡¯t realize it¡¯s burning itself and scorches its surroundings. Because of this, the me illuminates and warms the area around it. When he was trying to turn his back on the world and had almost given up. That¡¯s when he first encountered this human in the squad. ¡°What are you doing right now?¡± It was their first meeting. Encrid was swinging a club in front of the barracks. Not just any club, but something made by tying together three water-soaked wooden sticks. ¡°Strength training.¡± Would swinging something heavy really build strength that easily? It might, but it wasn¡¯t an efficient method. It would be fortunate if his body didn¡¯t get damaged from it. Audin thought he would quit after a few days. But Encrid didn¡¯t. Each day was the same. Whether he was on the battlefield, on duty, in the rain, or in the snow. He would even carve out time from his sleep to swing his sword. Audin recalled how he was back then. ¡°Deste.¡± He could sum up his former self with those two words. Radiating gloom, he had asked: ¡°Your skills are terrible. Why do you keep doing it every day?¡± ¡°I¡¯ll get better if I keep at it.¡± He didn¡¯t show any sign of being upset. He answered calmly and continued his training. Seeing that, Audin felt like he had been struck by lightning. ¡®How can he be like that?¡¯ What drives him? What kind of belief does he have? There was no scent of faith. Effort is said to be a talent too, but if you weren¡¯t born with anything, even effort can¡¯t be sustained. Encrid was that kind of person. A person betrayed by his daily efforts. Yet, despite being betrayed every day, he kept moving forward. ¡®What are you?¡¯ Since then, Audin consistently observed the Squad Leader. The more he watched the Squad Leader, the more his own reasons for despair seemed insignificant. ¡®Faith is not something practiced for a reward.¡¯ That day, Audin started praying again. ¡°Brother, at this rate, you¡¯ll ruin all your joints.¡± After that, he started to oversee the Squad Leader¡¯s training bit by bit. Audin could read the human body. He had a talent for seeing people¡¯s potential, almost as much as Frog did. If Frog was called a talent identifier,Audin, through acquired effort and talent, became a body reader who could assess the extent of physical training. From his perspective, Encrid had to work twice as hard as others just to build his body. His natural build was like that. Even the quality of his muscles wasn¡¯t very good. Does that mean he should give up? No. The Squad Leader he knew wasn¡¯t that kind of person. ¡°You need to start by building your body. Are you okay with that?¡± Audin asked. Despite the biting cold wind. After observing the Squad Leader and praying again, Audin always thought it was a good morning. Except when it snowed, of course. ¡°Whenever you¡¯re ready.¡± ¡°It will be painful.¡± ¡°That¡¯s okay.¡± Encrid thought it would be better than dying. ¡°It will hurt.¡± ¡°No problem.¡± It would hurt less than being stabbed to death countless times by a sword. ¡°What I¡¯m going to teach you now is not the monk¡¯s exercises. It¡¯s a technique I developed myself. It¡¯s called the ¡®Istion Technique¡¯.¡± The name sounded ominous, but he also thought it sounded promising. If he was going to learn something, he might as well learn it properly. It was the words of the best martial artist Encrid had ever met, whether among his squad members or otherwise. ¡°The Istion Technique.¡± The fourth technique after The Heart of the Beast, de Sense, and Focus Point. ¡°It¡¯s training that you will understand with your mind and perform with your body, brother.¡± ¡°Got it.¡± ¡°Then, let¡¯s begin.¡± Audin¡¯s tone was calm. Encrid nodded as if it were a matter of course. And then. ¡°Arrrrgh.¡± A groan, rather than a scream, began to emanate from one side of the training ground. ¡°This is just the beginning, brother.¡± Encrid began to wonder if the deity Audin prayed to every day was a demon. The exercises he had done before were literally just warm-ups. Audin called them the basics at every opportunity. ¡°We¡¯ll build strength in the muscles by lifting weights based on flexibility. Let¡¯s begin.¡± Audin massaged various parts of Encrid¡¯s body and then put him in a strange position. It was a position that felt like it would tear his muscles apart. Why, while lying down, did pressing his heels against his buttocks make the muscles in the front of his thighs feel like they were going to tear? Audin held Encrid¡¯s legs down himself. Encrid felt as if Audin¡¯s hands were iron shackles. Such was the strength. With his limited understanding of the body, Encrid had to learn the movement of his muscles through his body. ¡°It will be easier if you think of it as dying a couple of times.¡± He was already thinking that. It was indeed a series of terrible pains. So much so that he wondered if it would be better to just die. ¡°Urrrgh.¡± A strange groan started toe from Encrid¡¯s mouth. ¡°It¡¯s okay. I know the limits of the Squad Leader.¡± ¡®Why do you know my limits?¡¯ In truth, Audin seemed like a madman. Encrid couldn¡¯t help but think that. Yet, he secretly enjoyed it. Because he expected to gain something from this suffering, Encrid groaned and suffered, but he smiled. ¡°Judging by your expression, you seem to have some leeway.¡± No, he didn¡¯t have any leeway. The demonic priest Audin dismantled, broke, and tore apart Encrid¡¯s body countless times that day. At the end of the season, on a winter day. After three days of developing flexibility. ¡°Lift it.¡± Lifting heavy stones and performing restricted movements followed. ¡°Inhale, exhale. Control your breathing. Fill your abdomen with air. Do it with abdominal pressure, brother.¡± The Istion Technique wasn¡¯t a skill used forbat. It was a technique for remodeling one¡¯s body. For half a month, Encrid endured it, feeling like he was passing bloody stools. Then it became somewhat bearable. After another half a month passed. ¡°Is it manageable?¡± It wasn¡¯t as difficult as before. There was noparable pain. It had been tough at first, but it was worth it. So, another half a month passed, making it a total of one month, and his body began to change. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 70 The basics of the ¡®Istion Technique¡¯y in repetition. It involved enhancing one¡¯s physical abilities by repeatedly performing movements while holding heavy weights. This training was not just about increasing muscle strength. ¡°Shall we begin?¡± A month had passed, and the corner of the training ground was still cold. Encrid suggested a sparring match. Audin nodded with a smile. ¡°Do you prefer your arms or your legs, brother?¡± It was a signal that he intended to twist one of them. ¡°Your tongue is too long, Audin.¡± Both were barehanded. They hadn¡¯t spent the entire month just learning the Istion Technique. They stared at each other. To meet Audin¡¯s eyes, Encrid had to tilt his head slightly. The difference in their physiques was evident. Despite that, Audin moved first. As he kicked off the ground and lowered his body, he charged forward so quickly that it left an afterimage. Not fitting his nickname, the Praying Bear. In the past, the best Encrid could do was raise his knee in response. But now it was different. He simrly lowered his stance, clenched his fist, and aimed his thumb forward as if to pierce. If Audin charged, he could burst his eyeball. Then, Audin stopped his charge and leapt to the side. With quick steps, hisrge frame changed positions as swiftly as Esther. He was like a nimble panther. Abination of agility and reflexes not fitting his size. If Encrid let him get behind, the fight would be over, so he turned his body repeatedly. At some point, Audin extended his fist. They were now within arm¡¯s reach. When the distance closed was unknown. It was a state of Focus Point. Encrid judged and acted in a split second. He aimed to block the impact point with his forehead before the punchnded. One of the wrestling techniques to take a hit without pain. As Audin extended his fist, he opened his palm and grabbed Encrid¡¯s hair. Then he pulled the hair downwards, pressing his left elbow onto Encrid¡¯s back with his weight. For a moment, Encrid withstood Audin¡¯s strength and weight. He didn¡¯t just endure, he attempted to throw Audin over his back. But Audin didn¡¯tply. He shifted his weight and pulled Encrid¡¯s hair forward. The perfectly timed pull disrupted Encrid¡¯s bnce. He couldn¡¯t move his body as he intended. He lost his bnce. There was no way out now. Thud. Encrid shielded his face with his hands as Audin pinned him down. ¡°Instead of your arms or legs, you¡¯ve given up your body, Squad Leader brother.¡± Audinughed heartily. It was a boisterousugh. ¡°If this were a battlefield, I would have had a helmet.¡± He was referring to the hair grab. Speaking while pinned, Audin responded with augh. ¡°Then I would have used other means.¡± It was true. Encrid wasn¡¯tining, he was curious about the other means. ¡°If there had been a helmet, I would have grabbed your nape with my palm or pressed down on the back of your head in one swift motion instead.¡± ¡°I see.¡± Encrid was still pinned. The weight of the Praying Bear felt like it could crush his insides at any moment, but what Encrid had just learned was more important. As Encrid focused, Audin got up and dusted himself off. A month had passed, and while some might have gone mad from the monotonous routine, for Encrid, it became a calm daily practice. In the mornings, he practiced the Istion Technique, after lunch, he learned wrestling. He trained with the sword again until evening. After dinner, he reviewed everything he had learned. The Heart of the Beast, the Sense of the de, the Focus Point. All of them had room for improvement. If there was room for progress, why stop? Yet, the pace of learning was slow. Even with the support of the Focus Point, the Sense of the de, and the Heart of the Beast, it was slow. So Encrid crawled. He was a slow snail and a turtle that hade ashore. ¡°You improve very slowly.¡± Audin, having stood up, adjusted his clothes as he spoke. The cold had not yet subsided, and white steam rose from his shoulders. It was the same for Encrid¡¯s shoulders. Both the Istion Technique and wrestling were activities that made them sweat profusely. Encrid repeatedly reflected on Audin¡¯s teachings. They were worth it. ¡®The way to gauge skill.¡¯ The body contained all the information. For example, a right-handed swordsman often had more developed muscles in the right arm. It was the insight to read an opponent¡¯s experience and level of training by looking at their physique and muscle development. After starting training with the Istion Technique, he realized something new. What he learned afterward was valuable too. After establishing the basics of his body with the Istion Technique, he learned wrestling. Audin divided wrestling into three main techniques: striking, joint locks, and throws. He said that if the opponent was smaller in physique, simply throwing and mming them would make the fight easier. ¡°What if I am the smaller one?¡± Encrid was a good listener but had just as many questions. He never let anything pass easily when it came to learning. Audin often thought this was exactly what made a good Squad Leader. ¡°If you are smaller, there¡¯s a way to fight ordingly. Those skilled in joint locks, striking, and grappling use the opponent¡¯s strength against them. Counters are a type of this technique.¡± What the Fairy Company Commander had done was likely one of these techniques. The move that toppled him with a single gesture came to mind. Audin had even demonstrated such methods. Audin was kind. While he was like a demon during the Istion Technique training, he was rather gentle when teaching wrestling. ¡°If you apply more force here, the arm will break, and the joint will be damaged. Without divine healing, it won¡¯t recover, and you¡¯ll be left with a crippled arm.¡± Even the slightest mistake could leave Encrid¡¯s body disassembled. Naturally, wrestling became a gentler lesson. ¡°Strength and speed are essential, of course. You must also learn to identify vital points, how to bring down an opponent, how to break bones, and how to destroy joints. None of this can be learned half-heartedly.So you must repeat what you¡¯ve already learned rather than seeking new lessons.Yet, do you still wish to learn something new?¡± He asionally scolded him, and rightfully so. Encrid preferred to learn as much as possible and internalize it rather than mastering a single technique to perfection. ¡®This is right.¡¯ Encrid had today¡¯s repetitions. He couldn¡¯t expect to master techniques with just what he was learning now. To Audin, it seemed like he was greedy and that his body couldn¡¯t keep up, but to Encrid, this was the right path. His reflections on what he had learned were interrupted by Audin¡¯s voice. ¡°Why do you think your hair was grabbed in that situation earlier?¡± ¡°Distance.¡± Encrid replied inly. It wasn¡¯t because he didn¡¯t know. ¡°That¡¯s right. Distance. I¡¯ve said it countless times, yet you, Squad Leader brother, are truly slow and dull.¡± Encrid remained unchanged. Such words didn¡¯t hurt him. He didn¡¯t have time for that. He was busy reviewing what he had learned today. There were dozens of types of joint locks alone. Just memorizing them and roughly integrating them into his body was already a challenge. On top of that, he had to learn throws and striking techniques and internalize the basic principles. ¡°I¡¯ve told you many times. Physical strength is essential. Reading the distance is the same as in swordsmanship. Lastly, without agility, nothing else matters.¡± Audin was a good teacher. Not because of his excellent teaching methods. ¡®He doesn¡¯t know how to give up.¡¯ Despite the slow and sluggish progress, he taught with unwavering dedication. For Encrid, such a teacher was the perfect fit. Stubborn teaching methods, even if they left only a small impression on the body and mind, would eventually lead to mastery. Encrid, too, learned and practiced with determination, leaving the full mastery and proficiency forter. ¡°Strength, distance, physical ability.¡± Encrid repeated Audin¡¯s words to himself. Whether it was with a sword, spear, blunt weapon, or wrestling, strength and speed were essential. Although he had be quite familiar with measuring distance, Audin was still more skilled than Encrid. That¡¯s why he lost. ¡°Did you roll on the ground again today?¡± After finishing wrestling and returning, Rem was waiting for him. ¡°Are you going to rest today?¡± It was the same question every time. ¡°No.¡± This time it was the sword. While he sometimes used a wooden sword, he now felt morefortable with a real sword. The longsword, familiar in his hand, targeted Rem¡¯s entire body. He didn¡¯t face only Rem every day. Some days it was Ragna. ¡°Watching you makes me want to have a go, Squad Leader.¡± On other days, it was Jaxon. ¡°I have some spare time. Grab your sword ande out.¡± None of them ever refused Encrid¡¯s request. They all had simr thoughts, though. For instance, Rem thought: ¡°What kind of talent is this? Does he need realbat experience?¡± On the battlefield, it seemed his skills improved daily, but returning to the city, it felt like he was back to square one. Of course, he was better than before. There was no dramatic growth. At least that¡¯s how Rem saw it. The improvement he had was thanks to the Heart of the Beast, the Focus Point, the Sense of the de, and the Istion Technique. The Istion Technique was changing the quality of his muscles. Of course, dramatic changes couldn¡¯t happen in just a month. He progressed slowly, half a step at a time. Like a slow snail crawling forward. Ragna had simr thoughts. ¡°The basics are solid, but why is the application so slow to improve?¡± Did his talent peak at thirty? Why has he be a fool again? It¡¯s impossible to know. Yet, Ragna showed enthusiasm. Encrid was someone who naturally inspired motivation in others. Every day, regardless of his duties or other circumstances, he relentlessly repeated the same rigorous training. If he had morning duty, he would still lift rocks and assume strange postureste into the evening. The same applied to wrestling and swordsmanship. If he had duties during those times, he would start training after his shift. He would cut into his sleeping and eating time. During group infantry training, Rem, Ragna, Jaxon, Audin, and Krais would often ck off or just go through the motions, but Encrid put his all into the training. After returning to the barracks, he would head out to the training grounds and repeat his exercises. He was consistently dedicated to a frightening degree. Because of this, Ragna felt motivated watching the Squad Leader. Jaxon felt the same. ¡®The senses.¡¯ His hearing was almost like having eyes in the back of his head. Yet the sensitivity of his senses didn¡¯t seem to improve further. ¡®Why?¡¯ Was it his fault as the teacher? Or was it Encrid, the learner, who was the problem? ¡®It¡¯s the learner¡¯s fault.¡¯ With his experience of teaching many times before, he knew. It was intriguing, to say the least. How slowly and gradually his skills improved. ¡®And yet, he never gives up. It¡¯s unique.¡¯ Jaxon almost smiled but returned to his usual expressionless face. ¡®Why does it matter if he¡¯s the Squad Leader?¡¯ Despite thinking this way, he always gave his best. They had established a rotating teaching schedule, and among them, Jaxon was the most diligent. Esther watched the man she had chosen. In the blue eyes of the ck panther, his image was captured. How could he be like that? She, too, had once lived consumed by the world of magic. There was a time when she immersed herself in the world of magic all day, needing nothing else. She neither desired food nor sleep nor anything else. ¡®And that¡¯s how I ended up like this.¡¯ Esther reminisced about the past, then focused her eyes back on Encrid. ¡®He¡¯s different from me.¡¯ His routine was simple and repetitive. Eating, sleeping, and even resting seemed to be part of his regimen. He was someone who truly knew how to rest with dedication. Watching him made her think, ¡®If there¡¯s anything I can do to help¡­¡¯ She wanted to help. She was that kind of person. Encrid, however, had no time to look around him. He was literally too busy engraving various things into his body. He was always a training fanatic, but recently, it has intensified. Thanks to the Istion Technique. ¡®The quality of my muscles is changing.¡¯ He almost wanted to strip off his clothes and look at himself in the mirror. Who would feel this the most? Encrid himself. When movements that were once difficult became smooth, it wasn¡¯t just pleasing¡ªit was exhrating to the point of madness. From thrusting to the basics of the Heavy Sword Style. With his transformed body, everything felt different. Smoother and more fluid. He had even be quite proficient with the flowing techniques of the Fluid Sword Style. ng. As the swords shed, he deflected his opponent¡¯s weapon. He had just deflected Rem¡¯s axe to the side. ¡°That¡¯s an improvement.¡± It was a deflection that Rem acknowledged. It wasn¡¯t perfect, but ¡®It¡¯s better than before.¡¯ Even Encrid himself could feel the improvement in thepletion of his techniques. At the core of all this was the body-building technique. In other words, the Istion Technique. ¡°Do you regret not learning it earlier?¡± Audin had asked him once, wondering if he felt it was toote to start building his body. ¡°No.¡± Encrid shook his head. He had no regrets about the days that had passed. If he had such regrets,he would have been trapped in ¡®today.¡¯ What he learned in the past was important at that time. So being dedicated to the present,that was the right approach. He had a dream of the ferryman just once during the month. ¡°You¡¯re living no different from being trapped in today.¡± The ferryman, exuding boredom and resting his chin on his hand, had said before disappearing. The one who had once mocked him so harshly was nowhere to be seen. The ferryman was right. Encrid had spent a month no different from a repetition of today. The only changes were the duty hours and the weather. ¡°If you had learned it earlier, your body wouldn¡¯t have been able to handle it.¡± Audin had said. Encrid didn¡¯t pay much mind to it. What mattered was today, the present. Before he knew it, the end of the four seasons, the middle of winter¡ªthe harshest of them all¡ªhad arrived. ¡°Come see me for a moment.¡± One day, amid these routine days, the Fairy Company Commander came to see Encrid. When he went outside the barracks, the Company Commander , standing with her back to the cold, looked at him with green eyes and said, ¡°It¡¯s a mission.¡± The Border Guard reserve troops were drafted as needed. Fighting on the battlefield wasn¡¯t their only duty. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°It¡¯s to escort the sessor of the merchant guild. Select one person from your squad to apany you.¡± The Company Commander conveyed the order. It was a directive from the higher-ups. Encrid had toply. Assignments and missions. He wasn¡¯t particrly fond of them. But now, he was interested in building his merit. Equipping himself with skills and umting merit. It was the path to knighthood. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 71 ¡°That body, now it¡¯s finally something worth looking at, brother.¡± ¡°At this level, your basics aren¡¯t bad.¡± ¡°You won¡¯t die to just any blind sword. Your responses aren¡¯t bad. That¡¯s about it.¡± ¡°Heh, now it feels like it might be worth sparring with you. Is The Heart of the Beast ripening?¡± Each squad member had something to say. There was no need to mull over it, they were all saying his skills had improved. To Encrid, improving his skills had a very special meaning in his life. It was the thread that would continue his dreams, the moonlight that illuminated the dark night, and the dawn that brought the morning. A ray of light had seeped into his faded and torn dreams. This single ray of light became the foundation to stand his dream back up again. A knight is a namepleted through the umtion of honor and skill. Encrid didn¡¯t just want to be a mercenary or warrior of knight level; he wanted to be a knight. If asked why, he found it hard to answer. There was a tickling sensation in his chest. It just didn¡¯te out easily. If he were to lie, he could say something, but he disliked that as well. In this regard, Encrid was a straightforward person. The irrationalities he saw during his mercenary days also yed a part in keeping his dream alive. But that wasn¡¯t the whole reason. Why is a dream a dream? ¡®Simply because you long for it.¡¯ He wanted to hear someone¡¯s cheers. He enjoyed the time spent honing his swordsmanship. He liked the time spent chatting with those around him. In the past, he wanted to meet those who had ignored and cast him aside and show them how he had changed. It¡¯s a tangled and mixed web of desires. The human heart is not simple. For Encrid, this collection of desires converged into two words. ¡®Knight.¡¯ It¡¯s his dream. Even if his skills were stillcking and he had a long way to go. If a path to his dream existed, he wanted to walk it. Therefore, umting honor was also something he had to do. He also wanted to test it. ¡®How far will my sword reach?¡¯ Sparring was just with squad members all day. In battle, he had fought and won against Mitch Hurrier, he had gone through the promotion test, and had even defeated a half-blood Fairy assassin, but he was different now from then. Encrid clenched and unclenched his hand. ¡®I want to fight.¡¯ He wanted to have a time where he could wield his sword to prove himself. He had be a high-ranking soldier in the soldier ranking system. However, even within the high-ranking rank, there were variations. The desire for victory and confidence that came with improved skills. It was the desire to confirm his skills through realbat. It was at such a time that themission came in. Moreover, the Company Commander wasing along. It wouldn¡¯t be an easy task. ¡®But why, why is the Company Commandering personally?¡¯ Encrid¡¯s question lingered. Wouldn¡¯t others have the same question? The Company Commander was simply stopping by on her way, but it seemed odd to the other squad leaders. Especially to the 4th Squad leader, Encrid¡¯s direct superior, who found the situation quite peculiar. Though it was just a coincidence, some people couldn¡¯t see coincidences as mere coincidences. * * * The Border Guard¡¯s standing army often lent their strength to the citizens and merchant guilds within the city. This practice stemmed from one of the two major policies established by Naurillia. One was the soldier ranking system. The other was the soldier mercenary system. Instead of mercenaries, soldiers were tasked with carrying out missions, and along with the ranking system, it was one of the kingdom¡¯s sessful policies. ¡°If it¡¯s the Border Guard¡¯s standing army, they¡¯re trustworthy.¡± This phrase wasmonly heard. The soldier mercenary system, where soldiers performed missions instead of mercenaries, naturally gained the support of the citizens and merchant guilds. Mercenaries were rough and rugged, but soldiers were less so. Like any disciplined unit, they faithfully followed orders. Additionally, the cost was cheaperpared torge mercenary guilds. ¡°Isn¡¯t it natural to require escorts for city security? Demanding Krona for every little thing seems excessive, doesn¡¯t it?¡± asionally, a grumbling merchant guild leader would say this. But once they used the escort soldiers even once, they fell silent. The Border Guard¡¯s standing army engaged in localized battles twice a year. They were a unit from a military city close to the front lines. Naturally, those who survived the frequent life-and-death battles were highly skilled, and the quality of the standing army soldiers was uniformly high. Cost, skill, safety. Due to these three reasons, satisfaction was high, and the policy was deemed a sess. The Company Commander taking on the mission was one such case. ¡®Why personally?¡¯ Everyone had this thought. This was not a task that required the Company Commander¡¯s intervention. The squad leaders also had eyes and ears. Although they kept their mouths shut to maintain decorum, they knew their Company Commander was not of average skill. ¡®Isn¡¯t sheparable to the Frontier Defense Commander?¡¯ The Frontier Defense Commander was the strongest in the Border Guard, excluding the battalionmander. ¡®He could take on the heavy infantry Company Commander.¡¯ The Fairy Company Commander had already proven hisbat prowess in battle. ¡°I¡¯ll take on this mission.¡± So the Fairy Company Commander is taking on a mission. If a superior officer steps up to handle it, what can you say? You just have to say okay. ¡°Why do you insist on going yourself?¡± The 4th toon leader asked. ¡°I¡¯ll be taking that Troublemaker Squad Leader.¡± That was the answer. For one mission, it¡¯s not a big deal. The issue was with the person being taken along. The Spell Breaker, high-ranking soldier Encrid. The 4th Squad leader had reached his position purely by being perceptive. As the Fairy Company Commander departed, the 4th squad leader racked his brain, trying to recall the past. Perception is based on information. Dyed understanding of the surrounding situation negatively impacts promotion. For the sake of his future, he diligently recalled his memories. ¡®Didn¡¯t they say she went to see him at the infirmary?¡¯ The Fairy Company Commander had gone to see Encrid in person. That was right after he was appointed. She went out of his way to visit the infirmary. After that, she had several private meetings with Encrid. There were hardly any situations where she met with other squad leaders privately. It was fortunate if they even got a proper answer from him. The Company Commander even got involved in Encrid¡¯s promotion battle. The 4th Squad Leader saw that scene. ¡®It was when he was fighting the Frontier Defense member.¡¯ At that time, it looked to the 4th Squad leader as if the Company Commander intervened to protect Encrid, who was in danger. Additionally, on a snowy day, the Company Commander specifically ordered only the Troublemaker Squad out. They returned in the morning after all the snow was cleared. ¡®They even brought back thermal leather.¡¯ What had they been doing? He only mentioned it was a ssified operation. The details were reported directly to the Company Commander, so he didn¡¯t know. He also heard that the Company Commander and Encrid sparred in the private training ground. Why did that happen? The infirmary, private meetings, the promotion battle, the operation on the snowy day, the sparring, and now this mission. All the information mixed together and formed a conclusion in his mind. The 4th toon Leader was getting goosebumps from his own deduction. Of course, it was all a misunderstanding, a series of foolish thoughts, but he was deeply convinced by his own theory. Thus, a thought naturally arose. ¡®Could it be, the two of them?¡¯ The toon leader imagined the Fairy Company Commander and the Troublemaker Squad Leader side by side. They seemed to fit together better than he expected. ¡°Nah, it can¡¯t be.¡± Despite the strong conviction that gave him goosebumps, he muttered to himself. ¡°What do you mean, sir?¡± A subordinate next to him asked. It was during a boring guard duty. The 4th toon leader cautiously shared his guess. If it had been dismissed as nonsense, that would have been the end of it. ¡°¡­Wow.¡± The subordinate¡¯s reaction was peculiar. His pupils trembled. He seemed shocked as well. The Border Guard wasn¡¯t a small unit, but rumors spread quickly. Especially certain types of rumors, which traveled faster than winged horses. Within the unit, there were idle people, particrly the women managing the baths and preparing meals, who loved this kind of gossip. Through them, the rumor gained wings of light and quickly spread throughout the unit. In less than a day, everyone knew about it. * * * ¡°Squad Leader! I heard you¡¯re going to be a father soon! Is it true?¡± Krais asked as he entered the unit three dayster. Where had it all gone wrong? Encrid thought about it but couldn¡¯t figure it out. The rumor had already spread. At Krais¡¯ words, Rem clutched his stomach,ughing hysterically. Heughed so hard that his thermal leather shifted, revealing his bare feet. ¡°Heh heh, yeah, it¡¯s true.He¡¯s going to be a dad. Did you hear about the mother too, Big Eyes?¡± ¡°Well, yes, I heard the rumor and thought it was exaggerated. I figured the baby part was a stretch, but when did the Company Commander seduce you? You¡¯re something else, our Squad Leader.¡± When Krais gave a thumbs-up, Encrid grabbed his thumb and pushed it back down. ¡°It¡¯s a misunderstanding.¡± ¡°Misunderstanding?¡± ¡°Who started this strange rumor?¡± The 4th toon leader had, but Encrid didn¡¯t know that. Krais, who had recently be adept at handling various information, didn¡¯t know either. It wasn¡¯t impossible to find the source of the rumor if they set their mind to it, but it wasn¡¯t necessary. Their lives weren¡¯t being threatened. ¡°Hmm, it¡¯s not a bad idea. If you keep her as a partner and have her as a swordsmanship teacher.¡± Ragna chimed in. What¡¯s in that guy¡¯s head? Sometimes he seemed worse than Rem. Was he suggesting marriage as a way to improve swordsmanship? ¡°Heh heh, kee hee hee.¡± Next to them, Rem wasughing non-stop, now producing a sound simr to a beast¡¯s cry. ¡°Don¡¯t get too attached. It¡¯ll be tough if she dumps youter.¡± That was Jaxon, folding his clothes on the side. ¡®Is it a given that I¡¯ll be dumped?¡¯ Wasn¡¯t the premise seriously wrong? ¡°Brother, blessings to you.¡± Everyone knew it was a joke. They all knew Encrid¡¯s daily schedule. He was too busy to form a rtionship with anyone. ¡°Let¡¯s not talk about it.¡± It was just a baseless rumor. Thinking that, he reached out to Esther. Hiss! Today, Esther refused his touch. ¡°I¡¯m not Krais.¡± Encrid said, feeling wronged, but Esther just red at him fiercely andy down on the thermal leather. She¡¯d been cuddling with him all day, so why the sudden change? ¡°Looks like she¡¯s jealous. You shouldfort her.¡± Remmented from the side, clutching his stomach andughing madly again. Rem was indeed a crazy guy. ¡°Ha, thanks for theugh. So, when are we leaving?¡± ¡°Where to?¡± ¡°The escort mission. You said you only need to take one person.¡± ¡°So?¡± ¡°Of course, you should take me.¡± Rem said, half rising and pping his leather. He proudly pointed at himself with his thumb. The thermal leather pped widely from Rem¡¯s shoulder before draping over him like a cloak. ¡°Are you doing this because I teased you? Let¡¯s be realistic. Squad leader, that ice-cold guy Jaxon? He¡¯d go berserk if the escort made even one sarcastic remark. Do you want to see a sneaky wildcat w the escort?¡± And thates out of your mouth? Encrid was taken aback, but his expression remained unchanged. It was an attitude that said, ¡°Say whatever you want.¡± ¡°Lazybones won¡¯t care.¡± Ragna usually doesn¡¯t volunteer for missions unless he has to. ¡°So you¡¯re going to take Big Eyes? It¡¯s not like you¡¯re going to increase the number of people you need to escort.¡± That¡¯s true. Krais was never an option in the first ce. ¡°And Chunky, well, he¡¯s usable. But what if he starts muttering prayers next to the escort target? What if he does it all day? I don¡¯t think the escort target would appreciate that.¡± Chunky referred to Audin. Rem, that guy, despite being an immigrant from the western frontier, had a way with words that was incredibly smooth. He made it sound like the only option left was himself. But ¡®You¡¯re the biggest problem.¡¯ Why did he assault his superior? Because of his temper. If he had to protect the escort target by beating them up, then sure, Rem might be fine. He could be fine. But what if he can¡¯t beat them up? What if the escort target had even a slightly difficult personality? He couldn¡¯t put Rem with the escort target. Disaster would be expected within half a day, if not sooner. If he wanted to avoid paying penalties rather than earn merit from the mission, Rem was the number one to avoid. ¡°You can¡¯t. Absolutely not.¡± There was no need to catch his breath; he spoke decisively. ¡°¡­Wow, I¡¯m hurt right now. Especially by the ¡®absolutely¡¯ part. What are you going to do about this? Leaving such a scar on a grown man¡¯s heart?¡± ¡°Still no.¡± ¡°I¡¯m going to go rogue.¡± He ignored him. Rem always spouted strange things as if his head was filled with pebbles. He looked around the unit. ¡°If you insist.¡± Ragna said, making eye contact. Ridiculous. If he took Ragna along, it would be a miracle if he didn¡¯t justy down and sleep instead of actually escorting. It was tiring enough to wake that guy up in the morning. ¡®Can¡¯t send him alone anywhere.¡¯ He would get lost. Ragna had an unbelievably terrible sense of direction. The remaining choices were two: Audin and Jaxon. There wasn¡¯t much to think about, so he spoke. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ve decided on you.¡± [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 72 Since it was an easy choice, Jaxon was chosen. When ites to missions, it¡¯s best to go with the most capable person. In the Troublemaker Squad, Jaxon had taken on the most missions. That means he has a lot of experience. Therefore, many people seek him out. It goes without saying that his keen senses are beneficial for guarding. Compared to other squad members, the likelihood of friction with the person being guarded was also low. ¡°Of course.¡± Jaxon nodded as if it was the obvious choice, while Rem caused a fuss, unable to understand. Ragna then said that he also found it strange. Audin asked if it was against the will of the gods. Naturally, Ragna and Rem started arguing. When Jaxon provoked Rem from the side, Ragna stepped back, and Rem and Jaxon began fighting. Encrid tried to stop them repeatedly, and eventually, he told them not to even look at each other. ¡°If you¡¯re going to spar, do it with me.¡± Encrid added this final word and ended the day by sparring with each squad member in turn. They might have felt mentally exhausted, but this was a typical day for the Troublemaker Squad. Above all, Encrid, who had endured long years swinging his sword despite hisck of talent, found this trivial. If he had been mentally affected by this level of stress, he would have long ago put down the sword and picked up a plow. ¡°The Squad Leader is something else.¡± Krais gave a thumbs up, praising the Squad Leader¡¯s mental strength anew. Encrid gave a slight nod in response. The escort mission was tomorrow. It was a matter of session within a mid-sized merchant group and a guarding task within the city. Three people were assigned. The Fairy Company Commander, Encrid, and Jaxon. There was no need to move from early dawn. The person they were guarding was entering the city around noon. * * * The next morning, after a good night¡¯s sleep, Esther was in his arms. ¡°Why did you act like that yesterday?¡± With sleep still in his eyes, he asked, and Esther tapped his chest with her hand. He didn¡¯t know what she was angry about, but it seemed like a signal for reconciliation. ¡°Okay, have a good day lounging around.¡± What did Esther have to do anyway? At night, she would crawl into his arms to sleep. In the morning, she would roll around and wake upzily. Sometimes she would go out, probably to catch and eat mice near the city. Though he didn¡¯t provide regr meals, he often gave her jerky as a snack. Surprisingly, all the squad members took good care of Esther. Especially Krais, who was very attentive. ¡°Lake Panthers shed their ws when the timees. If you take them then, they won¡¯tin.¡± Just like shedding fur, they shed their ws. So Krais had a logical reason for being kind to her. ¡°You rascal, you rascal.¡± ¡°Prrrr.¡± Finding it cute and amusing how she turned her head primly, he scratched the top of her head a couple of times before getting up. It was time for breakfast. ¡°Let¡¯s see how well you do without me.¡± Rem was on breakfast duty. He red, and seeing this, Encrid reflexively extended his fist. Thud. Rem blocked his fist with his palm. ¡°Does it not matter if you go out with a broken arm? Challenging me from the morning.¡± ¡°No, it was reflexive when I saw your face.¡± ¡°That¡¯s even more annoying.¡± That was understandable. Even though he said that, Rem didn¡¯t pick a fight. After all, it was a mission day. If they got injured, they wouldn¡¯t be able to perform their duties. For breakfast, they had a dish made of thinly pressed and grilled pork tenderloin mixed with boiled potatoes, and it tasted terrible. ¡°It¡¯s good for your body. Meat strengthens your muscles, brother.¡± The Istion Technique is about building the body, and thepletion of building the body is eating. Encrid reluctantly ate, knowing how important it was to eat well, even without Audin¡¯s advice. After heating up his body using the Istion Technique during the remaining time, it was time to depart. Encrid washed himself at the well and gathered his equipment. He wore the leather armor he had acquired from raiding the Gilpin Guild before. It only covered his torso, but it was thin and stic, so it wasn¡¯t ufortable. As he strapped on the sheath for the whistling knife over the armor, Jaxon, standing nearby, asked. ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± ¡°I picked it up after killing an assassin.¡± ¡°Resourceful.¡± Is that what it¡¯s called? In any case, he thought it was a pretty useful tool, so he kept it. With weapons of this kind, the more he had, the better. After donning a thick gambeson, he was fully armed and stepped outside. He walked alongside Jaxon to the inn within the city. Throughout the walk, Jaxon exined how to listen well and see well. And then added, ¡°You¡¯re dull.¡± He never forgot to add ament like that. Encrid still didn¡¯t mind. He had always known he was dull. When they arrived at the intersection centered around four inns, the Company Commander was already there. ¡°Has the escort arrived?¡± Encrid gave a brief salute and asked. ¡°Not yet. They¡¯ll be here soon.¡± There were rumors that the person they were to escort had a rather difficult personality. This information came from Krais. Ever since taking over the guild, his ears seemed twice as sharp as before. ¡°They came to decide on a sessor, didn¡¯t they?¡± While he was curious about how difficult this person could be, he wasn¡¯t too worried. It¡¯s rare to find a troublemaker at Rem¡¯s level. Try spending just one month with the Troublemaker Squad. Any troublemaker would seem endearing inparison. Encrid was at ease. Jaxon didn¡¯t think much of it. To him, a job was just a job. Guard for three days. Once the session meeting within the merchant group was over, the job would be finished. They just needed to ensure safety within the city. Since he had already processed this in his mind, there wasn¡¯t much to think about. The Company Commander watched the back of Encrid¡¯s head and recalled why he had brought him along. The Troublemaker Squad Leader, this man, had been a target for assassination by Aspen. This was proof that he had a clean background. Above all, he liked the way he handled the Thieves Guild and his subsequent actions. He maintained the bribes. He transformed the criminal guild into an information guild. Thanks to this, there was no friction with the battalionmander. He knew that eliminating the criminal guild would cause problems, but he let it happen anyway. If the bribes stopped and the higher-ups made an issue of it, he had ns to deal with it. But this Squad Leader didn¡¯t even let that happen. ¡°Things have turned out differently than expected, but¡­¡± Even so, it wasn¡¯t bad. The Company Commander, waiting for the escort to arrive, opened her mouth. ¡°Were we ever that close?¡± Encrid, who had his hand nted on the sword grip, seemed to freeze for a moment. Like a well-made statue, he slowly turned his head and asked. ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°If it¡¯s loud enough for me to hear, you should already know, right?¡± ¡°It¡¯s a misunderstanding. Just a rumor. Lately, things have been quiet with little work, so some folks are killing time with trivial gossip.¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Then, we have no rtionship at all?¡± ¡°It¡¯s just a superior and subordinate rtionship.¡± ¡°I see.¡± He had to dismiss it as trivial talk. Rumors really do spread far and wide. ¡°Ahem.¡± Jaxon cleared his throat beside him. ncing over, it seemed like the corner of his mouth was twitching. He was holding backughter. ¡°Is this funny to you?¡± He mouthed his question silently. ¡®I¡¯m notughing.¡¯ Jaxon mouthed back his response. The Company Commander was a Fairy. She could read the silent exchange between them with just a sideways nce. Lip reading was not a difficult skill for a Fairy. ¡°It seems you were in a difficult situation.¡± ¡°No, I wasn¡¯t.¡± Encrid replied immediately. ¡°You seem to be in a difficult situation.¡± ¡°No, I¡¯m not.¡± ¡°Then did you enjoy it?¡± Why was she doing this? ¡°No, I didn¡¯t.¡± His answer was oddly drawn out. It would have been nice if he hadughed after saying that, but he remained expressionless. Moreover, he didn¡¯t even make eye contact, staring off towards the city instead. ¡®Fairy jokes.¡¯ He still wasn¡¯t used to them. ¡°They¡¯reing.¡± Encrid was saved from his predicament by Jaxon¡¯s remark. The escort was in sight. Thud, thud. As the carriage approached, the ground trembled. Encrid thought dealing with the escort target would be much easier than dealing with the Company Commander. ¡°That was fun.¡± He heard the Company Commander whisper behind him, sending a chill down his spine. Even with a cloak lined with heated leather, he felt a shiver. Soon, the carriage stopped, and someone got out. It was a bit different from what Encrid had expected. ¡®Not a greedy toad with puffy cheeks.¡¯ Instead, it was a woman with a beautiful appearance. She had long blonde hair and brown eyes with a hint of red. She was strikingly beautiful. The sound of boot heels hitting the ground was sharp. The woman, having descended from the carriage, looked directly at the Fairy Company Commander and said, ¡°Please take care of me.¡± There was no need for an introduction about the escorting from the standing army. From that point on, she only spoke with her own entourage. The middle-aged woman beside her, presumably her nanny, merely conveyed the escort target¡¯s wishes. The blonde woman was said to be just twenty years old, and it was unclear if she had a peculiar personality. ¡®You have to talk to her to know.¡¯ Having never made eye contact, there wasn¡¯t much to say. ¡°This job will be easy.¡± Jaxon said. Encrid nodded in agreement. He had wondered if she woulde alone for an escort request, but there were five swordsmen assigned as merchant guards. Three carried shields, and two had slender rapiers. Encrid applied what he had learned. ¡°Age, posture, positioning, gaze, all of these are information, brother.¡± As Audin had said, he sketched out their physical forms based on their posture and made guesses. ¡®Is it correct?¡¯ He wasn¡¯t sure. Frog might gauge an opponent¡¯s skill instinctively, but humans couldn¡¯t, requiring knowledge and experience instead. ¡°Ites with practice, brother.¡± Audin had said, but it wasn¡¯t something that could be mastered overnight. He wasn¡¯t impatient. Encrid focused on observing them calmly. Among the five, there was one left-handed person, and the screeching of the chair when one of them sat down indicated that they were wearing heavy armor. However, no one was wearing chain mail. It was winter, the harsh season known as the end of the four seasons. Wearing metal armor in such cold weather? There was no reason for it. Especially for those walking behind a carriage for an escort, thick gambesons would be more suitable. And they were wearing those. His experience andmon sense,bined with what he had learned from Audin, matched up. Assessing their skill by their equipment and posture. It wouldn¡¯t be urate every time, but¡­ ¡®All five.¡¯ They seemed less skilled than the frontier guards. In terms of soldier rankings, they were below elite. Encrid reaffirmed his conclusions. ¡®Not bad.¡¯ Judging skill by posture and equipment, something he hadn¡¯t dared to do before. Feeling his growth, Encrid relished the joy of progress today as well. This joy never got old. It was always new and thrilling. Improving inbat skills and martial arts. The exhration continued. It was enjoyable. Truly, incredibly enjoyable. Even though there might not be a need to draw his sword and fight in this mission. The joy came from applying what he had newly learned and understood even while sitting. ¡°Would you like to y an interesting game?¡± Jaxon¡¯s suggestion caught his interest. It was an amusing idea, no, a training method. ¡°It¡¯s a game called ¡®Matching Sounds¡¯.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s do it.¡± Rem, like Ragna and Audin, was passionate about teaching. It was a cold, hidden me of passion that wasn¡¯t immediately visible. It was impossible not to notice. He was the one benefiting from that passion. So, it wasn¡¯t really a suggestion for a mere game. Encrid¡¯s guess was correct. Jaxon¡¯s proposal was a training method to hone the Sense of the de. Of course, it wasn¡¯t an easy method. * * * ¡°The sound of tongue clicking.¡± Jaxon said, and Encrid frowned. ¡°You¡¯rete.¡± Escort duties were generally dull. Moreover, this was the Border Guard. It was obvious why they called the three of them even though there were personal guards from the merchant group. If someone attacked despite the Krona payment for escorting, it meant they were ready to confront the Border Guard standing army as well. The Border Guard was under the King¡¯s direct control. Touching the kingdom¡¯s soldiers within the royal territory? Even the renowned Rengadis merchant group, known for their nk promissory notes, would hesitate at such a burden. ¡°The third man at the left table.¡± How could he know so precisely just by listening? Encrid felt like he had reached the point where he had eyes on the back of his head. It was a simple yet challenging game. Jaxon would speak, and Encrid, focusing on the surrounding sounds, would guess. ¡°The sound of sharpening a knife.¡± The kitchen? No, higher than that. Encrid activated his Focus Point skill. Sweat dripped down his forehead. Despite the warmth from the firece heating the interior, the area around Encrid felt chilly. ¡°Upstairs.¡± ¡°The direction is correct. What floor?¡± The inn they were in had three floors. Should he guess? No, that wouldn¡¯t be training. ¡°Room 102.¡± Jaxon provided the correct answer. The key to this game was timing. You had to speak at the right moment. After a few rounds, the Company Commander approached. ¡°Let me join.¡± She was a Fairy. Her senses were far superior to those of a human. Encrid thought she seemed even more skilled than Jaxon. ¡°The sound of inserting and drawing a short de, repeatedly.¡± Another question was posed. Encrid kept missing. The Fairy Company Commander answered without even taking a breath. ¡°In front of the inn entrance.¡± ¡°The sound of breathing while covering the mouth.¡± How on earth did she know that? Encrid was bewildered, but the Fairy Company Commander continued to answer correctly in her smooth voice. ¡°Outside the window.¡± ¡°The one holding his breath while seated.¡± ¡°Under the right table facing the entrance.¡± ¡°The one stealthily ncing around.¡± ¡°Behind you.¡± Halfway through, Encrid began to tilt his head in confusion. The questions had stopped being about sounds at some point. Their escort target was the sessor of the merchant group. The merchant group had brought their own individual guards. They had taken over a section of the main hall of the inn as if they had rented it out. And then, ¡°Expect an attack.¡± ¡°I agree.¡± The moment Encrid understood the conversation between Jaxon and the Fairy Company Commander, Jaxon stood up and pushed back his chair. Thud! Smack! ¡°Ugh.¡± Encrid saw the man hit in the thigh by the chairback Jaxon had pushed. A look of surprise and a knife in his hand, a ck-coated dagger. The sound listening training had kept his senses alert. Encrid saw Jaxon and then turned his body around. He saw a man holding a dagger. He was about to stab. Seeing Encrid suddenly turn, the attacker was startled, his eyes widened, and for a moment, he froze. In that brief window, Encrid reached out and grabbed the man¡¯s wrist. Crack. He twisted it outward and raised his opposite elbow to a right angle. ¡°Ugh.¡± The man, whose wrist was twisted, was helplessly pulled forward by Encrid. Encrid then drove his elbow into the center of the man¡¯s chest. Crack. The man¡¯s chest bone broke, and he dropped the dagger. Encrid caught the falling dagger and ducked. He threw the dagger to where he had been standing. The dagger flew through the air and stuck into a wooden pir with a thud. An observer might have thought it was a close call. But Encrid had anticipated it. He had dodged it easily. ¡®Who knew this would be so useful?¡¯ During the assassin¡¯s attack at the barracks, it was Krang who was targeted, but the assassin had to go through Encrid first. Every time, he barely survived. By repeating today. Later, he faced the whistle dagger of a half-breed Fairy assassin. This was a recent event. This too, was repeated today. What someone might experience once or twice in their life, he had experienced countless times through repetition. In other words, it was the sum of all the experiences he had gone through. Now, he could easily counter this type of attack. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 73 The assant¡¯s methods were too simr to those of a thief. Their main weapons included ck-painted daggers, crossbows, and throwing knives. ¡®Well, this is something.¡¯ However, their skill was inferior. ¡®It doesn¡¯t even seem to be at the level of the Gilpin Guild.¡¯ ¡°Injured?¡± Dodging the dagger and then speaking like that showed they weren¡¯t experts. Assassination wasn¡¯t their specialty. Encrid twirled the dagger he had taken from the dead opponent in his hand. He flicked his fingers to change the position of the knife, gripped the de with his thumb and forefinger, and then extended his arm forward. A series of movements brought about the result. With a whizz, the thrown dagger flew and embedded itself in the forehead of the masked assant. The attacker, struck in the forehead, fell backward, copsing. With a thud, the head hit the floor, and red blood began to flow on the inn¡¯s floor. ¡°Ahhhh!¡± A few citizens who were just having a meal at the inn screamed and ran outside. The waiter and waitress who were carrying food had already hidden under the tables. The attack brought screams. The screams caused chaos. But Encrid and his party were unharmed. ¡°Kill them all!¡± One of the assants shouted. ¡°It¡¯s an attack! Fight back!¡± ¡°Grab your weapons!¡± The caravan guards also raised the rm for counterattack, each drawing their weapons. With a ng, the sound of des rubbing against scabbards echoed. Hearing that, Encrid didn¡¯t forget their duty to guard. ¡°I¡¯ll go.¡± He said to the Fairy Company Commander and turned his steps. Someone needed to secure the safety of the guard targets. If it was this chaotic on the first floor, there must be trouble upstairs too. There were close guards attached, but¡­ ¡®If something happens here, it¡¯s our responsibility too.¡¯ He was curious about which madman had instigated this. Attacking a caravan guarded by the Border Guard¡¯s standing army. Encrid headed upstairs. There was no one to stop him along the way. It was understandable. Jaxon was blocking the middle. He picked up a chair and swung it like a shield, blocking all the flying daggers. The chair quickly became an abstract piece of art. A wooden chair with daggers and quarrels stuck in it. When throwing weapons didn¡¯t work, some approached with short swords or clubs. Jaxon swung his sword every time they came within range, separating one person¡¯s soul from their body with each strike. It was sheer cleanliness. Blocking and shing, the trajectory of the de was ordinary, but the opponents couldn¡¯t block it. ng! One barely managed to block, but Jaxon originally swung his sword to cut through, and he quickly thrust the bounced-off sword into the opponent¡¯s face. With a crack, the nose bone broke, creating a new hole above the bridge of the nose. The opponent fell, and Jaxon pulled out the sword to start the same process again. Blocking iing daggers with the chair, he cut down those who approached with the sword. His dagger-throwing skill was several times better than Encrid¡¯s, but he didn¡¯t use it. There was no need. ¡°Damn, what is this guy?¡± Jaxon didn¡¯t answer. What conversation could he have with soon-to-be-dead men? While Jaxon drew their attention, the Fairy Company Commander stepped right into the midst of the assants. She drew her Naidil from her waist. As the Leaf de danced, assants began to fall, clutching their throats. sh and sh again. Blood droplets sprayed into the air. Her face and body were painted with sshes of red. No one could match the nimble movements of the Fairy . This was not a group of high-caliber fighters. ¡°If this is all, I¡¯m disappointed.¡± With one foot on the ground and the other raised two spans high, she took a stance with her Leaf de aimed at an opponent. It looked as if she were about to start dancing. Her voice was clear and lively, but to the listeners, it might as well have been the voice of the Demon King of the Underworld. One of the masked men involuntarily stepped back. ¡°Damn it.¡± One of the remaining attackers muttered, on the verge of tears. The leader of the attackers on the first floor thought, ¡®As long as the objective is achieved¡­¡¯ They had stalled enough time. Whether the operation on the second floor seeded or not, staying any longer meant certain death. The guards¡¯ skills were several times better than he had anticipated. Had they brought in the ughterer of the Frontier or something? He didn¡¯t know. He didn¡¯t need to know. He thought his job was done. It was time to pull out. ¡°Kill them all!¡± The leader shouted, running toward the door. He nned to escape while his men bought time. He believed the operation was a sess. ¡°Glory to Aspen!¡± One of the remaining subordinates shouted. Ignoring the shout, the leader fled. They were the remnants of spies left in the city. They threw their lives away for their country and honor. The leader, though, did it for the money. Loyalty was meant to be used at times like this, wasn¡¯t it? Jaxon, watching the fleeing leader intently, touched the thin de hidden at his waist and then let go. ¡®Pointless.¡¯ Killing that one wouldn¡¯t change anything. Letting him escape wouldn¡¯t cause any big trouble either. Jaxon turned his attention back to his task. Butchering and killing the attacking enemies without mercy. He was ying the role of the gatekeeper, blocking the stairs leading to the second floor. Not the most fitting job for him, given his usual demeanor. But among those gathered in the inn¡¯s main hall, aside from the Fairy Company Commander, he was the most skilled. No one could get past Jaxon. While skillfully swinging her Naidil, the Fairy Company Commander asionally nced back. The squad member blocking the way ahead of Encrid, who had gone up the stairs, caught her eye. ¡®Impressive.¡¯ Wasn¡¯t this the Troublesome Squad? A squad member more skilled than their leader was unusual. It wasn¡¯t entirely unheard of, but the skill gap here was significant. ¡®At least city-level.¡¯ The soldier ranking system is a system created by Naurillia. When you look across the continent, skill levels are expressed differently. For the Company Commander, who has led a nomadic life, that method was more familiar. Vige, city, continent. Even within these categories, there were distinctions betweenrge viges and small cities, and between regions of the continent or the entire continent itself. The basic structure was this: Are you skilled enough to make a name for yourself in a single vige? Or do you have the skills to make a name in a city? And to make a name across the entire continent, what level do you need to be? In her estimation, a continent-level expert was at least at the level of a knight. Without mastering the ¡®power¡¯ they wield, it was difficult. Excluding frauds who hired minstrels to sell their names, that was the truth. ¡°Interesting.¡± She muttered. From the perspective of the attacker, who had just lost all four fingers on his right hand trying to block her Naidil, it was a horrifying statement. ¡°Ugh, what?¡± The man, tears streaming down his face, spoke. The Fairy Company Commander silently struck the back of his head with the pommel of her Naidil. Thump. Unconscious. Should she stop the bleeding? No, it wouldn¡¯t matter. If he died, he died. There were plenty of witnesses left alive. She hadn¡¯t killed them all. Neither had Jaxon. Some of those who looked young and seemed likely to have loose lips had been spared, with only thigh cuts or were just knocked out. Even the first one who shouted ¡°Glory to Aspen¡± was left alive. They would be useful in many ways. ¡®How¡¯s it going upstairs?¡¯ While fighting, the Fairy partially focused on the situation upstairs. Her hearing extended, revealing the situation above. She had a peculiar smile. ¡®Interesting.¡¯ It was a recurring thought. When she was a child, when she first received her Naidil. Back then, it was just as enjoyable. With this thought, the Fairy ¡¯s Naidil moved again. By now, the number of assants had halved. * * * Encrid ascended the stairs to the upper floor two steps at a time. As he pounded up the stairs, he felt light. ¡®The Istion Technique.¡¯ It had certainly made a difference in his body. Audin had said it was slow, but Encrid felt a significant change. He felt lighter than before. As soon as he reached the second-floor corridor, an assassin with a sword dropped down from above. This one was of lower skill than the previous assassins he had faced. He could almost see the presence of the assassin. In the narrow corridor, he swiftly twisted his body. Pressing close to the wall to avoid the falling attacker, the assant hit the floor with a thud. The eyes of the fallen attacker met Encrid¡¯s. Encrid gripped his longsword with his right hand, bending his knees halfway. It was the drawing stance of the Middle Sword Technique. The fallen attacker regained his bnce, holding his shortsword vertically to the ground. It was an excellent defensive stance to block a horizontal sh, but¡­ It was a poor stance to block the vertical sh that Encrid initiated with his left hand. Thwack! Deceiving the opponent with his right-hand stance, he sliced through the attacker¡¯s crown with a hidden shortsword in his left hand. It was the double drawing technique of the Valen Mercenary Sword Style. The deceived attacker¡¯s eyes trembled. But he couldn¡¯t speak. The dead don¡¯t talk. ¡°Are you crazy? Hiring an assassin here?¡± A woman¡¯s voice was heard. ¡°Where do you think you¡¯re going!¡± Another woman¡¯s voice followed. Encrid leaped over the corpse and started running down the narrow corridor. A partially open room came into view. And in front of it, a masked assant blocking the way. ¡°Idiots.¡± Seeing Encrid charging towards him, the assant waved his hand. A throwing knife whizzed through the air. Compared to a Whistle Dagger, its speed was not even a quarter. The Heart of the Beast gave Encrid the courage to face the flying dagger head-on. Focus Point made the flying dagger appear slow. Coupled with the Sense of the de, he read the trajectory of the dagger. With muscles and reflexes supporting all these processes, Encrid simply tilted his head to the side. In the past, before repeating today, such a movement was unimaginable. He had thought it was just a stunt. Dodging a flying dagger by just tilting his head. In an actual battlefield, hadn¡¯t he failed to dodge an arrow from some hawk-eyed enemy and had to use a shield? Now, he felt he could dodge even that arrow. The sound of the thrown object whooshing past remained in his ears. Dodging by just tilting his head and charging forward, his opponent¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. Despite being startled, the opponent moved his hand, seemingly to throw another dagger. Holding the shortsword in his left hand, Encrid feigned a charge, then swung his right arm once. Whistle. Following the trajectory of his swinging arm, a Whistle Dagger whistled through the air. It pierced through the opponent¡¯s neck. ¡°Urgh.¡± Blood spurted from his neck, and blood foam bubbled from his mouth. Reflexively, hepleted his movement. He threw the dagger he held in his hand. But already dying, hecked the strength, and it simply fell to the floor with a thud. Both the dodging and throwing actions urred within a few breaths. Without slowing his pace, Encrid charged forward and mmed his shoulder into the man with the pierced neck, sending him flying to the side. Thud, bang, crash! The man crashed into the door on the opposite side of the corridor, eliciting a surprised scream from within. This was an inn. Naturally, there were people staying. It wasn¡¯t broad daylight, but still, to carry out such an attack in the middle of a city, in an inn no less. These opponents were either exceptionally brave orpletely foolish. ¡°Argh!¡± Having just dealt with one assant, Encrid kicked open the door and entered the room. He saw one of the caravan guards copsing with a knife wound to his stomach. The masked assant who had stabbed the guard withdrew the knife and was about to sh the guard¡¯s charge. In that split second, Encrid¡¯s Whistle Dagger flew from his hand. Whistle! Thud! It wasn¡¯t thrown with full strength due to the urgency, but it served its purpose. The assant faltered, trying to block it. Encrid charged forward. The assant didn¡¯t try to confront the charging Encrid. Instead, he swung his sword again towards the guard¡¯s charge, the young woman from the caravan. ¡®You bastard.¡¯ Encrid cursed internally. Encrid cursed the relentless assassin. There was no other way. In a moment, he mimicked the movements of a squire he had seen on the battlefield. Of course, he couldn¡¯t replicate it perfectly. Hecked such talent. But the distance was short. A small room with just a bed and a couple of pieces of furniture. In such a confined space, he could manage a decent imitation. Lowering his stance, he pushed off the ground. He closed the gap in an instant. Encrid thought that pulling and throwing another Whistle Dagger wouldn¡¯t be enough to stop the attacker, so he threw himself forward. Thwack! The de intended for the guard¡¯s charge struck Encrid¡¯s back as he positioned himself between the sword and the target. The gambeson was cut through, and the de sliced into his lower back. Reflexively, Encrid twisted his waist to deflect the sword that had struck him. With the de now lodged in his body, Encrid¡¯s eyes met those of the guard¡¯s charge. Instead of the expected wide-eyed, pale-faced terror, he saw a woman with a determined expression, her jaw clenched tightly. It was a protection mission. What was a mission? It was a duty. Something that had to be done. Since he had taken the blow with his back, Encrid endured the shock with his body. At the same time, he silently thanked Audin. ¡®Thank you, Audin.¡¯ ¡°Knowing how to take a hit, that¡¯s fundamental.¡± It was the basics of wrestling. Deflecting force while taking a hit, essentially deflecting the de with his body. When he learned it, he felt like he was going to die. Now that he had learned it, he realized how useful it was. ¡°Just a moment.¡± Encrid said, pushing the caravan girl aside. ¡°Hmm!¡± Instead of screaming, she held her breath. She seemed to be a resilient type. ¡°You bastard?¡± The assassin, assessing the situation, red at Encrid with a thick-ded sword, a dius, in hand. ¡°Shall we go downstairs and talk?¡± Encrid turned around and then charged at him. The opponent¡¯s de aimed for his forehead, thrusting forward. Encrid had never imagined that his experience with Whistle Daggers would be so useful. It was a slower thrustpared to a Whistle Dagger. Dodging it, he lowered his stance and grabbed the back of the assassin¡¯s thigh with his palm. He then lifted the assassin from below and rushed toward the window. Crash, crack. The wooden frame shattered and the ss broke. Encrid and the assassin fell straight out of the second floor. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 74 The second floor wasn¡¯t that high. Even so, falling with the weight of an adult man, fully armed, was indeed an act of suicide. Encrid pushed his opponent by headbutting his stomach. He fell while maintaining his bnce. The sudden tackle left his opponent helpless. With a thud, they both hit the ground. On top was Encrid, and below him was the assassin. ¡°Cough!¡± The fallen assassin spat out blood. Encrid, pushing his opponent away and standing up, exhaled and checked his own condition. ¡®No injuries.¡¯ No strained joints or ligaments either. That was good. Separating the assassin from the person he was protecting was the first priority of a bodyguard. Jaxon was blocking the way to the second floor. The rest of the minor issues would be handled by the Fairy Company Commander. While checking his body, Encrid realized there were no particr wounds on his back. Blocking the opponent¡¯s de with his body was somewhat calcted. ¡®The armor.¡¯ The armor he obtained after raiding the Gilpin guild. Rem was the one who recognized its true value. ¡°This won¡¯t be cut by any ordinary sword. Hmm, it¡¯s made from precious beast leather, so use it well. The material alone is quite something. What kind of fool had this and didn¡¯t wear it until he died?¡± Originally, the box was cursed. The deceased guild master couldn¡¯t break the curse, so he just kept it. For some reason, the curse didn¡¯t affect Encrid. So, he managed to block his opponent¡¯s de without spilling a single drop of blood. However, while it could block sharp metal, it couldn¡¯tpletely absorb the shock, so he was grateful to Audin. The Istion Technique had built his body. And he learned wrestling to use his built body. Using the skills he learned, Encrid protected himself. It was possible because he trained continuously, every single moment. Avoiding the de, subduing the opponent, all of it. If he had wasted even a single day, today would not have been possible. He could state that confidently. ¡°You¡¯re insane.¡± He saw the assassin¡¯s mouth bleeding and wetting the mask. The assassin, finding it suffocating, pulled off the mask. It was an unfamiliar face. Of course, with over 5,000 people staying in the Border Guard, how could he know every face? However, the face felt somewhat familiar. As if they had passed by each other before. ¡°Cough.¡± The man coughed again, this time with blood. The blood mixed with his cough sttered onto his beard and dripped to the floor. Despite this, he red at Encrid. His eyes were filled with murderous intent. A fierce determination to kill radiated from him. Screech. Encrid drew his longsword. His opponent drew a dius with one hand and a shortsword with the other. ¡®Dual-wielding weapons.¡¯ Despite his internal injuries, evidenced by the blood from his mouth, his bnce was unwavering, and his eyes were alive. This man had experienced battle. Encrid¡¯s instincts told him that. His face showed signs of age. He was well over thirty. If he had survived that long, he surely had some tricks up his sleeve. ¡®He¡¯ll probably use some kind of sword technique.¡¯ The attack would be unconventional. This was an assumption based on what he could see. ¡°Cough, spit.¡± The man, having blood in his nose, snorted loudly like a pig and spat out a bloody phlegm before asking Encrid. ¡°Which unit are you from?¡± ¡°Why do you want to know?¡± ¡°If you¡¯re a regr soldier, you¡¯re my junior.¡± Junior? Encrid showed his confusion through his expression, while his eyes continued to scan his opponent¡¯s body. There were fewer openings than expected. His stance was solid. ¡°I used to be a toon leader.¡± The man said. Encrid believed him but didn¡¯t let it change anything. There were many who left the military. Some left as cripples. Some left dead, only their names remembered. Some left intact but because they caused trouble. There were countless cases. Among them, there were those who left honorably. For instance, if someone chose military service over prison, they could opt for discharge once their mandatory service wasplete. ¡°Were you with the ughterer?¡± The man asked again. Encrid shook his head slightly. The reason he responded was simple: to find an opening in his opponent. But there were none. The man still didn¡¯t show any clear openings. Not bad. Encrid thought as he subtly lowered the tip of his sword. As the position of Encrid¡¯s sword shifted, the man adjusted the position of his two swords. A formidable opponent, both instinct and logic confirmed it. ¡°Phew, that¡¯s better. I was feeling dizzy. Now I¡¯ll kill you and then go up to kill her too.¡± The opponent spoke as if picking up a coin from the ground, as if it were an easy task. This time, there was no response. There was no time for it. The opponent charged simultaneously with his words. Fast. The dius and shortsword danced through the air. Left and right, each hand moved to a different rhythm. ¡®The Valen Dual Sword Technique.¡¯ It was a technique he knew but had never attempted due to his limitations in talent. Both des, moving to different rhythms, aimed for lethal strikes. The opponent¡¯s footwork and swordy were formidable. As soon as Encrid saw the charge, he gripped his sword with both hands and lowered the tip, letting the sword dangle behind his left hip. The charging opponent¡¯s eyes gleamed. Encrid remained calm. The Heart of the Beast gave him courage. He couldn¡¯t predict the opponent¡¯s movements. The Valen Dual Sword Technique was a skill he couldn¡¯t perform with his own body. But that didn¡¯t mean he couldn¡¯t counter it. Thud. He stepped forward with his left foot. Moving at his own rhythm, regardless of the opponent¡¯s. The two des flew in arcs. Before they could make contact, Encrid moved. ¡°Your strength is impressive.¡± Audin had insulted him about everything else, but he acknowledged his strength. Encrid knew how to use his strength and the Middle Sword Technique to break the opponent¡¯s swordy. Whoosh. The longsword cut through the air. The de, mixed with Valyrian steel, shed horizontally. Of course, it wasn¡¯t just cutting through air. Thwack, st! A mid-level horizontal sh. Strength over finesse. He had sparred dozens of times. Since repeating those days, his skills had vastly improved, expanding beyond the scope of what he learned from sparring. What he couldn¡¯t see or feel before, he now sensed through the Heart of the Beast, the Sense of the de, and the Focus Point. He re-created and trained what he perceived. For the body that didn¡¯t cooperate, he used the Istion Technique to reshape it. It was like dodging a dagger with just a nod of the head. This time, however, he had intentionally swung his sword. Using his crafted body, he twisted his muscles around his left foot pivot and struck out. All these actions took ce in an instant. The de that shed horizontally cut the opponent¡¯s body in half. The opponent tried to block with one of his swords and slip inside, but Encrid¡¯s power overwhelmed the finesse. It was a clear victory of strength. Encrid looked at the man, now half-severed and spilling hot, steaming entrails. ¡°Farewell, senior.¡± Even with his body half severed, the assassin showed remarkable resilience. His eyes were full of lingering determination. He muttered something, his lips trembling. Encrid read his lips. ¡°Glory to the homnd.¡± Was all of this an act of loyalty to his country? Did it lead to assassination? He didn¡¯t know. But it seemed worth investigating. After swinging his sword to shake off the blood and sheathing it, the Fairy Company Commander and Jaxon finally emerged from outside. ¡°You sure make a lot of noise when you fight.¡± Jaxon remarked, his eyes scanning Encrid¡¯s body from head to toe. He didn¡¯t seem to be seriously injured. Just a few scratches from breaking through the window. ¡°If you were my lover, you¡¯d have to handle at least this much.¡± The Fairy Company Commander spoke in her usual tone, blunt and using harsh words. ¡°You might give people the wrong idea.¡± Embarrassed, Encrid blurted out that it was a misunderstanding. The words came out backwards. ¡°Is that so?¡± The Company Commander dismissed it nonchntly. ¡°Did you capture a few?¡± ¡°Yes, we did.¡± Nodding at Jaxon¡¯s response, Encrid went inside. On the first floor, he saw those who had already been captured and bound. Looking around, he noticed that few of the caravan guards were present. Some had been killed. ¡®The level of these attackers¡­¡¯ Wasn¡¯t very high. But that was only by Encrid¡¯s standards. For ordinary caravan guards, they would have been quite challenging. Especially thest opponent he killed, a retired soldier. He could have easily cut down a few inexperienced mercenaries. Where did this groupe from? The question arose naturally. Entering the first floor, he saw that the person he was guarding, the youngdy of the caravan, had alreadye down. The surroundings were filled with blood and corpses, including some of their own. It could be mistaken for the middle of a battlefield. There had been at least twenty ambushers. More than half of them were killed or captured by the Company Commander and Jaxon. A few members of the caravan were vomiting, which was understandable. The ce was filled with bodies, blood, and entrails. Yet, she only furrowed her brow slightly, lookingposed. She approached, clicking her boot heels as she walked. ¡°Your name?¡± She asked as she came closer. Encrid pointed to himself. She nodded. Seeing her nod, Encrid spoke. ¡°Encrid.¡± ¡°Are you alright?¡± She gestured towards his back, and Encrid nodded. Thanks to the leather armor. As Rem had said, it wouldn¡¯t be cut by an ordinary de. He had assessed the opponent¡¯s level in an instant and decided he could block with his body. If not, how else would he have blocked it? He would have used other means. He might not have tried to block with his body so recklessly, but at that moment, he thought it was the best option. ¡°I see. I¡¯ll make sure you¡¯re rewardedter.¡± It wasn¡¯t a job he did expecting a reward. ¡°It¡¯s fine. It¡¯s my duty.¡± At that, she pursed her lips a few times before speaking. ¡°I¡¯m Leona.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± He already knew her name. After introducing herself, she looked around and took a deep breath in and out. ¡°Compensate the families of the deceased.¡± ¡°Yes, mydy.¡± The nanny, whose legs were trembling, approached and answered. She seemed more shocked than Lady Leona herself. Seeing the vomit on her lips, it was clear she had already been sick from the sight around her. The nanny consciously avoided looking at the ground. In contrast, Lady Leona was¡­ ¡®Soposed.¡¯ Is she more indifferent to such matters than I thought? No, she¡¯s just more resolute. Or maybe she was prepared for this. Encrid watched as the others cleaned up the area and then stepped back. Leona didn¡¯t say anything more. Encrid moved to one side of the inn, noticing the owner¡¯s distressed face. This must be a first for him too. He was curious¡ªno, he needed to know which lunatic had orchestrated this. ¡®Glory to the homnd.¡¯ He had heard rumors of Aspen spies within the Border Guard. ¡°The one who seemed to be the ringleader got away.¡± Jaxon said beside him. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you catch him?¡± ¡°Why should I?¡± I came to protect, so I¡¯ll protect. This is the proper attitude of a soldier fulfilling a mission. Jaxon conveyed his thoughts not just through words but through his attitude. Encrid didn¡¯t reprimand him for it. It was probably better than bringing Rem or other squad members. ¡°Well done.¡± ¡°Two days left.¡± It sounded like a call to staymitted to their protection mission. Work is work, and Jaxon was right. ¡®I am curious about the mastermind.¡¯ The incident happened early in the evening. As darkness fell, the smell of blood lingered. A few remaining guests vacated their rooms and left. When the innkeeper¡¯s face grew more contorted, Lady Leona spoke up. ¡°The caravan will cover your losses.¡± Watching her from behind, she didn¡¯t seem frightened like a scared bird. She was confident. She must not have been raised delicately. Encrid quietly watched her back and then asked. ¡°Are we staying up all night? Company Commander?¡± ¡°Do you want to?¡± ¡°No.¡± ¡°Then we¡¯ll take turns. You rest first.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Without hesitation, Encrid went up to the second floor. As he ascended, he clenched and then opened his hand. How skilled had his opponent been? At least as skilled as that thrusting maniac he had repeatedly encountered on the battlefield during his first ¡®today¡¯. Falling from the second floor, he had inflicted injuries on his opponent. ¡®His internal organs were damaged.¡¯ His limbs wouldn¡¯t have had full strength either. That didn¡¯t dim the light of victory. ¡®Even if he was at his best, I would have won.¡¯ Confidence¡ªthose three words he had never truly possessed in his life. Now, they began to sprout within him. He would still walk like a turtle, but it would be a different walk. Encrid felt he had taken a step closer to his dream. Though it was too small to be visible, the fact that he had advanced filled him with satisfaction. ¡°Thank you for saving us.¡± One of the guards, descending the stairs, encountered him. ¡°If we hadn¡¯t requested protection from the Border Guard¡­¡± The female guard, who had been Leona¡¯s close protector, looked pale. Even with a hole in her stomach, she was already walking. Was she desperate to die? ¡°It was a shallow wound. It was close. My internal organs weren¡¯t damaged.¡± She spoke, sensing his gaze. ¡°That¡¯s a relief.¡± They awkwardly looked at each other before Encrid passed her and continued upward. ¡°Thank you.¡± The female guard said again. Encrid took it in stride. It was his duty. That was his mission and job. Encrid rested for exactly half a day and woke up at dawn. ¡°It¡¯s your turn, Squad Leader.¡± It was the call of the Company Commander, though he was already awake. He shared a room with the Company Commander and Jaxon. There were no issues with taking turns using it. After all, they were soldiers before being men and women. Even with the Border Guard¡¯s regr troops as escorts, there had been an ambush. This ambush had caused quite a stir. In front of the inn, two squads of soldiers were deployed. They were from the 2nd Company. ¡°I¡¯ll catch that bastard and make sure he pays.¡± one of the toon leaders from the 2nd Company said confidently. It was said they took the captured assants with them. Encrid went down alone. Despite the cleaning efforts, the hall still smelled faintly of blood and other unpleasant odors. The dim light from the candbra illuminated the hall. It was empty. Ordinary guests had long since moved to other inns. As a result, the main hall was empty. Encrid took a seat at one of the tables. He then began his review. It was a natural thing for him to do. Even without repeating today, it was something he always did. He continued reviewing and doing any training he could while sitting. Just before the morning sun rose, someone came down the stairs. ¡°You¡¯re up early.¡± It was Lady Leona, the person he was tasked with protecting. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 75 The mes on the candlesticks attached to the walls of the inn¡¯s hall were only half-lit. With no guests around, they might be trying to save on candle costs. As a result, the thick shadows created by the dim light made Encrid¡¯s shadow stretch long on the floor. He had been practicing the Sense of de all night. The quiet indoors, the sound of the soldier standing guard outside, and the sound of his escort tilting his ss. He listened intently, sharpening his senses and focus simultaneously. He read the presence and counted the number of people around him. He even gauged the distance by listening to the night bird crying from afar. While doing so, Encrid reflected on his range of perception. ¡®If it¡¯s within five steps.¡¯ He could even read their presence. He could hear the sound of clothes brushing against each other. As he thought about it, he wondered. ¡®Is it really possible to do that just by listening?¡¯ Thinking back to the conversation between the Fairy Company Commander and Jaxon right before the ambush, they had already predicted the surprise attack. How did they do it? It couldn¡¯t have been just by relying on their ears. He thought he should ask Jaxonter. If it was something he could learn, he wanted to learn it. ¡®This time, it wasn¡¯t the wall.¡¯ He might not have to repeat today at a mediocre level. But he didn¡¯t think he would deliberately stay trapped in today by dying. Encrid was still the same. ¡®For tomorrow.¡¯ He always ran forward, looking only ahead. That was the driving force that kept him from being trapped in today. Crack, crackle. The logs in the firece broke, and sparks flew. Besides reviewing the battle, various thoughts crossed his mind. Encrid sat down, propping his chin on his hand, and recalled the people he had killed. ¡®For the glory of the homnd.¡¯ Was it Aspen¡¯s spy unit? What was the person who moved that many people thinking? What was he nning after causing such an incident within the Border Guard? Would there be another attack? Breaking through the forces of two squads? Or would they send an assassin? As he thought about it, he realized that catching the escaped one might be easier than he initially thought. At that moment, Leona came down. ¡°You¡¯re up early.¡± ¡°I was on duty, so I was taking a shift.¡± ¡°Ah, I see.¡± Leona nodded and approached. The floor still bore traces of the previous night. She seemed to be trying to appear nonchnt. That would likely make it more noticeable. Focusing on something else would be morefortable. Encrid knew this from experience. ¡°Is this your first time at the Border Guard?¡± ¡°What? Yes.¡± But didn¡¯t Big Eyes say this woman¡¯s personality was peculiar? She seemed to have some backbone, but she didn¡¯t yet show the same madness as Rem. ¡®No, I shouldn¡¯tpare her to Rem.¡¯ That wouldn¡¯t be polite. ¡°They say there are many legends about the Pen-Hanil River. Do you know the story about the sword made from the river¡¯s water?¡± A bard¡¯s tale always stirred the heart. Encrid had memorized a few such stories. They were not only good for making conversation but also helped pass the time on duty without boredom. So, the story he was about to tell was just idle chatter while on duty. However, for someone hearing it for the first time, it would be quite a fresh tale. ¡°Please, tell me.¡± Leona smiled and nodded, showing interest. Despite the trivial nature of the story, Leona listened with bright eyes. She responded with smiles and nods throughout. ¡°And so, there was a trend of making swords from the river¡¯s water for a while, but none ever summoned the spirits living in the river like the story said.¡± ¡°You¡¯re a good storyteller.¡± ¡°Quite good, yes.¡± Rem admitted that when it came to provoking someone with words, there was no beating their Squad Leader. Here, the Squad Leader was himself. As he nodded, Leona suddenly spoke up. ¡°Would youe with me?¡± Encrid, puzzled, asked again. ¡°What? Where?¡± She was still his charge. Even though two squad forces had taken control of the inn after the ambush within the Border Guard, leaving no one inside. Encrid¡¯s mission and her requested task weren¡¯t over yet. There were still two days left. So, it was only natural to follow her wherever she went. ¡°I¡¯m suggesting youe with me when I leave the Border Guardter.¡± She said it abruptly, but it sounded like a prepared speech. It had the particr nuance often found in those who hadmanded many people. Sitting quietly, with her red lips parting, she said, ¡°Come with me.¡± She exuded confidence, sure that the position she was offering was superior. Leona truly believed that. What kind of ce was the Rockfreed Merchant Group? Though it mightg behind the Rengardis Merchant Group and other major groups, it was still influential in the region. These merchant groups dealt with the ¡®Shepherds of the Wilderness¡¯ in the northernmost part of Pen-Hanil, a group of hunters known as the ¡®ck Leather Guild¡¯ who could hunt dragons if adequately prepared, and the ¡®cier Rangers¡¯, who lived deep in the mountains in harmony with nature. Their primary trading partners were these three groups. In addition, there was a map imbued with the experiences of their predecessors who had traveled across the Pen-Hanil continent. It was the Rockfreed Merchant Route Map. This map recorded their trade routes, summarizing the specialties of each merchant group and the fastest paths, making it a treasure among treasures. If someone stole it and sold it, they would never have to worry about money for the rest of their lives. This was the Rockfreed Merchant Group. It was something everyone coveted. Especially those who inherited the bloodline of the predecessors, they might think it was rightfully theirs. This thought likely spurred the bold raid yesterday. ¡®Drawing a sword first here.¡¯ That¡¯s why she was angry. Why did that boldness have to show up now? Although she wasn¡¯t rted by blood, she was striving to honor the predecessor¡¯sst wish. Why did the other partypletely disregard that? Yes, if it weren¡¯t for the predecessor¡¯sst wish, she wouldn¡¯t havee this far. What was thatst wish? ¡°Before killing and being killed, try to reach an agreement. Can you do that for me, Leona?¡± The predecessor, the one who raised her like a daughter. But he was also someone she couldn¡¯t easily call father. ¡®Neither the merchant group nor the bloodline.¡¯ She couldn¡¯t give up either, so this was hisst wish. Leona understood the predecessor¡¯s heart. To grow the Rockfreed Merchant Group, Leona was raised. But he couldn¡¯t simply abandon his bloodline. That¡¯s why she was here. At the Border Guard of Naurillia, it was thest bastion to negotiate without drawing a sword. If it weren¡¯t for the predecessor¡¯sst wish, the sessionpetition would have ended long ago. In such a situation, an ambush. Drawing a sword at the Border Guard? ¡®Fools.¡¯ That was the end of her scattered thoughts. She noticed the man who had saved her in a moment of crisis. The first thing that caught her eye was hiske-like eyes. Those blue eyes. They were so captivating that they seemed almost magical. ck hair, blue eyes, and a well-trained body. And on top of that, a handsome face. It was only natural for her to be interested. ¡®He really has a great appearance.¡¯ Moreover, his skills were exceptional. The way he had dashed into the room and subdued the enemy in an instant. And what about his unselfish nature? After saving her, with just one word, ¡°Duty¡±, Leona¡¯s heart raced. It started from that moment. She wanted him. She wanted to take him with her. ¡°I promise you a better position and better treatment than you have now.¡± Encrid had nothing to ponder. Hadn¡¯t he already served as an escort for the merchant group? If his sole purpose was Krais. ¡®That wouldn¡¯t be too bad either.¡¯ Living as the sword of a growing merchant group wouldn¡¯t be bad. But he had dreams and a path to follow, and though it was slow, he was walking that path now. There was no room for distractions. ¡°No, thank you.¡± He ced his hands on his thighs and sat up straight. A firm answer from a proper posture. It¡¯s best to be clear when refusing. Encrid knew this from experience. Leona¡¯s pupils trembled. ¡°It¡¯s unseemly to cling to someone who says no.¡± Jaxon¡¯s voice came from behind, though she hadn¡¯t noticed when he hade down. ¡°Indeed, it is unseemly.¡± The Fairy Company Commander¡¯s words were heard as well. ¡°Is that so?¡± Leona neither burst into anger nor showed any irritation or annoyance. She just nodded calmly. ¡°Are you satisfied with your current position?¡± Not really. But being here shows him the way to rise higher. ¡°Business is tough.¡± sighed the innkeeper who had appeared at some point. The blue light of dawn was slowly turning into the yellow light of daybreak. It was morning. ¡°The merchant group will cover the losses.¡± Leona said again, sounding as if she had intended to get a definite answer from the start. ¡°Oh, if you could do that.¡± the innkeeper said, rubbing his hands together. Leona nodded as she watched him. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Expect guests around noon, so please prepare for that.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± She seemed ustomed to giving orders while seated. Soon, a nurse came down from upstairs. Leona excused herself, saying she would rest, and left. Jaxon approached and spoke. ¡°There are plenty of pretty women in the city, so don¡¯t bother with the heir of the merchant group.¡± I didn¡¯t bother her. I refused. Encrid also had plenty of experience with women being interested in him. His face wasn¡¯t going anywhere. Moreover, his well-trained body was a good tool for exuding various types of appeal. ¡°Encrid, senior soldier.¡± It was the Company Commander. Without moving from her spot, she called out to him in the same posture and tone as usual and asked, ¡°Do you have a reputation for being a womanizer?¡± ¡°¡­No.¡± ¡°Do you flirt with every woman who passes by?¡± ¡°No, I do not.¡± ¡°Really?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± It was clearly a joke. It was a joke, but¡­ Her expression was utterly serious, and her eyes werepletely calm. That made it difficult to respond. ¡®I wish she would stop now.¡¯ ¡°I see.¡± The Company Commander nodded. Encrid went outside to catch his breath. One of the squad members from the 3rd toon of the 2nd Company recognized him and struck up a conversation. ¡°If you¡¯re flirting with every woman you pass by, what chance do people like me have?¡± It seemed like a familiar banter. ¡°Who are you talking about?¡± ¡°First the Company Commander, and now thedy of Rockfreed. Ah, you¡¯re a Squad Leader with a fatal charm, truly irresistible.¡± The one expressing admiration was the toon leader. He was somewhat familiar too. Having been temporarily called out for various missions here and there, Encrid had crossed paths with many people. ¡°That¡¯s not the case.¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± ¡°He says it¡¯s not.¡± ¡°He says it¡¯s not.¡± A few soldiers echoed his words. It was a bit of a chant. They must be bored, being dispatched to surround an inn in the city with nothing else to do. It was understandable that they were bored. Since there had been no further attacks, and there were no signs of any either. Sure, boredom was understandable. ¡®But spending time teasing me isn¡¯t something I appreciate.¡¯ Rumors were always scary. Indeed, it didn¡¯t take long for another rumor to spread widely. When Krais visited the inn, he made this remark. ¡°I heard you slept with the merchant leader in just one day? How did you manage that? Even for me, that¡¯s not easy, and the Rockfreeddy is known for her high standards and prickly personality.¡± ¡°She¡¯s not prickly.¡± ¡°Oh,e on, she is.¡± ¡°If you¡¯re here, at least do some work.¡± ¡°What?¡± Encrid gave Krais a task instead of entertaining pointless talk. He didn¡¯t care about clearing up the misunderstanding. Krais was just teasing him, knowing full well it wasn¡¯t true. ¡°One of the attackers escaped. Find him.¡± The one who escaped, Encrid was curious about his whereabouts. The person who died by his de, an Aspen spy, died shouting for the glory of his homnd. But it wouldn¡¯t be satisfying if the one who orchestrated all this survived. ¡®He must pay for what he¡¯s done.¡¯ That¡¯s the natural order and the right thing to do. It¡¯s good to say that justice is alive. And soon, the order to find him woulde from the unit. He didn¡¯t want to leave it be. If he started something, he had to take responsibility, not run away, leaving all his subordinates behind. Since he identified himself as an Aspen spy, he couldn¡¯t be let go alive. ¡°Understood.¡± With the Night Guild around, they could find out most things within the city. That was an advantage. So finding one person shouldn¡¯t be too difficult. ¡®Every now and then, Kronaes in handy.¡¯ This time, if he saved enough money, he was thinking of getting a decent short sword or a guard sword as a deputy. He had tried a guard sword before and quite liked it. Ragna had also rmended using a shield, but he couldn¡¯t easily get ustomed to it. If necessary, he would learn, but considering his abilities, using his strength was his specialty. ¡°It would be better to wield the sword with both hands. But on the battlefield, having a shield is beneficial.¡± Ragna had said this too. As a light infantryman, he knew how to handle a shield to some extent. What is the purpose of the military? It¡¯s a ce that values the strength of a standardized majority over a few exceptional individuals. It wasmon knowledge that a ten-man unit, trained and standardized, was stronger than a unit with two outstanding swordsmen mixed in. As part of standardized training, there were group formation drills involving shield handling. While his subordinates roughly went through it, Encrid diligently learned it as well. It didn¡¯t improve easily, though. ¡®It just doesn¡¯te naturally to me.¡¯ Every time he picked up the shield, Encrid thought about it. Like Ragna said, wielding the sword with both hands felt much more natural, like a well-fitting garment. Whether to use a shield or not. If he became an exception to the standardized rules of the majority, it wouldn¡¯t matter much. Not long after Krais left, a man with a mischievous face and about a dozen soldiers arrived. One of the escorts caught his eye. A man with nted eyes and arms hanging limply at his sides. He wore a thin, long-ded rapier at his waist. ¡®He looks fast.¡¯ That was his immediate impression. The man didn¡¯t bother to hide himself. It seemed to be a disy of confidence. ¡®I use a fast sword. But knowing that won¡¯t help you block it.¡¯ His posture and attitude seemed to say just that. The man with cheeks puffed out with mischief was named Pollid. He was Leona¡¯s rival in the sessionpetition. As soon as he entered, he took a seat at a table and said, ¡°Hey, bring Leona here.¡± The person addressed as ¡®hey¡¯ was Jaxon. Naturally, Jaxon ignored him. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 76 ¡°Hey, can¡¯t you hear me? You red-headed idiot.¡± Jaxon ignored him again. Watching this, Encrid was newly grateful that he had brought Jaxon along. What if it had been Rem? ¡°Is he calling me now?¡± It would be lucky if a word came out before an axe did. Jaxon just ignored him. How fortunate is that? Though, the one being ignored must be quite upset. ¡°You bastard, I¡¯m Pollid Rockfreed!¡± So what. Jaxonmunicated with his eyes. Fortunately, before things escted, Leona came down. Leona came down with her nursemaid, smiling brightly. ¡°You¡¯rete.¡± ¡°Late? That guy you brought as a guard, what the heck is he doing¡­¡± ¡°You sent him, didn¡¯t you?¡± ¡®Huh?¡¯ Leona walked over lightly and stopped Pollid¡¯s rant with a question. Pollid tilted his head, wondering what she meant. Leona¡¯s hand sliced through the air. p! ¡®Wow.¡¯ Encrid admired inwardly. Leona had pped the guy across the face without any warning. It was a swift swing and a resounding smack. The guy couldn¡¯t speak for a while, so stunned by the p. Pollid, his head turned, looked at Leona with wide eyes. ¡°You said it. You crazy bastard.¡± Leona¡¯s clear and sweet voice echoed. Encrid thought he should revise the answer he had given to Krais. That woman was harsh. To others. ng, ng, ng! Many drew their swords and weapons. With one p, the atmosphere turned deadly. Encrid didn¡¯t draw his weapon but stood behind Leona. Jaxon stood beside him, and the Fairy Company Commander silently stayed in her ce. ¡°You, you, you crazy bitch, are you trying to get yourself killed?¡± Finally, Pollid grabbed his pped cheek and spoke. ¡°You¡¯ll be the one to die. Do you know where you are, throwing money and using forces carelessly? Did you think that wouldn¡¯t be noticed?¡± Encrid watched, wondering what was going on. He thought things were getting interesting. The Border Guard¡¯s inn also served as a meeting ce for the tradingpany. They didn¡¯t build officers¡¯ quarters within the unit. Thanks to that, the inn business flourished. That¡¯s why these people gathered here. The innkeeper¡¯s eyes widened as he watched from the hall. Suddenly, there was pping and people drawing weapons against each other. Having experienced various things, even he looked bewildered. The owner rolled his eyes a few times, then decided and turned towards the kitchen. He gave up. He was a wise man. There was no way to stop it or intervene anyway. The fortunate thing was that all damages caused here would bepensated in the name of the Rockfreed Trading Company. That¡¯s why he remained so rxed. As he went into the kitchen, he subtly signaled to Encrid. ¡®Nothing major will happen, right? It¡¯ll be okay, right?¡¯ Encrid had a casual acquaintance with the innkeeper, Allen. Encrid nodded slightly, making sure others couldn¡¯t see. Leona was not stupid. Therefore, she wouldn¡¯t create a situation where swords would be drawn. So even though the atmosphere was tense, this was all themotion there would be. ¡°That¡¯s why you¡¯re so stupid, your predecessor didn¡¯t entrust thepany to you.¡± Leona began to speak. She seemed indifferent to the other¡¯s defiance or force. It was as if her entire demeanor screamed that no matter what happened, they wouldn¡¯t dare touch her. Encrid felt a strange sensation. It was purely because of Leona¡¯s disyed attitude. ¡®Bold.¡¯ What should this be called? It¡¯s the skill of cutting off the opponent¡¯s chance to resist or say anything. ¡°Tell me where you are. Right now.¡± Gritting his teeth and yelling, Pollid inadvertently opened his mouth, cowed. ¡°B-Border Guard.¡± ¡°That¡¯s right, you idiot, this is the Border Guard. Do you hire thugs or guilds that swindle back-alley drifters here? Even knowing I have the escort of the Border Guard¡¯s standing army?¡± ¡°I-I didn¡¯t do that, I never, I didn¡¯t know about the Border Guard escort untilter¡­¡± He was overwhelmed. Pollid¡¯s hands shook and he muttered nonsense. Swish, ck! In response to Pollid¡¯s babbling, the man behind him drew his sword a little, then put it back. The sound snapped Pollid back to his senses, and he changed his tune. ¡°It wasn¡¯t me. Where did this false usatione from!¡± The picture was bing clear. ¡®He probably prepared to deny everything beforeing here.¡¯ Yet, caught up in the atmosphere, he almost spilled everything. ¡°Tch.¡± Leona clicked her tongue. Then she pulled out a chair and sat down. Crossing her legs in leather pants, she took out a cigarette from her bosom. ¡°Light.¡± The nursemaid held up a candle to light it. ¡°Sit down. Aren¡¯t we going to discuss the session rights?¡± These were the words of the woman who had caused a standoff with weapons drawn. Smoke from her cigarette wafted up from her lips. Pollid roughly pulled out a chair and sat down. Who would be at a disadvantage if a fight broke out here? Did he think the two squads outside were deployed from nowhere? Soon, the two began their conversation. It was a time for them to sh with what they had prepared for the session. In other words, it was a series of words that Encrid couldn¡¯t understand. ¡°You want to inherit the tradingpany without even being able to interpret the trade routes? Have you memorized all thepany codes? Have you?¡± ¡°T-That can be done by a steward! Besides, I am the legitimate heir. How can a woman who has been roaming outside¡­¡± ¡°The fact that I am qualified to inherit thepany was acknowledged by the predecessor. Are you going to defy that? iming inheritance just because of legitimate blood? The predecessor announced my qualification publicly, yet you can¡¯t ept that, and without any ability, you want to take over thepany just because of your bloodline? Others will easily ept that, won¡¯t they?¡± Encrid mostly let it pass over him. From the way they talked to the way they led the conversation, it all seemed like Leona was winning. ¡®So he tried assassination as ast resort.¡¯ Coincidentally, there was a group in the Border Guard that took such requests. Should this be considered cunning? Or just foolish? They continued arguing for quite some time. To Encrid, it seemed like Leona was there just to mock her opponent. ¡°Are you really the predecessor¡¯s son? You don¡¯t look like him at all. Makes me suspicious.¡± ¡°You¡­ What? What did you say? Are you implying my mother¡­ that she took another man¡¯s seed?¡± Pollid, fuming with anger, stuttered. Bang! He mmed the table in his rage. ¡°Phew, that¡¯s how it turns out? That wasn¡¯t my intention.¡± Leona, blowing out smoke, had control of the situation. But was this woman always like this? Wasn¡¯t she supposed to be demure and quiet? I don¡¯t know. After all, he had only seen her for two days and exchanged no more than fifty words. Everyone has a dual nature and isn¡¯t simple. ¡°You damn woman!¡± ¡°Watch your mouth, you ugly bastard.¡± ¡°You bitch!¡± The guy who had held back when his mother was insulted couldn¡¯t bear being called ugly and ced his hand on the short sword at his waist. Seeing this, Encrid subtly gripped his sword. This was a ce where the Border Guard¡¯s escort maintained order. They couldn¡¯t just stand by and watch a sword fight break out. One of the reasons the value of the city of the Border Guard was high was because here, whether it was merchants or nobles, disputes could be settled with words rather than swords. Of course, there were still swords and assassinations behind the scenes. But to draw a sword and fight face to face? That¡¯s a death wish. Jaxon was on my right, and the Company Commander stood a step behind, as if watching. Encrid ced his hand on the grip, keeping Pollid¡¯s guard within his sword¡¯s range. ¡®Step to the left on the first move.¡¯ Draw the sword and strike from above to cut down on the head. There wasn¡¯t time to take a proper stance, so it had to be done simultaneously with the draw. Pollid¡¯s swordsman, within range, also reacted. He extended his arm longer. What kind of swordsmanship would he use? For a moment, Encrid wished the opponent would attack. Rationally, he knew it would never happen. But he still hoped. ¡®What kind of swordsmanship is it?¡¯ How fast is he? Faster than Rem¡¯s axe? Faster than the half-blood fairy¡¯s whistling dagger? He wanted to experience it. To confront it. To challenge it. It was purepetitiveness. He wanted to measure his skill. The sudden surge of heat warmed his body. If he attacked, he would cut him down. A peculiar tension formed between the two. In the midst of this, Pollid started sweating profusely. Should he draw his sword here? Wouldn¡¯t it seem cowardly if he didn¡¯t? A myriad of thoughts ran through his mind. Leona despised such indecision. He should either draw his sword or use his words. If he couldn¡¯t do either, he shouldn¡¯t have started this. Indeed, if it weren¡¯t for the predecessor¡¯s will, she wouldn¡¯t have bothered with him. The strange standoff continued, and the inn grew silent. At that moment. Thud. The sound of the inn door opening was heard. The heavy wooden door swung open and hit the wall. Thanks to the person who had forcefully pushed the door open, Encrid¡¯s view widened. The opponent also rxed. The two took half a step back by unspoken agreement. ¡®Damn it.¡¯ It wasn¡¯t Rem, but I almost drew my sword in a fight-crazed state without thinking of the situation. Encrid sighed inwardly and turned his head. A familiar face came into view. It was Torres from the Border Guard. Five more people in simr attire followed behind him. They wore brown leather armor with a grid pattern over their tunics, with dark brown coats on top, adorned with eagle emblems on the shoulders. ¡°We are the Royal Guard Border Patrol. We are here to arrest the instigator who hired the Aspen spy unit to cause thismotion.¡± ¡°Hiss.¡± Pollid let out a stupid groan. His guard stepped beside him and gripped his shoulder. Encrid was curious about their rtionship. It didn¡¯t seem to be just an employer-employee rtionship. ¡°You involved Aspen¡¯s dogs in a session fight?¡± At Torres¡¯ words, Pollid¡¯s face turned pale. Leona, however, remained calm. ¡®Who called the Border Guard?¡¯ Encrid thought as he watched the situation unfold. ¡°We will arrest everyone.¡± It wasn¡¯t Pollid or Leona who reacted to Torres¡¯ words. ¡°Are you saying you¡¯ll detain people without evidence? This person is about to inherit the Rockfreed Trading Company. Surely you aren¡¯t taking bribes from the other side, are you?¡± It was the man behind Pollid. A man with brown hair and a in appearance stepped forward. He was implying bribery. At his words, Torres frowned but then smirked and replied. ¡°¡­There¡¯s a funny bastard here.¡± He openly expressed his displeasure. But what he said was also true. Why did the Border Guard intervene in a major tradingpany¡¯s meeting and session discussion? Because the standing army of the Border Guard always remained neutral. It was a given that if trouble arose within the Border Guard, the standing army would intervene. However, they promised to remain neutral in any situation. If they arrested someone without evidence, it would be easy to misunderstand their actions, implying they couldn¡¯t make an arrest without evidence. ¡®Was it nned?¡¯ The opponent also used his brain. Torres knew this, which is why he couldn¡¯t just cut down the funny bastard right away. A short silence, tension filled the air. The one to break the silence was Leona. ¡°Bribery? Of course not.¡± First, she denied the funny bastard¡¯s words. ¡°Of course, someone from the tradingpany could have brought in Aspen¡¯s spies.¡± She continued. ¡°Huh?¡± Pollid was startled again by Leona¡¯s words, his mouth agape, then he closed it, conscious of the surrounding gazes. Seeing this, even Encrid almost sighed. This was practically an admission. ¡°We don¡¯t know yet. That¡¯s why I called the Border Guard.¡± Who called? Even Encrid was surprised by this. Leona continued. ¡°I request detainment until this matter is resolved. Detain both heirs. And find the evidence.¡± Leona looked around the room. Her ability to shift the flow with a few words was impressive. ¡°I heard there¡¯s an instigator on the run. Let¡¯s capture him and get his confession.¡± A trap, a checkmate. If this were chess, it would be checkmate with no escape. Would the captured man endure under torture? They said the captured ones were taken to the unit, but no one knew who the instigator was. They all said the leader knew everything. That leader must be the one who escaped. ¡°Very well, Lady Leona. But what if he never shows up?¡± The in-looking brown-haired man turned to Leona and asked. ¡°Then it wouldn¡¯t be the Border Guard¡¯s concern, would it?¡± Leona answered, ¡°From here on, it¡¯s a matter for the tradingpany to discuss amongst themselves. It would be proper to return to the city and ask the main figures of thepany about the qualifications for session.¡± The brown-haired man finished with a smile, hitting the nail on the head. ¡®Once they leave the city¡­¡¯ Could Leona handle Pollid¡¯s guard force? It didn¡¯t seem likely. ¡°I am a merchant. I don¡¯t ask for things withoutpensation. To the first person who finds and brings that man, I will give this.¡± Leona said as she ced a dagger on the table. A long, slender de, covered by a ck leather sheath, it was a stiletto dagger. ¡°The Carmen Collection?¡± Someone recognized it. Encrid saw Jaxon take a step forward from beside him. A usually indifferent friend moved by a single dagger? It was indeed a weapon of significant value. ¡®Surprising.¡¯ Carmen was a famous assassin who was known for his weapon craftsmanship more than his assassination skills. The weapons he made were called the Carmen Collection. The dagger she just ced on the table was one of them. A master craftsman¡¯s dagger that could stab and withdraw without leaving a drop of blood. ¡°Hey, why are you offering that without consulting me?¡± ¡°This is my property. Given by the predecessor.¡± Pollid protested, but Leona ignored him and confirmed. ¡°I offer this. Bring him in.¡± This effectively ced a bounty on the man¡¯s head. And Encrid thought things were taking an interesting turn. ¡®She already ordered him to be brought in.¡¯ Even while thinking this, Encrid was newly impressed by Leona¡¯s shrewdness. ¡®Call the Border Guard to buy time, offer a bounty to achieve your goal.¡¯ She created a situation that benefited everyone. Except for Pollid, of course. Regardless, if they caught him, they would earn hundreds of thousands of Krona. It was enough to make everyone¡¯s eyes light up. ¡°I will catch him.¡± And surprisingly, there was someone here willing to take the lead. ¡°I¡¯ll handle it personally.¡± It was Jaxon. He didn¡¯t just say it, he seemed confident. Encrid nodded at Jaxon. It was the first time Jaxon had taken such an active stance. ¡®He must really want it.¡¯ That thought crossed his mind. It wasn¡¯t a difficult task. Who controlled the night and back alleys of this city, Border Guard? The Gilpin Guild. The owner of that guild, Krais, was currently a member of Encrid¡¯s squad. Moreover, they had already been instructed to keep an eye out and hold onto anyone suspicious. In other words, the target was already halfway in their hands. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 77 ¡°Alright then, we¡¯ll stay here for two days, and if the issue isn¡¯t resolved by then, I¡¯ll decide to escort both of you to the unit. Once evidence or witnesses are collected after the escort, we¡¯ll deal with the matter then.¡± Torres summarized the situation. Pollid tried to stand up, saying he couldn¡¯t agree, but the funny bastard on Pollid¡¯s side held his shoulder and whispered something in his ear to restrain him. Leona remained indifferent. ¡°Alright.¡± She nodded her head calmly, as if it was what she wanted. Encrid, watching the situation unfold, nudged Jaxon¡¯s side. Sensitive Jaxon blocked Encrid¡¯s finger with his palm. ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°Did you have a hobby of collecting knives?¡± He didn¡¯t know. Up until now, he had never seen such a side of him. Even in their quarters, all of Jaxon¡¯s belongings were just standard issue supplies. He never dealt with personal items. ¡°It¡¯s Carmen¡¯s stiletto.¡± Jaxon answered. As if that was exnation enough. Encrid didn¡¯t really understand. He had only vaguely heard that the Carmen Collection was famous and expensive. Jaxon spoke again, noticing Encrid¡¯s confusion. ¡°Even if you had dozens of gold coins, you couldn¡¯t get it. Do you know who Carmen is? He doesn¡¯t get called a master craftsman for nothing. If that knife appeared on the ck market, it would cause deadly fights. In fact, a few years ago, there was an uproar when the third piece of the Carmen collection, a katar, appeared among the assassin guilds.¡± Encrid didn¡¯t know, but in reality, many who lived by assassination died over it. Of course, those living in the light wouldn¡¯t know this. Only the story remained that the Thieves Guild of Geor retrieved the knife. ¡°The stiletto is Carmen¡¯s fourth work.¡± The first was a pocket knife. Since it was the knife used for his first kill, it was named ¡®First Murder.¡¯ It was said to be already broken and lost. The second was a thin, long cane sword, the Stick Sword. The third was the Katar, and the fourth was the Stiletto. The fifth was a hunting knife with a single edge, and the sixth was a Sword Breaker. The seventh was the Invisible de, a knife whose de couldn¡¯t be seen in broad daylight. Seven daggers, and seven stories. That¡¯s why Carmen¡¯s name has endured until now. He made exactly seven weapons for seven targets, all for the sake of revenge. With ¡®First Murder,¡¯ he killed the ve trader who owned him. With the second, the ¡®Stick Sword,¡¯ he stabbed and killed the soldier who dishonored his sister. With the third, the ¡®Katar,¡¯ he killed the squire serving the noble who led that soldier. With the fourth, the ¡®Stiletto,¡¯ he stabbed the heart of the noble who employed the squire. With the fifth, the ¡®Hunting Knife,¡¯ he slit the throats of each of the noble¡¯s guards. With the sixth, the ¡®Sword Breaker,¡¯ he broke the beloved sword of that noble,pleting his revenge. It was said that the seventh, the ¡®Invisible de,¡¯ never fulfilled its purpose. Some say the final target of his revenge was himself, and that he drove it into his own heart. The truth remains forever unknown. It¡¯s a story from decades ago. ¡°Do you carry all those stories in your head?¡± Jaxon ryed all the stories in a calm tone in one breath. Encrid couldn¡¯t interrupt him. Jaxon¡¯s tone was calm, but throughout, a strange fervor shone in his eyes. A passion akin to madness. Unable to stop him, Encrid listened to the end and then casually remarked if he memorized all of that. Jaxon answered nonchntly. ¡°I just know it. It¡¯s not memorized.¡± Only then did Jaxon return to his usual self. ¡°We¡¯ll have to stay here for two more days.¡± Though he wanted to leave immediately, the escort mission held him back. He had to fulfill his duty. However, to Encrid, Jaxon¡¯s current demeanor seemed like he was changing the subject. ¡®No way.¡¯ Encrid looked at Jaxon with a peculiar thought. ¡®Is he embarrassed?¡¯ His face wasn¡¯t red, and there were no signs of difort, but it was clear he was changing the subject. ¡°I¡¯d like to go catch them myself, but I can¡¯t abandon the escort mission.¡± It seemed like he wanted to change the topic quickly. ¡°If you get the Carmen Collection, are you going to sell it?¡± Encrid poked him, curious. ¡°Why would I sell it?¡± Jaxon retorted, eyes wider than usual. He really seems to like it. It wasn¡¯t because of Krona, he purely wanted that stiletto. Such a unique taste. Sure, to someone, it could be a remarkable item. Especially if Krais saw it, he¡¯d be drooling. Selling it would make his pockets heavy. But if it was purely for its collection value, wasn¡¯t that taste a bit too unique? ¡®It¡¯s a dagger used by an assassin to kill people.¡¯ Regardless of its fame, wanting to keep that thing¡ªwhat was he thinking? It wasn¡¯t even some idle rich person¡¯s bad taste. Encrid didn¡¯t argue or ask further. He just maintained his usual demeanor. He didn¡¯t delve too much into his squad members¡¯ personal lives. That was how he managed to maintain his position as a Squad Leader until now. Encrid left Jaxon and turned his attention elsewhere. Towards Pollid. He saw a in-looking man, the funny bastard, and a swordsman with his arms hanging loose, talking. The two whispered, and among them, the man with the rapier caught Encrid¡¯s eye. The man¡¯s gaze brushed past Encrid. Encrid stared at him too. He still felt like he wanted to face him in a fight someday. * * * ¡°Things have gottenplicated.¡± ¡°It seems we made a poor choice.¡± ¡°It was an inevitable choice.¡± ¡°Was it?¡± The man with the in face started speaking, and the swordsman responded. His tone was boring. It was because he wasn¡¯t particrly interested. His eyes scanned the Fairy and the other party members. ¡®Interesting people.¡¯ Especially the Fairy woman intrigued him. Their ¡®Naidil¡¯ is known for their speed with the sword. He felt a desire to challenge them. Before that, the ones around her also seemed quite capable. He wondered what it would have been like if they were under hismand. ¡®They would have been worth training.¡¯ Both of them weren¡¯t bad. Especially the one with auburn hair, even his gait was impressive. Quiet and always ready to draw his sword at any moment. ¡°What do we do now?¡± ¡°What have we done when things gotplicated before?¡± The manughed sheepishly at the swordsman¡¯s question. It wasn¡¯t an unpleasant smile. ¡°We solved it with brute force.¡± ¡°Then do that.¡± The swordsman looked at the soldier he had briefly locked eyes with. A soldier with a delicate face. He didn¡¯t seem young. It felt like seeing a boy who had just grabbed a sword and was excited. Showing his eagerness so openly. It would be a lie to say he wasn¡¯t drawn to him. It¡¯s the fate of swordsmen to want to face those who show such spirit. ¡°Please, take care of it.¡± The brown-haired man slightly bowed his head and then went over to Pollid, trying to calm him down. ¡°Don¡¯t get excited. There¡¯s nothing to worry about. After all, without evidence, it¡¯s over. And when we get back to the city, who do you think the merchants will side with?¡± ¡°But, but, what if they catch them?¡± ¡°It¡¯ll still be fine.¡± The brown-haired man smiled with his eyes. Pollid was still anxious, but he forced a smile, knowing he had no other choice. ¡°Trust me.¡± At his words, Pollid forced himself to muster some courage and added, ¡°Once we get back, it¡¯s over. My father¡¯s people will support me, and that whore will just die. Maybe I¡¯ll take her as a concubine, if I feel like it.¡± Will it really be like that? The brown-haired man thought Pollid was an idiot but didn¡¯t show it on his face. Leona silently watched the two. Their conversation wasn¡¯t audible. The brown-haired man trusted the swordsman¡¯s talk of brute force. The swordsman was wondering if he could fight the Fairy after knocking down the soldier who showed eagerness towards him. * * * Jaxon overheard their conversation but wasn¡¯t interested. It seemed like a y to reassure the idiot Pollid. He just wanted Carmen¡¯s stiletto. ¡®Krais.¡¯ He hoped Krais had properly manipted the guild members by now. He had faith. Although Krais was terrible at physical tasks, his skills were remarkable. After all, they had been in the same squad, and Jaxon had seen his abilities. It wasn¡¯t something to worry about. ¡®If it goes south.¡¯ He could obtain the dagger through other means. As Encrid respected Jaxon¡¯s hobby and stepped back, Torres, who had summarized the situation, approached. ¡°How have you been?¡± ¡°There¡¯s nothing toin about.¡± ¡°That¡¯s true. Looks like we¡¯ll be killing time at the inn for two days?¡± Torres was right. But was it necessary to spend time idly? Encrid believed Krais would fulfill his role. The underworld had its own rules. And you should leave things to the experts. Who was Krais? He was the one who had willingly stepped into the Troublemaker Squad. Why? There were many reasons, but the main one was clear. In the Troublemaker Squad, he didn¡¯t have to fight himself. The atmosphere was different from other squads. He knew how to find his ce. When he decided to take over the guild, he must have had his reasons. Encrid trusted that. Sure enough, by that evening, someone sent by Krais arrived. ¡°Is there someone named Encrid here?¡± It was a boy who looked to be about thirteen or fourteen. His voice had just started to deepen. Looking scared, he rolled his eyes nervously and asked, ncing from side to side. The soldier guarding the inn gestured inside. Encrid, who was in the hall using chairs and tables to train his body with the Istion Technique, heard this and stepped forward. Since he had taken off his shirt, he draped arge cloth over his body. As he stepped outside, the cold wind quickly cooled the sweat on his forehead. It was very cold. ¡°That¡¯s me.¡± The boy, wearing a coat made of thin cloth, looked at Encrid and spoke. ¡°I have a message.¡± The boy¡¯s tone was firm. Encrid pulled a few coins from his pocket. Seeing the boy shiver with fear and looking around nervously, he thought the boy could use a few coins. He liked the boy¡¯s determined tone as well. But the boy refused the coins. ¡°No, sir. I get paid by the guild.¡± The boy handed over a small note. It was quite impressive. It seemed like Krais hadplete control over the guild. A young boy refusing money was notable. ¡°Who is he?¡± One of the soldiers surrounding the inn approached and asked. Encrid candidly replied that the boy was sent by Krais. ¡°What¡¯s he up to now?¡± Krais was a resourceful man who dealt with various tasks, handled information, sold tobo, and brought in prostitutes. Hiring a boy to run errands was amon thing. Encrid went back inside and unfolded the note. ¨C Before the morning of the second day. It was a short message but clear enough. It meant they would catch them soon. ¡°Can I ask what you¡¯re doing all day?¡± As Encrid threw the note into the firece, Torres asked from behind. ¡°Training.¡± ¡°While on escort duty?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t think anyone will attack right now.¡± ¡°Won¡¯t the client say anything about it?¡± ¡°As you can see.¡± ¡°It looks good to me.¡± Leona was also watching. Encrid didn¡¯t care who was watching. Hadn¡¯t Audin said it? ¡°The Istion Technique adds a day to each day. Think of it as meticulously building the fortress of your body on today¡¯s foundation.¡± He thought it was a fancy way of saying not to skip a single day. He resolved to keep that advice as best as he could. Encrid was the kind of person who did what he set his mind to. He incorporated the Istion Technique into his daily sword training. ¡°Aren¡¯t you bored?¡± Not at all. It was only fun. The fun of seeing himself change day by day. While training, he maintained his Sense of the de. He also used the Focus Point technique. The Heart of the Beast was the only technique he couldn¡¯t easily use during training. So, he continued performing the technique with his shirt off. ¡°Is it because she¡¯s the merchant¡¯s daughter? She doesn¡¯t seem to be shy.¡± Torres said with a chuckle, sitting on a chair he had turned backward. Leona responded with a light smile instead of a verbal answer. She was observing Encrid. That face and that body. Even the sweat running down as he trained. It fit her taste perfectly. Encrid continued to move, ignoring everyone¡¯s gazes. Watching this, the Fairy Company Commander sat on the inn¡¯s stairs and asked Jaxon. ¡°Does the Squad Leader usually enjoy being watched?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Jaxon was curt, and themander didn¡¯t ask further or press the issue. She was also closely observing Encrid now. A handsome face and a well-trained body are always wee, aren¡¯t they? Encrid pressed his palms on the chair, stretched his legs forward, and put weight on his arms. Every time his body lowered and then came back up, the outer muscles of his forearms twitched. Two more members of the Frontier Guard joined Torres, who was watching. ¡°Is that the guy?¡± ¡°The one who mocked us as the Spell Breaker? Yeah, that¡¯s him.¡± The two guards spoke loudly, as if they wanted to be heard. Encrid, having justpleted a round of his technique, made a suggestion to Torres. ¡°If you¡¯re bored, how about a sparring match?¡± After all, they had time to kill. There was arge open space behind the inn. It was a facility for those who frequented the inn, a ce for mercenaries and swordsmen hired for caravan escorts. asionally, when disputes arose, this was where fights would happen. So it was a suitable ce for a sparring match. ¡°Thedy is quite generous.¡± As Torres spoke and looked at Leona again, she nodded without hesitation. ¡°It will be a good show.¡± Torres had asked for her approval, and Leona granted it immediately. Torres was also itching for some action. Moreover, the two Frontier Guards behind him were even more enthusiastic. ¡°He¡¯s supposed to be a top-notch soldier.¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t it proper to start from the bottom and work your way up, Captain Torres?¡± Everyone seemed very interested in Encrid. Encrid was pleased to have multiple opponents. ¡°Let¡¯s have everyone join in.¡± From that moment, an unexpected sparring frenzy began. They broke appropriate branches to use as substitute swords to avoid any real injuries, but everyone was serious. ¡°Count me in.¡± Even the Company Commander joined, and everyone in the inn became spectators. ¡°This is crazy.¡± Only Leona¡¯s guards shook their heads in disbelief. They thought everyone was mad. What kind of sparring was this during an escort mission? Of course, they couldn¡¯t stop it. Leona, their employer, had given her permission. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 78 Torres still demonstrated exceptional skill. When sparring with him, Encrid lost seven out of ten times. ¡°You¡¯ve improved.¡± Torres remarked, standing still while catching his breath. A sudden question arose. What would happen if they fought with real swords? Encrid didn¡¯t know. He wasn¡¯t the type to be certain about fights. No matter how skilled one was with a sword, a person would die if their heart was pierced by a dagger held by a seven-year-old. Regardless of skill, the oue of a life-and-death battle was uncertain. ¡°Is that so?¡± Encrid replied while lying on the ground, then sprang to his feet. ¡°Next is me.¡± ¡°Come in.¡± Despite it being a season where one¡¯s breath could be seen, the vacant lot behind the inn was filled with sweat and heat. Encrid didn¡¯t know how it hade to this, but he ended up fighting only with Torres. It was a series of sparring matches. For Encrid, it was valuable time. Torres and the Border Guard were adept at unorthodox attacks. But that didn¡¯t mean their basic skills werecking. A guard, holding a broken twig in both hands, spoke. ¡°I specialize in daggers. Be careful not to get hurt.¡± Two twigs, each about half the length of a forearm. ¡°We both need to be careful.¡± ¡°That¡¯s right, let¡¯s both be careful.¡± The guard chuckled. Within hisughter was a visible enthusiasm, devoid of malice but full of purepetitiveness. Smack! The twigs shed, and Encrid fought again. After exchanging a few moves, Encrid expected the opponent to close the distance. Instead, the opponent crossed the short twigs he held in ce of daggers to catch Encrid¡¯s sword, twisting and deflecting it. He then threw one of the twigs at Encrid¡¯s torso, disrupting his bnce. ¡°In a real fight, that would¡¯ve hit your eye.¡± He spoke. This man was exceptional, nearly on par with Torres. Encrid understood why the Border Guard received special treatment. Encrid nodded silently. Another defeat. It was time for a short break. Naturally, everyone rested. Jaxon leaned against the door connecting the vacant lot to the inn. As Encrid entered, Jaxon spoke. ¡°If the opponent has a dagger, you shouldn¡¯t just focus on closing the distance. Will you only fight with basic skills just because your fundamentals are strong? If the opponent is crawling on the ground, is striking with your sword the only answer? Why not kick him?¡± Whether he won or lost, Jaxon always offered guidance. It might seem like nagging to some, but not to Encrid. He listened attentively. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect him to use such a technique with a dagger.¡± ¡°His usual weapon is probably a sword breaker.¡± A Sword Breaker, a sword with a saw-like back edge meant for breaking the opponent¡¯s weapon. In other words, this man specialized in breaking his opponent¡¯s weapons. ¡°You did well not to give up distance, but you should¡¯ve also considered what to do next.¡± Jaxon meticulously reviewed the events of the sparring session. Encrid always gave his best. If he had given up distance, he would¡¯ve simply been overpowered. That¡¯s why he didn¡¯t. Thanks to that, he saw how a Sword Breaker technique was used. What he did well, Jaxon acknowledged. ¡°Think about how to counter such techniques.¡± Mastering the basics of swordsmanship, training the body, learning techniques, and ingraining them into muscle memory¡ªall of that was important. But dealing with what happened during a sparring match required his own contemtion. That was Jaxon¡¯s advice. Encrid agreed. Repeating the same action hundreds of times was the only way to truly master it. To make anything his own, he had to ponder it deeply. Reflection and contemtion. Those were Encrid¡¯s true weapons. And so he did. ¡°After the break, it¡¯s my turn.¡± Another guard, adept with both sword and kicks, stepped forward. He didn¡¯t just step, but always mixed in kicks. He was tricky to deal with, but Encrid learned a lot from him. All six Border Guards, including Torres, sparred with him in turn. Each had simr techniques but also showcased unique skills. They had individual styles, but their basics were exceptional. There was much to learn. In the past, such sparring wouldn¡¯t have been much help. It was inevitable. One cannot appreciate the view from the summit without climbing the mountain. But now, it is different. ¡®More on Focus Point.¡¯ The technique learned from Ragna was proving its worth. The Heart of the Beast provided a foundation of boldness. ¡°Keep your senses sharp at all times.¡± Jaxon said, ¡°Keep your senses sharp.¡± Encrid nodded. Leona approached him as he was sweating. ¡°You must really like it.¡± she said. ¡°Like what?¡± ¡°Sword fighting.¡± ¡°Does it seem that way?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Leona often initiated conversations. Though they were trivial, to Encrid, it felt like a spider observing its prey, never leaving it alone. ¡®A spider with that appearance is a bit of a stretch.¡¯ he thought. She was undoubtedly a beauty that anyone would turn to look at. ¡°Is it because of the Fairy Company Commander? You seem indifferent to a woman¡¯s appearance.¡± ¡°Not necessarily.¡± ¡°Then, are you saying I¡¯m not your type?¡± There was a yful look on her face, making him wonder what she meant by that question. ¡°It seems rare for a man to ignore ady as beautiful as Lady Leona, don¡¯t you think?¡± Though he spoke indirectly, Encrid was implying he wasn¡¯t interested. After their trivial conversation, Leona would smile modestly and sit next to the Company Commander. ¡°Be careful. He has a history with women.¡± Then, the Company Commander would spew nonsense. Leona wouldugh at her words. Could she understand the Fairy¡¯s jokes? The jokes that made Encrid ufortable continuously amused Leona. ¡°You are the wittiest Fairy I¡¯ve ever met.¡± she said. ¡°I hear that often.¡± she replied. From where, exactly? While preparing for another bout, Encrid almost twisted his ankle. Keeping his senses sharp, he overheard their conversation. Their voices were loud enough to be heard even without paying close attention. ¡°There are even rumors that we have a child together.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°There are people in the unit who believe that.¡± Wouldn¡¯t saying such things only deepen the misunderstanding? He worried, but Leonaughed it off. Whether she believed it or not was unclear. ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to fight? Are you tired now?¡± Encrid looked at those waiting for him and set aside his worries. Rumors would spread regardless. After Leona¡¯s sudden confession, worse rumors were bound to spread. ¡°The charming Squad Leader.¡± Those guarding outside frequently referred to him that way. ¡°The charming Squad Leader who broke spells.¡± ¡°The charming Squad Leader who can¡¯t leave women alone.¡± He was getting tired of hearing it. ¡°Am I really a ¡®charming Squad Leader¡¯?¡± he asked. Even Jaxon had used the term. ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°All the guards are only looking at the Squad Leader.¡± Indeed, it turned out that way somehow. For an entire day, they sparred like mad. At first, the awkward atmosphere around them hadpletely dissipated. They all bonded through their swords and sweat. As a result, Encrid ended up with bruises all over his body. ¡°Does it hurt?¡± the one who had hit him asked. Encrid shook his head. ¡°No.¡± The strike he received a while ago was perfect. He kept reying it in his mind. To counter an overhead strike, pretending to block from below while cutting the opponent¡¯s forearm. Instantaneous judgment, the ability to time it, and boldness. These necessary elements naturally came to mind. It was an embodiment of an experience he had never encountered before. ¡®Ah.¡¯ Encrid was once again filled with exhration. He was intoxicated by the current events. Sometimes the Company Commander would step in and do something resembling wrestling. asionally, Leona would speak to her. ¡°I¡¯m envious. I should have learned that too.¡± She said this while watching the Company Commander grab and hang onto someone¡¯s arm, applying pressure to their joint. Encrid, on the other hand, was busy trying to stay upright and endure the technique. ¡°Utilize wrestling, soldier.¡± the Company Commander would add. Whether it was because they saw Encrid listening to Jaxon¡¯s advice or out of pure goodwill, he wasn¡¯t sure. He didn¡¯t need to question it, so Encrid maintained a listening posture. ¡°Your left-right bnce is quite off. Does anyone help you with your physical training?¡± It wasn¡¯t just the Company Commander. The Border Guards were the same. He heard the same things from the Border Guards that Audin had mentioned. The difference in left-right bnce. It could be attributed to being right-handed, of course. ¡°The first step to reaching human limits is training all your muscles. Your strength ismendable.¡± Torres also offered advice. ¡°You only thought about closing the distance because it was a dagger, right? Try making it seem like you want to draw them into closerbat. What would your opponent think then? nt a demon in their mind.¡± How toplicate the opponent¡¯s thoughts. ¡°You have a bad habit. Deceiving your opponent is good, but you must not lose the basics. Where is your center of gravity?¡± They also pointed out mistakes he made during the sparring. Encrid didn¡¯t know how it ended up like this, but he waspletely immersed, listening to everything intently. He listened and listened with an attentive posture. It was different from sparring with his squad members. Did he seem to be enjoying it? ¡°Will you spar with me as well?¡± A fencer from Pollid stepped forward, loosening his rapier from its sheath and setting it aside. Encrid nodded reflexively. It was exactly what he wanted. ¡°You¡¯re an interesting fellow. Sparring during a mission.¡± ¡°I prefer to spend my time valuably.¡± During a guard mission, there was bloodshed over a session issue within arge merchant group. Even in such a situation, Encrid held and swung his sword. He had to. Others¡¯ time and Encrid¡¯s time were different. Those with talent and those without cannot be equal. Therefore, those who need to make up for theirck will always find time insufficient. * * * The fencer with the rapier found this intriguing. ¡®One doesn¡¯t improve their skills in real-time.¡¯ He is a soldier with the charm of drawing people in. The rtionship change between Encrid and the Border Guards is particrly interesting. The initial wariness between strangers had melted away, giving way to friendliness. It was a remarkable sight to witness. ¡®A rare talent.¡¯ However, it was not in swordsmanship. His current skill level was his limit. This was evident to the fencer, the owner of the rapier. Encrid¡¯s talenty elsewhere. Having encountered many talented individuals, the fencer could surmise this. If Encrid¡¯s dream was to be a knight, he would immediately shake his head. Nevertheless. Regardless of his talent. ¡®I would still like to teach him.¡¯ His passion was endless. He didn¡¯t let any words slip by. While his talent was poor, he possessed a different kind of intense passion. It was a skill to inspire those around him with his enthusiasm. The instructors who had taught Encrid so far felt something simr. Even knowing it was futile, they ended up trying to impart what they had to Encrid. They taught and taught again. It was a passion and spirit as if the word ¡®give up¡¯ didn¡¯t exist. ¡°Will you spar with me as well?¡± That made him step forward and open his mouth. ¡°Huh?¡± The colleague who came with him looked at him in surprise. He himself was surprised. After all, they were enemies. Stepping forward here might seem foolish. Moreover, it would be even more foolish if the opponent refused. The problem was that he hadn¡¯t considered any of this until he spoke up. Encrid nodded. ¡°Now?¡± His arms were bruised, and his body was soaked in sweat. He exuded heat that blew away the cold wind in the vacant lot. Steam rose from his shoulders. He must have been tired. Winning or losing wasn¡¯t important. The man simply enjoyed sparring purely. ¡°Good.¡± The fencer said without realizing it. * * * Jaxon doubted the fencer¡¯s intentions. The Company Commander nodded with interest. All the Border Guards were ready to cut him down if things went south. They wouldn¡¯t stand by if something happened to Encrid. And Encrid¡­ ¡®Quick sword.¡¯ He was busy visualizing the opponent¡¯s sword in his mind. How should he react? What fighting style would give him the highest chance of winning? Could he win? ¡°Don¡¯t overthink it!¡± Rem had said he had never seen a pup survive if it fought with victory and defeat in mind. Rather than doubting victory or defeat, ¡°Have confidence. That¡¯s the first thing.¡± Sharpen the knife of confidence. The Heart of the Beast instills boldness. Encrid raised the tip of the twig, pointing it at the sky. He focused as if gripping a sword with both hands. In an instant, the surroundings changed. His concentration red, transforming the area into the middle of a battlefield. He saw the armor covering his opponent¡¯s body. He saw the thin sword in his opponent¡¯s hand. If he couldn¡¯t dodge, he would die. Engrossed in this sudden thought, Encrid dove into the moment. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 79 A thin branch and a person. A dangling arm, the branch almost touching the ground. It looked like a sword. A sword sharper and more pointed than any other. After that, there was nothing to think, drink, or do. Everything happened in an instant and ended in an instant. Encrid saw the phantom of the battlefield. The moment the opponent seemed to move, he instinctively swung the branch. Whoosh. The branch Encrid held sliced through the air heavily. It sliced through only air. And the tip of the opponent¡¯s branch touched his neck. Tap. ¡®How?¡¯ He recalled the scene he had just seen. He had seen it. So, it would be correct to say he was struck despite seeing it. ¡°Everyone seems to say a word after it¡¯s over, so I will too. It was timing.¡± The man said. The opponent had used a quick sword. And he utilized it like a textbook for the Correct Sword Technique. He didn¡¯t move first, he countered Encrid¡¯s downward strike. ¡®Not just parrying.¡¯ Encrid¡¯s eyes fell to the opponent¡¯s feet. He saw the dirt ground softly drawing a semicircle following the opponent¡¯s boots. ¡®Twisting his body to hide his centerline.¡¯ It¡¯s basic. In some ways, it could be called a simple technique. He twisted his body to dodge and finished with a stab. ¡®If it were the battlefield.¡¯ It would have felt simr to the first stab experience. He thought he had reached apletely different level since then. Far and high. The opponent¡¯s skill was exceptionally superior. For an ordinary person, realizing their limits would be enough to be overwhelmed with despair and frustration. He showed such a difference. With just a single strike of a stick. ¡°You don¡¯t seem that young.¡± The man spoke, hinting at a question, so Encrid answered. ¡°Thirty. Once more?¡± ¡°Once more?¡± Nod. ¡°Heh.¡± At Encrid¡¯s nod, the man let out a hollowugh. From his perspective, this guy wasn¡¯t normal. He showed the difference. He stepped out with passion, but his limits were clear, so he wanted to break his spirit to prevent wasting time. Defeat is painful for everyone. Especially when facing an overwhelmingly superior opponent. What does it mean to lose? What happens to someone who faces defeat? They despair, they¡¯re frustrated, and they suffer. Some do not ept it and struggle. ¡®Is it struggling?¡¯ It didn¡¯t seem that way. ¡°You seem to be taking away the timing of my downward strike. How did you do it?¡± Instead, he was asking to be taught more. There was no sign of embarrassment. Just like when he first tempted him, he only looked at him with eyes holding a silent me that would burn through anything. ¡®This guy is crazy.¡¯ Even with such thoughts, the man took his stance again. Despite seeing the opponent¡¯s skills and limits. He still wanted to spar again. Naturally, Encrid lost again. He lost four more times. He didn¡¯t tire and kept challenging, and the swordsman from Pollid epted every challenge. ¡°You are not at the level to face him yet.¡± Jaxon offered advice instead of constion, but Encrid didn¡¯t particrly need constion. Losing, experiencing defeat, he had done that countless times. He had been defeated by talents younger than himself. He was pushed back by mercenaries who picked up the swordter than he did. He had even lost to a guy who yed the role of vignte in the vige. He had lost to bandits. During his mercenary days, he had been defeated by bastards who proved that personality and skill do not corrte. He had fled from beasts and monsters countless times. When a harpy¡¯s w pierced hisrade¡¯s heart, he was busy running away. If he had hung his head in shame each time, Encrid wouldn¡¯t be here acting as a squad leader. There was no room to be hurt by such things. Just. ¡°It was fun.¡± It was simply enjoyable. Encrid was honest. ¡°¡­ Sometimes, Squad Leader, you seem very strange.¡± Encrid really didn¡¯t want to hear such things from his own squad member. Even though Jaxon was the most normal one he brought along, this guy wasn¡¯t really an ordinary soldier either. Ignoring Pollidpletely when he spoke wasn¡¯t normal. Even now, Jaxon was barely acknowledging Pollid. Whenever there was a chance, Pollid would sneak up and say, ¡°You soldier bastard, I remember your face. I am the next leader of Rockfreed.¡± And he would bepletely ignored. ¡°Hey, hey, are you not answering? Why, are you so scared you can¡¯t speak?¡± Still ignored. ¡°You bastard, I¡¯ll make you regret itter with tears running down your face.¡± Even then, he was ignored. Consistent, one might say. Eventually, Pollid ended upining to Encrid. ¡°Hey, why does that guy keep ignoring me?¡± Treating him like he didn¡¯t exist must have driven him mad, and from Encrid¡¯s perspective, Pollid looked like he was on the verge of tears. Encrid felt sorry for him and offered advice. ¡°Because you keep talking to him.¡± It was a wise answer to a foolish question. He ignored him because he kept talking to him. He shouldn¡¯t have started talking in the first ce. Encrid nodded to himself, acknowledging his own generosity. It was the kindest advice possible. Pollid trembled at those words. ¡°You, you, you.¡± Seeing him unable to continue, Encrid cheerfully walked past him. ¡°Soldier, you¡¯re ruthless.¡± The Company Commander said from the side. But he couldn¡¯t have been more kind. Leona, who heard this, even spat out her tea. ¡°Hmm, I just want to say once more that I really like you.¡± She left with those words. No, why does this happen when I show kindness? * * * The repeated sparring ended after a full day had passed. It was now time to wrap things up. The Border Guard, the Company Commander, and the unnamed swordsman. Encrid had gained a lot. Everyone, including Jaxon, was just in awe of his passion. But for Encrid, it was an invaluable time. ¡®Especially.¡¯ The opponent swordsman taught him what a quick sword is, how to counter it, and what an opponent can do with speed. Nothing was imprinted in his mind immediately like a sh of lightning. ¡®That¡¯s okay.¡¯ When he hits a wall, it will be incredibly useful. The next morning dawned after washing off sweat, warming by the firece, and checking his armor. ¡°Squad Leader.¡± Krais opened the inn door. Behind him was the bald Gilpin, and in Gilpin¡¯s hand was a friend with half his face smashed in. It seemed impossible to recognize his face after being beaten so badly. ¡°That¡¯s him.¡± The Company Commander recognized him at a nce. The senses of a Fairy seemed different indeed. ¡°Hic.¡± The foolish Pollid hupped. Encrid wondered how such a person could be considered the head of a merchant group and what the people under him were thinking. ¡®Are they nning to use him as a puppet?¡¯ If so, well. If not, why would such a skilled swordsman be there? It didn¡¯t seem like he had been caught with a weakness. ¡°P-please spare me.¡± The captured man drooled blood-mixed saliva. Blood and saliva pooled on the floor. He must have been beaten quite severely. ¡°This guy was rough at first, but after some conversation, his personality softened.¡± Krais said. Of course, the conversation Krais mentioned didn¡¯t involve using his tongue. Fists or feet. It seemed a knife was also involved. Judging by the wounds on his forearms, there were cuts too. They were roughly wrapped in old linen bandages, but the traces were clear. ¡°I am the leader. Yes, I was blinded by Krona and caused this trouble.¡± The man confessed without being asked. ¡°Hold on.¡± Everyone was focused on the beaten man¡¯s words, but Leona¡¯s voice caught their attention. ¡°I need someone restrained. The person responsible is toon Leader Torres, right?¡± ¡°¡­Yes.¡± There were many eyes watching. When Torres nodded, two Border Guard members put their hands under the man¡¯s armpits. They headed upstairs. Soon, Leona, Pollid, Torres, the talkative brown-haired man, the swordsman who sparred with Encrid, and their group followed upstairs. Encrid and the Company Commander also decided to join them. ¡°I ask you two to continue guarding me.¡± With those words, Jaxon stayed below. More precisely, he didn¡¯t seem to want to leave the spot where the Carmen Collection¡¯s stiletto was in front of him. As everyone moved, Krais approached Encrid, who was about to go up, and quietly asked. ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°Are you asking because you don¡¯t know, or are you asking to confirm?¡± ¡°Let¡¯s say I¡¯m asking because I want to receive what I¡¯m due.¡± This big-eyed maniac is obsessed with Krona. It¡¯s natural to be paid for the work done. But he couldn¡¯t give the stiletto. ¡°You take the entire guard fee for this month.¡± When Krais caught the man, he noticed a slight twitch of a smile at the corner of Jaxon¡¯s mouth before it stopped. Taking the Carmen Collection from Jaxon¡¯s hands now would be nearly impossible with any ordinary skill. And there was no intention of doing so. Nor was there any intention of shirking payment for the work done. Encrid handed over the pouch he was supposed to receive from the guild, that is, from Krais. ¡°Consider it promised.¡± If Krais knew the payment was the Carmen Collection, what would he do? Would he just let it go? There wasn¡¯t much to think about. He would. He would let it go. Because it was something Jaxon coveted. Krais knew his ce within the squad well. Encrid wasn¡¯t the only one who had learned how to survive within the squad. Whether it was Jaxon, Rem, Ragna, or Audin. When it came to what they desired, Krais stepped back cleanly. He wasn¡¯t foolish enough to put his hand in a dog¡¯s mouth to check if it bites when looking at a hunting dog tied to a leash. ¡°See youter.¡± Encrid gently pushed Krais¡¯s forehead and headed upstairs. They upied one room. In the middle, the kneeling leader of the spy unit. Torres stood next to the man with his hand on the hilt of his sword. Three people from Pollid¡¯s side, Leona was alone. When Encrid stood next to the Company Commander and Leona, the scene finally set. When Encrid arrived, Leona began to speak. ¡°I know he needs to be interrogated separately, but may I ask a few questions first?¡± The question was directed at Torres. ¡°Go ahead.¡± Torres¡¯ attitude had been the same from the first day until now. He was always stern towards outsiders of the Border Guard. Leona didn¡¯t seem particrly bothered by it. Leona was the assassination target. She had every right to ask a few questions first, even if it wasn¡¯t a full interrogation. She was the root cause of all the problems. The session issue in the merchant group was the starting point of everything. The man who had been beaten to a pulp. Leona knelt down to meet his eyes. ¡°Who ordered you?¡± ¡°I-I don¡¯t know. All I know is that I was told to target thedy in the inn using avable resources¡­¡± The man spoke directly despite trembling. He seemed to sense that not speaking properly would mean the end for him. ¡°Do you recognize anyone in this room?¡± The man looked around. He nced at everyone, including Encrid, then shook his head. They wouldn¡¯t have been stupid enough to order it directly. Usually, a few intermediaries are involved in such plots. From here, it was interrogation time. Pollid targeted Leona. If that were revealed, the issue of session in the merchant group would be settled. That¡¯s what Encrid anticipated. ¡°It seems like some fools were greedy for my purse and decided to take action.¡± Leona began to say something unexpected. ¡°¡­What?¡± The captured leader of the spy unit tilted his head in confusion. ¡°It wasn¡¯t me!¡± And the foolish Pollid showcased his wit. He hadn¡¯t even listened to what Leona said. ¡°Who said it was?¡± Leona countered. ¡°Uh, no, that¡¯s not it.¡± Pollid¡¯s pupils shook violently. Considering she pped him in the face upon their first meeting, now he was acting like this. Encrid thought he would have been extremely embarrassed if he were in Pollid¡¯s position. In the end, Pollid stammered and uttered the dumbest possible response he could with his tongue, unable to continue. Torres frowned. Everyone from Pollid¡¯s side was rather calm. The situation was unfolding oddly. They all thought Pollid would be med. ¡°Bold.¡± The Company Commander whispered from behind, just loud enough for Encrid to hear. Bold? What was it? Encrid didn¡¯t easily understand the situation. Curious, he let his mind think it through. There must be a reason for a person to act uniquely. Of course, the squad members, including Rem, often did crazy things without reason. But Leona wasn¡¯t Rem. Encrid reflected on the situation. The Rockfreed Trading Company, Pollid, Leona, the session issue, the attack within the Border Guard, the Border Guard members, the captured man, Aspen¡¯s spies. Reviewing what he knew, he realized something and nodded to himself. This was a part he hadn¡¯t considered because he was so engrossed in sparring and training. He understood at that moment. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 80 ¡°In the name of Aspen, you tried to cover up the crime, didn¡¯t you?¡± Leona asked again. ¡°That¡¯s enough. From here on, it seems to be our business.¡± Torres interrupted Leona. ¡°Is that so? Anyway, the misunderstanding is cleared up.¡± Leona smiled sweetly. It was a smile that said, ¡®I¡¯m innocent, I¡¯m na?ve, I know nothing.¡¯ Of course, she knew everything and was far from na?ve. Instead of answering, Torres grabbed the man¡¯s shoulder and said, ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± There was no farewell to Encrid. He just pushed the man¡¯s messed-up face and red at him. ¡°Please, please, spare me.¡± ¡°Shut up. You¡¯re just an enemy spy.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll tell you everything I know. I¡¯m not a spy. This is a misunderstanding, a misunderstanding.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll cut your tonguest.¡± At Torres¡¯ words, the man¡¯s legs gave way, but he had no freedom to fall. Two squad members on either side grabbed him under the arms, lifting him. Judging by Torres¡¯ attitude, he seemed annoyed that things weren¡¯t going as expected. ¡®There must have been a mental battle.¡¯ He had been too obsessed with the sword to see the situation, but now he could see things clearly. Why doesn¡¯t Leona pin the crime on Pollid? What would happen if it were revealed that Pollid was behind it? ¡®Is it only Pollid¡¯s responsibility, or does the Rockfreed Company also bear some responsibility?¡¯ If thepany were to be held ountable, would it benefit Leona to admit it or deny it? If thepany was definitely hers, it would be better not to admit it. If she didn¡¯t need to get rid of that fool Pollid over this issue, that is. Encrid thought Leona would sacrifice Pollid for the sake of thepany¡¯s session. If that happened, the Border Guard would use the fact that a member of the Rockfreed Company ordered an assassination as leverage to demand a price. In any case, thepany¡¯s act of instigation would have tarnished the city¡¯s honor. The city¡¯s honor was equivalent to the unit¡¯s honor, and they could have used this to extract a hefty price. ¡®Did she make this decision for the sake of thepany?¡¯ Did she care that much about herpany? ¡°Why? Have you suddenly fallen for my beauty?¡± Encrid found himself staring at her face. What kind of woman was she? Her face was much brighter than when she pped Pollid¡¯s cheek. She exuded a natural confidence. Even while disying such confidence, there was no w in her sitting posture. It was the face of a merchant who had finished calcting. It seemed she didn¡¯t need to sacrifice anything of thepany. She must have had something she was relying on. And it wasn¡¯t the Border Guard standing army. She was truly a mysterious woman. ¡°No.¡± Encrid responded with what needed to be said. Regardless of his thoughts, attitude, or intentions, Encrid¡¯s job was simply toplete the mission. ¡°That¡¯s a shame.¡± Leona smiled. Did he think her beauty didn¡¯t suit a spider? That thought needed to be corrected. Looking at her now, didn¡¯t she suit it perfectly? The smile she wore now, having shed the mask of innocence, was that of a spider with its prey. * * * ¡°Thank you for everything.¡± The task was nearing its end. Leona, who was packing her things at the inn, said. Beside her, Pollid was grinning. In reality, had he won a verbal argument with Leona regarding the session, or had he seeded in his prepared assassination attempt? Even so, he was smiling. That smile seemed to say that he was now the owner of thepany. ¡°Hey, soldier, you¡¯ll be clinging to my coattailster.¡± ¡®At first, he seemed to be picking a fight with Jaxon.¡¯ At some point, he started aiming his arrows at Encrid. He repeatedly picked on Encrid. ¡®Should I have ignored him?¡¯ Was it a problem born out of kindness? Suddenly, such thoughts crossed his mind. Pollid¡¯s face seemed to epitomize a triumphant expression. A smile on his lips, eyes filled with confidence, even emitting excitement through his breath. ¡°Instead of clinging to your coattails, I could just cut off your feet.¡± Encrid muttered to himself, not wanting to give the other a chance to respond. Only Jaxon, the Company Commander, and Leona, who was nearby, heard this. ¡°If that¡¯s the case, just cut off his head. It¡¯s faster.¡± Jaxon advised. ¡°You¡¯re popr with men too, soldier.¡± The Company Commander teased. ¡°I feel unnecessarily apologetic.¡± Leona apologized. ¡°Huh? What did you say?¡± Pollid, who hadn¡¯t heard Encrid¡¯s muttering, asked. Encrid ignored himpletely. He should have never carried any kindness from the beginning. Pollid briefly showed his temper at being ignored but soon calmed down. A in-looking man behind him tugged at his cor. He quickly subdued his excitement. Even after that, Pollid continued to express his confidence with repeated res. ¡®Anyone can see that he¡¯s up to something.¡¯ It was obvious what that preparation entailed without needing to be said. There would be no more toleratedmotion within the Border Guard. ¡®They¡¯ll probably try to kill us as soon as we step out.¡¯ Looking at the faces of Leona¡¯s group gathered in front of the inn, he wondered if they could indeed handle the situation. While he was lost in thought, Leona came up beside him and spoke. ¡°It feels like I¡¯m being escorted.¡± It wasn¡¯t a feeling of being escorted, but an actual part of the protection duty. Pollid stupidly revealed his intentions, but Leona was the opposite. What was she relying on? He suddenly became curious. There was no sign of worry in Leona¡¯s demeanor. ¡°I won¡¯t forget the favor of saving my life. If I get the chance in the future, I will surely repay it.¡± A female guard, who barely escaped with her life from an assassin, approached from the second floor. ¡°Yes.¡± Encrid didn¡¯t pay much attention. How likely was it to meet again on this vast continent? However, the thoughts of those around him were different. Two squads guarding the entire inn were still nearby. They provided protection as well, taking responsibility for the incident within the Border Guard. ¡°Spreading love affairs with every passing woman.¡± ¡°Throwing the poison of charm at every woman he passes.¡± ¡°Your name is the Charming Squad Leader.¡± But instead of working, they were sitting andposing poems. ¡°¡­Why are they doing that?¡± The female guard, blushing, asked. ¡°They all want to be minstrels after they retire, so they¡¯re practicing. Just leave them be.¡± Encrid replied casually. The Company Commander had sidled up to Leona and whispered. Encrid¡¯s keen hearing caught her words. ¡°You should be careful. That soldier has a tendency to knock down every woman he sees.¡± Knock down what? Encrid hadn¡¯t even smelled a woman¡¯s perfume recently. He had been too busy dealing with a series of chaotic events. ¡°Aren¡¯t you going? It seems it¡¯s time for you to leave.¡± Encrid politely saw off the soldiers of the two squads. They, apparently contemting a future as minstrels, quicklyposed and sang a song about the Charming Squad Leader. They were crazy. With this incident, Torres¡¯s side, namely the Border Guard, left with a headache, while Encrid¡¯s soldiers remained carefree. It was understandable. They were just following orders. Thinking of the Border Guard, Encrid once again realized how skillful Leona was. ¡®She¡¯s managed to put the Border Guard in debt with this.¡¯ She overturned the situation with just a few words. Whether the Border Guard would acknowledge this was unknown. She framed the assault as a city security issue. If the attack had arisen from thepany¡¯s session problems, it would be the Rockfreed Company¡¯s responsibility. If it was an attack provoked by Krona, it became a matter of city security. ¡®This is incredible.¡¯ Everyone knew it was Pollid¡¯s doing, but with the assassination target denying it, what could be done? Is this what it means to be a born merchant? Seeing the conclusion made things clear, otherwise, it would have gone unnoticed. Well, Krais stayed behind at the inn after Torres left and filled in the gaps. ¡°In the end, the Border Guard will also deny it. But the situation is advantageous for them. Aren¡¯t they Aspen¡¯s spy unit?¡± When asked why that was disadvantageous, Krais exined. ¡°If the me is ced on Aspen¡¯s spy, who benefits? Do you want to focus on the fact that Aspen¡¯s spy targeted thepany¡¯s Krona or that they tried to stir up trouble in the city? Which story carries more weight?¡± Krais¡¯s point was understood. The moment Aspen¡¯s name was mentioned, it became a favorable situation for thepany. Ultimately, it was thanks to the spy who glorified his homnd and died. Hearing this, Encrid realized that Krais was as sharp as Leona. He had always known Krais was smart. ¡®He seems to be on par with the heir of argepany.¡¯ It was just a passing thought. What good is being smart? Krais¡¯s dream is to set up a salon where he can swindle noblewomen. Lost in these thoughts while walking, they soon reached the castle gate. The soldier on guard saw Encrid and his group approaching and turned his body. ¡°You¡¯re Encrid, right?¡± As they approached, a swordsman from Pollid¡¯s side spoke up. ¡°I haven¡¯t heard your name.¡± ¡°Sorry about that. I¡¯m not in a position to reveal my name here.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± Suddenly approached and staring intently, the swordsman then spoke towards the back of Encrid. ¡°I just want to have a few words. Put away the hostility.¡± On Encrid¡¯s right, Jaxon had suddenlye up close. ¡°You¡¯re quite sensitive. Hostility, you say.¡± Jaxon replied. The same guy who ignored Pollid so much, was quite responsive here. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. It¡¯s easy to cut a man¡¯s throat without hostility.¡± The Company Commander, who had arrived unnoticed, stood behind Pollid¡¯s swordsman. The swordsman looked at them both once and then neatly turned away, focusing on Encrid. ¡°Drop the sword.¡± A suddenmand. ¡°There are things that can¡¯t be achieved with passion alone.¡± It was something Encrid hadn¡¯t heard in a long time. Give up. You have no talent. It¡¯s a waste of time. It¡¯s like walking a path that leads nowhere. Do you need to be hit to know it hurts? You know now that being cut by a sword is painful, don¡¯t you? As much time as you spend training, you can see how insignificant your talent is. Why can¡¯t you feel it? Not that he couldn¡¯t feel it¡ªyes, he knew. He had heard it countless times. Even if he didn¡¯t fall into the depths of despair and despondency from a few words, Encrid knew it too. That he could never be a knight. Yes, there was a time when he believed that. Yet, he still wielded the sword. He still didn¡¯t give up. He lived holding onto the tattered pieces of his shattered dream. He couldn¡¯t even see the shape of the wall blocking his way. Everything around him was darkness. Even in those times, he lived swinging his sword until his grip burst. Would things change now because he heard this? The Heart of the Beast, the Sense of the de, the Focus Point, the Istion Technique. The basics of swordsmanship, including the Correct Sword Technique. Applications of the Valen Mercenary Sword Technique. Today¡¯s repetition, continuous training and practice, increasing skills. A half-step slower than a turtle in someone¡¯s eyes was, to Encrid, a half-step more meaningful than any moment in the past. Thus, he unconsciously smiled. ¡°Are you smiling?¡± The swordsman saw this and murmured. ¡°Don¡¯t worry.¡± Jaxon said a word. The Company Commander quietly watched Encrid. The swordsman wanted an answer, and Encrid gave him the reply he had been longing for. ¡°Next time, I might be the one to win.¡± Predicting a person¡¯s future is an arrogant act. Encrid had said. ¡°I see.¡± The swordsman, not forcing his thoughts on a deaf opponent, turned his body. It was a smallmotion in front of the castle gate. ¡°Thank you for all your hard work.¡± It was when they reached the front of the city wall. Leona turned around and spoke to Encrid and the others. At the moment when they thought they might leave just like this. Encrid saw the guard turning his head back and forth, looking between their group and the outside. He looked troubled. Wondering why, Encrid noticed an armed group outside the city walls. The moment he saw it, he understood. If the opponent showed force, what should this side show? It was the card Leona believed in. They were outside the city walls. ¡°Matthis, the guard of the Rockfreed Company, has arrived here.¡± He was the only one who hade inside the city walls. He had a neatly trimmed mustache. His steps seemed light, and dust settled on the shoulders of his coat. Without force, you cannot establish apany¡¯s name on the continent. Unless you want to be devoured by bandits, marauders, monsters, and demons, force is essential. The man who had stepped forward was responsible for the force of the Rockfreed Company. Just by showing himself, he gathered everyone¡¯s attention. Encrid felt a strange sensation. Matthis seemed to fill his entire view. He saw nothing else. His presence was extraordinary. He drew everyone¡¯s gaze with his mere presence. ¡°You have interestingpanions with you.¡± He said this and then knelt on one knee towards Leona. ¡°The guard has arrived. Company Leader.¡± He spoke to Leona. Only then could Encrid shift his gaze behind him. The Rockfreed Company¡¯s guard. Over thirty armed soldiers were stationed outside the city gate. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 81 After the appearance of the man named Mathis. ¡°Why is he the leader?¡± This was followed by Pollid¡¯s foolish question. ¡°Because while we were spending time here, everything was already settled within the merchant guild. Ah, the inauguration ceremony will be held when we return.¡± Leona answered. When Pollid¡¯s people began to notice the situation, Leona gestured to them. ¡°Come. I will ept you.¡± Although she didn¡¯t say this directly, it sounded no different to Encrid. It was like saying, ¡°Let¡¯s live together under the name of the merchant guild from now on.¡± Two people didn¡¯t move. A man with a in impression and the swordsman who told Encrid toy down his sword. Oh, Pollid also remained. He knelt down with a thud. He looked as if his legs had given out. ¡°Why? I¡¯m the son. Aren¡¯t all the people of the guild my father¡¯s people?¡± Why indeed? Seeing his actions, it was doubtful if the people who sided with Pollid had any intelligence. Encrid¡¯s gaze was fixed on the remaining two. It seemed they were the ones who had schemed. They didn¡¯t seem to be in any particr crisis. Even though everyone else had turned away, they remained calm. ¡°It¡¯s over.¡± The swordsman spoke. ¡°Indeed.¡± The man with the in impression replied. They both ignored Pollid. ¡°I can¡¯t ept this! What is this! I¡¯m the son!¡± Pollid shouted and tried to approach Leona, but Mathis blocked his way. ¡°If youe any closer, I¡¯ll cut you down. Son of the former guild leader.¡± Harsh. That settled the situation. The two, who seemed to have schemed from Encrid¡¯s perspective, retreated. Pollid, overwhelmed by despair and frustration, showed in real-time how a person in panic behaves. Kneeling on the ground with a thud, he started drooling. The kid seemed really shocked. The passing merchants, city traders, soldiers, and even the beggars near the city gates watched them. The guards, unsure of what to do, looked troubled, so Leona stepped forward. ¡°Take him away. We can¡¯t let the former guild leader¡¯s son die drooling on the street.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± At Mathis¡¯s gesture, someone came in and dragged Pollid out. The guards even cleared the way for them to leave. ¡°Wait a moment.¡± Leona spoke to Mathis and then approached Encrid. ¡°Did you give Carmen¡¯s stiletto to your subordinate?¡± Her tone felt like that of someone who gave a gift to a woman only to have it handed to someone else. Encrid couldn¡¯t pinpoint it exactly, but it made him a bit ufortable. ¡°¡­He wanted it a lot. Yes, I gave it to him.¡± Looking back, he saw Jaxon standing silently. When he first gave the stiletto, Jaxon¡¯s reaction wasn¡¯t typical. Encrid didn¡¯t expect him to be so moved to the point of tears, but he was simply indifferent. He just took the stiletto and muttered one sentence. ¡°Why continue training the senses, how can you dodge a dagger flying from behind without seeing it?¡± For some, it was nonsense, for others, it was the long-awaited answer. ¡°That¡¯s what we¡¯ll learn next.¡± That one sentence was enough. Jaxon knew how to make a deal. ¡°I see.¡± Leona nodded with a bright smile. Even seeing her smile made him feel like he owed her something. She was truly a peculiar woman. She looked at Encrid¡¯s face and spoke again. ¡°I am a merchant, and a trade starts with knowing what the other party wants. You gave a high-value item to your subordinate and didn¡¯t even nce at the two beautiful women present.¡± Leona had to spend time with the Border Guard. In that spare time, she observed the desirable counterpart. What does this man really want? He didn¡¯t bat an eye at items as valuable as treasure. Instead, he looked slightly tired as he exined the origin of the dagger to his subordinate. It wasn¡¯t that he had no greed, but he didn¡¯t seem like a man who would wallow in his desires. Leona knew well the strengths of her appearance. That¡¯s why she showed some subtle seductive gestures. ¡°There is a lot of gossip about women around him. Be careful.¡± There was also a Fairy who interrupted her halfway. Even when she saw an opening and approached, Encrid didn¡¯t fall for it. ¡®What does this man desire?¡¯ From then on, her pride as a merchant also began to stir. What is a merchant? A person who makes deals happen. Shepherds of the Wilderness, ck Leather Guild, cier Rangers. They are all closed groups. A merchant is someone who opens trade with such groups. That¡¯s Rockfreed. Leona loved Rockfreed and was proud of it. Her counterpart was just a mere soldier, that¡¯s his status. ¡®I¡¯m curious.¡¯ She wanted him, but there were certain limits. Now her pride was also at stake. Leona began to observe him. It was only then that she saw it. The basics of a trade: what the other party desires. ¡®It wasn¡¯t material things.¡¯ The Carmen Collection was a price shown to swallow up the guild. While everyone¡¯s attention was on the dagger and the groupunching a surprise attack, her resources were already controlling the internal affairs of the guild. She also used it to see Encrid¡¯s greed, but it was a wrong guess. Leona only realized after observing him. What he wanted was the future. His own future. Better swordsmanship, skills, and strength. So she brought Mathis in. Rockfreed Guild¡¯s best warrior and a former city-level mercenary famous as a guard captain. ¡°How about training your sword under Mathis? Growing your future here?¡± If being with strong people and honing his skills attracted him. This was the answer. Of course, it was a huge misunderstanding. Leona didn¡¯t know Encrid¡¯s squad members. ¡®He seems like a remarkable person.¡¯ There was something Jaxon had told her while Leona was organizing the situation. ¡°If it¡¯s a small city, he¡¯s apetent enough figure. That¡¯s all it means.¡± Even unintentionally, just by showing his skills a few times, his name naturally spread in the city. That¡¯s what a city-level skilled person was. ¡°How does hepare to Torres?¡± ¡°Based on the soldier ranking system, he is above elite, but not a knight.¡± Jaxon¡¯s evaluation was blunt. Above elite but not a knight. ¡®I should say they are everywhere within the squad.¡¯ Rem, Ragna, Jaxon, and Audin. None of those four seemed likely to lose to Mathis. Especially since they had already proven themselves with what they learned. ¡°That¡¯s why I¡¯ll decline.¡± That¡¯s the reason for theck of hesitation in his response. For the first time, Leona failed to manage her expression. ¡°This is the first time I¡¯ve missed out on something so desirable.¡± Encrid liked this savvy young woman, who was also a stunning beauty and the guild leader. ¡®Especially the fact that she doesn¡¯t make clumsy attempts just because she likes me.¡¯ When you think about it, isn¡¯t it quite interesting? One of the people he met during this incident told him toy down his sword. The other, because she desired him, asked him to stay by her side. Contrasting evaluations. ¡°Is it absolutely necessary to keep me by your side?¡± Encrid spoke up. Since the goodwill the other party showed him didn¡¯te across negatively, Encrid also treated her with goodwill. Leona blinked at his words. ¡°That¡¯s true. The job is done. So, how about we be friends? Can you spend a day with a friend? What do you think?¡± It wasn¡¯t about being friends, but rather a suggestion to maintain a pleasant rtionship. ¡°¡­Pardon?¡± ¡°If you refuse this, a poor girl might be heartbroken here.¡± Who is the poor girl? She had just be the owner of the Rockfreed guild. ¡°Mathis, can I stay in the city for just one more day?¡± ¡°As you wish.¡± Mathis stepped back. ¡°I suppose you need the squad¡¯s permission?¡± Leona¡¯s next words were answered by the Company Commander instead of Encrid. ¡°As a reward forpleting the mission, you are granted a one-day leave.¡± It was an unexpected answer. ¡°Why? Do you dislike it?¡± Leona asked with a mischievous smile. It was suddenly clear how powerful her looks were. Even with that expression, she looked cute. The spider that swallowed the entire guild smiled cutely. Thinking that, Encrid nodded. ¡°I don¡¯t dislike it.¡± He had met many instructors, but they all said the same thing. Rest when you need to rest. Swinging the sword day and night and overworking oneself was not the only answer. Encrid knew this well. Above all, he felt an odd sense of debt in his heart and wanted to resolve it. ¡°Alright then.¡± Leona turned back to Mathis. Meanwhile, Jaxon approached, and Encrid spoke first upon seeing him. ¡°Don¡¯t spread any strange rumors.¡± ¡°That¡¯s something you¡¯d say to a barbarian. Do you think I would do that?¡± Encrid felt fortunate once again that he had brought Jaxon. If it had been Rem, even nonexistent stories would have spread. ¡°Well done, soldier.¡± The Company Commander, by not preventing Encrid from staying alone with Leona, confirmed that his previous remarks were just jokes. ¡°If you miss us, feel free toe back, soldier.¡± Yet, she couldn¡¯t resist adding another Fairy-style joke. Having heard it so often, it no longer felt awkward. ¡°Yes, I will.¡± When Encrid responded nonchntly, Jaxon quietly spoke beside him. ¡°By any chance.¡± ¡°By any chance?¡± ¡°If you have more of the Carmen Collection, use your charm to get it.¡± Is this guy joking, or is he serious? It was harder to judge than the Fairymander¡¯s jokes. ¡°It¡¯s a joke.¡± It was a relief to hear him say it was a joke. Although, it seemed half-serious. The Carmen Collection, he really didn¡¯t want it? ¡°I¡¯ll go ahead.¡± Jaxon and the Company Commander stepped back, and Leona, having finished her business, returned. ¡°Shall we go?¡± After that, Encrid and Leona enjoyed some time together. They wandered around the market, ate at a good restaurant Encrid knew well. ¡°This is really delicious.¡± She gave a thumbs-up after eating herbal pie and Vanessa¡¯s pumpkin soup. Vanessa¡¯s pumpkin soup was a specialty of the inn known for having the best food among the four in the area. ¡°This is tasty too.¡± Theyughed at Leona¡¯s jokes, and she giggled at Encrid¡¯s remarks. It was a spontaneous time, but amusingly, it was quite enjoyable. As the sun set, they had a drink or two. ¡°I had a great time.¡± Although they spent the night together, there was no physical intimacy. ¡°Alright. We¡¯re friends from today.¡± ¡°Sure.¡± They became friends, chatted until morning, and then parted ways. Encrid asionally had a vacant expression, but it was clear that both had a good time. * * * ¡°For some reason.¡± Mathis thought it was extremely rare. Leona was a woman who didn¡¯t know how to rest. She was relentless, reliable, and highly capable. If not, he wouldn¡¯t be here now. In other words, Leona was on a different levelpared to that fool, Pollid. ¡®That son of the former guild leader.¡¯ It was only natural that there were rumors about him being a child picked up from somewhere, he was that foolish. Leona had lived a life entirely different from Pollid¡¯s since childhood. For her to be tied down by a man for just one day? It was a rare urrence. Not that Mathis didn¡¯t respect her. ¡®The future of the guild is bright.¡¯ Now, the Rockfreed guild would head towards a better path than it had in the past. Mathis trusted Leona. After a day of rest, the guild leader returned with a relieved expression. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± And so the guild headed on its way. They honored the former guild leader¡¯sst words about discussing session. They also took care of everything else. Thus, Leona had swallowed everything whole. This was her answer. The former guild leader had saved her and raised her. By not killing Pollid, she was repaying his kindness. Leona understood well that this was the true intent of the former guild leader¡¯s will. She smiled as she recalled the previous night in the carriage on the way back. ¡®It was fun.¡¯ How many times had she had a conversation without any gain? It was quite uncharacteristic for her to chat without a purpose. And yet. ¡®Encrid.¡¯ The name of her counterpart lingered in her mind. * * * The man with the in appearance and the swordsman with the rapier emerged from Pollid¡¯s group and headed outside. No one tried to stop them. Although Mathis red at them fiercely. ¡°Let them go.¡± Leona¡¯s single sentence ended it. The two stepped out of the city gates. Even though winter wasing to an end, it was a harsh journey for just the two of them. Monsters and magical beasts could appear at any time. But the two were not worried about such things. ¡°Why did you do that?¡± The two belonged to the same group. They were part of the same nation. Among them, the swordsman with the rapier was an exceptional talent. He wouldn¡¯t bat an eye at most monsters. The man with the in appearance knew the swordsman¡¯s indifferent nature, making this incident all the more curious. Offering advice to a passerby, who could be considered an enemy, was strange. ¡°I felt it would be a waste not to.¡± Not everything in the world ends neatly. Such things happen. ¡°I see.¡± The in-looking man agreed. It was time to return. Although they had failed in their scheme, they had gained something. They learned that the abilities of the next Rockfreed guild leader were exceptionally outstanding. Information was always valuable. * * * Encrid returned to the squad in the morning. ¡°You seem very happy.¡± Rem greeted him as soon as he arrived. He must have heard everything. That was clear from his first words. ¡°Did you enjoy yourself?¡± It was easy to misunderstand. Although he had only talked with Leona. No matter how he answered, Rem would spout nonsense. That¡¯s the kind of guy he was. Instead of answering, Encrid picked up his sword. ¡°A spar?¡± ¡°You tiresome man, let¡¯s do it.¡± Rem didn¡¯t question further and picked up his axe. He liked being Encrid¡¯s first sparring partner whenever he returned. This time was no different. Encrid faced Rem. And he reflected on the day he spent with Leona. It was an odd thing. It was rest and a break. You could say hepletely forgot about the sword and rxed. He chatted with Leona all night. It was a continuous conversation, a time of seemingly meaningless dialogue. And yet, why did it feel like this? ¡®I feel like it will work.¡¯ Spending time with Leona, Encrid felt a strange sensation. It would be urate to say he sensed something. Time didn¡¯t slow down, nor did his focus ignite into some change. He just felt like it would work. He felt like he could show it effortlessly. The trajectory of the swinging sword, the step taken before that, the movement of his shoulder. Everything blended together to present an answer. What is speed? He had pondered this since facing the swordsman with the rapier, and now he felt he could partially answer it, albeit imperfectly. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 82 He¡¯ve seen a lot in the meantime. Especially when ites to speed. It started with the swordsman behind that fool Pollid. But even before that, it was always the same things he saw. Moments faced in every sparring session. Axe strikes that whipped like ash. The swordsman who followed that fool Pollid. Rem¡¯s axe strikes. What he experienced and learned on the battlefield. The things he trained and pondered over alone. Even the body changed by The Istion Technique. Everything converged and settled in his mind. An indescribable sensation took hold inside him. Encrid entered a state of Focus Point. A world where only the sword and himself remained. Even the sensation in his hand faded. What he saw were lines connecting points. All that was needed was the strength to connect those lines. The moment he looked into Rem¡¯s eyes and released it, the tip of his drooping sword traced the shortest line connecting the points. The sword tip pierced through the neck. He saw an illusion. So vivid it could be mistaken for reality. In the illusion, Encrid¡¯s sword pierced Rem¡¯s neck. Rem fell with a hole in his neck. Blood flowed, soaking the ground. The fallen Rem stared with wide eyes, blood foam at his mouth. There was no resentment in those eyes. Only pure surprise. ¡°Damn, that was really fast this time.¡± The illusion shattered and copsed with Encrid¡¯s one surprised exmation starting with a curse. The scene left in the illusion seemed to crumble away like shards of broken ss. Beyond the broken ss, he saw Rem¡¯s surprised eyes. The surprise was short-lived. Soon, Rem¡¯s eyes softened. They were like the eyes of a child who found an amusing toy. ¡°What did you do?¡± He saw a trace of blood on Rem¡¯s neck. The de had grazed it. ¡°I almost went to the other side.¡± At his continued words, Encrid opened his mouth. ¡°Sorry, I almost killed you.¡± ¡°¡­¡­I never thought I¡¯d say this, but our Squad Leader was really damn big, seriously.¡± ¡°Aren¡¯t I originally older than you?¡± Encrid was also taller. ¡°Man, you¡¯re an interesting guy.¡± With those words, Rem suddenly thrust his axe. When Encrid reflexively turned his head to dodge it, the axe de started to follow the contour of Encrid¡¯s cheek. It was a continuation of their sparring. After that, Encrid had to flirt with life and death due to Rem¡¯s axe strikes. ¡°Have you realized what it means to swing quickly? Good. Let¡¯s keep going.¡± What¡¯s this about, is it because of the scratch on his neck? It seems like there¡¯s a bit of resentment mixed in? Even so, Encrid didn¡¯t back down. ¡°Are you hesitating because you think you might kill me again? Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll kill you first.¡± Rem¡¯s eyes gleamed fiercely. After that, his arm turned not into a whip but into a beam of light. The axe de, which Encrid had barely dodged, blocked, and deflected until now, suddenly reached Encrid¡¯s neck. Without even leaving a scratch on his skin. The axe de tapped his neck and withdrew. Since the de wasn¡¯t sharpened, it didn¡¯t cause any injuries. Only the cold sensation of the axe de remained. ¡°If you can¡¯tpletely control the weapon in your hand, you¡¯re just half a man.¡± These were the words Rem left, signaling the end of the sparring. Lying on the cold ground, Encrid organized what he had gained from the recent sparring. What is speed? The conclusion he reached now was trajectory, movement path. It¡¯s the action of drawing a line connecting points in one swift motion. What¡¯s needed for that? Drawing lines in the mind and the means to implement those drawn lines urately. It¡¯s the body. The body must follow. Therefore, physical training is necessary. Why does the axe appear to whip like ash? ¡®Strength, trained muscles, physical ability.¡¯ Aren¡¯t these the things Audin has always told him to build up in his body? It¡¯s the same as what he gained through The Istion Technique. Strength is the foundation. It¡¯s the basis for thrusting or swinging the sword faster than ever before. To that, the concept of movement path is added. Immediately after drawing the line connecting points in the mind, realizing it in an instant. ¡®This is speed.¡¯ Proper bnce and rapid movements. It was part of the quick sword technique. Encridughed while lying down. ¡°Ha.¡± Even without repeating today. Even without repeating death. Even without meeting the ferryman of the ck River. ¡®The sword for tomorrow.¡¯ Feeling his own growth. More than anything, he felt proud because it was something he realized on his own, not something taught by someone else. He had lived a life where he was constantly told he had no talent. Who would have imagined having such an experience in that kind of life? ¡®I can do more.¡¯ Seeing the path ahead, Encrid¡¯s heart raced. He delved into Rem¡¯s parting words. Reflection and contemtion. It was time to sink inward. ¡°If you don¡¯t want to freeze to death, you¡¯d bettere inside.¡± The voice directed at Encrid, who was lying on the ground, was Jaxon. He seemed to be returning from outside. Jaxon, with his usual indifferent expression, approached with a warm leather cloak draped over his shoulders, pping in the wind. Encrid nodded while lying down and then stood up. Sheathing the sword he had drawn, he stretched his stiff neck from side to side. As he rose and headed towards the quarters, he suddenly felt a chill and an eerie sensation all over his body. His muscles tensed. It was a reaction arising from instinct. He turned around reflexively and drew his sword again. Ching! The sound of the de scraping against the scabbard rang out. Encrid realized he was holding his breath and exhaled as he looked at his opponent. The source of the killing intent was three steps behind. Jaxon stood there, as usual. The only difference was his right arm hanging down. ¡°Not bad.¡± Jaxon said, looking at Encrid. Encrid couldn¡¯t understand what he meant by ¡®not bad.¡¯ He only knew that Jaxon had done something. Could the mere act of exuding killing intent be so terrifyingly oppressive? ¡°The stiletto of Carmen is a very good dagger.¡± Jaxon spoke again. Only then did Encrid realize Jaxon was trying to demonstrate what he had said. ¡°Why continue to train the senses? How can you dodge a dagger flying at you from behind without seeing it?¡± Those were Jaxon¡¯s words. And now he was demonstrating the mastery of the stiletto. ¡°When you resolve to kill an opponent, you unconsciously emit an aura. We call that killing intent.¡± Aura, killing intent, energy, will. All were simr concepts. Encrid thought of the escort warrior named Mathis. He announced his name and elevated his aura, drawing everyone¡¯s attention. Jaxon evaluated him as a city-level expert based on that alone. ¡°This is how you sense killing intent. What I just showed you was intense enough that even a passing child would feel it and be frightened, so it¡¯s natural you sensed it. Keep feeling it. Use all your senses to perceive it. This is the next stage of the ¡®Sense of the de,¡¯ called the ¡®gate of the sixth sense.¡¯¡± Thump. His heart raced again. Just like when he was conceptualizing speed. ¡°I understand.¡± Though he answered calmly, his bold heart kept pounding. This, too, was almost maddeningly enjoyable. The biggest change in Encrid from repeating today was this part. Each day has be incredibly enjoyable. The joy of growth, which he had never felt before, became a whip and a carrot pushing Encrid forward. Telling him he could do more, that he didn¡¯t have to stop here. ¡®For what purpose?¡¯ His goal was also clear. Knight. His dream shone like a bright star in Encrid¡¯s heart. ¡°Let¡¯s go in.¡± Jaxon said and went into the quarters first. Encrid followed him in. ¡°Have you done your training for today?¡± Audin asked. ¡°Not yet.¡± This, too, was something he had to do. Though it was tormenting to throw his entire body into a sea of pain before doing it, it wasn¡¯t entirely unpleasant. The fruits that would fall into his mouth after crossing the sea of suffering were too sweet. The agony squeezed from his body turned into pleasure. ¡°Let¡¯s begin.¡± After that, he began the Istion Technique with Audin. After finishing the training, he washed his exhausted body and returned to his bed, where he saw Esther lying on her bed first. She had her front paws gathered in front of her chest with her head resting gently on them. Encrid reached out to pet Esther¡¯s head. Yap! Just as his fingertips were about to touch the top of her head, Esther wed at his hand, making him pull back. If Esther had intended to strike with her ws, she could have cut his wrist rather than just scratch the back of his hand. Therefore, what he saw now could be considered a cute little tantrum. Except. ¡°Why are you doing that again?¡± He didn¡¯t know the reason. Seeing this, Krais chuckled beside him. ¡°Exactly. She started doing that when we sang the Squad Leader of Enchantment song.¡± Apparently, a bunch of idle fellows had enthusiastically sung the Squad Leader of Enchantment song. ¡°Woo-hoo,ying down every woman in the city!¡± ¡°The hunter aiming at every passing woman!¡± ¡°Enchantment, enchantment, the Squad Leader of Enchantment!¡± Krais started the first verse, and Rem added on. The lyrics and melody were a mess. It was hard to call it a real song. ¡°Squawk.¡± For some reason, Esther seemed to really, very much, extremely dislike that song. As soon as she heard the song, she would immediately let out a ferocious cry. ¡®Is it because of Krais?¡¯ Krais was terrible at singing. Surprisingly, Rem had a manly voice and sang quite straightforwardly, making it more bearable to listen to. ¡°What about the Company Commander? With another woman? The Squad Leader of Enchantment.¡± Ragna asked beside him. He seemed genuinely curious, but that guy was also only serious about teasing him. ¡°Shut up.¡± Rather than clearing up every misunderstanding, it was better to wait quietly for the rumors to die down. If he brought it up again, the mes would only grow bigger. ¡°So, did you do it or not?¡± He had to answer this one. It was a matter of Leona¡¯s honor. ¡°I did not.¡± ¡°¡­Are you serious?¡± ¡°There¡¯s no reason to lie about this.¡± So what if they slept together? That¡¯s the truth. There¡¯s no need to cover it up with lies. Knowing Encrid¡¯s character, Rem also knew that what he said was true. ¡°Are you impotent? When did it get cut off? Is that why?¡± This guy is really¡­ ¡°It¡¯s okay. Brother of Enchantment, God loves everyone. Even if it¡¯s cut off, He loves you.¡± And Audin¡¯sment. But why does ¡®of Enchantment¡¯ precede ¡®brother¡¯? ¡°Pfft.¡± Kraisughed. Jaxon suppressed his rising smile and looked away. Ragna rarely provoked Encrid¡¯s anger by asking, ¡°Then how did it go with the Company Commander?¡± ¡°Crazy bastards.¡± None of the squad members were normal. Encrid felt unfortunate being the only sane one among them. What was the point of getting angry? These guys wouldn¡¯t even blink. Encrid consoled himself with the thought that this was better than them fighting each other andy down on his bed. After teasing Encrid together for a while. ¡°It seems you¡¯ve changed a bit.¡± Rem said suddenly, looking at the lying Encrid. ¡°I think the same.¡± Ragna added. The others just listened. Changed? Encrid thought about Rem¡¯s words. Have I changed? In what way? ¡°Lately, you seem to smile oddly. But that¡¯s not all.¡± Didn¡¯t I smile often before? Encrid suddenly recalled his past self. How was it? He couldn¡¯t remember well, but one thing was certain. Whether then or now, he was struggling just the same. But back then, he was navigating through a darkness where he couldn¡¯t see an inch ahead. Now, he could vaguely see the pathid out before him. Seeing that path gave him a joy that those with talent couldn¡¯t even imagine. ¡°I always knew you were obsessed with the sword, buttely, it¡¯s been a bit extreme. The smiling too, and your skills have improved significantly. Anyway, you¡¯ve changed.¡± Although the reason was flimsy, the other squad members agreed with it. ¡°It does seem like you¡¯re a bit crazier than before.¡± Krais concluded. Encrid couldn¡¯t agree with that at all. Where else could you find someone as calm and ordinary as him? He just spent a bit more time training and had slightly bigger dreams than others. ¡°Not that it¡¯s a bad thing.¡± Rem added. Encrid ignored him. It was night. Time to sleep. Not time to chat. Afterward, Jaxon and Krais left the quarters for their shift. Encrid soon fell asleep. As always, he felt the exhaustion from overworking his body, but he also felt lighter in the morning. Has his stamina improved? He didn¡¯t know. It seemed more recent than before. ¡®When did it start?¡¯ He couldn¡¯t remember exactly, but it was recent. Sometime after returning to the battlefield. * * * Esther found her opponent annoying. ¡®Every time you go out, you get involved with a woman.¡¯ Even within the unit, there were issues. They were together because of those issues, but how could he turn his attention to another woman while she was around? She was once known as the epitome of enchantment and allure without needing any spells. Men would line up to offer their souls just by seeing her pass by. ¡®Even that Fairy can¡¯t bepared to this.¡¯ She continued her thoughts and then was startled. It was the moment she realized she had transformed into a panther. What man would fall for such a sight? Moreover¡­ ¡®Why do I care?¡¯ It felt like an utterly unnecessary and trivial thought. Her goal was clear: to neutralize the damned curse on her body. Esther moved with that purpose in mind. Therefore, such trivial thoughts should be pushed aside. Esther gracefully descended from her warm leather nket and crossed the center of the tent. ¡°Going out again?¡± It was the barbarian next to the sleeping Encrid. ¡°Like a sulking little kid.¡± The barbarian uttered irreverent words, but Esther ignored him. She was clear about her task. Therefore, there was no room for personal feelings. She silently leaped as a panther and burrowed into Encrid¡¯s embrace. In his arms, the panther casually poked Encrid¡¯s chest with her ws. ¡°Ouch. Let¡¯s sleep, Esther.¡± Encrid hugged her close. ¡®This shameless guy.¡¯ Esther nced at Encrid¡¯s face and then, pressed against his bare skin, she absorbed a portion of his fatigue and released it into the air. It¡¯s not an easy trick. In truth, it¡¯s not enormously helpful. But for a man who exhausts his body like a madman every day, it could be quite significant. One more thing. She had also enchanted his leather armor. Even though it was a one-time effect, it would block one magical attack. Because of this, it took her a bit longer to reim her true form. ¡®This guy needs to stay safe.¡¯ Therefore, it was a necessary act. It was a long-term perspective. Even while thinking that, Esther found herselfforted and warmed by the man¡¯s embrace. In her sleep, she entertained more idle thoughts. ¡®I should believe his words.¡¯ The words that he would never do anything with another woman, leaving her behind. Because those words felt like the truth. Honestly, it didn¡¯t feel too bad. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 83 As the ferryman of the ck River said, Encrid¡¯s daily life was simr to repeating today over and over again. It was a life solely devoted to training. ¡°Control, control, control yourself.¡± The sparring with Rem focused on Encrid mastering his body and sword perfectly. Sometimes the chilling aura made Encrid feel like he was being watched, a skill of Jaxon¡¯s piercing gaze. Jaxon had the ability to make someone¡¯s body tense up just by looking at them. Even a slightpse in focus felt like it could be deadly. Though Jaxon didn¡¯t actually do anything, his gaze alone made one feel that way, which was maddening. Finding Jaxon who constantly emitted a murderous aura was also part of the training. Encrid tried to broaden his auditory and sensory perception for this, but repeatedly failed. The concept of the ¡®Gate of Sixth Sense¡¯ was beyond his grasp. ¡°This isn¡¯t easy.¡± Jaxon stubbornly repeated the same actions. Encrid started to lose weight. The training was that hard to endure. However, he never said to stop. ¡°Stop it already. You sly alley cat. You¡¯re so annoying.¡± ¡°Did a barbarian sense my killing intent? I must havecked subtlety.¡± ¡°You deliberately let it slip, yet you speak so well. Where is my axe? My axe to split the alley cat¡¯s head.¡± Seeing Encrid wasting away, Rem would asionally intervene, which naturally led to arguments. Then, Encrid would stop Rem from swinging his axe to the rhythm. ¡°I¡¯m doing this because I want to.¡± ¡°Damn it. I¡¯m telling you to do it in moderation, moderation.¡± Despite saying ¡°moderation¡±, Encrid never had a day without bruises all over his body. Thanks to Rem¡¯s punches and axe strikes. Rem didn¡¯t know how to take it easy either. Encrid wondered if Rem had any right to say that, but he never told Rem to stop. If he hadn¡¯t trained his body with the Istion Technique, what would have happened? He probably wouldn¡¯t have been able to endure as he was now. Audin would ask whenever he got the chance. ¡°If it¡¯s too hard, you can rest, brother.¡± This guy seemed more like a devil¡¯s priest than a god¡¯s. ¡°Rest if it¡¯s hard. It¡¯s okay to stop.¡± He always said these things. They were indeed the whispers of the devil. ¡°Shall I?¡± ¡°Then it seems your mental strength needs training as well.¡± He would rush over immediately. ¡°Mental strengthes from physical power. Here¡¯s a secret just for you, brother. Mental strength actuallyes from muscles.¡± A joke like that would only add more weight to the day¡¯s training. The Istion Technique and wrestling would be more intense. This crazy priest had a hobby of tormenting people by mimicking a devil. But it wasn¡¯t exactly unpleasant. Sometimes, just sometimes. When he felt too exhausted and wanted to rest, Audin¡¯s devilish whispers would indeed help Encrid regain his focus. ¡°Today, I want to rest a bit.¡± Knowing how Audin would react, Encrid said it deliberately. Then, Audin would smile broadly and say, ¡°It seems you can handle it.¡± It was a provocation, and the subsequent training that Audin prepared for Encrid would be intense. It was exhausting and grueling. No one would say it wasn¡¯t tough. However, the results of the diligent training were umting in his body. Although he still couldn¡¯t block Rem¡¯s axe when it became a beam of light. He could block two out of three axe swings that whipped like ash without losing his bnce. During sparring with Ragna, he became better at reading moves. Previously, he struggled to see even one step ahead, but now his strategies to weave several feints and make his opponent move ording to his intentions were bing sharper. Though Ragna and Rem were distinctly different opponents, both were beneficial to Encrid. Detecting Jaxon¡¯s killing intent was still a blocked path, however. ¡®The Gate of Sixth Sense.¡¯ How many times had he repeated the process that gave him goosebumps all over his body? The thought of constantly having to endure that gaze, that killing intent, was chilling. It was terrifying. As dreadful as repeating today over and over again. He had encountered assassins twice. Both times, he had to repeat the day, but he had never felt such intense killing intent. They say a well-trained assassin doesn¡¯t show any killing intent at all. Encrid recalled the assassins he had met. The first was in the medical barracks. ¡®It was more of a sound than a killing intent.¡¯ Was that guy a clumsy one? The second time, when dealing with the mixed-blood fairy who threw the whistling knife, he tried not to miss any of the fairy¡¯s movements, even a slight twitch of the fingers. He had to stare intently with wide eyes. Both were far from utilizing intuition. The harsh winter at the end of the four seasons was beginning to recede slowly. Though it couldn¡¯t yet be called warm, the days were gradually getting milder. Rain falling instead of snow at the expected time would signal the start of a new year with spring rain. Though the cold would linger for a while. That¡¯s typical for this region, where winters are long. Thinking of assassins naturally led to other thoughts. ¡®They said they were persistent, but are they noting anymore?¡¯ The Gray Hounds, a special unit proud of Aspen, were relentless. Hadn¡¯t he felt that firsthand? ¡®Sending an assassin to take down a single soldier.¡¯ He was aware of it, but there was no sign of an impending attack. To be honest, even if someone was targeting him now, he wondered if he could react. He was too busy dealing with Rem, Ragna, Audin, and Jaxon. ¡®Somehow, I¡¯ll manage.¡¯ Right now is not the time to worry about the Gray Hound or the Gray Cat. ¡®A gift for my future self.¡¯ The time spent today on his body, the training resulting from it, is always a gift. Tomorrow¡¯s self will ept today¡¯s pain as joy. * * * Mitch Hurrier cast away the chill of winter from the center of the training ground. His body moved and his sword swung, steam rising from his whole body. Mitch forgot the cold. He thought only of the sword, himself, and his opponent. He swung and swung again. As soon as he recovered from his sickbed, Mitch Hurrier acted like a man possessed by the sword. He used a training sword with a thickened de for added weight. That sword drew several lines in the air before stopping with its tip pointed skyward at an angle. Then, Mitch¡¯s arm muscles tensed, and the sword tip shed through the air. Swish¡ª From top to bottom. Anyone with a keen eye would have been chilled by the strike. The sword drew a line perpendicr to the ground, its tip unwavering, creating a perfect straight line. It was remarkable to see such a precise strike after hours of wielding a sword three times heavier than an ordinary longsword. Mitch Hurrier became a tree nourished by the fertilizer of defeat. ¡®Therefore, I cannot die like that.¡¯ While hey sick, he heard that an assassin was sent to the one who had knocked him down. He was incredibly annoyed by that. But the assassination failed. That pleased Mitch. ¡®You must die by my hand.¡¯ And it must be on the battlefield. Since losing to the soldier named Encrid, surpassing him became Mitch Hurrier¡¯s reason for living and his life¡¯s goal. ¡°It looks good, but it also looks bad.¡± His father sternly reprimanded Mitch for bing a madman obsessed with the sword. Such behavior was not what the head of the family would want from a family member. But what did that matter? Better than selling out the name of the Gray Hound to send assassins in the name of family honor. ¡®I¡¯m much more decent.¡¯ Mitchughed. He looked forward to and longed for the day he would meet his opponent who had struck him down on the battlefield. And it was not a vain hope. Considering therge-scale military gathering in Aspen in response to his defeat by the enemy¡¯s knight in the previous battle. ¡®See you on the battlefield.¡¯ The opponent¡¯s face remained vividly in Mitch¡¯s memory. He would never forget it. It was the first time he had lost like that. Thanks to that, he became a training addict who never left the training ground for the first time in his life. The Battalion Commander of the Gray Hound unit stopped the n to send more assassins after seeing Mitch¡¯s condition. ¡°If you meet him again, can you take him down?¡± ¡°I will meet him. And I will kill him.¡± Hearing Mitch¡¯s response, the Battalion Commander put an end to the assassin issue. There would be no need to send anything to that soldier again. * * * ¡°I take back what I said about you changing. That seems more urate.¡± Rem said this after their sparring session ended. ¡°It feels like you¡¯re stagnating.¡± The foul-mouthed barbarian rarely directed such harsh words at Encrid. ¡°Whenever your skills seem to improve, you stop. Is that a habit of yours?¡± Encrid didn¡¯t bother to argue. It wasn¡¯t hard to understand why he said that. That¡¯s how it usually is. Just when the teacher shows passion, the student¡¯s growth halts. It could be frustrating to watch. Rem wasn¡¯t the only one who felt that way. ¡°It¡¯s strangely unadaptable. You picked up the basics so quickly, yet your application of them iscking. Normally, such rapid improvement would indicate talent, but it feels like you¡¯re just barely keeping up, Squad Leader. You did improve significantly in a short time, though.¡± Ragna could be sharp at times. In any case, he echoed Rem¡¯s sentiments. Audin was simr. ¡°Brother, the only way to make your body move as you want is through training. Repetition will get you there. Usually, that¡¯s how it is, but you, Squad Leader Brother, are a bit slow.¡± He found a long way to say that Encrid was treading water. Jaxon didn¡¯t say much. Whether it was the Gate of Sixth Sense or not, Encrid hadn¡¯t grasped it from the start. It was a morning training session. Standing troops fundamentally devoted themselves to training their bodies. They weren¡¯t professional soldiers for nothing. Everyone was training their bodies in that ce. Rem, upying the middle of the long corridor and focusing on training, suddenly stopped. ¡°Let¡¯s call it a day.¡± ¡°Agreed.¡± Rem left Encrid and went inside the quarters. He hadn¡¯t given up. Such a thought never crossed his mind. It was just that simple sparring wasn¡¯t what was needed right now. ¡°Realbat.¡± As he muttered upon entering the quarters. Esther nced up at him. The eyes of the other squad members also flicked towards Rem. Soon, Ragna, Audin, Rem, and Jaxon agreed for the first time since joining the squad. When Encrid came inside, Jaxon grabbed his arm and said, ¡°Take on a mission.¡± ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°It¡¯s time you need realbat. We¡¯d love to throw you onto a battlefield and have you survive, but that¡¯s not possible right now.¡± Rem added. Everyone seemed to agree. Encrid was surprised at their attitude. ¡®I knew they wouldn¡¯t give up, but¡­¡¯ He didn¡¯t expect them to unite and discuss something like this. It was amazing enough that thezy Ragna was being proactive. All four were of one mind and one purpose. It was a scene Encrid never imagined he would see, even in his dreams. ¡°Meow.¡± Esther cried at his feet. Encrid picked up the panther and said, ¡°I was thinking the same.¡± He wasn¡¯t throwing his life away to repeat today. But, Encrid always honed his body and swung his sword in real battles andbat. If he trained and disciplined himself, it was natural to want to test his skills. Those naturally gifted would quickly ovee stagnation. But he had no such talent. What hecked, he had to learn through physical toil. ¡®If you¡¯re blocked and stuck.¡¯ You just have to do something. As always, whether it¡¯s struggling or dancing, Encrid would grab at straws. That¡¯s how he lived his life. ¡°Let¡¯s start taking on missions tomorrow morning. It would be great if there¡¯s a beast hunt.¡± ¡°I heard there is one.¡± Encrid had already looked into it. ¡°You¡¯ve already thought about this.¡± Jaxon said. Encrid scratched Esther¡¯s head with his fingertips and replied, ¡°Yes.¡± Jaxon had exined countless times. What is the Gate of Sixth Sense? To open it, you had to glimpse the realm of instinct. Is it possible to perceive something with an invisible sense, not the five senses? ¡°It is possible. But it¡¯s not really an invisible sense. When a beast hunts its prey or runs at full speed, where do you think that instinct to judge within secondses from? What about the sense that herbivores use to avoid predators?¡± That was Jaxon¡¯s definition of intuition. Human senses aren¡¯t just seeing, hearing, tasting, smelling, and touching. There are other senses like bnce, position, movement, and temperature. The human body isposed of various senses. If you fight with all your senses honed like a de,you naturally learn to read, predict, and react to killing intent from the realm of instinct. When that happens, you can dodge a sword even if ites at the back of your head. ¡°Any knight can do it. Actual knights undergo such training.¡± Encrid sensed Jaxon¡¯s rough kindness in hisst words. It was uncharacteristic of him, yet it was a considerate gesture typical of Jaxon. ¡°Got it.¡± Knight training is like this. So don¡¯t give up. He even got encouragement. Since he used beasts as an example, he thought about encountering simr beasts. Their instincts would be simr, and the killing intent they exuded would be more raw than Jaxon¡¯s. Of course, not everything went ording to Encrid¡¯s n. * * * ¡°A mission? Then handle this first. We¡¯re really short on people.¡± The next morning, just as he was looking for a beast hunt mission, a squad leader from the neighboring toon barged in with a request. It was a request to check out strange noisesing from a shoemaker¡¯s shop at night. Apparently, some undead monster seemed to be living underneath. ¡°If there was something like that in the city, it would have caused amotion by now.¡± ¡°I know. But what can we do? Finishing a mission means more merit, doesn¡¯t it? Just take care of it. If you have time, please help out. I used to help you with sewing, remember?¡± Right, it was that squad leader. The one who had helped him sew when he first overcame the repeating days, the one who loved drinking. Encrid eventually nodded. He agreed and nned to just ease the shoemaker¡¯s fears and leave. What kind of monster could be under a shop floor? As he was getting ready at the quarters. ¡°Aren¡¯t you going for the beast hunt mission?¡± Jaxon, as usual, omitted honorifics from his speech. ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m going after this.¡± He had said he would go for the beast hunt after this. It seemed like he could go right after finishing this task. This realbat experience would be helpful in many ways. ¡®From the sword to the senses, the heart, and how to use the body.¡¯ He felt like he could grasp something by ying beasts. And so, he arrived at the shoemaker¡¯s house. ¡°Here, look. I finally checked underneath and found this!¡± The shoemaker was excited. Encrid was surprised too. There was a hole in the basement of the shoemaker¡¯s house. Inside, an artificial tunnel was visible. ¡°Wait, let me go in and take a look first.¡± Listening carefully inside, he heard no sound. Encrid spoke and then stepped into the hole the shoemaker had made. ¡®I¡¯ll need a torch.¡¯ It wasn¡¯tplete darkness. Thanks to the light seeping through the hole, he could see a bit ahead. The slope was gentle. Going down wasn¡¯t difficult. After entering and walking a bit forward, he felt like he was walking through a dungeon created by a wizard or a monster. He hadn¡¯t walked far. The light from the candle above still filtered in behind him. Then he encountered a six-way intersection in the path. ¡°What kind of madman made this?¡± He muttered to himself. It reeked of something man-made. Encrid stepped into the first passage on the left. There was no sign of anything. He walked a few more steps inside. Crunch, crunch. Except for the sound of the wind passing through the tunnel, there were no signs of life or other noises. However, Hum¡ª Soon, he heard a faint vibration. Encrid saw a sh of light explode in front of him. Bang! There was a loud explosion, and it felt like hot iron spikes were piercing into his lungs and tearing through his insides. Then his memory faded, and morning came again. Naturally, Encrid knew what had happened. ¡®I died.¡¯ Thest sensation left in his body was heat. So, it was hot. Now it was time to figure out how he had died. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 84 ¡®Heat.¡¯ An explosion. He reyed thest moments over and over again. It happened so suddenly and unexpectedly. In the previous assassination attempt by the half-blood fairy, at least there were some final words exchanged before death. This time, there was nothing like that. Only the scorching heat and the searing pain of a fiery death remained. Getting stabbed by a sword or spear used to feel like being pierced by a heated skewer. This time, I really burned to death. ¡®A trap? Judging by the explosion, it must be a magic trap.¡¯ ¡°What are you thinking about so deeply?¡± ¡°Thinking about the job I was tasked with.¡± After finishing breakfast and responding to Rem¡¯s words, he went to find more assignments. ¡°Please, I beg you. Can you do this for me?¡± Naturally, the Squad Leader of the stitching unit asked for a favor. Does this guy know the state he¡¯s sending me into? He looked haggard, with no sign of ying tricks on me. He just looked like a soldier worn out by fatigue. ¡°Have you been busytely?¡± ¡°The incidents caused by the guys at night have decreased, but recently, the number of external monsters and beasts has increased, so a lot of manpower is being diverted there.¡± He looked genuinely upset. He could feel the sincerity in his words. Honestly, even if he were lying, he could just refuse the task. Even if he epted, as long as he didn¡¯t enter the shoemaker¡¯s shop, the same thing wouldn¡¯t happen again. So, it was something he could ignore. ¡®It¡¯s a wall that can be easily avoided.¡¯ Encrid thought this and asked. ¡°What if I don¡¯t go?¡± ¡°We¡¯ll just have to leave it be.¡± There are essential tasks that the soldiers in the unit must perform, but there are also those that are not. This was something that could be ignored. ¡°Yeah, there¡¯s no absolute need to go. But the shoemaker isn¡¯t someone who talks nonsense. I¡¯d like to go myself, but the toon Leader keeps watching me, so I can¡¯t get away.¡± He seemed sincere about this too. When Encrid didn¡¯t answer immediately, the Squad Leader of the stitching unit spoke again. ¡°Hey, you remember me, right? From back then, with that bundle of leather, right?¡± ¡°I remember.¡± Encrid thought he might have been living with a bottle in his hand since returning to the city, but here he was, working hard. ¡°I¡¯m worried, so please take a look. I¡¯ve known the guy since I was a kid.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± I¡¯ll go for now. Encrid decided to go and see what¡¯s going on. If it were a typical trap, there would have been poison darts flying, not a fiery explosion. There was no sound or sign of the trap being activated. If it¡¯s magic, then¡­ ¡®If it¡¯s magic.¡¯ There was nothing he could do. Thinking about it wasn¡¯t going to solve anything. With these thoughts, he walked and arrived at the shoemaker¡¯s shop a littleter than usual. Even after knocking on the door, there was no answer. ¡°This is the Border Guard Reserve Force. Please open up.¡± Only after knocking harder and shouting did the door finally open. Instead of the craftsman, a young woman appeared beyond the door. She had long braided brown hair and freckles all over her cheeks. ¡°The reserve force?¡± She spoke, her eyes wide like a deer¡¯s. ¡°Because of the job.¡± He nced inside, but the craftsman was nowhere to be seen. Instead, there was a gaping hole. ¡°My father said he found something under the shop, so he went down there.¡± Damn it. Encrid muttered to himself. ¡°Excuse me.¡± He half-pushed the shoemaker¡¯s startled daughter aside and went in. Dust was falling from the hole that had been dug. ¡®He¡¯s in such a rush.¡¯ The craftsman must have gotten tired of waiting for the reserve force and went in himself. He might have even thought no one woulde at all. Usually, one wouldn¡¯t expect a soldier toe for something like this. ¡°It¡¯s dangerous, right? He said not to go in.¡± The freckled woman looked worried. Then, she bit her lip and said, ¡°I need to go in and get him.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll go, you stay here.¡± ¡°No, I have to go too.¡± She didn¡¯t seem to intend to listen. More importantly, he needed to stop the explosion quickly. Instead of arguing, Encrid immediately dove into the hole. He ced his hands on the edge, pushed in with his left foot, and slid down the sloped tunnel. Every movement was smooth. Controlling his entire body with The Istion Technique had made even simple actions feel like an enhancement of his physical abilities. Of course, now was not the time to be thinking about such things. As soon as he reached the bottom of the slope, Encrid¡¯s trained ears caught the sound of footsteps. Looking ahead, he saw the craftsman stepping into the first passageway. The craftsman¡¯s daughter, who had followed Encrid, tried to rush past him. ¡°Dad!¡± Encrid grabbed her by the waist and set her down behind him, shouting, ¡°Stop!¡± The craftsman turned around, his face a mix of tension and confusion. But it was toote. He took another step. Encrid felt the airpressing and pressing against him with a loud bang. Everything happened in an instant. mes, fire, explosion. Fwoosh. ¡°Damn it!¡± The mes that erupted, consuming Encrid¡¯s body, were apanied by the craftsman¡¯s final, unuttered scream. Both the craftsman and his daughter, who was behind him, were caught in the explosion. Bang! As Encrid was dying, he thought about how the st would surge upward. A futile death. As he endured and overcame the pain, darkness enveloped him. He waded through the dreamlike ck river and awoke again to a new morning. * * * ¡°Did you have a bad dream or something?¡± Rem asked from beside him. He couldn¡¯t exactly say it was a good dream. In the dream, the ferryman on the ck river had given him a sly smile. In the past, even when repeating today, it seemed like he always started and ended things with his own hands. This time, there was a sense of injustice. He felt it was beyond his control. ¡®If I leave them alone, they will go to their deaths.¡¯ First the father, then the daughter. How far would the repercussions spread? That didn¡¯t matter. By the time they died, it would already be a failed task. ¡®I could just ignore it.¡¯ If Encrid ignored it, they would both die. They would certainly die. So, does that matter? It¡¯s a world of killing and being killed. It¡¯s that kind of era. Having taken up the profession of fighting on the battlefield, Encrid had killed countless others. But ¡®They are not people who stepped onto the battlefield of killing and being killed.¡¯ They are just people trying to run their shop. Encrid knew he was not the kind of knight with the chivalry that minstrels sang about. He had to follow reality. The world had changed. But even so. ¡®I don¡¯t want to lose.¡¯ He could turn away and ignore this. What¡¯s the big deal? It would just be one more craftsman and his daughter dead. But it would happen right in front of Encrid¡¯s eyes. And Encrid would be the only one who knew they were dying. If this were war, if it were something he couldn¡¯t stop with his own hands. Then, yes, maybe he would have to leave it alone. But ¡®I can stop it.¡¯ If he could stop it, he couldn¡¯t just leave it alone. This wouldn¡¯t be called chivalry. It would just be called stubbornness. But that didn¡¯t diminish the chivalry Encrid believed in. Even if no one else knew, if there was something he had to protect, he would protect it. That¡¯s the kind of knight Encrid aspired to be. A dreamer cannot betray their dream. Encrid had to go back there, to the craftsman and his daughter. ¡°Damn it.¡± Encrid rarely showed his irritation as he started the day. He was displeased with his slow steps that had led to the death of the craftsman and his daughter yesterday. ¡°You must have had a really shitty dream.¡± Rem muttered from behind. As Encrid started his day once again, he filled his stomach and spent the entire time contemting the task at hand. ¡®Should I enter each passage one by one?¡¯ There couldn¡¯t be a more miserable task. Who knows how many traps are in those passages? But it was also true that no other solution came to mind. And it wasn¡¯t as if he could bring any squad members along. ¡®If the shoemaker asked them toe with him because there might be an undead monster under his shop, what would they think?¡¯ Putting aside the teasing, no one would likelye. He could force someone toe along, but he didn¡¯t feel inclined to do so. Should he rely on the squad members every time something happened? Or should he handle it alone? Was the dream he longed for to stand behind someone and just talk? Or to stand at the front and wield his sword? He wasn¡¯t sure if this task would require using a sword. ¡®I¡¯ll do it alone. I¡¯ll protect them.¡¯ It wasn¡¯t something to rely on the squad for. ¡°The shoemaker is worried, you know me, right?¡± ¡°Yeah, did you enjoy the snake wine?¡± ¡°It was delicious.¡± He handed the request back to the stitching Squad Leader and immediately started walking briskly. ¡°Where are you off to in such a hurry?¡± Jaxon asked from behind as he was leaving. ¡°To save some unlucky civilians at the shoemaker¡¯s.¡± ¡°¡­¡­Are shoes or boots bothering the civilians?¡± No, it¡¯s the underground passage. Encrid answered only in his mind and headed straight to the shoemaker¡¯s shop. Before he even reached the door, he could hear the loud banging of the shoemaker hammering the floor. Bang! Bang! Encrid knocked on the door forcefully to announce his presence, and the shoemaker, sweating from his forehead, came out. ¡°Look, there¡¯s a hole there!¡± ¡°Yes, I see. A hole. Let¡¯s take a look.¡± He went over and helped to open the hole. Using a hammer and a thick metal rod as a lever, they pried up the nks. A hole was created that way. ¡°I¡¯ll go down and take a look, so please wait here.¡± ¡°Uh, um, what if a monsteres out?¡± ¡°I¡¯ll handle it.¡± Before going down, he lit a torch with a flint. Fwoosh. Just looking at the fire made him feel anxious. Once was enough for the experience of burning to death. As he descended, Encrid felt a strange sensation. It was an instinctive aversion brought on by the fear of death. Encrid did not want to enter that passage. But he didn¡¯t turn back. He overcame it and moved forward. If he turned away in fear, he would live a life of running away. He had run away many times to survive. Each time he regretted it. He didn¡¯t want to experience that regret again. So Encrid did not turn back. He moved forward. With a firm step, he entered the first passage. The more he looked at it, the worse he felt. There were six passages in total. That left five others. ¡®Which one is it?¡¯ They wouldn¡¯t haveid traps in all of the decent passages. Would the second one be safe? Encrid carefully lifted the torch and examined the floor, walls, and ceiling. Nothing particrly stood out. There were only simr-looking forks in the path. The size of the passages was almost identical. It was too dark to see the end inside. Whoever made this crazy space under the city¡­ It might even connect to the sewers. Dust fell from above. It didn¡¯t seem like a hastily made passage. Hopefully, it wouldn¡¯t copse and crush him. For now, it was time to explore further. He was curious about the face of whoever made this. ¡®I¡¯m going.¡¯ The second passage of the fork. ¡®Entering the first one leads to mes.¡¯ What about here? As he stood in front of the second passage, Encrid again felt an unpleasant sensation rise, but he ignored it and took another step forward. The first step, taken with tension, revealed no abnormalities. No explosions, no mes, nothing else. Encrid cautiously examined his surroundings. He held the torch high and meticulously observed everything again. His conclusion was: ¡®Just looking doesn¡¯t mean you¡¯ll know.¡¯ It was a busy time, even dedicating himself to a single sword. He had seen dungeon exploration over the shoulders of others while working as a mercenary, but he didn¡¯t have the knowledge to spot traps. Such things were only possible for those who had been properly trained. Therefore, ¡®There¡¯s no answer to this.¡¯ He had no choice but to move forward. A sense of foreboding weighed heavily on him. It felt like a beast was waiting for him with its mouth wide open. It felt like sticking his head into the maw of a beast while defenseless. As he struggled to ovee this and move forward, ¡°What are you doing right now?¡± The craftsman who had followed him down suddenly asked from behind. That single sentence dulled his keenly honed sense of foreboding and made taking a step forward seem less significant. The sensations he felt just moments ago became faint. ¡°Don¡¯te any closer.¡± One time was enough to die burning together with the craftsman. As he took another step, that strange feeling returned. He couldn¡¯t pinpoint it, but it was a simr sensation. Originating from a sense of foreboding, it felt like he had made a mistake. ¡®A step I shouldn¡¯t have taken.¡¯ The sudden thought was the answer. Whoosh. It was the same as the first passage. Explosion, pressure, mes. He didn¡¯t know what was hidden at the end of this passage. But it was clear they had prepared a deadly trap. Bang. With the noise, he burned to death. Naturally, he didn¡¯t just die. ¡®Ah.¡¯ As he was dying, Encrid let out a short exmation inwardly. Regardless of the pain, the Heart of the Beast allowed him to urately assess his current sensations. Ending the third day, Encrid unexpectedly felt something. And so, he faced the fourth day. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 85 ¡°Jaxon.¡± As soon as he got up, Encrid looked for Jaxon. ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± ¡°The Gate of Sixth Sense can instinctively detect danger, right?¡± ¡°That¡¯s the start.¡± This was the reason Jaxon had been recklessly emitting killing intent all along. The instinct for survival. Something that every living being possesses. If that¡¯s the beginning. ¡®So, this is it.¡¯ That tingling sensation that nudged his heart. Should he call it nostalgic? He certainly felt something simr. Of course, he couldn¡¯t imprint it perfectly in his body with just one attempt. Thanks to hisck of talent. Not that hemented it. There¡¯s no point in dwelling on ack of talent, as it wouldn¡¯t change anything, so he just moved on. Encrid got up. It was time to start moving diligently on this new day. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Receiving the samemission, he took a torch and headed to the shoemaker¡¯s shop. This was the fourth time. This time, he arrived even before the first hammer strike. ¡°Let¡¯s break through together.¡± ¡°Huh? What?¡± Encrid, teaming up with the bewildered craftsman, drilled a hole in the floor. And there, they faced the six branching paths once again. At the moment they encountered the first and second passageways. He felt that tingling sensation. A feeling he should rightly call ominous. Encrid found himself smiling unknowingly at that moment. ¡®This is it.¡¯ This ce, where he couldn¡¯t just watch the craftsman die. A ce with a spell trap that should have been sealed off if it wasn¡¯t right after a few attempts. Encrid didn¡¯t n to be tied down to this ¡®today¡¯. This was an ident, and it was an avoidable problem if one had the will. For now, he could simply evacuate the craftsman and his daughter by force and request a troop to investigate the hole. Of course, that was thest resort. Because of the spell trap, entering without knowledge would surely lead to death. Even if it wasn¡¯t him dying, he couldn¡¯t just stand by and watch. Yet, he couldn¡¯t just say there was magic here and call for a magician whose fee was more expensive than gold. A mere squad leader requesting would not bring a magician running here, nor would anyone believe it if he said there was a spell trap. Most would respond with disbelief, thinking it¡¯s nonsense. ¡®My squad members or Company Commander might believe me, though.¡¯ Anyway, the conclusion was this: This ce was the perfect spot to train the Gate of Sixth Sense. Realizing that, a thrilling exhration surged through him. After only four attempts, hadn¡¯t he managed to create a crack in the Gate of Sixth Sense? Now, he just needed to fling it open. With that, he stepped into the third passageway. At that moment, Encrid experienced a new kind of pain. An invisible de sliced him vertically from above. The excruciating pain, the agony, the whooshing sound of the wind, the lingering chill on his body, the blood pouring onto the floor, and the feeling of all his energy draining away from him. None of these sensations were ones he wished to experience again. It was torturous. Understandably so. However, the newfound traces of experience made him forget the agony. Thus, the repetition of today was not entirely painful. He simply ran and struggled for tomorrow. * * * Upon greeting the fifth morning, Encrid set a goal to avoid beingcent with today. ¡®Open the Gate of Sixth Sense and pass through this cave.¡¯ Anyone who knew might call it an act of madness. But for Encrid, this was just another moment of training. Moving forward. Growing. It was different from struggling for tomorrow. ¡°Why are you smiling when there¡¯s a hole under our shop?¡± The shoemaker asked, seeing Encrid¡¯s smile. ¡°I have a hobby of exploring the unknown.¡± Saying anything, he was about to descend when the shoemaker grabbed his arm. ¡°I heard something moving down there, so be careful¡­¡± ¡°Yes, I will.¡± There were many things he wanted to test. He descended and faced the passage. His Sixth Sense didn¡¯t immediately raise an rm of impending doom. ¡®The gate is partially open.¡¯ he thought. From now on, he intended to open it fully. He abandoned the idea of recklessly throwing himself into traps. He learned that it didn¡¯t work that way. This was the fifth today. Even if he couldn¡¯t end it here, he still nned to struggle. He wouldn¡¯t waste this moment, thinking it could be easily repeated. He had no intention of doing so. So, what needed to be done? Encrid spent the entire day, truly the whole day, walking back and forth in front of the passageway at a slow pace. From the first to the second, from the second to the sixth. He repeated returning from the sixth to the first. Until all five torches burned out. Until the time when today would end if he continued like this. ¡°What on earth are you doing?¡± At first, the bewildered shoemaker. ¡°Have some lunch, at least?¡± Gave him a meal. ¡°But why are you walking back and forth like a duck on a river?¡± Later, the daughter expressed her curiosity. ¡°Hey, why is that soldier who came for themission acting like that?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know. He¡¯s been doing that all day.¡± Even the herbalist from the neighboring shop came to watch. From the outside, it looked like a meaningless act. Encrid spent the entire day focusing on finding something unusual with his Focus Point technique. How does the Sixth Sense that detects ominousness work? ording to Jaxon¡¯s exnation, it operates in the realm of instinct during the process of seeing, hearing, smelling, and feeling. The Sixth Sense catches the unnoticed danger first. This was the start, the task of finding anomalies. Despite watching all day, nothing happened. Then suddenly, a thought urred to him. ¡®What happens if I don¡¯t die and a day passes like this?¡¯ It was a new question. After spending the entire day going back and forth in front of the passage, he gained nothing. ¡®The height is about half a head taller than my own.¡¯ It¡¯s quite a deep tunnel below. Since he hadn¡¯t gone inside, he didn¡¯t know how far the tunnel extended. The walls and ceiling, though covered in dust and dirt, seemed quite sturdy. There were no pirs, but it didn¡¯t look like it would copse anytime soon. What else was there? The air was damp, but the wind flowed through. The darkness inside was imprable even with the torch. ¡®What else?¡¯ How about the smell? There was a slightly fishy scent, but it wasn¡¯t too bothersome. Could there really be some undead-type monster? A cleric might be able to sense it just from the surrounding air, but Encrid, who had lived solely for the sword,cked such skills. He searched and searched again. Observing endlessly until he felt a sense of anomaly, he realized it was already deep into the night. ¡°Aren¡¯t you going back?¡± It was the shoemaker calling from the passageway. When he turned around, he saw the shoemaker¡¯s face at the top of the nted ramp. Encrid climbed up and replied. ¡°I don¡¯t know what¡¯s inside, but it doesn¡¯t seem immediately dangerous. Let¡¯s block the entrance and wait until tomorrow. I¡¯ll bring reinforcements.¡± ¡°Wouldn¡¯t it have been better to call for reinforcements instead of wandering around?¡± Normally, that would be the right thing to do. But calling reinforcements and having someone enter the passage and trigger an explosion would end it all. Everyone would die. ¡°I had something to investigate.¡± Pretending to be an expert, as if he were skilled in this kind of work, Encrid nodded his head with skepticism. He blocked the hole again and headed back to the barracks. He saw the moon above his head. It was a full moon. The weather, which had slightly warmed during the day, turned chilly again at night. Encrid nced back as he tightened his coat made of beast leather. It seemed the shoemaker hadn¡¯t broken through the floor he had blocked and gone down below. He seemed like a curious man. ¡®If he had, there would have been an explosion.¡¯ Another question arose. What would happen if the night passed like this? It couldn¡¯t be considered a trivial matter. In this repeating today, there would eventually be a moment when it needed to end. ¡®I should have tested this sooner.¡¯ Of course, it hadn¡¯t been a favorable environment for testing until now. It was a repeating ¡®today¡¯ on a battlefield where a wrong move meant death. A today where he was dodging an assassin¡¯s dagger. Having experienced such days, this day might have seemed nd, but Encrid remained unfazed. He had always trained and repeated the same routine. It didn¡¯t matter if it was ¡®today.¡¯ ¡°Weren¡¯t you supposed to go hunt a beast? Did you go to kill boots instead? Did you kill any?¡± As he entered the lodging, Rem asked. It seemed he already knew where he had gone and for whatmission. Brushing the dirt off the seat of his pants, Encrid replied. ¡°I killed about three, it was a fulfilling day.¡± ¡°¡­Let¡¯s not talk.¡± Rem didn¡¯t start a verbal fight he knew he would lose. If he set his mind to it, Encrid was exceptionally skilled with words. After being tormented by Jaxon¡¯s killing intent before going to bed, Encridy down. He wondered if someone might kill him to repeat today, but nothing happened, so he slept without incident. * * * The next day, upon waking up and seeing how things were going, Encrid muttered to himself. ¡®It¡¯s a repetition.¡¯ It was the repetition of today. Whether sleeping and waking up or dying, it seemed the same. Thus, today began again. Encrid once again lingered in front of the crossroads. Even though today¡¯s repetition was without the pain of death, he remained consistent. He still gave his best and still struggled. Being bound to today was the worst situation for Encrid. So, how could he break free from this? He knew without the ferryman having to tell him. ¡®I must surpass this ce.¡¯ * * * As the torches went out, the surroundings, ustomed to the light, now appeared pitch ck. Fwoosh. He struck the flint again and lit the torch. Encrid gazed at the six branching paths. ¡®In such cases, one of the six must be the real one, right?¡¯ The easy way would be to throw himself into each one and check them one by one. Instead of using that method, Encrid aimed to hone his Gate of Sixth Sense. And it had a certain degree of effectiveness. ¡®Ominousness.¡¯ Something triggered by the survival instinct. On the sixth today, he faintly felt it. Encrid spent a day simr to the previous one again. ¡°What on earth are you doing all day?¡± To pacify the bewildered shoemaker, he used the excuse he had thought of during the previous ¡®today¡¯. ¡°I¡¯m checking what¡¯s inside. It looks like traps have beenid. It seems like the Thieves Guild might have secretly made a hidden passage, so don¡¯t go inside.¡± Though the Thieves Guild in the city wasn¡¯t the only one, Encrid had mentioned them, invoking their name. It was a usible excuse. It was the result of pondering, if not deeply, while going back and forth in front of the passageway. The shoemaker nodded. ¡°Understood.¡± Back at the lodging, Encrid received a sharp look from Jaxon. He had to endure the killing intent Jaxon exuded. It was a daily evening urrence. Even after enduring it with cold sweat on his forehead, Encrid had no intention of sleeping. If today repeated upon sleep, what would happen if he stayed awake all night? He was curious. So he persevered, trying to see the dawn of the next day. ¡°Meow.¡± Esther approached and tapped his back with her foot. She seemed to be protesting, asking why he wasn¡¯t sleeping. ¡°Go to sleep first.¡± Encrid patted Esther¡¯s head as he spoke. He waited for the dawn to break. Encrid blinked momentarily. Soon he saw the ck River. ¡°Meaningless.¡± The ferryman was nowhere to be seen, but his words lingered. When he opened his eyes again. ¡°What are you doing?¡± His head felt heavy and his body fatigued as if he had stayed up all night, but today had repeated once more. ¡®If I don¡¯t blink at all?¡¯ Would the day just continue? But how could a person endure without blinking? Even a knight couldn¡¯t manage that. Therefore, repeating today was inevitable. ¡®Is this about just living today?¡¯ That¡¯s fine. Anyway, he already knew how to move forward to tomorrow. Encrid headed to the shoemaker¡¯s shop once again. He endured today with more fatigue than before. It wasn¡¯t a difficult task. Not after the past experiences of fighting and running for several nights without sleep. He repeated today again and again. Without the pain of death, could he call it peaceful? Would he becent with this peace and settle for today? No, Encrid did not do that. He did not change. So he repeated today, today, today, today, today, today. Seventy-eight repetitions. After living through seventy-eight identical days. Returning to the lodging, Encrid dodged Jaxon¡¯s killing intent. Two steps to the side. It was a trick possible only if you could finely sense the opponent¡¯s killing intent. Since it might have been a coincidence, Jaxon released his killing intent again. He focused on a specific area, with the will to kill if crossed, the principle of spreading killing intent. Encrid twisted his body and deflected the killing intent. It was something he couldn¡¯t even mimic without opening the Gate of Sixth Sense. And it wasn¡¯t just about opening it slightly¡¯ it had to be flung wide open. ¡°¡­..What¡¯s this?¡± ¡®The efficiency of the survival instinct is incredible.¡¯ The answer he gave to himself. ¡°It suddenly works.¡± The words he spoke out loud were different. Of course, the internal answer was the truth. A deathtrap. There was no better training tool. Encrid had chewed, torn, tasted, and enjoyed that tool. It had flung open the Gate of Sixth Sense. And thus, he could now make Jaxon¡¯s eyes widen like that. ¡°Suddenly?¡± Can this really be? No, it can¡¯t. But it actually happened right before his eyes. Jaxon was deeply shocked but did not show it outwardly. He simply nodded. What else could he do, since it worked? He had been worried about how to give a push since there seemed to be no progress at all. He had thought of all sorts of methods. All of them had be useless. ¡°Thanks to you.¡± Encrid said, and Jaxon felt pleased for no particr reason. Of course, he soon murmured as usual to himself. ¡®What does this even mean?¡¯ Even while thinking that, Jaxon was still pleased. Regardless of the process, Encrid had flung open the gate as he desired. Jaxon¡¯s lips briefly curled into a smile and then returned to their normal position. That was how much it pleased him. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 86 Gate of Sixth Sense. It opened by sensing things that could harm the body. This was like an antenna that detected movements around oneself within a certain radius. It became clear once the gate, based on instinct, was opened. ¡®If I use it differently.¡¯ Perhaps I could read the movements of the person behind me. He visualized the movements of Rem, who was behind him. Picking his nose and flicking it away, rubbing his body inside the warm leather, then lifting his head. His gaze stopped at Encrid¡¯s back. To exin the detailed process, he heard the sounds, guessed the reason for those sounds, and then predicted the opponent¡¯s movements, but all of these steps happened in an instant. This was the ¡®Gate of Sixth Sense.¡¯ It was what one could do with an open gate. ¡®With this.¡¯ It didn¡¯t seem difficult to avoid someone swinging a club from behind. It was the realm of sixth sense, intuition, and instinct. Only then did he understand the instinctive hunting method of beasts that Jaxon mentioned. The Gate of Sixth Sense was meant to instantly condense all surrounding information and embed it into one¡¯s mind. So, if applied, one could focus and even know that Rem was picking his nose behind him. ¡°Mindless people call this the ¡®mind¡¯s eye¡¯, but that¡¯s all nonsense. It just means you¡¯ve gotten a better sense, that¡¯s all.¡± ording to Jaxon¡¯s exnation, that was it. So, it was natural that the range of usage would expand the more it was applied. Of course, there were things to be cautious about. ¡°If you rely too much on your senses, you could be fooled in reverse, so be careful.¡± Jaxon said, cing his left hand on Encrid¡¯s shoulder. And just before Jaxon¡¯s hand touched his shoulder, Encrid had the illusion that Jaxon was aiming for his neck with that hand. It was a subtle trick. In a way, it was simr to the Valen Mercenary Sword Technique. Opening the Gate of Sixth Sense didn¡¯t change the repetitive nature of today. It didn¡¯t. Encrid began to live the same today again. However, he felt a premonition that the oue of today would be different from those so far. In truth, it was hardly even a premonition. He now had the confidence to ovee that vicious trap. He donned leather armor, a longsword at his left hip, and a guard sword with a thick de at his back. He packed the sheath with whistling knives and hid small knives in both his ankles. Layering a gambeson over thispleted the light infantry¡¯s full armament. He was so familiar with it that he didn¡¯t waste time arming himself. He hurriedly finished his breakfast and moved out for this purpose. ¡®If I just grab a few more torches on the way.¡¯ It was a path he had taken dozens of times. Even stopping by the general store on the way was so familiar that it was tiresome from the repetition. ¡°Are you nning to threaten the cobbler by putting a sword to his neck? Or are you going to fight for your boots and your life?¡± Rem, who had heard the gist of the task, said. Rem, lying on the bed, stuck his head out and spoke. ¡°I won¡¯t return until I¡¯ve cut ten boots.¡± It was a joke he made every day. ¡®Somehow, even though today keeps repeating, it feels like I¡¯m making the same jokes.¡¯ He could see Rem¡¯s inner thoughts. It wasn¡¯t the monster hunt but going to the shoe shop that bothered him. ¡°Finish it quickly and go chop off the monster¡¯s head.¡± Rem snorted and spoke. Encrid nodded and thought. No one would suspect that there would be such a cave under the craftsman¡¯s shop. It was a natural assumption. ¡®I didn¡¯t believe it until I saw it myself.¡¯ So he was curious again. What could be beyond it? Grr. Esther¡¯s send-off, Encrid tapped Esther¡¯s nose with his fingertip to remember today. Roar! Caught off guard, Esther stepped back, shook her head left and right, and soon let out a fierce cry. Finding it quite cute, Encrid smiled and said. ¡°I¡¯m off.¡± Leaving the lodging, he stopped by the general store, bought three torches, tucked two into his belt, and held one like a club as he walked. He moved quickly and arrived at the craftsman¡¯s shop. ¡°Look! There¡¯s a hole here!¡± He heard the startled craftsman say. ¡°Yes, there¡¯s a hole. I¡¯ll check it out.¡± The craftsman, speaking in surprise, looked Encrid up and down instead of making a fuss. ¡°¡­Are you going to war?¡± Even patrol soldiers didn¡¯t charge in so fully armed. Seeing Encrid in thick cloth armor and armed to the teeth, the craftsman couldn¡¯t help but say such words. ¡°Do your best in everything, no matter how small. That¡¯s what my sword instructor told me.¡± Indeed, a passing sword instructor had said something like that. So it wasn¡¯t a lie. In reality, it was just that he had thoroughly prepared for anything that might happen. ¡°Someone hasid a vicious trap, so you mustn¡¯t go inside, even by mistake.¡± When Encrid casually looked into the hole and warned the craftsman, his face turned pale. Then he asked. ¡°You can tell just by looking inside?¡± Ah, he was a bit hasty. Encrid thought and spoke again. ¡°I¡¯m an expert in this field.¡± Responding nonchntly, the craftsman reluctantly nodded and then finally reacted as Encrid had expected. ¡°A trap? What trap? Why is there something like this under my shop?¡± Well, that was something Encrid couldn¡¯t know, but he wouldn¡¯t remain in the dark for long. He was about to find out. A trap was set, and it performed its role. What was obvious from this was. If he overcame the trap, there would be something. There must be something to hide if one goes to the effort of concealing it. ¡°Why did they do this here?¡± Encrid paused to catch his breath, then continued. ¡°I¡¯m about to find out.¡± Encrid¡¯s curiosity was also piqued. He responded and skillfully stepped down the slope. He knew exactly where and in what shape the cave had formed, he could see it with his eyes closed. He had walked this path dozens of times. He had roamed this narrow cave repeatedly, aiming to open the Gate of Sixth Sense. As a result, he could almost memorize the ground¡¯s undtions. Then he stood before the six branching paths again. Explosions were in the first and second passages. des of wind fell vertically in the third passage. There was no need to spend more time training his sixth sense. He had done enough. ¡®Then.¡¯ Which of the six paths is safe? Instead of answering the question he repeated inwardly, Encrid wanted to crack open the head of the one who made this. ¡®Sly.¡¯ Because all six were traps. If his sixth sense was not mistaken. Of course, during dozens of today¡¯s repetitions, he had also checked his sixth sense. Was the sense of danger detection correct? It was the correct sense. In fact, Encrid realized that even the sixth path was wrong. Entering the sixth passage, a hazy smoke spread from above. The moment it touched his skin, blisters would form, and inhaling it would gift a pain iparable to being cut by a sword or stabbed by a spear¡ªa toxic mist. All six passages gave off a sense of foreboding. There was no path. It was blocked. Should he stop here? Was he stuck? Was there nothing more he could do? He instinctively knew that he had to move beyond this cave to escape today. Stopping because the path was blocked meant being trapped in today. The opponent wasn¡¯t a soldier skilled in thrusting. Nor was it an assassin who approached silently. It wasn¡¯t an enemy group encountered on an unfavorable battlefield. It was just a trap. An unmoving, stationary spell trap thatcked reason. Encrid stood before the first passage. ¡®One wrong step and I¡¯m roasted.¡¯ How does a spell trap activate? Having opened the Gate of Sixth Sense, it could be observed from the realm of instinct. No torch was needed. Encrid stepped into the passage. Cold sweat trickled down his forehead with each step he took. It felt like he was narrowly avoiding des sharp enough to cut with just a touch. The activation principle of the trap was detection. He walked, avoiding the ces that felt ominous. By activating Focus Point and letting the boldness of the beast infuse his heart,there was no wavering in his steps. By opening the Gate of Sixth Sense while maintaining focus,he stepped into the gaps of the spell trap. To someone else, it would just look like he was walking in a zigzag pattern. But Encrid felt like he was walking a tightrope. Even so, he thought it was manageable. Sixth sense, the realm of intuition. He broke through the trap with instinct alone. How many people could do such a thing? His chest swelled with a sense of aplishment. Of course, it was time to put such emotions aside for a moment. ¡°For now.¡± He had passed the first one. Then, looking beyond the darkness, he lit a torch. Examining the path carefully, he didn¡¯t feel the same sense of foreboding as before. However, it was certain that there was something ahead. It was an intuition. Encrid walked forward cautiously and soon saw the creature that greeted him. ¡°Grrrrr.¡± With a hunched back, bony spikes protruding where its spine should be. Its skin was pale enough to appear blue in the torchlight. Its mouth was several timesrger than a human¡¯s, drooling thick saliva as if it was hungry. Its nails were long, its forearms thick, and its eyes were ck. Through its cracked skin, the texture of muscles could be seen faintly. Thanks to its hunched back, its fists touched the ground. It was a ghoul. In this world, there were demonic creatures and demonic beasts. ording to theologians, these beings were created in ancient times when gods killed each other. But that was not Encrid¡¯s concern. What mattered was that such creatures existed. If they resembled beasts, they were called demonic beasts. Everything else was referred to as demonic creatures. Ghouls were cannibalistic monsters among them. ¡°Why are you popping out here?¡± Could this be considered undead? The craftsman¡¯s words were half correct. There was a monster below. But instead of skeletal soldiers, it was a ghoul that emerged. Demonic creatures had no intelligence for conversation. They only charged at their prey. ¡°Rrraaa!¡± Ghouls eat humans. Their t, upturned noses, which appeared as holes stuck to their faces without any bridge, were organs capable of smelling humans. The creatures, smelling their prey, rushed forward. The cave wasn¡¯t too narrow. It wasn¡¯t spacious enough to move freely and swing a sword around either. There was enough room to maneuver based on the environment. Srrrng, ng. The moment he saw the charging ghoul, Encrid drew his longsword and held it diagonally forward. ¡®Three.¡¯ There were two more behind the first one. Typically, it would take two or three spearmen to take down a single ghoul. An experienced soldier might manage to kill one with a sword alone. Tactically, it¡¯s best to avoid such attempts if possible. Of course, if unavoidable, one might have to punch the ghoul¡¯s face. Just like Encrid was about to. Thud! He thrust the diagonally held de forward, embedding it in the chest of the first ghoul. Gripping the sword with only his left hand, he pressed down at an outward angle. ¡°Grrraarrr!¡± A ghastly scream erupted that no human vocal cords could ever produce. The ghoul impaled by the sword fell to its knees, dragged down by Encrid¡¯s strength. As a result, the de slid about a finger¡¯s length lower into the ghoul¡¯s body, but it couldn¡¯t be sliced in half. Even this put a strain on the muscles of his left arm. As he subdued one ghoul, another one lunged at him, shing its ws. Expecting this, Encrid pivoted around his left foot, dodging, and struck out with his now free right hand. Thud! The ghoul¡¯s head snapped back from the punch. The force was fully transmitted, leaving the ghoul dazed. With its charge halted, the third ghoul tried to leap forward. Its outstretched hand reached farther than the other two. Ghouls are inherently misshapen creatures. Some had long arms, others had thick legs. Encrid had already noticed the movements of thest ghoul and simply turned his head to avoid the stabbing ws. Having created an opening, what should he do next? ¡®One at a time.¡¯ He needed to kill them. In the past, truly in the past, before he began repeating today, he would have already been dead. But now, his umted experience, swordsmanship, and martial arts had reached an exceptional level. Gripping the sword with both hands, he shed downward. His arm muscles tensed. sh. ¡°Grrrr!¡± One ghoul split from chest to groin, spilling purple entrails below. The fallen torch illuminated the faces of the remaining two ghouls, casting long shadows behind them. The two monsters, having forgotten fear, charged again. Even when there had been three, Encrid had easily killed one, and now his sword danced once more. Stepping towards the simple moves of the ghouls, he decapitated one with a horizontal upper sh using his medium sword technique. For thest ghoul, he tripped it, then stomped on its head with all his might. Crack! The head didn¡¯t burst like a pumpkin, but. ¡°Grrkk, grrk.¡± ck fluid trickled from the cracked head. ¡°Now I¡¯m really curious.¡± Encrid said as he vertically drove his sword into the remaining ghoul¡¯s head. Crunch. The sword tip pierced through the ghoul¡¯s head and into the ground. Encrid withdrew the sword, leaving the ghoul¡¯s shattered head. Three ghouls. It would have required at least six low-ranking soldiers to fight them, but Encrid had easily defeated them. The ghouls¡¯ ws were poisonous, so even a scratch could have been fatal, but he hadn¡¯t been touched. This was a moment that proved all his training hadn¡¯t been in vain. Even though no one had seen it, which was a bit disappointing. He would soon show the hidden one inside just how ruthless his sword could be. ¡°Phew.¡± After taking a few deep breaths, he shook the ghoul¡¯s fluids from his sword, pulled out a piece of cheap linen from his pocket, and wiped the de clean. Then, Encrid proceeded further inside. Heading into the cave was akin to moving towards tomorrow. There was no hesitation. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 87 ¡°How to read and respond to moves.¡± While being hit by Rem. While listening to Jaxon talk about the sixth sense. While squeezing his body with Audin through The Istion Technique. He also faithfully learned swordsmanship from Ragna. Regardless of how much his skills improved, he remained consistent. ¡°Doesn¡¯t it feel frustrating?¡± Ragna would often ask Encrid this. Frustrating? There was no reason for that. Ragna¡¯s teachings were a path and a milestone after learning the basics. How long had the days been when he wandered without knowing the way? Now, the moment he took one step forward, he immediately saw another path, and it was just enjoyable. How should one react when the opponent strikes with a sword? What if the opponent is a beast? What if someone suddenly stabs a spear from behind? In any situation, how should one extend their sword? Once you have the basics, the next thing to master is how to apply them. You can¡¯t respond to every situation. It was simr to that. The point is to grasp the knack. Of course, it wasn¡¯t easy. ¡°I thought this would end a bit quicker.¡± Ragna said that, but it wasn¡¯t possible. Encrid knew that his talent wascking. If he had a decent level of talent, would he have struggled this much? Probably not. But he doesn¡¯t resent it. Instead of wasting time on resentment, he¡¯d swing his sword one more time. ¡°The application of swordsmanship only makes sense if you read and respond to moves.¡± Whether the opponent is a beast, a monster, or an enemy soldier, you observe their movements, discern between tricks and truths, and then cut or stab with your sword. Ragna taught tirelessly. Encrid did not tire either, but the progress was endlessly slow. He knew he was slow andcking. He had to work several times harder than others. Therefore, Every surrounding thing, every situation, environment, and any given short moment. He used everything as a tool for growth. That¡¯s what Encrid did. Digging through the cave and moving forward. Four wolf beasts jumped out. Woof woof! The creatures barked like dogs and charged without giving him a moment to breathe. The dynamic wolf beasts, kicking up dirt from the ground as they charged, made one¡¯s knees buckle just by looking at them. Their eyes filled with ferocity, tongues lolling, drool dripping from their jaws, and yellow teeth gleaming red in the torchlight. ¡®The Heart of the Beast.¡¯ Boldness, due to which he could thrust the de right in front of him without flinching. It was the same now. Encrid remained unfazed. In the time it took to catch his breath a few times, the wolf beasts had closed the distance. Encrid supplemented his sword skills with instinctive intuition. It was a reflexive response born from boldness. He believed this would also be a stepping stone for growth and aimed to incorporate it into his training. ¡°There is no better training than realbat.¡± The only drawback was that it required risking his life each time. He couldn¡¯t afford to spend today in vain. If he wanted to live a life where every day was just about clinging to life, he would have tilled the fields and sought the blessings of the gods instead of dreaming about his goals. Even though he valued today dearly, he still had to risk his life to move forward. This was the only path for Encrid to continue pursuing his dreams. He wasn¡¯t rushing to die but risking his life to live. As his instincts dictated. Following his instincts. ng! The sound of the wolf beast¡¯s teeth shing was right in front of him. Encrid pulled his left foot back to avoid the wolf beast¡¯s bite, and with a movement of his elbow, he struck downwards with his sword. Smash! ng! He didn¡¯t strike with the de but with the t of the sword. The wolf beast, struck heavily on the head, fell to the ground. He swung his sword and naturally stepped left. Although he had thrown the torch to one side, it hadn¡¯t gone out, so it served as a light source. As he stepped to the left, Encrid shielded his body with the torch and avoided the wolf¡¯s forepaw. With a thud, a heavy blow passed through the spot where Encrid¡¯s abdomen had been. If he had been caught, his gambeson would surely have been torn to shreds. A beast was a monster with the characteristics of a beast. Two of them, more cunningly, turned to attack from behind. Perhaps thinking they had an opportunity, the two wolves, with their mouths looking like short knives, charged at Encrid, targeting his thighs. Squeak-! A strange noise echoed through the dark cave illuminated by only one torch. It was a fleeting moment. Encrid turned his body and flicked his hand, sending a whistling knife into the forehead of one of the charging wolf beasts with a sharp thud. It was as fast as a ray of light. Meanwhile, the other wolf, which had charged in, pulled back its thigh to dodge and simultaneously raised its knee to attack. Thud. It seemed it wasn¡¯t a heavy impact, as the wolf beast hit on the knee didn¡¯t retreat. Instead, showing off its leg muscles, it tried to press down on Encrid¡¯s instep with its forepaw. Encrid stepped back half a step, pulling his raised knee behind him to avoid the forepaw targeting his instep, and positioned himself between the two wolf beasts blocking his front and rear. It was almost as if he was surrounded. Even in a situation that could be called a crisis, Encrid¡¯s eyes weren¡¯t focused on the two wolf beasts. Focus and more focus. It no longer felt like everything around him was moving slowly. It wasn¡¯t that only dots and lines remained, or that he couldn¡¯t see anything else. He simply could clearly see the movements of the wolf beasts. He could predict their next moves in his mind. Seeing the beasts¡¯ next moves, Encrid¡¯s actions became simple. There was no need toplicate things by tricking and maneuvering to corner the opponent. He let his sword hang and then swung it wide. Although it was too narrow to swing side to side, the height of the cave was sufficient for drawing arge semicircle vertically. What kind of sword was the medium sword technique? He recalled what he had learned as a basic. It was a sword technique that excelled in breaking things with one strike. Woof! The two wolf beasts charged simultaneously. Encrid executed the movement he had visualized in his mind. Whoosh! Thud! Crack! Crunch! The longsword he swung with all his might did its job. The wolf beast on the side of the sword was split from chest to jaw to head. The one hit by the descending arc of the semicircle had its head burst open. If the timing had been slightly off, he would have been bitten by at least one of the two beasts. The current strike was a disy of strength. ¡°Hoo.¡± Encrid exhaled the breath he had been holding, calming his heart. ¡®One.¡¯ One beast remained. While the remaining wolf beast hesitated, Encrid jumped forward. Oddly, he ran not directly at the wolf beast but to its left. The beast didn¡¯t even seem to notice and jumped in the same direction. ¡®Pivot on the left foot.¡¯ In an extreme state of concentration, following intuition, body, and the condensed experience from training. He nted his left foot on the ground and extended his sword. It was a thrust. The tip of the sword pierced into the wolf¡¯s mouth and came out the back of its head. Thud! With the sound, the weight of the wolf was felt in his arms. Naturally, he let go of his strength and dropped the wolf to the ground with a thud. Encrid stepped on the head of the wolf, which had a hole from its mouth to its head, and pulled out the sword. As the sword was pulled out with a squelch, the red blood of the beast flowed onto the ground. The body of the wolf beast trembled. Gasp. Thest breath of the remaining beast dispersed meaninglessly. Leaving the dead beasts behind with his arms hanging down, Encrid reflected on what he had just done. ¡®I can see.¡¯ The movements of the wolf beasts were simple. Movements driven by instinct. So they fell under the realm of the sixth sense. The focus of a single point and the instinct of the sixth sense. It was a series of sword strikes relying on thebined senses. ¡®I can do it.¡¯ At this moment, it felt like he could demonstrate the applied sword techniques Ragna had spoken of. Read the opponent¡¯s intentions and movements. After that, it was just about bringing down the sword, trained through basics. Deceiving the opponent followed a simr logic. ¡°It¡¯s something you already know how to do. It¡¯s just about formalizing it and attaching it to your body.¡± Ragna¡¯s words suddenly came to mind. Yes, that¡¯s right. It¡¯s something he originally did. But knowing and doing it versus not knowing and doing it were as different as a cat and a tiger. Encrid clenched and unclenched his hand, reflecting and re-reflecting. Even as he moved forward with the torch, he continuously envisioned his sword in his mind. Being able to stick it to the body with just one try was the privilege of the talented. So he pondered and repeated. Encrid made everything part of his training. After that, no more monsters or beasts appeared. Instead, he found a passage at the end of the tunnel that connected to the sewers. Only then did he see something other than swordsmanship. ¡®Crazy bastard.¡¯ Digging such a tunnel up to here. What kind of madness is this? Spell traps were expensive. They weren¡¯t cheap rat traps. What¡¯s the intention behind blocking all six paths with such traps? Even a wealthy merchant with a lot of Krona wouldn¡¯t normally do such a thing. Not to mention there were ghouls, called man-eaters, and beasts. Why go to such lengths to block the way? What on earth is waiting behind this? He saw part of the answer to that question. ¡°Crazy bastard.¡± Encrid¡¯s mouth opened involuntarily. The ce he arrived at, following the sewer that reeked of a foul smell. In the torchlight, he saw things hanging likeundry everywhere. They were made by driving nails into the wall and hanging strings from them. They weren¡¯t clothes. They were parts that should have been wearing those clothes. It was a scene of horror beyond words, with human entrails, flesh, and bones. Even Encrid, who had seen plenty of gruesome sights in his life, felt nauseated by such a horrible scene. ¡®Crazy bastard.¡¯ He was someone who absolutely needed to be killed. He was someone who deserved to die. Isn¡¯t killing such a person also the duty of a knight? Encrid knew that dreaming alone did not make one a knight. But he couldn¡¯t just ignore this after seeing it. Amidst the scene, he noticed some rtively intact bodies, still somewhat resembling human forms. One of them seemed to be alive. It blinked its eyes a few times before opening its mouth. ¡°Grk.¡± It couldn¡¯t speak. Of course, it couldn¡¯t. How could a person with only a head left speak? The very fact that it was opening its eyes and trying to speak in that state was grotesque. ¡°Grk, grk.¡± What is it trying to say? It was hard to even guess. If it were Encrid himself, he would probably beg to be killed. He couldn¡¯t tell how it was even moving. Furthermore, he couldn¡¯t fathom how the string was threaded through its head, nor did he want to know. Despite having been through many ordeals, this scene of horror was truly repulsive. ¡°What are you?¡± A voice came then. Encrid¡¯s gaze turned towards the source of the voice. It was at the end of the path decorated with human corpses. In the corner of the sewer, he saw the face of a corpse enthusiast. It was a young man with a pale, white face. He wore a drab green robe and had long hair. Encrid asked. ¡°This is your work, isn¡¯t it?¡± The man seemed to ponder for a moment before speaking to himself. ¡°¡­How did you get here? Does God love me? Seeing how they send a test subject my way even if I do nothing¡­ Let¡¯s see. You seem to be a regr soldier, with a well-trained body. This is good. Good.¡± The young man¡¯s voice was light and cheerful. He sounded like a cksmith who had received high-quality iron. Or a merchant who had struck a profitable deal. In a way, he also seemed like an innocent young man confessing his feelings. It was strange and eerie. ¡°What should I make out of you?¡± Encrid raised the torch high. He saw beyond the flickering shadows behind the man. There was a strange corpse patched together in various ways, leaning against the wall. Its eyes were closed and it showed no signs of breathing. Encrid judged it to be a corpse. ¡°Isn¡¯t it lovely? This will be my greatest masterpiece. Its name is Varmilo.¡± Encrid reached a conclusion. There was no need for further conversation. A perfectly insane bastard. Encrid threw the torch. With a crackle and a roar, the torch spun through the air, leaving a round, long trajectory as it flew towards the madman¡¯s head. Thud. But the madman merely raised his hand and deflected the torch. A spell¡ªso he was a wizard. But did that mean he should stop? No. Those who need to die should die. Encrid threw the torch, and even though he saw it deflected with a mere gesture, he did not stop. Encrid lowered his body as he kicked off the ground. He slid forward on the sticky ground of the sewer. Kicking through the filth, he reached the wizard with a swift move apanied by a hissing sound. Using the momentum of his run, he swung his sword. The diagonal sh from below cut through the darkness left by the vanished torch. * * * Esther usually stuck close at night, but on days when Encrid was in the city, she would sometimes wander near him. Of course, there were many days when she didn¡¯t. ¡®Just sticking close at night is enough.¡¯ And there was no need to be with him all the time. On a typical day, she would just hang around in the camp, killing time. Goodbye. She saw Encrid off as he left, but while she was off guard, he flicked her on the nose. This bastard? ¡°I¡¯m leaving.¡± Then he walked out. After that, Esther secretly followed Encrid. ¡®What¡¯s he up to, flicking someone¡¯s nose like that?¡¯ It started out of pure curiosity. Esther¡¯s pursuit was triggered by Encrid¡¯s whimsical flick. What hadn¡¯t happened yesterday happened today. Tap, tap. The ck panther swiftly moved through the alleys, stepping on rooftops where she wouldn¡¯t be seen by others. She moved with light and graceful steps. It was no challenge to move unseen. Thus, Esther followed Encrid into the underground. ¡®What is he up to again?¡¯ It was pure curiosity. Then, in the ce where Encrid had entered, she caught the foul scent of a spell. ¡®This could be bad.¡¯ The human she had chosen seemed about to die. This was troublesome. He was still someone she needed. She had to go inside. Avoiding spell traps was nothing for Esther. Once, she had sung to the stars and was a witch who embraced them. Such crude traps were no match for her. So she saw the man fighting the ghoul. ¡®Has he improved?¡¯ She wasn¡¯t knowledgeable about swordsmanship. But she had watched Encrid every single day. ¡®He has improved.¡¯ She could see his growth. Then he killed the wolf beasts. Even to Esther, this seemed strange. ¡®What is this?¡¯ Encrid moved as if possessed. With her eyes piercing the darkness, she saw his movements as a series of iprehensible actions. He swung, shed, and stabbed with his sword. He kicked the wolves with his feet and knees. She thought it was chaos, yet he sustained no serious injuries. He only got a few scratches, which merely marred his armor. Could such resultse from a messy fight? ¡®Are the beasts half-wits?¡¯ It didn¡¯t seem like it. Of course, if she had regained her original power, such beasts and monsters wouldn¡¯t dare to even lift their heads towards her. ¡®But he keeps going?¡¯ He should have turned back by now. Encrid kept moving forward, and eventually, Esther also saw the scene of carnage. She wasn¡¯t shocked. Among those who crafted spells, there were all sorts of crazy people. And she eventually realized that whaty beyond was a wizard. ¡®What should I do?¡¯ Should she help when dealing with a wizard? With the tiny bit of strength she had gathered? Doing so would mean needing more time to regain her body. She had imbued some energy into Encrid¡¯s armor, but still. ¡®This is a headache.¡¯ In the end, she withheld judgment and hid herself, following Encrid. She watched as he confronted the wizard. Encrid exchanged a few words and then immediately attacked. Afterward, Esther was surprised and then surprised again. It was warranted. The man called Encrid filled the eyes of the hidden Lake Panther, who wore darkness like a cloak. And the man was performing unbelievable feats. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 88 The n was to close the distance and end it with one strike. As he raised his sword, something struck Encrid in the face. A heavy blow, as if hit by Rem¡¯s fist. Falling from his rear, another heavy impact was felt over Encrid¡¯s head. Instinctively, Encrid tucked his chin and rolled to the side. Thud. Then, again, an invisible something, an intangible shockwave, struck where he had been. There was no dirty sewage there. Instead, a damp heap of dirt sttered onto his face. Encrid¡¯s eyes, squinting in one eye, darted around. ¡®Can¡¯t see it.¡¯ It must be a spell. It¡¯s an obvious guess. He saw a head with only its face moving its lips. Who else could do such a thing? ¡°You dodged. You¡¯re just making it harder for yourself. Stay still, and it won¡¯t hurt.¡± The male wizard said, waving his hand. Since he couldn¡¯t see it, there was no way to block it. Encrid rolled to the side again. A de of wind whizzed past where he had been. Of course, Encrid didn¡¯t know what it was. He only knew it was some kind of spell. ¡®What should I do in this situation?¡¯ He had met many swordsmanship instructors, and they all had one thing to say when it came to wizards. ¡°A wizard? There¡¯s only one way to deal with them.¡± ¡°Run. Don¡¯t look back, just run.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t engage. If you don¡¯t want to live a life worse than death, suffering endlessly.¡± ¡°If you¡¯re lucky, you¡¯ll die. If you¡¯re unlucky, don¡¯t even think about it.¡± Considering some of them were quite famous, it emphasized the danger of wizards and their spells. On the other hand, the Troublemaker Squad members had a different perspective on wizards. ¡°Shoot them with an arrow.¡± That was Rem. ¡°Kill them when they¡¯re not looking.¡± That was Jaxon. ¡°If you really have to fight, just get close, brother.¡± A typical answer from Audin. As for Ragna,¡±If you just cut them, they die the same.¡±,was his response. In any case, the conclusion here was: It¡¯s better to avoid wizards. But if you absolutely have to kill one, refer to Ragna¡¯s words. ¡®If you cut them, they die the same.¡¯ So that¡¯s what he would do. There was no option to run away. If left alone, the wizard would keep doing the same thing. People would be torn apart like old rags, left in shreds. He thought of the shoemaker and his daughter. If left alone, they would be the first to die. The shoemaker and his daughter. Even though it was one-sided, he had observed them for dozens of days. Even without interaction, they had prepared meals and left worries for Encrid, who lingered at the crossroads. They might not know about Encrid¡¯s struggles. Yes, they wouldn¡¯t know. But that wasn¡¯t important. Even if no one knew, there were things that had to be protected. That was Encrid¡¯s dream, the path he had chosen to walk, and the destination pointed to by his signpost. ¡°Come on, don¡¯t run away, be good, it¡¯s okay.¡± The wizard said, snapping his fingers. With a snap, a light rose above the sewer. It was a light source much brighter than a torch. Thanks to the light floating above, shadows spread out at his feet. The wizard neither smiled nor got angry. For him, this was just a job. Encrid, seeing the wizard, focused even more, opening the Gate of Sixth Sense wide. The wizard didn¡¯t care about Encrid¡¯s movements. To him, the opponent was just an experiment, a bug, a piece of meat. In his eyes, Encrid appeared that way. When his hand moved again, an intangible shockwave flew out. Bang! ¡®Luck is on my side.¡¯ That¡¯s how it appeared to the wizard. Encrid had dodged the spell by jumping to the side. Encrid was moving, relying on a strange sense. ¡®I can¡¯t see it.¡¯ Just because he couldn¡¯t see it didn¡¯t mean it wasn¡¯t there. Along with a small realization. Then, couldn¡¯t he feel it? With concentration and the sixth sensebined, predicting the movements of a wolf beast. This time, seeing the necrophile wizard¡¯s hand gesture, he predicts what¡¯s next and tries to feel anything. That¡¯s what Encrid did. The wizard shaped the wind into des and threw them. des of wind flew, curving from three directions simultaneously. Sharper than the scythe of death, if it hit, it would cut through that ragged armor with ease, a spell like that. But Encrid rolled to the side to avoid it. ¡°Dodged again?¡± Even while speaking, the wizard kept moving his hands. Invisible shockwaves and des continuously targeted Encrid. Encrid dodged them all. It wasn¡¯t luck. It was a sense, a realm beyond the five senses, the sixth sense. Half-closed eyes, ears twitching, skin prickling. Everything hinted at the wizard¡¯s tricks. Meanwhile, he sought a way to kill his opponent. Logically, it would have ended with just one throw of a whistling knife. If a cut could kill, then piercing the neck or head would kill too. ¡®No, that¡¯s not right.¡¯ It was pure instinct. The sixth sense said the knife wouldn¡¯t kill him. So, what was the best option? Whether it was natural or not, he was dodging magic purely by instinct. The opponent was doing something strange with spells, but¡­ ¡®If I just think of it as arrows or des¡­¡¯ If he thought of the enemy wielding blunt weapons or swords¡­ ¡®Is it threatening?¡¯ No. He could dodge it. In fact, Mitch Hurrier¡¯s sword was sharper. So, he dodged. He could dodge it. If the whistling knife wouldn¡¯t work, it was time to recall Audin¡¯s advice. ¡®Just get close.¡¯ He dodged and then kicked off the ground in one swift move. He saw the wizard¡¯s eyes widen. ¡°You!¡± The wizard was shocked. The guy had dodged invisible magic and closed the distance with a raised sword in one leap. The soldier¡¯s de was now within a threatening distance. It was Encrid¡¯s range, the swordsman¡¯s range. Whoosh. As the longsword¡¯s de descended over his head, the wizard urgently shouted. ¡°Devour!¡± Powerful mana and spellbined to manifest in the world. The wizard¡¯s words became reality, exerting their force. It was a spell only a wizard who had experienced a deep, dark world could see. The manifested spell. Originally, the wizard¡¯s spell should have cut away parts of Encrid¡¯s intestines. This was not a spell that could be dodged by instinct. But nothing happened. Well, something did happen. ¡°Ugh.¡± The wizard was bewildered. The spell that should have manifested had reflected back and hit him. He could see the inside of Encrid¡¯s torn cloth armor, cut by the wind des. ck leather armor, reeking of magical aura. ¡°What, what are you wearing?¡± ¡°Something good.¡± Encrid replied as he noticed the wizard¡¯s eyes falling upon his armor. It seemed as though whatever trick the wizard had used had been blocked by the armor. Encrid was quick-witted. And his hands were just as quick. Whoosh! The de cut through the air. The descending metal was a sword forged by cksmiths with the magic of hammers and mes. Slice, crack! The head was severed and burst. He felt resistance as the sword cut through, but he pressed down with force. The wizard, dying, felt a deep sense of injustice. ¡®I had so much prepared! Varmilo! Varmilo!¡¯ He tried to summon his child, named Varmilo. Of course, he failed at everything. The dead can do nothing. This was no different for a wizard. Delusions after death could not affect reality. ¡°You seem regretful.¡± Encrid kicked the dead wizard. Afterward, Encrid took off his torn gambeson. He couldn¡¯t wear it any longer. It wasn¡¯t even fit to use as a rag. He didn¡¯t feel a surge of satisfaction. He hardly felt any relief at surviving. The threat to his life? It had existed, but he had ovee it. He only felt that he had done what needed to be done. He had killed the one who needed to be killed. That was it. ¡®Before cleaning up.¡¯ Wasn¡¯t this guy the type to set up various spell traps? He searched the inside carefully, thinking there might be hidden items. He was quite cautious in case another trap was triggered. He found a thick brown book, a pouch containing five Krona gold coins, a ck wooden staff, a few blue and white stones, and a pair of brown gloves. Encrid took everything. The rest were unknown herbs and other unidentifiable items. They all looked suspicious, and he had no desire to take them. Encrid was about to head back, wiping and sheathing his sword when the de snapped in the middle with a ng. ¡°Damn.¡± He sighed involuntarily. It wasn¡¯t because he had used the sword too roughly. He did feel a strange resistance when he cut thest wizard. Could that be the cause? He couldn¡¯t know. Anyway, he would have to use the Krona coins the mad wizard had stashed to buy another sword. ¡®Should I try to reforge it?¡¯ It was said to be Valyrian steel, so if fixed, it might be usable again. Encrid turned around and left. His stomach ached and his head pounded from the multiple shockwaves he had endured, but it was bearable. As he walked, Encrid stopped after less than ten steps and turned back. ¡°It¡¯s not going out?¡± He thought the wizard had cast a spell. The light source above his head was still there. Furrowing his brows in confusion, he looked up and saw a stone emitting light, floating in the air. ¡®A magic tool floating by itself.¡¯ It reeked of Krona. ¡®What is this?¡¯ It was just a fist-sized stone. He jumped up and grabbed it, and it continued to emit light in his hand. It seemed like a good substitute for a torch when he left. Encrid walked back the way he hade, his footsteps echoing. Muchter, ake panther, looking like a ck cat, descended to the ground. ¡®Dodged the magic after seeing it?¡¯ Esther was very surprised. She had never thought anyone could perform such a feat. Of course, the opposing wizard¡¯s skills were poor. And then she realized anew. ¡®It¡¯s natural that I don¡¯t know everything.¡¯ She hadn¡¯t lived her life traveling the world. Rather, she lived a reclusive life. So, there could be people with such skills somewhere. In any case. ¡®I¡¯ve struck it rich.¡¯ Esther delves into magic and indulges in knowledge. At one time, she had stolen and read several grimoires of other wizards out of curiosity. Esther rummaged through the items with her ws and scoffed. ¡®This level of skill.¡¯ It was crude. At least, to her eyes. The real treasure wasn¡¯t these items, it was this one. The one called Varmilo. A creature stitched together from monster parts, magical beasts, and human corpses. A guardian toplement the wizard¡¯s physical abilities. Such creations weremonly called flesh golems by wizards. Though they might provoke a primal sense of disgust in humans. For a wizard, they were incredibly useful monsters. Esther, squeezing out everyst bit of her strength, raised her ws and carved a magic circle into the flesh golem¡¯s forehead. The ck earth and the world of fire. It was a ritual to insert the stitched monster into the world of spells she possessed. The dead wizard had been utterly foolish. If he had awakened the golem from the start, Encrid¡¯s chances would have been incredibly slim. Of course, Esther wouldn¡¯t have stood by and let that happen. Soon, she finished carving the magic circle. Through the ritual, the worlds became connected. The flesh golem¡¯s entire body began to fragment and crumble. It disintegrated into dust and disappeared. This was the process of transferring to the otherworld connected to Esther¡¯s inner world. In the ce where the golem had stood, nothing remained but the traces of where it had sat. The panther, witnessing this, panted heavily. Esther was exhausted. She had used up everyst bit of her remaining mana. She only thought about returning to her quarters and getting some rest. Still, she couldn¡¯t leave without a final gesture. Esther, honoring the wizard who had created the flesh golem, gave him a memorable name. ¡°Bonehead.¡± He was the most foolish of all those she had seen exploring spells. * * * ¡°A wizard in the city sewers?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°And you killed him?¡± ¡°Yes, that¡¯s correct.¡± Encrid was indifferent, and so was the Company Commander. Afterwards, she left to verify the situation, and Encrid washed up and checked his equipment. He had considered supporting the beast subjugation request immediately, but his sword had broken. Finding a new sword was the top priority for now. ¡°¡­What did you get up to?¡± Rem asked Encrid upon seeing him at the quarters. ¡°I went to war with a pair of boots.¡± ¡°No way, does that shoemaker make ego boots? Do boots fight that well?¡± It was half a joke, half an expression of surprise. Ego boots were a reference to ego swords, which were said to be swords that could think for themselves. It was a legendary tale. Not only Rem, but everyone else was looking at Encrid, seemingly wondering what had happened. ¡°I¡¯ll report back soon.¡± The Company Commander would be returning shortly, and it was best not to leave and get caught out. ¡°Where¡¯s Esther?¡± Before heading out, Encrid looked around and asked. Audin, who was in a corner, answered. ¡°She often steps out. She¡¯ll likely return to your side by evening, brother.¡± He was telling him not to worry. Indeed, it was a panther that looked more cunning than intelligent. No one would be able to harm it. Upon returning to the Company Commander¡¯s office, themander arrived shortly after. ¡°It was there. The spell traps and the dead wizard.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°A potential threat beneath the city.¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± ¡°Well done.¡± Encrid, wary of themander¡¯s jest, saluted. He pressed the handle of his sword with his left hand and bowed his head. Afterwards, returning to the quarters and exining the situation to the squad members, they were all surprised. ¡°Why would a wizard be there?¡± ¡°Well, I suppose cutting them down does the job.¡± ¡°In the sewers?¡± ¡°You¡¯ve punished a wicked one, brother.¡± Even Encrid had no idea why the wizard was there. Though he wasn¡¯t injured, he was exhausted, so after resting for two days, Encrid tried to repair his sword, only to be scolded by the cksmith. ¡°This ispletely ruined. It¡¯s not good. What did you do to it? What? You cut down a wizard?¡± The cksmith looked at Encrid with a peculiar expression, not quite believing him. Encrid decided not to mention the wizard. There was no benefit in the townspeople knowing about it. There had been a threat, but it was gone now. Even if no one knew, it was enough for Encrid to know he had done his duty, so he had no majorints. ¡°Even if what you say is true, do I look like someone who can make a weapon to withstand spells?¡± The cksmith was somewhat recognized within the Border Guard, but not enough to be famed across the continent. That was his level. When Encrid shook his head, the cksmith responded. ¡°From now on, it¡¯s better not to do such things. This sword is beyond repair. A good sword? I don¡¯t have any right now. Should I make one for you? No Valyrian steel, just regr iron.¡± Valyrian steel wasn¡¯t easy toe by. ¡°That¡¯s unfortunate.¡± ¡°Wait a few days. I¡¯ve got a contact bringing in some raw iron from the Noir Mountains. You know it¡¯s expensive, right? You¡¯ll need toe with a hefty sum.¡± the cksmith said, showing his palm. It was a tempting offer. Noir Mountain raw iron was several times stronger than regr raw iron. While it might not be considered a legendary sword material, it was rare enough to be among the top materials used for expensive weapons in the forge. In some ways, it was even harder toe by than Valyrian steel. So, there was a lot to look forward to. He was leaving the cksmith¡¯s shop when he heard a familiar voice call out to him. ¡°Hey, hey! Soldier!¡± It was a familiar voice that stopped Encrid. It was in the middle of the market. Someone half-running caught up to him, thrusting a worn-out pouch into his hands. It was quite arge pouch, big enough to easily fit a pair of boots. ¡°Here.¡± ¡°What is this?¡± ¡°Your shoes are worn out. Wear these.¡± It was the shoemaker. Though the shoemaker didn¡¯t know him, Encrid had seen him for dozens of days, the owner of the hole-in-the-floor shoe shop. ¡°Why?¡± ¡°When someone gives you something, just take it.¡± The shoemaker, looking a bit embarrassed, turned away. Encrid couldn¡¯t help but chuckle. The shoemaker didn¡¯t know what Encrid had done. He was just grateful for the job being handled. A pair of boots. Killing a wizard with a bizarre hobby didn¡¯t seem like much of a reward, but¡­ The boots were new. Finely crafted, with no ws. That was enough. Encrid took the boots and returned to his quarters. The next day, Encrid, though not quite familiar with it, strapped on Ragna¡¯s spare arming sword to his waist and set out to kill a beast. No one disputed that what he needed now was practical experience. He was a bit eager. He wanted to quickly integrate the experiences he had gained from exploring the wizard¡¯sir. He was more motivated than ever. ¡°Is it just me, or do you seem really excited to go kill a beast?¡± Rem, who was apanying him, asked with a smile as they headed out. ¡°No, you¡¯re right. I am excited.¡± Encrid responded to Rem¡¯s words as usual. And he meant it. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 89 ¡°Form up!¡± Themander¡¯s shout echoed. Approaching were eight wolf beasts. Beasts and monsters were formidable threats. Especially since the Border Guard was in a city frequented by caravans and merchants, they were quite proactive in clearing the surrounding monsters and beasts. ¡°Why are they so active in winter?¡± One soldier grumbled as he readied his spear. To Encrid¡¯s ears, it sounded like he was deliberately trying to ease his tension. Twenty soldiers, following orders, formed a solid phnx against the wolf beasts. It was standard to face beasts one-on-many. The toon leader adhered strictly to the basics. And Encrid found that ufortable. ¡®This is the first time for something like this.¡¯ What he meant was the desire to rush out, yearning for realbat, which training couldn¡¯t satisfy. A fight that drew blood, the time to consolidate what was gained from it, the very moment of taking a step forward. That¡¯s what Encrid longed for. Not poking at the approaching beasts with a spear. This wasn¡¯t helpful. It felt almost boring. Normally, seeing a beast should make his legs tremble. Rem, unusually quiet,ughed beside him. ¡°You look frustrated.¡± Normally, he would tell him to stab the beast¡¯s eyes instead of looking at faces, but the frustration made him speak. ¡°Can you see it?¡± ¡°Now the Squad Leader has be the odd one out.¡± Remughed with an iprehensible remark and added anotherment. ¡°Didn¡¯t you know there¡¯s a fine line between extraordinary and crazy?¡± He didn¡¯t. What would happen if he jumped into the midst of the eight beasts? Assuming Rem had his back. It seemed it would end much quicker than stabbing at them one by one with twenty spears. How long would it take to clear all the surrounding monsters and beasts at this rate? It would take a long time. It felt like wasting time. Having never once neglected phnx training until now, his body naturally fulfilled its duty as part of the formation. But the frustration remained. Rem keptughing beside him, which felt like it was pushing him. Why did hee along and do this? Encrid thrust his spear forward. The forceful spear tip grazed the beast¡¯s forepaw. ¡°Growl!¡± The wolf beast, reacting to the pain, bared its fangs. The squad leader, seeing this, aimed for its head and thrust his spear, but the cunning beast evaded by backing away. Up to that point, Encrid deliberately conjured idle thoughts. If not, he would find it hard to resist the urge to rush out and draw his sword to cut them down. He thought of the panther he had once happened to raise. ¡®Esther.¡¯ After splitting the head of that insane sewer wizard, it wasn¡¯t long before the Lake Panther returned, utterly exhausted. It reeked, as if it had eaten some of the rats roaming the sewers. Too focused on hunting city rats, ity on the ground, panting heavily. Feeling sorry for it, Encrid soaked some jerky in water and fed it to him. Esther eagerly epted and ate it up. ¡®What have you been up to?¡¯ Roar! Idle thoughts vanished. A wolf beast had approached within spear range. Pushing aside thoughts of Esther, Encrid thrust his spear at the wolf¡¯s head. Thud. The skin on its head tore, and blood sttered. ¡°Don¡¯t lose your position!¡± The toon leader¡¯s shout rang out. The unit maintained distance by thrusting their spears at the approaching beasts, threatening them and keeping them at bay. This fight won¡¯t end quickly. The pack of attacking beasts, after being stabbed several times, retreated. This is the right approach. This is the standard tactic. Yet, it still felt stifling. Encrid saw the toon leadermanding the soldiers. A well-built figure with a neat appearance. Was he from the 2nd Company or the 3rd? Harboring frustration and impatience, Encrid continued wielding his spear. It¡¯s not masterful. Just thrusting and pulling. It felt like wearing clothes that didn¡¯t fit. The spear didn¡¯t feel natural in his hands. If he had used a spear as his main weapon, he might have been worse with it than a sword. Ragna had once said, ¡°Swords or spears, what feels natural in your hands can differ.¡± Typically, knights are encouraged to handle various weapons. So, he learned the basics, but only the sword felt like it fit perfectly in his hand. ¡®The sword.¡¯ Only the sword. It felt like meeting an old friend from the moment he first held it. The thrill, joy, and anticipation of wielding a sword for the first time. The pounding heart, the warmth of the sharpened steel. ¡®Ah, I want to use the sword.¡¯ He wanted to relive the experience he gained from the wizard¡¯sir. He wanted to swing a sword, not a spear. ¡°Your wish is granted.¡± Rem muttered beside him. As Encrid¡¯s gaze turned to him, Rem was already rushing forward. ¡°Let¡¯s finish this!¡± Rem rushed out with a shout, a hint of cheerfulness in his voice. Dirt flew up with every step he took. It was dynamic. His running seemed wilder than the wolf beasts. ¡°That crazy bastard!¡± The toon leader yelled as if he had been waiting for this. Facing beasts while maintaining the formation is fundamental. If the formation breaks, other soldiers¡¯ lives are at risk. Breaking formation was undoubtedly wrong. Encrid knew this well. But ¡®Why not just kill all the beasts?¡¯ He couldn¡¯t hold back. The desire itself was unbearable. The urge to rush out, swing his sword, and relive his experiences. Encrid inwardly closed his eyes. For a moment, he relied more on his instincts than rational judgment. Following his instincts, Encrid threw aside his spear and sprinted forward. ¡°What the hell, you too?!¡± The toon leader¡¯s shout faded into the background. Rem¡¯s sudden action was within the toon leader¡¯s expectations. But Encrid¡¯s was not. So, it was only natural for him to be shocked. ¡°Having fun?¡± Noticing Encrid following him, Rem spoke while swinging his two axes. The two axe des traced arcs in the air. The ends of those arcs inevitably led to ughter. The first axe split the head of a wolf that had just approached head-on, and the second axe, shing sideways, split the jaw of a beast trying to bite his arm. The two axes were like executioner¡¯s des. ¡°Just a bit.¡± Acknowledging what needed to be acknowledged. Encrid also drew his sword. He drew it and shed horizontally. One beast, in the middle of its charge, had its front leg cut off. ¡°Yelp!¡± Even a beast¡¯s cry was simr to a dog¡¯s. Encrid pulled back his horizontally extended arm and shed vertically. The wolf beast¡¯s head was split open. Thud! Pulling the sword out of the split head, he struck the head of another wolf charging from the side with his sword-wielding fist. Thump! The beast, hit in the head, rolled to the side. Only eight beasts. ¡®I don¡¯t know since when eight beasts became ¡®only¡¯.¡¯ In any case, right now, these were not a threat to Encrid. Axes split heads, and swords cut and shed wolves. The arming sword in his hand didn¡¯t sh as well as a longsword, but it wasn¡¯t too bad. Ragna had regretted not being able to join them. One of the eight beasts had been killed by the spears of the phnx. Of the remaining seven, four fell to Rem¡¯s axes. Three were split by Encrid¡¯s sword. It was a remarkable disy of skill. It was proof that their rank as elite soldiers was well-earned. ¡°Wow, they fight damn well.¡± one of the soldiers in the unit muttered in awe. The toon leader should have yelled at them. He should have, but instead thought, ¡®They leave me with nothing to say.¡¯ They really did fight incredibly well. While forming a phnx is the basic tactic for facing beasts, if one possesses exceptional strength, using it is also amander¡¯s skill. Instead of getting angry, the toon leader considered efficiency. This was a good thing for Encrid and Rem. By strict standards, they were disobeying orders. More importantly, the toon leader highly valued Encrid¡¯s presence. He had seen him a few times before, and back then, he hadn¡¯t seemed very impressive. When had he developed such skill? Had he suddenly improved as the rumors said? He didn¡¯t know. He couldn¡¯t be certain about anything. He could only judge the results. ¡®They are above the elite.¡¯ He would believe it if someone said they were one of the ughterers of the Frontier. When they go on beast hunts, they often rely on individual skill rather than maintaining a formation. ¡°You two.¡± Instead of reprimanding them, the toon leader assigned them a new mission. If they wanted to fight, let them. ¡°There is a ce where troublesome beasts have appeared. Go there.¡± ¡°Understood.¡± Among the dead beasts, Encrid the Spell Breaker nodded. At his calm demeanor, some soldiers let out cheers. After all, they had wiped out the beasts. This meant their mission here was over, and the unit could go support another area, allowing them a brief rest. No one enjoys fighting beasts and risking their lives. You need to be either extraordinary or insane. At least one of the two. ¡°We will return to the city to regroup.¡± the toon leader decided, leading the unit back. Encrid nced at Rem. Rem, wiping the beast blood off his axes, grinned. ¡°Do I owe you?¡± ¡°Not at all.¡± Though he said that, he felt relieved. But the desire for more still burned within him. ¡®This isn¡¯t enough.¡¯ The thirst that a few wolf beasts couldn¡¯t quench. Realbat, not training. The fire ignited in Encrid¡¯s chest burned fiercely. ¡°Let¡¯s go. They told us to head elsewhere.¡± Rem said. A few soldiers who were returning to the unit approached and patted Encrid on the chest. ¡°Thanks to you, we got to go first.¡± The smiling soldier¡¯s face was familiar. Encrid racked his memory. It was the soldier from the dice gambling table on the first repeat of today. He handed Encrid a piece of jerky wrapped in a clean cloth. ¡°Try it. It¡¯ll be great.¡± He said and turned away. Not just him, but several others showed their approval with their eyes. A well-fighting soldier is always weed by hisrades. Encrid also had a pleasant personality, so his reputation wasn¡¯t bad. Unlike Rem. Everyone kept a reasonable distance from Rem. Partly because he was a barbarian, but mostly because his rough personality and tendency to pick fights with anyone when bored were well known. ¡°Seems like we fought together, but we get treated differently. Is this discrimination?¡± ¡°It¡¯s karma.¡± Encrid said, tearing the jerky in half and sharing it. He took a bite. ¡®It¡¯s different.¡¯ It was delicious. The soft piece of jerky swirled in his mouth before he swallowed it. The seasoning was just right, and whatever marinade was used gave it a sweet taste. ¡°What is this? Why is it so good?¡± ¡°Right, I¡¯ll have to ask for moreter.¡± He was curious about the secret recipe. Encrid pulled on his gloves. The thick leather gloves fit snugly, providing sturdy protection. They were one of the items from the corpse-loving wizard who lived in the sewer. Especially when striking wolves, the impact was much less than expected. It was indeed a good item. Although what the wizard did was unsettling, the items themselves were innocent. The gloves were sturdy. Made fromyers of leather, they offered excellent protection and were good for punching, serving well as gauntlets. The leather armor worn under his gambeson was equally reliable. After all, it was an item that had protected him against the wizard¡¯s attacks. When Krais had said it wasn¡¯t just any ordinary item, Encrid had thought it was merely durable. With his solid gear and newfound insights,Encrid spoke with determination. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Following the toon leader¡¯s orders, Encrid and Rem moved to another area. Half a day¡¯s journey south of the city. They headed to where their allied unit had gathered. ¡°This looks like the ce.¡± ¡°Seems like it.¡± They had only a simple map and directions to find it. When they arrived, they found an established camp. They wouldn¡¯t set up a camp like this unless the beast or monster extermination was quite serious. Moreover, it was currently in a state of uproar. As they approached, they noticed something flying in the sky. Encrid muttered as he joined the battlefield. Rem followed, hopping along behind him. ¡°Kiyaaah!¡± A scream erupted above. A horrific monster announced its presence. Below it, soldiers with gouged eyes, and limbs scratched and torn, were lying around. ¡°My eyes! My eyes!¡± ¡°Aaaah!¡± ¡°Shit! Kill it! Kill it!¡± Several crossbowmen fired bolts into the sky. Thud-thud-thud! The bolts sliced through the air but didn¡¯t hit a single target. ¡°Ka-aaah!¡± The monster¡¯s cry was an awful noise, making one want to cover their ears. This was the battlefield. The enemies were monsters and beasts. Directly below the flying monsters, a unit of heavily armored soldiers formed a phnx. These were heavy infantrymen, all d in chain mail. This was the 1st Company,posed entirely of heavy infantry. ¡°Everyone, hold your positions!¡± The infantrypanymander shouted. The name of the flying monster was Harpy. With the upper body of a woman, wings instead of arms, and the lower body of an eagle, it was a grotesque sight. Red feathers fluttered in the air, and the harpy¡¯s chest heaved. Despite its resemnce to a woman¡¯s chest, it didn¡¯t evoke any sexual feelings. It was just unsettling. Seeing the harpy, Encrid froze for a moment. It reminded him of a time in the past when he had to turn away from arade¡¯s death. The appearance of the Harpy made any resistance by a few mercenaries meaningless. Death, more death, and retreat. It was a painful memory. Though not friends, he had lost over a dozenrades. Screech! The Harpy¡¯ cries had a disorienting effect on people¡¯s minds. There were over five of them in the sky. Five crossbowmen aimed at them, but as seen earlier, hitting and bringing them down seemed impossible. Just as Encrid entered the battlefield. ¡°Looks like things are getting interesting. You okay?¡± Rem asked beside him, and at that moment, one of the Harpy dived toward the newly arrived pair. Swoosh! It cut through the air. Its talons, as hard as steel, would gouge out eyes if one were lucky. Otherwise, it would tear open skulls. As the harpy approached, Encrid briefly relived the past, but only for a moment. He never left regrets for past events. Instead, he focused on moving forward. That was how Encrid lived. Cling. He drew his sword. In that instant, everything seemed to slow down. He traced the trajectory from point to line, and his intuition screamed a warning. The boldness from The Heart of the Beast gave Encrid strength throughout his body. Aligning with the falling harpy¡¯s trajectory, Encrid¡¯s sword moved in the seemingly slowed time. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 90 The toon Leader of the 4th toon, belonging to the Heavy Infantry Company, was amander who had recently transferred to this unit from the center. ¡°Damn it.¡± Since he was affiliated with the unit, he decided to adapt and conduct actualbat training by going on a mission to exterminate monsters. Of course, it was quiterge in scale for such a task. The original mission was to exterminate arge pack of humanoid dogs. Still, it was fine. The Heavy Infantry didn¡¯t get the reputation of being a force that could devour Krona for nothing. Ultimately, he embarked on the mission, confident in the power of his unit. Suddenly, a harpy appeared. It was a troublesome situation. Why did a harpy suddenly show up? He called for support. The Heavy Infantry formed a defensive formation. In the meantime, a few soldiers supporting the unit died. While the crossbow bolts flew aimlessly, the reinforcements arrived. Just two light infantry soldiers. ¡°Are you kidding me?¡± They even recklessly stepped into the harpy¡¯s attack zone without fear. That was suicide. Themander didn¡¯t know Encrid or Rem. He was still adapting to the atmosphere within the unit, having recently transferred. Of course, he had heard about the Spell Breaker and the notorious Squad Leader, but he didn¡¯t have time to worry about that. When he saw the two during the extermination operation, he was furious. ¡°Shit!¡± Curses naturally escaped his mouth. Even if there was subtle tension between the Heavy Infantry and the Light Infantry. Watching hisrades die in front of him was not enjoyable. Who would want to see heads torn off by a harpy? The two light infantry soldiers were Encrid and Rem, and the fact that only the two of them appeared was because they didn¡¯t wait for the other unit members and joined first. Thus, the archer unit requested from the main force hadn¡¯t even arrived yet. ¡°Hey, back off¡­!¡± He was in such a hurry that he couldn¡¯t finish his sentence. He wanted to tell them to run away or duck their heads. In this position, they could withstand the harpy¡¯s ws and attacks. Over thick gambesons, chainmail, and a breastte reinforced with thin iron tes, steel gauntlets, and greaves. On top of that, they held square shields and formed a defensive formation. It was a strategic defensive posture befitting the nickname ¡°Turtle Heavy Infantry¡±. They could hold out until the reinforcements arrived. Therefore, to the harpy, those who were less protected were easier prey. The harpy, spotting the new prey, rushed at terrifying speed. Themander saw the red feather fall and draw a long arc downward. Even if he wanted to help, he had no means to do so. Now, he could only quietly watch them die and vow revengeter. Just as the harpy¡¯s ws were about to split the soldier¡¯s head. ng. Schwack. Themander heard the friction of metal and the sound of flesh being cut. All he saw was the harpy¡¯s back. Since the harpy¡¯s body size was simr to an adult male, he couldn¡¯t see exactly what the light infantry soldier had done, obscured by the falling harpy. What he did see was the harpy¡¯s wing tearing, its body hitting the ground like a failed skipping stone, bouncing once in the air, then rolling on the ground. The harpy, which had unted its red feathers and bouncing breasts, was now half-covered in blood, with dust covering its entire body. ¡°Kiiieeeeee!¡± The harpy lying on the ground wailed. Themander couldn¡¯t even blink. What is this? ¡°¡­Huh?¡± In an iprehensible situation, only a single question remained. Themander¡¯s eyes scanned the situation, soon forcing everything into the realm of understanding. The harpy flew in.It was cut down with a sword?Is that even possible? It was an extraordinary feat rarely seen. What if the harpy¡¯s ws had deviated slightly? What if the timing was missed? What if the cutting power was insufficient? Everything would have been a problem. The fact that someone would do such a thing was crazy. Who would dare to do such a thing against a charging harpy? Even in the Border Guard known as the ughterer of the Frontier, how many could pull off something like that? Screech! Luck. It was incredibly fortunate. Apparently, he wasn¡¯t the only one who thought so, as two more harpies circling above glided down, targeting the two again. They were fast. It sounded like the harpy¡¯s ws were tearing through the air. Themander¡¯s eyes focused on the two light infantry soldiers who hade as reinforcements. The angle of the harpies¡¯ attack was different from before. Themander clearly saw how the two responded. Although he saw it, he still had nothing to say, as their movements were beyond hisprehension. The soldier with the axe dodged the iing ws by twisting his body, then swung the axe. He only registered that it had been swung. Before he knew it, the harpy¡¯s head split vertically with a loud crack. The harpy, whose head was split, plunged to the ground, leaving marks like a burst tomato. It left a long bloodstain as it slid across the ground, with the split-headed harpy lying there. Another harpy was dead. It was a visible feat of axe-wielding. The other soldier did something simr. The soldier who had initially torn the harpy¡¯s wing now held his sword and shed vertically again. How is that possible? As he swung his sword, it seemed like the harpy was rushing towards the de. It was a result of predicting the harpy¡¯s movements and swinging the sword. If that wasn¡¯t a feat, what else could it be? Thud! However, this time, the aim was slightly off, and the harpy¡¯s chest was shed. The soldier¡¯s sword split the harpy in half, but he also lost his grip on the sword. Not that it made any difference. Screech. The sword was embedded between the harpy¡¯s two breast-like mounds. The harpy tumbled to the ground, once again scattering blood. Its guts were split and shattered. That one, too, was as good as dead. Themander involuntarily looked up. There were eight harpies left. They hadn¡¯t killed a single one, but three had died as soon as these two arrived. Border Guard? Themander misunderstood his opponents. Their skills were too overwhelming to be considered mere soldiers. Was this what elite soldiers were like? He had heard rumors about the ughterer of the Frontier before being transferred, but¡­ It didn¡¯t seem to be to this extent. In themander¡¯s eyes, he saw a group approaching from behind the two. They were all carrying projectile weapons, such as throwing spears, longbows, and crossbows. They wore cloaks and had eagle insignias on their epaulettes. The real Border Guard. The guard leading them also assessed the situation. He saw it with his own eyes. Their skills¡­ Had improved. To the point where it was hard to confidently say they could be easily defeated. The one leading the guard was Torres. He was the toon leader of the Border Guard, who had various ties with Encrid. Judging someone¡¯s skills solely by their ability to kill monsters was foolish. However, Torres knew he didn¡¯t have the confidence to pull off such feats against an iing harpy. Especially not twice in a row. Luck? Torres had the same thought as the heavy infantry toonmander. At that moment, the third harpy flew in. Torres¡¯s gaze dropped from the harpy to below. There, he saw Encrid pulling a sword out from the chest of a recently in harpy. ¡°Hey!¡± Torres shouted. It was a warning to look up. * * * What should he call this? Encrid connected the dots. He split the time. He swung his sword as his instincts guided him. As a result, he cut the wing of the first harpy. ¡°Whistle.¡± Next to him, Rem whistled. The lingering sensation in his grip conveyed the harpy¡¯s hefty weight. No problem. He picked up his sword again. The harpy flew in, and this time he shed the chest and let go of his sword. If he had kept holding it, his hand might have torn apart. His judgment was urate. A single strike connecting the dots, a powerful sword sh. The result was the death of the monster. As Encrid bent over and swung his sword down, the harpy¡¯s ws passed over his head. The sound of it tearing through the air was chilling, but it didn¡¯t feel dangerous. Just dodge it. A simple attack pattern. Dodge, sh, stab. It was an application of swordsmanship. He stepped onto the bouncing chest of the dead harpy, cing his foot where a human¡¯s corbone would be, and pulled out his sword. ¡°Screech.¡± Such tenacity. Its chest was half-split, with intestines spilling out, yet it blinked. It was still alive. Encrid was looking at the harpy he had shed, but his senses were focused on the surroundings, particrly the harpy diving from above. He could feel the air¡¯s vibrations without seeing it. His senses were clearer than ever. ¡°Hey!¡± He heard the shout, but he was already moving before that. He stabbed the wing of the dying harpy with the tip of his sword and pushed with all his strength. Crack! The muscles in both his arms strained, and he exerted force from his waist and thighs. He lifted the dying harpy upwards. Whack! The iing harpy collided with it and tumbled to the ground. After blocking the harpy with another harpy, Encrid rolled to the side, using the technique of dispersing the impact by moving his body intentionally and predictably to absorb the remaining shock. As soon as he got up from the roll, Encrid quickly dashed towards the fallen harpy¡¯s head and brought his sword down on it. The de split the harpy¡¯s head with a sound like splitting firewood. That makes four. Rem had killed one, and Encrid had killed three. The first one that fell already had a quarrel lodged in its head by a nearby soldier. p, p. The group of harpies that had been pping their wings above them began to scatter. Harpies were not creatures that engaged in unwinnable fights. They had fled. Encrid, with his arms hanging down, swallowed his disappointment. ¡®A few more times.¡¯ He wanted to keep fighting. He needed more experience. He was still in the process of learning and internalizing what he had been taught. He needed more actualbat to adapt and learn. Then, he could fully incorporate what he had gained from the sewers into his body. ¡°All good?¡± Rem chuckled beside him. Being a perceptive barbarian, he seemed to have already grasped Encrid¡¯s state. ¡°Anyone else would say you¡¯re crazy, but at this point, you can be called extraordinary. But it¡¯s quite strange. I thought you needed more realbat, but how did it happen again in just one day?¡± He didn¡¯t delve too deeply but expressed his curiosity. It was natural. Achieving such a remarkable improvement in just one day with seemingly the worst talent was not normal. Encrid uttered his usual excuse. ¡°I was lucky.¡± Rem knew one couldn¡¯t develop such skills with just luck. But he didn¡¯t intend to argue. After all, what did it matter? Seeing this guy so excited to wield his sword made it fun for him too. ¡°There was a time when I barely survived being chased by harpies.¡± Encrid muttered. ¡°Really?¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± It wasn¡¯t a statement filled with emotion or meaning. It was just something that had happened. Encrid remembered therades who had died then. And he shook off the memory. ¡®This might not be revenge, but¡­¡¯ At least there was satisfaction in having killed the harpy swarm. The disappointment still outweighed it, though. ¡°You two, your affiliation¡ªno, but.¡± Themander, who had been holding the defensive formation like a turtle, approached. He seemed bewildered. ¡°Squad Leader Encrid of the 4th Squad, 4th toon, 4th Company.¡± He answered and saluted. ¡°Squad Leader? Not the Border Guard?¡± No. ¡°The Border Guard is here.¡± A familiar face, Torres, approached. He raised his hand and spoke. His gaze never left Encrid. His eyes scanned Encrid from head to toe. He wanted to ask what exactly Encrid had done. How had his skills improved so much? ¡°We came to support.¡± They hadn¡¯t even fired a single arrow. What was this, really? Soon, themander of the 4th toon of the Heavy Infantry Company and Torres exchanged brief greetings and sorted out the situation. Encrid listened to their conversation and abruptly asked a question. It was quite important to him. ¡°Is it over?¡± ¡°¡­What are you asking?¡± ¡°I was wondering if the monster extermination is over now.¡± What? Why is he asking that? Two light infantry soldiers who killed four harpies. Two ordinary soldiers saved the Heavy Infantry toon. It wasn¡¯t a great achievement, but it seemed worthy of reward. One of them was seriously asking if this was the end. The other one, who looked like a foreigner, was busyughing next to him. What is this crazy duo? The toon leader thought and answered. ¡°The original target was the humanoid dog pack, so it¡¯s not over.¡± The toon leader hadn¡¯t forgotten the mission. A pack of humanoid dogs had formed a group around the Border Guard, blocking the merchants and peddlers. That¡¯s why they set out. Even though the humanoid dog pack hadn¡¯t appeared on the road outside the wall where the merchants traveled. Judging by the appearance of one or two around, it was evident that a problem would arise soon. The mission was to exterminate the surrounding monsters and beasts to ensure the city¡¯s safety. ¡°I want to join.¡± At Encrid¡¯s words, the toon leader thought. ¡®Does he want to fight more? He seems eager to fight. Am I seeing things?¡¯ He wasn¡¯t seeing things. He was exactly right. What the toon leader saw was the truth. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 91 Human-faced dogs. Creatures that lie somewhere between monsters and beasts. Beasts with the face of an old man. Or canines with a face resembling that of a human. Does it really matter? Both monsters and beasts prey on humans. They are simply targets to be killed. No one knows where monsters and beastse from. Since the birth of Encrid, or even since the existence of this world, the threat of monsters and beasts has been present. There are various types like Ghouls, Harpies, and Skeletons. The difference between monsters and beasts is simple. Beasts resemble animals, while monsters have distinct features. Among them, human-faced dogs are creatures that, when in packs, lose all sense of fear, existing somewhere between beasts and monsters. ¡°Advance.¡± There were over fifty of them, scattered and growling in disarray. As soon as they were spotted, themander of the Turtle Heavy Infantry spoke. Heavy infantry is the most expensive in terms of equipment and training. Their heavy armor reduces mobility, preventing them from wielding javelines or bing archers. The weight of the armor restricts dynamic movements, ruling out agile charges. However, the full-body armor,rge rectangr shields, and long spears sticking out from between them make the heavy infantry overwhelmingly effective in open field battles. It was the same now. The slow march of the heavy infantry across the wastnd didn¡¯t even stir up much dust. They just steadily advanced, step by step. There was nothing the pack of human-faced dogs could do. Their primary attack method was their ws. Those ws were useless here. ¡®Overwhelming victory.¡¯ Even the Harpies in the sky couldn¡¯t harm the heavy infantry, so there was no way these human-faced dogs could stand a chance. Thump! The ws, when swung, were simply blocked by the shields. Even when a w managed to slip through a gap between the shields¡­ Thump. It only scratched the metal armor. Moreover, such instances were rare. Most of the human-faced dogs were just blocked by the advancing shields. ¡°Kaah!¡± A harsh cry came from one of the human-faced dogs. It had struck the rectangr shield with its front paws, only to be skewered by a spear that emerged from between the shields, piercing its side. As the dog¡¯s body dangled on the spear, the soldier in the front line used his shield to push the body off, slipping the spear out. The monster, with a hole in its side, rolled on the ground. Its shrill cry turned into a death rattle. A heavy infantry soldier stepped on it, crushing it to death. Thud, thud. Considering their weight, even just stepping on them was a sure way to finish them off. Blocking with shields and stabbing with spears. A simple yet efficient strategy. Their opponents weren¡¯t human, they were monsters. There was nothing more to it. While the heavy infantry dealt with the pack of human-faced dogs¡­ The special forces and the Royal Guard Border Patrol on the left hillunched long-range attacks. These were the longbow and crossbow units. Five longbowmen and fifteen crossbowmen. They blocked one side, pouring out arrows and bolts, forcing the human-faced dogs to crowd towards one side. That side was then blocked by the heavy infantry. Encrid and Rem didn¡¯t just stand by and watch. Some of the human-faced dogs kepting from somewhere behind the pack of fifty, continuously joining them. ¡°It looks like it¡¯s our turn to handle those!¡± Rem said excitedly, more so than ever before. Encrid responded by starting to move. He was, in fact, faster in charging ahead than Rem. The excitement in his chest hadn¡¯t subsided yet. It was a time to prove what had be ingrained in him by swinging his sword over and over. He was beginning to realize the value of this time. Fighting with his life on the line, yet not feeling like he would die. When had he ever experienced this before? This made Encrid feel a strange sensation. In the midst of only a dozen or so human-faced dogs, he didn¡¯t feel like he was going to die, as if there was no threat of death. Why was he so certain? Was it because Rem was with him? That didn¡¯t seem to be the reason. Thoughts couldeter. He ran. The speed and dynamism of the heavy infantry were invisible to him. With boldness and focus. He suddenly lowered his body and swung his sword. A sword flying horizontally to the ground. Slice! Thud! The snout of the first human-faced dog that approached was cut off, and as the sword continued its swing, it struck the head of another. The second one, struck in the head, had its eyes and forehead split and burst open. Withdrawing and swinging his sword simultaneously, he had dealt with two of them. Encrid nted his left foot on the ground to brake his body, taking a step. Using his left foot as a pivot, he pulled his right foot back, turning his body to the side in an instant. As he turned his body, he raised and then swung his sword vertically. A perfect vertical sh that could be in a textbook. Crack! The head of the human-faced dog caught in the swing was split open. His heart pounded wildly. He shed and swung his sword. Looking ahead again, he punched the head of an approaching human-faced dog, and when another tried to bite his shin, he stabbed his sword vertically into its head. He felt the sensation of the skull breaking through his hand. As he tried not to give it a chance to pull out the sword, an axe shed beside him. It was Rem. A vigorous charge and a powerful sh. The ones caught by the axe were mercilessly cut down, whether it was their bodies or heads. Encrid looked at the charging horde of monsters. In the past, this sight would have terrified him, but not anymore. With the heart of bravery beating within him, he could fight calmly. His mind was ice-cold. Even as he repeatedly thought of the best movements to cut down the iing monsters, he calcted the most advantageous positions to move to. His mind was cold, but conversely, his heart was burning hot. A sense of tion. The fiery sensation heightened his body and senses. ¡®It¡¯s working.¡¯ The things he learned from fighting the sewer wizard were sticking to his body. The training he endured with his squad members, wrapping his head in bandages, was umting through realbat. Watching from the side, Rem thought of the process of building a fortress wall. There was a time when he had disguised himself as aborer and was involved in building a fortress wall. The process of carrying heavy stones and stacking them one by one. A tedious and arduous process that seemed never-ending. Ultimately, it was a process that required patience. ¡®It¡¯s fascinating.¡¯ Seeing Encrid¡¯s growth only filled him with a sense of wonder. Being closer to him than anyone else, it was a continuous series of iprehensible events. A person who couldn¡¯t even stack one stone a day. Suddenly, one day, he was able to stack dozens of stones. How was this possible? He didn¡¯t know. He didn¡¯t want to know. It just made things more interesting. ¡®It¡¯s fun. Really fun.¡¯ ¡°Squawk!¡± A bolt pierced the head of thest remaining human-faced dog. Torres had approached after they had driven the monsters to one side and killed them. Smacking his lips, Torres said, ¡°It¡¯s a shame. You should have joined our unit. Why are you still just a Squad Leader?¡± That was something the toon leader of the 1st Company was curious about too. With skills like his, why? A few soldiers who had connections with Rem red at him, and Encrid subtly shielded him with his body. Rem, who had beaten up his superior in the 1st Company, always had bad blood with them. Especially since Rem had a tendency to provoke them more. After preventing any trouble, Encrid finally spoke up. ¡°There¡¯s no one to take responsibility for my squad yet.¡± Encrid pointed out a realistic problem. If he became a toon leader, who would immediately take over the 444th squad? ¡°In any case, well done.¡± The intense tion that had filled Encrid was now gradually subsiding. Although Encrid answered the question, he neither took it too seriously nor answered it with much gravity. In Encrid¡¯s mind, there was only one thought. ¡®I need to organize.¡¯ Fighting had made it clear. He needed to take a moment to neatly arrange his abilities. He hadbined several techniques before, creating synergistic effects. He had applied them to his swordsmanship as well. Up until now, he had used them as the situation required, which made him feel the need to systematize them. And since this was his first time experiencing this, Encrid felt a renewed sense of joy. Finding what he needed for himself. That in itself was a rare urrence. The future had always been a dark, unknown path. But now, how different it was. Signposts kept appearing on that once invisible path. He was so happy he could hardly contain himself. That was why Encrid unknowingly smiled. Even Rem couldn¡¯t guess what was going on inside him. Naturally, Torres and the heavy infantry toon leader were also clueless. The fight had ended. Rejoicing in victory? This wasn¡¯t that kind of battle. Winning was expected, killing was expected in this extermination. Yet, one soldier, covered in blood and rampaging, suddenlyughed as if he were incredibly joyful. The heavy infantry toon leader thought it was the kind of smile you¡¯d only see when soaking in hot water in the middle of winter. ¡°¡­ Is there something a bit off with him?¡± The toon leader from the 1st Company leaned towards Torres, subtly gesturing to his head as he asked. Of course, his gaze was fixed on Encrid. ¡°It¡¯s hard to say he¡¯s entirely normal.¡± Torres replied, trailing off. He was referring more to Encrid¡¯s usual behavior than his currentughter. No matter how crazy someone was, they wouldn¡¯t swing their sword like the Troublesome Squad leader within the unit. ¡°What are you looking at?¡± ¡°¡­You bastard.¡± While Encrid was momentarily off guard, a dispute arose between Rem and the soldiers of the 1st Company. Encrid quickly turned back to stop Rem, and Torres, along with others, began to restore order. * * * There were two requests, one buried at the Company Commander¡¯s level, so no one knew about killing the wizard. But everyone knew about the monster extermination. From the time Rem and he had in the wolf beast together. To the time he faced off against the harpies with his sword. Few people were surprised by what Rem did. Those who didn¡¯t know him might be astonished once or twice, but he was originally someone who stayed in the unit due to his exceptional skills. ¡°Rem, that bastard? He¡¯s always been a good fighter.¡± ¡°If only he had a better personality, he might have be a battalionmander.¡± When the rumors spread within the unit, what shocked the soldiers was Encrid. He was indeed a high-ranking soldier, within the upper echelons of the soldier ranking system. But not all high-ranking soldiers could do what he did. Fighting harpies with a sword? Why would anyone do something so reckless? And to kill harpies with such recklessness? If he had barely killed one, it might have been considered a fluke. But he killed three. The rumor spread like wildfire. ¡°How did he even do that?¡± ¡°I always knew something like this would happen.¡± ¡°Encrid? That Troublesome Squad leader?¡± ¡°Didn¡¯t he destroy spellsst time?¡± ¡°Ha,st time he barely seemed like a high-ranking soldier.¡± There was a lot of talk. Defeating the pack of human-faced dogs was impressive, especially since many had witnessed it. ¡°Then why is he still a Squad leader?¡± The rumors and questions spread through the unit, reaching the battalionmander¡¯s ears. The battalionmander couldn¡¯t ignore it. As a result, the Fairy Company Commander was summoned and questioned. ¡°Is it right to keep him just as a Squad leader?¡± ¡°His squad is quite unique.¡± ¡°Since there¡¯s no budget for rewards, raising his rank seems appropriate.¡± The Kingdom of Naurillia had clear policies. If you excelled, you were rewarded ordingly. That was the core principle. Policies like the soldier ranking system and the soldier mercenary system were implemented for this reason. The rewards were either in the form of mary bonuses or honor. The battalionmander, thinking of his own interests, suggested giving a rank promotion instead of a cash reward. The Company Commander was well aware of the uniqueness of the Troublesome Squad. Promoting Encrid to toon leader would make the squad unmanageable. Then, an alternative method would be considered. ¡°Understood.¡± Saluting, the Company Commander turned back. She devised a n that would satisfy the battalionmander and maintain the current structure. Thus, Encrid was called. ¡°My subordinates number only ten.¡± ¡°Regardless of that, from today, you hold a rank equivalent to a toon leader. Any objections?¡± ¡°None.¡± It was an order from his superior. Encrid had no reason to argue. Moreover, dealing with the Fairy Company Commander, he¡¯d rather not be the subject of her jokes. ¡°Dismissed.¡± Thus, he received the rank equivalent to a toon leader. ¡°So, do we call you toon leader now?¡± ¡°Oh, toon leader, does this mean your sry is higher?¡± ¡°What about us?¡± ¡°Congrattions, brother.¡± ¡°My sword¡¯s de is worn out.¡± It was hard to tell if these were words of congrattions. Thest one from Ragna certainly wasn¡¯t. In reality, nothing changed just because he became a toon leader. Oh, there was talk about filling the squad¡¯s vacancies, which had been overlooked until now. Originally, a squad had ten members. However, until now, there were only six, including Encrid. Officially known as the Independent toon under the 4th Company. They were no longer the 4th Squad. They said he could add more members if he wanted. ¡®Why bother?¡¯ Despite being called an independent toon, they would rarely undertake individual operations. The only real privilege was that toon leaders were exempt from regr duties. ¡°That¡¯s a bit unfair.¡± Rem expressed dissatisfaction, but since the squad would remain intact, he let it slide. After bing a toon leader and the news spreading within the unit, there were changes. However, Encrid¡¯s daily routine remained unchanged. ¡°You want to learn more, right?¡± It started with Audin. Apart from organizing what he had, he disliked wasting time. He believed that he should never stop learning and practicing whenever he had the time. That was the key to making the most of repeating the same day, in Encrid¡¯s view. So, he sought out Audin, looking for the next step in mastering his skills. ¡°Have you ever heard of bed fighting?¡± This sounded like nonsense, but¡­ ¡°It¡¯s a training method created by Pdin Vf.¡± Audin exined. Vf-Style Martial Arts. It¡¯s not about striking or hitting, but a series of techniques involving grappling and locking. An addition to the daily routine of being pinned and locked on a bed. Of course, Encrid didn¡¯t learn only from Audin. The severe winter cold, a symbol of the season, was starting to recede. Encrid remained the same. His routine was so repetitive that if a ferryman appeared in his dreams, he would ask, ¡°What the hell are you doing?¡± And then, rumors began to spread. Not just skirmishes, but a full-scale war was imminent. It was inevitable. In the previous battle, the enemy had used spells, while their side had changed the battlefield dynamics by deploying squires. A more intense battlefield was approaching, with spring on the way. Before spring arrived, Encrid was incredibly busy organizing his skills and preparing himself. [T/L: Please support me and read further chapters here here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 92 Encrid was cleaning his boots and gloves, then wiping his sword with an oiled cloth. Dealing with the previous beast horde had attracted merchants. That meant Encrid would soon have a new sword. The Valyrian steel of his broken sword was melted down. Then mixed with Noir wrought iron. Combining two high-quality steels recognized across the continent. ¡°No one else could do this.¡± the cksmith boasted. And rightly so. Though he couldn¡¯t forge magical swords, his skill in handling steel was on par with any magician. He was renowned within the Border Guard. Of course, you could say he was only barely famous within the city. But that was something. In the end, having that artisan make his sword meant a lot. Even Ragna, who was picky about weapons, especially swords, gave a nod of approval. ¡°It¡¯s passable. Though not great for my use.¡± This half-nod came with such ament. Encrid carefully wiped the de with the oiled cloth and flicked his finger against the de. Ting. A rather pleasant resonance rang out. For Encrid, it was the first time he had a sword of such quality. So, how could he not be satisfied? Ragna, who was never easily satisfied with swords, would use any scrap of metal lying around. He was so reluctant to sharpen his chipped arming sword that Encrid had to do it for him. Otherwise, he would have just carried around the chipped sword. ¡°Esther, that¡¯s not a toy.¡± Encrid finished tending to his sword and gently soothed Esther. There were a few items they had taken after killing the corpse lover wizard in the sewers. He had told Krais to sell them off. One of the items was so troublesome even for the back alleys that he just kept it. ¡°The cover was made of human skin. Was there really a magician in the sewers?¡± That was Krais¡¯s reaction when he handed over the items. It sounded like he didn¡¯t believe they had killed a magician in the sewers. ¡°You didn¡¯t believe it?¡± ¡°I did believe, but now I believe a little more.¡± ¡­That sounded like he didn¡¯t believe it. ¡°So, that one is hard to deal with, but the staff and the rest, yes, they sold well.¡± There are many people in the world who desire rare items, ording to Krais. Encrid had no interest in that field. So, they sold the ck wooden staff and some stones. The staff was a crude item made by a magician. The stones were rted to alchemy, but nothing significant. Thus, with the tribute promised to the Gilpin Guild, the money from selling the magician¡¯s items, the payment forpleting themission, and the money from killing the magician, Krais purchased a sword. The Noir wrought iron was initially very expensive. So the Krona was not wasted. ¡°If only there had been a bit more Valyrian steel.¡± ¡°Spending that much money on a single sword.¡± Krais remarked, but Encrid was satisfied. What could be more important to someone who lived by the sword than a good weapon? Even if it¡¯s consumable, if it could provide superiority in a life-threatening fight, why save the Krona? ¡°This will do.¡± There was still the grimoire left, but since it was bound in human skin, it was unsettling, so they wrapped it in a thin cloth and stored it away. Esther found it and brought it back to its ce. What would happen if she peed on it? What is a grimoire? It¡¯s a treasure where a magician records and fills in what they¡¯ve learned throughout their life. It has a grand name, ¡°The Path of Magic¡±, due to its importance. Now, the grimoire was being used as a mat by a panther. ¡®Is it okay to leave it there?¡¯ At least she wouldn¡¯t pee on it. Esther never relieved herself in front of the squad members. Maybe it was a feline habit, but she always did it somewhere hidden. She also bathed frequently. Encrid decided not to worry about the grimoire. He didn¡¯t know its value. But if he tried to take it now¡­ ¡°Hiss!¡± Esther rarely hissed like that. ¡°Leave it. She seemsfortable.¡± Remmented, and Encrid nodded. Thus, they had sold the legacy passed down by the dying magician to purchase a sword. Encrid continued his training. He woke up earlier than sunrise every day, starting his routine a bit sooner. As a toon leader, he had duties only once every ten days. Usually, these duties involved supervising patrols or sentries for four to six hours. Since he no longer had to perform regr duties, he had more time and started his day earlier. Encrid began his day two hours before the regr soldiers woke up. ¡°Meow.¡± One morning, after setting Esther down, he went outside. The cold hadn¡¯t fully dissipated yet, and the morning air carried a biting wind. This was what they called a cold wind. In that wind, Encrid began by regting his breath. He started with the ¡°Istion Technique¡±. He moved his body to generate heat and used heavy stone equipment to put a load on his muscles. As his body warmed up, Audin came out of the barracks, stood beside Encrid, and also began the Istion Technique. ¡°Good morning, toon Leader.¡± Was this a gesture of respect? Now the title ¡°toon Leader¡± was attached before the term ¡°brother¡±. Hearing that reminded him of the Company Commander¡¯s promise to soon fill the ranks of his squad. ¡°Focus.¡± As he got lost in his thoughts, Audin immediately reprimanded him. ¡°Got it.¡± A scattered mind couldn¡¯t properly perform the technique. The focus on breathing and muscles was essential. This was what Audin emphasized. So Encrid did just that. He continued to train his body rigorously. It wasn¡¯t just the Istion Technique he practiced. His belief in honing his skills remained unchanged. ¡®The Heart of the Beast,Sense of the de, Focus Point, Istion Technique.¡¯ Sword techniques, including the Middle Sword Style. Application of swordsmanship. The ability to assess an opponent¡¯s level of training and specialty by observing their body. Predicting attacks based on intuition and sixth sense. Among his swordsmanship, he also had the Valen Mercenary Sword Technique he originally possessed. ¡®Can I utilize it, or should I discard it?¡¯ There was no need to discard it. That was Encrid¡¯s conclusion. How to utilize what one has depends on one¡¯s capabilities. ¡®If my capabilities arecking, then I just need to improve them.¡¯ Boldness is always necessary. Its value is proven by not closing one¡¯s eyes at critical moments. Encrid viewed the Heart of the Beast as the foundation of everything. ¡®Calmly.¡¯ Some days he trained his sixth sense. Other days hebined sensitivity and concentration. ¡®Mix it and engrain it into my body.¡¯ Every swing of the sword encapstes various experiences. It¡¯s a process of learning through intuition, recognizing with the mind, and then engraving it back into the body. Of course, it was never easy. Through this process, Encrid gradually established his own patterns and methods. ¡®Training alone isn¡¯t enough.¡¯ What was necessary was actualbat. Realbat thatbined training and practice. Ideally¡­ ¡®Realbat where my life is on the line.¡¯ ¡°As I said before, fighting with your life on the line and surviving teaches you a lot. But with only one life, building skills that way doesn¡¯t make sense.¡± Rem¡¯s joking remark was the truth. Now he understood the importance of life-or-deathbat. Of course, the goal wasn¡¯t to die, but to repeatedly ovee death. Knowing the necessity of realbat, Encrid took onmissions. From trivial to intense ones. He didn¡¯t shy away from any. ¡°What have you been asked to find?¡± ¡°My cat, for starters.¡± It was amission from a noblewoman. Was it wrong for the squad to take on such a request? No, it was necessary, so they did it. Encrid didn¡¯t avoid anymissions. In any situation, at any moment. ¡®I believe everything helps with training.¡¯ He repeated this to himself and genuinely epted it. Encrid found the cat up a tree. ¡°Let¡¯s go quietly.¡± The cat was ready to flee. This was visible within the realm of his intuition and sixth sense. Absurdly, this too became an insight. He moved the cat¡¯s instincts as he intended. With a surge of killing intent and presence, he made the cat jump down from the tree. Catching it in his arms, he subdued it with his gaze. Now, even this was possible. ¡°Because I¡¯ve opened the Gate of Sixth Sense.¡± Jaxon added. Now, Jaxon no longer harassed Encrid at every opportunity. The period of suffering under killing intent was over. It no longer had any meaning. Themissions ranged from finding a cat to¡­ ¡°Someonemitted a robbery and hid in the city?¡± There was such a request too. A drifter had entered the city and done something foolish. ¡°Find them.¡± When they took over the Gilpin Guild, they hadn¡¯t known it would be so useful. Krais, having anticipated this, skillfully handled what needed to be done. It was in an alley gambling den. A retired soldier with a scar on his forehead. ¡°Want to fight me? Damn,ing to the outskirts, you experience all sorts of things. They say the Border Guard is quite something? Come on, let¡¯s see.¡± Confidence, but did he have the skills to match? It didn¡¯t seem so. It was a good opportunity to test his honed judgment. Pretending to be slightly outmatched, Encrid tested his opponent¡¯s moves. ¡®At best, intermediate to advanced.¡¯ Judging by the Naurillia soldier ranking system, that was urate. There were no unexpected skills. ¡°Huff, huff, who are you?¡± ¡°Border Guard Reserve Unit.¡± With that, Encrid suitably broke the offender¡¯s leg and transported him to detention. The captured individual would be incarcerated within the squad¡¯s prison, and unless someone paid his bail, he would likely never be released. ¡°Just you wait.¡± he muttered, but it seemed unlikely they would ever meet again. Subsequently, there were several instances when Encrid was dispatched to quell disputes among merchant caravan guards at various inns. One of those individuals disyed considerable skill. In engaging with him, Encrid used the opportunity to train by blending Focus Point and Sense of de techniques. Maintaining focus while having the Gate of Sixth Sense open was crucial. Although he had practiced this before, he realized anew that the difference in concentration could change many things. ¡®Slow down.¡¯ The opponent¡¯s sword appeared slower, not as it used to be, but still perceptibly. This was due to his precise prediction and the actual difference in cognitive speed. Everything was a continuum of training and further training. While handling variousmissions, Encrid¡¯s dedication became a topic of conversation among the soldiers. ¡°Is he mad aboutmissions or what?¡± they started saying. It wasn¡¯t criticism. ¡°Does he have ten bodies? Why doesn¡¯t he rest? Why don¡¯t you rest?¡± ¡°He¡¯s not human. Not a human.¡± It was more surprise and admiration than criticism. ¡°He¡¯s not a toon leader for nothing.¡± ¡°Damn, maybe I should start waking up early and practicing with my spear.¡± Thanks to Encrid, a sudden training craze swept through the unit. His skill proved his worth, and his reputation among the soldiers was exemry. The rumor that he was at least at the level of an advanced soldier contributed to his appointment as a toon leader. Some soldiers even owed their lives to Encrid. These factorsbined to create a fervor for training within the unit. Soldiers began waking up a bit earlier to train their bodies. Encrid, however, paid little attention to this. He was too preupied with securing his own path forward. Throughout his training, Encrid felt a gentle me burning within his chest. How had he felt when he first went into battle? He didn¡¯t experience fear, but neither did he find it enjoyable. The battlefield was not a weing ce. ¡®This doesn¡¯t seem normal.¡¯ he thought. Now, however, he looked forward to the battlefield. He wanted to go out and fight. He wanted to prove himself, to disy his skills. He wanted to put his life on the line and cross the line of death once more. It was indeed a mad thought. And then¡­ ¡°Do you know there¡¯s a fine line between extraordinary and insane?¡± Rem¡¯s words echoed in his mind. If the path to extraordinariness was only open to the insane, then he needed to be insane. On a day filled with training andmissions¡­ ¡°It would be fun to spar again.¡± The Company Commander called Encrid to his private training ground and said this. ¡°A duel?¡± Naturally, Encrid did not refuse. ¡°Sure.¡± The situation was the same as before. Would the result be the same too? That was uncertain. Encrid still couldn¡¯t gauge the true extent of the Commander¡¯s skills with his own judgment. But he didn¡¯t think he would be outmatched as before. Of course, all of this would be determined by actualbat, whether with hands or des. Soon, the Company Commander straightened her hand to form a knife-hand and said, ¡°Let¡¯s use this today.¡± This felt like a test. Previously, it was a duel with the Company Commander that made him realize his shorings. What he hadcked then was closebat skills. Things like wrestling. Encrid nodded. Soon, their knife-hands met in the air. Tap. The brief sound of their sh was their greeting. [T/L: Please support me and read further chapters here: /revengerscans ] Chapter 93 ¡°Vf-Style Martial Arts, it¡¯s ufortable to bnce on the bed. So how do we make itfortable?¡± Audin asked. Encrid thought for a moment before answering. The two men on the narrow bed were utterly serious. ¡°Apply force?¡± At first, he thought it was about learning how to throw punches in deliberately narrow and ufortable ces. ¡°No, you can¡¯t. The bed is a ce to lie down. We will train in lying techniques.¡± A bed is a ce to lie down, he says. After the first martial arts training, Audin was found to bathe more frequently than expected. Despite being pinned down with his head under Audin¡¯s armpit, there was no sour smell. On the narrow bed, they moved hands and feet, twisted joints, and pinned each other down. Or rather, Encrid was pinned down. ¡°A bed is narrow. Use quick movements rather thanplicated ones.¡± It was learning. It was teaching. It was like a sip of water given to a thirsty person wandering in the desert. For Encrid, it was just that. Therefore, he focused more than ever, beyond just the posture of listening attentively. Of course, it was a technique difficult to use in actualbat. But he used it here and there while taking on various tasks. For example, when grabbing and twisting the wrist of a petty thief. ¡°Gilpin ims to be the guardian of the night, so it seems like the number of petty thieves is increasing?¡± If a pickpocket gets caught, their wrist is cut off. This one still looked young. At most, twelve years old? So he handed him over to the Gilpin Guild. Later, he heard the boy was severely beaten but didn¡¯t lose his hand. That was probably better than losing a wrist. He always tried to apply what he learned wherever possible. But there wouldn¡¯t be a better opportunity than now. The moment Encrid ced his hand edge-to-edge with the Company Commander, he stepped back with his right foot. cing his left foot forward, he pulled his right foot up to the position of his left foot, bent his knees, and then straightened them to push off the ground. This could create an explosive charging step. Using this full-body momentum, he extended his right hand straight. A thrust. It was executed with the hand edge, but its essence remained unchanged. It was like when he saved Krang. When the Company Commander burst into the infirmary, Encrid had a dagger in his hand then, now reced by his hand edge. The Company Commander reacted the same way as back then. Swinging his right hand from the inside out, he struck Encrid¡¯s wrist. The trajectory of the thrust was deflected. The Company Commander¡¯s foot swept against Encrid¡¯s heel. He had been helpless then. But not now. Just before his foot could be swept, he lifted it to avoid the kick and used the momentum from the deflected thrust to pivot on his left foot, pushing forward. The biggest difference between the Fairy Company Commander and himself was: ¡®Weight.¡¯ ¡°Identify your opponent¡¯s weaknesses and exploit them with your strengths. Brother.¡± Encrid followed Audin¡¯s advice. Instead of exchanging clumsy moves, he charged in. ¡°Ugh!¡± The Company Commander let out a short groan. She kicked Encrid¡¯s thigh with her foot. Encrid endured the impact and eventually pinned her down with his body. He grabbed her wrist and pushed it outward while entangling his leg with hers between her legs. This put the Company Commander in a sideways position, her left hand stretched forward, and her limbs bound. ¡°I think I¡¯ve won.¡± Encrid said, catching his breath. The Company Commander turned her head. They were close enough to feel each other¡¯s breath. Soon, she spoke. ¡°Human proposals are quite different from Fairy ones.¡± There was a floral scent from the Company Commander¡¯s mouth. Another joke from the Fairy. As they stayed close, Encrid could see the Fairy Company Commander¡¯s lips. They looked soft, but¡­ ¡°¡­No, it¡¯s not like that.¡± Encrid tried to get up, but this time, the Company Commander wrapped her legs around his waist. Although he wobbled for a moment, Encrid¡¯s strong core and the light weight of the Fairy Company Commander allowed him to hold steady. ¡°You have a strong waist.¡± Is it the listener¡¯s fault for taking the Company Commander¡¯s words literally? Or is it the speaker¡¯s fault? ¡®There¡¯s no need to dwell on it.¡¯ ¡°Please get down.¡± The Company Commander, who was half hanging on him, stepped down. She stood straight and dusted herself off. The dirt from the training ground had gotten on her. She pped her bottom with her palm to shake off the dirt on her pants. Today, she was wearing pants that clung to her body, making the stance somewhat awkward depending on how you looked at it. ¡°You¡¯ve improved.¡± ¡°Yes, I have.¡± Encrid agreed obediently to her next words. Wasn¡¯t it to show his actual skills that he started this? He exploited a momentary gap, targeted the opponent¡¯s weakness, and seized the advantage. The Vf-Style martial arts were mixed in. All of this was proof that his skills had improved, so he could agree with the Company Commander¡¯s words. The Company Commander was silent for a moment, a very brief moment. Then she spoke. ¡°First, let me apologize for not stopping it.¡± Encrid tilted his head at the abrupt statement. ¡°You should know that the toon reinforcements are arriving today.¡± He was about to ask what she meant but stopped. The Company Commander had already turned around and was leaving. Would she tell him even if he asked? Probably not. Judging from her words, it seemed like something that would naturally be clear with time. ¡®She apologized for not stopping it.¡¯ This indicated that it was an order from higher up. Encrid¡¯s sense of intuition was quite sharp. It was a necessary skill for survival with his modest abilities. ¡®I¡¯ll find out soon enough.¡¯ He decided it was better not to worry. Rather than wasting time on unnecessary concerns, it was better to swing his sword one more time. * * * The Battalion Commander was reced. It made sense. It wasn¡¯t a series of skirmishes but a full-scale war that was being predicted. The events from the previous battlefield had continued, expanding the scope of the conflict. The battle had grownrger. So, the Battalion Commander needed to be someone specialized inbat. ¡°My name is Marcus.¡± Battalion Commander Marcus. A man who once aspired to rise above the rank of knight but ultimately couldn¡¯t ovee the wall of talent. Having served in various units, including the Border Guard, he was a key officer under Cyprus. He had no interest in the foolish actions of the previous Battalion Commander. ¡°The main forces are the Border Guard and the Turtle Heavy Infantry Company, correct? The rest are just to make up numbers, right? So, we formte strategies ordingly. Can we do that?¡± He was a man entirely consumed by thoughts of war. And the rumors within the unit had reached his ears. ¡°A Troublemaker Squad Leader? Now a toon Leader? Interesting. Was it luck?¡± He had received reports on everything that had happened. It didn¡¯t seem like something that could be chalked up to mere luck. Anyone would think that. But Battalion Commander Marcus took it a step further. ¡°Why not test that luck one more time?¡± If just one soldier is sacrificed, it can¡¯t be helped. But if the goddess of luck truly keeps him alive, there¡¯s no reason not to exploit that. If it¡¯s not luck? Will he die? After all, it¡¯s just one soldier. Either way, there was nothing to lose. This was the full extent of what the Fairy Company Commander had meant by apologizing for not stopping it. ¡°Send him.¡± It was a unit formed for scouting and espionage. It was a direct order from the Battalion Commander. There was no way to stop it. ¡®I hope hees back alive.¡¯ It wasn¡¯t because she genuinely thought of him as a partner, like in a joke. ¡®He¡¯s a valuable asset.¡¯ His record was clean, and he was connected to ¡®Krang¡¯. She had received a request from him and thought it would be a waste otherwise. His skills, ambition, and courage. She liked all of it. So. ¡®Come back alive.¡¯ That was all she wished for. * * * ¡°This isn¡¯t just a support mission.¡± Encrid knew that Rem was as perceptive as he was. This mission came down while they were handling various tasks. They were tasked with crossing the Pen-Hanil River north of the Border Guard and surveying the surrounding terrain. Encrid pictured the map in his mind. To the east of the Border Guard lies Green Pearl. Above that is the Pen-Hanil River. And after crossing the Pen-Hanil River and heading northeast, there is a city. The fortress city of Cross Guard, built purely for military purposes, belonged to Aspen. The mission¡¯s destination was where Cross Guard is located. So, on the surface, this is a terrain survey mission. ¡®But it¡¯s actually scouting.¡¯ The detailed exnation of the mission was that they would understand more once they crossed the river. ¡°Specifically targeting just the leader?¡± Jaxon, who was next to him, furrowed his brow after understanding the mission details. Is it a troublesome task? Yes. Encrid knew that too. This wasn¡¯t the kind of task that should be handed down to him. ¡®This is it.¡¯ What the Fairy Company Commander had meant. ¡°Why? Terrain survey? Rumors are rife that a full-scale war is imminent, so where are we going?¡± A newly joined toon member spoke. Encrid recognized the face well. Enri, a soldier from the ins hunter background. He had said he wanted to return to the ins once the previous battle was over. Yet he was still in the city. ¡°Even if you want to go back, if a full-scale war breaks out, you won¡¯t be able to live on the ins anyway.¡± That was the reason. Two more joined as well. Andrew, the former immature squad leader, had now be an actual squad leader. Naturally, Mac was with him. So, three new members joined, and officially, Andrew became the squad leader of this unit. Of course, this arrangement wouldn¡¯t sit well with Rem and the other squad members. There were only nine of them in total, so what was the point of having a squad leader? Moreover, who would listen to him? ¡°If it¡¯s like this, I think I might be better suited.¡± Enri said. ¡°It¡¯s because it¡¯s not just a terrain survey, brother.¡± Audin spoke with a gentle smile, which made Enri¡¯s shoulders flinch. It was a natural reaction for someone seeing Audin for the first time. A giant man speaking gently with a smile was quite intimidating due to his massive fists and build. It would take some time to get used to it. ¡°A direct order from the Battalion Commander? Can¡¯t we just ignore it?¡± Ragna, who had been peering around, made a thoughtlessment. Ignoring it would be insubordination, you idiot. Normally, one would feel that this was an incredibly tough assignment. It¡¯s an extremely dangerous mission, anyone could see that. The fortress city of an enemy country on the brink of a full-scale war. Just getting near it is an adventure. ¡®The purpose is probably to receive information from a spy within the city.¡¯ Encrid roughly envisioned the mission¡¯s objective. It seemed usible. It was a necessary task. Someone had to step up. Usually, it would be right to use specialists for this kind of mission. ¡®Given that the Company Commander said she couldn¡¯t stop it¡­¡¯ It meant the Battalion Commander was directly involved. That exined why the mission had the Battalion Commander¡¯s seal. ¡°So, what do we do?¡± The toon leader who came to ry the mission, looked around nervously before speaking. ¡°What do you mean, what do we do?¡± Encrid didn¡¯t hesitate. It was a task that had to be done anyway. ¡®If it¡¯s a real operation¡­¡¯ He always weed it. Above all, he reminded himself that any task, if done with utmost effort, would lead to new learning, understanding, and realization. He even felt a thrill. What exactly was going to happen? Was this a wall set by the ferryman? If not, was it just something that would pass by? Was it a result of coincidence? Or a moment of inevitability built upon umted actions? It didn¡¯t matter. If something blocked his way, he would just push through. That was Encrid¡¯s way of life. ¡°I ept the mission.¡± With Encrid¡¯s words, all the squad members¡¯ expressions turned grim. ¡°We have to go with you.¡± Ragna said, but it wasn¡¯t an easy task. Although the exact intentions of the Battalion Commander weren¡¯t clear, orders hade down for all squad members except Encrid to stay behind and follow the new Squad leader¡¯smands. Judging by the orders: ¡®Leave behind those who are sure to perform well in battle. Only take me out.¡¯ He didn¡¯t know the reason behind such instructions. Who could understand? Perhaps the Battalion Commander wanted to test the so-called lucky soldier by putting him in a dangerous situation. Marcus, the Battalion Commander, wasn¡¯t normal either. But that was to be expected. A nickname that followed Marcus, a war-crazed officer. He would do anything to win. Encrid was just the beginning. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll handle it ande back safely.¡± There¡¯s no need to fear death. As long as today repeats itself, he would naturally surpass it. Encrid¡¯s casual remark caused Rem¡¯s eyebrows to shoot up. ¡°Handle it? Reeeally handle it? Do you think that¡¯s possible? You¡¯re still far from it. This won¡¯t do. Let¡¯s have a special training session today. Special training!¡± Ragna, Jaxon, and Audin reacted simrly to Rem. ¡°Have you gotten into the rhythm?¡± ¡°Let¡¯s learn how to stab someone from behind.¡± ¡°Haha, it¡¯s time to dive deeper into Vf-Style Bed Martial Arts.¡± Andrew, observing everyone¡¯s reactions, finally spoke up. ¡°Alright, since I¡¯m the Squad leader, I think everyone should listen to me.¡± It was an order from above. Andrew was no longer being arrogant, he was simply trying to follow orders. That was all. ¡°You¡¯re hrious!¡± Rem exploded. It was his usual outburst. Nothing extraordinary. He lunged forward and immediately struck Andrew on the head. His fist was so fast it was almost invisible. Before Andrew could react, Rem had already closed in andnded the blow. With a thud, Andrew¡¯s eyes zed over, and he copsed sideways. Mac, who was next to him, caught him. ¡°What?¡± Seeing Andrew copse, Mac looked up angrily. Rem¡¯s words followed. Assaulting a superior. A title that followed Rem¡¯s name. Rem red, and Mac, after briefly staring back, checked that Andrew was merely unconscious before saying, ¡°I didn¡¯t say anything.¡± What can you do? The difference in strength is just too great. Half-hearted resistance only leads to violence. It was a fact everyone already knew. That¡¯s why he didn¡¯t want toe here. But there was no way to stop Andrew from volunteering. ¡®Sigh.¡¯ Life is really twisted, Macmented. Enri, observing, became certain. ¡®If you speak carelessly, you¡¯ll end up dead.¡¯ Only now did he understand why this was called the Troublemaker Squad. He hade here only because of Encrid, but he was beginning to regret it a little. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans Or You can subscribe for a membership and support me. You will be able to read 15 chapters ahead oftest free chapter and daily 1 new chapter: /revengerscans ] Chapter 94 Under the subtle moonlight of a waxing night, Encrid had juste in after washing up following the usual training. Even though the days were getting warmer, the nights were still cold, causing steam to rise from Encrid¡¯s shoulders as he entered the quarters. In two days, they would cross the river for a terrain scouting mission, but the intensity of the training remained unchanged. There was no reason for it to change. No matter what awaited them ahead, the fact that they had to build each day towards tomorrow remained constant. Encrid¡¯s routine was the same as ever. Just as the ferryman had described, a monotonous grind. Returning to the quarters, Enri, who had been talking with Krais, approached but then stopped. His eyesnded on Encrid¡¯s bunk. Esther had already made herselffortable on Encrid¡¯s bed. Even if she yed with her magic book, when it was time to sleep, her ce was always there. Esther was lying on the bed, her head resting on her forepaws. Her gaze briefly shifted to Enri and then back to her paws. It meant she wasn¡¯t interested at all. Enri treated the Lake Panther with caution. He didn¡¯t dare to pass too close by. They said Lake Panthers were revered as guardian spirits on the Green Pearl ins. With the bed between them, Enri raised his voice a little to ask. ¡°Have you ever received Pathfinder training? I noticed you seemed to know a bit about it before.¡± No, he hadn¡¯t. He barely knew how to find his way. However, he understood why Enri was mistaken. ¡®I learned all that from him.¡¯ There was no need to feel embarrassed. The other party couldn¡¯t remember. Once, Enri¡¯s knowledge had helped him in the tall grass of the Green Pearl. He had learned a few things from that repeated experience. Encrid scratched his forehead and replied. ¡°Not at all.¡± ¡°Then, do you know the path upstream?¡± If it was north of Pen-Hanil, it was close to the northern region. He had never been there, even while working as a mercenary. ¡°Even though the ground is slowly thawing with spring, it¡¯s still quite firm. I¡¯ve traveled that path a few times. Would you like me to share what I know?¡± Enri was a thoughtful person. Was it this personality that made him a hunter? Or had he be like this from living as a hunter? He was the type to consider everything and do what was most needed at the moment. Because of this, he naturally blended into the unit. He had just gotten up after talking with Krais. Even Rem didn¡¯t particrly hassle Enri. Besides Rem, others either ignored him or didn¡¯t bother him. ¡°A hunter, huh? Looks like you¡¯ve been around.¡± Rem spoke while sitting on the bed, sharpening his axe with a whetstone. He cast a nce to one side, where Andrew and Mac were. It was a corner of the quarters. Andrew flinched under the gaze, then straightened his shoulders. ¡°Cut it out.¡± Encrid warned Rem. ¡°What, are you showing favoritism now? Taking care of the new guys? That¡¯s how you get a new wife and neglect the old one, then get stabbed in the back.¡± Doesn¡¯t make any sense. And who¡¯s the old wife and the new wife here? ¡°Crazy bastard.¡± Encrid dismissed Rem¡¯s personality and lifestyle with a single word and approached Enri. Enri didn¡¯t dare get close to Encrid¡¯s bed because of Esther. ¡°Growl.¡± As he passed the bed, Esther nudged Encrid¡¯s thigh with her paw and growled. That pawing seemed to tell him to finish up quickly and get to bed. ¡°Are you jealous too?¡± It wasn¡¯t just Rem causing problems. There was a strange atmosphere in the quarters. It started after Enri, Andrew, and Mac joined. This squad wasn¡¯t called a bunch of troublemakers for nothing. There wasn¡¯t a weing vibe for neers. Encrid didn¡¯t force the integration. He knew it wasn¡¯t something that could be done at will. Besides, he didn¡¯t think it was necessary for everyone to move as one. In battle, everyone fought for themselves. Trying to synchronize would just lead to an early death. Everyone took care of their own lives. That was the only guideline for the Troublemaker Squad. ¡°It¡¯s quite tense.¡± Enri had said that, cautiously observing the mood right after joining. But did he realize this was a better atmosphere? Previously, when new members joined, the atmosphere had been truly hostile. Some of them ignored Encrid, the Squad leader. Those people always ended up with broken bones or serious injuries a few dayster and were sent back. Sometimes it was Rem¡¯s doing. Other times it was someone else¡¯s. ¡®Mostly the work of the squad members.¡¯ Encrid thought. Encrid had a sharp intuition. This time, it was a relief. These were all familiar faces, and for some reason, they seemed to like him. At least there wouldn¡¯t be any broken bones or people being sent away. It was just a guess, but it seemed usible. ¡°There are a few things to watch out for upstream of the Pen-Hanil River. You¡¯ll handle most of it on your own, but it¡¯s better to know than not. Do you know about t stones? There are a lot of them upstream¡­¡± What Enri shared was all practical knowledge. Things he had experienced and learned, tricks passed down from previous generations of hunters. All t stones, except those with a yellowish tint, would explode if heated. There might be venomous snakes hiding under yellowish stones. There were sections where the river¡¯s depth increased, and the current became faster. He couldn¡¯t memorize everything in one day, but knowing even a bit made a big difference. Listening and memorizing bit by bit, it was soon time to get some sleep. At some point, Mac had taken the spot next to him. He leaned in and whispered. ¡°I have a favor to ask.¡± It seemed like the rest of the squad, except for Ragna who was on duty, turned their attention to him. A warning from his sixth sense. ¡®Should I tell him to leave it alone?¡¯ What would happen if he just let it be? He mighte back from the mission to find Andrew and Mac worn out and withered. ¡°Please put in a transfer request for me.¡± Mac spoke up despite the fierce gazes. ¡°Hmm, brother. It¡¯s easy toe in, but not so easy to leave.¡± It was Audin. This was a joke. Teasing reactions was a tradition in the Troublemaker Squad. But for the listener, it was hard to tell if it was a joke. Mac mumbled, ¡°Were they listening the whole time?¡± Before Rem could say anything, Andrew stood up and shouted. ¡°Looks like you don¡¯t like me, soe at me! No matter what anyone says, I¡¯ll learn under the Squad leader, no, the toon leader. I¡¯m not leaving!¡± Such bravado. The spirit of a young soldier, even too young. Was that spirit weed? ¡°I¡¯ll go first.¡± Rem stood up abruptly, holding the axe he had been sharpening. He made a show of licking the axe de. ¡°Where should I cut you?¡± Watching this, even Encrid felt a chill. The appearance of the foreigner, his grayish eyes, his tone¡ªall of it felt genuine. If someone challenged him, they would likely lose an arm at the very least. ¡°If you go first, does that mean I have to deal with some weakling? I¡¯ll go first.¡± Jaxon said, shaking his head. This was the first thing he had said to Andrew since he joined. ¡°Brothers, you know I don¡¯t kill. I just give a good beating. So, I should go first.¡± Audin added. All three were eager. Mac, seeing this, grabbed Encrid¡¯s sleeve and shook it. ¡°Damn it, stop them. What¡¯s with these guys? Why did Andrew say that?¡± Encrid needed to stop this before Mac started crying. He couldn¡¯t bear to see a grown man tear up. ¡°Enough.¡± But this seemed like a good sign. Rem wouldn¡¯t bother with someone he didn¡¯t care for. ¡®Where should I cut you?¡¯ actually meant he was willing to spar. So, it was a friendly gesture. Jaxon, who usually ignored others, speaking up was also a friendly gesture. Audin was the same. If he wasn¡¯t being friendly, he would say something like, ¡®Brother, restrain yourself.¡¯ If they didn¡¯t like Andrew, they wouldn¡¯t even joke around like that. How to exin this? ¡°Hey, kid. I¡¯m a bit busy right now. Let¡¯s wait until our toon leader goes on a mission. We¡¯ll have plenty of time then. Even if you cry about wanting to leave, I won¡¯t let you go.¡± Rem said with his usual eerie smile. Andrew¡¯s face turned pale, but he didn¡¯t back down. Was it courage or recklessness? ¡°Come at me anytime! I¡¯m Andrew of the Gardner family. I won¡¯t back down!¡± Encrid wasn¡¯t the only one who saw the determination in Andrew¡¯s eyes. Krais shook his head. Enri took a step back, watching. Rem created an atmosphere of fear with a grin. Audin just muttered, ¡°Brother, calm down. It¡¯s something you¡¯ll go through anyway.¡± Jaxon, expressionless, examined the two¡¯s bodies. He whispered quietly. ¡°Maybe I could cut off a few fingers.¡± The fact that he might be serious was even more chilling. Encrid spoke up. ¡°Don¡¯t hurt him. He¡¯s a fellow squad member. We¡¯ll be heading to the battlefield soon.¡± It was both a warning and a request for assurance. He couldn¡¯tpletely stop them. Nor did he have the power to. ¡°Keep it quiet if you¡¯re going to spar.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll start by cutting out his tongue.¡± ¡°Enough with the jokes.¡± ¡°Come at me! Come on!¡± It took so long to calm down the panicked Andrew that it was past bedtime. After Encrid managed to settle the situation and went to bed, Esther crawled into his arms and nudged his chest. It felt like she was scolding him for beingte, so Encrid stroked her forehead with his finger and said, ¡°Sorry.¡± The panther purred and burrowed into Encrid¡¯s embrace, providing aforting warmth. Encrid wasn¡¯t entirely free from worries about the future. Especially when the ferryman asionally uttered dreadful words in his dreams. It happened again tonight. As soon as he closed his eyes, he saw the dark, winding river. ¡°Be trapped and wail, for your cries will be my sustenance and joy.¡± Cackling! How could anyoneugh like that? Being trapped in ¡®today¡¯ was distressing and frightening. What if he couldn¡¯t move forward to the next day? The mere thought of it made his chest tighten with anxiety. But what could he do about it? Encrid shrugged off the nightmare upon waking. That was the end of it. ¡°Whatever is going to happen will happen.¡± He had to do what needed to be done. The path ahead remained the same. ¡°Good morning.¡± Waking up early at dawn, Encrid muttered to himself and began another day. Starting with the Istion Technique, followed by Vf-Style Martial Arts. Then sparring with Rem, sword training with Ragna. Practicing emitting killing intent and honing his sixth sense with Jaxon. ¡°In some situations, intuition can be a dangerous weapon. If the opponent knows how to deceive well, you might just fall for it.¡± That was Jaxon¡¯s advice. How to avoid that? It remained unchanged. Train, experience, and refine through realbat. Andrew, Mac, and Enri managed reasonably well as long as Encrid was around. From what Encrid could see, even though their methods were harsh, it seemed like the entire squad was showing some sort of goodwill. For those on the receiving end. ¡®It must be quite tough¡¯¡¯ he thought. Maybe there would be something to gain from it. Just as he had. Two days passed like that. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± At dawn, Encrid walked past the sleeping squad members and stepped outside the quarters. It was the day to cross the Pen-Hanil River for a terrain scouting mission. It was a direct order from the Battalion Commander. Failure would be troublesome, but sess would bring a corresponding reward. The new Battalion Commander was known for such things. Krais had eagerly shared the information. ¡°They say Marcus is a war fanatic. But he always rewards those who achieve merit and punishes those whomit crimes. In a way, he¡¯s like a monster created by the military policies of the Kingdom of Naurillia.¡± To those who achieve merit, a fitting reward. To those whomit crimes, an unforgiving de. He was amander who perfectly matched the Kingdom¡¯s military. So, what was this mission they were embarking on? What was its purpose? ¡®Is this a punishment?¡¯ Or an opportunity? Encrid considered it an opportunity. To prove himself and build his reputation, whatever the task. That was what he desired, wasn¡¯t it? ¡°We will meet again.¡± Before passing through the city gate, Encrid joined the group for the river-crossing mission. More urately, he met them as he joined. The person appointed as the toon leader for this mission was Torres of the Border Guard. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans Or You can subscribe for a membership and support me. You will be able to read 15 chapters ahead oftest free chapter and daily 1 new chapter: /revengerscans ] Chapter 95 ¡°At this rate, weren¡¯t we a couple in our past lives?¡± It was something he said because they met so often for work. They had seen each other during the recent monster hunt too. ¡°Couldn¡¯t we have been enemies instead?¡± Torres joked, referencing an old story, and Encrid responded. There are two kinds of connections from past lives. Ones that are destined to meet. Or ones that are fated to be bad. ¡°We¡¯re not having a bad fate, are we?¡± Torres said with a smirk. ¡°That¡¯s true.¡± The two men bumped fists. Whatever awaited them ahead, familiar faces were better than unknown ones. And so, they set out on their path. Thud,thud. Exiting the northern gate, they were greeted by a gravel path. They were the only two leaving from the Border Guard. ¡°Is it just the two of us going?¡± ¡°We¡¯re supposed to meet our allies¡¯ scouts across the river.¡± Was it not a particrly dangerous mission then? Is that why they were sending just the two of them? Encrid had various thoughts, but he didn¡¯t voice them. After all, Torres was in charge. All he needed to know was what Torres told him. And so, they set out at dawn. By the time the morning sun rose, Encrid, who had been walking briskly, found the cloth shirt under his armor was damp. Even though the cold hadn¡¯t subsided, wearing full armor and walking made him sweat profusely. He wore a sleeveless undershirt made of thin fabric, and over that, a thicker shirt with sleeves. On top of that, he wore leather armor that protected against magic, and a whistle dagger sheath. After putting on the gambeson, boots, and leather gauntlets, he was fully dressed. He wore thin pants for better mobility, as thicker ones would hinder it. He carried a thick-ded dagger called a guard sword on his waist. A newly acquired long sword hung on his left hip. A short sword was on his right hip. And that wasn¡¯t all. In emergencies, the more weapons, the better. He concealed two knives on each ankle and carried two throwing knives on his left forearm. Though they were called light infantry, it was heavy gear. On top of that, there was one more piece of gear that was unusual. ¡°My left hand is free. I need to fix that.¡± ¡°It¡¯s Ragna¡¯s spell. Thanks to that, I¡¯m carrying a buckler on my back.¡± ¡®Couldn¡¯t I use this as a pot if needed?¡¯ In an emergency, it might be useful that way. If he removed the leather attached to the handle side, it would just be a thin piece of metal. That was how unnecessary the load felt. ¡®It can¡¯t be helped.¡¯ He had to do what he was told, at least for now. He would try using the shield, and if it didn¡¯t work out, he would think of something else. ¡°Whether it¡¯s a sword and shield or just a sword, it¡¯s time to move on. But first, we¡¯ll bnce things out.¡± Ragna, who was usuallyzy, became an exceptionally diligent instructor when teaching Encrid. So, if asked if that bothered him, ¡®Not at all.¡¯ He was rather grateful. Encrid walked while opening his sixth sense and scanning the surroundings, all the while recalling Ragna¡¯s words. It made for a curious sight if seen from the side. Torres, on the other hand, seemed lightly armed with only two short swords crossed at his left hip. He nced sideways at Encrid and thought, ¡®He¡¯s keeping up well.¡¯ Even with that heavy load, he followed without panting. His eyes didn¡¯t seem focused, but he reacted immediately to any movement around him. ¡®What is he thinking about while walking?¡¯ He became curious about that. And it wasn¡¯t the only thing he wondered about. Torres had been on various missions before. ¡®It¡¯s actually a bit disappointing that he doesn¡¯t ask anything.¡¯ In situations like these, there were usually plenty of questions¡ªwhat the mission was, its purpose, what they would do after crossing the river. If Encrid asked, Torres already had his answer prepared. ¡®We are soldiers. Don¡¯t you think our job is just to follow orders?¡¯ It would be a chance to say something stern. But Encrid asked nothing at all. ¡°Straight ahead.¡± Encrid opened his mouth. Torres threw a nce ahead. They had been walking northwest along the river for a while. Two soaking wet ghouls came into view. Their remaining strands of hair clung to their pale heads like seaweed. Hiding behind arge rock, they were watching this way. The color of their skin was so simr to the rock that one might miss them if not looking closely. ¡®He spotted them before me?¡¯ Was his intuition better than expected, or was he just as lucky as the rumors said? It was hard to tell. Anyway, monsters, enemies, had appeared. ¡°One each?¡± ¡°Let¡¯s do that.¡± At Torres¡¯ words, Encrid took the lead to draw their attention. He took the shield off his back and held it in his hand, then drew his longsword. Swish. ¡®Nice sound.¡¯ Those who make a living with swords are always sensitive to the sound of their weapons. Torres was no different. Instead of drawing his weapon, Torres measured the distance to the ghouls. Ghouls¡¯ ws were poisonous. Was there really a need to get close? As the two ghouls charged towards Encrid, Torres swiped his hand to his waist and extended it forward. Step first, with his right foot firmly nting on the ground, followed by an stic thrust from his elbow. The weight from his fingers left his hand. The knife sliced through the air and embedded itself in the ghoul¡¯s head. Thud. The head split halfway, and the de bounced off to the side. Ghouls lurking near the water are often half-rotten. That exined the foul smell. The de split the decayed flesh and shattered the skull as it rebounded. Torres, having thrown the knife, checked on Encrid. There, he saw Encrid clumsily deflecting the ghoul¡¯s ws with his shield and swinging his longsword. The well-aimed sword severed the ghoul¡¯s rotten neck with a clean cut. Ghoul blood was ck. The headless body fell to its knees and copsed forward, spewing ck blood. ¡°Isn¡¯t this area supposed to be almost free of monsters?¡± Even though they were both toon leaders, one belonged to the Royal Guard Border Patrol. Encrid had be a toon leader too, but he was certainly treated well. ¡°There can¡¯t be none at all. Because of the pack of man-faced dogs recently, there probably haven¡¯t been any troops to spare to patrol this area. But not too many should appear.¡± Encrid silently nodded. Seeing that, Torres suddenly became curious. ¡°Aren¡¯t you curious about where we¡¯re going?¡± ¡°Across the river, isn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°Feel free to speakfortably. Whether you¡¯re a toon leader in the Royal Guard or a regr unit, it¡¯s all the same, isn¡¯t it? We seem to be about the same age.¡± ¡°Thirty.¡± ¡°Well, then I¡¯m younger.¡± ¡°So what.¡± There was no reason to refuse such a suggestion. ¡°What¡¯s your secret to looking young? After all we¡¯ve been through on the battlefield, your face looks, well, it¡¯s a bit unfair to me.¡± On the surface, Torres looked older. Besides, he had a rather in appearance. One might even believe he was an innkeeper¡¯s assistant. As he spoke, Torres roughly cleaned the fallen dagger in the green and blue-tinged river water, then wiped it on his sleeve before putting it back in his pocket. The knife seemed to disappear into his coat. It seemed he had a special pocket for the knife, but to Encrid, it looked like it vanished in an instant. ¡°Endless training.¡± Torres chuckled at Encrid¡¯s response. This guy was good with words. He should¡¯ve recruited him into his unit. Thinking this, Torres got to the point. ¡°You know just crossing the river won¡¯t be the end of it, right?¡± Nod. ¡°But why aren¡¯t you asking anything?¡± ¡°If I ask, will you tell me?¡± No, he couldn¡¯t. Torres didn¡¯t know much detail either. It was all just spection. ¡°It won¡¯t be anything fun, will it?¡± Encrid blinked as he spoke, and it looked like light was shining. At least, that¡¯s how it seemed to Torres. It reminded him of the way Encrid looked when he said he wanted to fight more monsters. ¡®Is this guy looking forward to it?¡¯ Because thend across the river was known to be filled with monsters and beasts? ¡®Strangely amusing.¡¯ Torres also enjoyed the thrill of danger. But wasn¡¯t this guy the same? ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± The two walked diligently again. As they neared the ferry dock, Torres spoke up again. ¡°We got here faster than I thought. We¡¯ll have some time to spare.¡± They needed a ferryman to cross the river. Nearby, there were piles of stones roughly stacked, and a poorly maintained path could be seen. By now, the sun had risen high in the sky. Torres found a suitable shady spot and sat down, while Encrid began to swing his sword next to him. ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to rest?¡± ¡°This is a rest for me.¡± No wonder people called him a training maniac. Torres watched Encrid swing his sword in the air. He stepped and swung the sword. From below to above, and from above to below. ¡®No openings.¡¯ Just as he thought that, Encrid pulled the sword back, using his arm muscles as a lever, and struck upward with the pommel as a weapon. An application of basic technique. ¡®Impressive.¡¯ If a jaw got caught in that, one would be eating porridge for days at the very least. If unlucky, they¡¯d never chew anything solid again. ¡®Ow.¡¯ Imagining it made Torres feel like his own jaw was hurting. Encrid kept moving continuously. Despite the fact that they had marched quite a distance to get here. ¡®He¡¯s got incredible stamina.¡¯ Swinging and swinging again. Without realizing it, Torres found himself gripping and pulling out the handle of his short sword. Shing. The de came halfway out, making a friction sound. ¡®Ah.¡¯ He was too immersed. The sound made Encrid stop his sword practice and turn his head. Their eyes met. ¡°How about a bout?¡± Encrid proposed. This wasn¡¯t the time for it. But he couldn¡¯t help it. Watching Encrid sparked apetitive spirit in him. Not that he wanted to fight with hostility. He purely wanted to test their skills against each other. In other words, he wanted to finish the duel they couldn¡¯tplete in the previous promotion fight. ¡®I¡¯ll have to do it properly.¡¯ He had seen how Encrid handled harpies and man-faced dogs. He had also seen him practicing his sword just now. It wouldn¡¯t be fair to assume he was inferior anymore. ¡®He¡¯s in a growth phase.¡¯ To be thirty and still improving like this. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s do it.¡± Torres sprang to his feet. Encrid sheathed his sword and pulled it out with the scabbard. Even getting hit with the sheathed sword would break something. Encrid practiced a strong style of swordsmanship. ¡°Good. I like that.¡± Seeing Encrid¡¯s serious demeanor, Torres stretched his arms with a grin. ¡®Should I throw my dagger?¡¯ No, such a half-baked tactic wouldn¡¯t work. Then how? He calcted and thought. The insights gained from countless real battles ran through Torres¡¯ mind. ¡®In one strike.¡¯ The moment he pushed off the ground, Torres moved low and fast, almost skimming the surface. His speed reminded Encrid of Audin¡¯s tackle, making him instinctively bend his knees. At the same time, he swung his sword downward. Anything approaching would get hit. But Torres¡¯ body sprang to the side. Encrid¡¯s sword followed Torres¡¯ trail. With his eyes, hands, and feet. He heightened his senses. If he lost track, he would lose. It was a lesson from their previous duel. He didn¡¯t give any room to maneuver. It became a battle of endurance. Could he win if it turned into a long fight? If they fought while maintaining distance and dragging it out, and if it were a real sword fight, he might be able to kill him. But this wasn¡¯t that kind of fight. Encrid intentionally closed the distance. Instead of panicking, Torres showed what he had prepared. He closed the gap until his arm could reach the opponent¡¯s neck and twisted his wrist. That was all. He didn¡¯t have a weapon in his hand, nor did he grab or hit Encrid¡¯s neck. Encrid, responding purely by instinct, leaned his head back. Flick. That decided the match. In Torres¡¯ hand was now a knife with a de about a handspan long. If it had been a fight to the death, Torres could have inflicted a fatal wound with just a twist of his wrist. ¡°I was thinking of giving you a nice scar on your cheek.¡± ¡°¡­What is that?¡± Encrid was surprised. It was understandable. Torres had been empty-handed. ¡°It¡¯s my secret technique. Do you think I¡¯d tell you just because you asked?¡± ¡°You wouldn¡¯t tell me.¡± As expected, Torres wouldn¡¯t reveal it, but surprisingly, he started exining. ¡°It requires dexterity. It¡¯s not something you can master overnight.¡± As he spoke, he flipped his wrist, and the knife in his hand disappeared. With another flick of his hand, a dagger popped out of his sleeve. On closer inspection, the handle and de were rtively thin. It seemed to be designed for hiding in his sleeve. ¡°Hide knife. It¡¯s my secret technique.¡± Torres sighed after speaking and continued. ¡°Ugh, I don¡¯t show this to just anyone.¡± ¡°Yeah, I figured.¡± Encrid stood up again and looked into the distance. They still had time before the ferryman was supposed to arrive. ¡°Another round?¡± When asked, Torres initially shook his head as if tired, but then he stood up. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s do it.¡± It had been a while. He felt the same passion in his chest as when he first held a sword. Torres got caught up in that feeling and joined in. For the first time in a long while, he felt that even a short sparring session could improve his skills. Thebination of exhration and the tension of the uing life-or-death mission caused it. Of course, the main reason was right in front of him. ¡®Strange.¡¯ All of this was because of Encrid. Torres instinctively realized this. So, it was natural to find it peculiar and fascinating. When the ferryman arrived at the appointed time, the two soldiers were drenched in sweat and panting. ¡°I heard this was a reserve unit mission, but was it training instead?¡± The old ferryman asked. It was a question they had no good answer to. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans Or You can subscribe for a membership and support me. You will be able to read 15 chapters ahead oftest free chapter and daily 1 new chapter: /revengerscans ] Chapter 96 Torres had an uncanny ability to exploit any weakness if one let their guard down even for a moment. He could read his opponent¡¯s breathing and state as easily as he breathed himself. When asked how he could do that, he replied, ¡°You just have to fight as many different kinds of opponents as possible. That¡¯s the fastest way to be an elite soldier in a short time, and it¡¯s the philosophy of the Border Guard.¡± There wasn¡¯t much to call a philosophy, so thest part of his statement was likely half a joke. Torres chuckled. Watching the flowing water, Encrid thought. ¡®It¡¯s different.¡¯ Just as Rem and Ragna¡¯s teachings were different. Sparring with Torres and talking with him were different too. The Fairy Company Commander was also different. ¡®It¡¯s diverse.¡¯ There was something to learn from all of them. There wasn¡¯t a single thing to miss. Torres¡¯ hidden knife might seem like a simple sleight of hand, but depending on how it was used, it could be a deadly move. He also learned to deceive the opponent¡¯s perception to make it effective. It was Torres¡¯ practicalbat method. ¡°My father was a gambler, and he wanted to make me the second-generation gambler.¡± Maybe that was the origin of the hidden knife technique. To Encrid, it sounded like the result of excellent talent and relentless effort. ¡°Do you want me to teach you?¡± It was just before the ferryman arrived. ¡°Isn¡¯t it supposed to be a secret technique?¡± ¡°I¡¯ll teach you if you want.¡± Why was he doing this? Encrid didn¡¯t know. But he was used to seizing given opportunities rather than questioning the opponent¡¯s change of heart. He nodded. ¡°Alright. Watch closely. You hide it like this inside your sleeve.¡± Then followed exnations on how to hide the knife, how to draw it just by flipping the palm, and more. ¡°You¡¯re really clumsy.¡± Torresined about Encrid¡¯s clumsy fingers. But Encrid knew how to use the Focus Point technique when learning something, so he was better than before. Definitely, he was several times better than before. If he had been the previous Encrid, before learning the Focus Point technique. ¡®Would I have given up already?¡¯ Wouldn¡¯t he have seen Torres shaking his head in disapproval? Investing time in something that shows no potential is foolish. ¡°Order a custom knife from the cksmithter. Until then, practice with thin stones or something.¡± Torres said this while picking up thin stones himself and handing them to Encrid. ¡°You really are dull.¡± He added another criticism. Knowing this all too well, Encrid didn¡¯t even bother to listen. He had no luxury to live worrying about suchments in the first ce. ¡°But you are consistent.¡± Ignoring Torres¡¯ words, Encrid tried several times, but of course, it wasn¡¯t easy. He focused as he hid the thin stone b. He let his sleeve hang down and tucked the stone inside. The key was to flick it by turning his hand from facing the sky to facing the ground. Naturally, it wasn¡¯t easy. ¡°It would be nice to have a practice sheath or something.¡± That was Torres¡¯ mumbling. Usually, during practice, there is a special sheath for fixing a dagger inside the sleeve. He said it would be good to use it before getting used to it. ¡°It¡¯s an application of a technique gamblers call farming.¡± Torres said as he watched Encrid training the technique. ¡°Farming.¡± It¡¯s a technique that requires a few conditions. The de had to be shorter than the length of an outstretched palm, and hiding it had to be done with precise timing, requiring time to practice just holding it. ¡®It¡¯s difficult.¡¯ It¡¯s several times harder than swinging a sword. But it was better than getting used to a shield. After spending time like that and sweating profusely from sparring again, they were resting when the ferryman arrived. The ferryman came along the river path, a route patrolled regrly for monster extermination. Thanks to that, the ferryman coulde alone. ¡°They say they¡¯re going to build a hut here after this year. Then the ferryman or a fisherman might settle here. It would be nice if a small fishing vige could be formed.¡± The ferryman was talkative. Encrid, who responded appropriately, listened to the creaking sound of the oar while looking at the river. Pen-Hanil River. It is the lifeline of not only the nearby viges but also the neighboring countries, including Naurillia. In the distance, he could see low-growing grass and a few trees along the riverbank, and if he threw his gaze to one side, he could see a waterfall falling between rocky cliffs and a few huts built along the riverbank. This side was a gravel road, but if he looked beyond, he could see grasnds that would turn green in spring. ¡°Hmm, the current is slow and the depth is shallow here, but those rocks are dangerous.¡± The ferryman muttered to himself as he changed the direction of the boat. A protruding dark gray rock was visible in the middle. If the boat hit that, it would obviously be destroyed. The boat leisurely drifted along the river and soon reached the other side. ¡°I¡¯ll be off then.¡± The ferryman left. ¡°Shall we wash up? We have some time before the meeting.¡± Torres suggested, looking at the sun overhead. ¡°That sounds good.¡± As the sweat cooled and dried on his skin, an unpleasant smell began to rise. He didn¡¯t know how many days the operation wouldst, but there was no need to start off feeling ufortable. When there¡¯s time, eating, sleeping, and washing are basic skills for a soldier. ¡°Alright then.¡± Torres was the first to undress and immerse himself in the river. The rippling river was a shade between blue and green, looking incredibly clear and clean. Soon, Encrid also removed his gear piece by piece and stepped naked into the water. As his feet touched the water, a cold sensation made his whole body shiver. Torres, seeing this, widened his eyes. ¡°What the¡­ what are you?¡± What¡¯s there to be surprised about here? Torres started to say something, then looked down between Encrid¡¯s legs and abruptly stopped, mping his mouth shut. Encrid also looked down between his own legs. There was indeed something to be surprised about. ¡°You lucky bastard, having everything.¡± Torres¡¯ tone sounded like he was about to cry. ¡°You should¡¯ve just had the face.¡± ¡°If you keep saying that, I¡¯ll start feeling grateful to the parents I¡¯ve never known.¡± ¡°Are you an orphan?¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± Here, not knowing one¡¯s parents isn¡¯t special. Most of those who serve in the army are like that. ¡°Better no parents than ones who teach by hitting your palms.¡± ¡°Maybe.¡± Encrid had never longed for parental affection. He just wanted to wield his sword during that time. During a time when he had nothing, absolutely nothing. The only things that sustained him were his dream of bing a knight and the sword. Would the world be kind to a child growing up as an orphan? Of course not. It¡¯s not that kind of world. It¡¯s a miracle he didn¡¯t die. The only reason Encrid survived was that the people in the vige he stayed in were simple and kind. ¡®A Knight.¡¯ That was the only thing he looked towards. Instead of longing for affection, he dreamed of knighthood. He dreamed to forget hunger. He swung a stick as if it were a sword to forget the pain. That¡¯s why Encrid doesn¡¯t long for affection. Instead, he longs for the sword. That dream was a result of it. The beginning of the dream of the former knight, Encrid. A few people from his hometown, a ce he could call home, shed through his mind. They weren¡¯t people who cherished him like his parents. But at least they weren¡¯t people who would let him die. Yet even such people get swept up in the war. ¡®War devours everything.¡¯ So it would be good if he could end that war. What should he do to contribute to that? ¡®The sword.¡¯ Just swing and swing again. That was the only way Encrid knew. It was his parents, his brothers and sisters. His dream and goal, his everything. Bubbles rose to the surface of the water. Encrid, lost in thought while submerged, felt Torres tap his shoulder underwater. ¡°Pwah.¡± He exhaled and surfaced. ¡°They¡¯re here.¡± Torres spoke and nced to the side. Following his gaze, Encrid turned his head and saw a soldier standing with one leg slightly bent, and behind him, two soldiers holding clubs shorter than short swords. At a nce, they looked armed like bandits or mountain thieves. Clubs and worn leather armor. The armament was light. Forsaking the thick fabric armor, the gambeson, meant they prioritized mobility. Naturally, Encrid assessed the opponent¡¯s strength. It was something he learned through Audin and the Istion Technique. ¡®Good bnce in both arms.¡¯ Despite standing with one leg bent, his hands were rxed and down by his sides. When does someone take such a stance? ¡®He might throw something if things go south.¡¯ He seemed quite skilled with throwing weapons. To prove it, a throwing hand axe dangled from his waist. Judging by his level of training, he might have other skills as well. The two soldiers behind him had daggers at their waists instead of axes, and aside from holding clubs, they didn¡¯t stand out much. ¡®Orange hair.¡¯ Encrid¡¯s gaze finally settled on the face of the lead soldier. Freckles and orange hair, a small build. A female soldier. ¡°Feeling rxed, are you? Enjoying your bath? Feeling refreshed?¡± The soldier with orange hair greeted them in a cocky tone. Watching this, Encrid realized anew that his sixth sense still needed development. ¡®I didn¡¯t sense them approaching.¡¯ Perhaps it was understandable. He hadn¡¯t expected anyone toe this far. He was lost in thought while submerged in the water. Had he been toocent? No, he had made at least minimal preparations. They were right by the riverbank, and their gear was nearby. It was also possible that these people were skilled at concealing their presence. The orange-haired soldier, standing on rtively higher ground, spoke. ¡°Aren¡¯t youing out?¡± Torres was the first to respond. ¡°Do you n to keep staring?¡± He added. ¡°There¡¯s nothing to see.¡± Harsh words. Encrid thought as he stepped out. Water cascaded off his body with a ssh. Was Torres really only surprised by Encrid¡¯s male attribute? No. The Istion Technique had reshaped Encrid¡¯s body entirely. Audin¡¯s teachings, engraved over repeated days, and the umted result of time were clearly visible on his body. Muscles rippled along his split shoulders and down his taut arms. As one¡¯s gaze traveled down his solid chest, they would see his defined abs flex, and the muscles of his thighs splitting, greeting the soldier¡¯s eyes. Lastly, the prominent part in the middle caught the soldier¡¯s gaze fully. ¡°¡­Seems like there¡¯s something to see over there.¡± Torres, who had been watching the situation closely, muttered in a tone ofint. ¡°Ahem, put some clothes on.¡± The orange-haired soldier said, clearing her throat. Torres and Encrid left their sweat-soaked clothes and pulled out fresh clothes from their packs. The worn clothes were salty enough to show salt crystals. It would be good to wash them when there¡¯s time. With that thought, Encrid stood up, fully armed once more. ¡°Scout toon Leader Finn.¡± The orange-haired soldier extended her fist as she spoke. Torres stepped forward first. ¡°I¡¯m Torres, toon Leader of the Border Guard.¡± They bumped fists, and then the fist moved towards Encrid. ¡°Independent toon Leader Encrid.¡± The Fairy Company Commander had curiously changed Encrid¡¯s affiliation. Since he couldn¡¯t actually be givenmand of a toon, he was taken out and assigned as an independent toon under thepany¡¯smand. ¡°Independent toon? What¡¯s that? Anyway, nice to meet you.¡± Finn bypassed Encrid¡¯s fist and tapped his abs. ¡°Nice abs.¡± ¡°I¡¯d have nice abs too.¡± Torres muttered beside them, making sure everyone could hear, so it wasn¡¯t exactly to himself. ¡°Shall we talk while we walk? If we leave now, we can reach the campsite before sunset.¡± The two soldiers behind Finn seemed to be her subordinates. They all saluted each other. Soon, the group of five began to move. As they walked, Finn finally shared the detailed mission objective. ¡°You didn¡¯te here without knowing where this is, right?¡± ¡°I heard it¡¯s thend of monsters and beasts.¡± Encrid replied. With his excellent memory, he recalled what Enri had said. The upper part of the Pen-Hanil River was known to be home to many monsters and beasts. It¡¯s and that even skilled pathfinders and hunters tend to avoid. ¡°It¡¯s also right in front of the Cross Guard.¡± Finn continued in a stern tone. ¡°The original mission was to receive information through a cat. Well, that¡¯s what it¡¯s been until now.¡± ¡®Cat¡¯ was a spy¡¯s code name. A termmonly used on this continent. Both nations had spies nted in each city. That applied not only to Naurillia but also to Aspen. Encrid had even fought and killed some of these spies, so their presence was nothing new to him. ¡°And the cat hasn¡¯t contacted us for four days since the promised date.¡± Finn spoke while walking. So what does that mean? As Torres and Encrid listened intently, Finn continued. ¡°The order hase down for us to go in and rescue them. The cat¡¯sst message mentioned obtaining important information.¡± Encrid felt a thrilling sensation as his whole body shivered. Goosebumps rose as a warning of danger coursed through him. This was. ¡®Dangerous.¡¯ It¡¯s not just dangerous. You will die. You will definitely die several times. His instinct, honed through countless experiences, told him so. If they followed what this woman Finn was saying, it meant they had to infiltrate inside the Cross Guard. ¡°Whew, it¡¯s a damn mission, right? Damn it, I know. But there is a way, there is.¡± Finn finally smiled faintly. It was a self-deprecating smile. Encrid had already realized it when he fell into the wizard¡¯s trap. Can you survive today by running away? The answer was ¡®no¡¯. Whether you stay up all night, just fall asleep, or run away all night to another ce. The result is the same. It would only add to the body¡¯s fatigue. What he realized was that it was unavoidable. And if it was unavoidable, the only option was to enjoy it. Encrid also smiled. It was a different kind of smile from Finn¡¯s. It was a smile of joy and excitement, revealing his anticipation. Seeing this, Finn raised her eyebrows and said, ¡°They sent a crazy bastard from the main unit?¡± Torres nodded, half in earnest. Even he thought Encrid wasn¡¯t normal. He was tense himself, but this guy¡­ Of course, Encrid was also tense. But more than that, his mindset was different as he faced a new tomorrow. ¡®Ovee.¡¯ Oveing obstacles, that meant growth, which is why he smiled with joy. Of course, he would struggle fiercely. He would do his best to avoid being trapped in ¡®today¡¯. That didn¡¯t mean it wasn¡¯t terrifying. He just looked beyond that. As Encrid walked, his shoulders were tense. A mix of nervousness and anticipation. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans Or You can subscribe for a membership and support me. You will be able to read 15 chapters ahead oftest free chapter and daily 1 new chapter: /revengerscans ] Chapter 97 They arrived at the campsite just as night was falling. Thanks to the moonlight, it wasn¡¯t too dark. The gravel path had turned into a grassy field. The ground, showing signs of emerging green, indicated that winter wasing to an end. Of course, at night, it merely glistened with a purplish hue. ¡®The moon is bright.¡¯ Encrid looked at the moon overhead and stuffed the stone he was holding into his pants pocket. His right arm muscle trembled slightly. They had walked for more than half a day to get here, and practicing Torres¡¯ Hide Knife technique the whole way had taken its toll. His forearm muscles were sore and aching. Encrid clenched and unclenched his hand a few times, knowing it would feel better by tomorrow. Having pushed his body to the limit with The Istion Technique, he naturally understood how quickly his muscles would recover. In fact, it might not even take until tomorrow, a little rest might be enough. ¡°All day ying with rocks. You¡¯re a strange one, really.¡± That was the first thing Finn said upon arrival. Encrid had noticed her ncing at him throughout the journey. ¡°My hands get fidgety. It¡¯s a habit.¡± Encrid replied casually, surveying the campsite. It wasn¡¯t a typical campsite with a fire and tents set up. To be precise, it seemed more appropriate to call it a burrow rather than a campsite. There were several holes dug into the ground in various ces. ¡°Pick any hole you like and cover it with a camouge. It would be nice to have some heated leather to keep warm, but that¡¯s too rare to share.¡± One of the members brought out arge cloth, its earthy color blending so well with the ground that it was hard to tell there were holes there. ¡®Heated leather, huh.¡¯ Encrid had one in his backpack. ¡®Hope Esther is doing well.¡¯ She had hissed quite a bit when he left her behind. She didn¡¯t seem pleased, but he couldn¡¯t bring her along, so he had to leave her. ¡°It¡¯s cold, so you two can share a hole. The newbie can stay with me.¡± Finn said. She pointed at Encrid with her finger. Encrid¡¯s backpack contained heated leather, and the holes didn¡¯t seem that spacious. It might be fine for two smaller people. Someone like Esther, for instance, would fit perfectly. But while Encrid wasn¡¯t as big as Audin, he wasn¡¯t exactly small either. In other words, it would be ufortable. Moreover, the other person was a woman. It would be even more ufortable. ¡®If anyone finds out about this, there will be an uproar.¡¯ Seeing how quickly rumors spread within the unit, it felt as if someone was always watching and talking about him. Sure enough, Torres was staring at him from the side. ¡°It¡¯s fine. I have something prepared.¡± Finn looked disappointed. ¡°What about me? Do I sleep alone?¡± Torres raised his hand and spoke up. ¡°A toonLeader from the Border Guard Reserve Unit came empty-handed? Assign one of the soldiers to him.¡± ¡°Why am I the one assigned?¡± ¡°The burrows are small.¡± At that, Torres looked at Encrid and then down at himself. No matter how he looked at it, his own frame seemed smaller. ¡°What the¡­¡± Regardless, Torres was being scolded. Finn roughly organized the unit and started pulling out various things from the burrow she had imed. Torres approached Encrid. ¡°Why do I feel so annoyed?¡± Why ask that here? ¡°Because you¡¯re tired?¡± ¡°Is it because I¡¯m tired? Really? The Squad Leader of Enchantment, who even captured a Company Commander, now a toon Leader, really thinks that?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Jerk.¡± Torres said jokingly and turned away. The burrow wasn¡¯t that small. It nted downward from the ground, and they had lined it with cloth to prevent moisture from seeping in. Covering the entrance with a camouge made it feel surprisingly cozy inside. He stepped out again, took out his heated leather, wrapped himself in it, and went back in. It was livable. ¡°You¡¯re well-prepared. Would you like some?¡± One of the scouts approached and offered him some jerky. ¡°No, I have my own provisions.¡± The jerky he had eaten before had such a perfect taste that he ended up finding out where it was from and got some more. ¡°It¡¯s my mother¡¯s secret recipe.¡± The soldier had said this with a modest smile. His mother ran a small restaurant located behind an inn, and the food was excellent. Their main dish was grilled meat marinated in a fantastic sauce, and the vor was superb. The restaurant, known for its skewers, had a good reputation in the area. ¡®I should get more when I go back.¡¯ Encrid thought it wouldn¡¯t be a bad idea to buy that jerky regrly, so he had asked Krais for a simr favor. Anyway, he took the jerky out of his backpack and put it in his mouth. The sweet and spicy marinade filled his mouth. Whatever the secret recipe was, it made the meat tender. Encrid had no talent for cooking. So, when he ate something like this, he was always amazed. His modest skill was solely in wielding a sword. Since his days as a mercenary, he had picked up various skills, but none he could do properly. It was only the sword, and he had dreamed of bing a knight. After chewing and swallowing a few pieces of jerky, hey down, and sleep soon overtook him. In thend of beasts and monsters. As he was falling asleep, Enri¡¯s warning came to mind, but the first night in the Cross Guard¡¯s courtyard passed without incident. He had thought he might die in the middle of the night. But nothing happened. Since it was the first night, he was excused from the night watch. Encrid woke up instinctively before dawn. He soon got out and took off his top. The cold air wrapped around his body, the chill waking him up. The awakened mind then propelled his body into motion. Wearing only his pants, Encrid began to perform The Istion Technique. Starting with movements where he touched the ground with his hands and lifted his knees to his abdomen, he continued with various exercises. ¡°¡­¡­What are you doing?¡± Thest night watchman, leaning against a tree between the camping burrows, asked while watching him. ¡°Morning training.¡± ¡°Do you know where you are?¡± ¡°The courtyard of the Cross Guard.¡± ¡°And you still do this?¡± No one in this scouting unit knew Encrid, so their confusion was understandable. When Encrid, after putting his body through such strenuous exercises, started swinging his sword, Finn woke up and watched him. So did all the other members, except for Torres. They all looked at him with expressions that said, ¡°What on earth is he doing?¡± ¡°Is he really crazy?¡± Finn asked to herself. Torres, who had draped a thick cloak over himself instead of a nket, replied, ¡°That¡¯s just his daily routine.¡± ¡°He does that every day?¡± As she spoke, Finn recalled Encrid¡¯s body. Wasn¡¯t it just yesterday? The image was still vivid in her memory: his sculpted muscles, sturdy legs, and that heavy thing in between. ¡°Oh, that¡¯s not something you can train.¡± she thought, shifting her memory back to Encrid¡¯s body rather than the heavy thing. She seemed to understand why his body was built the way it was. Life in thisnd was physically demanding, naturally leading everyone to develop a higher level of physical fitness. To stand out among them, one had to work twice as hard. Like he did. But knowing it and being able to do it are two different things. ¡°If we encounter monsters this afternoon, will he have any strength left to fight?¡± She asked, thinking he might get muscle cramps from his antics. ¡°Even after all that, he sparred with me over ten times, and then we marched yesterday.¡± Torres mentioned, subtly implying he had also expended a simr amount of energy. But Finn¡¯s eyes remained fixed on Encrid. Why? Because each swing of his sword seemed to ignite his soul. ¡°He seems like a madman.¡± She said, but Torres didn¡¯t detect any malice in her tone. Only admiration and affection. ¡®What did he do?¡¯ Torres thought, feeling a sense of awe at the might of the Squad Leader of Enchantment. All he had done was bathe, walk, sleep, wake up, and train in the morning. And yet, it seemed like he had already won over amander-level soldier in this harshnd. ¡°Is this how he charmed the Company Commander too?¡± But was it really about physical appearance? Or was it the impression he left by the river? Torres¡¯ random thoughts were soon interrupted. Everyone¡¯s curiosity about Encrid onlysted a moment. ¡°Let¡¯s go eat.¡± The sun was rising. Finn¡¯s scouting unit couldn¡¯t just light a fire carelessly. However, they didn¡¯t survive on jerky and dried fruit every day either. Half a day¡¯s journey east from their campsite would bring them to the Cross Guard. A short walk to the northwest led to a small forest. That forest was their dining area. ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to fill your belly? If we¡¯re lucky, we might even catch a rabbit.¡± Including Finn, there were eight members in the scouting unit. Not arge number. They sustained themselves like hunters. Living off thend. With two more joining, their eating patterns hadn¡¯t changed. ¡°There¡¯s a stream inside where you can wash up too.¡± Finn said, looking at Encrid. ¡°Can I wash my clothes as well?¡± Encrid asked casually. As an independent toon leader, they were technically on the same level. But in practice, it was slightly different. Regardless of soldier ranks, a Scouting Squad leader with the Ranger title was considered a rank between a Company Commander and a toon leader. Simr to Torres. Just as the rank of a Border Guard squad leader was exceptional. ¡°It¡¯s a soldier¡¯s duty to wash, eat, and take care of personal maintenance when they have time.¡± It was already unusual for just the two of them toe as reinforcements, and even more so that both were toon leader-level. Finn thought this but didn¡¯t delve deeper. She was just a ranger on the front lines. Soon, they reached the northwestern forest, set up camp by the stream, and gathered dry twigs and branches. During this, they encountered two beasts, but Encrid just watched. ¡°Kieeek!¡± The beasts were mutated animals, animals transformed into monsters in some form. So, this kind of thing could happen. It was a deer beast. Its skin looked diseased, peeling in ces and tinged blue. The moment it¡¯s unfocused, ck eyes¡ªindistinguishable from the irises typical of beasts¡ªstared nkly at Encrid: Thwip, thwip, thwip. The sound came from behind. Three scouts simultaneously drew their short bows and shot arrows. Two arrows pierced the deer beast¡¯s forehead, and one struck its neck. When the head is pierced, whether it¡¯s a beast, a monster, or a human, the result is the same: death. The deer beast copsed to the ground with a final cry. The scouts approached the deer beast, kicking it with their toes to ensure it was dead, then retrieved their arrows. One scout clicked his tongue. ¡°Damn, it broke.¡± The arrow shaft in the neck had broken when the deer beast fell. ¡®They¡¯re skilled.¡¯ Encrid thought about how it would be if he had to fight these scouts, excluding closebat and relying solely on life-or-deathbat. It wouldn¡¯t be easy to say he would win. In closebat, he was unbeatable. ¡®But in a many-against-one scenario?¡¯ It would not be simple. These weren¡¯t just any troops, they had survived in thend of beasts and monsters. ¡°You¡¯re an experienced soldier, right? Have you hunted before?¡± ¡°A little.¡± He had learned some from Enri and more during his mercenary days and wandering the continent. Though he wasn¡¯t particrly skilled at hunting, he excelled in other areas. In the midst of this, one of the scouts who had gone ahead returned. ¡°Damn it. It¡¯s ghouls. Should we move our camp?¡± ¡°How many were there?¡± ¡°I counted up to ten, but more wereing from behind, so I withdrew and came back.¡± The appearance of ghouls was notmon, but it wasn¡¯t entirely rare either. They had just set up a campfire and prepared the camp. Ten ghouls would be a burden for the scouts. Especially since these ghouls were fast. If they couldn¡¯t be deterred with a few arrows, they would have to engage in closebat. A quick scan showed that there were three soldiers with short bows. So what should they do when they encounter a group of ghouls? Avoiding them would be the best strategy. ¡°Damn it.¡± Even Finn was annoyed, and Encrid stepped forward. ¡°Which direction?¡± He asked. It was an awkward question, but his eyes were fixed on the soldier who had just seen the ghouls. The soldier blinked, not understanding the intent of the question. ¡°I mean the ghouls.¡± Torres stepped in to rify. Torres had a rough idea of Encrid¡¯s capabilities. Above all, Encrid¡¯s specialty was heavy sword techniques. Compared to Torres¡¯ proficiency with daggers, Encrid¡¯s skills were more suited for hunting monsters. After all, he had seen him take down the human-faced hounds and harpies before. ¡°The ghouls here aren¡¯t exactly tame.¡± Finn said worriedly, understanding Encrid¡¯s intention. ¡°You don¡¯t need to worry.¡± Torres added, standing beside Encrid. ¡°I¡¯ll just provide support, right?¡± To Torres¡¯ question, Encrid replied, ¡°Just keep their legs tied up.¡± It was a statement that he wouldn¡¯t let a single one escape. ¡°Alright then.¡± Encrid wanted to prove his abilities. Finn and the remaining scouts exchanged nces. Combat was a daily routine for them too. However, ten swift ghouls were a formidable opponent. If they got hit by the poison from the ghouls¡¯ ws, it would already mean a loss of strength. ¡°Hey.¡± Finn tried to stop him, but Encrid was already twitching his nose. ¡®The smell of rot.¡¯ By sharpening his sense of smell, he could roughly tell the direction the ghouls wereing from. Would this method be useful for hunting too? He could find prey by smell and sound. But now, it was time to cut down the ghouls. Encrid pushed off the ground. ¡°Hey, wait!¡± Finn, Torres, and the scouts hurriedly followed him. Encrid¡¯s attitude and actions had a certainpelling force that made others want to see what he would do next. So whether he lived or died, whether they helped or not, they wanted to go and see. To see what that guy, who had been showing off his body since morning, would do. As expected, Encrid did his job. And Finn¡¯s eyes widened in amazement at what she saw. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans Or You can subscribe for a membership and support me. You will be able to read 15 chapters ahead oftest free chapter and daily 1 new chapter: /revengerscans ] Chapter 98 This ghoul was fast despite its hunched back. Its ws were longer than the ones he¡¯d seen before. But it wasn¡¯t faster than a harpy. And its ws weren¡¯t sharper than Rem¡¯s axe. ¡®Point to point.¡¯ Connecting the lines. He epassed all surrounding movements within the realm of his sixth sense. Watching the approaching ghoul, there was only one thing to do. Draw the sword and swing it. Ching. The de that left the scabbard did its job. Kaa! Encrid¡¯s sword, gauging the steps of the ghoul that reeked of rot, fell downward. Crack. Split! A direct hit to the crown. In a stance with his left foot forward, the sword swung down from above split the ghoul¡¯s crown precisely. Drawing back the sword embedded to the forehead and retrieving it in one motion. He repeated this three times. With the sword tip angled diagonally towards the sky, it swung downwards. In an instant, three ghoulsy on the ground, all with their crowns split. Meanwhile, Torres threw a dagger from the side. With a twang, the flying dagger lodged into the head of a ghoul. It was one trying to nk to the left. Encrid¡¯s steps quickened. He stepped forward and shed the neck of the approaching ghoul. He punched the head of a ghoul that had closed the distance. Then, with a one-handed thrust, he pierced through another ghoul¡¯s head. Desperation? There was none of that. Thirteen ghouls died in an instant. And as he killed them all, Encrid felt something peculiar. ¡®A pattern.¡¯ The ghouls attacked in a certain pattern, as if they had learned how to fight. This made them easier to deal with. If he didn¡¯t have overwhelming skills, he might have been quickly surrounded and killed. ¡®What is it?¡¯ These ghouls were different from the ones he¡¯d seen in the sewers before, or the ones he¡¯d killed along the riverbank. Ghouls, the mostmon man-eating monsters among the creatures. They were monsters that didn¡¯t use their heads more than beasts did. ¡®Can creatures like these use tactics?¡¯ No. It was impossible. Unless they formed a colony. A group of monsters led by a leader is called a colony. But there were no signs of that. So, there was no need to worry. It was just something that felt off within the realm of his sixth sense. Should he wash the ghoul¡¯s blood off his de in the stream? Thinking so, he turned to say the cleanup was done. Finn approached briskly. ¡°What the hell are you?¡± Finn stared intently at Encrid. The question held many implications, but it was likely about his ability to handle the ghouls. Encrid spoke. ¡°I mentioned that I am in charge of an independent toon, and it¡¯s an extremebat toon.¡± It wasn¡¯t a lie. Initially, he expected the Company Commander¡¯s intention to be such a role. Who would believe that the toon consisted of only nine members? Yet it could still be maintained. Each member¡¯s skill far exceeded the general standard. While the Border Guard Reserve Unit might overshadow their reputation, it was not the case from Encrid¡¯s perspective. ¡®There¡¯s noparison.¡¯ Rem, Ragna, Audin, Jaxon. Even with the ability to cut down ghouls like this, it was still difficult to match their skills. ¡®Still far off.¡¯ Even after seeing the direction the milestones pointed to. Those four still seemed beyond reach. In contrast, what about Torres of the Border Guard? He was manageable. Though in a life-or-death fight, Encrid might die, he didn¡¯t easily think he would lose. ¡°You¡¯re really good at fighting.¡± ¡°Outstanding.¡± A soldier who had kept watch during the early hours responded to Finn¡¯s words. A few members approached and looked at Encrid. Encrid wondered if this treatment was warranted. Such situations were rare, making it awkward. That¡¯s why he spoke up. ¡°We don¡¯t need to move the encampment.¡± ¡°Right.¡± Finn replied. They then decided to return to the encampment, and on the way, a soldier with drooping eyes pointed towards the stream. It wasn¡¯t far from the temporary encampment they used as a dining area. ¡°Hey, I killed three too.¡± On the way back, Torres grumbled beside him, but no one paid attention. Well, except for Encrid, who did respond. He patted Torres¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Thanks to you, it was easier.¡± In truth, Torres knew as well. What he did was merely to ease the difort. ¡®He could have handled it all alone.¡¯ A sudden realization. ¡®He hid his true abilities.¡¯ No, Torres thought again. It wasn¡¯t that Encrid hid his abilities, it was that the intensity of sparring and realbat were different. What if they fought for real, risking their lives? ¡®I think I¡¯d lose.¡¯ Even within the elite soldier ranks, the Border Guard Reserve Unit had its own standards. In terms ofbat power, Torres was about average among the elite. Encrid seemed to be higher than that. Realizing this,he regretted teaching him the hide knife technique. ¡°Hey, don¡¯t practice that.¡± Torres said, watching Encrid, who had just retrieved his sword after the battle, fiddling with a thin stone out of habit. ¡°Why did you so eagerly teach me then?¡± ¡°¡­I was just saying.¡± Encrid couldn¡¯t possibly understand Torres¡¯s feelings. How it felt when someone you thought was far beneath you suddenly surpassed you. It wasn¡¯t a good feeling. Of course, Encrid truly couldn¡¯t understand that sentiment. For him, it was a daily urrence. Everyone had overtaken him due to hisck of talent, passed him by, and never looked back. Yet he didn¡¯t give up on his dream and swung his sword until his palms bled. That¡¯s the kind of person Encrid was. ¡°Let¡¯s go wash our des.¡± Ghoul blood reeks of rot. The smell is unpleasant, and blood is inherently greasy. Leaving it would damage the de. ¡°Got it.¡± Feeling somewhat deted, Torres and Encrid were excluded from the hunt. ¡°We¡¯ll prepare the meal, so why don¡¯t you go do someundry?¡± Thanks to that, they could wash their sweat-soaked clothes by the stream. Drying them would be a problem. Usually, they return to the cave by nightfall. If they dried them all day by the campfire here, they would be fine. He had already washed the leather armor he wore underneath yesterday, so he left that alone. Although they sweated again during the march, maintaining cleanliness as they would in the city wasn¡¯t possible. It¡¯smon sense that not washing leads to illness. Especially in the military, cleanliness and hygiene are fundamental. The stream¡¯s water was clearer than expected, and the current quickly carried away the dirt downstream. Finn said the water was safe to drink, so they filled their leather sks and took a sip. Their stomachs growled. ¡°You too? Me too.¡± Torres said, hearing the sound. They gathered their belongings and returned with the tightly wrung clothes. ¡°Here you go.¡± The soldier, who had be twice as friendly since they took down the ghouls, brought a long branch and hung their clothes on it. Next to the campfire, another soldier was skinning a snake they had somehow caught. ¡°Quite a find, huh?¡± The soldier skinning the snake said. It did make their mouths water. Despite its appearance, snake meat was a protein-rich food. Hadn¡¯t Audin said it himself? It¡¯s a type of meat that¡¯s eaten up whenever avable, but hard toe by. ¡°Indeed.¡± He replied and sat down beside him. Torres sat down next to him, and Finn sat across from them. The campfire crackled, emitting almost no smoke. ¡®That¡¯s a skill.¡¯ He had seen hunters and scouts do this skillfully a few times. They start a small fire with bark and leaves, then add well-chopped, mmable wood. Of course, this also required a certain knack. Whenever Encrid tried, he failed repeatedly. For these soldiers, it seemed like an everyday task, as the smoke disappeared almost instantly. Soon, one of the soldiers ced charred coals under the logs stacked in attice pattern. ¡°Burning logs creates a lot of smoke.¡± So, they had to be cautious when starting the fire and continue to be cautious every time they added logs. Though it was unlikely that smoke would be visible from Cross Guard, Being cautious was a habit for scouts. Soon, two soldiers grilled the snake meat while others roasted jerky. One of them brought arge pot and boiled water. They added various fruits to the boiling water and then removed them a littleter. ¡°His nickname is ¡®Chef¡¯.¡± Sitting on the ground, Finn said. She was sharpening the de of her hand axe with a whetstone. Seeing her do that made Encrid think of Rem. ¡®Hope he¡¯s not causing any trouble.¡¯ After Encrid nodded absently, they soon began eating. The snake meat was more tender than expected, and the seasoning was just right with the added salt. To be honest, it was delicious. Especially the tail part. ¡°When I get back, I¡¯m opening a restaurant.¡± The soldier who had been involved in all the cooking said. The firelight made his face look bright. His face was younger than expected. When asked about his age, he said he was twenty-two. ¡°You brat, you should aim to be an excellent ranger.¡± ¡°I prefer being a chef, Captain.¡± The soldier nicknamed ¡®Chef¡¯ responded to Finn, whoughed heartily and nodded in agreement. There was a strong sense of camaraderie among them. Encrid chewed on the snake meat and heated some jerky to eat. When he shared some seasoned jerky, the soldier nicknamed ¡®Chef¡¯ lit up. ¡°Wow, what is this? Why is it so good? Where did you get it?¡± ¡°In the city. I¡¯ll tell you when we get back.¡± At Encrid¡¯s words, the soldier nicknamed ¡®Chef¡¯ nodded several times. ¡°Promise.¡± After eating heartily, they split into two groups to take a rest. ¡°Resting well is part of being a ranger. Besides, scouting around here is meaningless. The priority here is survival. And for that, stamina is essential.¡± Finn said. There were designated resting spots. They had carved out arge tree to create a shelter. Some climbed up the tree to rest. Others stayed by the campfire. After splitting up and taking a rest, they reconvened. As the sun began to set in the west, Finn got to the main point. Finn stood in front of Torres and Encrid and spoke. ¡°There are three ways to get inside the city walls. Let¡¯s discuss them. The first is through a small hole.¡± Finn continued his exnation. ¡°Well, it¡¯s a route used by those involved in ck market trading within the city, so some people know about it, but it¡¯s not exactly well-guarded. As you can guess, some people are aware of this passage.¡± He added that it was easy but came with corresponding risks. ¡°What¡¯s next?¡± Torres asked. Finn continued. The second way was to climb over the walls at night. The third way was to disguise themselves as a merchant group moving at dawn and sneak in. ¡°The fastest way is the first, the safest is the second, and the mostfortable is the third.¡± It was clear from the description. The order of risk was the third, first, and second. But judging by Finn¡¯s tone, it seemed she didn¡¯t consider any of them particrly dangerous. Her tone wasn¡¯t serious at all. ¡°Actually, getting past the wall isn¡¯t that difficult. The problem is whates after, like encountering the ¡®ca¡¯t.¡± Encrid also saw this as a tricky issue. What if they were detained? If they were already caught, they wouldn¡¯t be able to leave any marks. Would they have to go to the prison then? ¡°If we can¡¯t find any traces inside the city, we¡¯ll return immediately. The entire scout team will head back to the main unit.¡± ¡°That was expected.¡± Torres said as if he had been waiting for it, and Finn responded. It seemed Torres had received additional instructions from the main unit. ¡°Only the three of us will go in. Which way do you prefer?¡± Finn asked. ¡°You should choose. You know the situation best.¡± Finn nodded, crossing his arms at Torres¡¯s words. It was true. Encrid agreed, and Finn suggested they go through the small hole. ¡°Unless we¡¯re really unlucky, we won¡¯t get caught. We¡¯ll set off tomorrow morning.¡± ¡°Not at night?¡± Torres questioned. Traditionally, infiltration was done at night. ¡°Morning is better. They¡¯re more vignt at night. Climbing the wall tomorrow night is a better option too.¡± Encrid simply observed the situation as it unfolded. After that, he spent the entire day eating, training, and practicing taking the stone in and out of his sleeve. Before he knew it, the day hade to an end. It was time to go back into the cave and sleep. There was less danger than he had anticipated, and the situation felt surprisingly peaceful. ¡®Is there no Aspen scouting team in this area?¡¯ Such a question crossed his mind. The next morning arrived. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± With Finn leading, the three of them headed towards Cross Guard. He expected arge detour, but that wasn¡¯t quite the case. ¡°The west side of Cross Guard is considered a natural barrier due to the monsters and beasts. Scouts? They do roam around. If we run into them, it won¡¯t end well. Unless they¡¯re highly skilled, they don¡¯t send scouts here.¡± It seemed like the Aspen scouts wouldn¡¯t move without a clear objective. Finn¡¯s pace was fast. She was indeed a ranger. Her ability to identify and avoid the traces of monsters and beasts was impressive. Encrid noticed Finn¡¯s unique way of walking. She stepped carefully, pressing her heel into the ground first. ¡°We¡¯ll need to take a detour here.¡± There was a path through a small hill full of bushes. Finn cleared the way with the axe on her belt. Encrid also swung his sword to cut through the obstructing bushes. ¡®I forgot to check my de.¡¯ He realized he hadn¡¯t inspected his equipment in the morning, having been too engrossed in his training. ¡®A mistake.¡¯ Not a significant one, but it could be important. As he shed through the bushes, he saw some red berries inside. ¡°They¡¯re poisonous. Don¡¯t eat them.¡± Finn said, mixing in a bit of humor. ¡°Understood.¡± ¡°Why don¡¯t you speak casually to me too?¡± Finn said. ¡°Alright, I will.¡± When suggested, Encrid rarely refused¡ªexcept for the proposition of staying in the cave together. Unable to resist, Finn asked Encrid while watching him. ¡°Want to sleep with me after the mission?¡± ¡°No.¡± ¡°Tch.¡± ¡°Hey, I¡¯m walking right next to you.¡± Torres added at the end. ¡°Yeah, I know.¡± Finn was unapologetic. It was just her bold nature. They arrived at a small hill from where they could see the city wall. If they passed the hill and headed west, they would reach the gate. The distant city wall was visible, but there was no moat. ¡°Do they really need a moat? It¡¯s nearly impossible to get here avoiding the monsters and beasts without some extraordinary skills.¡± In other words, Finn was no ordinary ranger. Indeed, if she wasn¡¯t at this level, she wouldn¡¯t be in charge of this region. Encrid thought as he followed the hole. ¡°The ranger goes first.¡± Ahead, Finn entered the hole, chanting the ranger¡¯s motto. It¡¯s like saying infantry is the flower of the battlefield. Finn nced back. Encrid could see Finn¡¯s smile, her thin leather helmet, and the orange hair peeking out from under it. Encrid and Torres followed her in. What happened next waspletely unexpected. ¡°Stupid fools.¡± After walking for a while, they were greeted by a unit armed with long spears and shields. It was a fairly spacious passage, wide enough for the three of them to stand side by side. A unit armed with long spears and shields would be well-suited for this space. And behind them, Creak. There was the sound of bow strings being drawn. Looking back, they saw a unit armed with short bows. They hadn¡¯t even walked half an hour through the hole. It was a trap. Spearmen and shield bearers in front. Behind them, dozens of arrows nocked and ready. It was a perfect trap, impossible to escape unless you were of knight rank. ¡°Damn it.¡± Torres¡¯s voice was filled with frustration. ¡°I really wanted to catch you, you wildcat.¡± The enemymander said. Finn¡¯s expression changed upon hearing this. ¡°You bastard!¡± Finn¡¯s words were thest. Arrows flew and spears thrust. Encrid put up a semnce of resistance. He held a buckler in his left hand and swung his sword, but what could he do? They were overwhelmingly outnumbered and had lost the advantageous position. Thwack. A spear pierced his thigh, then his head, killing him. Feeling the full extent of his injuries, the agony surged, but death was inevitable. Of course, he didn¡¯t go down without a fight. ¡°You bastard.¡± Even in such dire straits, his sword and whistling dagger imed several lives. He wouldn¡¯t be journeying with them, though. As pain apanied the encroaching darkness in his vision, He heard the ferryman¡¯sughter. With that, Encrid opened his eyes. It was early morning, the start of a day destined for death, the beginning of another repeat. Today began anew. The mission was to confirm the life or death of a spy, but they faced obstacles even before scaling the city wall. ¡®Weren¡¯t there three ways to get over the wall?¡¯ He knew the small hole was a blocked path. So, what were the remaining options? As Encrid greeted the start of another day, he got to his feet. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans Or You can subscribe for a membership and support me. You will be able to read 15 chapters ahead oftest free chapter and daily 1 new chapter: /revengerscans ] Chapter 99 At dawn, Encrid awoke to face yet another identical ¡®today¡¯. He trained his body using the Istion Technique. Today begins anew. It was mostly the same as yesterday. Training his body while being observed by the scout and Finn. From early dawn, Encrid, after finishing his sword training, checked his equipment. He had forgotten to check his gear in the morning after the battle with the ghoul. ¡®From here, again.¡¯ It¡¯s the start of a new ¡®today¡¯. And it¡¯s the moment to decide the direction. Should he go back through the hole? Or choose a different path? He lifted his sword horizontally to the ground and tilted it to eye level. He inspected the de with his eyes. There were no missing teeth. As Encrid looked at the de, he continued his thoughts. The most important thing in this repetitive ¡®today¡¯. ¡®First, assess the situation.¡¯ If there are three paths to take, he wanted to know what lies at the end of each of those three paths. As if waiting, the three paths wereid out before his eyes. How he would walk towards tomorrow was something to be thought aboutter. After wiping the de with the prepared leather and checking the other equipment once, he untied the leather strap wrapped around the hilt and rewrapped it. This was a kind of mark to start a different ¡®today¡¯. Since he couldn¡¯t count the increasing number of ¡®todays¡¯ one by one, he devised this method while repeating the first today. Wrapping the leather strap around the sword grip again was the second today, Encrid remembered. ¡°If you¡¯re leaving at dawn, shouldn¡¯t you hurry?¡± Torres said while making do with jerky for breakfast. After tasting the seasoned jerky, he often clung to Encrid every morning. Encrid was about to speak anyway. Just then, he saw Finn approaching. A hand axe at her left waist, thick-soled boots, and a short sword at her right waist. She wore thin, well-tanned leather armor. He had seen it bend well with his movements before. ¡®It must be light.¡¯ That¡¯s how her armament appeared. As a scout among the light infantry, she moved with minimal equipment. ¡°The ranger goes first.¡± That was their motto. They walked the lightest because they walked at the forefront. Compared to the heavy infantry, Encrid also belonged to the light infantry, but his equipment was rtively heavypared to theirs. Even a single longsword would be cumbersome. So, how would their skills fare in a proper fight? Honestly, he had been curious for days. Judging by the level of physical training from the Istion Technique, he didn¡¯t seem to fall behind Torres. There was time today as well. The first step to face a different ¡®today¡¯. Eliminate the option of sticking his head into the hole from the morning. ¡°How about crossing the wall at night?¡± Encrid spoke abruptly as he looked at the approaching Finn. Beating around the bush only lengthens the conversation. Sometimes, it¡¯s advantageous to reveal your purpose and intentions clearly when leading a conversation. Encrid was very skilled in this aspect. ¡°Suddenly?¡± ¡°I have a bad feeling.¡± When the approaching Finn tilted her head in curiosity, Encrid answered without a breath. Encrid was well aware of the nickname he was called within the unit. Besides ¡°Squad Leader of Enchantment¡± or ¡°Spell Breaker¡±, the mostmon term used to refer to him was: ¡®The one loved by the Goddess of Luck.¡¯ That was it. When another soldier ormander imed to have a bad feeling, it was easy to dismiss. But when he said it, it was taken a bit differently. ¡°A bad feeling?¡± Of course, Finn might react this way because she didn¡¯t know about such nicknames, but Torres was different. After looking at Encrid¡¯s face for a moment, Torres stroked his chin and said, ¡°If all three methods are fine, why not cross the wall?¡± Immediate agreement. He didn¡¯t even ask for a reason. He just said it was a feeling. What kind of situation is this? Finn, who had been tilting her head, spoke up. ¡°Do you know that climbing the wall isn¡¯t easy?¡± ¡°Nothing in this world is easy.¡± Encrid responded to that. When two out of three people going together are on the same side, the answeres easily, doesn¡¯t it? Finn didn¡¯t really care which way they went. That¡¯s why she showed all three paths. Finn nodded. ¡°Alright then.¡± There was no need for a power struggle. Finn had a subtle liking for Encrid as well. ¡°How about a match?¡± Encrid said as he tied the leather strap around the scabbard and secured it to his waist. ¡°Oh.¡± Torres responded. The obvious target was Finn. ¡°With me? I¡¯m not specialized inbat.¡± No way. Someone with such a trained body couldn¡¯t possibly not be specialized inbat. ¡°I¡¯m not specialized in swordsmanship either.¡± Finn shrugged his shoulders and showed his palms. Seeing this, Encrid spoke again. ¡°Fighting barehanded wouldn¡¯t be bad either. We shouldn¡¯t get injured before an important mission.¡± Could this be a valuable experience? Who knows. But seeing that trained body made him want to spar. It was apetitive spirit. Just like Torres, Finn, despite her liking for Encrid, suddenly wanted to spar with him. ¡®It¡¯s been a while.¡¯ She once burned with a passion for training. She stopped when she reached his limits. Even now, she wasn¡¯t someone who would easily fall to an average opponent. Though Encrid¡¯s swordsmanship, which defeated the ghoul, was impressive. ¡®If it¡¯s without swords.¡¯ She didn¡¯t think she would lose easily. Everyone has their specialty, and Finn¡¯s specialty was hand-to-handbat. ¡°Oh, it¡¯s been a while since I¡¯ve seen this.¡± One of the scouts said. Despite his bandit-like appearance, he had a gentle manner of speaking. He was also the one who had dried Encrid¡¯s clothes on a branch. Hearing him say it had been a while suggested that he already knew of Finn¡¯s skills. ¡°Stop the unnecessary chatter.¡± Finn¡¯s eyes gleamed. She already looked ready forbat. ¡°We do have time until nightfall.¡± Finn finally agreed. Encrid untied his scabbard again. He also took off his gambeson and leather armor, leaving only a thin shirt secured with leather at the chest, and faced him. The scouts and Torres had already formed arge circle, creating space. Torres, standing near the center, chuckled. ¡°Somehow, this seems like a familiar sight.¡± He was likely referring to the promotion duel. Torres recalled Encrid from that time. Encrid, when he had faced him. ¡®He¡¯s changed a lot.¡¯ There had been significant improvementpared to then. At least, that¡¯s what Torres thought. ¡°Let¡¯s do this.¡± Soon, the duel between the two began. Finn¡¯s specialty was closebat. She had no intention of hiding it. She moved her feet side to side, quickly closing the distance. Encrid had learned striking techniques from Audin. He spread his feet front and back, stepping forward with his left hand extended straight. Rather than rotating side to side, a straight punch had a shorter path. Therefore, it was faster. It was a punch that resembled a sword thrust. Seeing this, Finn disyed an almost acrobatic movement. With eyes wide open, she dodged the iing punch by lowering her body. Moving just as much as needed, Encrid¡¯s thrusting punch barely brushed past her hair. ¡®This is¡­¡¯ The movement reminded him of the time when he was assigned to guard Leona Rockfreed. Back then, when he climbed to the second floor to save Leona, Encrid dodged a thrown dagger with just a tilt of his head. It was a rush that reminded him of that movement. Finn dodged his punch in a simr manner. His focus sharpened. He could see the path her body was taking, and his gaze naturally shifted to Finn¡¯s face. It was as if light was emanating from her eyes. She closed in for closebat. ¡®A tackle?¡¯ The thought was brief, and his decision was quick. Whoosh. Instead of the outstretched left fist, he drove his right elbow downward. If she didn¡¯t dodge, it would have punched a hole somewhere in her lower back with its aggressive force. Finn evaded even that. Her movements were snake-like. Her waist bent smoothly, and before he knew it, she had stepped to Encrid¡¯s right side. Not only did she position herself, but both of her hands grasped Encrid¡¯s wrist and forearm. Encrid instinctively flexed his muscles, pulling his arm out of Finn¡¯s grip. At the same time, Finn hooked her leg around the inside of Encrid¡¯s shin. The ensuing battle was about who could lock the other¡¯s joints first. Dodging, blocking, grappling. Before they knew it, they had rolled on the ground several times. There was a loud thud as their heads hit the ground. Without realizing it, Finn¡¯s foot or hand asionallynded in Encrid¡¯s groin. ¡®Ail Caraz Style.¡¯ Encrid recognized the technique Finn was using. It was one of the many techniques Audin had taught him countless times. Ail Caraz is one of the most notorious prisons across the continent. Long ago, one of the prison guards developed this technique. It was a method designed to subdue prisoners with excruciating pain but without causing injuries, known as Ail Caraz Martial Arts. Focused primarily on joint locks rather than strikes, it was nicknamed the ¡°King of the Dirt¡±. The nickname was earned by rolling on the training ground floor of Ail Caraz and attaining the title of king. It was a skill as infamous as its name. Encrid countered several times with the Vf-style joint locks he learned from Audin, which he called ¡°bedroom battles¡±. However, his opponent¡¯s skill level was much higher. So. ¡°Do you concede defeat?¡± Just when he thought he had blocked well, he found his neck trapped between Finn¡¯s legs. If she applied more pressure, his neck could break. Being in this position made him realize how strong Finn¡¯s thigh muscles were. ¡°I yield.¡± Encrid admitted defeat with his neck still being choked. ¡°I might not know if it¡¯s with swords, but this is my specialty.¡± Finn released her hold as she spoke. Both of them were covered in dirt from rolling on the ground so much. Dust scattered from their hair as they stood. ¡°We need a wash. Want toe with me?¡± Finn asked. ¡°I¡¯ll go a bitter.¡± It was a straightforward refusal. The suggestion was as good as saying they should undress together. ¡°Tch.¡± Finn, seemingly joking, clicked her tongue and got up. As she dusted off her behind, she said, ¡°See you in the evening.¡± After she left, ¡°If you¡¯re going to be all over each other like that, why not just take a cave for yourselves?¡± Torres said,ughing. Hmm? As Encrid looked at him, confused, Torres continuedughing. ¡°Yousted the longest rolling around with our leader.¡± The soldier next to him said. Hearing that, Encrid finally understood. ¡®We were really rubbing up against each other.¡¯ It had been too intense to think about it at the time. However, one thing became clear. ¡®She¡¯s an excellent sparring partner.¡¯ Not as good as Audin. Audin could immobilize him while saying all sorts of things. But in the current situation, she was an excellent sparring partner. He could refine his Vf-Style Martial Arts. Of course, that didn¡¯t mean he was going to waste today. Naturally, he would strive to break free from today as well. However, how many times had he faced such a situation before? Instinctively, he knew. It was as if the ferryman of dreams had appeared and whispered. ¡°How will you get out this time?¡± Another wall had appeared. Could he escape in just a few attempts? He didn¡¯t know yet, but it wouldn¡¯t be easy. Would he be discouraged? Not at all. Encrid remained calm. He wasn¡¯t overly excited or distressed. That was true. He just thought it was essential to understand the situation properly first. Meanwhile, finding out Finn¡¯s specialty was just a bonus. Afterward, during the remaining time, Encrid practiced Torres¡¯ hide knife. ¡°Are you going to keep at it? I¡¯ve taught a few times, and some just don¡¯t get it.¡± Torres, who had been leisurely spending time under a tree, offered serious advice. He had previously joked about giving up, but this time he seemed sincere. Encrid responded to Torres¡¯ earnest words. ¡°Is that so?¡± As if he hadn¡¯t heard such words countless times before. ¡°Fine, do as you wish.¡± Torres quickly gave up. Although it had only been a few days, he had roughly figured Encrid out. This guy was incredibly stubborn. ¡°Why suggest going over the wall?¡± It was a question that followed his immediate trust. ¡°I just have a feeling it¡¯s a better option.¡± ¡°And your feelings have been spot on so far?¡± ¡°For the most part.¡± In reality, it was the result of insanely repeated todays. Would exining make them understand? ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll trust you.¡± Torres nodded. Encrid didn¡¯t think it would be a problem even if he didn¡¯t believe him. He had just anticipated that things would flow this way. Continuous practice and training. He took some time to wash and even took a short nap. ¡°It¡¯s good to get some sleep if we¡¯re going to work at night.¡± Torres did the same, and Finn seemed to rest well too. After a brief nap, the sun started to set. ¡°You guys go to the rendezvous point. We¡¯ll leave this ce.¡± Considering the worst-case scenario, the remaining scouts would abandon the current camp and move. The three of them headed towards the wall. The path was tougher. Instead of bushes, they climbed rocky mountains in the dark. ¡°Isn¡¯t it lucky there are two moons tonight?¡± Finn, who was leading, said. ¡°Is that really lucky? This path is rough.¡± ¡°I told you, this route is twice as tough as the others.¡± Finn added with augh and continued walking. Her steps were almost silent, thanks to something attached to the soles of her boots. Encrid followed her silently. They crossed the rocky mountain, greeted by foliage overhead. Guided by Finn, they crossed even that. Eventually, they arrived at a ce where the wall of Cross Guard was clearly visible. ¡°We¡¯re lucky.¡± Finn said, looking at the wall. Torres, drenched in sweat, looked up. ¡°Is this what you call lucky?¡± ¡°Of course it¡¯s good. We didn¡¯t encounter any beasts or monsters.¡± Encrid was also drenched in sweat. Keeping up with the ranger¡¯s pace was no easy task. And it wasn¡¯t over yet. ¡°Now the real fun begins, gentlemen.¡± Finn smiled, signaling the start of the ordeal. Climbing the wall would be harder than the rocky mountain. But first, they needed to get close to the wall. Encrid looked up, gauging the height of the wall ahead and thought it would be quite a struggle. Turning back wasn¡¯t an option. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± He silently followed Finn. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans Or You can subscribe for a membership and support me. You will be able to read 15 chapters ahead oftest free chapter and daily 1 new chapter: /revengerscans ] Chapter 100 ¡°Do you really need to take that longsword?¡± It was just before departure from the campsite and the garrison. Finn was pointing out the equipment of Encrid and Torres. ¡°Can¡¯t I?¡± ¡°Have you ever climbed over a wall?¡± Of course, he hadn¡¯t. Climbing over a wall wasn¡¯t an easy experience toe by. ¡°Let me say it again, go as light as possible. If you wear that thick gambeson, you¡¯ll be exhausted before you even start climbing the wall.¡± Finn was right. Just getting over the rocky mountain was a task in itself. When they finally crossed the rocky mountain and arrived in front of the wall, Encrid thought it was a good thing he had listened to Finn¡¯s advice. ¡®Go as light as possible.¡¯ That was the key. Finn crouched low and clung to the front of the wall. Encrid and Torres also crouched low and approached. Torches red up in the defense towers between the walls. ¡®Can we really sneak in?¡¯ He felt a chill. The grass underfoot barely reached up to their shins, offering no cover. It wasn¡¯t even a cloudy night with no moonlight. If only it rained and obscured everything. The surroundings were bright. Even without torches, spotting someone moving across the open in seemed all too easy. His heart was pounding. He felt like he¡¯d get skewered by an arrow long before climbing the wall. If he didn¡¯t have the Heart of the Beast, his legs might have been shaking. He saw Finn¡¯s back in the lead. Crouched low, she moved forward without hesitation. There was no sign of reluctance in her steps. ¡®Does she have something to rely on?¡¯ He didn¡¯t know. They had arrived in front of the wall after quite a nerve-wracking walk. Of course, it would have been a quick distance to cover if they had run, but the shadows moving on the defense tower made it impossible to even think about it. ¡°Was this route supposed to avoid the defense tower¡¯s line of sight?¡± Torres whispered as soon as they clung to the wall, seemingly having simr thoughts. Finn replied, and her answer was astonishing. ¡°No, if we got caught, I nned to run away quickly.¡± ¡°¡­What?¡± ¡°We didn¡¯t get caught. That¡¯s what matters. I noticed before that on bright moonlit nights, they tend to ck off a bit. If it were our guys, no way. Seriously.¡± It wasn¡¯t some great skill, it was just luck. ¡°This is crazy.¡± Torres muttered. Encrid felt the same way. But with a bit of a change in thinking, it made some sense. ¡®If we get caught, we run.¡¯ To chase after a ranger¡¯s speed, you¡¯d need cavalry, but thisnd¡­ Thisnd is one of monsters and beasts. It¡¯s the worst terrain for cavalry to move. Imagine if a griffin, known for liking horse meat, attacked. A griffin requires at least a toon of well-trained elite soldiers if not knight-level personnel. Whether there are griffins here, he didn¡¯t know, but anyway, cavalry¡­ ¡®Not a chance.¡¯ Then the answer is clear. Choose a night when you¡¯re less likely to get caught and walk right up to the wall. If you¡¯re unlucky, an arrow mighte your way. But what marksman can urately hit a shadow barely visible in the night? It¡¯s a bold approach, taking advantage of the enemy¡¯scency on a bright moonlit night. ¡°So,Did you n the whole day thinking about climbing the wall at night?¡± It must have been intentional toe on a night like this when the dual moons are out. When Encrid murmured, Finn turned her head. The moonlight illuminated half of her face, making one side dark and the other shine silver. Finn pursed her lips as if to whistle in admiration and said, ¡°Ho, sharp. On nights when the dual moons are out, they ck off. You saw the shadows lingering in front of the watchtower? There were only two at most. That means their numbers are low.¡± Encrid nodded and turned his gaze. There were four defense towers protruding from the top of the wall. Two guards in each tower. Not many. ¡®If we go up, there should be a corridor-like passage.¡¯ The passage on top of the wall wouldn¡¯t be very wide. The Border Guard and the Cross Guard walls were built in the same era. ¡®So it should have a simr structure.¡¯ He pictured it in his mind. What to do after getting up on the wall. There¡¯s a big difference between moving ording to a mental n and moving without one. Encrid wasn¡¯t the only one thinking it through. ¡°I hope we don¡¯t get too exhausted climbing the wall.¡± Torres was worried about the same thing. He was concerned about what came next. Finn shrugged at that. ¡°Since we¡¯vee this far, we have to go for it. I¡¯ll trust in your stamina and grip strength.¡± Encrid looked up again to gauge the height of the wall. It seemed about three to four times his own height. ¡°This way.¡± Finn resumed leading them. The ce they arrived at could be considered the outskirts of the wall. It was also where the moon created deep shadows as it passed the watchtowers. When they clung tightly to the wall, everything turned pitch ck around them. Far off, torches burned atop the watchtowers. And right next to him, he could sense Torres and Finn. A distant owl hooted. Beyond that, there was only the bright moonlight illuminating the ground ten steps away and the contrasting darkness filling the surroundings. In the pitch-ck, Finn¡¯s eyes were visible. During the day, they had a brown hue, but now, all that could be seen was something glinting in the darkness. ¡°The wall isn¡¯t guarded as thoroughly as you¡¯d think. It¡¯s rare for anyone to specifically prevent someone from climbing over. You just have to avoid the patrol¡¯s eyes.¡± ¡°Do you know the patrol¡¯s schedule, or have anyone on the inside?¡± ¡°Do you think we would?¡± ¡°Leaving it to luck again, I see.¡± Finn and Torres whispered. For Encrid, this didn¡¯t seem like a n entirely reliant on luck. ¡®Moonlight.¡¯ Comcency. They just had to climb over the wall and hide in the city. ¡°Beyond this is the slums. If we hide well, we¡¯ll be fine.¡± The patrol frequency here would be significantly less than other ces. Of course. Who would enjoy patrolling among the stench and the constant begging? Moreover, at night, a half-crazed vagrant could attack. Therefore, this entire operation, even if not entirely calcted, was based on experience. ¡°You¡¯ve done this before.¡± ¡°You really are sharp.¡± Who would easily imagine climbing over the wall? That¡¯s why it was sox. Not to mention, if they had dug a tunnel to make a hole. Few would choose to climb the wall to infiltrate the Cross Guard. So, it became the safest method. Of course, it would be tough. From crossing the rocky mountain to preparing to climb the wall now. Nothing had been easy. ¡°Spit.¡± Finn spat on her hands and rubbed them together, then slung a leather pouch from her waist. The pouch was filled with powdered chalk. Finn sprinkled it on her hands and began to climb the wall. She found crevices to hook her fingers and kicked off the ground, clinging to the wall. Even though the wall was built straight, there were plenty of gaps between the stones. As Finn climbed, she began to wedge spikes she had tucked into her belt into the crevices at an angle. Angling them from top to bottom. After securing the spikes, she looped a rope around them and let it dangle, then continued climbing the wall with her bare hands. ¡°Can we do that?¡± ¡°Me? No way.¡± Encrid and Torres whispered, their heads tilted up, hiding in the shadow cast by the wall. Finn climbing the wall looked like a monkey or a nimble squirrel. She did her job, letting down the rope. Encrid and Torres grabbed the rope and started climbing. The angled spikes creaked, shedding dust, but didn¡¯te loose. They didn¡¯t just rely on the rope. Whenever they saw a gap between the stones, they used their toes and fingers to hold on. They coated their hands with the chalk powder they had prepared, sometimes gripping the rope, sometimes wedging their feet and fingers into the wall¡¯s crevices, and resting after each exertion. Looking up, it seemed like they would climb it quickly. ¡®This is going to kill me.¡¯ It was harder than expected. Even Encrid, trained in The Istion Technique, felt the strain in his limbs. His forearm muscles ached, especially. Despite the constant training from wielding his sword daily, it was tough. ¡°Different movements use different muscles.¡± Audin¡¯s words came to mind. Considering that, climbing the wall could be a good way to practice The Istion Technique. Looking up, Finn was climbing briskly. If there is a beginning, there is an end. After struggling and finally reaching the wall, which was about three to four times the height of an average man. Carefully, Encrid hooked his hands and feet onto the wall, pulled himself up, and climbed over. When he set foot on the ground, Encrid thought there was no one around. His instincts and senses told him so. He felt somewhat reassured by that. ¡°You¡¯re working hard, climbing up here at night.¡± A voice spoke as if it had been waiting. It was a clear and melodious female voice. Then, there was a snap- Fwoosh. Several torches ignited between the torches already lit by the moonlight. Who knows what trick she used. With just a snap of her fingers, she lit the torches. It was amazing, like something you¡¯d see in a circus. But no time to marvel. ¡°Huff.¡± As the torches¡¯ light stung his eyes, Encrid, catching his breath from the climb, immediately threw his hands forward. A dagger flew from his waist. Not a whistling dagger, as its sound was a disadvantage, but a regr throwing knife. Though his throwing technique was sharp as ever. Thud! Another dagger followed with a whoosh behind Encrid¡¯s. Both daggers, however, rebounded in mid-air with a sound like hitting a poorly made drum, despite not being blocked by a shield. Both daggers. ¡°This is some bad luck.¡± Torres said, his tone exasperated. ¡°Why?¡± Without turning, Encrid asked, slipping daggers back into his hands. ¡°She¡¯s a wizard.¡± A wizard? A wizard here? That was Encrid¡¯s first thought. Only then did he see the figure standing between the torches. A woman standing, her silhouette crossing the moonlight and torchlight. Her long wavy hair and eyes resembling a vertically slit snake¡¯s were visible. The distance was less than ten paces. There were fewer than ten soldiers surrounding them, all aiming crossbows. ¡®This is bad.¡¯ Naturally, that thought crossed his mind. Just as the wizard opened her mouth to say something. ¡°Get down.¡± Finn¡¯s voice rang out. Encrid instinctively ducked and pressed himself tightly against the narrow wall. Then. Whoosh! A loud whooshing sound came from behind. Something heavy passed by Encrid¡¯s face, pushing the air away. He felt it clearly on his cheek. ¡®She threw an axe.¡¯ Realizing the situation in an instant, he looked ahead, and only then did he see the transparent barrier reflecting the moonlight. Upon closer inspection, it was a barely visible barrier. ng! The spinning axe struck the barrier harshly. Unlike when it blocked the daggers, the sound was different, and cracks began to appear on the barrier. The axe seemed to be embedded in the barrier, as it stopped mid-air. ¡°Jump!¡± Finn shouted again. The axe, stuck in mid-air, immediately shattered. Crunch. The de broke, the handle crumpled, and it splintered to the ground. Clink, tter. The wizard, who had disassembled the axe in mid-air, raised one corner of her mouth. It was a clear sneer. It seemed to be a mocking smile, as if daring them to do whatever they could. Torres was the first to jump at Finn¡¯smand. He moved swiftly, grabbing the rope tied outside the wall, using it to slow his descent. Finn followed, jumping off the wall as if flying. Properly executed, a fall would prevent leg injuries. But it was equivalent to jumping from about the fifth floor of a building. A misstep could mean death. Yet, there was no hesitation. And Encrid¡­ ¡®If we have to escape anyway.¡¯ He decided it was advantageous tond a strike on the wizard. Lowering his stance, he gathered strength in his thighs. Recalling the squire¡¯s technique he once tried to imitate but never mastered. Bang, thump! He kicked off the ground. In an instant, he closed the distance, reaching for the wizard¡¯s neck. In his hand was a broad-ded guard sword. If the barrier could be broken by an axe. ¡®Then I¡¯ll break it with force.¡¯ Splitting the head. How had he killed the wizard he encountered before? Get in close and slice. Dodge invisible spells by instinct. This confidence came from having faced wizards before. He still had crossbow bolts left, but that was a problem forter. As Encrid closed the distance, he saw the wizard¡¯s eyes. Eyes slit vertically. The moment their eyes met, he almost lost strength in his limbs. Thump-! The Heart of the Beast gave him strength, holding his muscles firm. A thought came to him simultaneously. ¡®Got you.¡¯ But sometimes, confidence could be a poison. ¡°There are those who deceive your instincts. Be wary of them. Wizards are like that.¡± Jaxon¡¯s words came to mind. Thud. A piercing sound. Apanying pain. ¡°You idiot!¡± Finn¡¯s voice shouted from above, indicating she hadn¡¯t fallen to her death. ¡°Ugh!¡± In the sharpness of senses thates just before death, Torres¡¯s cough was audible. When Jaxon had discussed wizards. Having already killed a wizard before. Having dodged spells by instinct. He hadn¡¯t listened carefully. ¡®I did something stupid.¡¯ Not all soldiers are of the same caliber. Not all knights are of the same level. So, what about wizards? They¡¯re all different. Encrid looked at the thorny vine that had wrapped around his arm and pierced his neck. The moment he thought he¡¯d ovee the wizard¡¯s gaze, something from the ground had wrapped around his arm. It was a thorny vine. ¡°I am Resha of the Thorny Rose.¡± With the wizard¡¯s words, Encrid closed his eyes. It was the end of the second day. When the third day began, Encrid trained his body and swung his sword as usual. After practicing with Torres¡¯s hide knife, he reced the practice stones. It was an act to remember the third day. And then, ¡°You said we could disguise ourselves as a caravan at dawn?¡± He asked about the third method of crossing the wall. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans Or You can subscribe for a membership and support me. You will be able to read 15 chapters ahead oftest free chapter and daily 1 new chapter: /revengerscans ] Chapter 101 It wasn¡¯t difficult to persuade them to disguise themselves as a caravan and enter the Cross Guard in two days at dawn. ¡°I have a bad feeling about this.¡± It was the same reason as when they suggested scaling the wall. Torres supported the idea, and Finn nodded nonchntly. ¡°Then I guess we¡¯ll stay here for tonight.¡± They were camped in a dugout. Hearing the news, the cook smiled and said, ¡°Should we bring that out for dinner then?¡± Led by Ranger Finn, the forward scout unit had been stationed here for an average of six months on operations. Sometimes, they returned after only a month or two if something urgent came up, but they had been here for eight months already. Over time, they had tried all sorts of things, including curing the meat of captured animals to make ham. ¡°Shall we have a drink then?¡± Finn responded excitedly. Despite being a unit that should have been more on edge than those on the front lines, it was hard to tell if their nerves were dulled or if they had thick skin. ¡®Maybe they¡¯re more sensitive on normal days for times like this.¡¯ They were careful not to let smoke rise from the area they used as a dining hall and took turns patrolling in arge circle to keep watch. Two keen-eyed members always watched the perimeter. Watching this scout unit, a saying they had heard before came to mind. ¡°If you¡¯re always straight, you¡¯ll break easily. You need to know how to bend softly when needed.¡± Who had said that? ¡®It wasn¡¯t an instructor.¡¯ It was a pdin from a religious order who was traveling through the region. He said he didn¡¯t have time to give proper instruction, so he offered a brief but intense training session instead. With his heartyugh and habit of stroking his beard, he looked more like a bandit than a clergyman, but he was a respected religious figure and a skilled warrior. ¡°Bending doesn¡¯t mean you¡¯re weak. If your core is strong, you won¡¯t break easily. Want me to exin in simple terms? It means stop being so stubborn.¡± Apparently, they had said it sounded like he was shouting angrily whenever he swung his sword. Maybe that¡¯s why he suddenly felt curious about how his swordy appeared. Ching. He moved as his heart desired. ¡°Why¡¯s he acting like that when we just talked about having a drink?¡± Finn muttered as she received the bottle of stashed liquor from a member who had just fetched it. Encrid, who had stood up, drew his sword and swung it. It wasn¡¯t rted to anything that had happened today or something he had recently learned. It was just a stroke born of curiosity. The pdin who had confronted Encrid had said he sounded like he was shouting in desperation every time he swung his sword, as if insisting he couldn¡¯t break. ¡°You need to use your muscles softly to let the sword flow better.¡± The face of the squad member ovepped with theughing pdin¡¯s face. Hundreds of sparring sessions. How was Rem during those sessions? His muscles were pure sticity. The basis of his ability to handle the axe freely was a sense of ease. Because he believed he wouldn¡¯t lose? ¡®No.¡¯ His forearms and axe bending like a whip, Rem¡¯s face, his supple muscles. Allbined to give the answer. ¡®He used just enough strength when needed.¡¯ How about Ragna? His seemingly weak gestures, yet absurdly skilled swordsmanship. The same went for Jaxon and Audin. Despite his stiff demeanor, Jaxon always had a sense of ease. Audin would twist Encrid¡¯s arms this way and that, teasing him but also offering advice. And what about himself? ¡®Shoulders.¡¯ No, he fought with his whole body tensed. Even when connecting the dots. Because he always had to give his all. Because anything less than the best was meaningless. This meant his shoulders were always tense. Encrid swung his sword in the air. The swing was far less forceful than usual, almost empty. ¡®This is just rxing the muscles.¡¯ Rxing the body doesn¡¯t mean diminishing the power of swordsmanship. He began to vaguely see the method, the path, the signposts. Knowing doesn¡¯t mean you can immediately do it. He knew this all too well. Encrid was painfully aware of his own talent. He merely realized that he needed to rx his shoulders. But even this realization made his heart pound with excitement. Joy and exhration filled his entire being. Just knowing he could walk straight brought the joy of seeing the path ahead. For Encrid, the sword was life, and life was the sword. Apanion walking towards his dreams. And with this joy came a question. ¡®Is desperation the only answer?¡¯ He had always resolved not to waste today for the sake of tomorrow. He had steeled his mind countless times. Enduring and desperately struggling wasn¡¯t difficult, so he had done it that way. ¡®But it¡¯s not always necessary.¡¯ With his thoughts, he swung his sword down. Shing. The sound of the de cutting through the air was different from before. Hearing this, a faint smile appeared on Encrid¡¯s face. That sword stroke just now. He felt a sense of nostalgia from that simple downward swing. When was it? It was in the tall grass field with Andrew and Enri. Themonly known ¡°cut that doesn¡¯t feel in the hand¡±. That strike that those called geniuses achieve countless times. Had there been an opponent before him just now, he could have cut through without even feeling it in his hands. Despite countless attempts to replicate that same sensation, he had never been able to perform that ¡°cut that doesn¡¯t feel in the hand¡± again. ¡®It¡¯s happening.¡¯ To think that this strike hade from his hand now. How could he not be happy about this? ¡°That stroke just now seemed a bit different.¡± Finn remarked. ¡°Indeed. It was an unusual cut.¡± Torres added, sitting alongside Finn, both observing. They both had a keen eye. Finn continued, ¡°But is he really okay? Why does he keep grinning to himself?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t ask me. I¡¯ve only seen him a few times. He¡¯s famous back at the main unit for being a bit odd.¡± Encrid lightly ignored their conversation. He just wanted to swing his sword again and again. And as he did, he continued to think. ¡®Even if you¡¯re desperate.¡¯ What about desperation without tension in the shoulders? It wasn¡¯t just about struggling desperately every day. Shouting in anger wasn¡¯t the only way. What was important? Taking steps forward towards tomorrow, the mindset, and gaining everything possible along the way. It was an enlightenment. A realization. A new learning. And while smiling with joy at this thought, ¡°Ah, with a face like that, he can smile like that and still look fine. Normally, he¡¯d look like a madman, but why does it seem fitting?¡± Finn said, taking another drink. ¡°And what about me?¡± Torres interjected, oblivious to the topic. He was promptly ignored. A few squad membersughed and patted him on the shoulder. Though they had only known each other for a few days, they quickly became close. As Encrid continued to swing his sword vigorously, Finn, Torres, and a few others shared a few drinks. There wasn¡¯t much to drink, and it wasn¡¯t strong liquor either. It was cheap fruit wine that could be easily found in the city. As they ate a few slices of the ham they had cured and smoked in the makeshift dining area in the forest, ¡°You should open a restaurant.¡± someone quipped. These words naturally came to the scout whose dream was to be a cook. Encrid didn¡¯t even get a sip of the drink. He didn¡¯t intend to drink today anyway, but even if he wanted to, there wasn¡¯t anything left to drink. While he was swinging his sword and washing up, the rest had quickly finished it off. ¡°What¡¯s the matter? You think you can drink with that face too?¡± Torres grumbled for no reason. Though not in the mood forughter and chatter, it was a time to unwind a bit. Of course, there were always a few who stayed alert, like antennae on edge. Finn was one of those. She had taken a sip or two, but she was responsible for everyone. Thus passed the day, and night returned to the dugout. Whether heading to the burrow they called the ¡°rabbit hole¡± or going to the wall, no one should have stayed here tonight. When Finn left, they were supposed to empty the camp and regroup closer to the main unit. All ns changed when they decided to disguise themselves as a caravan, and the night that shouldn¡¯t have existed arrived. Two moons rose, casting a blue light around. Before entering the dugout, Encrid looked up at the two moons. Therge, round moon was always visible, while the second, smaller moon only appeared during the full moon. ¡®Bright.¡¯ The surroundings were clear. Staying up all night would just repeat today. He had already learned this while digging under a cobbler¡¯s shop in the city. So, struggling to stay awake was pointless. He decided to rest his eyes to avoid unnecessary fatigue. Just as the deep night beganpared to yesterday, it was around the time they had reached the front of the wall. Awooooo! A cry rang out from quite close. Encrid had a rough idea why his sixth sense hadn¡¯t activated when he was killed by the wizard. The reason for the absence of a sense of foreboding. ¡®When spells are at work.¡¯ While climbing the wall, a wizard with rose vines or thorns had been above him. Because she had cast spells, he couldn¡¯t sense anything from above. He hadn¡¯t heard or felt the danger. But now? ¡°Damn! Wake up! Emergency! Emergency!¡± It was the cry of a scout on guard duty. The howl of wolves, the warning shout of a soldier, followed by a sound. Tat! Tat! Tat! It was the sound of something rushing. And then, a beast appeared, silhouetted against the moonlight. There is a race known as beastfolk living at the eastern edge of the continent, a unique species with characteristics of both humans and beasts. The beast that appeared now was known as a failed creation of these beastfolk. Being a failed creation of the creator,they always craved blood and harbored hatred for humans. Awooooo! It was the owner of the howl. Their ankles jutted backward, as if they were standing on their toes. Covered in gray fur, their yellow eyes gleamed with a beastly re. A pronounced snout protruded, revealing sharp fangs. The creature, silhouetted against the moonlight, was a lycanthrope,monly known as a werewolf. As expected, since they weren¡¯t a part of the beastfolk race, they couldn¡¯tmunicate like most monsters. The one leading the pack had a distinctive scar running across its left eye, leaving it blind in that eye. With its single remaining yellow eye, it surveyed the area and opened its mouth. ¡°Kaaaah!¡± The monster¡¯s cry rang out. To Encrid, it sounded like amand to charge. ¡°Stay alert!¡± He shouted reflexively. How would this night end? He thought it was a fifty-fifty chance. Either it would be a night where nothing happened because they didn¡¯t take any risks. Or something would happen. The result was thetter. Werewolves, and not just one or two. Besides the one in the lead, the others scattered in all directions. Despite the bright moonlight, it was hard to spot them at a nce. All that remained were shadows darting across the darkness with the sound of paws hitting the ground. Between the trees and in the ces where the moonlight was obscured, yellow eyes gleamed like lines. The werewolves under the moonlight circled the clustered humans. They ran so fast that they seemed like afterimages. ¡°Damn.¡± Encrid realized something else here. A sense of foreboding. Why hadn¡¯t he felt any sense of danger? Why had Finn, a veteran, been sote in noticing the approach of the werewolves? ¡®They must have used some trick.¡¯ It meant that there was likely a wizard involved here too. The fact that werewolves had gathered ande in such numbers was unusual. He didn¡¯t know what trickery the wizard had used. The results were clear before his eyes. There were over ten of them, even from a rough count. ¡°Over ten of them. This isn¡¯t good.¡± Torres spoke as they stood back-to-back. Encrid drew his sword as well. Shing. With his back against Torres, he decided to thinkter. While he had nned to struggle just enough to survive,he couldn¡¯t just die quietly. ¡®No, that¡¯s not an option.¡¯ As always,he would take a step towards tomorrow. Encrid steeled himself and held his sword steady. The name of the creature was Lycanthrope. A monster imbued with magical power in its heart. It was a far more challenging adversary than a ghoul, the flesh-eating undead. To take down even a single werewolf typically required an entire trained squad. Attempting to hunt with fewer numbers was not rmended. It would likely result in severe injuries or deaths. And if lycanthropes formed a pack, it was advised not to engage even with a toon. But now it seemed, ¡°Ha, there must be over twenty of them.¡± The number had increased even in that brief moment. There were ten scouts, including himself and Torres. The werewolves numbered over twenty. And, as if to prove Encrid¡¯s suspicion of a wizard¡¯s involvement, they were surrounded and under attack. Werewolves, a difficult adversary even when driven by primal instincts,were even stronger on nights when the dual moons were out. And now they wereunching a coordinated attack? How could one describe this situation? ¡°We¡¯re gonna die, aren¡¯t we?¡± Torres¡¯s sarcastic remark was his answer. There was no way out. Encrid fought valiantly, killing three werewolves and severing the arm of a fourth. During the chaos, he managed to throw a whistling dagger at the one-eyed leader, making two new ¡®friends¡¯ for the creature. It was truly a fierce battle. This was the aftermath of fighting a pack of lycanthropes. Torres had a simr fate. He fell before Encrid but not before taking down two werewolves himself. Finn managed to kill one before sumbing to the second. The other members fared no better. Encrid, bleeding profusely, let his injured arm hang limp. As he turned to deliver a final blow, he stumbled over something at his feet. It was the head of the scout who had dreamed of bing a cook. ¡°This is a bit annoying.¡± Even knowing that death would reset the day,seeing such things wasn¡¯t exactly pleasant. ¡°Rooargh!¡± Six werewolves pounced on Encrid at once. Surviving was out of the question. It was the first time he experienced being torn apart and devoured. Naturally, it was a painful ordeal. As time passed in agony, he eventually closed his eyes. When he opened them again,the pain was gone. He saw a ck river, silently rippling. Floating on the river was a small boat with a ferryman. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans Or You can subscribe for a membership and support me. You will be able to read 15 chapters ahead oftest free chapter and daily 1 new chapter: /revengerscans ] Chapter 102 ¡°What is more enjoyable?¡± Being shot with an arrow and dying skewered? Being strangled by a wizard¡¯s vine and pricked by thorns? Being torn apart by a pack of lycanthropes? The ferryman appeared and spoke with augh. It was augh that could be perceived only because he allowed it. It was strangely fascinating. How should one describe this? It was as if someone was telling them that the ferrymanughed. They knew the ferryman wasughing, but they neither saw theughing face nor heard the sound ofughter. They only perceived in their mind that the ferrymanughed. Having heard the question, Encrid answered. Towards the ck river, the boat, and the ferryman. He couldn¡¯t tell whether his answer was directed at the ferryman, the boat, or the ck river. Yet, he could still open his mouth to speak. ¡°An arrow is the best option.¡± Being torn apart by a pack of lycanthropes or being strangled by a wizard¡¯s vine was worse. ¡°Go mad¡­ In such madness, you must entertain me.¡± Did the ferryman¡¯s words falter for a moment, or was it just an illusion? Encrid wasn¡¯t mad. Not at all. He just answered because there was no need to hesitate. ¡°I answered coldly.¡± ¡°Crazy bastard.¡± The ferryman began withughter and ended with anger. Of course, this also seemed as if someone was telling him. Whether the ferryman was truly angry was unknown. He just perceived that the ferryman was irritated. And that was the end of it. The ck darkness spread over the ck river. He closed and opened his eyes. It was dawn, before the sunrise. Still the same today. Encrid stood up lightly. There was no heaviness in his body or mind. Of course, there was still the pain from being torn apart and having his insides ripped by a werewolf¡¯s ws. ¡°Sigh.¡± He decided to forget it with a sigh. Even if he couldn¡¯t truly forget, moving his body and swinging his sword would make it okay. Encrid was calm. Both in attitude and mind. ¡®Rx your shoulders.¡¯ Normally, he would be scrambling, almost desperately, to survive and escape today. But Encrid was serene. Like a quietke. Hadn¡¯t he realized something new? ¡®Is desperation the only answer?¡¯ No, it wasn¡¯t. Walking towards tomorrow remained the same. However, running at full speed wasn¡¯t necessarily the fastest path. And there was no absolute need to get there the fastest. ¡®There are three paths¡­¡¯ He got up and moved his body as usual, starting to organize his thoughts. The beginning was the lycanthropes. ¡®Those guys too.¡¯ It was strange. They seemed to be acting under someone¡¯smand or had experienced such a situation before. ¡®It must be the wizard¡¯s doing.¡¯ This wizard was on a different level from the one he had encountered before. ¡®Lesha of the Rose Vines.¡¯ The name he had heard stood out clearly in his mind. Could he catch them? There was no need to ask such a question. Because he had to catch them. His thoughts then shifted to the pack of lycanthropes. He was reviewing what he had experienced in reverse order. ¡®It¡¯s a scheme by the wizard.¡¯ It was a certainty. When he tried to scale the wall, the wizard was there to greet him. When he aimed for the gap, a unit blocked him from front and back. In front, there were elite soldiers armed with broad shields and long spears, while the back was blocked by an archer unit. Perfectly prepared. ¡®They couldn¡¯t have known without prior information.¡¯ He didn¡¯t know how it all worked out, but the conclusion was that the enemy had already read his movements. So, was there a spy? If there was, there would have been some indication during the lycanthrope attack. Information might have been leaked in another way. It was a situation the ferryman couldugh at. All three paths seemed like walls. These were not walls that could simply be ovee through training. ¡®Should I call it bad luck?¡¯ How is it that there are always situations that could lead to death? However,does bad luck change anything? No. Encrid was the same. Unchanged. His mind remained steady. Clink. Encrid re-tied the grip of his sword. It was a sign that he was starting a new day. Encrid mentally divided his morning schedule. He moved ording to that n. After practicing the Istion Technique, he trained in swordsmanship. Then he practiced with the hidden knife again. ¡°Up for a sparring match?¡± He asked Finn to train in Vf-Style Martial Arts. ¡°Is someone after you? You seem in a hurry today.¡± Torres said while checking his equipment. How many knives did he have hidden on his body? Encrid watched Torres strap on a belt with eight knives and responded. ¡°Just doing my best every day.¡± ¡°You¡¯ll wear yourself out like that.¡± A body like his wouldn¡¯t be worn out by such things. ¡°Shall we go, then?¡± Finn, who had been sparring with him all morning, said. It was also the point when Encrid¡¯s training, which had started at dawn, ended. He couldn¡¯t go drenched in sweat, so he quickly changed clothes and headed out. On the way, Finn mentioned that the Aspen scouting party was hard to spot. It was something Encrid had already heard. Pushing through the bushes, Finnmented on the seemingly edible berries. ¡°Those are poisonous.¡± ¡°Better be careful, then.¡± Encrid immediately replied. ¡°You¡¯re quite interesting.¡± ¡°In what way?¡± Torres, who was cutting through the bushes with a dagger, chimed in. ¡°You act like you know things, as if you¡¯ve been here before.¡± Was this a woman¡¯s intuition or a ranger¡¯s instinct? ¡°It¡¯s my first time.¡± ¡°Speakfortably.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Would he say the same small talk again? In the first ¡®today¡¯, he did. Fortunately or not, Finn didn¡¯t bring it up. Instead, he just gave Encrid a peculiar look. Even if today repeated, not everything happened the same way. A few small things would change. And so, they arrived at the entrance of the gap. ¡°How deep is it here?¡± Just before entering, Encrid asked. ¡°Hmm? If we walk diligently, it won¡¯t even take an hour.¡± ¡°I see.¡± ¡°Why do you ask?¡± ¡°Just curious.¡± ¡°Are you scared of the dark? Don¡¯t worry, big sister will hold your hand.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not that.¡± Finn chuckled and spoke up. ¡°The ranger goes first.¡± They descended the path, using the slope as a shield. The same thing as before happened. Encrid didn¡¯t give the two any specific warnings or preparations. Instead, he remembered everything that happened. ¡°What should we do if we get surrounded?¡± He had never asked such a question to any of his squad members. This means he hadn¡¯t learned from them. But he did know one thing from experience. Avoiding such a situation was key. If it could be avoided, then that was the right course of action. But what if it couldn¡¯t be avoided? That was something to ponder from now on. Encrid was searching for an answer. ¡°Come on!¡± The enemy appeared, a unit armed with spears and shields. At least two squads, by the looks of it. Several torches lit up the scene ahead. Creeeak. As if waiting for this moment, a group of enemy soldiers armed with short bows blocked the rear. ¡®Looks like there are about twenty here as well.¡¯ He turned his gaze back to the front and saw someone who appeared to be themander. This person had their head poking out between shields, wearing a steel helmet that covered their forehead, leaving only their eyes visible. Though faint, there was a hint of exhration in their eyes. They seemed to be relishing the situation. ¡°Wildcat woman.¡± Themander spoke. ¡°Damn it.¡± Finn muttered, turning her head back and forth, then drew a dagger, gripping it in reverse and lowering her stance. Her left hand was angled in front of her face, while her right hand was pulled back, hiding the knife from the enemy¡¯s view. She indeed looked like a wildcat hiding its ws. Torres moved quietly alongside the shadow cast by the torches. Some of the soldiers with short bows had their eyes on Torres. ¡®They have sharp eyes.¡¯ It showed they were well-trained soldiers. As expected. Once caught in the trap, there was no escape. It was the kind of trap that even knights couldn¡¯t escape from. Finn and Torres were both excellent fighters. If only they weren¡¯t in a cave. If only they weren¡¯t blocked from both sides. ¡®Then we might stand a chance.¡¯ But no, resisting would only lead to death. Just as themander was about to shout something. ¡°Wait.¡± Encrid stepped forward, showing his left palm. He hadn¡¯t drawn his sword, signaling that he had no intention of fighting. ¡°They don¡¯t seem like the kind who can be reasoned with.¡± Torres muttered. Finn, meanwhile, continued to re fiercely ahead. ¡°What is it?¡± Themander¡¯s rxed demeanor came from his certainty of having them caught. He asked, ¡°What is it?¡± Encrid needed to close the distance with the enemy. As Torres had said, they were not the kind to be reasoned with. He just needed a moment¡¯s respite. Before the fight began, and before the enemy moved violently, there was something to confirm. Step by step. Encrid walked forward with his hands raised, signaling that he had no intention of fighting. His eyes scrutinized the enemy¡¯s armor and clothing, now clearly visible in the torchlight. ¡®Dust.¡¯ It had umted quite a bit. This gap was just over an hour¡¯s walk. The dust on the enemy soldiers didn¡¯t seem to have umted just today. ¡®They didn¡¯t just wait today.¡¯ So, his question was meant to confirm something. ¡°How many days have you been waiting?¡± ¡°¡­What?¡± Themander¡¯s voice had a note of surprise, as if struck by the unexpected question. That was a confirmation. ¡®They weren¡¯t just waiting in certainty.¡¯ What could it be that kept them waiting here? He was curious, but curiosity wasn¡¯t the priority right now. The oue was. The fact that these soldiers had been waiting here for days. ¡°You¡¯ve hidden your presence well.¡± Encrid spoke again, testing the enemy with every word. Themander didn¡¯t seem to grasp this. ¡°You bastard. Who are you? Are you a wizard too?¡± Was there another wizard involved here? What exactly was that woman Lesha of the Rose Vines up to? ¡°Lesha, is it?¡± He decided to push a bit further. ¡°¡­Damn it, I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re on about, but die.¡± That was as far as the conversation went. Soon, the enemy soldiers charged, and arrows and spears targeted Encrid, Finn, and Torres. Themander gesturedmands to his troops and retreated. Finn looked as if she wanted to kill thatmander, but she didn¡¯t have the skill to break through the soldiers with shields and long spears blocking the way. Her skills were not suited for this kind of situation, making her seem only as capable as an ordinary soldier. Torres was different. He kicked off a wall, performing unexpected maneuvers, and flicked his hand in mid-air. Four throwing knives flew from his hand. Even Encrid couldn¡¯t clearly see where they were headed. It was a hidden move from Torres, but¡­ Thud. It wasn¡¯t enough. Even the archers and those blocking the front were fully covered with thick leather shields. ¡®If you¡¯re going to aim, you might as well target their toes or something.¡¯ That was it. Putting aside the solution to get over the wall, Encrid decided to execute what he had nned. Facing well-trained elite soldiers. And many of them, at that. This moment was a very unfamiliar experience for Encrid. There had never been a time when a group of fighters less skilled than himself targeted him in such numbers. Because they simply wouldn¡¯t have had the skill. Over time, he had increased his swordsmanship. He had killed the perverted stabber and cut down Mitch Hurrier. Assassins had targeted him as well. But this was truly a first. Fighting as a minority against a group, a unit, a force. On a battlefield, he might have been able to use allies around him. But here, there was no such opportunity. ¡®In that case¡­¡¯ Could this not actually be a chance to improve his skills? Thinking this way, ¡°Interesting.¡± He muttered to himself. ¡°This crazy bastard.¡± A spearman, looking appalled, thrust his spear at the smiling Encrid. Seeing someone muttering that it was interesting andughing with blood dripping from their mouth just before death would not have seemed normal. Of course, Encrid didn¡¯t care about that. He was only full of thoughts about trying various things. ¡®Focus Point and Sense of the de alone won¡¯t work.¡¯ Narrowing his vision against multiple enemies would lead to a dead end. Could he cut and crush them like he did with groups of ghouls, packs of wolf beasts, or human-faced hounds? ¡®No, it won¡¯t work.¡¯ The enemy was not a wild beast but a unit capable of employing strategy and tactics. Encrid used his head and thought things through. It was as usual. The only difference was that he was a bit more rxed than before. For several days, he tried to enter through the gap, but when that didn¡¯t work, he went to meet the wizard on the wall. When he was blocked while grappling with Lesha¡¯s vines, he danced with the werewolves under the moonlight. Of course, the end of that dance was always death. Encrid had resolved himself, so he did not feel impatient. He simply gave his best effort in every moment. Just because he was more rxed didn¡¯t mean he would waste a day. After forty-two repetitions of the same day, he mastered the Hidden Knife technique. ¡°How¡­ How did you do that?¡± Naturally, Torres looked at him with wide eyes. To him, it seemed as if Encrid had mimicked his secret technique in just one day. ¡°Just lucky, I guess.¡± It was a poor excuse, but Torres had nothing more to say. ¡°In just one day?¡± He could only mutter such words. Since showing it off to Torres wouldn¡¯t further his mastery of the Hidden Knife, Encrid continued to practice on his own beyond the forty-second repetition, even beyond seventy times. He spared Torres the difort of watching him demonstrate the Hidden Knife¡¯s technique anymore. He just kept practicing it alone. Day by day, he also improved in Vf-Style Martial Arts. This was thanks to sparring with Finn, who was skilled in Ail Caraz-Style Martial Arts. And so, after repeating today over and over again,Encrid felt that he no longer needed to repeat the Hidden Knife, Vf-Style Martial Arts, dealing with the wizard on the wall, building grip strength by climbing the wall, or training his swordsmanship against the pack of lycanthropes. ¡®Everything.¡¯ There was no need to repeat it anymore. So, what was next? It was time to move beyond today and head towards tomorrow. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans Or You can subscribe for a membership and support me. You will be able to read 15 chapters ahead oftest free chapter and daily 1 new chapter: /revengerscans.] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 103 ¡®The goddess of luck must have cursed me.¡¯ thought Encrid, looking up at the sky. The blue moon filled his vision. It was still before dawn, and having woken up early, he could still see the moon he saw before sleeping. The moon was indeed bright. ¡®Come to think of it, isn¡¯t it true?¡¯ In his dreams, there¡¯s a ferryman and a wall, but no matter what, he keeps dying in unlucky ways. This time was no different. He tried to exploit a gap in the enemy formation several times, but luck never seemed to be on his side. He aimed for a weak spot, struck at a spearman¡¯s foot, and charged in, only to have a mound of earth suddenly copse over his head. Why did part of the ceiling have to copse at that moment? And why did the falling dirt have to get in his eyes? It was the same afterward. He ran along the castle wall targeting a wizard, but part of the wall, which had been holding up until then, suddenly crumbled, removing his foothold. Other simr misfortunes followed. Once, he found that the heart of a lycanthrope was on the opposite side, perhaps because it was a mutant. While catching his breath during a fight, he leaned against a tree, only to find it rotten and unable to support him, causing him to lose bnce. Such unlucky events were not a one-time urrence. From being born without innate talent, wasn¡¯t that also a form of bad luck? ¡®Is the goddess ying tricks on me?¡¯ he wanted to ask, though he knew there would be no answer. It wasn¡¯t a question he expected an answer to. It was just a way to mark the start of a new day. Today began with greeting the goddess. He got up and started training with the Istion Technique. He walked in a crouched stance, one knee bent, almost touching the ground with the other. As he focused on his training, others began to wake and move. Encrid caught one of the scouts and asked, ¡°Can you make something like this? I need a pouch to use as an emergency fund.¡± He exined that it was a cloth pouch he wanted to keep inside his sleeve. It would be even better if it could be fixed in ce. Since they even made ham in their spare time, they had various tools and didn¡¯t need to gather materials. ¡°Sure, it can be done quickly. But don¡¯t you have to leave soon?¡± ¡°It would be nice if you could make it before that.¡± Encrid said. The scout blinked and nodded. ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll do it. Hey, can you cover my shift?¡± The scout was generous. Encrid thanked him with a pat on the shoulder. After finishing his training, Finn approached. ¡°Are you giving us a good show this morning?¡± He was referring to Encrid practicing with his sword shirtless. ¡°Can you use a crossbow?¡± ¡°Is that even a question? It¡¯s basic training for a ranger.¡± Encrid anticipated the response and replied, ¡°I was just asking.¡± ¡°¡­I don¡¯t really have a response to that.¡± ¡°How do you make your footsteps so quiet by putting something under your boots?¡± Encrid asked. ¡°Oh, this? There are a lot of sensitive beasts around here.¡± Finn replied, gesturing to her ear with her left hand. ¡°So, I doubleyer cloth on the soles and put cotton inside the boots.¡± Encrid didn¡¯t ask because he didn¡¯t know. ¡°That sounds good. I¡¯d like to do that with my boots as well.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not difficult.¡± ¡°Torres?¡± Encrid called. ¡°Do you want me to do it too?¡± ¡°There are a lot of beasts around, after all.¡± Finn added, although the likelihood of encountering them was low. Two of the team members began modifying the boots. ¡°These boots are very meticulously made. You can tell a lot of care went into them.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Encrid responded, pleased. The boots had been crafted with effort by a shoemaker they met thanks to a body enthusiast in the sewers. It was apliment he appreciated. It didn¡¯t take long to addyers of cloth to the soles and stuff the inside with cotton. Training was finished, and the soundless boots were ready. ¡°Here.¡± one of the scouts handed over the pouch Encrid had requested earlier in the morning. The pouch could be hidden inside his sleeve by looping it around the wrist and tightening the cord. It was stitched very finely, better than what their squad leader, who liked to drink, could do. Encrid had known about the scout¡¯s sewing skills beforehand, having tried everyone out. Finn¡¯s attempt had been the worst. It would have been better if she hadn¡¯t tried at all, given herck of skill. The pouch she made was so misshapen it barely fit a finger inside and was unusable. ¡°Ha ha, it¡¯s been a while since I sewed.¡± Finn had said,ughing it off. Such days had been a tough start. On this particr morning, Finn, who had once given Encrid a hard start with her sewing, came over and patted him on the shoulder. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Breakfast was over, and preparations wereplete. They were heading towards the tunnel again. ¡®The seventy-ninth time.¡¯ Encrid counted the repeated days as he walked briskly. He knew the path well, having walked it countless times. Finn asionally nced back and, noticing Encrid¡¯s stride, asked with a curious tilt of his head, ¡°Did you work as a scout for a long time?¡± ¡°Me?¡± Torres asked, before turning his gaze to Encrid. ¡°No.¡± Encrid replied as they walked. ¡°Really?¡± Torres seemed puzzled by the question, but Encrid knew exactly why it was asked. He knew what Finn would say next if pressed. ¡°Your walk is different, like that of a ranger.¡± ¡°That¡¯s the answer.¡± Encrid said. What else had he been doing, trailing behind Finn all this time? He had observed her walk and mimicked it. It was a ranger¡¯s walk, using the cloth beneath their boots to move silently. As they continued walking quietly along a dirt path, asionally covered with grass, Encrid asked, ¡°What if the enemy is waiting at the tunnel?¡± It was a sudden question but a valid concern. ¡°We fight.¡± Torres answered first, kicking a pebble in front of him. The stone skidded and bounced off a t, yellowish rock. Encrid carefully watched where the stonended, listening intently. ¡°The chances are slim, but if they are, we just run.¡± Finn responded, seemingly prepared for the question. ¡°I see.¡± Encrid replied briefly. As they reached a hillock covered with bushes, Encrid asked another question, ¡°What if our retreat is cut off?¡± Torres, who had just stepped onto the hillock, looked puzzled, wondering why Encrid was asking these questions. The mission was simple: get inside, check the status of the ¡®cat¡¯ nted by their allies, and if things went wrong, retreat freely. Why was Encrid being so cautious before the mission even started? ¡°We¡¯re making sure that won¡¯t happen.¡± Finn answered, her tone bing more rigid due to the repeated questioning. ¡°How high and wide is that tunnel?¡± ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°If we¡¯re blocked front and back, are there any other paths?¡± They hadn¡¯t even taken a few steps up the hillock, yet the questions kepting. ¡®What¡¯s up with this guy?¡¯ Torres thought, tilting his head in confusion. Why was Encrid asking all this now after following silently until now? It couldn¡¯t be because he was scared. If he were afraid of crawling through a tunnel, he wouldn¡¯t have charged into the midst of a pack of werewolves. He certainly wouldn¡¯t have fought harpies descending from the sky. ¡°Why? Got a bad feeling?¡± Torres asked. He didn¡¯t believe in superstition, but he respected Encrid¡¯s instincts, simr to those of certain people in the Border Guard, who had a knack for sensing things. ¡°It¡¯s not that.¡± Encrid replied calmly. They had to go in anyway, if he said he had a bad feeling, they might change their n. Finn looked back at Encrid, her expression questioning if he was trying to pick a fight with her. ¡°Got something to say?¡± ¡°I was just wondering what we should do if the enemy appears.¡± Encrid said. Finn tilted her head to the side and then straightened it again. She felt uneasy, though she didn¡¯t know why. Was it because this guy kept bringing up doubts? ¡°The tunnel is a main route for smugglers, not a path typically used by the ¡®cat¡¯ or our side. So, it¡¯s actually one of the safest routes right now.¡± Finn exined, reaffirming the reason they chose this path to herself as well. Torres nodded beside her. He wasn¡¯t quite at a ranger¡¯s level, but he had participated in all sorts of missions. ¡°This should be safe enough.¡± he thought, agreeing with Finn. Encrid nodded, and they stepped into the tunnel, walking a few steps inside. ¡°What if there¡¯s an armed force waiting ahead? Are we dead?¡± Encrid asked again. ¡°Oh, for fuck¡¯s sake.¡± Finn cursed under her breath. No matter how calm they tried to appear, they were still heading into enemy territory. Why was he bringing up such things? ¡°Do you not want to do this? If not, just leave.¡± Finn snapped, her frustration boiling over. Seeing Encrid shake his head made her even more irritated. ¡°It¡¯s not that.¡± Encrid replied. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with him?¡± Finn muttered, directing her frustration toward Torres. There are only so many times you can tolerate annoyingments. Was he always like this? No, something was different. Torres had no answer. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Encrid said, taking the lead as Finn stopped in her tracks, angered. Just as Finn was about to say something else in her frustration, both she and Torres felt something strange. Their attention was suddenly drawn to Encrid without them realizing it. Why? It was a heavy aura, a presence that Encrid exuded. Torres was an elite soldier, and Finn was no less skilled. Both felt the intensity of Encrid¡¯s aura. ¡°Just¡­¡± Encrid¡¯s voice broke the tension, ¡°I¡¯m saying we should be careful.¡± Finn swallowed hard at Encrid¡¯s measured words. What¡¯s with this guy? He had been annoying, but now, suddenly, he seemed impressive. The rising annoyance she felt vanished in an instant¡ªa miracle. ¡°Is this love?¡± Everyone in Finn¡¯s scouting unit knew she fell in love quickly. Thankfully, she never let it interfere with her work. Love is love. Men are men. Work is work. Finn acknowledged it. She had indeed rxed a bit. Even if the ¡®cat¡¯ got caught, it wouldn¡¯t reveal their position. Although entering the city was risky, she was confident they could escape if needed. They had nned to use a ¡°path¡± they had saved for such situations. ¡°Let¡¯s do that.¡± Finn agreed, quickly shifting her attitude. She began to step more cautiously. Torres did the same, though he briefly cast a strange look at Encrid. ¡°Of course, we need to be careful.¡± he said, then started walking. ¡®That should do it.¡¯ Encrid sensed the change in their attitudes. His warnings weren¡¯t just idle talk. The aura he projected was deliberate. They needed to create an opening to slit the throats of the waiting enemies and survive. On the other hand, they couldn¡¯t afford to show any weakness. They were up against elite soldiers equipped with spears and shields,ying traps, with archers blocking their retreat¡ªover forty in total. This wasn¡¯t a situation where they could afford any mistakes. So, he made sure to instill that sense of urgency. The caution of a regr soldier differed from that of a ranger. ¡®Strange.¡¯ Encrid thought to himself, feeling the tension in the air. Throughout their walk by torchlight, Finn kept her head down. A ranger with the skill to effortlessly track both pathfinders and hunters, she found the traces peculiar, just as she had said. ¡°The footprints are odd.¡± Finnmented. That¡¯s exactly what she had been excitedly exining. The enemy had tried to erase their tracks. But it¡¯s impossible topletely fool the eyes of a ranger who is actively searching for clues. Encrid hadn¡¯t nned for a direct confrontation from the start. How many times had he repeated today? There were lessons learned from all those repetitions. One of them was that a direct approach wasn¡¯t always necessary. ¡°I¡¯ve got a bad feeling about the rear.¡± Finn said, and Encrid quickly responded with his prepared line. His performance didn¡¯t need to be outstanding. He had done this countless times. This moment was familiar, it had urred many times before. He just needed to do what had to be done. ¡°Feels like there¡¯s definitely something ahead.¡± Finn remarked. ¡°Damn, what are you saying?¡± Torres muttered, looking around anxiously. Encrid decided it was the right moment to speak. ¡°Let¡¯s secure our retreat first.¡± By this, he meant they should turn back and clear the path. Specifically, he intended to deal with the archers who would be waiting behind them, but of course, Finn and Torres wouldn¡¯t know that. Finn and Torres turned their attention to Encrid. ¡°If someone blocks our retreat from behind¡­¡± Encrid didn¡¯t need to finish the sentence. ¡°Got it, let¡¯s go.¡± ¡°Must be a bad day.¡± Torres and Finn muttered consecutively as they turned around. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans Or You can subscribe for a membership and support me. You will be able to read 15 chapters ahead oftest free chapter and daily 1 new chapter: /revengerscans.] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 104 ¡°Dammit.¡± Finn muttered as she bit her lip. Only Encrid and Torres, who were following behind her, could barely hear her frustrated voice. The three of them had turned back not long ago when they encountered a group of soldiers. Finn, who was leaning against a gently curving corner, peeked her head out and threw the torch she was holding behind her. As the light source flew away with a whoosh, the only remaining light was the faintly glowing torch ahead. It meant that the surroundings were now dark. Torres crouched down, his gaze fixed forward. Though he couldn¡¯t see through the darkness, he had undergone training for such situations, allowing him to estimate the number of enemies and their equipment. ¡°Damn, there are a lot of them.¡± There were over twenty of them, even at a nce. And their equipment was formidable. They were armed with crossbows and carried short swords at their waists, all simrly equipped. What did this indicate? ¡®They¡¯re a trained unit.¡¯ The problem was that they weren¡¯t just some ragtag group of mercenaries. A group of trained soldiers was more dangerous than most monsters or beasts, especially in a narrow cave like this, armed with crossbows. ¡®We¡¯re screwed.¡¯ While Torres observed the enemy, Finn was contemting. Should they turn back and head towards the Cross Guard instead? Was their retreat blocked? Or was there something else on the path they originally intended to take? As Finn and Torres were sinking into light panic, silencing their thoughts to avoid making any noise, Encrid suddenly burst out. ¡°Messenger, this is Captain Roger¡¯s messenger!¡± Not only did he emerge, but he also did so loudly. Torres was shocked. Finn was even more shocked. She couldn¡¯t even think of reaching out or making a sound,pletely taken aback. ¡®Crazy bastard.¡¯ It was practically a suicide move. Even if only a few of the crossbowmen fired, they¡¯d be skewered. Encrid surely knew this, yet he charged out without hesitation. It made sense. Roger was the name of the spear unitmander. By shouting something that would catch the enemy off guard, he had made them hesitate. ¡°If there¡¯s no opening, you make one. Fair y? Does that save lives?¡± These were the words spoken by Jaxon. Deceiving the enemy? Why not, if necessary? Aspiring to be a knight didn¡¯t mean bing a fool who only fought duels. Honor was for situations where it was necessary. ¡®They set traps, used a sorcerer¡¯s tricks, and even employed lycanthropes, so what now?¡¯ But it wasn¡¯t just about deceiving the enemy and wasting the day. When the tension in his shoulders eased, his field of vision widened. A wider perspective revealed what Encrid could do and what he could gain. Past experiences and recent ones. Today¡¯s recurring events. What to hope for and gain in these gaps. There¡¯s no need to struggle just to escape today. ¡®A battle against many.¡¯ Fighting elite soldiers was not amon experience. Especially in a situation where they were trapped and could neither advance nor retreat. This was different from the tall grass field, where they could simply avoid conflict. Pikes and arrows, themander¡¯s orders, a front blocked by shields, and a rear bombarded with arrows. One wrong move could lead to death in an instant. While one might dodge a few arrows if they really tried, how could they avoid a rain of arrows? It wasn¡¯t as if they could impersonate a knight and deflect all the arrows with a sword. Thus, there was no time to practice swordsmanship in a standoff with elite soldiers. Such battles ended in an instant. One moment ofcency could lead to death. In such moments, what should one do? What should be the weapon? The line that connects dots. Seeing the dots and connecting the lines both happen in an instant. One realization emerged. ¡®Quick decision-making.¡¯ It¡¯s about making fast decisions to exploit fleeting opportunities. Even if they stayed here, it wouldn¡¯t take long¡ªperhaps only half a candle¡¯s burn time¡ªbefore the spear unit arrived. So what needed to be done now was clear. They needed to cut the throat of the damn crossbow unitmander and cause chaos. Without confronting the arrows, there was no hope for tomorrow. ¡°Captain Roger? A messenger?¡± This ce is a cave. It¡¯s difficult to recognize faces without bringing a torch closer. It¡¯s even harder to identify the uniform of Aspen¡¯s forces. And even if there was someone with keen eyesight, how could they closely observe Encrid¡¯s swiftly approaching figure? ¡°Enemy! Enemy!¡± Encrid shouted anything that might confuse the opponent. ¡°Damn! A monster!¡± The pupils of themander, who had blocked their retreat, trembled. Of course, Encrid couldn¡¯t see that. He didn¡¯t need to. With the distance closed and the torchlight illuminating faces, Encrid had identified themander. Crucially, he knew who themander was. He charged at them. ¡°What? Stop!¡± The enemy soldiers at the front shouted, but their reaction was too slow. Wasn¡¯t this momentary gap the reason for all the noise until now? Though Encrid covered dozens of steps in an instant, he had no time to catch his breath. Sching. He drew his sword, gripped it with both hands, pulled it to the right, and swung horizontally from right to left, in a high horizontal sh. The helmet and armor worn by the enemy did not protect their necks. Since the two standing to his left were of simr height, he could leave sh marks on both their necks with a single strike. Squelch! Blood gushed from the severed necks. ¡°Oh, what the hell!¡± As the shocked enemy soldiers reacted, Encrid saw themander retreating and moved his right hand. Holding the sword with his left hand, he mimicked striking his waist with his right hand before thrusting it forward. Whizz! It was a whistling dagger, far more dangerous and sharper than a regr throwing knife, that pierced through themander¡¯s leather helmet. If anyone survived with a de embedded more than halfway into their head¡­ ¡®They wouldn¡¯t be human.¡¯ ¡°Kill him!¡± Three or four enemy soldiers drew their short swords with a ng. Encrid, grateful that the cave was spacious, untied the buckler from his back and threw it. Thud! The round shield flew and struck the head of a soldier holding a crossbow a few steps away. ¡°Oof!¡± Using the shield to buy time by hitting the crossbowman aiming at him, Encrid pulled his sword to his chest. He then slightly angled his body to deflect the oing shes of the short swords. ng! Cling! ng! It was a technique using the t of the de to parry, though it wasn¡¯t much of a technique. He was merely using his sword as a shield. Then, he acted. ¡°Ha!¡± He suddenly shouted, startling his opponents. Observing the positions of the soldiers and the direction of the crossbows, Encrid leaped into action. He didn¡¯t just roll, he grabbed an enemy soldier¡¯s ankle and twisted it as he rolled to the side. Crunch. The soldier lost his bnce and copsed as Encrid twisted around like a snake, standing up. With his left arm, he wrapped around the soldier¡¯s neck. With his right hand, he grabbed and twisted the enemy¡¯s right wrist upward. The short sword the enemy held dropped to the ground. Thud. The sound of the de hitting the dirt was barely audible. ¡°Kk.¡± Killing the enemy was for amateurs. Keeping them alive was crucial for survival. Crossbows were deadly if fired from a distance in a cluster, but with the gap closed and a proper shield, they could be endured. And having discarded his buckler, Encrid had found himself a new meat shield. ¡®Reminds me of the first day.¡¯ Back then, he had also picked up a shield. This time was no different, except the shield was human rather than wooden. As he leaned against the wall, the crossbowmen hesitated, as did the soldiers with short swords. ¡°I¡¯m alone! Come at me, all of you! Long live Captain Roger! Are you Aspen¡¯s dogs just carrying those crossbows for show?¡± During the brief silence, Encrid spouted nonsense. And he kept going without stopping. ¡°Come on, all of you! Can¡¯t even handle one person? Is that how Captain Roger taught you?¡± ¡®It¡¯s about time they made a move.¡¯ He wasn¡¯t talking nonsense for no reason. Even if they were slow to catch on, now was the right time to act. And his expectation was met. Pat. The Ail Caraz-Style martial arts could subdue a person without a sound. Darkness, torches,motion, nonsense¡ªall of these could serve to temporarily conceal one¡¯s presence. ¡°That crazy bastard, shoot him!¡± ¡°Hey, no, don¡¯t! Don¡¯t shoot!¡± Excited soldiers and the one whose neck and wrist were being held shouted alternately. This was the perfect moment. The more time they bought, the better. Even now, somewhere behind them, Finn was likely knocking out or strangling enemies one by one with Ail Caraz-Style techniques, and Torres was probably making quiet ¡°pop¡± sounds as he shot bolts into the throats or heads of the enemy soldiers. In a direct confrontation, the two might be at a disadvantage, but with the situation turned around like this, it was apletely different story. Now, who had the upper hand? Who was surrounded? ¡°The day breaks, the darkness retreats, the sun shines, and the moon fades! Roger! Roger!¡± Encrid continued to shout to mask the presence of Finn and Torres. He even made up a song, singing in rhythm. Themander was dead with a de in his head, and two others had also died with screams. The chaos that followed was overwhelming, with the instigator continuing to spout nonsense. It was enough to drive anyone mad. ¡°Damn it, what are we supposed to do?¡± One of the enemy soldiers was in anguish, thinking it might be better to just shoot the captive in the head. The death of theirmander had left them directionless. As they hesitated, they heard the twang of a crossbow string. Thump! A bolt flew and embedded itself in the head of their capturedrade. ¡®Oh.¡¯ Someone had finally shot. ¡°Kill him.¡± It was likely muttered by the soldier who fired the shot. Even though this was a well-trained unit, they understood that such actions could lead to the worst-case scenario. ¡°Raise the torches! Behind me!¡± At that moment, Finn and Torres were discovered. They weren¡¯t top-tier assassins, after all. This was inevitable, but in the meantime, they had taken out six soldiers with crossbows. ¡®Not bad.¡¯ This wasn¡¯t the first time this day had repeated. There hadn¡¯t been many days when they managed to take down six enemies. Next up, Encrid pushed the human shield forward. The corpse, trembling with a quarrel bolt lodged in its head, fell forward. And just as the body was falling forward, in that split second, Encrid pulled out the whistling daggers from his side and waist and threw them. Extending his elbow, he flicked his fingers. Skipping the step of dropping his hand, he quickly moved. In the blink of an eye, six whistling daggers flew out. Whizz! A sharp sound. Thud! A dull thud. After creating six more corpses like that, only one soldier with a crossbow and two soldiers in a defensive stance with short swords remained. It all happened in an instant. For the enemy soldiers, it was a nightmare. And just as they were about to finish them off without a fight. ¡°Forward.¡± A deep voice echoed through the passageway. It was Roger, the spear unitmander, announcing his arrival. He came from the opposite end of the passageway that Encrid¡¯s group had traversed. Thud, thud, thud. The synchronized footsteps shook the ground and the air. The remaining soldiers from the archer unit gathered to one side. Roger and his unit appeared, illuminated by ten or so torches. He was calm, scanning the area with an indifferent expression despite seeing his fallenrades. One would expect some degree of panic if the group tasked with blocking the escape had been decimated. Thirty trained elite spear soldiers. Roger¡¯s gaze brieflynded on Encrid and then on Finn. ¡°You¡¯re lucky, like a wildcat.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not luck, it¡¯s skill, bastard.¡± The two red at each other as if they could kill with their eyes. The crackling of the torches echoed through the silent cave. It was already clear from the first encounter that there was a personal history between the two. Encrid didn¡¯t pay much attention to that. Instead, as Roger and his spear unit stopped at a certain distance, he moved again. With a swift leap, he lunged towards the three gathered archers. He thrust his sword, piercing another enemy¡¯s throat. As he retrieved his sword with a sickening squelch, the sound of a crossbow string twanging reached his ears. Encrid quickly ducked. The quarrel bolt whizzed past, just grazing his hair. ¡®That was close.¡¯ That was indeed a stroke of luck, he hadn¡¯t expected them to fire a quarrel bolt so suddenly. Realizing this luck was rare, he fully capitalized on it. ¡°I can see everything.¡± He pretended to charge at the soldier who had fired the crossbow, only to veer off and stab his sword into another enemy¡¯s head. Thud! After partially splitting the skull, Encrid retrieved his sword and pretended to retreat, all the while keeping a watchful eye on the remaining enemy. The increased light from the torches held by the spear unit illuminated the area, making Encrid¡¯s expression and gaze clearly visible to the enemy soldier. The soldier, seeing Encrid¡¯s expression, assumed there was an enemy behind him. Especially since several had already been killed from behind. But as the soldier turned around in rm, he saw only darkness. The darkness of the unlit passage, the cave, and the faintly falling dirt. As the soldier turned his head back, he saw a glimmer of light. It was the light reflected off a heavy,rge piece of metal. Thud. Just as the soldier turned his gaze back, Encrid lunged again, stabbing the soldier in the neck and killing him. This, too, happened in an instant. It was at this moment that Roger, unable to hold back, was about to shout ¡°Charge!¡± ¡°Message from Resha!¡± Encrid yed another trick. Hearing that, Roger hesitated. Resha was the name of the key wizard involved in this matter, how could he not be surprised? ¡°Run!¡± And then Encrid suddenly shouted. ¡°What?¡± Torres reflexively ran, even as he questioned themand. Finn, without a word, grabbed two crossbows and followed Encrid¡¯s lead. ¡°Capture them!¡± Roger¡¯s furious shout echoed behind them. The spear unit wasn¡¯t as heavily armored as the heavy infantry, so they wouldn¡¯t be impossible to pursue. Once they got out of the cave, they could run even while holding their spears. As Encrid ran, thoughts raced through his mind. The same went for Torres and Finn. They had many questions about the unfolding situation, but there was no time or breath to ask. Now was the time to run. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans Or You can subscribe for a membership and support me. You will be able to read 15 chapters ahead oftest free chapter and daily 1 new chapter: /revengerscans.] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 105 ¡°Catch them!¡± The enemy¡¯s shout rang out, and of course, they began to chase madly. Encrid nced back and then subtly changed direction. Thud. A pile of dirt fell right where he was about to pass. It wasn¡¯t a sign of copse. Just a symbol of bad luck. ¡®No, maybe today is a lucky day.¡¯ A quarrel had merely grazed his head, so he could consider himself lucky. The spear, angled forward, brushed against the top of the cave. The enemy began to run fiercely. They had already fought one battle. ¡®Not to the point of exhaustion, though.¡¯ The only issue was theck of light. Finn, a Ranger, had the skills of a Pathfinder who could see the way with eyes on the soles of her feet. She wouldn¡¯t trip in the darkness. The same went for Encrid. He had been mimicking Finn¡¯s footsteps all along. Even if not perfectly, he could roughly guess the shape of the ground with his feet. Moreover, how many times had they traveled this path? If he fell and broke his nose, it wouldn¡¯t be a matter of talent but rather a sign that he used his head as a helmet stand. Encrid had an excellent memory. For various reasons, Finn and Encrid could run through the darkness without issue. ¡°Shit.¡± Only Torres struggled. Every time he stepped into a dip, he flinched in surprise. Still, with his exceptional reflexes, he quickly regained his bnce and kept running. Whoosh. The sound of torches. Scrape. asionally, the sound of spears scraping the ceiling of the cave. Aside from that, it was just the heavy breathing of the chase. While Finn and Torres were the lightest on their feet, it wasn¡¯t enough to outrun their pursuers. It felt like they could be caught at any moment. As they ran, moonlight started to shine ahead. The entrance. The entrance to the small tunnel. Finn ran up the slope first and tossed a crossbow behind her. Thinking it might be useful as a throwing weapon rather than just discarding it, Encrid picked it up and threw it with all his might. The enemy, chasing closely behind, raised his shield, which had been at his side, to the front. Smack! It wasn¡¯t made of very strong material, as wood chips flew through the air, and the crossbow bounced off. It slowed the pursuit slightly but wasn¡¯t significant. Torres had fallen slightly behind, so Encrid threw it to help. Torres saw this and nodded at Encrid. A gesture of thanks in his eyes and nod. ¡®Even in this situation, giving thanks.¡¯ Finn was the first to get outside, and Encrid also reached the entrance, cing his hands on the edge of the slope to pull himself up. As dust and dirt fell below, Torres ducked his head. ¡°Wait a minute.¡± Suddenly, Torres spoke, drawing a dagger with his left hand and nting it into the ground on the sloped tunnel, then turning his body sideways. ¡®Oh, what is this now?¡¯ He leaned against the partially inclined wall, using his hand to steady himself. Unable to support himself with just his feet, he used the dagger to maintain bnce. He threw the dagger backward. ¡®This is something new.¡¯ Encrid hadn¡¯t seen this tactic in today¡¯s events, but then again, each repetition of today wasn¡¯t exactly the same, so it wasn¡¯t too surprising. The dagger flew back with a whistling sound. Thud! Thud! Despite having thrown away their torches, the enemy soldiers skillfully blocked the iing dagger with their shields. ¡°You bastards.¡± Two soldiers who blocked the dagger cursed harshly. Their eyes glinted fiercely, and it seemed they wouldn¡¯t let them die peacefully if caught. Of course, Encrid had been captured before. Being caught didn¡¯t usually end well. You could end up being skewered like a kebab. Or have a de stuck in your head. In truth, no death was really wee. ¡°Damn it.¡± Seeing the dagger blocked, Torres clicked his tongue. Even with the torches and moonlight, it was still a dark ce. To block that? It was clear that no ordinary training could produce soldiers like these. Torres was convinced by the soldiers¡¯ ability to block the dagger. ¡®They¡¯re at the Border Guard level.¡¯ Which meant that getting caught was a death sentence. Even though Encrid was right beside him, reaching out a hand. ¡®This isn¡¯t good.¡¯ ¡°How many do you think we can take on?¡± He asked while sping hands with Encrid. ¡°If we meet them separately, we could handle them all, but if theye in a group like that, well¡­¡± Encrid also seemed to have no solution, but oddly enough, there was a faintck of tension on his face. Why is he so calm? Torres wondered as he quickly climbed up. One of the spearmen behind them showed a simr skill to Torres. Whoosh. He threw a shortsword like a throwing knife. Impressive. Encrid thought as he drew his sword and deflected it. The de of the shortsword got caught about halfway down his sword. ng! Thud! The shortsword ricocheted off and embedded itself in the ground nearby. The de reflected the red and blue hues of the moonlight and the torches below. ¡°Hurry.¡± Encrid¡¯s single word after deflecting the sword. Torres moved even faster. ¡°Get out!¡± Finn, who had been the first to get out, quickly drew the pulley of thest crossbow and fixed the string, then shouted. As Encrid and Torres moved to the sides, Finn pulled the trigger on the crossbow. With a thud, a quarrel shot into the hole, casting shadows due to the torches. Since it wasn¡¯t a repeating crossbow, they were limited to one shot. A thud was heard, but there was no time to check if it hit a head or was blocked by a shield. ¡°Run.¡± This time, Finn spoke first and moved. Encrid and Torres followed. Torres in the middle, Encrid at the rear. They headed towards the camp where the main group had been stationed. As she ran, Finn kept thinking. ¡®Where should we go?¡¯ Towards the main camp? What if this is a trap they¡¯ve set up? But if we head towards the river, won¡¯t there be Aspen¡¯s Rangers? No, causing this muchmotion will attract beasts and monsters. Even if we could handle a dozen ghouls, what if we¡¯re unlucky enough to encounter a colony? Facing a colony of beasts or monsters with a small force is suicidal. There¡¯s a vast difference between a group of wandering beasts and a colony, a structured group called a ¡®colony¡¯. As a Ranger, she knew well the ecology of beasts and monsters. ¡®What¡¯s the worst-case scenario here?¡¯ Getting caught. Beasts and monsters are something to worry aboutter. ¡°To the camp.¡± Encrid made the decision, ending Finn¡¯s dilemma. She nced back. She could see Encrid following at the rear. All three were panting, but his eyes and expression seemed oddly calm. ¡®Why?¡¯ Why does he look so calm? Oh, his mouth is closed. Even while running like this, he wasn¡¯t panting. She herself was starting to run out of breath. Isn¡¯t his armor heavier than hers? He¡¯s even carrying a longsword at his waist, yet he looks so at ease? Finn couldn¡¯t ask why he was heading in that direction. She just had to make a decision. Encrid didn¡¯t interfere further with Finn¡¯s decision. He likely thought that no matter where they went now, they were doomed. ¡®He¡¯ll manage on his own.¡¯ She would probably follow Encrid¡¯s lead and head towards the camp, retracing their steps as much as possible. That¡¯s a Ranger¡¯s instinct¡ªto follow a path deemed safe. Having experienced several ¡®todays¡¯, they knew this. As they ran back, Encrid¡¯s hands began to move busily. He unfastened his sword from his belt, and while running, started swinging it from side to side. More precisely, he stabbed the sword towards the ground and then lifted it upwards. Thunk, whoosh, thunk, whoosh. Following the movement of the sword in its sheath, t stones lifted into the air. Encrid used the sword as a bat and swung them backward. ¡°Huh!¡± More than five spearmen were following closely behind. They were some of the fastest in their unit. One of the ones at the front sneered. It seemedughable that they were trying to block their path with t stones. He didn¡¯t even bother to raise his shield, instead thrusting his spear forward. There was no need to dodge, he intended to knock the stones aside without losing speed. Thump. The spearman thought everything was going ording to n. It would have been, except for the strange long shadow that arched into the air after hitting the stone. Hiss! ¡°Agh!¡± It was a snake. A snake had been hiding under the t stone. ¡°Damn it!¡± The spearman quickly drew his shortsword and swung it. sh! He severed the snake¡¯s body. It wasn¡¯t a beast. But it was venomous. One of the spearmen was unlucky. A viper had sprung out from under the stone, coiled around his shin, and bit into the leg between his boot and armor. The venom wasn¡¯t lethal, but it brought pain and a tingling sensation in the leg. The bitten spearman pulled out a dagger and stabbed the snake¡¯s head. Stab. Blood and yellow fluid flowed from the mouth of the dead snake. ¡°Viper!¡± The soldier tore off his dagger sheath, using it as a makeshift tourniquet above his calf. He naturally stopped in his tracks. It was also natural for the others to hesitate. Damn it, a viper? Crafty bastards. The soldier who had been bitten gritted his teeth and looked ahead. In the meantime, Encrid was skillfully hitting stones with his sheathed sword. The first stones had snakes under them. After that, there were regr stones mixed in. Without knowledge to differentiate, they could only dodge or knock them aside. ¡°Damn bastards.¡± The pursuingmander, seeing the situation, red. They were so close to catching that sneaky woman. ¡°Block with your shields and keep running!¡± His decision was effective. Whether it was stones or snakes, the soldiers could not be stopped by merely peeking through their shields. Of course, Encrid never expected to fend them off with just snakes. ¡®What I learned from Enri is reallying in handy.¡¯ He remembered being told that there were vipers under t, y-colored stones. It just so happened that they passed through this area and used that knowledge. It was quite useful. He had taken down one enemy and slowed the others. ¡°Huff, huff, why are we heading to the camp?¡± With the enemies¡¯ pace slowing, Finn adjusted her speed and came alongside him, asking the question. Torres, curious as well, joined them. Encrid nced back and spoke. ¡°Huff, to face those numbers, we need our allies.¡± Finn frowned at that. ¡°Hah, ha, the camp is already empty. My troops have moved.¡± Finn misunderstood. Torres misunderstood too. Encrid pretended to be surprised and said. ¡°We can¡¯t change course now. We¡¯ll go around the camp and then decide.¡± He naturally took the lead in the conversation, dropping the formalities. Finn and Torres realized there was no other option. They had to go. Their backs tingled with tension. They saw the pursuers catching up, their breath visible in the cold air. Seeing them running in formation was impressive. How well-trained must these elite soldiers be to do that? It was only then that Finn realized who their pursuers were. ¡°Damn, it looks like those Gray Hound bastards.¡± Gray Hound, also known as the ¡°Persistent Lovers¡± unit. They had a significant history with Encrid. Mitch Hurrier was part of that unit. They had once sent a half-blood fairy disguised as a gift called the ¡°Whistle Dagger¡±. It meant their opponents were an elite force, almost as skilled as the Border Guard. Encrid, already knowing this, pretended to be surprised. ¡°Really?¡± However, the problem was that his tone seemed strangely rxed, which could be interpreted as a sign of confidence. Both Finn and Torres, apart from Encrid, had no capacity to worry about that. The stronger the opponent, the better. Encrid thought so to himself. Before today, there had been seventy-eight such days. During that time, what had Encrid done? He had honed his ability to make quick decisions when facing dozens of elite soldiers. He also extracted information from a man named Roger by asking seemingly random questions. He was now pouring out everything he had learned. All three started to pick up speed. Seeing the pursuers closing in gave them a burst of energy. ¡°Huff! Huff! Huff!¡± Torres regted his breathing as he ran beside them. ¡°Goddamn bastards!¡± Finn did the same. Judging by her cursing, she really seemed to dislike those soldiers. On the way to the camp, Encrid deliberately took a detour. Finn noticed but said nothing. There was a saying that a Ranger should go first in such situations, and it was only natural for her to take the lead. But Encrid calmly took charge and went ahead. So what else could she do but follow? They reached the camp. The burrows they had dug, now covered with dirt to erase the traces. A few trees stood idly on one side, along with some small mounds. And on the other side, a sight they hadn¡¯t expected. A long, mournful howl echoed. It was a pack of werewolves. ¡°Damn it!¡± There were over twenty werewolves, creatures they couldn¡¯t guarantee to defeat even in perfect condition. The one at the front seemed to be leading them, indicating that they had formed a colony. ¡®This is the worst.¡¯ Finn almost gave up on life at that moment. Torres was busy darting his eyes around, trying to grasp the situation. Only Encrid remained calm, taking a breath in preparation for what was next. ¡®This is the turning point.¡¯ It was partly a gamble, but repeating today had taught him how to make a gamble not just a gamble. In other words, it was a gamble where he knew how to win. Encrid took a step forward, ready to win. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans Or You can subscribe for a membership and support me. You will be able to read 15 chapters ahead oftest free chapter and daily 1 new chapter: /revengerscans.] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 106 When Leona parted ways with Rockfreed. In front of the Border Guard¡¯s wall, a bodyguard named Mathis drew all eyes to himself in an instant. It was clearly intentional. It was an aura. ¡°Killing intent bes aura. Once the sixth sense opens, it can be done. It¡¯s easy. Oh, it might be a bit difficult for the toon leader.¡± That crazy Jaxon bastard. Anyway, his words are sharp. It¡¯s as if his tongue was forged in a cksmith¡¯s shop. There¡¯s a knife in his words. Not that Encrid cared much about it. He just brushed it off, thinking he¡¯s a crazy bastard. In the end, Jaxon was right. The sixth sense had opened. Even though Encrid had used something simr to an aura during a mission to catch a cat, it was hard to make it a part of him. But this time, he got the hang of it again. Once he rxed his shoulders, it was easier than he thought. And so, he ended up using it. When he told Torres and Finn to be careful, Encrid raised his aura. And now. ¡°Move aside, I¡¯ll lure the rest.¡± ¡°What?¡± Finn reacted. ¡°What nonsense is this?¡± Torres reacted as well. Encrid hadn¡¯t known Finn for long, and Torres wasn¡¯t much different, so they weren¡¯t at the level of risking their lives for each other. ¡°Damn, Rangers don¡¯t abandon theirrades.¡± ¡°Neither do I.¡± But why were these two so eager? Finn and Torres had eyes that sparkled with a firm resolve. Yeah, you two are quite decent people. I get that. ¡°But get lost. You¡¯re in the way.¡± Encrid was cold. There was no time to exin everything. He had tried exining in a different tone before. But they stuck around like ticks. ¡°¡­Why is this cool?¡± Then Finn muttered. ¡°This bastard?¡± Torres was getting riled up, but they both understood his words. Encrid was serious. ¡°Wait at the maximum distance. Once this is over, regroup. I have a n. We can all survive.¡± It was almost like amand. He had done this a few times, showing resolve was better than exining. There wasn¡¯t time to exin each detail. Soon. ¡°See youter.¡± Torres spoke with a double meaning and then moved aside. Finn followed, looking back twice. As Encrid watched them leave, he thought. Even though they split up, all the enemies with spears had toe after him. How should he do that? He already knew the answer. Encrid nced back and shouted. ¡°Roger, take off your helmet!¡± If anyone who knew nothing heard these words, they would find them meaningless. ¡°Roger! You who first killed my hair and sent it to the sky!¡± Like a bardposing a poem, Encrid shouted loudly. He had heard about what kind of person Roger was in seventy-eight different realities. Although his bad rtionship with Finn was for different reasons. Roger had earned the nickname ¡®themander who never removes his helmet¡¯. It was quite memorable. From his crown to his forehead, his head was a desert. That was his weak point. ¡°Do you carry a barren wastnd on your head where not a single de of grass grows?¡± At first, Encrid wondered if this would work. It was easy to confirm. In another reality, when he was captured by Roger, he happened to remove Roger¡¯s helmet. ¡°Bald, huh.¡± He saw Roger¡¯s eyes turn wild at this single remark. To sum up, he needed to redirect the grudge against Finn onto himself. ¡®I feel a bit sorry, though.¡¯ Encrid casually ran his hand through his hair. His thick ck hair slipped through his fingers, unting its presence. ¡°That, bastard?¡± Roger¡¯s eyes widened in anger. There was no doubt that if he were caught now, he wouldn¡¯t die peacefully. Torture would likely be the least of it. So, he must not be caught. Encrid ran, and even as he saw Finn and Torres retreating, Rogermanded. ¡°Catch him!¡± Twenty-nine spear-wielding soldiers, filled with rage, rushed forward. Although they were furious now, in such a state, Roger would soon want to split up the men and drive spears into the necks of Finn and Torres as well. ¡®Soon.¡¯ No sooner had he finished thinking. On the opposite side of Encrid, from where the spearmen were, came the howling of a beast. Awoooooooo! The surroundings were bright because it was the night of a dual moon. The moonlight provided enough visibility to clearly see the beast charging from the opposite side¡ªa lycanthrope, a creature with the head of a wolf and running on two legs. ¡°Whew.¡± Seeing this, Encrid exhaled once to steady his breathing and stopped. This was the decisive moment. He had to tie up both the spearmen and the lycanthrope. ¡®Look at me.¡¯ The way to exude aura. It involves channeling the intent to kill into your entire body. It¡¯s about deciding that you can cut down and kill everyone present. The grip, sheathed in the scabbard, is grasped and slowly drawn. The de reflects the moonlight as it emerges. Encrid took a half step forward with his right foot and conveyed with his whole body: If you approach, I¡¯ll cut you down. Aura, killing intent, battle spirit. Expressed in words, it¡¯s clearly one of these¡ªan invisible pressure spreading out. The intense aura was strong enough to make the entire spear-wielding unit and the charging lycanthrope forget about Torres and Finn, who had sidestepped. Drawn by this aura, the lycanthrope horde and the spear unit charged. At the center of it was Encrid. It looked almost like a suicidal act. * * * Roger was getting increasingly irritated. What should have been a simple task of catching one wildcat-like woman was getting strangelyplicated. Should he just let her go? No. He wanted to catch and kill her. Wasn¡¯t she the one who killed his brother? ¡°Damn it, chase them.¡± He was determined to catch and kill her. The moment he resolved to do so, Encrid¡¯s shout erupted. From ¡°Take off your helmet¡± to ¡°barren wastnd¡±. Thump, his heart pounded. The anger rose, and it felt like his blood was boiling. ¡°That bastard?¡± He made up his mind and resolved. When he caught that bastard, he wouldn¡¯t let him die easily. He would make him beg for death. In that moment, losing his reason, he shouted and ordered the chase. Roger himself started running when¡ª Awooooo! The howl of a beast burst out. The moment Roger saw the lycanthrope hordeing from the opposite side, frustration surged up. ¡°Damn it.¡± How did things turn out like this? ¡°That bastard.¡± It was because of that bastard¡¯s mocking poem about his baldness. He couldn¡¯t regain hisposure because of that bastard¡¯s taunts. ¡°Damn it.¡± Roger cursed at the lycanthropes, trying to steady his mind, but it wasn¡¯t easy. So, what should he do? The decision was quick. ¡°Kill them all.¡± The creature, whether it was called by Resha or whatever, was nothing more than a beast. If they formed a proper formation, they could handle even a colony of lycanthropes. It was at that moment, just as he was about to speak, having made up his mind. The pursuer, Encrid, exhaled and then stopped, gripping his sword. He held his sword and spoke with his body, with his aura, with his intent to kill. ¡°If youe closer, I¡¯ll cut you down.¡± In Roger¡¯s eyes, the surrounding background faded, leaving only the man with the drawn sword. If it looked like this to him, imagine how it appeared to the other soldiers. Despite their formation, they were overwhelmed by the aura, and thus the battle began. There were no orders to stop, so the spearmen at the front did what they always did, fight when they saw an enemy. And so. Swoosh! They thrust their spears with force. Howl! Crack! The ws of an approaching lycanthrope deflected the spear¡¯s de. The discordant sound of the wolf¡¯s howl, ws, and spear shaft. At that sound, a cold streak of reason returned to Roger¡¯s mind. ¡®Ah, damn.¡¯ They had attacked without properly forming a line. It was due to urgency. No, it was also because the enemy had mocked his weakness. The aura, the aura was also a problem. Things were tangled. And so, chaos ensued. * * * Huff. The first to reach Encrid was the lycanthrope. Its ws targeted his neck. Watching itsrge arm movement, Encrid stepped back. ¡°Hoo.¡± He steadied his breathing. He couldn¡¯t afford to be out of breath now. From this point on, it was like walking a narrow path between cliffs. Not only was there no room forcency,there was no room for mistakes. So, what was needed? ¡®Boldness.¡¯ The Heart of the Beast beat strongly. Thump. The charging lycanthrope horde and the spearmen nking them. Enemies surrounded him on all sides, but there was no reason for him to be anxious. After all, wasn¡¯t this the battlefield he had created? ¡®So, what¡¯s next?¡¯ Sharpening his senses, he advanced beyond the realm of the five senses into the sixth sense. He had to dodge the ws or spearheads flying from behind. Encrid did just that. Stepping forward with his left foot, he swung his sword sideways. Though it wasn¡¯t a powerful sh,it was enough to block the ws of the wolf that lunged at him from the side. Ting! He took a passing step to the side, pivoting on his left foot¡ªa technique from the northern style. Ordinarily, at this point, he would follow up with a downward strike to break the arm or weapon of the attacker from behind. ¡®Move forward again.¡¯ Instead, he bent forward. Whoosh! The wolf¡¯s ws brushed over his head. Encrid¡¯s eyes were half-closed. His vision was blurred. If someone looked closely, they would say his eyes resembled those of a fish out of water. ¡®Focus.¡¯ Rather than concentrating on a single target, this was the method Encrid chose to survive here. ¡®Widen your focus.¡¯ He sharpened and spread his focus, epassing the area around him where his sword could reach. The oue of the battle would depend on judgment, distance, timing, and positioning. He judged in an instant. He gauged the distance between him and his opponent. He measured the time it took for his feet to move and the enemy¡¯s weapon to reach him. He calcted the time it took for his sword to reach its intended target. He became aware of his current position and where he would need to move next. With that, Encrid danced alone in this battlefield. ng. asionally, the lycanthrope¡¯s ws met his de. A spearhead grazed the side of his gambeson. ws narrowly missed his neck. There were even enemies who tried to step on his feet. Encrid didn¡¯t cut anyone down. Even when an enemy nearly stepped on his foot, he only nudged them away with his shoulder. The result was ¡°Ack!¡± A soldier¡¯s death cry. The soldier he pushed was bitten in the neck by a lycanthrope. Blood sttered, leaving a mark on the creature¡¯s face. It wasn¡¯t intentional. He dodged again and again. Growl! When a lycanthrope tried to bite his shoulder, he ducked. Snap! He heard the sound of the beast¡¯s jaws snapping shut and then pushed it away. This action was followed by a pained yelp from the creature. Thud, thud, thud! The result was a spear piercing the belly of the lycanthrope that had been targeting Encrid. He focused on evasion rather than attack. As he slipped away along the outskirts of the battlefield, not the center,the lycanthropes had to deal with the humans wielding spears,and the spear unit had to fight off the lycanthropes. All of this was visible to Torres and Finn, who hadn¡¯t moved far away. ¡°¡­That¡­¡± ¡°He¡¯s crazy,pletely crazy.¡± Torres and Finn spoke alternately. They stood frozen, forgetting the situation, their eyes fixed on Encrid¡¯s movements. Encrid dodged and dodged again. Sometimes, he was hit by spear shafts or wed by the lycanthropes,but he managed to avoid serious injuries. There were no fatal wounds. Most importantly, look at what he created from the center with a few words and raised aura. The fight between the beasts and the elite soldiers turned into a chaotic melee. ¡°It seems like the humans might win.¡± The elite soldiers were still elite. Although their formation had broken, the soldiers grouped into threes or fours, covering each other¡¯s backs. This allowed them to recover some of the energy they had lost from the initial charge. They formed groups to block and stab with their shields. This strategy proved effective. Then, Roger moved. He faced three or four lycanthropes alone, spearing one in the head and killing it. He fought with a short spear instead of a long one, like a tiger on a rampage. ¡°If we leave him alone¡­¡± They saw him heading straight toward Encrid. Finn knew without looking that Roger¡¯s eyes would be filled with malice. Roger always went berserk when mocked about his baldness. ¡°Crazy bastard.¡± ¡°We need to help him.¡± Torres shouted, seemingly making a decision. In the meantime, Roger, the enemymander, charged fiercely, thrusting his spear toward Encrid. ¡°Ah.¡± Finn gasped, fearing the worst as it appeared that Encrid had been pierced in the side. ¡°Damn. No, he dodged it.¡± Torres corrected. He was right, it was a misunderstanding. Encrid had trapped the spear under his arm and side while dodging. He had narrowly avoided the blow. It appeared to be a critical moment. At least, it seemed so to Torres. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans Or You can subscribe for a membership and support me. You will be able to read 15 chapters ahead oftest free chapter and daily 1 new chapter: /revengerscans.] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 107 Encrid realized that his n had worked. He had intended to create chaos on the battlefield. And now, behold the chaos-stricken battlefield. Today has be an exceptional day, one of the best among the many repeated ¡®todays¡¯. It had turned into utter chaos, the most chaotic of all. ¡®It¡¯s working.¡¯ He had instigated a melee, and it had resulted in a massacre of the lycanthropes. Although many soldiers had died as well, the soldiers, even if they had charged in recklessly, had the advantage of fighting in small groups with a minimum formation. ¡®The soldiers will win.¡¯ While catching his breath at the edge of the chaos he had orchestrated, Roger charged at him. Roger lunged with his spear, the spearhead looking like a mere dot. It was a frightening thrust. Instead of making arge movement, Encrid subtly twisted his body. His gambeson was already tattered, but he trusted in the sturdiness of his leather armor. A sharp swoosh and a ripping sound followed. The spearhead grazed his side. There was no sharp pain, indicating that the armor had held. Encrid trapped the spear shaft against his side. ¡°Hmph!¡± Roger, seeing Encrid holding the spear under his arm, applied force. He intended to yank the spear away to tear through Encrid¡¯s arm and side. Holding the spearhead with your side? I¡¯ll shred you apart. At the moment Roger applied force, a strange sound rang out, and a chill ran down his spine, causing him to tilt his head back. No, tilting his head wasn¡¯t enough, he bent backward at the waist. It was a disy of incredible reflexes and agility. ¡®Damn it.¡¯ A throwing knife whizzed past, grazing the hair on his head and the front of his helmet. The de cut through the darkness in a long arc. Of course, he didn¡¯t actually see it, he sensed it. The chilling sensation quickly turned to anger. As Roger, fueled by his fiery rage, started to stand up, he felt a sudden lightness in the spear he held. ¡°It¡¯s time to meet your hairs.¡± The voice came just as a shadow blocked the view above his head. It was Encrid. He had already lunged and was descending from above. ¡®This bastard.¡¯ Why is he so fast? Such agility did not match his size. Thest image Roger saw was the descending de. Thump! The blow split Roger¡¯s skull, cracking the helmet that had shielded his head. Blood and brain matter mixed and flowed from the split. Thud. Landing on the ground, Encrid checked his body. He had grabbed the spear, thrown a whistle dagger at Roger¡¯s forehead, and then jumped forward for a vertical sh¡ªall as he had nned. ¡®Not bad.¡¯ There were no major injuries. His side was a bit sore from holding the spear earlier, but nothing serious. He felt around his ribs with his fingers. ¡®Nothing¡¯s broken.¡¯ That¡¯s good. He might have some bruises. ¡°Damn it! Captain!¡± An enemy soldier¡¯s shout was heard. Some enemy soldiers had witnessed Roger¡¯s death, but there was little they could do about it. Even if their eyes were bloodshot with anger, they couldn¡¯t abandon the lycanthropes they were fighting. The lycanthropes still bared their fangs menacingly at them. In any case, the oue of the battle had be uncertain after this one strike. Roger¡¯s death seemed to have slightly dampened the spear unit¡¯s morale. Although they were still in a superior position, some soldiers were being killed by lycanthropes. It happened just now as well. A soldier, enraged by the sight of their leader¡¯s death, was struck in the head by a one-eyed lycanthrope that had been hiding. Thud! The one-eyed lycanthrope used its fist, not its ws. Instead of relying on instinct to use its ws and teeth, it fought with its fists. Yes, that level of skill was necessary to be the leader of a colony. Leaders of monster colonies are not just appointed to anyone. Not that it only used its fists. It also skillfully used the weapons attached to its body. The one-eyed lycanthrope struck down a few more soldiers, shing spears and breaking a couple of shafts with its ws. After killing two more, it retreated behind its colony. It hid behind trees, behind enemy soldiers, and behind other lycanthropes. It aimed for ambushes, hiding and striking from the shadows. It had been using simr tactics from the start. Constantly hiding in the darkness, ambushing and exploiting gaps. Encrid gave up on finding the hidden creature among his troops and quietly caught his breath. During this time, a spearman charged at him. ¡°Revenge!¡± Foolish words. Their leader had died in a one-on-one fight, so how did this one think they could seed alone? If they had fought one-on-one from the start, they might have had a chance. That¡¯s why the chaos was created in the first ce. Encrid deflected the oing spear shaft with his sword and pushed his de along the shaft. With a slicing sound, the de stripped away the spear¡¯s outeryer and reached the soldier¡¯s neck. sh. The well-sharpened de cut through the enemy¡¯s neck. Blood spurted like a fountain from the half-severed neck. Encrid followed through with the motion, using the centrifugal force to spin his body and set his sword in a ready position. ¡®I was wondering when you¡¯de.¡¯ Behind Encrid, near Roger¡¯s corpse, was a crouched lycanthrope. It was the leader of the lycanthrope pack, sneaking up behind him. The one-eyed lycanthrope. Its yellow eyes gleamed as it faced Encrid. ¡°Do you want toe first? Or shall I?¡± The lycanthrope leader was indeed a more challenging opponent than Roger. However, Encrid had never had an easy day in all of his seventy-eight repetitions of today. It wasn¡¯t that he hadn¡¯t tried every time, even when he rxed his shoulders. So he thought, ¡°Let¡¯s finish this quickly.¡± He didn¡¯t find the idea of killing this creature particrly difficult. As the lycanthrope¡¯s ws sliced through the air, creating openings, the sh of ws and de echoed. After several exchanges of offense and defense, Encrid¡¯s sword severed the one-eyed lycanthrope¡¯s arm. ¡®The advantage of weapons.¡¯ He had never felt it as strongly as he did now. The sword, forged with an investment of Krona, shone brightly. It shattered the lycanthrope¡¯s ws every time it swung. In one of these openings, he cut the arm and seized the upper hand. The one-eyed lycanthrope swung its remaining ws from below, trying to split Encrid in two, but Encrid sidestepped and spun his body. He channeled the force from his foot, knee, and waist into the swing, delivering a powerful sh with his heavy sword technique. The de, arcing through the moonlight, also sliced through the lycanthrope¡¯s neck. With a swish, the sword cut through without resistance, precisely striking the target and beheading the creature. The sound of the de slicing through the air, the lycanthrope¡¯s head flying off¡ªall happened in an instant. There was no moment of silence. There weren¡¯t many witnesses to this battle. If the spearmen had formed a formation and attacked, Encrid might have died. It would have been the same if the lycanthrope pack had attacked in a formation. But in a one-on-one duel in the midst of chaos, he wouldn¡¯t lose. That was why he created this situation. Moreover, he had fought the one-eyed lycanthrope¡¯s leader several times, bing familiar with its habits and fighting style. Of course, knowing its habits only mattered if he had the skill to back it up. As he spun half a turn, his sword outstretched, the moonlight seemed to whirl around Encrid, creating an illusion of a vortex. It was just an illusion, of course. Encrid subtly retreated. It was time to catch his breath. After all, ¡®today¡¯ wasn¡¯t over yet. There was still a wall to climb. * * * Hey, isn¡¯t that a bit strange? Was it always like this? He thought it was a crisis and started to rush, but he couldn¡¯t cross the battlefield directly, so he had to go around the side. Torres had seen Encrid wield his sword to cut down Roger and decapitate the one-eyed lycanthrope. And he thought, ¡°Has he changed?¡± Coming this far, I¡¯ve sparred with him dozens of times. The Encrid back then was different from the Encrid now. ¡®What¡¯s changed?¡¯ Has his skill improved dramatically? That doesn¡¯t seem to be it. ¡®His swordsmanship seems a bit colder?¡¯ He also seems moreposed. ¡°Was he always this, um, skilled?¡± Finn asked from the side. It¡¯s a rare talent. Anyone watching would probably think the same. ¡°He¡¯s incredibly skilled.¡± Admiring Encrid¡¯s prowess, Finn¡¯s eyes sharpened, and suddenly he stretched his left leg, nting it firmly on the ground, and kicked a small stone with his opposite foot. The stone, hitting his instep, flew upward. Finn caught it and, while running, flung it sideways. The stone struck an enemy soldier in the back of the head with a sharp sound. At the moment the soldier lowered his head in response to the hit, a lycanthrope wed at his back. Thud! The armor was sturdy, so it didn¡¯t pratepletely in one hit. However, the soldier who had been hit had to roll aside to avoid further attacks, disrupting their formation. Two more lycanthropes exploited the gap and dove into the broken formation. Once the formation broke, the lycanthropes had a significant advantage. Torres nced in that direction but quickly looked away. Finn, throwing stones in the midst of battle, was strange enough, but Encrid seemed even more bizarre. There was something awkward about him, a strange feeling poking at Torres¡¯s heart. It was hard to describe in words, but it just felt odd. Extremely, very, extremely odd. ¡®Why?¡¯ If you think about it, everything is odd, but if I had to pick a few things: ¡®Firstly, his skill.¡¯ Torres didn¡¯t want to face the lycanthropes intoxicated by the moonlight right now. Not alone. While he might win, there¡¯s also a chance of dying. If he tried to stab a lycanthrope in the neck with a dagger and got caught by its ws? ¡®Ugh.¡¯ The thought gave him goosebumps. It was an unnecessary worry. So, what about Encrid? ¡®Is his heart made of stone?¡¯ His boldness seemed to go beyond just courage. He showed incredible agility dodging between the enemy soldiers and lycanthropes, who were already agitated. And he killed the enemymander with a single blow. ¡®He also swiftly dealt with the one-eyed lycanthrope.¡¯ After striking the lycanthrope¡¯s ws a few times with his sword, he beheaded it. His skill was so precise and fluid it almost made Torres¡¯s stomach turn. As he spun, his sword seemed to whip around like ash. Who is this guy? ¡®Ah.¡¯ Torres finally recognized the difference between the Encrid he had sparred with and the Encrid he saw now. ¡®The skill level ispletely different.¡¯ He had noticed some awkwardness and clumsiness before. That¡¯s why he had advised Encrid to fill in the gaps by fighting more, thinking it would help. Now, Encrid seemed to have reached a level of mastery. At least, his spinning sh looked that way. ¡®In just a few days?¡¯ Was he a genius? No, Torres knew better from spending time with him. Encrid¡¯s natural talent for using his body was just average. To be honest, it was almost embarrassing topare him to others, as he was rather clumsy. ¡®Wow. This is something else.¡¯ Now, every swing of his sword could kill a person or creature. Even after killing themander and the one-eyed lycanthrope, lycanthropes and enemy soldiers asionally targeted Encrid. But with a few steps and a steady downward sh, he cracked skulls. His deliberate horizontal shes didn¡¯t just cut through armor, they delivered crushing blows that shattered ribs and internal organs. Even if the de didn¡¯t prate directly, the impact was still devastating. It was a clear demonstration of what a heavy sword technique could do. ¡®Aren¡¯t they scared of him?¡¯ If Encrid were the enemy, Torres would be terrified to fight him. And it wasn¡¯t just Torres who felt this way. With themander and lycanthrope leader dead, and a few more casualties among their ranks, no one dared to challenge Encrid. Even the lycanthropes, intoxicated by the full moon and lost in a frenzy, began to ignore Encrid entirely. They saw him and passed by, avoiding him. ¡®I¡¯d do the same.¡¯ With that, only the battle between the enemy soldiers and the lycanthropes remained, and that too was nearing its end. Encrid stood alone, bathed in moonlight, quietly observing the rest of the fight. It didn¡¯t seem awkward at all. In fact, hisposed demeanor under the moonlight felt strangely fitting as he caught his breath and watched the battle unfold. At that moment, Torres felt a chill run down his spine. It was surprising enough to see lycanthropes and enemy soldiers avoiding a single human. But another question arose. A sense of unease continued to bother Torres. ¡®Let¡¯s say his skills are that good.¡¯ But what about this situation? There are too many strange things. Starting with the lycanthropes meeting with the Gray Hound unit. They kept talking about something being behind the dog hole. ¡®How did he know themander¡¯s name?¡¯ That just doesn¡¯t make sense, does it? It couldn¡¯t simply be dismissed as a coincidence. Once doubt began to take hold, it tended to lead to more questions, and that was exactly what was happening to Torres. As they ran around the battlefield, Torres kept repeating how strange everything was. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Finn asked, her eyes scanning the surroundings while they ran. She was assessing the battlefield. Regardless of who was left standing, they would have to sweep them all up. Initially, it seemed like the humans had the upper hand. But now, it looked like the lycanthropes might win. The lycanthropes had been avoiding Encrid like a gue, but the humans hadn¡¯t. They had targeted him several more times, which had led to even more casualties. This whole situation had been created by one person: Encrid, a toon leader of an independent toon, a man with a graceful body and a handsome face. Was he some kind of tactical genius? Finn thought so. ¡°Everything just feels off.¡± Torres muttered beside him as they ran. They seemed close, but there was something Torres didn¡¯t understand, something that made him uneasy as he looked at Encrid with a puzzled expression. ¡°Focus, we need to deal with the remaining ones.¡± Finn said, as she threw an axe from her waist. Just after locking eyes with an enemy soldier, the axe spun through the air and struck the soldier in the chest with a thud. The hit soldier took a step back and then copsed. ¡°That must hurt, bastard.¡± Finn muttered as she ran. Torres, running beside her, kept murmuring about how strange everything was. Eventually, they reached Encrid. It had taken some time to go around, but they had kept within visual range, as instructed. ¡°I need to ask you something.¡± Torres said. He needed to know what was going on, the reason behind all of this. Setting aside the mysterious improvement in Encrid¡¯s skills, there was something more urgent. ¡°How do you know themander¡¯s name?¡± There was no usible exnation for this. Encrid was indifferent, as if to say, ¡°What¡¯s the big deal?¡± ¡°By coincidence.¡± ¡°Coincidence?¡± What were the chances of knowing the enemymander¡¯s name by coincidence? ¡°Krais mentioned there was a strange guy among the enemy.¡± It was a lie. But could it be verified? No. And it sounded usible. ¡°Oh.¡± ¡°They mocked him for always hiding his head.¡± He wasn¡¯t a strong figure like a city-level champion, but he was the enemy. And his odd behavior had made him somewhat notorious. It¡¯s possible to hear such rumors through various channels. In Aspen, some people knew the name of the Border Defense Captain. So, it¡¯s possible. It could happen. ¡°Then you nned this situation, right?¡± ¡°Of course not. Who could have predicted the lycanthrope pack would show up here?¡± His eyes seemed to say, ¡°Why ask something so obvious?¡± That annoyed Torres greatly. ¡°Is that really important? I suddenly have an idea.¡± Finn, thinking Encrid might be a tactical genius, listened intently. Torres found Encrid¡¯s casual tone strange, but he also listened. They had to hear him out. ¡°Let¡¯s scale the wall. Right now, no one would expect someone to climb over it.¡± The escape through the hole was clearly a trap set by the enemy. If they managed to sneak back into the city before the enemy soldiers returned? ¡°Brilliant.¡± Finn agreed first. It seemed usible. It made sense. The n had been developed through repeated trials of this day. If it seemed unpolished, that would be strange. ¡°Alright.¡± Torres clicked his tongue but had to agree. After all, the n was still in motion, and what Encrid suggested seemed like a sharp dagger that could strike the enemy without them even knowing. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± And so, before the fight between the lycanthropes and the enemy soldiers had even ended, the three of them moved. ¡°Shit, they¡¯re fleeing!¡± A soldier who had just thrust his spear into a lycanthrope¡¯s head shouted. But they couldn¡¯t chase after them. The remaining soldiers numbered only twelve. They could still form a formation, but to be honest, none of them wanted to face the person who had just killed Commander Roger. ¡°Damn it.¡± And so, all they could do was curse under their breath. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans Or You can subscribe for a membership and support me. You will be able to read 15 chapters ahead oftest free chapter and daily 1 new chapter: /revengerscans.] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 108 ¡®It seems like it¡¯ll work.¡¯ Finn, standing before the fortress wall, sensed that the vignce was noticeably weaker than before. Although she hadn¡¯t reached the level of the ¡°Gate of Sixth Sense¡±, she still had the instincts of a Ranger and Pathfinder. Following behind her, Torres doubted if they were on the right path but shook his head inwardly. ¡®Now¡¯s not the time to hesitate.¡¯ Once decided, they must go through with it. He was also a member of the Border Guard and a soldier rated as a special ss in the Naurillia military ranking system. While not capable of taking on a hundred men alone, he was a valuable asset capable of handling two or three opponents by himself. And then there was Encrid. ¡°I¡¯ll go first.¡± He didn¡¯t wait for Finn to take the lead. He swiftly climbed the wall, cing his hands in the crevices. He had discarded his tattered gambeson, and even though he had used some throwing weapons, the long sword hanging at his waist remained. ¡°What¡­ what¡¯s up with him?¡± Finn, a Ranger herself, couldn¡¯t help but notice that Encrid climbed the wall better than she did. ¡°I don¡¯t know. Just follow him.¡± ¡°What?¡± Torres realized his words sounded strange as he repeated them. ¡°I thought I knew a bit about him before, but now I don¡¯t.¡± ¡°Anyway, just keep up.¡± Encrid¡¯s pace up the wall was rapid and graceful, almost like a work of art. It was as if he put monkeys to shame. Without hesitation, he moved his hands and feet smoothly. Finn followed closely behind. Rushing up, she only had two stakes left to secure on the wall. Looking down, Finn saw Torres struggling to keep up but managing nheless. He was a physically capable individual. ¡®What about him?¡¯ Finn looked up again. Encrid had almost reached the top of the wall, crouching beneath the battlements. The battlements were thick and tall structures designed for defense, making it difficult to climb over without skill. ¡®Can he not climb that?¡¯ It didn¡¯t seem likely. For Finn, she could just hang by her fingertips, pull herself up, and use her waist¡¯s momentum to get over. It would be even easier if she hooked a small grappling hook she carried. Once over, she could help herrades by pulling them up. Regardless, it didn¡¯t seem like Encrid was stuck because he couldn¡¯t get over the battlements. Hanging beneath the battlements, Encrid didn¡¯t look fatigued. He looked down and wiggled his fingers. It was a simple hand signal, but its meaning was clear. [Guards.] There were guards on the other side of the wall. Finn, however, didn¡¯t sense any sounds or movements. ¡®Is he more sensitive than me, a Ranger?¡¯ In reality, Encrid wasn¡¯t sensing anything either. It was simply experience guiding him. Hanging beneath the battlements, Encrid pondered. ¡®What kind of tricks are they up to?¡¯ Blocking the sixth sense. This was the one thing that, even after countless repetitions of today, Encrid couldn¡¯t figure out. It was certain that some spell was at work. Otherwise, it wouldn¡¯t be so peaceful. In the small passage, they were already inside the tunnel. Feeling a sense of unease meant it was already toote. Even if they had missed the pack of lycanthropes because thisnd, specifically in front of Cross Guard, was a ce where monsters constantly roamed. Had they not noticed the presence of troops hidden above the wall? Clearly, some trick was at y. Up to the sixtieth iteration of today, he had tried to figure out what that trick was. ¡®Let¡¯s leave it.¡¯ It was a matter of importance. There were more crucial matters than the trick the wizard used, and his ultimate goal was clear. Surviving today. Training during that time. Thus, moving forward with the sword as their guide. Was it a problem if they gave up trying to figure it out? There was absolutely no problem. From what he had learned through repeating today. ¡®It should be around here.¡¯ Encrid, still hanging from the battlements, moved slowly to the left. To hang on, there needed to be crevices in the wall. The walls of Cross Guard were frequently under attack by not just regr monsters but sometimes even monster colonies. As a result, there were many nicks and scratches. Although repairs had been made, many crevices remained. With fingers hooked in the gaps and toes wedged in, it wasn¡¯t difficult for him to move. As Encrid moved along the wall, he mentally pictured whaty beyond it. At first, he could only predict and guess, but now he could even guess the location of the wizard Resha. No, it was a certainty. This arrogant wizard had never left his position in any of the repeated ¡®todays¡¯. Having found his position, Encrid sent another hand signal. [You go first.] Seeing the signal, Finn and Torres began to move. Finn went first, followed by Torres. Finn, hanging from the battlements, reached out to help Torres. As soon as they both crossed over, Fwoosh. A bright light illuminated above them. It must have been seven or eight torches being lit simultaneously. It wasn¡¯t an unfamiliar sight. ¡°How did you get here? Surely my minions were moving?¡± Resha¡¯s voice. As expected, it was just beyond the wall. She didn¡¯t know him, but he knew her location. That alone gave him an advantageous position. He also knew her name and the spells she used. ¡°Damn it.¡± Torres cursed. ¡°It¡¯s real.¡± Finn muttered, prompting Encrid to reach out. Grasping the edge of the battlement with his fingertips, he pulled himself up with just one arm. It was a testament to the strength that had impressed his squad members, including Rem. Moreover, the repeated practice of the Istion Technique made his body feel lighter. With a swift motion, Encrid lifted himself and flipped over the battlement, rolling through the air. This acrobatic move, which once would have been impossible for him, was now within his capabilities thanks to his training. He spun in the air andnded on the ground, knees bent, his impact resonating with a thud. Right before him stood the wizard Resha, her eyes wide with surprise. ¡°You-!¡± she began to say, but before she could continue, Encrid moved. A high-pitched whistle cut through the air¡ªa Whistle Dagger. Resha was startled but not panicked. She wondered where it hade from, confident in her defense. She had an invisible barrier around her, created by her magic¡ªa shield that could block even a quarrel shot point-nk. As she waited for the dagger to strike her barrier, Encrid¡¯s Whistle Dagger was aimed not at her but at the four soldiers with crossbows behind her. Thunk, thunk. The Whistle Daggers, guided by Encrid¡¯s Focus Point technique, hit its mark precisely. His training had paid off. The four enemy soldiers fell, copsing just as Resha reacted. ¡°Ha!¡± She let out a strange cry, and thorny vines shot up from the ground, whipping around to strike at him. The real fight was just beginning. ¡°Take out the soldiers first!¡± Encrid drew his sword and shouted. Shing! He swung the drawn sword, his head feeling hot from intense concentration. ¡®Cut through the thin ones. Deflect the thick ones.¡¯ Encrid moved with the principles of light sword techniques, not relying on the heavy sword techniques he usually practiced. Although he had never formally trained in this style. ¡°It¡¯s good to know the basic principles of swordsmanship. Sticking to just one style like heavy sword techniques is foolish. You need to understand your opponent¡¯s techniques to counter and fight effectively.¡± Ragna, usuallyzy and showing enthusiasm only when it was time to teach, had said this during one of his rare passionate moments. From that day, Encrid had learned the basic principles of various sword techniques. He had practiced against thorny vines over seventy times, and now, on the seventy-first repetition of this day, his efforts were paying off. He cut the thinner vines and deflected the thicker ones. sh, crackle, thud. Some of the thorny vines were as thick as an arm, hitting with the force of a club. Encrid blocked them with the t of his sword and diverted them upwards, maintaining a low stance. This was the light sword technique in action. ¡°You bastard!¡± Resha was furious. How dare he evade her vines? A mere swordsman? She moved her hands, summoning several thorny spears and whips. Encrid didn¡¯t rely on vague instincts. Instead, he focused intensely, feeling as if all his concentration was centered in his eyes. His eyes felt like they were burning. In this state, he could see everything, as if each movement was slow. He repeated his actions: deflecting, swinging, parrying, and cutting. Feelings? He discarded them. Sixth sense? It wasn¡¯t necessary now. There was no need to rely on instincts. He could see everything, strike, dodge, and counter. While dodging and deflecting two more vine attacks, he heard anguished cries around him. The dying gasps of soldiers. Torres and Finn¡¯s skills were not to be underestimated. Especially with distractions, Torres¡¯ abilities shone. He was skilled with daggers, something Encrid had witnessed firsthand. ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll make you dance until you die.¡± he muttered, ready to continue the fight. Resha held her anger inside, her eyes shining with a snake-like intensity as she stared directly at Encrid. Encrid ignored her. Hadn¡¯t he seen this many times before? The Heart of the Beast pounded as if speaking to him. No, it was Rem. It felt like he could hear Rem¡¯s voice. ¡°If you¡¯re going to get caught by that, you might as well rip out that heart.¡± Don¡¯t worry, crazy Rem, I¡¯m not going to get caught by something like that. When he didn¡¯t flinch even in the face of her death re, the wizard¡¯s vines grew fiercer. Swish. They became thinner and faster. Whizz. Up to now, most of Resha¡¯s vines had taken the form of spears or whips. But when pushed to the current situation, they took on the form of arrows. Though not actual arrows, their thickness and the way they shot towards him were like that of arrows. Could a human block a shower of arrows? ¡®No.¡¯ Not unless they were a knight, that is. But if one had to. If there came a moment when one had to fend off a rain of arrows. If it was utterly unavoidable, what should be done? ¡®What else?¡¯ You brace yourself and prepare for it. Call it a soldier¡¯s spirit. Or perhaps an infantryman¡¯s spirit. No, it was simply who Encrid was. There was no giving up. No regrets. He had staked his entire life on the path forward. Gripping his sword tightly with both hands, Encrid focused, feeling a sharp pain in his eyes. ¡®Connect the dots.¡¯ Based on the lines connecting these points, he deflected them all. Thin, twisted vines shot up from below, raining down from all directions. The moment he confirmed that there were more than ten, he stopped counting. Encrid dispersed his concentration around himself. It was a technique he had realized amidst the pack of lycanthropes and the Gray Hound unit: dispersing concentration. With it, he could evade attacks entering his range. From the previous fight in the small tunnel, he also learned something. Instantaneous judgment. In every situation, acting without hesitation in the moment. Encridbined the two and executed his moves. sh, sh, sh. Soon, the air in front of him was filled with torn vines, spilling green sap everywhere. Resha¡¯s forehead veins bulged, and her eyes were bloodshot. The vines didn¡¯t stop. Nor did Encrid¡¯s sword. Finn and Torres, who were fighting the soldiers, nced at the scene. It seemed that simply saying Encrid fought well wasn¡¯t enough anymore. Torres thought this as he approached a soldier from behind and slit his throat. Thud! A quarrel bolt flew into the spot where the soldier had been standing, embedding itself in the dead man¡¯s belly. ¡°Why don¡¯t you aim more carefully?¡± Crack. Aaaah! At that moment, a scream came from the side. It was Finn¡¯s doing, moving across the ground like a snake. A soldier, his leg twisted in an unnatural direction, was foaming at the mouth. Finn didn¡¯t stop. Stopping would mean getting hit by a quarrel. Meanwhile, the battle between Encrid and the wizard continued, with no one able to approach the two. Sharp thorny vines shot out like needles, asionally bouncing off and hitting the surrounding walls. No one wanted to be killed by their own wizard¡¯s hand, so they all kept their distance. This gave Torres and Finn a brief respite. Seeing the sharp thorny vines piercing the walls, Torres had no desire to get closer either. ¡®Is killing the soldiers really going to solve anything?¡¯ Torres realized that the oue of this fight depended on the duel between Encrid and the wizard. If the wizard won, Torres and Finn would also be dead. But how long could Encrid hold out? Both Torres and Finn could see that Encrid was constantly in danger. Up until now, he had been dodging the vines, but they had started to graze him. In sync with this, ¡°Did you charge in relying on the leather scraps you¡¯re wearing?¡± the wizard¡¯s voice taunted, calm and confident, believing she had the upper hand. ¡®This isn¡¯t good.¡¯ thought Torres. And he was right. Encrid was in continuous peril. He was quickly reaching his limit. However, this was the moment Encrid had been waiting for. With Resha confident of her victory, and everyone, including Torres, Finn, and the enemy soldiers, focused on the duel, Encrid made his move. His right hand, which had been gripping the sword with both hands, moved. It was his decisive move. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans Or You can subscribe for a membership and support me. You will be able to read 15 chapters ahead oftest free chapter and daily 1 new chapter: /revengerscans.] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 109 Encrid gazed into the eyes of his opponent wizard, Resha. ¡®Even a wizard has eyes.¡¯ He also has a nose and a mouth. In other words, he¡¯s human. ¡°Every human has reflexive actions.¡± Jaxon¡¯s teachings suddenly came to mind. Something prepared ordingly. Encrid only needed to stop the raging thorn vines for a moment. A method to achieve that. A hidden card up his sleeve. Something he had practiced several times before. He had trained enough. The important thing was timing. So, right now. While wielding and deflecting with his sword using only his left hand, one of the thorn vines struck his left wrist with a thud. The leather gauntlet, obtained from a sewer corpse enthusiast, was torn to shreds. At that moment, Encrid raised his right hand high. Resha¡¯s eyebrow twitched at the gesture. Having shown the use of throwing weapons several times, this reaction was expected. Resha thought there would be no problem regardless of what was thrown. After all, wasn¡¯t she surrounded by a magical barrier that blocks most physical forces? But instead of a dagger, a stone flew towards her. A thin, crystal-like orb. sh! A sudden burst of light, iparable to a torch. Everyone, including Resha, who reflexively looked at the object Encrid¡¯s throw, was momentarily blinded. For a very brief moment, they lost their vision. ¡°Hup.¡± Encrid, who had been waiting for this moment while looking only at the ground, moved. The shining stone, obtained from the sewers, was hidden up his sleeve. He had struggled to figure out how to activate it. He didn¡¯t know it would be used this way. The technique of hiding and throwing a weapon was called the Hide Knife. Showing an empty hand was intended to lure the opponent intocency, and it worked perfectly. All these factorsbined to create a momentary opening, as thin as paper. For Encrid, that was enough. Tap. He charged forward, a technique he learned from watching a squire one day. Crouching low, he rushed forward, gripping his sword with both hands and raising it high. Shifting his weight from his back foot to his front, he brought the sword down in a powerful vertical sh. At that moment, Resha, whose vision had just returned, screamed. ¡°Kyaaaah!¡± That was her final scream, her dying words. Swoosh, ng¡ª. Resha¡¯s barrier shattered. A vertical sh, executed with full force, without regard for the consequences. Resha¡¯s head was caught in it. Thud. Crunch. As the de broke through the barrier, it veered off course, peeling off her scalp, severing an ear, and splitting her corbone, before exiting below. Squelch. In the end, the de cut through part of her intestines and about thirty percent of her upper body, emerging around her waist. With a thud, a chunk of flesh, including one of her severed arms, fell to the ground. Standing vacantly, the wizard became a half-dead figure, pouring her entrails and blood onto the ground. What could someone so grievously wounded say? The light in her eyes quickly dimmed. It was clear what she wanted to do in her final moments. A few thorny vines behind Encrid writhed before losing strength and falling. ¡°Phew.¡± Encrid finally exhaled the breath he had been holding. He knew that Resha¡¯s barrier would shatter if it took enough impact. For instance, a weighted strike could easily break it. The dagger had been ignored, but Finn¡¯s axe had affected it. In reality, it was a culmination of everything he had learned, applied in one moment. He had even hidden the shining stone using the Hide Knife technique. ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to finish up?¡± Encrid said, snatching the glowing stone that hovered in the air. This light would soon alert the city within the walls, causing amotion. It meant they didn¡¯t have much time. Swish. Finn moved first, followed by Torres. There weren¡¯t many soldiers left. ¡°Argh!¡± The dying screams of the soldiers echoed above the city walls. The moonlight still shone on Encrid. Even the enemy soldiers, along with Torres and Finn, saw the moonlight shining like a halo from Encrid¡¯s back. He gave off a different aura, not that of a typical human. The scent of blood and roses mingled atop the wall. It was a strange smell, so unique it could have been mistaken for a newly released perfume. * * * Once over and down the wall, it was Finn¡¯s domain. As if she had been prepared, she hugged the inner side of the wall, dug up a part of the ground, and pulled out a bundle. ¡°Supplies for emergencies.¡± Inside, it seemed like supplies prepared by the spy known as the ¡®Cat¡¯. Inside the bundle, a filthy nket appeared. She immediately tossed it to Encrid and Torres. While Encrid and Torres covered themselves with the nket at the edge of the slum near the city wall, Finn twisted the necks of two nearby beggars out of curiosity. Watching her skill in subduing them silently, one could only think, ¡°As expected of Finn.¡± After all, they had seen her do this countless times during their repeated cycles. Finn¡¯s mastery of Ail Caraz- Style Martial Arts was like a ripened fruit, akin to that of a seasoned expert. Most of the slum¡¯s inhabitants paid no attention to their surroundings, so there were no more witnesses. Thus, the three of them hid within the darkness and under the filthy nket. As Encrid followed, he fell into his thoughts. It was a recurring thought, a routine reflection of the day. When repeating today, Encrid had three paths before him. So, was it enough to choose and break through one of those paths? ¡®Do I really need to choose just one?¡¯ With the tension off his shoulders, he saw things more clearly. Instead of choosing just one path, he could utilize all three barriers. It seemed possible. At the Gray Hound¡¯s escape route, he could experience being surrounded by elite troops. Fighting against the horde of lycanthropes, he could learn to fight and evade in the chaotic battles. And Resha, with her Rose Vines, was an excellent training tool. Encrid saw the Gray Hounds, the lycanthropes, and Resha all as training tools. They were good teaching aids. Encrid had crafted ¡®today¡¯ in this way. ¡®It wasn¡¯t bad.¡¯ His wrist hurt a bit from the blow to the left gauntlet. He trusted his leather armor to absorb the hits from attacks he couldn¡¯tpletely avoid. But there were no fatal wounds. ¡°Shh, keep your head down. It¡¯s a patrol.¡± At Finn¡¯s words, Encrid lowered his head and pretended to be asleep. Their disguise wasplete with some of their equipment hidden and a filthy nket covering them. ¡°The smell is driving me crazy.¡± ¡°Bear with it. Don¡¯t you know there¡¯s chaos on the city walls? They might have hidden here.¡± ¡°Then why don¡¯t we just sweep this ce?¡± ¡°Shh, what if they all attack us?¡± Listening to the patrolling soldiers¡¯ conversation, Encrid squinted his eyes. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s move.¡± Finn led Encrid and Torres without hesitation, as if she knew the way well. As they walked, Encrid lifted his head, catching a glimpse of the city. In the distance, he saw a tall bell tower, dirt roads, faint lights shining from within, but mostly dark alleys. As Encrid followed Finn, she fell back to walk beside Torres. When Torres gave her a look, as if to ask what she was doing. ¡°Are all Border Guard soldiers like that?¡± ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°Are they all that capable?¡± Finn gestured behind them with her thumb. Behind them was Encrid. Torres pondered Finn¡¯s question for a moment. A swordsman like that? One who could deflect a wizard¡¯s bizarre thorn vines with a sword, not a shield, creating an opening and cutting through? A swordsman who, after being taught a few times, could use his specialty, the Hide Knife, in a unique way? One who could evade and endure between lycanthropes and elite enemies, putting his life on the line? Ultimately, a swordsman who could cut through the attacking opponents, dispatching lycanthrope swarms and elite soldiers alone? Torres thought about the top fighters in the Border Guard. Let¡¯s see. Aizen? Barney? Hyoun? No way! Purely in terms of skill, it felt like he had crossed a line. ¡°Could there be?¡± ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°Could there be more monsters like that just everywhere?¡± It was a truly strange feeling. Not long ago, Encrid was under hismand. Even during their training, they seemed well-matched. But now, everything has changed. His mastery, his swordy had evolved. ¡°Sigh.¡± Finn sighed in mixed admiration and bewilderment at Torres¡¯ response. Look at what Encrid had done. ¡®Is this a toon leader? Just a toon leader?¡¯ She wondered what would happen if she reported this upon returning. While searching the area for the hidden cipher left by the ¡®Cat¡¯, she worried whether anyone would believe what Encrid had done. As they navigated through the shadows, avoiding patrols with the help of moonlight, themotion on the city walls quieted down. Encrid found the silence more ominous. Having dealt with the wizard, his instincts seemed to be kicking in. But if he relied too much on them, he might end up in trouble again. After all, they had used all three barriers to cross the city walls. He wanted to face tomorrow with this intact. So he stayed vignt. Alert and ready to react immediately to any trouble. Finn continued to search until morning. The three of them felt the fatigue but encountered no trouble. Themotion that began on the city walls didn¡¯t spread into the city. On the contrary, it seemed to be hushed up. As they hid around a corner, they overheard two patrol soldiers passing by on the main road, confirming this. ¡°Did something happenst night? I heard someone crossed the city walls.¡± ¡°Shh, we were ordered not to talk about it. Don¡¯t get yourself into trouble and lose pay over loose talk.¡± As the two patrolmen moved away, Finn muttered from behind. ¡°This isn¡¯t good.¡± ¡°Why?¡± Torres asked. ¡°The connection¡¯s gone. The ¡®Cat¡¯ is dead.¡± ¡°Does that mean this was a wild goose chase?¡± Torres asked, but Finn shook her head. ¡°The message was left, but it¡¯s¡­ well,plicated.¡± ¡°How so?¡± In a corner of the alley, Finn sighed and said, ¡°There¡¯s a designated spot in front of the city gate. It¡¯s buried there.¡± ¡°Why in front of the city gate?¡± Torres questioned. ¡°It must have been urgent. If they failed in their escape, it would be thest ce they¡¯d go.¡± This was a headache. Torres nudged Encrid and asked, ¡°Any good ideas?¡± ¡°We retrieve the item from in front of the gate and then leave. Isn¡¯t that the n?¡± ¡°That won¡¯t be easy.¡± ¡®Is this really such a difficult decision?¡¯ Encrid thought as he looked at the two. ¡®Their minds are stuck.¡¯ It was understandable, given everything that had happened overnight. Encrid wasn¡¯t aware of it, but his actions had startled both of them. His swordsmanship and the boldness to turn every situation to his advantage were what he had shown yesterday. ¡°Let¡¯s set a fire.¡± ¡°¡­What?¡± ¡°We¡¯ll set a fire under cover of night and escape. On the way, we¡¯ll grab the item. The fact that they don¡¯t want anyone talking about what happened on the wall suggests they¡¯re waiting for any intruders to make a move. So, let¡¯s give them one.¡± Finn¡¯s eyes lit up. It was a brilliant n. At the same time, she thought, ¡®I should have suggested that first.¡¯ She realized her mind had been stuck, and that was enough for her. Finn was an excellent ranger. And a good ranger often became a serious troublemaker, at least from the enemy¡¯s perspective. The three of them stayed hidden until nightfall, then set fire to a pile of hay in front of an inn. Whoosh. They set fires in six different ces, spreading out to do it simultaneously. Finn was the most excited. Her feet were quick, her hands agile, and she shouted about the fire first, causing even more confusion among the people. With the fire zing behind them, Encrid moved through the darkness, thinking, ¡®It seems like we resort to arson quite often.¡¯ He felt he might end up bing an arsonist rather than a knight. Setting fires seemed to be bing a habit, but that wasn¡¯t the issue at hand. He grabbed a torch and practically ran, throwing it onto the hay, along with an oil bottle he had taken from the inn. Whoosh. The fire burned brightly. He felt like he was bing not just an arsonist, but an arsonist expert, though the results were effective. ¡°Fire! There¡¯s a fire!¡± The sky had been cloudy all day, suggesting spring rain wasing, but it hadn¡¯t happened yet. So, the hay and straw burned well. The nearby wooden buildings also caught fire easily. When they knocked over a few torches, the mes roared fiercely. As all attention was drawn to the ze, Finn, Torres, and Encrid slipped away quietly. It happened just before the city gate closed. Of course, Finn dug up the ground to retrieve the hidden message. ¡°Looks like we can head back now?¡± Torres said. Finn and Encrid nodded. It was time to return. ¡°How did you know the wizard¡¯s name?¡± On their way back, Torres asked. Encrid had expected the question and gave his prepared response. ¡°It was a lucky guess. It was the name of a female wizard who had killed many of myrades during my mercenary days, so I just blurted it out.¡± Could anyone really believe that? The exnation seemed so imusible that it somehow made sense. Torres felt puzzled but soon decided not to worry about it. ¡®Whatever.¡¯ As long as everything ended well, that was all that mattered. It was the attitude of a good soldier. * * * Avnair couldn¡¯t help but chuckle. Sitting in his office within the Cross Guard, he kept breaking into incredulousughter. ¡°Hah.¡± ¡®Everything breached? In one night?¡¯ They had captured an enemy spy and extracted information. They set a trap based on that. They even leaked false information, posing as spies. He thought that if anyone tried to enter, they would be dealt with. Even then, he hadn¡¯t really expected anyone to infiltrate the Cross Guard. And yet¡­ ¡®The elite soldiers at the escape route were almost wiped out.¡¯ Resha was dead. She wasn¡¯t supposed to die here. Resha of the Thorn Vines was a well-known wizard. ¡°I could understand if a knight had appeared.¡± But that wasn¡¯t the case. They tried to capture whoever had caused themotion. He was prepared to use his own troops if necessary. But while they were waiting, a fire broke out. They had considered all possibilities, including an assassination attempt. And all that happened was a fire. After that, there was no trace of the infiltrators. ¡®Did they just set a fire and leave?¡¯ Avnair continued tough. It was absurd and baffling. His mouth wasughing, but his eyes were not¡ªa strange expression. The genius strategist of Aspen. That¡¯s what they called him. And yet, he had beenpletely outmaneuvered. How could he notugh? * * * ¡°Achoo!¡± On the way back to the Border Guard base, Finn thought Encrid was definitely crazy when he suggested another round of training. Torres politely declined. ¡°Aren¡¯t you tired? I am.¡± When they arrived at the Border Guard base, Encrid saw a strange scene. A shabby, bald man, who could easily be mistaken for a beggar, wasining to a soldier. It was a sight that made Encrid involuntarily tilt his head in curiosity. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans Or You can subscribe for a membership and support me. You will be able to read 15 chapters ahead oftest free chapter and daily 1 new chapter: /revengerscans.] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 110 Finn and Torres went in first because of the report. Torres will handle the overall report, and Finn will assist with the rest. Encrid just needed to report his return. So they stood in front of the quarters. An unexpected figure appeared. It was Gilpin. His clothes were torn here and there, and his face was bruised blue. One eye was half-swollen, seemingly in the process of healing, and he was limping. It didn¡¯t seem like his leg was broken. ¡°Let me take a look.¡± A quick nce revealed that his ankle seemed to be sprained. ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± Gilpin said, though there was a subtle anxiety in his tone. Encrid nodded. ¡°What happened?¡± This was under Krais¡¯s jurisdiction. Obviously, something had happened with the Gilpin Guild for him to end up in this state. ¡°I¡¯m here.¡± ¡°For what?¡± ¡°That frog bastard who was with the former guild master.¡± Ah, Frog. There was no need to search his memory. Yes, they had said that Frog woulde when spring arrived. It seemed he hade now. But wasn¡¯t it a bit early? ¡°Start from the beginning.¡± He wanted to hear the full story first. If Krais had died or if there was an urgent matter, Gilpin wouldn¡¯t be here talking but would have immediately insisted they go together. * * * Krais had already been eating and sleeping in the city for six days. Spending about a week outside the camp was part of Krais¡¯s routine. Moreover, ¡®Isn¡¯t there a battleing up?¡¯ So much to prepare for. Starting from the beginning of the year, from food to various errands. Many people sought out Krais, not just soldiers but even officers. Because of that, there were many who provided such conveniences. It had been six days like that. He wanted to wrap up all the tasks before the uing deployment. Most importantly, since taking over the Gilpin Guild, counting Kronas had be more enjoyable. With this, why would he want to return to the unit? ¡°Let¡¯s see. How much will I make today?¡± He would need a lot of Kronas to start a salonter. So, it was best to earn as much as possible while he could. Recently, he had received a decentmission from the items the Squad Leader brought and sold. ¡°I wonder if he¡¯ll find something else like that.¡± Well, there was talk of a wizard living hidden in the sewers. Would such things happen frequently? ¡°It¡¯s time for lunch. Let¡¯s eat.¡± Around noon, Krais called for Gilpin to settle lunch. For lunch, they had a dish made from ground whole wheat. Somehow, they had managed to make thin noodles and topped them with olive oil and tomato sauce. It was reasonably good. ¡°So, did you seal off the basement of that shoemaker¡¯s shop?¡± Krais asked, ttering his fork. ¡°It¡¯s all sealed up now.¡± Gilpin replied after swallowing the noodles he was chewing. The idea was to y the role of night guards, if not full-fledged guardians. Thus, the Gilpin Guild took action in areas beyond the reach of the reserve forces. The sealing off of the shoemaker¡¯s basement was one such task. The reserve forces didn¡¯t concern themselves with such matters. They had taken all they could but left the tunnels. Of course, the Squad Leader had already looted them before that. Anyway, what was the role of the night watch? It was to give the impression of protecting the city¡¯s residents, aside from shaking down transient visitors. The effectiveness? Needless to say, it was great. Whether collecting tributes or arranging protection fees. Especially when gathering information, it was as if the entire city¡¯s popce became Krais¡¯s ears. ¡®If we push, we might even weed out all the spies from Aspen.¡¯ It seemed possible if the Gilpin Guild absorbed the surrounding guilds. But it still felt too early to make a move. Krais paused eating, lost in thought, mulling over his ns. ¡®Bind them through the Squad Leader.¡¯ If the Squad Leader moved, it would give the squad members a reason to act. Since each squad member¡¯s desires were clear, enticing them wouldn¡¯t be difficult. ¡®And how many people are we managing?¡¯ Even in the Border Guard, there was a slum. While some had given up on life and werenguishing there, others were struggling to survive. ¡®Recruit some from the slums.¡¯ Absorbing smaller members while breaking down other guilds. Krais was confident in his ability to read people, if nothing else. Perhaps it was because he had grown up learning the hard way. During his begging days, he could tell at a nce who would give him something if he asked. Of course, it took hundreds of beatings to develop that sense. The moment he realized that approaching the wrong person could get him killed, his instincts naturally sharpened. ¡®It seems doable.¡¯ Should he call it the Back Alley Guild Integration Operation? In a year, or maybe less than six months if the foundation wasid, he felt he couldpletely dominate the back alleys. If the n went smoothly. However, there were always variables in any n. That was the variable. Bang! They say fortune and misfortunee unexpectedly. It was the same for Krais. Someone burst into the mansion¡¯s drawing-room, breaking down the door. It was a figure draped in a thick cloak. Krais didn¡¯t think about how they got here or ask who they were. There were about a dozen guild members guarding the mansion. Two of them, who were guarding the door, were lying on the floor. ¡®Is there blood?¡¯ There was no pool of blood on the floor, so they didn¡¯t seem to be dead. At least, it looked that way. Krais quickly assessed the situation and the sudden misfortune, recognizing and epting it. His keen mind was racing, and his eyes scanned the surroundings. ¡°Yes,e this way.¡± This was his first statement after making his judgment. ¡°Do you know who I am? Your reaction is refreshing.¡± The figure inside the cloak shrugged, causing the cloak to sway. The voice was rough and raspy, as if the speaker had injured vocal cords. ¡°It didn¡¯t seem relevant.¡± ¡°You¡¯ve got a good sense.¡± As the figure spoke, they removed the cloak. Inside the smoothly flowing cloak. The person was wearing armor reinforced with metal tes around the chest area. Heart armor, heart armor. ¡°¡­¡­Ah.¡± It¡¯s difficult for humans to recognize Frog¡¯s appearance. Even so, Gilpin recognized the figure. The white scar on the neck revealed it was Frog, the harbinger of death that Gilpin often mentioned. ¡®Isn¡¯t it too early?¡¯ Hadn¡¯t they said he wouldn¡¯te until long after spring had arrived? ¡°Where¡¯s the guy who was here before?¡± ¡°He got bored of this ce and went up ahead.¡± Krais responded casually to Frog¡¯s words. Gilpin was drenched in a cold sweat. One wrong word, and he might be sent up as well. The fear of death loomed. It was the threat of an overwhelming power disparity. In this situation, ¡°Would you like some food?¡± Krais asked nonchntly. Frog twisted his lips into a grin. ¡°You¡¯re a funny guy.¡± With that, Frog moved, and Gilpin tried to resist but was beaten. It ended with three blows. If Frog had not held back and drawn his weapon, it would have been over in one strike. Krais didn¡¯t resist but still got hit. ¡°Humans only listen after they¡¯ve been beaten. That¡¯s my philosophy. Who¡¯s the one who killed the former guild master?¡± After the beating, Frog lifted Krais by the cor with one hand and asked. Krais¡¯s mind raced. Who among the squad members could handle this monster? Rem, Ragna, Audin, Jaxon. Which name should he mention? Who should he direct Frog to find? The decision was made without hesitation, having already considered this when he saw Frog. ¡°I would have told you if you had just asked.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t like that. I prefer to beat people up first and then listen.¡± Crazy Frog bastard. Despite what he thought inside, Krais responded with a smile, ¡°I see.¡± ¡°The Border Guard Reserve Unit killed him. The name is Ragna.¡± ¡°And why are you sitting here?¡± ¡°I¡¯m acting as the guild master.¡± ¡°Interesting, interesting. Hey, Baldie.¡± Gilpin, who had been knocked out in an instant, didn¡¯t even know how he was taken down. He just knew his eye socket hurt terribly, and his thigh was numb, making it impossible to stand. ¡°Uh, yes, yes.¡± ¡°Bring Ragna here, and I¡¯ll let this guy go.¡± Frog said, causing Gilpin to look at Krais. ¡°Go ahead. Bring our real guild master.¡± Gilpin was quick on the uptake. Frog wanted them to bring someone capable of killing him. Frog wasn¡¯t a fool. Even if he couldn¡¯t distinguish between lies and the truth, he could tell that this small, pretty human man was up to something. Frog made up his mind. ¡®Kill that guy.¡¯ And chain this one. Since the one who originally managed this ce was dead, it was time for a new manager. Contacting the homnd would take too much effort, so he decided it was better to manage things locally. And if things went south? Escaping wouldn¡¯t be difficult. * * * ¡°How many days has it been since Krais was captured?¡± Encrid scratched his nose and asked. ¡°Three days.¡± ¡°What about my squad members?¡± ¡°Conveniently, they¡¯re all headed to the battlefield.¡± ¡°Even Rem?¡± ¡°I¡¯m not sure. I only heard that he¡¯s not here.¡± ¡°Have you confirmed Big Eyes is alive?¡± ¡°Just reported on it a moment ago.¡± ¡°Did they break all his limbs?¡± ¡°¡­What?¡± ¡°Never mind. If they left his limbs intact, that¡¯s better.¡± Encrid muttered to himself, nodded, and stood up. Encrid and Gilpin had been squatting in a corner near the front of the unit, talking. Gilpin looked up at the standing Encrid, puzzled. Shouldn¡¯t they be rushing to rescue Krais? Encrid spoke again. ¡°First, I¡¯ll go report my return.¡± ¡°Should I wait?¡± ¡°No, Frog is at the mansion, right?¡± ¡°Aren¡¯t we going right now?¡± Right now? It didn¡¯t seem necessary. If Frog had wanted to kill Krais, he would have done it already. But the fact that he hadn¡¯t even broken Krais¡¯s limbs in three days meant ¡°He must be holding on.¡± It was clear what Krais was aiming for. He wanted to call for someone from his squad, which is why he mentioned the name Ragna. He could have asked for Rem, Audin, or Jaxon, but he specifically chose Ragna, who was the hardest to summon due to being notoriously poor with directions andzy. It meant he was asking for anyone toe. ¡®The problem is, I¡¯m the only one left.¡¯ It was unexpected for Encrid that all his squad members had headed to the battlefield without him. Krais couldn¡¯t have predicted this either. The fact that the usually unruly squad members had listened to someone else and gone to the battlefield was surprising. Whoever took them must have been quite impressive. Managing them without bursting a blood vessel from the stress was a feat in itself. ¡°Go back and tell them to wait just one more day.¡± Gilpin¡¯s face twisted in frustration at those words. ¡°The guild master will die.¡± It was a natural reaction for Gilpin. He was content with his current life. Being a night watchman rather than a full-fledged protector suited him just fine. There were fewer troublesome matters, and it was peaceful. Yes, it was very peaceful. Krais was keen on Kronas, but he was fair. That¡¯s why Gilpin wanted to maintain this peace. The Gilpin who once thought about fleeing if the guild shattered before Frog¡¯s arrival no longer existed. He now had something to protect. ¡°We have to go.¡± He repeated, but Encrid shook his head. ¡°Go and tell them to wait just one more day. Ragna wille.¡± With that, Encrid turned away. Gilpin still had no other options. He had to turn back. He had to deliver the message. If the situation wasn¡¯t conveyed, Frog would tear the guild master apart. Frog seemed more than capable of doing that. Gilpin took steps to restore the broken peace. ¡®God, please.¡¯ He sought a deity he didn¡¯t even believe in. Encrid headed inside the unit. ¡°It¡¯s been a few days already. What¡¯s going on? No one would tell me anything.¡± The soldier guarding the entrance asked as Encrid walked in. ¡®Loyalty exists.¡¯ Encrid thought of Gilpin and understood his situation. If the reserve forces had taken control of the back alley guild, it could have been disastrous, possibly even resulting in execution. So, he couldn¡¯t have spoken up. Despite that, he wanted to protect what he had, and that sentiment was clearly conveyed. ¡°A damn situation.¡± Encrid muttered as he headed inside the unit. Krais wouldn¡¯t be killed just because another day passed. That was evident from the situation. ¡®It doesn¡¯t seem like Frog is a fool.¡¯ While Frog had a reputation for being straightforward and brute, like people, each Frog was different. There were smart Frogs, ignorant Frogs, and even meticulous Frogs. The same went for Fairies, Dragons, and Giants. Of course, each species had its unique traits. ¡®If there¡¯s time.¡¯ If there was no immediate need to go,Encrid clenched and unclenched his fist as he walked. He wasn¡¯t naive. From this ¡®today¡¯, he had learned something. ¡®I¡¯ve improved.¡¯ Otherwise, he would have been killed by a lycanthrope or an enemymander long ago. But he had even in a wizard. This was evidence that his skills had improved. So, could he handle Frog? Last time, when facing a tricky opponent, he was knocked out by a single kick to the side. So, now? ¡®It feels possible.¡¯ It wasn¡¯t baseless confidence. While Krais had called for him instead of a squad member. ¡®Frog, Frog, Frog.¡¯ Frog was a challenging opponent he¡¯d like to face. For that, he needed preparation. Although he wasn¡¯t severely injured, he was fatigued, having stayed up for two nights. He had taken short naps on the way back and rested somewhat, but he wasn¡¯t in perfect condition. Therefore, ¡®I need to report my return and rest first.¡¯ Encrid did as he nned. If letting Krais die wasn¡¯t an option, he would have to face Frog. It could be considered a troublesome task, but Encrid felt a strange excitement about the situation. ¡®Strange. Very strange.¡¯ Normally, would he have been scared? No, rather than being scared, he would have fought even knowing he might lose. He couldn¡¯t stand by and watch hisrades die. Encrid had always lived that way. However, if previously he had approached knowing he would lose,now he felt uncertain about the oue, whether he would win or lose. ¡°The Company Commander?¡± Upon entering the unit, he noticed many people were missing. There were also reports that the Troublesome Squad had been led out by the Fairy Company Commander as the vanguard. He wondered who had taken them. Because of that, Encrid had to report his return to a toon leader from anotherpany. ¡°You¡¯re the only one left from the independent toon, so will you be joining soon?¡± It was someone he was familiar with. ¡°I¡¯m exhausted, so I¡¯ll join in two days.¡± ¡°Alright, but try toe quickly. There seem to be some issues at the front, and there might be a second deployment.¡± The toon leader said, waving a dispatch and talking at length. Encrid nodded and turned away. He unpacked in the empty quarters, soaked in hot water, and then fell asleep under a warm nket. If he ended up facing Frog and died, repeating today,it was sleep to keep him in the best condition. Encrid fell asleep quickly. It was a deep, restful sleep without dreams. Upon waking, Encrid wiped the sleep from his eyes, washed his face, and ate meat for breakfast. ¡°You¡¯re eating well for breakfast.¡± the cook on duty remarked, shaking his head. After chewing and swallowing the meat, he practiced the Istion Technique. It was a good exercise for digestion and warming up the body. He then sharpened his longsword and counted his remaining whistling daggers. There were only two left. He hadn¡¯t been able to retrieve all the ones he had thrown. ¡®Could that person make more for me?¡¯ Thinking of the city¡¯s cksmith, Encrid held the de up diagonally in front of his eyes to inspect it. It was in good condition. No cracks. A few nicks, but nothing serious. The cksmith had mentioned that des could get chipped when cutting through a wizard, but it seemed to have held up well. Perhaps it varied from wizard to wizard. With all preparationsplete, Nyaa! ¡°Where have you been?¡± Esther appeared. Encrid had thought she was gone, as she hadn¡¯t been seen for a while. ¡°Stay here. I¡¯ll be back soon.¡± With that, Encrid stepped outside again. ¡°Hiss.¡± Esther seemed annoyed, as if questioning where he was going without her. ¡°Want toe along? Just watch, though.¡± At Encrid¡¯s words, Esther jumped into his arms, settling infortably. Feeling her warm body heat, Encrid set off. His destination was the mansion where Krais was being held. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans Or You can subscribe for a membership and support me. You will be able to read 15 chapters ahead oftest free chapter and daily 1 new chapter: /revengerscans.] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 111 ¡®Can¡¯t just leave them behind.¡¯ It was surprising that the Fairy Company Commander took all the troublemaker Squad members, who were now toon members, with him. If Encrid hadn¡¯t seen the empty quarters, he wouldn¡¯t have believed it. Krais, who had been away from the barracks for several days, likely didn¡¯t know. That¡¯s probably why he asked for Ragna to be called. ¡®How did I avoid getting dragged along on the expedition?¡¯ Encrid wondered if he had used the excuse of joiningter since he stayed behind. Or perhaps the Fairy Company Commander had left Krais behind as a favor. In any case, Krais remained, and the squad members were gone. Encrid would have to rescue them alone. He couldn¡¯t just summon the squad members who were already on the battlefield. Using the reserve unit of the Border Guard for an internal matter of the Gilpin Guild? ¡®Not a chance.¡¯ As if they would help. Yeah, maybe if there was someone worth relying on. Like the Fairy Company Commander. Even if she stayed behind, it would be a gamble. What about Torres? As a toon Leader of the Border Guard, it might be difficult, but personally, he might be able to help. ¡®The Border Guard is also about to head out, except for a few.¡¯ Encrid mused. Allowing him a day off after reporting back was the unit¡¯s way of looking after him. Did that mean they gained a lot from this mission? Encrid shook his head lightly. His mind was filled with random thoughts. Just do what needs to be done. Here, what needs to be done is¡­ ¡°We¡¯re going to save Krais. Yes, that Big Eyes.¡± He said, stroking Esther, who nestled against his chest. Seeing Esther¡¯s puzzled look, he repeated that Big Eyes was a friend. It was a goal spoken out loud without thinking. Hearing this, Esther looked at Encrid with eyes as blue as ake. Encrid looked back at Esther with simrly colored eyes. ¡°Why?¡± Esther wasn¡¯t going to answer. What could a panther say? However, it seemed like Esther¡¯s gaze was questioning whether saving Krais was really the only reason. ¡°For other reasons too.¡± Encrid revealed a part of his thoughts. The lycanthropes, the Gray Hound unit of Aspen, and even the wizards. He wanted to test his skills against Torres and Finn on the way there. The desire boiled over fiercely. Where do I stand now? What is my state? How far does my sword reach? ¡®How much have I improved?¡¯ He didn¡¯t know. He had no sense of it. That¡¯s how it was. You have to know to see, but every day was new for Encrid. He was an explorer discovering newnds every day. Always a pathfinder zing new trails. A climber scaling mountains for the first time, a hunter in uncharted territories. He moved forward by looking at the signposts, but he didn¡¯t know where he stood. That¡¯s why. When he heard about the Frog¡¯s appearance, he coldly assessed his condition and took a full day¡¯s rest. Because he thought that he had found someone who could help him check his position rtive to the signposts. ¡®Will my sword be effective?¡¯ Last time he encountered a Frog, getting hit once made his ribs cry out in weakness. How will it go this time? Not all Frogs are the same, but still¡­ There¡¯s no better opponent topare myself against. If he fails, the Frog will be the wall that blocks ¡®today,¡¯ but that¡¯s fine. It was fine. If any of the squad members were here, this wouldn¡¯t be happening. That¡¯s why Encrid had no choice but to step up. Is it ironic? Or should he say it¡¯s lucky? Or maybe it¡¯s just bad luck. Bad luck has always been like a constantpanion, trailing behind. It¡¯s up to the swimmer in the river of misfortune to navigate through it. Thinking of Rem and the other squad members, Encrid realized how narrow his view of the world had been. ¡®It¡¯sughable.¡¯ There was a time he considered his squad members to be above average soldiers. Above average? Laughable. It was a ridiculous notion. None of the squad members fit within the soldier ranking system. Now he knew that. In reality, if even one squad member were here, there¡¯d be no reason to fear a mere Frog. ¡®But now I am alone.¡¯ He couldn¡¯t abandon Krais. Nor did he want to retreat. With his left foot, he recalled the days he faced Rem. With his right foot, he reflected on what he learned from Jaxon. Again, with his left foot, he remembered Audin. With his right foot, he embodied Ragna. Each step he took, he recalled everything he had learned. Countless instructors, repeated drills today. Facing a Frog didn¡¯t scare him. Was this the harmony of the Heart of the Beast? A sense of calm, boldness, and even a thrill of challenge arose within him. Encrid¡¯s pupils flickered like mes. Thud. Esther hit his chest with her front paw, as if to say, not yet. ¡°I know.¡± Encrid responded and kept walking, soon arriving at the mansion. The bald Gilpin was waiting. ¡°Where?¡± ¡°The drawing room.¡± ¡°Where is the drawing room again?¡± Following Gilpin¡¯s lead, Encrid entered the mansion and stopped in front of the door to the drawing room. ¡®Am I charging in here ready to die?¡¯ Or was he just mad with a thirst for challenge? He didn¡¯t know. The answery beyond the door. Esther jumped off his chest and bounced to the side. Watching her, Encrid wondered, ¡®Will he be someone I can talk to?¡¯ The fact that Krais was kept alive suggested it might be. But regardless, it was a situation where he needed to assert control first. If you¡¯re here to fight, you fight. What¡¯s the point of talking? Encrid took a short breath, deciding to speak through action rather than words. With a bang, he kicked the door open, rolled forward, and threw his right hand forward as if tossing something. A whistling dagger shot through the air, folding space with terrifying speed. A sharp whistle followed. Almost as if anticipating it, Frog¡¯s arm moved like a sh of light. * * * Is this guy crazy? Sensing a presence, then bloodlust. After the stabbing intent came the attack. There was no hesitation. It was as if the action had been nned before reaching the door. Frog saw the arm of the guy move, who kicked the door open. Seeing the flying de, Frog drew his weapon and deflected it. To an ordinary person, this would have seemed like an incredible feat. But not to Frog. He deftly knocked the whistling dagger away with the t of his de. The dagger embedded itself into a crude leather decoration on the wall. The man who threw the dagger charged in, drawing his sword. With a satisfying ring, the sword came down in a bold arc. Frog hooked his fingers into a loop attached to the handle of his weapon. Frog¡¯s slippery skin prevented him from gripping weapons properly. So he had a weapon made with a loop, called a loop sword. By hooking his fingers into the loop and closing his grip, Frog¡¯s three round fingertips met his palm. All he had to do next was swing. The sh of metal announced the start of the fight. Soon, swords and daggers danced, orchestrating a fierce symphony. The sound of shing des filled the room. Sparks flew in the air, apanied by a relentless barrage of strikes. Frog, impressed by his opponent who blocked his attacks over thirty times and asionally countered, thought, ¡®This guy¡¯s interesting.¡¯ Krais sat in a corner. He wasn¡¯t tied up or injured, but escape was impossible. Though it had only been two days, Frog exhibited remarkable stamina. He barely slept and always kept watch. Krais could handle his needs and even shared meals with Frog. But escaping was a different matter. ¡®What would happen if I ran?¡¯ Everyone left in the guild would be killed. If caught, he would end up as a lifeless corpse alongside the others. Frog was capable of such things. Spring hade, and Frog had arrived earlier than expected. Krais had some hope, believing that if one or two squad members arrived, they could handle the situation. Anyone but the Squad leader, he thought. When the door opened, Krais hoped. When he recognized who entered, he was disappointed. Now, he stood with his mouth agape, unable to close it. ¡®What is this?¡¯ The continuous noise sounded like the drawing room would copse. What he saw were trajectories, paths of des. Something created by the des. Only sparks flew between them. What¡¯s going on? The one who entered was the Squad leader, but that Squad leader was¡­ ¡®Fighting Frog?¡¯ It didn¡¯t look like he was losing. At least not to Krais. Encrid, watching the opponent¡¯s weapon that seemed to bend, positioned his sword sideways. Thump! The impact traveled up his forearm, spreading through his body. It would be foolish to just try to endure it with brute strength. He redirected the force, mixing in the Correct Sword Technique. What seemed impossible before was now feasible. ng! He deflected the de sideways and thrust his sword forward. The de sliced through the air with a whistle. Frog retaliated, swinging his sword down again. ng! Encrid blocked, deflected, and dodged. How was this possible? It was thanks to his experience fighting the wizard¡¯s thorny vines. Countless experiences had shaped Encrid¡¯s swordsmanship, allowing him to swing, dodge, and block effectively. The foundation was defense. Blocking again and again. The opponent¡¯s weapon resembled a hunting knife with a wide de, a typical weapon for Frogs. The Loop Sword often took this form. It was unusually heavy, and the opponent wielded it with the finesse of a lighter sword, thanks to Frog¡¯s exceptional strength. Encrid lost himself in the swordy, focusing solely on the swords¡ªthe lines connecting points, the lines bending and descending like lightning. Frog¡¯s weapon struck like lightning, and Encrid intercepted it with his sword. Unable to deflect it, his knee bent halfway. In that bent position, he smoothly swung his sword forward. Frog took a half step back and stabbed with his de. A thrust with a wide de¡ªa nonstandard move. Yet Encrid felt the thrust like a sharp awl. His senses danced on the de¡¯s edge. His already keen senses had be sharper thanks to Jaxon¡¯s training. In this world where only the swords, himself, and the opponent existed, he lost track of time. Blocking, blocking again. Striking, thrusting, and shing whenever an opening appeared. He mixed in techniques from the Valen Mercenary Sword Technique. Feigning a sh, then stopping to thrust. This swordsmanship had be second nature to him, perhaps an evolved form of his earlier style. Frog deflected most attacks with brute strength. Thanks to his strength far exceeding that of a human, his physical capabilities and reflexes yed a significant role. ng! Thwack! Smack! Some attacks were dodged, others deflected. des grazed cheeks, and Frog¡¯s fists struck armor. As Encrid deflected a punch and aimed his sword at Frog¡¯s heart, Frog spun half a turn to avoid it. ¡°Grrrk!¡± A bubbling growl came from Frog¡¯s throat, full of excitement. Encrid uttered no battle cry. He was solely focused. Completely absorbed in one thing. ¡®Don¡¯t scatter.¡¯ Concentrate, gather focus. He avoided attacks not by watching the sword but by feeling the de¡¯s presence. As these moments continued, Encrid entered a new state of awareness. Noticing Frog¡¯s fingers hooked on the loop, the trembling of his broad feet, and the movement of the violent muscles beneath his slippery skin. His hands moved, his arms extended, his feet shifted, and his body twisted ordingly. In that moment of heightened concentration, forgetting points and the lines they formed, Encrid saw a glimpse of the oue of the ongoing battle. It might have been just a passing thought. But because he saw, he knew. Sensing it, Encrid knew that his chance of victoryy there. He acted on it. All this time, he¡¯d aimed for Frog¡¯s heart whenever there was an opening. Now it was no different. This thrust, filled with the determination to pierce through, shot like a beam of light through space. Frog stepped back with his right foot, dodging the attack. The de scraped against the heart armor. Seeing this, Frog¡¯s cheeks puffed up. ¡®Trying to get my heart?¡¯ Unable to hold back, Frog¡¯s de descended toward Encrid¡¯s neck faster than before. It was a lightning-fast strike. A split-second opportunity. Encrid withdrew his thrusting sword. ng! The two swords that had been in a continuous exchange shed in mid-air and stopped. ¡°Are you trying to fight me with strength? Foolish human.¡± Frog growled like a beast. Encrid responded not with words but by reenacting what he had envisioned. ¡®Like this.¡¯ He created softness by slightly bending his knees while standing still. Mixing the Correct Sword Technique with the Gentle Sword Technique, he absorbed the opponent¡¯s force. Frog¡¯s sword, driven by brute strength, seemed poised to split Encrid from the forehead down. ¡°You damn fool,Captain!¡± Krais¡¯s shout echoed, but both ignored it. Encrid put all his strength into pushing Frog¡¯s de away. With a tingling sound, Encrid¡¯s sword raced along the de. Frog, who had been pressing down with sheer strength, faltered. Reflexively, Frog blocked the blow aimed at his heart with his right forearm, the one holding the sword. Aiming for the heart would have been another futile strike, so¡­ Encrid¡¯s sword traced a smooth arc. Slice. He aimed for Frog¡¯s left arm. Though Frog dodged, blood spurted out, the arm wasn¡¯tpletely severed. The de had cut through Frog¡¯s slippery skin. As Frog¡¯s puffed-up cheeks indicated, he wasn¡¯t just going to stand there and take it. The broad de, deflected away, was brought down again. Encrid blocked it with his raised right hand. The de struck the gauntlet he had taken from the sewer wizard. With a loud crack and a sharp grinding sound, the de was deflected to the side. The gauntlet¡¯s exterior was cut and shed, but his wrist remained intact. It was abination of the parrying technique learned from Audin and the durable gauntlet. ¡°You crazy bastard.¡± Frog said. His left arm dangled, and even with his regenerative ability, this wasn¡¯t enjoyable. Frog red with a fierce look, blood still pouring. ¡®Ah.¡¯ Encrid sensed the end of ¡®today¡¯. His right wrist was too weak to hold his sword, and he had to catch it with his left hand. How many more moves could he endure? He didn¡¯t know. But he was somewhat satisfied with thest strike. A strike that created an opening by aiming for the heart. It was truly well-executed. Frog, a species known for discerning talent, felt uneasy about Encrid. Why? Because he had exceptional talent? No, it was because he was an unfamiliar type. This one had to be killed. He had to die. Frog wondered how this human, who seemed at his limit, could pull off such a move. Repeatedly feigning attacks on his heart, only to take his left arm in the end? In that brief moment, the human had bent his knees to absorb the weight and then scraped the ground with his feet to push forward. He had staked everything on a single move, and Frog had been the one caught off guard. If his opponent¡¯s right wrist were intact? ¡®Would I have lost this fight?¡¯ Frog¡¯s cheeks puffed even more. He had to kill him. His sword rose. It was the moment that would end everything. Encrid remained calm. Frog found this attitude even more irritating. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans Or You can subscribe for a membership and support me. You will be able to read 15 chapters ahead oftest free chapter and daily 1 new chapter: /revengerscans.] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 112 For just a moment. ¡®It was visible.¡¯ The method to capture Frog, the way to kill, the path to victory. As words were carved on the milestone and the path appeared before his eyes. Could today be another satisfying day? He had rested well, maintaining a perfect state in preparation for the repetitive day. Now, all he had to do was die and start the day again. But Frog¡¯s sword did not fall. The killing intent and aura were still there. Yet the de did not move. It stopped abruptly in the air, as if someone had grabbed it. Rumble. Frog puffed up and deted his cheeks repeatedly. ¡°Why?¡± In Encrid¡¯s gaze, Frog¡¯s unseen gaze, behind the human who had cut off his arm. There was a panther with eyes like a blueke. Lake Panther. In some regions, they were considered sacred beings and were sometimes revered as guardian spirits. But Frog wasn¡¯t the type to care about such things. To them, a beast was just a beast. In other words, it wasn¡¯t the mere gaze of the Lake Panther that had stopped him. ¡°Damn it.¡± Frog cursed inwardly. Instead of sweating, his smooth skin secreted a mucus-like substance. This was a physical change in Frog¡¯s body due to tension. Frog, with a white scar on his neck, had a lot of experience, including dealing with wizards. Wizards, those strange beings who bring the world of spells into reality. They were always troublesome to deal with. From the Lake Panther¡¯s ck skin and eyes, such an aura could be felt. Countless experiences, the marks of mana visible through the eyes of a talent detector. That panther itself was either using magic or was at least connected to it somehow. Frog had an intuition. If he struck now, he could kill this man. ¡®But I would also have to risk my life.¡¯ The magical panther wasn¡¯t the only problem. The human sitting in front of him wasn¡¯t easy either. Constantly aiming for the heart, swinging his sword towards the arm? Thest move. The sword, de, will, and aura running along his broad de. It wasn¡¯t a simple action. He moved his feet to add weight and momentarily showed strength simr to his own. Compared to himself, he was of smaller stature. The conclusion: the quality of his muscles was exceptional. And then. ¡®Those eyes.¡¯ The gaze wasn¡¯t dead. Even now, the eyes directed at him were full of aura. How could he be like that with no chance of winning? It felt like looking at something forged from sheer willpower. Not relying on the magical panther behind him. Just burning with pure aura. ¡®Crazy bastard.¡¯ Rumble. Frog¡¯s cheeks puffed up even more. He didn¡¯t like this situation at all. In his mind, he pulled out a scale to weigh the options. Should he risk his life to kill this man here? Or should he leave it for another day? He desperately wanted to kill. This was the kind of person who needed to die. But if his own life was at stake on the other side of the scale? He had to reconsider. The gaze of the talent detector scrutinized Encrid. He calcted carefully. Fighting when he wanted to fight, eating when he wanted to eat, and loving when he wanted to love was Frog¡¯s specialty. But his life was at stake, and he was bound by obligations in this ce. Was it worth risking his life and ignoring his duties to kill? The weight on the scale tilted to one side. There wasn¡¯t much to reconsider. The importance of this city, the border fortress city called Border Guard, wasn¡¯t that high. Soon, Frog¡¯s puffed cheeks deted. The de, poised to strike, was lowered. The aura faded. ¡®Limit.¡¯ Frog judged. It would be difficult for the human in front of him to be more skilled than he was now. Good muscle quality, momentary strengthparable to Frog¡¯s own. The swordsmanship and individual tactics were excellent, and an unyielding spirit felt like something he had never seen before. Despite this. Frog instinctively knew. ¡®Half of it was luck.¡¯ Though his arm had been cut in thest move, he had also shattered the opponent¡¯s right wrist. It meant the opponent¡¯s maneuver was reliant on luck. He would kill him the next time they met. If they met again, he could do it. ¡°Don¡¯t forget. Human, my name is Maelrun.¡± That was the end. The aura vanishedpletely, and Frog retreated. Maelrun met eyes with Esther behind Encrid. ¡®I¡¯m just leaving, so you should step back too.¡¯ He shot a look with that meaning. Esther did not react, just gazing with eyes like a calmke. Maelrun picked up his cloak from the ground and retreated. Frog walked leisurely out of the mansion, and no one stopped him. Some guild members looked uncertain. ¡°Don¡¯t just stand there, everyone move aside. Our guest is leaving.¡± Krais intervened. Even with one arm unusable, Frog was still Frog. And so, Frog left. * * * Esther, thanks to the grimoire that Encrid had brought, found a trick to release the shackles on her body. While she couldn¡¯t return to being human immediately, she could still manifest parts of the magical world even in her panther form. ¡®Of course, it would be a bit of a struggle each time.¡¯ She would have to use up the mana she had stored. And a part of the magical world could be contaminated. It was a method from the grimoire of that madman who built his magical world using corpses. It was a trick among tricks. Still. ¡®Someday I¡¯ll use it.¡¯ It would be useful to know, so she had familiarized herself with it. And that time could be now. Esther feigned calmness, revealing her presence. She made Frog aware that she was a wizard. If you strike that de, I¡¯ll pierce something into your heart as well. What is will? Will can also be mana. For a moment, Esther made herself appear not as a panther but as wizard Esther. That was the result. The guy named Maelrun, or whatever he was called, retreated. Had Esther¡¯s body been intact, things might have been different. In her current state, even if she and Encrid both went all out, the odds were only fifty-fifty. It was a conclusion reached after weighing all factors. So why did the opponent retreat now? ¡®Lucky.¡¯ That was the only judgment she could make. Had Encrid¡¯s skills improved dramatically? It surprised Esther, she was quite amazed too. But it wasn¡¯t enough of a reason for Frog to retreat. Of course, the situation had twisted before she could attribute it to luck. That situation had been created by the man who stayed by her side out of necessity. ¡®Left arm.¡¯ Not the heart, but the arm. Had he kept aiming for the heart and then retreated, that guy might have continued to endure. But he had half-severed the left arm. At that point, it might be faster to cut it off and let it regrow than to reattach it. A swordsman with one arm gone. He became a more manageable opponent. ¡®Damn it.¡¯ How did ite to this? Esther sighed and gave a light pat on the back of the guy who had nearly wasted all the mana she had umted. Why wasn¡¯t he waking up? ¡°Encrid, ugh!¡± Encrid, barely holding on, began to retch. Esther quickly jumped back, and Krais approached. ¡°Are you okay? No, but, what¡¯s going on with finding Ragna? Did you understand what I was saying?¡± After vomiting once, Encrid seemed to feel a bit better and raised his upper body, speaking. ¡°You¡¯ve been cooped up here for six days without even going on a mission, and you don¡¯t know where your squad is? Are you the guy handling the information? You?¡± It wasn¡¯t a scolding tone, just a matter-of-fact statement. ¡°Huh?¡± Krais then realized what he had missed. Thinking back, the squad members were faces he would see every day. He had heard about the deployment, but who would take the squad without Encrid? Unless it was amander who wanted a hole in the back of their head. A superior killer, azy navigator, a soldier who disappears without a word, and a religious fanatic who can¡¯t fight without divine permission. Who would take such an unusual bunch? He had assumed they¡¯d stay behind waiting for their toon leader. That was a mistake. ¡°They¡¯re not here. They¡¯ve all been deployed.¡± ¡°That¡¯s unexpected. So, it¡¯s just you and the toon leader, Esther?¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± Krais put his hand under Encrid¡¯s arm to help him up. ¡°Are you badly injured?¡± ¡°Other than my right hand, it¡¯s manageable.¡± As he spoke, Encrid realized he was in better shape than he thought. Then a question arose. ¡®Why did he just leave?¡¯ He could have killed both him and Krais with a single sh. ¡®Why?¡¯ Encrid¡¯s gaze turned to the panther, Esther. ¡®What did you do? Really? The opponent was Frog?¡¯ He was acutely aware of the weight the name Frog carried. What could that small, young panther have done? He didn¡¯t know. It was all a mystery. ¡°Meow.¡± Esther, sensing his gaze, spoke as if scolding him. It seemed like she was saying, ¡°Is that all it takes to bring you down?¡± Encrid took a deep breath, trying to gather his thoughts. ¡®I don¡¯t know.¡¯ Dwelling on the unknown wouldn¡¯t provide answers. Of course not. Encrid knew from experience that some things just remain unknown. Instead, he decided to be satisfied with the experience gained and the drive to continue forward. ¡®It worked.¡¯ What could he call it? For a moment, he felt like he had overwhelmed Frog. He had drawn Frog into the situation he orchestrated and struck. He had cut the arm, not the heart¡ª it would regenerate, it would surely regenerate. But not while fighting him. If he had avoided targeting the right wrist at thest moment¡­ ¡®If that had happened.¡¯ The oue of the fight could have been different. There would be much to learn from this encounter. With these thoughts, Encrid made his way back to his quarters. Krais supported him, and Esther, rather than jumping into his arms, nced back and then walked alongside him. Just as they were about to rest after arriving at the quarters, ¡°Where have you been?¡± It was the Company Commander, the superior officer of toon Leader Vengeance. Sweat was dripping from the Commander¡¯s forehead as if he had been looking for Encrid himself. It wasn¡¯t typical for a Company Commander to be running around like a messenger. As Encrid thought about this and was about to salute, ¡°Immediately! Prepare for deployment.¡± The Commander spoke first. ¡°I¡¯ve been slightly injured.¡± Encrid wanted to rest for a day or two if possible. His presence or absence on the battlefield wouldn¡¯t make much difference, he thought. After all, he was just a recently returned toon leader-level soldier. He thought perhaps they might show him some leniency. ¡°What? How did that happen?¡± The Commander likely already knew he had returned unharmed from the operation. ¡°I got into a scuffle with a thug.¡± ¡°In such times, what were you thinking?¡± The Commander scolded him but shook his head as if understanding the situation couldn¡¯t be helped. ¡°We don¡¯t need your swordsmanship right now, so if you can move, we would appreciate it if you could go immediately.¡± The Commander wasn¡¯t forcing him. It was more of a request. To Encrid, it sounded like something urgent had happened at the front. ¡®Why?¡¯ Encrid still hadn¡¯t been briefed on the current situation on the battlefield. He had done nothing but rest for a day after returning. And today, he had been returning from a sword fight with Frog. ¡°Ranger Finn is set to apany you, can you depart immediately?¡± ¡°What situation is so urgent?¡± Krais, who had been listening quietly, expressed his confusion. The Company Commander, who seemed familiar, spoke more openly. ¡°Well, if we don¡¯t bring their toon leader, they won¡¯t continue fighting¡­¡± The Commander trailed off, but Encrid quickly understood. ¡°You mean my toon members?¡± ¡°It¡¯s essentially a deployment to persuade them. They¡¯ve requested that you just stay at the battlefield, even if you rest at the rear. It¡¯s a request from your direct Company Commander.¡± It seemed like he had to go. There wasn¡¯t time to rest just because his wrist was a bit sore. He could still hold a sword. ¡®Rem.¡¯ Encrid felt concerned as soon as he heard the exnation. He figured he could learn about the battlefield situation on the way. A few scratches could be treated with some ointment, and then he could go. ¡°Understood.¡± Encrid saluted, indicating that he would depart immediately. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans Or You can subscribe for a membership and support me. You will be able to read 15 chapters ahead oftest free chapter and daily 1 new chapter: /revengerscans.] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 113 ¡°Today¡¯s quota is done.¡± It was the third day since the deployment. The skirmish that started with a light provocation was the beginning. Rem had been on the battlefield for three days straight, returning in the same condition each time. He swung his axes, sttering blood on the ground. Every time Rem went out, he killed exactly three people. His powerful axe strikes made those three look like chopped wood. Living logs, split open and spilling brains and entrails. At the start, when our forces and the enemy shed, he would swiftly sh, chop, and crush heads before returning. If seeing that didn¡¯t make amander salivate, they weren¡¯t cut out for the job. At the very least, anyone with an eye for talent wouldn¡¯t want to lose someone like him. And Rem wasn¡¯t the only one like that. ¡°I can handle it alone, so why do they keep assigning soldiers to me?¡± Ragna, a soldier dragging his feet as if bored, was the same. At first, he didn¡¯t stand out at all. He barely engaged in fighting, just holding his ground enough toe back alive. Unless someone attacked him, he didn¡¯t put his life on the line in battle. ¡®What a waste of skill.¡¯ The Fairy Company Commander was one of the few who recognized Ragna¡¯s talent. She was just observing until one day, during a move between battlefields, Ragna got lost. ¡®How do you get lost here?¡¯ Had he tried to sneak through the mountains or cross the river to raid the enemy¡¯s base? All he did was push the enemy back. Anyway, Ragna apparently wandered into enemy territory, which should have meant certain death. But he returned unscathed. Casually carrying the head of the enemymander. ¡°Oh, I just felt like going left there.¡± That was all he said upon returning, the enemymander¡¯s head dangling from his fingers. ¡°You got lost?¡± Ragna nodded. The Fairy Company Commander asked and got her answer. That was the end of it. From the start, there had been no intention of forcing anything on them. They had been brought in under those conditions. ¡°Fill in the vacant spot of your toon leader.¡± To them, the name Encrid was synonymous with magic. ¡°Why are they telling us to fill a vacancy when they sent us?¡± ¡°If you sit around doing nothing, it would be because Encrid told you to. Do you want to cause trouble for him?¡± With just a few words, those who had scoffed at the idea of deployment started packing their things. ¡°I¡¯ll do exactly three a day, no more.¡± That was Rem. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s do it.¡± That was Ragna. Jaxon quietly nodded. ¡°By the calling of the Gods.¡± Even the zealot Audin moved. Andrew, Mac, and Enri were naturally expected to obey orders, so no more needed to be said. Krais was on leave, having applied for a break. Andrew, with a ck eye, seemed to wee the battlefield, as did Mac, who had a ck eye on the other side. ¡°Battlefield, fighting, deployment!¡± Upon hearing the Company Commander¡¯s orders, they showed their excitement. ¡°You¡¯re happy? You shouldn¡¯t be happy about this.¡± Seeing the two of them, Rem grinned. In that smile, the Fairy Company Commander briefly saw a demon, but it disappeared in the blink of an eye. That¡¯s how these individuals had been brought together. Jaxon and Audin¡¯s skills were simr to the others. Jaxon put in just enough effort to appear serious, yet the enemy soldiers facing him couldn¡¯t even scratch him. ¡°Why can¡¯t I hit you? Damn it, just you wait.¡± The enemy soldier spat out such words, but Jaxon didn¡¯t respond, treating it as if a passing dog had barked. He often returned from battle without killing the enemy or getting injured himself. Audin had only been on the battlefield once, and upon appearing, he broke an opponent¡¯s forearm with his bare hands. Even his allies, who witnessed it, felt a shiver down their spines. Breaking an arm? What was so impressive about that? However, the way he carefully grasped the opponent¡¯s wrist and snapped it like a thin twig was something else entirely. It seemed almost inhuman. ¡°Shit, stay away, stay away!¡± How must that have looked to the enemy soldiers? Even allies found it unsettling. Audin, as a soldier, drew attention just by existing. He was smaller than a giant but stood out among regr soldiers with his towering height and broad shoulders. How could he not be noticed? ¡®Less than ten of them, but theirbat strength¡­¡¯ It felt as if his own abilities had multiplied tenfold. Simply calling them exceptional wasn¡¯t enough to describe them. Used correctly, they were a force that could harass the enemy beyond their numbers. ¡®This must be why.¡¯ This was likely why they had survived despite various incidents and trouble. The Fairy Company Commander, who had taken responsibility for bringing them, watched over them carefully. Just this much. This was the level of fighting they were permitted. So, what happens if they want more than they¡¯re allowed? ¡°Backing off? Who said you could retreat first?¡± The new toon leader didn¡¯t know anything. He was a recently joinedmander. He didn¡¯t know about these people. He didn¡¯t know about the Troublemaker Squad, or Rem, infamous for assaulting superiors, or Audin, who wouldn¡¯t hesitate to separate flesh and bone if it was God¡¯s will. He didn¡¯t know about Jaxon, who exuded a silent menace. Ragna, who rarely got involved in anything, was also unfamiliar to him. It was Andrew who stood in front of the ignorant toon leader. Rem already seemed to be in a very foul mood. ¡®If this continues, there will be bloodshed.¡¯ If it ended with just bloodshed, that would be fortunate. Rem might split heads with his axe, one after another. ¡°We are part of an independent toon. Therefore, the operationalmand lies with our direct superior.¡± Andrew, who had now seen a bit of military life, responded ording to protocol. ¡°What? So, you¡¯re just going to stand back and watch?¡± The newly appointed toon leader couldn¡¯t ept this. Fighting half-heartedly and then retreating to loaf around in the barracks? Some are risking their lives, and others are cking off? He couldn¡¯t tolerate such behavior, regardless of the independent toon¡¯s status. As a superior officer, he couldn¡¯t just stand by and watch this happen. Andrew saw in the toon leader¡¯s demeanor a reflection of his own earlier disregard for Encrid. Back then, he had been utterly clueless. With a sigh, Andrew looked up at the sky, then lowered his head. There stood a man, resigned, having given up on something. ¡°My name is Andrew Gardner, eldest son of the Gardner family. This unit isposed of nobility. Just get lost.¡± It wasn¡¯t something he believed. His expression was calm and resigned. It was hard to describe it as the look of an arrogant noble. Andrew couldn¡¯t be bothered to manage his expression. Mac approached silently and patted his back as if offering support. ¡°Do you think being a noble means everything?¡± The toon leader, lips twitching in the strange atmosphere, finally spoke up. ¡°Well, I guess I¡¯ll have to see some guts then.¡± As Rem reacted to this, Andrew challenged the toon leader to a duel. Andrew¡¯s quick move to knock the toon leader down prevented Rem from swinging his axe. Instead, only Andrew ended up being beaten. ¡°Nobility or not, this is the military.¡± The Fairy Company Commander approached, reprimanding Andrew. ¡°I will reflect on my actions.¡± He spoke, and the Fairy Company Commander patted his shoulder, indicating she understood and that it was okay. The words were critical, but the gesture was reassuring. Andrew was often the one to calm Rem¡¯s murderous urges by bing his sparring partner. Sometimes, he had to deal with those who knew nothing and challenged them. As a result, the unit¡¯s morale was in shambles. Part of the reason was the so-called ¡®Mad Squadron¡¯. Of course, there were plenty of other reasons as well. The current position of the 1st Infantry Battalion was to the northeast of the Border Guard. They were stationed on a gravel field, with the Pen-Hanil River on their left and a few hills to the right that could be crossed within a day. Here and there, patches of grass were poking through the gravel, and near the riverbank, weeds grew as high as an adult¡¯s waist. On the Green Pearl ins, part of the knight order and the main army were engaged in a standoff with the enemy¡¯s main force. The role of the 1st Infantry Battalion of the Border Guard was to block enemy forces here. Their mission was to serve as a barrier, preventing any nking maneuvers or independent detachments from the enemy. In a sense, their fate depended on the oue of the main battle. If the allies made the first move, they might deploy some of the knights to sweep away the enemy here. Conversely, if the enemy gained the upper hand, they might face the enemy¡¯s knight forces without any knights of their own. Initially, this was the expectation. However, as both sides hesitated, this battlefront became a preliminary and vanguard battle. The infantry battalion and an independentpany were evenly matched in terms of strength and conditions. Both main forces were stationed on the Green Pearl ins, keeping an eye on this battlefield. So far, the Naurillia forces had repeatedly been pushed back. There were rumors of giant soldiers among the enemy ranks. Some enemy soldiers had stood out, provocatively challenging any better fighters toe at them. All of this shook the morale of the allied forces. In such a situation, what was needed was a variable¡ªa game-changer to seize the upper hand. This variable was evident even to the Battalion Commander. The so-called ¡®Mad Squadron¡¯, undoubtedly the most conspicuous group. ¡°If they just fight properly, it¡¯ll be enough. Do they have any demands? If we force them, they might just rebel.¡± The Battalion Commander was wise. He could see the state of the ¡®Mad Squadron¡¯ at a nce. Although the Fairy Company Commander had somehow brought them here, they were an uncontroble force. If necessary, they could be crushed by force, but that was not the time for that. ¡®The battle has only just begun.¡¯ Battalion Commander Marcus was a battle enthusiast, but he was no fool. Persuading them in a reasonable way would boost morale many times overpared to using force. ¡°They need their toon leader.¡± The Fairy Company Commander answered, and the Battalion Commander gave his permission. ¡°Bring him.¡± That was it. The toon leader saluted and turned away. That morning, Rem had dered, ¡°Bring back our toon leader. I don¡¯t feel right fighting without knowing if he¡¯s alive or dead.¡± It sounded almost like a threat to stop killing three enemies a day if they didn¡¯t. A swift scout messenger was immediately dispatched. Three days after the messenger left, toon Leader Encrid stood before the Company Commander. The Mad Squadron had been brought to the rear to meet Encrid. Thanks to that, they met after only three days. ¡°If you returned, shouldn¡¯t you havee back right away? Didn¡¯t you want to see me?¡± The Company Commander joked in a typical Fairy manner towards Encrid. Seeing Encrid¡¯s expression twist, she felt pleased. Seeing that scowling face eased the frustration she had felt dealing with Encrid¡¯s Troublemaker toon members, who rarely listened. ¡®Stubborn lot.¡¯ The Company Commander¡¯s gaze fell on Encrid¡¯s right wrist. ¡°Injured?¡± ¡°I got into a scuffle with some ruffians in the city.¡± ¡°Was that ruffian a Frog?¡± At thisment, the gazes of Krais and Esther, who hade along, fixed on the toon leader. Encrid remained indifferent. It must have been a joke. ¡°It¡¯s not a serious injury.¡± The wrist wasn¡¯t broken. While there was some bone damage, it wasn¡¯t severe enough to prevent him from wielding a sword. It needed treatment, but it wasn¡¯t a serious wound. The time spent strengthening his wrist using the Istion Technique had paid off. ¡°In any case, wee back.¡± The green-eyed Company Commander spoke. Encrid saluted, and the Company Commander nodded in response. ¡°Then, go ahead.¡± Encrid immediately headed to where his toon members were gathered. He had wanted to go as soon as possible. Even though they caused trouble when he was around, the scale of the trouble they caused when he wasn¡¯t there was entirely different. * * * ¡®Should I quit?¡¯ At first, there were toon leaders who would pick fights, but now even those were gone. ying around with Andrew had be tiresome. ¡®There¡¯s no real need for me to be here.¡¯ So he thought it was time to consider leaving. Rem wasn¡¯t thinking of an honorable discharge like others might. He could just disappear without a trace. The more time passed without Encrid, the more this thought took hold. ¡®If he doesn¡¯te back today, I¡¯m leaving.¡¯ Even so, Rem continued his routine. It was a repetitive, meaningless day. Even going out to battle had lost its appeal. ¡°Die!¡± Boring. So boring. If you¡¯re going to kill, just quickly stab with your spear. Why bother shouting? It caused them to lose their breath and make their spear tips waver. Rem swung his axe vertically. The axe de struck the spearhead. ng! ¡°Urgh!¡± With that single blow, the enemy soldier¡¯s grip was torn, causing him to drop his spear. To lose one¡¯s weapon in the middle of a battle? This guy wasn¡¯t even a fraction of their toon leader. Comparing them was an insult, a crime. Crack. The axe split the enemy¡¯s head. It was still a tedious task. He killed three men and returned. Days passed in a blend of boredom and weariness, and the thought of quitting emerged strongly in Rem¡¯s mind. This ce was losing its meaning for him. With their move to the rear, there were no more battles. There was nothing left to do. Ragna was in a simr state. He was listless above all else. ¡®Is he dead?¡¯ Or why else was there no news? Without the toon leader, everything seemed to revert to the way it was. He couldn¡¯t muster any motivation. Even feeling troubled was too much effort. Ragna spent his time idly, doing everything half-heartedly. Except for the time he got lost and ughtered about a dozen enemy soldiers, he did nothing. Audin prayed to his God, asking, ¡®Is it time for me to return?¡¯ As always, his deity responded with silence, respecting his free will. With no answer, it was clear that the important thing was Audin¡¯s own decision. ¡®Should I go back, or should I stay?¡¯ Audin questioned himself but still had not found an answer. Jaxon had chosen to join the military with a purpose. Now that purpose was mostly fulfilled. Leaving would be easy. There was no need to waste time here. Thinking logically, it was unnecessary and meaningless. A series of such days. It was the epitome of inefficiency, something unthinkable under normal circumstances. So why was he still here? ¡®Tonight.¡¯ Jaxon decided he would leave. Of course, he had made the same decision for the past three days. On another day, as each squad member spent their time separately. As the sun set and darkness began to cast its shadow. Someone entered the tent, now known as the Mad Squadron¡¯s tent. ¡°I¡¯m back.¡± A simple statement. It was always the same. Encrid had returned. Everyone inside the tent fell silent. Only their gazes quietly exchanged. An unexpected person was the first to move. ¡°Ahhh! Why, why, why are you soteeee?!¡± Andrew, bursting into tears, ran to greet him. His bruised eyes were a testament to the hardships he¡¯d endured. His crying fully conveyed his feelings. Encrid looked at Andrew¡¯s face and couldn¡¯t help but smile. ¡°Why is he faster than me? Anyway, you¡¯re back?¡± Behind Andrew, Rem¡¯s voice was heard. Behind him were Ragna, Audin, and Jaxon. In a corner, Mac and Enri were also present. All eyes were on Encrid. ¡°Yes, I¡¯m back.¡± It was his report of return. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans Or You can subscribe for a membership and support me. You will be able to read 15 chapters ahead oftest free chapter and daily 1 new chapter: /revengerscans.] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 114 The soldier who guided Encrid to his quarters rubbed his eyes discreetly. It seemed like he had seen something wrong. ¡®Is this real?¡¯ It didn¡¯t seem right. Maybe his eyes were ying tricks on him. As soon as the toon leader appeared, a soldier named Ragna stood up from his seat. ¡®Why are you getting up all of a sudden?¡¯ Ragna was known for hardly ever getting up, even among the crazy members of the squad, he was considered theziest. And yet, here he was, rising up in an instant? Everyone who had been watching him, especially those who had seen him recently, would have stood up, pping their thighs in disbelief. ¡®What¡¯s with him?¡¯ He was the kind of guy who surprised people just by standing up. This guy. He was thezy bastard who wouldn¡¯t get up, even if they told him to get up, leave, or that enemy soldiers were attacking right in front of him until their ears were calloused from telling him so. ¡°You¡¯rete.¡± Ragna spat out the words as he grabbed his sword. ¡°I need to check if I¡¯ve deteriorated¡­¡± As if merely getting up wasn¡¯t enough, he was now proposing a spar? And he¡¯s the one suggesting it? Usually, harsh words would fly around within the squad, but this guy rarely acknowledged them. Yet here he was, suggesting a duel, gripping his sword like he was eager to fight, showing a stance that clearly indicated he wanted to swing his sword right away. ¡°Are you crazy?¡± Rem, known as theziest madman in the squad, stood in front of Ragna. ¡°You know the first duel is always mine, right? Isn¡¯t that right?¡± What was going on here? This was the guy simply known as ¡®the madman¡¯. The craziest in the squad. The madman who would swing his axe for no reason. The madman who would be the first to go berserk if provoked. And now, this madman was smiling. It wasn¡¯t a mocking smile, nor one filled with malice. It was a pure smile. Combined with his savage features, it even made him seem innocent. ¡°Are you hurt?¡± And he was even concerned about others. That crazy savage who was known for splitting heads with his axe could actually worry about others. The soldier was one of the Battalion Commander¡¯s direct subordinates. He had been tasked with guiding Encrid, the new toon leader, and assessing what kind of person he was. But the scene before his eyes was strange. ¡°It doesn¡¯t seem like anything¡¯s broken.¡± He¡¯s speaking now, too. So that guy does have a mouth. At one point, he used to be friendly with most of the squad, but recently, he had be a madman who did nothing but re. He spoke so little that people wondered if he¡¯d bitten his tongue off somewhere. His name was Jaxon, right? They used to call him ¡®The madman with clear eyes¡¯. His clear, piercing gaze made people¡¯s skin crawl for no reason, leaving them feeling unnerved. ¡°Did you apply ointment?¡± It was surprising to hear ¡®The madman with clear eyes¡¯, that guy, speak, but he even went as far as to check the toon leader¡¯s wrist. ¡®This must be a dream.¡¯ Why had they changed so much? Thest one was known as the ¡®Holy Madman¡¯. These four were already well-known throughout the squad. Each was considered uniquely crazy. Among them, this person stood out the most. He had a build reminiscent of arge boulder, yet always walked around with a gentle smile. Most notably, unlike the other madmen, he was kind. Not that he was particrly obedient, though. Sometimes, when he was seen praying, it seemed as if a halo shone around him. He was the kind of soldier who, if he got involved, seemed capable of crushing an entire enemy squad with just a few blows, but imed he couldn¡¯t fight because he hadn¡¯t received a call from the Gods. This truly crazy person. In the deputy¡¯s view, this guy was the real madman. A priest who receives responses to their prayers demonstrates their divinity through holy power. But this guy didn¡¯t use holy power. So what did that mean? It meant his prayers went unanswered, and he wasn¡¯t a proper priest. ¡®What divine message is that?¡¯ He would use the search for God as an excuse to shirk duties. Shouldn¡¯t he follow orders if he¡¯s in the military? If not, why was he here? The ¡®Holy Madman¡¯ spoke with the same gentle smile as always. ¡°Brother, you havecked training. Have you been cking off? You get injured because you¡¯rezy. Train, train.¡± Regardless of his beliefs, this always-friendly madman chided people with a smiling face. ¡®The regr madman just giggles. The madman with clear eyes just stares at wrists with clear eyes. Thezy madman looks diligent. The holy madman scolds people?¡¯ What¡¯s going on? It was all so absurd, incredibly, utterly absurd. The only one who could make sense of this situation was this person. The deputy¡¯s gaze turned to Encrid. He spoke calmly, regardless of what was happening around him. ¡°It¡¯s not broken.¡± He nced around and continued, ¡°It¡¯s just a matter of resting a bit. But that¡¯s not the issue. What on earth happened? How did this squad be the Madmen¡¯s Squad instead of the Troublemaker Squad?¡± It¡¯s only been about eight days. How did the troublemakers turn into madmen in that time? Encrid¡¯s question was reasonable. Rem responded confidently, as usual. ¡°I think it¡¯s because there was no toon leader, so it¡¯s all the toon leader¡¯s fault. It¡¯s all the toon leader¡¯s fault.¡± The madman just spouted mad nonsense. ¡°So, about the duel?¡± Thezy madman responded to that. ¡°Underestimating a minor injury can cause trouble at a crucial moment. Let¡¯s remove the bandage first. A madman? Who says that? I¡¯ve never heard of it.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know anything about that, Squad Leader.¡± Following that, the madman with clear eyes and the holy madman each offered their unique responses. The deputy had expected Encrid to reprimand them harshly. Calling it the Madmen¡¯s Squad, regardless of the absence of a leader, seemed problematic. Above all, Andrew, who had stopped crying by now, was standing beside them. He¡¯s the squad member with the ck eye. Those bruised eyes were evidence of trouble within the squad. ¡°What happened to his eyes?¡± Sure enough, Encrid questioned it. ¡°He was sparring to improve his skills.¡± At the madman¡¯s response, Encrid simply nodded. ¡°Hmm, that was well done.¡± Was this really well done? Hisrade¡¯s eyes were bruised, swollen to the point where they could barely be seen. ¡°Even so, I¡¯m not leaving. I¡¯ll stay under themander.¡± Even Andrew, who usually didn¡¯t even make a sound, seemed oddly different in Encrid¡¯s presence. He used to just silently watch for cues, but now he seemed almost confrontational. ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s why I like you. How about we have a round? Wait a moment, I¡¯m going to have some fun with our toon leader first.¡± Rem¡¯s face was full of smiles. It looked like a happy smile, at least to the deputy. The deputy waited for Encrid to scold the squad, talking about the madmen and whatnot. ¡°Go and find out why I was called, why that lucky fellow is needed.¡± The deputy had taken it upon himself to guide the toon leader, as per the Battalion Commander¡¯s orders. So, he had to report whatever this man did, and he waited for Encrid to take some action. But that was the end of it. The madman with clear eyes removed the bandage. A ck panther, appearing out of nowhere, blinked its blue eyes and yawned. ¡°Meow.¡± Encrid looked at him intently, and then the other squad members also turned their gazes towards the deputy. ¡°Aren¡¯t you leaving?¡± Encrid asked. It didn¡¯t sound like an invitation to stay and chat. ¡°Oh, yes, I¡¯m going. Have a good rest.¡± The deputy turned and left. After he left, Rem tilted his head and asked, ¡°Why was he following us around? He kept rolling his eyes for days.¡± ¡°Eyes?¡± ¡°He kept staring. I thought he was asking me to kill him, so I was nning to decorate his head with an axe tomorrow.¡± ¡°You crazy bastard, that¡¯s not just assaulting a superior, that¡¯s murder.¡± ¡°Really?¡± He probably wasn¡¯t asking because he didn¡¯t know. Especially when he was smiling like that, it was clear he knew exactly what he was doing. ¡°Just leave it alone. Don¡¯t cause trouble with the higher-ups, especially since that guy is directly under the Battalion Commander.¡± ¡°If things get bad, I¡¯ll just leave the military.¡± Of course, that wouldn¡¯t be a normal discharge. Rem¡¯s discharge would probably be more like a military escape with two axes. While Encrid and Rem were conversing, Jaxon knelt on one knee and began applying ointment to his wrist. A cool sensation spread across his wrist. It was cold, refreshing, and slightly itchy¡ªa peculiar feeling. It didn¡¯t seem like a regr ointment. Maybe it felt that way because it had been a while. Why was he so proactive about treating injuries? Regardless, Encrid said what he needed to. ¡°Let¡¯s try to align with what the higher-ups are saying.¡± The reason he was called in such a hurry had been made clear on the way over. The battlefront situation was deteriorating, morale was dropping, and there was unrest within the unit. The nickname ¡®Madmen¡¯s Squadron¡¯ was evidence of this unrest. To raise the army¡¯s discipline by beheading these soldiers would be a waste of talent. But tolerating them and trying to manage the situation seemed likely to lead to more trouble. ¡®The Company Commander must have protected them too.¡¯ The Fairy Company Commander, whatever her thoughts, had subtly taken care of herself and his soldiers. Bringing his squad here was probably for a simr reason. He knew how much of a problem it would be if they refused to act without theirtoon leader. So, she brought them along. Separate from worrying about how she managed to bring them, Encrid understood this much. Of course, Krais had exined it to him along the way. The only problem was that these people wouldn¡¯t necessarily listen to him. They weren¡¯t the type to fight just because they were ordered to. Even now, none of them were paying attention to what Encrid said. They ignored itpletely. They had no intention of aligning with what the higher-ups said. ¡®What can I do?¡¯ This was the Troublemsker Squad, the Madmen¡¯s Squad. Jaxon, who had re-bandaged the wrist, spoke with his eyes downcast. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t overdo it, but you¡¯ll have to suffer the consequencester.¡± He knew they wouldn¡¯t listen, no matter what he said. Jaxon stepped back. ¡°Yeah. The suffering will be my burden.¡± As they finished speaking, Krais, who had been standing behind them, finally spoke. ¡°Am I invisible or something?¡± ¡°Huh? You¡¯re here?¡± ¡°Yeah, I saw you.¡± ¡°Ah, you¡¯ve arrived, brother.¡± The three, excluding Jaxon, continued the conversation. Jaxon only gave a subtle nod of acknowledgment. After all, he had some dealings with Krais¡ªmostly involving exchanging information, introducing prostitutes, and selling drugs. Krais knew better than to expect much from these men, so he was content with what he got. Then, it was time for sparring. As they gathered outside the barracks, Enri finally spoke up. ¡°It¡¯s intimidating just to say anything. In some ways, Andrew deserves respect for stepping up.¡± Enri¡¯s face was unscathed. He knew how to conduct himself well. ¡®It also means this is as far as it goes.¡¯ He didn¡¯t have conflicts with anyone in the squad, but he also couldn¡¯t get close to any of them. Encrid didn¡¯t judge people harshly. But he knew the judgment of his own soldiers. The fact that none of them kept Enri close meant they didn¡¯t expect him to pull his weight in the squad. Even so, he didn¡¯t tell anyone to go home or suggest they should leave the military. Who was he to say that? Even though everyone had told him to quit, he still held on to his sword. Yes, he hadn¡¯t given up. Not once had he backed down. He had crawled forward, inch by inch. That was the current Encrid. He had kept going, even after injuring his wrist against the Frog. He had shown something different, something umted over time. He felt he could do it again, as long as he didn¡¯t overstrain his wrist. It didn¡¯t seem too difficult. ¡°I¡¯m going first.¡± Rem stepped forward, smiling, and swung his axe. There was no warning. Encrid swung his sword in response. Rem¡¯s arm moved like a whip, and the axe de appeared to do the same, stretching and bending. Encrid¡¯s sword curved to meet it. As they swung at high speed, afterimages trailed behind, and the axe de and sword shed. Bang! With one sh, one exchange of moves. That alone made the corner of Rem¡¯s mouth twist upward. ¡°Well, look at that?¡± Rem muttered, and his smile deepened. The sound of metal shing reverberated through the night, causing a stir around them. ¡°What is it now?¡± ¡°The Madmen¡¯s Squad again?¡± ¡°What are they up to this time?¡± Upon realizing that themotion was from the Madmen¡¯s Squad, the soldiers naturally gathered as spectators. It wasn¡¯t just the usual infighting, there was a new face, making it an interesting spectacle. Some people recognized that face¡ªlike Vengeance, Bell from the previous battlefield, the Squad Leader who had stitched up Encrid, some members of the Border Guard, and even those who had faced Encrid in his promotion match. ng! ng! The sound of metal meeting metal, sparks flying, and the ensuing noise drew everyone¡¯s attention. They watched the sparring between Rem and Encrid, and everyone was left speechless. ¡°Uh, what is this?¡± Someone¡¯s muttering expressed the confusion of all the spectators. Encrid, that Encrid. Even though he had recently been promoted to high-ranking soldier. He was an opponent who had been significantly weaker than them. He was once the target of ridicule, called a fool of a squad leader. ng, ng, ng, ng! Now, he was swinging his sword so fast it was almost invisible, parrying, thrusting, and shing with Rem¡¯s axe. Rem, who had recently gained more renown by cutting down ten enemies, even earning some admiration from their own side, was now evenly matched with Encrid. At least, that¡¯s how it appeared to the onlookers. And it didn¡¯t end there. ¡°Let¡¯s continue this conversationter. There are more waiting.¡± Rem stopped during the sparring. Behind him was Ragna. Behind Ragna was Audin. They each took turns fighting Encrid, and Encrid didn¡¯t easily yield to any of them. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans Or You can subscribe for a membership and support me. You will be able to read 15 chapters ahead oftest free chapter and daily 1 new chapter: /revengerscans.] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 115 Rem and Encrid sparred with high-speed sword strikes. With Ragna, it was a more subtle exchange of sword techniques. Audin and Encrid exchanged hand-to-hand strikes and joint locks. Once the sparring session ended, ¡°You¡¯ve now taken your first steps.¡± Rem remarked. The term ¡°first steps¡± might seem dismissive, but it wasn¡¯t. Rem¡¯s face showed a gentle smile, indicating satisfaction from Encrid¡¯s perspective. ¡°There¡¯s less wasted effort.¡± Ragna added. While it was hard to take this as apliment, Ragna¡¯s usually half-open eyes now reflected unprecedented enthusiasm. Typically indifferent, Ragna was clearly pleased with the sparring, his eyes conveying a cold intensity. ¡°You¡¯ve been continuing your sensory training.¡± Jaxon calmlyplimented. ¡°You¡¯ve taken a step closer to the divine.¡± Audin said, in a peculiar tone. After pondering over Audin¡¯s words, which felt off, Encrid looked at him intently. Before Encrid could respond, Rem spoke up. ¡°Isn¡¯t that akin to praying for death?¡± he joked. ¡°No, brother, it¡¯s a blessing.¡± Audin replied. Encrid wasn¡¯t sure how it was a blessing, but regardless, the sparring had ended. ¡°Is that the notorious Squad Leader?¡± ¡°Now he¡¯s the crazy toon Leader. Get it right.¡± ¡°What¡¯s going on here?¡± ¡°That guy is that guy, huh?¡± ¡°I heard he¡¯s a maniac about training.¡± Voices of onlookers, who had been silent or shocked, started murmuring. Encrid, out of breath, felt his shoulders heaving. His wrist ached, and his tired limbs felt weak. Still, he wasn¡¯t in a bad mood. Only, ¡®It¡¯s a shame.¡¯ Everyone had gone easy on him due to his injured right wrist. That was a real shame. Even so, he had learned something. Reflecting on past experiences, like climbing the walls of the Cross Guard and fighting Frog upon his return. He wanted to ponder over all these umted experiences and the new things he learned today. In short, he wanted to fight more. ¡°Hold on. If you go any further, your wrist will bepletely ruined.¡± someone cautioned. Rem, quick-witted as always, spoke up. He knew the importance of resting. Hadn¡¯t Encrid already learned and realized that long ago? Encrid caught his breath and shrugged. The spectators began to disperse. Some acknowledged Encrid with a nod or a word. ¡°You¡¯re back?¡± It was Vengeance, the toon Leader. Now that they held the same rank, the conversation was more casual. ¡°Yes.¡± Encrid was actually a couple of years older, so the conversation flowed easily. ¡°That¡¯s good.¡± Why did Vengeance seem somewhat embarrassed? After exchanging greetings with others, including Bell and a tailoring craftsman, Encrid entered the barracks. ¡°Now then, tell us what you¡¯ve been up to.¡± Rem suddenly said. He was curious. What had Encrid been doing to improve so much, considering he was known as someone who only relied on effort? Rem¡¯sment about ¡°taking first steps¡± was praise for breaking through a significant barrier. Though they had taken it easy on him due to his wrist injury, Rem noticed a clear change. Encrid had shown a series of whip-like shes, indicating a newfound confidence in his body, his weapon, and his umted skills. This was the difference between Encrid before and after the scouting mission to the Cross Guard. Confidence and decisiveness. Some might call this experience, others might say it¡¯s the embodiment of skill. Everything Encrid had umted felt refined. Rem was eager to hear more about what Encrid had been doing. Ragna, curious as well, sat down in front of Encrid, followed by Jaxon and Audin, who also took seats. Andrew, Mac, and Enri listened intently. ¡°I feel like a storyteller.¡± Encrid murmured, looking at his toon members gathered around. A story¡ªhow hard could it be? Encrid recounted the events inly. He spoke of falling into a trap, the spearmen in front, archers behind, Ranger Finn¡¯s sharp observation skills, the lycanthrope, and the wizard waiting on the wall. He also mentioned fighting Frog. He honestly described everything, leaving out only the repetition of today¡¯s events, and added that luck yed a part. It was a string of events that didn¡¯t match his calm tone. ¡°Is there some curse that makes you better every time you¡¯re about to die?¡± Rem asked with a chuckle. It certainly seemed that way to him. Every time Encrid faced a life-or-death situation, his skills noticeably improved. Was the toon leader a genius? No, Rem knew that wasn¡¯t the case from personal experience teaching him. Perhaps the near-death experiences triggered something. Regardless, Rem found it curious how facing death seemed to enhance Encrid¡¯s abilities, but he didn¡¯t dwell on it. ¡°Anyway, it was fun.¡± he concluded. The others listening nodded in agreement. Andrew, with a look of disbelief, asked, ¡°You survived and came back from such a ce?¡± Could it really just be luck, based on the stories they had just heard? The sparring earlier had also shown a significant difference in skill. Previously, he thought they were somewhatparable, but now the gap seemed insurmountable. Had he neglected his training? ¡®No, absolutely not.¡¯ Being around these crazy individuals, he had endured a constant struggle, and his skills had improved ordingly. Even Mac had mentioned, ¡°As much as I hate to admit it, sparring with Rem does improve your skills.¡± Andrew felt he had given his all, more focused on training than ever before, yet a gap had emerged. ¡°It was just luck.¡± Encrid replied, as he always did. Andrew had no further words. Encrid suggested they all go to bed while checking his wrist. It seemed worse than when he fought Frog. ¡°Because of your wrist injury, you¡¯ll need to stay in the barracks tomorrow.¡± Jaxonmented. ¡°It¡¯s not severe enough to require the infirmary, but yes, fighting would be unwise.¡± ¡°You¡¯re telling me.¡± ¡°I also need some rest.¡± Encrid added, starting a round ofments from Krais, Rem, and Ragna. Encrid anticipated this. His wrist was in worse shape, and rest was necessary. If higher-ups questioned why he sparred with such an injury, Rem would probably reply, ¡°It¡¯s a tradition in our toon, didn¡¯t you know?¡± Regardless, rest was important, especially since his wrist had deteriorated after fighting Frog. He could wield a sword a few more times, but pushing it further would likely cause permanent injury. ¡°Have you given up on the shield?¡± Ragna asked as he found his ce. Encrid nodded. ¡°This feels morefortable.¡± He showed his guard sword, which had some nicks and a dent in the de but was still serviceable. ¡°Everyone has something that doesn¡¯t quite fit.¡± Ragna acknowledged with a nod. It was a night of reflection. As they ally in their beds, Rem spoke up. ¡°Let¡¯s not be outdone by Frog.¡± Didn¡¯t it feel odd to use ¡®such a thing¡¯ with Frog? ¡°That¡¯s true. We need more training, there¡¯s much to do.¡± Ragna added. Jaxon gave a silent, cold nce. ¡°toon Leader, with training, everything is possible.¡± Audin, with his silver tongue, added. ¡°If we meet again, we¡¯ll win.¡± As Encrid responded confidently, everyone chuckled. ¡°You¡¯re quite confident.¡± Rem remarked on behalf of the group. As they settled into the darkness, ready to sleep, others spoke up. ¡°When your wrist heals, let¡¯s have a proper go at it.¡± ¡°When it¡¯s fully healed, there¡¯s a lot I can teach you, like fixing some bad habits.¡± ¡°Training never truly ends, brother.¡± ¡°There is more to do.¡± From Rem to Jaxon, everyone chimed in. Learning new things, progressing, and continually improving were what Encrid longed for. For now, though, he had to focus on recovery. His wrist still felt stiff. ¡®It seems they don¡¯t want to send me into battle.¡¯ he thought, feeling a bit strange about it. The people who cared about him were indeed peculiar. Regardless, if he wasn¡¯t going out tomorrow, maybe Rem and the others would fight a little harder in his stead? It was uncertain. Encrid still didn¡¯t fully understand why they followed him so devotedly. He could only guess. He didn¡¯t want to push into the realm of certainty. Better to leave things as they were, if something needed to be said, they would speak up. ¡°Let¡¯s do that.¡± Encrid finally replied, truly trying to sleep this time. But then, ¡°Anyway, about Frog.¡± Rem said, half sitting up and mimicking sword strikes in the air. ¡°Block like this, strike like this, faster than him. Once your wrist heals, I¡¯ll drill this into your bones¡ªhow to kill frogs.¡± ¡°Beyond the standard technique, there¡¯s a process of learning new basic forms and integrating them.¡± Jaxon added. ¡°You should maintain the Istion Technique, excluding the right hand, brother.¡± Audin advised. ¡°¡­and never let your guard down.¡± said Ragna. The entire toon kept talking. ¡°Are you guys not going to sleep?¡± Encrid asked, sensing they could go on all night. Was it because they were happy to see him after a long time? Or did they have no one else to bother? Whatever the reason, Andrew¡¯s eyes seemed particrly lively. ¡°I¡¯m going to sleep. I was sleepy anyway.¡± Rem¡¯s words were thest before everyone settled down. Esther, who had been quietly hidden in a corner, snuggled into Encrid¡¯s arms. As hey there, he reyed the fight with Frog and today¡¯s sparring in his mind. The sparring had felt iplete, yet it still excited him. It seemed like a process of validating what he had done so far, yet why did it feel like a new path was appearing before him? Reflecting on these thoughts, along with the warmth from Esther on his chest, Encrid felt sleep ovee him and he drifted off. A short timeter, ¡°If it¡¯s my talent, it¡¯ll work anywhere.¡± he mumbled in his sleep. Andrew whispered in frustration, and Mac, overhearing him, found himself at a loss for words. By his standards, Andrew was an exceptional talent, showing visible improvement in skill. But in this toon, the situation was different. ¡®This is, well, quite something.¡¯ Where else could one find such people? Mac had never encountered a group of individuals who fought so well. Even the toon leader, Encrid, had shown remarkable improvement. He had always advised Andrew not to engage Encrid, and now it seemed Encrid had crossed a new threshold. Feeling short of words, Mac finally said, ¡°Instead ofparing yourself to others, you should swing your sword one more time.¡± He spoke in line with the toon¡¯s spirit of relentless training, which made Andrew sigh deeply. * * * Morning came, and Encrid woke up. ¡®Did I oversleep?¡¯ Esther was nuzzling against his chest. Instinctively, he reached out to pet her with his right hand but then switched to his left due to the splint on his right wrist, rendering it unusable. He gently stroked Esther¡¯s fur with his left hand, and she purred contentedly. It seemed she had also overslept. Sunlight streamed through the barracks as Encrid partially sat up. At the entrance, Krais walked in. ¡°You¡¯re awake?¡± ¡°I overslept.¡± ¡°After all you¡¯ve been through, it¡¯s understandable. Taking a day or two to rest won¡¯t fully recover you from that ordeal, will it?¡± It was clear Krais had heard about everything that happened to Encrid. While Krais knew his toon leader had incredible stamina, not feeling fatigue after such a grueling journey would be inhuman. ¡°Let¡¯s have some breakfast.¡± After quickly freshening up, Encrid ate a meal. Breakfast consisted of well-cooked potatoes and thinly sliced, salted, and grilled bacon. ¡°The quality of the food is good.¡± Encrid remarked. ¡°They¡¯re taking good care of us in various ways. Oh, and the rest of the squad has already moved to the front lines.¡± Krais mentioned, pointing upward. Does that mean there are high expectations for this toon? Is that why they¡¯re getting special meals? Hearing that Rem and the others had moved out first, Encrid wondered if that was good news or bad news. It seemed they were trying to move quickly, perhaps to give him an excuse to rest due to his wrist injury. But will his toon members really act ording to themander¡¯s intentions? That was uncertain. Even direct encouragement didn¡¯t always work. Maybe they would fight hard for a day. Perhaps they would do so to let him rest. If Rem usually killed three, today he might kill five. That was as far as he could hope, but would they actually fight the battle theirmander wanted? That was uncertain. He didn¡¯t know how much his toon members were needed in the realm of strategy and tactics. That was as far as his thoughts went. He had never learnedrge-scale tactical operations. Themander would do his job. War-crazed Marcus. He would live up to his name. After finishing his meal, Encrid trained using the Istion Technique to avoid putting strain on his right wrist, then began reviewing his past fights. Reflecting and chewing over what he had learned was something he did every day. ¡®Were there any mistakes?¡¯ If so, where? So as not to repeat the same mistake next time. Every experience from a life-or-death fight was a valuable asset. It was something an instructor had once told him in a small fishing vige he had wandered into. That advice still stuck with Encrid. As he reviewed his battles alone, he grew restless. Unable to stay still, he stood up, but with the splint and bandages on his right wrist, he couldn¡¯t grip his sword properly. Standing with his eyes half-closed, Encrid pictured the scenes in his mind. Audin, Ragna, Rem. Reversing through yesterday¡¯s sparring sessions, passing through the fight with Frog, facing the wizard at night, the moment surrounded by lycanthropes, and the escape from elite soldiers. ¡®Luck.¡¯ Luck had yed a part. Since he had relied on luck repeatedly, one could say it was calcted luck. He continued thinking and moving his body. Soon his blood began to boil. He couldn¡¯t bear not swinging his sword. ¡°A madman obsessed with training.¡± he thought. Who had called him that? ¡®It might fit perfectly.¡¯ At the end of his idle thoughts, he couldn¡¯t resist and drew his sword. Cling. With his right hand injured, he used his left hand instead. ¡®I¡¯ve always fought with one hand.¡¯ Even with just one hand, he wondered how things would turn out if he increased his strength. He continued thinking, gripping the sword with his left hand and striking downward. Thud. It was a clumsy cut. He could feel it himself. It was so different from when he used his right hand. ¡®It feels like starting over.¡¯ But it was many times better than staying still. He needed an outlet for the boiling enthusiasm, desire, and craving he felt right now. ¡°Man, that guy¡¯spletely crazy. Injures his right hand and still goes at it with his left.¡± Vengeance, who was left to guard the rear, watched Encrid from a distance and spoke. Of course, Encrid didn¡¯t hear him. No, he didn¡¯t hear a thing. He waspletely absorbed. Encrid retraced the path he had taken with his right hand using his left hand, examining the things he had missed. [T/L: Please support me here: /revengerscans Or You can subscribe for a membership and support me. You will be able to read 15 chapters ahead oftest free chapter and daily 1 new chapter: /revengerscans.] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 116 ¡± This is how to hold a sword¡± In Encrid¡¯s hometown, a third-rate mercenary didn¡¯t even know how to properly hold a sword. That¡¯s what he learned from the first instructor he met. The method of pressing the de with the thumb. How to grip with the right hand in front and the left hand behind. The way to grip the pommel, even how to use the ricasso. Most held the sword with both hands. ¡®Even with one hand.¡¯ It seemed possible. The Istion Technique had increased his already considerable strength. He tried holding the longsword with only his left hand and swinging it. Whoosh. The sword swung in a circle, but he wasn¡¯t satisfied. But it was possible. He thrust, shed, thrust and shed again. He cut diagonally, then horizontally. He even imitated binding. He visualized an opponent in his mind, but against someone like Rem or the squad members, he wouldn¡¯tst a single bout. It wasn¡¯t the one-handed swordsmanship that was the problem, it was his unfamiliarity with using his left hand. He changed the opponent. Faceless, but somewhat proficient with a sword. As he imagined, opponents simr to his past self emerged. Trash who didn¡¯t have skills to match their attitude from his mercenary days also appeared. The kind who would shoot thin swords like arrows. He visualized the image and swung his sword. Swish. As he swept the ground with his foot and swung his sword, sweat dripped, scattering droplets everywhere. Pebbles caught under his foot popped up. Encrid reflexively struck the rising pebbles with the t of his sword. Ting! An inurate hit sent a pebble flying, striking the toe of his boot. ¡°If you hold it properly, you should be able to cut as you intend.¡± The instructor¡¯s words echoed in his mind. Even cutting down a scarecrow that stood still wasn¡¯t an easy task. But Encrid knew how to do at least that much. Though it was very difficult with his left hand. ¡®Things don¡¯t always go as nned.¡¯ He started anew. Walking the path he had walked with his right hand again with his left. It was necessary to repeat and swing until he found the right feel. What might be tedious to others was not to Encrid. He felt rather excited. Retracing the path he had walked with his right hand with his left, he also looked back at what he had missed. Encrid closed his eyes before he knew it. What he was seeing wasn¡¯t the present but the past, his past self. Deeper, deeper still. Recalling memories, thinking of the self who wandered within them. ¡®What if I had done it that way back then?¡¯ Countless Recollections. Battlefields, fights, monsters, beasts, humans. A sword swung against everything, another sword, a de, a hand, a person. Tripping feet, breaking heads. Barely surviving against monsters. Living as if with two lives. Encrid walked again. With a focus so intense that nothing else was visible, the Heart of the Beast kept him centered, preventing mistakes from excitement. Boldness and calmness were among Encrid¡¯s most valuable assets. They felt like an ally thatplemented his willpower. He swung his sword again. Repeating and recalling the process over and over. It felt like he was mastering it twice as fast as he did with his right hand. Tap tap tap. Sweat poured down. The leather strap wrapped around the grip snapped. His strength waned, and as he let his hand drop, the tip of the sword touched the ground. It wasn¡¯t overexertion, but it felt like he was using muscles he hadn¡¯t used before. His left arm felt slightly numb. ¡°You really seem crazy.¡± Encrid¡¯s vacant gaze focused on the voice beside him. ¡°Haven¡¯t you been to the battlefield?¡± As Encrid¡¯s eyes refocused, he tilted his head and asked the person. ¡°Our toon is in charge of defense. Here, give it to me.¡± It was Vengeance, the toon leader of the 3rd toon, 2nd Company. Encrid had already sensed his presence but didn¡¯t pay attention. Vengeance approached, took Encrid¡¯s sword, and tightened the leather strap on the grip. He did it skillfully, pulling it tight on both sides, wrapping it, and securing it inside the grip. ¡°It just looked difficult to do with one hand, so I¡¯m helping.¡± When did Vengeance be so kind? Since he saved him from the fire? Suddenly curious, Encrid asked. ¡°Why did you dislike me?¡± Vengeance mumbled something before replying. ¡°Jenny.¡± ¡°Jenny?¡± Who¡¯s Jenny? Encrid blinked. His memory wasn¡¯t bad, so if he didn¡¯t remember, it was either something he didn¡¯t need to remember or an unfamiliar name. This time, it was the former. Seeing Encrid still confused, Vengeance¡¯s voice rose. ¡°Jenny, the herb seller!¡± Herb seller Jenny? Encrid still looked puzzled. Vengeance muttered a curse and shouted. ¡°I hated you because I didn¡¯t like your face!¡± His temper is all over the ce. He just helped fix the sword and now this. ¡°Anyway, it¡¯s that shy face of yours I don¡¯t like.¡± Growling, Vengeance stood up abruptly. ¡°Take good care of your sword.¡± Worried while disliking? As Vengeance turned his back and walked away, Encrid smirked and rested his chin on his hand, saying, ¡°I wasn¡¯t interested. The interest was on your side. I was more interested in herbs.¡± Having said that much, it was unlikely that Vengeance wouldn¡¯t remember. Encrid often visited the city. It wasn¡¯t umon for women to be infatuated with him just by seeing his face. What could you call this? It was simply the fantasy of a frontier town maiden, lost in an illusion. Mentioning ¡°Jenny, the herb seller.¡± did jog his memory. He pretended not to remember just to tease Vengeance during their conversation. It was amusing to see Vengeance¡¯s reactions. This must be why Rem enjoyed teasing the other soldiers. ¡°Who cares!¡± Vengeance shouted again, visibly irritated. He had an unexpectedly cute side. But it wasn¡¯t all cute, he was sharp, skilled, and took good care of his subordinates. ¡®If he¡¯s not unlucky, he¡¯s not the type to die easily.¡¯ ¡°Nya.¡± As Encrid pondered various thoughts, considering whether to find a stream to wash off his sweat, he heard Esther¡¯s meowing. ¡°Why are you so low on energy? Are you hungry?¡± Pat. At Encrid¡¯s question, Esther squinted, looking like she was ring. ¡°Are you sick?¡± He petted Esther, and she purred softly, closing her eyes. The reason Esther was tired was simple. She had been absorbing Encrid¡¯s fatigue all night, helping to relieve it. ¡®Ignorant human.¡¯ Even as she muttered inwardly, Esther didn¡¯t dislike Encrid. His relentless drive to improve was something she shared. Despite the transformation she had undergone in her pursuit of the arcane. Her ambition was no less than this man¡¯s. Esther lowered her head and tried to sleep. She was exhausted. Today, the wizard was out ofmission. She had no energy left. Using her current form to draw on a part of the magical world was already a cheat. Beeeeeeep! Just as she was about to drift off, a sharp sound woke Esther up. Encrid, who had been scratching his head, also stopped. Esther lifted her head, seeing Encrid¡¯s chin. He turned his head left and right, then stood up. ¡°Captain!¡± Encrid ced Esther on the ground. He saw Krais running from one side. The sharp whistle sound continued. Beeeeeeeep! It was a long tone. A long, sustained warning signal. The Naurillia army used a whistle system for signals. A long tone like this signified one thing. An enemy attack. ¡°Which direction¡­?¡± Encrid began to ask Krais but then fell silent. As soon as the whistle blew, the voices of their allies reached their ears. ¡°Ambush! Enemy! Enemy!¡± ¡°Counterattack!¡± ¡°Don¡¯t Fall Back!¡± ¡°Damn it, we¡¯re in deep trouble!¡± The discordant noise came from panic and a sense of danger. Rat-a-tat-tat! Amidst it all, the noise of metal shing erupted. Blood soon sttered. ¡°Aaagh!¡± A scream of agony mixed in. Encrid spotted the attackers. They walked neither too fast nor too slow. Crunch. The sound of gravel underfoot announced their presence. Their steps felt as though they were in a different time, detached from the chaos. The spring rain had stopped, leaving a warm breeze and sunlight on the gravel field, now warm to the touch. The enemy stood there, crunching over the gravel. Broad shoulders and thin but sturdy leather armor, with a helmet covering from the head to the forehead, leaving only the ears exposed¡ªa distinctive helmet of the Aspen Duchy. Water dripped from the faded brown hair peeking out from under the helmet. Behind him, two enemy soldiers wielded spears with remarkable skill. Thud. sh! Just from the blocking, striking, and stabbing, it was clear. They were highly trained elite soldiers. Encrid had encountered such elite troops before. Gray Hounds, a special unit of Aspen, known for their relentless nature. They were a perfect unit for such ambushes. So, they did just that. They used the unit¡¯s specialty to execute an ambush. The leader of the unit walked up to Encrid. Growl! Esther, who had almost fallen asleep, bared her fangs. ¡°Esther, stay back.¡± Encrid shielded Esther with his body and spoke up. ¡°You¡¯re still alive.¡± He recognized the face. The Aspenmander, possibly the toon leader of the Gray Hounds. He had been easily excited and had once been stabbed in the chest by Encrid¡¯s sword. His name was Mitch Hurrier. He was a toon leader of the Aspen Duchy. It seemed he had crossed a river, his entire body was soaked. Clearly, he wasn¡¯t in normal condition. They had shortened their journey by running through the night, crossing the river, andunching an ambush. This exhaustion led to their current state. However, Encrid was in worse shape. ¡®Can my wrist hold out?¡¯ He wasn¡¯t sure. Mitch Hurrier caught his breath, then slightly lifted his chin, gazing at the sky as he murmured. ¡°Gratitude.¡± An Oath to the Gods? ¡°I wanted to meet you again, Encrid.¡± He lowered his gaze, continuing. ¡°It¡¯s an honor that you remember my name.¡± ¡°Then.¡± Shing. He drew his sword. The moment Mitch unsheathed his de, Encrid sensed death. Even with a healthy wrist, this opponent was formidable. As his skills had improved, so had his ability to gauge an opponent¡¯s prowess. ¡°Thanks to you, I woke up.¡± There was no need to understand what he meant. Mitch wasn¡¯t saying it expecting Encrid to understand. It was simply words born out of his joy in the moment. They hade to crush the morale of the enemy forces byunching a surprise attack on their camp. And here they found a significant target. A foe he had longed to meet. A foe he had longed to defeat. Meeting again, he had to prove himself. Defeating Encrid was a necessary step to move forward. Mitch Hurrier¡¯s sword moved. A vertical sh from above. ng! Encrid switched his sword to his right hand and met the blow. Crack. One strike was enough. The splint he had added snapped, and strength left his right hand. His wrist throbbed and ached. His fingers trembled. ¡°You¡¯re injured.¡± Would he show mercy? That was a ridiculous thought. He wouldn¡¯t have either. It didn¡¯t matter if the opponent was injured. This wasn¡¯t a ce to discuss honor, it was a war. Even in a duel, mercy would be out of the question. Exploiting weaknesses inbat was encouraged. ¡°Unlucky bastard.¡± Mitch showed a bitter smile. He wanted to fight properly, but given the circumstances¡­ Thud. Encrid barely blocked the iing de. ¡®I¡¯m going to die.¡¯ The thought hit him the moment he realized he couldn¡¯t block the next attack. ¡°You bastard!¡± Vengeance¡¯sst stand. Vengeance, covered in blood, charged in and thrust his spear into Mitch Hurrier¡¯s back. Thud! The spearhead was quite sharp. Without even looking, Mitch Hurrier sidestepped, pivoted on his left foot, and spun around, dodging the spear while shing diagonally with his sword. ng! His de struck the middle of the spear shaft. Even so, Vengeance didn¡¯t let go of the spear. He tried to swing it upwards to strike Mitch¡¯s chest, but it was a futile effort. As Mitch Hurrier struck the spear shaft, he moved his feet. From a half-turned position, Mitch Hurrier quickly turnedpletely around, his sword slicing through the air. As the de moved away from the spear shaft and leveled with the ground. Slice. Vengeance¡¯s neck was cut. Sensing danger, Vengeance barely managed to step back, but it was toote. His neck was already half-severed. He dropped the spear and clutched his neck. Ah, idiot, he could have just run away. Vengeance fell to his knees on the ground. Mitch Hurrier, standing next to Vengeance, looked at Encrid and said. ¡°I¡¯ll cut your neck like this too.¡± sh! He finished severing the half-cut neck. Vengeance¡¯s head rolled away. What was this? Even knowing that death meant repeating the day. The feeling was utterly disgusting. It was infuriating, maddening. Kyaah. The blue-eyed leopard watching tried to leap at Mitch, but was intercepted by a soldier wielding a spear. ¡°A mere beast.¡± The enemy soldier muttered as he tormented Esther. He wouldn¡¯tst long if he didn¡¯t flee. ¡°Go, Esther.¡± Encrid spoke, and Mitch Hurrier, who had approached unnoticed, raised his sword high. Mitch Hurrier was a liar. He said he¡¯d cut Encrid¡¯s neck, but instead, he stabbed Encrid in the chest. ¡°Come to think of it, this is where I was struck.¡± His tone was calm. His sword pierced Encrid¡¯s heart. There was no way Encrid could throw the remaining Whistle Dagger. Not with his right wrist in such a state. ¡°It¡¯s a shame we couldn¡¯t have a proper fight, but goodbye.¡± Mitch Hurrier said as he withdrew his sword from Encrid¡¯s chest. Splurt. Crunch. As the de tore out of his chest, a surge of red life force spilled onto the ground. Gurgle. As Encrid copsed forward, blood foaming from his mouth, he saw Vengeance¡¯s severed head and Esther, who had been thrown aside. Screech! ¡®What a feeling.¡¯ It was maddening. It was strange. Watching someone else¡¯s death felt worse than facing his own. The moment of death arrived. He had experienced it so often that one might think he would be ustomed to it. But instead of familiarity, it only embedded pain, suffering, and fear deep in his mind. Even knowing that awakening from this abyss would bring another morning. It was a darkness that made him not want to die. There were no dreams. And thus, no ferryman. Encrid opened his eyes again. ¡°Nya.¡± Esther rubbed her face against his chest. It was ate morning, starting without his toon members. And yet¡­ ¡®This is terrible.¡¯ Encrid thought the situation was genuinely terrible. His right wrist was injured, and his toon members were gone. Before noon, the enemy¡¯s elite forces would ambush the camp. Among them would be Mitch Hurrier. ¡®Running away won¡¯t solve anything.¡¯ It wouldn¡¯t. Even if he survived, he would just return to the same day. He had to ovee the barrier to escape today. But how could he do that? Encrid¡¯s gaze fell downward, focusing on Esther, who was rubbing her face against his chest. Specifically, he looked at his left hand, which was petting Esther¡¯s head. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: /revengerscans .] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 117 From the beginning, escape was never an option. Even if fleeing was the only answer. ¡®There¡¯s nowhere to go.¡¯ Above all, a path forward was visible. How could he turn back, leaving that path behind? A signpost stood before Encrid, asking: Can you scale the wall without a right hand? If you lose your teeth, you chew with your gums, as they say. Some vige headman had once said that. Encrid had liked those words. If he had no sword, he would take up a spear. If he had no weapon, he would fight with his fists. If he had no arms, he would bite. If he had no legs, he would walk on his knees. ¡®So then.¡¯ What remains if the right hand is gone? Darkness, abyss, fear, pain. These are what always gripped Encrid whenever death approached. Yet, even in such darkness, Encrid always saw the light. ¡°Give up.¡± It seemed like someone was saying that. As if pushing himself to the worst situations. It felt even more so when he said it himself, but in reality, it didn¡¯t matter. Why was that? He didn¡¯t know. Encrid also knew the difference between himself and others. How could he not? He saw fellow mercenaries he used to eat with, one by one, retire. Among other things. ¡°I can¡¯t do it. With so many monster-like bastards around, what¡¯s the point of swordy? It¡¯s madness.¡± He had seen people copse, envious of others¡¯ talents. Encrid was envious of such talents too. But just being envious wouldn¡¯t change anything. He couldn¡¯t let any day go by idly, rain or snow, he had to swing his sword even once more. That was the only way Encrid knew. So he did it. Was it hard? It wasn¡¯t easy, but it wasn¡¯t as if he was swimming through a sea of despair every day. It was just something that had to be done. So he just did it. The same with death. Knowing that he just had to endure, he endured. That was all. ¡°For now.¡± It seemed like he should try various things. He had learned from the repeated days before. ¡®That there¡¯s more than one path.¡¯ Three paths. If he could use everything that blocked him to repeat ¡®today¡¯, he would do so. He knew that desperation alone wasn¡¯t the answer as before. Therefore, ¡°Good morning.¡± He could start the morning with a smile and a greeting. Esther stared at Encrid with tired eyes. What kind of person is this, greeting so brightly in the morning? That seemed to be what Esther¡¯s eyes were saying. ¡°Sleep more.¡± Encrid pushed Esther back into the nket he had been lying in. Usually, Esther would have squirmed, but today she quietly rolled back in. After tucking Esther under the nket, Encrid went outside. ¡°Phew.¡± He took a deep breath and began to loosen up with the Istion Technique. As always, loosening up his body made his mind sharper. ¡°When the body is strong, the mind is also strong, brother.¡± When Audin said this, Encrid thought it was nonsense. But now, he could somewhat understand. That¡¯s how it actually turned out. The more he trained his body, the clearer his mind became. The more he sweated, the clearer his thoughts were. The wrist with the splint hadn¡¯t broken. It had been broken when he overexerted himself just before dying, but it had returned to its original state. All the things he had trained for, the muscle building, the skills he had ingrained in his body, remained even if today was repeated. But injuries did not heal. Injuries stayed with the body, and recovery required moving beyond today. So, it was impossible to expect the right wrist to heal and climb the wall. ¡®Rx the shoulders.¡¯ Widen the view, sometimes deepening it. Continue thinking and search for the best path. And then proceed on the path found. What should the first step be? What else? Continue what he was doing. The same thing he did every day, the thing he repeated. What he did before dying. Training and conditioning. The only difference was doing it with the left hand instead of the injured right hand. ¡°Before you watch, tie this for me.¡± Before starting, Vengeance, who had been watching from the side, approached as Encrid spoke up. ¡°Am I your servant? You¡¯re asking me to do this?¡± Vengeance grumbled but tightened the grip¡¯s cord when Encrid handed him the sword. It felt infuriating to see this guy lose his head. The same feeling came when Esther was in trouble. At the moment he saw thoseke-like eyes and the ck panther fly away, something like anger surged. If he had to describe that feeling, it would be ¡®damn¡¯ or ¡®hell¡¯. ¡®What did I do to make them want to die instead of me?¡¯ A bitter feeling still lingered. Images of Vengeance¡¯s severed head and Esther being knocked down floated in his mind like afterimages. ¡®Why is Esther so low on energy today?¡¯ What was that panther usually like? It was fierce. A beast that wed and bit soldiers¡¯ shins and took lives. Underestimating it because of its size was dangerous, it could swiftly climb up to the neck and bite through the throat. Yet, did it go down so easily? ¡®It did seem low on energy.¡¯ In any case. They were risking their lives for him. So, Encrid decided to do the same. To put his life on the line and swing his sword. If he could put his heart into training, he would do so. ¡°You really are crazy. You should rest when it¡¯s time to rest.¡± Vengeance said, handing the sword back to Encrid. Encrid took it with his left hand and replied. ¡°I¡¯m sorry about Jenny.¡± ¡°¡­Did you know?¡± Vengeance ruffled his hair once and then spoke bluntly. ¡°I know it¡¯s not your fault.¡± This guy really is unusual. His mood swings are intense. He got so angry when he didn¡¯t understand. Encrid patted Vengeance on the shoulder with his injured hand. ¡°There¡¯s probably a woman who doesn¡¯t care to see your face somewhere on this continent.¡± ¡°¡­You bastard?¡± Seeing Vengeance¡¯s twisted face made Encrid feel a bit lighter. Yeah, this is the feeling. He could understand Rem¡¯s attitude. He didn¡¯t tease and harass people for no reason. Vengeance grumbled as he stepped back. Encrid stood, gripping his sword. The tip, held in his left hand, pointed diagonally towards the sky. What had he experienced in the repeated days, in the deaths of today? He pondered the past, reinforced his basics, and immersed himself. He delved into his own world. It was exhrating. A different kind of joy from before. The kind of thrill thates from being utterly absorbed in something. In that moment, clearing his mind of the lingering afterimages from his banter with Vengeance, Encrid immersed himselfpletely in his world. He relived the experiences of the past days. He repeated and reflected. This time, the leather strap wrapped around the grip did not snap. ¡°The beginning is the footwork.¡± Countless swordsmanship instructors havee and gone. Reflecting on their teachings. The basics. Standing before walking, crawling before standing. Returning to fundamentals. These are things to learn before delving into advanced techniques. The repetitive training to make the sword move as desired. Encrid did just that. Swish! Hum, swoosh. Amid the dull sounds, sharp noises asionally mixed in. He swung the sword numerous times, losing track of time. Beeeep! A long-toned whistle sounded. ¡°Hmm?¡± Vengeance, who had been absentmindedly watching, was the first to react. ¡°What is it!¡± He shouted, turning around, and Encrid also came out of his immersed state. Nyaa. Esther, sensing the change in the surrounding atmosphere, came out of the tent and stood beside Encrid. Encrid touched Esther¡¯s head with his fingertip and said, ¡°Don¡¯t get involved today. You¡¯re tired.¡± What¡¯s with this guy? Esther naturally wondered. It seemed like he knew she was exhausted today. Did he notice her attempt to relieve her fatigue yesterday? Of course, he didn¡¯t. He just knew from the repeated experiences of today. ¡°Leader!¡± Krais shouted as he ran towards them. Encrid briefly nted the sword¡¯s tip into the ground and pondered. Should he switch to holding it with his right hand? Would that make a difference? Injuries don¡¯t heal. If he dies, he just goes back to the start. He uses his left hand. He had already concluded that. There was no dilemma. Encrid was not the type to deeply ponder and agonize over things. There¡¯s no option to be trapped in today. There¡¯s no option to run away. So, he just has to find what he can do and do it. This is it. Thump. He lifted the sword from the ground, knocking away some pebbles, and pointed it forward. ¡°¡­When I return, I should make an offering at the temple.¡± Mitch Hurrier, appearing as he stepped on the gravel, said this. His hair was soaked, and he held a sword in his hand. With a refined stance and sharp eyes, he was clearly different from before. ¡°What are you talking about?¡± Vengeance, standing nearby, growled as he pointed his spear. Next to him, Esther actually growled, letting out a beastly roar. A deep, resonant growl that spread from deep within her throat. It was the kind of sound that would make a cowardly person¡¯s knees tremble, yet Mitch Hurrier¡¯s steps showed no hesitation. He steadily closed the distance, unperturbed. ¡°I¡¯ll go first.¡± As Encrid stepped forward, Krais shouted urgently from behind. ¡°Leader, your wrist!¡± Krais, with hisrge eyes, seemed visibly shocked. Enemies had suddenly attacked, and their allies were falling left and right. Screams and shouts filled the air. ¡°Damn it! Stop them!¡± ¡°Kill them!¡± The nging of metal resounded all around. Mitch Hurrier¡¯s steps halted. Encrid responded to Krais, ¡°My left hand is fine.¡± What kind of crazy talk is that? Krais widened his alreadyrge eyes, unable toprehend the leader¡¯s nonsensical words. It sounded likeplete nonsense to everyone present. However, despite his words, Encrid¡¯s spirit was unwavering, matching his opponent¡¯s intensity. The enemy¡¯s aura pressed down on the surroundings. Vengeance felt himself shrinking under the weight of it. This must be what it means to be overwhelmed. Even Esther felt the pressure. Krais, too, was keenly aware of the danger, knowing there was no help to be had from the surrounding soldiers. He understood they were in a life-or-death situation. Yet, even amidst this pressure, why did Encrid¡¯s back seem so imposing? He stood there, in front, showing his back. Those few facts seemed to push back against the oppressive force. Spirit meeting spirit. Yes, it seemed like something visible. A silent exchange of nces urred between Mitch Hurrier and Encrid. ¡°I hoped to meet you again.¡± ¡°You must have opened your eyes thanks to me, right?¡± At those words, Mitch¡¯s brow furrowed slightly. Shaking the opponent¡¯s resolve with words was a fundamental tactic of the Valen Mercenary Sword Technique. Encrid waved his injured right hand as if to make a point. Mitch reflexively moved his sword. Using words to startle him and the motion of his right hand to deceive him again, Encrid then thrust the sword in his left hand from below. It was the Valen Mercenary Sword Technique¡¯s dual-wielding thrust. The left-handed thrust wasn¡¯t perfect. It didn¡¯t fully satisfy him. He had only been using his left hand for about two days. Thud! It was blocked. The clumsy thrust was one thing, but more importantly, Mitch Hurrier¡¯s skills had noticeably improved. In some ways, it was almost as if he had been repeating the day like Encrid. He deflected the upward thrust with his own sword and moved his left foot forward in one smooth motion. Mitch¡¯s sword traced a graceful arc as it shed across Encrid¡¯s chest. sh. Encrid reflexively stepped back, and his leather armor absorbed the blow from Mitch¡¯s sword once. But that was its limit. Roar! From behind, Esther tried to leap in again. ¡°You crazy bastard!¡± Vengeance shouted angrily. ¡°Leader!¡± Krais called out. Mitch Hurrier remained unfazed by anything around him. He continued his actions, regardless of themotion. As if anticipating Encrid¡¯s retreat, he switched the positions of his feet, stepping forward and thrusting his sword. Thrust! ¡°Your right hand?¡± Mitch asked as he thrust. Encrid showed his right hand, splinted and injured. ¡°Hmm.¡± As Encrid tried to respond, crimson blood spilled from his mouth. ¡°Just unlucky.¡± Crunch. The de was withdrawn. A person with a split heart cannot survive. Behind him, Krais shouted something, and Vengeance and Esther lunged forward. Despite everything, why did they keep attacking? After such events, Encrid encountered the abyss of darkness with pain. Death came again. And when he opened his eyes, he repeated his left-hand training. Some days, he quietly focused on training. Other days, ¡°Jenny had a keen eye for things.¡± ¡°¡­I¡¯ll kill you.¡± He would tease Vengeance for no reason. He repeated today about ten times. ¡°You hurt your right hand!¡± An agitated Krais shouted. ¡°I still have my left hand.¡± ¡°What are you talking about, seriously!¡± Even though he tried to mix in the Valen Mercenary Sword Technique, it didn¡¯t work. So, next, he mixed in wrestling techniques. He threw thest whistling knife before drawing his sword, pretending to close the distance, and then tripped him. Mitch countered by bending his knees and lowering his center of gravity, resisting Encrid¡¯s attempt to trip him. ¡°Where do you think you¡¯re going?¡± Next came the task of swinging the sword again. At first, he couldn¡¯tst a single exchange, but after about thirty attempts, he began to endure two, three exchanges. On the forty-second day, for the first time, an unexpected change urred. ¡°Let¡¯s have a sparring match.¡± Vengeance, who had been watching, suddenly requested a duel. Feeling the sweat dripping down his forehead, Encrid tilted his head in curiosity. ¡°With me?¡± ¡°Who else would it be?¡± Encrid nodded. It was almost a habit, he never refused a duel. Originally, Vengeance wouldn¡¯t have been a match for Encrid, but now Encrid was using his left hand. ¡°No holding back.¡± Vengeance said, pointing his spear forward with a fairly fierce stance. Clink. Encrid tapped the spear¡¯s de with his sword as a gesture of greeting. The duel had begun. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: /revengerscans.] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 118 ¡°Come at me!¡± ng, ng, ng. The sword and spear shed several times. Vengeance was rough and strong. Even stronger than most people. The opponent was a trained soldier as well. It was difficult to overpower with strength using just one hand. ¡®Then, how?¡¯ He thought while fighting and executed his n. Deflect. Deflect the strong attacks and pierce the openings. Connect the dots with lines. He found the optimal path, thrust his sword, and retreated to observe the reaction. His feet moved swiftly. When he saw an opening, he brought down his heavy sword in a downward strike, showcasing the essence of the Tangum style. ng, ng, ng! Vengeance blocked the strike with his spear shaft and tried to trip him. This was a more familiar fight for Encrid. Hadn¡¯t he fought countless times against Finn¡¯s Ail Caraz stylebat technique? He had also learned Vf-Style martial arts and became familiar with ground techniques, often referred to as ¡®bed techniques¡¯. He kicked Vengeance¡¯s foot and aimed at the opening, striking hard with his sword against the spear de. Bang! The spear de tilted sideways. In that moment, he forced the sword to the opponent¡¯s neck. A sound of something snapping came from the left arm muscle. But he still won. ¡°You, your left hand.¡± ¡°I trained it regrly. When not seen often. It was my secret weapon.¡± Prepared excuses always sound good. Repeating the day so many times, he became skilled at giving excuses. ¡°Damn.¡± ¡°Why the sudden spar?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know, I just felt like having a bout while watching.¡± Wasn¡¯t he just practicing the basics? Was there anything impressive? Just stepping, thrusting, and shing. Nothing beyond that. Vengeance had nothing to say either. He knew Encrid was already ahead of him in rank. In skill and character. He couldn¡¯t hate the guy since he saved him during the fire at the barracks. He wondered why Encrid was also good with his left hand. ¡®Why is he good with his left hand too?¡¯ However, something seemed off. ¡°Hey, it¡¯s weird.¡± ¡°What?¡± Damn, who could understand an exnation like that? Vengeance cursed himself and tried to find better words, finally expressing what he thought. ¡°It feels like a dead sword.¡± This was the best he could do. Exining further would likely result in a string of awkward words. And what more could he say to someone who fought better than him? But looking at the situation, it was quite a ridiculous scene. He had suddenly challenged Encrid to a fight, lost, and now he was ming his opponent. ¡°No, it¡¯s just that¡ª¡± ¡°Wait a moment.¡± Encrid cut him off and began staring nkly into space. Though his eyes were open, his mind seemed elsewhere. Vengeance felt wronged. He hadn¡¯t approached out of jealousy or envy. Vengeance had been sincere at that moment. Just like when he first held a spear. He remembered the excitement when he first joined the army and swung his spear morning and night. His blood boiled, and he couldn¡¯t sit still. A guy with a shattered right wrist. He had heard that after returning from a brutal mission, Encrid would spar with his toon members before going to bed. That kind of person. He must have been injured and exhausted. But why was he pushing himself so hard? And why was he smiling? It wasn¡¯t jealousy or envy, it was pure, unbridled excitement. ¡°Thank you.¡± Suddenly, Encrid, who had been staring into space, spoke. Then he looked at the dumbfounded Vengeance. ¡°What are you doing?¡± He asked. Vengeance blinked and answered. ¡°Nothing.¡± But what was he thanking him for? Anyway, he was definitely a strange guy. A madman obsessed with training¡ªa fitting nickname. Certainly better than being called the ¡°Squad Leader of Enchantment¡±. Encrid realized something from Vengeance¡¯s words. ¡®Inexperience.¡¯ He had felt discord as he retraced the path he had walked in the past. Instead of recognizing and correcting mistakes, he had been too busy swinging his sword every day. Because he didn¡¯t know a better way. But now he knew. It was a matter of sensitivity. There was a difference in sensation between the right and left hands, even down to the fingertips. That was the first step. ¡®Starting with meals.¡¯ Starting with using a spoon and fork. He also knew a training method that involved using the fingertip sensation and arm muscles together. ¡®Hide Knife.¡¯ Good. This would be the way. ¡°Captain!¡± Krais¡¯s voice rang out again. ¡°Growl.¡± Esther showed hostility. ¡°Damn it.¡± Vengeance cursed. ¡°Thank the Gods for letting us meet again.¡± And then, there was Mitch Hurrier, who hadn¡¯t been so immersed in religion before, now standing in his way, soaking wet. Even if he tried to escape, the day would just reset to the same day. The wall he had to ovee with just his left hand. Words were unnecessary. The answery in fighting with his sword. Encrid fought silently. He swung his sword, tried to trip his opponent. He tried to memorize his opponent¡¯s patterns. And then he died. Pain, darkness, the abyss, death. After dying and waking up again, he started living with his left hand from the next day. ¡°What are you doing?¡± Krais asked, tilting his head. ¡°Feeding myself.¡± ¡°Did you hurt your right fingers too?¡± ¡°No, I¡¯m just not using them. They won¡¯t heal if I use them.¡± ¡°That¡¯s excessive.¡± Yeah, that was a hastily made-up excuse. It had been twenty days since he started living with his left hand. During that time, Vengeance requested to spar a few more times. He had the face of a soldier who admired pure martial strength, driven by his boiling blood. ¡°Good.¡± After twenty days, it was only today that Vengeance stopped calling his technique a dead sword. ¡®Thanks to you.¡¯ He swung his sword and died again. He died, died, and died again. He noticed a change on the nieth day. ¡®Different.¡¯ Would walking the path he had walked with his right hand with his left lead to the same results? No. The Encrid of then and the Encrid of now were vastly different. ¡®Focus Point.¡¯ Immersion, training that involved delving deep within oneself while swinging the sword. A body changed through the Istion Technique. Immersion and a changed body. And the Heart of the Beast that helped him maintain hisposure. How his body moved, which direction the trembling de pointed. At such times, how much did his body move? Repeat, repeat, repeat. He was in the midst of training so repetitive it could be considered tedious. Encrid faced a moment he had never felt before. Swish. Swish. Swish. The de moved exactly as he intended. He realized that he could roughly mimic the basic forms of the Correct Sword Technique. Precise, heavy, fast, smooth, and strangely fluid. His body moved on its own. What is talent? It couldn¡¯t be defined in just one word. It required the skill to use one¡¯s body. Even the ability to forget everything and focus was part of talent. He didn¡¯t even have the capacity to feel pleasure. The sword moved on its own, finding its path. The body moved on its own. There was no need to look around. Even while moving like this, he could sense the gazes of those around him watching him. It was something he experienced by refining a meager talent through effort. Something he was experiencing for the first time. Something he might never have experienced in his lifetime. Adding sensitivity to the bnce provided by immersion, physical training, andposure. Encrid realized that his swordsmanship had advanced dramatically in just one day, rather than through repetition. ¡°Hu.¡± At the same time, he saw what hecked. Precision. What did he need to fill that gap? Simply swinging the sword wouldn¡¯t suffice. He needed to make the Hide Knife a natural extension of his hand. So, it was back to repetition. Seeing what hecked clearly didn¡¯t change anything. And so, he repeated the process. Sometimes, the days were boring, sometimes they were grueling. ¡®Can I really do this?¡¯ Encrid felt joy as he retraced the path he had taken with his left hand. Seeing himself grow. Nothing fueled him more than that. On a day when he felt he had sharpened his senses and was finally ready. ¡°Let¡¯s spar.¡± Vengeance challenged him, as usual. By now, he was a friend who challenged him every day. The fight didn¡¯tst long. ng! He deflected the spear de and swung his sword up, making it seem like the de bent like a snake. The de stopped just in front of Vengeance¡¯s neck. ¡°Damn, it¡¯s your left hand.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve always trained it.¡± Vengeance fell silent at the familiar excuse, simr to what he¡¯d heard on other days. He was simply astonished. ¡®How can he do this with his left hand?¡¯ He didn¡¯tment. He had simply admired Encrid¡¯s skill and asked to spar. ¡°What are you thinking about?¡± Encrid asked. Vengeance spoke honestly. ¡°I¡¯m thinking I need to work hard when I get back.¡± At those words, Encrid looked at him nkly for a moment before showing a gentle smile. He had a face that was handsome enough to be envied. He then spoke. ¡°Sure. Then one day, even Jenny wille around.¡± ¡°This bastard?¡± How could he get worked up so easily? Jenny was Vengeance¡¯s trigger. Encridughed and pushed him away, and Vengeance chuckled as well. ¡®I should at least let him confess to Jenny.¡¯ So, he shouldn¡¯t die here. A whistle blew. The one hundred and twelfth day began. Gravel crunched underfoot as Mitch Hurrier appeared. ¡°Captain!¡± Krais was a bitte today. Even if the days repeated, they weren¡¯t always the same. Of course, it didn¡¯t matter whether Krais waste or not. He strapped his sword to his right hip and gripped the hilt with his left hand. ¡°This is, well. Should I call it lucky?¡± Mitch Hurrier muttered as he looked at Encrid. Encrid didn¡¯t listen. At some point, he forgot the sound of the whistle, Mitch Hurrier, Vengeance, Esther, and Krais. He even forgot himself. He focused solely on the sword. The sword and the opponent, the line connecting the dots. What is speed? The de met the scabbard with a sharp sound. Before the sound even finished, the sword drew an optimal path and descended toward Mitch Hurrier¡¯s forehead. Finng. A sound rang in Encrid¡¯s ears. In the split second of time, he entered a state of immersion, unleashing his full power in a preemptive strike. This strike could be said to be better than what he could currently do with his right hand. And then. ng! Mitch Hurrier¡¯s sword was drawn. Ka-ng! The des met. The crossed swords, Encrid pushed with force. Thud, thud, thud! Mitch¡¯s feet slid back. If he took another step, he would have fallen. But he stood his ground, and Encrid closed the distance without giving him a chance to withdraw his sword. He closed the distance so much that there was no need to extend his hand. Encrid released his grip on his sword and grabbed Mitch Hurrier¡¯s hand, which held the sword. As he squeezed with all his strength. Crack. A satisfying sound of bone friction was heard. ¡°You crazy bastard!¡± Whack! Mitch Hurrier kneed Encrid in the thigh. Encrid tried to maintain his grip on Mitch¡¯s hand, but he was forced to retreat after taking a punch to the cheekbone. ¡®That punch was sharp.¡¯ ¡°Esther!¡± As he retreated, he called out, and the quick-witted panther sprang forward. ¡°My sword!¡± It wasn¡¯t amand to attack, you panther. Esther, who was already watching Encrid¡¯s reckless actions with disdain, responded to her name and dashed forward. At the following shout, she bit down hard on the grip of Encrid¡¯s sword and tossed it back. Esther had to use all her strength for this simple action. Today, her magic was off, and her body wasn¡¯t in its normal state. Whoosh, tter. Thump. The sword flew low andnded just a step in front of Encrid. Thud! A spearnded where Esther had been. It was from an enemy soldier behind them. As the soldier tried to kick Esther with his foot after stabbing the ground with his spear. Bang! This time, Vengeance blocked it. ¡°Where do you think you¡¯re going, bastard?¡± The enemy soldier, face to face with Vengeance, snorted, and they started trading spear thrusts, punches, and kicks. In the midst of this, Encrid picked up his sword. ¡°Is your hand okay?¡± Encrid, who had a splint on his right wrist, asked the question, though it might not have been the most suitable one for him to ask. ¡°You bastard.¡± Mitch Hurrier twisted his lips into a snarl, ring at Encrid. From the recent sh, his thumb had been broken. Without a functional thumb, he couldn¡¯t properly grip his sword. Mitch looked at his broken thumb and then back at his opponent. Now he noticed that Encrid was holding the sword with his left hand. Had he always been left-handed? That didn¡¯t seem to be the case. When they fought before, he used his right hand. And he had fought with full force. Remembering this, the situation seemed all the more absurd. ¡°Sorry, but I¡¯m ambidextrous.¡± Mitch Hurrier said as he switched the sword to his other hand. His left hand. Encrid, naturally, was holding the sword with his left hand. ¡°Yeah, me too, starting today.¡± It wasn¡¯t a lie. Through the repeated days, he had be quite ustomed to using his left hand. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: /revengerscans.] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 119 ¡®Now, it¡¯s even.¡¯ He didn¡¯t have the confidence to win against Mitch Hurrier, whose hands were intact. Awakening to his talents, he retraced the path his right hand had taken with his left, moving forward. Even after all this, can he use his left hand as well as his right? No. Then, can he handle the full power of Mitch Hurrier¡¯s dual-wielding with one hand on his sword? ¡°Not a chance.¡± He¡¯s experienced this countless times. Moreover, Mitch Hurrier had no bad habits, despite whatever he had been up to. It¡¯s hard to read his patterns. Every time, his adaptive techniques smoothly emerged. The basics still seemed to be Correct Sword Technique and Tangum style. Encrid¡¯s foundation was in the Middle Sword Technique. The disadvantage was still on his side, using a middle sword one-handed. Although Mitch had lost his thumb, he could still grip the sword with both hands. If things went south, he could endure the pain and swing his sword a few times. ¡®No choice then.¡¯ He¡¯d love to cleanly behead him with his sword, but if that¡¯s not possible, he¡¯d have to show the Valen Mercenary Sword Technique, a dirty fight. ¡°Sorry, just a bit.¡± ¡°What nonsense is this?¡± Encrid was sincere. He felt a bit sorry. Mitch saw him as an obstacle in his path forward, as both a rival and an opponent. He felt this enough from just a few words exchanged. He even remembered his name. He even seemed d to see him, as if he had been waiting. What he sensed from Mitch was a fighting spirit wanting to confirm what he had built up with his sword. So. ¡®Really, I¡¯m sorry.¡¯ Encrid had already confirmed everything. Mitch¡¯s skills, what he had umted, and his fighting spirit. That¡¯s why he realized the chance of winningy in a dirty fight. Should he spend another day honing his skills, breaking down his opponent with swordsmanship using his left hand? Spending today, uncertain of how long it might take? No, that wasn¡¯t it. Encrid felt there was no point in staying in the present. To advance further, his left hand needed a new opportunity. Mitch Hurrier was a good opponent, but¡­ ¡®I¡¯ve extracted all I can from him.¡¯ Though he couldn¡¯t read Mitch¡¯s patterns, he had memorized a few habits. For instance, ¡°Still a strange guy.¡± Whenever his left eyebrow moved, an attack would soon follow. As soon as he finished speaking, Mitch charged at him with a swift kick. As predicted, no, as certain. Encrid kicked the ground with his toes as Mitch finished his sentence. A pebble flew toward Mitch¡¯s face. Bang! Mitch deflected the pebble with his sword, slightly staggering. Still, he kepting. As expected, his reaction was sharp. Encrid nted his sword in the ground, flicked his waist, and thrust forward with his left hand. Whistle dagger. ¡°Pathetic!¡± Mitch growled, twisting his sword several times. His eyes were sharp to the point of being frightening. The whistle dagger was also useless. In no time, he was within sword range. Encrid pulled out his sword and thrust it forward. Mitch twisted his body and swung his sword. It was a quick diagonal sh, so fast that the de seemed to bend. Encrid, observing the trajectory, pulled his sword to the side. ng, crunch. At the moment of impact, he felt theck of strength and angled his de away, targeting Mitch¡¯s hand. Mitch Hurrier was wielding his sword with both hands, while Encrid used only one. As he began to give way, Encrid attempted to deflect with the Tangum style, and Mitch, sensing this, pressed in with force. Encrid let go of his sword once more. As he aimed to close the distance by exploiting the gap, there was a sound of feet kicking the ground, and Mitch¡¯s body wavered before disappearing backward. Mitch wouldn¡¯t fall for the same trick twice. Encrid had anticipated this. Mitch retreated and shed downward with his sword. Encrid kicked the sword he had dropped on the ground. It was a calcted move. Whack. The grip hooked onto his instep, and the de shot forward, targeting Mitch¡¯s neck. Normally, one learns not to let go of their sword. That¡¯s a basic principle of swordsmanship. asionally, those handling illusion swords might drop their swords and engage in this kind ofbat. To kick it? That was an unconventional move. ¡°Hah!¡± With a shout, Mitch caught the downward sh with one hand and shed downward as if chopping. He used the gauntlet on his other hand to block the tip of the sword Encrid had kicked. Thud. As he blocked, he twisted the tip of the sword to the side. As expected of Mitch Hurrier. Although the back of his gauntlet was slightly dented, it didn¡¯t appear to have suffered any major damage or impact. Encrid wasn¡¯t surprised, having already foreseen the entire sequence. The real trap was yet toe. The gap came from theck of strength and speed in the downward sh. The two-handed sh had turned into a one-handed one. As soon as Encrid kicked the sword, he rushed forward again. In terms of timing, he had dropped the sword, kicked it, and immediately ran again. Mitch had stepped back, shed downward, and blocked the flying sword with the back of his hand. Thud. Mitch¡¯s sword struck Encrid¡¯s right shoulder. He allowed the hit. At the same time, he extended his left hand forward. Encrid had the advantage in grip strength. As he tried to grab Mitch¡¯s neck, Mitch tilted his head back. No, he bent his waist back, creating space. Encrid silently thanked Torres. There was no better training for developing the sense in his left hand, which had allowed him to target his opponent in this move. He twisted his wrist, moving the muscle under his wrist, and a dagger popped out. The dagger that emerged from his wrist was caught in Encrid¡¯s hand. In that instant, Encrid looked into Mitch¡¯s eyes. His pupils had widened noticeably, and his gaze was unsteady. Encrid shed at those eyes with the dagger. Swish! The sound of metal slicing through flesh. ¡°Ugh!¡± A groan, muffled by pain, escaped. ¡°Hmm.¡± A simr groan slipped from Encrid¡¯s lips as well. It was understandable. The dagger in Encrid¡¯s hand had shed Mitch Hurrier¡¯s eye. To be precise, it had struck from his cheek to his forehead above the eyebrow. Even as he lost his eye, Mitch Hurrier kicked Encrid in the stomach and pulled his sword inward. The sword, which had struck Encrid¡¯s shoulder, sliced through the leather armor he wore underneath, leaving a wound on his shoulder. It was hot yet chilling. The sensation of metal cutting through his shoulder. His right wrist was already a mess, and now his shoulder was cut too. ¡®This isn¡¯t good.¡¯ With that thought, Encrid threw the dagger. Ping¡ª Even after losing an eye, Mitch attempted to fend off the dagger with his sword. But the dagger embedded itself in his forearm. With one eye gone, his depth perception would bepromised for a while. That meant it was an opportunity. The Valen Mercenary Sword Technique¡¯s dirty fight. It¡¯s about fighting close, using everything you have, even if it means biting. Encrid did just that. He threw the sword again and charged. Although he had been kicked in the stomach earlier and had a cut on his shoulder,his heart was pounding, pumping blood through his body. This was a time for boldness, not calmness. Encrid charged boldly. ¡°Arrgh!¡± Mitch let out a sound that was a cross between a scream and a shout as he swung his sword. ¡°I see it.¡± Which meant he could dodge it. Just like when he saved Leona. Just like dodging a flying dagger. He activated the Focus Point. Using intuition, he predicted the trajectory of the de. He moved inward. Thud. The calction was correct, as he got hit by the fist gripping the sword instead of the de. He had his chin tucked and his forehead forward. So the impact wasn¡¯t severe. ¡°If you¡¯re going to get hit, get hit well. If you do, the next opportunity will be yours.¡± Those were Audin¡¯s words. The method he learned from Audin about how to take a hit was always useful. At that moment, the distance between them closed. ¡°Yeah,e on. Just what I wanted!¡± Mitch also dropped his sword and grabbed Encrid¡¯s shoulder with his hands. The wound tore, sending waves of pain, but it was much better than dying. More importantly, the injury was not as severe as Encrid had thought. The leather armor he wore underneath had been cut, but it had done its job. Their hands tangled together. The two men, panting, started rolling on the gravelly ground. Meanwhile, Mitch, seemingly filled with anger, spoke. ¡°Filthy bastard, did you think you could win by wrestling?¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± Encrid thought he could win. After a few exchanges, he knew. After learning the Vf-Style martial arts and training with Finn from the Ail Caraz Style, he realized this. This type of skill requires immense talent and a tremendous investment of time. It was a technique you had to train so intensely that it appeared in your dreams. Encrid was confident. As long as they were grappling, the odds were in his favor. He didn¡¯t mind the dirty fight for this reason. Crack. Encrid attempted to twist Mitch¡¯s arm, then bit down on his ear. ¡°Aargh!¡± Mitch screamed. Encrid seized Mitch¡¯s ankle, pulling his foot under his side, pressing down with his hand, and twisting his leg like a pretzel with both legs. He then pressed down on the top of the foot, applying pressure. Though the description is lengthy, the action happened in an instant. Snap. Crack! A horrifying sound, likely apanied by excruciating pain. This kind of pain was known only to those who had experienced it. Even if it didn¡¯t break, the area was agonizingly painful. He had crushed the back of the ankle by pressing down on it while it was pinned against his ribcage. Then he moved to the other leg. Twist. Wrapping both legs around the opponent¡¯s, he sped the foot in his arms and twisted his body like a whirlwind. Crack, snap. This time, Mitch¡¯s knee joint twisted in the opposite direction, causing it to break. ¡°Arrgh!¡± A terrible, harrowing scream erupted. Mitch, drooling and bloodshot-eyes, somehow managed to draw a dagger and thrust it at Encrid¡¯s neck. Encrid twisted his body to avoid it, and the dagger plunged into his forearm before being pulled out. Encrid released Mitch¡¯s leg and rolled back. That was the end of it. Mitch was already incapacitated. ¡°Whew.¡± Encrid exhaled deeply. He wasn¡¯t in perfect condition either, joint locks like that also take a toll on one¡¯s own body. Moreover, his arm was stabbed, and the cut on his shoulder wasn¡¯t insignificant. Half of his clothing had be soaked at some point. It was all his blood. Still, Encrid¡¯s condition was much better than Mitch¡¯s. ¡°Krais, my sword.¡± Though not abatant, Krais, who had been nearby, quickly brought Encrid¡¯s sword to him. As he took it in his left hand, blood gushed from his forearm. The wound there was deeper than he had thought. ¡°Damn, I thought I was going to die,Captain.¡± Encrid had no energy to respond to Krais¡¯s remark. Holding his sword, Encrid approached. Though his arm and shoulder were injured, his legs were fine. ¡°toon Leader!¡± Then a few enemy soldiers, who had ambushed them, reacted. They charged upon seeing Mitch Hurrier fall. It was toote. None of the enemy soldiers believed their toon Leader, Mitch Hurrier, could lose. He was a genius, a naturally gifted man. A genius who didn¡¯t need to try. After experiencing something on the battlefield, the man, once known by that nickname, had been swinging his sword day and night since his return. He was not someone who should die like this. He was a star that had just begun to shine. It wasn¡¯t even a sh of swords, but instead, a dagger was thrown, and both of Mitch¡¯s legs were shattered. What was this? This was not the fight their toon leader wanted. Fight with swords. Settle it fairly, sword against sword, in a duel! This was the sentiment of most of Mitch¡¯s men. ¡°This¡­ this isn¡¯t what we wanted.¡± Mitch felt the same. Locking eyes with Encrid, who held his sword vertically to the ground, Mitch spoke. ¡°You, you.¡± ¡°This is a battlefield.¡± Encrid said, stabbing his sword. Thud. The de pierced through the back of Mitch¡¯s neck and emerged through the front, clinking as it cut through some pebbles. Mitch Hurrier, with eyes wide open, gurgled blood and copsed to the ground. The de was lodged as an ornament in his neck. Soon, his head slumped to the side. ¡°Kill him!¡± A few enraged enemy soldiers charged at Encrid. ¡°Idiots.¡± Encrid cursed them. He had thought about this numerous times today. Was their ownmander so foolish that he couldn¡¯t anticipate such an ambush? No. In fact, this was what they had been waiting for. Perhaps the enemy knew this too. After all, the battlefield is a ce of deception and strategy. Thus, the goal was simply to buy time. Rat-a-tat-tat! None of the enemy soldiers were at Mitch¡¯s level. The sword in Encrid¡¯s left hand slipped out of Mitch¡¯s neck and danced like a butterfly, parrying and blocking the iing spears. His swordsmanship was delicate, a mix of Middle Sword Technique, Tangum style, and rapid strikes. ¡°Regroup! Wipe them out!¡± A voice from behind, possibly Vengeance, rang out. The enemy, though elite, couldn¡¯t ovee their numerical disadvantage. Especially with the addition of archers, there was no contest. ¡°Shoot.¡± About forty crossbowmen, clearly a toon-sized unit, began turning the remaining enemy soldiers into pincushions. Someone had rallied the archers and brought them here. With that, the battle was essentially over. Encrid knew this well from his own experiences. It was impossible to block and dodge all the arrows fired by assembled archers. Encrid sat down, feeling utterly exhausted. ¡®Damn, that was tough.¡¯ Yet there was something left¡ªhis left hand. This thought made Encrid smile with a sense of satisfaction. He had survived the dirty fight. He had lived through today and was moving toward a new path. It felt like someone had haphazardly stitched together a torn and worn-out dream, and Encrid felt that way. It was in the midst of the battlefield, where a spring breeze was blowing through. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: /revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: /revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 120 ¡®Let¡¯s move on.¡¯ ¡°Whistle-whistle-whoo.¡± Rem walked along, whistling. ¡®If I really push it¡­¡¯ He was pleased with the returning toon Leader¡¯s attitude. He was excited at the thought of going back and teasing Encrid. Could he move on to the next stage of The Heart of the Beast? The thought of passing on a secret technique that even a mountain of gold wouldn¡¯t teach to a continental person made him excited. ¡®Strange, very strange.¡¯ Encrid was a peculiar person. He didn¡¯t do much, yet he wasn¡¯t annoying. Not at all. For some reason, it made him want to look out for him. Was it because of the way he stubbornly swung his sword every day? Or maybe it was his character, always taking on menial tasks without a singleint? It¡¯s hard to pinpoint a reason. Those could be reasons, but¡­ ¡®I just like him.¡¯ In life, there are people you just like for no reason. ¡®I didn¡¯t expect to feel this way about a continental.¡¯ Rem stopped walking and called out to Audin, who was blocking his path. ¡°Hey, big guy. You pray all the time, but can¡¯t you use some divine power? Can¡¯t you do something about the toon Leader¡¯s wrist?¡± ¡°Shall I tear your mouth open, brother?¡± ¡°What? Do you want me to level your eyes with an axe?¡± Encrid wasn¡¯t here. Audin turned his head and met Rem¡¯s eyes. A cold air filled the space between them, interrupted by Ragna dragging his feet as he walked past. ¡°Brother, can you not just walk across because you¡¯rezy?¡± ¡°Crazy bastard.¡± It wasn¡¯t the first time they¡¯d bickered like this. Everyone saw it but usually just let it go. Jaxon was walking alone off to the side. Ragna, if left unattended for a moment, would walk not in a straight line but diagonally, in a direction of his own choosing. It¡¯s hard to tell what kind of sense of direction he had. It wasn¡¯t even really a matter of direction. It was more like he walked carelessly because he couldn¡¯t be bothered. They were all thinking about Encrid, their toon Leader, in their own way, including Rem. ¡®Maybe training to keep the sword attached to the body would work.¡¯ Ragna was the same. He was in a state of demotivation with the toon Leader away from his sight. He was mentally preparing for what he needed to do when they met again. Audin was no different. ¡®Now that muscle modification is done¡­¡¯ Is it time to work on the joints? Changing muscles and joints, then posture, changes body shape. Strengthening the weak areas. ¡®Bend and bend, cut and cut again.¡¯ There was a technique to make a body that doesn¡¯t break under joint locks or strikes. But if he did that, there might not be much left of the toon Leader¡¯s body. ¡®I¡¯ll do it one step at a time, Lord.¡¯ Audin ended his thoughts with a prayer. Jaxon wasn¡¯t much different. ¡®It would be good to correct his steps.¡¯ Not as silent as an assassin, but¡­ Loud steps usually involve unnecessary movements. ¡®Maximum efficiency with minimal movement.¡¯ Jaxon recalled the training he had undergone, looking for something useful. Not swordsmanship, but¡­ ¡®It should help.¡¯ Jaxon had a keen eye. He knew that what he taught Encrid became valuable and ingrained in him. At the end of such thoughts, he sometimes wondered: ¡®Why bother?¡¯ There was no real need to teach him anything unless he asked first. Until then, he decided to leave things be. Of course, despite his resolve, if the barbarians, religious zealots, orzybones got excited about teaching, he might get swept up in the tide, but he intended to restrain himself. The mere thought of being lumped together with them was unpleasant. From the outside, they all seemed the same. One whistled annoyingly and picked fights. Another wandered aimlessly with a vacant look in his eyes. Therge soldier mumbled to himself, constantly seeking his lord. Thest one walked alone, deeply engrossed in his own thoughts, as if distancing himself from the others. Was this a normal unit? Certainly not. Even when they were a Troublemaking Squad, they were somewhat rough around the edges. When reorganized into an independent toon, it became ringly obvious. It was hard to call them refined soldiers. Even their marching was disorderly. They had joined under themand of the 4th Company but followed separately rather than integrating with thepany. The idea of calling a group of fewer than ten men, an independent toon, was almostughable. Still, no soldier bothered to question them. ¡®Just leave them be.¡¯ ¡®If you mess with them, it will only bring trouble.¡¯ ¡®If you want to be aughingstock, go ahead and interfere.¡¯ They had learned through countless experiences. These were not just troublemakers but madmen. Their skills were also insanely good. They were walking. The distance from the rear base to the forward outpost was about half a day¡¯s walk. If the unit moved, that was the case. If they moved individually rather than marching, they could get there faster. Since they had to set out for battle straight from dawn, they were pacing their march appropriately. It wasn¡¯t a distance worth stopping for a break. If they hurried, they could reach their destination before noon. So, unless there was a significant problem, there was no reason for anyone to halt the entire march. ¡°Stop.¡± A soldier at the front said, seeing a signal from ahead. The march came to a halt. This happened because the Fairy Company Commander, leading the vanguard, raised her fist. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Rayon, the 3rd Company Commander, asked. The 3rd and 4thpanies, having pulled back, regrouped. ¡°Over there, something seems off.¡± The Fairy said. What was it? Rayon frowned. He couldn¡¯t see anything. The Fairy Company Commander pointed to the riverside, the Pen-Hanil River, Naurillia¡¯s lifeline and a water source for all nearby kingdoms. ¡°They¡¯re hiding.¡± Near the riverbank, several rocks provided hiding spots for people, and asionally ghouls would jump out. A little further, to the right, was the Tehom Forest, which also had quite a few monsters. However, this was a battlefield, most monsters and beasts had been cleared out long ago. It was rare for monsters or beasts to attack the army. So, if someone was lying in wait¡­ ¡®Enemies.¡¯ The Fairy Company Commander¡¯s instincts were urate. ¡°Damn, there¡¯s a Fairy.¡± A man peeked out from behind a rock. He had short hair and a thick jaw. Wearing a helmet that covered his forehead and head but exposed his ears, he was dressed in the uniform of an Aspen soldier. The distance was well within the range of an arrow, and the man exposed only half of his body from behind the rock. The Fairy Company Commander looked beyond him. With her sharp eyes, she spotted one of Aspen¡¯s famous speed boats floating by the riverbank. It was a long, narrow boat that could carry up to eight people. When rowed with its fixed oars hidden below the water, it cut through the water at a terrifying speed. They seemed ready to flee if things went south. Once they reached the river, there was no way for the troops to chase them. ¡®That boat is incredibly fast.¡¯ It was a poorly executed ambush. There seemed to be only about ten of them. ¡®A provocation.¡¯ Rayon, the 3rd Company Commander, followed a simr line of thought as the Fairy Company Commander and concluded the same. ¡°They¡¯re trying all sorts of tricks.¡± ¡°Undermining morale is a basic military tactic.¡± As the two conversed, one of the enemy soldiers stepped out from behind the rock. ¡°I am Lowell, a soldier of the Aspen Duchy. Is there anyone here to duel me? Let¡¯s fight fair and square!¡± It was a trick they¡¯d fallen for several times before. It wasn¡¯t a battle of forces, but a challenge to a duel. A soldier, not a knight, picking a fight. ¡°Isn¡¯t it disgraceful for amander to fight a mere soldier? Or do you not have anyone capable of fighting?¡± Lowellughed mockingly as he spoke. Should they shoot an arrow and pierce his head? The Fairy Company Commander thought about it but didn¡¯t act hastily. At first, they sent out a soldier and lost. Next, they sent out a toon leader and still lost. The enemy soldiers were superior in individual skill. But having a Company Commander fight a mere soldier would be disgraceful. It was a strategy that exploited a subtle weakness. ¡®Did they say there¡¯s a genius strategist in Aspen?¡¯ This strategy didn¡¯t significantly reduce the number of soldiers but severely dropped morale. The enemy soldiers fought well, making the allied forces wonder why they didn¡¯t have such capable opponents. ¡®If I step forward¡­¡¯ If a Company Commander stepped forward, the enemy would mock them. They didn¡¯t lose every duel. The 2nd Company Commander, Palto, had once smashed a challenging soldier¡¯s head with a mace out of anger. Even so, morale dropped. ¡°Joining a fight between soldiers¡ªhow shameful!¡± This kind of talk heated up the battlefield. At first, the allied forces didn¡¯t care, but as they kept losing both battles and duels, morale was plummeting. The difference in individual skills and training was so apparent, yet the numbers were simr. It felt like the oue was already decided before the battle even began. That¡¯s why they kept repeating this tactic. They wanted to kill them, but the enemy was well-prepared to escape. If they didn¡¯t ept the duel challenge and pressed with their forces? That might have been an option from the beginning, but doing so now would only further drop morale. Just let them be? That would be like opening the gates of purgatory with their own hands. ¡°What the hell, they made it all the way here?¡± As they were pondering what to do, a soldier swaggered up from behind. He didn¡¯t form up or align with the others. He was so free-spirited that one might wonder if he was part of the same unit marching together. It was Rem from the independent toon. ¡°Should we let him kill that guy?¡± The Fairy Company Commander suggested, perhaps as ast resort. Before they set out, a soldier known as Big Eyes had offered some advice. ¡°Today, they¡¯ll listen to reason, at least a little. So use them as you see fit. The mood is grim anyway.¡± It was a mentality of nothing to lose, everything to gain. ¡°Let¡¯s do it.¡± Rem nodded cheerfully, seeming in a good mood. ¡°Hey, what¡¯s your name again?¡± ¡°What? Did youe out here to fight?¡± Rem walked forward, swinging his arms, and Ragna, following absentmindedly, was grabbed by Audin. ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°Brother, that¡¯s the enemy.¡± ¡°Oh, right.¡± Jaxon had already taken a seat on a smooth rock to the side, bing a spectator. None of them showed any signs of anxiety. That included the Fairy Company Commander. Even the allied soldiers seemed to have a subtle sense of anticipation. Who was Rem? A madman. He could be a real pain when among allies, but to the enemy, he could be the most dangerous foe. The anticipation was palpable. The soldier with the thick jaw, peeking from behind the rock, smirked and stepped forward. ¡°Couldn¡¯t find anyone else, huh? Not going to lure me out and shoot arrows, are you?¡± Idiot. Jaxon thought as he watched the scene. Although it wasn¡¯t within range for an axe swing, it was close enough for this mad barbarian. Whump! As soon as the enemy soldier poked his head out, Rem threw his axe. It was a movement as swift as the wind. To the ordinary soldier¡¯s eye, Rem¡¯s hand movements were barely visible. It looked as if he simply waved his arm up and down, but it was so fast it left an afterimage. The afterimage seemed to form wings near Rem¡¯s right hand. Thwack- whoosh! The sound of fabric pping in the wind was followed by the sound of something flying. With a whistling sound, the axe flew and lodged in the forehead of the enemy soldier named Lowell. Thump! With a crisp sound, the enemy¡¯s feet lifted off the ground. He flew. Without wings, he flew for a brief moment beforending on his back. Thud- tter. Pebbles were pushed aside as hended, scattering to the side. ¡°Gurgle.¡± The fallen enemy was dead, his head split open. The axe was embedded between his eyebrows, and his eyes remained open, unable to close. It was a death he never sawing. Meanwhile, Rem had drawn another axe in his left hand and was running. Thud, thud. Rem dashed forward, closing the distance with a few strides, and slipped behind the rock. Thud! There was a sound, and blood spurted out from the opposite side of the rock where Rem had entered. Whack! Rem quickly moved to the next rock. With a heavy thud, an enemy soldier¡¯s head rolled to the ground. Next was¡­ ¡°Aaah!¡± An enemy soldier bolted from behind, running toward the river, but Rem chased him down, grabbed his head, and smashed his face into the ground. Thud! ¡°Groan¡­¡± A sound between a groan and a scream escaped the enemy. Rem continued to smash the soldier¡¯s face into the ground several more times. The repetitive, precise movements made him seem like an artisan crafting something, but instead of boots or tools, Rem was crafting death. Thud, thud, thud. After confirming the soldier was dead with a few more strikes, Rem stood up. With four enemies dead, the remaining soldiers fled without looking back. They ran toward their prepared boat, climbed in, and began rowing away with all their might. Rem did not pursue them. Nor did the allied soldiers waste arrows on them. ¡°Idiots.¡± Instead, Rem showed them a gesture by cing his thumb between his index and middle fingers. It was amon vulgar gesture across the continent, suggesting something insulting about the enemy¡¯s mothers. The enemy soldiers, seeing this, only hurried their escape. ¡°Shall we go?¡± Rem retrieved the axe lodged in the enemy¡¯s head and returned. The Fairy Company Commander smirked, but ultimately, the allies¡¯ morale did not rise. Overwhelming skill? That was fine, but¡­ ¡®Ugh.¡¯ ¡®I don¡¯t want to die like that.¡¯ ¡®Why the face like that?¡¯ It was the method of killing and Rem¡¯s previous bad reputation. ¡°You want your face smashed in?¡± The soldiers were used to hearing threats like that from Rem, and seeing him carry them out sent chills down their spines. It seemed that whenever Rem got involved, the morale of both allies and enemies dropped simultaneously. ¡°Let¡¯s move on.¡± After hastily cleaning up the bodies, the Company Commander ordered the march to continue. * * * ¡®Are they doing okay?¡¯ Encrid was busy tending to his wounds at the rear. Though none of his injuries were life-threatening, many of them could be problematic if not treated. For now, he couldn¡¯t rejoin his unit. He nned to join up with the infantry support unit arrivingter, which would take him a couple of days. ¡®They¡¯ll be fine on their own.¡¯ He briefly worried about his toon but then stopped. Encrid knew he just needed to take care of himself. His toon members were not ones to die easily, they were more likely to kill others instead. Their involvement in a fight would also help boost the morale of their allies, which had been low. ¡®If they would just fight.¡¯ The toon was active in fighting. However, things were not going as Encrid expected. The morale of both sides seemed to be dropping simultaneously. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: /revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: /revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 121 Ting. A clear sound resonated as he flicked the de with his finger. When held up to the light, a subtle blue hue reflected. It must have been made of a unique metal. ¡®It doesn¡¯t seem to be Valyrian steel.¡¯ This was the sword he had taken after killing Mitch Hurrier. It was obviously a high-quality, expensive sword. How could he just leave it behind? Anyway, would Krais know? Encrid turned his head to the side. There, sitting three steps away, was Krais, staring at him intently. With those big eyes, Krais looked at him with a curious expression. Encrid opened up and asked, ¡°What?¡± Before asking about the metal of the sword, he felt he needed to address that strange look. ¡°It¡¯s fascinating.¡± ¡°What is?¡± ¡°Your left hand.¡± As he spoke, Krais nced at Encrid¡¯s left hand. Was he always this good with his left hand? It didn¡¯t seem so, considering they hadn¡¯t been together for just a day or two. The left hand was quite impressive. Is this what they call a genius? Krais himself didn¡¯t have any talent for swordsmanship or martial arts, so he couldn¡¯t tell just by looking. ¡®Wasn¡¯t he ordinary before?¡¯ Aside from his actions, his skills seemed to have been ordinary. When Encrid saved him, risking half his life to protect another, Krais had thought, ¡®What kind of person does that?¡¯ ¡®Risking your life to protect someone else, that¡¯s not something that makes sense.¡¯ Just because they were in the same squad, did that mean he had to save him? It was less than a week since they had first met. There was a big difference between his skills then and now. The enemymander who ambushed them was clearly no ordinary person. And Encrid had parried the sword of such a formidable opponent with just his left hand? ¡°I¡¯ve been training consistently.¡± Encrid answered nonchntly. Krais nodded and asked again. ¡°So, uh, did you kill the ambushingmander?¡± Was it his left hand, or what kind of battle was it? Intensity? Thrill? It was a situation filled with such emotions. If things had gone wrong, the toon leader would have died. Had that happened, they would have crossed the river of death hand in hand with Vengeance or whatever his name was, and Esther. But in that intense situation, the toon leader remained calm. He faced the approaching enemy as if it was a natural opponent. ¡°It was a chaotic battle.¡± Again, Encrid¡¯s answer was nonchnt. Krais concluded, ¡®Ate-blooming genius.¡¯ His talent must have blossomedte. There was no reason or need to delve deeper. Aside from his curiosity, it was obvious there wouldn¡¯t be any answers. Even if he tried to doubt him, there was nothing to go on. Is there some grand secret? There¡¯s nothing here that would suggest that. Unless the toon leader could foresee the future and knew everything that was going to happen at that moment. ¡®But that¡¯s just ridiculous.¡¯ No prophet or fortune-teller could predict a situation with such meticulous detail. Moreover, Krais believed that most of these fortune-tellers were just scam artists desperate to make a quick buck. ¡®The world runs on Krona.¡¯ It rises and falls with Krona. Why are Naurillia and Aspen fighting? In his view, there was only one reason. The Green Pearl ins, whichever kingdom controls it, essentially gains a second granary. ¡®Even I¡¯d jump at the chance to take it.¡¯ Therefore, the war between the two nations was inevitable. In an era of war and struggle, taking up swords and spears for profit was all too natural. So, Encrid¡¯s genius, which wouldn¡¯t contribute to Krona, could be ignored here. ¡°What kind of metal do you think this is?¡± Encrid asked, holding out the sword the enemymander had wielded. He had brought it along amidst everything. ¡°It¡¯s good metal.¡± ¡°Do you think I asked just to hear that kind of answer?¡± Of course not. There was no need to ponder. ¡°There¡¯s a famous iron ore deposit in the Kingdom of Aspen, called Demp.¡± ¡°Demp? Demp, Demp. I¡¯ve heard of it. Isn¡¯t that the hidden vige between the river and the mountains?¡± Muttering to himself, Encrid nodded. He had wandered the continent for quite some time. Krais nodded and responded. ¡°Yes, they say the iron from Demp shows this kind of peculiar hue. It starts with a light blue tint, gets deeper, and the best quality iron shows no color at all.¡± This was just what he had heard. But one thing was certain: a sword made from Demp iron would be more expensive than Valyrian steel. Probably pricier than Noir Mountain iron as well. So this was quite an, exceedingly, very expensive sword. ¡°If you sell that¡­¡± ¡°I¡¯m not selling it.¡± ¡°Huh? Are you going to switch swords?¡± For those who venture into battle, there¡¯s nothing more important than a weapon they¡¯re familiar with. This ismon knowledge, something Krais was also aware of. So it was unlikely that the toon leader would switch from a sword he was ustomed to. ¡°What if I used both?¡± This wasn¡¯t directed at Krais. It was something Encrid muttered to himself. A spring breeze, mixed with warmth instead of chill, rustled Encrid¡¯s hair. Through the strands of hair, Encrid¡¯s gaze rested on the sword. Krais saw the look in the toon leader¡¯s eyes. A peculiar expression, he thought. How to describe it? Eyes that shone brightly, full of life and vigor, like those of a boy receiving an unexpected gift. Seeing that look, Krais couldn¡¯t bring himself to push Encrid to sell the sword any further. The toon leader, Encrid¡¯s blue eyes, reminiscent of ake, were gleaming with excitement, much like Esther¡¯s. Encrid didn¡¯t care whether Krais was watching him or not. The reason he had be proficient with his left hand? He didn¡¯t need a grand excuse. In fact, there was no excuse to be made. It¡¯s not something that could be easily exined. All he could say was, ¡®I¡¯ve been training all this time.¡¯ It might sound like he was bing some sort of genius. But there was no other way. More importantly, Encrid felt something akin to talent this time. A sense of rapid advancement. An experience where his skills improved dramatically. Like grasping what would usually take a hundred swings in just a few. ¡®It¡¯s intriguing, but¡­¡¯ Would that happen again? He didn¡¯t know. He didn¡¯t need to know. He just had to keep doing what he was doing. He could continue walking his path steadily. For Encrid, talent was never the main focus. ¡®When my body recovers¡­¡¯ He could try various things. Sitting on a makeshift seat¡ªa rock in front of the infirmary at the rear¡ªEncrid immersed himself in reflection. Training, left hand, right hand, chaotic battle, Mitch Hurrier, his sword, the fight, the battlefield. As he thought deeply, he wanted to get up and move. ¡°They told you not to strain yourself. Why do you think I¡¯m watching over you here?¡± Krais said offhandedly beside him. Yes, he was right. He was told to restpletely for at least a few days. This was the medic¡¯s instruction after seeing his injuries. The rear camp was handled by the supply unit, while the 2nd Company 3rd toon, Vengeance¡¯s toon, stayed behind for defense, awaiting reinforcements. Once reinforcements arrived, Encrid nned to head to the front lines. For that, his body needed to heal. His right hand was still in a splint. His shoulder had a shallow cut. There was a puncture wound on his left forearm from a dagger. Though not major injuries individually, they were wounds that could worsen with too much movement. ¡®Well, this is just great.¡¯ His body ached in various ces due to attempting a strenuous joint lock. Had he not trained in the Istion Technique. Had he not focused on a single point. Had the Heart of the Beast not supported him. Had he not sensed the de¡¯s presence. ¡®I would have been the one to die.¡¯ Encrid sat idly, focusing on recovery. All the while, he mentally practiced sword swings. At first with just his right hand, then holding one sword with both hands. At the end of his mental training, Encrid held his sword in his right hand and Mitch Hurrier¡¯s sword in his left. ¡®Can I do this?¡¯ He didn¡¯t know. He just wanted to try. It felt right in his hands. Dual-wielding. ¡®First, I¡¯ll need more strength.¡¯ Before attempting dual-wielding, he needed to focus on strengthening himself. Wielding two swords with one in each hand is apletely different challengepared to using just one. One of his instructors had criticized this approach. ¡°Dual swords? It¡¯s just a great way to get yourself killed. If you can¡¯t handle one sword properly, trying to use two is foolish. Even skilled swordsmen rarely attempt it.¡± The instructor had been blunt. Where had he met that instructor? It was in arge city. The instructor had said that refined swordsmanshipes from a refined body. After receiving his teachings, Encrid had a rather bitter experience. As he pondered, he started to feel hungry. When injured, it was important to eat well and rest. ¡°Food¡¯s here.¡± Krais brought him some food just in time. Thin wheat bread, thick bacon, dried fruits, and cheese. It was a feast. ¡°Did you raid the supply tent?¡± ¡°No. The supplypanymander seems grateful to you. If things had gone wrong, he might have lost his head.¡± Krais said this while tapping his neck with his hand. It made sense. The rear camp existed to supply the troops. If they had been thoroughly ransacked by the enemy, whose fault would it be? Who was responsible? No need to ask, it was the supplypanymander¡¯s responsibility. If there had been a fire in the supply tent, he could have been executed. Amander who loses a battle may be tolerated, but amander who fails in their duty to maintain security cannot be forgiven. ¡°Let¡¯s eat.¡± Encrid ate and drank, drinking water instead of alcohol. Krais took care of him, if not meticulously, at least attentively. Three days passed like this. ¡°We¡¯re heading out. Will you join?¡± Vengeance asked, fully armed. The reinforcements had arrived at the rear. The situation at the front lines was reportedly getting more intense. With all his squad members at the front, Encrid had to go as well. His wounds from the sword cuts and stabs weren¡¯t fully healed, but walking was no problem. ¡°I have to go.¡± Krais stood beside him, lost in thought. ¡®Seeing the toon leader wield a sword¡­¡¯ It didn¡¯t seem like he was going to die anytime soon. Maybe he should stop staying in the rear and follow along? Even picking up a few fallen spoils of war could be quite profitable. Moreover, with the supplymander reced and unfamiliar faces among the soldiers from the newly arrived 3rd Regiment, staying in the rear wasn¡¯t appealing. Since things had turned out this way¡­ ¡®Let¡¯s go out and collect some spoils.¡¯ So Krais decided to join as well. ¡°Meow.¡± Despite resting for three days, Esther still seemed weak. Encrid picked Esther up. She wasn¡¯t very heavy. Is she eating well? Why does it seem like she¡¯s not growing at all? Young creatures are supposed to grow quickly, aren¡¯t they? It seemed like her size hadn¡¯t changed much since he first saw her. ¡°Are you eating well?¡± Encrid asked, patting Esther¡¯s head. Esther blinked and looked up. There was a man with eyes simr to hers. Who was worrying about whom? He had almost died again. Thump, thump. Esther tapped Encrid¡¯s chest with her front paw. She was telling him not to worry about her. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll make sure to get you some food when I can.¡± It seemed Encrid misunderstood her. But it wasn¡¯t a big deal. You foolish human, let¡¯s go. Esther closed her eyes, still tired. Encrid started walking. The only noticeable difference was that he now carried two swords at his waist. ¡°Two swords?¡± Vengeance asked. Encrid nodded. He had seen Encrid use his left hand and had even sparred with him. Encrid was known for doing strange things, so Vengeance didn¡¯t think much of it. Joined by Vengeance¡¯s toon, they marched towards the front lines. The journey was uneventful. Upon arriving at the front, they were greeted by the cold air of the battlefield. As they walked through the path, the mingled scent of blood and metal filled the air, and the sky grew dark, threatening rain. The ce was filled with a mix of stagnant water, blood, metal, and other smells, giving off the scent of death. It was the front-line base. And there¡­ ¡°Damn, I thought I¡¯d wait forever. Huh, what¡¯s this? I told you to rest, and you¡¯re more injured? Huh?¡± ¡°Well, it just happened.¡± Encrid¡¯s toon members were present. Rem, who seemed ready to start a fight, was calmed down with a gesture. It felt like something always happened whenever he was separated from them, but what could he do? Things had turned out this way. Thanks to Vengeance making the report on their behalf, Encrid joined the toon in the barracks and briefly exined what had happened in the rear. ¡°You always have fun without me.¡± Rem muttered, picking his nose in frustration. And that was the end of it. They survived, and being here was all that mattered. When Encrid settled down in a corner of the tent and asked for an update on the battlefield, Jaxon came over and quietly filled him in. ¡°Both sides are just watching each other.¡± It turned out there hadn¡¯t been any significant battles recently. The forces gathered here, including reinforcements, amounted to more than two battalions of infantry. So, over a thousand infantry soldiers had assembled. In addition to this, there were the Royal Guard, scouts, and rear guards protecting the supply lines. ¡®This is supposed to be the start of a full-scale war.¡¯ The main battle. Knights,wizards, and shamans were waiting in the Green Pearl ins for the main sh. In this situation, both armies were closely watching this fight. No one knew exactly how things hade to this, but it was said that the situation had beplicated. The infantry battle to block alternative routes had be the starting point for all the battles. Whoever won here would set the tone for the rest of the conflict. This fight would undoubtedly impact the main battle. It would affect morale and, if they won, give their side more advantageous positions to use. Opening up alternate routes would also make it easier to deploy special units. Both nations¡¯ main forces were wary, avoiding deploying additional support beyond infantry, so they were in a standoff. The atmosphere in the unit was tense, as if a full-scale battle could erupt at any moment. The tension was visible in everyone¡¯s sharp nerves. Except, of course, for the ¡®Madmen Squadron¡¯. So, Encrid thought, ¡®Ah, it¡¯s a battle. It¡¯s soon. What should I do? I¡¯ll just train.¡¯ and remained calm. Waking up at dawn, Encrid trained his body with the Istion Technique, as usual. The night watchman, observing this, thought it was typical of the ¡°Madmen toon Leader¡± It felt like witnessing a long-standing tradition, passed down from the Troublesome Squad leader before him. Rain or shine, swinging his sword relentlessly. That was him. ¡°There are no normal people in this squad.¡± the watchman muttered as he watched Encrid. ¡°Moving around from dawn, are you, brother?¡± Before the sun even rose, the watchman turned away as he saw the friendly madman and the training maniac grappling and twisting each other¡¯s limbs. It seemed like they were just having a conversation, and suddenly they were twisting wrists and hugging wildly. ¡®Are their heads screwed on right?¡¯ The situation felt tense as if a deadly battle could break out at any moment, making the watchman feel anxious. Morale was already low, and the unit¡¯s atmosphere was at its worst. Yet, they seemed to be doing all sorts of things. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: /revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: /revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 122 ¡°Something seems to have changed in the past few days, brother.¡± It was Audin, a master of the devilish art of words hidden behind a humble smile. He would often tell him to stop training or that he could rest, but if they did, he woulde down on him hard. No, he probably wouldn¡¯t even treat a rat that way. Of course, Encrid found this quite satisfying. What path did his greed extend towards? It was in learning and progressing forward. So, such teachings were always wee. Beside therge figure of Audin, who moved through the morning mist, Encrid was slowly standing up and sitting down with his legs shoulder-width apart, putting strain on his thigh muscles. Audin suddenly reached out to Encrid. Encrid instinctively blocked the hand. Smack, smack, it was a technique from wrestling or martial arts, known as Vf-Style Martial Arts. A hand that had been blocked once moved to twist and target Encrid¡¯s body. As Audin tried to grab his shoulder, Encrid blocked, twisted, and blocked with his shoulder, then a foot came in. When he blocked that, arge palm suddenly obscured his view, pushing down on him as if to crush him. Stuck close like that, Audin spoke. ¡°You¡¯ve improved a lot.¡± It was something he had heard even back at the rear base. Thanks to learning Ail Caraz Style martial arts from Finn, his techniques had improved, but he still couldn¡¯t match Audin. From the beginning, they had different heights, bone structures, and muscle densities. Audin was far stronger than Encrid, and despite hisrge size, he had excellent agility. At some point, Audin¡¯s hand came in from an unseen angle and grabbed Encrid by the nape. With Audin pulling him in with strength, there was no way to resist. They say even one¡¯s body can be a weapon in closebat, in the space between wrestling and martial arts. Audin often said, ¡°Don¡¯t engage if your build is different.¡± Encrid had once asked how to ovee a difference in build. ¡°With different techniques. So, what must you do?¡± What else? Train hard. It was something he heard repeatedly after being twisted and hit on the training mat. Audin, who had already subdued Encrid, began to sing something resembling a hymn in a deep voice. ¡°The Lord said, ¡®Snap the joints.¡¯¡± No, God probably wouldn¡¯t say that. Of course, it was a joke. Audin didn¡¯t apply any more pressure, even though he was already holding down Encrid¡¯s nape and shoulder. It was still plenty painful just being like this. ¡®I grabbed it by feel.¡¯ His reaction had been slow. There were many reasons for that. Among them, injuries were likely a factor. Pain tends to slow down reactions. ¡°You¡¯ll have to fight again if you go into battle, won¡¯t you, brother toon Leader?¡± As if that needed saying. It was obvious. Although his right wrist was a bit bothersome, it wasn¡¯t entirely unusable. Moreover, the reason he was called here was because of them. Of course, if a battle broke out, he would go to the front lines and fight again. ¡°With a body like this, it¡¯s too much, brother.¡± As Audin held him down, he spoke. Encrid¡¯s right shoulder had been shed, his left forearm stabbed. His right wrist was still in a splint, and bruises covered his body. He had long since run out of Jaxon¡¯s ointment and had only been able to apply some herbal poultices. Given how often he got injured, it was no surprise the ointment ran out quickly. There wasn¡¯t much of it, to begin with. ¡°How long do you n to keep doing this?¡± What was he trying to do? After subduing someone, they usually reviewed the sparring session. It was time to release him and enter that phase. But Audin¡¯s grip remained firm. ¡°toon Leader, brother.¡± He called to him in that state. Encrid, still half-bent over, answered reluctantly. ¡°Why?¡± The morning mist was so thick that the surroundings were not clearly visible. The mist was so dense that they could only see each other¡¯s faces when they were a few steps apart. There was a sentry nearby, but he had lost interest in what was happening after a quick nce. Realizing the situation, Audin made up his mind and acted. There was a faint sound. Encrid heard a sound he had never heard before in his life. It wasn¡¯t so much a sound in his ears as something that seemed to pierce directly into his body. A warmth spread through him, something you wouldn¡¯t expect to feel by the misty riverbank at this hour before the morning sun rose, a warmth even rarer at this time of day. It felt like the warmth of the afternoon sun, the kind you¡¯d feel sitting leisurely and reading a book, or perfect for a nap. How could he describe it? Peace? Something had seeped into his entire body. A moment passed, filled with peace, warmth,fort, and a gentle tingling sensation radiating from his injuries. It wasn¡¯t a long time. Finally, Audin¡¯s strong hand released Encrid¡¯s neck. Encrid looked up at Audin. He had once been called a religious squad member. He seemed as devout as any priest. And sometimes, priests showed miracles or wonders. People called these miracles divine power. ¡°This¡­¡± ¡°No, brother. You will not say anything. And you will not tell anyone. I swear to the Lord, you will do as I say.¡± Encrid looked into Audin¡¯s eyes. A faint yellow hue shone in his blurred pupils. It seemed to Encrid that light, a kind of radiance, was present there. ¡°Swear it.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Audin said no more and turned away. ¡°The mist by the river is also the Lord¡¯s blessing.¡± Audin knelt down to begin his morning prayer. Seriously. Encrid scratched his head a few times. ¡®What is he thinking?¡¯ Sometimes, he wondered why his squad members went to such lengths for him. Did he look pitiful just by sight? Did watching him struggle make them feel sympathetic? He didn¡¯t know. His curiosity faded quickly. What did it matter? No one knew that Audin Plumray could wield divine power. Using divine power might be tied to some religious rules or dogma. What was certain, based on his feeling, was that Audin had taken a risk. ¡°Lord, forgive me.¡± Seeing the beginning of his prayer like that, it seemed correct. ¡®He didn¡¯t have to go this far.¡¯ Still, it wasn¡¯t like he could return what he received. Encrid removed the bandage from his wrist. He flexed his right wrist a few times. From his experience of being injured and recovering several times,his wrist would be usable without issue. ¡®In a day or two.¡¯ The other wounds hidden under the bandage seemed to have healed significantly as well. The lingering pain had significantly subsided. ¡°Thank you.¡± He spoke to therge praying toon member, but Audin, immersed in prayer, did not respond. ¡®Lord.¡¯ Amidst the smell of wet earth, the scent of death that often pervades the battlefield mingled. For Audin, it was hard to just stand by and watch his toon leader. ¡®Lord, you are always present.¡¯ He asked his silent Lord, Was what he had done the right thing? If it was discovered that he had used divine power, an Inquisitor woulde. He had left the order with many restrictions. Even if it wasn¡¯t a vow, he had ced restrictions on his body at the level of a solemn pledge. Enduring these restrictions to wield some divine power, he felt a piercing pain in his head, as if someone were driving a spike into it. Still, ¡®I couldn¡¯t just stand by and watch, Lord.¡¯ The one who burns himself with the fire of effort was being rewarded. He couldn¡¯t let that me be extinguished here. It could be called capriciousness, but Audin simply wanted to do it, so he did. Meeting Encrid, he believed the Lord¡¯s words were within him. ¡®So, I will follow my heart.¡¯ Audin finished his prayer. The morning sunlight began to break through, dispersing the mist. Even though he used divine power to heal his body, not all wounds were healed at once. Doing so would alert the more sensitive individuals to the divine power used, and the restrictions made it difficult to use more. Still, the toon Leader seemed much better than before. ¡°Well.¡± Encrid, exhaling and moving, seemed much lighter. God and man, blessings and curses. The issue remained unresolved, but at least watching his toon Leader brought peace to his mind. Though he frowned due to enduring pain, Audin thought he would not regret today¡¯s actions. It was a feeling, an intuition, and a certainty. * * * After finishing the morning training, it was time to reapply his bandages. ¡°Big Eyes.¡± He called out to Krais. The entrance p of the tent fluttered open. ¡°Is it here?¡± A small figure with green eyes. A superior officer with abilities that did not match his small stature. In other words, a person who yed a part in creating the current madmen toon. A Fairy who had formed an independent toon and brought them to the battlefield without Encrid. ¡°I heard you were injured?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± As soon as she entered, she spoke directly to Encrid and threw something. Encrid caught it in midair. It was a round wooden container. A t wooden container simr in size to the ointment received from Jaxon, with a leaf-shaped engraving on the lid, suggesting it was made by someone with considerable skill. ¡°Company Commander?¡± ¡°Apply it. Fairy medicine is priceless, even worth gold. It¡¯s an engagement gift.¡± Encrid still couldn¡¯t get used to the Fairy¡¯s jokes. It was an unexpected moment, so he wore a puzzled expression. Toe in suddenly, throw something, and call it an engagement gift. ¡°That expression is great. I like it.¡± The Company Commander left after saying that. Did she reallye just to give ointment? ¡°I¡¯m genuinely curious, toon Leader. What¡¯s your secret?¡± Krais asked, having watched from the side. Encrid, equally puzzled, responded. ¡°I¡¯m wondering about that myself.¡± ¡®Why did she suddenlye by and throw ointment at me?¡¯ As the Company Commander mentioned, Fairies are excellent at handling such medicines. During the assassination incident at the infirmary, it seemed like the Company Commander also had a deep knowledge of pharmacology, judging by how she identified the poison. ¡°It looks like it¡¯ll be better than mine. At times like this, magic is quite useful.¡± Jaxon said from behind, casually cleaning and maintaining his equipment without even turning his head. Though he seemed indifferent, he was actually paying close attention to everything around him. That¡¯s why he was most attuned to the battlefield situation and the atmosphere. ¡°That¡¯s not the reason.¡± Encrid shook his head. The very fact that he joked about it indicated that wasn¡¯t the reason. Rem started chuckling beside him. ¡°Just have three kids.¡± Crazy guy. ¡°toon Leader, how about you leave the army and open a salon with me?¡± Krais chimed in, taking it a step further. He joked about how such talents were rare and how it would be better to cultivate his innate magical talents rather than his newly blossomed sword skills. Even though they had nothing better to do, Encrid had no desire to spend his days indulging the whims of noblewomen, so he spoke up, telling them to shut up and help him unwrap the bandages. Ragna, who had been watching the situation closely, spoke up. ¡°So, can we spar?¡± Lately, it seemed like Ragna was more eager than Encrid. ¡°Youzy idiot, you think just putting on some ointment will heal his wounds?¡± Rem chided. ¡°Hmm.¡± Ragna didn¡¯t respond, just looked disappointed. Yeah, it probably wouldn¡¯t heal with just some ointment. The ointment wasn¡¯t the issue, he had just undergone a miracle that even high-ranking nobles rarely saw. Krais unwrapped the bandages, and Encrid turned his shoulder to hide the wounds as he applied the ointment himself. ¡°I¡¯ll apply it for you.¡± Krais offered, but Encrid shook his head. ¡°No need.¡± ¡°Tch, are you saying it¡¯s a gift from a lover?¡± Thud. Encrid, sitting on the bed, extended one leg to kick Krais in the thigh and then carefully spread the ointment on his shoulder. He repeated the process on his left forearm, feeling a cool sensation spread from the wounded area. ¡®It must be good medicine.¡¯ The cooling effect was stronger than the ointment Jaxon had given him. Encrid rewrapped the bandage. Now, he felt he could move fairly well. Feeling better, he wondered if he should swing his sword a few times. There didn¡¯t seem to be any immediatebat on the horizon. They were just staring each other down in a standoff. If things went south, a fight could break out at any moment. ¡°Anyway, you bore a lot, if you¡¯re going to fight, do it until your heads get cracked open.¡± Rem hadined that there hadn¡¯t been anyrge-scale battlestely, leaving him frustrated. Should he swing his sword? Or perhaps he should still rest, he was debating this when he heard a long horn st from outside. In Naurillia, it was traditional to blow a horn trumpet in the field to alert soldiers, as opposed to a whistle for ambushes. ¡°Enemy forces areing! All troops assemble! Assemble by unit!¡± The sound of a messenger shouting echoed from outside the tent. ¡°They¡¯re back, those crazy bastards.¡± Rem pouted and muttered under his breath. ¡°Did you know? Those guys are really something else, Squad Leader of Enchantment.¡± ¡°Drop thest nickname, will you?¡± What was going on? As he hurriedly started putting on his equipment, ¡°Even if a fight breaks out, don¡¯t jump in. Take care of your body first.¡± Rem added. ¡°I think it¡¯s best to focus on recovery until you¡¯re ready for sparring again.¡± Ragna agreed. Audin just smiled. It was remarkable to see someone of his size smile in a way that evoked the word passion¡¯. ¡°Were you thinking of fighting? You must be crazy, going out in that condition.¡± Jaxon scolded him outright. Was he being treated like a child left by the river? The toon members wouldn¡¯t actually treat him like that. They just didn¡¯t want to see him get hurt again. Don¡¯t think about getting injured in front of their eyes. That¡¯s what it sounded like to him. Whether it was Audin, who had used divine power, or the others, they all had the same concern. These were his toon members. Looking at it this way, the Battalion Commander¡¯s choice to ce him here seemed wise. After all, they were operating under hismand. ¡®I¡¯m not sure if this counts as control, though.¡¯ Encrid still didn¡¯t feel confident about handling his toon members as he wished. Nor did he have any intention of doing so. ¡°Assembly, sir!¡± It was Andrew¡¯s voice from outside the tent. He was on guard duty along with Mac and Enri. They were intentionally scheduled together on duty as a form of consideration from the soldier who managed the rotations, likely due to Rem¡¯s relentless teasing. One could only wonder how much teasing it took for such an arrangement to be made. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Encrid said as he stood up. Although his shoulder had been cut, his leather armor was still sturdy. Over it, he wore a gambeson and had swords strapped to both sides of his waist. Hmm, he felt a bit more secure. It was time to see what the enemy was up to. He wondered what the enemy would do this time. Were they going to incessantly challenge them to duels again? Apparently, their opponents kept asking for one-on-onebat with their warriors. ¡°I¡¯m tired of those fights. I wanted to swing my axe hard for my toon Leader, but there hasn¡¯t been any real battle, has there?¡± Rem hadined, even though he had avoided the duels the previous night. As they arrived at the battlefield, ¡°Hey, you underdeveloped brats!¡± An enemy soldier¡¯s voice rang out. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: /revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: /revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 123 What is going on? The two armies faced each other on a gravel field, with a river on the left and mountains and forests on the right. They were within arrow range. Some archers from both sides were already getting ready. With a tense atmosphere, the moment was ripe for spears to pierce throats, swords to swing, or maces to crush helmets. But it began with, well, what could it be called? ¡®Provocation?¡¯ ¡°Hey, you won¡¯t even get to use your gear before you die, huh?¡± Three men stepped forward and shouted loudly. Their voices were clear. The insults hit hard despite the distance of over three hundred paces. Their voices were that loud. It seemed like a pointless act, but¡­ ¡®Is this working?¡¯ It was working. Morale was already low, and now this added humiliation made it unbearable. But if they fired arrows and charged? With the numbers being nearly equal, low morale meant the battle was lost before it began. So¡­ ¡®Watching and waiting seems right.¡¯ But would just watching lead to a solution? It seemed they needed to use some extraordinary tactics or send a small elite force to cause chaos. Even without a keen sense of the battle, it was clear something needed to be done immediately. Still, Encrid was more rxed than the others. At least he didn¡¯t feel like he was going to die here. Whether he got minor injuries or not. Whether his toon members were nearby or not. It was just an instinct. He had grown significantly in that regard. If this were before, he would be desperately thinking of ways to survive, but now he was analyzing the situation. ¡®Am I gettingcent?¡¯ It seemed trivial. At least for now, it wasn¡¯t Encrid¡¯s problem to worry about. If he were leading a unit or responsible for his subordinates¡¯ lives, this would naturally be a concern. Encrid wondered if it was right for him to lead this crazy squad. They were all following him voluntarily. So for now, he needed to handle the immediate situation. ¡°Andrew, don¡¯t get worked up.¡± Encrid raised a hand to stop Andrew¡¯s chest. ¡°What?¡± ¡°Being a virgin isn¡¯t something to be ashamed of.¡± He repeated this to soothe Andrew¡¯s wounded feelings. He remembered how Andrew had been. They met during a mission with the scout squad, and the enemy had used the same insult that had been used to provoke him before. He needed to calm Andrew down to keep him from losing hisposure. ¡°¡­It seems like they¡¯re mocking me.¡± Andrew muttered, his eyes drooping. It wasn¡¯t the case. It was a misunderstanding. Encrid reassured him. ¡°Hold it in now, the time to unleash your anger wille.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not even angry, and I don¡¯t think that insult was directed at me.¡± ¡°Not now, I said. Hold on.¡± Encridforted Andrew, who was pretending to be nonchnt. He was proactive about it. He even patted Andrew on the shoulder and gently pushed him back. Andrew stepped back weakly. ¡°Ahem.¡± Next to him, Enri cleared his throat. Mac looked awkward. The other toon members¡­ ¡°Snort.¡± Rem started chuckling. Even Jaxon, who usually showed no expression, gave a faint smile as he nced at Andrew. ¡°Brother, it¡¯s okay. Seek sce in the divine.¡± Audin even suggested Andrew be a monk. Ragna nced at Andrew and nodded. ¡°It¡¯s alright. There¡¯s still a chance.¡± A chance for what? It¡¯s not like he didn¡¯t do it because he couldn¡¯t. ¡°Why are you all doing this to me?¡± Andrew truly had no ulterior thoughts. He had even forgotten the words Encrid used to provoke him in the past. If it hadn¡¯t been brought up now, it might have never resurfaced. He had to train his swordsmanship. He had to save his family. Anything else was a luxury for him. He was a diligent worker,mitted to filling his life with purpose. So why were they teasing him over this? ¡°It¡¯s alright, man.¡± Rem lightly punched Andrew¡¯s shoulder. Andrew felt wronged, and a new anger surged within him. Naturally, this anger turned outward. If he directed his anger here, he wouldn¡¯t live to see the next morning. His instincts redirected his anger. ¡®It¡¯s because of those crazy ghouls.¡¯ The ones who had shouted about the gear were the problem. He wanted to rip open the mouths of those enemy soldiers. The exchange of insults continued. A few men from their side responded, but it felt like they were losing. A verbal battle, of all things. It seemed absurd, but the enemy¡¯s strategy and intent were clear. They wanted to crush their moralepletely. It was evident, seeing how the atmosphere worsened with just a few words. However, around Encrid, the mood was light-hearted. While it seemed insignificant in the grand scope of the battlefield¡­ ¡°Um, when we return to the city, I can introduce you to a good salon.¡± ¡°Just don¡¯t lose your first time in the red-light district.¡± ¡°For your first time, it¡¯s better to be with an experienced older woman. I know an aunt who might be suitable.¡± The soldiers around started making teasingments. ¡°Will you all shut up?¡± Andrew red fiercely at everyone. Thanks to his sacrifice, the mood around them lightened. The best way to deal with insults was to ignore them. ¡°Quite a talent you have.¡± Krais, understanding Encrid¡¯s intention, made ament. It was a time when a change in atmosphere was needed. Everything begins with small steps. Krais was contemting what he would do if he were themander. Normally, he would be idly waiting for the battle to end from the rear, but here he stood on the battlefield. Naturally, he began thinking about ways to survive, which means thinking about what was needed to win the battle. The first step was to change the atmosphere. Encrid had started that. ¡°A talent? I was genuinely concerned. There was an order not to step forward and fight.¡± It was clearly a joke. Was this all nned? No, it didn¡¯t seem like that. It was probably done instinctively. ¡®He¡¯s quite a peculiar person.¡¯ This was part of Encrid¡¯s charm. Despite living a tough life, he never forgot to joke and never tolerated a grim atmosphere. Andrew¡¯s face turned red from being teased. But the atmosphere around the mad independent toon began to shift. So, what now? Let¡¯s fight already. That¡¯s the feeling, the kind of vibe that started spreading. The toon was made up of people with that kind of mindset, so Rem, feeling restless, spoke up. ¡°But how long are we just going to watch?¡± It would be better to have a fight to relieve the tension. Both armies were filled with tension but hadn¡¯t made a move. They were holding their bowstrings taut, ready to shoot at any moment. Some of the more nervous ones couldn¡¯t sleep properly and were even getting nauseous. Understandably so. This tense atmosphere had been going on for days. Rem and the others were starting to get annoyed. Fortunately, the three new members, Andrew, Mac, and Enri, were in good spirits. They stood watch together. Having bonded over being harassed by Rem and the other toon members, they had grown closer. Enri kept his distance but fit in well enough. Enduring Rem and the others was no easy task. As a result, they were not swept away by the pervasive sense of defeat that had spread among the entire army. They were too busy dealing with harassment and standing guard to have time for other thoughts. ¡°Want to say something?¡± Krais suddenly suggested. The army¡¯s stance was clear: they were waiting for the enemy¡¯s attack. Krais suggested Encrid take advantage of that. Encrid was recognized by all the toon members, even the sharp-tongued Rem. His words and ideas were enough to unsettle the enemy. ¡°I don¡¯t really have anything to say.¡± Whether he was eloquent or not, what could he say in such an atmosphere? Encrid was sincere. Still, Krais insisted. ¡°Just to change the mood.¡± Why not? It didn¡¯t seem like a difficult task. The enemy and ally were fighting with words instead of swords and spears. Encrid moved slightly. The independent toon had no fixed positions. As they moved, a path naturally opened. A few familiar soldiers asked where he was going as he passed by. Encrid replied in a calm tone to those who asked. ¡°Just going to add a few words.¡± At that point, Encrid didn¡¯t have much in mind. The enemy was busy mocking them, calling them useless and questioning what the queen¡¯s consorts could do. Encrid stood at the forefront, where Vengeance was present. ¡°Back at the front as soon as we return from the rear?¡± ¡°Our unit has maintained its strength the best.¡± It seemed they had reced their archers with all spearmen. This was the 3rd toon of the 2ndpany, cing Encrid at the front of the 2ndpany. Encrid nced at Vengeance and then at the enemy soldiers in the distance. He seemed to know what to say. Encrid boldly stepped forward a few more paces. Rem, Ragna, and Jaxon joined him. They were beyond the range where arrows could easily reach, but Encrid remained fearless. If it was going to be a battle of words, and if low morale was an issue, why not show some boldness? ¡°Hey, you there,e out!¡± He shouted, provoking the enemy. He was challenging them, implying that they had stepped forward, so what would the enemy do? It was a bold question. The pattern of these battles had been established. After verbal exchanges, there would be a duel challenge by lower-ranked soldiers. It was a way to assert dominance throughbat without involvingmanders. So, why not do the same here? ¡®I¡¯ll do it.¡¯ Krais had given him a few pointers, which sounded reasonable to Encrid. ¡°You can take down five in a row, right? That should be enough.¡± The n was simple. If Encrid participated in the duels and overwhelmed the enemy, it would demonstrate the disparity in strength, even if the enemymanders chose to intervene. ¡®Overwhelmingly.¡¯ The idea was to show the gap in skill by killing the enemy repeatedly, and to force the enemymanders to intervene, only to defeat them as well. Krais seemed to have a n, something about boosting morale and achieving a greater goal. Encrid trusted Krais¡¯ intellect and cunning, which is why he stepped onto the battlefield. As he moved forward provocatively, the allied soldiers murmured. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± ¡°Ah, it¡¯s the Madmen toon leader.¡± ¡°Encrid?¡± ¡°The Spell Breaker?¡± For those who knew him, Encrid was a familiar face, a well-known figure in the unit. More importantly, he had recently proven his skill, showing he wasn¡¯t someone to be underestimated. The entire allied army felt a strange sensation. Even Vengeance, seeing Encrid step forward, sensed something was about to happen. The reason? Unclear. The battlefield¡¯s atmosphere was like a sharp de. Until now, it seemed to have been pointed towards the allied forces. But now, it felt like the wind was changing direction. Krais believed his n would work. ¡®Well, let¡¯s see how this goes.¡¯ He had a rough idea of what the alliedmander, Major Marcus, was waiting for. Having heard rumors about Marcus and guessed hisbat style, he figured something was being prepared. Krais decided to help set things in motion. If his guess was wrong, they could always retreat quietly. In any case, the potential loss was minimal, and the possible gain was significant. As Encrid stepped forward, shifting the atmosphere, an enemy soldier who had been mocking them stepped out. ¡°Here hees, you bastard.¡± Encrid didn¡¯t have any particr insults in mind as he approached, but he did brush past Vengeance. Why did Vengeance dislike him? The conclusion was simple: his face. ¡°And what about you? Why do you have a ghoul¡¯s head?¡± With a casual remark, Encrid¡¯s words echoed softly through the wind. Thement wasn¡¯t particrly profound. But at a distance where they could vaguely see each other¡¯s faces, the enemy soldier, whom Encrid referred to as ¡°ghoul head¡±, looked at him. ¡°What the hell?¡± The enemy soldier¡¯s annoyance spiked upon seeing Encrid¡¯s face¡ªhandsome and irritatingly so. ¡°What?¡± ¡°Was your mother a ghoul?¡± Encrid suggested, wondering if the soldier¡¯s mother might be of another race. Thinking it was a reasonable suspicion, he pointed at the enemy¡¯s face. ¡°What, you son of a bitch?¡± The enemy soldier immediately erupted in anger. It was a miracle born from just two exchanges of words. Audin, hearing this, couldn¡¯t help but be amazed. ¡®Even the Gods would punish such words.¡¯ Rem burst intoughter. The others were no different. Despite Mac telling him not to go, Andrew had followed behind, and now his face brightened with a smile. Yeah, with a face like that, what could he possibly say? His appearance was unusually wild. With a nose so upturned it seemed like it could catch raindrops and eyes so small you could hardly see their color without a close look. His face was covered in blemishes. It was understandable that he could be mistaken for a ghoul. ¡°Hahaha!¡± Andrewughed brightly. ¡°Let¡¯s see if your hands are as sharp as your tongue.¡± The enemy soldier had taken the bait. What started with words was about to escte into a sh of spears, swords, and blood. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: /revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: /revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 124 Encrid naturally wanted to step forward. Wasn¡¯t that why he hade out? He was also starting to feel the urge to move his body. Using two swords at the same time might still be a bit too much, and even if he needed to spare his right hand for recovery, it didn¡¯t matter. He was sure after observing the opponent¡¯s stance, steps, and gestures. His left hand would be sufficient. The opponent was not Mitch Hurrier. Thud. At that moment, the t side of an axe was ced vertically against Encrid¡¯s stomach. At the same time, Jaxon held his sleeve, Audin his shoulder, and Ragna stepped in front of Encrid. ¡°I¡¯ll handle it.¡± Ragna said. ¡°Where do you think you¡¯re going? You need to recover first.¡± Rem added. There was something firm in his eyes, as if indicating that Encrid couldn¡¯t step forward here. The resolve of the entire toon could be felt. So, would they step forward? Krais had mentioned that it was better if Rem and the others avoided stepping in unless necessary. Then? ¡°That¡¯s enough, rookie.¡± Rem said, holding the axe. The curve of his lips suggested he was quite enjoying the situation. And then he called out to the rookie. ¡°Andrew?¡± Encrid¡¯s mouth opened, and Andrew tilted his head in confusion. Why was he being called? ¡°Go out and kill that guy.¡± Rem said. He spoke as if it were the most natural and easiest thing in the world. Andrew blinked, recalling the anger he had felt earlier. Wasn¡¯t that the guy who had insulted him, calling him unripe? The opponent was armed with a spear. The primary force of the Aspen Kingdom was their spearmen infantry. Pointing the rtively short spear forward, there was no more effective weapon in infantrybat than the spear. ¡°Come out, you cowards!¡± If one had to choose the most insulting word throughout history, ¡°coward¡± would certainly be high on the list. Andrew summoned the anger he had momentarily forgotten. ¡°Alright.¡± Andrew stepped forward, and so did his opponent. As the two cautiously closed the distance, Mac watched Andrew with concern. Winning or losing wasn¡¯t the issue, he worried Andrew might end up like a pincushion if arrows rained down on him. The toon leader was ruthless with his words. ¡®If ites to that¡­¡¯ Mac gripped the handle of the buckler tightly. The shield wasrger than what he usually used, but he was skilled with sword and shield, a sword-and-board style. ¡®Block and hold out.¡¯ Their side wasn¡¯t foolish, if arrows started flying, their archers would respond. Seeing that those standing at the front on both sides carriedrge shields, it was unlikely the arrow attack would be fatal. ¡®Hold out and withdraw¡­¡¯ Worry was fleeting. On reflection, the figures present were not the kind to perish easily. So, it was enough for Mac to just get Andrew out safely. Mac set aside his worries, intending to observe calmly. In reality, aside from arrows, there wasn¡¯t much to worry about. He had watched Andrew closely. He had improved, grown. He had be more absorbed in the sword. The gaze of their allies was curious. If Encrid or the others stepped forward, it would obviously be a fight they would win. But it wasn¡¯t them, it was another soldier who stepped forward. Andrew Gardner. A noble by birth, who had once been a squad leader but had joined Encrid¡¯s squad as a regr soldier. Some thought he was an oddball. Others worried whether he could properly handle his weapon. A tense atmosphere began to spread. How many confident soldiers had been taken down so far? Naturally, people hoped Encrid or someone else would step forward. Andrew looked at his opponent with anger. The opponent felt the same. ¡°Hmph, you just talk and leave the fighting to your subordinates, huh?¡± That wasn¡¯t the intention. Andrew had never seen Encrid avoid a fight. Moreover, the difference in skill would be vast. Even if Encrid was injured, there was no way this guy could take down their toon leader. Andrew considered Encrid a genius. A real genius whose skills improved rapidly. A true talent, unlike himself. He genuinely believed that. ¡°Unripe goods? What of it?¡± ¡°Bring the guy who called me a ghoul-head!¡± They didn¡¯t hear each other¡¯s words. They only expressed their anger. Soon, that anger turned into spears and swords. As the cold mist cleared and sunlight fell on the sparse grass and gravel-covered ground, the two exchanged their thoughts in anger. Seeing the spearheading at him, Andrew momentarily recalled the past few months. It hadn¡¯t been that long. ¡®Crazy barbarian bastard.¡¯ After dealing with Rem¡¯s axe, facing an enemy soldier¡¯s spear felt like child¡¯s y. Of course, if it hit, it would pierce a hole in his body. It was a decisive blow that couldn¡¯t be carelessly deflected. ¡°A guy who hesitates when he sees an opening has no right toin if he dies, kid.¡± Rem¡¯s repeated words had be ingrained in him. Mac acknowledged that Andrew had talent. Rem saw it too. He was someone worth nurturing, different from Encrid in his own way. Of course, they had only trained him up to a certain point. They hadn¡¯t shown him the Heart of the Beast or mentioned other techniques. Those were skills not to be shared lightly. For Andrew, it was enough. He did have genuine talent. Quite exceptional talent. Seeing the spearing, Andrew swung his sword from right to left. ng! If the spear was advantageous for straight attacks, the sword, a shorter weapon, was better for horizontal attacks. As the spear bounced off to the side, Andrew stepped forward, crunching on the gravel. Closing the distance. The start of a fight and its end are both determined by the feet. ¡°Hngh!¡± The enemy soldier pulled back the spear and swung his elbow. Andrew, maintaining his forward momentum, swung his sword. The upward slicing de half-split the man¡¯s forearm. Blood sprayed from the arm of the soldier d in a gambeson. Amid the sttering blood, Andrew¡¯s eyes gleamed. Was there any need to just cut and end it? No, this was a fight and a war. Andrew¡¯s foot moved again. A step to the left, then he swung his sword again, striking the spear shaft with a sharp sound. He then calmly thrust his sword forward. The speed wasn¡¯t fast nor slow, but it was enough for the enemy soldier, who was reeling from the pain of his wounded arm. Thump. Andrew felt a certain resistance through the grip of his sword. The de had lodged between the gaps in the armor and helmet. As Andrew pulled the de out, about half a foot deep, blood gushed forth. ¡°Grrr.¡± The enemy soldier staggered and fell to his knees. He tried to clutch his neck, but it was futile. The difference in skill was stark. This happened because Andrew was skilled. The enemy soldier was also a well-trained regr soldier. A soldier who had killed many of their own troops until now. But he was no match for Andrew, who had been honed by Rem¡¯s harsh training and was full of talent. As the enemy, kneeling and clutching his neck, fell forward, his hands iled. He didn¡¯t have long to live. He would die even if left alone. Andrew, standing behind his enemy, drove his sword in vertically. Thud. He made sure to kill him. With that resolve, the sword entered from the back of the neck, taking thest breath of the enemy soldier. Silence, and the quiet sunlight, were all that remained. Krais, watching from a step behind, thought this oue was better than if Encrid had stepped forward. It was an unexpected person¡¯s achievement. ¡°Mad Andrew!¡± The name that had previously eaten away at their morale now sounded like a nightmare for the enemy. Andrew¡¯s name echoed all around as he killed the enemy soldier. ¡°Woohoo! Madman!¡± ¡°Andrew!¡± What was this? Even as Encrid listened, he shrugged. The effect was better than expected? It almost felt like the cheers were for him. Among the shouts for Andrew, there were cries of him being a hero who killed the ¡°ghoul-head¡±. Rem chuckled. ¡°Captain, the rookie can handle it.¡± When did he be a rookie? ¡°Andrew, fall back!¡± Mac shouted to Andrew. It was time to retreat. Andrew took a few steps back, but he didn¡¯t let his guard down, still watching the enemy. ¡°I¡¯m all grown up now, you bastards!¡± Oh, what was he saying now? Mac was taken aback. ¡°Pfft.¡± This time, even Encrid couldn¡¯t help butugh. Had he left some lingering feelings by teasing him? ¡°Come back, Andrew.¡± Andrew¡¯s return after killing the enemy soldier was met with cheers. It was the moment the atmosphere began to shift. What Krais had anticipated was starting. It was the moment that Marcus, the Battalion Commander, had been waiting for. * * * Marcus was starting to feel a bit dry-mouthed. ¡®Something needs to happen.¡¯ In his judgment, the numbers were simr, and the level of training wasparable. But the damned Aspen soldiers had skillfully presented themselves. They had sent out their most skilled soldiers to engage in what seemed like knightly duels. As a result, morale was low. Still, it was manageable. However, a shift in the atmosphere was necessary. He had hoped to see that change from the so-called ¡°Madmen Squad¡±. But when Rem, the barbarian soldier, stepped forward, ¡®Why does the atmosphere feel even more ghoul-like?¡¯ A dirty, vile, and toxic atmosphere. Both their own troops and the enemy reacted coldly. Should he try to change the atmosphere elsewhere? It was during these thoughts that it happened. An unknown soldier from the ¡°Madmen Squad¡±, one of the soldiers taken in just to fill the numbers, easily defeated an enemy soldier. Not a close victory, but an overwhelming one. The time was now. ¡°Send them!¡± At Marcus¡¯mand, both the messenger and the adjutant moved. Soon, a small g was raised above the Battalion Commander¡¯s tent. This signal reached the unitmander waiting near the river, where there were scattered rocks. If Aspen had the Gray Hound, Naurillia had the ughterer of the Frontier. They were all soldiers capable of taking on ten men at once. ¡®Fools.¡¯ Marcus weed the enemymander¡¯s clumsy maneuver. The atmosphere on the battlefield can change in an instant. Especially when morale, which had been at rock bottom, surges, the impact is even greater. Moreover, Marcus believed that victory in battle ultimately came down to who could kill more effectively. So, ¡°Kill them all.¡± Though Marcus¡¯ mutterings went unheard, the order had already been given. The Border Patrol, Naurillia¡¯s proud independentpany, moved as one to strike the enemy¡¯s nk. From appearing to be a small force hiding among the rocks and near the water to the moment they charged and engaged the enemy, it was an unexpected blow for the Aspenmander. ¡°Sweep them.¡± The Border Patrol captain ordered, and the unit carried it out. Torres was among them. An approaching enemy soldier thrust a spear. Grabbing the spear shaft with his hand and pulling, the enemy resisted. Using that pulling force, Torres closed the distance and thrust a dagger under the enemy¡¯s chin. Thump. With a short noise, the enemy soldier with a metal beard under his chin fell sideways. Torres didn¡¯t have time to retrieve his dagger and immediately charged at the next enemy. The rest of the Border Patrol was equally engaged in battle. Hyoun, a soldier from the north known for his excellent swordsmanship, was among them. Hyoun¡¯s sword danced through the air, swiftly taking the lives of two enemy soldiers. Half-turning, he delivered a powerful sh. Thud! The shield of the enemy soldier blocking the strike flew back, and the heavy blow sent the soldier reeling. The airborne soldier was finished off by Aizen. Aizen¡¯s specialty was the trident. Originally a fisherman, he was adept with the three-pronged spear. Aizen¡¯s trident pierced the back of an enemy soldier. The central de of the trident prated through the gambeson, out of the armor, and through the abdomen. Barney, known for her speed, was also in the midst of the fight. Being a woman was no disadvantage for this soldier. Barney darted between the enemy soldiers, throwing daggers and then leaping back to hurl stones with her sling. Thud! Whiz! Crack! An enemy soldier, struck in the head by a stone, copsed to the side. Leather helmets were no match for the impact of projectilesunched from a sling. Although the carved stones used werebor-intensive to produce, their effectiveness was undeniable. The Border Patrol was made up of individuals with distinct personalities. They specialized in guerri warfare rather thanrge-scale battles. And so they fought, breaking through and killing as they advanced. Torres, leading his toon, began to press into one side. Beside him, Hyoun swung his sword multiple times, fending off enemy soldiers. Their target was the group of soldiers with longbows¡ªtheir true objective being to take out themander of the archers. Each squad of the Border Patrol moved toward their respective targets, causing a significant shift in the battlefield. The enemymander, unwilling to risk further disruption to the already chaotic battlefield, made a decision. ¡°Retreat.¡± The Border Patrol was to hold off the Gray Hound, while the rest of the enemy forces pulled back. * * * If it were wind, it would be a storm. If it was an earthquake, it would be a major quake. If there were waves, it would be a tsunami. The flow of a battlefield is always prone to such upheaval. It was strange that they had been in a standoff for so long. Encrid also sensed the change in the atmosphere. Even if he hadn¡¯t seen the movements of the Border Patrol, something had definitely started. If not¡­ ¡°Fire!¡± It was unlikely that their own archers would act in such a manner. Thwip, thwip, thwip. Arrows arched over the heads of Encrid and the Madmen toon members. In contrast, the enemy¡¯s counterattack was feeble. Only a few arrows flew back in return. Instead, a swift scout unit equipped with crossbows and light armor pursued Encrid¡¯s group. ¡°Kill them all, leave no one alive!¡± Encrid quickly assessed the situation. ¡°Turn around, attack, and then pull back to the side.¡± He gave the order. There were at most twenty pursuers. There was no need to retreat. Two squads were manageable. ¡°Sounds good!¡± Rem shouted excitedly, swinging his axe. He was so enthusiastic that Enri, standing next to him, had to dodge aside to avoid the wildly swinging axe. ¡°They¡¯re armed with crossbows!¡± Enri shouted after looking back. Was that a problem? It wouldn¡¯t be. Encrid himself had dodged iing arrows several times. His toon members should be capable of doing the same. The more he learned and improved, the more he saw new possibilities. They were strong. With Rem in the lead, the Madmen Squad, positioned behind him, stopped and turned to charge back down the path they hade from. They found themselves at the forefront of the assault, with Rem at the head. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: /revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: /revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 125 ¡°Fire! Kill them!¡± Themander of the Aspen light armor unit shouted. Three soldiers who were running ahead aimed and fired their loaded crossbows. Thunk, thunk! It was said that dodging bolts from a crossbow at this distance was a feat of skill. Something only a master could even attempt. Thunk, thud. Rem dodged the bolts by rolling forward at the perfect timing. Thud. The bolts struck the ground right where Rem had been. It looked close, buting from Rem, it didn¡¯t seem dangerous. Even while rolling, Rem¡¯s running speed barely decreased. He rolled, used his axe to steady himself as he rose, and continued running. How does one handle their body to do such things? Encrid, watching from behind, couldn¡¯t help but be impressed. ¡°Just keep watching.¡± Ragna kept restraining Encrid from getting involved, otherwise, Encrid would have wanted to join in. But there was no opportunity for that. Starting with Rem, everything was quickly resolved. Before the three soldiers who fired the crossbows could reload, Rem was almost upon them. The enemy soldiers reflexively drew their short swords. Different armament from the spearmen. Even if three or four spearmen formed a formation with their spears, Rem wouldn¡¯t bat an eye. Certainly not. But three short swords? There was no chance of them being a match. The scene unfolded exactly as Encrid had predicted. Swish! Thud! sh! As Rem¡¯s axe cleaved through the air, one soldier¡¯s head was severed, and the axe traced a path of light around Rem as he moved like a storm. Everyone caught in that path died. The axe was so fast and powerful that when it split a head, blood and brain matter spilled to the ground only after the axe had already been pulled out. One soldier, with a split head, iled his short sword in the air. Before his body¡¯s reflexes even finished, the dead soldier copsed forward. Blood flowed freely onto the ground. Rem, leaving the fallen soldiers behind, began rampaging. Meanwhile, Jaxon, who had been unseen, approached the enemymander from behind. Jaxon slit the throat of themander, who was gaping in shock at Rem. Slice. The enemymander¡¯s throat was cut, and blood sprayed out in a gush. The carotid artery had been severed, causing the blood to spurt. Jaxon moved again, silently and efficiently, prioritizing targets. Starting with the crossbowmen aiming at Encrid. He acted as nned, taking out enemies from behind with a dagger, slitting their throats, or stabbing them in the lungs. ¡°Gurgle!¡± The soldier holding the crossbow had his head twisted backward. In his dying gaze was a pair of emotionless, reddish-brown pupils. Killing was just manualbor. It was the epitome of numbness. The soldier met his end staring into those terrifying eyes. Audin merely fended off the attacking enemies. It was enough just to wave his palms left and right. Crash! Crack! Enemies were sent flying with a single p to the face. A soldier charging with a short sword, shouting, had his yellow teeth scattered in the air. There was no way to stand against such power. What could they do when a p sent them flying? Mac also moved, doing his part. Standing back-to-back with Andrew, Enri in the center repeatedly drew and released the bowstring of his short bow. Ragna was another force entirely. He took a step forward. As he advanced, there was only death for those caught by his sword. One of the scouts charged with two short swords in hand, but it ended with two swipes of Ragna¡¯s sword. ng. Blocking the first attack, the scout¡¯s sword was deflected, gliding like a swallow through the air, striking the enemy¡¯s neck with a sharp crack. The enemy now had a second mouth at their throat. Ragna, after a few more sword swings, shook his head and flicked his sword in the air. It seemed he wasn¡¯t satisfied with the sword he was using. Despite this, he didn¡¯t bother getting a proper sword, indicating he was certainly not ordinary. Encrid had nothing to do. There was no need for him to intervene, the battle ended in an instant. While Mac, Andrew, and Enri killed two enemies,the rest were ughtered. ¡°Let¡¯s fall back.¡± Instead of admiring the scene, Encrid spoke up. There was no point in getting caught between the advancing armies. They needed to pull back and observe the situation. As they moved to the side, the enemy infantry decorated with shields met with their allied infantry. Like long-separated lovers meeting to exchange love and affection, the two armies shed. Instead of love, tongues, and affection,they gouged out each other¡¯s eyes with spears. Crunch! Spear tips tore into bodies. Both allies and enemies fell. The battle¡¯s oue was already leaning in their favor. It was the firstrge-scalebat,resulting in a great victory due to the Border Guard¡¯s ambush and Rem¡¯s rampage. Where did the victory begin? It was clearly with the ¡°Madmen toon.¡± From the talkative toon leader to Andrew who wielded a real sword, ¡°Urrrgh! Get out of here!¡± ¡°We won!¡± ¡°Madmen!¡± ¡°Well, there¡¯s no need to openly call them madmen like that.¡± The soldiers, especially the allied infantry, had their eyes fixed in one direction. They were looking at the independent toon members, including Rem, all of whom were smeared with blood. Though everyone had signs of battle, Encrid, who stood in the center, was unscathed. He wasn¡¯t even breathing hard. He hadn¡¯t swung a sword even once. He hadn¡¯t even thrown a single dagger. The consensus among the toon members was clear: he should recover his strength first. ¡°It¡¯s the Madmen toon!¡± ¡°Encrid! Enki! So handsome!¡± ¡°Good! Good! Good!¡± The cheers of those intoxicated with victory poured onto Encrid and his group. Regardless of who had actually done the fighting, this independent toon was Encrid¡¯s, so people were calling his name. Encrid wondered if he should do something, maybe raise his hand in acknowledgment, but he hadn¡¯t even swung a sword. After the first battle, he had retreated, and it was the infantry, known as the flower of the battlefield, who had done all the actual fighting. So why were they so celebratory? ¡°We¡¯re an independent toon with fewer than ten members, and we¡¯ve left this strong of an impression, that¡¯s enough.¡± Krais, who had appeared from seemingly nowhere, joined the conversation. ¡°That¡¯s true. But why does it seem like no one¡¯s looking for me?¡± It must be karma. Encrid thought this but didn¡¯t say it out loud. There was no need to spoil the mood. Instead, he patted Rem on the shoulder. ¡°Good work.¡± Rem smiled faintly. Ragna, retrieving his broken sword, remarked, ¡°I¡¯ll need to get a new sword.¡± He expressed his thoughts as if he couldn¡¯t care less about the cheering around him. As the infantry, basking in brief celebration and victory, began to disperse, the alliedmander decided not to push the pursuit of the enemy. From now on, morale was in their favor. The situation hadpletely reversed. Which side would find the battlefield more ufortable tomorrow? Krais considered the unfolding situation, thinking of possible variables. ¡®Could there be something?¡¯ Surviving and gaining something required some calctions, and Krais was doing just that. It wasn¡¯t too difficult. The enemy¡¯s intentions. ¡®They used sorcery in the previous battle.¡¯ Wouldn¡¯t they try a simr trick? ¡°Let¡¯s rest.¡± Encrid spoke as they returned to their camp. It was indeed a time to rest. ¡°Everyone is excused from guard duty and all other duties.¡± A messenger conveyed this message. Encrid briefly wondered if the Fairy Commander would show up again, but that didn¡¯t happen. Would today¡¯s victory lead to tomorrow¡¯s victory? No one knew. Holding a favorable position didn¡¯t guarantee a win. So now, they¡¯d likely be holding strategic meetings to continue their sess. Encrid¡¯s guess was correct. Marcus was not reveling in the victory. * * * ¡°It seems like they might be up to something since they just retreated. Didn¡¯t they use some kind of sorcery before? Any signs of that?¡± ¡°None.¡± They stood in a circle around arge table. A lieutenant responded to Marcus¡¯s question. Sorcery? They couldn¡¯t fall for the same trick twice. They had also hired a sorcerer on their side. She was an old woman from the homnd, and while she didn¡¯t have the ability to cast spells, she could sense if the enemy was trying something. That was enough. For Marcus, the world of sorcery was beyond his concern. All that mattered was if this information was true. ¡°If they bring in asymmetrical forces from Aspen, the Red Cape Knights will support us immediately.¡± If the enemy deployed knights or wizards, they were prepared for that. Marcus nodded. He was amander who felt the atmosphere of the battlefield with his skin. He used his head, but he was also sensitive to the mood. ¡®I didn¡¯t want to go in.¡¯ It was as if the enemy, retreating as if to lure them in, had something sinister nned. Following them felt unsettling, as if a banshee had whispered in his ear. Thinking of a creature that freezes hearts with its wail indicated bad intuition. Marcus decided to end the battle there. ¡°What are the losses for the Border Guard?¡± ¡°Two dead.¡± Even the best soldiers could die if cut or pierced by arrows. Despite this, losing only two could be considered a good oue. The Border Guard had killed dozens of enemy soldiers. The damage to the longbow unit was particrly devastating. It should have been a winning battle. Now, the enemy had two options for a desperate attempt. One was to retreat. The other was to deploy asymmetrical forces. So, Marcus¡¯s task was to keep sending out scouts to gather intelligence on the enemy¡¯s movements. The next day, there was no battle, and Marcus doubled the number of scouts. But they found nothing. The ¡°Turtle¡± was likely the nickname for the Naurillia heavy infantry, and the enemy was holding out like a turtle in its shell. They showed nothing and encounters between scouts were rare. It seemed they were deliberately staying back within their fortifications. Was it an invitation to attack? The uneasy feeling persisted, making it hard for Marcus to speak decisively. ¡°If we attack now, it¡¯s aplete victory. If they¡¯ve set up something in their fort, we can just start with an arrow barrage and then move in with spearmen.¡± ¡°We don¡¯t even need arrows. Surround the fort, set fire to a few tents, and poke them with spears.¡± ¡°How about moving the Border Guard to block their retreat?¡± The lieutenants offered their opinions. ¡®It feels off.¡¯ ¡°We¡¯ll wait.¡± Marcus decided to maintain their current position. It was a decision based on instinct. His intuition, which had saved him in many battles, told him the enemy still had something up their sleeve. * * * Themander of Aspen observed the enemy¡¯s strength clearly. Naurillia¡¯s tactics remained the same. ¡®Stirring up with the Border Guard.¡¯ Marcus¡¯s strategy was predictable. Concentrate his forces to turn the tide of the battlefield in one decisive strike. It worked. They were caught off guard in unexpected ways, reversing the momentum. So what? What does it matter? They had seen all the enemy had prepared. Now, how will they stop what I send? Themander cursed Naurillia inwardly, feeling assured of victory. It was time for his battle to begin. It would start with killing that arrogant one. The so-called madman. The one who called him a fresh insult, ¡°ghoul head¡±. The one wielding the axe. The knights had already proven that a small number of forces could change the course of a battle. So why must that small force be knights? Themander of Aspen, focusing on this idea, prepared his dagger. But it wouldn¡¯t end with just a dagger. His dagger would be a il, smashing the entire battlefield. * * * One day was enough forplete recovery. With no duties and a good meal, they had a day of rest. Encrid had a short dream during the night but quickly forgot it. A specter from the past had appeared¡ªa mercenary who had shown him that skill and character do not always align. It wasn¡¯t a pleasant memory, so there was no need to dwell on it. In any case, thebination of Audin¡¯s divine abilities and the Fairy-made medicine was a luxury he might not experience again. ¡°It seems my medicine helped.¡± Audin remarked. Early in the morning, the Fairy Company Commander hade by to talk. Encrid was drenched in sweat, training. He was practicing the Istion Technique. Audin had mentioned that it was now time to strengthen his joints. It felt like he was being made to do all sorts of things, but in the end, it always proved beneficial, toughening his body and making him stronger. He was already proving that with his own body. Lying face down, he pressed his toes and palms into the ground, pushing his body up and down, bending and straightening his wrists. At first, it seemed easy, but after a few repetitions, it became quite a challenge. It felt like his wrists were bearing a heavy weight. There was one gaze from the Fairy watching with folded arms. Another from a recently recovered, now lively, panther. And a third gaze, from arge sadistic brute watching with satisfaction. Right in front of the barracks, there was a mad barbarian squatting and watching. Then there was the creepy reddish-brown-eyed person, who kept scribbling something on the ground and erasing it repeatedly, lost in thought. Lastly, there was thezy genius swordsman who often got lost, waiting with a sword in hand. ¡°Don¡¯t you have something to do?¡± Encrid asked the Company Commander, finishing his morning training. The Fairy, with green eyes fixed on Encrid, spoke up. ¡°No, I don¡¯t.¡± Then why are you still here? He conveyed with his eyes, but it didn¡¯t seem to have any effect. ¡°Are we starting now?¡± Ragna, standing beside him, asked. He had won the order by lot. So, Encrid agreed to spar. He felt ready to fight again. His body could move without significant strain. Encrid¡¯s gaze turned to Ragna. Ragna looked eager, like an impatient child. Why was he so keen on sparring? Encrid didn¡¯t know. But it didn¡¯t matter. After all, had he ever known what to expect when dealing with these people? Encrid gripped his sword. At first, he held it with both hands, the de pointed diagonally towards the sky. Another sword hung at his waist. Everyone noticed it but remained silent. Encrid wanted to meet their expectations. A desire to impress them surged within him. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: /revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: /revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 126 Ragna¡¯s eyes zed with fire. Passion, desire, or something else. Even before Encrid¡¯s thoughts were finished. Whoosh. The sound of the wind reached his ears first. The moment he heard it, the de was above his head. Encrid moved as well. Holding his sword horizontally, a sword made of a mix of Valyrian steel and Noir Mountain iron met a crude, rough-quality arming sword. ng. The des met. A noise burst forth. And as soon as they met, they parted. Ragna took a step back, and Encrid did the same. It was like a greeting exchanged through their swords. Encrid felt as if he had seen something new in that simple greeting. ¡®What should I call that move from a moment ago?¡¯ An incredibly fast sh? Or a silent downward strike? It was elegant. It was beautiful and outstanding. Ragna¡¯s sword was a clean, precise sh. In contrast, his response was the opposite. It wasn¡¯t clean. It was rough, like an unpolished de. Like untanned, rough leather. Yet he saw it, and his body reacted. ¡°Again.¡± Ragna said. With the same trajectory as before, the de came flying with a sh that appeared no different. A clean and beautiful sh. Encrid blocked it in the same manner. ng! The des shed, sparks flew. Buzz. The moment the des collided again, Ragna¡¯s de disappeared. ¡®He shed through at the moment of impact.¡¯ Ragna wielded his sword withplete control. The move he showed just now was the same. It seemed like a smooth downward sh, but it was a powerful cut. Encrid blocked it with his sword held horizontally, but his arms tingled from the impact. In that moment, Ragna¡¯s de twisted like a snake and struck downward. The target was his thigh. With one sharp cut, his arms tingled. He was about to be caught off guard. Should he force his numbed arms to move? No, that would be foolish. Encrid used his feet instead, jumping backward. He tried to gain a favorable position by stepping back. Pulling his right foot back and twisting his body would ce him at the opponent¡¯s side. Ragna didn¡¯t stay still either. He naturally pulled back his downward strike and moved his foot to the side. Swish. At the end of a step that seemed to sweep the ground, they faced each other again. If what was in Ragna¡¯s eyes was passion,then what was in Encrid¡¯s eyes? ¡®Those eyes.¡¯ Ragna¡¯s desire surged. Enthusiasm welled up. He wanted to swing his sword. Not with words or gestures, but with hands and feet. With a sword, with a weapon, with killing intent, with will. He wanted tomunicate with such things. Encrid didn¡¯t refuse that. ¡®Good. Very good.¡¯ Ragna marveled inwardly. In the short exchange of moves, Encrid felt something irresistible welling up inside him. After exchanging a greeting with their swords, followed by a sh and a positioning struggle,it all came together, stirring something inside him. Then, something began to erupt from his entire being. What should this be called? Vitality? Energy? He didn¡¯t know what to call it. The only thing certain was that he was brimming with energy. With the greetings and the shing, he had confirmed the state of his wrists. Despite the lingering impact, there was no pain. ¡®I¡¯m fine.¡¯ Now, there was nothing left but to engage fully. This time, Encrid moved first. It was a thrust filled with wholehearted, deadly intent. He stepped forward with his left foot, performing the move all at once, sending his sword flying with a swift motion. Like a hawk diving down, the tip of the sword sliced through the air. Ragna twisted his body as he watched the iing sword tip. Even without any shy footwork, he avoided Encrid¡¯s thrust. Ragna dodged and smiled. Encrid smiled too, satisfied with Ragna¡¯s evasion. From the side, it looked like a simple, continuous exchange. Thrust, sh, dodge, reposition. Smack. Encrid¡¯s attacks were often unconventional. He suddenly closed the distance, attempting to kick Ragna¡¯s shin. When Ragna avoided it, Encrid engaged in a half-swording fight, grabbing the ricasso and the de. Ragna blocked, deflected, and dodged everything, then swung his sword. He swung his sword repeatedly, as if it was the only thing he knew how to do. ¡®Damn it.¡¯ Rem watched, stamping his feet. ¡®That looks so damn fun.¡¯ Encrid¡¯s skills had grown again. Something had changed in the few days since hest saw him. He wanted to fight him. He wanted to spar with Encrid, who had a healthy wrist. Just watching filled him with desire. ¡®Take it easy, take it easy.¡¯ Rem grew anxious. He was worried that Encrid might exhaust all his strength while fighting Ragna. Though that had never happened before, there was something different about this sparring. There was a different energy flowing. Unlike when they sparred after Encrid injured his wrist, which had surprised everyone but was done with some restraint and concession. But now? ¡®Isn¡¯t that guy being a bit too serious?¡¯ To Rem, Ragna¡¯s swordsmanship seemed different. It wasn¡¯t aszy as it usually was, even if it wasn¡¯t as intense as when he fought Rem. If he had used half the effort he was using now when fighting enemy soldiers, the enemymander would have remembered the name Ragna. ¡®Damn it, take it easy.¡¯ Rem¡¯s hands itched. If both of them weren¡¯t smiling, he might have already grabbed his axe and jumped in. And Rem wasn¡¯t the only one feeling this way. ¡®Why am I?¡¯ Jaxon questioned himself. Had he ever enjoyed stepping into the front lines to fight? No, he hadn¡¯t. Not once. He had diligently trained in swordsmanship, but was it because his heart was in it? No, it wasn¡¯t. Training in swordsmanship and being driven by desire were different matters. At least, they had been for Jaxon. Twitch. His hand kept wanting to move. He reacted to Encrid¡¯s steps, and to the sword wielded by the one he called the toon Leader. ¡®It¡¯s not even funny.¡¯ Suddenly, apetitive spirit surged within him. No matter how much Encrid¡¯s skills had improved, Jaxon was confident he could still knock him down right now. From Jaxon¡¯s perspective, Ragna, that foolish cker, wasn¡¯t giving his best. If he were more serious, the fight would have been over long ago. So why was his body reacting to this fight? Jaxon clenched his teeth, feeling strangely insulted in his pride. Heposed himself and remained silent, controlling his twitching body and standing still, just watching. While Jaxon was steadying himself, Audin watched the fight with satisfaction. He was pleased. ¡®It¡¯s about time.¡¯ He felt that he, too, could start using some of his strength. He wasn¡¯t in a hurry, nor did he deny the risingpetitive spirit. ¡®Because it¡¯s a gift from the Lord.¡¯ For Audin, the desire to fight was beneficial and good. Without it, his ce would not have been beside Encrid but at the side of the God he served. Despite suffering two days of terrible headaches as a result of using divine power, Audin was secretly satisfied. Look at that. The movements of the toon leader, whose body was now fully recovered, were impressive. The Fairy Company Commander did not miss any of the moves made by Encrid and Ragna. And she thought: ¡®Was he a genius?¡¯ It was a natural question. He hadn¡¯t been that skilled before. Recalling their first meeting at the infirmary. She thought back to the moment she first encountered Encrid. ¡®I thought it was just luck.¡¯ Now, even his sword skills could not be ignored. He stood out, like a single crane among many chickens, with such outstanding skills. From what she observed, one could say he was a genius who had risen to this level in a short time. ¡®No, it¡¯s a bit different.¡¯ Her keen eyes noticed some ws in Encrid¡¯s form. Habits that a true genius wouldn¡¯t have. The Fairy¡¯s senses, at times, were sharper than even the talent-detecting abilities of the Frog. Marks that only those who had swung their swords tirelessly and pondered endlessly over a long period could see, were visible on Encrid. Did such marks appear on geniuses? No. Like Ragna now, there was no hesitation in the swing of a genius¡¯s sword. That was the mark of a genius. So, what about Encrid? ¡°Ha!¡± Just then, Encrid shouted as he attempted a downward sh with one hand. It was a sword stroke filled with the deliberation from countless repetitions of the same move. A sh born from knowing that the current trajectory was optimal after having tried every possible path, confident that this was the only way to reach the destination. ng! Their swords met. Encrid¡¯s de slid along Ragna¡¯s sword with a grinding sound. Was it a feint? The Fairy¡¯s intuition was spot on. Ragna used force to deflect Encrid¡¯s sword. He immediately thrust his sword forward, attempting a short diagonal sh. In that instant, Encrid¡¯s left hand emitted a glow. A bluish light, something starting from his waist, magic forged through practice, extending through the air. It was a second sword. Whoosh! In the end, Encrid¡¯s sword cut through empty air. The second sword, drawn quickly, was fast, but in that brief moment, Ragna had already assessed everything. He evaded the attack by stepping back. It was a perfectly calcted retreat. Encrid¡¯s second sword merely swished past in front of Ragna. Afterward, Ragna brought his sword down. It was a strike meant to break Encrid¡¯s timing and intentions. It wasn¡¯t just about winning a tactical exchange. This was a matter of their differing abilities. Inbat, what was needed wasn¡¯t just raw power. Perception, senses, experience, and swordsmanship. Ragna had sensed and seen Encrid¡¯s left hand move. He then moved his feet and hands at a speed Encrid couldn¡¯t match. And thus the sparring match ended. The Fairy Company Commander felt a bit anxious seeing the fight end. ¡®I want to fight too.¡¯ Did sheckpetitive spirit? Before, she had used her hands and feet, but now she wanted to cross swords. To some extent, she wanted to mix in a bit of seriousness. She had a sudden desire to show the mystical skills her Naidil heritage granted her. How would Encrid change after seeing that? Watching the spar from one side, Krais felt no suchpetitive spirit. He could barely see the fight between the two, so whatpetition could there be? ¡®He¡¯s improved.¡¯ Even as an outsider, he could tell that Encrid¡¯s skills had greatly increased. ¡®Is he ate-blooming genius?¡¯ It was surprising, but that was all. Afterward, Krais turned his gaze away from the sparring and looked around. It was an amusing situation to observe. Rem stood up and sat down three times, then started stamping his feet. He seemed impatient, like a child who had their favorite toy taken away. Next to him, Jaxon shrugged his shoulders a few times before suddenly bing as still as a heavy statue, not moving at all. It was to the point where one might wonder if he was even breathing, as he didn¡¯t move a muscle. How could someone freeze like that, as if turned to ice? Watching it gave a chilling feeling, like being alone in a cemetery at night. ¡®Wow.¡¯ Krais clicked his tongue, his gazending on Audin. Thisrge soldier, deeply immersed in his devotion to his God, was murmuring to himself with a contented smile. Krais moved closer to Audin to hear what he was murmuring. ¡°Hmm, excellent. Now it¡¯s worth fighting.¡± ¡°It¡¯s okay if an arm or two gets broken.¡± ¡°Breaking a neck, ah, I almost sent someone to the Lord prematurely. That wouldn¡¯t do. No, that wouldn¡¯t do at all.¡± This time, it was truly terrifying. It sent shivers down his spine. What was he saying? Even though he spoke those words, it didn¡¯t seem like he would actually attack. His mutterings were terrifying, but his demeanor was calm andposed. Audin stood still in his ce. Lastly, there was the Fairy Company Commander. The Fairy, who had been making odd jokes, never took her eyes off Encrid, holding her sword. Like a calm forest, yet also like a storm that could break out at any moment. That was Krais¡¯s impression. He thought these people were truly remarkable. No crowd of spectators had gathered around. After the victory, the high spirits had subtly subsided as days passed. Everyone was busy with their personal preparations, knowing that another battle could break out at any moment. Some soldiers nced over, but they weren¡¯t particrly interested. They had already seen the demonstration of skill once. When Encrid returned from the rear, they had witnessed the sparring. Those who had an eye for it were busy. The rest had no interest in watching. There were no noisy spectators. For these people, it didn¡¯t matter whether there were onlookers or the atmosphere of impending battle. Even though they knew they would soon be heading into battle. ¡®They all want to fight each other so badly.¡¯ And the target of their focus was singr. Encrid, who had just shaken off all his injuries and stood up, their toon leader. ¡®Do they have any sense or not?¡¯ But Krais didn¡¯t reprimand them for it. He was always careful not to provoke them, and now, even more so. The intensity rising among them was significant. ¡®Will it be okay?¡¯ The sparring with Ragna had been intense, even from his perspective. He thought it might be better to rest after such a session. But if Encrid decided to rest, Rem would surely throw a fit. The others probably wouldn¡¯t take it too kindly either. Krais¡¯s concerns were unfounded. ¡°Next.¡± Encrid, dripping with sweat, smiled broadly. Filled with a surge of energy, Encrid wanted to push his body to the limit. At his words, Rem leapt up. He literally jumped off the ground and dashed forward. ¡°My turn! It¡¯s my turn! If anyone interrupts, I¡¯ll kill them! Company Commander or whoever!¡± Rem was wild-eyed. The Company Commander stepped back, choosing to disy the virtue of yielding. It was fine. Looking at it now. Encrid showed no intention of resting. That day, Encrid sparred vigorously. As he wished, he enthusiastically shed swords, swung them, and even demonstrated dual-wielding techniques. ¡°Impressive.¡± The Fairy Company Commandermented, making a brief evaluation of using two swords. It didn¡¯t end with just one round. Ragna went twice, Rem three times, Audin twice, and the Fairy Company Commander once. Excluding Jaxon, who didn¡¯t step in, these were the number of times they sparred with Encrid. Krais shook his head in disbelief. The sparring finally ended around sunset. It seemed as though Encrid never tired. After the sparring, Encrid copsed onto the ground, exhausted. Esther, who had appeared at some point, red fiercely at everyone, seemingly questioning what they had done to let it go this far. However, no one paid much attention to her gaze. Encrid, on the other hand, felt immensely satisfied. ¡®That expression.¡¯ When was it? Perhaps it was after returning from scouting the tall grass field. He remembered noticing that the expressions Rem and Ragna had while sparring were different from when they sparred with him. He had wanted to bring out those expressions. Today, he finally seeded. Of course, neither Rem, Ragna, nor anyone else had fully exerted their abilities. He was well aware of that. But he had seen it. The changed expressions. Smiles, grins, satisfaction. It felt like he had achieved a small goal. Encrid felt exhration, joy. A joy like a drug. The fulfillment that came from growth filled his chest. However, perhaps due to overexertion,that night, he had another terrible nightmare. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: /revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: /revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 127 ¡°Ugh.¡± It was the middle of a dark night. Esther looked up at Encrid¡¯s groan. ¡®Stupid human.¡¯ What on earth was he doing to his body? Esther had learned something before: if she used all her strength to relieve his fatigue, she would end up exhausting herself. And why was that? It was because Encrid was too absorbed in the grimoire he had picked up. ¡®It¡¯s useful, but¡­¡¯ There was a lot to discern and separate. While pondering alone, she suddenly realized she was in a pitiful state, unable to even see her own magical realm at the moment. ¡®Why am I like this?¡¯ ¡°Sigh.¡± The feeling of self-pitysted only for a moment. Before she couldment her situation, the man who held her in his arms groaned again. A crazy man who starts every day with training, no matter what. Whatever he was carrying in his body, it was slowly dismantling the curse that gued her. ¡®Might as well do my job.¡¯ Since the speed of this breakdown elerated when the man¡¯s body was in good condition, Esther tried her best to relieve his fatigue as usual. Unable to open her magical realm, she used her body as a medium to extract and dissipate the fatigue from the man¡¯s body. In the process, sometimes fragments of the man¡¯s dreams or thoughts would be projected into her mind. Previously, she would just see swords appearing or sometimes a deep, dark well. But today, a part of his dream was revealed. The dream seemed to be a fragment of the man¡¯s past. Through the chaotic dream, a face began to emerge. For some reason, this face had left a deep impression on the man who now held her, so it was vividly clear. Seeing this, Esther frowned. ¡®Ugly.¡¯ It wasn¡¯t that the face was truly ugly, but rather it exuded a sense of infinite slyness. That was the atmosphere. More precisely, it was likely how Encrid perceived the man. Esther watched the man¡¯s dream. Though it seemed long in the dream, it was just a moment in reality. ¡®Stop wandering.¡¯ Just get on with your usual tasks. Esther reprimanded the man. How could she dissipate his fatigue with such dreams? With that one remark, the dream ended, and the groaning from the man¡¯s mouth ceased. Soon, only the sound of his deep sleep breathing reached Esther¡¯s ears. * * * Encrid knew it was a dream the moment he opened his eyes. ¡®Again?¡¯ It was surprising that he had the same dream once more. If the ferryman of the ck river had appeared, he might have just epted it. A moment from the past, a dream he had already had many times. He once thought of it as a nightmare, but after recalling and revisiting it so often, it had be just another moment. ¡°Well, um, I¡¯ll just let you live.¡± A sharp presence. A mercenary with triangr eyes. Beside himy a colleague he had started working with. They had known each other for only three days, but were in a situation where they had to trust each other and fight together. Or rather, they had to. The job had started with a request to exterminate some beasts. ¡°We¡¯ve got a few harpies causing trouble, it¡¯d be great if you could take care of them.¡± The vige was located on the outskirts of the kingdom, and the vigers had pooled their money together, collecting a currency called ¡®Krona¡¯. The vige chief¡¯s son traveled to the nearest city and hired five mercenaries. Among them was Encrid. And also, among them was this bastard. A cry that resembled a raven¡¯s. Swaying breasts, the descending ws of a harpy. A long-timepanion lost their life to a harpy¡¯s attack. ¡°Don¡¯t just rush in, you¡¯ll die before your time if you keep doing that.¡± Though his tongue was sharp, he was a mercenary with a good heart. He wasn¡¯t the kind of friend who should die like that. But he was stabbed from behind by the man with triangr eyes. A simultaneous attack from both the front and back, timed with the harpy¡¯s strike. It was a coboration of monster and man. Afterward, the triangr-eyed mercenary drew his sword and swung it. Tingling! A thin de swept around, emitting a strange sound. It bent and extended, moving so quickly it was hard to see. Whoosh! The sound of his sword cutting through the air was very distinct. And the sword that cut through the air pierced a hole in hispanion¡¯s head. In the heart, the thigh, the forearm¡ªthe tricks performed by the flexing de killed hispanion. After killing everyone, the man said that he would let Encrid live. A sinister smile, a scattering of murderous intent. Those eyes that said he wasn¡¯t even worth dealing with. Encrid did not get angry, nor did he shout. He silently raised his sword. ¡°What? You want to fight me?¡± Words were unnecessary. He couldn¡¯t even exchange a few blows before his shoulder was pierced. ¡°I said I¡¯d let you live.¡± That was all there was. And then he left. The fact that Encrid survived afterward was more than half due to luck. ¡°I heard everyone died, how did you¡­?¡± Having barely survived from thend where monsters and demons dwelled, he arrived at a vige. There, he gathered his strength and made the life-threatening journey to reach the city again. The man was already gone by then. There was no way to even lodge aint with the guild he was affiliated with. By then, the man had be a central figure in the guild. Eventually, rumors spread that he had be a drifter a few yearster. Apparently, he had messed with the wrong noble¡¯s daughter. The reason he had killed Encrid¡¯spanion was simr. ¡°Why the hell did you act out?¡± It had happened because another mercenary, knowing the man¡¯s long-standing habits, had reprimanded him. As for why he had spared Encrid? He never asked, so he didn¡¯t know. But there seemed to be a sense of self-satisfaction in it. As if he didn¡¯t kill just anyone, that the ones who died had deserved it in some way. ¡°Pitiful bastard.¡± The words the man left as he departed. Encrid thought the world was unfair. He also thought that skill and character were separate things. ¡®He was a piece of shit.¡¯ A dream is just a dream. If Encrid had been an ordinary person, he would have sought revenge against his adversary. But he didn¡¯t. He would take up his sword to hold him ountable for his crimes if given the chance, but he did not burn his life for that one purpose. He did not throw away his life for therade who had lost their heart to a harpy. He let go of all resentment and memories, setting his life on fire toward his dream. That was Encrid¡¯s life: steadfast and unwavering. ¡®You aren¡¯t even worth killing.¡¯ Even if his adversary looked at him like that, rather than be hurt, he just kept moving forward. No matter how dark, damp, terrifying, or painful the memories tried to consume him. He endured and shook them off silently. ¡®A meaningless task.¡¯ Did the despair and pain weighing down his shoulders help when he swung his sword? Could they be a good guidepost on the path to the life he desired and wanted to live? No. So he did not dwell on it. He swung his sword instead of despairing. He swung his sword instead of ruminating on hisrade¡¯s death. He swung his sword instead of vowing revenge. ¡°Should I kill you this time?¡± The dream twisted. It seemed like the ferryman was vaguely visible behind the adversary. As the memory of that time washed over him like a wave, turning into a chaotic sea, everything began to be engulfed. Meow. Somewhere, anguid animal¡¯s cry was heard. And that was it. The dream blurred and broke. ¡®Stop wandering.¡¯ A voice was heard. It was clear and bright, yet also warm. That¡¯s how it felt. ¡®Esther?¡¯ For no reason, Encrid thought of a blue-eyed panther. The end of the shattered dream. Bwooooom. The sound of a horn woke Encrid. This time it was reality. The familiar ceiling of a tent came into view. The panther in his arms was sleeping quietly, as if dead, a faint warmth radiating from its body. Turning his head outside the tent, the morning sun had yet to rise. A faint blue light softly seeped in. Encrid was not the only one responding to the sound of the horn. ¡°Good morning.¡± It was Rem. Rem had sprung up and started gathering his gear. ¡°Damn, it¡¯s still cold.¡± The barbarian especially disliked the cold. Even though there wasn¡¯t the wind that could be called a bitter cold, he stillined. But his hands didn¡¯t stop. He put on a gambeson that wasn¡¯t particrly thick and strapped two axes to his waist as he stood up. Audin also got up and grabbed his two clubs. ¡°May you have a blessed day, good morning, brothers.¡± No one responded, but neither did anyone scold him. Jaxon, who had already armed himself, and Ragna, who was moving with unusual promptness for once, were also up. Though Ragna didn¡¯t jump up and move quickly, he quietly gathered his equipment. Encrid didn¡¯t just watch them. He had three whistling daggers left. He wore a thin shirt as an undergarment, over which he donned a leather armor with a tear near the right shoulder. The leather armor was thin and supple, making itfortable to wear. After putting on his gambeson, boots, and gauntlets, he was fully equipped. A guard sword hung at his waist. A knife was strapped to his left leg. Previously, there were signs of damage on his right gauntlet from an encounter with a Frog. Thinking back, both his leather armor and gauntlets were half-ruined. ¡®Can these be fixed with sewing?¡¯ It didn¡¯t seem likely. In any case, it wasn¡¯t something to deal with now. Andrew, Mac, and Enri, although often teased as the youngest or a burden in this ¡®Madmen toon¡¯, were seasoned soldiers. Andrew had even proven his skills by killing an enemy soldier in the past. Though the excitement from that time had faded, the confidence remained. They, too, gathered their equipment. ¡°What is it?¡± Andrew asked. ¡°What do you think?¡± Rem gave him a pitying look. ¡°It seems like those who were hiding havee out.¡± Mac put together the situation in his mind. Why would the horn sound off so early in the morning, especially with visibility impaired by fog? Krais, rubbing his eyes, had the same thought. Damn it, attacking at dawn would ruin his skin. He quickly dismissed the idle thoughts and began to think sharply. The army had deployed more scouts than usual. The guard duty was also more stringent. They hadn¡¯t even shared celebratory drinks after their victory. They hadn¡¯t been given extra rations either. The battle wasn¡¯t over yet. Each unit¡¯smander must have been keeping their troops in line. There¡¯s a saying on the battlefield: today¡¯s victory doesn¡¯t guarantee tomorrow¡¯s. ¡®Marcus is indeed apetentmander.¡¯ Krais thought. He didn¡¯t fully understand all of Marcus¡¯s decisions, but he considered them to be reasonably sound. ¡°Rally! Everyone, rally!¡± The voice of a messenger echoed from outside. Krais found it odd that the enemy had hidden themselves. Why were they holed up in their stronghold? They could have fled, made ast stand, requested reinforcements, or done something. But just hiding? Why? The answer to a simple question isn¡¯t always straightforward. But sometimes it can be clear and concise. ¡®They must think they¡¯re still in a favorable position. Or they believe they have a chance to turn things around.¡¯ In other words, they likely have more hidden tricks up their sleeve. The Battalion Commander would surely be aware of this. Now, it was a matter of whose prediction would be more urate. Is Aspen¡¯s prepared sword sharper? Or is the shield of ourmander sturdier? These were things Krais couldn¡¯t control. ¡°If you¡¯re not nning on staying behind, grab your gear.¡± Encrid tapped Krais on the head, pulling him out of his thoughts. ¡°Oh, right.¡± In any case, today he would stick close to this side. Encrid could see what Krais was thinking. It seemed he nned not to stray far for a while. Otherwise, he wouldn¡¯t haveyered on the gambeson like that. While no one wants to die, Krais¡¯s evident care for his own life was admirable. He looked like someone who would survive no matter what. Outside the tent, there was a flurry of activity. Soldiers were moving and gathering in their own ways, responding to the horn and the messenger¡¯s call. ¡°Heh, there¡¯s a scent in the air. I can smell it.¡± Rem seemed to be in a good mood. ¡°The fog is bothersome, but, well, it¡¯s manageable.¡± Ragna wasn¡¯t cking off today. ¡°If you sharpen your senses, the fog isn¡¯t a problem.¡± Jaxon was unusually kind today. ¡°The Lord says there are many vacancies in heaven today.¡± Audin¡¯s prayer sounded fiercer than ever. To fill the vacancies in heaven? It sounded like a vow to take many lives. Andrew, Mac, and Enri were all ready. He felt light. During the sparring yesterday, Encrid felt an endless surge of energy. It was as if he was drawing on the strength meant for tomorrow. ¡®Good.¡¯ Even after such intense training yesterday, he felt great today. No, better than yesterday. ¡®No pain in the wrist.¡¯ Cuts and stab wounds had already started healing, a result of thebined effects of divine and Fairy medicine. ¡°All troops, advance! Move out! Forward! Forward!¡± A messenger shouted from the front. The troops began moving through the fog, which was thicker than usual along the riverbank. It didn¡¯t seem like a spell. It was just a hunch, but it seemed unlikely that the enemy would use the same tactic twice. The allied forces were likely prepared for such a possibility. ¡°Good, good.¡± Rem kept chattering. ¡°What is?¡± ¡°Today feels like it¡¯s going to be interesting.¡± Sometimes, one had to wonder what was going on in Rem¡¯s head. The problem was, Encrid felt the same way. He sensed something new approaching beyond the fog, an intuition that stirred excitement in battle and made his heart race. As everyone, including themanding officer at the front, lined up tensely. ¡°Shit!¡± A voice burst out from an ally at the front. ¡°Shoot! Shoot quickly!¡± Through the hazy fog, Encrid saw a strange sight. There was a blurry gray shadow. It was as big as a bear, and its head was towering above. A massrger than even Audin, with a head-like shape attached, was charging through a rain of arrows,ing towards them. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: /revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: /revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 128 The soldiers at the forefront of Naurillia were all paid mercenaries. This meant they were focused solely on training after receiving their wages. They acted precisely as they had been trained and drilled. The vanguard, armed with short bows, transformed into scouts in emergencies and nimble light-armored archers in battle, all lost their arrows. Thud-thud-thud! Swish! Arrows cut through the air, striking a massive shadow, toorge to be considered human. Thud-thud-thud! Some soldiers celebrated hitting their target. Among them, a few wondered why they still heard the sound of impact. Yet, others were rmed: ¡®Why isn¡¯t it stopping?¡¯ They were disturbed that the shadow¡¯s charging speed hadn¡¯t decreased. Whoosh. The fog parted. Beyond the mist, a colossal figure was revealed. If it had been a bear, it would have been understandable. As the fog cleared, the rest of the soldiers could also see the figure. It was visible even to Encrid, despite being positioned in the middle of the unit. The sheer size of the figure distorted the sense of perspective. The first impression was that of a giant porcupine. The massive size meant it was an equallyrge target. The archers¡¯ skills weremendable, as dozens of arrows were lodged in the creature¡¯s body. Though counting them all was impossible, there were at least twenty. Thus, the first impression was that of a giant porcupine bristling with dozens of arrows. Whoosh. The creature, emerging from the fog, swung something in its hands in a wide arc. The full swing sent wind whooshing, pushing the fog back even further. Bang! A loud explosion rang out, as if a wizard¡¯s explosive spell had detonated. The impact was catastrophic, akin to a stone thrown from a catapult. ¡°Aaah!¡± ¡°Ugh!¡± Screams erupted. The soldiers within the hammer¡¯s range were crushed like tomatoes. One soldier on the right had his leg shattered, barely escaping with a swift dodge. Another soldier on the left, feeling the hammer¡¯s wind pressure, instinctively raised his shield. Crunch. Crack. He heard the sound of his body being torn apart. The oiled wooden buckler offered no resistance to the creature¡¯s brute force. The shield splintered like a rotten branch, and the soldier was torn in half, not just torn but shattered. The hammer¡¯s force flung his body sideways, and pink innards sttered into the air. Blood, intestines, bones, flesh, and someone¡¯s limbs flew through the air¡ªonce parts of a body that had fought valiantly. There was no need to wonder who they belonged to, anyone struck by such an attack from the front was as good as dead. The only hope was that Vengeance wasn¡¯t at the forefront today. Phew. After delivering a blow, the giant exhaled a long breath, the sound of which was clearly audible to all. It was a presence that could only be described as overwhelming. In its hand was a giant hammer. The creature had a stature far superior to that of a human, with tough skin and thick muscles. It was a member of the giant race, a species as dangerous as the Frogs. They were known for their immense strength, several times greater than that of humans, and skin that was impervious to most des. They weremonly referred to as the ¡°Red Blood Beasts¡±. The giant surveyed the scene of destruction caused by its hammer and hummed a tune. ¡°Hrrrnhh!¡± Its voice echoed like a shout from a deep cave, low, deep, and resonant. As the cave-like humming spread, the morale of the soldiers dropped noticeably. Giants¡ªwhere had such a creature been hiding until now? ¡°Damn, retreat!¡± A soldier who was a step back shouted. ¡°Worms.¡± The giant muttered gleefully, the words emerging like a curse from the depths of a cave. ¡°Aaah!¡± Even soldiers trained and paid for battlefields felt fear. There was no absence of fear here. Cracks began to appear in the front lines as panic set in, and some soldiers started to retreat. This was uneptable to themanding officer, who shouted: ¡°Do not retreat!¡± Shwing! Several vanguard officers drew their swords, signaling that retreat would mean death. ¡°Damn it.¡± What were they supposed to do? The soldiers in the front line felt despair. It was like being ordered to fight a beast. The giant¡¯s armor appeared to be made of wood¡ªthin wooden armor covering its entire body, with arrows embedded in it. There were gaps at the joints, but no arrows seemed to have prated there. Hahahhh. The sight of a giant porcupineughing was unnerving. The soldiers, caught between fear and indecision, neither retreated nor advanced. The giant remained unperturbed. To him, they were all insects¡ªeasy to crush and kill. He was delighted in the situation. * * * A Giant. Encrid was stunned. Where had such a creature appeared from? He recalled what he knew about Giants and naturally remembered the characteristics of various races. Frogs lived overwhelmed by dreams and desires. Fairies revered nature. Dwarves were obsessed with metal. Beastmen prioritized reproduction above all else. Dragons were said to walk alone. And Giants¡­ ¡®They revel in ughter.¡¯ Loving violence, they lived for the act of killing and being killed. Yet, they never came to hold dominion over the continent. Why? Their intelligence was lower than humans, and their primal instincts were too dangerous to form organized armies. They were not called the ¡°Red Blood Beasts¡± for no reason, being creatures madly obsessed with bloodybat. To wield power, one needed to be a political being, which giants could never be. And among these races were humans. ¡®Humans could be anything.¡¯ Surpassing Frogs, Fairies, Dwarves, Beastmen, Dragons, and Giants, humans had be the center of the world. While the giant silently observed its surroundings, the soldiers at the front stood paralyzed, barely avoiding wetting themselves. Swish. Encrid heard a peculiar sound¡ªa slicing noise, like a well-sharpened de cutting through flesh. It was perhaps intuition, a sixth sense, or pure instinct that made him turn his head. Jaxon, who had been standing beside Encrid, was already looking in that direction. ¡°Ugh.¡± ¡°Enemies!¡± There weren¡¯t many. Encrid squinted his eyes. They were on the right nk. Taking advantage of the obscured visibility caused by the fog, they had closed the distance. It appeared to be a small unit of about ten skilled individuals. If they were attacking with such few numbers, they must be confident in their abilities. ¡°If they used the giant to draw our attention and attacked the right nk, something mighte from the left as well. Damn, it looks like we¡¯re caught in a real trap.¡± Krais turned his head left and right as he spoke. Could he see anything? If Encrid saw nothing, then Krais would likely see only fog. Krais, surprisingly, wasn¡¯t intimidated by the giant. Instead, he looked around frantically and then said: ¡°We must hold them off here.¡± In reality, Krais had several scenarios and assumptions running through his mind. He could see what the enemy¡¯s strategy was and also thought the battlefield favored them. He had a rough idea of what the alliedmander was aiming for. After all, utilizing the fog was not a tactic exclusive to the enemy. If the enemy had used the river to target the rear lines, why couldn¡¯t the allies do the same? This was probably why the Border Guard Reserve Unit was not visible on the battlefield. The enemy was hiding, while the allies had more freedom of action. This gave themander multiple options. Therefore, themander likely decided: ¡°The main force holds with the soldiers¡¯ numbers.¡± Since they had won previous battles, they had an advantage in numbers. With simr training levels and morale, who had the upper hand? No matter how fiercely the Gray Hound, an independentpany known for its persistence, fought, they had limitations. Howrge could an independentpany be? At most, two to three hundred soldiers. Furthermore, there was additional intelligence avable, such as the fact that one of toon leaders had fought with a unit of the Gray Hound and killed some of them. How many soldiers could be left? Even if the unit had been originallyposed of a generous four hundred, there might be only around two hundred left by now. The Battalion Commander would know this as well. So, what had the enemy decided to do? ¡°All-in on the front line.¡± They threw everything they had into the fight, aiming either for a decisive victory or risking near-total annihtion. And the giant was not the only weapon they had prepared. Krais calcted all this in an instant and reached a conclusion. However, he didn¡¯t exin everything. The best choice at that moment was to do what was necessary to survive, to stay breathing in the toon leader¡¯s tent. ¡°The giant is not everything. If we can¡¯t stop the vanguard here, it¡¯s over.¡± He stated the in truth. It wasn¡¯t up to him to solve this situation. The Border Guard Reserve Unit was absent, and the main allied force was holding the line. If they failed, they risked being annihted. So, what options did they have left? There were some. Krais looked at his toon leader, who had fought the Frog, and the toon members who matched such a leader. ¡°Leader.¡± Krais called Encrid and exined the situation. Encrid nodded. Even after listening to Krais, Encrid couldn¡¯t fully understand the situation. He had been busy sparring the day before and had tried to get a good night¡¯s sleep, but his dreams had been unpleasant. However, it seemed that a light was shining in Krais¡¯s eyes, simr to Ragna yesterday. Like Rem, who seemed excited. Like Jaxon, who had be more considerate. Like Audin, who seemed more at ease. ¡°Okay. Got it.¡± In an instant, all the irritation vanished. All those nagging worries disappeared. A light heart. When had hest felt this way? He hadn¡¯t felt this way sinceing to this continent. Rem recalled a simr feeling from another ce, another time. It was when he first went to battle. Back then, it was truly fun. He was so excited that he had run wild, tongue out. Casting aside his thoughts, Remughed and said, ¡°Watch closely. This is what you¡¯ll learn next.¡± He started walking forward, moving through the soldiers who cast nervous and fearful nces between their helmets at theughing giant. Rem walked in a straight line, shoving soldiers aside as he went. They stumbled out of his way, opening a path. ¡°Move, you bastards.¡± he said. Rem seemed his usual self, but his mood was certainly lifted¡ªhe was uncharacteristically ted. Encrid simply watched. Rem had told him to watch closely, so watch he would. ¡°I¡¯ll take care of that side.¡± Ragna said, unusually eager as he moved toward themotion on the right nk. It was a different side of Ragna¡ªhe too seemed liberated, like Rem. The sword discussions with Encrid had released pent-up desires, making him feel at ease and ready to wield his sword. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t go alone.¡± Encrid voiced his concern. Ragna thought for a moment and replied, ¡°Then I¡¯ll go after this. It shouldn¡¯t take long.¡± Whether the allies were being cut down by the enemies pressing in from the right, Ragna didn¡¯t seem to care. Encrid thought they should deal with the enemies advancing from the right, but it was clearly a mobile detachment. Before Encrid could decide on a strategy, the alliedmander acted first. ¡°Fall back! Don¡¯t fight and die like idiots in front, regroup! Back to back with yourrades!¡± The familiar voice was Vengeance¡¯s. He¡¯s handling it well. Drawing the enemies advancing from the right inward and engaging them would buy some time. They needed time to draw them deeper so they couldn¡¯t escape. ¡°Then, I¡¯ll be off.¡± Audin said, striding purposefully toward one side. Jaxon had already disappeared from sight. The soldiers felt a strange relief after venting their frustrations. Their steps were light. Sparring with Encrid had brought about this change. For a moment, while waiting for the enemies to close in from the right, Encrid watched Rem. Whether Rem approached or not, he saw the giant raising its hammer for another swing. The sheer force was palpable. It was an overwhelming show of power. How would he handle it if it were him? Rem exceeded Encrid¡¯s expectations effortlessly. Rem was, after all, Rem. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: /revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: /revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 129 Among the soldiers at the front was Bell. ¡®Damn, damn, damn.¡¯ He was unlucky. It might have been better to die from the first strike. A giant. He couldn¡¯t retreat from that. Shouldn¡¯t the 1st Company be the ones dealing with something like this? Or maybe the Border Guard? The Turtle Heavy Infantry was positioned on the left nk. The Border Guard was nowhere to be seen, as if they had all gone drinking together. Bell felt sweat running down his back. His hands tingled with tension. His legs felt like they might give out. The giant was justughing and doing nothing else. No, in reality, it had shown everything with that first hammer strike. That blow, the overwhelming brute strength, the carnage¡ªit would be insane to remain unaffected after seeing that. ¡®Damn.¡¯ Bell felt the presence of death. When that hammer moved, it would be his turn to die. The frontline broke, and somehow he found himself at the forefront. ¡°Damn it.¡± The Squad Leader beside him spoke. His face wasn¡¯t any better off. Seeing his trembling pupils, it was a wonder he hadn¡¯t shouted to run away. Not that they could flee, with the frontlinemanders behind them ready to cut down any deserters. Seeing the Squad Leader so frightened oddly calmed Bell. Damn, might as well die. The moment he stepped onto the battlefield, his life was pawned to heaven. It seemed like it was time to collect the debt, so he decided to think of it that way. ¡°We¡¯re going to die anyway.¡± Bell said. The Squad Leader looked at him. Bell showed a resigned smile as he stared back at the Squad Leader. ¡°I¡¯d at least like to cut off one of its toes.¡± The giant¡¯s hide was said to be too tough to cut with ordinary swords. But what if they tried? If they stuck close and shed away? Even if it was as tough as dragon bone, couldn¡¯t they cut through it with a saw-like motion? Who knows, maybe they should try it. ¡°The flower of the battlefield is¡­¡± Bell began. His tone wasn¡¯t mournful. It was determination. Since he had staked his life, he might as well use it fiercely. It would be foolish to stand still when lightning struck. Bell learned that from a man named Encrid. A man who never knew the meaning of giving up. How could he not have learned anything from being around such a man? Bell learned and decided to act. The Squad Leader responded reflexively to Bell¡¯s words. ¡°It¡¯s infantry.¡± So, it was time to fight. It meant it was time to die. Or rather, they were on their way to death. At that moment, the giant lifted the hammer it had rested on the ground. The sound of metal scraping against gravel. As the mist slowly cleared, they saw the hammerhead smeared with blood and bits of flesh, like crushed bread. It came into sharp, vivid focus. That was death. That was the collected debt. ¡°Khh.¡± The giant, showing that dog-like grin again, lifted its hammer. Instead of swinging it down as before, this time it lifted it overhead and swung it horizontally. It seemed to want to kill more at once. Bell was trying to figure out if there was a way to avoid it. Could he duck low enough? Would the giant¡¯s hammer, swung by that massive creature, even reach the ground? It didn¡¯t seem likely. The giant bent its knees. The hammerhead was enormous. If it swung at that angle, dodging it would require jumping, or avoiding the range of the hammer. ¡°This is too much. Damn bastards.¡± One of the allied soldiers whimpered, looking back. ¡°Where¡¯s the retreat signal? They blew the whistle, didn¡¯t they?¡± It was a new recruit, still green. ¡°Damn it, shit, damn bastards.¡± Another soldier was just cursing continuously. The giant knew how to fight. If it had attacked immediately, it couldn¡¯t have created this situation. This brief lull had instilled fear in the allied troops. The giant had killed their spirit first. ¡°Huh!¡± Even the giant¡¯s shout was grotesque. And with that, it unleashed its prepared strike. Whoosh! The air tore apart as the hammer, wielded with superhuman strength, came flying. Whoosh! Bell had no other option but to crouch close to his shield and brace for impact. Maybe, just maybe, he could survive? Of course, he would likely die. But he wanted to try and hold out. It was the moment when death loomed in the eyes of every soldier. Bell could hardly see the hammer moving. Instead, Whoosh, a shadow stepped forward. ¡®What?¡¯ Before he could evenprehend what it was. ng! A deafening sound struck his ears. The impact was so intense it felt like he was being pushed back by the shockwave. It was only then that Bell saw it. ¡°¡­What the hell.¡± A curse of astonishment slipped out of his mouth. It was a continuous stream of unbelievable situations. ¡°Hey, you idiot, you should y with someone your own size.¡± The shadow blocking the way spoke. It was the back of an ally. Though they looked tiny standing before the giant, the person wielded axes in both hands and had stopped the hammer. The veins on his forearms bulged as if they might burst, and he had torn off the sleeves of his gambeson, wearing the armor like a vest. But he blocked it. His feet left marks on the gravel as he was slightly pushed back, but he blocked it. What was this? The situation didn¡¯t make sense in his head. Then, ¡°¡­I¡¯m alive.¡± It was the new recruit speaking, his voice trembling with tears. Everyone could hear his sobs. As Bell took in the entire situation, his chest swelled with emotion. He almost cried himself. The joy of being alive,bined with the sight of the back of someone who had instilled a sense of security in both allies and enemies, despite being a source of unspeakable horror. The giant was a monster, a Red Blood Beast, worshiping violence and ughter. So what? There was one here too. A madman, a monster. The kind that would demoralize the enemy just by stepping into the fight. ¡°Why are you keeping your mouth shut? Did someone put honey on your lips?¡± That monster spoke, with the same crude tone as usual. Today, however, it sounded like a heavenly orchestra. ¡°You damn fool!¡± The giant was angry, and Rem smirked. What¡¯s he saying, idiot. * * * Rem felt good. So good, it reminded him of his first battle. All thanks to a sparring match with the toon leader. Does it make sense to feel like this from just one sparring match? It must be because so much had been building up inside him. As much as he felt liberated, Rem wanted to fight properly. He wanted to show Encrid as well. Look, this is what you¡¯ll be learning next. Rem had never blinked at the sight of flying axes since he was a child. Even so, Rem had learned, practiced, and trained in The Heart of the Beast. If it only gave him courage andposure, why would he have learned it? It had to be useful, otherwise, he wouldn¡¯t have learned, practiced, and trained in it. The reason for learning it, The Heart of the Beast, wasn¡¯t just to give courage. From now on, half of it could be called Rem¡¯s unique skill. Not something of his tribe, but his own. Thump. His heart beat twice as fast as usual, sending blood rushing through his body. The flow of blood sped up. Thump thump thump thump! As his blood vessels expanded, his muscles swelled, changing in density. His body, enhanced by a shamanic technique starting from his heart, now possessed monstrous strength. Rem decided to call it The Heart of the Beast. The people of his tribe only used this technique to prevent aging. In truth, this was a skill only Rem used. If learned incorrectly, it could cause the heart to burst, the blood vessels to rupture, or the muscles to necrotize, resulting in death. Well, there¡¯s no avoiding the difficulty in learning it. He told Encrid to watch and learn, but the choice was ultimately his. Of course, if he decided to learn, Rem would teach him slowly, one step at a time, ensuring he didn¡¯t die in the process. It might be painful, but Encrid would ignore the pain and learn. Blocking the giant¡¯s hammer, Rem unleashed his monstrous strength and swung his axe. Whoosh! The hammer came crashing down at a terrifying speed, and Rem swung his axe to deflect it. ng! Crack! Bang! The axe de couldn¡¯t withstand the impact and shattered, breaking apart as if it had exploded. Even though he had deflected it as much as possible, this was the result. Rem swung his left arm, throwing the broken axe de pieces toward the giant¡¯s wooden armor, where they embedded themselves. ¡®Maybe I should have used something better?¡¯ He could have used a club like those fanatical religious zealots. Although Rem wasn¡¯t picky about weapons, axes fit his hand best. Thud. He discarded the remaining axe handle and kicked up a spear that was lying at his feet. Spear in his left hand, axe in his right. Rem smiled, holding weapons in both hands. It was a satisfied smile, pleased to face a worthy opponent for the first time in a while, and his good mood carried over from his sparring match with Encrid. ¡°Hey, let¡¯s have some fun.¡± What followed was an intense battle between the two. It was so fierce that no one could get close. ng! ng! ng! ng! Rem picked up fallen spears and axes, stabbing and shing. When weapons broke, he picked up whatever was lying around. As they began to run out of weapons, ¡°Hey, let¡¯s throw something.¡± Bell quickly tossed the weapon he was holding. Spears, hand axes, whatever they had. Someone even threw a dagger at the giant, aiming for its eye, but the giant just turned its head, catching the dagger with its forehead. Thud! What kind of skin does he have? The sharp dagger didn¡¯t even leave a scratch, just bouncing off. So, what is Rem, who is fighting this giant? No one knew, but it was certain that this monster was protecting them. Encrid watched Rem¡¯s fight. Hisbat style was intense, brutal. Above all, ¡®Is he matching the giant in strength?¡¯ Does that mean he has more strength than Frog? Is this what I¡¯m supposed to learn next? Is this what he told me to watch closely? Thump. His heart raced at the prospect of learning something new. For Encrid, the desire to learn was a fundamental part of his being. ¡°Now we can go. Seeing him ying around like that.¡± Beside him, Ragna spoke. Rem, who was fighting the giant, looked like he was having fun. Yes, seeing that, it was clear. He could win and kill the giant, but he was toying with it. Why? ¡®Is he doing it for me to watch?¡¯ For a moment, Encrid thought that, but then he dismissed it as too far-fetched. It seemed like Rem was just enjoying himself. ¡°Let¡¯s get back to our task.¡± Ragna also seemed eager. Why? Why was he so eager to fight? He usuallycked motivation. ¡°Alright.¡± Given the insistence, Encrid started moving. He felt he had seen everything Rem wanted him to. Ragna needed to head to the right, but kept moving in the wrong direction. Encrid had to grab him and guide him. ¡°If we clear this side, things should be okay.¡± Krais said from behind, sticking close. Was that so? Encrid couldn¡¯t see the overall situation, only the present mattered. As they moved to the right, they saw a group of enemies gathered there. Ten of them, looking rxed. What is this? Is it a twist of fate? As they got closer and could see the faces, Encrid realized that the person standing in the center was someone he knew. Why was he here? The person also recognized Encrid¡¯s face. Encrid¡¯s strikingly handsome features were hard to forget. ¡°You, you¡¯re still alive?¡± The person recognized Encrid, blinked a few times in surprise, and then smiled, asking the question. His smile reached his eyes, though they were nted, giving a somewhat unsettling impression. ¡°Yes, I am.¡± Encrid replied calmly, and Ragna looked at him, silently asking. Do you know him? ¡°During my mercenary days¡­¡± Encrid began to exin but shortened it, thinking the story would be too long. ¡°A bastard I met.¡± Yes, that¡¯s enough to describe the scum. A bastard who betrayed hisrades, raped women, and then killed them. He should have been killed back then. He had heard that this guy had run away after getting into trouble with a noble. So, he ended up here? ¡°Hey, is that what you say to an old friend after so long?¡± ¡°Friend?¡± Encrid felt a rare moment of disgust. With someone like him? Ragna looked at him again, questioning with his eyes. ¡°No, that bastard.¡± He said curtly, and Ragna nodded in understanding. ¡°Hah, you always were good with words. But how did you manage to survive? Did you have to suck up to someone?¡± Such insults weremon during his mercenary days, often aimed at him because of his appearance. He had heard them even after joining the military. It had been a long time since hest heard someone mock him in this way. No one had dared to taunt him recently, likely because he had proven himself through his skills. Thus, Encrid brushed off the provocation with indifference. Ragna seemed to think the same. It didn¡¯t matter, the man was as good as dead. ¡°You can take care of that one, then.¡± Ragna stepped aside, signaling that the remaining nine were his to handle. ¡°Just the three of you against all ten of us?¡± ¡°I won¡¯t be fighting. Just aim for these two.¡± Krais said from behind. Encrid nced around. What had these ten done? Clearly, the allies were hesitant to engage them. Corpses were scattered around, riddled with holes. It was a familiar sign of the weapons that these bastards are using. Encrid took a moment to inspect the other bodies. They bore shes and stabs from swords, spears, and daggers. But there was something unsettlingly dirty about the wounds. Even the holes¡ªthey seemed almost like they had been tortured. ¡°They¡¯re obsessed with bloodshed. They seek to improve their skills through murder. It¡¯s fine. Didn¡¯t I tell you before? If you don¡¯t walk the right path, you¡¯ll hit a clear limit.¡± Ragna said beside him. Yes, that was right. He had warned that clinging to the Valen Mercenary Sword Technique would lead to a limit. So, Encrid had rebuilt his basics and moved forward. It was a path with a clear direction. Encrid drew his sword. ¡°That one is mine.¡± As Ragna had suggested, whether it was out of old grudges or a scene from a revenge drama, Encrid decided to honor his fallenrades. He would do so by beheading this twisted, trashy scoundrel. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: /revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: /revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 130 ¡°Making a fuss, aren¡¯t they?¡± He was the one who showed that skill and personality don¡¯t always align. What was his name again? The guy twisted his lips into a sneer. ¡°Want me to give you another hole, Enki?¡± He said as he took a step forward. Encrid decided to speak just once before killing him. ¡°What was your name again?¡± In the stance with his right foot slightly forward, the guy stopped. ¡°¡­Anyway, you talk too much, you bastard.¡± He didn¡¯t say his name. Oh well. It¡¯s not like it¡¯s necessary to know. ¡°Kill him.¡± At the unknown bastard¡¯smand, nine others around him moved. It felt like they were the Border Guard, corrupted and twisted. Each one wielded a weapon, looking like they knew what they were doing. There seemed to be the smell of blood on their weapons. Bang! One of them shot a slingshot. It was aimed, pulled, and released in an instant, the motion was smooth. The slingshot fired small metal pellets. Ragna simply tilted his head to dodge. The shot aimed for his eyes. ¡°A slingshot.¡± Ragna muttered. Encrid saw a heat in his eyes that wasn¡¯t usually there. Well, there shouldn¡¯t be anything to worry about. ¡°Alone?¡± Someone spoke from behind, it was Vengeance. With a limping gait, Encrid¡¯s eyes went to Vengeance¡¯s thigh. Before he could ask how he got injured¡ª ¡°While trying to save me from that filthy bastard.¡± One of the soldiers behind Vengeance, showing both concern and resentment in his eyes, spoke up. It was clear without needing an exnation. He must¡¯ve done it as usual. Deliberately harassing a soldier to make Vengeance intervene, then exploiting the opening to stab him in the thigh. That was exactly the kind of thing that bastard would do. In contrast, Vengeance must have taken the injury to save hisrade. What would have happened if Encrid hadn¡¯te here? He would have died. Vengeance was prepared for death. For a person like this, perhaps it¡¯s possible to think of him as a friend. Someone like Vengeance could be a good friend. But not that bastard. Thinking of him as a friend is absurd. ¡°Sharp, that one.¡± Vengeance spoke again, and only then did Encrid remember the guy¡¯s name, pping his right fist into his left palm. ¡°I remember your name.¡± The guy smirked. ¡°How could you forget my name? You little prick.¡± He spoke as he drew his sword with a ting. A flexible de that bends under force, made of soft iron. The wavy de caught Encrid¡¯s eye, and he spoke. ¡°It was ¡®bastard,¡¯ wasn¡¯t it?¡± His nickname, his name was ¡®bastard¡¯, wasn¡¯t it? That must be it. Probably. ¡°¡­You¡¯ll be begging me to kill you.¡± The man¡¯s eyes gleamed maliciously. Was he angry? That wasn¡¯t the intention. Encrid shrugged his shoulders. The two exchanged trivial words, heating up the situation. Among the bastard¡¯s nine subordinates, the one with the slingshot moved again. Thump, whizz, bang! This time, it was aimed at Encrid, but Ragna, who had approached unnoticed, drew his sword with the sheath still on and deflected the projectile. The metal pellet shot vertically into the air, glittering as it disappeared into the fog. ¡°You¡¯ve got quick hands. It¡¯d be fun to put a hole in them.¡± The slingshot wielder said. Beside him was a guy with dual axes, one in each hand, simr to Rem¡¯s equipment. ¡°Interesting, you think you can take us all on by yourself?¡± The dual-axe wielder said, eyeing Ragna. This was bad, Encrid thought. Sure enough, Ragna reacted. ¡°A cheap imitation of a barbarian.¡± he said. ¡°¡­What?¡± The ax-wielding guy, with blonde hair and red eyes, stared nkly at him, not understanding. There was a clear hostility in Ragna¡¯s red eyes. Two hand axes? That was a poor choice of weapons. Three others wielded swords, each with a distinctive de deeply etched with blood grooves. They looked simr, triplets. ¡°After this battle, we¡¯ll be part of Aspen¡¯s group. We might even get noble titles.¡± The bastard said, sounding proud. It was the same as before. The same expression as when he saved himself, as if dering that this fight was for such a reason brought him satisfaction. I see. Encrid stopped talking. Thump. He advanced and struck with his sword. The opponent underestimated him, still sneering as he parried the blow. Ting, ting, ting. The distinctive flexible de aimed for Encrid¡¯s wrist, bending down as it struck the longsword and then curving upward toward his wrist. A masterful technique, the best of swordsmanship. Did he say he learned it in the East? There was something about that. Encrid watched the de aiming for his wrist and then shook his sword up and down. The flexible de, riding along his own, was flicked upward. Thud. ¡®What is this bastard?¡¯ The opponent¡¯s face showed confusion and surprise, but Encrid wasn¡¯t interested. He simply advanced, swinging his sword, as he had learned and trained. Hadn¡¯t he learned how to deal with a master swordsman? ¡®Begin with a solid strike.¡¯ He did so, as Ragna had taught him. Whoosh. The de cut through the air. Through focused concentration, everything seemed to slow down, bing tangible. Connecting point to point, adding strength to a diagonal sh aimed at the opponent. The bastard quickly stepped back, raising his sword. Whizz, ting, ting, ting! The flexible de cut through the air, aiming for Encrid¡¯s neck. But it was only aiming. For by then, Encrid¡¯s diagonal sh had already connected with the man¡¯s body. Faster, stronger, and more precise. One strike was enough. Crack. A sensation of resistance registered in his hands. Though the strike had been clean, to the point that his hands felt numb, it wasn¡¯t possible not to feel anything as the sword cut through armor and other essories. Encrid¡¯s longsword cleaved through the man¡¯s armor, half of his ribs, and even severed the wrist holding the sword. The sword that had been curving towards Encrid¡¯s neck ttered to the ground. Ting. Encrid paused in the position of swinging his sword, then swung it to the side. Thud. Blood sttered onto the ground. Before himy the remnants of the past, eyes wide open in shock as he died. Encrid silently spoke to his pastrades. ¡®I¡¯ve avenged you.¡¯ There was no reply. The dead never answer. The same was true for the opponent who died without a final cry. It was an expected oue. The mercenary who used Eastern swordsmanship, the bastard, had impressive skills, but¡­ ¡®Compared to Frog and Mitch Hurrier.¡¯ Lacking. Compared to his own squad members? They were iparable,ughably so. However, if it hadn¡¯t been for Encrid, this battlefield might have been in disarray as well. It could have been as chaotic as the one with the Giant. It was all rtive. On this side, they wielded killing swords, men who made a profession of killing and honing their skills as tools for that end. Against someone stronger, they could die just like this, but if the roles were reversed, they would be efficient murderers, sure to go on a rampage. ¡°¡­What the hell.¡± Said one of the three brothers wielding swords. ¡°What do you think?¡± Ragna replied as he stepped towards the man with the slingshot. It was astonishing just to watch his movements. In a few steps, he was already at the side of the man with the slingshot. ¡°Tch!¡± The man twisted his body sideways. That was hisst move. With a ¡°tch¡±, his head flew into the sky, the surprised expression still on his face. When did he draw his sword? When did he strike? His skill was frighteningly quick and clean. Even to Encrid, the curved de remained only as an afterimage. ¡°Slingshot,¡± Ragna muttered towards the fallen opponent as he moved. ¡°Three swords.¡± This was directed at the three brothers. They drew their swords, clearly not intending to go down easily. Ragna saw the red bloodlust in their eyes. Killers who used their swords to kill people as a means to an end. There were some like them, wretches who didn¡¯t even know how to properly hone their skills. Swords that started by killing the powerless, learning only to kill the weak. No matter the opponent or the situation. Ragna felt quite pleased. How many times in his life had he felt this kind of overflowing vigor? Three times? Five times? It didn¡¯t feel like five. He was filled with pent-up frustration. That frustration had turned into a sparring session with Encrid. Something that started as a small spark was now burning in his eyes. His already red eyes now glowed with light¡ªan aura. Ragna, with a glint in his eyes, swung his sword. Whoosh, thud, squelch, st, swish! The three wielders of killing swords fell, their throats pierced, heads severed, and split from chin to crown. Ragna¡¯s sword cut through anything in its path, be it swords, armor, flesh, or bone. It was impressive. ¡°Pitchfork.¡± Ragna muttered, seeking his next opponent. The next adversary wielded a pitchfork, seemingly chosen for the pain it could inflict. He swallowed nervously, realizing he had met his match. ¡°Attack all at once!¡± The man shouted. As soon as his words left his mouth, they all moved. Then he turned and fled. Encrid¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. Normally, Ragna wouldn¡¯t even nce at someone fleeing like that. But this Ragna¡­ Bam! He moved so quickly it was almost invisible. He dashed forward, swinging his sword to the left and right. He moved so fast it looked like wings were fluttering around him, though these wings were formed by the afterimages of his de. Those ¡°wings¡± split the head of the spear-wielder and severed the arms of a woman wielding daggers. ng! The de of the dagger that caught in the middle was also cut in half. It was a fearsome strike, difficult to describe in words. ¡°Aaaah!¡± The scream of the woman with the dagger tore through the air. Ragna continued to chase the fleeing man. The man with the pitchfork turned and brandished it in defense. It was a solid iron weapon. Ragna swung his sword again, this time aiming to deflect the pitchfork sideways while delivering a backhanded strike. The first swing nearly cut the pitchfork in half, and the follow-through beheaded the man. Screech. With just a bit more force, the pitchfork might have beenpletely severed. Only one remained. ¡°Damn.¡± Muttered the man wielding two axes. ¡°You¡¯re the main dish.¡± Something about Ragna seemed very different from usual. He calmly approached the man with the axes, who looked nothing like Rem. But that was not what mattered to Ragna. ¡°Starting with the legs.¡± He said, and then acted. Ragna¡¯s sword moved. The man with the axes might have been skilled, but¡­ This was something else. It reminded Encrid of himself, or rather his past self. It was a moment of facing a wall that no amount of effort or training could ovee. ¡°Aaaaah!¡± The man wielding the axes struggled in vain. That was all he could do. Ragna first shed at his thigh, then severed the tendons in both of his arms. With a dull thud, the man dropped his axes. Ragna ced his sword on the man¡¯s head, realizing with surprise that he was quite excited. It was a strange feeling. ¡®Is this something to be excited about?¡¯ In any case, it wasn¡¯t a bad feeling. ¡°If you spare me, I can show you where we hid the treas¡ª¡± Slice. No matter what the man said, Ragna wasn¡¯t listening. In the end, thest remaining member of the mercenary group wielding axes died, his head split open. Ragna noticed that the de he was using had lost its edge and the handle was loose, so he discarded it. He then gathered the swords used by the triplets. ¡°Hmm, I have three swords now.¡± He strapped two swords to his hips like Encrid and slung one across his back. ¡°Are you going for a three-sword style?¡± Encrid asked. ¡°No, I¡¯ll use them one at a time.¡± Ragna replied, shaking his head. ¡°Do you know what technique I used just now?¡± His speech was faster than usual, which was unusual. How would he know? It seemed like it was just cutting and shing, but there was something impressive about it. Ragna¡¯s sword had cut through everything, whether it was daggers or anything else. As Encrid pondered, Ragna spoke again, still faster than usual. ¡°I named it ¡®Severance¡¯.¡± It was a in name, but the technique¡¯s power was undeniable. Severance, the art of cutting. It referred to a skill honed through his own method of cutting with a sword. ¡°I¡¯ll teach you.¡± Ragna dered his intention, and Encrid nodded in agreement. Vengeance, who had been watching the fight, couldn¡¯t even shake his head. ¡®Monsters.¡¯ That was the only thought that came to mind. Encrid gathered the two axes that had fallen to the ground. Since Rem had broken his weapons fighting the giant, he would need new ones. There wasn¡¯t much else to take, just a few throwing daggers from the woman who wielded the daggers. It was a shame he had used up all the whistling knives. ¡®It would be good to make new ones.¡¯ he thought as they finished the battle and began to regroup. From the front, a cheer erupted. ¡°Audin! Audin!¡± The shouting came from the front lines, where something seemed to have happened around Audin. Encrid looked forward. The sun had risen, and the fog was starting to lift, revealing the surroundings. Beyond the clearing fog, Audin stood alone. He was right in the middle of the enemy forces. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: /revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: /revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 131 Rem was excited. Ragna felt motivated and eager. Audin felt as if he had received an answer from Encrid during their sparring session. Prayers to the Lord were always questions, with no answers returned. The Lord wielded silence as a weapon. It was up to us to find the answers within that silence. However, sometimes, just sometimes, Audin believed that the Lord provided answers. Even if he did not speak them aloud. He expressed them through other means. Through that day¡¯s sparring session, Audin felt he had received an answer from Encrid. That was how it felt. ¡®What can that man gain by trying so hard? Can his efforts bear fruit?¡¯ A human¡¯s efforts quickly led them to their long-standing questions. ¡®Even though hemanded us to protect the weak, why does he not safeguard them? Why does he not reward their efforts?¡¯ The strong and the weak, good and evil. These were old questions. Why do those he considers ¡®evil¡¯ thrive? While those he sees as ¡®good¡¯ suffer? He had witnessed good, weak, and good, strong individuals being crushed. He had also seen evil thrive in the temple, which was said to be a foundation and cradle made by the Gods. Why did the Lord watch this happen? Why does he not bring punishment? Why do the inquisitors only bind the powerless with thorns on the cart? Why does the Lord only watch? Amidst this, there was a man living with the reckless effort of trying to drink away the river. Always standing before him, unchanging as the sunrise each morning. If there were a God, he should have provided an answer. He should not ignore someone who lives by burning themselves up like that. Was there really divine intervention? Audin did not know. He could not tell. But it did not matter if there wasn¡¯t. Knowing Encrid and the days they spent together taught Audin something. ¡®The question is within me.¡¯ And the ¡®answer¡¯ was also within himself. He felt as if he had received an answer to his questions through their sparring. To speak honestly and frankly. A sense of relief filled his chest. It was enough to crush a few enemy skulls with this feeling. This brought Audin into the sparring with Encrid. It had also brought Rem and Ragna. Perhaps no one knew this before, and no one would know it afterward, but at that moment, the course of the battle had changed due to Encrid¡¯s fierce resolve. His sparring had shaken the hearts of all the toon members and set them on the battlefield. ¡®Lord, today I send those who will stay by your side.¡¯ Taking a life can be a sin. But it may also not be considered a sin. All religions reflect their times. This was true for Audin as well. His God did not shy away from taking lives. In other words, if necessary, he could do it. He could send those who would serve by the Lord¡¯s side without hesitation. Audin stepped forward boldly. His allies recognized him and whispered among themselves before falling silent. ¡°Those who have received a coin from the Goddess of luck should step back.¡± Audin showed kindness and mercy. Due to the fog, he could only see right in front of him. One of the enemy soldiers looked at Audin and sneered. ¡°Are you trying to imitate our giant?¡± In a way, it might have looked that way. Audin gave a faint smile. He didn¡¯t feel displeased or upset. Sending the enemy to the side of the Gods to seek forgiveness was all that mattered. There was no reason to get angry. At this moment, there was no ce for a human¡¯s displeasure. ¡°I don¡¯t need to pretend to be someone else, brother.¡± ¡°Brother, my ass.¡± They stood facing each other, separated by only a few steps. Audin slowly began counting. ¡°Five.¡± No one knew what that number meant. ¡°What the hell are you talking about? Kill him!¡± The battlefield had been set in motion by the arrival of the giant. The excitement had reached the soldiers. A soldier from Aspen¡¯s side thrust a spear forward. Thud. Audin deflected the spear with the back of his hand, gently pushing it outward. The spear lost its direction of force as it slid along the back of his hand. The enemy soldier almost stumbled but regained his bnce. ¡°Four.¡± Audin continued counting. ¡°You son of a¡­¡± The enemy realized that Audin¡¯s movements were not ordinary. The soldier gestured. He was in a position to lead a squad. Soon, his squad surrounded Audin. Spears were the best weapons an infantryman could have. All of their spearheads were aimed at Audin. It was a situation where ten men targeted one. ¡°Three.¡± Audin counted as he observed. ¡°He¡¯spletely insane.¡± Even as he spoke, the squad leader felt uneasy. His back tingled, and his stomach churned. What was that just now? How could someone casually deflect a spear with their bare hands? Was he wearing something on his hands? He did wear thin white gloves, but they didn¡¯t look likebat gauntlets. Besides, his hands were quiterge. ¡°Two.¡± While he was thinking, the count decreased. The squad leader spat on the ground and said, ¡°Pfft, kill him.¡± The order was given. ¡°One.¡± Thest number came from Audin¡¯s mouth as well. This was a final gesture of mercy. If anyone had picked up a coin from the Goddess of luck, they should retreat¡ªmercy and kindness. ¡®Just for today.¡¯ He had chosen to answer the call of the war God. He didn¡¯t need to be a disciple of the war God. It wasn¡¯t to that extent. Audin hoped for an opponent simr to the giant from the enemy side. Since he had decided to invoke the name of the war God, it was natural for him to want a proper fight. ¡°Then.¡± Between the flying spearheads, he said calmly. ¡®One¡¯ as the word left his lips, Audin drew his weapon. It couldn¡¯t be called his favorite weapon. He had left his favorite weapon when he departed from the temple. This was merely a substitute. A wooden club soaked in oil. It wasn¡¯t studded or made of metal. But it would suffice. Boom. To the enemy soldier who thrust his spear, it looked as if Audin had disappeared. Of course, that wasn¡¯t the case. He had simply bent backward, almost lying down to avoid the spear. Three soldiers had simultaneously aimed their spears at his chest. Disying agility that belied his size, Audin rose to his feet, pushing off the ground with his feet. With a light swing of his club, he struck. Thud! With a single sweep of his club in an arc, three spears were knocked to the right. ¡°Whoa!¡± As the three spearmen lost their bnce and staggered, Audin took another step forward. Then, his club came down on an enemy soldier¡¯s head. Thud! With a single blow, one head was crushed. Thud, thud! Thud, thud! With each swing, three heads burst. It happened in an instant. Audin, despite hisrge build, was as quick as a squirrel. ¡°Uh¡­?¡± The rest followed simrly. Whether spears or throwing knives came his way, he dodged or caught them and threw them back. Then, he would approach and smash heads with his club. Thud, and heads burst like pumpkins. No, the heads seemed even softer than pumpkins. A soldier from Naurillia, watching from behind, clicked his tongue. ¡°He¡¯s a monster.¡± Everyone knows that if you dodge and strike, you win. It¡¯s just that no one else could execute it like that. With each thud, a head burst. At first, it was just with his club. When the enemies started shooting arrows and charging, he began using his feet. It felt like watching a charging cavalry. Whoever he approached was knocked down. ¡°Hahahaha!¡± Meanwhile, their monstrous ally let out a heartyugh. ¡°May the blessings of the war God be with you!¡± And he shouted again. He seemedpletely insane. Of course, for the Naurillia soldier watching, there was a sense of relief. After all, that madman was on their side. ¡°Charge everyone!¡± Themand unit quickly assessed the situation. With the changing tides, the entire army charged forward. Audin continued to rampage in the midst of the enemy forces. ¡°You, where do you think you¡¯re going!¡± In the chaos, a few skilled fighters from the Gray Hound unit challenged him. However, ¡°Wee, brother!¡± Audin feinted with his club, pulling it back before twisting his waist on his left foot andunching a kick. It was a kick that seemed like an extension of his log-like thighs. Thud! Crack! A light middle kick folded the opponent¡¯s body in half. What kind of kick has such power? It was as if he had iron shin guards on. With a single blow, the enemy¡¯s body bent in half. The impact caused internal organs to rupture, and his face turned red as his blood vessels burst. The struck enemy flew to the side, knocking down three or four other enemy soldiers. ¡°What the hell is he?¡± To the enemy soldiers, it was bewildering. Audin fought like an anthill, consuming everything that approached him. * * * The Fairy Company Commander stared directly at the approaching figure. The opponent was also a Fairy. It wasn¡¯t unusual to encounter and fight a fellow Fairy in such a ce. Times had changed. Gone were the days when Fairies huddled together in the forest. A closed society tends to be obsolete. And when it bes obsolete, it is forgotten. Gods and Fairies alike would eventually give up their homes to invading hands. The choices of the Fairies of the past had changed the lives of their descendants. Some traded their ages for Krona. They became mercenaries or joined the military for other rewards. Thus, the Fairy Company Commander, Sinar, thought there was little difference between himself and his opponent. Whether for Krona or some other purpose. In any case, the fact that they had to fight once they faced each other as enemies did not change. ¡°A needle sword?¡± The leaf de was called Naidil. The needle sword, a pointed weapon designed for thrusting, was called Naidil. They were weapons specific to the Fairy race. Two weapons facing each other with different purposes. ¡°So, there are more of our kind.¡± The Fairy from Aspen was a sharp-eyed male. He had short hair and a stubborn-looking mouth. Well, most Fairies are stubborn. Even Sinar, a Fairy, acknowledged this. The tip of the opponent¡¯s sword was red. Blood dripped from its tip onto the ground. The troops had backed away, forming a circle around the two. On one side was the Company Commander. On the other, a trump card prepared by the army. ¡°If you run, I won¡¯t chase you down and kill you.¡± The male Fairy spoke. As he looked at her blood-stained needle sword, Sinar also drew his sword. A metallic ring sounded. It was the Naidil, the leaf de. ¡°That was supposed to be my line.¡± Soon, the two exchanged blows. The fight didn¡¯tst long. Sinar was a few levels above the Fairy wielding the needle sword. Talent, skill, experience, and finesse. The male Fairy couldn¡¯t surpass Sinar in any of these. After a few exchanges, the de of Sinar¡¯s leaf sword grazed the male Fairy¡¯s neck. Slick! Feeling the sensation in his hand, Sinar was certain of his opponent¡¯s death. The male Fairy, clutching his throat, fell forward. Seeing this, Sinar felt quite displeased. ¡®Bastards, aren¡¯t they?¡¯ It was a bait. The real threat came next. While he was fighting this man, he sensed the killing intent of at least three others targeting him. They used the bait to draw his attention and then strike from behind. They were trying to assassinate themander this way. Their intention was obvious. The only unexpected variable was that the ally of this dying man hadn¡¯t arrived yet. That was why he died with his eyes wide open. ¡®How sordid.¡¯ Of course, on the battlefield, being sordid could be an advantage, if sessful. Unfortunately for the enemy, they lost the chance to show their sordidness. The killing intent vanished. There could be two reasons. One, the enemy gave up and fled. The other, external intervention. The answer was thetter. A man was wiping his sword clean on the clothes of the corpse. His brown eyes had a hint of red. His hair, a simr reddish-brown, had not a drop of blood on it. No, Sinar, the Fairy Company Commander, had never seen this man covered in blood. He was always clean. Well, except when he was with a courtesan, his clothes would be in disarray. He had seen that too. The man wasing out after being with a woman. ¡°Here?¡± ¡°Had nothing else to do.¡± Jaxon responded to the captain¡¯s words. Jaxon was different. Seeing Encrid¡¯s growth had filled him with joy. If he were around, he couldn¡¯t help but express it. His mouth itched, and so did his hands. He wanted to release this feeling somewhere. It seemed there were others who gave off a simr vibe. Jaxon, emerging through the fog, followed the Fairy Company Commander. He cut the throats of the three assassins. It wasn¡¯t difficult. Even though they were Fairies and highly skilled by normal standards, to Jaxon, they were just okay. They were fighters who honed their natural talents rather than being properly trained. In a way, Jaxon found them the easiest to deal with. ¡°Are you just going to leave your toon leader?¡± At the Fairy¡¯s question, Jaxon tilted his head. ¡°If he were to die in such a ce, he would have died long ago.¡± It was high praise. It was akin to saying he believed in Encrid. He was now at a level where there was no need to watch over him anymore. ¡®Next time.¡¯ It was time to teach him something other than just movement. After honing his senses, what was the next training? If he had opened the Gate of Sixth Sense. ¡®Observe well and respond.¡¯ These were things that still required time and effort to master. Had he ever taught such things properly? It didn¡¯t seem like it. ¡°Sigh.¡± As Jaxon thought about this, he sighed, wondering why he was being so serious. In truth, it wasn¡¯t something he needed to teach. Seeing this, the Fairy Company Commander spoke. ¡°This Battalion Commander is no fool. He knows how to fight by reading the flow.¡± Did she think he sighed because the unit wasn¡¯t moving? That wasn¡¯t the case. Jaxon was always good at hiding his true thoughts. The Fairy Company Commander did not misunderstand his sigh. Would that crazy toon even care about such things? It was just that Jaxon was right in front of her, demonstrating his skills by killing the three assassins. Her words suggested that the tide was changing. Her words reached not just Jaxon but the surrounding soldiers. She implied that the momentum would shift, leading to a victory for their forces. ¡°Form up, everyone.¡± At hermand, the fivepany members who had followed her as guards lined up behind her. As soon as she finished speaking, horn signals red from all directions, and messengers ran. As she said. Marcus knew how to ride the flow. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: /revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: /revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 132 Marcus felt dizzy. Cold sweat trickled down his forehead, quickly making it damp. ¡®These bastards?¡¯ His mouth went dry at the enemy¡¯s tricks. But he couldn¡¯t just stand by and watch. He was themander of the current infantry battalion. The reinforcements had joined, expanding the unit to two battalions. ¡°Turtle Company, hold the rear! The rest, hold back the Giant! Don¡¯t break formation! Anyone retreating gets an arrow to the back of the head!¡± His deputy echoed the same orders. A messenger, having heard the condensedmand, ran in all directions. ¡°Damn it, just hold them! If you retreat, you die!¡± It could have been the worst situation. Forcing soldiers to sacrifice themselves would plummet morale, and once pushed back, gaining a strategic advantage would be a pipe dream. But there was no other choice. They needed time to regroup the troops. The horn sounded repeatedly. ¡°Booooooo!¡± Marcus thought as he looked at the damp fog that obscured his view. What a damned and wretched environment. Hadn¡¯t they almost died in this crazy fog on a previous battlefield? That time, it was fog created by magic. How did they resolve it back then? With the previous Battalion Commander¡¯s wit and tactics? ¡®What a load of crap that not even a dog would believe.¡¯ He knew what kind of man the former Battalion Commander was¡ªa nobleman who liked bribes more than his abilities. It was surely someone else who had broken the spell. Despite the secrecy, it was likely that toon leader nicknamed the ¡°Spell Breaker¡±. The soldier, with a stroke of luck, rumored to have slept with the Goddess of luck. The soldier they sent to the Cross Guard, who even managed to handle the tasks there¡ªsomething different about him. For some reason, that soldier came to mind at this moment. The soldier¡¯s name, who had been called to control the Madmen toon and do something, remained vividly in his mind. Encrid. As the thoughts connected and ended. Beyond the slowly dissipating fog. A figure, several heads taller than a human, came into view. ¡°Insane.¡± A Giant. The enemymander must have been determined. Instead of fighting half-heartedly, they concentrated their forces and challenged the main unit. If this was a gamble, they had put all their chips on the table. ¡®In the midst of all this, they do something like that?¡¯ It had been a series of shocks from the beginning. Lowering morale with duels between soldiers. Probing the rear. Sending out a Giant to overturn the battle in one move. Was this the work of a genius strategist? Or was it a brute-force strategy that happened to work out? He didn¡¯t know. The battlefield only speaks through results. Both achievements and victories do. Thus, if they lost here, Marcus felt it would be due to his own shorings. As anxiety pounded in his chest, he couldn¡¯t help butugh. There was a reason they called him a war fanatic. In such situations, Marcus felt his desires and primal instincts surge. A chariot of desire, pounding in his chest, fueled his entire body with blood. ¡®If we can just catch a bit of momentum.¡¯ Marcus was not the type to n everything meticulously and devise a strategy. He was a gambler. The thinking was left to his subordinates. ¡°We need to retreat. It will take at least a whole toon to deal with a single Giant.¡± ¡°We must acknowledge that the enemy¡¯s move is lethal.¡± ¡°We should regroup and engage them with archers, not Turtle Heavy Infantry¡ª¡± Before his group of deputies, gathered for their brains, could finish speaking. ¡°On the left nk! Fairies and assassins are appearing, assassinatingmanders indiscriminately!¡± What the hell? ¡°On the right nk! More than a squad of war mercenaries are rampaging. They¡¯re elite!¡± It was chaos. A nightmare. Yet, Marcus¡¯s heart did not shrink. ¡®It doesn¡¯t feel like it¡¯s over yet.¡¯ Ignoring the look of his deputy who wanted to retreat, Marcus said nothing. Change, even a small one, would be good. If the direction of the wind shifted even a little. Marcus swallowed hard and waited. What if the winds of change didn¡¯t blow? ¡®No, there¡¯s a chance.¡¯ When people gather, there are always exceptional individuals. There would be such individuals within the infantry battalion as well. What they needed was a small gesture to break the conforming wave. Marcus believed such a moment woulde. ¡°Commander!¡± The deputy shouted, almost defiantly. The urgency was clear. Meanwhile, a messenger came running. From a distance, loudly announcing the battlefield¡¯s situation. The messenger¡¯s voice was so strained, it seemed he might copse from shouting. ¡°Urgent report! Urgent report! The Giant has been in!¡± Change, the change he had been waiting for, relying purely on instinct. It didn¡¯t matter who did it. ¡°Counterattack!¡± Marcus shouted. It was the moment for the army¡¯s counteroffensive to begin. He disyed excellent ability as amander. He was a skilled leader. With hismand, the Naurillia forces became like charging turtles. It was a circr assault formation centered around the Turtle Heavy Infantry unit. It was arge-scale group battle Marcus was confident in. * * * The death of the Giant was just the beginning. The winds of change started to blow fiercely across the battlefield, like a powerful typhoon signaling the shift from summer to autumn. ¡°Charge!¡± The voices of soldiers who became messengers due to their loud voices echoed near each Company Commander. ¡°Boooooo!¡± The horn sounded themand to advance. ¡°Charge!¡± ¡°Yeah!¡± ¡°Crush them all!¡± ¡°Die, you bastards!¡± Bell joined in the charge as well. Seeing Rem, who killed the Giant, and the prowess of their allies who had withstood the Giant¡¯s power, stirred his heart. It felt like they couldn¡¯t lose this battle, that was the sense he had. Thud! Infantry armed with spears charged first, stabbing the enemy like thorns. Squelch! The enemy ranks held firm. The trained soldiers of Aspen were resilient. They braced themselves with shields and armor, countering with their own spears. ¡°Open up!¡± A shout came from behind their own spearmen. So what? Do they think they¡¯re as tough as us? The Turtle Heavy Infantry Company. 1st Company of the 4th Battalion, 4th Regiment of the Cyprus Division. Elite forces renowned within the unit, named after knights. Not a separate independent unit, but the core strength of the force. They moved into action. Their tactics were simple, and the overarching strategy was even simpler. ¡®Advance, break, and shatter.¡¯ The Turtle Heavy Infantry Company moved not for defense, but for an attack. Their steps were slow but heavy. If the spear-wielding infantry at the front was the spearhead, then this was the war hammer. A war hammer meant to crush shields and armor. The primary equipment of the heavy infantry was usually spears, but what was needed now was a powerful forward charge. They advanced, having reced their gear with blunt weapons designed to crush the enemy¡¯s shields and armor. The unit, d inyers¡ªfirst underclothes, then a gambeson, chainmail over that, and steel gauntlets and greaves on their arms and legs¡ªcharged forward. As they moved in formation, they resembled a charging mass of iron. Ten heavy infantry soldiers at the front all moved in unison. They raised their weapons vertically above their heads. The longer maces, casting shadows over the blood-soaked ground, were ready. ¡°Damn.¡± One of the enemy soldiers muttered. The ten heavy infantry soldiers at the front simultaneously brought their weapons down. The war hammers sliced through the air, smashing into the enemy¡¯s shields, armor, and poorly raised spears. Bang! Crash! Thud! Crack! A cacophony of sounds erupted all at once, mingling together. It was the impact of their first charge. There were no casualties among the enemy soldiers. It was a battle of formations. They didn¡¯t copse in one strike, but the problem was what came next. The formations became tightly packed. The boundaries between them blurred, ovepping. Like the sun and moon breaking down each other¡¯s boundaries before dawn. The soldiers of both armies fought to maintain their boundaries. The heavy infantry, fighting in ce, showed their formidable power. Crack! With a second blow, a buckler shattered, sending splinters into the air. The eyes of an Aspen soldier holding the broken shield widened in fear. A war hammer came crashing down again, this time onto his helmet. Thud! ¡°Ugh!¡± A leather helmet couldn¡¯t absorb the impact of the iron blow. The soldier¡¯s skull caved in with a single strike, and he fell. The heavy infantry marched over him. Crunch, crunch. Bones broke, faces caved in, and blood spilled. The weight crushed the life out of the body. Death was the only thing left for the soldier beneath the heavy infantry. ¡°Advance, one step!¡± The Commander of the heavy infantry maintained the unit¡¯s proud formation. Slowly, step by step, they advanced, tightening the noose around the enemy. It was slow and deliberate, not a rush or charge. But the enemy had no room to retreat. ¡°Sweep them away.¡± The Company Commander was filled with confidence. And rightly so¡ªthe tide of battle had suddenly turned. If there had been a knight in this battle, if it had started with a duel of knights, things might have been different. But the enemy hadn¡¯t fought that way. They hid their ace, only to reveal it and strike. But their own de was stronger. A de more solid than expected. No one could have predicted that Rem, known as a madman, would y with and kill a Giant. ¡°Uoooooooh!¡± A roar split the air, rising into the sky. The soldiers were all fired up. Their eyes were red as they thrust spears and swung swords. Some even picked up and threw axes. At this point, Marcus¡¯smand shone again. After breaking the enemy¡¯s formation with the heavy infantry assault. ¡°Shoot! Shoot! Shoot them all!¡± A unit maneuvered to the nk. It was a swift light-armored archer unit, a ranger squad armed with short bows. An exceptional ranger, who had recently joined the unit, led them. Her name was Finn. Upon hearing Marcus¡¯s orders, she understood what he wanted. Arrows flew, though not many died from them. They simply kept shooting, without holding back on arrows. ¡°Surrender! Drop your weapons and bow your heads to the ground! Surrender and you won¡¯t be killed!¡± The cry was repeated. Several loud-voiced messengers echoed themand across the battlefield. Those on the outskirts, already demoralized and retreating, were further disheartened. Upon encountering Finn, they all had to drop their weapons and raise their hands. ¡°Don¡¯t kill them! Don¡¯t kill them!¡± Finn deliberately spared those who surrendered. The effect was evident. Many began to bow their heads to the ground. It was the moment the tide of the battlepletely turned. After killing the Giant, Rem dusted off his hands. ¡®Looks like the fight¡¯s over.¡¯ It had been fun up to this point. What was next? It was time to chase down and massacre the enemy. But he felt no enthusiasm. It wasn¡¯t out of some soft-hearted reluctance tomit a massacre. The battle was already won. Chasing them down was just a hassle. He looked around to see if the enemy had hidden another Giant or something simr, but there was nothing. There was just somemotion among the enemy¡¯smand. They¡¯re going to flee soon. ¡®Why not cast a spell or something?¡¯ But there was no sign of that. The momentum had shifted, and the battle was over. That was Rem¡¯s assessment. He turned to find his toon leader. ¡°Where the hell¡­?¡± Where did that guy go? He was supposed to watch from behind. He hadn¡¯t even properly seen Rem fighting the Giant before disappearing. And none of the others, including the stray cat, were around? So, he must have left with one of them? ¡®Huh?¡¯ He started feeling uneasy. ¡°Hooray! Mad toon forever!¡± ¡°Long live Rem!¡± Thanks to killing the Giant, people around were still praising Rem¡¯s name. Everyone he passeduded Rem. The madman on their side had killed the enemy Giant, who was crazed with ughter. Most impressive was the final move. After seeing the Giant wield a massive Giant hammer, Rem had kicked the Giant¡¯s thigh and then punched the fingers holding the weapon, breaking them. He thenunched himself into the air, spinning, and with his head going toward the ground, Rem¡¯s foot struck the Giant¡¯s chin. It was a powerful hit. Then he picked up a spear lying around and pierced it through the Giant¡¯s broken jaw, up to the back of its head, creating a masterpiece. The fallen Giant looked like a sculpture. Rem, standing before it, seemed like a hero from a story. Giants often appear as viins in novels. So it was natural for cheers to erupt continuously. ¡°Shut up!¡± Rem yelled, even as people praised him. His voice was so loud that those around him, who had been praising him, fell silent. Then, the nickname they had for Rem shone brightly in their minds, like the moonlight. ¡°Just a madman.¡± A madman who rants and raves without reason. A madman who gets angry and curses for no reason. ¡°Where¡¯s our toon leader?¡± Someone raised a hand and pointed in one direction. There stood Encrid, holding two axes. He was alreadying this way. Rem, Ragna, and Encrid met. ¡°Hey, I told you to watch¡­.¡± ¡°I picked them up on the way.¡± Encrid cut off Rem and tossed the weapons. The two axes cut through the air andnded in Rem¡¯s hands. Rem grabbed them with a quick motion. ¡°Hmm?¡± The grip felt good,fortable in his hands. Upon holding and feeling them. They were better than what he had used before. Handcrafted weapons that had tasted blood. From the bnce to the axe des. These were well-crafted, high-quality weapons. ¡°So, you went to get these because my axes were broken?¡± A straightforward task, as long as it got done. Encrid knew Rem well. ¡°Yes.¡± Rem nodded in agreement. Although they stumbled upon this oue by chance, if it brought peace, so be it. The murderous aura that had been emanating from Rem softened significantly. The killing intent dissipated. ¡°Did you see what I told you to watch?¡± ¡°Yes, I saw. The axe that stopped the Giant. Oveing with strength.¡± Rem looked into his toon leader¡¯s eyes as Encrid spoke. The axes, thrown as a joke, were not what mattered. In his eyes, there was a burning me, a desire and passion that could be called ambition. A seeker, walking a path stained with blood to learn, grow, and find his dream. That was enough. This was why Rem liked Encrid as a person. ¡°Good.¡± Rem smiled. Encrid smiled too. Their smiles were different, yet simr. Ragna, observing this, murmured. ¡°First, you need to attach the sword to your body.¡± Suddenly, Jaxon appeared behind Ragna, having approached without a sound or warning. ¡°When your senses ripen and the sixth sense opens, what¡¯s next? Refinement, training each aspect separately, and learning how to react. There¡¯s a lot to do.¡± Encrid turned his gaze. He met Jaxon¡¯s eyes and asked silently. ¡®What does that all mean?¡¯ There was no answer. ¡°Next time.¡± It seemed that this one, more than Ragna, had a knack for cutting things off. ¡°This guy? Interrupting?¡± Rem red. Before they could exchange more sharp words, Audin returned. ¡°Whoa! Our mad Giant is stronger!¡± What an incredible cheer. Indeed, he had be a mad Giant on their side. Covered in blood, smiling serenely. Dripping blood from his sleeves, he smiled so purely¡ªwas it a skill or just madness? ¡°Do you know the core of Vf-Stylebat?¡± This one seemed simr too. Encrid¡¯s gaze turned to the mad Giant. Audin shed a grin. ¡°Damn, everyone¡¯s butting in?¡± Remined. They all exuded a tense aura. Encrid watched for a moment and then intervened. In the middle of the battlefield, regardless of the ongoing fight, these people were focused on teaching Encrid. And these individuals were the true heroes of this battle. As Encrid calmed the group of heroes, he asked, ¡°But where are the others?¡± He noticed that Andrew and the others were missing. ¡°They got swept up and went ahead.¡± Rem responded. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: /revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: /revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 133 Andrew and Mac drew their swords. Meanwhile, Enri repeatedly drew the bowstring of the shortbow he had brought instead of a crossbow. He shot whenever he saw an opening. If an enemy approached unexpectedly or if he saw a fallen enemy soldier on the ground, he would strike their head with a hand axe. Thud! Though he couldn¡¯t split heads in one blow like Rem, it wasn¡¯t as if the enemy¡¯s head remained intact. With a partially shattered head, blood flowing through the gaps in the helmet, and eyes filled with resentment or despair, they looked just like beasts he had killed. Enri turned his gaze away, thinking such reflections were a luxury on the battlefield. After all, that was all Enri did. The rest was handled by Andrew and Mac. Even if they weren¡¯t as fierce as those known as the ¡°Madmen toon¡± they were still formidable. ¡°Do you think the Gray Hound is a joke?¡± One of the enemy soldiers shouted, having taken down several of their own. He had a fierce look in his eyes, and blood dripped from the tip of the short spear in his hand. Andrew faced him. It took only five exchanges. He blocked twice, shed twice, and then, with a swift thrust, he pierced the enemy with one hand. That thrust strangely resembled Encrid¡¯s technique, at least to Enri¡¯s eyes. Mac, meanwhile, efficiently cut down the enemy soldiers, ensuring that Andrew didn¡¯t advance too far. ¡°That¡¯s enough.¡± When Mac¡¯s words were heard, Andrew stopped dead in his tracks. Then he began to pound his chest with both hands. ¡°Uaargh!¡± What was that? Why was he shouting suddenly? It seemed like he had learned something wrong from Rem. ¡°Come at me! Even these barely matured whelps!¡± It was a clumsy taunt, and the chest-thumping was utterly baffling. Still, in his excitement, Andrew fought well. Enri watched the two of them, along with the others, from behind. Blood spattered across the tops of helmets. With the apanying shouts. ¡°Kill, kill!¡± The shouts filled with murderous intent. ¡°Please, no!¡± The desperate pleas for life. In the midst of the battlefield, where life and death mingled, Enri realized something. ¡®This is it.¡¯ While some cheered for the Crazy toon and others were moved by their actions, Enri saw his limits and realized that this was as far as he could go. ¡°Uaargh!¡± Andrew let out a roar as his sword swished through the air, slicing through an enemy soldier¡¯s corbone and neck. Squish. He pulled the half-embedded sword out. ¡°Aaaah!¡± The enemy soldier¡¯s scream followed the movement of the de. After realizing his limits, Enri longed to return to being a ins hunter. However, the ins he once knew had be a battlefield. Now, returning to the city and living as the husband of the flower shop widow didn¡¯t seem like a bad life. She, that widow, who lost her husband in the war and was raising a child alone¡ªshe was a strong woman. Enri missed the flower shop widow very much. He wanted to leave the battlefield and return to her immediately. It was fitting to end the life of Enri the hunter, Enri the soldier, here. ¡°So sentimental.¡± Enri muttered to himself as he watched the battlefield nearing its end. The enemymander was very quick on his feet. His judgment was swift. At some point, themander¡¯s g and his escort had quietly slipped away. Most of the remaining troops surrendered. Only a few resisted. The battle wasing to an end. In the midst of this. ¡°Hail to the madmen!¡± Cheers, the likes of which had never been heard before, pierced the air. It was the cry of victory. * * * Themander of Aspen¡¯s forces was fleeing in haste. ¡°Damn bastards.¡± He was a capablemander, so he quickly grasped the situation. Who was it that overturned the battlefield? Where did the wind of change start blowing? The guy with the axe and a few others. Intelligence was needed. He had to inform them that there were dangerous individuals among the enemy. Although he had already sent a pigeon. As amander who had experienced it firsthand, he felt the weight of final responsibility¡­ ¡°I thought it was a false dawn. You bastards!¡± His heart sank. A sudden shout, a unit armed with various weapons blocking the rear. They seemed to be an independent force. They were not allies. Definitely not. The eagle emblem on their right shoulders was clearly visible. ¡°Did we lose because those guys weren¡¯t there?¡± Themander muttered to himself, his escort surrounding him tightly. But that was the limit. ¡°The ughterer of the Frontier bastards.¡± The enemy, Naurillia¡¯s proudbat unit, was the ughterer of the Frontier. They had bypassed the battlefield and secretly ambushed this location. Their purpose was to disrupt the returning enemy forces, reduce their numbers, and demoralize them. Originally, it would have been a meaningless move if the Giant¡¯s blow hadnded properly, but now it was a critical hit. The Border Guard was also taken aback. They were supposed to attack the rear and discreetly harass the enemy from behind. But what was this? The enemy had be a pack of pursued wild dogs. It was not the time to consider the situation carefully. The Border Guard Captain did what needed to be done. Upon confirming Aspen¡¯s rear was undefended, he switched the strategy to an ambush instead of overtaking the rear positions. If the enemy hadn¡¯te, they nned to return to their main force, but since they hade¡­ ¡°Take them all down.¡± The Border Guard Captain issued the death sentence. The enemymander and his escort resisted, but the oue remained unchanged. ¡°Retreat! Retreat!¡± Themander shouted as he charged forward. It was quite an impressive scene. Shouting for retreat while not fleeing but instead charging in, it was clear he was trying to save as many of his soldiers as possible. Such an act deserved respect. The Border Guard Captain stepped forward personally. ng! ng! ng! In his hands was a il, with the iron ball at the end spinning and the chain clinking. ¡°I¡¯ll send you off properly.¡± The captain kept his word. The fight was brief. One side was originally amander renowned for his strength. The other side was specialized in strategic thinking. Swish. The iron ball at the end of the il moved in an erratic trajectory. Thud! The head of Aspen¡¯smander shattered, with blood and brain matter sttering. That was the end of it. ¡°Aaaah!¡± It didn¡¯t take long to deal with the remaining fleeing soldiers. Thwack! With an axe embedded in thest enemy soldier¡¯s head, the battle concluded. It was a scene befitting the title of ¡°The ughterer of the Frontier¡±. As they left the scene of the massacre behind, the Border Guard Captain spoke. ¡°Return to base.¡± The Border Guard quickly moved back to their main camp. Their intention had been to disrupt the enemy¡¯s retreat or cut off their supply lines, not to crack themander¡¯s skull. How had the battle turned out like this? Curiosity, intrigue, and expectation mixed as they moved. And finally, what they saw there was their own forces cheering in victory. The victory on the battlefield was evident to all, marked by the overwhelming dominance they had disyed. And there was no question about who was at the center of it all. They were the ones who had shattered the enemy¡¯s prepared defenses in every encounter. And the man who led these warriors. The unit hemanded. Among the cheers, the name of the group resounded. ¡°Madmen tooooon!¡± ¡°Crazy! Cra-zy!¡± ¡°You crazy bastards!¡± Battalion Commander Marcus didn¡¯t stop the cheers. In fact, he made sure everyone knew who the heroes of this battle were. He had messengers shout the name of the Madmen toon. Amidst the cheers. Encrid and the Madmen toon stood there. Surrounded by a circle of their own troops. Torres also saw them and looked at Encrid¡¯s face, thinking. ¡°It¡¯s definitely a group of madmen.¡± Where was the normalcy in any of them? And though no one would admit it. From what he had experienced. Encrid was also a madman. For many reasons, but the biggest one was. ¡®The fact that he thrives among those crazy bastards.¡¯ Wasn¡¯t that proof of madness? Moreover, he seemed to fit in perfectly. * * * The Fairy Company Commander murmured as she watched the cheers and the flow of the battlefield. ¡°Spring has its own magic.¡± Spring, the season of gentle breezes, had returned. The battle, which had begun at dawn, ended around midday. As the sun passed overhead, a warm wind blew. Spring. Like flowers born in winter and blooming in spring. The warm wind following the bitter cold always carried a certain magic. Before the magic of spring, signaling a new beginning. A man imbued with that magic stood tall, receiving the cheers of everyone. The Fairy Company Commander¡¯s gaze followed the man cloaked in the magic of spring. Encrid. The face of the man leading the Madmen toon came into her view. * * * Encrid enjoyed the cheers of the battlefield. ¡®Not bad.¡¯ People shouting his name. Calling for the Madmen toon. He knew who had changed the course of this battle. It was his toon members who had done it. Rem had killed the Giant. Audin had broken the enemy¡¯s formation. Jaxon must have done something as well, though he hadn¡¯t asked or heard about it yet. But he was sure of it. And then, he and Ragna had taken down those who appeared on the right side of the battlefield. The ten mercenaries wielding deadly swords. If left alone, they would have cut down their own forces. ¡®Well done.¡¯ It wasn¡¯t bad. So it was alright to enjoy these cheers. ¡°Feels good, huh?¡± Remughed nearby. ¡°Yeah.¡± Encrid responded honestly, as usual. ¡°Seriously, you¡¯re such a straightforward person.¡± Rem grumbled, giving up on teasing him. Why was he so quick to ept things? Just then, others returned. ¡°Reporting back under Andrew¡¯smand.¡± No matter how much Rem beat him or how Audin threatened him with soft words, Andrew was proud to be the Squad leader of the Madmen toon. Just by looking at the blood speckled on their helmets, it was clear they had fought quite fiercely. Encrid nodded. ¡°Did you bring back amander¡¯s head? Or maybe the Giant¡¯s balls?¡± Failing to tease his toon leader, Rem turned his sights on Andrew. ¡°Well, instead of one Giant, it felt like I took down two hundred men with my own hands.¡± It was clearly a boast. Everyone knew it was a boast. But everyone also knew that, so it didn¡¯t sound bad. There was a certain lightness in the atmosphere within the toon. ¡°Bullshit.¡± Rem ended the conversation with a chuckle. Ragna, too, seemed to have found a way to calm whatever had been boiling within him. He was now as rxed andnguid as usual. Most notably, Jaxon was also smiling. And as for Audin, there was nothing more to be said. With his serene demeanor, he looked like a pdin summoned by the Gods, especially when the light behind him shone just right. He gently surveyed the surroundings, even while holding a club stained dark red, the atmosphere remained calm. Krais watched everyone and pondered. ¡®How did things turn out like this?¡¯ It was one of Krais¡¯s habits to deduce the cause from the result. ¡®Did it start with that sparring session?¡¯ Krais prided himself on being the most perceptive in the toon. He sensed a peculiar atmosphere change after Encrid returned and the sparring sessions began. Rem, Ragna, Jaxon, Audin. The four who were the core of theirbat strength had a change in demeanor. They seemed to be in better spirits? That was the simple exnation. Digging deeper, it felt as if some burden had been lifted. Could it have been from just one sparring session? They sparred daily, after all. ¡®No, that¡¯s not it.¡¯ He remembered seeing the toon leader fight Frog. He also saw him bite off the enemymander¡¯s ear afterward. Whether it was the Valen Mercenary Sword Technique or some other style. That wasn¡¯t what mattered. Krais had observed his toon leader for a long time. The same was true for the others. ¡®Growth.¡¯ A remarkable growth. Even though they knew Encrid would never reach the same level as them, they had helped him nheless. They wanted to see him rise, walk, and run. But all the toon members knew. They couldn¡¯t ignore the reality that they had seen many who couldn¡¯t surpass the limits of their talent. No matter what Encrid did, standing alongside them was impossible. But now, what was it? ¡°Well done, everyone.¡± Encrid stood before all the toon members and spoke. Krais, looking at Encrid¡¯s back, felt a surge of emotion. He was the same toon leader as always, yet different in a way. The afternoon sunlight, the warm breeze, the scent of the battlefield, the smell of rusted iron and blood, the aroma of death. All these elements blended together and then faded away. Krais admitted to himself that he was under some kind of spell. Just looking at Encrid felt like being caught in a captivating enchantment. It could be called the magic of spring. As the saying goes, spring carries a certain magic. The gazes of all the toon members watching Encrid became simr. And it wasn¡¯t just them. Battalion Commander Marcus, who had been observing from the side, had a simr expression as he approached. ¡°Raise a cheer.¡± The Battalion Commander walked up and spoke. Marcus smiled at Encrid, who turned to look at him. ¡°A cheer for the greatest hero of the battlefield.¡± Amid the cheers and shouts for the Madmen toon, the Battalion Commander¡¯s words spread widely. A cheer that seemed to break the spring sky erupted. Uwaaah! It was the shout of those intoxicated by the joy of victory and the magic of spring. It was the joy brought by victory on the battlefield. Ultimately, it was a cheer for those who had achieved victory. Encrid quietly enjoyed the cheer. It wasn¡¯t bad. Not bad at all. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: /revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: /revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 134 Under themand of Battalion Commander Marcus, the infantry constructed a new barracks. The new position was slightly more advanced than before. Encrid thought the location was ambiguous, but he didn¡¯t voice it. Isn¡¯t establishing the barracks and determining the position the responsibility of themander? Moreover, Marcus didn¡¯t seem like the type to handle things clumsily. You could tell just by how he called himself the greatest hero in battle. Nya¡ª As they moved the base, Estherined. Nyaa, nyaa. She kept whining. ¡®When you think about it, isn¡¯t this thing kind of strange?¡¯ She¡¯s a mystical creature, but there¡¯s something oddly peculiar about her. It¡¯s almost like she¡¯s human. The way Esther¡¯s words seemed to resonate in his ears as if she was actually speaking. Right now, it felt like she was saying, ¡°It¡¯s annoying.¡± Thinking she was whining, Encrid cradled her in his arms. When he first saw her on the battlefield, she was a very small panther. The next time he saw her¡ªwhen she saved him from Mitch Hurrier and the mustached swordsman¡ªshe had grown a bit. After that, she didn¡¯t grow any bigger. She was just the right size to hold, and she stopped there. Yet, this panther had dragged him by the neck with incredible speed. What kind of strength was that? ¡°Now that I think about it, you¡¯re a strong panther.¡± Encrid said, stroking the head of the panther in his arms. Ka! It seemed like she didn¡¯t appreciate thement. Esther bit Encrid¡¯s finger. It didn¡¯t draw blood, just left a mark. If she had meant it. ¡®My finger would¡¯ve been bitten off.¡¯ Feeling a strange urge to check her sharp fangs, he looked closely at her mouth, and Esther red at him. She behaved so much like a human. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Outside, Krais called out. Establishing a new base is quite aplex and challenging task. You have to set up a new camp, verify the supply routes, redefine the perimeter, and reconfigure the scout routes¡ªthere¡¯s a lot to change. Yet they insisted on setting up a new base. ¡°By the way, toon Leader, I feel like I fought the hardest, but it seems like only the toon Leader is getting all the cheers. Am I imagining things?¡± No, it wasn¡¯t just his imagination. Somehow, the atmosphere had shifted that way. Cheers for the Madmen Squad, cheers for Encrid. Remembering that moment, just two days ago at noon, made his chest tingle pleasantly. It wasn¡¯t a bad memory. ¡°Hm.¡± As Encrid remained silent, Audin, standing next to him,ughed and said, ¡°Hehe, my mad brother, it¡¯s because you took down a single Giant.¡± ¡°A single Giant?¡± ¡°My brother, I struck down dozens of enemy soldiers.¡± It wasn¡¯t just striking them, he killed them, quite brutally. Encrid witnessed it too. That crude clubbing. It struck fear into the enemy and relief into their allies. It was that kind of feeling. Some allies who watched closely even felt a strange fear towards Audin. Vengeance had told Encrid this directly. ¡°Hey, that guy in your toon who¡¯s deeply religious, why does he kill people with a smile? Is there something wrong with him?¡± Vengeance had said, tapping his head. Encrid defended Audin, providing a suitable excuse. He¡¯s so devout that he feels joy in creating friends for the God he worships. ¡°That sounds even stranger.¡± Vengeance muttered, but for Encrid, that was the best exnation. It was a hundred times better than beingbeled as a crazy religious fanatic who loves killing. ¡°Ten mercenaries drunk on bloodlust, it would have been fatal if left alone. Hmm, it probably was.¡± As Ragna joined the conversation, the atmosphere began to grow tense. Then, from the side, ament from Jaxon, who had been watching them silently, pierced their ears. ¡°Idiots.¡± The three turned their gazes. A dangerous tension filled the air. A suffocating pressure surrounded them. It felt like a fight could break out at any moment if anyone made the first move. This was just like the original Madmen Squad. When Encrid wasn¡¯t around, they would test each other and keep a reasonable distance, but now their words flowed without restraint. Krais didn¡¯t mind. He didn¡¯t feel any of the tension. Of course, it would have been problematic if Encrid hadn¡¯t been there, but now they were moving together. Andrew, observing from the side, contemted. ¡®Should I step in?¡¯ Wasn¡¯t he the Squad Leader? Should he try to defuse the situation before the toon Leader intervened? Andrew hesitated. His past experiences of getting hit held him back. Just then, Mac grabbed his sleeve and shook his head. It was a gesture as if Mac had read Andrew¡¯s mind. Encrid looked up at the sky for a moment. The sky felt different with the change in temperature. It was blue and clear, with no clouds. It was spring. The weather was pleasant. So he decided, ¡°That¡¯s enough.¡± It was a good day to stop a fight. He didn¡¯t need to step in physically like before. Instead, he drew his sword. Chiriring. One with his right hand. Then, Tiririring! One with his left hand. The sword drawn with his right hand shed down from above in the form of a vertical cut, while the sword in his left hand swung wide in a horizontal cut. The step involved pushing his left foot forward with the right foot following. This was the sword-drawing technique he had been pondering for days. It was a modified technique from the Valen Mercenary Sword Technique, originally designed as a dual sword-drawing technique where the first draw was a feint, but here, both sword strikes were meant to be significant. The sword in his right hand aimed at Rem. The sword in his left hand swung at Jaxon. Thud! The reactions of the two were starkly different. Rem blocked it with an axe, while Jaxon had already stepped back and dodged it. One sword was stopped, blocked. The other sliced through empty air. Encrid sheathed the sword that had cut through the air. ¡°What are you doing?¡± Jaxon asked. ¡°Want to give it a go? Sounds fun.¡± Rem snorted, his voice sounded amused. Suddenly, Esther, who was in his arms, thumped against his chest as he moved abruptly. ¡°Let¡¯s do this.¡± Encrid said, still holding his swords. It would be ridiculous to fight like this. With Esther in his arms, his chest was bulging. ¡°Let¡¯s do it.¡± Rem, putting away his axe, nodded and said. It could be said it was a peaceful day. Encrid sheathed his swords, calmed Esther, and continued walking. ¡®At least that¡¯s a relief.¡¯ If he had been told to carry supplies, he would have been even more irritated. The packs of Encrid and his toon were much lighterpared to other soldiers. ¡°Aren¡¯t you the heroes of this battle? You deserve a carriage.¡± Battalion Commander Marcus was generous, allowing them to walk with just their personal gear. Other units had to carry additional supplies and tentponents. Naturally, their pace slowed, but Marcus acted as if there was no urgency. Themotion caused by Encrid and his toon drew the attention of nearby soldiers, but soon they returned to their routines. It wasn¡¯t the first time these men had quarreled. As Encrid walked, he spected about the future events. Would they strike the enemy¡¯s rear like this? He shared this thought with Krais. Big Eyes shook his head. ¡°They won¡¯t do that.¡± ¡°Why?¡± ¡°If we¡¯ve gained the upper hand, wouldn¡¯t it be advantageous to strike the enemy¡¯s rear?¡± ¡°Holding the enemy¡¯s base can give us a much greater advantage on the battlefield.¡± Encrid tilted his head in confusion. Why wouldn¡¯t they fight? How is that advantageous? If they had an opportunity to strike from behind, they should take it. As Encrid stared at Krais, he began to exin. He spoke as if it was no big deal. ¡°If we attack the enemy¡¯s rear now, we¡¯ll reveal our position and strength to the enemy, and they will respond ordingly. They¡¯ll likely send forces capable of countering us. If they¡¯ve already used Giants, Fairy assassins, and mercenaries, what other options do you think they have left? Especially when their independentpany, the Gray Hound, has been half destroyed.¡± The question wasn¡¯t hard to answer. However, saying it out loud felt strange. Still, it wasn¡¯t a word to avoid. ¡°Knights.¡± ¡°At least at the squire level, or they¡¯ll increase their numbers. Although, I think they¡¯ll likely send a small, elite force.¡± Krais¡¯s eyes shone as he spoke. He continued without waiting for Encrid¡¯s response. ¡°We¡¯ve already taken advantage of the difficult terrain, and after facing our special forces, the enemy¡¯s morale must be affected. They¡¯ll likely try to repay us in the same manner. Of course, it¡¯s not out of fear of knights or simr forces that we¡¯re not attacking. As I mentioned earlier, it¡¯s about the benefits. From a broader perspective, looking at the battlefield as amander, it¡¯s a matter of gains and losses. Even if you lose on one front, you can win the war if you gain significantly on another. From that perspective, it¡¯s better to hold our position rather than strike the enemy¡¯s rear. We don¡¯t need to expend our forces unnecessarily, just being here keeps the enemy on edge. What do you think the enemy will do? They¡¯ll likely be quite confused. Meanwhile, our main force advances. So we don¡¯t need to fight. Besides, the enemy¡¯smander, Aspen, won¡¯t have the resources to divert forces here. That¡¯s why we don¡¯t need to fight. The reason for establishing a base in such an ambiguous position is simr. There¡¯s no need to advance further to strike the enemy¡¯s rear. If the enemy tries something, we can simply retreat and then retake the position a day or twoter. This current base is just a setup for that.¡± Encrid prided himself on his straightforwardness. He had always been that way with his toon members. ¡°Short and to the point.¡± He understood about half of what was said, but the rest didn¡¯t quite stick. Krais, whose eyes had been shining, took a few deep breaths. Yeah, you were talking without even pausing to breathe. After catching his breath, Krais continued. There was no need to choose his words carefully. ¡°It¡¯s like someone raising their hand to strike you from behind while another person holds your arms in front. How does that sound?¡± ¡°Sounds like a pain.¡± ¡°Yes, that¡¯s the situation the enemy is in.¡± If they tried to shake off the grip in front and block the rear, what would happen? Even if someone in front and behind swung simultaneously, one could block both quickly. But just standing there bes an unsettling situation. Sometimes, just sometimes, Krais didn¡¯t seem like a regr soldier with simple ambitions, despite his big eyes and small dreams of opening a salon for nobledies. For someone who dreamed of opening a noble salon, he had quite the sharp mind. It made one wonder if he might secretly be the son of some strategist or perhaps a hidden disciple. Predicting the enemymander¡¯s thoughts based on the situation in front of him, as well as the movements of their ownmander and main force, led to such thoughts. ¡°Of course, this is all just spection. If the enemymander decides to say, ¡®Forget it, I¡¯ll just kill them first¡¯, then they¡¯lle at us, knights or not.¡± Krais verbally expressed doubt, but his eyes conveyed a different message. He was an enigmatic guy. Encrid nodded. So, there won¡¯t be a battle. Knowing that was enough. Still, being here wouldn¡¯t be boring. Setting up the new base was the responsibility of other units. While they set up tents, lit fires, and prepared food, Encrid¡¯s Madmen Squad settled in one area. As soon as they did, Encrid called out to Rem. It wasn¡¯t necessarily about who was first, but implicitly, Rem always took the lead. Otherwise, you never knew what this wild barbarian might do. Ragna, sitting with his rear on a suitably warmed rock, turned his gaze. Jaxon, Audin, Andrew, and Mac all looked at Encrid. ¡°Let¡¯s begin.¡± Encrid said, and Rem grinned, revealing his sharp canines. That¡¯s right, that¡¯s our toon Leader. It was a smile that spoke volumes. Rem was still satisfied. And along with that satisfaction came a hope. He hoped this guy wouldn¡¯t die here. ¡°I¡¯ll say it upfront. You could die.¡± ¡°That¡¯s fine.¡± Death was not an obstacle for Encrid. He was living a life where today kept repeating itself. The torn, rolled, faded, and vanished dreamsy before him. Encrid¡¯s eyes gleamed with passion and desire. In front of him, Rem showed a simr look in his eyes. When had he ever seen a person like this? Never. This man, this continental man, was truly crazy. Rem chuckled. ¡°Good. Let¡¯s do it. Let¡¯s see if we can die.¡± Rem spoke and nodded. It was time to learn something new¡ªspecifically, what Rem had shown against the Giant. Encrid felt a thrilling excitement, yet also a strange calmness. It was a peculiar state where excitement and tranquility coexisted. It was a sign that the Heart of the Beast had ripened perfectly. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: /revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: /revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 135 ¡°Here.¡± Rem started, not caring who was watching. Right in front of the barracks, not in a corner or out of sight, but in the middle of everything. Grabbing Encrid¡¯s wrist, Rem ced it over his own heart and twisted his lips. What should he say? Even the smile had a yful mischief to it. Then, he began to whisper to Encrid. It was quiet enough that only someone trained by Jaxon in keen hearing could catch it. Speaking softly like this, conveying what he wanted to say, was a skill in itself. Ignoring the stares around them, it seemed like he was determined to do this. ¡°What you need is faith, and then you explode the heart. If the Heart of the Beast is ripe, try bursting the heart just enough so it doesn¡¯t shatter.¡± Rem spoke only the necessary words, saying nothing about the ritualistic effect that was taking ce. Encrid followed his instructions. If he hadn¡¯t trusted Rem in the first ce, he wouldn¡¯t have attached the Heart of the Beast to his body. Rem found that quite satisfactory. There was sincerity in Encrid¡¯s attitude, responses, and actions. He always put in his best effort. However, doing it the same way this time would ruin everything. ¡°Take it slow.¡± Rem¡¯s warning was like a sharp de. There was an unprecedented seriousness in his tone. A seriousness that was entirely different from his yful mischief. It made a strong impression on Encrid. It seemed to imply just how dangerous this was. So, he slowed his heartbeat. But could he really control his heart at will? At that moment, he began to feel Rem¡¯s heartbeat through his palm. Thump, thump! It was explosive. The energy within the heart seemed to transfer clearly to Encrid¡¯s hand. ¡°Do the same. Only about half of that.¡± So, this was it. Encrid waited for that sensation¡ªthe sensation of making his heart beat. It couldn¡¯t be exined with words. It couldn¡¯t be expressed through actions. It was simply something Rem demonstrated and passed on with his body. It was purely in the realm of intuition. And so¡­ ¡°This might just be my needless worry.¡± Rem muttered. Should he consider this obvious? ¡°Just one more time.¡± Encrid said. Then, Encrid and Rem stood still, their palms over each other¡¯s hearts. Until the sun passed its zenith and began to dip. ¡°I¡¯m really curious, do you sometimes do this on purpose, or is it just my imagination?¡± ¡°Hmm.¡± Encrid let out a short groan. ¡°I agree with that.¡± Ragna nodded in agreement. ¡°I can¡¯t deny that either, crazy brother.¡± ¡°Agreed.¡± Audin and Jaxon also nodded. It felt a bit unfair to say it was intentional. ¡°Is it that you can do it but aren¡¯t doing it, or is it that you can¡¯t?¡± Rem asked seriously, and Encrid responded with the same seriousness. ¡°Yeah.¡± ¡°Well, then, let¡¯s do it. We¡¯ll try again tomorrow.¡± It was already evening. Thanks to the Battalion Commander¡¯s and surrounding soldiers¡¯ consideration, they weren¡¯t even assigned meal duty. They were excused from their usual tasks. So they could continue focusing on training and practice. However, Encrid hadn¡¯t made any real progress. Not even a small step forward. At least, that¡¯s what Rem thought. ¡°What are you doing?¡± ¡°What am I doing now? Are you teasing me?¡± ¡°Come on, do it. Now, go ahead.¡± Encrid kept hearing simr words from Rem. He couldn¡¯t grasp the concept at all. Was that a problem? No, it wasn¡¯t. It wasn¡¯t like he had ever mastered a technique in one go before. There was a time when he felt something like talent while training his left hand day after day. As if some talent had descended upon him. In that moment, he could feel something with his body. The moment when his skill with his left hand became instinctive, that brief time when exhration filled him. Does he miss that moment? Not at all, genuinely, not at all. He just kept repeating and pondering over and over. He was busy thinking. ¡°The Battalion Commander is calling for you.¡± It was another day spent in constant contemtion, struggling to ripen the Heart of the Beast and make it burst, but to no avail. It was the third day after establishing the camp. Finally, the Battalion Commander called for Encrid. When it came tomendations on the battlefield, it seemed like he would call immediately. Now, it seemed things had settled down. ording to Krais, this was to be expected. He said that Marcus was probably very anxious while moving the camp and establishing a new base. When asked why, Krais gave a lengthy exnation. To summarize, it was simple. ¡°If they know you¡¯re just standing there, they¡¯ll eventually ignore you, so you have to at least pretend to move so they can¡¯t ignore you. If it were me¡­ never mind.¡± Krais seemed to have a thought but held back from speaking further. Encrid didn¡¯t push for more and continued on. If Krais wanted to share more, he would do so in his own time. It was also time to respond to the highestmander¡¯s summons. The adjutant came personally to fetch him, and on the way to the barracks, the Fairy Company Commander joined them. With silent, light steps, the Company Commander approached and spoke. ¡°When was our engagement again?¡± Here we go again. Encrid found it hard to understand Fairy jokes. ¡°Let¡¯s n it for ten years from now.¡± ¡°Hmm, not bad. But I prefer younger humans to old ones.¡± The meeting would only happen if Encrid had a preference for Fairies. Although possessing an otherworldly beauty, she had a face that didn¡¯t seem human enough to stir affection. Between her thin, long eyshes, her eyes sparkled like green gems, and her golden hair reflected the sunlight, giving her skin an almost radiant glow. That¡¯s what made her otherworldly beautiful. ¡°Shall we go?¡± Encrid acknowledged his defeat. It could go on endlessly if they kept up this banter. He felt it was a bit wasteful. The Fairy Company Commander seemed to enjoy teasing him just this much. Honestly, he didn¡¯t find it particrly ufortable. It was just who she was. More sane than Rem, but still, perhaps even among Fairies, there were some who were a bit half-crazy. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± With the adjutant leading, the Fairy Company Commander on his left, Encrid entered the barracks. ¡°You¡¯re here.¡± Battalion Commander Marcus was there. Having been through the battlefield, his beard had grown scruffy. Seeing this, Encrid realized his own chin had be quite rough. He thought to himself that he should shave when he got back and saluted. He showed respect by pressing on his sword hilt and bowing his head. ¡°Alright.¡± Marcus nodded slightly. The three of them stood together. ¡°Bring some tea.¡± At hismand, three cups of tea were soon ced before them. It wasn¡¯t high-quality tea by any means, but being on the battlefield, having tea at all was a luxury. ¡°When I go into battle and can¡¯t have good tea, I usually get annoyed, but this time, even this is satisfactory.¡± Battalion Commander Marcus was the first to speak. There was no ce to sit, so they stood around the table used for strategizing and discussing tactics. ¡°What do you think about working properly under mymand?¡± He made the suggestion just as Encrid was taking a sip of his tea. The Fairy Company Commander remained silent. Encrid looked at the Battalion Commander, contemting how to respond, then decided against overthinking it. Since when had he tried to tter his superiors? ¡°I¡¯ll decline.¡± ¡°Why? I think I¡¯m a pretty solid leader.¡± It wasn¡¯t incorrect. When Encrid was told he was meeting the Battalion Commander, Krais had vaguely outlined the situation. From why the meeting was dyed to what Marcus might say. It almost seemed prophetic. How could everything Krais predicted be so urate? ¡°He¡¯ll probably propose that you join hismand. He might even call our Company Commander as well. Why? To formally acknowledge and nurture your potential. And why aim formand? Do you even need to ask?¡± Krais had said this with a look that suggested he couldn¡¯t believe Encrid didn¡¯t understand. Finally, when Encrid kept staring at him nkly, Krais had spoken in a bemused tone. ¡°What did you do with the Cross Guard?¡± ¡°I fought. Did some infiltration, set some fires, and gathered intelligence on the way back.¡± ¡°Even if you don¡¯t know about Frog, what did you do behind the lines?¡± ¡°I fought. Killed themander of a detachment that attacked the rear.¡± ¡°And at the front?¡± ¡°I fought, you were there, why are you asking?¡± Krais had witnessed these events while following him around. ¡°The Battalion Commander knows.¡± ¡°Knows what?¡± ¡°He knows about all the fights you¡¯ve been in. So, knowing that, how could he not want you?¡± While it seemed he should have ambitions for Rem or others, Encrid quickly understood Krais¡¯ point. Rem and other toon members were uncontroble. But he was a stable person. The reason he hadn¡¯t noticed earlier was obvious. He had been preupied with trying to get the Heart of the Beast to beat anew. He had poured all his energy into training and practice. Thanks to Krais¡¯ timelyments, he wasn¡¯t caught off guard. ¡°It seems as I predicted.¡± The Battalion Commander spoke, and Encrid, clearing his brief thoughts, replied. ¡°To some extent, yes.¡± ¡°Can I ask why you¡¯re declining?¡± If he exined his reason right away, would they make him leave without finishing his tea? The warm tea was somewhat improving his mood. He felt as if he had been solely focused on his heart for days and was now finally rxing. ¡®Now that I think about it, I¡¯ve only just started to rx my shoulders.¡¯ He wondered if he had tensed up again. Has the pressure to learn be a chain binding him? A shackle preventing him from moving forward? Clink. He felt a sensation as if chains inside his mind were breaking and scattering. It onlysted a few seconds, but Encrid felt he could speak with a much lighter heart than before. He took another sip of tea. Then, he looked up straight. Even though he felt lighter, the words he was about to say were not light. Marcus¡¯s proposal was an opportunity that couldn¡¯t be missed if one had ambitions in the military. Especially for someone like Encrid, who started with nothing but a lowly soldier¡¯s position. Despite that, he prepared to decline. ¡°I have a dream.¡± Something he held in his heart, no matter if others mocked him for it. A dream he never forgot after picking up the sword. A dream that had sprouted into reality, nourished by his burning desire. He had spoken of it many times, but it never carried as much weight as it did now. It had been stained by ridicule, torn by disdain, faded by sarcasm, and ultimately left in tatters. But now, the remnants clearly defined him. Every day, they walked alongside him, showing that they were part of him. ¡°I want to be a Knight.¡± So Encrid spoke. At that moment, Marcus saw a vision. A chill ran down his spine, and he saw a different scene behind Encrid. A battlefield, a sword, something shining. ¡®What is this?¡¯ It was a sincere, wholehearted statement. Not just a refusal, but the words of someone moving forward. Marcus felt a simr emotion in his own chest, something he had given up on long ago. What had his life been like? He had once aspired to be a sword for the royal family. What was his life like now? Crunch. Marcus ground his mrs unconsciously. The muscles in his jaw tensed, and a headache throbbed in his head. Seeing such a pure, radiant dream made him feel as if he was being questioned. ¡®Do I really have the right to lead this man?¡¯ Was his offer merely a sordid attempt to climb higher, to gain more power? Hecked true loyalty. He had no dream of higher aspirations. It didn¡¯t make sense to take in such a person if he was content with the status quo. This brief realization caused Marcus to speak without thinking. ¡°Hah.¡± A sigh escaped,den with emotion. The Fairy, known for her keen sensitivity, understood the meaning behind Marcus¡¯s sigh. ¡®From just a single word?¡¯ The mind of a human was like waves stirred by a storm. Unlike Fairies, who were consistent, humans were fickle, prone to change their decisions on a whim. The mind of the man now called the Battalion Commander seemed to be in turmoil. Like a small boat in a storm, tossed by waves and unable to find its direction. And then¡­ ¡°I will follow the path to bing a Knight.¡± With these words, Encrid saluted. Marcus nodded reflexively. Encrid stepped outside. The Fairy Company Commander worried that Marcus might act out of jealousy or envy. Humans could be unpredictable like that. ¡°Phew.¡± Marcus let out a deep sigh, standing with his brow furrowed for a long time. As the tea in his hand cooled, he seemed unaware of the Fairy Company Commander standing beside him. He let out another sigh and then smiled. ¡°This is something.¡± The Fairy Company Commander sensed a certain relief in Marcus¡¯sugh. Indeed, he was smiling in a refreshed manner. Then, Marcus abruptly asked. ¡°What do you think? Will he be a Knight?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know. That¡¯s up to him.¡± ¡°They say Fairies always speak straightforwardly.¡± Rather than hiding the truth, Fairies are known to use the truth as a weapon in their words. ¡°It¡¯s been a long time since I felt my blood boil.¡± Marcus muttered. What happens when his blood boils? Marcus was undoubtedly aligned with the nobility. Naurillia, despite being a centralized state, was said to have lost some power to the nobility. This scattering of national strength had made their struggle with the Duchy of Aspen challenging. ¡°Aren¡¯t you leaving?¡± ¡°I¡¯m going.¡± After the Fairy Company Commander left, Marcus walked to a ce with a chair and sat down. A few words had left him sweating. He felt strangely good, yet also troubled. And he made a decision. ¡®Bing a Knight?¡¯ He couldn¡¯tugh it off. How could he mock someone¡¯s dream spoken with such sincerity? He was merely stirred by it. ¡®Alright, then I will¡­¡¯ Instead of following the damn noble faction, he would move towards something truly new. It was something he had pondered for a long time. The fork in the road before him. A crossroads where he had yet to make a choice. Marcus¡¯s hand went into his pocket and came out holding a letter. A letter he had received a long time ago but had ignored. A relic of the past he hadn¡¯t been able to discard. ¡°Very well.¡± Marcus¡¯s eyes gleamed as he held the letter. It was the look he had in his younger days, eyes burning with passion. At the corner of the open letter, the royal seal was faintly visible. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: /revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: /revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 136 Encrid felt a sense of relief as he left the Battalion Commander¡¯s tent. The Battalion Commander¡¯s expression hadn¡¯t been particrly pleasant, but for Encrid, it was a novel experience. ¡®We spoke of Knights and dreams.¡¯ The fact that he wasn¡¯t met with shock or ridicule was refreshing. Regardless, that wasn¡¯t the main issue. He had said his piece and been rejected. Now, it was time to continue with his tasks. Encrid returned to the tent and stood in front of Rem. ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°We need to continue.¡± He was asking Rem to continue teaching him the skills. It wasn¡¯t a big deal, it was just about finishing what they¡¯d started. ¡®This guy is definitely crazy.¡¯ Watching his toon leader, Rem thought to himself. Is this normal? Even Rem understood that Encrid couldn¡¯t feel anything. Yet, Encrid was willing to continue. He never seemed to get bored or frustrated. Concepts like despair and suffering seemed alien to him. Still, out of curiosity, Rem asked, ¡°Aren¡¯t you tired of this?¡± ¡°Hmm?¡± Seeing the confused look in Encrid¡¯s eyes, Rem had nothing more to say. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s do it. I had nothing else to do anyway.¡± At Rem¡¯s words, Andrew¡¯s expression brightened. Since Rem started following their toon leader, Andrew had felt peace, love, life, and hope. ¡°Life is full of beauty.¡± ¡°Snap out of it.¡± Mac calmed Andrew down. Enri had left. Or rather, he had joined a unit transporting the wounded and hadn¡¯t returned since. Normally, it would be unheard of for a member of the ¡°Madmen toon¡± to leave like that. But it was a special privilege granted for his contributions to their recent victory. Encrid, who respected Enri¡¯s choice, had nodded approvingly and made sure the privilege was granted. Not everyone could live a life constantly on the edge, always ready for battle. Still, Enri¡¯s absence was felt. Even if he was exempt from meal duty and guard shifts, he couldn¡¯t avoid all scouting missions. So, as part of a scouting mission, and on Krais¡¯s strong insistence, they explored an enemy position. Without Enri, even finding their way was a challenge. Encrid was no pathfinder, but he had a decent sense of direction. Still, it wasn¡¯t the same as having a skilled guide like Enri. Asking another toon member to lead? Encrid¡¯s navigational skills were exceptionalpared to others in the toon. ¡°I may not be good at finding paths, but I¡¯m good at finding beasts and monsters. How about we take this chance to raid a monster¡¯s nest?¡± This was Rem¡¯s suggestion, as he pondered new practical experiences once the skills of the ¡°Heart of the Beast¡± were passed down. Could they find the way? That wasn¡¯t certain, but they weren¡¯t concerned. ¡°If we go, we¡¯ll find something.¡± This was Ragna, a guy who couldn¡¯t find his way if his life depended on it. ¡°We just follow the calling of destiny.¡± Audin was just as dangerous in his own way. Talking about a divine calling often meant he¡¯d act unpredictably. Jaxon, though silent, didn¡¯t seem willing to lead them and find the way. If it came down to it, Jaxon would likely disappear rather than try to guide them. Mac remained, but even Mac wasn¡¯t as reliable as Encrid. Nheless, the ¡°Madmen toon¡± managed to scout the enemy position. Even though the area had already been scoured by their scouting team, Krais still managed to fill his pockets with surprising skill. ¡°Indeed.¡± ¡°Right.¡± ¡°Oh, jewels.¡± Muttering to himself, Krais found a bag of Krona, a dagger encrusted with gems, and other items. While there were no particrly valuable treasures, there were plenty of items that could be traded for Krona. ¡°Some soldiers bury valuables before going into battle.¡± Krais noted. Some soldiers do bury valuable items before battle, saying things like, ¡°If I die, dig this up and take it to my family.¡± Of course, if both the soldier and the friend who was told to retrieve the items die, it bes pointless. No one goes into battle expectingplete annihtion. Krais was especially skilled at finding these hidden items. Even though the area had already been checked by their scouting team, Krais consistently found things by digging around the beds, near the remnants of the camp, or by trees. ¡°How do you find all this stuff?¡± Encrid asked with genuine curiosity. He was standing by, keeping watch, but there was nothing to watch for, so he was curious. ¡°What else? I sniff out the scent of Krona. Look at that nose of his, doesn¡¯t it resemble a coin?¡± Rem chimed in, equally bored. It¡¯s hard to believe a person¡¯s nose, especially one as handsome as Krais¡¯s, could resemble a coin. Krais ignored Rem¡¯s nonsensicalment, knowing that arguing would only put him at a disadvantage. He let it go in one ear and out the other. Andrew could learn a thing or two from him. ¡°The answeres quickly if you think about it.¡± Krais tapped his temple with his right index finger as he spoke. At some point, he had prepared a leather backpack, which was now bulging with items. ¡°Thinking?¡± Encrid asked again, genuinely curious. It was also a way to clear his mind. ¡°If I were to hide something, where would I hide it, especially if the camp was destroyed and I was the only survivor? Humans can¡¯t easily let go of hope, right? So, if the camp was destroyed, and I needed to find my belongings, where would I hide them?¡± ¡°¡­A ce you can recognize at a nce.¡± ¡°Yes, like this distinct branch. It¡¯s not far from the camp, and it¡¯s easy to stop by during a retreat, isn¡¯t it?¡± It made sense. ¡°Most importantly,¡± Krais continued, his eyes sparkling with the same passionate intensity as before, ¡°the more valuable something is, the more you want to hide it well.¡± This guy¡¯s brain really worked in extraordinary ways. Of course, once you know the answer, it doesn¡¯t seem like such a big deal. But predicting and thinking about all this before even starting is impressive. ¡°Still nning to open that salon?¡± ¡°Why do you think I¡¯m working so hard? I n to open a salon in myter years, spend nights telling silly jokes, and rake in Krona.¡± It seemed like a crude dream, but Krais was serious. He seemed prepared to risk almost anything, even his life, for this goal. Encrid couldn¡¯t mock others¡¯ dreams, especially since his own felt equally unattainable. Dreaming of bing a Knight seemed less realistic than opening a salon and earning Krona. So, there were no criticisms, no scorn, noughter. It was the same for Enri¡¯s dream of marrying a florist¡¯s widow, having children, and living a peaceful life. Bing a Knight. Suddenly, Encrid felt excited. It seemed like he was gradually moving closer to the dream he had longed for. He felt a thrill and a wave of emotion wash over him. Yes, he¡¯s on the path. He¡¯s getting closer, even if just by crawling half a step. So, wait, a faded and tattered dream. I will stand by your side and walk with you. ¡°Alright, we¡¯re done!¡± Krais handed Encrid two throwing knives with thin des after rummaging through a few more spots. ¡°Take these. They¡¯re nothing special.¡± Encrid wondered why he was being given these. ¡°Are you here to clean up after ¡®Big Eyes¡¯?¡± Barely ten secondster, Rem spoke up angrily. He probably wanted Encrid to block something for him. ¡°Shall we spar when we get back?¡± It was a regr urrence now, a way to calm him down. Returning to the unit meant more training. It was the same after the meeting with the Battalion Commander. A continuous cycle of unchanging training. The next day, Encrid suddenly started swinging his sword after practicing the Istion Technique. ¡®Focus.¡¯ Focusing all his senses entirely on his sword. It was the same as usual, yet different. How could every day be the same? Encrid didn¡¯t realize it, but he was no longer the same as when he had only a meager talent. There were many things that hadpensated for hisck of talent. Experience, new skills learned. The Heart of the Beast, Focus Point, the Sense of the de, the Istion Technique. And the time spent training afterward. The intensity of that time was twice as strong as before. Encrid immersed himself in that time. At some point, his vision blurred, and his pupils dted, but his sword swings became sharper, and his steps quicker. ¡®Frog, Mitch Hurrier, battlefield.¡¯ As he practiced alone, reflecting and pondering, everything began to blur. Heart, beast, brute strength,bat, battlefield, contemtion, reflection. Everything faded into the background, leaving only himself and his sword in the world. Only vague afterimages and a few stray thoughts remained. He continued to swing his sword fiercely. His recovered right wrist swung more solidly than before. Was this the effect of divine power, or was it the efficacy of the medicine given by the Fairy Company Commander? That didn¡¯t matter. Stray thoughts surfaced and then blurred, disappearing along with everything else. Encrid felt as if he were watching his own body from outside himself. A surreal feeling of separation, as if he were detached from his own body. In this state, he saw his sword. He shed, thrust, cut, and pulled. A soft crunching sound came from his feet as he stepped on the gravel. As he changed his stance, the direction of his sword changed, and his position shifted. Only the trajectory of the sword remained in Encrid¡¯s vision. Dots and lines connecting those dots. The shaking de, the heavy strike, the tip of the sword piercing like a sh, swinging as nned, constricting the opponent, and spinning half a turn with his arm swinging like a whip. A loud sound of the sword slicing through the air echoed. For those who knew the previous Encrid, especially those who knew his beginnings, this would be a surprising scene. Despite all the time spent swinging his sword, he had always been stuck in a simr ce. A broken scarecrow with only the will to move forward. Unable to stand but still struggling to move. That scarecrow was now standing on its own feet. ¡®I¡¯ve improved a lot.¡¯ Rem, standing outside the tent, was genuinely impressed. When had Encrid learned to lose himself in his sword, to be so immersed? When had he learned to stand on his own like this? The broken scarecrow was gone. Sitting down with his chin resting on his hands, Rem felt a swell of emotion. When had he improved so much? Beside him, Ragna also stepped out of the tent. The sound of the sword cutting through the air told Ragna that his toon leader¡¯s swordsmanship had matured. He had already experienced it through their sparring, but seeing Encrid immersed in his sword practice like this stirred something within him. It felt as if a fire had been lit in his chest. His motivation surged. Caught up in the moment, Ragna quietly drew his sword. With a soft sound, he began to swing his sword on the side. Audin, too, joined in. ¡®He has built his body well.¡¯ What kind of skill does it take to move your body exactly as you wish? It requires training that pushes you to explore, recognize, and move your body, to feel pain and push beyond your limits. Pushing boundaries¡ªthat was the essence of the Istion Technique. The person who had benefited most from this technique, once only imagined in his mind, was now standing right in front of him. His joints were now supple. He would no longer injure his wrist as he once did from simr shocks. Recently, he has focused on joint training. ¡®Lord, your servant expresses joy.¡¯ It was rare to feel pure joy from watching someone else, and that rarity made the joy even greater. Jaxon felt a strange sensation. ¡®It was the right choice.¡¯ Teaching him the skills and staying here. Even though his actions weren¡¯t driven by a calction of gains and losses, he had no regrets. At one point, he had thought staying here was a waste of time. But seeing his toon leader now, he had none of those thoughts, not even a little. Esther, resting her chin on her paws, watched Encrid from one side. Magic and spells are a path to bing an explorer of new worlds. The joy and exhration gained from this cannot bepared to anything else. That is why she walked the path of spells. The joy of exploration, the thrill of discovering something new, and the satisfaction of building her world atop it all. These are theponents that make up her being. The driving force thatpels her to seek out magic and build a world of spells. So, why is this man swinging his sword in the air like that? The sight of Encrid reminded her of herself, lost in the world of spells. Even though her knowledge of swordsmanship was basic, she could clearly sense that this man¡¯s skill was not ordinary. So, the thought arose. ¡®What drives you to move like that?¡¯ Pure curiosity, a spell, a researcher¡¯s and an explorer¡¯s curiosity. For Esther, this was a surprising change. She had spent her life delving into spells while ignoring everything else, resulting in her cursed body. Seeing herself showing interest in a person, Esther was both surprised and delighted. New experiences were invigorating for her. This emotion was also new. Soon, Encrid¡¯s sword came to a stop. He stood there, breathing heavily, sweat running down his body. Esther moved, carrying a cloth in her mouth as she lightly hopped over to him. When she handed it to him, Encrid, staring nkly into the air, took it and spoke. ¡°Thank you, Esther.¡± Nyaa¡ªah. No need to mention it. Encrid wiped the sweat off with the cloth and thought how warm the weather was. The feeling offort¡ªwas it because of the weather? Or was it because he had focused solely on his sword without any other thoughts? It felt like the weight pressing on his chest had lifted. Feeling lighter, he called out. ¡°Rem.¡± He had glimpsed the edge of the technique, the Heart of the Beast. If he could see it, he needed to grasp it. He could then internalize it. Whether it would work as intended was something to be discovered by trying. ¡°Let¡¯s do it again.¡± It felt like an ordinary day, but no day is ever the same. That was an obvious truth. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: /revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: /revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 137 In moments of crisis, humans sometimes exhibit strength beyond their limits. The ability to harness and use this power at will is known as the ¡®Heart of the Beast¡¯. It¡¯s a name given because it embodies the essence of drawing out the heart of a beast. Originally, in his tribe, it was believed that when using this technique, some God or mystical power would reside within them. Well, there is some mystical effect. A God? That¡¯s just a fairy tale. ¡®But it¡¯s far from real magic.¡¯ Rem, who had personally experienced and developed this concept, had his own theory. ¡®It¡¯s something thates from within the body that makes the heart beat faster.¡¯ The human body is mysterious. This is one of those mysteries. When something inside starts to activate, the muscles be tense. After that, the Heart of the Beast is triggered. So, it¡¯s neither magic nor divine descent. When did he first realize this? It was during a moment of near-death among countless axe des when something surged from within him, reaching his muscles, allowing him to exert strength several times greater than usual. How did this happen? After investigating and studying, he realized that when blood began to surge wildly throughout the body, the heart would beat several times faster than normal. Although a mystical trigger was necessary for this, the core of it was not mystical. He thought it was a matter of concentration or sensation. ¡°Focus. Again.¡± Rem continued his thoughts aloud. Encrid stood before him. Soon, they ced their hands on each other¡¯s hearts. There was a technique for enhancing concentration that azy person had taught, so it might work. Well, if it doesn¡¯t, so be it. Rem had already half given up. What could he do? Even in the past, only a handful of his tribe had realized this. And those who did were all exceptionally strong, possessing bodies as tough as iron, yet they had often narrowly escaped death. ¡°I felt like I had just stepped out of a river.¡± He often heard such things. In other words, the Heart of the Beast requires the vessel first. Even if activated properly, the body gets damaged first. Could the toon leader handle this? The vessel itself wasn¡¯t bad. Every morning, the bulky religious fanatic taught him rigorous body training. That was precisely the act of tempering the body. If the bulky religious fanatic hadn¡¯t done it, Rem had intended to help train the toon leader¡¯s body through other means. However, the bulky religious fanatic¡¯s methods seemed more efficient. So, he left it at that. Therefore, the vessel was more or less prepared. However, he had no intention of forcing it. If possible, he would instill it, but if not, he would naturally give up. ¡°Feel it.¡± Encrid listened to Rem¡¯s words. He listened attentively, as always, with a calm mind. However, he had already realized something. It was when he learned the Focus Point from Ragna. He is a genius. So, he could easily learn anything. He must have realized anything easily. What did he say back then? ¡®Did he say the fear of death increases concentration?¡¯ That was only half correct. What was truly needed was an opponent who could push him to the very limits of his abilities, to the point of exhausting everything he had. Even now, it was simr. ¡®No, maybe it¡¯s the opposite of that time.¡¯ A small realization and a conclusion reached. What exactly is the Heart of the Beast? Humans can sometimes exert strength beyond their limits when faced with intense pressure or simr situations. This was the inspiration behind the Heart of the Beast: the idea that one must feel the pressure of impending death to unleash it. Encrid, with his various experiences from battles and his life up to now, especially umted today,yer uponyer, reached a conclusion based on those experiences. ¡°More.¡± Rem touched Encrid¡¯s heart, imparting a slight pressure, just enough to convey a sense of what the sensation should feel like. Rem used a mystical approach here, perhaps one could say a sensory transmission, to convey the sensation that would make the heart beat faster. ¡°More.¡± Encrid spoke, his eyes half-open, in a state of deep concentration. ¡°I¡¯ve told you a few times, you need to be careful with this.¡± The word ¡®careful¡¯ came from someone known to be beyond bold, even considered mad. It sounded like a warning of potential death. Danger, crisis, pressure. These were things to be cautious about, things Encrid needed. The mindset of standing at the edge of a cliff, bracing against a strong wind at one¡¯s back. Moments where one could die if things went wrong. Moments of maximum desperation, where merely facing death wouldn¡¯t suffice. Literally, moments where one could die if things went wrong, were needed. It would be best if this could be done while feeling the sensation of one¡¯s heart racing. ¡°More.¡± Encrid spoke again, still with his eyes half-open. Rem¡¯s brows furrowed. Is this guy truly crazy? Though he was the one usually called a madman, it seemed like Encrid was the crazier one now. ¡°Let¡¯s stop.¡± Rem attempted to lower his hand. Suddenly, Encrid grabbed Rem¡¯s wrist. With his left hand on Rem¡¯s chest and his right hand gripping the wrist that had been on his own chest, Encrid spoke again. ¡°Do it.¡± Encrid¡¯s eyes were half-closed, so Rem couldn¡¯t see his eyes. Has he truly lost his mind? ¡°Are you crazy?¡± Rem¡¯s eyes narrowed, growing fierce. Wasn¡¯t this just asking to be killed by his own hand? There are some things that can¡¯t be solved with passion and desire. There are times when one must acknowledge their limits by stepping back¡­ Rem¡¯s thoughts were interrupted. A voice cut through his thoughts, reason, and emotions. ¡°Just do it.¡± It was an order. An order that had to be obeyed. If words had power, Rem felt it now. There was no magic, no spell, not even the ¡®power¡¯ that Knights often imed as their own. Deep in his heart, what was Encrid to Rem? Encrid lifted his gaze. The eyes of the two men met, fire meeting fire. Different in color, yet capable ofpletely consuming each other. Blue fire and gray fire intertwined. They stared at each other as if to kill. Was there anything to gain from winning this battle? Nothing. At best, someone would end up severely injured, and it wouldn¡¯t be him but the one standing before him. So why? Yet Rem wanted to do it. He feltpelled to obey themand. He wanted to do it. Was it because of some instinct he couldn¡¯t ignore? Or had he be too enthralled by the man before him, the toon leader? ¡°Do it.¡± Encrid¡¯s lips parted again. ¡°Damn it, hell.¡± Rem cursed and tightened his grip on Encrid¡¯s heart. The thought crossed his mind that perhaps Encrid had faith in something, which is why he gave themand. After rationalizing it, Rem applied his full strength. Thump, thump, thump, thump! Let the blood circte wildly throughout the body. The intense pressure of the rushing blood would soon align with the heart. And thus, it would unleash a superhuman strength, surpassing all limits, throughout the entire body and muscles. Thump. Encrid felt terrible pain. Being pierced by swords and spears, struck by arrows. One might think he¡¯d be numb to pain after dying and dying again, but¡­ For some reason, each death brought a different kind of pain. Death, the ferryman of the ck river, came to mind. Thump, thump, thump-thump. Encrid¡¯s eyes flew open, red with blood. Rem watched those bloodshot eyes. ¡°Damn it.¡± Why did I do this? Why did I listen to this guy? Rem regretted it. Encrid was satisfied. He smiled. A small realization quickly became a signpost for the path he would walk. Thump. Thest heartbeat ceased. Whatever had activated beyond its limits struck the heart and stopped it. That was death. Darkness began to envelop the surroundings. ¡°Stop.¡± Amidst the darkness that had descended, Jaxon¡¯s voice could be heard. ¡°Madman.¡± Ragna¡¯s voice also came through. ¡°Brother, what have you done?¡± A rough hand gripped his wrist. But it was all toote. Neither divine intervention nor any miraculous medicine could save someone whose heart had stopped and who had been cradled in the arms of death. Encrid was dead. It was a unique experience. In some ways, it could even be considered suicide. He felt there was no other way to obtain the Heart of the Beast, despite racking his brain over and over. This was the result of today¡¯s desperate attempt, believing it to be the best course. To give up on the Heart of the Beast? If he had thought of giving up and moving on like that, ¡®I would have settled.¡¯ He refused to settle. He pushed forward, even if it was only a half step at a time, or crawling if necessary. A resonance twisted his entire body. After oveing waves of pain. A ripple. The darkness faded, and when he opened his eyes,he saw the ferryman of the ck river. There were no words. For the ferryman to speak orugh, he had to show some intention. As of now, he offered neitherughter nor words. There was only a nk stare. That gaze was filled with curiosity and wonder. ¡®What kind of person is this guy?¡¯ When Encrid opened his eyes again, it was early morning. The start of a day like any other. Sitting up on his bed, Encrid took a deep breath and spoke. ¡°I really think it¡¯s messed up, Rem.¡± ¡°¡­I¡¯m awake. I can hear everything.¡± ¡°I know.¡± ¡°But cursing in the morning? Did I appear naked in your dream?¡± ¡°No, it¡¯s just really messed up.¡± A technique that required risking death to even get a taste of it. Isn¡¯t that a truly messed up technique? Even so¡­ Encrid, in a day just before death¡ªa day Rem could not remember¡ªsmiled. He was satisfied. The moment when a path became visible always filled him with joy. ¡°Good morning.¡± Encrid spoke briefly and started his day. ¡°¡­You said it was messed up.¡± Rem muttered with a pout from behind. He thought that the toon leader wasn¡¯t entirely normal. Which wasn¡¯t an incorrect assessment. Encrid greeted a new day. A spring day, in a season said to be imbued with magic. The world was still in spring. Encrid would have to enjoy this spring for a while. It wouldn¡¯t be easy to rece a heart anew. ¡°It really is a good day.¡± Seeing a day where a path became visible, Encrid didn¡¯t mind. Afterward, Encrid died countless more times. However, there were also days when he couldn¡¯t die and had to endure the day. Intentional death. So, would he just move on to the next day? That thought crossed his mind. It seemed to loop back to the first death. Curious as to how things would turn out, but unable to convince Rem, he endured the day¡¯s end by pushing his body to the limit. Every time he slept and woke up, he returned to the original today. It felt like a branching point started by death. How does this even happen? He wondered but soon dismissed the thought. Thinking about it wouldn¡¯t change anything, all he could do was get through today. On the days he couldn¡¯t die and had to endure, there was nothing he could do. Even when he showed determination to Rem and spoke with sincerity and earnestness, the results varied. ¡°Trust me and do it.¡± ¡°No, damn it, do you think this even makes sense? This is driving me crazy.¡± On sessful days, when he convinced Rem, he saw an expression on Rem¡¯s face he had never seen before. A mix of confusion, astonishment, and something like being entranced. ¡°No, what¡¯s impossible is impossible.¡± On days when he couldn¡¯t convince him, he saw a face filled with firm determination. What was the difference between the two ¡®todays¡¯? There didn¡¯t seem to be much difference. Speaking sincerely was the same. The difference was just one thing. After about sixty-six repetitions, he seemed to understand. What wascking beyond sincerity and earnestness? He had to give an order. Why? Why did someone like Rem follow his words so obediently? He felt a tinge of curiosity. He postponed it. There would eventually be a chance to find out someday. But that time wasn¡¯t now. ¡°Do it.¡± ¡°Do it.¡± ¡°Do it.¡± ¡°Do it.¡± ¡°Do it.¡± ¡°Do it.¡± ¡°Do it.¡± ¡°Just do it.¡± ¡°Do it.¡± ¡°Just do it.¡± ¡°Just shut up and do what you¡¯re supposed to do.¡± Enduring countless ¡®todays¡¯. Today passed, then another today, and yet another today. ¡°Huh? What is it?¡± At some point, Rem¡¯s touch was no longer necessary. It was around the eightieth time. After that, it felt like he was going mad on his own. He had mastered the sensation without Rem¡¯s assistance. After repeating it several times,the ferryman of the ck river appeared in his dreams again. ¡°That wasn¡¯t a wall.¡± The ferryman spoke, and Encrid listened. He still couldn¡¯t respond. There was no hint of emotion in the ferryman¡¯s voice. A small boat floating on the ck river, the ferryman, the rippling water. Encrid was on the boat. ¡°Go.¡± With the ferryman¡¯s words, Encrid opened his eyes. He didn¡¯t particrly question the words. He wasn¡¯t curious. He couldn¡¯t even ask Rem about following his orders without hesitation. So what good would it do to understand the ferryman¡¯s thoughts, whose hobby seemed to be rowing? Only the words ¡°It wasn¡¯t a wall¡± lingered deeply in his heart. What is a wall? It must be the obstacle causing the repetition of today. The ferryman¡¯s words implied that what he was doing was beyond his will. ¡®So what am I supposed to do about it?¡¯ Of course, it wasn¡¯t Encrid¡¯s concern. Whether the words left a deep impression or not, he brushed them aside. There was much to do, and it was best to ignore the trivial. ¡°Good morning, Rem.¡± Encrid greeted as he got up. ¡°Huh? How did you know I was awake?¡± ¡°Just did.¡± How did I know? After repeating it over a hundred times, you get to know. The start of a new day. Encrid activated the Heart of the Beast. Thump! His heart pounded, infusing strength into his muscles. Blood rushed through his body as if it were galloping along a well-paved road. Thump. And his heart did not burst. ¡°¡­I just have two questions.¡± Right behind him, Rem spoke. He had shown this to Rem deliberately, timing it for when Rem would appear, to prove that he had mastered it. To show he had seeded. ¡°One, are you perhaps from the west? And two¡­¡± Rem chose his words carefully and then asked, ¡°Are you actually a genius?¡± Encrid chuckled. He hadn¡¯t expected such a question from Rem. He hadn¡¯t anticipated it at all. ¡°No, neither.¡± He answered simply, and Rem gave him a look of disbelief. ¡°But how did you do that in just one day?¡± For Encrid, it wasn¡¯t just a day. But from Rem¡¯s perspective, it seemed like he had mastered a technique he couldn¡¯t grasp just the day before. With his entire skin flushed red from the exertion of the Heart of the Beast, Encrid spoke. Pondering, being amazed, and bewildered were all fine, but¡­ ¡°How about a sparring match?¡± Didn¡¯t he feel like testing his body right now? ¡°Sure, let¡¯s do it.¡± Rem responded positively. He wasn¡¯t the type to dwell on worries either. Thud. Sword and axe. They greeted each other. Once again, they engaged in sparring, another match, a moment to gauge their growth. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: /revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: /revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 138 ¡°Do you really need to use two swords?¡± The question came after their sparring session. It was Rem who asked, dripping with sweat. Well, actually, only Encrid was drenched. ¡°Yeah.¡± Encrid nodded while sitting on the ground. Rem¡¯s mouth opened slightly but then closed without a word. He held back what he was about to say, seeing Encrid¡¯s expression. For instance: ¡°Should I exin to you how idiotic this dual-wielding technique is?¡± ¡°Did you think using two swords would double your attacks or something?¡± ¡°Stop messing around and just stick to using one sword. Trust me, before I split that blue sword with an axe.¡± Rem bit his tongue and thought quietly. After all, he had received a gift¡ªa high-quality axe from Encrid. The subtle blue sheen was proof of well-refined metal, undoubtedly made from Valyrian steel. Judging by its hardness and craftsmanship, it was an item that couldst a long time. It was something Rem found quite appealing. So he decided, ¡®Let it be.¡¯ Of course, the axe was just an excuse. The truth was, seeing Encrid¡¯s expression made him give up on scolding him. Sometimes, when Encrid spoke of wanting to be a Knight, saying it was a good day to wield a sword, or mentioning training in his spare time whether on the battlefield or not, a stubborn resolve showed on his face. Or should he call it determination? Even calling it that seemed overlyposed. In any case, there was a line in Encrid¡¯s demeanor that Rem couldn¡¯t cross. He had such lines himself, and Encrid had always respected them. ¡®If he ends up tangling himself, stagnating, or getting frustrated¡­¡¯ He would give up then. People were recently talking about Encrid being ate-blooming genius, saying he awakened at thirty. ¡®Is that because of me? Maybe a bit.¡¯ But fundamentally, it was Encrid himself who had done the work. At least, that¡¯s what Rem thought. Encrid never gave up at any moment. He didn¡¯t despair or consider giving up, he simply and stubbornly kept moving forward. Crawling if he had to. Suddenly, that phrase came to Rem¡¯s mind. Was it these qualities that made him keep watching Encrid? Or was it because Encrid was so different from himself? Rem, who had given up on everything and wandered off. Even though he had been born with talent and everything else. ¡®He abandoned it.¡¯ He turned away, ignoring it. In contrast, his toon leader, this stubborn andposed leader, wasn¡¯t like that. All he had was a sword, a well-sharpened sword, and nothing more. Yet he kept walking, not knowing whaty at the end of that path, not questioning whether he was qualified to walk it, norining about the hardship. He simply enjoyed the path he had chosen for himself. What kind of person could do that? Rem¡¯s emotions wereplex. Had he learned the strength of the Heart of the Beast in just one day? ¡®Well, that¡¯s surprising, but it¡¯s something I can ept. Geniuses do exist in the world.¡¯ It¡¯s still remarkable that his toon leader could do such a thing. ¡®I¡¯ve guided, demonstrated, and monitored his progress myself.¡¯ At this point, it makes sense that he could at least imitate it. However, that attitude toward life is something that¡¯s difficult to emte. Reaching the end of his thoughts, Rem moved his tongue, which had been stuck to the roof of his mouth, and spoke. ¡°I think I like you as a toon leader.¡± ¡°Did someone poison your food?¡± ¡°I mean it, it¡¯s good to have you around.¡± ¡°Oh, yeah. That¡¯s just like you.¡± Encrid took it lightly. As Rem watched him, a cker who usuallyzed around suddenly appeared. ¡°Are you done sparring?¡± ¡°I think I really dislike you.¡± Rem said with all his heart. He wanted to make sure there was no misunderstanding, so he spoke with genuine sincerity, just as Encrid would. ¡°Oh, me too.¡± Ragna nodded, even shing a slight smile, indicating that he fully agreed. Ragna usually had a delicate face, but his smile made Rem want to punch him even more. ¡°That goes for me as well.¡± Out of nowhere, a sly-looking cat with its arms crossed added to the conversation. This was a guy who usually never spoke. ¡°Brother, everything in the world is within the embrace of the Lord. Of course, the Lord also touches the hearts of individuals. As a servant of the Lord, I cannot hide my feelings. Yes, I feel the same way. Haha.¡± The big religious guy said, taking off his shirt. It was annoying. Even though they had added to the conversation, saying they disliked him too, Rem felt oddly good. Watching Encrid had that effect on him. In that cheerful mood, Rem decided to show a bit of kindness and grace. ¡°Hey, Andrew!¡± Andrew flinched at Rem¡¯s call but soon stood up confidently. ¡®Growing the enemy in your heart means you¡¯re giving them too much importance. Seeing them as big means you¡¯re already losing before you start.¡¯ With a steady heart, Andrew drew his sword. Sling. ¡°Kid, I like that you¡¯re quick-witted.¡± Rem approached Andrew, stepping heavily on the ground. The sharp axe swung back and forth like a pendulum from his shoulder, looking quite menacing. ¡°If he asks for mercy in the middle, I¡¯ll step in.¡± Mac spoke from behind. Andrew nodded. Mac was a helpful person, having supported him in reviving his house. Lately, he had been standing by Andrew¡¯s side against Rem as well. But Mac, why are you stepping back while you speak? Hmm? Isn¡¯t it going to be difficult to help in an urgent moment if you step back that far? It feels like you¡¯re distancing yourself too much. ¡°You can do it. Gardner, you are the only hero who can revive the Gardner family.¡± Why are you saying that from so far away? And why are you suddenly calling me Gardner? Usually, you call me Andrew and even speak casually sometimes, don¡¯t you? I think you did. Mac kept distancing himself until he finally stopped near Encrid. If one wanted to avoid the madmen of this toon, the only refuge was probably over there. Andrew couldn¡¯t head for the refuge. Along with hisst remaining pride, there was also the fact that the more he fought this mad barbarian, the more his skills improved. For the sake of tomorrow, not today. Learning from his toon leader, he said, ¡°Let¡¯s fight, arrogant barbarian.¡± ¡°Huh? Is it okay if I cut off an arm?¡± Rem¡¯s dull gray eyes held a hint of sincerity. ¡°Shit.¡± Andrew muttered, realizing resistance was his only option. Encrid watched the whole situation while sitting. He had fought Rem with all his strength, using two swords, giving it his best. The Heart of the Beast gave incredible strength to his arms, an extraordinary increase in muscle power. But it couldn¡¯t be called dual-wielding just yet. He couldn¡¯t push Rem back as effectively as he could with one sword. He felt ack of training. ¡®I¡¯m not getting used to it.¡¯ Encrid thought as he looked at his calloused hands. He wasn¡¯t ming his talent. He just felt he needed more time. So what should he do? ¡°Are you going to rest?¡± The answer was right in front of him. Ragna asked, showing an unusual enthusiasm. Why? Why was he like this only with him? It wasn¡¯t a bad thing. Absolutely not. Encrid knew this too well. He ced his hand on his thigh, which was sure to bruise from being kicked by Rem, and stood up. ¡°No.¡± Nod. As if he expected that, Ragna nodded and drew his sword. ¡°Are you going to use two?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Ragna didn¡¯t ask any more questions. It was a strange thing. He expected that if he said he would use two swords, Rem or Ragna would try to stop him. If not them, then maybe Jaxon or Audin. Even Andrew or Mac or Krais could have said something about such clumsy swordsmanship. But no one said anything. It was truly odd. Still, there were no more questions. Instead, he swung his swords. Tightened his grip on both. He pondered and deliberated, knowing that the most effective way to use two swords was to think through the answers. He hadn¡¯t been idling. As he attached the Heart of the Beast to his body, he also trained with two swords. Even so, he was clumsy. Like a statue that, no matter how much you chisel away, you can¡¯t quite define what it is. So Encrid¡¯s hands were busy, clumsy, and chaotic. Ragna blocked every strike of Encrid¡¯s swords and ended the fight in a manner simr to Rem. In other words, he overwhelmingly seized the advantage and subdued him. ¡°Hmm.¡± He started to say something but then closed his mouth. ¡°Huff, huff, haah.¡± Encrid, his breathing in gasps, ced his right hand on his thigh, his left hand holding a sword stuck into the ground, sweat dripping down. He was half-bent over, his head facing the ground. Sweat from his forehead trickled down his nose and fell to the ground. What could he call this? Insane training? For such a thing, His limbs were trembling. The Heart of the Beast momentarily breaks through the muscle¡¯s limits, causing side effects. While Ragna was silent, Audin stepped in. ¡°You overdid it, toon leader.¡± Encrid lifted his head slightly to look at Audin. Audin, with his usual smile, the one he wore when using the Istion Technique, spoke. What was that? That expression usually hid a devilish intention. ¡°You need to rest.¡± ¡°Rest?¡± ¡°You shouldn¡¯t use the Istion Technique either, brother.¡± What was this? Usually, he was the type who would be impatient if he couldn¡¯t train or torment them more. ¡°I¡¯ll talk about itter,ter.¡± Ragna said, lost in his thoughts. Encrid tried to get up but copsed to the side. As if on cue, Audin helped him up. ¡°Let¡¯s get you inside.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t we have duties or assignments today?¡± ¡°Even if we do, you won¡¯t be able to go, toon leader.¡± Was that so? Encrid had a vague sense of it too. The Heart of the Beast was a good weapon, a good technique. Increasing his strength momentarily provided the foundation to match des with monsters like the Frog. If skilled enough, it could even withstand a giant¡¯s blow, just like Rem. Rem¡¯s back as he stood before the giant was very impressive. Almost enviably so. Having seen that, giving up the Heart of the Beast was out of the question. Audin supported Encrid as they moved. ¡°Go get cleaned up.¡± Even with trembling limbs, Encrid carefully secured his equipment. ¡°Do you really have to fight every day?¡± Krais teased from the side, but he still quickly helped Encrid with his gear. ¡°Go wash up, I¡¯ll take care of your equipment.¡± ¡°Mine?¡± ¡°Do you know how many years I¡¯ve been eating army ck bread? Do you know how many Kronas I¡¯ve earned from equipment maintenance? I¡¯m probably better than most cksmiths.¡± Come to think of it, Krais often repaired equipment when he didn¡¯t have other things to sell, like women or cigarettes. He would often tour other units¡¯ barracks, making friends and earning extra ie by maintaining gear. Maintaining equipment could be a bothersome task, except for those who treated their weapons like lovers. Encrid also valued his weapons¡ªhis sword and armor. But he trusted Krais. Sure enough, when Encrid returned after washing up, Krais had even polished his sword. ¡°If you draw this on a moonlit night, it¡¯ll be a good signal to show where I am.¡± ¡°Is that apliment?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Sometimes,toon leader, yourpliments are¡­ very much like you.¡± Krais remarked, and before Encrid could ask what he meant, Audin approached. Encrid had just sat down on his bunk, drying off, when Audin¡¯srge frame cast a shadow over him, causing Krais to quickly step back in surprise. ¡°What is it, Audin? What do you want?¡± ¡°I have business with the toon leader.¡± A big, friendly smile. The smile of a bear, or arge predator, or perhaps a scheming devil. This isn¡¯t good, Encrid thought. Audin¡¯s hand soon touched Encrid¡¯s body. ¡°Overworking your muscles can cause them to tighten up. There¡¯s a technique to relieve that tension. It will be a new skill to learn.¡± At the mention of learning and teaching, Encrid¡¯s defensive attitude shifted. ¡°What is it?¡± Another smile instead of a name. It felt ominous, and that feeling was soon confirmed. ¡°Gh¡­ grrr¡­ grrrr.¡± As Audin¡¯s fingers pressed and twisted various points on his body, Encrid felt intense pain. His vision darkened. It was as if he could faintly see the ferryman of the ck river, as if he had dipped his foot into the river of death and returned. The pain was so intense it seemed to carve through his entire body. ¡°This is a method to relieve tense muscles. When I learned it, it was often called ¡®blood, sweat, and tears.¡¯¡± Is that the name of the technique? It definitely didn¡¯t seem like it. At the moment, Encrid couldn¡¯t even think of a response. The sharp pain coursed through his body, leaving no room for words to escape. It was a time of pain so intense that even screaming seemed impossible. Of course, it wasn¡¯t the kind of pain that would damage Encrid¡¯s body permanently. He just had to endure it. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: /revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: /revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 139 The Vf-Style Acupressure Technique. It was originally named ¡®Blood, Sweat, and Tears¡¯. ¡°Can I ask what else that person, Vf, developed besides martial arts and acupressure?¡± ¡°He also developed blunt weapon techniques, but those didn¡¯t really catch on, so they¡¯re not practiced anymore. Additionally, hepiled numerous documents, including interpretations of holy scriptures.¡± Vf was a notable figure in the temple where Audin believed. He was part of a legendary realm, meaning that without specific study, most people didn¡¯t know his name. However, for those involved with the God he served, Vf was a familiar name. Of course, Encrid was also familiar with the name by now. Audin¡¯s pressing hands. At first, it felt like he was going to join the ferryman of the ck River, but after taking a deep breath and holding on, it became bearable. ¡°Initially, we press the area with the greatest pain.¡± Audin said with a smile. ¡°Then we gradually move to areas with less pain. Eventually¡ª¡± ¡°Hmm.¡± ¡°The knotted muscles rx.¡± His body felt weary. Each time the thick hands, like a bear¡¯s, touched his body, the muscles began to unwind. Maybe learning this properly would be useful. The tension in his muscles, trembling under the strain of the Heart of the Beast, began to ease. Simultaneously, the pain subsided. ¡°You should rest well today.¡± That seemed like good advice. The Heart of the Beast¡ªhe had learned it properly. But using it recklessly strained the body. Encrid had a newfound respect for Knights. They operated beyond human limits without such techniques. Their shells were human, but they possessed the strength of giants, the agility of frogs, and the sensitivity of Fairies. Such were the Knights. And a faint glimmer of hope was starting to appear in Encrid¡¯s faded dreams. ¡°Why doesn¡¯t anyone stop me from using two swords?¡± The question came out suddenly as he felt drowsy. Is this the right path or the wrong one? Someone should say something, yet everyone remained silent. Even Ragna had advised him to use a sword and shield. ¡°Why do you think that is, brother?¡± Audin, perhaps out of habit from his days as a priest, often responded with a question. ¡°I don¡¯t know, that¡¯s why I¡¯m asking.¡± Encrid¡¯s voice sounded muffled, lying face down. Audin answered with a smile, ¡°Because, as I¡¯ve observed, Brother toon leader is quite stubborn. Now, please go to sleep.¡± Stubborn? Me? Encrid found it hard to believe. Who else was as flexible and easygoing as he was? If he were a madman like the rest of the toon, how would this unit have survived? But as Audin¡¯s hands pressed around his neck, Encrid felt himself slowly drifting away. It wasn¡¯t a sensation of fainting or dying, but more like a gradual slipping into sleep, led by drowsiness. There was no need to resist. Resting was more important than talking at this moment. So Encrid fell asleep. Audin stood up after seeing his toon leader had fallen asleep. People often don¡¯t realize their own stubbornness. It seems he wasn¡¯t aware of it at all. ¡°Brother, you¡¯re an interesting person.¡± Audin murmured and then spoke towards the tent entrance. ¡°How long are you going to watch?¡± Just outside the tent, Jaxon responded to Audin. ¡°I was watching the toon leader, not you.¡± Audin nodded nonchntly and left the tent. Jaxon remained, staring intently at Encrid. Indeed, he was a fascinating person. He naturally made people ponder what he needed and made them want to help, to teach. Even if it meant sharing some of his own secret skills. ¡°He probably doesn¡¯t need mine.¡± Jaxon muttered before leaving. A small ck panther named Esther snuggled into Encrid¡¯s arms as he slept. In his sleep, Encrid held Esther close and fell into a deeper sleep, where he dreamed. In the dream, faceless figures repeatedly questioned him. ¡°Is that right?¡± ¡°Do you think the path you¡¯re on is correct?¡± ¡°Are you crazy?¡± ¡°Stubborn fool, knowing it won¡¯t work, what are you doing?¡± It was a nonsensical dream. Encrid dismissed all the questions with a single response. ¡°If I want to do it, I¡¯ll do it. What business is it of yours?¡± Instead of doubts, there would be contemtion. And at the end of that contemtion, he would take what he desired. That was the path he walked. Especially now, when the signposts along his way were clearer than ever. So, it was a time to hold onto that certainty more than ever before. Waking up, Encrid muttered with his eyes still closed. ¡°I should exin why I use two swords.¡± He wasn¡¯t stubborn. Therefore, he would provide a reasonable exnation. He got up and tested his body. After a full day¡¯s rest, he was ready to use his body again. He stepped outside and began his exercises. The Istion Technique, sword training, the Heart of the Beast, the Sense of the de, Focus Point. He also incorporated the Heart of the Beast that he had recently learned. He wouldn¡¯t keep it activated continuously, as it would damage his body, just enough to manage. As he resumed his training, Audin appeared. ¡°Good morning, brother.¡± he greeted. The moment the rising sun subtly changed the surroundings from blue to yellow. The cold dawn air gradually became warmer. Before the temperature changed, Encrid was already standing alone on the gravel field in front of the tent, steam rising from his entire body. Several sentries passed by, but none spoke to him. He was treated as a war hero. But no one approached him during his training. Even on ordinary days, he wasn¡¯t particrly approachable. There was a reason they were called the Madmen toon. The surrounding soldiers only watched. They were respected and, thus, were respectful. ¡°Hmm.¡± Of course, Encrid focused on his task, ignoring such things. Rem was the next to emerge after Audin. ¡°toon leader, toon leader. I¡¯m here.¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± He was training right in front of the tent, so what did Rem mean by that? Anyway, Rem squatted nearby, watching. Jaxon began moving, having woken up at some point. Next was Krais. ¡°Ah, it seems there¡¯s no news of movement today either. This isn¡¯t good.¡± Stretching and yawning, Big Eyes muttered to himself. The next toon member toe out was Ragna. ¡°toon leader.¡± He approached. With everyone gathered, Encrid also stopped his training. It was time to say what needed to be said. He wasn¡¯t stubborn, after all. ¡°Do you really need to use two swords?¡± Ragna asked as he approached. Encrid nodded and began to speak. ¡°That¡¯s the n.¡± If asked why, he was ready to answer. He was prepared. Encrid stared at Ragna. Well, go ahead and ask? Ragna didn¡¯t ask. Silence fell, and unable to bear it, Encrid spoke first. ¡°Using two swords is better.¡± The reason he wanted to be a Knight was because he admired them. The reason he liked swords was because he simply liked holding them. It was the same. The moment he held two swords, he realized something. The moment he happened to train his left hand and discovered he could wield swords with both hands, Encrid had a small epiphany. It was a moment of realization. ¡®If I can use two swords.¡¯ It felt right, like it fit him perfectly. ¡°No one asked.¡± Right, no one asked. ¡°Who asked you?¡± Remughed beside him. Lately, that barbarian had been in a good mood. Yes, no one had asked. ¡°I see.¡± Big Eyes nodded btedly, as if he had sent his soul on a short trip somewhere and only now returned. This guy didn¡¯t seem to understand what I just said. Audin simply replied, ¡°Yes, brother.¡± Jaxon wasn¡¯t even listening, busy sharpening his dagger with a whetstone he had somehow acquired. The sound of sharpening, a metallic screech, was the only thing greeting the morning sunlight. ¡°Ha!¡± ¡°Haa!¡± More and more people gathered around Encrid, training alongside him, possibly inspired by this mad toon leader. Encrid muttered again amidst the sounds of sharpening and practice shouts. ¡°Using two swords is better.¡± ¡°I told you, no one asked.¡± He wanted to say he wasn¡¯t being stubborn, but admitting that felt like acknowledging he was indeed stubborn. So what should he do? ¡°Isn¡¯t it more urgent to learn how to carry two swords properly? Isn¡¯t that right?¡± Ragna asked. Encrid organized his thoughts. He decided to embrace being stubborn. For now, learning how to carry two swords properly was urgent. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°From now on, the toon leader has two lovers.¡± Ragna said. It struck Encrid that the toon members were terrible at exining things. It¡¯s not that they were bad speakers, but they seemed to have difficulty exining what they knew. Even this statement was something Ragna had probably pondered over for a day. Encrid remembered Ragna deep in thought in the tentst night. Did he think so hard just to say this? Encrid replied, ¡°So be it.¡± Having two lovers is no big deal. ¡°You¡¯ll hold both of them close when you sleep, eat, or do anything. Keep your swords close, as if they are in your embrace, always.¡± Encrid didn¡¯t ask what kind of training this was. A genius had thought about it for a day and came up with this method. Encrid decided to trust and follow it. ¡°So be it.¡± The same response came out twice. Ragna¡¯s face was slightly flushed, giving him a boyish look. ¡°Good.¡± That was the end of what needed to be said. After that, Encrid followed Ragna¡¯s advice diligently. He honed his Istion Technique. He endured and learned from Vf-Style Acupressure. He trained in martial arts, swordsmanship, and put in extra effort to increase the duration he could use the Heart of the Beast. He held his swords close. As if he had found two lovers he could never part from, he did everything with his swords. Whether eating, sleeping, or doing anything else. ¡°Meow.¡± Esther sometimes whined at night, perhaps finding it annoying. But Encrid did as he was told. A week passed like this. There were no battles, just asional news from the main force. On the fifth day, Krais spoke with a serious expression. ¡°This isn¡¯t good.¡± ¡°Why?¡± ¡°The main force¡¯s battle is dragging on.¡± ¡°Why is that a bad thing?¡± The Aspen forces are formidable. Even though Naurillia couldn¡¯t fullymit its forces due to internal issues, enduring an assault from a nation as powerful as Naurillia isn¡¯t an easy feat. Krais, drawing from previous experiences, spoke simply rather than borating. ¡°Even though we caught them off guard from the start, we¡¯re not able to push them back. And outwardly, it seems like we¡¯re in a more advantageous position.¡± ¡°So?¡± Krais¡¯s eyes narrowed. It was as if he was saying, ¡°Are you really going to keep asking without thinking?¡± Why did it feel like he could hear Krais¡¯s thoughts through his eyes? Still, Encrid, being stubborn, nonchntly epted Krais¡¯s gaze. ¡°So, what should our forces do? It seems to me there¡¯s only one option.¡± ¡°One option?¡± Is he serious? Krais¡¯s eyes seemed to say this, but his mouth dutifully spoke. ¡°We should really hit the enemy hard in the back, quickly strike, and then pull back.¡± Encrid understood this. So, the matter with the 4th Battalion of the 4th Regiment of the Cyprus Division wasn¡¯t finished. It meant there was still work for the Border Guard Reserve Unit. It was a sign that a battle was imminent. Encrid responded while naturally swinging his sword. ¡°I see.¡± There was a sense of anticipation. What had Aspen left in the rear? This was on the fifth day. On the morning of the eighth day, after a week had passed: ¡°Ambush!¡± The enemy attacked. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: /revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: /revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 140 ¡°The sense of evasion, we will learn it this time.¡± While Ragna insisted on always carrying two swords on his person, Jaxon started teaching something different. It must have been one of the things he mentioned on the day they killed the Giant. Encrid learned both at the same time. There was no need to learn them separately. What Jaxon taught didn¡¯t particrly interfere with other training. Essentially, it started with improving dynamic visual acuity, by throwing a marked stone and reading what was written on it. Of course, it wasn¡¯t easy. Still, little by little, he was improving. Now, he could see what was written on the stone flying toward him. This was possible thanks to the experiences Encrid had umted so far. Experiences that awakened his talent. Experiences achieved with a belief in sess and confidence in himself. Just then, a stone flew toward his forehead, and at that moment¡­ ¡°Ambush!¡± A shout rang out. Encrid quickly grabbed the stone. ¡°Enemy forces!¡± A loud whistle sounded. ¡°Arrows iing! Duck your heads!¡± Between the voices of themander and the startled soldiers, Jaxon spoke up. ¡°What was written?¡± He sure is relentless. The two swords were at his waist, and he was wearing leather armor. No matter how rxed they were, they couldn¡¯t move without basic gear. Although Esther disliked the smell of sweat on his armor, this ce was still a battlefield wherebat could break out at any moment. As Encrid turned around, he said, ¡°¡®Mi¡¯.¡± ¡°Good.¡± Jaxon responded and stood up. But there was someone faster and more agile than these two who dashed out. ¡°Where are they?!¡± It was Rem. For eight days, thanks to sparring with Encrid and Andrew, he wasn¡¯t particrly frustrated, but he felt a sense of boredom. The barbarian from the west was excited at the thought of swinging his axe and dashed out. Who knows? Another Giant might pop up somewhere. What then? It would be too exciting. Rem¡¯s steps were light, and his body was swift. He moved faster than anymander or soldier. Encrid also headed towards themotion. At the outskirts of the unit, near the border, in the direction of the enemy¡¯s camp. When they arrived, they saw Rem looking left and right rapidly. Encrid also looked around, but¡­ There were no noticeable traces, especially not of the enemy. Only a dead soldier with an arrow in his heady there. ¡°Where¡¯s the enemy?¡± Encrid asked, and Jaxon, also looking left and right, replied. ¡°They¡¯re not here.¡± Even in Jaxon¡¯s eyes, the traces were minimal. What does this mean? It means they didn¡¯t invade at all. Did they just shoot arrows from afar and leave? Though one of their own died because of it. Is this really effective? Rustle. There was some movement in the dense foliage beyond their camp¡¯s perimeter. It wasn¡¯t the enemy, it was their own men moving. The ones with the eagle insignia, the ughterers of the Frontier unit, were on the move. ¡°Chase them.¡± At the words of someone who appeared to be themander, they started moving. Watching them head into the bushes, Encrid thought their movements resembled those of Finn. In other words, they all had a ranger-like quality. At the very least, it seemed to be a unit with such skills. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± In the midst of this, Rem was there. A frustrated Rem, with his eyes slightly narrowed. ¡°Don¡¯t.¡± Encrid first extinguished the immediate fire. If left unchecked, he might cause amotion again. ¡°Come here.¡± He called out to stop him. Rem seemed so irritated that it was almost as if his gray hair was standing on end, but he just snorted and turned around. ¡°Those enemy bastards are despicable.¡± Rem spoke as he nced at therade with a pierced head. It wasn¡¯t a look of pity. He was looking at the arrow. ¡°To bring back that crazy bastard and cause this damn mess.¡± From Rem¡¯s expression, it seemed he recognized the arrow. ¡°Who is it?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t you remember?¡± Encrid tilted his head. Though Rem remembered, Encrid had experienced different things todaypared to Rem. The difference in their perceived time made it inevitable. ¡°The one who was called Hawk¡¯s Eyes or something like that.¡± Finally, Encrid also turned his eyes to the arrow. The arrow was longer and the fletching extended backward more than others. He could tell without even checking the blood-stained arrowhead. It wasn¡¯t an ordinary arrow. Rem scratched his chin slowly. He still felt a sense of frustration. A missed target. Rem, who had once lived as a hunter, followed the traces of the target with his eyes. Should he chase or not? If he did, how long would it take? As Rem was gauging the time, Encrid tapped him on the shoulder. ¡°How about a sparring match?¡± Let it go, there wille a day when they meet again. When that timees, they can have a conversation. Of course, it would be a conversation using axes, not words. ¡°Let¡¯s do it.¡± Encrid turned back after calming Rem down. Whoosh. A stone flew from behind Encrid¡¯s head. A small stone flew past Encrid¡¯s eyes in an instant. It brushed past Rem¡¯s forehead. Who knows when it was picked up or when something was written on it. ¡°Chin.¡± Encrid, having read the letters, responded calmly despite his inner surprise. He had almost missed it if he hadn¡¯t been paying attention. ¡°Good.¡± Jaxon nodded and spoke up. ¡°Are you crazy? Where are you throwing stones?¡± Rem reacted. ¡°Oh, you were there? I didn¡¯t see you.¡± Jaxon replied, clearly lying. It was a routine argument. ¡°Stop it.¡± Although it was routine, something had changed from before. Encrid didn¡¯t push himself in to stop them. Now, words were enough. ¡°Stop it, Rem.¡± He just spoke a bit more forcefully, with a bit more conviction. This realization came while learning the Heart of the Beast. Rem listened to his words better than expected. The same went for Jaxon. For him, just a stern look was enough. ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll be careful.¡± With that, they got the response. Anyway, as they returned to the front of the barracks. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Ragna, who had woken upte, asked. Unless he was watching Encrid or sparring with him, he remained azy friend. ¡°Enemy ambush, they just shot arrows and fled.¡± ¡°I see.¡± Did this guy even listen properly? He seemed uninterested. Was he just fearless, or simply thoughtless? ¡®Thetter.¡¯ If it involved Krona, it was thetter. Encrid thought to himself as he straightened his sword. He stood upright, regted his breathing, and focused once again on the sparring session. In between, he continued his training by reading letters written on stones. He rxed his muscles using the Vf-style acupressure techniques. He also trained in boxing, martial arts, and joint techniques, while not neglecting the Istion Technique. Throughout, he never let the two swords leave his body. ¡°Stance, you must not break your stance. No matter what you do, the stancees first. If your stance breaks, you¡¯ll get hurt. You wouldn¡¯t want to be a wounded toon leader, would you, brother?¡± Was this a warning using a yful title? It was quite a challenge to maintain the stance for the Istion Technique while holding two swords, but it was manageable. It wasn¡¯t impossible. Thus, there were no issues for Encrid. As the sun began to set in the west, a shout came from one of their soldiers. ¡°Ambush! Damn it!¡± The enemy had attempted contact again. They had been caught off guard the first time, but this time, they were prepared. Yet again, an arrow struck a soldier¡¯s head. The Border Guard Reserve Unit responded. A toonposed of individuals with exceptional abilities in such terrain moved, but they missed the enemy again. ¡°This isn¡¯t good.¡± Krais frowned upon hearing the situation. Encrid ignored it. The enemy was firing arrows from a distance and fleeing. They were difficult to catch. How could they catch someone who shot just one arrow from an unusually long-range weapon and then fled? Encrid focused solely on his training. He didn¡¯t consider it his concern. He barely had enough mental energy to concentrate on his training. ¡°Chin.¡± Starting from ¡®Mi¡¯, he read all the letters on the fifth stone. When put together, it read ¡®Mad Barbarian.¡¯ ¡°¡­These were written down before I told him to be careful earlier.¡± Jaxon made an excuse, looking down at the ground. Encrid didn¡¯t feel like saying anything in response. ¡°Calm down.¡± He only tried to stop Rem, who seemed ready to throw his axe without hesitation. A day passed, and the next day was simr. Training or sparring. asional enemy ambushes. Krais kept muttering that the situation wasn¡¯t good. Encrid started proper training with Jaxon. ¡°The sense of evasion is essentially about developing the ability to avoid. It¡¯s about honing predictive abilities and body coordination through experience. The goal is to be able to move and avoid simultaneously.¡± As Encrid watched, wondering what exactly they were supposed to avoid, Jaxon drew his sword. The de glinted in the light, and Jaxon asked, ¡°Are you going to do this with two swords?¡± Was this a concern, or a warning? Perhaps both. ¡°Do it.¡± Encrid would endure whatever came his way. Knowing this, Jaxon nodded and decided to share something he had. ¡°If you can¡¯t dodge, you¡¯ll die.¡± After this warning, Jaxon struck. A piercing sound, and Encrid saw a dot. A small point shot towards him. Even though he activated the Focus Point technique, he couldn¡¯t move. Tick. ¡°Next time, you really will die.¡± The tip of the sword touched Encrid¡¯s forehead. He couldn¡¯t move at all. Speed? Swiftness? No, this seemed to be a different issue. It was a thrust as precise as a dot. Not something achievable just by being fast. What should he call this? He had seen Rem¡¯s axe swing like a whip. He had seen it cut through the air like a sh. He had seen enemy thrusts and had dodged flying whistling daggers. Jaxon¡¯s thrust felt different from everything he had experienced. It seemed almost magical. As if the space folded and the sword reached its target in an instant. It was a thrust that showed no signs or indications beforehand. ¡°Again.¡± Encrid¡¯s eyes burned with determination. It was something new, and he was always ready to ept it. ¡°If you can¡¯t dodge, you¡¯ll really die.¡± Jaxon kept saying this, but in reality, no one died. Should they say it was still the same? Or should they say it remained unchanged? Encrid continued to train, always ready for what came next. Three or four times a day, the enemy would shoot arrows, causing minor disturbances. Whether or not their own forces were affected, whether or not the Border Guard Reserve Unit continued to stumble, Encrid focused solely on training. Is it that he can¡¯t see the thrust? No. He could see it. He could see it, but he just couldn¡¯t dodge it. What he needed now, as Jaxon said, was coordination. Seeing and dodging, reducing reaction time to the extreme. If he could see it, his body would react. So why couldn¡¯t he dodge Jaxon¡¯s sword? ¡°It¡¯s called the ¡®Non-lethal Thrust¡¯, but there¡¯s no need for you to learn it.¡± Jaxon casually mentioned this, which only fueled Encrid¡¯s determination further. ¡°When can I learn that?¡± ¡°Let¡¯s talk after you master this.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± The ¡®Non-lethal Thrust¡¯ is a high-speed thrust without killing intent. Up until now, the body¡¯s reaction to intent had been the reason for freezing up. Without a sense of threat, the body doesn¡¯t react properly. The current training was about learning to willfully activate and summon reactions. ¡°Just see and react.¡± It wasn¡¯t as easy as it sounded. However, there was some progress. It was slow, almost at a crawling pace, but Encrid could feel the changes in himself. How could this not be exciting? Moreover¡­ ¡°You¡¯re improving.¡± Jaxon was a kind and encouraging teacherpared to others. The training Jaxon knew was consistent and could be mastered with half a life¡¯s effort, provided one kept at it. Yet, in all these moments, Jaxon couldn¡¯t help but question. ¡®Why am I doing this?¡¯ He couldn¡¯t just sit back and watch, so he got involved. Jaxon couldn¡¯t understand why he was helping Encrid, which bothered him. Since childhood, he¡¯d been trained to attach a valid reason to every action. Now, he was acting entirely against that training. ¡®Just keep going.¡¯ Jaxon pushed his doubts aside, content to watch Encrid. It was a satisfaction he had never felt before. Having killed and killed again, verifying and seeking information afterward, he had never felt anything during those moments. This feeling was new. How could he not be excited? A smile appeared on Jaxon¡¯s face as he thrust his sword, and Encrid had no time to notice it. Only Rem, Ragna, and Audin, who were nearby, saw it. ¡°That guy, he¡¯s really going to kill someone.¡± Rem, with a strangely twisted expression, remarked, ¡°This sparring is getting too intense. It¡¯s supposed to be my turn.¡± Ragna voiced his own desires, ¡°Seems like it¡¯s my turn now.¡± ¡°Haha, it seems our brother is enjoying himself. But everything needs bnce, we mustn¡¯t overdo it. As the Lord says, what happens when the scales tip too much¡­¡± Audin¡¯s words trailed off, indicating his dissatisfaction. All three were clearly unhappy. Krais, watching them, thought, ¡°This really isn¡¯t good.¡± While they swung their swords without much worry, the situation within the unit was deteriorating like a dog¡¯s genitals. It would be great if themander or the Border Guard Reserve Unit took care of it, but it seemed like no one was thinking or willing to think strategically. ¡°When will they stop just watching?¡± Krais saw a way out. If things continue as they are, they¡¯d only invite more danger. Why were they just leaving it alone? He couldn¡¯t let it go. ¡°Hey, Captain.¡± Krais didn¡¯t want to risk staying here any longer. It was a visible problem, and he couldn¡¯t just ignore it. ¡°Hmm?¡± Encrid, drenched in sweat, turned his head. The intensity in his eyes meant nothing to Krais. ¡°Don¡¯t you have any suggestions to make to the higher-ups?¡± Encrid tilted his head, confused by the question. Krais began exining, outlining the limited capabilities of their unit and what they could do. ¡°¡­So, we have the mobility, we just need to control it.¡± It was a straightforward suggestion. Having seen Krais enough times, Encrid knew this big-eyed friend wasn¡¯t just obsessed with Krona, so he nodded. ¡°Sure, why not.¡± There were many things Encrid wanted to test out anyway. This seemed like a good opportunity. It was natural for Encrid to nod easily. ¡°Good.¡± Krais said, perhaps relieved, while Encrid calmly nodded back. It wasn¡¯t a difficult decision. Ultimately, the final judgment rested with themand. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: /revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: /revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 141 ¡°We need to move the position forward. We can¡¯t just leave it as it is. We¡¯ll take control of the bush area and hit them from behind.¡± ¡°What are you talking about? How do you n to retreat if you go in like that? Do you even know how many troops Aspen has guarding their rear?¡± ¡°So, you¡¯re saying we should just let that guerri unit run wild?¡± ¡°Because of that, morale is dropping again.¡± It was a strategy meeting. Various Company Commanders and lieutenants gathered around a table in the center, talking. 1st Company Commander Graham was in favor of attacking. Palto brought up another point. 3rd Company Commander Rayon was killed by a Fairy assassin in thest battle, leaving the position vacant, so the 1st toon leader of the 3rd Company had immediately filled the spot. He had nothing to say and kept his mouth shut. The rest were filled by Marcus¡¯s lieutenants. They brought up necessary opinions, confirmed them, and cross-verified. Watching this, the Fairy Company Commander thought it was all pointless. The problem was clear. ¡®There¡¯s someone clever on the other side.¡¯ And there¡¯s no one like that on this side. Battalion Commander Marcus had the nickname ¡®Warmonger¡¯. Despite the nickname, he wasn¡¯t stupid. You could tell from how he handled Encrid. He knew how to lift the morale of his subordinates. He could adjust morale and set the tone. Compared to the previous Battalion Commander, this one was an archangel. However, Marcus wasn¡¯t a strategist. When Marcus needed to turn the tide and change the atmosphere, what did he do? A brilliant strategy? No. He either took action himself or used a powerful armed group. You could see this from the previous battles. So, what was the sword Marcus drew? He brought out two swords. One was the heavy infantry of the 1st Company. The other was the Royal Guard Border Patrol. This meant Marcus was amander who prioritized brute force in his tactics. On the other hand, the enemy. ¡®No matter how you look at it, they¡¯re the ones using their brains.¡¯ The Fairy Company Commander had lived a long time and was experienced. Usually, in these cases, the clumsy response of allies often led them into traps. What if this was just a temptation to lure us in deeper? What if the main force advanced further only to find a trap waiting? Even if they wanted to gather information, they were in the enemy¡¯s backyard. Should they send scouts deeper? Judging by the movements of the enemy¡¯s guerri unit, it would be a cat-and-mouse chase along the ridges. Ignoring them and attacking the enemy¡¯s rear? That might not be a bad idea. If they moved west, they would face the Cross Guard. If they moved northeast, they would encounter the enemy¡¯s main force. The allies couldn¡¯t decide on a direction. If they couldn¡¯t figure it out, holding the position was the best they could do. In reality, this unit¡¯s mere presence threatened the entire main force. The enemy¡¯s tricks could simply be ignored. Thud. Marcus mmed his fist on the strategy map spread out on the table. A couple of pieces and pins on the map toppled over. ¡°To put it bluntly, we¡¯re saying we can¡¯t move forward or retreat as things stand, right? We need to talk about what we can do!¡± He was just as frustrated. In a normal situation, the main force should have already hit the enemy¡¯s main force and retreated, but the battle was dragging on. Meanwhile, the enemy guerri unit kept poking at them, which was really annoying, so they tried toe up with a n to catch them, but everyone was just talking nonsense. In the end, the strategy meeting ended inconclusively. There were no useful opinions. As the meeting ended and the Fairy Company Commander returned to her tent. Thud. A toon leader with bizarre armaments and swords on both sides of his waist blocked her path. Pressing down on the swords with his left hand, he bowed his head. After the salute, toon leader Encrid spoke. ¡°Requesting permission to present a tactical suggestion and request temporarymand.¡± The Fairy Commander, staring at Encrid, thought he had a rather handsome face and wondered what his suggestion was. To her, Encrid didn¡¯t seem like the type to strategize. He was more of a straightforward fighter. ¡°If you¡¯vee to propose an engagement, this isn¡¯t the right time,toon leader.¡± The Fairy Commander made a joke in her own way, casually. Encrid, seemingly used to such jokes by now, responded just as casually. ¡°This is about military strategy.¡± Could they ignore the opinion of a mere toon leader? No, they couldn¡¯t. Setting aside her personal liking for him, Encrid had been proving himself on every battlefield. ¡°Speak.¡± Encrid, not wanting to take credit for someone else¡¯s idea, kept it brief. ¡°Grant me a temporarymand to disrupt the enemy lines.¡± ¡°And?¡± ¡°I request the support of one soldier skilled in pathfinding.¡± ¡°Is that all?¡± ¡°Additionally, how about the main force moving westward now?¡± The Fairy Commander tilted her head to the side. Encrid exined as he had heard it. Where was this unit currently positioned? What impact would their movements have on the enemy? What effect would that impact bring about? It was a matter of observation and prediction. ¡°What if things don¡¯t go as expected?¡± ¡°Then we retreat.¡± In that case, they would retreat. In fact, this n was focused on retreating from the start. The Fairy Company Commander was not a fool. As she listened, her mind started working rapidly. ¡°That¡¯s useful.¡± No, it wasn¡¯t just useful, it seemed like the best option in the current situation. They weren¡¯t doing anything significant, but what would happen if these small actions umted? With a bit of luck, and if Encrid moved with his toon members directly¡­ ¡°Is this your n?¡± The Fairy Commander asked. ¡°No.¡± Encrid shook his head. He had no intention of taking credit for another soldier¡¯s merits. ¡°This was the idea of a soldier named Krais.¡± Krais had suggested it, not wanting to risk their current position. It was a casual suggestion, hoping it would be considered, and if not, themand would have some other n in mind. But, as it turned out, this was the most needed idea at the moment. ¡°Good.¡± The Fairy Company Commander left it at that and swiftly turned away, heading toward the Battalion Commander¡¯s tent where the strategy meeting had been held just a while ago. Soon after, the allied forces began to move differently. They started preparing to vacate the position and march. Meanwhile, Encrid was arming his toon members and addressing them. There was no need for a speech, as they weren¡¯t the kind to require one for a mission. ¡°Rem.¡± ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°Shall we go catch that archer?¡± Encrid asked Rem simply. Rem¡¯s eyebrow twitched. It was a sign of satisfaction. ¡°Sounds good.¡± Rem¡¯s smile seemed to carry a scent of blood. ¡°I¡¯m just suggesting we warm up a bit, anyone want to sit this one out?¡± He looked at each of them: Ragna, Audin, Jaxon, Andrew, and Mac. Although he was willing to let anyone opt out, there were no such volunteers. Then there was. ¡°This is Finn, who joined the toon today.¡± ¡°Nice to meet you.¡± Finn¡¯s inclusion was another development. After requesting support, they had sent over a ranger who used to be with the light armored archery unit. Now that the archery unit had been integrated back into the 2nd Company, Finn¡¯s position became somewhat ambiguous. Thus, she ended up joining the toon as a Squad leader. It was an odd setup, considering there were less than ten people in this independent toon, yet it had two Squad leaders. It was a peculiar situation, but what could they do? The crazy toon was always like this. Finn had transferred because of Encrid. He was someone Finn wanted to observe closely, even if it meant lowering her rank to Squad leader. She also had a personal interest in getting to know Encrid better. Additionally, there were people she wanted to meet. ¡°I¡¯m Finn. I don¡¯t intend to throw my weight around as a Squad leader, so let¡¯s just get along. So, you¡¯re Audin, right?¡± Finn was straightforward. She said what she wanted and acted as she pleased. She then revealed one of her intentions. Audin, the one who taught Encrid the Vf-Style Martial Arts. Finn licked her lips as she looked at Audin. She was intrigued just by his physique. ¡°Enki is great, but¡­¡± Audin seemed promising too. Was he all form and no substance? She had already confirmed Encrid¡¯s substance during their first meeting by the stream. It was unforgettable, especially below the abs. ¡°Well.¡± Finn set aside her thoughts. This wasn¡¯t the time for such musings. ¡°Yes, Sister. I was given the name Audin by the Lord.¡± They shook hands and greeted each other. Rem, Ragna, and Jaxon acted nonchntly. Andrew approached and mentioned they were both Squad leaders. Mac just nodded in acknowledgment. This was the group. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s start with the operation overview.¡± Encrid spoke, looking at Krais. It¡¯s your turn now, isn¡¯t it? Understanding the look, Krais cleared his throat and stepped forward. ¡°Uh, since the enemy¡¯s guerri unit is causing trouble, we¡¯re going to do something simr.¡± Krais knew that if he spoke tooplicatedly, no one would understand. So he kept his exnation as simple and clear as possible. The gist was this: The enemy was using the terrain to disrupt their forces, so why couldn¡¯t they do the same? While a part of the Border Patrol had already done something simr, Krais felt it hadn¡¯t left a strong enough impression on the enemy. So, what should they do? Make it unforgettable for them. ¡°Shall we go, then?¡± Did Krais¡¯s voice soundckluster? Rem chuckled and spoke. ¡°That¡¯s not how you go into battle, you sweep them all away!¡± Rem spoke to Krais, raising his voice at the end. Of course, only Encrid responded. ¡°Sounds good.¡± The others ignored it. Jaxon started walking as soon as Rem opened his mouth. ¡°Are youing?¡± He even asked Finn. Finn observed the hostility among the toon members and wondered what was going on, but she did her job. There had been a warning, after all. ¡°This isn¡¯t a normal unit. Are you okay with that?¡± Hadn¡¯t the Fairy Company Commander already warned her? Finn nodded. Her main interest was in Encrid and Audin. The other members, she could just get along with. And so Encrid¡¯s toon moved out. Finn found the path. Following the enemy¡¯s traces would just lead them in circles. So they set a different target, not the guerri unit but the enemy¡¯s main force. Finding them wasn¡¯t difficult. ¡°Whew, if there are Knights, won¡¯t that be a big deal?¡± Andrew spoke, and Krais, who had the worstbat skills in the toon, responded. They all walked steadily, ignoring any traces they left behind. ¡°I don¡¯t think so.¡± ¡°How can you be so sure?¡± ¡°If there were, we could just gauge the situation and run away. Also, if they had the resources to spare Knights or other units to the rear, they wouldn¡¯t be operating a guerri unit. In my opinion, that guerri unit is a distraction. Because, well¡­¡± ¡°That¡¯s enough.¡± Andrew saw that Krais tended to go on when it came to these topics. If only half of what he said made sense, what was the point? Krais was a bit dissatisfied with that. It seemed like no one was willing to listen. However, the toon leader, at least, listened carefully and showed a sincere attitude. That was satisfying enough. In reality, Krais felt a bit anxious about what he was saying. As he walked quickly to the toon leader¡¯s side, Krais spoke. ¡°Captain, I think that guerri unit is just a distraction. So why would they distract us? It¡¯s simple. They want us to stay put, to keep us from moving elsewhere. If we head to the rear, they¡¯lly traps. It¡¯s something like that. So we should move differently, in a way they don¡¯t expect.¡± Krais continued with his strategy. Encrid listened carefully and then asked, ¡°Why are you repeating this?¡± He had already heard this, this was the third time. ¡°Uh, well, I just wanted to say it. Never mind.¡± Was he nervous? ¡°Does talking make your anxiety go away?¡± ¡°Well,Captain, you wouldn¡¯t understand.¡± Krais thought of himself as an ordinary person. So he believed someone like Encrid wouldn¡¯t understand him. To him, the toon leader seemed abnormal. If youck talent, you should give up. Chasing dreams? How could that be normal? It¡¯s a literal dream, not a feasible goal. Yet, Encrid pursued it, repeating the same things every day. He constantly showed what bone-grinding training was in front of Krais. How could that be normal? Krais stopped talking. When he looked at the toon leader, he felt like they could ovee anything, no matter what happened. His anxiety eased a little. ¡°This way.¡± Finn, a skilled ranger and pathfinder, led the way. Even though she wasn¡¯t familiar with the terrain, she was good at finding traces. The enemy¡¯s guerri unit had set up various traps to avoid pursuit. They saw a few of these traps. It was said that parts of the Border Patrol had encountered these traps several times while chasing the guerri unit. The Madmen toon didn¡¯t deliberately look for the guerri unit¡¯s traces. They went straight ahead. They moved directly toward the enemy¡¯s rear. After passing through the bushes and ridges, they began to see the enemy¡¯s rear guard. ¡°I¡¯ll go first. No, if anyone goes before me, I¡¯ll smash the back of their heads, so I¡¯m warning you all to back off.¡± Rem growled. They let him. No one seemed interested in taking the lead. Krais surveyed the enemy¡¯s formation. The enemy was spread out across a wide terrain from the tall grass to where they stood. So this would be the rear, specifically the rear right side of the enemy, right? It should be around that area. They had spent more than half a day crossing the ridges. ¡°Are there any Knights?¡± Encrid asked. Jaxon, who had sharp eyes, looked around and responded. ¡°I don¡¯t see anyone particrly dangerous.¡± It was time to begin. Rem started moving down the ridge, and Encrid followed him. As they descended, dust rose around them. Mac, Andrew, Finn, Audin, and Jaxon remained behind. Krais was under protection, and they were prepared in case something went wrong. Only Rem, Encrid, and Ragna had descended. ¡°We¡¯ll watch.¡± Ragna said as he joined Encrid. What had he learned while wielding two swords? Ragna wanted to see if what he had taught was effective. ¡®A test.¡¯ For Encrid, it was also an experiment. Two swords, dual-wielding, fighting with a weapon in each hand. How effective would it be? ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± A guard spotted the three approaching. Kicking the gentle slope as they descended, they stirred up dust, and there was no terrain to hide behind. They had descended onto a fertile in,nd that the victor of the battle would soon im. Rem approached, waving his hand. It was a gesture and walk that seemed aimed at an old friend. ¡°Hey!¡± The guard looked puzzled by his nonchnce. Are they the enemy? Or not? As the distance closed,the guard was about to tell them to stop when Rem¡¯s hand axe flew from his belt. His hand moved like lightning. The throwing axe arced through the air, drawing a long trajectory. Thud. The guard¡¯s head was adorned with a new ornament, one that ended his life. The guard with the axe embedded in his head staggered, his feet leaving the ground. As he iled and fell backward with a thud. The other guard, witnessing this, hurriedly brought a whistle to his mouth. However, Rem was already upon him. He charged with explosive force, using his powerful thigh muscles. Encrid knew Rem¡¯s skills. Even so, he was surprised. It reminded him of the charge he had seen from a Squire, just before they became a full Knight. ¡®Rem.¡¯ He still had hidden skills. Rem closed the distance and grabbed the guard¡¯s wrist, twisting it. Crack. ¡°Ugh.¡± Then, the axe in Rem¡¯s left hand sliced horizontally through the air. Thud. The guard fell sideways, his neck half-severed. Blood gushed from the fallen man¡¯s neck, soaking the ground. ¡°Pathetically weak.¡± Rem muttered between the two dead soldiers. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: /revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: /revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 142 Rem, having killed the guards, turned around. Encrid and Ragna didn¡¯t even have a chance to step in. They wouldn¡¯t wait for the enemy here, anyway. ¡°That was easy.¡± Rem said as he spun his axe in his hand, blood droplets falling to the ground. Seeing this, Encrid turned his body. ¡°Ragna.¡± At the call, Ragna quickly followed his toon leader. This was something Krais had repeatedly emphasized: never leave Ragna alone. It was a precaution because Ragna would undoubtedly get lost. ¡°Hey, barbarian, take it easy.¡± Following behind the toon leader, Ragna threw out a remark. From Ragna¡¯s perspective, it looked like Encrid was trying to step in but hadn¡¯t had the chance. Not knowing when to engage and when to withdraw, the barbarian was bound to get scolded. Of course, Rem didn¡¯t quietly agree. ¡°Huh? What did you say? Do you want another mouth on your neck? Want me to slit your throat?¡± ¡°Enough.¡± Encrid calmly intervened between them. It was just the beginning, after all. They climbed back up the ridgeline. It should have been several times harder thaning down, butpared to what they¡¯d been through with The Istion Technique, it felt like child¡¯s y. This was the same for Rem and Ragna as well. None of the crazed toon members wielding axes and swords would be short on stamina. ¡°Alright, Finn, let¡¯s go.¡± Krais spoke as if it wasn¡¯t the time to fight, urging them forward. Finn nodded and started moving. They climbed over the ridgeline again. Finn led the way, followed by Encrid, and then Ragna and Krais trailed behind. Even Krais, who was rtively strong, didn¡¯tg behind. Mac observed their movements, inwardly surprised. ¡®They¡¯re fast.¡¯ Their steps were confident and unhesitant. It seemed like a forced march ignoring the loss of stamina, but none of them looked exhausted. Mac decided it was best to focus on his own pace. ¡°Breathe slowly and deeply.¡± This march¡ªor was it an ambush? Strike mission? Whatever it was, it wasn¡¯t going to end quickly. They needed to conserve their strength. Mac spoke, and Andrew nodded. ¡°I know.¡± A short response came back, indicating he understood without needing further exnation. Mac felt a sense of nostalgia. When had he grown up like this? When this battle was over and they returned to the city, perhaps it was time to find his ce. ¡°It will be tough. But, hmm, I don¡¯t know. I¡¯m looking forward to it.¡± Andrew spoke, his gaze fixed on his toon leader¡¯s back. Mac nodded slightly, almost imperceptibly, so that Andrew wouldn¡¯t notice. He, too, was looking forward to it. How far would that toon leader go? Would he truly grasp that something he dreamed of? Mac had ears and a sense of awareness. What the toon leader desired was something beyond his current reach. Andrew¡¯s dream also seemed out of reach, possibly unattainable. He was here to support him, but whether Andrew could revive his family was uncertain. ¡°There¡¯s no giving up.¡± Andrew muttered to himself. The boy who once was just a brat, confident in his abilities and full of bravado, was no longer there. Now, there was only a changed man, looking at the back of his toon leader. ¡°There¡¯s no such thing as giving up.¡± Mac replied with a tone of pride, though perhaps it wasn¡¯t Encrid¡¯s intention, Andrew had changed, and that change had also affected Mac. Reviving his family was something Andrew would now ept as achievable. Mac began to walk, organizing in his mind what needed to be done once they returned. He moved, taking slow, deep breaths, minimizing unnecessary movements. Andrew walked beside him, adjusting his breathing simrly. As Mac and Andrew whispered, Encrid walked, listening to his toon¡¯s breathing. ¡°You keep listening and listening.¡± Just as visual focus develops peripheral vision, auditory focus develops by distinguishing and processing sounds. The sound of pebbles scattering, the steps on the ridgeline, and the breathing of the toon members. ¡®Shallow and steady.¡¯ That was Mac and Andrew. Both were preparing for the future. And Rem? His breathing was rough, without rhythm. Sometimes fast, sometimes slow, it was hard to discern. It suited his personality perfectly. Audin¡¯s breathing was so long it was hard to tell when it began and ended. Ragna¡¯s was ordinary. Jaxon was silent. And what about his own? If there was any simrity, it was most like Ragna¡¯s. Ordinary. He could breathe normally and move with practiced steps without issue. ¡°I¡¯ve been curious for a while, did you get Ranger training somewhere?¡± Finn asked, ncing back. Encrid replied casually, as usual. ¡°I learned by watching a Ranger I knew.¡± It wasn¡¯t untrue. He had learned by watching Finn. But somehow, it felt like they¡¯d had this conversation before, with a simr answer. It reminded him of Enri. When asked about the ins, he had given a simr response. He wondered if that friend had returned safely to the city. They had joined a unit transporting captured soldiers, so there shouldn¡¯t be any trouble. Even while pondering, Encrid didn¡¯t stop what he was doing. Listening, observing, feeling. He trained his senses, walking. The ridgeline stretched out ahead, with the enemy on the right and their own camp on the left. By now, their camp should be moving too. Encrid focused on the task at hand. Continuing his training, he suddenly asked Rem a question. ¡°What was that charge earlier?¡± ¡°If you¡¯re asking how I did it, I almost want to smack you on the back of the head.¡± Rem replied, sounding somewhat indifferent and clearly irritated. Why? Encrid soon understood the reason. ¡®I asked without thinking.¡¯ He had asked reflexively because he expected an answer toe. Perhaps it was a habit from issuingmands recently. People aren¡¯t perfect, and Encrid was no exception. He was fairly skilled in dealing with people, ustomed to advancing alone, and determined to move forward even if it meant crawling. ¡®Ick something, I¡¯ve forgotten to ponder.¡¯ People make mistakes. The difference with Encrid was that he was quick to adapt. He acknowledged his mistakes, recognized them, and corrected them. Encrid started walking without responding to Rem¡¯sment, retreating into his own world. It meant he should have known the answer without asking. The answer was already in what he had learned. What is needed for a sprint, a charge? Strength, muscle, thigh muscles. It¡¯s the Heart of the Beast. What happens when you add strength to all your muscles and burst forward? Of course, training and time for conditioning are needed. But the path is visible, which brings joy. Ah, so this is it. A fleeting smile of delight crossed Encrid¡¯s face, which made Rem chuckle. Why ask about something so obvious? That was the meaning behind his smile. With Finn leading, they walked diligently. As they walked, Finn was repeatedly surprised. They were all like monsters. No onegged behind. Is this easy? No, it isn¡¯t easy at all. And they haven¡¯t received Ranger training, right? ¡®He¡¯s different from his gentle appearance.¡¯ The toon member nicknamed ¡®Big Eyes¡¯ was particrly impressive. Even though he wasn¡¯t considered abatant, he kept up without falling behind. Although,pared to others, he seemed to be following doggedly, relying more on stamina. Even this was impressive. They crossed over the ridgeline, stopping at a patch of short grass. ¡°This looks like the rear.¡± What¡¯s the best part about moving in small numbers? The agility, which they utilized fully. It was downhill again. This time, Audin and Jaxon followed. ¡°Ah, why?¡± Rem pouted slightly, but it was originally nned to take turns. In case of trouble, they needed someone to cover their retreat, especially to protect Krais. As they walked downhill, Encrid wondered if Esther was watching from somewhere. They had brought her along, but as soon as they started up the mountain path, she had slipped away and disappeared. Maybe she was hunting somewhere. Who knows? It wasn¡¯t something he needed to worry about. As Encrid descended, they encountered an enemy guard. This time, luck wasn¡¯t on their side. Beeeeeeppp! As soon as the enemy soldier spotted them, he blew a whistle. It was a quick reaction. Then, he pointed the spear in his hand forward and shouted, ¡°Who are you? Stop!¡± Encrid approached silently. One of the guards brushed his hand against his waist. It seemed he had a knack for throwing knives. A throwing knife was held backward in his hand, ready to be thrown. ¡®See with your eyes.¡¯ React with your body. Move your body based on your senses, the key was to increase reaction speed. This was a technique called ¡®The Sense of Evasion¡¯. Whoosh. A knife flew towards him. Timing his movement with the knife¡¯s approach, Encrid lowered his stance and rushed forward. It was different from activating ¡®Focus Point¡¯ and evading. It wasn¡¯t about concentration but reaction speed. Calmly and unflinchingly. That was the essence, so that was how he did it. He mimicked the stride of a Knight charging into battle without activating the Heart of the Beast. Pounding the ground, the enemy soldier thrust his spear. The tip of the extended spear aimed for his chest. He dodged and deflected it, all in one smooth motion. Encrid stepped forward with his left foot, twisting his body to avoid the spearhead and pushed the spear shaft away with his palm. With a solid thud, the spear was shoved aside, throwing the soldier off bnce. ¡°Ugh!¡± The soldier¡¯s eyes widened in surprise as Encrid closed in, not slowing his pace. Just as Rem had once demonstrated. Encrid charged in, knocking the spear aside and closing in on the soldier. The subsequent fight was predictably short. Thud! Encrid pulled out a dagger and stabbed the soldier¡¯s neck, then withdrew it. Blood spurted from the gash in the soldier¡¯s neck. Encrid sheathed the dagger, feeling somewhat satisfied. ¡®It works.¡¯ It was a technique he had practiced, not something he had repeatedly used in realbat. ¡®The Sense of Evasion¡¯ was an art that increased the body¡¯s coordination. He had learned something from this training. Fundamentally, the body¡¯s reaction speed had changed. What result does that bring? Even without ¡®Focus Point¡¯, he could move rtively faster than the enemy. This meant gaining the upper hand in both attack and positioning. The fight being short was inevitable. Even if the enemy¡¯s skills were poor and Encrid himself felt like he was just taking his first steps. ¡®It works.¡¯ That in itself was a joy. Jaxon was pleased with what he saw Encrid do. Yes, that¡¯s how it should be done. It¡¯s basic but clean. In less ttering terms, it was the result of brute force training. In a more positive light, it was thanks to his steadfastness. That was the core of this training. Steadfast and steadfast again. Wasn¡¯t it a technique that suited Encrid well? The training to develop the body¡¯s coordination in response to senses would only make his reaction speed faster with repetition. ¡®Did he say his dream was to be a Knight?¡¯ Just because a dream seems far-fetched doesn¡¯t mean one shouldn¡¯t pursue it. It was the same for him. If he had spoken aloud the goals he held close as a child, no one would have refrained from mocking him. His thoughts continued, but Jaxon¡¯s hands were more diligently doing their job than ever. He had already positioned himself behind an enemy soldier and slit his throat with a dagger. sh. There was no need to make the blood gush like a fountain as Encrid had. ¡°Gah!¡± The soldier, with his throat cut, grasped his neck with his right hand while holding his spear with his left. Trying to press on the wound with his hand? It was a futile effort. The major blood vessels in the neck were already severed. With his extensive experience, Jaxon had seen countless people die from simr wounds. Blood began to stream between the soldier¡¯s fingers. With a quick kick to the knee, he sent the soldier to the ground, where hey dying like a fish out of water. He had no strength to cry out or blow the whistle. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± They had swiftly dealt with two guards. The sound of the whistle had caused movement from deeper within the enemy¡¯s ranks. It was time to withdraw. ¡°Agreed.¡± Encrid, showing satisfaction, responded and turned around. It was time to move through the mountains again. They moved again. Walking diligently. Their retreat was as swift as ghosts. All that the advancing Aspen unit could see, responding to the whistle, was the backs of the figures ascending the mountain. ¡°Chase them!¡± Shouted the furious rearmander of Aspen, and the enemy soldiers quickly pursued Encrid¡¯s group. But how could they catch up to a small elite unit that had already disappeared over the ridgeline? They were faster than their pursuers, and if the enemy also pursued in small numbers, how would they deal with a counterattack? To Krais, this was the expected oue. Why wouldn¡¯t it be? If the enemy could strike with a small elite force, then so could they. Of course, it would only be meaningful with a squad like their Madmen toon. ¡°Quick march.¡± Encrid¡¯s voice could be heard behind him. Krais looked at his toon leader. Did the toon leader understand his intentionspletely? That made him wonder. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: /revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: /revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 143 Encrid was also ustomed to small-scale operations leading scouting squads. Added to that was the experience umted over time. There were days when they crossed through tall grasnds. Days when they attacked the Gilpin Guild with their squad members. And there were nights when they fought lycanthropes, wizards, and ambush units. What is the most important thing? What should amander prioritize? ¡®Awareness.¡¯ It starts with knowing. Understanding what you are doing, and what will stem from what you are doing now. You can¡¯t know everything. And you can¡¯t exin everything with words. But, there was a sense. It wasn¡¯t instinct but a sense internalized through experience. ¡°Let¡¯s go deeper.¡± Encrid said. With that, Finn changed direction. She followed the leader¡¯s words faithfully. Krais blinked and looked at his toon leader from the side. What was he thinking? His expression was the same as usual. An unreadable calm. Everyone¡¯s pace quickened. They couldn¡¯t afford to be caught by the enemy. ¡°Can¡¯t we just fight them? If we kill enough, they won¡¯t follow.¡± Rem grumbled, and Encrid stopped him. ¡°Don¡¯t go.¡± It was almost an order. That, in itself, was quite surprising. Seeing Rem obeying so readily, how could one not be surprised? ¡°Ragna, just watch the back of the person in front of you. Don¡¯t turn your head anywhere else.¡± Ragna also followed Encrid¡¯s words faithfully. There was no need to say anything to Audin and Jaxon. Just. ¡°Heh, you really seem like amander now, brother.¡± Audin said this. Was it that their skills had changed, and thus their attitudes changed too? ¡°Really?¡± Encrid still responded indifferently. That attitude, those actions, that tone. Nothing had changed. That¡¯s why they followed. Even Krais felt his heart move first. If even he, who always scrutinized everything, even checking if Krona was involved or not, acted like this. There¡¯s no need to mention the other toon members. Even Jaxon, who prided himself on keeping his emotions hidden, couldn¡¯t conceal his expressions at times. He showed a mixture of frustration, regret, and pity. Thinking about it made him smile again. Even though it wasn¡¯t a situation tough. ¡®Why does everything feel so stable?¡¯ Despite Krais having considered everything thoroughly before deciding to execute this, what he felt in reality was different. The toon was more impressive than he had thought. If the enemy had their own hawk¡¯s talons or eyes, on this side, they had a crazy toon. They were a group with excellent mobility andbat power that only Knights could hope to counter. That was Krais¡¯s assessment. So, what if they used this group as a guerri unit? It would be a lie to say that no aide had ever suggested this idea. The problem was. ¡°Will they listen?¡± It was good that they fought well, but they were quite a handful. A good sword is valuable, but using it can be challenging. What is needed? A focal point, something to control them. And who would that be? Having seen them up close, Krais knew the answer. There was a recent event that clearly demonstrated the toon leader¡¯s influence to Krais. ¡®That sparring session.¡¯ If Encrid, the toon leader, hadn¡¯t appeared on the battlefield, exchanging swords and engaging in that sparring session, the Madmen toon would have been finished then. And this battlefield would have turned into a mess. At least, that was Krais¡¯s perspective. Encrid changed everything. With just one sparring session. He turned the winds of the battlefield into a tailwind. ¡®As long as there is a focal point.¡¯ A mad strike mission that fully utilized their mobility? The Madmen toon could handle it. Krais didn¡¯t have the expertise to judge theirbat skills. From the start, he was clueless about handling swords or weapons, so it was only natural. However, he could gauge what the Madmen toon could do based on the facts and realities presented to him. Moreover, knowing them well helped him understand their capabilities. Thus, the first n he devised was this. If the enemy resorts to arrows,we¡¯ll resort to footwork. It wasn¡¯t Krais¡¯s intention, but even though he had shared only part of the facts with Encrid, Encrid now suggested going deeper in. Was the toon leader aware of his intentions? He was curious and was about to ask. ¡°Shake them, hit them, and pull back. The enemy¡¯s attention will be distracted by our main force¡¯s movements, and while that happens, we might encounter the enemy¡¯s guerri units.¡± Encrid spoke first. What did it mean that he was ustomed to small-scale operations? What perspective had Encrid gained from his experience? ¡®The intention is clear.¡¯ Krais¡¯s intention. The enemy¡¯s intention. The tasks that needed to be done between these intentions. There was something that the Madmen toon could do, more specifically. So, it had to be done. Would this ultimately affect the course of the war? The battle of the main force? ¡®It doesn¡¯t seem likely.¡¯ But who knows? Krais might have a different perspective. With big eyes, a penchant for revealing Krona, and a dream of opening adies¡¯ salon to y with women until old age, his thought process seemed different. ¡°Is your dream still to open a salon?¡± Even Encrid didn¡¯t know why he was curious about this. He just wanted to ask. It wasn¡¯t intended as a mockery, of course. Who was he to mock someone¡¯s dreams? ¡°Yes, why ask? It¡¯s obvious.¡± A guy like that came up with this strategy? You never know with some people. Anyway, Encrid¡¯s toon picked up speed. They climbed and climbed over the mountains. Eventually, even Finn was exhausted. Andrew and Mac¡¯s breathing became rough. Krais was being half-carried by Audin, who was supporting him. Even Encrid felt quite fatigued. Finn, as a ranger, said this was an extremely grueling forced march. They moved over ridges, descending onto tter ground, and now walked across a in. They had gone entirely behind enemy lines. It was an elite, small-scale operation utilizing the advantage of the terrain. Of course, this was a tactic the enemy¡¯s guerri units had used first. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Rem, full of energy, moved ahead. Everyone seemed more excited by the harsh schedule. And in truth, so was Encrid. What follows after a harsh march? Battle. A battle where blood would spill, flesh would be cut, and bones would be exposed. ¡°Go.¡± Encrid said as he charged forward. There were many gaps in the enemy¡¯s rear. The number of soldiers had increased to three, but it didn¡¯t pose a problem. As soon as they spotted Encrid and his team, a whistle blew. At the same moment, Jaxon lunged to the side. Ting. He drew his sword and thrust it in one smooth motion as he stepped forward. Thud. One down. He withdrew the sword and thrust again. Thud. Two down. After killing two, he held his sword vertically in front of him, ready to defend. Bang! Watching Jaxon¡¯s fight, one could think he killed people very easily. Two enemy soldiers with holes in their necks fell, and after killing five or six more, Encrid¡¯s unit retreated again. After pretending to descend the ridge, they confirmed the location of the crossbow unit and retreated. They ambushed and annihted a few pursuing scouting units. As night deepened, they hid deep in the mountains and set up camp to rest. Adequate rest was essential. ¡°It¡¯s nice to be close to a stream, but it¡¯s a shame we can¡¯t light a fire.¡± Finn said, taking off her boots and shaking off the dirt. It was spring. A warm season, often called the season of magic. Although the food situation became a bit rough, they didn¡¯t have to worry about shivering in the cold. Even so, ¡°Captain, I prepared for this.¡± said Rem, a barbarian who hated the cold, as he brought out heated leather. Ragnay down and slept wherever he found a spot. Jaxon, adeptly, climbed up and slept on a thick tree branch. They took turns standing watch, excluding Krais. ¡°I¡¯ll take the watch.¡± Andrew said, who had mostly been protecting Krais during the fighting. He volunteered with a thoughtful look in his eyes. They agreed. If one has a burden on their mind, they can¡¯t perform at their best. There was still danger lurking in this strike operation. That couldn¡¯t be ignored. It¡¯s best to relieve oneself of mental burdens. Mac did not oppose this either. The next day, when another day had passed,Krais realized that Encrid definitely understood his intentions. ¡°Is it now?¡± This was said after they crossed several mountain passes, confirming the enemy¡¯s position again. A trap, Krais had identified something the enemy had set up. It was a terrain suitable for an ambush and a quick retreat. There, they discovered an enemy supply unit stationed in a t area nestled between undting hills. Several supply wagons were visible. If they entered and blocked the rear, there would be no easy way out. There were other factors that confirmed it was a trap. No crossbow units were deployed. They were made to look like tempting prey. Seeing this, Encrid asked, and Krais replied, ¡°Yes.¡± Does the Madmen toon only possess mobility? No. Their strength lies in their ability to strike a heavy blow at the enemy¡¯s weak point. With this single battle, they could create chaos in the enemy¡¯s mind. In Krais¡¯s eyes, he could see the enemy¡¯s reaction. It was prediction and foresight. ¡®Then.¡¯ The main force¡¯s movements would also be significant. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Encrid steeled himself. No matter how many predictions one makes, the battlefield is like a fiery ball that can go in any direction. If things go wrong, it can consume everything in mes. So, is this like running into a fire carrying straw? ¡®It doesn¡¯t seem like it.¡¯ The enemy might not know, but Encrid knew one thing. The enemies underestimated them too much. A soldier who killed a Giant? They likely thought that was all there was to them. But that wasn¡¯t enough. Encrid led the charge. As they ran towards the supply wagons nestled between the hills, soldiers clumsily sorting through food and supplies reacted. For a trap to be effective, it needed to be well-set. Not by hiding the soldiers, but by showing them while being well-prepared. The enemy soldiers appeared. Among them, Encrid recognized a familiar face. ¡°You.¡± He remembered this mustached man being with the Gray Hound. Encrid watched him as the enemy soldiers came forward. A spear thrust toward him. Encrid¡¯s hands moved. ng! ng! Two swift movements of his sword. Ching, thud! Two different sounds. With the sword in his left hand, he deflected the spear, and with the sword in his right, he pierced the enemy soldier¡¯s heart. ¡®Frog would be horrified if he saw this.¡¯ As Encrid withdrew his sword, the enemy¡¯s gambeson turned red. The de had pierced the cloth armor made of quilted cotton and wool. Blood and bits of cloth stuck to the de. There was no need to worry about what was on the de. There would be more killing to do. Ching. Encrid sheathed the sword in his left hand again. He could draw it again when needed. With that, he stood holding one sword with both hands. His posture, his vigor, his presence. The enemy soldiers hesitated to approach. ¡°Good! Good!¡± Next to him, Rem excitedly swung his axe. Audin also smiled and drew his club. Jaxon didn¡¯t make a big show of it, swinging his sword casually at the oing enemies. The most attention was on two people. Encrid and Ragna. ¡°Hmm.¡± Ragna positioned himself next to Encrid and began swinging his sword with force. Despite the extra swords at his waist, his movements were unhindered. Ragna¡¯s sword cut through the air, leaving an ominous trail. A medium sword technique. With a basic downward sh, he split an enemy soldier¡¯s head open with a thud. He then swung his drawn sword horizontally, beheading an enemy soldier who had stepped back. Ragna¡¯s feet moved swiftly. In a fight between spears and swords, which has the advantage? Naturally, the spear. But Ragna¡¯s footwork erased that advantage. As he moved quickly, the lives of enemy soldiers disappeared one by one. A shadow fell over the faces of the enemies who had set the trap. What is this? With this level of skill, are they just a guerri unit? No, isn¡¯t this different from what was expected? Is this right? The number of enemy soldiers was over forty. And they weren¡¯t ipetent. ¡°Everyone, form up!¡± In the midst of it all, the mustached man shouted. The attitude of those who had underestimated Encrid and his group changed. The mustached man stood directly in front of Encrid. ¡°You, you bastard.¡± Encrid nodded as he looked at the angry man. Since the man acknowledged him, there was no reason not to return the gesture. ¡°Yeah, uh, have you been well?¡± The casual and familiar tone made the mustached man¡¯s pupils dte wildly. His eyes were filled with boiling anger. He looked like he was about to attack immediately. Encrid prepared himself, but the mustached man took a deep breath, calming himself down. As expected, he wasn¡¯t dealing with a simple opponent. He didn¡¯t let his emotions dictate his actions. Instead of sumbing to anger, he steadied his breath. So, ¡®This makes the test all the more meaningful.¡¯ A fight with two swords, would it have meaning against a skilled opponent? Now it was time to find out. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: /revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: /revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 144 The mustachedmander of the now less than twenty-strong Gray Hound squad frowned. ¡®Did they just walk right into this?¡¯ He had set a trap, an enticing one at that. But he didn¡¯t expect them to fall for it so easily. Instead, he nned to use this trap to his advantage. The idea was to scatter simr traps all around. If they couldn¡¯t tell what was real and what was fake, what would they do? They wouldn¡¯t dare to attack recklessly. That would mean half the battle was won. ¡°If that happens, they¡¯ll retreat. They won¡¯t attack recklessly.¡± said a soldier from themand who had a favorable view of him. The independent Gray Hound squad was now a mere shadow of its former self. Defeats in sessive battles and the death of Mitch Hurrier had taken their toll. After numerous failures, someone had to take responsibility. And it started with him. The mustachedmander needed to disrupt the enemy forces at the rear. He had to limit their movements. He had prepared a lot for this. ¡®It feels like everything¡¯s gone to waste before it even started.¡¯ The enemy just charged in without hesitation, swords drawn, and after cutting down his men, then and only then did they ask, ¡°Shall we fight?¡± Even without saying a word, their bodies, actions, and attitudes made it abundantly clear. ¡®As expected.¡¯ It was a disaster. The Naurillia forces, stationed at the rear, had begun to move, which wouldplicate things for hismand. So, what to do now? Give up on everything? The death of the Hurrier family¡¯s son? That¡¯s fine. That family always treated their children as expendable. So where was his path leading? Such thoughts only distracted him from the task at hand. He decided to push the concerns to the back of his mind. The mustachedmander steeled himself and drew his sword. ng. In one breathless motion, he drew and raised his sword before him. ¡®If I kill them all, it will be resolved.¡¯ The enemy¡¯s guerri forces had broken through the trap and charged in? Was that a cause for panic? No, it was a reason to wee them. ¡®First, I¡¯ll kill that bastard.¡¯ The one who had put a hole in Mitch Hurrier¡¯s stomach would be the first to die. Then, he would kill the blonde swordsman next to him. After that, the one wielding an axe. He would leave himself some reserves of strength, considering a possible ambush. As he organized his thoughts, he fixed his gaze on the opponent before him. But, was this bastard always this formidable? Just by his stance, he could tell something was different. The presence was extraordinary. It was the same one who had stabbed Mitch Hurrier and fled, unmistakable. It was not a face he could easily forget. The one who had barely escaped that day. The guy who survived even the assassin¡¯s threat. Was he this formidable back then? It didn¡¯t seem like it. Did he improve? Regardless, the fact remained that he needed to be taken down. And the ones behind him were no different. The mustachedmander¡¯s eyes glinted with determination. Krais, observing this, felt a creeping unease. ¡®This guy doesn¡¯t seem like an ordinary opponent.¡¯ Kraiscked the ability to gauge his opponent¡¯s true skill, which fueled his unease. The enemy had set a trap, and Krais saw through their intentions. He decided to confront and crush it head-on. He believed in his Madmen toon¡¯s ability to break through with sheer force. However, the unease didn¡¯tpletely disappear, perhaps due to his nature. He had a habit of anticipating the worst-case scenario. So, what was the oue? It would likely begin with a fight between the toon leader and the mustachioed opponent. Krais¡¯s gaze shifted to the two men. It felt as though the air grew heavier. Sunlight filtered between them. Neither moved, standing still with their swords drawn. Dust that had been suspended in the air scattered in the breeze. The figures of the two blurred in Krais¡¯s vision. ng! A sharp metallic sound erupted. * * * Ragna stood to the side, observing the scene as a spectator. ¡°Not bad.¡± The mustached opponent¡¯s swordsmanship was sharp. It was evident he had learned and practiced it over many years. It was like a well-crafted table, with rough edges smoothed to perfection. An example of fine craftsmanship. That was the impression the opponent gave. In contrast, how was Encrid? Their toon leader was rough. Despite having honed his skills countless times, there was still something unfinished about him. Like an iplete vessel. One side was nearly perfected. The other was still a work in progress. ¡°Well, is this some kind of duel of leaders? Seems pretty boring.¡± muttered a barbarian nearby. Ragna didn¡¯t bother to respond. Surprisingly, Jaxon replied instead. ¡°If you¡¯re bored, start cleaning up.¡± He spoke in a calm and collected tone. ¡°So many people standing around me today, it¡¯s a good day.¡± added the simple-minded religious zealot next to him. Except for the mustachedmander facing Encrid, the others had surrounded them with spears. There appeared to be at least three times as many enemies. Around fifty strong, from a rough estimate. Some of them, hidden in the supply wagon, had alsoe out, all heavily armed. While they weren¡¯t exactly heavy infantry, three of them were wearing chain mail. Yet, they remained at ease. As if their courage was boundless, or perhaps their nerves were just frayed enough to be hanging by a thread. nk. ¡°Should we start after that ends?¡± One of the enemy soldiers in chain mail casually spoke, gesturing toward the mustachedmander and Encrid with his thumb. His attitude exuded confidence. This was the same even though the bodies of those killed by Ragna¡¯s swordy scattered on the ground. ¡°Sure.¡± Krais replied. It was a given that winning the duel would give them an advantage. As the metallic sounds shed, Encrid and the mustachedmander continued their intense exchange. Ragna lost interest in what was happening around him. It didn¡¯t matter to him. His eyes were fixed on Encrid¡¯s hands and feet, his sword and movements. When ites topletion versus ipletion, who has the advantage? ng! The sound of swords shing continued to ring out. ¡®Completion does.¡¯ That much was obvious. However, even if something is iplete, if the foundation is different, what does it matter? ¡®It¡¯s over.¡¯ Ragna silently concluded. It wasn¡¯t just about the difference in skill, their mentalities were worlds apart. A battle that could be won would be lost with such a mindset. * * * des, feet, swords, air, dust, heat. Even as these things brushed past him, Encrid paid them no mind. He neither saw nor felt them. He was entirely focused on his sword. ¡°Hah!¡± The mustached opponent shouted as he swung his sword down. It was a solid strike, following the basics of the traditional sword technique. Encrid gripped his sword with both hands, positioning it horizontally while bending his knees. He deflected the force sideways with his sword. ng! Sparks flew as the des met. The opponent used strength, while Encrid countered with skill. In the reverse exchange, Encrid struck powerfully, and the opponent deflected. The opponent¡¯s movements were smooth and precise, even more so than Mitch Hurrier¡¯s. However, Encrid¡¯s thoughts weren¡¯t on Mitch Hurrier. His eyes, ears, hands, and feet were all focused on the act of wielding his sword and fighting. Using all his senses¡ªhis focus, the heart of a beast, the feel of the de¡ªhe sought to see everything. To draw a line connecting point to point. And to use that line to cut down his opponent. As Encrid read his opponent¡¯s intentions, he deftly blocked and evaded the attacks. After about ten exchanges of blows, Encrid faced two critical moments. The first was when he almost had his wrist cut, but he deflected the strike using the guard of his sword. The second was when his opponent, after a series of vertical and horizontal shes, suddenly changed to a thrust aimed at his abdomen. Encrid barely managed to block it, setting his de upright to deflect the sharp point to the side. It was a defense so skillful it seemed almost miraculous. A slight miscalction would have left a new hole in the center of his leather armor. ¡°Hmph.¡± The mustached opponent sneered when his surprise attack missed. It was a clear sign of his intent to kill. Encrid paid it no mind. After these two crises, Encrid shifted his stance, stepping to the left. The mustached man also adjusted his footwork to prevent Encrid from gaining a better position. They circled each other, staying within striking distance. During this maneuver, Encrid intentionally shielded his left hand with his right shoulder. After adjusting his stance, he held his sword in his right hand and moved his left hand toward his waist. The mustached man read Encrid¡¯s intentions. With countless duels and years of experience, he could anticipate what would happen next. Already wary of Encrid having another sword, he had seen him dual-wield before. ¡®Left hand.¡¯ Seeing Encrid¡¯s left hand moving downward, the mustached man swung his sword forcefully. From the upper right to the lower left, a powerful diagonal sh. A decisive strike with his heavy sword, he believed this would secure his victory. But Encrid didn¡¯t draw another sword with his left hand. He only pretended to. Then, after taking a few deep breaths, he delivered a powerful strike. ¡®The Heart of the Beast.¡¯ Thump! His heart pounded, sending a surge of blood through his body like an explosion. The rush of blood fueled his muscles with strength. His strength surged to nearly double its usual power. There was no battle cry, only two pairs of eyes, veins bulging, locked onto each other. It was a moment where life or death would be decided with one blow. Facing the heavy deing towards him, Encrid swung his sword horizontally with just his right hand. ng! Thud! Crunch! Three loud sounds erupted almost simultaneously. The swords shed, and both fighters stepped forward, changing their positions. ¡°¡­Was this intentional?¡± the mustached man asked. ¡°From the beginning.¡± Encrid replied. They stood with their backs to each other. The mustached man¡¯s de was clean, without a drop of blood on it. More importantly, it was broken in half. Encrid¡¯s sword was intact. Made from a blend of Valyrian Steel and Noir Mountain iron. ¡®A fine sword.¡¯ At least, it was to him at that moment. The mustachioed man copsed forward. His chest split open, blood pouring out, ribs severed and unable to protect his heart. When the heart breaks, even a Frog dies. So, the death of the fallen mustached man was inevitable. Unbeknownst to Encrid, he was thest hope of the Gray Hound. In essence, this moment marked the end of the Gray Hound¡¯s history. ¡°Hah.¡± Encrid exhaled and shook the blood off his sword. The opponent had been conscious of his left hand. That¡¯s why he answered ¡°From the beginning¡±. He had shown it for this moment. It was a technique of the Valen Mercenary Sword, a feint to imnt an attack pattern in the opponent¡¯s mind,plicating their thoughts. ¡®It works.¡¯ He realized he could maneuver his sword as intended. The satisfaction of achieving this was greater than the joy of victory. ¡®It works.¡¯ That thrill filled his chest first. Using dual swords didn¡¯t have to be the main focus. He just needed to use the right tool at the right time. ¡°Spears, other weapons, even shields.¡± He felt as if he could now reach for things he had previously given up on. Trying out all these different weapons wouldn¡¯t be bad. Although they might not fit his hands as perfectly as a sword, even experiencing them could be valuable. That¡¯s what he thought. ¡°Not bad.¡± Encrid muttered this as he finished off his opponent. ¡°I don¡¯t know why, but watching the toon leader fight always gets me excited.¡± Rem spoke, looking genuinely excited, grinning from ear to ear. The three opponents in chain mail remained unfazed, even at the death of the mustached man. ¡°Hmm, he wasn¡¯t supposed to die like that.¡± ¡°That¡¯s a shame.¡± ¡°He underestimated his opponent. You have to go all out against someone who fights with full power.¡± This was the exchange between the three soldiers in chain mail. So, they do have some sense, Rem thought, nodding to himself. They were right. Encrid had fought with all his strength, while the opponent held back, worrying about what came after. How could someone weaker than their opponent think about what happens after the fight? Dying was inevitable for them. ¡°Hey, should we take them all at once?¡± Rem stepped forward. Thud. ¡°You are too greedy, brother.¡± A hand,rge like a bear¡¯s,nded on Rem¡¯s shoulder. It was Audin, shaking his head. ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to move your hand?¡± Rem¡¯s words and gaze were as menacing as his excitement. Yet, Audin continued tough and shake his head. ¡°I said, you¡¯re too greedy, barbaric brother.¡± ¡°You little¡­¡± Swish, thud. Rem¡¯s axe moved, vertically and straightforwardly. Audin, despite hisrge size, stepped back. A cold tension settled between them. Audin¡¯s smiling face seemed to harden into a statue. The three soldiers in chain mail were baffled watching this. What¡¯s with these guys? Why are they fighting among themselves? Are they arguing about who gets to fight us? This was disrespect. It was mockery. ¡°Crazy bastards.¡± Finally, one of the soldiers in chain mail stepped forward. He wielded a rounded war hammer. As he lunged forward, a sword blocked his path. ¡°You¡¯re mine.¡± A blonde man with red eyes, as if they held mes, said. His sword strike followed, like a zing me. The man with the hammer swung arge, round shield like a weapon. It was both an attack and a defense. Thud! Ragna¡¯s sword struck the shield, then quickly returned to its original position, like a swallow skimming the water. ¡°Cutting in line, huh?¡± Seeing this, Rem charged forward. ¡°If you break the order, the Lord will be angry, brother!¡± Audin also moved. And so, the battle continued. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: /revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: /revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 145 What are these guys? Finn just blinked. She recalled a previous battle, beforeing to the battlefield, where she fought alongside Encrid and someone from the Border Guard¡ªwas it Torres or Toros? It had been intense. Fierce. He had fought with all his strength, barely surviving. ¡®Wouldn¡¯t it have been a breeze if these guys were there?¡¯ It seemed so. The three in chainmail armor were experts inbat. They all wielded blunt weapons: one had a hammer, another a morning star, and thest a long pole with a metal weight at the end. They were all tough opponents. Above all, despite their armor, they weren¡¯t slow. ¡®If it were me¡­¡¯ She thought it would have been hard to handle even one of them. Their equipment was particrly challenging for Finn. Even if she managed to stab with a dagger up close, they would likely withstand it. Judging by the thick gambeson under their chainmail, she figured she¡¯d have to stab at least halfway in with a shortsword. Would there even be an opportunity? Assuming a gap appeared, what next? Would the one being stabbed just stand there and watch? They¡¯d probably smash her head with a hammer or morning star. If her head got smashed, she¡¯d die. She didn¡¯t feel confident at all. The friendly forces were toying with such formidable enemies. ¡°Brother, it¡¯s time to go.¡± A fanatical soldier, more devout than most priests, approached the soldier wielding a morning star and closed the distance, then struck him on the head with a fist. ¡®Didn¡¯t they say he¡¯s a master of Vf-Style Martial Arts?¡¯ He didn¡¯t look like it at all. The fanatic soldier simply overpowered the enemy with brute force. The morning star-wielding soldier swung his weapon as he was struck on the head, and it hit the fanatic¡¯s forearm. Despite not even wearing proper armor, the fanatic¡¯s arm seemed unscathed. They¡¯d need to checkter, but it appeared fine on the surface. Thud. Even with that sound, the fanatic soldier¡¯s body didn¡¯t waver. No usual groans of pain. He simply did what needed to be done. ¡°Go to the Lord.¡± The opponent, struck in the head, staggered. Then, using his left foot as a pivot, the fanatic¡¯s torso rotated. A small whirlwind seemed to form around hisrge frame. Then, as he bnced his upper body with the rotation of his knees and hips, he kicked out. A high kick to the head. The moment the kick hit the soldier¡¯s head again. Thud! The struck soldier¡¯s eyes bulged out. Even though the kicknded on the helmet, the pressure from the impact was too much to withstand. ¡®Wow, crap.¡¯ Finn couldn¡¯t close his gaping mouth. The other two were simr. A maniac with an axe yelled in anger, then burst intoughter. ¡°What? You think wearing that means you won¡¯t die?¡± His opponent wielded a long pole with a metal weight at the end. As the metal-d club came down, the axe-wielding man dodged the metal weight and reached out, catching the shaft below the head, then yanked it downwards, delivering a blow with his axe. It was frighteningly fast. The flying axe struck the enemy¡¯s abdomen. Bang! It was like the sound of a leather drum bursting. Kara-ra-rak! The axe de smashed through the chainmail. The chainmail at the waist shattered and broke, and blood sttered out. That wasn¡¯t the end of it. The crazed soldier spun his body in reverse, swinging the extended axe back into the same spot. St! The second axe strike split the broken chainmail even further, tearing more than half of the enemy soldier¡¯s side open. ¡°Ggurrgh!¡± It was only natural that the enemy died. Pink intestines spilled out onto the ground, along with a gush of blood. The enemy fell to their knees and copsed onto the ground. The soldier with blonde hair and red eyes, known for beingzy, looked more enthusiastic than ever. ng! ng! Twice, he deflected a descending hammer with his sword, then thrust his de. The motion was smooth, as if the sword naturally belonged in the enemy soldier¡¯s belly. sh! The sword pierced halfway through the chainmail and tore into the enemy¡¯s cloth armor. As he forced the de deeper, the enemy raised the hammer to strike down. From above, in a blind spot where it couldn¡¯t be seen, the hammer came down to crush his head. Just before the hammer hit, the seeminglyzy soldier released the sword embedded in the enemy¡¯s body and drew another sword from his belt. ng. He struck upwards, deflecting the hammer. The movement was so quick and unhesitating that Finn couldn¡¯t see all the actions. ¡®How well do these guys fight?¡¯ The deflected sword struck the enemy¡¯s helmet, not with the de, but with the t side. Thud! The struck soldier dropped the hammer, clutched his head, staggered, and lost his bnce, falling over. Thezy-looking soldier walked over and stood before the fallen enemy. Then he pushed the sword already embedded in the enemy¡¯s abdomen even deeper. ¡°Don¡¯t¡­ don¡¯t do it.¡± Crack, snap, squelch. There was something chilling about it, fear surged, and Finn felt a shiver down her spine. Thezy soldier, who had pushed the sword through the enemy until it was embedded in the ground, straightened up. The soldier, now only holding a shield after losing his hammer, kept shaking his head and grabbing at the sword stuck in his body, crying as he died. While these three skilled enemies were swiftly dispatched, something else remarkable happened. Just when Finn thought he couldn¡¯t be more surprised, this was too shocking to ignore. Most of the observing soldiers had died. The cause was decapitation. Thest enemy, moving unseen, had been going around beheading the dazed soldiers. Not with a longsword, but with a single dagger. ¡®When did he manage to do that?¡¯ With all this shock and confusion, Finn finally spoke up. ¡°What are you guys?¡± Krais was right beside her, wide-eyed and speaking up. ¡°Exactly.¡± Krais was calming himself internally. Why was I so worried? They fought so well. The Madmen toon fought several times better than he had expected. He had measured them against Encrid, but they exceeded any expectations. A new question arose in his mind. How well do these so-called Knights fight, then? And he even felt admiration for the one who first assembled these soldiers into a unit. ¡°No, the person who sent the toon leader here is the real genius. That¡¯s it.¡± If left to their own devices, these people might have caused a massive explosion within the main force, but they had gathered around Encrid. ¡°Let¡¯s set the fire, Squad Leader Andrew.¡± Krais said to Andrew, who was assigned as his escort. ¡°Huh? Uh? What?¡± He was as shocked as Finn. He looked momentarily darkened but then returned to normal, even seeming somewhat relieved. ¡°Let¡¯s start the fire. If we stay here, the enemy¡¯s main force wille. Do you want to face them?¡± No, we can¡¯t do that. That¡¯s not an option. ¡°Let¡¯s move.¡± Mac, Andrew, and Finn started striking flint. Among the supplies was a pile of hay meant for feeding the horses. Perfectly dry straw for starting a fire. ¡°Hurry.¡± Krais urged them. There was no need to ask why. ¡°Shit, they¡¯re monsters!¡± ¡°Spare me!¡± They didn¡¯t kill all the enemy soldiers. As soon as they were mostly routed, they stopped. There was no point in chasing them down, they couldn¡¯t kill them all anyway. ¡°Leave them.¡± Encrid made that decision even before Krais could. ¡°Understood.¡± Rem¡¯s response confirmed they were following Encrid¡¯s orders. As the toon members set the fire, Encrid spoke up. ¡°I feel like I have some sort of destiny with setting fires.¡± What kind of nonsense is this? Did he get hit on the head during the fight? ¡°Pardon?¡± ¡°No, just saying. Let¡¯s go.¡± The fire started in the traps the enemy had dug. With spring here, such a bonfire wasn¡¯t really necessary. It was just a fire. Burning brightly. The mes rose, announcing their presence. Encrid and the Mad toon slipped away like the wind. As they were being led out, Finn said they only needed to move in a straight line now and joined Audin. ¡°Hey, what was your name again?¡± ¡°It¡¯s Audin, Sister.¡± ¡°Really? Could you teach meter?¡± Finn seemed to have developed a curiouspetitive spirit. Her eyes nced over Audin¡¯s arm, noting again that there were no injuries. This had nothing to do with Vf-Style Martial Arts. Finn¡¯s eyes showed a mix of curiosity andpetitiveness. Encrid didn¡¯t care what the two were up to. Instead, he was focused on the ongoing training as they walked. ¡°I couldn¡¯t quite grasp the Sense of Evasion. It¡¯s an issue of experience.¡± He had listened to Jaxon and kept his words in mind. ¡°You said you wanted to use two swords? Remember, only when they feel morefortable than your own hands will they be truly useful.¡± Ragna also had ament. ¡°The first time you used the Heart of the Beast, that was, well, well done.¡± Surprisingly, Rem had praised Encrid¡¯s personal tactics. Was it impressive? Encrid didn¡¯t really care. ¡°Train well, Brother. It all adds up in the end.¡± It was as Audin said, after ncing at Finn. Encrid also believed that constant practice paid off. But there was still the matter of when they would stop traveling along this ridge. He thought it might be time to pull back. However, there were still people they needed to meet. As expected, two days after smashing through the enemy¡¯s trap with sheer force, they turned back towards the main force to evade the enemy¡¯s persistent pursuit. They had stopped to chew on some jerky for a break. Thwack! An arrownded among Encrid¡¯s group. It was aimed directly at Rem¡¯s head, but Rem dodged with beast-like reflexes. He twisted his body to the side just in time. Although he didn¡¯tpletely avoid it, resulting in a torn earlobe and some blood sttering in the air. Chewing on the jerky, Rem grinned. ¡°An archer unit.¡± Lately, Rem seemed to be in a constantly good mood. Encrid examined the arrow stuck in the ground. It was short and sturdy, different from before. ¡°They¡¯vee prepared. There¡¯s no trace of them.¡± Ranger Finn spoke up. The archer unit, which had been harassing their rear, had returned to hunt the Madmen toon. In other words, they were being tracked. Of course, this was part of the n. ¡°Are we good?¡± Finn asked. Encrid nodded. This was all part of Krais¡¯s n, and Encrid understood the situation. From the beginning, the purpose and objective of the Madmen toon was clear. They were meant to distract and clean up. Now it was time for the clean-up. * * * While the Madmen toon was steadily whittling down the enemy forces, Marcus¡¯s main force headed towards Cross Guard. Could they really capture the city with this small force? It seemed unlikely. However, it was a cause for concern. Meanwhile, a guerri unit hit their rear, drawing attention away. Aspen didn¡¯t have many options. Especially as amander, his practical choices were limited. ¡°Cross Guard won¡¯t fall. But the stigma of the city being invaded will remain. We need to send reinforcements, even if only to prepare for the next battle. You need to clear out the remaining enemy forces in the detour route.¡± Themander¡¯s advisor spoke, and Aspen¡¯smander deliberated. Several scenarios yed out in his mind. Attack the city? With just that small force? It wouldn¡¯t fall. But the fact that Cross Guard was attacked would remain. It felt like a peculiar matter of pride. The failure of their ns involving Giants and sorcery had put them in a tight spot. Would he go down as themander who surrendered the principality¡¯s doorstep? ¡®No, that can¡¯t happen.¡¯ Even if they didn¡¯t fall, the fact that they were attacked would remain. The stigma of being themander who lost the city would stick. Could he bear that disgrace? Or should he see this as an opportunity? To say he wasn¡¯t conflicted would be a lie. But his thoughts leaned in one direction. The principality had failed with their prepared ns. Naurillia had dug in deeper and expanded its territory. If things stayed as they were, the borders between the two nations would change. ¡®Can we just let this happen?¡¯ If they could wipe out the enemy forces on the detour route and withstand the remaining strength of Naurillia¡¯s forces? If that happened, they might even have a chance to hit them from behind in the detour. Going to Cross Guard and leaving their position could be the worst possible move. Who knew what madman wasmanding them, but gambling now? Why? They¡¯ve already won this battlefield, haven¡¯t they? Then, could this be seen as an opportunity? By not holding the detour and pulling back, they had given space for their special units to move. ¡°Sigh.¡± With a habitual breath through his teeth, themander gave the order. ¡°Deploy a fast-moving unit to the detour route.¡± The order came out with a hissing sound through the gap in his front teeth. ¡°Yes, sir!¡± The principality¡¯s forces moved quickly. However, the military aide felt a sense of foreboding. ¡®If this goes wrong¡­¡¯ The consequences could be more than just shifting borders. The aide longed to see Avnair. Aspen¡¯s greatest strategist, who at a young age had already made Giants and others part of the military force. ¡®It¡¯s a pity, such a waste.¡¯ Not being fully utilized because of his background. Of course, this was just idle thinking. In his eyes, Avnair was a genius. He could take care of himself. ¡°Send the Knights.¡± If Naurillia had the Red Cape Knights, the principality had the Aspen Royal Knights. Aspen Royal Knights. The name mightck uniqueness, but their skill was undeniable. ¡°Send two, no, three.¡± Perhaps themander felt the same sense of foreboding as his aide. The quality of the troops being sent to the detour route increased, and their numbers grew. If the archer unit, annoying pests harassing from behind, were dealt with and the rest, including three Knights, advanced as nned? If the n worked, it could be the decisive move that turns the tide. * * * ¡°Captain, do you know the difference between a sniper and a hunter?¡± Rem asked this right after dodging the arrow. ording to Krais¡¯s n, their job was to deal with whoever was leading the archer unit, whether it was their ws, nails, or eyebrows. In this situation, a decoy was used to lure them in. For the decoy, Finn leaving appropriate traces was enough. ¡°These guys are sharp. We need to be careful.¡± Finnmented. Meanwhile, Rem kept smiling. Seeing Rem, Encrid asked nkly, ¡°Do I need to know?¡± ¡°Not really, but I wanted to say it.¡± Rem could be overly honest at times. This was one of those times. He was always talkative. ¡°A sniper shoots targets from a distance, while a hunter is someone who, as the name suggests, hunts.¡± So, what¡¯s the difference? ¡°Shooting arrows from a distance is fun, but hunting is even more exciting, especially axe hunting. It¡¯s the best.¡± And so what? Encrid¡¯s eyes conveyed this question. ¡°It means you should stay put and not get hit by any arrows while I¡¯m gone. I¡¯m going to take care of it.¡± ¡°Where to?¡± ¡°I¡¯m going hunting. When you receive a gift, it¡¯s only polite to return it.¡± Rem said, pulling the arrow from the ground. He tucked the arrow into his belt and walked off into the woods. Should we just let him go? It should be fine. He wouldn¡¯t have gone if he wasn¡¯t confident. As for the rest, ¡°Jaxon?¡± The question implied whether Jaxon had any interest in joining Rem to perform a coordinated ambush. ¡°No, thank you.¡± Hmm, that was firm. Fair enough. Rem would manage fine on his own. They decided to trust him. ¡°As for us, we should do what we need to do, right?¡± Rem was the hunter, the archer unit was the prey. And then, the Madmen toon was the prey for the archer unit. Though summer might be more fitting, hunting could still be enjoyed in the spring. So, it could be considered the hunting season. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: /revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: /revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 146 Krais clutched the rolled-up parchment to his chest and spoke. It was a rough path. A sloping, rocky path with steep inclines, making it hard to catch their breath. But it wasn¡¯t enough to keep him from speaking. ¡°Rem¡­ Rem, you say.¡± He exhaled, pushing his foot into a crevice in the rock. Just as he felt a bit dizzy, a hand appeared. It was Encrid¡¯s outstretched hand. Krais grasped the hand and pulled himself up. Behind them, arge rock served as a natural shield, providing cover on the rocky mountain. They had chosen a difficult path, perhaps because it added some meaning to their journey. At least it seemed effective, as there were no arrows flying at them yet. ¡°Except for his personality, he¡¯s quite a good soldier.¡± Krais remarked. Encrid, leaning against a rock and looking back at Krais, responded, ¡°If we¡¯re only judging by skill.¡± He opened his mouth but then closed it, thinking that if they were only considering skill, Rem would be more than capable. What if Rem had a more rxed personality? Krais asked Encrid again, ¡°He¡¯ll be okay, right?¡± Even though Krais had nned the operation, he still felt uneasy, probably because of his nature. He was the type to secretly hide his belongings near the camp, just in case something happened. It wouldn¡¯t be surprising if he had hidden various things around the city as well. ¡°We might get ambushed by the enemy unexpectedly. If I die hiding this, I¡¯d feel so wronged my spirit would linger.¡± he often said, despite there being no signs of danger. He was always nervous, always saying, ¡°It¡¯s because I¡¯m anxious. It¡¯s because I¡¯m anxious.¡± People are different, after all. Compared to Krais, Encrid thought of himself as more rxed. Encrid, who had been staring at Krais, finally spoke, ¡°If he said he¡¯d do it, he¡¯ll handle it.¡± Rem was that kind of guy. Once hemitted to something, he¡¯d see it through. ¡°Are you willing to learn?¡± He had said the same thing when teaching the Heart of the Beast. Who would so easily share their skills? ¡°Watch closely. You¡¯ll be learning it next.¡± It was the same when he demonstrated the Heart of the Beast. He had imed he¡¯d kill a Giant and did so. Thinking back, ¡®He¡¯s an extraordinary guy.¡¯ So, he would do as he said. What did he say before leaving? Something about the difference between a hunter and a sniper, and he added another remark. ¡°I¡¯ll make sure to put this arrow right between the bird¡¯s eyes.¡± he¡¯d said, cing an arrow in his waist. So, he¡¯d take care of it. ¡°From here on, it¡¯ll be hard to hide.¡± Finn said ahead of them. Up until now, they had been moving between rocks. They needed to find a path that offered cover from projectile weapons, requiring them to gain a higher vantage point. It was a moment that reminded them of Finn¡¯s exceptional skills as a ranger. Thanks to him, they¡¯d avoided detection so far. But now, the ranger¡¯s skill no longer provided the necessary cover. Encrid mentally gauged the time. It seemed about time for Rem to act. They had been moving alongside the rocky mountain. If they continued left, they would rejoin the main force and return. ¡°We should wait.¡± he suggested. Encrid spoke, and Finn remained silent, sensing a certain bond between the members. There was a palpable sense of trust that Rem, who had gone off alone into the brush, would handle things on his own, something evident in Encrid¡¯s tone. What about the other team members? Aside from Andrew and Mac, the others seemed quite at ease. ¡°By the Lord¡¯s grace, you have sent believers among us. Let those without faith repent, rebuke their sins, and grant them forgiveness.¡± Audin prayed. Jaxon, meanwhile, was examining the de of a stiletto, his face expressionless yet oddly appearing as if he were intoxicated. Intoxicated by the de? Even Finn thought the weapon seemed unusual. It didn¡¯t seem like the kind of dagger one would cherish so dearly, and yet, there was an unusual liveliness on his face. Thezy one had sprawled out, somehow managing to squeeze himself between the rocks, holding two swords close and closing his eyes. ¡°Not enough sleep.¡± he muttered to himself, clearly not in the best state of mind. ¡®Should I just leave this alone?¡¯ Probably. In Finn¡¯s judgment, it was time to move. There was a master archer somewhere far off, a significant threat, and their lives could be on the line. ¡°It¡¯ll be fine.¡± Krais said, the soldier with big eyes beside them. Despite constantly expressing unease, he finally dered everything would be okay. Then he added something even more peculiar. ¡°I think we¡¯ve eliminated most variables.¡± What variables? He didn¡¯t borate. Finn deliberately exposed herself to check behind them, aiming to provoke a reaction and identify the enemy¡¯s position, but no arrows came their way. * * * ¡®This brings back memories.¡¯ There were days when he used the ins as his bed and the sky as his nket. Times when he yed on mountain ridges. Back then, what kind of person was he? He was a skilled and excellent hunter, someone who carried the expectations of others. A time of bncing responsibilities and duties, of discussing power. There were good moments and bad moments. Moments he could never return to. But what could he do? He had to ept things and live on. The West had now be a frontier. eptance and acquiescence. Rem learned this from observing Encrid. In some ways, his toon leader seemed like someone who would never ept or agree to anything. Yet, in another light, he was a person who could ept, agree, and acknowledge. ¡®Acknowledging that talent.¡¯ Deciding to be a Knight without giving up? That was a form of self-destructive behavior, both mentally and physically. But he kept moving forward. Watching him from behind stirred all sorts of thoughts. How could a person be like that? The thought arose: ¡®Acknowledging ack of talent.¡¯ That was where Encrid started. epting, acknowledging, and agreeing. After reflecting on what he possessed, what did he do? He moved forward. He acquired the Heart of the Beast, a technique that seemed impossible to master without dying first. Now, that heart also contained incredible strength. He epted, acknowledged, and agreed, then walked towards the future. Whether at dawn or dusk, he was consistent. Thinking of his toon leader always lifted his spirits. Rem silently smiled. Feeling good for no particr reason. ¡®It¡¯s been a while.¡¯ He felt like swinging an axe energetically. The urge to return to the days when he immersed himself in the word ¡®hunt¡¯ arose. Finding the trail of an archer was not difficult. Rem was neither a pathfinder nor a ranger. But he was a hunter. What is a hunter? A pathfinder is one who walks well. A ranger is one who walks well and fights well. Rangers are specialized members of the scout units. But are they hunters? Catching a few rabbits doesn¡¯t make one a hunter. So what is a hunter? ¡®What else could it be?¡¯ They are those who catch their target urately. Many of the continent¡¯s people were in bad shape. Wasn¡¯t there someone named Enri? A ins hunter? No, such a person couldn¡¯t be called a hunter. In his tribe, Enri wouldn¡¯t have been a hunter or even a guide. He wouldn¡¯t have even been half of one. In his tribe, a hunter was someone who killed and captured game. Someone who sustained the tribe¡¯s livelihood. ¡®There it is.¡¯ At the end of his thoughts, Rem spotted his prey. He had followed the scent, circling around to get behind it. Erasing his tracks? That was no problem. Rem could move as silently as a stealthy wildcat. From his perspective, there were easy and hard prey. Right now, it was the easiest kind of prey. A foolpletely engrossed in their target, there couldn¡¯t be an easier target. His movements were as graceful as the finest hunters of the western wilderness. His breathing was long and slow, holding his breath to hide his presence, mimicking the round-headed predators known as the hunters of the westernkes. Though there was a slight rustle of his clothes, he ignored it. The target was too absorbed in what was ahead. After grabbing the rear, Rem closed in tightly behind thest person in the group. The enemy remained unaware of Rem¡¯s presence up to that point. The enemies were moving toward higher ground, walking in a line from below to above. Rem reached out and touched the left shoulder of the person walking in front of him. The person flinched and quickly turned around. ¡®Good reaction speed.¡¯ As soon as Rem touched the left shoulder, he shifted to the right. His movements were ghostly fast and as quiet as a leopard. From the enemy¡¯s perspective, they felt a touch from behind on the left side, turned their gaze, and saw nothing. Thwack! What followed was an axe strike. Rem swung his axe at the exposed neck as if splitting firewood. With a stter and a cracking sound, blood spurted out. Blood sttered on Rem¡¯s cheek as it poured out. Instead of smiling, Rem observed the faces of those who turned around with his gray eyes. All were terrified. Wide-eyed with fear. Those big, frightened eyes reminded him of herbivores, like deer. One might say that seeing such faces was part of the thrill of the hunt. ¡°Ambush!¡± ¡°Damn it!¡± ¡°Stop him!¡± Shouts and curses erupted, followed by frantic movements. As Rem lowered his body, the enemy responded. Specifically, three of them drew short swords with a swift motion. Again, Rem thought, good reactions. He shrugged his right shoulder and moved his left hand. It was a simple trick. Since he held the axe in his right hand, the enemy¡¯s attention was naturally drawn to it. As expected, their gazes focused on his right shoulder. In that moment, a hand axe flew from Rem¡¯s left hand, embedding itself in the forehead of the man holding a bow in the back. The impact lifted the man off his feet and sent him flying backward. ¡°Spread out!¡± One of them shouted. Again, good reactions. Staying together meant death. Did they recognize the skill difference at a nce? Or was it just an instinctivemand? Either way, it was timely. Despite the order to spread out, the three with swords charged at Rem. It was a coordinated action. Then, the remaining five fled. They quickly scattered left and right, descending the rocky mountain, while one even began climbing higher. Out of the original ten, two were dead. Rem started swinging his axe, thinking. Naturally, they were no match for him. As they charged, he cut and sliced through them. His simple movements were like the scythe of the Grim Reaper to the enemies. Amidst the blood and the fallen, the gray-haired hunter, covered in blood, twitched his nose. The scent of humans spread through the stench of blood. The hunter, trained by his tribe, moved again. Rem had no intention of letting any of them escape. * * * ¡®What is this¡­¡¯ The Hawk Eyed archer felt the sensation of being hunted intensely. It was utterly bewildering. Born in a mountain vige of Aspen, he had a natural talent for archery from a young age. Bing the vige¡¯s best hunter by fifteen was inevitable, at least to him. He hit his targets every time and knew precisely where to aim to kill. After leaving the vige to be a mercenary, he gained fame, which eventually caught the attention of a noble. Subsequently, he served in the military. It was the beginning of a new life, promising status and wealth. ¡°How about bing a member of the principality?¡± He was on the verge of being adopted by the noble he had saved. Even though his adoptive father was not even ten years older than him, it didn¡¯t matter. Status was what counted. Once hepleted this mission and returned, that future was within reach. ¡°I¡¯ll grant you a new estate.¡± Those were his adoptive father¡¯s words. The Hawk could envision it¡ªa future as andowner, transcending his current status. Perhaps he could even marry his half-sister. Whiz. Thud! ¡°Gah!¡± Something struck the back of his thigh. The Hawk rolled forward in excruciating pain. He hit his head on a rock with a thud. His vision blurred, spinning wildly. He had to catch his breath before he could see clearly. ¡°Cough.¡± As his vision cleared, he felt his stomach churn. He coughed involuntarily, stifling a gag, and looked ahead. ¡°You¡¯re quite the runner, aren¡¯t you?¡± Death stood before him, the Grim Reaper with gray hair. ¡°How¡­?¡± The Hawk Eyed archer asked, his voice filled with questions. How had he been followed? How had he not noticed the approach? Rem didn¡¯t converse with his prey. Thump. An arrow, the same one he had shot, was now lodged in the Hawk¡¯s neck. The arrowhead pierced through his soft throat and out the back of his neck. Blood bubbled and ran down his neck, staining the gray rocks red. ¡°Hmm.¡± Rem briefly admired the sight, then shook his hands clean. It had been a long time since he hunted, and the prey was disappointingly weak. Though it was unfortunate, it was already in the past. eptance and acknowledgment, agreement. The same thoughts persisted. Throughout the hunt, Rem had thought of his toon leader. What would happen if he lived his life that way? It was a question that had been upying his mindtely. * * * Marcus led his troops in an advance toward the Cross Guard. In just two days, at a normal marching pace. No, it was even slower than normal. They took their time, resting as needed. ¡®Will this work?¡¯ If it doesn¡¯t? What should they do then? Should they ask Encrid, the one who proposed the n? No, their lieutenants weren¡¯t that foolish. ¡°If it doesn¡¯t work, we just retreat. Whether the enemy is deceived or not, they will have to be aware of us.¡± ¡°Attacking the city outright would be a poor strategy, but this n¡­ who suggested it?¡± The toon member who ryed the message through the Fairy Company Commander, more precisely, through Encrid. Was his name Krais? It seemed there were no normal ones in that toon. Even if it was a cunning n, it was a good one. Pretend to attack the city, while actually nking with the troops. Link up with the main force¡¯s rear, blocking the enemy¡¯s escape route. If the enemy diverted their forces to defend the city or cover the nk? That would be a sess. If they didn¡¯t react at all? That would also be a sess. That was why the so-called ¡®Madmen toon¡¯ was sent out. Even if they couldn¡¯t strike the enemy¡¯s rear, they could at least flick them and then retreat. Marcus thought that ¡®flick¡¯ might be quite powerful. ¡®Perhaps the strongest flick on the continent?¡¯ Puh-haha. The thought made him chuckle. In any case, they followed the n for two days, then assessed the situation for three to four days. After advancing for more than four days, they changed direction. They were returning. Marcus didn¡¯t rush the return journey either. He wanted to see them, after all. His wish was fulfilled. ¡°The Madmen toon, seven men excluding the toon leader, has returned.¡± The team that went on the gueri operation hade back. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: /revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: /revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 147 ¡°Why aren¡¯t they here?¡± The special unit from the Duchy of Aspen, which included three junior Knights, couldn¡¯t find any trace of the enemy. Shouldn¡¯t there be an army guarding the rear around here? Or at least some kind of trace or something. Aren¡¯t they supposed to be heading toward the Cross Guard? So, why aren¡¯t they here? There¡¯s not even a scout unit checking our movements. Typically, before a serious fight, scout units meet, exchange some insults, maybe shoot some arrows, and then sh. We need to encounter them to engage, and we¡¯ve even diverted some of our forces for that. No less than three junior Knights. It means they pulled some members from the knight order. Even though they have a Giant and a few special forces on their side. At this level, it¡¯s a significant diversion of the main force. So, they needed to fight. They needed to fight, but¡­ Crunch, crunch. Pebbles scattered under the feet of themander. There¡¯s nothing. The only thing we saw on the way were a few ghoulsing out of the riverbank? Maybe traces of a camp from about three days ago? ¡°What about the Hawk¡¯s Eyes?¡± ¡°Lost contact.¡± Meanwhile, the guerri unit that was supposed to monitor this area and join up has disappeared too? ¡°Do you think they¡¯re dead?¡± The junior Knight, who was also themander, asked. The lieutenant hesitated before speaking. ¡°Yes. It seems that way.¡± What do you mean, it seems that way? They¡¯re all dead. Themander thought. So, should we attack the rear? If we do, what will happen? Will they go wild like a horse with its tail on fire? I¡¯m curious about Naurillia¡¯s reaction. At that moment, someone spoke. ¡°Signal fires have been lit!¡± A sharp-eyed messenger came running and reported. He had just crossed the mountain. Themander turned his gaze back. It was in the direction of the main force. When are signal fires lit? When the main force is in danger. So, what does it mean that they¡¯ve lit the signal fires now? ¡°Return.¡± Themander didn¡¯t hesitate. It was a decisive move. Thanks to rejoining the main force quickly, they avoided annihtion. After joining Marcus¡¯s infantry, Encrid rarely spoke. The soldiers nced at the Madmen toon but didn¡¯t easily strike up a conversation. ¡°You¡¯re here?¡± At most, Vengeance woulde and mutter a few words. Encrid nodded briefly and walked. As he walked, he thought, and as he continued to think, he sank deeper into his thoughts, reflecting on the fight. ¡®I couldn¡¯t use the Sense of Evasion.¡¯ The Heart of the Beast also required a long preparation to unleash. He fought as if piecing together everything he had. ¡®nt the left hand on the opponent¡¯s head, cut with the right hand.¡¯ The foundation was ¡®showing in advance¡¯ and the Heart of the Beast. He did feel exhration in the fight itself. Some of the methods of using two swords worked. So what next? It was reflection. He revisited the fight in his mind. Just because it was a won battle, does it mean there is nothing to learn? No, there¡¯s always something to learn. Crunch, crunch. The unit, crossing the gravel field, headed straight to the rear of the main force. The march continued like this. After three days of eating, walking, and sleeping on repeat, they finally reached the allied camp where they were originally stationed. Of course, whether or not the camp appeared was irrelevant to Encrid. He was too busy reflecting and reflecting again. He didn¡¯t see or hear what was happening around him. ¡®Basic skills.¡¯ How was the mustached man¡¯s swordsmanship? It was faithful to the basics. Sharp and delicate. Heavy and swift. It changed as much as necessary at the right moment. It¡¯s the difference in basic skills. Is winning or losing the problem? Of course, that¡¯s an issue too. It was a fight where losing meant dying. It would be pointless to intentionally lose a fight that could be won. Always do your best. Stand firm, even if it¡¯s just half a step. For a better tomorrow than today. Winning didn¡¯t eliminate the yearning and thirst. Did he think it was over just because he had mastered the basics? ¡®Was I being arrogant?¡¯ Is this something that happens in life? Looking back at the past, where he was just struggling to survive, this was unimaginable. Encrid reflected. It was only natural to hone the basics. Just look at training in The Istion Technique. It¡¯s repetition every day. Repeating the same actions. Whether it¡¯s Vf-Style Martial Arts, Correct Sword Technique, or The Path of Magic. ¡®Refinement and swift recovery.¡¯ whatever it may be, basics, and basics again. As soon as he thought that, he couldn¡¯t resist. His hands itched, his heart raced, and his skin tingled. Even though they were still marching. Shing. He drew his sword. Then, vertically straight and proper, like a masterpiece honed and polished, his sword strike. It was a top-down strike, just like the mustached man¡¯s. Swish. In the middle of walking, he suddenly struck. One might have said something, but it was Encrid who did it. ¡°What¡¯s this? An ambush? Oh, is it toon Leader Encrid?¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t he a bit, you know?¡± One soldier twirled his finger around his ear. ¡°Crazy toon Leader?¡± ¡°Yeah, let¡¯s just keep going.¡± Everyone just let it slide. This wasn¡¯t the first time something like this happened. Moreover, no one was unaware of the Madmen toon¡¯s remarkable performance in the previous battlefield. They were almost seen as heroes. There was a mix of admiring and respectful nces. ¡®They are so obsessed with training.¡¯ Is that why they fight so well? Such thoughts lingered in the soldiers¡¯ minds. Even the surrounding squad leader-levelmanders left them alone. Perhaps there were special instructions from Battalion Commander Marcus. It was clear to anyone that they were being treated specially. Exempted from all duties, exempted from mess duty. These were among the reasons. Everyone just looked the other way. The Madmen toon members themselves didn¡¯t particrly care about the surrounding gazes. Ragna watched his toon leader, who suddenly swung his sword, and thought. He had something to say when they returned, but now it seemed pointless. ¡°Get back to mastering the basics.¡± He had demonstrated Severance, but he hadn¡¯t even started teaching yet. What needed to be built up for that, what needed to be reiterated. Would it be a wall of despair, or a new milestone? It needed to be told and shown. There was much to say. Often, after improving their skills, people forget certain things. He intended to remind him of such things. Ragna pondered deeply. What does his toon leader need right now? After much thought, he gathered his words. tter. The gravel field wasing to an end. Ragna stopped walking. ¡°Yes, that¡¯s correct.¡± And he muttered. The toon leader didn¡¯t need nagging. He reflects and fills in what¡¯scking on his own. That¡¯s just the kind of person he is. Ragna felt a tingling sensation throughout his body as he muttered to himself. The things he quickly forgot, the things he overlooked, the things he didn¡¯t even feel the need to reflect on. He builds them up one by one. He uses them as cornerstones. That¡¯s what the toon leader did. Ragna felt a me of motivation igniting in his heart again. It seemed absurd, but¡­ Seeing his toon leader made him want to swing his sword. ¡°Has he gone crazy? What is correct?¡± It was Rem walking beside him. The crazy barbarian tilted his head and spoke. ¡°Heh, were you offering a prayer alone? Did the Lord respond?¡± On the other side, the big religious man also joined the conversation. Ragna didn¡¯t want to reply. He didn¡¯t want to ruin his good mood. But Rem was persistent. Audin was diligent. ¡°Hey, what¡¯s right? Did a ghost get into your head? Hey, big guy. Shouldn¡¯t you do something about this? Huh? Don¡¯t you have a punch to get rid of ghosts?¡± ¡°Heh, brother, possession doesn¡¯t happen so easily. Especially in a disciplined unit like this, it¡¯s rare. I think he was praying. So, what did the Lord say?¡± I wish they¡¯d just go away. Ragna¡¯s wish quickly turned into murderous intent. ¡®Should I just cut them all down?¡¯ The sudden burst of killing intent made both Rem and Audin react simultaneously. ¡°Hey, are you nning to leave your head here? Need help?¡± ¡°Brother, are you upset because you didn¡¯t receive the Lord¡¯s answer? If that¡¯s the case, sweating it out might not be a bad idea.¡± When the killing intent surfaces, they fight. It was almost like a rule in the Madmen toon. Of course, Encrid could stop them, but he was currently lost in his own world. ng. Ragna drew his sword and swung it. Rem reacted too. Bang! The axe and sword met, sparks flying, and the killing intent spread between Ragna and Rem. Audin, who was on the other side, couldn¡¯t just stand still. Ragna didn¡¯t just watch him. Using the rebound from hitting Rem¡¯s axe, Ragna shed at Audin¡¯s chest. Audin stepped back, deflecting the de with his palm, a high-level skill. Rem, Ragna, and Audin. It was amazing how they could do such things without thinking much of it. Soon the three of them were engaged. Watching from the side, Jaxon thought they were all fools. His eyes naturally shifted from the three to his toon leader. He had a bit of dissatisfaction. The Sense of Evasion, he seemed to know how to do it, but is it hard to improve body coordination? It¡¯s not easy, definitely not easy. But doesn¡¯t this seem a bit unfair? He learned the Heart of the Beast so quickly, why is the Sense of Evasion slower? Is he paying less attention? Putting less effort into my technique? ¡°It¡¯s annoying.¡± Jaxon muttered to himself, but no one responded. The three were too busy fighting. Andrew and Mac, not wanting to get caught up in the fight, moved away. Finn was busy questioning whether this toon was functioning properly. Only Krais was ustomed to it and did his job. He received orders through the Fairy Company Commander in ce of the toon leader. ¡°Why you?¡± the Company Commanderined unnecessarily. ¡°If you interfere at times like this, both the toon leader and the members get upset, and it turns into chaos.¡± Krais exined. ¡°More chaotic than now?¡± Encrid was walking and swinging his sword alone. The other three were busy fighting. Jaxon remained stoic, sensing that it wouldn¡¯t be wise to intervene right now. Hmm, it¡¯s chaotic enough already, though. ¡°Yes, even more than now.¡± Krais said with confidence. If we try to stop them, it¡¯ll get worse. He knew this from experience. ¡°I see. The main force is returning.¡± the Company Commander said, sticking to the main point without making unnecessary jokes orments. Krais, feeling mischievous, asked, ¡°You want our toon leader, don¡¯t you?¡± The Company Commander looked at Krais. The Fairy¡¯s green eyes were like jewelspleting an inhumanly beautiful face. Like jewels, they were expressionless, and it was impossible for Krais to read any emotion from them. However, he did sense something. ¡°Indeed.¡± the Company Commander replied, turning and walking away. Krais shivered and rubbed his arms. Then he waited for his toon leader to return to normal. It was almost a whole dayter, as they were stopping to prepare for camp, that Encrid finally stopped. Does swinging a sword while walking actually help? Krais had no idea. Surprisingly, the fight between the three, including Rem, ended quickly. Did they realize they wouldn¡¯t finish the fight as they were? Or maybe it wasn¡¯t fun since the toon leader didn¡¯t intervene. Who knows? It¡¯s not something Krais wanted to know. ¡°Captain.¡± Encrid, sweating profusely, looked at Krais. ¡°We¡¯re ordered to return to the city.¡± ¡°Hmm?¡± Krais knew that hismander didn¡¯t like long exnations. Although he felt like talking more, he knew it was best to keep it short and clear. ¡°It¡¯s because our n worked. When the enemy diverted part of their forces to the alternate route, the main forceunched an assault.¡± The essence of the n Krais originally devised was simple. The Madmen toon would attack from the rear. They would draw in the unit known as the Hawk¡¯s Eyes or whatever and wipe them out. Meanwhile, Marcus¡¯s battalion would pretend to advance towards the Cross Guard. Even just pretending was enough. ¡®Already a losing battle.¡¯ If he were the enemymander, how would he feel? Would he want to bear the shame of having the city attacked? Maybe, maybe not. Either way, there was nothing to lose. Even just pretending gained a lot. Krais¡¯s goal was to ensure safety. By pretending, it gave Marcus¡¯s battalion a good excuse to return to their original position. He considered distancing themselves from the enemy as a given. As time passed, the variables decreased, and things fell into ce as he had thought. Of course, there were things that didn¡¯t match Krais¡¯s expectations at all. For instance, the strength of the Madmen toon. ¡®I knew they fought well, but¡­¡¯ They fought exceptionally well. As an independent toon, as an elite unit, they might be even more impressive than the ughterers of the Frontier. Later, they joined Marcus¡¯s battalion. Meanwhile, some forces, including the Knight order stationed in the Green Pearl ins, advanced. This was slightly different from Krais¡¯s expectation. ¡®They¡¯re advancing?¡¯ Even if they ended it here, they would have expanded their territory and dealt a critical blow to Aspen. They didn¡¯t just advance and seize the advantage, they dealt a devastating blow. It was a charge without a break, followed by a battle. The difference in power was quite significant. He heard it was an overwhelming victory. Because of this, Marcus¡¯s battalion and the Border Guard Reserve Unit were ordered to return to the city. In case some of the enemy forces went mad and attacked the city, they needed an army to defend it. Being a unit that had achieved merit, they likely wanted to give them some preferential treatment. Instead of exining all of this, Krais conveyed it simply and briefly. ¡°We¡¯re ordered to go home.¡± ¡°Not bad.¡± Did Encrid, the toon leader, understand all this? He didn¡¯t know. He¡¯d exin it slowlyter. For now, they were allowed to go back. Krais was quite satisfied with that. Above all, a map he held close to his chest made him feel even warmer. It was one of the treasures hidden by the enemy, and Krais knew instinctively. ¡®This is real.¡¯ Encrid also had noints about returning. In fact, he was satisfied. He had learned and gained a lot from the recent battle. He wanted to reflect on it all and engrave it into his body. Therefore, he needed time. As a slow learner, he knew he needed to struggle and push forward. Encrid decided to do just that. Yearning and thirst. They burned within him, making it impossible to remain still. ¡®But why does that guy¡­¡¯ Encrid turned his gaze towards the asional feeling of killing intent. It was Jaxon. Whenever he was about to forget, he felt those piercing nces. Jaxon seemed to have someint, but it didn¡¯t seem like he would answer even if asked. So, what could he do? He had to let it be. Theirints weren¡¯t a new thing. ¡°We¡¯re going back? You must be disappointed. Couldn¡¯t see the Knights fight?¡± Rem chimed in sarcastically, and Encrid nodded. ¡°Disappointed, but¡­¡± On the contrary, he didn¡¯t really mind. Clomp. Matching his steps, Encrid looked at his hands. His palms were full of calluses. The weight of the two swords hung at his waist. The armor draped over his body. Mew. The panther, which had returned at some point, walked alongside the toon members. Encrid was also walking. And¡­ If he was confident in the path he was walking. There was no need to check the destination. ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡± Encrid answered and lifted his head. The magic of spring spread, with the warm sunshine settling on his shoulders. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: /revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: /revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 148 Ten days after the retreat. On this day, even within the Border Guard, flowers began to bloom. It was a full-fledged spring. In the meantime, it rained once. Along with the news that the battlefield cleanup was in full swing, a series of victory reports continued toe in. In the end, word came that the Duchy of Aspen had requested peace. It was said that Naurillia had seized part of the territory of the Duchy of Aspen, soon to take over the Green Pearl ins. Though thisnd had remained barren so far, it would take a lot of effort to cultivate it. A victory was a victory, and this one was a great victory. Cheers echoed at the end of the battlefield. With the arrival of spring, the number of people intoxicated by magic increased. In such uplifting days. Encrid¡¯sst ten days were consistent. Nothing to change, nothing changed. Buzz, the sword swung. ¡°Brother, it¡¯s not there yet. Hold your posture and sit straight. Straighten your back, inhale, and feel the pressure in your abdomen. If the pressure is released, your back will break.¡± Audin chuckled as he spoke. Strengthening the body with a method that was close to a trick, such as sitting up and down with Audin on his back, was also a daily routine. Sword, training, sparring. Time focused solely on these three things. Whether others were excited or not was of no concern to Encrid. Krais wandered around everywhere, but Encrid had no such thing. In the rank of toon Leader, recognized as an independent toon, and perhaps due to his influence in the previous battlefield, there was no duty. It was ten days solely devoted to rest. Of course, for Encrid, it was ten days immersed in training. However, there was a change. ¡°Whew!¡± Nearby, among the soldiers belonging to the unit, those who knew and fought with Encrid had a different attitude. All of them were busy wielding their spears from early morning. This tendency had been visible for some time, and now the number of soldiers engrossed in training had increased significantly. They all sweated and were genuinely dedicated to wielding their spears and strengthening their bodies. There was also another change. ¡°Excuse me, can you give me some guidance?¡± Among the soldiers, some began to seek out Encrid. ¡°Me?¡± He was in the middle of a break, sweating and swinging his sword. Encrid pointed to himself with his finger and asked back. It made sense. It was an unimaginable scene. Him, teaching someone? Guidance? Considering his past life, Encrid¡¯s life hadn¡¯t been easy enough to say such a thing. He had never looked beyond the path of learning and progressing. Especially teaching. Could there be a word that didn¡¯t suit him as much as that? ¡°Give it a try.¡± Rem, who had been watching from the side, said. He seemed to have been watching even though he looked like he was dozing off. Encrid nodded. He had been thinking of trying it anyway. Right in front, he saw the eyes of the soldier looking at him. That earnestness, the longing and thirst that still burned within him, he saw in the soldier¡¯s eyes too. Ting. Encrid shook his sword and struck the tip of the soldier¡¯s spear. The soldier holding the spear flinched and his shoulders trembled. How skilled was he? From what he had learned from Audin, he could tell by the posture and the level of physical training. The soldier seemed to be somewhat skilled. ¡°Lower-ranked soldier, Pollid.¡± The soldier spoke. Encrid listened with one ear and let it pass through the other. He simply focused. He didn¡¯t treat it lightly. Concentrating and observing the opponent. That was his best, and he believed it was the only thing he could do. The soldier, Pollid, swallowed nervously and took his stance. Left hand forward, right hand back. A stance specialized for thrusting, with his feet crossed front and back, he shouted ¡°Hah!¡± as he thrust his spear. Whoosh. He seemed to be a somewhat trained soldier. Encrid watched the iing spearhead carefully. Seeing and reacting, his body moved. Even if he hadn¡¯t mastered it perfectly, the skill that flowed naturally was his Sense of Evasion. He twisted his body to the side, extending his left arm, and caught the spear shaft from below, with his palm facing up. ¡°Eek!¡± The soldier reflexively pulled the spear back. Seeing the veins in his neck, it was clear he was using all his strength. Encrid grabbed the spear shaft, pivoted on his left foot, and turned inside the spear¡¯s arc. It was as if he grabbed and turned with his left hand while spinning. nting his right foot on the ground, he pulled the spear shaft with his left hand, using his body as leverage. No extraordinary strength was needed. Just a bit of technique and a moderate amount of strength. Tap. Lightly, he brought his sword down from above. The sword, without lethal intent, tapped the top of the soldier¡¯s head. Of course, it was the t of the de, not the edge. Feeling the sword on his hair, the soldier opened his mouth in surprise. ¡°Ah.¡± ¡°It seems to be over.¡± ¡°Oh, yes.¡± When Encrid released the spear shaft, the soldier awkwardly gathered his weapon and stood there, embarrassed. ¡°Well, is there something I¡¯mcking?¡± What did it mean to be a somewhat experienced soldier? It was like saying he had some confidence in his skills. But he asked Encrid such a question? What was Encrid like before, back when his squad was known as the crazy toon and he was the troublemaker? He seemed to have been the one everyoneughed at. But now, someone was asking him such a question? Looking closely, the face wasn¡¯t unfamiliar. They had crossed paths a few times before. The battlefields so far hadn¡¯t been easy, so the soldier in front of him could be called a veteran. He also wore the insignia symbolizing a Squad Leader. What could it be? What was this? Encrid looked at him with curiosity. The soldier, despite his embarrassment, waited patiently. Encrid saw the soldier¡¯s eyes again. Earnestness, longing, and thirst. There was a glimpse of desire for something unattainable. It was like the longing coiled within him. He couldn¡¯t ignore it. To be honest, he could see what the other needed after just one sparring session. ¡°It would be good to build up your strength.¡± The spear was heavier than it looked. For such a weapon, the soldiercked strength. ¡°Um, yes, thank you.¡± The Squad Leader saluted. Encrid nodded in response. After that day, the Squad Leader dedicated himself to strength training, lifting heavy objects to build muscle. His squad members did the same. It was said that a wave of strength training and training swept through the unit. Wasn¡¯t this a unit that had just returned from the battlefield? Wasn¡¯t it time to celebrate the victory? Of course, many went to the city to unwind. Some just drank heavily day after day. Some of them probably thought that spending the day in the red-light district was better than training for the future. Encrid didn¡¯t particrly criticize them. What did it matter to him? He was just a toon Leader, the leader of an independent toon. At the moment, he couldn¡¯t even step onto the battlefield where lesser Knights were active. It would be a lie to say he wasn¡¯t curious about their battles. However, his mindset remained the same. If he could see his destination, there was no need to look around while walking his path. If it were a battle involving Sir Cyprus, it might have been different. A true Knight, one known across the entire continent¡ªhow would it feel to see that? He felt he would want to see it. Who knows? You can only know things when they happen. ¡°Is it fun?¡± Rem, who had been watching indifferently, asked with a slight smile instead ofughing. Fun? He didn¡¯t really know. ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± As always, he answered honestly. Rem finallyughed. Encrid immersed himself in training again. In that time of immersion. ¡°Can I have a turn as well?¡± Another person approached, suggesting a sparring session. After a quick bout, Encrid gave a piece of advice. ¡°Your footing is stiff.¡± Another person approached for another sparring session. ¡°You should rx your shoulders.¡± Another piece of advice. After a few more sparring sessions. ¡°Um¡­ can I¡­?¡± He asked without any clear subject, but there was no need to ask what he meant. His eyes burned with intensity as he asked, and his cautious demeanor revealed signs of nervousness. He had a rtively youthful face, probably around Andrew¡¯s age or maybe even younger. ¡°Well, sure.¡± No one among the toon members stepped in to stop him. Usually, didn¡¯t he always have something to say to those who approached him? He used to pick fights unnecessarily. Why was he just letting it slide now? Most of the soldiers were equipped with spears. If someone used a different kind of weapon, it could mean that they belonged to a special unit. The soldier facing him held a battle hammer the length of his forearm. The end of the hammer was round and polished, indicating it wasn¡¯t a weapon used for just a day or two. It didn¡¯t look heavy, but it was clearly an efficient weapon. As he twirled his wrist, it was clear that he had mastered the technique. ¡°I¡¯m with the Border Guard.¡± Sure enough, as the soldier spoke, Encrid nodded indifferently. The soldier¡¯s eyes gleamed as he twirled the battle hammer by twisting his wrist. To Encrid, the soldier¡¯s intentions were all too obvious. Perhaps he had grown too ustomed to the Valen Mercenary Sword Technique. The opponent¡¯s tactics and tricks were in to see. Tap, tap, tap! As the soldier swung the hammer with all his might, he abruptly switched to holding it with one hand and brought it down vertically. Dodging was the right move rather than blocking. Following the soldier¡¯s intention, Encrid stepped aside, avoiding the trajectory of the hammer. The soldier reached for his waist with his other hand. Encrid grabbed the soldier¡¯s wrist before his elbow could fully extend. ¡°I can see it.¡± He said this as he realized what was happening. The tactic was simple and clear. The hammer was a distraction for a short-range dagger throw. It was simr to the Valen Mercenary Sword Technique. ¡°Valen Mercenary Sword Technique?¡± He asked. The soldier nodded. ¡°You should refine your hammer-wielding technique more.¡± Encrid instinctively pointed out the soldier¡¯s weakness. At the same time, he realized that this was advice he needed to hear as well. Improving his hammer technique would help conceal the dagger better. Avoid drawing attention to the dual de technique from the start. The soldier had ample talent. It reminded him of the day that young kid put a hole in his stomach. Back then, he had fallen without much resistance. And now? He recalled something one of the instructors had once said. ¡°Improving your skills starts with knowing where you stand.¡± Awareness. Realization. To move forward on a new path, one must first understand where they currently stand. Sparring sessions and teachings continued, and many continued to seek out Encrid. Each time, Encrid realized something new and advanced. His steps were slow, but he didn¡¯t rush. Observing a soldier thrusting a spear hastily, he learned that haste was of no help. There were also those who, amidst calmness, exhibited decisive action. ¡°I¡¯m Ruth.¡± He introduced himself as a friend from the western part of the Border Guard. He nced at Rem as he spoke, but he didn¡¯t seem to pay him any mind. Encrid defeated him as well. An easy opponent? No, a challenging one. However, Encrid had experienced so much that he found it easy to deal with him. ¡°You¡¯re strong.¡± Ruth eximed in admiration as he turned away. As he left, he looked only at Encrid, not at Rem. As more people sought him out over the ten days, Krais began to impose order. ¡°There are too many. It would be better to sort them out. You know what happens if they disturb our leader, right?¡± The weight of Krais¡¯ words had changed. With Rem, Jaxon, Audin, and Ragna behind him, they were all nodding in agreement while looking at their toon leader. How does one see where they stand? They must look up, down, left, and right. Only then can one see their position. It was a moment that each of them had crossed at some point. In fact, Encrid was somewhatte to this realization. With spring here, he was thirty-one. By continental standards, he could be considered an old mercenary. Though there were plenty of people who continued to fight past forty. No one could do it quite like Encrid. That¡¯s why there was satisfaction in watching this man. Audin found answers to his questions from the Lord in the toon leader. Rem recalled fragments of his memories from the past. Jaxon pondered what it meant to live as Encrid did and envisioned the future. Ragna reflected on swords and people, ambition and life, Knights and the power they wield, realizing anew. He realized that he too had taken up that path. And he would continue to walk that path. With a deeper conviction than ever, he realized the value the toon leader held for him. Ate-blooming genius. That was the best way to describe Encrid. Changing the surrounding soldiers, well, that was something separate from being a genius. For the soldiers around him, especially those who didn¡¯t just dwell in today but had the will to move toward tomorrow, Encrid became a symbol of change. He became an idol for those who wished to emte him. All of this was encapsted in themand: ¡°All troops, line up.¡± Recognition Ceremony. It became evident during the recognition ceremony. Normally, the entire assembly of soldiers gathered in the bustling training grounds. Everyone except a few soldiers on duty. It was time to acknowledge the merits of those involved in the recent battles. Who was the main figure of this gathering? Everyone knew. Marcus was different from the previous Battalion Commander. With a few nobles seated in the back. Marcus stood on the tform and began his speech. ¡°If I have to tell you who made the greatest contribution in thest battle, then that person¡¯s head wouldn¡¯t be good enough even as a helmet stand.¡± Marcus¡¯s loud and deep voice resonated with the soldiers. His roughnguage and coarse words. Some of the nobles who listened to Marcus on the tform frowned. Wasn¡¯t thiscking in decorum? However,for those who were the subject of his words. It sounded different to the soldiers. There was sincerity in his words. Marcus, who had made up his mind, spoke with genuine feeling. ¡°I will call up the one with the highest merit. M¨C no, toon Leader of the Independent toon, Encrid.¡± Everyone knew what the missing word ¡®M¡¯ stood for. And someone walked up to the tform before the assembled troops. A man walking with bare hands, drenched in sweat, came into the soldiers¡¯ view. Even though the temperature was gradually rising, it wasn¡¯t enough to cause such sweating. But no one questioned or looked at him with doubt. Clearly, he had been swinging his sword numerous times beforeing to this ce. That was the kind of person Encrid was. One who proved himself by continually swinging his sword. One who demonstrated his worth by pouring out what he had learned. A person who never took anything lightly, a paragon of sincerity. The crazy toon Leader, Encrid, walked towards the tform. No one in the assembled training ground spoke easily. In that peculiar silence, the heat surged. For those who had experienced the victory on the battlefield, what kind of figure was Encrid? He had be an idol for some. He had be a hero for others. That was who he was on the battlefield. Marcus did not forget that. On the tform, one man stood facing another. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: /revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: /revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Announcement! New Ways to Support Eternally Regressing Knight Trantions! Hello, Eternally Regressing Knight readers! I¡¯m excited to announce a few updates for those interested in supporting the trantion work: New Shop Option on BuyMeACoffee: In addition to the paid chapters avable on my Ko-fi page, I¡¯ve now added the chapters to the Shop section of my BuyMeACoffee page! BuyMeACoffee offers more flexible payment methods, making it easier for everyone to ess the chapters. Memberships Suggestion: I¡¯m now open to memberships on BuyMeACoffee! You can be a member for ongoing support and benefits at various levels. Considering Patreon: I¡¯m also exploring setting up a Patreon page for those who prefer to support via that tform. If there¡¯s enough interest, I¡¯llunch it with simr membership tiers! Thank you for your incredible support and encouragement as I bring Eternally Regressing Knight to more readers. Your enthusiasm is what makes this journey so rewarding! Chapter 149 Between the tall leaves behind the tform, petals of red and pink flowers fluttered in the air. Yellow flowers blossomed brightly in the flower garden behind the training ground. The scent of sweat mingled with the presence of a flower garden in a ce of swords and spears. They say it was a remnant from the time when the Border Guard was still a trading city. Maintaining that flower garden was something akin to the duty of the Battalion Commander who was responsible for the city. It was a testament to the city¡¯s safety, they said. Spring hade after a long winter. Perhaps these flowers hadn¡¯t been seen in a while. ¡°They are a symbol of this city¡¯s safety.¡± A florist had said those words. Several florists in the city were responsible for maintaining the Border Guard¡¯s flower garden. Seeing the flowers brought to mind the importance of rxing one¡¯s shoulders. It¡¯s important not to be too tense. Loose, but not ck. Even if it didn¡¯t quite fit, sometimes it¡¯s necessary to rx while looking at flowers. As Encrid rxed his shoulders, he noticed that the shape of the petals resembled straight swords. What was the name of those flowers? Red leaves that were sharp, he clearly remembered their nickname. Sword Flower. They were called Sword Flowers. They were said to bloom only in the magic of spring. As he looked at the Sword Flowers, a question arose: ¡®How can I make a cleaner cut when bringing the sword down vertically?¡¯ With that question, a journey of thought began in his mind to find the answer. That mustache. A man who walked a path entirely different from Encrid¡¯s. Something refined that he hadn¡¯t even felt in Ragna¡¯s sword. A sword built through both talent and effort. It resonated with him. So he wanted it. He wanted to possess it, to absorb itpletely. He still longed for it, feeling a thirst. Like a traveler in the desert craving a sip of water. For Encrid, it was swords and Knights, dreams and skills. ¡®Slowly.¡¯ If you run too fast, you¡¯re bound to trip and fall. Moreover, has anything ever gone well when done hastily? Even without talent, there¡¯s something to be seen when you don¡¯t despair and lose hope. It¡¯s about not being hasty and not being leisurely. A middle ground between two opposing speeds. Loose but not ck. That¡¯s why you can run as fast as you can at your own pace. With these thoughts, Encrid moved towards the tform. At the end of his thoughts stood the tform. And in front of it was Marcus. They stood facing each other and looked into each other¡¯s eyes. There was a silent exchange. Marcus¡¯s eyes softened into a gentle smile. It was a look as if he was up to some amusing prank. The training ground was quiet. How to describe it? The atmosphere itself was different. A warm afternoon breeze blew in between the rays of sunlight. The petals swayed in the breeze. It was a peaceful and serene afternoon. It reminded him of the time when the divinity of Audin touched his body. That sense of tranquility enveloped the surroundings. ¡°I have been pondering.¡± Marcus spoke. His voice resonated quietly, not loud enough to reach across the training ground, but audible to those nearby. ¡°What do you mean?¡± Encrid replied, standing straight. ¡°What should I give to satisfy a soldier who has achieved such amendable feat?¡± Marcus mused. Encrid¡¯s mind briefly considered a good sword or something like Krona. Would that truly satisfy him? Probably not. It might bring some joy, but if he were to go a step further? ¡®A magical armor?¡¯ Encrid now roughly understood the value of the leather armor he wore, and that its worth was gradually diminishing. Magic isn¡¯t eternal, after all. He had heard that magical equipment has its limits, although he wasn¡¯t sure if that was true until he experienced it himself. The lifespan of the leather armor wasn¡¯t much longer. Even the leather gauntlets seemed to be somewhat magical, otherwise, how could they be so strong? Without these gauntlets, he might have lost an arm while fighting Frog, not just injured his wrist. ¡®The thought alone is dreadful.¡¯ Losing just a wrist would be better than losing an entire arm, but both options were undesirable. In retrospect, there were countless things to be cautious about. Losing one¡¯s life? As terrible as it sounds, sometimes it could be a relief. But if one were to survive with a severe injury, facing the uncertainty of tomorrow¡­ ¡®It gives me a lot to think about.¡¯ Yet, Encrid hadn¡¯t been deeply troubled by these thoughts. He wasn¡¯t the type to overthink, nor did he have the luxury to do so. ¡®Idle thoughts.¡¯ These weren¡¯t just rxing thoughts but distractions. He pushed them aside, knowing that it wasn¡¯t enough to immerse himself solely in his sword and dreams. Could he truly be a Knight? He still had that question, and there was no answer yet. ¡°So I thought.¡± Marcus continued. Encrid focused on the man¡¯s words before him. He listened intently, with genuine attention. ¡°I, too, need to give a sincere gift. You can look forward to it, toon leader.¡± The word ¡®expect¡¯ was mentioned. Encrid knew himself well enough not to show emotions over most things. Honestly, he had no expectations. Later, Marcus, the Battalion Commander, presented him with Krona and a finely crafted dagger. It was said to be a dagger awarded only to those who had rendered great service to the royal family. Upon receiving it, he found the bnce to be poor. It wasn¡¯t practical, serving only as a symbol of status. ¡°By bestowing upon you the Royal Dagger, your status is guaranteed. Show it at any time in the capital, and you will be weed as a guest of the Royal family.¡± Encrid thought it was really nothing special. Sincerely, However, the soldiers watching from below the tform felt differently. ¡°¡­Encrid.¡± ¡°Encrid.¡± ¡°Encrid.¡± There were no childish cheers or shouts of victory. The soldiers simply chanted Encrid¡¯s name. It was a murmur, an everyday utterance. Just words from their mouths. But when hundreds of soldiers spoke as one¡­ ¡°Encrid.¡± It struck his ears like a roar. ¡°Heh, it seems they¡¯re more pleased than you are. Turn around.¡± Marcus said. Encrid turned around at Marcus¡¯s words. It was quite an amusing sight. It had been ten days since he returned from the battlefield to the city. He felt closer to those in the unit than before. Those who had previously made crude remarks about him had now bowed their heads. Those seeing him for the first time showed respect and admiration. He had already been acknowledged on the battlefield. The Battalion Commander had once called for cheers. But whom was that cheer really for? He had thought it was a good experience, but this was different. The tform was high, just enough for one person to stand on. So he could look down from above. He could feel the heat emanating from all the soldiers. As if that heat took shape and enveloped him. He suddenly realized that what he had aplished had brought him to this moment. ¡°What makes a Knight?¡± Skill? They said that merely being good with a sword didn¡¯t make one a Knight. ¡°If that¡¯s all you wanted, you should¡¯ve just been a mercenary.¡± The words of a fencing instructor from some city still echoed in his mind. At that time, he had asked. What makes a Knight? What do you see and call a Knight? ¡°Skill is essential.¡± On top of skill, honor and achievements umte, proving one¡¯s worth. ¡°Though things have changed a bit nowadays, in the past, when discussing legends, that was the standard.¡± Did he just want to be someone who swung a sword well? No, that wasn¡¯t it. Though his dreams started that way when he was young. As he grew older and realized the limits of his talent¡­ When he got stabbed in the belly by a sword from someone much younger¡­ When he lostrades¡­ He realized that skill and character did not necessarily corrte. He swung his sword even though he knew his limits, with a single-minded focus, as if each moment could be hisst. Living each day as if there was no tomorrow. He threw himself into the relentless waves of time. Even as he was swept away, he never forgot his sword, holding onto his worn and tattered dreams. Where did the resolve that sustained Encrid all this time originate? He believed a Knight was someone who adhered to the standards they set for themselves. Someone who progressed without forgetting honor. He resolved to be that way. Thus, it made sense that standing in such a position, proving himself, would bring him joy. Feeling honor as he stood before them. ¡°Interesting.¡± Encrid murmured softly, though it was hard to discern any emotion from his voice. Behind him, Marcus sensed something unfamiliar in Encrid¡¯s words. It was the same as before. Something long forgotten. Sword and light. ¡®Is it passion?¡¯ Marcus smiled, thinking Encrid was quite an interesting person. He was curious about how the gift he had prepared would affect the man before him. ¡°Dismissed.¡± Marcus said. Encrid turned and saluted. He stepped down through the murmuring soldiers who chanted his name. A path opened between the soldiers standing to the sides. ¡°You must be happy.¡± He saw his toon members greeting him. There was Rem, smirking. Jaxon, standing casually with one leg propped up, watching indifferently. Audin, speaking in his usual cryptic way, said, ¡°You looked like an incarnation answering a prayer, brother.¡± Ragna, who was always bored with such ceremonies, asked, ¡°Are we done here?¡± Krais, uninterested unless Krona was involved, simply said, ¡°Nice.¡± Nearby, Andrew and Mac called his name, faces flushed with excitement. ¡°Encrid.¡± ¡°toon leader.¡± Hmm, this was more than just not bad. It would be strange not to enjoy it. ¡°Let¡¯s go back.¡± But nothing had changed. It had been ten days since their return, and the Border Guard had been quiet. The awards ceremony was over. So what was next? Of course, it was training. He was just pondering how to swing his sword next. ¡°Hey, tonight we party. Let¡¯s eat and drink till we drop!¡± Marcus revealed his true feelings on the tform. Was it really okay for the Battalion Commander to be so candid? Weren¡¯t those people behind him nobles? Sure enough, when Encrid turned, he saw a group of nobles with displeased expressions. Yet, no one stepped forward to say anything. What could it be? Did they threaten to behead anyone who spoke up? ¡®No, that¡¯s something Rem would do.¡¯ he thought. Marcus was amander from the capital. He had no reason or need to do something so reckless. So why were the nobles reacting this way? Encrid decided to ignore the nobles¡¯ affairs. There was no need to delve into it. What good would it do to know? Knowing wouldn¡¯t change anything. ¡°Party!¡± ¡°Woohoo!¡± ¡°Sounds good! Great!¡± The soldiers shouted, almost bursting his eardrums. ¡°If they serve us some cheap wine after saying all this, I¡¯d feel like smashing that guy¡¯s head with my axe.¡± Rem said with a grin. But he seemed in a good mood. The problem was that he wanted to smash a superior¡¯s head whenever he was happy. ¡®Well, it¡¯s not my head, so that¡¯s a relief.¡¯ Encrid thought. Thinking back, Rem had never seriously threatened to split his head open. He had joked about wanting to see what was inside his head, but that wasn¡¯t said in earnest. ¡°It¡¯s a bother.¡± Ragna said bluntly. Encrid felt like agreeing with Ragna. He wanted to get back to training. He was eager to assimte the techniques of the mustached swordsman he had seen and experienced as soon as possible. ¡°You can¡¯t see anything but stiff things with a stiff mind. You need to rest when it¡¯s time to rest.¡± Jaxon said, seemingly perceptive enough to notice Encrid¡¯s mood. ¡°Everyone, take a good rest. I¡¯ll be back shortly.¡± said Krais, whose voice trailed off as he ran away. Whenever a party was held, a gambling den would naturally spring up. And that meant Krais would be in his element. He didn¡¯t gamble but rather organized the games to take a cut of the profits. Krais could never understand those who squandered their Krona on gambling. ¡°Seriously, why throw your Krona at a random draw? If you meet a real gambler, you won¡¯t even get a random chance¡ªyou¡¯ll definitely lose.¡± he would say. He saw no reason to waste Krona on gambling. It made sense. Krais disappeared into the crowd of soldiers. Encrid watched his retreating figure, finding it odd that this big-eyed soldier hade up with such a clever scheme. ¡°No need to split heads, then, my barbaric brother.¡± Audin murmured from behind. Up ahead, the Battalion Commander was seen raising a bottle of liquor with enthusiasm. ¡°This is some good liquor! Today, we¡¯re all drinking the same! Any objections? If you have a problem,e to me!¡± It seemed he wasn¡¯t quite in his right mind either. Marcus shouted for everyone to enjoy the liquor he offered. As Encrid watched, Finn approached and said, ¡°Want a drink?¡± ¡°Hmm?¡± It had been a while since he had even thought about drinking. There hadn¡¯t been an asion. He had been too busy training. Drinking dulled the body¡¯s control, making proper training impossible. Enjoying the party and drinking were two separate things. So, he was about to politely decline when a voice came from behind. ¡°No, human woman, that spot is mine. He¡¯s my fianc¨¦e.¡± Huh? ¡°Fianc¨¦e? But she¡¯s a Fairy.¡± Finn muttered. Encrid took a step back. The Fairy Company Commander approached silently. ¡°Drink with me.¡± Was this an order or an invitation? As the tension built with the arrival of Finn and the Fairy Company Commander, Esther intervened. With a fierce cry, Esther leapt into Encrid¡¯s arms. The situation felt strange. ¡°Damn enchantress.¡± Rem muttered. Before Encrid could rify the misunderstanding, the soldiers around them began cheering for him again, this time in a different way. ¡°Squad Leader of Enchantment!¡± Damn it, just when he thought it had been forgotten, the nickname ¡®enchantment¡¯ surfaced again. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: /revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: /revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 150 A festival of enchantment, drinking, and partying. Was there ever a party like this? When was thest time there was something simr to a banquet? Encrid tried to recall. It seemed to be the first in many years. It was certainly the first time in the Border Guard, and even for Encrid personally, it was a rare moment, experienced only a few times in his life. He did enjoy something like a banquet back in his mercenary days. What did he do then? He only wetted his lips and focused on the aftermath of the fights. ¡°Let¡¯s have a drink, toon Leader.¡± There were many people offering drinks, not just Finn and the Company Commander. ¡°Come on, when it¡¯s time to have fun, let¡¯s have fun. Don¡¯t be so boring.¡± Even Rem was saying this. He did drink. He had said he didn¡¯t enjoy it, not that he couldn¡¯t drink. Gulp. A sip, the sharp aroma tickled his nose as the sweet liquid flowed down his throat, warming his stomach. ¡®It¡¯s not bad.¡¯ Though he wasn¡¯t a natural gourmand or drinker, his experience eating and drinking in various ces wasn¡¯t insignificant. It was said that a poor wanderer could eat anything but also had the ability to evaluate everything that entered his mouth. ¡®There must have been some Krona in this.¡¯ The Battalion Commander must have really opened his wallet. No, to be precise, it was the Border Guard treating them, right? Surely they didn¡¯t cover this out of their own pocket. Anyway, they ate, drank, and enjoyed themselves. When he decided to rest, he did so with all his might, knowing that proper rest was essential for preparing for the next challenge. However¡­ ¡®The starlight is so beautiful tonight.¡¯ It was indeed a good night, with the moon and stars adorning the sky. It felt almost too nice just for drinking. ¡°Just a little to wet the lips is enough, brother. Are you challenging me to arm wrestling? Very well.¡± Audin¡¯s voice of enjoyment could be heard from one side. ¡°You bastard, are you being difficult again?¡± Rem¡¯s voice picking a fight. ¡°It¡¯s just not to my taste.¡± Ragna¡¯s retort. But where did Jaxon go? Did they say he went to the city? Jaxon wasn¡¯t the type to fit into a banquet. Encrid settled into a chair. Everyone was busy eating and drinking. There were soldiers excitedly chatting, others mixing stories with half curses. Every so often, not just Finn and the Company Commander, but many others were engaging with Encrid as well. In fact, he was probably the most popr one. ¡°I always knew you¡¯d see the light one day.¡± It was Bell. The one who almost died from an arrow, if not for Encrid¡¯s intervention. You could say his fate changed because of Encrid. ¡°So? You want to spar?¡± Encrid joked. ¡°No, what sparring? They say you can even take down the Border Guard.¡± ¡°I was lucky.¡± Luck, a phrase that had be a catchphrase. ¡°Is that something that happens by luck?¡± Bell grumbled butughed. It was a very brightugh. Then Vengeance approached. ¡°And you, why¡­?¡± He took a deep breath, then said never mind, let¡¯s just drink, and turned away abruptly. In the past, Encrid might not have understood, but now he knew Vengeance¡¯s feelings. Though hisfort was only in words, sitting down, if it reached the other person, it held meaning. ¡°The world is big.¡± Encrid consoled him as if reciting an infantry motto. ¡°There are plenty of women.¡± Thump. Vengeance¡¯s steps halted. What emotions were contained in that ¡®Why, sigh¡¯? Wasn¡¯t it jealousy and envy? It was probably because he saw the Fairy Company Commander and Finn inviting Encrid to drink, along with some of the waitresses¡¯ peculiar looks. Was thefort appropriate? Vengeance turned his upper body around, his eyes seeming to burn with a ghostly me. ¡°You bastard?¡± Seeing this, Encrid thought thefort was indeed appropriate. Isn¡¯t it much better to see him blooming with passion rather than being despondent? ¡°Jenny?¡± Encrid pretended to be surprised and looked behind Vengeance. Vengeance¡¯s head turned sharply. Jenny, the herb seller, could be considered Vengeance¡¯s Achilles¡¯ heel. The first reason he hated Encrid was because of her. Creak. As Vengeance confirmed there was nothing, specifically no Jenny behind him, he turned his head back toward Encrid, making a peculiar sound. It sounded like something you¡¯d hear from a newly born skeletal soldier¡¯s neck. ¡°You bastard? A duel it is.¡± Ah, a duel. I was nning to rest today, but it couldn¡¯t be helped. This wasn¡¯t my decision. ¡°Shall we?¡± Encrid straightened up. Vengeance immediately regretted it after speaking. He knew from experience that he wasn¡¯t Encrid¡¯s match. But how could he tolerate being mocked like this? ¡°They¡¯re going to fight.¡± ¡°Who? Who?¡± ¡°toon Leader Vengeance, right?¡± ¡°Who¡¯s the opponent?¡± ¡°Oh, it¡¯s the Squad Leader of Enchantment.¡± That word, ¡®enchantment¡¯. Even though Encrid heard the words of the surrounding soldiers in one ear and out the other, he couldn¡¯t easily dismiss the word ¡®enchantment¡¯. It seemed like a word that didn¡¯t quite fit him. He had a simr experience before. Did Audin call him stubborn? Stubborn? Not at all. And ¡®enchantment¡¯ was the same. Not at all. A misunderstanding. ¡°Where, where¡¯s the fight? Wait, hold on! For a contest, you need a bet!¡± Krais suddenly appeared from among the group of soldiers. He looked at Encrid¡¯s face and then at Vengeance. ¡°¡­Though no one knew, the toon leader skilled in the secret art of assassination is toon Leader Vengeance. Who wants to bet on toon Leader Vengeance with Krona?¡± No one spoke up. The bet wasn¡¯t made. Vengeance swung his sword with all his might. Encrid wasn¡¯t careless. As always, he focused, his eyes shining. Watching the descending sword, he moved his body. There was no hesitation. Encrid raised his sword horizontally to block the attack, then tripped Vengeance and struck his thigh with his knee. It was a mix of basic and unconventional techniques. ¡°Ah!¡± Vengeance fell after being struck on the side of his thigh. ¡°Hmm.¡± Encrid felt somewhat unsatisfied, like the feeling of stopping mid-stream while urinating. A single strike, and it was over. Wasn¡¯t Vengeance a soldier aspiring to a higher rank? ¡°The soldier ranking system, isn¡¯t it supposed to be¡­ uh, an evaluation or something?¡± Encrid recalled Rem¡¯s words for no reason. He looked around, wondering if there was anyone like Rem nearby. Many were watching him with strange expressions, filled with admiration. Seeing this, Encrid furrowed his brow, then rxed it. It was a look that only Krais noticed, as if he was displeased with something. He didn¡¯t want admiration, he wanted someone to challenge him. People requesting duels had increased for a while but had be rare recently. Even the Border Guard Reserve Unit hadn¡¯t been challenging him much. He thought he had seen the Border Guard Reserve Unitmander among the soldiers earlier. The Company Commander seemed to be around as well. Could he count on them? Encrid¡¯s eyes searched for the two. It wasn¡¯t hard to find them. They had caught his eye earlier. However, the heavily armored Company Commander was already quite drunk. The Border Guard Reserve Unitmander didn¡¯t seem inclined to step forward at all. Themonality between them was that they were holding drinks and didn¡¯t look like they wanted to fight. ¡°I was going to ask you to have a drink.¡± The Company Commander, with a flushed face, turned away, saying, ¡°That guy is definitely crazy.¡± As the Commander¡¯s gaze turned towards him, Encrid nced behind himself. He wondered if Rem was there, given that he had been called ¡®crazy¡¯. But there was no one there. Then, who? At least, it didn¡¯t seem directed at him. Encrid thought of himself as one of the only sane members of the ¡®Madmen toon¡¯. ¡°What can I say, should I say it meets expectations? Should I nod, acknowledging theck of sanity?¡± The Border Guard Reserve Unitmander left after saying that. The Fairy Company Commander and Finn were watching him from one side. Below them was Esther. The blue-eyed panther yawned and then quickly turned its head. Had it just tried to cover its mouth with its paw? That paw wouldn¡¯t cover its mouth well. That panther seemed almost human. Encrid thought about sheathing his sword. He felt like he had been interrupted mid-action, like stopping an important conversation halfway. But what could he do? There wasn¡¯t anyone suitable to engage with. In that moment and situation, a conversation caught his ear from one side. ¡°Are you really going to do it?¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± A conversation caught his ear. Simultaneously, Encrid felt a thrilling sensation prickling his skin, as if an illusion of a sword appeared. Instinctively, Encrid¡¯s hand went to his sword¡¯s hilt. It felt like he might have to draw his sword and fight at any moment. He turned to look. Andrew appeared. Sssring. He wasn¡¯t just standing there. He was drawing his sword, ready to strike at any time. The determination in Andrew¡¯s actions was evident. As Andrew drew his sword, the starlight and torchlight yed across his face in a duet of blue and red. He hadn¡¯t been drinking, and hisplexion was calm. Standing there, Andrew spoke. ¡°I learned the swordsmanship of the Gardner family, honed it in real battles, and learned that there is no giving up in learning.¡± Mac, who had been standing beside him, had stepped back. The surrounding soldiers did the same, stepping back to make space. Now, in the center, only Encrid and Andrew remained. One had his hand on the hilt. The other had already drawn his sword. Without losing momentum, Andrew continued. ¡°I seek your teaching.¡± Encrid looked into Andrew¡¯s eyes for a moment. Unwavering pupils, burning with passion instead of admiration. Eyes he liked very much, in that instant. Fwoosh. The sound of a torch ring up was heard nearby. A pleasant night breeze blew. The saying that spring has magic, he had heard it so many times it had be tiresome. ¡®That saying.¡¯ It seemed true. Instead of responding, Encrid looked up at the sky. A night adorned with moonlight and starlight. A cascade of stars was present. Encrid lowered his head and spoke. ¡°Isn¡¯t this a great night for a fight?¡± He meant it. It felt like a waste to have a feast on such a night. Yes, if it had been any other night. If the starlight hadn¡¯t shone down on him so. He might have just enjoyed the feast. But tonight was too precious for that. ¡°Then.¡± Andrew raised his sword. Encrid faced him. Their rtionship had started as scouts, but it changed rapidly. And now, once again. Andrew¡¯s sword danced. It was a skillful sword, focusing on speed and exploiting the opponent¡¯s weaknesses. Encrid faced him with caution and focus. He gave everything he had. It was only right. When the opponent shows their best and sincerity, one must respond in kind. Esther thought it was truly fascinating. ¡®Today is truly special.¡¯ It was a night thick with magic. Sensitive people could feel that something was different on such nights. Perhaps that was why they couldn¡¯t stay still and were restless. The fight wasn¡¯t long, and the oue was clear. ¡°Alright, those who bet on Krona!¡± Krais¡¯s voice rang out louder and clearer than ever. He was perhaps the busiest and most enthusiastic person that night. Thud. The sound came as Andrew fell backward. There hadn¡¯t been dozens of exchanges of blows. The oue was decided even before ten strikes were exchanged. Encrid offered his hand to help Andrew up after knocking him down. He asked, suddenly curious. ¡°Are you thinking of leaving?¡± ¡°Hah, yes.¡± Andrew answered with a deep breath. ¡°Why?¡± ¡°I have things to do.¡± Well, if he had to go, he had to go. One cannot hold back someone who is determined to leave. ¡°It was enjoyable.¡± ¡°Yes, Captain.¡± Andrew smiled. In some ways, he seemed like a younger brother. He gave off that kind of feeling. ¡°I learned a lot.¡± Encrid nodded in response to Andrew¡¯s words. For some, it was a feast to drink heavily. For others, it was a gambling session to win some Krona. For yet others, it was a gathering to affirm camaraderie. And for Encrid, it was a feast under the starlight, perfect for a good duel. After that, a few more enthusiastic individuals challenged him, changing the atmosphere. He weed it. Thus, the night of eating, drinking, and fighting passed. Encrid slept and woke up at dawn as usual. The morning training began. Regardless of the night of the feast, duties had to be performed. He headed to the training ground. There, he found an unexpected guest. * * * The party continued until midnight. The duty was taken over by another battalion that hadn¡¯t participated in thebat. ¡°Thank you for your help.¡± Marcus spoke to his subordinatemander with gratitude. ¡°It¡¯s no problem.¡± Themander readily epted Marcus¡¯s request. Why wouldn¡¯t he? Who was Marcus, after all? He was no ordinary Battalion Commander. Once he returned to the capital, he would assume a new identity. He was a noble, one of the five families holding significant power. ¡°So then.¡± Themander left, and Marcus set down the bottle of alcohol he had been holding. For the sake of the troop¡¯s morale, he had done something out of character. He preferred tea over alcohol. In fact, he had a habit of mixing tea with alcohol when he did drink. He also preferred quiet ces over noisy ones. ¡°Is it because of the education I received as a child?¡± Perhaps it was the influence of the tea ceremony he learned from his family. It wasn¡¯t important. He had gotten used to it and saw no need to change a habit that had be second nature. Marcus leisurely sipped his tea. The noise from the party reached even his quarters. Although they had banned inviting prostitutes, many would likely head to the red-light district after drinking. Today was a time to show leniency rather than strict control. He nned to let most things slide. As he passed the time, a few familiarmanders stopped by. Some were conscious of his power. Others sought him out because they liked his battlefield persona, associated with the nickname ¡®warmonger¡¯. All the Company Commanders had arrived, except for one. ¡°The Fairy Company Commander is missing.¡± Not that it mattered. Whether she was currying favor or trying to share a drink with him, both would seemughable. He continued to chat, drinking tea mixed with alcohol. As the sun set and the moon rose, Marcus retired early to bed. He slept soundly, without dreams. In the quiet, Knock, knock. ¡°Commander.¡± The voice of his guard and the sound of knocking woke Marcus. ¡°What is it?¡± He nced out the window. It was still before dawn, the sky mixing blue and orange hues, signaling the start of a new day. ¡°A guest has arrived.¡± It was an unusually early time for a visitor. Who woulde at such an hour? The visitor was likely someone beyond human etiquette and noble power. Marcus wasn¡¯t surprised. He hadn¡¯t expected the visitor so soon, but he had a good idea who it might be. ¡°I thought they¡¯de by tomorrow at the earliest.¡± He had heard that the battlefield had just been secured. Was it an impatient gift, or were they expecting something? ¡°I¡¯ll be out soon.¡± Marcus draped a jacket loosely over his shirt and went out. The gift had arrived, and now it was time to deliver it. This gift was for one person. It was the result of Marcus¡¯s careful deliberation. The recipient of the gift was, of course, Encrid. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: /revengerscans and there¡¯s a special 40 percent tform discount on my buymeacoffee page on the next 20 chapters which you can avail by the code FLTGG2WL, only avable for 3 days. I will check the response on this page and if I get a positive response then I will start to give discount on further chapters.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: /revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 151 It was early morning. Perhaps it could be said that it was the point where the end of dawn and the beginning of morning meet. As the sun began to rise, the training ground on one side of the parade ground was bathed in an orange glow. How many people would be out at the parade ground at this hour? If not for the patrolling night watch, Encrid would be the only one. So, seeing someone else already at the parade ground earlier than himself at this hour was a rare urrence. No, it was the first time, actually. Thinking this, Encrid ced his right hand on his waist and saluted. It was someone worthy of such respect. The one who hosted yesterday¡¯s banquet and currently themander responsible for the city of the Border Guard. Nod. Battalion Commander Marcus nodded in acknowledgment of the salute. Marcus was not alone. It was rare for him to be alone. There were two others with him. The two stood in the shadows of a corner of the parade ground. One of them, Frog, stepped forward. It was difficult for a human to fully distinguish the appearance of a Frog. But it was clear that this Frog was different from the ones encountered before. There was no scar on its neck. It did not have a fierce look in its eyes. Instead, there was a sense of curiosity, and its white cheeks puffed up slightly. Ribbit. Frog made its characteristic sound, surveying Encrid from head to toe. From head to toe, and back again, its gaze lingered on his face. It was a skill to so clearly indicate where one was looking. ¡°It seems an introduction is in order.¡± Marcus said from behind. It was a timely suggestion. Frog stopped its ribbiting and opened its mouth. ¡°I¡¯m Frog.¡± Well, that was obvious just from looking at its face. You could tell not just by its face but even by its three fingers. Its appearance was distinctly of another species. ¡°Enough talk.¡± The other person stepped forward, or rather, didn¡¯t just step forward. Encrid saw an illusion in that moment. An illusion of his neck being cut. The illusion came first, then the reaction. ng! The sound of swords shing echoed through the parade ground. Encrid blocked the attack with a half-drawn sword. When had he drawn his sword? If not for the instincts honed from countless brushes with death¡­ Would he have died? Or stopped? He wasn¡¯t sure about either. ¡°You blocked that?¡± A voice came from the other person. The voice was high and thin. A woman with short hair tied back tightly. Her round face seemed gentle, but the sword in her hand was anything but. ¡°Shall we continue?¡± With a voice full of ease, the de struck again. What could he say? There was nothing to describe it but to say it was an onught. Encrid saw the sword descending from above his head. He saw the de aiming for his abdomen. He experienced his neck being shed, his arm being severed. He even saw a sword piercing his thigh. It felt like standing naked in a storm. Like being in a small boat facing a tidal wave. ¡®If I don¡¯t leave here right now, I¡¯ll die.¡¯ The fear of death loomed over him. No matter how many times he repeated today, no matter if it offered a chance for growth in the end¡­ It was impossible as a human topletely cut away and forget the fear. Encrid was simply a madman who knew how to fight against that fear. ¡®If I retreat¡­¡¯ In the midst of the storm of des, Encrid realized that if he retreated, he could escape this. It would end if he just stepped back. He wouldn¡¯t have to stand alone in this storm anymore. So, would he retreat? ¡°Dreams are there to be given up.¡± ¡°Are you having a headache because you¡¯re a bit like that?¡± ¡°Are you crazy? What? A Knight? Some lowly mercenary?¡± ¡°Sorry, it was my first real battle.¡± ¡°Go back to the vige. Be a farmer, and if you don¡¯t like that, join the vige militia, then you could be the captain of the militia.¡± With mockingughter, the words of those who had spoken to him shed through his mind. His heart pounded wildly. They told him to give up, saying it was meaningless. They also asked if the path he was on was the right one. In the storm of des, Encrid had died countless times. Yet, there was no ckout, and he didn¡¯t see the ferryman. He just died. And died again. He died countless times. The light faded. Instead of the dawn¡¯s sunlight, the shadow of death loomed. Everything struck his body with pain and suffering. He already knew the answer. He just had to step back. One step back was enough. The storm of des urged him to retreat, saying that this wasn¡¯t the ground for him to stand on. It said that if he just stepped back, he would be freed from all this pain and suffering. He knew and understood this. Even so, he couldn¡¯t retreat. He knew that stepping back here wouldn¡¯t affect his swordsmanship, his trained body, or his being in any way. Even so, he couldn¡¯t retreat. Even knowing that everything would end by just stepping back. Even so, he couldn¡¯t retreat. The faded and torn dream asked, ¡°Will you be a Knight like this?¡± He wasn¡¯t shaken by the words of those he had met in life. There was no reason to be. But this was different. This couldn¡¯t be. The moment he decided to be a Knight, Encrid held the sharpest sword. It was his will, his conviction, which could also be called stubbornness. If his resolve crumbled, there would be no ce left to stand. He couldn¡¯t take back the steps he had taken, whether they were half-steps or crawling forward. Encrid didn¡¯t even think about retreating. He just realized his own shorings. The coordination of his body, the sense of evasion. What if he had trained these? What if he had fully mastered them? What about the Heart of the Beast? Even the Istion Technique and Vf-Style Martial Arts would have been helpful. What if he had thoroughly mastered the basics, trained, and could extend his sword straight and true like the mustached man? All of these could have been the foundation to navigate this situation. Encrid couldn¡¯t retreat. ¡°Stop.¡± The storm ended as suddenly as it had begun. The moment Frog intervened, it vanished as if washed away. ¡°Whew.¡± Encrid exhaled the breath he had been holding. His heart pounded so hard it felt like it might leap out of his chest. His legs trembled. He wanted to copse, but he held firm. Instead, he looked at his opponent¡ªa seemingly gentle woman with short hair. Encrid focused on one burning question. He wanted to know what kind of trick she had just pulled. ¡°It¡¯s the first time I¡¯ve seen someone like you endure this without knowing how to handle it. If you had held out a bit longer, you would have died.¡± The woman who had unleashed the storm spoke from beside Frog. ¡°Who are you?¡± Encrid managed to ask, struggling to move his lips. ¡°Me? Asia.¡± As she spoke, she stepped forward. The cloak she had draped over her shoulders fluttered as she wrapped it around her body. It was a cloak that fluttered and spread out. Its color was a crimson hue that cut through the orange morning light. A red cloak, apanying Frog and being personally escorted by Marcus¡ªwho was she? ¡°The Red Cape Knights?¡± Encrid murmured, and the woman nodded. ¡°Knight-in-training Asia.¡± She smiled brightly, a smile that matched her gentle appearance. That was the end of it. Standing there stiffly and watching was the best Encrid could do. After that, his consciousness abruptly faded. Darkness enveloped him, and the ferryman appeared. ¡°Am I dead?¡± No, it didn¡¯t feel like that. He wasn¡¯t dead. Then was this a dream? As he pondered inwardly, the ferryman spoke. ¡°It¡¯s a dream.¡± It was still astonishing to hear him speak, despite having no eyes, nose, or mouth. ¡°I¡¯ve been watching.¡± At the ferryman¡¯s words, Encrid felt another question arise. ¡°Weren¡¯t you watching before?¡± At those words, it seemed as though the boat floating on the ck river tilted slightly. As suddenly as it had begun, the dream ended. In the intery of darkness and light, only the ferryman¡¯sst words brushed past his ears. ¡°Seems like you skipped today¡¯s training?¡± Why did that sound like teasing? It could be. There¡¯s no rule saying a ferryman can¡¯t tease someone. But the tone and words gave off a peculiar feeling. Encrid ignored it. If something couldn¡¯t be understood through thought, ignoring it was the best option. But still. He thought he heard Jaxon¡¯s voice before he fainted. * * * As Frog watched Encrid copse, he reached out to catch him but stopped. Someone else had already caught him from behind. With auburn hair and calm eyes. ¡°You¡¯ve gone too far with your jokes.¡± He spoke in a quiet tone. Frog thought, turning his gaze aside. There, a rather rugged-looking individual red at him fiercely. ¡°What are you trying to do so early in the morning?¡± Gray hair and gray eyes¡ªprobably from the Western frontier? Behind him, there was also a man with a build asrge as a bear. ¡°Haha, good morning, brothers and sisters. May I ask why you are treating my small and precious toon leader this way?¡± What is this, these guys? Frog suddenly found himself thinking that. Behind the three, there was also a blond man with red eyes holding a sword. He was clearly a Northerner, with distinctive features. His hair was a mess, and there were traces of drool around his mouth. ¡®His stance holding the sword is quite impressive.¡¯ Frog liked what he saw. He hade here at Marcus¡¯s request. Marcus wanted him to assess someone¡¯s potential. He wanted to know if this person had the qualities to be a Knight. Frog had stopped by on his way back after the battle at the front. Frog¡¯s eyes were different from those of humans or even Fairies. He could discern a kind of talent that couldn¡¯t be fulfilled through mere training. Because of his unique insight and experience, people called him the ¡®Able Decider¡¯, a talent identifier. The Frog present now was the talent identifier. While it wasn¡¯t always apparent at a nce, sometimes seeing was enough. Especially if the person was a gem shining alone, even in the mud. These individuals were like that. In Frog¡¯s eyes, they were people with a one-in-ten-thousand talent, selected from among a thousand such talents. ¡°Who are these people?¡± ¡°MAdmen toon members.¡± Marcus answered from behind. It seemed he had heard a rough exnation. Hadn¡¯t he called them all crazy? It was almost surprising that they only followed their toon leader. ¡®It¡¯s a shame.¡¯ For now, there was no opportunity to take them under his wing. Moreover, with the hostility they were showing, they weren¡¯t the kind of people to be epted lightly. Just because someone has talent doesn¡¯t mean they are destined to be a ¡®Knight¡¯. It¡¯s not always necessary to take them in. What is a Knight? It¡¯s a world where all conditions must be met, and only such people are gathered to be called Knights. ¡°Quite a collection of interesting individuals.¡± Asia spoke from behind. She wasn¡¯t particrly belligerent. She had just done the test Marcus had requested. Asia showed her open palms as she spoke, indicating she had no intention of fighting. It would have been quite surprising to Encrid if he knew. After the first strike, she had sheathed her sword and hadn¡¯t drawn it again. Everything had been achieved through aura and pressure. She had knocked him unconscious through sheer presence and pressure. It was something that only someone at a Knight-in-training level could even think of attempting. In reality, it wasn¡¯t very efficient. It would have been easier to just knock him out with a single blow. There was no need to spread such a fierce aura and go to such lengths. It consumed a significant amount of mental energy as well. Asia had only done it because Marcus asked her to. It was a test for those with promising potential, nothing more. There was no need for any threatening atmosphere. Most importantly, Marcus¡¯s words captured everyone¡¯s attention. ¡°What do you think? Can he be a Knight?¡± ¡°If there¡¯s potential, he can be a Squire. That means he¡¯ll soon be assigned under a Knight.¡± A gift from Marcus. Indeed, it wasn¡¯t of low value. What was Encrid¡¯s dream? What did he desire, what did he want the most? A gift must be valuable for it to be meaningful. Marcus thought he was putting what he learned from politics to good use. He had prepared what the person wanted most. The question was posed. Asia spoke first. ¡°No.¡± Then Frog followed. ¡°Not even close.¡± What is a Knight? Gather a thousand talented individuals. Then select a small number from that group. Only those who enter their world are called Knights. ¡°This one is difficult. What about that side? Any interest?¡± Frog asked, looking directly at one individual. Therge, round eyes resembling a Frog¡¯s focused on Ragna. Ragna blinked his sleepy eyes and spoke. ¡°Not interested.¡± If he left his toon leader, he would just be azy person. Knowing this about himself, he naturally refused. ¡®Well, this is a shame.¡¯ Frog clicked his tongue in disappointment. Looking at them, a female Frog would have taken an interest in them. Moreover, they had exceptional skills, so he thought it would be enjoyable if they joined the Knighthood. And they refused? Even the proposal from the Red Cape Knights? They couldn¡¯t take everyone, but they could have epted at least one. ¡°Interesting friends. I¡¯ve done as you asked. Don¡¯t forget that, Battalion Commander Marcus.¡± ¡°Ah, of course.¡± Asia and Marcus spoke behind him. Asia patted Frog on the back. ¡°What are you doing? Let¡¯s go.¡± Both had a lot of work to do. They needed to return to the capital to report the victory and convey the terms of the Aspen agreement. And there were countless other tasks awaiting them. ¡°I¡¯ll stay for a few more days.¡± ¡°Huh?¡± Asia tilted her head, her ponytail swaying from side to side. What was he talking about? ¡°You go ahead.¡± Frog said. Asia started to say something but then closed her mouth. It wouldn¡¯t be a problem if she went alone. Her affiliation spoke for itself. She was a member of the Red Cape Knights. There was no need for Frog to exin further. Besides, Frogs were known to be hedonists who couldn¡¯t control their desires and interests. So leaving him be, was the best option. She figured he must have taken an interest in that red-haired soldier. ¡°Alright, then.¡± With those words, Asia turned and left. Coincidentally, Vengeance, who had taken on the night watch, witnessed everything. He hade out to the morning training session, still bothered by the embarrassing scene at the banquet, intending to speak with Encrid, and ended up seeing it all. No one paid him much attention. It wasn¡¯t considered significant that Encrid¡¯s path to Knighthood was deemed impossible. There were many people like that in the world. ¡°I¡¯ll impose on you for a few days.¡± Frog said to Marcus. Marcus nodded. Leaving the unconscious Encrid behind, the morning meeting ended. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: /revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: /revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 152 As Asia was on her way back, she found it a bit peculiar. ¡®It seems to be the first time.¡¯ A guy who managed to hold his ground without knowing how to wield the power of a Knight. It wasn¡¯t that he overcame the ¡®pressure¡¯. He just endured it. Actually, upon reflection, he even took half a step forward. She was a junior Knight, with sharp eyes that could catch even the smallest movements of an opponent. He was trying to move forward. Advance. How many soldiers could do that? Are there any? It doesn¡¯t seem likely. ¡®Well, if he realizes it, he might be a monster of a guy.¡¯ But that¡¯s not an easy thing. ¡®Let¡¯s not bother with it.¡¯ With that Frog guy left, he¡¯d take care of it. She had been asked and had done what she needed to do. So, once she returned, it was over. Asia forgot about Encrid in that way. There was no need to remember him. She did like his spirit and determination. Especially his face, she liked that too. ¡®But we probably won¡¯t see each other again.¡¯ Talent is indeed merciless. The Goddess of luck was always unfair. Clip-clop. The horse she rode on kicked the ground with its hooves, moving forward. It was time to go back. * * * ¡®Why?¡¯ Vengeance felt unnecessarily anxious and uneasy. A Knight hade to see Encrid. They assessed his skills, and even the talent assessor Frog came. The result was harsh words exchanged. ¡®Why to this extent?¡¯ Did they want him to lose his motivation? Was it unpleasant to see him so dedicated to his training? It was hard to guess what was going on in Battalion Commander Marcus¡¯s mind. Why did they have to stir up Encrid, who was minding his own business? That he couldn¡¯t be a Knight, that his limits were clear, and so he should quit? Why? For what reason? Vengeance didn¡¯t know Encrid¡¯s dream. He didn¡¯t know about the conversation between Encrid and Battalion Commander Marcus. So, of course, he had questions. Encrid had never hidden his faded dream, but that didn¡¯t mean he went around shouting it into people¡¯s ears. ¡°That Battalion Commander guy, he¡¯s got a bad personality.¡± Vengeance cursed Marcus for no reason as he headed towards Encrid¡¯s quarters. Knock, knock. ¡°It¡¯s me, Vengeance.¡± ¡°Oh? The ugly toon leader, what¡¯s up?¡± As he knocked, Rem came out, turning the situation upside down. He should have ignored it. Talking to him would just provoke a confrontation. Then, the result? For Encrid, it would just end with a knee to the thigh, but with Rem, it was hard to imagine. The conclusion was that he shouldn¡¯t provoke him. ¡°Where¡¯s Enki?¡± ¡°Sleeping.¡± ¡°Wasn¡¯t he supposed to be unconscious rather than sleeping?¡± But this guy is so calm. I thought he¡¯d go on about how he was going to chop off Marcus¡¯s head with an axe to break his toon leader¡¯s spirit. Well, if he were going to get that excited and angry in the quarters, he would have already swung the axe by now. That¡¯s the kind of guy he is. As he entered, the guy named Ragna was asleep again. Vengeance looked to see if he was really sleeping, and he was in a deep sleep. He wasn¡¯t snoring, but his chest was rising and falling with steady breaths. Jaxon was off to the side, rolling some tobo leaves. How diligent. He heard a woman named Finn had joined them, but she wasn¡¯t there. Krais was also absent. The only one present from the morning watch was Frog. It was almost noon, so they might have settled here permanently. Their calmness felt oddly unfamiliar. Shouldn¡¯t theyfort him when he wakes up? Or maybe not mention it at all. Were they nning to just gloss over the incident? As Vengeance coughed to clear his throat, Encrid woke up at just the right moment. Encrid opened his eyes and started to get up. ¡°Oh, you¡¯re awake.¡± Vengeance was the first to respond. And then, ¡°They say you can¡¯t be a Knight. Not even a tiny bit of potential, not even as much as a ghoul¡¯s brain.¡± Rem spat out quickly. ¡°Brother, you¡¯re up? Have some of this.¡± Audin, standing nearby, offered him some bread. Where he got it from, he didn¡¯t know, but it looked white and moist. He had heard that a good bakery had recently opened in the city, so maybe he bought it from there. But isn¡¯t this the wrong time for such talk? Ragna continued sleeping. Jaxon carefully packed the rolled tobo leaves into a leather pouch. ¡°Hmm, okay.¡± Encrid responded calmly. He answered nonchntly and took a bite of the bread before heading outside. Frog, watching silently, finally spoke. ¡°They said you can¡¯t be a Knight. Are you alright with that?¡± Encrid turned his head back and nodded. He nodded his chin up and down. ¡°Yes, well.¡± Not knowing his exact status, but if he came with a junior Knight, he must at least be a member of the Order. And if Frog was acting as a talent assessor, he likely held a rank equivalent to a noble. Encrid thought and spoke. He showed no sign of being shocked. Vengeance, who had somehow ended up standing in the doorway, blinked as he looked at Encrid. ¡°Revenge forst night¡¯s sparring?¡± Encrid asked. ¡°No, that¡¯s not it.¡± The words ¡®I¡¯m worried about you¡¯ didn¡¯te out easily. ¡°What, ugly toon leader, are you here for revenge? Then go ahead and try.¡± Rem teased, but Vengeance didn¡¯t take the bait. Hadn¡¯t he already tried? The bruise on his thigh hadn¡¯t even faded yet. Encrid walked outside. Vengeance, watching him with a dazed look, turned around. ¡°Are you not going tofort him or anything?¡± Vengeance asked as he looked at Encrid¡¯s back. Even if notfort, what about some concern? What if he decides to give up on the sword? What if he decides to quit? What if he gives up? What if he gets discouraged just because they stirred him up about not having any talent? Vengeance knew this situation was ridiculous. Who was he to be getting involved in this? What did it matter if Encrid quit or not? He was just bothered by the situation he happened to witness. No one had told him to intervene, and it wasn¡¯t something he had calcted. It just felt that way in his heart. He couldn¡¯t just stand by and do nothing. Rem chuckled at Vengeance¡¯s words. Thatugh, it was like usual. It wasn¡¯t a fakeugh. ¡°Who are you trying tofort? The toon leader?¡± Rem and¡­ ¡°Haha, brother, you don¡¯t really know our toon leader, do you?¡± ¡­ Audin. ¡°The toon leader is just the toon leader.¡± Even Jaxon added. ¡°Haah, the toon leader?¡± Ragna, who had just woken up, asked nonchntly. Vengeance reflexively pointed outside with his finger. ¡°He went out. Training?¡± How should I know? Ragna didn¡¯t wait for an answer, cracking his neck left and right before grabbing his sword and moving out. Vengeance stepped aside again. Ragna left without a word. What was this? He felt subtly ignored. ¡°The toon leader will be fine.¡± Rem continued. Frog responded to that. ¡°How can you be so sure?¡± ¡°Experience.¡± After a brief exchange, Frog got up from his seat. Experience, meaning you know when you¡¯ve gone through it. So, he figured he¡¯d just go outside and see for himself. To see how Encrid was actually handling it. Ragna went out, and Frog followed shortly after. Vengeance felt conflicted. Does he really not care about hearing such things? ¡°What was our toon leader¡¯s skill level before? Does his current level make sense? What do you think, ugly toon leader?¡± Rem¡¯s voice continued. He was lounging on his bed, seemingly about to poke at Esther for no reason. Esther revealed her ws, swiping at Rem, who quickly pulled his hand back to avoid it. Esther¡¯s blue eyes looked at Rem. He smiled, showing his palms as if to say he¡¯d stop fooling around. Watching this, Vengeance responded with whatever came to mind and turned away. ¡®Must be nice to be good-looking, you bastard.¡¯ It was something like that. Why does he keep nagging about me being ugly? Seeing Rem made him feel a bit indignant. How could someone be so skilled and also look like that? Ah, there¡¯s one good thing. He has quite an unusual personality, doesn¡¯t he? There¡¯s a reason they call him the Mad toon leader. Personality-wise, I¡¯m definitely better. The world just doesn¡¯t know it. As Vengeance turned and headed back to his quarters, many thoughts ran through his mind. Especially thest words Rem said stuck in his ears. ¡°What was our toon leader¡¯s skill level before? Does his current level make sense? What do you think, ugly toon leader?¡± Step by step. It doesn¡¯t make sense. No matter how he thinks about it, it doesn¡¯t make sense. Especially the rate of improvement. What was Encrid like originally? He was a pitiful fool who thrashed around in ce even after swinging his sword every day. ¡°If it were me, I would¡¯ve retired long ago.¡± Some soldiers watching would say things like that. Vengeance remembered hearing such remarks. There were quite a few who openly criticized Encrid back then. ¡°How did that idiot be a Squad leader? It¡¯s insane, it¡¯s like he¡¯s a lucky break.¡± Some even said things that made his disgust surge. At that time, Vengeance didn¡¯t like Encrid either. ¡°Is it really insane for someone who doesn¡¯t have the guts to swing a sword every day to criticize others for no reason? Crazy bastard.¡± What did he do to that guy? Yeah, hepletely wrecked him. It was just because he didn¡¯t like it, not him, not what he said, and not even Encrid, with his stubbornness in swinging his sword every day. There were many who cursed Encrid back then. One of them happened to be in front of him now. ¡°Hey, you.¡± The soldier approached at the call. ¡°Yes, toon leader.¡± ¡°Do you think Encrid¡¯s current skill level makes sense?¡± ¡°¡­What?¡± ¡°I mean, his skills.¡± ¡°Uh, well, they¡¯ve improved.¡± Now, the soldier who once cursed Encrid had mixed feelings in his eyes. Admiration and passion. ¡°Why do you think he¡¯s improved?¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡®What is this idiot thinking?¡¯ Vengeance read that sentiment in the soldier¡¯s expression and shook his head. ¡°Never mind.¡± Vengeance dismissed him and thought. There was really only one reason. That daily persistence, what made that persistence possible? ¡°He doesn¡¯t know how to give up.¡± He doesn¡¯t know despair or hopelessness. The reason he couldn¡¯t hate Encrid despite disliking him? It was the same. Both for the reasons he disliked and liked him. He doesn¡¯t turn away. He doesn¡¯t retreat. He moves forward, envisioning the future. He dreams. He advances for the sake of his life. A person who shines because of that. A person who attracts light because of that. ¡°Damn it.¡± Vengeance suddenly felt the urge to swing his sword. Next time they sparred, he wanted tost a bit longer. He wanted to make that his goal. So Vengeance set aside his worries and swung his sword. It was time for training. He joined in the whirlwind of training sweeping through the unit. * * * The first thought that came to Encrid¡¯s mind as soon as he woke up was this: ¡°Training.¡± He hadpletely missed the morning training. Today, there was especially a lot to do. Starting with the Istion Technique, the Sense of Evasion, The Heart of the Beast, Focus Point, the Heart of Great Strength, de Sense, Vf-style Martial Arts, and basic sword training. ¡°Since I missed the morning training, I¡¯ll push the morning tasks to the afternoon.¡± He decided to reduce his rest time. He knew how important rest was, but this was a special situation. Having fainted in the morning, he had lost time. For now, he put aside questions about what tricks Junior Knight Asia might have pulled. He had to do his tasks first. The daily routine. The start of training that should never be forgotten. As he opened his eyes, he heard strange things like he couldn¡¯t be a Knight. He wondered why Vengeance was there. He chewed on the bread Audin gave him and headed to the training ground, starting to repeat his techniques. ¡°Phew.¡± It didn¡¯t take long for him to sweat profusely. His undergarments were soaked quickly. Despite having fainted earlier, his head wasn¡¯t heavy, and he didn¡¯t feel pain anywhere. At that moment, it felt like he was about to die. He focused on training, but his thoughts continued. Handling two swords had made him ustomed to doing multiple things at once. ¡®What exactly was that?¡¯ He could now create an aura. He had even immobilized a cat just by staring at it. But he couldn¡¯t show his opponent an invisible illusion. However, Encrid saw such an illusion. A storm of des, countless des. A storm of des that he couldn¡¯t take a single step forward into. Apulsion that made him feel like he would die if he didn¡¯t retreat. It was both a suggestion and a coercion. It was as if Asia¡¯s de was saying that. Had his opponent even drawn their sword then? It didn¡¯t seem like it. ¡°Phew.¡± He exhaled deeply and steadied his breathing. Training, training, training once more. It was around the time he finished the dyed morning training. ¡°They said you can¡¯t be a Knight. Doesn¡¯t that shock you?¡± It was Frog, who approached him briskly. ¡°Shock?¡± Shock? What shock? He asked back with genuine confusion. ¡°Well, well.¡± Frog scratched his nose with his thick fingers. ¡°You¡¯re an interesting guy.¡± Frog said, followed by Ragna approaching from behind. ¡°What did you see?¡± Encrid¡¯s gaze turned to Ragna. Ragna walked over and raised his sword, holding it vertically in front of his face. The de covered half of his face, reflecting a hazy image of his features. It was still too early to call it evening, with the sunlight gently illuminating the surroundings. In the midst of the slowly setting sun, there stood Ragna. As Encrid stopped swinging his sword to look at him, Ragna spoke again. ¡°What makes a Knight different?¡± Ragna¡¯s words didn¡¯t sound like a question. Encrid took a listening stance. Whether Frog was listening or not, he didn¡¯t care. What had the Knight shown? What Ragna was saying was something Encrid wanted to know. He had intended to ask after training, but Ragna spoke first. It was time to listen. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: /revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: /revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 153 ¡°What do you think, brother?¡± This was after Ragna, Frog, and Vengeance had left. Audin spoke to the empty air. Though it was a question, his tone and manner were akin to offering a prayer. Rem picked his nose as he replied. ¡°Damn it, they¡¯ll figure it out.¡± As he answered, Rem thought about it. He had told the toon leader, who said his dream was to be a Knight, that it would nevere true. He told Vengeance there was no need to worry, and he believed that, but there was still a lingering sense of unease. How would he feel if someone said something like that to him? ¡®I wouldn¡¯t know.¡¯ It had never happened. When he was in the West, there were few who couldpare to his talent. He was always the best among them. So it was a meaningless spection. ¡®He¡¯ll do fine.¡¯ What good does worrying do? What good does being uneasy do? Instead of worry and unease, Rem decided to think about how to train the Heart of the Beast. ¡®We¡¯ll grind him when hees back.¡¯ With a renewed determination, he let go of his worries. That made him feel at ease. Scrape, scrape. Jaxon absentmindedly moved a dagger along the grain of the wood. It was carving. He was shaping something that jutted out sharply. As he worked with his hands, Jaxon reflected on Audin¡¯s question. ¡®You¡¯ll never be a Knight.¡¯ The weight of the words would vary depending on who said them. What if it was Frog, who was known to be a talent evaluator, who said it? ¡®Would it be a shock?¡¯ By general standards, it would be a shock. It could change one¡¯s life. What if someone told him that what he wanted now, what he had worked so hard for, was something he could never achieve? ¡®I¡¯d probably slit the throat of the person who said it.¡¯ What about Encrid? The toon leader? ¡®Would he be shaken?¡¯ Scrape. Jaxon continued carving, deep in thought. What if the toon leader came back and said he was leaving? ¡®It might be a relief.¡¯ Then, he could just go his own way. Scrape, Jaxon steadied himself through carving. It would be a relief, but perhaps a bit disappointing. Could he really be a Knight? He was curious to see the oue. There was a slight curiosity about what the result of his efforts would be. Lick. Esther licked her front paw and groomed her fur, imagining someone telling her she couldn¡¯t cast a spell tomorrow. ¡®I¡¯d probably set the mouth of the person who said it on fire.¡¯ In her younger days, she would have done so without hesitation. She lived through days where she asionally heard people call her a witch. Worry? Unease? She would recite another spell in that time. It was a trivial concern. Even if Encrid left everything and walked away, it wouldn¡¯t matter much to Esther. What she needed was the power to break the curse that emanated from Encrid, not his sword orbat skills. She didn¡¯t care about his dreams. However, ¡®It would be a bit of a shame.¡¯ She had never seen someone live with such fervor before, so there was a slight regret. Not that she intended to influence his decision. She had no intention of appearing in his dreams to persuade him or using her gathered magic to do anything. ¡®Still¡­¡¯ ¡®Tonight, I think I¡¯ll manifest in his dream.¡¯ She thought about singing the luby she had heard when she was very young. Its melody was soothing to the heart. The toon member with a bear-like build, Audin, thought that there was a high probability of change happening to the toon leader. ¡®Is this, indeed, a necessary event, Lord?¡¯ Perhaps it would be better if he swung his sword without knowing anything. Even those aspiring to be pdins faced simr trials, and Audin had witnessed it. When one begins to understand something, when they can feel their own change, that is when the most frightening trial begins. What does a person feel when they see talents surpassing them? How would it feel to awaken to being called ate-blooming genius? Some, filled with envy and jealousy, have left the Lord¡¯s side. ¡®Lord, you said you give trials to those who need them. Then, this must be a necessary trial, right? It must be.¡¯ It was a prayer he recited silently. A subtle silence hung in the quarters. There was no visible anxiety. It might have been better if someone like Vengeance hade in and said something. Then they could at least argue that he doesn¡¯t know the toon leader. Ragna probably followed out of concern. The spring sunlight streamed through the square window, and as time passed, the light dimmed. Amidst the dimming sunlight, they could see dust floating in the air. If Krais had been there, he would have said something about needing to clean. As the sunlight faded and the evening approached, they started feeling hungry, wondering if it was time for a meal. The toon members and Esther kept silent, each engaged in their own tasks. Rem threw and caught his axe. Thud, thump. The sound spread through the silence¡ªthe axe cutting through the air and the dull thud as he caught it. Audin knelt, unmoving. Jaxon continued carving, making scraping sounds, while Esther licked her front paw. It was that kind of timing. They said that eating was important, whether for training or anything else. It was also time for the toon leader to return. Thump. Creak. As the door opened, everyone¡¯s attention turned forward. The sound of the axe cutting through the air and the carving knife shaving wood ceased, bringing perfect silence. ¡°¡­What? Were you waiting for me?¡± Finn, standing halfway inside the quarters, asked. The atmosphere felt peculiar, and as he stood there, he said, ¡°Could you move out of the way?¡± Encrid¡¯s voice came from behind. Finn stepped inside, making way. Everyone¡¯s gaze naturally turned to Encrid. * * * Sword, Knight, dream. The things he had seen and experienced in Asia. The fire of longing reignited in Encrid¡¯s eyes. That heat and desire were palpable to Ragna, just by looking at him. ¡®Indeed.¡¯ ¡®If they were the type to waver and give up, they wouldn¡¯t be able to inspire motivation in me.¡¯ ¡°A sword that emits light and cuts down hundreds in a single stroke is something even a Knight can¡¯t do. But for someone who has been granted the title of Knight or has attained a simr enlightenment, they can cut and stab hundreds in sequence, no matter what weapon they hold.¡± Ragna was surprised at how smoothly the words flowed from his mouth. It made sense, given that he had long thought he would one day have to say something like this since bing a Knight was a dream. It was something he had prepared to say. There was a time when he told someone to wait because it wasn¡¯t time yet. Was it right after seeing a Squire perform well on the battlefield? Now was the time to keep his word from back then. It was time to give an answer, or something like it, to those who were waiting. ¡°How is that possible?¡± Ragna had once wondered this himself. Of course, he quickly resolved that question. It was something that needed no hesitation. A predetermined path, one just needed to walk it to reach the destination. For him, something that was a straightforward task was, for others, a path they had to tread, shedding blood and sweat. The gap between them, and the fervent desire it ignited in others because of that gap, always set a fire in Ragna¡¯s heart. ¡°To be a Knight, out of ten thousand with talent, a thousand are selected, then from those thousand, a hundred are chosen. Out of those hundred, ten are further selected. There are many who are good with swords. Quite a few exceed their limits. But those who understand ¡®Will¡¯ are rare.¡± This is why the number of Knights remains in the dozens. ¡°Wow, wouldn¡¯t knowing that lead to more despair?¡± Frog added from behind. Sitting on the floor, he rested his arms on his knees, seemingly watching the conversation unfold. Ragna ignored him, as did Encrid. Encrid focused on Ragna¡¯s words. He listened and absorbed them. It was a moment where a new milestone was being set on his path. ¡°Will is the collective term for all the forces that allow a Knight to exhibit superhuman strength. Again, Will is willpower, and willpower is Will. The first step to realizing such Will is to reach the limits of human capacity.¡± Gathering talent after talent, only a few, a minority, experience surpassing their limits. After surpassing those limits, only a few among them realize Will. That number could be one in ten thousand. Sometimes, it couldn¡¯t even be one in ten thousand. Will, which some call willpower and others refer to as some kind of force, is an unknown something. Even if one said it was the power obtained by Knights after surpassing human limits, it was still correct. The conclusion was simple: without Will, one could not be a Knight. That was what Ragna¡¯s words conveyed. ¡°What happens when you reach your limits?¡± Greed and desire, entangled within him, moved Encrid¡¯s mouth. ¡°That¡¯s just the beginning. After that, realizing Will is, um¡­¡± Ragna stopped mid-sentence. Was his method correct? He wasn¡¯t sure. Should he exin everything he knew? Ragna felt his understanding was limited. Was this enough? As doubts arose, his words stopped. Surprisingly, Frog filled in the gaps left by Ragna¡¯s hesitation. ¡°Some realize it after swinging their sword ten thousand times alone, others through repeated meditation, and some awaken their abilities the moment they encounter Will. So, how did it feel? The pressure from Asia?¡± Frog exined and then asked. Encrid¡¯s gaze shifted. Toward Frog¡¯s bulging eyes. ¡°I saw an illusion of des raining down.¡± What should he call it? Putting it into words felt childish. A storm of des? A tidal wave of des? ¡°Good instinct.¡± Frog said, letting out a gurgling sound. It wasughter. ¡°No matter what you call it, my opinion is firm: you won¡¯t make it.¡± Frog spoke while resting his chin on his hand, still seated. When it came to talent evaluation, was Frog ever wrong? There were times. Nothing in the world is perfect. Frog was no exception. They weren¡¯t perfect orplete. They weren¡¯t gods. But even so, they could see certain things. Potential, even a glimmer of it, must be visible to be considered possible. With Encrid, nothing was visible. Not even a hint. In fact, it was surprising that he had reached his current level of skill. ¡®He must have faced death countless times.¡¯ Frog¡¯s sharp intuition told him that Encrid¡¯s skill was likely honed through at least hundreds of life-threatening situations. A skill built through narrow survival. And yet. The man before him, with ck hair, blue eyes, and a distinctively handsome appearance, showed no hesitation in his gaze. How could that be? Gurgle. Frog¡¯s cheeks puffed up and then deted. This time, it was a sign of admiration. Frog¡¯s emotions often showed through his cheeks. Of course, to humans, it was hard to discern whether it was anger, joy, admiration, or sadness. Encrid suddenly recalled old memories. All those who had told him he wouldn¡¯t seed. It had always been that way. People said the path he walked was wrong. The whole world said it wouldn¡¯t work. Yes, it had always been like that. So, this time was no different. ¡°Is that so?¡± A monotonous response, polite yet acknowledging the other¡¯s status. And that was it. Regardless of Frog¡¯s purpose, Encrid would follow his own path. It was his task, his journey toward an unforgettable dream. He was a wanderer searching for a dream. A man walking along a path, looking for a signpost along the way. ¡°Then, can I ask another question? How does one reach their limits?¡± Encrid turned his gaze back to Ragna, speaking again. Ragna admired his unchanging demeanor. He admired him, knowing, and because he knew, he admired him. ¡°You refine all the skills you possess. Only you can know when you¡¯ve reached your limit. So, you push yourself to the limits of human capability, and at that moment¡­¡± Ragna started to stumble over his words. As usual. Encrid nodded, cutting him off. ¡°Ah, I understand.¡± It meant to continue as he had been. That¡¯s how Encrid understood it. The exnation had been borate, but in the end, it boiled down to something simple. Why make it soplicated? ¡°Hey, isn¡¯t this the part where you kneel andment, ¡®Is my talent only this much?¡¯¡± Frog asked, rolling his eyes. ¡°I don¡¯t have time for that.¡± Encrid responded inly and swung his sword. Reflecting on what he had, reviewing it, and moving forward. The same as always. He did what he always did. ¡®That guy is definitely crazy.¡¯ Frog¡¯s cheeks puffed up even more. The gurgling sound grew louder, this time expressing intense curiosity. Ragna watched Encrid closely. Frog observed the man who was the reason he stayed in this ce. The man with ck hair and blue eyes¡ªhis focus had never been Ragna, it had always been Encrid. This wasn¡¯t a matter of talent assessment but a gut feeling based on experience. ¡®Types like him do tend to cause a stir.¡¯ He couldn¡¯t be a Knight. So, what would he be? That question piqued Frog¡¯s curiosity. ¡®I¡¯ll watch a little longer.¡¯ With that decision, Frog resolved to stay. Encrid swung his sword. As always, again, repeatedly. Whether Frog or Ragna was watching, he honed his basic skills. A new milestone appeared. His faded dream began to regain color. While everyone else worried about despair and frustration, Encrid alone saw hope. It was called Will. Some called it willpower, but it was described as a certain mystery. He just needed to master it. Reach the limit and surpass it. Was that such a big deal? It was what he had always done, time and time again. That was all there was to it. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: /revengerscans AND there¡¯s also discount avable upto 40 percent on my buymeacoffee page, so take a visit there.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: /revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 154 Just as they entered the barracks. ¡°The toon Leader definitely doesn¡¯t seem normal.¡± Hearing such words from Rem, Encrid felt a strange sensation. Why does this guy always say things like this to him, without considering his own state? ¡°Is that something you should be saying?¡± They joked, and despite being reprimanded, Rem smirked. What could he possibly be happy about? Encrid disliked that smile. But what could he say, that the smile was annoying? That it made him sick? It was all pointless talk. Encrid shrugged his shoulders. ¡°So, have you finished training, brother?¡± Audin seemed to glow, as if he was radiating light, approaching like a bear. He seemed to be in a very good mood. But why was he approaching with themp light behind him? His gentle smile was like the one he had when he increased his weight during The Istion Technique. ¡°Oh, uh. Yes.¡± In reality, he had added the afternoon training to the insufficient morning training. His legs weren¡¯t trembling. Come to think of it. ¡®Since when?¡¯ Even after finishing all the training, he no longer felt like he was going to die. He could endure it. Unless he was recklessly enduring with the Heart of the Beast activated. While thinking about that for a moment. ¡°I have something to do.¡± Jaxon brushed past them and left. Since returning to the unit, it seemed he spent more time outside than in the barracks. But he seemed to be leaving a bitte today. ¡°Krung.¡± Esther was sprawled on Encrid¡¯s bed, waving a paw. It looked like she was saying wee. ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m here.¡± Would anyone think he was crazy for greeting a panther? Well, who cares. ¡®Trying desperately to be a Knight probably looks crazier.¡¯ Just because he hadn¡¯t given up on his dream. Walking a path with conviction and more than stubbornness didn¡¯t mean he lived with closed eyes and ears. Not perfectly, but Encrid had a rough idea of how he appeared to people, especially those seeing him for the first time. ¡®Do I look like I¡¯m half-crazy?¡¯ On the surface, he seemed fine, but his actions were iprehensible. At least better than Rem. It wasn¡¯t muchfort, but it was better than being crazy like him. Better than swinging an axe at a superior¡¯s head. Rem opened his mouth as if he felt something. ¡°Your eyes look really disturbing.¡± Rem had a good sense. ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡± Encrid avoided his gray eyes and suggested they eat. It was time to eat and drink. They should rest when they need to rest. ¡°Shall we? I¡¯ll go ahead and check for seats in the dining hall.¡± Krais moved first. In the meantime, Encrid quickly washed himself in the barracks¡¯ bathroom. They didn¡¯t dawdle and headed to the dining hall. Encrid also quickly wiped himself down and left, holding Esther. It¡¯s not a special meal, but the Border Guard¡¯s mess hall isn¡¯t bad. Of course, someone with picky tastes might dislike it. ¡°Is there no bread?¡± Ragna said. ¡°With a face that looks like he eats dirt, why does he always nitpick?¡± They were sitting around the table, taking up the center of the dining hall. Everyone was busy sneaking nces at them. Normally, their toon wouldn¡¯t attract this much attention, even if they were known as the Madmen toon. But Frog was among them. Gurgle. It seemed like Frog was observing Rem as he scolded Ragna. His bulging eyes, resembling a frog¡¯s, watched the two intently. ¡°It¡¯s a night where I don¡¯t want to mingle with lowly barbarians.¡± ¡°Hmm? You want me to feed you directly? If it¡¯s too much trouble to chew and digest, should I just put it directly into your stomach?¡± As he spoke, Rem mimicked shing his belly with the side of his hand. They were truly a consistent bunch. ¡°Themb is quite good. It¡¯s well-seasoned.¡± Encrid interjected just in time. Rem and Ragna were moments away from a conversation involving axes and swords in the middle of the dining hall. ¡°¡­¡­I see.¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± Rem and Ragna withdrew the hostile looks they were giving each other. Lately, it seemed like they were listening to him more, which Encrid found curious every time. In truth, he had felt something odd before. ¡®Why do fights end when I intervene?¡¯ Why could he be the toon leader here? All he had done was treat them honestly and straightforwardly. He spoke his mind, asked questions when curious. He was direct but respectful. That was all. ¡®Or maybe it¡¯s not that they¡¯re listening to me but that they¡¯re getting along better?¡¯ It was something only Encrid felt, but recently their fights didn¡¯t feel like real fights. They seemed to end at the point of confirming each other¡¯s skills. Even before, though their words were harsh, they respected each other¡¯s boundaries. Now, it felt like they didn¡¯t even need to clearly define those boundaries to avoid fighting. ¡®It¡¯s like watching wild animals in the ins bing friends.¡¯ While Encrid pondered this, Frog spoke up, chewing on some sd. ¡°Fresh vegetables, huh? This city must be quite prosperous.¡± ¡°It¡¯s more about trade than farming, so we do get fresh vegetables.¡± Krais responded. Frog nodded and then spoke again. ¡°There seems to be a spare spot in the barracks, so I think I¡¯ll stay for a few days.¡± ¡°¡­¡­?¡± Besides the sd, there wasn¡¯t much for Frog to eat. They only ate insects or nts. No one reacted to his words, puzzled by what he meant. Even Encrid was confused. This was Frog, a distinguished person returning from the main force. So, where was he nning to stay? Everyone cast questioning nces. Frog, still eating and not looking up, replied. ¡°I¡¯ll take the spot next to you.¡± No matter how others treated him, Encrid always maintained basic courtesy. After all, wasn¡¯t he the toon leader? Even if he appeared half-crazy to those seeing him for the first time, those who were close to him would know better. They knew he was probably the only sane person in this Madmen toon. That¡¯s why formalnguage came naturally to him. Encrid assumed that the frog-like person in front of him would soon be leaving. Frog wasn¡¯t originally part of their group. He thought Frog had stayed to tell him he couldn¡¯t be a Knight, which seemed an unnecessary use of time. A day had already passed, so Frog should have left by now. It was strange for him to remain alone when the junior Knight, who was part of their group, had already left. Of course, everyone had their suspicions. Ragna guessed that the Frog was interested in him. So no one asked about his staying. Rem and the other toon members weren¡¯t particrly interested. If Frog wanted to stay, they just thought, ¡®So be it.¡¯ ¡°Really?¡± With no need to hide his thoughts, Encrid asked directly. An odd silence settled over the dining hall. Only the chatter from other tables, discussing gambling, the battlefield, women, and the like, filled the air. Encrid let these noises wash over him as he focused on Frog. Frog shrugged and didn¡¯t say anything further. Encrid stared at him for a while and then let it go. To be precise, he decided to leave it be. Although it was just a feeling, Frog didn¡¯t seem hostile. Besides, having Frog around could be helpful rather than harmful. While it was strange for him to want to stay in the barracks, there was no reason to stop him. ¡°Me too, me too! I want to stay in the barracks now.¡± Finn also raised her hand and spoke. Her mouth was smeared withmb seasoning, she wasn¡¯t the type to eat delicately. She was a ranger, and expecting proper dining etiquette from someone used to living under the stars and using the night sky as a nket was silly. Besides, they were in a barracks. No one here bothered with formalities. Only Frog showed any sign of refinement. Encrid didn¡¯t know much, but he imagined that¡¯s how a noble would eat. Moving the greens onto his te, cutting them into small pieces, and popping them into his mouth. Of course, Frog¡¯s eating style was unique to him, using his tongue to snap up food. ¡°Go ahead.¡± Encrid granted permission. While they hadn¡¯t officially joined the toon, staying in the barracks wouldn¡¯t be a problem. ¡®Should I report this?¡¯ He thought he should. If they wanted to stay, they could. Encrid pondered this while continuing to eat. Themb seasoning was quite good. With a subtle herbal aroma and the right amount of fat, it filled his mouth with a spicy and sweet taste. The seasoning was really well done. The meal was rtively pleasantpared to usual. ¡°Brother, today¡¯smb is really excellent.¡± Audinughed heartily. ¡°You like that, huh?¡± ¡°Stop worrying about others and keep your hands busy. Oh, and that thing next to you is called a fork. If you don¡¯t know how to use it, just leave it.¡± Rem and Ragna were bickering, but there was no real hostility, so things were quite harmonious. It felt like the atmosphere had been tense when he first entered the barracks. ¡°This is interesting. Really, none of them are normal.¡± Finn muttered. She was an experienced ranger. She had encountered all sorts of people in various situations, but she had never seen a group as peculiar as this Madmen toon. They were a mix of unusual skills and personalities, anything but ordinary. Finn continued chewing her meat. Themb today, well-marinated, was exceptional. ¡°But what about Andrew and Mac?¡± Krais asked, chewing on hismb. Quick to notice, Encrid responded, recalling the sparring session he had with Andrew the previous night. ¡°He said he¡¯s discharging.¡± ¡°What?¡± Originally, Andrew was the legitimate heir of the Gardner family. He had a duty to restore his family. Just before leaving, what had he said? ¡°I learned how not to give up by watching you, so I will do the same. We¡¯ll meet again under the name of Gardner.¡± His tone was confident. His eyes showed eagerness. His demeanor was full of certainty. Encrid had agreed. That night, Andrew and Mac left the unit. It was Encrid¡¯s responsibility to report it. The Fairy Company Commander took it lightly. ¡°If you¡¯re sad about the reduced numbers, I¡¯ll fill the ranks for you, toon Leader.¡± When she made that offer, Encrid shook his head. The title of independent toon sounded good, but epting just anyone would be unsustainable. Only someone like Andrew would make a difference. ¡®I¡¯ve heard that the previous Squad leaders also didn¡¯tst long.¡¯ Rather than increasing numbers unnecessarily, it was better to maintain the current situation if there were no issues. ¡°We¡¯re fine.¡± He politely declined, and the Fairy Company Commander joked about joining herself. Encrid had politely refused and left the room. Pushing aside the memories ofst night, Encrid continued. ¡°They¡¯re noting back, and the formation will remain as it is for now.¡± ¡°Ah, okay.¡± Krais seemed to understand and let it pass. ¡°What? One of my toys left without saying a word to me?¡± Rem suddenly stood up. ¡°Um?¡± ¡°I¡¯m going to check on something.¡± With that, Rem stormed out. ¡°I¡¯m sleepy, so I¡¯m leaving.¡± Ragna also got up as soon as he finished his meal. ¡°It¡¯s time for prayer.¡± Audin left as well. Encrid finished the remaining food, washed it down with cheap tea from the mess hall, and headed outside. As he started walking towards the training grounds instead of the barracks, Frog asked from behind. ¡°Where are you going?¡± Encrid answered indifferently, ¡°There¡¯s still training left.¡± It was now time for the evening training session. Frog, hearing this, stopped in his tracks for the first time. ¡°You¡¯re going to train again?¡± For the first time since meeting Encrid, Frog sounded somewhat surprised. ¡°Of course.¡± Encrid remained indifferent, regardless of whether Frog stayed or left, or whatever happened. Whether people said he couldn¡¯t be a Knight or not. Work needed to be done, and he would do it. Putting off today¡¯s work for tomorrow? Encrid wasn¡¯t that kind of person. In fact, he was the kind of person who would even pull tomorrow¡¯s tasks into today, a kind of madness in itself. ¡®This guy is the craziest of them all.¡¯ Frog thought to himself. The ¡®Madmen toon¡¯ indeed, and this guy seemed the craziest of them all. While Encrid believed he was the most sane, that was merely his own perspective. The views of others were very, quite, significantly different. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: /revengerscans AND there¡¯s also discount avable up to 50 percent on my buymeacoffee page, so take a visit there. Discount code 50 percent : PC13UOMQ] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: /revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 155 Frog Luagarne stared at the man swinging his sword. The de fell abruptly. From top to bottom. Whoosh. The sound of the sword¡¯s movement echoed. The scent of iron tickled Frog¡¯s nose. Luagarne, with his talent for discernment, observed the man¡¯s sword closely and assessed it. Extremely earnest. Utterly cautious. How could he strive to give his best every single day, every single hour, every single moment, despite the repetitive nature of his swings? The man would swing his sword after breakfast, then practice tumbling and lifting heavy stones, repeatedly sitting and standing. After lunch, he would resume swinging his sword, even carrying it while attending to personal matters. Sometimes, he would train to dodge stones, and he often sparred. His opponents were his ownrades, all of whom were significantly more skilled than him. ¡®Are they at their limit, or have they surpassed it?¡¯ The talent for discernment works through observation and insight, posture and attitude, and the speed of skill improvement. In essence, ites down to intuition. It involves the realm of instinct and sixth sense. How is this discernment made in the realm of instinct and sixth sense? It¡¯s by observing those who have lived that way, understanding through experience. In this regard, Frog was exceptional among those with the talent for discernment. In other words, he had a lot of experience. He had seen countless individuals swing their swords and surpass their limits. Through such repeated observations, he could gauge a person at first sight. And Frog¡¯s instincts repeatedly told him. ¡®That man cannot be a Knight.¡¯ To outline the conditions for bing a Knight, the foremost is reaching the limit of human capability. This itself requires talent among dozens or hundreds, but that¡¯s just the beginning. Next is to surpass that limit. This is a talent that might emerge among thousands. After encountering and surpassing one¡¯s limits. ¡®Realize the will.¡¯ Most people falter at this stage. This path cannot be breached by talent alone. Interestingly, those with exceptional talent often set their limits too low. It makes one doubt whether ¡®best effort¡¯ truly means the best. In short. ¡®Few strive diligently.¡¯ Thus, Frog considers two things when discerning talent. First, whether one has the talent for physical skills, whether swinging a sword or fighting with fists. Second, whether one has the will to advance. The will to advance means having the strength to push through a tedious and arduous path without arrogance, even when believing in one¡¯s talent. The second talent cannot be discerned merely by intuition, it requires time and close observation. However, if the first talent is absent, there is no need to assess the second. ¡®Why is that?¡¯ Luagarne observed the man who tirelessly practiced his swordsmanship from morning to evening, enduring sparring and rigorous training. Of course, his appearance yed a part as well. Frog¡¯s sense of aesthetics was unique, indifferent to conventional notions of human beauty. In this regard, Encrid and the surrounding toon members all passed the test. ¡®Indeed.¡¯ They certainly did. Encrid, with his ck hair, blue eyes, and upright demeanor, was a man with an impressive presence, as Luagarne would describe him. What about the friend named Rem? In terms of talent, Rem and the others all passed in areas excluding ¡®will¡¯. ¡®Will¡¯ is partly a matter of luck. It¡¯s an uncontroble factor since Frog¡¯s vision sees potential, not the future. Regardless of talent, they were pleasing to look at. Rem, with his gray hair and unpredictable, unruly personality, was like a de without a handle. That¡¯s how Luagarne would describe Rem to other Frogs. He possessed a dangerous charm. Jaxon was simr but slightly different. With his reddish-brown hair and dull eyes. ¡®He reminds me of a flower that shouldn¡¯t be touched, a flower filled with poison.¡¯ He evoked the image of a beautiful yet intoxicating flower, the kind that poisons upon contact. A flower known as a poison flower. And what about Audin? Setting skills aside. ¡°One would call her ¡®sister¡¯.¡± His keen eye perceived a delicateness in him, despite his size and appearance. A delicate bear, that¡¯s how he appeared. Luagarne¡¯s identity as a female Frog seemed to be amon understanding among the toon members. Thisrge toon member noticed it immediately. Everyone seemed unusually perceptive. ¡®Blonde hair and red eyes are also nice.¡¯ Ragna, hailing from the North, was like azy afternoon sunlight. Though asionally fiery, he was mostly calm. In terms of talent? Luagarne thought Ragna was the best among them. But talent and skill do not necessarily corrte. She knew this from experience. How had such individuals all gathered here? ¡®Some seem to have tasted the edge of ¡®will¡¯.¡¯ Tasting the edge doesn¡¯t mean understanding it. The path to Knighthood is arduous, steep, and challenging. Many remain stagnant at that threshold. Luagarne¡¯s gaze lingered on Encrid. Her eyes followed his every movement. Even as she pondered all these things, the most intriguing remained the man before her. ¡°Hoof.¡± Encrid moved, swallowing his breath. As he swung, sweat scattered in the air. It was a horizontal sh of the Mid-level Sword Technique, also known as a spinning sh. It was a sword move that maintained the body¡¯s centerline, using the left foot as a pivot to strike with full force. ¡®Where did he learn this?¡¯ He had clearly learned it properly, his fundamentals were solid. Moreover, ¡®He doesn¡¯t know how to give up.¡¯ It had only been a few days, but there was no change. He was consistent. Geniuses often showed incredible growth in just a few days. In that regard, it was puzzling how Encrid had developed such skills. It¡¯s hard to keep trying if you can¡¯t see your own growth. It would be a lie not to be impressed. For Frogs, indulging in desires was akin to the purpose of life. She was true to her desires. Each Frog indulges in different types of desires. Some invest everything in ¡®spiritual love¡¯. Another Frog stakes their heart on achieving aplishments through training. Luagarne was vulnerable to the ¡®unknown¡¯. Despite being a Frog who had lived a long time, she now faced an unknown she had never seen before. ¡°Aren¡¯t you bored just watching?¡± The unknown asked. Luagarne chuckled. Her cheeks puffed up. ¡°Are you saying you want to see my weapon?¡± ¡°I think it¡¯s closer to wanting to face it rather than just seeing it.¡± A man who doesn¡¯t know how to give up, challenging his limits. There were many such people. Luagarne had seen countless humans. But ¡®What a truly fascinating guy.¡¯ This was the first time she saw someone progressing without wavering. There was no sign of hesitation or despair. Hepletely disregarded such things, epting what he had and focusing on what he could do. How many people can say and do that? ¡®I think he¡¯s the only one.¡¯ His determination to advance shone brighter than any talent he possessed. So bright it was almost blinding. ¡®If the coin tossed by the Goddess of lucknds on its edge instead of heads or tails.¡¯ The coin tossed by the Goddess of luck has two sides, but it could theoreticallynd on its edge with an absurdly low probability. Luck is always improbable like that. ¡®If, if that were to happen.¡¯ If the man before her were to grasp ¡®will¡¯. It was thrilling. The fulfillment from this unknown made Luagarne¡¯s heart race. Luagarne stood up. ¡°Shall we y?¡± It was only natural that she was intrigued. Others might think she stayed because of Ragna. ¡®I¡¯ve seen many like that.¡¯ Ragna wasn¡¯t the unknown to her. Only the man in front of her was. The unknown. Enough to engrave the name Encrid in her mind. ¡®It¡¯s been a long time.¡¯ Frog, Luagarne, felt a desire for ¡®spiritual love¡¯ for the first time in a long while. * * * ¡®Bing a Knight.¡¯ This goal had now taken shape in his mind. A milestone had been set. Facing one¡¯s limits. This was something he had done countless times before. ¡°People do not know their own limits. So what should they do?¡± Ragna had shown him the way. The answer was in the question. ¡°Just keep walking.¡± Even if crawling, you must move forward. In other words, keep doing what you¡¯ve been doing. Face your limits, break through them, and advance. After surpassing those limits, one must awaken the unknown power called ¡®will¡¯. This was a simple and clear fact. Encrid knew his own talents well. He always acknowledged, epted, and embraced them. He simply did not despair after acknowledging, epting, and embracing them. ¡°A whip, huh.¡± Encrid muttered as hey on the ground, looking up at the sky. There was amon stereotype that Frogs usually used ded weapons. It was just a preconception. The Frog before him used a whip. The handle was looped, curling into a circr shape. The whip was about half a spear¡¯s length. It twisted like a snake, wrapped around his ankle, and pulled. He shed, struck, dodged. After ten exchanges, he fell backward as his n failed. ¡®Why didn¡¯t it work?¡¯ It was something to ponder. The answer would give him the strength to move forward again. ¡°You¡¯re quite an interesting human.¡± The Frog spoke. ¡°Your name?¡± Encrid finally asked for the name. ¡°Luagarne, you can call me Lua.¡± ¡°You can call me Enki.¡± It wasn¡¯t a formal introduction. It was just a way to ease the time they would spend together in the future, however long that might be. Encrid responded and stood up. There was still much to do, it wasn¡¯t time to rest just because he had fallen. The training had started in the early morning, and it was now past noon, so there was still plenty of time to keep moving. ¡°Once more?¡± Encrid asked as he stood, and Luagarne chuckled. ¡°Sure.¡± They grabbed their weapons again, sparred, and faced off. They searched for new paths, contemted what ¡®will¡¯ was, and thought about how to reach their limits. That was the task at hand. Encrid continued to wield his sword and train. He asionally watched Finn and Audin spar. It was a contest between the Ail Caraz Style and Vf-Style Martial Arts. It was less exciting than expected, but there were still lessons to be learned. Jaxon still frequently disappeared. Krais pored over some map he had acquired, deep in thought. As a month passed after the battle, the weather started to warm up. Even standing still, sweat began to form. ¡°With this great victory in battle, the Kingdom¡¯s territory has expanded. In honor of this victory!¡± A festival-like celebration was held. It was different from previous parties. Food and drink were distributed throughout the city. Even then, Encrid was swinging his sword. ¡°You¡¯re a really boring human.¡± Frogs loved festivals. After all, enjoying life was their purpose. Luagarne watched Encrid practicing with his sword even during the festivities. Despite the fact that daily sword practice couldn¡¯t possibly be more entertaining than a festival. ¡®Why does watching this have its charm?¡¯ It was a mystery. An unknown. And that made it enjoyable. Time passed. There was a deration of surrender from Aspen. Three months passed. * * * Now, sweat would run down even while standing still. ¡°This summer seems a bit longer than usual.¡± Rem muttered. Encrid ignored thement and continued swinging his sword. Three months had passed, and Frog Luagarne was still around. Finn hadn¡¯t left either. Originally a scout, she seemed overdue to join a new toon. ¡°There hasn¡¯t been any word yet.¡± Had the Battalion Commander forgotten about her, or did he think she belonged here? It didn¡¯t matter. She just kept practicing, day after day. Three months passed like that. ¡°Rem, Rem.¡± In the three months, Frog had somewhat opened up to the toon members. ¡°What?¡± ¡°How did you teach him that?¡± Frog stuck out her long tongue. ¡°Hehe, you would have been even more surprised if you had seen him before.¡± Rem replied with augh. Indeed, Frog was also astonished by Encrid¡¯sck of improvement. Despite swinging his sword and training every day, Encrid seemed stagnant. At least, that¡¯s how it appeared to her. So she couldn¡¯t help but be even more impressed. Effort itself was a talent. To keep trying, one had to see progress in their swordsmanship and physical training. ¡®What is he really thinking?¡¯ Frog was simply curious about what was going on in Encrid¡¯s mind. For three whole months, Encrid had been in a state of stagnation. At least, that¡¯s how it appeared to her. However, Encrid thought otherwise. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: /revengerscans AND there¡¯s also discount avable up to 50 percent on my buymeacoffee page, so take a visit there. Discount code 50 percent : PC13UOMQ] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: /revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 156 The bird sings. The wind blows. The summer sky, apanied by the splendid sun, soon brings forth the heat. Encrid felt the heat both outside and within. For the past three months, rumors had spread of peace on the surface and war brewing in the background. In the end, Aspen took a step back. There was no war. No battle. So, what would those left in the barracks do? Training and rest were all there was. Many went on assignments through the mercenary system. Encrid had no shortage of Krona. His two swords were in good condition. Krais consistently handed over the Krona earned through the guild. Thus, most of his time was spent on training. Despite that, progress was slow. At least, it seemed so in the eyes of others. The word ¡®stagnation¡¯ was often mentioned. Stagnation means stopping. Everyone thought Encrid was stagnant. But he himself thought differently. Why wouldn¡¯t he? ¡®Will.¡¯ What had been Encrid¡¯s dream until now? It was a ghost he couldn¡¯t grasp. It was an unseen darkness. Because he couldn¡¯t catch or see it, it was a sky he couldn¡¯t reach. He saw, heard, and created the stairs leading to that sky. These are called milestones. For Encrid, Will was such a thing. It was a stairway and a milestone. The same goes for the words to break his limits. Stagnation? No. Because his former self and his current self were utterly different, he was not stagnant. Even if it appeared stagnant to others. Encrid could see the results of his growth. What was the reason he could be like this? It was thanks to what he had ingrained and practiced all this time. Starting with the Heart of the Beast, the Sense of the de, Focus Point, and the Istion Technique. ¡®If there¡¯s a foundation in swordsmanship.¡¯ Could there be a foundation in creating talent as well? He didn¡¯t know. But wasn¡¯t that exactly what was happening in his body right now? Through Focus Point, sometimes using the Heart of the Beast, or sometimes sharpening the edge of his senses. He revisited and revisited his experiences. For the past three months, that was what Encrid did. There were soldiers seeking him. He felt the reality of the saying that one improves by learning. ¡°Let¡¯s have a match.¡± 1st Company, Border Patrol. Both units were among the skilled groups within the Border Guard Reserve Unit. At first, even ordinary soldiers often came. Now, unless they were from this unit, no one came. Sparring was always wee. ¡°Sure.¡± Encrid greeted them calmly. Soon, two men were sweating as they exchanged their skills. Encrid won every time. What had changed from before was that now he fought without using grappling techniques, focusing instead on basic skills, excluding the Valen Mercenary Sword Technique. That was enough. When fighting with Rem and the other toon members, he used everything he had, but not with these soldiers. There was no need. From what he had learned, sometimes he saw soldiers who struggled. Those who, while trying to learn and master various things at once, lost focus on the basics. ¡°It¡¯s efficient, isn¡¯t it? This is.¡± They would often respond this way when he pointed out the issues. He had thought the same thing before. An efficient and rationalbat method. He still used it a lot. But that was abat method, not a training method. For today¡¯s repetition, he had tried to learn and internalize as much as possible. So, did anythinge easily? Even now, he couldn¡¯t use the Sense of Evasion properly. The Heart of the Beast required preparation time. Even Focus Point was difficult to activate unless his life was on the line. It was a realization he came to after countless thoughts and deliberations. ¡®Start with what I can do now.¡¯ He moved forward. And moved forward again. With that mindset, he continued the endless repetition. Sometimes, a ferryman appeared in his dreams, asking, ¡°What kind of person are you?¡± For three months, it was just training. As in Encrid¡¯s life, this time was no different. Repeating and repeating. Living a week like today, a month like today. Through this, he realized something new. ¡®Rhythm.¡¯ It¡¯s something necessary when swinging a sword. For geniuses, like Ragna, things that passed by quickly were, for Encrid, stepping stones to be carefully considered and climbed, step by step. When he realized something in the morning, he felt like he was flying all day. If he realized it in the evening, he felt joyful even until bedtime. Ka-aa. Esther followed Encrid as if cheering for him. Esther, who used to cling to him even at night, now stuck close even during the day. ¡°You¡¯re popr even with animals.¡± Frog said this much. Esther raised her ws towards Frog but never actually fought with him. Every other day, the Fairy Company Commander visited. ¡°Would autumn be a good time? For the engagement?¡± She would joke. ¡°Shall we spar?¡± She would leave after exchanging swords. The Fairy¡¯s sword was sharp and light, teaching him new things. Teaching and learning, learning through sparring. ¡°Come on, block this.¡± Rem¡¯s axe swing was still fierce and rough, but there was something different from before. A slight smile appeared on their faces. ¡°Eek!¡± Sometimes it was surprising. The sword swung upward from below, while the left hand¡¯s sword thrust in an off-beat manner. The timing of the sh and thrust was subtly different, causing a dissonance in the rhythm. Both hands moved to different rhythms simultaneously. This was the Valen Mercenary Sword Technique, known as the Crossed des. The illusion of swords, a technique often considered underhanded even among the Valen Mercenary Sword Techniques, was rarely genuine. It created the appearance that the sword in the right hand and the sword in the left were moving independently. ¡°That was quite good just now.¡± Rem said. Recognition, and it was a joy. ¡°If you neglect martial arts, the Lord will be angry.¡± No, learning Vf-Style Martial Arts doesn¡¯t involve any divine wrath. Though it was nonsense, Encrid mingled with Audin without a word. Vf-Style Martial Artsbined striking and grappling techniques. Didn¡¯t Encrid mix grappling techniques into the Valen Mercenary Sword Technique brawl to kill Mitch Hurrier? He learned and acquired knowledge. It was the joy of learning. Receiving recognition, learning, and in turn, teaching others. That¡¯s how one grows. The joy of growth spurred him on. Swinging his sword became an enjoyment. ¡®Step by step, even if it¡¯s just half a step, even if it¡¯s crawling.¡¯ It was the beginner¡¯s mindset. Just as he had intended from the beginning. What seemed so easy for Encrid. It was something quite extraordinary to someone else. Especially for Frog, who was watching. Of course, Encrid was more focused on reflecting on himself today rather than the eyes around him. In between, he diligently worked on honing his dynamic vision and sensory training, living busily more than anyone else. Only a few of the soldiers who initially followed Encrid into repeated training remainedmitted to the training. Whether it was due to theck of discipline after the battle, or if it was just human nature. As more soldiers idled around, fewer remained dedicated to training. Yet, there were still those who stayed. Some stood out. Excluding these, the best sparring partners were the Border Patrol. Sometimes, he would even visit them to spar with swords. ¡°Always wee.¡± The captain of the patrol always weed Encrid. He sparred with him and mingled with others, but Torres, who was familiar to him, shook his head. ¡°I¡¯m not fighting you anymore.¡± ¡°Why?¡± ¡°Hey, it¡¯s no good fighting a losing battle.¡± The Soldier Ranking System. This is what people talk about when discussing elite soldiers. Among them, some rekindled theirpetitive spirit, but Encrid had already gone a step further than them. Three months¡ªtime always felt like an arrow shot forward. But for Encrid, it was a day. It was today. It was a process of moving towards tomorrow. ¡°Rhythm isn¡¯t just one thing. Didn¡¯t you already know that?¡± Perhaps they thought it couldn¡¯t be understood just by watching. Or maybe they were getting bored of staying here. Frog and Luagarne also started teaching Encrid. ¡°I was just about to say that.¡± Ragna, who was watching, muttered, but it was exactly the right thing to say at that moment. Rhythm, timing. That¡¯s right. It doesn¡¯t have to be just one. Hadn¡¯t he already learned that through the Valen Mercenary Sword Technique? The Crossed des technique was a dual attack that used off-beat timing. There were long, drawn-out rhythms in a single breath. There were also short and firm rhythms. And there were rhythms where one had to endure while keeping their core tight. That¡¯s how he learned. ¡°Change the timing from regr to irregr, and do that in one step. No, right now, take your left foot half a step forward. Then you can do the middle-cut spinning sh.¡± Luagarne was quite enthusiastic. Why did Frog stay by his side? Why was he staying here, eating and sleeping in this ce? Why was he teaching him? He set aside all these questions. Or rather, he decided to forget them. If they teach, he learns. Always eager to learn, Encrid did just that. ¡°Then, what if I pull my right foot back from here?¡± ¡°That makes it difficult to recover your sword. In that case, do it like this instead.¡± Ragna also stepped in. It was unclear how things hade to be this way, but everyone seemed more enthusiastic than before. ¡°No, you can do it like this too.¡± Rem joined in. It was a step where he twisted his body and maintained bnce on his toes. The sword swung ording to the situation, the feet moved, and the eyes reacted. ¡°Broaden your senses. Haven¡¯t you already learned this?¡± Jaxon¡¯s advice interjected. That¡¯s right, he had already learned. Hadn¡¯t he expanded his sensory range while facing lycanthropes? Instead of just looking forward, he saw everything. He spread his senses outward, centering on himself. ¡°toon Leader, every movement has a center. It¡¯s the same in both martial arts and swordsmanship. It¡¯s important to find the centerline and connect it to your opponent.¡± Audin¡¯s teaching added to this. Everyone had be more passionate than before. For Encrid, all of this brought joy. ¡°There is an advantage.¡± This was Frog¡¯s conclusion after observing everything. ¡°What advantage?¡± Rem stood beside him and asked. They were still in the training ground, under the hot sun, sweating, and smelling the stench of sweat on this very day. ¡°Once he learns something, he doesn¡¯t let it go.¡± Rem nodded. It was true. Encrid was a slow learner. There were even rumors calling him ate-blooming genius. ¡®I¡¯m not sure about that.¡¯ But one thing was certain. He never forgot what he learned. He endlessly pondered. He always wanted to learn, somehow. How to apply what he learned. How to implement it. In what way to use it. He pondered endlessly. It was visible. That was also an advantage. Rem thought, and Frog, by this point, was reflecting on what exactly he was doing. ¡®Is it his face that¡¯s captivating?¡¯ Or maybe it was his nature. Teaching someone who doesn¡¯t show talent and paving the way for them¡ªhow inefficient. But he didn¡¯t mind. Frog was driven by desires and ambitions. Luagarne also knew he couldn¡¯t be free from such things. Of course, there were things beyond desire. Specifically, to avoid being overly controlled by desire, he made a covenant. A covenant was a promise, a vow that had to be kept, and for Frog, it was binding. ¡®I need to return eventually.¡¯ Frog thought this but continued teaching Encrid. Despite learning and practicing diligently for three months, progress seemed slow. At least to Frog. Between Frog¡¯s observations and the toon members¡¯ teachings, Encrid was reviewing the rhythm and re-embedding various techniques into his body. It felt like nearing perfection, or rather, approaching the limits. Of course, in reality, that was far from the truth, but since he didn¡¯t even understand what reaching his limits meant, it felt like that. During this time: ¡°You¡¯re being called.¡± The Fairy Company Commander came to fetch him. ¡°Yes.¡± Encrid, drenched in sweat, followed her. Sweat also beaded on the Fairy Company Commander¡¯s forehead. It was that hot of a day. The humidity was high. It seemed like it might rain soon. Based on experience, it would probably rain within a day or two. ¡°You¡¯re here?¡± The ce they were called to was the Battalion Commander¡¯s office. ¡°There¡¯s a request, what do you think?¡± The mercenary system allowed soldiers to take on requests voluntarily, but sometimes orders came from above. It was rare, but when a few regr soldiers couldn¡¯t handle a situation, a toon orpany-level force would be dispatched. ording to Krais, there had been disturbances caused by monsters and beasts within the Kingdom recently. There was always a tendency for such disturbances to increase as summer approached, but this year seemed particrly bad. ¡®The summer heat promotes the proliferation of monsters and beasts.¡¯ This was a well-known saying on the continent. This was one of those situations. ¡°We¡¯d like to give you temporarymand of a nearby pioneer vige to handle the situation.¡± The Battalion Commander said. Because the spring battlefield had ended early, this summer, they were spending time in the city rather than on the battlefield, which was rare. During this time, Encrid had stayed only in the training grounds and the barracks. He hadn¡¯t even gone to the market once. It was because he was engrossed in the joy of progressing on his path with the sword. ¡°If you don¡¯t want to go, you can decline, and if you need time, you can think it over and let me know.¡± The Battalion Commander looked somewhat fatigued. Did he have a lot of work to handle? Perhaps he hadn¡¯t slept well, but it seemed more likely that he was just overworked. The abundance of documents around him suggested as much. ¡°Yes, sir.¡± Encrid saluted and turned to leave. As he stepped outside, the Fairy Company Commander looked at him with a peculiar expression. ¡°Why are you looking at me like that?¡± Would she make another offhandment? ¡°I just realized I might have chosen the right man.¡± Of course, it was a typical Fairy-style joke. ¡°Is that so?¡± After the casual joke, Encrid returned to the barracks, where Krais, who had been particrly busytely, was inside. When he briefly exined the situation and showed the orders, ¡°We¡¯re going, we¡¯re definitely going! We have to go! It¡¯s an order!¡± Krais said with bright eyes. At times like this, it meant there was Krona involved. Krais¡¯s reaction suggested that. The order contained the location of the vige and a rough estimate of the colony¡¯s size. It mentioned disturbances caused by a group of monsters. Upon seeing the location and ignoring the monster group, Krais¡¯s eyes lit up. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: /revengerscans AND there¡¯s also discount avable up to 50 percent on my buymeacoffee page, so take a visit there. Discount code 50 percent : PC13UOMQ] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: /revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 157 ¡°Monsters, you said you dreamed of being a Knight, right? Then we have to go. It¡¯s obvious. Isn¡¯t ying monsters what Knights do?¡± Krais believed that ying monsters was the essence of being a Knight. However, those who heard his words interpreted them differently. It sounded as though he was belittling Knights. Treating a weapon capable of changing the tide of battle as merely a monster hunter. ¡°And isn¡¯t it our duty to save the vigers? My sense of justice is boiling over.¡± His tone, which should have been filled with concern, seemed rather greedy. It was as if his eyes had turned into gold coins. Everyone looked at Krais, thinking simr thoughts. But Krais didn¡¯t care about others¡¯ opinions. He was entirely focused on Encrid. What mattered was the decision-maker, not the opinions of others. ¡°What is it?¡± Encrid asked, crossing his arms. ¡°Big Eyes here. Always wanting to go somewhere.¡± Rem, who had been lounging half-reclined on a bed, remarked. Quite perceptive. Krais thought and looked at the leader with his trump card: wide, bright eyes. Yes, aren¡¯t my eyes big? Look into my eyes. Now, you want to take on this mission. His eyes were so clear andrge that they seemed to have a hypnotic effect. Encrid hesitated, then spoke. ¡°Should I spit on you?¡± ¡®Where did you get those eyes from?¡¯ Krais read Encrid¡¯s expression. ¡®Ah, this isn¡¯t working, it¡¯s not convincing him.¡¯ So, what¡¯s the next step? Krais pondered, then quickly gave up. He was clever, quick-witted, and perceptive. Krais attributed these traits to his hard childhood experiences. It was thanks to that hardship. ¡®These tricks don¡¯t work on the leader.¡¯ He sensed it. This wouldn¡¯t work. So, what was left? A direct approach. Always straightforward and direct. The leader always treated him and others that way, so he decided to do the same. Krais had exceptional intuition. He quickly adjusted his approach, like a meteor falling swiftly. ¡°So, about a hundred years ago, there was a merchant named Dolph, renowned across the continent.¡± He began the story with a historical anecdote. The priority was to capture interest. Should it be called the entric hobby of a wealthy man? Or perhaps an odd quirk? One of Dolph¡¯s hobbies was to hide a portion of his wealth and make treasure maps. This is a legend found in old historical records. ¡°But did it end as just a legend? No. Otherwise, why would I bring it up?¡± Krais¡¯s tone became more forceful at key moments. He could be described as a persuasive storyteller. His words carried a sense of fervor. Dolph was said to have been the owner of a once-famous merchant guild. But shortly before he died, he siphoned off all his wealth and hid it. Naturally, those who should have inherited it were furious. Even his six wives were breathing fire. ¡°Why did you do that!¡± It¡¯s said Dolph didn¡¯t answer. He silently endured their criticism. He only said, ¡°If you want my wealth, find the map.¡± The legend conveyed that Dolph said this. Thest record in the legend was that a chronicler asked Dolph, the merchant, before he died, ¡°Why did you make such maps?¡± Dolph¡¯s answer was a masterpiece. ¡°Because it¡¯s fun.¡± There were over twenty maps filled with codes. The one who deciphered the first map obtained the treasure. It was a man who had been Dolph¡¯s coachman. The man became a rich merchant butter went bankrupt after establishing a merchant guild. The one who deciphered the second map was Dolph¡¯s first wife. She was greedy. She kept it a secret from her son and went alone to the ce her husband had created, only to fall into a trap and die. Indeed, the coachman was a decoy. He was Dolph¡¯s final ploy. Contrary to what the legend said, Dolph didn¡¯t want his wealth to fall into anyone¡¯s hands. He particrly despised the idea of giving anything to his family. ¡°In reality, he was a fruitless tree. A bee that couldn¡¯t collect nectar.¡± Everyone had started listening to Krais. His storytelling skill was enough to rival that of a skilled bard. Yes, Dolph was incapable of having children, yet he had six wives and over twenty children. It didn¡¯t make sense. So, he nned his revenge. He hid all his wealth in various ces. A few of them had already been unearthed. By a friend named Kirgon, the continent¡¯s greatest treasure hunter. Treasure hunter Kirgon had already proven it. ¡°The treasure is real.¡± It was a hidden story of history. Krais knew quite a bit about this subject. Why wouldn¡¯t he, when it was rted to Krona? There were widespread rumors that if you found and dug up this map, real treasure would be hidden there, and treasure hunter Kirgon had proven it. But, what luck! Surely, the Goddess of luck had kissed his cheek while he was asleep. During thest battle, when Krais scouted the enemy camp, he managed to grab a few items. One of them was an item he retrieved from under a tree. ¡°Hmm.¡± The map smelled foul as if it had been kept between someone¡¯s legs. He wanted to throw it away immediately, but Krais instinctively knew it wasn¡¯t an ordinary item, so he kept it. Treasure maps weremon items that circted widely. There were a lot of fakes. There was someone in the Gilpin Guild who appraised such things. In polite terms, an appraiser. In back-alley ng, a fence. You needed an eye for treasures to sell them. ¡°This looks genuine.¡± One word from him was enough. It was a hundred years old. Thenguage was different, so the appraiser couldn¡¯t recognize it. Krais hadn¡¯t recognized the ancient text either. He struggled to decipher it, but unexpectedly, the solution came from Frog. Luagarne called himself, ¡°I am a schr.¡± Frog? Despite his thoughts, Krais didn¡¯t give Frog a disrespectful look. Instead, he asked Frog to help decipher a few random characters, and from that, Krais pieced together the answer. It was Dolph¡¯s sixth map. ¡°There will be treasure. Enormous treasure.¡± Krais passionately spoke in the middle of the lodging. His face was red fromck of oxygen, as he hadn¡¯t paused to breathe. ¡°It¡¯s so old that none of the traps will work properly. It¡¯s like picking up jewels that have fallen on the road, just dust off the dirt and take them.¡± The story was quite interesting, but Encrid was not swayed by Krais¡¯s enthusiasm. He didn¡¯tmit to going to the location marked on the treasure map. He just thought, ¡®Since we¡¯re leaving anyway.¡¯ Whether it was monsters, beasts, or war. He was itching to test himself. To see if what he had learned, if the skills and lessons acquired through training and sparring with everyone, were guiding him in the right direction. The desire to confirm one¡¯s abilities is a basic human instinct. ¡°Request epted.¡± Krais was delighted at Encrid¡¯s words. ¡°But visiting that ce is uncertain.¡± Krais looked visibly disappointed at the follow-up statement. He widened his eyes and muttered, ¡°How could you?¡± Rem, seeing this,ughed from the side. Encrid didn¡¯t know, but ever since Krais realized the map was real, he had been plotting to capitalize on it. Going to find the treasure alone? That would be like offering his flesh and blood to the monsters as bread and wine. Then with the guild members? That would be a banquet prepared with his and the guild members¡¯ flesh and blood. He needed a group that was skilled enough not to be bothered by the threat of monsters, beasts, or bandits. Hiring mercenaries? That would require at least a squad¡¯s worth, making it too costly. So, his first target was Rem. ¡°Why don¡¯t you take a request?¡± ¡°I only take assassination requests. The targets are limited to three: a sly wildcat, azy glutton, and a religious fanatic.¡± Rem had no intention of listening. Would Ragna and Jaxon be any different? He didn¡¯t even try with Audin. He didn¡¯t frequent battlefields often, so treasure hunting was out of the question. ¡°If Big Eyes vows to offer everything to God.¡± That¡¯s what he¡¯d say. Asking the toon leader for help was out since he had been swinging his sword like a madman for the past three months. It was hard to even approach him. ¡°I would even borrow your hands.¡± He didn¡¯t dare ask Esther. ¡°Rawr!¡± Esther expressed displeasure with her whole body. Any closer, and she would scratch with her ws again. Ever since the day he first met Esther and tried to find out her gender by touching her, Esther had hated him. No, she despised him. Even though she was a spiritual beast, it was surprising how a panther could express such emotions. He was about to give up halfway. No matter how much he liked Krona, he wouldn¡¯t risk his life. That was Krais¡¯s philosophy. His dream was to open a salon and live without worrying about Krona. Right in the middle of a safe city, enjoying the nightlife moderately. Of course, running a salon wasn¡¯t without risk, but it was the kind of thrill that made life enjoyable. Anyway, he was halfway to giving up, but if the toon leader decided to go? Recently, how strong was Encrid? ¡°It¡¯s no use, even I can¡¯t beat him.¡± This was the official statement from the Border Patrol Commander. ¡°If you give me five sharpshooters and two wizards, it might be doable.¡± This was Torres, the toon leader¡¯s statement. With five sharpshooters and two wizards, even Krais might have a chance against Encrid. Even without himself, the others alone would be sufficient, right? ¡°It¡¯s getting interesting.¡± Rem also acknowledged this. ¡°I¡¯m intrigued.¡± This was a phrase frequently used by the Fairy Company Commander. What does all this mean? It suggests that not even a group of ghouls could touch the leader¡¯s clothes, doesn¡¯t it? Perhaps our toon leader is truly a genius? There was no doubt. He had already seen him fight Frog firsthand. So. ¡°Ah,e on. Let¡¯s go. Just go.¡± Krais pleaded. Encrid ignored him. ¡°I¡¯ll go too.¡± Meanwhile, Frog joined the conversation. ¡°Great. That¡¯s good!¡± Krais was pleased. ¡°Shall I join as well?¡± Finn also raised her hand. She was a ranger, and a very skilled one at that. Not quite at the level of a pathfinder who could create walking maps, but she was good at finding her way and fighting. ¡°Good!¡± Krais spoke up again. Encrid smirked at the sight. There was no need to stop the two. The request had reached them because the Battalion Commander had specifically pointed it out. ¡®A dangerous task.¡¯ His heart was racing, and he had agreed because it was such a task. But reducing risk was the smart move, so the more people, the better. A colony of monsters, protecting the pioneer vige, with temporarymand and Frog as part of the team. What if they brought Rem or another member? ¡°Want toe along?¡± Encrid asked, not entirely without thought, as he somewhat hoped they would join. ¡°Don¡¯t you know I¡¯m busy?¡± Rem, who had already wrapped himself in a nket on the bed,zily replied, making Encrid think, ¡°That¡¯s so like Rem.¡± Busy doing nothing but lounging around. Then Encrid thought of bringing Ragna along and asked. ¡°Not interested.¡± Not interested? Want toze around? Feeling short onzinesstely? Ragna was also stuck to his bed. He didn¡¯t even turn his head when he replied. ¡°The Lord hasn¡¯t given me any guidance.¡± Audin also declined. Jaxon was nowhere to be seen. It was said he was diligently on duty, but he didn¡¯t seem to have time to drop by the barracks. In the end, it meant no one else wasing along. Encrid didn¡¯t mind. In reality, if there were a significant threat, they would send the troops. Would they specifically choose him for such a mission? He thought not. The mission was to check on the colony of monsters near the pioneer vige and, if possible, eliminate them. The order stated that he would havemand over the vige¡¯s forces. ¡®If there¡¯s a vige militia.¡¯ They probably wouldn¡¯t be short on numbers. So, the only thing left was to prepare thoroughly for the journey. This world is not kind to travelers, so it was right to avoid setting out without adequate preparation. Normally, even a group of four leaving might raise eyebrows, but with a ranger and Frog among them, it was different. Moreover, the leader was a swordsman of an elite level,parable to top-tier soldiers in Naurillia¡¯s military ranking system. They were not a group that could easily be threatened. Despite a world teeming with bandits and monsters, they had more than enough strength. So, it didn¡¯t matter if no other toon members came along. ¡°We depart in two weeks.¡± Encrid announced, and Krais, still anxious, asked, ¡°Is there really no chance?¡± ¡°We¡¯ll see.¡± Encrid was always sincere. Given the uncertainty of their mission, they had to assess the situation as they went. Krais could only hope. The treasure cave he found was in that area, just a day¡¯s journey from the pioneer vige. ¡°Good. Great.¡± Krais realized that pressing further was pointless. So, the group began their preparations. Traveling in this world was truly challenging. In a world where even merchants traveling between cities moved in groups of at least ten to maintain safety, mercenaries and the military mercenary system of Naurillia were highly regarded. Despite this, only four of them were setting out. There were no concerns, but that didn¡¯t mean they could afford to be careless in their preparations. Encrid decided to go into the vige for the first time in a while. There were a few items he needed to procure from the market. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: /revengerscans AND there¡¯s also discount avable up to 50 percent on my buymeacoffee page, so take a visit there. Discount code 40 percent : BGXUMSVS] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: /revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 158 Aspen had been defeated. But it hadn¡¯t copsed. Winning and losing are things that happen repeatedly. No matter how thoroughly you prepare, problems arise. Defeat was just a problem to be endured. ¡®We can lose.¡¯ That¡¯s what Avnair, the genius strategist of Aspen, thought. But to lose like this? All the preparations had been thwarted. The strategies carefullyid out were nullified from the start. Even though it was a retreating battlefield, to be contradicted like this? Avnair, Aspen¡¯s genius strategist, was quite confident. Even if it wasn¡¯t a perfect victory, he thought they wouldn¡¯t be easily pushed back. He had more than one or two ns. They had brought in a giant. They had hidden their full strength. They had even led the enemy intocency and provided an overall strategy. The strategy¡¯s essence was this: to win in the detour battle and split Naurillia¡¯s main force. That was the basic n to divide their main forces, but it went wrong from the start. The defeat in a battle they couldn¡¯t afford to lose was the beginning of all the chaos. It was like one bookshelf toppling over and causing a domino effect. ¡°Unbelievable.¡± It was absurd. So much so that he spoke to himself. Avnair ran his hand through his green hair. In the bright sunlight, he saw a child ying outside the window. A few attendants were trailing after the child. The child waved toward the window. Avnair leaned against the windowsill with the window open. After waving back at the child, he enjoyed the sunshine. It was a good day. The season was warming up. He saw the child climb onto a swing hanging outside. While watching the child, he mulled over the beginning of the operation. That¡¯s what Avnair did. ¡®Why?¡¯ Why did they lose? The defeat of the entire battlefield began with the detour. Several documents crossed his mind. He needed to trace back to find the cause of the defeat. Going back to the beginning, the very start. ¡®It started with the soldier duel.¡¯ That was the beginning of the block, after which Mitch Hurrier died. In the end, there were unexpected disys of force in the detour battle. Who was at the center of that? There was a name in the report Avnair received. It was thest information sent by a friendlymander before dying. The Madmen toon, toon Leader Encrid. The name wasn¡¯t unfamiliar, and as he recalled, he was someone for whom an assassin was sent by the Hurrier family. Just a toon leader? Could such a person be the beginning of all these conflicts? He didn¡¯t know. From now on, it was purely instinct. The instinct of a strategist and a military man. ¡®It won¡¯t be a loss.¡¯ When the Hurrier family sent assassins, it seemed like a useless act, but it might have been the right move. Avnair decided to use an assassin for the future, specifically for the next war after the peace. He still aimed to kill just one toon leader. Since there was a well-established guild operating in Aspen, using them would ensure they wouldn¡¯t be traced back. After organizing his thoughts, he moved. He stepped away from the window sill, immediately ordered the summoning of the Assassination Guild, and ced a request in the name of the Royal pce. ¡°If they cross the border, the reward will be triple, and they will reject unreasonable requests.¡± In response to the Assassination Guild, Avnair sent his reply. A note with ¡®Krona¡¯ written on it would suffice. ¡°Just a toon leader? For just one, are you using this much Krona?¡± It was enough to buy a mansion in the capital of the Aspen Duchy. The Assassination Guild had no reason to refuse. It wasn¡¯t like they were asked to kill a well-known noble or target a key military figure. Just one toon leader, crossing the border being the only risk. The Assassination Guild epted the request and moved. They selected three assassins and sent them. ¡°Failure?¡± The guild leader realized he had underestimated the situation. ¡°Send intermediate assassins.¡± Thinking back, hadn¡¯t the half-blood fairy failed previously? He was intermediate level too. Well, that¡¯s why they sent three assassins. ¡°Send two more.¡± Those were the assassins sent. ¡°Boss.¡± ¡°Another failure?¡± No, this is strange. Why do they keep dying? ¡°Two intermediate assassins?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± What¡¯s going on? Maybe they need to send a higher-ranked assassin. At this point, they needed to consider the cost. ¡°Send a higher-ranked assassin.¡± They get the job done. Above all, it was a direct order from the Royal pce. Although they operated publicly as an Assassination Guild, fundamentally, the guild known as ¡°Montaire¡¯s Swamp¡± was owned by the Royal pce. The guild leader knew this well. If they went against the Royal pce, making a living through assassination would be impossible. So, a higher-ranked assassin was sent. ¡°What is this!¡± One of the top ten assassins in Montaire¡¯s Swamp failed. There was no contact. Unless a kind wizard suddenly appeared and removed the curse marks engraved on their bodies, they must be dead. Sure enough, two dayster, the assassin¡¯s head was delivered. To the secret mansion Montaire¡¯s Swamp had hidden. ¡°Inform the pce.¡± Proceeding further would result in severe losses. There was something on the other side. A higher-ranked assassin wasn¡¯t just captured but beheaded. And they revealed their location? There was an involvement of a superior group. ¡°That¡¯s my judgment.¡± The guild leader entered the pce. He told them everything that happened. He conveyed that it was impossible to proceed further. Avnair smirked inwardly. ¡®The Assassination Guild failed?¡¯ It was absurd for him as well. They had no capacity or time to intervene further. ¡°Let¡¯s leave it at that.¡± Avnair gave up. There was too much going on internally in Aspen to focus more on this. If there was something about that person. If there really was something. ¡®We¡¯ll meet again.¡¯ Avnair left the name Encrid behind. If they were destined to meet on the battlefield, then so be it. It meant that Encrid was not someone who could be ended by assassination. * * * A shadow had been lurking around the barracks for several days. The movements were familiar, making it difficult for a casual observer to guess it was the same person. Facing him, Jaxon held his breath and quieted his footsteps. He perfectly silenced any trace of his presence to confuse the assassin. ¡®What is this?¡¯ He recognized the assassin immediately. They were in the same line of work. Jaxon unraveled a thin cord from his hand. It was thick and coated with ck ink and a special oil to prevent light reflection. It wrapped around the assassin¡¯s neck. Before the assassin could react, Jaxon pulled the cord. With the force from a jab to the back with his elbow, he snapped the neck halfway. There was a soft snap as the head tilted to the side. Breaking the neck meant death. It was a simple fact. Jaxon inspected the dead assassin. Had it not been him, this would have been a difficult opponent. Jaxon was not abatant but an intelligence agent for the Border Guard. That didn¡¯t mean he would be caught off guard, though. ¡®The third one.¡¯ Three attacks had urred in the three months since the battle ended. The third attack involved someone who had deliberately stayed close to the barracks wall. This individual had spent three days in various disguises¡ªbeggar, old man, merchant¡ªeach time appearing differently. ¡®A pretty skilled guy.¡¯ Such people had entered the city where Jaxon was staying. It seemed their target was inside the barracks. If they were targeting a Company Commander, Battalion Commander, or a Noble, they would have approached differently. The first ones came disguised as new recruits. Their target was too obvious. ¡®The Madmen toon.¡¯ Following the trail, the target became clear. It was the toon leader. They were targeting Encrid. But since Encrid hadn¡¯t left the barracks or training grounds for three months, they tried to infiltrate. ¡°Crazy bastards.¡± Putting in this much effort to kill just one toon leader? Jaxon moved quietly, avoiding the eyes of others, with the corpse slung over his shoulder, to a side alley where vagrants stayed. Heid the body down. He posed the body as if it were sleeping and bought a bottle of liquor, pouring it around and leaving it next to the corpse. This way, people would likely just think it was a dead vagrant and not look for any signs of foul y. After dealing with the body, Jaxon entered the red-light district. He was a regr there. As he arrived, a few of the women nced at him. Such a striking appearance wasn¡¯tmon. Ignoring the stares, Jaxon went into a room where a young blonde woman greeted him half-naked. Jaxon gestured with a few fingers, using signnguage to convey his message. The woman spoke. ¡°No one¡¯s listening.¡± ¡°Any problems?¡± ¡°No more problems.¡± Previously, they had missed the half-blood fairy assassin entering the city. Even if they hadn¡¯t nketed the entire city with watchers, this seemed imusible. Jaxon was bothered by it. His pride was wounded. After that, more assassins hade, and he had killed each one. As long as he was with the Border Guard, no other assassins or simr characters would get in. It wasn¡¯t just because someone was targeting the toon leader. Absolutely not. Jaxon leaned against the door, expressionless as usual. The woman, observing his expression, continued. ¡°They¡¯re from Montaire¡¯s Swamp. What should we do?¡± Montaire¡¯s Swamp was an Assassination Guild based in Aspen. ¡°Let them know this is my territory. Our way.¡± The message was clear: kill anyone who crossed the line. The woman nodded. It might lead to a guild war. But it would likely be an unseen war. Her organization was originally such a ce. Afterward, Jaxon spent the night with her. Their rtionship was both professional and physical. They were close to being lovers. The woman woke early and had a few subordinates cut off the head of the corpse Jaxon had killed. She sent it to one of Montaire¡¯s Swamp¡¯s bases. It was a warning. If they ignored the warning, the consequences were their own. After that, Montaire¡¯s Swamp made no further attempts. For good reason. If they operated in Aspen, this side operated across the continent. * * * ¡°Is this the right way?¡± Krais looked around the gloomy alley and asked, noticing the foul smell and the filthy, uninviting ground. It was an alley near where vagrants stayed. Krais¡¯s question was directed at Jaxon. Encrid also nced around. While procuring various items, Encrid had asked if they could find a whistle dagger. ¡°We can find it.¡± Jaxon had said, and he had told them to follow. That¡¯s how they ended up here. Lately, they had been so busy that finding time for this seemed unlikely. Jaxon had been spending time in the red-light district and various other ces, rarelying to the barracks. Jaxon didn¡¯t respond to Krais¡¯s question, thinking it wasn¡¯t worth his time. It was typical of Jaxon to remain silent when he thought something had no value. His silence indicated that this was the right ce. Sometimes silence serves as an answer. Though Krais had asked, he didn¡¯t push further. It wasn¡¯t as if they couldn¡¯t enter just because it was a bit dirty. ¡°This way.¡± Jaxon spoke indifferently and led the way inside. Encrid followed him. They had been looking for a cksmith, preferably a skilled one. They already knew that there was no answer from that side. Krais had already done enough research to know. Following Encrid, Frog also came along. For some reason, Esther had joined them as well. As they entered the garbage-filled alley, Esther climbed up the wall and walked along the rooftops. ¡°That¡¯s some witchcraft.¡± Luagarnemented upon seeing this. Encrid half-agreed, thinking she didn¡¯t seem entirely human. Luagarne wore boots designed for Frog, featuring a unique design with eight tight straps over the instep and a sturdy wooden sole. With every step she took, a cking sound was made by the contact between the cobblestone and her shoes. ¡°Here we are.¡± Jaxon stopped and spoke. There were many items to prepare for the journey, especially for the mission, and Encrid wanted to stock up on whistle daggers. ¡°¡­Quite a few customers today.¡± An old woman, who hadid out a stall right in front of an open door, spoke. She had crystal balls, faded curly blonde hair, wrinkled hands, and the appearance of a fortune-teller. ¡°Is it really here?¡± Encrid had experienced various things. An underground market? He had seen quite a few. During his mercenary days, he had even seen illegal ve markets that operated secretly. An underground market, and now a fortune-teller? Whistle daggers were hard to find. They were rare even in underground markets. Could such a weapon be with a fortune-teller? ¡°Yes.¡± Jaxon replied and gestured with his hands, using signnguage. Encrid didn¡¯t understand the meaning of the signs, but the old fortune-teller let out a nasal sound, which seemed to be a sign of permission. ¡°Looking for something specific?¡± The fortune-teller asked. ¡°Whistle daggers, as many as possible.¡± Encrid answered. ¡°And the payment?¡± ¡°This guy will handle it.¡± Encrid indicated Krais. ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll pay.¡± Krais reluctantly stepped forward, though outwardly he appeared quite willing. If he had to spend money, he might as well spend it properly. Investing is the way to make a profit, after all. ¡°Shall I send it to the unit?¡± ¡°Do you know who I am?¡± Encrid responded with a question, and the old fortune-teller chuckled. ¡°In this city, even if they don¡¯t know the name of the Battalion Commander, there¡¯s no one who doesn¡¯t know your name.¡± What did that mean? Encrid wanted to ask more, but the fortune-teller started packing up her crystal ball and tools. ¡°Well then, goodbye.¡± As the old woman went into her house, Encrid wondered if he should ask her something else. She packed her things with a practiced hand, taking only a few moments to clear the stall. Encrid sometimes wondered. How did Jaxon know ces like this? Even Krais had given up on finding these items. But Encrid didn¡¯t ask how he knew. The goal was the whistle daggers, not Jaxon¡¯s past. ¡°Do you really think she¡¯ll get them? It doesn¡¯t seem trustworthy.¡± Krais muttered beside him, naturally suspicious. ¡°If she doesn¡¯t, then so be it.¡± Encrid said as he walked away, thinking of picking up a few things from the market since they were already out. For instance, visiting a jerky shop known for its excellent seasoning and stopping by a cksmith to check his armor. It was too hot to wear a gambeson, but he couldn¡¯t go without some protection. He considered getting a loose-fitting leather armor. He had thrown away his old leather armor. One day, Esther had shredded it with her ws. ¡°Maybe you should pay for new armor by selling your ws.¡± Encrid joked to Esther, who was walking on the roof. ¡°Kir.¡± The panther let out a low growl. It sounded like she was saying, ¡°Don¡¯t be ridiculous.¡± Encrid had meant it as a joke. As he approached the jerky shop to ce some orders, ¡°Thank you.¡± The shop owner greeted him with gratitude. ¡°For what?¡± As Encrid tilted his head in confusion, the shop owner bowed twice more. Through his hair, specks of white strands were visible. ¡°Because I¡¯m grateful. As the mother of a foolish son, how could I take Krona from the person who saved him? Take as much as you want.¡± ¡°Huh?¡± Encrid was perplexed. He had merely fought to the best of his ability. He had risked his life, just struggling to survive. In his desperate fighting,he received gratitude from a mother who had raised her son alone. ¡°Thank you, without my son, I have no reason to live.¡± On the battlefield, the things that happened. Many people had been saved thanks to Encrid. And they were all connected to the Border Guard. ¡°Only pay half price for the armor.¡± ¡°If you¡¯re looking for a leather water bottle, this one¡¯s better.¡± ¡°Are your boots still in good condition? If you bring that toon member over, I¡¯ll take their measurements and make everything custom.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t have much to give except flowers.¡± ¡°Take this with you.¡± ¡°How about an apple?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve gathered some dried fruits.¡± ¡°Would you like some charcoal?¡± For the past three months, the merchants in the market hadn¡¯t seen Encrid. Now they were treating their hero. It was something Encrid had never expected. ¡°Tch, I feel oddly happy.¡± Krais said from beside him, and Encrid felt the same. Though he hadn¡¯t fought desperately just to save someone. He had also thought about protecting those around him. A new thought dawned on him. What is a Knight? ¡®A protector.¡¯ Someone who protects the smiles of their people and upholds their beliefs. For Encrid, it was a surprisingly satisfying outing and a fulfilling day. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: /revengerscans AND there¡¯s also discount avable up to 50 percent on my buymeacoffee page, so take a visit there. Discount code 40 percent : BGXUMSVS] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: /revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 159 Ten whistling daggers, and a wide leather armor lined with thin cloth on the inside so it wasn¡¯t scratchy. The armor was fine. Quite satisfactory. Although it didn¡¯t have the spells of the previous armor, it should suffice for physical protection. It might be ufortable to wear in hot weather, but if necessary, what can you do? The armor had a grid of thin metal chains hammered t and inserted between theyers of leather. It was heavy, but the defense seemed excellent. ¡°It¡¯s my masterpiece.¡± The cksmith had every right to say that. He offered it at half price, but the armor itself was expensive. The cost of repairing the leather and painstakingly making each thin chain added up. It took nearly a year to make just one suit of armor. ¡°Use it well.¡± The cksmith, with his ruddy face, gifted it to him. But Encrid couldn¡¯t just take it, so Krais paid for it. The cksmith silently epted the Krona pouch. Along with the armor, he received two daggers to strap to his ankles, a guard sword for his back, and eight throwing knives for his thighs and sides. He wore the whistling daggers crossed on his chest. He already knew from experience that this angle was convenient for drawing them. Since he might need a utility knife while traveling, he took one as well. Should he bring a short sword too? It could serve as a backup if his main sword broke. With all the things he was packing, it was quite a load. He also needed a thick nket for sleeping outdoors and perhaps a pot for cooking. Krais could carry the pot, but there were still many other things to prepare. He considered bringing charcoal for warmth at night, thick cloth, wooden spoons and forks, and a thin copper-infused iron te for cooking. A backpack would also be necessary for the journey, and it was already quite heavy. Perhaps the reason Encrid survived despite hisck of sword skills was his thorough preparation. Some habits don¡¯t go away easily, especially when traveling with just fourpanions, each formidable in their own right. Frog, who often traveled alone, understood the dangers of the journey all too well, so Encrid couldn¡¯t afford to ck on preparations. It gave him peace of mind. ¡°Are you taking all that?¡± Luagarne asked, perhaps in awe or jest, but Encrid paid it no mind. Peace of mind was his priority. ¡°Yes, it¡¯s a pity I can¡¯t bring more.¡± His equipment was thorough, including gauntlets and shin guards. He meticulously sharpened each knife and polished the des with animal fat. The des gleamed. ¡°Are you trying to reflect sunlight during the day?¡± ¡°That¡¯s sharp.¡± Encrid responded casually to Frog, whomented while watching. It was almost like they were having a chat. ¡°Why do I feel like my ce is being taken?¡± Rem muttered nearby. Encrid ignored it. ¡°Why aren¡¯t you answering me?¡± Rem¡¯s tone grew petnt. This couldn¡¯t be left alone. If ignored further, Rem might cause trouble, so Encrid spoke. ¡°I did.¡± ¡°When?¡± ¡°With silence.¡± ¡°What is this crazy talk?¡± Rem¡¯s face twisted in a strange way. Encrid calmly took in Rem¡¯s reaction and ignored it. ¡°Tsk.¡± Rem let it slide as well. He knew he would lose in a verbal argument, it was something he had experienced many times. Whether on a mission or not, it was just everyday life. Encrid did what he usually did. He woke up in the morning and threw himself into intense training, preparing for deployment in the evening. This included not only maintaining his equipment but also gathering various tools. Frog was half-exhausted by Encrid¡¯s relentless dedication. ¡®Is he just a tough guy?¡¯ Or perhaps, a dull one? He did all this without hesitation. Training and preparations were no small tasks. No sign of doubt or suffering. Well, sometimes he seemed to struggle under the guise of practicing ¡®The Istion Technique¡¯, but¡­ Seeing the odd smile on his face afterward made one wonder. ¡®Is he just a masochist?¡¯ Maybe so. Despite being told he couldn¡¯t be a Knight, there was no sign of despair or frustration. After watching for three months, there was no falsehood in his actions. Thus, he was just a strange, very strange guy. Kuruk. This piqued Frog¡¯s interest. His appearance was also exceptional, making him intriguing to watch. Where did such a persone from? ¡°He¡¯s mine.¡± Luagarne sat crouched in the shade on one side of the training ground, watching. The Fairy Company Commander approached and said this, casting a shadow that slightly ovepped the shade. ¡°Did I say anything?¡± Luagarne responded indifferently. ¡°Kyaa.¡± Esther, sitting alone in the opposite shade, bared her fangs. She often did that. Since it didn¡¯t concern him, Luagarne let it slide. For Frog, the important things were desire, interest, and stimtion. With that stimtion before him, she was in a good mood, enough not to kill someone who might hit her heart carelessly. Though, if they did hit her heart, she¡¯d probably half-kill them. * * * Between training sessions, Encrid didn¡¯t neglect his duties. ¡°You¡¯re going on an expedition? With four people? Including Frog?¡± When he reported to the Battalion Commander, he was questioned briefly, but soon received approval. ¡°That¡¯s unusual.¡± That was all that was added. ¡°So, how do you feel about not being able to be a Knight?¡± The Battalion Commander asked as Encrid was leaving. Encrid responded indifferently before saluting. ¡°Yes, thank you for the gift.¡± Was there malice in his thoughtfulness? No, there wasn¡¯t. Even if there had been malice, it was still a good opportunity for him. Was it said that a dream was never fulfilled? For Encrid, it wasn¡¯t a story that applied. He hade this far chasing an unfulfilled dream, merely piecing together a dream that had been torn and shredded. ¡°Thank you?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°I see.¡± After the dull conversation, Encrid left, saluting as he went outside again. The Fairy Company Commander followed closely behind. It seemed like they had been running into each other more oftentely. Maybe he didn¡¯t have much to do. With such a thought, he looked at Encrid. ¡°Fallen for me, have you?¡± He made ament like that. Encrid turned away, denying it. He returned to focusing on his personal preparations. ¡°Looks like you¡¯re excited to go out.¡± Rem taunted without reason. ¡°If you¡¯re itching for a fight, shall we spar?¡± Encrid skillfully deflected the provocation. ¡°Sure!¡± They engaged in a refreshing bout,nding solid hits. ng! ng! If there was anything satisfying, it was seeing a different emotion on Rem¡¯s face¡ªa sense of satisfaction. When Encrid activated his Heart of the Beast and struck down with his sword, Rem skillfully deflected the blow with his foot. It was the first time Rem used a technique simr to the art of deflection. ¡°Deflection?¡± ¡°Why? Can¡¯t I use such techniques?¡± ¡°No.¡± That wasn¡¯t it. The result was a loss when the Heart of the Beast¡¯s power was released after a heavy axe strike. Afterward, Encrid sparred with Audin and Ragna. When Jaxon showed up again, they sparred as well. ¡°We need more training.¡± Training sessions increased. Jaxon readily assisted in training. They focused on honing visual acuity and reflexes, ultimately aiming to develop the Sense of Evasion. ¡°We still have a long way to go.¡± The results were still insufficient, but it was all about repetition. The essence was this: Once his personal preparations were mostlyplete, Encrid plunged into intense training until the day before departure. ¡°We have more equipment now, so we need to organize it properly.¡± Ragna, uncharacteristically, gave some advice. Encrid found it worth listening to. ¡°Indeed.¡± He increased his meditation time between training sessions. Luagarne sometimes wielded a whip or corrected stances when in the mood, but mostly observed. Encrid paid no mind to it. He was busy steadily building upon what he had. ¡®Basic skills.¡¯ The fundamentals of swordsmanship and training. These were rooted in the foundational techniques of the Northern heavy sword style and The Istion Technique. This was all supported by a keen sense for the de. Opening the Gate of Sixth Sense to glimpse a bit of the future. This didn¡¯te into y alone. It required a Focus Point to back it up. ¡®I¡¯m not a genius.¡¯ Like a frog trapped in the well of today, striving to climb out to see the sky of tomorrow. Thus, he struggled. Thus, he crawled forward, inch by inch. Encrid hadn¡¯t changed. He was unwavering. A wanderer chasing a faded dream, he just kept walking. Sharpening his skills, fortifying his resolve, and sharpening again. Mastering the rhythm, adding strength to the heavy sword style. Bing a bit more ustomed to the Heart of the Beast. Then, on the eve of their departure: ¡°I hear the beast hordes have been causing a lot of troubletely. Merchants used to travel in groups of ten, but now they won¡¯t go with fewer than twenty. Is it okay to go out like this? Well, I guess we¡¯ll manage.¡± ¡°Doesn¡¯t something feel off?¡± Frog, Finn, and Encrid¡¯s faces were examined by Krais as he awkwardly voiced his concern. It was during their usual sparring session after listening to Krais¡¯s words. The opponent was Rem, and they stood at a distance. As Encrid drew his sword and pointed it, Rem swung his axes, twisting his wrists. How many times had they sparred like this? They had faced off quite frequently recently. ¡°Make my day more enjoyable today.¡± Rem seemed to have been sulking for some reason. This sparring session was partly to lift Rem¡¯s spirits. If that was the case, why didn¡¯t he juste along instead of staying behind and sulking? It was now mid-season, transitioning into summer. Encrid felt the change in temperature. He sensed the subtle shift in the wind¡¯s direction. As the air changed in an instant, they both gauged the distance between them. In that moment, a split second, the gap opened. At that instant, all the lessons from the countless repetitions of today settled into Encrid¡¯s body. Things he had learned over time. The lines connecting point to point. The circle drawn around himself, the sword¡¯s domain. The rhythm or tempo, known as the timing for attack, defense, and counter. The slight gestures of his opponent, the breath that showed a glimpse of the immediate future. Encrid slightly lowered his hand. It was instinctual and necessary because he could see the future. The tip of the sword tilted slightly forward. The two axes halted in the sunlight. He could see the tip of Rem¡¯s nose. He could see his eyes. He could see the sweat running down his forehead. As Encrid focused solely on facing his opponent, he found the most logical and quickest path. The point where their domains touched, the tempo and timing favorable to him. His foot lifted off the ground, catching the rhythm. The sword cut through the sunlight, descending from above. The axes moved as well. The person holding the axes moved as well. A faint, blurry figure appeared¡ªit looked like a ghost or perhaps a specter to Encrid. Regardless, the axes of the specter came flying. Swish! A vision of his neck being cut shed before his eyes, but just before the vision became reality, Encrid¡¯s sword fell from above. It was a lightning-fast sh, elerating with the weight of the Northern heavy sword style. Whoosh. Cut? Nothing. Neck? His neck was fine. The image of it being cut was just an illusion. ¡°Well, you¡¯ve learned how to make people serious, haven¡¯t you?¡± ¡°You dodged it, didn¡¯t you?¡± Turning around, Encrid saw a small cut on Rem¡¯s cheek. There was no cut on his hand, but he had made a mark. Just a scratch on the cheek, but still. A tingling sensation, akin to awe, spread through his body. It felt like the roar of a beast resonating from within. In hindsight, it was the first time. Neither Rem, Ragna, Audin, nor Jaxon had ever been scratched by his sword. ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Luagarne, who had been watching, suddenly stood up, pping her hands. The sound was dull, despite his smooth palms meeting, but her expression was very pleased. ¡°Well, um, now, so¡­¡± Encrid struggled to find the words. It was a different experience, though he had experienced something simr before. ¡®Mustached man.¡¯ The first time he faced him, when he was deeply absorbed in Mitch Hurrier, focusing on a single point. It was a moment of breaking through some sort of limit. Of course, now it is more intense than back then. He had learned more. He had acquired more skills. It¡¯s often said that you see as much as you know. And so he did, seeing just as much as he knew. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: /revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: /revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 160 ¡°Just do that about fifteen more times.¡± Rem said nonchntly. Encrid looked at him with a nk expression. ¡°If you do that, your hand will touch the wall, and you¡¯ll be able to go over it.¡± There was something unresolved between them. Encrid sensed it, but he was too busy reflecting on what had happened. One exchange. He had gained so much from it. He knew it instinctively. ¡°Good job.¡± Encrid said, turning away. He wanted to reflect and ponder. What was contained in that single sparring match, that one exchange of attacks and defenses? ¡°Brother, you took a hit.¡± came Audin¡¯s teasing voice from behind, directed at Rem. ¡°Shall we have lunch with the Lord today, you crazy big guy?¡± Rem and Audin¡¯s yful bickering echoed behind him. Encrid ignored it. These days, even if they fought, they stopped at a reasonable point. They hadn¡¯t exactly be closer, but they maintained a strange bnce. ¡®How did I cut him?¡¯ he wondered, marveling at the fact that he had left a scratch on Rem¡¯s cheek. He was more engrossed in analyzing the process than the fact itself. This wasn¡¯t his first experience like this, so he knew how to reflect and ponder. It was like a frog trapped in a well that jumps high enough to see outside. What could he gain from this? A frog that jumps high once can do it again. Outside the well, Encrid wanted to face a new world. Despite leaving on a mission in two days, his focus remained unshaken. Apart from basic training, he kept pondering and pondering. He followed the saying, ¡°You see as much as you know.¡± and felt a sense of inadequacy. ¡®Deep gratitude and quick recovery.¡¯ The foundation of the five swords was the Correct Sword Technique. Was that enough? He had previously thought about using different weapons. Knights are said to be adept at handling ten different weapons. But he couldn¡¯t do that. Being adept means understanding ten from mastering one. That requires talent, which he didn¡¯t possess. So, what should he do? ¡®If you can¡¯t learn ten from mastering one¡­¡¯ What if he learned each one individually? People often say that repeating daily routines leads to progress, but what if there was a way to walk instead of crawl? ¡°I must do it.¡± he murmured to himself. It was a matter of course. He had be so engrossed that he didn¡¯t even realize it was already evening. Even during meals or whatever he was doing, one part of his mind was always reflecting and pondering. The moment he scratched Rem¡¯s cheek. Encrid felt not satisfaction but a burning desire. He looked ahead to the path he wanted to take. That was the result. Muttering to himself, Encrid got up from his bed and moved. The lodging was not spacious. Everyone¡¯s eyes were on him. Encrid stopped in front of the bed of Frog, who was preparing to sleep. Frog looked up at him from his lying position. ¡°Do you know the Correct Sword Technique?¡± The day of departure was tomorrow. Themplight cast long shadows behind them. Everyone had already washed up in the bathroom. Finn was thest to return, water dripping from her wet hair. Esther was grooming her nails in Encrid¡¯s spot, but she paused and looked up. The deep blue eyes of the panther stared directly at Encrid¡¯s back. ¡°It¡¯s a specialty.¡± Luagarne responded from his lying position. ¡°Teach me.¡± Encrid was eager to learn. He didn¡¯t wait for someone to offer to teach him. From his perspective, Frog was an excellent instructor. Aside from using the whip, she was skilled with other weapons as well. Special techniques or the Correct Sword Technique. He knew this from the asional teachings and sparring they had. He needed guidance that was different from simply observing and mimicking from the sidelines. Ragna¡¯s northern-style Correct Sword Technique was excellent. The other swordsmanship techniques he shared weren¡¯t bad either. But Ragna had also learned them by observing from the sidelines. ¡°I only mimic what I¡¯ve seen once or twice.¡± He would often say such things. The way a genius learns wasn¡¯t enough. What he felt, as always, was a thirst. There was something he could learn from Frog that he couldn¡¯t learn from the other toon members. Rem? He didn¡¯t have a structuredbat style. His fighting was in the realm of intuition and sixth sense. He had left a scratch on Rem¡¯s cheek during their sparring match. Underneath the thrill, Encrid saw it. The appearance that seemed like a demon at that moment. Was that Rem¡¯s true nature, or was it an illusion created by his own mind and eyes? He didn¡¯t know. But if he had a wish. ¡®To see it again.¡¯ He wanted to push Rem into such a situation again. That was his wish. He didn¡¯t immediately want to break through his limits and realize ¡®Will¡¯. Encrid wasn¡¯t like that. Years and days spent holding on to fragments of dreams. If he had learned anything, it was this: to take steps, one at a time, even if crawling. Even if the steps were slow, moving forward, he could see, feel, and reach them. Having taken one step forward, he decided to set a small goal. To see the ¡®truth¡¯, whether a ghost or something else, in Rem¡¯s face. Ideally, in the faces of Audin, Ragna, and Jaxon as well. ¡°Of course¡±, Luagarne nodded without hesitation. Bowing his head, Encrid went to bed. Tomorrow was the day they were to head to the pioneer vige as promised and carry out their mission. They had to set out on the journey. It wouldn¡¯t be good to carry fatigue, so they needed to sleep early. ¡°By the way, I¡¯m suddenly realizing, do you know that if a person is overly indifferent, it can make them seem crazy?¡± Rem muttered from his bed. Encrid didn¡¯t respond. Engaging would lead to a long conversation. Fortunately, Rem fell silent as well. It was just an idle observation. ¡°Haha, brother, may the Lord¡¯s grace be with you, and please, keep that sanity intact.¡± It felt like he was being called a crazy bastard, but a prayer was a prayer, and a blessing was a blessing. The others remained silent. The night passed. The next day arrived. Encrid set out on the road with a calm demeanor. They left the city. Behind him were Luagarne and Krais, and in front of him was Finn. In his arms was Esther, clinging tightly with her ws digging into his chest, refusing to be let down. What could he do? He had to bring her along. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Led by Finn, the group followed the road and soon encountered ghouls. ¡°Already?¡± It was an early encounter. For a monster sighting, it was quite close to the city. Of course, that wasn¡¯t the problem. There were two ghouls, gray-skinned monsters that craved human flesh and blood. Encrid drew his sword. With the same calmness as when he set out that morning, he swung his de. Slice, crunch. The Correct Sword Technique was based on strength. With one strike, he beheaded one and split its skull. ck blood and grayish brain matter sttered on the ground. A few drops of ghoul blood sshed onto Encrid¡¯s body. ¡°The foundation of the Correct Sword Technique is patience.¡± Luagarne said from behind. The journey was also a path of training and discipline. It was the beginning of a lesson. * * * A scab had formed on his cheek. As he touched it, Rem recalled the first day he saw Encrid. Or rather, the first day he teased him. ¡°Want to spar? With me?¡± He thought Encrid was something else. The guy, who hade in as a Squad leader, swung his sword desperately every day and then wanted to spar. He looked like a third-rate fighter. Or maybe second-rate, in some aspects. By the standards of the soldier ranking system, he was somewhere between a lower and middle rank. He was a man with no talent. ¡°I thought there might be something to learn.¡± When Encrid first faced him, what weapon was he using? He usually used whatever he could get his hands on, but that time it was a sword. He wielded two swords, one in each hand, just like when he used to wield axes. It was an easy fight. Thud. Tripping over his own feet, Encrid rolled on the ground. He fell awkwardly, getting a scratch on his face. Some of it was intentional. ¡®Where did they find this pretty boy and make him a Squad leader?¡¯ He wondered what kind of reaction he would get if Encrid¡¯s face got damaged. He was curious about Encrid¡¯s background. Was he a noble? Or perhaps someone¡¯s rtive? Did he have connections in the military? There was nothing of the sort. Even with a scratch on his face, Encrid didn¡¯t tend to his wound but got up and said, ¡°Can we do it again?¡± ¡°Again?¡± Encrid nodded. Is he half crazy? Honestly, Rem had never met anyone more reckless than himself. He beat him, left knife marks on his neck to scare him, and even cut his forehead to make him bleed. Blood flowing from the forehead covering the area around the eyes was a unique fear not known to those who haven¡¯t experienced it, seeing the world through a red tint. Even so, the new Squad leader didn¡¯t back down. Despite his face being covered in blood, looking almost like a blood ghoul. ¡°I have a question: what are you going to do if you die from this?¡± This was during their sparring. Rem was rxed, but Encrid was not. The madman, who had been attacking relentlessly throughout the changing seasons, caught his breath and replied, ¡°Then that would be the end of it.¡± Is this guypletely insane? That¡¯s the end? It can¡¯t just end like that. ¡°You¡¯re in bad shape.¡± Rem said, and that day, he taught him the Heart of the Beast. If he was ready to face death, then maybe, just maybe, he would gain something. It was futile. He didn¡¯t have the temperament to learn the Heart of the Beast. If pushed, he would close his eyes, unable to find the courage. Even when he opened his eyes, he couldn¡¯t see clearly. His body froze at dangerous moments. ¡°Truly talentless.¡± Rem found himself saying. Still, the position of Squad leader, which had frequently changed hands, did not change. He survived. Steadfastly. Was sparring with him enjoyable? Well, it was just something to do. He wasn¡¯t some great person in Rem¡¯s life. Rem also liked women, so there weren¡¯t any strange feelings. It was just that watching him felt moderately pleasant. Like bright sunshine, or watching animals running across a dry meadow, it was just nice to see. ¡®He¡¯ll die like that.¡¯ he thought. Seeing him struggling on the battlefield, Rem found himself lending a hand. At least he didn¡¯t want to see him die right in front of him. The sparring continued. Time passed. ¡°How did you do that?¡± Encrid had adopted the Heart of the Beast technique. He began to change after that day. His skills improved. Sometimes noticeably, almost abruptly. Other times, progress was so slow it seemed doubtful. Within this flow, did Encrid change? No, he remained the same. Still, just as he was at the beginning. ¡°Sparring?¡± His words had be shorter since they first met. He had also be adept at turning people¡¯s words against them. Nevertheless, the sparring continued. He had a scratch on his cheek. A scab had formed. Haha, Encrid? That Squad leader? Rem felt he had to show his true skills. He almost revealed techniques he had kept hidden. No, this wasn¡¯t right. It was a personal desire, but it wasn¡¯t time yet. Rem needed to continue ying above Encrid. He wanted to keep having fun for a bit longer. If it wasn¡¯t like this, it wouldn¡¯t be enough. If he were caught up to, if he had to fight seriously, it wouldn¡¯t be fun. To tease and spar, he couldn¡¯t fall behind. Not even for a moment should he be caught up to. The scratch on his cheek, in that moment, even if it was just by a fraction. He had been caught up to. It didn¡¯t sit well with him. It made him anxious. Moreover, the question Krais had posed on the battlefield still lingered in his mind. ¡°Can you handle a Knight?¡± ¡°If theye at me, I can kill them.¡± He answered seriously because the question was serious. There was a strange intensity he sensed even from this big-eyed guy. An intriguing guy. That unusually clever fellow nodded. It meant he understood, even with a vague exnation. He could kill, but if he worried about what came next, the odds were about fifty-fifty? Honestly, the chance of winning might be about three to four out of ten? After that question, Krais seemed to decide to avoid direct confrontation with the enemy¡¯s forces. The battlefield had flowed that way, hadn¡¯t it? Most likely. It slightly bruised his pride. ¡°Lazy bum with a short appetite.¡± That was why he didn¡¯t join the others. There was something to be done here. Maybe that idiot was simr to him. Ragna lifted his head slightly at Rem¡¯s words. He was half-leaning against the wall of the quarters. ¡°Want to put half your life on the line and spar?¡± He spoke in his usual yful tone, but there was seriousness in it. ¡°¡­Let¡¯s do it.¡± Ragna stood up. Thezy one had changed too. Despite Encrid¡¯s absence, there was something like a spark in his eyes. Rem headed to the training ground without a hint of a smile. ¡°Big guy, you cane along too.¡± On the way, he called Audin as well. ¡°Haha, the Lord calls.¡± Audin stood up with a smile. They left the sly alley cat alone. After all, he wasn¡¯t particrly suited for frontalbat. ¡®If needed, he¡¯lle.¡¯ That guy wouldn¡¯te just because he was called. More importantly, he was truly a cunning one. Rem himself was a former hunter. That guy was like a relentless night hunter or a human hunter. On one side of the training ground, Rem picked up an axe. With a ting, he shed the two axe des together, taking his stance. ¡°Don¡¯t hold a grudge if you die.¡± Ragna, who stood opposite him, said. ¡°Look who¡¯s talking.¡± Soon they began to move. All the soldiers who had been training around them stopped to watch. Bang! Thud! Crack! The heavy sounds of the shes echoed. It was a sparring match where they took turns, and the intensity made everyone gasp in awe. ¡°I want to join in too.¡± The Fairy Company Commander interjected. ¡°You¡¯re ready to put half your life on the line?¡± Rem questioned, to which the Commander smiled and drew her sword. des, resembling leaves, reflected the light. It was a deration of intent. She showed that her skills were on par with theirs. They fit in. Without needing to say it, they knew they were all of the same mind. When you share swords and exchange punches, things be clear. ¡®Not yet.¡¯ Not really, not yet. Even if it felt like the mischievous heart of an eight-year-old wanting to maintain a lead over Encrid. They had decided to be present in the moment. Fighting with half a life at stake was the start of change and eleration. All four were recognized as geniuses. They were all refining their skills. But it wasn¡¯t just about refining. Rem honed Ragna, Ragna honed Rem, and Audin joined in, with Jaxon asionally jumping in. The Fairy Company Commander joined them in rotation. Whenever things got too serious, the rest would jump in to bnce and lighten the mood. They had been honing their talents, and there was more and more to show Encrid when he returned. * * * Meanwhile, Encrid was traveling a path rougher than he had expected. ¡°Kaaargh!¡± A horde of beasts appeared one after another. Well, it was somewhat enjoyable. For Encrid, it was both an opportunity for training and a testing ground. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: /revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: /revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 161 The basic principle of the Tangum style is weight and power. ¡°Just press down with strength.¡± ¡°Just break it with force.¡± ¡°Close the distance and exert power.¡± ¡°Put weight into it.¡± ¡°Make it so the opponent can¡¯t even think of dodging.¡± These were words often said by Ragna. Whether facing a spear or confronting a shield, the answer to various situations often came out like this. The Correct Sword Technique was a bit different. ¡°Refine your form, and force the opponent into a position you desire.¡± Luagarne taught from the core. The method was to add small details after teaching the core, which was very efficient. The saying that ¡®Frog can sometimes be the best swordsmanship teacher¡¯ was something Encrid had heard countless times. ¡®There¡¯s a difference.¡¯ There was a gap between himself and the toon members teaching him. Not that the toon members were bad, either. For Encrid, their style suited him better. Even though it was painful to roll around physically, it was easier. ¡®Rough, but straightforward.¡¯ It was a moment when he realized that he had be ustomed to learning in a rough and straightforward manner. In any case, Luagarne was a Frog who knew how to teach properly. And Encrid knew how to learn. He listened with all his might. The difference now was. ¡®I can keep up.¡¯ There was a time when he couldn¡¯t do anything even if he tried his best. Now, that time was just a thing of the past. The Istion Technique is ultimately an art of controlling one¡¯s body at will. It is a skill imbued with the meaning of controlling even the smallest muscles as one wishes. To this, the Sense of the de and the Focus Point are added. The Heart of the Beast grants courage andposure. He suddenly realized. ¡®These four things are the core of my talent.¡¯ Something he achieved through effort. The nourishment given by those around him. Because he chewed, tasted, tore, enjoyed, and dug into that nourishment. Today exists as it does. Because there was the repeated ¡®today¡¯, he could roughly follow Frog¡¯s teaching now. That doesn¡¯t mean he became a genius. It just means he improved from before. Luagarne already knew of Encrid¡¯s low talent, so she wasn¡¯t disappointed nor surprised. She was calm and silent. She just taught. In the meantime, a lot ofmon knowledge and stories about swords flowed out. Luagarne knew a lot. ¡°There is a saying that for beginners, the Quick Sword is the best to learn, and the Correct Sword is the best to use against beginners.¡± Emphasizing speed is easy to learn. And if your opponent is weaker than you, you can win ny-eight times out of a hundred with the Correct Sword. So, what is best when facing a stronger opponent? ¡°The Middle Sword and Flexible Sword are advantageous. If the opponent is a careless fool, the Quick Sword is good, and if they are cowardly and suspicious, the Correct Sword is good. But if I had to choose the most advantageous, I would pick the Phantom Sword.¡± The sword that deceives and mesmerizes the opponent. Luagarne¡¯s words implied that all five forms of swordsmanship had their advantages, but there was no definitive answer. In this world, not everything has a set answer. These were words derived from one¡¯s temperament, ideology, and personal experiences. It was like saying that people are more important than swordsmanship. In conclusion: ¡°When you meet someone stronger than you, the person who is quick-witted and fast on their feet has the best advantage.¡± Squawk squawk! Luagarneughed as she spoke. Encrid was slowly getting used to Frog¡¯sughter. Knowing that Frog expresses emotions by puffing out his cheeks is one thing, but experiencing it over a long period is another. Afterward: ¡°There¡¯s a story that the Tangum style was originally created to deal with monsters and beasts. Doesn¡¯t that seem somewhat urate?¡± ¡°The Correct Sword pairs well with the Flexible Sword, and the Middle Sword pairs with the Quick Sword. Only the Phantom Sword stands alone.¡± ¡°When you hold and learn a sword, other sword techniques tend to stick as well. But the best approach is to learn them all in a rounded manner. Your standout skills will naturally improve further. But it seems you¡¯re not quite there yet, so you¡¯ll need to train more diligently.¡± She offered advice without holding back, viewing things from a subjective perspective. ¡°When you cut the wolf beast earlier, you should have struck horizontally, not vertically. Then you wouldn¡¯t have that mark on your left arm now. I told you to shift your weight onto your right foot and let it slide using the Flexible Sword style. To be more precise, it should have been like this.¡± She repeatedly demonstrated and offered advice after battles. ¡°Alright, like this, try it again. Block it this time.¡± The training continued repetitively. Luagarne wielded her sword, replicating the same scenarios. And she didn¡¯t slow her pace. The teaching happened during meal times, early mornings, night watches, and before bed, making use of every avable moment. Every moment, Encrid focused and learned deeply. ¡°Your reaction was slow. You saw it, didn¡¯t you? You should have dodged or blocked it with your sword.¡± Crack. This was during a fight against three hyena beasts. In groups, they were among the most dangerous creatures, but three were manageable, so he stepped in. The fight ended with just a scratch on his side. Yet, Luagarne pointed out the ws. Encrid epted them. As he epted them, he thought about something, a thought that started from her words. When the same thing is pointed out repeatedly, one naturally starts to recognize the problem. ¡®The Sense of Evasion.¡¯ Something Jaxon had taught him but hadn¡¯t yet mastered. ¡®He called it coordination, didn¡¯t he?¡¯ The more he learned, the more there was to do, learn, and train. One of those things was something he hadn¡¯t yet fully grasped. The Sense of Evasion. With improved dynamic vision, he could now see the enemy¡¯s movements much more clearly. For instance, he could anticipate the trajectory and target of a Ghoul¡¯s arm swing with a swoosh. ¡°The Correct Sword shines by predicting the opponent¡¯s movements.¡± Seeing it made it predictable. He swung his sword ordingly. As he thought, he brought the sword down from the right side, drawing a long arc. The de caught on the Ghoul¡¯s arm, splitting it. He lifted the swung sword above his head, twisted his wrist, and brought it down in a vertical sh. The Ghoul¡¯s head was split vertically. Encrid¡¯s sword split the Ghoul¡¯s head and cleaved its corbone. The sword stopped precisely at that point. Encrid deliberately stopped it with force. It wouldn¡¯t have been proper to split it down to the heart in front of Frog. Thud. He kicked the ghoul away and pulled out his sword. The fight ended with just two shes. ¡°Not bad.¡± That was Luagarne¡¯s assessment. From that point on, Encrid focused intently on the Sense of Evasion and the basics of the Correct Sword Technique. The Sense of Evasion. ¡®I can¡¯t grasp it at all.¡¯ He understood the concept and learned the training method. However, just because he learned something doesn¡¯t mean it would immediately be second nature. He already knew from experience that mastery takes time. It¡¯s simr to when he first learned the Heart of the Beast. Or perhaps more akin to when he first learned Focus Point. How did he learn back then? One was realized through experiencing near-death. For the other, it required the approach not of a genius, but of someone less naturally gifted. Does he need a simr environment this time? If the longing burns hot enough, one might wish for an obstacle. One might hope the ferryman would do something. But Encrid didn¡¯t rely on such thoughts. As always, he just did his best in the given circumstances. That was Encrid. The monsters and beasts that frequently appeared were excellent test subjects, and Encrid inwardly weed them, often drawing his sword. ¡°Again?¡± As they were crossing a hill full of thorn bushes, Finn spoke with frustration. It was right after they saw a group of beasts ahead. ¡°This ce isn¡¯t even affected by some demonic energy or anything. How do these damned creatures keep showing up so often?¡± It was anger. Clear, undeniable anger. It¡¯s natural that monsters and beasts don¡¯t understand speech. Therefore, there must have been a valid reason for Finn to express such anger towards them. Under what circumstances does one express such fury towards creatures that don¡¯t understand words? In short, it wasn¡¯t really the monsters she was angry at. At first, Encrid wondered why he was like this, but he quickly realized. The things he had been ignoring while being absorbed in training. He had said it was good that monsters and beasts frequently appeared because they were good for sword training. ¡°It seemed like she was going to explode soon.¡± Krais muttered beside him. Squawk. Frog puffed up his cheeks in agreement. ¡°Krung!¡± Esther sneezed. Finn is a ranger. What do rangers do? Pathfinders find paths. Map makers create maps. Rangers lead the party along safe routes. Why did the cier Rangers make a name for themselves on the continent? Why are they considered remarkable? Because they live in deep forests, ces akin to magicalnds, where extreme cold and monsters roam. They are the best rangers, capable of sensing danger and ensuring the safety of the party. There are even those who hire cier Rangers to gather herbs or rare metals from within the ciernds. Finn is not a cier Ranger. But she also had a certain pride in her work. However, monsters and beasts kept appearing wherever they went. It was understandable for her to feel that her abilities were being questioned. ¡°How many days has it been since we left?¡± Encrid nced at the angry Finn and then spoke up. ¡°Three days.¡± Krais, who was quick on the uptake, answered. If they walked diligently, it would take twenty days to reach the frontier vige. By carriage, it would take six to seven days along the main road. Though there were dangerous paths scattered throughout, having a ranger with them meant the journey could be rtively fast and safe. Before they set off, Finn had nudged Encrid in the side and said: ¡°If we were in a carriage, we¡¯d just ignore the slow-moving ghouls, but on foot, that¡¯s impossible. But! Don¡¯t you think you¡¯re lucky to have a ranger like me with you?¡± The image of Finn smiling as she spoke and the now very angry Finn ovepped in Encrid¡¯s mind. She had a right to be angry. ¡°It¡¯s not your fault.¡± At Encrid¡¯s words, Finn sighed and replied. ¡°Ugh, I just don¡¯t know what to say anymore.¡± She felt frustrated. Even now. Why had she chosen the thorn-covered hill? Monsters and beasts typically avoid inconvenient paths. So they thought this area would be the same. It was a path where thorny bushes blocked the way. It wasn¡¯t easy to navigate without cutting through with a hand axe. Yet, here were the beasts before them, their thick hides notwithstanding. They hade this far, braving the thorns. These were the spotted hyena beastsmonly seen around here. One of them was even limping, for some reason. There were also some dropping blood here and there. ¡°This isn¡¯t normal.¡± muttered Frog. To Finn, it sounded like an empty constion. Encrid didn¡¯t concern himself with that. Instead, he focused on the beasts¡¯ movements. Rather thanunching an attack, the beasts first showed signs of caution. As they heightened their wariness and prepared to fight, Encrid also prepared himself for battle. He set down his backpack and drew his sword. ¡°I¡¯ll handle this. Stay back.¡± Encrid stepped forward. There were eight hyena beasts in total. It wasn¡¯t a small number. Even with one of them limping. It was quite a lot. Typically, a group of beasts was considered dangerous, but no one was worried. In the past three days, they had seen Encrid kill many beasts and monsters. This wasn¡¯t a significant battle. Once again, Encrid got scratched on the shoulder and almost had his thigh bitten, but he cleverly used his shin guard to kick one hyena¡¯s head, quickly getting out of trouble. Two of the eight hyenas headed toward the group. One had its head split into three by Esther¡¯s ws. The other was kicked by Luagarne, sending it flying momentarily like a bird. It was an impressive technique. Kicking a creature into the air without bursting its stomach required a delicate bnce of strength and skill. Encrid took care of the rest of the hyenas. They continued on their way. ¡°Oh, seriously!¡± Finn¡¯s frustration grew. This time, it was a group of striped hyenas. ¡°They¡¯reing out like crazy. Seriously.¡± Krais clicked his tongue. They had encountered so many by now. Srrng. Encrid drew his sword again. It had been twenty days since they left the city. They were at a stream, about to wash up, when a group of around thirteen hyena beasts appeared. It wasn¡¯t a crisis. They had endured even when surrounded by a pack of lycanthropes. Hyena beasts couldn¡¯tpare to lycanthropes. Snap. Frog also provided support. The whip cracked sharply on the ground. ¡°I should loosen up my hands before they get rusty.¡± Luagarne said. She was right. This was just a warm-up. Thud¡ªEsther struck the ground with her front paw. She seemed to be indicating that she was ready too. Of course, they hadn¡¯t forgotten. Esther was a Lake Panther, a cunning panther that understood human speech. Their force was more than sufficient to handle the beasts. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: /revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: /revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 162 After defeating the hyena beasts, the group found a stream, washed up, and pulled out some jerky to eat. Eating, drinking, and cleaning are important, especially on a long journey. Catching a cold could significantly increase the difficulty of the journey. ¡°This vor is amazing.¡± Finn seemed to be feeling a little better, thanks to the seasoned jerky. Luagarne ate dried fruits and some ediblervae she had prepared. She also caught and ate a few insects resembling cicadas. It wasn¡¯t off-putting. They were well aware that this was Frog¡¯s meal. ¡°Insects make the body strong.¡± she said, chewing on driedrvae. There were no facilities at the Border Guard for Frog. So, that meal was Luagarne¡¯s own preparation. As long as they were satisfied with their food, that was enough. In that regard, Esther also enjoyed the jerky, chewing it a few times before swallowing, nodding in satisfaction. Is that really a panther? At this point, you might as well call her a human. Everyone filled their leather bottles with water and drank. The stream¡¯s water was clear and refreshing. As they followed the road and crossed a small hill, Encrid caught an unpleasant scent. ¡®The smell of blood?¡¯ It was the smell of death, of battle. The smell of blood and metal, the scent of the battlefield. As they crossed the hill, the source of the smell became visible. They saw the scattered corpses of beasts. There were beasts resembling wolves, snakes, and goats. The numbers weren¡¯t small. The wounds showed signs of being cut, struck, and torn by weapons. There were many other corpses that were torn to pieces. They also saw traces of wild dogs that had been eating the bodies. What are beasts? Beasts are animals that have been transformed by the influence of magic or demonic energy from the magic realm. Carnivorous and aggressive animals are more easily and deeply influenced and transformed. Even so¡­ ¡®There are many.¡¯ Just as Finn had angrily remarked, how could there be so many beasts in a ce that wasn¡¯t even a magic realm? They counted about thirty bodies scattered around. The magic realm is and where humans cannot trespass. It¡¯s the origin of monsters and beasts. Several kingdoms had tried to purge it, only to weaken and fall prey to neighboring countries. It¡¯s widely spected that something in the core of the magic realm is producing these monsters. Of course, if this were near the magic realm, this number would be considered insignificant. After this, they did not encounter any more beasts. ¡°I want to say this is normal.¡± Finn muttered. She also saw the bodies of beasts lying dead everywhere. They also saw a few ghouls, but mostly it was beasts. There were significantly more beasts than monsters. After spending most of twenty days on the road, the group finally sighted the pioneer vige. Their encounters with numerous monsters and beasts dyed them by two days, making it a total of twenty-two days. They had reached their destination. High wooden walls. Strong barriers to prevent enemy invasion. There were even a couple of structures resembling watchtowers visible. It wasn¡¯t small. If the kingdom was serious about supporting the vige, it could grow to this size. It was a vige that almost resembled a fortress. ¡°It¡¯s big, isn¡¯t it?¡± Krais shared his impressions. ¡°Indeed.¡± Finn replied leisurely, looking around. As a ranger, she had been annoyed at times, but they had arrived, and that was enough for her. Not everything can be perfect. Encrid, on the other hand, didn¡¯t concern himself with such things. He simply headed toward the wooden palisade. It was a well-made defensive structure, that was his first thought. It meant that serious military effort had been invested in this pioneer vige. When Encrid identified himself at the gate, the doors of the palisade were soon opened. A man with a stern gaze was watching from the watchtower, his eyebrows twitching. He had a particrly unfriendly look. ¡®He has a face that makes you want to hit him.¡¯ Even though Encrid usually wasn¡¯t concerned with others, he felt an urge to punch that face. Inside, they saw that the palisade and gates were made entirely of thick logs. It was a very sturdy fence, almost at the level of a city wall, or at least close to it in size and height. In the center of the vige, there was a long gpole and a tform, which clearly marked the vige square. As they entered, the vige headman, the representative of the vige, came out to greet them. The headman was a young man, about the same age as Encrid. His face was ordinary, but his eyes were full of confidence. ¡°Wee.¡± The headman said. Encrid sensed from his tone, attitude, and gaze that they were not entirely wee. Was it due to his keen instincts and intuition? Despite Frog being part of the group, the headman did not genuinely wee them. * * * ¡°We are sufficient on our own here.¡± ¡°We¡¯ve already driven off therge bandit group that was nearby.¡± ¡°Have you heard of the ck de Bandits? Even they didn¡¯t dare toe close!¡± ¡°We appreciate the Froging and yourmander¡¯s presence, but as you can see, this isn¡¯t a small vige.¡± ¡°So you¡¯re a toon leader? You must be quite skilled with the sword.¡± ¡°We even have a former mercenary leader among us, known as ive the One-Eyed. He¡¯s our vige guard captain now.¡± Their treatment could be summarized as: ¡°We can handle things ourselves, you can just watch and leave. Just say we did a good job on the mission. We¡¯ve already dealt with the colony.¡± This was the sentiment from the headman and the vige¡¯s core leadership. There were no old people among them, mostly middle-aged or younger. They made it clear that they didn¡¯t want interference, and most of the vigers seemed to support this sentiment. Especially the vige guard or militia, who seemed almost hostile. ¡°Let¡¯s do that.¡± Encrid didn¡¯t insist on asserting hismand authority. It was a futile effort. A mission is a mission, work is work, and people are people. Since they said they¡¯d handle it, Encrid decided to leave them to it. However, they decided to stay in the vige for a while. A week at most, or five days at the least, to ensure everything was truly safe before reporting back. Encrid didn¡¯t take their attitude seriously. They were given a hastily built shack as amodation. Krais had gone out to explore the vige, and Luagarne asked, ¡°Are we just going to stay here? Just sightseeing?¡± ¡°Let¡¯s spend the time training.¡± ¡°Even here? Well, that makes sense.¡± Now, Luagarne was getting used to Encrid. This guy could swing his sword anywhere, even here. There were plenty of open spaces near the hut, still many ces where houses had yet to be built. In one such open space, Encrid swung his sword. He had never cared whether anyone was watching. He practiced the basics of the Correct Sword Technique, along with the Sense of Evasion, things he had recently be deeply engrossed in. As he continued to swing his sword, everything he had learned began to flow through his body naturally. Swinging and swinging again, he stepped into a world where he lost himself and only the sword remained. In this state, Encrid reflected on what he had learned from Luagarne during their journey. Encrid began to swing his sword more vigorously. Meanwhile, Krais was busy exploring the vige. He expected to be shunned as an outsider, but surprisingly, he blended in well. ¡®That¡¯s a skill in itself.¡¯ Luagarne thought. Krais was adept at reading people and knowing how to appeal to them. While wandering around, he would say things like, ¡°Would you like a cigarette?¡± offering a hand-rolled cigarette to gain favor. In doing so, he struck up a friendship with a bearded man near the quarry. ¡°You¡¯ve done a great job. It¡¯s risky toe all the way here, isn¡¯t it? To a pioneer vige, wow. A real man, aren¡¯t you?¡± With just a few words, he won the man¡¯s goodwill. ¡®He¡¯s got a good way with words.¡¯ Luagarne noted. Such people were quitemon in the kingdom: politicians, nobles living on state stipends, and administrators. ¡®Will he fit in?¡¯ Given the usual understanding, the journey here had been harsh and dangerous. Though the group¡¯s strength meant they hadn¡¯t faced significant threats, it was still remarkable to see Krais immediately engaging with themunity so actively. Frog¡¯s gaze wandered, searching for the rest of the group. Esther, the panther, rested its paws on the windowsill of the hut, staring intently at its master. Finn was inside, catching up on much-needed sleep. Luagarne had nothing in particr to do. When there was free time, assisting Encrid with his training was the natural choice, so she did that. As she watched, memories of past connections began to surface. Specifically, the so-called geniuses who had passed through her hands. Every single one of them had been like the offspring of dogs. Yes, that¡¯s right. The offspring of dogs, indeed. ¡°That seems to be enough for now.¡± ¡°Do I need to learn more?¡± ¡°I have an appointment at the salon this evening.¡± ¡°Do you like me? Because I have no intention of engaging in some kind of spiritual love with Frog, so it would be nice if you could leave me alone.¡± ¡°This is my limit. I can¡¯t do more.¡± Talented people were all simr. Even with minimal effort, their bodies would absorb the skills, making intense, bone-crushing training unnecessary. Spitting blood from hard training was difficult for them. They merely rushed toplete the training hours. Born with bodies that were incredibly efficient, they became like wells dried up of willpower. In the end, mastering the sword means controlling the body and making it move as intended. That is the basic requirement. Those born with such talent quickly absorbed skills after a few tries, but they weren¡¯t used to hard work. Pffff. Thinking about this made her cheeks puff out involuntarily. So, if they had the basic requirements, what should they do next? ¡®Well, what should they do?¡¯ They should swing their swords diligently, run, and roll. But were there really such people? They were extremely rare. Very rare. Even though most were like that, there were exceptions. ¡®God isn¡¯t fair.¡¯ The memories that surfaced weren¡¯t mncholic but weren¡¯t particrly happy either. Her first lover, a man who always gave his best without thinking about tomorrow. ¡°Training is fun.¡± The words he had said came to mind. Luagarne reminisced. She had been young then, much more passionate than she was now. Of course, just because Frog was aging didn¡¯t mean his desires would wane. They were hedonists. Abat race that lived ording to their own desires and wants. As her thoughts drifted, another man filled her vision. Seeing him, she spoke involuntarily. ¡°Is it fun?¡± Lost in her memories, Luagarne asked. Encrid nced at Luagarne and nodded slightly. ¡°Yes, it¡¯s fun.¡± Luagarne saw a man drenched in sweat. He had ck hair and blue eyes, different from her former lover. He was also remarkably talented. If he had lived, if the unfairness of the Gods hadn¡¯t burdened him, he might have be a Knight. But the man before her wasn¡¯t him. Yet, why did they seem to ovep? It was just a memory, a faded past, a memory that had be pain instead of pleasure. Being a Frog, Luagarne discarded the unpleasant memory. Living in the present, giving in to desires, and keeping promises was enough for her. ¡°Captain, Captain.¡± Krais approached, calling out to Encrid, breaking Luagarne¡¯s brief reverie. Krais spoke up as he arrived. ¡°It¡¯s quite serious here, isn¡¯t it? They¡¯re nning a quarry, a training ground, and even barracks. There¡¯s talk of some noble backing them.¡± Not even half a day had passed, and he had gathered a lot of information. Krais raised a finger towards the sky, indicating that a higher power was involved in the vige. Indeed, without such support, such scale would be difficult to achieve. ¡°What about the defenses?¡± Encrid, nodding, asked. What would happen if arge horde of beasts attacked? The original mission was to deal with a colony of beasts. The grantedmand meant to use the vige militia, but if that wasn¡¯t possible? Could the vige handle the colony on its own? Would they be safe if more trouble arose? Given the responsibility, he had to be thorough. Krais wasn¡¯t just wandering aimlessly. He seemed to have good synergy with Encrid. Just a look from Encrid, and Krais knew what to find out. ¡°They¡¯re well-prepared. The former mercenary leader seems to have trained them well. I¡¯m not an expert, but they have discipline, which means they won¡¯t easily fall apart. The guys in the watchtower, their eyes are sharp, they speak kindly but have a fierce look.¡± The watchtower, those eyes, that face¡ªhe didn¡¯t particrly like it. It felt like they might have been mercenaries who also did some banditry. Maybe they were. Anyway, it seemed there was nothing to worry about. So, what should they do? ¡°In that case, Captain, maybe we should look for treasure¡­¡± ¡°Luagarne.¡± Encrid interrupted Krais before he could finish and called for Frog. Freed from her reverie, Frog rolled her bulging eyes. ¡°Let¡¯s spar.¡± Sparring and training, just as usual. People were already gathering to watch Encrid, intrigued by this unusual sight. He seemed like he would swing his sword all day, even here. ¡°Shall we use wooden swords?¡± Frog asked. ¡°Krais?¡± Encrid called out the name of his resourceful subordinate instead of answering. Even as unwee guests, they could probably find two wooden swords. ¡°We¡¯re not really going treasure hunting, are we?¡± Krais asked in response to Encrid¡¯s request. There was genuine concern in his tone, which was understandable, given the risk involved. ¡°We¡¯re leaning toward going.¡± Encrid replied. ¡°¡­I¡¯ll get the wooden swords.¡± Though Encrid had a sly side, Krais wasn¡¯t unaware of it. But Encrid was known to keep his word. And he said he was leaning towards it. So it was half-decided. As Krais headed off to get the swords, a peculiar sound came from behind. Turning around, Encrid saw Esther, the panther,ughing. Herughter was quite unique. ¡°Did you alwaysugh like that?¡± Encrid asked, curious. Esther pretended to be serious, elongating her neck and turning her head to rest on her front paws. It seemed she wasn¡¯t going to answer. Soon, Krais returned with the wooden swords, and the sparring began. There was a reason Luagarne had asked for wooden swords. ¡°It¡¯s a strategy game.¡± she exined. It was a method she once used to teach her talented lover, though Encrid didn¡¯t know that. He was just busy enjoying it. It was a new training, a new form of swordy. It was enjoyable. It was training to polish the basics of the Correct Sword Technique, beyond just physical ability. How to block and deflect the opponent¡¯s sword for the next move. All of it was setting up traps for the next step. Slowly, they shed wooden swords, developing their strategies. ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± ¡°Are they just ying around?¡± ¡°What? Reinforcements from the Kingdom? Not on vacation?¡± People began to talk as they watched. The rumor that there was a guy ying sword games with Frog started to spread. Despite its size, this was a pioneer vige, with no more than two hundred residents, excluding the militia. Rumors spread that the toon leader from the Border Guard was a cker who brought along a woman and a Frog as a bodyguard and guide, and even brought a big-eyed servant and a pet. Encrid didn¡¯t care. He had dealt with worse rumors when he was a Troublemaking Squad leader and had never been bothered by them. ¡°Ah, you¡¯re training with swords even here?¡± Finn, waking up from a nap, stuck out her tongue in disbelief when she saw Encrid drenched in sweat. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: /revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: /revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 163 Day one, while Encrid was engrossed in training, the vige chief offered dinner. He brought various foods to the hut. ¡°Please eat.¡± The person who brought the food was a red-haired woman, perhaps a couple of years younger than Encrid. ¡°He¡¯s not doing this with bad intentions.¡± She defended the vige chief. ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡± Encrid replied indifferently, and the woman¡¯s face brightened. ¡°My name is Shai.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± After a brief introduction, Shai blushed and left, and from behind, Krais muttered. ¡°See, it¡¯s that charm again. I told you, we should open a salon together.¡± Should I tell him that if his salon bes a knightly order with a name like Swallow Knights or Host Knights, then we can think about it? Encrid kept silent. The word ¡®charm¡¯ was best left unanswered. The table wasn¡¯tvish, but there was white bread, thin stew, roasted beans, and corn¡ªenough to fill a meal. It would be greedy to expect meat here. Frog¡¯s meal couldn¡¯t be separate, so Luagarne ate raw vegetables. Crunch. ¡°Vegetables with bugs are good, you know, because there¡¯s a special treat mixed in.¡± She said this while chewing on a dandelion leaf with holes in it. She seemed to enjoy the bugs in the vegetables. Encrid wasn¡¯t bothered by it. What¡¯s this much? Finn and Krais were the same. One was a ranger, she thought that anything from the ground or that moves could be eaten, as a scout. Krais had also endured hardships that weren¡¯t to be envied. What¡¯s wrong with eating a few bugs? Would Encrid be any different? After finishing dinner, they trained again until it was time to sleep. ¡°Do you ever get tired of it?¡± Krais remarked as they trained again. There was no bathroom, so they had to wash at the well. The water was cool, but it felt refreshing. After washing, they inspected the equipment that had worn out during their journey. Since only the sword had been swung intensely, it only needed sharpening. He polished the de with prepared animal fat oil, then rubbed it with leather, and finally finished with a clean cloth. There was a bit of a fishy smell left, but it was better than letting the de deteriorate. He checked for any missing teeth, it was fine. ¡®Excellent.¡¯ Encrid admired the skill of the cksmith from the Border Guard. Not just anyone could make such a sword, even with Valyrian steel and Noir Mountain wrought iron. Not that a lot of those expensive metals were used. The next day, after another day had passed. As always, Encrid got up at dawn and continued with the Istion Technique and training. Finn, who had napped too much to sleep, went out to scout the area. The moon was still visible, but she said she was just going to look around. It must be a ranger¡¯s habit¡ªto memorize the surrounding terrain. ¡°Deutsche Pullman.¡± During another round of green training, as dawn broke, a man with rough-looking short hair approached Encrid. He was a one-eyed man holding a broad-ded ive in one hand. His eye patch and scar across his face made his appearance rather rough. ¡°You¡¯re from Zaltembock, aren¡¯t you?¡± Deutsche stared nkly and spoke. Where was Zaltembock again? It seemed to be in the central region. ¡°toon Leader of the Border Guard, Encrid.¡± It was a brief introduction. Afterward, Encrid continued with his training. Whatever the purpose of the visit was, he didn¡¯t feel the need to stop. * * * Deutsche stared nkly at the other man and then spoke. ¡°I heard you came as themander.¡± ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Encrid¡¯s response was curt, delivered while swinging his sword. Deutsche continued to watch him nkly. What was he doing? He was swinging a wooden sword in the air¡ªslowly and precisely. Here once, there once. Does that even help? ¡°Are you busy?¡± ¡°Not particrly.¡± Is he mocking me? Deutsche frowned. Why was he responding like this to someone who came to talk? He hade to test if Encrid might be eyeing his position as the captain of the guard in this frontier vige. But his attitude¡­ Deutsche didn¡¯t want to start an unnecessary argument or give Encrid any room for advantage. ¡®Hold back.¡¯ So, he had to hold back. ¡°The palisade here is coated with a lot of resin. It can easily hold off most monsters and beasts.¡± ¡°I see.¡± ¡°We periodically organize strike teams to go out and deal with the beasts. So far, we¡¯ve had no major issues.¡± ¡°I see.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve brought over thirty people, and we¡¯ve expanded the militia through training.¡± ¡°I see.¡± ¡°I also manage the quarry, so most of my people handle that too.¡± ¡°I see.¡± ¡°We¡¯ve built watchtowers, and my men guard them day and night, two at a time.¡± ¡°I see.¡± Is this guy weird? It was natural to start thinking that. Encrid had been sent as themander, and Deutsche wanted to check if the Border Guard intended to exert any pressure on the vige. But Encrid seemedpletely uninterested. At the very least, shouldn¡¯t he have somements about the vige¡¯s defenses? Was he dismissive because he thought the vige militia was insignificant? Usually, people would try to find ws, point them out, and use them to solidify theirmand. Deutsche felt like all his ns discussed with the vige chief were unraveling. ¡®This guy seems strange.¡¯ His eyes didn¡¯t seem normal, even from the beginning. He appeared to be staring nkly into space, with a vacant expression, even while swinging his sword. What¡¯s going through his mind while he¡¯s doing that? ying around with Frog and wooden swords, was that really what he was doing? Or what exactly was he here for? Complicated thoughts swirled in Deutsche¡¯s head. Finally, he spoke. ¡°Are you here to train or something?¡± ¡°Half and half?¡± Finally, Encrid nced over and replied. Was he really here to train? ¡°We¡¯ve already taken care of the monsters forming colonies.¡± ¡°I see.¡± Forget it. This guy¡¯s not normal. Deutsche realized that at least Encrid wasn¡¯t here to take over hismand. Whatever his ns were, time would reveal them. ¡°Captain, there¡¯s a monster.¡± Just then, a subordinate called out to him. The man was a recent recruit, quick and sharp. He was an excellent subordinate, attentive to details. ¡°Oh, right.¡± Deutsche turned away. Encrid continued with his training. Deutsche resumed his duties, keeping the vige¡¯s defenses strong and vignt against the surroundings. The monster colony had been dealt with before Encrid¡¯s group arrived. ¡®Just a pack of hyenas.¡¯ What was the big deal about twenty hyenas? They didn¡¯t know. The number of monsters Encrid had in on his way here. The corpses of beasts littered along the path to the vige. Or that an entire band of ¡®ck de Bandits¡¯ had been wiped out. Simply put. ¡®I expected the bandits to cause trouble.¡¯ Deutsche waited for the bandits, hearing daily reports. Usually, when there¡¯s a frontier vige, bandits swarm in, drooling as if there¡¯s treasure hidden. But there was no sign of them. It was quiet. Everything was progressing smoothly. ¡®Is luck on our side?¡¯ It seemed like the Goddess of luck had winked at them, and they hadn¡¯t even noticed. On the third day after the Border Guard¡¯s arrival. Bang, bang, bang, bang! The bell rang, piercing the dawn mist with its rm of an enemy attack. ¡®Is it bandits?¡¯ Deutsche leaped up and grabbed his weapon. He was ready to showcase his skills as ¡®the One-Eyed ive¡¯. He burst out of the door. ¡°Everyone¡­!¡± Deutsche couldn¡¯t finish his sentence as he drew his weapon to block the attack. ng! Metal shed with metal. The impact of an axe de on his ive reverberated through the walnut-wood shaft, shaking his hand. ¡°Ugh!¡± With a shout, he struck the axe-wielding creature with the shaft of his ive. Thud! The struck creature was thrown to the side. What¡¯s going on? Deutsche was shocked. He hadn¡¯t even put on his armor, and the ce was swarming with monsters. ¡°Grrraaaagh!¡± The fallen creature let out a strange cry. It was a knoll, a monster with a long upper body and spotted patterns all over. If just one had broken in, it wouldn¡¯t have been a big deal. He would have simply smashed the head of the one who rang the bell. After dealing with it and reporting, it would have been over. Why cause a fuss? But if about six knolls and some hyena beasts had broken in? You could ring the bell, but you¡¯d be angry if they showed up right in front of you. Can¡¯t handle this? An ex-mercenary group? But now, what is happening? ¡°Argh!¡± ¡°Fight! Don¡¯t retreat!¡± ¡°Shoot, shoot, ¡°Just shoot them down!¡± ¡°Help! Help me!¡± ¡°Ugh!¡± ¡°Ah!¡± The sounds of desperate cries for survival and the final gasps of the dying filled the air. In the chaos, Deutsche caught glimpses of his subordinates, but it was impossible to tell their condition. There were many¡ªhyena beasts and knolls were pouring in like a tide. With a guttural growl, the number of knolls in front of Deutsche grew to five. Knolls tend to work in groups. The growl was a call for more knolls to engage Deutsche. ¡°Take this!¡± Deutsche fought fiercely. He faced four knolls with hand axes and one with a spear. His ive split the heads of two knolls when¡­ ¡°Grrraaaagh!¡± The knolls howled again. The number of enemies increased once more. ¡°This is insane.¡± Was this even possible? Deutsche felt, no, he was certain of his impending death. He was at the brink of an inescapable abyss. * * * Encrid had a long-standing habit of waking up at dawn. ¡®Time is short.¡¯ While others with exceptional or average talent swung their swords once, Encrid had to swing his ten times. If that wasn¡¯t enough, he¡¯d swing it a hundred times, if that wasn¡¯t enough, a thousand times. Even though there was no guarantee of reward for such effort. ¡®Ah.¡¯ But through small, continuous realizations and the teachings of Luagarne, hints of consideration began to surface. He sought out and chewed on these insights, savoring the vors of his understanding. His sword moved, and for Encrid, every day was a new experience. It had always been this way, but recently, it was even more so. Especially since he had experienced sudden insights even while practicing the Istion Technique. ¡®Coordination.¡¯ It refers to the body¡¯s ability to respond the moment it perceives something. It¡¯s a difference in reaction speed. The Sense of Evasion technique is based on this. It¡¯s difficult to internalize this skill through regr training. So, what did he need? ¡®Even if I die, I will do it.¡¯ He needed a resolve, a determination to do something even at the risk of death. When the Heart of the Beast provided not calmness but boldness. Encrid realized something. All it would take is a small trigger. Just as he finished organizing his thoughts. Grrraaaagh! A moment of ominous air spread, and as the blue light of dawn faded, screams echoed from the front. Bang, bang, bang, bang! The emergency bell rang. ¡°An attack! Monsters! Monsters!¡± Huh? Encrid had been focused solely on his training, while Krais spent the spare time exploring the vige. ¡°The palisade is pretty sturdy. If something happens, we could hold out for quite a while inside the vige.¡± ¡°We don¡¯t have siege weapons like trebuchets or mangonels, but the palisade is quite strong. It seems to have been built with endurance in mind. The conclusion is this.¡± This was Krais¡¯s answer to the question of whether the vige could be in danger. ¡°It¡¯s fine. If something happens, reinforcements from another city will arrive soon. If we hold out, we couldst over a month here.¡± This was despite the presence of a colony of monsters. ¡°But that¡¯s not right, Big Eyes.¡± Encrid muttered. Thud, thud, thud! Grrraaaagh! The sound of footsteps pounding the ground, the dust kicked up by the running monsters and beasts. There was a horde charging forward without even pausing for breath. The number of beasts and monsters was so vast it was pointless to count. Grrraaaaagh! Kaawoooo! Exchanging howls, they ran along the paths made by humans. An axe from a knoll crashed down onto a market stall. Thud! The splintered wood shattered and scattered. ¡°Aaaah!¡± A human screamyered over the scene. It was a horde of knolls and hyenas. The dangers of the monster knolls shed through his mind. First, they operate in groups. Even a single knoll leads packs of hyena beasts. That¡¯s troublesome. Second, each individual is formidable and not to be underestimated. Third, knolls often pair up with hyena beasts. Thoughts were thoughts. Actions were actions. Encrid drew his sword and stepped forward. Behind the hut where he stayed, there were vigers at work. The militia, or where Deutsche and his men were, was in the vige center, so there were not many avable fighters here. ¡°Huh? Uh-oh?¡± From behind Encrid, a quarry worker who hade out to relieve himself fell back in fright. ¡°Lua!¡± In his urgency, Encrid shouted half of Frog¡¯s name as he swung his sword. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: /revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: /revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 164 As the creature wielding a crude spear rushed forward, Encrid¡¯s sword drew an arc, slicing through the spear shaft and the creature¡¯s chest in one swift motion. sh! Thud! The sounds rang out simultaneously as the creature¡¯s chest split open, spilling thick, ck blood characteristic of monstrous beings. Blood oozed from the creature¡¯s yellow fur. Encrid swung his sword, sttering the blood from the spotted pelt. The creature, chest split open, gurgled and frothed ck blood from its mouth. sh! A whip followed, catching the neck of a hyena-like beast that had lunged at a fallen worker, sending its head flying. It soared through the air,nding amongst the creatures. One fell off a rooftop with a ttering sound. ¡°Lua is a name called by lovers, isn¡¯t it?¡± said Frog, now wearing chest armor. Her gaze briefly passed over the creature¡¯s corpse. Though unintentional, she had struck its heart. She looked away indifferently. Frog, with her extensive experience, showed her seasoned nature. She was the teacher of the Correct Sword Technique and an experienced fighter. ¡°Hey, I have to go.¡± she suddenly said. ¡°¡­Where?¡± Despite the situation, Frog announced she was leaving. Suddenly? ¡°A cult.¡± She gave no time for questions. Lua¡¯s cheeks puffed up, a gesture expressing emotions like anger and regret, but Encrid couldn¡¯t understand it. Lua charged forward,unching herself with a thud, leaving a fountain of earth in her wake. Frog moved swiftly, leaving afteriwizards. Hyena-like beasts blocked her path, but it was futile. Frog, a green blur, charged ahead. With a thunderous noise, the creatures flew in all directions. It seemed surreal, a feat of immense strength, possible only for someone like Frog who ignored minor injuries. Encrid focused his gaze where Frog was heading. There was something there, or rather, someone familiar. A figure he had seen over the past three days, always sticking close to that leader named Deutsche. ¡°Kyaa!¡± Before the stunned worker, Esther stood firm. Encrid averted his gaze again. The area was teeming with creatures and hyena-like beasts. It was no time to be curious about the cult or anything else. ¡°What is this?¡± muttered Krais behind him. There was no time to respond. The creatures were rushing towards Encrid. ¡°Ha.¡± Exhaling, Encrid nted his left foot, twisting his ankle, knee, and waist as he shed with his sword. The mid-cutting rotation cleaved the approaching creature, ck blood and entrails spilling out. The bisected body flew to Encrid¡¯s left, momentarily halting the creature¡¯s advance, but only briefly. One creature, stepping over the corpse, swung a battle hammer. More creatures followed, tongues lolling and drooling. Encrid stood alone, without armor, wielding only a sword. The situation was dire. ¡°They keeping!¡± Krais shouted as Encrid took another deep breath and raised his sword. There was no time for words as the chaotic battle began. * * * In this world, some things couldn¡¯t be ignored, and some deeds couldn¡¯t be forgiven. For Luagarne, the cult was such a thing. A group of fanatics believing their God lived in the Demonic Realm, a target for an unyielding vengeance. The moment she saw the cult, Luagarne¡¯s mind went nk with rage. Though she had extensive experience, enough to utter the word ¡®heart¡¯, she was still a Frog¡ªa creature driven by the desires and urges boiling within her chest. It was the cult that had killed her first lover. She had sworn back then, to her heart, to kill every cultist she encountered. For Luagarne, this was more important than anything else. Kill them all and return¡ªthat was the goal. But she stopped. The cultist had been more cunning than expected. ¡°Damn Frog.¡± The fleeing cult member smirked bitterly. To an observer, it appeared as such. Had she fallen into his trap? No, it was time to break their arrogance. However, she couldn¡¯t immediately return to Encrid. ¡®Don¡¯t die.¡¯ she could only hope. * * * Right after Luagarne left, the monsters surged forward like water from a broken dam. Encrid stepped forward to buy time, but it was futile. There were simply too many enemies. ¡°Grrr!¡± With a strange growl, a creature swung a small battle hammer at his head. A weapon tipped with iron spikes¡ªgetting hit would do more than just hurt. He stepped back and swung his sword upwards in a reverse vertical sh. Thud! Encrid split the creature¡¯s jaw and skull in half vertically. Then, he struck a hyena-like beast¡¯s head with the pommel of his sword, which leaped at him from the left. Thud! The hyena fell to the ground, and Encrid felt the distinct sensation of crushing a walnut, indicating its skull had been shattered. There was no time to check how well it had cracked. Now from the right, three gleaming des came at him. The creatures were remarkably coordinated. In a split-second decision, Encrid swung his sword three times. If he couldn¡¯t block, he could at least strike down the des. Focused, Encrid¡¯s eyes shone as he shed through two of the des. Bang! Bang! Encrid managed to deflect two of the iing des, but as he twisted his body to avoid the remaining one, a spearhead suddenly thrust into his abdomen. Reacting quickly, Encrid brought his sword down, slicing through the middle of the spear shaft. Crack. He managed to stop the spear from going deeper, but then¡ª Thud! A hammer came down on his shoulder from another enemy. There was no way to block it, even with heightened senses, it was impossible to detect every attack in such a chaotic battle. The blow came from a blind spot. Stopping after being hit meant death. Instinct and intuition urged him to act. Encrid allowed himself to fall back, using his weight to his advantage. He switched his grip on the sword, stabbing backward with the pommel towards his left shoulder. Thud! A heavy impact and a gurgling sound came from the creature behind him. Pretending to fall, Encrid quickly sprang up and swung his sword to the right. Another hyena-like beast was rushing towards him. The first creature aimed for his throat boldly, but the following hyena-like beast was relentless. This one aimed for his wrist. Encrid split its head open just as it leaped at him. In the midst of this danger, Encrid¡¯s heart pounded wildly. Calmness, courage. The Heart of the Beast steadied his mind. As he became aware of his surroundings, his senses heightened, and time seemed to slow down. The weapons of the creatures in front of him¡ªspears, dii, battle axes, and hammers¡ªseemed to fall towards him in sequence. He saw the line connecting the points. A line separating life and death. Following the line, Encrid swung his sword. Thud! Swoosh! Crack! Thud! His well-honed de performed a series of precise strikes. The head of the nearest creature was cleaved off with an overhead sh. The second one had its throat cut as Encrid smoothly brought the sword down from the first strike. The third creature was struck with a downward sh, cutting through its corbone and down to its heart. The fourth was shed diagonally across, cutting through its ribs and stomach, spilling its entrails. The remaining three suffered simr fates, all struck with lethal blows. In an instant, Encrid had killed four creatures. The ground was soaked with the monsters¡¯ ck blood. The creatures were known for their persistence. They used theirrades¡¯ deaths as opportunities to strike from behind with spears. The hyena-like beasts added to the relentless assault. Failing to attack his wrist, they targeted his thigh, and after that was thwarted, they went for his shin. It wasn¡¯t just a couple of them. Counting their numbers seemed pointless. There was no room to worry about others. Encrid focused all his energy on what he could do: shing, stabbing, and striking repeatedly. The Mid-Cutting Sword Technique flowed naturally, cleaving through the heads and bodies of the beasts. Despite battling and killing dozens of them, the number of creatures and hyena-like beasts around him remained unchanged. Even with his calmness, he couldn¡¯t help but feel breathless, his heart pounding in his chest. Moreover, strange new enemies appeared among the creatures. These wererger, standing a head taller than the others. Naturally, they were stronger and more challenging to deal with. Most of the creatures were smaller than Encrid, but these anomalies were evenrger than him. One of them approached, swinging a wooden club with nails embedded in it from above. ¡°Grrraah!¡± ¡®I can¡¯t dodge it.¡¯ In that split-second judgment, he made the best decision he could. ¡®Jump.¡¯ Boom! Encrid, having prepared for this moment but using his trump card sparingly, unleashed it now. Drawing on the Heart of Might, he swung his sword upward without hesitation. Bang! A deafening explosion echoed. The mutated creature¡¯s club flew skyward as if struck by an explosion spell. Seizing the moment, Encrid sprang forward, reaching for the creature¡¯s neck. A single thrust of his hand turned into a piercing light, creating a hole in the mutant¡¯s throat. St! The thrust and withdrawal were one swift motion. He had to act quickly, losing his sword would mean losing his only weapon. Two more mutants charged from the side, their yellow eyes gleaming with malice and greed. What could he do against those eyes? What could he possibly achieve? He didn¡¯t know. All he could do was keep swinging his sword, and that was everything. * * * Esther sensed that something was wrong. ¡®There are too many. It¡¯s arge-scale colony.¡¯ It was a word indicating the sheer size of the group. It was toote to run. Her panther eyes scanned behind her, witnessing the massacre carried out by the monsters. ¡°Sa-save me!¡± A man couldn¡¯t finish his plea before a dius pierced his neck. ¡°Screeeam!¡± Another was bitten alive by hyena beasts. Stab, stab. Knolls stabbed fallen corpses repeatedly. ¡°Grrrk! Grrrk!¡± The monsters exuded a vile delight. It all happened in an instant. The humans had no chance to escape. The walls were high. Once the monsters breached, it was no longer a human vige but a tter for monsters. There was no ce to flee. Some humans ran towards the watchtower, hoping to buy some time by reaching higher ground, but it was futile. ¡®It¡¯s not just the monsters.¡¯ Esther¡¯s eyes narrowed. On the watchtower, a former mercenary wasughing while shooting arrows. He aimed at the humans trying to climb up, and thunk, thud¡ªeach hit, a person fell to the ground, bing food for the hyena beasts. Those trying to climb the tower met the same fate. Esther felt a foreboding sense enveloping her mind. ¡°Raaaaaah!¡± She decided to reveal some of her power. She crushed a knoll¡¯s head with a powerful kick. Leaping forward, she shed and wed at several hyena beasts. Thud! Stab! Crack! Her ws cleaved through skulls. Esther rampaged, killing a dozen, but the wave didn¡¯t end. This wasn¡¯t a colony that a small group could handle. It was a disaster-level colony. An abnormal monster colony that would undoubtedly cause significant problems within the kingdom. ¡®Someone¡¯s behind this.¡¯ Esther was a wizard with a realm of spells. Her intuition told her that this was a nned event orchestrated by someone. However, there wasn¡¯t much she could do at the moment. While thinking, she kept moving, quickly realizing her limits. There were simply too many enemies. If they stayed, they would die. They needed to escape. That was her conclusion. How about using a bow? ¡°We need to break through the front! Captain!¡± It was Krais, also known as Big Eyes, shouting. Somehow, he had drawn a short sword. A resourceful friend indeed. It was surprising that he had survived with just a short sword, but then again, he was staying near their captain, who was cutting through the enemies like a storm. He was holding the line right at the boundary. The creatures prioritized the most threatening targets. Which meant Encrid. He was a crucial person for Esther. He fought like a legendary hero, shing, stabbing, and killing the iing creatures with a single sword. Grabbing near the ricasso, he crushed a creature¡¯s head with sheer strength, much like fighting with a half-sword technique. It was an incredible disy of power. If there had been more time and less danger, it would have been a sight to behold in amazement. ¡®This is not good.¡¯ Even if she was a wizard with a realm of spells, there was little she could do in her panther form. Fighting alongside them? That would just mean dying alongside them. Esther climbed onto the roof of a nearby hut. She silenced her presence and watched the man. She decided to observe for now. ¡®I will avenge him.¡¯ She made a resolve, a determination she hadn¡¯t made for anyone in her life. Without fully realizing it, Esther vowed revenge. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: /revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: /revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 165 Encrid didn¡¯t count the number of enemies. He just swung his sword, over and over again. The monsters charged at him endlessly, and human screams echoed in session. No, at some point, the screams disappeared, leaving only the stench of blood and the cries of monsters and beasts. The fight had started at dawn, and now it was noon. The sun had passed overhead. Encrid couldn¡¯t block all the attacks. A hyena beast¡¯s head, detached from its body, was mped onto his left thigh. His left arm hung limp. While his right hand was still functioning, his right foot was not. His toes had been smashed by a hammer, causing his body to sway. His vision became slightly blurred. And yet, the monsters kepting. ¡°Growl!¡± There were no more pleas for help or screams from somewhere nearby. Dragging his foot, Encrid swung his sword. He had overused the Heart of the Beast, causing his muscles to scream in pain. From morning until past noon, he had been cutting down knolls and hyena beasts for almost half a day. The number exceeded a hundred. If anyone had known. If anyone had seen. It would have been a terrifying sight, but he was the only one left here. ¡°Ah, Krais.¡± Taking a step back, he stumbled over something. It was a corpse, so damaged it couldn¡¯t even groan as its stomach was torn open, spilling its intestines. It was a familiar face. Krais, with beast bite marks on his cheek. His face was ruined. He always imed his face was his greatest asset. Finn had gone out on patrol today. Lucky for her, since she¡¯d probably run away if she saw this situation. At least Finn wouldn¡¯t die. The rest were probably all dead. Maybe. Today, again, is a wall. It¡¯s a near-certainty, a premonition. Even without the ferryman telling him, he knew. No, he could almost hear the mocking voice of the ferryman. ¡°Thinking you can surpass the wall just by training your sword? Go ahead, try it. Surrounded by monsters and beasts, you¡¯ll suffocate. That¡¯ll make you realize your limits.¡± Encrid exhaled deeply and gripped his sword again. ¡®Limits, my foot.¡¯ The knoll group, which had been charging for a while, finally stopped. ¡°Growl!¡± ¡°Growl!¡± ¡°Growl!¡± A rough cry erupted. Then, the group of monsters parted to the sides. From the middle of the parted group, a knoll emerged. It walked out with the typical hunched posture of knolls, its back arched with its spine protruding upwards. It wasn¡¯t a giant with an extra head or anything unusual. It didn¡¯t wield any extraordinary weapon, either. It was just an ordinary knoll. The only difference was that its fur stood more erect, and its mouth was longer than the others. In its hands were two daggers, reflecting the sunlight as they gleamed. Whatever was coated on them made them shine. The knoll¡¯s appearance made the growling even louder. The air resonated with the sound, hurting Encrid¡¯s eardrums. He raised his sword before his eyes, feeling his arms tremble. It was the overuse of the Heart of the Beast. ¡®This is it.¡¯ Encrid felt a bit unjustly treated. What was this? He had just woken up and intended to do some training when suddenly, monsters came at him like a tidal wave. And now here he was. The glowing yellow eyes of the knoll before him stared at Encrid. Encrid¡¯s blue eyes, reminiscent of ake, stared back at the knoll. Blue eyes and yellow eyes acknowledged each other¡¯s presence. In a colony of monsters, there is always a leader. You could tell just by the atmosphere. This knoll was the leader. The leader, holding daggers in both hands, twitched its nose. Then, its snout split into a grin. Was that a smile of confidence in victory? Was the knoll smiling? Was that right? Encrid pondered for a moment before deciding to ignore itpletely. It wasn¡¯t a pleasant sight, but what did it matter whether the knoll smiled or not? He just reflected on the events that had transpired during this desperate battle. ¡®I practiced the Correct Sword Technique so thoroughly.¡¯ Well, he had tried to master the basics. It was unlikely to yield any immediate results. Especially when facing monsters, the Correct Sword Technique was difficult to employ. It was, after all, a tide of monsters. ¡®They aren¡¯t opponents that you can just y around with using swordsmanship.¡¯ Luagarne had once said that the Correct Sword Technique was the most disadvantageous when facing monsters. To break through a tide of monsters alone, one would need to be at least of Knight level, or at least a Squire-Knight. So, was there nothing to gain from this desperate struggle? No, there was something. Encrid smiled. As always, he discovered a new clue, and that brought him joy. Countless spears, des, and monsters¡ªwhat he felt while facing them. ¡®If I can move forward even at the risk of death.¡¯ The Sense of Evasion couldn¡¯t be acquired through mere training. But now, he glimpsed its faint outline. His body bore countless wounds¡ªbitten, cut, shed, and struck. He felt it all in every moment. He thought about it each time he was hit. Why did he get hit there? Why couldn¡¯t he dodge it? Reflecting on it while fighting, Encrid pondered and recalled. Perhaps recognizing Encrid¡¯s smile, or perhaps simply disliking the atmosphere, the knoll leader closed its split mouth and charged. With a swift push off the ground, it dashed forward with frightening speed. Itcked weight, but the speed was such that it could easily remind one of a Squire-Knight. Without training in dynamic vision, it was a speed that could easily be missed. Even now, it was barely avoidable. Encrid barely twisted his body, half-squatting as he dodged. Knolls wield weapons, but they don¡¯t use any particr swordsmanship. The knoll¡¯s attacks were simple and straightforward. If they weren¡¯t, dodging would have been impossible. Encrid gripped his sword with both hands and shed upwards. His body was a mess, so he couldn¡¯t deliver his best strike. But he hadn¡¯t expected the knoll to dodge so easily either. With a quick movement, the knoll leader retreated as fast as it had charged, leaving an afterimage. Encrid¡¯s sword cut through empty air. Between the knoll¡¯s yellow fur, its ck spots appeared and disappeared like a fleeting shadow, then reappeared right before his eyes! The knoll had dodged the sword and charged again. This time, Encrid had no way to dodge, the dagger stabbed deep into his thigh. It felt like a red-hot poker being driven in, the searing pain spreading from his thigh throughout his body. As the dagger pierced his thigh, Encrid tried to grab the knoll, but it retreated once again. His empty grasp cut through the air. The knoll backed away and watched Encrid. It circled him slowly, keeping him at the center. Drawing out time? At this moment? Why? What kind of monster is this? At that moment, Encrid realized. ¡°You, you bastard.¡± Instead of smiling, Encrid showed admiration. The dagger stuck in his thigh, coated with something that gleamed. A dull, throbbing pain and simultaneous nausea overwhelmed him. It wasn¡¯t something he could endure. ¡°Ugh!¡± It was only natural to vomit blood and whatever he had eaten. Poison. The dagger had been coated with poison. ¡®Cunning bastard.¡¯ The knoll knew its strengths well. It was faster in both hands and feet and had quicker reactions than the other knolls. It knew that even a scratch on its opponent would lead to victory. The knoll knew how to fight and knew how to win. ¡°Grr.¡± With that, Encrid copsed to the ground. ¡®Luagarne isn¡¯ting back.¡¯ He had wondered if holding on might bring help. It wasn¡¯t hope or dependence, just an acknowledgment of reality. Knowing that no help wasing, that was enough. It was the end. He realized he had to endure alone and prepared for it. Afterwards? He experienced pain like never before. The knoll with the dagger poked Encrid¡¯s body here and there as if ying. Encrid, poisoned, suffered for over half an hour before he died. Darkness, ckness, and then the ferryman again. ¡°The Correct Sword Technique? Do you think that would work? You¡¯ve be a dinghy surrounded by waves of monsters and beasts?¡± Ah, what could he say? The ferryman¡¯s response was so predictable. ¡°I see.¡± Recalling Deutsche¡¯s reaction, Encrid tried the same trick on the ferryman. ¡°¡­Hmm, you bastard?¡± The ferryman seemed to guess Encrid¡¯s intentions immediately and got angry. Waking up again at dawn. Encrid prepared his armor first. nking as he moved, he gathered the remaining sword, various throwing weapons, and armor, feeling the heavy weight pressing on him. It brought a sense of stability. The noise from his preparations likely woke the rest of the group. This, too, was anticipated. No, it was intentional. He had questions to ask. Frog, Luagarne spoke up. ¡°Fully armed from the morning?¡± ¡°Do you know anything about the cult?¡± The sudden question brought a chill into the hut. It was Frog¡¯s doing, not the usually calm Luagarne. ¡°Where did you hear that?¡± Of course, it was from Luagarne¡¯s mouth. ¡°Just briefly, during my mercenary days.¡± ¡°Hmm.¡± ¡°Could we talk outside?¡± Luagarne suppressed the tension in the air. There was no need to say anything right now. Fine, let¡¯s go outside and hear what she has to say. The mention of a cult piqued his curiosity. Encrid stepped outside and checked his gear. Everything was in order. It was the same as always with the Istion Technique. Moving while fully armored was naturally burdensome and ufortable. This difort forced him to correct his posture, and from that corrected posture, he recalled Audin¡¯s teachings. ¡°Training the body is inherently ufortable.¡± Hmm, truly a madman. The difort was meant to burden the muscles, not the joints. How much time had he invested in this? How many times had he repeated this today? Encrid quickly corrected his posture. Today¡¯s Istion Technique would have to be short and intense. There wasn¡¯t much time. Luagarne, stepping outside to talk, was baffled to see Encrid immediately engrossed in training, but she just epted it. That was just the kind of person Encrid was. ¡°Cult, why did you suddenly bring that up?¡± Encrid nced at Luagarne. She had seen cultists before and had even been involved in wiping them out. They often operated in dark corners and shady backstreets of cities. Of course, such matters were typically handled by the church¡¯s inquisitors, so mercenaries rarely got involved. asionally, such problems arose in rural viges, where the vige head would hire mercenaries. Encrid had once dealt with people who smoked a certain herb that scrambled the brain, like some kind of weed. They were half-crazed individuals. Luagarne probably wasn¡¯t referring to those kinds of cultists. So, she had to ask and listen. The sudden mention of a cult hade from Luagarne. ¡°It appeared suddenly in a dream.¡± Encrid was a good talker. Being a good talker meant being able to gauge the other person¡¯s intentions, being quick-witted, and having good reflexes. Encrid knew that Luagarne wasn¡¯t looking at him normally. ¡®She probably doesn¡¯t think I¡¯m sane.¡¯ Even saying this might smooth things over. If not? Then so be it. He could give up on learning about the cult. Half of it was curiosity, and the other half was a feeling that something might be connected. He didn¡¯t need anyone to tell him that this wasn¡¯t just a random colony or gathering of monsters. The number of monsters converging wasn¡¯t normal. ¡°A dream?¡± Luagarne couldn¡¯t help but feel a deep interest in the man before him. Part of that interest stemmed from the fact that Encrid¡¯s mind didn¡¯t seem entirely normal. ¡®Well, that could be the case.¡¯ It seemed Luagarne had epted it. Even in this situation, this man was still moving, fully armored. How could that be normal? He was indeed worthy of being called the leader of the Madmen toon. ¡°True cultists are dangerous, very dangerous. Even mentioning their name lightly can be risky.¡± Luagarne said. ¡°Yes, I understand.¡± Was the exnationcking? Luagarne thought for a moment and added a few more words. ¡°Cults spread across the entire continent, but the truly dangerous ones are those who believe in the ¡®Demon Realm¡¯ as their sacred ce. The only real threat is the ¡®Cult of the Demon Realm Sanctuary,¡¯ also known as the ¡®Rebirth Cult,¡¯ who worship the Six Demons.¡± That should suffice. It was a superficial exnation, but there was no need to know more. Luagarne kept her words brief. Encrid felt he had heard enough. Whether it was the Cult of the Demon Realm Sanctuary, the Rebirth Cult, or the group worshipping the Six Demons. ¡®Could it be connected to them?¡¯ It wasn¡¯t appropriate to ask Luagarne further about that. He would have to figure it out through observation over time. Encrid continued his training. Luagarne, watching him, asked with a grumbling stomach noise, ¡°But, aren¡¯t you hot?¡± Sweat trickled down Encrid¡¯s forehead. It was hot. Training his muscles while fully armored. It must have looked a bit odd. ¡°The weight of the armor adds strain to the muscles, which is beneficial.¡± Encrid casually responded, making up an exnation that sounded usible. This was quick thinking. Luagarne thought it made some sense. Time passed again. Encrid considered if he could evacuate Esther and Krais in advance. The thick palisade wasn¡¯t an easy barrier to ovee, and there were two gates. One at the front, and the other connected to the rocky hill used as a quarry. Send them to the back? But the back gate was securely closed. Krais had mentioned that they never opened it during normal times and tried to keep the quarry area hidden. ¡®Are they hiding something?¡¯ It didn¡¯t matter. Encrid didn¡¯t push his body too hard. He rxed slightly, yet sweat still dripped to the ground. The day was hot. Even in the morning, wearing such armor made him sweat, and swinging a sword added to it. Waiting like this for the horde of monsters and beasts. It was as if the ferryman was asking, ¡°What can a lone human do in the face of an oing wave of monsters?¡± No, it wasn¡¯t the ferryman¡¯s question. It was Encrid asking himself. What can a human, standing alone, really do? There was much. Things he had realized, things he had recalled anew. Within the wave of monsters, he could train his senses. Reaction training, judgment training based on quickly iing information, training the ability to contract muscles instantly, and training crisis control by maneuvering his body against multiple des. Everything was training. Hadn¡¯t he realized this before, when facing the wizard Resha, the lycanthrope colony, and the ambush unit of Aspen? He resolved to use everything he had as he moved towards tomorrow, making the most of today. He hadmitted not just to getting through today, but to fully utilizing it. So he would do just that. Encrid steeled himself inwardly. With the de of his mind as a foundation. He held his sword forward. Thus, he faced a new day. Encrid turned his back on the dawning sky. Thud! Roar! Soon, a loud noise was followed by the cries of the knolls. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: /revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: /revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 166 The Sense of Evasion: What is it? It was not just a simple evasion technique. Upon reflection, there were many strange aspects. Encrid had left a scratch on Rem¡¯s cheek. But had he ever seen his toon members get hurt like that before? Even when facing opponents or on the battlefield, they rarely got injured. They remained unscathed. Unless it was intentional, they generally fought without knowing injury. How was this possible? ¡®The Sense of Evasion.¡¯ It wasn¡¯t simply a technique for avoiding attacks. There was something vague that had been grasped, and now he intended to unravel it piece by piece. Facing the charging knolls, Encrid scattered his hands in the air. To an unfamiliar observer, especially to Krais, it might have seemed like he was just waving his hands in the air, but that wasn¡¯t the case. Thud, thud, thud. Using his hands as strings, his chest as aunching pad, and utilizing the sticity of his whole body, he threw daggers. The daggers, now beams of light, embedded themselves into the heads and necks of the knolls and hyena beasts. The action of drawing and throwing the daggers was so fast that it was barely visible. Had his throwing skills not improved over time? Indeed, they had. Thanks to the development of his Istion Technique, strength training, and the bnced improvement of his bodily control. Three beasts died instantly. Their charging bodies turned into corpses that rolled on the ground. Other knolls and hyenas stumbled over them. The ones that tripped became a tangled mess, over which more knolls and hyena beasts trampled. The sound of their footsteps, ¡®thud, thud¡¯, was grating on the ears. ¡°A cult!¡± Next to him, Luagarne pulled out a whip, shouted the same word, and dashed forward. ¡°Damn it! What the hell is this!¡± Krais¡¯s voice, filled with rm, was also heard. ¡°Kyaa!¡± Esther likewise stood guard beside him. ¡°The, the, ahhh!¡± Even the shouts of the worker who hade out to urinate. It was the same day. But it was met differently. Encrid¡¯s hands moved ceaselessly. It was the second day. This time it was a little different, more leisurely than before. They already knew a wave of indiscriminate monsters wasing. He threw all the daggers he had without hesitation. A sharp whistling sound. He killed the charging monsters and beasts by the dozens. Yet, the fact remained unchanged. There were many. The swarm of monsters and beasts became a wave again. Those who leaped over the corpses charged at Encrid. ¡°Front of the leader!¡± Krais shouted as he drew his short sword with a metallic ng. Encrid controlled his breathing. He had learned something from the previous day, something that could only be felt when fighting for one¡¯s life. He honed his senses, sharpening his perception. Within the realms of intuition and instinct. He received and parried the knoll¡¯s attacks in session, thrusting his sword into openings. More vigorously than ever. If nothing else, Encrid was confident in his stamina. Coupled with his umted experience, he was like apactor, grinding down the monsters and beasts. Crack! Some died with their heads severed. Others died from being stabbed. Amidst the chaos, the sounds of metal shing and flesh tearing mingled. Krais, watching this, couldn¡¯t help but widen his eyes in amazement. ¡®A monster.¡¯ The impression he had felt when watching Rem or the other toon members resurfaced. Such was the level of Encrid¡¯s movements. He blocked everything, countered everything. His sword sliced through knolls and hyenas effortlessly. Whether Krais was moved, amazed, or spouted nonsense, Encrid heightened his focus. No, he had entered a naturally heightened state. He shut out everything around him. Only the sword remained in this world. As time seemed to slow, only the enemy, himself, the sword, the world, and his sharpened intuition remained. Before the relentless wave of monsters, the best a lone human could do. Encrid swung his sword. But the oue did not change. By midday, the sunlight was brighter, and while he was less injured than before, this time, both of his thighs were severely shed. He couldn¡¯t avoid the two cursed dius swords. Krais¡¯s body was not found this time. Encrid endured another repeated day,sting just as long. ¡®Perhaps that¡¯s a relief.¡¯ He noticed Esther had somehow climbed onto the roof of a hut. Herrge, blue eyes seemed to hold some emotion, but he had neither the time nor the leisure to discern what it was. ¡°Grrr!¡± The hyena¡¯s characteristic growl echoed as the colony leader emerged. It was the leader of the monsters. It was the same as before. With his thighs injured and unable to move, evasion was more difficult, making the situation even worse than before. However, Encrid was certain that his skills were improving, even in just one day. Harsh and brutal as it was, his senses were bing sharper. ¡°See you again.¡± Encrid muttered iprehensible words to the knoll, then died, iling in poison. Darkness. The ferryman did not appear, and a new day began. This time, he didn¡¯t bother to ask Luagarne unnecessary questions. She was leaving regardless. There was no need to ask out of curiosity. Asking why she wasn¡¯t staying to protect the ce would be a futile question. Telling her toe back would be meaningless. If she were going to return, she wouldn¡¯t have left in the first ce. Leaving meant that whatever she was going after was more important to her. Instead, Rattle, rattle. ¡°It seems your way of waking people up is rather unique.¡± He decided to wake himself up while gathering his gear. ¡°The weather is good. I thought it would be nice to wake up early.¡± ¡°Oof. It¡¯s dawn, dawn. The moon hasn¡¯t even set yet.¡± Krais grumbled beside him, but Encrid ignored it. He began sweating again. This day was short. Or more urately, there was little time to devote to training. So what to do? Use battle as a field for training and practice. That¡¯s what Encrid did. The pain of addiction, the terrible agony and torment? It¡¯s something that can be endured. What is it that helps forget the pain? The joy of progress, even if it¡¯s just crawling forward. Above all, now it felt like walking rather than crawling. A slightly brisk walk, a sense of progress. How could that not be joyful? ¡®This time, a little more.¡¯ It was a continuous challenge. Encrid set his own goals. Simple but clear goals. To dy the moment of injury as much as possible in the repeating days. At first, he was struck on the shoulder after just a few battles. The next day, he got shed in both thighs, and then he was hit in the abdomen by a spear. Thanks to his sturdy armor, it wasn¡¯t fatal, but if his reactions had been just a bit slower, it could have been. ¡®Stillcking, alwayscking.¡¯ It was self-reflection. Encrid recognized his shorings through his experiences so far. ¡°toon Leader Brother, martial arts are best learned through repetition until your body remembers, not just your mind. So, get rolling.¡± He recalled Audin¡¯s words. ¡°As soon as you see it, your body should react. Then you can dodge it. There¡¯s no need for some weird concentration technique of azy person.¡± He also remembered Jaxon¡¯s words. Encrid adapted the training to enhance his coordination and reflexes through body perception and senses in his own way. ¡®What if I could make my muscles remember in every situation?¡¯ That¡¯s what he did. In the repeating days, amidst the waves of monsters. The third day, the fourth day, the fifth day. He struggled and fought in every single one of those days. Thus, more than twenty days passed. Training was a given, but if the wave of monsters the ferryman spoke of was a wall, it seemed insurmountable. Unless he became a Knight or hadparable strength. Yet Encrid didn¡¯t let this concern him. He only built up today for the sake of tomorrow. There were no distractions. In the repeating ¡®todays¡¯, he simply did what needed to be done. At first, he could handle fewer than ten monsters. After twenty days, he could block and dodge all attacks in the midst of the knolls, taking dozens of breaths while doing so. ¡°Wow.¡± It was a feat impressive enough to leave the workers, who should have been fleeing, standing agape. However, he couldn¡¯t yet move through the monsters without getting a scratch. So, what did he do? He kept repeating the process. Thirty-some days passed. Then another forty-some days passed. Being poisoned every time, the pain became unbearable. But he learned how to cope. He endured the poison and kept swinging his sword. What happens if you rush into the knoll¡¯s ranks right after being poisoned? des, hammers, axes, and spears would fly at you from all directions. shing was far better than dying from the poison. So, he rolled among the knolls and hyenas, risking his life. He rolled and rolled again. In the midst of these days, he had opportunities to ask about the Cult. ¡°Have you heard of the Sacred Cult of the Demon Realm?¡± It was a half-intentional question. With the days repeating and time short, he had no choice but to ask something new every day, making that his standard. He decided to ask about the Cult once every ten days. He counted the days that way. If he was going to ask anyway, he posed meaningful questions. ¡°A rotten group of fanatics.¡± Luagarne, being a Frog, did not hold back her hatred. It was hate. A hatred so intense it seemed to make the center of her white, puffy cheeks appear red. ¡°I¡¯ll kill them all. Everyst one I see.¡± It made sense why she had run off. ¡°I swore on my heart.¡± When she uttered the word ¡®heart¡¯, Luagarne¡¯s demeanor showed her to be a seasoned Frog. She hesitated a bit but eventually spoke. This alone showed how remarkable a Frog she was. The Sacred Cult of the Demon Realm. Whether that was the official name or not, it referred to the group of madmen who believed their god was imprisoned in a source of monsters that humans couldn¡¯t replicate. A cult among cults. The most notorious heresy on the continent. It was said that they even used strange summoning rituals with humans as sacrifices. And what came from those summons? Monsters. Sometimes even evil spirits. Not all monsters were the same. There were famous monsters across the continent, and rumors abounded that they were the result of these summoning rituals. What might have been dismissed as mercenary gossip was confirmed by Luagarne to be true. ¡°You know Smanders, right?¡± It was a well-known monster. It wasn¡¯t enough that it scattered mes from its skin, it also spewed fire, earning it its nickname. ¡°That¡¯s one of those bastards¡¯ creations.¡± The rumor was true. ¡°I was there.¡± Luagarne was a witness. So, does this matter? Not really. It was just a marker he remembered while repeating these days. The training and practice began anew. There was also a process of reflecting on the mistakes made in previous days. It was around the fiftieth day. ¡®I pushed too hard.¡¯ Confident in his stamina, he expended everything from the start. ¡®I¡¯ll need to manage my stamina better.¡¯ Learning how to fight in a multi-enemy situation, such things naturally became ingrained in him. Days passed, marked by the knolls¡¯ stench that made him shudder. Encrid had repeated these days eighty-nine times. Still, he could not stand before the leader without any injuries. No, it was more urate to say that unless he was injured, the leader wouldn¡¯t appear. He had extended his endurance from noon to evening. Yet nothing changed. The fact that he died remained the same, aside from being able to watch the sunset. ¡°You, you¡¯re sly.¡± He had to be injured, sustaining a critical wound for the leader to appear. For instance, a hole in his abdomen or a nearly severed ankle. The leader, of course, couldn¡¯t be reasoned with. In ny-six repetitions, he was killed by the leader¡¯s dagger. The end of each struggle was death, a seemingly predetermined fate. Through these repeated days, he naturally began to learn the knolls¡¯ habits. ¡®Knolls have long upper bodies and short legs.¡¯ Learning through the monsters¡¯ physique. They were slow on their feet but quick with their hands. They wielded human weapons, albeit without formal techniques, often swinging wildly. Their strength was akin to that of an average adult male, but their short legs made their charge slower than expected. They enjoyed attacking from blind spots, and once in closebat, they would bite without hesitation. Avoiding being bitten was crucial. Their bite force was exceptional. Both hyenas and knolls. If bitten, without activating the power of the ¡®Heart of the Beast¡¯, it was nearly impossible to break free. He also learned something else. ¡®Two swords.¡¯ When using two swordsbined with the ¡®Heart of the Beast¡¯, he could aplish incredible feats in a single moment. ¡°I could cut through everything.¡± Even Krais felt rxed enough to joke. The problem was sustainability. No matter how well he managed his stamina, he couldn¡¯t maintain it indefinitely. So, he repeated the process. Dodge and dodge again. The Sense of Evasion was somewhat a matter of innate talent. While Jaxon imed it could be developed through training, it only worked for those naturally predisposed to it. Encrid addressed this by engraving each movement into his body. Thus, ¡®The muscles remember.¡¯ He ingrained the act of seeing and reacting into his muscles through countless repetitions. It became a reflex not stored in the mind but in the body. Through repetition, he reached a point where he could react instantly upon seeing something. His body coordination had finally settled in. Seeing, evading, and reacting in an instant. It became possible. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: /revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: /revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 167 For one hundred eighty-six days, Encrid became aware of the concept of coordination and felt the change in his body¡¯s responses. Thud. At the moment he sensed the spearhead flying from behind, he turned and grabbed the spear shaft. It was like a stunt. A spearhead aimed at his back. Encrid twisted his body to evade it and, in the same motion, reached out and grabbed the shaft. It was like a scene from a choreographed y. Then came a dull thud, the sound of a de striking a head. As soon as he perceived and visualized the movement, his body responded instinctively. ¡°The Istion Technique forms the basis that allows you brother to easily control your body.¡± Audin¡¯s words resonated with him. Had he not trained his body rigorously using the Istion Technique, he wouldn¡¯t have been able to perform these actions. The movements he envisioned were executed precisely. Naturally, he also became aware of the ws in his movements. ¡®With minimal motion.¡¯ It was a realization tied to conserving energy. If the movements were toorge, unnecessary energy would be lost. Such waste would prevent endurance. Movements had to be efficient, now that he understood this, he could work to minimize waste. Training in the Correct Sword Technique also helped. ¡®By predicting movements.¡¯ He could reduce the waste in his actions. Unbeknownst to him, Encrid¡¯s swordsmanship was also progressing to the next level. It wasn¡¯t his intention, merely a byproduct of his desperate struggle to do his best. Even as he repeated these nearly two hundred days, to the point of being sickened by the stench of monsters and beasts. Encrid smiled. The joy of growth filled him. Even amidst repeated failures, he felt this way. He did not stop his desperate efforts. Encrid never ceased thinking about how to move toward tomorrow. It was the result of this contemtion. In an instant, Encrid felt his entire nervous system be alert. It was on the two-hundredth day. He saw a de flying towards him. It was just past noon. As he sidestepped with his left foot, the de sliced through the air. A spearhead thrust from the side, and an axe came from behind. Encrid ducked while pushing the spear shaft with his palm. The axe struck his shoulder but was deflected. A scraping sound as it scratched the leather armor, but he wasn¡¯t injured. Then again, spears, a sword called a dius, axes, and clubs came flying. One mutant swung a club the size of an adult man¡¯s thigh vertically. He felt the sword was getting in the way. It hindered his movements. It was harmful. Ufortable. Encrid sheathed his sword. No, he even unbuckled his belt while moving. His body felt lighter. Swish, whoosh, zing, slice. Not all the movements of the weapons were visible to him. He decided to observe and react to each one individually. He focused entirely on seeing and responding, forgetting himself in the process. Before long, the midday sun had passed its zenith and was sinking westward. A sneaky hyena repeatedly tried to bite his ankle. Encrid avoided that too, sometimes retreating, sometimes advancing. He spun sideways and kneed the stomach of a hyena beast that hade too close. Immediately, he threw himself into the arms of a knoll approaching from behind, using his shoulder to push it away. Using the rebound force, he stood upright. Then, seeing a de flying towards him, he reached out and struck the knoll¡¯s wrist. ¡°Grrk?¡± The knoll¡¯s de veered off course, slicing the head of a nearbyrade. ¡°Grragh!¡± Another knoll, enraged, swung a hammer. Swish. The movement wasrge, as was the trajectory. It wasn¡¯t hard to dodge. The problem was that such attacks came in groups of five or six at a time. So what could he do? He observed and reacted to each one. That¡¯s what Encrid did. He pushed away and dodged the spear shafts, evading repeatedly. He focused solely on evasion, excluding any thought of killing the enemy. It was an evasion technique thatbined instinct, intuition, and enhanced senses. By then, the sun had set, and the moon was quietly rising. Encrid was unaware of day or night. He was too busy ¡®dealing¡¯ with everything targeting him. Ducking, deflecting, dodging, moving. It wasn¡¯t a fight to the death but rather a game of tag. Repeating today¡¯s events, Esther had silently settled on a roof several times, watching him. Even in her eyes, it was clear. ¡®What is that?¡¯ To exin it would be to describe a scene that made little sense. Encrid was alone, dodging amidst a wave of knolls. Just enduring. It was a certain death. Unavoidable. But why? Why? Why? ¡®Why are you smiling?¡¯ A question arose in Esther¡¯s mind. It was a question that would fade after today. The way Encrid acted was something she couldn¡¯t simply describe as ¡®stunt¡¯. He seemed to be ying among the wave of monsters, the knolls. He seemed on the verge of death at any moment but never died. He dodged axes, avoided clubs, deflected, and blocked. Sometimes, he even hugged the knolls. How could he not? In a desperate situation where standing still meant death, Encrid grabbed and shook the arms of the knolls he hugged from behind, as if they were his own. He used them to block other knolls¡¯ attacks, even deflecting an iing axe de with a club. Thud! It was madness. He abandoned attacking and focused solely on evasion. As the sunset ended and the moon rose, the carriage of the day reached its destination. Finally, the day came to an end. The moonlight softly illuminated the surroundings, lighting up the summer night. The ce was filled with the stench of decay, the smell of corpses, the heat of metal, and the scent of monsters. Encrid stayed awake all night. More precisely, he ended the day. It meant the day ended without seeing the leader. ¡®Ah.¡¯ Only then did his immersion break. Only then did Encrid realize what he had done. ¡®Ah.¡¯ He let out a second exmation inwardly. It was understandable. He discarded his weapon and focused solely on evasion. Why? Why did he do this? It was a movement driven by instinct. And thus, he learned. He learned how to evade entirely. How to observe and react. This was a talent Encrid hadn¡¯t originally possessed. It was a change in his reflex speed and physical ability. The Istion Technique built the foundation, and the Sense of Evasion filled it. It was a tower built from repeatedly surviving amidst poison and des. He had faced hundreds of attackers. He withstood it. Killing them all wasn¡¯t an option¡ªthat was something only a Knight could do. But enduring it, purely enduring it¡ª ¡®It¡¯s possible.¡¯ A thrilling exhration surged through his body. Even the knolls, who had attacked all day, would have been speechless with awe, though in reality, there were none left. Encrid¡¯s body was covered in cuts. Blood trickled down his cheek. It was impossible not to get hurt at all. That was out of the question. However, he had no fatal injuries. At the end of that day, as he watched the sunset and the moon rise, he realized the day had ended. ¡°We¡¯ll see each other again. But not here.¡± After those words, Encrid closed his eyes. Would this be the end of today? Just by enduring? Not a chance. It couldn¡¯t be. He had expected this. Then, when he opened his eyes again, the surroundings had changed, as expected. A ck river, a ferry, a ferryman. ¡°That won¡¯t be enough, will it?¡± The ferryman passed by. When he closed and opened his eyes again, he saw the ceiling of a cabin. It was another ¡®today¡¯. This repetition was a testament that merely enduring wasn¡¯t the solution. Of course, that wasn¡¯t the problem. Though exhration surged through him, now was not the time to revel in it. In this endlessly repeating today, with all the umted information and thoughts¡ª As soon as Encrid stood up, he kicked Krais. ¡°Wake up.¡± ¡°Ugh, what is it, so early in the morning?¡± What¡¯s the matter? It¡¯s a day where we¡¯ll have to run like crazy to avoid dying. It was around the hundred and twentieth repetition of today when he came up with a slightly unconventional method. He intended to give it a try. The original goal of ¡®surviving today¡¯ had been achieved. It meant he had met the minimum condition he set for himself to pass today. ¡®The Sense of Evasion.¡¯ Along with the Heart of the Beast, it had now be ingrained in him. He got the hang of it. The results of his rigorous training were evident in his body. So, should he keep repeating this? This cursed today? There was no need. Despite his reputation for being singrly focused on sword training, Encrid was quite articte and cunning. Especially when it came to using unconventional methods. * * * Encrid set a goal and achieved it. ¡®I survived.¡¯ Spending an entire day and seeing it to the end. Instinctively, he knew that the conclusion would lead back to the original today. No, it was a gut feeling. ¡®Breaking through the wall won¡¯t be done this way.¡¯ Enduring was never the answer. If endurance was the solution, he would have simply run away from the wizard Resha and the lycanthrope. The traps set by the mad wizard who created hisir in the city¡¯s underground passages could have been avoided as well. This was a curse, so a method to break it was needed. Encrid didn¡¯t know the exact solution, but he had some ideas. He had spent time thinking about how to escape today, and this was the method he came up with. If the repetition of today was due to the cycle of killing and being killed, what would happen if he didn¡¯t even start that process? ¡®It¡¯s worth a try.¡¯ The oue follows the process. ¡°Did I mention that I¡¯ve worked as a mercenary for quite some time?¡± He said this after gearing up. Sweat trickled down his forehead and brushed past his chin. It was hot, as expected. Even just gearing up early in the morning raised his body temperature significantly. It was perfect since it awakened his muscles and joints without the need for a separate warm-up. Today, there was no time for the Istion Technique or training. So this was just right. ¡°Hmm?¡± Luagarne tilted his head in confusion at Encrid¡¯s words. He wondered what Encrid was talking about all of a sudden. ¡®Is he having a headache this early in the morning?¡¯ That seemed to be the gist of Luagarne¡¯s gaze. But Encrid continued speaking. ¡°I¡¯ve fought with cultists before. The Savage Cult of the Demon Realm.¡± When he mentioned it nonchntly, Luagarne reacted. ¡°¡­You mean cultists?¡± His reaction was still distinct. A chilling air passed between them. It was a menacing atmosphere. Ignoring the tension, Encrid spoke. ¡°Do you know anything about it?¡± This felt a bit awkward. Encrid wondered if he needed to practice his acting skills, but Luagarne didn¡¯t seem to notice. She was more distracted by something else than by his awkward speech and behavior. The mention of cultists came up. To her, they were people who should be exterminated on sight. They were also a target of her vows. ¡°There was one guy we missed back then. I can¡¯t believe I just remembered it now.¡± Encrid tapped his forehead as he spoke. This also seemed a bit awkward. He definitely needed to practice his acting. There hadn¡¯t been enough rehearsal. Of course, Luagarne still didn¡¯t seem to care. ¡°Do you remember the guy who used to follow behind Deutsche Pullman?¡± ¡°The ugly guy with thick lips.¡± Frog had a sharp eye for detail. Yes, he had a face resembling a fish. Encrid knew a few more of them. After all, he had repeated this day over two hundred times. Was that the only thing he had learned? However, that cultist disguised as a fish was definitely the most troublesome. In the repeated days, Luagarne always chased after him and never returned. ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± ¡°Are you sure? That he¡¯s a cultist?¡± ¡°Yes, I swear on my sword and everything I have.¡± Luagarne knew how much Encrid valued his sword. It sounded simr to her own oath made from the heart. It carried a weight unusual for a human¡¯s words. It meant she believed him. ¡°If you don¡¯t believe me, we can go and ask him ourselves.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± That was it. She was more decisive than expected. Luagarne pulled out her whip, wrapped it around her hand, and walked briskly. She seemed determined to find Deutsche Pullman. If he wasn¡¯t there, she would likely search for him wherever he might be. ¡°What¡¯s with that awkward speech?¡± Krais, who had been watching silently, asked. Was it really that awkward? Probably. But that wasn¡¯t the important part. ¡°You should get moving too.¡± Encrid said, stepping forward. He had measured the time countless times as he repeated today. He tried to find out what was causing the monsters to gather so persistently. Even if he couldn¡¯t find the problem, at least knowing it made things easier. ¡®Blocking it is not hard.¡¯ At least for Encrid. He had done it multiple times before, so there was no hesitation. [T/L: Please support me and read further chapters here: /revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: /revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 168 ¡°Esther, let¡¯s go together. Krais, go find the vige chief immediately.¡± ¡°What?¡± Krais questioned, looking bewildered. The awkward act was over. There was no need or meaning in it. ¡°Tell him that from now on, I willmand all the city¡¯s forces.¡± ¡°Suddenly?¡± ¡°Yes, suddenly. If they don¡¯tply, show them this. Tell them disobeying orders will result in immediate execution.¡± Encrid handed over a written order and then turned around. ¡°Where is the leader going?¡± Krais was perceptive. He sensed something in Encrid¡¯s demeanor. ¡°To the gate. If the vige chief resists, take him hostage or something.¡± ¡°Uh?¡± Thestment was half-joking. Encrid ran on. The clinking sound of the armor he wore echoed with each step. Running in this armor is quite ufortable. But it¡¯s not like he could take it off. Esther, running beside him with much lighter steps, nced at Encrid. ¡°Just follow me without asking questions. We don¡¯t have time.¡± He said to Esther, who nodded in response. She looked almost like a real person. They arrived at the main gate. The dawn hadn¡¯t broken yet, so they weren¡¯tte. ¡®We¡¯re notte.¡¯ They made it in time. Usually, five members of the vignte squad guarded the gate. Two in the watchtower, two below, and one Squad leader. The Squad leader was likely in the outpost beside the gate. Excluding the Squad leader, there were four of them, and they tended to hold their position in the tower during fights. They were the kind who would shoot arrows at the faces of allies trying to climb the tower, siding with monsters. Encrid was all too familiar with their faces. ¡°Huh? What¡¯s this?¡± One of them, a man with a friendly face, asked. Encrid addressed the two blocking the gate. ¡°From now on,mand here has been transferred to this toon leader.¡± ¡°¡­What?¡± The man looked puzzled, and Encrid continued. ¡°I¡¯m now responsible for the vige¡¯s security.¡± Wasn¡¯t Deutsche Pullman wary of something like this? That caution had be a reality. The man, pretending to be one of Deutsche Pullman¡¯s subordinates, had a hardened expression. ¡°Did you get our leader¡¯s permission?¡± At that, a mercenary with a spear, one of Deutsche Pullman¡¯s men and the Squad leader, emerged from the outpost. Of course, that wasn¡¯t the important part. ¡°Do you have a problem? Once the order arrives, it¡¯s natural for me to take charge.¡± ¡°Since when? And for how long will you be ying the leader?¡± ¡°I¡¯ll start now and continue until the colony issue is resolved.¡± Encrid¡¯s calm answer made the man¡¯s expression darken. His face looked quite menacing when frowning. ¡°Damn it, are you messing with me? Hey, do you think I¡¯m a pushover?¡± Well, it was the reaction Encrid expected, so he responded with the prepared words. ¡°If you have a problem, you don¡¯t have to use your tongue instead of your fists.¡± ¡°Is this guy out of his mind?¡± The man approached, clearly intending to strike, though he hadn¡¯t drawn his weapon yet. He swung his fist directly at Encrid. As the punch flew towards him, Encrid seemed motionless. At thest moment, he tilted his head to dodge, then kicked the man¡¯s ankle with his left foot. It was a fluid movement, seamlessly dodging and striking in one motion. Caught off guard, the man stumbled forward, losing his bnce. Encrid pushed him lightly with his left hand as he stumbled. ¡°Ugh, ugh.¡± Thud. The man fell to the side. As he tried to use his spear to stand, his face flushed with anger. Shing. The sound of a sword being drawn. At the same time, a de pressed against his neck. ¡°Don¡¯t get up. Don¡¯t resist. Disobedience will result in immediate execution.¡± With the de at his throat, especially seeing the blue hue of the sharp edge, speaking out of turn was difficult. The man swallowed hard and finally spoke. ¡°Do you know how many members of the vignte squad there are? You can¡¯t handle it.¡± It was meant as a threat, but it didn¡¯t sound threatening. Anyone could hear the fear in his voice. Encrid didn¡¯t intend to kill him. He just expected this reaction. It was a simple principle. ¡®How did the knolls and hyenas get inside?¡¯ How did a thick log wall be human bars? Why did this ce be their feast? Because they got in. Did they climb over the wall? That couldn¡¯t be it. knolls are creatures with underdeveloped lower bodies. The same goes for hyenas. The wall is something monsters can¡¯t climb over. So did they break in? No, that¡¯s not possible. There¡¯s only one answer. The gate was opened. Then why was there no reaction until such arge number of monsters arrived? At first, Encrid hypothesized, and today he confirmed it. The one who opened the gate is guilty. The ones in the watchtower who saw but didn¡¯t report are guilty. With his sword still drawn, Encrid looked for the emergency bell. It was next to the gate. Since that bell wasn¡¯t rung, only one person here is innocent. And that was the man now on the ground. So, what reaction should he expect? It was what he had been waiting for. From the watchtower, a female soldier took aim with her bow. As she silently aimed and fired, Encrid lightly jumped to the side. Thump! At the sound of the bowstring releasing, an arrow thudded into the spot where Encrid had stood. ¡°Crazy! Don¡¯t shoot!¡± The Squad leader, who had been defeated by Encrid, shouted in shock, but it was futile. ¡°Kill him.¡± One of the men who had been standing by the gate, smiling warmly, gave the order. Upon hearing it, the two soldiers in the watchtower nocked arrows to their bows again. Of the two, one was a female archer and the other a male. Encrid knew from experience that the woman was the more skilled archer. There was no time for hesitation or mercy. A sharp whistle split the air. Two throwing knives sliced through the sky. Both soldiers in the watchtower groaned in pain. ¡°Ugh.¡± ¡°Ah.¡± These were their death throes. A hole in the neck meant certain death. The male archer fell forward with a thud, hitting the ground, while the woman clutched her throat and copsed. Encrid saw the male archer¡¯s neck bent at an unnatural angle as his body hit the ground. Blood dripped down from the watchtower where the female soldier had been. It all happened in an instant. ¡°You¡¯re insane!¡± The Squad leader shouted in shock. Encrid ignored him, pointed his drawn sword forward, and spoke. ¡°Both of you are subject to immediate execution for insubordination and attempted murder of a superior. However, if you drop your weapons and surrender, I will spare your lives.¡± It was a futile statement. ¡°Damn it.¡± The two cultists disguised as vignte members at the gate red with strange, intense eyes. They were exceptionally skilled. They moved quickly and with great coordination. ng. Both drew short swords, splitting up and charging at Encrid simultaneously. The two of them cut through the dawn¡¯s chilly air as they flew at him. Before standing here, Encrid had endured countless days. Continuous training, repeated honing. The development of evasion sense, coordinated movement. Keen reflexes and sharpened senses. It all led to a change in reaction speed. When your reaction speed changes, what do you see? What bes different? It¡¯s like discovering a new world. A feeling of moving faster than others, twice as fast. Rem, Ragna, Jaxon, Audin. The feats they could perform, Encrid could now match. So. ng! The oue was not surprising. Deflecting the iing swords from both sides with a single sweep of his de was easy. He swung to the right first, then quickly to the left, effortlessly parrying both attacks. To his attackers, it must have been bewildering. The two with the short swords stared in shock. What was that? How did he block that? It seemed as if the de had vanished! Encrid didn¡¯t stop. As if to celebrate entering a new world, Encrid swung his sword with all his might. What he had gained from those countless days wasn¡¯t just a sense of evasion and coordination. With a single breath, he awakened the Heart of Great Strength, doubling his speed. The moment he saw and felt something, his body moved reflexively. Whoosh. Slice! Slice! Encrid swung his sword twice more. To the right, he swung from bottom to top, and to the left, from top to bottom. Both strikes aimed at the wrists. And the result was as expected. ¡°Aargh!¡± ¡°Argh!¡± The hands holding the short swords fell to the ground as the wrists were severed. Standing calmly between the two bleeding men, Encrid held his sword steady. ¡°¡­What is this? Why are you suddenly shing like a madman?¡± The Squad leader, who was sitting alone, spoke with utter bewilderment. Encrid looked at him and spoke. ¡°It seems like there¡¯s a stench. Is that gate really closed?¡± He had seen the gate open with a pulley system when he first arrived. That must be the locking mechanism. ¡°What?¡± ¡°Check it. If you don¡¯t get up right now, I¡¯ll consider you an aplice and cut you down.¡± It was a light threat, buting from someone with exceptional resolve. The Squad leader quickly stood up. At a time like this, copsing with shaky legs would be problematic. He moved to check the pulley. ¡°Why is this unfastened?¡± He eximed in surprise and quickly secured the pulley. If the locking mechanism was unfastened, the gate wouldn¡¯t serve as a barricade. It would just be a gate that could be pushed open. The man strained his arm muscles as he locked the pulley, panting heavily. ¡°Huff, huff, but what stench?¡± Just as he mentioned the stench he had heard earlier, there was a loud thud! Something hit the wall from outside, making the ground tremble. The stench, now familiar and nauseating to Encrid, seeped through the thick gate. ¡°Groooaaar!¡± A roar erupted from outside. It was the cry of a knoll. The heavy force and the unseen presence were felt through the gate. The Squad leader, who had been standing at the gate, stepped back nervously. Was he going to wet himself? Fortunately, the Squad leader wasn¡¯t that weak-hearted. Encrid nced at him and then turned his attention to the two with severed wrists. ¡°Are you cultists?¡± The two men¡¯s eyes widened. They didn¡¯t need to speak, their expressions were answer enough. Should he spare them? No, it wouldn¡¯t mean much. True, cultists were said to use strange sorcery, but these didn¡¯t seem capable of such things, so they likely weren¡¯t important. Leaving them alive would be like leaving a dagger at his back. Thrust. Thrust. With two quick stabs, Encrid created two more corpses. Encrid then climbed the watchtower. He needed to assess the numbers and the situation. Being in a higher position is always advantageous. Dawn was breaking, which improved visibility. In the sunlight, he saw hundreds of beasts and monsters. The sheer number was horrifying. Encrid was struck by the fact that he had survived among them. ¡®Though I barely hung on without dying.¡¯ There were so many. From this vantage point, the numbers were overwhelming. The creatures were crashing into the walls and gate. While Encrid had cleared the watchtower, there were no guards on the wall. Encrid spotted several vignte corpses lying where they should have been standing. It must have been the cultists, specifically those he had just killed. ¡°Seriously, what is going on?¡± A voice called from below the watchtower. It was Krais. The joke had be reality. Krais had the vige chief at knifepoint. Behind him were several vignte members with grim expressions. ¡°Seriously, what¡¯s happening?¡± Krais looked desperate. Encrid couldn¡¯t help but smile at the sight. ¡°Esther.¡± Encrid called Esther to guard the gate. ¡°Growl.¡± The panther responded as if understanding, seeming almost more human than some people. ¡°I need to ask what¡¯s going on here.¡± Behind the vige chief, Deutsche Pullman and his followers gathered. Most of them looked utterly confused. There were monsters outside, a man holding a knife to the vige chief¡¯s throat inside, and deadrades around them. Deutsche Pullman, too, appeared shaken. It was understandable, but Encrid didn¡¯t care. Encrid spoke calmly. ¡°I give the orders and hold themand. No objections will be tolerated. We need to stop the monsters. Get the remaining vigntes onto the walls. Anyone who can shoot a bow goes up.¡± No one moved. Deutsche Pullman was a man of strong nerves. Despite the booming noises from outside, he red fiercely at Encrid. Encrid knew what he had to say. ¡°Krais, cut his throat.¡± With the vige chief¡¯s life at stake. ¡°Damn it, stop! What are you all doing? Shoot arrows into the monsters¡¯ heads!¡± Deutsche shouted. Krais, naturally, did not cut the chief. Encrid shrugged. ¡°You¡¯ll have to exin thister!¡± Deutsche yelled furiously. Encrid ignored him. This was a stopgap measure. The goal was to prevent the situation from escting. To act quickly and stop the knoll invasion from happening at all. If they managed to do that, the cycle of today¡¯s events might change. Encrid had thought of a way to get through today, but whether it would work was uncertain. This was uncharted territory. Luagarne was still nowhere to be seen, as were Deutsche¡¯s other subordinates. ¡°Damn it, Enki.¡± As the situation settled and they prepared to defend, Finn emerged, crawling from the side. Finn, who had been out on patrol, returned with a wound in her stomach. So that was it. Finn had fought someone and got injured. It wasn¡¯t a light injury. A hole in the stomach is painful, and walking bes difficult. Because of Finn¡¯s injury, they couldn¡¯t alert the town about the monster attack. If not for this, Finn would have noticed the colony¡¯s movements. ¡°Krais, let the chief go and treat Finn first.¡± Encrid ordered. It wasn¡¯t a fatal wound, but it needed treatment. ¡°The number of monsters and beasts is close to a thousand.¡± Despite his injury, Finn managed to ry the information, her face pale with fear. Encrid just nodded. ¡°Can you exin what¡¯s going on?¡± The vige chief, his face also pale, spoke up. Truly the chief of a pioneer vige, he still had some courage left, given he was demanding an exnation in such a situation. ¡°Let¡¯s deal with the situation first.¡± Encrid replied, heading towards the wall. Even a clumsy hand needed to shoot more arrows now. They also needed to reinforce the walls to survive the day. Today was just beginning. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: /revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: /revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 169 The Sacred Cult of the Demon Realm aims to transform the continent into a dark realm. Why? ¡°Why is sorcery considered wrong? Why can¡¯t we see that within it lies the path we need to develop and evolve? It¡¯s natural to fear the unknown. But avoiding it won¡¯t solve everything.¡± It was the sound of ghouls blowing trumpets. So, why turn the continent into a demon realm? ¡°Because it¡¯s the right thing to do.¡± Where else would the term ¡®fanaticism¡¯ fit so well? Why? There is none. Justification? There¡¯s no such thing. They just believe. They simply say it must be so. Blind faith, pure fanaticism. Thus, the cultists were truly insane. That¡¯s why the Inquisitors hunted them down with such fervor. The cultists had made several attempts to create a demon realm, and simr incidents had urred in thisnd. They gathered 100 freshly caught young goats as a sacrifice, trying to turn this entire area into and of monsters and beasts. The cultists began gathering monsters even before the pioneer viges were established, so no one saw iting. At first, they wanted to establish a kingdom of knolls in this area by gathering monsters. Itter turned into raiding the viges. The well-fortified pioneer vige, with its walls and watchtowers, could have be a small fortress. Such a fine prey had walked right into their hands. ¡°God has blessed us.¡± The cultists truly believed this. Wasn¡¯t this a sign to further fatten the monsters and erge their bodies? Before them, the sacrifice was offering itself, cutting its flesh to feed them. Thus began the event of consuming an entire pioneer vige. This was not something to be taken lightly. The cultists poured their hearts into it. They infiltrated mercenary groups while secretly gathering more knolls. The cult¡¯s spells were deeply tied to the monsters. Experts in brainwashing and maniption intervened, even low-ranking followers and priests participated. Knolls, monsters with hyena-like habits, always fought in packs and moved together. They had a tendency to form colonies. All they needed was a leader. Curses and enhancements were bestowed upon a single knoll. Thus, they formed an army of knolls. Creating such a colony into hundreds didn¡¯t happen overnight. The blood, sweat, and tears of the cultists were embedded in this work. ¡°We shall establish a sanctuary!¡± They shouted their intention in the middle of the wilderness. They poured in Krona to arm the knoll horde. They created leaders and enchanted them with spells. The resources put into this operation were far greater than what it would take to run a pioneer vige. It was worth it. Great rewards require great investments. This was just the beginning of what the Sacred Cult of the Demon Realm sought to achieve. While the cultists invested time and resources, the pioneers built walls. This was the full story of what had happened. It was something that happened without Encrid¡¯s knowledge. Naturally, it was an unexpected event. So what? It didn¡¯t matter. Knowing wouldn¡¯t change anything. Encrid didn¡¯t care about the background stories. He didn¡¯t ask ¡®why¡¯. Monsters were approaching, and he only thought of killing them all. They were monsters and beasts. Killing them was enough. ¡°What, a horde of beasts.¡± Krais had a vague understanding of the situation. A horde like this suddenly appeared in the wilderness and fields? And they were armed? With spies nted within the vige? What kind of nonsense was this? They held a knife to the vige chief¡¯s throat, heard the cries from beyond the walls, and in the meantime, roughly treated Finn. Then, Krais hurried up to the watchtower to check the size of the monster horde, and his mind was racing. ¡®The cult.¡¯ It was the work of cultists. They were the biggest troublemakers across the continent. Bound by malice and hostility. Look at that horde of monsters. What else could they call it but malice and hostility? Roughly, Krais guessed that the horde was a result of the cultists¡¯ blood, sweat, and resources. He could only guess because knowing wouldn¡¯t change anything, so he left it at that. ¡®What does it matter?¡¯ Survival was what mattered, and Krais¡¯ mind raced even faster. He reached a conclusion. ¡®No trebuchets or mangonels.¡¯ They didn¡¯t have siege engines. Dreaming ofrge siege weapons was out of the question. Did they have enough troops? They were certainly fewerpared to the number of monsters and beasts. He would be lucky if the wall held for a thousand years, but the number of knolls and hyena beasts far exceeded hundreds. Could they hold out? Could they withstand it as it was? A few hyena beasts were wing at the wall, trying to climb it. If they kept scratching, wouldn¡¯t they eventually find a weak spot? A small crack would soon be a hole, and the hole would be a passage and entrance. Many knolls wielding weapons were pounding on the wall, and there were plenty of them hacking at it with axes. The wall was umting countless scratches. Was there a hole somewhere? Could it be blocked if breached? ¡®It doesn¡¯t seem possible.¡¯ At the very least, this seemed like a fight with a time limit. They couldn¡¯t hold out for long. That was the conclusion. So, they needed to wait for reinforcements. They had seen a few birds, typically used for urgentmunication, known as blue-feathered pigeons. Even if they sent them out, there was no telling how long it would take for reinforcements to arrive. The conclusion was the same. Could they hold out? Krais felt a sense of foreboding. When they spoke of the wall¡¯s strength, Krais had envisioned a colony of a typical size. At most, such a group would be around thirty to fifty, but this was swollen to about ten times that number. ¡°This isn¡¯t good.¡± Krais felt a rising sense of dread. He reflexively sought out his toon leader. He saw the toon leader moving, but Encrid showed no signs of unease. There was an odd air ofposure about him. He quietly walked up onto the wall. Krais knew that his toon leader, who was obsessed with training, was quite sharp-minded, even if he didn¡¯t always pay attention to his surroundings. So, seeing that kind of demeanor made him think that perhaps there was something Encrid had faith in. In any case, there was nothing Krais could do right now. He had treated Finn and taken a good look around from the watchtower. ¡°Hey, I¡¯m hurting.¡± Finn called out from below. ¡°I¡¯ming down.¡± Krais replied. Krais came back down. He had roughly bandaged the wound, but there was a hole in her stomach. It seemed she had narrowly avoided any damage to her internal organs. ¡°I used the Ail Caraz technique to avoid hitting my organs.¡± Finn said. Is there really such a technique? ¡°I¡¯m joking.¡± To be making jokes at a time like this, Finn must have been quite sharp-witted. ¡°You sound like Rem¡¯s wife.¡± ¡°That¡¯s an insult. I challenge you to a duel.¡± ¡°Yes, sure.¡± Krais said this casually as he rechecked the wound. It seemed difficult for Finn to move vigorously. But at least it wasn¡¯t a fatal wound. ¡°You won¡¯t die.¡± ¡°For now, anyway.¡± Finn had also noticed. It was the anxiety about how long the wall could hold. ¡°Yeah, well.¡± Krais brushed it off casually. If things went wrong, he had a way out. Though it would be a cruel fate for those left behind. He hadn¡¯t walked around the vige for nothing. Krais always prepared for the worst, so he had already scouted an escape route. * * * There was a long shooting tform built on top of the wall. Below it, the knolls and hyena beasts were swarming and making loud noises. It was practically a field of monsters. ¡°What the hell? What¡¯s going on?¡± ¡°What¡¯s with all the monsters? Why are there so many? No, there are too many.¡± ¡°Pam? Pam is dead. No, Ralph too?¡± The sight of monsters and the still-warm bodies of theirrades. When Encrid went up, the militia was still in shock. Not one of them had drawn their bows. They were in a state of panic. At least no one was screaming or wetting themselves, which was a relief. Thud! Groooaaar! With a peculiar cry unique to knolls, they threw themselves against the wall and the gate. The wall shook slightly with the impact, but it wasn¡¯t enough to copse it. At least, that was Encrid¡¯s judgment. The knolls rammed their shoulders, kicked, and struck the gate and wall with weapons. But for now, it was holding. The wall was sturdy. However, the morale of the militia was not. They were overwhelmed by the force of the knoll horde. Everyone was terrified. ¡°What the hell is going on here?¡± It was one of the militia members. This ce was not central even within the Kingdom¡¯s territory, the Border Guard was at the northern end, and this was even further out. On the continent of Pen-Hanil, this area was considered the north, a ce where monsters and beasts weremon. But even so, this number of creatures was not normal. It was an unusual sight. Fear, pressure. It was the effect of the monsters¡¯ overwhelming presence. A few mutated knolls picked up stones from the y-colored ground and threw them. The stones were as big as a person¡¯s head, mming into the wall with a thud. Smaller stones flew towards where people were standing. ¡°Eek!¡± The militia ducked under the wall as stones whizzed by. The wall was sturdily built, as Krais had assured them that it wouldn¡¯t copse against an ordinary monster colony. But it could still be breached if left alone, the wall wasn¡¯t designed to withstand suchrge numbers. The creaking gate and the militia struggling to hold it¡ªthis wasn¡¯t working. If they sumbed to fear, it would be over. Waiting for the wall to be breached would only lead to death, rendering all their efforts from the morning useless. ¡°If you¡¯re not going to shoot, hand it over.¡± In this situation, Encrid climbed up the steep stairs and extended his hand. ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°I said, if you¡¯re just going to watch, give it to me.¡± He took a bow from a bewildered militia member standing nearby. It was a short bow, with short arrows. It wasn¡¯t meant for long distances, but with so many monsters around, he just needed to shoot. uracy wasn¡¯t the main concern. ¡®It¡¯s been a while since I¡¯ve used a bow.¡¯ Encrid had learned to shoot a bow to some extent. After pulling the string a few times to get a feel for it, Encrid took aim. He gripped the bow with his left hand, stretched out his arm, nocked an arrow, and drew the string. The bow creaked as it bent under the tension. He had enough strength. He aimed at one of the monsters and released the arrow. Thump! It happened just as a gnoll was ramming the wall with its shoulder again. The sound of the arrow being released ovepped with the thud. The arrow flew and embedded itself in the ground, missing all the knolls and hyena beasts. It broke quickly, trampled under the feet of the horde. ¡®No way, I missed it?¡¯ He had aimed properly. ¡°You¡¯re good in a fight, but is this your first time with a bow?¡± The Squad leader, who had been trying to keep things together despite his nerves, spoke up as he climbed up behind Encrid. He had shown a good deal of courage, even in today¡¯s tough situation. The wall shook again with another impact. Thud! Roar! The noise made it hard to hear unless one spoke loudly. Encrid cupped his hand to his ear, pretending not to hear. ¡°What did you say?¡± ¡°I think you heard me just fine.¡± The Squad leader was a bold one, Encrid knew that much. ¡°I didn¡¯t hear you.¡± With that, the Squad leader turned his gaze away from Encrid and looked out over the wall. He took a deep breath, tensed his stomach, and shouted, ¡°Do you want to die like this?!¡± The Squad leader¡¯s voice boomed, catching the attention of the militia. ¡°Forget about Pam! Is this the time to be distracted by your fallenrades? Can¡¯t you see what¡¯s urgent right now? Get it together! Pick up your bows!¡± Krais had said it before: the discipline here was solid. Just then, Deutsche Pullman came up thedder on the opposite side. What was his nickname when he led the mercenary band? The One-Eyed ive? No, it was the One-Eyed. Deutsche, wearing an eyepatch, red at Encrid with his remaining left eye before shouting, ¡°Fire! The wall won¡¯t fall! Shoot them all before you get hit by stones!¡± It wasn¡¯t clear how many militia members there were, but there seemed to be plenty of arrows. There were at least twenty archers. ¡°Excuse me, can I have my bow back?¡± The soldier from whom Encrid had taken the bow approached, hand extended. Encrid handed it back willingly. Archery wasn¡¯t quite his thing. It was something else he would need to train inter. Soon, the twenty or so archers began to rain arrows down below. The knolls¡¯ ear-piercing shrieks mixed with the sound of arrows being released. The arrows found their marks, hitting the heads, arms, and legs of the advancing beasts and monsters. Some were wearing poorly made leather armor, but many of the knolls were unarmored. Where had they acquired such weapons? There seemed to be over five hundred of them. Equipping five hundred soldiers like that would strain the resources of any local lord. It was a tangled mess. A conspiracy by someone? Well, that was none of Encrid¡¯s concern. The important thing was that the militia had regained theirposure. Encrid watched the monsters and beasts die under the hail of arrows, his gaze distant. He couldn¡¯t find his target earlier when they were on the run, but now there was time. With the wall protecting them and no need to dodge the hyena beasts¡¯ teeth, finding the target was easy. Amidst the different types of knolls stood a small gnoll, calmly perched on a small mound. Typically, a colony leader needed such a position to assert dominance and lead from a noticeable, elevated spot. While the others were shouting, running chaotically, and brandishing their weapons wildly, this gnoll stood alone, aloof. Encrid had encountered this one several times before and nearly died each time. He had be good enough at distinguishing knolls that recognizing this one wasn¡¯t difficult. A few more encounters, and he might even start differentiating between attractive and ugly knolls or those with unique features. ¡°I¡¯ll leave this to you.¡± Encrid said as he descended the wall again. As he climbed down, he felt a sense of emptiness. ¡°Grrraaa!¡± Encrid shouted loudly enough to be heard over the gnoll¡¯s cries. ¡°No matter what happens, keep shooting! If you see an ally, don¡¯t hit them!¡± What kind of nonsense is that? Deutsche, who had been yelling at the militia to aim for the heads of the creatures at the gate, looked at Encrid. What the hell was he shouting about as he went down? It was iprehensible. There were rumors that he had cut down some of his subordinates, with the Squad leader iming they had behaved strangely. In the midst of it all, one of his subordinates was missing. He had been a sharp one. Of course, this wasn¡¯t the time to delve into that. Deutsche was quite a capable mercenary. As the situation worsened, he had prioritized clearly. First, deal with the monsters. After that, he nned to get to the bottom of what was going on with that crazy guy. Whatever Encrid had been thinking when he cut down his own men, Deutsche intended to find out, even if it meant asking with a de. * * * Encrid couldn¡¯t read Deutsche¡¯s mind, though he likely wouldn¡¯t have cared even if he could. He descended among those rolling logs and stones to block the gate. ¡°Esther.¡± The panther, which had been guarding the gate until then, trotted over to Encrid. Encrid asked politely, ¡°Can you watch my back?¡± One of the soldiers stacking obstacles at the gate nced over. Why is he talking to a panther? ¡°Kra.¡± The panther nodded as if it understood. What the hell is that? Even in this situation, it was a sight that caught the eye. ¡°Hey, what are you doing?¡± Arade called out to the soldier. ¡°I¡¯ming!¡± The soldier returned to adding obstacles in front of the gate. If the gate broke, they would have to hold it. That would be when the melee began. He swallowed hard. Could he fight? He¡¯d been trained, but this would be only his third real battle. He was nervous. ¡®Ugh.¡¯ His knees felt weak. The thought of the horde of monsters beyond the wall was overwhelming. It was in this tense moment that Encrid, now among them, spoke up. ¡°From now on, everyone follows my orders.¡± He was the toon leader who hade with orders, the man who talked to panthers. ¡°Can we crack this gate open a little?¡± Then he spoke again, and to the soldiers, it seemed like nonsense not worth listening to. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: /revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: /revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 170 ¡°Can¡¯t you open the door? Just a crack, enough for one person to slip through?¡± Encrid asked, and the startled soldier responded with a question. ¡°Right now?¡± Encrid and the soldier¡¯s eyes met. Encrid nodded. ¡°Yes, now.¡± The soldier blinked. Where should he start exining? Should he mention that if they open the door now, the group of monsters outside wille in? Or that it¡¯s impossible to open the door? Should he ask if Encrid couldn¡¯t see they were blocking the door for fear it might open? While the soldier was choosing his words, Encrid suggested apromise. ¡°Didn¡¯t they make a small side door next to the main gate?¡± His tone was casual. Despite the fact that outside there were knolls and hyenas, bristling with arrows but still attacking, his tone sounded as if he was out on a pic. Encrid knew that getting anxious wouldn¡¯t change anything. In reality, nothing was changing. Hadn¡¯t he experienced this day over two hundred times? He knew all too well that if left alone, they would keeping. However, he couldn¡¯t just say, ¡°I¡¯ve fought surrounded by those creatures, and even when a few of them die, they charge like berserkers.¡± Above all, he thought it was good that they had at least blocked the entry. It was a good start. Expecting the next steps to go well just because the start was good was foolish. But it was much better than starting poorly. Anyway, they couldn¡¯t open the door every time someone needed to pass. There had to be a small door for emergencies. Usually, when constructing something like this fortress, they made such provisions. Even though it was a pioneer vige, there was a clear intention to build a castleter. The quarry, the workers, and the craftsmen they had gathered were a clear indication of that intention. Of course, Krais had guessed this, and Encrid had nodded in agreement when he heard it. While dedicating himself to training and practice, it was hard to notice these details. But Krais¡¯s words and the repetition of these ¡®todays¡¯ over two hundred times had made it clear. Even someone with the brains of a ghoul should have noticed by now. Anyway, Encrid needed to break the cycle of repetition. To do that, he had to go outside. ¡°There is a small door.¡± The soldier was still flustered. ¡°Then open it slightly. It¡¯s an order.¡± It was an unreasonable request and probably shouldn¡¯t have been followed, but the calmness of the request moved the soldier. ¡°It¡¯s over there.¡± He hesitated, but Encrid headed towards the small door. There was indeed a door. It seemed big enough for a couple of people to pass through if it opened wide. It was to the left of the main gate. From just beyond the wall came the guttural cries of the knolls. The soldier, perhaps finally thinking clearly, spoke up. ¡°If we open it now, we¡¯ll all die trying to hold them off.¡± It could be opened, but if they did, they would all die. So, no. It was a polite refusal. Encrid, without much thought, called out. ¡°Esther?¡± Though they weren¡¯t exactly on the same wavelength just by looking at each other¡¯s eyes, they did understand each other to some extent at that moment. Esther nodded. The small panther had grown a bit since theyst saw her, but she was still rtively small. However, her size couldn¡¯t be underestimated. ¡°That one¡¯s a real creature, a real creature.¡± Rem had said, because Esther wasn¡¯t an ordinary beast. She proved that again now. With a thud, Esther scaled the wall that the hyena monsters were trying to climb with their short legs. She climbed up, using her ws to grip the wall as if it were solid ground beneath her feet. Even considering the sharpness of her ws, her movements were unbelievably agile. To someone unfamiliar, it would have seemed like she was walking on the wall as if it were the ground. Even to Encrid, who knew her, it looked that way. ¡°She¡¯s climbing the wall?¡± The startled soldier muttered, his eyes seemingly twice as big as before. Normally, seeing her move through trees or rooftops, scaling a wall of this height would be no big deal, but it was surprising for those who didn¡¯t know. Despite the wall being more than three times the height of a person, Esther easily climbed over it. But it didn¡¯t end there. ¡°Oh, oh, she¡­ she¡­¡± The soldier watching couldn¡¯t continue speaking, his mouth agape. It was indeed surprising. Esther had leaped over the wall into the midst of the monsters and beasts. Esther¡¯s task was to disrupt them, to throw a wrench into the coordinated attacks of the knolls and hyenas. Encrid had this expectation, and Esther fulfilled it. A low, deep growl, different from the knolls and hyenas, resonated from beyond the side door. It was a growl that shook the air and struck at the heart, a sound that could make anyone¡¯s knees weak. ¡°Don¡¯t shoot the panther!¡± came the shout from Deutsche Pullman. The knolls¡¯ cries mixed with the whimpering of the hyenas and a few death cries of the knolls. The sounds from the knolls¡¯ mouths started to move away, indicating that the group blocking the door was dispersing. Encrid¡¯s focused hearing caught this change. ¡°Now.¡± At Encrid¡¯s whisper, the soldier hesitated and asked, ¡°Huh?¡± This guy needs to be retrained from the beginning. How could he be so slow to react? ¡°Open the door.¡± Encrid said, grabbing the soldier¡¯s wrist and pulling it. He applied force to the soldier¡¯s wrist and exerted a certain aura simr to a lethal intent, a technique he had learned by opening the Gate of Sixth Sense. The militia soldier began to hup, but that was the least of their concerns. Reluctantly, the soldier¡¯s hand reached the doortch. ¡°If something goes wrong while opening it¡­¡± ¡°I¡¯ll take responsibility. I¡¯m the militarymander of this vige.¡± Then why was themandermitting what seemed like suicide? The soldier thought this but still moved his hand. Click. The lock on the side door was released. ¡°Don¡¯t lock it. Just hold it and be ready to open it again when I ask.¡± ¡°What?¡± What on earth was he talking about? The side door opened slightly. Apparently, Esther had caused enough chaos among the monsters and beasts that they all turned around to look. Encrid could see the backs of the knolls¡¯ heads. It was fortunate that none of them were wearing helmets. Even just holding weapons made them a significant threat. In fact, he probably wouldn¡¯t have noticed helmets even if they had them. As he stepped through the side door, Encrid let his arms hang loosely. As soon as he waspletely outside, he rxed his body and threw daggers in all directions, excluding his whistling daggers. Throwing daggers was entirely different from shooting arrows. He gauged their weight with his fingertips and swiftly swung his arms, embedding four daggers into the heads of the knolls that had turned around. No knoll could survive with a knife more than a hand¡¯s length embedded in its skull. That was a given. As four knolls fell dead and one beast turned to look, Encrid had already reached it. With a swift, downward sh from the middle, he executed a precise and economical sword strike. The strike split the back of one beast. With a swift motion, Encrid¡¯s sword sliced through the spine, organs, and parts of the bones, cutting the creature in half. Simultaneously, he stepped to the left and struck another beast¡¯s head with his knee. Using the twisting motion of his waist, he crushed the skull, causing the eyes to bulge forward, with the optic nerves dangling. After killing two beasts, Encrid began to cut down the remaining monsters without hesitation. Through training his Sense of Evasion, he had developed a heightened sense of coordination. The moment he saw, felt, and reacted, his body moved instinctively. Encrid danced among the monsters, and in a short, deadly dance, three knolls and two hyena beastsy sprawled on the ground. Heads, chests, heads again. One knoll had a hole the size of a silver coin in its body. This was the result of abination of short, precise strikes and stabs. Thud. Finally, the door through which Encrid hade closed. ¡®Were they just watching?¡¯ The door had closed slower than he expected. The sound of the door locking followed shortly after. ¡®I said not to lock it.¡¯ Still, would they really have left it open? Getting back wouldeter. Now was the time to do what needed to be done. With Encrid¡¯s swordsmanship and deadly skill, the knolls and hyenas around them fell rapidly, and the remaining creatures, seeing this, charged at Encrid and Esther. It was only natural that even when facing just two opponents, sticking together inbat would be advantageous. Esther moved toward Encrid. Even while rushing over, Esther didn¡¯t juste directly. The panther¡¯s prowess was remarkable. With a powerful push off the ground, she raked her ws through the air, slicing any knoll or beast that came into contact with them into pieces. It didn¡¯t matter if it was the head or the chest. It was abination of overwhelming strength and cutting power. As Esther charged forward and the knolls and hyenas closed in with weapons, teeth, and ws, Encrid spoke. ¡°Esther, can you cover the back?¡± What did he mean by that? Esther¡¯s eyes questioned him, but Encrid did not answer. ¡®Is this guy serious?¡¯ Esther felt a surge of anger. Just as Encrid seemed to draw attention, he suddenly suppressed his presence. But that wasn¡¯t all. Rolling in the blood of the knolls and hyenas he had in, he pressed his belly to the ground, lying t. Naturally, the enemies¡¯ attacks would focus on Esther. It all happened in an instant. Esther and Encrid¡¯s sudden assault, the ughter of a dozen beasts and monsters, Esther drawing their gaze, and then Encrid¡¯s disappearance¡ªall in a sh. The eyes of the knolls, caught off guard, turned red, reminiscent of berserkers. ¡°Gruuughh!¡± With bloodshot eyes, the knolls unleashed their rage, charging at Esther to kill her. Esther skillfully dodged and stepped back. She wanted to ask Encrid what he was doing, but then she saw him crawling on the ground, stilling his breath even as some knolls stepped on him. It was clear what he was trying to do. ¡®Fool.¡¯ The idiot had asked her to cover his back. Esther exhaled sharply and moved her body, enhanced with magic. The incredible strength and some of the magic infused in her ws showed their mysterious cutting power. She split the heads of two charging hyenas into three pieces, buying time while making herself hard to catch. This was what the madman had meant by asking her to cover his back. He wanted her to handle this damned group of monsters. Esther¡¯s guess was correct. It matched Encrid¡¯s intent. He hid his scent with the blood, flesh, and entrails of the enemies, crawling with a killing intent that mimicked Jaxon¡¯s technique. Encrid¡¯s target was clear: the knoll who seemed to be their leader. * * * Encrid realized that his abilities had changed. ¡®It¡¯s different.¡¯ Even though the changes were significant, Encrid was not so dull as to fail to notice them. He felt and recognized these changes. Previously, he had to repeat and repeat again to barely learn something. This time, things were decidedly different. This was a day for honing the Sense of Evasion. There had been countless repetitive days, even some that seemed pointless. Yet, even on those days, he pushed himself hard, crawling and never stopping. Every single one of those days contributed to his forward progress. The changes manifested in his swordsmanship and other areas as well. ¡°If you know how to emit killing intent, you should also know how to conceal it.¡± This was something Jaxon had said when Encrid asked about a peculiar technique, the Stab Without Killing Intent. ¡°You don¡¯t need to learn it, but if you understand the principle, it might be useful.¡± Jaxon¡¯s words suggested a practical application, but his eyes seemed to scold Encrid, as if questioning why he hadn¡¯t yet mastered the Sense of Evasion. They seemed to challenge him, asking how much longer he would remain slow. Not that Encrid paid much mind to this. What couldn¡¯t be done was simply a matter of persistence. At that time, he had merely asked out of curiosity and received an answer. The Stab Without Killing Intent was a technique where the attack was executed purely through movement, devoid of any detectable intent or force. Even when seen, it left one doubting if it was indeed a real attack. That was the extent of the exnation. During the more than two hundred days focused on mastering the Sense of Evasion, he also needed to learn to control his own killing intent. Through the process of constant evasion, he instinctively picked up something through his body. It was a matter of reacting purely based on senses, not on intent or force, seeking to refine his body¡¯s reaction speed rather than relying on aggression. In the midst of this, he realized something. Encrid had learned to use that something. It was the method of concealing and suppressing his presence, a technique akin to that of an assassin. Of course, it wasn¡¯t perfect. He merely imitated it by slightly hiding his presence and breathing slowly and deeply. ¡®This isn¡¯t enough.¡¯ Encrid crawled across the ground stained with the blood of knolls and hyenas, even hugging a knoll¡¯s corpse as he moved. If anyone were watching him, they would be amazed. Despite having a beast slung over his back, he crawled with frightening speed. ¡®Crawling is one of my specialties.¡¯ he thought. In terms of crawling, Encrid was beyond top-tier. So he kept crawling. He heard Esther let out a loud cry from behind. ¡®I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯ll give you two pieces of jerky when we get back.¡¯ he thought to himself as he continued to crawl. By the time he reached a small rise, there were only a few knolls and beasts left around him. He crawled up the rise. The stench of blood and the foul odor from rolling on the ground clung to him. The smell of monster blood was, as always, unbearably pungent. To Encrid, it was a familiar experience. As a mercenary, this kind of thing was part of everyday life. He had learned back then that monster blood could hide a lot more than one might expect. After reaching the top of the rise, Encrid felt a sense of satisfaction. His target was there, and he couldn¡¯t help but feel pleased. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: /revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: /revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 171 ¡°One day, I wanted to meet you in my full form.¡± Satisfaction moved Encrid¡¯s lips. If he got any closer, the leader might notice, or perhaps not. Encrid wanted to reveal his presence. It wasn¡¯t due topetitiveness or a desire for a fair fight. What kind ofpetition is there with a monster? It was simply a test. He wanted to confirm what he had built up through today¡¯s repeated efforts. The leader, who had two mutated creatures with him like guards, snapped his head back at Encrid¡¯s voice. He didn¡¯t just turn his head. He raised two daggers and pointed them forward. All of this happened in the blink of an eye. ¡®As expected, you¡¯re fast.¡¯ Encrid was impressed. ¡°Guuk!¡± The leader shouted. In response, the two mutants who stood like guards reacted. Guwok! This shout sounded simr to a ghoul¡¯s. One of the mutants leaped forward. At the same time, it swung a club from above. Encrid raised his sword, smeared with ck blood, diagonally. The heavy club fell with a whoosh from above. Encrid¡¯s gaze was blurred. Just before the club could strike his head, the sword moved. No, his whole body moved. Crunch! He twisted the de and struck the middle of the club, then pushed forward. The surface of the club was peeled away as if scraped by a chisel. Encrid¡¯s sword surged forward and shed the mutant¡¯s neck. The attack cut through the mutant¡¯s neck, slicing through muscle, bone, and tendons. As its neck was severed, the mutant let out a sound like air escaping. As the creature crumpled to its knees, its yellow eyes began to dim, and it fell forward. Regardless of the first mutant¡¯s fate, the second one charged at Encrid. Encrid feinted with his sword and then dodged to the left, evading the club and performing a horizontal sh. With a twist of his wrist, he swung his sword in a semi-circle, cutting through the middle of the mutant¡¯s head. Thebination of brute strength and technique produced this result. The mutant¡¯s head was sliced in half, like a pumpkin with its lid removed. But instead of seeds and flesh, its head was filled with brain matter and ck blood. The severed top of the mutant¡¯s head fell to the ground. ¡°If you run, you¡¯ll die with this in the back of your head.¡± Encrid said, flicking his hand. A whistling knife flew out, embedding itself deep in the head of a normal mutant who hesitated to charge. The knife was buried so deep that it was almost invisible, but blood spurted out. The mutant fell backward, bleeding profusely from its head. Gooosshh! Sensing their leader¡¯s danger, the remaining mutants reacted, and Encrid hoped the leader would confront him. He had nevere this far before. So today was a new experience. He didn¡¯t know what would happen. The leader might retreat. What then? He¡¯d just chase him down and decorate his head with a throwing knife. On the other hand, if he attacked? ¡®Can I survive today?¡¯ He asked himself. The answer was still uncertain. He was hopeful, prepared, and had assessed his opponent. But the oue of a fight is always uncertain. Moreover, the leader wouldn¡¯t show himself unless Encrid was significantly injured, like having a hole in his thigh or a severe wound near his navel. The leader only appeared when his opponent¡¯s mobility was restricted or they were gravely injured. ¡®What a cunning bastard.¡¯ It was apliment of sorts. Only stepping in when the victory was certain¡ªhow clever. And the mutant leader didn¡¯t retreat. He moved as Encrid had hoped. ¡°Gruuuk!¡± There was a sudden sound, almost like a burst. That¡¯s how fast he was. Even though Encrid had prepared, the speed was incredible. As the leader kicked off the ground, his body stretched out like a shadow in the sun. The stretched shadow was visible to Encrid. His eyes never lost track of the opponent. Seeing was always possible. The problem was defending against something so fast. The glinting daggers in the knoll leader¡¯s hands couldn¡¯t be allowed to even graze him. They were poisoned. One touch and it would be over. Then it would be a repeat of ¡®today¡¯. Ssk, sst! The first sh grazed Encrid¡¯s shoulder. It only grazed. It didn¡¯t even touch the skin. Encrid¡¯s armor wasn¡¯t something that a mere dagger could easily pierce. Only a cut on the outer leather showed any evidence of the attack. Hepletely dodged the second sh. The knoll leader shed with his right hand and stabbed with his left, but Encrid twisted his body, causing the stab to hit empty air. It was an impressive reaction speed. The moment he saw it, his body moved. It was an attack simr to the Valen Dual Sword Technique, but despite the different rhythm, it was incredibly, extraordinarily fast. ¡®It works.¡¯ As expected, he could avoid it. While he couldn¡¯t avoid being grazed, he could prevent being cut or stabbed. ¡®The Sense of Evasion.¡¯ It felt more like training to increase reaction speed than just a sense. That¡¯s how it felt. It seemed the name didn¡¯t do it justice. These fleeting thoughts quickly vanished. In any case, if he focused entirely on dodging, maybe he could avoid even being grazed. But was there a need for that? Probably not. It was time to move forward. The day hade to survive ¡®today¡¯ and see tomorrow¡¯s sunrise. ¡°Krruk!¡± The leader of the mutants was furious. His reddening eyes reflected that. It seemed like red light flickered in his yellow pupils. He rushed past Encrid, then turned to charge again. This time, he lowered his stance and aimed for Encrid¡¯s thighs. It was a difficult trajectory to dodge. One dagger even seemed to target the inside of the hip joint, with the two daggers crossing in rhythm. A wrong move, and he could be castrated. Encrid didn¡¯t wait to react after seeing and recognizing the attack. He moved immediately upon seeing and perceiving it. That was a small, but significant difference. It was almost the first time he used this in an actual sword fight. His reaction speed, changed with a foundation of coordination, was key. It was a new world. A step into a new world. At least, that¡¯s how Encrid felt. The difference in reaction speed brought a difference in reflexes. The body, continuously trained in the Istion Technique, expressed this difference in perception. The moment he saw it, he swung his sword down. Whoosh, crack, snap! As the mutant leader charged, the de cut through the air vertically, like a sh. Of course, it didn¡¯t just cut through the air. Crack! From the knoll leader¡¯s head down to the middle of his back, the de split him. The leader¡¯s futile hand movements continued. He reached out with both hands, not even realizing he was dead. The left hand uselessly stabbed at the air, but the right hand targeted Encrid¡¯s hip area as intended. Encrid bent his knees and used his armor to absorb the thrust from the dead mutant. Thud. A dead man¡¯s hand loses its strength. The dagger fell helplessly from the leather armor. Even though the knoll leader¡¯s body had been split in two, he continued to move, then finally fell apart to the sides. His guts and blood spilled onto the ground. The sh was so fast that blood sttered in a straight line behind him. He intended to split the head, but the leader reflexively dodged. So instead, he cut diagonally from the shoulder, splitting him in half. ¡°Hooah.¡± Exhaling, Encrid felt a surge of exhration. ¡®I am advancing.¡¯ It was the joy of growth, a moment proven by the result. Using the Sense of Evasion, he dodged the poisoned dagger and cut through the enemy with a single, well-coordinated strike, thanks to his training in reaction speed. Before that, he had tracked the enemy¡¯s movements with his eyes, and The Heart of the Beast gave him the courage. ¡°Grruuuuk!¡± Of course, this wasn¡¯t the end. The area was still filled with knolls and monsters. Now, the problem was finding a way out. ¡°Hah!¡± With a shout, Encrid swung his sword powerfully at the two knolls blocking his path. The Correct Sword Technique? He had no time for such precision. He had learned the best swordsmanship for ying monsters. Northern Swordsmanship. The North was said to be a harshnd where monsters and beasts roamed freely. Their swords had evolved into the best form for ying monsters. Encrid had learned that style. Whoosh, sh! Crack! With a perfect centrifugal force, the two knolls were split into upper and lower halves. There would be no reunion for them. Having split the two knolls, Encrid started to run. ¡®Can I make it out?¡¯ Avoiding them all day? That was possible. But escaping after exhausting himself in battle? That was difficult. Through this experience, he learned that conserving energy was crucial in long fights. But now, he had crawled to kill the knoll leader and engaged in a brief but intense battle. And now he had to carve a path back to the original vige? That was a different issue than just dodging and holding his ground. ¡°Can¡¯t we just meet again tomorrow?¡± Encrid muttered while dodging, knowing it was a pointless question. Naturally, the knolls didn¡¯t respond. The answer came from a hyena monster attacking from behind, jaws wide open, aiming for his back. Encrid reacted instantly, striking the monster¡¯s head with his elbow. Thud. The monster, hit squarely, fell to the ground. In one fluid motion, Encrid drove his sword into the monster¡¯s head. In that moment, two more monsters and a knoll lunged at him, but he swung his sword horizontally with his left hand. The knoll, wearing something like leather armor, stumbled back a few steps after being hit. He couldn¡¯t cut them down in one go. He was short of breath, and couldn¡¯t put enough strength into his swing. His stance was off, but it was also due to using The Heart of Great Strength in the fight. ¡®This is tough.¡¯ If he overexerted himself, his hands would tremble. Of course, a short rest would suffice. It was time to dance once more with the Sense of Evasion. ¡°Guuugu!¡± The knolls¡¯ cries seemed to shout, ¡®Kill him, kill that human!¡¯ Encrid calmly retrieved his sword and moved his feet. Dodging what needed to be dodged, parrying what needed to be parried. He seemed like a master of offense and defense. If anyone saw this, they might think so, but such movements were imperceptible from afar. Encrid felt a sense of satisfaction from killing the leader. Along with the exhration, it felt like he was overturning the nid out by the ferryman. How could this be possible? What was the original obstacle? In Encrid¡¯s mind, the obstacle was fighting a monster with the head of a hyena wielding a poisoned dagger while risking injury. No, it was winning the fight without even getting scratched by the poisoned dagger. Encrid had twisted that path. Was it impossible to catch the leader without getting injured? No, it was possible. That path was also avable. But he didn¡¯t want to go that way. Even if that was the predetermined obstacle. ¡®He has such an annoyingugh.¡¯ He didn¡¯t like the knoll¡¯sughter. Even though he praised the leader for being cunning enough not to show up without confirming a critical injury, he didn¡¯t like it. So, what should he do? He thought a bit. He didn¡¯t need Krais¡¯s help. It was too simple a task. Block the entrance, hold the barricade, and fight the leader. It was all intentional. That was the result. The leader was dead, and none of the pioneer vigers were killed by the knolls or hyena monsters. If anyone had died from a thrown stone, that couldn¡¯t be helped. At least from his perspective, no one had died that way. This wasn¡¯t about protecting the people of the pioneer vige. It just happened to turn out this way. If he had to give a reason, it was simply that he really didn¡¯t like the knoll¡¯sughter. More than anything, this was more efficient than fighting with injuries. Of course, to finish this beautifully, he needed to wrap things up properly here. In other words, he had to survive. He conserved his breath and strength. After failing to clear a path with a few Northern Swordsmanship techniques, he reverted to simpler attacks, but the way was still blocked. It was a moment of decision. Should he hold out and wait for another opportunity? Or should he use all his remaining strength and unleash The Heart of Great Strength to break through? Neither seemed like a high-probability option. Encrid felt this instinctively. But there didn¡¯t seem to be another way. In the midst of his brief contemtion, ¡°Clear the way!¡± What was this? It came from the direction of the vige entrance. The heavy wooden gate of the vige swung open, creating a path. Thanks to themotion caused by Esther and Encrid, the knoll horde had turned their attention away, leaving the area in front of the gate clear. Unable to contain himself after watching everything unfold, Deutsche Pullman stepped outside. ¡°Anyone who wants to follow,e out! But if you¡¯re going to bail out, leave your gear and get lost!¡± It was a proposal fitting of a mercenary captain. Why would someone who fears for their life be a mercenary? Deutsche¡¯s subordinates rushed out in droves. Deutsche Pullman, havinge out of the vige, swung his ive forcefully. Behind him followed ten vigntes who had been with him since his mercenary days. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: /revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: /revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 172 Among them was the gatekeeper Squad Leader who had been guarding the gate this morning. The Squad Leader watched and was amazed. ¡®That¡¯s a perfectly insane bastard.¡¯ He saw everything Encrid did, covered in the blood of beasts and monsters. ¡®Is he crazy?¡¯ Running away covered in blood? What about that panther? Using the panther as bait to escape? No, that couldn¡¯t be. The problem was the direction. After crawling, Encrid went deeper into the enemy lines. It was a route that no sane person would choose. The Squad leader also witnessed Encrid killing a knoll that was behind them. After seeing everything, how could anyone call him normal? Only then did the words of Krais, the Big Eyes, resonate with him. ¡°They call him the Madmen toon Leader in the Border Guard.¡± A truly insane bastard, and because he was doing such crazy things, his heart raced. Just watching was unbearable. The Squad leader was smart and quick-witted. Seeing the situation unfold, he realized there was a spy or something simr within the mercenary group. ¡®What if he hadn¡¯t acted?¡¯ If he hadn¡¯t done such a crazy thing? If they had left the spy alone? What would have happened then? This vige? That pack of knolls? Even with just the hundreds of hyena beasts, could they handle that? Absolutely not, only the worst oue awaited, where no one would survive. Because that man did something crazy, the oue changed. The knoll standing behind, its movements were unusual. Even from this distance, there was an afterimage left by its movements. It was clearly the leader of the colony. That madman killed it. ¡®How long could we have held out?¡¯ If the leader knoll had survived and controlled the colony? What would have happened if it had led them? He don¡¯t know. The only thing certain is that he would have been a dead man. Deutsche Pullman thought the same. They both watched, so how different could it be? They agreed on two things and acted. That Encrid was insane. And that he absolutely should not be allowed to die. How could they let the hero who saved themselves and theirrades die, even if he was insane? Both Deutsche and the Squad leader felt the same and acted ordingly. Ultimately, their choice was right. Esther¡¯s remarkable efforts, Encrid¡¯s fierce fighting, and the resistance of Deutsche and his men. All of these elements came together, and as Encrid¡¯s group narrowly entered, a rock fell from above. ¡°Die!¡± Someone, cleverly, had found a rock and dropped it from the wall. With a thud, a round rock the size of a person¡¯s head fell on the back of a hyena beast. Crack. The rock, crushing bone and muscle, rolled to the side with a thump. The ribs protruded between the entrails, sprawled on the ground. Groan! A knoll nearby, hit in the head with a rock, clutched its head and copsed. The nearby quarry and the collected rocks made it possible. ¡°Shoot!¡± Afterward, the arrows that rained down on the enemies became beautiful ornaments for them. The leaderless enemies began to scatter, fleeing in all directions. ¡°We survived.¡± Returning, Encrid spoke calmly, as if he had just been out for a stroll, casually organizing his gear. Heid down his blood-stained sword and began to take off his armor. There were a few bruises and injuries visible on his body. He had pushed himself because dodging everything wouldn¡¯t have allowed him to break through. These were intentional injuries for Encrid, but how would it seem to those watching? ¡°Damn it.¡± Deutsche muttered. He looked at Encrid, dumbfounded. How could he be so calm? Why is he soposed? It was as if his guts were so swollen they could be left anywhere. ¡°Now I think we need an exnation.¡± Deutsche said, sitting down. His tone indicated that he hade to ept the other party, acknowledging that he had barely survived as well. ¡°Yeah, sure.¡± Encrid nodded. He wasn¡¯t acting recklessly anymore. He was calm andposed. How could he be so collected at a moment like this? ¡®Apletely unreadable guy.¡¯ Deutsche thought to himself but held his tongue. After all, this was the man who had saved him and everyone else. Encrid was more than an expert ating up with excuses. This wasn¡¯t the first time something like this had happened. It was something he had done countless times before. ¡°I was doing my morning workout. I recognized the faces of the two guys on the watchtower.¡± An excuse doesn¡¯t need to be perfect. It just needs to make sense. The matter was already resolved, so who would question it now? ¡°That¡¯s when it hit me, those guys were cultists. I had seen them in passing during my mercenary days, but it took me too long to remember.¡± There was no sincerity in his words. It sounded like he was just saying whatever came to mind. It seemed like a lie. Even upon reflection, it felt like, ¡®Just take it as it is¡¯. Deutsche felt uneasy, but as Encrid had predicted, he couldn¡¯t pursue it further. In the end, Encrid¡¯s words were true, and the matter was already settled. He had captured cultists, after all. And the man before him was indeed the hero who had saved him. ¡°They are no longer in sight.¡± The words came from atop the wall. It was Krais. When did he get up there? No, upon reflection, it made sense. Who else could have prepared and thrown the stones if not him? It wasn¡¯t the chaotic vigntes. It was Krais¡¯s doing. He had persuaded the workers and craftsmen to throw the stones. As soon as Krais finished speaking, those gathered on the wall and watchtower began to speak. ¡°The enemies are retreating!¡± ¡°Phew. We survived.¡± ¡°Oh.¡± ¡°Ha.¡± Workers, vigntes, and other residents all worked together to stop the monster horde and defend the wall. They survived just before death, as if someone had pulled them back from the brink of falling off a cliff. How could they not be grateful? They turned their gaze to the person who had pulled their sleeve. A man with ck hair and blue eyes stood there. ¡°Why? It¡¯s true.¡± He was asserting in a very dry tone that what he was saying was true. But no one paid attention to what he said, not even Deutsche. ¡°Let¡¯s do that.¡± That was all he said. What¡¯s important is knowing why they survived, which isn¡¯t hard if you¡¯re not a fool. ¡°Who did you say that guy was?¡± It was one of the craftsmen who hade out to build the wall. He asked Krais. They had be friendly over the past few days. Krais, sitting down on the top of the barricade¡ªwhat could be called a gallery if it were a wall¡ªspoke, as he felt weak in the legs. ¡°Encrid, he¡¯s a madman.¡± That guy ispletely crazy, how did he run out there to fight? ¡°Right?¡± Esther, who had somehow appeared, nodded in agreement. Krais looked at Esther. It was the first time they shared the same opinion. Esther was equally astonished. She had agreed to watch his back, and then he went and nearly got himself killed. Had things gone slightly wrong, her important item for breaking her curse could have been damaged. ¡°Kyaa kyaa!¡± Esther, who was clearly displeased, made a noise. ¡°Yes, yes, he¡¯s mad.¡± The craftsman who had been listening nearby mumbled to himself, repeating Encrid¡¯s name. ¡°Encrid, Encrid, no, it doesn¡¯t roll off the tongue. Madman¡¯s Wall, yes, that¡¯s better.¡± ¡°Huh?¡± Krais turned his head, and the craftsman, as if making a decision, spoke with conviction. ¡°The name of the wall that will be builtter.¡± ¡°Is it okay to name the wall like that?¡± ¡®Should I stop him? No, I let it go.¡¯ After all, even Krais was too exhausted to intervene, his legspletely drained of strength. ¡°Madman Encrid Wall, maybe that¡¯s better.¡± Meanwhile, the craftsman was contemting a second option on his own. The sun was setting. The day was about to end. * * * As soon as Luagarne heard Encrid¡¯s words, she moved and immediately went to the house of the man identified as a cultist. Finding him was easy. It was rare to find someone who would resist Frog¡¯s questions. The cultist was lying with a woman. When ignored and called out, he came to the door half-dressed, and Luagarne confirmed his face. It was the man who had been following Deutsche Pullman around like a freshwater fish. ¡°Is it him?¡± Upon seeing him, Luagarne immediately asked. The man tilted his head, then awkwardly replied. ¡°Yes? What do you need?¡± The man showed a friendly smile, but Frog¡¯s discerning eye found it anything but pleasant. He looked like a fish head, after all. The man¡¯s expression seemed to say, ¡®Do I need to exin what¡¯s going on?¡¯ ¡®Is it him?¡¯ Or not? Luagarne questioned internally and performed a simple test. This would serve as an answer to the expression. She stepped forward and threw a punch. It wasn¡¯t a lethal strike, just a test. Considering the possibility that he might be a cultist, there was some force behind it, but it was still just a test. Of course, to the man, it was nothing of the sort. Frog, a natural-born warrior, had intended tond a blow. The punch, delivered with a twist of the right ankle, would have shattered his head if it connected. The man instinctively sensed the danger and reacted. A brief hum. Thump! Simultaneously, Luagarne¡¯s hand was blocked by a translucent barrier. It was milky and murky. It wasn¡¯t a spell. Luagarne had hunted down and destroyed more cultists than even an inquisitor. She recognized it. It was a unique protective power of the cultists. So, it was the correct answer. Encrid¡¯s memory had been spot on. ¡°It¡¯s him.¡± Frog¡¯s cheeks puffed up with a mix of joy, excitement, and anticipation. ¡°How did you know!¡± As soon as the cultist realized his identity was exposed, he moved. He stomped the ground twice with his left foot. Despite being called a heretical cult, the followers of the Cult of the Demon Realm did not easily decrease. Why is that? Because it so easily transformed lives by granting power. The power he had acquired since bing a priest shone. With two stomps, the man¡¯s figure disappeared. sh! Luagarne¡¯s whipshed the ground where he had vanished. The dirt was gouged out to the depth of a finger joint. ¡®This bastard, huh?¡¯ As soon as he thought things had gone awry, instead of relying on the barrier, the guy fled immediately? It wasn¡¯t a teleportation spell. Such a high-level spell wouldn¡¯t be so easily cast. What he used was a power that elerated his body in a short time. This was also familiar. At one time, catching such individuals was Luagarne¡¯s job. ¡°Hmph, just a Frog.¡± A voice was heard. About ten steps away? Maybe a little more. ¡°I¡¯m a priest. Do you want to die? Thene. I¡¯ll use you as fertilizer for the expansion of our faith.¡± Gurgle. Go ahead, make it easier for me by trying to kill me. Frog, Luagarne, responded to the arrogant taunt not with words but with action. She kicked off the ground. Bang! It was a charge. The priest of the Cult of the Demon Realm quickly stomped his right foot twice again. This time, it was the power of levitation. Swish! Thanks to eleration and levitation, he narrowly avoided the whip that sliced through the air where he had been. ¡°If I catch you, I¡¯ll start by ripping out your tongue.¡± Luagarne said cheerfully, puffing out her cheeks as she spoke. The priest, deciding it was time to flee, took off. Luagarne chased after the cultist, and they ended up ying a game of cat and mouse almost all day. In the end, Luagarne lost him. She chased the man for a full day, but the cultist had a trump card: summoning magic. He was a troublesome opponent. Because of the creatures he summoned, Luagarne had to give up the chase to deal with them. ¡°We¡¯ll meet again!¡± The cultist had shouted as he fled, and Luagarne hoped there was some truth in his words. Now that she knew his opponent¡¯s tactics. ¡®Next time, I¡¯ll break his legs first.¡¯ Only her resolve had changed. Luagarne returnedte at night. As she circled back around the quarry, she finally saw signs of battle in front of the pioneer vige. What is this? The traces alone indicated that something fierce had happened. The signs of battle, the blood-soaked ground and walls, the scent of excited humans, and the stench of blood filled the air. The atmosphere was quite peculiar. It was gloomy yet not entirely so. In the midst of it all, the man who had been the reason Luagarne had not returned earlier was visible. The man named Encrid. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: /revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: /revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 173 What was the original wall? ¡®Oveing the leader, Knoll, while risking injury.¡¯ Leader Knoll was astonishingly fast and wielded a poisoned dagger. ¡®A fight where even a scratch is uneptable.¡¯ A battle where a single nick could determine the oue. It felt as if the wall had been set up just for him, requiring a reaction speed that matched his, and a coordination that allowed his body to move the instant his eyes perceived something. It was a fight that seemed impossible to win without achieving such abilities. Encrid thought of his opponent as a wall and added a slight inflection to this thought. It could be considered a kind of trick. ¡®What if I faced him without injury?¡¯ While it would drain his stamina, there was a possible method. Additionally, most of the settlers wouldn¡¯t have to die. Encrid did just that. Now, it was time to see the results of his actions. In short, Encrid needed to determine if he had truly ovee the wall or just done something pointless. The verification was simple. It was just a matter of time. And the conclusion: ¡®It doesn¡¯t go back.¡¯ Blink, blink, blink, blink. No matter how many times he blinked, it stayed the same. The night was deep, and the time to return had long passed. Thus, he had ovee the wall. ¡°What are you doing?¡± It was the voice of Krais, who had been watching. Hey sprawled nearby, the voice Encrid had been hearing for some time. ¡°What a world, what a life, huh, is my luck bad this year?¡± He had been muttering something like that and then asked Encrid. ¡°I feel like my luck is good this year.¡± ¡°That doesn¡¯t seem entirely wrong. If your luck was bad, you probably wouldn¡¯t have made it back alive. But why are your eyes like that? You look like someone possessed by a ghost. It¡¯s scary, so stop it.¡± ¡°Oh, really?¡± Even so, Encrid blinked his eyes a few more times. As he blinked, he wondered if it was possible to get through a day with such a trick. Or if this was the original path. Or maybe he just needed to ovee the challenge he referred to as a wall. He didn¡¯t know. There were too many things he couldn¡¯t understand. Repeating today was just thetest in a series of iprehensible events. ¡®Will ite up in my dreams tonight?¡¯ Maybe he should ask the ferryman. He didn¡¯t expect a pleasant answer, but asking might be better than not asking at all. It was all pointless, really. Spending mental energy on this was meaningless, he might as well swing his sword a few more times. Suddenly, Esther, who was nestled in his arms, pressed against his chest. Perhaps it was the cost of having used her so vigorously earlier, since their return, she hadn¡¯t left his chest. Even when he bathed, they had shared a wooden tub filled with hot water prepared by a few workers. ¡°Kyaa.¡± It seemed like she enjoyed it quite a bit, making a sound simr to a sigh instead of a sharp cry, pressing against Encrid¡¯s chest here and there, and then purring as she dozed off. He had held her while bathing, worried she might drown if she fell asleep. Though, it wasn¡¯t likely that Esther would actually drown. Anyway, Encrid finally recognized that the day had fully passed. He had ovee the wall and survived. Today, he learned something new based on his sense of evasion. Tomorrow awaited. ¡°Is it already tomorrow?¡± He muttered, enchanted by the night, the moonlight, and the wind. ¡°It¡¯s still midnight.¡± The voice belonged to Frog, who had returned covered in dirt with leaves stuck to her, to Luagarne, who returned with the moonlight behind her. ¡°Did you just get back?¡± He had been wondering when they would return, apparently, it was after the day had fully passed. Whatever they had been doing, Luagarne didn¡¯t know about the attack by the monsters and beasts. ¡°We ran quite far beyond the quarry. That guy, the one you mentioned, was indeed a cultist. He fled.¡± Encrid and Luagarne discussed the postponed matters. Luagarne mentioned that she had lost track of the cultist. ¡°Are you saying you lost him?¡± Frog? Lost a human? Just a human? Even if the guy was a priest of a cult? Frog, losing a mere human? Thoughts like these shed continuously through Encrid¡¯s mind. Luagarne felt a strange difort rising. Based on this difort, she opened her mouth. ¡°It was understandable to lose him.¡± ¡°Oh, I see. Yes, that makes sense.¡± Perhaps they were careless, or maybe it was just half-wit Frog? It might be, considering she¡¯s still here. If not, she would have returned to the capital long ago. ¡°That¡¯s odd.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°It seems your eyes are telling a different story.¡± ¡°You mean me?¡± Encrid remained calm as always. It was just his eyes that seemed to tell another story. Even if Frog was a half-wit, she was quick-witted. ¡°Hey.¡± ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°Never mind.¡± The fact was they lost him. He didn¡¯t mean to call Frog a half-wit. Though his expression was quite insolent, it probably wasn¡¯t intentional. The fact remained that she lost him. But why did it feel so¡­ ¡°It must be someone associated with the monsters and beasts.¡± Encrid spoke, and Luagarne nodded. ¡°The ones who withdrew today might not scatter.¡± Luagarne nodded at this, too. If the cultist priest was involved, they could easily take over the leadership of the colony. The attacking monsters and beasts weren¡¯t some legendary creatures, Knolls were only low-tier monsters. Low-tier monsters are usually dumb creatures. Among them were ghouls, who were said to have no brains, so knolls weren¡¯t particrly smart. They just had a tendency to group together, fight, and ambush. In fact, a single knoll was easier to deal with than a ghoul. However, if they were armed and organized like this, it was a different story. ¡°The Knolls¡¯ gear was surprisingly well-prepared, it must have been the cultists. They mighte again tomorrow.¡± Encrid concluded. At that moment, it seemed to Luagarne that Encrid¡¯s eyes were telling another story. ¡®This happened because you lost him, didn¡¯t it?¡¯ ¡°Your eyes are¡­¡± Just as she was about to say something, Deutsche Pullman approached. ¡°You¡¯re saying they didn¡¯t just retreat?¡± Deutsche, who had been lingering nearby, couldn¡¯t just listen in silence when such important words were being exchanged. ¡°It seems that way.¡± ¡°Why?¡± At Deutsche¡¯s question, Encrid¡¯s gaze briefly flickered toward Luagarne. Then he spoke. ¡°The mastermind behind the monster horde is still out there.¡± ¡°The mastermind? Yeah, something did seem off.¡± Deutsche nodded. It made sense. An armed monster horde. An unusuallyrge number of monsters and beasts. There was also the matter of a spy among his own men, particrly one of his subordinates. ¡°Ah, the missing adjutant was a cultist.¡± Encrid added, which came as quite a shock. ¡®That bastard?¡¯ Deutsche shook his head from side to side, trying to clear his thoughts. ¡°I sent a pigeon, but it¡¯ll take at least a week for reinforcements to arrive. There¡¯s no backup nearby.¡± It¡¯s not something a small mercenary band should handle. Even if they could hire mercenaries for such arge-scale battle, it would cost an enormous amount of Krona. Moreover, gathering that many mercenaries was a challenge in itself. Deutsche had only one option: to request support from the noble who sponsored the vige. The pigeon had already been sent, but even in the best case, it would take a week for help to arrive. ¡°It might take a week.¡± Encrid muttered in response. It was unclear if he intended for anyone to hear it, he seemed lost in thought, as if speaking to himself. Deutsche didn¡¯t question the meaning of his words, he had too many other concerns. They had to prepare to defend the barricade. If the retreating monster horde was connected to the cultists, they had to be ready for magical attacks. If the enemy included cultists, they might use curses to drain their spirits. Cultists were unpredictable, some acted like Gods in mountain viges, ruling over the people. Moreover, if the cultist was still around, they had to be ready for any orders given to the knolls. ¡°I¡¯ll handle the cultist.¡± Luagarne said to Deutsche, which was somewhat reassuring for him. ¡°Thank you.¡± Deutsche said sincerely. Luagarne looked into Encrid¡¯s eyes. The blue eyes amidst his ck hair gleamed with a peculiar light. ¡®Clean up the mess you made?¡¯ Luagarne thought. She grimaced slightly but had nothing to say. She had, after all, lost track of the cultist. However, dealing with someone versed in summoning magic was difficult to handle alone. Summoning magic¡ªthose who haven¡¯t faced it wouldn¡¯t understand, but fighting against it with mere iron is nearly impossible. It¡¯s challenging to defend against or counter without the aid of spells. ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± Encrid¡¯s eyes were still bright blue and piercing. Luagarne decided it was better not to engage in a conversation with those blue eyes. If the cultist returned the next day with monsters and beasts, she would prove herself then. ¡°Aren¡¯t we having a sparring session today?¡± Luagarne asked as she moved away. ¡°I asked Esther to do something, and she¡¯s in this state, so today is not a good day.¡± Encrid replied, stroking the head of the panther nestled against his chest. There wasn¡¯t much else to say. ¡°I see.¡± Luagarne gracefully excused herself and went to wash up. She noticed a stream nearby and decided it would be a good spot. Frogs, being naturally inclined towards water, would appreciate it. She felt a strong desire to dive into the cool water. ¡°Do you think we can hold out?¡± As Frog departed, Krais asked, looking at Encrid. Encrid, who had been standing idly, tilted his head. ¡°Hold out?¡± ¡°The knoll horde will be back tomorrow, right?¡± ¡°Oh, they will.¡± His indifferent attitude and calm tone suggested he was lost in thought. What¡¯s up with this toon leader again? Krais conveyed his thoughts through his eyes, and Encrid didn¡¯t hold back. It¡¯s important to address such behavior early on. Thud. Encrid kicked Krais in the chest, causing him to roll to the side. ¡°Ouch!¡± Krais groaned as he fell. ¡°Why, why did you do that?¡± ¡°Didn¡¯t your eyes look a bit strange?¡± Encrid said, and Krais knew that once his toon leader made up his mind, he followed through without hesitation. Moreover, Encrid was perceptive, much like Krais himself. He had noticed the look in Krais¡¯s eyes. While Encrid often tolerated jokes, when he decided something was wrong, he acted decisively, just like now. ¡°My eyes.¡± ¡°Yes, keep them straight.¡± Encrid was finally satisfied. It was time to sleep. Getting a good night¡¯s rest to be in top condition for tomorrow was crucial. He had applied ointment to a few scratches. His muscles were a bit strained, but he would be fine after a night¡¯s rest. ¡®I wonder how well Frog will fight when provoked.¡¯ It was an intriguing thought as Encrid prepared for sleep. While Encrid rested deeply, Deutsche Pullman, his subordinates, and other vigers oscited between hope and despair. ¡°Weren¡¯t they supposed to be gone?¡± ¡°Are theying back?¡± ¡°A cultist is involved? Oh, Lord of the Sun, my Lord.¡± ¡°Watch over us, Lord.¡± ¡°Oh no, demons areing! Demons!¡± Those gripped by fear wept and babbled nonsense. The faithful prayed. Those with a cool head considered the danger. Themanders focused on immediate tasks. It was a night filled with personal worries and duties for everyone. Most had no choice but to stay awake through the night, with guards keeping watch until dawn. It was a day endured thanks to Encrid¡¯s efforts. To Deutsche, it seemed that without Encrid, the battle would have been lost. He had observed how Encrid fought. It was unlikely he could do it again. It was the result of a fortunate ident, brought about by a twisted situation. Otherwise, what kind of person would charge alone into a horde of beasts? As the day passed and dawn broke, a vignte standing guard in front of Encrid¡¯s house saw the hero with dark blue hair emerge. Encrid started his morningter than usual. As he came out, he began his exercises, sweating profusely as he trained intensely. The vignte worried whether it was too much, wondering if it was okay to expend so much energy. Concerned, the vignte spoke up. ¡°Um, don¡¯t you ever take a break, even on a day like this?¡± After over exerting himself yesterday, they couldn¡¯t be sure if another day of crisis awaited them today. Encrid nodded in response to the vignte¡¯s words. ¡°I had a good dream.¡± Huh? The question was about resting, but that was his answer. Encrid seemed focused only on his own thoughts, continuing his training. Then Frog came out. ¡°A good dream? You were tossing and turning a lot.¡± ¡°Seems I was sleep-talking.¡± This was the conversation between Frog and Encrid. The vignte had nothing more to say and stepped back. Soon, the panther and the soldier withrge eyes also came out. The soldier yawned and nodded slightly when their eyes met the vignte¡¯s. The vignte responded in kind. Finally, the female ranger came out. ¡°Ah.¡± She exhaled deeply, and it was clear from her gait that she wasn¡¯t in good shape. ¡°Why are youing out?¡± Encrid asked upon seeing her. ¡°I should at least shoot my bow.¡± The female ranger replied. ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡± ¡°But you said they mighte again today.¡± ¡°Probably.¡± ¡°If theye, it¡¯s a good thing.¡± This was what Encrid, Finn, and then again Frog said. The vignte found it difficult to keep up with their conversation. ¡°If theye, it¡¯s a good thing.¡± Frog repeated the words once more, with a forceful tone. There was a sense of energy, menace, and resolve in her words. Just seeing Frog made the vignte¡¯s knees tremble. Bang! Bang! Bang! While the vignte¡¯s courage faltered momentarily, an emergency bell rang throughout the vige, reaching everyone¡¯s ears. It¡¯s often said that the worst-case scenario always happens, or that the things you least want to face inevitablye to pass. Both sayings seemed to mean the same thing. ¡°Knolls!¡± A messenger ran, shouting from the front. It was time for Deutsche¡¯s defensive strategy, prepared overnight, toe into action. Encrid also began to move. His body was ready, all he needed was his equipment. Krais had cleaned his two swords before bed, polishing them with oil made from rendered fat to a shine. While some of the chainmail inside his leather armor was slightly damaged, it wasn¡¯t a significant issue. Though he might be short on throwing daggers, today might only require swordy. He was prepared. ¡°Well then, Luagarne?¡± Encrid called out to Frog while putting on his armor, and Frog nodded. It was time to redeem herself and demonstrate her worth to the insolent-eyed Encrid. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Luagarne replied, and soon the group moved out. Finn joined them, intending to observe if she couldn¡¯t help. Krais sighed deeply, muttering about bad luck, but knowing that nothing would change byining, he quickly followed suit. Whatever happened next, it was clear they needed to face it together. Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! The emergency bell continued to ring above their heads. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: /revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: /revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 174 The emergency rm rang, but no one woke up from their sleep upon hearing it. After all, it¡¯s impossible to wake up again if you¡¯re already awake. Everyone stayed up all night with open eyes. The news that the knolls wereing again kept them on edge. The beasts and monsters returned once more. This time, it was different from before. The creatures filled one side of the wilderness, and among them were objects they hadn¡¯t seen before. Two or three of them were approaching, carrying long objects under their arms. These were long tools with holes in the middle. Unlike before, they weren¡¯t charging recklessly, they had some semnce of order. There were dozens of such organized groups. Deutsche, recalling what he learned from a military veteran mercenary when he first joined, tried to estimate their numbers. He bent his fingers to form a circle and used it to count the knolls, estimating how many such circles would cover the entire area. ¡®Twenty.¡¯ Roughly twenty per circle, and about fifty circles in total? It seemed to be around that number. Mixed among the knolls and hyena beasts were ghoul hordes creeping around. It was a horrifying number, even more than yesterday. Yesterday was already a nightmare. Everything was dreadful, but the most terrifying part was what they were holding. Those long, hole-riddled tools. ¡°Ladders?¡± The word slipped out involuntarily. Deutsche Pullman felt a sense of dread. The knolls had broughtdders. Monstrous knolls used weapons. Therefore, if taught, they could use tools. What was more astonishing was that it was evident these were hastily made objects. ¡®They madedders?¡¯ No way, why the hell did the knolls makedders? There must be a sinister mastermind behind this, someone pulling the strings. ¡®The cultists.¡¯ The thought made him even more anxious. Of course, the immediate problem was thedders. Whether hastily made or carefully constructed, if thosedders started piling up against the walls, the quality of thedders wouldn¡¯t matter. ¡°Boiling oil!¡± Deutsche shouted instinctively. ¡°Do you think we have that?¡± came the vige chief¡¯s retort. There were some stones left to throw, but not many. They had quite a few arrows, but could they fend off the roughly thousand monsters with those? When they were all bunched up under the walls, shooting would hit them. But there were only twenty archers. They couldn¡¯t pour boiling oil like in a siege. Should they collect and pour filth? Would hitting them with excrement drive away the knolls or hyena beasts? Not a chance. They had to hold out for seven more days for reinforcements, but could they make it? ¡®If only we had enough stones.¡¯ With only twenty archers and the entire vige pitching in, what would happen? Once the stone-throwing was over, they couldn¡¯t really use the vigers as any sort of fighting force. Sending these vigers into meleebat would be like throwing rare steaks to the knolls. They couldn¡¯t haul enough throwable stones from the quarry in just one day. Theycked the means and manpower. Even if they carried whatever they could, it wouldn¡¯t be enough. They couldn¡¯t stop them that way. ¡®No chance.¡¯ If thedders went up, it would be over. The difference in numbers was clear, even if they tried to stop them with arrows and rolling stones. Even if the cultists pulled some tricks, if they cast a curse, how could they resist? They¡¯d be lucky if everyone didn¡¯t copse on the spot. Deutsche himself had no real means to resist such curses. This was just a small pioneer vige, it wasn¡¯t something a former mercenary leader could handle alone. To be honest, Deutsche wanted to run away. Yesterday¡¯s victory was already a distant memory. The craftsman they brought in to build the wall had joked about naming it the ¡®Mad Encrid Wall¡¯, hadn¡¯t he? What a joke, they couldn¡¯t eveny the foundation stones properly. At this rate, this ce would be a colony nest for the knolls. It would be their vige. A vige for knolls? The thought was maddening. Eventually, arge-scale hunting party would be organized, and they¡¯d easily burn such a vige to the ground. But what about those who would die and lose their homes in the meantime? Deutsche had invested everything he had in this pioneer vige. If it was taken, he¡¯d be left with nothing. He¡¯d have to start from scratch, swinging his sword for a living again. So, should he run away? Is that really what he should do? ¡®If I run, where would I go?¡¯ There was nowhere to go. Even if he took the mercenaries and escaped through the quarry, where would they head next? Should they cross the border? Yeah, right. An unnned journey would be akin to suicide. Yet, his long experience as a mercenary told him that running away offered the better chance of survival. ¡°Damn it.¡± The curse slipped out instinctively. Just then, a voice spoke up nearby. ¡°What was that guy¡¯s name again?¡± ¡°Deutsche.¡± The voice belonged to the hero of the previous night, the crazy toon leader with ck hair and blue eyes. The madman who had single-handedly charged into the knoll horde and sliced through their leader. ¡°Deutsche, open the gate a bit.¡± Encrid spoke. Deutsche¡¯s brow furrowed, mirroring the turmoil inside him. Beside him, Krais spoke in a clear, prepared voice. ¡°Remember, themand authority lies with my toon leader. Follow the orders immediately, Chief of Security.¡± He was merely stating what needed to be done and what needed to be protected, but the effect was clear. Krais didn¡¯t use an arrogant or forceful tone. The timing was perfect. Is there any other option? Look at thedders, isn¡¯t this the worst momentpared to when they first arrived? And what about the cultists? You don¡¯t have a choice. In summary, it was an escape route. By relinquishingmand, Deutsche could avoid responsibility. From Krais¡¯s perspective, Deutsche Pullman was a stubborn but decent man. ¡®It would have been easier if he had given up earlier.¡¯ Security of the pioneer vige? What¡¯s the point of that title? Future nning? This is a gamble. How many pioneer viges have fallen like this? Especially in such a tangled situation? If it were Krais, he would have already looted the vige with his mercenaries and fled. Seriously. Of course, Krais couldn¡¯t do that. If he did, Encrid¡¯s hand or foot might be a de against him. After all, the toon leader was genuinelymitted to saving people. Thinking about it made Krais a bit uneasy. The guy had a knack for doing strange things. Just look at this situation, he was still up to something odd. It was right after the emergency rm had rung. ¡°Only Lua, Esther, and I will go out.¡± ¡°Where to?¡± ¡°Outside the walls.¡± This was what Encrid had said amidst the ringing rm. Krais had seriously wondered if Encrid had hit his head during the fight yesterday. ¡°You know you almost died yesterday?¡± Encrid nodded. ¡°It was a close call.¡± Does this guy not care about his own life? ¡°Eyes on me.¡± Just as Krais thought that, Encrid opened his mouth. Not wanting to get hit, Krais averted his gaze. ¡°What if we¡¯re unlucky today?¡± ¡°We have Lua, don¡¯t we?¡± No matter how impressive the Frog is, is Lua some kind of Knight? No, she¡¯s not, right? No, she¡¯s not. So it¡¯s dangerous. ¡°Find something to do yourself.¡± This was as far as Encrid went. That was the end of the conversation. After that, Krais had to think for himself. ¡®The front-linebat will be done by just one human, one Frog, and one panther.¡¯ What could the remaining people do? They could cheer. ¡®They could also shoot arrows appropriately.¡¯ Krais dismissed the fleeting thoughts. It was time to think of immediate tasks. ¡°Then, as I assumemand, I order you to open the gate.¡± Krais spoke. Encrid was already at the gate, chatting with Lua and Esther hurrying along beside them. ¡°Don¡¯t die.¡± Krais muttered to himself. If the toon leader died, it would be difficult for Krais to survive as well. Krais didn¡¯t think Encrid was a foolish person. ¡®He must have a n.¡¯ As absurd as it seemed, Krais trusted him. He remembered Encrid¡¯s back blocking his path in the middle of a battlefield. They barely survived that time. The toon leader then and now were iparable. It wasn¡¯t just about the promotion from Squad leader to toon leader. His skills had improved. His ambition to be a Knight seemed more achievable with how rapidly he was improving. ¡°I said to open it! Disobedience will be punished by beheading, Deutsche Pullman!¡± Krais¡¯s voice was now forceful, a tone he hadn¡¯t used earlier. He wasn¡¯t a mercenary leader nor Encrid. He was just a weak human, so he needed to rely on authority. ¡°Y-yes, sir.¡± Deutsche responded, relinquishing his duties and responsibilities as the former chief of security. ¡°Cut off the heads of those who don¡¯t obey.¡± He directed this to Deutsche, though he didn¡¯t actually expect anyone to be beheaded. Of course, that didn¡¯t happen. Soon, the pulley creaked, and the log gate began to open. Encrid, Lua, and Esther stepped outside. It wasn¡¯t a reckless charge like yesterday. The knolls and hyena beasts, though awkwardly formed, maintained some order, while a mass of ghouls approached from one side. Somewhere among them, the cultist was hiding. Before a force that could be called an army, only three stood. Seeing this, Krais felt a dry mouth. He swallowed hard, avoiding the gaze of others. Whatever they did, he had to support them from behind. ¡°Bring all soldiers skilled in archery.¡± The archers. ¡°ce stones around so they can be thrown easily.¡± The vigers and everyone else began to move ording to Krais¡¯s orders. Using the log barricade as a makeshift wall, they prepared to face the approaching enemy force. * * * Encrid was relieved that Krais was managing things, freeing him from worrying about it. ¡®If it weren¡¯t for the treasure, this would have been a lot of trouble.¡¯ Had it not been for some map-rted task, Krais wouldn¡¯t have been involved in this mission. In that case, Encrid wouldn¡¯t have brought him along. Handling misceneousmands and other minor tasks would have fallen on him if not for Krais. Deutsche Pullman, whether a ive or one-eyed, looked like someone who had lost his courage. ¡®He looks like someone just waiting to die.¡¯ It was a look he had seen often, one of a broken spirit. After observing this, Encrid stopped paying attention. He focused on his sword, himself, and the new insights he had gained. It was time for that. As he stood before the log gate, the dream fromst night came to mind. The conversation with the ferryman, as vivid as a brand in his mind, his reaction, and the events that followed. ¡°You used a trick.¡± The ferryman showed no emotion when saying that. ¡®It just happened that way.¡¯ These words were spoken in his mind. The ferryman seemed to understand. The ferry bobbed up and down, even though there were no waves. It seemed to reflect the ferryman¡¯s current mood. How dare you? A trick? Such deceit? Yet Encrid felt at peace. ¡°Bound byws, wandering through time, you will regret this, this is not the end.¡± The ferryman recited some verse as a warning, but Encrid merely acknowledged it. What use was there in pondering words he couldn¡¯t understand? Even now, and in the dream, he only dreamt of tomorrow. That was the end of it. The ferryman vanished, and then the nightmare began. He dreamt of being trapped in a well, seeing the moon shining above but unable to climb out, day after day. In the dream, Encrid wed at the walls until his nails cracked, peeled, and broke, but he couldn¡¯t reach the top. That¡¯s why he had thrashed about in his sleep. ¡°What kind of dream was it?¡± Lua asked as the log gate opened. ¡°It was a dream where the moonlight was beautiful.¡± It wasn¡¯t untrue. The moonlight shining above the well was beautiful, intoxicating even in the dream. It was moonlight that required no drop of alcohol. ¡°It doesn¡¯t sound like a nightmare.¡± ¡°Does it?¡± They exchanged a few nonchnt words. ¡°Caw.¡± Esther made a sound as she looked at the open gate. ncing down, Encrid felt Esther staring up at him. ¡°I¡¯ll need your help again today.¡± Esther was no ordinary panther. That much was already clear. Then, what about himself? ¡°Whew.¡± He took a deep breath and recalled what he had learned. Oh, there was something he needed to check first. He almost forgot. ¡°Lua.¡± ¡°Speak.¡± ¡°Show us what you can do.¡± How well would a provoked Frog fight? Remembering this fact, he spoke. Grrrr. Lua¡¯s cheeks puffed up. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll show you.¡± The Frog spoke first, then dashed forward, kicking off the ground and sending dirt flying like a fountain. How reassuring it was to see. He was curious. How well would a provoked Frog fight? [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: /revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: /revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 175 Encrid could sum up Luagarne¡¯s fight with just two words. ¡®Boom¡¯ and ¡®Bang¡¯. Charging straight towards the knoll horde, it was an unstoppable charge without a thought, as reckless as a ghoul¡¯s brain. When a Knight rides a proper warhorse and shes down, that¡¯s called a charge. Couldn¡¯t we call Luagarne¡¯s assault the same thing right now? ¡®It seems like it.¡¯ The effect was sufficient. Ignoring the scratches incurred while rushing, she swung her whip with her right hand and her sword with her left. Bang! Bang! Each time the whip cut through the air, it struck the knolls¡¯ heads, shoulders, and bellies. Boom! Bang! Crack! The loud noises echoed as heads burst, spraying ck blood and brains everywhere. Then, with the sword in her left hand, she stabbed the heads of the approaching hyena beasts. Swish! Swish! Swish, Thud! Crack! The sounds repeated as she stabbed and withdrew her sword, causing three or four hyena beasts with short snouts to copse to the ground, bleeding ck blood. Growl, Croak. Beyond the hyena beasts dying with ck foam in their mouths, Luagarne charged on, killing nine knolls and fifteen hyena beasts in her assault. Afterwards, the knolls began grouping in fives or sixes to face Luagarne. ¡°Croak!¡± Luagarne puffed out her cheeks once and swung her whip fiercely. The whip flew through the air, wrapped around an enemy¡¯s neck instead of striking them, and yanked them forward. Whoosh! Have you ever seen a flying knoll? You just did. The knoll flew through the air,nded headfirst on the ground with a thud, and in the meantime, Frog¡¯s whip and sword acted like a continuous guillotine. Killing and killing again. Frog¡¯s furious strength was truly astonishing. She was showcasing great strength and innatebat sense. A loud cry from a knoll, akin to a scream, echoed. In the meantime, Encrid also trudged forward step by step. Luagarne, the Frog, disyed her anger appropriately through provocation. It was an astonishing power. However, now that something has started to be visible or graspable through today¡¯s repetition. ¡®Can I not match her?¡¯ Though Frog belonged to abat race, not all were the same. Luagarne had repeatedly said she was a schr. Not someone immersed inbat. If it¡¯s now. ¡®I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll lose.¡¯ Such a thought suddenly urred. Was it arrogance or confidence from umted experience? Of course, all battles are unpredictable until fought, but if the intention is to kill. ¡®I think it¡¯s possible.¡¯ That thought crossed her mind. ¡°I can teach swordsmanship, but dealing with Knights or your mad group, well, they¡¯re quite formidable opponents.¡± Luagarne, the talent assessor, was candid. She clearly knew her skills and where she stood. ¡°I¡¯m more inclined towards curiosity thanpetitive spirit.¡± Which Frog wouldn¡¯t be curious? As she spoke, Luagarne¡¯s eyes sparkled. Herrge, round, bulging eyes seemed to glimmer with light. Afterwards, when Encrid spoke about a strategy to deal with the horde of monsters, Frog puffed out her cheeks and tilted her head in curiosity. ustomed to human life, Luagarne often expressed her thoughts with gestures simr to those of humans. Upon hearing the strategy, it was as if she was questioning what kind of madness this was. ¡°We did it yesterday too.¡± Responding to that statement, Encrid felt his heart, body, hands, feet, and entire being heat up. It was a feeling of wanting to go wild. It felt like wanting to run in a sudden downpour of rain. Or perhaps the urge to roll around in a snowy field covered in white. Whatever it was, he wanted to do something. Specifically, he wanted to swing his sword. ¡°So, just cover my back.¡± This was a request to both Luagarne and Esther. The vige was on the verge of falling anyway. If they had even broughtdders, well, that was the end of it. So what should be done? ¡®Destroy what they believe in.¡¯ What do the knolls and cultists believe in? Numbers, tools,dders, and their manpower. In the process, he wanted to release something boiling inside him. Something burning, something rising up. ¡°It seems we¡¯ll need a short but intense fight.¡± Encrid murmured as he stepped forward. He muttered as if reciting a verse, thinking of the ferryman, and then stepped forward. While Luagarne drew all attention with her strength, Encrid approached the horde of monsters and beasts. Luagarne, having taken a breath, stepped back. By then, she had ughtered nearly thirty knolls and hyena beastsbined. Frog returned with small wounds on her arms, legs, thighs, and abdomen. She was strong. But if asked if she was so strong as to be untouchable, well, it seemed not. She seemed reachable. Encrid stopped among the knolls, hyena beasts, and ghouls. Guoooooo! Kia! Kaa! Knolls and hyena beasts. Kayak! The ghouls were the first to greet him. They weed him, indeed. As he looked at them, Encrid thought. Is the power of a Knight something unreachable? Does that mean it can¡¯t be reached? No one knows the future. But, Short but intense. It seemed like he could show something. The enemy was numerous, a mass of countless monsters and beasts. Among them, those withdders could be seen. There were roughly over thirty of them. Good, thirty. Acknowledging this, he drew his swords. Chirring. One in his right hand. Ting. One in his left. Although he was much more ustomed to handling a single sword, this seemed better for now. Facing a multitude of enemies, Encrid swung his swords. * * * ¡®What is he trying to do?¡¯ Luagarne did not ask Encrid. There were several reasons for not asking. First of all, she was confident she could escape even if she were amidst the knolls, and monster hordes. If things went wrong, she could lose an arm and get away. The arm would regenerate, so there was no problem. Therefore, she didn¡¯t ask when he decided to go into the midst of the monsters. Another reason was Encrid¡¯s change. ¡®Why has he changed?¡¯ She had been away for only half a day, but Encrid¡¯s posture and aura had changed. ¡®How?¡¯ Luagarne, as a talent assessor, naturally gauged Encrid¡¯s skills by observing his movements, gestures, and stance. ¡®How?¡¯ The question repeated itself in her mind as this man had changed significantly. While skills could suddenly improve, this felt different. It was distinctly different from what she had seen in others before. ¡°I have an appointment at the salon.¡± That¡¯s how geniuses were. Luagarne had been astounded when a seeminglyzy person suddenly showed remarkable improvement. That¡¯s what geniuses were like. But didn¡¯t they usually show signs or indications? Yes, they did. Luagarne could see that. The signs or omens that appeared just before someone improved. It was only natural to grow after seeing such signs. ¡®Nothing.¡¯ She saw no such signs. No omens, nothing. Absolutely nothing, and yet he had changed suddenly. Is this possible? Moreover, in Luagarne¡¯s view, Encrid didn¡¯t even fall into the genius category. So how? Again, the same question. Now she stood here to confirm if Encrid had indeed changed or if her own senses were failing. ¡®If things go south.¡¯ She could just take him and run. Beside her, Esther extended her ws and tapped the ground. Seeing that, it seemed this bold panther had simr thoughts. Concerns, expectations, curiosity, and a desire for the unknownbined, directing their gaze forward. Then, their worries dissipated. Ching, Ting. Encrid, with two swords drawn, moved. Into the midst of the knolls, beasts, and ghouls. His purpose was clear. ¡®Ladders.¡¯ He charged straight towards the ones carrying thedders. Luagarne had targeted that as well. However, unless one was a monstrous Knight or a warrior whose primary upation wasbat, it was difficult to face them head-on. A horde is still a horde. Those who had retreated were hidden. While it might be possible to catch and kill those rushing forward, chasing down those retreating? That required a different approach. The problem was there were simply too many of them. The knolls were easy prey. For Frog, they were enemies she could kill even while half asleep, but there were just too many of them. Luagarne wasn¡¯t a Knight. She was a Frog, but even Frogs have their limits. She could take down one cultist but couldn¡¯t handle the entire horde. That wasmon sense. Breakingmon sense is what the continent called Knights or Knight-level warriors. And now¡­ Whoosh, swoosh, thud, slice, chop, bang, sh, thud. Encrid¡¯s swords cut through the path. He broke the pathid down bymon sense. ¡®Ah.¡¯ It was impossible to increase one¡¯s skills without any signs or omens. Even for a genius, that was impossible. How? Encrid¡¯s swords moved exactly as needed, at the right moments. He stabbed and shed, cut and thrust. He lightly split the skulls of approaching knolls, and a sideways swing severed the pole of a spear held by a knoll. As the knoll with the severed spear pole opened its mouth and tried to bite Encrid¡¯s shoulder with sharp fangs, a sh of light sliced upward. The sh split the knoll¡¯s head in half. A split head couldn¡¯t bite anything. The knoll with the split head copsed as its head became two. The force behind the de. Luagarne realized that this force was no less than her own. It was the same strength he had asionally disyed during sparring. However, during sparring, he had only known how to unleash it without control. Now, he used it with perfect bnce, only as much as needed, and then retracted it. He shed vertically, stabbed forward, and his feet kept moving to maintain his position. When adder came within reach, he swung his sword to break it. Then, five or six ghouls charged at him in unison. Their stance indicated they would cling to him even if it meant their death. This was the result of the cultists¡¯ brainwashing spells. But it was futile. Before the mass of ghouls could reach him, Encrid stepped forward with his left foot, pulled his right foot back, and then swung his sword as if he had been waiting for this moment. Whoosh, swoosh, crack! Bones, muscles, tendons¡ªnone of it mattered. A spinning sh in the Tangum style cut through the mass of ghouls. Arms, legs, heads, chests, and abdomens of the ghoulsy scattered on the ground. Among them. With a thud, Encrid drove one of his swords into the ground. With a peculiar sound, Encrid released the sword and a throwing knife flew from his hand. It was a whistling knife. Ten throwing knives scattered like the wind, striking all around. The whistling knives embedded themselves in the heads of those carrying thedders. Knowing how to use tools didn¡¯t necessarily mean knowing how to cherish them. As thedders fell to the ground, the creatures stumbled over them. The hastily made ¡®tools¡¯ were destroyed. ¡°Guuuu!¡± Mutant knolls charged. These creatures hadrger heads, and three or four of them surrounded Encrid while a hyena beast tried to bite him. Encrid, who had previously grabbed the sword he had nted in the ground, suddenly vanished. Luagarne¡¯s eyes didn¡¯t miss this, though even her keen vision could only catch a lingering afterimage. ¡®A charge move?¡¯ It was simr to the charging techniques often seen in junior Knights. The speed wasparable. Disappearing just before being surrounded, Encrid reappeared behind a mutant knoll on the right, crossing his swords in a stabbing motion. Thump! The two swords pierced the mutant¡¯s heart in a cross, then withdrew. Piercing the heart caused the creature to swell, but it could be ignored. She was an experienced Frog. However, even with her experience, this was the first time she¡¯d seen a human like this in action. The unknown stirred something in her. Encrid pulled his swords back. As the des were withdrawn, ck blood flowed out. ¡°Guugh!¡± The mutant knoll died. A hyena beast lunged at him. It was kicked aside with a thud, its head smashed by the pommel of a sword. Kaa! A ghoul attacked without hesitation, ws bared. Its poisoned ws were deadly weapons. Smack. With a casual swing of his sword, Encrid decapitated the ghoul. There¡¯s a saying that ghouls have no brains, but now it seemed that wasn¡¯t true. They had small brains, barely the size of a finger. Encrid¡¯s actions with his swords hadn¡¯t taken long. Not half a day, not even hours. Perhaps only the time it takes to drink a cup of tea? A fleeting moment, even to the long-lived Dragons and Fairies. In that brief time, Encrid had destroyed most of thedders. He turned nearly a hundred monsters and beasts into rotting piles of flesh. The ghouls were almost entirely wiped out. Luagarne, the Frog, felt her heart ache instead of feeling goosebumps. A mix of admiration and joy, the thrill of discovering something inexplicable. The happiness of encountering that unknown something before her. All these emotionsbined, bringing tears to her eyes. It was a harsh happiness. ¡°Ahh.¡± She uttered in awe, singing the Frog¡¯s battle song. Before she could even start the song, Encrid suddenly stumbled back and copsed, nting his sword in the ground as he fell to his knees. Even as he did this, his body wobbled. Then he spoke. ¡°Help me.¡± What? What? She had just begun to feel moved, ready to sing more and shed more tears. Why had the man who fought like a Knight suddenly copsed? ¡°Hurry.¡± Encrid spoke with pale lips. Luagarne instinctively reached out with her whip. With a swift flick, the whip wrapped around Encrid¡¯s wrist. As she pulled him, Encrid dragged across the ground, scraping over the cluttered remains. With a flick of her wrist, she lifted him into the air. Catching the airborne Encrid with a thud, she cushioned the impact by bending her knees. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± The man with ck hair and blue eyes spoke from her arms. Luagarne¡¯s sense of awe was interrupted, but the initial something she felt hadn¡¯t disappeared. She nodded. The remaining knolls and beasts charged at them, but they had decided to retreat. And then. ¡°Shoot! Shoot!¡± As they retreated, arrows rained down from above in support. The monsters and beasts charged again, even as arrows pierced their heads. They swung their ws and axes at the wooden barriers. Arrows and rocks fell on them. A few of them had set updders. ¡°Is this the time to watch?¡± At Krais¡¯s shout, former mercenaries and vigntes under Deutsche¡¯smand sprang into action. They pushed away thedders and fought. With the return of Luagarne and Esther, the fewdders proved useless. ¡°This is madness, madness.¡± Deutsche Pullman muttered, watching the retreating monsters from the wall. Luagarne agreed with that sentiment. ¡®It is madness.¡¯ Encrid had fought briefly but effectively, almost like a Knight. Without any signs or indications. In just half a day, a man previously thought to have no talent had changed. Luagarne¡¯s heart felt young again. For a moment, she felt like a girl. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: /revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: /revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Chapter 176 Let¡¯s bring out what we¡¯ve learned and practiced. As soon as he made up his mind and moved, his body moved on its own. He could see everything and respond to it. The countless days of training in the Istion Technique provided the strength to support me. ¡®It¡¯s working.¡¯ His body moved as he intended. He adhered to a single sword technique. The Northern-Style Heavy Sword Technique. Based on the fundamental principles divided into ¡®steady¡¯, ¡®heavy¡¯, and ¡®quick¡¯, itbined five basic forms developed throughout the continent. For example, Mitch Hurrier used a sword technique thatbined ¡®steady¡¯ and ¡®heavy¡¯, with a touch of ¡®quick¡¯. Ragna emphasized ¡®heavy¡¯ and added a hint of ¡®quick¡¯ in his swordsmanship. This was the Northern-Style Heavy Sword Technique. Of course, what he learned was only the basics. It was a simple technique, but it was enough. Using the technique he honed as a foundation. ¡®I can see it.¡¯ He could hear the enemy¡¯s attack forms with his eyes and see them with his ears. As his senses intertwined, he opened the Gate of Sixth Sense, allowing him to see everything. He ssified and distinguished the order of the iing des. He could perceive each and every one of them. The speed at which he felt and reacted was truly lightning-fast. ¡®Left from here.¡¯ Naturally, he had the luxury of thought. Encrid was faster than the monsters and beasts surrounding him, saw them beforehand, and his body followed suit. He moved more. He advanced a step faster than his opponents and swung his sword one more time. ¡®Strength.¡¯ The Heart of Great Strength damages the body if the activation time is too long. So, it should be brief and momentary. Not only had he honed the Sense of Evasion during today¡¯s repeated practice. In the process of evading again and again, he naturally obtained this through training and practice. As his heart pounded, strength filled his muscles. ¡®Three times? No, I can swing four times.¡¯ With one heartbeat, he could deliver four powerful strikes. sh! All were cuts where he felt no resistance in his hands. It was a precise sh that split the heads of four knolls, exactly dividing their crowns in half. His body moved as he wished. The sword advanced as he desired. The coordination of his body doubled all his reflex speeds, and as he unraveled everything he had learned,Encrid thought of Rem at that moment. How could he run through the middle of the battlefield unscathed? How could such a feat be possible? With such skill, it was possible, for someone like him now. Cutting and cutting again, splitting and dividing. Walking through the time he had seized and taken. ¡®Ah.¡¯ He also recalled the junior Knight he had seen then. How could he, alone, charge forward and demonstrate such power? They say you need ¡®Will¡¯. They said it was something distant for Encrid. But does that mean it¡¯s a reason to give up? Not a chance. With busy days filled with doing his best in what he could do now, there was no time for despair. Encrid did just that. He did everything he could. Using his body, trained with the Heart of Great Strength and the Istion Technique, he imitated the charging technique of the junior Knight. After rampaging like that, when his limbs started to tremble and a dull pain arose in his intestines, he suddenly retreated. ¡°Ahhh!¡± Behind him, Luagarne let out a strange sound. Encrid felt his entire body¡¯s energy drain away. When he asked for help, Luagarne wrapped a whip around his wrist and pulled him in. Encrid copsed into Luagarne¡¯s arms and fainted. It was only natural since he showed strength simr to that of a junior Knight, even without Will. However, those who watched him. Those who climbed the fortress walls. Luagarne, Finn, Krais, and Esther. Their chests were filled with an inexplicable fire, their skin with goosebumps, and their whole bodies with tremors. ¡®How can any human do that?¡¯ It was a moment when, despite not being a bard, one wanted topose a song. ¡°Damn, we should name this wall after him.¡± A wall construction craftsman, who had hit his head while carrying stones and had a scab, said. ¡°Just name it Encrid¡¯s Wall, without the ¡®madman¡¯ part.¡± ¡°Damn it, why am I crying?¡± Some of the vigntes were shedding tears. All of them, rather than feeling joy for their survival, were deeply moved by the sight of the man standing and fighting in front of them, for reasons they couldn¡¯t fully understand. The word ¡®impressive¡¯ is often used to describe something that leaves a mark on the heart. Something that engraves itself as a feeling or emotion. At this moment, Encrid was etched into their hearts. ¡°Ahhhhh!¡± Amidst the cheers and shouts. Even as the knolls had not fully retreated, they shouted: ¡°Encrid!¡± They chanted someone¡¯s name, shot arrows, and threw stones. Finally, the monsters retreated a step. ¡°Is he okay?¡± Having seen him copse, they all asked in unison. They hoped he wasn¡¯t hurt, that his body wasn¡¯t damaged, that he woulde out fine and walk, and that they could see his smiling face. They all felt the same. They wanted to cheer for him. They wanted to give anything for him. That was their sentiment. Their expectations were fulfilled. ¡°Is he gone?¡± Encrid stood up and walked, asking. Deutsche Pullman descended from the barrier. After looking at the ive in his hand a few times, as if he didn¡¯t like it, he tossed it aside. His subordinates would have been quite surprised to see this, as he valued his weapons like his life, typical of a mercenary. Kneeling down, Deutsche lowered his head and spoke. ¡°Thank you.¡± In those few words, the man¡¯s gratitude was fully conveyed. ¡°¡­It¡¯s probably not over yet.¡± Encrid received the words calmly, without any particr smile. Deutsche neither sought his smile, gratitude, nor praise. He merely expressed respect to the man who had stirred him. Seeing this, everyone else kneeled, whether they were on the wall or on the ground. Encrid only shrugged his shoulders. Those who had watched him for a long time knew that he was quite content with the situation. After the battle, the kneeling, and the glory had passed, Encrid washed himself and returned to his hut to check his body. He had indeed pushed himself. His muscles were sore, and his heart felt a slight pressure. ¡®At this level¡­¡¯ He had regted himself. He would recover in a day. It was enough. Should he thank Audin anew? ¡°The Istion Technique is also a method that creates a ¡®regenerative body¡¯. The term ¡®regenerative body¡¯es from the Far East or the far North, referring to a body that recovers even if it breaks. This technique doesn¡¯t just end with restructuring the frame.¡± Audin had repeatedly emphasized that the Istion Technique was ultimately about creating a foundation for the body to heal. He was reaping the benefits of it. ¡®It¡¯s okay.¡¯ He clenched and unclenched his hands, assessing his condition. The soreness slowly faded between his trembling muscles. ¡°Well, uh, that was surprising.¡± Krais said beside Encrid. Everyone was watching him. It wasn¡¯t like he fainted for half a day after what he did, he had merely closed his eyes for a moment and then got up and walked as if nothing happened. ¡°I¡¯m newly impressed.¡± Finn said. Esther just gazed at him steadily. Those eyes conveyed an uncertain meaning. Luagarne spoke matter-of-factly. ¡°When this is over, I will leave.¡± She said it was time to return. She was bound by a promise as a Frog and wasn¡¯t entirely free. Encrid told her to do so. ¡°Don¡¯t raise your speech with me. Don¡¯t use honorifics.¡± Then he added words filled with insistence. Encrid nodded. He was busy preparing for tomorrow. He had used up all his whistling knives. If their opponent, the cultist, wasn¡¯t a fool, they wouldn¡¯t withdraw so easily. Seeing them retreat today, they¡¯de back again. They likely pulled back quickly to preserve their forces. ¡®Thedders can be remade.¡¯ Seeing him push himself, they might try another attack. ¡®Should I bait them?¡¯ Now that he had shown what he could do, he felt confident. ¡°We need to catch the cultist, right?¡± He asked Luagarne. It was clear that leaving now would be problematic. ¡°Of course.¡± Good, it seemed feasible. Krais approached and whispered, ¡°I think they¡¯lle again tomorrow.¡± Krais was a sharp guy with a quick mind. He was perceptive too. ¡°I¡¯m thinking of baiting them.¡± ¡°Ah, that sounds good.¡± With just a few words, Krais quickly came up with a strategy that seemed likely to work. No, it seemed like it would definitely work. Krais had a knack for instantly grasping the enemy¡¯s intentions and moving in a particr direction. They took a full day of rest. No one disturbed Encrid. They couldn¡¯t rx entirely, as some of the retreating monsters were still within range. The only difference from the previous day was that there was a surge of morale. ¡°Are we going to let those monsters take our vige?¡± Something Encrid had done ignited a fire in everyone¡¯s hearts. Before that fire could die down, the morning sun rose. The monsters brought makeshiftdders again. This time, they had prepared hooks tied to the ends of ropes. It looked like something made by binding tree trunks together, there weren¡¯t many, but they seemed like they could be quite effective weapons. ¡°Bastards.¡± Deutsche ground his teeth. Encrid opened the gate again. And he repeated the actions of the previous day. His body recovered, just as it was said to create a ¡®regenerative body¡¯. With the Istion Technique supporting his body, he managed without issue. They caused another uproar. As the name ¡®ughterer of Monsters¡¯ began to spread, after a short but intense battle, Encrid coughed up blood. ¡°Ugh!¡± It was a clear sign that he had overexerted himself for two days. Beside him, Luagarne deliberately showed an opening and had her left arm cut off. A knoll bit into the severed arm and lifted it. Grrrr! It seemed like a cry of victory. Though the monsters and beasts retreated once more, Encrid was spitting blood, and Luagarne had lost her left arm. On the third day, the monsters attacked again. ¡°Aren¡¯t they getting tired of this!¡± As the shout from the mercenary atop the wall rang out, Encrid once again stepped outside the fortress. Despite fighting and spitting blood, Encridsted for an even shorter time than the day before, before retreating. Dark shadows began to form under his eyes. By now, the number of beasts had been halved. This meant that nearly five hundred monsters had been cut down, shed, or stabbed by Encrid¡¯s hand. It was an incredible achievement in just three days. Yet, Encrid eventually copsed, his limbs hanging limp, and was carried back by the vigntes. The number of arrows flying at them had also decreased. The wooden barricades held firm once more. It seemed that they only needed to hold out for two or three more days. The next day, with even darker circles under his eyes and a palerplexion, Encrid stepped forward again. Though he seemed to be at the peak of exhaustion, he burned brightly like a candle, using his life force to light up his surroundings, and disyed ghost-like prowess once more. ¡°Ugh! Monster yer!¡± The deep-voiced shout of a vignte. Inspired by him, twenty vigntes ran out and engaged in closebat. They fought in preparation for a retreat at the front of the barricade. Thanks to their efforts, there were no fatalities. It was still a close call, though. The barricades had taken more damage, and it seemed they would be at risk even withoutdders. That day, Encrid truly seemed like a monster yer. He reduced the number of beasts by a hundred, just like on the first day. With fewer than three hundred remaining, there were no ghouls left, and the number of beasts had significantly decreased. There were only about two hundred knolls and fewer than a hundred hyena beasts. So, the fourth morning dawned. * * * The cultists thought they could wear them down to death. Of course, seeing Encrid¡¯s exploits, they wanted to run away immediately. ¡®A Knight! At least a junior Knight!¡¯ A Knight was an unbeatable force, so fleeing was the right move. As they started to retreat, they noticed somethingcking. They were supposed to be inhuman. Once, they almost died from an arrow thrown by a junior Knight from over fifty paces away. The cultists knew their power well. But this was the frontier. What would a junior Knight be doing here? There were no Knights here. In the Kingdom, there were at most thirty Knights. Among them, only one or two could be called Knights. They were strategic weapons, capable of changing the course of battles. The Knights¡¯ forces were usuallyposed of junior Knights, who could also change the course of battles. In the continent¡¯s battlefields, elite small forces were crucial. ¡®But this is the frontier. Why would Knightse here?¡¯ The Knights weren¡¯t idle. So, the opponent wasn¡¯t a Knight or even a junior Knight. He disyed incredible power, but retreated quickly. He repeated simr actions the next day, fighting desperately like a sorcerer with a pawned soul, disregarding his own life. ¡®Can they withstand this?¡¯ The cultists endured. After several days of harassment, the enemy began to spit blood. Only a Frog with a severed arm and vigers battered by arrows and stones remained. ¡°Heh.¡± The cultist smiled in satisfaction. Now, they would lead the beast horde to devour, chew, and consume everything. In doing so, they would fulfill the dream of unleashing monsters upon thisnd. This was how they would proim the will of their God. In the end, even if things escted and Knights or others arrived to destroy them, they would have already gained plenty from this ce. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± The cultist led the beasts. On the fourth morning, it was the day of reckoning. Previously, they hadn¡¯t aggressively rushed all the way to the log barricades. But now it was the endgame. The cultist directed the beasts to batter the barricades. On top of the barricade, a panther could be seen. It must be somewhere nearby. The panther had been by that madman¡¯s side all this time. It was only natural. Repeated circumstances create fixed ideas. ¡®Come out, you scoundrel.¡¯ As they pounded on the barricades, a voice came from behind. ¡°Krais was right.¡± ¡°Indeed.¡± Startled, the cultist felt a chill down their spine. Turning quickly to look behind, they saw a man with dark circles under his eyes and a pale face, along with the Frog. ¡°You were hard to find.¡± Said the pale-faced man, wiping under his eyes with a finger. Something ck smeared on his hand. The man who should have been coughing up blood and lying around seemed strangely vibrant, with clear and healthy-looking skin. Was this just a trick of the eye? [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: /revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: /revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 177 ¡°How was that friend¡¯s usual behavior?¡± To get a good grasp on a person, it¡¯s best to ask around in various ces. Krais did just that. He started with Deutsche Pullman. ¡°He was very friendly, like a tongue in the mouth, and meticulous. He wouldn¡¯t start anything unless he was sure about it.¡± He was considered a valuable asset before bing part of the cult. He got along well with everyone, never making enemies, and his meticulousness was his greatest strength. ¡°He was sneaky. Both in his actions and the methods he used.¡± This was the opinion of Luagarne. ¡®Sneaky and cautious, not acting without certainty.¡¯ Even when gambling or making bets, he wouldn¡¯t step in unless he was sure. ¡°He was good at whatever he did, but, well, he tended to take a long time to prepare. The leader seemed to like that.¡± ¡°His position in the battle formation? At the very back? Yes, always at the very back.¡± ¡°Now that you mention it, that¡¯s true.¡± Kraispiled the opinions of his fellow vigntes and formed an image in his mind. In Krais¡¯s mind, the guy seemed like a petty goat. He had a rough sense of his habits as well. ¡®If we¡¯re talking about personality, he¡¯s like Jaxon.¡¯ Jaxon could get things done, but he was meticulous and particr about various things. They¡¯re simr, though the other guy was dumber. Much dumber. Krais crafted a script, one to draw out the sneaky and timid fellow. Specifically, it was a scenario designed to make him let his guard down. ¡°How about coughing up some blood? You can use this.¡± It was a pouch made from a pig¡¯s dder, filled with goat¡¯s blood. It smelled bad, but you didn¡¯t have to keep it in your mouth¡ªjust let it drip out. ¡°A little injury would be good. It¡¯s Frog, so a bit of injury is fine, right?¡± ¡°Sure.¡± Luagarne was intense. She came in with an armpletely severed. ¡°This would be more effective. But are you okay with losing an arm?¡± ¡°I¡¯m right-handed.¡± Was that an answer? Maybe. In any case, the opponent would see the severed arm and be sure of their victory, feeling relieved. Even so, the morale of their own side didn¡¯t waver, thanks to Encrid. There was something shown that day amidst the monsters and beasts. It was truly impressive, even Krais shouted out. This n took everything into ount. ¡®This should be enough.¡¯ It would be good to steer the opponent¡¯s thoughts in one direction. You could call it a learning process. ¡®They don¡¯t seem that smart.¡¯ People have habits. Hiding in the back is a habit, a routine. Could they abandon it just like that? ¡®Not likely.¡¯ Pinpointing the enemy¡¯s location was quite easy for Krais. He nted a preconceived notion in the enemy¡¯s mind by keeping Esther close to Encrid. Where the panther was, Encrid would be. Thus, at dawn, before the enemy noticed, Encrid and Luagarne were sent out. ¡°Finn, put this on.¡± After dressing Finn in extra clothes, Krais ced him and Esther atop the barrier in a spot that could be called a gallery. As the swarm of monsters and beasts, anticipating victory, charged in, Krais could clearly see where the enemy was hiding. A ce where he could stay hidden while watching his enemies. He¡¯d probably be hiding behind monster hides. Reading the enemy¡¯s mind and using it to set traps was a simple and easy task. At least for Krais, it was. * * * ¡°Big Eyes is quite useful. It¡¯s not just about the face.¡± Luagarne remarked, and Encrid¡¯s jaw moved slightly up and down in agreement. As predicted, they found the guy disguised in a hyena hide at the spot Krais mentioned. Encrid wiped off the charcoal makeup mixed with water. He also brushed off the powdery stone dust sprinkled on his face. The gray dust dispersed from his hand. It was thick and ufortable. ¡°You bastards, you¡¯ve tricked me!¡± Ah, such a stereotypical response. Every time, Encrid wanted to say a particr phrase. It was on the tip of his tongue. ¡°The one who¡¯s fooled is the idiot.¡± The world had be so harsh and cunning that such stereotypical reactions had be rare. It was like a textbook conversation, something he hadn¡¯t experienced in a long time, and he felt a strange sense of satisfaction. ¡°You scoundrels!¡± The cultist was enraged, his eyes turning red. Several knolls nearby reacted to the cultist¡¯s shout and rushed in. Screech! The cultist¡¯s hypnosis and illusion spells disrupted the monsters¡¯ minds. The knolls showed no fear. If they had seen Encrid¡¯s sword in action, they should have fled, but instead, they charged fearlessly. However, Encrid didn¡¯t need to step in. Whoosh, bang! Bang! Crack! Luagarne¡¯s whipshed out. The metal piece at the end crushed a knoll¡¯s head. One of them blocked with a thick wooden shield. With a bang, part of the shield shattered, but the whip was blocked. It was a mutated knoll. The creature behind the shield bared its fangs. As several mutated knolls approached the cultist to shield him, Luagarne puffed up her cheeks. ¡°Do you think you¡¯ll get away twice?¡± ¡°You Frog, don¡¯t you value your heart? You didn¡¯t realize I wasn¡¯t prepared then?¡± It had a very long tongue. With that thought, Encrid¡¯s hand moved. Whoosh. A beam of light flew. It wasn¡¯t a whistling dagger, so it was much slower, but it was thrown with the Heart of Great Strength. It was fast. The dagger flew straight toward the cultist¡¯s forehead. Just before it reached its target. Thud! A mutated knoll extended its left arm and blocked the dagger. The de embedded itself into the thick hide of the knoll. Without any change in expression, the knoll pulled the dagger out with its other hand and tossed it aside. ck blood flowed freely, and though it furrowed its brow for a moment, it merely red at Encrid. ¡®That reaction speed¡­¡¯ Not bad. In fact, it was impressive. The knoll¡¯s yellow eyes locked onto Encrid, and Encrid stared back. * * * The cultist, though cautious, was not a fool. He realized that continuously controlling the monsters was a waste of his magical power. There was an easier way: appointing a leader among the colony. The previous leader had been a berserker wielding poisoned daggers, but this time, it was thergest of the mutated knolls. With the addition of a spell, it seemed as if a dark aura emanated from the new leader¡¯s shoulders. ¡°It¡¯s a cultist¡¯s trick.¡± Luagarne said, implying they should be cautious. Encrid drew his sword, gripping it with both hands and holding it upright as he faced the enemy. He kept both the dark aura and the cultist in his line of sight. ¡®How will this turn out?¡¯ At some point, Encrid had started to gauge his opponents byparing them to Rem. ¡®Are they like Rem?¡¯ Or perhaps, ¡®Are they tougher than Rem?¡¯ Or, ¡®Is this better than facing Rem?¡¯ In conclusion, ¡®Not a chance.¡¯ Comparing them to Rem seemed almost insulting to that brute. So, ¡°Cover the rear.¡± He said, then charged forward. The cultist was confident. He trusted his summoning skills. He believed in the leader knoll as it charged, thinking that no matter how skilled the opponent was, the unexpected element, the newly appointed leader, was a wildcard in his favor. Thus, the opponent standing before him now was another variable. An unforeseen asset. Meanwhile, Frog was rushing toward him. The cultist wanted to employ a strategy that guaranteed victory. He assessed that the one with the drawn sword was far more dangerous than Frog, who had only one arm remaining. ¡®Give me you flesh.¡¯ Bones. The cultist did just that. A ck, lump-like substance dropped from his right fingertips. It was darker and denser than a shadow, exuding an ominous aura. ¡°Warrior¡¯s Arm.¡± As the cultist murmured, the lump quickly took shape. It was a bizarre form¡ªthin legs, one thick arm, and a headless human shape. The thick right arm wielded a blunt, sword-like object. Meanwhile, Luagarne swiftly approached, swinging her whip. It whistled through the air, aiming to crush the cultist¡¯s head. ¡°Block it!¡± The cultist shouted, his eyes bloodshot. Thud! A mutated knoll blocked the whip with its body. Luagarne flicked her wrist, and the whip coiled and twisted, like a living snake, over the dead knoll¡¯s body, aiming again for the cultist¡¯s head. As the cultist twisted his body, the whip wrapped around his left arm, snapping the bones. ¡°Damn frog!¡± Instead of screaming, the cultist bit his tongue, a thick stream of blood trickling down his mouth. As the blood was offered as a price, the cultist murmured, and the left arm, caught by the whip, fell off, melting into a dark liquid. ¡°You, Dog of Hualin!¡± The cultist shouted. The ck liquid that had been his left arm transformed into a four-legged beast,rger than an average dog. The cultist felt his insides twist from summoning multiple creatures in quick session. His stomach churned, and his vision spun. Additionally, the loss of his left arm caused blood to pour out. ¡®Damn.¡¯ He was on the verge of death. Swallowing the blood pooling in his mouth, the cultist managed to regain hisposure. And then he grinned at the sight before him. Frog was fighting the beast he had summoned. On the other side, the half-witted junior Knight using strange techniques was almost within reach of the warrior¡¯s arm. ¡®I¡¯ve won.¡¯ The cultist was confident of his victory. Luagarne, facing the summoned beast, wrapped the whip around her wrist. Her whip grew stronger as it shortened. The opponent was hiding their true strength. The summoned creatures were trickier than she had anticipated. They were fast, had sharp fangs, and, despite having no eyes, could dodge attacks well. This wasn¡¯t an opponent to be easily taken down with a single strike. The fact that the opponent could summon two creatures simultaneously indicated that this cultist was exceptional among his peers. ¡®Just hold on.¡¯ That would be enough. Frog drew her prepared weapon. When traveling alone, the most challenging foes were spirit-type monsters. Ghosts and evil spirits. The summoned creatures controlled by the cultist were simr in form. They were entities physically manifested in this world through summoning. There were many ways to deal with them, but she preferred a simple approach. For instance, ¡°Burn.¡± She seemed to be using a simple magical tool. Whoosh. Soon, blue mes ignited along her whip. Naturally, this was a kind of spell. Something meant to effectively strike the summoned creature. She didn¡¯t know. The cultist was using his life force to control the summoned creatures. She just thought he was sending a hindrance toward Encrid and a troublesome creature toward her. Meanwhile, the warrior¡¯s arm, with its thin legs, dashed forward, closing in on Encrid. It was right there. Encrid had just parried a descending club with his sword, held in both hands, and shed forward, cutting deep into the creature¡¯s abdomen. Rip! Despite the deep cut, enough to expose its innards, the knoll seemed to ignore the pain, swinging its club wildly. Encrid ducked and bent his knees, avoiding the attack. The club whooshed past his head. He then smoothly drew his sword back, cutting the tendons behind the creature¡¯s knees. Crossing his left and right legs, he moved behind the creature, shing twice across its calf muscles. sh, sh! That was enough. With its calf muscles severed, the creature fell to its knees. Twisting his body, Encrid executed a spinning sh with the sword. Thud! The knoll¡¯s head was severed and flew through the air. Gu- It died without even being able to scream properly. The movements hadn¡¯t been seamless. Each action was adapted to the situation at hand, but he fought as if he was facing Rem. Encrid found this easier than fighting multiple opponents. The battle was swift, and the difference in skill was clear. As he severed the knoll¡¯s calves, the dark figure and sword sent by the cultist approached. By the time he decapitated the knoll, the summoned creature swung its shadowy, ck sword. This was the cultist¡¯sst desperate move, a deadly final strike. The warrior¡¯s arm was a summoning spell designed to vanish after delivering a single fatal blow. It was a spell used when one wanted to ensure the death of an opponent. Seeing the thin-legged creature charge at him, Encrid raised his sword. The ck sword shed down from above. It was incredibly fast, a sudden eleration. There was no way to avoid it. Encrid had envisioned blocking this attack after killing the knoll, so he raised his sword. To block and deflect. Just as the cultist had hoped. The warrior¡¯s arm would ignore physical defenses, delivering a fatal blow to the human spirit. The cultist¡¯s eyes gleamed with anticipation, even as he bled from his mouth and arm. ¡®Die.¡¯ Soon, Encrid¡¯s sword met the de swung by the warrior¡¯s arm. * * * ¡®Hmph.¡¯ Esther watched Encrid¡¯s fight from atop the fortress wall. The cultist¡¯s spell was a crude trick. However, even such a crude attempt could be fatal to someone unprepared. Knowing this, how could she just let the man go? She tore off pieces of her old leather armor, adding her magic to it. This was a substitute, a gift. ¡®This is a gift, man.¡¯ Esther infused some of her magic into the man¡¯s sword. So that it would react if the opponent tried any spell-like trickery. * * * Encrid saw a faint blue glow emanating from his sword. It was a brief moment in time. The glowing blue sword shattered the ck sword, slicing the ck mass in half. If it were a human, it would have been a clean cut below the chest. He felt the sensation of cutting through it in his hands. Was there some kind of flesh inside that form? The sliced ck mass exuded billowing ck smoke before dissipating. Seeing this, the cultist¡¯s eyes widened as if they would tear apart. ¡°¡­What is that!¡± Encrid was honest. He was also a bit bewildered. Not overly so, but after a few moments of thought, Encrid opened his mouth. ¡°I don¡¯t know either.¡± This response made the cultist¡¯s head heat up. To speak as if something significant wasing, only to say such nonsense! As his emotions were rattled, the cultist¡¯s vision began to spin. Suddenly, he couldn¡¯t breathe. Having pushed himself beyond his limits, his heart seized up. ¡°Argh.¡± Sometimes, death is anticlimactic. The cultist clutched his chest, gasping for air before copsing forward. The sight of him hitting the ground face-first was far from dignified. As he fell, the fog clouding the minds of the monsters and beasts around him lifted. They had instincts too. The moment they saw the humans who had killed their kind, they all scattered in different directions. The colony had fallen apart. Meanwhile, Encrid was carefully examining his sword. ¡®Is this a magic sword?¡¯ So, was that Border Guard cksmith a magician? It didn¡¯t seem likely, it was an oddbination. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: /revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: /revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 178 ¡°Really,e whenever, anytime you want, or even if you don¡¯t want toe. No,e. Are you married? That¡¯s good too, great. So, anytime, anytime you want toe and settle down here, that¡¯s good. My daughter is quite pretty, so living together, well, that¡¯s good. Right?¡± The vige chief, clearly drunk, repeated himself for what seemed like the neenth time, asking the person beside him, who was just as drunk, and nodding vigorously in agreement. As he nodded, bits of food scattered from his bushy beard. ¡°Yes, yes, it¡¯s great.¡± He looked obviously drunk. The vige chief seemed to be losing his senses due to the alcohol. Encrid had briefly seen the chief¡¯s daughter. He knew she wasn¡¯t even fifteen yet. She was just a child. While early marriages were customary in the west, they weren¡¯t in the central regions. So, what the chief was saying was just drunken nonsense. ¡°Hahahaha!¡± The chief and the man with the scraggly beard, carrying a lunchbox, walked away arm in arm. Encrid watched them silently. Whenever a vige ovees a crisis, a festival always follows. When the cksmith of the Border Guard, whether a wizard or not, tried to kill a cultist, Luagarne had shaken his head. When questioned as to why they should spare the cultist, Luagarne replied, ¡°He¡¯s already dead. It¡¯s stopped.¡± The cultist had died of a heart attack. The remaining monsters fled once they realized what had happened. Although a few monsters tried to attack, Encrid didn¡¯t need to intervene. An arrow flew and pierced the head of the remaining monster. ¡°We won!¡± ¡°We protected it!¡± Shouts and cheers of joy filled the air, and amidst these cries, Encrid heard his name. ¡°Encrid!¡± It seemed the entire vige now knew and was calling his name. The voices of the people he had protected and those who had seen his actions. Feeling not bad at all, Encrid sheathed his sword and turned away. Through the cheers. Through the people. It was time to return to the vige that was just beginning to wake up. ¡°Long live Encrid¡¯s Wall!¡± A strange phrase echoed. It was something the chief had strongly suggested, and even the head of the guards, who was also going to be a key figure in the city¡¯s future, agreed that the name was appropriate. ¡®A wall with a name.¡¯ Well, honestly, it wasn¡¯t a bad idea. It was half-jokingly suggested, after all. That was the night they drove away the monsters and beasts. The chief spread out all the remaining food in the vige, and everyone ate and drank together. Encrid did the same. He ate, drank, and enjoyed himself. ¡°Want a drink?¡± He took a sip from the drink Finn handed him, and it tasted good. It was apple wine, with a sweetness and slight acidity that blended perfectly with the distinct vor of the alcohol, filling his mouth with vor. ¡°Isn¡¯t it good?¡± The man had a scraggly beard that looked like it had been chewed by a rat. The man, whose face and name Encrid didn¡¯t know, smiled sheepishly and asked again how it was. Encrid nodded. ¡°It¡¯s good.¡± ¡°It¡¯s my pride.¡± The man with the rat-chewed beard puffed out his chest. He seemed to be a brewer. ¡°I had been saving this, but I¡¯ll give it to you.¡± Though his tone was rough, the sentiment behind it was not. He expressed his gratitude. ¡°Thanks to you.¡± He handed Encrid a bottle of apple wine, which he said was different from what others were drinking. With a pop, Encrid opened the bottle and took a sip. ¡®Hmm.¡¯ It was different. The vor, the taste, the aroma¡ªeverything was different. The scent of apples tickled his nose, and the taste grew richer the more he savored it. The sweet taste that wrapped around his tongue kept him sipping. Encrid had never tasted a drink like this before in his life. ¡°This seems like a special wine.¡± ¡°I was saving it for my daughter¡¯s wedding.¡± It was a wine with its own history. Encrid wondered if it was okay to drink such a precious wine. ¡°I still have one bottle left.¡± The man said, smiling brightly. Despite his rat-like beard, his smile was genuinely pure. There was a glimpse of pure joy. ¡°Here, you should introduce yourself too.¡± The brewer quickly brought his wife over. She was beautiful. They say skilled men attract beautiful women, and it seemed to be true in this case. ¡°Enjoying the drink?¡± Encrid nodded and continued to savor the apple wine. Around him, the vige chief, Deutsche Pullman, and many others sat and rose beside Encrid. Arge festival-like gathering was taking ce in the center of the vige. ¡°Let¡¯smemorate this day every year, shall we call it Encrid Day?¡± Do they n to name everything after me? ¡°What¡¯s in a name?¡± Someone retorted, and others nodded in agreement. They decided to celebrate the start of summer every year from today. Would they really do it? Encrid watched passively while sipping his apple wine. The vige chief, drunk, repeated the same words. The chief¡¯s wife said that in two years, their daughter would be a beauty who could captivate the city, but¡­ ¡®That seems unlikely.¡¯ She was just an ordinary child. The child was too shy to even speak to Encrid. In her ce, a cheeky little kid approached Encrid, asking to join his ranks. ¡°Go and capture five of Deutsche Pullman¡¯s vigntes.¡± Encrid told the kid. The kid, with a determined look, replied, ¡°I will!¡± Then, he tried to tackle a drunken vignte, only to get a tap on the head and burst into tears. Trying to act grown-up, the kid ran away crying. He was still a child who probably wet the bed. He was cheeky, though. In a world where life was harsh without even such dreams, Encrid secretly wished him well. ¡°Thanks to you.¡± Deutsche Pullman seemed to have a strong tolerance for alcohol. He didn¡¯t seem to get drunk easily. His nose was a little red, but his speech wasn¡¯t slurred. He silently took a few sips from his cup. ¡°They said they didn¡¯t have anything like this for me.¡± The brewer cursed and said, ¡°If you ever need a ive, just call. I¡¯ll dance on the de and swear an oath.¡± It was a mercenary¡¯s oath, amitment to respond to any call, no matter what. ¡°Dancing on the de.¡± a poetic expression for a greeting. ¡°Dancing on the de.¡± For the first time in a long while, Encrid returned the mercenary greeting. ¡°See you around.¡± With a simple farewell, Deutsche stood up. Encrid took another sip of the apple wine. Despite having a few drinks, Encrid¡¯s mind remained clear. He didn¡¯t feel the urge to pick up a sword and swing it wildly. He had already reyed the fight in his mind enough. ¡°Rest is important, brother.¡± Audin¡¯s words came to mind. Encrid agreed with that sentiment. Rest was always important. If there was one rare day of rest in a year, today seemed like a good candidate for it. With that in mind, Encrid continued to drink and eat. A skilled hunter-turned-vignte had brought a deer and roasted it whole, the preparation was excellent. The meat was tender, and there was hardly any gamey smell. The seasoning was just right. ¡°Whew, who would believe it if I told them about this when we go back?¡± Finn, moderately drunk, approached and spoke. ¡°About what?¡± ¡°The monster yer, the dance of the madman with dual swords.¡± Though only when drunk, Finn seemed to have the qualities of a bard. Chuckling, Finn moved on to another spot. Krais, also visibly drunk, approached and poked Encrid in the side. Encrid had noticed him approaching and poking, but he let it happen. ¡°Let¡¯s go treasure hunting.¡± ¡°Sure.¡± ¡°No, really, let¡¯s go. Do you think I¡¯m going to keep it all to myself? No, really, I¡¯m serious. You never believe what I say.¡± ¡°Okay, let¡¯s go.¡± ¡°There¡¯s a ce less than half a day from here. I¡¯ve nned everything, including how to get in. Traps? No problem.¡± ¡°Sounds good.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s time to decide?¡± Krais¡¯s eyes were zing with excitement. Who gave him so much to drink? As Encrid looked at the moon and sipped his apple wine, Krais blinked his big eyes a few times and then asked, ¡°But what did you say earlier?¡± ¡°Ask tomorrow¡¯s you after you¡¯ve sobered up.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°It means get lost.¡± At first, people crowded around Encrid, but now they had moved away, mingling among themselves. Watching this, Encrid thought it looked pleasant. The moonlight shone down. The temperature wasfortable, not too hot. It wasn¡¯t yet the season for swarms of insects. The northern part of the continent typically didn¡¯t have many bugs. There was delicious apple wine, deer barbecue, and special foods brought out from each house. Cheese and smoked meats were served. It might seem like they were indulging in their supplies, but given the circumstances, it wasn¡¯t a problem. They had eliminated the threat to the vige. The bodies of the cultists and monsters wereid out outside the vige. The equipment used in the battle was sold by the vige to Krona for a fair price. Starting tomorrow, they will have an even busier day. They needed to clean up the bodies, repair the damaged walls, and bring stones from the quarry. They would also recruit vigers to expand the vige. Would they absorb the surrounding small viges? That was usually the case. That¡¯s how pioneer viges grew. Skilled people would be brought in, even if they had to be paid well. That¡¯s how this vige would eventually turn into a town. Building proper walls and something resembling an inner castle¡ªhow long would that take? Without a wizard¡¯s help and relying only on the craftsmen¡¯s guild¡­ ¡®It would still take a few years.¡¯ And considering the need to build a mansion and various other factors, it might take even longer. However, the vige chief was enthusiastic, so he would likely find a way to make it happen. Given thend was overrun with monsters and beasts, it would be hard to receive trade goods. ¡®Everything will have to be quick and efficient.¡¯ And that would work. Encrid looked up with these idle thoughts. In the center of the vige square, there was noise all around. Some were singing. Others were ying the lute. That person seemed to know how to y quite well. Listening attentively and watching the stars in the sky, he thought they looked like someone wielding a sword. ¡°Are you curious about how to gain willpower?¡± It was Luagarne. She sat beside him and asked Encrid, who did not turn his head. Encrid did not answer. Luagarne spoke again to Encrid. ¡°Why don¡¯t you ask?¡± Only then did Encrid slowly open his lips. ¡°You¡¯ll know when the timees.¡± Was he beingid-back? That didn¡¯t seem to be the case. From what Luagarne had seen, this man wasn¡¯t one to be rxed. Luagarne didn¡¯t know why she felt a sense of urgency, but she suddenly felt a desire to share the information. It wasn¡¯t the first time. She had felt this way the entire time. Unable to hold back, she had spoken, but seeing Encrid¡¯s calm response, she felt a bit annoyed. ¡°Do you think you can be a Knight?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Another deting response. It was an uncharacteristic answer. Encrid, still looking at the moon, continued. ¡°A dream, just a dream.¡± Short, but a sharp knife that cuts straight to the heart. Encrid¡¯s words had that effect. Luagarne ced a hand over his chest armor. His left arm was still regenerating, so she was effectively one-armed. She felt a tightness in her chest muscles. ¡°A Squire uses willpower in a different way. They randomly invoke willpower in one or two actions. Even that is not an easy feat, but achieving that is what could be called the realm beyond limits, thend beyond mastery.¡± Why was this Frog suddenly talking about this? Was it because of the moonlight? Or the apple wine? ¡°Do Frogs get drunk?¡± ¡°Sometimes, but not now.¡± Luagarne, being straightforward, spoke her mind. ¡°Right now, I think I¡¯m intoxicated by a man.¡± There was no need to ask who that man was, and Luagarne did not expect an answer. ¡°Squire Asia was obsessed with the will that creates momentum.¡± A Knight is someone who can properly use willpower. Squires are those who can use it to some extent. ¡°Even among Squires who have partially grasped willpower, many never be Knights. Yet, do you still want to be a Knight?¡± Was this exnation to ask this question? Either way, it was helpful. Encrid silently nodded. ¡°Yes, you will be a Knight.¡± A dream once shattered, Encrid had mended and stitched it back together. It was now within reach again. Luagarne looked at Encrid intently. On the surface, there seemed to be no visible passion, but having observed Encrid, Luagarne could see it. ¡®A stubborn man.¡¯ He harbored a fierce me within that he did not show outwardly. Because of this, he was admirable. Because of this, he was impressive. ¡°If you be a Knight, I¡¯ll fall in love with you.¡± For Frogs, reproduction and love are separate matters. So they could love humans. Moreover, a Frog¡¯s concept of love was different from that of humans. Not just different, but an entirely separate concept. For them, the concept of restraint or physical love does not exist. It is perfectly eptable for a man they like to meet other women. In fact, they would even inform the woman of their presence and seek understanding. It was very rare for a human to receive the love of a Frog. It was something special, a rare urrence. Encrid, unsure of what to make of this, looked at Luagarne and then nodded. ¡°Do as you wish.¡± A nonchnt answer, showing his capacity and attitude. Luagarne liked that about him. As the two shared a drink under the moonlit scenery, a panther suddenly appeared between them. The panther looked as if it knew how to drink. ¡°Want some?¡± Encrid asked. Esther, the panther, opened its mouth. The precious apple wine was poured into the panther¡¯s mouth. With a gulp, the panther swallowed a sip of the wine and growled softly. ¡°Good?¡± In response to Encrid¡¯s question, the panther simply opened its mouth again. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: /revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: /revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 179 In the Kingdom of Naurillia, nobles often named their troops after themselves. Thus, the Viscount¡¯s army of Bentra arrived in front of the frontier vige. A portion of the cavalry, having received urgent orders, arrived first, only to witness an unexpected sight. ¡°They said they were under attack?¡± Asked the cavalrymander, who had gone out on scouting. What are they doing? Why are they burying bodies in the ground? The ck blood of monsters and beasts could, contrary to its appearance, enrich the soil. The poison in a ghoul¡¯s ws could be neutralized and disappear when buried in the earth. For these reasons, the vigers were putting all their effort into burying the corpses of the monsters. Thend in the wilderness had be uneven. Most of the vigers were sweating profusely, wielding shovels and pickaxes. Soldiers and vigers worked together as if they were one body. ¡°Yes, the message we received was urgent.¡± The lieutenant said. It was more than just an urgent message. ¨C Large colony, knoll horde, immediate support requested. That¡¯s all it said. It was so urgent that there was no mention of the scale or number of enemies. Indeed, the urgency was evident, the message sender, Deutsche, didn¡¯t specify the number of monsters, only hinting that there were at least several hundred in therge colony and mentioning cultists. It was enough to mobilize those who sensed the danger. ¡°It looks like they¡¯re farming with monster carcasses.¡± remarked the cavalrymander. It really didn¡¯t seem like there was any threat. If not for the monster corpses, the scene would have been quite pastoral. Most of the work was nearly done, so the number of monsters didn¡¯t seem thatrge. ¡°Hee hee hee, boom, cut five hundred all alone.¡± ¡°Name the wall.¡± ¡°Enk-Enk-Encrid.¡± They were even singing a nonsensical work song. ¡°Find out more.¡± Themander ordered. Covered in dust, they had rushed over, only to find this. At themander¡¯s order, one of the subordinates rode off to investigate. After surveying the situation, the subordinate returned and reported. ¡°What? He single-handedly cut down five hundred knolls?¡± The vigers were straightforward. ¡°What, is he a legendary free Knight? Or did the Mercenary King himselfe?¡± ¡°No, they say he¡¯s just a toon leader from the Border Guard.¡± An ordinary toon leader had apparently cut down five hundred knolls. Though, it wasn¡¯t something done in a single day, they said. They also mentioned that cultists had been killed¡ªor rather, had died. They had tricked the cunning foe and struck him from behind, causing him to clutch his hearts and die? ??????§¦? Are cultists like some petty thieves wandering the hills? Cowards with small guts? ¡°Ridiculous.¡± Themander scoffed. What kind of ordinary toon leader could do such a thing? ¡°Really? Well then, let¡¯s see the face of that bastard.¡± Themander said as they entered the vige. ¡°He¡¯s already left.¡± The vige chief said, stepping forward to speak for the group. ¡°Already?¡± ¡°It was supposed to be a mission to deal with the colony.¡± And then he just up and left like that. The cavalrymander sneered for the second time. With the current situation, the only witnesses were mercenaries and vigers. While it wasn¡¯t likely they were all lying, it was also hard to believe everything they said was entirely true. ¡®When people are cornered, they tend to exaggerate.¡¯ Themander knew this well. People standing on the edge often feel like they¡¯re going to fall even if they have a few steps of space left. These people must be the same. Five hundred? At most, it was probably fifty, maybe a hundred. If a mercenary couldn¡¯t deal with a monster colony of that size, it would reflect poorly on their abilities. ¡®They must have exaggerated.¡¯ Themander decided. He had no intention of digging up the buried bodies to check. ¡°Whatever.¡± As long as the vige was intact, that was enough. Though he overheard nonsense about the ¡®Encrid Wall¡¯ and other such things, it wasn¡¯t his concern. ¡®Whether it¡¯s fifty or five.¡¯ It was a fact that this toon leader had saved the vige. However, leaving behind an inted reputation wasn¡¯t something he appreciated. ¡®If we ever meet again.¡¯ He thought, perhaps he¡¯d knock the guy down a peg or two, maybe even cut that boastful tongue in half. With that thought, themander turned his horse around. * * * ¡°It would have been nice if you stayed longer.¡± The vige chief quickly expressed regret upon hearing that they were leaving. It was the morning two days after a night that resembled a festival. As Encrid was washing off the sweat, a few women from the vige came to see him. ¡°He¡¯s got a good body.¡± ¡°He¡¯s handsome.¡± ¡°He¡¯s a good fighter.¡± ¡°He has a good character.¡± ¡°He¡¯s solid, surely even down there¡­¡± Thestment seemed to cross a line, but it was spoken with admiration, respect, and reverence. It didn¡¯t feel bad. He simply enjoyed the attention. When he mentioned he was leaving, Deutsche Pullman approached and offered him a ive. ¡°Would you care to spar with me?¡± Despite the abruptness of the request, the tone carried respect, and the attitude showed admiration. It was a straightforward and upright request, more like a favor. Most importantly, ¡®Those eyes.¡¯ Encrid liked eyes like those¡ªburning and intense. ¡°Sure.¡± It was a simple sparring match. Encrid deflected the ive twice, once vertically and once horizontally, then moved in andnded a left punch to where Deutsche¡¯s lungs were. With a grunt, Deutsche copsed to the ground, gasping for air. After catching his breath, Deutsche spoke, ¡°What strength¡­¡± He then stood up and bowed his head, ¡°Thank you.¡± Encrid nodded nonchntly. Since there was no reason to dy, they decided to move on immediately. ¡°Let mee along.¡± Finn said, who insisted on joining despite being advised to stay and recover in the vige. ¡°I¡¯m a Ranger.¡± She said, which carried a lot of meaning. As a member of a group whose motto was ¡®Rangers go first¡¯ she didn¡¯t want to be left behind. It wasn¡¯t stubbornness. She wasn¡¯t fatally wounded, and her treatment, handled by Krais, was excellent. Krais was a versatile friend, skilled at many things, though perhaps not as much inbat. Especially when it came to using his head. Moreover, there wasn¡¯t likely to be much danger in their journey now. At most, they might encounter some monsters and beasts. When a colony forms, most monsters in the surrounding area are typically wiped out. It¡¯s a natural urrence because a colony means monsters have gathered to form a group, and since they had dealt with that group, encountering anotherrge group of monsters would be unlikely. ¡°Should be fine.¡± ¡°It¡¯s a treasure, a treasure.¡± Krais murmured cheerfully, as if reciting a poem. ording to him, the location indicated by the treasure map was just a day¡¯s journey away. ¡°It¡¯s nothing really. It might have beenplicated in the past, needing to disarm traps, but now, if you¡¯ve read the ¡®Guide to Clearing the Dungeons of Cristrown¡¯, it¡¯s no big deal.¡± He seemed confident. And indeed, it wasn¡¯t a big deal. After packing some preserved food and a few bottles of apple cider, they set out. ¡°Come back, you must.¡± The vige chief said, bowing his head behind them. In fact, it wasn¡¯t just the chief, all the vigers came out and bowed their heads. Encrid nodded and said, ¡°If I get the chance.¡± It was a simple farewell, but the sincerity made it genuine. Thus, they set off on a journey that would end with finding a treasure and returning. ¡°Let¡¯s go find some treasure, treasure!¡± Krais chatted away excitedly. Encrid nodded in agreement, ¡°Let¡¯s go together up to that point.¡± Luagarne didn¡¯t leave right away. Whether it was because she didn¡¯t need to return immediately or had some lingering attachment, he didn¡¯t bother to ask. Instead, she suggested, ¡°A spar?¡± He treated her the same as usual. She had mentioned being impressed by him, but that was something to observe over time. For Encrid, learning from her was more important than any future prospects. While he believed he could surpass Luagarne in sheerbat power if it came to killing, her experience and skills were genuine. In terms ofbat strength, she was more formidable than he initially thought. Before reaching the peak, one can¡¯t see the surroundingndscape, but once atop, the view and understanding change. Now, he could see the path to surpassing Luagarne. ¡®Are all Frogs like this?¡¯ he wondered. It wasn¡¯t the case. As she had said many times, she was a schr. ¡°Not a bad proposition. I¡¯ve gotten a bit rusty myself. I should spend some time training again.¡± She, too, seemed to have learned something from their encounters with the cultists. With the sound of wooden swords shing, they walked along the path. They reflected on what they had gained, learned, and practiced. ¡°You¡¯re really an extraordinary human.¡± Luagarne remarked after a bout of wooden swordy. ¡°No talent should be capable of this.¡± she continued. ¡°Is that so?¡± Encrid brushed it off casually. His dream was to be a Knight, and there were still many mountains to climb and roads to walk. One step forward was not enough for him, no matter how significant it might seem. Even if he reached his dream, would he be satisfied? That remained to be seen. Bing a Knight wouldn¡¯t be the end. His dream remained, and the reasons for pursuing it had umted in his heart during his travels across the continent¡ªsome as regrets, others as lingering desires. ¡°The most extraordinary thing is your attitude right now.¡± Luagarne continued, but Encrid remained unchanged. He focused on learning and practicing. That quenched his inner thirst, and now he was simply quenching it and moving forward. ¡°Again?¡± It was still the same. After another round of sparring, they drank a mix of water and apple cider to quench their thirst. They continued along the path that didn¡¯t follow the stream. Finn led the way, with Krais chattering beside him. ¡°ording to the map, the terrain should be just like this. What do you think, Finn?¡± ¡°Seems about right.¡± Finn replied. Krais had a knack for shining when his life and that of Krona were on the line. He could find his way by looking at just a part of the map, with Finn helping beside him. ¡®Isn¡¯t that more surprising?¡¯ There were others like Big Eyes, Rem, Ragna, Audin, and Jaxon. ¡®Hmm.¡¯ The Madmen toon. They fit the name well. Compared to them, maybe he was the normal one? Being driven to work hard because of a big dream should be within eptable limits. Of course, this was only Encrid¡¯s perspective. Luagarne wasn¡¯t the only one surprised by Encrid¡¯s performance against the knolls. Esther was astonished too. ¡®A crazy human.¡¯ She had seen people change overnight many times before, but this was different. Cutting down hundreds of monsters without any magic spells? Did he wield some sort of magical weapon? Had he picked up a cursed sword? No, everything was the same as usual¡ªhis sword and armor. The only thing that had changed was the person. This could almost be considered the strength of a quasi-Knight. Even if the raw strength was unknown, the results spoke for themselves. Krais was surprised too, but he didn¡¯t dwell on it. ¡®He¡¯s the toon leader, after all.¡¯ He was already considered crazy, a man obsessed with swords. It was usible for someone like that. It was pointless to ponder iprehensible matters. Krais didn¡¯t waste his energy on such thoughts and simply epted it. The most surprised was Finn. ¡®How is this possible?¡¯ When she first saw him, he didn¡¯t seem this strong. She was shocked then, seeing Encrid fight among werewolves andter kill a wizard. Back then, it felt within the realm of understanding. ¡®But now¡­¡¯ It seemed like he was pushing the limits of human ability or even exceeding them. Most astonishing was his recovery ability. ¡®He puts Frogs to shame.¡¯ He fought to the brink of death and then came back the next day, ready to fight again. There wasn¡¯t even a priest by his side pouring out divine power, how was this possible? Finn tried to figure it out but eventually gave up. Most who witnessed Encrid eventually gave up trying to understand him. It was an inevitable conclusion. ¡°He¡¯s a strange fellow.¡± Luagarne murmured, echoing the thoughts of many. ¡°Is that so?¡± Encrid remained indifferent. On their short journey, they didn¡¯t encounter any monsters or beasts. They reached a ce behind a rocky mountain after a day of travel, which could have been covered in half a day if they had hurried. They had sparred, eaten, and rested sufficiently along the way. It wasn¡¯t urgent. As Krais said, it was just about picking up treasure along the way. The area behind the rocky mountain had scattered stones, short grass, and a few trees poking through. It wasn¡¯t exactly a in, nor a wilderness, nor a rocky field. ¡°Captain, did you know?¡± ¡°Know what?¡± Krais suddenly spoke up in this setting. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: /revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: /revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 180 Krais crossed his arms and continued speaking with a gleam in his eyes. ¡°Dolph, the one who created the treasure map, did so in the past.¡± Wondering what kind of nonsense this was, Encrid looked at him. Krais had a confident smile on his face. It was an irritating look, but there was nothing he could say, so he just stared at him. ¡°So, this method didn¡¯t exist back then.¡± As times changed and years passed, treasure hunters became more cunning. Among the tasks of dismantling traps and entering dungeons to gain rewards, they began to skip the tedious process of disabling traps and focused solely on the result. This concentrated approach was known as the ¡®Guide to Clearing the Dungeons of Cristrown¡¯. ¡°It¡¯s called the ¡®retreating technique¡¯.¡± It was a shortcut, but if it worked, it was a great method, as even Encrid had experienced firsthand. If defeating the knoll leader was a hurdle, they wouldn¡¯t wait for him or sacrifice the vige unnecessarily, nor would they choose a disadvantageous battleground. They found a way to ovee it. ¡°This is it.¡± Krais found a rock the size of an adult man and said, ¡°Please, Luagarne.¡± At his words, Frog stepped forward without hesitation. As she pushed the rock, it toppled over with a thud, revealing an old hole underneath. Krais took a shovel out of his backpack and dug a few times before saying, ¡°This is the entrance, roughly.¡± Then he walked briskly. As the candle burned down to about a finger¡¯s length, Krais wandered around the area with a smile on his face again. ¡°It should be around here.¡± Krais started digging the ground with the shovel. It was a tough job to do alone. ¡°Let me help.¡± This time, Encrid took the shovel and started digging. The n was to bypass all the traps and dig directly into the area where the treasure was hidden. It wasn¡¯t exactly a novel idea, but back in the day, when Dolph created the dungeon, it might have been unthinkable. It was a shortcut, but it was much more efficient than disarming the traps and risking their lives. Encrid agreed and helped. As Esther wandered around, her ws extended, Encrid shook his head. ¡°Take a rest.¡± The panther, looking visibly tired, made a hissing sound. ¡°Kyaa.¡± The panther seemed pleased with those words and found a spot to lie down. Curling up, it closed its eyes. It really did look tired. He had carried her in his arms on the way here, except when he sparred. She seemed exhausted from the journey. Anyway, Krais was right. ¡°If we find some treasure along the way, we can pick it up and leave. Although, it might not be there. Someone could have taken it without the map, but that¡¯s unlikely.¡± ?? This was the third time he¡¯d downyed the situation. As they dug, the soil crumbled and fell inward, revealing a man-made passage. ¡°See?¡± Krais said. The result of alternating shoveling with Encrid. A few gold coins rolled around inside the hole, reflecting light. It was dark further inside, but there were probably more than just a few gold coins. Just as Krais said, it was easy. ¡°Wow.¡± Finn¡¯s eyes sparkled. Krais had promised her some of the treasure, meaning Finn could take a few bags of Krona. Luagarne and Esther weren¡¯t interested, but Encrid thought it would be good to have some Krona because his sword was damaged. Going down to pick up the treasure and returning was still an easy task. It should have been. It was supposed to be an easy task. The sun was setting, and the moon had risen by now. Krais nced at the moon and then spoke. ¡°Let¡¯s all go together. It wouldn¡¯t be bad to stay for a day. We might have a lot to carry.¡± There shouldn¡¯t be any danger. There were no beasts around, and they wouldn¡¯t be staying inside for more than a day. The sun was already setting, and since they needed to camp, it would be good to spend the night inside if it wasn¡¯t dangerous. Krais spoke with all this in mind. Instead of dealing with annoying insects, it was better to stay inside and move out tomorrow. Everyone agreed. ¡°That¡¯s a good idea.¡± Encrid agreed, thinking there might be something else besides a few gold coins. ¡®Is there anything valuable?¡¯ He didn¡¯tck Krona, but his sword was too damaged from the recent battle. Especially the one made of Valyrian steel and Noir Mountain wrought iron had chipped badly. Besides needing to sharpen the de, the core was also damaged. ¡®This won¡¯t do.¡¯ For a mercenary, a weapon is life. A swordsman who doesn¡¯t understand the value of their weapon is wrong from the start. Encrid knew how to assess the condition of his weapon. He had cut through hundreds of beasts and monsters. It would be strange if the sword was still intact. Both swords had their cores damaged. His armor was also torn in several ces. The leather parts were ripped, and there were holes in the chainmail underneath. Thinking this, he nced to the side and saw Luagarne moving casually. ¡°Looks like we¡¯ll be dyed in returning.¡± When Encrid spoke, Luagarne puffed out her cheeks and replied with a huff. ¡°It¡¯s fine. It¡¯s actually fun.¡± The atmosphere was cheerful. Encrid gave Esther some seasoned jerky, while Finn tied a rope to a sturdy tree. The Ranger¡¯s knotting technique shone through. ¡°It won¡¯te undone unless it¡¯s cut, and it¡¯s not too difficult to climb.¡± It was a precautionary measure, typical of a Ranger. They let the rope dangle down the hole they¡¯d prepared. Encrid went down first, followed by Finn, then Krais. Esther jumped down, digging her ws into the wall to slow her descent. Finally, Luagarne wrapped her legs around the rope and descended gracefully. Once they were all down, the moon had risen. ¡®Is it around midnight?¡¯ Encrid thought to himself. ¡°It¡¯ll be perfect if we camp down here and head up tomorrow.¡± Krais said from behind. Encrid nodded. There could still be some danger, so he lit a torch and examined the surroundings. There was a long passage leading to the entrance Krais had found, but it was so narrow they would have to stoop to get through. ¡®If we go through there, our backs will give out.¡¯ Not that it would happen, but it was that narrow. Fighting in such a ce would be difficult. ¡®A bad ce to use a sword.¡¯ Encrid concluded. There didn¡¯t seem to be any other dangers. Everyone had the same thought. There wasn¡¯t much dust, and no traps that triggered when stepped on. Esther yawnedzily with a low growl. Seeing how tired she still seemed, Encrid held her in his arms and handed the torch to Krais. Luagarne murmured to herself while looking around. ¡°These are old traces.¡± What might she be like as a schr? Encrid also drifted into idle thoughts. ¡®She knows ancientnguages and is a talent appraiser for the Kingdom.¡¯ Frog was versatile, and her value couldn¡¯t be low. Finn, who was checking the passage, found no danger. Though not on the level of a treasure hunter, Ranger Finn could spot traps. ¡®Everything seems intact.¡¯ If there were traps she couldn¡¯t detect, they would either be magical or quite sophisticated. Not the basic kind that triggers arrows, but the kind that activates with the slightest touch. Such traps would be hard to notice unless one was a professional treasure hunter. ¡®It¡¯s a bit much for a wealthy individual to create such traps.¡¯ Traps of that sort would typically be found in ancient tombs, often involving magic. Finn noticed Krais walking alongside her, picking up a few gold coins from the floor and scanning the surroundings with the torchlight. Up until then, nothing unusual had happened. No danger, no particr events. The passage was short, leading to a round chamber. There, at the end of the dungeon, stood an altar with an old, worn chest. On the altar was a sword, covered in dust. It looked either antique or simply ancient. ¡°We¡¯ve made it.¡± Krais remarked. Krais couldn¡¯t contain his excitement. They had dug in the right ce and found the correct path. At this point, could he be considered a treasure hunter? Reading ¡®Guide to Clearing the Dungeons of Cristrown¡¯ had been a wise choice. Since learning to read as a child, Krais had often sought out and read various books. He believed that knowledge would be the key to escaping the poverty of his childhood. And he was right. Now, they had found treasure. ¡°Do you really need that much Krona to open a salon?¡± Encrid asked, his question seeming frivolous. ¡°Yes, absolutely.¡± Krais replied without hesitation. Really? Encrid¡¯s eyes seemed to ask. Krais, seizing the moment, shared his long-held dream. ¡°I¡¯m going to establish the most luxurious and splendid establishment in the capital, a ce everyone would want to enter. There will be membership cards, too. And that¡¯s not the end. I¡¯ll open branches across the continent.¡± The eyes of someone pursuing a dream always burn with passion. Encrid, who had no right to mock another¡¯s dreams, and appreciating the gleam in Krais¡¯s eyes, simply encouraged him. ¡°Sure. Go for it.¡± Apart from the old sword stuck in the middle of the altar, there were only two chests, which didn¡¯t seem particrly special. Seeing gold coins scattered in the passage suggested there might be something more here. With anticipation, Krais approached the chests, cautious of potential traps, like those that might release poison arrows. Behind Krais, Luagarne offered Encrid advice worth more than gold coins. ¡°Basic skills alone won¡¯t be enough. You need to learn proper swordsmanship and internalize it, then you can advance further.¡± ¡°Like what?¡± ¡°You learned Northern-style swordsmanship from that guy, right?¡± Frog¡¯s keen eye had caught this. After seeing Ragna and Encrid, she deduced the origin. Encrid nodded in agreement, and Frog continued. ¡°It would be good if you could properly learn Northern-style swordsmanship from that blonde with red eyes.¡± ¡°And you can¡¯t teach me?¡± ¡°I am bound by a covenant. This was an exceptional leave. I have to return.¡± Luagarne said, genuinely conveying her regret. A covenant, Frog is easily swayed by desires and wants. Because of this, they made a vow of the heart. They often avoided using the word ¡®heart¡¯, recing it with the two characters for ¡®covenant¡¯. Thus, a Frog¡¯s covenant was not something light. It was a rule that had to be adhered to above all personal desires and wants. Frogs who lived without abiding by this were very rare, almost nonexistent. This was why the saying ¡®The Innocent Frog¡¯s Swordy¡¯ existed. It referred to a Frog, ignorant and deceived by humans or other races, selling their covenant andmitting unwanted massacres with their sword. ¡®That¡¯s quite something.¡¯ Encrid realized once again that Luagarne¡¯s mention of a vow was not something to be taken lightly. Was it really necessary? Making a vow of the heart to fall for him? Why? What was the point? Encrid couldn¡¯t tell her to revoke it either. No fool was unaware of the weight of a Frog¡¯s vow. He also knew well that Frogs enjoyed lopping off the heads of those who insulted their vows. Fighting without losing and insulting an opponent were different matters, so Encrid kept his mouth shut. At that moment, ¡°Kyaa!¡± Esther, who had been curled up in exhaustion, suddenly let out a fierce cry. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: /revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: /revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 181 Encrid quickly turned his head, moving reflexively based on his sense of evasion. He took in and assessed the surrounding situation in an instant. ¡°Krais, stick, chest, sword?¡± Encrid noticed something murky emanating from the sword embedded in the altar. The gray substance spread around and enveloped the area. Esther¡¯s body sprang forward, aiming towards the path they hade from. Just as she was about to escape, a gray barrier blocked her path. Thud! The panther was thrown back after hitting the barrier, and Encrid reached out to catch it. His movements were swift, like the wind. Cradling the panther gently, Encrid scanned the surroundings while cing a hand on the sword¡¯s grip. The atmosphere was tense, as if something could jump out at any moment. ¡°Finn.¡± At hismand, Finn stood behind Encrid. Luagarne took care of Krais, pulling him back while he was standing there holding a stick, and she also stood on guard. Without having time to check on Esther, Encrid¡¯s danger sense kicked in. It was an ability that only Encrid, who had died countless times, possessed. And then. ¡°Hmm?¡± There was nothing. Absolutely nothing. ¡°¡­What is this?¡± Meanwhile, Krais mumbled something. Encrid¡¯s gaze shifted in that direction. ¡°Kya.¡± Esther spoke, seemingly unharmed by the barrier¡¯s impact. After setting down the panther, Encrid approached Krais. It seemed Krais had opened a chest with a stick. Inside, instead of poison arrows, there was only dust and a small letter. Krais unfolded the letter, muttering things like ¡®Has it already been looted? Or is Dolph insane?¡¯ ¡°Let me see.¡± Encrid approached to examine the letter. ¨C Only those who obtain the treasure may leave. Did they enter through the back? Sorry, but this is the only trap here. Fwoosh. As the sound of the torch burning filled the air, Encrid let out a groan. It felt as if the letter¡¯s writer, Dolph, wasughing sinisterly. So, treasure? The chest was empty. What about the other chest? Just then, Krais opened the remaining chest with the stick. ¡°Nothing here.¡± That one was empty too. ¡°In this era, they called a ¡®backdoor¡¯ a ¡®rear exit¡¯, huh? Damn it. Treasure, my foot.¡± Krais grabbed his head in frustration. An ancient symbol had left a modern, quick-witted soldier in despair. It was unavoidable. It was a trap interwoven with magic, and such a trick was difficult for anyone to anticipate. ¡°Anyone would have been caught in this.¡± Finn also agreed. Encrid turned his head, leaving the wide-eyed Finn behind, and saw the sword standing silently on the tform. The sword, which had been covered in moss and dust earlier, had changed. Its de now glowed faintly with a bluish tint. The handle was still worn and rusty, and the de was blunt. ¡°The de¡¯s color has changed.¡± Could it have been maintained in a ce like this? Did someone look after it? Perhaps they ced a skeleton soldier to oil the de? It was clear that the de wasn¡¯t sharp, and it was quite old. However, it was remarkable that the de had remained intact for such a long time. Usually, weapons like swords be useless if not maintained. It wasmon for weapons found in ancient dungeons to break apart after a single swing, as they were often badly degraded by time. For a mercenary, a weapon is life, and thosecking confidence in their skills often rely on their weapons. Over the years, Encrid had paid close attention to his weapons. Thus, he had an eye for swords. The sword with a blunt de and a handle so fragile it seemed ready to crumble if gripped too tightly. ¡®It still has life in it.¡¯ It was an intact piece, although it needed some care. That was the only thing one could call a treasure here. ¡°How long has it been since this Dolph person made this?¡± Encrid asked. ¡°At least fifty years.¡± Krais replied with an astonished expression, shifting his gaze. With only the sword left, everyone¡¯s attention naturally turned to it. A sword left standing for fifty years was in better condition than expected? If that wasn¡¯t a treasure, what was? ¡°It¡¯s the only thing left, so I¡¯ll try to pull it out.¡± Krais¡¯s frustration was brief. He quickly stood up, muttered something about Dolph being a bastard, and stepped forward. Despite his natural talent for hiding and running away, he couldn¡¯t ignore the mess he had created. Without a word, Krais grabbed the sword but quickly let go. ¡°Ouch!¡± He seemed startled. As everyone looked at him curiously, Krais continued. ¡°No, it¡¯s like some crazy guy with a sword is chasing me.¡± Just by grabbing the sword, it felt like a madman was chasing after him with a sword. ¡°Let me try.¡± Finn stepped forward. Bravery and sometimes recklessness were synonyms for a ranger. Rangers, who were brave but sometimes reckless, were the first to step forward. Before anyone could stop her, Finn grabbed the sword and then let go just as quickly. ¡°It¡¯s true.¡± Encrid¡¯s gaze rested on the sword¡¯s handle. ¡°A cursed sword?¡± Luagarne said, ring at the sword. She waved her hand in the air dismissively and puffed her cheeks. ¡°A cursed sword, my foot.¡± She stepped forward and ced her hand on the sword¡¯s handle. Swoosh, thud. ¡°¡­Hmm.¡± Encrid let out a soft sound of disapproval. Luagarne tried again. Slip. Her hand slid off the grip without being able to hold it. ¡°I saw something for a moment.¡± Frogs have a peculiar slickness to their skin, which is why they use loops to handle weapons. The cursed sword was too smooth and slippery for her to grip. It didn¡¯t even have a proper pommel at the end of the grip. ¡°That¡¯s the only thing here that looks like a treasure.¡± Krais spoke, ncing at the sword. It seemed they needed to pull out that sword. ¡°Can we trust the words left by that guy Dolph?¡± Encrid asked. If they pulled out the sword believing it was a treasure, and it turned out to be a trap meant to kill them, they¡¯d be in trouble. ¡°Yes, well, we should trust it, right? Dolph, bastard as he is, lived his life with integrity and was known never to lie. It¡¯s a pretty credible statement.¡± If such a person lied, it would be serious, but for now, they had no choice but to believe. Encrid thought this as he shook his head slightly and stood before the sword. Slip, slip. Even then, Luagarne was still trying to grip the sword. ¡°I can see it, a guy holding a sword.¡± She seemed to be half-closing her eyes in concentration. ¡°A cursed sword, huh.¡± Krais muttered, fiddling with his fingers. They needed to pull out the sword, but if they grabbed it, some crazy guy woulde chasing after them with a sword. Even though it was brief, he didn¡¯t want to experience that again. He didn¡¯t want to see it. Cold sweat ran down his back. Luagarne gave up trying to grip the sword and shook her hand, saying, ¡°A cursed sword, or rather, a sword possessed by an evil spirit.¡± An evil spirit? Encrid had wandered the continent quite a bit, but he had only encountered an evil spirit once. It was called a wraith, a type of evil spirit that fed on human anxiety and fear. He had been hired for the job but couldn¡¯t handle it. The vige had already beenpletely corrupted by evil spirits. It had been a horrific experience. The ragtag mercenaries armed with iron had no way to deal with it. They needed a priest, one capable of performing holy rituals. ¡®How much did that cost back then?¡¯ Encrid had spent his own money. He had taken the job and intended to solve it. That was his thinking. The funny part was that the one who made the request was a ghost. It was the remnant of a human soul that hadn¡¯t be an evil spirit, constantly crying and wishing. A young girl¡¯s wish had been so desperate that she had disguised herself as a city beggar and made the request. Encrid had fulfilled the promise, eliminating the evil spirits from that vige. ¡®I think I spent all my money.¡¯ When summoning a priest, especially one capable of using holy powers to banish evil spirits, it required a significant amount of Krona. The point is, evil spirits were not something ordinary mercenaries could handle. While Encrid was lost in his thoughts, Krais muttered, ¡°Oh, so if I had kept holding onto it¡­¡± Luagarne immediately responded, ¡°It would have split your head open.¡± It was a chilling answer. As Krais nervously rubbed his arm, Encrid casually raised his hand. Pull out the sword and take it. Then, leave. It was a simple premise. He was also curious. Encrid gripped the sword¡¯s handle. Even without blinking, he could tell the surroundings had changed. The air density was different. He was standing on sticky mud. The mud was like a trap, pulling at his feet. Then, something fell from above. It was a sword, its de descending vertically. His body reacted instinctively, drawing and swinging his sword horizontally to meet the vertical de. ng! The moment they shed, he pushed back with force. With a heavy noise, the floating sword in the mist was pushed back. He took advantage of the recoil, retreating, but the slippery ground made it difficult to find footing. As he pushed off the ground with a thud, thud. Whoosh. The wind picked up, and the misty figure behind the floating sword dissipated. Beyond the dissipating mist, his opponent became visible. A helmet and te armor, with blue mes in ce of eyes within the helmet. ¡®What is this?¡¯ There was no speech or breath. He couldn¡¯t sense any indication of an impending attack. Something essential that a human should possess was absent. The sword simply began to move. With a few strikes exchanged, Encrid realized his body wasn¡¯t responding as usual. ¡®The Heart of Great Strength isn¡¯t working.¡¯ He had lost something he had. While his reaction speed was roughly the same, his body felt stiff. Most concerning was the opponent¡¯s swordsmanship, it was astonishingly formal, as if anticipating several moves ahead. Every time he instinctively and reflexively struck, the opponent seemed to deflect his sword and prepare for the next attack. This time, it was a thrust. Gasp. He inhaled sharply and stepped back. He had to retreat. He needed to shift his consciousness back to the outside world immediately. Instinctively, he understood how to escape from this ce. The problem was that his opponent was too close. ¡®In the meantime, I¡¯ll be cut.¡¯ It was a clear fact. Regardless of his physical abilities, the opponent seemed to read Encrid¡¯s every move. The result was clear. Thud. He was struck in the abdomen by an iron-d gauntlet. Encrid didn¡¯t just take the hit. He swung his sword with force, aiming for the opponent¡¯s shoulder. He had aimed for the neck but was blocked by the shoulder te. ¡®It was read.¡¯ He narrowly avoided the next sh, but then took an elbow to the cheekbone. Crack. When you¡¯ve had your neck broken several times, there¡¯s something youe to know. This level of damage means death. ¡°Urk.¡± Encrid gasped a death rattle. That seemed to be the end. He thought he was dead, but when he opened his eyes, he was back to reality. He had escaped from the realm of the mind, or perhaps an evil spirit¡¯s yground. ¡°Captain?¡± Krais¡¯srge eyes looked at him, along with Finn, Luagarne, and Esther. ¡°Are you okay?¡± ¡°How much time has passed?¡± Encrid asked, rubbing his throat as if it felt dry. The pain was vividly lingering, and his neck felt cold, but it hadn¡¯t twisted in the wrong direction. Only the pain and the moment of death remained. ¡°It felt like less than a minute.¡± Encrid frowned. It was unusual. He had died, yet he hadn¡¯t? It felt like he was fighting barehanded in that ce, using only the sword tomunicate, leaving everything else behind. For Encrid, it was no different from fighting without arms and legs. ¡°Are you really okay?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Nodding at Krais¡¯s question, Encrid pondered over the sword. It hadn¡¯t been pulled out. It was the same as before, like looking at a nobledy. Though inside the sword, there was just a piece of metal. ¡°Did I fail?¡± Luagarne asked from the side. ¡°My neck was broken.¡± ¡°Inside there?¡± Encrid nodded. Hearing that, Luagarne fell into thought. They couldn¡¯t physically harm an evil spirit, but the evil spirit hadn¡¯t been able to harm Encrid either. It was the same as during that old job. Could it be the same situation now? It didn¡¯t seem like it. It felt real. Even knowing it was fake, it was just like actually dying. Encrid knew this because he was, in a sense, an expert in dying, having experienced it countless times. Meanwhile, Luagarne examined the gray barrier. She touched it with her fingers, tapping and probing it. On the other side, Esther was scratching the barrier with her ws. ¡°Does that panther know something?¡± Finn mumbled, surprised at what she saw. ¡°Maybe?¡± Encrid knew that theke panther by his side wasn¡¯t ordinary. Everyone was busy trying to grasp the situation. The answer came from Luagarne. After tapping the barrier, observing the sword, and repeatedly failing to grip it due to its slipperiness, she spoke. ¡°It¡¯s a bit of a guess.¡± ¡°What is it?¡± Encrid asked. She spoke in a serious tone¡ªthough it was hard to read a Frog¡¯s emotions, she seemed somewhat uncertain. Her exnation sounded usible. ¡°You probably have to die dozens of times. Only then will you see something like a treasure.¡± For Encrid, it was a rtively easy task, but Luagarne wouldn¡¯t have known that. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: /revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: /revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 182 The sword was originally not a cursed de. Although it was said to be possessed by an evil spirit, it wasn¡¯t truly haunted. In reality, it was more like a manifestation of a mindset. However, in the past, a certain genius wizard had a brilliant idea and realized it through his spells. ¡°Isn¡¯t there a way to pass down abilities to descendants?¡± He pondered and thought about it. His genius idea soon led to its realization. However, while his magical talent was exceptional, his understanding of humans was severelycking. The spirit bound to the sword existed solely for the purpose of imparting a single teaching. As a result, every person who tried to learn from it ended up bleeding from their ears. It was not a proper way to pass on knowledge. After this failure, the wizard developed a method to pass on the skills of swordsmen or warriors¡ªskills that involve physical techniques. ¡°I will make swordsmanship be passed down through generations.¡± Thus, the cursed sword known as ¡®Tutor¡¯ was created. ¡°Dolph, wasn¡¯t it? It seems like you really hated your descendants.¡± Luagarne said, pping her cheek with her tongue in a gesture of frustration. The cursed sword ¡®Tutor¡¯, though it bordered on necromancy, did not drink blood or turn its wielder into a berserker. What happens when you imprison a human spirit in a sword? The wizard did not understand humans. He knew nothing about them. He sacrificed a person¡¯s mind and soul. Thus, the ¡®Tutor¡¯ contained a soul with only one purpose. Regardless of whether the learner died or bled from their ears, it focused solely on its task. To learn a single technique, one had to cross the mountain of death dozens of times. Only by surpassing the opponent with the same swordsmanship would the soul trapped in ¡®Tutor¡¯ disappear. The treasure being referred to here is probably¡­ ¡°Swordsmanship.¡± Luagarne blinked one eye. ¡°It¡¯s a matter of obtaining the swordsmanship, but while the body might not die, the mind may not withstand the death. So, it¡¯s better to find another way to open the veil rather than dealing with that sword.¡± Luagarne said, and Encrid, after briefly ncing at the sword, turned his gaze back to Luagarne and asked. ¡°So, you¡¯re saying one must learn swordsmanship even at the risk of death?¡± ¡°Yes, it¡¯s an absurd thing. What human could possibly do that?¡± Luagarne¡¯s tongue pped her cheek again. Was this simr to a human clicking their tongue? ¡°Ah, damn, my mistake. I apologize.¡± Krais lowered his head. ¡°Heh, this is maddening. We can survive for over two weeks with our remaining food, but can¡¯t we dig a tunnel up or down?¡± Finn said. She was frustrated, but as a ranger, she immediately thought of alternative strategies. And Esther was asleep, lying on her stomach. Is she really sleepy in this situation? Encrid looked around at everyone, thinking. ¡®So, we just need to learn swordsmanship at the risk of death?¡¯ ¡°Hey, um, that sounds like a scam.¡± He felt like a ferryman would mumble that to him in a dream. Honestly,pared to being poisoned to death while surrounded by a group of knolls¡­ ¡®Isn¡¯t this easy?¡¯ Encrid frowned. Could this really be true? It seemed almost too easy, when had things in life ever been so simple? Probably not. Just learn swordsmanship? No way. ¡°Is there a chance of another trap?¡± ¡°Well, if there were any loops, I could probably handle it.¡± Luagarne said, showing her smooth palm. Encrid, after contemting if that was truly all, finally said. ¡°I¡¯ll do it.¡± ¡°Enduring death multiple times is not an easy task. Do you want me to show you how it feels?¡± Luagarne was angry. The human mind erodes easily. Yes, Encrid is an extraordinary person who pushes forward without backing down. Suddenly, his skills improved, and glimpses of something unimaginable became apparent. However, for mortals, death is the worst experience in any form. To endure it would require an incredible amount of cultivation, something most wouldn¡¯t even attempt. ¡°Nine out of ten priests who serve the God of patience and hardship failed.¡± That was the nature of the sword ¡®Tutor¡¯. Now, there are only a few such swords left across the continent. And yet, here was one. For collectors, this would be a highly sought-after item, one worth pouring out gold to acquire. ¡®To think that this trap involves such an item.¡¯ It seemed the veil would not open unless handled by a truly skilled wizard. Though Luagarne was not deeply knowledgeable about magic, she knew enough. She tried striking the veil with a whip, but as expected, it didn¡¯t even leave a scratch. It was clearly a frustrating situation. ¡°Let me try again.¡± In the midst of this, Krais once again grasped the sword. ¡°They keep chasing, like berserkers.¡± He released the sword as quickly as he had grabbed it. Holding and releasing it was no big deal. That was the essence of the cursed sword ¡®Tutor¡¯. ¡®If you let go of the sword, you can return.¡¯ You can give up at any time if you wish. Giving up is easy. However, the curse tied to the sword ¡®Tutor¡¯ would never be lifted. Crossing the ridge of death would be impossible unless one had a peculiar disposition to feel exhration upon dying. Of course, Encrid himself was not such a masochist. ¡®It doesn¡¯t seem that hard.¡¯ He couldn¡¯t help but think this way. After all, hadn¡¯t he been through simr things before? He wondered if another barrier would appear, perhaps causing the ferryman to show up again, but that didn¡¯t seem to be the case. ¡°Damn, I really thought this was as simple as picking up a fairy tale by the roadside.¡± Krais, who sometimes became clueless when faced with Krona, expressed his frustration repeatedly. ¡°Should we ration our food tost as long as possible? Won¡¯t the veil thin out over time?¡± Finn suggested a practical approach, worrying about the future. ¡°This is an unexpected turn.¡± Even Luagarne expressed her frustration. Scratching her head. Encrid remained calm. He calmly grasped the sword again. ¡°Enki!¡± Luagarne raised her voice, which was uncharacteristic, but that was the end of it. Soon, he was back in the mire. It was the second time. As soon as Encrid stepped onto the muddy ground and perceived his surroundings, he immediately swung his sword. Bang! He struck horizontally, pushing the opponent¡¯s de away. The opponent¡¯s sword, which seemed to retreat, twisted and stabbed at his side. Encrid quickly reacted, swinging his sword downward. ng. A clear sound rang out as the des shed. Whoooosh. Wind blew from somewhere, and the mist cleared. A figure with a blue me in its metal head and partial te armor on its body appeared. ¡®Heart of Great Strength.¡¯ It didn¡¯t move. ¡®It feels unfair that this doesn¡¯t work, though.¡¯ It didn¡¯t matter. He just needed to understand that this was a mental world, the front yard of a malevolent spirit, or something simr. He had experienced this once before. Though it was just once, there had been countless times when he had risked his life and gone through simr situations. Thanks to those experiences, some things only needed to be experienced once. For instance, understanding the situation just once was enough. Therefore, even if Encrid wasn¡¯t familiar with the current situation, he could remain calm. ¡°Ah.¡± His voice came out. He tried speaking, and it seemed to work fine. ¡°Can you speak?¡± The answer came not in words, but with a sword. Thud! A suit of armor wielding a sword charged at him, kicking up the thick mud. Whoosh. It was a heavy strike, a downward sh from above. Itbined speed and strength, and the trajectory was tricky. Encrid blocked it in the same manner. He blocked and pushed. The opponent then thrust at his side in the same way. Encrid¡¯s response was identical. As he repeated these identical actions, like a y, the opponent¡¯s de suddenly rose. No, it was a pre-nned move from the beginning. The rising de from below aimed to pierce his chin. Encrid bent his left knee and twisted his body. The de narrowly missed his chin, grazing his right cheek and brushing past his forehead. Thanks to the gap created by dodging, Encrid¡¯s sword shed at the opponent¡¯s waist. ng. ¡®Did he block that too?¡¯ As they continued to exchange blows, Encrid got caught up in the situation. He swung his sword repeatedly. He tried to open the Gate of Sixth Sense to read the opponent¡¯s intentions, but failed. The consequence came physically. The opponent¡¯s metal de stabbed Encrid in the chest. Luagarne would have been shocked if she had been stabbed in such a vital spot. ¡°Phew.¡± A dull pain spread from his heart throughout his body. He died again. This was the second death. However, his body was still intact. His heart was racing, and there was pain, but he wasn¡¯t truly dead. So, this is what¡¯s supposed to be difficult? No, isn¡¯t this actually not that bad? It seemed much better than actually dying. ¡°Were you stabbed there?¡± Luagarne was right next to him. Encrid nodded and stood up. After taking a few breaths, he felt fine. He could move. He wasn¡¯t seriously injured. ¡®Grasping the sword causes the pain of death. The moment is brief, and the task is to learn swordsmanship.¡¯ It was strangely familiar in some way. ¡°It¡¯s foolish. Attempting it is foolish unless you want to go insane¡­¡± But was Luagarne always this nagging? Encrid recalled the first time he repeated this day. The thrusting technique from then had be second nature and now felt like his own skill. He also saw Frog, who was absorbed in nagging, in the background. And the sword he had been holding until recently, the cursed sword Tutor, supposedly housed a malevolent spirit skilled in swordsmanship. ¡°Is this really how it¡¯s supposed to be done?¡± Encrid calmly ignored the nagging. Instead, he swung his sword, disying a form he had learned from observing his opponent. His intention was clear: to train or discipline himself. Luagarne, who had stopped talking, stared at Encrid without blinking. Luagarne muttered aloud what she had been thinking internally. ¡°Did you hit your head? Are you already injured?¡± Encrid didn¡¯t shake his head or add any exnation in response to Luagarne¡¯s words. He simply swung his sword, muttering to himself. It was as if he was trying to recall a specific trajectory. ¡°Was it like this?¡± To Luagarne, Encrid seemed slow, very slow. He was a person remarkablycking in the talent for moving his body or handling a sword. ¡®I¡¯ve been teaching him directly, and this is as far as he¡¯s gotten?¡¯ Luagarne considered herself a schr. Not the kind who sits and reads books all day, like other Frogs. She also studied swordsmanship. Luagarne had a deep understanding that significantly influenced the swordsmanship of the leading families in the central continent. She wasn¡¯t an old Frog without reason. She was recognized more for her skills in other areas than for her martial prowess. Among those skills, her ability to teach stood out. Despite this, Encrid¡¯s progress was incredibly slow. Of course, there were moments that defied understanding. In moments of seemingly impossible crises, he suddenly made significant improvements. No preparation, signs, or indications. His skills just suddenly improved. Luagarne had never encountered such a person. Someone who was iprehensible, inexplicable, and could not be understood by any measure she knew. ¡°Can you watch this for me? We¡¯re trapped anyway.¡± At his casual request, Luagarne spoke up again. ¡°You really seem like you¡¯ve hit your head.¡± ¡°Kya.¡± The panther lying next to them nodded. ¡°Are you sure you¡¯re okay?¡± Krais asked. ¡°What is it? You¡¯re not possessed by an evil spirit, are you?¡± Finn asked, her voice filled with concern. Encrid calmly swung his sword again. It couldn¡¯t be said to be perfect, in fact, it was clumsy. But to Luagarne¡¯s eyes, the intent of the sword was visible. If the opponent were in front of him, he would drive them to the left and then thrust. Encrid moved simrly. There were issues with his footwork and a few other things, though. So, Encrid was currently trying to implement the form. Just as Luagarne was about to say something. ¡°I think I¡¯ll watch it again.¡± Encrid said, then immediately grasped the sword again. ¡°He¡¯spletely insane. Totally insane.¡± Luagarne was suddenly impressed. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: /revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: /revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 183 Luagarne didn¡¯t show any signs of confusion. In a situation like this, suddenly training in swordsmanship seemed absurd, even for a madman. But somehow, it also seemed like the correct response. ¡®Because it¡¯s Encrid.¡¯ Because it was Encrid, it somehow made sense. Soon, Encrid, who had been trembling while holding the sword, let it go and stepped back. ¡®Has he given up?¡¯ Giving up once is easy. It bes even easier the second time. Once you step back, a Tutor bes an insurmountable wall. For Encrid, that would be a critical w. Luagarne watched with concern. ¡°It wouldn¡¯t be good to show another technique.¡± Encrid muttered, then picked up the sword again without even taking a breath. ¡°¡­?¡± ¡°Well, uh, our toon is called the Madmen toon.¡± Krais said indirectly. Or rather, was that being direct? It seemed like they were calling Encrid a madman. Amotion, perhaps. While Esther was still lying down asleep, Encrid picked up and put down the sword four more times, showing a slight smile. ¡°This is it.¡± Then he swung his sword through the air. At this point, Luagarne realized that trying to stop him was pointless. What should he do then? ¡°What a madman.¡± Admire him. ¡°That¡¯s not it.¡± Teach him. Encrid weed Luagarne¡¯s guidance. Winning a fight and mastering swordsmanship were different matters. Luagarne had rich experience and excellent swordsmanship. He could parry, strike, and read the opponent¡¯s intentions. It was like a conversation with swords, an orchestra conducted by des. Encrid memorized everything he saw and experienced, and Luagarne helped him. Even the evil spirit residing in the Tutor had excellent swordsmanship but was not as skilled as Luagarne. If there was only one ring attached to that sword, something that would activate with the lightest touch, perhaps Luagarne could have resolved it. Krais had experimented, and nothing happened when he just touched the sword with his finger. It required a firm grip, with a certain amount of force. So it was beyond Luagarne¡¯s capability. Swoosh! He tried several more times, but the result was the same. ¡°I can see it, but¡­¡± The time was too short to do anything, and after that, only Encrid continued to hold the sword. ¡°It seems like things are going well.¡± Finn muttered as she prepared her sleeping area. She pulled out a nket from her backpack, took out a piece of hard cheese, peeled the outeryer with a knife, and sliced it thinly. She then ced the cheese on a piece of hard bread,pleting his meal preparation. ¡°Since it¡¯s partly my responsibility.¡± For some reason, Krais stepped forward and grabbed the sword. And then he died. His body remained intact, but his spirit was shattered. It happened when Encrid wasn¡¯t holding the sword. ¡°Krrrr.¡± Krais foamed at the mouth and copsed, a pointless act. Esther kept sleeping, and naturally, their roles became clear. Encrid returned after putting down the sword. Frog taught him swordsmanship based on that. Finn and Krais prepared the sleeping arrangements and food. Esther ate, slept, and woke up. There wasn¡¯t a convenient ce for them to relieve themselves, so they all did their business in the corners. The curtain blocked everything underground, but they could dig a little bit into the ground. It was like a roughly hemispherical prison with a slightly raised bottom. They would relieve themselves in the area they had dug out. ¡°We can go over a week without needing to relieve ourselves if necessary.¡± Frog¡¯sment made Finn nod in agreement, expressing envy. After a full day passed. Luagarne was quietly impressed. Originally, she had so many things she wanted to say, advice to give. It was almost boiling inside her. What she had been saying to him so far seemed insufficient. Originally, she would have condensed what she needed to say for the journey back, but at this moment, it seemed like words were no longer necessary for Encrid. What did Encrid need for the future? She was about to provide an answer to this question. ¡®He¡¯s already finding the answer.¡¯ Still, a few words of advice might be necessary. Krais kept quiet, thinking it was his fault. It was a simple task, like picking up a coin from the ground, but suddenly they were trapped in a situation where they couldn¡¯t see an inch ahead. His mind was busy spinning, trying to find a way out of this ce. Of course, an answer was not easily forting. ¡®I was blinded by Krona.¡¯ It was a situation that arose because he hadn¡¯t considered the worst-case scenario, and Krais reflected on his mistake. As the situation took a strange turn, Finnpletely gave up thinking. She simply observed Encrid. ¡®He¡¯s practicing swordsmanship even here.¡¯ It could be seen as consistent, but to surpass the Tutor, sword practice was necessary. Even so, ¡®You can¡¯t really call it normal.¡¯ That¡¯s what she thought when she looked at Encrid. Or rather, behind that exceptional skill was probably this kind of madness. Watching this, Finn felt something new filling her heart¡ªa small or perhaps greater realization. She had set her own limits at some point and had stopped progressing. Meeting Encrid had been breaking down all those limits one by one, and today she finally grasped the beginning of a realization. ¡®Limits are not something I set.¡¯ Ail Caraz-Style martial arts, the qualifications as a ranger. Had she not tried to go beyond these, and why had she stopped? ¡®Because everyone said it was the right thing to do.¡¯ But Encrid was different. Even without saying it, his actions, attitude, and the way he looked at life said something else. Finn quietly embraced the wave of inspiration. It was something unexpected, but it kept her mouth shut. Esther was in a state of self-recrimination. ¡®It was such a petty curse. Something so insignificant that it could hardly be called a curse.¡¯ It was something hard to call even a spell. And to think she hadn¡¯t noticed it and got trapped? If it were before, back when she was still a human, she would have bitten her tongue and died immediately. There were reasons for her failure. She had exhausted her magical energy by casting enhancement spells on Encrid¡¯s sword and constantly reinforcing her body. Everything had been too much. Her body was bound by the curse, and her magic realm was closed off, so she had been using shortcuts. All of these had backfired, leaving her weakened. ¡®Even so!¡¯ How could she not notice something so trivial? She had ignored what she needed to do immediately. She had thought the journey back would be leisurely, so she hadn¡¯t focused on recovery. Esther needed time to recover her lost strength and dissipated energy. Whatever might happen next, she wouldn¡¯t just stand by and watch. Esthery down, burying her head and trying to nap. At most, she estimated it would take a week to recover enough magical power to break through this pathetic barrier. She thought about this as she fell half asleep. Amidst these intertwined andplicated situations, a strange time passed. ¡°Knowing what¡¯scking in yourself is important.¡± Amid all this, Luagarne didn¡¯t hold back in teaching. It was different from the swordsmanship of the Tutor. It was purely instruction. Winning a fight and mastering swordsmanship were different matters, and Encrid was acutely aware of this. Luagarne was an excellent teacher. It was clear that she was better than any instructor at the training school where Encrid had spent Krona. ¡°What happens if you don¡¯t hold any cards in a card game?¡± This was Luagarne¡¯s question. For Encrid, it was a new way of looking at things. Her next words surprised him and made him realize once again how excellent a teacher Luagarne was. She was someone who could not only teach but also guide and set milestones. * * * ¡°Basics, start with the basics.¡± ¡°Whatever you do, you need to build your body first.¡± ¡°If you don¡¯t know how to hold a sword, you can¡¯t lift it. If you can¡¯t lift it, you can¡¯t swing it!¡± ¡°You need to have a clear vision to move forward. Do you always have to hold a sword?¡± ¡°What¡¯s left is to think and reflect. You must burn the candle of life with contemtion. Until it goes out, you have to burn using your own body as fuel. If you don¡¯t die, you¡¯ll gain something.¡± ¡°Why not just farm? Do you have to wield a sword?¡± There were countless instructors. They always said the same thing. The basics are important. So, he focused on the basics. He tried hard, kept his eyes wide open, and moved his feet quickly. He didn¡¯t swing his sword carelessly. Even so, he often heard those same words. That he should just farm. Did he really have to wield a sword? ¡°If someone sits at a gambling table with a lot of silver coins, what should they hold in their hand?¡± At first, Luagarne tried to discourage him and found it absurd, but she seemed to find the situation somewhat enjoyable. Well, Encrid might be imagining it. Reading Frog¡¯s expression was not easy for humans. It was just a feeling she had. ¡°You can¡¯t sit at a gambling table without cards.¡± ¡°Exactly, cards. Right now, you¡¯re just a fool sitting with a bag of silver coins.¡± Silver coins were the basics. No one sits at a gambling table without any coins. But also, no one sits there with just a few coins. Why did he feel a sense of pride hearing those words? ¡®They said to build a foundation.¡¯ And now, they said that the foundation had been built. He had sought out and learned the Valen Mercenary Sword Technique as a way tosh out against his slow progress. So, could the Mercenary Sword Technique be that card? ¡°It can. But what¡¯s even better is a sword technique honed over time. The Valen Mercenary Sword Technique is ultimately too specialized in its attack methods. If all the cards in your hand are jokers, you can¡¯t use them.¡± What a perfect metaphor. Jokers only shine whenbined with other cards. The same was true for the Valen Mercenary Sword Technique. Regenerative Healing, Leonesis Oniac defined branches of swordsmanship. People inter generations created swordsmanship based on those branches. Even Northern-style heavy swordsmanship had multiple variations. The same was true for the Central Continent¡¯s Correct Sword Technique. Mixing what¡¯s appropriate from the regenerative healing technique,bining trial and error with one¡¯s talent, created swordsmanship. What Luagarne referred to was one of these styles. Specifically, the swordsmanship learned through the Tutor. ¡°This is a cursed sword, but what¡¯s contained within is real.¡± In reality, Encrid had rarely learned swordsmanship beyond the basics. Everything was superficial. Luagarne emphasized the necessity of mastering swordsmanship once more. ¡°If you properly learn a sword technique derived from the Correct Sword Technique, it will feel like your opponent can read your every move.¡± He had experienced this multiple times. The evil spirit within the sword was doing something simr. ¡°I see.¡± Encrid nodded, his eyes still zing with intensity. The reflection of torchlight in his usually blue eyes made them appear tinged with red. Encrid showed his emotions openly when it came to learning, something Luagarne found fascinating. ¡®He really is a sword-obsessed maniac.¡¯ Or simply, a ¡®sword fanatic¡¯. Everything he had learned and practiced so far was more preparation for handling a sword than actual sword technique. This was the essence of what Luagarne had conveyed. Encrid realized this while learning swordsmanship from the Tutor. ¡°Let me go fetch some swordsmanship.¡± He joked as he grasped the sword again. It was repetition, learning swordsmanship through a process that felt much gentler and more serene than actual death. To put it simply, ¡®It¡¯s an easy and enjoyable task.¡¯ That¡¯s how it was for Encrid. Encrid picked up the sword, moved his body from side to side briefly, and then returned. Blinking, he shook his head. ¡°Did it happen again?¡± ¡°This time, my legs werepletely cut off.¡± He spoke with an astonishingly calm demeanor. ¡°The final strike was supposed to be a downward sh, but it ended up being a diagonal neck cut.¡± He had observed the process, so he understood it. So, what was needed here? Encrid picked up the broken sword he had been using instead of a wooden one, still in its scabbard. Luagarne¡¯s heart pounded without her realizing it. Her cheeks puffed up with excitement. ¡°You are truly¡­¡± An incredibly fascinating person. Even the Tutor couldn¡¯t limit him. No, look at this¡ªhis mind had already surpassed the Tutor! The message was clear. She couldn¡¯t teach him new swordsmanship, as she was bound by certain agreements. But she could guide him in what he had already learned. She did just that. He would go in, learn techniques, ande out to replicate them. It was possible because he hadplete control over his body. Luagarne would then refine what he had learned. Once he mastered it, he would pick up the sword again. This time, Encrid mentioned that his fingers had been cut off. ¡°And then he thrust at the neck, with the de curving like a snake.¡± ¡°He used a wrist snap.¡± This was Luagarne¡¯s response. Despite appearing tired with dark circles under his eyes, Encrid remainedposed. He took breaks asionally, as neglecting to eat and drink would damage the body. While resting, Finn gazed at the sword and muttered, ¡°It reminds me of an old legend. Something about pulling a sword to be a King.¡± Encrid, who was resting, also heard this. Bing a King just by pulling out a sword? Even for a legend, it seemed overly simplistic. A King is a person entangled in politics and various circumstances. Legends and stories are inherently exaggerated, so, well. Afterward, Encrid continued to immerse himself in swordsmanship. He had already picked up and put down the sword over a hundred times. It should have seemed like self-torture. Yet Encrid remained indifferent. The pain lingered in his body, but for someone repeating the same day, it felt somehow diminished. ¡®It works.¡¯ Encrid felt a renewed thrill in learning swordsmanship. It took just a day and a half. Instead of repeating the day by dying, he could immediately exchange quality swordsmanship by simply holding the sword. He spared no time and immersed himselfpletely. A short but intense period passed. It was enough. ¡°Now, it¡¯s done.¡± These words came from Luagarne. Was it thanks to the Tutor? No, it wasn¡¯t that. Above all, Encrid was different from before. He was vastly different from the time when he struggled with minimal talent. Encrid reflected on the day. He pondered and reviewed everything he had gone through, wondering how he had overlooked certain things. What had he gained from it? Though it was a time that couldn¡¯t be easily described, if he had to sum it up, Encrid could do so in two words. ¡°Talent.¡± The feeling of standing out among others had ingrained itself into his well-structured body. From the Heart of the Beast to the Sense of Evasion. He had trained his body, increasing his strength, agility, and reaction speed. He had masteredplete control over his body. He had also enhanced his boldness, focus, and senses to support himself. ¡°You, um, what are you?¡± Luagarne was astonished. It seemed like he had developed a talent that hadn¡¯t been there before. As he grasped the sword once more, soon, with the feel of the wet ground, a metallic figure lunged at him. ng! The swords shed. The difference this time was that Encrid had now grasped the opponent¡¯s swordsmanship. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: /revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: /revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 184 Just endure a death-like experience that is much easier than actual death, just endure it, if only you can. There was a living textbook. It demonstrated each movement in detail right before your eyes. This was a good thing. A good thing, regardless of being a cursed sword or an evil spirit, at least for Encrid. ¡°Think about why you¡¯re moving your left foot to the side there.¡± There was also a teacher who meticulously interpreted the textbook. So, this was only natural. Encrid absorbed the swordsmanship like a sponge soaking up water. No, it was etched into his body first, and understanding cameter. He learned this while mastering the Sense of Evasion. ¡®Is there a need to understand?¡¯ When he didn¡¯t understand, he just rolled his body to see. By repeating, he etched it into his body and left the understanding forter. ¡°You¡¯re definitely crazy, no doubt about it.¡± Luagarne said with a hint of admiration. Encrid barely listened. He waspletely immersed in the swordsmanship at that moment. In reality, it was incredibly enjoyable. What was the original reason for learning the Valen Mercenary Sword Technique? It was a thirst that began from within. He wanted proper skills and swordsmanship. A foundation that would give him the strength to move forward. ¡°From the basics!¡± It was what every teacher, every instructor, everyone who had taken his silver coins had said. It wasn¡¯t that it was bad or that he hated it. Just. ¡®It¡¯s fun.¡¯ As is natural for humans, he just wanted to see what came next. Thus, Encrid gripped the sword repeatedly, smiling. A smile. A bright smile, a pure smile. ¡°Honestly, you¡¯re starting to scare me.¡± Luagarne said. ¡°I agree, it¡¯s chilling.¡± Finn agreed, while Krais was surprisingly calm. ¡°He¡¯s always been like this, but it¡¯s particrly intense right now.¡± Krais had seen Encrid do countless crazy things. He was rather d he wasughing. It¡¯s better than not smiling and silently swinging the sword until his palms burst. Holding a cursed sword and experiencing a death-like state, it¡¯s something Krais wouldn¡¯t even dream of doing. ¡®But I think the toon leader could endure it.¡¯ It was just a thought that came to him. A blend of intuition and insight. Krais saw through the essence of it. As long as there was the joy of growth, Encrid could transform the pain of death into effort. He was that immersed. In the sword and himself, in swordsmanship. A sword is a tool for killing people. Swordsmanship is a method for killing the opponent. ¡°Feet, waist, posture, everything is for the next move. Think.¡± With Luagarne¡¯s words added. Encrid kept thinking and swung his sword. He kept holding the cursed sword without rest, in pursuit of an excellent textbook. There were even times he released his grip and re-gripped right after dying. After countless such attempts, it seemed as if the evil spirit hesitated. Was that right? Did he see it correctly? Encrid doubted it. It was strange that the thing that had always rushed at him didn¡¯t immediately swing its sword. It was truly something Encrid didn¡¯t want. ¡°Let¡¯s not do this. Let¡¯s do our best from our respective positions.¡± In their respective roles, the evil spirit was determined to dig into and stir the mind of the one wielding the sword, to do their best. Hesitating was not what he wanted to see. Encrid sincerely urged the evil spirit to fulfill its duty. They charged, fought, trained in swordsmanship, learned, memorized, mastered, pondered, and reviewed. He gripped the sword again. And he repeated this. If one knows how to use their body properly, if they can implement what they imagine exactly. Then all that was left was to understand the movements. By memorizing the entirety of a swordsmanship and hearing Luagarne¡¯s interpretation of each move, it became an easy task. If the creator who made the cursed sword and imbued it with an evil spirit saw this, they would grab Encrid by the scruff, but isn¡¯t that how the world works? R? Things don¡¯t always go as nned or expected. ¡°Well done.¡± The evil spirit had its chest cut and neck severed. A blue light flickered between the pieces of metal, as if trying to say something. Encrid silently watched the evil spirit. Soon, the spirit within the sword spoke. ¡°Thank you.¡± Thankful for what? The spirit told its story. It was quite a long one. ¡°Make it short.¡± Encrid didn¡¯t particrly want to listen. The spirit was taken aback. The blue light dimmed. It spoke shortly and concisely out of necessity. ¡°I was wrongfully captured. And my swordsmanship is iplete, a half-finished technique. Finding the other half was my lifelong wish.¡± How does a mere swordsman be an evil spirit? It required the power of spells and incantations. And before that, it needed the deep resentment of the entity bing the spirit. The spirit¡¯s wish was simr to Encrid¡¯s. One dreamed of being a Knight. ¡®It¡¯s the lost swordsmanship of my family.¡¯ One wished to properly restore the swordsmanship. In terms of desperation, they were simr. Encrid nodded. It meant that he would do it if given the opportunity. He was already busy pursuing his own dreams, he couldn¡¯t shoulder someone else¡¯s dream as well. At thest moment, as the blue light flickered and vanished, a faint human figure appeared and spoke. ¡°And let¡¯s not meet again.¡± The spirit was tired. Exhausted. It truly never wanted to see someone like Encrid again. It was sincere. Of course, there was little chance of them meeting again. One would disappear, as the curse on the spirit was lifted, sending it far away. The other would remain on thisnd. The soul that had been an evil spirit was quite content with that. ¡°Really, let¡¯s not meet again.¡± It said the same thing once more. Encrid tilted his head in confusion. Why say that when it was the spirit who had caused the trouble? ¡°The name of my family is¡­¡± Thest words were inaudible. The energy dissipated. Everything around began to crumble. Beyond the copsing world, familiar faces came into view. As Encrid left the mental world, the spirit within the sword vanished. ¡°You won.¡± Luagarne¡¯s voice was heard. It was reality. Encrid nodded. ¡°Was it dangerous?¡± Luagarne asked again, and Encrid shook his head. It wasn¡¯t dangerous. Once inside, the only thing that remained was swordsmanship. It was a battle of wits. He had to ovee his opponent with swordsmanship, not strength. He had gripped the sword well over a hundred times but didn¡¯t bother to count. It had taken a full day. The gray barrier disappeared without a sound. As it vanished, Esther looked up and red at Encrid. It was certain. She red. Esther was surprised. How did he manage to do it? Banishing an evil spirit through divine or magical means and purifying it physically by brute force are entirely different matters. ¡®Thetter is a challenging feat even for a highly skilled wizard.¡¯ Currently a panther, Esther was once a sorceress and witch who mastered the realm of spells. From her perspective, what Encrid had done was unbelievable. Thus, it was both astonishing and curious. ¡®How is that even possible?¡¯ In reality, the soul was purified through relentless, almost deathly, practice of swordsmanship, and because the evil spirit conveyed its wish. However, Esther had no way of knowing this. Esther blinked repeatedly in surprise, which Encrid noticed. ¡°What? Hungry?¡± Encrid asked, waving his hand. Esther snorted in disbelief andy back down. She decided it must have been a coincidence. Even if she delved deeper, there would be no answers. Encrid, watching Esther, felt a sense of admiration. For a panther, she had a remarkably expressive face. It was amusing to watch. Even now, when he asked if she was hungry, she seemed to show a hint of disdain around her eyes. Encrid chuckled softly and sat down. His legs weren¡¯t shaking, but he had swung his sword all day, literally without a moment¡¯s rest, and had mentally experienced a death-like state. It would be a lie to say he wasn¡¯t tired. Still¡­ ¡®Krais was right.¡¯ Wasn¡¯t it like picking up a fallen coin? To Encrid, this event felt like that. Only, what he thought was a coin turned out to be gold. He had learned a new swordsmanship technique. But how much had he improved? It¡¯s hard to gauge. It depends on the standard you set. However, he had gained a bit of confidence instead of arrogance. ¡®The soldier ranking system of Naurillia is meaningless.¡¯ In the end, he needed Rem. Perhaps he should try to scratch Rem¡¯s cheek with his axe. It was a refreshing goal. ¡°Let¡¯s rest and leave tomorrow.¡± Encrid said. It seemed reasonable. The gray barrier was gone, and there was no danger. It was a perfect ce to stay for the night, with no insects and afortably cool atmosphere. So the group decided to spend the night there. As Encridy down, he dreamt. In his dream, the evil spirit reappeared. ¡°Let¡¯s have another match.¡± It said, Encrid nodded. This time, he won easily. Understanding begins with the movement, but what if he memorized everything? If the opponent only repeats the memorized moves, there is no reason to lose. There was also a bit of understanding added to it. The reason for moving the left foot to the side was to prepare for a thrust after cutting the top of the head. Twisting the wrist in response to the dozens of movements an opponent might make while dodging or blocking allows for an unexpected strike. Basic techniques connect to each other, forming a single flow. This was swordsmanship. Reflecting on this anew, everything in the dream was torn apart, and suddenly, a ferryman appeared in the void. He said nothing. He showed no intentions. He just looked aggrieved. ¡®Using my curse for something else?¡¯ It seemed as if it was saying that. Encrid lightly ced his right hand on his waist and saluted, expressing his regret. When he opened his eyes, he was back in the cave. It was just a meaningless dream. ¡°You slept peacefully.¡± As he woke, Luagarne spoke. ¡°Didn¡¯t you sleep?¡± ¡°I did.¡± Luagarne, who had been staring at Encrid, asked. ¡°You¡¯re really determined to be a Knight, aren¡¯t you?¡± Without saying anything, Encrid nodded. ¡°Indeed.¡± Luagarne said calmly. ¡°It doesn¡¯t necessarily have to be in this country, does it?¡± The words that followed were meaningful, but there was no chance to ask further. With that, Luagarne turned away, as if not wanting to discuss it any further. What she said wasn¡¯t a question, but advice. Knowing this, Encrid didn¡¯t press the matter. ¡®This country, huh.¡¯ As a child, he hadn¡¯t understood the concept of a country. As he grew older, he realized that being a Knight bound by an oath of loyalty wasn¡¯t what he had dreamed of. So, was there another path? It wasn¡¯t something he needed to worry about just yet. ¡®When the timees, I¡¯ll decide then.¡¯ He would follow his heart and choose the right path. That¡¯s how he had lived so far. Call it conviction or stubbornness; it was a way that worked for him. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Encrid was just about to say that when¡ª ¡°Oh!¡± Krais¡¯s surprised voice rang out. ¡°There¡¯s a secret box under the chest!¡± Krais looked up and met Encrid¡¯s eyes. Whatever Dolph¡¯s intention was, it was clear he enjoyed ying tricks on people. Emptying the chest and diverting their attention with a letter, then trapping them in a dungeon with a cursed sword, only to reward those with sharp eyes. ¡°Ancient gold coins!¡± Something valuable had been found. The current currency was the Empire¡¯s money. The standard currency in Krona was imperial copper, silver, and gold coins. This standard had been established for over a hundred years. Naturally, anything called Krona would refer to imperial currency. From such ancient times, something from the borderline between history and legend had appeared. While not exactly priceless, if it found the right owner, it could be worth ten times its weight in gold. There were more than ten such coins. Each coin was the size of a palm, so they weren¡¯t small. The pouch was heavy. ¡°Divide it.¡± Encrid said. Krais looked disappointed but soon nodded. He even handed some to Luagarne, who had refused to take any. ¡°We¡¯re taking this, right?¡± Krais asked, as if it were obvious. He was referring to the sword stuck in the ground. Before the words even finished, Encrid stood in front of the sword again. The madman wielding the sword had been freed and sent to another world, beyond the realm of reality. So, what was left? ¡°It¡¯s obviously valuable.¡± Krais said. Encrid gripped the sword with one hand and pulled it out. It felt like a superhuman strength, perhaps from frequently using the Heart of Great Strength, but he felt stronger than before. The pulled-out sword was dirty, but the edge was still alive. It seemed it just needed sharpening. He swung it a few times, and while the bnce was decent, the handle and pommel needed a lot of work. ¡°It has the strength to be honored as an honorary Frog.¡± Luagarne praised him in a manner typical of a Frog. ¡°You¡¯re not going to sell that, are you?¡± Krais asked. ¡°No, I won¡¯t sell it.¡± Since both swords were in disarray, Encrid and his group packed up and began their journey back. There were still few monsters and magical creatures to be seen. Whether due to the aftermath of therge colony or not, even the usual bandits were nowhere to be found. Finn, showing remarkable resilience, asionally asked Encrid for martial arts sparring along the way. They couldn¡¯t have a full fight, so they engaged in slow-paced tactical movements. Since learning swordsmanship, Encrid had be more skillful, and Finn never won a bout. Then, Luagarne left. ¡°Well, I¡¯m off.¡± ¡°See you again.¡± It was a simple farewell. Krais waved, and Finn gave a slight nod. Esther didn¡¯t pay much attention. Luagarne didn¡¯t seem particrly regretful as she turned away. Watching the Frog leave alone, Encrid seemed to forget any feelings of regret and turned away himself. ¡°She left so suddenly.¡± ¡°She was staying because of the toon leader, so it¡¯s not surprising.¡± Krais voiced his thoughts sinctly. ¡°Enchantment.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t.¡± It¡¯s the nickname Encrid found most annoying¡ªsomething about ¡®Enchantment¡¯. ¡°Enchantment.¡± Krais repeated, raising his eyebrows. Encrid didn¡¯t hold back. ¡°This is the Ail Caraz-Style wrist twist. It¡¯s good to learn.¡± With those words, he twisted Krais¡¯s wrist, eliciting a scream. Krais¡¯s cry echoed in the summer sky. Without further incident, the group returned to the Border Guard. Thus, Encrid and his group made their way back to the city. Meanwhile, the higher-ups who had dispatched a priest from the Sacred Cult of the Demon Realm received surprising news. * * * ¡°Failed?¡± The bishop, who managed the diocese and was the priest¡¯s direct superior, asked. He was a strikingly handsome man with thick blonde eyebrows, wearing a white robe with gold embroidery. He repeated the question with a look of disbelief. ¡°Did a Knight ordere?¡± That wasn¡¯t the case. ¡°What? A toon leader? A panther?¡± Learning who was responsible left him even more astonished. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: /revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: /revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 185 The structure of the cult was simr to that of a regr temple. It consisted of the Pope, followed by cardinals, bishops, priests, and believers. asionally, monks were interspersed between priests and believers. Usually, when referring to a High Priest, it meant a bishop or higher. The blonde man was precisely that bishop. Outwardly, he had other statuses as well, and none of them were of low rank, he was a bishop who had grown into a very sturdy tree from among the seeds scattered by the cult. ¡°Are you saying we failed because of a mere toon leader?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± The bishop frowned at the words of the lower priest. His once-handsome face twisted ferociously. ¡®What?¡¯ Could a toon leader really bring down the knoll colony? ¡°It wasn¡¯t a Knight from the order who interfered?¡± ¡°No.¡± ¡°Indeed, that wouldn¡¯t make sense.¡± The bishop shook his head at his own words. Would the Kingdom of Naurillia have the capacity to dispatch Knights or troops here right now? It was an absurd thought. There were too many matters to address immediately, and there were even unresolved issues piling up. Bandits known as the ck de were rampaging throughout the Kingdom¡¯s territories. To the west, there was a city of raiders formed by settlers banding together. To the east, there was a country ruled by the human butcher that provocatively acted at the slightest provocation. It would have been fortunate if this were the end of it, but problems overflowed from every direction like a flood. ¡®For instance, the power struggle between the Nobility and the Royalty.¡¯ When all was said and done, everything could be attributed to the divided factions of the royalists and the nobles. The Kingdom¡¯s strength was fractured. As a result, other factions began to encroach, looking for opportunities. Although they had recently struck a blow to Aspen, which had been picking a fight from the north. ¡®Wasn¡¯t that a bit much?¡¯ The bishop thought so. They had pulled some forces stationed in the south and west to strike Aspen. Yes, it was unavoidable. Had they left it alone, the entire Green Pearl in in the north would have been lost. But the bishop had expected them to merely hold the line and maintain the status quo, yet Naurillia had won a decisive victory. Nevertheless, the effort to fend off Aspen had drained their strength. Taking advantage of the shortage, the city of raiders in the west stealthily moved in. The Human Butcher Kingdom in the southeast also advanced. What about the ck de Bandits? Would they just watch? Moreover, the south of the Kingdom was gued by monsters, casting a shadow over the southern region. There were reports of refugees lining up. But would it end just because Aspen retreated? ¡®What about the conflicts between the remaining cities?¡¯ If Aspen retreated, what would be left? The Green Pearl would remain. Moreover, trade routes in all directions would be open. Then everyone would be desperate to grab a bigger piece of the pie. With the Kingdom exhausted, mediation would be out of the question. ¡®It¡¯s a miracle it¡¯s not ruined already.¡¯ Given the state of the Kingdom, it was no wonder the bishop was here. There were many gaps and plenty of spoils. Many rotten ces. How could he ignore such a tempting piece of meat? It wasn¡¯t without reason that the Sacred Cult of Demon Realm had established itself here. What about the resources and capital invested in this ce? This area was sufficient to be a new Demon Realm. It could be a sanctuary. The damage caused by the failure of one such preparation was indeed disheartening. ¡®Because of a mere toon leader?¡¯ How much Krona was invested in preparing for this? It wasn¡¯t just a few gold coins. What about the armament provided to the knolls? The investment of Krona made was now in the hands of the pioneer vige. As a reward, Encrid received some marypensation. To be precise, it was Krais who acted as an intermediary and received it. The bishop wasn¡¯t aware of this detail. He was simply displeased. What to do? After a brief deliberation. Was it just a mere toon leader? Was he just lucky? In reality, no one from their side had witnessed Encrid¡¯s fight. There were a few surviving monsters, but they weren¡¯t capable of conveying the details. It was likely just luck. Upon reflection, that seemed usible. The wall was sturdy, a member of the cult had probably been identally discovered, and in the process of managing the situation, the priest¡¯s identity was exposed. Moreover, by coincidence, preparations had already been made at a siege level. ¡­But weren¡¯t there too many coincidences? Perhaps there was some level of skill involved. However, the conclusion was that it was luck. So then. ¡®Even if he¡¯s lucky, will that luck hold forever?¡¯ That seemed unlikely. ¡°Send someone skilled in assassination.¡± The bishop decided to handle the problem with restraint if needed. Of course, he never received any news of Encrid¡¯s assassination. The bishop wasn¡¯t even listening to such news. He was simply preparing for the next step. If he were a member of the Kingdom, what would be the biggest issue? Not the ck de, the monster rampages, or the predatory neighboring countries. Their greatest issue would be the cultists. And among those they called cultists, he was the backbone in this area. The bishop prepared for what was next, soon forgetting about Encrid. asionally, such extraordinary individuals emerged. Sometimes, they were even mere soldiers, but it was always temporary. Survived among a thousand monsters? Let¡¯s say it was a stroke of luck. What about next time? What if a simr crisis urs? He was bound to die eventually. So he dismissed it. * * * The Border Guard was unchanged. There was nothing different. ¡°Have you arrived?¡± Well, there was something different. The soldiers¡¯ attitude hadpletely changed towards Encrid. A soldier on duty at the outer gate saluted. Nodding. With a nod, he saw a familiar face. ¡°Are you here to greet me?¡± It was the Fairy Company Commander. She responded to Encrid¡¯s joke with a yful tone. ¡°Of course, I had toe if my fianc¨¦ was returning. If my betrothed came back missing a limb, especially an important one, I¡¯d have to give up one of my life¡¯s pleasures.¡± Wasn¡¯t the joke a bit inappropriate? While Encrid thought so, the Fairy Company Commander continued without a hint ofughter. ¡°If you were missing arms, you wouldn¡¯t be able to hug me, but you seem fine since you have both arms intact.¡± The Fairy¡¯s eyes scrutinized Encrid¡¯s entire body. Something seemed different? Fairies had keen senses. ¡°I need to report to the Battalion Commander.¡± ¡°Go ahead.¡± At Encrid¡¯s words, the Fairy nodded and continued on her way. It seemed she had other business to attend to. So, it wasn¡¯t a greeting. It was just a coincidence. Encrid saluted the departing Fairy and turned back. Seeing how she left quickly, she indeed seemed to have something urgent. ¡®It was just a coincidence, after all.¡¯ Could she really havee to greet me? It¡¯s not like she has nothing to do, there¡¯s no way that¡¯s the case. Upon entering the city, Esther disappeared. ¡°Do I need to go too?¡± ¡°No.¡± Krais was also sent away, leaving only Finn to apany him. Finn fell silent, lost in thought, before suddenly speaking with a strangely assertive tone. ¡°I¡¯ve made up my mind.¡± ¡°¡­About what?¡± ¡°I¡¯m giving up on trying to take you down.¡± ¡­Was she still aiming for that? ¡°Instead, I¡¯ll set my sights on Audin.¡± Finn¡¯s eyes sparkled with determination. Encrid inwardly shook his head. As for himself, it was one thing, but Audin? Audin wasn¡¯t just deeply religious, he wielded divine power, which meant he was a priest. Of course, being a priest didn¡¯t mean he couldn¡¯t marry or be with a woman, but¡­ ¡®That Audin?¡¯ That bear of a man embracing a woman? Hard to imagine. Encrid could only nod quietly. ¡°The Squad Leader of Enchantment is beyond my reach.¡± Finn muttered nonsense and then quickly went her own way. ¡°Weren¡¯t youing with me to report?¡± Apparently not. Left alone, Encrid headed to Marcus¡¯s office. Upon entering, he saluted. Marcus observed him silently before speaking. ¡°I¡¯ve already received the report. However, there are conflicting opinions.¡± Conflicting opinions? ¡°I¡¯m not sure what you mean.¡± If you don¡¯t know, you don¡¯t know. Guessing only leads to unnecessary chatter. He had heard that there wasmunication from the pioneer vige. Marcus rested his chin on his hand. ¡°The pioneer vige wants to name the wall after you, saying you slew a thousand knolls or something.¡± Were they seriously considering naming the wall after him? It seemed improbable that they would officially do something like that, but the vige chief, Deutsche Pullman, and that craftsman seemed to be sincere. The fact that it was mentioned in an official report confirmed it. They were all crazy. ¡°And the other opiniones from themander of the Viscount¡¯s Army of Bentra. He suggests that you only killed about fifty knolls and warns against exaggerating your achievements. Now, tell me, our toon leader, which is the truth?¡± Encrid responded immediately. ¡°Believe what you want to believe.¡± Would he believe it just because Encrid said so? Did his words carry that much weight? His counterpart was the Battalion Commander and a representative of the city. He likely already knew the answer. Moreover, his eyes were already speaking. Despite his weary-looking face, his eyes were smiling. ¡°Is that so?¡± ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right.¡± Marcus scrutinized Encrid closely. Where did such a persone from? ¡°Still aspiring to be a Knight?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°I see.¡± What was he trying to say? ¡°I saw cultists.¡± Regardless, he needed to report the key issue. The pioneer vige wasn¡¯t far from the Border Guard, and the presence of cultists was a sensitive matter. ¡°Those bastards.¡± After expressing his view, Marcus removed his hand from his chin and took a sip of tea. The cold tea slid down his throat. ¡®A thousand knolls.¡¯ He didn¡¯t do it alone or all at once. Even for a Knight-level fighter, that would be a daunting task. Marcus thought it was highly unlikely. Nheless, Encrid¡¯s prowess couldn¡¯t be dismissed. After all, he didn¡¯t take the words of the Viscount¡¯s Army of Bentra too seriously. Marcus knew Encrid. Of course, it was hard to believe that he literally cut down arge colony. Yet, he must have achieved something significant. Had Marcus seen it firsthand, he might not think this way, but it was still a hard story to believe for anyone. What Encrid did was just that. It wasn¡¯t that themander of the Viscount¡¯s Army of Bentra was an idiot¡ªthough, to be fair, he was half an idiot¡ªbut the story was genuinely hard to believe. It was more likely that the entire vige was simply ecstatic to have survived such a dire situation. After contemting various thoughts, Marcus spoke. ¡°Do you love this city?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t dislike it.¡± ¡°Do you have a lover?¡± ¡°No.¡± ¡°Perhaps?¡± ¡°I like women.¡± Talking with a perceptive person isfortable and easy. Marcus nodded and said, ¡°From this moment, your independent toon is promoted to apany. You are now a Company Commander.¡± ¡°¡­Is that right?¡± He had just returned from an external mission. Recognizing the merits of that mission wouldn¡¯t be a small matter. That was true. But hadn¡¯t there been conflicting reports? And now, a Company Commander? ¡°My toon doesn¡¯t even have ten members.¡± ¡°Now it¡¯s apany.¡± What kind ofpany has fewer than ten soldiers? ¡°Does that make sense?¡± ¡°I¡¯m the person in charge of this city. If I say it does, it does.¡± It seemed unreasonable. ¡°Are you criticizing your superior with your eyes?¡± ¡°No, sir.¡± It still felt unreasonable. ¡°It¡¯s not.¡± He¡¯s the Battalion Commander. What could Encrid do? He just nodded. Saluting and finishing his report, he turned to leave. ¡°I¡¯d like it if you loved this city.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll try.¡± It was a model soldier¡¯s response. Saying that, he turned back toward his quarters. ¡°You¡¯re back?¡± How should he describe this? ¡®I don¡¯t think I¡¯d even feel this way going back to the vige I was born in.¡¯ It was just like that. It felt likeing home. Rem was watching as usual, holding an axe. The subtle expectation in his eyes urged Encrid. Those eyes would not allow even a brief rest. Well, he never rested as soon as he arrived. The journey had been peaceful. He had rested enough along the way. Encrid¡¯s gaze turned to Rem¡¯s face. The scars that had been on his face before he left were nowpletely gone. A new goal suddenly came to mind. ¡°Sparring?¡± Encrid spoke without thinking, his heart pounding. Rem¡¯s lips curved into a wide smile. ¡°Did you get any better? They said you cut down hundreds of monsters? I heard you were flying. Let¡¯s see how much fun you had.¡± As Rem spoke, he gripped his axe with both hands and took a step forward. Encrid felt a strange sensation. Before, he didn¡¯t understand what that step meant before a fight. No, he couldn¡¯t grasp it. But now, he understood. Right foot half a step forward, the first axe swinges from the left. Rem showed all of this naturally, from his center of gravity to his next move. He didn¡¯t even try to hide his intent. Whether he knew Encrid could see it or not, Rem narrowed his eyes and looked at him. ¡°This feels a bit strange, doesn¡¯t it?¡± Encrid realized he wasn¡¯t standing in front of the usual barracks. Before Rem could respond, Ragna and the others starteding out one by one. There wasn¡¯t a single soldier around. Wait, there was a training ground set up. Right in front of the barracks. The area was cleared, and a low fence had been erected. ¡°They say the Company Commander made a private training ground for us?¡± It was Krais who spoke, having arrived earlier. The perceptive Krais had read Encrid¡¯s thoughts. Why bother? ¡°After we roughed them up a bit, the Company Commander said it was disruptive to other soldiers¡¯ training.¡± Rem, still full of spirit, pointed back with his thumb and spoke in a calm tone, as if saying it was no big deal. ¡°Even barbarians aren¡¯t allowed to kill allies within the barracks, we were told to do it here.¡± Ragna chimed in from behind him. ¡°It seems it¡¯s because of the noise. These guys are too rowdy. Not me.¡± Jaxon gestured towards the group with a sweeping hand, adding his two cents. ¡°Haha, it seems our brothers¡¯ camaraderie was so lively that the other soldiers wanted to join in, so themander was considerate.¡± Audin also spoke, making it seem like they were weing Encrid. The real reason for the training ground surely wasn¡¯t what they said. So this was a kind of joke. From starting as a group of troublemakers to bing the Madmen toon, they now knew each other well enough to make such jokes. ¡°Did you beat them up?¡± Encrid¡¯s question made Rem frown. ¡°Do I look like someone who goes around beating up others for fun?¡± ¡°¡­You¡¯re the first person to make me speechless like this, Rem.¡± What was he talking about, he beat them up every day. Rem felt a bit unfairly treated. This time, he hadn¡¯t beaten anyone. He hadn¡¯t beaten anyone. He was just so focused on sparring that he cleared away any distractions around him. ¡°Do you really believe I beat them up?¡± Rem red. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Damn, right answer.¡± Rem chuckled. That was the signal. After the smile, he grounded his stance. The direction of his center of gravity indicated the direction of his attack. Swordsmanship is a collection of techniques for killing people. It was a path he had honed and sharpened over time. Bang! The axe and sword shed. A loud metallic ng echoed. Even though the sword wasn¡¯t sharp, its hardness surpassed any weapon he had wielded before. Once called a cursed sword, it was now just a sturdy sword, almost on par with a legendary sword. Encrid had quickly be familiar with his new sword. Why, indeed? He hade back just to face this axe. The sword and axe shed, a battle of wits and skills ensued. Encrid¡¯s de moved with a snake-like fluidity, significantly faster than before. This was one of the secret techniques of swordsmanship, utilizing a flick of the wrist. Ting! As the sword rebounded off the axe de, it arced upward, forcing Rem to tilt his head back. In response, he swiftly raised his axe and made a short, chopping motion. Encrid also tilted his head to the side. Swish, swish. This left shallow cuts on both their cheeks. Rem narrowed his eyes and exhaled sharply. Surprised, but prioritizing something else over that¡ªfighting spirit and momentum. Rem¡¯s eyes gleamed with excitement. He then licked the drop of blood trickling down his lips and said, ¡°Damn, that surprised me.¡± It was a genuine remark. The onlookers all widened their eyes. Encrid and Rem had exchanged blows with sword and axe, and Encrid had not been easily pushed back. It was a growth rate that could not be ignored. It was almost miraculous. Could this talentless person have transformed so dramatically upon returning? Everyone¡¯s eyes were filled with such words. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: /revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: /revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 186 After Encrid left, Rem, along with everyone else, was more diligent than they had been in a long time. Instead of bothering passing soldiers, Rem spent more time swinging his axe alone. He was putting in some effort, continuously sweating. Ragna was the same, as was Audin. Everyone except Jaxon was simr, Jaxon spent much more time outside the barracks, joining in only asionally. Thus, the duel, with lives hanging by a thread, continued. It was truly brutal. ¡°Damn.¡± All the soldiers watching clicked their tongues. Seeing Rem, Ragna, Audin, and even the Fairy Company Commander fighting, the soldiers felt a sense of despair and hopelessness weighing on their shoulders. Could anyone watching them bite down and resolve to catch up to that level? ¡°Are they crazy?¡± Even Torres from the Border Guard frowned deeply. ¡°This isn¡¯t just demoralizing.¡± Hisint reflected the sentiment of the entire barracks. Could they really believe that they could achieve such skill by swinging their swords every day? Even the Fairy Company Commander wasn¡¯t falling behind. ¡°You¡¯ve got some skill?¡± Rem even remarked on it, but it was more than just some skill. If not for Will, one could believe he was at a semi-Knight level. How could someone with such skills serve as a Company Commander? There were even those who, with such skills, served as regr toon members. So for the Fairy Company Commander, this was actually considered decent. This chaos was the reason why the Battalion Commander had given them a separate training ground. The Fairy Company Commander had actively suggested it. ¡°The atmosphere in the barracks seems to have deteriorated.¡± After a simple report like that, the training ground was established almost immediately. It was justified. The training fever that Encrid had sparked had since cooled. It wasn¡¯t easy to create such an environment, even if one tried, but a few intense duels had done it. Such monsters existed in the world. Thanks to these monsters, a sudden wave of depression swept through the barracks. The one who used toze around in his bed was now clearly different. Ragna was a genius among geniuses. How could he swing a sword so sharply from such a broken stance? Torres even tried to secretly mimic the moves and ended up falling over. It was truly an act that couldn¡¯t be replicated just by watching. And what about Rem? Not only was his personality unpleasant, but his axe skills were equally formidable. He swung his axes with force, alternating hands, and even the first blow seemed difficult to block. And then there was the lump who blocked all of it. ¡°Brother, may you go to heaven!¡± His words were gentle, but he constantly talked about killing. And it didn¡¯t end there. He wasn¡¯t even falling behind when fighting barehanded. Sometimes he would wield a club, but his basic fighting style was with his bare hands. Audin was a master of martial arts. He had a record of snapping enemy soldiers¡¯ necks like corn stalks and breaking them like twigs in previous battles. ¡°May you go to the Lord¡¯s side!¡± He was a terrifyingly skilled individual. Following him was the silent, wide-eyed Jaxon, who was always swinging his sword. Finally, the Fairy Company Commander rounded off the group. Watching them drained the motivation from all the soldiers. These were individuals who hadn¡¯t been properly training, yet their talent was blinding. It was truly dazzling talent. It was in this situation that Encrid returned. During this time, Rem had honed his skills with life-and-death duels. For the first time in a long while, he swung his axe for a better tomorrow, to prepare for the next level. Even before these life-risking duels, he was confident that he could take on a Semi-Knight like Asia, perhaps even kill them. The technique known as Will, used by Semi-Knights, was ultimately a physical skill. At the very least, he wouldn¡¯t be easily knocked out. Even if a rare, highly skilled Semi-Knight were toe, while he might not win easily, he wouldn¡¯t be sent to the grave with a single strike. Rem had sharpened his senses. He had worked hard to improve his skills. Ragna was the same. He had reached a level where the term zy¡¯ no longer applied. He would hold and swing his sword morning and evening, lost in thought¡ªnot sleeping, but truly meditating. Yet, despite all this, ¡®The synergy isn¡¯t breaking?¡¯ Rem was half-serious. If they went further, one of them would have to die. If it was just a spar, it should end here. Yet, ¡®A little more.¡¯ Encrid¡¯s sword fell from above, aiming for the crown of Rem¡¯s head. As Rem swung his axe to block, the sword bent and came down. This time it seemed like a predatory bird, diving down like a hawk targeting its prey. The sword, swinging with sudden eleration, threatened to slip out of Rem¡¯s sight. Barely catching the trace, he defended again. ng! ¡®Damn it.¡¯ Rem unknowingly smiled. When had he ever had such an experience while sparring with his toon leader? Before, sure, it was enjoyable. But only just enjoyable, like dancing a pleasant dance. And now? Excitement and euphoria welled up together. He wanted to feel it more. ¡®Just a little more.¡¯ The axe he swung to test his strength was gradually narrowing the gap. From the warm-up sparring without risking lives, it moved to sparring with lives on the line. A scratch. In the gap between the crossed axes, a stab pierced through a small opening, grazing his cheek. Just a scratch, barely a scratch. But it wasn¡¯t blocked. Rem¡¯s lips twisted into a grotesque grin. He felt like he was going crazy with joy. The excitement overpowered his mind, feeling as if something new was flowing out from every part of his body. The Heart of Great Strength activated, heating his entire body. His heart pounded, and he swung the axe fiercely. It was a moment from a life-risking duel to a duel with everything on the line. At that moment, Encrid¡¯s eyes went nk, and his sword dropped to the ground like a cut string. Rem was shocked. ¡®Damn it!¡¯ He had no time to retrieve his axe. He was on the verge of splitting his toon leader¡¯s skull open. A moment of desperation. Bang! A sword blocked the path of his axe, followed by two hands grabbing his muscr arm. Finally, a thick hand grabbed his left wrist, which was about to move reflexively. It was Ragna, Jaxon, and Audin in session. ¡°Are you trying to kill him on sight?¡± ¡°Damn it, who was trying to kill anyone? I was going to stop cleanly and precisely. Why the hell did you interfere?¡± It was a bluff, and they all knew it. Ragna, Audin, and Jaxon had all seen it. Their toon leader had changed. He had returned at a level they hadn¡¯t anticipated or expected. His sword strikes were confident and calcted, his strategic thinking sharp, and his physical coordination had improved. The changes in his reaction speed and athletic ability were also remarkable. Jaxon immediately recognized what enabled these improvements. ¡®The Sense of Evasion.¡¯ He was quite pleased, especially with the fact that Encrid had mastered it so well. Jaxon nodded in approval. Ragna saw something different. ¡®A refined sword technique.¡¯ It wasn¡¯t just his swordsmanship, the quality of his technique had changed. The way he wielded the sword and thought about it had evolved. ¡®Hebined his strengths with swordsmanship.¡¯ He wasn¡¯t just following instructions, he had learned swordsmanship with a deep understanding. In just two months? Even if the Frog had given it his all during their travels, could such progress be made? Ragna knew better than anyone that their toon leader had changed and would continue to do so. What Encrid needed was the talent to control his body, and now he had umted such skills. Ragna¡¯s observational skills were not bad. But this time, only Audin had perfectly grasped the changes in Encrid¡¯s body. ¡®It brings a smile to my face, Brother toon leader.¡¯ It was indeed a satisfying state of physical condition, the degree of training and the improved athletic abilities. Whaty at the foundation of all this? The foundation that enabled him to learn the Sense of Evasion, the technique of that stray cat brother. ¡®The Istion Technique.¡¯ Among monks who primarily focus on physical training, this was known as the Istion Technique, derived from the monks¡¯ physical training methods. Encrid¡¯s body had been shaped in such a manner. ¡®It must have included regenerative abilities.¡¯ The dramatic recovery ability was one of the reasons his body had been remade. It was another gratifying moment. Finally, Rem was utterly surprised. ¡®When did he get to this level?¡¯ It was surprising to realize just how far Encrid hade. The madman who had initially requested a duel upon their first meeting had now be a skilled madman. He had evolved into a truly exceptional madman. Rem found this immensely enjoyable. Did it matter how Encrid¡¯s skills had improved? ¡®No.¡¯ It didn¡¯t. It seemed like it would be fun from now on. The separate training ground they had been given wasn¡¯t entirely enclosed. The fence was full of gaps and barely reached an adult¡¯s chest. It was just a boundary. Beyond that boundary, some had been watching the duel. Soldiers who had lost their motivation and spirit. Among them was Vengeance. ¡®Monstrous bastards.¡¯ Rem and the rest of the Madmen toon were truly a group of monsters. Seeing Encrid at the forefront of such a group, Vengeance couldn¡¯t understand how he hade to be in that position. Encrid had returned, and Vengeance saw him standing his ground against Rem. He knew Encrid¡¯s beginnings well, perhaps better because he had disliked him. Encrid had been an unremarkable soldier, a lowest-tier soldier, as he was often called. ¡®Old and talentless.¡¯ But what about now? He didn¡¯t know what had changed in the duels, but he felt that the atmosphere was different, something he felt with his entire being. Rem and Encrid, the Madmen toon around them, and Vengeance¡¯s own feelings¡ªeverything was different. Including the fact that Vengeance had once felt discouraged, but now realized that his extinguished spirit was like a campfire that had only temporarily gone out. ¡®I can do this too.¡¯ It was strange. When he looked at Rem, Ragna, or Audin, they felt like monsters, but when he looked at Encrid, he wanted to emte his efforts. He wanted to stand on the same level, to stand beside him. Was it because he had seen Encrid¡¯s efforts all this time? Or was it just a matter of feeling more familiar with him? He didn¡¯t know. Vengeance wasn¡¯t burdened by such questions. All that was left was a desire. ¡°Today is special training.¡± ¡°Yes!¡± Vengeance¡¯s toon, who had been watching, responded in unison. It wasn¡¯t just Vengeance. All the soldiers felt the same way. The soldiers who had watched Encrid fight were filled with a renewed sense of determination. The training fever that swept through the barracks the next day was perhaps inevitable. Encrid had dueled with Rem on the day he returned. ¡°I think I pushed myself too hard. I¡¯m still notpletely used to it.¡± The dazed eyes and weakened state were the result of overusing the Heart of Great Strength. Well, Rem had gone all out, after all. ¡°Using it more will probably make you more ustomed to it, don¡¯t you think?¡± Despite his words, Rem was only half-convinced. Has anyone other than himself mastered it to this extent? It seemed not, and beyond mere imitation, Encrid was the first to digest it to this degree. The next day, he sparred with Ragna. ¡°Where did you learn your sword technique?¡± ¡°From a passing ghost.¡± It wasn¡¯t entirely untrue. Afterwards, Jaxon rarely joined in the sparring. Audin taught him a new joint lock. Encrid was delighted to be surrounded by thesepanions as soon as he returned. How enjoyable it was to wield a sword and train without rest. How fortunate it was to be able to move forward for a new self. Even if ¡®today¡¯ was not repeated, there was always something to be gained. ¡°Fianc¨¦e?¡± The Fairy Company Commander hade as well, and naturally, a duel followed. Only then did Encrid realize that the Company Commander was as skilled with a sword as Rem. ¡°Now that we hold the same rank, when will you set the date?¡± He wondered when the Fairy would stop with her jokes. Not that he intended to say anything, there was no reason to. It had be part of everyday life now. Esther, who had been sleeping for two days straight, now only came around once every two days. Krais had managed to sell some ancient coins he had recently acquired for a good price. Additionally, he sold some weapons at a high price in a pioneer vige. Because of these transactions, the group was quite well-off. During a break in the dueling, Encrid visited the cksmith. ¡°Broken? And the armor?¡± The armor was torn and dented on the outside, with many broken chain links inside. In short, it was seriously damaged. His sword was broken. It was damaged beyond repair. He still brought it, hoping it could be melted down and reused. ¡°Two of them?¡± ¡°It just happened.¡± He had killed hundreds of gnolls, and it was fortunate it had ended with just this. ¡°Do you have any chainmail left?¡± Encrid asked. The cksmith sighed and nodded. ¡°Not right now, but I can make one. We recently received some good iron.¡± Encrid nodded and handed over the sword. It was a so-called demon sword. ¡°Could you sharpen this?¡± The cksmith examined the sword and spoke. ¡°This doesn¡¯t seem like an ordinary item. Just the de?¡± ¡°No. Also, rece the pommel and the handle, and the bnce seems slightly off.¡± The cksmith nodded. The de itself was excellent, but the fittings were a mess. ¡°We got some good deer leather in. I¡¯ll wrap the handle with it.¡± He agreed to do the work. Encrid nodded, paid an appropriate amount, and left. He stopped by a jerky shop, ate a few pieces, and soon it was evening. ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to eat more?¡± ¡°It¡¯s time to go.¡± Encrid couldn¡¯t ask the cksmith for a new sword, so he nned to buy one from a passing merchant. It felt odd to be unarmed. Encrid felt a void at his waist. Despite having a shortsword, a guard sword, and a knife, he felt empty. ¡®The weather is nice.¡¯ However, the city¡¯s atmosphere was not. After asking a few passing merchants, he quickly got an answer. ¡°There¡¯s a rumor that a band of thieves is targeting the city, and there¡¯s talk of monsters gathering from the south. Plus, they say a messenger came from an eastern city, making some threats.¡± Border Guard is a military city, specifically bordering the Kingdom of Aspen. A band of thieves targeting such a ce? It would be impossible unless they were well-organized. Still, there were always crazy bandits. They had caused problems even during conflicts with Aspen. The monster issue was always present. The east? The city of swords was in the east. It wasn¡¯t umon for them to cause trouble. However, rumors like this could be problematic. There¡¯s a saying that when ominous rumors spread, crime increases and supplies decrease. Citizens stay indoors, and merchants from outside are less likely to visit. The Border Guard had previously sent out troops when monsters increased too much. Encrid had been involved in one of those missions. It was when he had in a harpy. It had been quite a satisfying experience. Even though there were grim rumors, there were no official orders from above. ¡®They¡¯ll handle it.¡¯ Commanders have their responsibilities. He had been appointed as a Company Commander, but it was still unofficial. It was said to be a unteral decision by the Battalion Commander. And the nobles behind it. It seemed like this city was full of those snake-like individuals who acted as if blue blood flowed through their veins. Though he didn¡¯t like it, he couldn¡¯t just go around stabbing them all. ¡®I¡¯m not Rem, after all.¡¯ Of course, it was an impossible thing to do. When Encrid returned to the barracks, he saw Rem. ¡®Yeah, I can¡¯t live like him.¡¯ ¡°Your eyes look strange.¡± Rem said. Rem was as perceptive as Krais, especially when it came to sensing when someone was talking about him behind his back. ¡°Have you been badmouthing me? Walking around the market? Or were you cursing me silently?¡± Sometimes, Rem¡¯s sharp perception made Encrid think he wasn¡¯t ordinary. Encrid acted ording to his principles. If a lie could make someone feel better, it could be considered a white lie. ¡°No.¡± He said, shaking his head. ¡°Then why do I feel bad?¡± ¡®That¡¯s because your personality is twisted.¡¯ he thought. ¡°Are you cursing me again?¡± ¡°No.¡± This ce, filled with sharp perception and white lies, felt like home to Encrid now. The Battalion Commander had said it would be nice if he loved the city. Though it might not be an ardent love, he genuinely didn¡¯t dislike it. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: /revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: /revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 187 Whenever he looked at Encrid, he found himself clenching his fists without realizing it. Most of the soldiers felt something simr when they saw Encrid. They knew he had wed his way up from the bottom. They had seen firsthand how hard work was rewarded. Seeing Encrid, Vengeance and the group of soldiers clenched their fists. In their hands, they held spears, swords, and maces. The soldiers gathered and wielded their weapons. An unusual fervor reignited the barracks. ¡°These days, the soldiers seem more diligent than before. Why are they suddenly like this?¡± The atmosphere was different from usual. Encrid, sensing the change,mented. Krais, hearing this, scoffed. ¡°Are you asking because you don¡¯t know?¡± Would he ask if he knew? ¡°The market¡¯s atmosphere isn¡¯t great, so I¡¯ll go check it out.¡± Without answering, Krais left. Well, enthusiasm and passion were words Encrid liked. The reason didn¡¯t matter. Training hard would help them all survive. As a result¡­ ¡°Let¡¯s have a sparring match!¡± There were more peopleing to him like this. It wasn¡¯t the first time this had happened, and Encrid weed those who sought him out. The only difference was¡­ Thud, ck. All the fights ended in one or two moves. There was no point in fighting if it wasn¡¯t a challenge. Gaps were too obvious, and his body responded instinctively. When a de came down, there was no need to counter with a training sword, just pushing it away was enough. The new sword technique he learned was based on the Correct Sword Technique. He would sidestep to the left and swing his sword to the right, creating a blind spot in the opponent¡¯s vision. Humans feel uneasy when they can¡¯t see something, so they quickly turn to eliminate blind spots. In that moment, he would strike back. It was a simple two-move action, but it worked well even against the Border Guard¡¯s level. ¡°You¡¯re different.¡± Even with a blunt sword, getting hit properly made Torres¡¯ stomach ache. Holding his abdomen, Torres mumbled. No, it wasn¡¯t just different. A Quasi-Knight? He seemed to be at that level. How did his skills improve so much? The ¡®Border Guards¡¯ was made up of those who challenged the limits of humanity. It was a group with a variety of techniques and swordsmanship. Torres was part of this Guard and had been watching Encrid closely. ¡®This guy might really be a Knight.¡¯ There was a time when saying you¡¯d be a Knight was mocked as a faded dream. Now, even in the eyes of others, Encrid¡¯s dream didn¡¯t seem so unrealistic. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t I add ¡®sir¡¯ when addressing you as Company Commander? Soldier? Torres?¡± ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°Me, I¡¯m temporarily a Company Commander.¡± Encrid said, pointing at himself with his thumb. ¡°¡­Company Commander, sir.¡± ¡°I¡¯m joking.¡± ¡°You bastard.¡± Torresughed as he spoke. Rank was rank, but rtionships were rtionships. There was no need to maintain a hierarchical rtionship with Torres or Vengeance. They weren¡¯t his direct superiors. The Border Guard Reserve Unit had a rather loose hierarchy. In the capital¡¯s garrison, misreading a rank could get you beaten to death, but there was there, and this was here. ¡°You seem to be bing like the 4th Company Commander.¡± Torres¡¯s words made Encrid think deeply. That Fairy-like joke? ¡°Hah, anyway, I¡¯m off.¡± Even after Torres left, several members of the Border Guard Unit requested sparring sessions. Encrid had no reason to refuse. In the morning, after waking up, he practiced the Istion Technique and swordsmanship. After finishing lunch¡­ ¡°Shall we have a bout?¡± Rem challenged him. He was still formidable. If he fully activated the Heart of Great Strength, perhaps he could almost reach the mark. ¡®If I overdo it, I won¡¯t be able toplete the afternoon training schedule.¡¯ He had already paid the price a few times for getting carried away. Encrid regted himself. This was training, not a real fight. Rem also regted himself. Unlike before, he didn¡¯t aim to split heads, that wasn¡¯t his intention either. After finishing the lunchtime sparring, familiar faces appeared one by one. ¡°Can you check my skills too?¡± Vengeance often came by as well, asking for thorough instruction. Encrid, believing in the adage that teaching is learning, didn¡¯t refuse. ¡°But what¡¯s with the title?¡± He couldn¡¯t forget the joke. ¡°Are you bing like the Fairy Company Commander?¡± It was the same thing Torres had said. This, well, it was subtly annoying. The weather had been good for days. Except for a brief rain on the third day after returning, it had been sunny. ¡°It¡¯s a good day, perfect for training.¡± ¡°You said the same thing on a rainy day. Is there ever a bad day for training, Commander?¡± As he muttered about the sunny day, Rem asked from behind. Encrid thought for a moment and answered. ¡°There isn¡¯t.¡± ¡°¡­Maybe if you get hit on the head one more time, you¡¯ll go back to normal. The Fairy Company Commander hasn¡¯t given up on you, you can still be a normal person!¡± Rem shouted passionately. Encrid, who scolded him to wipe the sleep out of his eyes, continued his usual routine. The next day it rained, but the schedule was the same. It was a day copied and pasted from the previous day. There were many eyes in the barracks watching him. How should I put it? It didn¡¯t even seem boring anymore. Rain or shine, he was originally that kind of person. Even though his skills had improved, and he had be a Company Commander, nothing had changed. In other words, Encrid was still Encrid. Two weeks after his return. On another fine day, after the lunchtime sparring, Rem wiped the sweat from his forehead with his sleeve and sat on the ground. ¡°The apple cider was delicious.¡± Rem casually said this, but it caught Encrid¡¯s attention. It was intuition or a sixth sense. It seemed like Rem had something to say but was beating around the bush. Rem, beating around the bush? It was so unusual that Encrid remained silent, waiting for Rem to speak. ¡°If you have any left, sneak me some.¡± There wasn¡¯t any. All that was left was a little for emergencies, just enough for himself. He had told them to sip it, but Rem had gulped it down. Even Ragna had rarely left praise for the drink. Everyone had said they enjoyed it. Jaxon had a couple of sips, and Audin drank about five sips. But the fact that Rem dodged the question twice made Encrid think something was up. ¡°Did you kill someone?¡± Asking about the most suspicious thing first. ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°I¡¯m asking if you killed a superior officer from another unit while I wasn¡¯t around.¡± Could this be something that could be covered up? If they hadn¡¯t been caught so far, they must have hidden it well. The problem would be dealing with it afterward. ¡°What are you talking about?¡± So he didn¡¯t kill anyone? ¡°Did you beat someone up? Cripple them?¡± This was also a big problem, but better than killing someone. Although he hoped it hadn¡¯te to that. ¡°It wasn¡¯t the 1st Company, right?¡± He asked again. ¡°¡­Suddenly I want to ask, what do you think of me?¡± A mad dog that snaps at the slightest provocation. A lunatic who beats up superiors if he doesn¡¯t like them. A pervert who torments soldiers for fun, and doubles the torment if he likes them. ¡°The look in your eyes, damn, I think I just got seriously hurt. I¡¯ve never seen that look before.¡± Never before, huh? That was surprising too. He had suspected, just a little, but it was just a joke. They usually cooled down with a few jokes like this and then went off to lunch. During that cooling-down time, Rem had started to speak. ¡°Well, as long as you didn¡¯t kill or beat anyone, that¡¯s good.¡± Encrid said, and Rem sighed, looked up at the sky, and started to speak. His gaze was cast sideways, and he was sitting under a tree about five steps away from Encrid. Hadn¡¯t Battalion Commander Marcus transnted that tree next to the training ground? ¡°Because a training ground without shade is too barren.¡± A surprisingly meticulous person. Sitting apart with the tree between them, Rem¡¯s voice began to be heard. ¡°When I was a child, my father first taught me how to use a spear. It was, well, fun.¡± What is he trying to say? It suddenly reminded him of the words the evil spirit in the cursed sword had once spoken. Family, swordsmanship, bloodline, unfulfilled desires. These things had bound him to the ground. Did Rem have such things too? Humans are inherently tied to something. Whether it be dreams, status, power, or Krona. ¡°I learned hunting, which was fun too.¡± But this guy¡­ ¡°I also learned swordsmanship, which was fun as well.¡± Should he teach him how to speak anew? He spoke awkwardly now, stumbling over words, unlike when he mocked and tormented others. Seeing him like this made him seem even more vulnerable than Ragna. Well, all the currentpany members were simr when they talked about themselves. Awkward, stumbling, the clearest they spoke was when teaching swordsmanship. He didn¡¯t know everything, but there were things he had learned by hearing bits and pieces. Rem was from the West, and Ragna from the North, among other things. This story from Rem was unusual. The way he spoke was clumsy, but the content was worth listening to. ¡°Around that time, the Western War broke out. It wasn¡¯t a pretty sight, but what could we do? We couldn¡¯t just sit quietly when they came to kill us.¡± Wars were still frequent across the continent. Naurillia had recently expanded its war with Aspen to seize the Green Pearl ins. In time, this would be known as the Green Pearl ins War or something simr. The Western War Rem mentioned was particrly brutal. Dozens of pioneer viges each imed their own King. Some referred to it not as the Western War but as the War of the Thrones. Eventually, one tribe emerged victorious, but it was a Pyrrhic victory. Afterward, they had to submit to the Empire, having devastated and dested the West. ¡°Back then, I used a sword too, and that was fun. Why are you looking at me like that?¡± Damn genius. It seemed like every weapon he picked up was fun for him. From what he said, it seemed Rem had also been active during the Western War. Considering his age now¡­ ¡°You must have been around fifteen back then?¡± ¡°Yeah, around that age.¡± Only fifteen years old. ¡®What was I doing then?¡¯ Was I desperately trying to leave the vige? Did I still believe I had some talent? It was a time when he believed that hard work would lead to sess because time was fair to everyone. But time wasn¡¯t fair. As you can tell just from Rem¡¯s story, time can flow more generously for those with talent than for those without. ¡°So, there¡¯s something I want to ask.¡± It didn¡¯t make sense,cked context, and unintentionally sounded like he was bragging about his genius. He also mentioned killing some bear-like person from a neighboring tribe during the war. He didn¡¯t even know who that was, so how could he care? At the end of it all, he posed a question. ¡°Are you really going to be a Knight?¡± This was such a sudden question, but Encrid wasn¡¯t fazed at all. Maybe because it was a question he always thought about. Hadn¡¯t Encrid asked himself the same thing? ¡®Can I be one? Is it possible? What does it mean to be a Knight?¡¯ There were no answers in the repeated questions. Therefore, he took one step forward each day, because there was no other path. Literally, whether it rained or snowed. Whether the sun shone brightly. Even on the path taken for a mission. Even knowing today could end in death. It wasn¡¯t even enough to call it stubbornness. ¡°Yes.¡± There wasn¡¯t a moment¡¯s hesitation in the response. Encrid was calm. It was like any other day, like any other answer. For Rem, it felt fresh once again. ¡°Do you think it¡¯s possible?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± It was an honest answer. No one knows the future. Even the words of prophets aren¡¯t to be trusted. ¡°Is that so?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Indeed.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± They exchanged a few trivial words. Afterward, it was back to the usual routine: eating, resting, sparring. Rem didn¡¯t ask the same question again. He was calm, but who could know what he was thinking? Rem was deep in thought. If that man really does be a Knight, if that happens¡­ ¡®Should I go back and find what I left behind?¡¯ It was quite a serious dilemma. If he were to retrieve what he left behind when he departed from hisnd, even if he couldn¡¯t be what people call a Knight, he could at least reach the level of a Knight. The shrewd people of the continent tend to narrow the path to Knighthood to a single way, but Rem thought differently. In fact, in the West, instead of ¡®Knight¡¯, they used the word ¡®hero¡¯. A hero to pioneer the continent, a term originating from ancient legends. And Rem was once the top candidate among the next generation of heroes. He had been the best. After a brief moment of consideration, several thoughts shed through his mind. Watching Encrid wield his sword day and night, Rem made a decision. ¡°Then I guess I¡¯ll be a Knight too.¡± Rem casually said. Normally, Encrid might have teased or mocked him. For instance: ¡°Really?¡± ¡°You can¡¯t be a Knight just by beating up a superior.¡± ¡°Are you feeling alright?¡± Rem expected to hear something like that. But instead, Encrid responded calmly. ¡°Really?¡± And then followed with an almost obvious suggestion. ¡°Sparring?¡± Rem found himself strangely pleased by this. How remarkable it was, how consistently Encrid remained the same person. Within that consistency, Rem appreciated the glimpse of something akin to respect in Encrid¡¯s words and tone. * * * At the time Rem was sharing his resolution with Encrid, a figure with a ck hood covering his face was watching the walls of the Border Guard from outside the city. ¡®They¡¯re tall.¡¯ It would be difficult for most monsters to leap over. But what if it were a higher-level beast? Moreover¡­ ¡°A temporary alliance.¡± A dozen bandits from the ck de emerged. This should be enough to cause a significant disturbance. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: /revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: /revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 188 ¡°Even if they are bandits, we cannot underestimate the strength of the ck de Bandits. If we bring them in, Martai will retreat with its tail between its legs.¡± Martai was a city in Naurillia with a convoluted history. Sometimes it was a city under the Eastern Mercenary King, and other times it was a territory of Naurillia. As a result, it was a city where two ethnic groups mixed, but currently, it was a city of Naurillia and a territory ruled by a self-proimed general. Half belonged to Naurillia, but the other half was an Eastern city. And Martai had recently dered something akin to a deration of war against the Border Guard. So such discussions were emerging. The speaker was one of the nobles of the Border Guard. There were several nobles within the Border Guard. Though their power was inferior to that of the central nobles, they were not to bepletely disregarded. They had secured significant influence within the Border Guard city. For instance, the person in front of him was one such noble. What was his name again? Marcus didn¡¯t even bother to remember his name. ¡®The guy who took gold from the ck de Bandits.¡¯ He just remembered him like this. He considered him to be a member of the ck de Bandits. He felt like beheading him on the spot, cutting off his head and walking away. The Fairy Company Commander was his subordinate in name, but not in reality. It felt like whatever he did, there would be consequences. Marcus valued his instincts. For various reasons, he couldn¡¯t just cut down the person in front of him. After all, Marcus wasn¡¯t such a brute. He wasn¡¯t the kind of person who solved everything with a sword. Moreover, if he thought a bit more, he realized that killing this person wouldn¡¯t be that difficult. Narrow-minded people are always easy to catch. ¡°Though the advance of Martai is troublesome, we can focus on defense.¡± Marcus said decisively. The noble of the ck de Bandits pouted and then shut his mouth. If he had said anything more, Marcus might not have been able to resist smashing his head. ¡®Though I wouldn¡¯t go that far.¡¯ But he could give that impression. Marcus was nicknamed the War Maniac for a reason. It was an image and nickname he had cultivated for this purpose. Marcus stared at his opponent with a nk expression. It was both a re and a mere look, but it was effective. The warlike and indifferent gaze of the War Maniac shut the noble¡¯s mouth. After silencing him, he said, ¡°Next agenda?¡± It was a regr meeting. The Border Guard was both a military and fortress city. Just because they had pushed out Aspen didn¡¯t mean there was nothing to do. There were reports of arge group of monsters moving up from the south because some southern nobles hadn¡¯t properly dealt with the monsters and had driven them northward. ? If they left the monster horde alone, it would be a problem. Therefore, it was an issue that needed to be addressed. The fact that the monster movements in the south were affecting the northern Border Guard was, well, quite troublesome. ¡®Those damn bastards.¡¯ Nobles were always corrupt. They only cared about their ownnd and wealth. This was why people said the country was doomed. The same went for the nameless noble in front of him. He was really disgusting to look at. Thinking about this kind of stuff would shorten his life. So, Marcus deliberately redirected his thoughts. His thoughts then turned to Encrid. While he didn¡¯t want to remember the noble¡¯s name, he couldn¡¯t forget Encrid¡¯s name. ¡®Jumping into the knoll horde to save the pioneer vige?¡¯ Wow, that was a story that made one sigh in admiration. They said he single-handedly slew a thousand knolls. It was probably somewhat exaggerated, but it was certain that his skills had improved. The 4th Company Commander had confirmed it. ¡°In actualbat, no one can easily guarantee a victory.¡± Marcus had a vague sense of the Fairy Company Commander¡¯s abilities. She was better than most renowned warriors. Her achievements on the battlefield proved that. Encrid was someone she acknowledged. ¡®He used to be considered unskilled and just a training maniac.¡¯ There was even talk that he was just a soldier with good luck. Nonsense, it wasn¡¯t luck, it was skill. He had the right personality too. Even if it wasn¡¯t obvious on the surface, one could tell by his attitude and the results of his actions. Most of all, the image of Encrid talking about his dreams was imprinted on Marcus¡¯s mind. The battlefield, the sword, and something shining. Could he really be a Knight? Marcus, who had seen many people over the years, could say rationally that it was impossible. But if he were to speak based on his personal impression of Encrid¡­ ¡®I don¡¯t know if he can, but I hope he does.¡¯ Day and night were the same. Even with changing weather, nothing changed. He was consistent. Each day was the same. He lived each year as if it were today. Such a person he was. Suddenly, Marcus felt a desire to support his journey. A gentle smile appeared on Marcus¡¯s face as he thought this. Seeing this, the ck de noble abruptly spoke again. ¡°I think it¡¯s unreasonable to appoint him to a Company Commander position without proper organization. Even if he proved himself in his mission, there are widespread rumors that it¡¯s exaggerated¡­¡± It was regarding Encrid¡¯s appointment. The words made Marcus¡¯s previously indifferent and cold gaze turn into a frown, and the corners of his lips turned downward. He scowled. ¡°That¡¯s enough. It¡¯s my decision. If you don¡¯t like it, why don¡¯t you be the Battalion Commander?¡± While Marcus had previously left room for negotiation by rejecting the idea of involving the ck de Bandits, he was adamant when Encrid¡¯s name came up. He was clearly unwilling to entertain any rebuttals or opinions. It was obvious that opposing this decision would result in severe consequences. The ck de noble found this most irritating. However, there was nothing he could do to kill Marcus. ¡®Damn it.¡¯ All his anger was directed at Encrid. If someone receives cheers, trust, and love from others, they can also draw hatred. The ck de noble, a core member of the Border Guard¡¯s power structure, felt this way. He hated Encrid. He truly hated him for no apparent reason and even thought about killing him. After the meeting ended and all the nobles had left, the Fairy Company Commander looked at Marcus and spoke. ¡°Who gave you the nickname ¡®War Maniac¡¯?¡± The Fairy was perceptive, and Marcus didn¡¯t bother to deny it. ¡°I did.¡± ¡°You¡¯re clever.¡± ¡°I take that as apliment.¡± Marcus wasn¡¯t actually someone who loved the battlefield or was crazy about fighting. He had crafted that image for outward appearances. Why? It served as an excuse not to be heavily involved in central politics and was useful for lulling the enemy into a false sense of security. In reality, Marcus wasn¡¯t particrly skilled at waging war. While he knew how to deploy troops effectively, his real talenty elsewhere. For example, in his keen taste for finding good tea. ¡°Well, you don¡¯t make jokes with me, do you?¡± The conversations between Encrid and the Fairy Company Commander were somewhat famous within the barracks. This thought prompted Marcus to ask. ¡°I don¡¯t care much for jokes.¡± The Fairy Company Commander said this and turned to leave. Marcus pondered the meaning behind those words and then let out a dryugh. ¡°Well, that¡¯s difficult. A Fairy-style joke.¡± It was indeed a Fairy-style joke. It was a natural statement since Fairy loved jokes. * * * The name of the ck de noble was Vancento. Vancento grew up in a region bordering the monsternds. It was an area heavily influenced by the Demon Realm, where food was always scarce. So, for young Vancento, everything was not something to buy but something to take. That was the norm. A person¡¯s life was worth a loaf of bread. Sometimes, the bread was even more valuable. Having survived a harsh childhood, Vancento eventually found his way to the city. With some luck, he managed to establish a small tradingpany. As thepany grew, it involved swords, blood, fists, and threats, but there were no major issues. It was around that time that he crossed paths with the ck de. Their power was immense, and it became a strong backing for Vancento¡¯s growth. After spending ten years building hispany, he sold it, used arge sum of money to buy a noble title. His life was built on taking what he wanted, just as he had in his childhood. Now, Vancento¡¯s goal was the city of Border Guard. Specifically, he wanted to swallow it whole with the help of the ck de¡¯s power. He didn¡¯t have the lineage of a hereditary noble, and the title he bought with gold had its limits. Therefore, Vancento wanted something greater than a title. For instance, a city. That was the future Vancento dreamed of. And ruled by the ck de, with himself taking control of a city there. Bing the mayor and lord of such a ce would be ideal. ¡®If ites to that, I¡¯ll have to capture that Fairy first.¡¯ The Fairy, known as the 4th Company Commander, always had an alluring appeal. ¡°Should we kill Marcus, or perhaps that thunderous fool?¡± ¡°Not Marcus.¡± If Marcus died here, it would draw attention from the central authorities, which was undesirable. ¡°Just take care of that Encrid.¡± At Vancento¡¯s words, a member of the ck de and his bodyguard nodded. The bodyguard also disliked Encrid for some reason. ¡®To think people fawn over someone so insignificant.¡¯ It was amon deception. A sparring match? That could easily be staged with a few loyal soldiers. The stories heard from various sources werepletely flimsy. A thousand knolls? Ridiculous, as if he were some Quasi-Knight or a member of the Knightly order. He had seen Encrid¡¯s skills himself, not recently but a few months ago during training in the barracks. ¡®He¡¯s decent, but¡­¡¯ He judged that Encrid wasn¡¯t as good as himself. People with narrow minds often consider only what they see as the truth. In the meantime, Encrid had changed in unimaginable ways, but he didn¡¯t bother to see it. He simply concluded that Encrid was insignificant and left it at that. ¡®Of course, those subordinates of his¡­¡¯ They were quite formidable. They were the kind of people difficult to face even two at a time. Why such skilled individuals were stationed at a border fortress city was a mystery. Regardless, the n was progressing smoothly. Here, the Kingdom of the ck de would begin. Starting small, it would gradually expand. Thus, Naurillia would disappear, and the ck de Kingdom would emerge. The bodyguard and member of the ck de, lost in his own dreams, released a pigeon. The pigeon would carry the message. Even in removing an unsightly stone, the ck de wouldn¡¯t use people carelessly. They were that kind of group. Of course, their goals wererger than just killing one person. * * * The ck de Bandits sent ten warriors to the city in response to the internalmunication. Each one of them was formidable. For example, the leader of the group was a well-known figure in the mercenary world. She was a beastman named Dunbachel, and despite her delicate appearance, her scimitar was both nimble and destructive. This made her a top-tier fighter, one who could gain a reputation in an entire city. The other nine who apanied her were of a simr caliber to Dunbachel. ¡°Apply pressure? They mean to scare him, right? Let¡¯s do it.¡± Dunbachel nodded, indicating she was ready to do the job for which they were paid. They were just about to enter the Border Guard. Dunbachel¡¯s nose twitched, picking up a smoky, sour scent mixed with a rotten stench. It was the smell of a demon or monster. There was also the scent of a human mixed in. Dunbachel¡¯s head snapped to the side. There stood a man in a ck robe, and beside him, a menacing beast with gleaming eyes. ¡°Who are you?¡± Dunbachel immediately assumed abat stance. The other side did the same. One of the quick-witted members of the ck de Bandits assessed the situation and spoke. ¡°It doesn¡¯t seem like they¡¯re here for us.¡± Coincidentally, both groups were targeting the Border Guard. While one group was the ck de Bandits, the other consisted of assassins sent by the Sacred Cult of Demon Realm. They had already sent several skilled assassins, but they had all mysteriously disappeared. It seemed something was happening inside the city. They were here to confirm and, perhaps, cause some chaos in that unsuspecting city. ¡°Who are you?¡± The cultist asked, his tone that of a monk or a practitioner of dark arts, making it difficult to deal with him lightly. One of the more perceptive underlings answered on Dunbachel¡¯s behalf. ¡°ck de.¡± ¡°What¡¯s your purpose?¡± Annoyed by the cultist¡¯s questioning, Dunbachel was about to lunge at him, but an underling grabbed her arm from behind. Why? Dunbachel asked with her eyes. Why not just slice the throat of such an annoying cultist? The underling shook his head. Dunbachel restrained herself from pulling her arm away. She was, after all, in a position simr to a mercenary. Even though she was a leader, it was a position she held due to her strength alone. One of the underlings, standing behind her, rolled his eyes and then spoke. ¡°This might actually be a good opportunity.¡± ¡°Do as you see fit.¡± Dunbachel was cynical, disying an attitude of indifference. She folded her arms and looked away. As Dunbachel stepped back, a negotiation unfolded between the cultist and a member of the ck de Bandits. ¡°So, we¡¯ll each act in our own interests.¡± ¡°The goal is clear.¡± They decided to cooperate cautiously, moving toward their shared objective. ¡°I¡¯ll begin.¡± The cultist spoke with a twisted smile, extending his hand to stroke the hair of his beast. A growl emanated from it, sounding like a hellhound from the depths of the underworld. It wouldn¡¯t be inurate to liken it to that. The beast alone was terrifying, with three rows of sharp teeth, a tail like that of a scorpion, and a body and head resembling a lion¡¯s. Its eyes gleamed with a split yellow hue, and each w looked like a well-sharpened knife. It was a manticore, a high-level monster capable of devouring an entirepany of soldiers. ¡°Go, enjoy your feast.¡± At the cultist¡¯smand, the manticore sprinted forward, moving with frightening speed. It leaped up the city wall, scaling it without the need to breach the gates. It was indeed a formidable beast. A terrifying roar echoed, instilling fear, and the manticore stood illuminated by the moonlight. ¡®Is that¡­ a bear?¡¯ Dunbachel squinted. There seemed to be a bear-like figure in front of the manticore. It was hard to see clearly from a distance, especially under the dim moonlight, but something was definitely there. Even though he had received bribes, the noble in front of him was still officially a noble of Naurillia. Killing him would be considered a crime against a noble, at least not in front of witnesses. ¡®It would be better to kill him in secret.¡¯ Of course, that wouldn¡¯t be an easy task. The noble¡¯s bodyguard seemed quite capable. ¡®Maybe I should try to win over the 4th Company Commander.¡¯ After all, Fairies were natural-born assassins. With their keen senses and stealth, she could easily take down such a target. ¡®But that woulde with its own set ofplications.¡¯ [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: /revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: /revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 189 ¡°That¡¯s a good sword.¡± Encrid found a sword from the cksmith. ¡°Take this too.¡± He also received an iron te breastte, fastened only with rivets at the sides. It wasfortable as it didn¡¯t hang over the shoulders, but he thought he might need separate shoulder guards. Encrid noticed a pile of scrap metal in the corner of the forge. There were two more forges within the Border Guard. Among them, this one had the best craftsmanship. The Border Guard didn¡¯t have a cksmith exclusive to the lord, so all three forges had to supply weapons to the barracks. Now that the war was over and it was time to stockpile supplies, they would make spears, swords, and blunt weapons from scrap metal. In short, despite being pressed for time, there was an overworked cksmith in front of him who had taken the time to fix Encrid¡¯s sword. ¡°Here.¡± Ping. He flipped a gold coin, stacking a few more on top of it. ¡°Isn¡¯t this a lot?¡± ¡°Use the extra to buy flowers for your wife.¡± The cksmith looked at Encrid with hollow eyes. If someone gives you something, just use it¡ªwhat¡¯s the point of looking? Recently, Krona had been quite prosperous, and Encrid wasn¡¯t the type to skimp on it. Krais had pointed out that this was Encrid¡¯s biggest w. However, within the toon, or rather, the entirepany, Krais was the only one sensitive about Krona. Even Finn, who wasn¡¯t particrly frugal, didn¡¯t have a strong sense of money. Esther, being a panther, wasn¡¯t worth mentioning in this regard. ¡®Is it right to consider Esther a member of the unit?¡¯ Well, with the contributions made, what else could be done? Even if Esther couldn¡¯t be formally included in the organization, the panther was still recognized as arade. Anyway, Rem, Ragna, Audin, and Jaxon¡ªdidn¡¯t they all spend Krona freely? That seemed to be the case. Of course, Encrid was the most extravagant. Whether receiving rewards or plundering treasure vaults, he spent Krona freely once his pockets were full. It was the same even after leaving the forge. Ping. ¡°Take it.¡± A gold coin flew through the air, caught by a rough hand. It was John, the tanner. John was skilled, and some of the merchants passing through the city came specifically to see him. His leatherwork was deserving of the title ¡®artisan¡¯, far exceeding the level of a mere craftsman. This time, he had received a leather bracer from John, which protected from wrist to elbow. Despite wrapping around the arm, it was soft and sturdy. It was a deep ck, secured by pulling a leather strap made of the same material around the bottom. It was clear that much thought had been put into it. The artisan¡¯s skill was evident everywhere, making it worth a gold coin. ¡°It¡¯s made from beast-hide treated with oil three times.¡± One gold coin wouldn¡¯t be enough. Ping, one more coin. ¡°That¡¯s fair.¡± John, the artisan, always received fair prices for his work. He was an honest leather craftsman, which is why merchants flocked to him. Usually, when someone was reputed as an artisan, prices would skyrocket, but not with John. Anyway, beast-hide was a difficult material to work with. Tanning it required special treatments, which often failed. In the capital, it might be easier to obtain, but out here on the frontier, not so much. ¡®Is there anyone else here with something like this?¡¯ It seemed unlikely. The sword also pleased him. The spirit that had taught him swordsmanship was gone, and the sword, which had been a cursed sword, had now be mere metal. With a faint blue sheen, the hilt specially polished by the cksmith, wrapped in deer leather, and a round, sturdy pommel, it was quite satisfactory. ¡°Take it, I have time left.¡± Was it because he hadn¡¯t been to the market in a while? A shoemaker he had met when he opened the Gate of Sixth Sense approached him and handed over boots. The soles were thicker than before, and the uppers were reinforced with a hard shell. They didn¡¯t seem like ordinary, hastily made items. ¡°I made them roughly and couldn¡¯t sell them.¡± What was this ridiculous statement? ¡°Father, just say you want to give them to him.¡± The daughter beside him smiled bashfully. It was a refreshing smile. Encrid flicked a coin again. Ping! A gold coin. The daughter caught it. ¡°That¡¯s a lot.¡± ¡°If there¡¯s extra, use it as you see fit.¡± Encrid tossed the coins and, on his way, received plenty of spiced jerky. He also got a couple of bottles of wine. It had a decent taste. But why did they give him charcoal? ¡°It¡¯s good charcoal.¡± What was he supposed to do with this? Make a charcoal grill? These were amusing people. Was this the power of the Gilpin Guild? The city¡¯s darker, stained parts seemed to have beenrgely erased. Of course, some stains remained. For example, ¡°Peasant, get lost.¡± Like this noble bastard. He was a nobleman with guards, whom Encrid encountered on the street. Upon seeing Encrid, he intentionally smirked. It was a sneer. ¡°To think you¡¯re a Company Commander is absurd. I don¡¯t know what trick you yed on Marcus, but it was a mistake.¡± Hmm, if it were Rem, he might have split this guy¡¯s head with an axe the moment he said that. Or he might have thrown a punch at the word ¡®Get lost¡¯. He could only hope that the noble never spoke such words to Rem. The guy looked like he could be friends with a ghoul. nted eyes and thin lips¡ªit was the face of someone who had lived a life of cunning. While appearances don¡¯t tell everything, this guy seemed to live a life as unsavory as his looks suggested. There were widespread rumors about him, too. ¡®If he met Luagarne, she¡¯d probably be terrified.¡¯ Frogmen are peculiar about appearances, particrly human ones. Isn¡¯t it an odd trait? And to think one of them had confessed to being infatuated with him. ¡°Hmph.¡± The nobleman passed by with a guard, heading toward the city gate, likely for some business in the market. He had always shown a dislike for Encrid, so it was nothing new. Encrid remained indifferent. Meanwhile, a fruit vendor nearby muttered. ¡°That bastard, he¡¯ll die from his own poison.¡± What a creative insult. But what was that guy¡¯s name again? He had heard it before, but it didn¡¯t matter. He just needed to make sure the noble didn¡¯t run into Rem. ¡°What¡¯s the superior-abusing thug up to now?¡± Encrid hummed as he mumbled to himself, heading back to the unit. Rem made an abrupt remark. ¡°Is there anyone like Andrew you could find?¡± ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve lost some of my cooking skillstely.¡± This was dangerous¡ªit was a sign of Rem¡¯s pent-up frustration. ¡°Training?¡± It was time to quickly extinguish the fire. The training was quite intense, using the Heart of Great Strength recklessly. ¡°You¡¯re using good bracers.¡± Rem noticed the changed equipment. He has good eyes. ¡°The sword doesn¡¯t seem like an ordinary item either?¡± ¡°I picked it up on the way.¡± With that casual exchange, they finished their sparring session, and by evening, Encrid¡¯s whole body was aching. Had he ever pushed himself this hard in training recently? In any case, thanks to that, Rem¡¯s pent-up frustration was adequately relieved. ¡°I think I¡¯ll sleep well tonight.¡± He had been fretting over whether to be a Knight or not, which was unlike him, but now he seemed fine. ¡°Yeah, sleep well.¡± That evening, as usual, Audin finished his prayers and called for Encrid. ¡°Company Commander, brother.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°How about going on a night patrol today?¡± Audin smiled warmly as he spoke. Despite hisrge size, he had a gentle smile. Seeing him like this, Encrid thought Audin might be quite the charmer if he set his mind to it. It became clearer why Krais wanted him in his salon. ¡°What about bing a priest who roams the night?¡± Krais often prodded him with such suggestions. Still, Audin just smiled, perhaps finding it not worth responding to. In any case, Audin seemed to have something to say. If not, it could have just been an invitation for a night stroll. ¡°Sure.¡± Being in an independentpany meant they were often exempt from all duties, which made Encrid feel awkward around the barracks. So this patrol was coincidental and more like a walk. Audin had something to say, and the night patrol was a good excuse, while Encrid also thought of doing something duty-rted at least once. ¡°There is a saying in the holy scriptures that a day built upon well-paced efforts is more important than a day of overexertion. What this means is¡­¡± A sermon. His usual sermon. Sometimes, Audin could be very talkative. Especially when it came to sermons and the scriptures. Did Finn really put up with this? ¡°How about with Finn?¡± He was supposedly pursuing her. ¡°I¡¯m working on converting the sister.¡± Converting someone you¡¯re trying to seduce? It suited Audin, but for a woman, that would be quite humiliating. Though Finn did always seem cheerful. ¡°The point is this. It¡¯s better to exercise your body moderately than to overdo it, Company Commander.¡± He remembered the change in Encrid¡¯s rank and addressed him ordingly. Encrid nodded at Audin¡¯s words. He understood. Lately, he had been pushing himself too hard. How could he describe it? ¡®It feels like something is just within reach but not quite.¡¯ Swinging his sword, using the Heart of Great Strength. As he thought about taking it to the next level, he might have developed a sense of impatience. Not knowing despair or frustration doesn¡¯t prevent one from feeling rushed. Though he hadn¡¯t been deliberately overexerting himself, how one¡¯s mindset influences their actions and attitude. This, in turn, changes one¡¯s perspective on the world. It was a good teaching. ¡°Was that it?¡± ¡°It was.¡± Encrid¡¯s greatest strength was that he epted and acknowledged what he thought was right after just a few words. However¡­ ¡®It seems you¡¯ve lost your conscience. For you to be the one talking about this.¡¯ Who was it that imed breaking through limits daily under the guise of the Istion Technique? ¡°When I watch you, it¡¯s not overexertion, it¡¯s just the right amount.¡± Encrid spoke with his eyes, but Audin responded with his mouth. ¡°Lately, it seems like you can read my expressions too well.¡± ¡°You make it so obvious.¡± Encrid chuckled, and Audin smiled too. As they moved along the gallery on patrol, a few soldiers they knew saluted them. ¡°It¡¯s just an irregr patrol. Don¡¯t mind us.¡± The city was peaceful. It was safe. No matter what happened around them, these walls would protect them. ¡®Did someone say to love the city?¡¯ With the moonlight behind him, he looked out at the city enveloped in darkness. From atop the gallery, the city spread beneath them. The sounds of summer night insects tickled his ears. ¡®I don¡¯t know about love.¡¯ At the very least, he wouldn¡¯t just stand by and watch these people die. ¡°Protect the weak.¡± It¡¯s the first thing mentioned when discussing chivalry. Some say it¡¯s just an excuse for Knights to wield their power. ¡®If you have power and don¡¯t use it properly, you¡¯re just a brute.¡¯ Encrid¡¯s dream was not to be a brute. The moonlight stirred something in him. He didn¡¯t believe he could be a Knight overnight. There was still a long road ahead. There was still Will. He still had things to learn. Before that, he needed time to fully digest what he had already gained. He hadn¡¯t neglected the things he learned before, even though he had learned new swordsmanship. ¡®There¡¯s still room for improvement.¡¯ Encrid judged this himself. Lost in thought, enchanted by the moonlight, Encrid¡¯s ears perked up. ¡°There¡¯s something.¡± Audin responded too. It happened then. A pungent smell wafted up as something scrambled onto the wall. ¡°Grrrrrr!¡± A beast¡ªno, a magical beast¡¯s roar. It held a power that could shake a person¡¯s core. ¡°Uh, uh.¡± The soldier standing right in front of it froze at the sound. Even before Encrid could move. There was a bear crossing the moonlight. A very talented and incredibly fast bear. It was Audin. ¡°Grrrr!¡± The opponent was a Manticore, a high-level magical beast, also called a demon beast, resembling a lion with a scorpion¡¯s tail and the body of a lion. Its roar alone could paralyze opponents. If its scorpion tail brushed against you, you¡¯d be poisoned and sent to the next world. Even a well-armedpany was advised not to fight this beast. Not all magical beasts were the same. A Manticore was a monster iparable to something like a hyena beast. Such a monster, truly a terrifying monster, was nothing short of a nightmare for ordinary soldiers. ¡°If you make such a racket at night, you¡¯ll wake people up, kitty.¡± Seeing Audin gently soothe such a monster made the Manticore seem to dete to the level of a mere stray cat. The Manticore lowered its stance as soon as it saw Audin. Audin, in a rxed stance, raised both hands forward. His palms were half-visible, with his thumbs pointing towards himself. Meanwhile, Encrid grabbed the nape of the frozen soldier and pulled him back. ¡°Take a deep breath in, and exhale while moving. Start by gradually applying force from the tips of your fingers.¡± ¡°Y-Yes!¡± A Manticore¡¯s roar alone carried a force that could paralyze its opponents. Encrid murmured instructions on how to counteract this. One of the soldiers standing guard on the gallery gripped a whistle, ready to blow it at any moment. ¡°Wait.¡± Encrid signaled with his eyes, not wanting to make unnecessary noise and be the Manticore¡¯s target. Even with a body stiff with fear, the soldier obeyed Encrid¡¯smand. ¡°Move back.¡± Encrid moved the soldier back on the gallery. The Manticore moved. It dashed forward, cutting through the moonlight and swinging its front paws. It was fast¡ªtruly a high-level magical beast. With a light push off the ground, it left a blurred afterimage. Encrid¡¯s gaze tracked all its movements. Audin, who was its target, narrowly dodged the front paws and extended his left fist. ¡®Ah.¡¯ Encrid was inwardly impressed. It was a perfect dodge followed by a counterattack. It aligned with some of the swordsmanship techniques he had recently learned. ¡°When you step back and draw the opponent into your reach, twist your body to create space and strike. This is possible if you anticipate the opponent¡¯s attack.¡± Remembering Luagarne¡¯s teachings, Audin¡¯s punch and movements ovepped in Encrid¡¯s mind. Audin¡¯s punchnded squarely on Manticore¡¯s jaw. Bang! The sound echoed clearly, like striking a leather drum. The creature hit the ground with a flurry, sliding to the side. Grrrr! The wounded beast let out a cry filled with pain. ¡°You, just take your punishment.¡± Audin then became like a teacher scolding a child. The only difference was that his opponent was a high-level magical beast capable of devouring a wholepany. The rest was a mixture of reprimand and a sermon, much like a routine. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: /revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: /revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 190 Roar! The wounded manticore let out a scream. It appeared to retreat but then suddenly leaped forward again, propelling itself off the ground. With a heavy body, it sliced through the air like the wind, charging in. Whoosh! Its ws tore through the air. Audin quickly shifted his stance, changing the position of his feet, and swung his hand. To be precise, he pped the manticore across the face with his palm. The front ws shed through the air, and the pnded almost simultaneously. The exchange was that fast. Audin¡¯s palm itself was a formidable weapon, but the manticore was a high-level monster. Despite being pped and its head snapping to the side, it steadied itself and swung its front ws again. Audin dodged the attack by stepping back slightly. Roar! The manticore¡¯s furious roar ripped through the air. ¡°Urgh.¡± The soldiers once again groaned under the pressure of the high-level monster¡¯s presence. And then, the monster that had overwhelmed its surroundings roared. ng. ¡°Where do you think you¡¯re going?¡± Audin pped the manticore again. This time, he struck harder. Dark blue blood trickled from the creature¡¯s mouth, dripping onto the ground. ¡°Uh.¡± ¡°Ugh.¡± The soldiers unintentionally voiced their reactions. The scene was shocking enough to make them forget their fear. Who ps a monster like that? It¡¯s absurd! Had its pride been wounded? The manticore, ignoring the pain in its face, crouched low. And then it charged again, faster than before. Its attack wasn¡¯t simple this time. As it swung its front ws, it also whipped its tail. The tail, resembling a scorpion¡¯s, struck down like lightning. Audin¡¯s movements also became fast enough to leave afterimages. Whoosh! The front ws missed again. The tail, like a scorpion¡¯s stinger, struck only air. In that moment, Audin swung his hand once more, with a simple yet precise motion. ng! What is that sound? Encrid found himself clicking his tongue. He had seen the entire exchange, missing nothing. At first, it seemed like some kind of sword technique, but it quickly devolved into nothing more than pping the monster. The manticore had likely never encountered an opponent who exceeded its physical capabilities and speed. ¡®If I were the manticore, I¡¯d be confused too.¡¯ The creature tilted its head, perhaps dazed from the repeated blows. Its eyes glinted with a menacing aura once more. ¡°As with any monster, it should act ordingly. The holy scriptures say that holding different beliefs is not the same as following the wrong path.¡± Muttering to himself, Audin beckoned with his hand. The man, as massive as a bear, toyed with the manticore. Roar! The manticore charged again. ng! It got pped. When the p was moderate, its head turned to the side. When the p was harder, its whole body was flung to the side. Thud, thud! Seeing the mighty beast tossed around like a ragdoll, who could call this creature a high-level monster, a terror for soldiers, or a monster among monsters? ? As Audin swung his hand, memories of old times resurfaced¡ªof battling monsters, beasts, and cultists. The days of subduing monsters like these were numerous for him. He had a wealth of experience, especially in fighting high-level monsters. The manticore¡¯s face began to swell after repeated ps, and a few of its teeth were scattered on the ground. Just as one might start to pity the creature, Encrid noticed a smallmotion below. He heard a faint groan and saw shadows shifting. ¡°It seems we have guests below. I¡¯ll head down first.¡± Encrid said. ¡°Please do, brother.¡± Audin replied with a smile. Seeing an opening, the manticore attacked again. This time, itunched a triple assault. Audin dodged the front ws by twisting his body, deflected the tail with the back of his hand, and ignored the snake-like tongue that attempted to coil around his neck. ¡°The Lord said there are sins that cannot be forgiven.¡± Audin muttered, ignoring the tongue as he swung his hand. In closebat, monsters typically had the upper hand. The soldiers watching had learned this in their training. So what were they witnessing now? ng! A sharp, loud sound echoed. The manticore¡¯s face caved in from the p. This feat was aplished solely with a palm strike. The soldiers watching felt a chill down their spines. The monster was terrifying, the manticore was terrifying, but the most terrifying thing now was the man smiling with falsepassion. ¡°Turn to the divine, cleanse the sins that stain your body, and purify the corrupted soul. Seek forgiveness for your sins, again and again.¡± Audin preached with a gentle tone and a kind smile. But his actions? ¡°I think I wet myself.¡± A soldier mumbled beside him, reflecting the general sentiment among those watching. Encrid, about to head down, patted a soldier on the shoulder after witnessing the manticore¡¯s face cave in. ¡°It smells like urine.¡± He remarked, before descending below the gallery. He descended quickly, almost kicking the steps, and saw a soldier loitering near a small door by the castle gate. Though he didn¡¯t recognize the face, the uniform identified him as part of the Border Guard Reserve Unit. The soldier had his hand on the door¡¯stch. Near the door, a soldiery slumped against the castle wall, dark red liquid seeping from his half-copsed body. As Encrid approached, the soldier with his hand on thetch turned his head sharply. Encrid ignored his gaze and examined the fallen soldier. He quickly assessed the soldier¡¯s condition, showing such nonchnce that it would have been easy for someone to attack him from behind. This confidence came from his experience. Upon inspecting the soldier¡¯s wound: ¡®Not too deep.¡¯ It wasn¡¯t fatal. With some grit, the soldier might even be able to walk. Of course, this assessment was from Encrid¡¯s high standards. The soldier felt as if he was dying. The pain was unbearable. Having a hole in your stomach and feeling fine would indeed be strange. ¡°You look like you could walk.¡± Encrid spoke, crouched down, with his back exposed. The soldier with his hand on thetch hesitated. Should he open the door? Or maybe, now was the time to strike? His demeanor was confusing. The soldier knew he was facing the infamous Squad Leader of Enchantment. Meanwhile, Encrid helped the fallen soldier to his feet. ¡°Ouch, it hurts. It hurts! I got stabbed in the stomach! It hurts!¡± ¡°This seems like something you can walk off.¡± ¡°No, I can¡¯t walk. If I die, tell my sister there¡¯s a pouch under the bed¡­¡± ¡°You¡¯re not going to die.¡± Encrid interrupted. This soldier was exaggerating. He had faced worse injuries in the past. It wasn¡¯t a minor wound, but it wasn¡¯t fatal either. Tearing a piece of the soldier¡¯s sleeve, Encrid bandaged the wound to stop the bleeding. ¡°Ugh!¡± As Encrid pressed on the wound, the soldier winced in pain. Encrid pushed him against the wall to lean on for support. ¡°If you can¡¯t walk, use the whistle, right? Watch the situation and blow it if things go south.¡± Encrid said this and turned away. The soldier holding thetch and gripping a knife hesitated. He was still deliberating. The stories about the deeds of the Squad Leader of Enchantment made him pause. He was almost like a hero of the battlefield, wasn¡¯t he? Even if he didn¡¯t know the details of the recent knoll colony incident, the Company Commander¡¯s reputation alone marked him as a dangerous man. Yet, he couldn¡¯t just handle the ten members of the ck de Bandits waiting outside. It wasn¡¯t reasonable to expect one person to take on ten. The men outside were seasoned killers. It was understandable. The ck de Bandits were summoned by Vancento, and their purpose was clear. Proper battles in thisnd were fought by small elite forces. This small elite force was meant to intimidate and exert pressure. The fact that only ten men were sent showed their confidence in their skills. Of course, it wouldn¡¯t be revealed that this was the work of the ck de Bandits. It had to be kept secret. If the guards were to im theycked the manpower to defend after amotion? Adding to this, if they received intel suggesting that the neighboring, quite menacing, Martai was on the verge of starting a city war? They would have no choice but to turn to the ck de Bandits. There would be no reinforcements from the central kingdom, and the southern regions were preupied with dealing with monsters. Though the ck de Bandits were bandits, Martai wasn¡¯t much different. It was a city founded by eastern mercenaries. Mercenaries were generally looked down upon, but eastern mercenaries were especially so. It was like bringing in a tiger to get rid of a wolf, but the situation would force them to act this way. The preparations were underway. They had already secretly turned some internal personnel to their side. This was Vancento¡¯s n. The first step was to let the people waiting outside in, which was what this soldier¡¯s mission was. ¡°What are you doing?¡± Encrid asked. The soldier, or rather, the spy posing as a soldier, was sweating from theplexity of the situation. His mission was to open the door and let the ck de Bandits inside. He had just stabbed a soldier in the stomach and was about to open the door when Encrid arrived. He wasn¡¯t supposed to be on patrol, yet here he was. The spy knew Encrid. He gulped and froze in ce. If things went wrong, he would be dead. The spy knew he couldn¡¯t take Encrid on with his skills. There was no need for any heroic sacrifice just to open a door. ¡®I should have opened the door and run earlier.¡¯ He hesitated, realizing toote that he had missed the moment to act, perhaps suspecting that Encrid was trying to lull him into a false sense of security. His eyes darted around, searching for a way to escape. Encrid nced at him casually, quickly assessing the situation. More than anything, he sensed the presence of people outside. His keen senses,bined with intuition, gave him a clear picture. ¡®Open the door. Let the enemy in.¡¯ The goal? Chaos? Or something more? That would only be clear upon meeting them. The soldier who was stabbed didn¡¯t seem to have a fatal wound. After quickly calcting and considering the situation, Encrid spoke. ¡°Open it.¡± The spy visibly panicked at these words. He blinked and his hands trembled slightly, clearly shocked. ¡°¡­What?¡± ¡°Open the door.¡± It was a judgment call, based on intuition and years of experience. Even if the ones outside were left alone, they would find another way in. It would be more troublesome to chase them down. The rm might sound, and if they wanted chaos, they might act ordingly. For now, the situation was quiet, and it was happening during a patrol, so it could be handled appropriately. Besides, if things went south, they could always blow the whistle. This was the Border Guard, and Encrid was with Audin. If the whistle blew? ¡®Rem would probablye running, eager for action.¡¯ He seemed particrly restlesstely. Above all, Encrid had some confidence in himself. Whoever the opponent was, whatever they might do, he believed he could at least hold his ground. Was this overconfidence? No. It was confidence built from countless encounters and dances with demons, honed alongside his instinct for evasion. ¡°¡­What?¡± The spy repeated his bewildered question, deeply startled. Encrid took a bold step forward, so confidently that the spy couldn¡¯t react. Instinctively, the spy lifted thetch. Then, pushing the door open, he flung himself to the side. The small door swung open with a thud. The spy tried to escape. As he turned to flee, Encrid¡¯s hand moved in the air. It seemed like a meaningless gesture. To the spy, it appeared as such, but a throwing knife flew through the air and embedded itself in the back of his thigh. ¡°Agh!¡± A short scream¡ªenough to alert other guards nearby. Peering through the slightly opened door, eyes watched from the outside. There were quite a few of them, but not enough to call it an army. Encrid approached the door and drew his sword, thrusting it forward. As the de pierced through, the figures standing firm retreated, and he stepped outside. Encrid counted the numbers as he stepped out. Ten of them. ¡°¡­What a madman.¡± One of the figures dressed entirely in ck muttered. He studied their faces in the moonlight. He didn¡¯t recognize any of them. One of them, a woman with strikingly white hair, raised her eyes. Her ears resembled those of an animal, suggesting she was a beastkin. ¡°You knew we were here, waiting, and you still came out?¡± she asked. Encrid shrugged his shoulders. ¡®Figure it out yourself.¡¯ he seemed to say. ¡°Crazy bastard.¡± The first speaker muttered again. There was a sound of swords being drawn. One of the men in ck drew a short sword and rushed forward. The attack was nearly silent, executed with swift precision. The movement and the drawn de approached almost simultaneously, very quickly. The de sliced through the once peaceful night¡¯s air with a sharp ping sound. It was fast, but brimming with killing intent. It was fast, but the trajectory was simple. Encrid brought his drawn sword upward in a blocking motion. ng. He deflected the short sword and then quickly brought his sword down into a diagonal shing stance, causing his opponent to step to the side. Instead of continuing the upward sh, Encrid casually swung his sword, creating the illusion of two circles intertwining in the air. After repositioning his sword, he shifted into a downward sh with a slightly faster tempo. This was a technique called the ¡®Spiral sh¡¯, one of the strikes he had recently learned. ¡°Ugh!¡± The surprised attacker tried to block with his short sword, but the weight difference between their weapons was too great. Crack, crunch! Encrid overpowered the man¡¯s sword with sheer force, driving the de into his chest. ¡°Ugh!¡± The opposite edge of the man¡¯s short sword dug into his own chest. ¡®One down.¡¯ After swiftly reducing their numbers with a single move, Encrid raised his sword towards the moon and took a defensive stance. ¡°All together. If we go one by one, we¡¯ll die in turn.¡± The beastkin woman, who seemed to be the leader, said. Her tone revealed a clear tension. It was obvious to anyone that Encrid was a formidable opponent. Encrid assessed his opponents. Then, he realized something. ¡®I don¡¯t have to hold back.¡¯ In the past, he might not have taken such a bold stance, instead trying to find a way to survive by outsmarting his enemies. But now? The aura and intent of those standing before him were nothing to be underestimated. However, he didn¡¯t feel like this was an unwinnable fight. With that realization, Encrid did not step back. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: /revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: /revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 191 Audin toyed with the manticore, literally. He made it look like a simple p to the face. The battered manticore tucked its tail between its legs and slowly retreated backward. Growl. On the groundy its sharp teeth, loose fur, and dark blue blood scattered around. As the manticore tucked its tail, Audin still gestured with a benevolent smile. ¡°It¡¯s time to go. Brother beast.¡± His tone remained the same, but the message was different. It was a kind of death sentence. The manticore took a step back. Anyone could see it was scared. It seemed like it would just run away. Most of the watching soldiers thought so, but not Audin. The manticore was a high-ranking beast, very cunning. As it stepped back, it suddenly charged forward. It was a surprise attack without any warning or sound. It raised its ws and stabbed, and its tail swung down fiercely. Audin anticipated this, parried the ws, grabbed the tail, and added the momentum of the charging force to m it into the ground. Bang! With a loud noise. Growl! A painful groan escaped the manticore. It was a high-ranking beast, a monster that could face an entirepany alone, but its opponent was too strong. When it was mmed into the ground, stone fragments scattered in all directions. The soldiers, initially startled, now turned into a cheering squad. ¡°Well done!¡± ¡°Awesome!¡± ¡°Madman!¡± Why they called him a madman was unclear. Audin approached the manticore and pped it a few more times. After several ms, he eventually climbed onto its back, grabbed its neck, and with a swift motion, snapped it backward. The manticore¡¯s snake-like tongue protruded. Its eyes rolled back, and it copsed, exhaling a thin breath as its head hit the ground with a thud. The high-ranking beast that had been pped around became an expensive corpse. Its teeth, skin, and even its organs were all valuable. ¡°What are you?¡± A voice full of astonishment came from the opposite side of where the soldiers were gathered. To Audin¡¯s right was a group of soldiers, and the voice came from the left. ¡°I don¡¯t think such a beast woulde alone. Where do youe from, brother?¡± Audin, with his back to the moonlight, stood up from the manticore¡¯s back. Where his words were directed, a cultist had climbed up to the gallery at the end of the fortress wall. Audin had expected this. It was inevitable. High-ranking beasts are intelligent and clever. It didn¡¯t make sense for a manticore to recklessly attack a human-made fortress. Especially to keep fighting after being beaten this badly? That didn¡¯t make sense. Unless it was extremely hungry. Even so, it had the opportunity to flee, but it kept attacking until the end. This meant someone was controlling it. Audin had been waiting for that opponent to appear. That¡¯s why the fight dragged on. As soon as he sensed the opponent, he killed the manticore. It had outlived its usefulness. ¡°How dare you!¡± The eyes of the one who shouted glowed bluish. Audin recognized it. The mark of a cultist. He served a God. ¡°So, you are a brother who serves the cult.¡± Audin muttered softly. These were some of the days spent as an inquisitor, hunting down cultists. The cultist, with blue-glowing eyes, raised his hand. The motion was in progress. The soldiers were too shocked to speak. It was an opening. Bang! Audin disappeared. No, it seemed that way. His body, propelled off the ground, closed the distance faster than the manticore. Boom! A separate explosion sounded apart from the noise of his takeoff. To the soldiers¡¯ eyes, they only saw a mass flying and crashing into the wall. The mass was now a corpse, twitching with a finger pointing into the air. ¡°God watches over us.¡± Audin¡¯s voice, reciting a prayer, echoed softly. The soldiers¡¯ gazes turned to where Audin stood, a giant, bear-like figure with his right fist extended. Audin of the Madmen toon. A member of a unit rumored to be forming its own independentpany. Audin¡¯s strike was barely visible to the soldiers. The event happened, and only the result remained. Audin lowered his fists and returned to his usual self. The soldiers inspected the mass that had flown. A body shattered against the gallery wall. Something was missing from the half-crumpled body. The head was absent. ¡°Where did the head go?¡± They didn¡¯t know. All they knew was that the cultist had been wiped from existence with a single punch from that crazy religious figure. The blood sprayed radially on one side of the gallery wall was evidence of that. ¡°¡­I really peed myself.¡± The smell of urine began to waft from between a soldier¡¯s legs. Not seeing clearly made it more terrifying. How could such a person exist? The dead manticore and the cultist. Most of the soldiers couldn¡¯t properly grasp the situation. Only a toon leader, who arrivedte on the gallery, began to take control. ¡°Attack, uh, eliminated? Seeing themotion outside, it seems like others are here too, so everyone should go down and support¡­¡± ¡°There¡¯s no need, brother.¡± Audin, who had been idly looking down from the wall after his prayer, spoke. ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°It¡¯s almost over.¡± Audin saw his Company Commander fighting below. Though he knew from their training, seeing themander in actualbat was different. ¡®You¡¯ve improved, brother.¡¯ There were things he saw in his movements and swordy that he hadn¡¯t seen before¡ªconfidence and faith. Knowing him from the start, it was a truly remarkable improvement. It was satisfying. How could he not be pleased to see him doing well? ¡®My lord, I wonder. Is this your will? Have you guided him?¡¯ His lord still did not answer. However, answers were no longer necessary. Audin had also found a small enlightenment here. It began through Encrid. ¡®Needing an answer is evidence of my weakness, so I will go forward without proving or doubting.¡¯ There was someone living like that. Someone who, ording to the teachings of the scripture, faced and overcame adversity without yielding to anything. How could watching such a person not bring joy? Audin wished blessings upon Encrid, who was burning through his life. But Encrid was iming blessings for himself. Therefore, he would pray for him but not beg God for anything more. ¡°Good.¡± The toon leader blinked, puzzled by what Audin meant by ¡®good¡¯. But was it really okay not to go down? Themotion outside still bothered him, so he moved his feet. As he went down, he saw a soldier with a hole in his stomach and another bleeding from his thigh. ¡°That guy¡¯s a spy.¡± said the soldier clutching his stomach, pressing it with his clothes to stop the bleeding. The toon leader spoke to the soldier who had followed him. ¡°Detain him.¡± The toon leader picked up the spy that Encrid had left behind and checked outside the open side gate. From the top of the wall, the battle hadn¡¯t been visible. Now he could see someone in ck clothes cutting down and stabbing a group alone. It was a familiar face. The most notorious figure among the Border Guard right now, the so-called Madman toon Leader. * * * The ck de Bandits were in disarray. Especially Dunbachel, who found this experiencepletely new. ¡°A Knight? No, a member of a Knightly order?¡± Dunbachel spoke, her hand resting on her scimitar. Was their opponent too strong? Or had they unknowingly walked into something? Five of hispanions were already corpses. Two had lost a leg. Even if a high priest arrived and poured divine power into them immediately, they would still end up crippled. Not that such a priest woulde, and even if they did, they wouldn¡¯t use their divine power on them, so they were doomed to be crippled. And that was if they were lucky. From the amount of blood loss, they would soon die. The person who had caused this situation was now inspecting his sword, nodding slightly. He wasn¡¯t even acknowledging Dunbachel¡¯s words. He seemed utterly at ease. ¡°Who the hell are you?¡± Dunbachel asked in disbelief, and Encrid just shrugged again. It wasn¡¯t like he was going to exin that his dream was to be a Knight and that he wasn¡¯t one yet to someone with murderous intent. Instead, Encrid examined the sword, specifically the de. ¡®It¡¯s unbelievably sharp.¡¯ He had swung it, intending to cut near the thigh, and it had cleanly sliced through the thick leather pants. The cutting power was exceptional. Was it because the cksmith had sharpened the sword well, or was the sword itself excellent? He decided it was both. The bnce when held by the pommel was good, and the leather-wrapped handle fitfortably in his hand. The sword¡¯s cutting ability and overall strength were impressive. It felt solid just by looking at it. Though it didn¡¯t seem to be made of Valyrian steel, it was a high-quality, superior sword. For Encrid, this was his first time owning such a fine weapon. He¡¯d never had a sword of this caliber before. ¡°Are they noting?¡± Encrid murmured into the wind. He wanted to use the sword more. And, of course, the techniques he had recently mastered. He had once considered Rem to be just a frustrated soul. ¡®Am I the same?¡¯ How could he be so eager to fight? Dunbachel frowned at his opponent¡¯s words. ¡®Where did this guye from?¡¯ The scent was different. For a beastman, a keen nose often served as a gauge of an opponent¡¯s level. More precisely, it was an instinct for self-preservation. Dunbachel was starting to get a sense of things. ¡®Looks like this is my grave.¡¯ So, should she run? She didn¡¯t want to. After all, she¡¯d lived a life half-dedicated to dying. So closing the book of life here wouldn¡¯t be the worst thing. She wanted to die fighting, which was why she was here, Dunbachel was ready. Most importantly, hisst opponent wasn¡¯t bad. Both his appearance and skills were to her liking. ¡®More than enough.¡¯ Dunbachel thought,ughing without realizing it. It was an inappropriateugh given the situation. The only remaining member of the ck de Bandits nced at him. There was a distinct smell of fearing from him. A smell simr to urine. ¡°Hey, do you want to live?¡± Dunbachel asked his remainingrade, a thief whose name she didn¡¯t even know. ¡°What?¡± What the hell is this crazy woman saying? ¡°Never mind.¡± Before he could finish speaking, Dunbachel¡¯s fist, made of bulging muscles, struck the man¡¯s face. Bang! A heavy sound apanied it. ¡°Aaagh!¡± The man let out a brief, peculiar death rattle as his feet lifted off the ground. With one punch, his right eyeball, which had been jammed inward, popped out, blood sttering, and broken facial bones jutted sideways. Some of the bone fragments even flew off in all directions. The man, who had been tensely watching only Encrid, now had one side of his face caved in and was, of course, dead. ¡°It¡¯s a good grave site.¡± Dunbachel said, still holding her fist out. She didn¡¯t exin her actions. Instead, she revealed her true nature. ¡°Hey, let¡¯s have a real fight.¡± The moment Dunbachel spoke, her eyes changed. Her pupils elongated vertically, bing like those of a beast. Growl. What distinguishes a lycanthrope from a beastman? The appearance was different. Typically, a beastman has a human form with some beastly features. They don¡¯t transform dramatically. Even if something wild within them altered their form slightly, they wouldn¡¯t get a wolf¡¯s head or anything like that. They might grow fangs, their eyes might change, and their hair might grow a bit, but they wouldn¡¯t drastically deviate from a human shape. That¡¯s how most beastmen were. But Dunbachel was different. With some humanity remaining, as beastly blood coursed through her, she began to transform. Shhh. Long, white fur started to sprout all over her body. Her facial bones cracked and shifted, taking on a leonine structure. Encrid had seen several beastmen in his life, but this was a first. Why is she transforming? Though the exnation was long, the transformation happened in an instant. ¡°A monster?¡± Encrid asked, wondering if the creature could speak. Its form resembled that of a lycanthrope. However, the appearance was more like a lion, a white-maned lion, and the aura it exuded was vastly different. Honestly, it looked more like a guardian from a legend or myth, guarding a heavenly temple, rather than a monster. At least, that¡¯s how Encrid felt, although the first word that came to mind was still ¡®monster¡¯. ¡°Growl, I¡¯ve heard that a lot.¡± Dunbachel growled. It was a habit that came with transforming. Encrid sensed something strange in his opponent¡¯s demeanor, attitude, and speech. It seemed like when Dunbachel mentioned a grave site, it wasn¡¯t for Encrid but for herself, as if she wanted to die. Well, that wasn¡¯t the most important thing. ¡°Are youing?¡± ¡°Of course! Growl!¡± No sooner had she finished speaking than the white lion charged with a powerful burst, pushing off the ground. She shed with ws that had extended from her left hand and swung a scimitar with the other, aiming at Encrid¡¯s chest and waist. Encrid saw all of this and raised his sword, shing forward twice as if shaking off the attack. Both shes were precise and powerful, infused with the strength of the Heart of Great Strength, a defensive technique that left no room for binding. He parried with force. ng! Bang! He deflected the ws and the scimitar. Even so, the beastman did not retreat. It was an unyielding charge, a rush prepared for death. Encrid was momentarily taken aback. They were close, and the white lion had seemingly anticipated her attack being blocked. She then tilted her head back and headbutted with her forehead. ¡®The Valen Mercenary Sword Technique?¡¯ A familiar attack: a headbutt following a charge. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: /revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: /revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 192 Valen Mercenary Sword Technique, close-range attack. Headbutt. Encrid was surprised. No, he was shocked, but the path he had walked so far had been too rough for him to be taken down by such a blow. As the Sense of Evasion activated, his body moved instinctively. He dodged by tilting his head and immediately tripped his opponent. With a thud, the White Lion rolled forward as Encrid¡¯s sword swished through the spot where she had fallen. If the White Lion had stayed there, she would have been left with a scar somewhere on his body, but she avoided it by rolling forward. Her reaction speed and judgment were excellent. Encrid naturally increased his speed. He stepped forward and swung his sword. He also adjusted his reaction speed. The tempo itself changed. This was the most significant change in Encrid recently. The diagonal sh, twice as fast as any sword he had swung before, extended even from a twisted posture. Dunbachel clenched her teeth. It was an angle she couldn¡¯t avoid. She raised her elbow. ng! Crack! Swish! She tried to block the de with her elbow bone, but her opponent noticed and twisted the de. So, the de that was aiming downwards suddenly turned sideways, and Dunbachel ended up hitting the de with her elbow. Even so, her unique beast-like reflexes weren¡¯t dead, she managed to parry the de, though part of her elbow was cut. ¡°You managed to do that?¡± A low voice was heard. Sharp and clear. Above all, it was close. Dunbachel had thought she could withstand more if she transformed into her beast form. But that was far from the truth. The sword that had approached was already descending towards her head. To be honest, she didn¡¯t even know how the opponent had closed the distance and swung the sword so quickly. She was struggling to block and dodge. Dunbachel, feeling the pain of her arm muscles tearing, raised her scimitar. Even if she was ready to die, she couldn¡¯t die as anything less than a warrior. She wanted to reach the sanctuary where their God resided after death. ¡®Krimhalt.¡¯ Dunbachel muttered the name of her God. The name of the God that all beastmen believed in, said to govern war and reproduction. The only God of the beastmen. Do you want to be embraced by Krimhalt? Die as a warrior. If you die as a warrior, you will live as Krimhalt¡¯s sword in the eternal vortex. ng! ng ng ng ng! The sword meeting her scimitar sparked, as if red sparks illuminated the surroundings through the moonlight. In a very brief moment, Dunbachel aimed at where her opponent¡¯s foot might be, using the Valen Mercenary Sword Technique to kick at his ankle. It was a technique where she pretended to aim with her weapon while casually targeting the opponent¡¯s ankle. It was a calcted move, but her opponent blocked it by lifting his foot. Then the sword came down toward the back of her neck. Thud. Feeling the cold touch, Dunbachel thought of the end. ¡®Will I be able to go to Krimhalt¡¯s side?¡¯ As death approached, random thoughts suddenly intruded. Why wouldn¡¯t they? People who have lived their lives trembling with resentment are naturally filled with regrets. She had been abandoned by her vige, rejected by the city, and even among the beastmen, no one easily epted her. She had lived as someone discarded by her own kind. She tried to prove herself as a mercenary, by the sword, but that too was not an easy task. She thought it was the only path, but even that was blocked. It was frustrating not being able to have children. It was unfair to be born this way. ¡®Why only me?¡¯ Why did she have to live such a life? Resentment quickly turned into a desire for life. Regret pulled her back, and anger pounded in her heart. Encrid, who had just pressed his sword to her nape, stopped, feeling something strange. It was just a hunch, a sixth sense. A sense that it might be better not to kill her. Adding a rational thought to it: ¡®I could use a mouth to speak about affiliations and who sent them.¡¯ Initially, she seemed eager to die, but when the sword paused against her neck, her body began to tremble. Encrid noticed the White Lion¡¯s fur trembling. It showed signs of fear and frustration. The beastman nted her hands on the ground and pulled her hind legs in, curling up her body. ¡®It looks like Esther¡¯s posture when she¡¯s tired.¡¯ Oddly simr, he thought. ¡°Do you want to live?¡± He asked abruptly. Dunbachel, with the sword still on her neck, lifted her head. Were her eyes always this blue? Tears flowed freely from her eyes, which had a faint golden hue. ¡®¡­Crying here?¡¯ It was, of course, an unexpected moment. ¡°Sniff, sniff.¡± The beastman cried. While it was hard to pinpoint the change inside her, one thing seemed clear. ¡®It sounds like she¡¯s asking to be spared.¡¯ Encrid withdrew his sword, and immediately a familiar voice reached his ears. ¡°What? Not killing her? Yawn.¡± It was Rem, speaking while yawning so wide that it seemed his mouth might tear open. ¡°When did you get here?¡± ¡°I arrived just when you started fighting with that beast. But is this a lycanthrope or a beastman?¡± Its appearance was close to that of a lycanthrope, but there were no monsters that would cry like that after losing a fight. ¡°Hey, are you a crybaby?¡± Rem pped the back of the White Lion¡¯s head. It was just like usual, with a teasing posture. He squatted down and poked her head, then pped the back of her head again with his palm. ¡°Stop crying, he said he wouldn¡¯t kill you.¡± It wasn¡¯t just Rem who hade. Audin, Jaxon, Ragna, and Krais had also arrived below. ¡°What¡¯s going on here in the middle of the night?¡± Krais asked. ¡°Was it too noisy?¡± Encrid asked back, and Jaxon pointed to the side as he answered. ¡°Esther called us.¡± He spoke in his usual dry tone. However, Encrid sensed something subtly different in it. Admiration? Something simr. ¡°Why are you looking at me like that?¡± ¡°Did you see the fight?¡± Jaxon nodded and then closed his mouth. In fact, he had arrived even before Rem and saw everything. With an even more detailed and thorough gaze than Audin. A first-rate eye recognizes first-rate skills. So, he was inwardly impressed. Even knowing Encrid¡¯s capabilities, seeing him showcase his improved skills felt almost like witnessing something magical. Were the others not surprised as well? ¡°How did you execute that move at the end?¡± Ragna asked. ¡°I mixed the new sword techniques I¡¯ve learned with the Valen Mercenary Sword Technique.¡± At those words, Ragna¡¯s expression became subtle. ¡°Did Frog teach you?¡± ¡°Huh?¡± No, Luagarne had told him to learn various sword techniques. Mixing them like that was just something he naturally tried. At that moment, it just felt right. Reflecting on that moment, Encrid wondered why he had done it. ¡®Why did I do that?¡¯ He did it because he thought it was the necessary move at that moment. So, was that wrong? No. It didn¡¯t feel wrong. She was an opponent below his level. He approached it as if testing the new sword he had received. It remained to be seen where they came from, but¡­ ¡®At least elite level of the Border Guard Unit.¡¯ The Border Guard Unit wasposed entirely of top-tier soldiers. Among them, the elites were particrly skilled. There were rumors that one of the guards, who had been absent on some mission, was previously considered the strongest swordsman in the Border Guard. So, the massacre Encrid had caused was roughly equivalent to facing ten elites of the Border Guard. And thest beastman was even better than them. When did he be able to see them in this light? He didn¡¯t know. Really. ¡®I still have a long way to go.¡¯ Despite this, a thirst still burned within him. He couldn¡¯t be satisfied here. No, he couldn¡¯t allow himself to be satisfied. What if that Junior-Knight had been here? Asia, the woman whose name he could never forget. ¡®It would¡¯ve been easier than this.¡¯ There was no end to learning, no matter the battle or the moment. Encrid had known this since childhood. Even though his body sometimes couldn¡¯t keep up with his learning, Encrid¡¯s attitude was always right. He constantly sought knowledge and never stopped. ¡°Where are you affiliated?¡± Just as he was organizing his thoughts, Krais spoke up from behind Rem. He didn¡¯t stand close to the beastman, just opened his mouth. In front of him, Rem was grinning and talking, and using his hands as well. He tapped her on the head and touched her shoulder, specifically where she was cut by the sword. ¡°Does it hurt? It doesn¡¯t hurt me.¡± ¡°Hey, are you a crybaby? A beastman crybaby?¡± ¡°Why do you look like that? Did you eat curses instead of meat as a child?¡± ¡°This is the first time I¡¯ve seen a lion cry. Keep crying. Want me to dig into the wound? It¡¯ll make it easier to cry if it hurts more, right?¡± ¡°Come on, cry more.¡± Encrid suddenly realized that Rem was truly the nastiest person in the world. If provocation were needed on the battlefield, he would put that guy in front. While Encrid used his words to gauge the opponent¡¯s intentions, Rem seemed possessed by an evil spirit, just spewing insults. ¡°Why is this bastard marking his territory in the middle of the night, huh? Did I have toe out in the middle of my sleep because of that?¡± Rem said, and there were two errors in his statement. One, crying wasn¡¯t marking territory. Two, no one had called for Rem. ¡®Why did hee out?¡¯ As Encrid was about to move, the White Lion, unable to hold back any longer, raised her head. Her tearful eyes now showed something akin to anger. To be precise, it seemed more like frustration. ¡°Goddamn it, what kind of bastard¡­¡± The frustrated outburst of the White Lion was abruptly cut off. Whack! Crack! Rem was relentless. Sitting, he moved his left foot to the side and swung his right elbow horizontally. It was a strike delivered with a twist of his waist. In any other situation, one might have admired the perfect striking posture he achieved from a sitting position. ¡°Impressive.¡± Even Audin expressed admiration. In any case, the elbow struck the back of the White Lion¡¯s head. She rolled forward from the blow. ¡°Ugh!¡± A groan-like sound escaped the rolling White Lion¡¯s mouth. ¡°Wait, let¡¯s talk for a moment.¡± Krais intervened to stop Rem. Encrid had to side with Krais. If they left him alone, he seemed ready to beat her to death. ¡°This damn cat, hissing at me.¡± Seeing Rem¡¯s grumpy face, it was clear he was capable of doing just that. ¡°Don¡¯t kill her.¡± As he was gently restrained, Rem raised both his hands. ¡°No, I was just nudging her a bit. Just a little nudge, like waving hello, right?¡± If he greeted someone twice, he¡¯d probably kill a few people. ¡°So, where are you from?¡± The White Lion, who had been crying after being hit, mocked, and then expressing her frustration, resigned herself. She wanted to live and felt wronged, but honestly, she had no loyalty worth protecting. She hadn¡¯t sought the notoriety she¡¯d gained in the mercenary world. That was something she could afford to lose. She hadn¡¯t hidden any treasure from the thieves¡¯ group or anything like that. She had spent everything she earned. Thus, Dunbachel¡¯s mouth opened easily. ¡°ck de.¡± ¡°The bandits? You¡¯re talking about them, right?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± As Dunbachel nodded, Krais¡¯s expression hardened. ¡°Well, this is a problem.¡± Encrid had been listening quietly. They had stopped it by coincidence, but he couldn¡¯t know what was behind this incident. Battalion Commander Marcus had asked if he loved the city. In a moment like this, he had managed to protect it, so it seemed like a pretty good oue, which was satisfying. However, something still troubled him. ¡®Weak.¡¯ Wasn¡¯t the defensive force too inadequate? It might be partly because his standards had risen, but if another attack like this happened, wouldn¡¯t it be a problem? If simr raids urred, the patrolling forces would be killed without being able to resist. Most concerning was that someone in soldier¡¯s attire had tried to open the side gate. It was inevitable that there would be spies in the city, but openly opening a gate was a serious issue. Since it happened right before his eyes, Encrid feltpelled to do something about it, but there wasn¡¯t much he could do at the moment. ¡°Captain, we need to make a report.¡± Krais approached and spoke. Rem, seeing this, asked, ¡°Are you really going to keep her alive?¡± ¡°We have to keep her alive.¡± Krais said urgently. It seemed he believed Rem might actually cut her throat if left alone. Encrid nodded. He reinforced Krais¡¯s words with a nod and added, ¡°Escort her.¡± For now, just capturing her would suffice. The rest would be up to the Battalion Commander. As he moved with that thought, he noticed a group of soldiers who had been watching the scene. Turning around, he made eye contact with an officer. The officer had an insignia on his uniform. As soon as their eyes met, the officer saluted. He was a toon leader, a familiar face from passing by. Though Encrid held the rank of Company Commander, he had not yet been officially recognized as such. Therefore, this was the first time he received a formal salute like this. Encrid sheathed his sword and acknowledged the salute with a tap on the pommel with his palm. ¡°Thanks to you!¡± ¡°That¡¯s enough.¡± He replied, turning away. The toon leader, who had been shocked earlier, was now moved with gratitude. If not for Encrid¡­ If not for that Madmen toon, or rather,pany¡­ He would have died like the attackers. He would have been a cold corpse, leaving behind his wife. It wasn¡¯t just himself, several of his subordinates, whom he thought of as brothers, would have died too. While he was lost in thought, Krais approached and spoke quietly. ¡°The matter of the ck de is confidential.¡± ¡°¡­Understood.¡± At this point, Encrid was willing to listen to anything. ¡°We will handle the report.¡± Krais continued, as he busied himself with cleaning up around the corpses. Encrid wondered why, but then Krais added, ¡°It would be appropriate for ourpany to im the spoils, don¡¯t you think?¡± His eyes shone, and his demeanor was confident. He was right, of course. The toon leader ordered his subordinates to transport the manticore¡¯s carcass and search the bodies of the dead. There were no bags of Krona, but all the weapons were of high-quality steel. This meant they stood to gain a significant amount. And Krais was not one to miss such an opportunity. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: /revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: /revengerscans ] ??? [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Chapter Marcus, in his midnight report. ¡°It surprises me every time.¡± Starting with admiration. ¡°Thanks to you.¡± He expressed gratitude that was close to excessive. How could a Battalion Commander bow his head to a mere soldier, even if he was now a Company Commander? Encrid simply said it was a coincidence and inly listed the facts. That was the end of it. ¡°I see.¡± Marcus ended his greeting and left the office. The rest, the responsibility of the Border Guard, should be handled by Marcus, right? After finishing the report anding out, the Fairy Company Commander followed him and spoke as if to greet him. Her gaze was idly thrown ahead. Her eyes and tone were devoid of sincerity. ¡°Shall we spend the night together? We must remain chaste until the wedding, so we can only hold hands and sleep.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll sleep alone. In my own barracks.¡± ¡°I see.¡± Was she really joking? Parting ways with the Fairy Company Commander, Encrid returned to his barracks, washed off the sweat with water, and settled on his bed. Water dripped from his wet hair. As he wiped the water off with his hands, he realized his hair had grown quite long. ¡°I had a restless sleep. If you¡¯reing,e boldly, you bastards.¡± ¡°Everything is within the Lord¡¯s will, pray. Brothers and sisters.¡± ¡°You said something happened?¡± ¡°Grrr.¡± ¡°Ugh, if the ck de Bandits areing like this, things are really getting rough.¡± Everyone added a word before going to bed as usual. No, they didn¡¯t just sleep. At least Encrid didn¡¯t. He closed his eyes and reviewed the earlier fight. Whether he won or lost, whether he overwhelmed his opponent or not. Every battle has something to learn from. That¡¯s how he was taught, and that¡¯s how he¡¯s always done it. This time was no different. Just because he literally cut down his opponent didn¡¯t mean anything changed. Repeating the review, he fell asleep and dreamed of ten white lions attacking him. But even then, it was nothing. He could handle them. They were worth fighting. Encrid suddenly felt his own growth. ¡®Should I say it¡¯s amusing?¡¯ What was his battlefield originally like? It was a ce where he struggled to survive. A ce where he didn¡¯t step forward to avoid dying. Not a ce to be at the forefront, but a ce to watch from the back to survive. But now? Even knowing it was a dream, his heart felt a tingle. After training and honing his skills, after spending a long time, what was it that he originally wanted? These ovepping thoughts might distort his dream. Could this be thanks to the ferryman? Even in a dream, his mind was as clear as in reality. The strange thing was that Esther fought alongside him, but she wasn¡¯t a panther. Her skin was so pale it was almost white, smooth, and she wore a ck robe that sparkled despite its darkness. It seemed like clothes made of high-quality material. ¡°Is that really you?¡± ¡°¡­In the other world, can you pretend not to know me?¡± ¡°What is this nonsense?¡± Recognizing a face despite it not being a panther was indeed a curious thing, even to Encrid himself. But who wouldn¡¯t recognize that ck hair and blue eyes? Since she asked him not to acknowledge her, he didn¡¯t. Even in a dream, he ignored her. ¡®But isn¡¯t this my dream?¡¯ It did ur to him that the person causing the trouble came from his own mind. Soon, a pack of white lions began to attack. Although the ten white lions swung their ws and scimitars, what initially seemed like a bloody fight eventually turned into a dance. Come to think of it, he hadn¡¯t asked how she learned the Valen Mercenary Sword Technique. At that moment, it didn¡¯t feel important. Rather. ¡®She wanted to die, but suddenly it seemed like she had a lot of lingering feelings about life.¡¯ She was a strange beast person. Even her appearance was unusual, not like typical beast people. A dream is a dream, and work is work. Although lions appeared, the dream, almost like a nonsensical one, soon blurred and vanished. When Encrid opened his eyes, he looked at the ceiling of the barracks and sat up. Since it was summer, it was already bright outside, even at dawn. So, what should he do? Start with the Istion Technique. Then sword training, interspersed with sessions to enhance concentration. He didn¡¯t skip the Tangum style and sensory training either. Didn¡¯t Jaxon say? ¡°Training is a daily thing. Especially sensory training, as it umtes day by day, so don¡¯t skip it.¡± That¡¯s quite simr to Audin¡¯s philosophy. The Istion Technique is also based on the same philosophy. ¡°Brother, skipping a day and doing double the next day doesn¡¯t work. It only harms your body. It¡¯s something to be done every day. Every day, every day, every day, did you hear me, brother?¡± He emphasized it so much that it stuck in his ears. That didn¡¯t mean daily training was burdensome. Encrid epted it as a matter of course. Thus began his day of checking, reviewing, and training with what he had. Whatever happened yesterday, while Encrid spent today in the same way. Marcus, the city¡¯smander who had admired Encrid the previous night, was confirming how incredibly brazen the face of the guy who had taken the ck de Bandits¡¯ gold coins was. In a way, this too was a subject of admiration. * * * Dunbachel revealed everything she knew. Even after being imprisoned, it was the same. ¡°I was ordered to go to the Border Guard and cause somemotion. Me? I¡¯m half a mercenary. I don¡¯t know how this started. However, it¡¯s certain that someone within the city is involved.¡± Marcus didn¡¯t even ask the beast man who that was. Instead, he called the noble who had taken bribes into the prison. The noble came down to the prison with his guards, and when asked if he knew anything, his response was this. ¡°I don¡¯t know anything.¡± The noble frowned for a moment, then spoke again. ¡°You filthy beast-man, speak clearly. Are you really from the ck de Bandits? Are you seriously believing the nonsense of a mercenary who moves for a few gold coins?¡± He even got angry. Marcus was utterly astonished by the noble¡¯s words to the beast-man, especially since he was the one who took the gold coins from the ck de Bandits. Should I just cut him down? Marcus averted his gaze from the noble entirely. Watching him made him feel like he might really kill him. But he had no intention of just letting him go. How could he leave such a disruptive person alone? ¡®I can¡¯t just kill him in the city.¡¯ He was still a noble. If something like this happened within the Border Guard, it could be a serious problem even if it¡¯s smoothed over for now. No matter how it¡¯s covered up. ¡®It might be a weakness when operating in the central area. No, it would definitely be a problem.¡¯ Thinking about the future, that was uneptable. ¡®Then what should I do?¡¯ Thanks to his nickname as a warmonger, people often thought he was clueless about political intrigue, but that was far from the truth. To be a central noble, especially one who maintains power, political intrigue is essential. Marcus was also a politician, skilled in stabbing people in the back. Marcus made up his mind, pondered, and came to a conclusion. He couldn¡¯t act here, so how about sending him out with a friend who always brought more results than expected when given tasks? ¡®If I just send him along, he might solve it on his own.¡¯ Encrid, that friend. It¡¯s not like he was sent on a patrol. He was just left in the barracks, yet he independently took out elite members of the ck de Bandits, turned a manticore into a bloody pulp, and the cultist that came along lost his head. That wasst night¡¯s event. ¡®Should I just send him along?¡¯ And if nothing happens? Then just leave it at that. ¡®I¡¯ll send him out like that for now.¡¯ The ck de Bandits made a move. That can¡¯t be left alone either. With a sinister heart, Marcus spoke righteously and straightforwardly. ¡°Martai has organized an army.¡± This was the truth. In the mercenary city, a bastard iming to be a general was preparing for war with the Border Guard. Only a few sharp-eared individuals knew this so far, but rumors of a city war would soon spread. ¡°And we have no reinforcements.¡± As Marcus spoke, he took a step to the side. Whoosh. Being underground, the torchlight mounted on the wall lit up half of his face, making the other half even darker. His face looked as if he was deeply contemting the city¡¯s safety. Militarily, Martai was clearly superior. Marcus knew that. The noble knew that. Knowing that, wasn¡¯t the talk of bringing in the ck de Bandits just nonsense? It was something to ponder deeply as amander and city representative. ¡°What about hiring them as mercenaries?¡± Though he didn¡¯t specify the subject, the noble¡¯s ears perked up. It wasn¡¯t possible to openly acknowledge the ck de Bandits as allies. But didn¡¯t that band also do mercenary work? So the suggestion was to hire them appropriately for this task. Vancento, who had taken money from the ck de Bandits, perked up at those words but tried not to show it. In reality, his expression remained indifferent. When he finally heard the words he had been waiting for, Vancento almost immediately opened his mouth but swallowed his words to avoid seeming too eager. It seemed like everything had fallen apart with the failed raid, but no. Could this have made Marcus more anxious? Perhaps. ¡®If we hire them as mercenaries andter bring them in internally¡­¡¯ Vancento, who had survived by being perceptive since childhood, had grown up and seized power. The sweet taste of power had dulled his brain. He didn¡¯t fully grasp the situation. The skill of the guard sent by the ck de Bandits next to him also yed a part. ¡°The captured woman is a beast-man named Dunbachel. It¡¯s not difficult to handle her, but the im that he stopped ten attackers alone is a lie. Even I would take time to handle ten men, and you think he stopped them alone without any preparation during a night raid? The Madmen toon must have moved together. As for the manticore? I don¡¯t know about that. It¡¯s better to suspect it¡¯s just a rumor.¡± Thanks to the Gilpin Guild quickly hiding and consuming the manticore¡¯s body, only rumors remained. High-grade monster corpses are valuable. Krais intended to dismantle and sell it, so it was naturally hidden within the guild, but it was easy to cause misunderstandings. ¡®What manticore? What kind of trickery is this?¡¯ It¡¯s amon strategy before war. Bluffing, knowing they would be at a disadvantage in a fight. It must be Marcus¡¯s scheme. Taking advantage of the raid to blow up the situation. In that sense, he must be promoting Encrid. Vancento didn¡¯t even try to properly investigate the situation. The guard sent by the ck de Bandits was the same. They knew Encrid had changed. They also knew the toon members under him were quite capable. ¡®If we face him properly¡­¡¯ Being strong doesn¡¯t mean survival. The survivor is the strong one. The guard was confident he could kill, even if not win in a fight. He was arrogant. Vancento was already envisioning a rosy future. Such thoughts clouded their judgment and narrowed their view. Turning his eyes to Dunbachel instead of immediately agreeing, Vancento spoke. ¡°She doesn¡¯t seem like a famous mercenary.¡± Mercenaries without a moniker are usually treated that way. ¡°Execute her. When is the best time to leave?¡± Marcus wondered how this bastard had gotten to his position. Well, that¡¯s the downside of the frontier. Lack of talent. It¡¯s rare. Though it seemed the barracks were currently overflowing with talent. ¡°Tomorrow will be good. Before Martai advances.¡± Using this as an excuse. Vancento¡¯s face lit up with satisfaction. Marcus, too, was satisfied internally, though he kept a serious expression. The remaining beast-woman, Dunbachel, simply stayed silent in the dark. ¡°Execution,ter, not now.¡± The only thing she gained was a brief postponement of her death. * * * It started with this. ¡°I heard Martai made an outrageous demand. Did you hear? Shouldn¡¯t we get some support from the central area?¡± Vengeance spoke up, seemingly taking a break, and approached Encrid. Krais, who overheard, burst out. ¡°Support, my foot. They won¡¯te. No, they can¡¯t. Do I need to exin? Fine, I¡¯ll tell you. There¡¯s a big war with monsters in the south. If it were just monsters, it wouldn¡¯t be an issue, but the southern superpower, Rihinstetten, has quietly stepped in. It¡¯s a matter of national survival. The Border Guard proved their strength and bought time by standing against Aspen. This isn¡¯t an internal battle requiring central intervention. Even if another group got involved, there¡¯s Viscount Bentra and Count Molsen to the west. Usually, it¡¯d be best to request support from the noble armies of those two ces, but it¡¯s not going to happen. Bentra is practically Count Molsen¡¯s hunting dog. Count Molsen has a reputation for not moving unless there¡¯s a benefit.¡± Encrid found it remarkable how Krais managed to gather such information while just sitting around. More than anything, his non stop talking was impressive. ¡°Doesn¡¯t your throat hurt?¡± ¡°Huh? This is nothing. I once yed five roles in a puppet show.¡± That¡¯s quite a talent. It¡¯s not easy to perform a y while imitating five different characters alone. Judging by Krais¡¯s usual demeanor, he wouldn¡¯t have done it half-heartedly either. He¡¯d sell his soul if he could. ¡°And how many peddlers pass through this city? Border Guard is a fortress city, but due to its unique characteristics, it¡¯s also the top trading city north of Naurillia. If you just listen, you hear things. That¡¯s both the problem and the crux of this matter.¡± Krais said, cing his palm behind his ear. There was an air of inevitability in his tone, but such things are never a given. People who predict the future are usually called one of two things. A fortune teller or a swindler. Krais was neither. He was simply born with an eye for reading the times. ¡°And with the ck de Bandits arriving and cultists appearing, it¡¯s all very bad. By the way, have you thought about leaving the Border Guard and transferring to another city, Captain?¡± Encrid didn¡¯t even listen to thest question. Even if he left, what about those who remained? ¡°Is that a serious question? Don¡¯t you think about defending the city?¡± Vengeance burst out angrily. Krais hadn¡¯t meant it seriously. Encrid knew that too. ¡°Yes, yes, we must defend it.¡± ¡°If you¡¯ve eaten, you should work. Big Eyes.¡± Encrid sided with Vengeance. ¡°This makes me want to react like Rem. Are you taking someone else¡¯s side now? I might feel a bit hurt. Rivals? Is that it?¡± His puppet show experience wasn¡¯t wasted, he imitated well, standingzily with one leg and pouting convincingly. ¡°Hmm? You want to nt an axe on Big Eyes¡¯ head instead of a flower, right?¡± The problem was that Rem wasing right to the front of the barracks. ¡°¡­That¡¯s not it.¡± ¡°Benjon is here again. Bored?¡± Rem added, renaming Vengeance on a whim. Vengeance didn¡¯t react. In the midst of this. ¡°Fiancee, you¡¯re being summoned.¡± The Fairy Company Commander said from just outside the training ground¡¯s fence, her upper body and face peeking over the small barrier. Lately, it seemed like she appeared more often than messengers. Why was a Company Commander acting on the Battalion Commander¡¯s summons? ¡°I volunteered because I wanted to see you.¡± ¡°¡­Is that so?¡± Encrid had grown ustomed to Fairy humor, so he didn¡¯t even smile at this level of jest anymore. ¡°Big Eyes, it seems you need some training. Go on, I¡¯ll turn this guy into a fine soldier while you¡¯re gone.¡± Behind him, Rem had sentenced Krais to something akin to a death sentence. ¡°Let¡¯s go together! Captain! Captain!¡± Encrid wished Krais well and turned around. Rem seemed quite frustratedtely, and perhaps blowing off steam in this way was important for him. Soon, the sound of a pig being ughtered echoed from behind, but Encrid ignored it. ¡°Murder within the unit is strictly forbidden.¡± The Fairy Company Commander nced back and said. ¡°He won¡¯t kill him.¡± Encrid responded, and the Fairy Company Commander, after a brief thought, said. ¡°He¡¯ll manage it well.¡± There was a tone full of trust. Upon entering the Battalion Commander¡¯s office, Marcus immediately spoke. ¡°I have a mission for you. I need you to go as an envoy.¡± This was before Encrid even had a chance to salute. The tone was quite urgent. ¡°As an envoy?¡± ¡°Yes, we need to hire some mercenaries. So.¡± Envoy and mercenaries seemed like a strangebination. It also sounded like the battle with Martai was imminent. But was that really a threat? ¡°I need you to go as an envoy to the ck de Bandits. Oh, not as the actual envoy, but as a guard.¡± An even strangerbination than envoy and mercenary: envoy and bandit. And then, as a guard. But why were the Battalion Commander¡¯s eyes shining so brightly, almost overwhelmingly so? There was an intense sense of anticipation. His eyes sparkled as if filled with stars. Encrid found it very peculiar. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: /revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: /revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ] Chapter 195 As soon as Encrid left, Marcus secretly called the Border Guard Captain.¡°Are the preparations complete?¡± Marcus asked, reclining in his chair in a relaxed manner, but his eyes were those of a predator targeting its prey. ¡°They¡¯re veterans at this sort of thing.¡± ¡°Good. Then proceed as planned.¡± ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to inform the Independent Company Commander?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve given him a hint.¡± It was just a slight indication, but he would understand. There was no need to burden him with the task of killing a noble. This was Marcus¡¯s intention. Take that noble brat who¡¯s been lining his pockets with Black Blade Bandits¡¯ gold and run him around in circles. Conveniently, he¡¯s bringing prisoners with him. It was fine to use the captured individuals for various schemes. In other words, it meant he understood Marcus¡¯s intentions. There was no need to explain further. ¡®An exceptional talent who can keep up with that madman and not fall behind in skill.¡¯ How many such people could there be in the unit? He had been promoted to Independent Company Commander, but since he hadn¡¯t yet earned proper recognition, he was relatively lower in rank compared to the First Company Commander or the Border Guard Captain, yet his skills were more reliable than anyone else¡¯s. So, wasn¡¯t he the perfect candidate? Additionally, Marcus sent Encrid with an expectation he couldn¡¯t quite explain. No, it wasn¡¯t just that. There were many things he aimed for. Marcus also intended to conceal Encrid¡¯s abilities. Even if he stayed in the unit, there wouldn¡¯t suddenly be anyone who could recognize his talents, but it was better to be cautious. With the Martai bastards constantly sending spies, it was wise to keep Encrid out of sight for various reasons. He didn¡¯t want their core elite forces and capabilities to be exposed by unnecessary exploits. As a key elite force, Encrid not only excelled personally but could also serve as a commander. Though obsessed with training, his character wasn¡¯t bad. Moreover, he knew how to humor a noble brat. ¡®Well, well.¡¯ With this, he couldn¡¯t help but become a coveted talent. Besides, he was the one who reignited the fire in Marcus¡¯s heart. Lately, Marcus had been living a life full of vigor, something he hadn¡¯t experienced in a long time. A life not of meaningless repetition but of conquering new things. ¡®This is exciting as hell.¡¯ Despite his inner thoughts, Marcus silently focused on his duties with a serious gaze. His duties, contrary to his nickname as a warmonger, involved tasks that didn¡¯t quite suit that title. That nickname was originally a mask. A mask to deceive the opponent. In reality, Marcus wasn¡¯t particularly talented in combat or warfare. He knew that about himself. Of course, not being talented didn¡¯t mean he couldn¡¯t do it. Marcus openly knew how to use people. He knew how to trust them. He valued his people. The First Company Commander, the Border Guard Captain, the Fairy Company Commander, and even Encrid. He had an abundance of jokers in his hand. He even had an ace. With so many cards to play, winning the opponent¡¯s stakes was easier than expected. Since he didn¡¯t need to weave a complex web of plans, Marcus moved simply and straightforwardly. He only needed to seize the timing to catch the opponent off guard. ¡®Those Black Blade Bandits bastards, always poking their noses around. What do they hope to gain?¡¯ They were like wild beasts. There were beasts drooling over the city he had to protect. Should he just watch and let those beasts have their way? ¡°Then.¡± The Guard Captain saluted, and Marcus spoke to the back of his head. ¡°Kill them all.¡± ¡°Of course.¡± The Border Guard is both a fortress city and a military city. It has shed fierce blood in the wars against Aspen so far. So if anyone underestimated and attacked it, they were due for a fitting punishment. * * * ¡°Not even a squad, just three?¡± Vancento scowled at Encrid, Rem, and Ragna the moment he saw them, spitting out harsh words. ¡°Two commoners and a barbarian? What a trashy combination. You stink. Stay away from me.¡± He said this as soon as they met right in front of the city gate that defended the city. Rem¡¯s hand smoothly gripped his axe handle. Encrid extended his right hand to grab Rem¡¯s wrist. With his other hand, he pressed down on Ragna¡¯s left thigh. Shaking his head for both of them to see. ¡°What is this? How dare you not show respect to a noble!¡± Vancento prayed earnestly to the heavens, asking to be killed immediately. He was desperately praying. Encrid had somewhat expected this, so there was no issue in responding. ¡°Yes.¡± He saluted and even stepped in front of Rem and Ragna to shield them with his body. ¡°A commander reflects his subordinates.¡± Vancento sneered to the end. ¡°My axe is crying, my pants are getting wet. Don¡¯t make my axe sad.¡± Rem growled seriously. ¡°Don¡¯t.¡± At least not within the city. Assaulting a superior was one thing, but killing a noble would warrant a royal assassination squad being dispatched, with no excuses. Judging by how things were going, it didn¡¯t seem like a simple beating would suffice. ¡°Ragna, you too.¡± Same for this one. His blonde hair and red eyes looked murderous. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Perhaps it was fortunate. A guard in a black cloak over leather armor escorted the noble brat away. Only the noble and his guards got into the carriage, while Encrid and his group walked. Another person joined their group. ¡°Why are we taking this one?¡± Ragna said, tugging at the end of the rope he held. Dunbachel, the prisoner standing beside him, was dragged by the tug. Her wrists were bound tightly with thick ropes, and her arms and torso were also wrapped. Ragna held the loose end. Blood was seeping from her wrists where the ropes had chafed. Beastmen¡¯s skin was tougher and more durable than humans¡¯, so if it was this bad, it meant she hadn¡¯t been untied since being captured. Not that anyone planned to untie her. ¡°A guide.¡± Encrid didn¡¯t trust the noble brat accompanying them. He trusted the prisoner Dunbachel even less. ¡®She wants to live.¡¯ Encrid approached the situation simply. He requested the prisoner from the Battalion Commander and went straight to the point. ¡°Do this one job, and I¡¯ll let you live. Think of it as a commission.¡± Since she referred to himself as a mercenary, she could consider it a commission. The reward was her life, the choice was his. ¡°¡­¡­You¡¯re going to let me live?¡± Her eyes were full of suspicion. But the more Encrid looked, the more fascinating those eyes were. The beastman had golden-tinged pupils. ¡®Isn¡¯t there a legend about golden eyes in their culture?¡¯ Encrid recalled what he had heard during his time as a mercenary. But looking at her now, she looked like a drenched puppy. It seemed she had been chased out and lived a rough life. Encrid noticed but didn¡¯t ask anything. What was the point of knowing? A transaction was enough. Once this was over, there would be no further dealings. The matter with the beastman would end with her death or departure. ¡°Will you do it or not? Whether you trust or don¡¯t trust, whether you do it or don¡¯t do it, it¡¯s your choice.¡± After speaking, Encrid shook his head and spoke again. ¡°No, actually, there¡¯s no choice. Do it. It¡¯s better to do something than to be executed. If we get outside, you might have a chance to escape.¡± ¡°Why bother?¡± Encrid didn¡¯t answer the question. Rather, he couldn¡¯t. How could he explain that the eyes and the desperation to live reminded him of his own frantic pursuit of his dreams? While the Frog followed desires, the Beastman clung to survival and instinct. So it was natural for a Beastman to want to live. Humans were no different in this regard. But at that moment, the look in those eyes was different. It wasn¡¯t just a simple plea for life. It was a crazed desperation to live, willing to do anything. It was purely instinct and a sense of intuition, but he didn¡¯t want to ignore it. ¡°Do you have a fantasy for beastmen?¡± The Battalion Commander had joked, following up with more serious words. ¡°One beastman more or less, do as you wish.¡± Whether he freed or killed her, or kept her as a slave, it was all up to him. In this way, the Battalion Commander was quite generous. Encrid planned to release her if she cooperated enough. Was attacking him a crime? By that logic, in war, everyone would have to die to end it. He wasn¡¯t interested in the backstory. It was just a whim. And it was even better if he could be useful. This was why he chose the beastman as a guide instead of that half-wit noble. He could verify if he knew the way and cross-check for any tricks. The thought ended with an answer to Ragna¡¯s question about why they were bringing her. Could Encrid explain this to Ragna? Not a chance. Even if he did, would Ragna listen? ¡°She looks like she can find the way well.¡± So he summarized and condensed it into a simple explanation. Ragna looked oddly hurt. ¡°I might not be good at finding paths, but I handle a sword well.¡± Who didn¡¯t know that? ¡°I know.¡± Encrid replied plainly and headed out of the city gate. Dunbachel, who had been observing all this, found the situation fascinating. The one who had tormented her with an axe was now not even looking at her, treating her as if she were invisible. He just stroked the axe handle and watched the escort target. Her beastman instincts sounded an alarm. ¡®If left alone, he¡¯d likely chop her into six pieces.¡¯ Encrid seemed to know this as he repeatedly warned. ¡°Calm down.¡± ¡°Stop.¡± ¡°I said, stop.¡± ¡°Rem.¡± Even then, Rem didn¡¯t easily let go of the axe handle. ¡®He¡¯s a madman.¡¯ Dunbachel immediately assessed the man named Rem. Her assessment was precise. ¡°If we take the wrong path, I¡¯ll cut you down.¡± The man who held her was the same. When he said he¡¯d cut her down, there was no emotion in it. It was just a fact, something that would naturally happen, like saying the sun would rise tomorrow morning. ¡®Even if I escape, I¡¯ll be killed.¡¯ More than anything, the ropes binding her body were an issue. ¡®What a preference.¡¯ The rope wrapped around her chest, then her forearms, and up to her neck and wrists. It wasn¡¯t just uncomfortable, it made any activity other than walking impossible. They had barely taken a few steps when the noble opened the carriage window. The walls of the Border Guard¡¯s fortress were still visible behind them. So any sharp-eyed patrol could recognize who was with them. The noble who opened the window spoke. ¡°You look interesting. You, beastman, come to my carriage tonight.¡± The sight of his flaring nostrils made Dunbachel wonder what it would be like to shove a nail into them. ¡°Then, will you untie me?¡± ¡°It¡¯s more fun if you stay tied up.¡± Seeing the clear desire and lust in the speaker, Dunbachel felt this person was an easy target rather than feeling disgusted. At least compared to the man holding her rope, the one with the axe, or the one who had captured her, this noble was far easier. A smile appeared on Rem¡¯s face upon hearing the noble¡¯s words. It confirmed just how dangerous he was. Ragna, who hadn¡¯t said anything until now, spoke quietly. ¡°If you move without permission, I¡¯ll cut you down.¡± This was also said in the same tone as ¡®the moon rises at night¡¯. ¡®So, if I do as the noble says, they¡¯ll kill me.¡¯ Dunbachel noticed the calmest person in this whole situation. Encrid, that was his name. As soon as the carriage started moving, he drew his sword and began swinging it beside it. ¡®What is he doing?¡¯ Whoosh, swoosh. The blade cut through the air. Training while walking? No, practicing? Seeing him move his steps here and there, it looked like he was also practicing his footwork. The guard, who doubled as the noble¡¯s coachman, snickered at this sight. ¡°No matter how much you roll around, a grub won¡¯t become a butterfly.¡± Does he even know what he¡¯s talking about? Dunbachel had fought Encrid. That guy had formidable skills. But seeing what he was doing now, curiosity welled up instead of fear. Glancing back, Dunbachel saw Ragna watching his commander intently, so she couldn¡¯t hold back her curiosity and asked. ¡°With such skills, why does he train so relentlessly¡­?¡± He trailed off, unsure of the reaction, but Ragna answered more easily than expected. ¡°The commander was originally terrible. He couldn¡¯t even handle a single ghoul properly.¡± A single ghoul? No way. Dunbachel had fought Encrid. She knew Encrid¡¯s skills all too well. She was the most recent person to face them directly. ¡°Even so, he swung his sword like that every day. Even when it only toughened his palms and slightly built his muscles, he kept at it. Day after day, always, every single day. How could he do that?¡± Ragna seemed to be answering Dunbachel at first, but then he started talking to himself. Or had he been talking to himself all along? Dunbachel looked into Ragna¡¯s eyes, wondering what was going on. Those eyes, oddly, seemed to be burning. They were the eyes of someone deeply absorbed and immersed in something. It didn¡¯t seem like a good time to talk. ¡®Couldn¡¯t even handle a ghoul?¡¯ And yet he kept swinging his sword? Every day? Just the same? ¡°That¡¯s the kind of person he is. Originally, it was a wonder he was alive. It made no sense why he was wielding a sword, but somehow, he improved.¡± Rem said, chiming in. He had shown no interest until they started talking about Encrid and then suddenly approached to speak. The mocking tone and attitude that had previously jabbed at Dunbachel¡¯s wounds were gone. But Rem was still a madman, so Dunbachel subtly moved to the side. While still walking, she watched Encrid swinging his sword. Dunbachel thought. ¡®When did I stop?¡¯ After being chased out of the beastman tribe, she had struggled to survive. She then realized she was only half-beastman. Since she couldn¡¯t learn beastman techniques or anything else, she concluded that it would be hard to progress further. Seeing no potential for further development or growth, she stopped training and practicing. ¡®That man couldn¡¯t even handle a ghoul at one point?¡¯ Beside him, Rem, the madman, muttered, ¡°It took less than a year. Was he a genius? No, definitely not.¡± A year? Could someone change so much in a year from being unable to handle a ghoul? Without realizing it, Dunbachel found herself looking at Encrid¡¯s back. A curious and mysterious man. Not someone who rose through exceptional talent, but someone who swung his sword daily despite lacking talent? There was no reason to lie to him, so it had to be true. To Dunbachel, this entire situation was fascinating. Between this fascination and curiosity, a sudden feeling of envy arose. What if she had lived like that? There was some regret. With a short sigh of regret, Dunbachel glanced around. ¡®Hmm.¡¯ She didn¡¯t show it outwardly, but she confirmed the mark of the Black Blade Bandits. A choice needed to be made here. Should she speak up or let it pass? S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. It was a critical moment. Dunbachel hesitated, and the carriage came to a halt. ¡°Let¡¯s rest here.¡± Said the coachman, who doubled as the guard in black. Encrid stopped swinging his sword. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com] Chapter 196 They simply lit a fire and placed a pot over it.Since it was a field meal, nothing extravagant could be prepared. All they had were dried meat, fruit, cheese, and water mixed with wine. Everyone ate and drank. Encrid was tearing and eating the jerky he brought when he noticed a gaze fixed on him. It was a beastman. ¡®Do you want some?¡¯ Seeing the longing in those eyes, it seemed the beastman was quite hungry. Come to think of it, she probably hadn¡¯t had a proper meal since being captured. Whether she was to be killed or freed, she should be fed. The beastman¡¯s eyes, a golden color, shone with hunger. ¡®No need to be stingy.¡¯ After all, how significant is a piece of jerky? Encrid tore off a piece of jerky and sat in front of the beastman. He put it into the beastman¡¯s mouth, who widened her eyes. ¡°Try it.¡± Dunbachel chewed, savoring the salty and sweet flavors that stimulated her brain. At the same time, she looked at the man in front of her. As she observed him more and more, envy and jealousy turned into admiration. ¡®If only I had lived like this man.¡¯ She felt a sense of longing. It must have been luck to have such an amazing subordinate. What if that luck had come to her? Why was she born like this? Why did she have to be abandoned in such a state? It would have been better if she had just been isolated. Then she could have risked her life for her village and died for it. How wonderful it would have been to die like that. ? If only she had left for Krimhalt¡¯s embrace. Regret, jealousy, admiration, and remorse. Amidst these complex emotions, the jerky was already in her mouth. As she chewed and swallowed, they handed her a canteen. She thought it was water mixed with wine, but a fresh apple scent filled her mouth. ¡°It¡¯s apple cider.¡± Why are they treating her like this? Dunbachel wondered if it was to seduce her, but she couldn¡¯t be sure. However, it was a moment of choice. Should she speak or not? It was a crossroads. Dunbachel made a choice. ¡°There will be an ambush by the Black Blade Bandits.¡± With seasoning still on her lips, Dunbachel spoke. If asked how she knew, she planned to talk about the markings. Encrid just looked directly into her eyes and said, ¡°I see.¡± Even after that, Dunbachel expected Encrid to make some move, but surprisingly, he remained quiet. He simply resumed his meal and exchanged a few words with the noble and the minion of the Black Blade Bandits. ¡°How do you know the way?¡± Being a delegate of the Black Blade Bandits and knowing the way were different matters. Encrid brought up the topic that even Marcus hadn¡¯t bothered to dig into. Vancento twisted his lips. With a sneering expression, he said, ¡°You don¡¯t need to know. Commoner.¡± Is it a habit to call someone a commoner after every sentence? For all that, this one didn¡¯t seem to be such a great noble either. Encrid nodded, acknowledging the statement, though his thoughts were different. That wasn¡¯t what mattered anyway. Encrid looked at the guard in black clothes. He had been observing the guard¡¯s gait, gestures, demeanor, and choice of positions. He had seen him a few times in the city, but now that they were outside, he could tell for sure. ¡®It doesn¡¯t seem too bad.¡¯ Rem and Ragna, Jaxon, Audin, and even the Fairy Company Commander. Lately, he had plenty of sparring partners, but none gave him this kind of feeling. Light on his feet and quick with his hands. He likely favored short weapons. He probably excelled in throwing techniques too. Half of it was a desire to see the opponent¡¯s unique skills, the other half was a subtle thirst. Sparring is sparring, and actual combat is actual combat. That thought came to him as he watched the man in front of him munching on thin bread and drinking water. ¡®I want to fight him.¡¯ The man¡¯s gait and gestures naturally piqued his interest. ¡®How effective would my swordsmanship be?¡¯ What should he be mindful of when facing him? How should he match his steps? Encrid wasn¡¯t a genius. Seeing didn¡¯t instantly provide the means to counter an opponent. However, having had hundreds, if not thousands, of sparring sessions, he could think of ways to respond based on that experience. ¡®If I cut his thigh.¡¯ It would stiffen his legs, effectively sealing one of his specialties. Since he noticed the unique habit, Encrid wanted to fight the man. Maybe the man felt his gaze. ¡°It¡¯s annoying.¡± The guard in black looked up and spoke. He had just taken a few sips of water after eating some bread. Encrid, who was at the end of his gaze, opened his mouth. ¡°Me?¡± ¡°Who else?¡± A strange tension passed between them. One side showed subtle combativeness, while the other revealed murderous intent and displeasure. The one revealing murderous intent, the guard in black, remained seated, clasping his hands over his knees. They had gathered under the shade of a suitable tree. Amidst the sound of two horses grazing on dry grass and a cool breeze blowing for a summer day, the guard spoke again. ¡°You¡¯re at a stage where you¡¯re brimming with confidence in your skills.¡± Encrid inwardly agreed. He had been feeling what could be called confidence lately. ¡°But you should be cautious and choose your opponents wisely.¡± That was also true. ¡°Isn¡¯t your rank around the elite level of the trifling soldier grading system?¡± ¡­That was not true. ¡°Don¡¯t risk your life with foolish actions.¡± Encrid wasn¡¯t surprised. When had anyone not underestimated him? It had happened countless times. Even Krais had said before he left, ¡°Marcus tends to hide the commander¡¯s achievements. He seems to have an agenda.¡± Hidden and concealed. So, the opponent might have misunderstood. But there was something disappointing. ¡®Their discernment.¡¯ He had recognized his opponent, but his opponent had not recognized him. This was only natural. Encrid had crawled his way up from the bottom to where he was now. He did not have the arrogance of someone who had quickly gained skill. Arrogance and conceit were the farthest things from him. He was only left with the intensity of someone who had crawled their way up, feeding on defeat. In other words, on the surface, he appeared to be just someone with decent sword skills. ¡°Such a damn nuisance.¡± Rem commented. Hearing Rem¡¯s words, the noble Vancento also spoke up. ¡°You idiot barbarian, shut your mouth. Are you showing that you were raised without a mother?¡± The offensive words, sharp as blades, struck Rem. Encrid thought there was no stopping it now. In fact, he thought it was enough already. * * * The guard in black initially planned to reason with them calmly. After all, it would all be over by the time they finished their meal and traveled for half a day. They would all be killed by the Black Blade Bandits waiting in ambush ahead. Originally, he had thought of taking them on himself. ¡®One opponent wouldn¡¯t be an issue.¡¯ But with Rem and Ragna, both of them¡­ He wanted to avoid facing both at the same time. Encrid didn¡¯t even matter to him. Who was he? One of the top fighters among the Black Blade Bandits, trained by an excellent teacher. Then it happened. ¡°You idiot barbarian, shut your mouth. Are you showing that you were raised without a mother?¡± Vancento spat his usual venom. Encrid needed to stop Rem again, but there was no time or chance. Whoosh, thud! A heavy, terrible sound followed something cutting through the air. The guard turned his head. He struggled to process what had happened for a while, his head still turned. ¡°Grkk, grrr.¡± A person with an axe blade in their face can¡¯t speak properly. Of course not. Surviving would also be difficult. If you survive with your face half-split, you¡¯re a ghoul, not a human. ¡®A ghoul would die if their face was split like that too.¡¯ Between the vertically split skull, something small and precious that had been in the head spilled out, blood flowing profusely. An eyeball popped out and rolled to one side. The body, thrown back several steps by the axe¡¯s force, lay sprawled out as a corpse. His name was Vancento, a member of the Black Blade Bandits, the envoy for this mission, and a noble. ¡°Man, that bastard had a sharp tongue.¡± Rem muttered, brushing his hands off as he watched. ¡°What, what is this!¡± The guard finally stood up in shock. Neigh! The two horses tied to the carriage neighed in fright at the sudden commotion. Dunbachel also gaped in surprise. ¡®Killing a noble?¡¯ They had barely traveled past where the Border Guard couldn¡¯t see them, and it had been just over half a day since the journey started, yet the envoy and the one they were supposed to protect was dead. Killed by the very person who was supposed to guard him. ¡°Oh, it happened.¡± Encrid¡¯s reaction was simple and plain. ¡°Oh, it happened? These crazy bastards.¡± The guard wasn¡¯t the sharpest tool in the shed. At least, that¡¯s what Encrid thought. Ragna was indifferent. He simply asked Encrid, ¡°Are you going to handle it alone?¡± ¡°I¡¯d like to.¡± ¡°Do as you please.¡± Rem casually walked over and pulled out the axe he had thrown. With a pop, the axe came out, revealing the dead Vancento beneath it. The scum who took gold from the Black Blade Bandits. Why hadn¡¯t he been easily killed despite knowing he was trash? Because he was a noble. The status of a noble was a shield. Even if he was just a non hereditary baron. If this got out, that man Rem would be hunted until his death, yet he took this gamble. The guard¡¯s thoughts became complicated. ¡°What are you looking at? Do you want a decoration on your head too?¡± Rem said as he locked eyes with the guard. ¡°He¡¯s mine.¡± Encrid, rarely showing desire, spoke. ¡°Oh, I know. If not, I¡¯d have already finished him off.¡± Rem wiped the blood off his axe blade using Vancento¡¯s silk clothes as the dead man¡¯s limbs twitched. Watching this, the guard spoke. ¡°This area is still patrolled by the Border Guard. What if a patrol comes by?¡± It was a natural question for him. ¡°They won¡¯t come, the patrol.¡± Encrid answered plainly. He already knew where and how the patrols were conducted. He had heard everything from Vengeance, who also served as the patrol leader. ¡°They won¡¯t come?¡± Only then did the guard realize this wasn¡¯t an impulsive act. ¡®Was this planned from the beginning?¡¯ Encrid unsheathed his sword with a ringing sound. The sword reflected the sunlight, scattering light. Seeing the sword tip pointing at him, the guard drew his own weapons. Silently, he drew two black daggers. The guard held both daggers in reverse grips, the blades pointing downwards, and instinctively took a stance. ¡®There¡¯s reinforcements half a day¡¯s distance away.¡¯ Forget about Vancento¡¯s death, it was time to think about survival. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. How could he survive? Encrid said he would face him alone. Rem and Ragna seemed uninterested. ¡®I¡¯ll go all out and make a run for it.¡¯ He was confident in his speed. There was something he needed to do to make that happen. ¡°You knew the patrol wouldn¡¯t come. So, you planned this from the start?¡± Encrid shrugged. ¡°As long as no one sees, it¡¯s fine, right?¡± As they spoke, the guard started to move his feet stealthily, seemingly to have the sun at his back. Encrid also moved accordingly. The guard took his desired position. To be precise, it was where the carriage was positioned to his right rear. He flipped the daggers he was holding in reverse upward. Encrid instinctively raised his sword. As he prepared to react to a possible throw or rush. The guard tossed the daggers upward and swung his right hand. In sync with that gesture, two throwing knives flew backward. Quick hand movements. Throwing the weapon in hand to distract, then throwing the knives strapped to his waist. The two knives flew swiftly and embedded themselves in the horse¡¯s neck. Neigh! Hiiiiii! The horse cried out in pain, tilting sideways as blood poured out. Its cries were loud. The knives were so deeply embedded that saving the horse would be impossible. The guard calculated that without the horse, they couldn¡¯t chase him. All that remained was to get past Encrid, who was blocking the way. The guard caught the daggers he had tossed into the air, lowered his stance, and pushed off the ground. He closed the distance at a frightening speed. He was quickly within sword range. Common wisdom suggests that in a fight between long and short weapons, the long weapon has the advantage. But at this close range, the short weapon held the advantage. ¡°Got you.¡± With confidence, the guard crossed the daggers held in reverse grip and slashed. The timing of the left and right slashes was staggered, targeting Encrid¡¯s wrist and neck. Encrid deflected one blade with the guard he wore on his wrist. He evaded the strike aimed at his neck by tilting his head back. It was a feat made possible by accurately reading and timing the attack. In that position, he raised his knee, leaving no room for the close opponent to evade. The guard quickly raised his knee to block. Thud! ¡°Ugh!¡± ¡°What kind of strength is this?¡± Just one strike, a simple knee kick, and his shin throbbed with pain. And that wasn¡¯t the end. In an instant, Encrid disappeared from sight, only for the guard to sense a threatening presence at his side and duck his head. Whoosh. A broad-bladed guard sword grazed the guard¡¯s hair, scattering a few strands into the air. Without time to catch his breath, the guard thrust both daggers forward. Swish! The thrusts sliced through empty air. Behind him, he couldn¡¯t even fully perceive Encrid¡¯s attack. From above, Encrid swung his arm like a scythe, delivering a slashing blow. Wham! Crash! The strike hit the back of his head directly. The guard, who was in a lowered stance, had his forehead slammed into the ground. Without hesitation, Encrid aimed the tip of his sword downward and plunged it in. Thud! Pulling it out after creating a second mouth under the back of his head, a stream of blood spurted out like a fountain from the new opening. Encrid stepped back and shook his sword in the air. Drops of blood scattered to the ground. ¡°Not looking so good, huh? Wasn¡¯t it fun?¡± Rem asked after watching. Encrid answered honestly, ¡°Too bland.¡± His speed was slower than that of the knoll leader. His strategic thinking was inferior to the dark spirit of the cursed sword. He didn¡¯t have anything particularly striking about him. He was better than that beastman, but not overwhelmingly so. As a result, Encrid felt like he had unfinished business, like leaving without wiping after using the bathroom. ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡± Encrid asked, still in the same position. The question was obviously not directed at Rem or Ragna. Soon, the beastman answered, ¡°Dunbachel.¡± Encrid, watching the beastman¡¯s surprised golden eyes, asked with some regret, ¡°How many are in the ambush?¡± If a feast was prepared for him, it would be right to at least taste it. Encrid was sincere. Dunbachel had no choice left. These people were certainly crazy. ¡°It¡¯ll be a small, elite force. They¡¯ll be lying in wait, so there won¡¯t be any easy targets.¡± At that, Encrid didn¡¯t laugh but his eyes sparkled. Rem smirked. Ragna, remaining silent, looked at Encrid and spoke, ¡°Why did you give them distance?¡± ¡°To induce carelessness.¡± ¡°Not bad.¡± Even in this situation, they were talking about swordsmanship as if they never got tired of it. It was rather shocking that they didn¡¯t seem to care about killing a noble at all. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com] Chapter 197 Vancento devised the best plan for the given situation. No, he had devised one.After killing the guards, including that bastard Encrid and his companions, he would seize this opportunity to join forces with Martai and overthrow the city. He even added that this should have been done long ago. But now, Vancento can no longer speak. A person whose head is split open and buried in the ground cannot speak. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Encrid searched the bodies and the carriage, taking what he needed, and buried the corpses. ¡®Not bad.¡¯ A generous pouch of gold coins, a few jewels, and some black stones whose use he couldn¡¯t discern. The black stones didn¡¯t seem to be jewels, but they emitted a strange aura when he looked at them. Could they be sold? He wasn¡¯t sure, but he took them anyway, thinking they might be converted into gold coins. After stuffing the gold and other items into his backpack and taking the black dagger used by the guard, he had gathered everything he could. He felt like he had looted everything. ¡°I feel like a thief.¡± Encrid remarked. ¡°How about forming a band of thieves when we get out of the army? Encrid¡¯s Thieves¡¯ Guild?¡± Rem joked. Despite his words, he wasn¡¯t the type to steal from innocent people. Encrid and his companions moved immediately without resting. Naturally, Dunbachel, tied to the rope, had to follow. There was no chance to escape. She had told them about the ambush site. Despite mentioning that some of the core forces of the Black Blade Bandits might be there, they were full of confidence. ¡°Rough wilderness, black sun, breaking ground, shattering sky.¡± Rem suddenly started singing a song that might be heard in a western frontier. It wasn¡¯t a particularly good song, but Rem¡¯s voice was surprisingly excellent. ¡°Breaking the sky and charging to destroy.¡± As she listened to the song with half an ear, she could hear the other two talking ahead. ¡°How¡¯s your sword technique coming along? Have you mastered it?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve memorized it all.¡± Despite the complexity of the question, the answer was clear. The blonde who asked the question hesitated for a while. It seemed like he was choosing his words carefully. Then he suddenly spoke. ¡°Stretching your left hand is to guide the opponent to your right. You shouldn¡¯t ignore the meaning of the movement.¡± ¡°Yeah. Got it.¡± Encrid, the leader, nodded. ¡®Got it?¡¯ Dunbachel was bewildered. What on earth were they talking about? Encrid continued. ¡°There is meaning in the steps and in the hand that holds the sword, right?¡± The blonde nodded lightly and cheerfully. ¡°Yes. Every movement has meaning.¡± Although Dunbachel couldn¡¯t fully understand the conversation, she grasped one thing. ¡®It¡¯s about swordsmanship.¡¯ She was still bewildered. Why were they so confident? Something was stirring in her chest. Although she couldn¡¯t pinpoint what it was, one thing was clear. Curiosity suddenly sprang up. She was curious about who these people were. * * * Encrid listened to Ragna¡¯s words and gained a small realization. It was what he needed to hear at the moment. Ragna had grasped this from just one battle and conveyed it. Even though his verbal skills were terrible and he expressed it messily. ¡®That can be understood if you listen well.¡¯ There is no problem. Encrid reiterated the teaching by speaking in reverse to organize his thoughts. ¡®Every movement in swordsmanship has meaning.¡¯ It is correct to fully understand those meanings. He had also felt something when dealing with the enemies at the rear before. The harmony of Valen Mercenary Sword Technique and swordsmanship. After all, it is up to the person holding the sword to wield it. ¡®Understanding and internalizing it.¡¯ If he fully understood, he could deconstruct and use it, and extract the necessary movements at the required moment. Ragna¡¯s words started with the meaning of the movements, but for Encrid, they ended with the attitude towards learning swordsmanship. ¡°Intermediate swordsmanship, once you fully understand the current techniques.¡± Ragna said from the side. ¡°After you understand and internalize what you¡¯re learning now.¡± Encrid added. They both nodded as they looked ahead. ¡°There¡¯s an ambush ahead, isn¡¯t there?¡± Rem had just finished his song, and the conversation with Ragna had ended. The beastman from behind spoke. No, she asked. There was force in her voice, not hiding her bewilderment. ¡°What¡¯s your name again?¡± Encrid turned his head slightly and asked. He felt as if she had asked several times, but the beastman answered with eyes that said, ¡®What does my name matter?¡¯ ¡°Dunbachel.¡± ¡°Right, Dunbachel.¡± Encrid tried to explain. Why they were heading straight for the ambush site, why they were taking this risk. Encrid did not consider the ambush ahead as a crisis. Why? Who had conveyed the strength of himself and his companions to the other side? It would be the dead noble and his guards. All the Black Blade attackers were dead, and the only survivor was the beastman. If this beastman had secretly conveyed a message, it would be a different story. ¡®There¡¯s no sign of that.¡¯ There hadn¡¯t been any opportunity for her to do so, but sometimes you can feel things just by looking. Golden eyes mixed with questions, curiosity, and something resembling longing. The beastman Dunbachel was simply asking. Why head into the ambush? The answer was simple. If the elite few were waiting without understanding this side¡¯s strength. ¡®Then an ambush wouldn¡¯t really be an ambush.¡¯ Of course, all these calculations could go wrong and they could face danger. That possibility always exists. What if the Black Blade went half-mad and committed more than half their forces here? ¡®There¡¯s no way.¡¯ The probability of that happening was exceedingly low. As Krais acknowledged, Encrid¡¯s mind worked quite well when he chose to use it, even though he often didn¡¯t. The expression might be somewhat bothersome, but it wasn¡¯t a bad remark. Encrid knew this well himself. ¡®If it were me.¡¯ If he were the leader of the Black Blade group, he would send exactly twice the forces he had sent before. That would be sufficient. If more concern was needed, he would add someone whose specialty was assassination rather than fighting. So, from the start, the strength composition would be mismatched. Not only was he here, but so were Rem and Ragna. Ragna, yawning widely and mumbling about being sleepy. Rem, kicking rocks as he walked. There was no tension visible at all. For now, both were overwhelmingly stronger than Encrid. This is why it would be a mistake to underestimate their strength. This was what Encrid believed. Dunbachel kept insisting there was an ambush ahead, questioning why they were just marching forward. There was an answer to that, but explaining it fully would take too long, and there was no need to convince the golden-eyed beastman in front of him. ¡°If you¡¯re asking why we¡¯re heading towards the ambush, it¡¯s simple.¡± He paused briefly, then added one more thing as he looked into the yearning eyes. ¡°I want to swing my sword more.¡± It wasn¡¯t a lie. He had made calculations, but it was also a desire he held in his heart. At those words, Dunbachel¡¯s golden pupils shook wildly. ¡­¡­Why? Why for such a simple reason? But also because it was the right reason. Krimhalt¡¯s teachings surged from deep within her heart, striking her head like a fountain. It was as if someone had struck a bell right next to her ear. ¡®Bloom and wither on the battlefield.¡¯ Krimhalt, the God she believed in, had said to bloom and wither on the battlefield. The man before her intended to do just that. At the same time, she recalled the words of the fortune-teller she had heard when she was driven out of his village. ¡°When you wish to die in the future, there will be a guide by your side.¡± At the time, she thought it was merely words of pity, but now it felt different. Dunbachel had prepared for death but survived. Whose whim had caused that? It was because of the man in front of her. Between Dunbachel¡¯s jealousy, envy, and admiration, a gentle breeze of desire began to grow. ¡®I want to bear this man¡¯s child.¡¯ In reality, it would be impossible. Hybrids of beastmen and humans were rarely born. The desire was not singular. ¡®I want to stay by his side.¡¯ I want to stay by his side. I want to learn about his life. I want to die beside him. These complex and subtle desires burned in her chest. Encrid glanced at those eyes. ¡®What¡¯s up with her eyes?¡¯ He thought he had gotten used to seeing people with crazed eyes lately, but this was the first time he¡¯d seen eyes like these. They were somehow both sensuous and intense. ¡°But why didn¡¯t Esther come along?¡± As he looked into the beastwoman Dunbachel¡¯s eyes, Rem suddenly asked. Avoiding those eyes, Encrid answered Rem. ¡°How would I know? Our Esther is quite the fickle one.¡± Encrid joked, and Rem laughed. ¡°If Esther hears that, she might scribble a music score on your face, but you¡¯re not entirely wrong.¡± Sometimes she acted like she¡¯d never leave his side, and other times she would wander off for days without returning. Her actions certainly made the label ¡®fickle¡¯ seem appropriate. As they walked leisurely, they climbed a small hill. A few small trees came into view, and soon there were enough trees to obscure their vision to the sides. The path was cluttered. Stones jutted out of the ground. Ants marched in lines, carrying what looked like the corpses of dead insects. They moved diligently. It wasn¡¯t an easy path to walk. As they walked, it felt more like a small hillock than a hill. Once they crossed this place, it would be a two-day walk to the agreed-upon location. The place where the envoy and the Black Blade were supposed to meet. Of course, that meeting was now meaningless. The leaves rustled in the wind, and sunlight streamed through the gaps. The weather was good. The wind wasn¡¯t stifling, and the sunlight filtered through the leaves wasn¡¯t too hot. As they moved forward, a clearing came into view, beyond which dense foliage and thorns mixed. It was a dead-end. ¡°This is as far as you go.¡± About ten people were visible inside the clearing. One of them spoke up. Three women and seven men. Among them, there was someone with an axe, someone standing with both hands lowered, someone sitting neatly on a fairly large rock, and even someone perched on a branch above. ? A motley crew. A cold tension filled the air. The speaker glared, and Encrid and his group stopped walking. Now, what to do? Tension hung in the air. In the midst of it, Encrid opened his mouth. ¡°Wow, an ambush.¡± His tone was theatrical. And his acting was terrible. ¡°Wow, we¡¯ve been caught.¡± Rem joined in. ¡°This is so surprising.¡± Ragna added something similar, picking at the sleep from his eyes, making it seem like he was genuinely surprised. Watching this, Dunbachel remained bewildered. An impromptu play here? ¡°To think you were waiting for us here. Such meticulous people.¡± Encrid continued, impressively picking his ear while talking about meticulousness. ¡°Totally unexpected. I¡¯m trembling in my boots.¡± Rem said, picking his nose. Even while picking his nose, Rem¡¯s handsome face didn¡¯t lose its charm. ¡°I was so surprised I almost bit my tongue.¡± As Encrid spoke, he chewed on a candy. Crunch. It was sweet. But where did that candy come from? Dunbachel, who had been watching, couldn¡¯t help but wonder. ¡°Ugh, I want to run away.¡± Encrid said, and Rem, who always enjoyed teasing others, played along. What were they doing? It was a provocation. Listening to their words, which immediately got under the skin, even Dunbachel felt annoyed. So how would their opponents feel? ¡°Are they insane?¡± One of them expressed bewilderment. ¡°Do you all have a death wish?¡± A woman feigning composure. ¡°They¡¯re dead men anyway.¡± One who didn¡¯t even care about them. ¡°These fucking bastards?¡± Even one who was angry. Seeing these reactions, Encrid nodded and looked at Rem. Rem looked back at Encrid, snorted, and nodded. They seemed quite pleased with their opponents¡¯ reactions. ¡°Don¡¯t run away, stay here.¡± The blonde with red eyes, Ragna, said, then stepped back. If there was ever a moment to escape, it was now. But Dunbachel chose to watch instead of running. She wanted to know, to see. What exactly were these three relying on to come here? Their opponents were known as some of the best within the Black Blade group. Dunbachel still didn¡¯t fully know the skills of Encrid, Rem, and Ragna. ¡°I¡¯ve never seen anyone like you in my life. Seeing that Vancento isn¡¯t here, I assume you¡¯ve already dealt with him. Did you know we were waiting and came anyway?¡± A bearded man standing at the front said. His weapon was a halberd. The sharp point and the axe blade attached to the side were about the size of a palm. Even just seeing the way he held it at an angle showed he wasn¡¯t an easy opponent. If one got caught by that axe blade, their skull would burst like a ripe fruit. ¡°How did you know?¡± Encrid asked, ¡°How did you know?¡± ¡°¡­You¡¯ve got a natural talent for getting under people¡¯s skin, don¡¯t you?¡± said the man with the halberd, glaring. Rem chuckled and said, ¡°Correct! I¡¯ve never met someone with such a sharp tongue in my life.¡± Encrid felt wronged. ¡°I was just being sincere.¡± Of course, he did intend to tease a bit, but wasn¡¯t that a natural thing to say in this situation? ¡°How did you know?¡± It was the perfect line. ¡°So, instead of trying to win with words, it¡¯s better to come at us with your weapons.¡± Rem said, as if concluding the situation. The man with the halberd frowned. He hesitated for a moment, really just a moment. ¡®Did they come knowing about the ambush?¡¯ There wasn¡¯t much time to ponder. ¡°What¡¯s there to think about!¡± The brawler moved first, wearing knuckles with flat iron plates on his fists. Encrid¡¯s tactic was to provoke them, anticipating their suspicion and hesitation. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. So their reaction was exactly what he had hoped for. Seeing the brawler step forward, the man with the halberd had no choice. ¡®We¡¯ll kill them.¡¯ The force gathered here was recognized within their local branch of the Black Blade. They were known as the ¡®Ten Blades¡¯ excluding the branch leader. In this area, when their ten gathered, they didn¡¯t think they could be defeated by anyone. As long as it wasn¡¯t a Knight order. Considering that the Red Cape Knights wouldn¡¯t be here in this situation, the man with the halberd was confident of victory. Yes, he was. He had thought so. At least until the moment the brawler and the axe-wielding guy exchanged their first blows. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com] Chapter 198 The guy with clenched fists stomped the ground and charged. His ankles flexed elastically, propelling his body forward. The perfect transmission of power from his knees and thighs to his upper body.Therefore, he was terrifyingly fast. But it wasn¡¯t difficult to react. Of course, he wasn¡¯t a match for Rem. Rem made a feint, lifting the axe in his left hand diagonally as if to strike. Just before the guy¡¯s fist could connect, in the moment when his head was about to be split in two, his speed increased even more. It left a faint afterimage. It was a technique to blur the opponent¡¯s vision with sudden acceleration. Swish! Rem¡¯s left-hand axe sliced through the air. The fighter, who had closed the distance, planted his left foot firmly while pivoting on his right foot and thrust his knuckle-covered fist forward. It was obvious at a glance. He was well-trained. And then, thud! ¡°Hey, why are you sticking your neck out to the axe?¡± After the noise, Rem¡¯s calm voice followed. Encrid recalled the scene he had just witnessed. A charge that altered its tempo after initially approaching at a consistent speed. Probably, no one had easily received that strike before. At best, dodging it would be all they could do, and after the dodge, the opponent would continue attacking from their optimal range, which was likely the opponent¡¯s fighting style. Didn¡¯t Audin also say? ¡°Fighters who use their fists are more concerned with distance control than anyone else, brother.¡± Rem¡¯s response to the charge aiming to secure that distance was almost indifferent. He pretended to roughly match the attack with his left-hand axe, then swung the axe in his right hand, much faster than the left. It was a similar strategy to the opponent¡¯s, but the result was different. The axe blade, flying like a beam of light, struck and severed the neck. The decapitated fist merely tapped Rem¡¯s abdomen. Naturally, it had no power at all. The severed head floated briefly in the air before falling to the ground with a thud. As Rem pushed the body of the man who had thrown the punch with the back of his hand, it collapsed. ¡°He¡¯s not an easy opponent. Don¡¯t let your guard down!¡± The opponent with the spiked spear shouted. Then five men closed in on Rem. Five men in total. Three with tridents and swords, and one fiddling with a dagger, making five. ¡°This is exciting.¡± Rem remained calm despite the five opponents. No, he even seemed to enjoy it, shaking his shoulders as if he were dancing. Ragna, with his hand on the grip of his sword, walked forward step by step towards the one with the spiked spear. ¡°Kill him!¡± The man with the spiked spear shouted. At that moment, a female thief on a tree branch shot something. Whiz! S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A short arrow aimed at Ragna¡¯s shoulder. Ragna twisted his body to dodge the arrow, drawing his sword in a smooth, natural motion as if it were prearranged. Swish, as he drew the sword and made a large slash, the man with the spiked spear brought his weapon forward. Clang! ¡°Hmm!¡± Did he think it was a strike without much force? The body of the spiked spear wavered slightly to the side. Then, another whiz ¨C the second arrow flew. Ragna, of course, dodged it. The short arrow hit a stone embedded in the ground and ricocheted with a thud. ¡®Up there.¡¯ Encrid also saw the starting point of the arrow. It was up in the tree. A small figure was shooting arrows with a device on its wrist. Encrid moved too. He didn¡¯t have a whistling dagger, but he did know the properly learned Tangum style. For a moment, he extended time. Activating Focus Point, he gauged the distance to the target and flicked his hand. His left hand, now as skillful as his right, which was not holding a sword. The thrown dagger, augmented by concentration and keen senses, tore through the air. The guy in the tree, like a monkey, hooked his legs around a branch and spun upside down to avoid it. Thud! The dagger passed through where the guy had been and lodged in the thick tree trunk. ¡°Kill him! Roomt!¡± The man with the spiked spear shouted upon seeing this. Soon, someone approached Encrid. It was a guy holding two daggers. Roomt, as he was called, eyed the dagger at Encrid¡¯s waist. It was the dagger he had taken after killing a bodyguard earlier. ¡°That dagger¡­¡± ¡°Got it as a gift.¡± Before the man could finish his sentence, Encrid replied without taking a breath, causing Roomt to furrow his brow. His eyebrows were sparse, and the whites of his eyes were particularly small, giving him a fierce appearance. Well, a fierce appearance and actual skill were separate matters. ¡®A common face among mercenaries.¡¯ Many mercenaries adorned their faces with scars, making them look menacing at a glance. ¡°He¡¯s someone I taught.¡± The man appeared to be in his forties, and to be fighting on the front lines at that age suggested considerable skill. His heart pounded. He would be better than the students he had taught. Could he be better than the leader of the knolls? A strange sense of anticipation filled him. If there was one thing he hoped for. ¡°Are you going to do it alone?¡± Five against Rem, three against Ragna. Why was there only one against him? The remaining one was the monkey-like guy moving around in the trees. Rem was smiling and swinging his axe while facing five opponents. The five opponents were cautious. They had seen their comrade killed in one strike. The man with the spiked spear was also cautious. When outnumbering the enemy, it was advantageous to slowly encircle rather than charge recklessly. The man with the spiked spear and his two comrades stood in a circle around Ragna. The same went for the ones facing Rem. ¡°I¡¯ll kill you and then tear that beast girl apart.¡± Although it was unclear what relationship he had with the black-clad bodyguard, he was clearly very angry. Even so, he did not rush in easily. Was it caution? No, it was likely due to experience. Encrid had no intention of waiting. He pushed off the ground with a thud. From a few words he had heard from Ragna, he had gained new insights into swordsmanship. Maintaining a Focus Point, he sharpened his senses. The sharp killing intent from his opponent pricked his skin. As Encrid charged, Roomt¡¯s hands moved. They were fast. Frighteningly fast. With a whoosh, his hands moved so quickly that it seemed like there were more than two blades. Encrid, using the Correct Sword Technique as his base, thrust his sword forward. His plan was to block and parry, then coil inside to stab. Roomt swung both daggers to deflect Encrid¡¯s sword. Clang! It was not strength but technique that was added to the deflection. By striking the center of the blade, he disrupted its balance. Encrid could not stab his original target. His sword¡¯s tip veered off course. While his sword was veering, Roomt closed in and stabbed with his dagger. It was a trajectory that momentarily left his field of vision. From below to above. Feeling the blade approaching solely within the realm of the Sixth Sense, Encrid pressed down with his left big toe and halted his movement. With a sudden jolt, he restricted his body¡¯s movement. As he pulled his elbow back to block the approaching dagger tip with his forearm guard, the dagger curved like a snake and aimed for his jaw. It was unconventional, fast, and bold. Encrid tilted his head back. The dagger¡¯s tip grazed his chin with a swish. As he retracted his extended sword and pulled it back in, his opponent rolled sideways to dodge. Then, crossing his two daggers, the opponent glared at him. Those eyes seemed to ask: ¡®You dodged that?¡¯ Encrid nonchalantly extended his sword again. Why wouldn¡¯t he dodge it? Honestly, if it had been before he had mastered the Sense of Evasion, he might have been dead. Once he recognized it, his body reacted. It was quite a satisfying opponent. But there were also gaps. Sure, there was a clear difference in skill compared to the ones who had come with the beast-girl Dunbachel. ¡®Above elite, below Knight.¡¯ That was his assessment of his opponent¡¯s skill. With this thought, Encrid thrust his sword again. The daggers flew in once more. It was a technique he had seen before. Thump! It wasn¡¯t just the Sense of Evasion he had honed while dealing with those knolls. His swordsmanship had improved, and he also had the Heart of Great Strength. Activating his heart, power surged through his entire body. He put more weight on his left foot, pressing forward as if pushing down. He applied force, imbuing it with an unpredictable strength. His concentration and sharp senses made the incoming daggers appear not as afterimages, but as clear, distinct movements. Clang! Sparks flew as the daggers struck the blade of his sword. But that was all. For a technique to be effective, it required at least comparable strength. The daggers couldn¡¯t push or deflect Encrid¡¯s sword. He pressed down with overwhelming strength. In the slowed time, he saw his opponent¡¯s eyes. Seeing the panic in those eyes, Encrid thrust his sword. Squelch. The leather armor covering his opponent¡¯s chest tore as the blade pierced through. The opponent tried to twist his body to deflect the sword until the very end, but Encrid¡¯s sword was too good. The blade ruthlessly cut through the leather. Piercing the remaining flesh and muscle was a trivial matter. Starting below the collarbone, he thrust diagonally and then pulled the sword out, causing blood to spurt out. Whiz! A short arrow flew towards Encrid. Ragna dodged it as part of a seamless movement. Encrid mimicked this. Dodging the arrow, he pivoted on his left foot, momentarily showing his back to conceal the start and end of his movement, and threw a dagger. Whoosh! The female thief, who resembled a monkey, didn¡¯t expect this and was hit in the thigh by the knife. ¡°Ugh!¡± The monkey-like female thief froze on the branch. Encrid¡¯s fight ended relatively quickly. Why wouldn¡¯t it? It only took two exchanges of attack and defense. Encrid¡¯s gaze naturally turned to Rem and Ragna. They were, unsurprisingly, overwhelming their opponents. Those who boasted that they could kill even a Knight with favorable circumstances were clearly superior in skill. The reason for their defeat was, of course, ignorance. They didn¡¯t know about Encrid and the Madmen Platoon. And because they didn¡¯t know, they had to suffer. Encrid¡¯s gaze turned to Ragna. Whoosh. The spiked spear made a feint to stab, then swung horizontally. Ragna matched it with a swing of his sword. Defense? No. Clang, crash. ¡®Bind.¡¯ Blocking with the blade would damage it, so he blocked with the flat of the sword, adjusting his strength to bind the spear with his sword. Then, spears and rapiers flew from both sides of Ragna. Both seemed to use speed as their weapon. The ferocity of the weapons coming from the hands of the two female thieves was intimidating. In a brief moment, Ragna combined several movements into one. First, he gripped his sword with both hands and lifted the spear to his left side, curling it upwards. The flat of his sword stayed in contact, maintaining the bind. This way, he twisted the spear¡¯s trajectory and thrust forward. It wasn¡¯t fast or slow. As he advanced with his sword bound, the spears and rapiers crossed through where Ragna had been standing. The male thief with the spiked spear gritted his teeth, pulled his spear inward, and pushed away the thrusting blade. Ragna took another step forward without exerting much force. He aimed the tip of his sword at the left side of the thief¡¯s head. Although the thief with the spiked spear leaned back, he couldn¡¯t completely avoid it. Slash. With a chilling sound, half of his ear was cut off. Blood flowed down the left side of his face, dripping steadily. The hands of the two female thieves waiting nearby moved even faster. The rapiers flew like they were dancing, and the female thief with the spear swung it wide, aiming at his feet. Right after cutting the ear, Ragna retrieved his sword to deflect the incoming rapier and leaped sideways to avoid the spear targeting his feet. It was a remarkable blend of distance control and precise swordsmanship. ¡®Why?¡¯ Seeing this, Encrid wondered. It felt like Ragna was gauging the enemy¡¯s skill while fighting. Shortly after noticing, he understood. ¡®He¡¯s showing me.¡¯ What is swordsmanship? Every movement has meaning. Ragna¡¯s evasive maneuver had a deeper meaning. He moved to the right side of the thief with the spiked spear, forcing the female thief with the rapier to look at Ragna across the thief with the spear. Without taking a breath, Ragna thrust with one hand. As he moved back, he struck again, targeting the neck of the thief with the spiked spear. Again, it wasn¡¯t a fast or slow thrust. To put it more clearly: ¡®Just fast enough for the opponent to block.¡¯ Encrid¡¯s eyes became busier. His mind even more so. Each of Ragna¡¯s movements was a lesson. It was a learning opportunity, a manual that shouldn¡¯t be missed. But he couldn¡¯t just watch Ragna, because Rem was doing something similar. ¡°Ha!¡± With a strange shout, Rem swung his axe vertically. One of the approaching thieves blocked with a longsword. Clang! The sword broke in one strike. ¡°You bastard, my axe is a good one!¡± Indeed, that was a good axe. It was one Encrid had picked up from a mercenary and given to Rem. Rem was also fighting while conserving his strength. He, too, focused on demonstrating rather than just fighting. While Ragna emphasized precision and the meaning behind the form of swordsmanship, Rem demonstrated the method of fighting by using relatively superior strength rather than focusing solely on swordsmanship. If you have an advantage over your opponent, why not use it? It was as if Encrid could hear Rem¡¯s words. Rem¡¯s way of fighting. He didn¡¯t just use his axe to win against his opponents. He constantly provoked them, irritating them to no end. ¡°Is your mother a ghoul?¡± He also showed techniques Encrid had learned from him. Even so, he used his axe skillfully to deflect, strike, and slash his opponents¡¯ weapons. His unhesitant footwork skillfully positioned him in better spots than his opponents. Watching them both, Encrid realized something anew. ¡®Those two are better at showing than telling.¡¯ In a brief moment, Encrid felt he understood what they were conveying. Indeed, that¡¯s what it felt like. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com] Chapter 199 The difference was clear.One side spoke about technique, form, and meaning. The other spoke about overwhelming with superior strength. If one focused on swordsmanship, the other was a mass of instincts. Both were important, and both were necessary. Ragna did not avoid using instinctive moves. Rem did not avoid using forms of swordsmanship. ¡®They just have distinct characteristics.¡¯ Therefore, there was something to learn. Moreover, there was a commonality between the two. Whether it was swordsmanship, instincts, steps, attacks, or defense. ¡®Precision.¡¯ It was like threading a needle. Or like piercing a grain of rice with a fork. If there was a common point between the two, it was the precision with which they changed their stance, hands, and steps even while fighting. ¡°These bastards.¡± The outcome had long been decided. The face of the spear bandit turned deathly pale. His voice, now murmuring, had lost its strength. He seemed to sense his impending death. He keenly felt the difference in skill. The same was true for the five facing Rem. Two of them had their swords broken and drew short swords, and the one who threw a dagger aiming for an opening had it reversed and lodged between his eyebrows, killing him instantly. ???? The one who fell dead trembled at first but was now cooling down. Of the four remaining who rushed forward, one had his arm cut off. This was happening despite the attacks being deliberately weakened to show Encrid. In the midst of this, the female bandit who tried to shoot arrows from a tree had to stop every time she felt Encrid¡¯s gaze. Encrid found this annoying, so he threw another dagger, hitting the female bandit¡¯s forearm. He was busy observing those two, and this distraction was irritating. ¡°Ack!¡± The female bandit on the tree groaned in pain. The spear bandit, whose eye blood vessels seemed to burst, shed bloody tears as he lunged forward. In his final moments, he risked his life, throwing his spear and trying to grab Ragna. At that moment, Ragna showed his true specialty, not the refined sword technique he had been demonstrating. The blade of the arming sword turned into a flash of light, slashing diagonally through the bandit¡¯s body. It was a downward slash using Middle Sword Technique. The harmony of strength and skill cut through the human body like straw. He then quickly moved sideways and punched the face of a female bandit wielding a rapier. Wham! ¡°Ugh!¡± A few teeth flew through the air. As the female bandit, clutching her face, staggered back, Ragna delivered a horizontal slash. Slice! Her head flew through the air. Ragna did not stop there. As if he had switched places with Rem, he utilized a Middle Sword Technique that was rough yet precise, and precise yet powerful. ¡°Screech!¡± At first glance, the female bandit with brown skin could be mistaken for a man. Her spear flew forward. Ragna dodged it with a step. It was a trick that could only be seen because he perfectly read the trajectory and speed of the flying spear. Dodging the flying spear, he took a bold step forward, followed by a downward slash. With a Middle Sword Technique, Ragna¡¯s sword struck the bandit¡¯s head. Thud! Her head shattered like a soft apple. That was the end of it. He killed them all. After killing them, Ragna calmly shook the blood off his sword and turned his head. Naturally, his gaze was directed at Encrid. ¡®Did you watch well?¡¯ It was a silent question that could be felt without words. Encrid nodded. The precision, the meaning of swordsmanship, the power that form gives. A signpost to the path ahead. Encrid was pleased with that. Most importantly, it wasn¡¯t the end for Ragna. ¡°Why did you finish first!¡± Why that was something to be angry about was unclear, but Rem suddenly burst out in anger, swinging his axe. After several powerful strikes, forcing the opponent into complete defense, another bandit rolled his eyes. There was definitely a scheme. Rem abandoned his brute force approach and began to swing his axe slowly, in a formal manner. ¡®Step, gesture, stance.¡¯ Then, the falling axe blade. It wasn¡¯t meant to take the opponent¡¯s life. Encrid noticed, but the bandits didn¡¯t. The bandit with the trident raised his spear to block the axe. Meanwhile, another bandit spun to the side and opened his mouth. ¡°Pffft!¡± It was poisoned sand. He had kept it in his mouth and now spat it out. It must have been a secret weapon, but Rem was already prepared and stepped back. ¡°Damn it.¡± The bandit with blue lips muttered in despair. Rem chuckled. ¡°You¡¯re too obvious, bastard.¡± Then the axe blade danced, slashing the bandit¡¯s neck. One of them suddenly stabbed his comrade in the neck. ¡°Spare me! I¡¯ll tell you everything!¡± A desperate final attempt. ¡°Really? Good, you¡¯ll endure everything?¡± Didn¡¯t he say he would tell everything? Rem¡¯s ears were different from others. He especially heard what he wanted to hear. ¡°Huh? Yes?¡± ¡°Where should I start? From your hand? Or your foot?¡± ¡°¡­What?¡± ¡°I¡¯ll chop you up. Bit by bit.¡± Rem showed the distance with his thumb and index finger while holding the axe. ¡°¡­What?¡± The bandit didn¡¯t understand. Rem, still smiling, swung his axe. Thud, thud. The head flew off, and the body collapsed. ¡°Just kidding. I don¡¯t have such a bad hobby.¡± It seemed like he might, though. Encrid thought so as he watched Rem, who turned and spoke. ¡°Did you watch well?¡± That one question revealed everything. Ragna and Rem were fighting slowly to show off to their Commander. ¡®These two.¡¯ How much would they reveal if they showed everything? Just when he think he¡¯ve caught up, they seem to move ahead. When he knew nothing, he thought they were just elite soldiers. When he reached the level of an elite soldier, he realized they had skills beyond soldier rankings. As he stepped toward his dreams with special-level skills. ¡®Able to kill a Semi-Knight.¡¯ In other words, they had at least the power of a Semi-Knight. Rem said he couldn¡¯t kill everyone all the time. Encrid doesn¡¯t know. When Rem said that, it seemed like he could definitely kill if he had other means. He didn¡¯t even consider defeat. It wasn¡¯t arrogance or pride but a realistic assessment, a subtly revealed attitude. Ragna was the same. Audin and Jaxon were similar too. The four of them were monsters. Encrid marveled at his own luck. ¡®Four monsters.¡¯ Four teachers. Four times to learn from. Isn¡¯t it truly the best? ¡°Hmmm.¡± While Encrid marveled inwardly, nodding his head, Dunbachel, who had watched the entire fight, stood with her mouth open. Drip. Saliva dripped to the floor. She was so shocked she didn¡¯t realize her mouth was open. ¡®The Black Blade Ten.¡¯ A group of ten who handle most tasks, the highest force excluding the branch leader. Their opponents were those people. Moreover, the guy with the spear had transitioned from being a mercenary and had made quite a name for himself as a mercenary. He boasted that he could take on anyone below a Semi-Knight, and he had survived a dispute with a real Knight¡¯s Squire, earning his reputation. ¡®They toyed with them.¡¯ Dunbachel had eyes too. She could see Ragna¡¯s skill. It was clear his swordsmanship was extraordinary. No, it was at a level of toying with them. Dunbachel realized that she couldn¡¯t measure their skills by her standards. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Seeing Dunbachel in shock, Rem said. ¡°Close your mouth. It smells.¡± Only then did Dunbachel close her mouth. Encrid approached the female bandit, who had holes in her thigh and forearm. The female bandit, wriggling like a worm under the tree, spoke. ¡°I, I can be useful. If you spare me, I can¡­ really.¡± What was that hulking thing saying? Did the word ¡®female bandit¡¯ conjure up images of a pretty woman? If so, there was something wrong with his head. This woman was bandit-like. She had a missing black front tooth, skin that was rough to the point of being menacing, and eyes that reeked of bloodlust. She smelled sour, as if she hadn¡¯t washed in days, with a faint stench of urine mixed in. The woman, who had wet herself, looked at Encrid. What to make of it? Should he see life in her eyes? Or find something of survival? Not long ago, after seeing Dunbachel¡¯s eyes, he spared her. Encrid didn¡¯t regret or dwell on his choice back then. It wasn¡¯t about right or wrong, he had acted on his feelings. Dunbachel¡¯s eyes had not shown any sign of malice. But now? Thud. He stabbed the woman bandit in the neck with his sword. Asking for mercy was no different from asking for treatment. Her injuries were severe enough that she needed immediate care to survive. The spots where the daggers had struck were critical. Both her thigh and forearm. He had thrown the daggers to restrict her movements, slicing the muscles necessary for motion. In short, asking for mercy here was akin to saying, ¡°Please call a high priest immediately¡± or ¡°Take me and treat me with care¡±. The opponent was a bandit. Even if the name ¡®Black Blade¡¯ sounded impressive, what kind of significant group were they part of? Unlikely. Far from it. This bandit¡¯s original gang name was something like Red Blade or Bloody Blade. Over time, as they caused more trouble and their blood turned black, they became known as Black Blade. A main force bandit from such a group would be a scumbag, regardless of gender. Of course, some intuition was involved, but it was a world where killing was commonplace. A world filled with battles, monsters, and bandits. Especially those here could be called experts in slaughter. There¡¯s even a derogatory term for real Knights as slaughter machines, and Encrid, who was approaching that level, didn¡¯t feel the need to ignore such a term. Encrid retrieved his sword. There was no lingering resentment. No, he shook it off and turned away. ¡°So, this is the end?¡± Rem asked. He seemed less fierce than before, as if he had loosened up a bit. Encrid wondered why Rem had been so aggressive lately, but instead of asking that, he said what he needed to say. ¡°Their base is probably in chaos.¡± ¡°What else is happening?¡± Rem tilted his head while Ragna asked. Encrid wasn¡¯t a fool. He had already sensed the tension before Krais explained it. Why wouldn¡¯t he? Even before leaving the camp, there was a sense of unrest. Some oblivious people might have missed it, but even someone like Vengeance had subtly noticed it. ¡°Has something been going on lately? Doesn¡¯t the atmosphere seem strange to you?¡± They had asked. Encrid had felt it too and understood the source of that feeling. ¡®They¡¯re not coming.¡¯ Among those who occasionally requested sparring sessions, one platoon had suddenly gone missing. The Border Guard Unit. Despite the name ¡®guard unit¡¯, they were a military force deployed for special operations. The commander of the Border Guard Unit held the rank of Company Commander publicly. In reality, he was the most senior officer next to Battalion Commander Marcus. ¡®So, it¡¯s obvious who would mobilize them.¡¯ Here, Krais¡¯s careful deductions came into play. ¡°Bold move, this Marcus fellow.¡± Setting aside the issue of when the Battalion Commander became a ¡®fellow¡¯, ¡°I think he plans to eliminate the Black Blade first. Diverting attention elsewhere.¡± As he spoke, Krais¡¯s eyes turned to Encrid. It was clear who would serve as the decoy to attract attention. ¡°Attacking from behind. Incredible. He¡¯s quite the strategist, isn¡¯t he?¡± Krais¡¯s ability to notice this was remarkable. Thus, it was concluded that there would be more severe actions at the Black Blade headquarters. Encrid¡¯s intuition and Krais¡¯s predictions were accurate. * * * ¡°Do you think you can survive in this land after antagonizing the Black Blade?¡± The branch leader responsible for this area spoke as he coughed up blood. Bright red blood dribbled down his mouth. It felt like his insides were burning, both physically and emotionally. His internal organs were damaged. ¡°Who cares.¡± The Border Guard Commander casually played with a knife in his hand. The knife spun in his hand, reflecting the torchlight. It was a sharp, intimidating knife. The Border Guard Commander thought the branch leader might have some hidden tricks. So there was no need to get closer. ¡°Damn Kingdom lackeys.¡± The branch leader¡¯s words were filled with resentment. He must have had his reasons, but it was irrelevant. The commander¡¯s knife sliced through the air. Thud! The thrown knife landed squarely between the branch leader¡¯s eyebrows. His body fell backward with a thump. ¡°Gather everything and burn it.¡± This happened while Encrid was heading towards the ambush site, engaging in a fierce battle. The Border Guard Commander led his unit under the cover of darkness. The Border Guard Unit excelled in such operations. While the Black Blade¡¯s attention was focused on Encrid and the half-wit noble, Vancento or whatever his name was,they closed the distance and advanced straight towards the Black Blade headquarters. The headquarters was situated on a mountain slope. They had to deal with monsters too, so their defenses were quite strong. ¡®If your forces are weak, there¡¯s a limit to what defensive structures can do.¡¯ Moreover, their main forces were absent. The so-called Black Blade Ten were nowhere to be seen. ¡°The ones who escaped?¡± ¡°They know the terrain too well. We lost them.¡± ¡®That¡¯s not good.¡¯ As the Border Guard Commander climbed the mountain path of the Black Blade¡¯s hideout and searched the cave where they had stored their treasures, more than twenty bandits escaped. One of the bandits in the front seemed quite skilled, but he fled without hesitation. ¡®If it¡¯s under the leader¡¯s orders¡­¡¯ This suggested that the Black Blade bandit group was not just any ordinary bandit gang. In any case, those who escaped were gone. But the commander focused on the accomplishments rather than dwelling on what couldn¡¯t be captured. ¡°We won.¡± Marcus¡¯s plan had worked brilliantly. * * * One of the escaping members of the Black Blade was dispatched from the headquarters. ¡®It¡¯s a raid. This branch is done for.¡¯ The fleeing bandit pondered. What was the best way to escape from here? ¡®The Black Blade Ten.¡¯ The system established at the headquarters was replicated in the branch. They said that ten of them had set out from this branch for an ambush. The branch leader, not wanting to mess up this mission, had deployed more forces than necessary. This left the headquarters vulnerable and easily raided. The escaping bandit, leaving the burning hideout behind, ran straight toward the ambush site. About twenty bandits followed him. The plan was to join forces with the Black Blade Ten and then escape to the main unit. Huff, huff, puff, puff! With fearful, labored breaths, they pushed through the shortcut, a rugged mountain path. A cleverly concealed forest path served as their escape route. After navigating the difficult terrain, they arrived at the ambush site. ¡°This will be useful.¡± There were people rummaging through the belongings of the dead bodies. Among them were a man with black hair, one with gray hair, and a blonde. ¡®Dunbachel?¡¯ He recognized a woman among them. She was a beastkin he had hired as a mercenary. The first to notice him emerging from the bushes was the man with gray hair. ¡°Captain, we¡¯ve got a present.¡± The man who noticed him smiled broadly as he spoke. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com] Chapter 200 Encrid also lifted his head, recognizing the enemy in that brief moment.¡°Kill them all!¡± The guy shouted presumed to be the leader of the gift-wrapped package. He had slanted eyes. As soon as Encrid heard the shout to kill them all, he was annoyed by the guy who immediately ran away and chased after him. ¡°Take care of the rest yourselves.¡± He spat out the words and then dashed off. When activating the Heart of Great Strength, he could imitate the dash shown by the junior Knight. As he saw earlier, if he added precision to it, he could run longer and faster. He translated his thoughts into actions with his body. The process was different from before. At first, it was clumsy, but soon it became natural. He couldn¡¯t say he was used to it, but it wasn¡¯t entirely awkward either. Encrid chased the fleeing guy. Naturally, catching up to him was an easy task. The guy was running through bushes, trees, and thorny underbrush with his body. When the guy was caught, he resisted. He was exceptionally skilled with an arming sword. It was a technique-focused swordsmanship. If you had to classify it, it belonged to the same category as Correct Sword Technique for Quick Recovery. ¡®It¡¯s not as good as the Valen Mercenary Sword Technique.¡¯ He mixed in various tricks, aiming for a thrust as the finishing move. In that case, dual-wielding would be better. In terms of skill, he felt that Dunbachel, a beastgirl, was superior. That didn¡¯t mean his skill was inferior. Dunbachel¡¯s style was crude, lacking in form and meaning, relying on clever tricks and brute strength. In contrast, his opponent showed no hesitation in his sword swings, as if he had not neglected his training. But that didn¡¯t mean he could match Encrid. Ting, crack, snap! Before the incoming sword could perform any tricks, he approached and swung his sword to strike. Having seen the technique before, there was no need to see it again. The sword, swung diagonally from below, caught the guy¡¯s blade and opened up his chest. Immediately, he rammed his shoulder into the guy¡¯s solar plexus, causing a wheezing sound from his mouth. Even in that moment, the guy¡¯s eyes gleamed. He grasped a knife at his waist. Encrid, ramming his shoulder, thrust his guard sword into the guy¡¯s chin. Several movements in one breath, imitating the technique shown by Ragna. As soon as he stopped, the guy groaned and exhaled. With his hand on the knife, his left arm was awkwardly bent behind him. ¡°Who are you?¡± When there was no answer, Encrid slid his blade closer to his neck, causing blood to bead up beneath the throat. Not feeling the need to hold back, he pretended to make a mistake and pushed the blade further in, causing blood to stream down. ¡°From, from the main unit of the Black Blade Bandits!¡± The guy quickly said. ¡°The main unit? For what reason?¡± ¡°Patrol!¡± A lie, his sixth sense told him. Encrid neither squinted nor glared at him. ¡°Just in case, do you have any intention of telling the truth?¡± ¡°¡­What?¡± Of course not. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Encrid slashed the guard sword with a sharp motion. A new mouth appeared below his throat, ensuring his opponent¡¯s death. There was no time or need for interrogation. Even if there was, there wouldn¡¯t be much useful information. The situation was already clear, what did the main unit of the Black Blade Bandits matter? Avoiding the spurt of blood, he pushed the guy aside and turned back. After killing him and returning, the situation became clear. They fought and won. After the victory, it was natural for bodies to be strewn around. Corpses were scattered everywhere. Three survived, and they were set aside. Encrid proceeded to thoroughly search the bodies of the dead bandits. Rem and Ragna did the same. If there was anything to salvage, it would be a waste to leave it here. They collected wrist-mounted devices for shooting arrows, poison sand, half-eaten bread, a few silver coins, a few copper coins, and small knives. The weapons in the bandits¡¯ hands could all become Krona. However, carrying all this would be too much. Stuffing it all into one backpack would make the journey back grueling due to the weight. Not everything would fit, anyway. ¡°You carry it.¡± ¡°Do you want to die?¡± Encrid could hear Ragna and Rem arguing as they assessed the situation. ¡°Enough.¡± He stopped them and looked at the three bandits they had spared on purpose. He casually asked one of them, ¡°So, the main unit is all wiped out?¡± Of the three bandits, one was crying, completely clueless. The other two had shifty eyes, showing their quick-wittedness. Three mouths, plenty to get answers from. ¡°Yes, sir. It¡¯s all over. We saw it burning from behind. It looked like they set it on fire.¡± He was sweating profusely as he spoke. With the weather being moderately humid and rain likely to come today or tomorrow. ¡®It probably won¡¯t spread into a big fire.¡¯ Although he didn¡¯t expect such a full-scale attack, he knew who was behind it. It was the Border Guard Unit. They wouldn¡¯t mess things up by recklessly using fire. ¡°And you guys?¡± ¡°Someone from the main unit said that it¡¯s over, that some should survive to relay the message¡­.¡± He trailed off. It sounded like they fled without a fight. Their weapons weren¡¯t even bloodstained, and they were drenched in sweat, making it obvious. To add another guess, these were probably all the survivors. Any others who fled into the forest would likely become a monster¡¯s meal. ¡°You made it here quite well?¡± ¡°There¡¯s a shortcut!¡± The two quick-witted bandits replied in unison without even taking a breath. The Black Blade Bandits are the ones who nest in the mountains, enduring monster attacks. If they go to the wilderness, they become horse thieves, and if they go to the sea, they become pirates. But the sea has more infamous groups. In the vast plains of the east, no amateur bandit group could survive. In reality, the Black Blade Bandits were the largest bandit group inland. Having lived here for a long time, they must know the paths well. ¡°I know the way very well!¡± Seeing Encrid¡¯s interest in the path, another bandit quickly spoke up. ¡°That beastwoman knows nothing! She still thinks she¡¯s a mercenary, the foolish woman¡­.¡± Ignoring the unnecessary chatter. ¡°Let¡¯s go to the city and talk.¡± These bandits would be handed over to the city. Then, they¡¯d either be executed or imprisoned and beaten. ¡°Ah.¡± One bandit let out a short groan. It was a lament, knowing that if they were taken away, their end would be anything but humorous. ¡°Please, I beg you.¡± Feeling the desperation in the bandit¡¯s plea, Encrid decided to show some mercy. ¡°Should I end it for you here?¡± The bandit¡¯s eyes darted wildly. ¡°No, please.¡± Afterwards, they continued rummaging through the belongings. Since there were no extra backpacks, they tore pieces from the dead men¡¯s clothes to bundle everything together with the weapons they had gathered. Next came the time for digging. ¡°You dig too.¡± Meanwhile, Ragna cut the cord binding Dunbachel¡¯s wrists. The agreement was to release her once the task was done. Encrid didn¡¯t pay much attention to the beastwoman. As the remaining three bandits dug holes and buried the bodies, the sun set. Should they camp? No, it didn¡¯t seem necessary. ¡°Let¡¯s march through the night.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s do that.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± With the agreement of Rem and Ragna, they began their journey back. They loaded the loot onto a cart they found along the way. Without a horse, the three criminals had to pull it themselves. It wasn¡¯t a cart anymore, it was practically a human-drawn cart. Rumble, rumble. The three criminals panted as they pulled the cart along the rough road at night. Dunbachel pushed from behind. Encrid thought it was about time to let the beastwoman go. She didn¡¯t have the same sinister feel as the other bandits. Her pure desire for life was honestly quite impressive. But it didn¡¯t change anything. He planned to release her as agreed. That was all. He didn¡¯t concern himself further with the beastwoman named Dunbachel. More pressing was his need to report back to Marcus. The journey back to the city took twice as long as the trip out. They had lost their horse and gained extra baggage. When they reached the city gate. ¡°Who goes there!¡± A soldier on the gallery shouted. Along with the shout, three archers aimed their arrows. They were much more on edge than usual. ¡°Encrid, Company Commander of the Independent Company.¡± As he identified himself, torches flickered above, followed by voices. ¡°Is that you?¡± It was Vengeance¡¯s voice. Soon, the side gate opened, and they began unloading the cart as it couldn¡¯t pass through. Vengeance descended. ¡°What¡¯s all this? Where did you rob? Did you become a bandit?¡± ¡°We didn¡¯t rob, we just fought back against robbers.¡± The victor takes the spoils. It was common sense. Although the amount seemed a bit much, it wasn¡¯t incorrect. Vengeance tilted his head at Encrid¡¯s explanation. There was no time to detail everything that had happened. ¡°Why are you so on edge?¡± Encrid asked. It had only been a full day since he left the city. With dawn approaching, it had been just about a day, yet there was a strange tension in the air. ¡°You¡¯re going straight to the Battalion Commander, right? You¡¯ll get the details inside.¡± Vengeance didn¡¯t offer much explanation. Encrid hadn¡¯t given any, so Vengeance didn¡¯t either. ¡°Petty bastard.¡± Encrid chuckled as he spoke and then walked inside. After he entered, Rem and Ragna followed closely behind. As they went in, Rem handed over the three bandits. ¡°Take care of them.¡± ¡°Who are they?¡± ¡°Black Blade Bandits.¡± Why is that name coming up here? While Vengeance blinked in surprise, the white-haired beastwoman followed closely behind Rem and Ragna. Is it okay to leave her alone? Since there were no objections, it seemed fine. After parting ways with Encrid and his group, Vengeance cautiously and seriously asked his subordinate. ¡°Am I petty?¡± The subordinate swallowed hard. Honesty was a virtue, but sometimes a white lie could be an even greater virtue. ¡°No, sir. You¡¯re, uh, not petty at all.¡± Still, he couldn¡¯t bring himself to say he was generous. That was his last shred of conscience. From the start, it was obvious he was petty and narrow-minded, given how he envied Company Commander Encrid for being unpopular with women. ¡°Right? I¡¯m not that petty, am I?¡± The subordinate nodded. It was a wise response. * * * Standing before the Battalion Commander, Encrid voiced the question in his heart. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me?¡± Even if he had known, it wouldn¡¯t have made a big difference. In fact, he might have responded more proactively. Marcus opened his eyes wide. It was as if he couldn¡¯t believe Encrid didn¡¯t know. Then he spoke. ¡°Company Commander Encrid, you can¡¯t act.¡± Had Marcus been watching Encrid¡¯s performances? No, it wasn¡¯t that. It was just his usual way of speaking and demeanor, and as soon as Encrid heard it, he subconsciously acknowledged it. ¡®If you want to deceive, start with your own men.¡¯ That was a basic strategy. ¡°What if I was in danger?¡± ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you to take Rem and Ragna?¡± A brief silence ensued. Right, it wasn¡¯t that dangerous after all. ¡°Why is the city atmosphere like this?¡± Encrid smoothly changed the subject, and the response came from the Fairy Company Commander who had quietly taken a seat. ¡°There have been two scouting parties, four attempts by what seemed like spies to climb over the walls, and three attempts to pass through the gates in disguise.¡± It wasn¡¯t all in one day. It was a summary of recent events. ¡°Who?¡± ¡°Do you need me to spell it out?¡± At the Fairy Company Commander¡¯s retort, Encrid stopped playing dumb and answered. ¡°Martai.¡± Marcus responded to the answer. ¡°Yes, Martai has declared war.¡± Was it impeccable timing? No, it was probably a preemptive strike before the awaited moment was lost. In just one full day, the city faced a major incident. Another war. This time, it wasn¡¯t with another country but a war between cities. A battle between Martai and the Border Guard. Even if the central authority had the capacity to send reinforcements, they couldn¡¯t. The pretext would be whatever they made it, and Martai probably didn¡¯t just have fools, they likely already crafted a convincing justification. ¡°The Border Guard sent forged documents claiming that the area has belonged to Martai since the previous generation.¡± Marcus spoke with a smile. It was a smile mixed with irritation at the absurdity of the opponent¡¯s justification. ¡°So, we sent the same thing back to them.¡± The Fairy Company Commander said they had repaid in kind. They had forged documents claiming that Martai also belonged to their side. It could be aptly named a war of forged documents. As Encrid considered this clever response and why they were sharing such detailed information with him, ¡°I look forward to seeing you on the battlefield.¡± Marcus said. The expectation in his eyes was, how should one put it, it felt like looking at some kind of idol, and Encrid didn¡¯t find that feeling particularly unpleasant. ¡°Let¡¯s have some fun.¡± The Fairy Company Commander added, making her usual Fairy-like joke. ¡°Shall we call it the honeymoon war?¡± ¡°Are you getting married again, Battalion Commander?¡± Encrid retorted in a human-like manner, and Marcus laughed heartily. A man with the nickname ¡®War Maniac¡¯ who hid a schemer behind it. He seemed to have no fear of the upcoming war. It meant he had something he believed in. Encrid was a bit curious about what that was. After finishing the report on all that had happened, he was about to enter the barracks. ¡°Aren¡¯t you going?¡± Dunbachel had been following closely and then stopped. Standing idly in front of the barracks, had no one stopped her? With war imminent, discipline was in shambles. Thinking that, Encrid looked at Dunbachel. Dunbachel, with determination, opened her mouth. Her voice was a low, husky tone typical of beastmen, but it was undeniably feminine. ¡°I have something to say.¡± [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com] Chapter 201 ¡°Um, I want to be beneath you.¡±On a summer evening with a breeze blowing, a white-haired beastwoman spoke in front of the lodging. ¡°Beneath?¡± In response to the question, Dunbachel carefully chose her words. At this point, what did it matter anyway? ¡°A slave or a servant is fine. As long as I can be beneath you, I¡¯ll do anything.¡± If Frog was blinded by personal achievement or desire, the beastwoman¡¯s eyes were fixated on the two words ¡®reproduction¡¯. So, her words could easily be misunderstood. ¡°The continent is vast.¡± Encrid tried to subtly suggest that he wouldn¡¯t stop him if he left. ¡°As long as I can be beneath you.¡± Dunbachel knelt. Her disheveled, greasy hair and scalp were visible. A foul smell wafted up. Seeing this, Encrid first thought about washing up and getting some rest. So, what to do with her? Actually, it wasn¡¯t a tough decision. If she intended to stab them in the back. ¡®Is that even possible?¡¯ Before that, he somehow felt like Jaxon would slit her throat. That¡¯s the feeling. Just a feeling. In reality, it wouldn¡¯t have to be Jaxon, if Rem or anyone else sensed anything suspicious from Dunbachel, they would immediately beat her to death. Luckily, there didn¡¯t seem to be any malice. Her life was spared by some caprice. It meant nothing. So. ¡®If there¡¯s no malice.¡¯ Encrid thought about the fact that his platoon had ten members. A platoon usually consists of forty to fifty men, and a company is responsible for a hundred to two hundred men. ¡®But my platoon members are.¡¯ Rem, Ragna, Jaxon, Audin, Finn. Including himself, that makes six. Isn¡¯t that too many? He almost wanted to check if Marcus¡¯s conscience was intact. ¡®If they¡¯re going to make me a Company Commander, they should also replenish the personnel.¡¯ Of course, only a few would survive. Rem wouldn¡¯t leave them alone. He thought of Andrew for no reason. Finn was the only new member since Andrew. In conclusion, the company lacked personnel, and Dunbachel was more capable than a regular soldier. Her current attitude was even submissive. Submissive beastmen are rare. Amid a few complicated thoughts, one clear point emerged. ¡®Lack of personnel.¡¯ He would get the Battalion Commander¡¯s permission later, and if it was deemed too much, he could get rid of her then. ¡°Alright.¡± ¡°I swear by Krimhalt. If I¡¯m sworn outcast, that¡¯s trust¡­ Huh?¡± ¡°Come in. There are spare bunks. But wash up first.¡± To Dunbachel, this seemed like a bold decision. There was no sign of hesitation. ¡®Was he planning to take me in from the start?¡¯ Such thoughts crossed her mind. No, that wasn¡¯t it. There were several moments where she could have been killed. Moments where it would have been fine to kill her. And yet, she wasn¡¯t killed but let go. This showed that Encrid was a man who kept his word. ¡°To officially join the platoon, we¡¯ll need the commander¡¯s permission. If he refuses, there¡¯s nothing I can do.¡± ¡®It¡¯s done.¡¯ Encrid¡¯s words made Dunbachel think there was no way she would be refused. If she were the commander and had someone like this under her, she would nod even if they had ten servants. Who would refuse? ¡°Don¡¯t even think about serving me at night or anything like that. I¡¯m not interested. So, if you want to join, come in as a soldier. If you want to be beneath me, pick up a weapon and fight. If you die in battle, so be it.¡± Encrid said just that much before opening the barrack door and stepping inside. Dunbachel stood there hesitating. She wanted it, but it took courage to take actual action. Even though she had longed for it, accepting something that had come true required even more courage. Was it okay for her to step inside? ¡®Someone like me?¡¯ She had expected to be refused. That¡¯s why she hesitated. As she did, the door of the lodging swung open. ¡°Aren¡¯t you coming?¡± Beyond the open door, he saw blue eyes under black hair. That face, although it was a man¡¯s, was beautiful. The moonlight flowed from those strong blue eyes, striking and scattering across his cheeks. In front of the utterly unromantic military barracks, Dunbachel felt like she might cry. Why? She had no idea. It was just that no one had ever welcomed her before. He was the first person to invite her in without ulterior motives. ¡°I¡¯m coming.¡± Her voice trembled. Dunbachel stepped inside. They say life brings opportunities and sometimes a trigger. Dunbachel thought meeting this man was such a thing. Even if others rejected her. She would endure. Even if everyone ostracized and cursed her. She would bear it. ¡°I¡¯m really curious about something.¡± Once inside, she saw a woman with orange hair. She was talking to Encrid, speaking quickly. ¡°You actually like being called the Enchantment, don¡¯t you? That¡¯s why you bring a girl every time you go out, right?¡± Kyaak! A panther hissed right beside her. Flinch! Dunbachel flinched at the sound, and Rem, who was beside her, spoke. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, that panther rarely bites. Ah, it only bites that Big Eyes brat. So if you don¡¯t provoke it, it won¡¯t bite.¡± Why was there a panther in the barracks? Dunbachel wondered but then stopped thinking about it. The atmosphere was not as hostile as she had expected. ¡°Stop talking nonsense and get her cleaned up. She stinks.¡± Encrid said as he turned and began to organize his belongings. He seemed to be preparing to wash up, gathering thin linen clothes. Meanwhile, the woman with the orange hair approached. ¡°You don¡¯t have any clean clothes, do you? Should I ask for some? If I mention the captain¡¯s name, will they give me some?¡± ¡°Would they give them just because of that?¡± ¡°Of course they would!¡± Finn said cheerfully and took the lead. It seemed like a bright night, illuminated by moonlight. Taking Dunbachel outside, Finn asked. ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡± ¡°Dunbachel.¡± ¡°I¡¯m Finn.¡± She extended her hand for a handshake. In ancient times, a handshake was a process to prove there were no weapons in each other¡¯s hands and that they meant no harm. In modern times, it¡¯s also an expression of becoming good friends. As she grabbed Finn¡¯s hand, Finn smiled and said. ¡°So, how long has it been since you last washed?¡± ¡°Um, half a year?¡± Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Beastmen do not enjoy bathing. ¡°Let¡¯s walk a bit farther apart.¡± Following Finn¡¯s guidance, Dunbachel entered the bathroom and, without complaint, submerged herself in the bath. She watched the water turn black, and heard Finn outside mentioning that she was leaving clothes for her. Dunbachel scrubbed her body thoroughly with soap. It seemed Encrid disliked bad smells. After bathing and changing clothes, she returned to the barracks. Finding her way back wasn¡¯t difficult. Perhaps because she had bathed for the first time in a long while, her body felt light. ¡°¡­Is that really what you look like?¡± As she entered the barracks, Encrid asked. ¡°Why? Have I changed?¡± Dunbachel glanced downward out of habit. Her chest protruded, causing her shirt to bulge, and her pants were loose. Do the clothes make her look different? ¡°Never mind. Your spot is over there. Go to sleep. And make sure to wear some underwear.¡± Does it really matter? Dunbachel thought, but nodded nonetheless. Encrid casually waved his hand and pointed to a spot. That was her place. And thus, Dunbachel became an independent member of the independent company. No one mentioned that the beastwoman was once an enemy or a member of the Black Blade Bandits. Or even if they did, they neither doubted nor ostracized him. Why? She herself didn¡¯t know. * * * The atmosphere within the platoon was as cold as ever, but Encrid remained the same. Get up, train, and watch Finn get hit after practicing the Isolation Technique. ¡°Ail Caraz Style martial arts is only this much, sister?¡± The mouth of hell, Audin, was the same as always. A vein bulged on Finn¡¯s forehead. After sweating profusely in the morning, they gulped down water to fill their stomachs, and spread butter and orange marmalade on soft bread. ¡°Where did you get this?¡± Encrid asked, biting into the bread. The marmalade was delicious. Sweet and tangy. Krais, chewing next to him, swallowed the bread and spoke. ¡°It¡¯s a new shop across from the spiced jerky store. Run by a 26-year-old woman with dull brown hair and lots of freckles. Her name is Jurie, she doesn¡¯t have a boyfriend, and her ideal type is somewhere between Captain Encrid and Ragna. She really dislikes guys like me.¡± Why does he know so much detail? ¡°I know all the key people in the city. That¡¯s the job of the Gilpin Guild.¡± Is that right? But is someone who makes good marmalade really a key person? ¡°Of course. You¡¯ve tasted it, so you know.¡± Fair point. As they continued their meal, Krais started chattering again. ¡°Similar things will keep happening.¡± ¡°Similar things?¡± ¡°They won¡¯t leave the Border Guard alone.¡± Encrid paused mid-rise and looked at Krais. His large eyes briefly glanced at Dunbachel. Dunbachel sat there staring blankly into space. She needed to be given something to do. Turning his attention back to Krais, he continued speaking. ¡°By blocking Aspen, the Kingdom has expanded its territory. Thanks to that, the military city Border Guard is becoming a central trade city in northern Naurillia, with a permanent military presence. This transformation is currently underway.¡± Recently, the frequency of visits from merchant caravans had increased, and new goods were constantly arriving. The population of the city was also growing. ¡°Jurie said that marmalade needs to be made in large batches, but it¡¯s hard to store if it doesn¡¯t sell quickly. Fortunately, with more people coming and going, it sells well.¡± That¡¯s why the marmalade shop opened. Commercial viability is determined by population and the number of people passing through. This was common knowledge Krais often shared when he was bored. ¡°So, how will the surrounding areas view the Border Guard?¡± ¡°Like well-cooked barbecue or ripe tomatoes.¡± If you have a knife in hand and are ready to eat. Just a simple slice will do. That¡¯s the position of the Border Guard. It looks like a juicy barbecue, tempting enough to make one want to plunge in a knife, even if it¡¯s a bit tough. How would the hungry see it? They¡¯d want to carve it up immediately. When the pioneer village Encrid saved grows and the trade routes expand, things might get better, but for now¡­ ¡®The center of northern trade.¡¯ According to Krais, that¡¯s the position of the Border Guard. ¡°That¡¯s why the packs of lycans are unending around us.¡± ¡°When did you start expecting this?¡± ¡°Well, I¡¯ve felt uneasy ever since we pushed back Aspen.¡± Since then¡­ even Marcus knew? As soon as he returned, he was being nonchalant about loving the city and all. The Battalion Commander knew of the city¡¯s crisis. So he must know how to avoid it too. It was soon time for the meeting. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s protect the spiced jerky and marmalade, Commander.¡± Krais said from behind. It didn¡¯t sound crazy. Those two foods were quite precious to Encrid too. The Battalion Commander¡¯s office had already become a conference room. A map was spread out on the large table, with chess-like pieces scattered all over it. ¡°Do we know the enemy¡¯s numbers?¡± ¡°We¡¯re sending out scouting parties every hour. As of now, it¡¯s estimated to be more than two infantry battalions.¡± ¡°That¡¯s a lot.¡± Marcus said with a wry smile. He didn¡¯t look scared. He certainly had something he was confident about. But is it okay to mention this now? All the Company Commanders were gathered here. Encrid quietly stood next to Marcus. ¡°Do you have something to say?¡± ¡°I have fewer than ten members in my Company.¡± So what? His eyes said. He was a Battalion Commander without a conscience. Shouldn¡¯t a company be filled with members to be considered a company? ¡°Can I add one person? The beastwoman we captured previously.¡± She was formerly a member of the Black Blade Bandits. Having just cut the throat of a suspected spy bandit, now he was proposing to incorporate another bandit into his ranks. Come to think of it, he also needed to report about the noble bandit whose head he had just lopped off. ¡°Go ahead.¡± ¡®Is that it?¡¯ Is it just over like this? ¡°For the details and organization, talk to the Supply Officer.¡± That really was the end of it. He turned his head as if there was no need for further discussion. Worried that other Company Commanders might object, Encrid looked around, but no one seemed to care. Only the Fairy Company Commander mouthed the words. ¡®Did you seduce another woman?¡¯ It was a Fairy-style joke. He ignored it. He watched the meeting for a while. They discussed the enemy¡¯s formation, where the battle would take place, their numbers, and the opponent¡¯s key units. ¡°Martai might use cavalry, but we don¡¯t have any cavalry.¡± If you added up all the horses in the Border Guard stables, there wouldn¡¯t be more than about fifty. A few were prepared for urgent messengers. But a cavalry unit was a different story. Most of the horses, except for a few, were packhorses. There¡¯s a saying that an untrained unit is like a knife to the heart. So, it was possible they would have to face mounted soldiers without any cavalry of their own. ¡°The Border Guard Commander has just returned.¡± In the midst of the military meeting, the Border Guard Commander returned. The ongoing discussion was entirely expected. They had attacked the main force of the Black Blade Bandits. There was one unexpected piece of news mixed in. The commander suddenly said: ¡°Well done. I heard that part of the Black Blade Bandits attacked Baron Vancento in advance. The Vancento fled suddenly, causing the protection target to be lost. While losing the target isn¡¯t an official achievement, you did well to slaughter some of the Black Blade guerrilla forces and come back alive.¡± It was theatrical. Marcus slammed his desk with a bang. Several pins, used to mark positions on the map, toppled over and rolled across the table. ¡°How dare they kill a noble! Those Black Blade bastards!¡± Marcus showed excellent acting skills. ¡°So we immediately retaliated. If we hadn¡¯t followed them, who knows what would have happened.¡± The Border Guards Commander seemed a bit awkward. Encrid watched without smiling. At the end of it all, ¡°Some of the troops attempted to flee, and we lost them. Please punish them.¡± ¡°Ah, that¡¯s fine. They¡¯ve been caught.¡± Marcus continued the real story after the theatrics, pointing to Encrid. ¡°He happened to catch them on the way.¡± That had happened. A gift package had arrived. Some fool from the fleeing main force of the Black Blade Bandits had been caught. ¡°Really?¡± There was unprecedented goodwill in the Border Guard Commander¡¯s eyes. Though he said losing the protection target wasn¡¯t an achievement, the look in the eyes of both the Battalion Commander and the Border Guard Commander made it clear. ¡®It¡¯s a definite achievement.¡¯ An achievement recognized by the influential Battalion Commander and the current power of the Border Guard. Several nobles¡¯ faces turned pale. They were quick to catch on. ¡°Let¡¯s all have a moment of silence for Baron Vancento.¡± The Battalion Commander spoke. He wanted the man named Vancento to die as a noble, not as a bandit spy. He commemorated him as a member of the Kingdom till the end. That was good for everyone. So, let¡¯s handle this well? This silent moment of respect was like sending a message to the remaining nobles. The perceptive nobles would understand this well. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s get back to the meeting.¡± The exhausted Border Guard Commander, still covered in dust on his shoulders, became one of the people surrounding the table. The meeting resumed. Marcus¡¯s plan was full of holes. Though one might think he had something to rely on, it seemed there were nothing but flaws. ¡®What is he really relying on?¡¯ It was a question that suddenly arose. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com] Chapter 202 ¡°Kill them all!¡±The one shouting like a roaring tiger was the Company Commander of the 1st Company. I heard that a comrade who had been with us since the time we joined the army died in the Martai Rebellion. ¡°Indeed.¡± The Battalion Commander replied and then instructed the troops to form an extremely defensive formation. Our forces comprised six companies of infantry. Originally, it was one battalion, but two companies were sent as reinforcements from the battalion stationed in the Green Pearl Plains. That was quite a strain on them as well. If all the troops were withdrawn from the Green Pearl, there was no telling what Aspen might do. ¡°If they come through the south gate, we can defend, but we cannot avoid a decisive battle on the plains.¡± The Company Commander of the 2nd Company said. ¡°How many cavalry do we have?¡± ¡°Fifty horsemen.¡± Fifty horsemen¡ªit didn¡¯t sound like a small number to Encrid. Warhorses are costly to raise and maintain, consuming gold like it¡¯s nothing. You have to outfit them in metal armor, and the cavalry riding them also requires separate training. As much as you pour into them, cavalry on the plains is a formidable force. Even with just fifty horsemen charging with lances, they could trample hundreds of infantry. The total strength of the six companies was roughly twelve hundred men. ¡®Fifty horsemen are a significant factor.¡¯ Encrid assessed. Despite this, Marcus remained calm. ¡°They managed to raise that many troops through the backdoor.¡± He was not just calm but even impressed. ¡°The number of archers is also not small.¡± This was also unsettling news. To Encrid, it meant that the enemy¡¯s preparations were thorough. ¡°Urgent news!¡± The scout who burst in was the final touch. A scout who had barely survived after venturing deep into enemy territory entered the conference room, blood dripping from his left arm. The soldier, suppressing his pain, spoke. ¡°Troops with concealed insignias have joined the enemy.¡± The original forces of Martai were not small. One battalion of infantry and a portion of cavalry. They also had archers with the strength of a company. Compared to the Border Guard, their quality might be slightly lower, but the numerical difference was clear. Even so, the Border Guard had won several times in battles against Martai, securing victories. ¡°This is not good.¡± The one who spoke now was from the elite unit made up entirely of top soldiers, the Border Guard Unit. Their prowess was undeniably exceptional. However, the thought naturally came to mind whether they could be as effective this time. There had been a string of discouraging news even before the start. ¡°Independent Company Commander.¡± Marcus, having organized the situation, finally spoke. Encrid realized a bit late that he was being addressed. ¡°¡­Yes?¡± ¡°Do you know the authority of the Independent Company?¡± Was there such a thing? Marcus continued. ¡°The Company Commander can requisition troops from other companies if he wishes, whether it¡¯s a squad-level force or a platoon-level force.¡± ¡®Is this for real?¡¯ Encrid outwardly appeared calm but inwardly questioned Marcus¡¯s sanity. Those words implied that the Independent Company could act like a superior unit over the other companies. Literally. ¡®Hey, hand over your platoon. I¡¯ll use them and return them, oh, half-dead.¡¯ What if this happened? Who would accept such an order? Encrid saw the faces of the other Company Commanders. They were all not very gentle. These were people who lived on the brink of battle and wore the insignia of command. It wasn¡¯t a position one could occupy with a mild or soft attitude. So, no matter how much the Battalion Commander said, such opinions were¡­ ¡°More than that, we can give you whatever you need.¡± It started with the Fairy Company Commander. Well, it made sense for that Fairy. ¡°If the Border Guard Unit needs it.¡± Then the Border Guard Commander also stepped forward. Maybe he thought he owed something because of this situation. ¡°The 1st Company is one body, but even divided, it fulfills its role.¡± Why the 1st Company Commander? Wasn¡¯t he evaluated as a potential future Battalion Commander? Even though the Border Guard Commander was influential, this side also had significant influence. ¡°What, are you going to join the Madmen Platoon? I can join as a whole company.¡± Had the 2nd Company Commander always been this indecisive? Encrid thought carefully and concluded he hadn¡¯t. Wasn¡¯t he the one who used to foam at the mouth whenever someone took people from his unit, earning the nickname ¡®Foaming Palto¡¯? The 3rd Company Commander, who took over after Rayon, the original 3rd Company Commander, died, and the supporting Company Commander also had no different reactions. ¡°Well, the Independent Company can be trusted.¡± Moreover, the Company Commander from the Green Pearl reinforcements, whom Encrid was seeing for the first time, nodded and looked at Encrid with eyes full of trust, hope, and faith. ¡°Since when was there such authority?¡± Encrid spoke. He wasn¡¯t one to show emotions. His tone was calm. The Company Commander nodded vigorously and replied with a voice full of laughter. ¡°Of course, from now on!¡± ¡®Is this guy cursed or something?¡¯ Or maybe he ate something bad. Or perhaps he was suffering from the heat, it was getting quite hot. Encrid concealed his expression once again. He might not be good at acting, but he was a master at hiding his emotions. ¡°I am not someone with a vivid imagination.¡± Marcus continued. Wondering what he was talking about, Encrid stared at him. Meeting Encrid¡¯s gaze, Marcus spoke again. ¡°If you could act as you wish outside of strategy and tactics, how far could you go? Could you suppress the enemy cavalry? Or defeat every incoming enemy you encounter?¡± sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Marcus¡¯s voice began to heat up. But maybe because of the acting he¡¯d seen earlier. It was evident that there wasn¡¯t a trace of acting in his current words. It felt that way. Sincerity in his earnest tone. It reminded him of Krang¡¯s speeches he had heard before. Krang¡¯s speeches had a power that captivated the audience. There was such majesty in his gestures, voice, and attitude that created illusions. Marcus displayed fervor instead of majesty. A burning passion, something an individual possessed regardless of age, was evident. The voice of the one engulfed in this fervor reached Encrid. ¡°Starting small with scouting, advancing to strike the enemy¡¯s city, and finally achieving great feats on the battlefield to bring victory to our side. And that¡¯s not all!¡± Bang! When Marcus slammed his palm on the table, the pins fell again with a clatter. However, no one took their eyes off Marcus. Everyone was watching his mouth. They were listening to what he was saying, enveloped by the atmosphere he created. ¡°Surviving alone among a thousand knolls, proving himself, and solidifying his position as the commander of an uncontrollable force. Above all, I am amazed by the outstanding skills and abilities of the Company Commander. So, I ask, what can you do if given unlimited authority on this battlefield?¡± What does Marcus believe in? Why does the Battalion Commander not feel threatened? Why do people accept someone who was a member of the Black Blade without complaint? Why are the Company Commanders indifferent when their troops are taken? Why do they show trust, hope, and faith in their eyes? ¡®Things I have achieved.¡¯ A Knight is made of skill and merit. Encrid felt a sense of validation that what he had been doing all along was indeed correct. Pride? Such a word wouldn¡¯t suffice. A long-forgotten dream had become part of reality. At the same time, Encrid found his purpose. He had been asked a question, so he needed to answer it. Krang¡¯s speeches ended by showing his own majesty and drawing in those around him, but Marcus had asked Encrid to give an answer. ¡®Elite few.¡¯ In the current continent, the balance of the battlefield hinges on the presence of Knights or Knight-level forces. When a Knight steps onto the battlefield, if there is no Knight to oppose him, a massacre ensues. Although duels happen more often than massacres, sometimes strategies are devised to pit a Knight against a unit. Conversely, that can be a trap, using the unit¡¯s strength to kill the Knight. ¡®The enemy doesn¡¯t know me.¡¯ Nor do they know the Madmen Platoon. Marcus made sure of that. An elite unit with unpredictable force. Five members with at least Junior-Knight-level strength. Facing his changed self, Encrid spoke. ¡°I don¡¯t know. Let¡¯s do everything we can.¡± In truth, this was the first time Encrid had such authority, and it was probably the first time Marcus proposed such an outrageous strategy. Instead of a Knightly order, he created an Independent Company of fewer than ten and gave them battlefield authority. It sounded as if the fate of the battlefield rested on Encrid alone. Thinking his answer might be inadequate, Encrid was surprised to see Marcus smile with satisfaction. ¡°Then.¡± Having been given authority, he would use it. His pounding heart drove Encrid. As he headed out, a sound reached his ears. A trumpet call and the faint sound of drums echoed from beyond the city walls. The enemy was approaching. ¡°All troops, assemble!¡± Marcus shouted as he emerged from the conference room, and Encrid moved, almost running. He had a battlefield where he would fight with the core members of his unit. But, as always, gathering them was the first task. It had always been that way since they were a Troublemaker Squad. Heading towards the barracks, Encrid saw company members already armed and coming out. ¡°Deployment, right? Marcus must have given you full support to sweep away the cavalry, huh?¡± Krais, wearing a leather helmet askew, said. ¡®He predicted it.¡¯ That¡¯s what Encrid thought. ¡°No.¡± ¡°Then what? Did he ask you to bring back the enemy commander¡¯s head? That¡¯s a bit much.¡± ¡°No.¡± ¡°Hmm? He didn¡¯t ask you to do anything?¡± ¡°He asked.¡± Encrid naturally took the lead as he joined the group. While he was talking with Krais, Rem interjected. ¡°That Big Eyes said we should go fight now, is that true?¡± Yes. But did Rem usually step up without any complaints? He used to gripe that they should smash their own commanders¡¯ heads first every time they went out. Well, now, the commander with the smashable head was him. Actually, there was nothing surprising about Rem. He was always eager to step up on the battlefield. The surprising part started here. ¡°I heard Martai and some forces without insignia have arrived.¡± It was Ragna. A guy who usually showed no interest in anything knew about the enemy forces. Encrid looked up at the sky, wondering if it had split in two. The sky was perfectly clear. There were almost no clouds. ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± As he lowered his head and answered, Audin, smiling behind him, said, ¡°Brother, let¡¯s go. There are those outside waiting for us to send them to the Lord.¡± It didn¡¯t seem like something a priest would say, but those who served the War God were always like that. Jaxon just nodded silently. These were not the kind of people who moved just because Krais called them. So why did they move? Encrid realized once again that his relationship with these people had subtly changed. From just a Squad Leader who took the brunt. A Squad Leader who was fascinating to watch. A Squad Leader who didn¡¯t cause trouble. He had progressed to a Platoon Leader who knew a few things. A Platoon Leader who got a bit better when taught. And further still. ¡®If I lead them.¡¯ He was a person and a commander who was recognized. His heart pounded. As much as when he longed for his dream. ¡°So what did he ask?¡± Krais asked again. ¡°He asked what I could do.¡± ¡°¡­Wow, what a shameless guy.¡± From Encrid¡¯s one sentence, Krais inferred the rest of the tangled story. Show your full potential, that was the message. ¡°So I said I would do everything I could.¡± ¡°Are you serious?¡± At Krais¡¯s words, Encrid showed a faint smile. He didn¡¯t know. Was it time to have confidence, or not? Was this arrogance or something else? Was the turmoil in his chest just a desire to fight? Or was it the thrill of realizing he was now in a different position on the battlefield with these men? He didn¡¯t know. Encrid didn¡¯t bother to figure it out. Right now, he just wanted to swing his sword. To let the enemy know what he could do. Desire and ambition mixed in his chest. Encrid wanted to make his presence known to the enemy and leave a strong impression. It was a newfound, proactive spirit. Encrid, who had been striding along, looked back and asked Dunbachel, who was lagging behind. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with your eyes?¡± ¡°It¡¯s fine. I can do my part.¡± Her eye area was blue. It shone with her golden pupils and the blue around her eyes. There was no need to ask whose work it was. The one who could create blue paint on a person¡¯s body without actual paint. Wasn¡¯t that Rem¡¯s specialty? ¡°Stop hitting the kids.¡± ¡°It was just a simple sparring demonstration. They wanted to see me fight.¡± Well, kids grow up while getting hit sometimes. Encrid let it slide. If they were the type to run away or plot behind his back after getting hit a bit, they wouldn¡¯t have even thought of staying under him in the first place. Ding! The sound of the bell from the bell tower. It meant the enemy was starting to appear. Through the open gate, people who had been farming outside the walls were coming in. They were residents engaged in agriculture. Regardless of the enemy¡¯s numbers, they would attack the walls first. It meant siege engines were essential. ¡°They have them, right? Mangonels.¡± Krais answered Encrid¡¯s question. ¡°Of course.¡± ¡°Bring a few sets of clothes from the people coming in. Ones that fit our size. Right now.¡± ¡°¡­That¡¯s quite a brilliant plan.¡± Krais answered immediately, even without an explanation. Encrid appreciated not having to explain at length. Krais responded and quickly moved, while Encrid headed toward the gate instead of the place where the commanders gathered on the wall. Soon, Krais returned with the clothes. ¡°Audin¡¯s size is a problem.¡± Yeah, that was undeniable. ¡°Brother, this body just needs a simple cover.¡± Audin waved his hand, tore a nearby tent, and draped it over himself like a cloak. It suited him quite well. ¡°So, what are you planning?¡± Rem asked. Encrid wondered if a detailed explanation was necessary. But he soon decided it wasn¡¯t. ¡°Just follow and see.¡± Encrid and the Madmen Platoon stepped out through the gate. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com] Chapter 203 They wore the clothes of those who entered through the castle gates.Encrid moved straight outside. ¡°Hey, where are you going?¡± A soldier who was helping guide the residents from the castle wall shouted. Encrid lifted the old, wide-brimmed hat that covered his head. His eyes became visible, and he met the gaze of the soldier who called out to him. Blue, clear eyes, along with a visible nose and lips. It wasn¡¯t difficult to recognize who he was. ¡°A walk.¡± ¡°Captain Encrid?¡± Recently, it was rare to find someone in the city who didn¡¯t recognize Encrid¡¯s face. ¡°Shh.¡± Encrid signaled for silence by putting his index finger to his lips and then went outside. He had left Krais behind. That guy was useless in a frontal battle. Unlike the crowding residents, he moved in the opposite direction, which naturally made him stand out a bit. He felt like a fish swimming upstream. He didn¡¯t care. It didn¡¯t matter if his allies saw him. The important thing was that the enemy didn¡¯t see him. It was still too early for the enemy scouts to be within visual range. So, it was a perfect time to go out and hide. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Encrid said and started running. ¡°An ambush?¡± Finn, who was running beside him, asked. ¡°Yeah.¡± Finn didn¡¯t say anything more. She didn¡¯t question what an ambush meant with less than ten people. She knew. Having spent some time with Audin, she had felt a lot. The Madmen Platoon was full of monsters. That included Encrid. * * * Marcus was stroking his beard as he stood on the gallery above the castle wall when his adjutant, who had come with him from the Kingdom, asked. ¡°Will it be alright?¡± It wasn¡¯t that he doubted Encrid¡¯s strength. He believed in him. But aside from trust, it also looked precarious. Aside from trust, it appeared that way on the outside. That¡¯s why they had prepared a backup plan. ¡°I don¡¯t know. Not sure.¡± ¡°Then why are you smiling?¡± The adjutant couldn¡¯t read any worry or concern in Marcus¡¯s expression. He found it truly curious. This was the first time he had seen Marcus speak so passionately and the first time he had seen him smile like this. ¡®No, I¡¯ve seen it a few times.¡¯ He had seen such a smile when Marcus discovered his favorite tea leaves, bid for them at an auction, and successfully acquired them. It was a smile seen when he found something precious and all that remained was to enjoy it. ¡°It might be fun, if nothing else.¡± He wasn¡¯t someone who found battlefields fun. But saying it like this meant there was a reason. The adjutant realized that Marcus had a considerable amount of expectations for Encrid, the Company Commander. Not just expectations, it seemed like he was simply enjoying it. ¡°The forces without a crest are likely the Viscount¡¯s Army of Bentra. Count Molsen might have sent people too.¡± The adjutant said. Molsen had the nickname of a talent collector. He had many skilled subordinates. Marcus had expected this. Hiding their crest was because they couldn¡¯t help openly. Count Molsen also wanted to cut and devour the chunk of meat that was the Border Guard. It was troublesome, and it meant that even a big predator had joined the fray. And with Molsen, you never knew what cunning trick he might pull. Marcus didn¡¯t concern himself with matters beyond his reach. After all, they couldn¡¯t ask for help from the central authority, and if this was a gamble, it made sense to bet everything on the one card he trusted. If he didn¡¯t even think of it as a gamble, there was nothing more to say. ¡°But why isn¡¯t the Independent Company Commander coming up?¡± Marcus asked. At the time when all the commanders were gathering on the gallery, only Encrid was missing. ¡°Over there.¡± As soon as Marcus asked, the sharp-eyed Fairy Company Commander pointed. Residents engaged in farming and other auxiliary tasks were entering from outside the castle walls. And some were moving against this flow. No matter how well they hid, it was hard to conceal Audin¡¯s large frame. Of course, the Fairy Company Commander had recognized Encrid. ¡°He¡¯s going out.¡± No orders had been given yet. Marcus had merely granted him the authority. ¡°¡­Ha.¡± Marcus let out a small exclamation. He had a rough idea of what Encrid was trying to do. And if it worked, the enemy would have a very complex start. A smile naturally formed on his face. * * * The commander of Martai was named Olf. He wanted to be called a general, and he had the abilities to justify it. He had proven himself in personal combat and as a commander. All his adjutants also called him General. The nickname of the Border Guard¡¯s leader was Battalion Commander, while the leader of Martai was called General. Well, it didn¡¯t matter what they called themselves. ¡°General, we¡¯re ready.¡± ¡°The mangonels?¡± ¡°Eight in total. No problems.¡± Mangonels were mobile stone-throwing siege engines operated by six strong men. Their advantage was that they were mobile and didn¡¯t require setup. Although less powerful than trebuchets, they were easier to operate. Because they had wheels, they were considered mobile siege artillery. Trebuchets, on the other hand, required setup. Olf thought eight mangonels were more than sufficient. In addition, there was support from the crestless forces. The commander of those forces approached. ¡°I don¡¯t think there¡¯s any need to drag this out, do you?¡± He didn¡¯t know the man¡¯s name or face. The man had brown eyes and a scruffy mustache. He didn¡¯t look older than thirty. Although the man showed some courtesy, it didn¡¯t seem like he respected Olf. Anyway, he must have something to rely on to have come here. Olf didn¡¯t mind. He was one of the commanders of the Viscount¡¯s Army of Bentra. He didn¡¯t seem interested in command, but that wasn¡¯t Olf¡¯s concern. Instead of worrying about such things, it was more beneficial to focus on the battlefield. It was better to assess the enemy¡¯s strength than waste time on trivial thoughts. Olf kept an eye on those who had performed well in previous battles. Thankfully, or perhaps not, the Viscount¡¯s Army of Bentra had two commanders. The other one was more communicative. In reality, this second commander was in charge of most of the troop control. That second commander had said, ¡°Encrid? Ah, that guy? Half of it is bravado. He goes around boasting impossible achievements. If I meet him on the battlefield, I plan to put a hole in his throat.¡± The pointed Estoc at his waist gave weight to his words. Olf nodded in agreement. After all, weren¡¯t they fighting together? They were unusual, though. The first commander, with his bored expression, just followed along and occasionally urged them to hurry. ¡®Whatever.¡¯ Victory in this battlefield was predetermined, and he was the main actor. By devouring the Border Guard, he would turn this area into a new eastern bridgehead. Grand dreams soared high. Around that time, it began to rain. Rain fell from a clear sky. It was a prank of the summer God. Olf was on horseback at the rear of the battlefield. A few houses were visible outside the Border Guard¡¯s walls. There was no sign of life in the houses abandoned by the residents. The mangonels moved along the well-cleared path. Naturally, it was the path between the houses. Seeing the siege engines lined up and moving through the houses was reassuring. The thin rain began to make the ground slick, so it was time to hurry before the path turned muddy. ¡°Hurry up.¡± At Olf¡¯s command, the soldiers quickened their pace. * * * The prank of the summer God, that¡¯s what they called rain falling from a clear sky. It was a kind of superstition. After all, there were no Gods representing each season. Different regions called it different things. In the west, they said it was the result of some sorcerer¡¯s mistake. Encrid had once heard Rem say that while watching this kind of rain. Encrid wasn¡¯t overly tense. He thought he was just doing what he had to do. That didn¡¯t mean he planned to do it half-heartedly. ¡®Is the summer God helping us?¡¯ Since it was raining, visibility was slightly reduced. This was a good condition for those hiding. Predicting the path the enemy would take wasn¡¯t difficult. It was thanks to experience. If there were siege engines, they would naturally take the well-cleared paths, passing between the houses. His prediction was correct. Anything with wheels needed a clear path. Rumble. Soon, the sound of wheels rolling was heard. They opened the doors of the houses made of a mix of mud and wood, hiding behind them. Audin couldn¡¯t hide that way, so he was inside the house. Rem, Ragna, and Dunbachel were behind the door of the house on the opposite side. On this side were Encrid, Jaxon, and Audin. Finn was further back. ¡®Destroy the siege engines and retreat.¡¯ Encrid relied on his past experience. There was no need to burn everything in one battle. They could gradually wear them down. It wasn¡¯t a strategy or a tactical war plan. He was simply applying what he had learned from the battle with the knolls, but it seemed plausible. ¡°Not bad.¡± Krais nodded in agreement. That was enough. Encrid hid behind the door, watching as the mangonel passed by with a creaking sound. ¡°Damn it, raining now of all times.¡± A soldier from the enemy army grumbled as he pushed the mangonel and made eye contact with Encrid. Encrid spoke in a calm tone. ¡°Audin, break it.¡± The soldier¡¯s eyes widened. The surprised man opened his mouth to shout. Whoosh, thunk! sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A dagger flew from Jaxon¡¯s hand and embedded itself in the man¡¯s forehead. The man, hit in the forehead by the knife, fell back against the siege engine with a thud. His limbs went limp as he collapsed to the ground like an old wooden puppet. ¡°Ambush!¡± There were more than ten men pulling the siege engine. It wasn¡¯t possible to silence them all. Encrid also jumped out. He stepped on the ground and drew his sword, making three stabbing motions. He thrust to the left in a diagonal line, pulled back, thrust straight ahead, and finally thrust to the right in a diagonal line. The three stabs created three casualties. ¡°Gah!¡± ¡°Ugh!¡± ¡°Ack!¡± Three screams rang out simultaneously. The first man was stabbed through his mouth, creating a hole. The second man was stabbed through the throat, and the third, with extra force, pierced through his leather armor and into his heart. It was a technique that combined finesse and power. In the midst of this, Audin burst out. The wall crumbled as he emerged, startling the enemy soldiers even more. ¡°Whoa!¡± ¡°What¡¯s that!¡± ¡°¡­Ack!¡± The shouts of surprise were varied. Audin stood by the siege engine, grabbed it with his left hand, and pulled back his right fist before striking. Encrid recognized that this move also incorporated the Valaf-Style Martial Arts technique. He pushed his left foot forward and twisted his ankle, knee, and waist. The resulting punch was like a cannonball. Bang! A thunderous noise, like a summer God¡¯s prank, exploded amidst the rain. Raindrops scattered in all directions. Crack! The mangonel wasn¡¯t a delicate siege engine. Its rough construction was its strength. But that didn¡¯t mean its clutch, trigger, and wheels weren¡¯t important. Any structured weapon had clear weaknesses. Of course, Audin didn¡¯t concern himself with that. He shattered the thick wooden frame that supported the mangonel¡¯s structure with his fists, sending splintered wood flying amidst the rain. With just a few punches, he destroyed the siege engine. It was more than just great strength. Only an ogre or giant, a monster among monsters, could do such a thing. Even Frog wouldn¡¯t be able to do this easily. ¡°Bless the humble servant!¡± Destroying siege engines with his bare fists and saying such things. Encrid once again admired his sincerity. A similar scene was unfolding on the opposite side. Over there, Rem was playing Audin¡¯s role. His axe shattered the mangonel¡¯s basket, and he cut through all the tough ropes that acted as triggers. Ragna leisurely walked, slicing, cutting, and stabbing the approaching enemy soldiers. ¡°Everyone, form ranks! Don¡¯t charge recklessly!¡± A commander among the siege engines shouted. They had lost the two front engines, but they couldn¡¯t just let it continue. He planned to retreat and regroup for a counterattack. The commander thought this and was about to speak. ¡°Ggurrggh?¡± However, regardless of his thoughts, the meaning he held in his heart would never be spoken aloud. Encrid saw a shadow suddenly appear behind the commander. It was Jaxon. He slit the commander¡¯s throat from behind with a dagger, threw the corpse aside, and then stabbed a soldier near the rear siege engine, killing him. Dodge and stab. The simple moves increased the number of casualties. Audin focused on destroying the siege engines instead of fighting the soldiers. Bang! Bang! A series of resounding crashes followed. Naturally, all eyes turned to Audin, and while they were momentarily distracted, Jaxon vanished. There was only¡­ ¡°Gah!¡± ¡°Retreat, retreat!¡± Only the shadow slicing the throats of those shouting remained. Combining momentary acceleration with his dagger, Jaxon picked off soldiers trying to regroup. Encrid swung his sword, thinking it was a familiar scene. The enemy soldiers were lined up in front of him as well. Dunbachel fought only those who got close to Ragna. Finn had initially kept her distance and stayed in the house at the back. She was observing the entire situation from behind rather than participating directly in the battle. It was, of course, Encrid¡¯s order. They charged and advanced. Destroying the eight siege engines lined up wasn¡¯t a difficult task. There was a soldier who tried to stop Audin. He grabbed and threw the approaching soldier with tremendous force and charged. Boom! He rammed the siege engine with his shoulder, toppling it sideways. It seemed unbelievable, but it was happening right before their eyes, leaving them in astonishment. The time it took to destroy all eight siege engines was just about ten minutes. The summer God¡¯s prank was originally brief. During that short prank, Martai lost eight siege engines. Beeeep! Finn blew a prepared whistle. The main enemy force was beginning to move. At the sharp-eyed ranger¡¯s signal, Encrid retreated. Naturally, the others followed suit. Dunbachel was the first to sprint. Watching the beastkin dash away, everyone retreated. The battle hadn¡¯t even properly begun, nor had they started shouting about surrendering in front of the castle walls. Martai had lost their siege engines, and the soldiers of the Border Guard, who had been tense due to the enemy forces, regained their composure. Encrid turned and ran. If they fled like this, it would be a successful operation. However, Encrid suddenly stopped running. ¡°What are you doing?¡± Rem noticed and spoke. Encrid turned completely around instead of answering. He saw the halted enemy forces behind them. Some hadn¡¯t grasped the situation, some stared dumbly in their direction, some shouted to pursue, some glared with wide eyes, and some lay on the ground with bewildered expressions. What had brought them to this state? What had stopped them in their tracks? A hot sensation surged from his lower belly to his throat. ¡°Aren¡¯t you coming?¡± Finn raised her voice. Everyone looked at their commander¡¯s back, wondering what he was doing. Encrid, for some reason, just felt like doing it. He wanted to release that hot sensation. ¡°My name is Encrid.¡± He declared his name while standing still. ¡°If you retreat now, you can live.¡± He raised his voice calmly. It wasn¡¯t a scream or a shout. It was an appropriate resonance. Even so, it spread wide, deep, and loud. The eyes of the enemy soldiers in the front line fixed on Encrid. Dozens, hundreds of pairs of eyes. Encrid met their gaze. It was a display of boldness. A sudden surge of audacity. That¡¯s why he said it. A declaration of war and a warning, imbued with his own name. Everyone¡¯s eyes focused on him. It was an unprecedentedly bold act. ¡°Is he crazy?¡± Rem said, but it gave their own soldiers an indescribable thrill. Uwaaaaa! Of course, the cheers grew louder. To stop in front of more than a thousand enemy soldiers. To shout in front of them with such spirit. It was as if they were witnessing the hero of a story. ¡°Get a grip. Are you on drugs?¡± And Rem kept muttering from behind. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com] Chapter 204 ¡°That bastard?¡±Amid the shouts of the Naurillia army, some of Martai¡¯s commanders felt a surge of anger. ¡°He¡¯s asking for a beating! Kill that bastard!¡± They knew he fought well, but to act so leisurely while running away? It seemed like a deliberate provocation, as if he was mocking them by imitating a heroic epic. How could their anger not flare up? ¡°Chase him!¡± ¡°Don¡¯t let him in!¡± ¡°Get him!¡± ¡°Stop! Stop, you bastard!¡± Martai¡¯s infantry, riled up, charged forward. Just as Encrid and his companions hurriedly ran inside the castle gates. Thud, thud, thud! The hands of the Naurillia archers on the watchtower became very busy. ¡°Ack!¡± ¡°Arrows! Shields! Raise your shields!¡± Martai¡¯s charging infantry retreated, adorned with arrows. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Shoot! Shoot! Hit them all!¡± Vengeance¡¯s shout rang out loudly. He had been put in charge of some of the archers. As Martai¡¯s infantry withdrew. ¡°Waaah!¡± The Border Guard Reserve Unit on the wall cheered, as if they had achieved a victory in an unexpected exchange of power during the first battle. ¡°Come at us!¡± ¡°Run if you want to live!¡± ¡°My name is Rian!¡± There were even those who openly taunted the enemy and revealed their names. It couldn¡¯t be called a significant victory, but it felt like they had won before the real battle had even started. The enemy still had more troops, and the difference was clear, but it didn¡¯t feel like they would lose. Most soldiers felt that way. Naturally, this atmosphere was created by Encrid. So it was only natural that all eyes were fixed on Encrid as he entered, seemingly indifferent. * * * The destruction of the mangonel, the exploits of a few enemy soldiers. This news reached the commander of the nameless forces. Since it happened right in front of him, he had just received a detailed report. He wore a roughly pressed helmet. Through the visor, the eyes of the mustached commander glinted coldly. ¡°There are some interesting bastards here.¡± There was a chilling murderous intent in his tone. His nickname was the Elite Slaying Blade. Originally, he thought this fight would be neither interesting nor fun, but now he saw some who made his heart race. ¡®At least three.¡¯ They were worth killing personally. Methods and means of killing them flashed through his mind. ¡®A melee would be good.¡¯ What if they hid in defense? Then it would be more advantageous to surround and press them. It was an exceedingly interesting situation. Mangonels? Ambush? Damage from the ambush? Those were unrelated matters to him. Though the mustached man was called the Elite Slaying Blade, the actual commander of the nameless forces had slightly different thoughts. ¡°That damned bastard.¡± The commander of Viscount¡¯s Army of Bentra wasn¡¯t foolish. Though narrow-minded, he had the brains to think things through. ¡®He suddenly stops running and reveals his name?¡¯ It wasn¡¯t just ordinary courage. Starting off by destroying eight mangonels, it felt like they were being pushed back from the start, and then he revealed his name and retreated. He focused solely on the facts. Why? Why did he do that? The commander soon reached a conclusion. It was the most rational judgment based on experience and theory. ¡®That bastard?¡¯ It was a cheap trick. A strategy. What methods would those driven to the defensive choose? One of them was self-aggrandizement. It was a dirty tactic. A strategy to exaggerate one¡¯s abilities to make the enemy overthink. It was one of the tactics used because a few elites could change the tide of a battlefield. It was a warning that there were strong individuals among them, so be prepared when attacking. Was he really that skilled? Destroying the mangonels was impressive, but. ¡®That¡¯s all.¡¯ Probably overextended, no, definitely overextended. It was a mission they undertook with their lives on the line. They must have been lying in ambush for days before the advance, consuming many resources for this one attack. It was likely a plan set in motion from the moment Martai began to advance. ¡°It¡¯s just feather fluffing.¡± The commander of Viscount¡¯s Army of Bentra spoke after organizing his thoughts. The Martai¡¯s chief commander pondered, then nodded. They reached the same conclusion. ¡°Bring more siege weapons.¡± The general ordered. They were already making some more in the city. Even hastily made weapons would be better than nothing. ¡°Repair what we can.¡± If they repaired them, they might salvage one or two. They couldn¡¯t do much about the misaligned and broken ones, though. ¡®That monstrous bastard.¡¯ The one who smashed the siege weapons with his fists, he stuck in their minds and was a concern. ¡®He must have taken some kind of drug.¡¯ If they took the drugs made by those alchemists to capture Giants and Frogs, such feats were possible. A drug that gave them strength beyond their limits for a short time. Of course, the side effects were severe. If used incorrectly, they could die as soon as the effect wore off. Narrow-mindedness, prejudice, and preconceptions were like demons that, once embedded in the mind, were hard to shake off. Such was the case for these people. Though the Elite Slaying Blade respected their opponent¡¯s skills, he saw them as just right for him to kill. Everyone had their own delusions. ¡°We just need to surround and starve them out.¡± The commander of Viscount¡¯s Army of Bentra clenched his fist. They exaggerated their abilities, so now they¡¯d focus on defense. But if they came out? He was also the commander of the cavalry. If the enemy opened the gates in retaliation, they could sweep them with the cavalry. It was a simple but efficient strategy. It didn¡¯t matter whether the enemy exaggerated or not. ¡°Let¡¯s do that.¡± Martai¡¯s general agreed. * * * Krais watched the enemy¡¯s movements from atop the castle wall. ¡®They¡¯re angry.¡¯ They were murmuring and shouting. Despite the destruction of eight siege weapons and numerous deaths, they showed anger instead of fear. They weren¡¯t lacking in fighting spirit or morale. ?? Even when looking at Encrid and his companions, they spewed anger. How could they be like that? ¡®The battle time was short.¡¯ The fierce moments were very brief. Even if there was impressive combat power, only a few actually saw it. ¡®The tone of that last commander¡­¡¯ Revealing his name and then telling them to get lost while fleeing had worked effectively. If that was all it took to make them leave, they wouldn¡¯t have come this far. If it was intentional, it was a very appropriate provocation. A provocation that made it easy for the enemies to be deceived. ¡®If it were me.¡¯ Krais briefly imagined himself as the enemy commander. Repeating ¡®If it were me¡¯ several times, he observed the enemy¡¯s movements. He saw the enemy forces moving from atop the wall. They were flustered but had no intention of retreating. They were flustered, but there was no fear among them. Their troops were regrouping. He remembered how they had retreated in an orderly manner after chasing them. It was a sign of well-trained regular soldiers. The enemy¡¯s fighting spirit was still strong. ¡®They underestimate us.¡¯ Their confidence came from underestimating this side. Reasons for their confidence? Plenty. They had superior numbers, were well-trained, and had received more reinforcements than necessary. Added to this was the story, deliberately concealed but still spread, of Encrid¡¯s prowess. ¡®Do they see it as bluffing? Do they think we¡¯re just puffing up in fear?¡¯ Maybe. It wasn¡¯t entirely certain, but it seemed likely. It would be helpful to know the name or disposition of the enemy commander, but that would require the Gilpin Guild to elevate itself to the level of an Intelligence Guild. ¡®That would double the work.¡¯ Now was the perfect time. Earning just enough Krona was ideal. Krais organized his thoughts. The enemy commander hadn¡¯t grasped their full strength, and his side had a very sharp sword. ¡®It would be good if they were fools.¡¯ Not suspicion, but confirmation bias¡ªthose who wouldn¡¯t change their minds once they believed they were right. If so, no grand strategy would be necessary. All of this was the result of Encrid¡¯s whimsy. Stepping out to smash the mangonels and then returning immediately. If he had fought longer and revealed his strength, the story might have been different. ¡®But did the captain intend all of this?¡¯ That was something he could ask. ¡°What are you doing?¡± Vengeance, who was leading the archers, asked. Krais kept muttering to himself, looking as if he was possessed by an evil spirit. Vengeance hated ghosts and spirits. They were the cause of his sleepless nights. ¡°I was just organizing my thoughts.¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± Vengeance doubted anything would change just because Krais organized his thoughts. But in Krais¡¯s mind, the future of the battlefield was unfolding. Scenarios for victory were unraveling in his head. He had no intention of sharing them, though. Krais believed everyone would act on their own. * * * ¡°Are you okay?¡± Rem asked as they entered the Border Guard. Encrid examined himself. Was he injured anywhere? No, he wasn¡¯t. There hadn¡¯t been any real danger. It was just a light warm-up. Why not? Even though it was an improvised operation, it seemed doable, so he went ahead with it. Of course, Martai¡¯s side thought it was an ambush prepared for days with significant resource investment, but that wasn¡¯t the case at all. It was just something he did because it seemed feasible, partly as a warm-up. ¡°I think you might have hit your head.¡± Rem spoke with a serious face, without a hint of a smile. Ragna, standing next to him, also looked at Encrid, as did Rem and Audin. ¡°Do you have a fever?¡± Finn was the last to ask. Encrid felt sad that there was no sense of romance in their hearts. He understood why they were reacting this way. It was because he revealed his name at the end. ¡°I was just feeling spirited.¡± There was nothing to hide, so he said it outright. Instead of teasing, Rem, uncharacteristically, let out an impressed ¡®Hoo¡¯. ¡°Woohoo!¡± A cheer-like sound came from above Encrid¡¯s returning unit. Since he had gone out and destroyed the siege weapons, this reaction was expected. Amid the cheering. ¡°Spirited, huh.¡± Ragna muttered, deep in thought. Encrid had just acted on a whim. Ahead, he saw Krais, who had descended from the gallery. ¡°Provoking and planting seeds of doubt in the enemy¡¯s mind was intentional¡­ or not. Ah, never mind. So, why did you say your name?¡± Many had asked why he revealed his name. Encrid repeated the same answer. ¡°Spirited, it just felt right.¡± ¡°That¡¯s a bit¡­ um, okay. That¡¯s cool.¡± Passing Krais, he saw a group of allied commanders. ¡°You destroyed all the siege weapons?¡± Marcus said, with a slight smile on his face, or was it just his imagination? Encrid nodded nonchalantly. ¡°Good!¡± That was the end of it. ¡°My name is Sinar. Approach now, and you can have me.¡± The Fairy Company Commander approached slyly, muttering. Fairy jokes, would they ever get old? ¡°Did you hurt your head?¡± ¡°No, if not for my health, I¡¯d be dead. Do you perhaps have a preference for sickly girls?¡± Was there any point in continuing this conversation? Encrid shook his head and backed away. ¡°Don¡¯t let your guard down!¡± Marcus encouraged the troops from the front. ¡°We will win!¡± The timing was perfect. Encrid had just returned as the hero of the moment. Cheers erupted. The war had just begun, but their morale was incredibly high. This was the first day of the battlefield. Shortly after, the next day began. ¡°You¡¯re going out again today, right?¡± Krais approached and asked. Encrid had just finished his morning training. Training even in this situation. Some of those who saw it shook their heads in disbelief. Those who knew Encrid well just took it in stride. ¡°Where to?¡± ¡°Outside.¡± ¡°Why?¡± Krais blinked. ¡°We need to keep them on their toes today as well.¡± Encrid looked at him, wondering what he meant. ¡°Didn¡¯t the Battalion Commander say anything?¡± Krais asked in return. Encrid nodded. All he had said was to rest well and fight well again. He had also mentioned to speak up if there was anything they needed. There had been no comments about going out on their own and executing an ambush. Given the good outcome of the improvised operation and the authority they had been granted, Marcus had nothing to say. ¡°Act contrary to what the enemy expects and intends.¡± Krais proclaimed loudly. Encrid looked calmly at his wide-eyed subordinate who had raised his voice. ¡°It¡¯s a fundamental principle of strategy and tactics.¡± So? Encrid¡¯s eyes asked, prompting Krais to speak again. The siege weapons were destroyed. The enemy would be considering a long-term battle. Repairing and resupplying the weapons while just threatening the Border Guard would favor Martai. They had solidified their supply lines in the rear. So, what should be done today? It was so obvious to Krais, he was puzzled that no one had mentioned it. ¡°We should disrupt their supply lines.¡± A basic principle of strategy and tactics. Starve the enemy. While they couldn¡¯t literally starve them, they could definitely disrupt their supply lines and make them uneasy. Easy to say, hard to execute. The enemy wasn¡¯t stupid, they would be on guard. But here they had Encrid and the Madmen Platoon. ¡°Unconventional forces operate outside the enemy¡¯s expectations.¡± Fewer than ten men. They could strike out and disrupt the enemy. ¡°Nyaa.¡± Esther, who had been absent all night, meowed and looked directly at Encrid. After hearing Krais, Encrid nodded. It didn¡¯t seem like a bad idea. His instincts told him it was worth a try. ¡°Want to come along?¡± He casually asked Esther, who immediately stood up and moved beside him. Thus, the next operation was decided. On the first day, they targeted the siege weapons. On the second day, they would target the supply lines. Naturally, they planned to go out at night. ¡°Krais, go report to the higher-ups. Tell them we¡¯re going for a night stroll.¡± Just after sunset, Encrid began gathering his equipment. Rem, Ragna, Audin, and Finn also stepped forward. ¡°Audin, you¡­¡± ¡°Yes, brother. I¡¯ll stay behind.¡± Audin was too conspicuous with his large build. He also left Finn behind. Ragna was also asked to stay out of this one. Finn could be at risk, and Ragna might get lost. They couldn¡¯t afford to let him become known as ¡®The lost one on the battlefield¡¯. ¡°Rem, Jaxon.¡± ¡°Good. That¡¯s fine. Even if we don¡¯t need the stray cat, he can at least carry some stuff.¡± ¡°It¡¯s better to leave behind the dumb barbarian.¡± Despite their constant bickering, there were no better comrades to take into battle. ¡°We¡¯ll be back.¡± Encrid set off as if he were going to the market to buy some bread. And indeed, when Encrid returned, he brought back bread. ¡°This is quite tasty.¡± Everyone marveled at the taste of the bread that Encrid brought back. It was indeed delicious bread, and naturally, it was taken from the enemy¡¯s supply lines. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com] Chapter 205 ¡°Bake the bread!¡±General Olf of Martai had no intention of providing substandard black bread, water mixed with sour wine, or stale-smelling jerky and fruit just because it was a supply issue. He had several highly skilled Battalion Commanders under his command, one of whom led a unit he personally trained. They were called the Furnace Unit. ¡°Pile up the stones and apply mud to the gaps.¡± The Furnace Unit lived up to its name. After establishing a supply base, they would build furnaces there and bake bread. In a way, it was a half-mad endeavor, but General Olf knew better than anyone the importance of good food. And now, the battlefield was perfect for deploying the Furnace Unit. Conditions for using the Furnace Unit were restrictive. They were useless in short-term battles or offensives. But in a siege, especially a prolonged one, the Furnace Unit shone brightly. It was a well-known fact that well-fed soldiers fought better. This was something famous strategists unanimously agreed upon, and Olf followed this advice religiously. Thus, the Furnace Unit of Martai started emitting smoke. They burned firewood, mixed water with the flour they had brought, and began making dough. In less than a day, a savory smell spread all around. ¡°Eat well! Mangonels? We don¡¯t need those!¡± Olf personally walked among the soldiers, encouraging them. ¡°Who are we?¡± ¡°Lions of the East!¡± The soldiers responded enthusiastically. Martai¡¯s morale was unbroken. While the commander¡¯s direct involvement played a part, the most important factor was the bread. Among the soldiers baking bread, some were renowned for their culinary skills even in Martai. Many of them planned to continue running bakeries when they returned to the city. Martai had vast wheat fields in the east of the city, known for producing high-quality wheat. The rainfall was just right, and these fields were once called the Fields of Blood, a place of numerous battles over the decades. The numerous corpses of humans and animals had made the soil fertile. Although the fields had been transformed by the hands of a farming enthusiast, the land had a storied history. Thanks to this fertility, Martai had been cultivating wheat for a long time, leading to a well-developed bread culture and various wheat-based foods. There is a saying that food determines status, and in the central continent, white bread was a symbol of wealth. But Martai was different. Abundant wheat production made white bread a daily staple. With over 30 years of history, it was natural for master bakers to emerge. Some of them even opened bakeries in the central capital. This bread was one of Martai¡¯s prides. As Olf returned to his headquarters and was reviewing plans, he received urgent news. It was bad news. ¡°The supply base has been attacked.¡± ¡°Attacked?¡± For Martai, the most crucial thing now was the supply. What use was it to besiege if they ended up starving? The supreme commander of Martai, called General, had assigned his most trusted men to the supply unit. Three Battalion Commanders, plus the Guard Captain, a total of four trusted and skilled officers. Olf had placed the supply unit under the command of the second Battalion Commander, the quickest thinker and most perceptive of them. He was not one to take anything lightly. The messenger was sweating profusely. ¡°Explain in detail!¡± When Olf spoke fiercely, the messenger swallowed and continued. ¡°Two enemy soldiers and a black panther approached, stole bread from the oven, and set a few tents on fire.¡± ¡°These idiots?¡± Olf was as furious as he was about the tents catching fire. Why wouldn¡¯t he be? He knew the importance of the supply line, which was why he had diverted some of his forces. Moreover, the enemy was trapped. How formidable could the ones sneaking out to attack be? The ones who had destroyed the mangonels before? He would welcome them if they showed up. As the fire of anger blazed in the commander¡¯s eyes, the messenger couldn¡¯t continue speaking. ¡®Zimmer, you fool, you weren¡¯t just spacing out and got caught, were you?¡¯ The second Battalion Commander¡¯s name was Zimmer. Smart, quick-witted, and meticulous, he rarely made mistakes. But why hadn¡¯t he reported this himself? ¡°Where is Zimmer?¡± The messenger quickly replied at the mention of the second Battalion Commander¡¯s name. ¡°He said he was pursuing the attackers.¡± At the messenger¡¯s words, Olf exhaled a few times before speaking. ¡°Tighten the security! If it happens again, I will not forgive you.¡± In battles, a commander who loses can be forgiven, but a commander who is lax in security cannot. * * * Encrid raided the supply base effortlessly. Literally ¡®effortlessly¡¯. ¡°Shall we go?¡± ¡°Let¡¯s do it.¡± There was nothing difficult about it. Smoke billowed above their heads, and tents were everywhere. The guards were numerous and there were no apparent gaps, but that wasn¡¯t a problem. ¡°Kraaa.¡± Esther went first. The panther charged forward, followed by Encrid and Rem. Esther¡¯s movements seemed lighter than usual. With a swipe of her paw, she half-severed an enemy soldier¡¯s shin, and with a flick of her tail, she struck their heads, causing their eyes to roll wildly. ¡°Attack!¡± There was no need to drag it out. Encrid rushed in and slit the throats of a couple of enemies, and amidst the smell of blood, the savory aroma hit his nose. In fact, the savory smell had been teasing his senses for a while now. Taking advantage of the enemy¡¯s confusion, Jaxon set several tents on fire, and Encrid, along with Rem, grabbed a few pieces of bread and made their escape. They deliberately took a route through the forest on their way back. If the enemy pursued on horseback, there would be no escape. But on foot, they could easily outrun them. Their stamina was vastly superior. After running for several hours without rest, the pursuers were nowhere to be seen. ¡°We should¡¯ve just slaughtered them all.¡± Rem said regretfully, clicking his tongue. Encrid shook his head. ¡°This much is enough.¡± They returned and distributed the bread. ¡°You can report it the next day.¡± The sentry had said on their way back. Marcus, the Battalion Commander, had already thought ahead for them. Encrid, Rem, and Jaxon took a well-deserved rest and slept soundly. It was a very bright and hot morning on the third day of the battle. The summer sun rose early, so after finishing his morning training in the sunlight, Encrid came in after washing up. ¡°The bread tastes fantastic!¡± Krais remarked with renewed admiration. Well, it was delicious. ¡°Don¡¯t eat too much.¡± Encrid tapped Krais on the back of the head and went to find the Battalion Commander to report. He saw something being cooked in a pot right under the fortress wall. The commanders were all gathered around the bubbling stew. Their armor was still clean since they hadn¡¯t fought a single battle yet. In contrast, Encrid¡¯s armor was stained with blood. Although he had wiped it, the stains remained. ¡°So, you checked out the supply base?¡± Marcus asked, sitting on a backless wooden chair. ¡°While I was there, I set a few fires.¡± ¡°I see.¡± Marcus just nodded, and the Fairy Company Commander beside him muttered. ¡°Is it a hobby or a specialty?¡± She was talking about setting fires. Encrid had been thinking that setting fires was becoming a habit, but what better way to damage a supply base than by setting it on fire? ¡°Would you like a bowl?¡± Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The First Company Commander offered, holding up a ladle of stew. The smell was quite enticing. ¡°Who cooked this?¡± As Encrid spoke, the Border Guard Commander brought over a chair for him. It was a wooden chair without a backrest, just like the one the Battalion Commander had. As he sat and took in the aroma of the stew, he thought it would taste twice as good if dipped with bread. ¡°Hold on a moment.¡± Encrid fetched the bread they had stolen. It was a baguette, hard on the outside and soft on the inside, well-baked, savory, and crispy. ¡°Here.¡± When they broke the baguette and dipped it into the stew. ¡°Mmm, excellent.¡± The First Company Commander spoke with rare enthusiasm, his cheeks flushed. Wasn¡¯t he known to be a foodie? Krais had mentioned something along those lines. Encrid tasted it as well. It was delicious. The crust of the bread felt hard, but as soon as he bit into it, it crumbled softly, the white interior mixing with his saliva. Meanwhile, the rich stew broth swirled around in his mouth. It was truly a wonderful taste. ¡°So, they were well-prepared?¡± ¡°They plan to starve us out after isolating us. They even built furnaces to bake bread.¡± ¡°Olf¡¯s reputation as a warmonger seems well-deserved.¡± Marcus spoke with a smirk, exuding confidence. Their forces were still superior. They had cavalry and even the luxury of setting up furnaces. Despite this, Marcus remained unflustered. Encrid now understood what Marcus believed in. He planned to do his part to honor that belief. If he didn¡¯t step up, he wouldn¡¯t be able to protect even his seasoned jerky or orange marmalade. Food was important. That was why everyone was busy eating without a word. While they were eating, two nobles approached. Their clothes were as clean as the armor of the commanders. One of them, with a noticeably wider forehead, spoke. ¡°Have you considered peace?¡± The relatively younger noble behind him also spoke. ¡°Considering the stark difference in power, if we could resolve this through negotiation somehow¡­¡± Most of the nobles in the Border Guard were those who had bought their titles or those who had lost their ancestral positions and remained barons. What would bring high-ranking nobles here? But the situation had changed significantly. Once the country stabilizes, even Count or Viscount might get involved here. Before that could happen, Viscount Bentra and other nobles were already trying to stake their claim. Encrid didn¡¯t know much about politics and didn¡¯t care to, but thanks to Big Eyes Krais, he had a rough idea. That guy¡¯s chatter was incessant. But really, it didn¡¯t seem important. If anyone attacked, they just needed to fend them off. Combat, swords, fighting, battles, the battlefield. Those things gave Encrid a strange thrill. ¡®I guess I have a bad taste too.¡¯ Why did his heart race at the thought of battle and fighting? No, from the beginning, he had longed for and admired such things, which is why he wanted to become a Knight. It wasn¡¯t because he had some grand vision or dream. It started with imagining himself charging across the battlefield. After a brief moment of reflection, Marcus looked at the two nobles and chuckled. ¡°Why? Now that the city looks like it might grow, do you think you¡¯ll become something too? So, instead of fighting Martai, you¡¯d prefer to make peace and claim that you were at the center of that peace?¡± Is that it? Encrid let it pass over him, but Krais would have nodded in agreement. Marcus was quite perceptive politically, even if he didn¡¯t know much else. He had hit the nail on the head. ¡°Shut your mouths and go inside. If you don¡¯t want to die, thank this named hero here.¡± He was a Company Commander now, but he had started as an ordinary soldier. Moreover, he came from some rural village and joined the army to earn a living. The nobles had no reason to bow their heads to Encrid. He was a hero to the soldiers, not to the nobles. ¡°Hmph, I¡¯ve said my piece.¡± ¡°It was a proposal, a proposal. We made it because the enemy¡¯s forces seem dangerous.¡± The two nobles rambled, and Marcus waved them off. After they left, Marcus picked up a wooden bowl, slurped some stew, and then spoke. ¡°They¡¯re the kind of guys you just want to cut down. Don¡¯t you agree?¡± He was speaking to Encrid. ¡°Killing nobles is a serious crime.¡± Encrid replied, and Marcus continued nonchalantly. ¡°We could challenge them to a duel and accidentally kill them.¡± ¡°Who would accept the Commander¡¯s duel challenge? They¡¯d just appoint a proxy.¡± This was the First Company Commander¡¯s reply. ¡°That¡¯s just a manner of speaking.¡± Listening to this, Encrid brought up a question that had arisen in his mind. ¡°What is a ¡®named hero¡¯?¡± ¡°It was impressive. An Independent Company Commander.¡± Instead of answering, Marcus gave a thumbs up. ¡°I¡¯m thinking of imitating it myself later.¡± The First Company Commander chimed in from the side. The Border Guard Commander just nodded. Encrid felt no shame in what he had done out of a sense of bravado. He just thought that these guys were a bit, really just a bit, annoying. ¡°So, what¡¯s the plan for next?¡± They were nearly finished eating. As they were about to stand up, Marcus asked, ¡°How many more times are you planning to go?¡± ¡°A few more times.¡± The first time was an unexpected strike, but the second time wouldn¡¯t be. They would be prepared. No matter how skilled Encrid was, or how wildly Rem wielded his axe, they wouldn¡¯t survive if they were surrounded. ¡°Something is bugging me.¡± Encrid replied. It wasn¡¯t an empty statement. When he raided the supply base, after setting a few tents on fire and on his way back, he felt something peculiar. It was a matter of intuition and sixth sense. ¡®It felt like Krais hiding a coin.¡¯ It was the same feeling he had when he saw Krais sneaking a few coins away. He felt that the enemy was hiding something more. He wanted to check it out. He even named the operation. The ¡®Tap-Tap Knock-Knock¡¯ operation. The idea was to ¡®tap¡¯ them, and if an opportunity presented itself, to ¡®knock¡¯ them down. That was the gist of the operation. Encrid came up with the basic plan, and Krais filled in the details. When they returned to the barracks and discussed when to go and where to strike with Krais, ¡°Then let¡¯s go at sunrise this time.¡± Krais said. It was a calm suggestion, but anyone with a bit of military knowledge would have thought it brilliant. But Encrid thought it was reasonable. They had attacked at night before, so this time they would try it in broad daylight. It seemed like a good plan. ¡°It sounds fun, brother.¡± Audin responded after hearing the plan. The key to this operation was the ¡®Bear¡¯. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com] Chapter 206 The beginning of tactics is knowing what weapons you have.In that regard, both Encrid and Krais adhered to the basics of tactics. Audin¡¯s large stature made him an obvious target on the battlefield. If such an Audin caused havoc on the battlefield, could the enemy ignore him? He was a visible threat, a destroyer of siege weapons. Wouldn¡¯t the enemy be desperate to kill him? He was the perfect distraction, both in form and timing. ¡°Audin.¡± ¡°Yes, brother. Leave it to me.¡± Encrid left the detailed explanation to Krais. The crux of the strategy was simple. If Audin made an appearance in broad daylight, everyone would be too busy watching him. The main point was to shout and threaten from the east, then strike from the west. ¡°Hahaha, this will be fun, Big Eyes brother.¡± Audin laughed heartily after hearing the explanation. He knew he could be surrounded and beaten to death if things went wrong, but if he were afraid of that, he wouldn¡¯t be in the Madmen Platoon. On the third day of battle, Encrid planned to show ¡®Tap¡¯ again during the operation. Of course, the chances were high that the stab would be ¡®Tap¡¯ rather than ¡®Thump¡¯. When he explained his strategy to Krais, Krais tilted his head and said, ¡°What kind of nonsense is that?¡± Krais¡¯s tone was so rude that Encrid smacked the back of his head. Smack. Krais¡¯s head wobbled significantly, perhaps because Encrid had put some force into it. Krais, who quickly restored his head like a bobblehead, opened his mouth again. ¡°I get the gist of it. Tap and Knock.¡± ¡°Yes, Tap and Knock.¡± Dunbachel, listening to their conversation, inwardly questioned their sanity. ¡®What nonsense is this?¡¯ But she wasn¡¯t in a position to say anything, so she kept her mouth shut. After all, she was an uninvited guest here. She just stood there, quietly watching. When something happened, they would take that little panther instead of him. That could have been a blow to her pride. ¡°Growl.¡± The panther didn¡¯t even glance at her. It was busy grooming its front claws. That disregard was actually comforting. Most importantly, ¡®Is this a flower garden?¡¯ Everyone here was crazy in the head, but their appearances were also stunning. Starting from Encrid, Rem, Ragna, Audin, and Krais, they were like a collection of flowers for different tastes. Dunbachel herself didn¡¯t particularly care about looks, but good-looking food was also more appetizing. It was pleasing to the eyes. She didn¡¯t want to leave the flower garden. She wanted to stay. To survive here, she had to prove her worth with more effort. ¡°I will go with you.¡± Dunbachel volunteered with determination. She meant to accompany Audin. ¡°You will? Then go ahead.¡± Encrid answered nonchalantly. There was no problem with Dunbachel tagging along as long as she didn¡¯t get in the way of Audin. Then, the operation began immediately. Sneaking out of the city was not difficult. ¡°What do you take the Gilpin Guild for? We have at least three secret tunnels.¡± The enemy had deliberately surrounded the city walls, making it difficult to leave through the opposite gate. There were scouts patrolling even there. Mounted scouts, too. These horse-riding scouts were hard to catch but easily spotted. So sneaking out was the only option. After removing a few stones from the path that stretched alongside the south gate, they revealed a half-underground tunnel. The problem was¡­ ¡°It¡¯s narrow, brother.¡± The only problem was that Audin was too big. This crazy religious soldier had to stand at an angle even to get through a side gate. ¡°Oh, I didn¡¯t expect this.¡± Gilpin replied, who was leading the way. ¡°Widen it.¡± Encrid answered simply and clearly. If it¡¯s too narrow, just widen it. ¡°Then it won¡¯t be much of a secret passage¡­ It could also become an easy route for the enemy to enter.¡± The bald Gilpin muttered beside him. Everything he said was true. ¡°Just make sure they never come near the wall.¡± Encrid replied. It wasn¡¯t that he had an exceptional plan, but it was enough to make Krais, who was listening from behind, nod his head. Right. If done correctly, the enemy wouldn¡¯t even be able to approach the wall. That¡¯s how the battle was going. The Border Guard was a fortress city, but it didn¡¯t have a moat, so the defensive capability of the walls couldn¡¯t be considered high. There were many watchtowers, so they could shoot plenty of arrows. ¡®But that¡¯s not enough.¡¯ What if the enemy charged with shields? Arrows alone wouldn¡¯t suffice. Pouring oil or hot water from above, or throwing stones, had clear limitations. Once ladders started going up everywhere? If the numbers were overwhelming, the advantage of the wall would collapse in an instant. They would also be vulnerable to siege weapons like mangonels or trebuchets. There was no way to stop siege towers. This is why moats were crucial. There¡¯s a reason why they dig trenches and fill them with water in front of castle gates. Even if it smells a bit from poor maintenance, a moat makes defending the castle much easier. Add some traps, too. ¡®And use the collapsing outer wall strategy.¡¯ This was instinct. Just as Encrid would lose his mind halfway when he saw a sword, Krais had a habit of imagining the worst-case scenario and devising the best ways to block it. ???? Krais shook his head, having already envisioned the construction of the castle and its defensive facilities. Anyway, this time they would make sure the enemy couldn¡¯t even approach the wall. That would be enough. ¡°Are you bringing bread again this time?¡± The question was directed at Encrid, who was making his way through the widened hole. Thanks to Audin, Encrid only had to duck his head to get through. He turned back in that posture. Krais, who was usually anxious, was now looking at him with a bright expression. ¡°We¡¯ll see.¡± That was his response. As he exited and cast his gaze far ahead, he saw smoke cutting through the sky. For some reason, the enemy was still keeping the furnaces burning. What could this mean? Confidence, perhaps? ¡°The Lord said, there will be times when you feel lonely and deserted.¡± Audin recited a prayer. It was a clear message. He was saying he would send some souls to the Lord. In other words, he would beat some enemies to death and send them knocking on heaven¡¯s door. ¡°Don¡¯t overdo it. Being too conspicuous is also problematic.¡± Encrid reminded him of the purpose. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, brother. I was once recognized as a person of neither excess nor deficiency.¡± Is that true? It didn¡¯t seem like something that should come from the guy who always demanded excessive training. ¡°Your eyes are disrespectful, brother.¡± That big guy has some awareness too. Encrid nodded and said, ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Jaxon followed behind Encrid, while Audin moved with Dunbachel. Today, Rem and Ragna were not joining them. Moving with a smaller group would be sufficient. ¡°You¡¯re going without me? Without me? Leaving only me behind? Without me?¡± Rem had a fit, but when it came to moving discreetly, Jaxon was the best. Esther followed without rest. ¡°Kyaar.¡± Hiding in the bushes under the city wall, they watched as the panther let out a small cry. This panther, which hadn¡¯t been seen for several days, seemed more energetic than ever. ¡°Jaxon.¡± ¡°Keep in sync with me. Keep quiet and stay hidden. We¡¯ll walk to the target point.¡± Jaxon, often called the sly alley cat by Rem and the surrounding platoon members, was not called that for nothing. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Even Rem admitted that he couldn¡¯t sense Jaxon if he didn¡¯t pay close attention. Jaxon demonstrated his skills firsthand. He silenced his steps and used the bushes and uneven terrain to move. Occasionally, he would sit behind rocks when they appeared. At one point, a group of Martai¡¯s scouts passed by just twenty steps away while he was sitting behind a rock, but as intended, they reached the point overlooking the rear supply base without being noticed by anyone. With a perfect grasp of the surrounding terrain and anticipating the scouts¡¯ intentions, they moved silently. ¡®Even assassins have nothing on him.¡¯ Encrid thought as he settled in a tree. To his left and right, Esther and Jaxon were watching the supply base. Now, it was time to wait for the commotion. * * * Greg, the 1st Battalion Commander under Olf, was a man deserving of the title ¡®Brave General¡¯. He led his unit with sheer force, acting as the charge leader. What is a charge unit? It¡¯s the unit that stands at the forefront. ¡°The bear bastard that destroyed the siege weapon is here!¡± Greg heard the shout of the messenger. A figure large enough to destroy a mangonel. Impressive. That brute strength didn¡¯t seem human. So, does being strong solve everything? Does that decide the course of the battle? Not a chance! The outcome of a fight isn¡¯t determined that easily. But how did they get out? Did the city gate open? That wasn¡¯t the case. They had the city surrounded. Scouts were constantly patrolling. If something like that had happened, they would have known immediately. ¡®Did they sneak out?¡¯ Just because the city was surrounded didn¡¯t mean there were no escape routes. Being brave doesn¡¯t mean being foolish. Greg discerned the enemy¡¯s intentions. They sneaked out and got caught. ¡®They¡¯re targeting the supply units again!¡¯ Attacking the supply line repeatedly was their only way to survive. Zimmer, the 2nd Battalion Commander, had said, ¡°If we keep the siege and hold out, it¡¯s a winning battle. The only thing the war-crazed can do is so obvious. They won¡¯t fall for it twice.¡± Zimmer ground his teeth in frustration. The big guy who was caught while sneaking out¡ªhe must have been sent out reluctantly due to limited resources. It would be hard to spare such a capable person for a task requiring a small strike force. Greg moved with conviction. Of course, he was wrong. Audin was simply moving openly, busy attracting attention. ¡°Brothers, are you on your way to meet the Lord?¡± He kept spewing nonsense while swinging his fists at the approaching enemy soldiers. Those punches looked incredibly slow and clumsy. To the enemy soldiers, it seemed like they could just avoid them. That¡¯s how slow they were. In fact, the beastwoman swinging a scimitar next to him seemed more threatening. With white hair flying, she rampaged around, showing she was no ordinary fighter. So what? Overturning a numerical disadvantage without being a Knight was extremely difficult. Immediately, Greg¡¯s 1st Assault Company moved in. Armed infantry charged with spears and shields. It was Martai¡¯s proud assault unit. Infantry armed with relatively light armor, large shields covering half their bodies, and spears. A unit focused on charging. ¡°There are too many!¡± Dunbachel shouted. Audin estimated the numbers. About forty to fifty men. It would be fine to clash with them head-on. Just fifty infantrymen. He just had to dodge the spears and charge in. Once he closed the distance, a single powerful punch would do. A straightforward strike without even needing Valaf-Style Martial Arts would break part of the infantry formation. Then he could jump into the midst of the enemy. The long spears would become a hindrance. Naturally, the enemy would try to crush him with their shields, but that was laughable. He could push them back with strength, breaking them one by one. But Audin didn¡¯t do that. He deflected the incoming spears with the back of his hand, dodging them, and swung his heavy fist slowly. Occasionally, he picked up stones from the ground and threw them. Whoosh! Bang! Stones hit the shields and shattered, scattering fragments everywhere. ¡°He¡¯s just a dumb brute!¡± Shouted an enemy infantryman. That was exactly what Audin wanted. He tried to appear that way. ¡®Just like this.¡¯ He drew their attention and induced complacency. Krais had emphasized it about sixteen times just before they set out. ¡°Never kill them all. Just match their moves appropriately and come back.¡± ¡®I¡¯m not our barbarian brother.¡¯ Audin followed Krais¡¯s instructions. The intention was obvious. The enemy was underestimating them, so they were going to exploit that to the fullest. Before coming here, Audin had gained years of combat experience. Reading Big Eyes brother¡¯s intentions was easy. ¡°Are you going to hide behind your shields and fight, brothers?¡± Audin spoke with an intentionally angry face. ¡°He¡¯s just a brute who relies on his strength!¡± Shouted one of Greg¡¯s Company Commanders. He thought they could win by tightening the pressure and fighting cautiously. A commotion ensued. The rock-like stones that Audin occasionally threw could be fatal. Most importantly, getting caught by that brute strength would not end well. The enemy soldiers kept their distance and only jabbed their spears at him. Audin fulfilled his role diligently. Creating a commotion at the front, his noticeable bulk naturally drew all eyes to him. That was enough. * * * Encrid raided the supply base once again. While doing so, he wanted to check on something that was bothering him. ¡°Jaxon, scout around the back of the supply base and see where the enemy soldiers are gathering and their formations.¡± Jaxon responded by blinking instead of speaking. ¡®Me? Do I really have to? Is this absolutely necessary?¡¯ He had a knack for expressing this clearly with his eyes. ¡°Just do it.¡± Encrid pressed on. He had realized this long ago. They followed his orders better than he expected. ¡°Alright.¡± With a blank expression, Jaxon did as he was told, and Encrid patted Esther¡¯s head. ¡°Want some bread?¡± It was just the two of them attacking the supply base. The enemy had prepared an ambush, but Encrid, with his keen senses, detected it and broke through with force. Instead of killing everyone, he deftly avoided them, set fire to the tents again, and stole some bread. Audin was causing a ruckus up front. The enemy¡¯s defenses were stronger than before, but that was all. Audin was wreaking havoc out there. The watchful soldiers¡¯ attention was subtly drawn to the front. Thanks to that, the job was much easier. Seeing this, Jaxon began to move stealthily behind the enemy soldiers. Since he was already in motion. ¡°Esther, let¡¯s go.¡± Encrid decided to destroy a few more furnaces while he was at it. ¡°You bastard!¡± An enemy soldier yelled. He looked like an officer. ¡®Should I kill him?¡¯ After a brief consideration, he decided against it. If he fought seriously, it would only raise their guard. Encrid slipped away again. It was a hit-and-run. He had practiced this several times with the knoll, but this time it was twice as easy. Audin was drawing their attention. His skills had improved since then. Esther was in great condition too. The panther¡¯s contribution was quite valuable. ¡°Grrrr!¡± With a chilling cry, she would break an enemy soldier¡¯s shin or slash with its claws, all while moving incredibly swiftly. ¡®You¡¯ve improved too.¡¯ Encrid thought instinctively. On the way back, Encrid naturally observed the movements of the soldiers he had faced so far. He remembered, recalled, and reviewed them. There was something to learn from this. No, it was natural to learn. Jaxon would confirm the parts that concerned him. So. ¡®I¡¯m at ease.¡¯ Encrid returned to his original demeanor. Along with the sword and training, he considered the direction to move forward, the path of his discipline. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com] Happy New Year! ???????? Happy New Year 2025, dear readeA brand-new year calls for fresh adventures and exciting stories! To celebrate the first day of this amazing year, I¡¯m thrilled to offer you an exclusive 20% discount on all of my translations for today only! ???? Start the year off right by diving into the worlds you love, catching up on thrilling chapters, or discovering a new favorite story. This is my way of saying thank you for your incredible support and trust in my work. Here¡¯s to a year filled with joy, success, and unforgettable journeys through the pages of every story. Let¡¯s make 2025 a year to remember! ???? Grab your discounted chapters now and enjoy! ???? {Coupon: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans/link/NEWYEAR } Or Use the coupon code of Ko-fi page: NEWYEAR S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Buymeacoffee 15% discount coupon: GK0WQN6U Chapter 207 What do the opponents have?Some soldiers were obsessed with thrusting. Another soldier held the middle of the spear shaft, wielding it like a club with great skill. Another soldier was poor at wielding the spear but sharply targeted openings. It¡¯s a natural talent. You could call it a realm of innate abilities. But they seemed to lack training. They were short on stamina, and even more so on strength. Their reaction speed wasn¡¯t bad, but that was all. Each soldier carried, held, raised, and wielded something they had learned and trained with. Even with the same training, each developed differently. Though they all held spears, their ways of using them were all different. Encrid took all of this in. The shaking spear tips, the trembling eyes. The habit of stepping forward with the left foot. Some pretended to stumble, perhaps having learned the Valen Mercenary Sword Technique. Among them, there were many soldiers showing traces of constant training. But if there¡¯s something more frightening than overwhelming talent. Crack. It¡¯s the enemy who, even with a severed finger, grits their teeth and charges forward. Their courage and determination were different, and their resolve was evident in their bloodshot eyes. Encrid never took any moment lightly. He never faced them carelessly. Hiding his skills was one thing, but swinging his sword with sincerity was another matter. As he changed his stance while watching the incoming spear blade, the opponent dropped the spear and charged. It seemed they intended to overpower him with strength in an instant. Recalling the battlefield where he obtained the Heart of the Beast, Encrid bent his knees and caught the opponent with his back. Using his strength, he threw the opponent over his shoulder. The soldier flew through the air and landed on their shoulder, rolling on the ground. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡®The Heart of the Beast.¡¯ Those with a strong heart are fiercer than those with superior talent. Encrid reminded himself of how important the Heart of the Beast was to him. He had never forgotten it. How could he furnacet, repeating everything he had learned every day? When trapped in ¡®today¡¯, he would reexamine and reaffirm everything he had, so how could he furnacet? He continued to observe the soldiers¡¯ movements. ¡®Twisting the body using the left foot as an axis for a single strike.¡¯ It was similar to a one-handed thrust with a sword, but the soldier extended the spear forward and released it, almost like throwing a javelin. It was an unexpected strike, a creative attack. But it wasn¡¯t threatening. Their timing was different from the start. The Heart of the Beast, Focus Point, The Sense of Evasion, and above all, the body honed by The Isolation Technique. It was a surprising technique, but it was avoidable. As soon as he saw it, his body reacted first. The review was over. Now he just had to absorb the techniques and efforts they had shown. Afterward, time would be necessary. As he retreated and looked back, no thick black smoke rose above. Though he had set the fire, it had been quickly extinguished. So, it didn¡¯t deal a significant blow to the supply base. It would only leave the impression that they had been hit despite being prepared. And no matter how little damage there was, the fact that the supply base had caught fire was a blow in itself. Getting out wasn¡¯t difficult. ¡°Krrrr.¡± Esther walked lightly beside him, unlike before. This panther rarely clung to him except when sleeping these days. As they ran, Esther looked up from below with bright, large eyes. It felt like her eyes were clearer and bigger than before. ¡°Kyarr.¡± It seemed like the panther was asking what he was looking at. If this friend were a person, she would have a temperament as fiery as Rem¡¯s. ¡°No.¡± Encrid brushed it off, as he would when dealing with Rem. ¡°There they are!¡± As he pushed through the bushes, a shout came from behind. It was the soldiers chasing him. Encrid listened to the soldier¡¯s voice and roughly estimated the distance. This was the auditory technique he learned from Jaxon. Based on his keen senses, Encrid calculated the positions and distances of those pursuing him and concluded that it would be no trouble to lose them. He felt relaxed. At the same time, he had a thought. From observing the habits of the enemy soldiers, he realized something. Someone, one of the Platoon leaders, was thinking clearly even in that chaotic situation. ¡°Bring the net!¡± Shouting like that, he tried to catch both Esther and himself simultaneously. As he stepped back and kept his distance, he said, ¡°If they were determined to kill me, it wouldn¡¯t be that difficult, but they didn¡¯t feel the need to.¡± ¡°Shoot!¡± It was an impressive tactic. He was prepared for the net, but instead, arrows came flying. At the command to shoot, the soldiers surrounding him momentarily pulled back. It was a coordinated movement. Above all, their trust in the Platoon leader was evident, as they faithfully followed his command. The call for a net was a ruse, and what they had actually prepared were arrows, but of course, he didn¡¯t get hit. Instead, he had some leisure to fill his mind with various thoughts. He recalled the snowy day when their group, still known as the Troublemaker Squad, set out to deal with the Gilpin Guild. ¡°Give the command. Then those who can will do it.¡± Ragna had said. Encrid observed the Platoon leader¡¯s way of thinking, his personal tactics, and the platoon¡¯s combat strategy and realized that this wasn¡¯t his area of expertise. However, he knew that something different was needed. The current battle was the same. Defense alone was not the answer. Hitting the supply line to this extent was not enough either. This was merely a stopgap measure. So, what should be done? ¡®If I press Krais.¡¯ The answer would come. Didn¡¯t he learn that winter day? If he couldn¡¯t do it himself, he should have someone who could. Anyway, leading a unit required quite a bit of effort. ¡®I couldn¡¯t be a Battalion Commander.¡¯ It was a trivial thought. In any case, for now, it was enough just to return. There was no time to learn and master strategy and tactics immediately. Besides, he couldn¡¯t keep fighting this way forever as a Company Commander. ¡®I¡¯ll learn one thing at a time.¡¯ You need to know what to command to give orders effectively. Understanding the intent when someone speaks is crucial for being a proper leader. A Knight walks ahead, but sometimes they also become commanders responsible for their troops. Even if that¡¯s not the case. ¡®If my allies die under my command.¡¯ Especially if it¡¯s due to neglecting learning, Encrid could never stand for that. * * * ¡°Did it happen again?¡± Olf didn¡¯t get angry recklessly. His eyes were still sharp. No one could say he was a dull person. ¡®This feels off.¡¯ It wasn¡¯t a significant blow. The supply line wasn¡¯t just one, they had only touched the supply base near the furnace. It was literally a touch. Not a fatal blow. This alone wouldn¡¯t have a substantial impact on the entire battlefield. But the fact that it kept happening was bothering him. ¡°What about him?¡± Olf asked. Greg, sweating profusely from his forehead, answered the commander¡¯s question. ¡°We lost him.¡± Greg, the charge captain. His unit specialized in chasing down retreating enemies, beyond just personal combat skills. Even in battle, he wouldn¡¯t easily be outmatched by anyone. Before the rumors about Encrid had spread, he was already a renowned warrior who had single-handedly wiped out two colonies. When considering fame categorized by village, city, and continent, he was undoubtedly a city-level warrior or higher. If there were anyone under him better than Greg, it would be at most two people. ¡°We lost him?¡± Especially Greg, whose specialty was charging, running, and striking, lost his target. ¡®Marcus, you crazy bastard. What are you scheming?¡¯ Olf wondered inwardly. Whatever the intent of the enemy was, there was certainly something. A sense of unease piled up in his chest. But it wasn¡¯t the time to get angry. ¡°It¡¯s just a clumsy trick. Besides, the troops I brought haven¡¯t even shown their true power. If we keep pressing and attacking, there¡¯s nothing they can do!¡± The actual commander of Viscount Bentra¡¯s army said. From Olf¡¯s perspective, the mere mention of Encrid¡¯s name made him visibly uncomfortable. His relatively young face showed a mix of confidence and arrogance. His expression said it all. That he was better, that he would take care of it. ¡®Inferiority complex?¡¯ Probably not, he was the commander of the Viscount¡¯s army. Rumor had it he was an illegitimate child of a noble. In contrast, the opponent was a street soldier who had made a name for himself. Regardless, the unease remained. Olf hadn¡¯t just brought troops without preparation. Naturally, he had a few aces up his sleeve. For instance, there were noble private soldiers who had joined after erasing their crests, hiding their presence as a demonstration. There were hidden elements, so maintaining the current battlefield wasn¡¯t necessarily bad. Maintaining the status quo could be advantageous for their side. ¡°Let¡¯s observe for a few more days. We¡¯ll watch for two days and gauge their response. After that, we¡¯ll attack the walls again.¡± Time was on his side, or so Olf judged. He decided that this was a moment that required calmness instead of anger. After spending the night like that, the fourth morning of the battlefield dawned. Olf had a breakfast of well-baked bread, fresh cabbage, jerky, dried fruits, and water mixed with wine. The battle so far had only involved small skirmishes. Was there significant damage to their troops? None. Clearing away the lingering unease with a cool-headed judgment, he wiped his face, donned his armor, and prepared himself. ¡°General!¡± A messenger hurriedly burst into the command tent. All the commanders who had gathered after breakfast turned their eyes to the messenger. ¡°What is it?¡± Greg, still on edge from losing the big guy the previous day, spoke roughly. ¡°The enemy is coming out.¡± Blink. Everyone just blinked. ¡°Where are they coming out?¡± Battalion Commander Zimmer asked. ¡°They¡¯re coming out of the city.¡± ¡°Why?¡± It was so absurd that the words in his chest spilled out without thinking. ¡°¡­¡­ How would the messenger know that? Did Zimmer expect him to know? ¡°What are they doing outside?¡± Even the rough Greg, in his astonishment, blinked and spoke in a much softer tone. ¡°They¡¯re forming a battle line.¡± The messenger reported what he had seen and heard. A river of silence swept through the command post. It was as if a silent roar was shaking the tent. Why are they coming out? Are they all crazy? Forming a battle line? Are they asking for a full-scale battle? Really? Leaving the walls behind? Even with the walls, we have the advantage! No, why are they coming out to die? What are they relying on? ¡°Interesting.¡± The pseudo-commander of the troops without insignia, who had been standing still like a scarecrow, expressed his thoughts. ¡°Looks like they¡¯d rather resist than stay trapped.¡± The commander of Viscount Bentra¡¯s army also spoke. It was hard to think of any other reason. However, the unease that Olf had forcibly dismissed began to spread like a wine stain on a carpet in his chest. But retreat now? He would be a laughingstock for life. If there were a bard, they might give him the nickname of ¡®The Cowardly General¡¯. Sometimes on the battlefield, even if the fight seems unwinnable, you must step forward. Right now, it¡¯s clear to anyone that they have the upper hand. But retreat? This is not the time to withdraw just because of unease. ¡°I will use all the cavalry. Block the front with a spear formation. If they are challenging us to a full-scale battle, it¡¯s right to accept!¡± Olf spoke with determination. Whatever the enemy¡¯s aim, if they abandoned the advantage of the castle, they would just crush their forces. Then this unease would also disappear. ¡®Did they request reinforcements somewhere?¡¯ No, that¡¯s unlikely. As soon as we advanced, we surrounded the city, and even if someone sneaked out to request reinforcements, who would send troops? Count Molsen? He¡¯s the one who also inserted troops without insignia to tear apart the Border Guard? ¡®From the central command?¡¯ That¡¯s even less likely. The chance of the central army of Naurillia intervening? It¡¯s lower than a passing crow pecking out a Knight¡¯s eyes. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± At the general¡¯s command, all the commanders rose to their feet. ¡°Please allow me to take the vanguard.¡± Greg stepped forward. ¡°Of course.¡± Charge Captain Greg, a warrior who wouldn¡¯t easily be outmatched by anyone. ¡°We¡¯ve reinforced the defenses on the supply line. Even if it¡¯s a diversion, we won¡¯t fall for it again.¡± Battalion Commander Zimmer also added. He¡¯s a meticulous and faultless commander. Olf nodded with a satisfied expression. Finally, there was the 3rd Battalion Commander, who led the cavalry and scouts. His name was Lettley. While his individual combat skills might be inferior to Greg¡¯s, his ability to maneuver troops through gaps in the enemy lines was superior to his own. ¡°Lettley?¡± ¡°Yes, we are ready.¡± And that¡¯s not all. ¡°My side is ready too. In fact, we¡¯ve been ready for a while. We¡¯ll end this by cutting down that boastful fool and putting an end to those weak rumors.¡± Viscount Bentra¡¯s army had secretly prepared cavalry as well. Their number exceeds fifty. So, who has the advantage in this fight? Olf asked the distant, unseen enemy commander, Marcus. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com] Chapter 208 ¡°Cavalry and a detached unit, along with a group clad in drab cloaks.¡±Jaxon faithfully carried out Encrid¡¯s orders. Observing those stationed at the rear, he precisely pinpointed their location on the military map. He marked the map clearly and neatly, with the skill of an artist. In other words, it was both aesthetically pleasing and easy to understand. Encrid had just summed it up based on that information. Some cavalry held back, a detachment that looked fierce, numbering around a company, and finally, five cloaked figures. The fact that only five stood out to Jaxon meant they were not ordinary individuals. Sixth sense and intuition. It was purely a hunch, but it was what Jaxon reported. Encrid did not dismiss it. ¡°What do you think?¡± Encrid, arms crossed, asked Jaxon, who had just returned. Jaxon was brushing dust off his armor. The dust scattered in the air and fell to the ground. It was still hot. The season for coolness was far off, but Jaxon was not sweating profusely. Was it such an easy task, or was he just acting relaxed? Encrid pondered while waiting for an answer. ¡°I think they¡¯re wizards.¡± Five wizards. The number Martai prepared was indeed formidable. What is the best move from here? Encrid berated Krais. ¡°So, what do you think we should do next?¡± He asked confidently despite not knowing. When in doubt, he grilled his subordinates, as he had learned. ¡°Do you think we¡¯ll lose if we go out and fight?¡± Big Eyes asked in return. Encrid assessed the enemy¡¯s level, what he had learned, and the strength of his own forces. He didn¡¯t think they would lose. Moreover, hadn¡¯t they even put on a sort of play to avoid showing their full strength to the enemy? Audin hadn¡¯t fought properly, and Encrid hadn¡¯t bothered to turn a ¡®Tap¡¯ into a ¡®Knock¡¯. ¡°The plan from the start was to think about an all-out battle. If we engage in street fighting inside the walls, the damage will be beyond ridiculous.¡± ? Krais¡¯s eyes sparkled. Encrid understood and moved. The decision was the Battalion Commander¡¯s to make. The need for an all-out battle was solely their judgment. Publicly, it would mean having to open the gates and face the enemy with unfavorable forces. ¡°I¡¯m going to report.¡± Encrid immediately walked briskly to the command post and spoke to Marcus. ¡°This will be fun. Fianc¨¦e.¡± The Fairy Company Commander, listening beside him, called out whimsically. Oddly enough, no one corrected her. Everyone seemed accustomed to it, letting it slide. The same with the First Company Commander, the other commanders, and even the Battalion Commander¡¯s adjutant, who was also a scribe, might jot down the word ¡®Fianc¨¦e¡¯. It was a fleeting thought. Everyone ignored it. More important words were being exchanged than the bizarre title. ¡°We will control the detached unit kept at the back.¡± The Border Guard Unit Commander was the first to step up, quite actively. Needless to say, Marcus smiled broadly and gave the order. ¡°Open the gate.¡± Watching the Battalion Commander, Encrid couldn¡¯t help but wonder. From Encrid¡¯s perspective, it was a very natural question. No matter how much faith one has, isn¡¯t this a bit excessive? ¡°Generally speaking, this seems like a suicide mission, don¡¯t you think?¡± The difference in power was clear. Engaging such an opponent in a chaotic battle was madness. Usually, that¡¯s the case. Considering strategy and tactics, a commander who dared to execute such a strategy would be called an idiot. Marcus looked directly at Encrid after hearing that. Then he asked, ¡°Do you think so?¡± Encrid shook his head in response to the question instead of answering. ¡°No, I don¡¯t.¡± Why wouldn¡¯t he? With Rem, Ragna, Audin, and Jaxon. Even if the enemy had more numbers, Encrid wasn¡¯t afraid. It was more comfortable to have a clear battlefield than to drag the fight into urban combat. Well, urban combat wouldn¡¯t be uncomfortable either. Above all, ¡®I don¡¯t think we will lose.¡¯ Such thoughts came first and foremost. Encrid knew how to compare forces and read the course of the battle. It was only natural. If he couldn¡¯t even do that, he wouldn¡¯t have survived until now. ¡°They stayed even after we revealed our name and told them to retreat. Now it¡¯s time to show them.¡± Marcus said with a gentle smile. It seemed he found it very impressive how Encrid had repeatedly revealed his name. Encrid nodded. ¡°I will take the lead.¡± A place he had always dreamed of, the front line of the battlefield. Now he could stand there. No one could stop Encrid. Encrid, holding his sword, stepped forward from the very front of the open gate. The allied forces might have shown signs of anxiety. ¡°They say the Troublemaker is going out first?¡± ¡°Then it¡¯s fine.¡± No one showed any anxiety. They charged in without properly seeing. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. If the enemies had faced them on the battlefield, they should have adjusted their strategy just by knowing that the Madmen Platoon was present. But Martai¡¯s forces were calm. Their reaction was absurd, as if to say, ¡°Show us some tricks, if you can.¡± What can they say, it was thanks to Marcus¡¯s excellent deception. At least Krais saw this as a victory of politics. Or a victory of cunning. Spreading the feats of their forces, especially the Madmen Platoon¡¯s, in an exaggerated or understated way was effective. Anyway, victory was important, whether it was political or cunning. ¡°Why didn¡¯t we start with an all-out battle? I almost died of boredom waiting.¡± Rem asked as he moved forward. Krais reflected on what to say. Breaking the siege engines was unexpected, but messing with the supply lines and fighting later had a reason. Why? ¡®Because it has to end in one go.¡¯ If the fight drags on, the side with fewer numbers is at a disadvantage. Moreover, the enemy had the support of nearby noble forces, while they had burned down a branch of the Black Blade Bandits. Who knows what kind of tricks the Black Blade might pull? Plus, recently, they had beaten up members of the Sacred Cult of Demon Realm. In other words, they had slapped the faces of those who were already not on good terms with them, one after another, and quite hard. So, there was no benefit in prolonging the fight. The longer the battle, the more weaknesses would be exposed. Krais had envisioned this from the beginning. Ending everything with one fight. For that, the enemy¡¯s nerves had to be entirely focused on them. They had to be irritated. They had to lash out in anger. It was a strategy close to psychological warfare. ¡°Just because¡­¡± Krais didn¡¯t bother explaining to Rem. While Encrid would understand with just a few words, explaining to Rem would take too long. Sometimes, it¡¯s best to keep words to a minimum when necessary. ¡®That¡¯s me.¡¯ Krais muttered to himself. Above all, it wouldn¡¯t change anything even if Rem knew. ¡°Damn.¡± Rem chuckled and stepped forward. Even though he realized why Big Eyes was being terse, he wasn¡¯t annoyed. The only thing that mattered was that it was time to swing his axe. Krais trusted his troops. He believed that their combined strength would become something overwhelming. ¡®Right?¡¯ Still, a slight sense of unease crept in. It was inevitable. It was part of his nature. Marcus felt the same way. He too, armed and standing with the infantry, was present. As a commander, he had his escort and positioned himself in the rear, but the fact remained that he was with the infantry. Marcus surveyed the battlefield with the eyes of a commander. Encrid¡¯s actions at the forefront would decide a great deal in this battle. It was a fact he felt both mentally and physically. ¡®It¡¯s thrilling.¡¯ But what could be done? This was the best option. ¡°I¡¯m nervous.¡± Marcus was startled, thinking his adjutant had read his thoughts. Still, he didn¡¯t show it outwardly. Instead, he responded with apparent ease. ¡°Are you?¡± ¡°Will it be alright?¡± ¡°Of course.¡± He replied confidently. A commander must always be self-assured. Marcus saw the main enemy force aligning and advancing. ¡°Forward!¡± At the call of the one at the front, the vanguard moved in unison. After taking one step forward. ¡°Ha!¡± Their collective shout resonated, causing the air to tremble. It seemed as if the dust was being pushed toward them. Discipline was evident. The rigor of trained soldiers pricked and stirred the soldiers¡¯ minds. It was the power of well-trained troops. But the Border Guard Reserve Unit was not to be underestimated. They were veteran warriors who had survived fighting in mountains, waters, against monsters, and even against the Aspen forces. Marcus didn¡¯t need to step forward. ¡°Advance!¡± It was the commander of the 3rd Company. Was he chosen for his loud voice? Not really, but his voice seemed to reach the entire army. ¡°Forward!¡± At his crisp command, the main force also took a step forward. Snap. ¡°Hah!¡± In the same manner, they raised their morale. Separately, Encrid and the Madmen Platoon were advancing. They could see each other walking through the gap between the two armies. Now, the moment promised chaos after the charge. A commotion arose at the front of the enemy lines. Specifically, something was rushing into the space between the two confronting armies. It was an unexpected timing, an artful tactical move. A strike initiated while both armies were watching each other. Of course, Encrid¡¯s group was also using the standoff to move forward. Thud-thud-thud-thud! The ground began to tremble. The earth quivered with the vibrations, revealing those charging at the epicenter of the sound. It was a light cavalry unit with reinforced iron plates on the horses¡¯ heads and shoulders. The enemy¡¯s lances were the first to stir up dust. Thud-thud-thud-thud! The sound of the galloping horses reached the ears of the allied forces. Marcus heard it too. Naturally, Encrid and his followers heard it as well. If they targeted the main force, the damage would be severe, and they would start off losing. At the forefront of the cavalry was a commander without an emblem. Marcus had, of course, kept the position of the cavalry in mind, constantly moving scouts to check on them. But the cavalry emerged from the opposite direction. So, these were the ones shown on the strategic map reported by the Madmen Platoon. They were one of the hidden daggers the enemy had kept. That dagger was now charging toward the allied main force, with the Madmen Platoon in the middle of its path. ¡°We¡¯ll get trampled to death!¡± The adjutant shouted. Marcus thought that this guy was always saying what he himself wanted to say first. Although he would only say it internally. A commander must not create anxiety among his troops. Thud-thud-thud-thud! The speed of the charging cavalry was terrifying. Infantry in front of a galloping cavalry were like rotten branches, they would be shattered, crushed, and broken. Marcus trusted Encrid. He believed in the strength of that unit. But against cavalry? Could they handle those coming at full speed? It was an unexpected strike. The Martai bastards had used their trump card from the start. They were completely caught off guard. * * * The Commander of the Viscount¡¯s Army of Bentra declared he would lead the charge himself. Although Greg protested, it was of no use. ¡°Breaking the enemy¡¯s morale and crushing their spirit from the start is fundamental in warfare.¡± This was the strategy of one leading a noble¡¯s cavalry, not just a city¡¯s strategy. There was a difference from a rural Infantry Commander. Even Greg had to admit. The commander¡¯s approach was more efficient, effective, and lethal. Thus, the commander of the Viscount¡¯s Army of Bentra led his cavalry out. Fifty elite cavalrymen. Although they were not specialized for charging, they were still cavalry. Normally, they used strategies to chip away at the enemy¡¯s flanks, but today they faced infantry. Charging head-on would still give them the advantage. That¡¯s the nature of a cavalry versus infantry battle. To counter their spears, the enemy would have to use long weapons too, leading to a one-sided engagement. ¡°We¡¯re going to sweep away these arrogant Border Guard hillbillies. Any objections?¡± At the commander¡¯s words, the fifty cavalrymen shouted in unison. ¡°No, sir!¡± ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± With a snort, they calculated the distance for the charge and surged forward. Was it a difficult task? No. As he prepared the horses and rode out, the commander thought. ¡®Foolish bastards.¡¯ Was it when they went to support a pioneer village? ¡®Encrid¡¯s wall? Nonsense.¡¯ He had resolved then that if he ever met this boastful guy, he would crush him. Initially, he had only planned to cut out half of his tongue, but now it looked like he would have to cut off his head instead. Their cavalry had light armor, the riders avoided heavy armor, and their preferred weapon was the glaive. They were known as the cavalry that wielded long spears. They connected the spear handles to their sides and saddles, slicing through infantry as they passed. The speed of the cavalry added to the cutting power, making it a fearsome strike. This was their specialty. Running and cutting everything in their path. Ahead of them, fewer than ten infantrymen stood as appetizers. Their primary target was the enemy¡¯s main force. They would cut through the front ranks spectacularly. The commander was filled with excitement. Euphoria followed. They were on horseback, the enemy on foot. It was a relative advantage. Charging into a battlefield with victory assured, how could one not be excited? With boiling blood and a pounding heart, the commander shouted. ¡°To hell with the wall!¡± It was the cry from the depths of his heart. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com] Chapter 209 Encrid placed his hand on the sword grip and steadied his breath.The front, the tip, the forefront¡ªwhatever you called it, it was the very front. Thus, the large-scale battlefield emerged. It was flat enough to be called a plain. They anticipated the cavalry¡¯s charge. No, anyone could foresee such a thing. That¡¯s why it was madness to come out like this. The enemy would surely wonder if there were any sane people on this side. They didn¡¯t expect the cavalry to charge right from the start, though. Thud, thud, thud! The ground trembled even though the cavalry was still far away. Despite the rumbling sound shaking the earth, they were still quite a distance away, not close enough to start swinging swords yet. But they were fast. The gap was closing quickly. The wildness of the horses, the dust raised by their hooves, the uniformly armed cavalry. All of it was enough to instill fear. ¡°Oh? Are they happy to die?¡± Rem, who had sharp eyes, said while looking at the approaching cavalry commander. He wore a helmet that covered his face, but could his expression be seen? ¡°Can you see that?¡± ¡°I can feel it clearly.¡± Rem snorted. Is the barbarian¡¯s intuition just as fearsome as Jaxon¡¯s? Or is it simply a reflex that kicks in whenever someone underestimates him? Anyway, Encrid felt something similar. He estimated the number of charging cavalry. More than fifty. The people standing here were himself, Rem, Ragna, Jaxon, and Audin. He had pulled Finn, Dunbachel, and Esther back. ¡°I can fight too.¡± Just before they came out, Dunbachel had protested, but it wasn¡¯t something a beastkin who had followed Audin and returned with a broken head should say. Her head was wrapped in bandages from her left ear to her forehead. ¡°Ho ho, sister. You almost died. If you want to go to heaven, just say the word. I¡¯ll send you there right now.¡± Dunbachel shut her mouth at Audin¡¯s polite death threat. She had gotten hurt by being reckless while following Audin. Of course, he hadn¡¯t planned to take her along even if she wasn¡¯t injured. ¡°She¡¯s too weak.¡± Rem muttered beside him, leaving behind a promise to deal with her later. Just because his usual attitude was light, didn¡¯t mean his words were weightless. Rem¡¯s promise to deal with someone was, well, terrifying for the listener. Dunbachel didn¡¯t notice it at all, though. Encrid cast aside his brief thoughts. The cavalry was now right in front of them. Thud, thud, thud, the ground shook as they ran, revealing their weapons. They held their long, broad-bladed glaives diagonally toward the ground, gleaming in the sunlight. It was a weapon designed more for sweeping strikes than thrusting. The blade was so bright. Encrid thought that the bright sunlight and his sword blade went well together. Then, it was time to use it. Shing. He drew his sword, gripping it with both hands and giving it a slight twist. ¡°Walls be damned!¡± The leading figure of the approaching cavalry shouted. Encrid employed the Valen Mercenary Sword Technique. Valen Mercenary Sword Technique attack. Eye Dazzle. The terrifyingly sharp blade reflected his face like a mirror. It reflected the sunlight directly into the enemy¡¯s eyes, delivering a blinding glare. ¡°Ugh!¡± The charging enemy raised a hand to shield his eyes from the sunlight, causing him to hesitate. Yet, the horse did not slow down, maintaining its charging speed. Even so, the momentum seemed to falter. Regardless of the sunlight, the approaching glaive¡¯s broad blade cut through the air, aiming to cut through Encrid¡¯s neck as well. The broad spear blade slicing through the air at an angle. Reflected sunlight, his fearsomely sharp sword, the enemy, the sun, the ground, the horse, the dust, the battlefield, the forefront. In an instant, Encrid recalled everything around him, then let go of it all and immersed himself. Forgetting himself and the world, leaving only the enemy and the sword. As the incoming glaive blade approached, the Heart of Great Strength beat. The courage gained from the Heart of the Beast kept him from blinking at the incoming spear blade, while his keen senses read the timing. Thus, Encrid swung his sword vertically, striking the glaive blade. Clang! The crisp sound that echoed marked the beginning of everything. The power of his well-trained muscles in both hands combined with the rare quality of his sword in perfect harmony. Crack! Facing the line of raised spear blades, Encrid shattered the first one. There was no time to observe the shattered spear blade flying away. In a world where only the enemy, the sword, and himself existed, his only task was to swing the sword. He struck down the incoming spear blades, sweeping them aside, deflecting them, and cutting through whenever a gap appeared. Thud! His blade sliced through the gap in the horse¡¯s armor, severing its right foreleg. Warm, hot blood flowed as the painful scream of the horse echoed. The scream soon faded away, but the spear blades continued to come relentlessly. This was the nature of a cavalry charge. Once started, it couldn¡¯t be stopped. In Encrid¡¯s mind, a world with only the sword, the enemy, and himself, Ragna¡¯s words squeezed into the fleeting moment. ¡°When you get into the application of the Middle Sword Technique, you will train two forms of slashes.¡± One would think to explain the effectiveness of the technique when training, but Ragna was not one to expect such things from. ¡°Lion Slash and Steel Slash.¡± The explanation was crude, but Encrid understood it well. Lion Slash didn¡¯t mean to cut an actual lion, but to cut down a dynamic target like a charging lion in one stroke, and Steel Slash meant to cut through something solid and refined even if it was stationary. Dynamic and solid, at first separately. In time, it meant cutting through both at once. ¡°If you seek will, you must master both.¡± Ragna¡¯s final words left a deep impression, and he realized that the technique Ragna demonstrated before, called ¡®Severance¡¯, began with these two Middle Sword Technique slashes. Encrid thought of the Lion Slash as he cut down the charging cavalry. The traces of swordsmanship were imprinted in his mind. His body, responding with the Sense of Evasion, his hands, feet, and sword, cut through the charging cavalry. Wham, thud, slash! The simultaneous, chaotic noises brushed his ears. The horse and cavalry, cut from head to foreleg, collapsed to the ground behind. ¡°Aaargh!¡± The scream of the cavalryman who fell from his horse echoed. He was an unlucky cavalryman. His final scream was his death throes. As he fell, he hit his head badly and died trembling all over. Thus, the first charge had passed. Of course, no one on Encrid¡¯s side had died. * * * The cavalry¡¯s horses were weapons in themselves. Facing a charging horse head-on? A Giant or a Frog might pull off such a stunt. But really, is that a smart move? Even if you stop one horse, what about the ones charging in right behind it? If being crushed under the weight of a horse and its armor is your hobby, that might be a good method. That¡¯s right. Usually, facing a cavalry charge head-on is madness. No matter how confident you are, that¡¯s just how it is. So, what about these people? Marcus watched those reacting to the enemy¡¯s cavalry charge. Starting with Encrid deflecting the blade, to the largest soldier. Thanks to his size, he was the first to catch Marcus¡¯s eye. ¡®Was his name Audin?¡¯ A devout soldier who begins his day with prayer. And yet, a soldier who can beat to death any human, beast, or monster. He faced the cavalry charge head-on. He deflected the charging spear blade with a short club the length of his forearm, then caught the horse¡¯s head with his palm and twisted it aside. Is it even possible to deflect a blade like that? And can you really change the direction of a charging horse with just arm strength? Neigh! Changing the direction wasn¡¯t the end of it. With that one move, the horse collapsed sideways helplessly. Accepting the full force of the charge and diverting it to the side, Marcus was beyond impressed, he was astonished. ¡®This doesn¡¯t make sense.¡¯ It was an incredible feat. In truth, Marcus couldn¡¯t see it clearly, but Audin hadn¡¯t even struck the blade directly. He hit the spear shaft at the exact joint. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The enemy cavalryman had connected the spear shaft to a hole at the back of the saddle, holding it in the middle to brace it. That was the core tactic, matching the charging speed to the cutting method. Audin didn¡¯t back down at all against that. The devout bear who had taken down one cavalryman then dodged the next incoming spear blade by ducking his head and struck the head of the third horse with his club. Bang! This time, the horse died without a scream. Its head, armored and all, burst open, splattering blood. Amidst this, Audin smiled kindly, but Marcus still couldn¡¯t see even that. Audin wasn¡¯t the only one standing out. If he was the beginning, the next was the axe-wielding madman. ¡°Hooah!¡± With a shout, Rem struck the glaive¡¯s blade with his axe blade. Strangely, the axe blade and the spear blade stuck together and wouldn¡¯t come apart. Then, as if entangled in vines, he clung to the spear blade, seemingly pushed back with the horse, but soon showed an amazing skill. In that pushed-back position, he grabbed the middle of the spear shaft, stepped on the horse¡¯s head, and climbed onto the cavalryman. Marcus couldn¡¯t understand how that even worked, watching it. In truth, it required speed and reaction time faster than the cavalryman, plus a ridiculous amount of brute strength. Crack! From above, he delivered the axe blade to the cavalryman¡¯s head. As he moved sideways to the next horse, one of the cavalrymen tried to draw his estoc from his waist. The estoc was a rapier designed exclusively for thrusting. Before the cavalryman could even draw it, his shoulder was cut. It was a magical sight created by the axe blade shining like a flash. Rem killed two cavalrymen that way and rolled to the ground. Remarkably, he avoided the horses¡¯ hooves and rolled to the side. To Marcus, it was incomprehensible and bewildering. It was no different from an acrobatic performance you might occasionally see in the central city. Encrid also stood out. He shattered the first approaching spear blade with sheer force, then cut down the next, and the next. The way he cut through the horses and cavalrymen whole in one sweeping motion might seem brute force, but it was also a breathtaking sight to behold. Beside him, Ragna showed similar movements. The difference was that Ragna used subtle stabs and feints with his sword to nullify the cavalry charge, rather than the bold, sweeping strikes of Encrid. It was equally impressive. The weighty strikes Encrid displayed, smashing through the cavalry charge, were exhilarating and satisfying to watch. One person didn¡¯t even appear, but what did that matter? No one cared about him. The important thing was this: The cavalry had charged, but on the charging side, dozens of cavalrymen had disappeared, while those who were the targets of the charge were unharmed. The blood of the horses and cavalrymen stretched out on the ground. The blood from the dead cavalrymen was left behind by the horses that continued to run. Those with burst heads or cleaved bodies left a stream of blood on the ground. The dust raised by the hooves mingled with the blood, appearing red. Seeing all this, Marcus¡¯s mouth opened. ¡°Lieutenant.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Who gathered them together?¡± The lieutenant recited what he knew from his investigation. ¡°The former Battalion Commander.¡± ¡°That bastard actually did something useful.¡± The former Battalion Commander probably hadn¡¯t intended for this situation. He likely intended to gather troublemakers who caused various problems, such as assaulting superiors, into one unit and use them as meat shields or for expendable operations to gain some advantage. That bastard enjoyed taking credit for the achievements of his subordinates, so he probably thought that if they fought and died, it would become his own accomplishment. Too troublesome to dismiss but too problematic to keep, they were to be used as disposable tools. Indeed, his plan was to use them as throwaway pawns. ¡®And then Encrid joined them and made it work.¡¯ Marcus, the politician, recognized the origin of this Problematic Squad from his seat. Yes, the former Battalion Commander was a bastard and hadn¡¯t intended it, but¡­ ¡°What¡¯s done is done. I almost feel like awarding him a medal.¡± Bringing them together and making Encrid their Squad leader was a masterstroke. Look at them, isn¡¯t it marvelous? While Marcus felt amazement, the commander of the enemy unit that had ordered the charge was dumbfounded. Under the command of the Viscount¡¯s Army of Bentra, he led the cavalry unit that cut down infantry. He had no choice but to halt. He had to take the stance of finishing the charge and wheeling around. He had to reorganize his formation since twelve out of fifty were dead. That he survived? Pure luck. If he had been within their range, he would have been dead. The commander saw the blade that had passed him by. He also saw the man wielding the sword in front of him. The name was Encrid. He had first heard that name in some fanciful tales stuck to a wall somewhere, full of ludicrous rumors. ¡®That was just bluster.¡¯ It was supposed to be just absurd rumors. It was supposed to be a tactic to bluff and make this side retreat by inflating their reputation. So, in this charge, they should have all been cut down into pieces of meat. Is this a dream? ¡°What the hell is this?¡± The commander said. For a moment, he almost lost his will to fight. But he couldn¡¯t afford to do that. The battle had just begun. While wheeling around and forming up, he saw the remaining four. He saw the blue eyes of a man with black hair wearing a roughly made helmet. He seemed to be deep in thought. Then he saw him mumble something to the side. He couldn¡¯t hear what he was saying. Watching that, he steeled himself again. Thud! ¡°Ugh!¡± Suddenly, a blade thrust into his neck. It felt like someone had jabbed his neck with a torch. The fiery pain started from his neck and spread throughout his body. He froze in an instant. ¡°Commander!¡± He heard his subordinate shout from behind. He tried to open his mouth, but no coherent words came out. When your vocal cords are cut and your throat is pierced, that¡¯s how it usually goes. ¡°Gurgle!¡± Blood foamed at the commander¡¯s mouth, and his head slumped to the side. Cause of death: a stab to the neck. The one who delivered that gift was Jaxon, a man with reddish-brown hair. The noise faded. There was no more commotion. In the moment of surprise, while everyone watched, Jaxon calmly moved. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com] Chapter 210 Jaxon expected the cavalry wouldn¡¯t go far and would soon stop. It was the obvious choice for a commander after losing many men in one charge.So, instead of facing the charge head-on, he started moving low. While everyone else was focused on the charging cavalry. And on those repelling the charge. Jaxon targeted the spot where the cavalry would likely halt and moved there in advance. He moved ahead of the cavalry, and, assuming he was sprinting with determination, he was confident he wouldn¡¯t lag too far behind them over a short distance. And the result. Kicking the calf of a man whose neck had been pierced and was tilting sideways, Jaxon dislodged his foot from the stirrup and pushed him off the saddle. The commander fell with a thud. Jaxon remained calm. Climbing into the saddle, he casually patted the horse¡¯s neck as if to soothe it. The horse, which had been resisting, soon calmed down. Without looking back, Jaxon urged the horse to return to Encrid¡¯s side. Clip-clop, clip-clop! The sound of horse hooves echoed cheerfully through the silence. The watching cavalry missed their chance to attack due to his nonchalant attitude. ¡°That wildcat bastard, hogging all the glory alone.¡± Rem greeted the returning Jaxon. ¡°Crazy barbarian, stick to your brute fights.¡± Jaxon responded cheerfully as he dismounted and slapped the horse¡¯s rump. The horse neighed and, with the sound of hooves, ran off to the side. Of course, it went to an area where no troops were gathered. Dust rose like a haze as the horse galloped away. Despite being in the middle of a battlefield, Rem and Jaxon exchanged fierce glances while greeting each other. Encrid, who should have been intervening, was lost in thought and suddenly spoke up. It was something he had been mulling over. ¡°Couldn¡¯t you have just swung the spear without hooking it behind you?¡± If the spear shaft broke, you could just let it go. But because the shaft was hooked into a loop on their side and armor, their reaction was slow. That, he thought, was why their response to the first attack was so poor. Hence, they had no chance. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Rem sighed and answered, seeing that Encrid had been spouting nonsense for a while now. Thanks to this, the staring contest between Jaxon and him ended. Jaxon shook his head and averted his eyes. ¡°If you brace with your waist, you have to withstand both the force of the running horse and the impact of the collision. Wouldn¡¯t your back break? Would it, or wouldn¡¯t it?¡± Encrid knew his back wouldn¡¯t break. But for others? Those less trained might find it possible. Understanding achieved. Encrid¡¯s point was this. The enemy¡¯s attack was too simplistic and straightforward. And hooking the spear to their side while slashing? It might be effective against weaker opponents, but in this situation, it was bound to fail. That¡¯s why they couldn¡¯t prepare for such an attack. Encrid inadvertently grasped the core of the enemy cavalry. Originally, glaive-wielding cavalry were specialized in cutting down and slashing those unprepared for counterattacks, weaker opponents. ¡®Instead of hooking the spear behind, they should have strengthened their muscles.¡¯ After confronting them, he saw what needed fixing. A new realization dawned. Encrid recognized that he could identify and point out his opponent¡¯s shortcomings. This was another potential for growth. ¡®Good.¡¯ Aside from blocking the cavalry¡¯s charge, Encrid¡¯s eyes gleamed strangely. The remaining cavalry, watching this, couldn¡¯t decide what to do and once again ordered a charge. ¡°Charge! Kill them all!¡± In some ways, it was impressive courage, thinking to attack again after what just happened. Encrid pointed his drawn sword forward and faced the charging cavalry again. Having done it once, why not twice? When facing the cavalry charge a while ago, the Goddess of luck had no part in it. It was skill rather than luck that had intervened. ¡°A crazy antlion trap.¡± Marcus remarked, while on the opposite side, the enemy commander Olf cursed the stupidity of the charging cavalry but made the best possible decision in that moment. Retreating here would have been incredibly foolish. ¡°Charge!¡± Soon, Martai¡¯s infantry began to advance. It was the beginning of a melee. Before the infantry charged, the cavalry had already fallen and retreated. Since this was entirely the work of five individuals, the morale of Martai¡¯s charging infantry was understandably low. * * * ¡°Ragna and I will take the front, Rem on the right, Jaxon on the left, and Audin at the rear.¡± Before coming here, Encrid, as the leader of a unit, thought about forming a proper formation instead of engaging in a chaotic fight. It wasn¡¯t a deeply thought-out plan. The idea was for everyone to keep their positions and fight without interfering too much with each other. In a melee, the casualties among allies increase. He abandoned the idea of a defensive strategy to minimize casualties. It wasn¡¯t something that could be done with a small elite force. Instead, to reduce casualties among allies, they needed to increase the enemy¡¯s casualties in a short time. Thus, this ¡®adequate formation¡¯ was created. Fighting together seemed more effective than fighting separately. ¡°Keep the intervals.¡± They weren¡¯t ones to be bound by formations. Even if Audin, Ragna, and Jaxon followed the instructions, would that madman Rem really listen? Encrid was curious too. If Rem didn¡¯t listen, he thought of just letting him be. ¡®In that case, Ragna will be in the front, and I¡¯ll take the right.¡¯ Jaxon, Ragna, and Audin might also not listen. If that happened, he would give up and fight. There was no time or energy to persuade them. From that point on, it would just be communicating with the enemy using their swords. When Encrid mentioned the formation, he had already made up his mind. And then. ¡°Understood.¡± Rem was the first to take his position. On the right. The interval was roughly three steps. Close enough to help if needed, but not so close as to interfere. ¡°The interval is three steps, understood.¡± Jaxon moved to the left. Starting with Rem and Jaxon, Ragna also stepped forward by two steps. Finally, Audin took the rear. ¡°¡­¡­Not rushing out on your own?¡± Encrid, almost unconsciously, looked at Rem and asked. Was he really agreeing so easily? It was surprising. ¡°What are you talking about? Do we have time to chat idly with those bastards coming at us?¡± No, they didn¡¯t. The enemy infantry was charging madly. There was no time to ask the others. ¡°¡­Forward.¡± Encrid muttered. It was a small but resolute voice that reached those around him. Ragna matched steps with Encrid. No matter what anyone said, Encrid was the center of this formation. Was this really happening? Were they actually listening so well? It was baffling, but not something to question. Waaaah! Amid the enemy soldiers¡¯ shouts. ¡°Kill them all!¡± ¡°Die, you bastards!¡± ¡°Sons of bitches!¡± Some of the leading soldiers showed fear, some madness, and others calmness. People are different. Between the soldiers showing fear, madness, and calmness, curses and shouts echoed like a harmony. It was the orchestra of the battlefield. Encrid didn¡¯t run. He just increased his walking speed a bit, and the allies moved with him. Their morale was overwhelmingly high. The discipline spread differently. Encrid felt it in his bones. ¡°Waaaah ¨C you idiots!¡± Hearing the allies¡¯ shouts from behind, Encrid faced his first enemy. The impact from the cavalry¡¯s charge was greater the second time. The first time ended in bewilderment, but the second time was different. Even though they knew it was coming, the same scene repeated itself, with even more casualties than before. The routed cavalry fled. If they had charged again, they would have rightfully been called the biggest fools on the continent. So it wasn¡¯t surprising that the fear in the eyes of the soldier standing before him replaced the calmness and madness. Blades flew, and the heat of the battle closed in. Encrid swung his sword down. A direct overhead slash. Thud, crack! The first blow struck the soldier¡¯s head. With a slicing motion, the head burst, sending blood and brain matter everywhere. Blood droplets rained down on Encrid¡¯s leather helmet. Amidst the rain of blood, Encrid was already slicing horizontally through another soldier¡¯s chest and left arm. Whack! If swordsmanship was important, then the weapon itself could also be considered part of the technique. Encrid thought this and fully utilized the capabilities of his sword. The blade, with its exceptional sharpness and strength, cut through the oncoming waves of soldiers. The effectiveness of the formation? He didn¡¯t care. He focused on just one thing. To fight together appropriately. The intention was clear. Encrid pierced through the enemy ranks like the tip of a spear. Naturally, Rem and the others followed him at the center. The charge of the Madmen Platoon was like a knife cutting through a soft apple. Soon, they would be in the middle of the enemy. What happens when you dig in like that? Encirclement. In other words, they would be fighting surrounded by enemies. Was it a bad strategy? Not really. ¡°Brothers, to heaven!¡± Audin, who was covering the rear, shouted. His fists and club moved faster than the eye could follow. Wham, thud! Whoosh, crack! On the right, Rem laughed as he swung his axe. The gleaming blade of the axe swept through, smashing enemy swords, splitting heads, and slicing through armor. ¡°Come on, I¡¯m excited now.¡± Rem said, covered in blood. Between his blood-red helmet and face, only his gray eyes blinked. As fear descended on the enemy, the soldiers charging from the front hesitated. ¡°You bastards!¡± Suddenly, a man charged from the left. Encrid didn¡¯t know it, but it was Greg, the commander of the 1st Battalion. General Olf¡¯s trusted brave warrior, Greg, was blocked by Jaxon, who wielded a thin sword. A previously unnoticed opponent. Greg did not underestimate his opponent, but he didn¡¯t overestimate him either. He swung his hexagonal mace. A heavy blow with a tricky trajectory. It aimed diagonally at the collarbone. Dodging would disrupt the formation, and blocking it would be difficult. The difference in power was evident. Encrid noticed this out of the corner of his eye but wasn¡¯t worried. ¡®No chance.¡¯ Did Greg think Jaxon was the easiest target to face head-on? Certainly, the opponent hovered near Rem. Yet, he didn¡¯t attack Rem and instead circled to the left. He was targeting Jaxon. The soldier with reddish-brown hair met the mace with his thin blade. If you can¡¯t dodge, you can deflect. Clang! Jaxon received the heavy mace with the flat of his blade and deflected it to the side. Sparks flew as metal ground against metal. Jaxon¡¯s expression remained unchanged. He was just doing his job. For what it was, it was a high-level deflection. It was clear he had thoroughly mastered the basics of swordsmanship. ¡°Ugh!¡± Greg tried to force the direction of the deflected mace back on course. ¡°Idiot.¡± Jaxon muttered, and Greg heard it clearly. This bastard? Greg cursed with his eyes as he controlled the mace and stomped the ground. He intended to crush him with brute force. If Jaxon tried another deflection, Greg was ready to drop his weapon and rush in to break his neck. He was confident in his hand-to-hand combat skills. Greg envisioned the outcome of the fight in an instant, predicting the scene of snapping his opponent¡¯s neck. The strange part was, that scene kept repeating in his mind. Dropping the mace and rushing in. Snapping the neck. Crunch! Dropping the mace and rushing in. Snapping the neck. Crunch. Dropping the mace and rushing in. Snapping the neck. Crunch. Then suddenly, the world spun, and looking down, he saw the guy who called him an idiot already thrusting his sword towards another opponent. A soldier screamed as the blade pierced through the visor, skewering his eye and head. ¡°Argh!¡± ¡®Why am I seeing all this?¡¯ Greg looked down in confusion, seeing a body with blood spurting out. The lifeless body splattered red paint everywhere as it fell forward with a thud. From where the head had been, blood gushed out like water from a tilted bucket. The fallen one¡¯s armor looked remarkably similar to his own. That was the end. His thoughts ceased, and darkness consumed everything. * * * As soon as the one targeting Jaxon was pushed aside, Ragna delivered a blow. There was no need for a severance strike, a steel slash sufficed. The armor covering the neck looked quite tough, but it was meaningless. Whack, slice! The slash cut through armor, neck bones, and tendons. It was a Middle Sword Technique steel slash. The head flew through the air, and it strangely seemed like the eyes were blinking. Ragna lost interest after that. He was exhilarated. ¡®Interesting guys.¡¯ He was referring to everyone, including Encrid. Where could one find such people? Something created by a series of coincidences. A prank played by the Goddess of luck. Such things might have created this situation. ¡®Or maybe not.¡¯ Life often starts with coincidence and ends in inevitability. This might be something that happened independently of luck. If not for Encrid, Ragna wouldn¡¯t be here, so it was inevitable. But did Rem and the others play no role? He had seen skilled fighters during his mundane life. Naturally, it made him stop. Coincidence and inevitability, useless thoughts disappeared. Exhilaration, fun. Ragna was drenched in things he couldn¡¯t easily feel while swinging his sword. That exhilaration filled him and overflowed. Because of that. Ragna¡¯s sword became fiercer, more precise, and busier. At some point, even Encrid had to match Ragna¡¯s rhythm. When Ragna took the lead and started swinging his sword, he was like the Grim Reaper. The enemy¡¯s eyes started to reflect something beyond fear, an incomprehensible dread. ¡°Ughhh!¡± ¡°Spare me!¡± ¡°It¡¯s a monster!¡± Cries instead of shouts. With screams, cold despair began to blanket the battlefield. The orchestra was coming to an end. ¡°¡­What kind of monsters are they?¡± A Platoon leader who once tried to capture Encrid by using underhanded tactics on the supply route had also joined the battlefield. A sigh of despair escaped his lips. If he had survived, he might have become an excellent commander and outstanding soldier, but he too did not survive. An axe had already approached and struck his chest. ¡°Ugh.¡± His breastbone caved in, and his heart burst. Excruciating pain coursed through his body. Thus, the Platoon leader fell, shedding tears of blood. When the number of the dead exceeded a hundred. * * * ¡°Shit.¡± Olf sensed defeat. No, it was beyond just sensing. This was on a level where they couldn¡¯t even compete. ¡®Five Junior-Knights?¡¯ Damn bastards, they hid them well. Olf felt not just disheartened but dizzy with despair. Five Junior-Knights, this wasn¡¯t a Knight order, what kind of madness was this? No, even if they weren¡¯t Junior-Knights, how did they manage to hide five with such power? Olf couldn¡¯t accept it. He hadn¡¯t lost the war. This was a victory of politics. The victory of those who hid well. This happened because Marcus hid Encrid so well. ¡°Maintain the melee.¡± In the midst of this, a commander with no insignia ran and shouted. There was nothing to maintain. The flow of the battlefield was no longer his. From now on, his life, the beginning, and the end of everything depended on Marcus¡¯s whims. Beyond morale and momentum, everything on the battlefield was now in the hands of a politician. ¡°Truly, what a bastard.¡± Who could understand Olf¡¯s miserable feelings, being utterly defeated by a strike relying on his subordinate¡¯s strength? Should this be called the realm of strategy and tactics? Hiding the power of just five men so well? If someone were to name this battle, it would be perfectly fitting to say this: Marcus hid Encrid. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com] Chapter 211 The Turtle Heavy Infantry, led by First Company Commander Graham, did their job.¡°Who are we?!¡± The captain shouted. ¡°Woo-ha!¡± The subordinates responded. ¡°We are the wall! The moving fortress of the Border Guard!¡± Once again, the captain shouted. ¡°We are the fortress!¡± The Turtle Heavy Infantry soldiers strained their vocal cords to let out a sound that was almost a roar. Despite the abuse of their vocal cords, their morale soared proportionally. Regardless of the exploits of Encrid¡¯s party, Graham intended to become a wall. This was what his company excelled at, and it had been the plan from the start. Graham anticipated facing his old rival, Greg¡¯s Assault Company. The Assault Company of Martai and the Heavy Infantry of the Border Guard had been long-time rivals. However, there was no chance to face Greg. Encrid¡¯s group of five had already dismantled Greg and his Assault Company. After witnessing that, Graham¡¯s battle was relatively relaxed for a battlefield. ¡°Raise shields!¡± The unique strategy of the Heavy Infantry was simple. Raise shields and hold the line. ¡°Two steps!¡± Close the gap. Thud! Thud! ¡®Two steps¡¯ meant two paces forward. Though slow, their unified steps were deliberate and stable. The Turtle crept forward. ¡°Attack!¡± The third command was to swing their heavy maces at close range. Each soldier was armed with a mace ending in a round weight. Wham! Wham! Wham! No armor or leather helmet could withstand such force. Crack! A mace struck the shield of a Martai infantryman, splitting the round wood shield in half. The next mace strike inevitably met the soldier¡¯s head. Crunch! It was inevitable that skulls would be cracked and blood would flow. Even if one could deflect swords or spears, there was no defense against the maces. Bodies of enemy soldiers piled up in front of the Heavy Infantry. Some agile opponents managed to evade and thrust their swords, but clang! The Heavy Infantry, clad in plate and chain armor reinforced with additional layers of cloth and leather, were impervious to such attacks. Even if an enemy blade pierced the chainmail, it couldn¡¯t penetrate the thick padding underneath. ¡°Die!¡± One of the Turtle Heavy Infantry, who had been stabbed in the side, shouted as he swung his mace. The mace fell vertically, striking the shoulder of the enemy who had thrust the spear. ¡°Gah!¡± S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. With one arm disabled by a single blow, the next step was inevitable. Falling to the ground after being pushed back by a shield, the enemy was trampled to death. Though slow, the Turtle Heavy Infantry under Graham had a terrifying bite once engaged. Their slow but overwhelming force battered the battlefield. However, ¡°Even so.¡± Graham¡¯s company would not receive any attention. Encrid and his party were mercilessly increasing the number of casualties on the battlefield. With just five men, they accomplished what fifty Heavy Infantry soldiers could not. Such individuals were referred to as extraordinary forces, and those at the pinnacle were called Knights. Although they could not be called Knights just yet. ¡®At least Junior-Knights.¡¯ Graham had a discerning eye. ¡°Raise shields!¡± The simple tactics of the Heavy Infantry continued. There was no one to stop them. Those who were supposed to block them had already been torn apart, crushed, struck, slashed, stabbed, and cut by someone else. * * * The Border Guard Commander glanced to the side and asked quietly, ¡°May I ask your name?¡± He saw a separate group starting to move forward. They were all agile. Should they be called the second dagger prepared by Martai? That seemed to be the case. The Border Guard Commander understood that this detachment was clearly aimed at them. The Border Guard¡¯s unit nickname was Frontier Slaughterers. They earned that name for their exceptional skill in cutting, slashing, and fighting, and the enemy resembled them in that they were a small, elite, special force. The nickname ¡®Slaughterers of the Frontier¡¯ no longer seemed to fit. ¡®These days, it seems like just being the Border Guard is enough.¡¯ Why wouldn¡¯t it be? There is a class of fighters whose small-scale battles dominate the battlefield, forming the basis for strategy and tactics. Knights. So, do they fight like before when there are no Knights? No. The concept of small elite groups, special units, was developed to represent the tactics of Knights. Until now, the Border Guard garrison had been renowned, but their fame had been overshadowed by the reputation of Encrid and the Madmen Platoon. Not that there was any resentment about it. ¡®Just by looking, you can tell. That guy is extraordinary.¡¯ The Commander acknowledged Encrid. In fact, who in the Border Guard Reserve Unit wouldn¡¯t recognize him? Everyone would acknowledge him. Encrid was the kind of guy who made people feel good just by watching him. He had a way of stirring something within people. He was someone you couldn¡¯t hate. ¡°No.¡± At the end of his thoughts, he heard the refusal from the Fairy Company Commander. She wouldn¡¯t even reveal her name. Thirty-six years old. The Commander was quite senior. His pupils wavered, although no one noticed. He lowered his head slightly, even avoiding the Fairy¡¯s gaze. Officially, they held equivalent ranks, but the Border Guard Commander had a unique position similar to that of a First Company Commander. If the Battalion Commander¡¯s influence was low, sometimes the words of the Border Guard Commander carried more weight. However, the Fairy Company Commander didn¡¯t seem to care at all. ¡®She won¡¯t even tell me her name.¡¯ The Border Guard Commander, approaching middle age, gently put his feelings aside. It was time to let go of the late-blooming excitement and head into battle. However, a bit of lingering attachment led to one more question. ¡°Are you really involved with Encrid?¡± Sinar stared straight at the Border Guard Commander and said, ¡°What you wish for and what happens are two different things.¡± Her expression was colorless. Her tone revealed no emotion. The Border Guard Commander closed his mouth, then spoke again. ¡°My name is Zenok.¡± The second bit of lingering attachment made him reveal his name. Sinar didn¡¯t even nod. In the meantime, Torres came up from behind and poked the commander in the side. ¡°I told you not to do that.¡± The commander didn¡¯t respond. Torres had tried to stop him before he could even speak. But what could he do? When pure feelings are burning, whose fault would it be if he died without speaking up? ¡°Today, I¡¯m fighting with passion.¡± The commander said. Torres nodded. Behind them, the core forces of the Border Guard all had determined looks in their eyes. For their commander, who had been rejected in love. Their eyes echoed their resolve. Soon, Martai¡¯s prepared detachment reached the promised point. Fairy Company Commander Sinar was here to support, but she had no subordinates with her. There were no skilled fighters under her command that could match the strength of the Border Guard. Martai¡¯s detachment commander looked desperate. Discipline was slipping, and the formation was falling apart. When a commander¡¯s mind is unsettled, it affects the soldiers under them. Their haste to advance, rather than checking their surroundings, contributed to this. The Border Guard charged in from the side. ¡°For unrequited love!¡± One of the guards shouted. ¡°Who the hell is that?!¡± The commander shouted too. One of Martai¡¯s detachment turned. He was a dual-wielding warrior with sharp, fierce eyes. He led the others to turn. It was a battle between the detachment aiming for the Border Guard¡¯s flank and the guards hitting Martai¡¯s detachment from the side. The dual-wielding warrior¡¯s reaction speed was extraordinary. He aimed at the neck of the approaching Fairy Company Commander with the swords in both hands. His movements were swift. His reactions were excellent, and his attacks followed smoothly without hesitation. He was top-notch. Until then, Sinar, who had been standing still with her hand on her waist, moved. She stepped back, drew her blade, and struck towards the crossing point of the dual-wielding swords. The leaf-like blade split the sunlight and also split the swords. Clang! ¡°Where do you think you¡¯re aiming?¡± Sinar danced with the blades she wielded effortlessly. Each swing of her sword brought forth a mist of blood. Those cut and stabbed fell to the ground. Torres, too, had just pressed close to an enemy with a sword and shield, pulling out a hidden dagger to slit the man¡¯s throat. A precise strike between the helmet and armor caused the neck to split open. He pushed the blood-gushing man aside. After killing one enemy, Torres moved next to his commander and saw Sinar dancing with her blades, as gracefully as Encrid. ¡°How can anyone not fall for that sight?¡± The commander muttered. ¡°Do you fall for that?¡± Torres shook his head inwardly as he answered. Isn¡¯t that just slaughter? Of course, this was the battlefield, and she was an ally, so it wasn¡¯t slaughter but an act of valor. One thing was certain: this Fairy wasn¡¯t beneath Encrid or the Madmen Platoon in any way. So there was no way this fight would be fair. ¡°You crazy bitch!¡± Among the enemies, a warrior with facial tattoos, who seemed to be their leader, shouted a curse. Upon hearing the curse, the commander and some of his men moved. ¡°Tear that mouth apart!¡± The Border Guard soldiers, spurred by their love-struck commander¡¯s cry, charged. This fight was one-sided too. Thanks to the influence of the main force¡¯s victory. Martai¡¯s detachment, having moved first, was at a disadvantage, and even with their initial ambush, the dazzling performance of Fairy Company Commander Sinar was overwhelming. Now it was time to consider reducing the number of casualties, not worrying about losing. * * * A blade that slays the elite. When did that become his name? The memory was faint. He concealed his presence, even silencing his footsteps. He weaved through his dying comrades and glanced at some of the enemies. One particularly fierce-looking enemy was encouraging his subordinates and continuously firing arrows. Capturing that one would certainly help the battlefield. He licked his lips, suppressing his urge. No, he didn¡¯t come all this way just to capture a lowly enemy. He lowered his stance, even hiding his breath. Regardless of his skill, he crept or walked through the gaps between the enemies and allies. Occasionally, someone who didn¡¯t know any better would stumble upon him, and he would quietly pull them in and strangle them to death. Silent killing was one of his specialties. As he walked, a memory from his past pierced his brain like a shard. ¡°Are you giving up on becoming a Squire?¡± Those were the last words of his fencing instructor. What had he responded? He nodded without a moment¡¯s hesitation. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Will you let your talent go to waste?¡± If you become a Squire in the Knighthood, you end up doing errands and chores for Knights and Junior Knights. That¡¯s how it started. Once recognized for your skills, you become a Junior Knight. If you step back from there, you become just another swordsman or warrior. After becoming a Junior Knight, you could become a Knight if you learned to channel ¡®Will¡¯ throughout your body. What was that stage called? Was it Flow? It might have also been called the Unending Stream. It didn¡¯t matter. Knights were few, and their stages were all unique. Anyway, despite being told that the path to ascend was open, he gave it up. ¡°You fool.¡± The instructor was angry. But he wasn¡¯t. There was no reason to be angry. Killing was easier than fighting, so he did that, but there was no real reason. So, he gave up being a Squire and left the Knighthood. He wandered and during his peak as a mercenary, Count Molsen approached him. A Count known as the King of the frontier. He thought it was an arrogant title, but the offer wasn¡¯t bad. ¡°Would you like to work under me?¡± He nodded. ¡°Do you regret not walking the path of a Junior Knight?¡± The Count asked. The man replied with a smile. ¡°I may not be able to become a Junior Knight, but I can kill Junior Knights.¡± That was his answer. He mastered silent footsteps, wielded sharp blades instead of Will. One day, he saw a needle-like weapon unique to the Fairies and searched for a similar sword. The sword he found was strapped to his waist, chest, and forearms. It resembled a stiletto, but the tip was like a sharp awl. It was made by an unnamed craftsman who had seen the Carmen Collection, a famous assassination weapon. It was designed to pierce anything, including plate and chain mail, to create holes in the opponent¡¯s body. It was a sword made of pure Valyrian steel. It was also a gift from Count Molsen, and due to this weapon and his skills, he soon earned the nickname of the Elite Slaying Blade. If a few could dominate the battlefield, it made sense to have a blade specifically for killing those few. His goal was to someday put a hole in the neck of those called Knights. He had once come close to killing a Junior Knight. He even took a few fingers as a souvenir instead of a head. ¡°That talent is wasted.¡± He recalled the words of the Junior Knight who had lost his fingers. So what? It wasn¡¯t something the defeated should say. His memories faded as he focused on the battlefield. The man¡¯s target was clear. ¡®The black-haired one.¡¯ The one who, with four others, tore through the battlefield. The one leading them, the one who announced his name, the one who stood out from the beginning. The one called Encrid. He seemed to be at the level of a Junior Knight. This excited him even more. He could kill someone of that caliber. ¡®Kill one, hide, then kill another.¡¯ It was rare to find someone with both the vision and skill. Therefore, the opponent wouldn¡¯t recognize him. Junior Knights were usually arrogant. He had rolled around in a regular soldier¡¯s clothes and helmet to blind the enemy. Covered in the blood and dust of others, he dragged his feet and approached. He calculated the distance from the blonde one, ignored the rampaging axe-wielder on the opposite side, and closed in on Encrid. Joy and excitement filled him. ¡®I may not be able to become one, but I can kill one.¡¯ That was his guiding thought. He gripped the specially made assassination dagger. He held his breath, found an opening, and struck. He kicked the ground and closed the distance in an instant. It was a kill shot. The footwork he learned as a Squire. He had closed in silently, the fight was already over. He thought so as he thrust the blade. Clang! ¡®Blocked?¡¯ He saw what blocked his blade. It was a blackened dagger. ¡°Who are you?¡± Was it disappointment? Regret? His voice carried a mix of such emotions. A dizzying slash came from behind. The man instinctively rolled forward. In front of him, he saw a point. No, it wasn¡¯t a point, it was the tip of a sword. The man ducked his head. Dodging twice was already remarkable. The final strike was beyond his ability to avoid. A log-like object swept across the ground. Whack, crack! ¡°Ugh!¡± It was Audin¡¯s low kick. Both of his legs broke in a single blow. It was a terrifying combination of strength and skill. Rather than sending his body flying, it accurately broke his legs. His upper body sank to the ground, his head hitting the floor and bouncing up, then slumping down. It was an unintentional acrobatic display caused by the powerful kick. Before he could regain his senses, a sword fell toward his head. The man saw blue eyes. Thud. That was the end. The sword slashed his shoulder as he twisted his head to the side. He didn¡¯t die immediately thanks to dodging the blade, but he lay on the ground, bleeding profusely. He was as good as dead. The man writhed on the ground. The owner of the blue eyes looked at him briefly before turning away. In his dying moments, the man recalled his last fencing instructor. ¡°Why are you wasting your talent?¡± He had asked. The man should have answered back then. ¡®I¡¯m not wasting it, I never had it. You fool.¡¯ If he could have risen higher, he would have. But he was surrounded by nothing but monsters. They were everywhere. It didn¡¯t take long for him to realize the limits of his talent. Since then, his goal shifted from becoming a Knight to becoming someone who kills Knights. The man¡¯s dream ended. The sword of Count Molsen, who had lived as the Blade that Slays the Elite, was broken. Encrid wouldn¡¯t know any of this. However, ¡°Is he insane?¡± Rem¡¯s words summed up everything. Did he really plan to charge in here? It was like he had charged into the midst of five Junior Knight-level opponents. And none of them were lax individuals. Encrid, in every moment and situation, did his best with his sword, putting his all into every action. Whether it was a killing blow or a simple step, he did everything with utmost effort. That was his nature. In a way, this trait might be what made him a monster. Among them was Jaxon, notorious for his cunning. Jaxon had been waiting for the man to charge in recklessly and caught him. It was an easy hunt. ¡®But calling this a hunt doesn¡¯t seem right.¡¯ Rem thought inwardly as he struck with his axe. Clang! ¡°Come at me!¡± Rem shouted. By now, the surrounding soldiers had retreated. A clear space had formed around them. It was a clearing made of corpses, blood, severed limbs, and entrails. Standing in the midst of it, Encrid felt his muscles tremble. It was the aftermath of the intense battle coupled with the Heart of Great Strength. Was there a problem? No. Though he felt sore, it wasn¡¯t to the point of being unusable. He looked around. The sky was clear. It wasn¡¯t going to rain, and though the air was thick with the stench of blood, the morale of the victorious allies buoyed him. He had seemed isolated in the middle of the enemy, but now he could hear what sounded like Vengeance¡¯s voice from afar. Understanding the entire situation, Encrid felt his spirits soar again. ¡°My name is Encrid.¡± Just a single sentence. It was just words. However, when those words reached the enemy soldiers¡¯ ears, there was no response like before. In the middle of the battlefield, centered around the clearing Encrid created, a chilling silence spread. ¡°Attack further and you will die.¡± Encrid declared. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com] Chapter 212 The moment the tide of the battlefield completely shifted, Marcus withdrew instead of constructing an encirclement.As the flag waved to signal retreat and the trumpet sounded according to the predetermined signal, the Border Guard, who had been rampaging in excitement, halted their steps. ¡°Stop, that¡¯s enough!¡± As the Turtle Heavy Infantry, who had been advancing, began to withdraw, Rem grumbled. ¡°Well, it¡¯s just getting started.¡± Blood dripped from the blade of Rem¡¯s axe. In such a situation, speaking with a smile caused a few of the cheering allies to turn their eyes. Even Encrid found his aura terrifying, but he wasn¡¯t a madman who would swing an axe at his allies. ¡®Maybe just his fists.¡¯ It was a stray thought. Even those called Knights would accumulate fatigue in prolonged battles. Rem was no different. It was about time for the finesse of his swinging axe to become slightly dulled. He had slashed through dozens, no, over a hundred people. And it hadn¡¯t taken a long time either. Anyone who had watched this battlefield could not forget the names of the five who now stood in the middle of the battlefield. Moreover, the enemy halted the moment Encrid¡¯s name was mentioned. They were terrified. They were scared. Their morale was broken. Marcus had timely provided the enemy with a retreat path. Marcus glanced at Encrid¡¯s party in the distance and then cast his gaze elsewhere. He saw a blue flag raised high. It was the signal from the Border Guard that had maneuvered to the right. ¡®We¡¯ve also captured the detached force.¡¯ Considering the damage inflicted on the front line, calling it a great victory was an understatement. The enemy was defeated by five men. A victory of strategy, a victory of cunning. It was a victory for the commander who had cleverly hidden Encrid. ¡°Are we not pursuing them?¡± It was the 2nd Company Commander. He approached, panting, and spoke. Marcus shook his head. ¡°Let them go. Even a cornered rat will bite the cat, and a ghoul, when cornered, will use its last bit of brain.¡± Krais, who had slyly positioned himself in what he thought was the safest spot on the battlefield, listened to the Battalion Commander¡¯s words and thought. ?? ¡®Letting them go.¡¯ Was it because, despite being a fight to the death, they were still under the same Kingdom¡¯s banner? ¡®It¡¯s a shame though.¡¯ It was the commander¡¯s choice. It wasn¡¯t his place to say anything. Even without the Madmen Platoon, the Heavy Infantry or the Border Guard alone could capture the enemy commander, yet they were letting them go. From the start, they had no intention of capturing the enemy commander. Perhaps they intended to use this opportunity to demonstrate the strength of the Border Guard? Still, it was a shame. ¡®Capturing the enemy commander would bring great rewards later.¡¯ Capturing the enemy commander and releasing him for a price would bring many benefits from Martai. ¡®Securing trade routes.¡¯ The Border Guard was now fully prepared to become one of the major trade cities. Securing the trade routes, especially penetrating the Martai region, would be crucial. Capturing the enemy commander would provide the easiest advantage in negotiations. Is that all? No. ¡®Ransom money.¡¯ If the one calling himself a General had significant wealth, capturing a noble and ransoming him for Krona was commonplace. It was a common occurrence even when dealing with enemy nations. Especially since the enemy was the Mayor and General of Martai. Publicly, he was an ally. Martai was nicknamed the city of mercenaries, and Krais knew they amassed Krona. So it was frustrating. ¡®They must have earned an enormous amount of Krona.¡¯ At this point, Marcus, the Battalion Commander, was either a fool or someone without greed. ¡®He doesn¡¯t seem like a fool.¡¯ Krais scratched his chin. Considering what had been done so far, it was clear. The strategy of hiding Encrid and deliberately drawing the enemy in for an ambush. This wasn¡¯t something a fool could pull off. Moreover, entrusting all the credit and the outcome of the battlefield to just one person. ¡®This guy¡¯s guts aren¡¯t just big, they¡¯re monumental.¡¯ It was such a bold strategy that it was almost insane. And now, after it had worked, this was the result. A cheer erupted under the clear blue sky. ¡°Woohoo!¡± ¡°Encrid!¡± ¡°Come at us!¡± They raised their spears. ¡°You¡¯ll die!¡± Thud! They shouted as they struck the ground with their spear tips. The morale of the surviving allies was higher than ever. Which is why it was even more frustrating. If they had pursued the retreating enemy, the battle would have been more efficient than ever. In a full-scale battle, you suffer more when you¡¯re being chased. The pursuer always has the most advantageous position. ¡°Do we have almost no cavalry left?¡± Marcus¡¯s voice was heard again. Krais pricked up his ears. ¡°Yes, we got them all. Some of the cavalry were held back from the beginning.¡± The adjutant replied. ¡°If we hadn¡¯t opened a retreat path, those bastards would have charged and only managed to rescue Olf.¡± That could have happened. Krais nodded to himself. An unexpected situation. But it was worth a try. After that, Marcus was silent for a while. The retreating enemy raised dust. Because the battlefield was filled with humans, neither monsters nor magical creatures roamed. Even mindless ghouls would run away from a battle of this scale. As silence fell, the adjutant, perhaps feeling frustrated, spoke first. ¡°Should we retreat?¡± It was a moment where they could withdraw, regroup, and celebrate their victory. Opening a bottle of wine, indulging in various foods, that wouldn¡¯t be a bad way to celebrate. But Krais thought it would be inefficient. ¡®What have we gained from this battle?¡¯ To Krais, who equated everything to Krona, this battlefield had yielded nothing. The joy of survival? The thrill of crushing the attacking enemy? If that didn¡¯t turn into Krona, what was the point? Well, they might turn into Krona later, but there was no immediate reward. That was quite frustrating. Even though the battle seemed over and it was time to return, Marcus, who had been silent to the adjutant¡¯s question, finally spoke. ¡°Advance the entire army.¡± Advance? Krais tilted his head in confusion. This time he couldn¡¯t hide his inner thoughts. Fortunately, the only one who noticed was Finn, who was beside him as a guard. ¡°Why?¡± Finn asked. ¡°He said to advance?¡± Krais whispered, ¡°But where are we advancing to?¡± The adjutant standing next to Marcus up front also asked in surprise, ¡°Where are we advancing to?¡± ¡°Where do you think?¡± At that moment, Krais could see Marcus¡¯s face. It wasn¡¯t the face of a commander drunk on victory. It was an expression one might expect from a politician or merchant pleased that things were going their way. So it wasn¡¯t over yet. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Marcus said, baring his fangs. In that clear smile, Krais understood his intentions. His teeth reflected the light. Sparkle. ¡®Ah.¡¯ He never intended for this battle to end without gains from the start. A brief realization struck Krais¡¯s mind. It was small but intense, like a sudden shock of understanding. Krais learned something new. ¡®If we let them go and then chase them.¡¯ The enemy would return to their home. A cornered rat might bite the cat, but if you let it go, it will return to its hoard of treasures. It was an opportunity to gain wealth. Krais¡¯s thoughts advanced one step further. He understood Marcus¡¯s intention. Was this just pressure? A threat not to attack the Border Guard again? ¡®No way.¡¯ That couldn¡¯t be it. If Martai cooperated, they could secure trade routes and various benefits. But what if they occupied the city? Then the story changes. The game changes. It¡¯s not just about trade routes. It would be like giving wings to the trading city of the Border Guard. Martai is nicknamed the Mercenary City of the East. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Its power, strength, and location are all useful. If they could consume it, if they could digest it. ¡°It¡¯s truly a gourmet dish.¡± Krais muttered. Whether Marcus heard this or not, he spoke again, baring his fangs. His teeth still reflected the light. Sparkle. ¡°We are going to attack Martai.¡± Marcus commanded the advance, and the order spread through the adjutant. Naturally, the same command reached Encrid, who was at the forefront. ¡°Advance from here?¡± In a brief moment, several situations raced through his mind. What Krais had said, the current state, the morale and strength of their allies, and the issues that would arise if they advanced. There were none. Well, one nagging issue remained. The five enemy wizards that were hidden were nowhere to be seen. Was that their trump card, or had they fled upon seeing the tide of battle turn? There was no way to know. Encrid didn¡¯t so much reason it out as instinctively understand Marcus¡¯s intention. ¡®To take the city.¡¯ What would happen if the growing Border Guard swallowed Martai? ¡®It would be great, I guess.¡¯ Who cared about the aftermath? Encrid did his job with the situation he was given. ¡°If it gets tough, you can fall back.¡± To his gentle reminder to the remaining four. ¡°Are you crazy?¡± ¡°My name is Ragna. I can still run.¡± ¡°Heh heh, Commander, shall we go?¡± Rem, Ragna, Audin, and then Jaxon, who silently swung his sword in the air before discarding it. Then, after scanning the ground, he picked up a relatively intact arming sword. Seeing it, Jaxon muttered, ¡°The blade was damaged.¡± Although it was an advance, there was no need to hurry. Marcus¡¯s, or rather the commander¡¯s, intention was clear. Maintain morale, advance at a moderate pace. Naturally, Encrid was at the forefront. ¡°Ragna, were you teasing me earlier?¡± As they walked, Encrid asked, and Ragna tilted his head before replying. ¡°I spoke sincerely. My name is Ragna, the man who does not retreat, that¡¯s me.¡± Hearing this, Rem also started laughing beside him, saying, ¡®My name is Rem¡¯. They weren¡¯t normal to begin with, but now they were undoubtedly crazy. That¡¯s what Encrid thought as he continued walking. The sunlight poured down on his back as he walked on. Heading eastward, it was the sunlight from the west. For a moment, a soldier of the Border Guard watching Encrid¡¯s back thought he looked like he was shining. Of course, it was an illusion. Similar to a mirage. But it was true that he had achieved enough valor to seem as if he were shining. A soldier with a knack for making up lyrics on the spot started to chant a song. The lyrics were crude and the melody was simple. It was a mix of familiar tunes, but everyone shouted the last verse together. ¡°Who is the flower of battlefield?¡± ¡°Infantry!¡± ¡°Who is the strongest in the Border Guard?¡± ¡°The Madmen!¡± It was a troublesome song. Encrid couldn¡¯t help but chuckle as he walked ahead. He now fully felt that they had become the most formidable force in the unit. Cheers and shouts, ¡®My name is Encrid!¡¯ Songs with such lyrics continued. ¡°Is it good?¡± Rem asked beside him. His smirking face was annoying, but Encrid didn¡¯t bother to point it out and simply replied, ¡°Not bad.¡± Marcus did not hurry. There was no need to show themselves to the enemy. It was half a day after General Olf had entered the city. Quietly and without a sound, like a lynx, they began setting up camp in front of the city. Olf had no strength to send a scouting team back. It was only natural. It was a defeat, a crushing defeat. They barely made it back alive because the enemy had opened the way. There was no time to look back. They returned with drooping shoulders. ¡°Damn bastards.¡± Olf vowed that next time, he would slit Marcus¡¯s throat. Bang! He punched the wall in frustration, self-loathing, anger, and humiliation. A part of the wooden wall caved inwards. ¡°I have prepared the bathwater.¡± It was the chief steward of the inner court speaking. ¡°Understood.¡± It was time to disarm, wash away the fatigue and rising tide of emotions, and rest. Olf didn¡¯t even want to see his wife and daughter, heading instead to his office. ¡®Let¡¯s sleep on the cot today. That would be best.¡¯ He decided this and entered the office, but sleep did not come. Not long after, ¡°General!¡± The office door burst open. The adjutant seemed to have rushed in with a messenger, as if in great haste. Olf, dressed in a silk shirt, sat up on the cot. ¡°What is it?¡± As he asked, a cold sweat immediately ran down his back. The tension squeezed his heart. ¡°We¡¯re surrounded!¡± The adjutant said. ¡°By whom?¡± Did someone attack after watching the defeat at the hands of the Border Guard? Where? Was it Count Molsen¡¯s doing? ¡°The Border Guard Reserve Unit!¡± The eyes of the speaking soldier were constantly trembling. He was not in his right mind either. Olf had no time to check on that. ¡°¡­What?¡± Olf opened his mouth in shock. Why are those bastards here? We fought just a day ago and they let us go. But why are they here now? He looked at the adjutant for an answer, and the adjutant spoke up. ¡°What should we do?¡± Drip. Unconsciously, Olf drooled. Things had taken a serious turn for the worse. Defeat, a demoralized and reduced force, a conflict with familiar noble forces, and the sword given by Count Molsen was broken. It was also his fault for misjudging the strength of the Border Guard. Drip. A second drop of saliva fell from Olf¡¯s mouth. Neither the adjutant nor the messenger thought it was disgusting. They were just as panicked as he was. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com] Chapter 213 Marcus was indeed a politician.It was only after entering the city that Olf realized Marcus was approaching, and the moment he received the report, he felt nauseous. His head was spinning. Was the retreat treacherous? No. There was no danger. Only some cavalry followed as escorts. ¡®He drove me into the city.¡¯ And then the encirclement, was this guy really crazy? After the shock subsided, anger naturally followed. Even as he felt this, he kept his wits about him. Losing his mind here would be the end. Could he, while organizing from within, defeat the Border Guard army? Not a chance. They had just been defeated after putting up a serious fight. Morale was at rock bottom, and proper organization would require time. Marcus had deprived Olf of that time. Time to gather his thoughts. Time to prepare. Time to call for reinforcements. Despite this, Olf barely managed to hold himself together and convened a military meeting. ¡°Tell everyone to come in!¡± His voice was loud with urgency. It was a relief it didn¡¯t tremble. Soon, everyone involved in the military operation gathered. ¡°I will go out and drive them away. Give me one hundred infantrymen and the cavalry!¡± One of his lieutenants said angrily. Is this guy sane? If they could be driven away, would they have been beaten so badly on the previous battlefield? He was Greg¡¯s successor. ¡°Shut up.¡± Olf responded and ignored the lieutenant. No matter how carefully chosen, there are always clueless and idiotic ones. It was astonishing that this guy had been promoted to lieutenant. ¡°It was political maneuvering. Thanks to good concealment.¡± A lieutenant skilled in flattery tried to soothe Olf, but Olf wasn¡¯t in the mood to listen. His butt felt heavy on the chair. His heart was heavier. His hands and feet wouldn¡¯t move as he wanted. Whose was the unit without insignia? It belonged to Count Molsen. The main force was Viscount Bentra¡¯s army under the Count, but even the Count¡¯s personal swordsmen had been killed. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Some of the survivors from Viscount Bentra¡¯s army returned immediately upon hearing the news of the defeat. They looked so much like defeated soldiers as they left, and the same was true for the Martai army. Olf¡¯s eyes twitched. Was he just going to be devoured like this? Outside the city, Marcus was slowly constructing the encirclement. How long had he been preparing? Had he planned all this from the start? They were setting up their camps. They began pitching tents, and it was said that five of them were standing in front of the tents watching Martai¡¯s walls. ?????¨º? Pins were scattered messily over the strategy map. One fallen pin lay on its side, and Olf felt it symbolized his situation. ¡®Crazy bastards.¡¯ Suddenly, the five who had wreaked havoc on the battlefield came to mind, and anger surged. They were the main culprits of the ruined battlefield. Olf ground his teeth. He suppressed the rising nausea. When do you lose a fight? When you lose your will and guts. The eastern mercenary spirit reminded him. Even if he couldn¡¯t win the battle right now, he had to at least break Marcus¡¯s dagger. ¡°Everyone, get out.¡± Olf spoke. It was time to bring out the trump card he had prepared just in case but had never used. ¡°What?¡± The clueless lieutenant asked again. He would definitely kill that guy once this battle was over. He suddenly missed Greg. Of course, Greg was dead. The assault company was the first to be completely annihilated, and Greg had led that battalion. The only one left relatively intact was the commander of the 2nd battalion, Zimmer. Zimmer, sensing the mood, spoke. ¡°The General has spoken. Everyone out.¡± At his words, the group of lieutenants hurried out the door. As Zimmer was the last to leave, he turned around. ¡°General.¡± ¡°Let me think. Stay outside.¡± At Olf¡¯s words, Zimmer, though without a sword, put his hand on his waist and bowed his head. Olf gave a slight nod. After the lieutenants left, Olf spoke. ¡°Come out.¡± He spoke to the empty air, and from the shadows behind him, something long protruded. The protruding object seemed like part of the shadow or like soot spreading in the firelight. Anyway, the black mass rose from the ground and transformed into a three-dimensional shape. Then it became a person wearing a black robe. Although no face was visible inside the robe, the exposed back of the hand was white and the skin was smooth. ¡°Have you made up your mind?¡± The man in the black robe asked. His voice was like a clarinet. Clear and smooth. Dealing with a wizard is often said to be like dealing with the devil. That¡¯s what Olf knew. You can¡¯t get anything without a price. ¡°I have.¡± Olf replied. The cost of the contract was significant. But he couldn¡¯t just sit and take a beating and let the city be taken. That was out of the question. ¡®Encrid.¡¯ He remembered the one who revealed his name on the battlefield. Black hair sticking out between his helmet, and the Martai forces were being cut down and slashed around him. Olf knew the cause of their defeat. Therefore, he believed that if he could break the sword that caused it, there was still a chance. ¡°Just surrounding them like this isn¡¯t going to solve anything.¡± Encrid spoke as he gauged the height of Martai¡¯s city walls. ¡®Should we climb over?¡¯ They had no siege engines like mangonels, siege towers, or trebuchets. The only means to attack the walls were ladders. But it seemed they hadn¡¯t prepared any ladders either. So, no intention of climbing over then? Would they use force instead? He saw the city gate. There was no moat here either. If Audin swung his hammer with determination, couldn¡¯t he bring down part of it? It was a thick, dark brown wooden gate. It looked sturdy, but Audin¡¯s arms looked just as sturdy. No, they looked even sturdier. ¡®If we sneak over during the night, we might not even need ladders.¡¯ The walls, weathered by time, were full of nooks and crannies. There were places to grab onto. If they were determined to climb, it wasn¡¯t impossible. Ladders weren¡¯t absolutely necessary. Encrid mentally ran through what would happen at night. ¡®If I can climb over.¡¯ Rem, Ragna, Jaxon, and Audin could also make it. With just five people crossing, that would be the end. Audin would open the gate, and the rest would hold their ground. ¡®What if they have archers waiting?¡¯ How could they block that? It didn¡¯t seem like just dodging would solve the problem. Should they bring shields then? It wasn¡¯t much of a strategy, but they fought while maintaining formation. They had used similar formations in the past and moved as a unit, but this time it was entirely different. The destructiveness, being the center of the formation, controlling everything from start to finish. It was a new experience. Experience makes a person grow. Encrid was growing once again. Tactics and strategy, considering the power of the five including himself, what could they achieve, what could they accomplish? A few determining the course of a battle, the reason why Knights could change the flow of a battlefield. Encrid was realizing this profoundly with his own body. ¡°Why are you worrying about that?¡± Rem said, picking at his ear beside him. ¡°Pretending to be a Commander.¡± Rem chuckled at Encrid¡¯s uncharacteristic joke. ¡°Commander of a Company with less than ten people, let¡¯s fill our bellies.¡± They moved frantically. Amidst the blood, corpses, brains, bones, eyeballs, severed arms, and fingers strewn across the battlefield, they created chaos. They didn¡¯t feel hungry immediately. But they couldn¡¯t go into battle on an empty stomach either. They had to forget what needed forgetting and eat when it was time to eat. ¡°First, let¡¯s clean up a bit.¡± There was a well outside the city gates used by the farmers. If it was poisoned, that would be problematic, but who would have had the time for that? Drawing water, they washed up thoroughly. Rem, Ragna, Jaxon, and Audin also took off their armor and poured water over their heads. Water gushed out and splashed in all directions. Some stones had been placed on the ground, so they didn¡¯t have to step in the mud. Encrid appreciated that. ¡°It looks good.¡± Finn, who had arrived unnoticed, said with a thumbs up. Everyone was only covering their lower bodies. ¡°Indeed, it looks good.¡± Next to her were the Fairy Company Commander and Krais. Behind them, Dunbachel stood impassively. Kyarrurur. Esther, who had also arrived unnoticed, was blinking her blue eyes, seemingly observing the bodies of the five. ¡°Where have you been?¡± Ignoring the stares and the murmurs of Finn and the Fairy Company Commander, Encrid spoke. The black panther lifted its front paw and scratched its neck. ¡®Not even pretending to listen, huh.¡¯ Well, what did it matter? It wasn¡¯t like Esther¡¯s absence would get them killed. ¡°Commander, if there¡¯s an opening in your unit, please take me.¡± While waiting to wash, a few soldiers were making idle chatter. They were washing up during their personal maintenance time. With no immediate battle, everyone was somewhat relaxed. But they wouldn¡¯t slack on vigilance. The Border Guard Reserve Unit was high-level, meaning they did their jobs properly. ¡°Are you serious?¡± The soldier just smiled, curling his lips. Encrid chuckled and moved on. Even if he was serious, he couldn¡¯t accept him. A few random soldiers wouldn¡¯t make much difference to a Company, let alone to their overall strength. ¡®It¡¯d be fortunate if they don¡¯t end up as Rem¡¯s playthings.¡¯ After washing, he tended to his armor. The blood-soaked leather wouldn¡¯t lose its smell or color. He just applied some polish and left it. That should be enough. After checking his gauntlets and boots, he picked up his sword. A sword is steel. If not properly maintained, it would rust quickly. Especially a blood-stained sword required extra care. ¡°Use this.¡± In the midst of it, a soldier from the 1st Company handed him a small clay pot made from baked mud, the size of a palm. ¡°It¡¯s flaxseed oil. It¡¯s valuable.¡± ¡°¡­Why are you giving me this valuable thing?¡± ¡°Just use it.¡± The soldier handed over the item and quickly left. ¡°Seeing you fight like that on the battlefield, I couldn¡¯t help but feel respect. It¡¯s just a gesture of admiration. Respect and honor.¡± Krais, who was watching nearby, said. Is that so? It was no big deal. As Encrid wiped his sword with the flaxseed oil, Rem approached and held out his axe. ¡°See this? It¡¯s got a nick.¡± Wasn¡¯t it more amazing that it was still intact after such intense use? ¡°This thing says it wants some oil too. Oil, oil, please.¡± Having encountered actual cursed swords before, he doubted any enchanted weapon would speak like that. ¡°Use it.¡± There was enough to share. After cleaning his sword, Encrid drew the sword he had picked up on the battlefield. Sling. It wasn¡¯t anything special. He picked it up because having only one sword felt lacking. It belonged to a commander, but the owner hadn¡¯t even drawn it before Jaxon pierced his throat and killed him. ¡®That move.¡¯ Was it the non-lethal thrust? Erasing killing intent and presence. After that, only the action remains. Sometimes, you see it coming, but you stare, wondering if it¡¯s real. Jaxon¡¯s thrust gave that feeling. It seemed slow and simple enough to dodge easily. A slow, straightforward thrust. But when you come to your senses, your neck would already be pierced. How was that possible? He had seen it up close. With a heightened perspective, he saw new insights. ¡®Momentary acceleration.¡¯ Just before the thrust, Jaxon¡¯s sword accelerates, disappearing momentarily. Similar to Rem¡¯s light-speed axe, or even faster. ¡®I think I can use that technique.¡¯ It seemed doable. There was much to learn from Ragna, Rem, Audin, and everyone around him. Not just that. From the enemies he killed, the ones who passed by, there was always something to learn. Things that were invisible before were now visible. Reflecting on the battle that just ended, it was a rehearsal for a new leap forward. ¡°Practicing swordsmanship again right after the battle?¡± The Fairy Company Commander asked, having approached unnoticed. From his expression, it was hard to tell what he was thinking. Seeing him slicing the air with his hand, anyone who knew Encrid would understand what he was doing. ¡°It¡¯s interesting.¡± ¡°I see. There will be no battles for a while. The order is for everyone to rest. Fianc¨¦e.¡± ¡°Yes, understood.¡± The sun was setting. The Border Guard¡¯s camp had several tents set up. But it didn¡¯t seem like setting up tents was the end of it. ¡®They haven¡¯t secured supply lines.¡¯ Do they have four days¡¯ worth of food left? Probably not even that. Encrid was curious about what Marcus was thinking, but for now, there was no strategy meeting. Some units would be on night watch and guard duty, while the rest could forget about victory and succumb to their fatigue. Since no alcohol was provided with the supplies, Encrid sipped on some stashed apple cider. ¡°You said it was all gone.¡± Rem grumbled, so Encrid handed him a small bottle. ¡°You¡¯ve worked hard.¡± ¡°You too, Captain, fought well even with trembling fingers.¡± Did he see it all? His muscles trembled from overusing the Heart of Great Strength. It couldn¡¯t be helped. He had to hold his own among these warriors. That was the strain. But now he was okay. His recovery had improved. Encrid opened and closed his hand to check his condition. It was fine. ¡°You¡¯ve grown a lot, our Captain.¡± Rem murmured. Sometimes trivial words slipped out without much thought. Encrid felt it was one of those moments. ¡°I¡¯ve always been taller.¡± Rem shook his head as if to say, ¡°Are you joking?¡± Jaxon pretended not to notice, and Ragna spoke nonchalantly. ¡°Jokes can be practiced too.¡± What nonsense. When it came to wit, being compared to these guys was an insult. ¡°Pray.¡± As Audin started praying beside him, Encrid just kept quiet. After all, these were the ones who had faithfully followed his orders today. He was tempted to ask why they did it, but Encrid decided to keep his mouth shut. It was a pointless question. If he had lived questioning every action and motive, he wouldn¡¯t have gotten this far. He just made eye contact with each of them briefly. ¡°I can fight too.¡± While glancing around, Dunbachel spoke up. ¡°I know.¡± However, if he sent her out now, she¡¯d just get killed. If he intended to use her as a meat shield, he wouldn¡¯t have taken her in the first place. Since he accepted her, it¡¯s only right to use her properly. Propping his chin, he took another look around before laying down on the thick blanket. It was time to get some proper sleep. He could feel the texture of the stones and the uneven ground beneath him, but it wasn¡¯t enough to keep him from sleeping. As he closed his eyes and drifted off, he felt Esther slip into his arms. Encrid gently held the black panther with his hand. When the early dawn came, as everyone slept soundly, Esther slipped out from Encrid¡¯s embrace. A strange energy was settling over the tent. It was something closely tied to Esther¡¯s world¡ªsomething called mystery and incantation, or in other words, magic. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com] Chapter 214 Wizards usually look down on swordsmen.When a wizard steps into the world of spells, they first awaken another sense. A new hand, something new, something beyond the sixth sense, through that, they construct their own mental world, calling it their inner world, or the world of spells. Reaching that place requires no key, no need to open a door, or even to walk. The world of spells is within them. They refine their world while gazing at the sky, at the flames, and at the glaciers. That is the training and discipline of a wizard. The reason why people often say that wizards are mad or insane is partly because of how they refine their inner world. In the 48th year of the Empire, a wizard who built and adorned their entire inner world with flames burned down a city for a new world. Using the completely burnt flames as a stepping stone, he sought to advance to a new world. It was the most horrific arson incident in the history of the Empire. Named the ¡®Flood of Flames Incident¡¯, the number of dead exceeded thousands. The wizard¡¯s goal in causing the flood of flames was not mass murder. Having burned and killed many times, watching people burn no longer brought inspiration. So, he burned the city. Thus was born the worst fire wizard, The Flame Demon. Many Knights and wizards lost their lives trying to kill him, but he eventually died. When one does anything for exploration and inspiration, they become a mad wizard. Yet, those with a talent for spells do not hesitate to explore that world. Magic is inherently like that. A thirst for exploration, a desire for knowledge, the pursuit of truth and digging into it. When given the chance, they strive to grasp the truth. Those who go mad with the ecstasy of awakening knowledge are called wizards by the world. In any case, for these various reasons, it was natural for them to look down on swordsmen. Wizards can roam a world that swordsmen cannot see. For those who can wield spells, especially wizards specialized in such areas, killing even the most skilled swordsman is no challenge. Therefore, this was obviously an easy task. ¡°Do the job, get paid, and go back.¡± There are many places across the continent that train wizards, but not many that take on commissions. Among them, the most publicly known is the ¡®Shadow Nest¡¯. They were members of the Shadow Nest. They hid themselves with black soot and overlaid their spell on the enemy¡¯s tent. They spread a thick sleeping scent with a gust of wind and cast a perception disruption spell over the entire tent. It was a spell called ¡®Darkly Painted Cover¡¯, and such spells were commonly referred to as perception disruption spells. This time, they painted the entire tent black and pushed it out of people¡¯s awareness. Ordinary soldiers wouldn¡¯t notice, and only those with sharp intuition might sense something amiss. Those who were born with a well-developed sixth sense. ¡°Doesn¡¯t that look strange over there?¡± There was indeed such a person. ¡°Why?¡± It was a soldier on patrol. There were three of them, and the one on the far right mumbled. ¡°Doesn¡¯t it look, um, dark over there?¡± The spell¡¯s effect was to silence sounds and make appearances vanish. It was the effect of the darkly painted cover. To those with good intuition, it might look slightly darker. ¡°It¡¯s night, so it¡¯s dark.¡± It was meant to be a trick of the night. ¡°No, I mean, isn¡¯t it kind of, um, darker? More gloomy.¡± If suspicions arose here, they would just kill the three and dispose of the bodies inside. The wizards¡¯ eyes filled with murderous intent. Whack! As soon as he made up his mind, the soldier at the far end smacked the back of the perceptive one¡¯s head. ¡°Fuck, I can¡¯t sleep when I hear stuff like that. Cut it out.¡± ¡°Are you crazy, hitting me on the head?¡± ¡°Hey, hey, stop it. We¡¯re on patrol.¡± The soldier in the middle tried to mediate as the other two bickered, and thus the three patrolmen moved away. No problem. There were five wizards in total. One was responsible for the perception disruption spell. Another spread the sleeping scent. Yet another used a spell called the ¡®Dream of the Abyss¡¯ to make everyone inside lose consciousness again. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. It might be excessive preparation, but after seeing five mad soldiers fight, it was necessary. ¡®Just in case there¡¯s a Junior-Knight or something.¡¯ Even though they looked down on swordsmen, those who had awakened ¡®Will¡¯ were troublesome. Will, or what is called willpower. The qualification of a Junior-Knight is precisely awakening even a part of the ¡®Will¡¯. Is there someone who wields willpower? It¡¯s hard to notice just by watching. However, there was one guy who showed signs. ¡®The blonde one.¡¯ There was a guy who threw off his helmet in frustration during the fight. With well-groomed eyes, red pupils, blonde hair, and an extraordinary sword-wielding skill. The leader had seen Junior-Knight level power several times. His wizard¡¯s intuition said that guy was the most dangerous. ¡°It¡¯s done.¡± A subordinate said next to him. The leader lifted the tent flap and entered. Even if there were Junior-Knight level people, they wouldn¡¯t be able to regain their senses properly. That was the level of preparation. Even if there was one person still fine, it would only be one. This wasn¡¯t even considered an adventure. Thus, they opened the inside of the tent. Thanks to the perception disruption spell, it looked like no one was there, but inside, there were two bright blue lights. They resembled the ¡®Ghost Flame¡¯, a specter made entirely of flames. Naturally, it wasn¡¯t a monster. ¡°¡­A panther?¡± A black panther was spewing fire from its eyes. The leader instinctively knew. Those flame-filled eyes were mixed with spells and mysteries or something equivalent. Both wizards who came with the leader revealed their true forms as the soot on their bodies peeled away. They were the two wizards standing there. And the panther blocking their way. There were no words. No sounds. The heavy air filled the tent. Then. ¡°Sneeze!¡± The panther sneezed. ¡®A sneeze? Isn¡¯t that out of place for the situation? It totally breaks the tension.¡¯ The leader thought. Esther reflected on the past. She could sum up the most important event of her life in one word. ¡®Fuck, the curse.¡¯ The curse had tangled Esther¡¯s life. It tangled badly. Although it was a pain, she felt somewhat at ease now. Lifting a curse was like unraveling a tangled thread. It took time to untangle it knot by knot, but once it started to unravel, the rest was just a matter of time. Thanks to this loosened thread, Esther could now draw upon and utilize parts of her world again. ¡°Grrrr.¡± The panther bared its fangs. ¡°¡­A familiar?¡± A being that a wizard commands through spells. Sometimes it was an animal, other times it was something spiritual. It was a misconception, but understandable. Esther ignored the two who had come in. No, she saw through the trickery as her magic swirled inside her and settled in her eyes, allowing her to see beyond, seeing all their manipulations. ¡®Five.¡¯ Perception disruption, wind spell, and the sleep spell. They had used three spells to obscure sight, rob senses, and make people lose consciousness before coming in? They weren¡¯t here for fun. Encrid seemed to be sound asleep, likely due to the sleeping scent and the magical duet. Or maybe he was just tired to begin with. Esther thought the others must have fallen asleep too. So, was she the only one left to stop them? ¡°Kill her.¡± The male wizard said. Esther immediately sensed the world of spells shifting. It had been a long time since she saw a proper spell mimicry. Right above her, a blade of wind appeared and fell vertically. It was a guillotine made purely of mystery, an execution blade, and a death made of wind. Whoosh. Esther kicked off the ground. A simple sideways leap was enough. The wind blade that cut through the air struck the ground with a thud and vanished. The curse was truly wretched, preventing her from using proper spells with this body. If she did, there would definitely be backlash. The other wizard started murmuring something while waving his hand. It was an incantation and hand gesture. The murmured words were hard to understand, probably a new set of runes he had personally created to prevent opponents from preparing for his spells. The hand gestures were meant to guide the spells along with the incantation. Esther saw through it all at a glance. The level of their spells was, how should she put it? ¡®Pathetic.¡¯ The shadow beneath the male wizard stretched out and tried to grab the panther at a terrifying speed. Esther struck the ground with her front paw. The transformation began simultaneously. It wasn¡¯t about inner reflection. It was a physical change. The thread was unraveling, and much of it was thanks to the strange power bestowed upon Encrid. In other words, she no longer had to bear the backlash with the panther¡¯s body. This meant that, for a brief moment, she could return to her original form. The spell nearing her was meant for restraint. ¡°Be intoxicated by my scent.¡± The transformed Esther extended her hand and spoke. It was a hand, not a paw. Her claws retracted, revealing smooth white skin. It seemed almost radiant. The approaching restraining shadow from the enemy transformed into a black robe that draped over Esther¡¯s entire body. As the panther¡¯s fur disappeared, it turned white and her frame grew larger. It was natural that she quickly assumed a human form. Thanks to the enemy¡¯s spell, she didn¡¯t end up naked. The black robe covered her pale skin. A short, heavy, and chilly silence pressed down on the tent. The eyes of the two enemy wizards widened, and their trapezius muscles tensed. The woman who had transformed from a panther to a human opened her mouth again. ¡°¡­It¡¯s been a really long time.¡± Esther, transformed back into a human, was overwhelmed with emotion. The curse had been long and arduous, and though she still couldn¡¯t fully dispel it, this brief escape was something. She had almost spent her entire life trapped, but now she could step outside for a moment. The air outside the tent was fresh, clear, and clean. Even though enemy spells mingled in that air, they didn¡¯t bother her. Her long, black hair flowed over her shoulders and down her back. Her fingertips and nails were sharp. ¡°Hello?¡± When the beautiful woman with black hair greeted them, the leader and the two wizards were too shocked to respond. A panther turning into a human? What is this, terrifying. ¡°Not a familiar?¡± The wizard next to the leader said. ¡°¡­Get a grip!¡± The leader raised his voice. He was flustered and surprised. She took the spell his subordinate cast, reassembled it, and turned it into clothes? Does that make sense? No, it doesn¡¯t. Is this some kind of bizarre illusion magic? Her white breasts were glimpsed through the robe she had made. There was no time to feel anything sexual. The leader swallowed hard. The opponent was a wizard. And undoubtedly a high-ranking one. ¡°Well then, let¡¯s get started.¡± Esther was extremely delighted. How long had it been since she could properly cast spells and use parts of her world? That joy manifested at her fingertips. ¡°D¡¯muller¡¯s Scythe.¡± When the spell activated, a black scythe floated in the air. It was similar to the blade of wind but a higher-tier offensive spell. ¡°Companion of life, darker than the pitch-black night!¡± The leader shouted urgently. A defensive spell engraved on his body activated. Esther¡¯s eyes sparkled. It seemed new types of spells had emerged while she was under the curse. It was a type she had never seen before. A kind of defensive spell, but not borrowing the power of another world. But judging by the implementation speed, it was incredibly fast. She sensed the flow of magic. Where did the source of that magic come from? The inner side of the robe¡¯s skin. ¡®Magic tattoos?¡¯ It was a method of implementing the form of a magic circle through incantation. Simply put, it was a magical tattoo engraved on the body. ¡®Useful, but.¡¯ While efficient, high-level magic wouldn¡¯t activate in that manner anyway. It would be pointless. Crack! The black scythe and the barrier met in mid-air. The barrier tore and shattered, and part of the scythe broke as well. Black fragments scattered like glass and fell to the ground. Esther snapped her fingers in the air. Snap! With the finger snap, the scythe disappeared. ¡°Huff, huff.¡± The leader was gasping for breath. With one clash, he understood. She was not his match. ¡°Get everyone in here!¡± The leader shouted. He had four subordinates, so it was time for all five to combine their strength. Esther was a wizard who knew how to fight. She had faced wizards countless times before the curse. When it came to spell battles, she had done it so many times she was sick of it. ¡°Born from a spark, become an inferno that envelops all.¡± She didn¡¯t stop chanting. There was some enjoyment in returning to human form after such a long time. Part of her spell world opened up, and flames erupted. They shot up from beneath the enemy¡¯s feet. ¡°Block it!¡± The group of wizards that rushed in hastily began waving their hands. Soon, a defensive barrier formed, but¡ª ¡°Wrong. Incorrect.¡± Esther twisted her red lips as she spoke. Simultaneously, perhaps due to her time as a panther, she kicked off the ground, leaving an afterimage as she approached one of the wizards. Spell: Blazing Hand. Her palm glowed red. She grabbed the neck of one wizard. ¡°Aaaargh!¡± The flesh melted to the point where his neck bone was visible. The scream was cut short as his vocal cords and neck bone burned, making further screams impossible. Click, hiss. Only the unsettling sound of his throat gurgling emerged. ¡°Next.¡± Esther grinned, baring her fangs. Her red lips stood out. ¡°Shit!¡± The leader felt the difference in their level. He couldn¡¯t see how they could survive. He felt a sense of intimidation he had never experienced, not even when facing his master. His morale was broken before the fight had even started. He couldn¡¯t even think of running away. Esther grabbed two more with her burning hand. The difference in physical ability was also evident. Then she used D¡¯muller¡¯s Scythe to behead the leader and the remaining wizard. There was no need to use any extraordinary spells. She couldn¡¯t use truly deep-level spells right now anyway. But this was enough. Severed heads floated into the air. ¡°You thought I was sleeping.¡± Rem¡¯s voice echoed in the tent. He was lying on his side, supporting his chin with his fist, appearing lazy. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com] Chapter 215 Esther knew exactly what the five enemy wizards were up to and what their intentions were.This was because she herself was a wanderer who indulged in the world of spells. Above all, the enemy group consisted entirely of wizards of a lower tier than herself. ¡®Illusion magic and mental magic.¡¯ A combination of the two. Although she couldn¡¯t know the exact name of the spell, she understood how it operated. It was the essence of a spell called ¡®Dream of the Abyss¡¯. It creates an illusion that makes the target feel comfortable, followed by a sense of peace. The idea was good. It¡¯s difficult to drive someone mad, but it¡¯s very easy to give comfort to those who are under mental pressure. Because they themselves are craving peace and comfort, and that¡¯s the nature of mental spells. The more the target wants and desires something, the more easily it is accepted. Disrupting it was even easier. She just had to scatter the magical energy. But Esther didn¡¯t do that. She intended to let those who would fall asleep, fall asleep. She had no intention of showing them that she could transform into a human. Of course, that didn¡¯t mean she would kill them to silence them. ¡®Just because I am originally human, it doesn¡¯t change anything.¡¯ She was a devotee of the spell world. A body that had resolved to walk a different path from ordinary humans. So, even if others discovered that the panther was a human, it would still nestle in Encrid¡¯s arms. She wouldn¡¯t stop that. ¡®It¡¯s amusing to worry about this at such a moment.¡¯ There was no reason to give up the power that blurred curses. She couldn¡¯t help but be bothered by the fact that there were more women around him. Ordinary humans tend to be jealous and envious, so if a woman appeared next to him, he might start to avoid her. If that happened, she¡¯d have to force her way into his embrace. It was better to prevent that in advance. ¡®If it doesn¡¯t work, I¡¯ll just subdue him by force.¡¯ She even considered knocking Encrid down and nestling in his arms. Various thoughts flashed through her mind in an instant, and Esther rationalized them. The conclusion was that it didn¡¯t matter who knew. Her blue and deep eyes, similar to but different from a panther¡¯s, turned towards the owner of the voice. ¡°I thought you were my beauty.¡± Rem, who had a sly smile, appeared. He was a handsome man with gray hair. He was on the shorter side, but his capabilities couldn¡¯t be underestimated. ¡°Really?¡± Esther responded nonchalantly. At the same time, she roughly figured out why he had resisted the spell. ¡®He¡¯s mastered mysticism.¡¯ It wasn¡¯t magic but a different system. She didn¡¯t bother to act like she knew. He wasn¡¯t the only one awake. ¡°Interesting brothers have come to visit.¡± Audin, a human-shaped monster whose size didn¡¯t lose out even compared to a bear beast. He had pale yellow eyes and was also outstanding in appearance. Seeing his well-balanced body, she thought it wouldn¡¯t be bad to have such a golem. ¡®I didn¡¯t even have a chance to bring out Bonehead.¡¯ The flash golem she had obtained through Encrid previously was still sleeping peacefully within her world. Of course, it was something that needed a lot of modifications and tweaks, so it wasn¡¯t time to use it yet. In any case, she roughly understood why Audin was awake too. ¡®Divine power.¡¯ It was a repulsive power. Something derived from a God. Afterward, both Jaxon and Ragna were awake as if they were unaffected by the fainting. ¡°Go back to sleep.¡± Ragna seemed to have mastered some degree of willpower. Jaxon? That guy was truly unpredictable. It felt like he had surpassed his limits through extreme training? While she observed everyone, ¡°Umm.¡± Encrid let out a groan in his sleep. ¡°Sleeping soundly, huh.¡± ¡°To be so dull, it means his training is lacking.¡± ¡°There¡¯s no need to disturb someone who¡¯s sleeping. As long as he fights well when he¡¯s awake.¡± ¡°Haha, our Company Commander brother must be tired. It¡¯s because his body lacks strength.¡± Starting with Rem, Jaxon, Ragna, and Audin each commented on the sleeping Company Commander. In the meantime, Rem added another comment as he looked at the sleeping beastwoman. ¡°She¡¯s going to be a nuisance if left like that.¡± While Finn respects the Ranger¡¯s skills, the beastwoman is only good at fighting. And yet she¡¯s sleeping soundly in a situation like this? Even though beastfolk originally have magic resistance? This was, in fact, inevitable. Dunbachel had very low self-esteem, and the spell of comfort and peace was a critical weakness for her. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Of course, Rem didn¡¯t care about that. He just thought he had to do something about her. Esther had no intention of showing off her spell, but she also had no intention of leaving corpses lying around. She waved her hand in the air. Using an invisible force, a basic telekinesis spell any wizard would use, she rolled the five corpses to the entrance of the tent. ¡°The perception-blocking spell will break soon.¡± Then she spoke to the remaining ones. While Rem said something, the other three didn¡¯t even pay attention to her presence. Did they notice in advance? Partly, but also because, ¡°I¡¯m going to sleep.¡± There were people like Ragna who wouldn¡¯t care if she turned into a human, a panther, or suddenly transformed into a giant covered in fur. ¡®It¡¯s peculiar.¡¯ Esther felt truly peculiar. She thought they would at least show some surprise, if not shock, at seeing her. Maybe she was secretly hoping for that reaction. These people were tied together in one group. At the center of this group was the black-haired man who was sleeping soundly even in this situation. The time limit ended. Esther transformed back into a panther and nestled into Encrid¡¯s arms. The black robe that had wrapped around her scattered like smoke and disappeared into the ground. She turned back into a panther after the perception-blocking spell had dissipated. ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± Vengeance, who seemed to be part of the patrol team, entered the tent and exclaimed in surprise. Seeing the smell of blood and the corpses, he was at a loss for words. ¡°Hey, since you¡¯re here, can you clean this up?¡± A commander who loses a battle may be forgiven, but a commander who fails in vigilance cannot be forgiven. Vengeance couldn¡¯t understand how they had gotten this far. He had no way of knowing that wizards had been involved. ¡°What? Oh, oh.¡± He simply thought that assassins had targeted them. However, as he examined the dead bodies, they didn¡¯t seem like well-trained individuals. It was just a bizarre night. Reporting this would probably make Battalion Commander Marcus furious. But not reporting it wasn¡¯t an option either. Vengeance conveyed the message through the captain¡¯s guard during the night. And in the morning, when Marcus woke up, ¡°Leave it. Any assassin who comes here is just stepping into a death trap.¡± He dismissed it nonchalantly. In fact, Marcus had intentionally set up Encrid¡¯s company tent on the outskirts. He thought that Martai¡¯s Olf might send assassins in a last-ditch effort. At the same time, he considered it a futile attempt. ¡®We even captured a half-Fairy before.¡¯ That assassin was supposedly quite renowned too? Marcus was keen on gathering information. He believed that such efforts led to victories on the battlefield. ¡°Tell them to send more. After all, some people only learn by getting burned.¡± Marcus said with a smile. Although he didn¡¯t know that a wizard had come, he had developed an inexplicable, absolute belief. That Encrid would somehow survive and prevail. At the same time, he had another thought. ¡°A Knight, huh.¡± It was a dream that Encrid had mentioned. Back then, he thought it was mixed with absurdity, but now it really seemed possible. So, what should he do for him? If he becomes a Knight, if he truly joins the Knighthood, ¡®Under Cyprus?¡¯ It didn¡¯t seem like a fitting picture. Who knows. It¡¯s a future matter, and they will find out when they get there. Until then, Marcus would do what he had to do. He might die before he sees Encrid become a Knight. He was actually on the verge of stepping into such dangerous work. ¡°So, everyone should look after their own lives.¡± Marcus was doing the same. Pitch black, darkness, a canvas painted black, devoid of any starlight or moonlight. There was only the flowing river and the boat, with the ferryman sitting on it. What had changed from before was, ¡®I can see an eye.¡¯ Encrid saw something resembling an eye on part of the ferryman¡¯s face. Only one side, though. If someone asked if it looked like a human eye, he would probably say he didn¡¯t know. The moment he saw it, he just knew it was an eye. It was a dream. The ferryman stared intently at him. That¡¯s how he knew it was an eye. To perceive a gaze, there must be an eye. ¡°You¡¯re really a strange fellow.¡± The ferryman spoke. Encrid found it difficult to open his mouth, as if someone had sewn his lips together with thread. So, he mustered strength in his mouth to open it. The threads could be torn away with force. ¡°So, when does the wall appear again?¡± He asked abruptly. The wall was a curse, something that torments humans and drives them into corners. That was the curse, the wall. The ferryman knew this very well. But the person in front of him was asking for the wall. What a crazy bastard. The ferryman muttered, then looked at Encrid with his eye and said, ¡°Madman.¡± With the familiar title, Encrid opened his eyes. The dream faded away. The river, the ferryman, and the pitch-black darkness all disappeared. Rumbling. As soon as he opened his eyes, he felt warmth in his arms. It was Esther. When he opened his eyes, the panther also woke up. Somehow, her eyes seemed even more human than yesterday. ¡°Did you sleep well?¡± He greeted her and got up to start the morning training. There was no reason to skip training just because they had surrounded the enemy city. ¡°Did you sleep well?¡± Rarely, Rem asked about his sleep. He lay down, fell asleep, and woke up properly. So, he slept well. Dreams? Even if you have nightmares, as long as you shake them off and get up quickly, it¡¯s fine. ¡°Is there any reason I wouldn¡¯t sleep well?¡± ¡°¡­You¡¯re surprisingly annoying.¡± What was that supposed to mean? ¡°Your sensory training is lacking.¡± This was also a rare occurrence. Jaxon nagged him about it from the morning, and Audin was more enthusiastic than usual. ¡°One more! You can do it, brother!¡± Did this guy forget they were on the battlefield? Was he trying to overwork himself to this extent? He repeated the motion of sitting down and getting up while carrying a large stone on his back. It felt like his thigh muscles were tearing and breaking, but as Audin said, he could do it. ¡°Didn¡¯t you feel anything last night?¡± Rem approached and asked again. ¡°It was a nice night.¡± It wasn¡¯t too hot or too cold, so he slept soundly. When he woke up, there was a faint smell of blood in the tent, but he thought it was just remnants of the battlefield. Encrid only heard about the assassins after lunchtime. Thanks to Vengeance who came and told him. ¡°I didn¡¯t even wake up?¡± ¡°They were wizards, wizards.¡± Rem finally opened his mouth and spent the whole day teasing him about how he didn¡¯t wake up even when assassins came, wondering what was wrong with his nerves. Encrid was somewhat bothered by this. ¡®Why didn¡¯t I wake up?¡¯ A spell? Some kind of sleeping scent? Then, what about them? Why were his comrades awake? There was something he lacked. Something different from them. He already knew what it was. ¡®Will.¡¯ What they call willpower. He wasn¡¯t in a hurry, but he still wanted it. He also knew what he had to do to get it. Swing his sword every day. In the midst of the battlefield, he devoted himself to training and conditioning. No one frowned upon seeing this. Knowing your shortcomings means you want to go further. His enthusiasm and passion flared up again. A certain heat that pounded his heart filled Encrid¡¯s insides. ¡°When do we fight?¡± Encrid¡¯s newfound passion made him abruptly ask the approaching Fairy Company Commander. ¡°We are advancing this afternoon.¡± ¡°No ladders? What about the gates?¡± ¡°That¡¯s all I was told. Will you lead the vanguard?¡± Encrid nodded. He didn¡¯t know what Olf was planning inside Martai, but given the situation, why not try a strategy to break through the gates? Contrary to his expectations, the battle was quite anticlimactic. ¡°Raise your shields!¡± Encrid, Rem, Audin, and others raised their shields and advanced. Large rectangular shields. They looked hastily made, but they were enough to block a few arrows. And they advanced. The reason the battle was anticlimactic was simple. Rumble, clank! As they approached, the sound of pulleys turning was followed by the gates opening. Arrows raining down from the towers and the gallery atop the walls became meaningless as they pressed close to the gates and walls. By sticking close to the wall, they moved out of the range of the arrows. ¡°Why are these gates open?¡± Rem muttered. Encrid was also puzzled. The troops split to the left and right of the gate. The first Company Commander who had followed them spoke to Encrid. ¡°It¡¯s the Battalion Commander¡¯s magic.¡± It really did seem like magic. Encrid had a rough idea of the reason. ¡®They planted agents.¡¯ Not just any agents, but those with enough influence to open the gates from inside Martai. Quite a feat. But that wasn¡¯t the end. As Encrid entered through the gates, he had a brief revelation. He had learned from both allied and enemy swords, but he also realized something from Marcus¡¯s strategy. It was a brief, electrifying epiphany in his mind. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com] Chapter 216 ¡°Shit!¡±Olf was horrified to hear that something akin to a rebellion had broken out. In this situation? At this moment? ¡°Who is it?!¡± He then heard that the rebel leader had taken control of the castle gate. The rebels couldn¡¯t do much about the watchtower or the walls, but the gate was an immediate problem. ¡°Guards!¡± In his urgency, Olf called for his guards. They ran ahead. ¡°Go! Stop them!¡± ¡®Who the hell is it?!¡¯ Olf hurried forward, forgetting the weight of his armor. His breath came up to his throat. He tasted iron in his mouth, like the smell of dried blood. He ran to the scene. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± He saw three of his guards turned into pincushions by bolts. In front of them stood at least a platoon-sized force blocking their way. They were aiming crossbows at him. The man who had spoken earlier laughed slyly. It was a truly sly smile. A twisted mouth, narrowed eyes, a face and expression one wouldn¡¯t normally see. It was the same brute of a deputy who used to shout enthusiastically about charging with the cavalry and crushing the enemy. A simpleton who only knew how to fight. Until just a moment ago, that¡¯s what he had been. ¡®That bastard?¡¯ He fought so brutishly that Olf had never thought he¡¯d do something like this. Or had he planned this all along? Had he been pretending to be a brute who only knew how to fight? If so, he was a natural actor. Olf realized he had been deceived. ¡°The enemy is coming!¡± Bwooo! A large horn blew, signaling danger and threat. ¡°Shoot! Shoot!¡± As the archers on the gallery and the watchtower frantically drew their bows and fired arrows, the brute of a deputy was continuously hacking at the castle gate¡¯s pulley with an axe. ?¨¢???¨º???? Thud! Crack! Thud! To Olf, those sounds were like a death sentence. ¡®Hah.¡¯ It was a sigh-inducing situation, but his mind had gone blank. He couldn¡¯t even shout to stop it. It was already too late. Even if he rushed in to stop it now, there was no way to prevent the gate from opening. When that gate opened, those monsters from the battlefield would come in, wouldn¡¯t they? A nightmare, a terror. The five monsters. It was as he had feared. He knew the wizard¡¯s attack had failed. Otherwise, why hadn¡¯t the ones who were supposed to demand their price shown up? ¡®Those damn shadow bastards.¡¯ Olf gave up mentally. Fight to the death here? Stake everything, including his life? Sacrifice the lives of all these soldiers? ¡°Shit, shit, shit.¡± He couldn¡¯t do it. Even if he survived by killing them all, what would be left? Olf didn¡¯t want to end his life with a foolish act. Even as a defeated commander, he wouldn¡¯t tarnish his name. He would die alone and end it. ¡°You need to surrender.¡± Despite his resolve, when the Guard Captain spoke, Olf felt like slapping him. This bastard? A trace of anger flashed in Olf¡¯s eyes. ¡°You need to face reality.¡± The Guard Captain repeated. It was obvious he was terrified for his own life. But this bastard, why does he have so much to say without fighting? Rumble, rumble, rumble. The gate was opening. Soon, Olf saw a man with black hair staring into the distance. He wasn¡¯t even wearing a helmet. His blue eyes looked into the void, not at Olf. As the man approached. The Guard Captain quietly laid down his sword. Preparing to surrender. This fucking bastard. Olf killed him in his mind. And he gave up himself. But ¡°There is no law that says we must surrender the city without a fight.¡± Behind him, Zimmer stepped forward. ¡°What?¡± ¡°Allow me the honor of the final duel. I will show you the courage of the Lion of the East.¡± Zimmer¡¯s eyes burned with determination. He called out to Olf once more. ¡°General.¡± Zimmer had always been the most skilled swordsman among the Battalion Commanders, including Greg. He had received proper training in swordsmanship. While the Guard Captain, who usually acted all high and mighty, was busy contemplating whether to put his hands on his head or simply kneel, Zimmer, who had always taken on various menial tasks and spoken frankly, stepped forward. ¡®I¡¯ve been blind.¡¯ Olf admitted to himself. He had failed in his selection. He had been deceived by the brute of a deputy and had neglected Zimmer in favor of the Guard Captain. He felt like gouging out his own eyes. ¡°Do it.¡± Olf nodded. Even if the battle was over, he didn¡¯t think he had the right to stop someone who wanted to burn with the spirit of a warrior. And so, Zimmer moved to face Encrid. A spy had been planted in Martai. ¡®How long had this been planned?¡¯ As soon as the gate opened, Encrid realized this was someone¡¯s scheme¡ªspecifically, Marcus¡¯s scheme. ¡®Was this planned?¡¯ Perhaps it wasn¡¯t a precise plan but rather a prepared contingency. It might not have been intended for this exact moment, but it had been set up just in case. His thoughts continued. As his thoughts accelerated, they eventually touched upon the Correct Sword Technique. An unknown, nameless swordsmanship learned from the warrior of the cursed sword. ¡®The Correct Sword Technique fundamentally drives the opponent in one direction.¡¯ The preparation for this was the basics of swordsmanship and its entirety. If the Middle Sword Technique relies on overpowering with strength and the Quick Sword Technique wins with speed, the Correct Sword Technique creates a pattern to drive the opponent. And creating this ¡®pattern¡¯ required preparation. A ¡®pattern¡¯ was the preparation and method to drive the opponent. If the opponent moved according to one¡¯s thoughts, that was good. But if not, what should one do? ¡®Prepare broadly and extensively.¡¯ One should assume all kinds of possibilities and move accordingly. This is why the Correct Sword Technique is adept at tactical battles. The key is preparation. To diversify and broaden the preparations. The spy Marcus planted was one such preparation. There would be more schemes hidden by him. Even if the gate hadn¡¯t opened, he wouldn¡¯t have given up. He would have tried some other trick. The Correct Sword Technique is the same. It should be used that way. ¡®Not confined to one pattern.¡¯ Preparing extensively allows one to respond in various ways according to the opponent¡¯s reaction. Just as Marcus did. This is why the Correct Sword Technique and the Fluid Sword Technique are considered among the most powerful as one gains more experience. The more tactical battles one fights, the more varied patterns become ingrained in the body. As the thoughts stemming from Marcus¡¯s magic connected, they led to a certain direction in swordsmanship. Fighting against the evil spirit of the cursed sword. Then returning and competing with Ragna. And learning from Frog Luagarne. Everything mixed and intertwined. Encrid took three steps beyond the castle gate. In those three steps, he realized his advantage. ¡®Today¡¯s repetition.¡¯ Experiences of fighting with life on the line. Experiences of fighting while abandoning one¡¯s life. Endless reflections after numerous defeats and battles. Weren¡¯t all those patterns and experiences? Yes. They were patterns and experiences. ¡®That old teacher must have specialized in the Correct Sword Technique.¡¯ Realizing that even the coastal village swordsmanship teacher who taught him the importance of reflection specialized in the Correct Sword Technique, Encrid took two more steps, awakening to the diversity of patterns. Taking those five steps, Encrid felt the need to once again internalize the experiences he had gained so far. Would he have realized and immediately executed such things if he were a genius, or at least exceptionally talented? It would be a lie to say he didn¡¯t wish he had more talent in his life. However, he no longer yearned for talent as much as he used to. ¡®One step at a time.¡¯ He moves forward. This is the path to ¡®Will¡¯ and the path to becoming a Knight. A forgotten dream struck his heart once more. Only then did Encrid become aware of his surroundings. The gate had opened, and one of the main figures of the battlefield had entered. Even if arrows flew, they would need to fly a hundred more times, and if not that, it should be the moment when he saw spears or hammers before him, but it was quiet. ¡°Ah.¡± A short exclamation from someone, and Encrid lowered his shield. It was a wooden shield with arrows embedded in it. He put it down beside him and looked around, taking in the situation at a glance. ¡®There is no will to fight.¡¯ Only soldiers who had lost the will to fight were in front of him. These were the ones who had been beaten back on the battlefield and had entered the defensive battle. Their last bastion was the gate and the wall. Just after seeing the enemy recklessly attach themselves to the wall. ¡°Is it going to break?¡± ¡°Shit, is our gate made of mud or something?¡± Uneasy words flew back and forth, and an atmosphere of unrest spread among the soldiers. Even knowing this, they couldn¡¯t do anything about it. The gate opened, and the five demons of the battlefield stepped inside. ¡°Dammit.¡± Is running towards death courage or foolishness? The soldiers of Martai did not need to know the difference between courage and foolishness. They did not confirm it. They simply stopped. The gaze of those who had given up fighting landed on Encrid. Silence. The wind blew. The wind brushed past the flags planted over the city. Fluttering. Along with the sound of flapping flags, a few soldiers¡¯ curses mixed in. Curses filled with resignation and self-mockery. Encrid, who saw and felt all this, opened his mouth. ¡°Do I need to say my name here again?¡± My name is Encrid. Initially, it was arrogant, laughable, and sounded insane, but the weight of that one phrase settled over the city of Martai. Nevertheless. Even if everyone gave up, there were always those who made a last stand. Amid the heavy silence and the frozen soldiers, a dry-framed man stepped forward, passing through soldiers with their fingers on bowstrings, hesitating. Encrid noticed that although the man¡¯s frame wasn¡¯t large, his muscles were firm. His balanced steps caught Encrid¡¯s eye, and it was impressive that there was no fear in his gaze. ¡°My name is Zimmer.¡± The man who stepped forward spoke. Encrid didn¡¯t know who his opponent was. He had never moved with such considerations in mind. ¡°I am the 2nd Battalion Commander of Martai.¡± As his opponent politely introduced himself, Encrid also opened his mouth. ¡°Captain of the Independent Company, Border Guard Reserve Unit.¡± ¡°I see.¡± Encrid looked into Zimmer¡¯s eyes. They weren¡¯t the eyes of someone who had given up. At least, he was someone trying to do something. ¡°Well, this is awkward.¡± Rem, who had followed, grumbled, and Audin added with a smile. ¡°A duel is sacred. Brothers, I shall convey the Lord¡¯s will in his stead.¡± It was something a priest might say, but no one took issue with it. Simply. ¡°I can¡¯t retreat without swinging my sword at least once.¡± Zimmer expressed his intention. Behind him was General Olf, but he already seemed half out of his mind. He was a man back from the brink of anger and reason. Of course, Encrid didn¡¯t care. Only Krais was looking around the area. A finished fight, but for someone, it was a fight that couldn¡¯t just end in surrender. ¡®Why do they risk their lives?¡¯ Krais couldn¡¯t understand it. The others seemed to accept the situation. Ragna stepped back to the right. If any enemy archers or anyone else intervened, he would draw his sword without hesitation. Usually, his presence wouldn¡¯t be so apparent, but now his aura was clearly visible, making Ragna appear several times larger to the enemy soldiers. And indeed, there was a warrior as large as him. ¡°If you interfere, your head will be smashed, and you will go to heaven. Brothers and sisters.¡± Audin volunteered to referee, and Rem also stepped back. Rem admired the spirit of his opponent. To challenge him to a duel in such a situation was indeed brave. Zimmer, that was his name. He would have been called a hero even among his own people. Jaxon had already hidden, likely thinking of cutting the commanders¡¯ throats if things went south. Encrid was also impressed by Zimmer¡¯s determination. This was a duel where even if the other side won, the chance of dying was high. Yet, he didn¡¯t back down. He was a warrior. A man who knew how to fight. Chirring. Encrid drew his sword. It had once been a cursed sword, but now it was just an exceptionally sharp and sturdy blade. ¡°My sword is not ordinary.¡± Encrid mentioned the advantage of his weapon. He respected the courage shown by his opponent. Zimmer nodded. Soon, he too drew his sword. Tiring. It was a short and straight sword. An Estoc. Encrid guessed his opponent¡¯s specialty as soon as he saw his stance. No, it was almost a certainty. ¡®A quick sword, light on his feet.¡¯ Light feet meant swift movements. Zimmer lowered his stance. The moment he pointed his sword forward, his feet struck the ground. The tip of the sword blurred like an afterimage, aiming at Encrid as if to strike. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.] S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com] Chapter 217 Zimmer¡¯s foot left the ground, and as he dashed forward, his body blurred like an afterimage. It was a terrifying speed.It reminded one of a Squire¡¯s charge. However, he was not at the level of a Squire. That much was certain. He raised his sword diagonally. With strength in his wrist and forearm, he stood firm like a solid wall. It was a defensive stance somewhere between the Correct Sword Technique and the Middle Sword Technique. Clang! The tip of the Estoc struck the flat of Encrid¡¯s sword, which he twisted and extended out. Sparks flew, and the sword in Zimmer¡¯s hand was deflected to the side. Zimmer immediately pulled his sword back. Encrid, of course, was not overpowered by strength. He did not budge an inch. Zimmer, with his sword repelled, stepped back. ¡®A naturally light body.¡¯ A body trained to the extreme, charging forward with a thrust, he did not even wear armor for this one strike. His sword was thin and narrow. His weapon seemed to have been modified for lightness, and even his boots appeared lightweight. He had grasped all this in a single clash of swords. Recognizing Zimmer¡¯s tactics at a glance, he knew this wouldn¡¯t be a prolonged fight. Encrid saw what Zimmer had done right before his eyes and knew he could do something similar. He could do it without any special equipment or tricks. In that case, he would just do it. He pushed his left foot back and thrust his body forward. Though different, it would look similar to the thrust his opponent had used. He opened the Heart of Great Strength, channeling power from his toes, through his ankles, and up his thighs. Using the thrust he learned in his first battle. Boom! He kicked off the ground and shot forward. The air tore, and Encrid, fully immersed, saw nothing else. All he could see was the sword and its wielder. Zimmer also tried to thrust his sword forward. To Encrid¡¯s eyes, everything appeared slow. The way he extended his sword, even shifting his center of gravity forward. Encrid knew his sword would reach the opponent first. Even so, the opponent wouldn¡¯t stop his sword. Knowing this, he thrust his sword into the opponent¡¯s shoulder with his right hand and drew a second sword with his left, striking the middle of the Estoc. A defensive move with perfect timing. To Encrid, the exchange seemed sequential, but to the soldiers watching, it was an impressive display of skill. Thump! Zimmer rushed forward and then immediately recoiled as Encrid lunged at him, the sounds of stabbing and striking following in quick succession. And that was it. The soldiers could barely follow the action between the two. All they saw was a hole in Zimmer¡¯s shoulder and him collapsing to the ground. ¡°Ugh.¡± Zimmer swallowed his groan. He was a man who could endure pain. The broken half of his sword, struck in the middle, spun through the air before planting itself in the ground with a thud. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. It was a thin, straight sword meant for a single thrust. Naturally, it was weak to lateral strikes. It was a Middle Sword Technique known as ¡®Weapon Breaker¡¯. And Encrid had done it with his left hand. Encrid did not celebrate his victory. He simply asked. ¡°More?¡± General Olf quickly responded. ¡°Surrender.¡± It was as good as Martai¡¯s complete surrender. Moreover, it was a battle that would undoubtedly make the name Encrid known. A belated cheer erupted. The faces of the Martai soldiers turned pale at the sound of their own commander¡¯s surrender. Some of them wouldn¡¯t be able to avoid beheading. The aftermath was Marcus¡¯s responsibility. ¡°Everyone, drop your weapons!¡± The commander shouted in all directions. It was a declaration of the end of the war. Drip, drop. Rain began to fall amidst the late summer heat. It was a clear sky, yet it rained. It was a prank by the summer God. Sunlight shone through the rain, highlighting Encrid holding his sword. Not only the soldiers of Martai but also those of the Border Guard Reserve Unit watched him. The man standing amidst the summer God¡¯s prank was visible at the end of everyone¡¯s gaze. He was the man who had led, fought, and ended this battle. His name was Encrid. ¡°Do you choose death? Or imprisonment?¡± Marcus left the choice to Olf. The man from the East, Olf, chose life. ¡°I choose imprisonment.¡± Killing him would have been a burden for Marcus in many ways. There was still much to gain from a figure like Olf. ¡®Well, this feels almost too easy.¡¯ Marcus showed a swift hand in handling the aftermath. ¡°I was the head of the guard.¡± Seeing the man who had surrendered immediately without even stepping forward, he said, ¡°Kill him.¡± ¡°¡­What? I surrender, I surrender!¡± ¡°A Guard Captain who bows his head without a single act of resistance?¡± Marcus was cold. Not even a common smile appeared. He criticized the man, but it didn¡¯t seem directed solely at him. Then he calmly pronounced the death sentence. ¡°This can¡¯t be¡­¡± Crack! Snap! The commander of the 1st Company took action himself. He struck the man¡¯s neck with a mace. It was a single, fatal blow. The man¡¯s head hit the ground with a thud. His neck, twisted and extended at an unnatural angle, left his head lolling to one side. ¡°You talk too much.¡± By the time the enemy soldiers began to feel uneasy, ¡°Was his name Zimmer?¡± Marcus called out to Zimmer, who was bleeding profusely from his shoulder wound. The Battalion Commander glanced at Encrid and spoke in a whisper. It was a voice meant for Encrid and Zimmer alone to hear. Of course, someone with keen ears like Jaxon or the Fairy Company Commander could hear if they listened, but it was whispered nonetheless. ¡°What do you think? He¡¯s a man too valuable to kill.¡± It was a question directed at Encrid, not Zimmer. Encrid pondered Marcus¡¯s intent. ¡°I don¡¯t think there¡¯s a need to kill him.¡± With Marcus lowering his voice, Encrid replied quietly as well. Marcus nodded significantly at his answer and then raised his voice, speaking loudly and clearly. ¡°Truly, you know how to recognize an opponent! You have a broad heart! To beg for the life of a man you¡¯ve crossed swords with.¡± ¡®Beg? When did I do that?¡¯ For Encrid, it was a bewildering situation. Unlike when he was asking, Marcus still spoke loudly enough for everyone around to hear. ¡°I will accept that request! Not only did you lead us to victory, but you also showed mercy to the enemy commander. You are the best soldier I have ever seen. Isn¡¯t that right? What do you think?¡± The last question was directed at their own soldiers, a form of praise. Despite the victory, the overwhelming display of power, the falling rain, and the sunlight peeking through, some soldiers had missed the timing to cheer. At that moment, some finally shouted out. ¡°We won!¡± That short and brave cry quickly turned into a cheer from the entire army. ¡°The flower of the battlefield!¡± ¡°Infantry!¡± ¡°The flower of the Border Guard!¡± ¡°Madmen!¡± Encrid couldn¡¯t help but chuckle. ¡®That absurd chant is getting weirder, isn¡¯t it?¡¯ It seemed somewhat consistent. ¡°We¡¯ve lost.¡± From below, Zimmer murmured and gestured behind him, gathering the enemy soldiers to one side. ¡°Do not resist. Do not die meaninglessly.¡± Typically, battles between cities involved capturing the enemy commander and demanding ransom or other forms of compensation, but this time was different. It was a complete and utter defeat. The city had fallen, and it would be a war recorded in history books. ¡°My name is!¡± ¡°Encrid!¡± ¡°Yaaaaah!¡± As the soldiers¡¯ cheers grew louder, the anxious citizens of the city watched cautiously. They locked their doors and didn¡¯t come out, peeking through windows and cracks in doors. Those with less courage didn¡¯t even look outside. It was common for soldiers to turn into bandits after a city fell. If they started looting the city, who would stop them? If looting began, it wouldn¡¯t just be property that was stolen, there would be rapes and robberies all over. Fear seemed to engulf the entire city. Some citizens thought about grabbing anything they could to fight back, but that would likely cost them their lives. ¡°Zimmer, I ask for your honor: this city is now under the control of the Border Guard. Do you see any problem with withdrawing most of our troops and leaving only a few behind?¡± Marcus was a master politician even among the central nobility. He knew how to win over his opponent. ¡°If you promise, we plan to withdraw immediately today.¡± Zimmer blinked. What was he supposed to believe? If they left only a few troops, Martai¡¯s forces would be greater. Honor? Asking about honor? ¡°If you have other thoughts, look over there.¡± Marcus approached and whispered. Standing a few steps back was a man with black hair, standing alone. His name was Encrid, a man who enjoyed revealing his name on the battlefield. His appearance was highly displeasing. Not handsome, but excessively good-looking. ¡°He¡¯s the Madmen¡¯s Platoon leader. If you vent your anger on our troops, they will take it out on all the citizens this time.¡± Trust requires faith, but if there is no faith, it can be created. If cornered with no options, trust and faith will naturally arise. ¡°Yes, on my honor.¡± Zimmer promised. ¡°We will retreat.¡± Marcus spoke and then efficiently handled the subsequent tasks. Encrid stepped back. On the way back, he heard that the Border Guard Garrison would remain in the city. ¡°Hey, I guess we won¡¯t see each other often now.¡± Torres came over, chattering away. A few members of the Guard¡¯s main force also came to speak. Among them was a friend named Hyoun, who exchanged a few trivial words with Encrid, saying things like, ¡°Next time, I¡¯ll defeat you, so don¡¯t slack off in your training.¡± He spouted such nonsense and then went to talk to Ragna. Encrid responded that he would continue to train and progress. Hyoun wasn¡¯t being entirely serious. This guy¡¯s joke-telling skills were as poor as a Fairy¡¯s. ¡°So, what did the Battalion Commander say? That this city will now be handed over to our Captain?¡± Nearby, Krais nodded. ¡°It seems they want to fully integrate this city with the Border Guard Garrison. I must say, I admire Marcus¡¯s ambition. He didn¡¯t just secure the city¡¯s cooperation, he took over the entire city.¡± Torres glanced at Krais and asked, ¡°Does he usually speak so casually about the Battalion Commander?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry, he always checks to make sure there are no Battalion Commander¡¯s aides around.¡± Isn¡¯t that missing the point? Well, it didn¡¯t matter. Torres nodded roughly and said, ¡°You become a Knight. I¡¯ll try to become the next commander of Martai.¡± This meant he aimed to reach the top of the Border Guard Garrison. Saying such things was itself thanks to Encrid¡¯s influence. Because of that, Torres felt the need to say, ¡°Good luck.¡± That was the end of the conversation. They retreated, and the Border Guard Garrison stayed behind for a while. Right after the retreat, Encrid washed, rested, ate, and slept. Since the Black Blade Bandits attack, he hadn¡¯t had a proper rest. ¡°What did you say was as important as training? Brother.¡± It was Audin¡¯s favorite saying. Rest was as important as training. The army was still excited. For some reason, quite a few people were lingering near the Madmen Platoon, but Rem was there for a reason. No one came closer than that. He rested thoroughly for two days. Besides some simple training and drills, he gave his body a rest. After a long time, he slept deeply without any dreams and woke up to see a Fairy with green eyes before him. ¡°¡­Is this a nightmare?¡± Encrid muttered. ¡°If I appear in your dreams, it would be a wet dream.¡± ¡°It¡¯s reality, then.¡± It was a Fairy joke. As he got up, asking what was going on so early, the Fairy looked at him and said, ¡°Finish your training and then go see the Battalion Commander.¡± ¡°Understood.¡± Had she really come this early just to say that? The Fairy was truly inscrutable. Seeing her stoic face making jokes about wet dreams, Encrid couldn¡¯t help but think every time he saw her. ¡®Her beauty is otherworldly, and so are her personality and jokes.¡¯ After the Fairy left, Esther woke up and rubbed her eyes. The way she rubbed them with her front paws was adorable. ¡°Good morning.¡± ¡°Kyaar.¡± After greeting Esther, Encrid began his training. As the sun was about to rise, Rem appeared, yawning with his mouth wide open. ¡°I¡¯ll take care of that beastwoman for a bit.¡± It wasn¡¯t a question or a request for permission, just a statement. ¡°Why?¡± ¡°If left alone, she¡¯ll just be a parasite eating up rations. Wouldn¡¯t it be better to let her go die in battle? If that¡¯s what you want, I can arrange it.¡± ¡°Are you just looking for an excuse to beat her up?¡± At that, Rem fell silent. Sometimes, seeing him at a loss for words reminded Encrid that he was, after all, human. ¡°¡­No, the Captain accepted her into our unit, and I, personally, will train her. What do you mean by that?¡± It was indeed an excuse to beat her up. Encrid knew this but nodded indifferently. The beastwoman seemed to have nowhere to go, and the determination in her eyes reminded Encrid of himself. That¡¯s why he accepted her, but Rem wasn¡¯t wrong either. If left alone, she would likely get killed somewhere. ¡°Ask Audin about the beastman¡¯s will. If he still wants to proceed, then leave it to him.¡± If not, Encrid planned to transfer her to another unit. ¡°Got it.¡± Audin, who had been sweating through morning training alongside Encrid, nodded. This routine was familiar to them. Whether they had fought on the battlefield the previous day or risked their lives in combat, they would be back to training and rolling the next day. Having said that, Encrid went to find the Battalion Commander¡¯s office. As he walked, he had a thought. ¡®So, I¡¯m a Company Commander now, huh?¡¯ Would he have to start managing his subordinates? Until now, he couldn¡¯t really say he had been managing them. It was more like he had been dragged along. But now? He had formed a formation on the battlefield and even issued something akin to commands afterward. Just as he was changing, so were they. Strategy and tactics¡ªsuch troublesome thoughts. It seemed simpler to just go with the flow in each situation. ¡°Let them know I¡¯m here.¡± Nodding to the guard in front of the office, Encrid spoke. The guard opened the door and said, ¡°It was an honor to fight alongside you.¡± This guy must have fought too. Standing at the forefront of the battlefield, there hadn¡¯t been a chance to look back. The excitement of the battlefield hadn¡¯t yet worn off. The guard¡¯s words and the admiring looks from soldiers passing by confirmed it. Some were sharing their own tales of valor, while one crazy guy even said he would make a song about Encrid¡¯s deeds. If others hadn¡¯t smacked him on the head and stopped him, Encrid would have done it himself. The guy was a terrible singer. There hadn¡¯t been a victory celebration yet. They planned to properly rest for two days, then eat, drink, and celebrate. Until then, everyone was told to rest as much as they wanted. ¡°Oh, you¡¯re here?¡± Marcus greeted him with a smile. ¡°Yes.¡± Neither the adjutant nor the Fairy Company Commander was around. Marcus, still smiling, said, ¡°Have you ever thought about becoming the Battalion Commander of the Border Guard?¡± It was an unexpected proposal. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com] Chapter 218 Thinking it was impossible meant there were no expectations.To add to this, it also meant it was something unwanted. ¡®Me, a Battalion Commander?¡¯ Just controlling the platoon members, including Rem and the beastfolk Dunbachel, was honestly becoming a hassle. Rather than that, he wanted to swing his sword one more time. It was a natural desire, a yearning. It felt as if he could almost touch a dream that had always been out of reach. Anyone would desperately bend and stretch their fingers, trying to pull that dream toward themselves. It was such a moment. When one wanted to indulge in desire rather than responsibility. But to encompass the entire city? Someday he might welcome such a task, but not right now. The thought of finding a reason seemed ridiculous. What would happen if he somehow became the Battalion Commander? Rem¡¯s words came vividly to mind. ¡°Battalion Commander? Then I¡¯ll be a Company Commander. Give me my company members.¡± He would manage dozens of soldiers and grant them honorable discharges. Everyone would be busy running away. In retrospect, entrusting Dunbachel, the beastfolk, to Rem might have been a mistake. Though he had no intention of taking care of it now. So the answer was decided. He didn¡¯t want it right now. ¡°No, thank you.¡± Though the thought was long, the decision-making speed was quick. It was so fast that there was no hesitation. The answer came as soon as the question was asked. ¡°I thought you might say that.¡± Marcus nodded as if it was the most natural thing. He didn¡¯t seem disappointed. Still, he added a few words. ¡°Let¡¯s say I asked you twice more, making it three times in total. If you change your mind based on that, feel free to tell me anytime.¡± ¡°Understood.¡± Encrid answered nonchalantly once more. ¡°Alright, then let¡¯s hear the reason. I should at least know why you declined, shouldn¡¯t I?¡± Marcus interlaced his fingers and rested his chin on them. It seemed to be a habit of his, a pose Encrid had seen often. Though it didn¡¯t feel like Marcus was particularly curious, Encrid answered. It¡¯s only right to respond when asked. It was also a question from a superior. Standing straight in front of the table, Encrid opened his mouth. ¡°The 1st Company Commander won¡¯t approve.¡± He meant there would be internal opposition. The 1st Company Commander was originally the closest to becoming the next Battalion Commander. Since the Border Guard Commander was taking charge of Martai, this position should rightfully go to him. Even if he was suppressed, having a subordinate right below harboring resentment wouldn¡¯t make for a good picture. ¡°You have a political insight too.¡± Marcus spoke, maintaining his pose with his fingers interlaced under his chin. Still, it seemed insufficient, so he asked again. ¡°Any other reasons?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t need the Battalion Commander position.¡± ¡°¡­Not needing this position is quite unusual. It doesn¡¯t sound like an excuse or pretext, which makes it even more so.¡± Marcus relaxed his posture. He leaned back in his chair. Now he seemed genuinely interested. Encrid knew this man had a few tricks up his sleeve. But it wasn¡¯t a problem, so he could continue speaking smoothly. Saying it wasn¡¯t necessary, that was the gist of it. To become a Knight, skill came first. Martial prowess was paramount. The qualities of a commander were a secondary issue. Of course, if the qualities of a commander became an issue, if it was necessary, he would learn and adapt to them. Originally, whenever something was needed, he would push his body to the limit, risking his life to learn. But right now, it wasn¡¯t particularly necessary. He felt a new sense of inadequacy, or rather, it was more accurate to call it a thirst. From Zimmer¡¯s thrusts to everything before, there were countless things to newly learn and master. He had realized something even from Battalion Commander Marcus¡¯ strategy. There was still a long way to go. He wanted to walk that path. It was a path toward a faded dream. Therefore, he wanted to postpone the responsibility. That was his true intention. Encrid had just now realized his true intention. He was seeing his present self through a few words. One only understands their own depths by digging into them. ¡°I still lack skill in handling the sword.¡± Encrid answered. ¡°If your skill is lacking, then most of the soldiers would need to die.¡± Marcus responded. Then, as if understanding, he clapped his hands lightly. ¡°Well, it¡¯s hard to give something to someone who doesn¡¯t want Krona¡¯s pouch.¡± Marcus muttered this. Instead of telling him to leave, he asked about the recent surrounding situation. Encrid answered as if it were obvious. ¡°It seems the situation around us will continue to deteriorate, doesn¡¯t it?¡± Encrid spoke from intuition, but such problems were indeed emerging. It had only been a few days since the battle ended, so it wasn¡¯t visibly apparent yet. Above all, this battle ended quickly, like popcorn popping in a fire. They had expected a series of prolonged sieges but broke through with strategy. At first, they hid Encrid, and the second time, they opened the gates of Martai. Because of this, both the enemy and their commander lost morale and surrendered swiftly. If they had fought with all their might from the start, they might have shed much more blood than expected. Anyway, Marcus was also aware of the surrounding situation. As the city grew larger and stronger, problems naturally increased. Moreover, it was hard to expect help from the central government in this situation. With the board changed, the Border Guard withdrew the Border Guard Garrison, weakening their forces. Additionally, they had provoked the Black Blade Bandits and became a threatening position to the surrounding nobles by swallowing Martai. On a personal level, Encrid had killed members of the Cult of the Demon Realm Sanctuary. ¡°That¡¯s why I offered you the Battalion Commander position.¡± ¡°What would change if I took it?¡± Was he asking because he didn¡¯t know? ¡°A commander with overwhelming strength is impressive.¡± But that seemed unrelated to commanding the entire city. ¡°And, to be honest, the 1st Company Commander wouldn¡¯t hold any grudges.¡± S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Marcus added. Only if he thought he had a chance would he dare to challenge. This was practically a monster. The 1st Company Commander rebelling? No way. He might harbor inner dissatisfaction, but he would have every reason to outwardly comply. Marcus thought so, but Encrid did not agree. Humans are most tormented when something they believed was theirs or were confident about is taken away. Everyone had different thoughts, but it was not a problem. Encrid wouldn¡¯t accept, and Marcus had no real intention of giving it. Marcus thought it would be more interesting to give Encrid an even bigger position. Moreover, once he became a Knight, lands would naturally follow. ¡®Since when did I start believing this guy would become a Knight?¡¯ Marcus thought this inwardly, but outwardly he said what he had prepared. ¡°Then, at least take on the role of Training Company Commander.¡± From here on, it was Marcus¡¯s decision alone. The Border Guard Garrison had vacated their posts, but increasing the numbers of the Madmen Platoon was not an easy task. No, he would try, but¡­ ¡°It¡¯s best not to expect too much.¡± Hadn¡¯t the Fairy Company Commander said that? Wasn¡¯t Rem an expert at driving people to their limits? Probably nine out of ten would desert after joining? So, this was the next plan. ¡®Give them a sense of belonging and status, provide justification and tasks.¡¯ Encrid, who was already enthusiastic about training, seemed quite suited for the job of teaching. Thus, the new position of Training Company Commander was created. ¡°Yes, understood.¡± Encrid accepted this readily. Though it was unexpected for Marcus, Encrid had similar thoughts. What is the best way to ensure the city¡¯s safety? Increase the overall quality of the troops. And how do you achieve that? ¡®Make them work hard.¡¯ While he didn¡¯t expect them to train as hard as he did, increasing training time and enforcing it to some extent would inevitably improve their skills. Wasn¡¯t he proof of that? It might have been alarming news for the Border Guard Reserve under the commander, but¡­ In this room, it was only Marcus and Encrid. ¡°Then.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Encrid saluted and withdrew. The position of Training Company Commander was one thing, but first came the victory party. It was during this that his contributions in the recent battle would be recognized. The rest would follow after. Until then, Encrid planned to hone what he had newly learned and felt. Time was always more precious than gold coins. Especially lately, when he hadn¡¯t even encountered any walls. ¡®Is the ferryman being lazy?¡¯ If the ferryman had heard this, he would have chuckled in disbelief. So, two days later, the victory party took place. ¡°Woah! A glorious battle! The conquest of Martai announces the birth of a new hero and rising star in this region!¡± With this battle, the name Encrid spread beyond the city in an instant. Had announcing his name in the middle of the battlefield been effective? He didn¡¯t know. It could have had an impact, or it might not have. It was something truly unknowable. While everyone was eating, drinking, chatting, and cheering loudly, Encrid¡¯s mind was elsewhere. ¡®Experience.¡¯ Digesting past experiences was important, but he saw that as stagnation. Apart from assimilating what he already had, he now had new aspirations. Did that mean he needed an adventure? Should he leave this place? For new patterns, new experiences? Something he had realized from observing Marcus¡¯s strategy was swirling in his mind again. ¡°What are you thinking about so deeply?¡± Rem asked from beside him, holding a pumpkin pie in one hand and a bottle of distilled liquor in the other. The sharp smell of alcohol pricked his nose. It was a nearly undiluted spirit. Rem seemed to be enthusiastically soaking his insides with the liquor. Encrid was sitting on a chair by one of the market stalls. They had been drinking since broad daylight. Meanwhile, the soldiers, citizens, children, and adults alike kept glancing at Encrid. He was, after all, the hero of this recent battle. Of course, Rem and the other members of the Madmen Platoon were receiving attention as well. But these were people who didn¡¯t care about the gaze of others in the first place. In the meantime, Jaxon had disappeared somewhere. He might have gone to the red-light district again. ¡°I¡¯m thinking about how many good fighters I could meet wandering around the continent.¡± It was an honest answer. Rem chuckled at this. ¡°I¡¯ve wandered around a bit, and it¡¯s not easy. Most of the ones you hear about being good fighters are just talk.¡± ¡°That¡¯s true.¡± Ragna, who had come over without notice, agreed with the statement. His cheeks were flushed, indicating he had had a few drinks. However, he didn¡¯t seem drunk. He probably hadn¡¯t drunk much. He wasn¡¯t one to enjoy drinking much, supposedly. Anyway, from their words, it was evident both had wandered around the continent a bit. ¡°Is that so?¡± Encrid asked, feeling a strange thirst. What was the nature of this thirst? Was it a desire to fight more? It wasn¡¯t that simple. Was it an eagerness to hone his swordsmanship? That didn¡¯t seem right either. Was it some compulsion born from not being able to repeat ¡®today¡¯? Was he waiting for repeated deaths? For Encrid, the repetition of ¡®today¡¯, the wall, the ferryman, these were all separate matters. Although he jokingly blamed the ferryman in his monologue, whether ¡®today¡¯ repeated or not didn¡¯t matter to Encrid. It was because he kept moving forward that he was who he was now. The repetition of ¡®today¡¯ was just a tool he used on his path forward. He thought it was just something that had coincidentally become part of him. So this thirst was something different. Something entirely different. It had arisen after he grasped the form of the Correct Sword Technique. It was simply a desire to compete with those across the vast continent, a sense of rivalry. It could also be called a burning fighting spirit. ¡®Fight and experience.¡¯ That was the path to fully realizing the mended dream. Until now, he had always been dragged along when learning something new, but this time was different. After observing Marcus¡¯s strategy, Encrid identified what he lacked. He was building a new tower of experience by digesting past experiences, a milestone he recognized and set himself. ¡°Should I gather rumors about good fighters, swordsmen, or whoever?¡± It was Bald Gilpin. When did he arrive? He seemed to have had a fair amount to drink as well. Despite this, his demeanor remained composed. He wasn¡¯t the type to make mistakes. Encrid pondered Gilpin¡¯s suggestion. If he received that list? Then should he leave? Abandon the city? It was something to consider. Krais, who had been watching quietly, suddenly asked. ¡°But Captain, there¡¯s an easier way. Why go on an adventure and become a wanderer?¡± ¡°What do you mean, Big Eyes?¡± Rem asked, sipping his drink. And indeed, our big-eyed soldier had quite the head on his shoulders. His brain was undoubtedly as robust as his big eyes suggested. ¡°With this battle, your name has spread far and wide, and we have quite a few people in Martai and the pioneer villages who can speak for us. It¡¯s simple. Instead of seeking them out, make them come to you.¡± Krais¡¯s words were truly appropriate and like a bolt of enlightenment. Surely the sense of rivalry wasn¡¯t unique to Encrid. For anyone who fancied themselves a good fighter. ¡°That sounds plausible, Big Eyes brother.¡± Audin agreed, and Dunbachel nodded beside him. ¡°There are quite a few mercenaries who wander around to hone their swordsmanship.¡± Dunbachel¡¯s words were spot on. ¡°What about soldiers who have just ended a war? They¡¯ll flock to you, and if you defeat them repeatedly, word will spread. You can fight them until they tire out, or if this place becomes a battlefield, the numbers might drop.¡± ¡°Krais, you do it.¡± Encrid was impressed and gave him a fitting reward: Krona¡¯s pouch. The pouch he had saved to get new armor went into Krais¡¯s hands. ¡°Oh.¡± Krais caught the pouch with the agility of someone blocking a flying dagger. His hands were that quick. ¡°Thank you.¡± Krais laughed heartily. Encrid was satisfied as well. ¡°Spread the word well.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry!¡± This was a deal where everyone was satisfied. Rem chuckled too. It was a decent victory party. As time passed, some soldiers approached, expressing their desire to join the Madmen Platoon. ¡°I want to go mad too!¡± ¡°I want to be a madman!¡± ¡°I¡¯m already a madman!¡± It was unclear why the transfer requests all sounded like this. Rem, half-drunk, enthusiastically agreed to take them all in. Then, he looked at Encrid and said, ¡°We¡¯re too few for a Company.¡± That was true. So, if they didn¡¯t regret it after sobering up, they would all join the Madmen Platoon. It wasn¡¯t a formal test, but if their words were sincere, their skills would be roughly assessed. Additionally, there were comments about glory and the birth of a hero. What was clear was that Encrid was the star of this party. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t you like to eat marmalade for the rest of your life? For free, of course.¡± In between, there were temptations from city merchants and attractive women. ¡°No way!¡± A young man from the city cried out in despair. Even without the young man¡¯s cry, Encrid had no intention of doing anything with the marmalade girl. Especially after seeing the look of utter devastation on the young man¡¯s face. ¡°I¡¯ll buy it at the right price.¡± ¡°Pfft.¡± Some of the market women were bold, and some subtly flirted, but the situation took a dramatic turn when a significant figure appeared to both resolve and complicate matters. ¡°Count Molsen is arriving!¡± The servant¡¯s cry echoed through the party. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com] Chapter 219 Even though the entire city was bustling with excitement, there were still guards on duty.Guided by these guards, two carriages crossed the city and entered the middle of the marketplace. There was no reason to stop them. Officially, they were allies, and this was the entourage of one of the high nobles. The coachman, with well-trained arms, descended from the carriage and opened the door. From the first carriage emerged a man with a splendid mustache. ¡°Count Molsen?¡± Marcus muttered as he stepped forward to greet him. ¡°I heard about your victory and thought I¡¯d drop by while passing through.¡± He was a distinguished figure, entirely unexpected to appear here. Certainly not someone you¡¯d expect to see in the middle of the Border Guard market. The Squad leader, who was also the captain of the guards, hesitated to step forward and glanced around nervously. At Marcus¡¯s signal, he quietly withdrew. The strange aura exuded by the Count and his entourage sealed the lips of those around. In the silence, the Count¡¯s voice rang out. It was a voice that conveyed a strong sense of resolve. A voice full of confidence, stemming from knowing his own authority. ¡°I was curious about the face of the hero of this battlefield.¡± Count Molsen was bold. He was direct, which made him appear even more confident. Despite being a high noble, he was not adorned in expensive satin or silk, but rather in thin cotton clothes, yet he still exuded a certain dignity. Through his thin clothes, one could see his well-toned muscles, indicating he did not neglect his training. Even though he was stepping on the muddy ground, made worse by the spilled drinks of excited people, he still carried an air that left no doubt he was a noble. He was an impressive man. Encrid thought that he had never met someone who made such a strong first impression. ¡°Well? I heard you have a hidden gem, why not show it to me?¡± The Count¡¯s voice was filled with relaxed confidence. Marcus heard this but did not respond immediately. The two seemed to know each other. Encrid watched the situation from a few steps away. Naturally, he heard the voice calling for him. ¡®Should I step forward?¡¯ Or should I wait. He glanced at Marcus¡¯s face, which was unusually tense. Wasn¡¯t this man smiling even during the war? ¡°That guy¡¯s nape looks like it¡¯s begging to be split.¡± Rem muttered beside him. Although his speech wasn¡¯t slurred, wanting to split open the head of a noble he had just met wasn¡¯t exactly normal. Encrid gestured to Audin and Ragna to take care of the drunken Rem. If left alone, he would cause a big scene. And he intended to ease Marcus¡¯s difficulty. He had no intention of hiding himself. The act of concealing him was Marcus¡¯s doing, not his own choice. Although he had gone along with it, everything was already exposed now. So stepping forward was the right thing to do. In fact, now that things had come to this, he thought it might be interesting to have Count Molsen¡¯s swordsmen come to see him later. He was quite fond of the strategy Krais had suggested. Rather than seeking them out, let them come to him. Moreover, no matter what aura Count Molsen exuded, he was not a threat to Encrid. Even before ¡®today¡¯s repetition¡¯, he had lived half his life on the edge, and after ¡®today¡¯s repetition¡¯, he had truly lived on the edge, so when it came to courage and boldness, Encrid might be the best on the continent. That¡¯s why. To Encrid, Count Molsen¡¯s appearance seemed like an opportunity. ¡®I heard he likes to gather talented people.¡¯ I heard that Count Molsen¡¯s nickname is the Talent Collector. Then, doesn¡¯t he have many skilled swordsmen under his command? There must be many proficient spearmen as well. Among them, there would be martial artists, and those skilled with blunt weapons. No, there would be many. There were also rumors that he had Knight-like figures under his command. The Elite Slayer who had targeted Encrid in the previous battlefield was also under Count Molsen¡¯s command, but Encrid couldn¡¯t know that. He didn¡¯t even know the nickname of the deceased. In any case, Encrid thought that if Krais spread the word, there might be some competitive spirits under Count Molsen, and among them, a few swordsmen might come to see him. ¡°Was your name Encrid?¡± Just then, Count Molsen spoke again. Marcus should have stepped forward by now, but Encrid took a step in that direction first. ¡°Stand back, soldier.¡± The man who was acting as a guard blocked Encrid¡¯s chest with his arm. No, rather than blocking, it was more like a hit. It was a thud. It was rough and aggressive, almost like picking a fight. Well-trained arms, the guy who had been playing the coachman. His well-developed chest muscles were visible. When Encrid looked into his eyes, they were glaring fiercely. ¡®This must be a challenge, right?¡¯ It seemed reasonable to think so. Moreover, the other guy hit first. So, wouldn¡¯t that be a reason to use violence on this side as well? It seemed so. There was a secret expectation that if he made a strong impression here, the level of those who would come to see him later would be higher. Thus, Encrid didn¡¯t have any other thoughts. In fact, it might have been due to the influence of Rem. It might also be due to having had a few drinks. So, that¡¯s why. When he grabbed the arm blocking him and pushed, the other guy naturally put in strength as well. In an instant, Encrid, pushing the opponent¡¯s hand with his right hand, pulled it and kicked the opponent¡¯s heel with his left foot. Breaking the balance. It was a Valaf-Style Martial Art technique he learned from Audin. The opponent was caught off guard. His kicked foot floated in the air, and his buttocks lifted, and he fell with a thud. Whether Count Molsen intended it or not, it seemed like he deliberately tore through the curtain of silence he had created. It felt even quieter around than before. Among them, some soldier unconsciously let out a groan that sounded like ¡°Oh no.¡± ¡°That must hurt.¡± Feeling uncomfortable with the silence, Encrid said quietly, and the fallen man¡¯s face turned red. As he tried to get up again with a fierce look, Encrid spoke. ¡°Seems you¡¯ve come to see me.¡± He didn¡¯t even look at the guy he knocked down. He turned and looked at Count. Count was also watching this place. The coachman who stood up hesitated whether to swing his fist or not. In the end, he couldn¡¯t throw his punch. His lord was watching the guy, wasn¡¯t he? Encrid had shown force first, and the conversation followed. The small commotion naturally seemed to have vividly caught Count¡¯s attention. Since it wasn¡¯t unintentional to draw attention, Encrid could calmly look at Count. His attitude and actions were truly unyielding. It seemed half-crazy, but Count was busy silently observing Encrid. Encrid did the same. ¡®He has a nicely groomed mustache.¡¯ It looked like he even had a barber take care of his mustache. Marcus, who was behind him, was about to step forward but then closed his mouth. Thanks to Encrid stepping in, he had no chance to intervene. ¡°Are you Encrid?¡± Count asked. ¡°Yes, I am.¡± Encrid replied. Their eyes met. Encrid looked at him calmly, and Count also met his gaze with a composed look, his blue eyes staring into Encrid¡¯s black hair. Was it rude to hit the coachman upon the first meeting? It was a sudden thought after causing the commotion. Encrid didn¡¯t think much of it. Well, wasn¡¯t there a kind of grudge? Everyone knew that Count Molsen had secretly pushed a fork during the battle. Outwardly, they couldn¡¯t question why. There was no way the troops would have attacked without reason. Moreover, as soon as Martai was pushed back, they all retreated to the rear. Not a single one could be caught. If they had pursued them, it wouldn¡¯t have been difficult to catch a few, but there was no need. Rather, it was said that they shouldn¡¯t. Krais had said that capturing them would be a problem. He had added a very valid reason. ¡°What if we find out and question him? Would Count admit it and say he was wrong? Ridiculous! Wouldn¡¯t he rather accuse us of framing him? Then we might have to lower ourselves to him. It¡¯s better to just leave it unknown.¡± The point is this: power is the law. Marcus, predicting this, didn¡¯t bother chasing the ones who fled. Anyway, Encrid judged that it wasn¡¯t a big deal to embarrass one of the guards, not even Count¡¯s son. ¡°Are you okay?¡± Count asked the coachman who was awkwardly standing behind. ¡°Yes, Father.¡± Hmm? Encrid reflexively wanted to scratch his ear. He felt like he had misheard something. ¡°Do you start by disciplining my son upon the first meeting? Truly, your courage is formidable.¡± Count said. Encrid realized there had been a big misunderstanding. ¡°Well, um. Yes. It seems that way.¡± Silence again. It felt like he had carefully sewn the torn curtain of silence back to its original state. ¡°Did you think he was my son?¡± This time, Count directly tore through the silence and asked. ¡°I didn¡¯t know.¡± ¡°Then now you do.¡± Was he asking for an apology? Count turned fully and looked at Encrid. There was a subtle glow in Count¡¯s eyes. What to say, Encrid felt a strange sensation seeing it. As if those eyes were peering into his inner self. It was like they were not just looking at the surface but digging into the inside. It felt weird to describe it with words. Should he apologize? Encrid knew it wasn¡¯t a difficult thing. What¡¯s so hard about saying a few words as a formality? It¡¯s not like he was being asked to cut off a finger and offer it. Yet, he oddly couldn¡¯t bring himself to speak. Had his arrogance grown along with his increased skills? That wasn¡¯t it. The man before him just ticked him off. It felt like encountering a particularly cunning monster on a lonely road. Just then, a cold air began to fill the surroundings as everyone watched the two closely. ¡°Haha, it¡¯s fine. The fool got what he deserved.¡± Count burst into laughter. It was a broad smile accompanied by a hearty laugh. Encrid silently saluted, showing respect for Count¡¯s generosity. ¡°I said it¡¯s fine. I really just stopped by to see your face. The rumors were indeed true.¡± Count said as he examined Encrid¡¯s face. ¡°They said your face was exceptional, regardless of your skills. All the maidens in the vicinity must find it hard to sleep.¡± ¡°Perhaps all the maidens around here suffer from insomnia.¡± Encrid replied with a Fairy-style joke to Count¡¯s remark. ¡°Haha, this friend has wit.¡± After a few trivial remarks, Count offered a sort of apology to Marcus regarding the recent events. ¡°The monsters and beasts coming up from the south were formidable. Defending the territory is a duty entrusted to me by the King. It wasn¡¯t easy to fend them off. That¡¯s why I couldn¡¯t help. The Martai bastards, that city was too deeply influenced by the east. Your contribution was significant.¡± He acts as if he were the King. As Encrid thought this, he saw Marcus respond with his usual gentle smile. ¡°The recognition of merit should come from our Lord and the rightful Queen of the country.¡± You are not the King, you bastard. It was as if Marcus was saying that. ¡°See you around.¡± Count Molsen seemed unaffected. No, he acted as if he hadn¡¯t heard at all and withdrew. Though he stayed briefly, the atmosphere he left lingered for a long time. As soon as he left, Marcus spoke with a twisted smile. ¡°That despicable bastard.¡± It was a remark revealing deeper contempt than what was typically shown toward the Border Guard¡¯s noble faction. ¡°Are you on bad terms?¡± ¡°Do you know what that bastard¡¯s dream is?¡± Encrid didn¡¯t have to ask with his eyes, Marcus continued. ¡°Usurper, a throne usurper. He¡¯s completely insane.¡± Encrid couldn¡¯t ridicule another¡¯s dream, so he couldn¡¯t join in the criticism. But ¡®It¡¯s not like his eyes were weird because of his dream.¡¯ Marcus seemed oblivious, but those eyes had really bothered him. Thanks to Count Molsen, the atmosphere of the party had shifted. Although a few soldiers managed to revive some of the energy, it didn¡¯t last long and soon died down like a snuffed-out campfire. The next day, a simple appointment ceremony was held. ¡°Encrid is appointed as the Company Commander of the Training Company!¡± Marcus shouted from the podium in the parade ground. Everyone seemed to take it in stride. ¡°Did he become the Training Company Commander because he trained hard?¡± One soldier chattered, but among them, some with a good sense expressed unease. Especially Platoon Leader Vengeance. ¡°No way?¡± That ¡®no way¡¯ was a prelude to potential trouble. After the appointment ceremony ended, Rem, who had been deep in thought, suddenly clapped his hands and spoke. ¡°That bastard!¡± What is it now, this guy? Encrid realized again that Rem¡¯s mind worked differently from normal people and asked. ¡°What is?¡± ¡°That Count bastard.¡± ¡°Yeah, that Count bastard.¡± ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you before?¡± ¡°You talk a lot usually, Rem.¡± Meaning, he had said many things. ¡°No, I told you why I ended up here.¡± What was it, Encrid recalled. He remembered hearing it. He had said he beat to death a guy who was raping and murdering common women. And it turned out that the bastard was the son of a noble. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°It was that bastard¡¯s father.¡± ¡°¡­¡­Count Molsen?¡± ¡°Ha, no wonder he looked familiar.¡± Rem nodded with a relieved expression. As Encrid entered the quarters, he thought. ¡®It might be a coincidence, but.¡¯ Did Count Molsen not recognize Rem? If Rem had been on a wanted list, Count Molsen wouldn¡¯t have let it slide. It¡¯s uncertain. I don¡¯t know. Especially since Count Molsen seems like the kind of person who would not just have a hundred serpents hidden within, but also nurture a legendary nine-headed monster like the Hydra. Above all, those eyes. ¡°Hmm.¡± They weren¡¯t like the eyes of the panther staring at him in the quarters, but they were similar. In other words, he might be a wizard. It was a suspicion that felt half certain. And that physique, could he be a magic swordsman? If so, if that were the case. ¡®I¡¯d like to have a go with him.¡¯ Scratch, Encrid scratched his head for no reason. Esther was watching him intently. The panther seemed to be wondering, ¡®Why is this guy half-crazed again?¡¯ His eyes looked as if something was burning in them. ¡°Let¡¯s spar. A sparring match.¡± Then Rem, who was beside him, suddenly spoke. ¡°Huh?¡± Encrid found it curious that Rem spoke before him, so he looked at him. ¡°Why are your eyes rolling around? Let¡¯s spar.¡± So Encrid sparred with Rem. He brought out what he had learned and practiced, embodying it anew with his body. It was a more enjoyable time than ever before. And two days later, as scheduled, all companies except those on duty participated in the training. This included the 1st Company, the Heavy Infantry. Some members of the Heavy Infantry had disgruntled expressions on their faces. Each unit¡¯s training was different. Especially since they had undergone harsher training than any other unit. So it was understandable that some had such rebellious expressions. Of course, Encrid, standing on the podium, didn¡¯t care in the slightest. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com] Chapter 220 Count Molsen had three wives and six concubines.For a noble living in this era, it was not a flaw. He had many descendants under his care. He had more children than the Royal Family combined, both sons and daughters. Even so, there wasn¡¯t a single child that he was particularly fond of. How rarely do things go as one wishes in this world. ¡°I will handle it.¡± One of his sons said. Count looked into the eyes of the son who had entered from the coachman¡¯s seat. In those eyes, there was a glimpse of jealousy and anger. Was it because he was hit? Or was it because the person well-known across the Pen-Hanil continent didn¡¯t appear that way to him? If so, was it because he found it irritating? The name Encrid was known all the way to the Kingdom¡¯s capital. So it was understandable to be jealous. But to show it outwardly. ¡®He¡¯s good at fighting.¡¯ But this son was lacking in other aspects. He couldn¡¯t distinguish when to suppress his emotions and use his head and when not to. At best, he could be used as a guard. This is why raising children doesn¡¯t go as planned. Count had other plans to secure his lineage, so he no longer had any lingering regrets. This was why he no longer had any more children. ¡®If it were me.¡¯ Instead of envying and hating that guy, he would have thought of making him an ally. He still thought that way now. However, there was one thing that ticked him off. ¡°You haven¡¯t seen his eyes, have you.¡± He said to his son, who blinked his eyes. Eyes that seemed to wonder what on earth he was talking about. In a way, they resembled those of a cow. No wonder he fought so stubbornly. Eyes are the windows to the heart and mirrors reflecting a person. ¡°That guy.¡± Count paused for a moment after speaking. Was what he saw correct? Yes. It was an attitude and aura that left no room for doubt or reconsideration. ¡°He wants to fight.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°He seemed to want to fight me.¡± The son, who had been wearing a bewildered expression, burst out in anger at those words. ¡°How dare he!¡± ¡°Why? Do you think he shouldn¡¯t?¡± Count interrupted his son¡¯s words. He himself felt a similar spark of competitiveness. Those eyes, upright and straightforward, asking to compete with what they had, reached his heart as well. Seeing that, he wanted to gauge how skilled he was. But it wasn¡¯t possible to fight him directly. He couldn¡¯t accept such a thing. One shouldn¡¯t easily give what others desire. That was what he had learned in his life. In any case, coming to see his face wasn¡¯t a futile act. ¡®He¡¯s an interesting fellow.¡¯ But an interesting fellow that couldn¡¯t be left alone. Now, then, how to keep him by his side. When people have a debt of gratitude, they are easy to manipulate. So how to create that debt? ¡°What should we do about the southern beasts, Father?¡± The words ¡®Father¡¯ ticked in his heart. But he didn¡¯t criticize it. Sometimes, just being connected by blood meant no oath of loyalty was necessary. The son before him was such a case. ¡®Who was this child¡¯s mother again?¡¯ Greta? Helen? Anyway, it would be nice to give a small gift to the mother of such a loyal and sturdy child. This act alone would stir up the power struggle among the wives within his household, but that was the point. Let them fight and compete. After all, it was all happening under his control. Everything was within his command. ¡°Leave it be.¡± The original reason for his expedition was to deal with the beast hordes coming up from the south. Some were dealt with, and some were left alone. Later, the Border Guard would have a headache dealing with the remaining beast hordes. ¡®Then they would seek my help.¡¯ This would happen within a few months, at most a year. ¡°What about those who move under the cover of night?¡± In response to the Count¡¯s question, his son bowed his head and answered. ¡®Geor¡¯s Dagger¡¯ referring to a notorious group of assassins known throughout the continent. His son had managed to make contact with those who had infiltrated the Border Guard. Just as their conversation ended, the coachman spoke up from the front. ¡°Someone is blocking the road ahead. What should we do?¡± ¡°Stop.¡± If someone in the northern Pen-Hanil blocked the Count¡¯s carriage without recognizing his emblem, their intelligence was in question. If they knew and still blocked the way, it meant they had business with him. It was the latter. The person was entirely covered in black cloth. ¡®An audacious fellow.¡¯ Count thought as he opened the door of the carriage and asked. ¡°Who are you?¡± ¡°Geor¡¯s Dagger.¡± A short reply came back. ¡°You insolent!¡± His son jumped out of the carriage, shouting. Words like ¡®Do you know who you¡¯re standing before?¡¯ and ¡®Arrogant wretch¡¯ followed. The person claiming to be from Geor¡¯s Dagger listened silently. ¡°What is your purpose?¡± Then spoke only what he needed to say. The enraged son drew his sword. Clang! ¡°Let¡¯s cut off an arm first and then talk.¡± His son said. While he was known for his skill within his territory, the opponent was from the infamous Geor¡¯s Dagger. The fact that he stood alone with such confidence was telling. ¡°Stop.¡± Count addressed his son. His son¡¯s eyes twitched in anger, but he stepped back. ¡°We need someone in the Border Guard to be dealt with.¡± The opponent lived by assassination, addressing him accordingly was sufficient. This was a test. Could the target withstand even an assassin from the Geor¡¯s Dagger? Half wanting to recruit him, half wanting to get rid of an eyesore, this mission leaned towards the latter. ¡°Name?¡± ¡°Encrid.¡± ¡°Impossible.¡± ¡®¡­¡­?¡¯ Rejection? No, it was a refusal without even a breath of hesitation. Did the person in front of him know that name? Well, recently, that person had been gaining quite the reputation. ¡°It doesn¡¯t have to be a kill, you know?¡± ¡°Impossible.¡± Another refusal without a moment¡¯s hesitation. Not asking for an immediate kill, but even suggesting just a partial elimination was met with refusal. Aren¡¯t these the people who would do anything for a pile of gold coins? ¡°Are you afraid?¡± Even with the provocative remark, the response was silence. The only word spoken again was ¡°impossible.¡± ¡°In that case, just investigate his surroundings. Find out if he has family, who¡¯s around him, what he possesses, how he ended up where he is now, what he wants to do. Do you understand?¡± The man entirely covered in black, the assassin from Geor¡¯s Dagger, contemplated and then nodded. ¡°I will send someone on the second day of each month. We can exchange information for compensation then.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t overcharge. You bloodsuckers who survive on the edge of a knife.¡± Count added a remark. He was a man who rarely expressed his emotions openly. To his son, it seemed like he did this for him. To the man from the Geor¡¯s Dagger, it seemed more like an urging to get the job done properly rather than a threat. The assassin retreated silently. Count climbed back into the carriage. ¡°Father.¡± ¡°There are times to endure. It¡¯s not good to show your emotions recklessly.¡± Like teaching royal etiquette, Count admonished his son as the carriage departed. The man from the Geor¡¯s Dagger watched until the carriage was out of sight and then removed his mask. It had been a while since he covered his entire body, and it felt stifling. ¡®To feel this suffocated.¡¯ It was because he had lived a relaxed life for too long. On the battlefield, showing one¡¯s face meant fighting straightforwardly. To Jaxon, that straightforwardness in battle was refreshing. Though it was sneaking up and cutting throats, there were plenty of easier ways to kill, yet why use one¡¯s hands directly? Even if the enemy might notice, why approach with such careful steps? So, to him, it seemed like a legitimate fight. Almost refreshing, in a way. ¡®No, perhaps not refreshing.¡¯ He had seen his commander¡¯s and barbarian¡¯s or religious fanatic¡¯s fight. It was hard to call those fights refreshing. His battlefield was. But that didn¡¯t mean he disliked it. Everyone had their battlefield. ¡°How did it go?¡± As he walked towards the city, a companion joined him midway. It was the woman from the brothel. Personally, she was like a lover, and within the organization, she led those with excellent information-gathering skills. ¡°Like a snake.¡± It was his way of describing Count, whom he saw as deceitful and cunning. That¡¯s how he appeared. ¡°Hmm, that¡¯s not good.¡± The woman replied. ¡°Did you find out?¡± Jaxon asked, and the woman nodded. The two walked towards the city, conversing. ¡°It¡¯s likely related.¡± Just because they belonged to the Geor¡¯s Dagger didn¡¯t mean they accepted all requests. Moreover, Jaxon was not in a position to take on requests. But he had his reasons, the purpose for which he had joined the army. It was a clue relevant to that reason. Originally, he was about to leave as the trail had gone cold, but this changed things. He had come here for revenge. This was a clue for that. ¡°I thought he might ask you to kill that Company Commander.¡± ¡°I refused.¡± ¡°Is that okay?¡± The opponent was a noble known by the nickname ¡®Grand Duke of the North¡¯. Although his actual title was only that of a Count, it was because the Royal family was wary of him. In reality, his power was akin to that of a grand duke. To be honest, if they really set their minds to it, even the Geor¡¯s Dagger wouldn¡¯t be able to easily take him down. Such was the might of a high-ranking noble who ruled over a territory. ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter to me.¡± Jaxon replied. Hmm. The woman nodded inwardly. Indeed, he had always been like this. He had said that the commander of his company was gradually losing his mind, but Jaxon himself wasn¡¯t exactly the picture of sanity. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Jaxon moved first towards the city. The woman spoke from behind. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Visit more often.¡± There was no reply. Geor¡¯s Dagger had decided to carry out the mission. By providing information, they could uncover a lot in return. Jaxon did not feel burdened by this task. Should he inform his commander in advance? The thought crossed his mind, but it didn¡¯t seem necessary. The news he would relay would be trivial. ¡®No family, lives for the sword, dreams of being a Knight.¡¯ Hmm, excellent. If he conveyed this, the other side might think he was joking, but what could he say when such a person truly existed? Even if he had risen from a mere mercenary to a soldier and then to a Company Commander, Encrid¡¯s dreams would still seem like empty fantasies to outsiders. However, how did those who saw him up close perceive him? Even Marcus seemed to believe in his words now. Anyway, it was a city filled with madmen. Jaxon finished preparing to enter among them. It was time to be a cunning alley cat, a soldier guarding the battlefield, a subordinate assisting his Company Commander, not as a member of the Geor¡¯s Dagger. If left alone, the crazy barbarian would do crazy things again, and controlling that was also his responsibility. At least, he intended to do his job while he was here. ¡°This is the stance of the Grand Duke of the North. He wants the title of Duke. But the Royal family refused. Why? According to Count, it¡¯s because the Royal Family wants to push him aside. Why? Afraid of losing the throne? Then they should lose it if they lack the power to keep it. Count argues that it¡¯s a world where if you don¡¯t have strength, you lose and have to give up everything. But the Royal Family remains silent. They just say they are following the laws. Everything is for Naurillia. If you want the title of Duke, do something worthy of it. They say things like that. It¡¯s all a facade. Everyone who knows anything about politics knows Count is interested in seizing the throne.¡± At the end of Krais¡¯ long explanation, Encrid asked his question. ¡°The nobles of the Border Guard seem to know nothing about this?¡± ¡°They are half-wits.¡± I see. Encrid nodded. These were people who knew nothing and considered unearned titles to be grand. Such were the nobles of the Border Guard, embarrassing to even call them nobles. Recently, one such noble had found himself either in heaven or hell thanks to Rem¡¯s axe. They said he was killed by bandits, specifically the Black Blade Bandits, but a few perceptive nobles suspected Marcus might have had a hand in it. This was not something Encrid needed to concern himself with. He was merely curious about Count Molsen. He had undergone repeated training, amassed numerous experiences, honed his body through the Isolation Technique, developed an eye for assessing his opponent¡¯s skills, and thanks to Jaxon, had even opened the Eye of Sixth Sense. ¡®That son of his¡­¡¯ He didn¡¯t suddenly feel like taking on an opponent. But that Count? The moment he saw him, a competitive spirit flared up. His body was like hardened steel. And those eyes. ¡®A wizard.¡¯ Had he ever seen a wizard more than a couple of times? Moreover, there¡¯s always the case of a panther that turns into a human nearby. Since Rem knew about it, it was only natural for Encrid to know as well. Esther didn¡¯t seem to think it was much of a secret. Well, Encrid had figured it out before Rem did. When Esther heard about it, she asked, ¡°Even during a bath?¡± She had asked. Wizards are those who delve into arcane secrets and walk the path of mystery. Encrid thought they wouldn¡¯t care about any physical contact between men and women. So, he didn¡¯t think much of it. However, recently, Esther had been less frequently falling asleep in his arms. She said the reason was that ¡®it¡¯s not as necessary now¡¯. It wasn¡¯t something to be overly concerned about. ¡°What are you doing?¡± Rem asked from beside him. He had been lost in idle thoughts with nothing else to do. They were in the middle of intensive unit training. Encrid was also on the platform, practicing the Isolation Technique. During this time, those he had sent to run had returned. ¡°All back?¡± ¡°Yes, we¡¯re back.¡± Rem said with a sly grin. This guy seemed to draw strength from tormenting others. He had a uniquely nasty temperament. ¡°Did everyone run?¡± Looking at his troops, Encrid thought, ¡®Their stamina is pathetic.¡¯ Everything starts with a well-conditioned heart. That¡¯s why. For seven days, they did nothing but run while armed. It could be called a simple training, but for those doing it, it was grueling. Why wouldn¡¯t it be? From morning to noon, and then from noon to evening, They just ran. Around the training ground, outside the city, up the hills surrounding the city. Their breaths were ragged and labored. Their entire bodies screamed in pain, naturally. The most exhausted were the 1st Company. ¡°Our company¡¯s training is different from yours.¡± There were a few who expressed a strange sense of superiority, but they soon turned pale and ended up looking the same as the other soldiers. ¡°We should be running in light armor too, this is unfair!¡± Since they were ordered to run with their own gear, the Heavy Infantry Company naturally had to run in heavy armor. Hearing this, Rem excitedly rushed out. Standing before him was the very soldier who had been showing off that sense of superiority from the beginning of the training. Encrid had given a warning. He told them not to hit anyone without a valid reason, as without a justified cause, the training would turn into mere torture. The idea was to toughen them up, not to make them give up entirely. Although Encrid himself thought this kind of training was unreasonable, it was the commander¡¯s decision to make. Rem was just thrilled to finally have his moment to step up as the instructor. ¡°Unfair, huh? You little punk! Then switch to the 2nd Company! Didn¡¯t you say the training was different for you guys? Where¡¯s that 1st Company pride now?¡± Rem stepped up and glared directly at the soldier. One more word of defiance and he would have resorted to force. The soldier quickly lowered his eyes. Talking to this madman was pointless. ¡®Hmm, good.¡¯ Encrid watched this and thought the training was proceeding well enough. He even worried that the intensity might be too low. Truly the delusion of a mad Company Commander. It made sense, given that Encrid himself had endured much harsher conditions. So, to him, this level of training seemed just right. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com] Chapter 221 When Encrid stood idly on the platform, the soldiers in training looked at him with what seemed like resentment.¡°If you run in, at least pretend to rest. It¡¯s better that way.¡± These were Rem¡¯s words. They did as they were told. Did that become the driving force for them to keep running? Who knows. ¡°Listen, I¡¯m an expert at pushing people.¡± Rem claimed this, so Encrid just watched quietly as instructed. He wasn¡¯t wrong. Rem really knew how to push people. Otherwise, there wouldn¡¯t be such a haunted look in their eyes after just a week. As they ran into the training ground, their eyes seemed to emit a fierce blue energy. The pouring rain made it seem even more so. Though the constant rain wasn¡¯t exactly to his liking. ¡®Good.¡¯ He liked the look in their eyes. Just running made them full of anger. There was no longer a reason to just stand and watch. Even before repeating today¡¯s routine, Encrid was already half-mad with training fervor. His hands often burst open from daily sword swings and physical exertion. Would it be any different now? It was even harder because he had to hold back. Thinking about Count Molsen while making them run made him want to swing his sword even more. Encrid pushed his body to the limit even outside his personal training time. On the platform and off. ¡°This is almost stupid.¡± Krais muttered quietly as he watched, noting that Encrid was the same as always. This was just another day in a series of such moments. Encrid liked the sight of the angry soldiers¡¯ eyes and the feeling that he was progressing. ¡°Now, let¡¯s start swinging weapons.¡± After making them run all day, he finally let them pick up weapons after a week. No formation drills or organized training. That wasn¡¯t Encrid¡¯s area of expertise, nor something he could do. He intended to develop their basic skills further. Marcus watched all of this from afar. ¡°All I did was give him a title.¡± Why is he working so hard? The adjutant next to him nodded in agreement. ¡°Indeed.¡± ¡°Any deserters?¡± ¡°They seem to have the desire, but¡­¡± Marcus questioned further as the adjutant trailed off. ¡°They do?¡± ¡°They don¡¯t seem to have the strength for it.¡± Without the strength to run away, one cannot escape. That was Encrid¡¯s training method. To Marcus, Encrid seemed to enjoy the cheers and praise of others. However, there was something more important. Encrid was a man who pursued his goals relentlessly. Before the cheers and praise, he had something to do, and he did it. ¡®What does one need to become a Knight?¡¯ Sharpen your sword. Then just do it. Every day, the same way. Encrid did just that. It was impossible not to be impressed by it. It was impossible not to admire it. So, what is he doing it for now? ¡®He seemed to be waiting for the title of Training Company Commander.¡¯ He moved as if he had been waiting for it. Now, it seemed he enjoyed the hostility and malice as much as the cheers and praise. ¡®Or does he simply enjoy tormenting others?¡¯ That thought crossed his mind. Marcus just felt lucky that he didn¡¯t have to go down there. Bell had a connection with Encrid. Encrid had saved his life and they had met several times since. Therefore, ¡®He¡¯ll go easy.¡¯ As a person, he thought Encrid would understand that not everyone could go through the same rigorous training process he did. So, he¡¯d go easy. He would. He must. Bell believed so. That belief shattered in two days. The tower built on that belief disappeared without a trace. It collapsed completely. It crumbled. ¡°Gasp, gasp, ugh.¡± His breath was catching up to his throat. ¡°If you fall behind, you get hit?¡± Behind them, the Mad Axe Murderer was chasing with a grin. He swung his axe through the air with a smirk. Even if he didn¡¯t actually kill them, it seemed certain he would beat them, and getting hit by that axe would undoubtedly be far more painful than running. ¡°Gotta run, right?¡± At first, they only ran around the training ground, but now the Mad Axe Murderer chased them, making it even worse. They had to run for their lives. In reality, if they fell behind, they got hit and had to run again in a continuous cycle. ¡°Do you want to kill me? Then go ahead. Ambush me, surprise me. Come at me, comrades.¡± His words, delivered with a chuckle, made several soldiers¡¯ shoulders tremble. They genuinely wanted to beat him to death. Bell didn¡¯t. He couldn¡¯t. Even running left him gasping for breath. After sprinting up several hills at full speed, they returned to the training ground. ¡°Pick up your weapons.¡± After that, it was a repetition of simple basics. ¡°If you want, I¡¯ll fight you anytime. Just come at me, please?¡± In between, the Mad Axe Murderer¡¯s taunts continued, and a few soldiers even challenged the seemingly calm, blonde-haired swordsman who appeared easier to approach. ¡°If you can last five moves in a duel, you can rest?¡± ¡°Because it proves your skill.¡± His name was Ragna. He was, well, not what he seemed. He knew how to keep his hand steady. Crack! Thud! When he swung his wooden sword, it was almost impossible to see. If it hadn¡¯t been a wooden sword, or even if the blade had been blunted but made of metal¡­ ¡®He¡¯d be dead.¡¯ Ragna looked at the unconscious soldier and spoke indifferently. ¡°Weak.¡± No, damn it. It¡¯s not that we¡¯re weak, it¡¯s that you¡¯re ridiculously strong, isn¡¯t it? Bell had words rising to his throat at that statement, but he held them back. ¡°If you don¡¯t like it, come at me. Please, I beg you.¡± The Mad Axe Murderer¡¯s words cooled Bell¡¯s excitement. Challenge him and you¡¯ll die. Understood. After sprinting all morning and having lunch, they spent the entire afternoon swinging their weapons at full strength. Simple training. Except, having to repeat it every day made it truly hell. ¡°Could he be a demon?¡± Bell silently agreed with his comrade¡¯s words, spoken before sleep. ¡®Damn demon.¡¯ But there was nothing to be done, as that man trained even longer, harsher, and more brutally than the soldiers. ¡°Come watch the duels, brothers.¡± There was Encrid fighting a big religious soldier. ¡°The Mad Axe Murderer takes the stage.¡± Rem, whose nickname given by the soldiers, was now spoken aloud, was sparring. He fought against Ragna and also against Jaxon. Encrid fought valiantly but didn¡¯t win. No, he got beaten even more harshly. Audin kicked his ankle, and then, with unexpected speed from such a large body, delivered a spinning kick. With that one blow, Encrid flew. He became a bird, flying backward and crashing into the area where training weapons were piled on one side of the training ground. Boom! He landed headfirst in the muddy area made worse by the days of rain. Isn¡¯t he going to die like that? Startled, they stopped involuntarily. ¡°If you¡¯re going to rest, die and rest.¡± Then Rem, who played the role of instructor, spoke to the soldiers. Or perhaps Jaxon approached and poked them in the ribs. Move, that¡¯s what he meant. Even as they reflexively swung their arms and wielded their weapons, their eyes didn¡¯t leave the fallen Encrid. The demon of training and discipline rose again. He looked like he had come back from hell. His head was bleeding, and his body was covered in mud, dripping with brownish muck. Something brownish fell from his arm, drawing their gazes to his face. Is he okay? That was everyone¡¯s thought. ¡°Hmm, that hurts.¡± And that¡¯s what he said. He was a madman. A lunatic obsessed with the sword. ¡®Sword-crazy lunatic.¡¯ Bell swallowed the sudden thought. ¡°It¡¯s becoming difficult to hold back like before, Company Commander. Especially when you come at us like that.¡± It seemed Encrid had crossed some line. It was a scene they saw almost every day. At first, they were shocked, then horrified, and after a month, they started to adapt. As summer passed and autumn approached. Two months of relentless training with only half-day breaks every ten days, there was talk of needing to clear out the beasts. ¡°Recently, the number of beasts around has increased. There¡¯s talk of a beast with fangs like a horse. It¡¯s an extermination operation.¡± The Battalion Commander spoke, and the 2nd Company Commander led the way. ¡°Whew, damn, does that mean no training today?¡± It was Vengeance, the Platoon leader. His eyes were filled with venom, and his whole body exuded a blade-like aura. In just two months, people had changed. ¡°We¡¯ll be fighting all day, won¡¯t we?¡± Bell, standing nearby, responded. Bell¡¯s demeanor had changed as well. Otherwise, they would have considered desertion. There would be nothing more ridiculous than dying during training. ¡°First, let¡¯s catch those mad foals.¡± Vengeance said, shaking his longbow. He had become stronger and received a new longbow. It was half again as large as the previous one. The sinew used for the bowstring was tougher and stronger than before. All the archers under his command had similar equipment. Marcus spared no expense in arming the unit. That was a pleasing thing. Leaving training to the Mad Company Commander was the worst decision, though. ¡°There!¡± Three soldiers in the scouting unit spotted a group of approaching beasts. Typically, beasts were carnivorous, but occasionally, herbivores became beasts too. The most troublesome among them were the horses. Horses with fangs were dangerous even just by charging. They became weapons in themselves with their physical assaults. ¡°There are more than ten of them!¡± At the scouts¡¯ report, the 2nd Company Commander shouted. ¡°Archers, ready!¡± Vengeance obeyed the command promptly. The 2nd Company Commander, despite his rank, participated in the training himself. He was a man of loyalty. The 1st Company Commander, on the other hand, was said to have skipped training. Responding to the call for archers, Vengeance¡¯s platoon moved into position. ¡°Fire!¡± Vengeance spoke as he himself drew an arrow and placed it on the string. The longbow groaned and twisted as he pulled it back. The time when his muscles would scream was over. Though it had only been two months, he had spent that time with a demon far worse than the devilish horse beasts baring their fangs and snorting. Would those days prove to be in vain? Thwack! The arrow shot off the string and lodged into the head of a horse beast. The sound of it flying through the air and the thud of it splitting the beast¡¯s skull was oddly satisfying. The horse¡¯s head jerked up as it was struck, and it tumbled to the ground mid-charge. Vengeance was gripped by a strange sensation. He felt as though every muscle fiber was responding exactly as he commanded. The increased strength and stamina from harsh training provided him with a new perspective. More than anything, the extreme experiences of the past two months had given him a sense of mental composure. ¡®One more shot.¡¯ Even as the horse beasts charged, he felt he had more time. ¡°Fire!¡± As he drew back the string, the horse beast¡¯s head appeared large. Especially its head. His concentration burned hotter than ever before. Seeing that, Vengeance released the string. Thwack! Thwack! Thwack! In unison with his subordinates, they pulled back the strings and let them loose. In no time, the arrows killed ten horse beasts. The arrows flew, piercing heads and bodies indiscriminately. ¡°Neigh!¡± The death cries of the horse beasts echoed. ¡°They¡¯re coming again!¡± There was no time for admiration as the scouts¡¯ shout echoed. No sooner had they killed ten than another dozen horse beasts were charging from behind. They closed the distance too quickly to shoot arrows. ¡°Engage!¡± The 2nd Company Commander¡¯s shout rang out, and soon the battle between the horse beasts and humans began. It wasn¡¯t possible to achieve phenomenal growth in just two months. However, their strength had increased, their stamina improved, and their focus sharpened. Bell felt it too. His body felt light. Fighting horse beasts was far easier than dealing with monsters like Encrid. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Kill them!¡± ¡°Crush them!¡± ¡°Slaughter them!¡± They shouted as they punched holes in the horse beasts¡¯ heads or cut through their hardened muscles. They stabbed with spears and swung glaives taken as trophies from previous battles. Whoosh! The 2nd Company Commander also wielded a glaive, his strength unmatched. With a swing of his glaive, he severed a horse¡¯s foreleg. Splurt! Purple blood sprayed out. The blood of beasts was black, and the blood of horse beasts was often blue or purple. The distinctive blood of the beasts splattered everywhere. The battle was almost anticlimactic. One of the infantrymen, covered in blood, spoke up. ¡°Why are they so easy?¡± He meant it genuinely. There was no sense of crisis. Whistle! Though a single griffin swooped down afterward, Vengeance¡¯s archers hit its wings and the soldiers rushed in to hack it to death. The griffin, while worthy of being called a high-grade beast, was manageable. After all, it was just one. After the battle, there was no doubt among them that their skills had improved. Originally, the Border Guard Reserve Unit was already close to the battlefield. They were always skilled, but now they had gone beyond that. Back at the base, Encrid praised them in his own way. ¡°We haven¡¯t run today, have we?¡± Beast hunting was beast hunting, but they still needed to run, didn¡¯t they? ¡°Damn bastard.¡± Bell finally let out the curse he¡¯d been holding back. The absurdity of Encrid¡¯s words broke down his resistance, making him express his frustration. ¡°Request for a sparring session?¡± Swearing and resisting were considered requests for a duel, a rule set by Rem. ¡°It¡¯s been a while, Bell.¡± Encrid nodded and called out to Bell. There was no backing down from this. He couldn¡¯t ask for mercy. If he decided to confront him, he had to give his best. It was something Encrid always emphasized. Now was the time to charge forward. Training continued. Despite Bell getting beaten up, Encrid did his job. And it wasn¡¯t just training. ¡°They¡¯ve arrived. Our first guest.¡± Before evening, Krais came looking for Encrid. Encrid wasn¡¯t tired of the daily repetitive training, but he felt a brief thrill and joy knowing someone had come to see him. ¡°A big shot right from the start.¡± Krais added. It was an exciting statement. Following Krais, Encrid stepped into the market square. The opponent was waiting at Vanessa¡¯s Pumpkin Inn. As Krais had confidently said, if rumors spread, people wouldn¡¯t have to seek them out¡ªthey would come. And so, the first guest had arrived. ¡°Is it you? The former soldier?¡± A man stood in the training yard behind the inn. Two noticeable scars marked his face. One ran across the bridge of his nose, and the other deeply cut into his cheek. His face exuded an intimidating presence. So did the weapon in his hand. A morning star adorned with sharp spikes at its end. Each spike looked razor-sharp, and the weight of the iron head seemed exceptional. ¡°I¡¯m Ibarin.¡± The man introduced himself. Krais then added from behind. ¡°Mercenary Ibarin, he¡¯s very famous. Known in the city as ¡®Constraining Ibarin¡¯.¡± ¡°My nickname seems more extravagant.¡± Encrid murmured as he looked at his opponent, and Krais responded dismissively. ¡°Yes, indeed. Like bees and butterflies to a splendid flower.¡± The nickname Krais had spread through rumors was more flamboyant. The Soldier Who Ended the War. It was embarrassing, but it was what Encrid wanted. He stood before Ibarin. Before Encrid could say anything, the mercenary with the striking scars, Ibarin, spoke first. ¡°Let¡¯s have a bout.¡± Encrid nodded. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com] Chapter 222 ¡®Not sure how the rumor got out.¡¯Encrid saw something quite unsettling in the opponent¡¯s eyes. He didn¡¯t look like someone who just came to test his strength. What was reflected in those eyes was greed and avarice. ¡°A former soldier, isn¡¯t that a bit arrogant?¡± Asked the mercenary Ibarin, lifting his morning star. It was a threatening stance, a combat-ready posture. ¡®Can I crack your head with this?¡¯ It seemed to say so with his body. Nonetheless, Encrid responded while standing still. ¡°Indeed.¡± ¡°You seem confident in your skills?¡± Looking like he was ready to attack without question, Ibarin was testing him. Encrid didn¡¯t like that either. ¡°Moderately.¡± When Encrid answered roughly, Ibarin frowned. ¡°Fucking arrogant bastard.¡± It was a deliberate insult, a tactic to unsettle the opponent. This was also Encrid¡¯s specialty. In the past, he had spent more days wielding the sword in his mouth rather than the one at his waist to survive. ¡°Uraah!¡± The continued disregard made Ibarin move his feet. He approached with a big step and swung his mace. Was this the feared Ibarin? A city-level strongman? The approaching speed was too slow. Compared to Rem, it was so slow that the word sluggish naturally came to mind. Although it wasn¡¯t quite to the point of yawning, there was some leeway. However, he had no intention of fighting half-heartedly. If he decided to fight, he would do his best. That statement wasn¡¯t just for show. Encrid truly lived by that principle. In everything, he gave his all. That¡¯s how a talentless person could progress. If he had hesitated even a little in pursuing his dream, he wouldn¡¯t be where he was today. ¡®He might be different from his appearance.¡¯ He stayed cautious and suspicious. This could all be a personal tactic. A strategy to induce carelessness was almost essential for mercenaries. Whoosh. Watching the incoming morning star to the end, Encrid sidestepped with his left foot. He spun halfway and drew his sword. Shing! He swung as soon as he drew. Ibarin tried to pull back his swung weapon hastily, but recovering something flying due to inertia messed up his movement. ¡°Ugh!¡± The mercenary with a knife scar on his face clenched his teeth and let out something like a battle cry, ultimately dropping his weapon and throwing himself to the side. The blade sliced through the air. It was on purpose. Encrid, thinking the opponent might pretend to dodge and then attack, swung his sword simply and focused on defense. ¡®Why isn¡¯t he coming?¡¯ Although he didn¡¯t show an opening on purpose, wasn¡¯t now a good time to attack? ¡°Let¡¯s do this barehanded.¡± Ibarin, who had dropped his weapon, said. What is this? Encrid instinctively felt. ¡®A phony?¡¯ Later, he would learn that the nickname ¡®Constraining Ibarin¡¯ came from his grip strength. However, the arms of Encrid, who had been trained to a ridiculous extent through the Isolation Technique, only bore handprints. After Encrid broke his wrist with the same technique, ¡°Ahhhhh!¡± Only a sharp scream echoed. He was a phony. His fame was built on lies. ¡°Hmm.¡± Krais, who had been watching the fight, swallowed a groan. There were platoon members watching because they heard it was the first guest. Rem shook his head. ¡°Only idiots will gather.¡± Jaxon said nothing. Neither did Ragna nor Audin. They had planned to gather such people, claiming they wanted to meet strong individuals while wandering the world, but a phony had shown up. ¡°Do you want to continue?¡± Encrid asked Ibarin, whose wrist was broken. ¡°No! I don¡¯t!¡± Ibarin got scared. Encrid thought that even Bell could have handled this. With that in mind, he turned away. ¡°Don¡¯t be too disappointed. They say the adventure begins when you leave the village.¡± Krais said. It meant that the beginning and the end couldn¡¯t happen simultaneously. There was a related saying in the East as well. You can¡¯t be full with the first bite. Encrid nodded absentmindedly and thought. Rem was intense and wild. Jaxon threatened lives nonchalantly. Ragna pressed with swordsmanship and was skilled in tactics. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Audin had innate great strength and exceptional body control. Even with such individuals, Encrid craved new experiences. ¡®There is a lack.¡¯ Encrid sought to gain something different. He wanted to fill that void. It was an almost instinctive longing. But the first opponent, well¡­ ¡®A phony.¡¯ A fool had come. Was he disappointed by that? No, he wasn¡¯t. Encrid wouldn¡¯t be disappointed by something so trivial. When it came to waiting and enduring, he might very well be considered the best on the continent. ¡°It¡¯s alright.¡± Among the next five visitors, four were similar to the phony. They were fools coveting Encrid¡¯s reputation. ¡°If I beat you, will I be made Company Commander right away?¡± ¡°Did you fight with that body? It seems like you¡¯ve trained adequately, but it looks insufficient.¡± ¡°Aren¡¯t you drawing your sword? Will you not blame me if you die?¡± Encrid seasoned the table Krais had set up to his liking. When they came at him with inadequate skills, he broke their limbs one by one. Among them, there were some who had made a decent name for themselves as mercenaries. Some claimed to be wandering swordsmen for their own training. There was even one who bragged about being a former Squire. But the majority were mercenaries. Many coveted the nickname ¡®The Soldier Who Ended the War¡¯. After that, seven more guests came, but it was hard to find anything to learn from them. Many were literally worse than soldiers. Among them, there was one decent opponent. ¡°A beastman, Barakal.¡± He was a beastman with poor command of the human language but exceptional physical abilities. For Encrid, it was a rare worthy opponent. The beastman used a claw-like weapon that extended from the back of his hand, skilled in unconventional attacks. He would lift his knee to distract and then swing his claw down from above, or he would lower his stance and rush in almost touching the ground. These were possible thanks to his innate physical abilities. Encrid observed, experienced, and learned. It was not a bad time. Even if he didn¡¯t repeat ¡®today¡¯, it was a time to absorb, forge, and train based on what he had accumulated. Since there was no threat and no wall to face, Encrid lived each day as if repeating ¡®today¡¯. Rem was pushing Dunbachel hard. No, it wasn¡¯t just pushing. ¡°If you don¡¯t do it properly, you¡¯re dead. Beastwoman.¡± At first, it seemed like a joke, but now it carried a murderous intent. Why wouldn¡¯t it? Wasn¡¯t there something to be felt by watching the commander? The mad beastwoman couldn¡¯t even properly control her own strength. So, what was to be done? If you push someone to the edge of a cliff, they will use their strength not to fall. Rem did just that. And he felt something. ¡®There is talent.¡¯ ¡°Innate physical abilities are different. There was a spark in how she used her body.¡± So, she was a bit different from Encrid. No, very different. Though her mind was foolish, her body was exceptional, making teaching her enjoyable. However, this beastwoman would never become like the commander. ¡°I¡¯m done.¡± After being pushed a few times, she passed out like that. Endurance? Willpower? If she had those, the gap with Encrid would be enormous. Rem, after half-killing Dunbachel, thought of Encrid. Now, he believed Encrid¡¯s skills had significantly improved. To the point where it was uncomfortable to go easy on him as before. To the point where any slight carelessness required him to take it seriously. Judging his growth, a word came to mind. ¡°Knight.¡± The path Encrid wanted to walk was also open to Rem himself. Of course, it wasn¡¯t the Knightly order talked about on this continent. Rem¡¯s tribe had their own ways. Recently, he had been thinking unusually much. That was why. It was the reason he was pushing Dunbachel more fiercely. He was pushing his opponent, and through that, he was pushing himself. That was an act that helped Rem. ¡°Are you crazy? Lying down? Sleeping? Are you sleeping right now? Falling asleep during training?¡± At his haranguing, Dunbachel reluctantly got up. She was ready to agree completely if someone told her this demon had come from the Demon Realm. The soldier who ended the war. ¡°This bastard is that bastard.¡± The Sacred Cult of the Demon Realm, which was plotting various schemes in the north of Pen-Hanil. One of their key executives muttered inside a small pub. He occupied a worn wooden table, and as it was early, there were few people inside the pub. On the table lay a drawing of Encrid¡¯s face. ¡®The one who repeatedly disrupted our work.¡¯ The one who destroyed the Knoll Colony in the pioneer village and eventually even killed the priest. The one who killed the manticore and the handler, sent for assassination. ¡®A stumbling block.¡¯ The cult executive decided. They said that the stumbling block was now spreading strange rumors, asking to be found. ¡°Go and kill him.¡± Ordered the cultist. There were those on this side capable of destroying a Knoll Colony. There was an abundance of such force. Of course, there was also force surpassing his. At the executive¡¯s command, the woman sitting across the table rose. Her shoulders were twice as broad as other men¡¯s, and her thighs were as thick as tree trunks. Her eyes were narrow, making her eyeballs barely visible, and her lips were even narrower. She was a warrior raised by the cult, one who lacked talent in spells and had reached her current position purely through physical ability. ¡°Yes.¡± The female warrior stood up. Her height made her look like a Giant. Indeed, the blood of Giants flowed in her veins. The Sacred Cult of the Demon Realm had infused her with that blood as an experiment. If you excluded will, her physical abilities and combat power were undoubtedly. ¡®Junior-Knight level.¡¯ Thus, there would be no shortage in killing the one named Encrid. There was no need to send an assassin. Since he was spreading rumors to gather someone to kill him, they would oblige. They would let him fight and die as he wished. The Black Blade Bandits understood the importance of reputation more than anything else. ¡°It doesn¡¯t seem right to just let it end with us getting beaten and retreating, does it? Even if we withdraw, we shouldn¡¯t just pull out.¡± The scheme Marcus pulled off was already received by the main branch of the Black Blade. And one of the Black Blade bandits from the main branch devised a plan similar to the cultist¡¯s. ¡®What if we kill the guy Marcus set up?¡¯ Several nobles with connections to the center are involved. They are under contractual relationships with him. This event will narrow the footing of that guy, Marcus. It¡¯s the fulfillment of the contract. If necessary, they¡¯re even willing to kill Marcus. But first, they¡¯ll slit the throat of the one who stepped up. Just as they decided this, a hidden man in the Border Guard began acting strangely. The rumor of ¡®the soldier who ended the war¡¯ had reached here as well. ¡°Is he saying come if you want to fight?¡± The Black Blade Bandits had several who were skilled in combat. The main branch decided to send one of them. He was a man with brown hair and a plain appearance. His nickname was Swift Blade. He got that nickname because of his incredible skill with a single sword. ¡°Go and take care of it, will you?¡± He was a lunatic who found ecstasy in murder, sticking a knife in his opponent¡¯s throat with a smile. ¡°Sure.¡± The leader of the Black Blade Bandits sent Swift Blade. Swift Blade was said to be a tragic genius, expelled for committing too many murders. If he hadn¡¯t joined the Black Blade Bandits, he would have been dead long ago. ¡®We¡¯ve spent quite a bit of gold keeping that guy around.¡¯ They had appeased nobles who wanted him dead and spent a lot of Krona to keep him hidden and give him what he wanted. The reason to sharpen a blade is to use it. This was the time to use it. It wasn¡¯t just the cultists and the Black Blade who sent people. Several from under Count Molsen also moved. ¡°You¡¯re doing something interesting. Is there no warrior to go and prove the Count¡¯s blade is greater?¡± At the Count¡¯s words, two of his children and one warrior stepped forward. One of them had previously faced Encrid. ¡°I will go.¡± He didn¡¯t stop his son from stepping up. Whether it¡¯s a good impression or a bad one, it was necessary to make their presence known. This wasn¡¯t the end. Even places unrelated to Count Molsen, the Black Blade, or the cultists heard of Encrid¡¯s news. ¡°Has that friend improved so much?¡± It was the rapier swordsman who couldn¡¯t reveal his name during the previous escort mission for the Rockfreed merchant group. He habitually brushed where his mustache used to be with his hand. Now it was clean-shaven, leaving his hand feeling empty. ¡°That¡¯s what they say.¡± He had just finished various tasks. So he had some leisure time. ¡®Shall I drop by?¡¯ He thought Encrid wouldn¡¯t improve further, but if he suddenly had, maybe he sold his soul to a devil. Not that he could ignore it. He was purely curious as well. How much had he changed? Wasn¡¯t it on the way? ¡°We might have to make a detour.¡± said his subordinate. The rapier swordsman, after staring at the map for a while, responded. ¡°It seems on the way?¡± Not at all. The subordinate thought for a moment before answering. ¡°Yes, it is.¡± Everyone nodded in agreement. Considering his momentum and status, they couldn¡¯t disagree. It was a way to clear his head and not be so rigid. The man thought and started walking. He was very curious about how much Encrid had changed. After beating Ibarin down, quite a few mercenaries came to challenge. Initially, Encrid accepted them all. ¡°It seems pointless. I¡¯ll only accept challenges from those who can at least defeat Bell.¡± Krais, who had been watching, neatly summarized. And they did as he said. ¡°Next!¡± During the training, not only Bell but also several other soldiers stepped up. Among them, some soldiers lost, in which case Platoon leaders would step up. If it seemed like the Platoon leaders would lose, even the Company Commanders would step up. ¡°That¡¯s not enough!¡± The 2nd Company Commander, with a scar on his cheek, shouted. ¡°Wooah!¡± ¡°As expected!¡± ¡°Palto! Palto!¡± Unexpected cheers echoed, now becoming a routine occurrence. The innkeeper, Allen, who was initially bewildered, had also gotten used to it. ¡°More beer!¡± He was busy selling drinks to the spectators. It seemed like uneventful days would continue. Amidst all this, a warrior emerged who defeated even the 2nd Company Commander, Palto. ¡°An unfamiliar name but exceptional skills. And it¡¯s a woman.¡± That female warrior stood before Encrid. Behind the inn in the training ground, even merchants around the market were coming to watch frequently. ¡°A Giant?¡± Encrid asked, looking at his opponent. It was surprising to see someone bigger than Audin, and more so because it was a woman. ¡°Mixed.¡± The opponent replied. Though her voice was husky, it was clear she was a woman. Encrid raised his sword, pointing the tip upward, with his weight centered in the middle of his feet. His instincts told him that this opponent was by no means an easy one. The woman also drew her weapon. It was a sword and shield. The shield was solid metal. Just from the weapons she carried, it was clear. She possessed immense, extraordinary strength. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com] Chapter 223 There was no need for the word ¡®beginning¡¯.Both Encrid and his opponent had taken their stances, and that was enough. The woman raised her shield forward. Encrid thought that his opponent would base her fighting on defense. That¡¯s the strategy that maximizes the usefulness of a sword and shield. That¡¯s how those equipped like her had fought until now. Experience guided Encrid. One step forward. It was a move to secure a favorable position in the fight. As he raised his sword and advanced, the shield expanded. It grew larger. In an instant, it covered his view. ¡®Damn.¡¯ He cursed inwardly. There was no time for the words to escape his mouth. A gray iron wall approached until it was right in front of his eyes. Nothing else was visible. In a split second, Encrid crossed his arms holding the sword in front of his chest and face, taking a defensive stance. Bang! The gray iron wall struck his forearms. His vision shook with the impact and the sense of floating, and soon a second impact followed on his back. Reflexively, he slapped the ground with his left hand, doing something like a breakfall. It was thanks to the intense training in Valaf-Style Martial Arts. His insides felt like they were turning over, but he didn¡¯t vomit. The timing was unexpected, a single blow. He flew backward and landed on his back, collapsing into an awkward posture. ¡°Phew!¡± Encrid exhaled, took a deep breath to absorb the shock, and tried to stand up immediately, but there was no time. Something swooshed over his head. He didn¡¯t have time to check what it was. Of course, there was no time to catch his breath properly. Feeling his heart constrict, Encrid, in a half-reclined position, swung his sword upward. Clang! He struck while kicking off the ground with his right foot, rolling to the side. He couldn¡¯t use the Middle Sword Technique. His posture, position, and timing were all disrupted, leaving him no choice. He attempted a deflective move similar to the Fluid Sword Technique, but it was only half-successful. He deflected the sword, but he couldn¡¯t block the follow-up attack. The opponent let the sword slide and used her foot. It felt like a steel mace was flying toward him. ¡®Steel Boots.¡¯ The iron boots caught his eye. Wham! The toe struck his chest. As he took the hit, Encrid rolled backward, the distance he rolled was more than twice as far as when he was hit by the shield. It meant he went far compared to the impact. ¡°Phew.¡± Rolling, Encrid planted his left hand on the ground and sprung up. Then, as if doing a somersault, he stood up immediately. ¡°Impressive.¡± The female warrior spoke. She had already adjusted her stance, pulling her shield to cover her body, in the same stance as before, just like at the start. It irritated him. It was hard to find an opening. More than anything, her combat style was formidable. ¡®Skilled.¡¯ She knew how to exploit her opponent¡¯s weaknesses through her equipment and posture. It meant she was experienced in both battle and fighting. Drip. When he was hit and flew back, a sharp rock must have grazed his forehead, as a drop of blood trickled down his temple. The blood, flowing sluggishly, ran down the side of his face and dripped from his chin. As if it were a signal, the female warrior, presumed to be a half-Giant, kicked off the ground again. Bang! With a noise, the gray iron wall appeared before his eyes again. A round shield large enough to cover half of her body, made of solid iron, and a weapon that could be considered a blunt weapon when swung. Even a well-trained person would find it heavy, and it would be hard to handle unless they were a Giant or a Frog. It was the same tactic, but a winning move. How could one block a broad, fast, and powerful weapon like that? ¡®If I can¡¯t block it.¡¯ There was no need for the word ¡°beginning.¡± Both Encrid and his opponent had taken their stances, and that was enough. The woman raised her shield forward. Encrid thought that his opponent would base her fighting on defense. That¡¯s the strategy that maximizes the usefulness of a sword and shield. That¡¯s how those equipped like her had fought until now. Experience guided Encrid. One step forward. It was a move to secure a favorable position in the fight. As he raised his sword and advanced, the shield expanded. It grew larger. In an instant, it covered his view. ¡°Damn.¡± He cursed inwardly. There was no time for the words to escape his mouth. A gray iron wall approached until it was right in front of his eyes. Nothing else was visible. In a split second, Encrid crossed his arms holding the sword in front of his chest and face, taking a defensive stance. Bang! The gray iron wall struck his forearms. His vision shook with the impact and the sense of floating, and soon a second impact followed on his back. Reflexively, he slapped the ground with his left hand, doing something like a breakfall. It was thanks to the intense training in Valaf-Style Martial Arts. His insides felt like they were turning over, but he didn¡¯t vomit. The timing was unexpected, a single blow. He flew backward and landed on his back, collapsing into an awkward posture. ¡°Phew!¡± Encrid exhaled, took a deep breath to absorb the shock, and tried to stand up immediately, but there was no time. Something swooshed over his head. He didn¡¯t have time to check what it was. Of course, there was no time to catch his breath properly. Feeling his heart constrict, Encrid, in a half-reclined position, swung his sword upward. Clang! He struck while kicking off the ground with his right foot, rolling to the side. He couldn¡¯t use the Middle Sword Technique. His posture, position, and timing were all disrupted, leaving him no choice. He attempted a deflective move similar to the Fluid Sword Technique, but it was only half-successful. He deflected the sword, but he couldn¡¯t block the follow-up attack. The opponent let the sword slide and used her foot. It felt like a steel mace was flying toward him. ¡®Steel Boots.¡¯ The iron boots caught his eye. Wham! The toe struck his chest. As he took the hit, Encrid rolled backward, the distance he rolled was more than twice as far as when he was hit by the shield. It meant he went far compared to the impact. ¡°Phew.¡± Rolling, Encrid planted his left hand on the ground and sprung up. Then, as if doing a somersault, he stood up immediately. ¡°Impressive.¡± The female warrior spoke. She had already adjusted her stance, pulling her shield to cover her body, in the same stance as before, just like at the start. It irritated him. It was hard to find an opening. More than anything, her combat style was formidable. ¡®Skilled.¡¯ She knew how to exploit her opponent¡¯s weaknesses through her equipment and posture. It meant she was experienced in both battle and fighting. Drip. When he was hit and flew back, a sharp rock must have grazed his forehead, as a drop of blood trickled down his temple. The blood, flowing sluggishly, ran down the side of his face and dripped from his chin. As if it were a signal, the female warrior, presumed to be a half-Giant, kicked off the ground again. Bang! With a noise, the gray iron wall appeared before his eyes again. A round shield large enough to cover half of her body, made of solid iron, and a weapon that could be considered a blunt weapon when swung. Even a well-trained person would find it heavy, and it would be hard to handle unless they were a Giant or a Frog. It was the same tactic, but a winning move. How could one block a broad, fast, and powerful weapon like that? ¡®If I can¡¯t block it.¡¯ He dodged. The Heart of the Beast awakened his senses. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Focus Point created immersion. In that immersed state, he opened his eyes, enhanced his senses, and moved. Encrid¡¯s body bent to the side like a shadow stretching and blurring under a lamp¡¯s light at night. It appeared so due to his rapid acceleration. At the same time, he aimed his sword at his opponent¡¯s sword-wielding arm. It was a Middle Sword Technique slash. Then the opponent¡¯s shield also moved sideways as if swaying. She blocked with the shield and pushed forward. The sword and shield collided. Their strengths met through the sword and shield. Bang! A loud noise erupted. One had awakened the Heart of Great Strength, and the other, though partially, had the blood of a Giant. The spectators, hearing a noise as if an explosion spell had gone off, all covered their ears. ¡°Ugh!¡± ¡°Ow!¡± Various cries naturally burst out. While Encrid¡¯s sword struck the opponent¡¯s shield, he saw the blade graze his side. He twisted his body to avoid it, but there was no way to avoid being grazed. It wasn¡¯t a deep wound, but blood flowed. His side quickly became damp. He wore thin leather armor, but the opponent¡¯s blade was sharp. It wasn¡¯t an ordinary weapon. Its cutting power was at least as good as his sword. Though it looked dull at a glance, it was like this. The blade was twice as thick as a regular sword. It was a modified longsword, but given the opponent¡¯s large build, it looked like an ordinary arming sword. ¡°You¡¯re quick.¡± The opponent spoke. Her expression and attitude were still indifferent. She looked as if she felt no enjoyment. ¡®Strong.¡¯ She fought well, cut well, and her reaction speed was excellent. He wanted to meet an opponent other than Rem, Audin, Ragna, and Jaxon, and now such an opponent was before him. Like a long-awaited rain in a drought. ¡°Oh, let¡¯s try again.¡± Encrid smiled unconsciously. It was a rare expression that appeared only when he was truly delighted. ¡°Look at that expression. She¡¯ll think he¡¯s crazy.¡± It was a tough opponent. Rem and everyone else recognized it at a glance. In the meantime, Rem, who was watching their madly grinning Commander, opened his mouth. ¡°Hmm, if it¡¯s your first time seeing it, it can be surprising.¡± Ragna responded to that. ¡°She wouldn¡¯t know he¡¯s originally like that.¡± Jaxon also spoke up, which was rare. ¡°Haha, it seems the sister warrior is displeased.¡± Audin added. Rem nodded internally at those words. Even before he had the Heart of the Beast, he was like that. In Rem¡¯s view, it wasn¡¯t even progress, he clung to something like a rotten tree trunk, climbing with that grin. Who knows when it will break? What¡¯s so enjoyable about it? ¡®I thought he¡¯d die soon back then.¡¯ Before he knew it, he was trailing behind Rem. The man who couldn¡¯t be seen from a distance was now within shouting distance. ¡®I don¡¯t want to be caught up.¡¯ Rem thought, observing the fight. No matter how he looked, the female warrior was there to kill their Commander. So, should he intervene? He would have before. If this were a battlefield, he would have stepped in. But now, he couldn¡¯t. He¡¯s a man who paved his path toward his dream. ¡®If I intervene now, he¡¯ll resent me immensely.¡¯ Of course, if he were on the verge of dying, Rem would step in. It seemed he wasn¡¯t the only one thinking that. Next to him, Ragna subtly took half a step forward, the sly stray cat¡¯s presence faded, and Audin, while laughing, leaned his body slightly forward. ¡®These crazy bastards.¡¯ He thought he was the only sane one. His Commander was obsessed with fighting, whether he died or not. None of the others were normal either. ¡®I have to stay focused. I have to.¡¯ That¡¯s why he half-killed the warrior Dunbachel. ¡®Warriors are tough.¡¯ It¡¯s also satisfying to beat them. Well, they¡¯ll recover quickly. Knowing this, he pushed them excessively. Rem watched the subsequent fight. Encrid had a cut on his side, but he didn¡¯t seem to feel any pain. Once again, the shield charged. ¡®It looks like it could be split.¡¯ That wouldn¡¯t be easy. Previously, he dodged and aimed for an opening but was blocked. This time was no different. He stepped sideways, leaving something like an afterimage. At first, it seemed the same, but it wasn¡¯t. When the shield followed, Encrid moved even faster. Usually, he was told to use only half of the Heart of Great Strength, but now it seemed he was using his full power. Encrid¡¯s body moved even faster. Soon, he was behind the half-Giant, and his moving sword followed a circular path around his opponent. Clang, clang, clang, clang, clang! As his sword scraped past the surface of the gray iron shield, sparks flew as it repeatedly struck and rebounded. For most people, it would be hard to see with the naked eye due to the speed. Afterward, Encrid¡¯s blade grazed his opponent¡¯s side. But his opponent didn¡¯t just take the hit. As she lost sight of Encrid, she struck vertically behind her without looking. Whoosh! The modified longsword, with a thicker blade than most swords, sliced through the air. Encrid, who had barely grazed her side, was already back. Having dodged the blade, he immediately charged again. It seemed like he was avenging the earlier shield strike. Charging, Encrid seemed to turn his body into a bow and his sword into an arrow. ¡®That.¡¯ It was a technique used by his last opponent in Martai. ¡®He used it on me relentlessly!¡¯ He pulled it out again here. The sword seemed to fly out of its sheath. Bang! The opponent blocked it again. However, this time, she didn¡¯t block it completely. Encrid¡¯s sword scraped past the edge of the shield and struck her shoulder guard, which flew off with a thud. Of course, he didn¡¯t just hit the shoulder guard. Thud, thud. Blood flowed from the half-Giant¡¯s shoulder. She didn¡¯t care. She simply continued her next move, positioning the shield in front of her left side instead of fully covering her front, while holding the sword awkwardly in her right hand. It was a textbook stance for sword and shield. The half-Giant didn¡¯t even let out a shout. Instead, her jaw muscles tightened as if she clenched her teeth. She charged again. Encrid withdrew his thrusting sword and spun half a turn, slashing. It was a Middle Sword Technique spinning slash. The heavy force combined with the speed of a thrust, rivaling that of a Giant. Bang! The half-Giant blocked with her shield and stood firm. While blocking his weapon with her shield, she swung the sword in her hand. That¡¯s why she wielded both sword and shield. Her sword came down again from above. The timing was perfect, catching Encrid off guard and disrupting his rhythm. Rem unconsciously twitched his right index finger. He almost threw his axe. He wasn¡¯t the only one. Ragna, Audin, and Jaxon did the same. But they stopped. There was no need to intervene yet. At the moment they thought it was a crisis, Encrid drew his second sword. Bang! With one block, the middle of his sword cracked, but it had done its job. The sword he drew with his other hand blocked his opponent¡¯s sword. ¡°¡­Left hand?¡± The half-Giant, with her sword still clashing against his, spoke up. Encrid nodded. ¡°It¡¯s one of my specialties.¡± ¡°Do you have any other specialties?¡± ¡°Plenty.¡± ¡°You might need to show them all before this ends.¡± It was a prompt to show everything he had. The typically taciturn half-Giant was having her first lengthy conversation. Encrid responded with a smile. ¡°I can¡¯t show everything. That includes my skill of seducing women.¡± Rem, overhearing the conversation, chuckled. ¡®His mouth is another of his skills.¡¯ Encrid¡¯s tongue was his greatest weapon. ¡°Are you crazy?¡± The half-Giant, briefly summarizing Encrid¡¯s nature, swung her sword again. It was a standard sword-and-shield technique. Strictly speaking, it was a Correct Sword Technique combined with shield handling skills. Encrid threw away his half-broken sword and held up only one sword. ¡®Dual-wielding is only for crucial moments.¡¯ A sound strategy. Their battle lasted until sunset. If you had to judge the outcome. ¡®I lost.¡¯ Encrid¡¯s defeat was clear. His cheek was slashed. When his cheek was cut ¨C or rather, after it was cut since most people couldn¡¯t properly see the exchange ¨C a few female spectators screamed. Encrid¡¯s reputation in the city was at its peak. He was considered the best candidate for a husband, and some women were willing to give up everything for him. That Encrid had his cheek slashed and a few ribs broken. His body was covered in minor wounds. In close combat, he managed to land eight blows while taking one, which broke his ribs. The opponent took hits to the jaw and chin but endured. It was the resilience of a Giant. Encrid did not underestimate his opponent. However, even a trained body couldn¡¯t withstand overwhelming violence completely. ¡®Defeated by decision.¡¯ Everyone likely reached a similar conclusion. Encrid was breathing heavily. His irregular breathing indicated exhaustion and that he was reaching his limit. The half-Giant realized she couldn¡¯t finish him off. The mission had failed. She had underestimated the challenge, thinking it wouldn¡¯t be too difficult even if the opponent was formidable. ¡®He¡¯s strong.¡¯ The man before her was strong. In skill, determination, and especially in spirit. ¡®Is he strong because he¡¯s crazy?¡¯ As a wave of doubt rippled through the warrior¡¯s mind, Encrid calmly assessed his condition. He looked at his body and then at his opponent¡¯s body. Both were in bad shape. ¡°Let¡¯s do this again tomorrow.¡± ¡°¡­What?¡± For the first time, the half-Giant showed surprise at Encrid¡¯s words. Before she could respond, an axe deftly wedged between them. ¡°Didn¡¯t you hear? If you want to continue, do it tomorrow or the day after. Rest up, the inn is free, meals are free too. Courtesy of the gentleman who got beaten by the lady over there.¡± Rem pointed his thumb at the injured Encrid as he spoke. Even if they fought now, she couldn¡¯t kill him. The chance would be during the battle only. Now, there were too many dangerous people around. Including the guy holding the axe right in front of her. As the warrior pondered, Rem spoke again. ¡°Or you can just leave if you prefer.¡± He acted as if he didn¡¯t care at all. Even though she had turned his Commander into a bloody mess, this was his response. Of course, that bloody mess was still standing. His resilience was astonishing. Not quite on par with a Giant, but it seemed like he was naturally different. In reality, it was thanks to the Isolation Technique and the demon Audin, but the half-Giant couldn¡¯t know that. ¡°So, you¡¯re planning to interfere in the fight,¡± The warrior asked. ¡°No, after seeing today, I don¡¯t think that will be necessary.¡± The warrior couldn¡¯t easily grasp the meaning of those words. However, she understood that she had another chance. She couldn¡¯t leave immediately anyway. Failing the mission and returning unscathed? People would speak of betrayal and treachery. Every action and deed would be questioned. ¡°Then.¡± The warrior silently stepped back. ¡°Well, are we good now?¡± Rem turned to look at his Commander. ¡°Yes, we¡¯re good.¡± Encrid expressed satisfaction. Would his injury-riddled body heal in just one day? Audin had said that regeneration would make him stronger after being broken and healing, so for now, he could only rest. ¡°I learned a lot.¡± ¡°Is that so great for you?¡± Rem supported Encrid, whose legs had given out. With his arm around his shoulder, Encrid replied. ¡°Moderately.¡± Moderately, my foot, he was practically drooling. Rem cursed inwardly as he supported him and walked away. The next day came. The female warrior realized it would be difficult to achieve her goal easily. Encrid, on the other hand, wore a smile twice as bright as the day before. Anyone who knew him would recognize that such a bright smile was something rarely seen. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com] Chapter 224 As soon as they returned to their quarters, Jaxon produced an ointment.Finn applied the ointment all over Encrid¡¯s body, and Krais wrapped the bandages. ¡°I thought you were a goner.¡± Krais said, wrapping the bandages with practiced ease. ¡°I was holding back a bit.¡± Krais chuckled in disbelief at Encrid¡¯s words. ¡°Didn¡¯t you see that woman¡¯s forearms? They were thicker than our brother¡¯s.¡± He glanced at Audin as he spoke. He meant, how could he say he was holding back after seeing those forearms? ¡°Forearm thickness doesn¡¯t prove skill.¡± Encrid said, without a change in expression. He didn¡¯t seem to feel the pain from his wounds. Krais signaled with his eyes to stop talking and took his hands off. The dangerous wounds had been roughly taken care of. ¡°Uh, well. Don¡¯t be disheartened even if the results aren¡¯t good.¡± Finn chimed in from the side. She didn¡¯t know Encrid yet. Anyone with ambition also has a fierce desire to win. Yes, normally that would be the case. Encrid wasn¡¯t devoid of a desire to win either. The Platoon leader Finn had seen didn¡¯t particularly enjoy losing. So, it wasn¡¯t entirely wrong. However, the situation was a bit different now. Losing wasn¡¯t the problem. Encrid had learned a lot from facing the half-Giant female warrior. Something more important than losing. Something more important than dying. It was the satisfaction of fulfilling a burning desire. It was the contentment of walking towards tomorrow. ¡®Tomorrow again.¡¯ Moreover, it wasn¡¯t over. He wasn¡¯t dead either. They had just parted, promising to meet again tomorrow. At this moment, Encrid felt exhilaration not because he had lost, but because he reflected on the path he had walked and looked forward to the path ahead. In short, he was extremely happy that he could fight again tomorrow. It showed on his face. A smile, a grin appeared, and Finn, seeing this, carefully stood up from her crouched position and turned around, mouthing the words. ¡®Did you hit your head?¡¯ There was no answer. Audin, who had been silently observing, stepped forward. He approached Encrid. This bear-like beast knelt on one knee and met his gaze. Was he trying to perform some kind of holy act? Encrid, with one eye bandaged, looked at him. ¡°Do you have a hobby of getting hit, brother?¡± Audin asked. Of course, he didn¡¯t. It was a question with an obvious answer. Thus, the real question came next. This was Audin¡¯s way of rebuking, or so it seemed. That¡¯s how it felt. ¡°No one can avoid every attack. So, what should you do?¡± Without waiting for an answer, Audin continued. ¡°If you get drunk on the thrill of your body moving as you wish and stop here, it will be hard to move forward. Brother.¡± He tapped his temple with his finger as he spoke. Encrid didn¡¯t immediately grasp the meaning of Audin¡¯s words. But he had a feeling there was something to be gained from them. So he stayed silent and pondered Audin¡¯s words. When the religious beast stepped back, the axe-wielding beast stepped forward and said. ¡°Hey, you don¡¯t need to just endure with strength. Try to unleash it.¡± Encrid didn¡¯t immediately grasp this either. He just kept pondering. Later. ¡°If you know you¡¯re going to get hit, it hurts less.¡± Jaxon said. ¡°Is it fun?¡± Ragna asked. The last question was one he could answer. ¡°Very much so.¡± When Encrid expressed his true feelings sincerely, Ragna smirked. Encrid, with a bandage covering one eye and his cheek, smiled too. Ragna felt that this smile alone could stir one¡¯s heart. Why wouldn¡¯t it? Watching Encrid fight had reignited his own motivation. It had been a long time since he felt this way. He wanted to wield his sword. Whether he had an opponent or not, he just wanted to enjoy it. The sword, the present, any moment. And so, he wanted to convey the same message to his Commander. To enjoy it. Encrid replied that he was already doing so. Ragna then left the quarters and stood in the private training grounds. As he swung his sword, a few nearby soldiers did the same. Some of them even approached Ragna directly, requesting a sparring match. ¡°I¡¯d like to have a match, if you don¡¯t mind?¡± There are those who don¡¯t give up, no matter how much they get beaten during training. They weren¡¯t visible before, but now Ragna could see them too. Such individuals grow. They move forward. They will learn more. ¡°Sure.¡± He didn¡¯t refuse. He genuinely beat them up. Ragna enjoyed today. He was extremely happy about it. It was a rare moment. He felt fulfilled and proud, and Ragna was satisfied with how the day turned out. Encrid lay down, just breathing. With his regenerative body, even severe wounds would heal quickly. What is needed to enhance the body¡¯s regenerative power? First, a well-trained body. Even without movement, an activated body circulates blood quickly throughout. Blood circulation has the effect of healing wounds. The reason why muscle and strength development enhances recovery. As muscles develop, the heart also becomes stronger. He realized this through training and mastering The Isolation Technique. Next, proper nutrition is necessary. The energy needed by the body is obtained through eating. Hadn¡¯t Audin repeatedly said so? You need to eat well to build muscle. You need to eat well for rest to be meaningful. Encrid did just that. After returning to the quarters, he ate well. He had a meal of finely ground meat patties stir-fried with vegetables. It was a hearty meat dish mixed with potatoes and firm root vegetables. Fulfilling and plentiful, it wasn¡¯t too much anymore. ¡°Order and eat whatever you want, and take whatever you need.¡± This was what Marcus had said after the battle. He had said it more eloquently, but the meaning was the same. So, he ate well and rested well. There was no pressure. And then there was Esther. The Lake Panther, who called him a fool with her eyes, entered Encrid¡¯s embrace. ¡°Long time no see?¡± Encrid scratched Esther¡¯s head with his fingers as she nestled in his arms. Esther didn¡¯t refuse it. They were more like friends or comrades than a man and a woman. Encrid treated her that way, and Esther, without expressing much, released her magic. Though not a healing spell, the stimulation from mana naturally affected the body. She did what she could. Because of this, it was only natural that his body healed quickly. But Dunbachel, who didn¡¯t know any of this, widened her eyes at Encrid¡¯s recovery speed. ¡°You¡¯re already up?¡± Raising that body up in just one day? It was naturally surprising. Even she knew how it felt to get beaten by Rem. It was as if she would be crippled for life. Not that she thought about running away, but the pain and suffering were unavoidable. Just because she was a beastwomen didn¡¯t mean she was accustomed to pain, nor did she easily endure it. They were a race that fought based on innate athletic ability and reflexes. They couldn¡¯t be as sluggish as Giants. Dunbachel had said this many times, but of course, Rem never paid any heed. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s take double the hits today.¡± That¡¯s all he would say. ¡°Isn¡¯t this supposed to be training? Not violence?¡± Hadn¡¯t Rem himself always said that it wasn¡¯t because he wanted to hit people, but because it was necessary for training? Yet sometimes it seemed like he forgot that and just showed his true intentions. ¡°Oh, right. Training. Double the training.¡± Then he would shamelessly evade. Of course, Dunbachel couldn¡¯t really complain about it. Encrid twisted his body from side to side, using his waist as a pivot, and replied. ¡°My ribs are still a bit uncomfortable. Have your skills improved? Former thief.¡± Dunbachel was annoyed by the term ¡®former thief¡¯, but she was in no position to argue. ¡°A little.¡± ¡°That must be exciting.¡± What was he talking about? What was exciting? Struggling to survive? It was incomprehensible. Encrid got up in just one day. ¡®My ribs have mostly healed.¡¯ Not perfect, but lying down any longer made him restless. The female warrior could come back anytime. By now, Encrid didn¡¯t care where she came from. He just wanted to fight her again while she was still around, filled with a burning desire to face her once more. It was no wonder he was called a madman, but Encrid didn¡¯t mind. No, it was more accurate to say he didn¡¯t have time to think about it. There are those considered geniuses. Prodigies and gifted individuals. People born with talent. To reach a place even these geniuses struggled to touch, to want to climb there, ordinary effort wasn¡¯t enough. One had to be insane. Fortunately, Encrid achieved all this without being aware of it. If someone who knew his inner self and situation saw him, they would be astonished. But no one could read Encrid¡¯s thoughts right now. They could guess, but they couldn¡¯t know everything. Encrid, waking up refreshed, cleared his head by walking. More precisely, he thought while walking. When his thoughts got blocked, he had a habit of taking a walk to clear them, ever since he was young. So, as he walked slowly to the market, the answer to his lingering question became clear, tickling one side of his head. It wasn¡¯t a flash of enlightenment. It was more like a subtle realization, like a rising tide. A tide that gradually wet his ankles with its incoming waters. ¡®Was I arrogant?¡¯ What he learned from his platoon members awakened his body. He felt as if he had gained a talent he didn¡¯t have before. Could that have been a poison to him? Did he think he didn¡¯t need to think as hard as before? What Audin had mentioned was a beginner¡¯s mindset. Think and think again. Encrid pondered as he walked. The female warrior¡¯s attacks were fast, fierce, and accurate. Not easy to avoid. ¡°If you know you¡¯re going to get hit, it hurts less.¡± Jaxon had said. Know you¡¯re going to get hit. ¡®Understand it with your senses.¡¯ Trying to track everything with his eyes was too slow. Had he grown overconfident in his dynamic vision because of his body¡¯s changes? Despite still being insufficient? If he stopped here, the dream of becoming a Knight would dissipate like a mirage? It wasn¡¯t a storm or a tidal wave inside him. He just didn¡¯t stop pondering. ¡®Open all your senses and the Gate of Sixth Sense wide.¡¯ If he had done that, he would have anticipated the first shield push. Because he had faced so many weaklings before, he had trapped himself in the well of experience. He broke that. For an ordinary person, it would be extremely difficult, but Encrid was used to breaking and surpassing his limits. Wasn¡¯t he the one most accustomed to breaking his limits? ¡®Unleash it.¡¯ The Heart of the Beast is for boldness. The Heart of Great Strength is for increasing power. Is it right to use the heart to maintain boldness? No. Hadn¡¯t he already half-realized it? ¡®In every moment.¡¯ A sudden burst of power, like a sharp cut. That was the idea: to release the Heart of Great Strength in bursts. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. For now, since he couldn¡¯t maintain the Heart of Great Strength throughout the fight, this was the way to go. Break it down into smaller pieces. He didn¡¯t think it was impossible. Whether it worked or not, he would try. This was all part of a natural thought process. ¡®Capture it with the sixth sense.¡¯ Explode the heart in the moment. Reflecting and simultaneously finding his way to fight, he reached the market. ¡°The atmosphere is strangely tense.¡± ¡°They all look tough.¡± ¡°I heard Bell nearly broke his leg?¡± Overhearing the murmurs, it seemed something had happened. Only then did Encrid realize that Rem and the others were nowhere to be seen today. They were all here, gathered in this place. ¡°So this is where everyone went.¡± As he muttered to himself and walked, those around him who recognized Encrid made way for him. ¡°You¡¯re here?¡± Starting with the soldiers. ¡°So soon? Is your body alright?¡± And the cobbler. ¡°Have some jerky.¡± Even the woman running a small shop. He passed through them, reaching the central crossroads of the four inns symbolizing the Border Guard. The road was blocked. He saw several halted carriages. Merchants used this road. Blocking it like this was unacceptable. He looked ahead to see why it was blocked. The woman from yesterday was there. Thanks to the Giant¡¯s natural resilience, the minor wounds were no longer visible. Standing with her sword vertically planted in the ground and her shield beside her, she looked like a statue. Around her were several other faces. ¡°Uh, I¡¯m someone called Swift Blade. Does anyone know my nickname? I came here wanting to fight that former soldier.¡± With thin eyebrows and a sneering smile, his face was oddly unsettling. The smile didn¡¯t seem genuine. He wore a sword at his waist, which looked like an arming sword of moderate length. The thick belt stood out, and at a glance, it was clear he wasn¡¯t an ordinary person. From the well-developed forearms, it was evident he had a well-trained body. Moreover, Swift Blade wasn¡¯t alone. ¡°Such worthless people. I am Edin Molsen, son of Count Molsen! I¡¯ve come to test my skills against Encrid, the Commander of the Independent Company!¡± The blonde man who stepped forward was familiar. He was the coachman from before. More precisely, the son of Count Molsen. Beside him was a younger friend with a similar appearance. Behind them was a man with a long face. ¡®Not bad.¡¯ The man who seemed to be their guard looked quite skilled. Even Edin Molsen appeared better than when he stood by the Count. That was Encrid¡¯s assessment. Lastly, ¡°So, is that guy too injured to come out?¡± The man without a mustache, who Encrid didn¡¯t recognize at first, but then realized, a name that comes to mind is Leona Rockfreed. ¡®That swordsman from before?¡¯ The one who had appeared to be a master of swift swordsmanship, who had told him to give up on the sword. He was the guard of the Rockfreed trading group standing opposite Leona. ¡°Everyone, just wait a bit. If you¡¯re impatient, why not play with my axe? We had a bout yesterday, but our Commander will be out again today. He¡¯s a bit broken up here.¡± From the center, Rem was saying this, pointing to his head and twirling his finger around his ear. ¡®That bastard.¡¯ Encrid had no reason to hide. Those around him recognized him and made way for Encrid. ¡°All here to see me?¡± Hmm. How to describe this. The moment all eyes focused on him, Encrid understood the heart of a farmer. It was a bountiful harvest. Each of them seemed as formidable as the half-Giant woman. And each of them had come to see him. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com] Chapter 225 ¡°Form a line!¡±It wasn¡¯t just Encrid who seemed pleased with this turn of events. Krais also stepped forward. No, he shouted out the moment he saw Encrid arrive, showing no fear. Yet, everyone else¡¯s gaze remained fixed on Encrid. Their eyes seemed to be full of questions. Encrid instinctively met each of their gazes in turn. The half-Giant¡¯s eyes seemed to say: ¡®Keep your promise to fight again.¡¯ Swift Blade adopted a stance that looked almost like a provocation. He shrugged his shoulders and smirked as if he thought nothing of his opponent. It was a crude provocation. ¡°I¡¯ve come to settle my previous debt.¡± Count Molsen¡¯s son spoke in a commanding tone, as if it was a matter of course that he should go first. Finally, the swordsman who had previously leeched off the Rockfreed merchant guild like a mosquito, stared at Encrid with wide eyes. He looked very surprised. No, he didn¡¯t even bother to hide his surprise. It seemed he had no intention of doing so. He even spoke up. ¡°Unbelievable. Your skills have really improved. I didn¡¯t think you¡¯d survive dozens of near-deaths.¡± It was a fair statement. Encrid had reached his current state by risking his life hundreds of times. It wasn¡¯t just a matter of surviving near-death experiences, but truly dying hundreds of times to reach this point. Of course, that was something no one could know. Encrid needed time to ponder. Who should he fight first? ¡°What¡¯s with the line? Hey, you fought that woman yesterday? You¡¯re lucky to be alive.¡± It was the guy called Swift Blade. He had an annoying smile. His appearance was not at all likable. But that wasn¡¯t what mattered. His stance, his relaxed posture, everything indicated his skill. He stood in a position that allowed him to keep everyone in sight, with his hand relaxed but ready to draw his sword at any moment. Encrid found it remarkable that he could see all this now. ¡®Contemplate.¡¯ Think, and think again. It was like a mantra. It happened while he was mulling over Audin¡¯s words. ¡°I don¡¯t care who it is.¡± Encrid answered after reaching a conclusion. ¡°¡­You¡¯re saying you can beat anyone!¡± What was his name again? He had heard it just a moment ago but had already forgotten. ¡°Sorry, but what was your name again? Count¡¯s offspring?¡± When Encrid asked, Edin Molsen¡¯s face turned red. A true provocation had to be sincere. It was different from Swift Blade¡¯s clumsy attempt. He had genuinely forgotten the name. He was busy observing the bountiful harvest. ¡°What?¡± Edin¡¯s face showed not just confusion but anger, and he didn¡¯t care about the others¡¯ gazes. ¡°I¡¯ll teach you some manners.¡± ¡°Step in line!¡± Krais, who seemed to have left his fear at the barracks, spoke up again as Edin took a step forward. ¡°If you want to die, feel free to interfere again. Soldier.¡± Krais shrugged at Edin¡¯s arrogant words and replied, ¡°It¡¯s troublesome if we continue this here. You¡¯re blocking the path where the merchant wagons and people are passing.¡± ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll kill you.¡± Edin, filled with rage, turned towards Krais, placing his hand on his sword and drawing it. The sound of metal scraping against the scabbard echoed immediately after. ¡°Rem! Rem! Commander! Commander!¡± Krais quickly retreated, shouting as he hid behind Rem, who was nearby. Edin¡¯s sword stopped. ¡°¡­Why do you sometimes seem so annoying to me?¡± Rem muttered as he stepped forward, the two hand axes at his waist dangling. In a nonchalant manner, he spoke again. ¡°Well, it seems like a reasonable request. Let¡¯s change the location.¡± He scanned left and right with his eyes, addressing everyone present. To his surprise, ¡®That crazy Commander.¡¯ It was because of Encrid¡¯s actions. Though he understood why Encrid was excited, his behavior seemed excessive. ¡°Against the three of us?¡± The swordsman with a rapier spoke. Indeed. Encrid was gauging the distance, seemingly preparing to face the half-Giant warrior, the rapier swordsman, and Swift Blade all at once. ¡®He¡¯s going to get himself killed at this rate.¡¯ Unbeknownst to Rem, Encrid had already faced death numerous times. ¡°Ambitious, my brother.¡± When Audin spoke from behind, the deadly aura emanating from Encrid diminished. ¡°Whatever this is about, I don¡¯t think it¡¯s worth causing damage to the city.¡± The rapier swordsman said, taking a step back. ¡°Whatever.¡± As Swift Blade also took a step back, the half-Giant warrior silently calmed her aura. ¡°¡­I¡¯ve cleared the area behind the inn.¡± It was Allen, the innkeeper, who spoke. It was a merchant¡¯s habit, perhaps. Seeing that all of them would likely stay in the city, and not being particularly attached to Krona, he decided to take action. Allen had created a decent training ground behind the inn, choosing space over food to attract guests, given that rumors about Vanessa¡¯s pumpkin soup and herbal pies had been drawing away customers recently. ¡°Good.¡± Encrid nodded. Soon, the innkeeper Allen began guiding people one by one to the designated area. While everyone was moving, Rem approached Encrid. ¡°Do you have a death wish? If you¡¯ve hurt your head, you should rest.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t want to hear that from you, at least.¡± Krais, listening to their conversation, chimed in. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°What do you think, Commander?¡± Having successfully executed his ploy, he wanted to hear Encrid¡¯s thoughts. Encrid had to acknowledge it. After diverting the water and planting seeds, hadn¡¯t there been a bountiful harvest? ¡°You can have it this month too.¡± It was about the tribute to the Gilpin Guild, which was the most important thing in Krais¡¯s life. ¡°Sounds good.¡± As they walked and exchanged trivial talk, the last to remain, Edin, erupted in fury. ¡°You bastards! Do you think you can treat a noble of the Kingdom like this?¡± If he were a dragon, he would have breathed fire. Ah, I almost forgot. Encrid thought to himself and made up his mind before speaking. ¡°I¡¯ll take on the Count¡¯s son first. Why don¡¯t you all step back?¡± A noble¡¯s offspring, and an arrogant one at that, being the son of Count Molsen, known as the Grand Duke of the North. He should be given some respect. ¡°You scoundrel, I¡¯ll strip you of that arrogance.¡± With Edin in the lead, his companions, and the last one standing idly at the back, passed by Encrid¡¯s group. Whatever the outcome, Encrid was satisfied at the moment. Everyone silently headed to the vacant lot behind the inn. They had demolished an entire building used as a warehouse and laid out a wide area with blue stone. There were even a few chairs brought in, making it look like a proper training ground. ¡°Count¡¯s son goes first. Everyone, please wait!¡± Like a clown warming up the audience, Krais stepped forward and shouted. They expected some complaints, but none came. Everyone just watched silently. Some with curiosity in their eyes, others with arrogance. Encrid stood face to face with Edin. Edin, pointing his sword forward, spoke. ¡°Come at me first!¡± Encrid did as he was told. He closed the distance with long strides, without even drawing his sword. ¡°Are you underestimating me?¡± Edin gritted his teeth and spat out his words as he swung his sword down. Encrid didn¡¯t stop walking. What could he say? He wanted to show the spectators what he was capable of. What his sword was. Who the person they had come to see was. In a way, it was reckless, and in another, it was audacious. If he achieved his goal, it would be seen as boldness. If not, it would be mere recklessness. Confidence and arrogance are often separated by a thin line. And Encrid displayed confidence instead of arrogance. He watched the descending sword and drew his own with his left hand. Clang! In one breath, he parried the attack, catching Edin¡¯s sword near the hilt with the ricasso of his own sword. The closer to the hilt, the easier it was to transfer force. Thud. A dull sound echoed, disproportionate to the force of the downward strike. He absorbed the force by bending his knees as he blocked. Then he performed a bind. Once the swords were locked, the rest was easy. He closed the distance with a long step forward with his left foot, twisted his waist, and threw a punch with his right hand. Thud! Although it seemed like the defense and attack were separate actions, they happened almost simultaneously, making it look like one movement. ¡°Ugh!¡± Even with leather armor, Encrid¡¯s punch was more than just heavy¡ªit was a weapon. He possessed strength that would surprise even the half-Giant warrior. Thanks to his diligent strength training, Edin coughed up something from the force of that single blow. Edin Molsen, though better than when he was by his father¡¯s side, was still lacking. ¡®Inadequate.¡¯ He was lacking in many areas, including practical experience. In a duel, he might drag out the fight with tactics, but he was weak against unconventional methods. That was Encrid¡¯s assessment. It was, in a way, a foolish move. Approaching without defense, blocking an attack, and landing a punch? If he had made a mistake, the advantage would have been Edin¡¯s. But in combat, the outcome is what matters most. Encrid looked up from the fallen Edin. ¡°Are you just going to watch from behind?¡± He asked. The question was directed at Edin¡¯s bodyguards. One of them tensed at the question. His gaze towards Encrid was sharp. The bodyguard gritted his teeth and shook his head. He didn¡¯t seem like the type to avoid a fight, but maybe he thought the time wasn¡¯t right? It didn¡¯t matter. There were plenty of others to face. The rapier swordsman was truly astonished. ¡®He¡¯s improved?¡¯ There is always a gap between assessing someone¡¯s stance and seeing them in actual combat. Encrid was seasoned, bold, and knew how to enjoy a fight. What could he say? For him, it was unimaginable that Encrid could change so drastically. ¡®He¡¯s improved immensely.¡¯ What could one call this? It was like looking back at a barren wasteland and finding a lush green field instead. ¡°Incredible.¡± The words slipped out unconsciously. Despite not appearing to be a genius, his skills had increased at an abnormal rate. ¡°There are many things to be surprised about.¡± The female warrior next to him spoke. She was several heads taller than him. ¡°You don¡¯t know how he used to be?¡± ¡°The present is all that matters.¡± She said, her eyes glinting. She was another extraordinary individual, not an ordinary person by any means. The female warrior also showed a hint of curiosity as she looked at the rapier swordsman. ¡®Who exactly are you?¡¯ That was it. That was all. They both lost interest in each other. No, they didn¡¯t pay attention to each other. At this moment, there was someone more important to both of them. The rapier swordsman felt a surge of curiosity for the first time in a long while. Once called the reincarnation of the Frog, he was weak to the curiosity that stimulated him. Therefore, he wanted to fight. He wanted to duel and assess his opponent. But the female warrior stepped forward first. ¡°It¡¯s my turn, isn¡¯t it?¡± But that wasn¡¯t going to happen. ¡°Why don¡¯t you have a little fun with me for a day, sister? It seems our brother here is itching for a fight.¡± With Audin¡¯s words, the swordsman called Swift Blade stepped forward. ¡°You have a good eye, big guy.¡± It was true. Watching the fight made Swift Blade¡¯s blood boil. He was someone who made you want to slice him up just by looking at him. ¡°Well, he¡¯s perfect to play with. I¡¯ll give him up.¡± The words were spoken as Swift Blade headed towards the center of the training ground. They weren¡¯t meant for him. It was the guy with the gray hair and annoying eyes. The one who first said their Commander¡¯s head was broken. He wanted to slice him up too. With those thoughts, he faced Encrid. ¡°You can throw a good punch, huh?¡± ¡°I think I¡¯m even better with a sword.¡± Listen to this guy talk. Swift Blade stopped smiling outwardly. He was someone whose outward appearance often contrasted with his inner feelings. When he smiled outwardly, he wasn¡¯t happy. When his expression hardened, he was truly enjoying himself. ¡®I¡¯ll have to cut off one of his arms.¡¯ Then those eyes will change, right? Straight and proper. His opponent¡¯s eyes spoke of his nature. Swift Blade was skilled at reading his opponent¡¯s nature. And at changing it. When those straight and proper eyes were filled with fear and desperation, he felt a rush of pleasure. Just the thought excited him. ¡®I want to slice him up quickly.¡¯ He would drive him slowly, like preparing a dish. He sincerely hoped the opponent wouldn¡¯t crumble from just a few scratches. Swift Blade genuinely hoped so. The fight between the two was quite prolonged. They targeted each other with small, precise moves. In the end, Swift Blade left sixteen sword marks on Encrid¡¯s body. The hole in his abdomen was close to being fatal, just a bit off from being a deadly wound. And yet. ¡°Wow, you¡¯re something.¡± His opponent¡¯s eyes hadn¡¯t changed. Swift Blade smiled. This situation wasn¡¯t enjoyable to him right now. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com] Chapter 226 the fight with the swift blade was a bloody battle.whenever encrid tried to strike once, he had to endure being cut twice. even so, encrid remained unchanged. he was the same as always. even when his life was hanging by a thread, he was the same. it was because his momentum and temperament didn¡¯t change easily that he was able to be here now. ¡°hey, your eyes are really annoying.¡± a smile spread across the swift blade¡¯s face. seeing that, rem mumbled several times, even though he flinched as they fought. isn¡¯t this the moment when he can¡¯t stand it anymore? naturally, his mouth opened. ¡°right, it¡¯s annoying, it can be.¡± why did he understand the swift blade¡¯s feelings at this moment? it was something he had experienced himself. sure enough, ragna, jaxon, and audin were all busy nodding their heads. no matter what, he remained the same, unchanged. he just silently did his job. he was a man who acted before considering right and wrong. audin, for the first time, used the isolation technique on another¡¯s body because of him, jaxon taught him what was called the sense of evasion, and rem gave him the heart of the beast. ragna also had a similar reason for passing on his skills to encrid. those eyes, that stubbornness, never thinking of giving up. watching him could drive a person crazy. ¡°aren¡¯t you scared?¡± the swift blade asked, seemingly exhausted. as he spoke, he subtly twisted his blade. he changed into an irregular stance and moved his feet. encrid also changed the position of his sword, moving his body by sliding his feet along the ground without using his knees. sliding his feet without bending his knees made it look like his body was moving smoothly. ¡°of what?¡± ¡°you almost died just now.¡± ¡°that goes for you too.¡± in a recent exchange, the swift blade pretended to extend his left foot forward but pulled it back to deceive him. encrid fell for it and swung his sword forward, but the thrust came in at the perfect timing in reverse. when he saw the tip of the sword split into four and curve towards him, anyone would feel dizzy. encrid felt the same. but that didn¡¯t mean he was about to be skewered by the blade. how did he avoid it? ¡®the sense of evasion.¡¯ jaxon¡¯s skill saved his life. instead, his nape was slashed. it felt like his neck was wrapped in a burning hot lump of metal. a searing pain followed. this wasn¡¯t the only wound. encrid had a hole in his stomach and his forearm tendon was nearly cut. just a moment ago, his neck was almost severed. ¡°that¡¯s it for today! hey, today¡¯s not the only day.¡± receiving a signal from krais, he shouted loudly. the swift blade had no intention of stopping. he was going to continue slashing. of course, he couldn¡¯t carry out his intention. ¡°be careful. you, you¡¯re annoying.¡± rem suddenly spoke. somehow, he was at encrid¡¯s left rear. what would happen if he cut down encrid here? he hadn¡¯t yet revealed his secret move, but even if he did. ¡®i would die too.¡¯ the swift blade naturally valued his own life over others. ¡°got it.¡± he retracted his sword and showed his palms. it was a signal to stop. even then, there was a faint murderous intent left. rem sneered and looked away from him. it didn¡¯t matter if he looked away. at this distance, no matter what he did, he was confident his axe would reach first. moreover, rem wasn¡¯t alone. a sneaky feral cat was on the opposite side. how many noticed that? at least swift blade didn¡¯t. ¡°come on, today¡¯s really not the only day. rest a bit! get to know each other better, and if you¡¯re bored, there are plenty of places in the alley behind the inn to entertain you. don¡¯t know which places are good? ah, that¡¯s unfortunate. but i thought that might be the case!¡± krais used the break to secure his own profit, but it didn¡¯t feel particularly annoying. he had a strange charm that defused the tense atmosphere. ¡°now, this is what we call the border guard: the good map.¡± it was a simple map that needed no lengthy explanation. it marked shops selling seasoned jerky, marmalade, well-baked bread, and other points of interest, making it easy to understand. ¡°ten coins per map.¡± the amount was ambiguous. ten coins wasn¡¯t much for some but certainly wasn¡¯t little for those with big hands. ¡°give me one. i need to eat well after losing blood.¡± as the swift blade accepted a map with a grin, a few onlookers from the caravan also bought some. the rapier swordsman and the count¡¯s party naturally each took one, and finally, a mixed-blood giant cautiously asked. ¡°isn¡¯t this on the gentleman who shed blood today?¡± krais, who was about to hand over the map, pulled back his hand with a swift motion. ¡°that was until yesterday. from today, you all have to pay full price. lady.¡± the mixed-blood warrior, hearing the word ¡®lady¡¯ for the first time, nodded. then, she handed over exactly ten coins and received the map. krais clapped his hands and addressed everyone. ¡°it won¡¯t be a loss. rest well, explore the city a bit, and if you¡¯re bored, you can spar with each other, but no accidents. especially, please be mindful of the city folk¡¯s safety.¡± krais bowed like an actor on stage, then lifted his head and said. ¡°welcome to the border guard.¡± although he was bleeding profusely, it wasn¡¯t to the point of death, so encrid observed everything and thought. does that bastard think the border guard is some sort of tourist city? despite its guise as a trading city, this place was ultimately a military city. there wasn¡¯t really anything here for them to enjoy or see. not that they seemed likely to leave either. why wouldn¡¯t they? ¡°how about next time?¡± the look in the rapier swordsman¡¯s eyes as he said that? they sparkled. there was a glint of competitive spirit. curiosity as well. no matter his intentions, he wasn¡¯t likely to leave. the mixed-blood giant was the same. she seemed more than willing to stay. needless to say, edin molsen and his group too. ¡°let¡¯s go again!¡± as soon as he recovered, he shouted that, but watching the bout with the swift blade, he kept his mouth shut. still, the twitching of his eyebrows showed he was clearly not pleased with the situation. in any case, since he was staying, those who came as his escort would also stay. ¡®ah, how satisfying.¡¯ was this what it felt like to have your heart¡¯s desires fulfilled? he felt full even without eating. ¡°you¡¯re planning to make a killing, huh? what about the city folks¡¯ safety?¡± isn¡¯t that something they should handle themselves? encrid, expressing his doubt to krais who had returned, heard a whispered reply, as if to prove he hadn¡¯t spoken thoughtlessly. ¡°that swift blade guy, i don¡¯t have a good feeling about him. if left alone, he seems like he¡¯ll cause trouble, so i need to report to the higher-ups to keep a closer watch. it¡¯s one thing if he dies fighting a soldier, but if an outsider comes to the city and causes trouble like killing a commoner, it¡¯ll be a real headache.¡± encrid thought back to the swift blade he fought today. that sword, that swordsmanship, he was memorable. he didn¡¯t have time to gauge his personality while fending off his attacks. he was too busy dealing with him. but krais had a keen eye for people, so he was likely right. ¡°jaxon, report to the higher-ups.¡± ¡°will do.¡± after sending off the sneaky alley cat, encrid limped back to his lodging once again. ¡°hey, is your body going to hold up?¡± rem, who was sticking close by, spoke. it was nagging, but encrid couldn¡¯t argue back. he was right. his body was in tatters. he had a hole in his stomach and his arm¡¯s tendons were almost severed. if he died, everything would be healed. only what he had trained would remain. in a way, it could be considered a convenient and advantageous ability. but encrid endured. if someone asked him why, he wouldn¡¯t have an answer. he just wanted to. he struggled, fought, and moved forward. in his struggles and fights, he had removed the word ¡®give up¡¯ from his vocabulary. encrid didn¡¯t know, but that was the nature of the ferryman¡¯s curse. it was meant to make one complacent for a day. if the ferryman knew encrid¡¯s mindset, he might have thrown his lamp into the black river out of anger. of course, encrid didn¡¯t know any of this. he just silently did what he always did. ¡°well, you didn¡¯t die.¡± ¡°you speak too easily. let¡¯s see. did you really see that guy¡¯s swordsmanship earlier?¡± ¡°i saw it.¡± for a brief moment, he recalled the earlier fight. the swift blade mixed correct sword technique and fluid sword technique. such a blend was called a technical sword in the continent. more precisely, it was an eastern-style technical sword. the trajectory of his sword was bizarre and its target points were peculiar. it seemed to aim for the arm but suddenly struck the shoulder, aimed for the shoulder but suddenly hit the thigh. reading its trajectory was difficult. so how did he react? at first, he countered. he aimed to land a strike for every strike he received. he swung his sword quickly and powerfully. how did the opponent respond? swift blade blocked his sword and countered, aiming for his wrist. from a technical standpoint, his nickname, swift blade, was well-earned. and he hadn¡¯t even used the swordsmanship that earned him that nickname. so he was outmatched. he lost. defeat. was it regrettable? not at all. ¡®i can catch up.¡¯ if one day of training wasn¡¯t enough, he would take two. if two days weren¡¯t enough, he would take a week. if a week wasn¡¯t enough, he would take a month. with time, he believed he could reach his goal. he wasn¡¯t outmatched in tactics, strength, or speed. it was purely a difference in skill proficiency. technical swordsmanship was inherently like that. it was a swordsmanship that truly fit the term ¡®bizarre¡¯. ¡°if you saw it, it¡¯s easy. just see everything and counter it.¡± rem¡¯s teachings suddenly made sense. ¡®is there a need to win purely by skill?¡¯ even if the destination is the same, the paths to it aren¡¯t limited to one. ¡°use your head a bit.¡± rather than running on a single path, he decided to see the wider picture. even if his body could keep up, he decided not to settle. ¡°that¡¯s the spirit.¡± rem smiled. his smile was pleasant to see. come to think of it, swift blade¡¯s smile had been rather displeasing. maybe krais had judged him correctly. returning, bleeding profusely, esther saw him and coughed, almost like a sarcastic laugh. it was a look of disbelief. you went out fine this morning, and now you¡¯re back like this? ¡®hmm, how is it that her nagging feels worse than rem¡¯s?¡¯ it was a curious thing. seeing this, rem chuckled and said. ¡°hey, panther wizard, this guy will probably keep doing this.¡± the black panther didn¡¯t respond to rem¡¯s words. ragna silently asked if today had been fun. encrid nodded. this wound wouldn¡¯t heal in just a day. but to dunbachel watching nearby, this was still surprising. ¡°in three days?¡± ¡°i¡¯m fine now.¡± did this beastwoman plan to be surprised every time he got up? encrid thought this as he started walking. he had heard they were still staying at the market inn. who should he face next? his heart pounded, pushing him forward. his arm wasn¡¯t fully healed yet, but he had his other hand and the ointment jaxon had given him was effective. audin had secretly sprinkled some divine power on him. though it didn¡¯t manifest as a visible light of divine power, it had boosted his healing, allowing him to get back on his feet quickly. without that, even with his regenerative abilities, encrid would have been bedridden for over a week. s~ea??h the n??el fire.n§×t website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. the swift blade felt a murderous urge. should he leave the inn at night and slit a few throats? the wounds he received from fighting encrid, had scabbed over after two days. seeing his own wounds stoked his desire. unable to contain himself, he started to leave. ¡°stop it, small human.¡± a mixed-blood giant blocked his path. ¡°huh?¡± ¡°i said stop.¡± ¡°what?¡± feigning ignorance with a smiling face. a man sitting at a table in the pub on the first floor, raising his glass, also glanced over. it was the rapier swordsman. ¡°swift blade, from the black blade bandits, right? you guys stick together well. stop it, for the sake of everyone staying in the city.¡± ¡°what are you talking about?¡± the swift blade laughed and tried to deny it, but the two men said nothing. it wasn¡¯t as if he could ignore them and leave. ¡°i just wanted to take a night stroll.¡± muttering, he climbed back up the creaking wooden stairs. after the swift blade went up, the rapier swordsman sipped his drink and the mixed-blood giant stood there, deep in thought. it was impossible to know what was going through each of their minds. ¡°why didn¡¯t you fight that giant?¡± the rapier swordsman suddenly asked. ¡°neither the target nor the purpose.¡± he was curious about the skill of a friend named audin. the rapier swordsman nodded. soon, one of edin molsen¡¯s guards descended the stairs. hearing the creaking sound of the stairs, both naturally looked up. without a word, the guard walked outside the inn. but it seemed the swift blade, who was still watching, followed and asked. ¡°why did you let that guy leave?¡± ¡°he¡¯s not going to cause any trouble.¡± ¡°what about me?¡± ¡°you will cause trouble.¡± the swift blade pondered the rapier swordsman¡¯s instant reply. should i cut him? then he quickly backed down. though not seriously injured, he was still wounded. moreover, those two had already seen his swordsmanship. it was only fair that he also saw theirs. so next time, he would pit encrid against one of those two. it turned out just as he hoped. when encrid returned, the rapier swordsman stepped forward. ¡°it¡¯s my turn this time.¡± ¡°let¡¯s do it.¡± encrid was indifferent as it didn¡¯t matter to him who stepped forward. seeing this, the swift blade felt a twinge of annoyance. ¡®those damn eyes.¡¯ why were they so unwavering? anyway, encrid faced the rapier swordsman. this time, there was no severe injury. it was a clean match, fairly balanced. honestly, to put it bluntly. ¡®why did that guy come here?¡¯ the swift blade roughly understood the purpose of the others who came with him. he even knew the true identity of the large female warrior. he just pretended not to know. but the rapier swordsman was different. through the match, he was teaching encrid. [t/l: please support me and read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.] [t/l: subscribe for a membership on my buy me a coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ] [additional info: if anyone is facing the issue of payment on ko-fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com] Chapter 227 ¡®how did it come to this?¡¯the rapier master was used to teaching. when teaching was a familiar task, observing was beyond familiarity, it was a skill. while frog¡¯s talent detection was a unique ability of his race, the rapier master¡¯s eyes were of a distinctly different nature. it was a combination of personal talent and accumulated experience. from what he saw with those eyes, there was definite improvement. it was hard to believe he lacked ¡®will¡¯. occasionally, his eyes would shine as he executed a flurry of continuous sword strikes, cutting off his own retreat. ¡®correct sword technique.¡¯ he mixed in the middle sword technique. he was heading towards something truly complete. the opponent exceeded his expectations. originally, there was not even a sliver of hope. his talent and skills were of that level. undoubtedly, this was the first time his judgment had been so wrong. that stirred something in the rapier master¡¯s heart. it touched his heart and moved his mind. ¡®guidance, sparring.¡¯ that was his intention from the beginning. he had walked the path of a knight but turned back when his talent fell short. but he had never been defeated by someone without will. even now, that remained true. ¡®improvement.¡¯ it was indeed surprising and his skills were outstanding. however, the black-haired man before him still couldn¡¯t face a genuine junior-knight. that was his judgment. tatatatatatata! swords clashed repeatedly, sparking as they met. through the relentless strikes, blue eyes elongated. ¡®footwork too.¡¯ it was impressive. he had surpassed human limits. that was certain. if his opponents were lazy individuals relying on mediocre talent? the man before him would win. then, how had he been beaten by swift blade? having seen that fight and faced him now, he knew. ¡®if the goal was a fight rather than killing, if sparring came first.¡¯ swift blade was the opposite. he fought to kill. and yet, it was just by a hair. in his view, it was only a matter of who took the first step. swift blade had not even realized it. his skill improvement was truly remarkable. it was surprising enough to warrant repeated amazement. that was why. the words telling him to give up lingered, prompting him to draw his sword. starting slowly and evenly. he wouldn¡¯t need to exert his full strength in wielding the sword. even so, fast and strong, with mixed in techniques. it was the fluid sword technique, blending speed with smoothness. striking while flowing, flowing while striking. it was to show that such swordsmanship existed in the world. along with engaging in mind games. ¡®even if it¡¯s advised to master a single form like correct sword technique, that¡¯s flawed teaching.¡¯ while specializing in one form is possible, it¡¯s proper to learn all five sword techniques. at the very least, a superficial knowledge of them is necessary. why is that necessary? to block, to evade, to do anything, you must know. that¡¯s why. in that regard, the rapier master emphasized the diversity of swordsmanship. he showed that mind games didn¡¯t always occur in the form of correct sword technique. for instance, ¡®flow.¡¯ as he tried to flow with the sword, encrid¡¯s eyes gleamed. it was a bait. encrid delivered a vertical slash that seemed capable of cutting through anything. it was a lightning-like strike. the rapier master, facing it, seemed to block but twisted his body aside. fluid sword technique, flowing without contact. the lightning-like sword cut through empty space. hwoong! the sound of air being sliced was clear. was it advanced swordsmanship or skilled swordsmanship? after raising the sword tip to thrust, encrid¡¯s posture naturally faltered. the ensuing advantage belonged to the rapier master. he pressed on. slowly, bit by bit, it was like the art of killing a frog. the method of killing a rog with boiling water starts with cold water and gradually heats up. the essence of this swordsmanship was pressure. it was a message conveyed through the sword. ¡®you cannot surpass this. this is your limit.¡¯ after relentless pressure and relentless attacks, he was trapped and forced to stop. encrid encountered a wall he couldn¡¯t surpass with the heart of great strength, the sense of evasion, or all the sword techniques he had learned. did he despair because of this? there was no time for that, and even if there was, he wasn¡¯t the type to think that way. encrid simply continued to swing his sword heavily. but the rapier master, watching this, wasn¡¯t entirely pleased. the sparring session had continued in a completely different manner than expected. in conclusion, he didn¡¯t see any flashes of brilliance from his opponent. ¡®was he not the genius i had overlooked?¡¯ if not, his growth rate didn¡¯t make sense. so why was there no spark? why was his talent so dull? he expected the frog to jump out of the pot. at the very least, he hoped to see it stretch its leg, but it was just slowly drying up. ¡°let¡¯s stop here.¡± ¡°phew, phew, it was good instruction.¡± encrid expressed his gratitude. it was a sparring session worth it. this person didn¡¯t aim for his neck nor was he after his fame. he just appeared out of nowhere to give guidance. ¡°i¡¯ll go next today.¡± a half-blood giant with a sword and shield stepped forward. the current sparring hadn¡¯t taken a toll on him. he just needed to catch his breath. encrid nodded. their fight was similar to the previous one. the intensity and violence were dizzying to watch. if the fight with swift blade was a battle where he could get holes or be cut at any moment. the fight with the half-blood giant seemed like something could be crushed or smashed at any moment. encrid endured it. he suffered injuries similar to the first day. this time, the half-blood giant performed a trick by gripping the sword¡¯s tip and swinging it like a blunt weapon. she also shook her shield up and down to deceive the eyes. encrid countered by mixing the middle sword technique and the correct sword technique to pressure his opponent. it seemed he was applying what he had just learned from the rapier master. of course, the rapier master watching wasn¡¯t satisfied. ¡®he hasn¡¯t improved.¡¯ a genius would show improvement after just one sparring session. but this friend encrid, at best, was just ordinary. that annoyed him. the master¡¯s eyes naturally narrowed. ¡°alright, that¡¯s it for today. if you¡¯re bored, you can take on some monster subjugation requests around here. the rewards are substantial, and it¡¯ll clear your frustrations.¡± ¡°that sounds good.¡± swift blade responded with delight to krais¡¯s words. he was itching to do something. most of all, the two opponents he saw today didn¡¯t seem easy. one was his polar opposite, and the other seemed to be hiding his true skill. ¡®troublesome bastards.¡¯ even so, running away now was not an option. if he fled under these circumstances, the black blade bandits might send their assassination squad after him. hadn¡¯t he recklessly used the krona of the bandit group all this time? now was the time to risk his life. moreover, his murderous impulses were making his blood boil. if he ran away now, it would be difficult to wield his sword as he pleased for a while. ¡®ah, i want to kill.¡¯ he longed for the sensation of piercing through tender flesh. but he couldn¡¯t just kill a vagrant in the city and get beaten to death, so he couldn¡¯t kill just anyone. if he did something, the people around him would foam at the mouth and attack him. all of them had sharp eyes and outstanding skills. ¡®what a mess i¡¯ve gotten into.¡¯ he hadn¡¯t thought it would be easy, but it had become a tangled mess. ¡®i might as well cut down some monsters.¡¯ it was a reasonable decision. krais nodded and spoke to the soldier who had joined him. ¡°yes, this way.¡± the soldier led swift blade, marking the end of today¡¯s sparring session. encrid had to be half-carried. his thigh muscles were trembling, making it difficult for him to walk. ¡°this will heal after a little rest.¡± encrid said. ¡°yeah, right.¡± ¡°it might heal, but if it repeats, you could end up with chronic injuries. brother, having faith is good, but don¡¯t be overconfident.¡± audin recited words from the holy scripture. believing in one¡¯s body was good, but doing it in moderation was better. ¡°hmm, i suppose.¡± encrid nodded. of course, it was something even a dog wouldn¡¯t believe. ¡°when we get back to the quarters, let¡¯s have a quick hand-to-hand sparring session.¡± ragna said. ¡°sharpening the senses makes it easier to anticipate a move ahead.¡± jaxon added from the side. everyone seemed to have a lot to say. more precisely, they didn¡¯t seem to like seeing encrid getting beaten up. was it different from when they were the ones beating him up? encrid didn¡¯t care. what did it matter? there was so much to do right now. he had learned and practiced, but it still wasn¡¯t coming together all at once. it couldn¡¯t be helped. then, he just had to take it one step at a time again. at least some semblance of talent remained in his body now, so he wasn¡¯t stuck like before. this in itself was a significant improvement. encrid returned to the quarters with his idle thoughts and continued his hand-to-hand sparring with ragna. ¡°even with an injured body, you still¡­¡± finn shook her head as she watched. these days, finn seemed quite busy too. after whispering with the fairy company commander, she frequently went out at dawn. ¡°where have you been sneaking off to lately?¡± rem asked out of boredom. finn gave a vague answer, not even looking up as she organized her belongings. ¡°morning dew is good for the skin.¡± ¡°¡­i think she¡¯s mocking me.¡± rem muttered. encrid inwardly agreed but decided to side with finn. ¡°that¡¯s a victim mentality. you have a habit of taking others¡¯ words the wrong way.¡± it wasn¡¯t revenge. it definitely wasn¡¯t because rem kept saying his brain was broken. ¡°hmm?¡± as rem furrowed his brows, ragna pushed dunbachel forward. ¡°go, do your job.¡± what was that job? ¡°huh?¡± dunbachel approached rem reluctantly. ¡°oh, right. time to train. haven¡¯t done much of that lately, have we?¡± she had managed to reduce her daily beatings from twice a day to once, but it had only been two days. so, what did she mean by ¡®lately¡¯? when dunbachel glared at him, rem looked pleased. ¡°yes, that look, that fierceness! good. today, let¡¯s have a spirited, i mean, training session!¡± dunbachel wanted to cry, but her pride held back her tears. so the two of them went outside. encrid continued his sparring sessions. after spending some time training, once his body was fully healed, he would grab someone staying at the inn for a sparring match again. swift blade excelled in sharp, unpredictable, and unconventional attacks. there was much to learn from him as well. the half-blood giant swung her sword and shield heavily. it was a combination of the middle sword technique and shield techniques. though mixed with the correct sword technique, the deeper he delved, the more varied the middle sword and shield techniques became. moreover, the initial shield charge he experienced was still threatening. even a small opening allowed the half-blood giant to press on with her monstrous strength. in terms of stamina, encrid was not lacking either, but the opponent¡¯s sheer size made her a formidable weapon. the rapier master was still the same. he repeated the same actions every time. edin molsen also attacked relentlessly, but he wasn¡¯t a match. after being harshly knocked out in their third sparring session, he no longer dared to challenge easily. instead, his guard stepped forward. ¡°your name?¡± ¡°no need to know.¡± he was a gruff and stern man. encrid didn¡¯t care. he didn¡¯t care why the guard stepped up only now. he was just glad to have another worthy opponent. so he smiled. ¡°definitely not normal.¡± the guard said. encrid ignored him. the guard¡¯s swordsmanship was based on the fluid sword technique. he flowed, targeted openings, and stabbed with precision. encrid was familiar with this technique. he had seen it before. it was no illusion. he had reviewed and reflected on it countless times, ensuring he wouldn¡¯t forget it. ¡®this.¡¯ it was the technique used by someone from the aspen faction. specifically, it was used by the person he had cut down with his left hand¡ªmitch hurrier. the hurrier family symbolized aspen¡¯s military prowess. so, was the guard a spy? encrid didn¡¯t care. he only cared if the opponent was a good match. so they clashed. they fought and collided. their skills were evenly matched, and he couldn¡¯t easily win. encrid wasn¡¯t focused on winning. ¡°if he had wanted to kill, he could have done so a hundred times over.¡± rem gave a sarcastic remark because he didn¡¯t think encrid was just a man with straightforward swordsmanship. ¡°what¡¯s left after killing?¡± this wasn¡¯t a battlefield. these were people who came to test their skills. when it was time to speak through swordsmanship, that¡¯s what he wanted to do. ¡°is he smiling again? do you enjoy this?¡± swift blade often laughed. his smile deepened, and his tone became harsher. he himself often laughed and commented on encrid¡¯s smile. in that situation, swift blade and encrid faced each other repeatedly. at some point, swift blade¡¯s mind was filled only with thoughts of encrid. he was entirely focused on killing his opponent, with no other impulses interfering. only one person remained. all his murderous intent was directed at encrid. this was a first for swift blade as well. the half-blood giant had a similar experience. but instead of murderous intent, she felt something else. ¡®why does he keep challenging me?¡¯ she was certain of her superiority. if encrid really wanted to kill, yes, he could probably take down swift blade. but the rest? that was impossible. in reality, even swift blade likely had a hidden trump card, so if they fought to the death, the odds were fifty-fifty. that was her judgment. so, was there anything to gain from this sparring? but why was he so happy about it? ¡°alright, today it¡¯s you.¡± why was he so happy despite being beaten so badly? he lifted his sword with a subtle smile, and the emotion on his face was crystal clear. even someone as emotionally inept as her could see it clearly. he looked like a child. a child experiencing a moment of sheer joy. a child filled with innocent delight, as if it was their birthday party. she had heard that this man wasn¡¯t that young. so why did he have that look on his face? ¡°let¡¯s begin.¡± how could he speak so brightly? she didn¡¯t understand. one thing was certain though, everything about this man made her blood boil. it was the fighting spirit, the competitive urge. the giant¡¯s blood mixed within her was boiling. in this moment, she wasn¡¯t a cultist but a warrior. for the first time, she wanted to be a warrior rather than a cultist. s§×arch* the n?vel(f)ire.n§×t website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. it was a moment where the indoctrination and something ingrained in her since childhood began to crack. a moment where she recognized and understood desire, beyond the teachings and commands of the cult. it was a moment where what she had subtly felt throughout her life started to overflow. the inner feelings she had never shown on the surface, feelings no one knew about, not even the bishops, tangled within her heart. ¡°you¡¯re really strange. you know that?¡± the half-blood giant spoke. her words were awkward, but the meaning was clear. ¡°i told you from the start. this part¡¯s broken.¡± the gray-haired subordinate behind encrid spun his finger around his temple. initially, she ignored this gesture, but now she understood it. ¡°yes, you¡¯re broken.¡± the half-blood giant said. and so was she. encrid, unconcerned, extended his sword. ¡°let¡¯s fight.¡± he just craved battle. he showed his desire. he enjoyed the moment. a smile similar to one slowly appeared on the half-blood giant¡¯s face. enjoying the fight itself was a first for her. it was filled with novelty. finding fulfillment in seemingly meaningless sword swings. she couldn¡¯t help but smile as well. thus, countless sparring matches ensued. each opponent faced over a dozen times. at some moments, encrid was severely injured. at others, he escaped with minor injuries. after many sparring sessions, the rapier master shook his head. ¡°it¡¯s still not right. there¡¯s a limit. but maybe i was wrong, so i have to test it. can he overcome this? that¡¯s all i¡¯m curious about.¡± muttering nonsensically to himself, the rapier master faced encrid. at that moment, blades surged from the rapier master¡¯s body. encrid had experienced this before. from asia, a member of the red cape knights. the intangible blades imbued with will battered encrid¡¯s entire body. it was overwhelming. [t/l: please support me and read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.] [t/l: subscribe for a membership on my buy me a coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ] [additional info: if anyone is facing the issue of payment on ko-fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com] Chapter 228 squire asia.she was a member of the knight order that came with the frog luagarne. the technique she used was called ¡®intimidation¡¯. it was an art based on willpower, and what the swordsman before him now displayed seemed similar. no, it was even superior. encrid saw intangible blades that slashed, pierced, and cut through his body. there were more of them, and they were faster than asia¡¯s had been. even knowing it was false, he couldn¡¯t ignore it. instinctively, he knew it stemmed from the opponent¡¯s willpower, triggering his sense of evasion. he almost reflexively stepped back, but encrid gritted his teeth. his body flinched, his shoulders trembled. to avoid the approaching blades, he had to steel himself internally. it was the same as before. if he couldn¡¯t break through, it would be retreat and evasion. it was the same as asia¡¯s intimidation. if he couldn¡¯t overcome it, he would be crushed against the wall, admitting defeat without even fighting, without reaching out once. the ferryman¡¯s laughter came to mind. it would surely mockingly ripple the river. encrid suppressed his instincts. ¡°you might die.¡± the rapier swordsman spoke as encrid stood his ground. encrid didn¡¯t listen. even in the days when death was the end, he risked his life. not struggling to die, but scrambling to move forward. so should he retreat now? should he? ¡°step back.¡± the rapier swordsman repeated. and encrid began swinging his sword at the approaching blades. transforming the sense of evasion into an attack form, he unleashed the heart of great strength, opening the gate of sixth sense. focus point activated, immersing him entirely in the moment. he could see all the approaching blades, the intangible swords. slowly and surely. encrid swung his sword. he struck and neutralized them one by one, deflecting and breaking them. the shattered blades vanished like phantoms, breaking like glass. and for each blade he broke, a new one appeared. ¡°foolish.¡± the rapier swordsman said. that was the last thing encrid heard. he missed one blade. it curved in, speeding up like a swift hawk. it was easy to miss. encrid felt the blade cut his neck. it felt real. it was horrifying, with a sensation of heat. it felt like certain death. encrid closed his eyes. but he didn¡¯t meet the ferryman. when he opened his eyes again. ¡°you¡¯re awake? crazy commander?¡± he heard rem¡¯s voice. encrid, overwhelmed by intimidation, swung his sword wildly at the air like a madman, then soon showed only the whites of his eyes and collapsed. even as he collapsed, his sword form was precise and clean, showing proper training. afterward, he fell silently, like a puppet with its strings cut. right after encrid fell. bang! someone kicked the ground. one, no, several people moved. audin ran like the wind to catch encrid. rem drew his axe. ragna stood beside him, blocking the space between encrid and the rapier swordsman. jaxon was already behind the rapier swordsman. ¡°if i wanted to kill him, he would already be dead.¡± the swordsman said. rem understood. the opponent before him was someone even he couldn¡¯t guarantee victory against. ¡°well, if i were serious about killing, i could do it alone too.¡± but was he alone here? there was no need to reveal his hidden tricks. ¡°if he¡¯s dead, cut him.¡± ragna said. there was no doubt in his words. if he said he would cut, he would cut. that belief made ragna¡¯s sword strong. rem, devoid of his usual smile, spoke expressionlessly. ¡°let¡¯s be careful. okay? my axe tends to act on its own. it¡¯s got a mind of its own, an ego-axe.¡± the joke was said without emotion, making it more chilling. ¡°his body is fine. as for his head, we¡¯ll have to see when he wakes up.¡± audin, after checking encrid¡¯s breathing, spoke. the usual term ¡®brother¡¯ was absent. intimidation affects the mind. it is a force that pressures and constrains. when he awakens, he could become a simpleton. of course, audin wasn¡¯t worried about that. encrid wasn¡¯t someone who would crumble easily. he wasn¡¯t the kind of person who would fall apart over something like this. however, if the blade of fear had taken root in his heart? that¡¯s what the opponent did. not physical chains, but leaving a wound in the mind. it¡¯s something that could be called psychological trauma. once fear is engraved, it doesn¡¯t easily fade. ¡°let¡¯s see after he wakes up and we check his condition.¡± the word ¡®brother¡¯ was still missing from audin¡¯s speech. that was how the fight ended. when encrid woke up, he listened to the story of what happened right after he fainted and nodded. ¡°i see.¡± intimidation, a technique based on ¡®will¡¯. so the opponent was at least a squire. moreover, someone who knew how to use a sword properly. ¡°interesting.¡± encrid murmured. interesting? everyone¡¯s attention focused on him. if he meant it, there was a problem. it meant his head was broken. they all knew that. but then again, it seemed possible with encrid. isn¡¯t he a total madman? that thought flashed through everyone¡¯s mind. a short silence passed. wondering if he was really okay, or if he was bluffing, or if he could still act like this after seeing a real sword. ¡°since he¡¯s broken as always, he seems fine.¡± rem concluded. so this was encrid¡¯s normal. scared of seeing a sword? it was possible. they had often seen people whose minds broke after rolling through battlefields. there were stories of a soldier who, after seeing a giant on the battlefield, would faint at just hearing the word ¡®giant¡¯ for the rest of his life. however, this wasn¡¯t applicable to encrid. he had already experienced real pain and survived death. someone who didn¡¯t back down from real death wouldn¡¯t suffer over being cut and stabbed by imaginary blades. ¡°even when he drew the sword back then, it seemed like his head was broken.¡± krais said, twirling his right index finger next to his ear, as if recalling a similar experience from when encrid drew the cursed sword. smack! rem smacked krais on the back of his head. it was such a sharp hit that his eyes, befitting his nickname ¡®big eyes¡¯, seemed to pop out. ¡°ouch! why did you hit me?¡± ¡°that¡¯s my thing.¡± what is your thing? encrid silently shook his head and stood up. ¡°only i can do that.¡± s§×arch* the novel?ire(.)ne*t website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. rem grumbled mischievously. krais pouted but retreated quietly. he wasn¡¯t someone you could reason with anyway. ¡°are you really okay, commander brother?¡± ¡°i must have slept too much. i feel light.¡± to the question of whether he was okay, encrid replied that he felt light. audin smiled gently. ¡°truly an incredible mental strength, brother.¡± audin found himself looking at encrid anew. how could he not? in the long time spent honing his divinity, the qualities required of everyone were patience and a stable mindset. ¡°only those who do not succumb to any hardship or threat may lift their heads.¡± audin muttered a part of the scripture. no one listened closely. ragna wasn¡¯t particularly suspicious by nature, but he thought confirmation was necessary. with a swish. he drew his sword and stopped it just a finger¡¯s width away from encrid¡¯s nose. ¡°¡­are you asking for a duel?¡± encrid said, looking blankly into ragna¡¯s eyes. a person who fears the sword cannot hide their unease. but how were encrid¡¯s eyes now? they were the same as ever. straight and true. the same eyes that had unnerved even the swift blade. ¡°we can do it another time.¡± ragna sheathed his sword. as always, jaxon found encrid fascinating. ¡®feels like he wouldn¡¯t die even if you killed him.¡¯ not that he would just stand by and watch if encrid was in real danger. anyway, encrid stood up unscathed. after that, the dueling continued. the rapier swordsman, instead of using the same gentle and friendly techniques as before, showed intimidation again. once more, encrid fought off the intangible blades but eventually fainted. technically, it wasn¡¯t death, it was just fainting. something resembling death pierced and stirred his mind and soul. but that couldn¡¯t change encrid. ¡°he¡¯s holding on.¡± the rapier swordsman said. the swift blade grumbled at this. ¡°why don¡¯t you either kill him outright or stop this half-hearted torture?¡± the rapier swordsman ignored him. the mixed-blood giant and edin molsen¡¯s guard voiced a different opinion. ¡°next time, let¡¯s do it at the end? it¡¯s anticlimactic to have him faint before we even get started.¡± the guard said. the mixed-blood giant nodded. they didn¡¯t want their own opportunities taken away. this was also curious. the rapier swordsman saw encrid¡¯s limits but acknowledged what needed to be acknowledged. ¡®is it motivation?¡¯ none of those present were the same as they had been initially. they all changed the more they faced encrid. summer had passed, and it was now dry autumn. the border guard in northern pen-hanil had a short autumn. soon, the cold would come. autumn was already halfway through, and it had been thirty days since they arrived at the border guard. ¡°tell him next time will be the last.¡± the rapier swordsman said. ¡°do as you wish.¡± rem replied. encrid, who had fainted from intimidation and then awakened, nodded. ¡°i want to overcome that.¡± ¡°there¡¯s only one way.¡± there were always pieces of advice when they dueled those who came to the city. this time was no different, ragna spoke up. ¡°if you can¡¯t fend them all off, you need to deflect the intangible blades with your mind.¡± it wasn¡¯t a vague statement. ¡®will.¡¯ at the very least, it meant that without something intangible to overcome intimidation, he couldn¡¯t win. ¡°will is something you realize, but if it were such a force, forming a knight order would be impossible. a squire is someone who forcibly awakens their will. it¡¯s possible. however, just because you awaken it doesn¡¯t mean you can immediately counter such intimidation.¡± the last part was like saying you can¡¯t run immediately after learning to walk. in any case, based on ragna¡¯s words, the opponent was testing him. whatever the intent, whether good or evil. whether it was goodwill or malice, encrid didn¡¯t care. he simply wanted to overcome it. just as he always wanted to overcome whatever strangled him. but he had no intention of dying and repeating today over and over. another day passed, and it was a night like any other. bell, who was on duty at the castle gate, saw someone approaching in the middle of the night. ¡°who¡¯s there? a merchant?¡± bell asked, already knowing the man wasn¡¯t just some merchant. logically, it was strange for someone to be traveling alone, and intuitively, the man seemed formidable. ¡°is this where the former soldier is?¡± the man asked. he wasn¡¯t wearing a black cloak or any suspicious attire. as he approached the light of the torch, bell saw he was young. his skin was somewhat dark, and he had a sword at his waist. he carried a single arming sword and three daggers on the other side of his belt, and it all looked very natural. despite being armed, he didn¡¯t seem threatening. ¡°i was hoping to see him.¡± the man spoke again. bell tilted his head, then straightened it before responding. ¡°we can¡¯t let outsiders into the city at this hour. if you want to come, do it tomorrow during the day. and you can meet him tomorrow, right?¡± his last question was directed at his colleague. ¡°yes, that¡¯s right.¡± his colleague replied. coincidentally, tomorrow was the day encrid was expected to recover and come out. he had been dueling continuously recently. though he had some rest days, he would come out tomorrow. he wasn¡¯t seriously injured. ¡°you¡¯re in luck. you can meet him tomorrow.¡± the man bit his lip and said, ¡°i can only make time tonight. can¡¯t i see him now?¡± bell thought the man was being stubborn, but there was something strange about him. ¡®i should test him.¡¯ many sought the former soldier, but few could overwhelm bell. many turned back after defeating him. ¡°just a common soldier?¡± saying such things. bell patted his colleague on the shoulder. ¡°i¡¯ll go check on this. if anything happens, sound the emergency bell.¡± ¡°don¡¯t worry, i¡¯ll put an arrow in his forehead before the bell rings.¡± his colleague, always carrying a bow, said while tapping his side. he was an archer, part of vengeance platoon. bell opened the side gate and stepped out. several sentries watched them. standing in the torchlight, bell spoke. ¡°if you can knock me down, i¡¯ll pass your message. want to try?¡± ¡°sure.¡± though bell pointed his spear at him, the man faced him empty-handed. ¡°¡­aren¡¯t you drawing your sword?¡± bell¡¯s voice grew gruff. ¡°if i cut you with this, you¡¯ll die, and i don¡¯t think there¡¯s a need to kill you.¡± this guy? overflowing with confidence. bell felt a surge of irritation, which he channeled into his thrust. the fight was brief. the man grabbed bell¡¯s spear mid-thrust. bell saw his movements but was half a beat too slow. the man closed the distance and struck bell¡¯s stomach with his palm. thud! the impact felt like it pierced his belly. bell thought he had a hole in his gut. barely holding back the urge to vomit, he heard the man¡¯s voice. ¡°you can take a hit.¡± ¡°¡­there¡¯s a drill instructor who gets furious if you fall from a single hit.¡± bell replied, exhaling. his legs wobbled from the heavy impact. still, audin¡¯s punches were twice as heavy. bell made up his mind. the man was more skilled than him. and he said he couldn¡¯t wait until morning. ¡®i¡¯ll just pass the message.¡¯ he thought he¡¯d just inform encrid. the decision was his. encrid had mentioned several times that there could be people like this. he said he wanted to meet everyone, even if they were just passing through. if their skill was proven, it wouldn¡¯t matter if it was late at night. there had been many such encounters. ¡°i¡¯ll be back.¡± bell retreated obediently. the man neither showed hostility nor behaved rudely. bell entered the barracks and relayed the message to encrid. ¡°wait a moment, i¡¯ll go see.¡± he stepped out immediately. ¡°are you going alone?¡± ¡°why?¡± ¡°no, well, i guess that¡¯s fine.¡± bell had acted as the gatekeeper for those seeking encrid up until now. in his opinion, the current visitor wasn¡¯t as formidable as those in the market. he didn¡¯t feel overwhelmed or intimidated. after bell conveyed this, encrid set off lightly, going alone. ¡°let¡¯s go.¡± encrid approached, and the two exchanged words under the torchlight before clashing swords. clang. their fight ensued. it was intense and lively. it gave the illusion that dawn was breaking between them. the sight seemed to be infused with light. in the midst of this, bell noticed something strange. the opponent¡¯s sword suddenly grazed encrid¡¯s forehead, and the opponent shook his head as if in dismay. following this, encrid¡¯s body trembled, and he collapsed forward, falling face-first. he couldn¡¯t support himself, which caused the fall. bell blinked. ¡®dead?¡¯ then the world distorted, tore, and changed. encrid¡¯s death was like a pendulum resetting the day. with the curse activated, bell lost memory of the day that had passed. repeating the same events, bell went to find encrid again. ¡°commander, someone is here to see you.¡± ¡°alright.¡± bell tilted his head in puzzlement. with no details, encrid immediately set off. encrid, stepping out, showed a wide smile. it was a rare sight, his face brimming with excitement. ¡°do you know him?¡± bell asked. ¡°no.¡± encrid replied while walking. though he said he didn¡¯t know, his answer was filled with immense joy and excitement. it was evident that encrid couldn¡¯t hide his emotions. [t/l: please support me and read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.] [t/l: subscribe for a membership on my buy me a coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ] [additional info: if anyone is facing the issue of payment on ko-fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com] Chapter 229 ¡°One more hit and you might actually die. Want to keep going?¡±It wasn¡¯t quite time to sleep yet, but as the sun had set and it was getting dark, Rem scratched his toes and asked. Such a lackadaisical attitude. Encrid was cleaning his sword and checking his equipment before washing up. Next to him, Krais was polishing his dagger with flaxseed oil. It wasn¡¯t a particularly gentle touch, but it was a skillful one. A jack-of-all-trades, with big eyes. Encrid replied nonchalantly, ¡°I won¡¯t die.¡± To be precise, even if he did die, he¡¯d come back to life. He almost died fighting a mixed-blood Giant. He narrowly escaped death against the Swift Blade. Even sparring with Edin Molsen¡¯s guards was no joke. It was a match with real swords. Naturally, if things went wrong, it wasn¡¯t uncommon to get stabbed somewhere. From an ordinary person¡¯s perspective, it might have seemed like he was desperately trying to die. It was a sparring match where letting one¡¯s guard down could lead to death. Normally, you might think to intervene, but their Commander was a genuine madman who enjoyed this sort of thing. But is it really right to confront that ¡®Intimidation¡¯? If you don¡¯t have the strength to peel it off and overcome it immediately, it¡¯s like falling off a cliff with your bare body or jumping onto a rock-sharpened blade. ¡°It¡¯s no different from charging a heavily armored cavalry with just a quill pen.¡± Ragna chimed in, speaking while his hair was still wet from a wash, now in casual clothes. It meant it was as pointless as that. Would Audin and Jaxon¡¯s opinions be any different? Both said similar things while taking care of their own business. ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡± Only Encrid thought differently. Because he saw a path? Because he had a way to counter it? That wasn¡¯t it. It was just that, whatever appeared before him, he knew retreating meant he could never advance again. The Heart of the Beast, Focus Point, Blade of Sensation, and the Isolation Technique may have given him talent. But they didn¡¯t make Encrid an unprecedented genius. So, did anything change? No. There was much to learn, to master, and to gain. So why avoid it? Ragna felt a kind of stimulus seeing Encrid not giving up. ¡®Will.¡¯ Though he didn¡¯t perfectly master it, he could at least handle it. Only, he couldn¡¯t use the technique of Intimidation. Even if he could use it, controlling it freely was another matter entirely. In other words, it meant there was no way to practice or train it in advance. A thrilling sensation stabbed at his heart. And it was a desire he had never felt before. Something akin to thirst, which others might call ambition if they knew. ¡®Higher.¡¯ Ragna quietly immersed himself. It was a time for rest and relaxation for everyone. It was also the evening when Esther turned human. Now, once or twice a month, though only briefly, she had to stay in human form. Esther¡¯s eyes were on Encrid. No, she had been looking at him for a while. It was only now that Encrid noticed her gaze. Her enchanting eyes were like a blue lake, or a bright blue moon. With those eyes fixed on Encrid, Esther spoke. ¡°Foolish.¡± Encrid was familiar with that word. In some ways, he acted shrewd and perceptive, but when it came to his sword and his dreams, he was more than just stubborn¡ªhe was foolish. Encrid knew this well, so it wasn¡¯t an insult to him. ¡°Can you turn human once a month?¡± In response to Encrid¡¯s question, Esther dismissed it as none of his business. In truth, she could turn human as many times as she wanted in a month, but for now, it was more comfortable to stay as a panther. However, there were many things Esther had to do in her human form. She hadn¡¯t forgotten but had postponed the maintenance of her enchanted world and the adjustment of the flash golem Bonehead she acquired earlier. If the enchanted world isn¡¯t frequently checked, its power fades like a dull blade. ¡°Foolish indeed, it¡¯s broken.¡± Rem said with a laugh, tapping his head with the hand that was scratching his toes. Encrid ignored him neatly. It was that kind of evening. Audin was meditating, Ragna was already in bed like a vacation, and then Bell came by. ¡°Someone¡¯s come looking to spar. What should we do?¡± For Bell to come himself at night meant the challenger¡¯s skill was quite exceptional. ¡°Those who come at night are always up to no good.¡± From behind, Krais spoke while rummaging through his stuff. He seemed to be looking for something after finishing his dagger maintenance. ¡°I¡¯ll go take a look.¡± Whether it was shady or not, a breakthrough was needed immediately. For Encrid, sparring with a new opponent was that breakthrough. The rapier swordsman did not acknowledge it, but Encrid felt that he had improved by facing the mixed-blood Giant, the Swift Blade, Count Molsen¡¯s guards, and the rapier swordsman. To others, it might seem minor and insignificant, but he had indeed improved. In the process of honing and reflecting on his sword skills, they had been helpful. This time too, he believed it would be helpful and set off. Bell asked if he was going alone, and Encrid nodded nonchalantly. Nothing was likely to happen immediately. The others, including Rem, didn¡¯t show much interest. And rightly so. There had been quite a few who had requested sparring matches in the middle of the night. Some came secretly, fearing their reputation would be damaged if they lost in front of spectators. Others claimed they couldn¡¯t show their skills publicly. Both were valid reasons. Encrid generally respected his opponents. After all, being sought out was enjoyable in itself. But that didn¡¯t mean he accepted just anyone. It was only natural to meet opponents whose skills were somewhat proven. Bell served as that benchmark. In other words, if Bell called, it meant the opponent was worth facing. ¡°What kind of technique did he use?¡± ¡°Even though he had a sword, he used only his fists and hands, hitting like this with his palm¡ª¡®smack¡¯¡ªand it hurt.¡± Bell mimicked the opponent¡¯s technique. It was awkward and hard to gauge. By the time they reached the gate, they saw a man whose hair, appearing red in the torchlight, would likely be closer to brown in daylight. His face was youthful, and his arms were long. Encrid assessed his opponent¡¯s skill through the perspective learned from the Isolation Technique. ¡®Long arms and a good center of gravity.¡¯ A well-balanced body and long arms were advantageous for handling a sword. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°I am the former soldier.¡± Encrid stepped forward and spoke. Whoosh. A gust of wind from behind bent the torch flames to one side. As a result, the shadows between them tangled and then separated. ¡°Oh, it¡¯s you?¡± The opponent¡¯s eyes widened. While not exactly bright or clear, they held no particular malice or murderous intent. He appeared to be someone who had killed but had clear standards, a conviction or something similar. Of course, it was just a guess. One couldn¡¯t judge a person by appearances alone. There was a playful look on his face. If Rem¡¯s playful expression had a demonic slyness, this one felt more like innocent childlike mischief. ¡°Sorry about this. For coming at such a late hour.¡± The opponent apologized first, bowing his head halfway. He also scrutinized Encrid with his eyes. It was a good posture. ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡± The man¡¯s eyes scanned Encrid¡¯s entire body, from chest to feet and back up. Speaking without hiding his gaze. ¡°A well-trained body.¡± Was it an exaggeration to say that the emotion in his voice could be felt? Probably not. ¡°Where are you from?¡± Encrid asked, not hiding his anticipation. ¡°Shepherds of the Wilderness.¡± It wasn¡¯t a long conversation. Honestly, it was trivial. Encrid had grown accustomed to the embarrassing nickname of the former soldier. This meant there had been many challengers seeking him out. But he hadn¡¯t expected someone like this. The Shepherds of the Wilderness, as the name implies, were a group with unbelievable combat prowess, herding sheep in the wilderness. If you trace back their history and traditions, some say they date back to before the beginning of the Empire, a nomadic tribe. Not that it changed anything. If anything, his anticipation grew even more. The wilderness is a land overrun with monsters and beasts. Herding sheep there? They were certainly no ordinary people. ¡°Let¡¯s do it.¡± At Encrid¡¯s words, the person moved. His speed was astonishing. Just before the opponent¡¯s sword was drawn, Encrid¡¯s sword sliced through the darkness first. Clang! Whoosh! Drawing and slashing in one motion. A Middle Sword Technique, upward slash. Through the blade cutting the wind, he saw the opponent¡¯s eyes. He also saw that the opponent had somehow already drawn a dagger. And Encrid felt as though a line had been drawn between him and the opponent. Ping. A sharp, low sound filled the air. The speed of the dagger was incredibly fast. The moment he realized it, it was already right in front of him. Encrid shifted his weight onto his left foot and twisted his body, leaning back. A reflexive response. The Sense of Evasion activated. The dagger then angled sharply. A jagged trajectory. In that moment, Encrid switched his grip on his sword from both hands to a single grip. He used his free left hand to retrieve a black-bladed dagger from his waist, blocking the opponent¡¯s dagger. A weapon he had acquired after defeating the Black Blade Bandits. Clang! The daggers collided, sparks flying. In that brief moment, Encrid pulled back the sword in his right hand. Instead of a swing, it was more of a drawing cut. The opponent didn¡¯t retreat but rather maintained the proper distance, a distance where a short weapon like a dagger could be effective. The drawing blade was blocked by the opponent¡¯s dagger held at an angle. Scrrrape! Sparks flew at close range, but neither of them flinched. Neither could catch their breath properly. They had entered an intense moment. As if they were the only two in the world, where not killing the other meant death. They broke through the moonlight, scattering dirt, fighting isolated from everything around them. The opponent¡¯s hands moved faster. Encrid¡¯s hands and feet also moved busily in response. The Shepherds of the Wilderness were skilled in martial arts. Encrid didn¡¯t back down either. Neither could gain the upper hand, and Encrid momentarily forgot many things. The place, the weather, the situation, even his opponent. His heart pounded, craving short breaths. Amidst such exchanges, Encrid was immersed. Engulfed. Drawn in. A sensation similar to when he faced Mitch Hurrier took over him. At one moment, he grabbed the opponent¡¯s outstretched elbow and unleashed the Heart of Great Strength. Encrid wasn¡¯t calculating or understanding his own movements. It was purely instinctive, within the realm of senses. He grabbed the elbow, pushed it to his right side, then moved his foot to get behind the opponent. Simultaneously, he raised his sword horizontally to the opponent¡¯s neck. With the opponent¡¯s back to him, he pressed the opponent¡¯s neck between his blade and his body. It was a guillotine cut technique, where the elbow was locked, twisted behind the opponent, and then the neck was slashed. Encrid pulled the blade. Without hesitation. He was on the verge of victory, about to sever the neck. Thump! He felt resistance in the pulling blade. Encrid knew his sword was no ordinary weapon. Yet it was blocked. The opponent¡¯s sword, still in its scabbard, was somehow wedged between the shepherd¡¯s neck and Encrid¡¯s blade. A weapon that, in hindsight, looked like an ordinary black stick. ¡°Hah!¡± The shepherd let out a sigh. Simultaneously, he rocked his body back and forth and then pushed Encrid¡¯s chest with his back. Despite unleashing the Heart of Great Strength, Encrid was pushed back. The opponent¡¯s strength was formidable. The shepherd turned around. Now, his eyes held a murderous intent. Encrid couldn¡¯t afford to be pushed back, so he too filled himself with killing intent. From below to above, he stepped his left foot outward and performed another middle sword upward slash. Strength, weight, rotation, and timing. Everything aligned, and Encrid felt a thrill. At the same time, his upward-slashing sword met the opponent¡¯s black staff. Bang! A sound similar to an explosion erupted. Along with it, the sheath shattered as if bursting, and the blade inside sprang out. Encrid reacted, but he couldn¡¯t prevent the blade from grazing his forehead. Immediately after being cut, the opponent mumbled and abruptly retreated. In other words, his immersion was broken. ¡°Ah, I wasn¡¯t supposed to use this.¡± His mumbling reached Encrid¡¯s ears a beat later. ¡°Damn it. Sorry.¡± He said. ¡°Well¡­¡± Encrid found it hard to finish his sentence. What is this? Something was seeping into his body from his forehead. Poison? No, it was something different. Something other than that. ¡°Is there a priest nearby? If you go quickly, you might survive, though it might already be too late.¡± The shepherd seemed flustered, his words disjointed. A horrific pain started from his forehead and spread through his entire body. At the same time, a scream echoed from somewhere. ¡°You see, you shouldn¡¯t recklessly cut people with this¡­ This sword cuts a person¡¯s soul. If you can withstand it the moment you¡¯re cut, you might survive, but it seems it¡¯s too late.¡± It was an unnecessarily long explanation. Encrid couldn¡¯t even comprehend it as he felt something constricting his heart. The shepherd was right. He couldn¡¯t understand everything, but he caught the last part about it being too late. Something he had learned all along couldn¡¯t overcome the thing that was now consuming his mind. His vision gradually darkened. He had thought he had experienced countless things, but this kind of death was a first. Something was tearing through and slicing his head. It was also something physical. Indeed, there was a black smudge pulsating on Encrid¡¯s forehead. But he didn¡¯t feel resentful. Immersion and focus. It had been a truly meaningful time. It was hard to distinguish the skills between the opponent and himself. The shepherd had fought well. The advantage of the weapon? If this was a fight to the death, it was only right to use it. Of course, it had been a sparring match, and they had become so engrossed in the fight that it ended up like this. It wasn¡¯t an intentional cut, but a reflexive response. Encrid liked that. He had done the same. Encrid couldn¡¯t bring himself to resent the opponent. During the final guillotine cut, he had also intended to sever the opponent¡¯s neck. Stopping his hand there would have meant defeat for him. What can I say? There are moments when you¡¯d rather die than lose. He felt something similar from his opponent right now. ¡®Why?¡¯ He wasn¡¯t obsessed with victory, but if he could learn, on a day like today, he wouldn¡¯t put much weight on defeat. If it wasn¡¯t for that, he would have fought the Swift Blade or anyone else to the death. Encrid was used to reflection and contemplation. Thus, it was easy to understand his complex emotions. ¡®Ah.¡¯ A brief realization came to him. The opponent before him resembled that kid he had met when he first wandered the continent. The one who, after only six months of holding a sword, managed to wound him in the stomach. Of course, that kid hadn¡¯t grown up and come back, but this opponent brought that moment to mind. The location, the time, the weather¡ªall of it. Even the purity on the opponent¡¯s face. That¡¯s why he didn¡¯t want to lose. Because he was reminded of the kid who had shattered his beginnings. He had even considered that kid his goal for a while. ¡°Anyway, sorry for killing you.¡± The shepherd¡¯s attitude was similar. He bowed his head roughly. Damn it. It was an attitude of being sorry but having no other choice. The shepherd turned his body. As he did, he added a word. ¡°If you come back to life, consider it a debt I owe. I¡¯m Pel of the Shepherds.¡± He then took off. As if knowing it would be problematic to stay any longer. Encrid fell forward. As he collapsed, his mind was filled with thoughts of what it could be if it wasn¡¯t poison. Then darkness, dying from just a graze on the forehead. Death. Just before dying, he heard a woman¡¯s bizarre scream and the wailing of what seemed like souls rising from the depths of hell. It was a strange thing. When he closed and opened his eyes, the familiar black river appeared. The ferryman held a purple lamp and smiled. ¡°Do you think you can overcome it?¡± The ferryman asked. Encrid answered calmly. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter if I can¡¯t.¡± If being cut by the sword meant death, then he just needed to avoid being cut. Or even if he was cut. ¡®One more time.¡¯ He wanted to experience that immersion, that moment again. He wanted to fight that shepherd again. Regardless of winning or losing, the act of fighting itself filled his body with exhilaration. Encrid was sincere about it. ¡°¡­Should I fix my broken head first?¡± With those words, Encrid lost consciousness again. Anyway, could the ferryman hear outside sounds? Rem¡¯s shouted ¡®broken head¡¯ had reached even here. In any case, Rem was the problem. It was a new day again. ¡°One more time and you might really die.¡± It was the same evening again. ¡°I don¡¯t care. Rem, just teach Dunbachel properly.¡± ¡°¡­Why do you seem harsher than usual?¡± Rem expressed his doubt, but Encrid didn¡¯t answer. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com] Chapter 230 ¡®Do you think knowing will help you overcome it?¡¯The ferryman¡¯s question lingered in his mind. Encrid also remembered his own response. ¡®It doesn¡¯t matter if I don¡¯t know.¡¯ That was the truth. There was not a single lie in it. Above all, he enjoyed facing the Shepherd immensely. How to put it? A half-blood giant, the Swift Blade, the Count Molsen¡¯s guard, the Rapier Swordsman. And others who stayed by his side. Rem and Ragna, Jaxon and Audin. Facing them all had not stimulated him as much. Their skills were roughly similar, and their attitude and age all played a part. Above all, he felt a sense of advancement. Encrid¡¯s actual skill didn¡¯t dramatically improve with just one spar or one brush with death. Even if his dull senses became sharper, even if he now had a body that moved as he intended with a courageous heart. Even if he possessed superhuman concentration to see and dodge incoming arrows. The feeling and sensation of advancing couldn¡¯t be ignored. It approached him with exhilaration. ¡°The stars are out.¡± Encrid stepped outside before Bell arrived. Stars twinkled in the sky, and two moons were up. It was a dual moon night. It had to be said that it was a night unusually bright. The autumn night air was refreshingly cool compared to summer. A cool breeze brushed past his ears. This would soon turn into cold. In this brief autumn, Encrid liked the temperature. Rem, curious about what he was up to, peeked his head out of the lodging. ¡°There are still mosquitoes. What are you doing?¡± Buzz. Before the words were fully out, a mosquito buzzed past his ear. Encrid¡¯s left hand swiftly rose and caught the mosquito, killing it. Clenching his fist, Encrid turned and said. ¡°Going for a walk.¡± ¡°Suddenly?¡± ¡°Just felt like it.¡± ¡°You¡¯re quite sentimental. What, losing so often getting to you?¡± Encrid took a step and asked. ¡°If there was someone you had to defeat without even touching, what would you do?¡± ¡°I¡¯d crush their head before they could move.¡± Rem answered straightforwardly. Encrid was known for asking random questions often. After answering, Rem scratched his ear and continued. ¡°Do you know? The Commander¡¯s questions are always so random.¡± ¡°Are they?¡± Encrid agreed. Why wouldn¡¯t he? There are times he walks alone. There are days he experiences alone. There are moments he enjoys alone. Encrid¡¯s questions come from experiencing those moments and time alone. ¡°They are random.¡± Encrid replied vaguely and moved on. ¡°Make sure to visit a temple sometime, from what I see, your head seems to be quite crazily broken.¡± That bastard. That mouth of his is always a problem. Thanks to Rem, even the ferryman had said something weird. In any case. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Encrid thought walls also appeared quite randomly before him. Is this the ferryman¡¯s trick? Or is this what life inherently is? Unexpected moments, unpredictable deaths, if this was another wall like before, he couldn¡¯t overcome it just by learning through one death. Nevertheless. ¡®Ah, this will be fun.¡¯ Encrid felt an unbearable joy. He walked and soon met Bell coming from the opposite direction. Naturally. He was walking the path Bell was coming from. In other words, the path to the castle gate. ¡°Huh? Where are you going?¡± Bell asked. ¡°Where are you going?¡± ¡°I was on my way to call the Commander.¡± They exchanged words, similar to a day they had experienced before. Encrid recalled the things he knew. From the moment the priest and Bell were together, the screams that rattled his head, the monstrous cries that seemed to come from the abyss of hell. It was less a sound and more something that grabbed at his ankles from below. Of course, that wasn¡¯t the important part. The thing that had burrowed into his body wasn¡¯t a spell or a poison. To put it bluntly, it was someone¡¯s scream filled with malice. ¡®For now.¡¯ He forgot what he had recalled. First came the fight. It was about the sparring. His opponent¡¯s skill was excellent, even without considering their swordsmanship. Let¡¯s see, should he start like Rem? Encrid couldn¡¯t hide his joy, a smile constantly played on his face. Seeing this, Bell tilted his head. No matter how you looked at it, this person didn¡¯t seem normal. ¡°If you¡¯re feeling unwell, you can go back.¡± Bell spoke with concern. ¡°No.¡± Encrid was firm. His eyes were wide open, and he straightened his back. ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°I said no.¡± Encrid¡¯s words were like a firm request, and his steps were incredibly light. If anyone knew his situation, every company member would shake their heads in disbelief. Could you call those steps heading toward death? They were more like a child going on a picnic. Encrid showed light and cheerful steps as he headed out of the castle gate. The similar conversation ended again. ¡°Then.¡± Encrid took his stance, and his opponent drew a dagger. Exhilaration, excitement, and anticipation pounded in Encrid¡¯s heart. His entire skin tingled. And Encrid followed Rem¡¯s advice. Thud. He immediately maximized the Heart of Great Strength and swung his sword. Whoosh. The Middle Sword Technique, Lion Slash. A downward strike that extended outwards. It was a dynamic slash, incredibly fast and powerful enough to cut down a moving target. His opponent reacted. Perhaps they judged that it was a strike too strong to block with a mere dagger. Clang! Thud! The opponent partially drew their sword from the scabbard, grasped the handle with one hand and the scabbard with the other, and blocked the attack. Clang! The Lion Slash was blocked. As Encrid applied force to hold his position, the opponent did the same. Scrrrch. The two swords met and greeted each other. Steel against steel began to play a symphony. With their blades crossed, Encrid and the Shepherd locked eyes. For a moment, they assessed each other¡¯s capabilities through their gaze. Encrid thought anew that this person¡¯s skill might be greater than he had seen in their previous encounters. ¡®If this person who usually wields a sword is using a dagger?¡¯ Then maybe that was the case. Of course, it didn¡¯t matter. Whether the opponent drew their sword or not, that was their choice. Encrid had decided to stick with his own choice. From a distance, Bell swallowed hard as he watched. That marked the beginning of the clash similar to the ones they had before. Encrid pressed his opponent hard. He ignored the minor injuries inflicted by the dagger. As long as he avoided critical points, he aimed to cut him down within the range of his sword. Trusting his body¡¯s senses and innate reflexes, he moved to end the fight with a single strike. In the end, the Shepherd drew his sword again. This time, the swordplay was different from when he had cut his forehead. Ping! Pang! Clang! The Shepherd deflected Encrid¡¯s light one-handed thrusts with the dagger, then used the opposite hand to throw the sheathed sword upwards. After drawing the sword, he threw the scabbard. Equally immersed, Encrid reacted to all the opponent¡¯s movements. Using strength to retrieve his sword, he turned it into a heavy downward strike, and he blocked the flying scabbard with his forehead. Despite the scabbard hitting his forehead with a pop and bouncing off, Encrid didn¡¯t close his eyes. As long as he didn¡¯t lose sight of the opponent¡¯s sword, he could evade. He had the Sense of Evasion. It wasn¡¯t impossible. Whoosh! The Shepherd grabbed the sword he had thrown into the air, and its blade curved like a snake, cutting Encrid¡¯s cheek. He dodged but missed by just half a finger¡¯s breadth. A fierce battle continued, both fully immersed. ¡®I saw it.¡¯ The opponent¡¯s skill was formidable. Encrid judged it to be higher than the Swift Blade. Avoiding such an opponent¡¯s blade without a single scratch was exceedingly difficult. But difficulty didn¡¯t mean he would give up. He only recalled what he learned from today¡¯s clash. A scream echoed in his ears again. ¡°Ah, this shouldn¡¯t happen. I cut you without realizing.¡± He heard the opponent mutter. A monstrous cry, as if from the depths of hell, grabbed his ankle. His body was getting heavy. From just one experience, Encrid knew what was happening. And knowing the pain could kill him, but it couldn¡¯t stop him. ¡°What is that sword?¡± ¡°Do you have any idea?¡± ¡°Because I think I¡¯m about to die. Just tell me.¡± ¡°Speaking even when you¡¯re cut? You¡¯re an interesting person. This is a sword with a demon¡¯s soul. I swore not to use it carelessly on people. So, I¡¯m sorry.¡± His words were disjointed, as always, the guy lacked sense. ¡°Alright, I get it. Pel.¡± ¡°¡­Did I ever tell you my name?¡± He hadn¡¯t. He heard it in the first instance of ¡®today¡¯. That was the end. He died. ¡°You¡¯re insane.¡± The ferryman appeared for the second time in a row. Seeing him, Encrid spoke his mind without realizing it. It wasn¡¯t intentional. This was a dream, which made it impossible to hide his true feelings. ¡°Are you bored lately?¡± The ferryman¡¯s body swayed on the boat. The purple lamp also swayed. Silence followed. Brief but very quiet. The black river made no sound of flowing water. At the end of the silence. ¡°Bastard¡­¡± The ferryman tried to utter some curse but Encrid woke up immediately. Encrid, upon waking, immediately questioned Ragna. ¡°Is there a sword technique that can block all attacks?¡± ¡°Where did you hear that? It¡¯s the ultimate technique of the Fluid Sword Technique.¡± The Fluid Sword Technique was a flowing, streaming sword style. A sword that achieves both offense and defense simultaneously. ¡°Can you do it?¡± ¡°The basics.¡± If he couldn¡¯t evade with the Sense of Evasion due to speed and timing. ¡®Then I¡¯ll just have to block.¡¯ That was the plan. After learning the basics of the Fluid Sword Technique from Ragna, he set out again in the evening. Still. ¡®Today will be more fun.¡¯ Thanks to two experiences, he figured out some of his opponent¡¯s habits. Today, he would use that knowledge. So began the third day. ¡°Do you know me?¡± ¡°No.¡± ¡°Then why do you look at me like that? Do you have a habit of pretending to be familiar with people?¡± The Shepherd tilted his head. Encrid ignored him. They clashed again. It wasn¡¯t until after he fell for it that he realized what he thought was a habit was a trap. Barely overcoming and clashing swords again. This time, the blade grazed his thigh. Since he wasn¡¯t wearing armor, the blade cut through his pants and left a wound. Again, screams, monstrous cries from the abyss. As he tried to speak, a similar question returned. ¡°Do you have it?¡± Why did he keep asking if he had something? ¡°What?¡± The Shepherd answered as if it were obvious. ¡°Will.¡± ¡°No.¡± Encrid didn¡¯t say much more before he died again. How to put it, this death felt particularly frustrating. His neck wasn¡¯t cut, nor was his heart crushed. If he had to determine the cause of death, what would it be? ¡®Heart attack?¡¯ The experience of feeling his heart stop was rare even for Encrid, who had died many times. In any case, something had burrowed into his body from the wound and then scrambled and shook his mind. That was all. To put it metaphorically. ¡®It feels like a bug entered my body.¡¯ The bug was incredibly swift and relentless, tearing his body apart. It strangled and shattered his heart. The fourth day, the fifth day. Encrid refined his Fluid Sword Technique. During the repetition of twenty-eight days. ¡°Take care.¡± He began to familiarize himself with his opponent¡¯s swordsmanship. ¡°Just so you know, I won¡¯t know even if I die.¡± Srrng. With just a few swings, Encrid forced the Shepherd to draw his sword. Encrid tried both dodging and blocking. He repeated this process. The unexpected wall continued to bring Encrid death. After forty-seven times, Encrid muttered as soon as he opened his eyes. ¡°If I can¡¯t dodge or block?¡± It was a rare early morning when Rem was already awake. He spoke up. ¡°¡­Go on, tell me. What kind of dream did you have this time? I used to do some dream interpretation in my youth. So, what kind of dream was it?¡± ¡°A dream where I die if I get even a scratch.¡± Encrid was straightforward. ¡°You need to give more details. Your attitude is all wrong.¡± Encrid got up and moved through his usual routine. Practicing the Isolation Technique, training, refining the Fluid Sword Technique. ¡°Did you already know some of this, or did you learn it somewhere?¡± Ragna commented as he watched Encrid¡¯s swordplay. It was a remark on how much his skill had improved overnight. Encrid didn¡¯t notice it himself. His mind was cluttered. ¡®Is killing one skilled opponent the wall? Is that all it takes?¡¯ He pondered what the wall truly was. Reflecting on it, the ferryman¡¯s walls were never ordinary enemies. ¡®The piercing freak.¡¯ From the start. ¡®The magical trap.¡¯ From the sudden trap. ¡®I could only use one hand.¡¯ None of the walls were simple. When he was heading toward the enemy¡¯s banner, he had even faced sorcery. So, what was it this time? Around the seventieth day, Encrid inflicted a major wound on his opponent. Thump! The Shepherd coughed up blood from the slash beneath his chest. It seemed more like internal damage from the impact than a mere cut. ¡°Damn, you didn¡¯t dodge and just rushed in?¡± Encrid swung his blade, using it like a blunt weapon, despite being cut by his opponent¡¯s sword. The Shepherd spoke informally for the first time, surprise evident in his eyes. ¡°I saw an opening.¡± ¡°Even though I told you, you¡¯d die if my sword pierced you?¡± Yes, he said those words before the fight began. If you get cut, you die. Even a scratch will kill you. He said he didn¡¯t want to reach such a situation and just wanted to test his skills through sparring. But why should it be that way? Encrid truly, genuinely didn¡¯t want that. A fight pushed to the limit, an opponent that made him pour out everything for the first time since Mitch Hurrier. ¡®If you are the wall.¡¯ What happens if we both die? This question arose in Encrid¡¯s mind. And on the eighty-ninth day, the question was resolved. ¡°Gah!¡± He took his opponent¡¯s sword and put a hole in his belly. A sword that pierced through the skin, cut the intestines, and broke a few ribs for good measure. As soon as Encrid plunged his sword in, he twisted his wrist and pulled it out. Blood gushed from the twisted and extracted wound. The Shepherd¡¯s complexion turned pale. Blood dripped to the ground, and if the sun had been shining, you would have seen the pink of his intestines. Clutching his belly with his hand, he mumbled. ¡°Ah, I can¡¯t die here, I have so much to do.¡± The Shepherd¡¯s eyes glazed over. Death shadowed his face. His eyes looked at Encrid, then somewhere far off into the void. Finally, his gaze returned to Encrid, and the Shepherd spoke. ¡°This wasn¡¯t necessary.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Encrid¡¯s neck was also cut by the opponent¡¯s sword. He spoke while covering the wound with his hand, his voice rough. The wound wasn¡¯t deep. Blood flowed freely, but it wasn¡¯t a mortal wound. The problem was that the Shepherd¡¯s sword was not ordinary. In the meantime, something had changed. ¡®I can endure it.¡¯ More than eighty repetitions of ¡®today¡¯. That meant eighty experiences of the same thing. Unconsciously, Encrid resisted the something imbued in his opponent¡¯s sword. However, the conclusion didn¡¯t change. Death loomed. With screams, something roamed his body as if it were its own home, ravaging his heart and brain. ¡°Damn it! Commander!¡± Bell¡¯s voice was heard from behind. It was Bell¡¯s cry as he approached, heard because death had been delayed. He opened his eyes to greet a new day. Encrid lay there thinking for a moment before half-rising from his bed. He returned to his routine, finishing the Isolation Technique from early dawn and returning to the barracks. He asked in front of all the Company members. ¡°Who can use Will?¡± He clearly felt that now, more than ever, he needed to understand it, at least partially. He decided that when the time came, he would overcome it. He believed that time had come. He couldn¡¯t overcome it all at once. He didn¡¯t believe he would become a Knight in a single leap. But if it was a fragment, he felt it was now time to reach out for it. That was Encrid¡¯s belief. The time to walk and reach out was now. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com] Chapter 231 Today, a wall, a threat, a crisis, a critical moment, an obstacle.Just as there are many ways to call for help, there isn¡¯t just one way to overcome it. One of the easiest ways. A demon born from the temple, an axeman, a sly assassin, a grumpy panther wizard, a lazy swordsman. They are companions, allies. If asked to follow, some of them would gladly do so. With just them, a threat is no longer a threat. Even without their help, there are many ways. In the end, it¡¯s a matter of not getting cut. There¡¯s a way to fight without getting cut until you win. Due to the curse, Encrid, even if he dies, lives only for ¡®today¡¯. You could call him a soldier who lives only for ¡®today¡¯. Repeating over and over, countless repetitions will eventually open the door. But none of this remained in Encrid¡¯s mind. There are people who only look forward and move towards their goal once they find it. Encrid was at the extreme end of such a person. Above all else. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. It was as if the wall was provoking him to climb over it. Even if there are hundreds of ways. Even if there is an easier path. Even if there is a faster way. Encrid had the stubbornness to head towards the destination he set for himself. That¡¯s why people said his head was broken. ¡®That¡¯s unpleasant.¡¯ It¡¯s not something he wants to hear, especially not from Rem. And certainly not from the ferryman. One is known for beating or axing his superiors as a hobby. The other enjoys trapping people in ¡®today¡¯ and driving them insane. Neither of them has the right to comment on someone else¡¯s mental state. Of course, even if it wasn¡¯t just those two, Encrid would never accept such a remark. ¡®My head is broken, huh.¡¯ It¡¯s nonsense. He just has a clear dream, he¡¯s a normal person. Anyway, ¡°What? You had it all along?¡± ¡°Did you already have it?¡± ¡°If you have it, you won¡¯t die. Ah, thank goodness!¡± ¡°Ah, I was so startled.¡± This is the reaction when you talk nonchalantly after being cut by the Shepherd¡¯s sword. You can¡¯t help but ask what exactly you need to have. So he asked. That¡¯s how he heard the word. ¡°Will.¡± The Shepherd said, and Encrid felt its necessity. There was something blocking the path he wanted to walk. As Encrid groped the wall blocking his way, he found a clue. He felt it. Faint but clear. After organizing his thoughts throughout the Isolation Technique, he returned to his quarters. It was a day with bright sunshine, blue skies, and white clouds. Behind the door of his quarters was a splendid sky. With that as the backdrop, Encrid raised his left hand and said. ¡°Will, who can do it?¡± At the question, everyone fell silent for a moment. The panther Esther, being a wizard, naturally ignored it. Since the morning, that man has been spouting nonsense again. It was a daily occurrence. ¡°Krrrrr.¡± Expressing her intention with a light growl, Esther rolled around on the soft fur. It was a fur Krais had rescued some time ago. He was the one most startled by seeing her transform into a human. ¡°Why? Why do you become human? You were a panther.¡± ¡°Impertinent human.¡± Telling him this, Krais really turned pale and brought various items. It was one of those. Sitting on beast fur in the form of a beast looked quite strange, but Esther was satisfied. Warm leather is nice, but softness is the best. There was one such indifferent beast, and others each had their own circumstances. Rem could not frankly be said to handle ¡®Will¡¯. ¡®That¡¯s something the people of this continent use.¡¯ Instead, Rem could reach a similar destination in a different way. Possessing the prowess of a Knight and ¡®Will¡¯ are entirely different matters, but would he accept it if explained? Encrid made it clear. He wasn¡¯t asking about how to reach the destination. He precisely uttered the single word ¡®Will¡¯ from his mouth. After a moment of contemplation, Rem responded. He answered while wearing one boot and stopping halfway with the other. Encrid¡¯s words had given him something to think about. ¡°I can¡¯t do it.¡± If it was a different method other than ¡®Will¡¯, it might be similarly possible. Regardless, what¡¯s not possible is not possible. Rem answered thus and, still bent over, finished putting on his boot. Jaxon had neither become a Knight nor wished to be one, nor had he ever trained to master ¡®Will¡¯. However, he instinctively felt something when looking at those who were Junior-Knights. There was something vaguely similar inside him. But is this ¡®Will¡¯? Is it the ¡®willpower¡¯ they talk about? He didn¡¯t know. He couldn¡¯t teach something he wasn¡¯t sure about himself. Jaxon shook his head. Audin had Divine Power within him, and nothing corrupt could enter the body of one who possessed Divine Power. Not all things deemed corrupt were necessarily harmful or evil. For a human to use their willpower to awaken their own power was also seen as corrupt in the eyes of the divine. Though it may not be wrong, it¡¯s not the path for those who have first taken the Divine Power. Those who awaken Divine Power do not master ¡®Will¡¯, instead, they open their path in their own way and rise above Knights. Audin was no different. Divine Power was sufficient for him. ¡°Are you in a hurry, brother?¡± It was a gentle question. Encrid had been lost in thought the whole time he was training with the Isolation Technique. Even so, he had earnestly participated in the Isolation Technique. Encrid was an ascetic who confronted and challenged his limits daily. At least in Audin¡¯s view, he was. He effortlessly broke through the limitations of his physical talents. Such a person desires this. Audin wanted to give it to him. But he couldn¡¯t give what he didn¡¯t possess. ¡®Gaining Divine Power would be faster.¡¯ But without sincere faith, it would only be a hindrance. Audin shook his head as well. ¡°Not in a hurry.¡± Encrid said in a clear voice. By now, the hand he had raised was lowered. His arm hung naturally, his shoulders were relaxed, showing he wasn¡¯t tense and indeed didn¡¯t seem hurried. The only one left was Ragna. Ragna woke up at the sound of Encrid¡¯s voice. Oversleeping was almost his trademark. The blonde man shook his head, still with sleep in his eyes. ¡°Dandruff¡¯s falling off. Lazy bum.¡± Rem grumbled, but Ragna didn¡¯t care and spoke. ¡°I can teach you if you want, but it will be pointless.¡± ¡°Why?¡± Encrid asked, standing. Ragna continued indifferently. ¡°To explain, it¡¯s like the Commander¡¯s hair being black and my hair being blonde.¡± Ragna subtly nodded as if admiring his own words. He seemed to think it was an excellent analogy. This was, somehow,like explaining things to a grown puppy. ¡°Do you call that an explanation?¡± Rem, the second worst at explanations, stepped in to criticize. Jaxon chuckled, and Audin turned his head away, pretending not to notice. With that single chuckle, sparks flew again between Rem and Jaxon. ¡°If you¡¯re going to fight, do it outside.¡± In the past, Encrid, not knowing any better, would have intervened between the two. He would have blocked them with his body. Those were the days when he knew nothing. Now he understands by just watching. Whether they really intend to fight or are just expressing their displeasure. This time, it was a display of displeasure. Ragna¡¯s straightforward words continued again. ¡°Even if you dye your hair blonde, your natural hair will eventually show. And even if it¡¯s the same blonde, the shade will be subtly different. In the end, you have to live with your own hair.¡± If this guy didn¡¯t know how to wield a sword, he would have been discarded somewhere. He can¡¯t find his way, his explanations are terrible, he¡¯s lazy, and he¡¯s not particularly perceptive. But the moment he holds a sword, he stands out like a lone crane among a flock of chickens. Or rather, not a crane, but a golden crane? That thought arises because he emphasizes his blonde hair. ¡°Why not show it with your body instead of your mouth?¡± Encrid¡¯s sweat hadn¡¯t dried yet. Seeing this, Ragna slowly stood up. ¡°Sure.¡± The two went outside. Rem and Jaxon also stopped their display of mutual disdain and exchanged blessings. ¡°You¡¯ll die of an STD, you bastard.¡± This was Rem¡¯s blessing for Jaxon, who frequented brothels. ¡°I hope you die within the year.¡± This was Jaxon¡¯s blessing. Audin looked fondly at the two encouraging each other. ¡°What are you looking at, bear?¡± Of course, Rem¡¯s outburst reached him too, but he ignored it. A sulking Rem was more dangerous than a dog in heat. ¡°Let¡¯s go. Sister Dunbachel, please watch too. Sister Finn has been frequently absent lately.¡± ¡°She said she¡¯s busy.¡± Krais replied, and they all went outside. They saw Encrid and Ragna facing off with training wooden swords. ¡°I don¡¯t know how to do anything like Intimidation.¡± Ragna said this while crossing swords. The phrase ¡®explain with a sword instead of your tongue¡¯ was more than appropriate. Encrid was just thinking that. Why wouldn¡¯t he? Seeing something like this in front of him. ¡°Instead, I know how to do this.¡± Whoosh. Ragna¡¯s wooden sword disappeared. That¡¯s how it looked to Encrid. It was that fast. Just like lightning leaves an afterimage, a long afterimage was left, but he couldn¡¯t follow it in real-time. Snap. That was the only sound. The result of the invisible wooden sword was that Encrid¡¯s sword was left in two pieces in his hand. A wooden sword had cut through another wooden sword. Encrid could do it too. But not like this. It wasn¡¯t broken, it was cut. All he heard was the snapping sound, at a speed he couldn¡¯t react to. He said he couldn¡¯t use Intimidation, but his momentum was similar to it. Even though he had swung his sword only once, Encrid felt an explosive force from Ragna for a moment. And when he looked into Ragna¡¯s eyes, weren¡¯t they like jewels emitting light? ¡°It¡¯s Severance.¡± That¡¯s the thing he had told him to learn before. Later, he had instructed him to master the Steel Slash and Lion Slash for this purpose. ¡°This is my current ¡®Will¡¯.¡± Things that can¡¯t be understood through simple training. Encrid asked, and he listened. Even if the speaker¡¯s tongue is poor, the truth within does not change. The listener¡¯s ears and heart were open, making it difficult but possible to understand. Above all, there was advice from Rem, Audin, and Jaxon, who were watching. What is ¡®Will¡¯? It is ¡®willpower¡¯. That is its foundation. But if it were just willpower, how could ¡®Will¡¯ enable one to surpass human limits? Why has it become a symbol of Knights? An invisible power forged from willpower. That is what they call ¡®Will¡¯. ¡°It¡¯s different for everyone, like hair color.¡± Ragna, seemingly fond of the hair color analogy, repeated himself. Yes, now it could be understood. ¡®Will¡¯ cannot be taught. One can offer the initial spark of realization through a rite or help someone stuck at a wall. But that rite cannot make one awaken ¡®Will¡¯. Awakening and mastering are also separate matters. One can master it through a rite but cannot be made to awaken it. However, it can be mastered. Experiencing it repeatedly might lead to feeling it. That¡¯s what the rite is for. ¡°I trained the Lion Slash and Steel Slash at least a thousand times a month for Severance.¡± Based on the words of the talented Ragna, ¡®Will is something to be awakened, not taught.¡¯ It might seem like a long road, but he also mentioned the rite in between. ¡°A rite.¡± It¡¯s not the original meaning used by the temple. An invisible power forged from willpower. After creating a technique based on it, one is exposed to it. ¡°To awaken ¡®Will¡¯, a Squire of the Knights receives the rite once a month if fortunate, usually once every three months.¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t that too few?¡± ¡°Even so, some feel like they are going mad. That¡¯s why the Intimidation of that guy with the rapier is dangerous.¡± Why did Rem and the others react so sensitively to the Intimidation of a former Junior-Knight named Asia? This was the reason. ¡°Rebelling against the rite is a way to master ¡®Will¡¯ on your own.¡± Ragna surprisingly knew a lot. One might wonder what it would have been like if he had explained this from the beginning. ¡°Why did you use the hair color analogy?¡± ¡°To make it easier to understand.¡± He hoped Ragna would drop such efforts. Encrid nodded, thinking this. One cannot dismiss the efforts of another as worthless. That effort will surely shine someday, if not today. Just as he masters the sword, Ragna might be learning something too. Like how to speak or find his way. ¡°But why did you split it?¡± Rem, watching closely, asked. Encrid rubbed his face. ¡®Ah, I smiled without realizing it.¡¯ He couldn¡¯t help but laugh. Even with the rite, even if one endures it, they said one could not master ¡®Will¡¯. It¡¯s difficult to even grasp a small clue. That¡¯s why Encrid laughed. As if he had already seen something. It wouldn¡¯t be an easy path. Naturally. He was aware of that. So what? When was it ever easy? For Encrid, the sword, the dream, was never an easy path. The Shepherd said that ¡®Will¡¯ was necessary to overcome the mysterious power of the blade. The answer wasn¡¯t far away. ¡®Today¡¯s¡¯ repetition, the Shepherd¡¯s sword, that is the rite, the opportunity. Something he had experienced over eighty times already. He couldn¡¯t help it when he didn¡¯t know, but now, with the explanation, he had a vague realization. Sixth sense and intuition were just as invisible. When he mastered those, did he know what he was doing? Wasn¡¯t it similar when he trained his senses to open the Gate of Sixth Sense, and when he pierced through traps created by spells? So, what if he does the same thing this time? A method to resist the invisible force? He didn¡¯t know. The path? He couldn¡¯t see it. So, does that make it a problem? No, it wasn¡¯t a problem. Encrid laughed. He thought of rolling along until he died, or rather, while dying. No matter how difficult the path, he could laugh. Because that would elevate him one step higher. Rem, who had been watching the laughing Encrid closely, spoke with a worried tone and serious demeanor. ¡°Are you really not going to visit the temple?¡± [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com] Chapter 232 There is no law that says you must walk with your eyes fixed straight ahead just because you have chosen a path and decided to walk it.Didn¡¯t the great merchant Rengardis also say, ¡°Keep your eyes wide open and watch the ground around you. You never know where you might find a stray Krona.¡± Surely, he wasn¡¯t the kind of person who would pick up a single coin from a fairy tale. After all, he was known as a merchant. However, the meaning of his words was clear. For instance, if you find a pouch of gold coins on your way, it is only right to pick it up. If you are planning to camp on your journey, it¡¯s a good idea to collect dry branches. If you can catch two birds with one stone, wouldn¡¯t it be right to throw it? Encrid did just that. ¡®Will.¡¯ Even though he set his goal, he didn¡¯t act foolishly or recklessly. He did not become a racehorse running blindly forward. What could he do until the Shepherd, who comes in the evening, arrived on this repetitive day? Training, fighting, pondering. Encrid summarized his tasks into three categories. He learned the basics of the Fluid Sword Technique from Ragna and trained alone repeatedly. Later, he learned more about the Valaf-Style Martial Arts from Audin. Their reactions were similar. ¡°Have you learned this somewhere? Or have you been secretly practicing with a sword all this time?¡± ¡°When did you train so much in martial arts? Brother, you make me proud.¡± Encrid nodded roughly to both of them. Though he was trapped in the present and trained alone, it wasn¡¯t a lie. In truth, he didn¡¯t hear such words often. Encrid focused more on training than sparring. He would ponder alone, swing his sword, and move his body. When his mind wouldn¡¯t work, he would exhaust his body using the Isolation Technique while sweating profusely. ¡°Are you hoping to hear me say that you shouldn¡¯t overdo it, brother?¡± Had he trained his body to the point where Audin was worried? Encrid answered indifferently. ¡°Exercising makes my mind work better.¡± ¡°That¡¯s true. Your brain needs blood flow to think properly.¡± Jaxon muttered beside him. If we consider Jaxon¡¯s former or current job, he would probably know more about the human body structure than anyone. ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s right.¡± Encrid learned that through his body. When his mind wouldn¡¯t work, he moved his body. When moving his body didn¡¯t solve the problem, he sat down and pondered. When the repetitive ¡®today¡¯ passed the hundred and eightieth time. Encrid had mastered the basics of the Fluid Sword Technique, honed the Valaf-Style Martial Arts through Audin, and learned how to handle his senses through Jaxon. If he had to spend time anyway, he might as well refine and polish what he had. It wasn¡¯t just that. Beyond swordsmanship, martial arts, and senses. What he learned from his comrades and subordinates became sharper, more sensitive, and bolder. His senses became sharper, his concentration more acute, and his judgment bolder. But even so. Swish! He couldn¡¯t avoid the blade brushing against his body. The blade that grazed the back of his hand swiftly turned around. The sword, flying like a snake, was based on the Swift Blade and the Illusion Sword Techniques. ¡®Once drawn, it¡¯s hard to block.¡¯ If he had the skill to avoid and block without being grazed, he could win without being touched. To do that. ¡®I¡¯d have to become a Knight right away.¡¯ The opponent in front of him was better than the one called Swift Blade. What if he were a half-blood Giant? ¡®It seems like it¡¯s a matter of who delivers the fatal blow first.¡¯ What does it mean to gauge an opponent¡¯s skill? If Encrid had wanted to kill his opponent, he could have done so several times already. During almost two hundred days of ¡®today¡¯, he never spent a single day idly. That¡¯s why it was possible. However, not even grazing them remained difficult. It felt like a separate matter. Is it really impossible unless he becomes a Knight? If not, he would have to defend all night long. He had already tried that. When midnight passed, the same ¡®today¡¯ would just begin again. ¡®No more defense for now.¡¯ Through the Sense of Evasion, avoiding and blocking all day was meaningless. So, what should he do? From that moment, there were only battles as if in real combat. Encrid fought and fought again. If there was a time of conscious rebellion after being hit, he also continuously utilized the time spent before that. The time to figure out how to overcome this barrier after defense and evasion, to learn from the opponent, and to grasp and embody what he learned alone. It was neither tiresome nor hasty. There was no reason to be. He was too engrossed in learning something new every day. Even if it was meaningless to resist something inherent in the sword, he ignored it. He pursued joy. Naturally, it made Encrid realize many things in various ways. ¡®During that time.¡¯ Was it because he had learned too many miscellaneous things? As he incorporated them one by one into his body, Encrid himself felt he was becoming more solid than before. However, there was no time to be engrossed or indulge in it. Even though ¡®today¡¯ was repetitive, each day was busy. There were things to do every day without rest. Pondering, thinking, and moving his body. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. If anyone saw him, they would undoubtedly think he was completely mad. ¡°What is it, what drives you?¡± Even the ferryman asked such a question. Despite the repetition of ¡®today¡¯, why couldn¡¯t he let a single day pass idly? It wasn¡¯t that he couldn¡¯t, he just didn¡¯t. Encrid was enjoying the present. Rather than seeing a faded dream and struggling in darkness where not even an inch ahead was visible. Even if the road was blocked and the wall obstructed him, the fact that there was light beyond gave him more joy than ever. Even if suffering and pain followed. Encrid felt the joy of growth once again. Though he never thought he was stagnant, facing the opportunity to advance was always joy and ecstasy. That joy drove him. After being injured on his wrist again. When a scratch appeared on Encrid¡¯s hand, the Shepherd frowned. It was a face that showed this was an unwanted situation. Encrid wiped his injured hand with the opposite hand. As he wiped away the blood droplets, blood trickled from the wound the size of two finger joints. He was now accustomed to the screams that sounded like a banshee grabbing his earlobe and the shrieks as if a ghoul was sticking its head into his stomach. Although it wasn¡¯t that it wasn¡¯t painful, he could refrain from showing it outwardly. Thus, his nonchalant tone came forth. ¡°Does that sword have a name?¡± ¡°¡­Oh? Are you alright?¡± The Shepherd was rather surprised. Having seen it more than once, Encrid cleanly ignored the opponent¡¯s reaction. ¡°The sword¡¯s name.¡± Only then did he throw his question. The Shepherd mumbled and then answered. ¡°It¡¯s called Idol Slayer.¡± It was a sword worthy of having a name. Of course, it was a name he had heard for the first time. He still didn¡¯t know anything about the sword¡¯s power or the principle by which people died because of it. He had asked about that, but it was hard to get an answer from his opponent. For him, today was their first encounter, so it would be hard to give a proper answer even if he asked. ¡®Even if I heard it, it wouldn¡¯t be useful.¡¯ ¡®Will¡¯ is something that cannot be explained, something that cannot be taught, something that cannot be conveyed. Among these, what is called a rite is also a type of superstition. A rite doesn¡¯t necessarily mean one realizes ¡®Will¡¯. ¡°If a talented human is placed in a life-threatening situation, wouldn¡¯t they realize it? So if they are cut by a blade forged by willpower, wouldn¡¯t they understand the feeling?¡± This method, which started from such a question, is called a rite. So even if he heard it, it wouldn¡¯t be useful. Whatever that sword was, if it had ¡®Will¡¯, it was said that he wouldn¡¯t die. That sword was something forged by ¡®Will¡¯. So he didn¡¯t ask and just rolled with it. He decided to learn by experiencing. ¡°Can you forge it? Can you block it?¡± The Shepherd asked, and Encrid shook his head. This was a common question as his time withstanding the sword lengthened. Once again, the repetition of ¡®today¡¯. Afterward, Encrid performed a few tricks. For example, instead of blocking and avoiding the sword all day, he would do something like making sure the opponent couldn¡¯t even draw their sword in the first place. Thump! Tak, Tuk. He raised his chin from below the opponent¡¯s palm, then swung his hand horizontally towards the Shepherd¡¯s neck, who dodged it. The Shepherd blocked with his chin pulled back. He was skilled in martial arts as well. Encrid, while performing tricks with his hands, at some point stepped on the opponent¡¯s foot. When his foot was stepped on, the Shepherd¡¯s hand twisted. Though he was skilled in martial arts, it wasn¡¯t his specialty. This guy was a swordsman. When the opponent gripped the sword hilt, Encrid gripped it together with him. It was a result achieved by getting inside the range of a dagger strike in close quarters. ¡®Valaf-Style Martial Arts Pommel Pressing.¡¯ One of the secret techniques to prevent the opponent from drawing their sword. It was a skill he had learned and mastered recently. ¡°¡­I¡¯ve lost.¡± The Shepherd, filled with the desire to win, tried to draw his sword but even failed at that. Even knowing that drawing his sword was dangerous, he attempted it. However, his opponent blocked that source. It was a situation worth admitting defeat. ¡°No, let¡¯s do it again.¡± But Encrid stepped back and said. He retreated to the distance of sword range. Shing. Encrid drew his sword. ¡°It¡¯s sharp and keen. Be careful.¡± As he mentioned that his weapon was no ordinary one, the Shepherd bit his lips for a moment and then drew his sword. Ting! In an instant, he drew his sword and pointed it forward. ¡°You will die if you even get grazed. Consider it coated with a deadly poison.¡± The two moons intertwined their shadows. Due to the peculiar angle, the Shepherd¡¯s shadow appeared larger than Encrid¡¯s. ¡®How kind. Telling me not to get even grazed.¡¯ It was the opponent¡¯s repeated kindness. Encrid nodded. As it was a signal to attack, the Shepherd took his stance. It was a more cautious stance than ever before. He had no choice. The opponent had bound his sword with fists and feet. And then, swords extended their tongues towards each other. Clang! Sparks flew as steel met steel. Despite having seen various sword techniques and habits of using feet, Encrid felt it was new every time he raised his sword to engage. ¡®You improve while fighting.¡¯ It was talent, something he did not possess. Realizing this did not make him jealous. He was simply pleased with his opponent¡¯s progress. Every day, although repetitive, brought a new opponent. Because of this, winning without getting grazed by that sword was impossible. Enduring all night and winning were different matters. He didn¡¯t intend to purposely get stabbed, but he also didn¡¯t want to spend the day just enduring. This time was no different. Slash. A light wound, a scream began. Soon, his heart stopped, and his mind went blank. It felt as if someone was stabbing his head with a red-hot poker. It was extreme pain. Terrible pain. And thus, Encrid died. He died. He died again. And again. He died over three hundred times. Consecutive deaths, continuous deaths. Each time, he used Valaf-Style Martial Arts to prevent the sword from being drawn. As he continued, his skill naturally improved. Of course, all of this was merely secondary. ¡®I can¡¯t catch it.¡¯ In the invisible darkness, Encrid became a lost wanderer. He saw a light far away, but he couldn¡¯t reach it, couldn¡¯t get closer. So, did anything change? Even though he couldn¡¯t see the way, nothing changed, so Encrid walked silently. He crawled. Even though he struggled, as long as he could move forward, he was a traveler and a wanderer. ¡°You fool.¡± It was the ferryman¡¯s words. Whenever he spoke, it was always something like that. You fool. You idiot. You ignoramus. He didn¡¯t seem to consider that the listener might get hurt. Of course, he wasn¡¯t hurt. He walked through such a foolish autumn day. He picked up fallen leaves on the path. One day, while walking with the picked-up leaves in his arms, the light brushed against his hand. ¡®Die.¡¯ A voice was heard amidst the screams. Encrid reacted instinctively to those words. No, it was something he had always, truly, and earnestly screamed. Though outwardly calm, Encrid was always struggling and resisting internally. His resistance was always the same, and ultimately, it converged into one desire and wish. ¡®I don¡¯t want to.¡¯ He didn¡¯t want to die. He wouldn¡¯t die. No matter what your blade does, I won¡¯t die. It was a statement containing that resolve. This time, too, he died. But it was a different death from before. The pain was the same, but. ¡°Huh? Didn¡¯t you say you couldn¡¯t do it?¡± For a while, a really long while, he endured. What should this be called? Humans don¡¯t have tails. If a tail suddenly grew, it would surely be difficult to use. So, to use it, practice would be necessary. On a path shrouded in darkness, the moment he realized what to do. It could be seen as a matter of sense, or as something intentional. What is ¡®willpower¡¯? What is ¡®Will¡¯? ¡®As I desire.¡¯ If the sword¡¯s message upon being cut by the Shepherd¡¯s blade was death, if the sword¡¯s coercion was death. Encrid had only one thing to do. On the four hundred and eighty-fifth ¡®today¡¯. Even though he overwhelmed his opponent with both sword and fist, when he couldn¡¯t block the sword brushing against his shoulder. Encrid felt the will to die. It was a one-sided attack and pressure from the sword. An intangible force that strangled his heart and scorched his mind. Because he felt it clearly, he could refuse. When he couldn¡¯t feel it, he had to die without knowing anything, but because he felt it. Just as you would brush away an approaching hand to express your intention. He could show his will in such a way. ¡°No.¡± Speaking aloud, he shows his will. Something he didn¡¯t know before he realized it. Something he could never have anticipated before willpower, ¡®Will¡¯, was translated into an intangible force. ¡°Ah.¡± The Shepherd opened his mouth in surprise. Encrid deflected the ¡®will to die¡¯ that came from the wound on his shoulder. He was simply cut and muttering to himself. There was no explosion of intangible pressure, no light streaming down, and no magical phenomenon occurred. Despite that. Because he had peeled away the intangible coercion and will that those who had touched the power of ¡®Will¡¯ could feel. The Shepherd knew, and Encrid knew. Now, the Shepherd¡¯s sword could not be fatal to Encrid. It could not harm him. Apart from the utility of the blade, the ¡®willpower¡¯ contained in that sword could no longer kill Encrid. Encrid recognized that he had deflected something. It was someone¡¯s lifetime, their life, and their resentment. Someone had imbued that sword with ¡®Will¡¯. And he had just broken it. ¡°¡­Did you just realize it now?¡± The Shepherd was quick-witted. ¡°Yes.¡± He didn¡¯t deny it. He even felt a slight desire to be honest. It wasn¡¯t just now, there were over four hundred days of ¡®today¡¯. Of course, he couldn¡¯t say that. ¡°I¡¯ve lost.¡± The Shepherd let his arms drop. The tip of the sword in his hand touched the ground. He looked despondent. He also seemed somewhat relieved. Encrid knew that ¡®today¡¯ had ended. The two moons still shone on them. Among the long shadows, Encrid¡¯s appeared larger. It was the change in shadows created by the passing moon. Encrid muttered to himself. ¡®This is Will.¡¯ This wasn¡¯t all. It was just a tiny part. He could only ¡®refuse¡¯. Even so. ¡°This is crazy.¡± He was thrilled to death. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com] Chapter 233 ¡°Believe it or not, I¡¯m indebted to you. I am Pel, the Shepherd of the Wilderness. I hope we can meet again sometime.¡±Shepherd Pel said. Encrid, with the moonlight behind him, nodded. Pel, unable to hold back, spoke as he looked at Encrid. ¡°I¡¯ve never seen a genius like you.¡± Encrid did not bother to deny the words. In fact, even if Pel had said, ¡°Is your head broken?¡± he would have let it slide. Such was the thrill, the joy that filled his entire body. He was intoxicated by the realization that he had discovered something new, something he wanted to test again and again. ¡°Can I be cut one more time?¡± That¡¯s why. Even though Encrid saw Pel¡¯s expression twist miserably, he couldn¡¯t help himself, even knowing his words sounded like those of a madman. ¡°Um, uh, yes.¡± The defeated have no words. He did as instructed. The former soldier looked at him with eyes full of anticipation as he stabbed his forearm with a knife. Pel thought the guy was a madman. He had heard the nickname ¡®Mad Company Commander¡¯ once, and it wasn¡¯t an empty title. It suited him more than ¡®Former Soldier¡¯. No, are all geniuses like this? Come to think of it, there was someone similar in his group. Did he have to go mad to catch up to that person? It was the moment when Encrid made someone abandon their sanity. Of course, Encrid didn¡¯t realize it. After being cut again, ¡°Die!¡± A clear demand echoed between the screams and roars. It was a will, a pressure. Encrid focused his mind and responded. ¡°No.¡± He deflected it. Even though it was the second time, he felt he no longer needed practice. ¡®It¡¯s not difficult.¡¯ That was also quite enjoyable. Every time he learned something, he had to roll and tumble. He had to struggle and fight. To learn The Heart of the Beast, he had to truly die, not just surpass death. Nothing was ever easy. This wasn¡¯t easy either. There had been over four hundred days like ¡®today¡¯. But once he realized the ¡®rejection¡¯, it felt as natural as if it had always been part of his body. It felt like there was nothing easier in the world. After deflecting the second will, his head spun. It was a phenomenon that occurred when he concentrated excessively. Drip. His nose started to bleed. ¡°¡­Are you okay?¡± Pel asked. Encrid, estimating the time, replied. ¡°Can I do it one more time?¡± Maybe he could do it one more time. Then Pel¡¯s face contorted as if he had seen something he shouldn¡¯t have. In the end, Encrid received the third stab. A knife mark was left on his forearm, like drawing a line. ¡°Die.¡± A dizziness engulfed his mind. The opponent¡¯s will, demand, and pressure suffocated his heart. It choked his neck and tried to burst his heart. Encrid answered effortlessly. ¡°No.¡± Immediately after rejecting the demand and pressure, Encrid closed his eyes and fainted. ¡°Huh? Madman?¡± He thought Pel had called him something strange before he fainted. ¡°Commander!¡± I think I heard Bell¡¯s voice from behind. In any case, Encrid fell with a smile. The shimmering black river looked like a thick, dark fog. A boat floating above the black clouds, the ferryman on it, and a violet lamp. It was the usual sight. The sight he always saw when talking to the ferryman. However, if there was something different from before, ¡°You.¡± The ferryman stopped speaking. Encrid looked at his face. The face, which used to show only one eye vaguely, now revealed his eyes, nose, mouth, and skin. His skin was the color of gray pebbles. Black eyes matching the black river, a high nose bridge, and dull gray lips were visible. He didn¡¯t look human by any means. But neither did he resemble a giant, a Frog, a Fairy, or a Dragon. It made sense because he was something unknown, beyond Encrid¡¯s comprehension. Or he might be something like a God. Or maybe a demon. ¡°Is getting stabbed a hobby?¡± Why would he say that with such an appearance? Soon, Encrid thought that the change in the ferryman¡¯s tone was partly his own fault. ¡°I prefer being stabbed with a knife.¡± Hadn¡¯t their conversations always been like this? The ferryman quickly changed the subject. ¡°You¡¯re walking because you¡¯re mad, and you¡¯re seeing because you¡¯re mad. How do I look? My face?¡± The ferryman asked. Encrid answered honestly. ¡°You wouldn¡¯t be popular with either gender.¡± Though perhaps demons or the offspring of demons might fancy him. The ferryman chuckled without answering. His mouth remained still, but the laughter echoed through the space. His mind became distant and hazy. His vision blurred as well. Encrid thought the ferryman¡¯s laughter seemed to contain a hint of absurdity, but he couldn¡¯t grasp the ferryman¡¯s true feelings. In the spot where Encrid disappeared, the ferryman murmured over the black river. ¡°So, did you enjoy crossing the wall?¡± Had Encrid been there, he would have nodded a hundred times. When he opened his eyes, he immediately knew that today was not repeating itself. ¡°Why did you come back with knife wounds after going out in the evening? No, did you intentionally get stabbed? Why didn¡¯t you tell me? I could have drawn prettier cuts with my axe.¡± Having just woken up, he couldn¡¯t understand what Rem was saying. Ignoring Rem¡¯s words, he lifted his head. Pel must have left. It was Bell who brought Encrid here. Bell must have said a lot since he witnessed the fight. Even if he didn¡¯t want to, after seeing him being carried in at night, Rem and the others wouldn¡¯t have left him alone. A short thought clarified the situation. He understood what Rem was saying too. ¡°Does your axe have anything in it?¡± ¡°Killer instinct?¡± Rem retorted without backing down. Is this guy bored? ¡°What about Dunbachel?¡± ¡°She¡¯s unconscious.¡± What did he do to knock out a beastwoman? Dunbachel didn¡¯t seem like someone with low stamina. Of course, not as strong as a Giant. ¡°Are you going today too, brother?¡± Audin asked. Encrid realized he had missed the morning training. The sun was already high. Even with his regenerative and healing body, he had slept until noon? ¡®It¡¯s putting a strain on my body.¡¯ S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He¡¯s beginning to grasp what ¡®will¡¯ is. Though it¡¯s still hard to define, displaying the will to refuse was now as easy as pulling a coin out of his pocket. However, doing it and enduring it are different matters. ¡°Ugh!¡± He blew his nose to relieve the stuffiness, and a blood clot came out. ¡°That¡¯s disgusting.¡± Rem grumbled. He had an axe at his waist, was sweating slightly, and based on the fact that Dunbachel had fainted, it seemed he had just come back from knocking her out. The only ones watching him wake up were Rem and Audin. Well, Esther, who was taking a nap on one side, was also there. Since it wasn¡¯t the first time he had collapsed, no one was particularly surprised or alarmed that he had fainted. They only asked who the opponent was. Of course, Bell, the delivery man, had nothing to report. ¡°Who was it?¡± They were asking about the opponent who had come last night. For him, it was someone he had spent over four hundred ¡®todays¡¯ with, so they were familiar and well-known. ¡°Pel.¡± He stated the name right away for that reason. ¡°Oh, Pel. Yeah, it was Pel.¡± Rem said without any change in expression. My mistake. ¡°The Shepherd of the Wilderness.¡± He corrected himself. A mad group that herds sheep against monsters and beasts, that¡¯s the Shepherds of the Wilderness. It¡¯s a name not easily forgotten by anyone who has lived by the sword on this continent. ¡°Hm? Why did those guys come all the way here?¡± ¡°How should I know?¡± Whether they were wandering in training or just passing by on some errand. Come to think of it, he didn¡¯t ask about any of that. ¡°Looked like you had fun?¡± Rem asked again. Why did he have so many questions? ¡°Quite.¡± ¡°You fainted with a smile, Commander. I don¡¯t think you¡¯ve ever done that even when fighting me until your eyes rolled back.¡± Fainting with a smile¡­ He chuckled and shook his head. ¡°You¡¯re annoying. Move.¡± Since he skipped morning training, he needed to finish that first. ¡°I¡¯ll go to the market in the afternoon.¡± ¡°Really, brother?¡± Audin nodded with his usual smile. No one tried to stop him. Rem, having asked all his questions, threw his axe aside and went off to wash up. After training in the Isolation Technique, he did a quick equipment check and swung his sword a few times in the air before getting ready to leave. In the meantime, Jaxon came in and then went back out. Krais came in and asked if he was okay. ¡°It¡¯s a good age to eat good things.¡± He joked playfully. Encrid told him to hand over anything good he had and enjoyed the new ¡®today¡¯. There had been over four hundred ¡®todays¡¯. He had sparred and trained with them during that time, but being stuck in the same day forever couldn¡¯t be purely enjoyable. So, this new ¡®today¡¯ was welcome. Even though it wasn¡¯t always the same, it was a ¡®today¡¯ only he remembered. Because of that, he tried not to talk to them much and passed by indifferently. He had already realized why having a ¡®today¡¯ only he remembered was a curse. Because of that, he could move on. He could forget the times he faced alone. Above all, the realization of refusal he gained by surpassing those ¡®todays¡¯ gave him such a sense of fulfillment and joy. ¡°What makes you so happy?¡± Just as he was about to leave, Ragna asked. It seemed he intended to follow, as he had a sword hanging from his waist. It wasn¡¯t a good sword. He had picked it up again from a previous battlefield. If he gets the chance, it would be nice to get him a decent sword. His tone was rough and could easily be mistaken for picking a fight, but knowing that wasn¡¯t his intent, he answered simply. ¡°The weather is nice.¡± At those words, Ragna looked up at the sky. Yesterday was certainly good weather. But today seemed a bit gloomy, didn¡¯t it? The clouds were slowly taking on a dark gray hue. Soon, they would turn into storm clouds, and it looked like it might pour. Autumn rain is a symbol of changing temperatures, a sign that summer is gradually coming to an end. ¡°This weather?¡± Ragna asked. ¡°After seeing only bright days.¡± It was an inexplicable answer. Obvious to Encrid, but not to others. Though he usually preferred bright days over cloudy ones, it had been the same weather for over four hundred days. Even if it poured and filled his boots with water, any change was welcome at this point. After loosening up with the Isolation Technique and compressing his morning training, Encrid headed to the market. Entering the inn, the innkeeper, Allen, greeted him. ¡°It¡¯s nice to see you often these days, but are you alright?¡± Being a Company Commander in the Border Guard was almost the highest position one could attain without being a noble. Allen was respectful. Encrid found Allen¡¯s comment about seeing him often quite strange. For him, it was today after nearly four hundred days. ¡°Well, I might stop coming before we get too attached.¡± Allen laughed at Encrid¡¯s response, thinking it was a joke. Entering the training hall, he saw the Rapier Swordsman leaning against the wall. ¡°Have you been waiting?¡± ¡°I expected you to come today.¡± ¡°First?¡± ¡°No, the other three didn¡¯t want that.¡± The Rapier Swordsman crossed his arms as he spoke. Then he continued, ¡°Today is the last. It¡¯s a pain you don¡¯t have to go through. You don¡¯t have to challenge it.¡± ¡°That¡¯s for me to decide. If you¡¯re scared, you can run away.¡± Encrid¡¯s words were like the finest blade on the continent. Even a short remark, when delivered appropriately, could become a deadly dagger. ¡°Indeed.¡± The Rapier Swordsman hated the words ¡®coward¡¯ and ¡®run away¡¯ so much that upon hearing Encrid¡¯s words, he steeled himself. ¡®With authority.¡¯ Breaking that dream would be good for that guy too. To aim higher requires talent. Based on what he had observed, he didn¡¯t know what kind of luck played a role, but this is the limit. The end. Encrid must have exhausted every ounce of talent he had. No, not just exhausted, he must have pulled out talents he didn¡¯t even have. Therefore, this is the end. Encrid walked past the Rapier Swordsman. The Swordsman, watching his back, frowned. His gait seemed oddly different. He couldn¡¯t quite pinpoint it, but it had changed. In just one day? Even if he changed, what could have changed? His mindset, at most. Next to him, a barbarian soldier who followed Encrid spoke up. ¡°Our Commander sometimes gets even more broken in just a day, so don¡¯t worry too much. If it gets too extreme, my axe might start dancing, so be careful.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry, brother. He¡¯s not someone who will die from just pressure.¡± A soldier resembling a big bear added. Always passing by indifferently, the blonde soldier. A red-haired soldier, who had already taken a spot, as if he had been there the whole time. Everyone who needed to gather had gathered. Those staying at the inn, even those Encrid had faced four hundred days ago, began to appear one by one. Among them, Edin Molsen stepped forward with an unusually stern face. ¡°I challenge you to a duel.¡± Had he not suffered enough already? While everyone thought this, Encrid fell into serious contemplation. ¡®What was this guy¡¯s name again?¡¯ It had been four hundred days. He had forgotten the name. ¡°What was your name again?¡± Somehow, this was like Edin Molsen¡¯s trigger switch. ¡°What?¡± For Encrid, it had been four hundred days, but for Edin Molsen, just a few. Forget my name? My name? Edin Molsen lost his temper. ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll kill you!¡± Clang! Edin drew his sword and charged forcefully. The guard watching frowned. Falling for such a provocation. Encrid regretted asking the name as he used his hands and feet. There was no need to draw his sword, so he didn¡¯t. Watching the approaching sword, he moved with the steps learned from the Fluid Sword Technique. With smooth steps, he dodged the blade. It was like a prearranged duel. Dodging came first, and then Edin Molsen¡¯s blade cut through the space where Encrid had been. It was a trick made possible by advance observation, judgment, and prediction, but to an observer, it might look like a choreographed performance. Why swing the sword at an empty spot? Then Encrid¡¯s backhand struck Edin Molsen¡¯s wrist. Smack! Entering within a step, he then pushed the opponent¡¯s abdomen with his palm. Thud! Valaf-Style Martial Arts, Palm Thrust. From the ankle, through the waist, and shoulders, a rotational force was added to the palm strike. Adding Encrid¡¯s strength to it, it was by no means a light blow. But the surprising part wasn¡¯t just that. Previously, when Encrid had knocked Edin Molsen down with one strike, it was half a gamble. Now it wasn¡¯t. He was overflowing with confidence. It was as if he had become a different person in just one day. After pushing the opponent away, Encrid looked at his palm and thought. ¡®Why is it so easy?¡¯ Has this guy¡¯s skill deteriorated because he forgot his name? That couldn¡¯t be the case. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com] Chapter 234 ¡®What the hell just happened?¡¯Of course, none of the people present were blind, so they all saw and understood what Encrid had done. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡®Avoid, then dive in for a strike.¡¯ It was a series of movements that anyone could easily perform. However, it was different. Even if anyone could do it, doing it so effortlessly was an entirely different story. If this man named Encrid had used a unique sword technique or trickery to achieve such results, they would have admired his remarkable ingenuity, but they wouldn¡¯t have been as astonished as they were now. ¡°Hmm?¡± The half-blood Giant¡¯s eyebrow twitched. The same was true for Swift Blade beside him. Swift Blade suddenly clenched his sword grip tightly. It was a reflexive action. ¡®If he did that to me now, could I block it?¡¯ He could block it. He had seen it beforehand. ¡®Then, what if I hadn¡¯t seen it start?¡¯ It wasn¡¯t yet the season to feel cold, but it felt like a chilly wind was blowing. Swift Blade let go of his sword and unnecessarily rubbed his arm. A shiver ran down his spine along with the cold sensation. ¡®What the hell is that guy?¡¯ It had only been a few days. Swift Blade wasn¡¯t the only one surprised. Everyone, including Rem, who could be called allies, was also astonished. However, none of the Company members showed their surprise outwardly or expressed it. In fact, they were somewhat used to it by now. Of course, they didn¡¯t understand it. They just didn¡¯t show their surprise because this had happened a few times before. ¡®What did he do?¡¯ Rem stroked his chin, thinking similarly to Audin. ¡®Even if the Isolation Technique changes one¡¯s constitution¡­¡¯ Can someone gain such talent like that? Audin knew his own judgment and eyes. He knew how to see through a body using the Isolation Technique. Unlike Frog, who was known as a talent appraiser, he also knew how to see talent. From what he saw, Encrid wasn¡¯t someone who had stepped into the realm of talent. He wasn¡¯t a genius. Not at all, it was hard to even call him a prodigy. ¡®Just with persistence.¡¯ That dogged determination that didn¡¯t know how to give up. Not retreating from any trial given by God. Thus, being in that place now. Audin saw the will of God. God spoke. His father conveyed his will. Will you give up? Why? Because it didn¡¯t go as you wished? So your faith ended there. So, the flower of your faith withered there. So, your spring has passed. So, your season has ended. ¡°No, Father.¡± Audin muttered. Ragna, right next to Audin, didn¡¯t turn his gaze despite hearing him mutter. No, he didn¡¯t hear it at all. He was too busy watching Encrid. ¡®Again?¡¯ He changed. Amazing. That was it. He had changed, he was surprised, and now he recognized it. Seeing the improved Encrid had become a familiar sight. How did he improve? How could he change like that? He gave up on finding the reason. Knowing it wouldn¡¯t change anything, and he couldn¡¯t find out. The answer would be obvious if he asked. ¡°By working hard.¡± Sometimes, with a hint of a joke. ¡°I guess I was a genius after all.¡± ¡°Did he really just say that?¡± So there was no need to ask. Just accept reality. Everyone was surprised, but the most astonished was Edin Molsen, who had taken the hit. The next most surprised was Encrid himself. ¡°Again!¡± Edin Molsen stood up abruptly. He was excessively fine compared to the hit he took. Inadvertently, Encrid had held back his strength when he struck. To be precise, when he extended his hand for the final blow, it seemed like Count¡¯s son might cough up blood if he hit him with full force. So he held back, which allowed Edin Molsen to get up again and start talking. Encrid blinked three times. He was processing what had just happened. ¡®Ah.¡¯ A brief realization followed. Like sparks from a flint, ideas flickered in his mind and then vanished. ¡®Pel.¡¯ Why did he struggle so hard to win the first time he saw the Shepherd of the Wilderness? ¡®Because he¡¯s a genius.¡¯ A genius younger than himself. When he first set foot on the continent, Pel gave off a similar feeling to the kid who had knocked Encrid down. In other words, Pel was a genius. That genius matched his skills to Encrid¡¯s growth. Though he couldn¡¯t draw his sword in today¡¯s repeated bouts, Pel was no pushover once he had a sword in hand. His habits changed frequently, and he corrected his flaws on the spot. Even though Encrid was trapped in ¡®today¡¯s¡¯ repetition, his opponent also changed. Thus, he couldn¡¯t feel his own progress. Because his opponent¡¯s talent was so outstanding. ¡®It¡¯s thanks to Pel.¡¯ Encrid was so focused on Pel¡¯s sword that he didn¡¯t see it clearly. No, he knew his opponent was exceptional, but he didn¡¯t realize he was adapting to match that exceptional talent. After understanding everything, Encrid spoke. ¡°Alright.¡± Encrid nodded at Edin Molsen¡¯s proposal. He also wanted to move his body again and feel it out. It was something he needed to recognize and understand properly. ¡°¡­You.¡± The Rapier Swordsman seemed so surprised he couldn¡¯t continue. He trembled with his mouth open and eyes wide. Encrid responded to Edin Molsen instead of answering. ??????§à¦¢?¡ì ¡°Don¡¯t rely on the Goddess of luck!¡± Edin said fiercely. He was implying that the previous match had been a matter of luck. Once again, Edin swung his sword. Whoosh. Encrid dodged ¡®in advance¡¯. When fighting Pel, he had to predict movements by watching footwork, shoulders, hands, arms, and waist. Otherwise, he would be wounded instantly, and the spar would end there. What he gained from that. He fully utilized the Gate of Sixth Sense. His senses flared, reading Edin¡¯s sword attack. It was the reward for countless sparring sessions and overcoming the river of death. After dodging Edin¡¯s sword, Encrid pressed down on Edin¡¯s wrist, hooked his left foot around Edin¡¯s heel, and pushed his chest with his palm. Edin tried to resist and twist his body, but despite initiating the attack, he lost his position, balance, and timing. Edin was lifted into the air. Immediately after, he fell with a thud and gasped. He looked like a fish out of water. Thinking back, when they first met, whether he mistook him for a coachman or a guard, he had knocked him down with the same technique. Valaf-Style Martial Arts, Center Collapse Technique. ¡°Are you alright?¡± Encrid asked. Edin¡¯s face turned red. It was their second spar. Both times, the result was similar. Moreover, the second time was with a technique he had experienced before. He couldn¡¯t claim it was the work of the Goddess of luck. Edin wasn¡¯t that shameless. He got up from the ground. ¡°I lost.¡± Edin opened his mouth and turned his body. Then, he paused and looked back to ask. ¡°Did you really forget my name?¡± Encrid stared at his face for a moment. He should remember, he had a pretty good memory. But he couldn¡¯t recall. What would happen if he really said he didn¡¯t know here? Before Edin Molsen¡¯s face could contort. ¡°Brother, it was a provocation. What¡¯s the point of asking?¡± A clear voice called him back. It was obvious from the look that they were siblings, with mixed blood. At his brother¡¯s words, Edin clicked his tongue and turned his head away. He seemed both frustrated and somewhat relieved, in a peculiar way. The brother stared at Encrid expressionlessly. It was hard to read any emotion from his eyes. Encrid turned his head. There were others remaining. Swift Blade, the half-blood Giant, Count Molsen¡¯s guards, and the Rapier Swordsman. ¡°Who¡¯s first?¡± At his question, ¡°Me.¡± The answer came almost immediately. The half-blood Giant stepped forward. A warrior who banged her shield with her hand. ¡°Let¡¯s fight.¡± Until about four hundred days ago, Encrid had been obsessed with sparring with them. He fought. He didn¡¯t back down. Some things had changed in the meantime. Not something Encrid intended, but things that changed naturally. The half-blood Giant¡¯s fighting spirit was ignited. She knew well that her mood and state were different from usual. ¡®I don¡¯t know what he did.¡¯ This man before her had a knack for making her want to fight. He also had a knack for making her think about handling swords and shields morning and night. Most of all. ¡°I will break you.¡± He had an exceptional talent for stirring up her competitiveness and desire to win. Had she ever had an opponent she absolutely wanted to beat? No, this was the first time. That¡¯s why. The corners of the half-blood Giant¡¯s mouth twisted up. It was a smile. A laugh. Seeing that, Encrid was inwardly dumbfounded. ¡®She hardly ever showed any expression before.¡¯ That he remembered clearly. Even if he had forgotten Edin Molsen¡¯s name, he clearly remembered the half-blood Giant¡¯s face, her specialty, and her skills. As Encrid extended his sword forward, the half-blood Giant flicked Encrid¡¯s sword with her own. Ping. It was a greeting. Soon, the shield covered his view. A gray wall, the half-blood Giant¡¯s specialty, and a technique he had faced multiple times. Back then, he had to step around and counterattack, but now there was no need for that. With the shield in front, Encrid charged straight ahead. He didn¡¯t move sideways, nor did he step nimbly. It was a straightforward rush. Encrid got close to the shield, switched the sword to his left hand, laid the sword horizontally, and placed the blade¡¯s surface on the top edge of the shield while positioning his right foot on the bottom edge of the shield. Naturally, his body pressed sideways against the shield, and his right hand was placed around the middle bottom of the shield. The incoming force was tremendous, but because of it, the half-blood Giant couldn¡¯t see all of Encrid¡¯s movements closely attached to the shield. No matter how skilled you are, if you can¡¯t see it, you can¡¯t defend against it. Encrid used a modified version of the Valaf-Style Martial Arts technique called ¡®Lifting Over¡¯ on the charging shield. ¡°Well done, brother!¡± Audin shouted unconsciously. Encrid ignored that shout and accomplished what he intended. With the momentum reversed, he lifted from below to above. If Encrid¡¯s strength had been lacking, he would have been crushed instantly, but he had the Heart of Great Strength. During the repeated days, his heart had grown stronger and more robust, making his blood pump fiercely. His right foot and right hand pushed away, while his left hand and torso absorbed the impact and lifted over. Encrid silently inhaled, filling his abdominal pressure to the brim, and then lifted her up. It was a sight that shocked both the half-blood Giant being thrown and those watching. The half-blood Giant had never experienced being lifted into the air by someone else¡¯s strength. In shock, she flew through the air. It was a sight that seemed to defy some fundamental law. The half-blood Giant instinctively aimed her shield downward as she fell. Thud! Using her shield to break her fall, she avoided major injury. However, this delayed her next move. As intended, Encrid¡¯s sword was already at the Giantess¡¯s throat. The blade stopped just short of her skin. The half-blood Giant realized she had lost. ¡°¡­Did you throw me?¡± She asked in surprise. ¡°Why? Is it your first time? There¡¯s a first time for everything.¡± Encrid replied nonchalantly. His audacious tongue often moved ahead of his thoughts. ¡°I see.¡± The half-blood Giant acknowledged her defeat. Of course, Encrid didn¡¯t think she needed to leave just because she lost. Moreover, a bit of luck had played a part this time. His opponent hadn¡¯t fully gauged his abilities. Having changed so suddenly, she wasn¡¯t prepared. She wasn¡¯t an opponent to be easily defeated. Encrid knew this fact better than anyone. Because of this, he could say what he did. ¡°Let¡¯s try again tomorrow.¡± At Encrid¡¯s words, the half-blood Giant stared at him. Her large brown eyes, which had never shown any emotion, now seemed to hold something. ¡°You¡¯re a really interesting guy.¡± The half-blood Giant said. Then she continued, ¡°Sure, let¡¯s try again¡± and stood up. She seemed quite bold and cheerful. ¡°You really threw well.¡± From behind, Rem expressed his admiration in his own way. ¡°Can you fight me as well?¡± It seemed that the half-blood Giant wasn¡¯t the only one Encrid had influenced. There was a guard who had been quietly burning with passion. Encrid rotated his arms. ¡°Just now.¡± Hadn¡¯t the Heart of Great Strength surged more powerfully? Rem¡¯s admiration wasn¡¯t without reason. He must have noticed it. The heart had pumped more dynamically. This too was a result of the repeated days. ¡°Alright.¡± Encrid nodded. He was starting to enjoy it. It was a process of recognizing and utilizing his changes through sparring. How could it not be fun? Sparring with the guard was different from with the half-blood Giant. The guard was cautious from the start, and his sword was focused on thorough defense. Encrid started slowly, then gradually accelerated his sword swings. The Rapier Swordsman watching understood that Encrid was gauging what he could do. Naturally, a question arose. ¡®What the hell is this guy?¡¯ How could a person change so much in just a few days? This guy hadn¡¯t suddenly learned some extraordinary technique. Rather, all his skills had simply become more¡­ ¡®Proficient.¡¯ It looked as if he had risked his life countless times to test his skills. Because of such experiences, he had confidence in his techniques. It also showed a stubbornness that had tirelessly swung his sword to find the right path. Not in a bad way. Those who have wandered countless times in the wrong path do not hesitate when they find the right one. The traces of such experiences could be seen in the way he swung his sword and in his steps. ¡®How?¡¯ Encrid¡¯s body now bore the weight of accumulated time. Although the method was not understood, it was clear. The Rapier Swordsman¡¯s eyes caught this. It was truly incomprehensible. Their sparring lasted quite a while, but ultimately, the guard was defeated. He was at a disadvantage from the start, and focusing on defense led to this outcome. No, he couldn¡¯t win while hiding his true skills. The Count¡¯s guard had been concealing his abilities. Of course, that wasn¡¯t Encrid¡¯s concern. Finally, the Rapier Swordsman stepped forward. He faced Encrid, standing at the opposite end of the sparring ground, ready to overwhelm and subdue him with his presence. ¡°Just because your skills have improved doesn¡¯t mean anything will change.¡± Have you trained your abilities? Does that change anything? ¡®Will¡¯ is the privilege of the naturally gifted. If wanting, working hard, and having enough time were enough, ¡®Anyone could do it.¡¯ Then there wouldn¡¯t be so few Knights in the world. If effort alone were enough, the number of Knights would be double what it is now. So he was confident. His opponent could not overcome his Intimidation. ¡°Stand down.¡± As he spoke, the Rapier Swordsman summoned his will. Soon, an intangible blade arose. Encrid responded by deflecting every visible intangible blade. That¡¯s how he used to do it. But now, it was different. Ching. Encrid sheathed his sword. There was no need to swing his sword. He realized this the moment he faced the Intimidation. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com] Chapter 235 ¡®Are you mad?¡¯As a Rapier Swordsman, that was the only thought that came to mind. Finally, he thought that head of his had truly gone haywire. Seeing how quickly he had mastered that technique, it must have been a stroke of luck amid continuous grueling efforts. Had the cumulative training and luck broken that guy¡¯s head? Rem had a similar thought. ¡®Are you crazy?¡¯ His hand trembled reflexively. There¡¯s a vast difference between resisting and succumbing to Intimidation. Ragna gripped his sword. He judged it was impossible. He planned to rush forward and swing, aiming to ¡®severe¡¯. In other words, he intended to cut through that aura of ¡®Intimidation¡¯. Audin prepared his Divine Power. As long as he didn¡¯t die, he could be healed. Jaxon silently drew his stiletto from behind the swordsman. Stab and kill. No matter what tricks the opponent had, he could kill. Jaxon was confident. Whether the opponent was a Knight, a Junior-Knight, or whatever. Just before everyone reacted, an invisible blade approached and was about to touch Encrid¡¯s body. In that split second, Encrid conveyed his will to the invisible something inside him. ¡®I refuse.¡¯ The will imbued in the blade was to cut. Then, what was the will imbued in the Intimidation beyond that? ¡®Step back.¡¯ Encrid refused that too. He rejected the invisible pressure weighing on his shoulders and the blade cutting him. ¡®Will¡¯ is the manifestation of one¡¯s intent. Soon it emits some kind of invisible force. If Intimidation is that, refusal is that too. Feeling that the pressure of Intimidation, which had given a pain similar to reality, was now just an unseen force, Encrid could ignore it. This was easier than enduring being cut by the Shepherd Pel¡¯s sword. So, it was clear that his current action was not an overreach. Encrid demonstrated this through his actions. The approaching invisible blade scattered like dust. It was a blade seen only in the mind. Step. Encrid took a step forward and nonchalantly spoke. ¡°What are you doing? Ragna? Jaxon?¡± Ragna, who had approached unnoticed, stood beside him with his sword raised vertically, while Jaxon stood behind the Rapier Swordsman. The two, surprised, blinked. Jaxon reacted first. Without a sound, he stepped back. The Rapier Swordsman probably hadn¡¯t realized someone was behind him. Ragna froze, still holding his sword. Soon, as if he thought of a plausible excuse, Ragna spoke. ¡°It¡¯s a good day to hold a sword.¡± Was it because Encrid had said today was a good day? As soon as he finished speaking, a thunderous rumble echoed, and it began to rain. Plop, plop, plop. ¡°¡­Huh?¡± The Rapier Swordsman, seemingly oblivious to the rain, couldn¡¯t take his eyes off Encrid. No, he couldn¡¯t even speak properly, his mouth agape. It seemed he had become mute. ¡°Huh?¡± All he could do was let out a single word full of astonishment. Encrid tilted his head. ¡°Do you have something to say?¡± ¡°Huh?¡± The swordsman repeated the same word. Encrid had seen people so shocked they couldn¡¯t speak before, but this was a first. His opponent, still with his mouth open, couldn¡¯t continue speaking. Encrid spoke carefully. ¡°We should find a healer.¡± The mentally afflicted are not easily treated. Even if a healer came, they might just shake their head. ¡°It seems his head is broken.¡± Encrid continued. ¡°Pfft.¡± At those words, Rem burst into laughter. It wasn¡¯t meant to be funny. It was a serious comment. ¡°Huh?¡± The Rapier Swordsman kept repeating the same word. He seemed genuinely and thoroughly shocked. ¡°If your sword gets wet in the rain, it¡¯ll rust. Is today really a good day to hold a sword?¡± Encrid asked, looking to his side. Ragna, who still held his sword, nodded in agreement at Encrid¡¯s words. ¡°Yes. Today, this much is enough.¡± ¡°Fine, oil your sword.¡± Otherwise, it would rust. ¡°I will.¡± Ragna sheathed his sword and stepped back, revealing three more people just as shocked as the Rapier Swordsman. They all stood with their mouths open, staring at Encrid. ¡°How?¡± Among them, the half-blood Giant managed to speak. ¡°Well.¡± Encrid replied kindly. There wasn¡¯t much more to say. ¡®Will¡¯ is not something that can be easily explained. ¡°Will?¡± The Swift Blade muttered. Though it wasn¡¯t a question, Encrid answered readily. ¡°Yes.¡± The bodyguard furrowed his brow. Unable to comprehend or accept the situation, he couldn¡¯t speak. The rain, now pouring heavily, drenched his hair. Naturally, it soaked the others as well. ¡°Perhaps we should get out of the rain?¡± Encrid suggested. ¡°Huh?¡± The Rapier Swordsman replied, still seemingly out of his mind. ¡°Someone take care of him.¡± Encrid said as he turned away. Rem and the others followed him. Even though they were used to their leader¡¯s transformations, this was something beyond their understanding. It was different from merely being skilled with a sword or controlling one¡¯s body well. ¡°Is it Will?¡± Ragna, who possessed the Will of ¡®Severance¡¯, asked. His voice was higher and faster than usual, a sign of his astonishment. Ragna¡¯s blonde hair, soaked by the rain, hung down in front of his eyes. ¡°You need a haircut. Yes.¡± Encrid replied nonchalantly. While he was pleased and willing to enjoy the moment, he knew this wasn¡¯t the end. This wasn¡¯t the ultimate goal. A true Knight¡¯s ¡®Will¡¯ is the natural manifestation of one¡¯s intent. Intimidating, rejecting, and cutting the opponent with one¡¯s presence. Once he realized part of it, he understood. Asia¡¯s Intimidation, the Rapier Swordsman¡¯s Intimidation. Both had developed their Will in that direction. In the same way, Ragna¡¯s Severance is similar. Even if one masters Lion Slash and Steel Slash, they can¡¯t mimic his ¡®Severance¡¯. In the end, understanding ¡®Will¡¯ is essential. ¡°What is it? Where did you learn it? Do you train to the point of death in your dreams?¡± Rem was just as surprised. Encrid responded to his comment. ¡°In my dreams, it¡¯s usually a perverted ferryman rather than training.¡± ¡°Huh? A perverted ferryman? What¡¯s that about?¡± It was a question he couldn¡¯t answer, so he ignored it. Rem would likely take it as a joke anyway. Audin muttered afterward. ¡°It¡¯s as if you¡¯re walking through time differently, brother.¡± Just like the Rapier Swordsman, he had sharp eyes and was deeply devoted to his faith. He was right. ¡°Are you training somewhere with time stopped, brother?¡± He looked dull, but he was sharp. Encrid thought this inwardly as he answered. ¡°Something like that.¡± Instead of replying, Audin quietly began reciting a scripture. He assumed Encrid¡¯s response was a joke. Who would even suspect otherwise? Jaxon remained the same as usual. He said nothing, but his gaze was intense. He scrutinized Encrid from head to toe. ¡°I trained properly and didn¡¯t use any drugs.¡± When Encrid spoke, Jaxon rarely flinched his shoulders. It was a sight rarely seen. ¡°What made you suspect drugs?¡± Jaxon asked. ¡°Your eyes are full of suspicion.¡± Considering his knack for handling drugs, it wasn¡¯t surprising he had such doubts, but they were real. ¡°Hmm, did you also master mind-reading?¡± It wasn¡¯t mind-reading, but rather, Jaxon¡¯s instruction had heightened his ¡®Sense of the Blade¡¯. It made it easier to read others¡¯ intentions and emotions. Especially hidden ones. For example, Swift Blade, who ultimately didn¡¯t attack earlier, had spoken with a smile. ¡°I¡¯m done. It¡¯s clear that if I attacked, I¡¯d get beaten.¡± But what lay hidden in his eyes? Murderous intent and malice. There was also the opposite. The half-blood Giant, who outwardly displayed fighting spirit and competitive nature. After being thrown aside, what had shown in her eyes? It was something like regret and disappointment. Of course, it wasn¡¯t directed at Encrid. It felt self-deprecating. ¡®Well, it might not be entirely accurate.¡¯ That was just the general feeling. Encrid was about to enter the lodging but then took off his clothes. He organized his equipment and placed it under the eaves, just as Krais came out of the lodging. ¡°Wipe down and organize the equipment.¡± As Encrid instructed, others piled their gear on top of it. ¡°Isn¡¯t this too much?¡± Rem tossed a pouch on top. ¡°Payment for your trouble.¡± ¡°Visit Krais¡¯s Equipment Care anytime!¡± His attitude changed instantly. Rem tended to use Krona liberally, so the amount in the pouch was likely substantial. ¡°If we go inside soaking wet, the lodging will be a mess. Let¡¯s head straight to the bath.¡± It was Encrid¡¯s suggestion. The Border Guard barracks had many good facilities. One was the well, but since becoming an Independent Company, they had access to the unit¡¯s private bathhouse anytime. ??????????¦Â¨¨¡ì There were large wooden tubs filled with water, and water was constantly being heated. In other words, they could bathe in hot water. A well had been dug, with a roof built over it, so water was plentiful. One side was always boiling water, making the place full of steam. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± As everyone headed to the bathhouse and stripped down, the women stoking the water laughed and said, ¡°Wow, after only seeing my husband, looking at you guys feels like heaven!¡± Everyone burst into laughter at the coarse remark from one of the women. ¡°Hey, be nice to your husband. Living with a woman bigger than himself can¡¯t be easy.¡± sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Rem teased with a sly smile, and the woman promptly splashed cold water on him. ¡°Oh, that¡¯s cold.¡± Rem, unfazed by the cold water, continued to smile and said, ¡°You, with the gray hair, have a sharp tongue.¡± It seemed they knew each other. Later, when they were in the bath, he asked how they knew each other. ¡°Because Dunbachel kept passing out and rolling in the dirt, I had to throw her in the bath often enough to recognize her. She¡¯s a lively woman.¡± The fact that Rem was having a conversation with her like that was impressive. Come to think of it. ¡®Rem, that rascal.¡¯ He¡¯s kind to women. He might pick fights with anyone, but he rarely hits women. ¡®Then, what about Dunbachel?¡¯ ¡°Dunbachel? She¡¯s a warrior, not a woman.¡± Rem¡¯s answer came when he asked just in case. ¡°By the way, it seems we¡¯ll really need to use ¡®strength¡¯ properly if we¡¯re going to face the Commander now.¡± Rem said, submerged up to his neck in the bathwater. Encrid ignored the glances from the women and looked at Rem. What was in those gray eyes? Rem had developed a fighting spirit and competitiveness that weren¡¯t there before. No matter how wild he got, had Rem ever shown such emotions toward him? Had he ever displayed such an aura? There had been times when he said it was hard to use his strength because he might accidentally kill someone. ¡°Properly, how?¡± Splash. Rem flicked the bathwater as he replied. ¡°It¡¯ll be fun.¡± At those words, Encrid also laughed. The eyes of the mad training enthusiast and the mad axeman met. It was a moment when a new intensity directed at each other. Jaxon, observing, said, ¡°Everyone¡¯s gone mad.¡± Audin laughed as usual, and Ragna remained silent. But it was clear his eyes were constantly wavering, lost in various thoughts. ¡°Is it really Will? Truly? Honestly? Not a lie? Not a trick?¡± Krais, who had joined late and stripped down, asked as he entered the bath. Big Eyes, who never stopped training his body, had much to show off. Some of the women said their preferences leaned toward him instead. ¡°It costs one coin for the show!¡± Krais joked, making a few women laugh. Maintaining his friendly attitude with everyone, Krais asked his question. Through the steam rising and filling the room, everyone¡¯s gaze focused on Encrid. They said he had overcome Intimidation. It wasn¡¯t quite a rumor, but it was something people in the know would talk about. Encrid started with the truth. ¡°It¡¯s like repeating ¡®today¡¯ over and over again.¡± ¡°No more fiction. Next.¡± Jaxon responded, indicating how unrealistic that sounded. Encrid scratched his head and spoke again. ¡°Just lucky.¡± The answer remained the same. In truth, there wasn¡¯t a better excuse than that. Everyone, including Rem, swallowed their words. Was he really using that as an excuse? Was this guy actually a genius? It couldn¡¯t be. They had taught him and found he had no special talent. There was doubt in everyone¡¯s eyes, but no suspicion. In truth, there was nothing more to say beyond luck. ¡°Maybe he slept with the Goddess of luck.¡± Rem¡¯s muttering seemed to be the correct answer. More guests arrived in the bathhouse. ¡°Will? Really? Is it true?¡± It was Marcus, in his everyday clothes. His face was red, and he was soaked, perhaps from the rain. ¡°Since you¡¯re here, why not join us in the bath?¡± Encrid said nonchalantly, and Marcus quickly stripped off his clothes and jumped into the bath. His body was more toned than expected, with scars scattered here and there. Of course, he had fewer scars than Encrid. ¡°Is it true?¡± Marcus¡¯s eyes gleamed. It seemed like he was asking what Encrid was, how far he could go. ¡°Yes.¡± Encrid nodded. He had said he wanted to be a Knight, called it a dream, and showed his will and intent. But could Encrid really become a Knight? How many people had this question? Marcus was the same. He believed Encrid would advance, but hearing it become a reality was surprising. ¡°Heh.¡± A hollow laugh followed. ¡°Fianc¨¦e?¡± The Fairy Company Commander burst into the bathhouse. ¡°It¡¯s all men here, but you¡¯re quite confident. Care to join us?¡± Krais welcomed her, but she shook her head. ¡°Anyone who sees my naked body, except my Fianc¨¦e, would have their eyes plucked out. Is that okay?¡± Her Fairy-style joke echoed through the bathhouse. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com] Chapter 236 Encrid¡¯s ¡®Will¡¯ was neither complete nor perfect.It was a fragment. A piece, a part. And yet, it was still ¡®Will¡¯. This was why Marcus was astonished, and why the Fairy Company Commander returned immediately from whatever trip or vacation she had taken. The Fairy Company Commander didn¡¯t deny that she came back to enjoy the sight while she was at the bath. ¡°It looks good.¡± Her words were an acknowledgment. ¡°Anything else you want to say?¡± ¡°No.¡± She simply came to confirm if what Encrid had done was genuine. It¡¯s a strange thing, Encrid thought. He knew what he did was impressive, but was it really something to make such a fuss over? Even Encrid himself knew. It was just a part, a fragment. Yet, he felt joy and exhilaration from it. Nothing else could give him this much satisfaction. Feeling fulfilled, he also longed for more. ¡®If this is just the beginning.¡¯ It meant he could go further. It felt as if a faded, torn dream had been stitched together into something magical. ¡®No, it actually is like that.¡¯ He scratched his cheek as he thought. The curse of repeating ¡®today¡¯ stitched the torn fabric of dreams together. Encrid didn¡¯t deny that. ¡°Well then.¡± The Fairy Company Commander turned away. She walked out into the pouring rain. Encrid, who was staring blankly, ran a hand through his hair. He thought that the Fairy had a peculiar personality. No matter how nimble a Fairy, avoiding the rain was impossible, and she was soaked through. As she walked, Sinar checked the wound on her side. ¡®It hurts.¡¯ With some medicine and a day or two of rest, it would be fine. Though not completely painless, she could still move. The Fairy, adjusting her wound, thought of Encrid. His blue eyes staring at her from the bath. She liked his face from the start. So? Was he a target from the beginning? No. He was just a subject of a joke. But now, he had become someone she found quite enticing. ¡®It would be nice to bring him in.¡¯ But that wouldn¡¯t be as easy as she thought. She had just handled a task for the guild created to restore the Kingdom¡¯s language. She believed it would help with her future and what she desired. If it wasn¡¯t helpful, there would be no reason for her to be here. So, after finishing a tough and rough job, she returned to hear that Encrid had fainted. No, to be precise, he had fainted but now endured without fainting. Those who didn¡¯t understand wouldn¡¯t get it, but those who knew, understood. ¡®Willpower.¡¯ ¡®Will¡¯ can only be blocked by ¡®Will¡¯. Without comparable strength, resistance is impossible. To endure beyond resistance. ¡®Will.¡¯ That man, the one who had been a subject of jokes? ¡®Will¡¯? Sinar was so shocked she couldn¡¯t tend to her wound. Wasn¡¯t it worth it? She also had eyes. Even if she couldn¡¯t recognize talent, she knew Encrid¡¯s condition. Even if struck by luck multiple times, it was impossible. Yet, despite any hardship or crisis, he overcame and stood up every time. Watching that, how could she not be delighted? ¡®I¡¯d like to show him to the idiots back home.¡¯ She half meant it when she said she wanted to take him to her parents. Fairy jokes often hide true intentions within. ¡°It is amusing.¡± Sinar moved her red lips and spoke to herself. Shhhh. The rain, relentless, poured down. Rumble, crash! The sound of thunder mixed in. The Fairy unconsciously smiled. The work was tedious, painful, and its end was bleak, but it was necessary. Rarely had she smiled while doing such work. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. But now, because of a certain man, she smiled easily. Even though she found it quite amusing, she was satisfied with the present moment. Was that why she hadn¡¯t left this place, even though she should have long ago? ¡®Making various excuses?¡¯ Perhaps so. The Fairy, Sinar, continued walking. Neither the pain nor her aspirations could hold her back right now. She simply celebrated inwardly. She celebrated what Encrid had accomplished. For now, that was enough. ¡®Seems like she¡¯s hurt.¡¯ Encrid had eyes. His sharpened sense of smell picked up the scent of blood mingling with the distinctive aroma of steam. Even if he could tell by sight, others surely noticed as well. ¡°Seems like you¡¯ve fallen for her.¡± Rem spoke up. ¡°For what?¡± ¡°For the Commander, I mean. If you¡¯ve got something like that, you¡¯ve got the strength of a beast.¡± Rem said this while looking at Encrid¡¯s legs as he had just risen from the bath and was rinsing off sweat and other residues. ¡°Crazy bastard.¡± When Encrid responded, Rem shook his head and said. ¡°I give up. I can¡¯t beat that.¡± He¡¯s a madman, no doubt about it. Encrid kicked at Rem¡¯s side. Rem, of course, dodged it. ¡°Even when hurt, she comes to see you. She is something else.¡± Ragna added. ¡°You should open a salon with me, seriously, especially that.¡± Krais also commented, looking at Encrid¡¯s legs. ¡°We¡¯re in front of the Battalion Commander.¡± Encrid warned them. Marcus laughed heartily beside him. ¡°I¡¯m envious of that too.¡± What exactly he was envious of was unclear. And so, they all washed up and started heading back. ¡°Looks like she¡¯s been through a rough time. Seeing that Fairy hurt. But it doesn¡¯t seem to be a serious injury, so you don¡¯t need to worry about your Fianc¨¦e.¡± ?????¦­??§§? Jaxon said as they neared their quarters. Encrid corrected him. ¡°She¡¯s not my Fianc¨¦e.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Jaxon replied indifferently as he opened the door to the quarters. Dunbachel and Esther turned their gaze towards them. And, at some point, Finn had also returned. ¡°Is it true?¡± Finn asked. Encrid knew the question was directed at him. Was it true about ¡®Will¡¯? Did he really withstand the Intimidation? It was a question about the truth of the rumors. ¡°Just lucky.¡± He didn¡¯t have much else to say. ¡°Wow.¡± Finn could only gape in astonishment. ¡°At this rate, won¡¯t you become a real Knight?¡± From the first time she saw him, Finn never thought Encrid was a normal human, but this was real¡ª¡®Will¡¯! Encrid didn¡¯t respond to Finn¡¯s amazement. Dreaming of becoming a Knight, striving for that goal. He had never thought about whether he would achieve it or not. He just crawled forward. That progress had now borne fruit. As everyone settled down to sleep, there were trivial jokes, Rem¡¯s teasing of Dunbachel, and Encrid¡¯s question to Finn about where she had been, to which Finn replied with nonsense about hanging out with language-obsessed lunatics. Finn shook her head, saying she couldn¡¯t give more details, and no one seemed particularly interested. Encrid had asked, but didn¡¯t listen closely. ¡°Why ask if you don¡¯t care? Why doesn¡¯t anyone here pay attention to me? Especially when there¡¯s such a lovely woman in the room?¡± Finn said. Her hair might be a bit messy, but she wasn¡¯t unattractive. Thanks to the repeating day, he didn¡¯t remember the face of the female thief from the Black Blade Bandits anymore, but compared to her, Finn was definitely a beauty. ¡°Pfft.¡± Esther snorted beside him. It was clearly a derisive laugh. ¡°Even the panther¡¯s laughing at you. Go wash up and get some sleep.¡± Rem laughed and teased, and Finn cursed as she blamed the pouring rain. ¡°Damn rain.¡± With those words, Finn was about to go out to wash. As she reached for the door, Jaxon grabbed her wrist, Esther, who had gotten up, stood at her feet. Rem, Ragna, and Audin also turned their heads. Encrid blocked her path. Even Dunbachel, with her beast-like instincts, twitched her shoulders and bared her fangs. ¡°¡­What¡¯s going on?¡± Krais, the only one who didn¡¯t understand, asked. ¡°A visitor.¡± Encrid replied. This was the Border Guard¡¯s barracks. It wasn¡¯t an inn room in the city, and uninvited guests couldn¡¯t come easily. And yet, there was a visitor. ¡°Can I see him for a moment?¡± While everyone was watching the door, a voice was heard. Encrid stepped forward and said. ¡°My guest.¡± When he opened the door, there stood a middle-aged man, soaked like a wet mouse. A Rapier Swordsman, once a guard for the Rockfreed merchant group. Earlier today, he had shown his Intimidation to Encrid and had been so shocked by Encrid¡¯s rejection that he could only utter a single exclamation repeatedly. ¡°You¡¯ve come to your senses now, I see.¡± Rem sneered from behind. Maybe it was a racial trait. Anyway, his tongue never stopped. The Rapier Swordsman ignored Rem¡¯s words. ¡°I braved the rudeness to see you once more.¡± He got straight to the point. The incident earlier had clearly shocked him greatly. Just looking at his current state made that easy to understand. Soaked by the rain, his eyes had dark circles, and his cheeks had hollowed in just half a day. ¡°As much as you want.¡± Encrid didn¡¯t refuse. ¡°Isn¡¯t it a hassle since you just washed?¡± Krais asked a practical question. Encrid shook his head lightly and answered. ¡°It¡¯s no hassle at all.¡± If such things were bothersome, he should have given up the sword long ago. The opponent before him was rare. He could wield Intimidation and seemed to possess considerable skill. Encrid had already planned to suggest sparring again tomorrow. ¡°I have to leave tonight due to some matters. I apologize for coming like this, knowing it¡¯s impolite.¡± He had secretly scaled the barracks wall in the middle of the night. Of course, he had avoided the watchful eyes of the guards. Quite a skill. Regardless, Encrid decided to increase the training intensity of his troops. Allowing someone to scale the wall so easily was unacceptable. Despite that, he was inwardly pleased at this moment. ¡°Here we go again.¡± No matter what Rem said from behind, someone had come to find him for a duel. Wasn¡¯t it Ibarin who was constraining him? He wasn¡¯t a nobody. The shock from that nobody was so great that even though he forgot Edin Molsen¡¯s name, he remembered the three letters of Ibarin. The opponent was a wielder of ¡®Will¡¯, which, in some sense, meant he was a true Junior-Knight. The rain hadn¡¯t stopped yet. Though it had lessened, getting wet was inevitable. Encrid, who had just washed, was drenched again. He didn¡¯t care. What¡¯s a bit of wetness? Standing in front of the dedicated training ground, the ground was muddy. The soil, which usually reduced the risk of injury from falls, was now slippery and gripping their feet. But the ground wasn¡¯t a big issue for the two standing there. ¡°I¡¯m going alone.¡± Encrid said as he stepped forward. Everyone roughly agreed, but Jaxon fundamentally distrusted humans. ¡®If things go wrong.¡¯ They strike from behind. That¡¯s why Jaxon disappeared alone from the quarters. Rem, having noticed this, didn¡¯t move, and neither did the others. Esther sensed a peculiar change in Encrid¡¯s aura. ¡®What is it?¡¯ She knew how to handle weapons, but unless it was related to magic, she wouldn¡¯t usually sense things this sensitively. Has the power that blurred her curse weakened? No, that wasn¡¯t it. Has his attitude changed? He was still the same crazy man as before. Yet, Esther felt a strange change. However, that wasn¡¯t a reason to stand in the pouring rain and watch. Esther closed her eyes. She was tired. Recently, she had transformed into a human several times, honing her skills in the world of magic. Thanks to those experiences, she had also learned about the world. No longer a wizard trapped in her own world, she had rolled in the battlefield as a panther. What she realized was this: In human affairs, you never know what might suddenly happen. Therefore, it¡¯s essential to always be prepared. Wizards are, by nature, a preparing sort. Esther rested her head on her legs. There was no way Encrid would die, so she didn¡¯t worry. She immersed herself in her world. ¡°Since the wildcat has gone, I¡¯ll just sleep.¡± Rem said. ¡°Yeah, really. Jaxon disappeared quickly?¡± Krais, who noticed late, replied. Even though they had agreed to spend their time separately in the quarters, it wasn¡¯t long before Rem got up. ¡°It¡¯s kind of boring.¡± Those words reflected everyone¡¯s thoughts. Even with an excuse, they would go to watch. Standing opposite each other in the training ground, Encrid once again rejected the Intimidation. ¡°It¡¯s real.¡± The Rapier Swordsman said. He was surprised again, naturally. Who would have thought someone would realize ¡®Will¡¯ and return like this? Meanwhile, a trickle of blood flowed from the left side of Encrid¡¯s nose. ¡®It¡¯s easier than using a sword, but¡­¡¯ Still, it wasn¡¯t something he could use recklessly yet. However, he felt something. ¡°The more you use it, the more you¡¯ll train it.¡± The Rapier Swordsman remarked, seeing the faint nosebleed mixed with the rain. Encrid felt the same way. The more he used it, the more he would train it. He was already feeling it in his body. The two stood watching each other for a while. As the rain started pouring down harder, the Rapier Swordsman, staring directly into Encrid¡¯s blue eyes, spoke. The words that came out were: ¡°I cannot reveal my affiliation, but I am a member of a renowned Knightly order. This is all I can say for now, but do you have any thoughts of following me?¡± The pouring rain filled the space between them. Boom! Crack! The rain, which seemed like it might stop, poured harder, and thunder roared. A bright blue lightning bolt lit up the sky and illuminated the world. The Rapier Swordsman¡¯s eyes met Encrid¡¯s. ¡®Not a sparring match.¡¯ He hadn¡¯t come to fight, but to measure and win him over again. Moreover, he said he was a member of a renowned Knightly order. In other words, ¡°Join the Knightly order. I will illuminate your path.¡± It was an invitation to a path where he could become a Knight. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com] Chapter 237 ¡®It¡¯s not a duel.¡¯It was a proposal, an offer. ¡®This seems to be happening often these days.¡¯ Didn¡¯t Marcus also mention it? ¡®He asked me to become a Battalion Commander.¡¯ He had declined. And now, it¡¯s about becoming a Knight. Encrid looked at the man in front of him. At first glance, he didn¡¯t seem to be a noble of Naurillia. So, is that a problem? Not at all, it wouldn¡¯t be a problem in the slightest. Even if someone was born in Naurillia, those from rural villages wouldn¡¯t know or care who the ruler or nobles are. They only care about those who keep their bellies full and don¡¯t cause them trouble. Especially since they grow up never having seen the ruler, they consider the lord governing their area as the King. This is typical for people who grow up in such villages. Thus, Encrid¡¯s loyalty to the country wasn¡¯t particularly strong. So, the reason he wasn¡¯t responding immediately wasn¡¯t out of loyalty. It wasn¡¯t because he was reluctant to receive help either. If he hadn¡¯t received advice and help, he wouldn¡¯t have come this far. In that regard, Encrid was grateful to Rem, Audin, Ragna, Jaxon, and even Krais. But aside from all that, Encrid felt honestly deflated after hearing the proposal. How should he put it, his heart, which had been racing, suddenly cooled. He set out thinking he¡¯d see the real skill of the man standing before him. That¡¯s why he didn¡¯t care about the pouring rain. ¡°Should I follow even though you haven¡¯t disclosed where?¡± ¡°You won¡¯t regret it.¡± His eyes gleamed, believing in his words sincerely. Encrid knew that even if the other party had no ill intentions, it wouldn¡¯t necessarily benefit him. Even an unintentional stone can kill a frog. Whether the stone was thrown with good intentions, bad intentions, or to chase away a nearby snake, a stone is a stone. Above all. ¡®Do I want to join the Knighthood?¡¯ Encrid looked up at the sky and asked himself. The pouring rain didn¡¯t seem like it would stop anytime soon. For autumn rain, it was quite heavy. The thought was brief. It wasn¡¯t a matter to ponder for long. Becoming a Knight and joining a Knighthood were different matters. It had always been so. Admiring the Red Cape Knights didn¡¯t mean he¡¯d give up everything to wear that cape. It was the same now. ¡°I refuse.¡± ¡°Refuse? If it¡¯s because I didn¡¯t disclose the affiliation, reconsider. No one can offer a better path than I can. Especially if you aim higher, you¡¯ll need to go where such people gather.¡± ????????????? Do you have to join a Knighthood to become a Knight? Not necessarily. But the chances are higher. Knights can also be found among mercenaries and bandits. But the fact remains that most Knights come from Knight orders. At least, there are more opportunities. To a soldier from a remote fiefdom with nothing, it would seem like a golden opportunity. ¡°It¡¯s a better place than the Red Cape Knights. I guarantee it.¡± The Rapier Swordsman reiterated, but Encrid didn¡¯t nod. ¡°A Knight order, huh.¡± Sure, it could be an opportunity. But can you achieve such skills simply by training and practicing within a Knight order? Can you reach where you want to be? Can you become a Knight? Encrid looked back at the path he had taken. Reflection was part of him. Looking back, what was there? What had brought him this far? It was clear that a worry-free, given optimal environment wasn¡¯t what he needed. Additionally, ¡°I haven¡¯t seen the end of my subordinates yet.¡± Because he achieved the present by accepting from them, he couldn¡¯t ignore it. Just as he was about to refuse again, ¡°Do you know what is the most forbidden thing to touch among the Fairy¡¯s belongings?¡± Where did that come from? Even with Encrid¡¯s heightened senses, the presence was vague until they spoke. Before he could refuse, the voice of the Fairy Company Commander rang out. Has she washed? Her face was brighter than before. She was dressed in casual clothes. Although the sleeves were long, she wore a thin shirt that fluttered in the wind. Then, ¡°Fianc¨¦e.¡± It was Jaxon. Was he answering the Fairy¡¯s question? What are those two doing over there? Both Encrid and the Rapier Swordsman turned their heads. ¡°That¡¯s right. Fianc¨¦e. Do you know what happens if you treat a Fairy¡¯s fianc¨¦e carelessly?¡± ¡°Execution, right?¡± Rem also appeared. He acted like he wouldn¡¯t come out of the quarters. ¡°My lord, my father. I repeat, please do not take my precious Company Commander.¡± Audin also came out, praying. When did these guys start watching? They were gathered on one side of the training ground. Around Audin, there were others. Audin praying, Ragna watching quietly, Rem grinning while exuding a killing intent, and Jaxon beside him. At Jaxon¡¯s feet was Esther, and the golden-eyed beastfolk also stepped forward. ¡°If you go, I¡¯ll go with you.¡± It was Dunbachel¡¯s words. She was always sincere, never speaking indirectly. So wherever Encrid went, she would follow. The Fairy Company Commander stood a step away from them, staring directly at Encrid. Lastly, Finn, who seemed to have come out late, grumbled as she spoke. ¡°You said you were just watching. So, are you going?¡± The last question was directed at him. Encrid scratched his head. When he thought about it, despite having done nothing for them, they stood up for him. They fought, taught, and stayed by his side until now. ¡®Who am I?¡¯ What is a Knight? He believes it¡¯s someone who upholds honor. What is a Knight? He believes it¡¯s someone with conviction. What is a Knight? He believes it¡¯s someone who establishes justice. That¡¯s the Knightly path Encrid believes in, follows, and aspires to become. To him, this is honor, conviction, and justice. The loyalty to his companions is equal to those three. ¡°If you¡¯re not going to fight, go back. I¡¯m not joining your Knight order.¡± Encrid had already decided on the path to becoming a Knight. Here, in this place, moving from the present to the next. ¡°Well, I didn¡¯t plan on stopping you from leaving anyway.¡± At those words, Rem spoke up with something nonsensical. Why was someone who wouldn¡¯t stop him here? ¡°Um, I¡¯m better.¡± Ragna said something out of the blue. ¡°I mean, I¡¯m better than any Knight order.¡± Then he added, it was an arrogant and boastful statement, but Encrid had nothing to say since he knew Ragna¡¯s genius. Audin just smiled gently. ¡°It¡¯s your choice, brother.¡± Didn¡¯t he just pray to the Gods, asking not to take his Commander? Despite saying that, they would have accepted it if Encrid had said he was leaving. They were truly fascinating people. In any case, he had made his decision, chosen his path, and had no intention of looking back. That was Encrid. Boom. Thunder struck again, and blue lightning passed overhead, illuminating the surroundings. The Rapier Swordsman, who had been staring at Encrid, nodded. ¡°It doesn¡¯t seem like you¡¯ll change your mind.¡± He gave up. The swordsman dusted off his hands. He traveled across the continent, finding promising individuals and guiding them to his foundation. Under normal circumstances, he would have revealed his affiliation. But ¡°I thought you¡¯d refuse.¡± So, he didn¡¯t reveal it. Even if he had, nothing would have changed. Still, should he mention it just in case? It was pointless. Of all the people he had seen, Encrid¡¯s talent was the least, but from the beginning, he had always valued that look in his eyes. That¡¯s why he wanted to bring him along. At that time, it wasn¡¯t the sword he noticed but something else. ¡°Be careful of the Swift Blade. He¡¯s not a tame one.¡± ¡°Got it.¡± Encrid nodded. ¡°Don¡¯t overuse Will. If a child who has just started walking keeps running without rest, their knees and ankles will be ruined. First, strengthen your ankles, and then run.¡± ¡°I will.¡± Good advice, an added comment. ¡°Well then, I¡¯ll be leaving now. Don¡¯t know if we¡¯ll meet again.¡± It was an unnecessarily honest farewell. ¡°See you again.¡± Encrid responded accordingly. The Rapier Swordsman turned away. In the end, there was no duel. That was the only regret. ¡°Are you disappointed you didn¡¯t get to fight now?¡± Rem pointed it out accurately. Encrid, feeling that regret, turned his fighting spirit towards Rem. ¡°Since we¡¯re already wet?¡± ¡°Well, damn, fine. Just so you know, I won¡¯t be going easy on you like before.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve never gone easy on you.¡± ¡°Of course. Damn that tongue of yours.¡± On a rainy night, Encrid stood with his sword. Rem drew his axe in front of him. Ignoring the downpour and the darkness, the two charged at each other through the rain. In the end, Encrid lost again. ¡°Now I really can¡¯t go easy on you.¡± Rem said, standing in the pouring rain. At least, thanks to both of them fighting with some restraint, there was no bloodshed. ¡®Rem.¡¯ He can go further. There seemed to be signs that he was somehow limiting himself. Encrid didn¡¯t ask about it, even though he sensed it. It was something Rem had to handle himself. Encrid was only determined to stay true to his beliefs, justice, and honor, and if loyalty to his comrades meant staying here, he would honor that loyalty. ¡°What about the broken axe?¡± Encrid¡¯s sword was sturdy. A deliberate swing of his sword had broken one of the axe blades. Rem used that as a decoy to secure his victory. ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to buy me another one?¡± ¡°I have no krona.¡± ¡°Neither do I.¡± Recently, he had generously given some to Krais for doing something commendable. He didn¡¯t even have enough krona to get a new set of armor. From the start, neither Encrid nor Rem were the type to save and use their krona wisely. Naturally, their eyes turned toward the barracks. ¡°Big Eyes.¡± If they had no krona, they would just bother Krais, known as Big Eyes. Rem decided this, and Encrid didn¡¯t stop him. ¡°Will starts now.¡± It was Ragna, who had been watching the duel, speaking. For someone who loved to laze around, it was surprising to see him out in the rain. From his feet, thoroughly soaked Esther jumped into his arms. ¡°I know.¡± He knew because he felt and realized it. He was pondering whether to go back to the bathhouse or just clean up quickly and sleep. ¡°Commander!¡± It was coming from the entrance of the barracks. It was already midnight. A soldier was calling for him. Everyone¡¯s eyes turned that way. Even Rem, who had gone inside to pester Krais, came back out. ¡°You¡¯re all wet. Why don¡¯t you dry off a bit before coming in?¡± Amidst Krais¡¯s grumbling, ¡°There¡¯s trouble!¡± The soldier had come looking for Encrid. What could it be this time? As the Rapier Swordsman was leaving, his original companions joined him. ¡°It was a wasted trip, wasn¡¯t it?¡± Mockingly. ¡°Well, as long as it was fun.¡± ¡°Are you sure? But are you just going to leave that guy alone? He seemed to be up to something.¡± Everyone had their own specialties. The one they were referring to was the crazy bastard known as Swift Blade. The swordsman stroked his chin, a habit that persisted even after his beard was gone. ¡°He¡¯ll manage on his own.¡± It wasn¡¯t really his concern. And it wasn¡¯t as if Encrid could be easily dealt with by someone like Swift Blade. ¡®Though he does have a bit of cunning in him.¡¯ ¡°Was it real, though?¡± A subordinate asked. The Rapier Swordsman nodded without hesitation. ¡°It¡¯s a talent I can¡¯t see.¡± High praise. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. In truth, he had died and come back countless times to reach this point, but they wouldn¡¯t know that. ¡°Oh.¡± The subordinate was surprised. Such words were rare from the superior they served. ¡°So, where are we heading now?¡± ¡°Let¡¯s go back. To the Empire.¡± Hearing the swordsman¡¯s words, the subordinates¡¯ faces brightened. Finally, they were returning. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com] Chapter 238 The half-blood Giant stared blankly at the pouring rain.As she wiped off the moisture and sat by the window, watching the rain pour down, Encrid¡¯s words came to mind. ¡®Tomorrow too?¡¯ Not today, but tomorrow. Not the present, but the future. Is it okay to live thinking about such things? Is there no problem with that? Such questions swirled inside her. As a cultist, a member of the Sacred Cult of the Demon Realm, her duty was clear. ¡°Hey.¡± So, she had to be shaken by that man¡¯s words now. Even though her heart didn¡¯t stir at all, she had to agree forcibly. The man called Swift Blade leaned against her door frame and spoke. ¡°I was never interested in sparring from the start. Weren¡¯t you similar?¡± Swift Blade was quick-witted and had a good memory. The half-blood Giant had a history with him. Therefore, he knew her true identity. Hence the proposal. The cult wasn¡¯t a group that revered brute force, and if she had come this far, her purpose was clear. ¡°Let¡¯s kill him. That¡¯s what we have to do, right?¡± That¡¯s right. The half-blood Giant knew it too. Yet, her head didn¡¯t nod easily. Her lips didn¡¯t move. But it was something she had to do, so she nodded. ¡®If you want to survive, endure. If you want to survive, kill.¡¯ The teachings of the cult were still vivid in her mind. Until she died, she was solely a cultist, solely a warrior of the Sacred Cult of the Demon Realm. She acted exactly as those words dictated. She agreed to Swift Blade¡¯s proposal. ¡°I have a plan.¡± Swift Blade took a step closer. A foul rotten smell emanated from his mouth. The contents that came out of his mouth smelled just as rotten. Thus, the plan began. Swift Blade wandered around the castle gate and found a soldier. ¡°Hey, friend!¡± ¡°Huh?¡± It was raining so hard that the oiled cloak seemed pointless. It was dark all around. It was a day when visibility was naturally reduced. Even lighting a torch under a roof didn¡¯t help much on such a dark day. It was natural for visibility to be limited. Bell stepped into the light to identify the face of the person calling him. The other person did the same. It was a familiar face. What was his name? Come to think of it, no one asked for names when they entered the territory. One thing was certain, he was a guest of Encrid. A guest who used a sword and sparred while staying at the inn. Also, he was someone Marcus had told him to keep an eye on. ¡°What do you need?¡± Swift Blade smiled broadly. That smile was somehow irritating, but Bell didn¡¯t say anything. ¡°Do you have some time?¡± The guy with the dirty smile asked. Bell was on patrol duty. He didn¡¯t have time. What kind of nonsense is this? Just as he was about to reply. Crack! At the sudden sound, he turned his head sharply backward. A large warrior stood behind him. The half-blood Giant warrior. Another familiar face. Bell had watched Encrid¡¯s sparring sessions many times. As he confirmed the cold, hardened face of the female warrior. Just as he was about to open his mouth to shout for an ambush or surprise attack, he felt the cold touch of a blade on his neck. The speed was too fast to react. ¡°Shh.¡± That was the last of Bell¡¯s consciousness. Something hit the back of his head, and when he opened his eyes again, his hands and feet were tightly bound. ?????§¦s? His entire body was soaked, and he wasn¡¯t alone. ¡°Oh Lord in heaven.¡± A prayer came from right next to him. It was a middle-aged woman, tear-streaked, mumbling. She was the mother of a comrade who sold spiced jerky. Not just her, there were a few other familiar faces. ¡°Vanessa?¡± ¡°Damn it, you¡¯re finally awake?¡± There was also the rough innkeeper. Her tone was still harsh, but her eyes were wavering, showing signs of anxiety. Bell looked around again. His vision was blurry, but not so much that he couldn¡¯t recognize people. Looking around, he saw that dozens of people, including himself, were all tied up. And then. ¡°If you resist, I¡¯ll kill them one by one.¡± The voice came from a distance, and Bell realized that he was in some sort of hut. He recognized a few familiar items. An old leather sunshade, some rotten leather pieces that smelled musty, and a fireplace that had been dead for years. It was a hunter¡¯s hut, abandoned outside the castle gate, in a remote area. In other words, a deserted hut. What was going on? Familiar faces, all tied up, were confined in the hunter¡¯s hut. Sunlight streamed in through the window. Bell, who was lying sideways, tensed his abs. ¡°Hup!¡± After straightening his body, he looked out the window. He saw the back of the man he had seen just before he fainted. ¡®That bastard?¡¯ His head was still throbbing. When he got up, he felt something sticky next to his face, indicating he had bled a bit. He wasn¡¯t dead, but his head was cracked. Beyond the man¡¯s back, he could vaguely see the shape of a person, but not clearly. However, he instantly recognized who it was from the voice he heard. ¡°Well, you seem like you¡¯re about to die too.¡± It was Encrid¡¯s voice. Bell quickly grasped the situation. It was a hostage situation. At the same time, Bell wondered if it would make any difference. It was a world of kill or be killed. In such a world, would Encrid die for these dozens of people? That seemed highly unlikely. So why was this still going on? Questions continued to swirl in Bell¡¯s mind. He would have to keep watching to understand what was happening. Swift Blade¡¯s scheme was neither extraordinary nor brilliant. It was simple and annoying, that¡¯s all. ¡°I said I¡¯ll kill them all.¡± From the first day he arrived at the Border Guard, he observed his surroundings. He watched and understood. Here are a few things he learned. First. ¡®Damn it? They put a watchdog on me right away?¡¯ There were eyes on him. Thanks to Krais reporting him to the higher-ups on the first day. Because of that, Marcus assigned people to watch him. That greatly displeased Swift Blade. Putting that aside. What he found out later was that Encrid had unknowingly grown close to the people around him. Even if he took them hostage and demanded Encrid¡¯s life, he would probably just snort in derision. A hostage must hold enough value to the other party to be meaningful. ¡®They¡¯re not family, nor lovers.¡¯ It¡¯s not like they are hidden children or anything. Just acquaintances. That¡¯s all. ¡°I¡¯m not asking for much. Just that much. Move everyone back and stay here alone.¡± That¡¯s why Swift Blade proposed conditions that the other party could accept. Honestly, he believed that if he fought alongside that crazy half-blood Giant, they could kill Encrid. What¡¯s the problem? ¡®Those bastards, right?¡¯ From the guy snickering while stroking his axe, to the bear-like man who seemed two heads taller than him, to the quiet one who wouldn¡¯t be surprised if he started swinging a sword at any moment. ¡°Especially you, don¡¯t disappear. If I can¡¯t see you, I¡¯ll kill this woman right away.¡± He was speaking to Jaxon. Swift Blade already had a villager in his arms. She was the woman who made marmalade. A sharp knife was pressed against her neck. A drop of blood trickled down. Encrid didn¡¯t remember her name. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. But Krais did. ¡°If you even touch a hair on Jurie¡¯s finger, you won¡¯t die peacefully.¡± Krais was rarely serious. Since she made excellent marmalade with those hands, her fingertips must be especially important. Jurie was pale and unable to speak a word. Frozen as if she had been dipped in wax, she was dragged around by Swift Blade¡¯s rough grip. Even watching this, Encrid didn¡¯t show any urgency. This made Swift Blade¡¯s smile even wider. ¡®That bastard¡¯s eyes are so annoying.¡¯ If things go as he wants, he¡¯ll gouge out those eyes first. ¡°Is what I¡¯m asking difficult? No, right? If you¡¯re not confident¡­ well, that¡¯s a different story.¡± It was still a crude provocation. Swift Blade¡¯s condition was simple. Move the people back. Leave only Encrid. And then? ¡°If you can take us both down one by one, it¡¯s over, right?¡± If he did that, he¡¯d supposedly release the hostages. It was clearly nonsense, but he wasn¡¯t asking Encrid to die or to cut off an arm. If he didn¡¯t agree, Swift Blade would kill people without hesitation. It was an ambiguous situation. Can¡¯t you at least meet this condition? ¡®That¡¯s what he¡¯s aiming for.¡¯ Logically, it made no sense. He was asking Encrid to face two enemies after moving his allies back. What if both of them attacked to kill him? ¡®Then, can he handle the aftermath?¡¯ What if he got seriously injured? Even if they moved back, Rem and the others wouldn¡¯t just sit quietly. They¡¯d pursue them immediately. Did Swift Blade have another plan? How many years had he survived by outsmarting others with less skill? In terms of intuition, Encrid was second to none. He read Swift Blade¡¯s intention. Not only did he read it, but he also saw beyond it. Beyond the five senses, his sixth sense spoke to him. ¡®Besides the escape plan, there must be something hidden.¡¯ Next to him, a half-blood Giant, clad in armor with a sword and shield, stood idly. Handling that warrior alone was a challenge. No, it used to be a challenge. Before, it would have been impossible, especially before mingling with Shepherd Pel. ¡®Maybe it¡¯ll work.¡¯ She was calm and composed. Her eyes reflected the same. Seeing Encrid¡¯s eyes, Swift Blade¡¯s smile deepened. From the first time he saw him, his smile had been insufferable. But he had let it go, wanting to glimpse the hidden skills. Encrid thought this was his responsibility. He was about to respond in agreement. ¡°Bullshit!¡± What a powerful voice. ¡°Huh? Who¡¯s eavesdropping on my thoughts?¡± Rem spouted nonsense from behind. It was inside the abandoned hut. Bell¡¯s shout. If he keeps that up, he might die first? Encrid was a bit worried. Everything had happened because of him, and he knew all these faces. It wasn¡¯t a battlefield, and if someone got stabbed here, it would be troubling. So he wished they would keep their mouths shut. Swift Blade¡¯s face now looked less like a smile and more like a twisted mask. Doesn¡¯t it hurt his facial muscles to smile like that? ¡°Haha, insufferable brother, let¡¯s have a conversation instead of this. The scriptures say, turn back those who are on the wrong path. So, look behind you.¡± With incomprehensible words, he extended his hand, naturally guiding the attention backward. Following this, Jaxon subtly lifted his left foot. Rem let his left hand hang loose, and only Ragna yawned and watched. ¡°Cut the crap.¡± Swift Blade didn¡¯t fall for it. Encrid decided. What else could he do? It didn¡¯t seem like a life-threatening matter. ¡°Everyone, go back, wash your feet, and rest.¡± ¡°You¡¯re going to do it alone?¡± ¡°I think I can handle it.¡± It was something he used to say often. If he had said this before, Rem would have sarcastically mocked him. He would have asked if he was going off to die alone. But now? Having sparred with him just before coming here, ¡®Tsk.¡¯ Rem swallowed his words. He had indeed improved. He was no longer someone to be underestimated. Moreover, he had awakened a part, a fragment of ¡®Will¡¯. He was now qualified to join the only Knightly order in the Kingdom, the Red Cape Knights. Well, joining the order required meeting various conditions. He had even received an offer to join the order, from some naive members. ¡°So, what now?¡± Encrid nodded toward Swift Blade, whose eyes were twisted with malice. He sent everyone far back, to a place where they couldn¡¯t be seen. Swift Blade never let go of the hostage. If it weren¡¯t for Jurie being held, Encrid would have made a move much earlier. From the beginning, he had a knife hidden under his hand. He was ready to use a technique called the Tangum style. If he threw it now, Swift Blade would use the hostage as a shield. ¡®Should I kill the hostage and charge in?¡¯ The hostage would die, but it would be a way to subdue the opponent. Sacrificing one to cleanly resolve the situation. That was also an option. But then someone would die. A resident of his domain, someone he was supposed to protect, would die because of his actions. He wouldn¡¯t feel much guilt over it. He had no habit of self-torment over things that had already happened. But standing by idly while he could prevent something didn¡¯t suit him either. Clang. ¡°I never swore to protect the people of the Border Guard, but they are in my domain.¡± Encrid said, drawing his sword. ¡°I can¡¯t just stand by and watch.¡± The rain had stopped. Under the clear blue sky, under the shining azure sky. There stood Encrid, with his sword drawn. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com] Chapter 239 There is a will evident in his words and actions. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.Because of this will, Encrid¡¯s words carried weight. Everyone had retreated. He said he would protect. If he said so, he would do so. What if he failed? That was a matter to think about later. The last to step back was Ragna. Before leaving, he silently stared at the Swift Blade, and only after uttering a word did he turn away. ¡°We¡¯ll meet again later.¡± The Swift Blade ignored him. Encrid thought it was not good to ignore that. ¡®It¡¯s rare for Ragna to say we¡¯ll meet again later.¡¯ It was not a common sight. As people withdrew and disappeared from view, Encrid was left alone. The Swift Blade spoke again in a tone devoid of laughter. ¡°Impressive, really.¡± The smile vanished from the Swift Blade¡¯s face. He seemed indifferent. Encrid, still holding his sword, silently observed. ¡°Let¡¯s begin.¡± The Swift Blade said. A brief silence fell. Nothing happened. It could have been embarrassing, but the Swift Blade just twisted his mouth into a smile again. Looking at his opponent¡¯s face, Encrid thought it looked like a forced smile. The original plan started with the half-blood Giant charging. Then the Swift Blade would attack, exploiting the opening. But the half-blood Giant didn¡¯t move. ¡°A conversation?¡± Encrid asked casually, intending to alleviate the awkwardness, but the intent was not conveyed. ¡°Shut up, damn it.¡± The Swift Blade glared at the half-blood Giant. The Giant stood still, helmet on. He didn¡¯t look sideways. They could kill him if they joined forces, so why was she acting like this? Of course, the Swift Blade didn¡¯t rely solely on the half-blood Giant. He had something dangerous in his possession for critical moments. ¡®If I use it wrong, it could backfire.¡¯ If used properly, dangerous tools are naturally lethal. When the half-blood Giant didn¡¯t move even after saying to start, the Swift Blade spoke again. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± It was an urging remark. Only after hearing this did the half-blood Giant silently lift her shield. Encrid watched the half-blood Giant. The helmet covered her face. The visor had a single horizontal slit through which only her eyes were barely visible. Her eyes were so thin and small that even the light in them couldn¡¯t be seen. ?¨¢??§£¨¨???? But that didn¡¯t mean he couldn¡¯t sense the atmosphere. People often reveal their feelings through their attitude, even without speaking. ¡°Do you not want to fight?¡± Encrid asked, facing her. During their sparring, the half-blood Giant unknowingly became excited, and Encrid sensed it too. It was a vivid memory from long ago, before today¡¯s repetition. Some memories are not easily forgotten. It was different from forgetting Edin Molsen¡¯s name. ¡°Just fulfilling my duty.¡± The half-blood Giant replied. Her husky voice echoed through the helmet. You could tell she was a woman, but her voice was characteristically rough. She soon raised her shield. A gray iron wall. Simultaneously setting her shield, she leaned forward and kicked the ground. The massive thigh muscles and ankle strength sent dirt flying as she propelled herself forward. Bang! The sound of her foot hitting the ground thundered through the air. At the same time, the half-blood Giant¡¯s body charged at Encrid. It was like a giant mountain moving. The half-blood Giant originally named this technique ¡®Avalanche¡¯. The shield, tilted obliquely, bore down on Encrid. It was coming down with a crushing force. Encrid instantly activated Focus Point. A strange experience of the surroundings slowing down, a technique he was now accustomed to using, consuming his concentration. Even in this immersed state, the speed of the shield bearing down on him was extraordinary and overwhelming. He judged that simply tilting his shield towards the sky as he charged would not suffice to deflect it. So, what should he do? If deflecting isn¡¯t possible, how about redirecting? Though his opponent had lost their enthusiasm, Encrid hadn¡¯t. As he tried to move his body in response to the shield charge, the Avalanche, he felt a murderous intent prick the back of his head. His sixth sense was activated, and his Sense of Evasion was naturally on high alert. The Swift Blade was up to something. Encrid didn¡¯t mind. ¡®It seems like it could be fun.¡¯ Because of this, a smile appeared on his face, and seeing this, the Swift Blade felt disgusted, almost to the point of madness. The previously restrained murderous intent surged in an instant. ¡®Die.¡¯ The Swift Blade muttered to himself as he raised his hand to his belt and scattered something forward. It was the weapon that earned him his current nickname. A flexible sword made of thin wrought iron, called a Ribbon sword. It had been wrapped around his waist. What looked like a belt became a sword, extending straight forward. It was one and a half times longer than a typical longsword. It also looked like a pointed iron whip. Swish! With the sound of the thin blade slicing through the air, the sword tip flew towards the back of Encrid¡¯s head like a venomous snake. Encrid was just about to raise his left hand against the shield charging like an avalanche. ¡°I keep thinking this is my fault.¡± Krais muttered, and Rem glanced sideways at him upon hearing this. ¡°Why?¡± ¡°The guidance map. And I left it exposed even though I knew.¡± Krais had drawn and sold an internal map of the territory. The map could have been a means for them to navigate the territory, and he didn¡¯t use the Gilpin Guild to monitor them as he could have. They didn¡¯t want the guild members to die in droves against a skilled opponent. He had weighed the practical benefits. That nagging feeling was why he spoke up. ¡°In that case, the Battalion Commander should take responsibility, right?¡± Finn said from behind. Next to her was Dunbachel, who seemed to have no thoughts at all. She simply asked out of curiosity. ¡°Should we just leave him?¡± Rem reacted to this. ¡°Well, if we don¡¯t leave him, will you sneak off to help? Are you sure you won¡¯t get caught?¡± Some beastmen are instinctively talented hunters, but Dunbachel was not one of them. She was a warrior, not a hunter. ¡°I think I¡¯ll get caught.¡± ¡°Then why bring it up?¡± ¡°If he dies, I have no reason to stay here.¡± It was quite surprising to hear her reveal this so openly. Wasn¡¯t she saying she stayed here only because of Encrid? Rem thought this as she kicked Dunbachel¡¯s calf with a lower kick. Thanks to her training, Dunbachel instinctively lifted her leg and blocked Rem¡¯s kick. Thud! There was impact, but little pain. Hadn¡¯t they been exposed to savage violence all this time? Now, she could handle this much. ¡°Well done, beast girl. And drop the worries. Do you even have the time to worry?¡± Rem then harshly criticized Dunbachel¡¯s abilities. ¡°A beast who can¡¯t even protect herself, worrying about someone? Who? The Commander? The Commander who recently gained awareness of Will? You think you can beat that weirdo with the strange sword over there? Oh, you don¡¯t? But you¡¯re still going to fight? Did you leave your brain somewhere, or is it broken? Why are you carrying around a head that can¡¯t even be used as a helmet stand?¡± From calling her a beast to a helmet stand, it wasn¡¯t perfect rhythm, but it fit surprisingly well as a piece of poetry. ¡°Four and a half stars.¡± Krais evaluated the poem by the poet Rem. Although worried, Krais believed. Despite the burden of feeling responsible for the situation, he believed. If he had realized it sooner, he would have fortified the defenses more thoroughly. It was regret. But regret only needed to last for a moment. The reality was right before his eyes, and he had to face it. Since the event had already occurred, Krais decided to believe. Wasn¡¯t it the Commander himself who stepped in? Krais still hadn¡¯t forgotten the back of the Commander who saved him. ¡®Such a Commander.¡¯ Moreover, Encrid¡¯s skills had recently improved to an unbelievable extent. He had advanced. He was progressing upward. So he believed. Most of all, just before retreating, when he saw the man with black hair standing under the blue sky, Krais couldn¡¯t help but think of two words in his mind. ¡®Knight.¡¯ What kind of person is called a Knight? It¡¯s not just a term for those who are superior in martial prowess. ¡®A Knight is a protector.¡¯ One day, Encrid had said, and if he said he would protect, then he would. ¡°Anyway, damn it.¡± Rem grumbled as he stopped walking. They had moved quite a distance away. Worrying and watching are separate matters. It was a shame they were too far away to see properly. Especially the lazy bastard next to him seemed to think so even more. Recently, his attitude has been unusually enthusiastic. It was a rare sight for the usually lazy guy. As soon as Ragna stopped, he turned around and got ready. To Rem, it looked like preparation. He didn¡¯t draw his sword, just stood there blankly, facing Encrid¡¯s direction. ¡®That¡¯s preparation.¡¯ He looked ready to charge immediately if anything went wrong. Though it seemed unlikely anything would. ¡°Father will protect him.¡± Audin murmured beside him. It was a prayer, as usual. Jaxon had already disappeared. He had turned into a wildcat as soon as they went out of sight. Esther didn¡¯t follow them. Today, the wizard who had turned into a human said. ¡°I¡¯m busy. Don¡¯t bother me.¡± That was it. A beautiful woman with blue eyes and an air of mystique that marked her as a wizard said those words without a hint of worry. Yet she still pretended to be a panther to outsiders. ¡®She pretends not to care, but never leaves the Commander¡¯s side.¡¯ Thinking this, Rem chuckled, and then he saw someone approaching hurriedly from the other side. ¡°Is it true? They took a hostage?¡± It was Battalion Commander Marcus and a group of swift soldiers. Most were archers. Platoon leader Vengeance was also visible. When the incident happened, only a few, including Rem, moved, and then Marcus, after receiving the report, came with the archers. ¡°Yes, but you don¡¯t need to worry. They said they¡¯ll kill the hostage if we approach, so we need to wait here.¡± Krais stepped forward to answer. But for an issue like this, the Battalion Commander himself came. Well, since he¡¯s realized ¡®Will¡¯, he¡¯s now considered a high-level asset. Rem thought this as he watched the back of Krais who was stepping forward to speak. Then. ¡°What kind of nonsense is that? Are you planning to trade a few hostages for the Commander?¡± Edin Molsen, who followed Marcus, stepped up. His hair was faded blonde, almost yellow. He stepped forward and shouted reprimandingly. ¡°Guide me there immediately! I will go and punish him myself!¡± Since when did he care so much about the Commander? Edin Molsen was so agitated he was snorting. His puffing and panting were no different from usual. The only difference this time was that he was doing it for Encrid, which was surprising. ¡°Leave it be.¡± Rem had no choice but to step forward and speak. ¡°What?¡± Edin Molsen¡¯s eyebrows shot up. He had a knack for expressing anger with his face. He¡¯s a nuisance, but they couldn¡¯t kill the son of a noble again. That would be a real disaster. Rem exercised patience and spoke. ¡°Leave it be, nothing will happen.¡± His tone was nearly certain. What kind of nonsense is this? Edin¡¯s face seemed to say. Rem once again exercised patience and spoke. ¡°Ah, it¡¯s fine.¡± Rem was Encrid¡¯s last sparring partner. While fighting him, he lost an axe, and at the same time, he understood. ¡®It¡¯s no threat.¡¯ The half-blood Giant¡¯s skills aren¡¯t bad, but the Swift Blade is no match. And with the current Encrid. ¡®Fighting the half-blood Giant and taking off that cunning guy¡¯s head is no big deal.¡¯ Moreover, hasn¡¯t the sly wildcat already made a move? ¡°We just need to watch and then go to watch the show.¡± Even though Rem repeated this, Edin had no reason to back down. ¡°Step aside. Insolent barbarian.¡± Edin was about to take a step forward when he spat out his sharp words. A chilling murderous intent slashed at Edin¡¯s neck. Edin thought he was dead. No, he almost died. It was Edin¡¯s bodyguard who prevented it. ¡°That¡¯s enough.¡± ¡°I told you to listen. Why do you keep pushing it? Crossing the line and all that?¡± Rem grumbled as he spoke. Just now, what was that? Edin touched his neck. Intimidation? Or something similar? ¡°Did you always know how to use it?¡± The bodyguard asked. It was a question only Rem could understand. No, Audin understood as well. Ragna seemed uninterested. He still had his body turned towards Encrid. He didn¡¯t care who came from behind. ¡°I saw it this time and tried to imitate it.¡± Can Intimidation be imitated just by seeing it? The bodyguard thought the other was mocking him but didn¡¯t draw his sword easily. It wasn¡¯t the time to cause internal strife. ¡°The Commander said he¡¯d protect and save. So, we should wait.¡± Rem said again. In that deadly atmosphere, Marcus kept his mouth shut. As a Battalion Commander, it was better to stay silent than to speak and possibly embarrass himself. It was indeed a shrewd decision. ¡°Let¡¯s wait.¡± Marcus concluded. Edin Molsen threw a few more fits, but that was the extent of it. They stopped and waited. They didn¡¯t have to wait long for news from the front. Although they were out of sight, this didn¡¯t apply to Rem. He could roughly grasp the situation just by watching the movements in the distance. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Rem said afterwards. He could see the situation was coming to an end. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com] Chapter 240 As soon as Jaxon was out of the sight of the one called Swift Blade, he quickly slipped away. There was no need to give anyone a heads-up.¡®Barbarian scum.¡¯ He noticed the presence of people whenever he disappeared. Although half of it was a deliberate sign left to be noticed, it still showed remarkable perception. There was no sound, and no sign of his presence. As he moved through the bushes, the foliage shook no more than if a single bee had landed. Jaxon utilized his skills to move, and avoiding the sight of that idiot Swift Blade was no challenge. He infiltrated the place where the hostages were held. Thanks to his quick movements after slipping out of sight. ¡®This isn¡¯t something to do without a reward.¡¯ He hadn¡¯t taken on this task through the guild or personally, was he working too hard? The brief question that arose inside quickly disappeared just as fast as it had come. His body moved on its own. Though it was an unfamiliar experience, it wasn¡¯t an unpleasant one. After all, he was currently a member of the Madmen Platoon. He entered the abandoned shack. ¡°How did you¡­?¡± Bell recognized Jaxon and asked. ¡°Well.¡± Jaxon gave a short reply and then cut the ropes binding Bell¡¯s wrists and ankles. As his dagger moved a few more times, the bound people quickly found their freedom. After that, Jaxon led them to the back of the shack, where there was a small side room. Why were they heading to a dead end? While everyone expressed their confusion with their eyes, Bell, who had gone in first, asked. ¡°Did you break through the wall?¡± Jaxon pointed outside instead of answering. Instead of going through the door, he had cut through the back of the shack with his sword to create a new exit. He had essentially made a back door. The ease with which he cut the wall was thanks to his unique magical weapon, but there was no need to explain that. He had no obligation to answer such questions. ?¨¢?§°????¨§? Jaxon had done his job. ¡°Get out.¡± He didn¡¯t expect the enemy to keep their promise, so he acted independently. It would help even their deranged Commander to get these people out first. Now, it was important not to get spotted. If he didn¡¯t want to end up killing the woman who had fallen into the hands of that despicable laughing man, it was the right move. ¡®The Commander promised to protect them.¡¯ He would help make sure that happened. Jaxon felt it was quite out of character for him. ¡®To save rather than to kill.¡¯ How unfitting for him. And without any compensation, at that. But it was what his Commander wanted. After rescuing all the hostages, he discreetly looked out the window to check the direction of the battle. The Giant charged, and the Ribbon sword moved like a snake, about to pierce from behind when Encrid¡¯s body moved. Jaxon saw him at that moment. Placing his left hand on the charging shield, he exploded the Heart of Great Strength. He braced himself and pushed to the side. The force behind the shield was deflected to the side. Something then came crashing down vertically. It was the half-blood Giant¡¯s sword swinging from above. A follow-up to the shield attack. Along with the sharp momentum from behind. Encrid deflected the shield with his shoulder blade, blocked the end of the Ribbon sword, and changed his stance by moving his right foot behind his left. A technique he learned from Audin to redirect attacks. As he moved, he swung his sword. When it met the descending blade, he deflected it by loosening his grip halfway. It was the Fluid Sword Technique. He deflected everything. The results of his training shone through. And all this happened in the span of a single breath. Thunk, ting, clang! Clang, clang, clang! He deflected the shield, blocked the Ribbon sword with his shoulder, and deflected the sword strike. Sparks flew, but since he had deflected everything, the impact was minimal. He had enough energy for the next move. Encrid, having completed all these actions, kicked the half-blood Giant¡¯s shin with his toes. Thud! The Giant endured it and then swung the shield like a bludgeon. At the same time, the Ribbon sword once again targeted Encrid¡¯s back. Encrid calmly parried, blocked, and deflected the attack. It was hard to describe. The movements were basic but strangely flawless. How is that possible? Swift Blade was left puzzled, but the half-blood Giant had no questions. She understood her opponent¡¯s movements as she watched. ¡®Faster, stronger, and more flexible.¡¯ By moving faster and predicting the opponent¡¯s actions, with superior speed and strength, such movements were possible. ¡®Ah.¡¯ Her techniques were being read. The half-blood Giant almost got absorbed in the fight again. But she couldn¡¯t afford to. ¡°Take this!¡± Swift Blade shouted from behind. Swoosh! A hostage, too terrified to scream, flew over Encrid¡¯s head. It was a precisely aimed throwing weapon towards Encrid. Since the hostage was alive, he couldn¡¯t simply deflect it, making it a very tricky projectile. The weapon, if one could call it that, was a wet, urine-soaked skirt. In the slowed-down moment, Encrid¡¯s fixed gaze shifted sideways. He saw both the flying hostage and Swift Blade. The Ribbon sword targeted his ankle like a snake. Encrid¡¯s body spun completely. The half-blood Giant had to swing either her shield or sword. Wasn¡¯t this the position for that? Why had she fought with Encrid between them? It was for this moment, even though she had been manipulated by that cunning three-tongued demon. But her hand did not move. Encrid responded to the approaching Ribbon sword by kicking it away with the tip of his boot. His boot tip was cut, but his toes were intact. Then he gently caught the flying hostage. He took the weight on his knees and spun around to disperse the force. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. If this were a contest of catching flying humans, he would have won immediately. ¡°Are you alright?¡± He asked afterward, but Jurie, who made marmalade, still couldn¡¯t open her mouth. She was terribly shocked. ¡°I can¡¯t do it.¡± The voice came from behind. It was the husky voice of the half-blood Giant. ¡°Is that so?¡± Encrid glanced back and said nonchalantly. ¡°Yeah, I can¡¯t do it.¡± She nodded. She didn¡¯t want this kind of fight. This wasn¡¯t an opponent she wanted to kill. Even though she had been ordered to kill, she couldn¡¯t bring herself to do it. ¡®This isn¡¯t right.¡¯ Her mind said no, but her heart commanded otherwise. She knew it was wrong, but she couldn¡¯t bring herself to act. The half-blood Giant gave up. Although no one knew, it was akin to giving up her life. It was an act no different from suicide. However, ¡®I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll regret it.¡¯ The Giant thought for a moment and withdrew her hand. She had no intention of fighting further. ¡°You crazy bitch!¡± Swift Blade yelled, but it wasn¡¯t surprising, as he quickly ran back. He seemed to be heading towards the shack where the hostages were gathered. His speed was remarkable. Encrid had a few ways to stop him. He could throw a dagger or charge and tackle him. Although it wouldn¡¯t perfectly stop him, it would buy some time, and with luck, it might prevent him from reaching the shack. But there was no need. Swift Blade flung open the shack door. Encrid watched his actions calmly. He still remembered the movements of the Ribbon sword from the previous confrontation. ¡®The tip of my boot was cut.¡¯ He had intended to deflect after dodging, but the sword¡¯s tip had twisted at an unexpected angle at the last moment. How should he handle it next time? He came up with more than seven ways. His accumulated experience had now blossomed and become second nature. Although Pel had fastened the last button, he had been doing this all along¡ªfastening, sewing when he couldn¡¯t fasten, and even making new buttons when necessary. So, there was no reason to thank Pel. ¡°¡­Shit.¡± Swift Blade muttered. It was natural for him to curse. The shack was already empty. ¡®Because Jaxon is there.¡¯ Encrid had expected this. Swift Blade hadn¡¯t. ¡°Surprised?¡± Encrid spoke as he began to lower the hostage. The half-blood Giant extended her hand. ¡°I won¡¯t harm her.¡± She wouldn¡¯t backstab him or torment the hostages. It was an obvious truth. Encrid handed the woman to the half-blood Giant. The Giant gently set her on the ground. Encrid walked towards Swift Blade. Slowly, steadily. The rain had soaked the ground, producing a squelching sound with each step. Hearing his boots on the ground, Swift Blade turned his head. ¡°Smuggling the hostages away? You liar!¡± Look at that! He¡¯s as shameless as Rem. Stabbing from behind and then calling someone a liar? ¡°You¡¯ve got quite a thick skin.¡± Encrid no longer had the luxury of smiling. Swift Blade assumed a stance, one hand gripping his sword and the other holding the Ribbon sword. Encrid positioned his sword behind his head, his hand next to his right ear. The fatal strike stance of the Middle Sword Technique, the Wrath Stance. ¡°Cutting down a charging lion and slicing through solid steel.¡± As Ragna¡¯s words came to mind, he naturally took the stance. If the Ribbon sword was troublesome, what should he do? If it lunged again after being deflected, what then? He¡¯d simply cut everything down. ¡®There¡¯s nothing in this world that can¡¯t be cut. If I fail to cut, it¡¯s my inadequacy. Or I lack the right equipment.¡¯ Those were Ragna¡¯s words. A crazy lazybones, but his genius was undeniable. It was fortunate to have learned the swordmanship from him. ¡°Hey, I¡¯ll definitely kill you.¡± Swift Blade said, letting out a ting as he dropped his intact sword. Kill me? How? Encrid wasn¡¯t being arrogant, he was confident. Swift Blade was no match for him. He could have taken him on even before meeting Shepherd Pel. If he had been determined to kill, willing to get injured, he could have done it. Of course, that was before Swift Blade started using the Ribbon sword. So, now? He wouldn¡¯t lose. He could cut him. He would cut him. Repeated resolve planted a small seed in Encrid¡¯s heart. It was an intangible energy learned through rejection. Though it hadn¡¯t sprouted yet, the seed was definitely planted. ¡°Go ahead.¡± He said. ¡°Yeah, you bastard.¡± Cornered, Swift Blade reached into his pocket. Tangum style? What was he going to throw? Encrid¡¯s prediction was off. What came out of the pocket was a Scroll. It was the first time Encrid had ever seen such a tool, an artifact. A very rare item known as a Scroll. It contained spells that could be activated when needed. Magic was mysterious, and spells were peculiar things. ¡°Blow up!¡± With a shout, Swift Blade threw the Scroll above Encrid. Encrid didn¡¯t recognize it as a Scroll. It was only natural since it was the first time he had seen such an item. However, his sixth sense warned him. Something was going to happen with that Scroll. And it did. Whoosh! The Scroll ignited, suddenly producing a massive fireball that descended. It wasn¡¯t as fast as an arrow, so it could be dodged. From the moment he took his stance, Encrid had imprinted his surroundings in his mind. ¡®If I dodge?¡¯ The fireball would fly backward. In its path were the half-blood Giant and the urine-soaked woman. Even if the Giant blocked with her shield, if it exploded? The rescued woman would die. Encrid¡¯s thoughts accelerated. He quickly assessed everything and made a decision, pulling the best from the Wrath Stance. Pow! He charged towards the approaching fireball. His sword raised, his breath held, the sword in his grip, his body moving in balance with his feet. He channeled everything into one. There seemed to be a sound like a thud. Encrid¡¯s body blurred and elongated, at least to Swift Blade¡¯s eyes. ¡®Foolish bastard!¡¯ Swift Blade was confident of his victory. What kind of swordsman charges at a fireball with nothing but his body? If it hits, it¡¯s over. Severe injury. He wouldn¡¯t be able to stop him. Although the half-blood Giant had backed off, she wouldn¡¯t interfere. The euphoria of victory, the thrill! The pent-up frustration from holding back the urge to kill for so long added to it. Having been cornered and then breaking free, Swift Blade¡¯s thoughts accelerated. There was a moment when their thoughts converged. It was when Encrid¡¯s elongated body reached the fireball. The most rational action from the Wrath Stance emerged from Encrid¡¯s fingertips. Pivoting on his left foot, he transferred the rotational force from his toes to his waist and then to his hand, executing a Middle Sword Technique diagonal slash. Whoosh! Everything happened in an instant. Jaxon, watching from a tree beside the shack, furrowed his brow. ¡®Is he cutting it?¡¯ The slash, starting from the Wrath Stance, achieved a perfect strike. Following the diagonal path of the cut, the flying fireball split in two. The split fireball fell to the left and right of Encrid. Boom! Boom! Boom! Explosions erupted. The wet soil quickly dried and scattered in all directions. A few stones, turned into fiery embers, brushed past Encrid¡¯s head and struck his back. Having exerted such effort, Encrid was down on his left knee. He briefly recalled the moment he had cut through the fireball and stood up. ¡°Well, it cut.¡± His remark was surprisingly understated for a moment of such accomplishment. He thought it would be good if it worked, and if not, he¡¯d get a little burned. His face might have been half-burned. But for Encrid, there was something more important than his appearance. It was this moment of not giving up and not retreating. Thus, Encrid cut through the spell. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com] Chapter 241 ¡°¡­¡­What the hell? Is this for real?¡±Swift Blade muttered in disbelief, his eyes wide with shock. Encrid remained silent, reflecting on what he had done, while a different voice answered from behind. ¡°Seeing is believing, isn¡¯t it?¡± Rem had returned. Had he seen the half-blood Giant stop? Everyone¡¯s shoulders rose and fell, as if they had sprinted at full speed. Marcus and the others stood up. Even while catching their breath, a few archers nocked arrows to their longbows. They looked ready to shoot at any moment. Those aiming at the Giant might not be sharpshooters, but they wouldn¡¯t miss. A few skilled archers turned their aim towards Encrid. ¡°Don¡¯t accidentally put an arrow in the Commander¡¯s head, just stay still.¡± Rem spoke to them. ¡°Leave that warrior alone.¡± Encrid added. A few archers, who had been aiming at the half-blood Giant, quietly lowered their bows. With a hostage right next to her, they couldn¡¯t risk shooting. Wasn¡¯t that hostage someone Encrid had personally saved? ¡°Is that what you call cutting fire?¡± Even from a distance, it was clear that he had cut through the flames. It wasn¡¯t something you could miss even if you wanted to. Krais muttered, and Encrid thought of shrugging his shoulders but didn¡¯t. The enemy was still standing right in front of them. ¡°Haha, what is this? Seriously.¡± Swift Blade let out a hollow laugh. Until now, he had taken many lives just by revealing his hidden sword technique. Even in those moments, he conserved his Scrolls. They were like extra lives. He had seen people dodge fireballs created by spells before. There were those kinds of people. Sure, you dodge them. That¡¯s normal for a swordsman. Dodging was expected. But if there was a gap due to surprise, he¡¯d strike that gap with the quickest slash. It was a surefire tactic, a last resort. But why cut that? Why does that get cut? A fireball created by a spell? ¡®It was cut? Cut, really? That thing can be cut?¡¯ Swift Blade was dumbfounded. For a moment, his mind blanked from witnessing the impossible. ¡°It was quite impressive.¡± When had he gotten so close? The one with the lazy expression and blonde hair spoke. He stood next to Encrid. ¡°Oh, you came?¡± Encrid asked casually. ¡°I did.¡± Ragna replied. They were not ones to just stand and watch. Encrid silently looked ahead. It seemed to ask, ¡°What will you do now?¡± ¡°Alright, I concede.¡± Swift Blade admitted, rummaging through his pockets again. Seeing this, Ragna unusually muttered. ¡°I said we would meet again.¡± ¡°Yeah, see you again.¡± What he pulled out was a new Scroll. Another fireball? Encrid reacted, and a few archers hesitated, wondering if they should shoot now. Boom. Ragna dashed forward, kicking off the ground. He moved so fast it was as if he was flying. His figure blurred with speed. As he charged, Swift Blade hurriedly tore the Scroll. Crackle! Through the torn Scroll, just as Encrid had seen, Ragna also slashed diagonally through the air. Screeeeech! A strange sound lingered in the air. Thud. A dull noise followed. ¡°I said we would meet again.¡± Ragna spoke above the sound. The dull noise was from the ground. Encrid, seeing what had fallen, silently nodded. When Ragna said ¡®see you again¡¯, it wasn¡¯t to be ignored. When he said that, the usually lazy man was quite deadly. That Scroll seemed related to spatial movement. Only the lower half of Swift Blade, who had vanished, remained on the ground. His entrails and blood spilled out, sloshing. The upper half had been engulfed in light and vanished. ¡°Ahhhh!¡± The success rate of the spatial escape Scroll was just over fifty percent. Even a slight mistake could result in ending up in a strange place, but this time, it succeeded. However, the blade that had approached earlier had sliced right through the spell¡¯s activation. ¡®Crazy!¡¯ Swift Blade¡¯s eyes bulged in extreme pain. He couldn¡¯t even determine if it was due to the backlash of the spell or the impact of the sword strike. The aftermath of the spell left his vision blurred. As the effects wore off, he looked down with excruciating pain and saw there was nothing below his waist. ¡°Ugh.¡± No one can survive losing half their body. Blood and entrails spilled onto the ground. There was no remedy for this, not even a high priest could heal it. Swift Blade, crawling on the ground, died in that desolate wasteland. Blood bubbled from his mouth, and he was left with half his body gone. Soon, a few bald-headed vultures flew over his dead body, followed by a swarm of crows. ¡°What should we do about that one?¡± Vengeance asked, referring to the intimidatingly large half-blood Giant. ¡°I have no intention of fighting further. Kill me.¡± The Giant¡¯s voice still held strength. It was rough but oddly pleasing to the ear. Encrid exhaled deeply as he approached. ¡°Even if you have your reasons, it seems like a despicable act, doesn¡¯t it?¡± At his abrupt words, the half-blood Giant knelt and lifted her head. ¡°The one who sent me was the bishop of the Sacred Cult of the Demon Realm.¡± Her identity was thus revealed. She was someone who should be killed. However, Encrid didn¡¯t immediately swing his sword. Marcus observed Encrid, pondering. Why? Does he want to imprison and torment her? Killing her would seem the best course of action. ¡°Those who betray the Cult die. Every single one of them. So, I will die here.¡± The half-blood Giant continued. Encrid silently stared at her. A Cultist. It didn¡¯t seem like it was her choice. More importantly, her final act lingered in his mind. She turned away, and when the fireball from the Scroll exploded, she shielded the hostage with her body. What if she hadn¡¯t blocked it with her body? The hostage might have died. Now, her scorched hair and blistered arms were visible. Burns. Would a Cultist risk their life to save someone? ¡°Does she really have to die?¡± The young woman, Jurie, finally found her voice. That was her first question. ¡°I must die.¡± The answer came from the half-blood Giant. Marcus left the decision to Encrid, as his own role here was minimal. ¡°There will be pursuit from the Cult. Be cautious in all things.¡± Despite the Giant¡¯s concern, Encrid remained silent. ¡°Why? Do you want me to do it?¡± Rem, unable to watch any longer, interjected. His words, while shouldering his axe, were no less savage than a madman¡¯s. ¡°If she doesn¡¯t die, will we be chased by the Cult?¡± Encrid asked, interpreting her words that way. ¡°Absolutely. There¡¯s nothing as dangerous to them as an apostate.¡± The answer came back. Trusting in the Cult was diffiCult and grueling, and there was no example of someone who left once they joined. Or if there was, it was extremely rare. §²?¦­?????¨§? Yet, why did this woman seem as if she wanted to leave the Cult behind? ¡°Do you seek repentance, sister?¡± Audin, who had been watching, asked. ¡°My name is Teresa.¡± What a grand name. The name Teresa carried a holy connotation. ¡°I have no surname. Born and raised within the Cult, fulfilling my duties there.¡± She didn¡¯t seem to have faith. She appeared full of turmoil. Her words and expressions conveyed only worry and regret. ¡°I shall find peace in death.¡± She muttered to herself. She wasn¡¯t referring to the Cult¡¯s holy war. Encrid raised his sword. ¡°What do you want to do if you¡¯re born again?¡± The blade reflected light. It was a sharp and sturdy sword. It could easily cut through a Giant¡¯s neck, so a half-blood Giant¡¯s neck would be no problem. The Giant replied. ¡°I will fight and fight again, proving myself.¡± She spoke with a smile. It was a pleasant and refreshing smile. Encrid liked her quite a bit. Then he swung his sword. Whoosh. So fast it left no afterimage. With that swing, the Cultist Teresa died. ¡°Is this really okay? Isn¡¯t this just a cover-up?¡± ¡°That¡¯s true.¡± Encrid nodded at Krais¡¯s words. It was a sign that things should be fine. In truth, Encrid didn¡¯t know either. This was more of an impulsive decision, not a calculated one. It was similar to when he spared Dunbachel before. ¡°Seriously, will it be okay?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± ¡°Aren¡¯t you too unconcerned?¡± ¡°Am I?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Rem interjected into their simple conversation inside the barracks. He put his arms around the shoulders of both Encrid and Krais, asking with a friendly gesture. ¡°Why? Is someone picking a fight? Does it bother someone? Tell me. I¡¯ll just give them a ¡®poke¡¯.¡± A ¡®poke¡¯, he said. That wouldn¡¯t happen. Krais thought. Who would hold a grudge? In this unit, there was a group of men considered the strongest. Within the barracks, they were revered and called the Madmen Platoon. And now a new member has been added. A woman wearing a mask. ¡°I want to keep my name.¡± Teresa. A former Cultist. Now, well, what should we call her? ¡°I¡¯ve settled down after wandering the continent all my life. Please take care of me.¡± She said she had been reborn. She claimed to have forgotten her past through death. Following orders without question seemed odd. What was she thinking? ¡°Oh, I don¡¯t know.¡± Krais didn¡¯t voice any more concerns. What would be the point? The Commander would do as he pleased anyway. It was the Commander who had convinced the woman, who had said she should die, by cutting through the air and even singeing her hair. ¡°Die on the battlefield, if that¡¯s what you want.¡± It wasn¡¯t a long speech. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The half-blood Giant quickly complied with those words. ¡°You¡¯ll take responsibility for me?¡± ¡°Take responsibility for yourself.¡± ¡°The Cult will become our enemy. They will come endlessly.¡± ¡°¡­Did you come to dine with them or something?¡± Teresa had also come to kill. The Cult was already an enemy. They had designated Encrid as their adversary. Therefore, he spoke without any hint of concern. Did that move Teresa¡¯s heart? Who knows? Simply. ¡°You will regret it.¡± ¡°Yeah, I won¡¯t.¡± After such a trivial conversation, she just accepted her death. ¡°From today, the Cultist Teresa is dead.¡± That was the end of it. Battalion Commander Marcus didn¡¯t say much either. He didn¡¯t question whether it was right to take her. He didn¡¯t ask if he was worried about the Cult. He just let it be. ¡®Not my problem at all.¡¯ Nevertheless, the Commander truly had a way with people. That was Krais¡¯s idle thought. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Today was another training day. Encrid led the troops. He recalled when a Rapier Swordsman had infiltrated before. Was it because the discipline within the unit had slackened? There was even a soldier who had become one of the hostages. ¡°This one, Bell, will never disgrace himself like that again!¡± Having been captured once, he was now full of determination. Encrid addressed all the soldiers gathered in the training ground. ¡°I will make you all be reborn.¡± They had thought they had endured tough training before, but it had been hell. And now he was saying he would make them be reborn. ¡°Rem.¡± ¡°Here.¡± ¡°Ragna.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Audin.¡± ¡°Yes, brother.¡± The three instructors. ¡°Dunbachel.¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± ¡°Beat up anyone who steps out of line.¡± The enforcer, Dunbachel. ¡°And Teresa the Wanderer.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Some soldiers shuddered at the calm voice of the half-blood Giant. It was a response filled with immense strength. ¡°I won¡¯t complain even if you beat them half to death.¡± What was this, a death sentence? Bell felt his determination slowly fading. He really wanted to run away. ¡®Should I retire?¡¯ He muttered to himself. Of course, Bell wasn¡¯t alone in this thought. Everyone felt an overwhelming urge to flee. Previously, they just had to run, now they had to run with a backpack twice as heavy as before. There was no rest from morning till evening. In between, there were sparring sessions. ¡°Today, I¡¯ve chosen you. You look like you¡¯d make a good punching bag!¡± Rem would grab anyone and beat them up. Others weren¡¯t any different. ¡°Your legs have given out, I see. Let me help you up, brother.¡± Isn¡¯t helping someone up usually done by pulling them by the arms? Why was he hitting them to make them stand? Most soldiers preferred guard duty. It was the only time they got to rest. Deserting during duty was unthinkable. Neglecting their duties wasn¡¯t an option either. Someone had previously infiltrated the barracks. They had declared it unacceptable. And a hostage? A hostage? A soldier taken hostage? Because of that, Bell had been criticized left and right. ¡°Is this all because of Bell?¡± Such words circulated among the soldiers for a while. Bell, half-dead and struggling to survive, didn¡¯t even have ears to hear the rumors. Training and the occasional drifters. That was Encrid¡¯s daily life. Training continued as usual. However, there were additions to his daily routine. ¡°Once more!¡± Edin Molsen. The Count¡¯s prodigal son who should have gone home stayed instead. The brotherly figure and the guard were still there too. ¡°Aren¡¯t you going back to your territory?¡± Encrid, after knocking him down several times, would ask. ¡°None of your business.¡± Edin Molsen didn¡¯t seem to have any intention of leaving. Did he have some purpose? Encrid didn¡¯t care. Winter was approaching. It was the harshest season in Pen-Hanil North. ¡°Do you drink?¡± As the cold wind started to blow, Edin Molsen, lying on the ground, asked, and Encrid answered honestly. ¡°I don¡¯t have time for that.¡± A man more obsessed with training than drinking, that was Encrid. ¡°You really are a crazy bastard.¡± Edin confirmed Encrid¡¯s identity. He wasn¡¯t wrong. As Edin, sprawled out, got up, someone who resembled him approached and asked. ¡°Is this the best way?¡± ¡°I think it¡¯s one of the best options.¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± Edin responded with a faint smile to his brother¡¯s somber words. A smile wasn¡¯t very appealing with one eye swollen and bruised. As the guards approached, the two fell silent. It wasn¡¯t something to discuss in front of the guards. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com] Chapter 242 ¡®Why won¡¯t you stop?¡¯Edin Molsen wasn¡¯t intimidating. At first, it felt wrong to beat him like this, but repetition makes it easier, doesn¡¯t it? In other words, it wasn¡¯t about him being the son of Count Molsen, but rather about respecting an opponent who doesn¡¯t know how to give up. So, he ended up focusing on beating him up. ¡°Go easy on him, please. Go easy.¡± Krais said, unable to watch any longer. ¡°He keeps coming at me.¡± It wasn¡¯t just senseless beating. He was an opponent who endlessly challenged and attacked. How could he treat someone like that half-heartedly? Encrid just couldn¡¯t do it. The path he had walked made him realize that half-hearted treatment would be more harmful. It would be more unpleasant. For Encrid, respecting his opponent was the easier and more comfortable way. Of course, it was his own perspective and method. ¡°Here we go again.¡± Edin Molsen came with a wooden sword once more. He wasn¡¯t attacking just because he was stupid. At least now, he no longer used a real sword. At first, he didn¡¯t even draw his sword before being knocked down, but now it was different. Of course, he swung, slashed, and stabbed. Encrid never lost his manners. To him, manners meant not ignoring the sincerity shown by his opponent. His manners were¡­ Whack! Hitting him on the head without holding back at all. ¡°Ugh!¡± A single scream and then striking his solar plexus hard enough to make him pass out. ¡°Brother!¡± Edin Molsen¡¯s younger brother, who had been watching, was initially shocked. But only at the beginning. As he said, repetition dulls the senses. ¡°Are you alright?¡± Now, even when Edin fell, his brother remained unfazed. If Encrid had intended to kill him, he would have done so already. If he had meant to cripple him, he would have done so too. Hadn¡¯t they already sparred more than twenty times? ¡°No way, he¡¯s here again? That body sure is tough.¡± In some ways, Rem should be Edin¡¯s enemy. Isn¡¯t he the one who killed his brother? But Rem didn¡¯t seem to care at all. He sure has a thick skin. Are all barbarians like this? It¡¯s an unnecessary question. It¡¯s not important. Whether his skin is thick or not, Rem is Rem. A monster who handles two axes incredibly well. Encrid is extremely satisfied and pleased with the monster¡¯s skills. ¡°I¡¯m warmed up.¡± At Encrid¡¯s words, a smile spread across Rem¡¯s face. ¡°Once again, I have to say¡­¡± ¡°That I might die?¡± Despite his words being cut off, Rem still smiled. With a broad grin, Encrid replied. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°You might too.¡± ¡°Damn, I usually don¡¯t swear, but did you know? I¡¯m the happiest when I smash the Commander¡¯s face.¡± Encrid agreed with those words, both mentally and physically. He could deeply sympathize with it. ¡°You¡¯re just like me.¡± ¡°¡­Do you have a habit of hitting your own face?¡± Encrid¡¯s gaze fixed on Rem. His gray eyes met Encrid¡¯s blue ones directly. Rem hadn¡¯t been idle all this time either. If Encrid had learned the Heart of the Beast, Rem had also learned something. Now, it seemed his skills had greatly improved. The technique of twisting someone¡¯s mood and making them boil with anger, that is. ¡°Yes, I do have such a habit.¡± When he admitted it abruptly, Rem frowned. ¡°Admitting it here?¡± There is always someone better. Ignoring mental blows and responding in unexpected ways¡ªthat¡¯s the essence of verbal sparring. ¡°Are you just going to wag your tongue?¡± At this question, which called for the end of the verbal sparring, Rem¡¯s axes swished through the air. He was wielding two again. The Madmen Platoon had accomplished a lot during this time. Requesting an axe from the armory was no big deal. The difference was, in the past, Rem didn¡¯t care much about his weapons, but this time he requested them considering weight distribution and balance. ¡°I can¡¯t make it that precise.¡± The blacksmith said. ¡°Well, can¡¯t be helped then.¡± The fact that Rem didn¡¯t argue further suggested he wasn¡¯t overly concerned. Anyway, the important thing was what he could do with this changed axe. Ping. Encrid tapped the axe blade with his sword. ¡°Stop breaking my axes.¡± Rem muttered as he charged. For a moment, it felt like his body grew larger. He was that fast and bold. A sudden realization struck. Whose was the Heart of the Beast originally? In terms of boldness and daring, Rem was the best. Encrid swung his sword vertically to the ground. This too was a lightning-fast slash. Swish. The sword cut through empty air. Rem¡¯s body blurred. The accelerating axe turned into a flash of light and struck. One from above, one from below. At first, he was caught off guard by the axes that curved like whips. Enduring that, he then faced strikes as fast as light. And now? Thwap! Thwap! Encrid swung his sword up and down. The blade rippled like a wave, deflecting the two strikes. Fluid Sword Technique, Wave Passing. He saw it in the Rapier Swordsman, refined it through Shepherd Pell, and perfected it against Rem. Rem didn¡¯t care that he was blocked. As soon as he was stopped, he threw one axe into the air. Then, holding just one axe, he charged again. Unorthodox, bold. Bizarre and daring. That was Rem. To put it simply, Encrid lost. ¡°That was close.¡± ¡°Really?¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± Should he be satisfied with those words? Should he? No, there was no need. Encrid learned something new again today. More precisely, he realized what he lacked. From the Sense of the Blade to the Gate of Sixth Sense, to the Sense of Evasion. Jaxon called it ¡®Sense Technique¡¯. He hadn¡¯t neglected honing it, but that was what led to his defeat. ¡®Too sensitive.¡¯ He had been too focused on the axe Rem threw into the air. Should he have ignored it then? In the end, Rem kicked the falling axe to accelerate it and struck his shoulder. ¡®Selection and focus.¡¯ It¡¯s a review. Reflecting and understanding. It was a familiar process. It was Encrid¡¯s daily routine. The difference now was the speed at which he was learning. It was similar to when he first realized what talent was. The Heart of the Beast, Sense Technique, Focus Point, and the Isolation Technique were like that. ????a¦­£ÏB¨¨? This time was no different. ¡®Will.¡¯ Though it was just ¡®Will¡¯, the experience gave him a new perspective. What is a genius? It¡¯s hard to explain. Everything comes naturally to them. It felt like he had gained a part of that natural ease. It was the same now. The process of reflecting after defeat, realizing his mistakes, and figuring out what was needed was different from before. Encrid wasn¡¯t aware of it. He was just doing what he always did. Of course, everyone, including Rem, noticed. ¡®Will, huh.¡¯ That Troublesome Commander and ¡®Will,¡¯ huh. ¡®Wow, really.¡¯ The fledgling who didn¡¯t know when he would die on the battlefield had become a chicken with a steel beak. No, he could no longer be called a chicken. He could now be called a beast. Hiding his admiration, Rem spoke. ¡°That damn Count¡¯s son must have some scheme, seeing how he keeps coming.¡± ¡°I see.¡± Encrid, already deep in thought, didn¡¯t care. No, even if he had heard it, he would have ignored it. Not just Rem, everyone had something to say. ¡°That brother is hiding something.¡± Audin said so too. Jaxon gestured that he found him suspicious, and Krais even formulated a few theories. ¡°Why is he here? Broadly speaking, I see two reasons. One, the Count might covet you, Commander. The second, he¡¯s trying to find your weakness.¡± Krais said he felt something similar in Edin Molsen¡¯s gaze. Whether it was surveillance or exploration. Encrid partially agreed. Edin Molsen¡¯s escort showed a similar attitude, but what mattered to Encrid wasn¡¯t his gaze. ¡®Should I draw it out?¡¯ The escort never fully showed his skills. Sometimes his eyes gleamed fiercely, and that made Encrid expect more, but¡­ He always held back. He never went all out. He didn¡¯t raise his momentum to dangerous levels. ¡°That guy knows what he¡¯s doing.¡± Rem said that the escort had also stepped into ¡®Will¡¯. So at the very least, he was on par with them. Anyway, the escort had refused any further sparring requests since then. ¡°I am just Edin Molsen¡¯s escort.¡± Then, why did he challenge him before? It was a test, an assessment, an evaluation. ¡®For what?¡¯ Encrid wondered for a moment if he should figure that out. He decided it wasn¡¯t necessary. So, he ignored it. He ignored Edin Molsen¡¯s strange looks. He ignored his younger brother¡¯s peculiar stares. He ignored the escort¡¯s occasional loitering. Even when Jaxon subtly suggested that removing those who were bothersome was an option, he ignored it. However, when Edin wanted to spar, he would face him properly. Months passed since Edin Molsen stayed in the territory, and the time had come when the cold naturally brought out comments about the chill. It looked like snow would fall soon. During this time, there were a few changes. ¡°I am Teresa the Wanderer.¡± The half-blood Giant would often open her mouth and mutter to herself. During the day, it was fine. It seemed like a form of resolve and reflection. However, when she mumbled like that in her sleep, it was with a lot of cold sweat, a sign of nightmares. Whenever Audin heard her muttering like that, he would quietly place his hand on her forehead. ¡°Sleep as calmly as the settled ashes.¡± The God of war is the embodiment of burned-out ashes, and he represents him. He prayed while placing his hand on the forehead of the follower of the Sacred Cult. It was an unusual sight, but Teresa never complained when she woke up. After waking, she would just blink and eventually glance at Encrid once before falling back asleep. By now, it was a familiar routine. There were many other changes in daily life. Dunbachel, instead of getting beaten by Rem, had taken on a different task, and the reason was Rem¡¯s insistence. ¡°It¡¯s only right to receive a teaching fee.¡± Rem claimed that since he had taught Dunbachel, it was time to pay for it. Dunbachel did not argue that she had never wanted any of it. In fact, she had asked Encrid herself. ¡°What is that barbarian?¡± It was a difficult question to answer. ¡®A lunatic? A guy with a broken head? A noble killer? An axe murderer? A crazy axe wielder?¡¯ Too many things came to mind to choose from. Fortunately, Dunbachel did not wait for an answer. ¡°I¡¯ve improved.¡± When Encrid personally sparred with Dunbachel, he found her words to be true. In other words, Dunbachel wasn¡¯t cursing Rem but genuinely curious about it. ¡°You¡¯ve improved.¡± Whenever Dunbachel whimpered, rubbing her thigh where the flat of the blade had struck hard, she would tear up a little and nod. ¡°Yeah.¡± She had indeed improved. To an unrecognizable degree. Are all beastmen like this? Or is it because of some legend about golden eyes? It¡¯s hard to say. And he wasn¡¯t interested either. Encrid felt Dunbachel¡¯s gaze and looked in her direction. He saw her golden eyes. She was currently thinking of Encrid as a monster. Having endured Rem¡¯s violence, she now felt confident she could defeat her former self, even if there were two of her. But Encrid had gone even further in the meantime. ¡®A genius.¡¯ She was mistaken, but it wasn¡¯t her fault. Anyone would see it that way. Most importantly, ¡®Will¡¯, even if just a part of it, it was ¡®Will¡¯. She realized that. The exclusive domain of Knights, the strength of those with Knightly power. That change had come upon Encrid. Seeing Encrid, Ragna recognized that it was time to address his own shortcomings. He had recognized them before, but lacked the motivation to act. Now, Ragna acted. ¡°Krais, I want a sword that¡¯s double-layered like this.¡± ¡°Do I look like someone who will bring you what you want if you ask for it? If so, you¡¯ve got it right.¡± Krais, having weighed the bag of krona and counted the silver coins Ragna handed over, adopted a compliant attitude towards the money. Ragna obtained a sword. Though it was not sharpened, its size and shape were similar to a bastard sword, but it was several times heavier than a typical sword. Ragna began to swing it slowly. There was no speed. He performed each move slowly, methodically. He spent more than half of his waking hours in this manner. It was a significant improvement, and anyone who knew Ragna would be surprised. Encrid spent the majority of his waking hours training, but this was Ragna, the embodiment of laziness. Though it hadn¡¯t been half a day, seeing him dedicate himself to training like that was a marvel in itself. Back to the present, Rem demanded krona from Dunbachel. Dunbachel complied without complaint. ¡°Go earn some krona.¡± Recently, the area had been teeming with beasts and monsters like never before. It was winter. Naturally, this happened. When food becomes scarce, they tend to become more aggressive. ¡°Looks like it¡¯s going to snow, doesn¡¯t it?¡± Krais said while cutting Ragna¡¯s hair. Encrid silently looked up at the sky. The dull gray clouds were gradually covering the sky. If it got just a bit colder, the devil¡¯s excrement would fall. Well, around this time last year, they had struggled to clear the falling snow. Now¡­ ¡°Training Company, assemble!¡± That one command would be enough. Life continued even after the Rapier Swordsman left. The daily routine hadn¡¯t changed, but the things within it were evolving. Edin Molsen had become a long-term guest, and in the meantime, his escort had left, citing other business. It was a departure without any formal goodbyes. At the beginning of winter, with the first snow seemingly imminent. Dunbachel went out on a beast extermination request. Finn, who had started wandering outside some time ago, moved under the command of the Fairy Company Commander from the Independent Company. ¡°Can I go?¡± She seemed more lively leaving than when she arrived, which was probably a good thing. ¡°Do as you wish.¡± Encrid said indifferently. There was no reason or need to stop her. Teresa came in, and Finn went out. It was a day when, despite these changes, the daily routine remained the same. ¡°Independent Company Commander, you are being summoned!¡± Late in the afternoon, despite it being winter, Encrid was sweating profusely while swinging his sword when a messenger arrived. ¡°They said it¡¯s urgent.¡± With those words, Encrid immediately headed to the Battalion Commander¡¯s office. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com] Chapter 243 Martai was bordered by a coniferous forest to the north, plains and the Border Guard to the west, the Eastern Kingdom¡¯s territory to the east, and another fairly large forest to the south.That forest was called the ¡®Grateful Forest¡¯. ¡°Why is it called the Grateful Forest?¡± Torres wondered as he tried to familiarize himself with the terrain around his newly established domain. A soldier, a former ranger, walked alongside him and answered. Five more members of the Border Guard followed behind them. ¡°Because we¡¯re grateful.¡± Just before Torres could crumple his face in annoyance, thinking the soldier was mocking him, the soldier continued. ¡°Have you been to the coniferous forest up north? It¡¯s uninhabitable. Even rangers don¡¯t venture in there. Do you know its nickname? The Cliff Forest.¡± Torres had heard of it. It was famous. The northern part of Martai, the coniferous forest, marked the boundary of the continent. It¡¯s called the Cliff Forest because entering it is akin to falling off a cliff to your death. ¡°But to the south, there¡¯s a forest abundant with fruits and animals. People who lived nearby long ago were so grateful for it that they named it the Grateful Forest.¡± Grateful Forest. Was the name unique or mundane? Without giving it much thought, Torres continued to familiarize himself with the terrain and patrolled. It was during this patrol that it happened. A piercing shriek, not quite a horse¡¯s whinny, filled the air. It was laced with malice and murderous intent, sending chills down their spines. It was the cry of a beast. ¡°What is that?¡± Torres saw a horse at the edge of the Grateful Forest. It was no ordinary horse. How could a horse¡¯s fangs grow so prominently? ¡°Is that a beast?¡± Torres asked. ¡°Seems like it.¡± replied the soldier. Horses are herbivores, and it¡¯s rare for a herbivore to become a beast. But it wasn¡¯t unheard of. Torres frowned, then relaxed and gestured. Was there only one? Or were there more behind it? Had it not noticed them yet? Maybe not. ¡°A horse beast, that¡¯s rare.¡± commented the former ranger. ¡°Are there any forest rangers inside the forest?¡± Martai had deployed ranger units in the surrounding forests. Forest rangers were scouts who operated in the forest. This continent was constantly plagued by the threats of beasts and monsters. Regular patrols were a necessity. ¡°Yes, there are.¡± The soldier answered again. He had a habit of breaking his sentences into pieces. ¡°It¡¯s not unheard of for beasts and monsters to appear in the Grateful Forest, but this area is generally considered a safe zone with few beast sightings.¡± ????????¦¥? As he spoke, the soldier¡¯s mouth went dry, and he swallowed before continuing. ¡°A squad-sized unit enters on a rotating basis.¡± ¡°Even now?¡± ¡°Yes, even now.¡± Behind the horse beast, more monsters appeared. They were human-faced dogs. Between their jaws were torn flesh and red bloodstains. ¡°Everyone, prepare for battle.¡± Torres commanded promptly and decisively. What had happened to the ranger unit inside the forest? Were they annihilated? At the very least, he assumed they had been ambushed and incapacitated, and he withdrew accordingly. Had they been overwhelmed by just those numbers? Or had it been a surprise attack? There had to be some reason. The horse beast and human-faced dogs, more than ten beasts in total, did not attack. Torres found that puzzling as well. ¡°Do the beasts around here usually just drool at the sight of humans?¡± ¡°Huh?¡± Zimmer had assigned him this idiot soldier, and Torres was eager to see Zimmer¡¯s face as soon as possible. This soldier couldn¡¯t understand anything in one go. ¡°Ah, no. That¡¯s not it. There was nothing unusual on the previous patrols. We didn¡¯t find any traces of such a group.¡± That was strange. How could rangers, who operated in the Grateful Forest, not find any traces, only for a dozen beasts to suddenly appear? And what was with the mix of horse beasts and human-faced dogs? It was all very peculiar. A few of the monsters that had been watching started to approach slowly. Without waiting, Torres stepped forward. ¡°Kill them all.¡± Several human-faced dogs charged at them. The horse beast retreated. It wasn¡¯t a difficult fight. Torres and his companions killed three or four human-faced dogs, while the horse beast watched for a moment before fleeing deeper into the forest. It was too dangerous to go further, so they stopped there. Torres wiped his blood-stained sword on the hide of a human-faced dog and spoke. ¡°We need to report this.¡± Torres returned and reported to the former Border Guard Commander, who was now the Lord of the Castle. The lord, predicting there might be more beast packs, placed a request with the Border Guard city. The request was beneficial in many ways, so it wasn¡¯t something that had to be handled internally. Besides, the Border Guard had many other tasks besides dealing with beasts. The internal security of the domain wasn¡¯t fully established either. There were rumors that the so-called Eastern Mercenary King was displeased with Martai¡¯s complete transition to Naurillia. Some soldiers from the east had actually deserted during the night. ¡°It¡¯s probably best to just let them go.¡± This was Zimmer¡¯s advice. Letting them go was wise since they were easterners. They would inevitably become a threat. Resilient and stubborn, they were. This was something an explorer once said about the eastern nomads. Afterward, Torres busied himself with other matters. The Border Guard would take care of the monsters in the southern Grateful Forest. The lord of Martai and Marcus, the Battalion Commander of the Border Guard, likely wanted the two domains to interact more naturally, hence the redistribution of tasks. Torres then spent two days racking his brains with Zimmer to form a security force for the domain. During this time, they received reports from rangers assigned to new patrols who had observed the Grateful Forest. ¡°It doesn¡¯t seem like a large-scale colony has been established.¡± That was a relief. ¡®But why was the ranger squad wiped out? Another desertion?¡¯ It could be desertion. Who knows. A few days later, a small force from the Border Guard arrived for the request. There were no more than ten of them. One of them looked familiar. Among them was a beastwoman with golden eyes, part of one of Encrid¡¯s companies, once known as the Black Blade Bandits. Martai¡¯s forces could handle the extermination, but this was the first step in fostering interaction between the two domains. ¡°I look forward to working with you.¡± Torres spoke to them, and the newcomers nodded. The soldier who had the habit of breaking his sentences stepped forward to guide them again. The beastwoman led the group as they set out to carry out the request. ¡®Instead of hiring mercenaries, they used Border Guard soldiers.¡¯ In winter, beasts run rampant. As they continue to deal with the troublesome beasts and monsters, the two territories will naturally come together under one banner. By spring, even if the Mercenary King acts up, Martai will have the strength to hold its own. Torres wasn¡¯t worried. Border Guard soldiers are of high quality. They wouldn¡¯t be defeated by mere horse beasts or human-faced dogs. Especially with the beastwoman here. There shouldn¡¯t be any problems. ¡°Hey, where did you learn that?¡± Rem asked. Dunbachel replied that she learned it by watching and stealing from others while working as a mercenary. No one in her hometown taught her anything. The cursed transformation and the combination of golden eyes were enough for everyone to reject her. As she twitched his cat-like nose and tied her long white hair back, Rem laughed heartily and raised his fist. ¡°Begin.¡± What was the beginning? The start of violence, the start of a beating. The day that began with a beating ended with a beating. No, it ended. Was this a memory, or was it torment caused by psychological trauma? Dunbachel rubbed her arms as if hugging herself as she walked, feeling a sudden chill. ¡°Cold?¡± A soldier behind her asked. ¡°No.¡± The beastwoman shook her head. Cold wasn¡¯t a sensitive issue for beastmen. Their body temperature was higher than humans¡¯, and they were warm-blooded. Beastmen were generally more susceptible to heat than cold. In other words, they were strong against the cold. Their fur was thicker and grew more abundantly than that of humans. The soldier didn¡¯t ask any more questions after that. As Dunbachel headed toward the place where the beasts were said to appear, she fell into thought. Specifically, she reflected on the way Rem had taught her. Had it been helpful? She wanted to say no, but she couldn¡¯t. ¡°Is this really teaching?¡± She had asked. ¡°Is there any other way to describe it, you idiot beast? What do you think I¡¯m doing right now?¡± ¡°Punching and kicking.¡± At the honest answer, the brutish barbarian grinned widely. ¡°How have you survived this long with such little awareness?¡± She was beaten again. After two days of beatings, she thought she might die if this continued. To survive, Dunbachel had crawled and clung to Encrid, desperately longing for life. She realized for the first time how intense her desire to live was. ¡®What must I do to survive?¡¯ Her body reacted before her mind. Her body learned from being beaten countless times. Dunbachel stole and learned Rem¡¯s movements. ¡°Now we can have a conversation.¡± Rem had said, smiling. That was the correct answer. ¡°Steal and learn on your own. If you don¡¯t want to die, that¡¯s what you¡¯ll have to do.¡± Anyone who saw the barbarian¡¯s eyes at that moment would have felt their bladder quiver. Dunbachel was no exception. Rem, with a face that seemed both excited and irritated by whatever was happening, beat Dunbachel again. What must I do to survive? Steal and learn. Dunbachel did just that. It took a week to forget what she had learned as a mercenary and another week to steal and master new skills. ¡°I have a question.¡± Around that time, Dunbachel initiated a conversation. No matter what Rem said, she wanted to clear her doubts. ¡°You seem to teach the Independent Company Commander kindly?¡± Was that some kind of trigger? Dunbachel didn¡¯t know. It was a big misunderstanding. She was just curious, that was all. ¡°What the f***?¡± That was the beginning. Without an answer, Rem picked up an axe. Dunbachel had to draw her scimitar. Bang! It was fortunate she didn¡¯t die from the first blow. ¡°That human!¡± As they fought, Rem spoke. How he managed to talk so well while moving his body so much was beyond her. Dunbachel could barely catch her breath, yet Rem kept mocking her without pause. ¡°No matter how much I explain it!¡± ¡°No matter how many demonstrations I give, he doesn¡¯t improve!¡± ¡°He just doesn¡¯t improve.¡± The last part was said so close that their breaths mingled. Surprisingly, his breath didn¡¯t smell bad. Beastmen had a keen sense of smell, so she would have noticed. ¡°So, was that your complaint? If you have a problem with it, then roll around every day like the Commander.¡± It was a misunderstanding from the beginning. She was just curious, not complaining. The brutish barbarian didn¡¯t seem to want to listen to any explanation and just pressed the attack as if he¡¯d caught her in the act. At the end of her reverie, the soldier¡¯s voice interrupted her thoughts. ¡°We¡¯ve arrived. This is the Grateful Forest, and the reason for its name is¡­¡± Ignoring the rambling soldier, Dunbachel stepped forward. Unintentionally, her left eyebrow twitched. The raised eyebrow quivered slightly. Her beastly instincts were issuing a warning. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say there were a dozen horse beasts and human-faced dogs?¡± Dunbachel asked. ¡°Yes, that¡¯s why it¡¯s called the Grateful Forest¡­ Uh, yes.¡± The guide, whose speech was interrupted, tilted his head in confusion. ¡°Everyone, prepare for battle.¡± Dunbachel spoke, her golden eyes scanning beyond the forest. Her vision could pierce the darkness. This was a combination of battlefield experience and the innate intuition of a beastwoman. Dunbachel sensed danger. Among the various races, the Giants were the strongest in terms of brute strength. The Fairies were the most sensitive. The Frogs possessed exceptional talent and one outstanding ability. The beastman had a superior physical constitution. ¡°You idiot, you¡¯re not even using half of your body¡¯s capabilities.¡± She had learned by watching human mercenaries fight. She thought that was the right way to move. Though a brutish barbarian, his teachings weren¡¯t in vain. ¡°Don¡¯t limit your physical abilities when you fight.¡± Not a rigid sword technique based on a fixed stance, but fighting wildly, trusting in your body¡¯s physical abilities. That was Rem¡¯s advice. Even if she didn¡¯t go as far as going berserk, it was indeed correct to move while controlling her body within those limits. Since Rem had pushed her so hard, Dunbachel herself thought her skills had significantly improved. It was time to test those skills. Growl. One horse beast and a pack of human-faced dogs? Not even close. She saw the numbers creeping out from one side of the forest. There were at least over twenty horse beasts, and the number of human-faced dogs was too many to count. The interior of the forest was dotted with dozens of glowing red eyes. ¡°Hey, go and request reinforcements.¡± Dunbachel said to the guide soldier. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Huh?¡± Does this guy never understand anything the first time? Whack! Dunbachel didn¡¯t hesitate. She struck the soldier on the back of his head. ¡°Ugh!¡± The guide, bent over from the blow, raised his head with his hand on the spot where he had been hit. His eyes showed disbelief. So what? ¡°Run if you don¡¯t want to die.¡± Dunbachel found herself talking like Rem, but this was no time to dwell on it. The soldier, holding his head, started running. The soldiers grew tense as the mission to exterminate beasts suddenly turned into a life-and-death battle. ¡°Damn, what the hell is this all of a sudden?¡± ¡°What are we supposed to do when they don¡¯t even assess the situation properly before assigning a mission?¡± Dunbachel cracked her neck from side to side. If these were all the beasts present, there was no danger. She judged that it was time to show her newfound confidence. ¡°Want to live? Don¡¯t want to die? Then you have to fight back.¡± Rem¡¯s voice echoed faintly in her mind. As much as she hated to admit it, sparring with Rem, enduring trials with that barbarian, had given Dunbachel a burning desire. A desire for life that bloomed and flared up, separate from reproduction. That desire ignited her eyes. Ting. Dunbachel drew her scimitar. ¡°Don¡¯t come in front of me or beside me.¡± With those words, the beastwoman charged forward. Dirt and gravel kicked up beneath her feet. Her body blurred, leaving afterimages. Two horse beasts on the opposite side reacted simultaneously. Neigh! Their short, beastly cries rang out as they charged with tremendous speed, their primary strength being their ability to run. Soon, Dunbachel and the two beasts crossed paths, becoming a blur of motion. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com] Chapter 244 Beastmen, as they grow up, develop far superior dynamic vision and elastic muscles compared to humans, enabling them to display movements beyond their limits.Just like now. At the moment when the speed of the charging beast met Dunbachel¡¯s own charging speed, she pressed her left big toe into the ground. As she pressed down, she twisted her body. There was a brief gap between the two beasts, which her golden eyes caught. Seizing that gap required bold decisiveness. ¡°Aren¡¯t you basically a beast?¡± Bold and daring. It was one of Rem¡¯s teachings. Dunbachel was faithful to that teaching. Thus, she slipped between the two beasts. A slight misstep would have cost her head, but her boldness gave her confidence. Twisting her body sideways, she used her superior physical abilities to slip between the gaps. At the same time, she gripped the scimitar in her hand. The blade of the scimitar, held horizontally to the ground, created harmony with the beast. Slash! Her right arm muscles strained, but she was prepared for this. She endured by gripping her right wrist with her left hand. The clash with the beast was momentary, and Dunbachel¡¯s response was instantaneous. No, Dunbachel had fixed the position of her scimitar from the start, and the effect was evident. The blade cut horizontally through the beast¡¯s body. Even though it wasn¡¯t a magical weapon, it held up well. It was an act that could have broken the blade, but Dunbachel anticipated this. ¡®Blades endure horizontal forces, apply force to the edge.¡¯ Her scimitar had a thick blade. Like most mercenary weapons, it prioritized toughness over sharpness. Thanks to her formidable speed, the lack of sharpness didn¡¯t matter. Thus, the blade cut through the beast¡¯s body and emerged. Slash! The speed of her charge was so fast that the black blood and entrails of the fallen beast trailed behind like a long line. The beast¡¯s entrails, flesh, blood, and bones were scattered on the ground, resembling an art piece. ¡°Ha!¡± Dunbachel exhaled and inhaled the breath she had been holding. Then she immediately turned her body. Horses are not animals that can easily change direction quickly. The beast¡¯s body structure didn¡¯t change even if it was a beast. Dunbachel pressed her right foot into the ground, pivoted, and ran in a different direction. The beast that missed its target turned widely. Neigh! The beast let out a cry and turned left to charge again, and Dunbachel, running through the middle, swung her scimitar. From above to below, using the full elasticity of her body. £Ò¨¢???????? S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. From a distance, it might have looked like she was slashing at empty air. Thanks to the charging beast, the strike precisely cut its neck. Thud! The beast¡¯s body rolled on the ground a couple of times. Its head flew off backward. The black blood scattered in the air fell onto Dunbachel¡¯s head. It looked as if black spots had stained her white hair. Dunbachel shook her scimitar in the air and started running again. After slaughtering the two beast horses, a pack of human-faced dogs charged at her. Dunbachel¡¯s scimitar danced as she maintained her charging speed. Swish! Swish! Swish! The crescent-shaped weapon moved savagely from side to side, and each time, the human-faced dogs¡¯ necks, front legs, and parts of their heads were severed. ¡°What weapon are you holding?¡± Rem began with a question and ended with violence. Dunbachel had to find the answer herself in between. There was a day when she nearly stepped into the river of death for using a thrust with her scimitar. ¡°Don¡¯t you ever consider the utility of a weapon? Is the head of a beastwoman really only interested in mating? For the record, if you come at me naked, I¡¯ll split you with an axe.¡± Even that mating behavior requires attraction. She would never be attracted to Rem. Dunbachel shouted a battle cry along with her memory. ¡°Never with you!¡± ¡°What do you mean, ¡®not ever¡¯?¡± The group of soldiers watching had bewildered expressions, but what did it matter? Along with that shout, the curved crescent blade danced its dance of slaughter. Parts of the human-faced dogs¡¯ heads and torsos flew through the air. To the soldiers¡¯ eyes, the blade¡¯s movements were invisible. A line would be drawn in the air, and the severed parts of the beasts would appear. The process was omitted, showing only the result. The soldiers, who had felt threatened, might have sighed in relief. ¡°Formation!¡± These were the Border Guard Reserve Unit, trained by Encrid. Do your best where you stand. That was a phrase often on Encrid¡¯s lips. And so they did. At the shout of the Commanding Officer, they quickly formed a simple formation. Somehow, they all held spears. Standing in a horizontal line, they pointed their spears forward. If the beast horses charged, they would be skewered. With only three or four charging, not dozens. ¡®We can handle this.¡¯ It wasn¡¯t arrogance but confidence. They knew the quality of the instructors they had faced. Dunbachel, standing before them, was one of them. ¡°Damn it!¡± One of the soldiers shouted. Two beast horses were charging straight at the group of soldiers, looking ready to devour them. They couldn¡¯t do what Dunbachel did. Instead, they held out their spears and braced themselves. The beast horses, relying on their solid bodies, charged right in. ¡°Twist¡ª!¡± The Commanding Officer shouted timely. Just as the heavy impact transmitted through the spear shafts, making their arm muscles twist painfully. The soldiers, pivoting around the center, pushed the spear shafts left and right. Snap! The spears embedded in the beasts snapped. The soldiers, holding only the broken halves, rolled forward as if they had fallen. Receiving the full force of a frontal charge was foolish. ¡°Would you face a cavalry charge the same way?¡± That was Instructor Ragna¡¯s voice. He didn¡¯t teach thoroughly, but each word was as sharp as a blade. Blades that couldn¡¯t come from his lazy eyes and attitude, the soldiers had absorbed his teachings. If they hadn¡¯t, they¡¯d be dead. They had to face the half-blood Giant Teresa charging at them, what choice did they have? The soldiers gave it their all. If not for their usual training, they wouldn¡¯t have managed, but the charge of the two beast horses was thwarted. Rather than taking the force head-on, they redirected it sideways. Of course, it required fundamental physical strength. They had bodies trained and honed through Audin¡¯s rigorous training. That made this possible. ¡°Damn, it worked. Spit.¡± A soldier spat at the beast horse¡¯s head, which lay twitching on the ground, the broken spear embedded halfway. ¡°Skreee!¡± The beast horse, perhaps crazed, bared its fangs despite having half a spear stuck in its chest. Black tears of blood streamed from its red eyes. Seeing that made the soldier¡¯s legs tremble involuntarily. It wasn¡¯t their first time facing beasts and monsters, and under normal circumstances, this number wouldn¡¯t scare them. But the beast before them wasn¡¯t normal. Something was different. There was no time to think. No time to question the oddity. ¡°Damn it! No time to watch!¡± Another soldier thrust a spear into the beast¡¯s head. With a forceful thrust, the spear pierced the beast¡¯s skull. Crack! Now, it was the pack of human-faced dogs. There were too many for Dunbachel to handle alone. Eventually, the soldiers had to fight as well. They wouldn¡¯t die. They could endure this much. They were trained by Encrid. Previously, they were elite soldiers, now, they could be considered strong soldiers. Setting aside tactical ability, their personal skills had developed to an impressive degree. One of the three soldiers who had lost their spears drew a short sword. Another drew an arming sword, while the remaining one held onto the broken spear shaft. Some soldiers used their bows as blunt weapons. ¡°Damn it!¡± Despite their constant swearing, they fought well. They struck, stabbed, and cut down the approaching human-faced dogs. They formed a circle to protect each other and slowly retreated. They thought the battle would soon be over, expecting reinforcements to arrive upon seeing this chaos. Dunbachel fought even better. Her scimitar seemed like a guillotine in the shape of a crescent moon. She went on a literal rampage. After dealing with the beast horses, only the human-faced dogs remained. Whenever there was an opening, she cut, and while doing so, she punched and kicked the ones that got too close. All her movements were incredibly fast and strong. Her agile and elastic muscles stood out. Yet, she didn¡¯t seem particularly tired. Her strength was overwhelming. It was no wonder they were called the Madmen Platoon. Had she killed about half of the human-faced dogs? The remaining half, despite being frightened, still attacked as if under a berserk curse. ¡°Raaah!¡± ¡°Grrrrr!¡± The unpleasant howls of the human-faced dogs filled the air with noise. While fighting, Dunbachel heard a strange rumbling from the direction of the forest. Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! It was a heavy sound. Horse hooves? Then a dark shadow darted out of the forest. It seemed faster than the beast horses. Above all, it wasn¡¯t a horse. It resembled a horse but was something else. Horses didn¡¯t have hands, so they couldn¡¯t hold weapons. A massive creature holding a club made from a cut tree trunk swung it forcefully. Whoosh! A heavy wooden club passed over her head. If she hadn¡¯t reflexively ducked, her head might have been crushed. At the very least, she would have lost her balance. Taking advantage of her ducked position, Dunbachel rolled forward and slipped between the pack of human-faced dogs. The excited beasts bared their sharp teeth with wrinkled faces. She knocked away, pushed, and struck down most of them, but couldn¡¯t stop one. It opened its jaws wide. Dunbachel offered her forearm guard and grabbed the creature¡¯s head, swinging it like a club. Whoosh! Thud! Thump! Bang! She took down three or four more, then stabbed her scimitar into the torso of the one biting her arm and sliced downward. Black blood and entrails spilled onto the ground. Despite this, its teeth remained embedded in the guard. ¡®What a nuisance.¡¯ In the meantime, another beast that had been targeting her turned around and came back. It seemed like a cavalryman, but it was also a monster. A centaur, half-man, half-horse. The lower body was that of a horse, and the upper body resembled a human¡¯s. Its upper body was exposed, with prominent chest muscles. The sight of the rippling muscles made her feel nauseous. ¡°This is messed up.¡± Dunbachel muttered to herself. The creature charged at her again, wielding a thick wooden club. Thud! Crash, Thump! Crack! The pack of human-faced dogs in its path were ignored, their heads smashed and bones crushed as it barreled through. Whoosh! The club swung through the air again. Dunbachel leaned back to avoid it. It was a close call. No, it wasn¡¯t beyond her ability to dodge. The only relief was that the creature had cleared away the pack of human-faced dogs, giving her a moment to breathe¡­ ¡°Damn it.¡± There was no respite. It wasn¡¯t alone. Several more centaurs were emerging from the forest. ¡°Kyiyiyiyiyit!¡± A few of the centaurs let out a battle cry. Their red eyes, devoid of pupils, stared directly at Dunbachel. Some of them looked toward the group of soldiers. ¡®I want to live.¡¯ Desperately, she wanted to live. This desire¡ªwhen did it arise? Ever since meeting Encrid, it had overflowed like a bursting dam. Such is the nature of the desire for life. It binds you unexpectedly. She needed to see Encrid¡¯s face again. Should she flee? Would that be acceptable? He wouldn¡¯t scold her for it. However, ¡®Them.¡¯ Encrid remembered all the soldiers¡¯ names. She hadn¡¯t memorized even five of their names yet. Is it right to let them die when she could save them? Is it right for her to live, or is it right to risk her life to save them? There is no right answer. Life is like that, it¡¯s all about choices. Is surviving alone the best option? Encrid, Encrid, Encrid. She involuntarily repeated the name. She wanted to be part of that group. To be one of them. Is surviving alone in poverty really what he would have wanted? Is that what a member of that group should do? Is that truly the best choice? Encrid was a man who always acted upon his best judgment. After witnessing this, what did she want to do? Now wasn¡¯t the time to debate the rightness or wrongness of her choices, she just had to act. Clearing her mind of distractions, Dunbachel focused on one thought. ¡®Did I thank him for accepting me?¡¯ She didn¡¯t think she had. She needed to stay alive and thank him properly. Not just survive, but survive in the way he wanted her to. The thought process was long, but in reality, it was brief. In moments of crisis, the brain tends to be highly active. Having made her decision and reached her conclusion, Dunbachel acted. ¡°Look at me!¡± Dunbachel shouted as she activated her unique transformation. A powerful aura spread in all directions. Her golden eyes locked onto the centaurs. In a brief moment, her hair grew, and she took on the appearance of a lion, letting out a low, deep growl. ¡°Grrrrr.¡± A sound that would irritate any enemy¡¯s ears, Dunbachel lunged at the nearest centaur and swung her scimitar. Whoosh! A centaur, superior even to the best horsemen, adept as both rider and mount, twisted its upper body. Its lower body moved in tandem, dodging the blade. An impressive feat that a mounted horseman couldn¡¯t dream of. Dunbachel swung her scimitar with her right hand and, as the centaur dodged, slashed out with her left hand. Her claws, as sharp as blades, raked across the centaur¡¯s eye. ¡°Arrgghh!¡± A scream echoed. ¡°Follow me, you bastards!¡± Was she talking to the pack of human-faced dogs, or to the centaurs? The soldiers watching couldn¡¯t ask. Dunbachel darted into the forest, and the centaurs pursued her. The pack of human-faced dogs followed as well. The soldiers survived. Centaurs were notoriously difficult mid-level monsters. Especially when they formed colonies, they were considered more dangerous than flying monsters. ¡°¡­This is a disaster.¡± One of the surviving soldiers muttered. ¡°So, it¡¯s been four days since Dunbachel disappeared into the forest?¡± Four days after Dunbachel¡¯s disappearance, the Border Guard sent reinforcements. The swift vanguard arrived first. A small company. The Company Commander questioned a soldier, who nodded. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°And now the centaur herd has formed a colony and occupied the plains in front of the forest?¡± ¡°Correct.¡± This answer came from the new Lord of Martai, the former Border Guard Commander. Everyone watched Encrid¡¯s expression. As usual, he was expressionless. But why did it look like he was angry? No one could tell. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com] Chapter 245 ¡°A monster colony in Martai.¡± When monsters gather and form a group, that¡¯s called a colony. Battalion Commander Marcus said, and Encrid decided to move immediately. He heard just before departure that Dunbachel had gone to that place, and since they were going, they decided to go quickly. They heard it was quite a threatening number of centaurs. ¡°Let¡¯s ride horses. When will we get there if we run?¡± It would be faster to ride individually as horsemen rather than using a carriage. The problem was whether they could ride horses. ¡°Are you worried about me? I¡¯m Rem. Rem.¡± Everyone had at least some riding experience. No, they knew how to handle horses properly. Of course, Encrid also knew how to handle a horse. When there was no need to use a sword, he often acted as a coachman. He was surprisingly not bad at handling horses. ¡°You¡¯re good at riding.¡± That applied to Ragna as well. He even made a simple comment when he saw Encrid handling a horse. Good at riding horses? Then, did that mean he lacked in other areas? Encrid nonchalantly replied. ¡°Don¡¯t take the lead. Just follow the person in front of you.¡± You always had to be cautious with someone who couldn¡¯t find their way. Audin and Jaxon were also familiar with riding, and Krais was no exception. ¡°If you can¡¯t ride a horse, you can¡¯t carry a lady behind you, can you?¡± His purpose was clear. He even mentioned learning equestrian skills from a noble in Krona. Indeed, he seemed to handle horses the best. The half-blood Giant was the problem, though. ¡°A sturdy packhorse would be good.¡± She chose a really sturdy packhorse. It wasn¡¯t fast, but it was said to have excellent endurance. Recently, with the increase in trade, various supplies had come into the Border Guard. Among them were horses. They couldn¡¯t be called warhorses yet, but they decided to select a few people skilled in training horses to properly manage a stable. Thanks to that, a fenced area was set up in the quality pasture of the Green Pearl Plains in front of the territory, and they started raising horses. One of the rewards from the recent war with Aspen was acquiring that plain. Raising horses there would make it possible to train cavalry. Originally, the Border Guard had horses used by messengers and packhorses. Now, they were starting to raise them in earnest. Marcus provided a few of those horses. ¡°You know it won¡¯t be easy, right?¡± Marcus asked just before departure. Encrid nodded. Monster Centaurs. Listing the dangers could go on forever. Colony in itself was dangerous. It wasn¡¯t just a group of monsters. Even ghouls, when forming a colony, meant there was a unique leading entity, and such unique monsters were always a threat. Among them, centaurs, when forming a colony, were more threatening than knoll packs. The problem with knolls was their rapidly increasing numbers, but they were still infantry. He had never seen a knoll charging on horseback. Centaurs were naturally mounted. ¡®In terms of using something like strategy, they¡¯re the worst.¡¯ What happens when a skilled cavalry unit uses strategies similar to humans? Even if their number exceeds fifty, it would be overwhelming. Of course, the Border Guard had to roll up their sleeves and help. Now, they were in the midst of properly opening the eastern trade route. After all, the current cavalry had come through that trade route. Well, there were other purposes as well. It could also display the friendly relations between the two territories. Martai was a territory that would become a bridgehead for eastern trade, and if an invasion war broke out from the east, it would be the minimal safety measure to stop them. ????a?¦Ï¦¢¨¨? From the perspective of the Border Guard, there was every reason to regard Martai as an ally and brotherly territory. So, the news they heard immediately upon arriving in Martai was not of the pleasant kind. ¡°Dunbachel went into the forest and went missing.¡± Plus, there were monster groups camped on the plains in front of the forest. Should it be said that this was outrageous? They had heard that the Centaur colony was a problem, but that wasn¡¯t the only issue. It wasn¡¯t just a simple colony. ¡°The situation is pretty nasty.¡± Torres approached and said, his head wrapped in bandages. For three days, they had been fighting monsters. There were more than a few severely injured. The number of dead soldiers was not small either. They heard it was in the dozens. Zimmer was also limping. ¡°We got caught in a dirty situation.¡± These were the words of the former Border Guard Commander, who was now the Lord. Encrid climbed the city wall and looked at the monster group positioned on one side. Was the problem that there were more than a hundred Centaurs? This was a problem, but the biggest problem was something else. ¡°When the leader screams, everyone freezes.¡± Torres said he got his head smashed because of that. A guard¡¯s head also burst from the leader¡¯s club, killing him instantly. More than fifty soldiers had died? Although the current strength of Martai¡¯s forces was unknown, it was a severe blow. Even this was considered fortunate. Thanks to the efforts of Zimmer and a few of the most skilled members of the Border Guard, it was managed to this extent. Encrid tried to ask about the situation and grasp it but decided against it. So the problem was those centaurs. Encrid remained expressionless as usual. He didn¡¯t think deeply about the Dunbachel problem. This was a battlefield. ¡®Life and death are inevitable here.¡¯ If that was the limit, so be it. However, one question remained. ¡®Why?¡¯ Wasn¡¯t it a situation where she could have easily escaped, leaving the soldiers behind? Among the commissioned soldiers were the brothers Lucci and Richie. Encrid had an excellent memory and remembered most of the soldiers¡¯ names. They had trained and drilled together. His exceptional memory naturally helped him remember their names along with their features. Anyway, the two soldiers said. ¡°If she wanted to escape, she could have easily done so.¡± ¡°Yeah, she didn¡¯t. She just charged in.¡± ¡°That was the first time I saw it. A guy twice the size of the others was screaming.¡± ¡°The last thing I saw was Instructor Dunbachel slipping and falling from a tree at that guy¡¯s scream.¡± ¡°But if Instructor Dunbachel hadn¡¯t done that, we would all be dead. The surprise attack would have caused more damage to the territory than now.¡± So they said. Why? To save them? To gain fame for protecting the territory? Could there be a man among them that Dunbachel had feelings for? She was a beastkin, sincere about breeding. Looking at the faces of the soldiers, it didn¡¯t seem likely. It was hard to imagine any desire from their expressions. Then why? That was the only curiosity. ¡°Kiyaaah!¡± About ten centaurs broke away from the group and started running. Not charging, but running horizontally while shouting war cries. It seemed like a threat. It also seemed like a provocation. So were they trying to intimidate them now? That was the feeling. Although not Encrid himself, the soldiers were stirred. The actual military discipline was shaken. ¡°Those damn bastards.¡± Torres ground his teeth. From what he had heard, after ten or so centaurs came out and shouted like that, a monster attack usually followed. That centaur leader was truly cunning. There were over fifty horse beasts, and it seemed like they had even brought along a few harpies, as seen by the monsters with breasts flying in the sky. This wasn¡¯t the end. The pack of human-faced dogs seemed to exceed three hundred at a glance. As always, our monster friends, the ghouls, were also present in dozens. There were also wolf beasts. They had managed to gather such numbers and types without detection. In fact, neither Encrid, the Lord of Martai, nor Torres knew this, but a local ranger had realized that the inner part of the forest was quite dangerous. They knew that they had only used the outer and wider parts of the forest, which is why it had been relatively safe. The ranger speculated. Some of the monsters that had disappeared after coming up from the south had settled in the back of the forest. Being intelligent, they quietly caught surrounding beasts without fighting until their numbers increased. This was why wild animals had hardly been seen in the forest recently. And there was a vast pasture to the northeast of the forest. Wild horse herds lived there. There was no better place for a centaur group to settle. Realizing the situation, they naturally understood, but before this happened, they couldn¡¯t have imagined it. Of course, knowing this now didn¡¯t change anything. ¡°Rem.¡± Encrid didn¡¯t care whether they charged or not. If they charged, he would just kill them. Of course, the expressions of Torres and the Lord were deathly pale. ¡®Could Dunbachel be dead as well?¡¯ As he stood there lost in brief thoughts, Rem spoke beside him in a lazy, leisurely manner. He had just finished yawning and was wiping away the tears from the corners of his eyes. ¡°I don¡¯t usually say this.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t?¡± ¡°That beastkin, she has talent.¡± Talent? Was it easy to hear something like this from Rem? Encrid thought. Definitely not. For the record, he had never once heard anything like talent. He had heard a lot about being dull, though. ¡°So?¡± ¡°She wouldn¡¯t have died easily, that¡¯s for sure.¡± Rem, astutely reading Encrid¡¯s thoughts, continued the conversation. ¡°She could be dead too.¡± This guy couldn¡¯t just leave it at one thing, he added more. Then he chuckled, with a hint of menace in his laugh. Encrid didn¡¯t particularly think he had grown close to Dunbachel. Still, she was part of his unit. Therefore, he decided he would give her a funeral. With the blood, flesh, and heads of the monsters. Rem probably felt the same, or so it seemed. Encrid thought about how they would fight. His mind was racing. Thoughts continued. Excluding fighting on horseback. Although Martai had some cavalry. ¡°It¡¯s useless. When that thing screams, the horses just try to run away. Many of them freeze in place. We lost half the cavalry in the first battle because of that.¡± Then, using infantry to block them? Martai¡¯s prideful assault infantry was light but primarily equipped with long spears and shields. Would that be effective against centaurs? It had already been proven not to be. At least the leader¡¯s aura needed to be dealt with. One scream and everyone froze. It was an almost supernatural ability. ¡°We¡¯ve requested reinforcements from the central command. At least a Squire should come.¡± The Lord had much experience. He hadn¡¯t become the Border Guard Commander for no reason. That was his judgment. What the enemy was using seemed to be something similar to ¡®Will¡¯. Occasionally, there were such creatures among monster leaders. Some called it ¡®aura¡¯, some ¡®killing intent¡¯, and some ¡®fear¡¯. Indeed. Encrid also heard those words. Afterward, he pondered how to lure in the mounted enemy and decided to find Krais. ¡°Big Eyes.¡± ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°If we ride off on horses, they¡¯ll just chase us until it¡¯s over.¡± Thinking wasn¡¯t his strong suit. Krais didn¡¯t even seem to ponder deeply. ¡°Can¡¯t we just fight them?¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°They said they¡¯ve fought those monster bastards several times now. If those guys are using something like strategy, it means they¡¯re intelligent. So, are they scared right now? I don¡¯t think so.¡± Kiyaaah! Again, ten centaurs came within arrow range, shouting war cries, then retreated. A few archers reacted but didn¡¯t shoot. They had already experienced it a few times. Those guys wouldn¡¯t get hit by arrows. ¡°So, you¡¯re saying if we just charge at them, they¡¯ll charge back.¡± Is that so? Encrid was worried they would run away, but Krais said that was futile. ¡®But why did I think about catching them if they ran away?¡¯ Encrid reflected on his thought process. Why was that? Because winning was a given. The need for a Squire meant something was mixed in with the enemy¡¯s scream. It must be something that induced fear. So, wouldn¡¯t it be enough not to be scared? Understanding the threat and realizing the rejection. After the intangible thing created by ¡®Will¡¯ entered his chest. Encrid didn¡¯t feel threatened. ¡°Then, shall we go out?¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°Where to?¡± Both the Lord and Torres reacted simultaneously to Encrid¡¯s words. ¡°To fight.¡± Encrid replied. ¡°Did you hear anything we said?¡± ¡°Are you going to die? We must wait for reinforcements. At least until the unit sent by the Border Guard arrives.¡± Torres spoke first, followed by the Lord. They didn¡¯t know Encrid. The lesson in rejection had happened after they had left. ¡°Krais.¡± Instead of giving a lengthy explanation, Encrid called on the one who would speak for him. ¡°The situation isn¡¯t good. Their numbers have increased compared to before, right? They¡¯re probably gathering all the nearby monsters. The leader has the ¡®General¡¯ trait. It¡¯s the most dangerous type of monster. The longer we wait, the more disadvantageous it is for us. So, the best option is to cut the leader¡¯s throat while we can.¡± Krais said, drawing a hand across his neck. ¡°If you get close to him, you¡¯ll freeze instantly!¡± Torres shouted in frustration. Otherwise, he wouldn¡¯t be trying to stop them. ¡°It¡¯ll be fine. You worry too much. Just hold your ground against those crazy monsters and beasts.¡± ¡°Before you tell me to hold, you should help too, Rem.¡± ¡°Haha, brother, I¡¯ll join you as well.¡± ¡°I¡¯m going too.¡± Rem said, patting Torres on the shoulder, and when Encrid spoke to Rem again, Audin and Teresa also joined in. Torres couldn¡¯t understand why they were doing this. Had they all chewed the wrong herbs together? No, they were always crazy. That¡¯s why they were the Madmen Platoon. Suddenly, Torres respected Marcus. ¡®Did he just trust these guys and lead them into battle?¡¯ Even when warned of the threat, they wouldn¡¯t listen. It was infuriating, but there was no stopping them. They wouldn¡¯t listen even if he tried. Kiyaaah! Moreover, Krais¡¯s words were correct. Would reinforcements come from the central command? The likelihood was very low. He didn¡¯t know what was happening in the central region, but it seemed they were facing even more complex situations than here. There were rumors reaching the north about some guild going around assassinating the Kingdom¡¯s nobles. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± With that, Encrid led the Madmen Platoon down below the city wall. They walked with leisurely steps, unbothered by the centaur group shouting outside. Leaving Krais behind, Torres asked, drained of energy, ¡°You¡¯re not going with them?¡± Krais replied with a look that said, ¡°Why would I?¡± ¡°Why would I? Are you telling me to go die? Why would I leave the safety of the city wall?¡± Then, what about them? Torres wanted to ask sincerely, but he didn¡¯t open his mouth. The answer would be obvious anyway. ¡°Oh, well. Let¡¯s go fight too.¡± Although morale was at rock bottom, the tense atmosphere deflated a bit. That helped in its own way. Sometimes, being half-dazed was better than a complete drop in morale. ¡°All troops, advance!¡± Torres was the next in line to be the Border Guard Commander. He was the current Supreme Commander of the unit. The Lord and Commander managed the territory separately. Torres, with a bandage around his head, stepped out to see the monster group, led by human-faced dogs, charging. Several gruesome battles had already taken place. As the enemy charged, they would fight and slaughter them, but then the leader would come and let out a scream. That one scream would freeze their allies, leading to defeat. ¡®Ah, we can¡¯t keep fighting like this.¡¯ Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. But holding out wasn¡¯t a viable option either. Martai¡¯s city wall wasn¡¯t originally specialized for defense. If the wall fell, it would turn into a massacre. They were barely holding on as it was. ¡°Show the valor of the East!¡± Zimmer, with no morale left, tried to boost it forcibly. At the front, Rem was already swinging his axe. And then, a slaughter party unfolded as if it were natural. Torres had expected this. They were the Madmen Platoon, after all. The only problem was the leader. Even so, seeing what unfolded in front of him was exhilarating. It was a rare feeling in the life-and-death battlefield. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com] Chapter 246 ¡°Damn it.¡± He wasn¡¯t walking hastily, nor was he running. He opened the castle gate and stepped out as if to watch the swarm of monsters rushing in. Then, behind him, Lucci and Richie followed. The older brother, Lucci, always had the word ¡®damn it¡¯ on his lips. He said it again now. ¡°Damn it, you need to be careful. Those things are up to something weird.¡± Lucci was wearing armor with studs on the leather and chains over the abdominal area. As he walked, following Encrid, a clattering noise accompanied him. The Lucci and Richie brothers were strong but never the types to use their heads. ¡°Damn it. I came to buy a bow, and it turns out to be a colony.¡± Some habits never change no matter how much you beat them. And he didn¡¯t really try to fix it either. There are many soldiers with foul mouths. If ¡®damn it¡¯ was all they said, it was considered mild. ¡°When you fight those human-faced dog beasts, the horse bastards come charging at you from somewhere!¡± Richie, who was walking alongside, said. Lucci muttered a creative curse about dog-like horse bastards beside him. ¡°Seems like it.¡± He had seen it from atop the castle wall, and Torres had been babbling excitedly from behind. Even now, he saw Torres hurriedly following behind him. ¡®Using their heads.¡¯ Centaur-like creatures could be called natural cavalry. Moreover, their numbers had grown, and they had a ¡®General¡¯ type colony leader. The previous knoll colony leader was at least a ¡®normal¡¯ type. It had excellent individual abilities but lacked any form of leadership. The General type was different. Honestly, this was the first time Encrid had seen one in person. Such dangerous creatures were hard to encounter unless close to the Demon Realm. Anyway, since it was right in front of him, he could observe and understand. ¡®They split into three groups.¡¯ One group of human-faced dog beasts and ghouls, another main force of centaurs, and finally, a group of horse monsters. When the human-faced dog beasts and ghouls charged, he saw the horse monsters rushing to the side, creating distance and intending to flank the human army. ????¨¢¦­O??¨§? A few centaurs were leading them, like commanders leading soldiers. So, was this a highly tactical move? Not really. It was plainly visible. So why was it hard to counter? It wasn¡¯t the horse monster charge that was the issue. The problem was the centaur commander standing idly in the front without engaging. At the end of his thoughts, Encrid spoke. ¡°Rem.¡± ¡°Got it. But are you going to lure that guy in?¡± Rem asked, pointing towards the front with his chin. It was a question of whether they needed to fight without holding back. ¡°No need.¡± Encrid replied. He had thought about it while coming down from the castle wall. Krais had said they could just fight. Strength against strength¡ªthis was precisely the kind of fight the monsters wanted. Watching Rem run out and swing his axe, Encrid took a deep breath, filling his chest. Then he shouted. ¡°To-rre-s! Don¡¯t close the gate!¡± ¡°¡­¡­Unbelievable. Damn it.¡± Lucci was so shocked he paused and stopped walking. ¡°I thought my ears would burst.¡± Jaxon, who had approached unnoticed, chimed in. ¡°This much?¡± Encrid replied with a joke, then looked at Rem swinging his axe. Rem¡¯s steps were light, and his axe was merciless. ¡®Is this because they hit my pet beastwoman?¡¯ ¡°If you asked Rem if he cared for Dunbachel, he would likely smack you on the head. Well, even if someone drove a slave beastwoman in front of him, he would just watch. Then, if the beastwoman got beaten up, he¡¯d scold them, saying they were good for nothing. After all that, he¡¯d turn to the one who hit the beastwoman and say: ¡®Wanna play with me too? Hm?¡¯ Like this. That¡¯s how he felt now. The human-faced dog beasts charging in looked half-crazed. Rem didn¡¯t care. Red eyes without pupils and gaping mouths drooling, that¡¯s what the human-faced dog beasts looked like. Watching them approach, Rem crossed his arms in front of his chest. Then he flexed his arm muscles and swung his axes. As his crossed arms spread out, the axes curved like whips, and the axe blades flew without hesitation. There were things caught in the trajectory of the two crossed axes. Screech! It was the heads and bodies of ghouls and human-faced dog beasts. Thud, thud, thud! The axes cut through the charging creatures as if they were rotten branches. With that single strike, black blood exploded around Rem. It looked as if ink bottles had shattered and splattered everywhere. Red eyes popped out and sharp teeth shattered. He crushed skulls, sliced through torsos, and severed arms. In between, black blood decorated the surroundings like streams in the wind. ¡°Let¡¯s have some fun.¡± Rem muttered as he began swinging his axes vertically. He struck the charging creatures in succession, thud, thud, thud, thud! He lifted and struck down, lifted and struck down. Pivoting on his right foot, heads of human-faced dog beasts and arms of ghouls flew over the heads of his comrades again. What more is there to say? Rem was Rem. ¡°Damn.¡± A soldier originally from Martai muttered a curse while watching from behind. Were we supposed to fight against that? It was a continuous display of unbelievable actions. At some point, they couldn¡¯t even see the axes moving, only the monsters dying. In an instant, over twenty creatures were torn, sliced, and blown apart. It seemed like Rem had eight arms. Even his feet didn¡¯t stop moving. Before they knew it, he was separated from his allies, creating havoc among the human-faced dog beasts. Screech! Screech! The human-faced dog beasts screamed incessantly. To sum it up in one sentence: ¡°He fights damn well.¡± A nearby comrade echoed his thoughts. ¡°Are you just going to watch?!¡± Zimmer shouted from behind. He was just as surprised. He didn¡¯t think only Encrid was a monster, but no one knew the axe wielder was this much of a monster. Screech! A harpy cried out, circling in the sky. They came along with the human-faced dog beasts. Several soldiers had died to those harpies over the past four days. Zimmer, limping, looked up at the sky and shouted. ¡°Shoot!¡± A few soldiers confident in their archery shot arrows into the air, but it was futile. Few arrows hit their mark, and even those that did couldn¡¯t pierce the harpies¡¯ tough hide. Meanwhile, one harpy dove down. Zimmer¡¯s eyes caught its dynamic descent. It was heading towards Rem, who was rampaging among the human-faced dog beasts. ¡°Watch out!¡± Zimmer shouted, ready to throw his spear. ¡®Damn it, what is that?¡¯ Zimmer¡¯s jaw dropped at what happened next. The harpy dove, and Rem, who was fighting the creatures swarming around him, suddenly placed one hand on the ground, crossed his legs, and kicked into the air. His kick connected with the harpy¡¯s head. Pop! The harpy¡¯s head exploded. Black blood splattered again, and the harpy¡¯s body rolled to the side, crushing several human-faced dog beasts. Screech! One of the creatures pinned under the harpy screamed, and Rem immediately regained his posture and kicked its head. Pop! It was a terrifying display of strength and skill. How could anyone move like that? Zimmer was relieved he didn¡¯t have to fight that guy. But soon, he didn¡¯t have time to keep looking at Rem. Rumble, rumble, rumble! The ground started shaking. It was the beginning of a tactic they had faced several times before. They threw the human-faced dog beasts as meat shields and then charged with a group of horse monsters. At the front were three centaurs. Each of them carried a thick wooden club. They didn¡¯t look like purpose-made weapons, but more like hastily crafted branches from the forest. Yet they were still threatening. If one of those clubs hit, it would easily crush a regular soldier¡¯s skull. ¡°Hold your ground!¡± Zimmer shouted. Even though the fight had started unexpectedly, now that it had begun, they had to do something. He didn¡¯t think they would lose. ¡®Madmen.¡¯ They must have had confidence to come out here. Moreover, having seen their skills again with his own eyes. It was impossible to imagine someone like Rem getting killed by mere human-faced dog beasts. The rest of the unit just needed to hold the line here, killing and fending off the human-faced dog beasts and ghouls. It went as Zimmer expected. Just before the horse monster group led by three centaurs charged, Encrid sent Audin. ¡°Go stop them, Audin, Teresa.¡± ¡°Yes, brother. Let¡¯s spank their behinds.¡± Audin said, and Teresa followed silently. Rumble, rumble, rumble! The cavalry charge itself was terrifying. Now it was a monster¡¯s charge, not a human¡¯s. The Border Guard Unit and Martai¡¯s reserve forces gritted their teeth. Damn, here it comes again. They had to stop it. Meanwhile, two figures blocked their path. One of the guards recognized Audin. ¡°Religious guy?¡± ¡°Not everything that comes out of the mouth is worth listening to, is that the right title, brother?¡± Audin said without looking back. The guard thought that guy had exceptionally sharp ears for someone of his type. In any case, having those two block the front brought a strange sense of relief. Just their size alone was reassuring. But what¡¯s with that mask? Isn¡¯t that a Giant¡¯s body? Standing next to Audin, his head and shoulders were just as tall. ¡°Push to the right.¡± Audin said. ¡°Understood.¡± Teresa replied. Their noticeable size and equipment stood out. The masked figure took a stance, holding a large kite shield in front of them. Blocking a cavalry charge with a shield? Alone? Rumble, rumble, rumble! The sound of horse hooves now sounded like thunder. The horse monsters¡¯ charge was terrifyingly fast. By the time they were in sight, they were already upon them. There was no time to worry about their size. One of the guards threw a spear just before they reached them. The spear, thrown with all his might, hit a horse monster¡¯s head. Thud! One fell and crashed, hoping to take down a few others with it. Yet even while running, the remaining monsters leaped over the fallen one. Their reaction speed was terrifying. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Then, the leading centaur¡¯s club struck the masked figure¡¯s shield. Bang! The guard couldn¡¯t quite grasp what had happened in that moment. All he saw was the centaur, who struck the shield, losing its balance and staggering to the side as if about to fall. The masked Giant effortlessly followed up by striking down on the head of the oncoming monster with her sword. But it didn¡¯t end there. She pulled out the sword, brought the shield close to her body, and then struck the charging monster to the side. Her movements were rhythmic and repetitive. She was pushing them to her right and swinging her sword to drive the horse monsters away. ¡®What the hell is that?¡¯ It was at least the strength of a Knight. Even without ¡®Will¡¯, this was someone with the half-blood of a Giant fighting properly. In reality, Encrid hadn¡¯t even unleashed all of Teresa¡¯s abilities. She discovered the joy of handling the sword and fighting after meeting Encrid. Originally, Teresa was a being worthy of her giant nickname. The term ¡®Red Blood Beasts¡¯ also referred to Giants. ¡°Ha!¡± A husky shout burst forth, and the horse monster that collided with her shield was pushed aside and thrown off. Standing firm, she deflected with her shield, her feet digging into the ground as she was pushed back. Despite this, her arms didn¡¯t break nor did her stance crumble. She had absorbed the charge of the horse monster with sheer strength. ¡°The gates of heaven have opened!¡± Her prowess was astounding, but the religious giant was even more so. His seemingly bulky body flew through the air. He leaped up, landing on a charging horse monster, and swung his club at its head. Thwack! Neigh! The horse monster let out a brief death cry and died. As it collapsed, the religious giant jumped off and performed a stabbing motion with his club toward another charging monster¡¯s head. Thwack! Crack! With that strike, the horse monster¡¯s head and spine were pulled out together. The spine flew backward, scattering blood into the air. Moving among the charging horse monsters, Audin continuously swung his club. He wasn¡¯t just stopping the charge, he was outright killing them. Even while doing so, he showed intent to push the charge to the left. A few monsters managed to hit their unit, but compared to the last three days of fighting, it felt like a mere tickle. ¡°Do you have time to watch?¡± A voice interrupted. Looking to the side, there was a soldier with reddish-brown hair wearing a round helmet. It was a member of the Madmen Platoon. At his feet lay a centaur, bleeding and collapsing. It was the one that had been knocked aside earlier. The monster had tried to get back up with its incredible balance, but now it had a blade stuck in and pulled out from its neck. ¡°Fight. That¡¯s what you¡¯re here to do.¡± Jaxon only spoke words that made sense. ¡°Counterattack!¡± Just then, Torres¡¯s shout came from behind. Thanks to the two large figures splitting the charge, the horse monster group was scattered. It was no time to stand idle. ¡°Shoot!¡± If they charge together, it¡¯s dangerous, but what happens if they expose their flanks? There wouldn¡¯t be an easier group of monsters to deal with. Those with bows, crossbows, and slingshots all fired their projectiles. Arrows flew and stones were launched. A bolt luckily embedded itself in a monster¡¯s eye. Encrid used all his senses to check the situation on both sides. ¡®When will they come?¡¯ And he tried to focus on the one standing in front. The fight wouldn¡¯t end until that one showed up. Though they hadn¡¯t been taken down like this before, the castle gate was wide open, turning the situation into a chaotic brawl. There was no way the monster leader would retreat now. Most importantly, the leader hadn¡¯t yet shown the ¡®killing intent¡¯ that had been so effective before. Encrid¡¯s expectations soon became reality. ¡°Screeeech!¡± A horde of centaurs, the main enemy force, became the third wave charging in. The tactic employed by the monsters was a three-wave assault. The first wave drew attention, the second wave inflicted damage, and the third wave broke through. It was simple but effective, especially if they had a clear advantage in strength. The third wave was now charging headlong. Encrid drew his sword and stepped forward. From the start, his position was at the point where the enemy¡¯s central forces would clash with his own. Ragna joined him on his flank. ¡°The killing intent of monsters is like Intimidation. Did you know that?¡± Unlike the soldiers, whose guts had shriveled at the sight of the charging monsters, Ragna¡¯s tone remained unchanged. It was calm. Even though the sound of hooves was deafening, Ragna¡¯s voice rang clearly in Encrid¡¯s ears. ¡°Yes.¡± Encrid replied. Then the leader of the charging centaurs, holding a glaive high, roared, showcasing its vocal cords. ¡°Screeeech!¡± Soon, something intense reached Encrid. It was like the gaze of a cat that paralyzes a mouse. A dizzying killing intent engulfed his entire body. It overwhelmed the nearby soldiers and the whole area. The combination of momentum and killing intent spread the fear of death. But Encrid rejected all of it. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com] Chapter 247 Encrid found it increasingly fun, fascinating, and enjoyable as he delved deeper into understanding and exploring ¡®Will¡¯. If wielding a sword a hundred times was required to find enjoyment, even a single touch of ¡®Will¡¯ could bring about noticeable change. It was different from the sword. ¡®This is amazing.¡¯ Outwardly, he was calm, but inside, he was more excited than ever before. He was on the verge of madness. It wasn¡¯t just that he liked it to the point of dying, he genuinely found sleep to be a waste of time. Even when he slept, he researched and indulged. A man who had enjoyed the arduous path of the sword and training. Training with ¡®Will¡¯ was the ultimate happiness for him. If the Rapier Swordsman were to exert his Intimidation again now? If he were to see the current Encrid? He would be as surprised as he was before, or perhaps even more. No, he would be shocked beyond belief. The accepted truth was that even if one comprehended a piece of ¡®Will¡¯, it would take years to integrate it into their body to the point of familiarity. The desire for achievement spurred Encrid on. No, it gently pushed him forward. It embraced him and left warm words behind. Having learned and mastered it that way, it was natural to feel the urge to test it. More than anything, he was curious. ¡®How far will it work?¡¯ How far will my rejection work? He had heard that among the demons of the Demon Realm, there were Commander-level leaders who could oppress the human body with their killing intent. One such opponent stood before him. ¡®Is this luck?¡¯ Did the Goddess really bless him with a kiss on the cheek? Isn¡¯t it something that couldn¡¯t be understood with just a kiss? ¡°Kiiiiiii!¡± The killing intent touched his body, and he rejected it. There was no difficulty in the process. Encrid drew his sword. Ching. The centaur leader had approached within ten paces. Monsters that could be considered its subordinates brushed past on either side. Encrid ignored them. One of them swung a wooden club at his head. He bent his waist halfway to dodge and stood back up naturally. It seemed as if he had originally planned to move that way. The club passed over his head. Whoosh! The wind pressure pushed his hair down, and the wind brushed against his cheek. Ragna was nowhere to be seen by then. He wouldn¡¯t be paralyzed by such a level of killing intent, so he must be fighting on his own. Encrid only focused on the monster leader standing before him. ¡°Why? Are you surprised?¡± Encrid was enjoying himself so much now that he even asked softly. Rejection had properly dispelled the opponent¡¯s killing intent. No, there was no difficulty at all. He was walking the right path and heading in the right direction, filling him with joy. The centaur leader, being an intelligent monster, hesitated. What is this human? Wasn¡¯t he merely prey? How is he withstanding the killing intent? He had been chased from the Demon Realm all the way here. It had been a long journey. Since arriving here, everything he encountered had failed to withstand his aura. But now? Bright blue eyes stared directly at the monster. ¡°Let¡¯s go to heaven.¡± Encrid swung his sword, recalling Audin. He stepped forward with his left foot, shifting his center of gravity, and his arm muscles swelled. The sword fell, starting from the ankle and pivoting around the waist. From top to bottom, it was a Middle Sword Technique downward slash. The sword turned into a beam of light like Rem¡¯s and struck. ¡°Kiaaa!¡± The leader instinctively thrust out his glaive. His reaction was impressive. He flinched and then immediately extended his weapon. The glaive interfered with the trajectory of the sword. Bang! The sound of metal clashing resounded like a spell of sparks exploding. It was as if lightning had struck. In that exchange of blows, Encrid realized that the leader possessed not just killing intent. ¡®Strength.¡¯ Great strength. He let the shock flow through his knees and took a step back. In the meantime, the glaive that had been struck flew straight up into the sky. Encrid¡¯s senses came alive. Based on countless experiences, he predicted the opponent¡¯s actions. His heightened senses glimpsed the future. The glaive curved obliquely and struck down diagonally. It was a strike that left no room to evade. He had to block it. For a monster, it used its head remarkably well. The glaive¡¯s trajectory revealed the opponent¡¯s intent. It resembled the Correct Sword Technique. Encrid raised his sword. Focus and action were simultaneous. He relaxed his wrist and let the impact slide off as if shaking it off. This was the Fluid Sword Technique. Taaang! Tirilililing! The blade of the glaive slid off Encrid¡¯s sword, and in that gap, Encrid stepped forward. His right hand held the sword for defense, but his left hand was free. Encrid¡¯s left hand drew a guard sword and threw it. It was the Tangum Style. Using the Fluid Sword Technique, he deflected the glaive, twisted his waist, and transferred that power to his left arm. Then, pivoting on his elbow, he released the broad-bladed dagger with force. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Ping, Thud! The thick blade buried itself so deeply in the leader¡¯s side that only the hilt was visible. He had thrown it using the Heart of Great Strength. It was surprising that it didn¡¯t penetrate fully, which only spoke to the toughness of the enemy¡¯s body. ¡°Kiaaaah!¡± Enraged, the leader¡¯s aura intensified. Then the killing intent grew even thicker. ¡®Die, die, you are my prey.¡¯ That¡¯s what it felt like the leader was saying. Encrid didn¡¯t bother to speak. From his lower abdomen, something surged like heat. That heat dispelled whatever the enemy emitted. It was rejection. ¡°Hup!¡± He inhaled, then stepped forward again, straightening his knees and aligning his elbow before swinging his sword, using his waist as the pivot. It was a horizontal slash. Whoosh! The monster didn¡¯t block and instead stepped back. As intended. Encrid moved forward as if dancing. His sword moved with each step that pushed against the ground. Thrust, slash, cut. The monster dodged when it could, blocked when it couldn¡¯t, but the sword kept moving. He swung his sword above his head and brought it down, then pulled it back to thrust, pretending to retrieve the thrust to slash left, then swung broadly again. ???????¦¢§§? Thud! Thud, Swoosh! Thud! Some attacks were blocked, some landed. The glaive¡¯s path was thoroughly restricted. The unending assault of the Correct Sword Technique, stored in the nameless cursed sword, relentlessly pressured the opponent. Being a monster, it likely didn¡¯t even realize it was trapped. The leader couldn¡¯t use its strength properly. Strength comes from movement. Before it could properly exert its power, the sword restricted and blocked its movements. The centaur leader, a mass of muscle far larger and tougher than a human, retreated, mismatched to its bulk. With repeated steps backward, defeat became inevitable. Encrid overwhelmed the opponent. ¡°Kiaaah! Kiaaaah!¡± The leader sprayed its killing intent wildly, as if in desperation. Encrid easily ignored it. Rejection naturally occurred and deflected it. When he first wielded ¡®Will¡¯, it felt like a newly grown tail, but now it was more familiar than his own body. He felt like he had a sturdy, deep well. A well that never dried up no matter how much was drawn. From that well, the power that formed the basis of rejection sprang forth. This was nothing. As he slashed, stabbed, cut, and drove the enemy back, Encrid¡¯s sword eventually slashed the leader¡¯s right front leg deeply. The blade split the muscle of the horse-like leg. The blade penetrated about half a finger length, cutting muscle and nerve before pulling out. Splat. Black blood gushed from the severed part. It seemed a blood vessel had been severed as the blood spurted out. The regeneration ability of monsters was terrifying. Especially for something like a colony leader, which could be a cousin to trolls. ¡®This ends here.¡¯ Encrid saw the end and the leader was terrified. Until now, it had led the monster horde with its unique abilities, but the moment it met a predator stronger than itself, it remembered why it had been chased all the way here. It had been because of a human then too. ¡°Kiaaaaah!¡± The leader signaled and turned around. Even with its front leg slashed, it pushed off the ground with its front legs and pivoted on its hind legs, turning its body. It was an impressive athletic ability. Of course, Encrid had no intention of just watching. Just as he was about to move forward and cut it down, he was interrupted. Screeeeech! Two harpies suddenly swooped in, brandishing their claws. If they hit, the gambeson and leather he wore would be shredded and torn. Was it a sudden attack? No. Even though he was focused on the enemy, his senses were open. Encrid wasn¡¯t surprised by the ambush. Instead, he slashed diagonally from the upper left to his lower right, then reversed the diagonal slash. Slash! Crunch! Thud! Thud! In two strikes, the two harpies became four pieces of harpy. They turned into lumps of flesh sprawled on the ground. By the time he cut through the winged monsters and moved forward, the leader was already running. ¡®It¡¯ll be a hassle if I let it escape.¡¯ It would be. The fact that it had formed a group here was evidence enough. What if it formed a horde of horse monsters in that forest? Moreover, a colony leader like it had a high chance of developing even stronger abilities over time. Encrid kicked off the ground. He thought of the Squire he had seen for the first time on the battlefield. The image of that unbelievable charge was still vividly etched in his mind. ¡®Like the Squire?¡¯ Would it work? Infusing the legs with the ¡®Will¡¯ of rejection? Of course, it wasn¡¯t easy. After learning rejection, using it had become incredibly easy and fun, but learning something new was still as difficult as ever. There was no way to force what couldn¡¯t be done. Encrid, recalling the Squire charging across the battlefield at Aspen, activated the Heart of Great Strength. The explosive strength gathered in his thighs. He propelled his body with the strength of his legs. Bang! The sound of his foot hitting the ground was as loud as a battering ram striking a castle gate. Kiiyaah! An underling monster approached and swung a club. Encrid slashed as he charged forward. Slash! The neck of the approaching centaur was cut. He dodged the club by bending his waist and swung his sword through the gap. These were movements he would never have dared attempt before. His body, kicking off the ground, became a streak as he advanced. He chased the fleeing centaur leader in the direction it had gone. And there were those who witnessed this. At the moment when most of the soldiers were frozen in fear, thinking they were about to become dog meat again. ¡°Cut it down.¡± Muttering to himself, someone sliced through the air. It was Ragna. He moved directly among those who were paralyzed with fear. The charging centaur couldn¡¯t withstand even two strikes of Ragna¡¯s sword. Ragna deflected the club and sliced through the head. He also vertically bisected the body of the charging centaur. All of it seemed simple, straightforward, and easy. It didn¡¯t even look dynamic. It was like cutting dry hay with a well-sharpened scythe. In other words, it looked like simple labor, a standardized task. ¡®What is that?¡¯ Everyone was understandably shocked. But what was even more astonishing was Encrid. ¡®Why are you moving?¡¯ His vision blacked out momentarily from the killing intent, but he soon saw clearly ahead. Torres saw Encrid fighting right in front of him. ¡®Why is he fighting so well?¡¯ No, he had always fought well. Even without eyes to immediately recognize skill. Even without eyes to discern talent. This was vastly different. Moreover, Encrid effortlessly ignored the leader¡¯s killing intent while wielding his sword. He struck, thrust, and unleashed sword attacks. He completely overwhelmed the leader. ¡®Wow.¡¯ The body that had been frozen from the killing intent soon loosened. Torres still didn¡¯t move. The charging monsters were being sliced and cut down one by one by Ragna. Jaxon, who appeared suddenly, also hunted them down one by one. And as the leader fled, Encrid chased after it. ¡°Hey! If you go there!¡± Torres started to shout but stopped. Chasing into there would be a bad move. Yet, he thought it necessary to chase. If they let it go, it would cause even more trouble. ¡°Rem! Your Commander is heading into the forest!¡± Torres chose a backup plan. ¡°Damn it!¡± Rem responded. It didn¡¯t seem like he was answering Torres, but his actions aligned with Torres¡¯s intentions. Rem swung his axe left and right, instantly slaughtering five or six canine-headed monsters. The axe turned into a flash of light, streaking among the monsters. Then Rem charged forward. He moved through the monsters as if they were in his own backyard. Where he passed, only the corpses of monsters and beasts lay strewn. ¡°If your bodies are loosened, fight on your own.¡± Ragna muttered and then moved. His sword spun, cutting down everything in its path, and he followed behind Encrid who was heading into the forest. The two large figures who had been cleaving through the horde also started running. ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± The religious zealot Audin said, striking a ghoul¡¯s head with his fist. Before long, it turned into a melee where humans held an overwhelming advantage. The monsters and beasts were too busy getting beaten down. ¡®Crazy.¡¯ Torres could only marvel at the scene before him. A ghoul¡¯s eyeball rolled to Torres¡¯s feet. He stomped on it. With a crunch, the eyeball burst and flattened against the ground. There was still a battle raging, there was no time for admiration. ¡°Kill them all!¡± Torres shouted as he crushed the eyeball. It was time to kill the remaining monsters and beasts. Too fast? Encrid was running with all his might, but it was difficult to chase a monster naturally specialized for running. He was barely keeping up. The forest was not an ideal environment for running. That was the only reason he hadn¡¯t lost it yet. What if they hit a flat area? ¡®I might lose it.¡¯ A cold assessment. Should he try throwing a dagger or something? The monster, still running despite its front leg being slashed and a sword lodged in its abdomen, wouldn¡¯t stop just because a few knives were stuck in its back. Instead of stopping, it would probably run even harder. Even knowing he might lose it, Encrid did not give up. Just because the outcome seemed obvious didn¡¯t mean Encrid would quit halfway. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com] Chapter 248 The centaur leader ran. This was no time to be cautious of wounds. He was a beast who had already experienced fleeing twice. Having intelligence meant knowing when to flee in dangerous situations. That¡¯s what he did. In the creature¡¯s mind, the first being that made him flee came to mind. Deep within the place humans called the Demon Realm, all sorts of things lived. Of course, the centaur leader did not understand the Demon Realm or any geographical meaning. He simply recalled the creature that toyed with him. Long arms, tearing apart anything they grasped. The hands that tore apart for fun, even when it wasn¡¯t food. Thud, crack! The leader broke through the branches that struck his shoulder with force. Black blood trickled from his right foreleg. The pain sharpened his mind. Memories continued. He escaped the grasp of the tearing hands and fought. Then he was defeated and chased. In the end, he was chased by humans to this place. The creature repeated one principle to himself. Surviving is strength. What should he do to survive? Instinct pushed him. ¡®Subjugate the herd of wild horses in the plains and form a larger group!¡¯ If the creature had any ambition, it was now. More precisely, the creature was learning something as he got closer to humans. His intelligence allowed for it. Thus, he learned to hide and gather strength. This time, he also learned to gauge his enemy. From the human perspective, it was obvious that letting him go would become a greater threat. No, it was a definite threat. If the leader survived this time, he would subjugate the herd of wild horses in the pasture. Then he would gather more beasts and creatures. ¡®If I let him go, it¡¯ll be a headache.¡¯ His intuition spoke. Even without intuition, he understood. It was said that the longer a creature survived, the more cunning it became. What is cunning? It meant becoming sly and devious. If a creature¡¯s ferocity was combined with cunning and deviousness. ¡®It¡¯ll be incredibly troublesome.¡¯ Above all, it might become the funeral battle for Dunbachel. He didn¡¯t feel any debt to the beastwoman¡¯s death. However, once he accepted her under his command, it was his responsibility until she left. If he hadn¡¯t accepted her, it would be different, but he had, and put her under his command. And if she was under his command, it was right to take responsibility. A death on the battlefield was naturally the individual¡¯s responsibility, but what happened afterward was also something the Commander had to handle. Especially since it was said that Dunbachel did it to save someone. ¡®Why did she do that?¡¯ If the beastwoman were alive, it would be the first question he¡¯d throw at her. He put his brief thoughts aside and focused on running. The leaves rapidly approaching in front of him, the tree roots that rose like traps on the ground. Everything served to slow his pace. It was the same for the centaur creature. Thanks to that, while he couldn¡¯t catch him immediately, he could at least avoid losing him. Encrid exhaled briefly and inhaled as he stepped on a rounded tree root, swinging his dagger vertically at the branches blocking his view. Ping. The dry branch snapped and bounced off his shoulder. A thin branch brushed his cheek. A drop of blood formed on his cheek but flew back due to his rapid pace. Everything in the forest closing in rapidly was an obstacle. It was the same for the creature, but it had a much thicker skin and body than a human. This meant he could break through obstacles and move forward. The leader did just that. Ignoring most things, he dashed forward. Encrid had already thrown away the helmet that obscured his vision, and it had hit the creature¡¯s back but didn¡¯t make it flinch. The helmet bounced off the back muscle with a thud. It didn¡¯t even flinch. It looked determined to escape. Of course, the thrown helmet lacked force because he threw it while running. ¡®Should I train to throw while running?¡¯ It would be necessary in moments like this. Something to consider later. Encrid wanted to catch it. The responsibility for Dunbachel, the ensuing danger, all of it he wanted to end here. Judging by the speed they were running, they would soon exit the forest and into the plains and meadows. The terrain with the most wild horses in the area, if they reached there, he would surely lose him. ¡®I hate that.¡¯ He didn¡¯t want to lose him. Focused entirely on one thing. While running, he activated Focus Point, and all his senses became extremely sharp. His Sense of Evasion and Intuition activated with a single purpose. ¡®I won¡¯t lose you.¡¯ In that moment, as he repeatedly recalled his desire in his mind. He noticed a broken, twisted tree about twenty steps to the right and its exposed twisted growth rings. His heightened senses wildly fluctuated, showing him the path. The ¡®will¡¯ he sensed through rejection moved slightly. Encrid¡¯s body naturally followed the path. He kicked off the right tree and soared into the air. At the same time, he thrust his knife into the thick branch above him. The momentum from his running sent his body flying forward. Encrid let go of the knife and grabbed the next branch like a monkey, propelling himself forward again. After flying twice through the air, he dropped down and threw his sword downward. It wasn¡¯t just close to acrobatics, it was acrobatics. The body control gained through grueling training, close to torture. The athletic ability developed through it, the explosive strength from the Heart of Great Strength. The intuition to predict a step ahead through the sharp senses and courage developed by his trained body. All of these combined. Everything came together, manifested into one seamless motion. From the side, it would have looked like he had leaped suddenly while running, flitted through the air a couple of times, and shot out like a beam of light. ??N???? The running centaur leader had just exited the forest. The leader felt joy. ¡®I finally shook him off!¡¯ As he burst through and took a step outside the forest, a sword embedded itself in his head. The sword Encrid threw pierced straight through the leader¡¯s head. And as soon as the sword was embedded, something slammed into the side of the leader¡¯s body. It looked like a dark shadow. Encrid¡¯s head throbbed from his eyes to his skull. It was due to excessive concentration. Strictly speaking, it was the result of his ¡®will¡¯ activating within the area of concentration, but he didn¡¯t realize that. Anyway, he twisted his body to roll and land properly from his falling position. Using the momentum from the roll, he pushed himself up with his ankle. When Encrid stopped with one knee on the ground and looked at the creature with the sword stuck in its head. The creature with the sword in its head was knocked to the side. It had been slammed into by something. The body of the dying creature trembled. Or was it already dead? Encrid¡¯s gaze shifted. He saw what had slammed into the leader. Neigh. He saw a wild horse emitting steam-like vapor from its entire body. It rose behind it, looking like wings, but the blue vapor soon dispersed. Encrid was in a similar state. Sweat poured from his body, and as he stopped, it evaporated like steam. A beast and a human stood facing each other blankly. The fallen centaur leader continued to tremble. Black blood soaked the dirt. The standoff between the horse and the human was brief. ¡°Did you catch him? Oh.¡± Behind him, he heard Rem¡¯s voice, accompanied by a brief exclamation. He wasn¡¯t alone. ¡°Brother, did you catch him? Well done.¡± Audin¡¯s rare praise followed. Though unseen, someone was approaching, breaking branches underfoot. Jaxon approached silently. The one breaking branches while following belatedly would be Teresa. Giants were slow on their feet, and that would be the same even for a half-blood Giant. ¡°Did Ragna follow too?¡± Encrid asked just in case. ¡°Oh, that guy. He came in with us, but if it¡¯s a shortcut, he just goes his own way.¡± Rem muttered. Ah, Ragna. Encrid shook his head inwardly. Other than wielding a sword, this friend, who was like the God of sickness, had gotten lost again. ¡°Is it a creature? Hmm?¡± Audin asked. Was it because he possessed divinity that he could easily recognize demonic energy? His tone was full of something akin to curiosity at the end. Rem seemed to have felt something from the other party as well, as he added his own comment. ¡°A ferocious one.¡± Encrid spoke without once taking his eyes off the horse with blue sweat turning into steam. The horse¡¯s body was black, but the sweat flowing over its skin had a blue hue. It was a strange sight. Because of that, the color of the steam was bluish. That wasn¡¯t the only peculiar thing. The colors of its eyes were different. One was blue, and the other was red. Even for heterochromia, was there such an unusual form? Moreover, at a glance, the other eye looked like that of a creature. Encrid looked at the trembling corpse of the colony leader on the ground. ¡®How do creatures create their beasts?¡¯ Krais knew many miscellaneous things. ¡°Knowledge is a weapon that shows a different charm to women.¡± Yes, such a well-reasoned answer. Anyway, Krais said. ¡°They scatter their blood to feed them. Then the brain of a perfectly healthy animal gets tainted with demonic energy, that¡¯s it. Especially the blood of creatures forming colonies would be very efficient. Otherwise, it would be hard to command beasts around them.¡± The one leading the pack of play beasts. And the one now leading this pack of horse beasts likely did it the same way. That¡¯s why so many herbivores were turned into beasts. ¡®For that, there weren¡¯t that many horse beasts, though?¡¯ Were there fewer wild horses here? No, that didn¡¯t seem to be the case. The presence before him was proof. ¡°Look at this guy, it seems halfway done.¡± Rem said. Encrid saw it too. The reason for the odd eyes, the reason why it came charging through with steam rising from its body to slam into the creature. The wild horse snorted once more, sending a wary glance. Encrid met that gaze. The beast seemed to speak with its eyes. ¡®I win. I overcame it. I do not succumb to this blood.¡¯ There was a sense of spirit, presence, and vigor. Rem seemed to have seen and felt something similar, which is why he spoke. What does it mean for a horse to endure? Amusingly, Encrid found the horse not unfamiliar, even though no words had been exchanged and not much time had passed. ¡®Why?¡¯ He asked himself and soon found the answer. Encrid saw himself in the wild horse. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. An animal tainted with a creature¡¯s blood becomes a beast. An unchanging truth. ¡°Amazing, brother.¡± He heard Audin mutter. Encrid looked at the one rejecting the unchanging truth. He stared into those eyes. They reeked of life. There was something akin to fighting spirit. He could see half-grown fangs that didn¡¯t suit a horse. Encrid recalled the past. ¡°A Knight? Pfft.¡± There was someone who sneered. ¡°Stop talking nonsense. Live with your head straight.¡± There was someone who spat bitter words. ¡°Quit it. I¡¯m saying this for your own good.¡± There was someone who was worried. All of them had seen the unchanging, immutable truth. Encrid stood up and reached out his hand toward the horse. Even if he hadn¡¯t caught the creature by throwing his sword while running, it would have stopped it with a body slam. So, they both caught it simultaneously. ¡°Did you aim for it too?¡± Encrid asked. It must have been a very clever beast. As he spoke, he took another step closer. The fact that the horse was resisting the creature¡¯s blood meant it had overcome that immutable truth. The horse bared its fangs. It snorted again. It seemed ready to bite his hand off if necessary. Considering the creatures he¡¯d seen so far, his wrist could be severed just like that. Just as the horse was about to bare its fangs, it shook its head and snorted again. Its eyes wavered, showing a mix of hostility, wariness, and several other emotions. Encrid approached, and the horse took a step back, but it didn¡¯t run away. Everyone, including Rem, except for the lost Ragna, fixed their gaze on Encrid and the horse. Only the sound of Teresa¡¯s heavy breathing, arriving late, could be heard. No one spoke. It felt like the meeting of something new with something else new. Finally, Encrid¡¯s hand touched the head of the black horse with the black mane. Was the sweat on its skin appearing blue because of the creature¡¯s blood, or was it originally like that? It was unknown. And the creature, half beast and half wild, did not reject Encrid¡¯s touch. That was all. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com] Chapter 249 Rem quietly observed a human and a horse. What was that? Petting a beast close to a monster? ¡®Doesn¡¯t it bite?¡¯ Even if it did bite, Rem wasn¡¯t particularly worried, knowing he wouldn¡¯t just stand still and get bitten. Encrid¡¯s hand touched the horse¡¯s head, petting it, while the horse quietly felt his touch. Watching the whole process, Rem was dumbfounded. That horse clearly had the blood of a beast. Even without any magical elements, it wasn¡¯t hard to notice. The protruding fangs, the subtle murderous aura emanating from the horse¡¯s entire body. All of it was telling. And yet, here he was, petting the horse¡¯s head. ¡°You did well.¡± Comforting it? Rem pondered over the scene. Was he seriously trying to befriend it? Did he think the horse, becoming a beast, would obey and not bite? That aside, why wasn¡¯t he putting it down as it was turning into a beast? Would it endure in that state indefinitely? He didn¡¯t know. It was his first time seeing such a thing. Could any beast withstand becoming a monster by enduring the blood of a demon? There was little worry since it was just one beast, and besides, his Commander was originally an unpredictable person. This was Rem¡¯s first time seeing such a beast, so he kept watching. ?????????? While Rem was absentmindedly watching the interaction between a human and a half-beast, Audin sought his faith. ¡®Father, is that beast also defying its fate?¡¯ Audin was more impressed than anyone else present. Is fate a predetermined path? An immutable something that cannot be changed? There were times he felt so. When he stood on the path of the Inquisitor, when he saw the eyes of those who died by his hand, when he heard the high priest proclaiming non-heretics as heretics. ¡°That is their fate! The fate ordained by our Father!¡± Even then, he didn¡¯t believe those words were right. But he couldn¡¯t break the chains of fate or shatter the shackles. ¡®Father, what should I do?¡¯ Under the blazing sun, he prayed. He recited the holy scriptures. Thus, Audin harbored distrust. He later saw a being who shattered the reasons for his distrust. That being¡¯s name was Encrid. By seeing him and getting to know him, Audin, though troubled, found the strength to move forward. And now. In seeing a human and a beast defying what was called the immutable truth. ¡°In the name of the Father, by the will of the Father, I dedicate my life.¡± A chant flowed from his lips. Holy power surged, bringing a headache that felt like his head was splitting open, but Audin smiled through the pain and murmured the hymn. Teresa, hearing the song beside her, involuntarily listened. It was a voice as warm as gentle sunlight, something she had never felt while within the arms of the Cult. ¡®Song.¡¯ The heavy voice entered her body, knocking around her heart. Watching Encrid and the horse, hearing Audin¡¯s hymn, Teresa felt her heart tremble. Naturally, she began to reflect on her life. Her life had begun and ended within the Cult. Having been reborn, what should she live for now? She thought she would live again for the sake of struggle. She thought that was everything. No, Teresa felt a kind of emptiness within her. It was as if there was a hole near her heart. Yet she didn¡¯t feel sad or distressed. ¡°The Father said that both fullness and emptiness are within oneself.¡± Audin, finishing the short song, recited a part of the holy scripture. His words resonated with Teresa. Jaxon simply watched the situation silently. What was that horse? What was the Commander doing? In the midst of this, a random thought crossed his mind. ¡®Are we taming beasts now too?¡¯ True to his nickname as the Squad Leader of Enchantment, Jaxon just watched. A single human placed his hand on a horse¡¯s head. That scene left an imprint on the hearts and minds of many. Encrid felt a strange sense of kinship. It was an odd situation. ¡®Why does it keep catching my eye?¡¯ This beast drew his attention and emotions too much. Why? Because it resisted becoming a beast? Maybe. He saw his own past in its struggle. Suddenly, he thought of Esther. Wasn¡¯t she the one who surprised everyone on the battlefield by not following them? A wizard who transformed between a panther and a human. At first, he thought she was just a beast. Their initial bond formed from saving each other¡¯s lives and the stories that grew between them. So, what about now? There was no such exchange with the wild horse before him. Despite this, Encrid felt a semblance of affection. With his hand on the horse¡¯s head, the horse merely lowered its head, not exactly enjoying Encrid¡¯s touch. It simply stared back. Its blue eye was clear and steady, while the red eye resembled flickering flames. Encrid spoke from his heart, not his mind. ¡°Want to come with me?¡± The horse whinnied as if it understood, seeming to agree. There were no words exchanged between them. No time had passed between them. They had just met and recognized each other. Encrid saw a horse that hadn¡¯t fully become a beast. The horse saw an unusual human who suddenly appeared. ¡°¡­Are you taking that with you?¡± Rem asked from behind. ¡°Yes.¡± Encrid replied. He patted the horse¡¯s mane once more before turning his body fully. Though the horse was close to being a beast, Encrid¡¯s confident gesture showed he believed it wouldn¡¯t attack him. ¡°Wow, this is fascinating even to me.¡± If Rem, who rarely showed surprise, said that, imagine what the others felt. ¡°As the holy scriptures say, even lowly creatures have hearts. Love life. Love as much as you kill.¡± Audin, an apostle of the war God, spoke. Jaxon just looked on indifferently. For some reason, Teresa¡¯s eyes seemed moist behind her mask. Why is she like that? Encrid tapped the horse¡¯s head. ¡°It would be good to go now, but we need to find a body if we¡¯re to hold a sort of funeral.¡± He was referring to Dunbachel. It was separate from taking in the wild horse. Encrid hadn¡¯t forgotten Dunbachel. ¡°Are you assuming she¡¯s dead?¡± Rem snorted at that. After speaking, he drew his axe and continued. ¡°If she¡¯s dead to this extent, she¡¯ll die by my hand again.¡± Was it confidence or hope in Rem¡¯s words? Who knows. No matter how keen his senses or sharp his intuition, the barbarian hid his true feelings well. ¡°The forest is vast.¡± It implied that finding her, even if she was alive, wouldn¡¯t be easy. ¡°If she¡¯s alive, finding her is simple.¡± Rem spoke and took a deep breath. His chest swelled to nearly twice its size. As Encrid watched, Jaxon raised his hand to cover his ears. Encrid tried to cover the horse¡¯s ears, but the horse stepped back. It seemed to be saying it was fine. Encrid quickly covered his own ears. Rem soon released the air he had gathered in his chest with a shout. ¡°You-idiotic-beast-woman-!¡± It was a scream that seemed to tear through the air. A monstrous roar, a skill in itself. It sounded like thunder. The forest shook with a rumble. The intelligent horse, despite expecting it, staggered, and a winter bird, startled by the thunderous sound, flew up into the sky. Cawww! From afar, a crow seemed to respond to Rem¡¯s shout, as if telling him to shut up because it was too noisy. Even with his ears covered, Encrid felt a buzzing in his head. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Stupid barbarian.¡± Jaxon, the most sensitive of the group, spoke with a rare frown. ¡°You could have warned us.¡± Encrid remarked casually, and Rem replied. ¡°You should have known just by looking.¡± ¡°So?¡± ¡°If we walk around the forest shouting, she¡¯ll come out.¡± Encrid thought it wasn¡¯t a bad idea. Most importantly. ¡°Ragna will find his way to us.¡± They needed to find the team member who had likely gotten lost and only knew how to swing his sword. ¡°Let¡¯s go find that stupid beast-woman.¡± Rem said, and Encrid nodded. Having killed the leader of the monsters, it was time for that. As Encrid made up his mind and turned away from the wild horse, it simply stared at him instead of following. ¡°Not coming with us?¡± He spoke as if talking to a person. It was strange, but when he placed his hand on the horse¡¯s head, he felt a sort of connection. He believed the horse would understand his words. It might not understand the language, but it would get the meaning. The horse snorted. It shook its head and tapped the ground a few times. Then it turned its body and gestured with its head towards the back. Tapping the ground seemed to mean it would wait here. What was it pointing to? The Grateful Forest was vast. The path the monsters broke through was around the forest and plain border. This place, where some of the grass had turned brown with the approaching winter, was a plain, an open field. Beyond that, a herd of wild horses was visible. Not just one or two. At a glance, there were dozens. Well, it made sense when you thought about it. On this continent, monsters and beasts were common. To survive their threats, forming herds was natural. That¡¯s why humans also formed territories, villages, and communities. Even a small village typically had at least fifty households. Building walls for defense was essential. In terms of population, having at least ten to twenty combat-ready individuals was normal. Such villages could only exist in relatively safe areas. In places where monsters frequently appeared, living in a manor was the norm. This was why people gathered in large numbers across the continent. It was also why independent territories not affiliated with any state existed. In this world, only a few people could travel the continent alone. Naturally, to survive in this plain, wild horses would form herds. So, what was this horse that hadn¡¯t fully become a beast in that herd? ¡°Were you the leader?¡± Those left behind must be his subordinates or family, so he can¡¯t just leave them, right? That doesn¡¯t seem to be the case. Then what? Tap, tap. It tapped the ground again. It was unclear. Encrid thought that instead of returning to Martai after finding Dunbachel, he should come back here. ¡°Wait, subordinates first.¡± Encrid said, and the horse that hadn¡¯t fully become a beast stopped in its tracks. It seemed to mean it would wait. ¡®First, Ragna.¡¯ They could find Dunbachel after that. ¡°Rem, shout.¡± As they entered the forest, Rem shouted again. ¡°You-idiotic-lost-moron-!¡± He was definitely doing it on purpose. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t it be better to just call his name?¡± ¡°No.¡± It was his choice. They left it at that. Finding Ragna wasn¡¯t difficult. Some stupid human-face dogs ran towards the shout, but Teresa¡¯s sword melted them before they got close. The sight of them being sliced apart and scattered suited the expression ¡®melted¡¯ well. It looked like snow melting in the winter sun. Kaaak! Teresa blocked the biting attacks with her shield and struck down with her sword. A torso exploded, leaving a messy mark on the ground. The next one was hit by the shield, flew back, and got impaled on a protruding branch, hanging there. Even in that state, it was still alive and screeching until Teresa split it vertically with a swing of her sword. Her body contained the blood of a Giant. Her sword and shield were more than enough to turn the human-faced dogs into pulp. What started as one creature soon became a few more. But was it right for even the stupidest creatures to keep charging at them like this? It was clear they would die if they approached. Even monsters, full of hostility and malice, should know fear, right? Their colony leader wasn¡¯t holding their minds in a death grip. The reason soon became apparent. ¡°It was a shortcut.¡± It was Ragna. He seemed to have encountered the fleeing human-faced dogs as there was blood spattered on his armor. He had removed his helmet and held it in one hand, while black blood dripped from the sword in his right hand. Ragna was unscathed. His swordplay had driven the fleeing human-faced dogs in this direction. ¡°You idiot, goat dung, dog¡¯s scrotum, you¡¯re going to die lost someday.¡± Rem expressed his delight upon seeing Ragna, who reciprocated by greeting him with his sword. He swung it lightly. Rem, who had already drawn his axe, blocked it. Clang! The blade and axe met, greeting each other. ¡°Lost your way and dug your grave too?¡± Rem spoke, twisting his lips as he did. His demeanor was quite fierce. Ragna wasn¡¯t one to back down either, so a fierce tension flared between them. Why were they being so aggressive? Encrid thought there was only one reason. ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to look for Dunbachel?¡± He couldn¡¯t see the beastwoman he had trained. Despite appearances, Rem cared for those he had taken under his wing. He had run across battlefields to save those he thought had potential. ¡®Though he beat them so much because he thought they had potential.¡¯ Most of those whose lives were saved by Rem were unaware of this. Encrid only realized it after he developed a discerning eye. ¡°Crazy barbarian.¡± Jaxon muttered. And then. ¡°My ears are bleeding.¡± The voice of the one they had been looking for was heard. It was from up in a tree. The beastwoman had a crusted blood wound on her forehead and a similar hole in her thigh. ¡°You idiot beastwoman.¡± The forest might be vast, but with Rem causing such a ruckus, it was bound to be heard. In the end, his ruckus paid off. Dunbachel came down to the ground. Seeing her land lightly indicated she wasn¡¯t seriously injured. ¡°Why did you come? I was going to kill the leader and return on my own.¡± Encrid nodded at her words. It seemed that having been taught by Rem, her manner of speaking had become similar. ¡°Sure you were.¡± Jaxon reacted, and Audin just laughed. Rem, after calling her a stupid beastwoman, smiled softly and said, ¡°When we get back, you start from the beginning.¡± At that, Dunbachel¡¯s face contorted. Why? She really was planning to kill the leader here. She was a beastwoman. She had confidence in fighting in the forest. Her goal was to change the battlefield to one that was advantageous. Her other goal, following Encrid¡¯s example, was to save her comrades. Encrid looked at Dunbachel and spoke. There was no point in asking indirectly or waiting for an answer, so he asked directly. ¡°Why did you do it?¡± He was referring to saving her comrades and using herself as bait. Dunbachel blinked, understanding the question, and then opened her mouth. ¡°Because I can.¡± It wasn¡¯t a grand declaration of conviction or will. Encrid, however, liked that. Then Dunbachel added one more thing, which was unexpected for Encrid. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com] Chapter 250 ¡°Thank you for accepting me.¡± Encrid tilted his head in confusion. Suddenly? Now, after all this time? The idea of saving someone just because he could felt awkward. He was a mercenary, part of one of the top groups of people who lived off thievery in the Kingdom. And such a person risked his life to save a soldier? So, did he not like that? No, he actually liked it very much. Even though Encrid dreamed of becoming a Knight, he didn¡¯t expect everyone around him to act like the Knights in stories, with their behaviors, attitudes, and mindsets. But why ignore those in need, those who are oppressed, if you can save them? Is it because their hearts are empty? Is it because they are used to abandoning and ignoring others? Is it because it¡¯s profitable? There is no honor, no conviction, no loyalty, and no burning passion in such indifferent and pragmatic attitudes. ¡®What can you become living like that?¡¯ What value is there in such a life? Encrid was a man who ran with a dream. He didn¡¯t like ignoring the weak and injustice. Because there was something burning hot within his chest, he couldn¡¯t just walk past without helping. The fact that Rem beat up a noble¡¯s son and smashed his superior¡¯s head in was in the same vein, and Encrid didn¡¯t dislike Rem for it. ¡°Well done.¡± That¡¯s why he said it. The listeners were dumbfounded. One person suddenly said thank you, and the other said well done. It seemed everyone was just saying what they wanted. Oddly enough, the conversation seemed to flow smoothly, which made it even more absurd. Encrid didn¡¯t know what kind of mindset Dunbachel had, but he liked the change he saw in her. After all, it was an act to save a relatively weaker ally, and in doing so, she didn¡¯t give up her own life. They faced an unexpected enemy and simply tried their best. In the midst of it, she also saved a comrade. The change in mindset, from a thief to a Company member, was something he appreciated. He didn¡¯t care that she was thanking him now. ¡®She¡¯s a bit odd, too.¡¯ From the start, it was a squad where only he was normal. As long as the former thief was doing well now, he thought that was enough. Encrid moved on. Words like thank you didn¡¯t matter much. She survived, saved others, and her mindset changed. That was enough. Dunbachel also took Encrid¡¯s praise in her own way. She felt it meant she did well by saving a comrade and surviving. Otherwise, why would he come looking for her? Suddenly, she noticed Encrid more. His black hair, blue eyes, and the subtle kindness behind his indifferent demeanor. He was the man who accepted her, the Commander with unbelievable skills. She survived and saved a comrade. It was all thanks to his will, and Dunbachel followed that. Thus, she seemed to become part of Encrid¡¯s unit. Before, she stayed reluctantly, but now she truly felt like she belonged to this group. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Hey, you look like you¡¯re feeling some sort of emotion. The Commander was planning your funeral. He thought you were dead.¡± Rem spoke. ¡°It¡¯s true.¡± ¡°Really.¡± Dunbachel didn¡¯t care. Rem clicked his tongue and snorted in disbelief. ¡°Huh, the saying ¡®the black dog does the work, and the white dog gets the love¡¯ fits here.¡± No one paid attention to Rem¡¯s remark. Ragna was roughly sketching a map of the forest in his mind. Of course, it was a useless task. ¡®Wasn¡¯t that supposed to be a shortcut?¡¯ He thought it was the fast route, but he ended up in a random place. Despite having a poor sense of direction, Ragna just thought he was unlucky. Audin showed a gentle smile. Dunbachel¡¯s attitude of saving a comrade seemed like the start of a change. He enjoyed watching those who break through their limits. Teresa nodded at Dunbachel. She had heard that her past was as complicated as her own. She felt a sense of kinship with the beast woman. Of course, she didn¡¯t show it outwardly. Jaxon was indifferent. ¡®So, she¡¯s become somewhat useful now?¡¯ Initially, the beast woman only had a knack for fighting, and even that was clumsy. She could have been kicked out, but the Commander chose to keep her. Jaxon accepted it. He thought she would die quickly, but she survived stubbornly. That was his entire sentiment. Encrid examined Dunbachel¡¯s face, shoulders, chest, stomach, and thighs. He even pressed on her wounds with his hands. ¡°Not here.¡± Dunbachel spoke with a beast¡¯s mindset. Just because they had strong reproductive urges didn¡¯t mean they had no shame. There were many eyes watching. It was inconvenient to be half-naked and do something, but the place didn¡¯t really matter. Standing would suffice. ¡°Foolish beast. He¡¯s just checking if he should send you back like this.¡± Sharp-witted Rem scolded her from the side. Dunbachel wasn¡¯t embarrassed, just a bit regretful. ¡°Let¡¯s go together. The wound hasn¡¯t worsened.¡± Dunbachel spoke first. This forest had good herbs. It wasn¡¯t called the Grateful Forest for nothing. Dunbachel found a herb called ground pine or silkweed, which, when crushed or cut, exuded a white sap. Applying it to the wound prevented inflammation. It was something she learned while living as a mercenary. She had already treated the wound. The sap dried over the wound, leaving a white powder that flaked off. ¡°If you feel like dying, ask Rem to carry you.¡± When Encrid said this, Dunbachel frowned, and Rem laughed. ¡°Try it. I¡¯ll cut off your legs with an axe.¡± Of course, that wouldn¡¯t happen. It was just a joke. Encrid started walking again. ¡°Really?¡± Jaxon asked. He followed silently, but he questioned the necessity of going back to that place. If they intended to return to the territory, Encrid wouldn¡¯t have checked Dunbachel¡¯s wound, so it wasn¡¯t hard to guess Encrid¡¯s destination. ¡°It bothers me.¡± Encrid replied. There was no need to force anyone to follow. This matter was particularly a result of his own whims. It would have ended if they returned to the territory. ¡®Why?¡¯ Encrid asked himself as well, but there was no answer. It was a choice driven by emotion, not reason. ¡°You can go ahead.¡± ¡°No, I won¡¯t.¡± Jaxon didn¡¯t argue any further, and seeing this, Rem commented that the sneaky stray cat looked hungry and should catch a few dead mice to eat, but Jaxon ignored him completely. ?????????? Dunbachel didn¡¯t need any support. She wasn¡¯t as strong as a Giant, but beastfolk were also quite sturdy. She didn¡¯t even limp. ¡°I¡¯m Teresa, the Wanderer.¡± Hadn¡¯t they even introduced themselves yet? The newly reborn half-blood Giant suddenly announced her name, and Dunbachel glanced at the much taller woman before speaking. ¡°Don¡¯t you know my name?¡± ¡°I do.¡± ¡°Then that¡¯s enough.¡± Both belonged to Encrid, and that was sufficient. Teresa understood. The group then returned to where the wild horses had been. The wild horse was still there. It snorted when it saw Encrid. It seemed happy. How long would it have waited if they hadn¡¯t returned? ¡°Did you wait?¡± Snort. ¡°So, what¡¯s up?¡± Snort. ¡°Hmm. You want us to follow?¡± He said this after seeing the horse turn around and wag its tail. Dunbachel, watching this intently, spoke cautiously. ¡°Are you talking to animals now?¡± There was a moment of silence. To everyone, it looked that way. ¡°Does it look that way to you?¡± Rem asked seriously, which was unlike him. ¡®Is our Commander really never going to visit a temple?¡¯ ¡®Should we send him to a small shrine in Martai?¡¯ Jaxon frowned too. ¡®Everything is fine, but why is he talking to animals? Communication and conversation are different things.¡¯ ¡°Haha, they say there is no difference in understanding all things in the world.¡± Audin chuckled and mumbled something cryptic. Dunbachel, having decided to trust and follow, chose to go along with it. No, she even decided to try talking to horses herself later. Hadn¡¯t she decided to follow his path and do what he intended? ¡°Hm.¡± Since he was the man who killed her and then brought her back to life, Teresa accepted everything indifferently. He could talk to horses if he wanted. There was no need to point it out. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s go that way?¡± Encrid wasn¡¯t the type to care about others¡¯ opinions. He moved based on the horse¡¯s gestures. The group of humans followed the wild horse as it tapped the ground with its hooves. Dozens of wild horses that were a bit further away followed. Anyone seeing this from a distance would find it a peculiar sight. As they walked, they came upon a slope. Although there are elevation changes on flat land, this path led quite downward. It was a basin so cleverly hidden that it couldn¡¯t be seen from the forest¡¯s boundary. What should this land be called? It wasn¡¯t a mountain but a deeply indented terrain. A plain basin? It looked as if a Giant God had scooped out the earth with his hand. And the terrain wasn¡¯t the only strange thing. Among his random thoughts, Encrid saw traces of artificial structures, not natural formations. A gray stone wall. Half-collapsed, showing signs of age, and entangled with grapevines even as winter approached. Black grapes could be seen on the vines. ¡°What is this?¡± Rem muttered. He seemed amazed too. A gentle warm breeze blew from inside the basin. To be precise, it was a warm wind. Such warmth was rare to experience in the north during this season. Encrid picked a few grapes and popped them into his mouth. They were sour and sweet. Perfectly good fruit. The wild horse ate a few as well, and the others followed suit, putting a few grapes in their mouths. Dunbachel put a whole bunch into her mouth and chewed. She was eating the seeds too, which suggested she was quite hungry. It made sense. She had been hiding in the forest for three days. She likely hadn¡¯t prepared properly for camping. ¡°Eat.¡± Teresa pulled out a piece of jerky from her clothes. Dunbachel ate a few more grapes before putting the jerky in her mouth as well. She didn¡¯t say thank you. ¡°This place seems suspicious.¡± Encrid muttered to himself. Or was he talking to the wild horse? Neigh. The wild horse neighed lowly, lowering its head and showing hostility. It wasn¡¯t directed at the group. It was towards the front. Sunlight shone into the basin, revealing a bluish glow inside the collapsed wall. It wasn¡¯t just a floating light. Rattle. Bones moved, making their characteristic noise. ¡°Skeletons?¡± They were skeletal soldiers holding rusty swords and shields. Undead. ¡°It looks like a collapsed tomb, brother.¡± Audin, surveying the surroundings, spoke up. ¡°It seems the ground collapsed, rendering the graveyard ineffective.¡± Jaxon added. In the past, undead were sometimes used to guard tombs. This seemed like one of those hidden cemeteries often mentioned in treasure hunter journals. More blue glows appeared beyond the long gray wall on the right. The number of those who defied death and reversed life was increasing. Encrid casually counted them. ¡°One, two, three, four¡­ seven?¡± Not a small number, but not particularly threatening either. Who were these people gathered here? They were the ones who had just struck down the centaur colony head-on. Rattle! Rattle! The jaws of the blue-eyed skeletons clattered. The undead, especially lower-tier ones, couldn¡¯t speak. Only higher-tier undead could express their will and thoughts through telepathy. Not that there was any need to converse with monsters. There were skeletons wielding swords and shields, those with pointed bone spears, and even skeletal dogs on all fours. Two skeletal dogs, and five skeletal soldiers. Encrid calmly drew his sword. Swish. As Encrid drew his sword, a massive figure stepped forward first. ¡°Upon those who tread the path of perversion and regression, I bring down the mace.¡± To priests and clerics who served the Gods, the undead were always targets to be punished. Audin stepped forward, holding his palms together at his chest and then spreading his hands outward. Boom. A rusty sword aimed at Audin fell. Audin avoided it by stepping forward. The sword sliced through the air. A rusty spear thrust in from the side. To an ordinary soldier, it would have been a dangerous moment, but not for Audin. Audin grabbed the flying spear shaft. At the same time, he swung his fist vertically like a hammer at the head of the skeleton wielding a sword. Thud. Crack! He split one skeleton¡¯s head in two, then grabbed the bone spear and lifted its owner into the air before slamming it down. Crash! With a thunderous noise, the entire body of the skeleton was shattered. ¡°These creatures.¡± Audin¡¯s eyes shone. Encrid didn¡¯t even need to step forward. In an instant, the seven skeletons were swept away. ¡°There¡¯s more inside.¡± Jaxon, with his characteristic sensitivity, spoke up. Encrid sensed it too. It was a feeling similar to when he had encountered magical traps before. A sense of foreboding mixed with an oddly irritating smell assaulted his nose. Burnt smell? And then, another skeleton appeared in front of the group. It held a polearm, and from the polearm to its entire body, it was engulfed in flames. Woosh! Even from over ten paces away, a hot wind blew. The searing heat was palpable. It warmed their skin. If they stayed any longer, sweat would start to pour. ¡°A burning skeleton?¡± Rem muttered. It was exactly that. The undead, unable to feel pain, were capable of such things. It was a monster with an unextinguished flame spell cast over its entire body. Neigh! The wild horse neighed upon seeing it. It was as if it was saying this was the reason they had come here. And it was right. The wild horse was the guardian of this land. It remembered the past. Specifically, it recalled the threat it had faced when the ground collapsed. The wild horse had a duty to protect its herd. Thus, it had to eliminate the threat. Despite deciding to leave, the horse knew what it had to do, and it sought help from the humans for this purpose. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com] Chapter 251 To a wild horse, the flaming skull was an unstoppable threat. Therefore, it called for help. That was now, and to add, the flaming skull was out of luck. Whoosh! A flaming spear, followed by a line of skeletal dogs and soldiers. There were thirteen in total. Twelve if you didn¡¯t count the flaming skull. ¡°How twisted and wrong.¡± One of the reasons for their bad luck. There was a religious soldier who had seizures at the sight of undead. Whoosh! The flaming spear descended. Audin pushed it aside with his palm. In an instant, flames clung to his hand. Audin swung his arm through the air. Whoosh! A sound of air bursting as he swung his arm. The fire on his hand extinguished and vanished into the air. It wasn¡¯t magic. It was a feat accomplished through physical strength and speed. Audin, having deflected the flaming spear, began smashing the skeletons that rushed at him from behind. With a single punch, a skull shattered into bone fragments. The skull broke into roughly sixteen pieces and scattered. ¡°¡­That brute.¡± Even Rem was impressed by the fire-extinguishing feat. Audin continued to smash every skeleton in sight, breaking heads and shattering ribs. He grabbed the spines of skeletal soldiers and ripped them out, using the vertebrae as bludgeons to smash the heads of skeletal dogs. ????£Á£Î????????¨º? The flaming skull raised its spear high, seemingly aiming for Audin¡¯s back. Ragna, who had been watching, suddenly stepped forward. He took a step forward, drew his sword, and swung it with a twist of his waist. A Middle Sword Technique slash. Ragna¡¯s blade sliced cleanly through the skeleton¡¯s neck bone. The severed head fell to the ground. As it fell, the flames attached to it vanished. Thus, only the charred, black skull remained, rolling among the vines and short grass. The head stopped as it bumped against a protruding rock. Despite being headless, the flaming skull still flailed its hands and feet. ¡°Ugh, damn it.¡± Rem then stepped in and hacked the remaining parts of the flaming creature with an axe. He chopped and kicked, breaking it apart. Even then, the flaming skull resisted, swinging its spear left and right. Despite being just bones, it was strong. Rem easily ducked to avoid it and swung his axe upward from below. The axe blade, now a flash of light, sliced through the skeleton¡¯s elbow bone, and the spear flew through the air. It spun and scattered sparks around. Encrid shielded his eyes from the flying sparks with his hand and instinctively reached out. The spear was falling right in front of him. He had two choices: dodge or catch it. The spear seemed to fly with some sort of will. Encrid relied purely on his intuition and caught it instead of dodging. If it got too hot, he could just drop and throw it away. He was confident he could do all of that in an instant. Seeing that the flames on the spear didn¡¯t spread around, he calculated that it wasn¡¯t a type of fire that would spread. Of course, all these calculations were part of his intuition. Encrid, trusting his gut, caught the flaming spear. Whoosh! Thump! It wasn¡¯t as hot as he expected. It wasn¡¯t so hot that he had to drop it immediately. Instead of heat, he heard a voice. -Burn! -Burn to ashes! -Turn to cinders! -Die in the flames! In an instant, the life of a man tied to a cruciform stake and burnt alive flashed through his mind. A man had been burned to death. Executed by fire for using magic. There was betrayal by ignorant villagers and a lord who orchestrated it all. Was it some kind of curse? No, it was a bit different. ¡®It¡¯s similar to the sword Pel has.¡¯ It was a grudge. A grudge imbued into the weapon. A deathly grudge transformed into human willpower. It seemed similar to the ¡®Will¡¯. Encrid reflected on the life of the man and accepted his will. He refused. He rejected being burned alive. The grudge in the enchanted spear dissipated and vanished. It was purified by a stronger will. The flames on the spear extinguished with a sudden burst. It was as if it had been dipped in cold water. Though there wasn¡¯t even steam, the fire just suddenly went out. What on earth was happening? Audin was the only one who understood the situation. He had known from the start that the weapon was created based on a deep grudge and resentment. He also realized that the flames originated from the weapon, making the skeletons appear to burn. He intended to purify it, enduring the pain required to emit divine energy. Despite the extreme pain that would come from using Divine Power due to his restriction, he couldn¡¯t just leave such a dangerous object alone. ¡®I might faint.¡¯ Purifying such a grudge might cause that. Enduring the pain wasn¡¯t something he could control at will. In fact, those who had imposed the restriction on Audin intended to prevent him from using Divine Power at all, but he ignored it and used it anyway. He was prepared to risk fainting and was deliberately dealing with other vile things first. Then Encrid grabbed the spear, and the flames just went out. All the skeletons had already been dealt with. Teresa stepped on a fallen skull, crushing it with a crunch. In the silence, only the sound of bones breaking echoed. The wild horse watched in silence as well. Rem¡¯s voice broke the silence. ¡°¡­Did your hand get all sweaty?¡± Did he put out the fire with sweat? That made no sense. ¡°Sometimes, your head is really admirable.¡± Jaxon remarked. Given his profession, he knew a lot about such things. ¡®Is it normal for that flame to go out?¡¯ It didn¡¯t seem that way. ¡°What are you saying, crazy wildcat?¡± Rem said, looking at Encrid. It was a look demanding an explanation of what had happened. ¡°He said he¡¯d burn me, so I said no.¡± Damn, is that an explanation? Seriously? Rem, flabbergasted, looked around for agreement. Ragna seemed uninterested, and Audin, understanding the gist, was merely impressed. ¡®How long has it been since he grasped ¡®Will¡¯, and he¡¯s already handling it so skillfully?¡¯ It was astonishing. ¡°Well, that¡¯s good.¡± Jaxon brushed it off lightly. After all, there was nothing normal about what Encrid did. He considered himself the only normal one here. ¡°Damn.¡± Rem said, ¡°Let me see that¡±, and snatched the spear. The remaining grudge attacked Rem. Without showing him the past, it merely commanded him to burn to death. Of course, it was just a residue, a feeble resistance. The flames seemed to flicker at Rem¡¯s touch, then went out. ¡°Hmm?¡± Audin was surprised again. What was this now? It wasn¡¯t suppressed by will. ¡°Someone tampered with this. Can I use this?¡± Rem muttered to himself, seemingly knowing something. Encrid didn¡¯t bother to ask, what good would it do to know? ¡°Yeah.¡± He had no interest in the weapon. Rem examined the spear closely and then cut the shaft in the middle with his axe. With a snap, the handle of the enchanted weapon was halved, now the size of a hand axe. Aside from the pointed end, suitable for thrusting, it looked like it could be used as a hand axe. Of course, the balance was all wrong. ¡°You could attach a weight to the end of the handle.¡± Encrid suggested, and Rem nodded. He seemed quite pleased. ¡°Feels like a windfall.¡± Rem expressed, and Encrid nodded. Once again, it was clear that these skeletons were unlucky. Who were the people gathered here? The Mad Company. A group of brute warriors who change the course of battles. Encrid sheathed his drawn sword with a smooth motion and spoke to the horse. ¡°Is that all?¡± The horse hesitated. What were these humans? The skeletons had been a big threat! Upon reflection, this human had once embedded a sword in the head of that dangerous centaur. The horse acknowledged it. Neigh. It cried out, converting its joy into a sound. ¡°Alright.¡± Encrid spoke and moved forward. Whose grave was this? It certainly wasn¡¯t a poor man¡¯s. So, what else could there be besides the damned flaming spear and skeletons? There were no signs of grave robbers, likely due to the wild horse herd and skeletons. ¡°Shall we dig a bit?¡± Specifically, around the structure that looked like a wall? When Encrid spoke, Jaxon responded. ¡°There are a few chests inside.¡± Apparently, Jaxon had already scouted the inside while avoiding the fight. ¡°That sneaky cat, always quick with his hands.¡± Rem praised. Jaxon ignored him as usual, and the group moved inside. The ground had been eroded by rain, covered in snow that melted, dried, and hardened under the sun, making the terrain rough. The ground was uneven, and the sharp rocks sticking up were like natural traps. Of course, it was no problem for them. ¡°Alright, let me show you something interesting.¡± Rem stopped walking and swung his axe in the air. Whoosh. From top to bottom, and then from bottom to top. The second swing was different from the first. Whoosh! On the second swing, flames erupted along the axe blade. ¡°How about ¡®Fire Axe Rem¡¯ for my nickname?¡± He seemed to have figured out how to use it after fiddling with it a bit. ¡°Sure.¡± Encrid nodded calmly. If he fought with that, he might go from being the Mad Axeman to the Mad Fire Axeman. He didn¡¯t say this out loud, everyone needs a bit of encouragement now and then. ¡°Hehe, nice. I like it.¡± As long as he was satisfied. They all ignored it and moved to the deepest part of the basin. The ground became easier to walk on, leading to a stable plain. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. It was quite deep inside. Wondering where the warm breeze was coming from, they saw a chest half-open. A gentle warmth emanated from it. ¡°A heating stone? Blessing of the Sun God? Lord.¡± Audin muttered. Encrid realized that whoever built this tomb had gold coins to spare. ¡°Pack it all up.¡± Encrid ordered. Inside the chest, there were no silver coins. It was all gold coins and some items that could be considered relics. Starting with the heating stone, said to be blessed by the Sun God, there was also a bandage that had a metallic feel to it. ¡°A precious item.¡± Jaxon said, someone who rarely showed interest in anything that wasn¡¯t a dagger crafted by an assassin who had staked their life on it. So, it truly was a valuable item. Encrid examined the thick, black bandage. It was as wide as his palm and there wasn¡¯t much of it. If you wrapped it up, it would be enough to cover a torso. ¡°It¡¯s made by specially treating the hide of a soft beast into a form that wraps around the body. You can think of it as inner armor.¡± Jaxon explained. There were no other particularly special relics. There were some glowing stones, but since everyone had good night vision, they weren¡¯t of much interest. There were also some boots and gloves, but they were damaged, and a few jewels along with a journal. The journal¡¯s contents were nothing special. It was full of unbelievable adventure tales, like riding a Pegasus. The reason for settling in this land was simply because it was a friend¡¯s hometown, according to the journal. It ended with something like, ¡°Here lies someone who wandered their whole life without a home, now resting here.¡± Encrid felt that the person buried here, the one who wrote the journal, was expressing their satisfaction with their life and adventures by crossing out their name with charcoal. The journal was filled with words expressing the writer¡¯s dream of adventuring and discovering marvelous and mysterious things in every place. Encrid saw a bit of himself in those words. A person moving toward their dream. However, this person had achieved his goal and was satisfied, which is why he found his friend¡¯s hometown, and by erasing his name, he expressed his fulfillment and departure from this life. ¡®Is it romantic, or just foolish?¡¯ After all, romance and foolishness are often separated by a thin line. There was even a swordsmanship teacher who used to say that. Encrid was simply reflecting on himself. It was, of course, a bold assumption. Not really important. He took the journal. For some reason, he liked it. Meanwhile, Jaxon had examined the surrounding walls and mechanisms but found nothing hidden. He had once been trapped in a similar situation and had acquired the sword he now held back then, but this place was open to the sky. It was a peculiar terrain. It might have been designed to be open to the sky even before the ground had collapsed. That¡¯s probably why the chests and other items were so well preserved. Neigh. The horse approached. Encrid placed his hand on its forehead. ¡°Is it enough now?¡± The sun was already setting. Thanks to the heating stone, it wasn¡¯t particularly cold. It wasn¡¯t just the heating stone, considering the flaming skull, it seemed like this place was designed for travelers to rest. Jaxon mentioned that he saw strange symbols on the walls. ¡®He¡¯s a weird guy.¡¯ Encrid thought. The journal also mentioned why the skeletons were created. -There should be challenges in an adventure! I hope anyone who finds this place can overcome these. Then, take my legacy and use it well! Having read the journal, Encrid found nothing extraordinary about the so-called legacy. ¡®They are expensive and good items, though.¡¯ According to the journal, weren¡¯t there supposed to be legendary relics or sacred artifacts? In any case, the rest of the adventurer¡¯s belongings had been scattered across the continent, given away here and there. Oh, and the journal mentioned that this wasn¡¯t his only grave. -If you¡¯re a true explorer, find my other graves too. Although the man was eccentric, Encrid¡¯s heart raced at the thought of someone chasing their dreams. It was fascinating. ¡°Let¡¯s sleep here tonight and head back tomorrow.¡± Encrid said. The tomb served well as a resting place. The unseasonable warmth seemed to encourage rest. He also wanted to give the horse some time to part from its herd. ¡°Let¡¯s do that.¡± Rem agreed, seemingly indifferent. In his left hand was the fire axe, and in his right, the heating stone. While the heating leather was also a valuable item, that stone could warm up an entire tent. A high-ranking noble would pay a fortune for it. Despite its value, no one here had a keen sense of money. Encrid had given it to Rem since he was more sensitive to the cold. Ragna remained uninterested, Audin began to pray, Jaxon sat with his eyes closed, and Teresa and Dunbachel were equally indifferent to wealth. Neither of them cared about Krona. They were preoccupied with their changed lives and the future ahead. Night fell, and without a campfire, they lay down and looked at the sky. The starlight poured into the tomb. It was a fantastical night view, unlike anything Encrid had ever seen. He lay under the blanket of starlight, feeling the gentle warmth enveloping him. With his eyes closed, Encrid met the ferryman. The ferryman, as always, mocked him with a mix of sneering. ¡°You always end up playing with someone like me.¡± Encrid wondered if this was a compliment. The dream was short. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com] Chapter 252 Torres heard a strange cry coming from the forest long after Encrid had left. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t we send support?¡± A soldier, unaware of the situation, asked, and Hyoun from the Guard Unit answered instead. ¡°Support? Those four monsters could probably roast an entire territory.¡± Hyoun, a swordsman from the northern tribes, had a strong sense of pride. His words carried weight. Torres agreed. ¡°They¡¯ll come back on their own.¡± Who¡¯s worrying about whom here? Torres ordered his soldiers to gather the centaur tendons and intact beast hides, then burned the remaining corpses. ¡®How many have died?¡¯ Dozens had died in the previous battle, and in the first battle, Torres himself had almost died. Zimmer almost perished alongside him. It had been that perilous. Torres personally felt that running away might have been the right move. In fact, Torres had made such a suggestion. ¡°Lord, Captain. If we stay like this, we¡¯re doomed. Locking the castle gates and holding out is also limited.¡± Though they had a watchtower, there was no moat. What if the centaurs came and kept pounding on the walls with those huge clubs made from entire trees? What if they waited for reinforcements and they didn¡¯t come? ¡°So, if we give up the castle walls, do you have a solution?¡± The Lord asked in return. There was none. Outside was even more dangerous. The monsters were called centaurs. They were fast. Evading them was harder than holding out within the walls. ¡®We were trapped on all sides.¡¯ The only option was to request support. It was a centaur colony. The leader was an unusual individual that made one¡¯s knees tremble. When it roared, it made your balls shrink. There were soldiers who actually wet themselves. Yet, such a crisis was resolved by fewer than ten people. Fwoosh! Tick-tick, tick. The bodies of monsters and beasts, and three dead soldiers. One had slipped and been crushed by a beast¡¯s foot, and two had died showing off their eastern valor. Only three had died. The estimated number of monsters and beasts killed was unknown. It was estimated to be at least two hundred. The Madmen Platoon didn¡¯t kill most of them. They were merely the spearhead, the blade that slashed through. The soldiers killed the rest of the monsters and beasts. It wasn¡¯t a sunny day. Looking at the sky, it seemed like snow might fall. After an entire day, after tidying up the battlefield and taking a nap, Torres saw the returning group passing through the castle gate. It was drizzling. It was a day that would turn to sleet if it got any colder. It had been a busy day since dawn. The day after the battle. A day to smile because they survived. And he saw those who had given them that ordinary day returning. Encrid and the Madmen Platoon, silhouetted against the hazy sunlight. The heat of the battlefield had died down, and everyone felt a bit more relaxed. Even so. ¡°Colony Slayer.¡± Someone opened their mouth first, and the gathered soldiers near the gate all shouted in unison. ¡°Colony Slayer!¡± ¡°Long live the Madmen Platoon!¡± ¡°Hurrah!¡± ¡°You¡¯re handsome!¡± ¡°Take me!¡± ¡°Damn it! Thank you so much!¡± It was praise for those who had shown unbelievable strength, a mix of relief from surviving threats and crises, and the joy of victory. The drizzle soon turned white, like frost. It was a day when the temperature had suddenly dropped, so this was expected. Torres looked at Encrid, standing in the rain that had turned into a mix of snow and sleet. A wild horse with a strange aura followed behind, and the group was carrying some kind of chest. Rem was holding the glaive that the monster leader had used, but none of that mattered. ????£Â¦¥? Torres stood upright, looking at Encrid. He put his feet together and pressed his right hand to his waist. Then he bowed his head in a show of respect. It was a military salute. A gesture of thanks for saving him and this territory. Encrid merely nodded at Torres and passed by. Rem, following behind, asked. ¡°Do you know any good blacksmiths?¡± ¡°A dwarf has recently arrived on the outskirts of the market.¡± ¡°Oh.¡± Rem continued walking, and the rest of the Platoon passed by indifferently. The cheers did not hold them back. ¡°There¡¯s a dwarf, you say?¡± A master of metallurgy, smelting, and crafting. Of course, not all dwarves are masters of metallurgy. Elves have their own metallurgy, and among humans, there are outstanding craftsmen as well. But on average, dwarven smelting and metallurgy are superior and fundamentally excellent. So if a dwarf had wandered into a human territory, it would naturally draw interest. They needed someone with such skills at that moment. Even though dwarves are known to demand excessive prices in jewels or payment, no one here was opposed to spending Krona to buy weapons. Isn¡¯t it better to spend a bit of gold to get a good sword? For those who live by the sword, a good weapon is another arm, and good armor is another life. Encrid felt his right hip was a bit empty. ¡®It would be nice to have another sword.¡¯ A sword made by a dwarf would be very useful. He had grown accustomed to wearing various pieces of armor, and he had recently obtained some beast hide under-armor that wrapped around his body like bandages. As they were heading back, Lord of Martai himself came to express his gratitude. ¡°Thanks to you.¡± ¡°Think nothing of it.¡± Encrid responded politely. The Lord turned away, telling them to rest. ¡°There are no private rooms. It¡¯s as bleak here as in the Border Guard.¡± Torres followed behind, explaining. Anyway, they were guided to their quarters, and Rem brought up the subject of the dwarf. The quarters were a communal room with eight beds lined up. As Torres had said, it was bleak. Other than the eight beds, there was no furniture. It was a place meant only for sleeping. ¡°It¡¯s a wild horse, so it won¡¯t even consider going to the stable. Should we stake it down and tie it up here?¡± A soldier skilled in handling horses approached, watching the wild horse¡¯s reactions. Snort. As if understanding what was being discussed, the wild horse shook its head. ¡°Leave it be.¡± Encrid spoke roughly. He just felt like bringing it along, and so he did. That was all. If it wanted to leave, he would let it go. Of course, the wild horse had no intention of leaving. With monster blood mixed in, it had become half-beast, making it impossible for its herd to come near it. The monster blood instinctively instilled fear in other animals. For the same reason, it couldn¡¯t go into the stable. Similarly, the wild horse had to leave its home territory. That was the only way the rest of the herd could live safely. As the leader of its herd, it was its duty. It even handled the disposal of the burning skull. Though technically, it was the human in front of it who dealt with it. Just as Encrid felt an unusual sense of kinship with the wild horse, the horse felt a strange closeness to Encrid. The world called this a bond. ¡°You¡¯ve done well. Rest now.¡± Neigh. It looked as if the human and the horse were having a conversation. Rem observed this and then spoke. ¡°Is that thing also going to turn into a human?¡± ¡°It won¡¯t.¡± It was different from Esther. It was just a gut feeling, but he was certain. ¡°Don¡¯t be so sure. Who would have thought a panther could turn into a human?¡± Rem made a comment that could make a dog bark, and everyone ignored him. As they unpacked and sorted out the chest, Krais returned. ¡°What¡¯s with this?¡± As soon as he arrived, he saw the wild horse loitering in front of their quarters. He circled around and couldn¡¯t take his eyes off the horse, speaking with a worried look. Whatever he had been up to, even in Martai, he seemed busy. His big eyes were filled with disbelief. ¡°It¡¯s a horse.¡± Encrid replied. The wild horse standing idly without being tied up outside the barracks caught Krais¡¯s attention. ¡°Does it also turn into a human?¡± Krais asked. It clearly didn¡¯t seem ordinary. He asked because of the example of Esther. ¡°It¡¯s a male. Just a heads up, if you approach it from behind to check, you might get your head smashed.¡± Encrid warned in advance. Esther was fierce too, but the wild horse now had monster blood in it. Who knew if Krais might end up with a horse¡¯s hoof print on his chest? ¡°Do you think I¡¯m as stupid as Rem?¡± ¡°Who called you an idiot?¡± ¡°I¡¯m saying I don¡¯t check a horse¡¯s balls from behind either.¡± ¡°It was a precaution.¡± Krais was quite an oddball too. Krais wasn¡¯t normal either. ¡°Hey, do you realize I¡¯m standing right here, listening to all this?¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± As soon as Rem spoke and got his answer, he smacked Krais on the head. Smack! ¡°Ow!¡± Given the conversation, Krais didn¡¯t pout after getting hit. He just rubbed the back of his head a few times and then moved on to the next topic. Specifically, as soon as he entered the quarters, something caught Krais¡¯s interest. It had a scent. The scent of jewels. ¡°What¡¯s with that chest?¡± ¡°Jewels.¡± At Encrid¡¯s answer, Krais¡¯s eyes changed. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Whenever Krona was involved, human eyes had a mysterious way of turning into gold coins. He whistled as he checked each chest. ¡°Quite a lot.¡± ¡°Have you seen the dwarf who came into town?¡± Watching Krais admire the jewels and gold, Ragna asked. Hmm? Was Ragna interested too? Tired of using second-hand swords? While considering this, Krais responded. ¡°Oh, I was just about to talk about that. It¡¯s a real dwarf. It¡¯s my first time seeing one, and they look quite beautiful, actually.¡± Beautiful? To understand what he meant, they would have to see for themselves. They spent the rest of the late afternoon unpacking and practicing Isolation Techniques to loosen their bodies. They decided to visit the territory the next day. Specifically, to see the dwarf blacksmith. Encrid ate dinner and closed his eyes. It was time to do what he always did. Reflect. ¡®What if I hadn¡¯t lost track from the beginning?¡¯ He had lost the monster leader, so he had to chase it. And during the chase, he experienced a peculiar focus. He had always mixed focus and Sensory Techniques, but at the moment he threw his sword at the leader¡¯s head, it was different. Did ¡®Will¡¯ move? No, that wasn¡¯t it. Now he understood what ¡®Will¡¯ was. It was willpower, an intangible force based on it. It¡¯s a mystery difficult to explain in human language. In some ways, it¡¯s like a spell or magic, but it¡¯s a power limited to the individual. For those who train their bodies, wield weapons, or use their fists as weapons, it manifests. So, that wasn¡¯t it. When capturing the monster leader, when he threw the sword at its head, Encrid felt something crushed and fused into one. He could see what to do next, and it felt as if his five senses had fused into something new. ¡°It¡¯s called Sensory Technique.¡± He recalled what Jaxon had taught him. In reality, it was countless sparring matches with Pel, continuous experiences, life lessons, mindset, and even the rejection achieved through ¡®Will¡¯. It all came together to make it happen. ¡°There¡¯s no need to divide it into the Gate of Sixth Sense or the Sense of Evasion. It¡¯s just Sensory Technique.¡± Damn Jaxon. His explanations were as clear as mud, just like Rem¡¯s. At the time, it didn¡¯t make any sense. Encrid closed his eyes and merged his senses. He entered the realm of the sixth sense. Even without dividing his senses, he could hear, see, and feel. With his eyes half-open, he saw Audin praying. ¡°Following the will of the Father, shepherd the young lambs and keep them from losing their way.¡± Was he praying for Ragna? That wasn¡¯t important. Encrid felt as if he had opened a third eye. Even though Audin wore a thick tunic and a wide coat over it, Encrid could feel his body. That solid muscle, the explosive strength, the unwavering posture even while praying. His body was something perfected. As this sensory realization came to him, Encrid found himself partially opening his mouth, lost in thought. He saw a new direction in the Isolation Technique. By merging his senses, a new path became clear. ¡®If you don¡¯t train your body, it¡¯s all useless.¡¯ The beginning of everything is the body. It was an unexpected realization. But it was also something he already knew. Revisiting what he already knew was also a form of realization. Encrid determined the direction to train his body. Of course, he would need Audin¡¯s help. Rem watched Encrid, who had come to this realization, with a quiet gaze. ¡°Hey, did you say there¡¯s a temple in Martai?¡± Rem asked. Krais, who was sitting next to him polishing a few jewels, answered. ¡°Yes, there is.¡± It¡¯s smaller than a temple, but there would still be priests. Despite the bad rumors, they were there. ¡°That guy is definitely broken.¡± Rem muttered. Krais glanced up at Encrid. His mouth was half-open, drooling. ¡°He¡¯s the same as always.¡± It wasn¡¯t the first time they¡¯d seen him like this. While no one paid much attention, Dunbachel made a big decision, half-opened her mouth, and tried to drool just like Encrid. From now on, she would learn and follow everything Encrid did. The first step was to do what he did, to understand if there was any reason behind it. ¡°Do you want me to crush your head? Why are you copying him?¡± Rem scolded. Dunbachel stubbornly drooled. Indeed, a madman. The door to the quarters was half-open, and the wild horse, peering inside, thought for a moment. ¡®Should I go?¡¯ It briefly considered leaving. It wasn¡¯t just acting on Encrid¡¯s words for no reason. The horse had been very intelligent and clever even before it had monster blood. So it could discern the situation. If it wanted to leave, now was the time. The horse thought so. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com] Chapter 253 If you understand, then move. Act immediately. ¡°If you think of even the slightest clue, act on it right away. If you delay, you¡¯ll lose it and miss the opportunity. What you¡¯ve lost usually won¡¯t remain yours. If you miss it, it¡¯s gone. Even the smallest realization should be ingrained through action.¡± He remembers it being a short lesson. It was a swordsmanship training school just before entering the southern continent, and the instructor had brown skin. Encrid did as he said. He got up immediately. He had returned to the domain today, regardless of what he had done before or whether it was time to sleep or anything else. None of that mattered to Encrid. When he got up and went outside, the sun had already set. The sleet had stopped, and the ground was muddy. The torch next to him was burning, illuminating the surroundings. Whoosh. The wild horse he had saved looked at Encrid. Passing the horse without a word, Encrid started to move his body in front of the barracks. ¡®What muscles are important when wielding a sword?¡¯ The entire body is important. The forearm muscles of the arm will enhance gripping strength, and a strong waist will be the cornerstone for a centrifugal strike. ¡®When cutting through flames.¡¯ His thoughts continued, reaching the moment he cut through flames. The manifestation of a spell through a Scroll. It was a marvelous and mysterious thing, but the only reality before him was the fireball coming at him. He recalled the movements from that time. He swung his sword, making it perpendicular to the ground. ¡®Back.¡¯ In Encrid¡¯s mind, the muscles of his body split and scattered. He blended his senses into a single, intuitive sensory realm. From then on, he observed his body, making it a continuous process of training. Encrid mimicked chopping wood. It was the movement needed now. At the same time, he observed the movement of his muscles. It was the beginning of change. The foundation of progress. It was something that would become a cornerstone. There were those watching from inside the barracks. It was the Madmen Platoon. Dunbachel, drooling, slurped it back into her mouth and got up from her seat. Perhaps imitating that would yield something? ¡°Please stop. Sister, you¡¯ll harm your body.¡± This time it was Audin who stopped her. He stepped forward to restrain her. He thought how fascinating it was to see a person performing what seemed like lunatic antics under the moonlight. ¡®How does this sinful man bring me such joy?¡¯ Audin murmured to his master, his father, his God, and took a step. What was Encrid trying to do now? It was a process of finding joy on his own, not just doing what he was taught. He was observing and identifying the lacking parts of his body, walking the path of new training. How could he not be joyful watching that? Even though he had taught the Isolation Technique to many, or even something inferior to it. It was a realm no one had reached. Finding people who enjoyed the process of teaching and learning the Isolation Technique was a very difficult task. ¡°Weight, balance, inhale deeply, and make your stomach full. If the center of your body is disturbed, it¡¯s all useless, brother.¡± Audin said, standing beside him. Encrid absorbed his words. Yesterday¡¯s technique and today¡¯s technique would be very different. Until now, it was habit and inertia, but from today onwards, he would row his boat to the right direction like a ferryman who found his course. Audin laughed heartily as he taught, delighted by this. So much that the soldiers passing by the barracks turned to look. Their pupils trembled violently. ¡°What¡¯s he doing?¡± ¡°They say he came back today?¡± ¡°Why is he holding a stone and dancing?¡± ¡°Is the Madmen Platoon called so not because they fight like mad but because they¡¯re really mad?¡± Such comments went around. It didn¡¯t look normal to them. Inside the quarters, Rem quietly pulled the door shut. ¡°The cold wind is coming in.¡± Dunbachel regretted the closing door. She wanted to see more of what that human Encrid was doing. ¡°Hey, ignore it, don¡¯t pretend to know. A person should go mad gracefully. Why is he doing that in the middle of the night? It¡¯s embarrassing to watch.¡± ?§¡??¦¢¨§s Rem¡¯s words received no response. They were originally like that. Dunbachel couldn¡¯t resist and went outside. Rem didn¡¯t particularly try to stop her. In fact, he too had a lot on his mind. ¡°Damn.¡± How could a person do that? He went into battle and fought. He didn¡¯t get excited even after showing unbelievable strength. He barely listened to the cheers of those he saved. He didn¡¯t covet even after seeing an enchanted spear. He was indifferent to gold or jewels. Then, he went into a trance, drooled, and ran outside to do that. ¡®Is that normal?¡¯ No. But that abnormal sight also stimulated Rem. Just in time, the spear imbued with flames had come into his hands. It was clearly a magical item. Thus, it could be easily wielded. The spear held some sort of lingering grudge, but Encrid erased it. Rem reflected on what he left behind when he departed from his tribe. One day, he would have to reclaim what was his. As his thoughts continued, he began to digest the stimulation Encrid had given him. Rem gripped the spear and delved into his world. There are moments when physical training is important, but there are also moments when refining and manifesting what one originally has is crucial. For Rem, it was the latter now. And for Ragna, it was the former. He, too, couldn¡¯t take his eyes off Encrid. Even after Encrid left, he stared blankly at the door, and even after Rem closed the door, he remained the same. It was the same when Audin went out, and when Dunbachel went out. ¡®Is this what it feels like?¡¯ To feel your blood boiling? If blood actually boiled, a person would die. However, it felt like that. In the room that felt wide but narrow, he sat on the bed with his buttocks perched. Ragna felt the sensation of his blood boiling. His pounding heart told him. To go out immediately and wield his sword. But he did not. The training sword custom-made at the Border Guard was pathetic. ¡®Strength.¡¯ Ragna was a genius, and he had long since realized his own shortcomings. He had already understood the methods of training, but he needed the help of tools. Originally, he wouldn¡¯t have needed such things. ¡®Look at that man.¡¯ He wanted to show the world a person like Encrid. How could one not be disturbed seeing that? That¡¯s why impatience crept into the relaxed genius. It¡¯s a strong impression that made him walk a path he didn¡¯t want to take. Thus, Ragna wanted to create his own tool. Wouldn¡¯t a dwarven blacksmith be able to create what he desired? Ragna longed and hoped. To go further. This was an extreme stimulant that went beyond a mere desire to wield a sword. It felt like handling poisonous mushrooms or drugs that shouldn¡¯t be consumed. His heart and head shook and heated up, beyond his own will. The ones stimulated were not just three. Teresa¡¯s eyes were continuously shaking inside her mask. What makes that man move like that? The answer was within her. ¡®The joy of fighting.¡¯ The instinct for combat, the blood of the Giant, stirred. Teresa also burst out the door. It seemed impossible to sleep without sparring with that man immediately. It would be an untimely duel under the moonlight, but would that matter? No, it wouldn¡¯t. Teresa burst out the door. ¡®Why is she doing that?¡¯ Krais, who was examining jewels and various items, looked up. Anyway, none of them are normal. Outside the open door, Encrid and Audin, and next to them, Dunbachel, were visible. Dunbachel stopped in a half-squatting position after hearing a few words from Audin. If she shook even a little, Audin would laugh and grab her shoulder with his palm. ¡°It hurts!¡± Dunbachel said. Pain is suffering, and suffering has the immediate power to make one speak. ¡°It¡¯s meant to hurt. Sister, correct your posture.¡± Audin¡¯s voice was heard. Then Teresa mumbled something beside him. It was not audible. A few soldiers nearby glanced and watched, and the wild horse watched indifferently. Krais felt some concern but ignored it. What he held in his hand now was a high-priced ruby nicknamed Red Flame. ¡®If I sell this properly, it¡¯ll be worth more than hundreds of gold coins.¡¯ Was it some explorer¡¯s tomb? And they said there are more tombs like this on the continent? Should I switch to being a treasure hunter? ¡®No.¡¯ That¡¯s something you shouldn¡¯t do even if you have extra lives. No matter how skilled a swordsman is, stepping on a single wrong trap would immediately lead to knocking on heaven¡¯s door or swimming in hell¡¯s river. ¡®It¡¯s better to stay here.¡¯ Encrid is a source of upheaval. Sticking close to that Commander might lead to finding more tombs, but there will be more events like this. For now, isn¡¯t the Border Guard Guild providing stable income? He wanted to live buried in gold coins. Krais, his eyes turned to gold coins, looked outside and spoke to Jaxon next to him. ¡°Anyway, everyone¡¯s strange here, right?¡± He said, not realizing he was talking about himself. Normally, Jaxon would have ignored or disregarded such a flowing question. ¡°Is that so?¡± But an answer came back. ¡®Why is this guy acting like this?¡¯ Krais turned his eyes to Jaxon. A similar flame burned in Jaxon¡¯s eyes. Cold yet hot? Well, it felt something like that. Jaxon was also stimulated. ¡°What do you seek in the technique meant for killing?¡± It was a question his master had asked. Why did he ask that then? ¡°You enjoy it too much. I don¡¯t know if this is something I should be doing. Well, it¡¯s not really my business.¡± The master¡¯s words resurfaced. He was broken in many ways, but there was no lie in his words. Jaxon himself found joy in learning the techniques. Training in the art of killing was also enjoyable. After engraving the master¡¯s words and his past experiences, goals, and objectives into his heart, he had forgotten that joy. It wasn¡¯t needed. But now, someone was fiercely pulling up a desire he had buried deep in his heart. ¡®Ah.¡¯ Jaxon¡¯s heart pounded as it did when he first held a sword. Desire and ambition combined to create a stimulant that made him want to swing his sword. What if he honed his sensory skills even more? He wanted to review and train every technique once more to progress further. The desire for growth surged within him. All of this happened because Encrid ran out under the moonlight. Although it all happened internally, it was a moment that clearly showed a change. ¡°Anyway.¡± Krais shook his head and focused on his own work. Thus, the night of stimulation passed, and Encrid woke up early the next day as well. In the past, he enjoyed using the Isolation Technique, but now he was so thrilled with training it that he was obsessed. Just moving his body felt like a special stimulant. After finishing his morning training, the Lord invited them to a meal. ¡°Let¡¯s go fill our stomachs.¡± Encrid took everyone along. ¡°I have to thank you again, but what was that last night? Why were you doing that under the moonlight?¡± Even the Lord, who knew Encrid, had to ask about the special night. ¡°It was a good night for training.¡± Encrid answered roughly. Detailed explanations would be pointless as they wouldn¡¯t understand. Someone like him couldn¡¯t afford to miss even the smallest clue. That¡¯s how he set his life¡¯s direction. His dream was now within reach. How could he explain all of that? ¡°Alright, fine.¡± The Lord gave up trying to understand. The breakfast was a feast. Well-roasted lamb, marinated pork ribs, catfish stew, butter and cheese, milk and wine mixed with water, and clear water beside it. The highlight was the bread. Its white, soft interior truly justified Martai¡¯s reputation as the land of bread. ¡°This is amazing.¡± Even Rem was impressed by the meal. ¡°The blonde?¡± The lord asked. ¡°He¡¯s a person who loves to sleep in the morning.¡± Krais answered on behalf of Ragna. Encrid didn¡¯t care, and the Lord let it go. After all, they were all madmen. It wasn¡¯t unusual for them to ignore a call from someone like the Lord. Resting well and eating well were also important. Encrid ate and drank without rest. Their comrades did the same. ¡°They eat well.¡± The Lord expressed his gratitude to those who fought for his domain. Since taking over the domain from the former Guard Commander, he had gained a certain weightiness in his demeanor. ¡°Are you leaving this afternoon?¡± ¡°No, we¡¯ll stay a bit longer.¡± When Encrid mentioned that he planned to commission something from the dwarf, the Lord nodded and said, ¡°The townspeople might be a bit rough. But I hope you¡¯ll manage.¡± What did he mean by that? With catfish meat in his mouth, Encrid casually nodded. After finishing their meal, they moved their bodies again for a while. The effects of the previous night¡¯s stimulation lingered. They headed to the domain¡¯s market only after washing off their sweat. Krais led the way. ¡°I¡¯ve already familiarized myself with the paths.¡± It was Krais¡¯s habit to scout out escape routes and the surrounding environment. The first place they reached in the market was a small tavern. Martai¡¯s market was bustling, but the streets were narrow and crowded. There were newly built houses here and there, and buildings with round roofs, which were temples. Seeing this, Rem cautiously suggested, ¡°Why don¡¯t you check it out, Commander?¡± but Encrid ignored him. Entering the tavern, Krais said, sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°The bread here is a delicacy. They call it rusk? It¡¯s sprinkled with sugar and butter, and it¡¯s really good.¡± He gave a thumbs up as he spoke, indicating its excellence. It was bread that wasn¡¯t part of the morning feast. As Krais had said, it was excellent. It wasn¡¯t soft, it was hard, made by baking the bread twice. Wouldn¡¯t that almost burn it? Anyway, as long as it tasted good. They had rusk and slow-cooked duck for lunch. It seemed like they were only focused on moving, eating, and drinking. After lunch, they planned to visit the dwarf. While they were in the midst of eating, someone kicked the tavern door open and walked in. ¡°What are you looking at? Give me a plate of bread.¡± Then he sat down, glaring at Encrid. From the way he opened his eyes and his demeanor, it was clear to anyone that he was looking for trouble. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com] Chapter 253 If you understand, then move. Act immediately. ¡°If you think of even the slightest clue, act on it right away. If you delay, you¡¯ll lose it and miss the opportunity. What you¡¯ve lost usually won¡¯t remain yours. If you miss it, it¡¯s gone. Even the smallest realization should be ingrained through action.¡± He remembers it being a short lesson. It was a swordsmanship training school just before entering the southern continent, and the instructor had brown skin. Encrid did as he said. He got up immediately. He had returned to the domain today, regardless of what he had done before or whether it was time to sleep or anything else. None of that mattered to Encrid. When he got up and went outside, the sun had already set. The sleet had stopped, and the ground was muddy. The torch next to him was burning, illuminating the surroundings. Whoosh. The wild horse he had saved looked at Encrid. Passing the horse without a word, Encrid started to move his body in front of the barracks. ¡®What muscles are important when wielding a sword?¡¯ The entire body is important. The forearm muscles of the arm will enhance gripping strength, and a strong waist will be the cornerstone for a centrifugal strike. ¡®When cutting through flames.¡¯ His thoughts continued, reaching the moment he cut through flames. The manifestation of a spell through a Scroll. It was a marvelous and mysterious thing, but the only reality before him was the fireball coming at him. He recalled the movements from that time. He swung his sword, making it perpendicular to the ground. ¡®Back.¡¯ In Encrid¡¯s mind, the muscles of his body split and scattered. He blended his senses into a single, intuitive sensory realm. From then on, he observed his body, making it a continuous process of training. Encrid mimicked chopping wood. It was the movement needed now. At the same time, he observed the movement of his muscles. It was the beginning of change. The foundation of progress. It was something that would become a cornerstone. There were those watching from inside the barracks. It was the Madmen Platoon. Dunbachel, drooling, slurped it back into her mouth and got up from her seat. Perhaps imitating that would yield something? ¡°Please stop. Sister, you¡¯ll harm your body.¡± This time it was Audin who stopped her. He stepped forward to restrain her. He thought how fascinating it was to see a person performing what seemed like lunatic antics under the moonlight. ¡®How does this sinful man bring me such joy?¡¯ Audin murmured to his master, his father, his God, and took a step. What was Encrid trying to do now? It was a process of finding joy on his own, not just doing what he was taught. He was observing and identifying the lacking parts of his body, walking the path of new training. How could he not be joyful watching that? Even though he had taught the Isolation Technique to many, or even something inferior to it. It was a realm no one had reached. Finding people who enjoyed the process of teaching and learning the Isolation Technique was a very difficult task. ¡°Weight, balance, inhale deeply, and make your stomach full. If the center of your body is disturbed, it¡¯s all useless, brother.¡± Audin said, standing beside him. Encrid absorbed his words. Yesterday¡¯s technique and today¡¯s technique would be very different. Until now, it was habit and inertia, but from today onwards, he would row his boat to the right direction like a ferryman who found his course. Audin laughed heartily as he taught, delighted by this. So much that the soldiers passing by the barracks turned to look. Their pupils trembled violently. ¡°What¡¯s he doing?¡± ¡°They say he came back today?¡± ¡°Why is he holding a stone and dancing?¡± ¡°Is the Madmen Platoon called so not because they fight like mad but because they¡¯re really mad?¡± Such comments went around. It didn¡¯t look normal to them. Inside the quarters, Rem quietly pulled the door shut. ¡°The cold wind is coming in.¡± Dunbachel regretted the closing door. She wanted to see more of what that human Encrid was doing. ¡°Hey, ignore it, don¡¯t pretend to know. A person should go mad gracefully. Why is he doing that in the middle of the night? It¡¯s embarrassing to watch.¡± ?§¡??¦¢¨§s Rem¡¯s words received no response. They were originally like that. Dunbachel couldn¡¯t resist and went outside. Rem didn¡¯t particularly try to stop her. In fact, he too had a lot on his mind. ¡°Damn.¡± How could a person do that? He went into battle and fought. He didn¡¯t get excited even after showing unbelievable strength. He barely listened to the cheers of those he saved. He didn¡¯t covet even after seeing an enchanted spear. He was indifferent to gold or jewels. Then, he went into a trance, drooled, and ran outside to do that. ¡®Is that normal?¡¯ No. But that abnormal sight also stimulated Rem. Just in time, the spear imbued with flames had come into his hands. It was clearly a magical item. Thus, it could be easily wielded. The spear held some sort of lingering grudge, but Encrid erased it. Rem reflected on what he left behind when he departed from his tribe. One day, he would have to reclaim what was his. As his thoughts continued, he began to digest the stimulation Encrid had given him. Rem gripped the spear and delved into his world. There are moments when physical training is important, but there are also moments when refining and manifesting what one originally has is crucial. For Rem, it was the latter now. And for Ragna, it was the former. He, too, couldn¡¯t take his eyes off Encrid. Even after Encrid left, he stared blankly at the door, and even after Rem closed the door, he remained the same. It was the same when Audin went out, and when Dunbachel went out. ¡®Is this what it feels like?¡¯ To feel your blood boiling? If blood actually boiled, a person would die. However, it felt like that. In the room that felt wide but narrow, he sat on the bed with his buttocks perched. Ragna felt the sensation of his blood boiling. His pounding heart told him. To go out immediately and wield his sword. But he did not. The training sword custom-made at the Border Guard was pathetic. ¡®Strength.¡¯ Ragna was a genius, and he had long since realized his own shortcomings. He had already understood the methods of training, but he needed the help of tools. Originally, he wouldn¡¯t have needed such things. ¡®Look at that man.¡¯ He wanted to show the world a person like Encrid. How could one not be disturbed seeing that? That¡¯s why impatience crept into the relaxed genius. It¡¯s a strong impression that made him walk a path he didn¡¯t want to take. Thus, Ragna wanted to create his own tool. Wouldn¡¯t a dwarven blacksmith be able to create what he desired? Ragna longed and hoped. To go further. This was an extreme stimulant that went beyond a mere desire to wield a sword. It felt like handling poisonous mushrooms or drugs that shouldn¡¯t be consumed. His heart and head shook and heated up, beyond his own will. The ones stimulated were not just three. Teresa¡¯s eyes were continuously shaking inside her mask. What makes that man move like that? The answer was within her. ¡®The joy of fighting.¡¯ The instinct for combat, the blood of the Giant, stirred. Teresa also burst out the door. It seemed impossible to sleep without sparring with that man immediately. It would be an untimely duel under the moonlight, but would that matter? No, it wouldn¡¯t. Teresa burst out the door. ¡®Why is she doing that?¡¯ Krais, who was examining jewels and various items, looked up. Anyway, none of them are normal. Outside the open door, Encrid and Audin, and next to them, Dunbachel, were visible. Dunbachel stopped in a half-squatting position after hearing a few words from Audin. If she shook even a little, Audin would laugh and grab her shoulder with his palm. ¡°It hurts!¡± Dunbachel said. Pain is suffering, and suffering has the immediate power to make one speak. ¡°It¡¯s meant to hurt. Sister, correct your posture.¡± Audin¡¯s voice was heard. Then Teresa mumbled something beside him. It was not audible. A few soldiers nearby glanced and watched, and the wild horse watched indifferently. Krais felt some concern but ignored it. What he held in his hand now was a high-priced ruby nicknamed Red Flame. ¡®If I sell this properly, it¡¯ll be worth more than hundreds of gold coins.¡¯ Was it some explorer¡¯s tomb? And they said there are more tombs like this on the continent? Should I switch to being a treasure hunter? ¡®No.¡¯ That¡¯s something you shouldn¡¯t do even if you have extra lives. No matter how skilled a swordsman is, stepping on a single wrong trap would immediately lead to knocking on heaven¡¯s door or swimming in hell¡¯s river. ¡®It¡¯s better to stay here.¡¯ Encrid is a source of upheaval. Sticking close to that Commander might lead to finding more tombs, but there will be more events like this. For now, isn¡¯t the Border Guard Guild providing stable income? He wanted to live buried in gold coins. Krais, his eyes turned to gold coins, looked outside and spoke to Jaxon next to him. ¡°Anyway, everyone¡¯s strange here, right?¡± He said, not realizing he was talking about himself. Normally, Jaxon would have ignored or disregarded such a flowing question. ¡°Is that so?¡± But an answer came back. ¡®Why is this guy acting like this?¡¯ Krais turned his eyes to Jaxon. A similar flame burned in Jaxon¡¯s eyes. Cold yet hot? Well, it felt something like that. Jaxon was also stimulated. ¡°What do you seek in the technique meant for killing?¡± It was a question his master had asked. Why did he ask that then? ¡°You enjoy it too much. I don¡¯t know if this is something I should be doing. Well, it¡¯s not really my business.¡± The master¡¯s words resurfaced. He was broken in many ways, but there was no lie in his words. Jaxon himself found joy in learning the techniques. Training in the art of killing was also enjoyable. After engraving the master¡¯s words and his past experiences, goals, and objectives into his heart, he had forgotten that joy. It wasn¡¯t needed. But now, someone was fiercely pulling up a desire he had buried deep in his heart. ¡®Ah.¡¯ Jaxon¡¯s heart pounded as it did when he first held a sword. Desire and ambition combined to create a stimulant that made him want to swing his sword. What if he honed his sensory skills even more? He wanted to review and train every technique once more to progress further. The desire for growth surged within him. All of this happened because Encrid ran out under the moonlight. Although it all happened internally, it was a moment that clearly showed a change. ¡°Anyway.¡± Krais shook his head and focused on his own work. Thus, the night of stimulation passed, and Encrid woke up early the next day as well. In the past, he enjoyed using the Isolation Technique, but now he was so thrilled with training it that he was obsessed. Just moving his body felt like a special stimulant. After finishing his morning training, the Lord invited them to a meal. ¡°Let¡¯s go fill our stomachs.¡± Encrid took everyone along. ¡°I have to thank you again, but what was that last night? Why were you doing that under the moonlight?¡± Even the Lord, who knew Encrid, had to ask about the special night. ¡°It was a good night for training.¡± Encrid answered roughly. Detailed explanations would be pointless as they wouldn¡¯t understand. Someone like him couldn¡¯t afford to miss even the smallest clue. That¡¯s how he set his life¡¯s direction. His dream was now within reach. How could he explain all of that? ¡°Alright, fine.¡± The Lord gave up trying to understand. The breakfast was a feast. Well-roasted lamb, marinated pork ribs, catfish stew, butter and cheese, milk and wine mixed with water, and clear water beside it. The highlight was the bread. Its white, soft interior truly justified Martai¡¯s reputation as the land of bread. ¡°This is amazing.¡± Even Rem was impressed by the meal. ¡°The blonde?¡± The lord asked. ¡°He¡¯s a person who loves to sleep in the morning.¡± Krais answered on behalf of Ragna. Encrid didn¡¯t care, and the Lord let it go. After all, they were all madmen. It wasn¡¯t unusual for them to ignore a call from someone like the Lord. Resting well and eating well were also important. Encrid ate and drank without rest. Their comrades did the same. ¡°They eat well.¡± The Lord expressed his gratitude to those who fought for his domain. Since taking over the domain from the former Guard Commander, he had gained a certain weightiness in his demeanor. ¡°Are you leaving this afternoon?¡± ¡°No, we¡¯ll stay a bit longer.¡± When Encrid mentioned that he planned to commission something from the dwarf, the Lord nodded and said, ¡°The townspeople might be a bit rough. But I hope you¡¯ll manage.¡± What did he mean by that? With catfish meat in his mouth, Encrid casually nodded. After finishing their meal, they moved their bodies again for a while. The effects of the previous night¡¯s stimulation lingered. They headed to the domain¡¯s market only after washing off their sweat. Krais led the way. ¡°I¡¯ve already familiarized myself with the paths.¡± It was Krais¡¯s habit to scout out escape routes and the surrounding environment. The first place they reached in the market was a small tavern. Martai¡¯s market was bustling, but the streets were narrow and crowded. There were newly built houses here and there, and buildings with round roofs, which were temples. Seeing this, Rem cautiously suggested, ¡°Why don¡¯t you check it out, Commander?¡± but Encrid ignored him. Entering the tavern, Krais said, sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°The bread here is a delicacy. They call it rusk? It¡¯s sprinkled with sugar and butter, and it¡¯s really good.¡± He gave a thumbs up as he spoke, indicating its excellence. It was bread that wasn¡¯t part of the morning feast. As Krais had said, it was excellent. It wasn¡¯t soft, it was hard, made by baking the bread twice. Wouldn¡¯t that almost burn it? Anyway, as long as it tasted good. They had rusk and slow-cooked duck for lunch. It seemed like they were only focused on moving, eating, and drinking. After lunch, they planned to visit the dwarf. While they were in the midst of eating, someone kicked the tavern door open and walked in. ¡°What are you looking at? Give me a plate of bread.¡± Then he sat down, glaring at Encrid. From the way he opened his eyes and his demeanor, it was clear to anyone that he was looking for trouble. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com] Chapter 254 The people of the continent often say this about the Easterners: ¡°They are tough, stubborn, and incredibly persistent.¡± Hans was one such Easterner. And among these Easterners, those who remained in Martai essentially had the mindset of: ¡®Let¡¯s see how well you do.¡¯ They held a grudge against the current Lord. Hans was one of them. ¡°Stop the colony? Damn, isn¡¯t this all rigged?¡± Hans, who was deeply versed in dice games, thought to himself. If dice games are manipulated, huh? It¡¯s always the same people winning the game. Originally, whenever a threat appeared in Martai, they would often request support from the Eastern Mercenary King. However, after losing a battle, the Lord died. The Commander changed, and since then, the territory became subordinate to the Border Guard. Then suddenly, a big crisis struck the territory, but a few soldiers from the Border Guard came and dealt with it. ¡®Damn, I don¡¯t like any of this.¡¯ To Hans, the entire situation was like a dog¡¯s penis. If the monsters were weak enough to be chased away by a few of them, wasn¡¯t it not dangerous in the first place? Unlike the soldiers who stood on the battlefield, Hans had become a local thug in the territory and had not seen Encrid¡¯s battle. During that time, he was drinking and sleeping, considering the territory¡¯s danger separate from his own safety. There were two subtly divided factions. The alliance between the Easterners and the Continentals also played a part in the poor flow of information. Still, those who needed to know, knew everything, but Hans only heard what he wanted to hear. He was a typical fool. Hans¡¯ job was to lend his fists here and there to earn some silver coins. ¡®If I go out and fight.¡¯ Couldn¡¯t he handle a few ghouls? A human-faced dog? It¡¯s just a dog with a human head, right? A single spear thrust would end it, wouldn¡¯t it? How could an Easterner be defeated by such a wild dog? As an Easterner, isn¡¯t it a virtue to be brave enough to kill a lion with just a sword? The Mercenary King was like that. At the age of eighteen, he killed a lion with just a sword. It was a beast that had tasted human flesh, having killed dozens of people. This was the first story of how the Mercenary King proved himself on the Eastern plains. ¡°They must have had some relic or pulled a trick.¡± One of his companions said, poking Hans in the ribs, encouraging him. He handed Hans a glass of wine, which Hans took a sip of. It was sweet, almost as if honey had been mixed in. It wasn¡¯t strong, but because he drank it while excited, he felt dizzy for a moment before it quickly passed. Hans tightened his anus to appear sober and said, ¡°Tasteless, but it¡¯s good.¡± ¡°This is newly imported, isn¡¯t it nice?¡± His companion didn¡¯t seem to notice Hans was swaying from the alcohol. He just smiled. Hans nodded vigorously. His movements became exaggerated. He didn¡¯t notice his own changing actions. ???????¦Â¦¥? After the insignificant conversation, his companion kept talking. ¡°He looks like an idiot in person, only having a handsome face.¡± In the meantime, women would swoon just by looking at his face. They called him the Squad Leader of Enchantment? What kind of bullshit is this? ¡°You know Lenny, right? She seems to have fallen for that enchanted idiot too.¡± Lenny, the daughter of the tavern owner, was the woman Hans had feelings for. His insides were boiling, but everyone around him was cheering as if a hero had returned. It wasn¡¯t a situation where he could easily express his dissatisfaction, so he held it in. After the atmosphere cooled down, Hans heard that the enchanted idiot and his companions were at Lenny¡¯s tavern. ¡°If you actually face him, he¡¯s nothing special. Hans, maybe you could.¡± His companion handed him the wine. As he gulped it down, he began to feel a newfound confidence. As the sweet, fiery liquid went down his throat and filled his stomach, something hot rose from his lower belly. ¡°I¡¯m going to beat that bastard up.¡± If not now, when will he show the bravery of an Easterner? Hans entered the tavern with this determination and glared at the man. Seeing him in person, he really did look like an idiot. He seemed more suited to being a noblewoman¡¯s bed attendant rather than a war hero. Hans also noticed Lenny. Her eyes never left the red-haired man with half-closed eyes and tightly shut lips. What the hell is wrong with him? Damn it. Am I supposed to just tolerate this? Hans was known as a local thug. He rarely lost a fight. Hans stood up. Thud, bang! Standing up forcefully, his chair was pushed back and toppled over. In the tavern were the enchanted idiot and his companions, Lenny, and a few other villagers. Some of them frowned. What is that thug up to now? Encrid found it amusing. ¡®Is this trouble?¡¯ He asked with his eyes. Rem blinked in response. He felt awkward as well. Rem¡¯s eyes scanned their companions. Audin, Dunbachel, Teresa. Even just these three were not ones to be trifled with. And then there was himself. It¡¯s not something to boast about, but in the territory, it was rare to encounter someone who would easily pick a fight with him. Encrid did have a handsome face. That could make him seem less threatening. But there had been a battle before. If anyone knew about that, if anyone had seen it, especially if stories had spread within the territory¡­ ¡®And yet, he picks a fight?¡¯ What is this? Who is this idiot? Encrid glanced at Rem and then sized up his opponent. His perceptive skills assessed his opponent within the realm of his senses. The signs of how he used his body, the development of his muscles, the position of his hands, his habit when stepping, even the continuity of his movements when he stood up and pushed the chair. After observing everything, Encrid subtly extended his left hand forward and slid his right foot back. Anyone with eyes would understand what Encrid¡¯s movements meant. But his opponent showed no sign of recognizing it. Really, not at all. ¡°Hey, aren¡¯t you being too arrogant in someone else¡¯s territory?¡± Hans said. ¡°Should I kill him?¡± Dunbachel asked. Encrid then remembered what the Lord had said. Hadn¡¯t he told him to take it easy? ¡°I will.¡± Encrid spoke as he stood up. No one seemed interested. Hans¡¯s eyes turned even redder. Or rather, his eyes were severely bloodshot now. Not that it mattered. ¡°You bastard!¡± The excited man charged at him. Encrid sidestepped, dodging the swinging fist, and pushed against the man¡¯s forearm while lightly kicking his thigh. All the movements happened at once. They were natural and smooth. Seeing this, Rem and the others¡¯ eyes sparkled. It was an application of the Fluid Sword Technique. He was performing it with his body, a technique he had recently become engrossed in. As Encrid pushed him away, the man looked like he was going to smash his head into the tavern table. But Encrid didn¡¯t let that happen. He grabbed the man by the back of the neck and pulled him upright. The man had swung his fist once and now couldn¡¯t understand what was happening. Encrid pushed him away. Hans staggered, trying to stand. Damn, what is this? Hans became even more furious. Unable to control himself, Hans reached for the knife at his waist. ¡°If you draw that, you¡¯re dead. There¡¯s no turning back from that point.¡± Rem said, chewing on a rusk, with his mouth covered in sugar, making him look surprisingly convincing. Hans didn¡¯t hear him. He couldn¡¯t live without stabbing the man in the belly in front of him. Normally, he would have come to his senses by now, either dropping to his knees or running away, but he didn¡¯t think of that at all. He had to kill them all. He couldn¡¯t live under the same sky as this bastard. His excitement went too far, and his brain stopped thinking. It wasn¡¯t natural. Encrid sensed that something was wrong with the man¡¯s demeanor. As he considered breaking a bone, it happened. Smack! With a crisp sound, the man fell forward, his hand still on the knife, eyes rolling back. Jaxon, standing behind him, laid him down and opened his eyes wide, sniffing his mouth. ¡°¡­What are you doing? Do you have a hobby of sniffing people?¡± Rem asked. Jaxon ignored the comment and spoke to Encrid. ¡°Someone used drugs.¡± Drugs? He explained that it was the kind that could leave someone a lifelong cripple if misused. ¡°He was made less discerning and hypnotized.¡± His tone suggested he was an expert in the field. And it was an accurate diagnosis. Clap, clap, clap. Someone clapped. ¡°Impressive, you figured it out.¡± A man with a leather canteen at his waist, two knives on his right hip, and a shortsword on the left sword belt approached. With every step, the shortsword in its scabbard swung on his thigh. Just by his gait, it was clear he was quite skilled. Far more than the guy who had just charged. Encrid stared at him without responding. What¡¯s this now? Despite no one reacting, the man continued to smile as he approached. He looked like a rat. ¡°Greetings.¡± He said. No one responded. Even Rem, who didn¡¯t enjoy silence, just crossed his arms and watched. His mouth still covered in sugar, he seemed ready to swing a misbalanced fire axe or the barbed spear once used by a centaur leader. Encrid¡¯s senses told him Rem was ready. If left alone, he¡¯d just die. ¡°Who?¡± Jaxon asked. ¡°Oh, how should I introduce myself?¡± The man pretended to ponder, clasping his hands before his chest and then letting them drop theatrically. Should we just kill him? Rem¡¯s hesitation was palpable. ¡°Wait.¡± Encrid said. The only one who didn¡¯t understand was the man. He nonchalantly continued, ¡°I¡¯m from the Black Blade Bandits.¡± The Black Blade Bandits were a group of thieves. Encrid let his arms hang loose. He¡¯d never had a pleasant conversation with them. The man waved his hands. ¡°I didn¡¯t come to fight. I just came to convey a few words.¡± The tavern workers and a few customers were there. The man spoke without regard for them. ¡°Do you have any thoughts of converting?¡± The man asked with a smile, and Encrid pondered the question before replying. ¡°Do you want to die?¡± ¡°I really came here with good intentions. You know, the Black Blade Bandits don¡¯t know the meaning of surrender. What you¡¯ve seen so far was just a taste.¡± He was saying that the idiot sent under the influence of drugs and hypnosis was just a preview. ¡°It¡¯s truly a good proposal, an opportunity. Please reconsider.¡± The man was serious, and so was Encrid. ¡°So, you want to die?¡± ¡°Pfft.¡± Rem, who was listening from behind, burst out laughing. He could roughly predict what Encrid would keep saying, knowing his mannerisms and his way with words. ¡°The Black Blade Bandits won¡¯t give up. I¡¯m just a messenger. And Dunbachel, don¡¯t you have a debt? Do you think you can ignore it and walk away?¡± The Black Blade Bandit messenger said this, sticking his neck out to look at Dunbachel. Dunbachel had exercised force as a mercenary for the Black Blade Bandits. She had taken on assignments and contracts and received payment in return. But that no longer meant anything. She had been wandering, seeking death since then. But could that be called a debt? ¡°Yes.¡± Dunbachel nodded. For the first time, the Black Blade messenger flinched. ¡®This crazy woman has gotten even crazier.¡¯ He thought to himself. ¡°Huh, this is really troublesome. Let me reiterate. This is a truly, truly good offer. We can overlook Dunbachel¡¯s issue and give you anything you want. For instance, if you want to become a Knight, you can join the Knighthood.¡± The messenger spoke, and Encrid maintained a blank expression. A Knighthood¡ªso they knew his goal. He had talked about it here and there. This was proof that they had done their homework. ¡®What about it, will you refuse this offer too?¡¯ The man asked with his eyes. Encrid, with a cautious attitude, opened his mouth. ¡°So, do you want to die or not? Why aren¡¯t you answering the question?¡± Pfft. As Rem laughed for the second time, the messenger¡¯s expression changed. ¡®These bastards, should I really show them a lesson?¡¯ He subtly moved his fingers, unnoticed by his opponents. It was time for a few assassins to drop from the roof. It was silent. Huh? The man moved his fingers again, unnoticed by his opponents. Then something fell from the roof with a swoosh. ¡°Eek!¡± A scream erupted from one of the tavern workers who saw it. Thud! Thud! Two bodies. Their necks were pierced. The red-haired man standing next to them spoke up. ¡°It seems that¡¯s all the tricks they had.¡± Damn it, what¡¯s this now? Everyone knew they had a hand in this, but how did they spot elite assassins so easily? The messenger¡¯s expression soured further. ¡°If you kill me, the Black Blade Bandits will¡­¡± Whoosh, thud! Wham, splat! Thud! ¡°Ahhhhh!¡± The messenger reached for a smoke bomb at his waist as he spoke. And Rem, without missing a beat, threw his axe. His right hand moved so fast it was a blur. Encrid¡¯s heightened senses caught every detail. The misbalanced fire axe, instead of bursting into flames, gleamed as it flew, embedding itself in the messenger¡¯s head. The force sent the Black Blade Bandit¡¯s legs flying, his body crashing into the tavern wall before collapsing to the floor. That was all. The Black Blade Bandit¡¯s messenger was now a corpse. The tavern maid screamed once more at the sight, and Jaxon, with practiced hands, searched the body. He found several neatly folded papers, a leather pouch, a smoke bomb, poison, and a knife. Inside the neatly folded paper was a strange powder. It seemed to be a drug used for hypnotizing people. ¡°Don¡¯t worry too much. If you contact the barracks, they¡¯ll come and clean this up.¡± Encrid said while standing. It was just a minor disturbance, like a fly interrupting a meal. Although there had been a commotion, he didn¡¯t think it was a big deal. He was just impressed by Rem¡¯s axe-throwing skills and Jaxon¡¯s quick movements. ¡°Well, it seems the Black Blade Bandits are making moves, brother.¡± Audin made a nonchalant comment, and the group started to leave. Regardless of the Black Blade Bandits¡¯ tricks, they were on their way to see the dwarf. That was their original purpose anyway. The dwarf was in one corner of the forge, eating wine, cheese, and bread. Bang! Bang! The clanging of metal and the heat didn¡¯t seem to bother him as he dipped his finger in the melted cheese and licked it. News traveled fast within the territory, and it seemed that while they were at the market, word of what Encrid had done had already spread. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The dwarf looked around at everyone and spoke. ¡°You seem to be good at fighting.¡± His tone was bold. Encrid looked at the dwarf. How old is this one? Different races often had ages that didn¡¯t match their appearance, he could be older than Encrid, but he looked like a short girl of about fifteen. Of course, she wasn¡¯t just any girl. She was a muscular young girl, with a neck that seemed thicker than his. Her face, however, was quite pretty with delicate features. Krais¡¯s comment about her being pretty wasn¡¯t unfounded. But by general standards, she wasn¡¯t exactly a conventional beauty. ¡°Do you think she¡¯s pretty?¡± Rem teased, to which the dwarf replied while chewing, ¡°I can hear you, gray head.¡± She had a fiery way of speaking. And Rem was just being Rem. The barbarian smiled softly and asked Encrid, ¡°Are you interested in a dwarf trophy? Because I think I just found a freshly dead one.¡± [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com] Chapter 255 ¡°What¡¯s your business here?¡± The dwarf ignored the barbarian, and Rem didn¡¯t make a fuss, simply letting it slide. From the first time he heard it, despite the harsh words, he felt it wasn¡¯t genuine. Encrid appropriately stepped in and spoke. ¡°I want to buy a good sword if you have one.¡± Encrid didn¡¯t beat around the bush. To be honest, he thought it was quite interesting. Does he know how to fight? It didn¡¯t seem like it. His posture, hand movements, position, and actions led to this conclusion. ¡°Is that so?¡± The dwarf wasn¡¯t picky. She simply looked Encrid up and down. It is known that dwarves don¡¯t judge humans by their appearance. Yet, her gaze lingered on Encrid¡¯s face and wouldn¡¯t leave. Krais, watching from behind, thought, ¡®No way, does she¡­¡¯ Surely, she hadn¡¯t fallen for the Commander. A slight sense of unease crept in. As everyone knows, dwarves don¡¯t care about human appearance or beauty. Instead, they look at the refined inner self. They judge a person¡¯s character based on their eyes, attitude, and habits. With long years of wandering the continent, dwarves can gauge someone¡¯s nature just by looking at how they open their eyes or their manner of speech. Although not a spell, her unique dwarven ability and experience allowed her to see part of Encrid¡¯s inner self. It was truly grand, whole, and beautiful. Smelting is about extracting and refining ore. Blacksmithing is about heating and hammering metal to make tools. With long years of making and refining various things from stone and iron, she developed an eye for this. In her eyes, Encrid was a stone. But he wasn¡¯t just any ordinary stone. Absolutely not. ¡®What is this?¡¯ Despite being chipped and chipped again, it didn¡¯t break or wear out. It was a stone that didn¡¯t erode or decay. An incomprehensible, in other words, a human and an ore she was seeing for the first time. So it was fascinating to her. At the same time, it was a reason to move the dwarf¡¯s heart. Mystery, novelty, and newness always arouse a dwarf¡¯s interest. ¡°Hey, I¡¯m not going to kill you, so fix my axe.¡± Next to them, the arrogant barbarian spoke. He nonchalantly handed over an axe that had something embedded in it. Didn¡¯t this bastard just say he was going to kill her? She judged that he wasn¡¯t serious. The dwarf¡¯s unique insight could easily discern the truth of words. So she thought he was a strange guy. He wasn¡¯t serious, but she sensed that he might swing his axe if he got upset. The dwarf¡¯s eyes scrutinized him too. ¡®What is he?¡¯ He looked like a stone burning on its own. A dawn that incinerates everything around it. To avoid being burned near him, one had to be equally strong, or someone had to block and withstand the flames. Who was blocking them? Needless to say. A stone that doesn¡¯t burn or erode. A stone with black hair and blue eyes was like that. The dwarf¡¯s gaze swept over everyone. The humans around him were all peculiar. One was like Truesilver imbued with divinity, forged and hammered for tens of thousands of hours. Another was like a sharpened blade of dark iron. There was also a grayish gold, which they say can only be seen if you burn thousands of stones. Ash Gold, a rare metal she had only glimpsed once in her life. No, Truesilver, dark iron, and grayish gold were all rare metals. Do such things come to mind just by looking at them? Who are these people? The dwarf¡¯s eyes didn¡¯t waver. Their will is firm and steadfast, not easily flustered by anything. They also have immunity against most mental magic. The dwarf looked around. The most peculiar among them was just a stone. A stone that gets chipped but doesn¡¯t erode, wears but doesn¡¯t break. That stone blocked the flames, embraced the Truesilver, repelled the darkness of dark iron, and encompassed the grayish gold. She saw these individuals standing, each displaying their unique characteristics. It was indeed a curious thing. The dwarf¡¯s curiosity was piqued, and she asked, ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡± Encrid thought that the dwarf must be much older than he initially expected. There was something in the way she spoke. ¡°Encrid.¡± ¡°Alright, let me see your hand.¡± When Encrid calmly extended his hand, the dwarf meticulously examined the calluses and joints of his fingers. ¡°Quite diverse.¡± She wasn¡¯t wrong. Encrid thought. The skills he had ingrained in his body were indeed diverse. He had stuffed his body with everything he could learn. Sensory techniques, The Heart of the Beast, The Heart of Great Strength, The Isolation Technique, and even the swordsmanship derived from ¡®Evil Spirit of the Cursed Sword¡¯. ?¦Á£Î?§£¦¥? Looking back, he had tasted a bit of all swordsmanship styles. Recently, he had been obsessed with the Fluid Sword Technique and immersed in physical training. Even without considering the ¡®Will¡¯ he had learned, he had a considerable amount of techniques ingrained in his body. ¡°Okay, good. I have a decent sword on hand, so I¡¯ll fix it up and give it to you. And you? Just need to balance the axe handle and center of gravity, right? Why do you carry that around? The iron is good, I¡¯ll melt it down and remake it for you. And you, don¡¯t seem to need anything. As for the rest of you, well, yeah, you. What do you need, gray one?¡± Does this dwarf always talk so much? However, amidst all those words, the dwarf¡¯s unique insight was evident. If a Frog was adept at talent scouting, the dwarf excelled in insight. She identified exactly what each member of the group needed at a glance. Although the nickname for Ragna was odd, they let it slide since it was a dwarf. ¡°A long, thick sword with proper balance.¡± Ragna responded. He didn¡¯t care what the dwarf said, he simply stated his needs. He didn¡¯t bother with anything else due to his clear purpose. It was the same when the Black Blade Bandits came. He ignored them because it didn¡¯t matter. Instead, Jaxon moved, and Rem was as usual. Audin just smiled calmly. The dwarf nodded. ¡°Got it.¡± So, they decided to fix Encrid¡¯s sword and the fire axe, and also to melt down and remake the centaur leader¡¯s barbed spear. Additionally, she would personally craft a sword for Ragna. Encrid had heard that dwarves were exacting craftsmen, but seeing how accommodating this one was, he thought rumors couldn¡¯t be trusted. ¡°Hey, didn¡¯t you say even a dagger was too precious for me?¡± Krais said from behind. ¡°That¡¯s because you¡¯re too subpar. It¡¯s a waste to give you something I made. Just grab one of those human-made ones over there.¡± Wow, such favoritism. Krais muttered. He genuinely looked hurt. He was never particularly attached to weapons, so why was he suddenly asking for a dagger? ¡°Want me to buy you one?¡± Encrid asked. ¡°No, it¡¯s fine.¡± Then why are you so fixated? ¡°It¡¯s been a long time since I¡¯ve been rejected.¡± ¡°Rejected?¡± ¡°I¡¯ll tell you later.¡± Krais said, and the dwarf chuckled. Cute guy, her expression seemed to say. ¡°But it¡¯ll take about a week to do all this. Maybe faster.¡± The dwarf said. Encrid looked around the forge. Everyone who had been hammering the iron had stopped and was now watching them. There were two craftsmen, metal lined up along one wall, and the furnace¡¯s flames pushing back the cold. Despite not being there long, the intense heat was making him sweat. ¡°Give them a few silver coins. You have to pay to use the forge.¡± At the dwarf¡¯s repeated words, Krais handed over a few silver coins. Seeing this, Encrid added a few more. He wasn¡¯t trying to curry favor, but there¡¯s no such thing as an appropriate amount. In matters like this, Encrid didn¡¯t skimp on silver coins. Krais didn¡¯t mind either. With the amount of Krona the Commander had earned on this expedition, they wouldn¡¯t be short of money for a while. Not that they had been short of money before. The man who seemed to be the owner of the forge nodded after glancing around. ¡°Use it as much as you want.¡± ¡°And for the cost, hey Big Eyes, give me that pouch of jewels you have in your coat.¡± The dwarf revealed her insight by immediately guessing Krais¡¯ nickname. ¡°You want this?¡± Krais couldn¡¯t leave his precious jewels lying around, so he carried a few in his coat. ¡°Yeah. Hey, I¡¯m giving you a good deal.¡± The dwarf spoke in a casual tone. Her speech was varied, which also hinted at her age. ¡°Give it.¡± At Encrid¡¯s words, Krais looked distressed but then nodded. As he handed over the pouch of jewels, Krais paused and asked, ¡°But how did you know I had this?¡± ¡°What do you think of a dwarf¡¯s sense of smell? I can smell expensive stones from a mile away.¡± So dwarves can smell such things. It didn¡¯t really matter. Encrid didn¡¯t give it much thought. They would have to stay here for about a week. They returned to the market. The heat from the forge had raised their body temperature, momentarily warding off the cold. The cold air quickly pierced their bodies again, but Rem still had a smiling face. ¡°I decided to love this stone.¡± Thanks to the warming stone in his coat. He really hated the cold. Ragna walked silently without looking around. ¡°Do you suddenly need a good sword?¡± Encrid asked, curious. ¡°Yes, I do.¡± He was curious about the reason, but didn¡¯t ask further. Of course, it was because of Encrid. What had the Night of Stimulation left them? A desire for growth. Knowing they could achieve it brought them joy. Ragna enjoyed this too. It was an emotion and experience he hadn¡¯t felt before. Previously, knowing he could achieve it made it boring, but now it was the opposite. So he needed a good sword, one that fit his hand and body. He hoped the dwarf¡¯s craftsmanship would provide that. They continued to browse the market. Smaller than the Border Guard¡¯s market, but still bustling in its own way. It was becoming a trading hub connecting the east. Krais chatted with a few merchants here and there. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Some spoke comfortably, suggesting they were acquaintances. Some of those walking around recognized Encrid and saluted. They were soldiers who had seen him wield his sword and chase the centaur leader. There were quite a few patrolling soldiers. They seemed to be focusing on internal security, moving in groups of three or four. They bought and ate a few pieces of white bread, as well as some with raisins. As they continued to browse the market, a young woman blocked their path. ¡°They told me, just to deliver the message, just deliver the message.¡± Her hands trembled with nervousness. ¡°What is it?¡± Krais asked gently, trying to calm her. ¡°The Black Blade won¡¯t let this go.¡± Her anxious eyes swept over them. Her legs shook as she finished speaking. She was visibly terrified. ¡°It¡¯s okay. It¡¯s okay.¡± Krais reassured the woman, asking her a few questions. Someone had approached her, tossed her two silver coins, and tasked her with delivering a message. Her younger sibling was sick, and she desperately needed those silver coins. Krais even asked for her name and handed her three more silver coins. When you need to save Krona, you save, but when you need to spend it, you spend it. ¡°If anything happens around here later, it would be great if you could let me know.¡± With his characteristic smile, he reassured her and sent her on her way. After she left, Krais sighed deeply and glanced into the alley where she had disappeared, then spoke. ¡°They don¡¯t seem like they¡¯re going to give up. Shouldn¡¯t we do something?¡± Krais asked. Encrid replied without hesitation. ¡°Think about it.¡± ¡°¡­ What?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know, so think about it.¡± Encrid said as if it was the most natural thing in the world. Krais felt that the Commander had definitely changed in some ways. Had he always delegated tasks so well? He used to make requests that felt more like suggestions. His attitude had changed. As someone responsible for the unit, this was appropriate. ¡°If they attack, we just need to split their heads.¡± ¡°They¡¯ll probably just send some lowly assassins.¡± ¡°Shall we ask the God of war if it¡¯s alright to send these unruly ones to his side?¡± ¡°I am Teresa the wanderer, and I will cut down any thieves.¡± Rem, Jaxon, Audin, and Teresa spoke in turn. Encrid¡¯s gaze turned to Dunbachel. ¡°What¡¯s the debt?¡± ¡°I borrowed about fifteen gold coins in the end.¡± ¡°Why?¡± Krais asked out of curiosity. ¡°To have fun.¡± Spent fifteen gold coins to have fun? Did she hire male courtesans in the capital? And drink a lot of expensive liquor? No, she must have eaten luxurious food too. ¡°All of it?¡± ¡°Oh, I spent about two coins, and the rest I gave away.¡± ¡°To whom?¡± Krais¡¯s speech became curt seeing how the Krona was used, but Dunbachel didn¡¯t mind. For beastmen, politeness meant simply not stealing each other¡¯s food. ¡°To passing kids or orphanages raising children.¡± She used the borrowed gold coins as she wished. Dunbachel, knowing she would likely die, had just done what she wanted. Of course, seeing abandoned children reminded her of her own situation, but she didn¡¯t mention that. Krais was just astounded. ¡°You borrowed gold coins from thieves and thought they¡¯d let it slide?¡± Is she crazy? What can you do with fifteen gold coins? If things go wrong, her head would be the first to roll. ¡°Well, uh, yeah, that¡¯s true.¡± This woman isn¡¯t normal either. After that, Encrid and his group headed to the market. This place had a subtly different atmosphere compared to the Border Guard. Both the goods being sold and the people were different. Several gazes landed on Encrid. They were individuals who stood out no matter where they went due to their striking appearances and distinctive traits. It would have been stranger if they hadn¡¯t drawn attention. However, no one in Encrid¡¯s group paid any mind to the market merchants, patrolling soldiers, wandering peddlers, or the few thugs who resembled the ones they had previously beaten up. ¡°Those look like furs?¡± Everyone was only interested in what caught their own eyes. Rem¡¯s gaze lingered on the furs. Encrid¡¯s attention was on a pair of leather pants the peddler had spread out on the ground. Audin bought a small wooden figurine from a young sculptor that seemed to be carved into a rabbit. The fact that it couldn¡¯t be confirmed as a rabbit indicated it wasn¡¯t of great craftsmanship. As they continued browsing, three thugs approached them. Were they going to try something similar to that idiot from earlier? Krais looked on with interest. He was curious about what these fearless idiots would do. But nothing happened as he expected. Thud! One of the thugs prostrated himself on the ground in front of Encrid. It was a bold move, not caring about the filth on his clothes. ¡°That guy wasn¡¯t one of us! He was some drifter who had been hanging around the territory for about half a year. His name was Vento.¡± Encrid looked at him with a gaze that said, ¡°Who¡¯s that?¡± prompting the thug to explain. He was referring to the guy who had attacked them in the tavern earlier. ¡°Hans didn¡¯t know anything, and, uh, so please forgive us. Yes, yes. I¡¯ll punish him on behalf of the Knight.¡± Though his words were disjointed, he seemed loyal. Encrid nodded. The man who had attacked him under the influence of drugs and hypnosis appeared to be Hans. ¡°Handle it. And it¡¯s not over yet.¡± ¡°¡­ What?¡± Encrid said as he brushed past him. He was headed for the leather pants that had caught his eye. Rem also grabbed the furs. ¡°Big Eyes, give me a few gold coins here!¡± ¡°Don¡¯t just buy it without haggling!¡± Krais shouted as he ran over. Audin, watching quietly, spoke to the thug leader. ¡°He¡¯s not a Knight yet, you rascal.¡± As he spoke, his bear-like hand patted the thug¡¯s right shoulder. Teresa patted the thug¡¯s other shoulder and said, ¡°If you mess around, you¡¯ll die.¡± A short warning. Depending on who says it, the level of threat varies. To the thug, Teresa looked like someone who could easily snap his neck. While Krais haggled and the others bought what they wanted, Ragna said he would head back first, but Encrid told him to stay put as it would be annoying to look for him later. Rem added a comment, leading to a brief commotion with Ragna. Dunbachel wanted something similar to the pants Encrid had bought, but since the merchant said there were no exact matches, she bought the closest thing. Of course, Krais handled all the bargaining, securing everything at reasonable prices. As they returned from the market, they saw a bald man standing in front of their lodging. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com] Chapter 256 ¡°The Lord who has given light to this land says.¡± The bald man spoke. As soon as he finished speaking, Encrid tilted his head. ¡°I am a servant who worships the light.¡± In other words, he was a priest who used the words of the Holy Scripture as a greeting. ¡°What brings you here?¡± Encrid asked. ¡°I have come to bestow blessings.¡± The priest smiled warmly. ¡®Blessings, all of a sudden?¡¯ Encrid pondered for a moment. ¡®Aren¡¯t these kinds of blessings usually given before a war?¡¯ Regardless, the priest continued to speak. ¡°The hand of light that protects this land has sent a hero to this territory. Ha ha ha.¡± Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. For example, something like an oddly developed sense of smell aimed at Krona. It all blended together into a new sense called the Sixth Sense. This sense allowed one to grasp the disposition of the person in front of them. Or rather, was it first that there seemed to be no intention of hiding anything from the opponent? The man, who had been babbling about the words of the Holy Scripture and whatnot, eventually boasted that it was his three days and nights of sleepless prayer that protected this territory. Rem adjusted his fur coat and looked up. What did he just say? The intent was clear in his expression. ¡°Don¡¯t.¡± Encrid intervened appropriately. Ragna, who was also ignoring it and heading to the quarters, stopped walking. It was evident that his weight had shifted to his left foot. He had activated his peculiar sharp senses. Encrid raised his hand to show his palm to Ragna. It meant to stop. Rem might show a small sign before causing trouble, but Ragna would just start beating someone up if he got annoyed. Of course, the most dangerous one here would be Jaxon. He might slit someone¡¯s throat before anyone noticed. ¡°Everyone, stop.¡± Encrid repeated. He could feel the irritation-based anger from them, and he was no different. But out of all of them, he was the only one thinking clearly. You couldn¡¯t just beat up or kill a priest in the middle of the territory, especially in the center of the barracks. ?§¡???????? Well, maybe a little beating wouldn¡¯t be too bad? ¡°That¡¯s troublesome.¡± Even Krais spoke in a cold tone. His comment seemed more about how to hide the body if they killed him. It wasn¡¯t because of Krona. Even if Krais avoided the frontline and disliked fighting, he was still a seasoned warrior. Because of that. If they won a battle because of someone¡¯s prayer, if that was the sole reason for victory, if surviving the battlefield was only due to prayer,what does that make those who bled to win? Encrid concluded. This guy is an idiot. The first rule of dealing with idiots isn¡¯t to beat them but to ignore them. Avoiding filth comes first. So ignoring was the answer. But usually, in such situations, the one to quietly let it go stepped forward. The late afternoon sunlight cast a long shadow over the belly of the fat priest as he took a step. ¡°Are you saying we won because of your prayers, and thus we should offer a victory donation?¡± He didn¡¯t use the term ¡®Brother¡¯. Encrid knew Audin. He was devoted to religion and used Divine Power, but it was also a secret. And he didn¡¯t beat just anyone. Moreover, whether the priest was corrupt, greedy for gold, or fond of women, Audin usually avoided trouble when it came to priests. So everyone just stared blankly. ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right. If you donate for the temple, for the territory, and for the people, I will spread the word widely.¡± Encrid understood what the other was implying. A few gold coins would make them sing their praises louder. But were these the kind of people who sought someone¡¯s praises? Ignoring him seemed like the best course of action. ¡°If the will of the light is so lofty, what about the funerals for the dead?¡± Audin asked abruptly. Encrid briefly considered whether he should stop Audin. ¡°That will be done in due course.¡± The priest replied nonchalantly. His tone revealed how little he thought of the dead soldiers. This was a world teeming with monsters and beasts. Everyone lived with their necks under the threat of war. One never knew when monsters would burst forth from the Demon Realm, sparking another Holy War. In the historical Holy War, it was said that more than half of the human and allied races perished, rivers of blood flowed, and mountains of corpses were formed. It was truly a world of terrible wars. And now? It was no different. The continent was still engulfed in turmoil. So one must ask. Does having the threat of danger at their throats mean that lives, easily snuffed out and broken, are cheap and worthless? Some might agree. A warlord leading a nation might see his soldiers as mere numbers. Even a General might think that way. But should a priest also think like that? ¡°I heard you brought many good items? Ha ha, if you donate them for a good cause, blessings will follow.¡± Moreover, this priest had not even a speck of holiness. The word ¡®blessing¡¯ sounded more like extortion. Audin looked at the priest. This was a common occurrence. Idiots were as plentiful as grains of sand, and this territory seemed to have more than its fair share. Idiots addicted to drugs and hypnosis. Idiots belonging to the Black Blade Bandits. And idiots disguised as priests. ¡®A common occurrence.¡¯ Audin knew this was nothing special. Furthermore, what had he done when he encountered such people before? Even if the Border Guard had no clergy, wandering priests occasionally appeared. Had he not seen them committing robbery under the guise of collecting donations? Everyone ignored it. For a long time, the excommunicated clergyman who ignored all visible problems placed someone who breaks through barriers above him. Also, recently, he saw a beast defying its fate. Among them, the human¡¯s name was Encrid. The defiant words stood before the human named Encrid. Many thoughts flashed through his mind. These thoughts concluded from what he felt while looking at Encrid. Audin recognized his own transformation. ¡®Did they tell me to just stand by and watch what¡¯s wrong?¡¯ No, his Father, his God, his Master did not command him to do so. Therefore, Audin responded and acted upon seeing the wrong. He could do so because his Master, who now resided within him, had steadied him. This priest was an idiot. Encrid knew it too. He was just about to ignore and overlook him. Whoosh. The moment the air was displaced and something triggered his Sixth Sense, Encrid reacted. If Rem couldn¡¯t control himself and threw an axe, it would be chaos. He reached out, intending to block with his body. But it was a person who moved. The person slid under Encrid¡¯s outstretched arm like a snake, swinging their hand. Thud! There was no groan. No death cry. The one who moved was Audin. He swung his open hand, and the priest¡¯s cheek caught the blow. Encrid turned his body. During this, Audin¡¯s movements registered clearly in his senses, so he asked. ¡°What was that?¡± ¡°The Snake Step.¡± Anyone watching would surely think this was a conversation between madmen. Having satisfied his curiosity, Encrid looked at what Audin had done. ¡°Is he dead?¡± ¡°Probably close to it.¡± Rem answered the question. Ragna, observing the situation quietly, looked at Audin and muttered a single word. ¡°Troublemaker.¡± Jaxon followed, speaking without expression. ¡°Was that necessary?¡± Why not just slit his throat when no one¡¯s looking? Finally, Rem looked at the priest, who was sprawled on the ground, writhing a few steps away from where he had stood, and spoke. It didn¡¯t seem like he was dead, judging by the trembling of his limbs. ¡°Man, people need to learn to have some self-control.¡± Rem muttered. You¡¯re one to talk. Encrid thought as he signaled Krais with his eyes, who approached to check the priest¡¯s breathing. ¡°Fortunately, or maybe not so fortunately, he¡¯s still breathing.¡± His cheek was swelling red, but he was alive. It was a relief that his eyes hadn¡¯t popped out or burst. Now there was just the problem left to deal with. Encrid was the company Commander of this band of troublemakers. He was used to these kinds of incidents. ¡®Well, this might be the first time we¡¯ve beaten up a priest.¡¯ There was no temple in the Border Guard. It wasn¡¯t for any particular reason, just a series of coincidences. The first Commander distanced himself from religion, and his successors followed his lead. The recent Commander before Marcus also despised greedy pigs who coveted his position. So, he hated corrupt priests. Whether they had a strong spirit of sacrifice or not, he disliked temples because they collected donations. The current Battalion Commander, Marcus, was the same. He believed in the Gods and made donations, but he didn¡¯t allow temples to be established in his territory. He cut out anything that wasn¡¯t beneficial to the territory. He was curious why all the priests who visited the territory seemed to be interested only in Krona. If the temple actually sent someone, they could quickly establish a temple, but as of now, there was none in the Border Guard. Was it the first time they¡¯d seen such an idiot? No, but it was curious why they¡¯d beaten him up now. Encrid looked at Audin with that intent, and Audin, clasping his hands together in prayer, spoke. ¡°I have no regrets. I only followed the orders of my Lord.¡± ¡°So you wanted to beat him up.¡± Encrid understood completely. ¡°Let¡¯s just kill him and bury him.¡± Rem suggested. It didn¡¯t make sense. There were already many eyes watching the commotion in front of the quarters. Instead of answering a pointless question, Encrid examined the priest again. He was certainly not dead. As Encrid crouched and inspected him, one of the watching soldiers spoke up. ¡°¡­Why do I feel so relieved?¡± ¡°Exactly.¡± ¡°Stupid pig.¡± A few thoughtless soldiers chuckled, while the smarter ones called their Commander. As soon as the Commander heard what had happened, he reported it up the chain of command, and soon Zimmer appeared. ¡°Let¡¯s say I did it.¡± ¡°Hmm?¡± Encrid looked at Zimmer, who continued with a glint in his eye. ¡°I think it¡¯ll be easier to deal with if it¡¯s me who did it.¡± ¡°Thanks, but¡­¡± ¡°You are the heroes who protected this territory, surely, I can handle this much.¡± Zimmer puffed out his chest as he spoke. What happens when a priest gets beaten? He will report it to his superiors immediately. The temple would then send someone, either claiming that their God was disrespected or to establish their influence over the territory. If they knew that the Border Guard and Martai were transforming into a ¡®trading territory¡¯, the temple might try to establish themselves here and claim some of the byproducts. Separately, what would happen to Zimmer if he took the blame for beating the priest? He would face fines and penalties, maybe even suffer more severe consequences. If the temple decided to press the issue, he might be imprisoned. Beating a dispatched priest in the territory could mean that. But Zimmer would be better off than Audin. An external person beating the priest and a conflict with someone they already knew were different issues. The influence within the territory was also different. Encrid scratched his forehead. He looked at Audin, who hid his Divine Powers. The most concerning issue was: ¡®Can we really tie that bear to the temple?¡¯ Probably not. He hides his Divine Powers and stays in a territory without a temple. That means he¡¯s a fugitive. Encrid understood this instinctively. It was an obvious problem without needing to ask. Whether he believed in a heretical faith or committed a crime against the temple, or both. ¡°Everyone here will be witnesses.¡± Zimmer spoke confidently. He was an Easterner and a Commander in this territory. Influencing the divided soldiers wouldn¡¯t be difficult for him. Those from the Border Guard were already favorable to Encrid, so they wouldn¡¯t need much convincing. ¡°Let¡¯s do that.¡± Krais said, nudging Encrid in the ribs. Encrid decided to accept Zimmer¡¯s offer. ¡°Thank you.¡± Zimmer nodded. Just as he had stepped up to fight right after the defeat, he was a bold man. ¡°That settles it then.¡± He had the fallen priest carried inside by the soldiers. The next day, the priest, having lost his memory, screamed and protested loudly. Zimmer exchanged a few words with him. Encrid, who had been sweating all morning running through the barracks, happened to witness the scene by chance. ¡°How dare you lay hands on a servant of God? Do you think this matter will be overlooked? The Radiance is watching! Huh? I will report this to the temple and thoroughly address this!¡± It was in the outskirts of the barracks, where the vegetation was dense. Fortunately, it seemed the priest didn¡¯t know that it was Audin who had beaten him. Later, after hearing more, Encrid realized that Zimmer was even bolder and more forthright than he had initially thought. ¡°Won because of prayer? Hey, you damn pig.¡± The priest was stunned into silence. His tongue, which had smoothly accused the other, was now tied. ¡°What? What did you just say?¡± A subtle tremor in his voice could be professionally described as ¡®being scared¡¯. ¡°Damn, is there fat in your ears too? Should I cut those ears off halfway?¡± Zimmer drew his dagger with a sharp sound. It was morning, and the sunlight was bright. The dagger¡¯s blade beautifully reflected the light. ¡°Or maybe the tongue that¡¯s spewing this nonsense?¡± He made a gesture as if poking near the priest¡¯s mouth with the tip of the dagger. There¡¯s a certain presence that suggests they might actually do it if provoked. Zimmer had that presence now. The priest hesitated to speak, eventually attempting one last act of defiance. ¡°I will inform the temple of this¡­¡± ¡°If you do, you¡¯ll either end up as a ghoul¡¯s meal during morning prayers or die ¡®valiantly¡¯ in a charge in the centaur colony battlefield. Ah, this could work. You got badly wounded during the charge, say, around here? Then you died because you couldn¡¯t be treated. Everyone would believe that a priest could have healed himself using Divine Power.¡± Not all priests could wield Divine Power, but it was a given that it was not something to boast about. The priest was struck speechless. It was truly a bold scene. It left a deep impression on Encrid. Then again, if it was about threats, Encrid could have handled it himself, right? But that wasn¡¯t the point. The threat from someone living in this territory couldn¡¯t be the same as one from an outsider. Zimmer made it possible. He was an interesting person, this Easterner named Zimmer. As Encrid returned to the quarters, Krais, wiping sleep from his eyes, spoke. ¡°Come to think of it, they¡¯re quite kind.¡± ¡°Who?¡± Before the sweat he had shed could dry, Encrid headed back out to train with his sword. He moved as he always did. Behind him, Krais spoke. ¡°The Black Blade Bandits.¡± ¡°¡­How are they kind?¡± ¡°Uh-huh, it¡¯s getting cold now. Can you take Rem¡¯s fur coat for me?¡± ¡°If you wear that fur, an axe blade will find its way to your neck.¡± ¡°Even if the Commander tries to stop him?¡± ¡°Without a doubt.¡± ¡°Ah, damn it, I should¡¯ve bought one too.¡± Even though he said that, Krais wouldn¡¯t buy a fur coat. He was incredibly stingy when it came to Krona. ¡°Let¡¯s go out. You¡¯re going to swing your sword, right?¡± Krais said, looking outside. The sunlight was warm, but the air was cold. It was winter, and the temperature had dropped. Encrid grabbed his sword and went out. He had to stay here until the day the dwarf had promised, so he planned to train as usual. Krais stood by his side, sharing his thoughts. He spoke about why the idiots of the Black Blade Bandits were kind. Encrid listened, thinking that lately, or rather since coming to Martai, he had been encountering more idiots and such groups. Coincidentally, the Black Blade Bandits had just started to draw their swords seriously now. There was also the priest who had been beaten by Audin. So, how should they deal with these kinds of people? The answer was simple. ¡®Just beat them all up.¡¯ There was a clear answer, but now it was Krais¡¯s turn to figure out the way to achieve it. Encrid had told him to do so, and Krais was faithfully following that command. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com] Chapter 257 Krais did as Encrid instructed. ¡®A way to deal with the Black Blade.¡¯ Wasn¡¯t that what he was told to find? Krais pondered and racked his brain. It was a given that the Black Blade was up to something. So, what would they do? No, before that, how did he come to know they had such intentions? Simple. Because the enemy told them. Thus, they were kind. ¡®Or they¡¯re just idiots.¡¯ He leaned towards thinking they were idiots, but that wasn¡¯t important. ¡°Think about it, isn¡¯t it obvious?¡± ¡°What is?¡± ¡°These bastards. They kindly say they won¡¯t leave the Commander alone, and after killing the guy who said that, they send another one.¡± Krais said this as he walked into a patch of sunlight. Pulling his coat tighter to ward off the chilly morning air, Krais continued speaking. Meanwhile, Encrid was swinging his sword around. To Krais¡¯s eyes, it looked like stirring a stew with a ladle. Literally, just aimless swinging. ¡°This time, they kindly send someone who¡¯s not even part of their group and tell us not to kill him. Makes me think they¡¯re actually really gentle folks?¡± ¡°Thieves?¡± ¡°Or idiots.¡± The enemy was indeed idiots, kind idiots at that. Despite this, Krais continued to have ominous thoughts. Because of his upbringing and inherent characteristics. ¡®What if they send a Knight?¡¯ Could they withstand a Knight-level opponent? He saw Encrid training. Behind him was the closed dormitory door. A stone wall made of pebbles and plaster, with a dull brown door in between. Inside, barbarians bundled up in heated stones and furs due to the cold, a brute who had beaten up a priest just yesterday out of spite, a troublesome human who wandered aimlessly despite being directionally challenged, a mood breaker who vanished at will, a half-blood Giant ex-Cultist, and an ex-thief beastwoman were all asleep. ??¦­¦Ï?¨º???? ¡®Could they even handle a Knight?¡¯ A flicker of hope briefly intruded into his ominous thoughts. Nonsense. A Knight is a Knight. They are monsters, disasters. Krais shook his head. ¡°So what¡¯s the plan?¡± Encrid was now stepping and moving while swinging his sword side to side, attempting some maneuver. To Krais¡¯s eyes, it looked like a dance. A dance while stirring a stew. Watching his Commander absentmindedly, Krais once again let his ominous thoughts run rampant through his mind and spoke. ¡°We have to do everything we can.¡± It was literal. The enemy kindly informed them of the impending attack. ¡®If I were a thief.¡¯ If I were the leader of the Black Blade group trying to kill them? ¡®The Commander is a Junior-Knight who has realized Will.¡¯ And his subordinates are all monsters. The dwarf compares people to metals through insight. The Fairy compares opponents to plants and animals with unique sensitivity. And Krais saw his subordinates as gold coins. ¡®How many coins?¡¯ Incalculable, he couldn¡¯t yet estimate their worth with his current abilities. From one perspective, they were just troublemakers, but from another. ¡®An incomparable force.¡¯ Viewed externally, they would undoubtedly be considered an overwhelming force. Krais¡¯s rapidly turning mind calculated what the enemy, the Black Blade group, could do, might do, or would likely attempt, and he spoke it out loud. ¡°Assassination, ambush, poison, bribery.¡± There were four main points. Encrid was no fool. He stopped his sword for a moment. The next move didn¡¯t come seamlessly. He had just failed to mimic a Snake¡¯s Step. ¡°It¡¯s probably the way back that¡¯s the issue.¡± ¡°What¡¯s the plan?¡± Still the same question, Krais made only one request. ¡°If we request support from Company Commander Torres, or is he now Battalion Commander? Will Battalion Commander Torres lend us troops?¡± ¡°Probably.¡± There was no reason for him not to. The duration would be the issue. They couldn¡¯t leave the territory unattended for too long. There was no need for Encrid to point out what Krais already knew. Martai was also short on hands. That¡¯s why they were also progressing with the plan to hire mercenaries and privatize the forces. This time, they were going all out. They planned to spend the earned Krona to sweep away the monsters and beasts around the Grateful Forest. Encrid pondered during Martai¡¯s response, the fight with the colony, and his training time. For the safety of the trade route, what could the Border Guard do? ¡®If we expand the patrol area?¡¯ What immediately came to mind was something vague. It needed deeper thought. ¡°Once we receive weapons from the dwarf, we¡¯ll head back, right?¡± ¡°As soon as we receive them.¡± If there were no problems, that¡¯s what they would do. ¡°Understood.¡± With that, Krais disappeared from the morning. Encrid again had his own time. That is, time with his sword. At dawn, he had practiced the Isolation Technique with Audin. His words lingered in his heart. ¡°If you have found the answer to why you train your body, the next question is ¡®how¡¯, isn¡¯t it? I believe I have already given you that method, haven¡¯t I?¡± Audin was a good teacher. His words meant that Encrid should think for himself. He said he had already laid the foundation. Encrid was neither dull nor stupid. The only problem was that his body didn¡¯t always move as he wished. So, now? ¡®To move forward.¡¯ To face tomorrow. To be able to face it. That mindset remained unchanged. The only difference was that he felt twice as joyful as before. Encrid swung his sword. Even if it felt meaningless, it didn¡¯t matter. That was his way of thinking. That was Encrid¡¯s meditation method. And that¡¯s what he did. He entered his own world. He submerged himself. He sank, observed, contemplated, and understood. He added thoughts to his previous realizations. ¡®No one tells me what swordsmanship to learn.¡¯ Even Ragna, who taught him the Middle Sword Technique, didn¡¯t particularly care if he used other swords. Just then, Ragna appeared and stood beside him, swinging the absurdly heavy sword made in the Border Guard¡¯s forge. There were no ingenious moves. He struck straight down from above. It seemed as if the sunlight was being sliced by his dull blade. ¡®Cutting and cutting again.¡¯ Cut through anything that stands in the way. That is Ragna¡¯s sword, his swordsmanship. The essence of the Middle Sword Technique. Encrid reviewed what he had learned. The Valen Mercenary Sword Technique is an Illusion Sword. The Nameless Swordsmanship is a Correct Sword. What he learned from Ragna is the Middle Sword. Later, he learned the basics of the Fluid Sword Technique from Ragna and practiced it alone to some extent. He learned to flow and shake his sword by observing and realizing while facing the enemy. ¡®No, I learned this from Audin as well.¡¯ Valaf-Style Martial Arts. Martial arts, in the end, use hands, feet, and the body as weapons. They are the shortest weapons humans can use. So what is the foundation of martial arts? Flowing, fast, heavy, and light. Everything is mixed. It cannot be divided into ¡®correct, middle, slow, fast¡¯. Valaf-Style Martial Arts encompass all techniques. It is an ideal form. But it is not swordsmanship. However, parts of it could be incorporated into his sword. While swinging in concentration, Encrid reflected on what he had and focused on the Fluid Sword Technique. Even when training his body, he emphasized flexibility. Lifting heavy stones or iron lumps was the same, but he also spent time meticulously loosening and stretching each muscle. These were to develop flexibility. Why the Fluid Sword Technique? The reason was that he had properly opened his sixth sense. ¡®The Fluid Sword Technique is defense, a defensive style.¡¯ For that, the most important thing was the eyes. In other words, it¡¯s about senses. One must see and understand correctly to twist the contact point of force and let it flow. Seeing, hearing, tasting, smelling, and feeling everything. The five senses are blurred and fused into one sense. If the previous sixth sense was merely a branch of a new sense, an extension of the five senses, now it was closer to a truly new sense. It wasn¡¯t called opening the third eye for nothing. Jaxon sat on a round stone chair at one side, which was a large rock roughly carved into a chair stuck in the ground. It would be extremely cold to sit on in winter, but Jaxon seemed unfazed. Why wouldn¡¯t he be? Jaxon¡¯s own training was harsher and more grueling than this. Such cold didn¡¯t even register as cold to him. Jaxon¡¯s eyes caught Encrid¡¯s figure. ¡®What.¡¯ What makes him move like that? It remained a question. But just as much as that question, there was now a reason to stay here. ¡®It intertwines.¡¯ That Commander had now become someone necessary for Jaxon to achieve his goals. ¡°Hey, wildcat, what are you staring at so intently?¡± Rem, the barbarian, came outside, yawning widely. It was a pointless provocation. Jaxon ignored it as usual. Rem¡¯s gaze turned to his Commander. ¡°¡­Look at that?¡± The barbarian rarely showed surprise. Ragna and Audin were no different. Immersed in his own world, swinging his sword. They had all experienced that once. Therefore, they could understand Encrid¡¯s current state. Engrossed and trapped in his own world. Was it dangerous? No, it was, in fact, an opportunity. A rare training opportunity in a lifetime. A chance to realize his limits and advance several steps forward. ¡°Hey, wildcat, we need to secure the area. You too, navigator. Hey, bear?¡± ¡°I understand, Brother. Sister Teresa and Sister Dunbachel should join us too.¡± Audin spoke, and they moved quietly. Early on this unexpected winter morning, Encrid¡¯s group formed a circle around their quarters. What they did was simple. ¡°Do not approach. Do not make any loud noises.¡± It was a restriction. They turned away anyone who approached. ¡°Hey, I heard you beat up a priest. I came to talk about that.¡± Even when the Lord came by. ¡°That person was unworthy of being called a priest, Lord Brother. In any case, now is not a good time.¡± Some people found it incomprehensible. A few soldiers frowned, wondering what they were doing. Those who understood Encrid¡¯s state quietly stepped back. More than half of Martai¡¯s barracks were Easterners. Easterners were known for being tenacious, tough, and loud. ¡°If you make noise, I¡¯ll split your head open.¡± ¡°Silence is golden. The Lord said, ¡®Shout on the battlefield and speak softly at home¡¯. So please sew your lips shut and stay quiet.¡± ¡°Quiet. Or be cut.¡± ¡°Do not cross this line.¡± They acted as usual. Dunbachel quietly watched Encrid while moving her body. Impatience tormented her. So she had to train in any way she could. Teresa found the man strangely fascinating. ¡®I am the wanderer Teresa.¡¯ After regaining her composure with her usual thoughts, what she saw was a man swinging his sword alone, grinning like a madman. ¡®Does he find joy not just in battle but in training too?¡¯ Born and raised in the bosom of the Cult, Teresa didn¡¯t know the world. Her world was narrow. Even now, she wasn¡¯t sure of the rightness or wrongness of her choices. Only one thing. ¡®I want to fight.¡¯ She wanted to swing her sword at the man occupying the small training ground in front of the quarters. She wanted to split his skull. She also wanted to charge at him with her shield. She wanted to punch him and kick him. She wanted to fight. The desire boiled within her, making right and wrong irrelevant. ¡°Calm yourself, Sister. Control your heart.¡± It was Audin¡¯s constant advice. Teresa adjusted her mask and replied. ¡°I am Teresa the Wanderer, I can endure.¡± Patience is a virtue. She wasn¡¯t born with such virtues, but now she aimed to keep and learn them. Only then could she fight him and experience the thrill of the moment. In his own world, Encrid sometimes wandered, sometimes ran, and sometimes crawled. It didn¡¯t matter. He was contemplating swordsmanship. Occasionally, an apparition of a ferryman appeared and spoke. By now, seeing his face had fostered some familiarity. Seeing him so often did that. ¡°Crazy fool, this isn¡¯t a wall I built.¡± What was he talking about? Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. It was an illusion, a hallucination. So he ignored it. The ferryman wasn¡¯t important right now, nor was the repetitive nature of today. Correct, Middle, Fast, Slow, Light. Out of the five divided sword techniques, Encrid had properly learned the Correct and Middle techniques. However, despite mastering them, they felt uncomfortable. It wasn¡¯t just that they were difficult, they never felt quite right. Why? ¡®Clothes that don¡¯t fit my body.¡¯ A sword built on talent, led by talent, and stacked on the soil of talent. It was not the path of a dullard. He didn¡¯t realize all of this immediately. He was simply moving forward based on what he sensed in the realm of intuition and sixth sense. He continued to walk, crawl, and run. Just. ¡®Where is my path?¡¯ He used brief questions to determine his direction. In this way, Encrid moved beyond the basics of the Fluid Sword Technique and sought a new path. It was a process of creating a new swordsmanship. Nothing happens all at once. When Encrid emerged from his immersion, he only understood what he had done. He also knew that he still had to refine and internalize what he had achieved until today, and continue building upon it. ¡®Swordsmanship.¡¯ Becoming a Knight or creating a new swordsmanship might seem like madness, a false tale with no substance to others. But so what? When had anyone else¡¯s view ever mattered? As he emerged from his immersion, the sun was still high in the sky. ¡®It was just a moment.¡¯ Encrid thought this as he looked up and saw a dwarf girl pouting her lips in front of him. ¡°Hey, I¡¯m busy too.¡± And then the dwarf spoke. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com] Chapter 258 ¡°Well, are you the only one who¡¯s busy?¡± Encrid blinked twice as he stared at the Dwarf. There was a discrepancy between the situation he perceived and the present reality. Encrid checked the state of his body. He felt as hungry as if he hadn¡¯t eaten for days, and his muscles trembled as if they had been overworked. His vision was blurry too. The problem with his eyesight was due to fatigue. Not just ordinary fatigue, but the kind that felt like he had been climbing a mountain for days without sleep or food. His body felt heavy. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The extreme exhaustion made his entire body feel weak, to the point where he couldn¡¯t muster any strength in his hands. His body was trained to wield a sword for two days straight without sleep, so being in this state was inexplicable. ¡°How long has it been?¡± Encrid spoke as he clenched and unclenched his fist. The strain on his body was evident. ¡°¡­¡­You¡¯re as shameless as an Fairy.¡± The Dwarf Girl spoke with an incredulous smile. Encrid didn¡¯t need to hear an answer from the Dwarf. He could see Rem and Ragna behind her. Rem, who was picking his ear, spoke first. ¡°It¡¯s been a little over three days. Are you thrilled?¡± ¡°Did you enjoy it?¡± This question came from Ragna, who was watching with his arms crossed. Without taking a breath, both of them asked, and Encrid once again reflected on his state. So, what had happened? The time that had passed like a dream lingered in his mind. Every moment, every step was an enlightenment. At the end of those steps, Encrid was absorbed and immersed. He achieved his goal and reached his destination. ¡®I created a Sword Technique.¡¯ He had created one. Although he couldn¡¯t properly name it yet or define it clearly, what was certain was that he had created a Fluid Sword Technique. Sword masters usually refine the techniques they¡¯ve learned over their lifetime and pass them down. Even those with deep knowledge in swordsmanship only manage to refine it. Encrid created one. Thump. His heart pounded with excitement. Despite the exhaustion, the thought of mastering and refining what he had created brought a smile of joy to his face. ???o?B¨º? ¡°Are you smiling? Have you lost your mind a bit?¡± ¡°I was planning to get treatment at the temple in the large territory anyway, Dwarf Girl.¡± As the Dwarf Girl twirled her finger by her ear, Rem spoke. Encrid, filled with joy and excitement, didn¡¯t respond to Rem¡¯s words. ¡°He seems absolutely thrilled.¡± Rem sneered as he watched, but even that didn¡¯t reach Encrid¡¯s ears. And Ragna, who had been observing Encrid, nodded alone. ¡°It was good.¡± The Dwarf Girl was a wanderer who roamed the continent. She had seen the world for over ten years. For her, this was a rare experience. Regardless of their talent and disposition, those like Encrid were purely crazy. The Dwarf had come the day before he woke up and had been kept away until then. After seeing him wake up, she had brought him over despite his constant complaints. ¡°Then just leave the weapon here and go?¡± Even as she said this, the Dwarf shook her head. ¡°I have to see the faces of those who will use the weapons I made. That¡¯s my rule.¡± The Dwarf Girl had a strict rule of personally handing over and conversing with those she made weapons for. Dwarves sometimes adhered to their own rules almost obsessively, and this was one such rule. Despite complaining about wasting time, this was the reason she stayed. In any case, the Dwarf¡¯s complaints soon subsided. ¡°I see.¡± Encrid ignored the fatigue and showed an attentive attitude as he listened to the Dwarf. The rest of the company members either loitered around, didn¡¯t listen, preached about the Gods, or outright ignored him. Krais was the only one who could somewhat hold a conversation, but he was so busy that it was hard to see him. In such circumstances, Encrid¡¯s attentive demeanor was enough to melt the Dwarf Girl¡¯s heart. From the beginning, Encrid had the best attitude and mindset on the continent when it came to listening. This attitude quickly softened the Dwarf¡¯s heart. It also helped that her personality was far from petty. ¡°Well, it¡¯s a relief that you¡¯re mad in a good way.¡± The Dwarf commented and handed over the weapons to Encrid. The order was for two swords and two axes. They were well-placed on a wide piece of leather. She picked up one and spoke. ¡°To be honest, smithing isn¡¯t my specialty. My specialty lies elsewhere. But this is still better than what those amateurs make.¡± The Dwarf, whose name was unknown, said, and Encrid acknowledged her words. The Dwarf handed over the weapon, which was sheathed in a leather scabbard. She handed it over with the handle forward, so he grabbed it. The weapon had considerable weight. The blade wasn¡¯t long, but it was thick. It was as thick as the guard sword he was using now. Its length was a bit longer than a shortsword. It was a modified form of a gladius. When he drew the sword from its scabbard, the blade smoothly revealed itself. The silver body continued in a soft streamline. ¡°It¡¯s well made.¡± Rem, who was watching, said. That was exactly right. If it were a woman, it would be a beauty, if a man, a handsome one. It was similar yet different from the blades used by the Fairy Company Commander. It had heft and looked sturdy at a glance. ¡°Since you have a decent sword already, I thought this would be suitable as a secondary weapon.¡± The Dwarf said, gesturing to the original sword at Encrid¡¯s waist. She had made it on her own without being asked, but she was right. The original sword he had was also a fine blade. It was impressive that she recognized it without even seeing it. He wondered if that was just a Dwarf thing, and soon his idle thoughts disappeared. Encrid stood in the training ground without rest and swung the new sword a few times. What pleased him the most was the balance. It felt perfectly balanced about two fingers up from the hilt. It seemed like it would be an excellent weapon even when thrown in the Tangum style. ¡°Throw it, slash with it, block, and strike with it. I made it sturdy for any use.¡± The Dwarf¡¯s explanation matched his impression. The feel of slashing and throwing both felt good in his hand. Especially the sharp tip and the long upper part of the blade made it look ideal for thrusting. Encrid threw the sword up and caught it after it spun a few times. Indeed, the balance was excellent. He firmly grasped the hilt, swung it lightly in the air a few times, and his movements were noticeably smoother than before. His swordplay had gained a new fluidity after breaking out of his shell. Of course, few noticed this change. With the sword in hand, Encrid nodded. It was a nod of satisfaction. And the Dwarf, who was watching, was quietly impressed. ¡®Look at this?¡¯ Someone had refined and polished this stone. It was a transformation. Could such changes happen in such a short time? ¡®He¡¯s no ordinary talent.¡¯ The Dwarf misunderstood. It was understandable. The truth was that countless efforts had accumulated, and it happened to coincide with the present by chance. From the Dwarf¡¯s perspective, Encrid was just a bundle of talent. ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to give me mine?¡± Rem urged from behind, and the Dwarf threw the axes. She threw both simultaneously, and Rem caught the handles of both axes perfectly. Naturally, the axes were excellent. Even Rem, with his bad temper, said: ¡°¡­Good thing I didn¡¯t turn that Dwarf into a stuffed trophy back then.¡± Which made the Dwarf Girl burst out laughing. What was so funny about that remark? It made one question the Dwarf¡¯s mental state. Rem examined the two axes. He looked them over carefully, again and again. One of the axes had a sharp weight attached to the end, which could be used like a weapon that strikes with the handle. The other one was supposedly made by melting down the entire glaive used by a centaur leader and using all that metal to forge the axe. ¡°It¡¯s heavy. So I like it.¡± Rem¡¯s honest assessment. Naturally, everyone was satisfied. Lastly, Ragna, who received a sword, spoke to the Dwarf. ¡°It¡¯s good.¡± He received a Northern-style Zweihander. A two-handed sword, wielded with both hands, with a blade thickness twice that of others, and a large pommel and handle. ¡°I finished it in the Northern style.¡± The Dwarf said with a smile. Though she claimed not to be a master or a specialist in smithing, perhaps it was a characteristic of her race. She showed a satisfied smile as she saw the others content with the weapons. ¡°Alright, this wraps it up. If we get the chance, let¡¯s meet again.¡± The Dwarf Girl spoke cheerfully, then turned and looked at Krais one last time. Krais, who had come out at some point, was watching those who received weapons and was now staring blankly at the Dwarf Girl. ¡°Hey, human kid.¡± Judging by appearances, she was the kid, but her manner of speaking and the title suited her well. ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°If you become a gem later, I¡¯ll consider it.¡± Krais, not understanding but nodding nonetheless, took it as a good sign that they would meet again. With that, the Dwarf left. After the Dwarf Girl left, Encrid became the center of attention. ¡°Are you feeling better? What kind of person ignores meals and just swings a sword?¡± Krais asked. ¡°As you can see.¡± His muscles were strained, but he wasn¡¯t on the verge of collapsing. He was hungry, but not to the point of dying if he didn¡¯t eat immediately. Everyone in the company knew Encrid had seized some opportunity to grow. However, no one brought it up directly. The only ones who spoke were Rem and Ragna when he first regained his senses. From what they heard, he had been so immersed that he couldn¡¯t see or hear anything around him, and they had taken turns guarding and driving away anyone who approached. Later, Torres said, ¡°It was like trying to meet someone more elusive than the King.¡± So they said. Anyway, after the Dwarf left, Encrid slept for a whole day. He woke up, ate, and then went back to sleep. What he thought was a short nap turned out to be three days, during which he had been swinging his sword throughout the entire time of immersion. Sometimes fast and strong. Other times slow, like a turtle in the sea. However, there was no rest. Naturally, his muscles were strained, but wasn¡¯t his body trained with the Isolation Technique? After sleeping deeply for a day, he was fine. After waking up from his immersion, Encrid rested, ate, slept, and sorted out his realizations. It wasn¡¯t until late afternoon the next day that he spoke. ¡°Rem.¡± Rem was sitting in one corner of the quarters, stroking his axe. He had been bothering Dunbachel out of boredom for a few days. He was starting to feel bored. ¡°I¡¯ve been waiting.¡± Rem jumped up eagerly at the welcome call. He had applied oil to his axes, making them shine. It was time for a spar. The result was that Encrid couldn¡¯t win. No, he lost more easily than before. ¡°Again.¡± He repeatedly aimed his sword at the axe blades, trying the same technique several times, but never succeeded easily. A few times he half-succeeded, but it wasn¡¯t satisfactory. So he kept being pushed back. But what did it matter? More important than winning or losing the spar was getting accustomed to his newly created technique. ¡°Good.¡± The sparring, which started before sunset, continued until they were drenched in sweat and ended after midnight. A maid heating bathwater late at night complained but fell silent upon seeing Encrid¡¯s body. For some reason, Zimmer, who saw Ragna swinging his sword morning and evening, requested a spar. Audin spent more time praying and seemed to have a softer expression than before. Dunbachel, watching Encrid, started imitating the Isolation Technique without anyone asking her to. ¡°There are ways that suit your body. I¡¯ll teach you a few.¡± Seeing this, Audin offered help. Of course, Audin was helping, but Dunbachel seemed to be enduring torture. Teresa also silently worked up a sweat. She was busy honing her skills, swinging her shield and sword. The mere fact that Encrid was in a state of immersion was another stimulus for them. The wild horse spent its time watching humans. The soldiers had left a haystack for it as food. Ordinary horses would relieve themselves anywhere, but this one was so clever that it dug a hole in the ground with its own hooves to do its business in a corner of the barracks. The sight of it digging with its hooves was peculiar. The stable master marveled at its strength. ¡°Sigh, it would be perfect if I could just put a bridle on it.¡± This was said by the man responsible for Martai¡¯s warhorse. Cavalry horses are the backbone of the cavalry. He was a man who had raised such horses. He truly felt regretful but didn¡¯t try anything with the wild horse. Whenever anyone approached recklessly, it exuded a fierce aura. Encrid watched the wild horse thoughtfully. ¡®Should I give it a name?¡¯ It¡¯s not unusual behavior, there are plenty of strange people around. Adding one more horse wouldn¡¯t change much. At the Border Guard, there was even a wizard who could transform from a panther into a human. Encrid decided to postpone naming the horse. For now, the wild horse seemed busy exploring everywhere. Everything around it probably piqued its curiosity. However, it never approached people. Soldiers who saw its unique blue and red eyes said they felt chills for no reason. It was due to the beast¡¯s innate ferocity. Time passed with what seemed like mad training and sparring. On the third day after the Dwarf left, they also began to move. It was the moment when Krais, who had been tirelessly exploring the territory¡¯s market and meeting with the Lord, said it was time to leave. ¡°Let¡¯s go back.¡± It was time to return to their own territory. Encrid led the way, and the Lord saw them off. ¡°I wish you good fortune.¡± They departed at dawn, and by the time the sun rose, the territory was no longer visible behind them. Krais guided the way. They left their horses behind and traveled on foot. Only the wild horse walked beside Encrid. ¡°Oh, it¡¯s snowing.¡± ¡°Those demon bastards are at it again.¡± As they walked, white powder began to fall from above. The white flakes fell on the ground and on the armor of the party, melting upon contact. Fortunately, the wind didn¡¯t blow fiercely, nor did it snow heavily. The small white grains only slightly limited their visibility. The snow fell quietly and peacefully, not causing much discomfort. As they entered a path flanked by two mounds while walking through the snow, they encountered some people blocking their way. One of them was a familiar face. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com] Chapter 259 ¡°Did they say idiots end up sticking together? Or not?¡± Rem spoke, looking at one of the people blocking their way. Although they wore a black robe to hide their appearance, the bulging belly and exposed mouth gave away who they were. ¡°Hmph!¡± The fallen priest snorted. Rem had mentioned it before setting off. They had encountered that fat fool at the market, and their gaze had seemed odd. Rem had also said that idiot might join hands with another idiot. This was the moment the prophecy came true. Of course, some schemes were employed to make the prophecy come true. ¡°Call me Prophet Rem.¡± Though they had tripped and fallen, with an arrow whizzing overhead, Rem managed to act smugly. After all, things had turned out as Rem had said. Encrid called Rem as he wished. ¡°Idiot Rem.¡± ¡°Is your hearing broken? I said the Prophet.¡± ¡°Idiot and Prophet are the same word.¡± ¡°Did you just make that up?¡± ¡°No.¡± Encrid was confident and honest, while Rem, thinking ¡®Damn it, let¡¯s stop talking¡¯, gave up on the prophet title. ¡°The world is full of confused and foolish people. It¡¯s our duty to send them to God, make them repent, and be reborn anew.¡± Audin recited a prayer. It sounded like he intended to kill them all. He always seemed to want to kill that fallen priest whenever he saw him. Encrid took a step forward. He was the leader of this group. He placed his left hand on the pommel of the sword at his waist and stood with one leg bent. To an untrained eye, his stance seemed relaxed, but to those skilled in swordplay, it was a well-prepared posture. From the opposing side, a man stepped forward from behind the fat fallen priest. Overall, he appeared solid and unyielding. ¡°The client asked one last question: Have you considered joining the Black Blade Bandits?¡± An attempt at persuasion in this situation? How naive. Krais inwardly snorted. He closely observed the man who had stepped forward. He was a head taller than the fat priest. Like Encrid, he had stepped forward, indicating he was the leader. He had a fierce look in his eyes. A long sword, fierce eyes, an attitude that seemed indifferent. A mercenary known for planning his kills. Krais guessed his identity based on his appearance alone. ¡°The Ready Sword?¡± Encrid heard it too. He thought it might be a somewhat famous mercenary. He felt a flicker of interest. The relaxed arms, the slightly spread legs, eyes fixed on his own feet and legs. ??????¦Ï??? He also slightly adjusted his body to the optimal position for drawing his weapon. A skilled fighter. That was Encrid¡¯s assessment. ¡°Do you know me?¡± The mercenary asked. His voice was flat, making his tone sound rough. ¡°I didn¡¯t know you had fallen enough to take a job from the Black Blade Bandits.¡± Krais feigned surprise. It wasn¡¯t a great provocation, but the mercenary frowned. He seemed offended. ¡°¡­You have a sharp tongue.¡± ¡°And you have the skill of selling yourself for a few gold coins.¡± A mercenary with fierce eyes, tall stature, and a sword as big as himself. Commonly said to be stronger than a baronial-level Knight. Could even be considered a Junior-Knight. He was especially famous for always being well-prepared in every fight. That¡¯s how he got his nickname. Krais taunted him. An enraged opponent is easier to deal with than a calm one. It was a simple strategy. ¡°I told you, those idiots wouldn¡¯t think at all.¡± The fat priest babbled behind. Krais wanted the mercenary to get angry and charge, but it didn¡¯t go as expected. The Ready Sword simply raised his left hand. Then, heads began to appear from the hills on both sides. These were troops that had been lying in ambush for two days. Some were from the Black Blade Bandits, and the rest were the mercenary¡¯s own men. The Ready Sword had heard a bit about his opponent. He had heard that Swift Blade had been defeated. Moreover, the Ready Sword thought of himself as different from idiots like Swift Blade. Relying on Scrolls? Why do such idiotic things? Unless you¡¯re a Knight, you can¡¯t survive a barrage of countless arrows. That¡¯s why he prepared fifty archers. The hills on both sides are steep. There might be some who can climb those hills. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. To block them, he positioned two heavily armed squads around the hills. To capture less than ten people, they moved over seventy troops. Is that all? Including the Ready Sword himself, a formidable group of mercenaries stood solidly behind him. It was hard to get here undetected, but the actual fight would be easy. That¡¯s ¡®preparation¡¯. With his hand raised, the Ready Sword spoke. ¡°Those who don¡¯t value their lives.¡± How long will they last against the Black Blade Bandits? A mercenary has to be smart and perceptive to survive long. He was such a person. And Krais, peeking from behind Encrid, spoke. ¡°Good thing. I wondered what we¡¯d do if a bunch of wizards showed up, but it¡¯s sloppier than I thought. Didn¡¯t get paid much, huh?¡± Krais made a circle with his thumb and index finger as he spoke. Encrid admired Krais for his sharp tongue. He knew how to provoke the enemy properly. ¡°I¡¯ll personally skin that damn bastard alive.¡± The Ready Sword said. Krais widened his eyes in feigned fear and stuck out his tongue, replying. ¡°Go ahead.¡± Sometimes childishness can be a fatal move. This was such a time. ¡°That damn dog¡­¡± Krais had indeed driven the enemy commander mad. ¡®Hmm, not bad.¡¯ It was a brilliant move. Encrid was impressed. And even in that moment, Krais kept thinking. Spells always create variables, so he was cautious. ¡®Well, no matter how powerful the Black Blade Bandits are, they wouldn¡¯t have dozens of wizards.¡¯ Seeing them use Scrolls last time naturally led to such a disturbing thought. However, Krais thought the enemy troops were too sloppy. Their quality was low and their numbers were few. ¡®Why?¡¯ The answer came with the question. ¡®They don¡¯t know our true strength yet.¡¯ Encrid and all the platoon members had fought well enough to spread their reputation. They performed well on the battlefield. They destroyed colonies. ¡®But if this spreads by word of mouth?¡¯ That¡¯s how rumors are. They grow and get exaggerated. And fools who think they¡¯re smart would strategize based on the rumors¡¯ exaggeration. If it were Krais, he would first madly verify the truth of the rumors as they spread. It was understandable for the Black Blade Bandits to feel wronged. Trying to dominate the night streets of the Border Guard, they were met with the influence of the Gilpin Guild. And planting spies inside the fortress was difficult due to Marcus¡¯s remarkable skills. Contrary to his reputation as a war maniac, he meticulously controlled the interior. Since he arrived, there were even rumors among merchants that the Border Guard Reserve Unit¡¯s duty intensity had increased. Of course, this was also a misunderstanding. Encrid¡¯s training was so grueling that those who found it unbearable dedicated themselves more diligently to their duties, spending as much time as possible at the gates or on patrols. In any case, the Black Blade Bandits were unaware. They not only misjudged Encrid and the others¡¯ abilities but didn¡¯t even recognize Krais¡¯s existence. On the other hand, Krais recognized the enemy¡¯s stupidity, and in some ways, it was understandable. ¡®Indeed, where else would you find Junior-Knight level monsters gathered in such a group?¡¯ It¡¯s not like they were a Knightly order. The lack of information was something Marcus had leveraged to gain significant advantages on the battlefield. Furthermore, there would have been repeated doubts about Encrid¡¯s abilities afterward. ¡®More importantly, the abilities of the platoon members wouldn¡¯t have been rumored at all.¡¯ One Junior-Knight level fighter, a group of archers, and other combat-capable mercenaries. While not all Junior-Knight level, they were at least at the level of a baronial-grade fighter. So, it wasn¡¯t really sloppy. The Black Blade Bandits just didn¡¯t know about them. ¡®Maybe I over prepared a bit.¡¯ Krais thought, snapping his fingers. Snap! Naturally, nothing happened. There was no way a finger snap would be heard beyond the hills. ¡°¡­What?¡± Ragna, watching from the side, asked. ¡°Do you need to go to the temple too?¡± Rem asked. Krais cleared his throat and said, ¡°The timing was a bit off.¡± Krais felt no embarrassment. These things happen. He spoke confidently, and right after he finished speaking, the top of the hill became noisy. ¡°What the hell?¡± ¡°It¡¯s an ambush!¡± It was the cry of the ambushed enemy troops. Some archers turned around. It was already too late to perform a coordinated volley from above. Some of the armed soldiers next to the archers turned immediately. They then charged at those who had flanked them from behind. ¡°How dare you!¡± One of the enemy soldiers bravely stepped forward and swung his sword. He was a mercenary wielding a bastard sword. Gripping the sword with both hands, he swung it down. His skill wasn¡¯t bad. The person facing him was unarmed. He ran forward as if to meet the incoming sword, entering the enemy¡¯s range. Thud! Stab! There were sounds. The mercenary swinging the bastard sword fell forward, and the man who had been in his range pushed him aside and emerged. Torres wiped the blood from the drawn dagger on the clothes of the man he had just killed. A thin leather armor over a gambeson bore the insignia of the Border Guard. ¡°Oh, we¡¯re not late.¡± On the opposite side, a man swiftly moved among the enemy soldiers. With a swift movement, he drew his sword and thrust it in. His speed was like lightning. The distance closed rapidly, and the drawn sword pierced so quickly that by the time it was visible, one enemy soldier already had a hole in his neck. ¡°Gah!¡± One of the mercenaries staggered, clutching his neck before falling to his knees. Red blood poured through his fingers. With a pierced neck, there was no hope for survival. Zimmer stopped, having displayed his specialty. ¡°Idiotic thieves.¡± He spoke, and his face was fully visible on the not-so-high hill. ¡°Hmm, looks like it¡¯s over?¡± Krais muttered irritatingly. For a mere band of thieves, hastily assembling such a force was impressive. It showed the resources of the Black Blade Bandits. Especially since they weren¡¯t just any ragtag group, they had even hired a Junior-Knight-level mercenary. This wasn¡¯t a trivial matter. While there¡¯s a gap between an actual Knight and a Junior-Knight level, how many of such skilled individuals could there be? In the north, they were likely very few. However, the enemy knew far too little about their opponents. Well, it¡¯s hard to believe until you see it for yourself. Krais thought so. ¡°It¡¯s a bit disappointing.¡± Encrid muttered. Krais ignored him. He often had ominous thoughts and prepared accordingly. That¡¯s why they were prepared. The Border Guard and Martai¡¯s army began occupying the area near where they had ambushed. The archers of the Ready Sword, caught from behind, fell into a state of panic. ¡®Damn, attacked from behind? Then what about the front? Is there an escape route?¡¯ There was none. From the initial positioning, everything was anticipated and predicted. Torres, flanking the archers, inwardly admired Krais¡¯s intellect. ¡®The Big Eyes isn¡¯t ordinary either.¡¯ The measures the Ready Sword had prepared on the hill were exhausted. Those who took the hill were the elite of the elite, the Slaughterers of the Frontier, overshadowed by the presence of Encrid. The Ready Sword¡¯s face remained expressionless. Instead, the faces of the mercenaries holding out behind him changed in real-time. ¡°Damn it.¡± Some felt anxiety. ¡°Screw it, if we kill them, it¡¯s over.¡± Some felt a fighting spirit. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t we be retreating?¡± Someone spoke up with a practical alternative. ¡°So, who¡¯s the idiot now?¡± Krais asked, and a deep crease formed on the forehead of the expressionless Ready Sword. ¡°We should have resolved this with force from the beginning.¡± A large man stepped forward beside the Ready Sword. Looking behind him, there were about twenty men, none of them lacking in skill. Of course, that¡¯s compared to regular soldiers. ¡°Only those who are confident should come at me. I¡¯ll kill them all.¡± The iron mace in each hand of the man who charged forward was quite threatening. If they could seize the victory on this side before the battle on the hill began, it would be over. Despite his dull appearance, he was a sharp mercenary. Wandering the battlefield for a long time, he had likely developed a keen sense for these situations. ¡°I also agree with him.¡± Next to him was a woman licking her lips. Her tongue was so long it seemed it could reach her chin. Not just her tongue, but her face was also unnaturally long vertically, giving her a bizarre appearance. She held three throwing knives in each hand. They were imitations of the Whistling Knife. Rem growled as he watched them approach. ¡°I¡¯ll go first. Just try stepping forward, and I¡¯ll chop the back of your head with an axe.¡± Encrid, about to step forward, let him go ahead. A change in perception and insight, a new evolution of the sixth sense beyond the five senses. With the help of all that, Encrid momentarily played the fool. In other words, he predicted the future. Among the ones charging, none could withstand Rem¡¯s axe. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com] Chapter 260 This was a conversation they had before leaving Martai. ¡°We need to deceive and hit.¡± Whether it was the Black Blade or the priest, Krais had a firm belief in how to deal with idiots. Encrid agreed with him. ¡°Let¡¯s do that.¡± ¡°Yes!¡± With a cheerful response, Big Eyes prepared a lot. The result was this. ¡°Quick, kill them all!¡± The fat priest, who had secretly passed on the movements of Encrid¡¯s party, shouted. Where did that fat priest get information about Encrid¡¯s group? ¡®Hmm, he was indeed foolish.¡¯ The priest trusted a street kid who sold him information for a few coins. Too easily, far too easily. Afterwards, Krais also anticipated an attack from the Black Blade. Specifically, they chose locations along their route that were good for ambushes and surprise attacks, and roughly gauged a cloudy day by looking at the sky. It was good if it snowed, but a heavily overcast day would do. Through several incidents, they made it so that the Black Blade group would find it easy to attack. ¡®They seem quite foolish.¡¯ Krais doubted whether the Black Blade group was really a formidable band of bandits. Do such guys really do this? Send a few mercenaries and hope this party dies? Of course, this was due to a lack of information. It¡¯s not like the Swift Blade survived to pass on any information, and it was hard to gauge the strength of Encrid¡¯s party based on rumors alone. Especially when it came to understanding the skills of those under Encrid¡¯s command. Krais saw Rem lightly kicking the ground and moving forward. Then, Rem disappeared. Bang! The ground he kicked split and cried out. At the same time, a line was left behind, and that line severed the neck of a thug wielding a mace. ¡°Damn, it cuts well!¡± Then came Rem¡¯s voice. Krais couldn¡¯t see all of the barbarian¡¯s movements, but he could infer everything from the result. His excellent brain made this possible. ¡®The mace was coming down from above, and before it could land, he severed the neck with an axe.¡¯ This happened because his hands and feet were several times faster than the swinging mace. He said the axe blade was sharp because it split the mercenary¡¯s helmet in half, the one that covered his face. The blood of the mercenary wielding the mace splattered across the thin layer of white snow. The white snow began to melt in the red blood. Fresh snow started falling over it again. Encrid observed the battlefield. Krais inferred the process from the result, but Encrid saw everything. ¡°Don¡¯t surrender!¡± Rem was enthusiastically charging, with Dunbachel and Teresa moving alongside him. One of the mercenaries, apparently familiar with Dunbachel, greeted her warmly. ¡°You treacherous bitch! Traitor!¡± He shouted this as he thrust a long spear at Dunbachel. His skill didn¡¯t seem bad. At least it was better than Dunbachel¡¯s previous level. But that was all. Dunbachel was no longer that foolish beast. Her body seemed to twist and bend. For a moment, it left afterimages as if she had multiplied into three. This was possible due to her excellent physical abilities. It was an afterimage created by short, rapid side-to-side movements. At the same time, her scimitar was drawn, cutting through the falling snow and air, reaching the enemy¡¯s head. Every moment appeared fragmented and severed in Encrid¡¯s eyes. Thanks to his keen senses. Thwack! The scimitar smashed through the head and came out. ¡°Sorry, I didn¡¯t hear you. What did you say?¡± Dunbachel answered only after killing him. ¡®She¡¯s becoming more like Rem.¡¯ Encrid was worried about it but left it alone. After all, she was someone finding her own path, even if it was like that. Encrid couldn¡¯t bring himself to criticize her for it. While he stood with his arms crossed, watching, a few more mercenaries charged, and Teresa engaged two of them. ¡°Damn it, where did this monster come from?¡± The opposing mercenary shouted. She was a tall female mercenary who had been throwing daggers. Teresa blocked all her daggers with her shield. One of them seemed to be enchanted or something, changing direction mid-air, but Teresa deflected even that with her shoulder guard by twisting her body. ????????????? Using her armor to defend was truly Teresa¡¯s specialty. Moreover, pressing with her shield and bashing opponents with a thick-bladed sword was another specialty. And she did just that. ¡°Ugh!¡± The female mercenary, who had survived until now by throwing daggers, had her head smashed by the flat of Teresa¡¯s sword, causing brain matter and blood to flow from the crushed skull inside her helmet. A clear liquid mixed with blood as her squashed eyeball burst and leaked out. ¡°I am Teresa the Wanderer. Come at me if you want to die.¡± She spoke. The sight of a few bodies freezing in place at her short statement was visible. No matter how experienced they were, feeling fear in the face of overwhelming violence was only natural. The mercenaries quickly started dying. It was about time for a fight to start up above as well, but they saw their leaders being slaughtered. Naturally, their will to fight vanished. ¡°Hey, surrender. There¡¯s a shortage of manpower in the territory these days. If you prove your identity and serve diligently, you¡¯ll regain your status within two years.¡± Torres coaxed them. After all, they were mercenaries who moved for gold. If they had decided to clean up monsters and beasts, taking these guys as prisoners and using them as meat shields would be beneficial. They could sort out the decent ones and accept them. It was a quick calculation that led to the proposal. ¡°I surrender.¡± A soldier, lowering his wooden longbow, said. In the end, none of the soldiers ambushed on the hill fired an arrow. Seeing the mercenaries being slaughtered, the fat priest immediately ran away. He moved his legs as desperately as he ever had in his life. It was amazing how fast his fat body could move. A thick arm blocked his path. ¡°Ugh!¡± The startled priest fell on his butt. The impact from his rear end shook his head. He propped himself up on the ground and looked up. A soldier with the bulk of a bear was blocking his way. ¡®This guy.¡¯ Zimmer had hit him, but he had his own people in the territory. They had told him the truth. The one who had originally hit him was this guy. However, with Zimmer glaring and threatening, he couldn¡¯t do anything that resembled a threat to these people. That had frustrated him. Afterwards, those he thought were his people encouraged him. Of course, it was all orchestrated by Krais. From the start, they hired a few ruffians who lived off scraps around the idiot priest, a person whose character couldn¡¯t even be discussed. It was a ploy to lure the fat priest here. Why? For one reason: it was much better to deal with a threat than to leave it be. It didn¡¯t matter how corrupt the priest was. The problem was his status as a priest. The best option was to kill and bury him. So they deliberately brought him inside. If the best way to deal with an idiot is to ignore them, the second best is to bury them. So, from the moment Audin slapped him, Krais had envisioned this very situation. Moreover, the Black Blade and the greedy priest were quite the fitting pair. It was somewhat unexpected how easily things had gone according to plan. Their opponents were too foolish. ¡°The Master of Radiance says that revealing and illuminating is the task. Have you done so?¡± Audin asked. The fat priest answered without hesitation. ¡°Of course, yes, yes, yes!¡± His voice shook and his tongue twisted, filled with fear. ¡°You were supposed to illuminate the world, not just Krona.¡± Audin murmured. The priest tried to say that he had always helped underprivileged children and raised orphans in the temple. But Audin already knew through Krais. This priest had illuminated Krona and also indulged in women. He had taken some of the orphaned girls as his lovers. Thwack. Audin raised his palm and struck down. The blow to the top of the priest¡¯s head caused his eyes and tongue to bulge forward. Blood poured from every orifice, including his ears. Audin hated those who used their faith in the divine as an excuse for their vile deeds. There were those he hadn¡¯t punished before, out of doubt. He had turned away from them. ¡®No longer can I, no. I will not.¡¯ With someone overcoming their own limits by his side. He, too, could no longer turn away from truth, life, conviction, faith, and belief. ¡®I will live, Father.¡¯ I will not give up the life the Lord has granted me. I will kill the enemies under the Lord¡¯s permission and live that way. And so, I will punish those who have broken my faith. It¡¯s not an easy task, and if things go wrong, it might end in a pointless death. But he will not die in vain. Every day is a day of learning. Apart from teachings, Audin learned as well. From Encrid, from Krais. ¡°Seeing the light you have shown, I too will shine my light.¡± Audin prayed to his Commander, even though no one was listening. It was a prayer not to God, but to a human. It felt awkward, yet natural. Encrid watched and let go of his hand. ¡®Crazy bastards.¡¯ And he cursed inwardly. Shouldn¡¯t they leave at least one opponent for him to deal with? What¡¯s got them so excited? Even Audin, after breaking the priest¡¯s head, looked at him. There was a burning desire in his eyes, a gaze full of fervent fire. ¡®A bear driven mad with the desire to fight.¡¯ Because the meaning didn¡¯t clearly reach him from a distance, Encrid misunderstood. Rem, needless to say, was rampaging. Ragna wasn¡¯t idle either. Normally, a spectator, Ragna suddenly stepped up and began swinging his sword. That strike was more impressive than ever before. A sword descending diagonally from above. It resembled an eagle diving towards its prey. It was, of course, faster than an eagle, but the image evoked was that of a raptor. And just as it struck downwards, it soared back up. The spot where Ragna¡¯s sword had moved left the man who was preparing his sword in three pieces scattered on the ground. Ragna looked at his sword right after swinging it, uncharacteristically impressed. ¡°Ho.¡± It was a sword that pleased him more than he had expected. Truly, the craftsmanship of the dwarves. Encrid also wanted to use his newly developed sword technique in actual combat and to test the sword he had received from the dwarf, but¡­ ¡°It ended quickly.¡± As Krais¡¯s somewhat hollow words suggested, it ended very quickly. Rem had already cut down five or six, and the flames hadn¡¯t even ignited on his flaming axe. There was such a vast difference between the two groups. In reality, Krais, who specialized in ominous imaginations, had over-prepared. Even if there had been archers, the outcome of this fight was already decided. During the killing and dying process, Jaxon also stepped forward and captured a mercenary. He was a young man with a handsome face. He was also someone with a known name. ¡°I¡¯ll do anything if you spare me.¡± The man said, his thigh bleeding profusely, as he made some proposal to Jaxon, though Encrid didn¡¯t know what it was. ¡°I¡¯ll take this one.¡± It was rare for Jaxon to make a request. Encrid owed him a lot. ¡°Take him.¡± He didn¡¯t ask or inquire about the purpose. To be honest, no one cared. Dunbachel clearly felt the change in her abilities. Teresa said, ¡°Let¡¯s have a match when we get back.¡± She looked at Encrid with an intense gaze, her blood boiling. ¡°Sure.¡± It was a welcome request, so Encrid nodded and looked around at everyone, thinking to himself. ¡®Crazy bastards.¡¯ He resented them for not leaving any opponent for him. The first assault and ambush by the Black Blade ended in vain. Krais blamed it all on their enemies. ¡®They were too kind.¡¯ Of course, from now on, they would surely do things far from kindness. If even one of those plans hit the mark, someone¡¯s life would be in danger. Krais¡¯s ominous thoughts spread wildly, and he thought of countermeasures. What else could he do? It was an unavoidable issue as long as he went to battle and followed Encrid. At the same time, Krais made up his mind. ¡®I can¡¯t afford to make a losing deal.¡¯ His goal remained the same: The Salon of the Noblewoman. Even if it was a short-term contract, bringing Encrid to the salon at least once. Hosting him as a guest. The thought of it alone was exciting. The group cleaned up the traces of the battle. Torres and Zimmer, who had previously greeted them, came back to meet the group again. ¡°Good job.¡± Encrid said, and Torres nodded. ¡°Take care.¡± The snow soon stopped, and the group walked diligently. As they stood in front of the Border Guard, a wild horse nudged Encrid¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Why?¡± ¡°Oh, are you just looking around?¡± ¡°Sure, do as you please. It¡¯s dangerous to come to the territory on your own, so come when you¡¯re called later.¡± ¡°Go ahead. Look around and have fun.¡± Encrid kept muttering to the horse. Watching this, Rem murmured, ¡°I still think that thing can turn into a human. Let¡¯s have Esther ask it.¡± No one answered. After entering the Border Guard, the group headed straight for the barracks. It was already late afternoon. Since they decided to walk in and rest instead of camping out for another night, they arrived late. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Naturally, there was no fuss at the castle gate. ¡°Welcome back!¡± A soldier, familiar from training, opened a small gate. They were not entirely pleased to see Encrid. Since the training they had been missing would resume, their faces were gloomy. ¡°I¡¯ll check tomorrow morning to see if you haven¡¯t been slacking off.¡± Encrid, as someone belonging to the unit, fulfilled his duties. Thus, he did not forget his role as the Training Company Commander. ¡°¡­Yes, sir.¡± The soldier would be sure to spread this joyful and exciting news to everyone. His face reflected an overwhelming joy that was hard to contain. His cheeks trembled slightly, as if the joy was too much to bear. ¡°Ah, I¡¯m tired! Let¡¯s rest a bit!¡± Krais said as he headed into the barracks, while Teresa continued to look at him with fiery eyes. ¡°How about we spar and then wash up?¡± Encrid suggested. Teresa nodded. They sparred, and although Teresa lost, she was satisfied. He was a man worth following because he provided this level of challenge. There was also an inexplicable sense of satisfaction whenever she fought with him. The next morning, after a brief report to the Battalion Commander, Esther had fallen asleep in his arms the night before. The panther and human form had nothing to say and slept quietly. ¡°Let¡¯s begin training.¡± He started the day as the Training Company Commander and had lunch later. ¡°A guy named Gilpin is here to see you. He seemed urgent.¡± Encrid tilted his head. Was there any reason for Gilpin to visit at this hour? As soon as he heard this, he recalled a past incident. It was when a certain Frog had come to see him. When he went to meet this friend named Gilpin, he also saw the Fairy Company Commander standing beside him. ¡°Wherever you go, Fianc¨¦? Without even saying hello.¡± The Company Commander asked. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com] Chapter 261 ¡°Was the recruitment officer interesting? Did you see anyone decent?¡± At the question from his old friend, the Rapier Swordsman nodded. ¡°There was.¡± ¡°¡­Really?¡± This wasn¡¯t something he would say lightly, unless he had met someone truly remarkable. Who was the last person his friend had mentioned as someone decent? It was someone who had shown exceptional talent, even among the best. In the empire, where geniuses gathered, the ones this man acknowledged could be counted on one hand. And now, he was saying this out of the blue? It was impossible not to be intrigued. Hadn¡¯t he just returned from wandering around the continent, especially the Kingdom side? To the man sitting across from him, this recruitment business was a kind of vacation. It was a job taken to relax, due to his almost workaholic tendencies. So, for him to say something like this during his time off was truly rare and unexpected. This wasn¡¯t the kind of response one would give to a light-hearted joke. In the inner castle of the empire¡¯s gateway territory, the two sat in a small room that contained nothing but a round table and a few chairs with wool cushions. One was the Lord of the territory, the other was a Training Officer who had just returned from his vacation. The Rapier Swordsman spoke plainly about what he had seen and felt. Even though he only conveyed the facts calmly, there was a fire in his eyes. The Lord thought it resembled a quiet speech. ¡°So, you say it¡¯s a talent you can¡¯t even fathom, but it deflected Intimidation?¡± The Rapier Swordsman relayed the facts, except for how he was so surprised that he stood in the rain for half a day, repeatedly saying ¡°What?¡±. ¡°A strange guy, indeed.¡± The Commander of the gateway territory stroked his chin and downed the whiskey in front of him. It was a strong drink called ¡®Farmer¡¯s Tears¡¯, The liquid, which sharply scraped down his throat, proudly made its presence known as it warmed his insides. ¡°Is he at least as good as a Frog?¡± The term ¡°Frog¡± was slang for mercenaries hired by the empire. It referred to those who could survive and get the job done even while wandering the continent alone. The question was meant to gauge just how skilled this person was. ¡°A Frog, huh.¡± The Rapier Swordsman spun his glass in his hand and answered without hesitation. ¡°Not even close.¡± Does that mean he¡¯s not even at a Frog¡¯s level? Or does it mean a Frog isn¡¯t even close to his level? Of course, the answer was the latter. The Lord was sharp enough to catch that. Is it special to have realized ¡®Will¡¯? Yes. But what was even more peculiar were the strange things that couldn¡¯t be conveyed with mere facts. ¡®The way he uses his sword as well.¡¯ He had improved unbelievably. He had changed. He had grown and evolved. And it had happened overnight, as witnessed with his own eyes. If someone else had told him, he would never have believed it, even if they were beaten to death. ¡®It¡¯s almost easier to believe he was under some spell.¡¯ A Frog that does their job well, perhaps one who roams the frontier. ¡®How many rounds could they last?¡¯ They wouldn¡¯t stand a chance. Encrid was at that level now. The Rapier Swordsman held his glass up to the lamp. The brown liquid inside had been made through a long and painstaking process. Hence the name, Farmer¡¯s Tears. It was meant to symbolize the tears that would be shed from the effort it took to produce. Ordinary soldiers, Squires, and Junior Knights all needed such a process. ¡®Time, effort, tempering.¡¯ The process was so obvious that it was almost visible to the naked eye. The man, who had served as a Training Officer, had an eye for discerning such things. He was recognized even among the Frogs as a talent evaluator. From his perspective, the effort in Encrid was apparent, but it made no sense. Time is fair to everyone. So, talent is what is judged. If two people spend the same day training, it¡¯s only right to nurture the one with superior talent. So then, what is this Encrid? He was something beyond his understanding. A being of explosive, inexplicable talent. This was his conclusion. ¡®Otherwise, he might as well have entered another world, where he repeated the same day over and over, training for years before coming back.¡¯ He chuckled. Dismissing it as a completely absurd idea. It¡¯s easy to say. Repeat the same day over and over, training again and again¡ªsaying it is truly easy. If you were to actually do it, it would be remarkably, genuinely easy. But who could endure it? He had seen and nurtured various talents. No one could endure such a process. But if someone could endure it? ¡®If such a person existed.¡¯ Whether it was in the Empire or anywhere else, he wanted to personally help that person¡¯s will to blossom. It was a talent worth being greedy for. Once, in a scholarly article written within the Empire, he had spoken of ¡®What is the greatest talent?¡¯ The liquor inside the swirling glass continued to reflect the light from the lamp. As the man drained his glass, he gathered his thoughts. ¡®The greatest talent is one that never breaks, no matter what happens, always looking forward.¡¯ One that knows no despair. That was his conclusion. Of course, if not backed by physical talent, it would simply fade away. How many times had he tried to nurture such individuals before? Judging by their disposition and nature, he had tried to forcibly infuse talent into them. How many times had that happened? They all failed. For the talent he envisioned to grow explosively, either a cursed demon had to cling to it, or the Goddess of luck had to be involved¡ªsome form of mystery had to intervene. If that were to happen? If such a person truly existed in the world? Someone who, either innately or through sheer force of will, could overcome what was beyond reason, what bordered on torture, and rise above to the rank of a Knight? ¡®A monster would be born.¡¯ The Rapier Swordsman thought, recalling the face of the man who had flashed through his mind. Black hair and blue eyes. A rare appearance. One that would not be easily forgotten. ¡°There¡¯s someone I¡¯m looking for.¡± Encrid answered while looking at the Fairy Company Commander. Standing beside him, Gilpin was literally dripping with sweat, staring at him. However, perhaps realizing it was not the right time to interrupt, Gilpin only glanced between Encrid and the Fairy Company Commander. ¡°I see.¡± The Fairy Company Commander nodded and remained standing firm. It seemed like he would follow wherever they went. Should he refuse? There was no need. So, he let it be. Encrid turned to face Gilpin. Gilpin was wearing a fur-made coif, and sweat was streaming down his face. He looked like he had been running hard. His face was flushed red, and his thick fur outer garment heaved with his breathing. ¡°Phew, please help.¡± Gilpin said, and at that moment, Encrid suddenly recalled the name of the Frog who had come looking for the Border Guard. He hadn¡¯t forgotten the name. The man had said he would return, and he would keep that promise. They weren¡¯t called Frogs for nothing¡ªthey kept their word. ¡°Maelrun?¡± The thought slipped out of his mouth without passing through his mind. Gilpin¡¯s eyes widened. His pupils dilated. He seemed quite surprised. ¡°¡­How did you know? The Guild Master has been captured. Again.¡± The emphasis on ¡°again¡± was clear. Publicly, the Guild Master of the Gilpin Guild was the bald man in the coif before him, but all of them recognized Krais as their superior. The Gilpin Guild had started as a criminal guild formed by uneducated brutes who couldn¡¯t even read. Even though its nature had changed somewhat over time, its original tendencies hadn¡¯t gone anywhere. To them, their superior was the Guild Master, meaning Krais was the Guild Master. And above that Guild Master was Encrid. ¡°If it¡¯s dangerous, just go and call for him. He¡¯s Commander Encrid. Don¡¯t forget the name. If you run into him in the marketplace, just lower your eyes, and if you see a gray-haired barbarian next to him, just run. If you make eye contact, get out of there.¡± Krais had emphasized Encrid¡¯s name and face so much that everyone in the Gilpin Guild knew them, including Rem and the others. He had repeatedly stressed the importance of not mistakenly challenging him. And Gilpin had seen Encrid fight. So, coming to find him as soon as trouble arose was the natural course of action for him. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Encrid said, and immediately began to walk. ¡®Even wearing armor and carrying weapons at all times is part of training.¡¯ This was advice he had received when he first started working as a mercenary. Encrid had followed it closely since he was inexperienced in handling weapons at the time. That habit remained with him to this day. He wore inner armor made of beast hide, had the cursed sword Tutor at his left waist, and the gladius given to him by a dwarf at his right. In addition, he had five throwing knives tucked into the knife case strapped to his chest. He hadn¡¯t been able to acquire a Whistling Dagger, so he had left its sheath at his quarters. With a gambeson, chainmail, and a helmet, he would be fully armored. So, he could leave just as he was. ¡°Are you heading out?¡± A soldier guarding the barracks asked. Encrid replied, walking at a steady pace. ¡°Just going for a little walk.¡± ¡°I¡¯m coming too.¡± The Fairy Company Commander joined him, adding a Fairy-like joke without a hint of a smile. ¡°Don¡¯t you know that spending time together is how bonds are formed?¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± ¡°A woman who used to draw bathwater told me that. I think it¡¯s good advice. That¡¯s why I believe we should spend more time together.¡± A joke at a time like this. Encrid replied casually, ¡°If you¡¯re suggesting we train together, then sure.¡± If it were an ordinary woman, she would have kicked this man in the shins. Spending time together, and he suggests training? Not eating good food together, watching the sunset, and whispering sweet nothings? But Sinar wasn¡¯t an ordinary woman, nor was she human. ¡°That wouldn¡¯t be bad, but how about a visit to the market? Lately, some interesting things have come into the Border Guard¡¯s market. Although, with that, there have been more problems too.¡± The Fairy spoke as she walked. It had been no more than a month, give or take, since they had left the territory. How many problems could have arisen in that short time? As they pondered, Encrid and the Fairy walked on, with Gilpin trailing behind, wondering what nonsense the two were talking about. What about the Frog, though? Yet, the two of them walked so fast that Gilpin had to half-run to keep up. How could they be walking so quickly when it looked like they were just strolling? As Gilpin hurriedly tried to catch up¡ª ¡°You said a Frog came by, right?¡± Encrid asked. ¡°Yes, it¡¯s that guy from last time. Phew, phew. The one with the white scar on his neck.¡± Gilpin responded, catching his breath, as he raised his head and touched the skin on the right side of his neck. It was the same guy who had come to the Gilpin Guild to collect payment before. A person whose name he hadn¡¯t forgotten. At that time, all they could do was barely drive him away. Or rather, it was all they could manage. And now? ¡°There it is!¡± It was almost funny. The same place, the same situation as before. Should he call Krais a fool for getting caught again? He instinctively knew. After entering the mansion, passing through the corridor, they came to a door that blocked their way. Had they learned something from the previous fight? The door was wide open this time. Last time, they burst through this door, throwing a Whistling Dagger right away. Setting aside the overlapping memories, Encrid raised his left hand, showing his palm as he spoke. ¡°How have you been?¡± It was a greeting. Inside the hall, beyond the doorway, sat the Frog in a chair with Krais beside him. ¡°Shit, are we friends or something? Are you really glad to see me after so long?¡± Maelrun responded, though he didn¡¯t seem nearly as pleased as Encrid. For Encrid, the prospect of showing the Frog the difference in their abilities since their last fight was exciting. And he didn¡¯t see any reason to prolong the encounter. As soon as he asked how the other had been and before his opponent could even respond, Encrid had already surged forward. The sound of his feet hitting the ground with a thud followed. Despite Encrid¡¯s terrifying speed, Maelrun didn¡¯t panic. This guy was skilled at creating unpredictability and surprises in combat. He had experienced this before. Before Maelrun could even finish his greeting, he drew his loop sword. He hooked his hand through the loop and brought the thick blade down. It was a strike driven by the raw power of a Frog. Encrid, facing him, also drew his sword. The blade was drawn from his left side like a flash of light, rising upward. In an instant, the silver of the loop sword clashed with Encrid¡¯s blade. Clang! A strange noise echoed. Maelrun intended to press down with force, closing the gap and crushing Encrid¡¯s skull with a punch. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. But he couldn¡¯t achieve his goal. The blade he had brought down was deflected to the side, as if someone had pulled it away. ¡®What the hell?¡¯ A curse slipped out, and then the tip of a blade, now like a snake, came toward him. A blue steel blade stabbed right into the Frog¡¯s eye. To be precise, it struck past his eyeball. ¡°Aargh!¡± The Frog screamed in pain. Encrid looked at the opponent who had been struck in the eye and knocked backward, then flicked his sword in the air. The Frog¡¯s blood splattered onto the ground. In just one move, Encrid had clearly demonstrated the difference in their abilities. More importantly, he had just used his new sword technique in actual combat for the first time. ¡®It works.¡¯ A thrill and a sense of joy filled him. Encrid raised his sword once more. As he developed the Fluid Sword Technique, he had thought: ¡®Just because you strike softly doesn¡¯t mean the blade turns into cotton.¡¯ And that became the first technique of the Swordmanship he had created. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com] Chapter 262 ¡°The key to the Snake Step is expanding the range of motion in your joints.¡± Encrid had learned the Snake Step from Audin, combined it with the Swift Blade¡¯s swordsmanship, added the Fluid Sword Technique learned from Ragna, and mixed in everything he had seen, learned, practiced, and experienced until now. The concept was simple. ¡®Fluid Sword Technique deflects, diverts, and disperses.¡¯ It prioritizes making the opponent exhaust themselves. Leonesis Oniac, who first compiled the five sword techniques, defined it this way, and those who later mastered the Fluid Sword Technique adhered to the same principle. ¡®Does it have to be that way?¡¯ Encrid might not have been the first to think this, but he could have been the first to shape it into a sword technique by adding meaning to the form. That was how he created it. He combined the act of deflecting with striking simultaneously. He deflected the opponent¡¯s attack while pushing his sword forward. The idea was simple, but to execute it required sharp senses, years of training, and experience. Encrid had all of that. However, if you deflect and swing your sword this way, you can¡¯t fully put your strength into slashing or stabbing the opponent. More accurately, it¡¯s hard to even put half your strength into it. But is that a problem? If strength is lacking, it can be compensated with something else. A sharper weapon would do the trick. It was enough to make it cut with just a graze. Encrid sharpened his sword with a whetstone. The blade was honed. The sword, which had transformed from a cursed blade into a famed blade, was sharp enough to make up for any lack of strength. So he did just that. He utilized the weapon. He deflected the opponent¡¯s sword to the side, moved in, and gave it a quick tap before retreating. And the result was this. ¡°You¡¯re blind in one eye now.¡± Encrid spoke calmly, standing still, as Maelrun blinked his remaining eye, covering the other with his palm. He had fallen on his backside while trying to avoid the sword. What kind of person is this? What the hell is he? And what was that just now? A flood of complicated thoughts filled his mind. Instead of thinking, Maelrun just sprang forward, pushing off the ground. It looked like he was using his backside to push off, but in reality, he was using the momentum of his knees to propel himself forward from his fallen position. The fact that he could only see out of one eye didn¡¯t matter at all. His years of accumulated combat experience guided his hand, allowing him to gauge his opponent¡¯s position. ¡®He deflected it.¡¯ He could even tell what trick his opponent had pulled. In that case, he just needed to bring his sword down with a strike that couldn¡¯t be deflected. All it took was one step to charge, and in that time, Maelrun¡¯s forearm seemed to double in size. At the same time, his forearm appeared to bend unnaturally. The thick loop sword in his hand also blurred like a mirage as it descended. Encrid sensed the incoming sword. He opened his senses. His newly acquired sixth sense read the trajectory of the sword strike. He placed his sword accordingly. It was a swift exchange, too fast for an ordinary person¡¯s eyes, but to Encrid, it was a clear and graspable sword movement. The power emanating from the loop sword was weaker than before. It was a feint. So that¡¯s why he was making a show of bulking up his muscles. As Encrid was about to deflect the blade with the flat of his sword, the loop sword¡¯s trajectory shifted. Encrid responded by twisting his waist around his ankle, applying a technique from the Valaf-Style Martial Arts to his sword. It was a moment of quick thinking. He used the rotation to strike with the flat of Frog¡¯s sword. Bang! The clash of metal always brought noise. A loud sound erupted. Along with the vibration, an intangible shock wave surged toward both of them, but neither was affected. They withstood it with their trained bodies. Maelrun wasn¡¯t flustered. He didn¡¯t underestimate his opponent. He used the force of the rebound to spin his body halfway and swung his sword horizontally, while Encrid, as if dancing, drew a curve in the air with his sword and brought it up to meet his opponent¡¯s blade once more. Chiririririririririring! Sparks flew between them with the sound of friction. Pugak! Following that, amidst the sound of friction, there was a tearing noise. Encrid stepped back, shaking his sword downward to fling off the blood that stained the blade. ¡°¡­You.¡± Frog, Maelrun, who was across from him, blinked his eyes. What the hell is this? Since his last fight with Encrid, Maelrun had trained harder than ever to improve his skills. During that time, he had come close to death after slicing down a few cultists. He had cut down monsters, beasts, and even wandered near the Demon Realm. All of it was for today. To crush the human who dared interfere with his business and fulfill his desires. Frog¡¯s desires were sometimes terrifyingly relentless. Maelrun¡¯s desires were simple and clear. To savor the sense of accomplishment after defeating an opponent. The man before him was the perfect adversary. Weaker than him, but desperate. However, the effort he¡¯d put in to experience the most intense sense of accomplishment had not paid off. Or rather, his effort had, but the opponent had changed. ¡®This is ridiculous.¡¯ Facing someone far stronger than himself was far from Maelrun¡¯s desire, and that¡¯s why he was here. Given his talent for reading his opponent and his vast experience, losing shouldn¡¯t have been an option. Even now, his combat instincts were telling him so. But then, what is this? What the hell is going on? His current skill level had improved dramatically from before. But the guy who had barely matched him previously just took his eye in one strike. And now¡­ ¡°Where¡¯s my arm?¡± Such an absurd statement slipped out involuntarily. It was there, and now it¡¯s not. They had exchanged blows just twice¡ªonce, he lost an eye, the second time, he lost an arm. In other words, his arm had been severed. The flesh below his elbow, holding the sword, lay discarded on one side. He could see his hand, still gripping the loop sword, twitching and bleeding. Frog¡¯s regenerative abilities were impressive, with flesh already beginning to wriggle and regenerate at the severed end, but for now, he had lost both his weapon and arm. Overwhelmed with absurdity and betrayed by his own desires, Frog lost his sanity. His eyes spun wildly, and his gaping mouth let out a lolling, long tongue. ¡°You want more?¡± Encrid checked on Krais, confirming that he was unharmed. He was already aware that Krais was crouched in a corner of the hall, not tied up. This meant that Frog hadn¡¯t killed anyone yet. There were things he wanted to ask. Who the hell had ordered the hit? Was it over now, or would others like him come again? Was this the doing of the Black Blade, or had the Count been meddling in the territory all along? There were many suspicions. The answer was simple. He just needed to ask Frog. He watched with that in mind. ¡°Enki.¡± The Fairy Company Commander called him by his nickname from behind. It seemed preferable to ¡®fiancee¡¯. And he realized why she had called him when he looked at Frog. The Frog named Maelrun reached inside his chest armor and pulled something out. It was a small leather pouch. It was flat and the perfect shape to be stored inside chest armor. He lifted it, turned it over above his mouth, and the drawstring loosened as a powdery substance fell into his mouth. ¡°Be careful.¡± The Fairy warned, and soon Frog¡¯s eyes turned bloodshot. Consumed entirely by the desire for victory and a singular sense of accomplishment, Frog made a choice he would regret once he regained his senses. He had taken the drug, and its effects soon manifested in his body. ¡°Grrrrrrraaaaaaah!¡± Frog let out a terrifying scream and charged forward, much faster than before. Encrid had already shifted his right foot back and assumed a defensive stance from the moment Frog started taking the powdered drug. Watching Frog charge, Krais¡¯s eyes widened as if they might tear apart. The Fairy Company Commander stepped back in response. Gilpin, who had been waiting outside the door after guiding them, was so startled that he fell on his backside. Encrid¡¯s senses were sharper than ever, allowing him to perceive everything around him. With Concentrate One, the Focus Point, activated, everything around him seemed to slow down. It felt as if a heavy, solid air enveloped his body. The powder Frog had inhaled scattered in the air, reflecting light. Frog¡¯s figure suddenly enlarged as he closed the distance, now right in front of Encrid. Encrid held his sword at a diagonal angle. As Frog narrowed the gap, he thrust his foot forward. ¡®Even if I cut him¡­¡¯ Frog¡¯s body would soon crash down on him like a boulder. It was a classic Frog tactic¡ªsacrificing flesh to take the opponent¡¯s bones. Boom! Thud! A loud crash echoed as one of the two was sent flying into the wall. ¡°Commander!¡± Only then did Krais shout. He couldn¡¯t see the fight¡¯s progression, but even he noticed when Frog took the drug and went berserk. The impact from their collision cracked the wooden floor of the mansion and kicked up dust, momentarily obscuring Krais¡¯s view. Beyond the dust, a vague silhouette waved its hand and spoke. ¡°Why are you calling me?¡± ¡®Oh, damn. I thought he got hit.¡¯ Krais let out a sigh of relief. The Fairy Company Commander, too startled to remain silent, opened her mouth without realizing it. She was in an awkward, half-stepping stance, her hand resting on her sword. ¡°What was that just now?¡± She replayed what she had seen in her mind. Frog¡¯s foot came flying at him. Encrid deflected it with the flat of his sword against Frog¡¯s shin. Frog¡¯s skin was slick. He had used that trait to deflect the attack. Of course, it was by no means an easy feat. A slight misstep could have resulted in his head being shattered by the kick, or if it had hit his shoulder, it would have broken bones instantly. So even deflecting it was a remarkable feat, but it didn¡¯t end there. Encrid then drew a short sword with his left hand and used the flat of the blade as a blunt weapon to strike Frog¡¯s chest armor. He accurately targeted the heart area, shattering the armor and delivering a shock to the heart inside. Was this surprising? Absolutely. The reaction speed and the method of dealing with it were both astonishing. ¡°You¡¯ve improved immensely.¡± Sinar now judged that she couldn¡¯t easily guarantee victory against Encrid. Of course, if she were to fight with all her strength, the outcome might be different, but in a simple sparring match, she couldn¡¯t easily claim to be the winner anymore. ¡®He might be tougher than a barbarian.¡¯ Seeing the surprised Fairy, Encrid just shrugged his shoulders. ¡°You seem to know something.¡± He then asked. Encrid had heard the Commander¡¯s shout when she saw the powdered drug. It sounded like she knew something about it. ¡°I recently came across it.¡± S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Let¡¯s clean up the area first.¡± Krais, having regained his composure, approached and spoke. Encrid nodded in response. He then turned his gaze toward Frog, who was wedged between the broken bricks of the mansion wall. His heart hadn¡¯t burst, but the impact had knocked him out cold. Regardless of the drug¡¯s effects driving him into a frenzy, Frog¡¯s weak point was his heart. Encrid had targeted it precisely. The difference in skill was clear. ¡°But Commander, you¡¯re really strong.¡± Even though he knew it, it was still surprising. Krais remarked, and Gilpin, who had witnessed everything, stood with his mouth agape, unable to speak a word since earlier. He hadn¡¯t even gotten up from his position after falling on his backside. These people were monsters, with no connection to him whatsoever. He hadn¡¯t even seen much of what happened, but would anyone believe him if he told this story? ¡®Yeah, right. Like they¡¯ll believe it.¡¯ Does this even make sense? Is that guy supposed to be some kind of Knight? But no, he¡¯s just a Company Commander, right? Yet, he fights unbelievably well. ¡°We¡¯re heading back.¡± Encrid had captured Frog alive. If he didn¡¯t die, he would regenerate, so capturing him alive was the right call. He also intended to resolve a few questions and satisfy his curiosity. Encrid slung Frog over his shoulder, with the Fairy Company Commander and Krais following beside him. As they stepped outside the mansion, a cold wind brushed against their cheeks. The battle hadn¡¯t been very long, but it had made them sweat. The breeze on his face felt incredibly refreshing. As sweat trickled down his temples, the Fairy Company Commander reached out to wipe it away. As she did, she spoke. ¡°Are you an onion?¡± Encrid was puzzled by the question. ¡°What do you mean by that?¡± ¡°You keep showing new sides of yourself, so I wondered if you¡¯re like an onion, with new layers revealed every time you peel one away.¡± Encrid was deeply curious. What exactly is a joke in the world of Fairies? Is this what a normal Fairy is like? Or is the Fairy Company Commander an outcast even among Fairies, exiled here for making such jokes? He glanced at Krais, wondering if he¡¯d heard, but Krais didn¡¯t seem to react. ¡°Oh, he¡¯s got a lot of stuff.¡± Krais was rummaging through the bag Frog had brought while they walked. ¡°Did you hear that?¡± Encrid asked. Krais, who had been bent over the bag as if he was about to dive into it, lifted his head. ¡°Hear what?¡± He didn¡¯t hear it. Or perhaps he did but chose not to listen. Knowing this was a technique Krais often used, Encrid mimicked it as well. ¡°What is that powdered drug?¡± He heard it, but chose not to acknowledge it. He changed the subject. ¡°There is something troublesome. Onion fianc¨¦.¡± The Fairy Company Commander, undeterred, gave Encrid a fresh nickname. Should I curse at her? Encrid considered this briefly, then kept his mouth shut. He could have Krais look into the drug later. ¡°Onion fianc¨¦, your eyes seem to be saying something right now. They look like they¡¯re seeing an apple grown in a swamp.¡± ¡°¡­A swamp apple?¡± ¡°Apples grown in swamps are always rotten and diseased.¡± He interpreted it as an insult. Encrid noticed that the Fairy Company Commander seemed a bit giddy. He didn¡¯t ask why. Instead, he just acted like Krais. He heard it but didn¡¯t acknowledge it. ¡°Hey, fianc¨¦. I can tell you don¡¯t want to answer me right now.¡± ¡°Esther has come to meet us.¡± Encrid expressed his relief upon spotting a panther in front of the barracks. As he said, it was as if Esther had come out to greet them, waiting up ahead. Encrid¡¯s steps felt light. Previously, he had barely managed to hold his own against Frog Maelrun, but now, everything was different. This had ended like a simple stroll. He had changed that much. Encrid thought this as he looked at Esther. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com] Chapter 263 In the past, strategists, Military leaders, and Commanders from the continent tried to create magical units. In other words, they wanted to gather wizards and elevate them into a powerful force under their command. ¡°If you gather wizards and form an army, it could rival the might of a Knight order!¡± The first fool who thought of this idea diligently put his words into action. He wandered the continent, gathering those who could recite spells, and promised them many things. He provided them with resources and support, even catering to the secret desires of the wizards. Dozens of wizards gathered, forming a single group. Thus, the Demon¡¯s Womb was born. Of course, it wasn¡¯t named the Demon¡¯s Womb from the beginning. ¡°I suggest we call it the Tower of Wisdom.¡± That¡¯s what it was called initially, but later historians dubbed the place the Demon¡¯s Womb. Why? Because when those wizards gathered, they did something that caused a demon and twelve Balrogs to emerge from there, making the name inevitable. The nameless demon, or at least what was called a nameless demon by humans who didn¡¯t have time to give it a proper name back then, swept through three surrounding territories, creating an undead army, and claimed the title of the Father of the Dead. The twelve Balrogs serving the demon fought fiercely, living up to their name as creatures born for battle, war, and combat. This is an event that happened somewhere between legend and history, though not quite myth. The demon still exists. Eventually, to drive out the demon nicknamed ¡°The Father of the Dead¡± or ¡°The Last Door of Life¡±, the greatest Knight orders from across the continent were dispatched. The demon fought and fought, then retreated into the Demon Realm. That¡¯s the history of how the demon, known as the Father of the Dead, came to nest deep within the Demon Realm. [Eternal, with an immortal body and spirit, that demon can never be killed by human hands.] That¡¯s how people used to refer to the demon. One would hope a lesson was learned, but even after this, several people attempted to organize wizards into groups. Some of them even succeeded, but, well, the outcome was rarely beautiful. Rebellions, runaway spells, and wizards killing each other without anyone even telling them to. ¡°They are an uncontrollable source of instability.¡± This was what the Empire unofficially said when referring to wizards, and there was even a period of witch hunts and magical repression. Nowadays, most people would lower their eyes, fear, and also revere witches. The view towards wizards is similar. What lesson was learned from this? ¡®Wizards are unpredictable, whimsical, and dangerous troublemakers.¡¯ Despite this, some secretly sought friendships with wizards or created the position of court wizard in their Kingdoms. However, the consensus is that it¡¯s more of a transactional relationship. Encrid thought this as he looked at Esther. Having just drowned a Frog along with the Fairy Company Commander, the creature was still unconscious. And then there was Esther. This panther seemed to have some grievance, staring at him intently. I have a grievance. He could feel it without needing words. His senses were blurred, mixed, and combined, forming a new sixth sense and intuition that spoke to him. ¡®What¡¯s with her?¡¯ ¡°Oh.¡± Just before parting, the Fairy Company Commander let out an inexplicable exclamation. ¡°Let¡¯s meet again, Onion Fianc¨¦. I look forward to the day I peel away your layers, one by one, until I see you bare.¡± Why is she wishing that on me? Encrid found it puzzling, but since this was not someone he could converse with using ordinary logic, he simply replied, ¡°Please, go ahead.¡± He vaguely sent her off. He also mentioned that they would interrogate the Frog together, and she agreed to that as well. Back in the tent, Esther kept staring at him with that strange look, which made him recall the history of a wizard causing trouble. Isn¡¯t she also a witch capable of who knows what? ¡°Why?¡± So, he asked. Rather than beat around the bush and risk straining the relationship, he asked directly. That was Encrid. The more he thought about it, the more convinced he became: she was a witch. A witch who could even transform into a panther. A witch who, for some reason, preferred being in the form of a panther rather than a human. This was a misunderstanding. Esther had to maintain her panther form due to a curse, not because she enjoyed it. Well, every situation has its pros and cons, and where there¡¯s something good, there¡¯s usually something bad as well. The curse of beast transformation wasn¡¯t entirely a bad thing. For a genius witch who had lived in her world of spells since before she could even fully comprehend things, extracting something useful from the curse was an easy task. Of course, the catalyst for all of this was the man standing in front of her. ¡®Why.¡¯ At first, it was only a question. When she was in the man¡¯s arms, the power of her curse weakened. If the curse was a tangled thread, then it was as if the knotted thread unraveled on its own. If it had been forcibly cut, her world would have been polluted and damaged, but by slowly unraveling it from the starting point, there was no such danger. The man was someone who could effortlessly unravel the tangled threads of the curse. Because of this, she had fallen asleep and woken up in this place, in the man¡¯s arms. ¡®Why?¡¯ The question persisted. For a witch, such questions were like poison. That¡¯s why she had to delve deeper. She had to ponder repeatedly because that was the right answer. Of course, there was much more to do than just pondering. She had to refine the first summoned creature she had placed in her world of spells and gather various items to extend the time she could remain in human form. Although it still wasn¡¯t enough, unless she captured an alchemy master, she had already obtained everything she could for now. After that, she began the process of refining her world of spells once again. She couldn¡¯t afford to fall victim to such a petty curse again. Esther had a purpose. A purpose she had to fulfill after overcoming the curse. There were two main things. The first was revenge. She needed to go and pierce the head of the bastard who had done this to her with a flaming arrow. The second was different in nature, but it was her original, ultimate purpose for mastering magic. ¡®The world must be ruled by spells.¡¯ To recreate a new world through spells. Even if it meant that thousands of humans and other races would die, nations would collapse, the land would rot, and lakes would turn black in the time of destruction. ¡®If it must be done, then so be it.¡¯ How long had she harbored this goal? Was it during the time she was called the Witch of Fire? Or was it when she was known as the Sage with Blue Eyes? In any case, it was an ambition she had nurtured since then. The world would be reshaped by magic, by spells, by mystery. Grrr. As Esther was lost in thought, she unconsciously bared her fangs slightly. Even with such a display, the man paid no attention and simply raised his hand to pat her head. ¡°Are you sulking?¡± However, she didn¡¯t like his tone, so she gently bit his hand. It should have hurt, but the blue eyes peeking through his black hair only smiled. ¡°It hurts, you brat.¡± Though she still didn¡¯t like his tone, she let it slide. Seeing that smiling face, she couldn¡¯t even get angry. His appearance was undeniably beautiful. Within Esther, there was a great, powerful will and determination to overturn the world. She had nurtured and carried it with her all this time, but recently, her thoughts had started to change. It was the first change in a hundred years. If the curse was the beginning of the change, then this man was the end of it. ¡®Why?¡¯ Why is it that when I look at this man, I want to cheer for him? Why do I want to see what lies ahead for him? Why do I want to help him? Why is it enjoyable to watch him wield his blade? While she was lost in thought, the man left for a neighboring territory, and she thought he would return soon, but days passed, and he didn¡¯t come back. She was irritated at the thought of going to find him, and waiting around was equally nerve-wracking. She needed to be in his arms. The energy of the curse needed to be suppressed again. But Esther first needed to organize her thoughts. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡®In the world of spells, distractions are poison.¡¯ It could be an extremely dangerous poison. Poison that affects the mind is twice as dangerous as that which harms the body. This was a fact proven by countless wizards. As she cleared the poison from her mind and once again felt the need for the man¡¯s calming presence, he finally returned quietly. But without seeking her out or even looking for her, he went out again. Apparently, a Frog had arrived, but why did he seem like he had been playing with the Fairy? ¡®Why do I want to hit him?¡¯ Esther didn¡¯t understand why she felt this way, but she didn¡¯t dwell on it too much either. If this happened again, she decided to act on her feelings. She was a witch, a wizard. They are inherently whimsical. Selfish explorers whose own world of spells is their top priority. It might have been inevitable that the man before her caught her curiosity. ¡®How can he be like that?¡¯ She had encountered dozens, even hundreds, of people who claimed to be skilled with the sword. But never had she met anyone like this. Even thinking back to the time when she was first called a witch, she couldn¡¯t recall meeting anyone like him. How could she not be intrigued? ¡°Want to go check out the market? I noticed they¡¯re selling a lot of stuff.¡± With those words, Esther stood up. She had dispelled the poison that had entered her world of spells. ¡®Follow your heart.¡¯ That¡¯s what she decided to do. As the previously sullen Esther got up, Encrid picked her up into his arms. ¡°Going to the market? Then let¡¯s go together.¡± ¡°What about the Frog?¡± ¡°Whatever it ate, it¡¯s still in a daze. That drug is potent.¡± ¡°Did you find out what it was?¡± As he adjusted Esther in his arms and stepped outside, he saw Rem beating up Dunbachel. Audin and Teresa were also sitting idly by. Should I take them with me? The thought crossed his mind, but they all shook their heads. ¡°I¡¯m seeking the answer to the Lord¡¯s question.¡± Audin mumbled some nonsense. ¡°I¡¯m Teresa, the wanderer. It¡¯s time for training. I need to prepare for the next sparring session.¡± Teresa, who was as serious about training as he was, was drenched in sweat. ¡°I¡¯m busy. Go play by yourself. Seriously, can¡¯t you even go to the market alone without me? If someone saw, they might think I¡¯m your father.¡± Crazy Rem, that bastard. Instead of emphasizing that he was older, Encrid simply gave Dunbachel a long look. ¡°Hit him hard. You can do it.¡± As he offered his encouragement, the beastwoman¡¯s eyes lit up like never before. ¡°At your command.¡± ¡°Huh? You¡¯re crazy. Today, let¡¯s have a truly exhilarating training session.¡± Seeing that, Rem smiled broadly. It seemed he was excited now that his opponent was showing a will to fight. A consistently crazy guy. Jaxon was nowhere to be seen, and Ragna, rarely, was wielding his sword here and there, so Encrid didn¡¯t dare to interrupt. Thus, they set out for the market. He bought some of Esther¡¯s favorite spiced jerky and some marmalade. This time, they also brought a few bread-making artisans from Martai, so there would be plenty to eat and see. But that wasn¡¯t all. Previously, in his hasty comings and goings, he hadn¡¯t noticed it, but now he realized, ¡°Doesn¡¯t it seem like a lot has changed?¡± Encrid said as he scratched behind Esther¡¯s ear with his finger. Esther, nestled in his arms with her chest puffed out, purred happily. Krais responded indifferently to his Commander¡¯s words. ¡°You can say that again.¡± Indeed, things had changed. Although he hadn¡¯t paid much attention to the market before, ¡°Marcus, that guy¡­ he¡¯s really something else.¡± It was meant in a good way. Krais succinctly summarized what he had heard and seen. ¡°He¡¯s been spending Krona like a madman, like a foal with its tail on fire.¡± Under the clear, cloudless sky, the sun shone down. It was exceptionally good weather for the North¡¯s winter. The number of people bustling around the market had increased several times over, and the inns were packed. The inn known as Vanessa¡¯ Pumpkin Soup was even expanding. Workers could be seen carrying wood and stone. It wasn¡¯t just happening at that inn. The streets, the castle gates, the walls, and all sorts of buildings were bustling with activity. Crowds of people moved around in groups. ¡°I overheard something¡­¡± As Krais continued talking, Encrid could picture the work that Battalion Commander Marcus had done. ¡°Let¡¯s raise the watchtower a bit higher.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°And dig a moat in front of the inner castle gate.¡± ¡°¡­We don¡¯t have enough manpower for that. And we don¡¯t even have an outer wall.¡± ¡°Then we¡¯ll make one.¡± Marcus didn¡¯t get angry at his adjutant¡¯s words. He had a lot of experience, and he didn¡¯t think everyone around him was smart. ¡®It would be strange if everyone were like Encrid.¡¯ In fact, most people are foolish. Idiots. Marcus knew that well. So, he didn¡¯t bother explaining further. ¡°Send out the troops from the barracks.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°Weren¡¯t a lot of mercenaries coming from outside? Hire them all and put them to work digging.¡± It started in a corner of the office. Marcus¡¯s will was clear, and his direction was firm. He didn¡¯t tolerate any dissent. ¡°Raise the watchtower.¡± The moat and watchtower were built simultaneously. The slums on the outskirts of the territory were demolished. All the displaced were employed as laborers. ¡°From now on, those who don¡¯t work won¡¯t eat or sleep.¡± What about those who resisted? How dare they. A single word from the Border Guard Battalion Commander now could even bring down birds from the sky. Even a dragon would lose a scale or two. All the battles he had fought alongside Encrid had given him this power. Moreover, the territory had recently emerged as a trading hub, causing a sharp increase in internal taxes. In other words, the territory was becoming wealthy. Marcus did pocket a little for himself, but he reinvested most of it. They dug a moat, but instead of doing something insane like filling it with water, they just dug it deep. It was enough to prevent siege engines or close-range siege weapons from approaching. Bringing in water was something they could do later. They also dug a few more wells. This had been started long ago. It was something he had begun even before the influx of people. When the population grows, water and food issues must be addressed first. Marcus did just that. And he kept moving forward relentlessly. ¡°Train archers. If you find any mercenaries who are good with a bow, persuade them to join the army.¡± He also implemented a bold talent acquisition strategy. ¡°They say they won¡¯t come unless we hire the entire mercenary group they lead¡­¡± ¡°Bring them all. Give them some gold coins.¡± There was plenty of gold to spare. They had taken Martai, and earlier, they had won the fight against Aspen. For the time being, there was no need to worry about an attack from Aspen, making this place a safe zone. Naturally, trading companies and merchants began to gather. And the mercenary groups needed to protect them entered the territory. Thus, the Krona flowed freely. It was only a matter of time before the Lord of the territory at the center of it all became incredibly wealthy. Radical training for archers. In addition, training warhorses. Expanding watchtowers and fortifications. They spent Krona as if there was no end to it. And there was no shortage of talent either. ¡°Aren¡¯t there some of those guys who were defeated by Encrid still around?¡± There were many of them. Some who heard the rumors, got involved, and then stayed. Some who got scared after witnessing the fight and awkwardly lingered behind. There were more who stayed than those who left. Normally, these would be troublemakers or potential criminals. ¡°Round them all up.¡± They were made into slaves to gold. First, they were given Krona and brought in. Expanding the barracks was a given. It was something already in progress. However, it wasn¡¯t something that could be done entirely from this side. ¡°Contact the Northern Battalion.¡± The Border Guard Reserve Unit originally had two battalions. One had already set out and built a barracks near Aspen, where they were stationed. They were laying the foundation to establish a new territory altogether. Within the reach of gold coins, Marcus did everything he could. Krais was both impressed and bewildered by how excellent Marcus was as an administrator, politician, and skilled manager. ¡°And so, now it¡¯s like this.¡± The number of watchtowers increased to sixteen, the castle walls were being repaired, and during the construction of the moat, countless arrows were purchased. Not just regular bows, but also composite bows were acquired. Every single penny earned was being used for the defense and development of the territory. ¡°Someone must have died in the process.¡± Encrid imagined what might have happened in Marcus¡¯s office and asked. Just because orders are given doesn¡¯t mean everything goes smoothly. The administrative work, processing, and organization beneath it all are no small tasks. Krais nodded. ¡°Of course. The Commander of the Heavy Infantry Company collapsed two days ago. Even the nobles who were somewhat competent were on the verge of being ground down.¡± Marcus¡¯s specialty. Neither Encrid nor Krais had known, but Marcus¡¯s specialty was working people to the bone. He utilized his specialty to the fullest. Once known as ¡°Millstone Marcus¡± within his family, he was now able to unleash his abilities without restraint. The territory of the Border Guard was changing rapidly, almost dazzlingly so. It was surprising, yet also the natural order of things. When people, Krona, and capable individuals come together, this is the result. As Encrid looked around the market that had changed so much, he saw that there were indeed a lot of people. And among those people was someone who suddenly thrust a knife into his side. Feeling the blade slip in, Encrid grabbed the wrist of the assailant. Esther half-opened her eyes. In front of them was a hunchback who appeared to be bowing. .bg-container-10448ed3ed0{ display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; justify-content: center; z-index: 2147483647 !important; } .bg-ssp-10448{margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;display:flex;justify-content:center;} .bg-container-10448f61e68{ display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; justify-content: center; z-index: 2147483647 !important; } He was an assassin. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com] Chapter 264 ¡°Well, how was it?¡± Edin Molsen¡¯s father asked. He spoke without even lifting his head, only moving his lips as he sat at his desk, so the man who had been Edin Molsen¡¯s guard had to respond while looking at the top of his head. The guard, standing straight, began to speak. ¡°He has opened the Will. At least at the level of a Squire.¡± To rise, to open, to reach, to awaken, to achieve. There were various ways to describe using the ¡®Will¡¯, but the important thing here was just one: The fact that he could use the ¡®Will¡¯. A man with black hair and blue eyes, intriguing, but not someone who needed to be brought in immediately. ¡°He used the Will?¡± The quill pen, which had been scribbling something, stopped. Count raised his head. His eyes clearly showed a change in emotion. The guard thought it was a rare occurrence, while Count asked again and fell into thought. ¡®I knew he was the subject of considerable rumors, but Will?¡¯ It meant he had truly reached the level of a Squire. There was a significant difference between an actual ¡®Squire¡¯ and someone merely ¡®at the level of a Squire¡¯. Comparing a mere swordsman with someone who could use the Will was absurd. Yet the world often used the term ¡®at the level of a Squire¡¯. It implied that someone could somewhat match up to a Squire without the Will. Count knew all too well how meaningless that term was. Count, who had now completely put down his quill, sat back in his chair. ¡®The Will?¡¯ He repeated the words he had spoken out loud in his mind. It wasn¡¯t his intention. It just happened naturally. It wasn¡¯t something that could easily be overlooked. He had already suspected that this person had far surpassed the level of a Squire. When people on the continent talked about being at the level of a Squire, it usually meant someone who was barely at the level of a Squire. In other words, people who trained their body and mind without the Will. Among them, some lived indulgent lives and still awakened to the Will. Others lived lives almost as ascetic as monks, training constantly, and eventually became Squires. Their common trait was that they were all at least landowners and were all renowned for their martial prowess. So being a Squire was synonymous with being a fearsome, skilled swordsman. Given this, how hollow was the phrase ¡®at the level of a Squire¡¯? But this wasn¡¯t just that, it meant he had reached the same level as a true Squire? The guard observed the Count¡¯s face. Apart from the change in his eyes, his expression remained the same. He only adjusted his facial muscles in an aloof, almost pretentious manner. Count spoke with a slight smile. ¡°This has become interesting.¡± Count abandoned most of the plans he had been silently pondering and formulating. ¡°What do you think?¡± He asked again, seeking the guard¡¯s insight. The guard hesitated for a moment. How much should he reveal? This man¡¯s true nature was unknowable. He wasn¡¯t someone to be trusted. ¡°A madman.¡± A noble of Naurillia, yet someone who had forged an alliance, though not officially, with the Hurrier family of Aspen. The guard was here as evidence of that. In name, he was Count¡¯s guard, a retainer, but in reality, he was a member of the Hurrier family of Aspen. Thus, his true identity was a Squire of Aspen. This was the result of a tangled mess created by those above, but as a Squire, he had no concern for political insight. He was only clearly aware of one simple fact: This man was plotting something, and Aspen had accepted it. ¡®Could this man even feel a father¡¯s love?¡¯ That doesn¡¯t seem likely. The lingering twilight had quietly seeped into the office through the window, bathing the room in a warm orange hue. The guard carefully chose his words and spoke. ¡°He is a very difficult and challenging person to deal with, someone who exerts a peculiar influence on those around him.¡± ¡°So, he¡¯s the type who gathers people and keeps them under his command?¡± That wasn¡¯t quite it. It was a bit different. ¡°No, that¡¯s not it. However¡­¡± The guard paused for a moment, searching for the right words. ¡°It seemed as if, without intending to, everyone around him was drawn to him, almost as if they enjoyed being in his presence.¡± The guard thought of the half-blood Giant. She called herself Teresa The Wanderer, but you¡¯d have to be blind not to recognize her true nature. She was originally an enemy. She clearly belonged to another group and had even caused trouble, yet where was she now? Whose side was she staying on? How was that even possible? It was something his mind couldn¡¯t comprehend. And what about the others who were around him? Lastly, the guard also noticed a change in Edin Molsen. He was about to mention Count¡¯s son when Count spoke first. ¡°They said the Black Blade is targeting him?¡± The twilight touched the left side of Count¡¯s face. For a moment, the guard saw two faces in Count. Two entirely different faces divided by the line where the twilight fell. Neither of them showed any concern, worry, or even interest in his son. For a brief moment, the guard thought there was something odd about the way Count said the Black Blade was targeting him¡ªalmost as if it had already happened¡ªbut he held back his words. ¡°That¡¯s what I heard.¡± ¡°Well, this is certainly getting interesting.¡± ¡°Yes, then I¡¯ll take my leave.¡± The guard suddenly felt a wave of nausea. Dealing with this man brought that feeling back repeatedly. How far can human malice grow? What can be sacrificed for ambition? If someone offered him the path of Knighthood, how much would he be willing to give up? ¡®Even family? Even children?¡¯ Would he have to offer everything up as a sacrifice and move forward? For ambition? Or should he stop for the sake of his humanity? Count before him didn¡¯t seem like he would ever stop. It seemed like things like children, family, or affection didn¡¯t exist in his mind. As the guard opened the office door and stepped out, he saw someone standing by the door. A man with silver hair cascading down, wearing a black helmet pulled low over his head. The man gave a slight nod, and the guard responded with a nod of his own before disappearing into the dark hallway untouched by the twilight. Count¡¯s guard, the one wearing the black helmet, closed the door. Thud. Count leaned on his chin, staring at the closed door. His mouth felt idle. He took out a pipe, placed it between his lips, and snapped his fingers. With a pop, a flame flared up, pushing away the twilight¡¯s light. Moving the fire from his fingertips to the pipe, Count lit it with a smile. The smoke from the tobacco filled his lungs, then spilled out of his throat and curled around his lips, forming wisps of smoke. The twilight light mixed with the smoke, making it look like orange-hued smoke. ¡°Those Black Blade bastards.¡± ¡°It won¡¯t be much fun, will it?¡± If he¡¯s not just at the level of a Squire but a true Squire. If the report from the guard is true, and those around him are all formidable in their own right. Then they won¡¯t have an easy time getting what they want. ¡®It would be fine even if they succeed.¡¯ If the Black Blade strikes a blow against Encrid¡¯s group? Then it would be a matter of weighing the scales afterward. However, that didn¡¯t seem likely to happen. It was a vague premonition, but such feelings rarely missed their mark. ¡°This should be interesting.¡± Count sank into thought, and nowhere in his mind was there any consideration of Edin Molsen. As soon as Encrid grabbed the wrist, his opponent yanked back with all their strength. Naturally, that wrist didn¡¯t budge. It stopped, motionless, as if frozen in place. The veins on the back of the hand bulged, a result of the tight grip. Even though everyone around him seemed like a monster, Encrid¡¯s physical strength was not inferior to theirs. Crack. He pulled the wrist back and twisted it. The wrist bent at an unnatural angle and broke. Yet, no sound of pain came from his opponent¡¯s mouth. The market was packed with people. Half people, half goods. Few among the crowd paid attention to what was happening. ¡°Damn it, what do you expect me to do if you step on that?¡± One vendor angrily shouted. ¡°Hey, there¡¯s no room to walk!¡± The streets will need to be widened. Maybe they even poured Krona into it? There were signs of such efforts. Construction to widen the main road was underway. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The entire territory might expand. The hunchback whose wrist had been broken reached out with the other hand. Before the opponent¡¯s arm could fully extend, Encrid¡¯s right fist snapped forward in a sharp punch. To an ordinary person, like Krais who was nearby, it was too fast to see. All he heard was a sudden whoosh followed by a cracking sound. Even Esther, who was in Encrid¡¯s arms, was a little surprised by how little she felt from the impact. ¡°He¡¯s gotten even more precise.¡± As a witch, she couldn¡¯t quite discern what had changed in Encrid, but her instincts told her something had. After breaking the hunchback¡¯s jaw. Wearing a thick robe, Encrid grabbed the hood and yanked it off, revealing a hunched figure with a thick mane of hair. The process of breaking the wrist, delivering the punch, and pulling off the robe took only a few breaths. But as soon as this brief sequence ended, a projectile suddenly flew toward them. With his Sixth Sense heightened, Encrid opened his palm and swung at the incoming projectile. The projectile dropped straight to the ground with a sharp thud. It was a dart. ¡°These guys are no pushovers.¡± Encrid remarked, lightly nudging the dart with his foot. ¡°¡­Is that something to say after you¡¯ve already taken them down so easily?¡± Krais spoke in disbelief. What did he mean by ¡°no pushovers¡±? Esther suddenly leaped out from Encrid¡¯s arms. When the panther landed on the ground, a few people nearby were startled. Some had seen the fallen hunchback, others noticed the knife in his hand, and they all saw Encrid and Krais. While the passing merchants might not recognize their faces, the Border Guard locals certainly would. ¡°A knife!¡± ¡°An attack!¡± ¡°An assassin!¡± Wow, they jumped straight to ¡°assassin¡± just by seeing him? That shout only added to the chaos. The area was already crowded, filled with screams, the shouts of merchants, and stall owners trying to protect their goods. It was a complete mess. Encrid expanded his senses, scanning his surroundings. Nothing stood out. This was why he said the opponents were no pushovers. ¡®They were undetectable until they went in for the stab.¡¯ The person who threw the dart must have immediately hidden themselves in the crowd, making it impossible to find them. This meant they had mastered the art of concealment. Encrid focused, thinking that if there were fewer people around, he might be able to track them down. Where are you? He questioned in his mind, engaging his sight, hearing, smell, and touch. By adding his Sixth Sense to what he could see, hear, smell, and feel, he could roughly determine the direction. There was a faint killing intent. The moment he concentrated in that direction, something flew at him from behind with a whoosh. It was slower than the dart but heavier. ¡®A stone throw?¡¯ With that sudden thought, Encrid turned his body. The projectile came into view. Thanks to his intense training, his eyes had developed incredible visual acuity, allowing him to see the thrown object clearly. It was a leather pouch. Encrid acted on a strange instinct, purely driven by gut feeling. Drawing his gladius, he twisted his wrist so that the broad side of the blade was facing upward, then swung it up to strike the incoming pouch. Thud! Bang-bang-bang-bang! The pouch exploded in mid-air, releasing a shower of metal spikes in all directions. ¡®Oh?¡¯ This is a new one. ¡°Ahhhh!¡± A few spikes fell to the ground. Since it was winter and everyone was wearing thick clothing, only a few people were actually pricked. But the chaos grew even worse than before. ¡°Damn it! Everyone, get inside the buildings! If you stay out here, you¡¯ll be considered the enemy!¡± The shout of a soldier patrolling the market echoed. It was appropriate. In situations like this, it was better to subdue the chaos with force and suppress it with authority. Encrid didn¡¯t move. He simply kept a close watch on his surroundings. Krais, after looking around, decided that staying put was actually the safest option and stopped where he was. Ping! In the meantime, two more darts were fired, one of which was aimed at Krais. The flying dart drew a line as it approached. That line extended, and within Encrid¡¯s heightened senses, the endpoint and trajectory of that line were clear. His concentration exploded. It was a moment of intense focus. Keen senses, sharp focus, and bold instincts came together in perfect harmony. Encrid moved as if executing a well-rehearsed trick. He dodged the dart aimed at him with just a slight tilt of his head and caught the other one in mid-air by reaching out with his hand. It all happened in a single motion, within a single breath. If the assassin who threw the darts had witnessed this, their hair would have stood on end. They would have felt their bladder tremble, overwhelmed by the urge to flee immediately. And they likely had seen it. Encrid caught the dart and casually dangled it by its end with two fingers. ¡®These bastards?¡¯ They were targeting Krais? Meanwhile, another dart came flying in with a slight delay. This one was aimed at Esther, but by then, the panther had already evaded it. How many humans could match the swift movements of a beast? The dart that struck the spot where the panther had been was the only evidence that she had been targeted. Grrr. Esther growled, displaying her hostility, while Encrid kept his senses wide open. The assassin¡ªor rather, the group of assassins¡ªwas highly skilled. ¡®They deliberately let out killing intent and threw that pouch of metal spikes.¡¯ And wasn¡¯t it likely those spikes were poisoned? They probably were. Fleeting killing intent could be felt in various places, then quickly disappeared. ¡°Don¡¯t push! I said don¡¯t push!¡± ¡°Don¡¯t step on me!¡± ¡°Do you even know who you¡¯re shoving?¡± ¡°Help me!¡± ¡°Ahhhh!¡± ¡°Get out of the way, move!¡± .bg-container-10448869e4d{ display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; justify-content: center; z-index: 2147483647 !important; } .bg-ssp-10448{margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;display:flex;justify-content:center;} .bg-container-10448f61e68{ display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; justify-content: center; z-index: 2147483647 !important; } And the market descended further into chaos. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com] Chapter 265 There had never been such chaos. People were shoving each other. A construction worker, caught in the crowd, was pushed to the ground and rolled towards Encrid. Desperately, he curled up and covered his head, doing whatever he could to survive. Bang! ¡°Shut up and move!¡± A few patrolmen were angrily shouting from beyond the crowd, swinging their spears. Encrid¡¯s senses were sharper than ever before. A mix of heightened awareness and focus honed his instincts to a razor¡¯s edge. He remembered how he had captured the centaur leader. Everything around him felt within reach, and he knew exactly how to use it all, where to step, and what to do. In that state, Encrid remained still. He half-closed his eyes, calmly catching his breath. ¡°Commander?¡± Krais called out to Encrid, perhaps feeling uneasy at his behavior. Aside from the worker rolling on the ground, a middle-aged woman and a young child had also been pushed down by the crowd. No one wanted to be close to Encrid and risk getting caught in the fight, so they all hurried to distance themselves. As the crowd moved away from Encrid, a clear circle formed around him, leaving the worker, the woman, and the child in his vicinity. The child, terrified, was trembling uncontrollably. His clothing was torn, and he was bleeding from a scraped elbow after rolling on the ground. ¡°He¡¯s hurt.¡± Krais remarked, looking at the child. But he didn¡¯t step forward. If it had been a girl, maybe he would have, but it was a boy, and Krais knew that moving recklessly at this moment wouldn¡¯t be wise. He wasn¡¯t a great fighter, but he knew his role well. Now was the time to trust his Commander and hold his ground. The boy, head bowed, was too scared to even sob, only darting his frightened eyes around. Encrid, after quietly catching his breath, threw the dart he had been holding. His arm moved so quickly that it was barely visible. As his arm cut through the air, the dart had already flown, aiming for the worker¡¯s thigh. But the worker twisted his ankle to dodge it. With a slight swish, the dart skimmed the thick fabric of the worker¡¯s trousers and embedded itself in the ground. It might have seemed like a lucky escape. The movement was that precise. But in a situation like this, could it really be just luck? The dodge was instinctive and reflexive, but in doing so, he had essentially admitted his true nature. He could have been surprised by the sudden dart, but the worker immediately flicked his hand. Six darts left his hand. Three aimed at Encrid¡¯s chest and stomach. Three aimed at Krais¡¯s forehead, chest, and thigh. It was a trick. Before the darts could even leave his hand, Encrid¡¯s left hand, holding the gladius, moved. Clang, clang, clang, clang, clang, clang! All six darts were deflected harmlessly into the air. Then, a child who had somehow snuck behind them suddenly thrust a sword forward. The child had moved so stealthily and swiftly that it was impossible to tell when he had gotten so close. Where had they hidden such a sword in their small body? The short sword, about the length of a forearm, appeared out of nowhere. The child gripped the hilt with both hands and stabbed with all his might. It was fast. It was a sharp strike aimed perfectly at a vulnerable spot. As soon as Encrid deflected the darts, he smoothly turned his body. His movement seemed as if he had anticipated the attack from behind. As he turned and extended his sword, the short sword met the gladius. With a ¡®ting¡¯, the short blade was deflected to the side, and Encrid¡¯s gladius struck the boy¡¯s chest. Thud! It seemed the child was wearing sturdy leather armor underneath, as the blade didn¡¯t cut through easily. But just because the strike was smooth didn¡¯t mean it lacked power. After deflecting the shortsword, Encrid delivered a follow-up strike that caved in the boy¡¯s chest. Encrid¡¯s strength had now reached a level where even a glancing blow could be lethal, strong enough to arm-wrestle a Frog. ¡°Ugh.¡± The boy coughed painfully, clearly hit hard. Despite this, he stubbornly reached into his coat. But the boy wouldn¡¯t have his way. A small panther, moving silently, swiped its paw and struck the boy¡¯s chest. Crunch! The sound of breaking bones echoed loudly. The boy choked, his movements ceasing. The blow had shattered the boy¡¯s wrist and delivered a decisive second impact to his chest. With his hand still inside his coat, the boy¡¯s life was snuffed out. And then. ¡°You damn brat.¡± Finally, one of the assassins spoke, disguised as a middle-aged noblewoman. Encrid heard her, but he was already on the move. Or rather, he had already completed the action in his mind. By that time, he had already deflected the incoming darts, shattered the child¡¯s chest from the rear ambush, and stopped with his right hand extended forward. Three actions performed in a single breath. Deflecting the darts, pushing away the sword from behind, and thrusting forward with his right hand. His outstretched hand was aimed at the worker who had thrown the darts. A knife struck the forehead of the man who had been trying to pull something out. His head snapped back violently before he collapsed to his knees and then fell forward. Instant death. ¡°What did you say?¡± Encrid finally responded, as the well-dressed middle-aged woman threw something at her feet. Bang! It was a smoke bomb. A thick white smoke quickly spread in all directions from the ground. ¡°Esther.¡± Encrid, with just that word, entrusted Krais with the situation and focused his hearing. He sensed their movements, relying on his sixth sense and hearing. They were heading outside the estate, running furiously in one direction. He also realized that she wasn¡¯t alone. ¡®How many of them are there?¡¯ He couldn¡¯t help but recall the half-blood Fairy who had come before. The assassin who had gifted him the whistling dagger and then disappeared. These assassins, like that Fairy, probably had hidden weapons, secret techniques, and many tools suited for killing. When he fought the half-blood Fairy, he had foreseen countless moments like this. So, what about today? Encrid was confident. He had gauged his enemies and recognized his current strength. Above all, these people weren¡¯t the type to simply leave quietly if left alone. Letting go of the blade aimed at him wasn¡¯t in his nature. Thus, Encrid immediately took action. ¡°Krais, clean this up.¡± He left behind just one simple command. ¡°Huh?¡± A bewildered response came from behind, but that big-eyed company member had a sharp mind and would handle it. Encrid chased after the group of assassins on the move. * * ¡®Clean up this mess?¡¯ Krais stood idly among the panicking crowd, enveloped by the smoke bomb. ¡®Did all the assassins really leave?¡¯ Wasn¡¯t there one who had thrown darts at him earlier? As he stood there, a breeze began to clear the smoke. It didn¡¯t seem to be a poisonous smoke. ¡®If it were poisoned, it wouldn¡¯t have dispersed so easily.¡¯ ¡°Goddamn it! Everyone shut up and keep your heads down!¡± An uncontrolled crowd was no different from a mob. And controlling a mob required force. In the midst of the chaos, a patrolman swung his spear at someone¡¯s head who was causing a commotion nearby. Whack! The blow was hard enough to draw blood, and the person stumbled sideways. ¡°Agh!¡± The scream was inevitable. The struck resident was shoved aside. The patrolman¡¯s neck veins bulged as he shouted. Maintaining order was one of the things Marcus considered important. The soldiers were doing their jobs. An assassination here? An ambush here? Chaos here? If they handled this poorly, they all might end up dead. ¡®That¡¯s how it should be.¡¯ In that case, the patrol would quell the chaos on their own. Krais, visualizing his role in his head, shifted his gaze. He noticed the dead child. Upon closer inspection, it wasn¡¯t really a child. The face was sunken, with wrinkles around the eyes and mouth. The hunchback too¡ªeach of them had peculiar appearances. Krais¡¯s eyes were drawn to the shortsword the figure had been holding. The sword lay on the ground, gleaming with some kind of coating. ¡®Poison.¡¯ He had anticipated this before. What were the Black Blade Bandits planning? ¡®Coercion.¡¯ If that failed, the next step would be intimidation. What kinds of threats would those entail? The first would be an ambush on their return journey. After sending mercenaries¡ªhired blades not part of their group¡ªthey must have realized: ¡®The Swift Blade and the mercenaries didn¡¯t work?¡¯ Would they just give up then? ¡®If it were me?¡¯ He wouldn¡¯t. Retreating now would drag the name of the Black Blade Bandits through the mud. It was as if they were asking: Did you think we would just leave it at that? He hadn¡¯t expected such a large-scale assassination attempt. Krais scratched his head, glancing around at the now quieter crowd. ¡°Esther, I¡¯ll leave it to you.¡± He spoke, knowing that if any assassins were left, he was as good as dead. But he couldn¡¯t just abandon the task the Commander had given him and leave. He had a rough idea of their intentions. There were likely no assassins left here. Their target was Encrid. If it had been an attack on the estate, that would be an entirely different matter. A deliberate massacre of the Kingdom¡¯s citizens? In that case, the Knights might get involved. No matter how busy and preoccupied they were, they could certainly take action to cut down a few bandits. ¡®A clean way to handle this without escalating it to that point.¡¯ They were targeting just one person. So what they were doing now was a diversion. Could Encrid have gone without realizing that? ¡®Not a chance.¡¯ ¡°Alright, everyone, calm down. You there, stop stepping on other people¡¯s things. Those of you who set up stalls, pack up your goods for now. Construction workers, gather to one side and keep your heads down. Patrolman, what unit are you with?¡± ¡°Second Company, Second Platoon, under Vengeance¡¯s command.¡± Vengeance¡¯s subordinates. Krais nodded and spoke to the two patrolmen. ¡°Stop hitting and start cleaning up.¡± The patrolmen and other soldiers quickly gathered. With the combined effort of more than a squad and Krais¡¯s sharp eye, the situation was soon under control. ¡°My goods, my goods were damaged in all this.¡± ¡°Come on, you were just selling a few wooden arrows. Why keep going on about your goods? Only a few of them even got broken.¡± ¡°You saw?¡± The merchant, who had been on the verge of tears as if he¡¯d lost everything, quickly changed his expression. Krais silenced the shameless merchants with a few sharp words and then consoled those who had suffered real losses. ¡°Do you know what¡¯s great about our Battalion Commander? He¡¯s got plenty of gold. Now, I can¡¯t compensate you for the goods you lost, but there are plenty of jobs available. Work as a laborer for a month or two, and you¡¯ll make more money than you would have from selling those goods.¡± Krais knew how to turn a crisis into an opportunity. After all, they needed to widen the main road, build watchtowers, and finish the moat, didn¡¯t they? And then they¡¯d need to build a drawbridge, right? So, they needed more hands. The more workers, the better. They had plenty of Krona to pay for it. ¡°Alright, those of you with experience in construction, please step aside and let us know.¡± He seized the moment, deciding to move things in a direction that would benefit the estate. The people quickly adapted to the sudden change. The ambush was an ambush, the smoke was smoke, the cold was cold, and Krona was Krona. With a nod from Krais, two soldiers collected the bodies while Krais, now surrounded by people, shouted out. ¡°Who here has built a building before? Raise your hand!¡± * * You can¡¯t just lure them with Krona. You can¡¯t just sweet-talk them into moving out of the way. So, what do you do when someone stands in your path? You hand a piece of metal to a passerby and say: ¡°Go and stab them.¡± If that¡¯s all it takes to solve the problem, then what¡¯s the best course of action? Simple, but effective. That¡¯s what the Black Blade Bandits did. Encrid knew this was a trap. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As he ran, he dodged more than five volleys of darts. And amidst it all¡ªa familiar sound rang out. Wheeeeeee! Assassins who used Whistling Daggers weren¡¯t common. Encrid instinctively pinpointed the location of the assassin using the Whistling Dagger. Instead of sneaking around, which wasn¡¯t his style, he charged straight ahead. Naturally, this made him an easy target. The assassins, all running together, threw everything they had at him. But Encrid, using the sword in his left hand, deflected every projectile, proving that it could serve as a shield. Some of the assassins were shocked as they watched Encrid. ¡®What the hell is this guy?¡¯ ¡®Weren¡¯t they saying that the people around him were the problem?¡¯ ¡®Why isn¡¯t anything even grazing him?¡¯ Everything was coated with poison, so even a slight touch should have been enough. But nothing even grazed him. And when a Whistling Dagger was thrown, he casually snatched it out of the air and pocketed it. Was he aware that this was the only weapon not coated with poison? How was he even doing that? Catching a Whistling Dagger in mid-air? Even within the Black Blade Bandits, there were several renowned assassins, but none of them would dare to attempt such a feat. Encrid deflected incoming bolts with his sword, his gaze swiftly scanning his surroundings, always landing exactly where the assassins were hiding. The group of assassins, nevertheless, continued towards the agreed location. That location was in the northeastern part of the estate, between the upper garrison and the estate itself, in a reed field that rose up to waist height. The Black Blade Bandits didn¡¯t know. They didn¡¯t know exactly. They knew there were dangerous people around Encrid, but they didn¡¯t realize that Encrid himself was a threat. Misunderstandings and assumptions can be dangerous and threatening. .bg-container-10448869e4d{ display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; justify-content: center; z-index: 2147483647 !important; } .bg-ssp-10448{margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;display:flex;justify-content:center;} .bg-container-10448f61e68{ display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; justify-content: center; z-index: 2147483647 !important; } At least for these assassins, their misconceptions, misunderstandings, and lack of information were synonymous with meeting the Grim Reaper. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com] Chapter 266 The assassin, disguised as a middle-aged noblewoman, felt her mouth go dry. Every time the blue eyes of the black-haired figure following her from behind turned in her direction, she felt a chill run down her spine. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡®Here.¡¯ She planned to hide herself as soon as she entered the reed field. It was her turn to shake them off and showcase her skills. In that moment¡ª Bang! A loud explosion echoed. What was that? She instinctively drew her dagger. It was a poisoned dagger, held in a forward-facing position. And suddenly, a shadow loomed over her. It happened just after she heard a sound like a leather drum bursting or lightning striking. Her response to the explosion was commendable, but that was all. ¡°Is this the place?¡± At the unknown question, the woman looked up. Flash! A lightning bolt struck above. Her thoughts ended there. A person with two heads cannot think. Activating the Heart of Great Strength, he propelled himself off the ground, closing the distance, and vertically slashed the assassin¡¯s head in two. Simple, yet unexpected by any of the assassins. Was this not the moment to catch his breath, stay alert for hidden assassins, and worry about the traps that had been set? Instead, he rushed in and cleaved the head. With a splattering sound, blood spread around, staining Encrid¡¯s clothes red. Encrid marveled once more at the sword held in his left hand. ¡®Was this just an ordinary sword?¡¯ He realized once again that the craftsmanship of the dwarf was exceptional. It might not possess the aura of a legendary sword, but it was solid and sharp enough. Moreover, the thickness of the blade was something he liked. It could deflect almost anything with the flat of the blade. More than just being satisfactory, it was highly practical. It was good enough that he didn¡¯t even need to carry a separate guard sword. This was, in other words, a sword that could be used in various situations. Standing still in the reed field, Encrid admired his sword, then relaxed his grip, lowering the blade. At the same time, he drew another sword with his right hand. Shing! A sword with a blue sheen was drawn. It was a cursed sword, but now it was nothing more than a solid and sharp masterwork sword. He held the Tutor in one hand, letting both arms hang loosely by his sides as he scanned the surroundings. They were so well hidden that the figures concealed among the reeds were nowhere to be seen. So, was that a problem? No, it wasn¡¯t. He was simply curious. What exactly were these people relying on to challenge him like this? Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Three round objects flew over his head and exploded above him. Boom! Boom! Boom! As the dull gray powder fell onto the dry reeds below, they withered and scattered. It was poison dust. But Encrid had already moved from that spot. The reason he had gone through the trouble of loudly charging and eliminating the middle-aged female assassin was for this. In terms of personal tactics, Encrid was already top-tier. Why wouldn¡¯t he be? The Valen Mercenary Sword Technique was, after all, a series of illusionary sword techniques based on individual tactics. Combined with his newly developed physical abilities, perception, combat experience, and the lessons he had learned through repeated practice, Encrid was a force to be reckoned with. Most of all, ¡®They¡¯re sloppier than Jaxon.¡¯ Among Encrid¡¯s sparring partners was Jaxon, a formidable figure in the world of assassins. Jaxon¡¯s sword was always swift and silent, striking without a trace. The countless days Encrid had spent honing his senses to perceive it were not in vain. Encrid¡¯s keen senses encompassed everything around him. At the very least, he instinctively detected any presence within his range of awareness. If he sensed someone might be there, an enemy was indeed there. If he felt something might be flying towards him from a certain direction, it was actually coming. With that, he softly stepped forward and leapt into the air. Various weapons rained down on the spot where he had just been, but it was all in vain. Jack, the member of the Black Blade Bandits, had just taken two Whistling Daggers in his hands, and his mouth hung open in shock. When did he get here? Encrid thrust his sword. Thud! He pierced the assassin¡¯s throat, withdrew the sword, and sheathed it for a moment. Shing! He grabbed his opponent by the collar and tossed him aside. As the body flew through the air, a long arc of blood sprayed from his neck. This happened well outside the range where the poison smoke had spread. Encrid immediately darted to the side in a curve. His body surged forward silently with terrifying speed. Rustle! The sound of reeds being flattened echoed loudly. ¡°Shit!¡± One of the assassins cursed. It was natural, considering that assassins were supposed to carry out their missions silently, yet his mouth had opened on its own. And why wouldn¡¯t it? This person was a complete monster. No matter how skilled they were, even as elite assassins of the Black Blade Bandits, they were no match for him. To kill such a monster, wouldn¡¯t they need a master from the continent¡¯s greatest assassination guild, Geor¡¯s Dagger? His question was short-lived. A broad blade swiftly approached and sliced his neck. Shing, thud! The severed head floated in the air. Amidst the reeds that obscured everything below the waist, the group of assassins felt a wave of terror. Bang! Yet their hands didn¡¯t stop. To survive, they had to kill him. That fact remained unchanged. They detonated poison smoke bombs, threw poisoned darts, throwing knives, and axes. Several pouches designed to release poison spikes under pressure also burst open. Everything had been prepared to kill this one man. Encrid parried what needed parrying and dodged what needed dodging. His senses, surpassing those of a human, were so sharp that they informed him of what to do next. ¡®Half a step back.¡¯ In a flash, he spun his waist and struck with his elbow, shattering the skull of an assassin who had silently crept up behind him. Bang! The sound of impact echoed. The assassin, who specialized in silently ambushing his targets from behind, had his head burst open. His eyes, unable to withstand the pressure, popped out and rolled on the ground, while his skull split open, spilling brain matter and blood. Pinkish brain tissue shyly peeked out from within. Encrid didn¡¯t spare a glance at the assassin he had just elbowed. He knew the blow alone was enough to kill the man. After swinging his elbow, Encrid forcefully hurled his gladius forward. The moment Encrid¡¯s left hand traced a semicircle in the air, the sword, now like a spinning disc, thudded into another assassin¡¯s head. Seeing an opportunity, two assassins on either side coordinated their attack and threw a net. Just as the net shot up to block the sky, Encrid was already pulling out the sword he had thrown. It was the perfect harmony of the Heart of Great Strength and his advancing steps. The move known as the ¡®Lunge¡¯ step in swordsmanship involves a forward-moving stride. Encrid combined it with the ¡®Slope¡¯ step. Originally, this step involved a large diagonal stride forward to evade an opponent¡¯s attack. He mixed these techniques without much thought. Along with these, he also incorporated the ¡®Passing Step¡¯ and ¡®Gathering Step¡¯. He didn¡¯t particularly discriminate between them. Then, he added overwhelming strength and the powerful thigh muscles that could endure it all. As a result, the forward-moving stride turned into a charging thrust. The sideways slash he performed created a long arc that cut through the entire reed field. To put it simply, Encrid was using swordsmanship against the entire group of assassins. He just expanded the range much further. Unbeknownst to him, this was a strategy used by swordsmen at a Junior-Knight level when facing multiple opponents. It was a method for carrying out massacres based on swordsmanship. And the outcome was all too obvious. Encrid had reached this point by mastering and honing these techniques. Thus, he fought by moving based on the various sword techniques he had learned and observed from those around him. He also incorporated the Fluid Sword Technique he had studied. He compensated for any lack of strength with the superiority of his weapon. Of course, strength is always relative. ¡°Argh!¡± For the assassin who got caught by his smoothly advancing sword, it was nothing short of a death blow. Even though the assassin wore armor enchanted with shock-absorbing spells on the chest, he felt at least two of his ribs crack. The force broke through the spell. It was strength so overwhelming that it defied description. Encrid¡¯s power had increased day by day, and now he even had the Heart of Great Strength. He didn¡¯t envy Frog. ¡®What kind of brute strength is this?¡¯ What kind of power is this? Encrid casually followed up with a second attack. With the combination of his movement and the Heart of Great Strength, his body vanished from the assassin¡¯s view in an instant. A simple step to the side to flank his opponent became a ghost-like teleportation to the assassin. After a brief flicker, a blue lightning strike descended on the assassin¡¯s head. With that, another assassin was dead. Poisonous smoke spread in various places, but Encrid paid no attention. In fact, he even held his breath and charged through the poison smoke in one go, using the Zimmer thrust to kill another assassin. ¡°Gah, this¡­ this madman¡­¡± Charging through poison smoke and doing something like this? The assassin, who had been holding an antidote in his mouth to survive within the poisonous fumes, uttered ¡°madman¡± as his last words before he met his end. Encrid continued to move, with both swords hanging loosely at his sides. Rustle, rustle, rustle. The sound of reeds being cut filled the air as countless stalks were severed by his blade. It was a clear indication of his location. But he didn¡¯t care. In fact, he wanted them to see him and attack. It was easier to pinpoint their location if they threw something rather than just staying hidden. The outcome of the battle was clear. Of the more than fifteen assassins of the Black Blade Bandits, only two remained. ¡°You made a mistake.¡± He said. The top-tier assassin, who was also the leader of the group, finally spoke. His name was Barcelo, a man who had come to the Black Blade Bandits from the Eastern Continent. At one time, he was considered an assassin on par with those from the Geor¡¯s Dagger guild. He was the elite of the elite. His specialty was using his claws to catch his opponent from behind and rip out the back of their head. Yet even Barcelo couldn¡¯t find a single opening in Encrid. Every time he tried to move or change positions, Encrid¡¯s gaze would subtly follow him. ¡®Is he watching me?¡¯ What kind of ridiculous senses are these? How could he detect the presence of someone like Barcelo, a top-tier assassin? How? Barcelo found himself paralyzed by this. The other remaining assassin was already fleeing. He was the one tasked with putting distance between them and reporting what had happened here. As he fled, something suddenly caught his neck, and with a choking sound, his cervical vertebra snapped, killing him instantly. The tool used to catch him was made by tanning leather, soaking it in oil, heating it, and applying a special chemical. Repeating this process several times resulted in a thin but strong tool. The fleeing assassin¡¯s neck got caught in it, his body lifted off the ground, and his neck snapped under his own weight. The one holding the leather cord twisted and pulled it, breaking the assassin¡¯s neck completely. The assassin¡¯s body lifted off the ground momentarily before collapsing in a heap. From the shadow of the fleeing assassin, a man emerged as if rising from the darkness. It was Jaxon, with his reddish-brown hair. ¡°I¡¯m a bit late.¡± Jaxon said as he moved forward. He headed toward where Encrid was wreaking havoc. And there was also a Fairy who had arrived at this place just a step ahead of Jaxon. ¡°Am I late? Or is my love just too fast? Love always moves quickly, silently striking my heart as it passes. I don¡¯t think I¡¯m late.¡± The Fairy Company Commander spoke, standing on one side of the reed field. Encrid sensed the presence of the Fairy Company Commander but decided to focus on the last remaining opponent for the time being. The leader stood there, still. Encrid had recognized him from the beginning. This guy was different from the other assassins. His movements, his ability to hide his presence¡ªeverything was different. Finding him wasn¡¯t difficult. Encrid¡¯s intuition had already surpassed normal levels. Even if he couldn¡¯t hear breathing or sense a presence, he had a gut feeling that someone was there. And indeed, there was. He could feel it even when the person was merely exuding killing intent towards him. This was purely in the realm of intuition, a gift honed through skill and technique. From the opponent¡¯s perspective, it seemed like an impossible cheat. But what could they do? Jaxon, who had been at Encrid¡¯s side, was not only naturally gifted in this regard but had also put in the effort to become an insane genius. The things Encrid had learned from Jaxon through repeated encounters were now fully ripened within him. ¡°He¡¯s mine.¡± Encrid said to the Fairy. He had deliberately left this one for last. It was like saving a special treat. The opponent was no ordinary assassin, surely, he must possess exceptional skills. The leader of the assassin group that had been nearly annihilated equipped his weapons. With a series of clicks, the man who stepped forward now had claws on both hands. ¡°Promise me you¡¯ll let me live if I kill you.¡± Without even needing to catch his breath, Barcelo realized that there was no way he could survive this. Yet, he still kept his final move hidden. Would that man be able to block this as well? Tap, tap, tap. Barcelo began to run through the reed field. To his left, the air was thick with poison smoke, and on the ground lay corpses and scattered metal. His target had just sheathed one of his relatively short swords and now approached, holding only a long sword with both hands. He wasn¡¯t moving particularly fast. The lightning-quick steps he had shown earlier were gone. He was merely closing the distance, sword in hand. Tap, tap, tap! The sound of the reaper¡¯s footsteps. Rustle, rustle, rustle. The sound of the reaper crushing the reeds beneath his feet created a duet. Barcelo increased his speed, lowering his torso halfway. The reeds around him whipped past as he moved. In this lowered stance, with his claws extended forward, he aimed to end the fight from the very start. The battle would be decided in a single strike! He repeated this to himself and unleashed his secret move. Whoosh! Crack! A third hand sprouted from his chest, tearing through his clothes as it emerged. No wonder his chest had appeared thicker than others¡ªit was to conceal this hand. It was just as Encrid¡¯s sword and Barcelo¡¯s claws clashed. This was his trump card. The third hand, a mysterious implant, held a long piece of metal aimed at piercing Encrid¡¯s chest. ¡®What?¡¯ Barcelo suddenly realized that his right hand, which bore the claws, wasn¡¯t moving as he intended. The moment it clashed with Encrid¡¯s sword, his opponent¡¯s strength pressed down on his claws, forcing his arm into an unnatural position. As a result, the dagger in his third hand collided with his own claws. Thud! At the same time, his left claw grazed Encrid¡¯s head, but Encrid had already ducked to avoid it. Encrid, now in a lower stance than Barcelo, looked up. Barcelo saw a blue light¡ªtwo streaks of blue light, like falling meteors leaving long trails behind them. A black mass, encasing those two blue streaks, brushed past him. He tried to pull his arm back in resistance, but it was futile. Slash! Encrid¡¯s sword, which had deflected the claws, swiftly severed all of Barcelo¡¯s arms, including the third hand. Then something hot, like a burning poker, pierced through his torso and rose upward. ¡°Argh!¡± Barcelo screamed, but it was a scream that no one could hear. His mind was screaming, but it was merely a thought. Encrid was startled when he saw the third hand. ¡®What is that?¡¯ Thankfully, his body and instincts had moved on their own. As soon as he saw the third weapon, he used the Fluid Sword Technique to divert the claws, blocking the dagger and ducking his head. It seemed simple, but in the process, his eyes felt like they were burning, and his head heated up. It was an overload as his brain processed all the incoming information in an instant. Encrid then brought his sword upward from below, slashing through everything in its path. The move was an extension of the first sword technique in the Fluid Sword Technique, which had been inspired by observing Snake Step and Swift Blade. While the Fluid Sword Technique lacked overwhelming power, the sharpness of a masterwork blade compensated for it. With this, Encrid sliced through the three arms and advanced, tapping the ground with his toes, spinning his body around, and driving his sword straight into his opponent. Without hesitation, he thrust the sword through his opponent¡¯s abdomen and then slashed upward, cutting through the body. Though the movements were fluid and smooth, to his opponent, it must have seemed like the monstrous strike of a demon, severing arms and tearing through the body like a bolt of lightning. After killing his final opponent, Encrid spoke. ¡°What is this?¡± Jaxon, one of his soldiers, had approached. ¡°A blood wedding?¡± The Fairy Company Commander, who was babbling nonsense, was also present. ¡°Phew.¡± Encrid exhaled deeply, surveying the bodies of those he had slain. ¡°Guests.¡± ¡°Quite the warm reception for our guests.¡± Jaxon muttered as he approached. In his hand was a small leather pouch, which he used to quickly search the body of one of the dead. From his hand, the familiar sight of two identical pouches emerged. As he untied the strings and let the contents slip out, glittering powder scattered in the air. It was some kind of powdered drug. ¡°A familiar substance.¡± Jaxon remarked. At that moment, Encrid remembered the powdered drug he had found on the Black Blade messenger back in Martai. He also recalled the drug that Frog had taken. The two substances, as far as Encrid could recall, were nearly identical. Both had a peculiar smell and a strange feel. This was something he had noticed due to his habit of never overlooking details. And if he knew, then his Company member in front of him likely knew as well. This was an astute individual who never took anything lightly. ¡°Have you interrogated Frog?¡± Jaxon asked. Everyone knew that Frog had been captured after being beaten down. Naturally, Jaxon was aware as well. He also likely knew that Frog had gone berserk after taking the drug. There was no way Krais, who loved to gossip, would have stayed silent about it. And all of this seemed interconnected. It was just a feeling, but it was a hunch that bordered on certainty. With that thought, Encrid shook his head. Interrogation was something that still needed to be done. ¡°That¡¯s a conversation I¡¯d like to be part of. If you leave me out, I¡¯ll sulk.¡± The Fairy Company Commander interjected. Encrid nodded. She had shown interest from the beginning. While her tone was light and tinged with humor, the intensity in her green eyes was anything but trivial. .bg-container-10448ed3ed0{ display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; justify-content: center; z-index: 2147483647 !important; } .bg-ssp-10448{margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;display:flex;justify-content:center;} .bg-container-10448f61e68{ display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; justify-content: center; z-index: 2147483647 !important; } .bg-container-10448222eb6{ display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; justify-content: center; z-index: 2147483647 !important; } It seemed like a sign that this was no ordinary matter. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com] Chapter 267 As soon as he opened his eyes, what he saw was a ceiling made of stones covered in mold. Maelrun recalled the moment before he lost his memory, and the strong will of the Frog clearly remembered everything. That¡¯s why he realized he was in a situation as dire as being in a ¡®Horse¡¯s phallus-like¡¯ situation. ¡°Give me some water. And while you¡¯re at it, bring me some food. I like fruit.¡± Maelrun said, raising himself halfway up. His arms had regenerated, and shackles were attached to both his arms and legs, which were connected to a pillar by chains. Even for a Frog, it was impossible to break free with sheer strength. So, what was left? All he could do was wait. Perhaps it was because of the last-ditch drug he took, but his head was splitting with pain, and his heart ached. ¡®Can I get out of here?¡¯ Like most Frogs, he regretted being off the path of his desires and ambitions more than the idea of dying. ¡®Weird bastard.¡¯ Naturally, he couldn¡¯t help but think of the person who had beaten him down. ¡®He looked easy enough.¡¯ Why wasn¡¯t he? He was clearly someone weaker, someone he could handle. He looked that way to his eyes. ¡®Why?¡¯ The Frog¡¯s combat senses quickly judged the advantages and disadvantages of a situation. He fought based on the instincts that came from his combat senses. At the very least, it should have been an even fight. Why was he beaten down so one-sidedly? Their combat senses were an extension of the ability to discern talent. In that sense, Encrid was the most incomprehensible type of person to a Frog. A man with no discernible talent who climbed upward through sheer tenacity. This was the result of not giving up through countless repetitions. Encrid was a person that the Frog¡¯s combat senses could not read. Especially Maelrun, who wasn¡¯t very confident in his ability to see talent. Even among Frogs, there were naturally different specializations. Some were specialized in reading talent, while others were specialized in combat. Maelrun was particularly skilled at walking. ¡®He ruthlessly targeted my joints.¡¯ His regenerated arm still ached slightly. He¡¯d lost an arm before, and this time, he lost it again. No, this time, even his eye had been stabbed. ¡®He knows how to fight.¡¯ Simply wielding a sword well and actually being good in a fight were two different things. The noble idiots who practiced swordsmanship in their manors always swung their swords with elegance. On the continent, such people were often dismissed as practicing noble swordsmanship. The opponent who had laid him out was nothing like that. He had accurately targeted the weak spots of a Frog¡¯s slippery skin. He stabbed and cut at his eyes and joints. Was he like this before? Could he always fight this well? Honestly, he couldn¡¯t quite remember. He was a decent fighter, but Maelrun thought he would easily overpower him the next time they met. ¡®What a letdown.¡¯ He was out of energy, and he was hungry. ¡°Water and dried fruit. It¡¯s winter now, so fresh fruit is hard to come by.¡± The guard obediently brought him food. Surprisingly considerate, Maelrun thought as he drank the water and chewed the dried fruit. There was also well-baked bread and marmalade. ¡°Hey, this is good.¡± ¡°I¡¯m glad you think so.¡± The guard replied without a hint of a smile. There was a slight tension visible, but his limbs weren¡¯t frozen. ¡®Well-trained.¡¯ Being a Frog, he could tell just by looking. Of course, his talent for discerning wasn¡¯t that great. ¡®No matter what, that guy is a bit peculiar.¡¯ It was no different from what countless talent discerners had said after seeing Encrid. Two days passed like that. Maelrun realized he couldn¡¯t escape with force, so he tried to bribe the guard, but that too failed. ¡°If I lose you, I¡¯ll be dead.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t think they¡¯d kill a soldier just for a mistake.¡± As Maelrun gradually began to try and seduce the guard, the soldier¡¯s expression turned self-deprecating, almost like a lamentation. Of course, it wasn¡¯t as if Maelrun recognized it outright. It was only when the soldier continued speaking that he wondered what was going on. ¡°I¡¯ll probably get dismissed from guard duty and thrown into eternal training hell. It might be better to die.¡± What kind of talk was that? In any case, the guard didn¡¯t seem too strict, but he also didn¡¯t seem likely to be bribed. Even if Maelrun offered him gold, he seemed the type to refuse. ¡°If I get caught, I really will die. And I¡¯m not unhappy with what I¡¯m earning now. I don¡¯t want to be greedy, only to die and leave my bunny-like kids behind.¡± ¡°Are you married?¡± ¡°Not yet.¡± ¡°¡­ Then what¡¯s this about bunny-like kids?¡± ¡°I¡¯m talking about future kids, future kids.¡± Even the soldiers in this land have sharp tongues? With that thought, another day passed, and Maelrun began to wonder if they had forgotten about him. Trapped underground, unable to tell day from night, he started to feel a little melancholic. ¡®Why did I get myself mixed up in this cursed situation?¡¯ Another two days passed. Maelrun became anxious. If things continued like this, he might be trapped here for the rest of his life. Cut off his limbs and try to escape? While he might be able to deal with the shackles by tearing off his own limbs with sheer strength, no matter how strong a Frog was, it seemed impossible to break through the iron bars in front of him while bleeding profusely with his limbs cut off. ¡®What the hell is this?¡¯ Anxiety engulfed Maelrun. Each passing day made him more desperate. Frogs, who live to fulfill their desires and ambitions, are left with nothing when they die. When do they die? When their head is cut off? When they catch an incurable disease? When an arrow pierces their heart? Of course, if the heart is pierced, death is inevitable, but there¡¯s an even crueler way to go. Frogs cannot endure being starved to death. They are a species driven by their curiosity and desires. ¡°Hey, haven¡¯t they forgotten about me?¡± Maelrun, who had just woken up from what might have been a nap or a night¡¯s sleep, asked the guard outside the cell. As he spoke and turned his gaze to the small table with two chairs, he noticed not the guard but someone else. To be exact, there were four people. One was the guy who had knocked him out, another was a human with big eyes and a frail appearance, another was a figure standing half in the shadows, with only half of their face illuminated by the torchlight. The guard was gone. They had finally come. They hadn¡¯t forgotten him. Maelrun was inwardly pleased, realizing that a change was needed, even if it meant facing death. ¡°Where did you get the powder?¡± Not surprisingly, it was that powder that had nearly killed him, making his insides ache. Since they weren¡¯t immediately questioning his identity, Maelrun answered obediently. The wait had been long, and he didn¡¯t want to make them leave with unnecessary words. ¡°I picked it up on the way.¡± ¡°Where?¡± ¡°In a small village.¡± It was the big-eyed one who asked. His expression was cold, and his tone was frosty. Clearly, he wasn¡¯t someone beneath Maelrun. ¡®Are there only monsters here?¡¯ What kind of place is this where even the outskirts are filled with people like this? Maelrun continued speaking. He hadn¡¯t planned to hide anything in the first place. ¡°If you head west from here, you¡¯ll find it. It would take me two days on foot, and a day and a half on horseback, to reach a small village enclosed by a fence on a plateau. I don¡¯t know its name, but the village chief was a young and beautiful woman. Her name was Kaisela.¡± Frogs have an eye for beauty and favor attractive humans. ¡°Did the Black Blade send you?¡± ¡°Bandits? Black Blade? No.¡± Maelrun had been locked up for several days, and for a Frog, that was more torturous than having their nails or eyes plucked out. If he remained imprisoned forever, he would dry up and die, having to suppress his desires until the end. Ah, for a Frog, there could be no greater torment. ¡°This is working.¡± When Encrid murmured, Krais chattered from behind. ¡°It¡¯s working better than I expected.¡± Encrid, seated in a chair, nodded his head. Having spent time with Luagarne, Encrid had a rough understanding of what kind of beings Frogs were, but Krais was different. ¡®What an intriguing mind.¡¯ Encrid thought. Krais¡¯s words suddenly came to mind. ¡°Frogs follow their desires. For a wandering Frog like that, what do you think their desire might be? If you keep them confined, they might spill the answers more easily than you think.¡± Krais had said this with only half confidence, but the fact that he even thought of this approach was remarkable. He suggested that after a few days, interrogation might not even be necessary. So, they did just that. And that judgment was correct. However, ¡°Do you know a merchant named Fromshell? That guy spreads ears across the continent. I was hired by him. To put it simply, he runs an Information Guild.¡± Maelrun revealed everything so freely that it was unexpected. Although it was impossible to read a Frog¡¯s expression, it was clear that he wasn¡¯t lying. The opponent was a Frog. If a Frog were to lie about something like this, they would just stay silent. So, it wasn¡¯t connected to the Black Blade. The powder was something he had stumbled upon by chance, and it was some merchant who had tasked him with this job. In other words, it was someone running an Information Guild. It sounded plausible, which made it all the more memorable. ¡®Fromshell, Fromshell.¡¯ Encrid repeated the name a couple of times to commit it to memory. ¡°A noble?¡± ¡°As far as I know, no.¡± ¡°Is that all?¡± ¡°If there¡¯s any lie in what I¡¯ve said, may the Gods of Impulse and Waves punish me.¡± ¡°Can you even make a covenant?¡± ¡°Of course.¡± For a Frog, a covenant is a promise, a vow¡ªsomething they must uphold. ¡°I was deceived too. By Fromshell, that bastard.¡± Maelrun exhaled through his nose as he spoke. Encrid decided he had heard everything he needed to. In fact, he had heard more than enough. At the very least, he had found out the location of the village where the powder was obtained. ¡°After all that trouble, it turns out they hid it in the village.¡± The Fairy muttered. ¡°Combat-ready personnel?¡± The Fairy asked. Since he had already said everything, Maelrun answered without hesitation. ¡°From what I saw, about half the village.¡± ¡°All of them?¡± ¡°More than fifty on the continent, I¡¯d say.¡± Maelrun spoke, and Encrid nodded. ¡°So, will you let me go now?¡± Encrid nodded again, then got up from his chair and approached the iron bars. ¡°We¡¯ll see.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°We¡¯ll see about letting you go.¡± ¡°You bastard, a promise is a promise!¡± He had made no such promise. Of course, Encrid intended to release him, but before they came here, Krais had made a heartfelt request. ¡°Could you leave him to me?¡± Moved by Krais¡¯s earnestness, Encrid agreed. ¡°Wait, wait, let¡¯s talk for a moment.¡± Just as the Frog was about to spit out curses at Encrid with his long tongue, Krais intervened. His big eyes and appearance were likely to earn some favor with the Frog. However, Maelrun, being a man, wasn¡¯t interested. Still, the big eyes didn¡¯t seem bad. Maelrun tended to think the bigger the eyes, the more handsome the face. ¡°So, Maelrun?¡± Krais smiled with pure innocence. Encrid, seeing that smile, sensed that Maelrun was about to get swindled. Krais only smiled like that when he was about to take someone for a ride. They were heading toward Marcus¡¯s office after leaving the underground prison. They planned to report everything at once, having finished even the Frog¡¯s interrogation. Battalion Commander Marcus was that busy. Judging by how the territory was managed, even if he had three or four bodies, it still wouldn¡¯t be enough. And amidst all this, apparently some Cultist had been captured? Encrid had heard that various things had happened in the territory while he wasn¡¯t around. The underground prison was located in a corner of the barracks, and as soon as they stepped out, Encrid spoke up. ¡°I¡¯d like to hear an explanation.¡± The Fairy Company Commander was connected to this matter. Hadn¡¯t she given enough clues all along? She had even mentioned something about finding the village. At the time, Encrid had let it pass, but now there was no Frog listening. So, when he asked, ¡°It was a secret mission.¡± The Fairy turned her head, her green eyes locking onto Encrid. That meant he¡¯d have to hear it from Marcus, then. Just as Encrid was thinking that, the Fairy spoke again. ¡°But what meaning could secrets have between us?¡± ¡°They have plenty of meaning. Let¡¯s keep it a secret.¡± Encrid said quickly. ¡°No, it¡¯s fine. It¡¯s related to those Black Blade bastards who have taken root in the Kingdom.¡± The Fairy replied. ¡°Let¡¯s keep it a secret.¡± Encrid repeated, but the Fairy didn¡¯t seem to hear him. ¡°They kidnapped an alchemist and made a drug.¡± ¡°Are you not hearing what I¡¯m saying?¡± ¡°Naturally, it¡¯s no ordinary drug. It¡¯s a substance forbidden by the Kingdom and opposed by the Alchemist Guild. Of course, while they may pretend to oppose it publicly, they could still be using the research results behind the scenes.¡± Encrid gave up. From the explanation, it was clear that it was no ordinary drug. The Frog had taken it and his eyes had rolled back. For an ordinary person, it would make them fight like a berserker for a brief time, but once the drug¡¯s effect wore off, the backlash would kill them. The Fairy explained that she had been on many external missions to find the base of this operation. Recently, she had taken Finn with her for a similar reason. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He had heard there was a job suitable for Finn. Encrid listened quietly and then asked Jaxon. Jaxon also seemed to know something. ¡°What about you?¡± ¡°I needed something, so I started searching and found that it seemed connected to the Black Blade. While looking around, I found traces of alchemy in a drug used by a Black Blade courier I met in Martai.¡± Jaxon answered, aligning perfectly with what Encrid had expected. So, ¡®There¡¯s something they¡¯re hiding.¡¯ It was an intuition that told Encrid they were only telling him what they wanted him to hear. He didn¡¯t press the issue, though. He just let it go. They weren¡¯t likely to answer if he asked anyway. If they intended to betray him later, Encrid was prepared to take a hit for once. Even if he didn¡¯t fully trust them, he owed Jaxon enough for that. Especially since the foundation of the Fluid Sword Technique he had recently acquired was based on sensory skills he had gained. ¡°Fine, let¡¯s say that¡¯s the case.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t seem to believe me.¡± Jaxon replied with a blank expression. ¡°I do.¡± Encrid responded, thinking of Audin. In other words, he answered with sincerity. ¡°Is that true?¡± Jaxon asked again. ¡°It¡¯s true.¡± By then, they had reached Marcus¡¯s office, and the three of them went inside. The guards outside saluted them. Two Company Commanders, one of whom was an Fairy, and the other the Commander of the Independent Company. Marcus¡¯s guards stiffened and stepped aside with a rigid posture. As they entered, Marcus looked up from the piles of documents and parchment and asked, ¡°How does it feel to be nearly assassinated in the middle of your own domain?¡± Encrid answered with calm and sincerity. ¡°It feels like shit.¡± ¡°Same here.¡± Marcus replied. It felt like there was something unspoken, a connection between them, even though they hadn¡¯t exchanged many words. As Encrid dealt with the assassins, searched their belongings, and interrogated the Frog over a few days, he kept thinking to himself. ¡®Why should we always be the ones on the receiving end?¡¯ So he asked Krais, ¡°If you were the leader of the Black Blade, where would it hurt the most if someone hit you?¡± ¡°It would hurt if someone took away the coin purse.¡± Encrid retorted that it wouldn¡¯t be much of a blow unless you were someone like Krais. ¡°Any group would be in pain if their purse was empty.¡± Krais replied. It made sense. Then, there must be a way to do just that, right? Half of his visit was to report, and the other half was to discuss this matter with Battalion Commander Marcus. ¡°This isn¡¯t just a mission or revenge. As the person responsible for this domain, I¡¯m giving you this task.¡± Marcus said after Encrid¡¯s brief report, his eyes gleaming. As the person in charge of the territory, Marcus then issued his command. ¡°Crush them.¡± Encrid decided to follow that command to the letter. In other words, it was time to crush the Black Blade Bandits. ¡®Why should we always be the ones getting hit?¡¯ That thought kept circling in his mind. ¡°For the time being, you¡¯ll have independent operational authority. Sinar, you too.¡± ¡°Understood.¡± The Fairy Company Commander responded in a cold tone, quite different from how he spoke to Encrid. That coldness felt odd to Encrid. A sudden thought crossed his mind. ¡®Why only me?¡¯ It was a mystery. Maybe he just looked easy to mess with. He had heard similar comments sometimes when he was part of a mercenary group. Regardless, Encrid planned to send a clear message to the Black Blade Bandits. That they weren¡¯t the only ones who could strike. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com] Chapter 268 ¡°You¡¯re going to leave me behind? Then you¡¯ll have to step over me first!¡± At Rem¡¯s words, Encrid moved swiftly. He pushed his body forward smoothly, extending his left foot. For a moment, it seemed as if his body had disappeared. Of course, no one in the quarters missed Encrid¡¯s movement. But ¡®My steps?¡¯ Jaxon was a little surprised when he saw Encrid¡¯s step. ¡®Snake Step?¡¯ Audin felt the same way. He had combined the two steps and made them his own. What is a sword, and what is swordsmanship? Through continuous realization, Encrid created a swordsmanship that utilized his entire body, and of course, this included the use of his feet. In fact, in all things that involve the body¡ªwhether it¡¯s dance or martial arts¡ªthe feet are crucial. Footwork accounts for more than half of it. Naturally, Encrid paid as much attention to his steps as to his swordsmanship. And now, that effort was clearly evident. The step where his bent left knee extended to push off with uniform force was similar to Jaxon¡¯s silent step, and the smooth bending of the right leg¡¯s joint resembled the Snake Step Audin had taught him. In truth, he had mixed the two styles quite well. To an untrained eye, it would seem like something completely different. As he attempted to step over Rem, the barbarian snorted and rolled his body. Whatever trick he used, his body spun sideways, narrowly avoiding the attack. With a thud, Encrid¡¯s right foot struck the ground, and he asked, ¡°In situations like this, isn¡¯t it usual not to dodge?¡± ¡°Who said I¡¯d let you step on me? Want to learn this too? It¡¯s a secret technique called the ¡®Unstompable Dung Beetle¡¯.¡± It was obvious he had just made it up. ¡°No.¡± Encrid refused, and though Rem threw a few more tantrums, they couldn¡¯t take him along. After all, they couldn¡¯t just lead a battalion to attack a village simply because medicine had been found there. ¡°Not to bring this up after saying we¡¯d destroy them, but we¡¯re in the Kingdom¡¯s territory. You know? Lately, the eyes on us haven¡¯t been too friendly.¡± Who wouldn¡¯t understand? Count Molsen is already playing tricks if things go wrong. And it¡¯s not just Count Molsen. They knew other nobles were eyeing this place, drooling with greed. Encrid had heard that while Martai was away, a certain noble had deserted. ¡°He probably went to seek refuge with another noble. He¡¯s planning to make a profit by selling information about this place. Foolish bastard.¡± Marcus spat and cursed, but Krais, having heard the rumors, added, ¡°They say they really roughed him up over there? If you don¡¯t handle things properly, it doesn¡¯t matter if you¡¯re a noble¡ªyou¡¯ll still get beaten.¡± If you slack off, you get caught and beaten, but if you do things properly, you¡¯re buried under a mountain of work. Some nobles used their cunning to flee. To leave behind everything they had built and flee like that, they must have been tormented terribly. Of course, Marcus¡¯s words had some merit, so it¡¯s likely a combination of reasons. And Krais speculated, ¡°If it were up to Marcus, he¡¯d wish for all the nobles to run away. It¡¯s possible he¡¯s tormenting them under the pretense of lack of manpower, but he might also be trying to replace all the personnel in the territory with his own people. But then, hmm, I wonder if that¡¯s okay.¡± ¡°What is?¡± ¡°Nothing, just thinking.¡± Krais was a worrywart. Encrid didn¡¯t ask further. The task at hand took priority. To get straight to the point, you can¡¯t just stab someone because you¡¯re suspicious. Sure, the enemy might send assassins and knife-wielders to ambush them, but the Border Guard Reserve Unit couldn¡¯t do the same. Well, they could if done secretly, but not this time. First, they needed to gather evidence to prove the village¡¯s guilt. At the very least, they needed some fabricated evidence, and above all, ¡°There are probably innocent people in the village, aren¡¯t there?¡± Marcus¡¯s words made sense. Just because some had caused trouble didn¡¯t mean they could arrest and punish all the innocent villagers. There might be people there who were innocently making medicine, completely unaware of the situation. So, ¡°It¡¯ll just be me, Company Commander Sinar, Finn, and Jaxon.¡± They decided that gathering intelligence through infiltration was the first step. The Fairy Company Commander had also been investigating this matter for quite some time. Hadn¡¯t she been tracking it for nearly a year? ¡°For all that, you didn¡¯t even know the location of one village. Were you sneaking off to a gambling den while claiming to work?¡± Krais tilted his head upon hearing this. A Fairy in a gambling den? That didn¡¯t seem to fit. But Krais¡¯s words weren¡¯t entirely off the mark. It seemed almost like neglect. Of course, Maelrun, that Frog, might have some unusual talent, but if the place was so loose that travelers passing through knew about it, they should¡¯ve figured it out sooner. ¡°Good at fighting, but not so good at tracking. That¡¯s why they brought Finn along.¡± ¡°Are you defending her because she¡¯s your fianc¨¦?¡± Encrid had learned various techniques from Audin, but the core was, of course, the Valaf-Style Martial Arts. Among those martial arts were several joint techniques that inflicted pain without breaking the opponent¡¯s body. As part of his training, Encrid demonstrated a joint technique on Krais. Standing side by side, the key was to interlock hands as if clasping them, so that the opponent¡¯s elbow pressed against his own forearm¡¯s biceps, causing the arms to entangle. From there, all it took was pulling back. It wasn¡¯t exactly torture, but with enough force, he could break a wrist. When Krais absentmindedly gave his hand, Encrid immediately pulled on the interlocked hands. Crack. ¡°Does it hurt?¡± ¡°Aaaaah!¡± Krais screamed. Encrid nonchalantly pulled a little harder, then released him. ¡°My arm, I almost lost my arm!¡± ¡°Maybe I should have just cut it off?¡± Krais quickly fled. Encrid didn¡¯t pursue. It was just a joke, after all. And he soon regretted it. ¡®I just acted like Rem a moment ago.¡¯ That was bad. There wasn¡¯t even a need to think twice about it. After shaking off the bad thoughts, sensing movement behind him, Encrid half-turned to see Ragna. ¡°Why can¡¯t I go with you?¡± Ragna asked, munching on an apple he had somehow gotten hold of. Behind him, Audin and Teresa could be seen. For obvious reasons, the two large figures couldn¡¯t be taken along. Likewise, Dunbachel, who visibly carried herself as a beastwoman, was out of the question. And Ragna, ¡°If things go south, we might have to scatter. If that happens, we need to meet up at the agreed location.¡± ¡°Is that a problem?¡± Ragna¡¯s lack of self-awareness as a poor navigator was terrifying. ¡°There¡¯s no need for your sword.¡± Instead of a long explanation, Encrid simply patted Ragna on the shoulder. Ragna accepted it. He wasn¡¯t one to step forward easily. Though he had shown some enthusiasm lately, it wasn¡¯t enough for him to volunteer for something like this. Encrid realized that the only reason for Ragna¡¯s reaction was that he might be away for nearly a week. When you think about it, these people only seemed to be so proactive when he was involved. So what would happen if he wasn¡¯t around? It was just a fleeting thought in the back of his mind. ¡°I¡¯m going to be rebellious from now on! Raaah!¡± Rem cried out, wrapped in heated furs and clutching a heating stone. He looked like he should be boiling hot, yet he persisted. It was surprising to see someone who hated the cold so much begging to be taken along. Of course, Encrid ignored him. If he responded to every outburst, it would just lead to more talking. Leaving the whining Rem behind, Encrid focused on his task. He identified the village¡¯s location and checked their equipment. Two swords, and six Whistle Daggers retrieved from the assassins. There were also a few vials of poison powder and venom, but poisons that one doesn¡¯t know how to use properly tend to backfire. Encrid was about to discard them without hesitation when Jaxon decided to take them all. After finishing their personal maintenance and various tasks, they gathered in the Fairy Company Commander¡¯s room for a strategy meeting. The Fairy Company Commander decided to station part of her company nearby. It was roughly two platoons¡¯ worth of soldiers, but they needed to stay some distance away to avoid detection. That said, they couldn¡¯t stay in position for too long. Since it was winter, they couldn¡¯t keep fighting off the monsters and beasts that prowled during this season indefinitely. At most, they could hold out for a week outside the village without a fence. But if they caused too much commotion, the villagers would surely notice. ¡°Two days should be enough to gather the necessary information once we¡¯re inside, don¡¯t you think?¡± Sinar, the Company Commander, said this as she unfolded the military map. Seeing the usually unserious Fairy so focused, Encrid nodded in agreement. ¡°If we take too long, we might have to retreat, or we could even consider surrounding the village completely.¡± Finn, a former ranger with many talents, was also present. It had been a while since Encrid last saw Finn, and she was the same as ever. ¡°So, still spreading your charms everywhere, I see?¡± They exchanged greetings like that. Encrid brushed it off without much thought. ¡°We¡¯ll set off at dawn tomorrow.¡± Sinar took the lead in the operation. Encrid nodded in agreement. As he was about to leave the room after the meeting, Sinar called out to him. ¡°Oh, my fianc¨¦ can sleep here tonight.¡± Naturally, Encrid walked straight out. Behind him, he could hear Finn chuckling. ¡®Is that really so funny?¡¯ Despite that thought, Encrid found himself smiling faintly as well. Seeing this, Jaxon spoke up. ¡°About that Fairy.¡± ¡°Hmm?¡± ¡°Maybe it¡¯s time you just went along with it.¡± Was that a joke? Or was he serious? Encrid didn¡¯t bother to figure it out. Jaxon, realizing what he had just said, quickly dismissed it, telling Encrid not to worry about it as he turned away. But why would he say something like that? Normally, he wouldn¡¯t voice such thoughts so easily. The fact that he was distracted to the point of not controlling his own tongue was strange. Moreover, Jaxon¡¯s expression seemed heavier than usual. It was something Encrid could sense only because they had spent so much time together. It was also thanks to his highly sharpened intuitive skills. To someone else, Jaxon¡¯s face might seem the same as always, but to Encrid¡­ ¡®His focus seems a bit scattered.¡¯ He didn¡¯t seem likely to be careless about the task at hand, but it felt like his attention was on something else. It was as if he were brought to an open plain to observe the scenery, only to glance at the plain and then look beyond it, searching for something further away. Yet, there was also a sharp, cutting edge to his demeanor. He seemed like someone who was preparing for something. ¡®Why?¡¯ ¡°It¡¯s just a mission. Do you dislike using medicine?¡± That wasn¡¯t it. Jaxon often dabbled with various medicines. Though he never took any himself, not even smoking, he would help Krais distinguish what he brought back. So, there had to be another reason. Encrid didn¡¯t ask further. Even if he asked, there likely wouldn¡¯t be an answer, and even if he got one, it wouldn¡¯t change anything. As he returned, he saw Esther. Beside her, the wild horse was also there. Somehow, the two were together. The wild horse neighed when it saw Encrid, as if asking where he had been. Encrid thought it was a silly question for a horse to ask. The horse that had run wildly around the place as soon as it was brought to the Border Guard. ¡°That¡¯s my line, odd-eye.¡± In the end, he hadn¡¯t given it a proper name and was just calling it whatever came to mind. At that, Esther let out a small cry beside him. ¡°Ah, I¡¯m heading out on a mission.¡± When he mentioned he might be gone for as long as a week, Esther made a gesture indicating she wanted to go with him. She pointed her paw at Encrid, then at herself, and then tapped the ground. ¡°Alright.¡± This panther was naturally skilled at hiding. Since she seemed a bit upset from their previous long separation, it wasn¡¯t surprising that she wanted to come along. Sometimes, Encrid still found it strange that this panther could transform into a woman with long black hair and blue eyes. Even though he had seen her transform right before his eyes, it was still hard for him to see her as anything but a panther. The wild horse neighed again. ¡°Odd-eye, you should rest.¡± The wild horse was extremely curious. While it didn¡¯t understand everything, it could grasp some of what humans said. It was clearly upset by the nickname Encrid had given it. When it stomped its foot on the ground, Encrid asked if it didn¡¯t like the name, and the horse nodded. After staring at the wild horse for a moment, Encrid spontaneously came up with a new name. ¡°Let¡¯s call you Bulgul.¡± Bulgul, in the language of the continent, could also be interpreted as ¡®Iron Will¡¯. Esther looked at him intently, surprised that Encrid knew the language of the eastern continent, since she had always thought of him as someone who only lived and breathed swordsmanship. Encrid had a fondness for ancient tales. If he met a storyteller who knew about chivalry and related stories, he would hand over a few silver coins without hesitation just to listen. That¡¯s how he had picked up so much knowledge here and there. ¡°But since your eyes are different colors, Odd-eye suits you perfectly.¡± The wild horse neighed loudly. Encrid didn¡¯t really care much about the name, though. The next morning, at dawn, Encrid and his party set out from the estate. ¡°I¡¯ll lead the way.¡± Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Finn took the lead. They decided to follow Maelrun¡¯s directions and walk for two days straight. After two days of walking, they finally saw the village that Frog had mentioned. They decided to pose as wandering merchants near the village. Encrid would be the guard, and Jaxon would play the role of the merchant. Fairy Sinar would also be a guard, and Finn would act as the merchant¡¯s assistant. ¡°Will this work?¡± Finn asked, her voice tinged with concern. It was an unnecessary worry. As soon as Jaxon set foot in the village, he transformed. ¡°What village is this? Can we buy and sell goods here? What a fine village!¡± What the heck, that¡¯s scary. Encrid was surprised to see how quickly Jaxon had changed. Jaxon, now fully in character, turned and continued speaking. ¡°Isn¡¯t it obvious just by looking? Look around. The people¡¯s faces are bright, and you don¡¯t see many thin folks around, so it must be a good village to live in, right? That means there¡¯s plenty to sell and the people must be generous! Isn¡¯t that right?¡± As he spoke, he clapped Encrid on the shoulder. His manner was careless, his gestures bold. It was a familiar style of speech¡ªa technique known as the ¡®magic mouth¡¯, constantly talking and keeping the conversation flowing. Jaxon was imitating Krais. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com] Chapter 269 Two young vigilantes guarding the front of the village exchanged glances before turning their gaze forward again. One of the younger vigilantes, who was lazily holding a leather coif in his hand, casually placed it on his head and spoke. His demeanor was somewhat sloppy. ¡°Not wrong, but¡­¡± Then, the other vigilante, whose eyes were sharper, stepped forward. ¡°It seems we should check inside, so please wait a moment.¡± With that, one of them went inside, and during that time, Jaxon kept talking nonstop. ¡°Well, there aren¡¯t any monsters around the village, and don¡¯t you smell something good? It¡¯s dinner time, and I¡¯ve been chewing on jerky for four days straight! I¡¯ll make sure to take care of you, so please be a little lenient.¡± He was trying to soothe the remaining young vigilante. The youth had large, innocent-looking eyes. Seeing him slightly nod his head, he seemed tempted, but he still didn¡¯t let them in easily. ¡°That can¡¯t be¡­ But if you wait here, someone from inside will probably come to talk¡­¡± He had a habit of trailing off at the end of his sentences, which was a bit frustrating, but Jaxon didn¡¯t mind. ¡°Understood!¡± He simply nodded with a smile. Encrid was continuously impressed. ¡®How is this guy so good at this?¡¯ It felt like Krais had just changed his face and come here. But do villages usually control entry this strictly? Some villages might, especially if there are many dangers around or if they¡¯re at war with another village. But this village didn¡¯t seem like that. ¡°Try to understand¡­ A wandering swordsman caused trouble before¡­ and so did a Frog¡­¡± The stammering vigilante offered an explanation. He seemed to be quite timid, looking around nervously even though no one had asked. Encrid had a pretty good idea who that Frog was. Was it one of those who caused trouble while pretending to obediently follow orders? Watching the hesitant young vigilante, a message came from inside. The sharp-eyed friend who had gone in earlier came striding out and shouted. ¡°Come in!¡± Permission was granted. Jaxon beamed with a smile at the words. His acting was impressively skillful. On second thought, it made sense. ¡®He used to be the guy who scratched everyone¡¯s back within the unit.¡¯ But at some point, he began to cleanly distance himself from people around him. And he did it in no time. Afterward, rumors spread that he took all the Krona he earned to the brothel. They said he often went to the market and wouldn¡¯t return to the barracks, so the rumors grew. But Encrid didn¡¯t believe those rumors. If Jaxon was truly infatuated with a prostitute, he¡¯d bring her along. But would he just quietly go back and forth? Only those close to him knew the truth. Those who didn¡¯t know him might think he was just another common soldier who wasted his hard-earned Krona in the brothel. Of course, Jaxon wasn¡¯t that simple. Sometimes he spent entire days in tea houses, and other times he sipped beer while hovering around gambling dens. He appeared to be a drifter with no purpose, just passing the time. At least that¡¯s how it looked from the outside. But was there a reason behind his actions? Was he doing something else? Encrid had already figured it out but didn¡¯t give it much thought. ¡®He must have his reasons.¡¯ Such acting, the way he changes his expression, and even how he mimics Krais in an instant, were all part of his repertoire. The silent steps, the unnoticed movements, the way he wielded a sword without any hint of intent¡ªthese were all part of Jaxon. Encrid reminded himself of what he already knew. There was still no reason to push him away. No reason to question him. Encrid was the Commander and person in charge of the Independent Company, and Jaxon was under his command. As long as Jaxon did his job well, that was all that mattered. In that sense, Jaxon was an excellent company member and could even be considered a good teacher. Even if Jaxon ever turned his sword against him, Encrid would ask twice. He might even be willing to take the hit once. That¡¯s how much he had received from him. But more than his interest in Jaxon right now, Encrid was focused on¡­ ¡°Oh, he¡¯s got some skill.¡± Sinar, who was standing next to him, was simply amazed, constantly exclaiming in awe. It was curious how this Fairy hadn¡¯t managed to find this village that blatantly reeked of drugs. As they stepped inside, the young vigilante behind them issued a warning. ¡°Don¡¯t cause any trouble. Just because you know how to use a sword doesn¡¯t mean you can start a fight carelessly, or you¡¯ll get hurt.¡± Most villages maintain a group of mercenaries or a small force capable of handling weapons, provided there are no special problems. This particular village showed signs of being well-maintained in several places. The fence was tall, made in two layers, and showed clear signs of regular upkeep. On the outer fence, thorny bushes had been grown and woven together, making it quite tall. Any ordinary monsters or beasts wouldn¡¯t even think of trying to break in. As they had seen upon entering, the entrance was narrow, just wide enough for a single carriage to pass through. To an outsider, this might seem like a typical village, but not to Encrid. People who didn¡¯t know Encrid might think he was just a ¡®sword fanatic¡¯ who knew nothing else, but Krais and a few others knew better. ¡°Our leader¡¯s smart, he just doesn¡¯t use his brain often.¡± That was true. Above all, Encrid had sharp instincts and intuition. Along with his skills, he could sense uneasy atmospheres and pick up on subtle scents. This was one of the reasons he had survived so long with such meager abilities. And now, he had developed an eye for gauging the skills of others, along with honed senses. Encrid glanced around. This village didn¡¯t seem to engage in farming. Its location was on a high plateau, climbing up a mountain ridge, yet there were no signs of slash-and-burn agriculture. So, what do they live on? There were a few mountain goats, but this was clearly a village with more than a few hundred households. In this continent, to survive the threats of monsters and beasts, people had to live in groups. It was common sense to build wide fences and cultivate fields within them. Even if an orchard was created separately, it would need its own fence and a stationed guard force. This was a must unless they planned to offer everything to monsters and beasts. Even if a monster or beast colony formed, it would be useless, but still, gathering together was a necessity for survival. The village population seemed to be at least three to four hundred. More than half of them were young people. ¡®No farmland.¡¯ Few livestock. And the proportion of middle-aged and elderly people was overwhelmingly high compared to the population. On top of that, wasn¡¯t the village chief supposed to be a young and beautiful woman? Nothing about this place was normal. And yet, there were no rumors about this village. Wouldn¡¯t a few merchants have mentioned it? How does a village keep its activities hidden and prevent rumors from spreading? Encrid pondered for a moment. Meanwhile, Jaxon, who was channeling Krais, was chatting away enthusiastically. ¡°They¡¯re selling goat¡¯s milk! Imagine how good the cheese would taste if¡­ Oh, they have cheese too!¡± Cheese made from goat¡¯s milk takes on a rich, brown hue. If stored properly, it becomes sweet and heavy in flavor. Jaxon emphasized this while pulling out several fine rolls of silk, which they had brought to play the part of merchants. Encrid watched this and fell into thought again. A method to prevent rumors. ¡®You just bury everyone who comes.¡¯ If someone can¡¯t be dealt with by force, just give them something sufficient and send them on their way. Could that be why this place hasn¡¯t been discovered? After all, this location is west of the Border Guard and not even a shortcut when crossing the mountains. Some might say it¡¯s safe from bandits or marauding groups because of that. ¡®But is it really?¡¯ The level of the vigilantes gathered here was exceptional. Encrid stood idly, observing the passersby. The most amusing sight was a woman wearing a wide skirt. ¡®Hey, what are you hiding under that skirt?¡¯ Her right leg was heavier than her left, and her stride was uneven. Krais could probably wager that there was a sword hidden on her right thigh, long enough to pierce through a person¡¯s torso. ¡°This is an interesting place.¡± ¡°Try this.¡± No sooner had Encrid muttered those words than Jaxon suddenly popped something into his mouth. Even though he was on guard, he only realized what had happened when it was already in his mouth. Regardless of his heightened senses, Jaxon¡¯s hands were still difficult to detect. The brown cheese had found its way into his mouth. After rolling it around a few times, instead of a dry taste, a refreshing sweetness lingered. It was well-made cheese. There seemed to be someone skilled at their craft here. ¡°It¡¯s a fine village!¡± Krais¡ªor rather, Jaxon¡ªgestured theatrically as he spoke, and the merchant selling the cheese responded with a smile. ¡°Is that so?¡± The smiling merchant was missing a front tooth, so his words whistled as he spoke. It was a simple, honest smile, but Encrid knew that this man was no pushover. As he spoke, Encrid noticed the merchant¡¯s hands moving, his palms were covered in thick calluses. Those calluses could only come from handling weapons for a long time. Pretending not to notice and turning his attention away, the Fairy beside him muttered. ¡°Enki, I feel like we¡¯re on a honeymoon trip to celebrate our marriage.¡± In the continent, such a trip was called a honeymoon. Of course, there was no such atmosphere. The Fairy seemed to have a tongue that itched if she didn¡¯t make jokes. Encrid chose to understand with a generous heart. The atmosphere on the surface seemed normal enough, but anyone in the know could sense it. Given Sinar¡¯s exceptional sensitivity, the Fairy was also aware. Many eyes were watching them. Very discreetly. Between alleyways, on rooftops, in the cracks of windows¡ªthere were people hiding everywhere. ¡°There¡¯s a drink made from goat¡¯s milk at the inn. You must try it. There¡¯s only one inn, so you won¡¯t get confused.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± Jaxon smiled broadly and handed over a few more coins. The merchant grinned again, his missing tooth leaving an impression. After circling the village and heading toward the inn, Jaxon couldn¡¯t stop exclaiming. ¡°It¡¯s a small village, but the people are lively!¡± Encrid interpreted this in his own way. The village is small, but there are a lot of people, and they¡¯re all well-trained. ¡°Is this how houses are built here? The architectural style is unique.¡± The inn is positioned perfectly to be surrounded. ¡°Even the women exude a sense of vitality!¡± The women are well-trained too. ¡°The sun is setting already, isn¡¯t it? If we want to be productive early tomorrow morning, we should get some rest! The people here don¡¯t seem to sleep much at night either.¡± Moving around carelessly at night could get us caught, so it¡¯s better to move at dawn. Thanks to Jaxon¡¯s continuous chatter, no one suspected anything he said. ¡°If Rem had come, things would have gotten really messy. These people are kind, so they probably don¡¯t like rough types.¡± If we cause a commotion, things will get difficult. The people here will keep watching us. Though it wasn¡¯t a code, Encrid was the only one who understood the meaning behind Jaxon¡¯s words. The way he mixed his sentences and how he said them made it seem like a secret language. After entering the inn, they requested a meal and some of the goat milk liquor, and then they settled into their room. Two men entered one room together. ¡°Why are we dividing the rooms like this?¡± Sinar showed her displeasure, but Finn grabbed her arm and pulled her into the adjacent room. Jaxon stood by the window, which had a wooden frame. The creaking window hinges looked like they could use some oil. He stood by the window for a moment, staring outside, before turning back around. When he turned, the soul of Krais had left Jaxon¡¯s body. The possession was over. Encrid could tell just by looking at his expression. Krais had exited Jaxon¡¯s body. ¡°Hmm.¡± Encrid was once again impressed. At this level, Jaxon could easily be the lead in a play, the kind you might only see in the capital city. If a playwright saw this, they would be desperate to cast him. ¡°What is it?¡± Jaxon asked, noticing Encrid¡¯s stare. ¡°Nothing.¡± Encrid had nothing more to say. What could he say to someone who had done such a good job? But Jaxon had something to say. In fact, he had a lot to say. He had noticed more than just one or two things. Inwardly, he was almost impressed by the level of preparation these people had made. Of course, Jaxon spoke with his usual nonchalance. ¡°They¡¯re going to spike our food with a sleeping agent.¡± Jaxon had anticipated their actions, and while Encrid found it hard to believe they¡¯d drug them as soon as they arrived, he figured there was no harm in being cautious. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t we warn the others in the next room?¡± Jaxon shook his head lightly. ¡°The Fairy is with them, isn¡¯t she?¡± Their senses are sharp. Why would their taste buds be any different? That¡¯s why Fairy food is usually quite bland. There¡¯s no need for strong seasoning because they can taste and savor even the subtlest flavors. But that doesn¡¯t mean they aren¡¯t connoisseurs. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. With their heightened sensitivity, they tend to appreciate good music and fine food. ¡°They¡¯ll handle it themselves.¡± Jaxon said this as he examined the bed and took out a small bottle from his pocket to oil the hinges. He was preparing to ensure the window wouldn¡¯t creak later. It was meticulous work. Moving quietly isn¡¯t just about physical stealth. ¡®Preparation and foresight.¡¯ One part of Encrid¡¯s mind was always occupied with swordsmanship. He had given rooms in his mind to swords, Knights, and dreams. Among those who occupied those rooms, some whispered. ¡®Isn¡¯t the Correct Sword Technique like that as well?¡¯ They were right. While it wasn¡¯t a full realization, he could briefly ponder the sword. While Encrid was momentarily lost in thought, Jaxon finished all his preparations. He oiled the hinges, inspected under the bed, and even tapped the ceiling carefully with his fingernails. Then he spread a wide cloth over the bed and secured the corners with pins. Encrid didn¡¯t ask what he was doing. Even if only for a short time, he was too busy immersing himself in his world, swinging his imaginary sword. Jaxon was relieved that he didn¡¯t ask. It would have been tiresome to explain everything. ¡®Are we actually a pretty good match?¡¯ When working, it was sometimes crucial to assess how well you meshed with your partner. Jaxon understood this well. And then he thought further. ¡®Who wouldn¡¯t he get along with?¡¯ Encrid got along seamlessly with Audin, with Rem, and even with Sinar. That was the kind of person their Commander was. So, while he might seem out of place in situations like this, he also seemed perfectly capable. As Jaxon moved, his mind was sketching out the events to come. .bg-ssp-10448{margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;display:flex;justify-content:center;} .bg-container-10448f61e68{ display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; justify-content: center; z-index: 2147483647 !important; } .bg-container-10448222eb6{ display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; justify-content: center; z-index: 2147483647 !important; } It wasn¡¯t just an intellectual exercise¡ªit was the product of experience. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com] Chapter 270 The Black Blade Bandits were large enough to be considered a small feudal state. Therefore, it was not an exaggeration to say that they were one of the biggest blights and scourges afflicting Naurillia and the Kingdom. They were truly dangerous entities. Cheese, which had been in the mouth of one of the leaders, dribbled out. This was because he had just heard something unbelievable. He picked up a linen napkin, roughly wiped his mouth, and spoke. ¡°All the assassins are dead?¡± He sent the Swift Blade, and swish. He sent a mercenary unit, and they were utterly crushed. Following that, the leader of the Black Blade Bandits unpacked his plans. He had sent a unit composed of elite assassins. And they failed. Bang! The leader slammed his fist on the table and shouted angrily. ¡°Are you trying to drag the reputation of the Black Blade through the mud?¡± Fine, so you fight well, huh? Then take this as well. He gathered all the assassins in the branch. Every single elite assassin was sent. No matter how outstanding a warrior or soldier might be, they can¡¯t defend against a knife in the back. Especially if it¡¯s laced with poison. Over fifteen assassins, skilled in both poison and blades, were sent. If that¡¯s the case, at least they should have inflicted serious injuries, if not killed the target, right? ¡°They¡¯re unscathed? What about our men?¡± ¡°They¡¯re all dead.¡± ¡°What about the watcher left behind for the report?¡± ¡°He¡¯s dead too.¡± If they hadn¡¯t left a watcher to observe from afar for the cleanup, they wouldn¡¯t have even gotten this much information. ¡°If I had gotten any closer, I would have been killed too.¡± One of the subordinates, kneeling on one knee, spoke as sweat dripped down his face. The sweat that fell onto the smooth stone floor stained it. As the sweat dripped onto the light gray floor, it darkened. The number of droplets staining the floor gradually increased. He couldn¡¯t see Jaxon. All he saw was the last moments of the watcher who had been closer to the group of assassins than he was. ¡°They were invisible.¡± All he saw was his comrade struggling in the air, caught by something, before dying. He ran away immediately. Even though he hadn¡¯t sensed any presence, as soon as he saw death, he fled. Had he not done so, he would have died too. His instincts told him so. ¡°What the hell kind of people are they?¡± The leader¡¯s tone was filled with exhaustion. All the assassins he had spent his life gathering were dead. They were there, and now they¡¯re gone. Vanished. Dead, and never to be seen again. ¡°What the hell kind of bastards are they?¡± His mouth hung open in disbelief, words failing to come out. Is this even possible? He asked the subordinate who had reported what he saw. The subordinate hung his head. He had nothing to say either. The so-called report amounted to nothing more than everyone being dead. ¡°What do we do now?¡± Asked the attendant standing behind him. ¡°What do you mean, ¡®what do we do?¡¯¡± The leader responded, mulling over the attendant¡¯s question. ¡®Damn it.¡¯ The situation had taken a turn for the worse. If things went wrong, he¡¯d be devoured by someone rising up from below. There were plenty of people coveting his position. Of course, it wasn¡¯t like they could replace him immediately. He had too many irons in the fire here. ¡®Starting with the business.¡¯ The reason his position was so solidified here was obvious. It was because he spread the drugs. Thanks to his work, there were hardly any nobles in the Kingdom unaware of the drugs. The Krona earned from selling those drugs directly funded the activities of the Black Blade Bandits. ¡°I¡¯ll request help from the main branch. Until then, leave it alone.¡± There was no one left to send. It made sense that they couldn¡¯t touch it until reinforcements arrived from the main branch. ¡°In the meantime, we¡¯ll focus on the ¡®hole¡¯ we¡¯ve dug.¡± Although he used some jargon, everyone in the room understood. As long as the ¡®hole¡¯ remained intact, his foundation was secure. For now, he decided to forget about Encrid or whatever that cursed bastard was called. Of course, he would soon be reminded of that grudge. He had no intention of letting it go. ¡°Where is he now?¡± ¡°Probably swinging his sword around somewhere in the territory.¡± The attendant was sharp and quick-witted. He spoke, his smooth, beardless face belonging to a strikingly handsome man. His judgment was trustworthy. They had previously conducted a detailed investigation into his daily life. ¡®A sword-obsessed maniac.¡¯ The guy was so obsessed with his sword that the term ¡®sword-maniac¡¯ came to mind. Marcus had concealed the fact that Encrid and his group had left on a mission. It wasn¡¯t so much for any particular reason as it was a habit. Marcus knew all too well that the more restricted information was, the more advantageous it became. Above all, Encrid was the type who was easy to keep hidden. He was the sort who could spend days holed up in the training grounds or his quarters without emerging. Of course, eventually, it would become known that he was missing, but for about a week, no one would notice. Because of this, the Black Blade leader had no idea that Encrid had already infiltrated his ¡®hole¡¯. Sinar stood still in the room, focusing. The faint sound from the adjacent room faded away. She assessed the situation through the surrounding noises. She checked for any watchful eyes. There were none. The moment she realized that, she lifted her right index finger and made a small circular motion in the air. It was a hand signal known only to some in the Fairy Company. ¡°Is this the last one?¡± Finn asked. ¡°It seems so.¡± She replied. The Fairy Company Commander reclined on the bed, stretching out her legs as she spoke. Her soft and flexible muscles visibly extended. She didn¡¯t seem to be affected by the cold, wearing only a pair of leather pants, which appeared to give her a greater range of motion. Otherwise, her demeanor was completely calm. There was a small brazier in the inn room, but she had pushed it aside as soon as she entered, seeming to find it more of an inconvenience. When asked why, she responded, ¡°It might start a fire.¡± ¡°But are we okay just wasting time here like this?¡± Finn asked again as she adjusted the front of her armor, which was layered over her leather outfit. The armor had hardened leather inserted between layers of fabric, but the leather wasn¡¯t of great quality, making it somewhat stiff, and the front kept coming undone. Still, it was warm and sturdy. Sinar replied without a hint of a smile, ¡°This task is important too.¡± ¡°That¡¯s true.¡± Finn agreed, bringing a chair over to the window and leaning back partially against it. She needed to keep an eye on the outside and oil her spear. After all, they would be making their move under the cover of night. Finn, who had previously served as a ranger, had participated in various operations. She was skilled at this kind of work, though not as much as Jaxon. ¡°The seventh one.¡± Finn murmured. That was the number of operations Sinar and a few select members of the Fairy Company had carried out so far. * * Jaxon didn¡¯t miss a single detail. He was incredibly meticulous. Watching Jaxon, Encrid felt as though he was on the verge of grasping something. It was just out of reach, almost within his grasp. It could have been frustrating, but he wasn¡¯t in a rush. In fact, he found this situation rather fascinating. He wondered when he had ever seen something like this and had a thought come to mind. This was yet another sign of his growth. As Encrid observed, Jaxon spoke. With Krais¡¯s soul no longer present, these were purely Jaxon¡¯s own words. ¡°Small things come together to create something big. Just as small streams converge to form a river, a lake, and eventually flow into the sea.¡± It might have sounded like mere talk, but Encrid felt that what had been just out of reach had now moved a step closer. He could now make out a faint, indistinct shape. ¡°Mastery of swordsmanship and training are important, but a single small preparation can determine victory or defeat. What if that fight is one where your life is at stake?¡± Encrid had always lacked natural physical talent. Now that he had roughly filled that gap, his sharp mind was kicking into gear, making him repeatedly reconsider and reflect on the process, bringing ideas to the surface. Especially concerning swordsmanship and combat. In some ways, what Jaxon spoke of was similar to the Valen Mercenary Sword Technique. Encrid could now categorize different swordsmanship styles. For example, the Correct Sword Technique is about the correct way to swing a sword, building layer upon layer of skill. In contrast, the Valen Mercenary Sword Technique is a different kind of approach. ¡®It¡¯s more akin to individual tactics.¡¯ Those who enter a fight must use their brains. This was a phrase written when he first learned the Valen Mercenary Sword Technique. The phrase itself had been helpful, but upon reflecting on it again now. ¡®Perhaps I should say, it saved my life.¡¯ Since learning those words, they had saved his life multiple times. The thoughts continued to flow, a series of small realizations. This wouldn¡¯t suddenly advance his swordsmanship or lead to some drastic change. Instinctively, he knew that, but the mix of accumulated experience and learned knowledge left something meaningful within him. What if the opponent uses a longsword? What if their waist is thick? Could they be hiding something underneath? What if they wear a curved blade like the Swift Blade instead of a belt? Could he infer their habits by observing the direction of their sword belt? Before that, what about assuming a slightly more comfortable stance or securing a favorable position? All of this was possible, and Encrid realized he could make such preparations too. It was within the realm of personal tactics. And so, the vague concept became something tangible, within his grasp. The thrill, the joy of growth, began to well up again. But he didn¡¯t suddenly drool or start laughing. ¡®I¡¯m not Rem, after all.¡¯ Encrid sometimes drooled when he was deeply focused, though he would never admit it. ¡°Let¡¯s have dinner.¡± Jaxon suggested. Encrid nodded. The first floor of the inn also served as a dining room. When they sat down, Jaxon summoned Krais back into his body. Sinar continued to silently play the role of a Fairy guardian. In truth, there was no need to act. All she had to do was refrain from her usual jokes. ¡°A Fairy, huh? That¡¯s quite a rare guest.¡± The innkeeper remarked as he personally brought over the stew and roasted pork. He spoke while glancing repeatedly at the Fairy Company Commander, clearly fascinated. He seemed genuinely amazed. When Sinar had entered the village, she had kept her face hidden under a robe, so she hadn¡¯t revealed she was a Fairy until they were inside the inn. Otherwise, she would have drawn everyone¡¯s attention as they passed by. Seeing the innkeeper¡¯s reaction to the Fairy, Jaxon spoke with a subtle air of pride. ¡°Oh, please don¡¯t bother her too much. She¡¯s a guard my father assigned to me, and she has a bit of a sensitive temperament.¡± With that one statement, Jaxon revealed that he was affiliated with a certain Merchant Guild and hinted at part of his own personality. He was now playing the role of a spoiled merchant¡¯s son. His act of arrogance seemed so natural that he appeared as if he had been born and raised to be that annoying. ¡®Seems like you¡¯ve changed a bit from Krais.¡¯ Just then, a servant who had been following the innkeeper suddenly tripped, dropping the cup he was carrying. With a thud, the wooden cup fell, spilling wine all over the floor. ¡°You fool!¡± The innkeeper approached angrily, and the servant repeatedly bowed his head in apology. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯m so sorry.¡± It wasn¡¯t much of a commotion. Two men¡ªone with a thick beard drinking wine and another with ordinary brown hair¡ªglanced over but quickly returned to their business. ¡°Hey, take it easy on him, take it easy.¡± Jaxon interjected with a remark. This was typical of Krais under the influence of the drug¡ªalways inserting himself into things with a comment. Sinar stood still, staring blankly at one side of the table like a doll, without shifting her gaze. Meanwhile, Finn, standing beside him, said something like, ¡°Young master, you need to return to the trade route in two days.¡± Of course, it was all part of the script. Jaxon had prepared a simple play. ¡°This should buy us a day.¡± It was a simple tactic. Since they would be leaving in two days, the enemy would likely leave them alone until then. Presenting the Fairy was a warning not to try any cheap tricks or poison while she was around. Emphasizing her prickliness was for the same reason. By making the enemy unsure of who they were dealing with and recognizing them as a tough opponent, they could buy themselves a day. ¡°This will do for me.¡± Sinar played her role well, holding up some dried fruit to show she didn¡¯t need a full meal. ¡°Not knowing the joy of food!¡± Even then, Jaxon couldn¡¯t resist a comment as he dipped a wooden spoon into the stew. Encrid ate comfortably as well. Jaxon¡¯s actions signaled that there was no poison. Meanwhile, the inn¡¯s servant brought another bottle of wine. The way he walked carefully this time made it clear he didn¡¯t plan on dropping it again. ¡°You fool, be careful.¡± The servant shot a quick glance at Encrid¡¯s waist while he was being scolded by Jaxon, who didn¡¯t give him a single coin for his trouble. He was staring at the sword belt and the sword neatly hanging there. Noticing this, Jaxon smiled and said, ¡°This man is my friend and has agreed to assist with this task. He¡¯s not that rough, so I¡¯m sure he wouldn¡¯t mind showing you his sword if you ask.¡± Some swordsmen with nasty tempers might threaten to gouge out someone¡¯s eyes with just a glance or draw their sword at the slightest provocation, just like this servant before them. ¡°No? It¡¯s fine, really.¡± The servant stammered. ¡°I¡¯ll just show you the blade.¡± Encrid replied calmly, drawing his sword halfway out. Srrrng. Encrid¡¯s movements as he drew the sword were deliberately awkward. He was demonstrating a small display of preparation. He intentionally concealed his true skill. It wasn¡¯t difficult for him. All he had to do was recall the first time he ever drew a sword. Having clawed his way up from the bottom, imitating a beginner was easier for Encrid than for anyone else. He just had to do everything people are told not to do. For example, gripping the scabbard too close with his left hand while drawing the sword was a classic mistake¡ªa sure way to accidentally slice open your hand on the blade. It was something one should never do. Everything else, however, he made look more convincing, because that was the essence of a swordsman with a flair for showmanship. ¡°Wow, the blade is blue.¡± sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The servant remarked, eyes wide with amazement. Encrid thought the guy was quite bold. His walk, his mannerisms¡ªit was clear he was a trained individual, yet here he was, dropping a cup and making a fuss over seeing a sword for the first time. Regardless, Encrid played the role of the naive swordsman tagging along with the merchant¡¯s son, and it seemed to have worked quite well. That night, when everyone was asleep, the oiled hinges allowed the window to open silently. ¡°Well then.¡± Jaxon whispered as he stepped out into the night. In the adjacent room, Finn also began to move. They met on the inn¡¯s roof, exchanged only a brief glance, and then went their separate ways. They had agreed to gather the information they needed individually and then regroup in the morning to piece it all together. Jaxon moved across the rooftops, leaping over two houses, while Finn descended below. Suddenly, Jaxon noticed a blade thrusting towards him from the side. There had been no sound, no warning. The blade hadn¡¯t even registered in his senses. .bg-container-10448ed3ed0{ display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; justify-content: center; z-index: 2147483647 !important; } .bg-ssp-10448{margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;display:flex;justify-content:center;} .bg-container-10448f61e68{ display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; justify-content: center; z-index: 2147483647 !important; } .bg-container-10448222eb6{ display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; justify-content: center; z-index: 2147483647 !important; } The sharp blade pierced through his clothing. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com] Chapter 271 Finn subtly lifted her head and looked in the direction Jaxon had moved. ¡®Is he heading straight to the village chief¡¯s house?¡¯ From her perspective, there were too many suspicious things about this village. Hadn¡¯t she noticed a woman among the people walking by, someone whose steps were unusually graceful? Even Finn could tell that woman wasn¡¯t ordinary. ¡®Damn thieves.¡¯ Through her various dealings with Sinar, she had come to understand just how deeply the Black Blade Bandits¡¯ influence had penetrated the Kingdom. It was likely connected to central nobility or a Lord with a vast estate. The biggest problem among them was¡­ She was deep in thought, walking under the cover of darkness. Her instincts as a ranger led her to move stealthily, avoiding the gaze of others. Her steps were cautious, always aware of whether someone might be following her. She made her way toward the watermill on the hill, and as she neared it, something struck her head. Finn reacted. She twisted to minimize the impact, reducing the damage. Reacting just before getting hit was half luck. And if half was luck, the other half was skill. Ever since encountering Encrid, she had been relentlessly training in Ail Caraz Style martial arts with Audin and Sinar. She focused especially on defense. It wasn¡¯t so much by choice as it was by necessity. ¡°One hit, and you meet the Gods, sister.¡± Audin¡¯s fists, when hit wrong, were like knocking on heaven¡¯s door. ¡°You¡¯re full of openings.¡± Sinar would often strike her from behind, outside her awareness, aiming for the back of her head or neck. For these reasons, Finn had become more sensitive, her senses sharper, and her reaction time quicker. Thud! There was a sound of impact, but Finn neither fainted nor fell. She had tucked her chin and tensed her trapezius muscles, so the blow aimed at the back of her head only grazed near her ear. It made her head ring. Her attacker didn¡¯t wait. Another strike came immediately, this time aiming for her legs. He was a skilled fighter. The first ambush targeted above, and the next below¡ªtactics that were hard to counter. But Finn wasn¡¯t caught off guard this time either. She bent her knees and braced herself. It was an Ail Caraz Style defensive technique. When the attacker¡¯s foot struck Finn¡¯s shin, she twisted her body slightly, deflecting the blow. ¡®Damn bastard.¡¯ Her head was still ringing, but realizing she would be overpowered if this continued, she swiftly drew the shortsword from her sword belt. Clang! Without a second thought, she slashed horizontally. Nothing caught on the blade. It seemed her assailant had retreated. Finn¡¯s vision blurred, causing her to frown. ¡°Don¡¯t move. If you move, you die.¡± The voice came from behind her, to the left. She also heard the click of a crossbow being cocked. ¡®Damn it.¡¯ She was caught in a bad situation. Her opponent was skilled in ambushes. More importantly, they seemed to have been waiting for her. It was a planned attack. Dangerous. ¡°You think we¡¯re a bunch of blind fools? Damn bitch, maybe we¡¯ll chop you up and sell you to a cheap brothel where you won¡¯t fetch more than a few coins.¡± The man who had struck her spoke while holding a short club. His language was not just rough, but downright filthy. Finn focused instead of replying. Sweat trickled down her temples. The cold of winter was the last thing she felt. Her head was still spinning, though it was better than before. The immediate concern was getting out of this situation, and for that, she needed to assess it first. ¡°Don¡¯t shoot.¡± Finn spoke as she subtly raised both hands. The shortsword she had let go of fell to the ground, sticking into the dirt at an angle. ¡°Crazy bitch, do you even know where you are?¡± The thief with the club twisted his mouth into a sneer. ¡®This doesn¡¯t look good.¡¯ By pretending to surrender, she began to grasp the situation. There were three main points. First, the villagers weren¡¯t dumb or foolish. Secondly, it meant that they had made a foolish mistake. And third, not everything was going according to plan. The original plan was to observe the village for two days and then sweep through it with the unit they had on standby. ¡®Find the evidence.¡¯ Based on that, the priority was to obtain the local Lord¡¯s permission to act. The Border Guard was part of the Lord¡¯s estate, but beyond its borders, it was technically someone else¡¯s land. In fact, this situation was tangled with various political factors. Marcus intended to turn the surrounding area into the Border Guard¡¯s territory and believed this kind of operation was necessary to exert his influence. He was certainly angry about the drug dealers and the assassination group sent by the Black Blade Bandits, but there was also calculation involved. Even if he didn¡¯t want to, Marcus¡¯s mind always leaned toward politics. He planned to liberate the village and reorganize it with the innocent villagers as the foundation. The goal was to transform the village from a den of thieves producing drugs into a community under the protection of the Border Guard. Of course, the local noble who officially owned the estate would be furious, but there were plenty of ways to handle that. The best scenario would be to find evidence linking the Lord to the bandits, but even if they couldn¡¯t, it wasn¡¯t the end of the world. Marcus knew how to wield influence, and he was the kind of man who could swallow a village whole if he played his cards right. Starting was crucial. Once you took one village, the next would be easier. Giving up one village wouldn¡¯t stop at just one. But who could predict that? The local Lord was just a pig-headed idiot with nothing but dung in his brain. They had made various preparations and tied up many loose ends, which was the background to this operation. But things had gone wrong from the start. Of course, Finn couldn¡¯t know all of this. She simply reminded herself of her mission, remaining the loyal soldier she was. Finn thought. Finding evidence seemed like water spilled on dry soil. ¡®We¡¯ve walked into a trap.¡¯ They had been ambushed. Sweat ran down Finn¡¯s face as she prepared for her next move. She wasn¡¯t about to just sit there and take it. Fight back with all you¡¯ve got. She had learned something from watching Encrid. Keep moving forward because you don¡¯t know how to quit, and by moving forward, you change. Finn had watched Encrid closely. Soon, she kicked the sword embedded in the ground. The sword sprang free and shot forward. Simultaneously, Finn drew two short daggers hidden in her forearm, each just over a span long. It was time to fight. Even if there was no chance of winning, if the moment called for it, she had to do it. * * This was after Jaxon had slipped out through the window. Encrid absentmindedly stared outside. ¡®How did he manage to get out through that hole?¡¯ The window was small. Jaxon had slipped through it as if he¡¯d oiled his body, and the way he did it was remarkable. He didn¡¯t struggle, he simply gauged the size of the window and his body, then, with a single leap, he smoothly slipped through. It was as if he had straightened his body in mid-air, or as if someone had pulled him from outside. He vanished as if he had flown away. Jaxon had an astonishing sense of proprioception. ¡®He sees, judges, and moves his body with perfect precision.¡¯ It was a feat possible only because he had an impeccable understanding of his body and its capabilities. Could Encrid do it himself? He wasn¡¯t so sure. His curiosity ended there. Encrid gazed beyond the window where Jaxon had disappeared. The moonlight outside seemed to scatter like broken dust. It was a bright, moonlit night. After a moment of observing the outside, he turned his attention back to the room. It was a winter night, so there should have been a chill in the air, but the brazier, filled with heated stones and glowing red charcoal, dispelled it. Beneath the coals were logs about the size of his forearm. Encrid dragged the brazier to the front of the bed and stared at it quietly. When he placed a log on top, the red-hot coals began to singe the wood, causing it to crackle as it started to burn. Soon, red tongues of flame licked up and ignited the log. He watched as the log began to burn with a faint crackling sound. Encrid¡¯s gaze was distant and unfocused. He simply sat there, gazing at the flames, his body half-slouched and entirely relaxed. The fire blazed, sparks flew, and the sound of the burning wood combined with the heat pushing back the cold air. The warmth created by the meeting of heat and cold surrounded him. It was as if someone had gently cradled his body and laid him down on the bed. Soft straw cushioned his body. The bed was soft, his belly was full, and his back was warm. As the comfortable air enveloped him, it felt as though he was being held in a mother¡¯s embrace. Although Encrid was an orphan and had never known a mother¡¯s touch, he felt a similar warmth now. Like a child, he curled up. The warm bath in a wooden tub he had taken for six coins had relaxed him completely. Encrid fell into a short dream. In it, he was a child whining to his mother. Then he set out on a long journey, only to face mortal danger after ten days. Having barely survived, he felt a sudden wave of regret. ¡®Why did I ever leave home?¡¯ Once he left, all he found was suffering. Difficulties piled up. Even the slightest mistake put his life at risk. It was like crossing between cliffs on a tiny rope. ¡®Will you still cross?¡¯ Someone asked. He could have simply gone back home, but Encrid did not. Despite the peace and comfort, the pastoral meadows, he didn¡¯t turn back. Even though all the things he loved were behind him, he didn¡¯t retreat. Despite missing his mother¡¯s embrace and his father¡¯s large hands, he didn¡¯t turn back. ¡®I must cross.¡¯ ¡®Why?¡¯ ¡®Do I need a reason?¡¯ ¡®Aren¡¯t there things one does without a reason?¡¯ ¡®No, everything has a reason, even if you don¡¯t realize it. Why are you walking this path?¡¯ Encrid thought it was a question without an answer, but in the dream, he responded without hesitation. ¡®Because it¡¯s fun.¡¯ ¡®Is that all?¡¯ ¡®Would you rather see a smile or a frown? Do you prefer pain or joy?¡¯ ¡®What?¡¯ He couldn¡¯t see the face of the person asking the question. The last words came out aloud. ¡°I¡¯m walking the path that I find enjoyable and right.¡± He had no doubts about it. Encrid didn¡¯t even call it a conviction. He opened his eyes. It had been an extremely short dream. The firewood hadn¡¯t even burned out yet. The log was still not completely charred, so it was indeed a very brief rest. And yet¡­ His body felt light. His steps were swift, and his hands were filled with strength. Normally, it would take some time after waking up for strength to return to the body, but not this time. It was as if someone had infused every muscle fiber with power, making his body brim with energy. Then someone knocked on the door. Knock, knock. The sound of knocking reached his ears. ¡°Are you in there?¡± It was the voice of the tavern servant. ¡°Are you there?¡± The servant asked again. Encrid quickly dressed. He wrapped his inner armor around him like a bandage and threw on a thin leather armor over it. He also fastened his sword belt. The speed at which he armed himself was beyond exceptional. Why wouldn¡¯t it be? If you weren¡¯t skilled with a sword, you¡¯d end up doing a lot of menial tasks. Encrid had served many other mercenaries. Even then, to survive, he had to be meticulous in putting on his armor and preparing his weapons. His speed in doing so was remarkable. And so, he finished arming himself. ¡°You¡¯re in there, but you¡¯re not answering.¡± The servant¡¯s voice had a hint of amusement. ¡°Hey, you idiot.¡± Then came the words. There was a click, and the door opened. The lock was meaningless. The opened door allowed the light from the room¡¯s brazier and the light from outside to meet and clash. The lights didn¡¯t compete, they simply did their job, illuminating the surroundings. The inn¡¯s hallway was narrow. Beyond it stood the tavern servant, the innkeeper, and beside them, a man with a thick beard like a bush. Each of them had gleaming eyes and an air of arrogance. ¡°Three?¡± Encrid skipped over the small talk and asked directly. He lowered his head slightly, then tilted his eyes up to ask. As he spoke, Encrid adjusted the position of his sword belt. He shifted it slightly forward, making it easier to draw his weapon, just a bit more comfortable. The servant sneered at him. What a foolish sight it was, this idiot clumsily gearing up. ¡°What? Three? This crazy bastard must be out of his mind.¡± The servant sneered. Encrid continued adjusting his gear. He had recently realized the importance of small preparations. The angle of the Dwarf¡¯s gladius on his right hip wasn¡¯t quite to his liking. He adjusted it, pulling it tighter. ¡°You can handle a sword, can¡¯t you? So why the hell are you acting so clumsy?¡± Suddenly, he thought of Krais. A nagging voice in his mind reminded him not to act. For a moment, Encrid resented a world that didn¡¯t appreciate his acting skills. Surely, when he reached the estate, there would be a playwright who recognized his outstanding talent. ¡°There¡¯s no need to drag this out, right?¡± The servant sneered as he spoke. Normally, the servant was someone who exploited his opponent¡¯s weaknesses and moments of carelessness, but to him, Encrid seemed too clumsy. The Fairy beside him might be a bit tricky to deal with, though. ¡°Do you even know where you are?¡± The servant was brimming with confidence. He was sure he could take down these intruders who had wandered into the village. ¡°Hey, kill him already.¡± The bearded man, who had been watching from the back, spoke up. No need for words¡ªthis wasn¡¯t some fancy parlor for idle chatter. Encrid gave his sword belt one last tug forward. Now the hilt of the sword rested perfectly in front of his hip. Finally, his gear felt just right. He lifted his head and straightened his back. During this time, the tavern servant dusted off his hands. The smirk that had formed on his face was far from the innocent look he had worn earlier, his eyes now gleamed with deadly intent. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Encrid took it all in. In the slowed perception of time, he noted every expression and every glance. They were only three or four steps apart. The servant threw a dagger, and Encrid tilted his head to the side. He gripped his sword but didn¡¯t draw it just yet. The dagger whizzed past, grazing his hair, and embedded itself in the wall behind him. ¡°So, you¡¯ve got some skill, huh!¡± The servant shouted fiercely, raising both hands. Each held another dagger. Encrid instinctively gauged his opponent¡¯s physical abilities from the way he moved, his posture, and the act of throwing the daggers. This led to a minor adjustment. He slid his left foot forward. The leather boots made a quiet scraping sound as they moved. It was a subtle movement that no one noticed. Now everything was perfect. The minor preparations were complete. The servant, apparently confident in his knife-throwing skills, shook his hands once more, while the tavern owner behind him drew a shortsword. The sound of metal rang out, as if each weapon was declaring its presence. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com] Chapter 272 Encrid moved with a soft murmur. ¡°Esther.¡± He pressed down on his left big toe, lowering his waist. In a crouched position, he leaned forward. With a swift motion, two daggers brushed past him and embedded themselves deeply into the wall of the inn behind him. Encrid drew his sword. The inn room wasn¡¯t spacious enough to swing a longsword freely. Especially with a wall blocking the entrance. They were counting on that. Even if he drew his sword here, how was he going to cut anyone? He could almost hear the servant¡¯s words. Encrid used his left hand to press down on the scabbard, creating an angle. Instead of a horizontal slash, he switched to a vertical one and unsheathed his sword. With force behind the drawn blade, he slashed upward from below, cutting the servant from the groin to the middle of the chest. Sssk! The sound of fabric, the leather armor underneath, muscles, and some bones being sliced through was like a low whisper. The sword was that fast. Encrid gauged the distance to his opponent and cut just a finger¡¯s width deep. That was enough to kill a person. All the preparations¡ªadjusting the position of his sword belt and positioning his feet¡ªhad been for this single strike. He was satisfied. ¡°Guh, urgh!¡± The servant, whose lungs and vocal cords hadn¡¯t been damaged, let out a short death throe, spewing blood and entrails as he collapsed. ¡°You bastard!¡± The innkeeper, who was also a bandit, shouted as he drew a shortsword. But he didn¡¯t step inside. Hadn¡¯t he just witnessed the servant being killed in a single strike? At that moment, a dark shadow swooped down from above, striking the innkeeper on the head. Crack, thud! The bandit innkeeper¡¯s neck was half-broken, and three claw marks were etched across his face, severing his nose and bursting an eye. It was the result of a strike from a Lake Panther¡¯s front paw. Usually docile, but terrifying when in battle, the Lake Panther¡¯s power was immense. Esther, who had killed the bandit with a single blow, landed lightly beside Encrid. Her steps were light as she descended. From her movements, it seemed she was quicker than usual. Encrid could feel his own condition just from that one sword draw. ¡®My body feels incredibly light.¡¯ He was in excellent condition. Very good indeed. ¡°Hmm.¡± With a soft hum of satisfaction, Encrid looked up to see a pair of wide, glaring eyes under a bushy beard. The man then spoke. It was a shout mixed with tension, fear, dread, and excitement. ¡°Kill him!¡± With those words, a cracking sound was heard. Encrid¡¯s keen instincts quickly identified the source. It came from above, at the back. ¡°Damn it, what¡¯s this!¡± Another voice cried out. The sound came from the bed. There were two beds, and the noise came from the one Jaxon had chosen. Soon, a ripping sound followed as the fabric on the ceiling was torn. Jaxon had tried to do something, but it seemed he was blocked by the fabric on the ceiling. As soon as it tore, something fell. ¡°Ah!¡± Esther let out a shout. What fell looked like a leather-made orb, and it quickly exploded with a pop. It wasn¡¯t a loud explosion. There was no pressure or light¡ªjust green smoke spreading out. Without even smelling it, Encrid started to feel dizzy. It was poison gas. Adding to that, an arrow whizzed through the window. Encrid swung his sword quickly, deflecting the incoming arrow. With a snap, the arrow split in half and bounced off the floor. A stray arrow is always dangerous, but in a situation where you¡¯re dodging daggers flying at your face, this was hardly a threat. However, the poison gas was another matter. That¡¯s what drew his attention backward. The bearded man slammed the door shut behind the dead servant and innkeeper. ¡®Blocking the door and trying to kill us with poison?¡¯ Encrid held his breath and, without hesitation, turned to the side. Arrows were aimed from outside the window, and the bearded man was blocking the door. Should he break through the door? No, given how things had gone awry, it seemed likely that they had something prepared on that side as well. It was both intuition and a sixth sense. And he was right. The bearded bandit had released the poison orb the moment he saw Encrid¡¯s sword skills. A few breaths of it, and one¡¯s insides would twist, leading to death in a fit of vomiting. However, the poison had a limited range and was harmless if not inhaled. If Encrid had forced the door open, the bandit was prepared to release more of the same poison into the hallway. The bearded man thought to himself. ¡®Stupid bastard. Does he even know where he is?¡¯ He didn¡¯t know who his opponent was. He simply assumed it was a fool who had wandered in without understanding the situation. This was a village run by the Black Blade Bandits, one of their key operations. Did this intruder think the guards here were just random thugs? Even though a senior member had recently left, taking with him a top-tier assassin, there were still some formidable fighters left. More importantly, this place was one of their strongholds. Despite his appearance, the bearded man was a strategist who could plan multiple contingencies. He had anticipated, judged, and believed he had successfully restricted the intruder¡¯s actions. But Encrid didn¡¯t concern himself with what the bearded man was doing or what was currently happening. All of that could be dealt with later. Just by observing Esther¡¯s reaction, he knew the poison smoke was dangerous. However, it wasn¡¯t spreading quickly. It was a heavy smoke. Though smoke doesn¡¯t have weight, it appeared that way. It spread slowly and densely rather than dispersing widely. The problem was that the area where Encrid stood was now overlapping with the smoke. If that¡¯s the case, then he just needed to move out of its range. Encrid turned his body. There was no need to steady his breath. The inn was a makeshift building, made of wood with thin walls. He could hear Sinar and Finn¡¯s voices clearly through them. The bandits had deliberately made the walls thin to eavesdrop easily. But again, this wasn¡¯t something Encrid needed to know. He turned towards the wall and swung his sword. There was no need to use Ragna¡¯s Severance. The blade sliced through the wall cleanly. After two more swings, he kicked the wall. Several pillars and the wooden planks making up the wall broke with a crunch, creating enough space for a person to move through. He broke through the wall and moved into the adjacent room. It was supposed to be the room where the Fairy Company Commander and Finn were, but instead, there were only three men with gleaming eyes. ¡°Shit?¡± One of them muttered. Their language was foul. Encrid didn¡¯t hesitate. Since the smoke hadn¡¯t spread into this room, he could breathe freely as he swung his sword. Slice, slice, thud! With two short slashes, he decapitated two men, and then he pierced the heart of the last one. Frog would be horrified if he saw this. Putting that brief thought aside, Encrid then struck the wall near the window with his gloved fist. Bang! The window frame and part of the wall shattered. Even though the framework was made of wood, there were bricks here and there, but Encrid shattered everything with sheer force. Several more arrows were fired at him from outside, but he easily dodged them, breaking through and rushing out. He rolled sideways onto the roof of the house next to him. As he rolled, arrows thudded into the spot where Encrid had just been. One of them was aimed at where he would land. While rolling on the roof, Encrid slammed his palm into it. With a loud crash, the roof broke open, creating a hole, and the recoil propelled Encrid¡¯s body even faster to the side. The arrows continued to hit only the spots he had just passed. After that, Encrid smoothly rolled off the roof and landed, leaning his back against a wall. Almost as if on cue, a hand shot out from the window. Of course, knowing this would happen, Encrid didn¡¯t hesitate and grabbed the emerging wrist, twisting it. There was no need for any special technique to break it¡ªhe did it with brute force. A sharp crack and a scream rang out together. Snap! ¡°Aaaah!¡± These guys had less endurance than the assassins who came before. To scream from just that. Encrid pulled the broken wrist forward with all his might. A loud bang and a groan came from beyond the wall at the same time. Either knocked out or dead. Encrid released the broken wrist and shook his hand before stepping into the wide-open area in front of the inn. Things always have a way of getting complicated. Nothing ever goes exactly as planned. That was to be expected. So what next? You just deal with things as they come. The Black Blade Bandits guarding the village didn¡¯t realize it, but with Encrid¡¯s abilities, stamina, and skill, the unit prepared by the Fairy Company Commander wasn¡¯t even necessary. The bandits didn¡¯t know that. ¡°Who the hell is that guy? Kill him!¡± Someone shouted. Encrid couldn¡¯t help but think that these guys were quite something. It wasn¡¯t just one or two that showed up. There were at least twenty. And their numbers were growing. From somewhere, men with gleaming eyes and weapons in hand began to appear one by one. ¡°Man, you¡¯re too good at fighting¡­¡± One of them, standing at the front, spoke, trailing off. He was one of the guards. He was the person who had caught Encrid¡¯s attention the most when he first entered the village. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. In his judgment, this guard, who was now trailing off, was the most skilled in weaponry among the ones present. Sigh. ¡°You should¡¯ve just died quietly¡­¡± His tone didn¡¯t seem like an act. Kaaargh! Esther, who had suddenly burst out of the inn, landed beside Encrid. ¡°The rest of your group is probably already dead¡­¡± Encrid didn¡¯t laugh or react to his opponent¡¯s words. He simply glanced around. Then he asked, ¡°Was that the entire village?¡± ¡°Quick-witted, aren¡¯t you?¡± The response came from behind, accompanied by the sound of metal clinking. A person with claws attached to both hands appeared. To be precise, it was a young woman. The claws, each with three pointed blades, gleamed. Encrid looked at her face and thought, ¡®So that¡¯s what she had hidden on her thigh back then?¡¯ The claws were long enough to pierce through a person¡¯s torso. She was a woman whose movements had stood out as she moved about. So she was the second person Encrid had noted. The third person he had noticed was nowhere to be seen. ¡°Where are you from? Judging by your appearance, you look like a soldier. You don¡¯t seem like a mercenary. Who sent you? Which fool gave the order?¡± The woman asked again. Encrid spoke up. ¡°Every single one of them? Do you have a honey pot hidden here or something?¡± The woman¡¯s brow furrowed at his answer. They were both responding to questions with more questions. ¡°Do you not understand the situation you¡¯re in?¡± ¡°If not a honey pot, then maybe a stash of medicine hidden away somewhere.¡± Encrid said, looking around. He hadn¡¯t answered her questions, but he had roughly assessed the situation. The number of people surrounding them had grown to over thirty, maybe fifty. All of them moved with agility. They were all competent with their blades. Yet¡­ ¡®They all seem to be at a lower level than the ones who came to play with the Border Guard.¡¯ He thought. There were a few who looked unskilled, as if they had just picked up a weapon for the first time. Some of their movements were familiar. They had a similar vibe to the assassins who had come before. It was only natural. Where else would the Black Blade bandits get top-tier assassins from? They all came from strongholds created by the Black Blade Bandits. These places were also known as ¡®dens¡¯. Of course, a few exceptional individuals had been left behind to guard the village. Two of them had now surrounded Encrid, one in front and one behind. ¡°From your awkward acting to your unnatural demeanor. What are you really?¡± The woman didn¡¯t lose her temper. She had tried to provoke him, but it hadn¡¯t worked. His mental resilience was quite strong. ¡°We could just kill you or capture you and make you talk¡­¡± The man who had been a guard said this. Encrid still found them impressive. The growing number of enemies, their current behavior, the unfolding situation. What was the conclusion? This village was entirely a bandit stronghold. ¡®They turned an entire village into a bandit camp.¡¯ It was proof of the immense power of the Black Blade Bandits. But where did all these bandits keep coming from? Should he be frightened? No. Encrid couldn¡¯t help but chuckle. Esther glanced at him from the side. ¡®Why is he laughing?¡¯ Encrid was secretly pleased. It seemed the power of the Black Blade Bandits was exceptional. Obstacles, difficulties, hardships, crises, barriers, death, the ferryman, even the daunting unknown. Encrid knew how to enjoy ¡®difficulties¡¯. It was challenging, and because of that, it was enjoyable. Because it was enjoyable, it made him want to move even more. So if you asked whether those who had surrounded him were threatening¡­ ¡®Not at all.¡¯ That was Encrid¡¯s judgment. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com] Chapter 273 Jaxon twisted his body the moment the blade that had pierced through his collar touched his skin. Thud, crack! The blade only pierced through his clothes. It grazed his skin, leaving just a small scratch. However, a stinging sensation lingered where it had grazed him. ¡®Poisoned blade.¡¯ It didn¡¯t matter. He had been trained with various poisons from a young age, so this was of no consequence. In the same instant, Jaxon smoothly reached out and grabbed his opponent¡¯s wrist. From the opponent¡¯s perspective, it must have seemed like their outstretched arm was instantly caught before they could even retract it. Every move was executed as if it had been preordained in a single breath. The man whose wrist was grabbed tried to apply force. Jaxon did not resist. He followed the movement, going along with it. The opponent, even more startled by this, reflexively swung their other hand. It was a dagger with only one edge sharpened, designed for quick slashing, with the weight focused on one side. Naturally, it was coated with poison. As the blade aimed for Jaxon¡¯s cheekbone, he tilted his head back, and the blade barely grazed the top of his nose. This time, not even a scratch was left. It was a fleeting moment. Normally, this would be a moment to assess the situation, but Jaxon¡¯s instincts summarized all calculations into a single action. Intuition and instinct, the realm of senses. Instead of reacting, assessing what the opponent possessed, and deciding on an action, he transcended the entire process. It was a streamlined process of cognition that even Encrid had employed multiple times with instinctual precision. There was no way Jaxon, who had taught this method, would be unable to execute it. Thus, he did what was necessary. ¡°Gah!¡± The voice of the unseen opponent echoed in the air. It was only natural. While blocking and dodging the two strikes, Jaxon had also moved. His foot stepped on the opponent¡¯s foot, and the blade in his hand pierced the empty air. With his left hand gripping his sword, he thrust it diagonally upward, and crimson blood spurted out, scattering through the air. It was only after finishing all his movements that Jaxon realized what his opponent had been carrying. ¡®A relic that aids in concealment.¡¯ If it weren¡¯t something magical, it wouldn¡¯t have been able to completely escape his senses. Or perhaps there might be an assassin with the skill to deceive his senses. But for someone like that, their stabbing technique was pathetic. Of course, all of this was relative. The opponent was skilled at striking from behind, but they were just no match for him. The blood sprayed through the air landed on Jaxon¡¯s hair and face, but he didn¡¯t even blink. His hair seemed to absorb the blood, turning his reddish-brown hair a dark, murky crimson under the moonlight. With the blood dripping from the air and the hand holding the wrist, Jaxon nonchalantly reached out, disarming his opponent and tossing the weapon onto the roof. Then, he reached for the hood covering the attacker¡¯s face and swiftly pulled it back. Naturally, his hand was thickly smeared with blood, but Jaxon remained completely unperturbed. His touch was like handling an inanimate object, an eerie sight that even made the onlookers, hardened as they were, feel a chill. Jaxon, unfazed, examined the item his opponent had been wearing. ¡®A hooded robe that covers the entire body.¡¯ It was an expensive item, worth a small fortune. He methodically undid the ties and secured it. The front was tied with strings to keep it in place, and there were inner ties to wrap around the waist. ¡®The hood is just for covering.¡¯ When worn, there were details to ensure it wouldn¡¯t slip off. He knew this because he had a similar item. Silently, he untied the strings and pocketed the robe. The now-useless corpse was discarded onto the ground like a stone. ¡°¡­You bastard.¡± One by one, dark shadows emerged on the rooftops surrounding Jaxon, encircling him in a tight formation. Below the rooftops, a few men wielded throwing daggers, and among them, there were three or four assassins who were clearly skilled in their craft. The man who appeared to be their leader stepped forward and opened his mouth to speak. He had watched in disbelief and only now found his voice. He had experienced all sorts of things in his life, but this felt strange, like he was facing a different species altogether. It was killing and fighting as if handling emotionless, worthless objects. Jaxon silently observed his opponent. With Krais not present, his gaze carried an eerie glint. Depending on the situation, moonlight could evoke different feelings, but at that moment, it symbolized nothing but the cold, merciless winter¡ªa blade-like moonlight. Despite being soaked in blood, Jaxon¡¯s hair, which appeared dark crimson, showed no visible traces. This only made him appear more demonic, something beyond human. But to show fear now would ruin the reputation they had built up. Hiss. The sound of air hissing through clenched teeth echoed. The leader, who had been disguised as a merchant, glared, clenching his jaw. His eyes were bloodshot. None of them wore masks. There was no need to hide their faces. Jaxon noted this naturally, taking in a few more facts. Of course, none of this showed outwardly. He remained still, holding his sword like an inanimate object. ¡°Kill him.¡± The leader spoke. There was no need for more words. He was a trainer of assassins and an elite assassin himself. He had sent his ¡®dolls¡¯, armed with relics, to do the job. A doll moved faithfully to the command to kill the opponent. But to be stopped? Not only that, but to be countered, killed, and have the relic taken? What was that? Why does he move so calmly, even in this situation? He had seemed unusual from the start. That¡¯s why they had attacked first, before he could pull any tricks. It was a valid strategy. It was an unexpected strike. Neither Encrid, Jaxon, Sinar, nor Finn could have predicted it. However, they had failed to measure Jaxon¡¯s true skill and ability. They had only judged him as a nimble swordsman at best. Without a hint of a smile, Jaxon stood tall. In his left hand, he held the rolled-up relic. It seemed as if it had always been his. Taking someone else¡¯s belongings¡ªthis was why they were thieves. But to have it taken from them instead? Watching it happen made their insides twist. ¡°Don¡¯t just brazenly take things!¡± The merchant-turned-assassin trainer spat out the words. His voice subtly reverberated in their ears. This, too, was part of the strategy. It was a shout designed to draw attention while masking the sound of those approaching. Jaxon naturally saw through the tactic. How could he not? It was a method he often used himself. Three men aimed for Jaxon¡¯s back, while another moved stealthily behind them, waiting for the right moment. The merchant with missing front teeth sneered at his opponent. ¡°Think you¡¯ve climbed a few rooftops? Idiotic fool.¡± There were levels among assassins. It had been surprising that Jaxon dodged the first strike, but it seemed like luck was on his side. The second attempt wouldn¡¯t be so easy. Jaxon didn¡¯t move. Three sharp, needle-like assassin¡¯s blades shot toward his back. Only when they were almost upon him did Jaxon move. With a sudden burst, he vanished from his spot. The trainer¡¯s eyes widened. Having consumed the blood of a Fairy in his youth, he had acquired some of the Fairies¡¯ unique sensitivity. But his opponent¡¯s presence, his movement, had completely slipped past his senses. In other words, he had missed it. Even his acute senses had failed to catch it. Then¡ª Thud, thud, thud! The sound of slicing flesh was heard, and suddenly, a blade was at his back. The trainer imagined himself dodging and counter attacking. In his mind, he did just that. He turned around, kicked at the shins, and drew his hidden secret weapon. It was a thin, needle-like skewer designed for stabbing upwards. A unique weapon modified from the blades used by the Fairies. His mind reacted and moved, but his body did not. Everything was already over. His body didn¡¯t move as he had imagined. ¡®Why?¡¯ The leader thought briefly, but the thought didn¡¯t last long. The world spun around him. His severed head lived for just a moment longer. The optic nerves of his severed head captured something. It was the second blade he had prepared, the one held by the ¡®doll¡¯ wearing a belt that silenced sound. This was the real deal, a second doll meant to succeed where the first had failed. It had stabbed its target correctly. But what he had hoped for didn¡¯t happen. The enemy who had suddenly disappeared and slain three assassins now swung his sword down with a simple motion, blocking the secret attack. The skewer-like blade broke, and the assassin who had relied on the relic retreated immediately. It was an excellent assassin¡¯s stance¡ªnever attempting anything beyond a surprise attack. Then, somewhere nearby, there was the sound of something collapsing with a soft thud. That was all. The leader¡¯s vision faded to black. Once a notorious assassin in the Black Blade Bandits, death was fair to all. ¡®Direction, position, air vibrations.¡¯ He couldn¡¯t sense them. This was an enemy as troublesome as the hooded robe. A skilled assassin. Not bad at all. So Jaxon employed a method. He deflected the incoming attack. Using that, he gauged the direction and pinpointed the enemy¡¯s position through the vibrations. The rest was simple. Before the enemy could dodge¡ªspecifically, at the moment when the blades clashed¡ªhe threw the Silent Knife. The Silent Knife was less powerful than the Whistling Dagger. Its blade was barely the length of an index finger. But because it flew soundlessly from close range, it was harder to block. This was why it was also called the Soundless Dagger, a close-range throwing weapon and a technique. It was an example where weapon and skill merged to become an art. The blade was painted black, and after being coated with a few substances, it became a throwing knife that couldn¡¯t be seen or heard, even when reflecting light. It was one of Jaxon¡¯s signature weapons. And that was the end of it. The thrown knife embedded itself so deeply into the enemy¡¯s forehead that it was barely visible. There were six assailants in total. The battle had happened in an instant and ended just as quickly. This is what a true assassin¡¯s battle is like. As Jaxon examined the bodies, he noticed a belt. ¡®This is an item that silences sound.¡¯ He recognized it immediately and took it. At the same time, Jaxon thought. If it were him, he would have given both items to a single person. ¡®Or¡­ maybe not.¡¯ Wouldn¡¯t that person then be able to easily assassinate their superiors? Was it meant as a way to keep each other in check? Perhaps that was the intention. Indeed, the dead leader had used the two dolls to keep each other in check. But now that he was dead, his mouth would tell no tales. Jaxon opened his senses on the rooftop. He could feel ominous killing intent from all around. ¡®Quite a few.¡¯ The entire village was a den of thieves. But that wouldn¡¯t be a problem. The Black Blade Bandits didn¡¯t realize they were facing a force that had over a hundred combat-ready men, including someone of Knight-level strength. Had they known the true identities of Encrid and his companions, they would never have attacked. But ignorance often leads to misfortune. * * Finn kicked the sword away and rolled to the side, raising her wrist. The shortsword flew clumsily, but as soon as the blade flew toward the enemy, the enemy dodged. He shifted his body to the side, but even as he dodged, he kept his eyes on Finn. In that brief moment, Finn used the wrist-mounted device¡ªa gift from Encrid¡ªto fire a short arrow. Ping! The arrow flew, but the enemy swung a club, blocking the arrow. Thud! With a loud noise, the arrow veered to the side. The eyes of the man who had swung the club were filled with killing intent. ¡®Damn it.¡¯ Isn¡¯t it pretty dark right now? Even with the moonlight, it¡¯s still quite dim. But he managed to deflect that short arrow in this darkness? That means he fights at least as well as the Border Guard Unit. Even though they were overshadowed by Encrid and the Independent Company, Finn knew that these opponents were no pushovers. Finn was also well aware of her own strengths and weaknesses. She had an advantage in close-quarters combat, but when it came to fighting with weapons, she was at a disadvantage. She had many skills outside of combat, but when it came to individual tactics, this was the case. So, what should she do? As always, she needed to create an opening and close the distance. After rolling on the ground and quickly assessing the situation, Finn honestly thought this was pretty dangerous. ¡°Damn it, this is a mess.¡± The man with a foul mouth said, patting his crotch. ¡°You¡¯re going to regret this.¡± If she got caught, it wouldn¡¯t end well for her. Damn it, she had to escape somehow. Finn was even prepared to make a run for it if things got worse, but she quickly felt relieved. ¡®Finally, about time.¡¯ She saw Sinar, who had vanished without a trace, now silently slitting the throat of the crossbowman who had been aiming at Finn. The touch of the Fairy was as cold and sharp as ever. Slash! Blood sprayed into the air like a fountain. The light faded from the crossbowman¡¯s eyes as his carotid artery was severed. Behind the falling archer, short daggers gleamed in the dark, and it looked as though only Sinar¡¯s emerald eyes floated in the shadows. The darkness enveloped her. ¡°Bitch!¡± The remaining man cursed, still foul-mouthed. Ignoring him, Finn charged at the third man, who was stunned by the sudden turn of events. There had been three men waiting for her, one had already been dispatched by Sinar¡¯s dagger, leaving two. The last man clumsily brandished a dagger, exposing a massive opening. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Finn lowered her stance and rushed forward. The opponent swung his blade downward, but Finn had predicted this move and twisted her body to the side. Using the momentum, she kicked off the ground and shot upward from below. It was an Ail Caraz-Style tackle. The man, who had been watching in a daze, had his wrist seized, his arm twisted into an unnatural angle. Crack, crack, crack! ¡°Aaargh!¡± ¡°Shut up.¡± Finn spoke as she continued to break the man¡¯s finger bones. Tears streamed from the man¡¯s eyes, snot and drool ran down his face, and his eyes rolled back in pain. Finn grabbed the man¡¯s neck and twisted it to the side. Crack. The man, his neck broken, collapsed forward. All of this happened in a rapid sequence of movements. In the background, there were curses¡ª¡±Damn it¡±, ¡°Crazy¡±, ¡°You bitch¡±¡ªcoming from somewhere nearby. While Finn was busy breaking the man¡¯s joints and eventually snapping his neck, Sinar had gifted the foul-mouthed man two holes, one in his heart and one in his throat, with her dagger. The man was now on the ground, trembling. Gurgle. Instead of words, blood poured from his mouth as he tried to speak. Thick, dark red blood spilled under the moonlight. In front of him, Sinar turned her gaze indifferently without a word. Blood splattered from the corpse had left specks on her face. Her pale face, with its inhuman beauty, now adorned with a few drops of crimson blood, was illuminated by the moonlight. It looked like the face of some nameless work of art. The living artwork turned its gaze to Finn and spoke. ¡°Things have gone wrong.¡± [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com] Chapter 274 ¡°It doesn¡¯t seem like it will be a problem.¡± Finn replied. From the way things were unfolding, it seemed like things were getting complicated, but would it really be a problem? Probably not. Who had come along with them? It was Encrid and Jaxon, wasn¡¯t it? With Encrid¡¯s brute swordsmanship, it felt like he could just slice through half of these bandits. What kind of loyalty would a band of bandits have to just stand by and watch that? Half of them would probably run away while watching. Dangerous? Probably not. Finn could see how the crowd, especially the bandits, would react. It was predictable. In the worst-case scenario, even if every single one of them decided to attack, there was still Encrid. He wouldn¡¯t just sit back and let himself get beaten. ¡°I smell magic.¡± The Fairy, Sinar, spoke. Her senses were sharp. Finn frowned. A wizard, huh? That could be a bit troublesome. It was hard to predict how that variable would play out. Even so¡­ ¡®Doesn¡¯t seem like we¡¯d get beaten.¡¯ Especially since Encrid wasn¡¯t alone. Finn had experience living within the Madmen Platoon. She knew that Jaxon wasn¡¯t ordinary either. That¡¯s why she said what she did. ¡°That¡¯s that, but it seems like they¡¯re paying less attention to us.¡± Her intention was to let them handle their own business while they focused on their own. Her eyes swept across the village center. It was the place where Encrid was causing a commotion. There was a spot, visible even in the dark night thanks to the torches that lit it up. It was the village¡¯s central square. She could see people, specifically bandits, gathering one by one. ¡°Exactly.¡± ¡°We should probably investigate what we need to first, right?¡± Finn thought to herself. No matter how dangerous, it was Encrid. He knew how to get himself out of trouble. Sinar also nodded. There was one problem, but she understood what had to be prioritized. The village center was where the bandits had dug their burrow. Checking out what was happening inside there came first. It was worth it. Sinar and Finn had been tracking those signs all this time. * * It had only been a month since he joined this village. His name was Bond. He had been doing mercenary work when greed suddenly took hold of him, leading him to stab a fellow in the back. Well, it was a common story. The greed to keep the reward all to himself. The mistake he made was that the bastard he stabbed didn¡¯t die quietly. The guy had a brother who was a guard for some noble. Soon enough, Bond found himself on the run from the guards. ¡®Talk about rotten luck.¡¯ He was born to a whore. ¡°Why don¡¯t you just go die, die!¡± When he couldn¡¯t stand his mother¡¯s nagging anymore, he ran away and started drifting through the alleys behind the estate. His life had been a mess since then. His habit of backstabbing earned him the name ¡®Bond¡¯, and he transitioned into being a mercenary. But even here, he couldn¡¯t kick the habit. He stabbed a comrade in the back, and the situation pushed him into a corner. How many places could someone like him go? He had barely started to adapt to the Black Blade Bandits, and now this. And the most important thing he learned during his month here was twofold. First, if you defied the village leader, you¡¯d be burned to death before you knew what hit you. Second, you shouldn¡¯t mess with the guards who trailed off at the end of their sentences or the woman who used claws. After seeing a guy¡¯s tongue get cut out for making one wrong remark, he swore he wouldn¡¯t even glance at that woman¡¯s thighs. He avoided making eye contact with her as much as possible. ¡®But I recognized their faces. I needed to, to avoid them.¡¯ Bond thought to himself that those two were the very symbols of strength that protected this village. And now, those two symbols had truly become just that¡ªsymbols. They might as well have been treated like immovable statues. Of course, they didn¡¯t remain in any pleasing form. ¡°Grrrrr.¡± In reality, all Bond could see was something flashing and flying around. Among the onlookers, there were others like him, standing dazed with rusty shortswords, hammers, slingshots, blackjacks filled with sand, or spiked clubs in their hands. Some were trying to be more proactive, throwing daggers or darts, while over ten archers with crossbows had taken their positions. But none of them had any time to react. ¡°Ugh, ugh.¡± All eyes were on the two symbols, who were now letting out sounds that could have been screams or groans¡ªno one could tell. The guard who usually trailed off at the end of his sentences had been using a short spear about the length of his forearm. He had been a mercenary before, and Bond had heard that he was quite skilled back in those days. But now, just as the spear tip seemed to meet the edge of the blade, his head was severed. It was real. The moment the weapons touched¡ªwait, had they even touched?¡ªthe head was cleanly cut off. It was something Bond couldn¡¯t comprehend. All he saw was the blade of the man with the black hair meeting the spear, and then it sliced through the other¡¯s neck. ¡®Shouldn¡¯t there have been a clashing sound if the weapons met?¡¯ But no, this was the Fluid Sword Technique, the swordsmanship created by Encrid, which utterly overwhelmed the opponent. It wasn¡¯t that the blade was soft, but that it was so sharp and deftly struck that it cut through the enemy as if they were made of nothing. Afterward, the woman with the claws had tried to attack from behind, but something flashed from below to above, and she was split in two. Just like that, the second symbol was divided into two bodies. And that was the end of it. What had just happened? Bond had heard tales of swordsmen with ghostly skills, but this felt like something out of a dream, like he had been bewitched. The gap in skill was so vast that it made the swordsmanship appear to be a kind of spell. Bond¡¯s body froze. Should he even try to fight? He¡¯d be dead in an instant. His instincts screamed at him to run, to get out of there right away. ¡°Huh?¡± The crossbow-wielding archer uttered a dumbfounded exclamation. ¡°Move aside.¡± The true ruler of the village stepped forward through the band of thieves. Bond instinctively began to retreat, but then stopped. A woman came into view. Her name was Kaisela, a woman with curly brown hair, softly curved eyes, thick lips, and prominent breasts and hips. Kaisela, who rested one hand on her narrow waist accentuated by her chest and hips, frowned. This was after she had seen the two corpses. As soon as she appeared, the monster who had split the two symbols made a sweeping gesture. In an instant, the opponent pulled out a knife and threw it. Of course, Bond couldn¡¯t see any of this. It was too fast. All he could do was see the end result, skipping the entire process, and draw conclusions from it. The blade thrown by the man thudded harmlessly against an invisible barrier. The furrow in Kaisela¡¯s brow deepened. Whenever that happened, villagers tended to disappear, or entire groups who had wandered into the village by chance would vanish without a trace. If not that, then someone would end up dead. ¡°There¡¯s no hesitation in him.¡± She spoke, her voice resonating like crystal. Beside her, the eyes of the panther began to glow a fierce blue, though Bond couldn¡¯t see that either. Bond still didn¡¯t understand what was happening, but he knew something was about to go down. The thought of running away had completely vanished. He couldn¡¯t move, as if someone had glued his feet to the ground. Kaisela¡¯s fingertip pointed directly at Encrid. The man didn¡¯t move an inch. At least, that¡¯s how it appeared to Bond. He just stood there with his sword in his right hand, facing Kaisela¡¯s outstretched finger. ¡°Strike him down.¡± Kaisela¡¯s voice flowed out at the same time. Kraaack! There was no warning, no sign. With a deafening roar that seemed to tear the sky apart, a blue lightning bolt struck down. It hit precisely above the man¡¯s head. Bond couldn¡¯t see anything as his vision was filled with blinding light. The light then pushed him back with a sudden force. He was thrown backward by the shockwave, but there was no time to even register the sensation of floating. No, he didn¡¯t even remember it. When Bond regained his senses, all he could see in front of him was the dirt ground. ¡°Grraaahhh.¡± He heard a groan, or something similar, echoing in his ears. It wasn¡¯t his own voice, but he quickly realized he was also letting out a similar sound. Bond twisted his body halfway, struggling to get up. He saw bodies that had been half-burned. There were comrades who had turned into blackened husks. ¡®What was that? What happened?¡¯ The pain hadn¡¯t fully registered in his body yet. The shock was that immense. The memory of the moment he was hit had been wiped out. Bond slowly, painstakingly, began to move. He was better off than most. His entire body wasn¡¯t burnt. The pain surged through his body only once he became aware of it, starting from his right arm. Grit. He unknowingly clenched his teeth. He looked down at his right arm. From his right arm down to his thigh, his skin was blackened, as if it had been seared and charred. The burning pain made it difficult for him to stay conscious. ¡®It was lightning, lightning.¡¯ He remembered seeing lightning strike quite close to him once when he was a child. White fire, an invisible force of light. The memory of that lightning¡¯s flash came to his mind. His thoughts were still hazy. In a way, that was a blessing. Otherwise, he would have been screaming in agony. Just being nearby had burned most of his hair, and it felt like someone had shoved a ball of fire down his throat. Bond blinked a few times. His eyes were still functioning. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As his mind started to clear, the pain became sharper and more overwhelming. ¡®Agh.¡¯ Bond silently screamed, unable to do anything but stagger as cold sweat poured down his face. It felt like a swarm of rats was gnawing at his flesh. He thought he was standing, but he wasn¡¯t. He had backed away, crawling on his rear. His back hit a wall. The cool touch of the wall seemed to slightly ease the pain. Only then was he able to look ahead. The distance between him and the black-haired attacker was over fifteen paces, at least from what he could gauge. And yet, he was in this state. What could have happened to the man who was at the center of that spell? He must be dead. Even if he had been burned to ashes while standing, Bond wouldn¡¯t have been surprised. Considering his own condition. Those who had been closer had died, burnt black. Then, Bond noticed someone who was completely unscathed. ¡®How?¡¯ A new figure stood beside her. It was a woman with long black hair and a gray robe. She raised one hand in the air as her lips parted. ¡°A lightning spell, huh? Quite useful.¡± There was something about her tone¡ªsomething akin to an adult watching a child¡¯s antics. It was condescending, dismissive. She was mercilessly judging the opponent¡¯s level. Even while choking and gasping from the lightning strike, Bond could sense the emotion¡ªor lack thereof¡ªbehind those words. The caster of the spell surely couldn¡¯t have missed this either. ¡°A madman and a madwoman.¡± Kaisela spoke again, moving her fingers. Indecipherable words began to spill from her lips. The start of a spell. Yet Bond, for a moment, forgot his pain and couldn¡¯t tear his gaze away from the woman with the black hair. She was a beauty with a unique charm that seemed to draw in all the attention and awareness around her. Her black hair, whatever she had done to it, flowed like silk, her lips were red, and her eyes were blue. She was full of mystery. If Kaisela had a body that awakened desire, this woman had a face that inspired awe. Even as Bond thoughtlessly admired her, he cursed himself for being so foolish to lose himself in her gaze. Of course, he wasn¡¯t the only one. * * As soon as Encrid sensed the presence of a wizard, he tensed his thighs. Since his thrown blade had been blocked, now he would just cut her down himself. At that moment, something fell from above at a speed impossible for a human body to follow. As soon as he realized and felt it, his body reacted to the destructive flash. He split time and prepared to defend, raising his arms to shield his head. Simultaneously. ¡°I will.¡± A whisper and a murmur came from beside him. No, to be precise, it was said before the light flashed overhead, but Encrid perceived the light first and only registered the voice afterward. By then, Esther had already transformed into her human form, wearing a gray robe. She had her right hand extended forward, palm open. And that was the end of it. Encrid¡¯s sixth sense, beyond his five ordinary senses, detected that two spells had collided. Something similar to the invisible barrier that had blocked his dagger now shielded him from the destructive lightning before it could strike his head. Crash! Then the lightning struck. The impact sent the surrounding bandits flying in all directions. Encrid watched as the invisible barrier held off the mass of light. It was a semi-transparent barrier with a soft blue glow. When it met the lightning, the barrier scattered the light, which shot off in all directions. The newly spawned light rays bounced away and didn¡¯t return. The stray bolts of light burned and pierced through those nearby. Thanks to Esther¡¯s spell, half of the lightning was blocked, and the other half was deflected. ¡°Vanna¡¯s Mirror?¡± The opponent murmured, her eyes showing a hint of surprise. Esther didn¡¯t even shrug. Her attitude made it clear she didn¡¯t care in the slightest what the other woman said. Arrogant and proud. But it didn¡¯t seem out of place. It was as if she was naturally meant to be that way. Encrid once again noticed the mysterious allure of Esther¡¯s appearance, but it didn¡¯t sway him in the slightest. If he had been the type to be swayed by a woman¡¯s appearance, he wouldn¡¯t have been able to stubbornly walk his path all this time. The opponent began chanting another spell, and Esther also muttered words that were impossible to understand. Bzzz. Somewhere, the sound of insects chirping began to emerge, as blue light flickered in Kaisela¡¯s hand before quickly transforming into lightning. This time, it didn¡¯t strike from above but zigzagged forward from her fingertips. Esther raised her hand to meet it. The lightning struck, but it was blocked by the transparent barrier and was reflected back. The flashing light left afterimages on Bond¡¯s retina. ¡°Vanish!¡± Kaisela shouted hastily. For some reason, blood trickled from the corner of her mouth. ¡°Tsk, tsk, child. What are you doing reversing the spell you just cast? Especially when you can¡¯t even handle the backlash of the mana?¡± Kaisela¡¯s expression hardened at Esther¡¯s rebuke. She was flustered, and understandably so. When facing a swordsman, she never lost. This village was filled with things she had prepared. A prepared wizard can kill a hundred and hold off a thousand. But there was no way around it when facing a wizard of a higher rank. This was an established fact. Kaisela glared at the woman who had suddenly appeared¡ªno, at the woman who had transformed from a panther. ¡°Who are you?¡± Esther did not reveal her name. She simply looked down on her opponent. And she had every right to do so. There was at least a three-tier difference between Esther¡¯s magical world and that of the curly-haired woman. ¡°This is impossible.¡± Kaisela muttered. How could such a wizard appear in this remote corner of the world? And what could she possibly gain from being here? Arrogance is a trait of wizards. Selfishness and narrow-mindedness, too. Kaisela began to chant once again in words that were incomprehensible. She was casting a spell to bring her magical world into reality. Esther watched for a moment before taking a step forward. She also began chanting a spell as she advanced. All eyes were on her as she moved. No one dared to fire a crossbow or attack her. More than five crossbowmen had survived the lightning¡¯s impact, but they didn¡¯t move a muscle. Encrid, too, became a spectator. ¡®She¡¯s got some skill.¡¯ That was all he thought as he stood there. He knew Esther was a wizard. But he hadn¡¯t known at what level. Now, it seemed she was far superior to that sensuous woman named Kaisela standing before them. That was enough. He had never expected much from Esther, to begin with. In truth, Encrid had never expected much from anyone around him. He simply walked his path, and others followed because they found it fascinating. ¡°How dare you!¡± Kaisela shouted. Encrid couldn¡¯t understand what was happening between the two of them. He only knew that no magic, spell, or any mystical event was occurring. There was just a trembling in the air between them, a sign that something was happening¡ªsomething invisible to the eye. Soon, Esther stood before Kaisela. Kaisela was taller, and her voluptuous figure made Esther¡¯s body seem slender in comparison. However, Encrid had already seen that Esther was naked beneath her robe. Through the slight gaps that appeared as she raised her hands, he had glimpsed everything. Encrid¡¯s sight and senses were already exceptional, allowing him to visualize the entire picture from just a few glimpses. Even though it was hidden, Esther¡¯s body was not inferior to her opponent¡¯s sensual figure. ¡°Is that all you have to show on the surface?¡± Esther spoke as she stood before Kaisela. Her tone and gaze were unmistakably dismissive of Kaisela¡¯s physique. [T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.] [T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ] [Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com] Chapter 275 Esther noticed Enkrid¡¯s gaze briefly sweep over Kaisella¡¯s figure. Having observed Enkrid closely for some time, she didn¡¯t miss that glance. Kaisella wore clothing that left little to the imagination, her body fully on display. Her face wasn¡¯t unattractive, but that was all there was to her. Perhaps she was appealing in Frokk¡¯s eyes, but not to Esther. In her view, Kaisella fell short of any notable standard. ¡°No, it¡¯s just that Frokk, or rather Meelun as he¡¯s also called, had terribly low standards,¡± Esther thought, recalling what Enkrid had casually shared during their journey. She also understood the nature of this village¡ªand its secrets. That was why Esther had already prepared herself, both mentally and magically. Her indifferent gaze locked onto Kaisella. Physical appearance aside, what kind of person resorts to ominous spells for something as petty as this? Kaisella¡¯s intent had been clear¡ªto use a lightning spell to singe even a single strand of Enkrid¡¯s hair. However, such spells posed no real threat to Enkrid. Though prepared, the magic would have no effect on his now-hardened body. Esther herself had ensured additional protection on his newly acquired armor. But forgiveness for such an act? That was not in her nature. Esther was a stranger to the concept of ¡°forgiveness.¡± No matter what spells Kaisella cast, Esther dismantled and neutralized them one by one, interfering with the very structure of the magic. Mana gathered and dispersed in vain. Using the ¡°Mirror of Bannas,¡± she reversed the spell, leaving Kaisella doubled over, her insides writhing in agony. As Kaisella¡¯s spells failed repeatedly, her face turned pale. When Esther closed the gap between them, Kaisella, in desperation, pulled out a dagger concealed at her waist and lunged, screaming, ¡°Shoot her!¡± The crossbowman, hesitating until that moment, reacted. But Esther, unbothered, struck Kaisella¡¯s wrist with a precise, leopard-like strength. It was one of the most practical gifts she¡¯d gained from her curse. The crisp sound of breaking bones echoed as Kaisella¡¯s wrist bent unnaturally, her hand rendered useless. ¡°Ack!¡± Kaisella¡¯s scream pierced the air, a stark contrast to the control she¡¯d tried to maintain over the village through fear. The crossbow bolts fired, but Enkrid intercepted them with ease, deflecting two with his blade and catching the third mid-flight. Witnessing this, the nearby bandits turned pale. Their confidence shattered, they realized they faced an opponent entirely out of their league. ¡°You¡¯d best stay still while I¡¯m offering mercy,¡± Enkrid said coldly, his calm demeanor more intimidating than any shout. The bandits trembled, dropping their weapons. Some, quicker on the uptake, attempted to flee, but their numbers made pursuit unnecessary. Esther plucked the dagger from Kaisella¡¯s limp hand and drove it into her chest, piercing her heart. ¡°Why? Why?¡± Kaisella choked out, her voice trembling. The question hung in the air¡ªwhy was someone of Esther¡¯s caliber here? ¡°That¡¯s none of your concern,¡± Esther murmured with a faint smile. For the first time, she felt a flicker of satisfaction. As Kaisella¡¯s life faded, Enkrid approached. ¡°You fight well,¡± he remarked. ¡°I¡¯m decent,¡± Esther replied tersely, her tone nonchalant. Enkrid nodded, scanning their surroundings. The arrival of a sorcerer and the ensuing chaos had been a test of timing, but Esther had handled it all herself. Enkrid didn¡¯t mind¡ªif someone willingly took the lead, there was no harm in it. He considered Esther one of his own now, someone under his command. Better her than Rem. The scene around them was grim¡ªbandits stripped of their will to fight, some scorched by lightning, others staring blankly in shock. From a distance, Enkrid noticed movement. ¡°Drop your weapons, all of you!¡± A booming voice echoed as the Fairy Company¡¯s soldiers entered the village, surrounding the remaining bandits. Their commander approached hastily, scanning the area with evident confusion. ¡°Wait, everything¡¯s... already over?¡± The commander muttered, bewildered. One bandit, his arm charred black, muttered weakly, ¡°They told us to drop them... so we did.¡± His desperate attempt to stay alive was painfully obvious. The commander glanced at Enkrid and Esther, both calm amidst the chaos. Their presence was unnerving, especially Esther¡¯s, whose piercing gaze and mysterious aura seemed to demand attention. ¡°Shall I pluck his eyes out?¡± Esther mused aloud, noticing the commander¡¯s lingering gaze. ¡°No, he¡¯s an ally,¡± Enkrid replied flatly. ¡°And you shouldn¡¯t blind him either.¡± ¡°Just one eye, then?¡± ¡°Not necessary. He can look away.¡± Esther sighed, disappointed. ¡°It¡¯s not his eyes that are the problem, then?¡± She was still unaccustomed to the nuances of human interactions. Enkrid could already foresee the challenges of having her in his ranks. ¡°Would you gouge out mine, too?¡± he asked with a smirk. ¡°You¡¯re an exception,¡± she replied instantly, before pausing and adding, ¡°Actually, no.¡± Esther shook her head, deciding against it. ¡°Gather them up and tie them down,¡± Enkrid ordered the commander. ¡°We¡¯ll move inside.¡± ¡°Inside? Where are you going?¡± the commander asked. ¡°To the center of the village,¡± Enkrid replied. Pin, Jaxon, and Shinar had yet to return, and he suspected the large chieftain¡¯s house held more secrets. ¡°There¡¯s a scent of magic,¡± Esther remarked, her sharp instincts already on alert. The two of them headed into the village¡¯s heart, leaving the commander to handle the rest. Meanwhile, below the village¡¯s central house, Pin, Jaxon, and Shinar had already entered the underground tunnels. The remnants of the magician¡¯s preparations awaited them¡ªghouls and werewolves among them. But even those creatures were no match for Enkrid¡¯s team. The trio sliced, slashed, and decimated their foes with brutal efficiency. By the time Enkrid and Esther arrived, the scene before them was indescribable¡ªa grotesque mix of carnage and despair. ¡°Grraaghh... Give... medicine...¡± One of the surviving villagers muttered, his body twisted unnaturally, nails broken and bleeding from clawing at the walls. Nearby, a child lay lifeless, frothing at the mouth. Esther surveyed the horrors silently. ¡°A tragedy,¡± she murmured, the word barely encompassing the nightmare before them. *** Inside the cavern, the remains of ghouls, severed werewolf limbs, and a couple of humanoid dog-like creatures littered the ground. The dogs, leashed at their necks, appeared to have been used as guards. Even they were split in two, their bodies part of a blood-streaked trail leading deeper into the village chieftain¡¯s house. The house itself had an unusual structure. As Enkrid and Esther ventured inside, they came upon a slope that descended into an underground tunnel. The tunnel widened into what felt like a vast cave. Though no wind flowed through, the space was expansive, a perfect hideout for illicit activities. Torches along the walls illuminated the path. Enkrid noted traces of combat¡ªsigns that Shinar and Jaxon had passed through. ¡°They¡¯ve cut their way through pretty effectively,¡± Enkrid thought as they advanced. At the end of the path, they entered a large communal chamber where Shinar, Pin, and Jaxon were already present. ¡°You¡¯re early,¡± Jaxon remarked. Something in his tone struck Enkrid as odd, but he didn¡¯t comment. The chamber had multiple offshoot tunnels, some sealed off with iron bars. Behind the bars were prisoners¡ªhalf-crazed and barely clinging to their sanity. Enkrid approached, his eyes scanning the captives. Among them, he noticed a middle-aged man with a hawkish face¡ªsharp nose, sunken cheeks, prominent cheekbones, and small, cold eyes. The man exuded stubbornness and hostility, despite his circumstances. ¡°Quiet down,¡± Pin growled, her dagger reflecting the torchlight ominously. Despite the threat, the man merely pursed his lips, refusing to comply. The deeper parts of the chamber were dimly lit, so Enkrid grabbed a torch from the wall and illuminated the area. ¡°Medicine... Do you have medicine?¡± a frail woman rasped. Her emaciated frame made her chest appear sunken, and her eyes betrayed a mind already lost to addiction. She begged with a pitiful desperation. Her condition, however, was preferable to that of others. Nearby, a man clawed at the walls, his broken nails leaving streaks of blood. His eyes had been gouged out, and his bloody, ruined fingers twitched spasmodically. On the ground beside him, a child lay lifeless, drooling. One glance told Enkrid the child was already dead¡ªno breath, no pulse, no trace of vitality. ¡°They were alive earlier,¡± Pin muttered, her voice heavy with frustration. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Shinar, ever the focused fairy, paid no mind to the carnage. Her attention was on the hidden objects scattered throughout the chamber. She uncovered them one by one, oblivious to the cries of the hawkish man. ¡°Hey! Do you even know what you¡¯re touching? Leave that alone!¡± he shouted. Pin¡¯s cold glare silenced him, and he backed off, muttering under his breath and crossing his arms defiantly. Enkrid moved to an adjoining tunnel and paused. Inside, a strange figure caught his eye¡ªa human-like creature with half its face warped into something monstrous. Its discolored, murky eyes lacked pupils, and its skin was unnervingly pallid. The grotesque bulge of its muscles beneath its skin suggested an incomplete transformation. ¡°What is this?¡± Enkrid asked, his voice calm but laced with unease. ¡°A failure,¡± the hawkish man answered nonchalantly. ¡°A failure?¡± ¡°It didn¡¯t fully transform.¡± ¡°It was human?¡± ¡°Why does it matter?¡± The man¡¯s indifferent response was like a slap. Without hesitation, Enkrid¡¯s blade sliced through the bars and into the creature, silencing its labored breaths. Similar abominations filled the tunnels¡ªproof of grotesque experiments. ¡°It¡¯s like the werewolves we saw earlier,¡± Jaxon commented, his tone even colder than usual. Enkrid didn¡¯t react outwardly. He simply continued his inspection, silent and deliberate. Pin watched him, her mind racing. Was this lack of anger because he¡¯d already resigned himself to the horrors of this world? Or was he simply detached, much like the fairy Shinar? Shinar, meanwhile, continued searching the area for clues. She showed no emotional response to the carnage around her, viewing it as another task to complete. ¡°They need to be ripped apart,¡± she said flatly, before returning to her work. Her detachment was almost eerie. Enkrid¡¯s steady steps brought him back to the main chamber, where Pin observed him with a heavy heart. The dead child, the addicted woman, the horrors of the experiments¡ªall of it weighed on her. She gripped her sword tightly, suppressing the urge to cut down the perpetrator then and there. The hawkish man¡¯s name was Laivan¡ªa name infamous across the kingdom. An alchemist known for his unparalleled skill in creating potions, he was also a man who had crossed every line in his pursuit of knowledge. ¡°It wasn¡¯t my choice!¡± Laivan protested weakly as Enkrid approached. ¡°The Black Blades made me do it!¡± Esther, now in her human form, watched Enkrid intently. So did the others¡ªJaxon, Shinar, Pin¡ªall waiting to see what he would do. Laivan was valuable, after all. Even if his actions were monstrous, his knowledge of alchemy was unparalleled. If spared, he could create potions that would save countless lives. Perhaps this was an opportunity to turn his sins into something beneficial. But his experiments on humans? The atrocities committed in this chamber? Could they be excused as mere byproducts of coercion? Enkrid stared into Laivan¡¯s eyes¡ªeyes devoid of guilt or remorse, clouded by selfishness and greed. The room held its breath, waiting for his judgment. Chapter 276 "Hey, I¡¯m Laivan," the middle-aged man said, his voice trembling as he introduced himself. Enkrid didn¡¯t bother to process the statement. He¡¯d never been one to deliberate over his actions. He followed his instincts and chased his dreams, which had brought him to this point. Enkrid swung his sword upward, the blade glinting in the torchlight. The strike wasn¡¯t swift or sharp; it was deliberate, heavy, and forceful. The blade, once called "Tutor," now honed to near-perfection, tore through Laivan¡¯s arm with a dull, sickening sound. The slowness of the cut left Laivan fully aware of the sensation, unable to look away from his arm being severed. He felt the heat and sharp pain before the reality of his loss settled in. His arm, once part of his body, now lay twitching on the floor, blood spurting out to emphasize its disconnection. "AAAAARGH!" Laivan¡¯s scream echoed through the vast cavern, the sound bouncing off the walls in a ghastly symphony. Blood sprayed wildly, some landing on Enkrid¡¯s armor and face. He didn¡¯t flinch, his expression unchanging as the warm liquid trickled down his cheek and dripped onto the ground. As Laivan thrashed in agony, Enkrid watched impassively. Then, he spoke, his tone indifferent. "Esther, can you stop the bleeding?" "Not hard," she replied, extending her hand. Flames ignited at her fingertips as she cauterized the wound. The searing heat burned the flesh, filling the cavern with the smell of charred meat. "AAAHHH! PLEASE! STOP! I BEG YOU!" Laivan¡¯s voice cracked, his desperate pleas filling the chamber. Enkrid briefly wondered how many times this alchemist had heard similar screams from his victims before dismissing the thought entirely. "Why... why? I only did what they told me to do! It was just a few coins of gold!" Laivan wailed. Blood loss and the excruciating pain had left him a trembling mess. Enkrid raised his sword again. "The leg next," he said, his voice devoid of emotion. The blade struck with a sickening thud, severing one of Laivan¡¯s legs. The limb skidded across the floor, joining the twitching arm in its declaration of independence. More blood sprayed across the room, painting it red under the flickering torchlight. Once again, Esther moved in to cauterize the wound with her flames. Laivan¡¯s shrieks pierced the air, his voice hoarse and broken, his body convulsing in pain. His tears mixed with blood, and fragments of broken teeth spilled from his mouth as he bit down hard in his agony. "It hurts, huh," Enkrid remarked. "That¡¯s how it goes when you burn someone with fire," Jaxon replied, his tone as detached as Enkrid¡¯s. To Jaxon, this wasn¡¯t torture¡ªjust a pragmatic process, like disposing of trash. Even he, who had a functional knowledge of interrogation and the human body¡¯s limits, found Laivan¡¯s endurance impressive. Finally, Laivan¡¯s eyes rolled back, his body trembling uncontrollably. On the verge of death, he could barely form words. Enkrid leaned closer, pressing his sword against Laivan¡¯s forehead. Even in his near-catatonic state, Laivan flinched at the touch, hypersensitive to any new sensation. Enkrid pressed harder, dragging the blade slowly down Laivan¡¯s face to maximize the pain. "Is there a way to reverse what¡¯s been done to those people?" Enkrid asked, his voice calm but commanding. Jaxon thought it was a perfectly timed question¡ªone that no one could ignore in such a moment. Even trained assassins would succumb before reaching this level of agony. Laivan¡¯s body convulsed as he struggled to respond, his eyes darting frantically. Despite his broken state, his mind was still calculating, his value lying in that fractured intellect. After a moment, he stammered out a reply. "Th-th-there¡¯s a way... I-it¡¯s possible..." His words were slurred and weak, but clear enough to understand. The moment the words left Laivan¡¯s lips, Enkrid swung his sword vertically, splitting the alchemist¡¯s head in two. The blade cleaved through flesh and bone, leaving no time for protest. Laivan¡¯s body slumped, his brain spilling onto the ground in a grotesque mess. "Why?" Jaxon asked reflexively, his curiosity slipping out before he could stop himself. "Why ask when you already know?" Enkrid replied, his voice steady. Jaxon nodded, understanding. Laivan¡¯s claims had been lies, a desperate attempt to save himself. The twisted experiments and shattered lives in this cavern were irreversible. Not even the continent¡¯s most powerful healers could undo the damage. The addicted woman biting at her own arm, the dead boy lying cold on the ground, the abominable hybrids of human and monster¡ªnone of them could be saved. Even if Laivan had been taken alive, his value as an alchemist couldn¡¯t outweigh the horrors he had wrought. His experiments, his notes, and the stench of death that followed him were enough to condemn him. "Wouldn¡¯t he have been useful alive?" Shinar asked, her tone practical. "He looked ugly," Enkrid answered bluntly. "Fair enough," Shinar replied, nodding in agreement. Esther, too, gave a solemn nod, adding, "He was foul, inside and out." Magicians and alchemists, those who walked the path of the arcane, understood the importance of balance¡ªof respecting the natural order. But Laivan had strayed far from that path, losing himself in a mire of depravity. His research notes, scattered throughout the cavern, reeked of corruption and madness. To Esther, Enkrid¡¯s actions appeared almost detached, as though driven by something beyond anger or vengeance. What, then, compelled his blade to strike? She didn¡¯t ask. She would find the answer herself through observation, through study. Asking would yield only superficial answers. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. In truth, Enkrid¡¯s motivations were simple. Killing Laivan was like cleaning dirt off his hands. It was necessary, and he didn¡¯t feel the need to justify it. The argument that the blade should bear no blame for the actions of its wielder was nonsense to him. The one who acted held responsibility, and Laivan had acted of his own volition. Even if Laivan had been a king, Enkrid would have killed him just the same, consequences be damned. It was the way he lived, the way he followed his dreams. Finn couldn¡¯t have known this, but if he had, he would have dismissed it as madness. he might have even shouted, But Enkrid didn¡¯t care. He would cut down every person like Laivan he encountered. That was what his sword was for. "Well, he¡¯s dead now," Finn said with a shrug. "No point dwelling on it. What¡¯s done is done." Enkrid remained silent, while Jaxon merely nodded, respecting his commander¡¯s decision. He had gained what he needed from the situation. The alchemist¡¯s life had been a small price to pay. "Honestly," Jaxon thought to himself, "I probably would¡¯ve killed him too." It wasn¡¯t a calculated decision¡ªit was emotional. And for the first time in a long while, Enkrid had acted on raw emotion. The Grim Reality of the Task Ahead "Some of the company commander¡¯s troops have entered from outside. Let them handle the cleanup, and it would be better to keep the surviving addicts locked up," Shinar suggested. They all knew what would happen if the addicts were let loose¡ªthey would wreak havoc in their frenzied states. "Fine," Enkrid replied. Shinar glanced at the papers she held, scanning the common language scribbled across the thin sheets. "There are more villages like this. Looks like this is going to be quite the extended excursion. What do you think?" she asked. Her question was concise, but it carried many implications. Enkrid understood immediately. Jaxon, ever loyal, would follow his orders, and Finn would obey Shinar¡¯s commands without question. "One of the villages was even raising monsters," Enkrid noted grimly. Shinar¡¯s findings were illuminating, not because they had uncovered nothing but because there was too much to process. Their enemies¡¯ operations were extensive, requiring a methodical approach to dismantle. Enkrid¡¯s mind worked swiftly. If they didn¡¯t strike with precision and small, elite forces, they would risk losing valuable evidence and research, allowing their enemies to flee. A full company would be needed to combat the Black Blades effectively. After all, this village alone had housed a lightning-wielding witch. Preparing for similar threats was essential. The Black Blades were no ordinary band of thieves; their network was vast and well-prepared. This village wasn¡¯t unique¡ªit was part of a larger, more sinister operation. Some sites sold slaves, others bred monsters with drugs. This particular village housed a rare mage, marking its significance. Enkrid made his decision. "Let¡¯s go," he said simply. If more places like this existed, they needed to be eradicated. They would strike silently, efficiently, using their strengths to dismantle the operation piece by piece. Even if Esther didn¡¯t take the lead in every encounter, her presence alone provided assurance. And, most importantly, if they didn¡¯t act now, the Black Blades would simply regroup and hide again. "Don¡¯t you want to know who¡¯s at the top of the Black Blades?" Shinar asked. "Do you know?" Enkrid countered. "I¡¯ve learned it¡¯s one of the kingdom¡¯s nobles," she replied. Jaxon listened intently. This wasn¡¯t new information to him¡ªhe had deliberately leaked tidbits to draw out the Black Blades. Still, he was eager to uncover the identity of their leader, more so than he¡¯d care to admit. Even if he had been separated from a beloved wife by war, he would rather confront the Black Blades¡¯ mastermind. After leaving the cleanup to the soldiers, the group set out. The cavern¡¯s horrors lingered in their minds. The company commander who entered later shook his head at the scene. "This is horrifying," he muttered. Some of the younger soldiers couldn¡¯t hold back their nausea, retching onto the ground. The stench of vomit mingled with the cavern¡¯s already foul odor. Scenes like this reminded Enkrid why he wielded a sword¡ªto ensure such atrocities couldn¡¯t continue. The Mountain Path The group began their trek up a mountain trail. Though steep and rugged, it was the quickest route to their next destination. Finn proved invaluable as a guide, navigating the terrain with ease. Another Village The next target was another village under the Black Blades¡¯ control. This one was run by four men who had grown up together, known as the Bolun Brothers. Each was bald with a menacing demeanor, the epitome of banditry. Skilled fighters, they had turned the village into a base for their thieving operations. As Enkrid approached in broad daylight, the eldest brother addressed him. "How did you get in here?" he asked, rubbing his shaved head. The second brother squinted suspiciously. Something was off. The village was unusually quiet despite housing dozens of men. How had this stranger arrived unnoticed? Enkrid calmly adjusted his sword belt and rested a hand on his sword¡¯s hilt. "If you have any grievances, say them now. I¡¯m on a tight schedule." The third brother, with his large, bulging eyes, rolled them in disbelief. "Tight schedule?" The youngest brother, the quickest to act, silently moved backward, gripping the end of a hidden weighted net. It was his weapon of choice, often used to great effect in their fights. The third brother, an expert with poisoned darts, readied his weapon, while the eldest and second brothers prepared for hand-to-hand combat. A tense silence filled the space as the brothers and Enkrid locked eyes. Despite their attempts at intimidation, the hall where they stood felt stiflingly small. Finally, the youngest brother threw the net. Enkrid remained still, watching the net and the brothers as if they were mere points in space. He visualized the trajectory, the connections between them, and moved. With precise steps and a swift motion, his blade struck the net¡¯s weights, entangling it midair. The entangled net rebounded, its trajectory altered. Enkrid¡¯s blade followed through, leaving deep cuts on the throats of the youngest and third brothers. Blood poured from their wounds, drenching the floor. The second brother¡¯s eyes widened in rage. "You bastard!" he shouted, lunging at Enkrid with his blade. The fight ended swiftly. Enkrid deflected the incoming attack, flowing seamlessly from defense to offense. His blade found its mark, piercing the second brother¡¯s forehead with a sickening crunch. The eldest brother, wielding a heavy axe, roared as he swung with all his strength. Enkrid pivoted on his left foot, dodging the blow and countering. The clash of steel reverberated through the hall, followed by the sound of breaking bones. The eldest brother¡¯s arms gave way under the force, leaving him defeated. "Who... who are you?" the eldest asked, his voice trembling. Enkrid, catching his breath, released the Heart of Might technique and replied coldly, "Why does it matter? You¡¯ll be dead soon." With that, his sword struck true, offering no mercy. The fight was over. Jaxon, somewhere nearby, had already dealt with the bandits guarding the village center. He had donned a relic he¡¯d scavenged, moving with lethal precision. By the time Enkrid arrived, the resistance had been eliminated. Yet, as they searched the village, no hidden secrets emerged. "What is this place? Just a staging ground for their forces?" Enkrid mused aloud, his brow furrowed. Finn, ever perceptive, stepped forward. "Let me handle this," he said. Chapter 277 ¡°They¡¯ve hidden something in the forest. I followed the trail, and it led me there,¡± Finn said confidently. He had a knack for tracking people, noticing signs most would overlook. A broken twig, faint footprints, or even a barely perceptible shift in scent were all he needed to piece together someone¡¯s path. Enkrid suspected Finn¡¯s skill came from experience, possibly even a past as a bounty hunter. While Enkrid didn¡¯t pry into Finn¡¯s history, he recognized its value and appreciated the results it yielded. Thanks to Finn¡¯s guidance, they discovered a hidden tunnel in the forest near the village, to the north, overlooking the distant Pen-Hanil River. Inside the forest, they found where the Black Blades had concealed their beasts¡ªa cavern packed with grotesque creatures. Each monster was a twisted abomination, barely holding onto life. Drugged and drooling, their grotesque forms bore the hallmarks of Laivan, the alchemist they had killed earlier. Even in death, his handiwork persisted. One such beast, a wolf-like creature with deer-like legs, showcased the gruesome success of Laivan¡¯s experiments. It was a chimera¡ªa man-made monstrosity neither beast nor monster. ¡°Who¡¯s there?¡± Five men, presumably handlers or fodder for the beasts, confronted them. ¡°Stand down, or you¡¯ll die,¡± Enkrid said plainly. Predictably, they attacked. Predictably, they died. One man, hanging back and observing, released one of the beasts in desperation. It roared¡ªa lion with the tail of a snake, a half-finished chimera resembling a manticore. It charged clumsily, its malformed body betraying its ferocity. Enkrid¡¯s sword cut through its head with a clean sweep, splitting its skull in two. Brain matter and dark crimson blood spilled across the cavern floor. Meanwhile, Jaxon and Shinar engaged the remaining threats, fighting with ruthless efficiency. Esther climbed a nearby tree and watched, her role more observer than participant. The man who released the chimera tried to flee but was struck down mid-step by an arrow to the head. Finn¡¯s aim was impeccable. ¡°Where do you think you¡¯re going?¡± Finn muttered. The weapon he used was one Enkrid had confiscated from a Black Blade thief¡ªa specialized device capable of concealed shots. ¡°You¡¯re far better with it than its last owner,¡± Enkrid thought, watching Finn¡¯s precision. Finn used the distraction to fire arrows directly into the back of fleeing enemies, ensuring none escaped. The remaining beasts, though vicious, were unfinished experiments¡ªhalf-formed and far from dangerous in their current state. They were dispatched quickly. Cleaning up the village and its hidden horrors took half a day. ¡°Four days on foot to the next one,¡± the company commander reported. Enkrid nodded, acknowledging the task ahead. What followed was akin to a traveling circus¡ªa relentless cycle of locating villages, storming them, slaughtering bandits and beasts, and cleaning up the mess. Each new village told the same story: stolen people, monstrous experiments, and carnage. The mere sight of the fallen chieftains and their beasts was enough to scare many bandits into fleeing. ¡°Do you think the kingdom will just let us keep doing this? From the outside, it¡¯ll look like we¡¯re staging a rebellion! Anyone who values their life, follow me!¡± shouted one of the more pragmatic bandits, gathering his allies before disappearing into the wilderness. Ambitious ones among them always sought to regroup and rebuild. However, Enkrid didn¡¯t waste time hunting down every straggler. It wasn¡¯t worth it. ¡°Unsettling,¡± Finn muttered, watching some of the more cunning bandits vanish. ¡°Leaves a bad taste.¡± In one of the villages, the bandits had prepared for an assault, having received warnings from others. Yet preparation meant nothing. Enkrid and his group moved swiftly, taking out the guards with surgical precision. Five men who guarded the village fell without a sound, their throats slashed. The sight of their fallen comrades filled the remaining bandits with terror. ¡°Shit! What are we dealing with, ghosts?¡± one bandit cried out. Even the chieftain, a former assassin, was unnerved. His six personal guards vanished silently, their deaths unnoticed until their corpses were discovered. In the shadows, the chieftain hurled a poisoned dart, one potent enough to kill with a scratch. It disappeared into the darkness. His guards stabbed wildly into the blackness where their comrades had disappeared. That¡¯s when they saw it¡ªa hole in the ground beneath one of the bodies. ¡°When¡­?¡± the chieftain muttered. Those were his last words. A thin blade, like a string, descended from above, slicing through his neck in one fluid motion. His headless body crumpled, his guards scrambling in panic. Jaxon, perched on the ceiling, observed the chaos. He finished off the remaining guards with two thrown knives before dropping silently to the floor. With the village cleared, the remaining bandits fled, leaving it eerily empty. The wind whistled through the abandoned buildings, and Finn commented dryly, ¡°Now all we need is a wraith to complete the scene.¡± Enkrid agreed silently but didn¡¯t let up. Shinar sent a trained crow to deliver news to their allies, ensuring reinforcements would move into the evacuated villages. In the meantime, Enkrid¡¯s group pressed on to the next village, scaling treacherous cliffs and navigating hazardous terrain. Finn, ever resourceful, led the way, planting daggers into cracks and leveraging his gear to climb. ¡°If someone falls and dies here, it¡¯d be a hell of a punchline,¡± Finn joked, glancing back. Even Esther scaled the cliffs with ease, her claws digging into the rock like tools forged for the task. It was as if she were strolling on flat ground. The group moved methodically, each member proving their skill and resilience. Shinar, ever lighthearted, quipped to Enkrid as they climbed. ¡°Ever kissed your fianc¨¦e on a cliff?¡± ¡°No, I haven¡¯t,¡± he replied flatly. ¡°Sometimes I wonder if your fianc¨¦e¡¯s even kissed anyone at all,¡± she teased, her tone light as though they weren¡¯t suspended over a deadly drop. Enkrid, despite himself, found her humor oddly grounding. At the next village, they uncovered a horrific scene¡ªdozens of slaves, including three of Shinar¡¯s kind. Her gaze hardened as she took them in. ¡°Idiots,¡± she muttered, her voice laced with disdain. ¡°Getting yourselves captured like this.¡± The freed elves offered no excuses. One male elf, after being unshackled, picked up a fallen dagger and immediately stabbed a clean-shaven bandit in the stomach multiple times. The bandit, who had been groveling for mercy, let out a choked scream. Blood poured from six wounds as he collapsed. The elf¡¯s rage was palpable. ¡°Not even a peach worm would eat scum like you,¡± he hissed, his voice trembling with fury. Finn muttered under his breath, and Enkrid, overhearing him, mulled over the meaning of his words. Thanks to his time with the fairy company commander, Enkrid had grown accustomed to their expressions. Finn hadn''t spoken in the fairy tongue but rather in the Empire''s common language, making his words easy to understand. The metaphor was vivid: a peach untouched by worms, rare and unspoiled, used to describe someone utterly useless and despicable. It wasn¡¯t hard to figure out where Finn¡¯s resentment stemmed from. The two female fairies shared the same haunted look, suggesting they had endured the same horrors. Their captors had violated them, regardless of gender. "A man who doesn¡¯t discriminate between men and women," Enkrid thought grimly. Such a man had an appallingly wide range of tastes. It wasn¡¯t a sight he wanted to dwell on, but in the grand scheme of the continent, wasn¡¯t this kind of atrocity everywhere? Could he cut it all down with a single sword? As a child, he''d believed that becoming a knight would make it possible. After leaving his village, he''d learned the bitter truth. Talent wasn¡¯t the issue. Losing to some kid barely into his teens wasn¡¯t the issue either. Enkrid had been young and naive, and his understanding of the world had been limited to his small village. That concept expanded to include estates, then entire continents. It was only then that he realized the futility of his youthful dreams. Even as a knight, even as a catastrophic force capable of cutting down a thousand on the battlefield, this sort of evil couldn¡¯t be eradicated. So what was he to do? Abandon the fight? Become just another polished butcher wielding a sword for show? When he¡¯d first dreamt of becoming a knight, his vision hadn¡¯t been of someone clad in shining armor, radiating light. That had never been his goal. What he had envisioned was something greater. A knight wasn¡¯t merely a tool for slaughter. His thoughts spiraled as he tried to reconcile his ideals with reality. ¡°Do you want to burn it all down?¡± Jaxon¡¯s voice interrupted him. ¡°Sweep it all away? I¡¯ll help you if you need me to.¡± His eyes burned red, flickering with a dangerous energy. It didn¡¯t seem like he was speaking with clarity¡ªhe was intoxicated by the moment. ¡°Is he in pain again?¡± Enkrid wondered, noting Jaxon¡¯s strange behavior. He collected his thoughts and asked, ¡°Why the sudden offer?¡± ¡°Your eyes were burning,¡± Jaxon replied simply. Enkrid closed his eyes briefly, then reopened them. The flames Jaxon had claimed to see were gone. At least, they were no longer visible. Whatever destruction Jaxon had perceived had vanished. ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Enkrid said, focusing on the task at hand. He had grown skilled with his sword¡ªskilled enough to rival a knight-in-training. But his dreams hadn¡¯t changed. The fire in his chest had always been there, only now was it beginning to show. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Well, look at that. A dwarf too?" Enkrid muttered, surveying the village. It was as if someone was collecting various races as part of some twisted game. The village was riddled with underground tunnels used to hide slaves. ¡°Who the hell are these bastards?¡± one bandit shouted, his voice shaking as he lunged forward. Jaxon answered with silence¡ªand his blade. His footsteps were soundless, and his presence undetectable as he used a relic he¡¯d picked up. ¡°I got a pretty useful gift,¡± Jaxon said smugly, his confidence unshaken as he claimed the belongings of the dead. The bandits never even realized he was behind them. One by one, Jaxon slit their throats with precision, leaving them no chance to react. When eight loudmouthed bandits lay dead, the rest dropped to their knees, trembling. The village chieftain, if he could even be called that, had already been killed. He hadn¡¯t been a mage or an assassin. He wasn¡¯t even skilled with a sword. His only talent had been setting traps, many of which he¡¯d placed around his bedroom. But with Shinar and Jaxon standing in his way, his fate had been sealed. ¡°Enough said,¡± Enkrid thought. He hadn¡¯t needed to intervene much this time. He¡¯d swung his sword just once¡ªwhen two bandits foolishly charged him. Using the Flowing Blade technique, he countered and finished them off with Serpent Blade strikes. Thwack, thwack! Two dull sounds marked the creation of two new corpses. After that, no one dared challenge him. Once the village was subdued, they freed the remaining slaves. Those who resisted were swiftly cut down. Every village seemed the same: a handful of fighters would resist, only to be slain, while the rest either surrendered or fled. It took them two months to find and destroy five such villages. Only two months¡ªbecause their methods were swift and merciless. By the time the Black Blade officer overseeing these operations realized half of his hidden villages were gone, it was already too late. The remaining villages were beyond salvage. ¡°Those lunatics!¡± he roared, slamming a candlestick into his desk. The force split the center of the purpleheart wood desk, sending shards flying. His breathing was ragged, his anger uncontained. In his fury, he hurled the silver candlestick through a stained glass window. Crash! Shards of red, yellow, and blue rained down onto the garden below. A gardener, trimming a hedge, jumped at the sound. Looking up, he quickly collected the candlestick and hurried to find the steward. Something was clearly amiss. Not that it would help. The Black Blade officer had hidden his identity well. To his employees, he was just another noble bureaucrat. His stomach churned as he tried to think of a solution. The city¡¯s backstreets had been rapidly falling under the control of a mysterious new guild. ¡°What the hell is this ¡®Revival Guild¡¯?¡± he grumbled. Their stated mission was laughable, but their methods were terrifyingly effective. Many of the criminal organizations he had backed were now gone, swallowed by this new power. He couldn¡¯t even consider retreating. ¡°Damn it.¡± The situation with the villages was no better. His forces were too depleted to mount a proper defense. Whoever was attacking them was meticulous and relentless. All he could do was send word to the main headquarters. But the thought of dying here, his life¡¯s work in ruins, consumed him. ¡°Shit, shit, shit!¡± he growled. Everything he had built, every piece of his grand plan, was crumbling. His villages were gone. His network was in shambles. He wanted to scream, but his steward stopped him. ¡°Will you throw away your value like this? Find out who did this. That¡¯s your best move.¡± It was sound advice. He threw his remaining gold into the hands of an information guild and hired mercenaries in droves. Eventually, he got a name. ¡°Marcus, you bastard!¡± he screamed. Chapter 278 ¡°Cowardly bastard, filthy bastard, damn you, son of a bitch!¡± The Black Blade officer spat blood as he cursed Marcus. Of course, there was a bit of a misunderstanding. This whole thing had started with Shinar, and Enkrid had jumped in and finished it off in an instant. But the more they looked into it, the more it seemed that the Border Guard¡¯s standing army was involved. Then who had given the order? Who was behind all of this? One name kept coming up, over and over again. Marcus. A noble, someone with ties to the royal palace, a man rumored to be eyeing the title of Grand Duke of the North. ¡°That bastard deserves to be torn apart!¡± It didn¡¯t matter if he muttered it under his breath or shouted it aloud¡ªhis anger didn¡¯t subside. It was infuriating, humiliating, and unbearable. He wanted to throw himself to the ground, scream, and flail his limbs. That¡¯s how furious he was. It took every ounce of restraint to calm himself down, even just a little. Grinding his teeth, the officer had to acknowledge that immediate retaliation was impossible. Something was seriously wrong with the Border Guard. Every time they sent an assassin, they simply disappeared. And that Enkrid¡ªhow many times had they tried to kill him? Not even once had they succeeded. Had they even managed to scratch him? They had sent men armed with poison, and yet every single one of them had been taken out. Was it simply because their target was too skilled? The Black Blades had considered that possibility. The officer himself had thought the same. At the very least, Enkrid had to be at the level of a semi-knight. His feats were sometimes exaggerated, sometimes downplayed. But none of them truly believed that Enkrid had actually reached the level of a semi-knight. No one suddenly discovers Will by swinging a sword in the dirt. There were occasional geniuses, sure¡ªbut if he had that much talent, why had he remained in obscurity for so long? Maybe if he had been hiding away somewhere, it would make sense. But that wasn¡¯t the case. His trail was everywhere. He had been a mercenary. He had paid cheap instructors with a handful of krona to learn how to wield a sword. He had worked as a hunter, taking odd jobs just to survive. When there was no work for his sword, he had helped repair fortress walls. That was the kind of man he had been. And now they were supposed to believe he had become a semi-knight? The Black Blades were rational. They had no choice but to think this way. More importantly, Count Molsen had deliberately manipulated information behind the scenes. As a result, they couldn¡¯t get an accurate measure of Enkrid¡¯s true level. But they weren¡¯t foolish enough to underestimate him either. Something had changed¡ªthere was no doubt about that. They just didn¡¯t believe he had truly become a semi-knight. There had to be someone aiding him. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. And among the names of possible benefactors, one stood out above the rest. Marcus. That devious bastard. ¡°This is war now!¡± The officer shouted to himself in the solitude of his study. Of course, he wasn¡¯t the only one who thought so. The upper ranks of the Black Blade bandits had given similar orders. Muster your forces. Seek aid from the heretics. Burn the Border Guard to the ground. They weren¡¯t nobles. They didn¡¯t own land. But they had something just as powerful¡ªarmed strength and influence. Now, they were ready to wield it. They poured out their stockpiles of bloodstained gold. They called in their connections. Their men gathered. Among them were mercenaries who, for the right price, wouldn¡¯t hesitate to kill their own parents. And so, a force began to assemble on a small hill west of the Border Guard. Over five hundred men. Could they breach the fortress walls with that number? It wouldn¡¯t be easy, but war wasn¡¯t the Black Blades¡¯ specialty. Sabotage was. And they had already set their plans in motion. A Proxy War in the Making On the surface, it seemed like a territorial dispute¡ªMarcus expanding his hold on the surrounding lands. But the consequences of this conflict were vast. It was the spark of a civil war, one that would force many into action. And Marcus, still stationed within the Border Guard, had no idea what was coming. Just before this proxy war erupted, he had issued an order. ¡°How many villages are there? Send forces to occupy them all. From now on, we¡¯re not just the Border Guard¡¯s standing army. We¡¯re the ruling force of this land.¡± ¡°And who¡¯s the lord of these lands?¡± ¡°The first lord is me.¡± Marcus answered without hesitation, casually pointing his thumb at himself. Soon after, the rightful owner of those villages, the one who held official authority¡ªViscount Tarnin¡ªdeclared war. "How dare you seize land without the king¡¯s permission! You are driven by greed and have no shame! Marcus, repent at once! If you do not, I shall sever your head and offer it to the gods!" It was quite the declaration. Since it wasn¡¯t exactly a secret, Marcus heard about it almost immediately. ¡°That pig bastard must be high on something.¡± Marcus muttered as he rested his chin on his desk. But his meaning was clear. Civil war had begun. Of course, that didn¡¯t mean they would immediately engage in battle. Like most territorial disputes, Viscount Tarnin sent an envoy first. Typically, these things started with a war of words, with actual fighting coming as a last resort. But something about this was different. Viscount Tarnin had rallied mercenaries and hired killers before even sending his declaration of war. It was as if he was itching for a fight. And yet, instead of attacking, he had fortified his position and was holding out. Why? Who stood to gain from a stalemate? Who stood to lose? Marcus wasn¡¯t stupid. Rather than making the first move, it was better to let Tarnin and his backers waste their resources. Marcus picked apart the situation, analyzing it carefully. What was Pig Tarnin¡¯s special skill? ¡ªEating. What was the fool¡¯s greatest strength? ¡ªHis thick skin made it hard for a blade to pierce him. What power did he actually wield over his lands? ¡ªAbsolutely nothing. So what was he relying on? ¡ªThe Black Blade bandits. Marcus worked through the sequence of events, piecing the situation together. But why was Tarnin stalling? Gathering an army cost money. The soldiers needed food and shelter. And there were mercenaries, too. They needed to be paid. If they weren¡¯t, some of them would happily turn around and carve star-shaped holes into Tarnin¡¯s belly. So why? Why assemble a force and do nothing? Instead of attacking, all he was doing was talking about ¡°training.¡± Marcus decided to wait. There wasn¡¯t much else to do at the moment. After all, he had encroached on another noble¡¯s territory. The plan had been to quietly seize a few villages, establish a pseudo-territory, and then seek the royal court¡¯s recognition. But now¡­ There¡¯s someone backing Tarnin. And the question was¡ªwho? When the answer finally arrived, it was a crushing blow. A letter arrived, carrying an ominous weight. It read: ¡°Due to the increased instability in the North caused by the territorial conflict, the royal court decrees that Marcus, steadfast ally of the crown and pillar of Centerpole, is hereby ordered¡ª¡± Marcus was a gambler. He knew how to seize the moment. But this? This had bound his hands and feet before he even got the chance to play. It was a political maneuver designed to remove him from the game before he could even place a bet. There was no escape. All he could do was scoff. ¡°¡­Hah.¡± He had been completely outplayed. *** ¡°The moment I¡¯m gone, you all start having fun without me, huh?¡± As soon as he returned, Rem greeted him with that line. Enkrid thought, This guy never changes. ¡°It was a mission.¡± ¡°Oh, you had fun. And me? Huh? You dumped me here, stuck babysitting some beastkin and teaching them how to fight?¡± A long-winded way of saying he wanted to spar. Off to the side, Dunbakel stood with her eyes swollen and bruised. It was clear she had been through hell. Enkrid felt a little bad. If he ignored this, Rem was just going to take it out on Dunbakel again. Besides, he wasn¡¯t really injured. Just a little fatigued. ¡°Come at me, you loudmouthed savage.¡± Enkrid said it with a smirk, and Rem grinned back. ¡°Time to settle some grudges!¡± And with that nonsense, the sparring began. ¡°You haven¡¯t changed a bit!¡± Rem swung his axes in a crisscross pattern, showcasing an overwhelming presence. He had claimed to have learned from a rapier swordsman, but just listening to that was absurd. Was that even something you could copy just by watching? Of course, the execution was completely different. Not that Rem had any way of knowing. Enkrid rejected the intimidation outright and responded with his sword instead. Clang! Clang! Clang! Steel clashed between them, sparks of gold flying. Teresa, for once, sat quietly with her legs tucked together, waiting for her turn. This was their everyday life. Next up was Teresa¡¯s match. She had carefully crafted a few techniques and honed them through training with Audin. She wondered if they would work against Enkrid. Her heart pounded. While he was gone, something had felt off. Even sharpening her skills and strengthening her body left her with a sense of emptiness. It was like being a landowner with an empty granary. ¡°Why do you seem down?¡± Audin asked, noticing her lack of energy. Teresa took a moment to observe her own emotions before speaking. ¡°The wanderer Teresa wonders¡­ what happens if the captain never comes back?¡± Audin chuckled. ¡°He always comes back.¡± Audin spoke of everything in the name of the divine, usually with deep contemplation rather than absolute certainty. But when it came to Enkrid, he was strangely resolute. There was no doubt in his mind. And the moment she saw Enkrid return, Teresa¡¯s heart pounded faster than ever. Her face flushed. How could it not? He¡¯s the one. The one to test her skills against. The one to match her fighting spirit. The one who had freed her from the cult. The only one who could wield a sword and shield alongside her. Others could spar with her, sure. But it wasn¡¯t the same. Enkrid was different. Teresa didn¡¯t try to analyze why. What mattered was the process of fighting him. The process of facing him in battle. The act of raising her sword and shield before him. She would burn herself to ash if it meant standing before him. She would cut down and kill any enemy in his way. She would make sure he didn¡¯t just charge forward. She would make him turn back and face her. With that realization, Teresa knelt on one knee and prayed. Not in the manner of the cult, nor invoking the name of any god. But a prayer nonetheless. ¡°Are you sleeping? Get moving.¡± Rem broke her trance, but by then, the captain was already on his feet. Teresa rose from her knee, raising her shield. ¡°The wanderer Teresa is here.¡± A joyful match, if you could call it that. At least, Enkrid thought so. Rem was enjoying himself. Teresa was attacking him head-on. And even Dunbakel, wielding two swords, was proving to be an amusing opponent. ¡°You¡¯re still clumsy.¡± ¡°I know!¡± Dunbakel knew but insisted on using two blades anyway. Enkrid watched, wondering what was driving her. ¡°You¡¯re all crazy. Crazy. If you ever run into a high priest on your travels, kidnap them and bring them here. Everyone here needs healing.¡± That was Rem¡¯s assessment. Apparently, Dunbakel had been so impressed by Enkrid that she had picked up dual-wielding. Enkrid left her to it. It wasn¡¯t his place to interfere. And so, he settled back into his usual routine. But Rem had something to say. ¡°Why haven¡¯t you improved?¡± There was a hint of dissatisfaction in his voice. Had Enkrid¡¯s skills remained the same? That was possible. But had nothing changed? No. He had spent two months moving, thinking, learning. Climbing cliffs, riding horses, walking, running, passing through villages. The battles had been short, the marches long. Along the way, Shinar had tossed in some fae humor. Finn had rambled on about nonsense. And Jaxon, every now and then¡­ ¡°Do whatever you truly want. Holding back will only make you sick.¡± ¡­had thrown out those strange remarks. I¡¯ve never held back. Enkrid meant that. But maybe others saw it differently. For all his ability, he had never really fixated on worldly rewards. So what did he want? Jaxon¡¯s question had struck at the heart of it. Enkrid knew exactly what he wanted. He was walking toward it, following the markers along his path. And after all that time walking, something had clicked. His mind was sharper than ever. Enkrid revisited his training. What he had, what he needed to develop, what he could refine and perfect. Before, he had been too focused on absorbing and adapting. But now, he had moved past that. Two months of travel had helped him refine his training method. Now, it was time to put it into practice. ¡°I¡¯ll need some help.¡± And he¡¯d start with that stray cat, Jaxon. Chapter 279 ¡°Throw it.¡± The moment Enkrid spoke, Jaxon¡¯s hand moved. There was no time to pay attention to the sound of air splitting. Seven paces ahead, that sly stray cat with reddish-brown hair had already thrown a stone, and what had been a mere speck in the distance now expanded in his vision. As his focus sharpened, he caught the trajectory of the incoming stone. The instant he turned his body to evade it, he saw another stone in the exact spot he was about to move into. A staggered, space-filling throwing technique. Enkrid¡¯s body twisted on instinct. Using his left foot as an axis, he pulled his body back and to the right, twisting his waist in the opposite direction. A grotesque contortion. Then, using the rebound of his hips, he ducked his head and rolled forward, dodging all the stones. ¡°Aren¡¯t you supposed to dodge in place?¡± Jaxon¡¯s detached voice reached his ears. ¡°I will, eventually.¡± Maybe not right now, but repetition would get him there. He didn¡¯t need to see the future to know that. If you walk steadily, you¡¯ll pass the milestones and reach your destination. He had proven that with his body, learned it through his life. Enkrid answered calmly and dusted himself off as he stood up. The pale blue light of dawn was breaking against the rising sun, turning orange and gold. It was the hour when everyone was waking up. As if on cue, the entire company was gathered, watching Enkrid and Jaxon. Their eyes were all different. Rem was wrapped in layers of warm fur, staring at them with a look that said, What kind of backwater ritual is this, training at dawn in the freezing cold? Audin was smiling with satisfaction. Ragna was watching impassively, rotating his wrist in slow circles. Teresa was absent, on duty. Dunbakel looked at Rem, then at Enkrid, then shook her head. She clearly wanted to follow along, but if she asked Rem to throw rocks at her, she¡¯d probably end up with a cracked skull. Enkrid ignored their gazes, immersing himself in his thoughts. He had spent two months walking, running, and fighting while pondering this. The sense of evasion operates in the realm of the subconscious, as a reflex. Seeing, hearing, feeling, tasting, smelling¡ªthese are the five senses. When these senses compress into one, bypassing the process and jumping straight to the conclusion, that is the sixth sense. Understanding without sensation, experience, association, judgment, or reasoning¡ªthat is intuition. The sense of evasion was an intuitive technique that functioned within the realm of the sixth sense. Until now, he had thought that was enough. It¡¯s not. Pondering was Enkrid¡¯s habit, his everything. He had pondered and found his path forward. It was, as always, a thorn-covered road. Rough and treacherous, like scaling a sheer cliff. But he would enjoy every step of it. Within the realm of consciousness. He would read every trajectory of an incoming projectile, evade accordingly, and incorporate intentional movements. That was preparation for the next move. Lessons from the Unnamed Formal Sword Style, insights gained through experience, revelations from observing Jaxon¡¯s setup¡ª This was the conclusion he had reached. ¡°Again.¡± The goal was to dodge stones from close range, all while standing in place, pulling out deliberate reaction speed. And this was just one part of it. When this was over, he would train with Audin. ¡°You truly enjoy suffering, brother.¡± ¡°Why do you sound so happy when you say that?¡± ¡°Because, of course, the Lord has said¡ªone cannot speak of suffering without walking the path of suffering.¡± Enkrid translated the oversized zealot¡¯s words into his own understanding. In other words, you¡¯re thrilled because now you get to beat me half to death in training. Enkrid smiled back. If there was a reward at the end of this arduous path, whether that fruit was sweet or bitter, he would accept it. For a man who had walked endlessly in place without ever stopping, even the smallest result was a treasure. Fruit was fruit, whether rotten or ripe. And that, in turn, made Audin happy. Even if it was just another way of saying he planned to push Enkrid to the brink of death. ¡°Let¡¯s begin.¡± Audin taught him an advanced isolation technique. It was, quite literally, a path of suffering. Before, he had divided his body into segments to train flexibility. This time, he was dividing his body for isolated strengthening. The day was split into three. Mornings were for the upper body, afternoons for the lower body, evenings for the hidden muscles. ¡°There are the muscles that are easily felt and seen, but there are also those that are not. In isolation training, we call these the inner muscles. For example, here.¡± As he spoke, Audin jabbed a finger into Enkrid¡¯s lower back. A searing pain shot from his spine through his entire body, like being stabbed with a knife. ¡°Ghh.¡± A groan slipped out before he could stop it. ¡°Exactly. That¡¯s what we¡¯re going to train.¡± Next came Regenerative Body Training. Then, Hard Body Training. They trained the inner and outer muscles to near destruction. He rolled and rolled again. ¡°Normally, this takes years of dedicated training. But, company commander, you might just be a genius when it comes to conditioning. People underestimate how much of a talent physical training requires. And yet, despite your past lack of physical talent, you¡¯ve become like this. I believe it is a form of unseen potential.¡± He kept talking, but half of it didn¡¯t register. When you have three large stones strapped to your back and are squatting on one leg, external noise becomes irrelevant. Sweat poured down his body. The winter air was no match for the heat of relentless training. ¡°Good.¡± Audin grinned. Enkrid grinned back. Just because it was grueling didn¡¯t mean it was bad. This was its own kind of enjoyment. Every part of the training was extreme. Like walking on all fours with Audin on his back. Or balancing on one foot while picking up copper coins from the ground, a rock tied to his back. Everything was repeated dozens, hundreds of times. It was painful. Exhausting. It required unwavering focus. There were no instant results, no shortcuts. But Enkrid did it. Because if you stripped away his persistence, what was left? And for him, this wasn¡¯t tedious. ¡°I¡¯m doing it too!¡± Dunbakel jumped in, only to turn pale after fifty rounds of beast-walking¡ªmoving on all fours to develop isolated muscle control. Still, even as she dripped sweat onto the ground, she endured. Her glances at Enkrid during breaks felt oddly intense, but that was none of his concern. He was too busy refining and adjusting his own training. Rolling, training, conditioning. And, of course, his swordsmanship. First, the Flowing Blade Technique. Just because a strike was soft didn¡¯t mean it wasn¡¯t a blade. So he continued refining what he had haphazardly named Serpent Blade Technique. Then, the Unnamed Formal Sword Style. Then, the Heavy Blade Technique. Finally, he contemplated speed and Ki Swordsmanship. Over and over, refining, seeking, honing. ¡°Rem.¡± And, as always, he put his discoveries to the test against Rem. ¡°Damn it, what am I, your personal combat dummy? You treat me like some kind of human golem.¡± Enkrid was momentarily surprised. Because, deep down, he had been thinking of Rem that way. Did the bastard read minds? ¡°If you don¡¯t want to, step out.¡± From the side, Ragna¡ªwho had been silently watching¡ªbegan sharpening his sword against a whetstone. Scrape. Ting! Unlike before, seeing Ragna maintain his sword made it feel like watching a child finally mature. ¡°Get lost, you lazy weasel, before I split your skull with an axe.¡± Rem immediately turned his head, glaring. Just another ordinary day. ¡°Well, now that my blade is sharpened, it¡¯ll be a fine thing to stain it with a savage¡¯s blood.¡± Ragna gripped his sword and started to rise. From the looks of it, a fight was inevitable. ¡°You can both come at me if you want.¡± Enkrid provoked them both. At that, Rem and Ragna turned their gazes back toward him. Rem blinked. Ragna sat back down. Shhhk. He resumed sharpening his sword. It was only one sentence, but it was the perfect way to stop a fight. ¡°You¡¯d lose.¡± Ragna spoke without even lifting his gaze. ¡°Fine by me.¡± Rem smacked the flat side of his axe against his palm and stepped forward. Ragna stood, sword in hand, and took his place on one side of the training ground, practicing slow, deliberate swings. Sometimes slow, sometimes fast. Enkrid observed the motion, then silently raised his sword. Gripping it with both hands, he focused on reading Rem¡¯s intentions. Blade against blade. Steel against steel. Cold air cut between them. Their first spar had been nothing more than one of Rem¡¯s whims, not even worth calling a real fight. Later, Rem had wielded his axe with playful mischief. And now? Even Rem couldn¡¯t take Enkrid lightly. A monster. He¡¯s a damn monster. Rem thought to himself. If talent was something that could be surpassed through sheer effort, then a monster was the only fitting word for him. Which made it all the more fun. At first, he had just been watching, waiting for Enkrid to break. But somewhere along the way, he had ended up in this man¡¯s company. At some point, he had truly become his subordinate. The folks back home would lose their minds if they saw this. For a brief moment, Rem thought of his homeland. Of what he had left behind. Then he let it go. What did it matter? He lifted both hands, crossing his axes. The blades met with a light, ceremonial greeting. Thunk. At the sound of the crossed axes, Enkrid moved. He lowered his upper body and kicked off the ground, surging forward. Rem saw it all. That audacity, rising from deep within his chest, forcing his eyes to lock onto his opponent¡¯s every movement. His dynamic vision was on a level far beyond normal. Rem twisted his left foot and swung his axe. Hwoosh! Ordinarily, even blocking the strike would mean the sword, forearm, and torso all getting sliced apart in a single sweeping arc of light. A heavy, accelerating strike¡ª And yet, Enkrid parried it with his sword. But he hadn¡¯t been able to push forward even half a step. Even though he had deflected the axe, he couldn¡¯t immediately counter. His Serpent Blade Technique had been stopped. Rem swung his second axe. A second slash. A technique he prided himself on. And Enkrid blocked that one, too. The moment he realized it, Rem felt sheer delight. ¡°Now we¡¯re talking!¡± The thick fur he had draped over his shoulders billowed and flew backward. Now bare-armed, Rem bared his fangs. A wide, toothy grin. Enkrid, having deflected both strikes, stood before him, sword raised. And naturally, he smiled, too. From the outside, they must have looked insane. Why were they grinning while trying to kill each other? But this was Enkrid¡¯s life as of late. Since his return, he had focused solely on training, sparring, and conditioning. He didn¡¯t even bother fulfilling the duties of a training officer. Before he could make excuses about being too busy, a new reconnaissance squad had to be formed, and the number of troops on duty had doubled. The surrounding situation was too volatile. They couldn¡¯t afford to waste time running through the wilderness or hunting monsters in the name of training. Naturally, outside assignments had also stopped. But they couldn¡¯t block merchants or large caravans. This territory was growing into a hub of trade. Even if one fire could wipe it all away in an instant, for now, this was the best they could do. Marcus had his hands full trying to manage the chaos he had set off. Enkrid didn¡¯t concern himself with Viscount Tarnin or the Black Blades. He had already decided what he needed to do. So he did it. He moved, acted. He would step in when the time was right. And that time wasn¡¯t now. Marcus would be stunned if he knew, but it wasn¡¯t as if Enkrid¡¯s involvement would change anything. This was the correct course of action. And so, about two weeks passed. ¡°You¡¯re still the same.¡± Marcus had come looking for Enkrid. It was in front of the independent company¡¯s barracks, inside the training grounds. Snow was falling thickly overhead, making the soldiers grumble. If left alone, the snow would freeze over the ground, turning it into solid ice and making it even harder to clear. The men sighed heavily as they watched it pile up. A makeshift roof had been set up in one section of the training grounds, with pillars to hold it up. Marcus leaned against the central pillar, giving a bitter smile. ¡°I got completely screwed over.¡± ¡°What are you talking about?¡± ¡°I¡¯m leaving.¡± Enkrid stared at him, waiting for an explanation. Marcus sighed, his breath misting in the cold air. ¡°I¡¯m going back. To the capital.¡± Suddenly? Enkrid had ears. He knew the situation was a complete mess. No reinforcements. No support. A candle flickering in the wind. Though that candle wouldn¡¯t be easily extinguished. And yet, Marcus was pulling out? No. He had said he got screwed over. This wasn¡¯t him withdrawing voluntarily. Someone had forced his hand. ¡°I¡¯m leaving the position of acting lord to the First Company Commander.¡± Enkrid exhaled, the frost in the air merging with his breath. He set down the weighted iron club¡ªcrafted by a blacksmith at his request¡ªonto the ground. A tool designed to build wrist and forearm strength, naturally reinforcing the core with every swing. It was also useful for refining delicate sword techniques. The impact echoed heavily, and Marcus¡¯s gaze flickered downward. The blunt tip of the club had embedded itself into the frozen earth at an angle. What the hell is that? Marcus took a moment to remind himself what kind of monster he was dealing with. Just then, Kraiss peeked out from inside the barracks. ¡°Oh, Battalion Commander! You¡¯re here?¡± Kraiss opened the door and gave something resembling a salute. It wasn¡¯t particularly crisp or formal, just sort of a salute. ¡°Move along.¡± Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Marcus gestured vaguely. Enkrid placed both hands over the grip of his sword. ¡°Smoke?¡± Marcus asked. ¡°I don¡¯t.¡± Marcus lit a rolled cigarette. He was about to strike a flint when Kraiss hurried over and handed him a small ember. Taking a deep drag, Marcus exhaled, the white smoke curling into the frigid air. The sharp scent mixed with the cold, stinging the nose. It was a crude, rolled-up leaf cigarette. Not a pleasant smell. And the conversation that followed was simple and to the point. Chapter 280 Why Did Marcus Have to Obey the Summons from the Capital? ¡°The bastards from my own house should¡¯ve backed me up, shielded me in a time like this. Instead, they threw me under the damn carriage, made me the scapegoat. Damn politicians.¡± That was Marcus¡¯s own remark. For a moment, Enkrid wondered if Marcus was inadvertently insulting himself, but now wasn¡¯t the time to point that out. ¡°The Border Guard¡¯s expansion¡ªraising warhorses, training archers¡ªlooks like a sign of rebellion to the capital. ¡®Why are you gathering military strength in the North? And why is it a noble from a prominent central house leading it?¡¯ That¡¯s what they¡¯re asking.¡± ¡°A prominent house?¡± ¡°My house.¡± Enkrid didn¡¯t bother asking which one. The point was this: Marcus had been planning to reorganize the North under the Border Guard¡¯s structure. But to the capital, it looked more like: What are you planning to do with all that power you¡¯re amassing? And when he answered, ¡®I¡¯m trying to govern the North properly,¡¯ They responded with: ¡®Doesn¡¯t seem that way. Come up here and explain yourself. Weren¡¯t you part of a family sworn to protect the capital? Come back. We¡¯ll even give you an administrative post.¡¯ ¡°What if I refuse?¡± ¡®Huh? So you really are plotting rebellion? You¡¯re turning this down?¡¯ ¡°I told you, it¡¯s not a rebellion.¡± ¡®Then come to the capital. Talk it out. And stop harassing the neighboring territories. You¡¯re just defending, right? Then they won¡¯t touch you either.¡¯ ¡°If I leave, they¡¯ll pounce the moment I¡¯m gone. I¡¯ll go after I¡¯ve settled things here.¡± ¡®See? You are rebelling. Traitor.¡¯ ¡°I said I¡¯m not.¡± ¡®Then come to the capital.¡¯ Strip away the pleasantries, the titles, the filler, and that¡¯s basically how the conversation went. Marcus resisted, but it was useless. He was forced to return to the capital. ¡°This isn¡¯t over. There¡¯s someone pulling the strings behind all this, and I¡¯ll bet anything it¡¯s those damned bandits.¡± Marcus was a natural politician. But why come all the way here to tell Enkrid this? Before Enkrid could voice the question, Marcus spoke first. He pushed off from the pillar he had been leaning against and stood upright. Straight-backed, rigid, as if standing at attention. For a moment, it felt like he was drawing in the very air around him. Then, he steadied his breathing. ¡°Help Graham protect the territory.¡± It wasn¡¯t an order. It sounded like a request. ¡°Yes.¡± So Enkrid answered. Marcus exhaled, his expression oddly deflated, then muttered: ¡°¡­I wasted my time worrying.¡± ¡°Pardon?¡± ¡°Nothing.¡± Marcus turned away. On his way here, he had been mulling over a few things. Would Enkrid really stay? Would it be better to abandon this place and drag him to the capital instead? Or would he just leave to follow his own path? Damn those bureaucratic bastards. Marcus wanted to curse the rotten nobles and officials all over again. Not that he didn¡¯t do that regularly. But today, he wanted to put a hole in each of their foreheads. Hire an infamous assassin whose name was etched in history books. Like Red Dot¡ªa killer so precise he left a crimson mark right before delivering the fatal shot. Or was it Scarlet Point? Whatever. Either way, he wanted to cut the rot out and burn it away. Fine. I¡¯ll go. But he wasn¡¯t going to sit there quietly and play nice. He¡¯d hunt down every bastard manipulated by the Black Blades. But to do that, this place had to remain intact. The enemy had set their sights on the Border Guard. So what was Marcus supposed to do? What I always do. Leave the fighting to those who are best at it. And focus on what he was best at. Before leaving, he decided he needed to write a few more letters. He had to prepare for every possibility. And, naturally, his thoughts drifted to the biggest wildcard¡ªEnkrid. Will he stay? Ever the politician, he had come half out of doubt, half to persuade him. But the answer had come too easily. Enkrid had simply accepted it. No hesitation, no overblown sense of duty¡ªjust a simple confirmation that he would stay. That was just the kind of man he was. Marcus didn¡¯t know what fire burned inside Enkrid¡¯s chest, but it was there. It smoldered beneath the surface, never fully revealing itself. If Enkrid had truly wanted to be a knight, he would¡¯ve gone to the capital ages ago. He would¡¯ve fought tooth and nail to join an order. And yet, despite having Will, he remained here. Why? What kind of knight do you want to be? S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Next time they met, Marcus wanted to ask him that. For now, he felt¡­ steadier. The tight knot in his chest loosened. Even though he couldn¡¯t fully explain why, even though he didn¡¯t know exactly what would happen next¡ª I won¡¯t go down that easily. It was strange. Graham, the First Company Commander, could train himself to the brink of death and command with every ounce of skill he had, but¡ª For some reason, he didn¡¯t inspire as much confidence as a single word from Enkrid. Is it just a difference in skill? No. Marcus knew, instinctively. Enkrid had become a terrifying swordsman. He was walking the path of a knight. He had even awakened Will. But that wasn¡¯t it. Back at his office, Graham was already waiting for him. ¡°Apologies. We won¡¯t have time for a proper appointment ceremony, and honestly, I have no idea what that bastard in charge of the Green Pearl garrison is thinking. If he¡¯s turned against us, things will get tricky.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t lose to some bandit scum.¡± Graham was a skilled soldier, a solid man¡ª So why didn¡¯t those words reassure him as much as Enkrid¡¯s simple ¡®Yes¡¯? Marcus shook his head slightly and patted Graham¡¯s shoulder. The situation was turning into a complete mess, and yet he had to leave. It was a frustrating feeling. But it only strengthened his resolve. He would see this through. And every single bastard responsible¡ªhe would cut their throats himself. *** "The Cult has surfaced in the south of Martai!" It was the talk of every merchant and traveler passing through the region. A so-called bishop of the Cult had appeared in the south, leading a horde of beasts. Rumors were spreading that a man known as the Wolf Bishop¡ªa high-ranking figure within the Cult¡ªhad mobilized an army. And, of course, it wasn¡¯t just a rumor. [Winter is upon us, and for those who shiver and starve in the cold, I shall personally proclaim this land a holy sanctuary.] The bishop¡¯s declaration had been written down and scattered far and wide. Even the Border Guard caught wind of it. ¡°Well, shit. That¡¯s a goddamn mess.¡± Some of the soldiers clicked their tongues after reading it. Because what it meant was clear. The Cult had declared Martai and the entire Border Guard region as their holy land. In other words, if you stand in our way, we will kill you all. So leave quietly and get out. This was a serious problem. With Marcus gone, the First Company Commander¡ªnow both the acting lord and the battalion commander¡ªbroke into a cold sweat as this crisis surged toward them. Why the hell is the Cult suddenly showing up now? The situation was dire. The army¡¯s limitations were clear, yet now they were being attacked from two different sides¡ªby the Black Blades and the Cult. ¡°Has Marcus fled in fear?¡± Viscount Tarnin escalated his provocations, pushing his forces forward under the pretense of a border skirmish. The scent of war was in the air. ¡°I need to send a request for reinforcements to Count Molsen.¡± Graham wasted no time. A high-ranking noble from one of the most powerful families in the region happened to be present in the territory. Surely he wouldn¡¯t ignore this? Graham even subtly reminded him, Your two sons are here, after all. The reply came swiftly. [The Cult is spreading in my lands too, and with winter here, the monsters are running rampant. Handle it yourself.] BANG! The First Company Commander slammed his fist into the wall. It was made of solid brick, so it didn¡¯t break, but the pain shot through his knuckles like fire. Not that it mattered right now. ¡°Goddamn it! We¡¯re next, you idiot! Your land is next!¡± Molsen¡¯s territory wouldn¡¯t be spared from this madness either. The ones pushing Viscount Tarnin forward, the ones pulling strings from behind, were the Black Blades. No, at this point, they weren¡¯t even bothering to hide. Several well-known swordsmen directly affiliated with the Black Blades had openly shown their faces. They weren¡¯t just stirring up trouble¡ªthey were making a move. Meanwhile, the Cultists pushing up from Martai and the bandits attacking from Tarnin¡¯s side seemed to have an unspoken agreement. Neither group was encroaching on the other¡¯s territory. It was coordinated. And if it looked coordinated, then it probably was. Would they be satisfied with just taking over the Border Guard? Would they stop there, pat their bellies, and call it a day? Not a chance. They¡¯d only get worse. Graham sent crows and pigeons flying toward the capital. No reply came. Instead, another message arrived. ¡°Battalion Commander.¡± Hadn¡¯t Marcus told him he was sorry for leaving this burden behind? There had been no formal appointment ceremony, but Graham had intended to solidify his role as battalion commander through this crisis. But then¡ª Marcus¡¯s last words came to mind. [If things get too bad, don¡¯t hesitate to run.] Was this that moment? The news that had just arrived threatened to crush him completely. His eyes darkened with despair. "Azpen has made a move." There was a man who had once been a reserve battalion commander. He had stationed troops in the Green Pearl Plains, where he was training warhorses, opening new farmland, and settling villages. His first priority was fortification¡ªbuilding barracks, setting up palisades. Turning what was once a simple village into a proper estate, then pushing it further into a true part of Naurillia. And now, a messenger from the Green Pearl had arrived. Azpen had mobilized his army and crossed the border, breaking the treaty. It was an invasion. Azpen had lost once, but there was no way he would sit quietly, sucking his thumb, forever. But why now? This was a problem that could only be solved with support from the capital. There was no way the Border Guard could handle it alone. Reinforcements would come¡ªAzpen¡¯s actions guaranteed that. But. We have to survive until then. The moment Graham was officially appointed battalion commander, he wanted to run. The Black Blades¡¯ schemes had become a blade tearing through the Border Guard. They had driven Marcus out. They had called in the Cult. And now, they had moved Azpen into play. The sky was dark. Heavy clouds choked out the sun, leaving even the daytime dull and gray. The same darkness loomed over the land. ¡°What are you going to do now?¡± A Black Blades officer chuckled to himself. He poured a drink down his throat, savoring the satisfaction. You thought you could mess with us? They had used every connection, spent every coin. And this was the result. Viscount Tarnin and the Black Blades¡¯ army. The Cult¡¯s army in the south of Martai. And now, beyond the Green Pearl Plains where the Border Guard stood, Azpen¡¯s forces were making their move from the east. So? What will you do now? *** The relentless flood of bad news had begun to cut off the merchants traveling to the territory. "They say war is about to break out." "I heard the Cult is invading." "No, no, that''s not it. Word is the battalion stationed in Green Pearl has turned its back. They''re saying, Why appoint someone else as the leader of the Border Guard instead of us?" "I heard the central government has its eyes on this place and plans to abandon it..." "And it''s not just them¡ªCount Molsen has turned his back, too." When will the Border Guard fall? Enkrid let the rumors drift past him without much concern. But there were those who couldn¡¯t afford to ignore them. Graham, now both the commander and newly appointed battalion leader, felt like he was suffocating. It was as if someone had pressed a blade to his throat. If he gathered the troops to stop Viscount Tarnin, he left his rear vulnerable. He sent a messenger to the Green Pearl battalion, hoping for reinforcements. The reply that came back only made things worse. "The enemy forces are overwhelming. If you don¡¯t want to see your soldiers wiped out, you need to send reinforcements." Reinforcements? The hell was he talking about? Graham barely had enough hands to defend this place as it was¡ªif he could, he¡¯d conjure an entire army out of thin air. His unkempt beard and bloodshot eyes were a testament to his crumbling patience. "Fuck you, Marcus." At last, Graham cursed the man. What was there to celebrate about being battalion leader and lord, when this was the damn situation? Just as Graham was teetering on the edge of a full-blown panic attack, someone in Enkrid¡¯s company was starting to do the same. "Captain, Captain, isn¡¯t it time we ran?" What the hell was he talking about? "You swore loyalty to the queen or something? No, right? I mean, it¡¯s the Cult, the Black Blades, and Azpen¡ªhow the hell are we supposed to stop all of them?" This wasn¡¯t normal. Enkrid turned to look at King Eyeball, observing him for a moment. His legs trembled, his fingers hovered near his mouth as if to bite his nails¡ªonly to spit instead. He blinked repeatedly. Even now, he was blinking furiously, eyes darting as he looked at Enkrid. His pupils trembled. He wasn¡¯t in his right mind. Enkrid didn¡¯t claim to know every detail about his subordinates¡¯ pasts or understand them completely. But there were things he¡¯d come to notice. Like how Rem despised the cold. Or that Ragna was a lazy bastard with no sense of direction. That Jaxon kept a lot of secrets and sometimes showed an eerie side, but it was unclear what triggered it. And then there was Crace and his habits. That big-eyed bastard had clearly been through a rough life. Then again, who here hadn¡¯t? Anyone who had lived a peaceful life wouldn¡¯t have ended up here in the first place. This unit wasn¡¯t called a band of troublemakers for nothing. Crace was one of those troublemakers, too. "This is the worst." Crace muttered, listing out all the worst-case scenarios that could unfold. "Even if we somehow hold the Black Blades at the walls, what about the Cultists coming up from the south? That so-called Wolf Bishop is a big deal¡ªI did some digging." His face was pale, drained of any humor. "That bastard leads hundreds of wolf-beasts. There¡¯s a bounty on his head. Do you know what that means? It means Molsen, the kingdom, they¡¯ve all abandoned this place. Whatever deal they made, they got something in return. "Think about it. Azpen is blatantly lining up his troops, and yet the kingdom hasn¡¯t sent a single reinforcement. Not even a handful of knights. "Do you get what that means? This is political. Maybe they struck a deal to abandon Green Pearl in exchange for something. Or maybe they made a deal with the Cult. "And the Black Blades, at the very least..." Too much talking. Enkrid let half of it go in one ear and out the other. Instead, he looked around. His men were watching him. And in that moment, he understood something. They would follow his lead. If he said, We¡¯re abandoning this place, they would all leave without question. Rem, Ragna, Audin, Jaxon, Dunbakel, Teresa, and finally, Crace, drowning in his own anxieties. Even the leopard that had quietly slipped in would be no exception. Eight of them, plus himself. A force that should¡¯ve been insignificant. But right now? Their previous victories had been won because Marcus had hidden their true strength. That was Crace¡¯s analysis. And Enkrid agreed. So what would happen if they left now? What else? The whole place would go to hell. Chapter 281 "Hey, King Eyeball." Enkrid called out to Kraiss, who had been rambling on. Blink. The guy blinked at him, staring. Why was he being consumed by anxiety? It was simple. He had spent his entire life getting trampled on. One wrong step meant either dying or suffering a wound that was close enough. ''I''ve heard there are people out there who would go for their own ass if things went south.'' Scratch. Enkrid scratched his cheek. The world does not welcome the untainted. The pure are bound to be stained sooner or later. Once you spill ink on a blank canvas, it can never be undone. The same went for Kraiss. To avoid the worst-case scenario, he always predicted the worst. Because he constantly envisioned disaster, his mind shut down when actually cornered. It happened the first time he froze up on the battlefield and nearly got himself killed. Enkrid knew this because he had experienced it firsthand. This bastard¡¯s brain had short-circuited again. Of course, it was all just speculation. If he was wrong, then so be it, but if he was right, it would make persuading Kraiss a lot easier. "Shut up. If we fight, we fight. If we die, we die." Dunbakel, who had been listening from the side, spoke. Her tone and demeanor were blunt and to the point. It must have rubbed him the wrong way. She was talking as if they were all going to drop dead any second. Well, that wasn''t entirely wrong. People died all the time in battle, taking blind strikes from stray blades. Enkrid knew that well. He could die, but he also might not. Not everything went the way one wanted, but he could at least try to make things go as planned. For that, he needed King Eyeball. More specifically, he needed King Eyeball when he wasn¡¯t malfunctioning. "That bastard¡¯s possessed. Smack him, knock some sense into him." Lying on his side like a caterpillar, Rem muttered from his cot. Winter turned barbarians into caterpillars. It was a sight Enkrid saw every year. A reasonable suggestion, but unnecessary violence. He had already tried. Even a good slap across the battlefield hadn¡¯t knocked sense back into the guy. Next to him, Audin clasped his hands together. "Pray. If you pray, everything will be fine." Obviously, praying wasn¡¯t going to fix this. Even if he called on divine power, it wouldn¡¯t snap Kraiss out of his current state. Fortunately, Enkrid already knew what to do. His lips parted. "Hey, if shit hits the fan, let¡¯s just run." "¡­What?" Kraiss, blinking in bewilderment, stopped shaking and stared at him. His trembling legs came to a halt. "If things go south, it¡¯s not like it¡¯d be hard to pluck you out and make a run for it. And that¡¯s not even counting Rem or the others. Do you really think the rest of them are going to die here?" What he needed to give Kraiss wasn¡¯t fear but reassurance. The fingers hovering near his lips, debating whether to bite his nails, dropped down. Kraiss turned his head. His gaze swept from Rem to Ragna, then to Jaxon and Audin. No matter how he thought about it, it didn''t seem like they were going to die. And then, there was Teresa. Even inside the barracks, she wore her iron mask and muttered about being a wandering knight. Would a half-giant like her go down so easily? As for Dunbakel, well¡­ she might die. "One beastwoman croaking doesn¡¯t concern you, does it?" Enkrid¡¯s words slipped in at just the right moment. As Kraiss reevaluated the worst-case scenario, his scrambled mind started to reset. His vision cleared. The fog obscuring his thoughts dissipated. His trembling legs steadied, his restless hands stilled. His blinking eyes returned to their usual gleam. His erratic pupils settled, focusing again. At the same time, his soft brown eyes curved into a smirk. "Ah, true. Still, Dunbakel, you should try not to die. Put in some effort." He said it with a grin. "Should I just kill you first?" Dunbakel calmly pulled out a claw. "Rem, the beastwoman¡¯s bullying me." "And?" Kraiss was back to normal. King Eyeball Kraiss whined at Rem about how he was being treated unfairly, but when Rem, the caterpillar, twitched as if to rise, Kraiss immediately scurried behind Enkrid. "Captain, aren¡¯t you going to the war council? Graham¡¯s going to lose his damn mind." "Yeah, I¡¯m going." "Let¡¯s go together." "Sure." Leaving Kraiss behind might mean getting claw marks carved into his face. With a small sigh, Enkrid took Kraiss with him and left. Among those who remained, Audin was the first to let out a chuckle. "The company commander brothers are truly fascinating people." S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. When had he realized that praying alone didn¡¯t solve everything? It wasn¡¯t during his time as an inquisitor. It had all started here¡ªon the battlefield, in the barracks. With one person. A man who did not retreat and who knew how to look after those around him. His blade was not wielded for himself alone. ¡®What does it mean to be a knight?¡¯ What does it mean to be a priest? To be a servant of God? A sudden revelation pulled Audin into deep contemplation. Among those present, not a single one was agonizing over the battle or war that lay ahead. Someone attacks? Then you fight. That was the extent of how most of them used their heads. And so, Rem, the caterpillar, quietly dozed off. Ragna drew his sword again. It wasn¡¯t as if he had seen their captain throwing himself into training like a madman. All he had seen was Enkrid soothing Kraiss with a few words. That was all. And yet, he felt something. Something he couldn''t quite put into words made his chest itch. Everyone was lost in thought. Teresa, for one, felt a sudden surge of battle lust. ¡®I want to fight.¡¯ It didn¡¯t necessarily have to be Enkrid right now. The giant¡¯s blood in her veins led her toward the battlefield. The changing air prickled at every hair on her body. "Well, whatever." Dunbakel still seemed as thoughtless as ever, but oddly enough, that felt like a good thing at the moment. Jaxon remained expressionless as always. Of course, on the inside, he silently agreed with Audin¡¯s words. ¡®A fascinating man.¡¯ In the corner of the barracks, Esther had slipped in unnoticed, lying low and observing everything. Of everyone present, she was the one most astonished by Enkrid¡¯s actions. With a single sentence, he had restored a man''s sanity. If what he had spoken just now wasn¡¯t magic, then what else could be considered a spell? Chirp. Esther licked her front paw. A habit from shifting into a leopard. She stretched out her limbs and lay down, letting the warmth of her fur envelop her in comfort. *** The shift in the atmosphere was something every member of the company could feel. No, it wasn¡¯t just the company¡ª the entire barracks sensed it. But that changed nothing. The ones who were going to run had already fled long ago. The moment Enkrid stepped into the war council room, that much was obvious. "Looks like some seats are empty." Graham, the battalion commander, had restructured the Heavy Infantry Company, turning it into an independent company under his direct command. In exchange, he appointed Palto as the new commander of the 1st Company, with separate appointments for the 2nd and 3rd Companies. Because of this, Venzance was now the 3rd Company Commander. Since they had recruited more people recently, there was enough flexibility in the organization. Enough, in fact, to divert the core of the Heavy Infantry Company into an independent force. So when Venzance, newly appointed as company commander, walked in, the first thing he said was: "Where is everyone?" Over half of the people from the previous meetings were missing. "They ran." "What?" "They packed up their valuables and fled in the middle of the night." Palto answered. As the officer currently in charge of internal security, he was well aware of the situation. "You let them go?" Venzance asked, his expression darkening. Just letting them go? Shouldn¡¯t they have been hunted down and dealt with? Abandoning the domain in its time of crisis¡ª these nobles were scum. And they were just allowed to leave? Venzance lived by the motto: A grudge should be repaid tenfold. At his words, Palto¡¯s eyes narrowed. Was he questioning how he handled things? The air was already tense. A single spark could set it ablaze. But just as the atmosphere was reaching its peak, a bright voice cut through the tension. "Of course they should be let go." The voice came from behind Enkrid. Everyone¡¯s attention shifted to Kraiss. Kraiss had no interest in wasting time on pointless arguments or debates. ¡®The Captain said he¡¯d save me if things went to hell, anyway.¡¯ There was no reason to fear for his life. At the very least, his safety was guaranteed. Not just by the captain¡ªhe had backup escape plans of his own. The only reason he had panicked earlier was because he kept imagining the worst-case scenario. ¡®That was a ridiculous thought anyway.¡¯ Like, what if dozens of wolf-beasts were guarding the escape tunnel he had secretly prepared? Or what if a spy from the Black Blades was stationed there under secret orders to kill him? ¡®It was all nonsense.¡¯ At the time, the unease had clouded his mind. But now? Now he was fine. His head was working at full capacity again. "Do you really think those three will join forces?" "What?" In the middle of the discussion about the runaway nobles, Kraiss suddenly thrust the real issue onto the table. Then, as if nothing had happened, he smoothly continued the conversation from before. Enkrid thought Kraiss had an exceptional way with words. "If they were a destabilizing factor from within, it was better to get rid of them early. Marcus wanted to throw them all out ages ago. Didn¡¯t you know that?" Venzance didn¡¯t. He wasn¡¯t the sharpest mind in the room. Loyal and relentless, yes. But not exactly a tactician. "That¡¯s true." Graham nodded. He looked exhausted¡ª probably hadn¡¯t slept well for days. His gaze settled on Kraiss. "You¡¯re with the Independent Company?" "Kraiss." Enkrid¡¯s Independent Company was famous in many ways, but what stood out the most was its sheer combat ability. Kraiss, by contrast, was a face known only to those who paid close attention. Graham was at least vaguely aware of him. But up until now, he hadn¡¯t given Kraiss much thought. Yet just now¡­ what had he said? Graham¡¯s interest shifted toward him. Kraiss spoke in an even tone. "Azpen won¡¯t make a move right away. The defenses at Green Pearl have been reinforced for years. If they try to tear down the fortifications one by one, the losses will be too great." "But the battalion commander stationed at Green Pearl is already calling for urgent reinforcements." Kraiss naturally stepped forward, standing beside Enkrid. Marcus was absent. The situation was already very, very, very bad. To avoid the absolute worst outcome, Kraiss had to do his part. That was why he was here. At the very least, he needed to know what the military leadership was thinking. ¡®Though it seems like they aren¡¯t thinking much at all.¡¯ It wasn¡¯t that Graham wasn¡¯t trying. He had done his best¡ª rallying forces, keeping morale up, quelling rumors, increasing patrols, and sending out scouting parties. Any soldier spreading dangerous talk was beaten with a club on the spot. Even now, improvised squads were monitoring the area. Beyond that, all they could do was wait. "Of course the Green Pearl commander is calling for help¡ª Azpen is right at their doorstep. But Azpen isn¡¯t the biggest problem right now. And besides, I don¡¯t think those three are on good terms with each other." Somehow, the meeting had shifted, with Kraiss taking the lead in the discussion. Enkrid pulled up a chair and sat down next to Venzance. "What¡¯s his deal?" Venzance asked. Enkrid crossed his arms. "Kraiss." "Wasn¡¯t he just some guy selling goods on the side?" To Venzance, Kraiss was just a soldier who made a little extra cash through shady deals. "Yeah." Venzance frowned, looking unimpressed. Fine. He¡¯d listen to what the guy had to say. That was the usual reaction. Graham and Palto, on the other hand, seemed deep in thought. They were at least capable of keeping up. "If those three aren¡¯t close, that means they¡¯re watching each other. In that case, we should make ourselves look bigger than we are." Now was the time to show their hand. Were they cowering in fear from the Black Blades, the cult, and Azpen? If so, they¡¯d just become prey for the ones creeping in. But if they sharpened their fangs¡ª if they revealed the hidden blades they were holding¡ª "They won¡¯t strike so easily." "And what do we gain from buying time like that?" Kraiss blinked at Graham¡¯s question. Then, he smiled. His dimples deepened, and the corners of his eyes crinkled¡ª the same smile that had made countless women cry. "We get real combat experience. And we might even get to take the head of their key strategist." What was Kraiss thinking? Enkrid found himself agreeing with him. Real battle experience. There were already soldiers who had been hardened through intense training. Their force wasn¡¯t weak. Marcus had scoffed at the idea of the Black Blades¡¯ forces gathering because he thought taking down the Tar Nine Boars would only be a matter of time. But among their ranks, there were plenty who had never seen real combat. The Border Guard Standing Force had been trained under Enkrid¡¯s command. They had been pushed to their limits through brutal training. Kraiss knew that better than anyone. The only issue was their lack of battlefield experience. There were veterans who had survived battles with Azpen, sure. There were also mercenaries who had joined them, and soldiers who enlisted after hearing of Enkrid¡¯s Independent Company¡¯s exploits. But many among the recruits had little to no experience in actual warfare. And this wasn¡¯t a battlefield where people survived easily. ¡®We need to know our weaknesses.¡¯ Only by identifying their flaws could they mask them and fight with their strengths. Like swordplay, it was one thing to understand this principle, but another to put it into practice. Not many people could think this clearly in a situation like this. Kraiss went a step further than most. If they lacked experience, they would gain it. If they had weaknesses, they would eliminate them. "We divide the forces into two shifts: a Day Battalion and a Night Battalion. The day troops fight while the night troops rest. Then the night troops fight while the day troops rest. They rotate, but they never commit to full-scale engagements." "¡­So you¡¯re suggesting small-scale skirmishes?" Graham asked, his tone serious. Though maybe it was just exhaustion. "If we dive into a full-scale battle immediately, the losses will be massive. We need to prepare first." Kraiss placed his hand on the table. His fingers extended, pointing at a section of the military map. "We fight here. Then we retreat here." He was simply laying out the thoughts in his head. There was no hesitation in his words. Enkrid, too, found himself drawn in. He also realized what his role would be. There was no place for the Independent Company in small skirmishes. Not exactly. "The Fairy Company and the Mad Platoon will operate separately." Kraiss turned to Enkrid at the end. "There¡¯s one last thing, Captain. Something you¡¯ll have to do." Enkrid nodded. Whatever it was¡ª whether it meant cutting down beasts by the dozens or facing an army alone¡ª he was ready. Chapter 282 "All forces assembled." Aside from those on patrol duty, every soldier was gathered. Enkrid stood on a platform at the edge of the training grounds, looking down at the assembled troops with a neutral expression. Will this even work? The question nagged at him. Half of him felt like this was a pointless endeavor. A speech? Out of nowhere? This was Kraiss¡¯s idea. Toward the end of the strategy meeting, Kraiss had asked, "What does a group facing crisis¡ª a force standing against danger¡ª need most?" Then, before anyone could answer, he provided the answer himself. "It¡¯s simple. What our domain needs right now is a focal point." He spread his arms wide as he spoke, a gesture that looked like something out of a stage play, yet oddly fitting. It was a movement designed to capture attention. Following Kraiss¡¯s explanation, Enkrid¡¯s gaze shifted to the head of the table. The man sitting at the highest seat, weighed down by responsibility and exhaustion, his eyes shadowed from lack of sleep. "Battalion Commander?" One of the company captains muttered the title, his tone filled with uncertainty. "With all due respect to Commander Graham, there¡¯s no one in this army more widely known than the commander of the Mad Platoon," Kraiss continued. "There are people in this domain staying here only because of Enkrid. But do you think they all intend to fight for us?" He didn¡¯t drag out his explanation or humiliate Graham. Instead, he kept his words concise, allowing Graham to maintain his dignity. And Kraiss was right. Marcus had poured gold into hiring mercenaries, effectively absorbing them into the army¡ª but not all of them. Some still had one foot out the door, waiting to see how things played out. If things went south, they¡¯d bolt. Maybe even switch sides. There were always mercenaries willing to act like bats, flying wherever the wind favored them. "And morale is another issue." Kraiss raised a finger beside his face as he spoke. The rumors spread by the cultists and the Black Blades¡­ That Azpen would invade at any moment. That Marcus was orchestrating a rebellion and would soon be executed. That the cult was going to unleash a horde of beasts on the fortress tonight. The domain¡¯s security forces had resorted to beating down anyone caught spreading such rumors. But was that really effective? No. Enkrid knew it wasn¡¯t a solution. You couldn¡¯t beat words out of existence. You couldn¡¯t stop people from talking with brute force alone. So how could they counteract it? Kraiss answered his own question by folding his fingers into a fist and swinging it downward. "You fight rumors with something even more visible." That¡¯s why they needed a focal point. In other words¡ª to put it in the language of myths, history, and legends¡ª they needed a hero. For those who had fought beside him, Enkrid may very well have appeared that way. The man who once stumbled through battles had now become the commander of an independent company, a living symbol of martial strength. It was like something out of an epic tale. Some of the soldiers who knew how to compose had even written songs about him. They weren¡¯t particularly good, but still. "Ah. Yeah, fair point." Venzance muttered involuntarily before quickly looking away, casting a glance at Graham. That wasn¡¯t the kind of thing he should¡¯ve said in front of the battalion commander. But even Graham agreed. In all honesty, the thought had crossed his mind multiple times¡ª what if we just made that bastard the battalion commander instead? Was he lacking ambition? No. That wasn¡¯t it. ¡®In situations like this, you need a lunatic.¡¯ And, above all, Enkrid was the right kind of lunatic. If it were him, Graham wouldn¡¯t mind stepping aside and letting him take both the command and responsibility of the domain. There wasn¡¯t some grand reason behind it. It was just that, for some reason, Graham wanted to see that mad bastard succeed. If someone asked if he¡¯d go as far as to actually hand over his position, the answer might be more complicated¡­ But Enkrid was no incompetent fool. In terms of governance, it might not be such a bad thing. A fleeting thought. "Do it." Graham¡¯s exhausted expression eased slightly. This was something worth trying. And most importantly, there were no nobles around to spout nonsense and get in the way. That alone was a relief. "Are you sure about this?" Palto raised a minor objection, but that¡¯s all it was¡ª a formality. He also knew something had to be done. Whether it worked or not was another matter entirely. And so, Enkrid stepped onto the platform. "Just tell them to fight hard. That¡¯s all you need to say." Kraiss had said just before he climbed up. Enkrid simply nodded. "Right now, what we need is to minimize infiltration and show the outside world that we¡¯re still strong," Kraiss had continued. "So we need to give the soldiers something to believe in. Commander, you should take a good rest, and when the speech starts, just stand behind Enkrid and clap with a relaxed, confident face. After that, just leave the rest to us." It was a performance, nothing less than theater. A calculated move to raise morale and undermine the enemy¡¯s psychological tactics. And Enkrid had decided to play his part. Now he stood on the platform. He could see veteran soldiers among the murmuring crowd. Faces he recognized, and faces he didn¡¯t. Though the snow had not yet fallen, the sky remained dark. But for a brief moment, the clouds parted, and sunlight streamed down. Enkrid opened his mouth. "Do you think we¡¯re going to lose?" The soldiers remained silent, staring at him. There were too many people for everyone to hear him clearly. Behind him, Esther had shifted into human form and was making subtle gestures. A spell to amplify his voice. Enkrid thought of Kraiss. For a brief moment, his impression of the man resurfaced in his mind. Not just someone who listened well, but someone who commanded those around him. Thump. His heart pounded. A heat surged from deep within his gut. "I don¡¯t think I¡¯m going to lose." A simple, direct statement¡ª and it carried. It was a voice filled with certainty. How? That was the question on their minds. How could he train himself to the point of near self-destruction every day? How could this man be the way he was? "I won¡¯t lose. Guard the Border." At the third sentence, a soldier shouted back. "How do you endure it? How do you train like that?" The voice came from a recruit¡ª one of the fresh conscripts who had once lived as a petty thief before joining the Gilpin Guild. He had enlisted after witnessing Enkrid fight. He had chosen to become part of the army. Enkrid had never considered himself a particularly skilled orator. So he simply spoke from the heart. Which is why, without thinking, the words spilled out: "The pain that tries to kill me only makes me stronger." Who cared about deeper meanings? Silence fell. Many of the soldiers were turning the words over in their heads. The clouds parted further, and sunlight streamed through, casting a warm glow over the ranks. A strange warmth spread through the soldiers standing in the light. For a moment, nothing was said. Just as Enkrid wondered if he should speak again¡ª A soldier bellowed, "I want pain too!" ¡­What? Enkrid glanced down. His face remained impassive, but the sight of his unreadable expression only gave the soldiers a sense of confidence and reassurance. "I¡¯ll endure the pain!" Another voice rang out. "I can do it too!" Another shout. "The pain that tries to kill me¡ª!" "Only makes me stronger!" A strange chant had formed. But in the end, things had gone just as Kraiss predicted. Morale was rising. Rem, watching from the side, blinked and muttered, "Wait, isn¡¯t it supposed to be what doesn¡¯t kill you makes you stronger? I swear I¡¯ve heard that somewhere before." Yeah, the phrasing had come out wrong. It had come from a place of knowing firsthand that death did make you stronger. "As long as the result is what we wanted." Palto murmured. The soldiers chanting and cheering were different from yesterday. On the verge of desertion thanks to rumors and propaganda, Enkrid¡¯s words had ignited their fighting spirit. Pain only made them stronger. The pain that tried to kill them only made them stronger. Sure, pain that actually killed you made you dead, but that didn¡¯t matter. The soldiers had been shaped and tempered by relentless training. They had changed. Some had already known Enkrid. Others had only heard tales of the Mad Platoon. But this was his voice. As the cheers faded, a sinister presence flickered among the ranks. "You can¡¯t catch every spy. The best we can do is root out as many as possible." Kraiss¡¯s words surfaced in Enkrid¡¯s mind. Even he couldn¡¯t single-handedly identify every infiltrator. But maybe¡­ he could force their hand. A sudden spark of insight struck him. "My name is Enkrid! Commander of the Mad Platoon!" His voice rang out, loud and resolute, cutting through the waves of cheers. "Tonight, I¡¯m going to take the enemy commander¡¯s head! Expect it!" It was the kind of madness only a madman could pull off. Behind him, Rem whispered again. "We¡¯re really going tonight?" The roar of the soldiers shook the platform. Feeling the vibrations beneath his feet, Jaxon processed Rem¡¯s question, thought it over, and arrived at a conclusion. He had also sensed the uneasy air mingling among their own forces. "No, we¡¯re not. You stupid barbarian." Jaxon quickly grasped his commander¡¯s intent. Rem, as always, ignored him. "Let¡¯s just leave this bastard behind. He¡¯s useless anyway, right?" Whether they bickered behind him or not, Enkrid paid them no mind. Instead, he unsheathed his sword. Shriiiing! A soft blue glow split through the sunlight, rising into the sky. "All forces, to your positions!" "Uooooooohhhh!" The cheers grew louder. "Pain!" "Grant us pain!" "Ooooh, pain!" The chants grew wilder. Graham wasn¡¯t sure if this was really the right approach. But in the end, the morale boost was undeniable. Far beyond expectations. Kraiss often thought that Enkrid didn¡¯t fully grasp his own position. But that made sense. Inside the Border Guard, Enkrid was twice the lunatic he appeared from the outside¡ª and twice the monster. And what would people think when they heard that this madman, this monster, was leading them into battle? They¡¯d lose their minds. Their morale would skyrocket. Everything was going exactly as predicted. Graham didn¡¯t care about whatever calculations Kraiss had made. He only knew one thing¡ª The timing was right. The troops'' morale had soared, their voices filled with manic fervor as they chanted. Right now, passion mattered more than cold calculation. The veterans at the frontlines would handle keeping things under control. Graham shouted, "All troops, stand by!" Like a well-oiled machine, the soldiers fell into formation. The Day and Night Operations had begun. *** Gilpin stole a wary glance at Frokk¡¯s face. If things went wrong, he¡¯d be the one getting beaten to death, after all. "Relax. The deal¡¯s done. You¡¯re guild members now." Whatever he had done, Kraiss had officially accepted Frokk into the guild. It felt wrong. This was the same bastard who had stormed the guild headquarters twice and flipped the place upside down. But orders were orders. And following Kraiss¡¯s orders had never gone badly for him. He had been told to dig escape tunnels¡ª so he dug. He had been told to accept Frokk¡ª so he did. Gilpin followed his orders without question. "This way." Unlike Gilpin, Frokk and Meelun showed no signs of suspicion. "I¡¯m hungry." "Here." Fresh out of prison, Meelun chomped down on his worm stew while watching a headless corpse. Crunch. Biting into a fat larva, he felt sheer happiness. He ate fruit, he ate human food¡ª but nothing compared to worm stew. Nutritious and delicious. A delicacy. After three days of doing nothing but eating and sleeping, Gilpin hesitantly asked, "Would you mind keeping an eye on who¡¯s coming and going?" "Oh, sure." Meelun got up immediately. The conditions Kraiss had offered were very appealing. Especially the fact that he wasn¡¯t forced into any oaths. ¡®Unlike that bastard Promshell, who forced me into one right away.¡¯ Kraiss had played to Frokk¡¯s weaknesses perfectly. But his approach was different. "Eat what you want, do what you want. Just do it inside the domain." "Why should I?" "What is it that you want? I¡¯ll make sure you can do it as much as you like." Meelun didn¡¯t answer right away. Frokk¡¯s kind were creatures driven by desire. Kraiss was sharp¡ª perceptive beyond reason. He read Meelun¡¯s wariness in an instant. "Why should I tell you that?" "If you tell me, you can leave whenever you want. I¡¯ll even open the prison door myself." By taking a step back first, Kraiss had won. Meelun finally opened his mouth. "The feeling of victory. That moment of triumph. That¡¯s what I crave." Kraiss understood instantly. Victory and accomplishment¡ª but not necessarily battle itself. Many people desired results without putting in the effort. There was no reason Frokk should be any different. "Then you¡¯ll want lots of easy prey." "Sparring won¡¯t cut it." He flicked his long tongue out in distaste. What he wanted was the thrill of real combat. "Ah, perfect. Border Guard attracts plenty of those kinds of people. If you ever go overboard, just say the word¡ª we¡¯ve got people who¡¯ll handle it." Like Rem. Or, well¡­ Rem. And the ones who actually knew proper martial arts? Those would be Enkrid¡¯s opponents. There were still plenty of mercenaries, swordsmen, and traders flocking to town. Half of them drawn in by Enkrid¡¯s growing reputation. ¡®This¡¯ll work as a good filter.¡¯ If Frokk beat most of them to a pulp, only the good ones would be left. "I can roam the domain freely?" "Feel free to pick fights with anyone hiding their true strength. Sound good?" The essence of raw combat lay in the opponent. He needed real challengers. The kind of fighters who¡¯d push him to that peak moment of satisfaction. Just imagining it sent shivers through Meelun¡¯s body. His skin grew slick with excitement. "Without an oath?" "Without an oath." Kraiss smiled. Oaths were irrelevant. Frokk¡¯s kind were bound by their own desires. As long as he kept indulging that desire, he wouldn¡¯t need a magical contract to keep him in check. Meelun was too naive to see that. And so, he became a guild member and began wandering the domain freely. Meanwhile, in the backstreets, Gilpin picked up on some new movements against them. A few unfamiliar faces had appeared, whispering about forming a new guild. And among them¡ª their chosen enforcer. A man with two thick scars running down his face. He carried a heavy iron club, and a single hit from that thing wouldn¡¯t just sting¡ª it¡¯d shatter bones. Just from a glance, Gilpin could tell he wasn¡¯t some run-of-the-mill thug. But he wasn¡¯t anything special either. At best? Former Border Guard material. Nowhere near Frokk¡¯s level. "Oh? You looking for a fight?" Meelun grinned. This guy was perfect. The right balance of skill and vulnerability. If he toyed with him a little before finishing him off, it would be fun. "Why the hell is Frokk here?" The scarred man¡¯s eyes darted nervously. "Does that matter?" Meelun replied, raising his looped sword. The man was already panicking. The outcome was obvious. *** "My name is Enkrid! Commander of the Mad Platoon!" His voice rang out, loud and resolute, cutting through the waves of cheers. "Tonight, I¡¯m going to take the enemy commander¡¯s head! Expect it!" It was the kind of madness only a madman could pull off. Behind him, Rem whispered again. "We¡¯re really going tonight?" The roar of the soldiers shook the platform. Feeling the vibrations beneath his feet, Jaxon processed Rem¡¯s question, thought it over, and arrived at a conclusion. He had also sensed the uneasy air mingling among their own forces. "No, we¡¯re not. You stupid barbarian." Jaxon quickly grasped his commander¡¯s intent. Rem, as always, ignored him. "Let¡¯s just leave this bastard behind. He¡¯s useless anyway, right?" Whether they bickered behind him or not, Enkrid paid them no mind. Instead, he unsheathed his sword. Shriiiing! A soft blue glow split through the sunlight, rising into the sky. "All forces, to your positions!" "Uooooooohhhh!" The cheers grew louder. "Pain!" "Grant us pain!" "Ooooh, pain!" The chants grew wilder. Graham wasn¡¯t sure if this was really the right approach. But in the end, the morale boost was undeniable. Far beyond expectations. Kraiss often thought that Enkrid didn¡¯t fully grasp his own position. But that made sense. Inside the Border Guard, Enkrid was twice the lunatic he appeared from the outside¡ª and twice the monster. And what would people think when they heard that this madman, this monster, was leading them into battle? They¡¯d lose their minds. Their morale would skyrocket. Everything was going exactly as predicted. Graham didn¡¯t care about whatever calculations Kraiss had made. He only knew one thing¡ª The timing was right. The troops'' morale had soared, their voices filled with manic fervor as they chanted. Right now, passion mattered more than cold calculation. The veterans at the frontlines would handle keeping things under control. Graham shouted, "All troops, stand by!" Like a well-oiled machine, the soldiers fell into formation. The Day and Night Operations had begun. Gilpin stole a wary glance at Frokk¡¯s face. If things went wrong, he¡¯d be the one getting beaten to death, after all. "Relax. The deal¡¯s done. You¡¯re guild members now." Whatever he had done, Kraiss had officially accepted Frokk into the guild. It felt wrong. This was the same bastard who had stormed the guild headquarters twice and flipped the place upside down. But orders were orders. And following Kraiss¡¯s orders had never gone badly for him. He had been told to dig escape tunnels¡ª so he dug. He had been told to accept Frokk¡ª so he did. Gilpin followed his orders without question. "This way." Unlike Gilpin, Frokk and Meelun showed no signs of suspicion. "I¡¯m hungry." "Here." Fresh out of prison, Meelun chomped down on his worm stew while watching a headless corpse. Crunch. Biting into a fat larva, he felt sheer happiness. He ate fruit, he ate human food¡ª but nothing compared to worm stew. Nutritious and delicious. A delicacy. After three days of doing nothing but eating and sleeping, Gilpin hesitantly asked, "Would you mind keeping an eye on who¡¯s coming and going?" "Oh, sure." Meelun got up immediately. The conditions Kraiss had offered were very appealing. Especially the fact that he wasn¡¯t forced into any oaths. ¡®Unlike that bastard Promshell, who forced me into one right away.¡¯ Kraiss had played to Frokk¡¯s weaknesses perfectly. But his approach was different. "Eat what you want, do what you want. Just do it inside the domain." "Why should I?" "What is it that you want? I¡¯ll make sure you can do it as much as you like." Meelun didn¡¯t answer right away. Frokk¡¯s kind were creatures driven by desire. Kraiss was sharp¡ª perceptive beyond reason. He read Meelun¡¯s wariness in an instant. "Why should I tell you that?" "If you tell me, you can leave whenever you want. I¡¯ll even open the prison door myself." By taking a step back first, Kraiss had won. Meelun finally opened his mouth. "The feeling of victory. That moment of triumph. That¡¯s what I crave." Kraiss understood instantly. Victory and accomplishment¡ª but not necessarily battle itself. Many people desired results without putting in the effort. There was no reason Frokk should be any different. "Then you¡¯ll want lots of easy prey." "Sparring won¡¯t cut it." He flicked his long tongue out in distaste. What he wanted was the thrill of real combat. "Ah, perfect. Border Guard attracts plenty of those kinds of people. If you ever go overboard, just say the word¡ª we¡¯ve got people who¡¯ll handle it." Like Rem. Or, well¡­ Rem. And the ones who actually knew proper martial arts? Those would be Enkrid¡¯s opponents. There were still plenty of mercenaries, swordsmen, and traders flocking to town. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Half of them drawn in by Enkrid¡¯s growing reputation. ¡®This¡¯ll work as a good filter.¡¯ If Frokk beat most of them to a pulp, only the good ones would be left. "I can roam the domain freely?" "Feel free to pick fights with anyone hiding their true strength. Sound good?" The essence of raw combat lay in the opponent. He needed real challengers. The kind of fighters who¡¯d push him to that peak moment of satisfaction. Just imagining it sent shivers through Meelun¡¯s body. His skin grew slick with excitement. "Without an oath?" "Without an oath." Kraiss smiled. Oaths were irrelevant. Frokk¡¯s kind were bound by their own desires. As long as he kept indulging that desire, he wouldn¡¯t need a magical contract to keep him in check. Meelun was too naive to see that. And so, he became a guild member and began wandering the domain freely. Meanwhile, in the backstreets, Gilpin picked up on some new movements against them. A few unfamiliar faces had appeared, whispering about forming a new guild. And among them¡ª their chosen enforcer. A man with two thick scars running down his face. He carried a heavy iron club, and a single hit from that thing wouldn¡¯t just sting¡ª it¡¯d shatter bones. Just from a glance, Gilpin could tell he wasn¡¯t some run-of-the-mill thug. But he wasn¡¯t anything special either. At best? Former Border Guard material. Nowhere near Frokk¡¯s level. "Oh? You looking for a fight?" Meelun grinned. This guy was perfect. The right balance of skill and vulnerability. If he toyed with him a little before finishing him off, it would be fun. "Why the hell is Frokk here?" The scarred man¡¯s eyes darted nervously. "Does that matter?" Meelun replied, raising his looped sword. The man was already panicking. The outcome was obvious. "Failure?" The Wolf Bishop of the Cult of the Divine Beast paused mid-bite, chewing on his meat. A chunk of flesh tumbled onto the table. "Yes. We¡¯ve lost contact with the team we sent to take over the backstreets." "Send more." The bishop sighed. Boring. But he couldn¡¯t move just yet. ¡®Are they really just going to sit back and do nothing?¡¯ Whoever made the first move had to draw their sword first. That was how things worked. And now, there was intelligence suggesting that an assassination squad was targeting their leadership tonight. No way in hell was he going to sit around and take that. "You dare come for me?" He grinned, baring his fangs. The moment they arrived, he¡¯d sever their heads and mount them on pikes for all to see. The Wolf Bishop chuckled. But that night¡­ There was no attack. Instead, the next morning¡ª The Border Guard¡¯s standing army marched beyond the fortress walls. Their destination? The Black Blades¡¯ encampment. Chapter 283 "Oh¡­ this is actually good." Enkrid stood on the platform, having just declared that he was sending assassins after the enemy commander. Of course, that wasn¡¯t actually happening. Not yet, anyway. Right now would be the worst possible time to send a strike force. Kraiss knew this better than anyone. Which was why he intended to milk Enkrid¡¯s words for all they were worth. What would happen if this reached enemy ears? If he were in their shoes? They wouldn¡¯t act rashly. They¡¯d bolster their security, reinforce their guards, heighten their patrols. Which meant they¡¯d be even less likely to launch an all-out attack. They¡¯ll hesitate even more. He even made a show of secretly moving their troops at night, leaking just enough information for enemy spies to report back. Kraiss was using Enkrid¡¯s statement to its fullest potential. Even better than expected. The entire strategy had been built on the assumption that neither side wanted to make the first move. It was already bound to work well¡ª but with Enkrid¡¯s words thrown into the mix, it became even stronger. I knew he was sharper than he lets on. Enkrid pretended to hate using his brain, but he was a natural strategist. His instincts were solid. And this time, it had worked flawlessly. The enemy forces, already wary of each other, did not move. Instead, they focused on reinforcing their defenses. More torches burned through the night. Their scouts ran themselves ragged, their horses and riders panting from exhaustion. Yet despite how well things were going, Kraiss still couldn¡¯t shake his unease. How do I fix that? Seeing things with his own eyes would help. And the best way to see a battlefield was, of course, through reconnaissance. "Scouts will decide the outcome of this battle." Kraiss stated firmly. Venzance nodded harder than he ever had in his life. "No shit." And after that, he ran his scouts into the ground. "Move it! If you get lazy, the others die! PAIN!" "KILLS ME!" The war cry was getting more and more unhinged, but it was undeniably effective. The scouts worked harder than ever. Their forces spent the day reorganizing, sharpening their discipline. And by dawn, as the sky remained shrouded in shadow¡ª the fortress gates opened. "Advance!" Veteran soldiers called out in practiced unison, guiding the troops forward. Kraiss watched from a small hill to the south, flanked by two squads of guards. He observed the battlefield unfold beneath him. How will this play out? Would things go according to plan? Would something unexpected happen? Or would the enemy anticipate his moves and counter? What if they launched a full-scale offensive from both flanks? Then¡­ it would be over. Not even ten Enkrids could save them if that happened. "Getting bored here, Big Eyes." Rem muttered. His axe rested on his shoulder, his half-lidded gaze gleaming with suppressed aggression. His entire posture screamed that he wanted to fight. Kraiss, however, was different than usual. He ignored him. "Wait. You¡¯ll get to fight until you¡¯re sick of it soon enough." His mind was working too hard to spare any more words. He was shoving every piece of enemy information into his brain¡ª their leaders, their tendencies, their behavioral patterns¡ª trying to predict their next move. His tone was unusually sharp, but Rem, for once, kept his mouth shut. Even he could tell Kraiss was acting different. So this bastard actually has his uses. Rem might¡¯ve acted like a brute, but he could think. He just saw things through his lens. Kraiss didn¡¯t even notice that Rem was behaving. His thoughts were still spinning at full speed. It all came down to their elite units. How they were deployed would determine the outcome. Despite the unease creeping through his gut, a thrill ran through him. If this goes the way I planned¡­ They might just hold out. He wasn¡¯t concerned with small variables¡ª those would be solved by the soldiers on the field. His focus was on the big picture. How could they win easier? What else did they need? What if their weapons and tactics were standardized? His mind spun toward the future. A uniformed military force. Soldiers equipped with identical weapons and trained under the same tactics. A fully coordinated army, moving as extensions of their commander¡¯s will. That¡¯s how Imperial forces fought. Couldn¡¯t the Border Guard Standing Army do the same? Keep elite specialists separate. But the bulk of their army¡­ Make them uniform. A cohesive force. A standardized military with consistent training and gear¡­ Even if individual soldiers lost duels¡­ They¡¯d win large-scale battles. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Elite units were crucial¡ª but mass warfare required a different approach. To win in large-scale combat, cohesion was key. Lose one-on-one. Lose ten-on-ten. But win one hundred-on-one hundred. Watching the assembled troops, a realization struck him. He began mentally sorting them into categories. Swordsmen, spearmen, shield-bearers. Kraiss quietly solidified his thoughts. This idea¡­ It would be useful later. If not now, then someday. *** Tarnin Viscount flinched the moment the Border Guard Standing Army marched out. "Pain is¡ª" "Joy!" "Bring it oooon!" They were outnumbered. Their enemy''s equipment looked superior. "Don¡¯t be afraid. That¡¯s exactly what they want." Lykanos, a warrior from the Black Blade, spoke. The hilt of a weapon jutted from over his shoulder, a massive iron flail strapped diagonally across his back. A thick, round iron ball with spikes protruded from the end, an intimidating sight even at a glance. Lykanos¡¯ forearms were as thick as a woman¡¯s thighs, his gloves reinforced with steel plates. It wouldn¡¯t take much for him to crush a human skull barehanded. And in fact, he could do just that. He was one of the best in the Black Blade¡ª a warrior so strong that no one outside of the Commander could order him around. "What the hell are the Cult bastards doing?" "They¡¯re probably just watching and waiting." Lykanos was an exceptional fighter, but not a smart man. Tarnin was even worse. One of the nobles, who had fled from the Border Guard, spoke up hesitantly. "The rumors inside the Border Guard aren¡¯t great. There are plenty who are ready to desert at any moment." Tarnin¡¯s expression darkened. If the enemy¡¯s internal state was that rotten, then what was this? "Pain!" "Agony!" "I want to hurt!" "Make me suffer!" Were they all just insane? Did they take some kind of drug together? "¡­When I left, the army wasn¡¯t even properly organized." The noble¡¯s voice trailed off. Lykanos resisted the urge to smash his skull in. It didn¡¯t matter. "Just fight them at an appropriate level!" If they launched an all-out attack, would the Cult respond? What about Azpen beyond the territory? They probably wouldn¡¯t. All of them were slimy, scheming bastards. If their forces took too many losses here, there might not be a "next time." He couldn''t afford to let the Cult stab them in the back. "Fuck it. Crush whoever charges in!" It was a reasonable response, in his mind. One of Tarnin¡¯s officers bit his lip. If we launched a full-scale attack right now, the Cult and Azpen would have no choice but to join in. That would end this war immediately. He hesitated. If he voiced that thought out loud, he might be branded a Cult sympathizer. "You¡­ you¡¯re a spy, aren¡¯t you?!" Tarnin¡¯s fat, meaty hand slapped across the noble¡¯s face. SMACK! "Ack! No, no! I swear I¡¯m not! When I left, the army¡¯s morale was in the gutter!" The noble flopped to the ground, wailing. "Bullshit!" Tarnin stomped on him a few more times for good measure. As the noble pathetically begged for his life, the rest of them kept their mouths shut. Someone up top would handle things. That was their conclusion. Lykanos did as he said¡ª engaging the enemy just enough to keep them at bay. "Let them bleed each other first. Then we go in." The Wolf Bishop agreed with his thinking. No need for our believers to bleed first. The Cult¡¯s forces remained still. Sure, no assassins had come last night¡ª but they might come tonight. A messenger from the Black Blade arrived, demanding immediate reinforcements. "We need to keep an eye on the Martai garrison and prepare for assassins." The Bishop dismissed the request immediately. When Lykanos heard this, a vein bulged in his forehead. But there was nothing he could do about it. All he could hear was Tarnin¡¯s pig-like squealing. "If we get wiped out, we¡¯re done for!" Lykanos fought the urge to rip his throat out. The pig was still useful¡ª for now. *** Azpen had been gathering intelligence on the situation beyond the territory. Spies, scouts, divinations, magic¡ª they used everything at their disposal. "Do we move?" A subordinate asked. A man brushed back his hair¡ª green locks shifting over his forehead before falling back into place. His fingers ran through the strands as he spoke. "Not yet. It¡¯s not our turn." His cold eyes gleamed. Azpen¡¯s genius strategist¡ª A man who had been demoted after their previous war¡¯s failure. His name was Abnair. He had one clear goal for this battle. One head. Land and territory could come later. That was why he had prepared so meticulously. His heart raced slightly. How long would they last? He wasn¡¯t the type to derive pleasure from others¡¯ suffering, but as a strategist, watching his plans unfold was exhilarating. *** "You insane bastards! What did I tell you? My word is the word of God! It is LIGHT! Huh?! You LISTEN when I speak!" The squad leader bellowed. The soldiers under his command roared back. "Aaaargh!" They were all furious. And for good reason. They had been trained¡ª no, tortured¡ª into absolute obedience. The newer recruits had it worst. Not out of malice. Veteran squad and platoon leaders had been summoned, and they followed orders. "We¡¯ll make sure they don¡¯t lose themselves in the heat of battle. They¡¯ll fight hot, but stay cold." Kraiss barked orders. No one listened. Then Enkrid stepped forward. Dark-haired, blue-eyed. The madman of the battlefield. "Beat them half to death if they don¡¯t follow orders. And you follow your superior¡¯s orders. If you don¡¯t, you die. Rem and I will take turns during training and beat the shit out of you." It didn¡¯t matter what their past rank was. It didn¡¯t matter if they were smart or dumb. If they were soldiers, they needed to follow simple orders. And so, they obeyed. Among them was Bell. Now a platoon leader, Bell roared. "WHO WANTS TO DIE?!" "Ugh!" "Don¡¯t break formation! DON¡¯T BREAK FORMATION!" He was at the front lines¡ª the cutting edge of battle. Kraiss had arranged this with Graham in advance. Most of the soldiers fighting today were new recruits. One of them couldn¡¯t even hear the noise around him. All he saw was the approaching enemy¡ª Like demons rushing toward him. Spears. Swords. Shields. Hammers. Flails. Am I ready? Will my movements be sharp enough? Should I thrust? Should I block? He froze. His mind whitened. Then¡ª BAM! A blow landed on the back of his head. Stars flashed in his vision. Color returned to his sight. The battlefield came back into focus. "You stupid fuck, repeat after me!" A string of curses slammed into his ears. It was the voice of his platoon leader. "YES SIR!" "FORMATION THRUST!" "FORMATION THRUST!" The recruits stabbed forward in unison. "Pull back! Pull back! You, I¡¯m gonna kill you later!" Veteran soldiers bellowed orders across the field. And thus, the first skirmish ended. They had marched out at sunrise. At noon, they clashed. The enemy force¡ª around eighty infantry soldiers. Casualties? Six wounded. No deaths. They fought in unison, spearing forward, blocking, then retreating. Not because the enemy was weak¡ª But because their leaders knew what they were doing. "Why are they withdrawing?" A mercenary from the Black Blade muttered. His blood was boiling. Just as he was ready to cut loose, the enemy pulled back. And he couldn¡¯t charge alone. So the Black Blade withdrew as well. The next day, a similar battle. Then another. And another. Twelve total engagements. Six deaths. And now¡ª Most of the soldiers understood what war was. More importantly, they had survived Enkrid¡¯s training. Battle filled the gaps in their experience. And just as Kraiss planned¡ª The Border Guard Standing Army looked much larger than it was. From the enemy¡¯s perspective, their tactics weren¡¯t normal. Of course. Who the hell trains in the middle of a war? "Luckily, they¡¯re all idiots." Kraiss exhaled. Then he looked at Sinar and Enkrid. "Now it¡¯s really time to get to work." Chapter 284 A few small-scale battles had subtly altered the atmosphere of the battlefield. "Are they fighting or not?" The Black Blades and the cultists'' army couldn''t help but wonder. They had expected fierce battles, but it felt like all the momentum had been drained. It had happened over a dozen times now. But charging in recklessly wasn¡¯t an option either. "The Master of the Demonic Realm has said¡ªnever trust thieves." It was obvious that the Black Blades were up to something behind the scenes. The Tarnin Viscount¡¯s forces were no different. "Don''t engage first. Just hold the line." "Ah, are they attacking again today? Don¡¯t they ever get tired of this?" At Lykanos''s remark, Tarnin stuffed a piece of jerky into his bread and grumbled. He was someone who never stopped eating, not even for a moment. The tension that had existed before was gone. The Border Guard standing army had been acting so erratically that it was only natural for the enemy to lower their guard. But Lykanos was different. "Something''s wrong." He couldn¡¯t pinpoint exactly what, but years of experience on the battlefield told him that the enemy was up to something unusual. A deep sense of unease gripped him. An intense, overwhelming dread. The Fat Viscount beside him was rambling on about something again. Something along the lines of "We should just attack and finish them off already! We outnumber them!"¡ªnonsense. "Shut up." Lykanos wasn''t the kind of fool who ignored his instincts. The viscount screeched something back at him, but he ignored it. "Prepare for defense." Lykanos had no choice but to stick to the same strategy. There was no other way. Neither the cultists nor the Azpen forces could be trusted. Getting stabbed in the back? "That wouldn''t be very fitting for the Black Blades." His faction was destined to become the continent¡¯s greatest band of thieves. A group like that couldn''t afford to get caught in an obvious trap. And so, beneath a cleared sky, with crisp winter sunlight shining down, another day of battle dawned. *** "Pain stands before me!" "Kill the pain!" Bell found the battle cries growing stranger by the day, but before he knew it, he was shouting along with them. "A pain worth dying for!" It had gotten even more bizarre, but it wasn¡¯t just the chants that had changed. The soldiers¡¯ movements were different. There was no longer any need to bark out curses mixed with commands. It was only natural. These were men who had already been trained¡ªmercilessly beaten and battered by the Mad Platoon. Those who hadn¡¯t even received basic training were never included in the ranks to begin with. That had been Kraiss¡¯s decision. "We¡¯re already short on manpower as it is." Bell had thought it was some novel kind of bullshit. Real battlefields don¡¯t work like that, he had wanted to say. Of course, he had never actually spoken those words aloud. "Just do it." Enkrid was behind it, and Graham had approved it. "The point is this: If they lack experience, make them gain it. If they have weaknesses, eliminate them." Mixing untrained soldiers with the trained ones only weakened the overall combat strength. So instead, they hammered the trained ones into shape. Like iron strengthened under a smith¡¯s hammer, they would forge themselves through the crucible of real combat. That was Kraiss¡¯s theory turned into reality, and Bell was proof of it. Soldiers, more soldiers¡ªtroops tempered by hellish training, then hardened under the hammer of actual battle. "The flower of the battlefield is¡ª!" "Infantry!" "The flower of pain is¡ª!" "Unholy delight!" Corrupted chants, heated shouts, and an inferno rising in their chests. "Kill them all!" Bell roared. If the previous battles had been a single step forward, this one was two. Where they had only tested the waters before, now they struck first. And Bell was at the forefront. He locked eyes with a mercenary from the Black Blades. The man glared at him from beneath his iron helmet, his gaze filled with murderous intent. The mercenary swung a massive sword down at him, a heavy, powerful strike aimed directly at his head. Bell didn''t react. If he stayed like this, he would die. Instead of blocking, he stomped his left foot into the ground, twisted his waist backward, and tensed his arms. His muscles bulged, his veins stretched taut. With his entire body coiled like a spring, he thrust his spear forward. This was a move he had refined over days of practice. A lunge thrown with his whole body, twisting as he struck. "Is this guy insane?" The mercenary hesitated but still followed through with his downward slash. It was like they were both asking to die together. As long as he struck first, he would win. The mercenary planned to let the force of his attack kill Bell while dodging the weakened thrust of the spear. But his sword never completed its arc. Two soldiers flanked Bell from the sides, raising their heavy round shields over his head. Clang! The blade struck the shields instead. And then¡ª A piercing attack landed on the mercenary¡¯s body. Thud! The sharpened spearhead tore through gambeson and leather, drilling a hole straight into his stomach. The spear shaft stuck out of his torso like a gruesome decoration. "Y-you¡­ crazy bastard¡­" Blood bubbled from the mercenary¡¯s lips as he gasped. His grip on his sword loosened. He staggered, clutching the spear impaling him, then collapsed backward. As he slumped sideways, the tip of the spear scraped against the ground. He died seated at an awkward angle. "That¡¯s called strategy, you dumb ape." Bell scoffed and let go of the spear. Pulling it out would take too much effort. Instead, he stepped back and grabbed a fresh spear. Each team consisted of three men. One to pierce, two to block and hold the line. "A single spearman supported by two shield-bearers forms a unit." A hastily devised strategy, but there was no reason it wouldn¡¯t work. Most of the grueling training they had endured was to enhance their individual physical abilities. The tactic itself wasn¡¯t complicated. And so, the Border Guard standing army and the Tarnin Viscount¡¯s forces clashed in their first major battle. "Slash them down! Smash them with the shields! Crack their skulls with maces!" "Archers! Are you just going to stand there and watch?" So far, the battle had been fought infantry against infantry. But now, the enemy deployed their archers. "Bastards. Kill them." The Venzance archers had been waiting for this. A platoon of sharp-eyed, quick-footed soldiers nocked their arrows. With furious precision, they loosed their shots. Thwip-thwip-thwip! Fifty longbows fired in unison. Arrows rained down, piercing into the exposed flanks of the enemy. "Fall back! Fall back!" Bell shouted, stepping away from the melee. The Border Guard forces swiftly withdrew. To any observer, it was an impressive sight. The overall numbers on both sides weren¡¯t drastically different. The standing army had just over a thousand men. The Tarnin Viscount¡¯s forces had swelled to over twenty-five hundred. More soldiers had gathered from somewhere, swelling their ranks. Of course, not all of them were engaged in battle. Both armies had deployed only a fraction of their troops. The Border Guard had committed about 250 soldiers. The Tarnin Viscount had sent in close to 400. The numerical advantage was clear, and the enemy forces included elite mercenaries. Their overseers loomed behind them, weapons in hand, ensuring they fought to the death. But despite all that¡ª The outcome was undeniable. "A trained army will always overcome individuals." From atop the hill, Kraiss muttered. Finn, acting as his bodyguard, frowned. "What kind of bullshit is that?" "Just the truth." "I should be guarding the captain, not playing bodyguard." Finn grumbled. Meanwhile, Enkrid was busy with his own task. *** "Here." Jaxon trudged forward, speaking as Enkrid turned his head. "Ragna?" "Why are you calling me?" Good. If Ragna was here, then everything they needed was here. His gaze landed on Teresa, her face obscured by her helmet. Is she really fine? She had been given the option to back out, but she had refused. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "I am Teresa the Wanderer. My sword and shield go where they must." With Jaxon leading the way, the Mad Platoon didn''t bother to conceal their movements. There was no need. A full-scale battle was raging elsewhere, drawing all eyes to the chaos. And so, every scout they encountered along the way was slain. A dead man had no tongue to deliver messages. While the Black Blades and the standing army were busy tearing each other apart, Enkrid¡¯s unit pushed forward toward the cultists¡¯ camp. "I was getting sick of waiting." Rem spoke, his eyes gleaming. It was as if he suffered from a disease that required him to take a life at least once every three days. "Move." Enkrid commanded, stepping toward the crude wooden palisade ahead. As they approached, a deep growl rumbled through the air. A stench, thick and musky, struck their noses. Eyes turned. Yellow, glowing eyes. A wolf beast, crouched low on four legs, baring its fangs. Grrrrrrr! The moment their gazes met, the beast lunged, kicking off the ground with a powerful thud. It became a streak, a blur of white fangs flashing in the front lines. It had appeared from the left¡ªright where Dunbakel was positioned. Just as its claws raked through the air¡ª Clang! A metallic screech rang out. The beast met a sliver of silver in midair. Of course, it was Dunbakel¡¯s doing. Her scimitar, drawn in a fluid arc, carved a crescent through the air. A diagonal slash of silver severed the beast from its right shoulder down to its left hind leg. A spray of blood and entrails splattered onto the ground as the wolf beast split in two, its twitching corpse collapsing. Blood splattered in all directions. "Could you at least make it clean?" Rem muttered, watching the mess. Dunbakel flicked her scimitar, sending droplets of blood pattering onto the ground. "That was clean." "You really don¡¯t know anything, do you?" Rem scoffed. Grrrrrrr! Even before Rem finished speaking, more yellow eyes appeared in the shadows. They had swept through the enemy scouts in broad daylight, and now the beasts were swarming in response. The foul stench grew stronger, clogging their noses. The area already reeked of waste and rot. It wasn¡¯t that the cultists had predicted the Mad Platoon¡¯s movements. This was an unforeseen dagger striking at an unexpected hour¡ª ¡°Would they really come here?¡± It was a thought that had lulled the cultists into carelessness. And so, the sudden emergence of the wolf beasts was not a countermeasure but mere coincidence. The beasts had simply been stationed here to guard the camp¡¯s perimeter. The cultists'' base was nestled between uneven hills, the terrain jagged and filled with natural hiding spots. Now, from those dips and ridges, more wolves emerged. Dozens of yellow eyes rose from the landscape. Corrupted beasts, their maws dripping with saliva, fangs bared from all sides. Grrrrrr! Rem raised his twin axes, holding them level with the ground. "Watch. This is what clean looks like." Then, he lunged. There was no time for words. He moved half a beat faster than the beasts could react. In an instant, he closed the distance, appearing right in front of the nearest one. A downward swing. His axe arm bent mid-motion, the edge cleaving through fur and flesh. A wolf¡¯s head flew into the air. Then another. And another. Rem moved as he always did. Slashing, cutting, splitting¡ªanything in his path. "How the hell is that clean?" Dunbakel muttered. Enkrid silently agreed. It was anything but clean. But it was devastating. "Brother, you are truly... ferocious." Audin murmured. That was exactly what it was. The wolf beasts, loyal to their duty as sentinels, were shredded apart. Enkrid adjusted his sword belt as he watched cultists emerge from behind the palisade. A small but necessary preparation. No matter the opponent, no matter the battle¡ªone must always be ready. He tightened his grip. "Ambush!" A cultist shouted. Enkrid took a stance, looking as if he would immediately draw his sword and charge. Some of the cultists panicked and reached for their crossbows. "The Master of the Demonic Realm watches over us!" With a fanatical cry, they aimed and prepared to fire. At that moment, Enkrid, instead of drawing his sword, flung both hands outward. To an observer, it would seem like a random, senseless movement. But the result was anything but. Whiiiiiish! A shrill whistle cut through the air. And then¡ª Four crossbow-wielding cultists clutched at their throats, blood gushing between their fingers. It was the Whistle Dagger. "Guh!" One of them fell to the ground, their throat torn wide open. A gaping wound that bled freely, leaving their mouth agape in a silent scream. Four of them had their skulls meet the dirt. "You sure know how to deceive people." Jaxon muttered behind him. His tone was hard to read¡ªwhether he was impressed or mocking. Enkrid didn¡¯t care. Feigning a sword draw only to unleash daggers instead¡ªit was a simple yet effective tactic. Everything had been a setup for that single move. Positioning was preparation. Deception was preparation. "Awoooooo!" A chilling wolf¡¯s howl erupted from deep within the cultist encampment. A sound infused with a sinister power, causing a momentary stiffness in the body. "Can someone shut those mutts up?" Rem growled, his axes dripping with dark, sticky blood. His grin was all teeth, stark white against the blackened gore. A perfect image of terror. No one here was frozen in fear. Even Dunbakel only grumbled. "Lopping off heads doesn¡¯t make it clean." "M-Master of the Demonic Realm..." One of the cultists stammered, his jaw trembling. "Huh? What was that? I can¡¯t hear the nonsense of someone who worships a shitty god." Rem cupped a hand to his ear, mockingly. Then, with a manic gleam in his eyes, he threw himself back into the slaughter. From the enemy¡¯s perspective, he had gone completely mad. Enkrid and his team did their part. Jaxon set fire to the supply tents. Ragna cut down enemies who tried to rush Enkrid from behind. Teresa and Dunbakel dashed left and right, crushing both beasts and men alike. They didn¡¯t need to make a prolonged stand. The moment Enkrid saw the black smoke rise, he signaled the retreat. He flung a Whistle Dagger high into the air. Whiiiiiiiiiiiish! At the prolonged, shrill sound, the entire unit began falling back. The plan had always been to hit hard and pull out before things got out of hand. While the enemy¡¯s commander wasted time bolstering his personal guard, they had torched his supplies and escaped. Simple but effective. "Rem!" Enkrid called as he withdrew. "Go on ahead!" Rem remained behind. Was he just enjoying himself too much? Half of it was that. The other half was necessity¡ªsomeone had to hold the rear. Four larger, twice-their-size wolf beasts were closing in. Either someone cut them down or stalled them long enough to escape. "I hope you drop dead here." Jaxon muttered with false sincerity. "Or maybe I should stay behind." Ragna suggested. That was unacceptable. If Ragna stayed, they wouldn¡¯t see him again before winter ended. Enkrid wasn¡¯t worried about Rem. This was Rem, after all. There was no way he couldn¡¯t slip away. "We¡¯re going ahead." Enkrid decided. Chapter 285 While Enkrid was carving through the cultist forces, Shinar was on the move as well. She took twenty of her fastest and most agile subordinates, circling the battlefield¡¯s outer edge. Their role was assassination. The twenty-man unit avoided direct combat, instead observing the flow of battle and assessing enemy formations. Shinar, with the keen senses of a fairy who had lived through hundreds of battles, could read the tide of war like a book. She filtered through the cacophony of battle, distinguishing and identifying crucial sounds. Then, she marked the first target. "Move." Her unit followed silently. They cut through the outskirts of the battlefield in a sudden, sharp strike. "Shit! These lunatics¡ª!" The enemy soldiers cursed and fought back fiercely. Twenty against a larger force¡ªyet they endured. Their combat skills were exceptional, though not overwhelming. They were good enough to be considered elite, but they were no match for seasoned borderland defenders. Shinar, however, was different. While her twenty soldiers occupied the enemy¡¯s attention, she leaped, stepping onto a soldier¡¯s head. Her ascent was light, as if an unseen force had lifted her. It felt as though she had wings. Then, using the soldier¡¯s skull as a foothold, she kicked downward, striking his throat. Thud! The small blade embedded in the sole of her boot punctured his neck. At the same time, she drew her twin leaf blades. Clang! The polished steel caught the sunlight as she plunged the daggers downward in quick succession. Clink. Thunk. Thud. One soldier, lucky enough to have his helmet deflect a strike, stumbled to the side. Another, whose helmet only partially absorbed the impact, instinctively thrust his spear upward. The third, completely forsaken by luck, took a dagger straight to the forehead, blood streaming down his face as he crumpled. All of this happened in the span of a single heartbeat¡ªjust before the soldier she had used as a stepping stone collapsed. Shinar twisted midair and sliced through the spear shaft aiming for her. Her daggers sheared the wood, leaving the soldier holding nothing but a broken staff. He scrambled to lift his shield. But instead of attacking the shield, Shinar stepped on it. She ran forward. A streaking arrow through the battlefield. Using heads, shoulders, and shields as stepping stones, she barely touched the ground before her real target came into view. She had identified him through sound. The commander. Not a high-ranking officer, but a key leader coordinating a crucial unit. "Stop her!" The commander¡¯s shout was futile. Before his order even reached his men, his throat had already been pierced. Shinar¡¯s strike was like a skipping stone across water¡ªshoulder to wrist to fingertips, a whip-like motion that delivered her blade straight through flesh. The Skimming Stab. It was one of her signature techniques. Tarnin Viscount¡¯s forces were holding out thanks to commanders like these, stationed at key points to maintain cohesion. That was exactly why Shinar had already eliminated three more like him. "That damned fairy bitch!" A higher-ranking officer snarled as he watched, grinding his teeth. He immediately doubled the number of his guards. Simultaneous strikes. Kraiss had orchestrated this perfectly. One side targeted the enemy''s supplies. The other hunted down their leaders. By launching attacks at two critical points, they could inflict the greatest possible damage. Shinar completed her task with only a few minor scratches. "I wonder how they''re doing?" She wiped the blood from her daggers, her thoughts drifting. What about Enkrid and his men? It was almost laughable how often her thoughts returned to him. "The moment battle ends, his face comes to mind?" Something within her had dulled, numbed over time, yet she smiled. This, too, was part of life. A part of enjoyment. There was something about that man. Not magic, not some mystical force that granted wishes, but something that made her watch. Something that made her root for him. It was only natural to think of him. "We¡¯re pulling back." She had done her job. As the midday sun shone down upon the battlefield, a fairy found herself thinking about a human. Not as a lover, not in that sense. But in anticipation¡ªwondering just how far he would go. "How far will you go?" She asked the question in her heart. Of course, there was no answer. *** Relaxation. A body that remained tense for too long would stiffen. A stiff body could not perform at its peak. "The growth of muscle, the growth of endurance¡ªit¡¯s the same. Just as reckless training is important, so is rest. Strength and stamina only improve after proper recovery." That was what Audin had said. Enkrid turned the words over in his mind, drawing small insights from his experience in battle. Tension and relaxation. What if he applied this concept even in combat? He had noticed it in Ragna. He had noticed it in Jaxon. Jaxon seemed utterly relaxed except when swinging his sword. Ragna, despite continuously cutting down enemies, barely seemed to exert himself. Audin was the same. Even Dunbakel and Teresa had similar habits. The elasticity that came from controlling tension. The rhythm that arose from properly managing relaxation. Rest increased endurance. Recovery strengthened muscles. Was swordsmanship any different? "Rest is important." Audin had said it countless times, but only now did those words truly sink in. It had finally become a part of him, buried deep in his instincts. A battlefield could be a place of study. "What if I go deeper into relaxation?" Observing oneself, understanding oneself¡ªthese were as natural to Enkrid as breathing. And through this introspection, he realized something. The beginning of relaxation. It was a skill he had gained from repeating this process over and over. The Beast¡¯s Heart. The key to maintaining composure even with swords clashing and quarrels targeting one¡¯s skull. It was the method of enduring. Fighting for long periods required careful stamina management, especially when outnumbered. Not that Enkrid¡¯s stamina was ever a problem. Compared to ordinary soldiers, his endurance was incomprehensible. But even he wasn¡¯t completely tireless. That thought led naturally to another. "Rem is fine." Who had first taught him The Beast¡¯s Heart? Who was the one who, even in battle, spouted the most nonsense? If anyone deserved the title of Master of Relaxation, it was Rem. "That¡¯s not mastery of relaxation. That¡¯s just a lack of thinking." Jaxon chimed in. "It¡¯s stupidity." Ragna added. "Funny. When he¡¯s hitting me, he sure seems tense." Dunbakel muttered, a hint of irritation in her voice. Teresa, as always, remained silent. Then Audin spoke. "Are you worried about our barbarian brother?" Worried? About Rem? About the gray-haired monster who would chop up even a demon if he met one? "Me?" Enkrid carefully chose his words. Did he look like he was worried? Audin only smiled. "When the heart carries burdens, the eyes become clouded. When the mind harbors worries, thoughts drift in that direction. To think only of the Lord, to cast away burdens, to find peace in His presence¡ªthis is how you attain serenity." It was a passage from scripture. Teresa murmured the last line under her breath. "Find peace." Her voice was soft. Though her face was hidden behind a mask, there was a certain thoughtfulness in her posture. Perhaps facing the cultists again had unsettled her. After all, this was once her faction. She had been born and raised among them. It was natural to feel uneasy. As Enkrid glanced at Teresa, he reconsidered¡ªwas he truly worried? "Ridiculous." Why would he worry about that lunatic, Rem? And yet, something bothered him. A faint sense of unease, an irritation that lingered at the edges of his thoughts. Why? They were retreating. There were no signs of pursuit. No stray arrows had hit their troops. No one was wounded. Everything had been executed in an instant. Ambush, assault, arson, retreat. They hadn¡¯t even needed the cover of night¡ªthey struck in broad daylight. And they had moved quickly enough that no scouts had survived long enough to raise the alarm. So then, why did this unease creep in? He was accustomed to observing himself, and just as naturally, he retraced every moment. Too weak. A few dozen wolf beasts should have been a significant threat. "Would the cultists really have sent them without knowing our strength?" Unlikely. Then why had they felt so fragile? Enkrid recalled how Marcus had once hidden his unit within an army¡¯s ranks. "If something looks weak, it means something is hidden." The cultists¡¯ forces weren¡¯t just what they had seen. Which meant¡ª "The Black Blades have something hidden too." That was the natural conclusion. Did Kraiss know? "Of course." That was why he had structured the operation this way. Before the enemy could play their trump cards, they were chipping away at their resources, shaving off whatever they could. That was the core of this raid. "Even if you wish him dead, he¡¯ll come back." Jaxon commented dryly when worry was mentioned. His crimson eyes remained indifferent. Enkrid met his gaze and nodded. "I know." Worry wasn¡¯t necessary. Who was he supposed to worry about? The one left behind was the mad barbarian¡ªRem. *** Rem acknowledged that he was excited. Awareness was the first step to control. You had to recognize before you could change. A man prone to excitement needed to know his nature before he could calm himself. "Are all beasts the same? No. But the ones that survive share one trait." He recalled those words from his first lessons in hunting. Longer fangs didn¡¯t guarantee survival. Sharper claws meant nothing. A lion on the plains, a tiger ruling the mountains¡ª They survived because they knew. And if knowledge was the key, the first thing to understand was always oneself. The length of his claws. The strength in his legs. The limits of his stamina. That was the foundation. And in that sense, the captain is unique. Enkrid knew himself. He knew his limits. Yet, his body hadn¡¯t always kept up. But now, that was no longer the case. His growth had reached a point where he had become truly dangerous. Watching it unfold? Sometimes, Rem considered it a stroke of fortune. Knowledge. Change. And now, blood boiling in his veins after staying idle for days. Rem felt the thrill surging within him. He read the situation, acknowledged his emotions, and¡ªhe didn¡¯t bother hiding it. "You dumb mutt-headed bastards." Three wolf beasts lunged at him. These were different. Faster, stronger, smarter. Not all monsters were the same. There were always exceptional ones. These three were those exceptions. Brutally fast. Unnaturally intelligent. Rem let them come. He allowed a single claw to graze his side, digging just deep enough to sting. Then, he swung. His axe cleaved down, splitting one beast¡¯s skull in half. Blood and brain matter spattered across his vision, but he didn¡¯t blink. With his second axe, he severed the head entirely, sending it flying with the back of his hand. The freshly severed head spun through the air like a grotesque flower in bloom. One of the remaining beasts instinctively dodged to the side. Rem had predicted that. He threw his axe. Whoosh. Whump! It was almost simultaneous¡ªthe moment the wolf moved, the moment the axe flew. The beast¡¯s head lurched forward, the axe blade burying itself deep into its skull. The direction of its dodge had already been accounted for. That left one. Rem grinned, baring his teeth. "Monster!" "That thing¡¯s a monster!" "May the Master of Beasts devour him whole!" The cultists shrieked, clinging to their prayers. "What the hell are you mumbling about, you lunatic cult freaks? Come fight me instead." Rem muttered, shifting his axe from his left to his right hand. "Hey, mutt. You coming or not?" The last beast crouched low, baring its fangs. Its yellow eyes gleamed with pure aggression. One of the cultists hurled a dagger. Rem didn¡¯t even look away from the wolf¡ªhe merely tilted his head to let the blade whistle past. That moment was enough. The beast lunged. No sound of paws striking the earth. Just wind rushing past his nose. A massive body, moving impossibly fast. It had aimed for his throat, lowering its bulk as it leapt. Rem reacted. This time, his axe moved at twice the speed it had before. Wham. None of the cultists could follow the motion. One moment, his arm was mid-swing. The next, his axe had already completed its arc¡ªright to left, high to low. He had deliberately swung slower before, lulling them into a false sense of expectation. This strike was different. The beast never stood a chance. Its neck, severed halfway, burst open in a shower of blood. Yet its momentum remained. The corpse crashed into Rem. He sidestepped, shoving the body away. The heavy carcass landed with a thud, silencing the cultists momentarily. Rem flashed them a grin, still covered in dark, sticky blood. "See you later." It was a casual farewell. To the cultists, it sounded like a threat. See that thing again? That monster? Rem retreated, snatching up his thrown axe as he moved. "Let¡¯s see..." He checked his body. A shallow cut on his side. A cracked rib, maybe? Nothing serious. Considering he had just slaughtered three monsters that would have been considered demons anywhere else, it was a fair trade. Some cultists made a show of giving chase, but it was half-hearted at best. "Want another axe to the face?" Rem¡¯s voice carried back to them, sharp and full of mirth. Their pace immediately slowed. Rem was already thinking about how he would brag to Enkrid about taking down three beasts alone. "He¡¯ll probably be so impressed he¡¯ll ask me to teach him something again." The thought amused him. Just then, his body moved instinctively. He shifted¡ªright foot slamming into the ground, big toe pressing down, body twisting sideways. The adjustment was impossible for a normal human. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He had been running forward at full speed. Then, in a split second, he had shifted sideways at a perfect right angle. Thunk! A throwing spear slammed into the ground where he had been. It buried itself halfway into the earth, quivering from the force. Ordinary strength wouldn¡¯t have been enough to pull it free. Rem¡¯s eyes flicked to the weapon. The shape was familiar. Not from now, but from his past. A Western tribal throwing spear. "Huh. Didn¡¯t expect to see kin out here." Then came a voice. Not in the Empire¡¯s language. It was in the language of the West. Chapter 286 Before the words even finished leaving his mouth, a sharp spear tip descended from above. A vertical thrust. Rem kicked off the ground, launching himself sideways. Yet the spear followed him, almost as if it had eyes. It adjusted midair, changing direction unnaturally. "A falling weapon?" The thought barely formed before Rem swung his axes. With his right-hand axe, he struck the spear shaft. With his left-hand axe, he rotated it to block the blade¡¯s impact with its flat side. Clang! Crack! Half success. Half failure. He had managed to block the blade. But his already fractured rib snapped completely. Still, he had broken the spear shaft, so it wasn¡¯t a total loss. "I was tricked." It hadn¡¯t been a falling weapon. That was a relic of the Western tribes, a type of weapon bound to its wielder, capable of independent movement. But true falling weapons didn¡¯t break this easily. He had assumed it was one and struck accordingly, intending to sever the link between the weapon and its owner. After all, such weapons required a connection to their wielder. "You¡¯re tough." The stranger¡¯s words trailed off, as if the phrase "to have withstood that" was simply implied. Rem¡¯s eyes focused on the Westerner. "Who the hell are you?" He asked. The answer was already obvious. He could tell just from that last attack. Strong. Power, speed, precision¡ªall refined to the level of an elite warrior. This wasn¡¯t some random mercenary. "You stand on a battlefield where men kill or die. What kind of question is that?" The stranger responded casually, tapping his shoulder with the butt of his spear. Completely at ease. His appearance was peculiar. A leather cuirass covered his chest. Greaves wrapped his shins and thighs. The same protective leather armor extended from his hands to his shoulders. His entire body was clad in tanned hides. His hair was a mix of gray and white, yet his face was bizarre¡ªone side lined with deep wrinkles, the other smooth and youthful. An unnatural blend of age and youth. He released his grip on the spear. But instead of dropping, the weapon floated at knee height, hovering midair. "What kind of bullshit is this?" Rem¡¯s eyes narrowed. "A technique?" It wasn¡¯t magic. No incantation, no surge of sorcery. It felt like witchcraft, but the spear itself carried no mystical aura. Yet, despite not being a relic, it still hovered on its own. Not wanting to reveal weakness, Rem subtly lifted his left arm to cover his injured side. Pain followed, but pain was nothing. If he couldn''t endure this much, he would have died long ago. "Let¡¯s make this easy." "Easy where? Back home? You giving me something?" Rem kept his mouth running, as usual, while searching for an opening. Every time he prepared to hurl an axe, the stranger subtly shifted his footing. More than anything, that floating spear was a nuisance. It hovered within a fixed radius around him, never straying too far, poised to strike at any moment. "Where the hell did this guy even come from?" Moments ago, he had taken down three monstrous wolf beasts, breaking his ribs in the process. Even though the fight had seemed quick, it had been a brutal struggle. The so-called Wolf Bishop of the cult had lost his prized beasts and was furious over it. But now, the real threat wasn¡¯t the monsters. "I¡¯ll rip your tongue out." Whoosh! The spear shot toward him. Not from where it had been hovering¡ªbut from the stranger¡¯s left hand. Rem visualized the spear¡¯s trajectory. He swung. A familiar motion¡ªthe light-speed cleave Enkrid always described. Boom! The spear rebounded, knocked aside by the axe¡¯s edge. But the impact sent a numbing shock through Rem¡¯s arm. Then, without pause, the floating spear struck. "So it¡¯s not a relic, but he can still use it like this?" There was no time to figure out how. Rem kept swinging. Clang! Clang! Clang! Axe and spear met in rapid succession, sparks flying as steel kissed steel. The cold air itself seemed to burn from the friction. He had already forgotten the chill of winter¡ªhis entire body was drenched in sweat. Even the warmth of the heated stone he carried in his pocket became irritating. Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang! The spear never relented. It withdrew and struck again. Over and over. No matter how many times he deflected it, it always came back. By the time he had blocked the eightieth thrust, Rem stomped his left foot into the ground, shattering a rock. The fragments scattered forward. A chunk of stone, large enough to act as a shield, blocked the space between them. Crack! The spear impaled the rock, halting its attack for a moment. Just enough time. Rem batted aside the remaining spear with his right-hand axe¡ª Then hurled his left-hand axe straight at the enemy¡¯s skull. The axe reached him in an instant. It should have split his head open¡ª But it stopped. Midair. Trembling. The blade and handle quivered, suspended in place. "I was wondering what trick you were using." Rem muttered, finally catching on. The stranger tilted his head. "So you¡¯re only half-trained?" Gray hair. Unnaturally youthful skin. Rem recognized him now. In truth, he had suspected from the beginning. "The madman who chases immortality." "Knowing won¡¯t save you." The stranger smiled. A perfectly wrong smile. His features made it unsettling. Rem recalled the stories he had heard back in his tribe¡ª But he pushed them aside. "Didn¡¯t finish your training, huh? And that left side... How many ribs? Two? Three?" The man¡¯s guess was right. Two ribs. Had it not been for his sheer muscle control, they could have punctured his organs. And as for the half-trained comment? That, too, was true. Rem had refined the techniques he had learned into his own unique style. But there were things he had abandoned along the way. And so, he was only half-complete. "Didn¡¯t even properly learn the arts. No inherited soul, either." Bzzzzzt. The man produced a small metal orb from his pocket. A spectral blue beast flickered over his left arm. "Ah, witchcraft." Rem recognized it immediately. Not just any sorcery¡ª A possession rite. The man¡¯s left arm was now imbued with the strength of a beast. Even a simple rock in his grasp had become a deadly weapon. Rem hesitated for the briefest moment. The magic, the injuries, the relentless attacks¡ª Should he just kill him outright? If he truly went all out, he could do it. But was there a need? He looked like some mindless brute, but Rem lived life on his own terms. So¡ª "Hey." He spoke first. The madman who had slaughtered an entire Western tribe and stolen their secrets responded. "What?" "See you later." "¡­What?" Rem pulled out two fist-sized orbs wrapped in paper. Bang! The moment the stranger saw them, he hurled a spear. But the orbs had already exploded. Gray smoke billowed out, clouding the air. Whoosh! The spear cut through the fog¡ª Crash! Only to shatter a tree in the distance. "That bastard¡ª?" The Madman Who Chased Immortality sharpened his senses. A hunter knew how to track. And a good hunter also knew how to hide. But giving up was not an option. The madman closed his eyes for a moment. When he reopened them, they gleamed with an unnatural blue light. A spell. A witch¡¯s sight. His vision pierced the fog, locking onto a single moving figure. "Run all you want." The madman moved. And his steps were just as fast as Rem¡¯s. *** "Back from playing around?" Enkrid muttered to himself, his voice barely louder than a passing thought. Yet every member of the Mad Platoon instinctively nodded in agreement. "He¡¯ll come back eventually." Enkrid wasn¡¯t worried about Rem. Not because he didn¡¯t have the time to be. But because it was Rem. The mad barbarian. The reason the Mad Platoon had its reputation. "He might¡¯ve just gone back to his homeland." Jaxon threw out a comment that sounded more like wishful thinking. The two had always been so fond of each other. Now that Rem was missing, it was oh so concerning. "Right. Nothing to worry about." Enkrid said, polishing his sword. "¡­Me? Worried?" Jaxon¡¯s voice went cold. A single wrong word here, and he¡¯d stab someone. "Haha, our dear barbarian brother must be taking a nap somewhere." Audin smoothly redirected the tension. Worry? No one here worried about Rem. Enkrid thought of him for a moment. He¡¯ll show up when he shows up. That¡¯s just the kind of person he was. He¡¯d play and come back. Upon returning to the main camp, it was clear¡ªKraiss¡¯s plan had worked perfectly. Shinar had severed the heads of four enemy commanders. The cultists had lost part of their supplies. "Rem? Ah, must be waiting for the weather to change." Kraiss said dismissively. For someone who was always pessimistic about him, he certainly sounded unbothered now. Enkrid, too, simply focused on what needed to be done. "What¡¯s the enemy¡¯s status?" "Exactly as we expected." Back in Graham¡¯s command tent, the discussion continued. If both armies clashed head-on, who would win? "Who else? Azpen." They¡¯d sit back and clean up whatever was left. That meant the troops stationed in Green Pearl couldn¡¯t be pulled back. In fact, they were asking for reinforcements. A sign that Azpen¡¯s forces were pressing hard. If things escalated, they¡¯d join the battle. So, the only solution was this¡ª Kraiss needed to break the Black Blades and the cultists before it became an all-out war. "We don¡¯t need to kill them all." Demoralize them. Force them to retreat. Buy time. That was all they needed. The strategy? Hit them before they could fully commit. Force them into a decisive one-time battle. And in that battle, break them completely. They had to collapse on their own. The Three Conditions for Victory: 1. Break the enemy¡¯s secret weapon. That was Enkrid¡¯s job. Kraiss had spent days thinking¡ªif he were in command of the Black Blades or the cultists, what would he have prepared? The Mad Platoon was a known wild card. They would have something planned for them. And if they faced it unprepared, it could be disastrous. So, the goal was to force it into the open. Make them use it. 2. Kill Viscount Tarnin. Cut off their political reason to keep fighting. 3. Move to Green Pearl the moment the battle ends. Because if they didn¡¯t finish things fast, Azpen would. "If this goes wrong, we all die here." Graham muttered. Kraiss, of course, had no intention of dying. But he did nod. A lot of people were going to die either way. Just as planned, the cultists¡ªhaving lost supplies¡ªwere forced to merge with the Black Blades instead of raiding local villages. The two armies combined and began advancing toward the plains. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The Border Guard¡¯s standing army moved forward to meet them. Sitting behind fortifications was an invitation for Azpen to strike from behind. So they had to meet the enemy head-on. The winter wind howled, kicking up dust between the two armies. Under a dim, gray sky, across frozen ground, they faced each other. "We have to win." In the center of it all, the Mad Platoon. Kraiss stood with them. If the battle fell apart, he¡¯d run. Better to stay close to Enkrid when that happened. Enkrid knew his reasoning but let it be. It was a logical choice. "We have to win." He mulled over Kraiss¡¯s words. But it didn¡¯t necessarily have to be him who won. As long as they showed the path to victory, that was enough. He had several thoughts¡ªbut he said nothing. This was no longer the time for words. Now, it was the time for swords. He stepped forward. Da-da-da-da-da! A horse galloped from the enemy¡¯s side. A rider tossed something between the two armies. It landed just outside of bow range. "What now?" Venzance frowned. "Pick it up." A scout rode forward, retrieved it, and brought it to Enkrid. It was a weapon. Enkrid recognized it immediately. A battle-worn axe. Lagna¡¯s eyes narrowed. "A barbarian¡¯s relic." "Mm. Shall we bury it? You can go with it." Lagna and Jaxon both muttered casually. How coordinated they were in times like these. A few soldiers recognized the weapon. Some realized Rem was missing. The ranks stirred. "What? Rem¡¯s dead?" "No way¡ªhe was last seen burning down the cultists¡¯ camp." "And he never returned." "What mission could be more important than this?" Enkrid let their voices drift past him as he inspected the axe. The blade was chipped. Deep gouges marred the surface. It had clearly been through a brutal fight. "Looks like he¡¯s playing around a little longer." Enkrid murmured. "We could just consider him dead." Dunbakel commented dryly. Such heartfelt concern from his comrades. All of them sounded so sincere. Enkrid half-listened as he refocused on the enemy. One side¡ªmonsters. The other¡ªmen. The Black Blades and the cultists. And among them, Viscount Tarnin. Wearing ill-fitting chainmail, the man shouted. "I will personally sever the heads of these traitors and offer them to the King! Cut them down, all of you!" He raised his sword high. His voice was loud. Had to be enchanted, the way it echoed. But no one moved. "That idiot." Kraiss spat, disgusted. A useless noble. Nothing but a talking pig. Chapter 287 As Enkrid moved to the forefront of the unit, a sharp-eyed scout spoke up. "Someone¡¯s coming." Just as he said, a lone figure trudged forward from the viscount¡¯s forces. The sun, obscured by clouds, cast a faint light upon the figure¡¯s head. A big one? They were large¡ªabout the same size as Audin. Enkrid watched intently from a distance, his gaze fixed on the figure whose presence seemed to distort perspective in an uncanny way. The man wasn¡¯t riding a horse; he was walking forward on his own two feet. Neither fast nor slow, but exuding confidence. After all, stepping into the heart of the battlefield alone was nothing if not an act of sheer confidence. "Should we shoot?" One of the archers asked. "No." Enkrid answered. Even with his command, some of the archers hesitated, hands briefly gripping their bowstrings before letting go. A battle always began with a volley of arrows¡ªthat was the fundamental rule of war. Grr! Woof! Grrr! Wolves barked behind the approaching man. They were loud¡ªannoyingly so¡ªbut the man simply dug a finger into his ear and shouted. "My name is Lykanos! Send out your best fighter!" With his declaration, he stomped his foot. A heavy boom followed, sending tremors through the ground. How is he that strong? The soldiers¡¯ morale plummeted into an icy silence. If Rem had taken a hit, and this new opponent was even fiercer, then things were getting serious. Even compared to the legendary Enkrid, he didn¡¯t seem lacking. Breaking the enemy¡¯s spirit before a battle even began¡ªthis was one of the most effective strategies of all. A duel. If you had a winning hand, you played it. The Black Blade thieves had undoubtedly prepared their own cards for this. Ragna stepped forward. Audin reacted as well. Before either could move, Enkrid drew his sword and swung it downward. Not fast, not heavy. Whoosh. The blade, glowing faintly blue, traced a sharp arc through the air, stopping both of them in their tracks. "This one''s mine. You two handle something else." His gaze remained locked onto Lykanos. Even as he focused on the fight, Enkrid was already thinking about the broader battlefield. How many battles would follow? What could be gained from this encounter? Kraiss had set the stage. Now it was up to Enkrid to take the winnings and move forward. When did I start getting this confident? A confidence was rising in his chest, urging him toward the battle. And Enkrid didn¡¯t hate it. This was where he belonged¡ªthe place he had always sought, the battlefield that awaited him. "Jaxon." "Yes." "When the chance comes, take the pig¡¯s head." Today would be fine. The next battle would work too. It didn¡¯t matter when¡ªwhat needed to be cleaned up had to be cleaned up. "Got it." Jaxon gave a curt nod. That was reassuring. He wouldn¡¯t fail. "Audin, Teresa. There¡¯s something big among those wolves, isn¡¯t there?" When they had infiltrated enemy territory before, there had been three massive beasts. Now, only one seemed to remain. Or¡­ was this one even bigger? It didn¡¯t matter. Just another oversized beast. But regular soldiers couldn¡¯t be allowed to face it. His instincts told him that much. "As the brother desires, so shall it be. Let us pray." Audin clasped his hands together and quietly stepped back. Beside him, Teresa knelt on one knee. "As you command." Then Dunbakel tugged at his collar. Ragna stood nearby as well, his cold eyes speaking clearly. He was ready. He wanted to fight. Right now, with his own blade, he could cut that thing down. Seeing Ragna fired up was unexpectedly satisfying. Enkrid had never been frustrated by Ragna¡¯s laziness before. But watching someone waste their talent was never enjoyable. Not that it really mattered¡ªEnkrid¡¯s heart was strong enough not to dwell on it. A genius with drive, huh? Watching Ragna¡¯s enthusiasm was enjoyable. Even if he had never been frustrated by Ragna¡¯s past indifference, this moment was undeniably satisfying. And seeing himself standing beside Ragna, just as ready, was just as exhilarating. "Go wild. Cut down everything in sight. But only after the wolves are dealt with." If the enemy had a massive wolf, then they had something far worse¡ªa beastkin warrior and a sword that could cut through anything. If they sent them charging into the enemy ranks, the battle¡¯s tide would shift in an instant. There was no need for elaborate speeches to boost morale. Just having those two step forward would change the battlefield. A battlefield ruled by an elite few¡ªthat was the reality they would prove today. That was enough. Dunbakel exhaled sharply and nodded. That was enough. Dunbakel exhaled sharply and nodded. "I''ll make it a spectacle worthy of Kreimhart." S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kreimhart¡ªthe god the beastkin revered. The god of war and fertility. To fight in a way worthy of his gaze was to fight without shame. That was thanks to Rem. The torment of the savages had turned one beastkin into a berserker. "I''ll stand down." Ragna¡¯s voice was calm as he stepped back, and Enkrid moved forward. "Took you long enough. I was starting to think you lot didn¡¯t have any real men over there. What, are you gonna keep me waiting all night?" Lykanos smirked, tapping at his groin as he shouted. It was a provocation¡ªa way to rouse his own men. He wasn¡¯t actually looking for a response. "Ha! No balls!" "A spineless bastard!" "A eunuch!" The enemy hurled insults. The allies threw them right back. "What a joke!" "We¡¯ve got ¡®em, and they¡¯re bigger than yours!" "Filthy bandit scum!" As curses and cheers filled the air, Enkrid strode forward, and from behind, Graham spoke. "Can you win this?" "Yes. Even if I die, I¡¯ll win." Was he truly ready to die? Graham folded his arms, masking his unease. But Enkrid was simply being honest. It was exactly as he said. If the thing standing before him was a wall, if it was death itself¡ª He would surpass it. And win. Yet, oddly enough, Enkrid felt no excitement. No thrill. His body was neither sluggish nor at its peak. "I¡¯ve got them. And they¡¯re bigger than yours." As soon as he said it, Lykanos¡¯ lips twisted. The nerve on this bastard. "Bigger than mine?" "I¡¯ve never seen anyone bigger than me." "¡­Arrogant little shit. Alright then, let¡¯s crack you open. You¡¯re that Enkrid guy, aren¡¯t you?" His opponent already knew his name. Of course, Enkrid knew him too. One of the power players in the Black Blade thieves. A beast of a man, built like Audin, with a heavy weapon strapped to his back¡ªhis style of combat was obvious. Then, Lykanos subtly shifted his left foot forward. Into Enkrid¡¯s striking range. Enkrid reacted instantly, drawing and slashing his sword from his left hip. Despite his size, Lykanos moved with startling agility, retreating two extra steps. Whoosh. The blade cut through the empty air. Lykanos, following the motion of Enkrid¡¯s sword, swung his own weapon. Whoosh! A shadow arced through the air from behind him. A heavy, downward swing. Enkrid stepped aside. Swish! His footwork glided across the dirt, shifting him to Lykanos¡¯ flank. The moment he moved, the massive iron mace crashed into the ground. Boom! Dirt and stones exploded in all directions, some pelting Enkrid¡¯s body and head. Ignoring the debris, he immediately drew his dwarven gladius and thrust forward. A rapid strike. The stab shot straight into the gap between Lykanos¡¯ ribs. A precise, lightning-fast thrust. But Lykanos twisted, catching the blade between his arm and his ribs. His reflexes were astonishing. He tried to twist and snap the sword in two, but it didn¡¯t go as planned. "Goddamn, you¡¯re tough!" Snarling, Lykanos swung his mace again. Whoosh! The air pressure alone slammed against Enkrid¡¯s face. He judged the trajectory by sound alone. He ducked. The heavy iron barely missed his skull. Enkrid activated Heart of Might, gripping his gladius tighter. Inhale. His left arm swelled with explosive power. Crack! The blade twisted, tearing into Lykanos'' side and forearm as if to grind the flesh away. Lykanos couldn¡¯t hold out and was forced to release the blade clamped against his ribs. "You bastard." Blood streamed from the inside of his forearm. His armor left only a scar on his ribs, but his forearm had definitely been torn open. "Does it hurt?" Enkrid asked as he steadied his breath, raising his right-hand sword and bringing it down in a vertical strike. At the same time, he retrieved the gladius and sheathed it. Lykanos retreated just in time to avoid the descending strike. He wasn¡¯t just a brute who swung a mace mindlessly. His movements were sharp and efficient. Clearly, he had trained for years and gained extensive real battle experience. The blade cut through the air with a sharp whoosh. Through that fleeting arc of steel, Lykanos locked eyes with Enkrid. His dull, dark-brown eyes reminded Enkrid of Jaxon. Meaning¡ªthey looked sinister. Thud! Lykanos kicked off the ground again. The frozen, solid earth cracked beneath his feet, sending hardened dirt fragments flying like scattered stones. Enkrid placed his left hand on the gladius'' hilt. Feigning a draw, he moved his feet again. This time, he pushed off with his toes, stepping back¡ªa perfect backstep. He dodged all the stone shrapnel bouncing up between them. Did he dodge? Lykanos hesitated for a fraction of a second but continued his movement. He raised his mace and swung it diagonally downward. At the same time, he crossed his feet and lunged forward like a coiled spring. Just before Lykanos completed his strike, Enkrid released his right-hand sword mid-air and slashed downward. To an outsider, it might have looked like he had simply dropped his sword and flailed his hand uselessly. But there was something else in that hand. A Whistle Dagger. Whistle! A dagger whizzed through the air, burying itself into Lykanos'' face at close range. From the very start, Enkrid had anticipated that Lykanos would dodge or block his sword, so he had already been holding the dagger in his right hand. Now, it paid off. He had even learned how to hide daggers in his sleeves from Torres of the Border Defense Force. All those techniques came together at this moment. Lykanos¡¯ head snapped back. But then, it returned forward almost immediately. Not the result Enkrid had wanted. "You son of a¡ª" The dagger had been caught between Lykanos¡¯ front teeth. His upper incisors had cracked, but he had blocked the attack. "Eve, spit it out! That¡¯s not food." Enkrid taunted. His provocations were always perfectly timed. Lykanos spat out the dagger, his eyes blazing with fury. "I will kill you. Before I do, I¡¯ll grind you into dust. Big? I¡¯ll flatten you so much you won¡¯t even be visible." His voice seethed with resentment, but Enkrid didn¡¯t even smirk¡ªsecuring a psychological victory. Whoosh. The mace came again. This time, Enkrid held his sword with both hands and deflected it. A snake blade technique. He tried to guide the blow aside. Brute force. Even with Heart of Might activated, Lykanos'' strength was overwhelming. Will? That thought crossed his mind. If there was a Will that rejected force, then there had to be one that granted it. Unable to fully deflect the mace, their weapons remained locked together. Lykanos pressed down, shifting his grip and inhaling sharply. He was trying to crush Enkrid through sheer strength. Enkrid stepped back with his left foot. Crunch. His knee bent slightly. He was losing ground in raw power. As he pushed down, Lykanos sneered. "What? Thought you wouldn¡¯t lose in strength? Hey, you little shit, you thought you were the only strong one?" No, there are plenty stronger than me. Always. There was Audin, of course. Rem, Ragna, Teresa¡ªhe wasn¡¯t sure he could overpower any of them yet. "Your front tooth is cracked." Now that Lykanos was exerting all his strength, the tooth that had blocked the dagger earlier had finally snapped. "Women won¡¯t like that." The perfectly timed remark was enough to push Lykanos into a blind rage. "RAAAAAAH!" The beast roared. Enkrid gathered his own strength and let out a deep breath. An easy-to-provoke opponent? The thought flickered through his mind but was immediately discarded. There was no time for distractions. Lykanos was strong. Very strong. He was nothing like the half-baked mercenaries who barely reached the level of a junior knight. Still locked in a weapon clash, Lykanos suddenly released his left hand, clenched his fist, and swung it. Thud! Enkrid flexed his trapezius and twisted his head to absorb the impact. A Balraf-style maneuver¡ªredirecting the force with his body. He didn¡¯t just take the hit. As he absorbed the blow, he twisted his stance and kicked Lykanos'' shin. Whack! A heavy impact echoed over the shin guard. "That hurt, bastard." Lykanos growled and let go of his weapon entirely. Then he reached for Enkrid¡¯s collar with his right hand. Enkrid used his left hand¡ªpulling out his second sword, the gladius, aiming to sever every one of Lykanos¡¯ fingers. But as if expecting it, Lykanos pulled his hand back. Their hands and feet clashed repeatedly. Enkrid mixed in his sword strikes, keeping up the close-quarters combat, but none of his attacks were decisive. Brutal and relentless, their attacks exchanged without a single fatal strike landing. Enkrid''s head was bleeding from a wound, while Lykanos, having lost his helmet during the fight, had a split lip and a bleeding cheek. Enkrid had also taken a solid hit to the stomach, disrupting his breathing. In the same moment, he kicked Lykanos'' chin, sending him spinning through the air before landing on his feet in an acrobatic display. By the time they separated, neither was in normal condition. "It''s been a while since I met someone like you." "I run into guys like you all the time." "Never fought someone who never shuts up, though." "Ah, I¡¯m used to that." Used to winning, too. Crack. Lykanos clenched his teeth. His shattered front tooth left his face looking a bit ridiculous, but the murderous intent remained unchanged. "You annoying little shit." And then, he swung his mace again. But something was off. It was different this time. Enkrid couldn¡¯t quite put it into words. But he couldn¡¯t afford to step back. He had to block. He raised his sword, guiding the mace¡¯s trajectory away. Instead of resisting, he let it slide. Clang! As the heavy mace slid past his blade¡ª In the moment that time seemed to slow¡ª Lykanos moved twice as fast as before. Enkrid¡¯s focus ignited like never before. The mace? It was a decoy. In the suspended moment, Lykanos pulled out a hidden weapon. A thin, needle-like rapier that had been concealed inside the mace. He thrust. It was the fastest blade Enkrid had ever seen. The moment Enkrid blocked, it was as if a beam of light had been fired at him. It struck before his eyes could register it. The sword was about to skewer him. In that split-second, his instincts kicked in. He twisted his body. Because of that, the blade only grazed his side before piercing into his upper right arm. Everything blurred¡ªlike a scene flashing through a dream. The clang of the drawn blade. The sound of flesh being pierced. The sensation of pain. None of it fully registered. All that mattered was not dying. And his body reacted. He twisted, pulling his right arm free, and slashed upward with his left-hand sword. The gladius cut through¡ªfast and vicious. It carved from Lykanos¡¯ jaw, slashing up past his left eye. Thwack! Rip! A pair of different, visceral sounds echoed between them as they were both knocked backward. Or rather, they were blown away from each other. "Shoot!" Someone shouted. Regardless of whether the duel was over, arrows rained down. The duel had ended. The full-scale battle had begun. Enkrid staggered, dropping to one knee. Someone caught his body from behind. "We''re pulling back." It was Jaxon. Enkrid nodded. Chapter 288 The moment Jaxon grabbed Enkrid, a sense of foreboding struck him. These crazy bastards¡­ The instant Lykanos, that bandit bastard who probably didn¡¯t even know his own mother, stepped back, others rushed in to take his place. Their movements were practiced. This was a prearranged attack. The sound of blades cutting through the air reached their ears first. Fwhip! Fwhip! Fwhip! Fwhip! Black-clad figures, who had clearly been lying in wait, lunged forward, stabbing with needle-thin swords. Each of them charged with no regard for their own lives, and every single one was fast. Their thrusts targeted a single precise point. Heavy, swift strikes¡ªattacks that burned away their very lives for a single swing of the sword. Jaxon yanked Enkrid backward with his left hand while slashing with the sword in his right. At the same time, his mind remained ice-cold. I can¡¯t block them all. Jaxon¡¯s blade danced like a fluttering butterfly, its movements deceptively light. Its tip weaved through the incoming thrusts, like a butterfly dodging raindrops. As the sword clashed against the enemy¡¯s long blades, unpredictable movements disrupted their trajectories. Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang! He couldn''t deflect them all. Two strikes got past him. One barely grazed Enkrid¡¯s left shin. More precisely, Enkrid twisted his waist at the last second to avoid a direct hit. The fabric and leather of his shin guard tore apart and flapped loosely. The last thrust struck Enkrid¡¯s waist. But instead of piercing, it simply bounced off with a dull thud. Armor. It was the armor he had acquired earlier. He had once seen a master smith wrap bandages around it like a second skin. Jaxon tightened his grip on Enkrid¡¯s arm. He was ready to throw him back and cut down the remaining attackers. But before he could toss Enkrid aside, the enemies scattered. Damn it. Fighting while protecting someone wasn¡¯t Jaxon¡¯s forte. He was used to battling with enemies at his back, not shielding an ally in the middle of a fight. It was an unfamiliar situation, one he had little experience with. That hesitation cost him. I miscalculated. He should have either taken some damage to position Enkrid behind him or flung him out of range entirely. But the timing had slipped away. The black-clad enemies jumped from above, charged from below, and flanked from the sides. Their attacks were chillingly single-minded. As his focus split between offense and defense¡ª "I¡¯m fine." Enkrid¡¯s voice cut through the chaos. His right arm was injured, and he was exhausted, but he wasn¡¯t dead yet. The real problem was¡ª These insane bastards¡­ The black-clad attackers fought with no regard for their own survival. They wore only thin, flexible leather instead of proper armor, making them deceptively fast. And whoever trained them had taught them well. Their pinpoint thrusts were executed flawlessly. Jaxon moved constantly, his blade never stopping. Slice. Stab. Hack. A sword cleaved through a forearm, nearly severing it. Another pierced a thigh. Jaxon¡¯s sword moved without hesitation, a cold, emotionless tool of death. But as long as they weren¡¯t instantly killed, the enemies merely twisted their bodies and pressed forward with their attacks. A single-minded, inhuman pack of assassins, trained solely to pierce flesh with their blades. Jaxon sidestepped, only to see an enemy¡¯s blade hurtling toward where he had just stood. He had sensed it a fraction of a second earlier, dodging before the strike landed. The blade stabbed into the cold earth. Thunk! The attacker, his weapon buried in the dirt, lifted his head, his eyes filled with something beyond madness. Jaxon didn¡¯t care. He simply flicked a knife into the man¡¯s forehead. Whoosh! The plain, ordinary knife became a reaper¡¯s blade, snatching away another life. Jaxon wasn¡¯t meant to fight in the open like this. Even so, he systematically reduced their numbers one by one. Meanwhile, Enkrid, after observing Jaxon¡¯s fight, turned his gaze to the ones charging toward him. This isn¡¯t good. His right arm had been injured by Lykanos. His shin had been slashed earlier, and it wasn¡¯t a wound he could simply ignore. The leather and fabric of his guard had been cleanly sliced, and his skin and muscle bore clear signs of damage. His armor had blocked the thrust aimed at his torso, but the impact remained. His insides quivered. His abs had absorbed most of it, but if he were an ordinary man, his organs would have ruptured. Lykanos¡¯ final attack had effectively crippled his right arm. That left only his left arm. Enkrid did what he could. He sheathed the gladius and switched his main sword to his left hand. Minimizing his footwork, he gripped his blade smoothly. A Flowing Sword Style. He received and deflected, over and over. His breathing was steady. If there was one thing he had over anyone, it was endurance. Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang! A quick decision deflected three or four blades in succession. But before he could react, another was already at his throat. Its polished steel gleamed like ice. I can¡¯t block this one. The Beast¡¯s Heart awakened, sharpening his focus to its peak. His mind burned with clarity. Even with his best effort, he was about to lose an eye. The enemy¡¯s tactics were superior. The moment they failed to take out Lykanos, they had sent in this group of swordsmen. And it was working. He could see the future¡ªhis own eye being lost. He couldn''t dodge, but he could at least accept it. Would losing an eye change anything? No. Enkrid turned his head, preparing to take the wound. There was never an option in his mind to die and restart from scratch. If he were the type to throw his life away over something like this, he would have given up and succumbed to stagnation long ago. As the sword tip magnified before his eye, appearing as thick as a club¡ª Thud! A sharp impact. The impending darkness vanished. The swordsman attacking him was flung into the air. His weapon was sent soaring alongside him. "Aaaaaaagh!" A shriek echoed. He soared high, high into the sky. In that moment, he must have envied the birds. Of course, his flight was short-lived, and its end was far from graceful. The man crashed down amidst the border guard¡¯s reserves. And, startled by the sudden flying body, a spearman instinctively thrust upward, impaling him midair. Enkrid was still reeling, trying to stay upright. He fell back, landing hard on his rear. And then, next to him, he saw¡ª A wild horse. One that had just sent a man flying with a single kick. "One-Eyed?" "Hiiiiiigh!" The horse neighed furiously, as if rejecting the name. But at a time like this, he didn¡¯t care what name it had been given. A low growl rumbled nearby. At some point, Esther had appeared at his side. Still in her Lake Panther form. Her sleek black fur shimmered like silk, resembling the hair she had in human form. And beside the assassins, as if appearing out of nowhere, stood the one man who could survive anywhere as long as he had his sword. Whoosh. Thud. Whoosh. Stab. Whoosh. Crack. Whoosh. Slash. Enkrid¡¯s eyes darted around, trying to follow the relentless exchange of blows. Ragna struck from the side, cutting down five men in five steps. What the hell kind of technique is that? One step. Five slashes. How was that even possible? It defied comprehension. It was a sword faster than the enemy¡¯s. A preemptive blade. Ragna had just demonstrated it. "I¡¯ll clean this up. You go ahead." His voice was dry, his golden hair falling over his eyes. Through the strands, his cold red eyes gazed forward. As arrows rained down from above, he cut them away, slashing through the oncoming enemies. To Enkrid¡¯s eyes, even Ragna¡¯s sword seemed to blur. Arrows fell toward Enkrid¡¯s head, but before they could reach him, several shielded soldiers rushed forward. "Damn, he¡¯s good at that." Dunbakel was watching from the sidelines. She crushed the skull of an assassin lunging from behind, dual daggers in hand, and spoke as if making an offhand remark. The moment she sensed the enemy closing in, she planted her right foot and drove her left knee into his head. Of course, Enkrid had also reacted, gripping his sword. But regardless, her attention soon turned to Ragna. As arrows rained down from above, One-Eyed dashed forward, kicking up dust as he came to Enkrid¡¯s rescue. Esther and Dunbakel flanked him, while behind them, their allies formed a protective barrier with large, round shields. At this rate, Enkrid wouldn''t die. His gaze naturally shifted forward. Lykanos. Ragna¡¯s sword was fast, but in that final moment, Lykanos'' blade had been even faster. And the swords of the assassins that had rushed Enkrid just now had been similar. Those who had recklessly charged at him hesitated and pulled back after several were cut down by Ragna. Even Ragna hadn¡¯t emerged unscathed¡ªhis thigh had been slashed. His armor was torn, and blood stained his clothing, but he returned as if nothing had happened. "Don¡¯t hold back your arrows!" "Fuck, just die already!" "The real heart of the battlefield is the infantry!" "Pain¡¯s just another kind of pleasure!" Curses and war cries erupted from every direction. An enemy had an arrow lodged in his skull, collapsing lifelessly. Another, struck mid-charge by a throwing axe, pitched forward, hitting the ground with a dull thud. "YORORORORO!" An enemy mercenary clad in strange fur armor pounded his chest and let out an eerie battle cry. Before he could finish, Bell appeared out of nowhere, hurling a spear straight into his chest. "If you don¡¯t want to die, fight!" Bell¡¯s shout rang through the chaos. Enkrid was being carried backward. Three soldiers rushed in to support him. His left shin wound was bad enough that walking was no longer an option. "Fuck, they¡¯re tough." Graham muttered as he stared across the battlefield. Lykanos was there. Enkrid saw him too. He hadn¡¯t simply lost that fight. He had landed a hit on Lykanos'' face. Despite half his face being drenched in blood, Lykanos stood firm. He didn¡¯t smile, nor did he frown¡ªhe simply stared at Enkrid and his group for a moment before turning away. As he withdrew, the black-clad assassins¡ªthe relentless strike force¡ªgathered around him. "There¡¯s a lot of them." Graham murmured. "There are." Behind him, Kraiss, his face pale, nodded. A unit trained to stake their lives on a single thrust¡ªit was horrifying. At a glance, there were still more than fifty left. And that was after they had already lost a good number. Considering hidden assassins and their ability to strike from the shadows¡ª This is going to be a problem. Enkrid thought so. Kraiss clearly agreed. The battle had been brief. Audin had stayed out of it since their so-called Wolf Bishop hadn¡¯t made a move, and Ragna hadn¡¯t pushed in too deep. At some point, Jaxon had also returned. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Neither army¡¯s commanders intended to end the fight in a single day. Before they had even finished regrouping, Graham, his face still pale, approached Enkrid, hurriedly tying a makeshift bandage to stop the bleeding. Kraiss, watching the scene, finally spoke. "We knew it wouldn¡¯t be over in one go. We¡¯ll end this in three battles. We only need to break their main force. After all, battlefields are decided by elite warriors." His voice lacked its usual confidence. Understandable. Kraiss believed in Enkrid¡¯s strength. Even if he couldn¡¯t end it with one decisive blow, he was sure Enkrid would ultimately win. But that wasn¡¯t what had happened. This first battle had been as good as a loss. Retreating into the fortress was the worst possible option¡ªso they had to end it here. And as quickly as possible. That meant three battles. If we endure, we lose. Behind the border guards, Azpen hadn¡¯t even drawn his sword yet. Fucking hell. Kraiss kept up his composed fa?ade but was already thinking about escape routes. It was time to consider retreat. Maybe through the escape tunnel? He had made some preparations, just in case. "The cultists just stood back and watched? They only threw a few wolf beasts at us?" Graham scanned the battlefield and held back the heavy infantry. If the enemy was conserving their strength, they had to do the same. If they exhausted themselves and got pushed back, they¡¯d be wiped out. If the battle among elites was close, then the rest would fall to the main infantry. And the heavy infantry would play a crucial role. "Right. No telling if they¡¯ll just watch again tomorrow." Kraiss said as he turned his gaze to Enkrid. As always, the commander was calm. His expression was composed. Damn it, this is exhausting. He couldn¡¯t just abandon him. Kraiss had been a merchant, a thief, even a pickpocket. But he had never turned his back on someone who had saved his life. That wasn¡¯t just about profession¡ªit was about character. Especially when survival only required a bit of effort. This wasn¡¯t something that demanded his life. "Next time, I¡¯ll cut him down myself." "He was fast." Ragna noted, and Enkrid, still composed, responded. "If that¡¯s all he has, then I¡¯ll just cut him down." Ragna¡¯s resolute words made Enkrid pause for a moment. He really was fast. His right arm was useless, and his left shin was a problem. His armor had blocked a hit, but his stomach was already bruised. His internal organs weren¡¯t damaged, but the pain was lingering. The Isolation Technique was a skill honed through endless repeated days. He had withstood this much only because of the strength he had built over time. A hit to his torso? That would heal after a good meal and a night of sleep. But his right arm? That was different. "For now, we rest and get through the night. Stay on alert for night raids. Keep the scouts moving!" Graham shouted. Tonight, the heavy infantry would be on guard duty. It had been a short battle, but they had suffered more casualties than ever before. The death toll had reached double digits. Enkrid was lost in thought. Kraiss watched him for a moment, then stepped forward. The torchlight behind him cast his shadow across Enkrid, stretching and wavering in the flickering light. They were inside a newly erected tent. Outside, the wild horse stood. Inside were Ragna, Audin, Dunbakel, Teresa, and Esther. Whhhhoooosh. A cold wind swept through the half-open tent, making the flames dance. Kraiss¡¯ shadow split into two before merging back into one. "Why?" Enkrid leaned back slightly. Kraiss had just finished wrapping his bandages. Kraiss swallowed and spoke. "Let¡¯s run." Chapter 289 To Kraiss, this was the most obvious conclusion. Why throw your life away in a battle with no chance of victory? Why fight here, fully prepared to die? Maybe if reinforcements were coming, it¡¯d be a different story. But looking at the situation logically, the chances of that were slim. Slim, but not nonexistent. If they wanted to see even the faintest glimmer of those reinforcements, they had to let go of certain things. Green Pearl. The Border Guard Fortress. They had watchtowers, freshly dug trenches, and other defenses. But if they got attacked from both sides, none of it would matter. What we have now is meaningless. Looking toward the future was sometimes the wiser choice. Endurance alone wasn¡¯t always the answer. Kraiss had already worked through these thoughts and reached his conclusion. So he said it. "Let¡¯s run." Enkrid looked at the wide-eyed man, considering him. His eyes seem fine this time. He didn¡¯t look like he was paralyzed by fear. Then was he asking without knowing what would happen if they fled? Enkrid expanded his vision, scanning the room. Everyone''s eyes were on him. Whatever decision he made, they would follow. That¡¯s how it looked. Even One-Eyed, who was lurking outside the tent, seemed ready to follow. Esther, of course, was beyond question. And if Rem, who was off somewhere sleeping like a log, returned to find him missing¡ªhe¡¯d hunt him down no matter what. Ragna? Even if they split up, got lost again and again, he¡¯d find his way back. Why? Who was he to them? What had they seen in him to follow him like this? He couldn''t force his will on them. He couldn¡¯t impose his own convictions on them. Enkrid simply couldn¡¯t do that. "You can go." That was his answer. Kraiss¡¯ face brightened, but he waited for what came next. "What about you?" Jaxon asked bluntly. That bastard always waited for the right moment to drop the honorifics. "I¡¯m not going." "Why not? Haven¡¯t we done enough?" Even Kraiss dropped formal speech. Enkrid didn¡¯t mind. Instead, he spoke. "If you sell your sword for gold, you¡¯re a mercenary." The others stared at him, waiting for the rest. They looked like they wanted to question him, but they held back. That silence made Enkrid realize something. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He had learned from them, but they had also learned from him. They were listening. Their ears were open. Even if they had ignored him, he would have said what he needed to. But if they were willing to listen¡ªwasn¡¯t that even better? "And I will be a knight." He swallowed. The thoughts he had carried, the beliefs he had once only vaguely clung to, had been honed and sharpened. They had become a pillar. Enkrid sat up slightly. Pain surged through his right arm and shin. It didn¡¯t matter. He could endure. It was far better than dying, at least. Constant pain was merely a reminder that he was alive, that he hadn¡¯t wasted another day. "You say that a lot." Jaxon muttered, throwing in a comment. Enkrid pulled his legs in, shifting to a more comfortable position. "If you don¡¯t sell your sword for gold, then you must sell it for duty and responsibility. And this is my duty. This is my responsibility." What is a knight? A protector. What must he protect? The legends, the myths, the ideals of the past¡ªthe knights who shone like the sun once said: Protect the weak. Uphold justice. Keep your oath. Which came first? Enkrid had already found his answer. Chivalry. Dying for a lady¡ªis that chivalry? If he had sworn an oath, then yes. If that was his chivalry, he would acknowledge it. But he would not sell his sword for mere gold. Nor would he become a butcher who killed for the pleasure of it. An intangible value. To protect what he believed in. To swear an oath and uphold it. People might call that foolish. But that was Enkrid¡¯s dream. The path he had chosen. He had died countless times, and yet he had never given up. That was why he hadn¡¯t settled for mere survival. If he ran now, how many people in the Border Guard would die? Children. Women. The elderly. The young. A massacre of at least three digits. Or maybe fewer. Or maybe more. The enemy included cultists. A horde of lunatics. Of course, even taking all that into account, retreating now would be the more efficient choice. Giving up now, only to take back what was lost later¡ªmaybe that was the better plan. But he wasn¡¯t going to do that. Enkrid¡¯s emotions didn¡¯t waver. This wasn¡¯t about feelings. He had decided. He would do as he had sworn. Behind him stood the Border Guard. And he had sworn to protect them. He wasn¡¯t a knight yet. But ever since the day he had sworn to live that way, he had kept his oath. He had lived that way. That was what it meant to be Enkrid. Kraiss¡¯ face turned pale again. His shoulders slumped. He clearly didn¡¯t like the answer. "This is foolish." "Agreed." Enkrid answered him, recalling a day from the past. *** Shhhhhh. ¡°The rain¡¯s coming down nasty.¡± The mercenary captain didn¡¯t particularly hate rainy days, but slogging through this sticky swamp for a job was starting to piss him off. At least they weren¡¯t trekking straight through the swamp itself. Instead, they were cutting through a small forest running alongside it. That was something. But it didn¡¯t make this any more pleasant. The damp forest near the swamp had a way of gifting long, wriggling bugs between the gaps of their armor, and the mosquitoes had no fear, biting at the mercenaries'' exposed hands as they walked. ¡°Fucking hell!¡± Smack! One of the mercenaries swatted at his hand, cursing. It was pouring¡ªwhere the hell were these mosquitoes even coming from? ¡°How much farther?!¡± A rough-looking mercenary shouted. The guide pushed back his rain-soaked black hair and answered. ¡°Almost there.¡± ¡°You¡¯ve been saying that for ages!¡± The captain approached. He was a hulking man with a brutal face, exuding raw intimidation. Yet, even as he stared him down, the guide¡¯s blue eyes remained calm. ¡°The rain¡¯s slowing us down.¡± ¡°Hah¡­ fine, whatever. Let¡¯s keep moving.¡± Thwack. The captain gave the guide a light smack on the back of the head, shaking his head. Then, he turned back to his men. ¡°Shut your damn mouths before I throw you into the swamp, you whiny bastards.¡± With a grunt, the captain swung his thick sword, slicing through a vine blocking their path. Snap! The severed vine fell away, clearing the way forward. His words were crude, but they kept the men from complaining further. The guide¡ªEnkrid¡ªwatched this and thought this was a decent mercenary company. The captain looked like a brute, but he took care of his men. And the mercenaries, despite their rough edges, at least had a code. They weren¡¯t the kind to stab a comrade, a friend, or a client in the back during a job. Without a keen sense for spotting people like this, a guide wouldn¡¯t last long. They¡¯d end up as nothing more than insect feed, or worse¡ªfertilizer for the trees. If you didn¡¯t want to die a dog¡¯s death on the road, you had to pick your company wisely. Seemed like he¡¯d chosen well this time. ¡°Why are we using him instead of a proper Pathfinder?¡± Did that guy know Enkrid could hear him? Or was he saying it on purpose? One of the mercenaries had sidled up behind the captain, muttering his question. Shhhhhh. Pitter-patter. Even through the sound of the rain, their voices carried. The trees above kept the worst of the downpour off of them. ¡°He¡¯s cheap.¡± ¡°¡­What?¡± ¡°I said, he¡¯s cheap. Not as skilled as a real Pathfinder, but he can fight.¡± A half-guide, half-combatant. For the price of a single guide, they got a soldier as well. The captain had done the math and decided Enkrid was cost-effective. Of course, the idiot mercenary didn¡¯t get it. ¡°Doesn¡¯t seem cheap to me. I¡¯ve met plenty of Pathfinders that cost less.¡± ¡°Any of them actually good at finding their way?¡± Another mercenary sneered. ¡°Want me to kill you? You little shit.¡± After that, the conversation devolved into dumb banter. Joking about killing each other. The kind of talk you¡¯d expect from rough mercenaries. Their job was in a small village nestled in the forest. There weren¡¯t many monsters or beasts in the area, making it a relatively safe place. A village surrounded by swamps should have had lizard colonies nearby. But apparently, some wandering swordsman had wiped them all out over a decade ago. Since then, whenever the lizards started showing up again, the village hired mercenaries to deal with them. A few gold coins a year kept them safe. Shhhhhh. Rain poured down, blurring his vision. His clothes and armor were soaked through. At this point, the gambeson he was wearing was ruined¡ªhe¡¯d have to toss it. Good thing he¡¯d worn a cheap one today. Not that it mattered much. If the rain let up, the insects would swarm, and the humidity was unbearable. Something about the trees here just trapped the damp air like a curse. It was a standard job¡ªclearing out lizards, reinforcing the village defenses. Enkrid had been stationed in this region for over half a year now, training while taking on odd jobs as a guide to survive. ¡°We¡¯ve arrived.¡± The village finally came into view. ¡°Welcome.¡± A middle-aged village chief greeted them. After that, they got to work. Clearing out lizards drawn by the scent of the swamp. Hanging strips of bark soaked in repellent around the perimeter. Driving stakes into the ground. It all seemed pointless. ¡°This is wisdom passed down from our ancestors.¡± The chief, however, believed in it with absolute certainty. There was always plenty of work to go around. Even if they¡¯d driven the lizards away for now, a few stragglers would always creep back in. And when that happened, they¡¯d need swords again. There weren¡¯t many in the village capable of fighting. Most of them had never seen a real battle. Since he had nothing better to do after guiding them here, Enkrid spent his usual time practicing his swordplay in an empty clearing. ¡°Hey, mister.¡± A small voice called out. A kid¡ªbig, bright eyes, pale skin. Maybe twelve years old. Enkrid didn¡¯t underestimate people just because they were small¡ªhe¡¯d once been beaten by someone about this size. But this one didn¡¯t seem like a fighter. ¡°Why do you train so hard?¡± A familiar conversation followed. A few pointless words. A kid¡ªspecifically, a girl¡ªwho kept seeking him out. That¡¯s how Enkrid found himself befriending a little brat. ¡°I¡¯m leaving the village in three years.¡± ¡°What, to die a dog¡¯s death on the road?¡± Calling that a dream? She had guts. Where was a kid like her planning on going alone? ¡°No, you idiot! That¡¯s not what I meant! You saw that herb that repels the lizards, right? You think this swamp is the only place with something like that? The plants that grow here are different.¡± The village¡¯s main source of income was herbs. ¡°So you are planning to get yourself killed.¡± ¡°Argh, shut up!¡± What exactly did she think she was going to do? ¡°I¡¯m going to find an amazing herb. And I won¡¯t go alone! I¡¯ll join up with a mercenary band when the time comes!¡± She called it a dream. Finding an unknown plant and making it into a miracle cure. Enkrid didn¡¯t mock other people¡¯s dreams. But he did worry. ¡°So, what? You are planning to die for it.¡± ¡°Ugh, shut up!¡± They weren¡¯t that close. It was just a way to pass the time between training sessions. Maybe she saw it the same way. Among all the mercenaries passing through, most of them had rough faces. But there was one guy who just kept to himself, practicing in the corner. She had talked to him, and it turned out he wasn¡¯t the worst company. That was it. The mercenary job stretched on for over a month, and they kept having these meaningless little conversations. ¡°Is being a guide your dream?¡± ¡°No. A knight.¡± ¡°A knight? Like the Nightmare of the Battlefield?¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± ¡°¡­You know, you could just collect herbs with me instead. No one would stop you.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s not talk.¡± ¡°No, really. I respect your dream. Totally. I mean it.¡± ¡°Look me in the eyes when you say that.¡± ¡°¡­Huh? What did you say?¡± ¡°Are you pretending not to hear me?¡± She was a ridiculous kid. And disaster always came without warning. ¡°Look, fighting here¡ªwhat do either of us gain from that? I¡¯ll be blunt. You got paid, right? Then leave. You weren¡¯t hired for this.¡± Enkrid had thought the mercenary captain was a decent man. For a mercenary captain, anyway. Then fifty bandits showed up. Talking nonsense about some hidden treasure buried in the swamp. The captain had a decision to make. And the villagers had no choice but to despair. Chapter 290 "Commission! I''ll hire you!" The rain had stopped, but the damp air remained. Every morning, waking up was unpleasant due to the sticky, heavy sweat clinging to the body. By midday, the discomfort only worsened. As the sun reached its peak, the humidity thickened, mixing with the subtle heat that seeped into everything. Under the muggy midday sunlight, drenched in sweat and heavy, oppressive air, the village chief shouted in desperation. "I''ll pay whatever you want!" The bandit leader scoffed, letting out a derisive laugh. His expression clearly said: "Go ahead, try it." When the mercenary captain remained silent, the village chief''s face twisted. He looked like he was about to cry. "Please..." A few of the tense villagers gazed at the mercenaries with pleading eyes. But still, no answer came. The captain let out a short hum. "Not accepting?" Enkrid''s gaze also turned toward him. Their original contract had ended that morning. The mercenaries were free to leave. At that moment, however, a sharp-eyed mercenary noticed movement and caught a scouting bandit. There was no need for interrogation¡ªthe bandit immediately spilled everything, revealing their numbers and location. They weren¡¯t infamous bandits, but they had numbers on their side. More than a hundred of them. Even if all the villagers and mercenaries combined their forces, they barely had thirty fighters at best. That was more than double their numbers. The mercenary captain hesitated. "Mercenaries sell their swords for gold. We don¡¯t fight without a contract. This isn¡¯t a commission¡ªit¡¯s a plea for rescue. And we don¡¯t have that kind of honor." By mercenary standards, he was a man of principle. And as their leader, his decision was reasonable. There was no reason to risk their lives. "Wise choice." The bandit leader let out a sigh of relief. How could he not? If the mercenaries had decided to fight, his gang would have taken heavy losses. No matter how skilled they were, at least ten of his men would die. Maybe even twenty. That mercenary captain didn¡¯t look like an easy opponent either. Even if they won, the damage would be severe. If not for their scout getting caught, they would have waited for the mercenaries to leave before making their move. "Let him go." At the captain¡¯s command, one of his mercenaries untied the captured bandit. "This is madness!" "They¡¯ll kill us all!" Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Please!" "Why?!" "We¡¯ll give you everything! We have jewels too!" The villagers cried out in despair. One of them even tried to grab the mercenary¡¯s leg, but it was pointless. Thud! "Step any closer, and I¡¯ll cut you down." One of the mercenaries spoke in a chilling tone, his grip on his sword firm. There was no hesitation in his words¡ªif they pushed further, he would kill them without a second thought. In truth, the fact that the mercenaries weren¡¯t siding with the bandits and splitting the village¡¯s wealth among themselves was already a form of mercy. The captain was a practical man. "Enough. If you step forward, we¡¯ll draw our weapons too. Back away." He quickly took control of the situation. The mercenaries moved to one side. The bandits stood and watched from the other. Enkrid stood caught in the middle. As a member of the mercenary group, he could just walk away. That was the logical choice. But when his gaze shifted absentmindedly, a certain reckless little girl entered his line of sight. A girl who, in three years, planned to leave the village and become an herb gatherer¡ªcompletely out of her mind. "Let¡¯s go, mister." What a fearless child. Instead of pleading for her life, she was calmly assessing the situation. And amidst it all, she even flicked her hand at him, gesturing for him to follow. That wasn¡¯t the face of someone who had given up. She was already thinking of a way to escape. Enkrid had fought plenty of bandits before. He had more than enough experience. So he knew. They were all going to die. No amount of effort would change that. So should he stand back and let it happen? Should he turn away too? Should he abandon what he swore to protect? What did it mean to be a knight? "What was it that I wanted?" If he turned his back here¡ªif he ignored this¡ª Then he would never be able to do anything. How many times before had he stood by, telling himself he wasn¡¯t strong enough to change things? Was he going to do the same thing again? He didn¡¯t know. In the past, he had turned away. He had closed his eyes to things he knew he should have stopped. So why did this moment weigh so heavily on his heart? "Hey, let¡¯s go." A mercenary tapped him on the shoulder. He was a rough-looking man, but a good one. The kind who helped the villagers with small tasks during their stay. But he didn¡¯t hesitate to turn away. That was the reality of being a swordsman in this land. Only fools went looking for death. And those who stood their ground even knowing they would die? They were the biggest idiots of all. Especially if they did it for some ridiculous sense of justice rather than a bag of gold. "They¡¯ll say I¡¯m insane." He already knew. But even so, he couldn¡¯t walk away. If he stepped back here, if he ignored something like this¡ªhe would never be able to move forward again. That¡¯s what he felt. "Hey." Had he only survived this long because fate took pity on him? But he had never been kissed by Lady Luck, had he? If she was going to help, she might as well give him a full blessing. What a ridiculous thought. Drip. Drip. Whoosh¡ª The rain started pouring down again. "Enki, you bastard." The mercenary captain cursed. And what he said next stayed in Enkrid¡¯s mind for a long time. "They won¡¯t kill them. Even if we leave them, they won¡¯t die. Why the hell would they? What do you get from killing them? Are you a freak? They won¡¯t kill them. At worst, they¡¯ll sell them to slavers. And that would be better than dying, wouldn¡¯t it?" Life in a swamp village wasn¡¯t exactly abundant. But saying slavery was better? That was different. "I was going to take you into our group, you idiot." The captain pulled back. There was no choice. He wasn¡¯t about to beat some sense into him just to drag him along. That was none of his business. And besides, Enkrid wasn¡¯t some extraordinary talent¡ªjust a swordsman with a bit of skill. Just another fool. A fool who couldn¡¯t see a step ahead of him. "Why?" The village chief¡¯s voice was filled with disbelief. More than gratitude, it was shock. "Do you see that third guy from the left over there?" "Hm? Yeah, I see him." "He¡¯s my enemy." In truth, Enkrid had never seen him before in his life. At the word enemy, the bandit blinked in confusion. He studied Enkrid¡¯s face. A guy who looked like that? He would¡¯ve remembered if they had met before. "Wait... are you from that mining village?" Enkrid had no idea what he meant, but he nodded anyway. "Shit. You mean someone actually survived from there?" Seemed like these bastards had been terrorizing other places too. In that case, he could kill them all. Though, he might die before that. But at the very least, he had already made up his mind. "Really?" The village chief leaned in and whispered in Enkrid¡¯s ear. "A joke. A fake reason." "...Are you insane?" Enkrid let out a dry chuckle. Since he had already decided to fight, did the reason even matter? The village chief was so dumbfounded that he didn¡¯t even think to stop the departing mercenaries. "That bastard is not our responsibility," the mercenary captain said. "Is he really staying behind alone?" the bandit leader asked. The mercenaries left. But two of them hesitated, stopping in their tracks. "For fuck¡¯s sake, what is wrong with you?" "Ger?" "I''m staying. I can''t just walk away while that idiot is throwing his life away. If things go south, I¡¯ll at least try to drag him out of here." "You bastard, if anyone¡¯s staying, it should be me." "Pete, you too?" "He¡¯s like a little brother to me. I can¡¯t just ignore this." The captain¡¯s brows furrowed. Deep down, he also wanted to stay. But if he did, the entire mercenary group would be slaughtered. "This is the end of it," the captain declared. "If anyone else stays, they can consider themselves out of the company." That was it. Ger and Pete¡ªtwo mercenaries stayed behind. "I''m actually older than you," Enkrid said to Pete. The rough-faced, thick-browed mercenary, who had a soft spot for kids, grinned. "Looking at your face, I¡¯d say I¡¯m the older one." Enkrid burst out laughing. It had only been about a month since they met, but these two mercenaries just couldn¡¯t bring themselves to walk away. Then, Enkrid unsheathed his sword and stepped forward to block the bandits. "Mister, are you insane?" Being sold into slavery would be the best-case scenario. But seeing the way some of these bastards had been eyeing the children with sick, perverse looks, she wouldn¡¯t have a good future either. Ger scoffed and threw a glance at the girl. "Fell for him, kid? It¡¯s polite to watch when men fight." "What nonsense," she muttered, paying no attention to him. "Halfway," Enkrid replied to her question, raising his sword. It was a crazy decision. What would he gain from saving these people? Nothing. Would he get a medal for this? Not a chance. The nobles of the kingdom didn¡¯t even know this place existed. They were too busy filling their own pockets. Enkrid knew nobles. If the village sent a request for help to the nearest lord, what would happen? Even if they were lucky enough to have a virtuous noble willing to listen, by the time the request was considered, the villagers would already be sold, dead, or maimed. And the lord of this region? He wouldn¡¯t send his soldiers to hunt down some nameless bandits. Conclusion: If they were left alone, they would all die. And no one else was going to stand up for them. "That one could be sold too. Pretty enough," the bandit leader mused. Enkrid lunged. Using every trick he had, he cut down three men before taking a club to the head, staggering. Ger and Pete fought like madmen. Ger swung his axe with brute force, while Pete stabbed his long spear, puncturing several bandits in quick succession. "If you don¡¯t want to get caught, then fight for your lives!" The village chief let out a fierce war cry. An axe flew through the air. It buried itself in his skull, killing him instantly. But the villagers fought. Some grabbed weapons. They swung long fire pokers and raised woodcutting axes. "Throw!" The reckless little girl, who dreamed of becoming an herbalist, took action too. With the younger children, she picked up stones and hurled them at the bandits. It felt like they had a chance. Maybe if luck was on their side, an escape route would open. Maybe the mercenary captain would change his mind and come back for a surprise attack. That didn¡¯t happen. "Fire." Whizz! Arrows rained down. Pete died instantly. One arrow pierced straight through his throat. "Ghrrkk¡­" He didn¡¯t even have time for final words. Ger and Pete knew they would die. But they had hoped for a different outcome. Ger had even come up with a plan. If an opening presented itself, he would take the bandit leader hostage. One-on-one, Ger had never lost in the mercenary company. It seemed plausible. Pete was fast, nimble, darting across the battlefield like lightning. The plan was simple: one of them would create chaos while the other grabbed the leader. It failed. The bandit leader was stronger than expected. When Ger rushed in, axe raised, the leader calmly met his strike with a single sword. Clang! Sparks flew, and Ger¡¯s face twisted. The bastard was far stronger than he had anticipated. "Shit." Ger despaired. Pete had held out for as long as he could before an arrow pierced his neck, killing him first. Hope vanished instantly. "You bastards!" With one last desperate charge, Ger rushed forward. "Not so fast." The bandit leader remained composed. Without excitement, he signaled his men. They didn¡¯t let Ger escape. They didn¡¯t break their formation. No one was allowed to flee. In the end, it ended the only way it could. The bandit leader¡¯s sword sliced clean through Ger¡¯s neck. "Did you really think you could win?" Enkrid fought until the very end. But in the chaos, the bandit leader¡¯s hands wrapped around his throat, squeezing. At some point, his sword had slipped from his grasp, falling into the mud. Then, he noticed something. Among the fallen bodies, the reckless little girl lay motionless. Her skull had been smashed open. Blood pooled around her. "She¡¯s dead too." Enkrid didn¡¯t even realize he had spoken aloud. The bandit leader followed his gaze and replied indifferently. "She was a feisty one. Kept biting, even when we just tried to grab her." His voice was casual, emotionless. This was the kind of world they lived in. This was normal. Chapter 291 "I don¡¯t think you fought because you wanted to die." The bandit leader¡¯s voice rang out. At first, Enkrid wasn¡¯t sure what he was saying. Then he realized¡ªit was an offer. The bastard was trying to recruit him. Join the bandits, rob with them. Oh, and also warm his bed at night? He wasn¡¯t sure. Enkrid¡¯s thoughts were fading in and out. Especially this part of his memory¡ªit was even more fragmented. All he could see were a bunch of rabid mutts in front of him. A pack of filthy, heat-driven dogs. They were snickering among themselves, their grins stretching unnaturally wide, mouths ripping open from ear to ear. His vision blurred. The mutt of a bandit leader flicked his tongue as he drew closer. They had already subdued him. At this point, he should be thinking about tomorrow. So long as he didn¡¯t die, tomorrow would come. Another chance would come. But then, in that moment, he saw the child''s corpse again. He heard the bandit leader¡¯s words. He wasn¡¯t sure what else the bastard had said after that. Because the last thing Enkrid remembered¡ª ¡ªwas that mutt stripping the dead child of her clothes. Why is he taking off her clothes? Hoo. A Valen-style mercenary knife. A blade without a handle. Enkrid was clutching the steel itself, his palm split open, blood spilling freely. But no one realized that the blood was from the weapon in his hand. Then he struck. Thrust. He drove it deep. Twist. The blade wrenched inside flesh. Smash! The bandit leader¡¯s fist struck him square in the face. Enkrid¡¯s body lifted off the ground, flung sideways. He hit the earth shoulder-first. His joint twisted, and his left arm went limp. Still, he raised his head. The bandit leader stood clutching his gut with one hand. The grotesque dog¡¯s head was gone. Only his real face remained. "You son of a bitch¡­ if you want to die that badly, then fine. Die." "Ger. Now." Enkrid¡¯s tongue weaved a spell. He spoke as if Ger was alive, as if he was swinging his axe right behind the bandit leader. The man flinched in panic, rolling forward to dodge. But of course, Ger was dead. The only way he¡¯d be fighting now was if he had turned undead¡ªa skeleton soldier or a zombie. The thought made Enkrid chuckle. The bandit leader¡¯s eyes darkened with rage. His hurried movement had worsened his wound. Blood gushed down his stomach. "You won¡¯t die easy," the man growled. Well, Enkrid hadn¡¯t exactly lived an easy life either. So maybe this was fitting. He was indifferent now. He had done everything he could. If anyone approached, he would bite. That was all that was left. This feeling¡­ It felt like a twisted, rotten joke. Like a sick fucking joke. A child with a dream of becoming an herbalist¡ªdead because he couldn¡¯t protect her. Two comrades¡ªdead because they stood by his side. Villagers¡ªdead because they tried to fight back. And he himself¡ªsoon to be dead. "What the hell was he even relying on?" One of the bandits scoffed. "I have no faith," Enkrid replied, as casually as ever. The bandit leader and his men exchanged glances, convinced now that he was completely insane. Who says something like that at a time like this? He had to have been dropped on his head as a child. Then¡ª Thud. A sudden sound. A severed head flew. Blood sprayed. A body collapsed, headless. It was the bastard who had been stripping the child¡¯s corpse. Slash. Thud. Thwip. The two standing beside him¡ªperhaps waiting for their turn¡ªlost their heads next. It was too fast to see. "What the fuck?!" Mercenaries? No, even if they had returned, this wasn¡¯t something they could have done. This didn¡¯t make any sense. It was like a gust of wind had swept through, cleanly decapitating them. That¡¯s how fast it was. Then, the one who caused it finally spoke. They were already standing among the bandits, staring at them. Their entire face was covered with a hood, only their eyes barely visible. But Enkrid knew¡ª That was a woman disguised as a man. Of course, that didn¡¯t matter in the slightest. "You guys are the ones who messed with my camp, right?" She carried a longsword slung over her shoulder. Dressed in black leather armor, she had a lean, agile frame. But despite her build, her swordsmanship was nothing short of monstrous. Cutting off a human head in one stroke wasn¡¯t easy. Even now, out of all the bandits that had fallen, only a few had died with a single clean cut. But she had taken down three burly bandits like it was nothing. "It was you, wasn¡¯t it?" She murmured something incomprehensible. Her sword moved. Bodies dropped. Enkrid swallowed the blood pooling in his mouth. His breathing was ragged. His lungs had been damaged. But he wasn¡¯t going to die from it. He had been beaten enough times to know what kind of injuries were fatal. This wasn¡¯t one of them. Ignoring the pain, he watched the swordswoman move. "Kill her! Archers!" Ping! Arrows shot toward her. They missed. Or rather¡ª They were never going to hit in the first place. Her movements were invisible. Between the falling raindrops, the true reaper of the village arrived. Not to save them. Not to avenge them. She just cut down the people that annoyed her. "You¡¯re making this big of a fuss over losing one stupid rabbit?" The bandit leader screamed in frustration. The woman answered with her sword. She cut him down. "You pests should have known better than to mess with the wrong person." There was no hesitation in her blade. No mercy. She sliced through them as easily as she breathed. Enkrid watched. He saw the remaining bandits flee. Then he lost consciousness. ¡ª¡ª Drifting in and out, he vaguely recalled something. A voice. "Blond, red eyes, about this tall, looks kind of lazy¡ªdo you know him?" Half-conscious, he blinked up at her. Their eyes met. She shrugged. "If not, forget it." Later, he heard that she took a few gold coins from the surviving villagers before leaving. Not as a payment for saving them. She had been offered the money, so she took it. She didn¡¯t care about what she had done. She hadn¡¯t saved or protected them. She had just cut down what was in her way. That was all. ¡ª¡ª After he recovered, Enkrid helped the villagers bury the dead. Ger and Pete were buried. The child was buried. "Why did you do it?" The dead child seemed to ask. Alone among the graves, Enkrid answered without emotion. When he returned, people called him the guy who got his comrades killed. He gained nothing. He saved nothing. It was a fight with no reward. But it was a fight he couldn¡¯t walk away from. *** "You did it just to be difficult." "Huh?" "Because their actions disgusted you. Because you wanted to hit them. Because running away would¡¯ve felt like losing. Ah, now that¡ªI couldn¡¯t stand." His voice was monotonous, devoid of emotion. Flat, unchanging, and indifferent. "Seriously?" "Yeah. Seriously." "And you say that with a straight face?" "I¡¯m the type of man who burns with a cold flame." "Oh, sure. Whatever you say." Kraiss gave up. If Enkrid had been the type to listen to reason, they wouldn¡¯t have made it this far. Enkrid stood up. It had been a while since he¡¯d thought about that day. "I won¡¯t tell you to run away, so just tell me. Why?" Strangely enough, it was the same question the little girl had whispered to him from her grave. "Because I wanted to." The same answer he had given back then. What is a knight? They were the ones who upheld their oaths. Enkrid had grown up listening to poetry, dreaming of the stories he heard. That dream had led him here. To him, a knight was someone who upheld their oath and never betrayed their own heart. He had been faced with these kinds of choices many times. Whether by the favor of Lady Luck or sheer stubbornness, he had always managed to survive. And somewhere along the way, he had received a charm from a village of slash-and-burn farmers¡ªone that made him relive the same day over and over again. Fate is a funny thing. So he would keep doing what he had to do. He would follow his heart, as he had sworn to. "So, in the end, you''re staying to protect them?" Kraiss sighed. "If you back out now, the people of Border Guard will suffer. People will die, the cultists will cause havoc¡ªit''s going to be a disaster. That¡¯s why you¡¯re doing this, isn¡¯t it?" "No, I just don¡¯t like how they look." "Oh, come on! Just admit it¡ªyou¡¯re trying to protect them!" "You keep speaking informally." "Ugh, fine. Whatever. Let¡¯s just say I lost this argument." Kraiss gave up completely. Enkrid chuckled. Yes. He wanted to protect them. Wasn¡¯t that his duty? His responsibility? If he couldn¡¯t even protect the people behind him, then what was he swinging his sword for? What could he hope to protect in the future? If he couldn¡¯t even take responsibility for those at his back, then he could do nothing. That was his oath. "May the Lord¡¯s blessing be with you." Audin prayed without a smile. Ragna silently polished and oiled his sword. Jaxon had slipped away at some point. Teresa and Dunbakel had nothing to say. Esther, of course, was indifferent. The leopard barely paid attention, as if it had no interest in their discussion. "Oh, come on. Is everyone insane?" Only Kraiss muttered to himself, but none of them looked like they planned on leaving. Night passed. Enkrid determined that his right arm was unusable for the time being. He could move it in an emergency, but for now, it was best left alone. His shin wound wasn¡¯t as bad. As long as I don¡¯t move too much, it should be fine. Late at night, Audin approached him. "Shall I heal you?" Enkrid was sharp. Luck had saved him plenty of times, but so had his instincts. He understood well enough what would happen if Audin used his divine power. And more than anything, he knew Audin didn¡¯t want to. Was it really worth forcing him, just to heal his arm a little faster? Should he make a devoted soldier like him sacrifice something for that? "No need." He pushed Audin away. The man simply smiled again. That night, they held a strategy meeting. There was much to do. "We need to force them to reveal their hand first. Hold out another day, and strike on the third." Graham nodded. He was thinking about when to deploy the heavy infantry. Kraiss, meanwhile, considered every worst-case scenario and broke them down one by one. He barely slept. By morning, the dark circles under his eyes were worse than ever. "Staying up all night is terrible for your skin," he muttered. Despite his complaints, he kept thinking. At dawn, the battle resumed. "Kill them all!" Lykanos didn¡¯t step onto the battlefield¡ªhe only gave the order. "We have to hold out. Intact." Kraiss gave the command. Enkrid followed his instincts, moving to where he was needed¡ªat the front. The very front. He held his sword in his left hand. "Hold the line!" Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "What doesn¡¯t kill me¡ª!" "Makes me stronger tomorrow!" The distorted rallying cry found its way back to its original form. Before the battle had even properly begun, a squad of spear-wielding skirmishers lunged for Enkrid. Lykanos simply watched. His one remaining eye gleamed, but Enkrid paid him no attention. Once again, he barely survived. He didn¡¯t die. But he couldn¡¯t push forward either. Because Enkrid endured, his allies'' morale soared. The Mad Platoon wouldn¡¯t stop just because of a few injuries. Especially since his unit hadn¡¯t even entered the battlefield yet. Both sides were still holding back their trump cards. "Kill them alllllll!" "Goddamn it!" Between battle cries and curses, the soldiers fought. Enkrid survived again¡ªbut took three cuts to the stomach. It was intentional. Fighting one-handed made his movements clumsy. But he trusted the armor he had obtained from the Tomb of the Explorer. Tap. Tap. He patted his stomach and grinned. "Solid." Another insane remark. Kraiss sighed deeply and endured another day of madness. The next morning. "Did you really have to go that far?" His face, arms, and torso were covered in shallow cuts. Scars from the previous day¡¯s battle. It wasn¡¯t a big deal¡ªjust some minor wounds. They¡¯d heal with a bit of spit. But Kraiss wasn¡¯t happy about it. "You let them hit you on purpose, didn¡¯t you?" Enkrid had traded his stomach wounds for two enemy throats. One with the Serpent Fang dagger, the other with a downward slash. "Forget it." When the next battle started, Enkrid saw something he hadn¡¯t expected. A child. A small, trembling child stood at the front of the enemy lines. Not just close to the enemy. Not hidden behind them. Right in front. Standing there as if asking to be shot by an arrow. Not bandits. Not Tarhnin¡¯s forces. Not cultists. A familiar face. A child from Border Guard. A child who was supposed to be protected. "Here¡¯s a present for you, bastard!" Lykanos shouted from the back. There was no real excitement in his voice. It was just a petty trick, meant to lower their morale. "Venzance." Enkrid didn¡¯t need to explain. Venzance understood immediately. "Hold your fire!" Venzance''s command stopped the archers. Even the enemy archers didn¡¯t release their arrows. The child ran. Her legs trembled, but she kept running. Enkrid stepped forward. If an arrow flew at her back, he would deflect it. A round shield was already strapped to his left arm. And the moment she reached him¡ª A burst of light erupted from her stomach. And then¡ª "Did you really have to go that far?" Kraiss¡¯s voice. Enkrid opened his eyes. The day had restarted. Chapter 292 "What the hell is up with that guy?" S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Lykanos had heard the name Enkrid and had a general grasp of his abilities. Or at least, he thought he did. That was why he had pulled out his hidden trump card. It was supposed to be an unwinnable fight. And yet, Enkrid survived. He had only managed to disable one of his arms¡ªdidn¡¯t even cut it off, just made it useless for a while. "Hah." Lykanos was stunned. It was the first time he had drawn his blade and failed to accomplish his goal. A Ki Blade¡ªone of only two in existence. A strike based purely on speed. A hidden blade inside a mace. And this bastard, who wasn¡¯t even a knight, had managed to dodge it? And even that wasn¡¯t the end of it. Even after losing an eye, Lykanos had given a hand signal. Just in case. The second hidden blade. "Kill him." His personally trained unit charged in. And yet, they still failed to kill him. "Lost an eye, too." Half his world was now in darkness. He had crushed herbs and smeared them over his wound, but that did nothing for the pain. It hurt like hell. Unless a high-ranking cleric miraculously appeared, becoming one-eyed was now a certainty. And that pissed him off. Failure and injury. Two misfortunes stacked on top of each other. His irritation flared¡ª "Shit, what a fucking mess. Hah." ¡ªbut with a single curse and a deep breath, Lykanos controlled his emotions. "Have they moved yet?" He asked. "Yes." Came the immediate response. Lykanos recalled the orders he had given. There was no use getting worked up. Just because his hidden technique and elite unit had failed didn¡¯t mean he was out of options. Lykanos wasn¡¯t a genius strategist. He was a survivor. But during his years of surviving, he had learned one simple truth. Every human has a weakness. No one was without flaws. Even the greatest geniuses had gaps in their defenses. How do you find them? You poke. Try everything. Use any means necessary. Keep prodding until something works. Because no matter how skilled someone was, a blade to the flesh would still cut them. Even knights could bleed. A single mistake, a moment of carelessness, and steel would pierce flesh, rip through muscle, and tear into their guts. "Press him. Do whatever it takes¡ªfind out what makes him tick." Even before this battle, the Black Blade had been gathering intelligence. The thieves'' guild embedded in the kingdom worked in the shadows, meticulously unearthing information. They had eliminated Marcus, pulled Azpen into their ranks, aligned themselves with the cultists, and pried into every so-called elite warrior of Border Guard. That included Enkrid. "Being good with a sword isn¡¯t everything." At first, they had tried to recruit him. The Black Blade could offer anything. Women, gold, power. A proper taming¡ªjust like they had done with so many others. But he hadn¡¯t even listened. Not even remotely interested. "Not working?" What kind of freak was this guy? If bribery didn¡¯t work, then fine. They would just eliminate him. That was the easiest method. After all, slipping a blade into his gut was hardly a challenge. But that had also failed. "Even that didn¡¯t work?" Assassination. Poison. Persuasion. Everything had failed. Did that mean he had no weaknesses? The leader of the Black Blade personally took charge. He analyzed Enkrid¡¯s past, his current actions, his emotions, his oddities¡ªeverything. Then he constructed a psychological profile and handed it to Lykanos. "What the fuck?!" Lykanos was baffled. This bastard was a romantic. A swordsman who raised his blade to protect people. An absolute lunatic. No wonder he had earned the nickname Madman. Even Swiftblade¡¯s final words confirmed it. All it had taken was a few coins to get the right people talking. The streets were full of eager mouths willing to sell their stories to a bard. "So, he surrendered just because they took some hostages?" Was it confidence in his own skill? Or had he actually done it to save them? After all the digging, all the effort¡ªthis was the answer. And so, Lykanos had a simple thought. "Will this work?" He wasn¡¯t sure. It was just a guess. He didn¡¯t think it was the perfect solution. If his sword had done the job, or if his men had killed Enkrid, he never would have resorted to this. It wasn¡¯t complicated. They infiltrated Border Guard, snatched a few children, wrapped their bodies in scrolls, and sent them back. The scrolls contained explosive spells. It was a strategy from a long-dead kingdom. A devastating technique, but with a severe drawback¡ªit only worked at close range. If the caster was nearby, they would also be killed. Even the mage who created it had called it a failure. A spell so flawed that if the user didn¡¯t protect themselves properly before casting, they would die first. But what if the caster¡¯s life didn¡¯t matter? What if the spell was written onto scrolls and wrapped around a hostage? What if someone else triggered them? It was a labor-intensive strategy. Resource-intensive, too. Highly inefficient. But the battlefield wasn¡¯t always won by efficiency. Sometimes, a single elite group could change everything. Even if they couldn¡¯t kill them, simply stalling them would be enough. That was the purpose of this tactic. Lykanos didn¡¯t waste time wondering if it would work. He simply did it. Sometimes, acting was more important than thinking. And this was one of those times. So he revived a dead kingdom¡¯s forbidden tactic. "Will this really work?" One of his men voiced his doubts. Would a few random children really have an impact? In a world where people valued their own lives above all else¡ªwhere most wouldn¡¯t care even if their own mother was killed¡ªwhy would this matter? Would Enkrid even recognize the kid? There were plenty of brats running around Border Guard. "Should I wrap you in a scroll and send you instead?" Lykanos bared his teeth, revealing green herbal residue dripping from his lips. It was an eerie sight. The man immediately shut up and moved. "Fucking idiot." Lykanos despised cowardly subordinates. Winning by any means necessary¡ªthat was what mattered. Poke and prod until an opening appeared. That was how the Black Blade operated. That night, a group of thieves infiltrated Border Guard. Some of them were caught¡ªbeaten to death or forced to flee. But one of them managed to snatch a child. Barely. When Lykanos heard that, he felt an ache in the back of his head. "Are these idiots really from the Black Blade?" Of course, for the kidnapped child, this was a nightmare. But would it actually shake the battlefield? Would it matter? Probably not. A mother would grieve. But deep down, even she would accept that her child was never coming back. That was the world they lived in. "Shit. Will this really work?" Even his subordinates doubted it as they wrapped the child in the scrolls. A robed mage muttered something ominous in the background, his eyes sunken and hollow. His words were incomprehensible. He was a foul creature. "Preparations are complete." "Send it." The old magician, his nose covered in black warts, gave the command. The child was shoved forward. "P-please¡­ s-spare me¡­" Tears and snot ran down the child¡¯s face. A bandit pulled out a dagger. He lightly traced it across the kid¡¯s cheek. A thin line of blood appeared. "If you don¡¯t want to die, do exactly as we say." The child¡¯s legs shook. But they ran. Without crying. Without screaming. Biting down hard, dragging their trembling legs forward. Viscount Tarhnin barely spared a glance. What was one dead child? Even if it had been one of his own people, he wouldn¡¯t have cared. A Border Guard brat? A rebel spawn? If sacrificing a few kids could win him this war¡ª And make him a Grand Lord¡ª Then he would gladly force that sacrifice. A vague desire, an urge on the brink of becoming reality. His heart roiled. That was why joining hands with a band of thieves was nothing to him. Whether they wrapped the child''s body in scrolls or laced them with iron thorns, it wasn''t his concern. Even if they were to place a crown of thorns upon the child¡¯s head, it would have been the same. "Go." The thief urged. The child stepped forward. They walked past the range of arrows, heading straight into enemy territory. Trembling, yet pressing forward. Running, even. Towards the land they once called home. No arrows struck the child. No one blocked their path. Instead, someone stepped forward. It didn¡¯t matter who. The mage had tethered his spell world to the scroll wrapped around the child¡¯s body. A single mistake, and his spell world would suffer severe damage. That alone made it a dangerous act. Even in success, his spell world would be scarred. That made it reckless. But that was why it would work. What kind of lunatic mage would attempt something like this? Only one old and decrepit, one who had long abandoned the pursuit of magic in favor of greed, a man who had become nothing more than a tool for a band of thieves. "Detonate." The mage muttered. The ferryman¡¯s eyes came into view. He shook his violet lamp and spoke. That voice still burrowed into his skull. "Are you enjoying this?" Enkrid hadn¡¯t yet grasped what had happened. He had only realized that he had died. Facing the dreamlike existence before him, he spoke. "It¡¯s been a while." His greeting was cordial, but the ferryman showed no emotion. His voice remained indifferent. "You will not enjoy this." The black river receded as his eyes opened, and once more, the day repeated itself. "Are we seriously doing this?" Kraiss¡¯s voice reached him as he sat up and ate his morning meal. He ate well, ensuring his body was in the best possible condition. The injuries remained. He would have to endure another day in this state. He recalled the final moments. The Black Blades had kidnapped the child. They had placed something in the child''s hands. No, not just in their hands¡ªthey had wrapped it around them. He had at least pinpointed the origin of the light. "A scroll?" That had to be it. Nothing else made sense. Right before the child''s body exploded, an ominous premonition struck his mind like a hammer. Light. Flickering. The searing pain of fire consuming his entire being. Flesh splitting apart, shredded into pieces. He had felt this dread before. A trap woven from magic, something he had encountered when he first awakened his sixth sense. This time, however, he wouldn¡¯t be able to avoid it. It was barreling toward him, inevitable. Ridiculous. And if he just dodged it? What about the child? What if they were shot down before reaching him? Yet someone had gone to the trouble of using a scroll for this¡ªan expensive scroll at that. They had infiltrated the border guard, kidnapped a child? None of this had been easy. "This is absurd." "What?" "Nothing." "I''m the one who''s actually baffled here." Kraiss sighed. "Right. Sure." Enkrid ignored him, running the scenario through his head. It was absurd. And yet, Enkrid had no intention of turning away. A solution. If a problem was placed before him, he would face it head-on. He would push through. Just as he always had. Enkrid deliberately focused his thoughts in one direction. How to endure the explosion, how to overcome it, how to surpass it. And, if possible, how to save the child as well. How could he do it? He was used to repeating the same day. The first thought that came to mind was Esther. Magic was the realization of the mystical. That scroll had to be a spell. If he had Esther, half the problem would be solved. The issue was that she had to be in human form to use magic. She had said so herself. Enkrid¡¯s gaze dropped to his side. A lake panther lay curled up on the floor, resting peacefully. He placed his hand on her back, stroking her lightly. She let out a pleased purr. "Hasn¡¯t it been about time for you to turn human?" Running his hand over Esther¡¯s head and down her back, Enkrid spoke. "Turn into a human. Poof." He was only half-serious. It wasn¡¯t like he expected anything to happen. But apparently, everyone else had heard him, because all eyes turned in his direction. Dunbakel approached and placed a hand on his forehead, muttering to herself. "...Is he running a fever?" Kraiss, who had been watching, quietly shook his head. "Gods help me. I''ve lost my mind." And then he sighed. Esther merely looked up at him, her eyes half-lidded in drowsy amusement. What are you doing? That¡¯s what she seemed to be asking. "Never mind." Enkrid pressed down on her head again. She lowered it, nestling back into her spot. He hadn¡¯t expected much to begin with. Esther still spent more time as a panther than as a human. She had once mentioned that she could barely stay in human form for even a single day in a week. ''If only she could turn into a person now.'' What a selfish thought. Even back when they had taken down the Black Blades¡¯ illicit business in the village, she had beaten a lightning mage to a pulp. Whether she could help or not was another matter. Since when had he relied on anyone else to survive the day? ¡®This is my job.¡¯ He spent the entire day thinking. Once that spell was activated, the kid would explode. He pulled a chair over and sat, leaning forward with his chin on his hand, lost in thought. Beside him, Dunbakel murmured to Esther to turn into a human, only to have her hand bitten. "Ow!" Teresa remained silent, as did Ragna and Audin. In the brief stillness, Kraiss, his voice drained of energy, finally asked. "What the hell are you thinking so hard about?" Enkrid knew how sharp Kraiss could be. Lifting his gaze, Enkrid opened his mouth and explained. What if someone wrapped a child in a scroll and sent them charging at you? "What else? If you knew in advance, you¡¯d dodge or shoot them down with an arrow." "That won¡¯t work." "What?" "Never mind." "What the hell do you mean, ¡®never mind¡¯? No, seriously, what is it?" Kraiss was growing irritated, but Enkrid ignored him. The cold-blooded King Eyeball had been right. Dodging would have been the easiest option. But he couldn¡¯t do that. He had wielded a sword, swung it, cut, killed. He had slain monsters, felled beasts. He had done so for duty and responsibility. He wouldn¡¯t deny that there was some pleasure in it. But if he had truly wanted to revel in mindless slaughter, he would never have aspired to be a knight. ¡®I promised to protect my own.¡¯ That was why he swung his sword. That was why he fought. That was the foundation of his knighthood. If the only option was to sacrifice the child¡ªif he had no other choice¡ªthen he would do it. But if it meant abandoning the child just to claw his way past another day? That, he could not accept. A knight¡¯s vow began with conviction, and conviction stemmed from the heart. Enkrid could not chase his dream while trampling on his own heart. The dream he pursued, the knight he longed to be, was not built on such things. And so, there were some things he simply could not let go of. The opponent¡¯s scheme was absurd. But for him¡ª It was effective. A perfect, tailor-made trap. Chapter 293 "So, what exactly is your problem?" Hmm, he''s still here. Kraiss was still standing in front of me. He waved his hand in front of my eyes, back and forth, then spoke. "Do you see this? Ah, can you even hear what I''m saying?" "What the hell are you doing?" "Oh, so you can hear me now." "My ears are working fine." "Your head, on the other hand, I¡¯m not so sure about." If he was trying to provoke me, should I give him a good punch? Was Kraiss acting up because Rem was off somewhere? Before I could make a move, Kraiss opened his mouth again. "If this is about that weird question earlier, ask Esther. And do you even realize how much urgent work we have piled up right now?" "I¡¯ll delegate everything to you. Handle it." "Ah, shit, so you¡¯re planning to run away!" "Everything except that." Kraiss muttered something under his breath, the kind of curse I didn''t need to hear, then turned around. "Why is this my life?" His lament carried a strange familiarity. At least he wasn¡¯t planning to run away. I placed my hand on Esther¡¯s head again. Even if she couldn¡¯t become human, the knowledge inside her wouldn''t just vanish. What I had seen so far proved that Esther wasn¡¯t just an ordinary spellcaster. Among those who materialized mysteries through spells, she was something special. So, maybe she knew something. I wasn¡¯t expecting much when I asked. "Esther, you heard that, right?" I tossed out the question casually. Esther slowly raised her upper body. If she had been human, her bones would have cracked and popped. But her lithe panther body simply arched and stretched like a bow before settling again. She drew something on the ground with her claws. Scratch, scratch. A simple drawing. One shape, then three lines extending behind it. What the hell is this? Her artistic skills made it a puzzle. An abstract piece? She moved a little away from the first drawing and etched out something long and sharp. Definitely abstract. I took a moment to appreciate Esther''s artistic world. She hadn¡¯t learned how to draw. Spells and art were separate things. I once heard a mage insist that spellcraft was a form of art, but that was utter nonsense. Esther suddenly smacked the long, pointed shape with her paw, then wiped out the first shape with the same motion. The dirt floor was quickly smoothed over. The makeshift canvas that represented her artistic world returned to its original form¡ªthe ground. I was a good listener and quick-witted. Even with a terrible teacher, I could still learn. This was another one of those times. I deciphered the intention hidden between her abstract shapes and lines. "Cut it before it activates?" Esther let out a low, rumbling kyarung and curled up. Since it was cold, she had decided to sleep a little longer. I figured she was just complaining about the temperature, so I picked her up and carried her back inside the tent. With a whoosh, the fire flickered. I set the panther down near the brazier and stretched, loosening my muscles. Audin entered. Kraiss was probably running around trying to figure something out. Ragna, full of newfound motivation, was likely practicing swordsmanship nearby. Jaxon¡­ who knows? He was probably doing whatever he wanted somewhere. That left just me and Audin. "Brother." Audin called me. I didn¡¯t need to hear the rest to know what he was going to say. It was about healing. Since he possessed divinity, he could probably restore the injuries still lingering in my body. If I could just regain full use of my right arm and left leg¡ª ¡®That would make things a lot easier.¡¯ But was that the right thing to do? Could it really be called the right path? I was sharp enough to pick up on things quickly. That¡¯s how I had figured something out. Even though Audin never explained his past in detail, his actions, demeanor, and the things he had said made it easy enough to piece things together. ¡®He was either exiled, bound by restrictions, or has some other reason he can¡¯t freely use his divinity.¡¯ After he healed me before, he pretended it didn¡¯t affect him, but I could tell there had been repercussions. "I can¡¯t fully restore you, but I can at least lessen the pain." "No need." I refused immediately. More than anything, it was pointless. A partial recovery wasn¡¯t good enough, and reducing the pain was meaningless. Pain was proof that I was still alive. Now, more than ever. When that scroll wrapped around the child¡¯s body had detonated, I had felt myself being ripped apart. But had I been the only one? ¡®That kid must have suffered even more.¡¯ Thinking about it pissed me off. I didn¡¯t know who the bastard was that had come up with this bullshit. But I sure as hell wasn¡¯t going to let things play out the way they wanted. It was absurd, and yet I had no intention of avoiding it. I wanted to cut, smash, pierce, slice, and strike it head-on. And thanks to Esther, I had found a way in just one day. ¡®Just cut it first.¡¯ Simple. Almost disappointingly easy. I pulled out a strip of seasoned jerky from my pocket and shoved it into Esther¡¯s mouth. The panther took it and chewed with gusto. "Brother, do as you wish." Audin turned to leave. ¡®An interesting brother.¡¯ He seemed to have realized my condition. The restrictions, the limits on his divine power. He couldn¡¯t fully understand, since I had never explained, but¡ª He had figured it out just by observing. And yet, he still respected my choice. Even in a situation like this? If he had truly decided to fight instead of run, he should have at least wanted to deal with his injuries. But I showed no such intention. That made me interesting to him. ¡®Oh, Father in the heavens, tell me¡ªwhat is it that steadies this man¡¯s heart?¡¯ Of course, there was no answer. But he didn¡¯t need one. Audin prayed quietly, making sure no one could hear. ¡®My dear and precious brother, if you desire it, I will lend my strength to this battlefield, even if only in a small way.¡¯ He knew exactly who his opponent was. Audin was convinced that crushing the head of the beast leading the wolf-like monsters was the mission given to him by God. Once he left, I started contemplating speed. I went over it again and again in my mind. Reviewing and organizing things was one of my specialties. And that¡¯s what I did. ¡®Speed.¡¯ There was what I had seen from Martai¡¯s Zimmer, and even before that¡ª Rem was fast. Ragna was fast. "The pain shall guide me forward. I shall not pray to my Lord to forget my suffering, but endure the pain He has given me and advance." Even the bear-like soldier chanting a holy verse in front of the tent was fast. Who among them had been slow? What about that swordsman who had overwhelmed me before? Fast. All of them were fast. And the most recent? That bastard Lykanos. ¡®Too fast.¡¯ Undeniably, by far, the fastest. Speed. That¡¯s all I needed right now. Pure, unrelenting speed. I immersed myself in the thought and, as the same day repeated once more, I swung my sword. "What doesn¡¯t kill me¡ª" "Only makes me stronger!" I stood among the soldiers, roaring their chant. This was the path forward, built upon everything I had learned. ¡®The last time, it triggered right around there.¡¯ This time, I¡¯d get there first. "Whoa!" As I suddenly sprinted to the front line, a soldier next to me yelped in surprise. I ignored him and ran. As my speed increased, my left shin throbbed. But it was fine. It wasn¡¯t enough to stop me from moving. I saw the child charging toward me, eyes widening in shock. I cut first. The Scroll Appeared Wrapped around the child¡¯s body was that same dull red parchment. Swinging my sword to cut only the parchment wouldn¡¯t be difficult. In the past, I wouldn¡¯t have even dared, but now? It was easy. I was just about to do it. The blade was a hair¡¯s breadth from the child''s body¡ª Flash. Light burst forth. The spell had activated again. It was faster than yesterday. Even though I had moved before reaching the target and swung my sword mid-dash, the spell still triggered first. Someone in the background was adjusting the activation timing. The flash consumed the child''s eyes, burning them away and crushing them. Skin split open, flesh tore apart, and shattered bones and organs sprayed outward. My head burned. The heat reached my eyes. My heightened concentration made me witness every single detail. I saw it all. I endured it all. And I died. Again. "Fucking hell." When a new day began, the sight still lingered on my retinas. Still, I had learned everything I needed to from just one more attempt. The third identical morning dawned. "Yeah, that¡¯s how I¡¯ll do it." "Do you really have to¡ª Huh? What?" Before Kraiss could even say anything, I cut him off, stood up, and grabbed my sword. Esther, still curled in my arms, let out a low growl of protest before slipping back into her spot. Sigh. I took a deep breath and stepped out of the tent. "...What the hell?" Kraiss stared at me in dumbfounded disbelief. "What do you think? It¡¯s training." Dunbakel provided the perfect answer. She had chosen to follow me. Seeing the way I moved, she could tell what I was about to do and got up as well. She was ready to swing her scimitar. With Rem gone, it was as good an excuse as any to let loose. As I stepped out of the tent, I forced away the lingering images burned into my vision and cleared my mind. I had seen the path forward. Now I just had to take it. "The hell is going on?" Kraiss mumbled behind me, his mind still catching up. I, as usual, ignored him without hesitation. Then, I stretched my sword forward. As usual, my methods looked insane. And with that, the training began. I always gave my best to the day I was given. Even unintentionally. I started with thought, then realized it through action. As usual, Audin offered to heal me. "No need." I refused. It was routine. In these endlessly repeating days, some things changed, and others didn¡¯t. Audin¡¯s persistence never wavered. Every time I refused healing, he either recited scripture or assumed some meditative stance. It always looked like he was about to do something reckless, but so far, he had spent his days quietly. "Healing?" "No need." Again and again. Audin eventually stopped asking why and just accepted it. And I, too, accepted it as part of our daily cycle. "Change." On one of those days, I lightly tossed Esther against a wall while muttering a spell-like chant. Maybe if I pissed her off, she¡¯d transform. All I got for my trouble was a scratch on my face. Not that I had any real expectations. I wandered around the battlefield, poking into different places. I even approached an archer with ridiculous accuracy. "Could you shoot just the cloth wrapped around someone from this distance?" A perfect shot that would only clip the end of the fabric¡ª "Do you even hear yourself?" The soldier was so baffled he asked me again. I gave up on that idea. That meant I¡¯d have to do it up close. So, what if I got to the scroll courier before they left? What if I saved the child before everything started? "Where¡¯s Jaxon?" "No idea. Haven¡¯t seen him since last night." According to Kraiss, Jaxon had been missing since last night. Come to think of it, through all my repeated days, I hadn¡¯t seen him once. Throwing Esther, wandering around, trying to shake up my habits¡ªit was all an attempt to test the cracks in this loop. I had used those cracks before. That¡¯s why I checked again. I also asked around about any mages in the unit. Of course, battle mages weren¡¯t exactly common. "For something so rare, I sure run into them a lot." I scratched my chin, thinking. Aside from a quick scouting trip at noon, I spent the entire day swinging my sword. Sometimes, I forgot time. Sometimes, I forgot the day. Sometimes, I even forgot my goal. "Ah." I lost myself in stabbing and slashing, reaching a trance-like state. But not once had I succeeded. Nine days passed this way. Not a single one was spent in leisure. And yet, failure. So close, yet never quite there. "Why?" I questioned myself. There had to be a way. There was no such thing as an insurmountable wall. From those nine days, I confirmed and solidified certain truths. First, the scroll was a spell. Second, Esther gave a warning just before it activated. Third, someone was watching and triggering it remotely. Fourth, no matter how fast I moved, I couldn¡¯t reach the child before the spell activated. That was what I knew. But there were still unknowns. Would the spell really fail if I simply cut the scroll? Was I even on the right track? On the fifth day, doubt crept in. But I ignored it. Right or wrong, if this was my only option, then it was the correct one. "If you don¡¯t have talent, make up for it with endurance." That was what the sword instructor in the small trading domain had told me. He was the first proper teacher I had ever met. Physical endurance was the foundation of everything. And of course, you had to take care of your body. "If you neglect your body, you¡¯ll flounder at a crucial moment. And floundering means death." That was what he had taught me, a sword style built from countless real battles. A merchant¡¯s son, who had been training alongside me, had once complained: "Can we skip the obvious advice and actually train?" But I had taken those words to heart. Just because I had paid a few krona for the lesson didn¡¯t mean I ignored it. I walked a different path from that merchant¡¯s son. I listened. I applied. Rather than wasting time worrying, I swung my sword. I took their words, their advice, the lessons carved into me through experience, and made them my own. "Don¡¯t neglect your body." And I had followed that rule well. My shin and my right arm were injured, but it was fine. Ever since I had been forced to rely on my left hand, I had trained it rigorously. If I swung a hundred times with my right, I did a hundred fifty with my left. That¡¯s why my left hand didn¡¯t feel awkward now. "If you lose a leg in battle, you¡¯d better have a plan." That was something I had learned from Rem. You never knew what would happen in a fight. What if one of your legs suddenly gave out? "Then you fight like this." It was an unnamed technique, shifting your weight by curling and extending one foot. It was so damn difficult that learning it felt like hell. But in the end, it hadn¡¯t been a waste. "A good way to kill time." That was how Jaxon had described it. If he had truly thought it was useless, he would¡¯ve told me to dodge knives instead. And so, I had named it. "Let¡¯s call it the Cripple¡¯s Step." Through nine repetitions, I had refined my left hand to surpass my right. It wasn¡¯t easy. I had failed countless times. Even when my blade almost touched the child, the scroll exploded¡ªbecause someone was watching. I played out scenarios in my mind again and again. I needed preparation. I had to apply what I had learned from Jaxon. How could I draw the fastest blade? How could I blind the eyes watching me? S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. By the fifteenth day, I had reached a wall. A wall so close, yet impossible to pass. The kind of wall that could make anyone despair. "I pity you. I shall give you a choice. You have two paths before you." The Ferryman spoke. Pity? That was not a word I expected from the Ferryman. Chapter 294 A boat drifted along the dark river. A violet lamp burned quietly, standing still, its light barely reaching beyond itself. It was just enough to see my own hands. Even though I had seen this scenery countless times, today it felt even more ominous. The Ferryman¡¯s voice carried more weight than usual. It shook my heart, rattled my skull. One particular part of what he said caught my interest. "A path?" Didn¡¯t he enjoy watching me suffer, trapped against this wall? Why was he offering guidance now? "Step back and watch. If you avoid, a path will open." Today always resets once it ends. Avoidance cannot be a method to move forward. And yet he was telling me to retreat? The Ferryman¡¯s voice grew heavier. "Avoid it." His words buzzed through my body. It was as if something was twisting my insides. It wasn¡¯t pain. It was sensory. No, this was the realm of the mind¡ªsensation did not exist here. It was psychological. The real issue wasn¡¯t the voice itself. I didn¡¯t doubt the Ferryman. I didn¡¯t doubt his purpose either. The Ferryman¡¯s role was to keep me within today. Perhaps because I knew that, a scripture Audin recited every day surfaced in my mind: "The devil always comes in the guise of an angel." "Avoid it." The Ferryman''s words kept digging into my mind, twisting my thoughts. And suddenly, the black river pulled away. Even though my eyes were already open, it felt as if I was opening them again¡ªan eerie sensation. A new day began. His words echoed more vividly in my mind than ever before. Unlike my usual dreams, which faded into vague memories, this time, they lingered. It was almost as if I had been brainwashed. "Run away. Turn back. Just abandon the child, and you¡¯ll pass this day with ease. That¡¯s all it takes." I understood now. The Ferryman had offered me an easy way out. I repeated his words in my mind, feeling an urge¡ªa temptation¡ªto follow them. "Do we really have to go this far?" Kraiss'' voice was slightly different today. I ignored it. The Ferryman¡¯s words were correct. Desire and logic pointed toward the same conclusion. And yet, in this moment¡ª "If you stick around me, I might remember you later. Maybe I¡¯ll even give you one of my famous potions, so you better stay on my good side." A memory surfaced. A kid, hands on her hips, chin lifted, chattering away. Normally, Will¡ªthe power to resist¡ªonly reacted to direct forms of coercion. Things like pressure from sheer willpower, or the innate terror that monsters inspired in humans. I knew this instinctively. But I still whispered to myself¡ª "I refuse." And yet, in my mind, the easy path echoed again and again. Logic told me it was right. Instinct agreed. But even limping, I walked to the front of the battlefield. "...You''re stepping forward again today?" A soldier beside me asked. My face was covered in fresh scratches. "I¡¯ll step forward tomorrow too." I answered, tossing aside my leather helmet. Helmets restricted vision, dulled my senses. This time, I would drive my sword forward before the spell could activate. "Take the fastest route." I traced the movement in my mind, etched it into my muscles. The wind brushed against my cheek. Even though it was daytime, the sky was dark, the air biting. The battlefield smelled¡ªof blood, metal, excrement, fear, excitement, tension. All of it blended into one, processed by my brain. The five senses combined, unlocking a sixth. With a sharp focus, my perception ignited, and the battlefield slowed. A child ran toward me. I shut out all other sounds. I didn¡¯t need to hear them. I locked my eyes on the child, ignoring everything else. I didn¡¯t need to see anything else. All sensory input blurred together, converging into a single line. A point and another point. "I am also just a point." I recognized myself as a point. I saw the child''s path as another point. The fastest route between them¡ª I bent my right knee, then sprang forward. Even without Will, my legs, forged through brute endurance, launched my body forward at terrifying speed. At the same time, I thrust my left-handed sword forward. To the watching soldiers, the sword moved ahead of my body. The blade, tinged with a blue gleam, shot forward faster than an arrow. At least, that¡¯s how it appeared to them. This was the fastest I had ever met today. I saw the child''s face. His eyes. His nose. His lips. Overlapping with the already-dead child who had once dreamed of becoming an herbalist. My blade struck the child''s shoulder strap. A precise cut. The strap snapped, the scroll dangling, half-severed. It shone. Failure. "You''re a fool." The Ferryman¡¯s voice was flat, devoid of emotion. I didn¡¯t respond. I repeated the same actions. I lived the same today again. When does a person truly despair? If something is impossible from the start, people accept it. They acknowledge the end. But if it''s within reach¡ªjust barely out of grasp¡ªwhat then? That is when despair sets in. And if, at that moment, a shortcut is presented? If an easier path is suggested? The Ferryman had changed today. For the first time, he felt curiosity toward a being like me. Why does this man not give up? Why does this man not despair? Why? How? Doubt led to suspicion. Suspicion led to his second offer. It came after eighty-six repetitions of today. "It is already too late for regrets." His sudden words made me tilt my head. For him to display emotion in this realm of the mind¡ª It was surprising. But I had already seen too much to be truly surprised anymore. "However, I am generous." "Generous?" I parroted the word back, keeping my tone casual. That meant my will remained firm. In this place, I was speaking not with a physical body, but with my will itself. My attitude was irreverent, but that was fine. I already knew this was a game. I wouldn¡¯t let myself be caught in his rhythm. The Ferryman ignored my provocation and continued. "I shall grant you one more chance." "Again?" Even though I mocked him, he remained composed. Had he been human, he would have cursed at me by now. But he wasn¡¯t. "Keep the source of the wall from drawing near. Force it to cross the river before it reaches you." The Ferryman maintained his solemn tone. I remained in the same posture and asked¡ª "The river?" For the first time, the Ferryman took a deep breath. One he normally didn¡¯t need. Then, he expelled me. The moment I vanished from his realm, he finally revealed his true feelings. "That bastard." A Short but Firm Will Even after all his pushing, even after shoving his will deep into Enkrid¡¯s mind¡ª "That bastard is still going to do whatever he wants." The Ferryman already knew. He knew Enkrid would betray his intentions. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. And realizing this, he did something he hadn¡¯t done since becoming the Ferryman¡ª He laughed. "Hah." It was a laugh that was half exasperation, half amusement. "He keeps talking nonsense. Must be bored." Enkrid had never been one to take the easy road. Naturally, this latest offer was ignored. His mind was consumed by only one thought. "Can I be faster?" Connecting points, igniting his brain with focus until his eyes felt like they would burst¡ª And yet, failure. Then what was speed? He had seen plenty of fast swords, swords that embodied pure speed. And yet the answer came suddenly, easily. "I was never the fastest pickpocket." "But I was the best. My hands were a little slower, but I had sharp instincts. If I moved when no one was looking, it didn¡¯t matter how slow I was." "Only idiots try to win by being the fastest when they¡¯re being watched." Kraiss had said that, offhandedly, while passing by. At the time, Enkrid had been training with Ragna, trading their fastest slashes, and drilling with Audin on Balraf-style martial arts. It was a throwaway remark. Kraiss hadn¡¯t meant anything by it. Or rather, the real meaning had come with his next words. "The enemy already knows us. This is like trying to steal a coin purse while the owner stares right at you." He was saying that things were dire, that an unpredictable variable was needed. Enkrid hadn¡¯t responded. No¡ªhe couldn¡¯t respond. Because at that moment, a bolt of lightning struck his mind. "Beyond their perception." Speed was relative. If the enemy knew what you were going to do, no matter how fast you were, it was still slow. Because if they saw it coming, they would prepare. "Eh? Again? Not listening? Hey, Enki, you bastard!" Kraiss waved his hands in front of Enkrid¡¯s face, bouncing on his feet. But Enkrid didn¡¯t hear him. He had submerged into his own world. His mouth hung open slightly, a bit of drool escaping. Yet his thoughts did not stop. "Leave him be." Ragna dragged Kraiss away. Enkrid was in the process of breaking something¡ªsome mental barrier that had been holding him back. Perception and intention. Humans could convey meaning with the smallest of gestures. That was why sleight of hand tricks existed. That was why illusions and misdirection worked. In a gambling den, such tricks were commonplace. Intention was like that. "Deception." Even with intention alone, one could deceive. True speed existed outside of the opponent¡¯s perception. Was this really a contest of raw speed, fought in plain sight? No. At least, not for Enkrid. This wasn¡¯t about who was faster. It was about saving the child. That was the decision he had made. Which meant he needed a phantom sword. Or perhaps¡ª "Ki Swordsmanship." Valen-style mercenary swordsmanship had countless techniques of this kind. "Ah." More lightning crackled through his mind. Speed wasn¡¯t about being fast. It was about acting beyond the enemy¡¯s perception. It was about never showing the enemy his speed. Jaxon¡¯s Lethal Thrust flashed through his thoughts. And he added something new to it. "Evasion is driven by instinct." The Sense of Evasion was triggered by the subconscious¡ªby the unseen, by danger just at the edge of perception. But what if intention was added on top? What if instinct was given direction? A new path had appeared. It was within reach¡ªjust barely. That¡¯s why¡ªwhy he had buried himself in only speed until now. But he was wrong. "There¡¯s more than one path." And yet, absolute speed was still necessary. People said if you chased two rabbits, you¡¯d catch neither. But everything¡ªhis experience, his failures, his training¡ªshowed him the movement of both rabbits. He could catch them both. Especially since Jaxon¡¯s training had prepared him for this. Hadn¡¯t he already trained in close-range Sense of Evasion? All that practice, dodging stones¡ª What had been the point of that training? A question needed an intention. And training was the path to a result. For Enkrid, there was only one result. "Overlay instinct with intention." The Sense of Evasion was a performance of pure instinct. A body reacting on its own, guided by the subconscious. That was why it was evasion. A skill rooted in the body¡¯s survival instinct. Enkrid twisted that instinct. "Imbue it with intention." It was no longer Evasion Sense. It could just as easily be called Attack Sense. Crack. The mental chains the Ferryman had planted shattered. The wall that had seemed so close yet unreachable¡ª The easy way out, the repeated offers¡ª All of it had been a trap. A prison. But Enkrid had never even stepped near that prison. He had ignored the offers. And now, he had found his own path. "Ah." At the peak of this realization, another new day arrived. And the battlefield was waiting for him. "Again today..." "What doesn¡¯t kill me¡ª" He stood at the front of the battlefield. The soldier beside him had spoken, as he did every day. Enkrid cut him off. The soldier blinked, then finished the phrase. "Only makes me stronger." Reality was different. Pain that could kill you didn¡¯t make you stronger. It just killed you. But he liked this version of the phrase better. Enkrid stepped forward, pushing through the biting wind. And from across the battlefield, the child wrapped in the scroll was running toward him. Chapter 295 Enkrid paused and lifted his head. The sky was overcast, thick with dull clouds. "Looks like something¡¯s about to fall." How many times had today repeated? This was different. Before, he had always kept track of how many loops had passed. Each day, he had marked time in different ways. But this time, he hadn¡¯t. Why had that changed? Why was he perceiving things differently now? "Because my vision narrowed." He had thought he could cut through the problem in one swift motion. Even Enkrid, a seasoned warrior, was still human¡ªhe had grown impatient. And impatience narrowed his vision, blocking out the broader situation. Like a racehorse, blinders fixed to his eyes, charging straight ahead. Who put them there? The circumstances had. And the Ferryman had stirred the pot just a little more. "So I fell for it." Or had he learned from it? No, he had learned. There was always something to be gained, no matter the situation. Enkrid gazed at the darkened sky, felt the wind, and inhaled the lingering stench of battle. He didn¡¯t just see and hear¡ªhe absorbed. For a moment, he forgot the eyes on him. He forgot where he was. Even the current battle faded into the background. And he recalled. He went over all the todays he had lived and relived. This was the first time he had done something like this. The child¡¯s steps were slow, but even so, it was a fleeting moment. Yet within that brief span, he recalled everything. "The Ferryman¡¯s words were a problem, yes." "But I was the bigger issue. I focused too much on one thing." "One-pointed focus narrows vision." People around him watched, confused. A child running across the battlefield was strange enough. But Enkrid, a warrior once locked in combat with enemy commanders, stepping forward alone? Even stranger. Then, instead of going toward the child, he stopped. That was the strangest thing of all. Everyone watching was thrown into chaos. "The hell is he doing?" A soldier on the enemy side muttered. "Just watch." A mercenary from the Black Blade group smacked the soldier on the head. No one, friend or foe, knew what was happening. How could they? On one side, a lone child ran. On the other, the hero of the Border Guard had suddenly stepped forward. It was absurd. Still, the spectators assumed Enkrid would either catch the child¡ª Or cut them down as an enemy. Humans predict the next event based on context. That¡¯s called expectation. And yet, Enkrid was moving beyond expectations. Beyond prediction. "It¡¯s going to snow." He muttered, standing alone in the battlefield. But no one heard him. Everyone was too busy watching, paralyzed by confusion. Even the old mage, who was maintaining the spell-link to the scroll, was deeply focused. If he lost focus even briefly, the tether to the magic would sever. Then he wouldn¡¯t be able to trigger the scroll remotely. The child had no time to process anything. He ran because he was told to run. "I want to live." The boy¡¯s thoughts were desperate. From the moment he had been captured, he had instinctively known¡ªhe would not survive. But a sliver of hope pushed him forward. Maybe, somehow, he would make it. Maybe fate would grant him a miracle. No one could predict luck. "I just have to live." His survival instinct didn¡¯t cry¡ªit didn¡¯t scream. It simply moved his feet forward. Meanwhile, Enkrid, after reflecting, finally realized what he had overlooked. The scroll¡ª "Someone is watching and triggering it. They can¡¯t be far. I¡¯m within their direct line of sight." "They didn¡¯t expect much from this plan, but it¡¯s turned into something effective. Why?" "Because they know me." His intuition flared. This wasn¡¯t the time to focus. If someone was watching him, he had to hide his intent and buy time. "How do I hide my intent?" Divert attention. Redirect perception. That was the foundation of Valen-style mercenary swordsmanship. So, Enkrid moved. He blended in a lesson he had learned from Crang. Crang had a knack for drawing attention, for controlling a room with sheer presence. Enkrid mimicked that. A flick of the hand. A subtle shift in posture. He shifted his injured leg back, channeling power into his right foot for a lunge. To anyone watching, it was obvious¡ª "He¡¯s about to leap." Crang had used words to capture attention. Enkrid used movement. He placed his hand on his sword grip. "He¡¯s drawing his blade." "He¡¯s about to strike." That¡¯s what everyone thought. The child finally noticed him. "Ah. I¡¯m going to die." His steps slowed. The old mage locked onto Enkrid in his field of vision. The spell was moments from activating. The boy needed only five more steps. Enkrid moved. What he did couldn¡¯t be called swordsmanship. It wasn¡¯t a technique. It wasn¡¯t even a skill. And yet Valen had called it a craft. A performance. Valen-style mercenary swordsmanship¡ªDistraction Slash. A flinch. Enkrid, in the middle of his lunge, suddenly twitched his shoulder and turned his head sharply to the side. At this distance, no one could see his exact expression. But the body language was clear¡ª Shock. Surprise. Humans didn¡¯t need words to convey intent. "You don¡¯t hide intent. You cover it." All he needed was a moment. The mage¡¯s concentration wavered. For just an instant, his mind flickered¡ª "What¡¯s he looking at?" Everyone, everyone looked. Even Lykanos. Even the enemy commanders. Even Audin and the rest of Mad Platoon. It was perfect. And there was nothing there. Only wind, dry and sharp, carrying dust. "It¡¯s a trick!" Lykanos shouted. Too late. Enkrid moved. The Sense of Evasion was instinctual. Enkrid overlaid it with intention. Combining all the todays he had lived, he sent forth his fastest blade yet. His left-hand grip was controlled, firm. His extended muscles were fluid. His body felt heavy. As if the air itself had turned to sludge, pressing against him. His skull burned. His eyes burned. He saw the child¡¯s wide eyes. The snot dripping from his nose. The way his mouth hung open. Everything was slow. Enkrid, alone, moved freely in this frozen world. The wind howled as his blade slashed through the air. His sword cut through the strap holding the scroll. A precise stab, followed by a curved slice¡ª Every strap was severed. Fine cuts appeared on the child¡¯s body. It wasn¡¯t finesse. It was pure speed. He couldn¡¯t afford to be delicate. Tick. The scroll spun through the air, severed. Enkrid caught the boy and leaped. His left shin wound burst open, but now wasn¡¯t the time to care. The old mage hadn¡¯t completely lost focus¡ª But his delay had been enough. A flash. The scroll ignited in light. Enkrid rolled, shielding the boy. Heat licked at his back. Like a tongue of flame, scorching him. His back burned. But he was alive. The boy, in his arms, was alive. "Hah." Exhaling, his breath stirred the child¡¯s hair. They were both sprawled on the ground, panting. "Ah..." Everyone was silent. No one could find the words. Not even his own allies. Still holding the boy, Enkrid caught his breath and asked¡ª "What¡¯s your dream?" "W-what?" The boy was barely coherent, not sure if he was alive or dead. His pants were wet. He had pissed himself. Ignoring the filth soaking into his armor, Enkrid asked again¡ª "What do you want to be when you grow up?" It was a simple question. Enkrid hadn''t asked it with any deep meaning. It was just something that had come to mind¡ªan attempt to reassure the child, perhaps sparked by a distant memory. Yet¡ª "Y-yeah, an herbalist! I''m going to be an herbalist, just like my mother!" The child spoke, his trembling voice filled with something beyond fear. His eyes¡ªthose wide, terrified eyes¡ªnow held life. They spoke of tomorrow. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He was a resolute child, one who had moved toward death with steadfast steps, all for the sake of survival. Enkrid had once dreamed of becoming a knight. A childish dream that had carried him to where he stood today. He had often asked himself why he wielded a sword. He had never found a definitive answer. But today¡ªtoday, his sword would be swung for a child who had a dream. "Then do that." Enkrid rose to his feet. He shoved the child behind him, almost tossing him. "M-my back, my back¡ª" The boy¡¯s voice trembled. "Run. Don¡¯t look back." Enkrid answered without hesitation. Then, without missing a breath, he shouted¡ª "Ragna!" Come cover me. No need for explanations. Ragna would handle it. Enkrid turned his gaze forward. The spell had failed to activate. Lykanos was charging, face twisted in rage. Behind him, red-eyed fanatics sprinted forward, clutching their thin, spear-like swords. Had they taken something? Their bodies were swollen, muscles pulsing unnaturally. Thickened legs pounded the ground as they surged forward like rabid beasts. "Kill him!" Lykanos roared, tossing aside the scabbard of his flanged sword. He had seen Enkrid¡¯s strike. He knew that if he took it lightly, he would be the one to fall. His own injuries didn¡¯t matter. Enkrid also raised his sword. A longsword of shimmering blue light, held firm in his left hand, pointed forward. He met the charge head-on. Four swords from different angles¡ªleft, right, above, below¡ªclosing in. And straight ahead¡ªLykanos. It looked as if the five blades would strike simultaneously, but they weren¡¯t perfectly aligned. There were differences. And he saw them. Dots and lines connected in his vision once more. His muscles coiled, and he struck. Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang! Five swords recoiled violently. It was an overwhelming display of speed and precision¡ª And yet, not a single enemy blade touched Enkrid. Before they had even attacked, Enkrid had moved. His left foot slid outward. His right foot kicked off the ground, stepping into a slope-like motion. He twisted his body just slightly¡ª Deflecting the two swords from the left. Then, a step and a half back¡ª Deflecting the two from the right. And lastly, he caught Lykanos¡¯s thrust on the flat of his blade, letting it slide past. "A mistake!" Lykanos had anticipated a gap to strike¡ª But Enkrid hadn¡¯t relied on his fastest sword. Instead, he had attacked at what seemed like a reasonable speed. And that was the mistake. Because in that instant, Lykanos realized something terrifying. "This bastard¡ª!" His swordplay¡ªhis speed¡ªhad never been this fast before. Suddenly, his strikes were rivaling Lykanos¡¯s own. Before, his sword had been decent¡ªbut this? It was now comparable to Lykanos¡¯s fastest blade. The truth was, Enkrid had honed this speed through countless repeated days¡ª But to Lykanos, it looked like he had just seen his technique and copied it in a single glance. An impossibility. But Lykanos himself had once seen other swords and imitated them through relentless training. So was this bastard the same? It didn¡¯t matter. What mattered was that his enemy was now matching him. He thought he could end this fight in a few exchanges. But things never went as planned. Crack! A sharp impact split the air. Slash! The sound of flesh and armor splitting followed. Boom! Then¡ª "AARGH!" A death cry and a violent crash. Something had crashed into the battlefield, tearing through friend and foe alike. It wasn¡¯t an army. It was one person. Blonde hair whipped in the wind. A warrior, tall and broad, had discarded their helmet, swinging a massive sword. Their red eyes carved lines through the air, trailing behind their blade. The greatsword looked like it was bending from the sheer force of their swings. A brutal, relentless storm of steel. Boom! Whack! A downward slash. A sweeping cleave. A sudden thrust. Every strike was a killing blow. Men who had been carefully trained¡ªwho had taken drugs to boost their strength¡ªwere being cut down like wheat. "Kuaaaagh!" Even that wasn¡¯t enough to slow the golden-haired warrior. "I¡¯ll handle this." Ragna¡¯s voice came as he swept past. A shower of blood rained onto his golden hair¡ª From a soldier bisected by an upward slash. "Shit." Lykanos gritted his teeth. This was bad. This was dangerous. This was threatening. And yet, this wasn¡¯t over. The Black Blades weren¡¯t the only ones here. "Now!" The Wolf Bishop had been waiting. If they waited any longer, they wouldn¡¯t be able to seize the advantage. "Destroy the heretics!" At his command, the fanatics rose. There weren¡¯t many of them¡ª Because they weren¡¯t the real force. The beasts were. The Wolf Bishop turned his mind toward the leader of the beast horde. "Kill them all." And the monsters surged forward. The enemy had estimated their numbers¡ª But they had underestimated by half. Hundreds¡ªno, over a thousand wolf beasts emerged from the darkness. And they charged. "You must act as well." The Wolf Bishop turned to his side. A barbarian, an outcast mercenary, spun his spear absentmindedly. "It¡¯s not my turn yet." "This bastard¡ª!" The Wolf Bishop hated this man. But he acknowledged his skill. This one wasn¡¯t here for faith or loyalty. He had come seeking something. Immortality. Power. Laughable. If he truly sought something, he would have joined their faith. Instead, he thought he could trade for it? The Wolf Bishop sneered. But he had no time to argue. He followed behind his horde. And then¡ª He saw their enemies charging to meet them. "Heavy infantry! Hold the line!" The enemy had placed their strongest warriors in front¡ª But the Wolf Bishop only scoffed. "Brother." He called out through his mind. And from within the horde, one towering beast rose. Awooooooo! The Dire Wolf howled. It was no mere monster. It was a calamity. Sleek black fur, devoid of light, devouring the surrounding glow. The world itself seemed to darken around it. Snowflakes drifted from the sky¡ª But before they could land on the Dire Wolf¡¯s back, they melted from its heat. It was an omen. An omen of obliteration. The lead soldier of the heavy infantry swallowed hard. "Can we even stop that?" Doubt crept into his mind. Chapter 296 "I ask of you, Father in the Heavens." Audin knelt and quietly raised a prayer. In that moment, he saw Enkrid¡¯s absurd head turn. Then came the chase, the charge, the sword strikes, the scrolls, the spells, and the explosions that made him doubt his own eyes. Kyaaah! As soon as he saw it, Esther leaped forward, but Audin did not try to stop her. She was not a leopard who could not care for herself. Then Ragna stepped in. The clumsy knight, who often lost his way, ran straight toward Enkrid. His steps seemed unusually light. "Jealous?" That blond, clumsy soldier running ahead? "Traveler Teresa asks, when do we fight?" Like a sheep thirsty for battle. Still, Audin did not turn away from his thoughts. "Untouched fruit is said to be sour when plucked; the Father said, ''Waiting ripens the fruit and the heart; I wish to give you something good,'' and so he told us to wait and endure." "Endure, yes." Teresa quietly knelt beside him. Yet, she was not small compared to the other soldiers. Audin was no different. Two bears silently waited for the right time. "Learn patience, and then move forward." Audin silently whispered a brief blessing toward Teresa and continued his prayer. "What is the shepherd of the Mad Platoon, the mad sheep, doing now?" The scriptures say to help the weak and powerless. As a shepherd of the sheep, the Lord instructed to protect and lead them. It seemed that Enkrid was doing just that. He had saved a child, and somehow, he had cut through the ominous something wrapped around his body and made it explode. "Father." As he silently recited his prayer, the beasts of the maw began to lift their heads from afar and soon started charging toward them. Dust, yellow as the earth, rose under the dark sky. "If the beasts break through, we¡¯re all dead! Block them!" At Graham''s shout, the heavy infantry platoon charged out. Audin began a new prayer, brief and strong. "I ask of you, Father in the Heavens, do you not need a dog to guard your side?" There was no answer, but he felt it was needed. Sending them to stand by God might be the greatest blessing for the beasts. Audin stood up. "I must go and deliver the blessing myself." "The traveler Teresa will go with you." Audin stepped forward, and Teresa followed closely behind. The two of them walked swiftly toward the beasts, and the soldiers behind naturally cleared the way. They walked down the path cleared by the two large figures. *** Auu! Krrr-rrr! Kank! Several wolves, grown large by beast magic, leapt in front of the soldiers and blocked their way. "Hold on!" Bang! A wolf struck the square shield that covered more than half of the soldier¡¯s body with its front paw. The impact made the soldier¡¯s arm vibrate. "Stab!" Block and stab. The basic tactic of the heavy infantry platoon. Several of the beasts were impaled on the spear of a powerful soldier. With a sickening crunch, their skulls shattered, or holes were punched through their chests. But there were too many beasts. It was dizzying. You could call it a tidal wave of beasts. Paul, a soldier from a coastal village, knew well the terror of the sea. He often joked with his comrades, saying that even if the high waves crashed over his head, a true sailor would rise above them. And this was that moment. Though it was not the sea, nor the coast. But the beasts were like waves, crashing over their heads. "Ahhhhhh!" Paul drew strength from deep within his stomach. He was known for his exceptional strength in his village. Had he not gotten angry and crippled the village chief¡¯s son, he wouldn¡¯t have come this far. But now, the very strength that had maimed the chief¡¯s son was his tool of defense and his fortress. With all his might, pulling from the very energy that had once been his childhood strength, he swung the heavy iron mace. At the end of it was a rounded spiked ball. Whoosh, thunk! The wolf¡¯s skull at the very front of the wave was struck by the mace and flew off. Blood and brain matter splattered out, raining down over his face. Paul blinked once, then pulled the mace back and swung again. "Ugh!" With a yell, he struck from top to bottom. Bang! Crack! The mace crushed the shoulder blade of another beast, which then tumbled to the side. Pulling the mace from the ground, he swung upward again. Thwack! This time, he caught another beast, striking its jaw with the upward motion. Screee! The beast whose jaw was shattered rolled away, and another took its place. "Ahhhhhh!" Having felled three beasts with his own strength, Paul shouted. "Damn, Paul!" "Rural fool, well done!" "Block! Block!" Paul even threw his shield aside and kept fighting. A few of his comrades hurriedly filled in the gaps with their shields. He steadied his breath, readying himself to repeat this hellish task countless more times. "Mom!" One of his quiet, courageous comrades, looking for his mother, flew through the air. Half his body was torn off. With a thud, entrails and blood mixed into the falling snow. What was that? Krrrr. Paul witnessed something horrifying among the beasts. What is that? It was larger than the others. No, it was incomparable. Even with its body lowered, its head was still too high to match Paul''s eye level. He had to lift his head just to see its face. A giant beast? No. It wasn¡¯t that. Beasts were animals cursed and transformed by magic. What stood before him was a monster. A creature with ancient magic, the mortal enemy of humankind. A monster, a Dire Wolf. The grey-furred beast looked down at Paul with its red eyes. One of his comrades, who had been blocking the way, trembled violently. The mere sight of it brought an overwhelming sense of fear. The urge to run surged up within him. Yet, they did not flee and raised their shields. Years of brutal training had prepared them for this moment. And that alone was worth praise. Krrr. As the Dire Wolf let out a deep, menacing growl, the soldiers¡¯ legs began to tremble even faster. Though they wanted to resist, their primal fear couldn¡¯t be overcome, and their bodies shook uncontrollably. Paul was the same. His hand trembled as it gripped the mace. His knees wobbled. Goosebumps rose on his skin. Fear clouded his vision. ''Am I going to die?'' Paul thought of the village girl who wove baskets. ''I loved her.'' He had planned to propose when he returned. If someone like him was acceptable, he had intended to ask her to live together. He had hoped to settle down, live happily by the sea, and share their lives. He wanted to show her the ocean one day. He wanted to have children, to teach them to fish. He had so many dreams. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Paul felt death closing in. He would die. And if the human-shaped bear, approaching from behind Paul, hadn¡¯t intervened, he would have. The giant bear¡¯s hand reached Paul¡¯s shoulder. "May the Lord bless you." Strangely, with those few words, the pressure weighing down on Paul¡¯s entire body vanished. "Whooo, whooo, whooo." Breathing heavily with cold sweat, the bear spoke again. "Blessings are given even to the cursed creatures." Blessings? What kind of blessings? For a moment, Paul wondered, but then Audin, the large, mad soldier, sprinted forward. For someone of his size, the speed was unbelievable. To Paul¡¯s eyes, Audin¡¯s form suddenly seemed to blur and disappear. A dozen or so wolf-beasts blocked the way of the Dire Wolf, but they were useless. Bang! Crack! Kank! Thwack! Boom! What was that? Paul¡¯s eyes filled with confusion. And rightly so. The vanished Audin had already found himself in the midst of the beasts. It was only then that his movements caught Paul¡¯s attention. He extended his fists and feet, maintaining the same speed as he was running. It resembled a battle carriage. It almost looked like an armored, assault vehicle. The two clubs that stretched out from the carriage made the beast horde nothing more than wild dogs or scoundrels rolling in the market. Their skulls looked like tomatoes, squashed, burst, and broken. Paul displayed his strength, killing three beasts, but Audin, merely passing by, killed five or six. A few of them even flew through the air as their bodies were sent soaring. The wild, rampaging Audin¡¯s body soon faded and disappeared again. It was a moment of acceleration as though showing someone what speed truly looked like. Thud, boom! Footprints remained where he had stood. The yellow-brown earth had been dented, leaving the mark of the one who had disappeared. A ferocious charge accompanied by immense strength. The Dire Wolf¡¯s eyes followed Audin, who had disappeared. With a swift motion, the creature¡¯s front paw moved. The beast also showed a speed that was uncharacteristic of its kind. Its large paws moved dynamically. Soon, the human-shaped monster and the wolf-shaped monster collided. Bang! The shockwave from the collision of the two monsters spread out. Dust billowed in all directions, resembling a storm. The sight of the wolf monster and the human monster facing off caught everyone¡¯s eye. In that moment, what emotion should replace the fear and terror usually felt in such situations? There are moments when individuals who are otherwise far from reach, standing together on the battlefield, become pillars of strength. Enkrid¡¯s Mad Platoon was one of those. "Blessing!" Audin shouted again, swinging his fists. The Dire Wolf dodged with an unexpectedly quick movement and immediately attempted to bite. Bang! Audin¡¯s fist and the beast¡¯s claws clashed. The club had long been discarded, but why did it sound like that when his fist met the beast¡¯s claws? And what was this blessing? The blessing Audin spoke of was, of course, something that would send the wolf to the heavens. In other words, what was in his hands. Violence, powered by raw strength. The greatest blessing for the beast was to die and stay by God¡¯s side. And Audin was prepared to give it to the creature. "Are you just going to watch?" The cry of the commander leading the infantry erupted. At the sound of it, Paul lifted the flail he had dropped earlier. "Let¡¯s clear them all out!" "You mad fool, form up! Anyone who breaks formation will die!" "Paul, you country bumpkin. If you want to play with Desian, shut up and keep the formation!" The platoon leader angrily shouted. Paul complied. A joy filled him, realizing he was still alive. Of course, it wasn¡¯t time to enjoy it yet. The battle was still ongoing, and he was right in the heart of it. But Paul felt like he wouldn¡¯t die. He had survived even with the Dire Wolf in front of him. Was he really going to die to some wild, dog-like beasts?! "Shields up!" "Shields up!" The heavy infantry platoon, the pride of the Border Guard, once again raised their impregnable defense. Though they were not the ones to lead a powerful charge, the best course of action now was to defend and maintain formation. Their efforts were soon rewarded. "If you have it, use it." That was Kraiss¡¯s saying from the third battle. Graham followed those words. "Charge." At his command, a spear flew toward the side of the beast. "Is that your secret weapon?" Hee-ing! The cavalry appeared, a force that had not been shown before. "Whee-ee." A mercenary soldier at the front blew a long whistle. At the signal, the horses began to charge. Those who had been hiding inside the walls dashed out in a line. Thud, thud, thud, thud, thud! As the cavalry galloped, the ground shook with the sound of hooves. The cavalry was made up of soldiers who had confidence in their mounted combat, hastily assembled. Though hastily formed, they had not lost their mobility. They lacked training and skill, but charging and clashing was something they could do well. More importantly. Hee-ing! A wild horse, much larger than the ordinary combat horses that had joined the fray, charged ahead and did something completely reckless. "What is that?!" The mercenaries were stunned, but the seasoned fighter instinctively did what needed to be done. He swung his greatsword in time with the wild horse¡¯s charge. As the horse charged, he swung the blade at an angle, and the beast¡¯s skull was struck. Thud! The beast¡¯s head flew off. The wild horse, apparently excited, charged into the monster with its forehead, then quickly backed off and accelerated once more, charging again. It repeated this several times, and to the mercenary, it was a sight like nothing he¡¯d ever seen. "A trick?" He was astonished, but knowing that the horse was on their side, and that it had been brought by Enkrid, he let it slide. Trying to understand it would only give him a headache. Amidst the chaos, Teresa passed by the beast horde and headed toward the back. Several beasts, underestimating her, attacked her alone. Teresa dealt with them calmly. With her shield raised and her sword gripped like a club, she swiped at them, pushing them back. Clang! A few of the beasts she struck spun around, frightened. Should she kill them? Teresa briefly considered, but knew it was too late. "You." Before her stood the Wolf Bishop. When had he come? Was he truly someone born and raised in the demon realm, as the rumors said? It was a sudden thought. Above all, he was the one who had sent her here. "Heretic." The bishop said, and Teresa responded. "I¡¯m the wandering Teresa. I have no idea what you¡¯re talking about." She denied knowing him. Teresa was more shameless than expected. The bishop¡¯s memory of her was not the real Teresa. She had died, after all. So, it was only right to act shamelessly. "What?" "I don¡¯t know you, so why are you saying that?" The Wolf Bishop seethed with anger. "You wretch!" Chapter 297 "I don¡¯t know you, but do you know this?" "Repent to the One True God, you whore." The Wolf Bishop spoke. At his gesture, the beast horde moved. Two large wolves at the front, followed by a dozen others, raised their heads, saliva dripping from their yellow eyes. Their exposed fangs looked sharp enough to pierce through the flesh of giants or anything else. Teresa did not budge. She raised the shield in her left hand while letting her right hand hang loosely. "There are so many interesting things in this world." Teresa spoke what she wanted to say. "You hungry dog, you heretic, let¡¯s see how beautiful your innards are." The bishop spoke only what he wanted to. The Wolf Bishop sneered. He was going to tear this heretic apart immediately. He would cut off her limbs and take out her insides, showing them to her. The bishop knew this was possible. He knew the sword called Teresa. He had used her abilities and skills before. "I like fighting." And madly so. His lips twisted under his mask. It was a smile, not for anyone but a natural expression. The Wolf Bishop had a similar natural expression. The Wolf Bishop did not heed the heretic¡¯s words. Yet, Teresa spoke. "Have you ever seen a giant fighting happily?" No. The bishop¡¯s eyes began to turn yellow slowly. "Rotten whore." The bishop recalled the time when Teresa had been pinned beneath him, staring up at him with a stoic expression. "Don¡¯t think you¡¯ll die easily." "I¡¯ll show you." Her short words became a shining determination. When was it? Was it after Enkrid cut her hair, or was it later? Teresa did not lower her voice. But was the opponent before her worthy of respect? Ah, if it weren''t for such scum, it would have been much harder for her to escape the clutches of heresy. The author had made her question life. If only there had been proper humans, perhaps she would have had faith instead of doubts. No, should she call them benefactors? If they were her benefactors, she should repay them with her sword and shield. She would give them the blessing in the Audin way. Thud-thud-thud. Fur began to sprout from the yellow-eyed bishop¡¯s side, piercing through the pores of his skin. The sound of the coarse hair forcing its way through the skin was harsh and loud. "Ughhh." The bishop groaned. The transformation was painful. A werewolf with reason, that was the bishop''s true form. From the bishop¡¯s entire body, thick fur began to sprout, and his nails elongated into sharp claws. Like thin daggers, eight claw daggers appeared, four on each hand. These claws were sharp and strong enough to cut through well-forged blades. Auuu! The transformed bishop extended his neck and let out a howl. The lycanthrope also howled, his cry shaking the innards, scattering fear and disrupting the mind. Teresa remained indifferent then, as she did now. She showed no expression when the bishop stripped or when he took off his clothes. She held no grudge. She did not resent him for his perverse behavior toward her. That was her life at the time. So, what about now? "It¡¯ll be fun." Her voice, rough but pleasant to hear, rang out. She enjoyed fighting Enkrid. She also enjoyed wielding a sword under his command. Her blood boiled. The giant¡¯s blood rushed fiercely through her veins. ¡®Ah.¡¯ There are people who live for power, money, success, or love. Teresa had found the reason for her life. That was why she had left the church. "I was born to fight." Before her words even ended, two wolf beasts rushed in from both sides. Teresa swung her shield to the left, while using the pommel of her sword as a club to strike to the right. Thud! "Hmm?" The Wolf Bishop noticed something different about Teresa¡¯s movements. She seemed faster and her strikes more precise than he remembered. Normally, she had fought as a defender, relying on her shield and natural stamina. But now, she fought differently. She had become a hybrid giant, a form he had never seen before. It was no wonder. Who had Teresa been with all this time? "I¡¯ve never fought with all my strength. Bishop." As she killed two wolves, Teresa spoke. "What the hell are you saying, you fucking heretic!" Despite transforming into a werewolf, the bishop¡¯s pronunciation was precise. He charged forward with the wolf beasts. Teresa grinned and swung her sword. Hwang! The approaching beasts were forced to retreat from the wind pressure caused by her sword. The thick sword face created the force. In the gap, Teresa raised her shield horizontally and advanced. She slammed it into the ground. Crash! The ground cracked. Snowflakes that had been falling began to swirl in the direction she had moved. As she charged forward, she swung the shield at an angle. Thwack! The edge of the shield struck the wolf¡¯s head. The beast¡¯s shattered skull crashed into Teresa¡¯s thigh before falling to the side. There was no impact. Her body was a weapon in itself. "Where do you think you¡¯re going?" While swinging her shield, the bishop¡¯s claws stabbed her from behind. She clearly felt the sharp sensation, as the claws dug into her back, ringing through her head. The Wolf Bishop¡¯s claws sank into her back. Teresa stomped her foot to steady herself, twisted her body, and then swung her sword horizontally. Hwang! The bishop was forced to retreat as his claws missed their mark. The bishop showed an incredible ability to charge and retreat, but his movements were not as dynamic as Dunbakel¡¯s. The fluidity was lacking. The sharpness of his claws was inferior to Rem¡¯s axe. And the savagery of the wolves that charged from the side was less than Audin¡¯s fists. "Hahaha!" Teresa stopped fighting for a moment and burst into laughter before driving her sword down vertically. Thud! The sword struck the ground, causing the earth to fly up, and snowflakes rose with the dust. The mixed dust and snowflakes shot up like waves. With the beast¡¯s vision obscured, Teresa seized the opportunity and disappeared. Boom! The vanishing Teresa kicked another beast in the head. Black blood and brain matter scattered from the shattered skull. "Let¡¯s keep going!" She crushed those in her way. It was far too enjoyable. And especially because it was a fight for Enkrid. Teresa followed her instincts. The bishop realized something was wrong. He urgently called for the Dire Wolf, but it had no time to respond. "What the hell is this?" Teresa¡¯s abilities were far beyond what he had known. Teresa also realized her own strength had grown significantly. Most importantly, she felt at peace. Fight. Fight. Fight with everything. Pour everything into it. It was all fun, so she did it. After several exchanges, the number of beasts dwindled. Thunk! The bishop, now a werewolf, threw three of the beasts toward Teresa¡¯s side, attempting to strike her. Teresa cleanly took the hit, leaving a hole in her body, and then punched the bishop in the face. Thwack! The bishop pulled his chin back to absorb the shock. "Fuck." Nevertheless, part of the skull was crushed inward. One of the eyeballs exploded. Teresa¡¯s side was also bleeding profusely. Red blood. The bishop¡¯s head and nose were bleeding dark red. It was the blood of a human body that had taken on the lycanthrope¡¯s blood and become a demon. "Alright, let¡¯s die together." The bishop said. Despite speaking, there was something he believed in. The mercenary with the curse was approaching from behind. There was one more odd thing. Could it be because one of his eyeballs had exploded? Behind him, another figure appeared. A person who did not look like an ally at all. *** ¡®Ah, it¡¯s been a while.¡¯ This level of injury had been a long time coming. Even when he killed the noble¡¯s son and was on the run, he hadn¡¯t been thrown around like this. Was it because he was by Enkrid¡¯s side, or was it because the situation had gone to hell? ¡®I was just trying to live quietly.¡¯ Rem truly thought so. Of course, to anyone else, it wouldn¡¯t seem like that at all. For someone who claimed to want to live quietly, he was violent, noisy, and far too unruly. Enkrid knew this, and so did the surrounding soldiers. Rem himself denied it. Anyway, Rem had gone into the forest to hide. To erase any traces, he used thick branches as stepping stones, moving with his back to the wind and glancing behind him. ¡®They¡¯re still chasing me?¡¯ Without needing to look, he felt it. His back was prickling. ¡®Damn, persistent.¡¯ Should he just turn around and risk everything for a fight? He¡¯d want to do that, but¡­ If he killed them here, then what? This was enemy territory. Would he make it back to the main camp alive? Was it easy to win without preparation? Would he get even worse injuries in the process? Ah, should he just take it all in? No, he couldn¡¯t do that. For whose sake? If he died, the sly wildcat might grin in satisfaction. The bear would probably be excited and start the funeral prayers. The lazy bastard would probably just sleep. But lately, that bastard wasn¡¯t sleeping and swinging his sword¡ªwhat a strange guy. Thinking about it, he had reached deep into the forest. If he really intended to escape, he was confident he wouldn¡¯t be caught. Since he was a child, whether in the wastelands by the desert, the forest, or swamps, he had never been caught. In the western tribes, there was a game called ¡®Chase.¡¯ It was a simple game. One side chases while the other runs. Rem had never been caught. Even when he grew up and went on actual hunts, it was the same. There was a time when a fight broke out between neighboring tribes, and he had to hide for two weeks to survive. How did he survive? He chewed and swallowed caterpillars. He gnawed on tree bark. While hiding, he survived by killing and eating one beast at a time. He even earned the nickname ¡®Death¡¯s Sorcerer.¡¯ Sorcerer, my ass. He was just a half-wit. He had run off without properly learning the sorcery. His past, the remnants of memories, came to mind. The guys he used to play with. Those who followed him everywhere, for reasons unknown. The ones who thought they were superior. In the end, the one who stabbed him in the back. The betrayer, the one who was na?ve enough to be taken advantage of. The rapidly changing situations, all the things that had to be discarded in the chaos. ¡®Bastards.¡¯ Among them, Rem recalled the ones who had chased him and beaten him senseless. But his body still continued with the practiced movements. He climbed up a large tree, picked a few leaves, and crushed them, scattering them around. Thick green liquid dripped and stained his body. This was how he erased his scent. ¡®If it¡¯s sorcery that¡¯s chasing me¡­¡¯ He couldn¡¯t afford to run aimlessly. They weren¡¯t tracking his human scent¡ªthey were after the scent of his soul. ¡®In that case, I just have to run until I¡¯m out of sight.¡¯ As simple as that. Not all of the sorcery¡¯s eyes could see everything. If the distance increased, it would no longer matter. He was ready to avoid human tracking, now it was time to lose the sorcery¡¯s gaze. Rem quickly moved his feet. Once he had put enough distance between himself and the pursuers, he dropped to the ground and began running. The forest was familiar. After throwing off the pursuit, he no longer felt that tingling sensation at the back of his neck. If they kept chasing, he could just run again. With a brief moment of peace, he sat on the trunk of a large tree. Now that he had properly examined his body, it was a mess. ¡®My side¡¯s been hit a few times.¡¯ His side had dark blue bruises. He could feel the pain without even touching it. His ankle was swollen. It wasn¡¯t broken, but it seemed like he wouldn¡¯t be able to perform at full strength for a while. Well, overexerting himself wasn¡¯t an issue for him, but still. When Rem checked his injuries, he reimagined his combat style. No matter what anyone said, Rem was a genius. He was already planning to throw a stone at the face of the bastard he would undoubtedly meet again. ¡®Haven¡¯t heard the term half-wit in a while.¡¯ It wasn¡¯t wrong, but it wasn¡¯t something nice to hear either. He hadn¡¯t lost even as a half-wit. Well, this time, it had been dangerous. Rem looked around and moved to another spot. He walked slowly, taking careful steps that wouldn¡¯t put too much strain on his body. It was time to tend to his injuries. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. While walking, he casually scanned the ground, picking up leaves and peeling off some bark with his hands. "It hurts. It hurts." Muttering to himself, he crushed the leaves and applied them to his wounds. If mixed with citrus-scented herbs from the silkweed, the stinging sensation would be unbearable on the skin, but it was good for broken bones. To endure the pain, Rem asked himself: "Captain, listen. What should we do with that bastard?" Enkrid replied. ¡®Why are you asking me that?¡¯ ¡®Well, I could ask you. Why are you being so prickly? You only get prickly with me, right?¡¯ ¡®You crazy bastard, just do what you normally do.¡¯ ¡®Alright, I¡¯ll do that.¡¯ He¡¯d answer and laugh. Captain Enkrid would probably chuckle too. What a curious man. He was a fun person to watch. The fire-wielding madman seemed like someone who came to kill him, so he¡¯d have to deal with him when the time came. Not to mention, several of the past western tribe leaders had even put bounties on him. Though it no longer mattered. ¡®The bastard deserves to die.¡¯ Rem tended to his wounds, gathered leaves, and set up a makeshift camp. He wandered around and caught a few snakes that had gone into hibernation, starting a fire. Crack. He struck the flint a few times to spark the fire, then blew on it to keep the flame alive. The fire, starting from the kindling, quickly grew into a roaring blaze. This was nothing new to him. After skinning the snake, he grabbed the axe and carefully inserted a long spearhead into its poison sac before chopping off its head. He quenched his thirst with its blood, then split the body lengthwise, sticking branches in it to roast. "It¡¯s damn cold." He hated the cold. The warmth of the leather had been torn, and the cold seeped through. Even if he tried to close it up, it was still cold. He really hated the cold. The well-roasted snake meat dripped with oil. He eagerly ate it and, as he did, he managed to catch a few more with a slingshot. Though he wished he could wash the feathers off and clean them in the water, it was too much of a hassle to go to the stream, so he just ate them with the fishy smell still lingering. After filling his stomach, he slept soundly. Rem rested for two whole days in this way. He slept in intervals, tending the fire, folding his body, eating well, and resting well. Chapter 298 ¡°Damn bastard, you¡¯re finally moving.¡± Rem cursed at someone who wasn¡¯t even there and stood up. His ribs were still a mess, and his ankle creaked, but... ¡®I will kill you for sure.¡¯ His body was enough for now. There was no need to cling to anyone or get too close. More than anything, if he didn¡¯t move soon, that bastard would either kill someone else or be killed by someone else. It didn¡¯t matter if stray cats or lazy bastards, giants, or beastmen died, but the leader was a different story. ¡®It would be a shame if he dies now.¡¯ That madman who dreamed of being a knight would be a waste to die here. There was a strange thrill in watching him thrash around. For now, at least. It was also intriguing whether that guy could actually become a knight. ¡®Well, it won¡¯t be easy for him to die.¡¯ But the opponent wasn¡¯t ideal. Was it a bad match-up? The odds were unfavorable. He thought the chances of dying in a direct fight were high. The chances of losing were also high, so he had to be the one to face him. What¡¯s more, the one obsessed with immortality, the insane fool, would definitely be aware of him. ¡®He won¡¯t be reckless after missing me.¡¯ It would be uncomfortable for him. If there¡¯s a gap, he¡¯d be the one to suffer. Thinking this, Rem looked around. Thankfully, a good tree came into view. He peeled off the bark and began rubbing and twisting it with both hands, braiding it like a rope and coiling it into a long cord. He repeated the same task. When hungry, he caught snakes or badgers, and sometimes, by chance, he encountered a bear that hadn¡¯t gone into hibernation. To others, it was a vicious bear, but to Rem... ¡°A treat, huh?¡± It was just quality meat and sturdy leather. With a quick swing, he threw his last axe into the air, caught it, and hurled it straight ahead. The axe whizzed through the air and cleaved the bear¡¯s skull in half, embedding itself deeply. The bear staggered, then collapsed with a thud. The ground shook. It was as big as Audin, wasn¡¯t it? He wanted to skin the bear and wear its hide, but he didn¡¯t have the energy to tan it now. Plus, his ribs still hurt, and he couldn¡¯t waste strength on such labor. After killing the bear, he ate its gallbladder raw, drank the blood to quench his thirst, then roasted the meat. It smelled foul, but what else could he do? He cut some of the skin into square pieces, stacked them in layers, and punched holes in the corners. The axe, made from the spear of the Centaur leader, was even more useful at times like this. The weight caused the axe head to have sharp prongs above it, which proved helpful. He used it to puncture the leather, then wove the rope he¡¯d made from bark. The long end was about the length of his arms spread wide. He swung it a few times in the air. Not bad. During this time, he carried the snake venom he had collected in a pouch. He also gathered several rocks of the same size. With the bear and snake skins, he made pouches and a shoulder bag. The bag was slung diagonally from his shoulder. ¡®It¡¯s labor. Just labor.¡¯ It had been a while since he worked up such a sweat. Despite the winter cold, sweat ran down his forehead. Only then did he find the stream. He hated the cold terribly, but if he left his body unchecked, he¡¯d fall ill. Hygiene was a basic necessity. He built a fire and took a deep breath. ¡°Ha, let¡¯s go.¡± It was something that required resolve. As he dipped his feet into the cold water, his whole body shivered. ¡®Ah, damn bastard.¡¯ The more this happened, the more his hatred grew. He thought of the one who had pushed him this far. It was because of that fool obsessed with immortality. ¡®I¡¯ll definitely kill him. I¡¯ll make sure to kill him like a dog.¡¯ The grudge deepened the more he soaked his body in the cold water. Grinding his teeth, he washed, then smeared some silkweed and other herbs on his body. He warmed himself by the fire. Tat-tat-tat. His jaw trembled. His front teeth collided harshly. Rem possessed abnormal strength, but that didn¡¯t mean he could withstand the cold. ¡®I should¡¯ve received the spell.¡¯ He regretted it in moments like this. It was unbearably cold. If he had received even a bit of the spell, he wouldn¡¯t be freezing like this. There was nothing he could do now. Holding onto a heated stone, he endured. Once his body dried out, he wrapped himself in warm leather again, finally feeling alive. ¡®Ah, I¡¯ll kill you for sure.¡¯ The grudge remained, or rather, grew deeper. Once the preparations were done, Rem headed to the main camp. He wasn¡¯t Ragna. Retracing his steps wasn¡¯t difficult, and following the trail was a strategy he had mastered. Soon, the sounds of battle reached his ears. He gauged the distance, assessed the situation, and emerged from the forest, walking swiftly towards the battlefield. There were many monsters. Red-eyed wolves stared at him. A few of them growled and created an atmosphere of fear, charging toward him. The mixture of wild energy and demonic power radiated from them, making it clear how ferocious they were. Though any ordinary person or moderately trained soldier would have been stunned, Rem was not. ¡°Get lost.¡± Rem exuded a sense of intimidation. It wasn¡¯t quite the same as what the knight had shown, but it pressed down on the atmosphere just as effectively. With his momentum, he let them know who he was. A few of the beasts hesitated under the pressure, but they didn¡¯t flee. Rem walked, slicing the air with his axe in small, controlled motions. Vertical, horizontal, diagonal. In three quick axe swings, four of the beasts were severed. Not three, but four. The second horizontal swing caught two of their heads. With a few of the beasts dead, the one he had been looking for appeared. The one floating a throwing spear in the air. He had noticed the trick right away. He was wrapping a springy thread around the spear to use it. It was a technique not seen in the West. No, trying to imitate a falling weapon with such a trick¡ªwhat was he thinking? It took Rem a moment to fully recognize it. Now that he had figured it out, he had also grasped the opponent''s personality and fighting style. When someone steps forward with confidence, there¡¯s usually a reason. That weapon was both his strength and his weakness. At least that was Rem¡¯s judgment. ¡®All he learned was how to catch in this continent. Bastard.¡¯ The thin thread that looked almost invisible gave the illusion of floating in the air. ¡°Hey!¡± Rem called out to him. The person running forward turned around. The one who tilted his head looked startled. ¡®That bastard, he was running away when I chased him, but now he¡¯s coming to me on his own?¡¯ It seemed like he was saying that. ¡°You¡¯re dead.¡± Rem spoke, and the Immortal Lunatic grinned with a half-young, half-old face in a ridiculous smile. He had been rushing out to deal with the wolf bishop. A few fanatics nearby rushed toward Rem. ¡°Heretic!¡± ¡°Praise the Lord!¡± The axe in Rem¡¯s right hand swung again. With two quick chops, two heads flew into the air. The Immortal Lunatic¡¯s eyes carefully examined Rem¡¯s movements. He probably hadn¡¯t recovered fully from his injuries. Did he sharpen the axe? It was razor-sharp. The Immortal Lunatic, still grinning, stopped and turned his body. One of the strengths of the wolf bishop was its tenacity. It wouldn¡¯t die easily. While enduring, he¡¯d deal with this first. He couldn¡¯t fight with his back exposed. A few of the fanatics looked uncertain. They clearly seemed to think they weren¡¯t a match. Rem rubbed his ribs and checked his ankle. He planted his feet and turned them around. Not bad. ¡°You came to die.¡± The Immortal Lunatic spoke. ¡°Oh, I came to kill you.¡± Rem replied, not backing down from the words. *** The Immortal Lunatic sent a spear flying into the air. If you were to look from the side, it would be pure mystery. The magic is what the West calls sorcery. To achieve something like this is what could be considered the essence of magic. Of course... "Hey, that¡¯s not even a throwing weapon, right?" When you see the trick behind it, it doesn¡¯t seem that impressive. "Crazy bastard." Rem¡¯s fellow countryman denied it. He then threw the spear. Even if it¡¯s invisible, if you know the principle, it¡¯s not difficult to track its movement. At least, not for Rem. The invisible thread sends the spear flying. It¡¯s likely connected to the forearm or fingers. Clang! When Rem struck the spear¡¯s tip with his axe, pain shot through his side. Lowering his posture as if to charge, the Immortal Lunatic drew a second spear. But that wasn¡¯t the end of it. The spears lengthened. From two to three, three to four. He raised all the spears that had been hanging behind his back. Quite a skill. A crafty bastard. Rem added the pain in his side to his growing anger. The pain from defending himself? It was all that bastard¡¯s fault. "Die, you half-wit." Four spears, a bear¡¯s forearm, and a wolf¡¯s leg. Just because he didn¡¯t inherit sorcery doesn¡¯t mean he couldn¡¯t recognize it. It was the trace of a divine blessing. The spear techniques had been elevated into a form of sorcery. "Damned bastard, playing from far away like that." Rem admired and praised his fellow countryman¡¯s skill, but the Immortal Lunatic only scoffed. The half-wit had terrible battle instincts. He was a fool. Had the level of Western warriors dropped? Maybe. He had killed too many of those who were good enough to be considered competent before he left. But putting that aside, they had spilled too much blood fighting among themselves. Anyway. ¡®If you wanted to win, you should¡¯ve fought up close.¡¯ That was what should¡¯ve happened. Of course, Rem had prepared for that. He was the one who couldn¡¯t block two spears in the previous battle. At this distance, roughly fifteen paces, his spear could fully display its power. In other words, the Immortal Lunatic had never lost in a fight at this range. Rem slowly extended his foot. The Immortal Lunatic watched. It would be better to distance himself a little further. The range of the spear, connected by a thread, was more than twenty paces. ¡®Not a throwing weapon, huh?¡¯ You idiot, through experience and training, my spear has become a divine weapon beyond just a throwing weapon. The Immortal Lunatic was confident of victory. The four spears reacted to the invisible thread connected to his fingers. Thud, they flew lightly through the air, two to the left and right of his head, two to the left and right of his forearms, making a total of four spears hovering in the air. As the spears moved forward and back, it almost seemed as if they were trying to pierce the opponent¡¯s body, shaking as they did. ¡®You think you can beat me without sorcery?¡¯ The Immortal Lunatic was a wanderer who had spent his life searching for a way to live forever. He was over a hundred years old. In that time, he had gained much. The power of the spears in his hands came from sorcery he had gained in the past. The process of inscribing sorcery into the threads had been tedious. But look at this. His weapon was now as deadly as any throwing weapon, pressuring and killing the enemy with ease. Rem silently observed his opponent. ¡®He thinks he¡¯s won.¡¯ The Immortal Lunatic was convinced of victory, believing this was his range. "You idiot." Along with the words, Rem drew out his prepared weapon. No sorcery, no invisible threads¡ªjust pure muscle strength. If he could throw a projectile ten times faster than the spears using only his strength, this was his range too. He pulled out a weapon made from bear hide and twisted bark. A slingshot. Rem pulled a stone from the pouch strapped to his body and placed it in the leather sling before beginning to swing it. The leather whipped around his shoulder, arm, and hand, until it reached above his head. The centrifugal force made the stone spin, and the sling formed a disc above Rem¡¯s head. Whoosh! The sound cut through the air as the projectile was launched. The slingshot was something Rem had used since childhood. It was a familiar weapon. He wasn¡¯t going to miss. He aimed and threw. The stone, powered by centrifugal force, flew. It was so fast that not even Rem could see it properly. No one here would be able to see it either. "Whoa!" The Immortal Lunatic was startled and raised the four spears vertically to form a wall. It was a moment of quick thinking and reaction. He was also lucky. Thud! The stone collided with the spear, shattering it into dozens of pieces, which rained down on the Immortal Lunatic. The shards scattered across his thick leather armor. "You madman!" The Immortal Lunatic moved frantically. The impact sent his spear wall flying back. A simple stone had more force than sorcery. Was this even possible? No matter how skilled, could a stone possibly be more powerful than sorcery? It was an incredible trick. How could he throw the stone with such precision? Even the Immortal Lunatic, stunned by the power, found it hard to believe. Whoosh! S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A second disc formed above Rem¡¯s head. The dreadful noise assaulted his ears. "Had enough of the show?" With the words, the second stone was released. The Immortal Lunatic crouched. The spears dispersed to either side and dropped lower. Even if he tried to aim, it was hard to hit at such a low position. And he threw two spearheads as well. The spears flew low to the ground, their tips pointed upwards¡ªan advanced technique called "Dragonfly Wings." The two spears remained to guard his body. The Immortal Lunatic, who refused to age or die, had earned that nickname for a reason. His body was his most prized possession. Rem struck the incoming spears with his axe. This time, it was different. With minimal movement, he deflected and dodged them. It was a slick, almost sword-like axe maneuver. Originally, the technique was not limited to swordplay but also to other weapons. Still, Rem¡¯s use of the technique felt more natural. "Where did you learn that trick?" The Immortal Lunatic muttered. "It¡¯s mine. The axe-evading bastard in front of me." Rem was a genius. The technique had been used on him countless times, so there was no reason he couldn¡¯t replicate it. It wasn¡¯t something he had relied on until now, but when it was needed, he used it with ease. Had he not blocked two spears before? That didn¡¯t seem too threatening. Having already experienced the attack once, he easily dodged two spears. Whoosh! The third disc spun above his head. The Immortal Lunatic¡¯s face went pale. No matter how strong a bear or how fast a leopard was, they couldn¡¯t possibly match the speed and force of this stone. Rem had already determined the outcome of the fight. Why get close and risk injuries when there was no need? His opponent was a fool. ¡®Damn, idiot.¡¯ If it had been Enkrid, he would have charged headfirst, risking his life. The half-wit had forgotten what a real fight was. "To someone who can¡¯t even wield sorcery, you¡¯re pathetic!" The Immortal Lunatic shouted in anger, but it was not anger¡ªit was fear. Enkrid never showed fear, no matter the situation. He was a pilgrim on a journey, never halting his steps, a wanderer in search of his path. And so, he walked his maddened path. "You won¡¯t make it." Rem said. The comparison was almost laughable. The Immortal Lunatic blocked the third stone with four spears. The shock from the impact created a bizarre gray whirlwind of stone dust and sleet, which disappeared. Whoosh! The fourth disc was thrown. It snapped! But the string broke mid-flight. Rem¡¯s weapon was built to withstand his power, further enhanced by centrifugal force. This was normal. The broken string hung loosely, and the Immortal Lunatic¡¯s eyes were filled not with fear, but with elation. "You idiot! Even a great weapon is nothing without full power! To think you¡¯d come at me with such a feeble weapon! Ha ha ha!" What was he saying? Rem, amused by his opponent¡¯s excitement, pulled out his second slingshot from his pack. Did he really think the string would break? His diagonal slingshot pouch was full of stones. He had five identical slingshots in his pack. ¡®Three will do.¡¯ He thought two would break the string. "Huh? Huh? There¡¯s more?" The Immortal Lunatic¡¯s eyes trembled. "Idiot." Rem sneered at him. Chapter 299 Lykanos watched as the cultists¡¯ advance was halted. It was impossible not to notice¡ªthe man fighting a direwolf with his bare hands. Kheung! The man took the direwolf¡¯s front paw to his chest once. ¡°Hahaha! That feels refreshing!¡± What in the world was that body made of, to only end up with bruises after taking a monster¡¯s blow? The bruises were yellow, but somehow, that only made it look more unnatural. Normally, he should have been reduced to a bloody pulp. Regardless, after enduring the monster¡¯s strike, the man used his own front paw. Bang! ¡°Refreshing, isn¡¯t it?¡± What the hell was so refreshing? The monster staggered from the hit¡ªit was nothing short of bizarre. ¡®Is he insane?¡¯ And he wasn¡¯t the only one. The cultists'' advance was in complete disarray. They couldn¡¯t fight properly. Why? Lykanos could feel it. Something was wrong with their command. The cultists were one thing, but the people on this side weren¡¯t exactly normal either. There was that damn Enkrid, the one he had failed to kill. And then there was that swordsman¡ªcutting, slashing, and tearing through the unit Lykanos had personally raised. ¡®That bastard is no joke either.¡¯ They had fought once before. No matter how he looked at it, that man wasn¡¯t beneath him. Would his Fastest Blade work on him? He wasn¡¯t sure. But strangely enough, he had no desire to test it. It wasn¡¯t about whether it would work or not. He simply didn¡¯t want to share his final blade with that man. Was this his last selfish act? Or was it the warrior¡¯s fighting spirit he had long ignored? ¡®What¡¯s the point of analyzing this?¡¯ He never expected things to end like this. "Let¡¯s settle this between the two of us." Lykanos spoke. The words were directed at Enkrid, who had stepped back. It wasn¡¯t that he looked down on the golden-haired warrior. But if this was to be his final battle, he wanted to decide it for himself. ¡®The first person to block my sword.¡¯ He still couldn''t shake the image of the one who had kept up with his Fastest Blade. He had intended to kill him. And yet, for the first time, he had failed. No, this was the second time. But the first one had been a knight, hadn¡¯t he? So this was the first time it really felt like failure. He might as well exclude the knight from consideration. Enkrid simply stared at him. His legs were unsteady as he got up, gripping and re-gripping his sword. That stance, that attitude¡ªwhat did it show? The image of a man who refused to step back. ¡®I never should¡¯ve left this to my men.¡¯ That was his mistake. ¡®Let¡¯s fight.¡¯ It wasn¡¯t about killing Enkrid anymore. He simply wanted to fight him again. The instinct to struggle, the youthful recklessness he thought he had forgotten, awakened on its own. They said he mimicked speed? That he was a genius? Then let him face the sword he had built over the years. Let them compete in speed. That was all there was to it. Lykanos¡¯ eyes shone. They were like stars¡ªnothing like the eyes of a man who had given up. Enkrid steadied his breathing, gripping his sword once more. At last, he was comfortable. A small, necessary adjustment. "Fine." Enkrid did not refuse. There was no reason to. He wanted to test himself again just as much. As Enkrid stepped forward, Ragna cut down the approaching enemies, ensuring no one would interfere. That was enough. Enkrid stood, limping. His leg was already beyond saving. But Lykanos wasn¡¯t unscathed either. He had been cut in the right shoulder when he charged at Ragna¡¯s sword. Blood was still dripping down his arm. They stood face to face. Between them, snowflakes fell. The snowfall thickened. "You¡¯ve got something wrapped around your stomach, right?" Lykanos asked. Enkrid nodded. The item wrapped around him had saved his stomach from being pierced through multiple times. Lykanos nodded as well, his thoughts forming. ¡®The target is set.¡¯ He let his arms hang loose. He would thrust in an instant, using explosive strength. One point. One single point. He would mark the spot with the most optimal movement. That would end it. End it? Was that really the end? Win, and then die? His opponent didn¡¯t even seem that great when he looked at him now. Then why end it? Why did he have to end it? Lykanos changed his mind. ¡®I¡¯ll figure it out after I finish this.¡¯ He had never considered an end to be truly final. That was why he had made it this far. His will to live, what he had built, what he still needed to achieve, what he had left behind, and what he would claim for himself in the future. Lykanos¡¯ gaze turned murky. Like the pure white snow darkening as it mixed with blood and dirt. But his presence was as sharp as a well-honed blade. Razor-sharp. Lykanos also wielded Will. His Will was focused entirely on his arms. The moment his extended arm carried his intent, his Fastest Blade would come to life. Lykanos realized he was ready. He swung his sword back and forth. That strange, pendulum-like movement caught Enkrid¡¯s attention. Enkrid was slightly different than usual. ¡®How fast was it?¡¯ There had been a time when Rem¡¯s axe had seemed like a flash of light. But this man¡¯s blade was beyond that. The moment it flashed, it was already piercing through flesh. Because of that, he still couldn¡¯t properly use his right arm. Enkrid suddenly remembered the moment he had saved the child. Becoming an herbalist? He had saved that child thanks to a talent that let him conceal his true abilities. So, should he do the same now? No. That wasn¡¯t right. He didn¡¯t want to. Enkrid wanted to cross blades. To face the Fastest Blade with his own sword. ¡®Even speed itself¡­¡¯ He wanted to grasp it, absorb it, understand it. There was a reason today had repeated itself. Like chasing two rabbits running in opposite directions, catching them one by one. Now, it was time to catch the second rabbit. The Beast¡¯s Heart beat within him. Recognizing his opponent¡¯s speed, his tensed muscles relaxed. Only because he was imbued with courage. His arms and hands, tensed just the right amount, gripped the sword lightly, aiming forward. The longsword''s tip traced an upward diagonal path, piercing the sky. The next step was Perceptive Art. He imbued his intuition with intent¡ªthe intent to thrust, and nothing else. The concentration he had cultivated would explode into action the moment he swung his sword. The Isolation Technique he had mastered served as the foundation for everything. Enkrid understood it all, processed it, and then¡ª Forgot it. He erased everything from his mind except the opponent before him. He even let go of who he was, who his opponent was, and what this fight was for. Only one thing remained. The fastest blade. Hoo. The wind rushed past. But the sword moved faster than the wind. Before he knew it, it was already at his throat. Puk! The sound of flesh being pierced. Enkrid collapsed, as if crumbling from within. As he fell, a Ferryman emerged like an apparition. Through the falling snow, the specter of the Ferryman, his torso floating in midair, asked: "Was it worth it?" Enkrid¡¯s face was filled with a smile. At the final moment of the thrust, he felt something¡ªsomething akin to rejection. Will. It did not reside in his arm this time. This Will had embedded itself in the moment. For just an instant, it traveled from his toes, through his knees, waist, shoulder, and elbow, until it reached the very tip of his fingers. And in that one fleeting moment¡ª Enkrid¡¯s blade was faster than Lykanos¡¯s. *** Graham did not hesitate, even in the face of an assassin¡¯s ambush. He held his ground, refusing to retreat from the battlefield, unleashing his strength without reserve. "Do not back down!" In the chaos, Dunbakel stormed into the battlefield, flipping the tide of battle, while Shinar went around slitting the throats of key mercenary officers. Amidst the whirlwind of combat, they had been wading through the battlefield for what felt like an eternity. "There, that¡¯s the enemy commander." His adjutant¡ªhis bodyguard¡ªpointed forward. Through the gap in the melee, past the adjutant¡¯s helmet-covered head, Graham could indeed see the enemy commander. And standing before him¡ª Enkrid. The two faced each other. Even with Ragna carving through foes in the background, the sheer intensity between the two men consumed all attention. Graham stopped his advance, momentarily forgetting to push the enemy back. They weren¡¯t swinging their swords. Neither had pressed a blade to the other¡¯s throat. Yet, at a glance, Graham¡¯s hands were already sweating. Goosebumps crawled over his skin. The sweat trickling down his back felt cold. He could no longer see the falling snow. Graham, without realizing it, was completely focused on them. The majority of soldiers around them were in the same state. A storm had formed, drawing in every gaze. It was Will, clashing against Will. Few understood what was truly happening, but they could all feel it. ¡®Ah.¡¯ Graham felt uneasy. That enemy commander¡¯s sword¡ª It was terrifying. ¡®He¡¯s going to die.¡¯ He could see Enkrid¡¯s death. Neither had moved yet, but the moment the enemy commander did, Enkrid¡¯s throat would be pierced. It was inevitable. ¡®No¡ª!¡¯ sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He had to stop this. Enkrid wasn¡¯t someone who should die here. There was no need to stake his life on this fight. But of course, Graham never got the chance to interfere. Neither Enkrid nor the enemy commander signaled anything. Without a word, without hesitation¡ª They moved. Their swords clashed in a thrust¡ª No. They had already passed each other. Graham hadn¡¯t even blinked, yet he failed to witness the execution of their strikes. It started and ended in the same instant. The process was invisible. But the outcome was clear. "...Ah." Graham let out a small gasp. He was shocked. It was something he hadn¡¯t expected¡ª And yet, it was also a relief. Lykanos collapsed. Enkrid, too, was wounded. Blood streamed down his neck. But he casually pressed his hand to the wound, tilting his head slightly¡ªshowing that he was, for the most part, fine. ¡®Yes!¡¯ Graham unconsciously slammed his fist against his thigh. "Mad Captain!" "The Captain of Pain!" The soldiers who had been watching erupted into cheers, Graham¡¯s adjutant among them. Everyone¡¯s hearts surged with excitement. They had won! Graham felt that the tide of battle had completely shifted. It was over. Maybe it was natural to let their guard down. Though Graham himself remained on edge, his adjutant had let his guard slip. Boom! Suddenly, dirt exploded behind Graham. Three assassins emerged from the ground. Fwip. They lunged at Graham¡¯s back. Of the three, only one succeeded in reaching their goal. Slash! The three assassins burst forth at the same time¡ª But two of their heads were instantly severed by a blade as sharp as a leaf. A curved blade sliced through the air, elegant yet merciless, executing two assassins in an instant. "When fighting, never let your guard down." The Pixie Captain spoke as she twirled her sword. She had been lingering near Graham at Kraiss¡¯s request. And now, she had done her part. But the third assassin was persistent. He sacrificed his arm, letting the Pixie Captain sever it while using his remaining hand to drive a poisoned dagger into Graham¡¯s back. Thunk! A poisoned tip. "Bastard." Graham clenched his teeth, staggering backward. It wasn¡¯t a fatal wound, but it was deep. "For a new world..." The assassin uttered his final words. Shinar, without hesitation, swung her Leaf Blade once more. The fairy¡¯s blade took the assassin¡¯s head. *** Lykanos lay on the ground, watching everything unfold. He could feel it. His death. The reasons that had led him here, the circumstances, the past¡ªit all faded away. Only regret remained. ¡®Brother¡­¡¯ He tried to speak, but his punctured throat rendered him silent. From where he lay, he watched his subordinate pierce the enemy¡¯s back before dying himself. His eyes naturally turned upward. The sky. The snow was falling heavily now. But even the snow was tainted red, mixed with the blood pooling around him. Everything was turning crimson. As he lay dying, Lykanos recalled a moment from the past. "If you¡¯re going to be a thief, then steal the throne itself. We¡¯ll create a new world. We will steal freedom itself." Was being born a serf a reason to throw away one¡¯s life? Was having nothing a justification for oppression? Was it natural to have everything taken away by those in power? If so¡ª Then he would live by that same rule. "We will become kings." The birth of the Black Blade Thieves. Lykanos had been the leader¡¯s sworn brother. He had been the embodiment of their strength. And now, as he lay dying, he thought: ¡®Was this the world we wanted, Brother?¡¯ Their ideals had crumbled quickly. With power, with Krona, with authority¡ª They had spoken of stealing the throne, of ushering in a new world. They had vowed to end suffering for those like them. But those vows had vanished, melting away like snow. Lykanos saw a glowing doorway amidst the falling snow. As the door opened, figures stepped through. His sister. His parents. All dead. His sister had been taken by the lord for failing to pay taxes¡ªnever to be seen again. His parents had been slain by bandits, simply because they had nothing worth stealing. Now, they stood before him, blood dripping from their eyes and mouths. It is too late. Come, my son. Lykanos¡¯s eyes shut. Beyond the doorway, directly beneath his family¡ª A river of dark red flowed. The river to hell. He surrendered himself to the current. Beyond the shining door, the Crimson River welcomed him. Chapter 300 ¡®Tch, throwing a tantrum at the very end, huh?¡¯ A body hardened through spirit-enhanced training and skills perfected through years of battle. The Undying Madman was no easy opponent. Even after part of his skull had been shattered, he still grabbed his spear and lunged. Blood gushed from his wounds as he stubbornly closed the distance¡ª Until he was within reach. "You bastard! Did you really think¡ªI!¡ªwould go down that easily?!" Rem couldn¡¯t help but admire the man. Yeah, this was how it should have been from the start. From then on, it was a bloodbath. A fight where blood sprayed with every exchange. The spear pierced through heated leather, stabbing into Rem¡¯s thigh. If he hadn¡¯t twisted his leg in time, he would have ended up as Limping Rem. In return, his axe claimed two of the man¡¯s fingers. The bastard had dodged¡ªotherwise, Rem would¡¯ve taken the whole hand. A shame, but a fight was a fight. And Rem was enjoying this. He was thrilled. It had been a long time since he faced someone worth fighting. Even with Heart of Might unleashed, his opponent showed strength comparable to a giant. And not just a burst of power¡ªthis was sustained, overwhelming force through spiritual possession. "How can you fight like this without magic?!" The Undying Madman was shocked. The first surprise was Heart of Might. "You damn grappler! " He kept muttering to himself. That much surprise was a sign of genuine alarm. Rem decided to play along. "Oi, you don¡¯t get to say that, asshole!" Grappler? Sure, Rem was using remnants of enhancement magic, but this bastard? He was outright melding sorcery into his martial arts! Grappling? Grappliiiiiiiing? If this was baiting, then damn, it was well done. "You motherless bastard¡ª!" Rem snapped. "My mother¡¯s been dead for a hundred years!" "Oh, so you really don¡¯t have a mother!" The madman roared back. Both of them bellowed at each other as they fought. Rem felt himself being pushed. Not just because of his opponent¡ª But because he wasn¡¯t the only problem. Krrrung! A foul-smelling beast lunged at him. Circling, waiting for the perfect moment to sink its fangs in. Eventually, it succeeded¡ªclamping onto his arm. At that very moment, the Undying Madman thrust both spears down with full force. Rem swung his axe, dragging the wolf along as he twisted. He smashed the descending spears, diverting their trajectory. Even so¡ª One spear sliced deeply across his ribs. The pain made tears well up. Every hair on his body stood on end. A fractured rib. The bastard had deliberately put all his force into one strike¡ª And it landed. But Rem didn¡¯t stop. Even as he crushed the wolf¡¯s skull with his fist, Even as he dodged the next barrage of spear thrusts¡ª Even as he parried, deflected, kept moving like a madman. Then¡ª A sticky sensation wrapped around his foot. ¡®Oh, you sneaky fucker.¡¯ Adhesive sorcery. He really was an old fox. The Undying Madman had demonstrated that perfectly. The most troublesome prey was always the oldest, most experienced one. Rem tensed his thigh. This kind of magic had to be spread in a set area¡ª Bang! He slammed his foot against the ground, flinging himself sideways, swinging his axe midair. With that, he cut down three more beasts that had been aiming for him. To be exact¡ª Two were split from neck to chest. The third took a direct axe blow to the forehead. Rem had been expecting another brutal exchange. Instead¡ª He was disappointed. And, at the same time, he realized¡ª He had won. Because the Undying Madman ran. He retreated. The next attack he launched was weak. It wasn¡¯t even a direct strike anymore. Another throwing spear, attached to a silk string. ¡®Ah, this bastard.¡¯ Rem¡¯s excitement immediately plummeted. Thud! He knocked the spear aside with the flat of his axe, watching the old warrior retreat. His voice rang out. "The next time we meet, you will die." ¡®Hah! Who do you think is actually gonna die next time, huh?!¡¯ Rem growled, slamming his axe down into an approaching beast. Boom! The creature was split vertically, from head to gut. "Tch. I get it, though." "You survived until now because you ran when things got bad." He could chase him down. Could kill him right now. But honestly? It wasn¡¯t worth the effort. The excitement had vanished. Rem was just annoyed. That was all. But for the Wolf Bishop, the situation was entirely different. "Oi! Where the hell are you going?!" The priest was so shocked that he couldn¡¯t even mask his outrage. His wolf¡¯s eyes reflected pure disbelief. Even Teresa could see it. The priest¡¯s jaw dropped open in shock, causing the barely held-together wound on his head to split open again. Dark red blood dripped down his cheek, splattering onto the ground. But there was no answer. The Undying Madman was already gone. Not even a single word of apology. Not that it would have helped. Had he apologized, the priest¡¯s blood pressure would¡¯ve spiked so high that his skull would have exploded. "Brother Bishop, it¡¯s time to go." The voice behind him was calm. The priest grimaced at the title. There stood a limping half-giant. His shield was broken in half. His sword was cracked down the middle. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Bastard apostate. Even in death, I will curse you." The Wolf Bishop spat his final words. This should have been an easy victory. He had come with the Undying Madman, A Bishop of the cult, himself. And even his soul-bound direwolf. And yet¡ª What the hell was this outcome? Even that bitch Teresa should have been an easy kill. And yet. Everything had gone wrong. The priest didn¡¯t sigh. He didn¡¯t look to the heavens. He simply muttered his final curse. "Fucking bastards." He had felt the death of his soul-bound direwolf. There was no hope left. "I will curse you all forever. Your flesh will rot, decay, but you will not die. The God of the Abyss shall never forgive you! And Undying Madman! You¡ª!" His last words were directed at the ally who had abandoned him. That traitorous bastard. The one who should have fought by his side. "You can rot in the river of hell, Bishop." "Good!" Teresa finally caved his skull in. The pommel of her broken sword was the killing blow. She adjusted her blood-soaked mask, then turned¡ª Just in time to see Rem limping toward her. "You made it?" "Of course. You think I¡¯d leave?" No dramatic gestures. No comforting words. They just walked. Neither was in good shape, but neither was dying, either. So, fuck helping each other. Beside them, a wild horse trotted up. "You fought too?" Hieeeng! The one-eyed horse neighed. Rem curled his lips. "Even the damn horse fought, and yet that bastard ran." He was still annoyed. His blood was boiling, but his excitement had vanished. This was rare¡ªespecially against an opponent from the same people, someone who had the advantage, and yet¡ª ¡®I¡¯ll see you again, old man.¡¯ Rem swore. And¡ª There were witnesses to their battle. The heavy infantry and the cavalry. And the mercenary leading them? He realized something. ¡®Do not pick a fight with them.¡¯ ¡®Damn, let¡¯s never complain about hard fights again.¡¯ Attacking meant dying. That much was clear. Watching them fight made that obvious. And that big, quiet woman? She wasn¡¯t to be underestimated either. Not that they had ever underestimated her¡ªbut now, their entire perspective had changed. In the past, if people had seen Rem and Teresa fighting like this, they would have recoiled in horror and retreated. It had happened before. They had displayed such overwhelming power that it felt¡­ inhuman. Their allies took comfort in the fact that they were on the same side¡ª But even then, a certain distance remained. They instilled fear even among their own. But this time¡ª This time, it was different. They were limping. The horse walking beside them looked like the only one completely fine. Had it not been for them, everyone here might have been slaughtered. Relief, joy, elation, the euphoria of victory¡ª All those emotions surged and mixed together. "Mad Platoon!" "Rem! The Axe-Wielding Rem!" "Crazy Axe Rem!" "You¡¯re still alive!" "He¡¯s still alive!" "Immortal Rem?!" What started as murmurs quickly solidified into a name. Rem dug a finger into his ear. What the hell were they saying? And then¡ª All at once, the soldiers shouted: "IMMORTAL REM!" They had thought him dead. And yet, he had returned¡ªdriving the enemy back. An upgrade from Rem the Short-Tempered Bastard. "IMMORTAL REM! UNDYING REM!" "THE UNDYING MADMAN!" "UAAAAAHHH!" Most of the beasts had already been slain. This battlefield had been the most favorable to them. And the remaining ones? With the death of the Direwolf and the Bishop, they scattered. Without a focal point, monsters never stuck together. The soldiers cheered as they advanced toward the center of the battlefield. "So damn noisy." Rem kept digging at his ears. "Drifting Teresa!" Now, they were chanting her name. They called her what she always called herself. One hand steadied her mask¡ª The other, she raised. She wanted to. It was an instinctive action. Back when she had been among the cult, she had been so cold that she could go an entire week without saying a word. But now¡ª Now, things were different. Now, she knew joy. Now, she knew happiness. Everything looked different. "I am Drifting Teresa." And they¡ª They repeated it back, as one. It sounded nice. "What the hell are you doing? IMMORTAL REM!" Rem, clearly in a mood, called her out. And, of course¡ª The soldiers echoed him. "IMMORTAL REM!" God, this was childish. Eventually, they reached where Enkrid, Ragna, and Audin stood. Ragna looked mostly fine. Audin¡­ did not. His entire body was covered in minor wounds. His left arm hung limp. Broken? "Just a scratch. Can¡¯t be wasting my full strength on a damn dog. So you took quite the beating, Brother." "Ah, just a few grazes. I was showing respect to my elders." Teresa stayed silent. Ragna, after staring blankly at them, spoke up. "They¡¯re all too weak. Dragging them around is just a hassle, Captain." "...Why the hell did I keep that bastard alive?" Rem muttered. Audin simply smiled and clenched his fist. "Brother, it seems you long for the embrace of God." Enkrid swept back his hair. Nothing but nonsense. Then, he turned to Rem. "Stop running off." "What, why? Were you getting your ass kicked without me?" "You¡¯re the one who got beaten." "I let him off easy since he¡¯s an old man." "I see." "...Wait, so why does the fight end right when I come back? I was just about to have some fun!" With that body? Enkrid¡¯s expressionless face conveyed all the disbelief he needed. Rem yelled. "You know who I am?! This is only the beginning! Don¡¯t you know who I am?!" With that, he raised his hand behind him. The sharpest officers caught on immediately. "IMMORTAL REM!" And, once again, the soldiers roared. "IMMORTAL REM!" Jesus Christ. Enkrid smirked, shaking his head. "The enemy¡¯s movements are strange." Graham¡¯s adjutant spoke up. Enkrid didn¡¯t even turn. "It¡¯s his work." "...Who?" No need for further explanation. Jaxon. Jaxon could have easily killed Viscount Tarnin earlier. But he had waited. For the most effective moment. Would killing the enemy commander immediately end the battle? No. There were still plenty of elite mercenaries left. Compared to Enkrid and the Mad Platoon, they were nothing¡ª But by normal standards, they were far beyond regular soldiers. And they had been thinking: "We have justification on our side." As long as they retreated with Viscount Tarnin alive, they could maintain leverage. Some of them even knew about Azpen¡¯s existence. All they had to do was fall back, let the Border Guard fight Azpen, then launch another territorial war later. It was a smart move. So, they set out to find the Viscount. But¡ª His head was already mounted on a pike. "...When the hell did that fat bastard die?" One of the smart mercenaries was stunned. And, unlucky. Jaxon hadn¡¯t even needed magical relics to erase his presence. He had simply disguised himself in enemy armor¡ª And observed. Looking for anyone who could rally the enemy. Then, he had gifted them all a red necklace. That smart mercenary? He was no exception. A unique dagger¡ªblunt on the outside, razor-sharp on the inside. Dragged across the throat¡ª And it was over. The mercenary barely had time to react. His hand shot up to grab Jaxon¡¯s wrist¡ª But the blade had already drawn a red line across his throat. By now, Jaxon had already killed seven of them. That was enough. So, he withdrew. Surely, his captain hadn¡¯t died in the short time he was away. And as he returned¡ª He saw Enkrid. And beside him¡ª A ghost. "A ghost? Quick, someone fetch a few daggers. An exorcism should do." "...Why the hell does it feel like that stray cat bastard is talking about me?" The barbarian ghost grumbled. Jaxon, still serious, insisted on an exorcism. But it was ignored. Instead, all he got was a blessing from a madman with an axe. "How about you drop dead?" Jaxon ignored it. His job was done, and his captain was still alive. "I really thought I was gonna die this time." Kraiss admitted. Enkrid, utterly unfazed, stared at the wide-eyed soldier. Kraiss, who hadn¡¯t properly slept in days, smiled. "Lucky, aren¡¯t we? Feels like the Goddess of Fortune gave us a kiss." And as he spoke¡ª White snow poured down over his head. It had started just as the battle ended¡ª The sleet had turned into full snowfall. "You like this?" Rem grumbled. Demon dust was falling relentlessly. Jaxon and Audin both looked equally annoyed. But Enkrid¡ª Enkrid understood. "The captain¡¯s a smart one, as expected." Kraiss commented. Rem, clearly irritated, muttered something about gouging his eyes out. But it was just small talk. The snowfall thickened. And with it¡ª They had bought time. Azpen¡¯s movements would be stalled. And they had time to recover and regroup. Chapter 301 "WAAAAAAH!" The moment they entered Border Guard, the cheers struck like a hammer. The air itself shuddered with the force of it. Every single person¡ªmen, women, soldiers, civilians¡ªpoured into the streets, roaring at the top of their lungs. "Goddamn, my ears." Amidst the exhausted soldiers and the falling snow, the people screamed their victory. The Black Blade had threatened them. The Cult had marched on them. Officially, it had been Viscount Tarnin¡¯s army¡ª But that was like dressing up a ghoul in human clothes. A sham. Everyone had known. Even the damn innkeeper had known. Azpen was still out there¡ª But there were moments that could not be passed over. When was life most valuable? When you had survived. When you had overcome. When you felt, down to your bones, that you were still alive. And that¡¯s what the Border Guard people felt now. They had survived. They had endured. Some had fled in the night. Some had abandoned their homes. But those who had stayed¡ª They screamed with all the air in their lungs. "YOU! You can have what I¡¯ve kept safe for twenty years!" The innkeeper, Vanessa, hollered. She had lost her first husband at twenty-five and had never remarried, treating herself with care. Anyone who tried anything funny got a cast-iron pot to the skull. "WHO THE HELL WANTS THAT?!" A towering mercenary shouted back. Half his face was wrapped in bloodstained bandages, covering his left eye down to his jaw. He had clearly been wounded in battle, but that didn¡¯t stop him from howling with laughter. His wound would split open again, but he didn¡¯t seem to care. "I WASN¡¯T TALKING TO YOU!" "SNAP OUT OF IT, INNKEEPER!" Everyone laughed. The mercenary bellowed, voice booming over the crowd. "DAMN, YOU GUYS FIGHT LIKE MONSTERS!" "FUCKING DEMONS ON THE FIELD!" His cry was met with a chorus of roaring men. And between them, women shrieked in something close to hysteria. Everyone was drunk on victory. "Hey, have you all forgotten Azpen is still out there?! Is this really the time?!" Kraiss grumbled. Rem, watching, smacked the back of his head. Smack! Perhaps he had been too eager¡ªthe hit landed faster than intended. Kraiss rubbed the back of his head, turning crookedly to glare¡ª Only for Rem to cackle. "You gotta enjoy yourself when you can, kid." "Even before death?" "Look at you¡ª you¡¯re already enjoying this. And I¡¯m about to split your skull into six pieces." "Enough." Enkrid stepped in. Left alone, Kraiss would¡¯ve gotten smacked at least a few more times. "You¡¯re strong enough. You don¡¯t need to bully the weak." Ragna observed, blunt as ever. Somehow, they had split into two groups. On the left¡ª the injured: Rem, Audin, Teresa. On the right¡ª the mostly untouched: Ragna, Jaxon, Dunbakel. "Huh? What was that? I can¡¯t hear useless bastards who get lost all the damn time." Rem cupped his hand behind his ear. Jaxon, always the shit-stirrer, joined in. "No bullying the weak." sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He even gestured as if teaching an animal. As if speaking to a dog. Even as the entire city cheered, even as they chanted "Immortal Rem!", Rem pulled out his axe. "Wanna say that again, up close?" "Nope. Nope. Bad idea." Jaxon crossed his arms in an X. "This is about to explode." Ragna helped¡ª By dumping a barrel of oil into an open fire. "A guy who broke his arm fighting a dog, and another who barely survived¡­" He didn¡¯t sound like he was provoking them. Which was the problem. Ragna had a habit of saying exactly what he thought. That was both his greatest strength¡ªand his worst flaw. Right now, it was definitely a flaw. "Brother, are you seeking eternal rest?" Audin didn''t snap. He simply moved. Ragna truly believed they were weak. Enkrid could hear everything. If he left them alone, they would walk into the city covered in blood. They were all subtly raising their fighting spirit. It had been a while. They had all been getting along too well. In a way, it was progress. At least they weren¡¯t splitting into full-on factions anymore. ¡­Though it was still a mess. "Aren¡¯t you going to stop this?" Even Kraiss was nudging Enkrid now. Enkrid was an expert at stopping them by now. All it took was one sentence. "I think I¡¯m faster than you now, Rem." The tension popped like a bubble. "¡­What did you just say?" Rem narrowed his eyes. "See for yourself later." The dangerous atmosphere disappeared. Enkrid¡¯s gaze shifted forward. The leopard had gone ahead into the city. She wasn¡¯t injured, but she looked exhausted. The one-eyed wild horse walked without needing a rein, scanning its surroundings. Horses were usually skittish, especially in crowds¡ª But this one had been bathed in monster blood and survived. It knew its own strength. It walked with confidence. It had galloped through battlefields, kicked down foes, and come out unscathed. ¡®This guy counts as part of the unit now.¡¯ Enkrid acknowledged. As the cheers rang behind them, they entered the city. Rem blocked Enkrid¡¯s path. "Dun-dun-dun! Time to check! What¡¯s faster, huh?" "Are you even in good enough shape?" Enkrid asked, genuinely concerned. Not as a taunt. "Fuuuuuuck you." Rem grinned. His face stretched wide¡ª A grotesque expression. An exquisite showcase of pure annoyance. It was honestly impressive. The atmosphere was oddly peaceful. "Fine, fine. If you¡¯re slower than me, this won¡¯t even be fun." Ah, this bastard. Enkrid settled into his stance. Before the entire camp, he repeated the process he had realized. It wasn¡¯t perfect. He still couldn¡¯t activate it instantly. But¡ª When it did activate, he was faster than Lykanos. Something like the Will of Rejection. Imperfect. Unrefined. But overwhelming when it worked. Relax. Contract. Explode. Just as before, he thrust forward. The blade collapsed the space in front of it¡ª And split the air itself. Clang! Rem tried to parry with his axe¡ª And failed. He had to block it with the flat of the blade instead. The sound of steel rang out. "You blocked that well." Enkrid admitted. He hadn¡¯t aimed to kill¡ª But it hadn¡¯t been an easy strike to block. "¡­What the hell did you do while I was gone?" Rem didn¡¯t even try to hide his shock. And he wasn¡¯t the only one. "Hmm." Ragna cleared his throat. Jaxon¡¯s half-closed eyes snapped open. Audin, mid-smile, froze solid. A well-carved statue. Even Ragna, who had seen it before, wasn¡¯t used to it. If anything¡ª It proved that killing Lykanos hadn¡¯t been a fluke. Ragna¡¯s mind registered two words. ¡®He¡¯s fast.¡¯ Even now¡ªhe was fast. And if it was this fast¡­ Who else could stop it? ¡­Not many. "Put that to real use. Again?" Rem grinned. And Enkrid? "Sure." He was calm. Snow poured down in thick, heavy sheets. Each person drifted into their own thoughts, their own world. But there was one undeniable truth¡ª Watching Enkrid fight had shaken them all. "Father, guide us." Audin murmured his prayer. Dunbakel¡¯s eyes burned. Teresa, forgetting her wounds, ached for battle. And Kraiss¡ªwho had watched it all unfold¡ª "Are you serious? You¡¯re sparring at a time like this?" "What, should we shovel snow instead?" Rem shot back. Kraiss sighed, taking a steady breath before turning to Enkrid. "Captain, one last question." "Ask." "Bite his damn head off." Dunbakel muttered something nonsensical¡ª And Rem kicked her in the ass. "You didn¡¯t get beaten enough yet?" "Why am I always the one getting hit?!" "Gee, I wonder why." Ignoring the two bickering behind him, Kraiss pressed on. "We¡¯re fighting, aren¡¯t we?" That question held many things. They could still run. Abandon Green Pearl, and defending Border Guard would be simple. They had already overcome one major crisis¡ª And now, Martai¡¯s army could finally mobilize. The Cult¡¯s interference had delayed them, but they would likely arrive tomorrow. So why fight? Why not wait? "And if we don¡¯t?" Enkrid asked. Kraiss exhaled sharply. "Captain, I know you already understand, but if we leave them be, holding this city won¡¯t be easy." That was his conclusion. Something was wrong in Naurillia. If things were fine, the reinforcements should have already arrived. At the very least, Count Molsen couldn¡¯t ignore this. "The central powers can¡¯t reach this far." And Marcus¡¯s battalion had been plucked away at the last second. Nothing about this was a good sign. The conclusion was the same. If they wanted to survive and protect this land¡ª They had to strike first. While they still had the terrain and timing in their favor. "What do you think Azpen¡¯s doing right now?" Enkrid asked, sheathing his sword. Snow continued to pour from above. Soon, the world would be nothing but white. For the soldiers, it was a nightmare. They were already exhausted, and now they¡¯d have to shovel snow instead of resting. If they left it alone, the drains would freeze, roofs would collapse, and fences would snap under the weight. Fixing it later would be twice the work. Better to clear it now. Kraiss thought through the logistics¡ª And, at the same time, why Azpen was waiting. What did they want? His conclusions were unsatisfying. "I don¡¯t know. If they wanted Green Pearl, they should have already attacked. We need to watch them more." There were a few bad scenarios he could imagine¡ª But they weren¡¯t likely enough to be worth considering. "When the snow stops, we move." Kraiss finished. Enkrid nodded. There was nothing more to discuss. For now, they rested. They ate. They slept. But as the snow kept falling into the evening, the soldiers started grumbling. "Damn it! Let us drink and celebrate already, you cursed snow!" Kraiss dismissed it as spoiled whining. They only had this break because of the snow. Not that it stopped some of them from drinking anyway. Enkrid, instead of drinking, reflected. He replayed his fights, reviewed every step. Had he missed anything? Was there anything to learn? When you re-examined things, there was always something to take away. He spent a day thinking like that. By the next, as he stretched his body¡ª "Here. Use this." Shinar tossed him a jar of ointment. A fairy-made healing balm. He had no idea what ingredients it contained¡ª But it was good medicine. It quickly closed his minor wounds, especially the burns on his back. "I¡¯ll do it." The Company Captain personally rubbed the balm onto his back. A sharp sting¡ª Followed by cool relief. It worked even better because of his isolation technique, which had enhanced his body¡¯s natural healing. His body was slowly adapting to recover faster. "Give me more. There are a lot of injured." Enkrid asked. Shinar looked around and snorted. "They¡¯ll be fine if they spit on it." With that, she left. Honestly, Rem seemed worse off than he was. "This is favoritism. Why does the Captain get special treatment?" "Do you really not know?" Dunbakel said, deadly serious. "Nope. Not a clue. Since I don¡¯t know, let¡¯s train. Hey, Beast, let¡¯s play." Rem growled¡ª And Dunbakel bolted outside. She kicked off the ground, her white silhouette blurring as she vanished. She had improved. It was obvious. Outside, through the swirling snow, she flicked her tongue out at him. "Coward!" Her voice reached Rem¡ª But he didn¡¯t chase. His coat was ruined¡ªhe had patched it into a vest. Snow still fell. And it was cold. Should he go out there and rip out her throat? It wouldn¡¯t take much. Even injured, he could catch her. And his wounds? He could just let them worsen. "Restrain yourself, Brother." Audin¡¯s calm words stopped him. She would come back eventually. And when she did¡ª Then he¡¯d beat the hell out of her. She still had that bad habit of dodging instead of taking proper fights. She still needed to learn. And that was the duty of a proper trainer. Rem swore to himself. He would teach her. With his fists. Nearby, Audin examined Enkrid¡¯s shin wound. "It¡¯ll heal quickly." Which was ironic¡ª Considering Audin¡¯s arm looked far from healing. Even now, he didn¡¯t use his divine power on himself. There was probably a reason, but Enkrid didn¡¯t ask. Instead, he gave a small nod and headed outside. He needed to warm up. And there were a few mercenaries who had supposedly fought for the city. Might as well meet them. The snowfall had weakened slightly. A few soldiers spotted him¡ª And immediately snapped to attention, saluting stiffly. Considering what he had done on the battlefield, their reaction was understandable. He had been impossible to miss. As he walked, his gaze drifted to the barracks entrance. A woman stood there, red-nosed from the cold. The moment he stepped out, she lifted her head. "Ah." She recognized him. She approached, dropped to her knees, and bowed her head. "No matter how lowly I may be, I was taught never to forget kindness." She spoke. She looked past forty. "Thank you for saving my son." She wept as she bowed. Everyone had told her to give up. But he had saved her child. To her, he was a god. A savior. A blessing. He was everything. Her son¡¯s life meant more to her than her own. Enkrid felt something stir. His heart shook. It was as if someone whispered in his ear¡ª "You weren¡¯t wrong." The voices of Geor and Pete, the ones who had died. The voice of that child, who had said¡ª "I support your dream, mister." He wanted to end the wars on this continent. He wanted to become a knight and end it with his own hands. So that no more mothers would lose their children to war. He lifted the mother to her feet and sent her home. His fight¡ª His dream¡ª Had only just begun. Chapter 302 "It''s bad." That was the answer he gave when asked if he was alright. Graham, lying in bed, barely lifted his head to look at Enkrid. He had been stabbed deep in the back and could hardly move. In other words, the Border Guard''s standing army had lost its commander. They now had to fight without a lord, a battalion commander, or a supreme commander¡­ "You¡¯ll manage without me, won¡¯t you?" Graham muttered. One of his two lieutenants nearly nodded in agreement. No¡ªone of them did nod. "That bastard is nodding." "A-ah, no, sir!" At Graham¡¯s words, the lieutenant who had been nodding quickly changed it into a frantic shake of his head. Watching the ridiculous exchange, Enkrid asked, "So, am I doing it?" "Who else would?" Graham had come to a realization. ¡®I''m just a lord in name.¡¯ Wasn¡¯t the real hero of the city someone else entirely? Sure, he himself had cut down the enemy commander in this battle and led the madmen under his command, making him no less insane than them. But the man standing before him was the kind of person who would throw himself into danger to save a child. ¡®A useless act.¡¯ And yet, it was that kind of person people could trust. And it was that kind of person he had no complaints about. If, right now, Enkrid were to say¡ª "Hand over the lordship." Graham would do it without hesitation. Of course, that wasn¡¯t what the man before him was saying. Just a hallucination of his own mind. Even if he was only a lord in name, it wasn¡¯t something he resented. It was a strange thing. Looking at this man, he felt no jealousy. Maybe it was because he had seen him rise from the very bottom. Or maybe it was because he knew how hard Enkrid swung his sword, to the point his palms split open. Even now, despite being vastly stronger than before, the man still wore out his hands the same way. To be jealous of someone like that would be to admit he was trash¡ªa failure. Maybe that was it. ¡®I don¡¯t want to be trash.¡¯ That was the conclusion Graham arrived at. But there was still something he wanted to ask. "Why did you save that child?" It had been dangerous. Pointless. A moment of carelessness amid the flashes and explosions could have meant death. And yet, the man before him had shielded the child with his body, rolling through the chaos, getting burns on his back and shoulders. Why? It was just a kid. A single arrow, or simply doing nothing, would have let nature take its course. And yet, he had acted. Even if Graham couldn¡¯t fully understand what had driven him in that moment, the result remained the same¡ªthe child was alive. He had drawn his sword for someone who had nothing to do with him. Like some character from a story. Enkrid answered without a moment¡¯s hesitation. "Because I wanted to." It wasn¡¯t even said with any sense of self-importance. The casual way he treated it made it even more striking. This bastard really was a complete lunatic. Graham, feeling a strange urge to provoke him, said, "Show some respect to your battalion commander, Captain. Has Rem rubbed off on you?" "That¡¯s an insult. Are you asking for a duel?" "Rem was a mistake." "Yes." "Win and come back. If you do, I¡¯ll personally take the lead in celebrating your return." "Am I supposed to be happy about an old man welcoming me back instead of a beautiful woman?" Enkrid sounded genuinely curious, and once again, that idiot lieutenant started nodding. Why the hell was he agreeing now? "Get out." Graham dismissed both Enkrid and his lieutenant. As the lord of the city, he had a duty to worry about it. Enkrid, watching Graham¡¯s sense of responsibility, found himself satisfied. And so¡ª "I¡¯ll win and come back." He said this as he stepped out. Graham said nothing in response. But his eyes held no doubt. Outside, the snowfall was letting up. It wouldn¡¯t be long before Azpen stopped watching and finally made his move. The Green Pearl Battalion would be reinforcing them. "I wish this damn snowstorm would take a hint and stop already." His idiot lieutenant remained oblivious. He didn¡¯t realize that the snowfall had actually bought them some time to rest. How had this guy even become a lieutenant? "You need to develop some awareness." Enkrid offered a pointed remark before turning away. He saw the child¡¯s mother and, in the city, a group of injured mercenaries. The mercenaries had taken shelter in the city¡¯s inns. Some had agreed to join the fight as auxiliary forces. Others chose to remain mercenaries. Among them were some interesting individuals. One of them was Edin Molsen. "Be careful of your father." That was the first thing he said upon approaching. "You realize that sounds exactly like you¡¯re telling me to be careful of you, right?" "It¡¯s advice, not a warning." "Got it." Enkrid took it lightly and brushed it off. Count Molsen wasn¡¯t the most pressing concern right now. No. There was a clear order of priorities. Right now, the enemy was Azpen. Azpen, who had finally decided to go all in. "Don¡¯t forget my words." Edin Molsen repeated himself, but Enkrid just grinned. "By the way, your name is¡­?" "¡­Did you forget again?" Before Edin could explode in frustration, Enkrid picked up his pace and slipped away, making his way back to the barracks. "Anything to eat? Food? You know injured people need to eat well, right?" The moment he stepped into the barracks, Rem greeted him, looking as eager as a baby bird waiting for its mother. That gluttonous bastard. It just so happened that he had taken a lap around the city. Partly for his own recovery, partly to check on the mercenaries who had stayed to fight because of him. So he had brought back some bread, marmalade, and spiced jerky. "They say if you¡¯re going to die, at least make sure you look good doing it." "That¡¯s a Western joke. How do you even know that?" Rem smirked and stuffed bread into his mouth. Watching him, Enkrid was reminded of his earlier encounter with Gilpin. That guy had seemed¡­ off. "There were several spies among us. We caught some, but a few slipped through." That had been the first thing Gilpin said when he approached. "We¡¯ll tighten surveillance." The way his jaw clenched showed his determination. Enkrid didn¡¯t bother replying. What he did wonder, though, was why these guys were the ones handling counterintelligence. Wasn¡¯t that the city watch¡¯s job? Or was it? No, it was. Either way, Gilpin was completely focused on it. His eyes burned with fervor, as if he had received some divine calling. But it wasn¡¯t divine intervention that had started this. It had been Kraiss¡¯s orders, nothing more. "Right. Sure." "Meelun¡¯s been taking out any decent fighters he finds. We¡¯re expanding the guild and locking down the city¡¯s nights." Enkrid hadn¡¯t realized it, but Gilpin had been watching the battle. He had seen the whole thing unfold. Of course, he already knew Enkrid was impressive, but there had been something different this time. He had stood at the front, facing the storm of blades. He had gone head-to-head with the enemy commander. That alone was astounding. But what had really left an imprint on Gilpin¡¯s mind was when Enkrid had rolled across the battlefield, shielding that child. That scene had replayed in his head for days. ¡®Was there a reason to save that kid?¡¯ No. And yet, he had done it. That child had been kidnapped because of his own failure. He had been the one responsible for spotting spies, for protecting the city''s nights. Even with Meelun and Frokk helping, he had failed. And that was something he could never let happen again. ¡°I missed.¡± That day, Gilpin clenched his teeth so hard that blood started to flow from his gums. Over a hundred years ago, there was a man who unified a thieves¡¯ guild on his own. He was no common thief, but a noble bandit. He made it his life''s mission to help the poor and the struggling. Having grown up surrounded by nothing but thievery, he reached the top of that world. The continent''s only Log Master. A minstrel who sang of the romance of the night. The Emperor of the alleyways, Kiuwzellas. As a child, Gilpin had dreamed of being the protector of the night. The protector of the night was a concept created by Kiuwzellas. To guard the night, singing songs of peace for the people. Gilpin thought, seeing the smiles of those around him, that he was becoming someone different from a mere thief. He believed, from his childhood, that protecting the city he had grown up in was his duty. ¡®This is the city where I was born and raised.¡¯ He would protect it. If not him, then who? He had missed the child. He had missed a few spies. No one blamed Gilpin. Not even the child''s mother would blame him, but Gilpin blamed himself. ¡®It¡¯s my fault.¡¯ He could be criticized for being a pathetic thief, talking about duty and responsibility. ¡®But if it¡¯s just a dream¡­¡¯ Gilpin wanted to embrace the dream of his childhood again. And that dream nearly shattered when Enkrid saved the child. He saw the mother¡¯s gratitude. And it was then that Gilpin glimpsed something extraordinary in the man before him. It wasn¡¯t just about his swordsmanship. Had Kiuwzellas been like this? Enkrid was a different person, with a different heart and will. Gilpin recognized that. "Why did he do it?" Gilpin asked when Kraiss returned, and his response was a masterpiece in itself. "He probably did it because it was annoying. What kind of fool would act like the enemy commander? If he saves someone, how pissed would they be?" Was that the real reason? No. He had saved a person. He had saved the city by saving that child. Enkrid¡¯s actions weren¡¯t intentional, but they completely captivated the heart of the old thief. Gilpin reaffirmed his resolve. ¡®Even if it costs me my life.¡¯ He would protect the city¡¯s night, and even if it meant clearing small obstacles from the path Enkrid walked, he would do so. Though his loyalty might seem misplaced, considering Kraiss had already handled the situation, it wouldn¡¯t change once Kraiss learned of Gilpin¡¯s true thoughts. "Let it be," was his attitude. Calm. As long as the job gets done, that¡¯s all that mattered. In fact, he was thankful for the early warning. It meant he wouldn¡¯t be stabbed in the back when things go wrong. Enkrid, of course, had no idea about any of this. He simply enjoyed watching people who were passionate about something. "Good luck." "I¡¯ll clear the stones from the road." Gilpin¡¯s words were a bit difficult to understand, but Enkrid took it to mean that he would help tidy up the alleys of the city. For a short stop in the city, it had been a busy time, meeting plenty of people. On his way, he had even seen Graham. After a moment of thought, Enkrid turned his attention to the swollen cheek of Dunbakel, who was clearly battered. "Once the snow stops, we¡¯re heading out. How can you turn a kid into an idiot like this?" Enkrid scolded. This man could still be a force in battle. "It¡¯ll heal in half a day. What? Do I look like someone who just beats up kids?" Enkrid nearly nodded but managed to stop himself. He couldn''t act like the oblivious lieutenant from earlier. "You seem to have dislocated your jaw." "Guess I hurt my eye too." Enkrid ignored it and moved on, seeing Kraiss sitting in front of the hearth with a foolish expression on his face after a long rest. He looked like he was enjoying some idle time, but in reality, his mind was turning over thoughts like crazy. Just as Enkrid watched with this belief, Kraiss suddenly drooled, then quickly swallowed it back. "Oh, I was dozing off." Kraiss was definitely lounging around. Enkrid considered giving him a light smack on the back of his head. Just as he was about to do that, Kraiss stretched and got up. "Did you come back?" "Yeah." "I¡¯ve been thinking." "Thinking?" Enkrid briefly wondered if it might be best to just slap Kraiss before he spoke any nonsense. But Kraiss, unaware of Enkrid¡¯s thoughts, continued as usual. "I think Azpen¡¯s men must¡¯ve set a trap." The snow, which had been pouring down, gradually slowed, and during that time, Kraiss had been strategizing. ¡®If they attacked from behind.¡¯ Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. It would have been a tough battle, but one they had expected. Azpen had to use their advantage to launch an offensive. But they didn¡¯t. Winter battles were already hard enough, and stalling made no sense. Azpen had waited. Even with the snow stopping, no ambush had come. Now, it seemed like they were preparing to move their forces. It felt like they had just been waiting for their battle to end. And that uneasy feeling gnawed at him. It didn¡¯t sit right. Something was very, very wrong. The anxiety rose again. ¡®I would¡¯ve attacked.¡¯ What battle is easier than one where you strike your enemy¡¯s back? Yet, Azpen hadn¡¯t done that. There was something else going on. Something unpredictable. The worst situation was coming. After further thought, Kraiss reached a conclusion. "The Black Blades and the cult allies will be tougher than we thought. They might even be hiding knights. Even if the knights appear, we¡¯re unsure if our own forces can send any knight-level soldiers. They might even divert some of their forces to directly attack the city." "So what do you mean?" "They can do anything," Kraiss replied calmly, sitting by the hearth. Enkrid understood. It was just like talking with a commander and his soldiers. Why wouldn¡¯t it be? Graham had been taken out by an assassin, leaving Enkrid with full command. The hearth¡¯s fire cast a reddish glow on Kraiss¡¯s face. "Do you know the battalion commander from Green Pearl?" Enkrid shook his head. He had never met the man. But he had heard that he was an opportunist, willing to do anything for gain. He was exceptional in supply and fortification, but not in combat. This wasn¡¯t good news. "In the worst-case scenario, we¡¯ll face a situation where the enemy doubles in strength," Kraiss continued. At the mention of magic, Esther scoffed from the side. "Hmph." Today, she was in her human form. As they spoke, the snow finally stopped. With the snow gone, it was time to regroup and prepare for battle. The injuries were half-healed. Without Graham, Enkrid himself would have to take command of the entire operation. "That¡¯s something we need to check." So, whose side was the Green Pearl Battalion really on? Was it possible that Azpen had been waiting because they already saw them as allies? It was a valid suspicion. No, it was something they had to suspect. "Let¡¯s go to battle." After a few days of rest, it was time to face a new challenge. They had slain a few wolves. Now, they would face the tigers waiting behind them. Battle preparations, followed by the advance. Enkrid couldn¡¯t relax until he had inspected the wooden palisades and watchtowers of Green Pearl. Only then could he breathe easy. And then, as he entered, the Green Pearl battalion commander, fully armed, stood ready to greet him. The moment Enkrid saw his twisted expression, Kraiss¡¯s bad premonition turned into a reality. Chapter 303 "Who is he?" At the lieutenant''s question, Graham adjusted his posture. A sharp pain shot from his spine to the top of his head. ¡®Shinar.¡¯ He had heard that a fairy had given Enkrid some ointment for his wounds. As a lord, shouldn''t he have received something like that too, or at least some herbal roots? Why was it that no ointment, let alone any herbs, ever came his way? Graham answered, his thoughts drifting. "Who?" "The Green Pearl." One of them was clueless and stupid, while the other was above average. Even the question was different. ¡®Is it relative?¡¯ Maybe the stupid lieutenant next to him made the other one look smarter. But he couldn¡¯t just dismiss the lieutenant. How far can one person go for another? That lieutenant wouldn¡¯t risk his life, but he¡¯d throw his arm in to save him. So, he couldn¡¯t just get rid of him. "Garett Gyro." Graham said the name of the man who had once been his superior but was now his peer. The name didn¡¯t roll off his tongue easily. Garett''s battalion had originally been the second reserve unit of the Border Guard, but after their victory in the Green Pearl battle, they had become a new battalion, taking the Green Pearl plains as their base. "They say he''s an opportunist who would do anything for his own gain. The rumor going around is that Azpen hasn''t attacked because Garett''s battalion already switched sides." It wasn¡¯t just a rumor that reached Enkrid¡¯s ears. Graham suddenly felt an itch in his ear and used his pinky finger to scratch it. "Is someone talking shit about me?" He began to suspect the lieutenant he had just sent out. "If Azpen pushes through, the city will be in danger, Commander." Graham, as both lord and commander, nodded. "Who doesn¡¯t know that?" What should he say about Garett Gyro? "Did he betray us? I don¡¯t think so. If anything, he probably didn¡¯t do it. If you want to bet Krona on it, I¡¯d say he didn¡¯t." He was a sly and clever man, but betrayal didn¡¯t seem likely. "Why would Marcus leave him there?" *** The battalion commander was a handsome man with dull blonde hair. He appeared to be in his middle years. He stepped forward with big strides. Enkrid instinctively measured the distance. ¡®Two and a half steps.¡¯ If he wanted, he could close the gap in just a half-step''s breath and be within striking distance. "If he''s identified as the enemy, you must either slash or overpower him, or grab him by the head and immediately take control of his forces." Those had been Kraiss¡¯s words before they left. Enkrid agreed with them. He subtly placed his left foot forward and finished his preparation. He could thrust quickly, or if the opponent attacked first, he could deflect it with a snake strike. His right arm had mostly recovered, so even slashing with force was possible now. His right hand would slash, while his left hand would thrust. He was ready in every sense. With all options open, he awaited the battalion commander. Behind him, a few archers, infantry, and guards stood, all showing signs of tension. Garett Gyro approached with large steps. "Marcus, you cheating bastard!" He shouted as he came closer. There was a strange tone to his words. "I¡¯ve missed you!" As Garett came closer, his loud voice filled the air. He was meticulous, an opportunist, and would do anything for his own gain. That¡¯s how people who knew him described him. But this... this didn¡¯t seem like him. "You really are more handsome than me, Nurat! How¡¯s that?" "You¡¯re handsome." One of the guards, a woman with dark skin, replied. Garett Gyro was a man who knew how to smile. He smiled brightly and freely. And then he said, ¡°Now, you¡¯re the handsomest in the Border Guard.¡± "I agree." Kraiss murmured from the back. The guy who had been nervous and worried now let out a deflated comment. Enkrid, too, felt his tension ease a bit. If their opponent had calculated even this, they were truly a devious character, even worse than Saxon. Of course, Saxon would never admit to it if he overheard this conversation. "Let¡¯s go inside." Garett turned away. Even if he had hidden his abilities, showing his back was significant. Garett wasn¡¯t a betrayer. Enkrid understood that both logically and instinctively. "Still, be cautious." Kraiss spoke from behind. If Garett had intended to betray them and then draw them inside for an ambush, how would they handle it? That didn¡¯t seem right, though. ¡®He¡¯s too careless.¡¯ Enkrid scratched his chin as he followed Garett¡¯s lead. If Rem had been here, he would¡¯ve called him a cool guy. He had left Rem, Audin, and Teresa behind. "We need someone to guard our back. If things go south, we need to run." This was why Kraiss said that. Enkrid¡¯s reason was different. "If you''re thinking of dying in battle, sure, but otherwise, why bother?" Everyone was injured. They needed to rest when they could. "This could be healed with some spit, right?" Rem muttered in defiance, but, as always, he slathered the fairy¡¯s ointment all over himself. He had almost gotten into a fight over Saxon¡¯s herbal collection. "That ointment is too much for you. Maybe try some mud or dog saliva instead." Saxon, too, was grumbling. He was always talking about stopping fights, and now he was already at the point of doing so even in his sleep. After separating the two, Enkrid gave an order. "Stay behind." That single sentence stopped any further attempts to argue. Even the forced ¡®will¡¯ was pulled out with determination. It showed the kind of resolve he had. "If you die, I¡¯ll personally wield the axe of vengeance." Rem surrendered first, and Audin just chuckled. It didn¡¯t seem like he was laughing from joy. "It¡¯s because I¡¯m weak that all of this happens." He tried to guilt-trip Enkrid with self-deprecating words. "Yeah. So how about training your body more?" Enkrid smoothly turned the joke back around. After all, his tongue was already sharp enough for a knight. "If you think you can win with words, you¡¯re only going to end up getting hit, you fool. I know, so don¡¯t talk back in front of me." Rem offered some advice from the side. Naturally, Audin didn¡¯t listen. He simply began praying to himself. "Did you see the arrogance of our poor little commander? Father, if I¡¯m going to heaven, please don¡¯t be too hard on him." It was a prayer that hovered between a blessing and a curse. "Thanks for the prayer." Enkrid added a line, securing his perfect victory. Audin shook his head with a smile. Enkrid hesitated to push it further. Maybe it was time for a good fight, but not just yet. If it weren¡¯t for that, he¡¯d still have plenty more to say. Teresa was the only one who didn¡¯t rebel. She was too injured to do so. Still, she said it felt good to have killed the wolf bishop. He didn¡¯t know their backstory, but he could tell their relationship wasn¡¯t particularly good. "Well done." He praised them both, leaving Rem and Audin with the strength to carry on. And now, it was just him, the mage Esther, Kraiss, who was ready to bolt if necessary, the silent Ragna walking beside him, and Saxon, who had left Rem behind and was muttering something without any joy in his tone. "You¡¯ve got oil on your face." Ah, and Shinar was with them too. The fairy company commander had a few scratches on his arm, but it was nothing serious. "You look greasy." Shinar whispered again, clearly referring to Garett. But no matter how you looked at it, Garett was not the greasy type¡ªhe was more on the handsome side. "Is that so?" Garett was lucky that he didn¡¯t hear it. Well, it seemed like it could easily be passed off, though. He was a hard man to read. "Right now, you¡¯re my superior." "That¡¯s how I speak." Shinar had emphasized speaking in command tones all the way here. "Did you like being pressured by a superior like that?" Unable to hold back, Enkrid responded. "The pressure from your fianc¨¦e is interesting. I wonder how it feels to be on the receiving end of it." Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. What a crazy thing to say. Even if it was a fairy joke, it crossed the line. "It¡¯s a joke." Shinar still didn¡¯t smile. It wasn¡¯t just that the request to change the tone sounded strange, there was more to it. It wasn¡¯t truly a demand. "If there¡¯s trouble with the command structure, it¡¯ll be a problem." That was the real reason. "It doesn¡¯t matter." Sometimes, it seemed like Shinar didn¡¯t realize the power her appearance gave her. She always gave the impression that she should be respected. Her gestures, her steps, her tone¡ªeverything about her made it clear that she was a fairy. "How old are you? If you¡¯re younger than me, I¡¯ll stop using formal speech." "I don¡¯t care about rank." Shinar turned around with her usual expressionless face. Enkrid entered the camp set up by Green Pearl. "This looks like a small village." They had cut down large trees to make palisades, and most of the people lived in tents, but there were also wooden houses scattered around. There were signs of construction that had been halted midway. It was probably because of the war, and because it was winter, they had stopped building. "If we had just come by next winter, the village could¡¯ve been properly established." Garett spoke as they entered the largest tent in the center. He sat at a wide table, and a few of his guards, including the black woman from earlier, stood behind him. Though you could see some black people in the eastern part of the continent, they weren¡¯t common in these regions. "I don¡¯t think you understand how much I wanted to meet you." Garett suddenly spoke. Enkrid only tilted his head in confusion. "Ah, I heard all about that battle. From the Green Pearl battle to the soldiers of the armistice, it was an exciting story. Tell me more about it¡­" "Commander." Garett was seated, and Nurat stood behind him, only half-bowing as she called out to him. "Ah, I suppose now isn¡¯t the time for stories." "No, it isn¡¯t." "Azpen is right on our doorstep, Commander." Another guard stepped in to speak, a large man with a quiet demeanor. He gave off an air of stoicism with his square jaw and tightly shut lips. "Yeah, who doesn¡¯t know that." Garett¡¯s tone shifted suddenly. His smile didn¡¯t change. His expression stayed the same. But something had changed. The aura around him felt twisted in a strange way. It was the same way Kraiss had reacted to the news about Krona. It was the same feeling as when Audin confronted someone who had insulted the gods. It was the same feeling as when Ragna showed zeal for his sword. It was the same feeling as when Rem went crazy, brainless as usual. "I think the best option is to abandon and retreat. What do you think?" Enkrid felt Kraiss tense at Garett''s words. He¡¯d love this. When the word "retreat" was mentioned, the mood lightened immediately. "Why?" Enkrid asked in return. "I can¡¯t predict what the enemy will do." "Is that the reason?" "Yes, it is." Kraiss interrupted, thinking this was his stage. Enkrid didn¡¯t stop him. Instead, he lightly nodded, encouraging him to speak more. Garett¡¯s gaze shifted to Kraiss as well. "There¡¯s someone sharp here. What¡¯s your name?" "Kraiss." "I¡¯ve lived long enough to know that even with two beautiful women by my side, there are moments when the name of a refined man comes first. Alright, could you explain your reasoning?" Garett¡¯s tone had a rhythm to it. It wasn¡¯t unpleasant. His voice had a melodic quality to it. Kraiss had already said what he needed to, but he thought it was worth repeating. "The Black Blades and the cult allies, when we fought in front of them, Azpen did nothing but watch." "Does that explain it?" Shinar, who had been silent, spoke up. Although Enkrid was the official commander, honestly, Shinar was practically at the same level as him. "Your voice is like an instrument." Garett¡¯s words were playful, but it seemed like he had a knack for twisting words. Shinar easily ignored it. "Yes, it does explain. If what we see is all there is, Azpen should have attacked us first. But now it¡¯s winter. We¡¯ve connected our supply lines to Green Pearl, and though it¡¯s not stable, it¡¯s sustainable. Even without a castle, a defense is still possible. How many watchtowers do we have?" "Eight." "Spread out?" "Narrow." Following the conversation between Garett and Kraiss was difficult for Enkrid. He waited patiently. They would explain it again anyway. "What about Azpen? Their supplies? Their march? Their camp construction?" Kraiss asked again. It wasn¡¯t really a question but more of an emphasis. Supplies, advancing, and camp construction. All three were difficult tasks. The difference between those who had prepared from the start and those who hadn¡¯t. "The time and the situation are in our favor, but Azpen just watched." Kraiss had been thinking this for a while. There had to be someone on the enemy side who was thinking things through. It wouldn¡¯t make sense otherwise. "They¡¯ve prepared something." "Right, that¡¯s it. Honestly, I thought they were just watching and retreating, but I guess not." "Are they coming?" "They are." "How fast?" "Slow." "Not good." "Not good." Nurat, who had been listening from behind, spoke up, bowing slightly as she addressed her commander. "No one understands what you''re saying." "Kraiss, use the common tongue." Enkrid appropriately interrupted. Garett gestured, and Kraiss explained. Azpen hadn¡¯t seized the high ground, nor had they rushed their movements. They were coming in with intent. There were two reasons. "First, they¡¯ve completely figured out our strength." Kraiss spoke first. "And second, they¡¯re confident they can win." Garett continued. Kraiss and Garett exchanged a look. Then, without either of them saying who would go first, they each reached out and gave each other a light slap on the hand. The sound of their palms meeting echoed through the tent. "Commander." Nurat bowed again. "Ah, now¡¯s not the time to get excited, right?" "No, it isn¡¯t." Garett was a strange person, but he was clever. He hadn¡¯t betrayed them. Enkrid didn¡¯t smack Kraiss in the back of the head either. "So, what if we retreat? What if we pull out?" "If we retreat, the city falls, and we¡¯ll be labeled war criminals and tried by the kingdom. So, escaping isn¡¯t really an option anymore." Kraiss had asked, but Garett had answered. When the two raised their hands again, Enkrid pressed Kraiss¡¯s head down. Then he said. "Then, we need to come up with a way to win." Thinking wasn¡¯t his strength. That was Kraiss¡¯s forte. "That¡¯s not something you can come up with just by talking. We need to assess the surrounding terrain first..." "Nurat." At Garett¡¯s command, a map appeared, a military map showing the surrounding terrain. "Are there any issues with our supplies?" "None at all. To affect our supply line, they¡¯d need to breach four narrow watchtowers." As Kraiss and Garett fell into another conversation only they understood, Enkrid stepped back. He briefly watched, and if he understood half of what they were saying, he considered himself lucky. Shinar had already left. Enkrid stepped out of the tent as well. He wanted to breathe the fresh mountain air. He had poured oil into the fire, but the air inside the tent felt stuffy. Outside, Ragna, who had already been waiting, was staring at Enkrid. He seemed like he had something to say. When Enkrid approached, Ragna tilted his head and asked, while looking at the sky beyond the palisades. "Why do you want to be a knight?" It was an unexpected question. And, oddly enough, a pleasant one. It¡¯s not really "Do you want to be a knight?" but "Why do you want to be a knight?" The meaning behind the question was different. Chapter 304 Ragna stood outside alone, lost in thought as he reflected on his past. "One thousand times. Don¡¯t think about coming in until you¡¯ve finished all of them." One thousand strikes¡ªit didn¡¯t seem too difficult. However, Ragna was curious. ¡®Why do I have to swing the sword?¡¯ sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. His arms hurt. His body hurt. It wasn¡¯t even enjoyable. Was it fun when he first grabbed the sword? He couldn¡¯t remember. It didn¡¯t come to mind. "Why? Why are you asking that? If you were born a man of the Jaun family, it¡¯s something you must do." They said it was natural. But could that really be a reason? The same tasks repeated over and over. Why must it be done? "Uphold the prestige of the Jaun family." Why should he do that? "Become a knight." Why should he become a knight? "Kill." Why must he kill? Since childhood, Ragna had never found the path he was supposed to take. Finding a path had been the hardest thing for him. Why had it been so difficult? Because he didn¡¯t know the right path. Because he didn¡¯t know any other path. Ragna had no destination. That¡¯s why he was always curious. How could a person like Enkrid be like that? Shouldn¡¯t anyone, at some point, doubt the path they walk? Is this the right path? Is it justified by reason? Is it a fitting purpose for life? Ragna had never seen confusion in Enkrid¡¯s eyes. Anyone else would have wandered a bit, but not Enkrid. He was always certain. That¡¯s why Ragna wanted to ask. Why does he want to be a knight? *** Enkrid looked at Ragnar and scratched his chin out of habit. The answer was clear. But he wasn¡¯t sure if that was the answer Ragnar wanted. ¡®Actually, it¡¯d be easier to handle Rem.¡¯ Rem was flexible in his thinking. Though he was crazy, his mind bent rather than broke. Audin was sturdy. His mental resilience was unshakable, far stronger than anyone else¡¯s. ¡®He seemed a bit unstable at first.¡¯ Though Audin still occasionally wavered, his composure was like tempered steel¡ªsolid, even when shaken. Saxon was indifferent. He was cold because he was indifferent. He rarely showed any enthusiasm, though sometimes you could see an intense fire hidden within his coldness. These were the inner traits of the squad members Enkrid observed. Then what about Ragnar? ¡®He cuts through everything, but in reverse, he¡¯s an easily broken blade.¡¯ He was unstable and precarious. The man who best embodied the word "talent," yet used his talent in the most unstable way. Enkrid didn¡¯t pick his words carefully. He didn¡¯t even feel the need to struggle over them. "Just tell me here." He simply tapped his chest and spoke. Ragnar stopped upon hearing those words. Had he forgotten to breathe for a moment? He held his breath for a long time. As Enkrid silently observed, after a short while, Ragnar exhaled and then opened his mouth. "Is that why you want to be a knight?" When he was young, it was a dream; as he grew, it became a passionate goal. Once, it was a delusion, but now, it was the road he had walked and would continue to walk. The knight who would end the war¡ªhis dream was a song of the minstrel. If he had to put it into words, that was the reason. But, if he dug deeper, it was something his heart led him to do. Saving the child, protecting the weak, keeping promises¡ªthey were all the same. Why would there be just one reason for wanting to become a knight? So, this was the answer. "Does my ''why'' matter?" He answered a question with a question. Ragnar thought about it again. His eyes were on Enkrid, but his thoughts drifted elsewhere. Enkrid could tell through intuition. Rem, Audin, Saxon, and Ragnar were all the same. They sought answers by looking at themselves. They all gained something. Esther was similar. If Enkrid hadn¡¯t had this kind of intuition, he wouldn¡¯t have been able to become a reckless squad leader and would have probably ended up as a meal for the crows on some battlefield. "I¡¯ll go in first." A pleasant question, a pleasant answer¡ªEnkrid thought so. While he entertained a thought that if he left Kraiss alone, Garett might start making plans to escape with him, he was interrupted by Ragnar¡¯s voice. "Once the battle is over, let¡¯s have a duel." "As much as you want." "With half our lives on the line." It was a serious suggestion. "As much as you want." Enkrid repeated the same answer and walked back into the tent. Ragnar, left behind, quietly felt the explosion and surge that was happening inside himself. It was like a volcano erupting. Something boiling from his abdomen struck at his heart. ¡®Why am I still alive?¡¯ When the question of why he had to swing the sword touched on the meaning of his life, Ragnar lost his drive. He had become a lazy fool. A lost sheep. If he hadn¡¯t met a shepherd, he would have lived that way forever. "Let¡¯s have a duel." Ragnar spoke to the air. There was no answer. The one who would respond had already gone into the tent. Ragnar focused on the noise inside him. The voice of his heart. The cry from his inner world. ¡®Hey, do you hear it now?¡¯ He heard it. The cry he had been ignoring¡ªthe reprimand was clear. For some time now, he hadn¡¯t enjoyed facing ordinary opponents. ¡®It¡¯s murder.¡¯ It wasn¡¯t a battle anymore. It was simply the act of killing people along a predetermined path. It was labor, not combat. And yet, he didn¡¯t feel guilty about the killings. When you pick up a weapon, you should always be prepared for death. The opponent also holds a sword, so it¡¯s something you must accept. Ragnar had thought he would die wandering in some nameless field, but life doesn¡¯t always follow your expectations. ¡®You idiot, are you starting to understand now?¡¯ Hearing the reprimand inside himself, Ragnar smiled. He showed a grin. "Ah, yeah, I get it." He even spoke aloud. Ragnar faced his desires through his inner voice. He acknowledged them. He found his path. He wanted to fight a person who would make his heart race. ¡®I want to fight someone who will push my limits.¡¯ Meanwhile, Shinar, who had left the tent earlier, had heard their entire conversation from a distance. The hearing of a fairy was like magic, making distances irrelevant. She thought Ragnar¡¯s question was strange, and Enkrid¡¯s answer was just as strange. And then, when Ragnar muttered to himself, she thought he was even stranger. Everything was strange. Yet, why did she feel joy as she listened to their conversation? It was an emotion she hadn¡¯t felt in a long time. Just listening made her feel warm inside. She couldn¡¯t help but smile. It was a smile she would never show to anyone. *** Looking at the map and assessing the terrain. Kraiss sorted through the dozens of possible scenarios in his head and classified the most probable ones. ¡®It¡¯s still not enough.¡¯ Our strength and the enemy¡¯s information are both severely lacking. ¡®To win? No, even just holding out would be a victory.¡¯ If the palisade holds, that¡¯s enough. Then, the answer is clear. Defense, not offense. ¡®No, that¡¯s wrong.¡¯ If we defend, we¡¯ll lose. Unless Azpen is a group of idiots. If that¡¯s the case, they would have attacked from behind already. The thought kept circling in his mind. "This is why it¡¯s not going to work. Well, the best option is defense." That was Garett¡¯s battalion commander¡¯s line. Nurat, a guard, muttered something from behind. He couldn¡¯t hear it. It was hard to keep track of how many times this had happened in this battle. Escaping would be the easy way. ¡®Why do we have to protect the city?¡¯ Why shouldn¡¯t we run? The most important thing in life is one¡¯s own life. The second most important thing is Krona. The third is Enkrid. So, all of this was because of the commander. "Ah, I don¡¯t know." Kraiss finally threw his hands up in surrender. The strategy meeting, which had started out of nowhere, had already gone on for hours. Turning around, he noticed Enkrid had come back in. He had gone out but returned to listen to the conversation. "The best we can do is defend, and wait for winter to pass, but does Azpen not know that and is just slowly crawling toward us?" Garett asked. "Yes, that¡¯s why we judged the slow approach as a problem." Kraiss answered. It was a process of repeating the same thing to find an answer. What they said when they first met was this: "What about their speed?" "Slow." "Not good." "Not good." Garett said it was slow, and Kraiss said it was bad. Why was it bad? Even though the advantage of defense was clear, the fact that they were moving slowly meant there was something more at play. Enkrid, who had been watching quietly, asked. "What¡¯s the worst-case scenario?" "Having a dragon burst out and spit fire right over our heads." Kraiss answered without pause to Enkrid¡¯s question. "A dragon is too much. That¡¯s impossible." Nurat chimed in. Garett didn¡¯t stop them. Kraiss continued speaking. "Suddenly, knight-level forces could appear." "We¡¯ve already tracked the movements of any knight-level forces," Garett replied this time. "Given the speed of their march, we should be able to reach them in four to five days at most. In that time, we need to organize and send out reconnaissance units while holding our ground." Enkrid also glanced at the map. He assessed the terrain and committed it to memory. His memory had always been decent since childhood. And considering his experience as a pathfinder, memorizing a few routes was no trouble at all. "What¡¯s most needed right now?" "Variables." The answer came quickly. If you don¡¯t know what¡¯s inside the box, just shake it. Kraiss thought the same, but what exactly were the variables? Did they need to sacrifice some troops to gauge the enemy¡¯s reactions? That would be idiotic, wouldn¡¯t it? So, what should they do? Strike the supply line? That wouldn¡¯t work either. The enemy¡¯s preparation was thorough, and that was the reason for their slow advance. While they moved, they were literally inspecting every inch of the ground, probing and picking up even the smallest stones. There¡¯s an old saying on the continent: "When crossing a stone bridge, tap it first. If it sounds hollow, turn back." If something feels wrong, even if it takes more time, don¡¯t proceed. Thoroughness was more important than speed. That¡¯s what the enemy was doing right now. So, the best they could do now was hold their ground, and the next step would be to disrupt them. "You can sometimes see the intention if you observe the reaction." "It¡¯s a good method, but how easy is that?" Garett crossed his arms and spoke from the opposite side. Nurat added to his words. "They move so slowly, without leaving any openings. We tried sending a ranger unit to strike their supplies, but it was futile. Not a single one of them made it back." Enkrid nodded. What could he do that would be any different? "We¡¯ll need to rest and prepare." That was the decision. Garett nodded in agreement. "After this battle, could you tell me some stories?" Once the meeting was over, Garett approached and spoke. What kind of man was he? He wasn¡¯t an ordinary one. He was the one who established the fortifications at Green Pearl, and the moment Azpen showed up, he immediately reorganized the army. His preparation was solid and impressive. "What stories do you mean?" "Stories of the battles you¡¯ve fought, what happened in the troublemaking squad, the moment you became a platoon leader, the battles you fought then, and everything that¡¯s happened." Garett¡¯s eyes sparkled. He seemed excited, eager for the stories. Enkrid scratched his chin. There would be a lot to do once the battle ended. Surviving came first, though. Enkrid also had things to think about. If Azpen acted like this, what could he do to make the enemy commander suffer? "Yes, later." He answered vaguely while thinking of other things. Garett was satisfied with that and nodded. Was it a good thing that Garett wasn¡¯t a traitor? Enkrid thought that his best move would have been to defect. Wouldn¡¯t it have been easier to stand with Azpen and aim a blade at their side? Enkrid, not hiding his thoughts, asked directly. "If retreating and fleeing are the answer, and you¡¯d be treated as a war criminal, why didn¡¯t you defect? Azpen must have offered it." It could be seen as a sensitive question, but Garett didn¡¯t mind. "Romance." "What?" "Romance is here." What did that mean? Garett¡¯s dream was to be a poet. He was also quite skilled with melodies. To him, everything that happened in Border Guard was material. It was a story. It was romance. It was his dream. Especially Enkrid¡ªhe was like the protagonist of a play. Garett was a hero enthusiast. That¡¯s why he couldn¡¯t help but like Enkrid, even if he did nothing. The more he got to know him, the more Enkrid seemed to accomplish absurd feats one after another. "Living like this and dying would be far more fun." Garett laughed. In some ways, he was a madman just like Enkrid. So, if he were to gain inspiration for a romantic poem today, he wouldn¡¯t care if he died tomorrow. Enkrid didn¡¯t know all the details, but instinctively, he knew Garett wouldn¡¯t betray them. Had he drawn the sword of betrayal, there would be no room for such a conversation. "You¡¯re like the commander." "What¡¯s that?" "Here. This place." Kraiss, from the side, poked his finger at his own head and spoke. The way he did it bothered Enkrid, so he elbowed Kraiss in the head. "Ow!" Kraiss grabbed his head and rolled around. Nurat, seeing that, came over to check if he was alright. "I¡¯m fine. Oh, it¡¯s you, Nurat? Would you like to have a drink while we talk?" Even in situations like this, Kraiss flirted with women. Yeah, that¡¯s Kraiss. He wasn¡¯t panicking or lost, so this was actually better. Whether he was giving up or thought he had a chance, Enkrid couldn¡¯t tell. Enkrid stepped out of the tent. He was going to take a look at the fortifications that Garett had set up. While observing the fortifications, he saw a group of soldiers gathered around. They were cooking something over a fire, and the smell was mouth-watering. As he approached, he saw long chunks of meat skewered on a large branch. One side was brushing on some seasoning, while the other side was grilling. The teamwork in preparing this meal was excellent. "Sit with us." Enkrid stepped in. "What¡¯s this? First time seeing you?" "Joined today." Most of the soldiers didn¡¯t recognize Enkrid¡¯s face. This was the supply-focused battalion. Everyone was working with familiar hands, preparing something. Garett¡¯s unit was like this. His specialty was logistics, not combat. "Give me one." There was a female soldier among them, and she stared at Enkrid¡¯s face directly. Her attitude was likely friendly. It was understandable¡ªsometimes, Enkrid¡¯s face became a weapon. "Stop staring, you¡¯ll wear it out." The soldier, who was seasoning the meat, scolded. "Hey, it¡¯s my eyes. Let me enjoy it. I¡¯ve been staring at you all day and getting tired of it." "Shut up." Their exchange was friendly. Even while bickering like that, their coordination showed they had a good relationship. Enkrid squeezed himself between them. Though they had thick blankets on the ground, there was still a chill in the air. Soon, he popped a piece of meat into his mouth. It was snake meat. When he took a bite, it melted in his mouth. "What is this?" When he asked, the soldier who was grilling the meat smiled and replied. "It¡¯s good for men." Enkrid judged that this group was better than the bread-baking battalion of Martai. That¡¯s the kind of taste it was. Additionally, he¡¯d noticed something else¡ªGarett was excellent at managing his battalion. ¡®He might not be good at fighting, but...¡¯ The soldiers here were at ease. It was a well-managed unit. Enkrid took a few more pieces of meat. "You eat well." The female soldier said. Enkrid only nodded. He was too busy stuffing meat into his mouth. Chapter 305 When asked about the identity of the meat that melts in the mouth, the female soldier replied. "It¡¯s eel." Not a snake, but a long-bodied fish caught in freshwater. The woman soldier, using a short knife, roughly peeled the skin off while speaking. Everyone was quick with their hands. They moved well in sync. "When we go back to the city, I¡¯m thinking of transporting fish from the river and selling it. What do you think?" The soldier who was seasoning the fish asked. Enkrid quietly gave a thumbs-up. With that gesture, he imagined the trade route between the river and this place. If the path was well-prepared, it would only take two days by cart. And if they could acquire a Spell Object that emits cold even in the middle of summer, freshness wouldn¡¯t be an issue. If an artifact is an ancient relic, Spell Objects are magical tools made and sold by mage guilds and such. Among them, there were tools that maintained a gentle chill. Using those, people in big cities could even eat shaved ice in the middle of summer. Of course, those were ridiculously expensive, and tools like that were hard to find in backwater places like Border Guard. But, if trade develops more, who knows? Even silks were being imported now. If there weren¡¯t wars, it would¡¯ve expanded even more, but that¡¯s just how it was. "This flavor is something I¡¯ve never tasted before." Enkrid said it with sincere emotion. Though some seasoning had gotten on his lips, the feeling did not wane. If anything, it intensified. The soldier who had been seasoning the eel smiled slyly. He didn¡¯t have a particularly good face, but the smile was sincere. Pure joy was visible. It seemed like he enjoyed the mere act of someone eating his cooking. "Do you think it¡¯ll sell well?" "Definitely." "It¡¯s nice to hear that, even if it¡¯s just words." "Hey, if that happens, are you taking me along?" The soldier who had been grilling the eel spoke up. His face was smeared with soot, but it looked natural on him. They didn¡¯t seem too old. "Helma! Are all of them grilled?" A few soldiers approached from one side, calling out. The woman soldier who had been staring at Enkrid was named Helma. "Yeah, did you catch anything?" Without turning around, Helma replied. From the sounds of it, she had been clearing a path all the way to the Pen-Hanil River and sometimes brought something back when bored. One of the soldiers came closer, lowering a thick pouch. Thin ice shards fell out of the leather pouch that had a thin layer of ice due to the cold. "What is it?" "Crawfish." The pouch was opened, and a crustacean with pincers emerged. The soldier who had been making the seasoning stuck out his tongue, wiping his lips, then spoke. "It¡¯s delicious just grilled." Enkrid blended with the soldiers. He ate and enjoyed as if he had always been one of them. "Want a sip?" "Sure." Helma offered him a drink. It was whiskey with a sour smell. "It¡¯s not good liquor, but it¡¯s not bad either." It was just right for warming up on a cold day. The soldier with the cooking talent grilled the crawfish, cracked open its head, and spread the seasoned insides on its flesh like a coating. "You¡¯d go crazy eating this." Enkrid tried it. He nearly lost his mind. There was no fishy smell, but the savory flavor overflowed. An unpleasant sweetness wrapped around his tongue, hitting his brain hard. "You really should open a restaurant." Enkrid recommended it twice. Next up was trout. The innards had already been cleaned at the riverside, so it only needed grilling. When salt and pepper were sprinkled, it became another delicacy. "But where are you from?" Another female soldier, not Helma, asked. Female soldiers were occasionally seen in the unit, but this was expected. Naurillia had strongly encouraged women to enlist. If you were born as the daughter of a serf, throw your life away and join the army to change it. The female enlistment system. It was the third military system in Naurillia, following the soldier ranking system and mercenary system. It had been so successful that female soldiers were now a common sight. "Reinforcements." "From Border Guard?" "Yeah." "How¡¯s it? Is the commander really handsome? There¡¯s a rumor that he¡¯s even more handsome than you, huh?" At that moment, Enkrid had a beard. More precisely, he hadn¡¯t had the time to shave. It might have seemed untidy, but he couldn¡¯t entirely hide his handsome face. Helma was frequently glancing at him. "No, I¡¯m better." Enkrid dismissed it with a joke. Some of the soldiers couldn¡¯t hold back their laughter. A few sent jealous glances, while others liked Enkrid¡¯s friendly attitude. "Don¡¯t step in too much." Many soldiers said this. It was a result of jealousy and complex feelings. "Yeah. I won¡¯t." Enkrid accepted it calmly. What would fighting get him? If it had been Rem, he would¡¯ve smashed their skulls first, but he wasn¡¯t Rem. After eating and drinking, they entered the assigned barracks, and Enkrid saw Esther sitting quietly, waiting. Some of the soldiers had rumored that a few had gotten lovesick after seeing her. Her black hair, like silk, cascaded down, and she wore thick black fur, giving her a mage-like appearance. She, along with Shinar, was enough to catch the attention of the surrounding soldiers. Had she not gone out because of that? It wasn¡¯t likely. Esther had never cared about those around her. The mage opened her mouth when she looked at Enkrid. Her tone, with no rise or fall, was the epitome of bluntness. "I need to go somewhere." "Alright." Enkrid didn¡¯t feel the need to stop her. And just like that, Esther left. The next morning, Kraiss asked, his eyes bloodshot. "Do you think that spells or magic might be helpful?" This was about why he had let Esther go. Now that she was in human form, wouldn¡¯t she be helpful? Enkrid had thought the same thing. "No." "Why?" "If she could, she would¡¯ve done it earlier." Kraiss, being sharp, would¡¯ve realized it normally. Esther had been in human form for quite a while. If there was something she could¡¯ve done with a spell, she would¡¯ve done it by now. But she hadn¡¯t. There was a reason for that. Enkrid knew this, which was why he sent her off. He figured she had something else to do. He didn¡¯t think he needed her right now. If she wanted to help, that was fine, but if he forced her, it could turn out to be a hindrance. It was more of a feeling than a thought. Enkrid followed his instincts, not ignoring them. "Why do you only get smart at times like this?" Kraiss grumbled, but it was clear that he acknowledged Enkrid¡¯s decision. After that, Enkrid warmed up as usual and began his training. Isolation technique, a process of tightening and stretching each muscle, followed by swinging the sword. This time, after killing Lykanos, he took his sword and brought it back. Now he had two swords on his left hip. "Isn¡¯t it uncomfortable?" Shinar, who had been watching since the morning, asked. "It¡¯s fine once you get used to it, and it¡¯s lighter than I expected." "Really?" "A light spar?" "Not bad." The ground. Shinar¡¯s Leaf Blade was flexible, smooth, and fast. She supported herself with the tips of her toes, flying toward him with a bouncing motion, and even though it was a light attack, it was tricky to deflect. "Are you preparing for my style?" "You catch on quickly, fianc¨¦e." When Enkrid tried to deflect it, she had already attacked and retreated. Enkrid changed his swordsmanship style. It was a longsword. He swung it heavily, cutting with weight, then added speed. It wasn¡¯t the five strikes in one step that Ragna had shown before. It was two sword strikes per step. Having observed, thought about it, and practiced, he could now mimic it. "Good." Shinar was impressed. Her Leaf Blade had also changed. From a fast, slicing sword to a defensive blade. Her style was unpredictable. The fairy sword was sharp yet smooth. Enkrid absorbed this as well. He would reflect on it later and learn from it. There would be something to gain. Though his right arm injury still wasn¡¯t fully healed, it wasn¡¯t a life-or-death sparring session. Neither of them were serious. After a while, as they sparred, Shinar wiped a drop of sweat from her forehead and asked. "Is that sword¡¯s name Ana?" "Does it have a name?" He was holding the sword that Lykanos had used with his left hand. Enkrid scanned the sword with his eyes. The sword was shaped like an awl, with the hilt, back, and tip of the blade all forming a single continuous sharp point. The blade was silver, and the hilt was wrapped in something coarse, but it wasn¡¯t uncomfortable. There was no need for leather to be added, and when held, it felt perfectly fitted to his palm¡ªlike a sword made specifically for him. Thus, Enkrid immediately knew it was no ordinary weapon. The hilt also had markings resembling a system of symbols, similar to writing. Perhaps it wasn¡¯t a secret, as Shinar spoke up quietly. "It¡¯s a sword made by the fairy race. Its name is ¡®Bulti.¡¯" "Is it famous?" "Somewhat." Enkrid had already thought that it wasn¡¯t just an ordinary sword. It was hard yet light. This wasn¡¯t made from ordinary iron. Bulti was a sword crafted by a famous artisan from the fairy race. There were two types of swords made by the fairies: Nai and Needle. This one was a sword of the Needle variety, named after the technique used to make it. Naming a weapon like that was a sign of confidence. He had heard that this was a sword lost ten years ago, and now it had appeared here. It was a sword that was light, sturdy, and specialized for thrusting. Among the needles, it was the finest of its kind. ¡®How many swords were lost back then?¡¯ The artisan who made Bulti had created several swords, but all of them were lost for some reason. It wasn¡¯t just some minor incident¡ªit was due to the foolish bloodline that lost them. ¡®Patience, Destruction, Bulti.¡¯ There were others too, but he couldn¡¯t remember all of them. Perhaps if he visited the fairy city, they would be well recorded, along with the records of those vile human bandits. These swords had been lost when a fairy knight, under a surprise attack, had died. The swords had been given to those unworthy and unskilled, and that was why they were lost. That was not how things should have been, but that was how it went. ¡®Only those with the right to bear them should possess them.¡¯ It was only natural that Enkrid possessed Bulti. That¡¯s how Shinar saw it. "Isn¡¯t it a famous sword? Doesn¡¯t it need to be recovered or something?" "If you don¡¯t get close, even the fairies won¡¯t recognize it. There¡¯s the word ¡®Bulti¡¯ engraved under the guard, in fairy language. Just make sure you hide that well." Shinar said this and turned away. Enkrid understood her words perfectly. ¡®She¡¯s telling me to hide it well.¡¯ He decided to do just that. He had found a good sword. There was no need to return it. Enkrid also had a desire for swords. After sweating it out with Shinar, Enkrid felt hungry again. He washed up and walked around the interior of the camp, which was somewhat arranged like a village. There was no blacksmith, but here and there, people were either cooking or making something by sewing. Everyone seemed to have a lot of work to do. This time, he took Ragna and Dunbakel along. They had been staring at the sparring, and it didn¡¯t seem like they had anything to do. "Want to come along?" "Sure." "I thought you must have eaten something yesterday, but you reeked of it." Dunbakel was a beastkin. His sense of smell was keen, and he himself had a fondness for good food. "Follow me." Enkrid, once again, found a place to settle and picked at whatever food he could. He didn¡¯t explicitly reveal his identity. He hadn¡¯t planned to say anything, but seeing how Enkrid treated the soldiers, Dunbakel also quickly introduced himself as one of the reinforcements. "Who made this? It¡¯s amazing." "I made it." "Well done, kid." Dunbakel absentmindedly patted the soldier¡¯s head, and the young soldier blushed for a moment. Some soldiers asked Ragna about things, but he kept silent. He seemed to be either lost in thought or looking for something. The soldiers kept their distance from Ragna. "They seem like wounded ones." One of them saw through the situation, but no one listened to him. Enkrid heard it, though, and understood. He himself was fine, but the soldiers in his unit seemed a bit lacking. "Hey, didn¡¯t I tell you not to bring strange friends around here?" One soldier spoke sharply, but Enkrid casually let it slide. "Yeah, I¡¯ll be careful." "This guy..." "Hey, stop it." "No, this guy..." "Stop." "Ugh." "Don¡¯t act like a fool." It was annoying when people only talked and acted freely, but Enkrid couldn¡¯t just stir up trouble. The surrounding soldiers intervened. A few of the grumbling soldiers kept quiet. "Watch yourself." That was all they said. Enkrid thought the military discipline was quite well maintained. It wasn¡¯t exactly trouble, but it was a situation that could have escalated, and if it did, Enkrid would have had no choice but to handle it like Rem would. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Tsk." As he clicked his tongue, Helma gave Enkrid an odd look. Enkrid casually ignored it and continued to eat and enjoy himself. Grilled trout, crawfish, and eel with seasoning made even Ragna look back at the soldier who had made it. His eyes were sparkling with interest. For someone who usually picky about food, this was impressive. "This seasoning is a secret recipe of mine." The soldier¡¯s seasoning could be called a beaver''s work. He glanced at Dunbakel. He was a peculiar one with unique tastes. Enkrid focused on eating, drinking, and resting, with minimal training. His body hadn¡¯t fully recovered yet. While the rear soldiers were busy making food and preparing, Enkrid noticed a few soldiers near the front of the camp who seemed different. Garrett¡¯s battalion was small in terms of combat personnel, but the ones standing out the most were here. They were the plains reconnaissance unit, the Green Pearl Rangers. "Going out for a reconnaissance?" "Who? Where are you from?" They were clearly allies, but reconnaissance missions were dangerous. Soldiers couldn¡¯t just give answers to strangers who suddenly came by and started talking. A few soldiers shot wary glances. "I¡¯m from the reinforcements." Enkrid showed his insignia. It had the emblem of the high guard of Border Guard. "You¡¯re probably not concerned with that." One of the soldiers, at least a senior in the Naurillia soldier rank system, spoke. He was short but appeared nimble. Enkrid sized him up, noting his nimble build, light equipment, and where his center of gravity would be. ¡®Take the front with a stab.¡¯ Enkrid spotted a stiletto hanging loosely from his waist. It was something he had learned through the Isolation Technique, and something he had understood from Audin. It was a conclusion based on observing the opponent¡¯s training level. "Eat this." Enkrid took out some seasoned jerky from his pocket and tossed it to the elite soldier. The soldier, with suspicion still in his eyes, asked. "What¡¯s this?" "Try it. It¡¯s delicious." The soldier took a small bite of the jerky and tore it further. "Got any bread? Dip it in and try." Enkrid handed over some marmalade to a nearby soldier. It was a local specialty of Border Guard. If it tasted bad, something was wrong with the tongue. Although supplies weren¡¯t exactly abundant, they weren¡¯t lacking either. They couldn¡¯t easily go hunting because they were stationed in a narrow region, and occasionally, monster hordes caused trouble, so they had to deal with those as well. Aside from the archers stationed at the watchtowers, the main force of the unit was the Rangers. They didn¡¯t even have a cavalry. "This is good." One of the reconnaissance soldiers mumbled. The elite soldier, the apparent leader of the group, snorted. "I don¡¯t know why, but are you reporting to your commanding officer before wandering around?" He hadn¡¯t. He could have done it now if necessary. Enkrid reported to his superior in his mind, then answered aloud. "I¡¯m giving it to you because you¡¯re working hard. Just eat it." "You¡¯re a strange one." After that, Enkrid focused on eating and resting as he toured the camp. He could see a lot just by looking around. The watchtowers had been set up in a narrow area. The defensive zone was narrow, so it would be easier to defend, though it became more vulnerable to flanking attacks. But sometimes, you had to take risks. On the fourth day after Enkrid¡¯s arrival, as the sun began to set, a messenger hurriedly ran into the camp. All eyes turned toward the messenger. "The enemy is already at the gates!" The messenger¡¯s words spread throughout the command tent. Chapter 306 Whether it was good or bad luck, the sky was incredibly clear. Even the wind wasn¡¯t blowing much. It had been a series of unusually warm days for winter. The snow that had fallen earlier had melted away completely. Green Pearl wasn¡¯t a place where snow accumulated easily in the first place. While the area above the Pen-Hanil Mountain Range was always covered in snow, this place wasn¡¯t. In other words, it was an ideal day for fighting. The sky itself seemed to urge them to battle. "The enemy is right at our doorstep." This was the message the messenger delivered. Until that moment, Enkrid had been walking among the regular soldiers, casually moving through the ranks. "Meet them at the stockade! Everyone, out!" At the commander¡¯s call, Enkrid moved as well. "Aren¡¯t you supposed to return to your post?" Helma turned her head and spoke to Enkrid, who had been walking beside her. She had just equipped her buckler and spear. Enkrid matched his pace with her and casually responded. "It¡¯s fine." Helma blinked in surprise. What does he mean by "fine"? But, this guy knows how to fight. Usually, people who look as soft as him are terrible in a fight, right? Helma, having known Enkrid for only two days, was concerned. "If a superior officer finds out, you¡¯ll get in trouble." Enkrid casually responded again. "I¡¯ve been given permission." He had just asked and answered the question himself. So, it was as if he had received permission. Moreover, it was part of an agreed-upon course of action. What kind of variables would he create on the battlefield? Enkrid knew there was only one thing he could do. "Hey, if you¡¯re going to do that, you should take the lead." A soldier said with an indifferent tone. He had been muttering since earlier. There seemed to be some subtle hostility, but Enkrid didn¡¯t care. If they were going to fight with blood splattering everywhere, these complaints were honestly cute. Compared to Rem, it was like a child¡¯s tantrum. "Yeah." He answered and continued walking. He was already heading forward anyway. Helma, perhaps originally part of the vanguard, shifted her steps toward the front. "Hey, you do your thing." Helma shot back at the soldier behind her. The soldier didn¡¯t say anything else. He hadn¡¯t expected Enkrid to actually go, but here he was. Until now, Enkrid had been sizing up the soldiers¡¯ skills. While Rem had done a remarkably bad job, some soldiers in the Naurillia military rank system appeared to be of a high standard. Helma was at least mid-tier. Their fighting strength wasn¡¯t as bad as expected. Most were closer to low-tier, and the unit consisted mainly of infantry and archers, but their military discipline was solid. They had trained horses but lacked cavalry, and carts were prepared for the rear supply routes. Of course, supplies were loaded into those carts. ¡®If things go wrong, the escape plan is perfect.¡¯ Whether they become prisoners of war or run, Enkrid and his soldiers wouldn¡¯t die meaningless deaths here. Garrett¡¯s voice could be heard, signaling their formation and readiness. Enkrid found that reassuring. As he walked, he casually swung his arms around. The pain was minimal. His right arm had recovered enough, and his left shin was as good as new. The wounds he¡¯d gotten from earlier were now just faint scars. Jaxon had said that there wouldn¡¯t be any facial scars. Instead, he¡¯d likely have scars on his shin, forearms, and torso. When he heard that, Kraiss had muttered something ridiculous. "Scars on your face aren¡¯t bad, but it¡¯s better if you don¡¯t have them." It was his intent to ensure Enkrid was taken to a salon eventually. What a funny guy. Enkrid felt the soft armor wrapped around his shoulder, chest, and thighs as he moved. Even though it was thin leather armor, it was stiff. Inside, he wore a thin gambeson, which made it uncomfortable. If he took it off, it would be cold, and his defense would drop. A little discomfort would be a small price to pay for better protection. "Three swords on your waist? You¡¯ll be in trouble if you fight up front." Helma said, filled with concern. She was a kind person. Before she could say anything else, Jaxon appeared. No, he practically popped up. Enkrid, with his sharp senses, had noticed, but Helma hadn¡¯t. "I brought him." Helma jumped in surprise. The man had suddenly appeared as though he¡¯d jumped up from the ground. He was wearing a thin hat instead of a helmet, and a blonde man, constantly adjusting his leather helmet, joined him. "Are you here?" "Yes." "Where¡¯s Dunbakel?" "King Eyeball separated him and Shinar. He said the cards need to be hidden." "Oh, really?" It was an insignificant conversation. Helma didn¡¯t fully understand it. But, she realized that the man in front of her wasn¡¯t an ordinary person. No, it wasn¡¯t a realization¡ªit was something she¡¯d known from the start. He was the one who had caught her attention from the beginning. He moved around with an air of nonchalance, completely undisturbed by the tension in the camp. Enkrid didn¡¯t pay attention to Helma¡¯s gaze. He focused on the task at hand. What he needed were variables. Actions his enemies wouldn¡¯t anticipate. Enkrid had decided that he would begin with the first strike of battle. This was something Kraiss agreed on as well. It had been a successful tactic so far. With an unexpected strike, he could observe the enemy¡¯s reaction. From there, he could gather information about their hidden tactics. Even if he couldn¡¯t see everything, he could still make deductions and be in a much better position. It would be a completely different situation than it was now, where they knew nothing. ¡®Oh, please.¡¯ Kraiss was struggling with ominous thoughts. Enkrid remained unfazed. ¡®There are a lot of them.¡¯ Even though the enemy was approaching, Enkrid didn¡¯t feel too tense. It didn¡¯t seem overly dangerous. No matter what the enemy had prepared, he felt ready. His instincts to warn of danger were quiet, and his body felt better than expected. His right arm was more than half healed. ¡®This feels good.¡¯ It wasn¡¯t bad at all. "Ahhhhhh!" A roar from the enemy echoed, shaking the air. Azpen still maintained its slow, steady advance. As the approaching enemy entered the range of arrows, Enkrid¡¯s side released their first volley. Whoosh! Arrows cut through the air, marking the start of the battle. Azpen¡¯s forces responded, and a dark rain of arrows began to fall from the enemy side. This was the beginning of a battle, and it felt as ordinary as any other. "Hold the line!" "Raise the shields! Don¡¯t lower them!" "Ugh!" "You fool!" The arrows shot with a curved trajectory soared into the sky like dark dots before raining down. One unlucky soldier had an arrow lodged in his shoulder. A comrade pulled the soldier with the arrow out of the way, while another raised his shield to block the incoming arrows. Their teamwork was not bad. The training had paid off. Still, there was room for improvement. Compared to the Border Guard''s elite reinforcements, they were weak. The difference was like that between solid rock and hardened clay. ¡®More rigorous training.¡¯ It was a thought that popped into Enkrid¡¯s head, but it wasn¡¯t a bad one. Preparing for the future, for what¡¯s to come, is always helpful. This kind of thinking was part of being prepared. It wasn¡¯t just about adjusting a sword belt or gripping a sword properly. Enkrid observed the incoming arrows and easily dodged them. It was no problem at all. He could dodge daggers thrown at him in close proximity, so arrows were nothing. He didn¡¯t even carry a shield. Though fully arming oneself was important, he thought it was better to move with just three swords for now. ¡®This seems better.¡¯ Looking to his side, he saw Ragna dodging arrows without even looking and moving swiftly to the side. Jaxon had already disappeared. ¡®He¡¯ll handle it.¡¯ Was there any reason to worry about Jaxon? Probably not. Enkrid focused on his own task. "Ha." He took a deep breath. No matter the battlefield, no matter the enemy, whether his current state was good or bad, danger always existed and threats should never be ignored. As always, Enkrid brought his best. The first weapon was a sword gripped with both hands. Ching. A steel sword with a bluish hue slipped out of its scabbard. He raised the sword toward the brilliant winter sunlight. A few teeth had chipped, but it was still sturdy. Even though he had tried to maintain it, this was how it had ended up. It had been used too roughly. But, being a good sword, it had held up. If it were an ordinary steel sword, it would¡¯ve broken long ago. A good sword is always right. ¡®One more time, please.¡¯ Enkrid spoke to his sword. He would send it off properly when it was time to rest, but not now. The distance between the two advancing armies was slowly narrowing. Enkrid moved along with them. His steps were decisive, no hesitation. One step beyond his own line, another step forward, quickly covering two steps in a matter of seconds. It was only natural that he appeared to be moving ahead alone. "Hey, where are you going?" Someone shouted from behind. It sounded like one of the soldiers who had been grumbling earlier. "You crazy bastard! Hey!" Enkrid ignored them. Now was the time to gather everyone''s attention. "Disrupt them with the first strike." There had been Kraiss¡¯s request, but Enkrid¡¯s own emotions surged first. What had he prepared? A knight¡¯s sword? A magic sword? Magic? Sorcery? Did he bring any knights? If not, how would he block this? A stray thought flashed through his mind, but then Enkrid set foot on the frozen ground where an arrow had struck and met the enemy forces. He was the fastest, so he reached them first. "You crazy bastard!" The enemy, tense and nervous, thrust a spear at him. Enkrid adjusted his speed. He suddenly lowered his thigh and increased his pace. In the split second that the enemy couldn¡¯t follow his change in speed, Enkrid¡¯s foot kicked the enemy soldier¡¯s shin. As he ran, he kicked him directly. Crack, snap! With a single strike, the bone snapped and the enemy soldier¡¯s body lifted into the air before crashing to the ground. "Argh!" The scream echoed as Enkrid elbowed the soldier next to him in the head. He used his foot and elbow almost simultaneously. Crunch! A dying sound echoed. Crack! The victim¡¯s neck bone screamed and blood flowed through the gaps in his helmet. His head shattered with a single strike. Only then did Enkrid swing his sword. He anchored his left foot and swung from his right waist diagonally upward. With the wind, the heavy sword slashed in a diagonal arc. It was a cleaving strike with a heavy sword. Enkrid added a twist to it. Using the momentum of the swing, he changed the anchor from his left foot to his right foot. As he shifted, he lowered the sword that had been positioned at the upper left and swung it from the lower left to the upper right. As his left and right feet switched places, the sword traced an infinity symbol in the air. Everything caught by the sword shattered, broken, slashed, and bounced away. "Ugh!" S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Argh!" The screams came from those who weren¡¯t killed by the first strike. Anyone who had their neck or head caught in the trajectory of the sword was done. With two clean cuts, nine enemy soldiers were slain. Because of his footwork, the range of his sword widened. "Kill them!" One of the nearby commanders had bloodshot eyes. Instead of retreating, he clenched his teeth. ¡®The discipline is better than ours.¡¯ Their training, the quality of their soldiers, and the capability of their commander were all superior. Enkrid, while focused on the fight, hadn¡¯t fully grasped everything. But his instincts told him that he had to cut down the commander who had just spoken. He realized firsthand that doing so would increase their chances of victory. As he moved forward again, spears from all directions rushed in. They thrust and thrust again with their long spears. Enkrid deflected those he could and dodged those he couldn¡¯t. It was like cutting through a forest of spear tips. He pressed forward, getting close to the commander, and delivered a downward strike to the top of his head. He struck with the skill of a clean cut, not breaking the skull but smashing it apart. It was the result of raw strength. As the blade hit the helmet, the shattered skull pierced the scalp. Blood and brain matter flowed naturally. "Ha." He swung his sword widely, intimidating the enemy soldiers, making them hesitate. Enkrid took a deep breath and activated the Heart of Might. This power wasn¡¯t unlimited, but right now, it was the right time to stab, strike, slash, and break. "Shit, what is this!" One of the enemy soldiers screamed. Enkrid¡¯s blade didn¡¯t stop. He was a reaper. A collector of souls, weaving through the enemy ranks. "You crazy!" The enemy screamed. It was a meaningless cry. Enkrid¡¯s blade didn¡¯t hesitate even for a moment. He cut down dozens on his own, and it was only natural that the enemy formation would break. "Are you just going to watch?" The enemy commander shouted loudly, and soon, someone stepped forward. If left unchecked, the formation and ranks would be completely shattered. One of the warriors from Azpen, who had been gathering his breath, stepped forward. He stopped as he approached Enkrid. The man assessed the enemy''s skills. ¡®Heavy sword style.¡¯ A focus on weight, ignoring minor attacks, a style of fighting that emphasized power. Having assessed, it was time to fight. The man moved forward. Chapter 307 The most foolish commander in the world, Jaxon, stood just behind the vanguard. His gaze was fixed on Enkrid, who was leading the charge. Now, what should he do? He observed the enemy soldiers. To be more precise, he read the entire enemy force through his senses. There was no need to see everything with his eyes. His trained senses allowed him to judge the enemy''s strength just by hearing. Unhesitant steps, confident shouts, the speed of their approach, and their calm gaze amidst it all. Jaxon, analyzing his opponents in his own way, distinct from Audin''s, slid his sword between the ranks. A long blade emerged from his waist, thrusting forward. "Kill them all!" At first, it was a heavyset soldier wielding a warhammer. The hammer, with a weight at its end, struck one of his allies'' shields. After the hit, the hammer bounced back with the elasticity of a spring, and the soldier recovered it. With a swift motion, Jaxon¡¯s blade pierced the soldier¡¯s belly. It thrust in deep and quickly retracted. "Huh?" What was that? What else, it was just a blade. Behind the shield, a cold gaze watched the enemy soldier. With a swift motion, the sword, curving like a serpent, sliced the soldier''s neck. This was a technique Jaxon had roughly interpreted from observing Enkrid''s sword technique. It resembled a technique for a short blade, but it was different from Enkrid¡¯s signature move. "0|... Grrr..." The man who had been about to speak collapsed, clutching his throat. Whether he bled foam or not, both allies and enemies stepped over the soldier who had dropped his hammer. Jaxon continued to repeat the same actions. Hiding among his allies, he would stab once, then retreat. His targets were only the elite soldiers. A few, those whose deaths couldn¡¯t be assured in one strike, he left alone. Jaxon did his job thoroughly. His own soldiers didn¡¯t notice anything, but some of the commanders felt an unusual flow in the battle. "Why does it feel like we¡¯re winning?" One of the allied platoon commanders asked. Wasn¡¯t the overall strength still evenly matched? So why were they winning? No one knew. Did it matter now? No. "Fight! Push forward!" The commander did his job. He shouted until his throat was hoarse. "Stay together, don¡¯t scatter!" The continent¡¯s infantry battles were basically chaotic. The more they grouped, the better their chances; if they spread out, it was dangerous. Both sides fought in similar ways. The Border Guard reserve army, which had come for reinforcements, was also fighting fiercely. "Move to the side! Don¡¯t let those bastards get away!" "You can¡¯t kill me with pain!" "Pain only makes me stronger!" "Pain!" "Strength!" Those who had survived the previous battles were all seasoned veterans. Their unit was far more experienced than the one stationed at Green Pearl. They stood firm against the enemy¡¯s attempt to curve right. "It¡¯s the Grey Dogs!" "Persistent bastards!" The enemy¡¯s unit was notorious even among the allies. They were executing a flanking maneuver. The Border Guard reserve army was holding them off. "Mad bastards." The Grey Dogs were indeed the Grey Dogs. Even though the Border Guard reserve army outnumbered them, it seemed like they were being pushed back. But it didn¡¯t matter. There were those rampaging at the front. Enkrid continued to strike with his long sword, and Jaxon hid among the Green Pearl troops, picking off the skilled soldiers and those giving orders. It was because of this. Normally, they would have been overwhelmed by Azpen¡¯s strong forces, but somehow, the balance shifted. Ragna fell behind Enkrid¡¯s left flank. He planned to deal with one enemy at a time and do his part. Ragna, swinging his sword, was starting to feel a sense of purpose. He hadn¡¯t felt any desire to fight for years. Still, he needed a trigger to act with enthusiasm. Ragna was the type to get started slowly. It was in the middle of this when he felt a murderous intent from the left, and just as he sensed it, metal flew past his face. Ragna tilted his head back. He barely managed to avoid it. He was slow to react due to his warmed-up body. Luckily, whether late or not, his body instinctively reacted to the attack. Blood splattered as the blade grazed his cheek. The leather helmet that had covered his face was sliced by the sharp blade, falling in tatters. "You avoided that?" The man who had thrust his sword stepped back. Ragna immediately recognized him. "A skilled fighter." Although he himself wasn¡¯t aware of it, he felt a strange sense of excitement. He had longed for a challenge like this. The blood, the life-and-death battle¡ªthis was what Ragna had craved. There was no need to find a way. He had no reason to get lost. Chasing the retreating man¡¯s back was all he needed to do. Ragna threw off his uncomfortable helmet. After a few steps, an enemy soldier with a short sword stood in his way. "You bastard!" The one who had wounded him earlier had surely retreated to the rear, where his allies were. If Ragna pursued him, he would be entering the enemy lines. The enemy soldier reacted. Ragna reacted even faster. As he moved forward, he thrust his sword, pulled it out, and struck. A clean strike pierced the soldier''s neck. With the momentum of the spear thrust, the body leaned forward and collapsed. As the man fell, Ragna quickly cut down five more soldiers and broke through the enemy lines. It was a reckless charge, but it caused the enemy¡¯s formation to fall apart. As a result, the allied commanders nearby once again felt that the battle had strangely become easier. "Easy, isn¡¯t it?" The plan for a rearward advance, preparing for a retreat, seemed futile now. "Fight! Kill them all!" The formation had long since fallen apart. In chaotic battles, killing more meant gaining the advantage. The platoon commander knew this well, and he kept shouting without pause. "Pain!" It had already spread as a battle cry. "Allies are being pushed back." At the adjutant''s words, Abnaier laughed. Since things were going as planned, how could he not laugh? "It¡¯s exactly as I thought." The adjutant bit his lip. He couldn¡¯t understand this strategy. Wasn''t success almost the same as failure? "I¡¯ll be the infamous fool who killed a thousand soldiers." Abnaier spoke. "Is this right?" "Mag..." There was no doubt in his voice. The genius¡¯s voice was clear and steady. The adjutant lowered his head. Now, there was no stopping him. "Now, show me what you¡¯ve been hiding." Kreis watched the movements of the enemy. They would do something. After all, Enkrid was rampaging like that. Thanks to Jaxon, the enemy¡¯s momentum had been shattered. In the meantime, Ragna, though lost, was still fighting. "This isn¡¯t the end, is it?" He had kept Sinar and Dunbakel as trump cards. One never reveals all their moves until they¡¯ve seen all of the enemy¡¯s. "King¡¯s Eyes, I want to fight." Dunbakel, with his hand on his scythe¡¯s handle, poked at him. "Wait." "Am I a dog?" "Just wait." Shinar stood silently beside them, arms crossed, eyes half-lidded. "Try to stay as calm as the Fairy Company Commander." "I''m a beastkin, not a fairy." Even as he soothed Dunbakel, Kraiss''s gaze never left the battlefield. The overall battlefield was maintaining an odd balance, but in the smaller clashes, their side was steadily gaining ground. In the end, all these small victories would accumulate into complete domination of the field. That was the picture Kraiss had painted. He didn''t let the variables remain just that¡ªhe turned them into a force that influenced the entire battle. If the enemy made a move, he had already planned for a strategic withdrawal to buy time. But so far, there had been no need for it. That was the situation up to now. So why was Azpen just watching? Why wasn''t he playing his hidden card? Something was definitely there¡ªsomething that hadn¡¯t been revealed yet. Otherwise, why had he advanced so sluggishly and deliberately started the battle at the very end of winter? Is there no hidden gambit? Is he just an idiot? Of course not. "Messenger incoming!" A runner was sprinting toward them from the rear. Kraiss had deliberately pulled Nurat, who led a keen-eyed and swift-moving unit, back to the rear. Garrett was left in the command tent as a symbolic figure. But the one actually leading the Green Pearl Battalion in combat was Nurat. She had sharp eyes and a quick mind. And just when they needed it, she had done exactly what was required. "A portion of the enemy forces is flanking us! Their numbers aren''t insignificant!" As the report reached Kraiss, a map formed in his mind. He visualized the terrain, the trajectory of the enemy¡¯s movement. What was their objective? The Border Guard. They were targeting their rear. Some of them might have already slipped past. "To the rear!" Dunbakel and Shinar moved immediately. It was time to counter the card their opponent had played. "A second flanking force has been spotted!" "Good!" At that, Abnaier clapped his hands together. Nothing ever went entirely according to plan. The battlefield was a living, breathing entity. But if one focused on a singular goal¡ª That could be achieved. The battlefield was ruled by an elite few. Abnaier knew that well. So what if they simply eliminated those elites? Geniuses weren¡¯t unlimited. They were finite. How many true prodigies existed in an era? Not many. The limited number of knights in existence was proof of that. And so¡ª Sacrificing one battlefield. Winning the war would make it worthwhile. Even if he became known as the greatest butcher in history, the most foolish commander to have ever lived, Abnaier would laugh in the end. "Are we ready?" "It''s done." "Good. Proceed." His adjutant nodded and withdrew. As Kraiss had predicted, Abnaier had dispatched part of his cavalry to target the Border Guard. "Enemy forces incoming!" The Border Guard, naturally maintaining their vigilance, spotted them early. Rem, who had been grumbling all day, suddenly sprang up. The news was enough to make him forget about the cold in an instant. "Who is it?" Even if a long-lost lover had returned after ten years, he wouldn¡¯t have been this excited. "Brother, if you''re too hasty, you''ll step in a puddle and soak your shoes." Audin stepped in behind him, offering words of caution. "Then maybe you should leave your club behind before you start lecturing me, huh?" "Haha, Brother." The Apostle of the War God grinned. What a fitting attitude for a man determined to kill everyone in his path. Teresa had also been about to stand, but she caught sight of Audin¡¯s gaze and froze. The wound she¡¯d suffered while killing the Wolf Bishop was still severe. Fighting in her current condition would only destroy her body. Audin wouldn¡¯t allow that. "Sister, you stay here." "¡­Understood." Teresa was deeply reluctant, but she held herself back. Just as excited as Rem, Audin rushed out to meet the enemy¡ªbut their expectations weren¡¯t met. "What is this?" Something was off. For an attack on the fortress, the number of cavalry present was pitifully small. And rather than charging in, they lingered at a distance, hesitating as if waiting for the right moment. Rem waited for two days. "These bastards." The enemy didn¡¯t engage. They only wasted time. It was one of Abnaier¡¯s tricks. Previously, Marcus had played a similar move against Azpen, feinting toward Cross Guard and dealing them a massive blow. Though the circumstances were different, the results were nearly identical. Abnaier had shackled the Border Guard in place. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. With so few cavalrymen, they couldn¡¯t breach the walls, nor could they disrupt supply lines. If anything, Azpen¡¯s cavalry were the ones in greater need of supplies. And their numbers weren¡¯t even significant. Upon closer inspection, Rem realized that each rider had two or three horses. A pathetic attempt to make their forces seem larger. "Do these fuckers have nothing better to do?" It left Rem thoroughly frustrated, but Abnaier had gotten exactly what he wanted. He had temporarily blocked the reinforcements coming from the Border Guard. He had bought himself time. And for Abnaier, that was enough. Esther caught the scent of magic. A fairly high-tier spell. She followed the trail. Step by step, she climbed a small hill until she saw the gathering. One among them snapped his eyes toward her, locking onto her presence. "You." It was Gallaph, the man who had seized control of the river¡¯s flow and carved his name into the world of spellcasters. A mage. Short brown hair, an elegant face. His true age was unknown, but he had looked the same for the past ten years. It was said that he had drunk from the River of Life. Of course, that was just a rumor. Esther stared at him, her expression unreadable. "They said you were broken by a curse." Gallaph¡¯s voice carried his surprise as he took in Esther¡¯s human form. She said nothing, merely watching him. She had tracked his magical signature here by pure chance. The flow of mana, the traces of his prepared spells. Was it fate? The guidance of the stars? No. She didn¡¯t believe in gods. She only believed in herself and the world of magic she had built. That was the only thing worthy of her faith. "Master." One of Gallaph¡¯s apprentices stepped forward. Gallaph was famous for raising numerous disciples. At present, he had six under his wing. "Leave." Gallaph dismissed them, his gaze fixed on Esther. He could tell just by looking. She hasn¡¯t completely lifted the curse. The witch wasn¡¯t at full strength. "The Witch of Strife." Gallaph spoke. "Are you here to fight?" His apprentices could handle their prepared mission even without him. There was no need for him to personally intervene. Likewise, he had no particular reason to fight the witch. Esther didn¡¯t know exactly what they were doing here, but she knew one thing. It was a threat to her den. Otherwise, why would a mage of this caliber be present? The den she resided in¡ªEnkrid himself. Magic was a danger to that man as well. She had gained something by staying in this den. So this much, at least, she had to protect. "Drumuller¡¯s Scythe." Instead of answering, Esther recited the spell. A vacuum-slicing spell materialized in the air, tearing through space. One of her signature incantations. "Vartan¡¯s Shield." A blue barrier flared up, blocking the scythe¡¯s edge. The barrier rippled like waves on water. Separated by the shimmering blue dome, the two spellcasters opened their domains of magic. Chapter 308 When mages duel, they are said to open their spell worlds against each other. Each of them wields the spells accumulated within their domain as weapons. Galaph drew upon the rivers flowing through his own world. ¡°Strike with force.¡± A staff appeared in his hand. At its tip, a white gem gleamed, and from that point, a portion of the river gushed forth. The torrent coalesced into a massive, concentrated mass before transforming into water shells, hurtling through the air like artillery. ¡°You think you can beat me while cursed? Idiot!¡± Galaph jeered as he unleashed his water shells. Even as he attacked, Esther¡¯s hands formed signs. She revealed not her emotions, but her spell. Fwoosh! The instant her fingers completed their movements, flames ignited within her eyes. A fiery sphere manifested before her gaze and shot forward. Two opposing elemental spells collided midair. Boom! A deafening explosion rang out as steam burst into the air. The fireball vanished, while the torrent of water was knocked off course, crashing violently into the ground. Splash! The earth caved inward as plumes of steam veiled the surroundings. Like a dense fog, the mist obscured their vision. But just because they couldn¡¯t see didn¡¯t mean they would lose track of each other. Mages followed the flow of mana, not mere eyesight. Their opponent¡¯s presence was clear, even within the thick mist. ¡°You stupid bitch!¡± The repeated insult irritated Esther. She¡¯d already decided on the words she¡¯d say when she killed him. Now wasn¡¯t the time for them. While Galaph hurled his taunts, he secretly sent two of his disciples behind Esther. The others had been sent elsewhere for ¡°business,¡± but he had kept these two. Neither was an exceptional mage, but both were adept swordsmen. ¡®Stupid bitch.¡¯ Galaph repeated the words in his head as he chanted again and again. His two disciples moved stealthily. The mist provided the perfect cover, making it nearly impossible for Esther to detect them. They had yet to establish their own spell worlds, meaning they wouldn¡¯t register in her mana perception. The disciples crept forward, slipping through the mist like phantoms. One of them gripped his sword tightly, eyes darting through the fog for their target. He planned to strike the moment he spotted her. Then¡ª Thwack! The disciple at the front was suddenly blinded. Something wrapped around his face and squeezed. ¡°Ggk¡ª!¡± ¡°You fuck¡ª!¡± The second disciple instinctively drew his sword and thrust. Clang! Ting! ¡°Urgh¡ª!¡± It was like stabbing into solid rock. His blade was knocked away, his grip shattered by the recoil. Then¡ª Grab! A massive hand emerged from the mist, seizing the second disciple by the throat. He reflexively clawed at the hand, trying to pry it off. Useless. If even his blade couldn¡¯t cut through, his nails meant nothing. ¡°Gkkk!¡± Both disciples dangled helplessly in the air, their feet kicking. They couldn¡¯t even scream. The one held by the head struggled, but the pressure was relentless. The one choked by the throat turned purple, his lips darkening. His tongue lolled from his mouth as the lack of oxygen took its toll. Meanwhile, Esther calmly chanted once more. ¡°Drumuller¡¯s Scythe.¡± The same spell. A vacuum blade sliced through the mist, momentarily clearing it. ¡°You¡¯re using the same trick?!¡± Galaph blocked it the same way. A blue barrier dispersed the vacuum slash. And then¡ª He saw it. A figure standing motionless before Esther. ¡°A golem?¡± But this thing resembled a human far too much. His eyes then fell on his two dead disciples. One had died with his tongue lolling out, strangled to death. The other lay on the ground, blood leaking from his ears, eyes, and nose. His skull had been crushed, twisting his face into an unnatural shape. ¡°A summoning?¡± ¡°I picked it up on the way.¡± Esther¡¯s face remained devoid of amusement. Galaph clenched his teeth. Losing to a half-baked fool who couldn''t even fully open her spell world was unacceptable. Meanwhile, Esther found him laughable. Why else had she earned the title of "Warfare"? Because she excelled in battle. Her spell world had been forged in combat and bloodshed. ¡°Aah¡­ it¡¯s been a while.¡± A worthy opponent. After this, she would likely be stuck as a leopard for over a month. But this fight was worth that price. *** Thwack! If they got close, he struck them. If they tried to retreat, he closed the distance and struck them down. Enkrid alone was an unbreakable siege weapon, tearing through the enemy ranks. His raw power was on full display. Some soldiers, overwhelmed by fear, began backing away. ¡°Don¡¯t retreat!¡± A commander drew his sword from behind. Retreating meant death at the hands of their own allies. The soldiers gritted their teeth and charged once more. Enkrid watched their reactions, his thoughts turning to swordsmanship. The way to swing his sword. The method of combat itself. ¡®Commander Shinar crafted his sword to counter me.¡¯ Why? Because he adapted to the moment. So¡ªwhat should he do now? This was the process. Reflect. Adapt. Engrain. He swung again, fully immersed in his thoughts. Swish. Before even the wind could move¡ª A killing intent reached his chest. Enkrid pulled back his blade. He shifted his right foot behind his left, turning his body and raising his sword to block the attack. Clang! A wise move. The enemy¡¯s blade clashed against the center of his steel sword. A moment slower, and he would have been cut deep. The attacker stepped back. A small warrior, barely reaching Enkrid¡¯s chin, with broad feet and no helmet. Just one glance told Enkrid everything. ¡®An offensive style built on explosive charges.¡¯ A "swift blade" style. The southernmost tongues called it Jung Jung Hwan Quae Yu. Translated into the continent¡¯s language¡ª Straight blade. Heavy blade. Deceptive blade. Fast blade. Soft blade. Swordsmanship divided into five forms, further branching out with footwork and additional techniques. His opponent wielded speed in both feet and hands. A fast-fast blade. The warrior bounced on his feet a few times, then lunged. A lightning-fast dash. The blade he swung resembled a scimitar. If anything was caught by that curve, it would surely be severed. Enkrid stepped back. Bang! Tatata! Bang! Two, three, four, five consecutive strikes, yet the attacker did not falter. No hesitation. No sound of breath. Not slowing down. It was as if he could swing his blade all day. Enkrid wasn¡¯t concerned. Lykanos was faster. After blocking nine strikes and retreating ten steps, Enkrid shifted. Holding his primary sword in one hand, he reached for the second blade at his waist. The name of the sword¡ªFulti. A blade so light it was almost difficult to handle. But for a single thrust¡ªit was the perfect choice. The enemy leaped. From the ground to midair in an instant. No sound. Like he had teleported above. A gravity-assisted downward slash. A decisive kill attempt. Enkrid did not retreat. He thrust upward. Swish! The curved sword brushed his chest. It failed to cut through. The man staggered, stunned. "Faster than me¡­?" sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. His body collapsed onto the ground. Enkrid murmured, ¡°I¡¯ve been playing with faster opponents lately.¡± The man blinked a few times¡ªthen died. Pierced Through the Heart, Yet He Spoke. Enkrid swung his sword through the air, shaking off the blood. The impact from the last exchange left a dull ache in his chest. His gambeson and leather armor bore deep cuts, the fabric and hide scored open. But his bandage armor remained intact¡ªno wounds. Still, his bones throbbed from the sheer force behind that strike. Enkrid didn¡¯t know who he had just killed, but Azpen¡¯s commander did. The man had been Janus the Swift Hand, one of the top mercenaries operating within Azpen. His rapid strikes and nimble footwork had haunted many before¡ªbut his nightmare ended here. ¡°Shall we finish this?¡± Enkrid moved forward, speaking to the enemy soldiers. There were allies watching from behind. One soldier in particular¡ªthe same one who had been whining moments ago¡ªcouldn¡¯t look away. ¡®I¡¯m an idiot.¡¯ He fought disgustingly well. No, beyond that¡ªdisgustingly, overwhelmingly well. The enemies rushing toward him weren¡¯t straw dummies or rotten logs, yet they fell just as easily. ¡®And I¡­ had the audacity¡­¡¯ It was Helma. She had caught his eye, and he had secretly liked her. But now¡ªshe was utterly mesmerized by that man. It bothered him. Jealousy. Humiliation. Shame. He wanted to crawl into a hole and disappear. What kind of bullshit had he spouted about Enkrid? ¡®**Told him to lead from the front? Asked if he even knew how to fight?**¡¯ He had mocked him so many times, subtly and outright. And now? Now that bastard was out there, chewing through the enemy like it was nothing. ¡°¡­Ah, fuck.¡± The soldier converted his rage and embarrassment into raw physical force. ¡°Kill them all!¡± His frenzied shout ignited those around him. And it wasn¡¯t just him. Enkrid¡¯s rampage had pushed the entire army into a state of feral excitement. ¡°Come at us!¡± Helma roared as well. Azpen¡¯s forces staggered. They still held the superior military strength, yet morale was plummeting. And in battle, morale outweighed numbers. Enkrid alone had tipped the scale¡ªnow, Naurellia held the upper hand. Yet, something was off. The enemy¡¯s movements seemed¡­ strange. They fought, but it was as if they were following a hidden rhythm. If someone were watching from above, the battle might have appeared bizarrely structured. Enkrid pushed in deeper, the enemy fell back. Yet, rather than scattering, they formed a pattern as they retreated. And between Enkrid and his allies, more and more enemy troops were piling in. But no one felt alarmed. The battle was as good as won. This was the final stretch¡ªthe moment when the enemy would crumble and flee. Enkrid kept advancing. Even after Janus fell, two more famed mercenaries challenged him. Then¡ª ¡°My name is Joy Hurrier.¡± A swordsman from the Hurrier family entered the fray. Enkrid cut them all down in five to seven exchanges each. ¡°You fucking monster!¡± The enemy shrieked, their words reeking of defeat. No one could doubt Naurellia¡¯s victory now. Yet¡ª Azpen¡¯s forces were still squirming within their own ranks. In that chaos, they had begun severing the battlefield, separating Enkrid from his allies. Far away, watching the battlefield unfold, Abnaier muttered to himself: ¡®Come in deeper. More. Just a little more.¡¯ The terrain played to his advantage. The front was a plain¡ªbut the rear was hills and ridges, rising in irregular formations. Beyond those, a valley lay ahead, and further to the right, the forest loomed. Every area¡ªcarefully prepared by Abnaier. *** Kraiss was blocking the enemy¡¯s retreat. He had held back his trump cards¡ªShinar and Dunbakel¡ªand it had paid off. ¡°We¡¯ve stopped them!¡± Nurat ran up and shouted. Kraiss clenched his fist. Good. Now, all they had to do was hold them here. Even now, the enemy refused to retreat. They fought like cornered beasts. It was foolish. ¡®Do they really intend to fight all night?¡¯ That would only destroy them faster. Azpen would suffer irreversible damage from this battle. Yet¡ªthey weren¡¯t withdrawing. Naurellia couldn¡¯t withdraw first either. This was their victory. Undeniably so. ¡®So what the fuck is going on?¡¯ Kraiss couldn¡¯t figure it out. Even while winning, his expression remained grim. ¡°Block him with your bodies.¡± The Gray Dog mercenaries had been lying in wait. They were known for their tenacity. ¡°Keep pushing him back.¡± Crazy bastards. Even as Enkrid thought it, he kept cutting them down. But this wasn¡¯t just them. The entire battlefield had shifted. Azpen¡¯s forces were barely holding together, relying on corpses and sheer numbers. By tomorrow, victory would be absolute for Naurellia. Yet¡ª The enemy refused to break. And then¡ª Their eyes changed. Something snapped. ¡°Kill him!¡± ¡°Kill him now!¡± Enkrid didn¡¯t know. Some of them had family members held hostage. Some were criminals. They had sacrificed their futures to survive the present. If they lived through this, their crimes would be pardoned. If they lived through this, their families would be fed. And if they killed this man, they would earn more wealth than they ever dreamed of. They had come to die for a price. At first, even they had tried to run. Fighting Enkrid felt like throwing their lives away. But retreat wasn¡¯t an option. ¡°Anyone who flees¡ªshoot them.¡± From behind, their own forces turned against them. Their "Morale Division" existed for this very reason¡ªto cut down deserters. There was only one way forward. So they charged. And the battlefield warped. Enkrid kept fighting, cutting, killing, but¡ª He couldn''t move backward. ¡°My name is Dolce Hurrier.¡± Another Hurrier swordsman attacked. Mercenaries lunged in waves. The mindless zealots threw their bodies at him. Enkrid¡¯s muscles began to tremble. The human wall was too thick. Naurellia¡¯s main army pushed forward, trying to support him. But Azpen¡¯s forces threw their lives away to block them. And then¡ª It happened. Enkrid was isolated. This was due to three key reasons. First, the enemy had willingly sacrificed themselves to create this situation. ¡°Fuck, what is this¡­?¡± Kraiss realized it first. They had thrown away hundreds of lives just to trap Enkrid. The Gray Dog mercenaries had even charged straight into the waiting blades of Naurellia¡¯s reserves¡ªjust to split the battlefield. Second, the enemy¡¯s resolve. This wasn¡¯t just desperation¡ªthis was Abnaier¡¯s will. Those fighting Enkrid died clutching at him, refusing to let go. And third¡ª The battlefield itself. Abnaier had planned for this. Enkrid tried to break free, but he had lost his way. Magic was at play¡ªsubtle enough to go undetected. It had been laid in place, step by step, long before the battle even began. This wasn¡¯t random chaos. This was a trap, designed for him. The stars above were hidden. The night had fallen. And as Enkrid found himself trapped in the dense foliage of the ridges, Abnaier stood within his camp and declared¡ª ¡°Got you.¡± Chapter 309 A night passed. Enkrid did not return. At some point, the enemy had begun retreating, like the tide receding from shore. But Ragna hadn¡¯t come back either. Jaxon was missing as well. Kraiss realized the gravity of the situation. No, it wasn¡¯t just realization¡ªit was foreboding. A relentless, gnawing dread that dug into his thoughts. "Where is the highest vantage point nearby? A place with a clear view." Despite it all, he remained calm. If the disaster had already struck, then there was no room for panic. Enkrid was missing. ¡®If the commander dies, I¡¯m probably dead too, huh?¡¯ What would happen if Enkrid returned as a corpse? Rem would probably hurl a battle-axe without hesitation. A dark thought¡ªhalf a joke, but only half. Bad. Even if Enkrid hadn¡¯t died, things were bad. If the commander disappeared, the consequences would be endless. Kraiss couldn¡¯t name them all, but he could feel it. One thing was certain. Mad Platoon would be finished. Who could control Rem, Ragna, Jaxon, or Audin? No one. Once upon a time, they might have tolerated a scarecrow leader, but not anymore. They had changed. Now, only their commander could keep them together. And if they fell apart¡ª Could the Border Guard hold off Azpen¡¯s invasion next spring? Not a chance. ¡®If Enkrid dies, I¡¯m out of here. No looking back.¡¯ What was he, a patriot? Was he going to die for this place? Kraiss stood beneath the shade of a tree, deep in thought. Meanwhile, Nurat, having studied the maps and the terrain, spoke up. ¡°Follow me.¡± Kraiss stood cloaked in shadow, exuding an eerie presence. Nurat noticed¡ªbut said nothing. Something felt off. Was it because Enkrid was gone? A fleeting thought. A woman¡¯s intuition. She was right. Kraiss with Enkrid and Kraiss without Enkrid felt like entirely different people. ¡°Move faster.¡± Kraiss urged her on. Nurat brought two horses, and they rode swiftly. They passed several hills before the terrain turned harsh. The climb required half-clinging to the rocks. A strong body and well-trained muscles¡ªwhat lady wouldn¡¯t appreciate them? Kraiss took care of his physique for that very reason. Scaling a steep mountain path was nothing. Nurat, a seasoned warrior, made the climb even easier. At the summit, Kraiss cast his gaze far ahead. ¡°Crazy bastards.¡± The morning sun illuminated the battlefield. The enemy¡¯s formations became clear. They were lurking between the ridges, hidden away. Should they pursue? Should they hunt them down? Bad move. What if they chased too deep and were ambushed? This terrain was perfect for an ambush. Even if morale was high and they had won the last battle, ¡®We don¡¯t have overwhelming numbers.¡¯ If they got caught, the tide could turn instantly. No¡ªdriving them out had always been the goal. From the beginning, that had been the plan. Winter was on their side. ¡®How do they plan to survive in this cold? Where¡¯s their supply line?¡¯ Why did Azpen covet Greenpelt so much? Because beyond Naurellia¡¯s fertile plains, it was a land of hardship. Hills, valleys, treacherous mountains, and monster-infested lands. Surviving winter here was no easy feat. Four to five days¡ªthat was all the enemy could last. This was already a victory. Now, they just had to sit tight and fire arrows until the enemy starved or froze. There was only one problem. Enkrid was missing. ¡®Did they seriously sacrifice this entire battlefield just to kill one man? Did they abandon the war just to take out a few people?¡¯ Reckless. Tactical suicide. A small elite force was supposed to win battles¡ªnot throw away the war. This battlefield was about securing the future. Would they really go that far? The grim suspicion slithered into his mind. Kraiss had found an answer, but he couldn¡¯t be sure. It was too extreme a move. ¡°One more day.¡± Kraiss decided to wait for Enkrid. Nurat felt uneasy at those words, but she didn¡¯t argue. The man with lost eyes had a presence too fierce to question. *** One day. Abnaier let time simmer. There was no need to rush. He needed time to prepare as well. The place where Enkrid had been cornered¡ª A valley, flanked by three ridges and a cliff. A deliberate death trap. Meticulously prepared. A stage set to kill a handful of men. ¡®No unexpected variables?¡¯ He had planted the seeds and nurtured them to fruition. Now, it was time to harvest. Harvesting required blood, but Abnaier was certain it was worth it. He could not afford failure. Abnaier sipped his tea, sugar dissolving into the warmth. Sweetness fueled the mind. What variables remained? No mistakes. No matter how skilled the target, Enkrid was not a knight. He couldn¡¯t escape the trap set for him. Abnaier had studied the Border Guard after his last defeat. Had he lost because of the knights? No. He had already lost before they arrived. He had analyzed the battle. Torn apart the war piece by piece. And the answer was clear. Enkrid and the Mad Platoon. Their raids on the outskirts. Their sabotage of supply lines. Those pieces led to his downfall. Hearing of their exploits only solidified his resolve. Even in the city, they never stayed quiet. Wherever Hurrier appeared, assassins were cut down. Before the name Enkrid, all schemes crumbled. They were untouchable ghosts. So¡ª ¡®I will catch him.¡¯ Abnaier had prepared for this moment. This was his battlefield. He had set his trap. It started with bandits and zealots¡ªmere pawns in the game. And he had a good hand. He played it well. ¡®The Black Blades and cultists aren¡¯t weak either.¡¯ Their presence fractured the Border Guard. He waited for the right moment. He let them drift apart. It would have been ideal if the Black Blades or cultists had killed a few for him. No such luck. But they had split up nonetheless. Enkrid had left Rem, Audin, and Teresa behind. ¡®Catching a group is amateur work.¡¯ Besides, Abnaier¡¯s true art was embedded in the land itself. For Enkrid, he had sealed off the terrain with the Triangle Seal. For the rest of Mad Platoon, he had sent tailored assassins. And for the final blow¡ª He would kill them. His mouth felt dry. He drank another sip of tea, swallowing his thoughts. The cost was steep. And what he would gain? Just a few severed heads. At least, that¡¯s what it would seem like. But to Abnaier, those heads were the greatest threat to Azpen¡¯s future. His plans were set. Sunlight and cold wind entered his tent. It wasn¡¯t too cold today. A good day. ¡°Begin.¡± With a soft clink, he set down his teacup. It was time to claim Enkrid¡¯s head. *** Enkrid didn¡¯t consider this a crisis. This wasn¡¯t even something he would call dangerous. It wasn¡¯t as if a blade was pressing against his throat right this moment. Hiding himself within the underbrush, Enkrid focused entirely on resting. First, my body. His stamina was already at a level that could be called superhuman. A single night was enough to replenish whatever energy he had lost. It wouldn¡¯t restore him to a perfect state, but it would be enough. His body had adapted. The Isolation Technique¡ªAudin¡¯s gift. Should I thank him for it? The thought came to him unexpectedly. Maybe when he returned, he could at least acknowledge that he owed Audin one. Stamina aside¡­ Even if his endurance was monstrous, his body had taken a toll. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He had spent the entire day swinging his sword. It would have been strange if his body weren¡¯t feeling the strain. Both his forearms were bruised, the fine blood vessels bursting beneath the skin. It wasn¡¯t just the sword. He had used his fists, his feet. He hadn¡¯t been able to focus entirely on attacking. After all, he had been fighting alone in the middle of enemy lines. There was no way to block every attack. Instead, he relied on his sense of evasion to deflect only the most threatening blows, dodging when he could, and taking the rest with his body. More precisely, his pauldrons, gauntlets, and shin guards absorbed the impact. To most, it would have been madness, but Enkrid didn¡¯t consider it reckless. Not when he had learned the technique from Audin. A true knight wouldn¡¯t even find this difficult. Reviewing the battle in his mind, Enkrid chewed on a strip of jerky and walked over to a stream to quench his thirst. The water was clear. He drank it without boiling it first. If he got sick from something like this, it would have to be poisoned. The sound of water flowing nearby suggested that a valley wasn¡¯t far. One night of rest. I¡¯ll leave tomorrow. Even without a clear sense of direction, there were ways to find an exit. Pick a direction. Walk straight. Even if he chose wrong, once his sense of orientation returned, getting out wouldn¡¯t be difficult. That was how he saw it. I wonder how the battlefield turned out? There had been no way to look back, no time to assess the field. Enkrid had done his part. He had focused entirely on fighting and achieved this outcome. He didn¡¯t know it yet, but a single battle had tilted the scales. The battle¡¯s end would be marked by Naurillia¡¯s victory. The dead, however, would remain as they were¡ªunchanging, unavenged. Enkrid didn¡¯t know the exact state of the battlefield, but he could tell there was no need for him to continue fighting. Azpen had become a wounded deer, bleeding out under the fangs of a predator. He hadn¡¯t coordinated the battle, hadn¡¯t even seen all of it. But he could feel the flow. Finding a suitable tree, he spread some leaves beneath it. Blocking the wind, he closed his eyes. He needed sleep. Rest wasn¡¯t complete without it. When he opened his eyes again, dawn was breaking. His body, honed through countless cycles of battle, shifted instantly into combat readiness. Rustle. The sound of footsteps over grass. It was good he hadn¡¯t lit a fire. Otherwise, he would have given away his position for free. Actually, this might work out. He could use them. If he caught one, he could force them to tell him where he was¡ªand how to get out. Enkrid held his breath and listened. He sharpened his hearing. At the same time, he slowly stretched, starting from his fingers, loosening his stiff muscles, warming his body against the cold. His ears picked up their position. Rustle. Left. Shuffle. Right. The noise was close. Too close. Enkrid, his head still lowered, shifted his gaze. What the hell? This wasn¡¯t a small scouting party. This was an entire unit. They were combing through the underbrush with their spears. The thunk, thunk of blades stabbing into bushes filled the air. Too many eyes. Even at a glance, the numbers were overwhelming. Counting them was pointless. Which meant getting spotted was inevitable. ¡°There he is!¡± His eyes met the enemy¡¯s. Sharp eyes. Rising to his full height, Enkrid exhaled. ¡°Catch him!¡± The soldiers surged toward him. Fighting wasn¡¯t always the answer. Enkrid dodged. He wasn¡¯t an idiot. Kraiss often said his commander had a good head on his shoulders. He wasn¡¯t wrong. Enkrid thought fast. Rather than engage, running would be¡ª Thunk-thunk-thunk-thunk! A hail of arrows. They¡¯ve lost their minds. They were firing without any concern for their own. Enkrid raised his sword, deflecting the arrows he couldn¡¯t dodge. Spotting a massive tree, he darted behind it for cover. Thud! Several arrows embedded themselves into the trunk. ¡°Gah!¡± ¡°Urk!¡± As expected, some arrows had hit their own men. But the barrage didn¡¯t stop. ¡°Keep firing!¡± ¡°More! Keep him pinned!¡± Arrows rained down. Enkrid glanced at his blade. Then, he swung. A full-force rotation slash. Boom! The impact exploded through the air. As his sword struck the tree, half of its trunk was severed. At the same time, a deep crack ran down the length of his blade. It had already been damaged from the previous battle. Switching to his gladius, he activated Heart of Might. His muscles swelled with power. This time, his weapon smashed through the remaining half of the tree. Crack! Snap! The tree tilted. ¡°Huh?¡± The soldier directly beneath it hesitated. A moment later, the tree crashed down, splintering branches as it fell. ¡°Move!¡± ¡°Shit!¡± The enemy scrambled. Enkrid took the opening and ran. South¡ªprobably. His damaged sword was discarded, replaced with Ember at his right hip. ¡°There!¡± A wall of heavy infantry blocked his path. Tower shields lined up, sealing the way forward. There were over fifty of them. And more enemy soldiers were closing in from the sides. Too many. Had someone else been trapped here too? Enkrid stepped back. He could cut through most of them. But after that? He wasn¡¯t reckless. That was why he was still alive. He turned and sprinted. Kicking a stone into the air, he smacked it with the flat of his gladius. Ping! The pebble shot forward, faster than an arrow. Crack! It struck the forehead of a soldier reloading a crossbow. There. A gap. Dashing forward, Enkrid plunged into the ranks. Like a beast leaping into a herd. His right hand cut and bashed with the gladius. His left hand thrust with Ember. The sword wasn¡¯t meant for slashing. He stabbed instead. After cutting down six, a path opened. An artificial trail, made by human hands. This works. Just as he thought he was in the clear¡ª ¡°Fire.¡± Bolts shot from both sides. They had used their crossbowmen as bait. Clever. And ruthless. Enkrid rolled forward. One bolt struck his armor. It didn¡¯t pierce his flesh, but he had no time to pull it out. He kept running. Cutting down enemies as he moved. Left, right, back again¡ªcut, thrust, dodge. The battle had started at dawn. By dusk, it was still going. There was no escape. It felt like a labyrinth. At some point, he even saw a wall of stones, deliberately stacked. When the hell did they set that up? It was absurd. No brute force would break through. Not with an army at his back. ¡°You people¡­¡± He wasn¡¯t wounded, but his arms trembled. From constant running, constant swinging. Even knights had limits. A knight could kill a thousand alone. A squire could not. And he was not a knight. Panting, Enkrid ran. Abnaier, watching from afar, muttered to himself. ¡°Kill a thousand.¡± Then he could survive. Otherwise, he would die. Azpen¡¯s strategist was certain. Thwip-thwip-thwip-thwip! The final volley. Enkrid had killed and killed. But now, he was surrounded. Blades in front. Arrows behind. One bolt struck his abdomen. Another his shoulder. The pain barely registered. His armor had stopped one. But his left arm wouldn¡¯t move. His gauntlet was gone. His boots torn. His breath misted through the gaps in his ruined armor. He was at his limit. And still, he killed two more. One lost an arm. The man, eyes red with rage, glared at him. ¡°So this is why we overprepared.¡± He spoke. Enkrid had no time to answer. ¡°Kill him.¡± A hundred and fifty longbowmen loosed their arrows. Enkrid ran forward. His swords raised. Desperation. ¡°Die!¡± The man he had maimed threw himself at him. Enkrid split his skull. The next instant, dozens of arrows pierced his body. Thud-thud-thud-thud! One scraped his neck. His knee hit the ground. Then his head. Crazy bastards. Only then did Enkrid realize. All this. Everything. Had been for him. Insane. For the first time, irritation flickered. He had never died like this before. His vision darkened. His body shivered. He had lost too much blood. Cold. Then, nothing. Splash. The sound of water. A boat. A ferryman. A violet lantern. ¡°Did you have fun?¡± The ferryman asked. Chapter 310 What had Abnaier done? Abnaier¡¯s advance had been slow, but it had never been leisurely. In truth, he had been extremely busy. It was like a swan, gliding gracefully on the surface while paddling furiously beneath. From sorcery to structural preparations, there had been much to set up. Building a fortress on a mountain slope would have been simpler than this. This was the technique Abnaier had devised. ¡°Nilf, go ahead and start stacking stones here. Build a wall.¡± His subordinate nodded as Abnaier traced his finger over the map. ¡°That¡¯s an absurdly tight schedule.¡± ¡°Talk less, move more.¡± First, he sent a commander with unwavering loyalty. Nilf was meticulous. He would handle it well. Then, he deployed a portion of his troops under the guise of a scouting party¡ªwhen in truth, they were more like an engineering corps. These men built the barricade between the hills. It was the same barrier Enkrid had encountered. Afterward, while maintaining the speed of the main force, Abnaier dispatched another detachment. Stacking stones, digging trenches, laying traps¡ªthese weren¡¯t things that could be done in an instant. There¡¯s no need for large-scale execution. This was a strategy designed to eliminate elite units. At most, it was meant for three people. At least, two. Maybe even just one. Every factor had to be accounted for. Every scenario, anticipated. That was how Abnaier operated. He had been called a prodigy since childhood. But what was the foundation of his brilliance? Those who knew him often pointed to one particular trait: his boldness. Or rather, his audacity to exploit people¡¯s blind spots. ¡°You¡¯re a bit insane. Your tactics are daring, but they¡¯re never feasible.¡± That had been said to him during his training. His classmate had been right. Abnaier¡¯s strategies were always audacious, and their probability of success was low. But what if he could execute them? That was where his second strength shone. He was thorough. Even when hunting a single rabbit, he always prepared a second and third trap. He was willing to expend excessive resources to achieve his goals. And he always achieved them. ¡°Isn¡¯t this just a loss? All we get from a rabbit is a bit of meat and fur. But you¡¯re spending more than what you¡¯re gaining.¡± His classmate had chastised him again. Short-sighted. Abnaier¡¯s thoughts were different. ¡°It¡¯s just a habit of mine¡ªto prepare thoroughly.¡± He had brushed it off at the time, but he hadn¡¯t been thinking about just that one rabbit. *The traps I set in the hunting ground can be reused. As long as I drive the next rabbits into them.* From the next hunt onward, catching rabbits would be twice as easy. So it wasn¡¯t wasteful at all. Viewed through the narrow lens of the present, it might seem excessive. But if he maintained the traps, he could catch a deer. With consistent upkeep, before summer arrived, he would have multiple high-value prey. It was this meticulousness¡ªthis structured, convincing logic¡ªthat shaped Abnaier¡¯s strategies. Of course, he hadn¡¯t been able to say all this aloud. His classmate had been a noble. One of the Ekkinis, a lineage that stood beside the royal family. If Hurrier was the body of Azpen, then Ekkinis was the brain. Abnaier had been born a commoner. But he was quick-witted. He could read the flow of things. This may be my place now, but circumstances change. He had ambition. He had been sharp since childhood. He had always known how to take what he wanted. And he had taken everything he had ever set his sights on. There was almost nothing he had failed to accomplish. His self-assurance was warranted. Even studying under a noble-born, soft-hearted instructor with unremarkable skill¡ª That, too, had been a calculated move, blending caution with boldness. He had drawn the ire of a band of vagrants, lured them to the road his instructor frequented, and fought them there¡ª All of it had been orchestrated. But the instructor had mistaken it for fate. ¡°Follow me. A better life awaits you.¡± ¡°Yes, sir.¡± A carefully staged encounter. Abnaier had walked his own path ever since. From childhood, he had held a single belief: Why should Azpen be satisfied with being a mere duchy? A nation with greater power. It was possible. A duchy, yes¡ªbut one with knights and knight-level forces. Even if neighboring Naurillia was a problem¡ª Azpen¡¯s only enemy is Naurillia, but Naurillia¡¯s enemies are not limited to Azpen. He had wanted to prove his worth. And his teacher¡ªhis father, by adoption¡ªhad instilled in him a love for his country. Abnaier, as much as he was a pragmatist, was still human. He had been affected by the warmth his teacher had shown him. ¡°I love this country, my son.¡± A man who had taken him in as his own. A man who knew nothing of politics, but who had loved his homeland. A man who, even when he realized he had been deceived, had still given Abnaier his affection. That man had been his teacher. His father. And so, balancing his ambition with the ideals passed down to him¡ª Abnaier had forged these elements into weapons. I will prove myself in this land. And in doing so, he would realize at least part of his father¡¯s dream. Which is why you must die. No one in Azpen had studied Enkrid as deeply as Abnaier. He had devoured everything about him. And in doing so, he had concluded that Enkrid¡ªand his unit¡ªwere the greatest threats to both Azpen and his aspirations. A future knight. Or perhaps something beyond that. Though his approach differed from Kraiss¡¯s, his conclusion was similar. Kraiss had wanted Enkrid to be part of his envisioned salon. Abnaier had no such plans. If Enkrid truly became a knight¡ªif a knight were to rise from Naurillia¡¯s borderlands, right at Azpen¡¯s doorstep¡ª A single knight could alter a nation¡¯s military power. And an enemy knight could only be a disaster. That cannot be allowed. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. So he would die. Abnaier had devised the Triangle Seal, a strategic entrapment formation. Three hills, fortified structures. To win a war, the terrain had to be turned into an ally. Abnaier had done just that. Through artificial manipulation, he had bent the land to his will. Earth and sky¡ªboth became his weapons. Then, he added sorcery. Blocking the sky, blinding the enemy to their direction. It was easier than Fog of Annihilation. It required fewer sorcerers, and while it still exhausted them, it only needed to last a single day. If not for that, he wouldn¡¯t have used sorcery at all. Abnaier had calculated it all. He had forced his target into a natural prison¡ªthen unleashed a thousand soldiers upon him. Was it an efficient battle? Of course not! But it guaranteed one thing. That one target would die. Spending twenty traps and five hunters to catch a single rabbit¡ª Would that be wasteful if the rabbit would one day grow fangs and become a monster? Was it excessive? Abnaier didn¡¯t think so. He immediately sent a dozen couriers and ordered the flag bearers. ¡°Move the white banner.¡± The flag bearers relayed his command. Drums were forbidden¡ªsound had to be cut off entirely to make this a true prison. The Triangle Seal was now complete. One side, an artificial wall. Two sides, bound by magic. The last, sealed by a thousand men. Not even a knight could escape this. This was Abnaier¡¯s trap. *** The ferryman asked. The violet lantern swung above the dark waters. Its light flickered, shadows shifting, twisting. ¡°Did you not enjoy yourself?¡± The ferryman asked again. His face became visible. Even as he looked upon it, Enkrid did not answer. The ferryman waited. There was no reply. Time passed. It was a realm where time had no meaning¡ª But the ferryman knew their meeting was ending. Enkrid¡¯s body, drifting in the boat, began to crumble like grains of sand. A return from the inner world to the outer. The cycle, once again. The ferryman watched as Enkrid¡¯s form scattered like dust. And as he left, Enkrid finally spoke. ¡°¡­Ah.¡± It was strange. As if the ferryman had only now truly seen him. Had Enkrid¡¯s silence not been due to a lack of words, but simple disregard? Something stirred within the ferryman¡¯s depths, but he suppressed it. He was no longer the man who had once called Enkrid a bastard. ¡°I¡¯ll ask you again next time.¡± With Enkrid gone, only the ferryman¡¯s words remained. *** Enkrid had no time to answer. Until the very moment of death¡ªwhether just before or at the instant of it¡ª He never resigned himself to dying. Yet, by instinct, he still absorbed everything happening around him. It was a habit. A habit of reviewing, of preparing for tomorrow. Far too much had happened. The amount of information he had taken in¡ªthe things naturally committed to memory, the necessary details¡ª Too much. It¡¯s a lot. With every bit of information came questions. Had they really deployed this many troops just for him? He didn¡¯t know. But did the reason even matter right now? This wasn¡¯t a time for pondering. It was a time to accept reality and push through. Pushing the thought aside, Enkrid retraced the events of the day in reverse order. Then¡ª Rustle. The sound reached his ears the moment he opened his eyes. Of course. The cycle repeated itself. There hadn¡¯t been enough time to review. He barely had a moment before the next battle began. But this wasn¡¯t a crisis. Thin. Enkrid didn¡¯t consider this a wall. If he survived another day of this madness, he would have a general grasp of his surroundings. At most, two days. That was the calculation. This was a day he could get through. He had dodged danger countless times before. Against the Thornbush Lesha, the werewolves, Azpen¡¯s elite troops¡ª When he had dived into the Nol packs¡ª Even when he had first faced the Piercing Freak. Some things changed. Some did not. The broad patterns remain the same. And now, having experienced it once¡ª Do I need a second today? No. This wasn¡¯t a wall. Compared to the previous loops, this was almost absurdly simple. Enkrid moved. What if he ran in the exact opposite direction today? There has to be a gap somewhere. Surely they wouldn¡¯t deploy entire battalions just for him. ¡­ They had. The struggle repeated. Yesterday¡¯s battle all over again. ¡°My name is Sent.¡± Enkrid was slightly surprised. He had run in a completely different direction¡ª And yet, the same man was blocking his path. Why? The day was repeating. Unless he deliberately disrupted it, nothing would change. His throbbing arms, his broken sword¡ª The gladius in his grip instead. The fight hadn¡¯t lasted long, but the man¡ªSent¡ªhad tangled his path. Using Serpent Sword, the very first technique he had created, Enkrid redirected the attack and sliced off Sent¡¯s fingers. Snap! Blood and severed fingers scattered through the air. A gap. The moment he saw it, his body moved on instinct. It wasn¡¯t just a reaction¡ª It was intentional, a trained reflex. Maybe not Will itself, but the techniques he had learned while crossing blades with Lykanos had not faded. Shnk! The tip of Ember pierced the man¡¯s throat. From slicing Sent¡¯s fingers to stabbing with Ember, it had been a single fluid motion. So fast. So natural. Shhk! Enkrid withdrew his blade. A clean arc of blood sprayed from Sent¡¯s throat. ¡°Grrrk.¡± The man grasped at his ruined neck. Blood gushed from his severed fingers. He collapsed, face-first, onto the dirt. ¡°Let¡¯s not meet again.¡± Enkrid muttered, grabbing the corpse. Lifting it with one hand, he used it as a shield. Thunk-thunk-thunk-thunk! Crossbow bolts lodged into the dead mercenary¡¯s body. Persistent bastards. The numbers truly were absurd. And he still didn¡¯t know why. Then came the arrows. The spears. The heavy infantry. The Hurrier swordsmen. Veteran mercenaries. Just like yesterday. He barely pushed through, sprinting toward an opening¡ª Only to be blocked again. ¡°Persistent bastard.¡± ¡°Stay alert.¡± Four men. Dressed in thick gambesons against the cold¡ª Mediocre fighters, by Enkrid¡¯s estimation. That assessment was correct. They weren¡¯t skilled warriors. But they wielded something else. Magic. They had intercepted him by the riverbank. Enkrid regretted not bringing his Whistle Dagger. No. Even if I had¡­ By now, it would be gone. Every escape route had been an ambush. Every path, a barricade. It felt like a ghost was toying with him. And now, after all that running¡ª This was the result. ¡°Force him in! Don¡¯t let him escape!¡± Chapter 311 Enkrid received praise from the ferryman. The two men chanted the same incantation. The flow of water that arose from the stream blocked their path like a wall. With a light swipe of his gladius, the water parted, but it quickly filled back in. It was like cutting through water with a blade. The wall of water was only five steps wide, but this wasn¡¯t the end of it. ¡°Come in, come in, listen to me.¡± At the command of the other two, a round mass resembling a club made of water appeared beside the wall of the water. Its head was smooth, and around the chest area, it was thick. It had hand-like appendages, but instead of feet, wriggling currents of water acted as its legs. It was something akin to a water spirit. Or a golem made of water¡ªwhatever it was, part of the spell world had manifested in this world. ¡°Block them.¡± At the mage¡¯s command, two water ghosts without feet charged forward, their lower bodies kicking up bubbles as they approached. They didn¡¯t rush¡ªthey attacked in a manner that perfectly fit the expression ¡®charging into.¡¯ The bodies of the approaching creatures would rise before descending, crashing forward like waves. Enkrid thrust his sword, striking at them. The blade was no ordinary weapon; perhaps it was enchanted with magic similar to a fairy¡¯s. But there was no magic involved. The sword pierced the water with a satisfying cut. The spirits didn¡¯t even flinch, swinging their water clubs with no hesitation. Enkrid retrieved his blade, leaping sideways. Bang! The water club slammed into the ground. The ground cracked beneath the blow. The impact left a visible indentation, showing the water club wasn¡¯t something to be underestimated. After just one exchange, Enkrid found his answer. ¡®The caster.¡¯ There was no solution in fighting the spell itself. To end this, he had to kill the caster. But the two mages had created a wall of water, restricting his movement and vision. The other two had called upon spirits to hinder him. Not to mention, they seemed intent on pulling his feet from under him, likely knowing they couldn¡¯t kill him themselves. When he tried to retreat, the spirits swelled up and wobbled toward him, making it difficult to ignore them. Though time hadn¡¯t stretched long, Enkrid had already been forced to leave the three Hurrier family swordsmen behind. "I didn¡¯t think I''d see you again today." Enkrid murmured. He meant it. It was almost like he was repeating yesterday¡¯s actions, yet the outcome seemed the same. "Don¡¯t speak." "Crazy bastard." "Is that so?" "You again? I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve met you before." All three of them had a strange, intense energy as if they¡¯d greet him with a kiss. But not with lips¡ªrather, with swords and steel meeting each other in a grim embrace. Enkrid tightened his grip on his sword. His arm muscles trembled. He hadn¡¯t properly rested from yesterday. No matter how well-trained the body, the strain could not be ignored. ¡®Tough.¡¯ It wasn¡¯t the first time his breath was at the edge of his chest. His heart pounded painfully. He steadied his breathing, took in the sight of the mage¡¯s water spirits, the Hurrier family swordsmen, and the soldiers. There was no thought of giving up. No day could be easily passed. And he did just that. He resisted, killed the two mages, and defeated the three Hurrier swordsmen. "Yeah, this is right." He coughed as the last dead swordsman spoke, blood spattering from his mouth. Enkrid had been struck by a water arrow in his thigh, causing a hole. Had he not worn his armor, it would have been lodged in his stomach. What was worse than a normal quarrel was that the water arrow disappeared after serving its purpose, causing blood to spill without any obstruction. If the arrow had remained, it would have stopped the bleeding, but the blood loss was considerable. The wound had struck an unfortunate spot. Some techniques in isolation could stop bleeding by strengthening muscles. Enkrid tried to use that, but the blood vessels had torn. This was something the muscles couldn''t control. Dizziness from blood loss set in. Still, his focus didn¡¯t waver. With the heart of a beast still pounding in his chest, Enkrid remained unshaken. Adrenaline surged through his veins. "You¡¯re wearing something valuable." The surviving mage spoke. Perhaps he¡¯d been careless, but as he closed the distance, Enkrid stomped his foot into the ground. He charged forward, using the momentum of his wounded thigh. Blood splattered from the wound in his leg. Before the blood hit the ground, Enkrid reached the mage and struck him with a punch to the head. Crack! "Ugh!" The skull cracked open, brains and blood spilling out. A human couldn¡¯t survive that. It was a full-powered punch. This was how it was supposed to be. The opponent hadn¡¯t even worn a helmet. Just as Enkrid claimed another mage¡¯s life, a spearhead flew from behind. Thwip! The heated metal cut through his back, slicing his spine, muscles, bones, blood vessels, and internal organs. The pain of having his body torn by iron was something he couldn¡¯t grow used to. But he could still overcome it. "Die." "Monster." "Die!" The enemy soldier imbued his spear with fear as he struck. A maddened gleam was visible in their eyes. They were cornered, and their fear and insanity were plain. Enkrid was indifferent. There were no screams, no groans; they just died. To be honest, he had no strength to even let out a breath. They died just like that. He was familiar with the agony of death, but overcoming it never got easier. ¡®Huh.¡¯ A deep breath pushed the pain of the day aside. There were no dreams. The ferryman didn¡¯t appear. It was simply the start of the third day. And on this third day, he took off down another path. Yet¡ª "Why is there a cliff here?" He hadn¡¯t climbed high, but a precipice greeted him instead. Would jumping save him? He¡¯d need good luck to only be half-disabled. Even that would be impossible unless the goddess of fortune was truly kind. With that kind of luck, you¡¯d be considered lucky. Falling meant death. "That¡¯s your grave." Behind him, the Hurrier swordsmen, some mercenaries skilled in combat, and a mage he didn¡¯t recognize had gathered. ¡®Again, a different path today.¡¯ Enkrid scratched his chin with his left hand, his right still hanging by his side. It felt strange. How was it always the same result? He instinctively searched for an answer as he fought. The last battle of this third day was magic. Enkrid was struck by the technique called "Invisible Force." Truly intangible, something unseen pushed against him and struck him. But after throwing his gladius at the mage¡¯s head, taking down the mercenaries, and ensuring the defeat of the Hurrier swordsmen, Enkrid managed to deliver one last blow. "Fall!" The mage shouted, and with a thud, Enkrid¡¯s gladius was embedded in his skull. Enkrid fell over the cliff. Naturally, he experienced the horrible sensation of falling to his death. At first, his breath was cut off, followed by the shock of his body crashing. But he didn¡¯t die easily, experiencing an agonizing pain unlike anything before. On the fourth, fifth, and ninth days, he would die again. This time, one of the Hurrier family swordsmen held onto his sword, keeping his body still long enough for one of the mercenaries to strike with a poisoned dagger. They¡¯d been worn out after wiping out the enemy¡¯s heavy infantry. His body stiffened slowly. There was nothing he could do. He could only endure, using his instinct to evade as much as possible. No man could withstand this many enemies. The twenty-fifth day passed. Each death came in a different form, but they were the same. No matter where he went, he couldn¡¯t escape the labyrinth. It was a prison. The sky became the ceiling, the wind the bars, and the leaders all wished for his death. At that point, he realized something. It was the same realization he had from the previous days. Why did it always end the same when he saved the child? No matter how differently he acted, the outcome was the same. ¡®Someone is watching and triggering the scroll.¡¯ It was the same now. Someone was controlling his forces from outside, making him die. No matter which way he went, the result was always the same. So, how was he supposed to get past this? He knew it was a wall, but how should he climb it? The thirty-fourth day began, and the ferryman asked again. "Today, I suppose you¡¯ll answer." He waited for Enkrid¡¯s response. Enkrid finally had the energy to answer. Enkrid, feeling a bit like he wanted to speak, responded promptly. "Just a bit." He paused, thinking, then added more. "A lot." The ferryman couldn¡¯t possibly understand Enkrid¡¯s state of mind. Enkrid smiled. That was his nature. It¡¯s easy for people to despair in the dark, in the void, with no sight ahead. But Enkrid had always been different. Even in the darkest, most hopeless moments, he found joy in moving forward. He knew that change could bring something new, even if he hadn¡¯t figured it all out yet. But that didn¡¯t change anything. Even without understanding, he could still welcome the unknown with joy. "Truly a madman." The ferryman complimented him. *** Once, the greatest strategist of the continent had said that before a war, five things must be considered. First, do the king and the people share the same heart? A war where the king, swayed by his own desires, turns away from his people can never be welcomed. Second, have the seasons¡ªcold, heat, etc.¡ªbeen considered? Third, has the terrain been thoroughly examined? Fourth, is the commander capable and competent? Fifth, is the army¡¯s structure, command system, and supply chain solid and connected? To summarize, the five were: the king¡¯s politics, the timing, terrain awareness, the commander¡¯s capability, and the organizational system. Abnaier had particularly focused on the third, fourth, and fifth. The second was lost since they had started the battle in an unfavorable position during the cold. The first was about the king¡¯s political power, which could be revisited later. The terrain was originally disadvantageous, but it was reshaped. In some places, they had dug into the ground. In others, they had set up nets. As for the fourth, the commander leading the charge had made a major effort. "Are you planning to bury Gray Dog¡¯s name here? Or should I get to work here?" Appropriate incentives and future rewards. Even if the Gray Dog unit fell here, they would be reborn. The current commander had chosen to bear the sacrifice. He had set out with patriotism and loyalty. Abnaier had used that to his advantage. The fifth, the organizational structure, was the one Abnaier had focused on most. Criminals, those with families back home. He had given them the opportunity to change their lives with just this one battle. Desire and threat. These two weapons bound the army¡¯s system. Enkrid didn¡¯t know exactly what Abnaier had done. He didn¡¯t even know the enemy commander¡¯s name. But one thing was clear. The feeling of being trapped at the edge of a cliff was inevitable. Still, Enkrid remained calm. He woke up, opened his eyes, and repeated the day. This time, he charged straight into what he presumed to be the center, where the mercenary Cent greeted him first. It seemed like the first time they met without any injuries. "You won¡¯t get away." "Get away from where?" "You won¡¯t." Cent clenched his teeth and got into position. Behind him, another man drew a poisoned dagger against his own neck. That guy still had no name. He couldn¡¯t think of a way to escape today. The future seemed unclear. The markers that had once been visible now blurred again. But... "Are you laughing?" Cent raised an eyebrow, looking at Enkrid¡¯s face. Was someone who laughed in this situation really sane? Cent began to doubt Enkrid¡¯s mental state. He¡¯s definitely a madman. Enkrid felt lost, but oddly, he was enjoying himself. He couldn¡¯t see it, but he didn¡¯t feel frustrated. Whatever blocked his way, he would find a way out. Where would he head next? He wouldn¡¯t give up, he wouldn¡¯t retreat, and by piecing together the broken dreams, he would keep moving forward. Enkrid laughed. He had gained so much before. Hadn¡¯t he gone through so many days already? What had he gained from all those days? Experience had piled up, so even the unclear future was something he could embrace joyfully. "Kill him!" From behind Cent and the mercenaries, a group of archers rushed in. Cent, having met Enkrid several times before, knew three strikes with his sword would be enough this time. If he could throw his gladius, two would do. Should he throw it? No, he couldn¡¯t do that. It was better to extend the fight. In a one-against-many situation, dropping his weapon was not a good idea. But since they had met from the start, Enkrid still had his gleaming steel sword in hand. This sword could be thrown. It had broken several times after just a few swings. Fortunately, Enkrid had two more swords. With his left foot forward, he drew a sword with his right hand and threw it. The motion was smooth. He¡¯d done it several times before. Repeating today, he didn¡¯t just play around. Enkrid had sharpened his skills. He had learned to throw a longsword. It was an application of his throwing dagger technique. Thud! The sword flew, and Cent hastily deflected it. Enkrid stomped on the ground and activated "Momentary Will." This was the second proof that he hadn¡¯t been playing around. It was the second "Will" he¡¯d gained from learning the fastest sword strikes and the quickest sword techniques. With his will in the moment, he ran. Things around him seemed to move back as he sped forward. The muscles in his thighs swelled as if they would burst from the acceleration. The blood in his veins seemed to pound in rhythm. Like a wild horse galloping, his blood surged through his body. Enkrid extended his sword. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The acceleration followed by the thrust stabbed Cent¡¯s neck. This third day started with Cent¡¯s death. "Peek-a-boo." It was a teasing strike, so Cent didn¡¯t even hear it, but it was enough to horrify the mercenaries behind him. "You crazy bastard!" His reflexive swearing proved he was indeed a born mercenary. As Enkrid thrust again, the mercenaries tried to deflect the strike, but Enkrid struck with the gladius again. Using "Momentary Will" twice, Enkrid swiftly cut down the two mercenaries. Then, he encountered the heavy infantry and the three Hurrier family swordsmen. Among the crossbowmen and archers, a few fairies could be seen. Some of them were exceptionally skilled with the bow. They aimed only when the opponent¡¯s breath faltered. Enkrid withstood it. The first time wasn¡¯t the hardest; it became easier each time. As he repeated the day fifty times, Enkrid mastered "Momentary Will." His swordsmanship became cleaner and stronger. But he still hadn¡¯t escaped from Abnaier¡¯s trap. Thus, on the two hundred fifty-fifth day... The ferryman said something unexpected. In the previous day, he had told him to give up, but today, he said something different. Chapter 312 What is the wall? "I¡¯ve taken the wrong path." Enkrid rubbed his ears, as though shaking off something he had misheard. What had he misunderstood? "Focus on the wall." The ferryman continued speaking. Though doubts arose, the words rang clearly in his mind. "Focus on the wall." In other words, look at it properly. What is the wall? It is the number of those who stand in his way. The quality of the forces. The Hurrier family¡¯s swordsmen, mercenaries, Gray Dogs, mages, shamans. The terrain itself. This was the answer Enkrid had come to after much thought. ¡®Increase my strength and break through.¡¯ But there were obstacles every time. Once, just when he thought he had barely escaped... "Gray Dogs never miss their target." The most persistent ones¡ªmore than even Rem¡ªstood in his way. They charged at him even if their heads were severed. Gray Dogs¡ªpersistent lovers of their task. After overcoming them, they were already in his way again today. Included in this were mercenary Cent and the three Hurrier family swordsmen, followed by mages, then shamans, and now Gray Dogs. Meanwhile, the regular soldiers kept rushing in, attacking again and again. Though Enkrid repeated his experiences, each day was different. The order of arrival varied, and the ways of fighting changed. Enkrid wasn¡¯t an expert in military strategy. But one thing was clear. ¡®I think I¡¯ve fallen into something here.¡¯ So, what should he do? What would be needed to break free? He still thought the answer was strength. Some days, he didn¡¯t face the Gray Dogs; other days, he didn¡¯t meet a shaman or mage. Some days, he didn¡¯t even encounter Cent. Now, seeing him was almost a welcome change. Naturally, the days he met him were more frequent. "Oh, Cent, nice to see you." "Do you know me?" The mercenary swordsman from Valen, always acting familiar. He was a good friend when practicing the sword¡¯s art of false movements. Enkrid pierced Cent¡¯s neck with his sword, breaking through the human wall that blocked his path. And then, he died again. He met today. He tried to climb down to the base of a cliff, hoping for an escape, only to die in the process. He threw himself into the valley waters, only to be severely punished by the mage. By then, Enkrid had come to believe that the walls were five in total. The mercenary Cent and his band. The three Hurrier family swordsmen, now known by name¡ªLoch, Merier, and Leblanc. Four mages who summoned water spirits or shot water cannons. The water whip was particularly dangerous. It was a rotating stream of water that, if it caught your arm, could easily tear off the protective armor, causing great damage. Even the mages appeared exhausted after using it. And then there were the shamans. They often used the spell "Invisible Force," which wasn¡¯t difficult to counter. Although invisible, they could still be sensed. They could be avoided with the right instincts. However, their methods were frustrating¡ªsticky like glue beneath his feet, making movements cumbersome. The shamans also typically worked with heavily armored infantry carrying long spears, which made them quite tricky to handle. Lastly, there were the Gray Dogs. In terms of raw force, the Gray Dogs seemed the weakest. But in terms of persistence, they were the most formidable. If you judged by stubbornness and tenacity, they could be given a double thumbs-up. No matter how he faced them, these were the ones he encountered today. Thus, five walls. Mercenaries, Hurrier swordsmen, mages, shamans, Gray Dogs. If only he could break through all five at once. But that was impossible. No matter how he tried, it was always impossible. And now, archers, crossbowmen, spearmen, and heavy infantry joined in. Among them were even fairy soldiers who shot arrows beautifully, and beastmen with unpredictable movements. It was a relief there were no Frokk, dragonkin, or giants. Should he consider these as six walls? Adding in those forces? ¡®Not good.¡¯ Although he murmured this inwardly, Enkrid still found enjoyment in it. He made the most of the new time granted by repeating today. He fought, he struggled. And used everything he had learned. Under the unusually warm winter sunlight, this was the result of everything he could do. It wasn¡¯t good. ¡®The experience of massacre.¡¯ The experience of killing and being killed became almost second nature. He had killed so many times that the smell of blood had dulled his senses. But today, he still couldn¡¯t see a way out. So the ferryman¡¯s words stuck in his ears. He had faced five or six walls head-on. So, did anything change? No. Dreams flowed through the repeating days as the ferryman spoke again. "You can¡¯t cross it unless you understand." "The wall is one." Enkrid listened carefully to those words. Several more days passed. Listening didn¡¯t immediately lead to change. He only thought about it. He met the ferryman once again. "Hey, aren¡¯t you tired of this?" This time, the ferryman said something trivial. "It¡¯s not that I¡¯m tired; it¡¯s just hard." So, it wasn¡¯t boring. Was the unclear future consuming his mind? If he were to collapse this easily, he would never have dreamed of it. Enkrid kept thinking, grinding his mind. What is the wall? It was the return to square one. "How much should I say to make you understand?" The ferryman sneered at him. Enkrid found it strange that he could read his emotions. "Are you mocking me?" Had he misunderstood? "Do I have to say it?" The ferryman immediately became expressionless, showing disdain. Enkrid realized, as their meetings increased and his path was blocked, he was solving his curiosity. "Why a ferryman?" Wouldn¡¯t a gatekeeper dragging hellhounds be more fitting? Why the river, the ferry, and why the ferryman? "The boat can go anywhere." "What does that mean?" "I¡¯m not saying this for you to understand." After meeting the ferryman several times, Enkrid realized something. The ferryman had multiple personalities. His mood changed at random. "You shouldn¡¯t be curious." There were days when he played the role of a weighty figure. "I call you a bastard." He spoke in a fluttering manner. "Have you looked at the wall?" The ferryman only spoke of the wall. "Curious, are you?" At least the ferryman sometimes offered some kindness. When asked what he was doing, the kind ferryman answered: "I¡¯m steering the boat." He gave some answers but never the ones that would be understood. "I see." "You will also steer the boat." The ferryman spoke, and Enkrid let it pass. After over three hundred days, Enkrid felt the limits of his skills. ¡®It¡¯s difficult to increase my abilities.¡¯ He had felt the same way when facing the piercing techniques. There were limits to what could be gained in certain moments and situations. If tomorrow doesn¡¯t come, nothing will change. Therefore, the wall of today must be overcome. ¡®Five or six walls.¡¯ No, one wall. Could he collapse all five into one? Would he focus everything into one spot? He acted on his thoughts, doing what came to mind. He fought against all five forces, struggling to push through. He died. The four mages and the shamans worked seamlessly together. Though they weren¡¯t familiar with each other, they quickly coordinated. He confirmed Cent¡¯s special skill once again. It was better to strike from behind than face him head-on. He had been forcing direct confrontation every time. But now, Enkrid realized that Cent was always aiming for his back. ¡®They¡¯ve been targeting my back every time.¡¯ He hadn¡¯t realized. It took over three hundred days for him to figure that out. But it still wasn¡¯t the answer. Next, he captured an enemy soldier. Originally, ten enemies moved as one, but those going to relieve themselves moved in groups of three. "I need to pee." Enkrid had hidden his body as soon as he woke up, and this yielded a result. "Go together, all three of you." Following the command from the squad leader, Enkrid joined them. Among the three soldiers, one was relieving himself, and Enkrid swiftly twisted the neck of one, using his sword to create a hole in the neck of the other two with his blade. Afterward, Enkrid hid the dead soldier among the bushes and stripped one of them of their clothes. It was more labor-intensive to change the clothes than to kill. After hastily putting on the soldier¡¯s clothes, Enkrid thought quickly. "An ambush!" He shouted quickly and moved toward a different group, not the one he had originally been with. What would happen if he managed to escape this time? Should he decide to avoid it and return to today? Was it really necessary to overcome the five walls? But the ferryman had said there was only one wall. If you don¡¯t know, you can¡¯t cross it. ¡®What don¡¯t I know?¡¯ He didn¡¯t know either. Though his enjoyment was fading, despair did not take its place. Enkrid kept searching for a way out. Wandering and digging for answers was one of his specialties. "Did you shout?" This was the moment when he met another squad. The enemy soldiers didn¡¯t give him any ground. They were on guard. Why? They were dressed the same, weren¡¯t they? Could it be that every soldier knew each other¡¯s face? It wasn¡¯t that. "Dry flower." There was a code word. Could he find it after repeating a few more days? Anyway, he was exposed. It was time to fight again. The frantic battle continued. In the following day, he stole another enemy¡¯s uniform, and this time he asked first. "Dry flower." "Enemy!" The enemy immediately shouted. What had he done wrong? Enkrid couldn¡¯t understand the difference. In reality, it was simple. Abnaier hadn¡¯t underestimated Enkrid. He had been digging into him over and over. He had studied Enkrid as a person. And what he learned was: "He¡¯s also skilled in tricks. A master of deception¡ªan instinctive strategist." It was one of the methods Abnaier had prepared in case Enkrid tried to sneak out. The code word "Dry flower" wasn¡¯t just about saying the phrase¡ªit was about performing an action simultaneously. You had to speak and move together. When the action was performed, the soldier would identify their unit and respond. It wasn¡¯t very complicated, but you could never figure it out unless you knew it. Abnaier was thorough. He ensured Enkrid couldn¡¯t overhear the code and escape. He also made sure that soldiers recognized each other¡¯s faces. He differentiated the uniforms to make identification easier. No matter how many times Enkrid repeated today, he couldn¡¯t figure these things out. Most importantly, Enkrid also had an instinctive feeling after doing it a few times. This wasn¡¯t the path. ¡®It¡¯s a bit troublesome.¡¯ Enkrid calmly refocused. ¡®What have I missed?¡¯ He pondered and reflected. Since he hadn¡¯t forgotten his strengths, he repeated the process. He recalled the ferryman¡¯s words. After repeating the day and experiencing death, Enkrid understood. ¡®The wall is one.¡¯ What is the wall? It¡¯s something to overcome. ¡®The wall is one.¡¯ S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. After repeating this phrase over and over, he understood why the ferryman had said it. "I understand." "What?" The realization hit Enkrid just as Cent was in front of him. The mercenary¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. What was he going to do with that surprise? Enkrid didn¡¯t hesitate. He struck Cent¡¯s chin with the sword in his hand. Crack! The jawbone shattered, and teeth flew into the air. Without missing a beat, Enkrid decapitated Cent. Thud! The severed head hit the ground. "Kill them!" The battle continued, and once again, Enkrid fought and fought. Before dying, he managed to evade the enemies several times, buying himself some time to catch his breath. He had mastered the art of prolonged combat by now. Every time he steadied his breathing, his thoughts became clearer. Enkrid knew that to move forward, he needed a method. ¡®If you don¡¯t know, you can¡¯t cross it.¡¯ Of course. It wasn¡¯t about the wall, it was about understanding the method first. It wasn¡¯t five walls. ¡®Strategy.¡¯ Or tactics¡ªwhatever you call it, it was a wall of military strategy. To get out of the trap laid by the enemy commander, Enkrid needed to think like them. ¡®How?¡¯ He wasn¡¯t like Kraiss. So, what should he do? Enkrid searched his memory. He had once had a similar conversation with Kraiss. When that memory resurfaced, so did the solution. No, the path ahead was still long, but he could now see how to find the method. "I think there are two types of people who use their heads." One type predicts everything and prepares for it, and the other moves based on instinct. Both need to be sharp-witted." Kraiss had continued: "The leader is more of the latter type. He¡¯s far from the former." Enkrid didn¡¯t ask why. But... He had replayed over three hundred days of today. The moments he had to let go in the heat of battle came rushing back. The things that had warned him, slipping through his senses. Why had he ignored them? Why had he overlooked them? Why had it been necessary? ¡®To overcome the wall in front of me.¡¯ His vision hadn¡¯t narrowed. This was different from before. It wasn¡¯t that he couldn¡¯t cross the wall; he simply hadn¡¯t known it. The moment he saw it, Enkrid realized what he had to do. ¡®Minimal combat, a fight to survive.¡¯ He had to use intuition, instinct, and sense to outmaneuver the enemy¡¯s strategy. That was the way. ¡®You don¡¯t have to fight everything.¡¯ What Abnaier had never understood. What he had misunderstood. One thing was that Enkrid repeated today. The other thing was that Enkrid¡¯s mind worked better than he expected. "Ah." On the three hundred seventy-eighth day, Enkrid found the path. Chapter 313 There are things that, when you don¡¯t know them, are darkness, but when you do know them, become light. I understood it and recognized it. Thus, I saw the path that had turned into light. On this day, I placed my intentions above my instincts for evasion. The best way to save the child was that. This time, I had to mix instinct with intention. ''The thought that I must win by force.'' A narrow view. I discarded that thought. The wall is free. What confines today is not necessarily only spears and swords. Of course, the spear and sword were direct weapons. They were physical entities that cut through flesh and bone. But was that all? Was that the only reality? What truly confined me was the strategist¡¯s mind. I danced in his palm. ''So, where should I begin?'' Once again, today repeated itself, and there was only one thing left for Enkrid to do. What should he do to break out of today? The answer was already there in his previous experiences. Enkrid now admitted that his mind wasn¡¯t as sharp as he thought it was. It felt like repeating the same mistake. Previously, his vision had narrowed because he had been misled by the ferryman¡¯s words. This time, had the ferryman not helped, he wouldn¡¯t have seen the real wall beyond the false one. No, it would have taken more time. So, was that a problem? No. In fact, even without the ferryman¡¯s help, had he repeated today tens or hundreds of times in this very moment? He would have done so. He would have struggled on endlessly. He wouldn¡¯t have known surrender. Eventually, he would have overcome it. Suddenly, he thought of the little herbalist. The child he saved, whom the mother had thanked, but he never saw the child again. Was the comment he made back then said by accident? Or did he truly want to live by gathering herbs? What¡¯s a dream, you ask? Isn¡¯t the question itself odd? In a world like this, talking about dreams might be a luxury. ¡°Interesting.¡± But still, he would talk about it. Still, he would ask. Muttering to himself, he stood up and immediately saw an enemy soldier. A late start today, different from usual. ¡°Here¡ª!¡± He didn¡¯t finish his sentence. In an instant, Enkrid rushed over and clasped his mouth shut. Instead, the cry of a soldier next to him rang out. ¡°Ambush!¡± It wasn¡¯t an ambush; the one coming in was the one who was sleeping soundly. Enkrid thought this as he twisted the enemy¡¯s jaw with his powerful grip. He felt the sensation of the jaw dislocating through his fingers. A trick that Audin might have shown now felt natural. The techniques learned in the repeated today were now flawless and practiced. ¡°Ugh!¡± The enemy resisted. He swung his fist while his face was held. Enkrid grabbed the wrist of the incoming opponent and twisted it. Turning his body quickly, he pulled the enemy from behind. Crunch. The sound of a dislocated bone followed from the captured wrist. ¡°Gggrr!¡± The enemy, with his jaw dislocated, couldn¡¯t even scream. Spit flowed from his mouth. His face turned pale, which was natural. Would a hostage situation work? He¡¯d tried it before. It doesn¡¯t work. ¡°Shoot!¡± As expected, it didn¡¯t work. Thwack! Thwack! Thwack! Dozens of bolts flew through the air. Enkrid threw the enemy forward and leaped to the side. Thud! The enemy, whose jaw had been dislocated, was riddled with bolts, his body collapsing as he bled out. Enkrid leaped, drawing his sword. Through the place where he had just jumped, an enemy soldier¡¯s widened eyes met him. He immediately swung his sword. The blue streak of the blade traced a short arc. Whoosh, crack! With a cleaving strike to the top of the skull, both the helmet and skull shattered simultaneously. It was like an orange split into pieces, the peel and the fruit still attached, except inside it was not pulp but brain and blood. Splash, blood splattered onto Enkrid¡¯s face. He didn¡¯t care. Instead, he honed his instinct for evasion, sharpening his sense of instinct and intuition. He had already experienced this before. There had been a similar today. At least, that¡¯s how Enkrid felt. It was the same today as the one he had faced in the shoe cobbler''s house under the border guard market, where a sorcerer had stayed. It was the same today. ¡®Purely by feeling.¡¯ He had to sense the spell trap with nothing but his instinct. Although the scale was larger now and the situation different, he himself was no longer the same as before. It was very different. Maybe it was thanks to the ferryman¡¯s advice. Or perhaps it was just luck. Enkrid realized one thing but also learned two. Beyond instinct and intuition, there was something even better. ¡®Force is necessary too.¡¯ Simply uncovering the enemy¡¯s strategy wasn¡¯t enough. It wasn¡¯t enough to understand it and evade it. You must add force to that. That was the answer. After honing his sense of evasion, Enkrid accepted the ominous feeling with his whole body. He had calculated his own strength intuitively as well. ¡®Here.¡¯ Enkrid began to move. Afterward, Enkrid died six more times. As always, he didn¡¯t waste a single day. Even so, seven more todays were needed. It was possible only because there had already been nearly four hundred todays. Enkrid had seen every method prepared by the enemy strategist at least once. He couldn¡¯t know how these forces moved organically. He didn¡¯t even know what kind of military strategy it was. Enkrid relied solely on his intuition and instincts. He made judgments based on that intuition. He placed the standard of judgment not in reason but in the sense that came in the moment. He sensed the ominous feeling and judged its degree. If there was the slightest opening, he would break through it. Hiding among enemy soldiers was meaningless. There was no point in hiding either. Even if a sorcerer appeared, no matter how well hidden he was, they would find him. And if hostages were useless here, ¡®As always.¡¯ He would fight his way through with his two arms and legs. His back was scarred, and the shock from the previous battle hadn¡¯t been fully resolved. Even the aftershocks of yesterday¡¯s battle still lingered on his body, though it felt like something from a distant past. ¡°Damn, this is insane.¡± The words slipped from his mouth. As the path appeared, he walked. Enkrid¡¯s entire body hair stood on end. It was thrilling. He felt like he was going to die from the joy. It was exhilarating, almost maddening. Moving forward didn¡¯t just mean growing in strength. The joy from the very act of moving forward, of growing, coursed through his entire body. Once he realized it, it was simply joy. ¡°Chase!¡± Thus, it resulted. The beginning of today, filled with certainty, Enkrid¡¯s first move was set. He climbed the tree, surveying his surroundings for the target. It wasn¡¯t easy to find. ¡°There!¡± He was being pursued. ¡°Where!¡± He stomped on the head of an incoming enemy soldier, and with his sword, he cleaved the head of a nearby archer. Fighting without hesitation, stumbling, and holding his ground, he saw it. ¡°Ugh!¡± A sorcerer. The moment they met, an invisible shockwave enveloped his body. Enkrid¡¯s sense of evasion activated, and he saw the sorcerer¡¯s magic through his eyes. It was captured not by sight, but by feeling. Thanks to the sharpness of the sense, it felt like the very blade of intuition. He had seen this trick once or twice before, but now his sixth sense manifested visually, showing exactly what the enemy had done. He sensed the intangible pressure coming his way with perfect timing and bent down, narrowly dodging. The sorcerer¡¯s trick was avoided as Enkrid ducked low. But the sorcerer didn¡¯t stop and kept mouthing words. As he crouched, Enkrid had already gathered power in his toes. The frozen earth beneath him sank slightly. The moment of ¡®Will¡¯ erupted. Boom! The earth burst open, and he charged. As Enkrid kicked the earth, dirt shot up like a fountain. Rock fragments shattered and flew everywhere. It was a charge that could be called superhuman strength. Even the charge of the semi-knight he had seen before was nothing to envy now. Whoosh, everything was pushed back. He charged, drawing his gladius. Expansion, contraction, explosion. Following the thrusting force, his waist muscles twisted and transferred the strength into his sword, the great sword¡¯s steel slash cutting the sorcerer¡¯s torso. Boom! The sound of the strike echoed. The sorcerer¡¯s upper body was sent flying upwards as if it exploded. Thanks to the incredible speed and finishing blow. It was an attack still unpolished, but its force was monstrous. ¡®At least one.¡¯ This was just the beginning. The sorcerer had brought ominousness to every step. Without this person, there was no next step. So, this is where force was used. And next, In the ominous feeling closing in from all sides, Enkrid stepped toward the less dangerous spot. From the enemy soldier¡¯s point of view, it seemed almost mad. It looked like he was deliberately running towards the area where the heavy infantry was firmly holding their ground. Running towards the area with a higher density of soldiers would have looked crazy to anyone. ¡°Block him!¡± The commander¡¯s shout split the sky today. For some, this was a once-in-a-lifetime day. For others, it was just another of hundreds of todays. *** ¡°Nilf, the situation!¡± Abnaier had completely cornered Enkrid. In truth, he had. He had killed him hundreds of times. But for one who repeats today, death is merely a delayed opportunity. Of course, Enkrid had almost been trapped. The trap Abnaier had set was that vicious. Though it wasn¡¯t visible, a dagger had already lodged in his heart. Even so, there were always those who, after extracting such a wound, kept moving forward. ¡°It¡¯s not good. Even an eel couldn¡¯t slip out of here, but he moves as if he knows everything we¡¯ve prepared.¡± They were receiving live updates about Enkrid¡¯s position. Abnaier was utterly determined to kill the man. A furrow appeared on Abnaier¡¯s brow. It was a habit that came when things weren¡¯t going as planned. His fingers drummed on his thigh. Was it impatience? No. It was a movement borne of focus. Abnaier had no intention of losing his prey now. ¡°Push him, don¡¯t let him escape.¡± ¡°Gray Dogs?¡± ¡°They¡¯re chasing him. It¡¯s strange how he¡¯s weaving through areas dense with soldiers, but we¡¯re getting lost in the process.¡± ¡®Is he moving knowing?¡¯ Could he be? A multitude of soldiers was pursuing him. Naturally, Enkrid would have to move through openings. His feet would go to where gaps appear. It was human instinct. Abnaier commanded as such. He opened up small gaps and positioned the Gray Dogs, wizards, and sorcerers in place. Figures of cavalry were scattered across the platform. Abnaier quickly moved their positions. ¡®What if he¡¯s moving by reversing the strategy?¡¯ Then we move in reverse too. Originally, he had stationed the swordsmen from the Hurrier family where the density was low. Now, it was the opposite. He had them all move. He had them chase Enkrid. ¡®You¡¯re no knight.¡¯ Therefore, you cannot break through a wall made by a thousand soldiers on your own. Where did the engineers build the stone wall? The cliffs? The traps hidden in the gaps? There were over eighty places with dug holes. It wasn¡¯t that the advance had been slow for no reason. Boom! Abnaier slapped the platform with his hand. ¡°After all this, if I miss him, it would be absurd, wouldn¡¯t it?¡± The ominous feeling was a power everyone possessed. Enkrid¡¯s sixth sense and intuition were closer to a premonition than reasoning. He hadn¡¯t figured out Abnaier¡¯s intentions. ¡®If I go this way, something bad might happen.¡¯ He moved with that simple, thoughtless idea. That confusion was exactly what Abnaier felt. Time passed, reports continued. ¡°We¡¯re pulling back.¡± What is this now? This was a trap prepared for when Enkrid reached the outskirts, yet now he was suddenly turning back toward the center? Having already exited the range of sorcery, Enkrid would have already figured out the direction. But he was returning to where the original siege was set up. Of course, it was a trap. If he rushed in, preparations were already in place to catch him. But how did he know to slip out? ¡°Injuries?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve taken two quarrels to the back.¡± ¡°Poison?¡± ¡°I haven¡¯t applied it.¡± He had selected the best archers to deliver poisoned arrows, but not every archer received one. ¡®Did he know and dodge them?¡¯ Did he intentionally avoid the dangerous arrows? ¡®That¡¯s delusion.¡¯ Exaggerated speculation. A futile illusion. No human could grasp it all. ¡®Or is he truly a knight?¡¯ No, that wasn¡¯t it. He had certainly shown improved skill compared to yesterday. But still, he wasn¡¯t a knight. And yet, he couldn¡¯t be caught. He had been placed right in the palm, and yet his grip failed. It was as though there was oil on his fingers, making him slip away. How is this possible? The next report only left Abnaier more astounded. ¡°Sir.¡± Nilf¡¯s voice was urgent. ¡°Speak.¡± After hearing the report, Abnaier lost his smile. That Enkrid had been trapped in his palm, but he had slipped out. Yet, this wasn¡¯t the end. There were still preparations left. ¡°Where are Galaph and the Knight Commander?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve sent messengers.¡± ¡°Tell them to come immediately!¡± Galaph was a sorcerer summoned with a heap of gold coins. It wasn¡¯t just the gold that had been spent. Promises had been made, more than one. Not to mention, he was a rare individual borrowed with the king¡¯s approval. Still, the commander here was himself, so they would come when called. That was the promise. He couldn¡¯t just send his disciples and clean his hands of the matter. Galaph, and then the Knight Commander. If Enkrid escaped, these were the second line of defense. Of course, before that, the two had their own tasks. Abnaier had an extraordinary mind. He was intelligent, quick-thinking. He didn¡¯t waste his forces. That wasn¡¯t all¡ªhe had even seen the future after killing Enkrid and the other elite forces. ¡®I will overturn it all.¡¯ Change the course of the battlefield. Reverse it. Turn the tides of victory and defeat. If everyone does their part, it will happen. That was Abnaier¡¯s intention. ¡°Bring in the assassination squad too!¡± He would use everything prepared, starting with Galaph and the Knight Commander. Abnaier¡¯s resolve was firm. But, of course, not everything in this world goes according to plan. ¡®Everything is ominous.¡¯ But still, there was a way. Though it may not be called a gap, even a small space could work. If the gap is small, you can just widen it with force. He would combine the ominous feeling with his own strength. Enkrid intentionally targeted the stone wall. He swung his gladius over the artificial wall the enemy soldiers had built. ¡®It won¡¯t break with just this, right?¡¯ The dwarf who handed him the sword wasn¡¯t so confident, but Enkrid was half sure. The gladius in his hand was the strongest he had used so far, at least in terms of strength. Crash! He didn¡¯t strike with the edge but the flat side of the blade. Some parts of the stone wall cracked. He kicked it and pulled with his hands. In the meantime, some arrows from the archers approached. He dodged some and took others with his body. He did exactly as his instinct told him. It was better than trying to dodge them all. He had learned that from a week¡¯s worth of failures. Indeed, that was true. Looking to the side, he saw a few archers with poisoned arrows. Had he avoided them quickly, he would have had more arrow decorations on him. They were the ones who were too bothersome to chase. They were already in a highly ominous place. The materials and data gathered from hundreds of todays, from hundreds of deaths, all helped guide his intuitive answers. It was a tower built from experience. It was the source of his instinctual ominous feeling. Enkrid struck the stone wall again. Boom! The second explosion sounded. As the dust rose from the crumbling wall, Enkrid, lying down, created a small gap. In the meantime, the enemy soldiers rushed in, but in the end, Enkrid found his opening. On the outskirts of the poorly built wall, where it met the cliff, the wall collapsed. This was the act that made Abnaier think Enkrid had slipped out of his palm. The stone wall collapsed, and dust rose. The northern winter was dry, with a series of warm days. The dust quickly obscured everyone¡¯s vision. ¡°Wizard!¡± LeBlanc Hurrier shouted. It was a moment when two of their companions had been lost. Out of the four wizards, only two had survived. The battle had been awkward. Enkrid had been able to kill the two wizards with a little more effort, but he had pulled back. Of course, had he hesitated then, he would have been caught from behind for sure. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. How could he make the judgment to pull back at that moment? As the dust from the collapsing wall filled the air, Enkrid¡¯s eyes glowed blue and blue. His senses continued to merge, and his instinct for evasion was opening up a new path. So, ¡®I see a way.¡¯ His five senses blended and compressed, visualizing and revealing the path ahead. And thus, a virtual line appeared clearly in front of him. It was a path made of blue light. It was the path to end the long today. Chapter 314 "Like brown shit, stubborn!" "You!" Esther grabbed the opponent''s forearm and snapped it with a quick twist. Galaph was horrified when he saw his barrier shatter. The pain that hit his brain was the next blow. "Ugh." sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. That was the end. While a mage''s fight is also a contest within the world of spells, the physical body exists, and physical damage can also have an effect. To put it simply, if it hurts, concentration is lost. And despite the absolute difference in the amount of mana drawn from the world of spells, wasn''t the battle still proceeding at a similar level? That meant the opponent knew how to use and apply spells much more efficiently than he did. Galaph broke out into a cold sweat as he endured the pain. The way he was attacked just moments ago was genuinely absurd. He cast a defensive spell, but Esther, that wicked witch, conjured flames in her hand and simply slashed through the barrier. There was an immense force in that motion. Whoosh! For a moment, steam clouded his vision. It was the result of combining the Blue Lake spell with the fiery hand spell. Galaph, panicking, tried to cast a few spells, but his arm was caught and broken. Why had this witch gotten so strong? Only questions filled Galaph''s mind. Had she always fought so well? The nickname "fighting witch"¡ªwas it given not because of her temper, but because she truly fought well? A mage with as many nicknames as the witch before him was rare indeed. Galaph had always thought it was a bit of a trick. The method of scattering many nicknames so that the opponent couldn¡¯t see your real nature. Whether it was a trick or not, one thing was for sure. The nickname ¡°fighting witch¡± attached to the witch standing before him was real. "Not going easy." The witch with black silk-like hair said expressionlessly. Her two disciples had been defeated by her summoned creature, which now stood still in one corner, looking confused. It seemed like a golem patched together with flesh and bone, but it was impressively well-crafted. The stitch marks on one side of its face and its unfocused eyes indicated the golem¡¯s true nature. It seemed like a golem someone had spent their life creating. "Ugh!" Galaph resisted. Naturally, escape was also on his mind, but the gap in strength was too clear from the start. Esther¡¯s nickname, "fighting witch," was not something she intended to gain. It was a rumor that had spread because of her insane fighting style. Galaph was the opposite. He spent his time building a foundation and leading disciples. The difference between them was vast. Esther had sensed this difference from the start. This was a fight she was never meant to lose. The density and solidity of the spell world? That was Galaph¡¯s advantage. But all spells must be used in the right place and at the right time to be meaningful. Especially in battle. Esther had done that, while Galaph had not. And this was the result. "Goodbye." Her words came with a refreshing tone. Swoosh. Instead of casting a spell, Esther drew a knife and stabbed it into Galaph¡¯s heart before pulling it out. With the blade lodged in his heart, Galaph coughed up blood, gasping for air, and collapsed to his knees. "Shit, damn..." Galaph turned his head to the side, mumbling through clenched teeth. Esther pressed her foot down on his mouth. A mage''s mouth should never be left free. She crouched down and brought the knife down on the back of his hand. Swoosh! The blade pierced through Galaph¡¯s palm and embedded itself into the ground. A mage¡¯s mouth, of course, wasn¡¯t the only thing that couldn¡¯t be left unchecked. "Ugh!" Galaph¡¯s body twitched. That was it. A fairly powerful mage had lost his life. In other words, one of Abnaier''s trusted cards had unexpectedly been taken out. Esther checked the corpse for any tricks, wondering if there was anything hidden. There was no movement of mana. She then ran her fingers through her long hair. If only she had a hair tie. Blood splattered throughout her hair. It was the same on her black velvet coat and the white skin hidden beneath it. Drops of blood trickled down from her chest area. It was unpleasant, and she felt the urge to wash herself, but another thought came to mind first. "I wonder what my nest is up to." She muttered to herself. She wondered what Enkrid might be doing. Maybe he was getting beaten somewhere. The river''s current gripped by Galaph. He was a mage whose name she had vaguely heard of. If there was a mage of this caliber here, there might be something else elsewhere too. After rummaging through Galaph¡¯s belongings and taking whatever was useful, she unsummoned her creature and sent it back to her spell world before leaving. The flesh golem, with its head as its core, could still function, but Esther¡¯s body was far from normal yet. Her mana pathways weren¡¯t intact, which meant the golem''s operation time was short. Though it seemed like an easy fight on the surface, maintaining a human form drained the mana she had stored in her spell world. ¡®Guess I¡¯ll have to live as a leopard for a while.¡¯ Without hesitation, Esther transformed into a leopard. *** The Azpen unit, formed into ranks, watched as someone charged in like a madman. "What is that?" "Is he crazy?" "Should we stab him?" The person had pierced through the formation and taken position behind them in an instant. Some of the Azpen soldiers subtly turned their spears backward. Even though they were in formation, the one who had entered behind them looked dangerous. The three soldiers exchanged looks. They were about to kill him and return, but the squad leader nodded as if giving tacit approval. They were just about to charge when¡ª "Hold." One of the nearby squad leaders checked the figure¡¯s face and spoke. To be precise, it was the distinctive appearance that immediately stood out. ¡®Blonde hair, white skin, red eyes.¡¯ One of the impressions Abnaier had specifically shared with all the commanders. "Let him be." The unspoken agreement between the three soldiers ended. It was an order from higher up. They froze. The squad leader¡¯s gaze turned toward the approaching enemy. The man, without wearing a helmet, strode boldly forward, stepping with quick, purposeful movements. He wasn¡¯t running, but his steps were incredibly fast. With a sword in hand, he was moving swiftly. It was as though each step he took covered two of their own. And in front of him stood an Azpen soldier holding a short sword. Actually, the soldier wasn¡¯t wearing a regular uniform but hardened leather armor. He scratched his head and spoke through his helmet. "He¡¯s really following us." Ragna didn¡¯t respond, but simply moved another step. Whoosh! The Azpen soldier in leather armor threw a dagger. Ragna nodded and dodged it. The flying dagger embedded itself in the ground. Ragna didn¡¯t even glance back as he continued walking. The dagger had failed to stop his stride. ¡®If you¡¯ve greeted him, finish it.¡¯ The soldier kept chasing, only looking at Ragna¡¯s back. He wasn¡¯t about to lose his scent. The enemy didn''t seem to be getting any farther. Ragna had no thoughts of retreating among the enemy ranks. As Enkrid had once said, the Mad Platoon members could do worse things than Rem, depending on the situation. Ragna had once returned, having slaughtered hundreds of enemy soldiers simply for getting lost. This was nothing to him. No one ever demanded strategy or tactics from Ragna. "Just fight." Kraiss had said this. And Enkrid as well. "Fight as you see fit." And that¡¯s exactly what Ragna had done. He fought as he saw fit. He had fought like this all along. But now, things were a little different. Now there was a bit more added to the equation. It was called ambition. "Hey, you gonna keep following me?" The enemy soldier scratched his head again, speaking. Yet his pace never slowed. He wasn¡¯t a regular soldier. Ragna recognized that immediately. ¡®Gotcha.¡¯ Why did he want to catch him? The exact reason was unclear. However, one thing was certain¡ªif he chased that guy, he felt like he might see something he was expecting. That alone filled Ragna with enough will to move forward. The red eyes, focused entirely on one singular goal. The enemy soldier deliberately moved farther away from the main camp. To be precise, he had stepped outside both Naurillia''s and Azpen''s range of vision. He must have been running hard enough to feel winded. ¡®He''s keeping up well.¡¯ The enemy soldier thought. He was confident in his leg strength, more than anyone around him, yet this was the best he could do. Despite that, this guy kept following him. His chest was heaving, but his breath wasn''t too ragged. ¡®Damn, this is humiliating.¡¯ His original affiliation was with the Royal Knight Order of Azpen. He was a squire. In terms of leg strength, he was the best among the squires. No matter how high the opponent''s rank was, being outrun like this was a blow to his pride. The enemy was breathing less heavily and appeared less fatigued. "You really are something else." The squire asked in disbelief. Ragna stared at him and then asked, "You''re not alone, are you?" The squire didn¡¯t nod. What difference would it make if he knew? Ragna could feel the rising, ambiguous drive in him. Ambition, desire. What could he call it? An impulse to fight surged through his chest, but it wasn¡¯t just because of the opponent in front of him. Not at all. Ragna drew his sword. The enemy soldier, a squire from the Royal Knight Order of Azpen, stepped back. From the tall grasses, an opponent who had given Ragna the motivation to move forward appeared. "Is it really surprising, even after I warned you?" The woman who had appeared spoke to the squire. She had dark skin and a tall frame. Her long hair was tied back, and she wore a custom-made helmet. It was a deformed helmet, with the faceplate lifted, allowing her hair to pass through a hole at the back, with spikes protruding from either side, like the ears of a beast. Her speech was oddly different, and she didn¡¯t seem to be from this continent. Her appearance and skin color backed that up. She seemed Eastern. And she was a woman. "You''re really fearless." She said. She stretched out her long arm, and it was roughly the same length as Ragna''s arm. Ragna, holding his sword, stood still, adjusting his breathing. His breathing had already become steady. The squire frowned even more upon seeing that. How could someone with such good stamina? It was no surprise, really. Ragna often got lost. Getting lost had become a part of his daily routine. For someone else, a month-long journey might turn into a year-long one for Ragna. If he had a map or a guide, it would have been easier, but Ragna¡¯s travels weren¡¯t that well-funded. Maps weren''t cheap, and he never saw the need to hire a guide. After all, someone with no fixed destination had no need to worry about losing their way, living only for the present day. So, Ragna never thought of himself as someone who got lost. When things went poorly, he sometimes traveled for months without even stopping at a village. Running and jumping¡ªthose things naturally developed to their extreme. "If you¡¯re a knight-in-training, you should be close to me, right?" The squire said, fiddling with the grip of his sword at his waist. "You¡¯re lower-ranked than me." The dark-skinned woman answered immediately, her eyes never leaving Ragna. "Are you sure?" "Are you doubting my eyes?" Or is this just stubbornness? Neither of those is ideal." "...My mistake." "I didn¡¯t want to lose in leg strength, but you''re strangely irritating." "Even if you¡¯re not a knight-in-training, I¡¯d say you''re at the level of one." Ragna listened to their conversation, trying to find the woman¡¯s opening. It wasn¡¯t so much with a plan, but a natural action. In his mind, he had already executed four attacks. A wide horizontal slash from the left to the right. A downward chopping strike from above. A thrust to push forward. A circular cutting move from the lower-right to the upper-left. Ragna¡¯s mind had already mapped out four hypothetical attacks, which the woman casually deflected. Then, her sword would touch his shoulder or abdomen. ¡®Can I avoid it?¡¯ If he moved his feet, he could dodge, but that would put him on the defensive. Once on the defensive, it would be hard to turn the tide. There was no way to win, no matter what. The genius¡¯s perspective and talent were already mapping out the course of the battle. Of course, it could all just be a baseless delusion. No one knows the outcome of a battle before it begins. Ragna, with no change in his expression, opened his palm and rubbed it across his thigh. Sweat was forming. "You''re still not really a knight-in-training." "You seem to know a little bit about Will, though." She continued after taking a few steps forward. "And, by the way, I was told to make sure you die." She added, her voice casual. "I¡¯m Ayada, a knight-in-training from the Azpen Royal Knight Order." "Do you have any thoughts about switching sides?" A knight-in-training from the Royal Knight Order. Alongside the squire. Ayada was brimming with confidence. She had been a knight-in-training for four years now. Ayada knew better than anyone that not all knights-in-training were the same. The knight order brought together those with similar talents and abilities. Knights-in-training who had undergone rigorous training there. The difference between them and those wandering the continent as knight-level warriors was clear. The intensity of the duels and battles they could experience was different. Ayada didn¡¯t even consider the possibility of losing, which is why she proposed it. Ragna wiped the sweat from his right hand, then his left. He then gripped his sword with both hands, raising it in front of his face. The cold winter wind cut through the sharpened blade. The sunlight also split in the same way. The weather was pleasant. His heart was racing. The ambition that sometimes rose when watching Enkrid now filled his chest with a sharp force. Why? Why was this surge of ambition coming up so strongly? Was it because he wanted to cut down his opponent? Was it the impulse to kill? It wasn¡¯t that. It was because his opponent was strong. At first glance, the way she moved wasn¡¯t ordinary, and her affiliation was the same. The Azpen Royal Knight Order. Even with the Red Cloak Knight Order of Naurillia, Azpen¡¯s declaration of war was one of the reasons it had caused the conflict. A symbol of power. And now, such an opponent had appeared? Of course, that wasn¡¯t all of it. Ragna¡¯s ambition had been provoked. The impulses he had gained through Enkrid had created a thirst in him. Because of that, sometimes he focused on training. But a thirst once developed couldn¡¯t be quenched by just that. Even if he walked the path laid out for him, he couldn¡¯t know everything that would happen along the way. Only now did Ragna realize. ¡®Ah.¡¯ A small exclamation echoed inside him. What he needed was a trigger. A reason to move forward, beyond this point. Something that couldn¡¯t be solved with just ambition. He couldn¡¯t give his best against Enkrid or the idiots around him, so he couldn¡¯t give his all. But this knight? He was someone he could show his best to. A worthy adversary in the realm of death, a trigger. He couldn¡¯t even hear her suggestion to switch sides. He just wanted to fight right now. So, provoking his opponent would help. Ragna, too, had learned something from Enkrid, and he did as he had been taught. "What''s that supposed to mean, you brown turd?" Chapter 315 Ah, this is fun. Having wandered the battlefield herself, she had heard every insult, from curses about her parents to those too vulgar to repeat, but this was a kind she had never heard before in her life. To have her people¡¯s blood treated with such contempt in words like this was truly something new. More than anything, Ayada was a knight and loved her skin. She was proud of being Eastern. "...What?" Ayada tilted her head in confusion. "It stinks. Go take a bath." Ragna was just doing as he had been taught. Enkrid had always been good at targeting his opponent''s weaknesses. Especially when it came to provoking them, Enkrid was undoubtedly the best on the continent. Though he wasn¡¯t his direct disciple, Ragna had learned a lot from him over the years. "...Did you just say I smell?" Ayada was a knight, and also a woman. The brown shit and the smell¡ªit was a series of words that grated on her. But what really bothered her was how calmly Ragna had said it, as if it were true and factual, without the slightest hint of emotion. That irritated her even more. "No. It doesn''t stink. It smells nice. Like flowers." The squire quickly chimed in, but it was already too late. Ayada¡¯s face hardened. Her teeth clenched. Her jaw muscles tensed, revealing the strain across her face. "Shit, bastard?" Ayada was angry, but she didn¡¯t lose her composure entirely. She had a lot to uphold. She converted her fury into power. She was going to kill him. "I¡¯ll cut your tongue out." Ayada unsheathed her sword. Ting. Two swords, one short and one long, both in her hands. The sword in her left hand was closer to a regular longsword, while the one in her right hand was shorter. "You better not, or¡ª" The squire hesitated, then pulled out his weapon as well. Swish! Ragna could tell from the sound of the sword being drawn that his opponent held a longsword. At the same time, his eyes scanned Ayada¡¯s weapon. From behind, the squire subtly pressured him. He pointed his sword and closed the distance. Ragna was now faced with enemies both in front and behind. How should he deal with this? His front and back were blocked. The engagement started with Ayada. With a swift move, she closed the distance. A rapid thrust came next. Ragna raised his sword to block it. Thud! The enemy¡¯s attack was just a feint. The real strike came from behind. The squire¡¯s sword fell from above, heading straight for the back of Ragna¡¯s head. His trained senses immediately woke him up. Ragna bent his knees and thrust his sword upward. The longsword style relies on strength. Naturally, Ragna knew how to put real power behind his strike. Even with this short movement, the impact was enough to send a jolt. The squire didn¡¯t finish his downward strike. He had only intended to make it look good before retreating. Ragna thrust his sword upward and immediately spun his body to the side. From the spot he had just vacated, Ayada¡¯s sword shot up in a violent upward cut. It was a quick strike, like a bird snatching a fish out of the air. Swish! The sound of the blade cutting the air was chilling. It was a fast, no-hesitation attack. "My name is Ayada, the fragrant Ayada of the Royal Knight Order of Azpen." Ayada introduced herself, creating her own nickname, then charged forward. Ragna sensed another deadly strike coming from behind. Even without seeing it, he felt the air shift and the murderous intent. His front and back were locked down. ¡®Inhale.¡¯ Ragna spun his sword in a circle. If he couldn¡¯t block it, then he would deflect it. His sword, longer and larger than a typical blade, traced a spiraling arc. The trajectory was faster than usual. In that arc, the squire¡¯s sword and Ayada¡¯s sword both met. Clang! This time, only Ayada¡¯s sword met his. In battle situations, Ragna was quicker than anyone at assessing the circumstances. ¡®Backwards, counterattack.¡¯ That was his plan, one that incorporated ¡®Will¡¯ into his counter. Though the squire was a knight-in-training, someone like him had the strength to overpower. Their intent and will carried them through the actual attack. After that, a phantom blade shot toward him. There was no way to dodge it. Distinguishing between real and false was difficult. If he relaxed for even a second, it would slice him. It was a phantom blade, but it had the potential to cut through flesh and bone at any moment. Ayada¡¯s swordplay was brilliant. It was fast, yet it carried weight. It was a style somewhere between the longsword and the quick sword techniques. It looked like it had been honed through years of training. She seemed to have inherited a swordsmanship lineage. But above all, their attacks were perfectly synchronized. It was a crisis. An imminent, dangerous crisis¡ªif he misstepped, he could die in an instant. But it was in this very crisis that Ragna found satisfaction. Hadn¡¯t he been waiting for a moment like this, when his inner voice would push him forward? This situation filled him with a profound sense of fulfillment. "You¡¯re smiling?" Ayada saw the expression on his face and opened her mouth in disbelief. The emotions on his face were more disturbing than the swing of his sword. Ayada, dumbfounded, let out a small laugh. But Ragna smiled genuinely. He was enjoying this moment. "Do you scream in joy when you¡¯re stabbed with a sword?" Ayada asked, incredulously. Ragna quietly relished the moment. A crisis was both a trigger and an opportunity. In this moment, all he had to do was leap forward to what came next. Ragna realized this was the moment he had been waiting for. He needed a trigger. "Shut your mouth. It stinks." In the middle of it, he used the sword technique that Enkrid had taught him¡ªa cut of the tongue. "Yeah, yeah, I¡¯ll kill you. I¡¯ll make sure to grind you to pieces." Ayada¡¯s sword moved again. The blade swished through the air, leaving afterimages. It was a different style of quick sword compared to Lykanos¡¯s. Ragna realized his earlier mistake. It wasn¡¯t just a combination of longsword and quick sword techniques. ¡®It¡¯s mixed with phantom blades.¡¯ It was an overall well-executed swordsmanship. And it was all the more appealing to him. Clang! Clang! Clang! Ayada¡¯s sword was blocked countless times. Thud! He blocked a strike coming from behind. He found an opening and countered. Clang! Thud! Swish! At times, the clash of steel created sparks. Swish! He pushed off the ground with his feet, his body never stopping its movement. No, he had to keep moving. If he stopped to catch his breath, he¡¯d be hit with a sword. So he minimized his breaks to the absolute minimum. He endured. "Ha!" A battle cry came from behind. The moment he sensed the attack coming with undeniable momentum, Ragna reacted. He held his sword vertically and spun to block. Bang! The largest noise erupted after their clash. It was the squire¡¯s strike that he had blocked. The squire had a mix of phantom blade and longsword techniques. He had to lift himself after the block, but the shock hadn¡¯t dissipated properly. His knee throbbed. After that, Ayada¡¯s sword dropped again from above. It was a swift overhead strike, like a bird diving to catch its prey. Ragna didn¡¯t have time to lift his sword; instead, he twisted his body. The blade scraped across his shoulder. Blood spurted into the air. Despite the armor, his shoulder was cut. Ayada¡¯s blade was no ordinary sword. Its cutting power was exceptional. With that, Ragna swung his sword. His sword, about half the length of a typical longsword, whipped through the air like a whip, cutting the front with the speed of light. Bang! The sound of thunder erupted from the swing. Ayada didn¡¯t block; she dodged. She knew. This wasn¡¯t the kind of attack that could be blocked. Her eyes, sharper than most, could see it all. "Ha." Ragna, taking a small breath after the brief pause, knew what he had to do. Having unleashed everything he had learned, a stab found its mark on his thigh, and his left shoulder had been nicked. His resolve remained strong. Despite everything, Ragna didn¡¯t retreat. He never considered the possibility of losing. Instead, he was consumed with the thought of drawing closer to something he couldn¡¯t quite grasp. And it wasn¡¯t a delusion. Ragna had a wall before him, one that only he could perceive, and now he had found the trigger. "Ah, this is fun." Ragna muttered as the battle continued. "You crazy bastard!" Ayada¡¯s anger flared even more. Though Ayada was winning, she was the one who felt anxious. It made sense. Ayada had ¡®Will¡¯ on her side. To her, Ragna was someone who, in real-time, was closing in on her. ¡®Monster bastard!¡¯ Ayada could feel the changes in Ragna¡¯s sword. She saw it. And naturally, her anxiety grew. "Shit." Squire Bill spat out a curse. He was usually calm, but when pressed, he became ferocious. For Bill to speak such harsh words meant that something in the atmosphere had shifted. A man who should have died long ago was still holding on. And while he held on, his superior, the knight-in-training, made a subtle signal. Things were turning really bad. Bill¡¯s insides churned. Ayada was in a similar state. ¡®What the hell is this guy?¡¯ The two swords in Ayada''s hands moved faster. In an instant, it felt as though she had four arms, fooling her opponent¡¯s eyes. The illusion created by speed. Ragna¡¯s eyes followed it. Thud! He couldn¡¯t block everything, so one strike landed on his abdomen. But it wasn¡¯t a clean hit. The thrust only partially connected. The enemy staggered back, twisting his body to avoid a fatal blow. ¡®He¡¯s retreating while taking a hit?¡¯ As Ragna twisted his body, he extended his sword. Ayada couldn¡¯t continue her follow-up attack. Her opponent¡¯s intentions were clear¡ªwhy let herself get caught by the enemy''s fangs? She, too, pulled back. The strike aimed at exploiting an opening only grazed the skin. Squire Bill shifted his position again, trying to regain his stance. While Ayada briefly pulled back, Ragna wobbled a few times. It wasn¡¯t a feint to deceive someone. It was simply a result of trying to absorb the last blow. Ayada¡¯s body instinctively reacted. She saw the opening in her opponent. Her eyes locked onto it. Squire Bill adjusted his grip on his sword. ¡®This time, I¡¯ll end it.¡¯ That¡¯s how it had to be. It had to be. A foreboding sensation flowed through Ayada¡¯s body. She felt that if she didn¡¯t kill him now, she never would. What the hell was happening? ¡®Is he getting better as he fights?¡¯ It didn¡¯t make sense. What kind of talent could do this? Right before Ayada and Squire Bill charged forward, Ragna realized. ¡®So this is it.¡¯ It had been a short fight, but in Ragna¡¯s mind, it felt long. He reflected on the battles he had fought up until now. He recalled the sword he had wielded. Since he was young, Ragna had always seen where his sword should go once he took it in his hand. He knew exactly where to swing his sword. It wasn¡¯t something he could explain. He just swung it as he saw it, and his enemies either died or were wounded. This was the natural instinct of Ragna, a genius. But now, between Ayada and Squire Bill, the path was cut off. It didn¡¯t continue. He was forcing his way through the broken path, holding on. And then, it dawned on him. He realized that until now, he had only walked the path that had been given to him. He had just followed the path shown by his talent. That was a passive and defensive posture. So what was the opposite of that? ¡®With the sword I wield.¡¯ He carved out a new path. The swords Ayada wielded began two separate arcs in the air. At the same time, a thunderous pressure came from behind. Between these two skilled warriors, Ragna didn¡¯t connect the broken paths. Instead, he walked a new road. Crunch. His arm muscles reacted, his whole body tensed, and his heart thudded. Boom! Ragna¡¯s body moved in sync with his heartbeat. To carve a new path, the first step must be taken. And Ragna did just that. He blocked Ayada¡¯s first sword with his right forearm. Thud! He powered through, pushing his muscles and absorbing the blow. Then, a short blade came up from below, aiming at his abdomen. He lifted his knee and struck the enemy''s hand holding the sword, deflecting it. Plick! The blade grazed his side, but it slid down his back. At the same time, he used his knee. Ragna gripped the sword in his left hand and spun his body. Ragna was also a human with superhuman strength. The longsword technique required strength training. Ayada¡¯s sword lodged itself into his forearm. Ragna pivoted on his right foot, swinging his left hand backward. It was a backslash. ¡®Bend.¡¯ He poured ¡®Will of Severance¡¯ into the strike. Whoosh. The sword cut through the air, making a sound that was sharp and powerful. Before Squire Bill¡¯s sword could land from behind, Ragna¡¯s strike, which had absorbed the sound, met Bill¡¯s torso. Clang! Wham! The body split in half mid-air. Blood and guts spilled out. Bill¡¯s sword was just about to touch Ragna''s shoulder when it hit. With the last of its force, his blade struck Ragna¡¯s shoulder. Thud, a short impact sound rang as the shock rippled through Ragna¡¯s body, but it didn¡¯t matter. The path he had carved was still open. Thud! With his right arm, he blocked the sword and pinned the sword-wielding hand with his knee, then spun to cut through his opponent¡¯s torso. The blade that had met Ayada¡¯s shoulder soon found its mark. Ragna¡¯s forehead collided with Ayada¡¯s helmet. Thanks to the face guard of Ayada¡¯s helmet, Ragna¡¯s forehead was split open, and blood poured out. It didn¡¯t matter. Thud! Ayada struggled, yanking her sword out of Squire Bill¡¯s corpse. Ragna relaxed, letting her do as she wished. He quickly pulled his left hand up and positioned it. The sword that had split Squire Bill sank downward. Ayada¡¯s eyes darkened. ¡®Crazy.¡¯ For a moment, the opponent in front of her showed abilities that were similar to her own. It was like the Will that shone in his eyes. He had found the best moves in every battle. Ayada crossed her swords, but Ragna¡¯s fallen sword was heavy. Bang! An explosive sound erupted where their swords met. Crack! "Ugh!" Ayada¡¯s arms shattered. Thus, the outcome of the fight was decided. "Ah." Ragna, bleeding from his right arm and shoulder, let out a short exclamation. He staggered, as though about to fall. He slowly shook his head from side to side, trying to steady himself and catch his breath. He was still half-leaning, indicating just how exhausted he was. In that state, Ragna spoke. "Thank you." It was heartfelt. Ayada realized that her opponent was truly insane. "You, you, this¡­" This isn¡¯t over. Do you think I¡¯m alone? I didn¡¯t come here alone. But she didn¡¯t finish her sentence. Instead, Ragna¡¯s sword hit Ayada¡¯s helmet with precision. Bang! The helmet was crushed, and Ayada¡¯s skull shattered. Thus, one knight-in-training from the Royal Knight Order of Azpen was killed. *** Enkrid didn¡¯t think this was the end. Even as he cut through the dust and followed the path, he was preparing for what might come. Just moments ago, a rope had flown at him, almost trapping him. It had been futile. The technique of isolation, making oneself appear larger. With a swift motion of his muscles, he expanded them and spread his arms wide, using the Heart of Might. Crack. As soon as he was grabbed, the rope scraped his skin and snapped. Afterward, the frequency of arrows coming at him decreased, but he still wasn¡¯t letting his guard down. Just because he could repeat today doesn¡¯t mean he would slack off now. If he didn¡¯t give his best, what would become of him? He would stop being Enkrid. So he gave it his all. The footsteps of the soldiers pursuing him grew fainter. But he still didn¡¯t let his guard down. ¡®Until the end.¡¯ He kept moving forward. Whether he found his allies or discovered some signal, he was looking for change¡ªno, he was chasing it. Six quarrels had lodged in his back. He¡¯d been stabbed in the thigh. But that wasn¡¯t all. His right boot had been torn off, and he even took a stone to the forehead. He had bled quite a bit. The half-dried blood on his forehead began to spill again with the violent movements. Every muscle in his body was trembling. He had already reached his limit. Did it matter? No, it didn¡¯t. So, Enkrid kept running. He believed this wasn¡¯t the end. Because letting his guard down was out of the question. He ran and ran. Suddenly, a four-legged beast lunged from ahead. Enkrid took a defensive stance. He dropped his sword in his right hand and thrust with the one in his left. A quick response followed. Along with the beast, a man with a long sword was charging in. Enkrid instinctively tried to draw his sword but stopped. The man spoke. "Let¡¯s save the duel for later. I¡¯ve sprained my arm." It was Ragna. Clang. Beside him stood Lake Panther, Esther. They had broken out of the encirclement. Enkrid couldn¡¯t tell when that had happened. And frankly, he didn¡¯t need to know. He wasn¡¯t thinking about stopping until he either died or escaped. He had no intention of halting. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 316 Worry, ignorance, despair. Those who had been chasing Enkrid gave up. The commander, who had been at the forefront, could not speak. His adjutant, standing beside him, spoke quietly. "We''ve lost him." It couldn''t be helped. They had thrown the rope, thinking it was the last chance, but it was cut by sheer force, and the target had escaped. It was superhuman strength. And that wasn''t the end of it. As if he were immune to fatigue, he kept running forward, forward, without stopping. A madman had no need to rest. He never stopped running. Seeing that, no one had the courage to chase anymore. The target never stopped, always moving forward. Eventually, running and walking continued. At some point, the orders from the commander began to dwindle, and his steps slowed. Enkrid had completely escaped the trap set by Abnaier. Even the Grey Dogs stopped. The commander of the Grey Dogs stared blankly at the trace of the vanished man. Not only had they gone beyond the encirclement, but they had even entered the enemy''s lines. If they pursued further, they would be met with a counterattack. Thus, it was over. ¡®Abnaier, Abnaier.¡¯ The commander of the Grey Dogs repeatedly muttered the name of the man who had claimed he would take full responsibility for everything. Hadn''t he said that it didn''t matter if every soldier died, just to capture that one elite soldier? "Yes, call me a fool in the future, if you will. Go ahead and call me an idiot who sacrificed a thousand soldiers just to capture one elite soldier!" Abnaier''s impassioned speech echoed in his mind. If they had all died, what would he have said then? Half of the soldiers hadn¡¯t died. In fact, only a small number had. Two sorcerers, a few mercenaries, two swordsmen from the Hurrier family. The number of regular soldiers lost was minimal. The enemy had evaded them. They had carved out an impossible, almost unacknowledgeable escape route that anyone would refuse to admit. The commander of the Grey Dogs accepted it. ¡®We can''t catch him.¡¯ All that was left was the report. Had they really sacrificed a thousand soldiers just to kill him and end up as tragic losers? Abnaier couldn''t even achieve that. He had been denied even that chance. *** Abnaier acknowledged that something had happened with Galaph and Jun-Knight. "They haven''t arrived." Looking far off toward the battlefield, his adjutant Nilf lowered his head. With this, Abnaier had staked everything. It was a gamble against the king. The end was near. "What about those who claimed they could assassinate him?" He had sent out those who weren¡¯t afraid to fight in the shadows. "They''re not responding." "They¡¯ve either fled... or..." "They¡¯ve been taken down," Abnaier muttered coldly. Flee? Impossible. They couldn¡¯t run. These were people who could destroy an entire clan with just a gesture from Abnaier. Which meant... they had been taken down. By whom? It was absurd. They had been perfectly outplayed. "Hahahaha." Abnaier laughed. If he didn¡¯t feel a sense of despair, then he wasn¡¯t human. "Is the world against me? Has the goddess of luck turned her back on me? Or is it that I¡¯ve missed something? What did I miss?" He spoke to himself. The calm words were daggers he was driving into himself. Nilf couldn¡¯t know what Abnaier didn¡¯t understand. Nilf kept silent. They were in the commander''s tent. It was just the two of them, alone. Abnaier sat down next to the brazier, lowering his head. The hot flames scorched a few hairs on his head. The crackling of fire echoes as sparks flew from the brazier. One of those sparks landed on Abnaier¡¯s face, but he didn¡¯t seem to notice the sting as he lost himself in thought. He pondered over his thoughts. Was it really all a curse? Should everything be blamed? Or should he just accept it? What should he accept? What should he accept? Is it that luck didn¡¯t favor him? If it wasn¡¯t luck, how had he escaped? What happened to Galaph and Jun-Knight? They were the ones he had sent to intercept. It was the second contingency to capture the elite forces. But that plan had been cut short before it even began. Had they only captured a few of the most noticeable ones in the enemy lines and returned, only to be captured in return? Could that really happen? That Ayah? Galaph, who grasped the river? And what happened to those assassination clans? They had planned to take down an enemy commander, but there had been no disturbance on the enemy side. They had disappeared without a trace. How could that be? ¡®Did they send a knight from Naurillia?¡¯ "Nilf!" As soon as the thought crossed his mind, his mouth opened. "Was it a knight? A red cloak? Cyphrus?" Abnaier called out the names of those infamous in Azpen, but it was meaningless. Nilf¡¯s most important task was to survey Naurillia from within. They couldn¡¯t send out a knight right now. That was the conclusion. "No." Nilf¡¯s voice was softer than ever. Abnaier closed his mouth again. His mind searched for possibilities, but would there ever be an answer? In truth, if Abnaier didn¡¯t know that Enkrid was repeating today, he would never have understood. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Abnaier rubbed his forehead with both hands, letting out a big sigh before speaking. "I¡¯ve lost." A clean defeat. Looking at the possibilities, there was so much more the enemy could have done. They had grown to knight rank in the middle of battle. Or perhaps they had always been knights without anyone realizing. In that case, it was inevitable what happened to Galaph and Jun-Knight. It was the conclusion of what had happened with them. The assassination clan had been outplayed. Had the fairies intervened? He had heard that there were fairy warriors in the enemy ranks. However, no matter how skilled they were, it shouldn¡¯t have been easy. Well, let¡¯s assume they had some hidden talent. And Enkrid, Enkrid, Enkrid... Abnaier repeated the name three times. Enkrid had slipped through. He truly didn¡¯t understand. How could anyone do such a thing? He could¡¯ve been born lucky. But if not... ¡®A genius of intuitive judgment.¡¯ A commander who moves with instinct, not intellect. He¡¯d heard of such people. But he never thought such a person could exist. Intuition is the sum of experience. You cannot strategize based solely on feelings. Maybe, you could be lucky and feel the flow of military discipline once or twice, but to rely on intuition, you must know something first. Only then does intuition become a valid judgment. Thus, you need experience to feel that sense of foreboding. But the enemy was a late-blooming genius, not a commander who¡¯d been through battles his whole life. Even the oldest veterans would find it impossible. Even if you were a veteran who had been through a thousand battles, you could still capture and kill him. But he missed. "I can¡¯t just give up and say it¡¯s impossible." Abnaier muttered to himself. He had used all the moves he had, but still, he had something left to gain by putting his life on the line. "Will you use it?" Nilf asked, knowing the answer, and Abnaier nodded. "It¡¯s something I started. I have to finish it." When he brought in the wizard and Jun-Knight, Abnaier had unwittingly gathered unexpected allies. However, using them now would mean admitting his own defeat. When he returned to the Kingdom, the arrows of blame would be waiting for him. He wouldn¡¯t be able to maintain the same position. It would be lucky if he wasn¡¯t executed. Even so, he couldn¡¯t end it in defeat. Abnaier stepped outside. ¡®I¡¯ve never lost this badly before.¡¯ None of his plans had succeeded. What had his plan originally been? The priority was to reduce the enemy¡¯s main forces, represented by their elite troops. The first target was Enkrid, and the second was his subordinates. ¡®I didn¡¯t expect Ayah to fail.¡¯ Her eyes were special. In some ways, they were more accurate than Frokk¡¯s talent detection. The eyes that ¡®Will¡¯ had given her could see through the strength of others at a glance. Thanks to those eyes, she had earned the nickname ¡®Ayah, who never fights a losing battle.¡¯ She herself had walked around calling herself Azpen¡¯s greatest beauty. ¡®And now Ayah is down?¡¯ In reality, something that could not be understood, yet had to be forced into comprehension. He could not stop here. Jun-Knight Ayah had gone to kill her target and succeeded. Galaph was kept as a trump card for future contingencies. Enkrid would be captured and killed. That was the ultimate goal. And that wasn¡¯t even the end. There was more to it. The thought of throwing away a thousand soldiers just to kill one enemy soldier wasn¡¯t meant to be the conclusion. There were secondary objectives as well. ¡®What a shame, what a shame.¡¯ With this battle, Azpen could have at least regained access to Green Pearl. Had the plan gone as expected, it could have been so. The strategy was meant to capture the enemy¡¯s elite forces, but now it had become useless. What remained now was either stubbornness or lingering regret. Abnaier couldn¡¯t tell. He gritted his teeth. *** "Was it twisted?" At Enkrid¡¯s question, Ragna pulled up his sleeve, which had been hastily wrapped. "It¡¯s twisted." So, he could just keep pushing through, could he? Was that how it worked? Even Audin had broken something, but he too said it was twisted, and Ragna, despite having a wound that looked nearly fatal, still spoke that way. It wasn¡¯t a proper treatment; it was an injury that should have rendered the arm unusable. Naturally, Enkrid himself wasn¡¯t in a good state either. "My whole body¡¯s twisted now." Enkrid, looking at himself, spoke. Ragna didn¡¯t laugh. Esther, who had been below, made a sound of disbelief, a sharp "krrr." Enkrid tried to joke, but then turned around. There was no trace of those they had been chasing. Had they slipped away? It seemed so. There was no longer the ominous feeling that had been hanging over him, no more the sharp sense of foreboding that had pierced his body. Now, what should he do? Should he feel relieved? Maybe it was time for that. "Yaaaah!" A cheer of some kind could be heard from far away. It was a booming female voice. Narrowing his eyes, Enkrid saw Dunbakel running toward him. Dunbakel was covered in blood. Her white fur was soaked with it, making her look like a crimson beast. White and dark red mixed together in a mottled pattern. ¡®Like a spotted cat.¡¯ Enkrid had an idle thought. She was charging toward him as if running at full speed. Behind her, the movement of their allies could be seen. Thanks to Kraiss, who had finally sent the army, they were in motion. "Fianc¨¦e, is this how it¡¯s going to be when I turn my eyes away?" Behind Dunbakel came Shinar. She lightly kicked the ground and jumped, moving at a surprisingly fast pace. It was the fairy-like agility she was known for. She approached and spoke, and only then did Enkrid realize. ¡®Tomorrow.¡¯ The day was drawing to a close. The long, stretched-out sun cast long shadows beneath the hill. The light that had shone on all things was fading beyond the western horizon. The orange-tinted sunset spoke of a different day than yesterday. Enkrid took in the light. He had survived, fought hard, and was now ready for tomorrow. "Let¡¯s go back." Enkrid spoke. No one knew what was going on with him. No one could know for sure. However, the battalion soldiers had seen Enkrid fight. They knew that at the front, he alone had cut through the enemy lines, swinging his sword like a madman. For Enkrid, stuck in the curse of repeating today, it was an ancient event, but for them, it had only happened a day or two ago. Waaah! The cheer tore through the air. It was a song of praise for the hero who had pierced through the middle of the enemy and returned alive. "Pain!" "Death!" Even the trivial slogans came along. Enkrid felt all of it as distant. It seemed like the sounds were growing farther away. Why was that? His body was starting to lean. Then someone beside him supported him. Uncharacteristically, Ragna placed her shoulder against his. "Idiot." Enkrid spoke to Ragna. With the sunset behind them, the two injured men leaned at the same time. Ragna wasn¡¯t in any condition to walk either. Making it this far was impressive. "Growl." Esther shook her head from below. It seemed like she was calling them foolish. "Come on." Dunbakel stepped forward. She, too, was exhausted. There were so many skilled sword users on the enemy side. It wasn¡¯t a life-or-death escape, but she was definitely worn out. Still, it wasn¡¯t to the point where she would collapse from walking. Dunbakel lifted Enkrid onto her back. The soft fur of the beastkin supported Enkrid¡¯s body. "Wow, you''re soft." Enkrid muttered, his mind hazy. It was soft. "Did you take some medicine or something while fighting?" Dunbakel grumbled. Enkrid turned around again. The enemy in the distance, beyond the hill, could not approach any further. "I could carry you." Shinar, who had followed closely, said something, but Dunbakel ignored her and kept moving forward. Ragna, who had been staggering while trying to support herself, collapsed. Several soldiers nearby took care of Ragna. The fact that she had even been walking this far didn¡¯t make sense. There was scarcely any part of her that wasn¡¯t injured. Waaah-? The cheer quickly died down. They weren¡¯t chasing the enemy, but when they saw those returning in one piece, it seemed miraculous. The quick-witted soldiers immediately sprang into action. "Clear the way!" "Inside!" "Medic!" The soldiers each did their part. The commander stepped forward and directed the movement. Enkrid and Ragna walked into the ranks. Esther, trailing behind, noticed Enkrid¡¯s condition and silently shook her head. It looked like he had crossed more than a few lines between life and death. From outward appearances, it seemed that Ragna was more injured, but in reality, Enkrid was in worse shape. There were fractures and dislocations in several parts of his body. That meant he had pushed himself to his limits. But that didn¡¯t mean Ragna was fine. Esther didn¡¯t care about Ragna, though. With the sun setting, treatment was available within the camp, and Garrett, who had a bright-eyed expression, helped with the care. Though technically, it was care, the real purpose was something else. "Your mouth¡¯s fine." "You must have some interesting stories to tell." They wanted to hear his tales. Shinar, who had been listening beside them, held onto his years and spoke. "I think we need to learn how to respect the wounded who led us to victory." It seemed like she was about to smack him. Garrett, quick to catch on, responded. "Nuat, I messed up, didn¡¯t I?" Nuat, always the one to watch his back, immediately answered. "Yes, and if it goes on like this, my superior might change." "Why would it change?" "If he dies, it will." "Let¡¯s go." Was she dragging him around for a joke? Enkrid, wrapped in bandages, watched the two jokers. "Tell me next time." Garrett left, saying that. "Focus on your treatment." Shinar stood beside him, seemingly deep in thought. "Are you not going?" "I¡¯m tired." "Go ahead." "Let me just watch you sleep." Fairy humor still hadn¡¯t become familiar to him. Enkrid slowly let go of his consciousness. Returning with cheers, honestly, his memory of it was spotty. He had pushed his body hard. He entered the medical tent, ate a little, applied ointment and herbs, and then lay down. It felt like heat was rising all over his body. If strength of body was a measure of pride, he would be second to none. Enkrid fell asleep. With his eyes closed, he saw a dark river. It was the ferryman. "The first is worry, the second is ignorance, and the third is despair." Enkrid couldn¡¯t understand what it meant. Today, the ferryman seemed heavier than usual, and Enkrid, exhausted, didn¡¯t even move his lips in his dreams. Chapter 317 As his body sought recovery, Enkrid continued to push through, grinding himself against the cycle of today, repeating it over and over. Dunbakel and Shinar moved swiftly, dealing with the enemy cavalry attacking from the rear, clashing in a brutal fight against the enemy forces. Ragna, having found an opportunity, excitedly babbled about brown excrement again, while Jaxon remained busy. ¡®Hmm.¡¯ For the first time in a long while, he caught a familiar scent of his kind. Not an actual smell¡ªhis heightened senses had blurred and merged, stimulating his sixth sense, allowing him to feel the scent rather than detect it. Silent footsteps. A blade closing in. What he sensed materialized in his vision. Jaxon slipped away from the formation, weaving between soldiers. The approaching group had recognized him as well. They were the ones known as the Assassin Clan. Founders of Montaire''s Swamp, Azpen¡¯s assassin guild¡ªand the true masters of the guild itself. Unlike the nominal guild leader, these three assassins were the real ones in control. Each of them was supremely confident in their abilities. The moment they identified Jaxon, they moved. ¡®That one''s sloppy. Let¡¯s kill him and move on.¡¯ With a single glance, their intent was exchanged. Jaxon deliberately leaked his presence, let out faint sounds, and lured them in. Yes. This was bait. A silent invitation to strike, as if he were a warrior adept at such fights but ultimately weaker than them. ¡®Three.¡¯ Jaxon gauged their numbers by the faint traces of bloodlust pursuing him. Dancing with the grace of a temptress, he led them away from the friendly forces, each movement deliberate. The three assassins, fully ensnared by the act, followed. Just then, a soldier from the allied ranks staggered out of formation. An older man, helmet awkwardly jammed onto his head, clutching a spear to his chest as he fell forward. An oddly attention-grabbing soldier. His fall was theatrical, crashing onto his knees with a thud, followed by an exaggerated yelp. The surrounding soldiers¡ªfriend and foe alike¡ªinstinctively turned to look. Ridiculously enough, he was somehow wearing a Border Guard uniform. Without looking, Jaxon already knew. The old soldier hadn¡¯t actually fallen onto his knees. He had clapped his gloved hands against the ground to create the sound. At the same time, Jaxon felt the blade flying toward him from behind. A needle-thin sword. Jaxon mimicked the old soldier¡¯s movements. ¡°Ah!¡± Feigning shock, he pitched forward. His stumble was just clumsy enough to pass as that of an incompetent recruit. ¡°You idiot!¡± The allied commander behind him roared. From his perspective, Jaxon had broken formation, and the enemy had struck at him. Since he had barely dodged in time, it looked as if he had simply been careless. Naturally, the commander was furious. But Jaxon didn¡¯t drag the fight out. He had fought far too many battles of this kind to bother. Even as he fell, he had already thrown a silent throwing dagger¡ªthe Voiceless Blade. Thunk. The old soldier raised a hand to block. The dagger embedded itself like a flower planted in his chest. ¡°You blocked it, huh.¡± Jaxon muttered indifferently, half-bent over. His eyes, calm and unreadable, met the old soldier¡¯s gaze. A gaze armed with sheer detachment. A crimson ring glowed faintly around his pupils, deep reddish-brown filling their depths. The assassin trembled at the sight. One of them yanked the dagger from his pierced hand and flicked his fingers. [Kill.] A silent hand signal. It was instinctive. A deep sense of foreboding had crept down his spine. Immediately, the other two assassins moved. Poisoned daggers flew, and a cloud of venomous smoke erupted at Jaxon¡¯s feet. The allied commander, who had initially intended to save what he thought was a hapless recruit, froze. He recognized Jaxon. This wasn¡¯t some fumbling recruit. It was Jaxon. Jaxon had wanted him to see his face¡ªto ensure he wouldn¡¯t interfere. And yet, the commander had no way of knowing that. Regardless, if he moved now, he would only die. That wasn¡¯t Jaxon¡¯s problem. He had deliberately distanced himself far enough that no allies would be caught in the fight. Using a soldier as a human shield would have made the battle much easier. But he hadn¡¯t done that. If he had, Enkrid¡ªtheir commander¡ªwouldn¡¯t have looked kindly upon it. Enkrid would hate something like that. ¡®Why the hell am I even worrying about this?¡¯ Jaxon felt his metaphorical blade dull ever so slightly. But that didn¡¯t mean his skills had dulled. Shh-shhhk! A blade whistled through the air, wires of steel tightening like a snare around his ankles. Jaxon saw it all. And dodged everything. His monstrous senses were unparalleled. Of course. He had taught these techniques¡ªhow to predict movement, how to read intent. Jaxon, through sheer effort, had surpassed even the senses of the Fae. The result was inevitable. The assassins, realizing their mistake, tried to escape. Jaxon hunted them down, one by one, slicing open their throats or planting daggers into their hearts. By the time the fight ended, they had strayed far from the battlefield. Neither enemy nor ally had witnessed the duel properly. Even if they had, all they would have seen was flashes of steel, darting too fast to follow. ¡°Shit... Are you one of Geor Dagger¡¯s?¡± The last assassin¡ªthe one disguised as the old soldier¡ªspat out the words as he lay dying. His expression was one of disbelief. ¡°Would knowing change anything?¡± ¡°Bast¡ª¡± Blood dribbled from his lips. He would have lived a little longer if he hadn¡¯t pulled out the dagger buried in his chest. But Jaxon saw no reason to prolong his suffering. He yanked the dagger free. The assassin, in a final act of defiance, spat a needle from his mouth. It sliced through the air¡ªaimless, useless. ¡°You bastard.¡± How could he not lower his guard even a little? Regardless of the assassin¡¯s attitude, Jaxon remained unmoved. He watched impassively as the man trembled in his final moments. His own wounds ached. The signs of poison were unmistakable¡ªhis skin bubbled black where it had touched him. A deadly toxin. But not lethal to him. He knew this poison. As he examined his wounds, the assassin died. Almost as a habit, Jaxon rifled through the corpse. He found needles, poison dust, smoke bombs. And then he saw it. A tattoo. A single emblem. A black lily. One of the traces he had been chasing. He hadn¡¯t expected to find it on an Azpen assassin. Jaxon stared at it, expression unreadable. It seemed he couldn¡¯t just ignore this. Which meant, for a while at least¡ªhe would have to leave. ¡®For a while?¡¯ The thought caught him off guard. He had assumed he would return. That realization left a strange feeling in his chest. When had he last had a home, a place of rest? A place to return to? What an indulgent notion. And yet, separate from his thoughts, he felt a firm conviction. That he would come back. Because Enkrid¡ªwhatever he was¡ªwas someone worth watching. Someone he simply couldn¡¯t look away from. ¡®I should at least say something before I go.¡¯ A simple report should be enough. A brief leave of absence. That would do. *** Enkrid repeated the cycle of waking up and going back to sleep. He knew better than anyone that when injured and in pain, eating well and resting were the most important things. So he did just that. More than anything, every time he opened his eyes, he was starving. His body, built through the Isolation Technique, demanded sustenance for recovery. And it was a very strong demand. The demand boiled down to a single, undeniable truth. Hunger. He was so hungry it felt unbearable. "Is there anything to eat?" That was the first thing he said the moment he woke up, barely alive. "Huh? Oh, yes! Please wait a moment!" The military medic, standing by his side, bolted out of the tent. When he returned, he was carrying a bowl of thin porridge. "I will feed you!" "No need." His arms were tightly wrapped in bandages for whatever reason, but that didn¡¯t mean he couldn¡¯t lift a spoon. He snatched the bowl and spoon away, downing the meal in an instant. The medic hesitated before speaking. "You shouldn¡¯t eat so quickly." "I''m fine." Even before learning the Isolation Technique, his digestion was one of his strengths. If you didn¡¯t want to die, learning how to eat and sleep properly was a necessity. No skills, no stamina? You¡¯d die a miserable death as a mercenary. And now? He figured that, if not iron, at least he could probably digest dirt at this point. "Brother, eating well and shitting well are the basics of life." The Isolation Technique was a method of constructing the body. Not just about toughening the exterior, but refining the internal system as well. That naturally included methods for eating and resting. Enkrid ate well and closed his eyes. He intended to get proper rest. That was how things were¡ªeat, sleep, repeat. When he briefly opened his eyes, Jaxon was there. Dried blood clung to his hair, his expression anything but normal. The scent of dirt and blood lingered, assaulting Enkrid¡¯s senses. When the battle had ended, Jaxon had disappeared without a word. Where had he gone? And what had he been doing? ¡°I¡¯ll be away for a bit,¡± Jaxon said. ¡°If I tell you not to go, will you stay?¡± Enkrid asked without blinking. It was nothing more than idle curiosity. Normally, he wouldn¡¯t have bothered to ask, but he was still half-asleep. Even at the question, Jaxon¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change. He was going. Enkrid knew it without needing an answer. "Go, then." Every soldier in his unit had things they wouldn¡¯t compromise on. Enkrid didn¡¯t know what that was for Jaxon. But he knew that such things existed. And he respected that. These weren¡¯t just his subordinates; they were the ones who had brought him this far. He had built his today upon their skills. As Jaxon met his eyes, Enkrid added one last thing. "Don¡¯t be late." "I''m not bad with directions." It was a humorless reply, but it was a joke. Neither of them laughed. But they exchanged humor as their farewell. Not long after, exhaustion swallowed Enkrid whole. "I''m sleeping." "Understood." By the time he woke up again, Jaxon was gone. Come to think of it, it had been dawn when he first woke. And now, when he opened his eyes, Shinar was holding a spoon. ¡°Ah.¡± The otherworldly beauty of the elf was still expressionless, holding out the spoon, silently urging him to open his mouth. She wanted to feed him. Her intentions were crystal clear. "Are you not busy?" What was this elf even doing here? "My fianc¨¦ just came back from the brink of death. This much is expected." An elven joke. Enkrid blinked. Then, feeling too tired to argue, he opened his mouth. And Shinar actually shoved the spoon into it. "Should I chew it for you?" "Who chews porridge before feeding it?" "It''s the thought that counts." "The elves must have a rather promiscuous society." "Are you insulting me?" "Not really." "I''m the only one like this. And only with you." Enkrid still wasn¡¯t used to elven jokes. But this was the best he could do at adapting. "Shall I prepare an elven meal next time?" Shinar asked, still expressionless. "What are the ingredients?" He had seen Frokk eating insects. "A green porridge filled with high-quality fiber." "And the taste?" S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Truly divine." "I¡¯ll pass." No matter how he thought about it, it seemed like it would taste absolutely terrible. Besides, he really liked the porridge he was eating now. Finely ground meat and onions mixed in, seasoned with aromatic spices. Who made this? It was damn good. Ever since returning the previous evening, he had spent most of his time lying down. He had slept through nearly the entire day. Waking up only briefly to send Jaxon off, eat porridge, and catch a glimpse of Ragna sleeping. At some point, Dunbakel had come by to grumble. "The fight was too bland this time. I could¡¯ve fought even better." But why was he telling him that? Yes, yes, I know you fight well. Even just watching you get beaten up by Rem is proof enough. "I¡¯ll do even better next time." Why did he keep saying that? Eat, sleep, recover¡ªover and over. His body demanded it. And Enkrid listened. There was barely any time spent awake, so he didn¡¯t even have the luxury to reflect on the battle. At one point, he briefly wondered where Jaxon had gone. But there was no point in knowing. And he had no desire to ask. If it was something he needed to be told, Jaxon would have told him. Enkrid focused on eating, drinking, and resting. "Is this something you take seriously?" When he woke up briefly, a female soldier asked him. Enkrid blinked twice, recalling her name. "Helma." Beside her, another soldier¡ªthe so-called ¡®Master of Seasonings¡¯¡ªstood, his head and shoulders wrapped in bandages. There was also one more standing awkwardly to the side. Who was that? "What¡¯s with the secrecy? You surprised us." Helma commented, and the bandaged soldier nodded. "I¡ªI have committed a grave sin!" The third soldier suddenly slammed his forehead to the ground. A bit of dust kicked up. "What?" "I spoke carelessly¡­!" "Ah, forget it. It¡¯s in the past." Enkrid waved it off without a second thought. "You didn¡¯t even know who I was. If anything, that means I deceived you." "N-no! That¡¯s not¡ª" Ah. It was him. The one who had been running his mouth about how real warriors should charge forward in battle. Enkrid didn¡¯t care. What caught his attention instead was the bowl beside Helma. The savory aroma reached his nose. He was hungry again. ¡®At this rate, I might as well have a god of beggars living in my stomach.¡¯ In reality, his body was simply responding to the loss of blood, demanding recovery. His physique had already become something optimized for regeneration. If Audin saw this, he would¡¯ve been proud. "Brother, they say the ground hardens after the rain. Once you heal, you¡¯ll be stronger. Let me break your leg for you." He would¡¯ve made some savage joke without hesitation. The thought nearly made Enkrid laugh. His men¡ªevery single one of them¡ªpretended they weren¡¯t interested in joking around. And yet, they always found a way to joke with him. Rem, especially. If Rem saw him now, what would he say? "Oh? You hurtin¡¯? Mind if I poke at it?" Something like that, no doubt. The barbarian bastard. Rem was getting cursed out for no reason, despite doing nothing. At this very moment, he was probably just digging his pinky into his ear, completely unaware. Enkrid spaced out for a moment, lost in thought. Then Helma lifted the bowl. "Would you like some?" Enkrid instinctively opened his mouth. It wasn¡¯t until the porridge was in his mouth that he realized¡ªhe could eat by himself. He was getting used to being fed, thanks to Shinar. Still, it felt awkward to suddenly switch back after already accepting it once. One spoonful, then another. The taste was different this time. Soft beans and rich meat melted together in each bite. "I used well-boiled chicken and beans," the bandaged soldier explained. The Master of Seasonings was also a damn good cook. "This is delicious." "Thank you." He looked slightly embarrassed. "I want to feed you too!" The third soldier blurted out something insane. Had he lost his mind? "Are you out of your damn mind?" Helma preemptively shut it down. Good job, Helma. Enkrid had only woken up for a little while. After eating and lying still, he felt drowsy again. His body still demanded recovery. As he was dozing off, he faintly heard Helma¡¯s voice. "It was an honor." Enkrid only nodded. Sleep overtook him once more. "I¡¯m putting in a transfer request. I want to fight by your side." The soldier who had been running his mouth earlier spoke up. Whether he transferred or not was his own business. Right before sleep overtook him completely, he faintly heard Ragna¡¯s voice nearby. "What, you''re not going to feed me too?" Helma¡¯s reply came without hesitation. "Your arms seem to be working just fine." To be fair, Enkrid¡¯s arms were working just fine, too. In his dream, he found himself wielding a sword with his toes, entirely without arms. Ragna appeared, asking what the hell he was doing. Enkrid answered simply. "I don¡¯t have arms." It was a ridiculous dream. Eat, sleep, repeat. By the next afternoon, Kraiss arrived with an update. "Azpen''s forces are pulling back." "Good news." "Though, whether they''re planning something else is another matter entirely." Suspicion was written all over Kraiss¡¯s face. Like he was staring at someone who had just stolen his krona. Did he think they had just suffered a loss? Enkrid didn¡¯t bother to ask. He simply closed his eyes and went back to sleep. After two straight days of rest, he could finally move. "You recovered quickly." Shinar, upon seeing him up, was genuinely surprised. Of course, her face remained as expressionless as ever. But she was surprised. What kind of body did he even have, to be on his feet already? A normal person wouldn¡¯t have just been half-dead from that kind of injury. They would have been completely dead. Had the ointment she given him turned out to be some kind of miracle cure? She had heard of a concoction made with holy water, poured with divine blessings to heal wounds instantly. But the ointment made with the elves'' secret methods contained no such divinity. "Did you sneak in some special medicine without telling me?" "What nonsense are you talking about?" Deeming it a pointless remark, Enkrid ignored her and focused on checking his body. Let''s see. If his normal state was a ten, then right now, he was at about a five. His body wasn¡¯t fully healed. But there was no longer any reason to lie around. And he was getting restless. Chapter 318 I should at least say something to everyone for their efforts. As Enkrid got up, his head spun. He had been lying down for too long. He should have staggered, but he quickly corrected his posture. The countless repetitions of today had trained his senses, allowing him to adjust to even the slightest differences in his equilibrium. Not bad. He could feel his body responding. Standing upright, he turned his head left and right, scanning his surroundings. Ragna sat nearby, his body wrapped in bandages from his shoulder down to his torso, eating porridge with one hand. After swallowing a spoonful, Ragna¡¯s gaze swept over Enkrid¡¯s entire body. Shinar''s gaze followed the same path. Both of them had the same thought. They hadn¡¯t noticed it while he was lying down, but now that he was up, something seemed different. Of course, it made sense. Among the countless cycles of today, Enkrid hadn¡¯t just learned how to dodge. Still, there was nothing to ask or point out just yet. Ragna, however, was already anticipating their next spar. His enthusiasm remained steady, undiminished. "Is it good?" Enkrid asked. Ragna nodded. No one had fed him, but Helma¡ªor whatever her name was¡ªand the other soldier had cooked the porridge. It had a different taste compared to a regular meal. Apparently, they had added eel meat this time. Enkrid slowly stretched his body. Two days. Ragna also straightened up. Wasn¡¯t this the perfect time to laze around? The Mad Platoon were men difficult to read, so Enkrid didn¡¯t bother trying. "How¡¯s your injury?" "It was just a slight sprain." A slight sprain that had kept him bedridden for three days. If it had been a fracture, he would have been dead. Obviously. Enkrid didn¡¯t say any of this out loud. That was just the way these people were. Rem, Ragna, Jaxon, Audin¡ªnone of them were any different. They wouldn¡¯t change just because someone pointed it out. Instead of replying, Enkrid moved his body. He performed a set of movements designed to aid recovery, part of the Isolation Technique. He felt his muscles, extended his arms, and gradually raised his body temperature. By stimulating the uninjured parts, he quickened his circulation. Despite the winter chill, faint steam began to rise from his skin. "Cold?" Move and raise your body heat. "Fracture?" Move and raise your body heat. "Laceration?" Move and raise your body heat. That was Audin¡¯s method of dealing with injuries. Even Rem had once snorted in disbelief after hearing it. But in principle, it wasn¡¯t entirely wrong. At least, not if you had rebuilt your body using the Isolation Technique. It vastly improved baseline stamina. A properly trained body, even at rest, naturally circulated blood at high efficiency. Blood circulation promoted healing. And by stimulating that process, the body could repair itself faster. The reinforcement of muscle and strength further amplified recovery. Enkrid had already experienced this firsthand. Still, this was a bit too fast. Even for him. His recovery rate was monstrous enough to raise eyebrows. Of course, she had played a role in that. Curled up near his feet, Esther slept soundly, her head buried against her front paws. She had spent the entire time curled against him, subtly stimulating his regenerative abilities. It wasn¡¯t even real magic. Just a minor trick. With all these factors combined, it was no wonder Shinar had been caught off guard. "You really do have a fascinating body." sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Shinar spoke from where she sat. She was perched on a chair inside the barracks, one knee drawn up, her arms wrapped loosely around it. Enkrid nodded without much thought. His body heat had risen enough that he was now only wearing a short-sleeved shirt. Shinar¡¯s gaze traveled slowly over his form. "It¡¯s convenient." Eat, sleep, recover. Reflect on battles while everyone stares. For Enkrid, this was just daily life. It no longer felt strange for them all to be gathered here. The infirmary tent was large. It could accommodate at least twenty men. A massive brazier sat in the center, providing warmth. Directly beneath it, Esther was curled up, dozing. Next to her, Ragna sat, finishing his meal. Enkrid remained close to the brazier, stretching and moving his body. Near the entrance, Shinar observed him. Further inside, Dunbakel was dozing off. She had plenty of minor cuts but no significant injuries. From what he¡¯d heard, the moment she learned she had fallen into a trap, she had charged straight ahead like a madwoman. She had sprinted all the way to the frontlines. Once a beastwoman who had worked as a pawn for the Black Blades, she had somehow settled into their ranks. Why? Sometimes, Enkrid found himself wondering. Why had these people gathered around him? Even the soldier nicknamed King Eyeball, Kraiss, was here. He sat two steps away from the brazier, leaning back in his chair. "It was my mistake." He spoke suddenly. Enkrid paused mid-movement. "What was?" "I failed to anticipate the situation properly. It was reckless." His words were clipped, missing half their context, but Enkrid understood. Kraiss had spent the entire battle desperately trying to predict the enemy¡¯s moves. "Predicting that would¡¯ve been the strange part." Enkrid was being sincere. The enemy commander had been insane. Kraiss¡¯s sharp gaze flickered toward Enkrid. There was something heavy in his eyes. Confusion. And disbelief. "You almost died because of it." Kraiss stared into Enkrid¡¯s face. How? How could there not be a single trace of resentment in his eyes? Why was his gaze always so straightforward? It didn¡¯t make sense. No human should be like this. "I survived." Enkrid shrugged. "I¡¯m not a ghost." So it didn¡¯t matter. That was all. "You¡¯re impossible." For a brief moment, Kraiss felt something bleak well up inside him. But he pushed it down. What was the point? It wasn¡¯t as if he didn¡¯t already know his commander was like this. Why is he like that? He wasn¡¯t the only one wondering. Even now, Enkrid¡¯s eyes were silently asking why Kraiss was making such a big deal out of it. He had nearly gotten him killed. And yet, there was not a single demand for accountability. Even Ragna, who sat next to Enkrid, seemed indifferent. He met Enkrid¡¯s gaze with one of his own¡ªwhat¡¯s there to ask? Kraiss exhaled sharply. "Forget it." He shoved down the lingering emotions. It was pointless. That man wouldn¡¯t care. And if he cared, only he would be the one to suffer for it. There were no krona at stake, but losses were something he despised. He cut his losses. And then? He followed his commander¡¯s example. He started reviewing the battle. How Enkrid had escaped danger. How Ragna had survived. How the enemy had moved. And in doing so, Kraiss realized something. He had been completely played. Did he think he was some kind of master tactician? In the end, all he had accomplished was nearly getting his own commander killed. And that commander¡ªthe one he had almost killed¡ªwas the same man who had once saved his life. Even without the bizarre innocence in Enkrid¡¯s expression, the thought alone sent chills down his spine. Predicting the battlefield... It carried a cost. And he had just learned that lesson the hard way. Thinking back, the enemy commander had been deranged. Sending out a unit of knight cadets would have made them cautious. So instead, they used a mass of ordinary soldiers to take out a single elite target? Absolutely insane. Sacrificing a thousand soldiers just to take down one man? And not even a knight? No, it was possible. He should have predicted it. Kraiss had thought that was his job. But he had failed. Why? Because he lacked experience. No, he couldn¡¯t just dismiss it as inexperience and move on. This could happen again. So what should he do? He had to expand his thinking. He couldn¡¯t limit himself to conventional strategies. He needed to imagine the most deranged thing the enemy could possibly attempt. Something other than a dragon falling out of the sky! That wasn¡¯t a strategy¡ªit was escapist delusion. Enkrid hadn¡¯t meant for it, but Kraiss found himself reflecting. More than anything, seeing his commander remain so unwavering even when his own life had been at risk¡­ it left an impression. Never again. He wouldn¡¯t make the same mistake twice. After sorting through his thoughts, he spoke. "Why don¡¯t we just open a salon instead?" It was a pointless comment. No matter how many times he suggested it, Enkrid wouldn¡¯t listen. "If you do, I¡¯d visit," Enkrid replied. Yeah, sure. Like hell he would. He¡¯d just end up swinging his sword the whole time anyway. Wow, how could he say something so casually when he had no intention of following through? Then again, it wasn¡¯t as if a salon was actually opening any time soon. But if it did, Enkrid would stop by. Because that was just the kind of man he was. Though, knowing him, he¡¯d probably use it as a training hall. That would be the worst. The absolute worst. Kraiss forced himself to stop his imagination from spiraling. Enkrid, still stretching, had been quietly watching Kraiss''s expressions shift in real-time. It was entertaining. Eventually, Kraiss shook his head. Regret was regret. But once you learned something, you had to move forward. That was a lesson he had learned as a child. And so, he did. There was no comfort offered. But he let it go. What else could he do? Did I even contribute anything? The truth was, he had. If not for him, Enkrid would have been caught in Abnaier¡¯s layered trap. Esther had played a role too. By killing the mage Galaph, she had eliminated a major threat that could have blocked Enkrid¡¯s retreat. Ragna had also been crucial. The knight cadet he killed¡ªwhat had his original role been? Shinar and Dunbakel had both performed exceptionally. Without them, the first engagement could have been a complete disaster. If the enemy forces attacking from the rear hadn¡¯t been just a feint but a real threat, Border Guard might have been wiped out. That would have meant supply lines cut off. Escape routes blocked. The battlefield would have turned into a death trap. It was the people standing here now who had prevented that. Enkrid genuinely believed that. If there was anything worth saying¡ªwords that shouldn¡¯t be hidden or held back¡ªit was this. Enkrid stopped moving. He knew how to speak with sincerity. And so, he did. He straightened his posture. Lowered his arms. Glanced around, gathering everyone''s attention. Then, he spoke. "I should at least say something to acknowledge everyone¡¯s efforts." Ragna, in the middle of eating, paused. Kraiss blinked. Dunbakel lifted her drowsy head. Near the tent entrance, Shinar stared at him, then let out a soft laugh. "You say that without a hint of emotion. So this is what makes you demonic." She clasped her hands in front of her chest, amusement evident in her tone. "That¡¯s not what I meant." Enkrid rejected her elven humor outright. "Wasn¡¯t it you who suffered the most, Captain?" Kraiss asked, blinking in disbelief. Even Esther, who had momentarily woken up, tapped her paw against the ground as if to say, You flatter us. Ragna, watching Enkrid, only muttered, "I fought for myself," before returning to his meal. Dunbakel nodded in agreement. "Well, I suppose I worked hard too." Enkrid looked around. An elf, a human, a beastwoman, and a mage. He meant it. They were interesting. "Where¡¯s Jaxon?" Kraiss asked. "He left for a while." "Where to?" "Don¡¯t know." "And you just let him go?" "Why wouldn¡¯t I?" Well, yeah. It wasn¡¯t like they were the kind of people who could be stopped. Since the Mad Platoon days, Enkrid¡¯s stance had always been consistent. Do whatever you need to do. I won¡¯t stop you. Ragna had no interest in the conversation. What did it matter if that sneaky alley cat was around or not? Instead, he sat in thought. Processing everything he had gained from the battle. His drive hadn¡¯t faded. Shinar continued watching Enkrid. Dunbakel picked up her scimitar and set it against a whetstone. Shhk. Shhk. After sprinkling some water from her canteen, she continued sharpening. A veteran mercenary¡¯s hands. A soldier who knew how to maintain her weapon. Kraiss, sitting nearby, found it absurd how such an odd group of people had come together. Each person was absorbed in their own time. As Enkrid continued warming up, it happened. Riiip. The sound of fabric tearing. Shinar reacted first. Ting. Her knives were drawn before any sign of movement. By the time she was standing, Esther had already opened her eyes. Ragna, ever composed, gripped his spoon like a weapon. A voice followed. "Oh? Hmm. Yeah, that seems about right. Black hair, blue eyes, and a face that¡¯s not half bad." The cold wind slipped through the torn fabric of the tent. And with it, came the voice. Fwoosh. The brazier¡¯s fire flickered violently, shadows dancing across the tent. It was past dusk. The last light of sunset had faded. From outside, the blue glow of the moon poured in. The red glow from the brazier mixed with it, casting strange, intertwined hues. And where those lights met¡ªstood a figure. "Apologies for the intrusion." The man spoke. Chapter 319 Enkrid¡¯s nightmare had taken form. Death itself had appeared before him. His eyes instinctively scanned the man¡¯s body. A relaxed stance, feet spread just enough for balance. Arms hanging loose, entirely at ease. A tangle of unkempt brown hair, lifeless brown eyes. A worn-out outfit¡ªneither enemy armor nor friendly uniform. Several questions hit him at once. The first: How did this man get here? The second: How strong is he? The third: What the hell is he apologizing for? "I have my reasons," the man said. "So let''s finish this quietly." Shing. A sword left its sheath. A cheap shortsword. The scraping sound against the scabbard told Enkrid everything he needed to know. The blade was chipped. The leather wrapping on the hilt had unraveled, hanging in loose strands. Its color was dull¡ªrusted. And yet, the truly terrifying thing was this: Until the very moment the man drew his sword, Enkrid hadn¡¯t even registered its presence. The way he unsheathed it sent a chill down his spine. It wasn¡¯t like the crushing pressure of the Nol leader. It wasn¡¯t like the overwhelming force of Knight Aisia. Those had been indirect threats, imposing their will over their opponents. But this? This was something else. It felt like no matter what he did, he wouldn¡¯t be able to stop that blade. Like an unshakable fate. Why? Through countless battles, Enkrid¡¯s senses had sharpened beyond human limits. His instinct for evasion had transcended into something closer to foresight. A gift. One he had never expected to receive. But right now, that very gift was useless. Because it was telling him something he didn¡¯t want to hear. It locked his body in place. A chain of foreboding, freezing his limbs. "Hmm. Fianc¨¦." Shinar broke the silence. Her elven senses must have perceived more than even Enkrid had. "We should dodge." The moment she spoke¡ª The man disappeared. A long afterimage stretched through Enkrid¡¯s vision. Reflexively, his gaze whipped to the side. A streaking blur¡ªan elongated line of movement¡ªhad already reached Shinar. Even with his trained eyesight, the man''s form seemed to break apart as he moved. That was how fast he was. His motions were beyond perception. Clang! Spk! First came the sounds. Then, the image caught up. Shinar had already taken a defensive stance. Enkrid saw it¡ªthe jagged, chipped shortsword scraping over her knives. But the blade didn¡¯t stop there. The force shoved her weapons aside. And then it carved through her. A perfect slash, tracing from her chest to her abdomen. Elf blood sprayed into the air. Strength, speed, precision. A perfect harmony of all three. In that instant, Enkrid understood. This was a perfected technique. "With luck, you might survive this," the man murmured, lowering his blade. "But even if you do¡­ I won¡¯t strike twice." He sighed, as if tired. "I know this isn¡¯t honorable. I¡¯ll ask for your understanding." Enkrid didn¡¯t understand a damn thing. What was ''one strike''? What was ''luck''? What honor? None of it made sense. But one thing was certain. Shinar was down. She clutched her chest and staggered. She tried to brace herself, stabbing her knives into the ground. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. But the moment they touched dirt, her arms gave out. Her knives scraped uselessly against the floor as she collapsed. Thud. "This feels awful," the man said. "I mean that." He turned. Enkrid¡¯s eyes locked onto him. It didn¡¯t matter if the sword in his hand was rusted scrap metal. The same thing would happen again. Because the answer to all his questions had become clear. This man was beyond a knight-cadet. This man was a knight. A man who could cut down a thousand soldiers alone. The Nightmare of the Battlefield. A calamity in human form. A weapon that shifted the course of war. Enkrid¡¯s nightmare had stepped into reality. "Shit, what the hell?" Kraiss muttered behind him, stunned. "Move," Ragna said. Without hesitation, he yanked Kraiss back. He didn¡¯t even bother drawing his sword. A spoon was clutched in his hand instead. "What the hell is that?" Dunbakel growled. Her beast transformation had already begun. The man let his shortsword hang loosely at his side. Then he moved toward his next target. There was no noise. No footstep. No rush of air. He simply moved. And cut. It was simple. But even tracking his movements was almost impossible. Next was Dunbakel. She had already drawn her scimitar. If the man hadn¡¯t moved first, she would have lunged first. But he did. Shing. Thud! Crack! Three sounds overlapped. That was how Enkrid heard it. Then, he saw the results. He hadn¡¯t been able to read the shortsword¡¯s trajectory. It had been even faster than before. And his view had been blocked. But he did see what came after. Dunbakel¡¯s scimitar¡ª Split in half. The broken blade spun through the air, slicing through the tent¡¯s fabric as it flew. And the man¡¯s sword? It had already plunged into her chest. "Shit¡­ should¡¯ve used a better sword," she muttered. One knee hit the ground. She clutched the gaping wound in her chest. But blood surged between her fingers, spilling uncontrollably. There was no surviving this. "Come on." Ragna was next. He charged. No sword. It wouldn¡¯t have mattered if he had one. His arm wasn¡¯t fully healed. His opponent didn¡¯t hesitate. The blade swung. There was no sound. The strike aimed for Ragna¡¯s head. But Ragna wasn¡¯t stupid. At the last moment, he twisted his body. His uninjured arm shot forward. Thunk! The man caught his wrist. Ragna had been holding something. A spoon. The man grabbed him with one hand. With the other, he raised his blade. "You were the best of them." And then¡ª He swung. Ragna resisted to the end. He twisted, trying to shove his shoulder into the man''s body. But the sword was faster. Swish! Blood erupted. His arm. The man had only taken his arm. Ragna tumbled sideways. Blood splattered everywhere. If left alone, he would die from blood loss. "Yeah," the man said. "No second strikes." Enkrid understood. That was what he meant. A single attack. Only once. "If you block, I leave. That¡¯s the condition I¡¯ll give you. It¡¯s the least I can offer. A small¡ªvery small¡ªgesture of honor." And then his sword moved again. This time¡ª It aimed for Esther. The blade fell like lightning. Or like a rainstorm breaking upon the earth. Slash! Her paw flew. Not just her paw. Her chest split open. SCREEEEEEE! A panther¡¯s agonized scream tore through the tent. It punched through Enkrid¡¯s skull. "Get¡ª" "Run," Ragna wheezed. He tried to stand. His blood made the ground slick. He slipped. His face slammed into the dirt. A wet, sickening splat. He lay in a pool of his own blood. Face down. Drenched in red. "Fuck." A small, trembling back stood in front of Enkrid. Even as his entire body was bound by the chains of foreboding, unable to move, unable to resist, Enkrid could only watch. Fate itself seemed to whisper. This is it. You cannot escape. It ends here. "I always had a feeling it¡¯d come to this," Kraiss muttered. "But still, Captain¡ªwhat I owe, I¡¯ll repay." He stepped forward. Enkrid¡¯s arms refused to move. His lips would not part. All he could do was recall that moment. The moment he had stood before Kraiss, shielding him. "Run, King Eyeball." Why had he done that? It wasn¡¯t a calculated decision. "Go," Kraiss whispered. "I¡¯ll grab hold of him." Even he knew his words were meaningless. The enemy knew too. The man did not react. No sigh. No hesitation. He simply raised his sword. Flicker. The firelight wavered. Multiple shadows stretched out from the blade. And then¡ªone of those shadows became real. Pierced through Kraiss''s heart. Kuk. A death rattle. Kraiss collapsed. Blood pooled. Blood trickled from his open eyes. And Enkrid watched it all. His face betrayed nothing. The brown-haired knight turned toward him. Against his otherwise impassive expression, the two flames in his eyes stood out more than anything. Burning. Blazing. Not even the firelight could compare. The knight saw it. "One strike," he muttered. A displeased sigh followed. This entire situation disgusted him. A knight existed for honor. For such a man to strike from the shadows¡ª It was unacceptable. But it no longer mattered. The moment had come. Everyone was dead. And at last, Enkrid found his voice. "I never thought I''d say this." Shinar, collapsed on the ground. Ragna, writhing with one arm missing. Dunbakel, her heart split in two. Esther, growling despite her lost paw and torn chest. Kraiss, shielding Enkrid with a hole in his chest. Only two were still clinging to life. Ragna and Esther. Shinar was dead. Dunbakel was dead. Kraiss was dead. And Ragna¡ª "Get out." He gasped the words. He had told him to run. To run. Even if all that waited was an empty end¡ªhe had told him to run. But even if the knight did not finish him off, he would still die. From blood loss. And if he survived? Would he be fine? He had lost an arm. And yet, like a broken record, all he could do was repeat the same thing. "Go." Enkrid wanted to laugh. It was absurd. Utterly absurd. He turned to the knight. And at last, he spoke. "I should die." If he died, today would repeat. That was what he needed. The knight raised his sword. "Apologies," he said. Flat. Devoid of emotion. Enkrid gauged his strength. He could not see it. It was dark. Like walking an unlit path without a torch. Thud. The blade pierced his heart. He did not dodge. He accepted it. Because he needed today to begin again. For the first time¡ª For the first time¡ª He had given up. There had been no choice. And now, he understood. Shinar, always joking. Dunbakel, always spouting nonsense. Ragna, ever the lazy bastard. Kraiss, insufferably obsessed with krona. The leopard cub with a terrible sleeping habit. "I won¡¯t let them die." Watching their deaths unfold before his eyes¡ª There was nothing satisfying about it. Enkrid let death take him. The knight¡¯s blade carved through his heart. Then withdrew. "You¡ªI''ll kill you." Ragna''s voice. Still clinging on. Growing distant. Enkrid endured. Fought back the pain. Did not even groan. The knight exhaled. "Survive," he said simply. "You¡¯ve earned that much. Now stop the bleeding." True to his word, he turned and left. Enkrid collapsed. Closed his eyes. Death consumed him. Splaaaash. As expected. The black river stretched before him. A boat drifted over its endless waters. A ferryman stood at the helm. A violet lamp in his hands. "Despair." The ferryman¡¯s voice rang out. Silence settled over the river. Enkrid did not accept it. Instead, he asked: "What about anguish? What about ignorance?" It was impossible to read the ferryman¡¯s expression. What was he thinking today? Thankfully, today was one of those days when he answered. His mouth¡ªbarely visible¡ªmoved. His words reached Enkrid. "First, anguish¡ª" "Must one do what should not be done?" Was this a test? Or fate¡¯s design? He did not know. But he had not saved the child out of necessity. He had simply done what his heart had told him to do. There was no reason to hesitate. No reason to suffer over it. Thus, it wasn''t anguish. Not to him. "Second, ignorance." Enkrid had not recognized the wall in front of him. That was ignorance. In the world of Ignorance, the ferryman had lent him his aid. Why? He did not know. But even without that help, he would have realized. He would have pushed past. Eventually. Which meant that ignorance, too, had no meaning. "And third¡ªdespair." This was different. This¡ª This was something he could not surpass. The ferryman¡¯s intent was clear. "Face a knight¡¯s blade." This was the cruelest today he had ever known. And before that blade, he had watched his companions fall. It would be a lie to say it left no impact. "Drown in despair." The ferryman, as always, spoke without a single trace of amusement. Chapter 320 Second Praise: The Morning of Today Has Dawned Enkrid repeated the same day once again. The chain of ominous feelings, which surpassed the sense of evasion, still tightened around his body. His limbs stiffened, unable to move. In the meantime, it was no different from watching someone die today. By the time evening approached, Enkrid spoke his mind. At least, he had made the necessary preparations. "Ragna, hold the sword and rest." He had said it in advance, but the sword was not the problem. He was exhausted. He was injured. He was not in his best condition. Knowing that didn¡¯t stop him. And that¡¯s why it was a disaster. The knight killed all of his comrades once again. The third day passed, and then the fourth day passed. It repeated. Ominous feelings, tightening chains, the deaths of his comrades, his own death, pain, and sometimes meeting the ferryman of the river. ¡°Despair.¡± The ferryman came again, planting the word "despair" in his mind. Enkrid did not respond. ¡°Despair.¡± Twelve days passed. The same day repeated, again and again. Tied to the chain of ominous feelings and stopped, Enkrid filled his eyes with the death of his comrades. He had never turned away. He couldn¡¯t. Kraiss, whose fighting skill was poor, insisted on blocking his way. The one who talked of fleeing every day¡ªwhy was he turning his back in this moment? This was a curse. And because of that, it never dulled. Both physical and inner pain were the same. He had to endure the same pain always. He had to witness everything always. Enkrid had never intended to turn away, but pain was pain. "This is despair." The ferryman, with a light tone, passed by. It was the twenty-second day. He squirmed. The moment Shinar¡¯s chest split open, Enkrid¡¯s fingers twitched. It was a repetition of today, slightly different from the previous twenty-one. "Fianc¨¦e." She did not die. In the first day, he thought she had died, but she was not an ordinary swordswoman. With age, she twisted the sword¡¯s trajectory and minimized the wounds. In that, two swords techniques¡ªone striking and one parrying¡ªwere mixed. As for Ragna, he did not compete by speed against his opponent¡¯s strikes. Instead, he stood firm with his sword raised, enduring with strength. They were people with much to learn from. He squirmed. Ragna, Kraiss, Dunbakel, Esther. After witnessing their deaths, Enkrid regained the freedom of his hand. "Finally moving." And he spoke a simple sentence. "Hmm?" Yet, the blade in the hands of the man with brown hair pierced his heart. Enkrid died again. The water swayed. The sword was the river, and the ferryman. He kept appearing, as if with no work to do. "Despair." The ferryman¡¯s empty gaze was directed at Enkrid. Enkrid stared at the ferryman indifferently. Though the word "despair" was always spoken, there was never a sign of weariness or boredom. Enkrid¡¯s body began to fade as he watched with indifference. It was time to return to reality. He had to live through today, watching the death of his comrades again. It was the moment to face the repetition of death. And with that, his body and face dissolved into smoke. The ferryman looked at Enkrid. He, the ferryman, never spoke through expression. However, sometimes he did express part of his feelings. It was the same this time. As the time in the dream came to an end, Enkrid¡¯s body blurred, and the ferryman expressed a part of his feelings. He conveyed his meaning with words. "Smile?" The river disappeared. Enkrid awoke from the dream. So, it was the beginning of the repeating day. It was the thirty-second day. "Bad omen," Enkrid muttered as soon as he woke up. The first thing he did was dismiss the past day as just a dream. In fact, rather than dismissing it as a dream, it was better to call it the first step to move forward. A day where nothing could be done? Wasn¡¯t that quite unpleasant? It even felt like bugs were crawling all over his body. "What¡¯s the dream?" Kraiss, rubbing the sleep from his eyes, asked from the side. "You died in the dream." "That¡¯s unlucky." Enkrid replied honestly, and Kraiss responded sincerely. "I dreamed you died too, Ragna. Hold onto your sword." "Really unlucky words." Ragna also replied with sincerity, making it a rather cozy morning. Although Ragna didn¡¯t believe in superstitions, hearing such words suddenly was unsettling. Especially when those words came from Enkrid. "Is it right to talk nonsense like that from a barbarian?" Ragna, rarely, muttered some complaints. It was an indifferent tone, but the content was quite something. Enkrid reacted as expected. "Is it an insult? A duel challenge." Who¡¯s saying it¡¯s similar to Rem? With a lighthearted jest, Enkrid threw the words back at him, and Ragna didn¡¯t respond. Enkrid moved more energetically today than any other day before. Despair? That was not a word that easily reached his heart. It was a harsh situation, he admitted. The opponent was absurdly monstrous, he admitted. But the answer was clear. ¡®Once.¡¯ If he could endure the first strike, the opponent would retreat. So, is this despair? No. Even if there was a way to avoid it, it wasn¡¯t the path Enkrid would take. The opponent was a knight. Even if he was a reaper, Enkrid still felt pure joy as his dream drew nearer. Along with the pain, there was also a thrill. The death of his companions was buried as a dream, and he moved on to the next. Enkrid made that his starting point. In other words, no one would die. So, only a clear answer remained. ¡®Just endure it.¡¯ What if he couldn¡¯t? He would keep trying until it worked. If necessary, he would do whatever it took to make it happen. Would he have to watch his comrades die over and over? If that was despair? ¡®It¡¯s flimsy.¡¯ How many ¡°todays¡± had he already passed? There were many ways to break the cycle of repeating days. Did a repeated day always have to end the same way? He already knew the answer. Now that he could do things he couldn¡¯t before, despite his body being paralyzed, it was possible. Enkrid first gathered his gear, which was set aside in a corner of the barracks. Should he wrap himself in bandages, even under armor? No, that wouldn¡¯t matter. Didn¡¯t he see the knight¡¯s sword? No armor could stop it. Even Shinar¡¯s armor wasn¡¯t ordinary, and it simply shattered. There was something in that single strike. Enkrid could already sense what that was. ¡®Will.¡¯ A knight uses ¡®will¡¯. Enkrid recognized that for sure. Then, what should he do? Maybe he could let it go for now? Would the snake sword work? He had already forgotten how bad his own body was. Another day passed. "Good work, everyone." Enkrid always said similar things. Even if things repeated, some things should not dull. Enkrid didn¡¯t forget that. After some trivial words passed, one phrase stood out. "¡®It¡¯s demonic.¡¯" Kraiss¡¯s words were followed by a ripping sound. The man with brown hair entered the tent. It always started the same way. "Sorry." The man said, and Enkrid began preparing. ¡°If it¡¯s just once, I¡¯ll let it go.¡± That would be the way he respected his own honor, he seemed to think. He acted like he didn¡¯t want to do it. But he still couldn¡¯t block that one strike. While the man spoke, Enkrid moved. In truth, Enkrid didn¡¯t even properly listen to what the man said. He had heard it too many times already. Some things become numb after repetition, but other things don¡¯t. The things that stuck in his mind were just annoying. Honor, whatever it was, didn¡¯t matter right now. His focus had ignited. Even as the chains of dread tightened around his body, Enkrid had already started overcoming them once. He commanded his body, from the tips of his fingers to his muscles, to move. Enkrid¡¯s feet naturally fell forward. His body moved as he willed. The sense of dread still clutched at his throat, but it didn¡¯t matter. He could ignore it. At least he was moving. The man, seeing that Enkrid was walking despite ignoring his words, focused his gaze on him. Enkrid spoke. ¡°I go first.¡± ¡°Fianc¨¦e.¡± Shinar tried to stop him, but it was already too late. ¡°Isn¡¯t it me you¡¯re aiming for? Or not?¡± As he spoke, he took another step forward. He was right. With all the ¡°todays¡± he¡¯d passed, he had already figured out what he needed to. To get past this today, he had to recognize and face what was necessary within it. ¡®The author¡¯s goal is me.¡¯ When faced with that, Enkrid wouldn¡¯t look away. He acknowledged what he had learned through careful recollection and confronted the man. The knight raised his sword. With a ting, the sword was unsheathed¡ªan iconic weapon of the reaper. A dream-formed reaper wielding a weapon. ¡°Splendid. You.¡± He swung his sword. Wham. Enkrid tried to block, but the opponent¡¯s sword reached him first. Was it faster than Lykanos? Was it similar to Jaxon¡¯s unkillable thrust? Enkrid had seen this kind of strike countless times, but this was his first attempt at blocking it. He could feel the difference in speed. The opponent had started from his feet, thrusting the sword without any transfer of force, making it impossible to read the timing. ¡®I was too slow.¡¯ Enkrid accepted that. He was slow, and he missed. So, it was only natural that his heart was pierced. Death approached. Still, Enkrid grinned. Wasn¡¯t this the first thing he wanted? The reaper saw that. ¡®Crazy bastard.¡¯ The reaper saw through Enkrid in an instant. The opponent was not normal. But for Enkrid, that was irrelevant. He was simply satisfied that his trick had worked. Shinar, Ragna, Kraiss, Dunbakel, Esther¡ªif he didn¡¯t want to see their deaths, he just needed to act first. His vision dimmed. Death was coming. The darkness churned; the river of swords was upon him. It wasn¡¯t time to open the world of dreams, but still, the ferryman managed to break through. As he passed, the ferryman offered another praise. ¡°Crazy bastard.¡± That kind of praise was already the second time. Enkrid barely left a reply. ¡°Thanks.¡± There was no time to say more. Was it an illusion, or was the boat on the churning river shaking even more than usual? Who knew? In any case. ¡®My body moves.¡¯ Now, all that was left was to endure. ¡°Phew, good.¡± ¡°What¡¯s good about this?¡± Kraiss asked as soon as Enkrid woke up. ¡°Don¡¯t mind it.¡± Enkrid thought about it. Could he recover his body right away? No. Thinking, he picked up Ragna¡¯s sword and set it beside his bed. ¡°...What is this?¡± "Want to spar?" "Keep it." It''s easier to act than explain the reason. Anyway, to get some heat in the body, it was important to keep moving without stopping. Next to the stove, he stretched his muscles and performed movements that stimulated his regeneration. But his mind didn''t stop. How can I block it? He still felt lost. Just because he could move his body didn¡¯t mean he could block the strike right away. It was just one strike, wasn¡¯t it? No, wait. It wasn¡¯t just one strike. It was the knight''s sword. Unbelievable. Enkrid wasn¡¯t an idiot. He knew what he had done on the battlefield. His sword hadn¡¯t been stopped by mere soldiers. He had defeated mercenaries skilled with blades, and even men from the Huryer family. Among them were also magicians and shamans. Most recently, he had been trapped by enemy forces. He had managed to escape relying on his senses, though it wasn¡¯t easy. To someone who didn¡¯t know what it meant to repeat today, it seemed almost like supernatural skill. He had crossed that perilous line with only a sword¡ªwell, three swords, to be precise¡ªbut it seemed as though he had done it effortlessly. "Was he a magician?" Kraiss asked suddenly, which was natural. Even Esther sent him a questioning look. Of course, he wasn¡¯t. He couldn¡¯t cast spells. He recalled the knight''s sword again. Now he felt like a regular soldier. His thoughts continued. Would Jaxon have noticed if he were here? No, if Jaxon were here, wouldn''t he have easily fallen to the knight as well? Could he have done something? What if Ragna hadn''t been injured? Such were the random thoughts. Was this despair? Were these the remnants of the emotions that the ferryman had stuffed into his mind? Enkrid didn¡¯t bother to discard or erase any of it. He let it sit naturally. It didn¡¯t matter. What was despair? It was what happens when you have nothing to look at, cutting off hope and collapsing. It was when you fall by your own pessimism. All of this had nothing to do with Enkrid. He couldn¡¯t block the knight¡¯s blow, so was he going to be trapped in today? Actually, that seemed welcome. It was better than doing nothing, trudging through the day with no change, watching his dreams burn and tear apart, grow old and wither. ¡°Another fierce day today.¡± Let it struggle, let it fight. What if death is coming? It didn¡¯t matter. After all, he wouldn¡¯t live to die. More importantly, all the past days, all the things the ferryman had said about suffering and ignorance, all those countless days before today... Enkrid broke through one of his shells. His mind was as straight and upright as when he first greeted today. It was a small realization. But also a big one. There¡¯s no rule saying I can''t use today. He had used it when fighting werewolves and magicians, and when breaking through spell traps. It was an expansion of concept. He struggled, but endured and used the curse of repetition. This was the moment he recognized the actions he had done with his body now in his mind. Enkrid¡¯s eyes snapped open. The task came to mind. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Ragna.¡± ¡°¡­What is it?¡± His voice naturally carried strength. Ragna reacted to Enkrid¡¯s change in attitude. Why was he suddenly like this again? ¡°Assuming my body¡¯s fine.¡± Enkrid¡¯s eyes sparkled. What could he say? He looked strangely excited, his eyes full of excitement. He opened his mouth, but Ragna interrupted him. ¡°I¡¯m fine right now. Better than the captain.¡± In some ways, arrogance was the strongest weapon. Ragna¡¯s arrogance shone as brightly as Enkrid¡¯s gaze. Enkrid naturally followed up. ¡°My body¡¯s at about nine-tenths.¡± It was actually five. ¡°I¡¯m completely recovered.¡± ¡°I just got better myself.¡± Shinar, who had been listening to their conversation, murmured. ¡°What are they doing?¡± ¡°Trying to figure out who¡¯s the bigger fool.¡± Kraiss summed up the situation. ¡°I wasn¡¯t hurt.¡± Dunbakel opened her mouth. She had been hurt as well. Of course, no one reacted to her words. Enkrid and Ragna paid no attention to the others. In fact, Enkrid ignored them, and Ragna naturally followed his lead. The point was this. ¡°Can you block the knight¡¯s sword?¡± That question, that attitude, the weight in the words and eyes, and something burning in the air, aside from arrogance. It was all a provocation. Ragna sank into his world for a moment after hearing the question. This battle was a turning point. Ragna could see a way forward. He knew too easily where his talent was heading. But even though the way was clear, he hadn¡¯t walked it yet. He couldn¡¯t be sure because he hadn¡¯t experienced it firsthand. But hadn¡¯t his shining talent already shown him the way? The talent awakened by this event had once again revealed the path. Ragna was half-convinced. This was the way to becoming a knight. So... ¡°I¡¯ll block it.¡± If he removed the arrogance, it would be possible. With a strike containing ¡®will¡¯, he could create the path first and block even the knight¡¯s sword. It was a vague certainty. It was confidence too. At the very least, he wouldn¡¯t fall weakly from a single blow. Thinking about it wasn¡¯t just about being locked in a state of confusion and acting like an idiot. And just as much as Enkrid had changed, Ragna¡¯s change was subtly noticeable as well. Especially when he saw the knight. His reactions to the repeated today were subtly different. What did that mean? Could he see something? It was doubt, it was a question. Enkrid had seen an easy, convenient path. He had asked Ragna for an answer. ¡°How?¡± Now, tell me the method. Ragna seemed almost intoxicated. Enkrid¡¯s voice and gaze made him that way. So he opened his mouth without hesitation. He imagined the knight¡¯s sword and drew it in his mind. Talent-wise, he was easily the best in the continent. He didn¡¯t hesitate. His mouth opened quickly. Chapter 321 The ferryman finally burst into laughter. "Good." "Good"¡ªjust one word. It was only natural that silence fell. It was cold. It was winter, so it was cold. The fire in the stove crackled, flaring up. At that moment, the cold winter wind blew in from the tent entrance. The biting cold winter wind. If it had been an ordinary person, wouldn¡¯t it have felt like a dagger piercing their heart? But there were no ordinary people here, including Enkrid. "I could say the same," Kraiss added, almost slyly. It wasn¡¯t wrong. Naturally, Enkrid wasn¡¯t flustered. After all, when had Ragna been a smooth talker? Even the guy who pressured Rem in his own pace had no real teaching skills. So there was no reason to be flustered. "Explain it." "If a lightning bolt falls, how do you block it?" For Ragna, this was the best he could do. Of course, to others, it was the worst explanation. But did that matter? Of course not. Enkrid was always a good listener and could be a good student. He knew how to listen properly. No, he could be called a listener who would relentlessly pry and extract answers if the other person couldn¡¯t explain well. "I can¡¯t block it." Enkrid answered. "You can block it." Ragna added. "So how? Explain it well." It would be nice if Ragna got used to explaining, but that was asking for too much. Ragna couldn¡¯t find the path, wasn¡¯t good at explaining, was picky about food, and his personality wasn¡¯t exactly pleasant. He didn¡¯t care about reputation and was unpredictable. Some days, he even found talking a bother. It sounded chaotic when said like this, but when it came to using a sword, Ragna was the best. He was truly the best of the best. "You identify the omen first and strike." Ragna gave his best explanation. This was, for him, the best he could offer. It was a matter of senses and talent. Enkrid persisted. He asked countless questions and listened to the answers. Ragna spoke within the limits of what he could say. It didn¡¯t form a perfect image in his mind. Nothing came to mind. But this wasn¡¯t the end. If I can delay death... Today could be used even more fully. If he put Ragna at the forefront for that purpose, he could even see Ragna block the knight''s sword. Of course, Enkrid wasn¡¯t going to do that. Using today fully and putting Ragna ahead, knowing he couldn¡¯t endure, was a different matter. That was a line that should not be crossed. It was a line that had formed in his mind from the very first repetition of today. For some, that became a belief, and for others, it would become a form of honor. Honor. Before the god of death, who spoke of honor, came, Enkrid had to do everything he could. In the back-and-forth of questioning and answering, he worked on manifesting his thoughts and reasoning. This wasn¡¯t the end either. "Shinar." The fairy too had managed to block that strike. She reacted. How could she do that? "Do you know how to block a lightning bolt?" "Just avoid it before it strikes." "What if you can¡¯t avoid it?" "You could use a lightning rod." She said this as she tapped her age. Her words carried a sort of learned meaning, almost like a half-joke. There was a sense of deep understanding in what she said. Something accompanied her words, a profound realization. "Those old enough are easy to pull and good for cutting, spilling, and blocking." "What if you had to block a knight''s sword?" It was a sudden question, but no one found it strange. After all, this was just how Enkrid was. He was obsessed with swords and fought for an impossible dream. That¡¯s what had shaped him into who he was now. Everyone recognized this. So, it was normal for him to spout nonsense like this. Even Kraiss just observed it like part of daily life. Dunbakel looked as though she wished someone would ask her soon. "Before the opponent can step away, before they place their hand on the sword, I would draw my sword first." Shinar, who was speaking, felt as though she was being drawn into Enkrid¡¯s magic. This man... what was he? Even before, but now, he had become an even greater fire. In her eyes, it almost seemed as if a fire spirit was residing in him. No, not a fire spirit. It was the swirling emotions of longing, passion, and joy. Intense emotions pricked the sensitive heart of the fairy. While Frokk might see talent, the fairy felt emotions. That was a trait inherent to their kind. To live on the continent, one had to dull this trait, ignore certain things. While Frokk had to become accustomed to the word ¡°heart,¡± fairies had to learn how to calmly ride the waves of emotion. In that regard, Shinar was an excellent example of a fairy who had adapted well to life on the continent. And yet... It¡¯s hot. Enkrid didn¡¯t raise his voice. He didn¡¯t act hastily. He didn¡¯t flail his arms or legs. He simply spoke a few words while stretching his body. He came closer and opened his mouth. Yet, that heat stirred Shinar. It touched the fairy¡¯s blood. That made Shinar serious. Her smile¡ªshe didn¡¯t often smile¡ªdisappeared, and her response was devoid of jokes. "The knight''s sword is a calamity." "How would you block something you call a calamity?" Throwing the question back was, perhaps, the answer they needed now. If an earthquake happened, could it be stopped by human strength? What about a tornado? Floods? Typhoons? Heavy rain? Droughts? They were all natural disasters. A knight is called a ¡°human disaster,¡± a calamity created by humans. Among all the creatures on the continent¡ªdragons, elves, giants, dwarfs, beastkin, and humans¡ªhumans were the ones with the greatest number of beings, which led to the nickname ¡°human disaster¡± being applied to knights. A more intuitive expression would be that ¡°disaster¡± is the correct term. Naturally, there were also elven knights. Beastkin were sometimes called ¡°heroes¡± in a similar concept. Among the human tribes, there were other terms used for similar beings, different from knights. The term didn¡¯t matter, though. Shinar recalled the past, looked at the present, and envisioned the future. ¡°A way to move forward.¡± Shinar Kirhais had seen his limits by giving up something in the past. He had lost the path forward. However, it was because he had given that up that he had come this far. It was a paradoxical thing. Had the fish he missed seemed bigger? Or had he realized that the fish he missed was necessary to stand by the man before him? ¡°Perhaps.¡± What would it feel like to see the man before him die by the knight''s sword? It was a coincidence, but the elven sharpness and intelligence had accurately predicted what was to come. ¡°It would certainly not be something pleasant.¡± If that were the case, regret would likely follow. The fish he missed would come to mind again. ¡°Useless thoughts.¡± Shinar, though outwardly calm, shook his head inside. Such a useless distraction. Enkrid, upon hearing Shinar¡¯s question, fell into thought. Ragna had mentioned the lightning. Perhaps that was what Shinar had referred to. The elf had been somewhat considerate in his explanation. After hearing both of their words, a conclusion formed in Shinar¡¯s mind. ¡°How can one block lightning?¡± That was the answer to seek first. ¡°Are you not going to ask me?¡± Lost in thought, Dunbakel came closer and asked. ¡°About what?¡± ¡°The knight thing... the sword, all that.¡± ¡°Go to bed.¡± Dunbakel was still lacking. There was no need to ask in the first place. And he was an animalkin who could figure things out without needing to ask. ¡°Just block it with a clash!¡± Right, he got it. Enkrid patted Dunbakel¡¯s head. ¡°That was very helpful.¡± His tone was devoid of any emotion. ¡°Really?¡± ¡°Really.¡± He nodded vaguely and sent him back to his bed. Krais, seeing that, was impressed. ¡°I think the captain would be the best employee once he enters the salon.¡± Lady Furi had no desire to be the best in her skill. After that, until evening, they rested, ate, thought, swung their swords in the air, checked their gear, and expressed that they had worked hard. It was all about mental preparation. There was no talk of magic or nonsense today. It was due to Enkrid¡¯s strange strength and intense gaze. While he hadn¡¯t spoken directly, his gaze and his demeanor continuously struck Shinar¡¯s heart. Of course, she controlled her emotions well, so her heart didn¡¯t race wildly. And then the knight appeared. ¡°Once. Just once, block it. That would be the minimum duty to protect my honor.¡± Why did he always say such unnecessary things? Enkrid gripped his sword and held his breath. How would he block lightning? At first, it seemed he had to meet the sword head-on, didn¡¯t he? Flowing sword¡ªEnkrid¡¯s first sword technique, the Serpent Sword. Could lightning not be flowed too? ¡°¡­It almost feels like you''re waiting for it. Strange.¡± The knight spoke. Enkrid did not answer. Concentration blazed, and the ominous feeling shattered the chains. Afterward, he focused all his attention, watching his opponent without any hesitation. He was waiting to see the beginning of the sword''s strike, which came without any preparatory movement. ¡°So it is.¡± Shinar muttered from behind. ¡°Were you a prophet?¡± Krais was also astounded. ¡°Were you the one who told him to hold the sword?¡± Would Ragna be any different? Would Esther be surprised? Dunbakel froze, staring at his opponent. ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± Beastkin were creatures that triggered survival instincts, and that thing was a monster. Whoosh. The sword came flying. First, he had to meet it head-on. How to block lightning? It went like this. Whoosh. Enkrid saw a vision. He saw the sword bending before him. The sword shook, poking his own, and then seemed to clash against his blade. It was so bizarre that he wondered if he had truly seen it. And then his heart cracked. The boatman saw beyond the mundane world, even beyond the reality. The present could not escape his eyes. Watching the cursed one die was his only amusement and joy. However, this time, the cursed one was rather peculiar. ¡°Laughing?¡± He laughed while dying. He laughed despite the pain. He laughed even as the agony struck his entire body. He laughed even though he appeared trapped in a dark cave. Enkrid found it amusing, seeing something new, but for the boatman, it was neither familiar nor ordinary. The boatman kept watching. In the repeating today, Enkrid died again and again. He laughed as he died, agonized as he died, thought as he died, and pondered as he died. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. What joy could there be in such repetition? None. The boatman knew that. He knew it well. He knew better than anyone why today¡¯s repetition was a curse. ¡°That guy¡¯s a madman.¡± The boatman murmured to himself. ¡°Despair... doesn¡¯t become despair?¡± He asked himself again. ¡°Neither anguish, nor ignorance, nor despair could taint his will.¡± He muttered to himself. And so, he observed Enkrid as he died. He watched. He kept watching. Dying and dying again. ¡°Are you still enjoying it?¡± Occasionally, when he asked directly. ¡°Hmm? What did you say?¡± Enkrid didn¡¯t even listen properly. He was fully immersed in the current situation. He wasn¡¯t seeing anything, nor listening to anything, focusing entirely on one thing. And he enjoyed that. The boatman recalled an old saying from the continent. It was a memory before he became the boatman. Having had the gift of forgetting stolen, it was easy to recall past memories. ¡°Those who know are not as good as those who like. Those who like are not as good as those who enjoy.¡± To know is to grasp. To grasp is to believe the things you know are the truth. That is the path to stagnation, not progress. It¡¯s stopping and becoming satisfied with the present. To like is to have the power to strive. Because you like it, you put in the effort to achieve it. Thus, it¡¯s progress, not stagnation. However, you work for the reward. You work for what comes next. Liking is the driving force. Effort is the mental power that drives you to work. To enjoy, however, is to abandon everything. To forget oneself and the situation, and immerse fully in the moment. It¡¯s like playing for the first time as a child, forgetting time. If one could do that even as an adult... If only one could do that... Ah, one would forget oneself and focus without even realizing it. But, could there really be such a person? No. He had never seen one. Usually, they wore down. They got worn out. The mind also disappears. Effort fades. They grow tired. They get fed up. They become drenched in fatigue. They collapse. They¡¯re consumed by exhaustion. Everyone was like that. But the boatman¡¯s eyes saw someone who wasn¡¯t like that. Certainly, this was the craziest person he had ever seen. So, he continued repeating today. The repetition didn¡¯t become shackles or a prison for him. The bars couldn¡¯t contain the human known as Enkrid. Despite this, the boatman¡¯s eyes didn¡¯t lose their clarity. He kept watching. Today¡¯s shackles were solid. Heavy. Unbreakable. Then, what should be done? Enkrid gave an answer. Shackles? Just run with them on. In fact, it seemed like he didn¡¯t even realize the shackles were on him. ¡°Heh.¡± The boatman finally laughed. Chapter 322 The lightning strikes, how does one stop it? Today repeated itself. Whether the boatman was watching or not, Enkrid was consistent. As always, unchanging. Whether it was when he first took up his sword and set out to become a mercenary, or when, after being beaten up, he swung his sword towards a tree, it was no different from now. No, there was something that had changed. His sight had changed. What he looked at had changed. The way he thought had evolved. His body had changed. The sword in his hand had changed. His dream had come closer. Yet Enkrid was still Enkrid. He continued to think every day. ¡®How can I stop it?¡¯ It was something that had no answer. Of course, there was no problem. It had always been the same. For Enkrid, answers to problems were rare. Everything around him told him to give up. It forced him to settle for today. He had even thought of ways to give up. Was it the boatman¡¯s trick, or was it always like this? There was never just one way to get through today. ¡®What if I run away with everyone?¡¯ What if, the moment he opened his eyes in the morning, with his body aching, he fled madly? There were several carriages at the Green Pearl fortress. What if he picked one and ran off? Would the knights and guards chase him? They usually only appear in the evening, but if he decided to flee from the morning, would they catch up? Could they catch up? He didn¡¯t know. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. In truth, he didn¡¯t even need to know. Because Enkrid wouldn¡¯t do it. There were many ways to run, and they were easy. Even if Garrett caught him, it wouldn¡¯t matter. ¡®Maybe I should go to the rear and rest.¡¯ Or. ¡®I have to go back right away and take care of something.¡¯ That¡¯s all he needed to say. Who would dare to do anything to the one who led the battlefield to victory and earned the highest achievements? Within the fortress, there was already a subtly excited atmosphere. Once Azpen withdrew, it would be a party right away. They would tear into meat and drink. Could they welcome tomorrow? ¡°It¡¯s despair.¡± The boatman¡¯s words echoed in his mind. ¡°You can¡¯t surpass it.¡± The boatman repeated the same words. They were distractions. But that didn¡¯t change anything. Enkrid kept swinging his sword relentlessly in his mind. He searched for a solution. ¡®What if I retreat and let it slide?¡¯ How could the sword shake and bend like that? How could he make contact with the blade and hold it together? Enkrid thought of today¡¯s repetition as a curse turned into a blessing. The pain of death was the same even if experienced a thousand times. Yet, it was endured for the ecstasy that would come after. And so he welcomed the knight¡¯s sword again and again. It was a day of repetition that burned with focus. Because of that, Enkrid could see more. ¡°Honor.¡± It was when the knight came and said just one more time to block it. In an instant, all the scenes seemed to break apart. The feeling of dread that had tightened around his body when he first started today played a part in that. It was because his instincts for evasion were working at full capacity. That sensation made his focus even more intense. ¡®The blade?¡¯ As he tried to retreat and let the sword slide, the blade accelerated. The speed had changed. Before the blade could accelerate, Enkrid saw something. Shudder. It was definitely like that. At the same time, Enkrid tilted his sword against the knight¡¯s blade. He felt like his entire body was being torn apart, but it was a desperate struggle. Focused solely on the blade, Enkrid didn¡¯t see the knight¡¯s face, but the knight¡¯s expression seemed to show a bit of surprise rather than boredom. Of course, it quickly disappeared. Cling. At the moment the blades met, the shortsword split the dwarf¡¯s gladius. ¡®The advantage of weapons?¡¯ There was none. Thunk. His heart was stabbed. Enkrid was dead. And today repeated again. This time, it showed a similar pattern. But he added one more tactic. As he blocked with the gladius and activated his will, even if his left arm muscles tore, he did it with the mindset of ¡®I¡¯ll make it through this.¡¯ It was half a gamble. The ¡®will¡¯ was a power that came through the user¡¯s body, a mystery. It wasn¡¯t something to use with a body that wasn¡¯t fully recovered. He felt the left arm¡¯s muscles tearing, but Enkrid still managed to push the sparks in the direction he wanted. That was the key. The knight¡¯s sword trembled and twisted, stabbing his heart, but it didn¡¯t split entirely. A bit, but it bought some time. For a moment, death was postponed. ¡°Cough!¡± Enkrid staggered back and vomited blood. At the same time, his body collapsed. He tried to reach the ground with his left hand, but it wouldn¡¯t support him, and he tilted forward. Just about to fall. Thud. Someone caught his falling body. Looking down, the tops of their feet were visible. Shinar was supporting Enkrid¡¯s body with his thighs. Enkrid didn¡¯t repeat the same mistake. He pushed his right hand against the ground. There was no strength to stand. Blood kept pouring from his mouth due to the shock to his heart. ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± Shinar asked. At that moment, something shot down from above the knight¡¯s head. It was Ragna. His sword cut through the tent roof with tremendous force. Sizz! The sound of the tent tearing rang out, and the sword in his hand shot out fiercely. The blade was faster than an arrow, striking from above downwards. When asked about it, wasn¡¯t it a thunder strike? It wasn¡¯t just for show. His sword had become lightning. After channeling ¡®the will of severance,¡¯ he displayed the swordsmanship of the northern Jaeun family. It was the Jaeun family¡¯s lightning slash. Kwah-rung! That was the sound heard from Ragna¡¯s blade. And the knight stabbed upward from below. What about the lightning slash? He wasn¡¯t just any knight. He wasn¡¯t someone who could only wield ¡®will.¡¯ With only the fragments of will, the knight could do something no one else could. He blocked Ragna¡¯s sword with his left palm while stabbing with his own. Enkrid watched all of it with his eyes. He didn¡¯t let go of the bowstring of his focus for a moment. His own body dying didn¡¯t matter. ¡®Ah.¡¯ Enkrid could vaguely see it too. It looked like the knight¡¯s sword had multiplied into dozens of blades in an instant. ¡°Grrr.¡± Enkrid coughed up blood, but it turned into a foamy sputter at the edges of his lips. Shinar, standing next to him, spoke. ¡°An elf who loses their partner never forgets revenge.¡± No, since when were we partners? Why are we talking about revenge now, what¡¯s going on? It sounded firm. In such a moment, only a fairy could make jokes. Ragna was thrown to the ground, stabbed by the knight¡¯s sword. It was a fatal wound. His eyes went black. His heart was pierced, but that was expected. ¡°Shit.¡± Krais blocked Enkrid¡¯s way once again. This time, Dunbakel was with him. Krrr. Would it be different with Esther? Ah, were they not planning to escape? This time, Ragna was truly dead. Perhaps it was because he suddenly tried a large technique in his excitement? Even so, there was a change in the knight¡¯s body. Through the dying Enkrid¡¯s eyes, between Krais and Dunbakel, he saw the knight¡¯s palm. Blood from the shortsword dripped onto the floor in drops. His left hand also bled, dripping down to the floor. The blood was a deep, bright red. ¡°Was it cut?¡± The knight muttered. It couldn¡¯t be helped. No matter how much ¡®will¡¯ was in it, he was still an incomplete fragment. He was a knight. But to cut through a palm wrapped in ¡®will?¡¯ Could that even be cut? ¡°Was it cut?¡± The knight muttered again. It was a shock, that¡¯s what it meant. Unfortunately, or fortunately, Enkrid had to close his eyes right there. The time for giving up his left arm had ended. ¡°Kweeeek.¡± He tried to hold it in, but Enkrid let out a quite unpleasant scream before collapsing. It was the limit. ¡°You really make a lot of noise when you go.¡± Just as Enkrid was dying, he heard Krais¡¯ voice, somber yet eerie. He closed his eyes and died, then woke up, and today started again. The shaking blade, the twisting blade. Above all, the knight¡¯s appearance when he faced Ragna was still vivid in his memory. He changed his stance, his footwork. He switched his sword, discarding it after seeing the opponent¡¯s skill. Well, if it was always the same level of sword strikes on the same path, Enkrid would have already overcome it. ¡°Alright.¡± ¡°What is?¡± ¡°Alright!¡± "So, what is it?" Is it normal to wake up and shout out loud like a crazy person from the morning? Krais kept asking from the side, but Enkrid was deeply immersed in his own world. It was an immersion like no other. "No, has he hit his head?" Krais muttered beside him. Shinar had similar thoughts. The strange man had become even stranger than usual. Well, that was part of his charm. Enkrid spent a few more of today. He then began to organize the things he had realized after that. During this time, he saw a fascinating scene on the most recent today. By chance, Ragna and Shinar had attacked together, and the sword of the knight they faced had cried out. Wooo¡ª! The sword cried based on trembling and vibration. Sword Echo, also known as Blade Echo. The sword¡¯s cry. White light poured out visibly from the knight''s two eyes. It was the visualization of ''Will.'' Woooo¡ª Zhoong! The knight¡¯s short sword literally drew white rays left and right. Ragna''s sword, caught in the trajectory of the light, was split in half, and Shinar''s knives were also severed. Enkrid, who had attacked first, was granted a brief reprieve once again. He could see it clearly. "With an old short sword?" This wasn''t just skill; it could almost be called a miracle or divine technique. Both the knives and Ragna''s sword were cut. One was a famous sword, while the other was so thick that cutting it seemed impossible, yet it was severed. Not even a spark flew. "Like cutting a rotten branch." Could this only be done with ''Will''? What was ''Will''? What was willpower? Enkrid thought, but no answers came. His thoughts shifted to a more developmental and healthier direction. The knight had tried to kill Ragna or sever his arm or leg and had repeated similar words a few times. "It''s a waste." "You should¡¯ve just held back." He coveted Ragna''s talent. Enkrid reflected on how Ragna had faced the knight. He brought up the things engraved in his mind from the repeated days. He also recalled Shinar''s defiance. He remembered the dead Krais. He remembered Dunbakel¡¯s struggle. And he recalled his own death, again and again, while thinking of the knight''s sword. Swordsmanship, swords, struggles. All of it intertwined and collided in his mind. "The place is a swamp, and anyone who falls in cannot escape." The ferryman, in between, still tried to push Enkrid into some pit, but, of course, it was useless. "Aren''t you busy?" Sometimes, Enkrid would say this first. On those days, the ferryman would shut up. It seemed like Enkrid was sulking. An absurd thought. Wasn¡¯t that an entity hard to imagine? Thus, today was the fifty-sixth. "How do you block lightning?" He thought it over again and asked Ragna and Shinar. No day passed without trying to accomplish everything possible. Among those, he had seen the knight''s sword bend toward him and die a few times. He had died when seeing the sword tremble. Sparks had been severed, and the Gladius was also cut. He would never be able to see Blade Echo again. That was something luck and coincidence had to help with. To others, it would seem like the goddess of luck was stalking him, but Enkrid knew very well that he wasn''t that lucky. Therefore, he couldn''t expect the same luck. If it wasn''t luck, then it meant Ragna, Shinar, and himself needed to work in unison. "I don¡¯t want that." His heart did not move. That required the death of a lazy bum or a joke-loving fairy. It was something he would have to push. That was not something he could tolerate. Dying while receiving a brief reprieve could be seen as something for ''tomorrow,'' and he could console himself with that. But to push his own back? "Better to bite the sword and rush." That was his mindset. And so, he swung his sword alone, agonizing and contemplating. Endless pondering and considering, moving even half a step forward¡ªEnkrid¡¯s thinking came back to square one. How do you block lightning? "Start by confronting the reality." It was something Ragna had said. Now, Enkrid understood. You had to see it and recognize it in order to block it. "Then, just respond to the speed." It was something Shinar had said. You respond first, then strike. Block. "So, just do it ''well.''" It was Ragna¡¯s advice. The word ¡®well¡¯ contained everything. By the way... "Ha." The knight''s sword. The knight¡¯s strike. Wasn''t it truly exhilarating? "Again." The words slipped from his mouth by themselves. A smile followed. Enkrid felt a joy unlike any other as it surged through him in the repeated today. The dream had come as a reaper, but the sword he wielded had become his milestone. And that milestone felt like a light descending through the dark tunnel. For the ferryman, only darkness filled him, making it seem like despair, but to Enkrid, it was light and exhilaration. Thus, today began again. The seventy-second today¡ªhis body still a wreck, yet as always, Enkrid moved it. He had seen Ragna''s sword strike while half-dead. He had seen Shinar''s struggles more than ten times after that. The method? He didn''t know. Tomorrow? It wouldn''t come. He didn¡¯t care. That was why the ferryman couldn¡¯t understand Enkrid. Among the repetitive days, there were moments when confidence rose without reason. And of course, he died. He then went through twelve more days after that. A sword that seemed stoppable, yet couldn¡¯t be blocked¡ªthe knight¡¯s sword was like that. "You." When the ninety-thirteenth day arrived, the knight drew his sword and frowned. Then, looking at him, he spoke. "What a waste." Enkrid wasn''t particularly happy at those words, but honestly, it would be a lie to say he wasn¡¯t a bit proud. Of course, right now, he felt nothing. He was in a state of focus. It had always been like this. When facing the knight, he immersed himself, focusing. The slightest distraction meant he gained nothing and his heart would split. So, even though he felt like his mental energy was being worn down, he couldn¡¯t afford to lose even a single bit of focus. However, he would never forget that the dream that came as a reaper had acknowledged him. The knight spoke of honor and the like. Enkrid exhaled and prepared himself. He felt as though he might block it, but it didn¡¯t work. Then something must be wrong. Should he rise to the knight¡¯s level right here and now? No, that was impossible. Even if there were fragments of ''Will,'' that wouldn¡¯t work. Then, how? Hmm. The moment he heard the light Blade Echo, the knight''s sword ruthlessly split his heart. Thwack. It was faster than before. Blade Echo came out here? "Ah." It was truly like lightning. At the same time, lightning struck Enkrid¡¯s head. The lightning that struck his head illuminated the path toward tomorrow, beyond today. Chapter 323 A knight¡¯s realization could strike like lightning, but ultimately, it was the body that had to execute it. As he woke up to a new day and bolted upright, Kraiss, startled, immediately asked. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Did you have a nightmare?¡± When Enkrid remained silent, staring into empty space, Kraiss kept rambling. ¡°That¡¯s just your body being worn out. Rest, and you¡¯ll be fine.¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± Enkrid replied absentmindedly, then revisited his realization. Would it work? It felt like it would. That sensation¡ªhis intuition¡ªelectrified his entire body. ¡°Why does it feel like you¡¯re getting worse by the day?¡± Kraiss muttered beside him. Enkrid ignored him. He had to dedicate ten days¡ªand two more¡ªto his training. He needed to ingrain into his body the swordsmanship he had grasped within this cycle of repeating days. ¡°...What is this?¡± Ragna, who had assisted in his training, was unusually surprised. ¡°What?¡± ¡°When did you come up with this?¡± ¡°It just came to me.¡± ¡°So this is talent, then,¡± Ragna murmured to himself, not seeming particularly curious. Enkrid refined his swordsmanship, discussed it with Ragna, and engaged in light hand-to-hand sparring with Shinar. The dexterity of the fae was in a class of its own. Especially their ability to read an opponent¡¯s intent¡ªit was, for lack of a better term, beyond common sense. When he asked about it, the answer was simple. ¡°It¡¯s a fae¡¯s gift.¡± That, too, was something worth learning. In fact, Enkrid realized he was already using a fraction of that gift himself. From that point on, all that remained was training. And that was what he excelled at the most. So he did just that. He honed his swordsmanship, refining and tempering it through endless repetition. Just as much as he did that, he also observed and mimicked the fae¡¯s abilities without hesitation. Although, calling it ¡°mimicry¡± wasn¡¯t quite accurate. Shinar had generously shared his knowledge, after all. ¡°If you twist it a little, reading emotions can resemble mind-reading. You just have to apply that to combat.¡± Above all, Shinar was remarkably articulate. Compared to Rem, Ragna, Jaxon, and Audin, he was an absolute angel. No, a seraph. Audin did attempt explanations now and then, but he was more of a learn with your body type. In other words, rather than explaining verbally, he preferred physical demonstrations. That wasn¡¯t always a pleasant experience for the learner. Regardless, Enkrid incorporated Shinar¡¯s explanations into his training. Even his Shackles of Omen proved useful once again. The sense of evasion¡ªit was an instinct honed by recognizing one¡¯s own survival impulses. And where did those instincts come from? From what unfolded before his eyes. A culmination of sensory data flashing through his mind in an instant¡ªthis was what warned him. That was intuition. The sense of evasion was, in essence, a technique that harnessed intuition for dodging. Then what about the fae¡¯s gift? It wasn¡¯t possible to imitate their racial ability to read emotions. So Enkrid took a different approach. He started with his vision. After learning the Isolation Technique from Audin, he had trained his eyes to assess an opponent¡¯s skill. To that, he added focus. He fixated on his opponent, treating them as a single point. His body, conditioned by the Isolation Technique, remained prepared to move at any moment. He concentrated on that single point, sharpening his senses like a honed blade. He saw with his eyes and felt with his senses. That was the foundation of replicating the fae¡¯s ability. ¡°You... that thing you¡¯re doing now.¡± When he demonstrated the technique before Shinar, the fae was surprised. His expression remained unchanged, but his pupils dilated ever so slightly¡ªso minutely that one wouldn¡¯t notice unless they focused with absolute precision. Enkrid himself found it fascinating. To perceive it, he had to immerse himself even more deeply, fixing his gaze upon his opponent with an intensity unlike before. Having learned how to expand his One-Point Focus, he had now returned to his original method, but with even greater depth. ¡°I copied it.¡± ¡°If it were something you could copy, we wouldn¡¯t call it a racial secret.¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± ¡°When you meet the fae clans in the future, you should show them this trick.¡± ¡°Meet them?¡± ¡°Well, before having a child, you should at least introduce yourself.¡± The fae world functioned similarly to a clan society. He had heard they practiced communal child-rearing, meaning that the village itself¡ªthe homeland¡ªwas both parent and family. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t a child of a human and a fae be destined for misfortune?¡± ¡°It¡¯s fine. Just surround them with love.¡± Enkrid had intended to quip back, but the counter came so smoothly that he found himself laughing instead. ¡°You laugh a lot.¡± Shinar remarked. It sounded like he meant your smiling face looks good. Enkrid let the moment pass without much thought. It was time to focus again. The fae¡¯s secret technique, at its core, enabled them to perceive even the subtlest shifts in their opponent¡¯s breath, movement, and micro-expressions. A knight was still human. He wasn¡¯t a god¡ªhe had gaps, however small. Enkrid intended to exploit those gaps. ¡®My body won¡¯t fully recover.¡¯ That meant he had to push through with what he had. And to compensate for his lack, he would rely on raw strength. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. That meant Heart of Might. The Heart of Might would drive his injured body beyond its limits. The backlash¡ªthe inevitable damage to his body¡ªwas a concern he simply couldn¡¯t afford. If he worried about that, he wouldn¡¯t survive today. Once all his preparations were more or less complete, Enkrid came to a sudden realization. There was no need to prolong today. No, there was no reason to prolong it. Was this arrogance? Or hubris? Or simply an illusion? He didn¡¯t know. He wouldn¡¯t, until he faced it. So he advanced. Enkrid passed through another iteration of today, then another, until at last, morning arrived. It was today. Today was the day that needed to become yesterday. As he sat up and rubbed his face, Kraiss asked. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Not feeling well?¡± ¡°I¡¯m not feeling great.¡± ¡°What does not feeling great even mean?¡± ¡°It means I¡¯m in pain, but I can still move.¡± ¡°Ah, got it.¡± Kraiss tilted his head, watching his commander¡¯s vacant gaze. Did he take something? No, that couldn¡¯t be it. ¡°We move tomorrow.¡± A newfound, unwavering determination flared in Enkrid¡¯s voice. ¡°Oh, come on. Is there really no priest around? Your head hurts, doesn¡¯t it? You fell headfirst off a cliff while escaping enemy lines, right?¡± Kraiss exclaimed dramatically. Was this guy seriously okay? ¡°If you fall headfirst off a cliff, you die.¡± Even Shinar¡¯s factual remark didn¡¯t make Kraiss drop his suspicious gaze. Instead of responding, Enkrid moved his body briefly, then lay back down. It was bizarre. And it only got weirder for Kraiss. His commander, who had said he could move, didn¡¯t get out of bed. He gave orders here and there but barely lifted a finger himself. ¡°What the hell?¡± He could move, right? So why was the Fairy Company Captain spoon-feeding him porridge? Dunbakel had tried to help, but her lack of delicacy forced Shinar to take over. And he kept giving orders, so Kraiss, growing irritated, finally snapped. ¡°You¡¯re resting.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°I mean, you¡¯re resting like your life depends on it! What, do you have an appointment with death? We¡¯re supposed to survive and win, so why the hell are you making people nervous?¡± Kraiss¡¯ instincts were blaring alarms. Who the hell puts this much effort into resting? Something was wrong. ¡°I¡¯m training in the art of resting properly.¡± Enkrid¡¯s dry sarcasm finally shut Kraiss up. Saying the right thing at the right time was a skill. And Enkrid was a master at it. ¡°Head injury and drugs. No doubt.¡± Kraiss muttered to himself. Until sunset, Enkrid rested desperately¡ªas Kraiss had put it. It was the process of attaining his best possible condition. ¡°Is the sun setting?¡± ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°Go check.¡± ¡°Uh¡­ yeah, almost.¡± Once Kraiss confirmed the time, Enkrid finally sat up at dusk. Then, he began heating his body. He checked his flexibility, tensed and relaxed every muscle fiber. He adjusted his gear, repositioning his sword belt. With his physical preparation complete, he steeled his mind. A single blade took shape in his heart. Enkrid stared blankly. He couldn¡¯t quite understand why everyone was acting like that. No matter how he looked at it, he must have seemed like a lunatic. He was never normal to begin with, but today, he was even stranger. ¡°Commander, are you really sick?¡± Kraiss finally asked, his tone serious. Enkrid answered with sincerity. ¡°No. But I will be.¡± Even if he succeeded, there was no way this would end without consequences. Rip. Just as Kraiss was about to say something, the tent fabric tore apart. A man with an unremarkable face and brown hair stepped through. ¡°My apologies.¡± The same opening line as always. ¡°Just once. That¡¯s the least I can do.¡± The same words, spoken in the same way. He wasn¡¯t seeking understanding. There was no need for that¡ªit was merely something he said for himself. Enkrid had been waiting for this moment. He moved first. The enemy¡¯s attention turned toward him. Now, it was time to show them what he had prepared. *** ¡°Sir Jamal, I ask this of you.¡± ¡°Do you understand that this request tarnishes my honor?¡± Abnaier struggled to find an answer. ¡°You know why this shouldn¡¯t be done? No, there¡¯s no way you don¡¯t know. So you¡¯re asking me to do it despite that?¡± Sir Jamal¡¯s words carried weight. They were sharp, laced with thorns. Yet, Abnaier grit his teeth. Even if it wounded his pride, even if it stung, there was no avoiding this. ¡°Please.¡± ¡°This means your ¡®request¡¯ no longer exists.¡± ¡°I understand.¡± Jamal didn¡¯t frown. He didn¡¯t curse. There was no need. This was something that couldn¡¯t be undone. But that didn¡¯t mean he liked it. ¡°Once. I will swing my sword exactly once. You understand that this is my limit, don¡¯t you?¡± ¡°Yes. I do.¡± Abnaier bowed his head. Knights were bound by honor. Their vows and oaths dictated their actions. But why did they uphold such things? It wasn¡¯t just for the sake of being honorable. Practicality played a greater role than mere moral duty. Will was strength, and to maintain it, what was necessary? How did one cultivate their will? There was a knight who had sworn to see the world with only one eye¡ªSir Luper, the One-Eyed. Because of that vow, her sight surpassed that of any other knight. Will was not something tangible. The moment one doubted it, it weakened. To reinforce the unseen, a knight needed shackles¡ªsomething that bound them to their conviction. Restrictions, vows, and oaths. That was the foundation upon which knighthood was built. Oaths made their vows stronger. And knights clung to honor. The title of knight would fade if they abandoned their honor. Could someone who discarded honor ever keep their oaths? In the end, honor was the cornerstone of their Will. It was one of the fundamental pillars. Knights had chosen to uphold it themselves. Knights fought knights. And yet, here was Jamal, breaking that rule. Of course, such ideals could not always be upheld in war. In the chaos of battle, it was sometimes necessary to charge into enemy lines and cut down ordinary soldiers. But those were special circumstances. There were higher principles of honor and loyalty that sometimes took precedence over the rule that knights must only fight other knights. But this? This was different. He knew his opponent was not a knight. He knew they were unprepared. And yet, he had to cut them down anyway. "They might as well call me an assassin-knight." That was why he despised this task. And that was why he intended to finish it in a single stroke. Of course, that didn¡¯t mean he would swing carelessly. He would strike precisely, at a level the opponent could not defend against. Even if it was a distasteful job, this was still tied to an oath. At least one forced promise was removed from my list. He had always known he would have to do things he found unpalatable. The only consolation was that this was for Azpen. Jamal approached the enemy encampment, searching for an opening. No matter how many sentries they posted, it was impossible to guard every point. Evading the eyes of common soldiers was a simple matter for Jamal. By spreading his Will, he could detect enemy positions. Once inside, the rest was even easier. Assimilation. A technique that allowed him to blend his presence into his surroundings using Will. Sudden, excessive movements would disrupt his presence, and this trick would never work against another knight. But in this situation, it was the perfect skill. He couldn¡¯t use his personal engraved weapon for this kind of task. So, as he passed by an abandoned tent, he picked up a short sword. It was a terribly neglected weapon. Even so, he gripped it and scanned his surroundings. Finding his target was not difficult. "Just once. One strike." He would swing his sword with sincerity. The opponent would be unable to block it. Jamal knew this better than anyone. This was simply his way of coming to terms with the act. If he didn¡¯t, his own unease would hinder his Will¡¯s growth. "No choice is truly wrong." He steadied his mind. He honed his conviction. Jamal prepared himself. It was time. Not all knights were the same. Back in his days as a squire, Jamal had sacrificed much to obtain what he needed. Among those sacrifices were the oaths he had sworn. More precisely, they were contracts rather than oaths. It was an exchange¡ªhe did what was required of him, and in return, he received what he needed. This was no different. Rip. The tent fabric tore as he stepped through. His eyes scanned the people inside, and then locked onto one. A face he could never forget. Even with a messy beard and flattened, tousled hair, there was one man whose face shone. A stark contrast to his own unremarkable features. ¡°My apologies.¡± Jamal spoke. His target¡ªEnkrid¡ªshowed neither shock nor reaction. He didn¡¯t say anything. Instead, he moved. It wasn¡¯t subtle, but it also wasn¡¯t an outright attack. It was just enough to be irritating. There was a hint of killing intent. Jamal didn¡¯t allow his thoughts to linger. As a knight, he would simply fulfill his oath. Even if this was more like a contract than a true vow, it didn¡¯t matter. He would do his duty. He had already given his word¡ªonce, and only once. That meant he had given his opponent an opening to escape. If one person blocked him, he would retreat. That was his solemn vow. A knight¡¯s vow. And with that decision made, Jamal moved. His first strike was aimed at the heart of the shining-faced target before him. The heart¡ªthat was all he would aim for. He would leave the face untouched. For the sake of the man¡¯s comrades. His mind steeled, his conviction surged. Conviction became action. The knight¡¯s hand moved. The poorly maintained short sword left its sheath. Ting, tidik! Even the sound of the blade being drawn was crude and unrefined. But that didn¡¯t matter. Jamal was certain. It was more than enough. Chapter 324 The best defense was a strong offense. Enkrid imprinted the enemy¡¯s entire body into his mind. He wasn¡¯t just looking with his eyes¡ªhe was reading the intent behind each movement. For a moment, it felt as though his head and eyes were burning. He gathered that much focus. His blood vessels bulged as his pulse pounded through his body. His One-Point Focus activated to its fullest extent. The enemy moved. A series of small motions. A sequence of actions, each containing a hidden meaning. Just as one could read between the lines of an otherwise mundane sentence, Enkrid deciphered the context of his opponent¡¯s movements. Movements that seemed meaningless¡ªhe analyzed them. How does a knight¡¯s sword move? He didn¡¯t fully know yet. Understanding the process was difficult. But he had seen it countless times through death. He had stood frozen in place, powerless, and watched. He had watched as Ragna and the others fell. And so, he saw it now. A tiny gap¡ªthe briefest of openings that emerged in the moment a knight drew their sword and swung. Had he not repeated today over and over, had he not gained these repeated experiences, he never would have noticed it. Even with the sharpest senses and his finest One-Point Focus, that gap would have remained invisible. But Enkrid had been waiting for it. Sharpening his instincts through countless deaths, he had pushed his concentration to its limit, feeling as though his blood vessels were igniting. The enemy was about to draw their sword. Enkrid felt time slow down. Yet he proceeded with complete composure. Exactly as planned. Exactly as he had envisioned. First, he activated Heart of Might. Boom. As his heart pounded, blood surged wildly through his veins. His body wasn¡¯t in perfect condition, but this was the best it could be. His hand naturally wrapped around the gladius grip as he pivoted his body slightly. At that moment, the knight¡¯s sword was fully drawn. With an irritating tchik sound, the blade scraped against the scabbard. Enkrid took a breath. Time felt sluggish, but his thoughts moved with clarity. A fleeting series of realizations flashed through his mind. The first sword he had developed¡ªthe Serpent Blade. A sword that flowed. The second¡ªthe Lightning Thrust. A technique infused with Instantaneous Will. A sword centered on speed. And now, the third. There was no preparatory movement. Enkrid had studied the enemy knight¡¯s sword countless times. He had witnessed it through death. He had observed the way the opponent swung their blade and contemplated its principles. The flow of power, the shifting of weight, the transitions between movements. He had memorized Ragna¡¯s sword as well. A technique he called Lightning Strike. Though he didn¡¯t know its name, the image of its movements was carved into his mind. He had also mimicked the fae¡¯s ability to read intent. He continued reading, again and again. With the experience he had gained through these repeated days, the hidden gap became vividly clear. "Just before the sword is drawn and swung." Too early would be a mistake. Too late would be a failure. All eyes were on them. Ragna¡¯s pupils dilated in silent astonishment. It looked as if his commander¡¯s movements were mirroring those of the unexpected intruder. Shinar¡¯s gaze carried the same disbelief. What is¡­? The moment unfolded before anyone could fully process it. Dunbakel and Kraiss were too slow to react, and Esther had just begun to rise, her fur bristling. In the peculiar silence, the intruder drew their sword, and Enkrid emanated an eerie intensity. It didn¡¯t matter whether others were watching. Enkrid did what needed to be done. ¡°I can¡¯t block it.¡± That was Enkrid¡¯s conclusion. So what was the solution? If blocking was impossible, what about striking first? He had never attempted it before, but he saw the possibility. The memory was clear¡ªRagna¡¯s sword had struck his own, causing his hands to bleed. Even as he died, a lightning bolt had crashed through his mind. Sword. Knight. Power. Defense. Failure. All of these combined into a single answer. "If I can¡¯t block it¡ª" "Then I will strike first." Enkrid unleashed his third sword technique. A heavy sword¡ªone that followed the principles of Greatsword Techniques. He infused it with Will. A force he had become intimately familiar with through countless defeats. A pressure¡ªan aura of dominance. He couldn¡¯t yet wield it perfectly, but he had honed it enough to incorporate into his swordsmanship. Ragna had been stunned when he saw it before. Of course, since today had reset, Ragna was about to be shocked all over again. To this, Enkrid added the Valen-style Mercenary Sword techniques. Traditionally, an advance began with a step forward, but Enkrid stepped sideways instead. The knight¡¯s gaze instinctively flickered downward. "What¡ª?" It meant nothing in itself, but it was enough to create doubt. The knight¡¯s sword didn¡¯t slow down, but his thought process did. And that was the timing Enkrid had been waiting for. Thud. He kicked off the ground. His left foot stepped outward while his right foot¡ªhis back foot¡ªdug in. A technique from the Valen-style Mercenary Swordsmanship: Cross-Step. To opponents with keen eyesight, this kind of footwork was particularly distracting. It was designed to exploit even the smallest of gaps¡ªto create even the slightest advantage. "Speed alone won¡¯t work." He had already learned that. So he wouldn¡¯t rely on speed¡ªhe would use momentum. And it worked. The knight didn¡¯t falter, but his sword did not strike. Enkrid had stolen his timing. Shing! Enkrid drew his sword and raised it vertically. With the blade upright, he pressed forward with Will¡ªwith pressure. The knight reacted on pure instinct. His well-trained body urged him to block. The third sword technique¡ªCrushing Blade. Like a mountain pressing down on the earth. Like a finger pinning down an ant. It overwhelmed and oppressed. By forcing pressure upon the enemy, it left them with no choice but to defend. Compared to the Lightning Thrust, it was slow. But the sheer force of Will behind it was suffocating. The knight¡ªJamal¡ªhadn¡¯t underestimated his opponent. But this? This, he had not expected. No, he could not have expected it. Who would? An enemy bursts into the tent. Immediately steals the initiative. Then forces him into a defensive stance with a greatsword¡¯s weight? His draw speed had been slow. But after that, he had built up speed. His sword moved at just the right pace¡ªfast enough that the opponent had to block. But Jamal was no ordinary knight. "Not happening." His sword vibrated. A counterstrike to repel the descending blade. Wung. In the briefest of moments¡ªso fast it was almost imperceptible¡ªthe swords clashed. Enkrid couldn¡¯t hear the sound. He had already committed his entire focus and strength into the strike. There was no energy left to process anything else. Boom! A deafening explosion. Crack! The sound of bones twisting. A weightless sensation overwhelmed Enkrid. The old, poorly maintained short sword in Jamal¡¯s hand had somehow produced an absurd amount of recoil. He felt his body lift. Then¡ªa crash. Pain immediately followed. A scorching sensation. His back had slammed into the furnace. Enkrid rolled to the side. ¡°Ah¡ª!¡± Kraiss let out a startled yelp. The fallen furnace sparked into flames. Despite the long explanation, it had all happened in an instant. The intruder had torn through the tent, spoken a few words, and attacked immediately. Enkrid¡¯s head lolled to the side. For a brief moment, his mind went blank. And as he collapsed¡ª Whoosh. Ragna reacted. At the same time as Kraiss¡¯s shocked cry¡ª Boom! A second explosion. Ragna had unleashed Lightning Strike, and the knight had countered. Ragna was sent flying. But unlike Enkrid, he didn¡¯t roll. He stabbed his sword into the ground, dragging a long, searing line into the earth. ¡°Hah¡­¡± Ragna inhaled sharply. With one strike, he already knew. This man¡ªthis opponent¡ªwas not below him. Meanwhile, Shinar wasn¡¯t engaging¡ªhe was slapping a blanket against Enkrid¡¯s burning back. Smack, smack. The flames died out. And then¡ª A crack echoed from Ragna¡¯s sword. It was about to break. He discarded it and drew another. The weapon of Squire Bill. Shing. He raised it. Regulating his breath, Ragna planted his knee firmly and steadied his stance. He was ready to fight. ¡°Enough.¡± Enkrid, still lying on the ground, spoke. The knight¡¯s gaze shifted toward him. Ragna halted his forward step. Shinar quietly withdrew, placing his hand on his knives. It was obvious just by watching. Monstrous. How could someone do that with a short sword that looked ready to snap at any moment? That was only possible if there was something beyond mere strength residing within their body. In other words, this man was a knight. ¡°You don¡¯t seem like someone who should be here.¡± Shinar spoke. The knight remained silent. He merely observed the man lying before him¡ªthe man who had, without hesitation, struck him first. Enkrid had been burned again before his previous injuries could even heal. He wasn¡¯t wearing enchanted armor, so there was nothing protecting him from the heat. Of course, his back was burned. Fortunately, it wasn¡¯t a severe wound. Shinar had put out the flames quickly. His back wasn¡¯t even the worst of it. Not even a giant could hit this hard. Both his shoulders had dislocated. And that wasn¡¯t the worst of it either. His Crushing Blade had landed, but the counterattack that followed had been vicious. If I hadn¡¯t redirected the force at the last second¡­ His injuries wouldn¡¯t have ended with mere dislocations. Both of his hands had been torn open, blood dripping freely. It was inevitable. Jamal had activated his signature technique, Blade Echo, just before impact. A sword skill that added explosive force through high-speed vibrations. The knight said nothing, and Enkrid coughed up blood. He waited in silence. This was within his expectations. He had once dreamed of becoming a knight. Of course, he had studied them extensively. He knew their principles. He knew their honor. And he knew exactly what the knight had meant. ¡°You said once was enough, didn¡¯t you?¡± So he asked. Jamal silently stared at him. ¡°What was that technique?¡± ¡°Crushing Blade.¡± ¡°Impressive.¡± Ting. The knight sheathed his sword. Ragna still held his, tip pointed at the man. Enkrid forced himself up using only his legs. Since his dislocated shoulders prevented his arms from rising, he awkwardly swung his arms from his waist and tapped Ragna¡¯s shoulder. Pain flared through him, and it was almost comical¡ªbut not impossible. ¡°Don¡¯t fight today.¡± Enkrid said. Ragna obediently stepped back. A talent worthy of the title genius. He, too, understood. The opponent was a knight. And to put it bluntly, if he fought now, his death was guaranteed. ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡± Enkrid asked. ¡°Jamal.¡± The knight answered without hesitation. ¡°You¡¯re with the Royal Knight Order of the Commonwealth?¡± ¡°I am.¡± There was no point in hiding it. Unless he intended to go back on his word and cut them all down. And if he wasn¡¯t going to do that, then there was no reason to conceal his affiliation. A knight had to stand with pride. He had made a promise, and his opponent had honored it. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Now, it was his turn to uphold what remained of his honor. That was what it meant to be a knight. ¡°It was an honor.¡± Enkrid said. Regardless of how the situation had played out, he meant it. Jamal¡¯s eyes glimmered. What is with this guy? And what was with this entire situation? And yet, despite the absurdity, laughter slipped out. ¡°An honor?¡± He found himself repeating the words, a chuckle in his voice. ¡°It¡¯s not every day you get to face a knight¡¯s sword.¡± ¡°You were the one who struck first.¡± ¡°I had a feeling I wouldn¡¯t survive if I waited.¡± Was it keen intuition? Good judgment? Or just pure luck? Like someone taking a step back only to accidentally avoid a snake¡¯s bite? Had fortune smiled upon him? Jamal let out another amused laugh. He hadn¡¯t been tense from the start. And now, even the lingering killing intent had faded. With the intent to kill gone, all that remained before him was a man¡ªa man so ordinary it was almost hard to believe he had just fought a knight. ¡°You spoke of honor, so I believed you.¡± ¡°You¡¯ll go far.¡± Jamal was a knight. Naturally, he could recognize talent. Not just raw skill, but potential. For now, the most eye-catching presence was the blond-haired, red-eyed man¡ªRagna. He was the obvious standout. But sometimes, there were people whose presence couldn¡¯t be explained by talent alone. People who had something that defied words. The man standing before him was one of them. ¡°We¡¯ll meet again.¡± Jamal said. Now that things had come to this, he actually felt at ease. He had made a promise based on his honor. And a knight must keep his word. Even Abnaier couldn¡¯t object. He, too, had agreed to the one strike condition. ¡°It was an honor.¡± Standing upright, Enkrid felt the ache in his thighs and calves. It seemed like every time he overcame an obstacle¡ªbe it ignorance, despair, or agony¡ªhis body suffered for it. ¡°The best defense is a strong offense. I liked that.¡± Jamal said. And with that, he turned away. ¡°...We¡¯re just letting him go?¡± Dunbakel muttered, her expression unsettled. ¡°What, you want to fight him? Unless you¡¯ve got a death wish, we have to let him go. Hell, we should be escorting him out.¡± Kraiss shot back. He shuddered as he spoke. He had caught on. He had felt it. The sheer weight of power the man possessed. ¡°Ah, Kraiss, we can¡¯t afford to cause a disturbance. Guide him out.¡± Enkrid said. Kraiss¡¯ eyes widened. ¡°What did you just say?¡± ¡°A knight¡¯s sword is safer than a thug¡¯s dagger.¡± ¡°You do know he¡¯s our enemy, right?¡± Kraiss lowered his voice. As if speaking more quietly would change anything. Because what difference would it make if Jamal heard? Yes, the Royal Knight Order of the Commonwealth was an enemy. He knew that. But today, they had spoken of honor. ¡°Of course. And we must uphold our own principles as well.¡± If they were letting him go, they should ensure he left without trouble. Kraiss wasn¡¯t stupid. If the patrols spotted him, it would escalate into a bigger mess. Who else could guide him? Dunbakel? Ragna? Shinar? Subduing him was out of the question, so the best option was to send someone clever. Strength didn¡¯t matter. The opponent was a knight. Kraiss understood that. With a miserable expression, King Eyeball stepped outside. ¡°Damn it.¡± He muttered under his breath. Because that didn¡¯t mean he had to like it. Chapter 325 Enkrid only allowed himself to collapse after Kraiss had left. His legs had no more strength left to support him. With a heavy thud, he landed on his backside. The weighty impact traveled up through his muscles. This is harder than being trapped with a thousand soldiers. Compared to an entire day of desperate struggles against multiple opponents, this felt far worse. Of course, it did. After all, he had only swung his sword once. But in that fleeting moment, his exhaustion had accumulated to a breaking point. His vision swam, his mouth was dry. His body felt completely drained. His muscles had been emptied of all strength. And that was separate from the pain of his dislocated shoulders. Compared to the previous versions of today, the difference was absurd. The boatman hadn¡¯t been singing about despair, despair for nothing. He had ranted so much about it that it sometimes felt like he would break into poetry. Still, Enkrid had endured. No¡ªmore than that, he had dictated the situation itself. He had reversed the concept of enduring. By striking first, he had survived the knight¡¯s sword. In the end, his dislocated shoulders and trembling body were proof that he had won. Luck. Luck had played a role. But far more than that¡ªit had been calculation and effort. Enkrid started to lie back but was stopped by a hand. ¡°You should be careful with the furnace.¡± It was Shinar. If he lay back now, his burned back would get worse. Her palm gently cradled the back of his head. His hair hadn¡¯t been completely burned, but strands crumbled like graphite powder, falling to the floor. ¡°This is a rare sight.¡± Shinar muttered, gazing at the space where the knight had disappeared. ¡°Yes, it is.¡± Enkrid replied, looking in the same direction. ¡°Monstrous.¡± Ragna muttered to himself. And coming from him, that word carried a heavy weight. The knight¡¯s strength was beyond human. Even Ragna had admitted as much. Ragna had faced the knight¡¯s sword and, in doing so, had seen the next path. A door had opened, revealing a clearer road ahead. His task now was clear. Maintain the will to push forward. Fortunately, there was no need to force that motivation. ¡°Next time.¡± Enkrid was already muttering about next time. He had just faced a knight¡¯s blade, yet he was already speaking of another chance, already discussing honor. Ragna felt an impulse. He didn¡¯t want to fall behind. And that was amusing. So, he laughed. ¡°What¡¯s so funny after getting smacked?¡± Enkrid shot at him. ¡°And why are you smiling?¡± Enkrid was grinning as well. Despite his injuries, despite his burned back, despite sitting there like a collapsed wreck¡ªhe was smiling. ¡°If you want to laugh, just laugh.¡± ¡°Hahaha!¡± Dunbakel added, but no one responded to her. *** Jamal departed under Kraiss¡¯ escort. No one stopped him. ¡°This is Commander Enkrid¡¯s order. Step aside. Do not interfere. Make way, make way.¡± Kraiss cleared the path ahead. Within this camp, Enkrid¡¯s name was as sharp as a legendary blade. Who would dare go against it? Even Battalion Commander Garrett couldn¡¯t challenge his authority, which meant he essentially wielded power built on the soldiers¡¯ respect. Still, there were a few men who glared murderously at the knight. It was only natural¡ªhis casual, unbothered gait must have been infuriating. There were hot-headed soldiers everywhere. ¡°Move.¡± Kraiss purposely hardened his gaze. Jamal, meanwhile, paid no attention to his surroundings. Why should he? They were all soldiers he could cut down if they got in his way. He wouldn¡¯t strike first¡ªit wouldn¡¯t be honorable. But if anyone attacked, he wouldn¡¯t hesitate to pierce or cut them down. Fortunately, no one made a move. So, with a tinge of curiosity, he asked: ¡°Is this kind of insanity normal for you people?¡± There was no need to specify who he meant. Kraiss understood immediately. Jamal had the distinct impression that Enkrid had recognized him and deliberately attacked. Based on his question about his affiliation, it was clear he hadn¡¯t known exactly who Jamal was. But he had sensed what he was. Which was why he had struck with a sword infused with Will. A descending blade, laced with pressure¡ªone that could not be ignored. It had been a long time since Jamal had been forced into action. It had been a refreshing experience. Abnaier would be shocked if he found out. But some things were unavoidable. And at the end of those thoughts, this was the question that lingered: Is he always this insane? If he had miscalculated by even a fraction¡­ Enkrid would have died. He had swung his sword with his own life on the line. Honor aside, his blade had wedged itself into the smallest of gaps. The path he had taken was lined with nothing but blades. If his judgment had been even slightly off. If his angle had been even slightly wrong. He would be dead. And yet, had there been even a hint of hesitation in his sword? Even as he risked his life, his blade had shown no reluctance. Crushing Blade. For that briefest of moments, Enkrid¡¯s technique had lived up to its name. It had crushed. It had forced Jamal to react. How could he possibly consider this man normal? Even knights were human. Even they had fear, instincts. But Enkrid¡ªhe moved outside of normal constraints. A knight¡¯s insight was different from an ordinary warrior¡¯s. Jamal had seen all he needed to see in that single exchange. Kraiss chose his words carefully before answering. ¡°You¡¯ve got good eyes. Yes, he¡¯s insane.¡± Kraiss couldn¡¯t help but admire knights. Their intuition was incredible. He had recognized his commander¡¯s madness in an instant. ¡°I see.¡± Jamal departed. He had no more questions. It was unfortunate news, but his job here was done. Now, he had to return to his post. Would this incident lead Naurillia to fully commit to war? A knight had drawn his sword. And the consequences would be significant. *** Garrett stormed into the ruined tent late. Only after safety was assured. His survival instincts were on par with Kraiss¡¯. ¡°What the hell happened?¡± Even so, his expression showed genuine shock. Enkrid explained everything. Garrett didn¡¯t report it. Nothing good would come from spreading the news that a knight had been here. They had just won. The battle was supposed to be over. Should he now tell the soldiers, "By the way, a knight might come to slit your throat soon?" Even if he reassured them that Jamal wouldn¡¯t return, fear didn¡¯t work like that. The people here seemed to have already moved on. But Garrett had other reasons to keep quiet. ¡°I need to report this to central command.¡± Garrett muttered. Kraiss, who had returned from escorting the knight, narrowed his eyes. ¡°Couldn¡¯t this just¡­ be buried?¡± ¡°That¡¯s not our decision to make.¡± Kraiss frowned. The stench of politics was strong in the air. Would something else unfold from this? Of course, it would. Political leverage. Azpen had broken the first vow. It wasn¡¯t a non-aggression treaty, but they had agreed not to cross the line for a while. Yet they had crossed the border¡ªand lost. And now they had even sent a knight? There was no way this would be ignored. Most likely, Naurillia would extract a major political advantage from this. In exchange for keeping the knight¡¯s involvement hidden, they would demand a guarantee that there would be no immediate war. For Kraiss, it was obvious. Of course, it wasn¡¯t something he had a great stake in, but that didn¡¯t mean it was entirely unrelated to him either. Filth was filth, but if there was anything to be gained from it, one might as well take advantage. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡®From the perspective of the Border Guard.¡¯ It would be a tremendous profit. And if he laid his hand on it, he¡¯d profit as well. His mind automatically turned toward ways to earn more Krona. ¡°Phew, then, get treated first.¡± Assessing the situation, Garrett clapped his hands lightly as he spoke. With that sharp clap drawing everyone¡¯s attention, he stepped outside and issued a few orders. Soon, a squad of soldiers arrived to clean up the tent, which had turned into a mess after the chaos. Two medics worked together to set Enkrid¡¯s dislocated shoulder. Even though the pain from realigning the bone was no small matter, Enkrid remained completely unfazed. A dull crack sounded as the joint snapped back into place, causing Dunbakel to instinctively furrow her brow. Just hearing it was unsettling. ¡°¡­Doesn¡¯t it hurt?¡± The medic found himself asking before he could stop the words from slipping out. He¡¯d once heard of a rare condition where a person was born unable to feel pain. Maybe this was something like that. ¡°No, it hurts.¡± ¡°But you didn¡¯t even let out a groan.¡± ¡°Crying out doesn¡¯t make it hurt any less, does it?¡± A fair point, but humans weren¡¯t usually like that. When something hurt, people naturally let out sounds of pain. ¡°You really are something else, Captain.¡± Captain? Why was this guy calling him that? Enkrid had no energy to respond. While he hadn¡¯t let out a single groan or scream, he still ended up bedridden with a fever for two days. During that time, Azpen¡¯s forces withdrew. Enkrid heard the news in passing while half-conscious. This time, it seemed like he had truly pushed his body to its limits. Not that it was a bad thing. During his fevered state, he met the Ferryman again. ¡°Don¡¯t get cocky.¡± The Ferryman¡¯s voice rang out. Enkrid felt a tinge of injustice. He hadn¡¯t even said anything. He was merely sitting on the boat, leisurely gazing at the black river. For a brief moment, he had simply thought that the inky waters, devoid of any visible depth, had a certain appeal to them. If one considered this a landscape, perhaps one¡¯s perception of it could change depending on their mindset. ¡°Arrogant.¡± The Ferryman spoke again. There was no other conversation. And there was no need for one. ¡°The wall will always stand in your path.¡± For the third time, the Ferryman spoke. Enkrid simply nodded in response. It had always been that way, and it always would be. They called it a curse. But Enkrid never felt it was a curse. To him, it was an opportunity. An opportunity to bridge the gap between the talented and the talentless. An opportunity that had brought him this far. An opportunity that had led him to receive a knight¡¯s sword. He didn¡¯t know why, but he suddenly felt the urge to speak. ¡°¡­My thanks.¡± As always, he meant those words sincerely. The Ferryman was unlike others. Even though Enkrid had spoken so suddenly, the Ferryman wasn¡¯t fazed. And that was it. He woke from the dream. When he came to, he found Dunbakel dozing off in front of him. What the hell was she doing here? Something cool rested against his forehead. A damp cloth. It was comfortably cool. It seemed someone had been changing the cloth regularly. ¡°¡­Hey, go lie down properly if you¡¯re going to sleep.¡± ¡°Ah, I just dozed off for a moment.¡± Dunbakel wiped away a bit of drool as she opened her eyes. She blinked a few times, let out a yawn, and scratched her cheek with her clawed fingers. Then, with what seemed to be a shy expression¡ªthough honestly, it wasn¡¯t convincing as shyness, but for a beastwoman, this was probably as close to it as one could get¡ªshe spoke in a slightly softer voice while absentmindedly scratching her neck with her claws. ¡°¡­Felt like taking care of a sick little sibling.¡± ¡°I¡¯m older than you.¡± ¡°Well, yeah, but I¡¯m going to get stronger. Strong enough to take down any bastard that comes our way. So don¡¯t die.¡± For a brief moment, Dunbakel had glimpsed Enkrid¡¯s death. Her beast instincts flared in alarm. Charging in meant death. And yet, Enkrid had charged in. Even though the mere sight of the enemy should have screamed certain death, he had still charged in. Dunbakel thought back to that moment when she had hesitated. A wave of self-reproach washed over her. I haven¡¯t changed. And that was the worst thing. Hadn¡¯t she stayed here because she wanted to live differently from her days as a bandit, wielding a thief¡¯s blade? But she didn¡¯t want to die either. Standing at a crossroads, she had taken neither path. So then, what should she do? I¡¯ll get stronger. That was the conclusion she came to. No more sinking into despair. She would move forward. Wasn¡¯t that exactly what she had learned from watching that crazy captain, Enkrid? ¡°You don¡¯t die either.¡± Enkrid spoke without thinking. After all, whenever he was struck down, whenever he was immobilized, Dunbakel had repeatedly hurled herself at the knight¡¯s blade, her expression twisted in grim resolve. Even though she must have known she would die, she had still charged in. What had driven her? ¡°Don¡¯t push yourself too¡ª¡± ¡°I will get stronger. Sniff. And hey, if you ever need a woman¡¯s warmth, just say the word. I¡¯ll sleep next to you.¡± Dunbakel cut him off, her tongue quick as ever. Had she picked up that habit from Rem? Lately, she had been sounding more and more like him. ¡°¡­Esther is enough.¡± Curled up in Enkrid¡¯s arms, the leopard had already claimed her spot. Those blue, lake-like eyes met Dunbakel¡¯s golden gaze. Dunbakel narrowed her eyes at Esther and muttered, ¡°No hoarding.¡± ¡­What was that supposed to mean? ¡°Hmph.¡± Esther let out something close to a scoff. Was it a challenge? Was she telling Dunbakel to just try and take her place? Dunbakel let it go. When Enkrid awoke again after a short rest, the camp outside was bustling. Azpen had retreated. Which meant¡ª It was time for a victory party. Chapter 326 It was an honor. Enkrid had barely survived taking a knight¡¯s blade head-on, and while he had been bedridden for two days, his monstrous recovery ability had once again proven its worth. Of course, he wasn¡¯t in perfect condition. My grip¡¯s still weak. Perhaps it was a stroke of luck that his shoulder had dislocated upon impact. Had he endured a moment longer, the strain would have wrecked his entire forearm and arm muscles. His body was far from fully recovered, yet skipping the celebration wasn¡¯t an option. No, rather than saying he couldn''t rest, it would be more accurate to say he wouldn¡¯t have been left alone even if he tried. ¡°Captain!¡± Starting with Helma, the soldiers who had grown familiar with him arrived one by one at his tent. ¡°Would you like some eel?¡± Even the soldiers who had been cooking. ¡°You were amazing.¡± A scout officer joined in. Even those who had grumbled at him before were there. Some looked awkward, unsure of themselves, but in the end, they all showed up. ¡°It was an honor to fight alongside you.¡± Their voices overlapped in unison. Enkrid simply stared at them. They had rushed in, excitement on their faces, but as he remained silent, they all fell quiet. No one dared to even purse their lips. A silence lingered, and the cold winter wind seeped through the tent¡¯s entrance, leaving a chill in the air. Some soldiers felt their hairs stand on end. Did I get too carried away back then? Seems like I did. The soldiers grew restless. ¡°Uh¡­ Captain?¡± Unable to bear the silence, Helma spoke. Enkrid looked at him, expression unreadable. There was no need to gather his thoughts. He was simply speaking his mind, as he always did. However, he wanted to take a moment to look at each of their faces before saying it. It wasn¡¯t just idle words tossed into the wind¡ªit was sincerity. To convey that sincerity, one must see their opponent clearly, recognize them fully, and then speak. He had learned that from observing Krang. And so, Enkrid did exactly that. The weight of his gaze brought a biting cold with it, but sincerity was more important than anything else. ¡°I feel the same.¡± Enkrid finally spoke. They had spoken of honor, having taken a knight¡¯s sword. To Enkrid, fighting alongside them was a greater honor still¡ªno, something even beyond that. How could it not be? These were men who had taken up their spears to protect their families, their friends, and their homes. Some might have been swayed by a few krona, but that changed nothing. In the end, they all fought for the comrades standing beside them. That was why brotherhood existed. They were all the same. They risked their lives to scout enemy territory. They were the army¡¯s eyes and hands. Without them, he wouldn¡¯t have been able to fight as he had. So how could it be anything but an honor? For that reason, he had no need to hide his respect. His lips parted, and he spoke the words that needed to be said. ¡°It was an honor.¡± Silence followed. Then, one of the soldiers smacked himself on the forehead. A crisp thud rang out. ¡°...Shit, I¡¯m an idiot.¡± The soldier muttered, rubbing his head. He had been among those who once doubted Enkrid the most. Helma burst into laughter at the sight. The soldier, seeing Helma¡¯s amusement, straightened up and declared with exaggerated solemnity, ¡°Go on, Captain, I give you permission!¡± ¡°The hell are you saying, dumbass?¡± Helma grabbed him by the neck and locked him under his arm. The soldier choked out a laugh but didn¡¯t struggle. Then again, was it really right to call someone else Captain when their actual commander was right there? As if reading his thoughts, a middle-aged man holding a bottle of wine chimed in. ¡°It¡¯s fine. A captain is a captain, after all!¡± It turned out this man was actually the commander of the battalion. Yet he was the first to say such a thing. And he wasn¡¯t alone. Nurat soon arrived. ¡°Captain, are you alright?¡± Enkrid heard him whispering to Kraiss as if they had known each other for years. Nurat was the direct aide and bodyguard of Battalion Commander Garett. Which meant he should have been calling Enkrid a company commander at most. Yet even she called him ¡®Captain¡¯ without hesitation. Hearing this exchange, Enkrid quickly grasped the situation. ¡°Hey, Captain, tell us a story. We¡¯re dying to hear about everything you¡¯ve done.¡± Even Garett was saying this. Enkrid had charged into enemy lines alone and swung his blade, shifting the tide of battle from the very first day. He had gone missing, and much had happened since, but what had left the deepest impression on the soldiers? It was one man¡¯s back. One man¡¯s sword. The force of Enkrid¡¯s presence. ¡°Captain¡¯s Blade!¡± Someone who had witnessed the fight had coined the name, and from there, ¡®Captain¡¯ became his title. Thanks to the medic who had fixed his dislocated shoulder, another name had started circulating as well. ¡°They also call him ¡®The Blade of Endurance,¡¯ you know?¡± Kraiss, ever sharp-eared, picked up on it. For a nickname born from sheer pain tolerance, it sounded far too grand. In truth, ¡°Mad Company Commander¡± was still the most common moniker, but these things faded quickly. The victory celebration lasted two days. Enkrid, realizing the importance of rest, used the time to recover. In other words, he ate, drank, and relaxed. ¡°Eel!¡± ¡°Trout!¡± From seafood to roasted piglets, from wine to expensive whiskey, the feast had it all. ¡°To Captain¡¯s Blade!¡± ¡°To drinking till we die!¡± Garett, to Enkrid¡¯s surprise, could hold his liquor. Enkrid had never lost in a drinking contest before, yet Garett drank multiple bottles of strong spirits and still sang with a clear voice. It wasn¡¯t a one-time thing, either¡ªsome soldiers joined in like a rehearsed chorus. ¡°Huzzah!¡± The world calls to us! ¡°Huzzah!¡± They say we sell our blades for gold! ¡°Huzzah!¡± And so, we sell our blades for gold! ¡°Huzzah!¡± We are mercenaries! ¡°Huzzah!¡± We sell our blades for gold! ¡°Huzzah!¡± And stake our lives on honor! Enkrid had heard this song before, wandering across the continent. But never had he heard it sung so well. Garett¡¯s voice was naturally gifted. If swordsmanship had a voice, it would sound like his¡ªstraight and smooth, yet powerful when it mattered. Between the cries of ¡®Huzzah,¡¯ Garett finished his song and approached Enkrid. ¡°I already wrote a song about you.¡± That made Enkrid tilt his head. A song? About him? ¡°I¡¯ll sing it for you later.¡± Garett chuckled, patting his stomach. Handsome, with an easygoing personality¡ªhe was genuinely a good man. Marcus had placed him here for a reason. Now that he thought about it, Greyham, the commander of the Border Guard, hadn¡¯t seemed worried about betrayal either. Kraiss had been the one concerned back then. That worry now seemed entirely misplaced. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll hear it later.¡± He had drunk a few cups, they had won the battle, and he had learned something from all of this. He had taken a knight¡¯s blade and spoken of honor. He had celebrated victory with comrades he could call brothers-in-arms. And that, too, was enjoyable. Some soldiers, seeing him like this, whispered, ¡°He¡¯s still human after all.¡± Well, of course. What else would he be¡ªa monster? ¡°You just don¡¯t get it. The Captain will party and drink, then be up at dawn for training. I¡¯d bet on it. He¡¯s insane!¡± Kraiss, somewhat drunk, ranted, smacking his palm against his thigh. It was probably a joke, but he was betting his manhood on it. ¡°Seriously?¡± ¡°If you don¡¯t believe me, put money on it.¡± Naturally, some soldiers started pooling their coins. Enkrid ignored the first few lines of their conversation entirely. Kraiss¡¯s antics were predictable. There was no need to listen too closely. Across the table, he met Ragna¡¯s gaze. Ragna gave a slight nod. Enkrid raised his cup in response. My thanks. It Wasn¡¯t Just for the Ferryman¡ªIt Was for Everyone, Including Ragna. He had forged a blade that pressed down with sheer force. If Ragna hadn¡¯t been there, what then? Enkrid would have found his own path, somehow. That much was certain. But the truth was, Ragna¡¯s presence had shortened that journey. No, at this point, he understood that he needed that bastard. If Ragna ever said he was leaving, Enkrid would at least ask if he was being serious. That was why, when Jaxon left on some errand, he had spoken as if returning was the obvious course of action. Is this my greed? Keeping people around. Holding them close. Was that really the right thing to do? Do I need a wall to hide my own shortcomings? It was an extension of the thoughts he had as a child. But that thought was useless now. Shortcomings? Enkrid clenched and unclenched his fist. The pain was already fading. His body, bolstered by Regeneration, a technique derived from The Isolation Method, was recovering rapidly. His flesh had changed. The way he wielded his blade had changed. His mindset remained largely the same, but something within him had undeniably shifted. No. They weren¡¯t a wall. They were friends. Comrades. Sometimes teachers, sometimes fellow warriors standing beside him. If the time came, he would ask them. If they reached a crossroads, he would make sure to ask. No, he would tell them. That they could leave if they wanted. If the path ahead was one where death was all but certain? Then I would use today. He had resolved to wield even his curses as weapons. Not as before, when he had been more passive¡ªthis was a firm, proactive stance. But that didn¡¯t mean he wouldn¡¯t do his best to survive the day. If there came a time when even that was out of his hands, then he would let them go. That was the right thing to do. Enkrid did not agonize over it. He did not hesitate. He simply decided. ¡°Drink and be merry!¡± Somewhere to his side, Helma had stripped off his shirt, baring his chest. Only his torso remained covered. Isn¡¯t he cold? His muscles were visible, scars running across his body. ¡°You¡¯re my woman now!¡± One of the soldiers slurred, only to be punched squarely in the head and gut before rolling onto the ground, vomiting up his insides. Yeah, real smooth. Enkrid smirked. For today, he cast aside pointless thoughts. He focused on resting. "The mind needs rest just as much as the body, brother." Even Audin had said as much. For this single day, he cast aside all contemplation. For a brief moment, he thought of nothing. He simply was, existing in the present. He lived through this fleeting day, one that would never return, and that made it all the more precious. Enkrid laughed, ate, and drank. ¡°A cook, a cook, they call me.¡± At some point, a soldier with a knack for cooking appeared, muttering under his breath. Enkrid played along. ¡°And why are you telling me this?¡± ¡°Come and buy my food, sir.¡± Look at this one¡¯s business sense. Not quite at Kraiss¡¯s level, but respectable. ¡°Fine.¡± ¡°It would be an honor.¡± S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. At that, two other soldiers¡ªwho had been watching from the side¡ªsuddenly butted in. ¡°I feel the same.¡± ¡°It was an honor.¡± ¡­Were they copying him? Ah. They were drunk. Enkrid chuckled and smacked them both on the head. ¡°Ugh!¡± The two groaned but grinned as they took the hit. At least copy it properly, idiots. Despite sleeping only two hours, Enkrid resumed training at dawn. He didn¡¯t push himself too hard¡ªjust warmed up and got his body moving. But the sight of him, awake and training after such a night of drinking, left some of the soldiers¡ªwho were still half-dead from hangovers¡ªrubbing their eyes in disbelief. "He drank, ate, partied¡­ and now he¡¯s up at dawn training? How is that even possible?" There was no helping it. Enkrid¡¯s body preferred training over not training. Kraiss, of course, made a nice sum off his bet. Enkrid had recovered enough. It was time to return. He still wasn¡¯t walking perfectly, so Garett provided him with a carriage. Just before departure, Garett approached him. ¡°Company Captain Enkrid.¡± ¡°Something you want to say?¡± Usually, men like him would pester him for stories¡ªaccounts of battles, heroic moments. It wasn¡¯t difficult to indulge them, but having a middle-aged man staring at him with eager, shining eyes was a bit much. He had even claimed to have written a song about him. He still hadn¡¯t heard it yet. ¡°How about becoming Commander of the Green Pearl Battalion?¡± Garett made the offer lazily, leaning against the carriage and yawning. Not a trace of tension in his voice. Enkrid had received similar offers before. Offers that, frankly, had been far better. He had turned them all down. Even the Commander of the Border Guard, the lord of an entire fortress, had made him an offer. ¡°No thanks.¡± His answer was immediate. Garett let out a hearty laugh. ¡°Figured as much.¡± ¡°Then why ask?¡± ¡°I¡¯m retiring.¡± ¡°...Then why the hell do you care?¡± ¡°Because my replacement is going to suffer.¡± Enkrid glanced at him, silently questioning what he meant. Garett rattled off an explanation. ¡°Being in this position comes with a hell of a lot of pressure from the capital. Marcus is keeping them off my back for now, but who knows how long that¡¯ll last? And honestly, the way things are going, we¡¯re looking at a situation that¡¯s not so different from a pack of rabid dogs.¡± Enkrid frowned. Was he saying what he thought he was saying? ¡°You¡¯re implying a civil war?¡± Kraiss cut in from behind. Once again, it was a conversation meant for only two, but Enkrid was able to pick up on some of it. Defeating Azpen had been good. But it might have set something else in motion. Of course, it wasn¡¯t something to worry about immediately. And so, Enkrid didn¡¯t. Not yet. Right now, he was preoccupied with something else. Digesting the weight of what had settled inside him. Which meant he would be half-asleep in a carriage on the way back to the Border Guard. Since the Captain himself seemed indifferent, Kraiss shrugged it off as well. It wasn¡¯t an issue for today. As expected, familiar faces greeted him first. ¡°You¡¯re back?¡± ¡°Drifting Teresa welcomes her Captain.¡± ¡°Brother, how was your journey?¡± Enkrid let out a slow breath. Yes. He was home. Chapter 327 A roar erupted behind Rem, Teresa, and Audin. It was only natural. News from Green Pearl¡¯s garrison had swept through the Border Guard like a storm. The hero who had defeated the Black Blades, cultists, and Azpen had returned. It would have been stranger if there hadn''t been cheers. Enkrid saw something like flower petals falling above him. Not many¡ªjust a scattering of dry petals. He spotted the ones who had thrown them. A few children and some women. One child and one woman in particular looked familiar. The child''s eyes sparkled as they stared at him. Didn¡¯t they say they wanted to be an herbalist? Since it was winter, they must have searched for flowers that bloomed despite the cold. They must have found them, plucked them, dried them carefully. How much effort must have gone into this? Above his head, white and pink petals drifted down. There weren¡¯t many, but the sincerity behind them was unmistakable. Enkrid smiled. The child who had dreamed of being an herbalist saw that smile. Their hero was smiling. The happiness they felt at that moment was beyond words. Even if their fingers had cracked and blistered while gathering the petals, it would still be a cherished memory. Enkrid walked past the child, stepping further into the city. As he moved, Rem fell in step to his right. ¡°Had a good time partying?¡± ¡°Fair enough.¡± Just because the news had spread didn¡¯t mean they knew everything that had happened. ¡°You¡¯ve taken quite a beating, brother.¡± Audin¡¯s voice came from behind. A beating? More like half-dead. He¡¯d been skewered with quarrels, bled out, barely patched himself up, and then a knight had come and slashed him for good measure. If anything, resting and feasting at Green Pearl¡¯s garrison had only brought him this far. ¡°Got a little bruised.¡± He answered with half a joke. ¡°Oh, my Lord, my Father¡­ Why have you given him such a frail body?¡± Enkrid knew Audin¡¯s prayer was meant for him. Objectively speaking, Enkrid¡¯s physique was as developed as a beastkin¡¯s¡ªhis naturally toned muscles rivaled theirs, even without training. Matching a beastkin in physique meant his body was more than solid. But to Audin, only the shortcomings stood out. After all, that bear of a zealot had the body of a hybrid between a beastkin and a giant. ¡°There is still room for training.¡± Enkrid ignored Audin¡¯s muttering and kept walking. To his left, Ragna stepped up. His right arm was still wrapped in heavy bandages, not yet healed. But the wound on his thigh must have recovered¡ªhe walked just fine. Ragna was just as injured as Enkrid, yet apart from his arm, he looked nearly unscathed now. Behind Rem, Dunbakel walked in step, and Teresa, limping slightly, moved beside Audin. The cheers only grew louder. ¡°Undying Rem!¡± Not just civilians¡ªeven the soldiers were calling out. The battle with the Black Blades and the cultists was still fresh in their minds. So it made sense for words like Undying Rem to spread. Some cheers were for Audin, and some for Teresa. The nickname "Giant Siblings" was amusing, but he didn¡¯t laugh. Dunbakel grumbled about not having a nickname of her own. As they walked, another voice cut through the cheers. ¡°Take me!¡± Now and then, the voice of a crazy woman rang out. ¡°What the hell are you taking?!¡± Rem shot back. ¡°Not you!¡± ¡°Even if you offered, I wouldn¡¯t take you!¡± The way they argued through the crowd meant the woman wasn¡¯t an ordinary citizen. Enkrid looked and recognized her¡ªshe was a merchant woman raising two kids on her own. He¡¯d seen her around before. Her resilience hadn¡¯t faded. That strength and unyielding nature were something to be respected. The cheers continued, and his name rang from all sides. Half of this victory parade had been arranged by the lord of the fortress¡ªthe rest was entirely voluntary. Even the lord¡¯s own involvement wasn¡¯t so different from voluntary celebration. A welcome from the heart. Enkrid stepped into Border Guard and thought¡ª If Azpen had won instead? How could they have endured that nightmare? What would the palace have done to the fortress lord the moment he returned? Or rather, what actions would have been taken against him? If he managed to escape execution over the defeat, he¡¯d be lucky. ¡°UOHHH!¡± Perhaps that was why even the fortress lord was roaring like a wild beast. ¡°He¡¯s handsome!¡± ¡°The Blade of Endurance!¡± ¡°Captain¡¯s Blade!¡± Enkrid realized something¡ªwords traveled faster than anything. Faster than carriages, faster than runners. Hadn¡¯t news arrived before he even set foot in the city? Of course, part of it was thanks to the advance troops who had returned earlier and spread the stories. The soldiers who hadn¡¯t been wounded had already made it back, so naturally, word had spread. As he walked through the cheers, Enkrid ruffled the hair of the herbalist child. He nodded toward a middle-aged woman selling spiced jerky. And to Vanessa, the innkeeper who shouted, ¡°Marry me!¡±¡ªhe simply shot back, ¡°Are you insane?¡± During the entire carriage ride back, he had been absorbing and reflecting on everything he had gained and learned. Because of that, he hadn¡¯t anticipated this kind of welcome. Maybe that¡¯s why it felt even more gratifying. If he had never dreamed of a moment like this when he set out to become a knight, it would be a lie. There was a child he had protected. A mother who had held that child. There were people grateful that he had saved their sons. A craftsman who gifted him boots. Inside the walls of this city, there were people. People who lived their lives day by day. And his sword had protected them. If that wasn¡¯t satisfying, then what was? But the world was still ruthless. The Demon Wastes would continue spewing forth monsters. The monsters would give birth to more beasts. The wars between races and factions would always be fought at the cost of countless lives. The war would never end. A knight who ends battles. A knight who stands at the end of the world. As Enkrid reaffirmed his dream, he stepped into the barracks. It was midwinter now. Spring was still far away. For most, the days ahead wouldn¡¯t feel particularly long. But for Enkrid, three lifetimes of today had passed. And that made this return from the battlefield feel endless. *** "Did you finally get rid of that stray cat?" Rem''s words came out of nowhere as Enkrid was resting in the barracks. Before he could even answer, Rem nodded to himself. "Good. Good." He was obviously talking about Jaxon¡ªand if Enkrid confirmed it, he¡¯d probably be even more amused. Not that he looked like he actually believed it. It felt more like he was asking just for the sake of it, without really caring. Enkrid answered just as indifferently. "It¡¯s not like he¡¯s mine to keep or throw away." "So if you didn¡¯t get rid of him, where did that prickly cat run off to?" For that matter, Esther, an actual leopard, was nowhere to be seen either. She had vanished the moment they arrived, probably busy with something. "What if he died?" Enkrid asked, curious about Rem¡¯s reaction. Why was death not even considered? He had fought Azpen, and he had lost count of how many times he¡¯d nearly died. Rem snorted. "Like hell that bastard would die." It was a roundabout way of acknowledging his strength. "Hm." By that logic, did he believe Enkrid wouldn¡¯t die so easily either? As the thought crossed his mind, Rem spoke again. "The Captain¡¯s got a thing going on with Lady Luck. Of course you survived." It was complete nonsense¡ªbut from an outsider¡¯s perspective, it made sense. How had he survived? If he had to answer that question honestly, he wouldn¡¯t even know where to start. "Pure luck." It wasn¡¯t as simple as waving it off with that usual excuse. Rem lost interest in Jaxon just as quickly. Instead, he started poking at Enkrid¡¯s side, urging him to spill the details of what had happened. So Enkrid told them. Audin chimed in every now and then. "Dislocated? You lacked muscle, brother." "Quarrels piercing your back? You should develop back muscles thick enough to block them, brother." Muscles that arrows couldn¡¯t penetrate? Unless he had hardened skin like a giant, that was physically impossible. It wasn¡¯t just Rem and Audin listening. Everyone had their ears open. Even Ragna, who rarely showed much interest, was paying close attention. But the one listening most intently was Kraiss. Of course, that was only natural. At Green Pearl¡¯s garrison, he had wanted to ask¡ªbut when would he have had the chance? That damn Garett had latched onto Enkrid and refused to let go. On the way back, he had considered asking in the carriage, but Enkrid had shut his eyes and never opened them. The atmosphere had been impossible to break. So now was the time. How did he escape? Kraiss had already investigated the battlefield where Enkrid had been trapped. He had examined it thoroughly. He had retraced Azpen¡¯s retreating commanders, piecing things together from their remnants. Witchcraft. Magic. He hadn¡¯t heard everything, but he had gathered enough to understand what had happened. In the end, it all came down to this: They had thrown everything they had to take down one man. And he had failed to see it coming. For that, Kraiss blamed himself. My own thinking nearly got the Captain killed. He had been the one to propose creating a variable. Sure, Enkrid had made the choice himself¡ªbut still. Kraiss knew he had been completely played. They read me. The enemy had seen through his intentions completely. He had walked straight into their trap. It was embarrassing to think about. Hadn¡¯t he always wondered what went on inside the heads of the commanders in his own army? Hadn¡¯t he often¡ªno, constantly¡ªthought they were too predictable? At first, he had believed they were pretending not to know things on purpose. But now, he understood. People had different limits to their thoughts. I was arrogant. His reflection was brief. Enkrid had already told him it was fine, so he wasn¡¯t dwelling in guilt. But there was still one thing he didn¡¯t understand. "How did you escape?" Kraiss finally asked the question. The trap had been inescapable. A battlefield woven into a hunting ground, with the earth itself turned into a snare. A thousand soldiers. An entire landscape manipulated in their favor. "No one could have escaped." Unless they were a knight. But Enkrid wasn¡¯t a knight. At least, that¡¯s what he thought. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. And yet, there was that one knight who had swung their sword at him. That knight had left, looking relieved. Kraiss had felt relieved, too¡ªbut he had also been on edge, waiting for the possibility that the knight might change their mind and come back. The thought had squeezed his chest with anxiety. How many knights did Azpen even have? Three at most? And yet, one of them had come all the way here just to cut down Enkrid? It was hard to believe. So he needed to ask. How had he escaped? He wasn¡¯t a knight. He hadn¡¯t seen through the enemy¡¯s plans beforehand. He had walked into the trap. Could luck have been enough? Unless Lady Luck herself grabbed his wrist and dragged him out of there... It didn¡¯t make sense. Kraiss had always been a realist. His mind cut through fantasy and wishful thinking. Luck alone couldn¡¯t explain it. His eyes shone with genuine curiosity. Enkrid had no reason to hide the truth. So he answered plainly. "Instinct." Silence fell. A winter wind howled through the barracks. Rem was the first to react. He started chuckling. "Pfffft. Knew it." The others followed suit. "¡­Instinct?" Kraiss tilted his head, while Audin began to pray. "Oh, Father, was it You who guided him?" Dunbakel scrunched her nose and asked with genuine curiosity, "How do you train something like that?" Of course, no one had an answer. Teresa simply stared at Enkrid. Since meeting him, he had never once lied. Which meant this was the truth. It was incredible. Could someone really escape a battlefield like that on instinct alone? Despite her injuries, a hunger stirred inside her. She wanted to pick up her sword. She wanted to stand across from him with her shield raised. As her fighting spirit flared, "Sister." Audin¡¯s voice came, gentle yet firm. He placed a hand on her shoulder. A silent warning: If you don¡¯t calm down, I¡¯ll beat the hell out of you. Teresa knew she wasn¡¯t in fighting condition. And she had no desire to be pummeled by Audin. She wasn¡¯t a beast. She was only half-giant. "Yes, I know. Drifting Teresa will restrain herself." Referring to herself objectively, she acknowledged the moment wasn¡¯t right. Meanwhile, Ragna had dozed off in a corner. He had listened for a bit, but now he was back to his usual self. Even after hearing his own name in the cheers earlier, he remained the same¡ª indifferent to the world. Kraiss, deep in thought, finally spoke again. "Tell me more." It wasn¡¯t something that could be summed up in one word. So Enkrid explained. And Kraiss understood. "You''re talking about a sense of danger¡­ a feel for the battlefield? That kind of thing actually works?" He murmured. Enkrid silently nodded. It does. But it wasn¡¯t easy. To develop that instinct, he had to die in countless different ways before it truly settled into his body. That wasn¡¯t something to complain about. Hadn¡¯t he gained something valuable from it? During the half-asleep journey back, Enkrid had been busy sorting through everything he had. And from that, he had learned even more. "That¡¯s incredible." Kraiss¡¯s eyes gleamed, despite there being no gold at stake. That was a rare thing. He wasn¡¯t usually interested in anything without coin involved. Days passed quickly after Enkrid¡¯s return. There was talk about holding a banquet, but there was too much work to do after the battle. First, they had to deal with the bodies. Both the fallen soldiers and the beasts had to be taken care of. Wolf-beast pelts could fetch a decent price if skinned properly. It required tanning, but luckily, the Border Guard had an entire leatherworking guild stationed there. Still, it was a lot of work. They had to deliver compensation to the families of the dead, bury or burn the bodies. For a while, the fires outside the fortress wouldn¡¯t go out. Greyham genuinely wanted to host a banquet, but there was no time. Letters arrived without rest, and now, unexpected guests were showing up. Among them, two particularly important visitors had come specifically looking for Enkrid. The problem was¡ª "He can¡¯t see them right now." Greyham broke into a cold sweat at his aide¡¯s words. "...Why?" "The soldiers are blocking them. They said he mustn¡¯t be disturbed." Shit. Greyham decided to stall for time. If those maniacs started acting up, there¡¯d be no stopping them. Better for him to handle this here than deal with the mess they¡¯d make. Being the fortress lord was really no easy job. "Sigh." For just a moment, Greyham missed the days when he had been just a heavy infantry captain. A weary sigh escaped him. Chapter 328 For three days straight, Enkrid immersed himself in contemplation and recollection. He had no other choice. He had pushed his body to the brink, to the point where it was a miracle he hadn¡¯t sustained any lasting injuries. As a result, his physical training was kept to the bare minimum. A few movements to maintain flexibility and some simple sword swings in the air to keep his senses sharp¡ªthat was all. The rest of his time was dedicated to thinking and reviewing past experiences. But it wasn¡¯t boring. "Using your body in this state is like trying to fill a broken vessel with water, Brother." Audin¡¯s words made it clear¡ªno matter how much effort he put in now, it would all slip away like water through cracks. In the past¡ªbefore he began reliving today over and over again¡ªhe wouldn¡¯t have cared whether the vessel was cracked or shattered. He would have pushed through anyway. But now, he understood. Rest was necessary. "You must rest properly to move forward, Brother. There was once a goat named ¡®Nu.¡¯ Nu could walk without stopping. He had strong legs¡ªso strong that he believed he had been given them for the sole purpose of moving forward. So, Nu never stopped walking. Seeing this, the Lord said, ¡®If you walk without looking at where you¡¯re going, you will never know where you are.¡¯" Audin launched into a sermon. It wasn¡¯t unpleasant to listen to. Teresa knelt beside them, quietly listening as well. Strangely enough, they suited each other. Their statures were similar, for one. They were even jokingly called the "Giant Siblings" because of it. Looking at them now, they even gave off a similar atmosphere. After Audin¡¯s sermon¡ªwhich was, in truth, more of a lecture¡ªTeresa calmly recounted what had happened to her. Their first meeting had been awkward, but Enkrid knew how to ease people into conversation. If conversation was a skill, then Enkrid was an expert at it. "We¡¯re both resting because we¡¯re injured." "Yes, that¡¯s right." "You killed the bishop. Aren¡¯t they out for blood now?" "I don¡¯t know." "What¡¯s their response?" "I¡¯ll do what I can." Surprisingly, Teresa wasn¡¯t well-informed about the movements of the cult. Trying to extract information from her was proving difficult. Even so, Kraiss seemed to be piecing things together from what little she did know. "I¡¯ve been learning songs lately." Teresa abruptly changed the topic. Her voice had a naturally husky timbre. It was rough¡ªlike the grain of coarse wood. But to Enkrid, whose heightened senses had been honed through battle, it was more than that. It¡¯s husky, but¡­ It was a voice with character. Like raw wood that, when carved and polished, could become a magnificent piece of furniture. Enkrid himself had no talent for singing, but he had picked up a fair share of songs during his travels. Garrett¡¯s voice, despite his rough personality, was unexpectedly clear and smooth. He thought it might pair well with Teresa¡¯s husky voice. "And what were you doing while your captain was rolling in the dirt?" "Fighting." "Yeah, but where were you fighting? You¡¯re being vague on purpose, aren¡¯t you? Ah, right, you like getting hit, don¡¯t you?" "I don¡¯t like it." "Sure, sure. Let¡¯s go. Let¡¯s get hit¡ªwait, I mean, let¡¯s spar." Off to the side, Rem gleefully tormented Dunbakel, practically hounding her. Meanwhile, Ragna was dozing off in a corner. He, too, was in the process of recovering. Somewhere in the midst of all this, discussions about hosting a banquet arose, but Enkrid remained focused on his rest. Rest, for him, meant contemplation, recollection, and interaction with his comrades. And, of course, eating properly. "If you ever get the chance to try eel, make sure you do." He even made recommendations. Seeing Ragna nod in agreement caught Rem¡¯s attention. "Wait, even that picky tongue of yours acknowledges it? I¡¯ve had eel before." "The seasoning is different." A peculiar tension settled in the barracks. Ragna and Rem were exchanging their usual cold glances, pretending to ignore each other. It wasn¡¯t the first time something like this happened. Enkrid simply ignored it. "Here¡¯s more salve." Shinar occasionally popped in and out, dropping off medicinal ointments. "Did you raid a fairy treasure vault or something?" "How did you know?" Enkrid had grown used to fairy humor, so he played along with ease. "I just had a feeling." "And I heard you survived by relying on that feeling. Impressive." Shinar vanished with a throwaway remark. The ointment was homemade. It came in a small, well-used clay jar, carrying the faint scent of herbs. The jar was worn, but its contents smelled fresh. That meant it was made recently. Even after Shinar left, nothing changed. Whenever he had spare time, Enkrid turned inward. He reviewed everything he had learned. Since he couldn¡¯t move his body much, he had no choice. So, he worked his mind to the limit instead. And he gained a lot from it. What if I could use my intuition in battle? It seemed possible. Broadly speaking, intuition was already used to grasp the flow of the battlefield. But if I focused solely on my opponent, couldn¡¯t I apply it in a different way? The Royal Knight he had fought before had already proven this was possible. The boldness granted by the Beast¡¯s Heart, the sharpness honed through sensory techniques, and his refined concentration¡ªall of these factors played a part. But what was still lacking? Thinking¡ªtrue thinking¡ªwas the key. He needed to train his ability to perceive his present state, to gain a clearer vision of himself. He had done this countless times before. That was why he could so easily identify what he lacked. And right now, what he needed was agility of thought. Reacting to situations, moments, and conditions instantly. Weighing multiple options in an instant and executing the best one. It wasn¡¯t just about sensory reflexes. It was about compressing the process of thought itself. Not just intuition¡­ Condensing thought itself into a streamlined process. After all, intuition was nothing more than accumulated experience manifesting as instinct. In the end, it all came down to agility of thought. Relying solely on intuition would leave him vulnerable to deceptive strikes. How much had he benefited from the Valen-style mercenary swordsmanship? Enkrid never thought of himself as special. He always considered the possibility of being caught off guard in the same way he caught others. It was a given. Ever since he left his village as a so-called "prodigy," he had been beaten down, over and over again. That was why repetition and training were second nature to him. Once a thought caught fire in his mind, it burned ceaselessly. And while Enkrid was deeply immersed in his own thoughts, things were happening outside. But he neither knew nor cared. In fact, he didn¡¯t even hear them. "Who are you here to see?" The faint sound of voices reached him. He ignored them. He plunged deeper into his own mind. A knight¡­ That knight¡¯s sword¡ªits trajectory played over and over in his mind. Understanding the sword¡¯s path was all he could do. He couldn¡¯t even read the knight¡¯s breathing until he had died countless times. What made it different? He could tell it was different. But why? As he delved deeper, he began to feel something. By moving beyond the repetition of today, Enkrid gained a new perspective. What was the key to saving the child? Speed. What was necessary to break through the walls of strategy? Perception. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The knight¡¯s sword was said to bring despair. But it was not despair. His expanded perspective, his experiences against that knight¡ª Something inside him awakened. To overcome the knight¡¯s sword, he shifted his approach. Instead of blocking, he struck first. He surpassed the condition that had been imposed upon him¡ª"one strike." Ah¡­ A small revelation flickered to life, faded, then ignited again. The moment he recognized it, Enkrid urged himself forward. What had he gained from throwing himself forward to save the child? A momentary Will. To slip into the brief instant when the enemy¡¯s attention wavered, speed was needed. And in that moment, Will took hold. Even when shackled by strategy, it was the same. Fear, hesitation, and attack intent¡ªweren¡¯t they all connected? They were. He wove them together. Merged them. Until he forged an impossible instinct. And in that, Will had been present all along. He could feel it. Will¡ªthe Will¡ªlayered over his intent, making it possible. It was the same realization that had allowed him to break through overwhelming pressure. Just as he had grasped rejection to overcome its weight, he had forged a suppressing blade to withstand the knight¡¯s sword. And now, Enkrid hesitated. Should he take a major step forward? It felt possible. But was it the right path? He thought he had merely closed his eyes while seated¡ªbut before he knew it, the boatman was there. "Do as you always have." The boatman¡¯s face appeared hazy before fading away. Was it advice? Or was it interference? Even in moments like this, Enkrid¡¯s instincts flared to life. It sounded like advice. Enkrid took it as a signpost. One step at a time, steadily, as he had always done. It felt like the right answer. When he opened his eyes, he heard Rem¡¯s voice. "Oi, how about fixing that habit of dozing off all the time?" Once again, he had lost himself in the world of the sword without realizing it. "How long has it been?" "Two days." Kraiss answered. But that wasn¡¯t the real issue. "You should hurry to see the lord." "Why?" "Someone¡¯s been waiting since yesterday." Enkrid quickly assessed the situation. He was still inside the barracks, and Audin was nowhere to be seen. His sharpened senses picked up a conversation in the distance¡ªAudin speaking with someone outside. "I held them off yesterday," Rem added, sounding irritated. Enkrid grasped the situation. He had been so absorbed in his sword meditations that his subordinates had intervened to keep him undisturbed. But if the lord of Graham had allowed this visitor to wait for two days, then this wasn¡¯t just anyone. "Who came?" Enkrid asked as he rose. "Count Molsen." Kraiss answered. "Him? In person?" "Yes." At that, Enkrid started walking. The King of the Borderlands¡ªa noble with monstrous ambition. If he had come all the way here, he had an agenda. "He specifically said he came to see you, Captain. Be careful." Kraiss warned. A noble had waited two days. Enkrid could make him wait longer, but that would be a foolish move. He was obsessed with the sword, but he wasn¡¯t stupid. He knew which path was easier. He was a little hungry, but his mind was clear, and his body was in decent condition. "Hold on." Enkrid quickened his pace, and Kraiss followed. If Kraiss had something to say, he¡¯d say it while following. The two of them soon arrived at the barracks entrance. There, standing beside Audin, was a woman draped in a thin fur coat, her long black hair catching the light. Esther. "Got tired of being a leopard?" Enkrid remarked. Her fur had been warm and soft. At his words, Esther turned her head. "It¡¯s not like I chose to become a beast." She was as prickly as ever. Which meant she was normal. In front of Audin stood a man with a fierce expression and a woman clad in scaled armor. The woman¡¯s eyes were half-lidded, glowing faintly with an eerie light. The man, on the other hand, looked as solid as a boulder, standing with unyielding posture. Behind them, several soldiers stood at attention. "Listen before you act," Kraiss muttered from behind. At that moment, the woman¡¯s gaze shifted to Enkrid, scrutinizing him. "You must be the one called Enkrid?" "That¡¯s me. And you are?" "Sister, look at that. Waiting worked after all," Audin interjected. "Two days. You made a count wait for two days," the boulder-jawed man spoke. When he clenched his teeth, the muscles in his jaw flexed like he could chew through stone. Was his main weapon his teeth? The guards at the barracks looked uneasy, but Audin remained calm, smiling his usual serene smile. "Well, he¡¯s here now. That¡¯s what matters, Brother." "Do you not take the Count¡¯s name seriously? You¡¯re playing a dangerous game, you big oaf," the boulder-jawed man warned. Enkrid stepped forward. Audin was slow to anger, but he wasn¡¯t the type to let insults slide either. Knowing this, Enkrid decided to intervene. Audin wouldn¡¯t throw the first punch, but it was always better to avoid unnecessary conflict. He had shown up now, hadn¡¯t he? "I apologize for the delay. Let¡¯s go." "This should come first." The woman with glowing eyes spoke, standing tall. She carried a rounded helmet at her side and wore a thick fur-lined cloak. Her irises shone a peculiar shade. "A clan that engraves spells into their eyes," Esther muttered behind him. Such a thing existed? Enkrid stared at the woman. So what? The fact that she had spell-engraved eyes wasn¡¯t the issue here. Though, considering that Esther had appeared, it likely meant this was a matter of concern. His guess was correct. Esther had stepped forward, prepared to ensure there were consequences should the woman attempt any magic. Do they think they can pull something cheap here? Enkrid scratched his chin with his index finger. All of this effort just to avoid disturbing him? That was unexpected. No¡­ perhaps it shouldn¡¯t be unexpected anymore. He could now predict how his people would act. That was the truth. The woman with the glowing eyes spoke again. "We¡¯ve come from Baisar. Someone important is waiting to meet you." How many nobles were there in the Kingdom of Naurillia? More than a few. And among them, Enkrid was¡ªfrankly speaking¡ªa nobody. He had been to the capital, but staying there had been too expensive, and he hadn¡¯t had much to do there. That was why he had drifted toward the frontier. It wasn¡¯t for nothing that he had ended up training under a sword instructor in some coastal corner. But even he knew of Centerpole¡ªthe Thumb House¡ªone of the five great families that formed the backbone of the kingdom. That was the Molsen family¡¯s house. If Marcus had returned, this wouldn¡¯t be how they approached him. It had to be someone else. Enkrid processed the situation with just a few words. Agility of thought came into play even now. By compressing his thought process, he determined his course of action. "Let¡¯s go together." Their intentions were obvious. So this approach would work just fine. No¡ªthis was actually the better option for him. At his words, Boulder Jaw and Glowing Eyes exchanged glances. It was clear that neither of them wanted to wait any longer. They had already been exceptionally patient. Had he not been spoken of as a war hero and a potential knight, they would never have waited. Moments later, both of them nodded. And with that, the meeting was set. Chapter 329 A hero had emerged¡ªa warrior who had defeated Azpen at Jiraa Border Guard and crushed the cultists. He might even become a knight. People debated whether he had the qualities of a true knight. That alone made Enkrid the most talked-about name in northern Naurillia. "I need to see him for myself." Naturally, nobles turned their attention toward him. A peerless hero from the frontier¡ªhis story was captivating. The public adored him. Bringing him into their ranks would bolster their prestige. But was prestige the only gain? Did they truly believe he would become a knight? Few actually did. In reality¡ª "A knight? Ridiculous." That was the prevailing reaction. But it didn¡¯t matter. Even if Enkrid never became a knight, there were countless ways to make use of him. Far too many. His martial prowess alone was undeniable. Even if he wasn¡¯t officially knighted, his strength was beyond that of a mere common warrior. He had proven himself. Hadn¡¯t he saved a frontier village from crisis? Weren¡¯t they planning to engrave his name on the walls? Among mercenaries, there were the so-called Platinum Mercenaries, an elite group. People whispered that Enkrid could match them. Even without a title, his skills were more than sufficient for a personal guard. And the rumors weren¡¯t just about his strength. "I hear he¡¯s exceptionally handsome." His face had its own destructive power. How could word of his abilities spread without his looks being mentioned? It was only natural that a few noblewomen became infatuated. Apparently, just one glance was enough to make people fall for him. Someone had even dubbed him the Enigmatic Captain. "I must see him myself." How could they not be curious? Besides, Enkrid wasn¡¯t a lord. He was merely a captain. That meant he could be claimed. At least, that¡¯s how it seemed on the surface. All sorts of discussions spread rapidly. Before long, Enkrid¡¯s name reached the capital. From a single mention in a noble salon, it had traveled all the way to the queen¡¯s ears. The Queen¡¯s Inquiry In the outdoor pavilion of the starlit palace¡ª "What do you think, Lua?" At the queen¡¯s question, Frokk Lua Gharne puffed up her cheeks. A low gurgle followed. A display of pure delight. What had caused such joy? "Have you fallen for him too?" The queen knew. She knew Lua had met, known, and fought alongside Enkrid. At the queen¡¯s words, Lua Gharne opened her mouth. "I fell for him the moment I first saw him." Though she was affiliated with the kingdom, Frokk was not human. No one expected her to adhere to human customs. That was why she spoke so casually with the queen. And besides, this was an informal setting. They were sharing fine wine, touched by fairy magic. A few attendants stood nearby, but they remained silent, focused on their tasks. "Because of his looks?" the queen asked, sipping her wine. Lua Gharne, a Frokk who usually admired human aesthetics, responded with an unusual answer. "Not his face. It¡¯s what he holds in his heart." "I see." The queen nodded. "Does he have the qualities of a knight?" "No." Her response was sharp, but the queen¡¯s expression remained unchanged. Lua Gharne didn¡¯t try to decipher the queen¡¯s thoughts. She was the ruler of a nation. She wouldn¡¯t reveal her true emotions so easily. Besides, politics was not Lua¡¯s strong suit. More than anything, she was simply thrilled. Is he really going to push forward? He had no qualities of a knight. She had seen that for herself. Yet he moved forward. He changed. He grew. He disregarded the judgments and opinions of others. Does he truly believe he can become a knight? Logic said no. But before she knew it, Lua Gharne found herself rooting for him. The fact that he had beaten a cultist bishop to death also played a part. Whenever she heard about the cult, her cheeks puffed up three times their usual size. For a Frokk, that was equivalent to a human grinding their teeth in rage. "I see." Their conversation was brief. But the news continued to spread. Marcus¡¯ Reaction It eventually reached Marcus. "Wow. This is¡ª" He was simply cheering Enkrid on at this point. He even felt guilty for not being able to help. The Black Blades and the cultists had attacked the Border Guard. Marcus had wanted to pull Enkrid and a few other key figures out before things got worse. But they had survived. And not only that¡ªthe casualties had been minimal. Graham himself had written a letter. It contained only two things: a complaint about wanting to quit being a lord and words about Enkrid. If Enki hadn¡¯t been there, everything would¡¯ve been destroyed. Marcus stroked his chin. Judging by the political landscape, Enkrid was about to become the eye of the storm. Why wouldn¡¯t he? Enkrid wasn¡¯t representing a city, yet he was already being called a hero. If I secure Enki¡­ He could extend his influence into the Border Guard. Only a fool would ignore that opportunity. So how could he prevent others from making a move? The more options he had, the better. First¡ª That bastard Molsen needs to be dealt with. If he had to name the most dangerous noble in the region, Count Molsen was the first that came to mind. And that wasn¡¯t just his own bias. Molsen called himself the King of the Borderlands. There were constant rumors of impending civil war because of him. But Molsen isn¡¯t the only problem. Marcus decided to use his family¡¯s influence. One of the most beautiful women of their house was already stationed nearby. If she and Enkrid hit it off, that would be ideal¡ªbut he wasn¡¯t holding his breath. For now, the priority was keeping Molsen in check. "It would¡¯ve been nice if we had a pile of gold lying around." He muttered to himself. If the Border Guard were strong enough to sustain itself, many problems could be avoided. The so-called warmonger¡ªthat was the nickname Marcus used to mask his political mind. His brain worked fast. How could he ensure the other nobles didn¡¯t touch the Border Guard? More precisely¡ªhow could he make sure no one dared to interfere with Enkrid? Merits. He already had plenty. But past accomplishments and future ones held different weight. Each achievement would build walls of protection around Enkrid. To do that, he needed to involve the central government. The military conscription system was the key. If we request an official mission from the capital and have it recognized¡ª It would be an endorsement. A message to lesser nobles: Don¡¯t even think about touching him. And if the Border Guard grew on its own in the meantime? Even better. He¡¯d be better as a lord than a mere commander. Marcus had finished drafting his plan. He stood up. "I¡¯ll go see the family head." He would take care of things behind the scenes. Enki could do as he pleased. Marcus grinned. This was the most fun he¡¯d had in a while. His steps felt light. Aisia¡¯s Perspective Aisia, the knight-in-training, also heard the news. She was surprised. He was certainly an interesting man¡­ Knightly qualities? Was he really at that level? The way he had withstood her pressure had been impressive. But assuming that meant he could become a knight was a stretch. Still, she felt an odd sense of anticipation. Will I see him here one day? Would he stand beside her as a fellow knight? She wouldn¡¯t mind. She had only met him a few times, but her impression of him was a good one. *** Enkrid. The leader of the Black Blades felt as if his stomach had been torn apart. A man who must die was running rampant. How could he possibly remain at ease? He mobilized his remaining subordinates. One of the nobles who had lost their business in a previous incident became his pawn, acting as his hands and feet. A letter was written. It was sent to Count Molsen and a few others. But that wasn¡¯t the end of it. Enkrid would inevitably be summoned to the capital sooner or later. Before that happened, every possible measure had to be taken. *** Golden hair, clear skin, a neatly trimmed mustache, and now, a fine fur coat draped over his well-trained body. "It¡¯s been a while." Count Molsen. He spoke with a casual smile, as if he were meeting an old friend. Enkrid thought to himself¡ªif there were a ranking for the thickest-skinned men on the continent, this man would surely be at the top. Ah, but Rem exists. Then, second place. No, if he really considered it, Ragna was just as shameless. Jaxon and Audin weren¡¯t far behind, and if Krona got involved, even Kraiss could contest for the title. Enkrid excluded himself from the thought entirely and found that perfectly reasonable. If his subordinates heard his inner monologue, they might have drawn their weapons. In any case, Count Molsen was indeed thick-skinned. He had secretly sent an assassin¡ªa so-called elite slayer¡ªthough the man had died in just a few swings of the blade. During the recent battle, Molsen had also refused to send reinforcements. He had ignored everything. Yet here he was, smiling, as if that was all in the past. And the first words out of his mouth were truly absurd. "You should be thanking me. Thanks to me, you managed to avoid quite a bit of trouble." Molsen chuckled. Who took care of that mustache of his? The way it was always neatly trimmed suggested they were exceptionally skilled. Enkrid, on the other hand, realized his own hair had grown long, and he should probably trim his beard soon. He replied. "I should thank you?" "Has swinging your sword made your head dull?" Molsen half-ignored the person from the House of Baisar standing beside him. It made sense. The Marquess himself hadn¡¯t come. The representative from the House of Baisar was merely a member of a branch family. But dismissing them outright? That was just Molsen¡¯s arrogance. "Even if Your Excellency had not come, a representative from the House of Baisar has. I believe that should be sufficient." Enkrid was well aware that his name had drawn attention. Even while he had been resting inside the barracks, he had heard all sorts of talk. Kraiss had kept him updated¡ªconstantly. Of course, Kraiss had added his own commentary in between. "It¡¯s quite difficult to even exchange greetings. I waited two days, and yet Count Molsen gets to speak first," the woman from the House of Baisar cut in. "Do you have a complaint?" Molsen asked. The woman shook her head. "Of course not." It was nothing but a power struggle. Their exchange was tense. "So," Enkrid said, uninterested in their bickering. "You were looking for me." Both sets of eyes turned to him. The woman from the House of Baisar was Kin Baisar. She had come here with two objectives. One¡ªto ensure that Molsen could not pressure Enkrid. Two¡ªif possible, to bring Enkrid into her family''s fold. The first was at the request of the prodigal son, Marcus Baisar. The second was decided in a family meeting. But considering Marcus¡¯s attitude, shouldn¡¯t Enkrid be friendly toward them? Yet, right now, he seemed indifferent. Not impolite, but also not particularly invested. "So you can do more than just swing a sword," Molsen spoke again. Enkrid considered shrugging. But he held back. There was no need to express anything to this man. Would shrugging his shoulders really deal any damage to this shameless bastard¡¯s mood? Of course not. He knew that. "The nobles surrounding me covet me," Enkrid said. "They believe that by securing me, they can take control of Border Guard, which is rapidly developing into what will soon be the largest city in the region." Is he smart? Kin thought. He had assessed the political landscape with pinpoint accuracy. Hadn¡¯t he supposedly been locked away in some sort of epiphany for two days? Of course, Kraiss had already briefed him. Even if there was no time to analyze the situation himself, listening and understanding was easy enough. Enkrid continued. "I¡¯m not interested." "Not interested?" Molsen echoed. "That¡¯s right." "Do you swear allegiance to the royal court, then?" "Do I look like I do?" "I hope you don¡¯t." They were seated in a small reception room. Molsen¡¯s eyes glinted. He was sitting on a sofa, one leg crossed over the other, but now he uncrossed them and straightened his posture. Kin felt it. The Count¡¯s demeanor had shifted. Enkrid was reminded of Krang. It was the same. The atmosphere had changed. Molsen rested his hand on his thigh. He sat upright. "There is a threat to the nation. And yet, despite that, it remains unchallenged. Tell me¡ªwhose fault is that?" His voice was not loud. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Yet it carried weight. A shift in the air. "People die to monsters. People die to beasts. And those who remain¡ª" Molsen¡¯s voice continued. "When you look at them, do you feel nothing?" For a moment, behind Molsen, Enkrid envisioned them. The ones who had died. The ones who had survived. A child who dreamed of becoming an herbalist. A woman who made spiced jerky. A mother who had sent her son to the military. A soldier, gripping a spear to protect his family. The soldier collapsed, bleeding from his eyes, nose, and ears. "So I ask you this¡ªif I wished to claim you, what must I offer?" Molsen¡¯s words carried persuasion. Kin watched, but she did not speak. If he wished, Molsen would give anything. And if Enkrid truly wanted to walk a righteous path, then this was it. At least, that¡¯s what Molsen¡¯s very being conveyed. And he wasn¡¯t entirely wrong. Kin knew that Molsen¡¯s lands were wealthier than most. He was a man who took responsibility for his words. He was someone who influenced those around him just by speaking. "If you truly wish to save people¡ªcan you say that the path you are walking is the right one?" His voice filled the reception room. It swallowed the space. Just being here made one feel the need to agree. Sweat trickled down Kin¡¯s back. Cold sweat. Molsen, for once, was not his usual easygoing self. He was showing his will. It felt as though the only possible response was to acknowledge him. To say, You are right. I will follow you. It had to be. And then¡ª "Jiraa¡ªah, my apologies. My mind wandered for a moment." Did he just say Jiral? Kin thought she had heard that. Though he didn¡¯t actually say it outright, it sounded like it. Enkrid found the entire act revolting. It was disgusting. This was the speech of someone hiding their true nature. This was what deserved to be called vile. If it were Rem, she would have already swung an axe and turned the place upside down. But Enkrid was not Rem. So instead, he responded in polite words. If it caused even the smallest ripple in Molsen¡¯s mind, that would be enough. Some moments simply called for indulging one¡¯s mood. To reaffirm the path one walked. Chivalry was not just a matter of words. It was about upholding something. And in this moment, Enkrid was upholding himself. This was his moment. A fight would be meaningless. So instead, he turned his thoughts into words¡ªwords wrapped in courtesy. The moment he spoke, the illusion woven by Molsen¡¯s charisma shattered. And on Molsen¡¯s face¡ª His smile deepened. Kin held her breath. Chapter 330 "This bastard is insane." This bastard is insane. Kin saw it¡ªjust for a moment¡ªEnkrid¡¯s hidden madness lurking beneath the surface. Beyond his appearance and skill, there was something fundamentally wrong with him. In an instant, she understood his nature. Kin had spent years handling external affairs for the House of Baisar, sharpening her ability to read people. And now, that ability shone. A lunatic! What if the Count accused him of insulting nobility? What if he went back, took offense, and raised an army? Even the central government saw Count Molsen as a headache. It was well known that he had a handful of warriors at the level of junior knights under his command. Or perhaps, they didn¡¯t even fully grasp his true military strength. Why had he been lying low, waiting, biding his time? Kin couldn¡¯t even swallow her spit as she watched the Count¡¯s lips. Meanwhile, Enkrid remained completely unbothered. What a load of nonsense. People killed by monsters? People slaughtered by beasts? The ones left behind? And he was worried about them? A man who had refused to send reinforcements? A man who turned a blind eye to his own family? Was Edin Molsen even his real son? Otherwise, why was his name never mentioned? Edin Molsen had asked to be sent to Green Pearl Garrison the moment he heard his father was coming. That was an incredibly strange thing to do. Didn¡¯t he make excuses about training with me just so he could stay here? At some point, he had stopped training entirely. Slowly withdrawing. Eventually, he had even abandoned the pretense of an excuse. Kraiss had told him as much. "He must be a terrifying man. I mean, just look at him. But more than that, the fact that he could discard his own son so easily¡­ that¡¯s what¡¯s truly terrifying." But right now, Enkrid trusted his own instincts more than anything. And his instincts told him¡ª The man in front of him was no mere noble. This was a chimera, a monster that had swallowed dozens of serpents and grown wings. Everything he saw was an act. A mask. It shone, polished and convincing, but Enkrid could see what lay beneath. And it was disgusting. "Not working?" The Count¡¯s demeanor shifted. He didn¡¯t get angry. Instead, he spoke in the casual tone of a merchant haggling over a deal. For a moment, the oppressive atmosphere melted away. "Not working." "I heard you saved a child. That you fought magnificently. That if you hadn¡¯t stepped in, the casualties would have been far worse. That after that, you risked your life to charge through the battlefield." It wasn¡¯t wrong. But if Enkrid had to clarify, there were plenty of details to correct. Still, he didn¡¯t bother. What was the point of wasting words? "Yes, that¡¯s what they say." "You speak as if it were someone else¡¯s story." "I¡¯m still recovering from battle fatigue. I haven¡¯t had time to reflect." That, of course, was bullshit. He had made two noblemen¡ªa count and a representative from a marquess house¡ªwait two days. And now he wanted to pretend battle fatigue was the reason? "Have you seen my bodyguards?" "I have." "What do you think would happen if you fought them?" Enkrid thought for a moment. Truthfully, he wanted to fight them the moment he laid eyes on them. But not now. Not like this. If he fought now, he might accidentally kill them. If they were either much weaker than him or far stronger, it wouldn¡¯t be an issue. But if they were somewhere in between¡ª Then there was a real risk that he would kill them before he could properly gauge his strength. Right now, he wasn¡¯t in full control of it. "I don¡¯t know." "You¡¯re being dull." "Would it be more entertaining if I confidently said I¡¯d win?" "It would make things more fun." Behind the Count, the bodyguards listened. Of course, they did. Molsen wanted them to hear. This was provocation. And the guards made no attempt to hide their intent. Their eyes practically screamed¡ªcome at us, and we¡¯ll crush you. Enkrid ignored them entirely. Normally, he would have fought already. He never avoided fights. So for him to hold back? Anyone who knew him would probably be worried he had a fever. "Then I¡¯ll be the boring one." "I see. Once I leave, things will get troublesome for you. Will you be fine?" "I¡¯ll be fine." The Count watched him for a moment. Then his lips curled higher. "That was unnecessary concern. Hahaha." Molsen let out a deep laugh as he stood. At that, his bodyguards finally lowered their aggressive stance. They turned slightly, waiting for their master to pass. Enkrid watched them. They were no different from well-trained dogs. Did they get their treats on time? Were they taken out for walks? Who knew? "My offer still stands. If you change your mind, you¡¯re always welcome." Molsen turned to leave. "Understood." "Take care of my son and daughter, will you? It seems they both want to leave my care." Molsen was a meticulous man. If he really wanted to drag Edin Molsen back, he easily could. And yet, he spoke openly of his cross-dressing daughter as well. Of course, Enkrid had already known. Anyone with a sharp mind could have figured it out. All of his subordinates knew, without a doubt. "Take care. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. I won¡¯t be going far." After making them wait for two days, he had the audacity to say he wasn¡¯t going far. At the Count¡¯s request, Graham, the Lord of the city, stepped forward to escort him out. "Your Excellency, the Count." "Your independent company captain is quite arrogant, don¡¯t you think? What do you say¡ªshall we have him executed for treason?" Even as he was leaving, the Count joked. Graham broke into a nervous sweat. "If I had Enkrid publicly executed, I¡¯d be stoned to death by the citizens." A hero created by the city. That was what Enkrid had become. Molsen laughed loudly once more. "I was joking." Was he, though? Enkrid simply watched him leave. The doors of the reception room closed. The guards stationed outside stood completely still, acting as if they had neither seen nor heard anything. As if interfering in this conversation would have cost them their lives. "Are you insane?" At last, Kin spoke. She had been holding her breath through the entire exchange. "I hear that a lot." Enkrid remained utterly unbothered. "No, but seriously¡ªif you keep this up¡­" She wasn¡¯t an idiot. She had made it this far for a reason. But was she just too shocked to think straight? Enkrid glanced at the leftover refreshments. He popped one into his mouth. He was hungry. Hadn¡¯t he gone two days without eating? Chewing on a cookie, he asked¡ª "Did you come here to hand Border Guard over to the Count?" "That¡¯s ridiculous." Kin was here to make sure neither Enkrid nor the city lord fell into the Count¡¯s hands. Her presence was also a warning from the House of Baisar. "Whether the words are kind or harsh, it won¡¯t matter. The Count isn¡¯t the type to take no for an answer." She understood that much. Count Molsen was a loaded crossbow. And if things went poorly, that crossbow would be aimed at the royal palace. If they tried to remove him, it could trigger a civil war. Kin pushed those thoughts aside and focused back on this insane man in front of her. There was a gap in his words. Knowing something and acting on it were two different things. This man was not normal. That much hadn¡¯t changed. "You¡¯ve got guts." That was Kin¡¯s conclusion. "Are you staying to help deal with the aftermath?" Enkrid, as always, got straight to the point. Kin shook her head. "The Count is gone. I can¡¯t stay here any longer. It¡¯ll cause more problems." If rumors spread that the House of Baisar was interested in this place, it could shake their standing in the capital. That was why Marcus had left for the capital instead of staying behind. "Then." "Are you telling me to leave right now?" Kin stared at him in disbelief. Had this bastard forgotten that she had waited here for two days? And more importantly¡ª With a face like hers, people always looked back at least once. At least once. Men and women alike had turned back countless times to look at her. Kin Baisar¡ªa name recognized even in the capital as belonging to a renowned beauty. How many young men had wept when she left the capital for external affairs? And yet, this man¡ªhe was so cleanly indifferent. "Do you still have business here? Didn¡¯t you say this was troublesome for you?" He wasn¡¯t wrong. Kin stood up. It was time to leave. There was no benefit in staying any longer. But surely, she could afford one more day, right? As she stood, her bodyguard moved closer and whispered. "He¡¯s an unusual man." A guard who, through certain methods, had embedded magic into her own eyes. She was like a sister to Kin. "No, he¡¯s a lunatic," Kin corrected. They called him the Bewitching Captain, but was this how he left his first impression? If so, it was an effective strategy. She didn¡¯t know what to make of him as a man, but he had definitely caught her interest. Strange. "Then." Enkrid repeated the same word. Was he telling her to hurry up and leave? Kin felt a flicker of annoyance. But she ignored it and walked away. A short farewell followed. As Kin stepped outside, she noticed a gathering of opportunists lurking about. Petty nobles, merchant guild leaders who had bought their titles with gold, and even some hereditary nobles¡ª Among them were several noblewomen, all clearly here to catch a glimpse of Enkrid. A gathering of those without real power. No, some of them likely had powerful backing. Regardless, they were all hyenas, drawn to Enkrid¡¯s rising fortune. The jackals of politics. They might not be dangerous, but dealing with them would be a constant headache. How would he handle this? Kin decided not to worry. This was the man who had talked down even Count Molsen. If anyone deserved worry, it wasn¡¯t him. As she left the city, Kin turned back three times. Then, suddenly, a realization struck her. She cursed under her breath. "Shit." Her bodyguard turned to her. They had just boarded the carriage. "Kin?" "That bastard never even asked for my name." Despite being a beauty renowned throughout the capital¡ªhe hadn¡¯t even cared to ask. As if neither her family¡¯s prestige nor her looks mattered at all. And yet¡ª She didn¡¯t hate it. Not at all. This is a first. A maniac like that. So, we will meet again. Kin made up her mind. Her bodyguard worried. Kin had a bad habit of obsessing over pointless things. There were many nobles and merchants who wanted Enkrid. "I can¡¯t handle this alone." Graham raised his hands in surrender. Enkrid sighed and took charge. "If you come to my lands, you can have my daughter as well¡ª" The first to speak was some idiot willing to sell off his own daughter. Enkrid brought Esther along. "Can I stay in my human form?" "It¡¯s fine." Esther¡¯s appearance was striking enough to turn the heads of anyone with two eyes. If Kin had been here, she would have nodded in understanding. Wasn¡¯t it obvious why Enkrid didn¡¯t care about her looks? "Ah, um¡­" The noble, who had been trying to sell his daughter, suddenly clamped his mouth shut. But then¡ª "By the way, Lady, what is your name?" Someone tried to flirt with Esther. Enkrid had to intervene immediately. If he didn¡¯t, she wouldn¡¯t ask for permission to kill him¡ªshe would simply act. After that, he started bringing Shinar along instead. After all, they couldn¡¯t just start stacking up noble corpses. At least Shinar wouldn¡¯t kill someone outright. But there was one problem. "She¡¯s my fianc¨¦e." A rumor started spreading. The Bewitching Captain, rumored to have a fairy and a witch as his brides-to-be. Enkrid let it be. At least this way, no one would try to lure him with women. "Why don¡¯t you take me along?" "I¡¯ve got time, too." Dunbakel and Teresa chimed in halfway through. Both were undeniably beautiful, but¡ª If he took Teresa, half the nobles would assume he had brought her to kill them. And Dunbakel¡­ Well, she was even faster with her blade than Esther. It was better to let the rumors run their course. When merchants came offering gold, Enkrid brought along Kraiss. "If you join my guild, you could obtain wealth beyond your wildest dreams." "How much?" "¡­What?" "How much are we talking?" Kraiss was ruthless. "Don¡¯t bother if it¡¯s less than a hundred gold coins. And don¡¯t talk to me if it¡¯s a one-time deal. Contracts are monthly, and I take a share of the profits. So, which guild are you from?" No merchant would ever sell shares of their business. "That¡¯s outrageous!" "The door¡¯s that way." "You insolent¡ª!" "Do you have a problem?" And the moment a few garrison soldiers appeared behind him, the conversation was over. The merchant¡¯s guards hesitated. Even without Enkrid¡¯s Mad Platoon, the city guard¡¯s survivors from the Azpen War were more than enough of a deterrent. The merchant left, grinding his teeth, but at least he had left alive. There were others who tried to wield authority instead. At times, Enkrid wanted to send Rem to crack their skulls open. But he held back. "Join my ranks. It will bring you honor. I could even recommend you for knighthood. And you dare refuse me?" Enkrid thought¡ªlet¡¯s keep this civil. "Swords have no eyes." So he answered with a clich¨¦. "You insolent¡ª!" Swish. He swung his hand¡ªjust once. A strand of the noble¡¯s remaining hair floated to the floor. "Mosquito." What mosquito existed in the dead of winter? The noble didn¡¯t speak again. If he misstepped, this man might bury him right here. "Was that alright?" Graham was concerned. "If that noble really had the army to back up his threats, if he declared territorial war¡ª" "Then we¡¯d say, ¡®Oh, thank you!¡¯ and take his land." Kraiss answered without hesitation. Border Guard had become the most militarily powerful city in the region. But¡ª They were short on money. Which meant their biggest priority was Krona. They had to expand the city, but the economy wasn¡¯t running smoothly. So if anyone attacked, they¡¯d take their land and demand war reparations. Kraiss kept cutting people off. Shinar and Esther kept cutting people down. And Enkrid¡ªhe was summoned over and over. By the time two weeks had passed, he realized¡ª His body was nearly healed. His senses had returned. Now, he could fight without accidentally killing someone. "Hah." He let out a breath of satisfaction. If he had fought the Count¡¯s bodyguards back then¡ªwhat would have happened? Most likely, he would have killed them. Or at least gravely injured them. These past two weeks¡ª They hadn¡¯t been wasted. Instead, they had been a time of refinement. Of honing what he had learned. And now¡ª The desire to swing his sword surged within him. By chance, today, no nobles or merchants had come looking for him. So he returned to the barracks. He had been too busy to visit often. But now¡ª As soon as he stepped inside, he felt it. Silence. A tension hanging in the air. A heavy atmosphere, pressing down on the barracks. The scent of danger. It was familiar. Almost nostalgic. Because it reminded him¡ª Of the very first time he had stepped into the barracks of the Mad Platoon. Chapter 331 It all started on the day before Enkrid was assigned to the troublemaker platoon. First, the previous platoon leader, who had tried to force his authority, died. Then, a noble-born replacement strutted around arrogantly¡ªuntil Jaxon beat him half to death. The next one, who tried to discipline them through sheer rage, received a "mental re-education" in the form of threats from Rem and promptly left. After that, every platoon leader that followed was similarly replaced. With each new leader being churned out, it was only natural that even the company commander had something to say. "If you plan to stay in the army, you should at least follow some rules, don''t you think?" At the remark from the company commander, Rem nodded. "That¡¯s right! But isn¡¯t it all because of that damned stray cat over there?" "The mouth that blames others is usually the real problem," Jaxon retorted. Ragna, watching the exchange, calmly stated, "I don¡¯t mind transferring to another unit." Both Rem and Jaxon turned their heads toward him. That tone¡ªso indifferent, as if none of this concerned him. As if he was completely separate from the situation. That languid way of speaking made it all the more irritating. "That bastard?" The most recent platoon leader had tried to correct Ragna¡¯s "insincere attitude"¡ªin reality, he had mistaken Ragna¡¯s stillness for weakness and attempted to assert dominance. The result? His skull was cracked open. And yet, Ragna still maintained that detached attitude. It was enough to set Rem off and make Jaxon¡¯s gaze grow sharp. That was twenty days ago. For twenty whole days, the platoon had been left leaderless. The company commander had a headache. The battalion commander had washed his hands of the matter, telling him to handle it himself¡ªbut was that even possible with these guys? And what would happen if he admitted, "I just can''t control them"? That would be the same as confessing he was incompetent. A complete fool. And the battalion commander? He¡¯d only have one thing to say. "You can''t even control a single squad of men?" Given the battalion commander¡¯s personality¡ªone who always shifted blame¡ªit was obvious how things would go. ¡®Might as well let them all go out and die in battle.¡¯ No matter how dangerous the battlefield, these lunatics came back with nothing more than a few scratches at most. And even those scratches were rare. Why were fighters of this caliber stuck in a unit like this? Well, considering their behavior, it wasn¡¯t hard to figure out. Rem, for instance, had been assigned to the 1st Heavy Infantry Company¡ªand had cracked his superior¡¯s skull before ending up here. Even now, the 1st Company ground their teeth whenever they saw him. And Rem? He seemed to enjoy the sound, as if it were some kind of symphony. "I suppose there¡¯s no choice." A voice interrupted his thoughts. "Brother, I shall take temporary command of them. Surely, this is but a trial from the Lord, meant to test me, his small and fragile servant." Audin spoke with solemn conviction. The company commander was left speechless. This religious zealot? The one who always sat still, his complexion ashen, as if he were already halfway to the afterlife? And now, of all times, he was pouring oil onto the fire? Besides, was he even aware of his own size when calling himself "small and fragile"? No, rather than entrusting command to him, it would be better to sacrifice a subordinate instead. If he put Audin in charge, the platoon would spend their days praying instead of training. And even if the commander was willing to tolerate that, would the rest of them sit still and accept it? "What the hell is that bear talking about?" Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The first to react was the madman wielding a battle axe. Then, the lazy bum chimed in. "If there¡¯s something wrong with your head, take some medicine." The next response came from the platoon¡¯s best-looking man. "You wanna die?" Jaxon, who was amicable enough with the other platoons, somehow always let his temper slip within his own unit. The company commander clutched his head. "Enough. A new platoon leader is arriving this afternoon. For the love of God, don¡¯t beat him to a pulp or drive him away immediately." He prayed for the new leader¡¯s survival. What else could he do? There weren¡¯t any suitable candidates, so they had to bring in someone on short notice. Not a noble. Not particularly talented. Not an exceptional fighter. All he hoped was that this one wouldn''t cause trouble. Even after the company commander left, the air remained tense. Rem had ended up here due to a series of coincidences. If he had to be specific, it was because he¡¯d killed a noble¡¯s son and needed to lay low for a while. He had planned to stay for about half a year before leaving. But for some reason, this place had gathered a bunch of bastards like these. ¡®Every single one of them thinks they¡¯re the greatest.¡¯ None of them knew how to bow their heads. Not that Rem was any different. The current battalion commander had gathered all the troublesome men into one place, expecting them to kill each other off or die in battle. Of course, Rem wasn¡¯t privy to that reasoning. "I should just kill them all and transfer to another unit." He muttered the words. Loudly enough to be heard. More of a provocation than a mutter, really. "You looking to die?" Ragna picked up on it immediately. "Brothers, if you wish to meet the Lord sooner, I shall pray for you." And it wouldn¡¯t just be a prayer of words. "Idiots." Jaxon joined in. Until now, they had thrown insults at each other, but had never truly crossed the line. Because if a fight broke out, it would be a real one¡ªone where someone wouldn¡¯t get back up. That didn¡¯t mean they were patient. It was only a matter of time. They had been watching each other since the beginning. Rem let his arms hang loosely at his sides. Turning his back here would be dangerous¡ªthat much, he knew instinctively. Ragna had already risen to his feet. His movements were slow and deliberate, seemingly careless. But was it really carelessness? Rem knew better. That lazy bastard could swing his sword even from that position. Audin brought his hands together in front of his waist¡ªBalraf-style martial arts. No bloodlust. Just an overwhelming pressure, thick as tar, suffocating the air inside the tent. A weaker man would have been crushed by it. The canvas seemed to bulge outward, as if it, too, could feel the tension. And then, the tent flap rustled open. A stranger stepped in. A man with black hair and blue eyes¡ªa striking appearance, even at a glance. He scanned the room. If he had any sense, he¡¯d turn around and leave. If he were weak-hearted, he¡¯d faint on the spot. "Uh¡­ yeah. This is the, uh¡­ right place, but maybe you should come back later," the voice of "King Eyeball" muttered behind him. Kraiss had a sharp sense for these things. The atmosphere was deadlier than usual. He tugged at the new platoon leader¡¯s sleeve, trying to pull him back. But the man didn¡¯t budge. Instead, he took a step forward and spoke. "Platoon Leader Enkrid. Stop fighting." Rem was waiting. His arms were loose, but he was ready to grab his axe at any moment. Audin was prepared to counter any attack. Ragna had already calculated how to cut down three people at once. Jaxon¡¯s hands were already resting on the hidden daggers in his sleeves. The slightest misstep, and blood would have painted the ground. And yet, an unfamiliar face stepped right into the midst of them. "Stop." A fearless act. Enkrid had wedged himself between them. He was lucky. Rem hesitated just before drawing his axe. A hair¡¯s breadth more, and he would have split him in two. Audin¡¯s shoulders tensed. Ragna had already gripped his sword. Jaxon remained still, though his hands were poised to strike. "¡­He¡¯s a little crazy," Ragna muttered. "Are you insane?" Even if he had some sense, how could he step in like that? No¡ªhe had sense. He knew what he was doing. Which meant he had willingly thrown himself into the fire. And yet¡­ "Stop fighting. I¡¯m Enkrid." No greetings. No small talk. He simply stated his name. Didn¡¯t even ask for theirs. As if saying, "Just do your job." Rem thought, What an utterly insane bastard. He was insane¡ªinsane enough to be interesting. At the time, everyone assumed Enkrid wouldn¡¯t last a week. *** Enkrid recalled the very beginning of the Mad Platoon. Why had he stepped in back then? Ah, right. Because a platoon leader was supposed to do their job. At the very least, stopping his own soldiers from killing each other was part of the job. The suffocating tension in the air now reminded him of that moment. Back then, too, the pressure had weighed on his shoulders. It felt like his heart was being torn apart. Even as a blade came flying toward his face, he had closed his eyes¡ªbecause enduring relentless pressure and suffering was something he was good at. That was why he had stepped in between them. ¡®I was an idiot.¡¯ Rem stood there, arms slack at his sides. His axe hung from his waist. He was ready. To his left, Ragna had both hands loosely gripping the hilt of his sword. Opposite him, Audin stood like a frozen statue, a serene smile on his face, his fists held firm just in front of his abdomen. They were all ready. If you step in with a half-hearted resolve, you die. You will definitely die. The pressure turned into sheer force, stabbing at the heart. Even though none of them were actively directing their intent at one another, the weight in the air had the same effect as sheer intimidation. Before, he wouldn¡¯t have seen it. But now, he could. And did that change anything? Not at all. It didn¡¯t matter if they tried to crush him with their presence or not. Right now, Enkrid was itching to show them what he had learned, what he had mastered. Hadn¡¯t he endured the long days of recovery just so he could wield the sword again? Whether they fought or not was irrelevant. Enkrid drew his sword. Not the familiar, stocky gladius of the dwarves, but a long, silver-bladed sword. Shing. He unsheathed it slowly, gripping it with both hands. A sword Ragna had given him. Taken from the body of a knight-in-training he had slain. Something about Aya of the Brown Dung? An odd name for a knight-in-training. The blade was razor-sharp, pristine even after battle. A fine weapon, as expected from one wielded by a member of the Royal Order. Its hilt was wrapped in beast-hide leather, fitting perfectly in his grip. After a brief moment of focus, Enkrid stepped forward. Straight into the center of them. Teresa and Dunbakel, who had been watching from the sidelines, furrowed their brows. "Through the middle?" Esther was away for the moment, and Kraiss had gone to the market. Which meant no bystanders would get accidentally killed. Before, he had stepped in without understanding anything. Now, he knew¡ªand he fully received the pressure of all three. Alone, he took it all head-on. Facing Ragna, with Audin on his right and Rem on his left. Then¡ª "Not bad." He even had the nerve to speak. And then¡ª Pivoting on his left foot, he twisted his body and slashed. It began with "A Moment¡¯s Will." His waist twisted, and before anyone noticed, the sword¡ªnow gripped in one hand¡ªbecame a piercing point. It was smoother than before. More refined. Ping! A sharp, high-pitched note echoed. The blade shot toward Rem¡¯s forehead. "Son of a¡ª!" Rem¡¯s axe moved. Like a streak of light, his axe intercepted the attack. Light against light. Clang! Steel met steel, and the symphony of battle began. That was the trigger. The tension that had gripped the air exploded. Enkrid had shown a mere glimpse of his "moment" to Rem¡ªthen suddenly, he dashed right. Seemingly backing away¡ªuntil he abruptly stopped. A Valen-style mercenary step. Feigning an advance, only to stop short and then slash vertically downward. A crushing blade. A sword technique infused with Will, based on pressure. As the weight bore down, Audin let out a battle cry. "Father!" Even his cry was uniquely Audin¡¯s. Woom. The air trembled. The crushing blade met resistance. And that was only the beginning. While everyone reacted, Ragna¡ªwho had remained still¡ªwas already on the move. Enkrid ignored Audin and rushed straight for Ragna. He had used the crushing blade to buy time and reposition. "You just gonna stand there and watch?" He threw out the taunt, his sword already moving. An unnamed orthodox sword technique. A trajectory meant to pull Ragna into his flow. A swordplay that forced a reaction from the opponent. A deliberate thrust toward Ragna¡¯s right shoulder. He didn¡¯t even bother to hide his intent¡ªforcing Ragna to dodge. From there, he had planned to pivot and slice sideways¡ª But Ragna batted his sword aside before the technique could even fully begin. Clang! It wasn¡¯t just a block¡ªit was a denial. A disruption. Enkrid immediately felt it. Ragna wasn¡¯t fighting at full strength. He was limiting himself. And yet, even while holding back, he blocked with ease. Thud. "You read it?" "It was obvious." No¡ªit wasn¡¯t obvious. Ragna had changed. His swordplay now cut through intention itself. From the very first move, he severed the opponent¡¯s flow. "Goddamn." Enkrid laughed as he spoke, then intercepted Ragna¡¯s next strike. A serpent-like swordplay. He deflected, then smoothly redirected his own attack¡ª Again, "A Moment¡¯s Will." This time, toward Rem. Forcing Rem¡ªwho had been trying to disengage¡ªback into the fight. Then, shifting his footwork, he lunged toward Audin. A step Audin himself had once taught him. Serpent¡¯s Step. A movement technique honed through experience, interpreted and refined through his own instincts. He didn¡¯t even lift his foot off the ground¡ªyet his entire body glided forward. Fast. A seamless advance. And then, another crushing strike. Audin responded. "Lord!" Clang! Another impact. Another shattering force. That guy had one hell of a set of lungs. "You¡¯ve gotta be kidding me!" Rem roared. And who could blame him? Enkrid was fighting all three of them. One versus three. "You¡¯re insane!" Ragna tilted his head. "Brother, I believe your skull is in need of a prayer." Audin had already grasped the intent. Enkrid had thrown down the gauntlet. All of you. Fight me. His whole body screamed it. And he laughed. Ah, this was fun. Wasn¡¯t it? Everything he had learned, everything he had mastered¡ª He could see it. See it, feel it, express it. How does it look? His sword. It was thrilling¡ªso thrilling that it didn¡¯t matter whether he faced three or four. "I can¡¯t hold back anymore." From the corner, Teresa stood up. "Yeah, I¡¯m losing my goddamn mind." Dunbakel exhaled sharply¡ªthen her body shifted. Fur sprouted across her skin. She transformed into a white-maned lioness. Chaos erupted. The entire barracks became a battlefield. Boom! The structure groaned under the impact. A section of the wall cracked. The doorway shattered. By the time Kraiss returned, he was greeted by a crowd circling the tent. "...What¡¯s going on?" "Looks like they¡¯re trying to kill each other," Graham answered, looking bewildered. Even the city lord was just watching. The sheer intensity of the fight left everyone as spectators. "These lunatics." Kraiss could only sigh. This was what they did right after recovering from injuries? No wonder everyone called them madmen. Not that he could stop them. This was just how they were. The fight finally ended in the late afternoon. By sunset, a group of steam-emitting soldiers stumbled out. Every single one of them was bleeding somewhere. The barracks? Half-destroyed. It looked like a warzone. Kraiss stared at the gaping hole in the ceiling. "...How the hell did they even break that?" Then, amidst the wreckage, Enkrid spoke. "You¡¯re back? We¡¯ll have to sleep somewhere else tonight." Hearing that, Kraiss could do nothing but laugh. Chapter 332 Esther thought to herself. For decades¡ªperhaps even centuries¡ªshe had expected to suffer under this wretched curse. If luck had been crueler, she might have been stuck with a contaminated spell world for the rest of her life. The mere thought was horrifying. That was why she had been willing to do anything to break the curse. It was the reason she had slept in Enkrid¡¯s embrace. Now, however, there was no longer any need for that. She barely did it anymore. The tangled threads of the curse had finally begun to unravel properly. Her luck had turned. Facing Galaph, who wielded the power of grasping water, had helped her reclaim her lost senses. She had also devoured a few Spec Objects in the process. Some of them had been exceptionally useful for her spell world. Raiding Galaph¡¯s personal research lab would have been ideal, but how long would it take to find it? Besides, the man had been infamous for taking on multiple apprentices. Whatever treasure remained in his lab would fall into the hands of those disciples¡ª And they would fight over it, steal from each other, and in the end, one survivor would claim it all. Such was the greed of wizards. A ¡°harmonious brotherhood¡± among mages? That was a fairy tale. No wizard would seek truth or attempt to transcend human limitations without first succumbing to their own desires. What nonsense. "Ah, idiots." She had once been caught up in that kind of mess herself. But not anymore. The thought of Galaph¡¯s disciples tearing each other apart warmed her heart. No, Esther was not a kind person. She knew that about herself. Perhaps she was more reasonable than most wizards¡ª Or maybe, in a place filled with lunatics, she only seemed normal by comparison. The Mad Platoon was no different. Her thoughts circled back, leading her to a singular realization¡ª Her curse. She had spent so much time focused on it, but¡­ A curse didn¡¯t only bring misfortune. There were benefits as well. She had never considered it before, but she had gained something. For example, she had inherited the raw strength of a Lake Panther. Of course, it was a curse, which meant it came with severe drawbacks. And one of those drawbacks was turning out to be a huge problem. "My body''s shape-memory has changed." A physical being¡ªespecially a wizard¡ªonly existed in the form their self-perception allowed. Magic was tied to the spell world, the world of one¡¯s own mind. A wizard had to maintain a precise understanding of their body to preserve their physical form. Otherwise¡ª The spell world would consume them. They would become a vengeful spirit. "Should I force it?" If she exerted enough control, she could maintain a purely human form. But if she made one mistake¡­ There would be no turning back. So Esther made her choice. She abandoned the idea of always staying in human form. Living as half-leopard was fine. She could figure out another way to solve this problem later. For now, there was something even more frustrating. "Stagnation." Her spell world had stopped evolving. Despite all her research, all her struggles to unravel the curse¡ª It had stalled. It had ceased to progress. That infuriated her. So what could she do? The same as always. Wait for inspiration. Refine her spells. Polish the shape of her world. She had seen someone break through their limits through sheer repetition. Enkrid. Thinking about him filled her with a strange certainty¡ª That she, too, would somehow find her way forward. That frustration eased just a little. It was odd¡ªjust remembering him was enough to lift her mood. Having reached some semblance of clarity, she turned back toward the barracks. Wrapped in a black robe, Esther walked through the military camp. She was a beauty who stole every gaze. Men always turned to stare. But today, fewer eyes were drawn to her than usual. "Hm?" She wasn¡¯t offended. Just¡­ puzzled. Her steps quickened. Soon, she found him. Or rather¡ª She found Enkrid, destroying a barracks in the middle of a battle. It was pure coincidence. But then again, coincidence was simply the result of accumulated causality. Enkrid had just repelled Teresa and Dunbakel with three consecutive Crushing Blows¡ª And was now pressing Rem with sheer pressure. "You think this crap is gonna work?!" Rem roared, swinging his axe over his head. Boom! There was no actual sound. But to Esther''s ears, it rang like thunder. "Drumuller''s Scythe." A wind-compression spell that fired vacuum blades. An exceedingly sharp, supremely fast cutting spell. Wind, vacuum¡ª These were merely forms of pressure manipulation. And what was the ultimate form of pressure manipulation? Altering atmospheric pressure itself. The moment Enkrid¡¯s swordplay flashed before her¡ª Something clicked inside her mind. Her spell world resonated. The stimulation pulled her inward. A wizard had no choice but to fall into their world when something new emerged. If she meditated now, she¡¯d just end up standing there blankly, drooling. But so what? This was an opportunity to weave something new into her spell world. She could not let it slip away. *** "What the hell is this?" Kraiss sounded exasperated. Enkrid, struggling to stay upright on shaking legs, responded. "A spar." What else was there to say? Kraiss didn¡¯t press further. It was already done. No point arguing over it. The barracks wasn¡¯t going to fix itself. And Enkrid sure as hell wasn¡¯t going to apologize. Besides¡ª He was smiling. Not mockingly. Just¡­ satisfied. A subtle, relaxed smile. Something about it made it impossible to scold him. "A rebellion? You aiming to take my head and become the new lord?" Lord Graham had clearly been through enough to start joking like this. "Do you have to phrase it that way?" Enkrid quipped back, turning his gaze. And there¡ª He saw Esther. Standing still, like a wax statue. Just¡­ breathing. The surrounding soldiers had instinctively formed a ring around her. No one dared touch her. Because Esther was part of the Mad Platoon. A leopard-shifting witch who casually wandered in just a robe, threatening to gouge out the eyes of anyone who stared too long. A dangerous existence. Enkrid approached her. Her eyes were unfocused. What¡¯s up with her now? He had no way of knowing. It wasn¡¯t like seeing someone¡¯s swordsmanship often triggered revolutions in a wizard¡¯s spell world. And Enkrid wasn¡¯t a wizard. So there was no way for him to understand. Esther was exceptionally sensitive about people touching her. But Enkrid was the only one who could. He picked her up. Starting from the legs, lifting effortlessly. Her body went limp. Like someone who had fallen too deep into their own mind. Was this what he looked like when he got absorbed in his own swordplay? "Looks just like when you start drooling, Boss." Kraiss muttered. Enkrid didn¡¯t bother speculating. It was wizard business. He had no clue what was happening. She needed a bed. But turning around¡ª He only saw the destroyed barracks. "...Find us an empty one." Graham stepped forward. "If you want my position, just say so instead of trying to kill me." When did this guy get so good at jokes? Enkrid chuckled. After unleashing everything he had learned¡ª He didn¡¯t just feel satisfied. He saw the next step forward. "You¡¯ve changed, Brother." There was Audin¡¯s praise. "Not bad." And Ragna¡¯s murmured assessment. "You¡¯re getting decent." Dunbakel had fainted. Teresa had flailed around recklessly and ended up with her arm twisted by Audin. It wasn¡¯t broken, but she¡¯d need at least a day of rest. Enkrid laid Esther down in a makeshift bed and stepped outside. Then, he went looking for Rem. "Hell, did you grill and eat someone¡¯s heart on the battlefield or something?" That was how Rem expressed that Enkrid had improved. "Do people in the west really believe eating flesh makes them stronger?" "There are some crazy bastards who do." Rem replied as he wrapped himself in a heated pelt. His sweat had cooled. Everyone had moved to the adjacent barracks. Aside from those still inside, Rem was the only one outside. That was odd. He wasn¡¯t washing up, nor did he seem to have anything to say. Why was he lingering here? Rem, of all people? Instead of narrowing his eyes, Enkrid simply spoke. "Rem." "What?" "Never mind." Before the spar¡ªbefore everything escalated¡ªwhat had set things off? Rem. Enkrid could tell by instinct. And Audin had dropped a subtle hint. He hadn¡¯t paid much attention lately, too busy dealing with people constantly seeking him out¡ª But Rem¡¯s mood had changed. Not exactly unstable, but razor-sharp. Would asking about it yield any answers? Maybe. But even if he knew¡ªwhat could he do? "You gonna start talking and stop halfway? Don¡¯t you know that¡¯s the worst?" Rem grumbled. That sharp, dangerous edge in him had dulled¡ª even if just a little. Enkrid decided to skip the pointless back-and-forth. "Tomorrow morning." "Huh?" "We¡¯ll spar properly." One-on-one. His eyes said the rest. A grin crept onto Rem¡¯s face. "Your head¡¯s really broken, huh? You think you can take me alone?" "Just don¡¯t cry when you lose." Enkrid retorted effortlessly. Rem laughed. "Fine. Good. I¡¯ll make sure you cry instead." A familiar exchange of fighting spirit. As Enkrid walked away, Rem remained where he stood, gazing up at the sky. The stars shone. The warmth of the heated pelt and stone wrapped around him. The sound of Enkrid¡¯s footsteps faded, and Rem felt his mind settle. A small smirk escaped. What does that bastard know? That thought crossed his mind. What would he know¡ªif anything at all? Rem thought of that lazy, directionless fool. "What the hell did you do while you were away?" He asked in his head. He sure as hell wasn¡¯t going to ask aloud. He had changed. Rem had seen the difference. That had been the real trigger. The reason the air had felt so tense. It wasn¡¯t Ragna who had provoked him. It was Rem. He had seen it. Enkrid would swing his sword differently now. It was obvious just by looking. A subtle shift in his entire presence. Of course, you never truly knew until you fought. A difference in skill wasn¡¯t always clear¡ª Unless the gap was massive. The problem was, Rem had reacted to that shift. He had grown hypersensitive. What if I use the sling? Naturally, he started considering ways to fight Ragna. That had triggered a chain reaction. Ragna hadn¡¯t ignored the challenge. "You trying to get buried?" He had provoked Rem right back. And there was no way Rem would back down. "I¡¯ll smash your skull." That had been the beginning. Now, looking up at the night sky, Rem wondered¡ª "Am I paying the price for what I abandoned?" A stray thought. His mind drifted backward, further into the past. He remembered the seer¡¯s curse from when he left home. "You forsake power, you reject your right?" "Then you will pay the price." "Yeah, yeah, I¡¯ll handle it." Rem had turned his back on those words. The seer had clutched his chest and coughed up blood. He had been furious. Well, the past was the past. And the present was the present. Ragna was Ragna. Rem was Rem. "Damn stray cat." Would things have been less annoying if that bastard Jaxon had been around? They were all unbearable bastards. But despite that, Enkrid¡¯s presence was too strong to ignore. This time, it had been Ragna¡¯s shift that had stirred something in him¡ª A competitive spark. But Rem decided to let it go. "If it gets bad enough, I¡¯ll just go back and take it." The thing he had left behind. The thing he abandoned. If he retrieved it, Ragna would be nothing more than a speck beneath his feet. *** The next morning. After relocating to a new barracks, Enkrid began his morning training. Audin had insisted that after observing for a few days, they would start proper training. Even now, every morning, he was drenched in sweat, his limbs shaking. What exactly did "proper training" mean? Dunbakel, who had been watching the training, was already questioning everything. "Should I just quit?" Teresa didn¡¯t say anything¡ª But her pupils trembled. Audin¡¯s training wasn¡¯t normal. But Enkrid took it in stride. "Looking forward to it." The sheer determination in his voice made Teresa and Dunbakel realize¡ª His resolve was unshakable. And that fueled them as well. A half-giant and a beastwoman. Neither of them would fall behind. "I won¡¯t be left behind." Dunbakel resolved. "A wandering Teresa never gives up." Teresa steeled herself. Training ended, and Enkrid prepared for his spar with Rem. But¡ª "Commander." A messenger ran up to him. "What?" "You need to come immediately." After dealing with Count Molsen, Enkrid had personally taken responsibility for the fallout. Annoying, but necessary. However¡ª Losing training time over it was a different matter. "It¡¯s a noble." Which meant he couldn¡¯t just tell them to piss off. Even a non-hereditary noble was still a noble. And that was truly a pain in the ass. It was becoming increasingly clear that this was a problem he needed to solve. A solution was necessary. So he called for someone. "Kraiss?" Surely he wasn¡¯t slacking off? One thing was certain¡ª Enkrid had no intention of constantly being pulled away from his training and duels to deal with these people. His stance was clear. Kraiss appeared, rubbing his eyes. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Yeah?" He yawned, then stretched. Then, he grinned. "I guess it¡¯s time we started playing our hand, huh?" Enkrid nodded. Chapter 333 Graham¡¯s lieutenant hesitated before voicing his concern. "Can we really just leave him?" It didn¡¯t feel right. They had just handed Enkrid over to some noble or a merchant guild master or whatever the hell he was. Sure, they had found the man he was supposed to meet. But wasn¡¯t this something the lord could handle himself? Of course, he couldn¡¯t say all of that out loud. So instead, he kept his question short. Lord Graham responded while gripping his sword. "And what if we don¡¯t leave him?" He lowered his blade slowly. "I¡¯m still the lord. If they don¡¯t like it, they¡¯ll have to take my head." The lieutenant had a nagging feeling that Graham had been far too willing to gamble his own life lately. But he didn¡¯t say anything. Because honestly? If Enkrid really wanted to, taking over as lord would probably be effortless. And more than anything¡ª Graham looked like he had already made peace with losing his head. "Understood." The lieutenant accepted it. There was nothing more to say. Instead, he simply watched his lord. For the first time in a long while, Graham looked completely absorbed in something. His eyes were half-lidded, his grip steady as he slowly lowered his sword. "A crushing blade?" Had Enkrid¡¯s swordplay only left an impression on Esther? No. Graham¡¯s heart was pounding. His pulse raced. An uncontrollable hunger and yearning coiled within him like a fire spiraling upward. Emotion became fuel, driving his body into motion. "Ah." As his blade sliced through the air, a sudden realization struck him. Graham thought about the training he had been doing¡ª Not just yesterday or the day before. But for weeks. He hadn¡¯t been neglecting it. No, he had trained. But had he truly given it his all? Had he done his best? No. He hadn¡¯t. He had let himself stagnate. He had settled. Had he used his duties as lord as an excuse? Had he convinced himself that he had nowhere else to go? Where had the fire he once had gone? Could he say all of that to that kid¡¯s face? To Enkrid? The boy who once dreamed of knighthood. Who was now walking that path. When he first joined the army, people had done nothing but mock him. Rumors spread that he was selling his body to his own soldiers. Back then, he was barely a low-level foot soldier. But Graham had watched him change. And that was enough to shake him. This realization, this awakening through the sword, had made him reflect on his entire life. "Being a lord doesn¡¯t mean I have to stop wielding my blade." Graham had never been particularly smart. Which was why¡ª He had delegated most of his work to his lieutenant. And when even that wasn¡¯t enough¡ª He had started passing things off to Kraiss, the sharp-witted tactician of the Mad Platoon. He had cut human interactions to the bare minimum. Now, all he wanted was to swing his sword. His lieutenant couldn¡¯t stop him. Because he felt the same. "Would you care for a match?" He was a veteran heavy infantryman. A battle-hardened soldier. Now, he served as Graham¡¯s personal guard. And he had seen everything. He had seen Enkrid¡¯s growth. He had witnessed his battles. It was impossible not to be affected. "Come. I¡¯ll show you the difference between us." Graham nodded. But they weren¡¯t the only ones affected. It had rippled through the entire army. Even the Fairy Company Commander was no exception. Shinar practiced with her twin daggers, repeating the same motion over and over. Polishing. Refining. Her inspiration? The back of Enkrid as he faced a knight. "He blocks it." That was all she needed to know. Sensitivity allowed one to read emotions. And emotions, in turn, allowed one to glimpse intent. The stronger someone¡¯s will, the clearer it became. Which was why Shinar had felt it so vividly¡ª "Even if I die." "Even if my body is torn apart." "Even if my heart shatters." I. Will. Block. It. What kind of madman could be like that? Someone who poured every fiber of their being into one thing and forgot everything else. And what had lurked beneath that unyielding will? It wasn¡¯t fear. It wasn¡¯t the absence of pain. It was exhilaration. He didn¡¯t lack fear. He didn¡¯t ignore pain. He simply drowned it in joy. The ecstasy of the moment made everything else fade. He lived entirely in the present. "He¡¯s insane." Shinar had no doubt. The man had a screw loose. But despite that¡ª Thinking about him sent a thrill through her. Fairies were supposed to control their emotions. They weren¡¯t supposed to feel this kind of rush. But right now? She had forgotten about control. Her daggers danced. Precision gave way to fluidity. She let the energy inside her move freely. She didn¡¯t hold back. All she wanted was to swing her blades. And it was all because of that damn human¡¯s back. *** "If he can do it, why can¡¯t I?" Enkrid¡¯s battles had ignited a fire in the entire platoon. Especially among the swordsmen. There were soldiers who had followed him here from Greenpearl. Some of them had witnessed his fights firsthand. Some had even joined the Mad Platoon just to prove themselves. One of them was Jans§Ön. And he was running his mouth. A border guard soldier finally had enough. "You talk a lot. You any good?" Jans§Ön turned his head. "I can hold my own." He had fought in the last battle. He had watched Enkrid every day. He had trained harder than ever before. His confidence was earned. "Bell, go easy on him." Another soldier muttered. That stung. Bell, his opponent, simply nodded. It was clear¡ªhe was ready to fight. "You¡¯ll get hurt." Jans§Ön warned. "Then let¡¯s both get hurt." Bell replied. Bell was a Mad Platoon soldier. He had gone through intense training. That afternoon, Jans§Ön saw stars. He took a fist to the forehead, then a hook to the temple. He went down. A difference in skill. But more than that¡ª A difference in mindset. "Does it hurt?" Bell wiped the sweat from his brow. "There¡¯s plenty of guys like me here." Jans§Ön looked up. "Jans§Ön." "Welcome aboard." And just like that, he became one of them. But he wasn¡¯t the only one. Those who had witnessed Enkrid threw themselves into training. Sweat poured. Even without formal drills, they pushed themselves. The camp looked like a gathering of madmen. Of course, not everyone trained. Some slacked off. No one forced them. But they all knew. "If I don¡¯t train while everyone else does¡­?" It would show on the battlefield. The stimulation kept spreading. And Rem was no exception. He swung his axe. Despite the lingering chill of winter, he had shed his heated pelt. It was a rare sight. "Are you feeling unwell?" Kraiss, passing by, looked concerned. "If you don¡¯t want me to plant this axe in your skull, get lost." Kraiss wisely got lost. After Rem, Dunbakel also trained like a man desperate to outrun a pursuer. Rem no longer tormented her as before, but whenever necessary, he sparred, trained, and gave advice. "Are all beastfolk as stupid as you?" "That¡¯s a racist remark." "So what? You wanna die?" At times, it seemed like Rem was just taking out his frustrations on her¡ª But in the end, it was a good thing. Dunbakel learned everything she needed to¡ªeven if it was through beatings. Audin also noticed the changes. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Ragna had changed. His commander had changed. And he had felt it. Deeply. Thus, Audin, too, was lost in thought for a moment. At least it was Ragna. Because if Rem had been the one to change first¡ª The barbarian would have gone on a rampage, challenging everyone to a fight. He would have asserted dominance and reveled in the thrill. But Ragna didn¡¯t. He was still lazy. Sure, he now swung his sword and sparred regularly with the commander, But he didn¡¯t provoke them to suppress them. More than anything, he had been absent-minded lately. Just staring into space. Rarely leaving his barracks. Even so, Audin was uneasy. "He advanced first." He thought to himself. "Is it time to break my own restraints?" If Rem had been the one to change, he would have had to seriously reconsider everything. But for now¡ª It wasn¡¯t the time. Audin had found his own answer, but he doubted the ones who had placed restrictions on him would accept it. So¡ª "Retrace your steps, for within them lies the answer to what blocks your path." He recited scripture and prayed. Then, in the rest of his time, he rebuilt himself¡ª Strengthening his body layer by layer. That was the source of Audin¡¯s power. From the beginning to the present, he reexamined every step of his growth. He went through every change in his body one by one. Enkrid had advanced. And so, those around him also advanced. The entire camp was stirred. Quiet, but heated. Fiery, yet steady. The transformation within the barracks was undeniable. Before, similar sparks had spread. But this time, even the city lord was involved. It wasn¡¯t just affecting the camp¡ª It was reshaping the city itself. A Merchant¡¯s Proposal "Could you possibly get a better deal than this?!" Enkrid had already forgotten the man¡¯s name. He considered glancing toward Graham¡ª Only to remember he wasn¡¯t there. During Count Molsen¡¯s visit, Graham had at least bothered to show his face. But now? He had just dumped this merchant noble on him. "Is this how you treat a war hero?" Even if it felt embarrassing to call himself one¡ª Wasn¡¯t dumping people on him like this a bit much? Wasn¡¯t he the city lord? Enkrid suddenly felt the urge to spar with Graham. There was a lot he could learn from him. Like how to fall properly, how to take a hit, and maybe even how to pass out painlessly. "She¡¯s my daughter, but she¡¯s also the most beautiful woman in our territory!" The toad-like noble-merchant exclaimed. His daughter¡ªmore human than toad¡ªgave him a shy smile, making brief eye contact before looking away. Should I kill them? Of course, he couldn¡¯t. Beating them up? "Are you Rem? Are you the commander or is Rem?" Kraiss¡¯s nagging echoed in his mind. To make matters worse, Shinar was busy today, leaving him with no backup. And Esther was locked away in meditation. Should I have brought Rem? At least he could have let Rem go berserk and ended this quickly. Not to mention¡ª He was supposed to spar with Rem this morning. The delay annoyed him. But taking it out on these people would have been pointless. Instead, Enkrid spoke politely while his mind was elsewhere. He was already mentally sparring with Rem. Imagining the arc of his axe. "So he¡¯s using a sling now?" How should he dodge it? He didn¡¯t know. All he could do was face it head-on and learn. The process of experience and realization awaited him. And he was desperate to engage in it. Regardless of his patience, Enkrid was already done with this conversation. He had wasted enough time. More than a cup of tea¡¯s worth. Not that he had sipped it slowly. He had gulped it down. "So? Hm? What do you think?" The noble grinned, expecting a response. "I¡¯m leaving." Enkrid stated bluntly as he stood. "Huh? Hey! I¡¯m a noble! I run all the trade in this region!" The man started listing his credentials. Enkrid didn¡¯t even spare him a glance. He was too busy imagining the moment his sword clashed against Rem¡¯s axe. Who cared if he controlled regional trade? Wasn¡¯t that the city lord¡¯s problem? If this man were truly important, Graham would¡¯ve dealt with him. Thus, Enkrid bore no responsibility. It was a ridiculous justification. But not incorrect. As Enkrid walked away, the noble-merchant sat in shock. No¡ª He wasn¡¯t just shocked. The man had been outright rejected. And he wasn¡¯t the first. How many people had Enkrid brushed aside? Too many. Some of them had even begun harboring grudges. "That bastard." The noble gritted his teeth. His jaw muscles bulged beneath his skin. His daughter, meanwhile, was on the verge of tears. This man¡ª Had never even looked her in the eye. It was humiliating. Kraiss watched it all from the doorway. The unwelcome visitors finally stormed off. Kraiss sighed. He already knew where this was going. A mess was bound to follow. Why wouldn¡¯t it? It was obvious. But the ones who were supposed to handle this? They were all insane. It should have made him furious. But instead¡ª Kraiss was ecstatic. Because when things got messy¡ª That meant gold. "Let¡¯s see how this plays out." The noble shouted in frustration. But Kraiss wasn¡¯t worried. As he turned away, a woman peered out from behind him. "Are you saying you want someone to act as a shield for the merchants?" She asked. Kraiss blinked his large eyes. "Huh? What are you talking about?" "Playing dumb?" Her lips twitched. It was clear she was holding back a curse. Kraiss ignored it. Because she was right. The merchant groups were getting restless over control of Border Guard¡¯s trade. It was a power vacuum. And if someone filled it¡ª The problem would be solved. The most suitable candidate had arrived in the city last night. The Gilpin Guild¡¯s sources were faster than the gate guards. Kraiss turned back and gave a formal greeting. "I should introduce myself properly. I apologize for the delay, Lady Leona Lockfried." "Oh, you¡¯re so quick with greetings." Leona smirked. Both of them had something to gain. Thus¡ª Negotiations began. And neither side intended to make it easy. Of course¡ª Kraiss wasn¡¯t planning to waste too much time on this, either.