Chapter 75: From the Very Beginning (10)

Chapter 75: From the Very Beginning (10)

This is a breach of contract.



Breach of contract? What?



Stop messing around!



Dont shout so loudly. Dogs that bark too loudly will

* * *

Excuse me? Awaken a Great Demon

Give us more details!

Deathbringer couldnt even click his tongue as he looked at the person whod beaten him to it and was confronting the man. Even the iron walls usually naive face, similar to that of a child, was unusually stiff.

And he knew when she made this type of expression. The Inquisitor usually looked like that when she heard information about dangerous things, specifically Demons.

I dont really know the details. I just overheard some things.

Then tell me what you heard. This is very important.

The man looked rather shaken at someone elses sudden interference. She was being quite pushy, as well.

However, perhaps because his survival depended on them, he didnt keep his mouth shut for long, even if he seemed a little surprised.

All I heard was that if they succeed, the Great Demon that left them will return and They would be able to take away the Heros sword.

The Heros sword. They didnt need to think for long to grasp the meaning of these words. The Hero was using a mace, after all, so there was ultimately only one person who could be called her sword.

Even if said sword was rather bad-tempered, and instead of following the Heros words, wielded the Hero herself as his weapon.

The Demon Knight is in danger.

We need to go find him right away.

Deathbringer had a rare moment of agreement with the Inquisitor, but it wasnt anything to be happy about.

This could be an incident even worse than their plan failing.

Hey, what are you talking about?

Did the plan go south?

Was it because those two people, who had stayed incredibly calm even when seeing the Demon Knight running rampant in the castle, suddenly had such serious expressions? The thieves whod finalized their comrades disguise came over carefully.

As one would expect from people who made their living by thinking on their feet, they already seemed infected by Deathbringers anxiety.

That wasnt anything good, either. Low morale could cause even operations with guaranteed success to fail. They somehow needed to regain their momentum.

But how? Just how could they do that? It was hard for them to even get over their own shock, so how could they comfort others?

He bit his dry lips.

He had known how dangerous a gamble this plan was ever since the Demon Knight came up with it.

However, since they were led by the Demon Knight, the greatest force they had, he ignored all the risks.

He wasnt even capable of imagining that man losing to anyone.

However, was that really the truth? Was there really no way the Knight would be defeated?

We need to get out of this place right away.

Deathbringer lowered his gaze as he saw a certain someone, whom he thought was inferior to him at these things, giving out firm orders.

Instead of relying on the Demon Knights strength, he should have kept in mind how weak he was against a prepared enemy.

Instead of focusing on the image of him hunting a dragon on his own or walking confidently through a city filled with Demons, he should have remembered him lying on the floor covered in mortal wounds, his face pale in Tatara.

In the end, he had joined the group no matter what to make up for that weakness, despite not being as strong in battle

The enemy already knew the Demon Knight would come here! They definitely know our location, as well! We need to move now! Quickly!

What?

What do you

And you, I would ask for your cooperation as we go. Please come along.

However, he couldnt do that. He had been unable to piece together the information fast enough and get the situation under control.

Because of that, the Demon Knight was currently exposed to an enemy blatantly aiming for him. He let him go alone into a place that obviously held strong malice against him, even though hed heard certain things already.

And you.

What now? What should he do if their enemies really had gotten to the Demon Knight? What if the Knight was already being devoured by the Demon and would face them as their enemy?

Just Just how on earth were they supposed to get through this?

Hey, hey! Hey, Thief!

He didnt know. Nothing came to his mind. Though they were never completely safe, he now absolutely had to make a plan that would let them at least keep their lives.

The opportunity lost due to his negligence, and the image of the person who might have fallen into mortal danger because of it, flashed before his eyes.

Hey, get it together!

And then he felt a tremendous shock run through his cheek. While his teeth didnt break, the force was enough to split his lip.

You idiotic bastard! Were in the middle of enemy territory! No matter what happens or who comes our way, we cant give up! Do you understand?!

He was then grabbed by his collar. Green eyes, much brighter than his own, shone clearly before him.

If youve finally returned to your senses, tell me whats next! Im not good with infiltrations and the like. Arent you supposed to be an expert in that field?!

He saw himself reflected in them. He looked incredibly stupid, even to himself.

What are you talking about! I was clearly thinking about it!?

Then talk to me already. Dont just keep those thoughts in your head!

I-I got it already. Ill tell you while we move.

Deathbringer calmly gathered his mind and relaxed his body as they conversed as usual. After waking from his panicked state, he finally began to see what he needed to do.

For now, Mr. Stand-in, dont go in there.

How did the enemy know the Demon Knight was coming here? There were two possibilities.

Firstly, they were prepared for it the moment the Demon Knight came to this island. Secondly, the traitor stationed in the secret port reported that they would come here.

Hey Mister. When did the preparations for that ritual to awaken the Great Demon begin?

Erm I think it started the day before yesterday.

The day before yesterday. Two days ago. At almost the same time they left the secret port. In that case, it seemed those occupying Ayu Hin had hastily prepared for their arrival after hearing from the spy that they were coming.

So they know

Whether they were part of the strategy meeting, overheard something, or gave their report upon seeing them leave, the spy definitely informed this side that the Demon Knight and the others were on their way here.

So, it was safe to say they also knew of the other intruders existence, too.

Have you overheard them talking about preparing for intruders or something like that?

Its nothing much

Even if its just something small, please.

I dont think I heard anything, really Ah, I heard some say that even if rats came in here, they would just turn into Zombie food, anyway.

Right. He knew it. But for them to willingly let them in

How was the discipline of those guards?

Hah, they were pirates before. Do you actually think they would have even one disciplined bone in them?

It seemed as if a Demon had taken control of him.

One of the 72 Knights, Focalor, greets the esteemed Wrath.

Lukkwan hadnt thought much about their hair dye being black. It was simply the most common hair color in these lands. However, what she couldnt believe was that the dyes effect only kicked in now.

We have prepared an offering for you, so please indulge in it to your heart's content.

However, was this color change really due to the dye? It was long past the time it should have taken effect. Even if he wasnt compatible with Arcane Power, his hair should have changed color ages ago.

So, was this really the effect of the hair dye that just happened to kick in right as he woke up?

Ah.

Then, the person who just raised his body finally let out a sound. It was short, like the hapless first sounds of a newborn or the last sounds of the dying.

Then he raised his gauntlet-clad arm and touched his head. It was a movement one usually made when overcome with anger. His blank gaze into empty space and his wrinkled brows added to her guess.

Do you have a headache? It might be an after-effect of forcing you to wake up like this. Let me examine you.

Someone jumped toward him from a side of the room Lukkwan hadnt been paying attention to. That person, who seemed like a shadow, was dressed in robes that made it obvious to anyone that he was a Demon Worshiper.

Please hold my hand first and stand up!

Stab!

Urgh!

Did that Demon Worshiper actually get close to the Demon Knight and reach out a hand to help him?

As soon as he grabbed the hand and stood up, something poked out of the Demon Worshiper's back. It was a bloodied blade.

Everyone in the hall stood up straight.

You know.

And this person who had easily acted just then opened his mouth.

I am not quite partial to people touching my body.

Funnily enough, his tone of voice was extremely soft and gentle.

So, please keep that in mind next time.

Although she had only known him for a single day, she knew the Demon Knight would never in a trillion years speak in such a soft voice.

Hmm.

The Demon Worshiper fell to the floor as he pulled out his sword from his body. The same was true for Lukkwans hope.

She didnt know what those Demon bastards did to him, but the Demon Knight was no longer on their side. There was no longer any hope for them.

G-Great Demon, why?

Someone standing against the wall, as the now dead Demon Worshiper had before, reflexively opened his mouth.

The Demon Knight No, the thing possessing his body tilted its head.

Are you asking me a question right now?

He really had a nice voice. Hearing his light tone, she fell into resignation. Those werent empty words.

Until now, she hadnt noticed his voice because the emotions within it were so sharp, they could cut through flesh

How fun.

His voice was quite sweet and soft. A voice that could win over anyone with just a few words.

Looking at him more closely, she felt the same way about his face now that the deep creases, severe anxiety, and dark shadows of anger from an unknown source had completely disappeared.

What remained was a very handsome young man with an extremely bright smile reaching his pale cheeks.

She might have described it as a peaceful and idyllic face if not for the blood that had splattered on it as he stabbed that Demon Worshiper.

P-Please forgive my insolence.

I shall, since Im very generous. Please accept my generosity.

Ah! Thank you, Thank y!

However, that was just his outer shell, nothing more.

Stab!

You shouldnt accept it so quickly.

Urgh!

After stabbing yet another person to death, he looked around with a soft smile on his lips, his face soaked in even more blood. A thin layer of red flesh coated the blade in his hand.

This sight was so very horrifying because of this extreme contrast. Instinctive fear began to rise in her.

So, hmm. What did you say your name was? Portugal?

Its Focalor.

Right, Focalor. Are you angry?

How could I possibly? Everything within this castle, within this city, are sacrifices we prepared for Gretchen.

I see, I see

At that moment, the amalgamation of malice smiled even brighter than before, seeming satisfied.

Then, this one over there, as well?

And finally, its gaze landed on her.

Of course.

She felt like her time to die had come.

Hmm, a cat?

This person who approached her with light steps touched her cheek with the back of his left hand.

She could bite his hand like she had done with that other person if she wanted to, but Lukkwan couldnt bring herself to do it. It felt like some invisible energy was binding her.

She couldnt do anything but stay still. Cold fear coursed through her veins, taking over her whole body.

This whole castle is also mine, right?

Indeed.

I see. Is that so?

That thing talked to Vipurit. She didnt know what he was thinking. She hadnt the courage to look at him even with her face raised.

I like cats Let her go.

And then, a sudden order left his mouth. Her heart was now beating faster for a different reason than when she was waiting for her death.

Pardon? L-Let her go?

Are you questioning me?

Release her immediately.

The key was swiftly inserted into her shackles, letting out a jingling sound. What came with it was a fragile hope, a slight Perhaps.

Lukkwan hurriedly looked up at the Demon Knights face.

Lets play tag, little kitty.

However, her hopes were immediately crushed.

I will wait here for 30 seconds, so if you havent moved far enough in that time I will kill you.

From the beginning, the only thing left in him was a Demon with an endlessly black and ominous aura around him.