ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
Sure enough, as soon as the tax collection delegation left, there was movement.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
Under the cover of a dark, moonless night, a group slipped out of the lord’s castle.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
They moved stealthily, but their trail was precisely captured by someone.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
Swish.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
A man emerged from the shadows.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
It was none other than Cordell McNeil, Black Agent of the Imperial Knights.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
“Tch! How did he predict this again? His insight is beyond comprehension.”
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
Duke Abel Carius’s exceptional abilities were already legendary.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
From businesses that exploded in success at his touch to his consistently brilliant rulings.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
It even made one wonder if the rumors were trueโthat he was a god.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
“Come to think of it, this was practically a prophecy, wasn’t it?”
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
That once the tax delegation left, someone would try to move the hidden funds.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
Those were Duke Carius’s words.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
They’d assume Viscount Toby Acword would confess quickly under torture.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
It made perfect sense when you thought about it.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
But to predict that and immediately decide to leave the sceneโthat decisiveness.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
None of the leaders Cordell knew were this outstanding.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
“Whoa? I’m gonna lose them at this rate.”
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
While briefly thinking of Abel Carius, the group had already vanished into the forest.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
Even though it was the frontier, teeming with monsters, their movements showed no hesitation.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
Which meant this was a path they’d frequented enough to prove it safe.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
Cordell McNeil swiftly tailed them.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
Soon, they reached a cliff hidden among the bushes.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
“Nothing here but natural scenery…”
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
As Cordell’s mutter suggested, this was just a dense forest.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
A place untouched by human feet, with an eerie atmosphere to boot. It wouldn’t be strange if undead monsters popped out.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
Yet the five figures in black robes vanished in an instant.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
They’d just been walking along the cliff, but it looked like they’d evaporated.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
“Whoa!”
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
Even Cordell, skilled in espionage, couldn’t hide his shock.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
Their presence had been completely erased.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
But the bewilderment was fleeting.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
Whatever secret it was, he’d uncover it.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
Cordell McNeil scouted the cliff area.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
Then he noticed something odd.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
“Oh? So that’s how they made the secret entrance.”
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
The trick was ingenious yet simple.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
A small hole covered by camouflage nettingโthat was the entrance.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
It slid inward like a cylindrical slide.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
The last person pulled a rope as they descended, covering the hole again.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
If he hadn’t seen them enter directly, it would have been extremely hard to spot.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
“Even if the netting was peeled back, it’d be tough to notice.”
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
It’d look like a natural hole or an animal burrow.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
Without a moment’s hesitation, Cordell McNeil leaped in.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
He knew who they were and had found their hideoutโ no need to be cautious.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
From here, he’d just go in and crush them all…
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
Slide! Thud!
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
“Huh?”
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
Cordell, having slid all the way in, wore a dumb expression.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
The brightly lit interior was filled with dozens of burly men waiting.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
All heavily armed.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
“As expected, a rat followed. Who are you?”
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
“He’s gotta be from the tax delegation. I checked at the gate; they were one short.”
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
“Crush the spy quick. We gotta move the goods first.”
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
“Yeah, that’s the priority.”
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
The clanking of armor grew closer by the second.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
But Cordell McNeil’s face remained utterly calm.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
No matter how elite they were, they couldn’t beat a knight trained in aura…
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
Humm!
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
Suddenly, blue streaks of light unfolded before his eyes.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
“Huh? This wasn’t in the plan?”
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
The approaching ones were all emitting clear auras.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
At that level, they’d rank mid-to-upper in any capital knight order.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
Over thirty of them, with no escape route?
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
In this tight space, victory seemed impossible.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
Even for a Black Agent of the Imperial Knights, it was too disadvantageous.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
But at that exact moment.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
Sliiiide!!
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
Someone came sliding down the cylindrical chute.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
A figure in a black jacket, landing dramatically.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
It was Abel Carius, the mastermind of this operation.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
“Ooh! Your Grace, these bastards raided the vault. Crush them quick!”
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
Cordell McNeil scampered over and quickly ratted out the enemies.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
I glanced back and shook my head.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
“Please act with some dignity. You’re with the Imperial Knights, after all.”
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
“Who cares? I’m not stationed at the palace. Besides, this is my true self.”
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
“Sigh!”
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
How he hid that personality to join the Imperial Knights was beyond me.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
He was truly incomprehensible.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
“The duke? So this guy’s the head of that delegation.”
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
“Perfect timing. We can cut off the root entirely.”
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
“Did Toby Acword confess already?”
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
“We’ll find out tomorrow. If so, eliminate him too.”
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
They spat out terrifying words without hesitation.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
Not just obstructing a duke’s duties, but killing to silence?
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
What kind of lunatics were these?
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
They must be going all out since their secret’s exposed.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
Then I’d respond in kind.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
Time to show my skills after so long?
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
Gripping the communication rod, a warm sensation climbed my arm.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
ใBeast’s Heart Activationใ
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
Yes. This was it.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
My blood boiled with frenzy.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
I was the second most important person in the empire after the Emperor.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
Normally, I’d never get a chance at real combat.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
And my position was Chief Justice, no less.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
I couldn’t wield violence freely.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
Just look at the Yates Marquis case.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
But when the enemy clearly threatened, it was different.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
Retribution must be firm. But always within bounds.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
Beast’s Heart was a skill that turned one into a berserker instantly.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
One slip, and I could lose reason.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
After all I’d built, I’d never do something stupid like…
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
Clang!
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
“Oh?”
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
This wasn’t something to handle lightly.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
The sharp sensation in my grip.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
I’d deflected four sword strikes at once, but the impact was greater than expected.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
It’s not just the aura quality. Their fundamental skill is excellent.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
There were such people sometimes.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
Talented in aura sensitivity but lacking real battle experienceโhothouse flowers.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
Noble heirs with knight titles.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
But these reeked of rough battlefields.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
The way they swiftly regained balance after clashing with the rod said it all.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
Footwork to dissipate impact. That’s not just from practice.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
Yet a question arose.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
Why were they raiding the lord’s assets?
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
Marquis Yates wasn’t some middling noble.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
They’d get ample rewards without colluding with tax officials.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
“We’ll beat it out of them.”
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
No need to overthinkโjust take them all down and interrogate.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
I tightened my grip on the rod.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
The crimson flames doubled in size, blazing fiercely.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
“Damn, it’s the northern berserker. He came himself? This is a headache.”
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
Someone recognized me, grumbling.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
But the knights didn’t waver.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
They just steadied their stances, eyes gleaming.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
“Doesn’t matter whoโkill and erase. Operation start!”
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
“Glory to Yates!”
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
They closed the distance instantly, slashing swiftly.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
But the directions and speeds were unusual.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
Attacking with time delays, targeting different spots.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
This would make deflecting all tough.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
Aura-infused strikes carried heavy recoil.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
Prioritizing dangerous ones would leave my body bloodied everywhere.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
“Heh!”
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
But I just smiled faintly.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
No intention of dodging.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
I could tank this bare-bodied.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
ใExtreme Choice Activationใ
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
Humm!
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
A heavy vibration, and two options appeared.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
Without hesitation, I picked one and dismissed the hologram.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
Time to focus on battle.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
ใChoice ‘Defense’ใ
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
ใYou have entered ‘Water Punch’ state.ใ
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
Bang! Bang! Bang!
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
The skill activated, and a tremendous noise erupted.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
Like hammering iron plate madly.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
Seven slashes raked my body.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
Blue auras swept past, but not a scratch on me.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
And moreโI extended my left hand to grab the last attack.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
Crunch! Grind!
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
“Th-This!”
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
The knight twisted his wrist desperately.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
His face turned beet red, but the sword didn’t budge.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
I gifted him a fresh shock.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
Whooshโ!
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
The rod smashed his temple, spinning his body in mid-air.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
The limp knight didn’t twitch.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
Knocked out in one blow.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
As expected, this works.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
Even with attack power halved, it wasn’t zero damage.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
Abel Carius was inherently strong.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
A precise strike always landed effectively.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
“Don’t waver. Stick to training!”
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
“Yes!”
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
“He’ll fall eventually. Keep pressing!”
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
“Charge!”
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
One down futilely, but their morale held.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
At the apparent commander’s shout, countless auras poured.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
Another precise linked assault unfolded.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
Bang! Bang! Bang!
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
Regardless, I trusted Extreme Choice and pushed forward.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
But a movement pierced my sharpened senses.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
Clang!
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
Instinctively swung rod sparked brightly.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
Ugh!
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
I nearly groaned.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
The impact flowing up my arm was beyond imagination.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
An aura of different caliberโdense and slightly dark.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
Probably the commander’s strike.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
He seemed skilled, so I’d take him first.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
“Hmm?”
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
Clang! Clang!
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
This time, strikes targeted the rod.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
Crushing the enemy’s weapon was battle basics.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
But now, I couldn’t.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
They’d realized attacking my body was pointless.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
So they’d disarm me first.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
I somehow deflected them all, but my grip throbbed like tearing.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
Thanks to boosted defense from Extreme Choice, I was fine, but at this rate, I’d drop the rod…
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
Claaang! Whoosh!
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
“Oh, damn.”
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
Bad omens never missโthe situation turned tricky.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
The commander hid in his allies’ gaps, then struck suddenly.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
Blocking it, the rod flew far away.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
Even superhumanly strong, I couldn’t beat such experts bare-handed.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
“Hehehe! Finally got rid of that damn hammer.”
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
“Now’s the chance. Finish him!”
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
The knights charged with fire in their eyes.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
“Your Grace! I’ll handle this. Run!”
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
Cordell McNeil stepped forward from the side.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
As a bodyguard, he meant to sacrifice himself.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
But that was wrong from the start.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
There was no space to run here anyway.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
Guess I’ll fight bare-handed… Huh?
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
Raising my arms for a boxing stance, a fallen knight’s weapon caught my eye.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
A well-maintained greatsword.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
Not familiar, but better than nothing?
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
The thought hit, and I leaped to grab it.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
But at that instant.
ComplexStringWithรรรandotherUnicodeCharacters
ใCombat skill unlocked.ใ
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Lmao over 50 chapters and only now we unlock combat skill XD
It is the skill of the original Abel who used a two-handed sword, Maybeโฆ