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Grand Hall.
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The largest hall inside the castle.
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The place where all official ceremonies and banquets within the imperial castle were held.
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On ordinary days, it served as the space for discussing state affairs with the courtiers.
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Only two beings existed in this vast hall.
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No, one was human.
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The other was a Death Knight.
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Sylvia, seated on the throne, and the black-armored knight, Teordo, standing by her side as if it were natural.
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Sylvia was staring intently at the report laid before her.
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“Is it really going to be okay?”
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She set the report down and let out a soft sigh.
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“Hio said he would go, but he also said he wouldn’t stay for long.”
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The report contained details about the movements of the Black Fang and the immediate aftermath of the academy’s assault.
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Teordo nodded as if to reassure her, not just to comfort but because he truly believed it would be fine.
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The report had come just moments ago.
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Even before receiving this information, the Empire’s strongest knights had already set out toward the academy.
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If that was fortunate at all, it was because the reinforcements had been dispatched quickly after the assault report arrived.
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So, even without Hio Pavlenko, things would be alright.
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After all, wherever the Black Fang is, there will be a Sword Saint heading there in person.
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“…Understood. I’ll do what I must.”
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Though uneasy, the emperor must not waver. She must remain steadfast and plan the next move.
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Just as Sylvia decided to summon the nobles, she suddenly felt an emptiness and turned around.
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“…Teordo?”
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She realized her knight was gone.
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Then Hio’s words suddenly flashed through her mind.
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· Unless something happens to me, your knight won’t be recalled.
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“Hio… Teordo…”
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The unease swelled.
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A flash of black aura.
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***
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A knight made of death, darker than the black mist spreading everywhere.
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No words were needed.
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“Teordo.”
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A single exchanged glance was enough. The will had already been conveyed.
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What was needed.
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What had to be done.
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Instantly grasping it, the Death Knight raised his sword high into the sky.
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With it, the Death Aura surged fiercely.
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The pitch-black Sword Aura formed from the essence of death.
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It all happened in the blink of an eye.
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Teordo was recalled beside Sylvia and resummoned behind Atawolf.
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The moment he appeared, the will was transmitted, and he emitted a jet-black Sword Aura as he raised his sword.
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Even Atawolf was caught off guard by the sudden turn of events.
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So the hope was placed on this.
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“Cut it down.”
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May that blade filled with Death Aura slash through Atawolf’s mist.
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May the Sword Aura, rivaling the strength of a Seventh Rank Knight, shatter that fog into pieces.
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Drawing upon all remaining magic power.
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The moment the mist broke, hundreds, even thousands of bolts of lightning would rain down from above.
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…but.
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Ka-ang—!
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It was not the sound they had hoped for.
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Though the sword was swung almost immediately upon summoning, Atawolf reacted.
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No, more than that—he blocked it.
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Teordo’s sword, wrapped in black Sword Aura, was stopped by the veil of mist.
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It was certainly effective, as it was swung so close to Atawolf.
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The sturdy fog trembled significantly.
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But that was all.
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In the end, it did not break apart. The sword did not pierce through.
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So everything was back to square one.
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Atawolf slowly turned around and locked eyes with the Death Knight.
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“Yes.”
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Amid the ongoing struggle of the black mist and the aura of death, Atawolf’s voice remained unchanged.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Hio Pavlenko. So this was your final move.”
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Black mist surged rapidly around Teordo.
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Hidden behind it, Teordo’s figure gradually vanished.
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“A Death Knight… the legendary knight the ancient mages once wielded.”
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Atawolf spoke casually as the black mist enveloped Teordo’s body.
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Then.
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Creaking, cracking sounds came from within.
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“But it’s merely an inflated remnant of the past.”
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The dreadful sound of Teordo’s body being crushed by the black mist.
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A brief moment passed, and then silence returned within the mist.
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The black mist slowly dispersed.
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Nothing remained visible. The knight who had struggled against the black mist was gone.
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The Death Knight was crushed by the black mist and scattered without even a trace left behind.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Being eliminated always has its reason.”
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Atawolf turned around slowly again.
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He had now erased even Hio Pavlenko’s last move.
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Over the long years, how many deaths had he witnessed? How many had he executed?
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It was only natural to expect that such a skilled man would hide his final move.
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He looked at Hio’s expression.
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‘What face would he wear?’
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‘Resignation? Despair?’
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Or would he burn with fighting spirit, refusing to give up to the very end?
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Like so many others before death.
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…Yes.
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Turning toward Hio, Atawolf finally spoke.
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What reflected in Atawolf’s eyes was Hio Pavlenko—
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“You are smiling.”
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He was smiling.
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Not a false or boastful smile, but a genuine one.
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“What’s so amusing?”
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Hio looked up at the staff in his hand and spoke quietly.
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“It’s a remnant of the past. It’s been eliminated.”
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He smiled at that thought.
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‘Isn’t it ridiculous?’
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Vanished history.
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Forgotten wars that no one remembers.
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Countless heroes’ achievements and noble sacrifices.
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The end of those sacrifices was ultimately the loss of magic.
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“To laugh at that without knowing the price you pay to live and breathe—”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
‘How laughable it is.’
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Atawolf spoke again.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
The black mist swirled, spreading his strange voice widely.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Yes. Hio Pavlenko. Is this the result of the magic you so praise?”
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Even at a glance, his aura was no longer the same. His magic power must be nearly depleted.
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He had thoroughly blocked every last move.
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What more could he possibly do now?
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“Being eliminated means being eliminated, Hio Pavlenko.”
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That is how it is.
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In the face of death, such things are meaningless.
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The beliefs of the weak have no meaning.
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The black mist moved.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
At the same time, Hio’s staff moved.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Still, you know nothing, don’t you?”
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The dark night sky.
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The space shrouded in black mist.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Within it, the vision darkened even further.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“What…”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Sensing an ominous presence, Atawolf called all the black mist inward.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Being eliminated is not about magic.”
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Yet the space did not brighten.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
A heavy, massive presence approached.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“It’s the loss of magic in a human.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Skill ‘Summoning of Death God’ activates.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Before Atawolf appeared a massive Death God.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Its red eyes flashed in the darkness, staring down at Atawolf with an eerie gaze.
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The Death God’s red scythe hovered just inches from Atawolf’s neck.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Atawolf was frozen, unable to move.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Though he had called all the black mist and guarded perfectly, the Death God’s scythe hung like a specter before his throat.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“I’ll tell you one more thing, Atawolf.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Hio spoke to Atawolf again.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“The Death Knight,”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Behind Atawolf, grayish Death Aura surged and took shape.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Bigger than before.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
More intense than before.
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“They are Death Knights because they do not die.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
The black aura flashed again.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Kwaaang—!
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The pitch-black Sword Aura soared into the sky and clashed with the black mist.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Kwaaang—!
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
A deafening roar shook heaven and earth.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Tsk tsk…”
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Vitalianus clicked his tongue sharply.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“That’s not it, you see.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
***
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Within the academy, the sky was seen instantly.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Though hidden behind the black mist, to the great Sword Saint, such fog was clear as day.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Kwaaang—!
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
The sound rang out again.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
The clash of death-forged Sword Aura and Atawolf’s black mist.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Vitalianus focused more intently and peered into the fog.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Golden aura shimmered before his eyes.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“That’s… the work of a magician.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
On the rooftop of a tall building.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
An otherworldly being continuously radiated an eerie aura.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
A strange and huge presence he had never sensed before.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
It was strange. Whenever something unusual happens, it’s always the work of magicians.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
And there, moving across the rooftop, was the Death Knight, radiating black Sword Aura.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Kwaaang—!
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
At that moment, Vitalianus clicked his tongue again and slowly drew his sword.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“I can’t just stand by any longer.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
He was revealing the hidden presence he had concealed.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
The golden lion’s presence grew larger.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Only then did the three who had been fighting in the sky turn their gaze downward.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“That’s not it.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Vitalianus lightly swung his sword.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
But the result was anything but light.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
From the tip of the sword he swung like a game burst forth a massive golden aura.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“It’s not something you can cut just by stubbornly pushing.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
That golden wave cleaved through the black mist.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Like a golden tide, it split the fog that covered the sky neatly in half.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“You must put your will into it. That mist cannot be pierced by ordinary Sword Aura.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
The golden aura brightly illuminated the night sky and the black mist.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
The three looked down, Vitalianus looked up.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
He swept over them.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Can’t you see it clearly now? There are many familiar faces here.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
His gaze first went to the Death Knight, rippling with black aura.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“You inflexible knight. Remember well what I just said.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Next, he turned to the magician still wearing a ridiculous hat.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Yes, there was a magician after all. Just when I thought I was getting used to it, your outfit got even flashier.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Finally, he turned to the opposite side.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“And…”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Vitalianus’s expression darkened deeply.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“My hated old friend.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
The murderous aura shimmered all over his body.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Golden aura exploded outwards like a burst.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
***
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Claire stared blankly in the direction the Sword Saint had disappeared.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
She was not alone.
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Roland and Ravena were the same.
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Ravena muttered absentmindedly.
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“…This is my first time seeing Vitalianus in person.”
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Roland echoed beside her.
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“Me too…”
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Before they knew it, the two were surprisingly well-matched.
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“Claire, you’re lucky… to have even exchanged words with Vitalianus.”
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“Yeah. Just a humble Claire…”
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Though it was natural for the two to react like this, Claire was also half-dazed.
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Vitalianus Mahel, Guardian Knight of the Emperor.
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The Sword Saint, the knight among knights who earned the title of the Great Star.
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A shield protecting the Empire and the sharpest sword.
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To meet such a figure was an honor even most nobles would cherish.
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“But… who was the magician Vitalianus spoke of?”
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“A magician? Those are all just frauds, right? Aren’t they only in storybooks?”
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“That may be so, but Vitalianus wouldn’t say nonsense.”
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“That’s true.”
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Listening to Ravena and Roland’s conversation, Claire took a step forward.
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“Claire? Are you going back?”
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Toward the academy’s interior, where the Sword Saint had disappeared, almost flying rather than walking.
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“Yeah. I want to go.”
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“Crazy Claire. You still haven’t come to your senses.”
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Roland frowned.
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“Then I want to go too!”
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Ravena stuck close to Claire.
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“Since Vitalianus went, it should be resolved soon, right?”
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Roland’s gaze flickered sharply.
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“R-Really…?”
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She was curious as well.
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Who wouldn’t be?
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How many had seen the great Sword Saint and Guardian Knight of the Emperor wield his sword firsthand?
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Even from afar, they wanted to see.
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Eventually, Roland was persuaded and joined them.
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The three girls stepped inside the academy.
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“…Ah!”
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Suddenly, a presence appeared again.
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“Oh, sorry to startle you.”
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A brown-haired man with a grin and nearly ten people around him.
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Among them, the brown-haired man smiled kindly and asked Claire,
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“I heard a familiar name while passing by. Did the captain—no, Vitalianus pass this way?”
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“If you mean the Sword Saint… yes. He passed by. Very quickly.”
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At that answer, the brown-haired man sighed heavily.
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“I told you to come with me. Anyway…”
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About ten men and women with strong personalities.
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Despite their flashy appearances, they all wore the same uniform.
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Pure white with golden embroidery.
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A common emblem on the left chest.
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“…No way?”
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Roland covered his mouth with both hands upon recognizing it.
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“Royal Knights!”
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The Empire’s strongest military force, obeying only the Emperor’s orders.
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Roland, unusually excited, asked the brown-haired man,
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“Did you come to save us?”
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The man, presumed to be a Royal Knight, smiled sheepishly.
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“No… we were actually sent on a different mission…”
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“Damon, stop talking nonsense.”
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“…Yes.”
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Atawolf, with a cold expression, stood up at the woman’s words.
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The Royal Knight named Damon glanced at the other Royal Knights inside the academy and quietly whispered to Claire and the others.
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“The truth is, there’s a very important person inside we’ve been sent to escort.”
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“A very important person? You mean Vitalianus?”
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“No, that person is our captain.”
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“Then…?”
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Another Royal Knight ahead urged Damon.
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“Let’s go quickly!”
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Damon ran toward them, shouting,
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“Well, you’ll know soon enough.”
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