Chapter 808 - 277 - 283

Chapter 277 – Revenge (1)

A few days after retreating from Karul Plains, Theodore breathed for a moment at the command barrack.

To put it simply, the current situation of the war wasn't bad.

No, it was actually good. The empire's army had lost four shields thanks to Theodore, resulting in the deaths of several ten thousand troops due to tactical magic. Additionally, the empire was now unable to come out boldly like before.

Most of all, Meltor only had 20,000 casualties in comparison to Andras' 50,000. If this all-out war continued, Andras would receive devastating damage.

The problem was the aftermath of the fight between the two absolutes.

"It has become a place that can no longer be called a plains."

It was as Theodore said. The battlefield where Veronica and Crowd, the strongest monsters in the north, had met for an hour was now so destroyed that it was impossible to remember its previous appearance.

Lava pits had formed throughout the flat terrain, while rocks reminiscent of icebergs rose from crevasses. This was such a terrifying sight that no one would think was a plains. It was impossible for a thousand people to fight on this battlefield, let alone hundreds of thousands.

The commanders of the two powers roughly grasped the terrain for half a day, before retreating with their entire armies. It meant they couldn't fight here anymore.

There were many places where their armies could be stationed, not just Karul Plains. However, since there were few areas where hundreds of troops could confront each other head-on, the commanders of the two armies had to devise a new strategy and reorganize their armies.

–User, the silent Gluttony suddenly spoke.

"Why are you calling me?"

–I have something I want to ask.

"Go ahead. You will just speak anyway."

–You understand me well. Then I won't hesitate.

Theodore waited for Gluttony's question while feeling inwardly amused. Considering Gluttony was a grimoire that only cared about magic books, Theodore was sure that it would be a question about magic books.

However, his expectations weren't fulfilled.

–It is about this war. Why isn't User using all the hands you have?

"What?"

–It isn't a difficult story. Right now, there are several ways for User to devastate the battlefield alone. You might not be able to summon Fafnir but summoning a high ranking demon alone is significant. You don't even need to order it directly. You can just throw it into the middle of the enemy territory, and it will perform its role.

That was a sharp point. Theodore didn't have just his power. Even if he couldn't summon Aquilo due to the crisis of his chastity, the number of summons that were possible by using the 'Library' was endless.

As a last resort, he could also give up the god sword, Claimhb Solais, to summon Fafnir. It might just be for two or three minutes, but Andras' army would be destroyed. However, Theodore didn't use the summoning magic. He had unconsciously sealed the method for some reason.

Gluttony wanted to hear this reason.

"Uhh, don't laugh once I tell you."

–Hmm?

"…There is no logical reason. It is just a feeling. My super sensitivity is telling me I shouldn't use it. I have a feeling that things will just get bigger."

It was a worry that he couldn't tell anyone. He had hidden the method without any grounds, and now his allies were suffering damage… So, he didn't feel good. If the leaders were aware of this fact, it was inevitable that they would rebuke him.

Gluttony was a grimoire of reason and rationality, so Theodore closed his eyes and waited for the ridicule. He wouldn't be surprised if he was called an idiot.

–Hoh.

Theodore was forced to feel surprised.

–You came to the same conclusion using intuition, not logic? Your judgment is correct.

In this situation, Gluttony praised him instead.

"W-What?"

–Once again. User's intuition is right. You shouldn't call a transcendent being like Fafnir.

"If you say so… but why?"

–From here on out, it is just my own hypothesis.

A hypothesis was something that hadn't been proven yet, and Gluttony didn't want to speak just using conjectures.

–Let's change the story. User, have you ever thought that the North was strange?

"Strange… What part?"

–All of it, Gluttony declared without hesitation. –Think about it. It has already been 500 years since Meltor and Andras, the two nations that worship magic and the sword, were created and first confronted each other.

In common sense, this was natural. However, Gluttony continued to talk in a sarcastic manner.

Regardless of the climate of the kingdom, there were no extreme cases like the Northern powers. Meltor had developed the magic towers and rejected the sword, while Andras had waged war on magic since the days when they first became a kingdom and declared that Meltor was their enemy. Either way, both were unusual.

It was strange that in 500 years of war, the result hadn't leaned to one side. Despite the superior and inferior positions changing several times, there had never been a definitive result. After almost cutting off each other's power, they had concluded with an armistice agreement like it had already been promised.

Anyone who thought deeply about the history of the war in the North would find it strange.

Why had this useless war of attrition in the North persisted? Why had they gone to war every few generations and continued to consume great numbers and amounts of people and goods? Why had they not tried for a peaceful resolution just once?

-The Andras Empire is the heart of the incongruity. Regardless of which side seeming to have the advantage, they will make a move that 'prolongs' the war. After driving Meltor to the brink, they would step back and declare war again if Meltor begins to revive. According to actual history, Andras had a chance to unify the North many times by making a truce with Meltor. It is strange if you think about it.

"…In other words," Theodore organized what Gluttony was trying to say, "This long war in the Northern Continent is following the intentions of 'someone' in Andras?"

–That is my thought.

"Andras and Meltor… The history of the two nations might be due to that bastard?"

–That's right.

"…Don't make me laugh!"

If he hadn't cut off the noise around him in advance, it wouldn't be a surprise if he got treated as a crazy person.

Theodore was even more furious than he had ever been before.

How many people had died up till now? Since the early days when the two nations were founded, they had collided with each other. At least 10 million lives had been snuffed out like candles. All these deaths had been because they were dancing on the palm of an unknown person?

'I can't tolerate it.' Theodore ground his teeth and barely managed to calm himself. It was still a hypothesis. Yes, he could think about it as a hypothesis. Theodore barely calmed his breathing and spoke to Gluttony again, who had been waiting, "…Yes, assuming that the 'someone' exists, will using Fafnir stimulate him?"

–Of course. In addition, User still isn't prepared to kill millions of lives.

"Ugh," Theodore groaned.

Then Gluttony added in an attempt at a comforting tone, –I don't blame you. A clear mind is a great quality for a magician. It is a hundred times better than being drunk on black magic and malice like the black magic apostles.

"Well, whatever," Theodore came to a conclusion, "I will ask that person who would know the story later."

–Indeed, that person.

"Yes."

'That' person who had been there since the early days of the kingdom's founding, who would know the history of the North and prove the truth of this hypothesis…

Theodore and Gluttony came up with the same thought at the same time.

They thought of the person who had founded the magic towers in the magic kingdom, Meltor, and devoted themselves to it. On the surface, everything had seemed to be for Meltor's revival, but there was nothing to rule out that they weren't involved with the 'bastard' who had caused the Northern Continent to be like this.

The grimoire, Paragranum… It was time to question it.

* * *

"Oh, you came."

As Theodore entered the barrack, Benedict welcomed him with a brighter expression than before. Was it because the duties of a commander were quite heavy? Or was it due to the help of an ally?

Shortly after Orta secretly joined the party, he had revealed his identity and moved to the command center under Theodore's direction. It might be necessary to move in secret, but it was too wasteful not to use his abilities as head of the information gathering network.

'It is enough reason to use the ingredients.'

Theodore had helped Orta's body recover quickly, and Kurt had given Orta permission to accompany Theodore. Furthermore, Orta's presence in the last operation hadn't been revealed. It had been difficult to notice Orta's existence since the teleportation had been underground. This meant he could still be mobilized as a trump card.

"You came, Benefactor!"

"…Good morning."

On the right side of the commander's desk, two elves seated next to each other welcomed Theodore. One was Edwin, who had come to Meltor as an envoy in the past, while the other was the guardian called Ellaim, who had fought valiantly against Laevateinn.

By sending two guardians, Elvenheim proved they weren't taking this war lightly. In addition to the guardians, there were 100 elf warriors.

100 elf warriors, which included elementalists and archers, were truly powerful. They would be able to compete with the red tower's war mages and the elite knights of Andras in a one-on-one match. The fact that Elvenheim had sent 100 people, who could be defending the Great Forest instead, showed their regard for Meltor.

It seemed like another 1,000 elves would arrive in the next few days because they were moving more slowly.

"Okay, you have all gathered on time?" Shortly after that, Veronica entered the barrack. The red hair and heat around her body didn't seem any different from before. However, Theodore's expression became slightly shadowed.

'Her magic power is a little thinner than usual… It looks like she used a lot of power in her fight against the 1st Sword.'

It was difficult for a normal person to feel the difference, but Theodore had faced the monster called Veronica many times in the past. He might be the youngest in this place, but everyone had different experiences.

Unsurprisingly, Veronica immediately disclosed this fact, "First of all, I will leave the battlefield for the time being."

Meltor's strongest power, an 8th circle magician, was equivalent to two armies. So, for a moment, there was chaos inside the barrack, and many people muttered with pale expressions.

However, Veronica couldn't have expected it either. "Of course, my condition isn't good. I consumed around 40% of my magic power and only scratched that guy once or twice. Blundell will soon arrive to keep the 1st Sword in check. He will teleport in tomorrow."

"Hrmm, I-I see."

"Don't be so amazed. Well, there isn't a problem since I'm not connected to the command system. Orta recovered faster than expected, so it is favorable to us."

In the all-out war on the Karul Plains, Meltor had gained a slight advantage. As for the benefits that could be gained by using that advantage, that was the issue that the current leaders and magicians had to address.

The two guardians and 100 elf warriors…

There were 5 people with the power of a master, including Orta. How should they split up this power in order to defeat Andras? Prior to that discussion, Veronica turned to Theodore and said, "For the next few days, your role will be the most important."

"…Yes, I'm aware."

The 1st Sword and Veronica had stepped away, so it was a battlefield where the absolutes weren't present. However, this wasn't definitive. It took just one step for the empire's Seven Swords to move here since it was closer to Andras' territory than Meltor.

Since they had the healing power of Lairon, Andras' sword masters would be able to recover quickly. It wouldn't be strange to see the 1st Sword tomorrow. Moreover, everyone had forgotten, but there was one more absolute power in the Andras Empire.

"Zest, that bastard, will come after you."

Zest Speitem was the Imperial Sword with the ability to cut space. In other words, it meant he could jump through space itself. A sword master of the highest level could attack in an unexpected place with extraordinary timing.

He hadn't failed so far, meaning he couldn't leave Theodore alive as proof of his failure.

Veronica held both of Theodore's shoulders and asked, "How about it, can you do it?"

Could Theodore deal with Zest, the empire's 2nd Sword? The question probably wasn't referring to 'victory.' It would be good if he could survive. With Theodore's age and abilities, that was the best outcome.

However, Theodore wasn't satisfied with that.

"Once is enough to learn from my defeat." This time he vowed that he wouldn't give up. "I will properly smash him."

"Okay! That is my kid!" The mysterious magician who was at the peak of the red tower, Veronica, laughed excitedly as she ruffled Theodore's black hair.

Her ambitions toward this magician, this man with her, kept on rising. She was satisfied with this fact.

"Now, reorganize the troops!" Veronica loudly raised her voice and proudly announced the name of the younger generation, whom she wouldn't see for a while.

Chapter 278 – Revenge (2)

The meeting on the reorganization of the army took a lot of time. In addition to the newly joined Orta, there were the elf reinforcements and the two master level guardians. Not only that, but most of the elf warriors were from different fields, ranging from reconnaissance to fighting. Therefore, they had to come up with a plan of how to move them.

The meeting was held until the sun was in the middle of the sky. As a result, Theodore was placed in a vacant lot with his assigned personnel.

He looked around at those who had joined him and said, "First, Quattro and the detached group will move directly under me like before. The performance that you showed on Karul Plains was excellent. Please show the same thing in the future."

Yes! The 30 magicians saluted. The groups under Sylvia, William, and Para didn't have any casualties. They might have been lucky, or it might have been due to good commands. Theodore didn't think this optimistic outcome would continue, but he hoped it would drag out as long as possible. He didn't want his heart to be bothered by the loss of familiar faces.

Looking around at his subordinates, Theodore's gaze stopped on a person for a moment—a blonde girl.

'Paragranum.'

She was the Yellow Tower Master who had founded the cornerstones that were the magic towers.

Theodore used to think that Paragranum had simply picked Meltor as a good place to study magic, but not anymore. If there was someone who guided the northern war for centuries as Gluttony presumed, then the grimoire hiding behind a shell was also a winner.

There was a chance that the recipe to make titanium had been handed over by Paragranum.

"…Next."

However, it was still too early to question Paragranum. Theodore tore his eyes away from the grimoire in the guise of a young girl.

Anyway, her body was just a terminal, and there would be no big outcome if Theodore killed her. Additionally, there was a need to find the grimoire's main body in order to threaten it with Gluttony.

'It is obviously hidden somewhere in Mana-vil.' Theodore thought of a few suspicious places as he looked at the waiting elf.

The elf had blond hair that was close to silver, and he looked like a sculpture. He was Edwin, the guardian of Elvenheim who was placed under Theodore's command, along with 50 elf warriors.

"I am happy to be with you again. Third branch of Elvenheim, Sir Edwin."

"I am also thankful for your guidance, Benefactor."

This time, they shook hands instead of using a military ceremony. Edwin was Theodore's subordinate, but he was also a guardian with the highest reputation in Elvenheim. As an elf with the power of senior elementals, Edwin didn't bow to anyone except for the high elves.

He wasn't someone to speak informally with.

'I didn't ask, but things turned out well.'

Theodore was relieved as he spoke to Edwin, who followed him like a mild puppy.

The bow master of Andras, who had aimed for him last time on the Karul Plains…

Apart from Theodore who had foresight with his super sensitivity, the best person to match the bow master was Edwin. Ellaim wasn't weak, but right now, the unit needed a master specialized in ranged combat rather than close combat.

It would strengthen the strongest part of the unit, rather than the weakest part.

In the first place, war mages acted on the principle that they would defeat the opponent before they got close. Close combat was a last resort. A magician who allowed a knight to get close was already halfway defeated.

Furthermore, Theodore hadn't seen it yet, but the Gladio that Paragranum had repaired was sleeping in his inventory. Even so, there was a chance that the bow master might strike when Theodore's feet were tied up by another one of the empire's Seven Swords.

The presence of the enemy bow master, who could shoot arrows over a few kilometers, was a nightmare.

'In the worst case scenario, the 1st and 2nd Swords will have recovered rapidly and then strike at me, but… it is meaningless to worry too much about it.'

The probability of that was close to zero. Theodore might be a hero, but on the surface, he was just a 7th Circle magician. He wasn't an opponent that two of the strongest swordsmen in Andras would team up against to assassinate.

Meltor had the combination of Veronica and Blundell, so it would strategically be very stupid.

Putting the powerhouses in one unit might allow a terrible power to be exerted at one point. However, if they didn't act according to schedule, this could become a huge hole. For instance, if Theodore didn't move at all, how long would the 1st and 2nd Swords wait in their locations?

Meanwhile, Meltor would be able to trample on the empire. Blundell and Veronica would cut at that gap.

Additionally, that could also be applied to Theodore's force.

"Dame Rebecca, sister of Sir Randolph."

"Yes, My Liege."

In response to the call, Rebecca moved forward and knelt on one knee like a knight. Her left hand was on her waist, while her right hand was on her heart. It was the greeting of a person who would devote both her sword and her life to him.

'…Indeed, she has a genius talent like Randolph.' Theodore reflexively read and admired her skills.

Rebecca's performance had probably advanced by two stages since they said goodbye four months ago in the Soldun Kingdom. She was probably around Randolph's level when he had been at the duel trial?

Rebecca was at the last wall before becoming a sword master, realizing her Aura Ability. It was the turning point where crossing the wall depended on a person's capabilities. Despite his admiration, Theodore spoke in a cold voice, "Is this enough to keep what you have promised me?"

He was asking if she could survive on the battlefield where even the life of a sword master wasn't guaranteed.

"I'm sorry. But Brother said that in order to move onto the next stage, action, not practice, is needed."

"That's right. He also crossed this wall because of real action."

It had been a stormy night when he had been on the side of the infamous sea dragon, fighting against a grimoire from the Age of Mythology. The experience of that day surpassed the decades of experience that Randolph had built up.

After that, Randolph found his Aura Ability and his overall skills soared. It couldn't be compared to that night, but this war might be enough to awaken Rebecca's ability. However, that wasn't the answer that Theodore wanted.

"Do you intend to use this war as your springboard? If you have such a thought then leave right now."

"My Liege, please allow me to speak."

"I give permission."

After receiving Theodore's permission, Rebecca looked up at him with her green eyes. "My Liege, I swore to be your sword."

"So?"

"Swing me freely. My blade will bathe in the enemy's blood, and I will cut more sharply than before."

"I am a magician. You might not get the role you desire."

"If I'm interfering, then leave me. I will return to my sheathe at your waist."

Rebecca abandoned her pride as a knight and only followed him. Yet as the beautiful knight spoke in a dignified manner, it was clear that some of her pride still remained. It was enough to make the people gathered here feel overwhelmed.

Sylvia looked serious, but Theodore couldn't read her mind and just accepted Rebecca's request.

"Okay. Make sure that you thoroughly move according to my instructions."

"I will keep that in mind, My Liege!"

As Rebecca stepped back, Theodore realized that all the personnel had been sorted out. It was a group of fewer than 100 elites. Although it might be difficult to attack Rutben, it was a unit capable of destroying a decent fortress in half a day.

"Apart from the leaders, I will see the rest of you here tomorrow morning. Dismissed!"

The work he had to do wasn't over yet. As all the members of the unit returned to their quarters, Theodore moved to the barrack with his executives. As mentioned earlier, he had to be careful not to waste this power.

He had to do something that wouldn't become a negative. Theodore looked through the maps and used Alfred's memories to determine the place to attack.

"Rutben is too crowded. It is a little further, but how about Elverin?"

"The distance is too great. It will take time for troops to arrive to occupy the area, and there aren't any great benefits to occupying it."

"Moselle Castle looks okay."

"Umm… The terrain is vague. We don't have to rush into things. In the East, it is called 'something that one hesitates to give up even though it is of little interest'?"

"Then Moselle is put on hold. What is next?"

Someone asked, "What about Dofrun Castle?"

'Dofrun Castle' was a unique name, so the people in the barrack looked at the location on the map.

Then they sighed.

"It is too much. The empire's rangers are guarding that mountain. The whole area is completely covered with defensive lines. The enemy reinforcements will arrive in half the time."

"Even if we can fly over the defensive lines, Dofrun Castle itself is quite a strong fortress. If we are surrounded while exhausted, our odds won't be good. Moreover, the senior officials of Lairon are staying there, so their power would be increased."

"It seems impossible for anyone to move stealthily toward Dofrun… It is a fortress that needs to be captured from the front, similar to Rutben."

Dofrun Castle itself was manageable. The walls weren't thick, and the elite troops, including the knights, were of an ordinary level. Theodore and his unit could easily destroy the fortress. The problem was the harshness of the path leading to Dofrun.

'Ranges cover the mountain area over tens of kilometers…. It is impossible to pass through without being detected by a defensive line. Dofrun Castle should be excluded from the list of targets.'

Theodore grunted as he looked at the map and realized that the words of the other people weren't wrong. Even Alfred, who was called a genius at tactics, couldn't find an answer to this obstacle.

Wouldn't it be better to get a small profit, rather than aim for something big and get into trouble? Theodore was leaning toward Moselle Castle that was mentioned earlier.

"Ah."

Then an old memory popped into his mind.

'Yes, if it is that…'

Theodore looked at Edwin's face. He remembered what he had experienced when he first stepped into Elvenheim. His mind shone as he thought of a similar method.

"…Shall we try it once?"

The next day, Theodore and his subordinates disappeared from Meltor's military camp.

* * *

Berbatov Mountains—it was one of the largest mountain ranges in the empire, with peaks which reached an altitude of 6,000 meters.

The spectacular terrain of the mountains and its geographical proximity to the border meant it had the nickname of 'Imperial Wall.' The rangers who defended the Berbatov Mountains were always proud of this fact, not tolerating even a single bird flying above their heads.

Today, some unlucky birds died from arrows.

"Ohh, that was pretty good practice. Did you shoot two at the same time?"

"There is a saying about two for one. So, I decided to try it once."

"Very interesting. Should I also try it once?"

Hitting two birds with one arrow… The imperial archers were certainly remarkable, but the Berbatov rangers were the only ones who could show this type of archery—shooting flying birds with arrows.

All of the rangers were good enough to distinguish faces on the horizon, and they could even see the leaves rustling a distance away. They were the reason why Meltor didn't target these mountains. The entire mountain range could be burned down, but they didn't use this method because there were no benefits.

The knights were filled with pride, and eventually, one of them shot down three birds with one arrow.

"Today the mountain is peaceful. Won't we die of boredom?"

"I agree. I wish an intruder passed by."

"Eh, just one person? There should be 100 people."

"Hahahaha! Is that so? Indeed, I should be able to shoot 100 people!"

This remark might seem arrogant, but it was the truth. The rangers of the Berbatov Mountains could shoot hundreds of people alone.

They were garbage if they missed one shot in 10. If they missed one in 100, they were a fool. Then if they missed one in 1,000 shots, they would avoid going out, stating it was an unlucky day.

So, the Berbatov rangers couldn't have imagined that as the two knights in the watchtower were chatting, there really were almost 100 invaders passing under their feet.

'Fools, shoot me if you can.' Theodore laughed as he walked through a tunnel 800 meters under the Berbatov rangers.

It wasn't easy for a sword master to detect something 800 meters below ground. This was impossible to detect with just a bow and good eyesight even if the elementals weren't being used. Theodore borrowed Mitra's vision to watch the rangers above ground, enjoying this bold infiltration.

"Hah, I never thought it would be reproduced this way…" Edwin murmured as he walked near Theodore.

This method was familiar to Edwin.

It was the way of the forest. Previously, Ellenoa had shown this power to Theodore when he arrived in Elvenheim. The tree branches, roots, and bushes had moved to create a road that hadn't been there previously.

However, Theodore applied it under the ground, not to the forest, making a tunnel which went for several tens of kilometers.

"It is only possible with your help, Sir Edwin."

It would be noticed if they used magic, even at this depth. So, Theodore made this tunnel purely by borrowing Mitra's power. But the amount of power consumed exceeded what Mitra was capable of. Theodore would only be able to make a tunnel that was two or three kilometers at most by himself.

Fortunately, a few days ago, he had been given 50 elementalists who would support Mitra's power.

"I can't refuse the Dancer's partner…"

"An auspicious day…"

Theodore ignored the burdensome rumors behind him and kept on walking. His super sensitivity whispered that it would be a disaster if he asked what they meant. Theodore turned his thoughts to a different direction.

'We will get there by evening. It should be fine to rest a little bit and start in the middle of the night.'

Dofrun Castle itself wasn't far. It just seemed far away due to all the defensive lines in the mountains. If they moved in a straight line, they could reach there within a day.

According to secret agents of the white tower, it was the place where high ranking officials of Lairon were staying. Theodore's eyebrows twitched as he remembered the ugliness he had seen from those in Lairon. They were the ones who were trying to spread the flames of war in the name of their god for the purpose of gaining benefits from it.

'The cardinal and crusaders. No, the priests are enough.'

They were a big variable that could treat people on the battlefield, so he needed to kill the ones in Dofrun. If they prepared their chants, the knights of Andras were almost immortal.

'They always like pushing others from behind.'

That was why they had participated in the Soldun civil war and were participating in this war. They didn't take action personally. Instead, they killed their enemies by using other people. Could this indirect killing be called murder?

The people of Lairon were the type of people who looked down on others while keeping their own hands clean.

"…This time, I will stick their faces in the mud."

Theodore would use this opportunity to teach them that they couldn't stay concealed forever.

Chapter 279 – Revenge (3)

It might be hard to compare it to Rutben, the impregnable fortress, but Dofrun was one of the fortresses included in the defense of the border. In a normal situation, a large army needed to be mobilized in order to properly capture it.

The geographical advantage of the Berbatov Mountains and the durability of Dofrun Fortress, with its multiple layers of defense, made it one of the top three fortresses in Andras.

However, there was a pitfall that no one knew about.

Its reliance on the geographical advantage and external defenses meant that the defenses of the fortress itself weren't so great.

If uninvited people were to appear in front of it, Dofrun Castle would be a place with its shell stripped off. The elite troops were focused on a flexible and movable outer defensive line, while the reputation of the Berbatov rangers resulted in a reduction of the standing army at Dofrun Castle.

Dofrun Castle, which hadn't been attacked by the enemy during the last two centuries, was a ripe apricot.

'Well, it is still faithful to the basic defenses.'

Once they were a few hundred meters away from the outer walls, Theodore climbed up to aboveground and looked at Dofrun Castle, which was shining in the darkness. If there was some light, then Theodore's 'Hawkeye' could see.

There were a few bonfires on the walls, as well as the moon from the sky, giving Theodore dim lighting.

"…The wall material is titanium. Alert devices are arranged at regular intervals, so we can't go through with invisibility or flying magic."

"There are many guards. There are around 100 on the east wall facing the Berbatov Mountains. It will be hard to get past without getting caught."

The observation wasn't wrong, so Theodore nodded. As William said, it was impossible to avoid the eyes of so many guards. It might be possible if they could use magic freely, but it was hard due to the devices which would ring when magic was detected.

"That is the case if we are just a unit of magicians."

Andras failed to take into account the variable that was the elves.

"Sir Edwin, will you be able to swiftly silence the guards on the wall?"

"It isn't difficult. Leave it to me."

The Berbatov rangers of Andras might be known for their archery, but they couldn't compare to the elf warriors who had held bows for hundreds of years. No matter how hard the Berbatov rangers' training had been, their targets had been human.

As such, their skills couldn't compare to the elf warriors who hunted the creatures in the Great Forest and defended Elvenheim. In the darkness, 50 elves pulled out their bows and held their breaths as they loaded the arrows.

One between the index finger and string, and another between the ring finger and string…

Surely they weren't planning to shoot two at once? It defied the common sense of magicians as Edwin and the elves stared at the wall. They were familiarizing themselves with the darkness, never blinking.

Blood vessels appeared on their well-trained upper arms that were pulled back. The elves' bows were made of tendons from ogres and other monsters, so their tension was far beyond a normal longbow.

"Suuuuoh…" Edwin let out a long breath and then…

Piing.

He didn't hesitate to let go. There was the sound of a thin string snapping, and two arrows flew some somewhere. The same was true for the other elves. Nevertheless, there was only the sound of one snapping.

It was a feat caused by 50 people firing at the same time, without any errors in the timing. The 100 arrows rode the wind as they flew. The wind wasn't something that had to be overcome. An elf's bow could draw orbits that human bows couldn't reproduce.

The arrows weren't heard because they didn't go against the wind. The barrage of two arrows struck the guards on the east wall.

"Keok."

"Ack."

Hit in the uvula, larynx, and cervical vertebrae, the Berbatov rangers were stopped from making any sound the moment they were pierced, causing them to produce just short groans.

The arrows had been aimed at critical areas, just like how skilled hunters would do.

It was great that the elves could hit the target from a few hundred meters away, and all of the arrows had hit the exact spots. Some magicians, previously unaware of the elves' capabilities, felt relief that the elves weren't their enemies.

Theodore gave short praise for the elves' skill and then urged the group, "We have to cross the wall before the next shift comes. Hurry!"

Some people might wonder why he was in such a hurry over Dofrun Castle. However, Theodore couldn't let himself overlook anything.

Dofrun's defensive lines were stacked around the outside, and this could immediately turn into layers of encirclement once their infiltration became known. If they were glimpsed coming from the tunnel, they wouldn't be able to escape using that method.

Then unnecessary casualties would occur. Moreover, the obstacles weren't just the guards on the walls. There were the titanium wall and alarms which interfered with magic, both of which resulted in the magicians having to climb the wall with their bodies.

Fortunately, this problem was solved easily.

"C-Cough. Thank you."

"Isn't it heavy?"

This was thanks to the elves, who could easily climb the walls using elementals and their own physical abilities, carrying the magicians. It was enough for them to carry one person each. With the wind elementals assistance, the 80 people were able to climb the wall without difficulty.

Theodore was more powerful than ordinary aura users and didn't need help, which strangely caused Rebecca and Edwin to subtly express feelings of disappointment.

'It is much easier than I thought. Elves can substitute for the weak physical abilities of war mages, and the elementals can get past the alarm devices… This might be a surprisingly good combination.'

An average person thought that the combination of knights and magicians was the best, but the magicians and knights didn't agree.

Magicians thoroughly aimed their firepower from a distance, while knights quickly narrowed the distance to take down the enemy.

It was difficult for the two types to work together when they moved in opposite directions. When a knight mixed in with the enemy, the magicians wouldn't be able to exert the destructive power that was their strength. On the other hand, a knight who had to protect a magician would be like a tied up wild horse. Rather than benefit, they only hampered each other.

However, the elves who could use the sword, bow, and elementals were different.

Sometimes they maximized firepower from a distance like magicians, and other times they closed in on the enemy for close combat. Of course, they would be at a disadvantage when compared to magicians or knights in both fields, but their utilization on the battlefield was unrivaled.

A three-man cell of two magicians and an elf warrior wasn't a bad tactic.

Kiiing-!

Then it was at that moment…

"Stop."

At the same time as Theodore spoke, the 80 people quickly stopped. They were on the outskirts of the castle. The elves were famous for being sensitive, but even Edwin looked puzzled and didn't know why Theodore had stopped.

'Indeed, it is this feeling.'

The last time, Theodore hadn't been able to sense it because it was mixed in with the chaos of the battlefield. However, now that he could concentrate, he could feel it clearly. His super sensitivity faded and then disappeared. It was evidence that another person's foresight was interfering with his ability. The bow master, whom he had fought on Karul Plains, was hiding in Dofrun Castle.

"Sir Edwin."

"Yes."

"The bell tower that is 500 meters southwest. Fire an arrow to the top floor of the tower."

It went against their efforts to remain hidden so far. However, before anyone could speak, Edwin immediately loaded the arrow and fired. This was the storm arrow that he had once shown in the Great Forest.

The force contained in the arrow was less than that time, but it was enough to blow away the top of the bell tower.

Piing!

One octave sharper, Edwin's bow cried out.

Kuoooooh―!!

Oddly, more power was added the further it moved. The arrow rotated the wind in the space it passed by, making the surrounding airflow become as sharp as a blade! There was a creepy piercing sound as the arrow hit the bell tower.

Kwarururung!

Like a sandcastle, the solid marble tower collapsed.

"T-This…?"

"Don't tell me they were waiting…!"

The moment the top of the bell tower collapsed, human figures stood up from the shadow they were hiding in. This had been overlooked because Theodore's unit couldn't use navigation magic.

The human figures were using aura to restrict their breathing and heartbeat as they hid in a place that couldn't be seen. It was a familiar tactic for the Shadow Knights who carried out assassinations and espionage.

However, Theodore and the unit didn't flinch. They wouldn't lose out on power even if they were surrounded. Two masters alone exceeded 100 people. Hundreds of shadows were just an exercise for them.

Therefore, the person who appeared after this would be the real threat.

"Yes, you can perceive my ability." A man appeared beyond the shadow knights. "I intended to kill you on Karul Plains, but I never imagined there was a magician who could flee from my arrows."

"The foresight ability isn't unique."

"That's right. Our enemy, Theodore Miller… I��m glad to know that you didn't die in vain."

The man, who was more like a hunter than a knight, smiled as he held a big bow in his right hand. He had the eyes of a beast of prey, rather than a human.

It was the gaze of a beast who knew how to shoot and how to kill. Theodore had faced many people, but this was the first time he had seen such a blatant gaze. As a bow master born in the sword empire, he wasn't an ordinary person.

[Sir Edwin and each squad captain, listen to me.]

As Theodore faced the bow master, he opened the communication network and delivered instructions. According to his reasoning, they weren't tonight's main players.

[Sir Edwin, please fight the bow master. The rest will form teams of 10, with your respective squad leaders. You can't let the Shadow Knights go. Priests and paladins will also join in.]

[Then Theo—no, what about Captain?] Sylvia asked reflexively.

Then Theodore responded with knowledge that the rest of them didn't know, [If the bow master had intended to fight me, he would've made his appearance right away. Instead, he hid in the city in order to concentrate on sniping me. This means there are separate people who will deal with me.]

[Separate… D-Don't tell me?]

[It is possible. I expected us to reunite, but I didn't know it would be so soon.]

They were coming. Tension and excitement filled his blue eyes as he gazed in a certain direction. There was a man wearing luxurious white clothing decorated with gold.

This man was probably Cardinal Antonio, one of the ringleaders of the Soldun civil war, whom Orta had spied on. After looking at that ugly face and remembering it, Theodore focused on the person who was more important.

"Ohh! Using evil magic and then walking into a dragon's mouth with his own feet! It is truly God's guidance, Sir Speitem!"

"Shut up, you fanatic."

Shaking Antonio off with rude words, Zest stepped forward while pulling out a sword hanging at his waist. Unlike last time, there were no signs of him being relaxed. The air sharpened with every step he took. Theodore's skin stung, and a chill ran down the back of his neck as tension filled his body.

"We met again, kid." It was a reunion with the sword master, Zest Speitem, who cut space. He was the person who had turned Theodore's automaton into scrap metal in just two seconds.

This was the person who stood shoulder to shoulder with Veronica, Blundell, and Crowd as the strongest in the North. It was the appearance of a mighty enemy whom Theodore had to confront alone.

"…Your broken ribs look better."

"Ahh, it's thanks to that damn bastard. I would've killed him a long time ago if he wasn't the one who healed me," Zest spoke with sincere killing intent as he glanced over his shoulder at Antonio.

It seemed like he didn't have a connection with religion. Rather, his connection was closer to hatred. Regardless of whether he felt the killing intent or not, Cardino Antonio just smirked and waved his hand. It was a gesture to move along.

"Son of a bitch," Zest spat out before turning back to Theodore. "Shall we begin? I absolutely won't miss this time. Be alert, I will kill you with the best of my ability."

"Are you sure? Last time was probably your only chance." Theodore took a step back and immediately summoned Gladio from his inventory.

His life was at risk, so there was no point in saving it.

People looked astonished at the armored knight that suddenly appeared out of thin air.

Zest, who had fought Gladio once before, sneered at Theodore. "That toy again? You repaired it only for it to be turned to pieces again."

"It is different from before. It is upgraded."

"Hoh."

No more words were necessary. The air shook as the two people, Theodore and Zest, gathered their power.

It might've been 10 seconds, or maybe 5 seconds.

Zest's blade moved forward, while Gladio took one step under Theodore's control. Two archers pulled back their bows, their arrows blocking each other. This was the beginning of the rematch.

* * *

Zest's sword cut the space first.

Zest's Style Space Cut:

Decapitation.

From the start, there was no carelessness. Zest had acknowledged Theodore's strength in the last battle. For Theodore to have summoned the senior demon, Magnus, and have the wit to be able to pull off a trick like that… Zest might be arrogant, but he had a cool head.

Theodore Miller wasn't an enemy to be looked down on. The sword master's aura shook as he understood this.

'I have to get rid of this can first.'

The piece of scrap metal that felt curiously familiar… The presence of the doll, who had an aura equivalent to that of a master and could use an Aura Ability, was a mystery to Zest. Apart from Zest or the 1st Sword, the other members of the Seven Swords would struggle against it.

It couldn't be mass produced, but if he didn't smash it every time he saw it, his allies in other parts of the battlefield could be hurt by it. Zest's blade moved through the air and fell upon Gladio's head.

Chaaeng!

Nevertheless, he couldn't cut it. Two blades collided and sparks of aura flew. Zest frowned at the recoil.

"…What?"

He checked it again.

Zest's Style Space Cut:

Dividing Cut.

Not one but many cuts at the same time. It was an Aura Ability that went beyond speed itself. The clavicle, femur, and vertebrae were aimed at almost simultaneously, so they couldn't all be blocked.

At least, he thought so.

Kakakang! Kang! Kaaang!

Exactly six attacks were all blocked. Zest's sword wasn't able to land on Gladio. Not only did Gladio succeed in defending, he was also going for a counterattack.

Kang!

There was an exchange before Zest and Gladio took three steps apart. It was a temporary lull. If Theodore's strength were added, it would turn into an outright melee. Gladio's performance was proven, so he no longer needed to be passive.

"Hey," Zest opened his mouth while filled with doubts and anger, "What is this bastard?"

"I told you, it was upgraded."

Gladio was a natural enemy of space magicians, while also being a cheat against swordsmen who interfered with space. Theodore desperately thought and developed a plan for Gladio. There were two additional features that he had asked Paragranum to add.

Chapter 280 – Revenge (4)

"…Acceleration spell? No, it is a little different," Zest muttered as he felt a subtle discomfort.

His sword couldn't be caught simply by speeding up. As such, it wouldn't be different if Randolph, who had an acceleration ability, was here. The ability to cut space was that powerful. Even if the attack was foreseen with 'Pathfinder', it couldn't be caught with a fast speed. Theodore was only able to avoid it by turning to lightning.

Yet Gladio was somehow catching up with Zest's sword.

'Well, there is no reason to talk about it.'

Theodore knew the secret, but he didn't open his mouth anymore. As Zest was feeling the discomfort, Theodore rotated his circles and gathered magic power. The amount of magic power surpassed that of a typical 7th Circle magician.

Theodore's red robes flapped from the pressure, as dozens of fire spears appeared in the air.

Memorize.

Four Slots Open.

Quadruple Flare Lance.

The number of spears which could be created with one spell was seven, so the four Memorize slots were added to his spoken spell to create 35 fire spears. The chilly night air started boiling, and the darkness was driven away.

The Shadow Knights hiding in the darkness were exposed, and light struck the middle of the stage.

"Go!"

The 35 spears shot forward without hesitation.

Kwa kwa kwa kwang!

He didn't think they would hit Zest's body. A sword master could move a few dozen meters in one step, so lightning magic was more appropriate than fire magic if he wanted to hit a sword master.

Theodore knew all this, but he still chose to use fire magic. The reason for it was revealed shortly afterward.

"Kuk, this doll is quite decent!" In a sharp and violent manner, Zest shouted angrily as he took three steps back.

It was because the explosion of the fire spears swallowed him the moment Gladio struck with his sword. Of course, the damage to Zest was only marginal. As one of the most powerful sword masters, Zest's defense meant he could withstand 5th circle magic.

The problem was that the fire spears were only the beginning.

'Triple Casting.'

Theodore unleashed three spells at the same time.

Chain Lightning.

Gravity Bound.

Acid Mist.

A net of lightning, gravity, and poisonous fog formed around Zest and Gladio. It was different for the non-living Gladio, but it was a deadly series of attacks for Zest's body. 'It is an attack that can easily be avoided if he is only dealing with me…'

Right now, Zest had to deal with the sword master and automaton Gladio that could catch up with his sword. The moment he tried to step away from the fog, Gladio's sword aimed at Zest's head.

Jeeeong!

Zest's ankles sank down into the ground. "Damn, this shitty can!"

That's right. Unlike Zest, Gladio didn't receive any damage from the lightning, gravity, and acid. Theodore used this point to successively use wide-area magic. Additionally, a sword master's defense was proportional to their aura. If Zest tried to block the magic with his aura, he couldn't help being exhausted. If he tried to retreat, Gladio would catch his ankles, and if he tried to survive, his aura would be exhausted rapidly.

Nevertheless, the strength of the 2nd Sword, Zest Speitem, hadn't reached the bottom yet.

Zest's Style Space Cut:

Footwork Hidden Technique.

Kill Interval.

At first glance, Zest's blade cut nothing but air. Gladio didn't have an ego and didn't care, but Theodore was suspicious. In retrospect, it was natural to think about the application. It reduced the path that the sword passed through, speeding it up. If this was possible, could it be used for something else?

Yes, let's give one example.

―Cutting down the interval used to approach the enemy.

"Gotcha, kid." Zest suddenly appeared in front of Theodore and aimed his sword.

Zest's Style Space Cut:

Decapitation.

The blade shone in the light. The space cut appeared behind Theodore and aimed for the cervical spine at the back of his neck. A red glow scattered like blood. In fact, it wasn't actually blood because Theodore had jumped forward into Zest's arms and aimed both palms.

'He's caught!'

Theodore suppressed his tempo at first because he had anticipated a surprise attack, then he borrowed Umbra's power to escape to another dimension.

No matter how sharp Zest's Aura Blade was, it couldn't cut Theodore who was temporarily in another dimension. It might be different with the hidden technique he used in the past, but Theodore couldn't be reached with a normal aura attack now.

Theodore used his courage and wit to move through the gap and reached out a hand.

Fairy Dance's Direct Transmission.

Double Palm Hit.

Sun and Fertile Earth.

Zest was unprotected, and he was hit sharply in the stomach. It was a blow that reproduced aura with ether, strengthening the impact of the blows.

Kaaang!

Zest's body was thrown back with a bang. The blood flowing from his mouth was proof that his insides had been impacted. He wasn't careless, but it was the price he paid for not doing his best.

Gladio mechanically chased him with his sword, while Zest raised his head.

"…Indeed."

Zest wasn't angry about being hurt, he was just indifferent.

"I should go all out."

The aura overflowing from Zest's sword faded. No, it was converging with a much stronger density. That power which oscillated space gathered on the blade, transforming it into a sword that would kill anything it touched. Theodore saw it and knew it was a signal for the end.

'He is bringing out his trump card.'

The first style of Zest's technique, cutting through space to shorten the attack process, was just the basics. Zest's true combat power wasn't attached to preemptive attacks.

It wasn't just the attacking process, but also the attack power that cut at the target. This wasn't just physical strength, but a destruction that could make it through magical defenses. This was the true value of his space cut.

Theodore needed to avoid it unconditionally or use a magic that resisted the concept of space. There were only two ways to fight. Theodore wiped at his sweat and pulled out the trump card he had prepared.

Memorize.

Three Slots Open.

Triple Infernal Blade.

Infernal Blade compressed the 7th Circle magic, Inferno, into a single blade. This was an original spell that Veronica had once shown him, and he had received it directly from her. A sword of purgatory which could threaten a sword master…

Zest remembered seeing it in the last war, so he raised his sword and commented, "That is the Witch's heat sword. You didn't use this last time?"

"I guess that is true."

"You have grown so much in four months…? It sounds like nonsense, but I believe it because I have been watching you."

His frosty eyes said that he recognized Theodore as an equal power. At this moment, Zest Speitem decided to use everything he had to kill Theodore. He would abandon his pride as the 2nd sword and face the adversary in front of him. His determination sent a cold chill down Theodore's spine.

Then at that moment…

"Huhu, your stubbornness is up to here. Sword Brother."

"…You, didn't I tell you to get lost?"

"I'm sorry, but I can't. According to the 'Revelation,' I have to drive out all evil in this world. It is the reason why this Antonio lives." Cardinal Antonio, who had been watching the two people fight from behind, walked forward. The cardinal ignored Theodore like he was dirt on the roadside and whispered to Zest, who didn't lower his guard, "Why don't you admit it? If you want to kill him with all your strength, it is okay to borrow my hands."

"…You."

"You aren't refusing, huhuhu!"

This was a disadvantage for Theodore. He didn't know the cardinal's battle ability, but if the cardinal was on the same level as a crusader, he would be a master. Theodore had grown from his experience in the East, but he couldn't afford to go against Zest and another master.

Would he have to call out Fafnir? Or he might have to take out what he had saved as a last resort.

'Damn, they are a nuisance in Soldun and here.'

Then it happened when Theodore was busy staring at the disgusting cardinal and thinking of options. Someone saw a dull mist appear around Dofrun Castle. Between Andras and Meltor, another force started to intervene in their battle. They reached out to those who fell and died on the battlefield.

Indeed, it was a disaster.

* * *

In the night sky which was lit up by flames, arrows revealed their fangs toward their master's enemies.

Sometimes, it was like a swallow.

Sometimes, it was like a strand of wind.

Sometimes, it was like a flash of lightning.

The two archers fired arrows at the same time and had similar thoughts.

'Hrmm, a formidable opponent.'

'This human, he is amazing…!'

The two archers, Edwin and the unknown bow master, watched the battlefield at an interval of 100 meters and pulled back their bows. Either way, the goal was the same—Theodore Miller.

The empire's archer tried to shoot him, while Edwin stopped the attempt. Zest was a strong opponent, so it would be fatal for Theodore to be hit by the bow master. Therefore, Edwin was desperately trying to stop him.

He couldn't miss a single one. Rather, Edwin was the one overwhelming the other side with the number of arrows. Unlike the bow master who needed to reload, Edwin used the power of elementals as arrows. There wasn't even a moment when an arrow wasn't loaded.

Jjang! Chaaeng! Jjang! Jeeeong!

Four arrows hit in the air and exploded. Edwin understood as he watched the scene.

'Seeing the future… it is an annoying ability.'

It might be a little exaggerated, but the ranged attacks were basically shooting in the 'future.' After 1 second, 2 seconds, maybe 10 seconds…

It was the ultimate goal of an archer to envision future attacks, an area which could only be reached by raising accuracy through experience and talent. However, the bow master observed and shot in the future. Even before Edwin's arrows had finished their acceleration…

The arrow was deflected. A powerful shot was fired even before Edwin's arrow left his bow. The difference in half a tempo caused him to be suppressed. Edwin didn't feel like he was losing, but neither could he win. If this situation continued, the enemy would continue to antagonize him until the enemy's quiver was empty.

"Hmm, it doesn't feel bad."

According to what he could see, the battlefield was flowing slightly in Meltor's favor.

Despite the superiority of the Shadow Knights' encirclement, Theodore's unit wasn't easily pushed. It was due to the strong combination of war mages and elves, who possessed magic, spirits, bows, and swords, compared to the knights who could only use the sword.

'It is our first time working with humans… This is a very interesting scene.'

The elves competed against the knights with the sword, while the mages supported from the rear with various support and recovery spells. In the end, the elves pushed their enemies away and the magicians didn't miss this gap, pouring offensive magic toward the exhausted knights.

This combination was surprisingly good. If the opponent wanted Edwin to collapse, he would have to push through with firepower or defeat Edwin with one well-aimed shot. It was impossible for the Shadow Knights to get close to him.

"…Then the problem is over there."

There was a reason why Edwin didn't think the winner was certain yet. It was the people wearing white clothes embroidered with gold.

They wore sun symbols symbolizing their god, and the priests sang soft songs which didn't fit the battlefield. It was a wide-range hymn that drew out the divine power in their bodies, interfering with the magicians' concentration and restoring the body of the knights.

The chants from the Lairon Kingdom were truly annoying.

A golden light wrapped around the knights. Knights with bones burned by fireballs, knights hit by shock waves, and destroyed knights stood up in just a few minutes.

Of course, they weren't completely cured. However, the impact of being able to continue in the battle was quite large. In the case of Meltor, it meant they couldn't kill the enemy unless it was a blow that caused instant death.

They overwhelmed the enemies with an efficient combination, but more enemy reinforcements would arrive over time or their magic power would run out.

"Shit! Attack those damn fanatics!"

"No! The shields of the knights are too hard. It looks like a titanium alloy…"

"It is supposed to be a rare metal, so why is there so much of it?"

"Son of a bitch! They aren't zombies, so die already!"

Someone mentioned zombies. It was a type of undead that didn't react even if their limbs were broken or torn off. The knights restored by the priests were indeed like zombies. It was just lucky that they didn't smell bad. As someone laughed at the joke, another knight raised himself from a pool of blood.

"Ku…kuaa…aaaah!"

Strangely, the pool of blood indicated that it was definitely a lethal blow.

The priests couldn't restore all the lost blood, no matter how good their divine power was. The wounds were filled up, so maybe this knight was overcoming the limitations of his body with mental force?

The moment the Shadow Knight tried to get up, a fellow colleague tried to help him.

Kwaduduk! He got bitten. The Shadow Knight's mouth, revealed by the broken helmet, struck the neck of the colleague who had come to support him. People gawked at the bizarre sight. Blood rose from the torn carotid artery, and the bitten Shadow Knight slumped down.

"…W-What?"

"Who used Berserk magic on that knight?"

"Are you crazy? Why would we make them stronger?"

"And even if that magic was used, it wouldn't turn them into a cannibal…"

The confused Shadow Knights and magicians forgot to fight for a while because they couldn't understand the situation. Before they could figure out why, the truth was revealed.

…Ku…ooo…aahhh…!

The knight, who had been killed after being bitted, groaned and raised himself up.

"U-Undead?" The word emerged from someone's mouth. It was like a door had opened during the fight.

Kiiik, kiiiik.

Not just one or ten… There were sounds of dozens, maybe more, footsteps in the darkness. Once they got closer, everyone realized it. The area had been contaminated by the magic of death, and it covered both Meltor and Andras.

The public enemy of everyone on the continent, the warlocks…

The darkness, which caused hundreds of thousands of casualties every time they emerged, appeared in Dofrun Castle.

Chapter 281 – Revenge (5)

The zombies were moving bodies with rotting flesh. They had lost the image of humans and moved on all fours like beasts. Their souls were forcefully pulled out of their bodies and turned into banshees.

The crowd of undead emerged from the darkness of Dofrun Castle. This was the most famous area of black magic, the remnants of death made from necromancy.

"Warlocks? Why are they here…?"

"These bastards are like cockroaches!"

The reactions of the confused magicians varied. Some were puzzled, and others felt indignant. However, there was one thing in common—no one welcomed the appearance of a warlock.

The Magic Society declared that black magic was evil.

People who weren't familiar with it thought it was just different attributes, but magic and black magic didn't have anything in common except their foundations. They were both the exclusive property of humans and exercised power based on the circles. It was a unique intersection of authentic magic and black magic.

To briefly summarize, black magic was the power to deny this world. The mark that symbolized black magic was the reverse pentagram, and the warlocks were split into five factions.

One faction was of necromancy, a spell that broke the circle of life and death. Another was of domination magic that made the body and soul submit. There was also a faction that called forces from outside of this world. Aside from those, there were Chronos warlocks and those who worshipped demons.

They made up the five corners of the reverse pentagram. Among them, necromancy was the one that caused the most number of casualties. Necromancers would be targeted by the entire continent if discovered.

Anyone who saw the devastation of Dofrun Castle would think this decision was valid.

"They're coming!" The scream was the signal for the curtain of slaughter to rise.

Kieeeeeeek-! Terrible screams! The banshee's cry was an acoustic weapon that shook the soul itself. The magicians knew this and prepared sound-proofing magic, but that wasn't possible for the Shadow Knights.

Understandably, the first victims appeared in the Andras camp.

"Aaaaack!"

There were screams as long nails from a ghoul were shoved into a crack in a helmet. The eyes of a knight were pierced deeply. Simultaneously, the poison from the ghoul's fingernails quickly burned through the knight's optic nerves.

The broken Shadow Knight fell to the ground.

"Be vigilant! Circulate aura through your entire body! Otherwise, you will be affected by that scream!"

"Switch to protective magic! Maintain the defensive posture while moving back!"

However, the people of the Andras Kingdom weren't fools. They used the one casualty as a reference and concentrated on protecting their troops, rather than worrying about Meltor. It was clearly the correct judgment, and the Shadow Knights faithfully followed the command.

The undead treated all living beings as targets, so Meltor would be attacked as well. The Meltor unit came to the same conclusion and waited. They were expecting the ugly deaths to come rushing toward them.

Soon after, the moment came. The zombies' yellow teeth, the ghoul's poisonous nails, and the banshees' screams…

However, there was something wrong with the scene as the undead all headed in one direction.

"…Eh?"

Someone expressed everyone's feelings.

"W-What, these bastards!"

"Don't panic! Don't let your breathing be disturbed!"

"Why are they only aiming at us?!"

The undead flocked toward where the Andras knights were.

There were some undead in the area near Meltor, but it didn't compare to the number surrounding the Shadow Knights. In a sense, it was a great opportunity. However, Meltor suffered from the unfathomable situation and couldn't move.

'Why are the undead leaving us alone?'

'Why aren't they attacking us?'

The war mages panicked at this bizarre scene while the elves stood by idly. The leaders of both the Meltor and Andras groups were also confused.

"No, what is this all of a sudden?"

The undead suddenly appeared in the middle of the city and were only attacking the Andras side? There was no one who would've predicted this, even if the best strategies of the continent were brought together.

In the end, Zest gave up on understanding and his mouth fell open. Theodore thought it was ludicrous despite it benefiting him. He didn't have a good relationship with warlocks, so why would they help him and Meltor?

'…I don't know.'

There wasn't enough evidence to reach a conclusion. Theodore worried about this situation and looked around.

His unit had a great advantage once the undead were added. He didn't know why, but it was clear that they were benefiting from it. If dozens of Shadow Knights and the priests protecting them were killed, then Theodore's purpose of coming to Dofrun was over.

Despite this, Theodore didn't like this option.

'I don't know the intentions of this warlock, and it is risky to stay here.'

He couldn't judge this as assistance. Theodore focused on the still disturbed Zest while thinking of the necromancer hiding somewhere in the city.

However, someone moved before Zest and Theodore.

"These people! You are the messengers who have called these demons!" Cardinal Antonio, an elderly man who came from the Lairon Kingdom in the far north, shouted with a rough voice and pale face. "Sacrificing good people to use the power of demons! I am the seed of heaven that will punish you! If you repent now and give me your lives, you will only burn in the fires of purgatory for half a day!"

"…Excuse me Cardinal, what is the basis of your barking?"

"It is a revelation from God Lairon!"

"It is just nonsense."

Theodore and Zest forgot to fight, as they listened to Antonio's words and exchanged subtle looks. It was unclear if they should continue fighting. Their concentration was forcefully dispersed by this disturbance, and they couldn't gather their power again thanks to the atmosphere. Theodore and Zest both struggled.

Then at that moment…

"What?!"

"This is…?"

Theodore and Zest, one beat later than Cardinal Antonio, looked in the same direction with surprised expressions. On the roof of a mansion near where the two people were fighting, a black knight stood. It had a fiery and unearthly presence. Theodore had felt this empty feeling before in the duel trial.

'Death knight…!'

It was a master level knight who was given life by the magic of death!

The death knight's physical abilities were amplified several times. It didn't feel pain, and its durability was close to immortality. Randolph had been the victor, but that was because the death knight had been unable to exert all of its powers at that time.

This death knight that appeared in the middle between Theodore and Zest wasn't bound by any constraints.

"…Grrr…grr…" It couldn't speak. The death knight made strange sounds while holding a sword in its hands.

Wuuuong…!

A gray color aura rose from the blade. It was a color that living humans couldn't have. It couldn't exert an Aura Ability, but a death knight's aura was said to contain the power of death that decreased life. The blade was a sword of death that weathered flesh and bones.

If Zest allowed an attack from the death knight to pass through to him, it would be fatal.

"Shit. Do you really have nothing to do with this Kid?"

The killing intent was thoroughly directed toward Zest. Theodore sensed it and made a decision.

'Okay, I've decided.'

The three fire blades behind his back were pointed in different directions as they let out a tremendous amount of magic power. One was aimed at Zest, and another at the stupid cardinal. The remaining one…

"Go."

The fire swords shot like meteors across the night sky.

―――――――――――――!!!

Theodore saw it the moment the sky and earth flashed.

'Indeed, the attack power is superior.'

Zest wasn't surprised at all and focused the power of space on cutting the sword. The empty space before him blocked the flaming sword and soon exploded. It was the ultimate 'space cut', a force that cut the space itself to create a new section.

It might be Zest's space cut, but now it was used for Theodore's benefit.

"…Well, that is unexpected."

The surprising thing was that Antonio managed to cope with it, despite seeming incompetent.

The Golden Rays were the symbolic power of the Lairon Church, a power received from the god of the sun. Once it reached the stage of a cardinal, the output was at a level comparable to great magic. It seemed this wasn't an exaggeration.

Infernal Blade was blocked. Antonio's white clothing was blackened and he cursed crazily, "T-These guys! I will kill all of the demons' puppets!"

The reason was simple.

"Attacking the children of Lairon! This is a sin that can't be forgiven, even if they are killed thousands of times!"

The third Infernal Blade aimed for the priests behind the Shadow Knights.

Their protection was temporarily disrupted by the undead raid, so this magic literally caused a catastrophe. The senior priests and a few cardinal candidates were turned to ashes, leaving only a few survivors.

Even the legendary resurrection magic couldn't revive them. There were several survivors because they had used divine power to create a shield in the middle. In any case, the purpose of his unit had been achieved.

'I don't think they can chase after us in this mess.'

Theodore thought about it and looked around. The unit members had confidence in their eyes like they could jump into the battlefield at once. It was a situation where the knights would surely be annihilated by the undead while the group of priests had almost collapsed, greatly reducing the duration of combat.

Theodore raised his voice and commanded the unit members, "All members, retreat out of the castle as quickly as possible!"

Theodore's decision was firm, despite the war mages preparing to attack. Meltor's detached unit retreated from Dofrun Castle which had become a mess.

* * *

"…Hrmm, there is no chase. As expected," Theodore said, looking back at the castle as they reached the tunnel they had dug.

'It is terrible, but I can't deny that it is effective.'

It could be called the most fearful point of necromancy.

He didn't know about low-level necromancers, but a high-level necromancer could use the undead to spread an infection. A human who was bitten by a zombie would become a zombie, while a soul drawn out by a banshee would turn into an evil spirit and become another banshee. Of course, there was a limit to the contagion. However, there was no shortage of targets in a land of blood and death.

If Zest's sword were free, he would've suppressed the undead immediately. The problem was that it wasn't possible.

"The death knight is a pretty big opponent."

Theodore's choice to hit and run was also because the death knight had appeared. It could threaten Zest and grab his ankle.

An operation utilizing the necromancy was only possible if Theodore was superior to Zest. The opponent's power was likely to overtake him, so it was better for Theodore to retire after a modest gain.

The enemy of an enemy was a friend? This was different from that saying. It was common to stab that alliance in the back. As the saying from the East went, it was natural to defend yourself and never show your back to anyone.

Theodore was entering the tunnel last when his eyebrows twitched.

"Theo, aren't you coming?" There were only two people left, so Sylvia spoke to Theodore in a comfortable tone.

Theodore replied with a smile, "Go first. I want to get some air."

Sylvia looked at him with a strange expression. "Yes, understood. But are you sure you can't get hurt? This is Andras territory, so more people can come."

"I will follow you in 10 minutes. Until then, leave with the others."

"Okay, I will believe in you. Then come slowly."

Sylvia finally entered the tunnel. Her silver hair disappeared into the darkness, and Theodore paused for a while.

The rematch with the empire's 2nd Sword, Zest Speitem…

It was before the real fight, but the suspense and excitement weren't much different from the previous fight. The scales of life and death could tilt to one side during a battle. Now that hot heat cooled down…

"…Indeed," Theodore said like he had known all along, "I felt your gaze when I came out of the castle. I didn't feel any hostility, so I felt like we needed to talk."

He turned, speaking the person behind him. Theodore was expecting to see an ugly warlock. The symbol of evil from the storybooks, the warlock…

What did the evil who wanted to bring about the end of the world look like?

"―Wh-at?" Theodore fell silent.

He was facing a woman with snow-white hair. As Theodore remained silent, the woman prostrating herself on the ground raised her head. "I sincerely congratulate you."

The beautiful face was wet with tears. If he had to compare her to flowers, she was a lily. White clothes, white skin, and the water droplets that fell from her pale eyes…

She felt genuinely pleased and didn't hide her joy.

White Knight Hipatia politely greeted her king, "I—the white rider, Hipatia—greet King Jerem, king of the end."

Chapter 282 – Followers of the End (1)

"King of the end?" It was a title, and Theodore looked at the other person's face as he reiterated it.

The woman was neat, well-cleaned and had pale white skin. Her features had a lily's simplicity that completed her beauty. Who would want to hurt this tearful and beautiful woman? A normal male who didn't know the situation would've pulled out their handkerchief.

However, Theodore just looked down at her mercilessly.

'…What, this woman?'

He had seen many beautiful women and knew that Hipatia was very beautiful. She was a white beauty comparable to Veronica, Aquilo, and Ellenoa. Nevertheless, his head was cool. All his senses were alert, and he wouldn't be tempted by lust or sympathy.

Just after that, something came to Theodore's mind. It was the 'Jerem, King of the end' that had emerged from the white woman's mouth. 'Jerem' was a name he had heard once before, and the distant memories of the past popped up.

Finally, Theodore remembered the origin of the name, and his expression stiffened.

'Jerem, is it that grimoire…?'

As if in response, the information window of Death's Worship came to mind.

[Death's Worship]

[-This grimoire contains the soul of the legendary warlock, Jerem. As a 9th Circle necromancer who attacked mankind on the side of the demons, Jerem will steal the body of any creature who reads the grimoire and turn them into an undead. He dreams of the perfect resurrection as his soul awaits in the abyss.]

It had already been several years since Theodore obtained the grimoire. Back then, the grimoire, Death's Worship, had taken over the body of a Meltor investigator in the Miller Barony and was now sealed in the inventory by Gluttony.

However, it was a grimoire that a 9th circle magician dwelled in. At that time, and even today, Theodore hadn't been able to consume Death's Worship, so it was just an object left in the corner of his inventory.

How did this woman, Hipatia, know the name of the warlock, and why did she call Theodore 'Jerem'?

'There are a few possible hypothesis, but…'

It was just a hypothesis. His super sensitivity warned him that one wrong word would cause an antagonistic relationship with this woman. Of course, he couldn't have a friendly relationship with a warlock.

However, he could use this misunderstanding. Theodore's experience whispered to him. Rather than denying it, he should see what the other person was mistaking him for.

Theodore made a decision and boldly spoke to her, "King of the end? I'm sorry, but I can't remember."

Was it the right answer or wrong answer? Hipatia's eyes widened at his answer and looked at Theodore with a mournful expression. "Ah, our king…! Did you lose your memories? I am White Rider Hipatia, one of the four riders of the end! I judged that with the wonderful skills you just showed, you must've been secretly growing your power in the magic kingdom…"

"Too verbose. If you don't want me to leave, you better explain right away." Theodore moved his magic power, pretending to be angry. His seven circles turned lightly, but the magic power shook the area and gave off a strong pressure. A body wouldn't be able to handle this pressure without good skills.

However, there was no shaking at all in Hipatia's posture. She kept prostrating herself politely, looking up at him with soulful eyes.

'This woman is the death knight's controller.'

He had roughly guessed it based on the magic power he felt, but now he was fully convinced with this test. A necromancer who had reached at least the 7th circle was enough to cause a disaster in a small kingdom.

If she was hostile, he had to end her here.

Additionally, if the four riders of the end were four warlocks, it meant that Hipatia's organization possessed four masters. It was a variable sufficient to overturn the course of this unification war.

It seemed like Death's Worship was something important to them, but Theodore hadn't admitted that he possessed it. As Theodore was swallowing his dry saliva, Hipatia looked at him and started speaking, "…I am your subject, but I will dare to speak."

She put her hands on her lap in a defenseless posture. "My king, we started watching you since we missed Charlotte's Necklace at the Kargas auction house."

Indeed, Theodore nodded. He had guessed it since that Orcus Company appeared with the death knight. This type of power wouldn't be mobilized if the necklace wasn't an important object.

"Didn't you go the Pirate Archipelago with it? In retrospect, I don't understand my folly. Rather than following Your Majesty's will, I hastily tried to grab your ankle…"

"What do you mean?"

"You yielded to that arrogant sea dragon, Aquilo! Since your body isn't yet complete… And this Hipatia… I don't doubt that the day of the end is coming."

If a ring was attached to the ear, it was an earring. If it was attached to the nose, it was a nose ring. Hipatia kept saying things that couldn't be understood. If Aquilo were here, she would've torn Hipatia apart.

As Hipatia's explanation continued, Theodore's expression grew more serious. Her speculation about Aquilo was completely wrong, but all the reasons cited afterward were plausible. From when Theodore summoned the high ranking demon, Magnus, on the Sipoto Plains up until when he had taken out Death's Worship to escape…

Finally, there was one crucial part in Hipatia's understanding.

"By that way, did Your Majesty make 'that' directly?"

"…That?"

��The death knight with the Aura Ability! Without any traces of necromancy, you pioneered the death knight to an unprecedented level… This Hipatia once again realized that the king was resurrected!"

Theodore belatedly realized what she was referring to, 'Don't tell me she mistook Gladio as a death knight?'

It was an exquisite coincidence. Necromancers, as those who made a mockery of life, were bound to be more sensitive to live force than anyone else. Hipatia would naturally understand that the automaton 'wasn't alive' when she looked at it.

She saw that it contained a sword master's soul. The automaton was a by-product of a time when magic engineering was common. It was natural that she would mistake the automaton for a death knight variant.

Theodore was convinced, '…Wouldn't I be mistaken if I was in the same position?'

–I agree.

It wasn't just one or two coincidences but many overlaps that caused the Hipatia to think this way. Gluttony's voice poured into one ear while Theodore thought about it. How could Theodore use this misunderstanding?

Should he shake hands or create a hostile relationship with the four horsemen? They were already exhausted from fighting with their old enemy Andras, and now they had to deal with a warlock organization with four masters? It was something that Meltor couldn't afford.

However, if the opposite was applied, Meltor might be able to overwhelm the battlefield.

'Let the "barbarians fight among themselves"… is it?'

In other words, he could force the four horsemen to collide with the Andras Empire and destroy them. It might be beneficial, but it was hard to conspire with warlocks who could threaten a kingdom.

Andras wouldn't be able to avoid a catastrophic disaster.

"Okay, I'll believe your words this once. That… Hipatia?"

"Yes. I will do anything, my king." Hipatia didn't care about her white clothes being stained as Hipatia kneeled down and looked at him with eyes full of affection. Theodore's conscience was throbbing. She might be a warlock, but was it okay to take advantage of such a pure affection? He felt some guilt. Thus, Theodore couldn't help asking Hipatia.

"Call it a test, but I want to ask you one more question."

He wanted to know if it was capable of coexisting with warlocks.

"What is the ultimate goal of the four horsemen?"

"Huhu, you are asking something obvious," Hipatia's sweet face laughed as she rose. Opening her arms widely, she exclaimed, "It is a promise that we didn't forget after thousands of years of waiting, my king!"

Under the night sky, where thick darkness descended like a curtain, a beautiful woman dressed in white called out in a bell-like voice. There was an emptiness in her eyes as she looked toward something indescribable.

Hipatia's body danced in the wilderness where starlight shone down, and she answered Theodore's question, "It is our mission to put an end to this world."

There was madness in the pure eyes that looked at him.

"The purpose of the four horsemen is to destroy this ugly civilization and the entire human race."

"…I see." Theodore realized it with her answer. "I understand."

They could never tolerate each other.

* * *

Step, step.

The sound of footsteps was heard. The elementals made the tunnel, but they couldn't pave the ground. Theodore stepped on rugged pebbles as he hurried. It would take him 10 more minutes to join the party that had departed earlier.

Theodore fiddled with something in his arms and couldn't overcome his discomfort, eventually pulling it out.

"…Damn, warlocks are famous for their bad taste."

It was a small crafted skull. Hipatia had explained in a cheerful voice that he could use this artifact to talk to her at any time.

She said that it shouldn't be put in a separate space, but he couldn't withstand the physiological discomfort for more than 30 minutes. Theodore eventually threw the dark red skull into the inventory.

He washed his hands a few times with water magic and called a companion to make him feel better, 'Gluttony.'

Gluttony responded immediately, –What is it, User?

'Did you hear the whole story with Hipatia?'

–Of course. Those warlocks, they seem to be the same in any age. The followers of the end… Those who believe that death is superior to life are everywhere.

Warlocks naturally worshipped death. Life was only a moment when they weren't dead, and it was believed that true life was just before being born and after death.

They assumed that the lives of others were worthless based on their view of life and thought that they should slaughter people to return them to the right path. The fanaticism of the Lairon Church but without any morality or conscience was the essence of a black magician.

In the end, the four horsemen were nothing more than an organization aiming to destroy the world. It was a very ordinary warlock organization.

"Know the enemy or you will be burned…"

It was forbidden knowledge, but Theodore now had a close association with the four horsemen and couldn't ignore it any longer. He took a deep breath and told Gluttony, "Gluttony, I want to hear about black magic."

–Hrmm. It was silent for a moment, before the grimoire replied, –Okay. Let's talk about the past.

Chapter 283 – Followers of the End (2)

It took a thousand years to prepare for a simple experiment, but a grimoire had the patience to wait a thousand years. What was Gluttony referring to when he talked about the 'past'? The origin of black magic might be more profound than what modern magicians imagined.

Theodore walked through the darkness which felt more gloomy as he listened to the voice inside him.

–Let's start with the essence of orthodox magic. It is a magic that changes the laws of the material world, manipulating natural phenomena according to the caster's wishes. It can create fire at the desired spot or change the direction of the wind. It might seem strange, but it is a phenomenon based on the physical laws that exist in this world, Gluttony explained. Then it lowered its voice and continued, –Black magic is contrary to orthodox magic, it opposes the causal law of the material world, reviving the dead, forcibly capturing souls, repressing the will of others. It spreads diseases that don't exist and draws out the evil laws. They are people with depraved hearts that can't help being enemies of the whole world.

"…Gluttony, there is a part that I don't understand," Theodore quietly listened to the explanation and then asked a question.

He was forced to do so because, from his point of view, magic that deviated from natural phenomena was quite orthodox.

There were two of the most representative examples.

"Black magic borrows the power of the world to bring back the dead… Isn't that summoning magic? And magic like space movement seems like it bends natural phenomena."

–There are two questions. I will explain it in the order mentioned, Gluttony replied without any hesitation. –As User says, summoning magic and death magic can look quite similar. In times when the division wasn't clear, paladins often misunderstood summoners as warlocks and killed them. In the end, it was revealed that there was a big difference between summoning and black magic.

"A big difference?"

–That's right. Summoning magic is a technique that invites guests from beyond this world, allowing them to exert their abilities. It is like the moon's shadow on the water. Even with mighty powers, they can't go beyond that boundary.

Listening to Gluttony, Theodore couldn't help remembering Fafnir. The dragon of Muspelheim could only stay for a few seconds after Theodore sacrificed Charlotte's Necklace.

Perhaps that ghastly body hadn't even been its true one.

This was a transcendent being that had burned down the world tree alone. Satomer's summoning magic had been perfect, and he had prepared the correct sacrifice, but Fafnir hadn't been able to be sustained for more than a few seconds.

The stronger the being, the more caught it was by the binding power of this world.

The peak of Muspelheim, Fafnir, was no different than a god of the material world. Fafnir was a being who was born strong, who used that power without hesitation. Even the demons were much stronger, but they couldn't freely cross the walls of the dimension.

The Fafnir that Theodore had called had been just a shadow of its body. It had been impossible for Muspelheim to free itself from the bindings.

-The second is very simple, but it was hard to explain, Gluttony spoke in a delicate tone as Theodore used space magic as an example. Gluttony knew the answer but didn't know how to convince Theodore.

Theodore failed to repress his attitude and demanded, "Why can't you give a simple explanation? Tell me anything."

–Sigh. User said that space magic doesn't seem to correlate with natural phenomenon?

"Then?"

It was common sense. How was it possible to jump through space in this world without magical intervention? At least, that was the case for Theodore. Of course, it wasn't the same for Gluttony.

–Withdrawal. A phenomenon that can frequently be seen when looking at the surface of the planet.

"…What?"

–It is science that this world hasn't been revealed yet. The concepts of wormholes, black holes, and other four-dimensional space haven't been revealed yet. User won't know about them. Space magic is certainly based on the laws of physics.

Theodore realized that he couldn't object to this. Was it possible to argue against science that he didn't know?

A grimoire lived on for infinity in the world and accumulated invaluable knowledge over the years. So, to a grimoire, Theodore's knowledge would be no different from a caveman. It was wiser to just accept what he heard.

Gluttony silenced Theodore with a few words and added more information about black magic, –If space magic went against the laws of physics of this world as User said, the only magicians who can use Teleport would be limited to those who reached the 9th circle. It is like going against a huge river that is the world. It is because magic that doesn't borrow power from the natural laws of the world comes with a price that is several times that of orthodox magic.

"Uh, then black magic?"

–I am getting to the point now. Warlocks use taboo practices such as 'sacrificing humans' and 'draining' in order to cover their lacking power. They sacrifice another creature and convert it into their own magic power.

The taboo of human sacrifices and draining…!

Theodore stiffened at these words, and he stopped moving.

Warlocks weren't public enemies of the continent from the beginning. They were just insidious and used spells of an unknown system. They were branded as enemies of the world due to the active abuse of these two taboos.

Theodore started moving again and spat out, "It is a bloody history."

–I also agree. But the problem wasn't that simple in the Age of Mythology. It was rare that they would act in the domain of the gods, and the demons' work was more heinous and dangerous than theirs.

"Hah, I can understand that."

–The problem was that the warlocks came into contact with the demons.

"…What?"

Inside the astonished Theodore, Gluttony recalled the memories of the distant past.

–As invaders of this world, the actions of the demons were limited. However, warlocks gave sacrifices to loosen these constraints, and the demons taught them black magic in return. The reverse pentagram, the five-phase system of black magic, was completed at this time.

Gluttony's analysis revealed that the demons had broken away from the constraints of life. They didn't die in the flow of time, and they were also difficult to kill using outside means.

They freely invaded other dimensions and raised their power by enhancing other beings. Indeed, they were predators with the power of immortality! It wasn't unreasonable that the warlocks were fascinated by the power of the demons and wanted to be part of them.

Then the twilight of a new world, Ragnarok, broke out.

With the demons that invaded this world and the warlock forces that tried to end it… After the Dracomachia, the dragons had become almost extinct.

This was already the second half of the Age of Mythology. The gods had lost their strength and eventually called for help from the transcendents who had become independent. The gods and transcendents had then united to confront the demon army.

'The end of the Age of Mythology… To think that I will discover it in a place like this…!'

With the warlocks who had become fascinated by the demons and conspired with them…

That had been the end of the Age of Mythology, Ragnarok!

In modern times, the only person who would know the situation was Theodore. Other than that, it was probably the dragons and grimoires like Gluttony who knew. It wasn't knowledge that humans, who could only live for a hundred years at most, would have.

Theodore shivered with thrill, while Gluttony whispered after this rough explanation, –With their defeat during Ragnarok, the demons were expelled from this world and the warlocks lost most of their power… It is hard to forget the sense of omnipotence I once felt. I saw all types of works break down the boundary of this material world.

"To destroy humanity and civilization…?"

–One of the methods is to weaken the walls of the dimension. By the way, the four riders of the end, they have quite a bit of ability.

Theodore immediately responded to these words, "What, you know about the four riders of the end?"

–Of course. Do you want to hear about them?

"Of course! Please."

–I want two books of at least a rare rating in return.

"…Hey," Theodore grumbled but pulled out the books. "Ah, you can't read the atmosphere."

It seemed like his turmoil in the tunnel would continue a little longer.

* * *

A few days after that…

The fact that Theodore had managed to raid Dofrun Castle and gotten good results was spread through all of Meltor. In a position where a single act of deception affected the morale of thousands, Theodore was a good propaganda tool.

The soldiers were happy about the news, but the leaders were troubled.

"Warlocks… They actually appeared at this time."

Hearing the words of the Magic Society chairman, Benedict, Orta nodded.

"I missed the tail of the Orcus Company once, but I never realized that they would appear again here. It is quite a bold move."

"It is true that we can't afford to go against them. Fortunately, there is no possibility that they will ally with Andras."

"There would be a big resistance from Lairon. To Andras, knights and priests are more important than hard-to-deal-with warlocks."

Warlocks weren't people that nations would consider allying with. If they accepted the power of the public enemy of the world, Andras would be hostile to not just Meltor but everyone on the continent.

In particular, they already had an alliance with Lairon!

The religious country despised magicians who tried to break God's will, and they also hated warlocks that messed with the world. It was impossible for the church to embrace the power of warlocks.

"According to Theodore, they came to obtain sacrifices for this war. They are like hyenas eating corpses."

"They are extremely vulgar."

Theodore had reported that the purpose of Hipatia's organization was to obtain 'sacrifices.' It wasn't possible to expose Death's Worship, so he made a reasonable excuse. The battlefield, which was overflowing with many deaths, grudges, and emotions, was a good altar for the warlocks. It was difficult to understand their recklessness of going to the North where there were plenty of masters, but they were like psychopaths.

"Well, this isn't the problem right now."

"It is as you said, Commander."

The two magicians conversed as they left the barrack.

"Theodore has raised the morale, so I will have egg on my face if I don't keep this going."

"You have suffered a lot. I am also burdened, but not as much as you."

"It is nothing. I know that you stayed up all night yesterday."

Benedict coughed and blushed, before looking at the horizon. Andras' army was facing the brave soldiers. With no talking and no distractions, their discipline made Meltor's army shrink back. Besides, there was no doubt that 'he' was on the other side of the camp.

"… Excuse me, can you do it?" As Benedict spoke, there was a heavy pressure on Orta's back. "You have already lost to him. If you can't win, it is good to try other tactics. You should use every power possible, even if it dirties your honor."

"I won't deny it," White Tower's Orta agreed as a strategist and magician. After this, his lips curved in a mysterious manner under his mask. ��But he made a mistake."

"A mistake?"

"Please believe in me. I won't lose to the same opponent twice, especially to one who deals with the same type of abilities," Orta said. Then he declared as he adjusted his mask, "I will repay him with interest."