Ch.276EP.61 – The Knight Fear People More Than Ghosts 2(6)

An ordinary human cannot defeat a monster.

Some say that with effort, tenacity, and determination, one can kill even powerful magical beasts, but that’s merely motivational talk, not reality.

In that sense, Simon knows he cannot defeat even a monster, let alone a magical beast.

He might be able to beat one or two thugs, but he lacks the talent and effort to fight anything beyond that. Knowing this well, he hires mercenaries or free knights as escorts.

However.

“What if it’s not about fighting, but killing?”

“Excuse me?”

“Assume you’re killing a monster by any means necessary.”

“……”

“Using poison, drugs, or tools might give you a chance. Actually, what human would think of fighting a monster bare-handed? Humans are human because they use tools. What’s the point of fighting stupidly with just your body?”

“Is… is that what you’re suggesting, sir?”

“What’s wrong with me saying that?”

“……”

…Simon’s trust wavered slightly at receiving such advice from someone who could slaughter thousands of magical beasts bare-handed, but the point was clearly imprinted in his mind.

Kill by any means necessary.

This is…

“I’ll need to consider my options. Do you have any specific advice?”

“Am I responsible for everything?”

It makes sense.

Simon was completely serious.

Being toyed with was one thing, but as guild master, he could not tolerate the vampire’s “meddling” with the guild.

An organization of the weak.

A gathering of lower-class people.

Vermin.

Despite countless infamous names and contemptuous glances, the guild has its pride.

After all, the guild was born from the dreams and hopes of changing the world, even if they were weak.

That’s why it was unforgivable.

“Hmm, so, do you know how to use thunderclap bombs, or rather, explosives?”

“?”

“Well, misusing them can be dangerous for the user too, but the more dangerous a weapon is, the more it should be handled by someone intelligent who doesn’t make mistakes, right? In that sense, I think you could handle dangerous weapons well. Should I get you some?”

“…I’d appreciate that.”

The deliberation was brief, and there was no hesitation.

What mattered was having a way to fight, regardless of what it was.

And so, five more days passed.

Simon learned the basic use of scrolls and gained the unusual idea of landmines from the knight, becoming confident he could use them in various ways.

“This is pretty good.”

And when he shared his ideas and usage methods with the knight:

“This approach requires memorization skills, application ability, and guts. Not everyone could do this.”

The knight’s expression was full of admiration, giving Simon a sense of pride equivalent to receiving high praise.

“That’s fortunate. I have all three of those qualities.”

“Congratulations, Guild Master. I’ll give you the title of ‘Thunderclap Master.'”

“…What’s that supposed to mean?”

“I’ve never met a hybrid like you before.”

“???”

Thus, Simon succeeded in acquiring new firepower with the knight’s validation.

And now.

BOOM-!

“…The moment the royal family discovers this, I’ll be branded a dangerous person without even a chance to explain.”

He suddenly realizes the danger of this method.

Remembering the locations of landmines and luring the opponent to step on them to “destroy” them.

Easy to say, but probably a tactic only he could execute.

Without the ability to analyze the opponent’s behavioral psychology in real-time, that explosion would have consumed him too.

But Simon is alive.

Therefore, this is:

“Our victory.”

A victory seized by a pathetic weakling against an overwhelming powerhouse.

Simon felt proud of himself, even knowing this was a method he could never use again.

“We’re not bombers.”

“That’s right, Mr. Criminal.”

“…Heartless brats.”

The twins immediately cut ties with him, refusing to be associated with such actions, and Simon grumbled.

No appreciation…

THWACK!

“!?”

“That was close.”

“We told you to stay alert, mister.”

“…Cough.”

In an instant, Tig moved with such speed that Simon didn’t even see it coming, kicking his legs out from under him. Though Simon fell ungracefully, he didn’t dare get angry.

Instead:

Hiss.

…Ungraceful as it was, he was grateful to have saved his life.

The blood-colored thorns quickly disappeared in the sunlight, but even as they vanished, they sent chills down his spine.

How should he put it?

[Wow, that was really dangerous, Simon, darling. Where did you learn such a dangerous technique? You could have really died if something went wrong. …Pfft, just kidding. As if I could die from something like this? You knew that, which is why you played such a cute prank, right? Isn’t that so?]

As if to remind him that he was merely a being who wouldn’t die from “just this much.”

Like what a demon from hell might be like if it appeared.

WHOOSH!

Despite the rising pillar of fire, it slowly pierced through the flames as if taking a stroll, revealing itself.

[There’s something you people often misunderstand. There are “levels” to immortality. These days, people call those who don’t age and die immortals, like witches or demons? That’s really pathetic. True immortality isn’t just about not dying of old age. ‘Cannot be killed by any means or method’ – that’s what a real immortal is.]

Crackle…!

[By the way, inflicting physical pain isn’t very effective either. Our pain receptors are damaged. That’s why we tend to feel pain as pleasure.]

FWOOSH!

[Still wondering how I’m alive when even my blood should have been completely burned by such powerful flames? Hmm, it’s usually a secret, but I’m kind enough to tell you. You see….]

WHOOSH!

“—It’s because vampires are more than just creatures with good regeneration.”

The one who finally emerged from the pillar of fire smiled brightly.

“…Armor?”

He was wearing armor.

Armor on a pure white background.

It was an unusual form of armor, and Simon’s eyes flashed as he identified its shape.

“Bones?”

“Correct, you’re quite perceptive.”

“……”

“Our bones are extremely hard. See how they don’t have a single scratch despite the massive explosion? Some mage once said my bones could withstand even the pressure of the deep sea.”

Tap tap.

He proudly tapped his bone armor and smiled gently.

And then:

“Are your little tricks over now?”

He asked mockingly.

He even spread his arms wide, as if inviting any further attempts.

“……”

Simon remained silent.

Whether feeling despair in the face of a hopeless situation where nothing worked, he offered no response.

He looked up at the sky with a blank expression.

As if everything was over.

“…That’s disappointing. You’re most attractive when you’re confident.”

Hansel wore a disappointed expression.

Though their relationship was false, they had spent over a year together.

Seeing him with such a defeated expression instantly killed his interest…

“…Truly magnificent.”

“…?”

“Could all knights actually fly this whole time?”

“??”

Hansel blinked.

Wondering if Simon had gone mad.

‘What nonsense is he talking about?’

Instinctively, Hansel turned his head.

The sky that Simon was staring at blankly.

Wondering what could be there.

…The next moment.

“……”

Hansel was dumbfounded.

In the sky…

“What is that?”

Over a hundred “knights” were emerging from between the clouds.

FLUTTER!

—Waving flags emblazoned with the emblem of a red eagle.

* * *

…The old man, self-proclaimed elderly butler, wore a worried expression.

“Hmm, excuse me, but shouldn’t we go over there? It seems there’s something evil present.”

“It’s fine. I’ve called in reliable allies.”

“They must be quite trustworthy, I presume?”

“I wouldn’t have asked for help otherwise.”

“Oh?”

“They’re reliable. At least they won’t be easily defeated by the likes of him.”

Ihan shrugged.

…Honestly, he would have preferred to handle it himself, but unfortunately, he didn’t have time to deal with some incubus right now.

If what the butler elder said was true:

‘I can’t even spare time to deal with that incubus.’

That’s why he had hurriedly sent an SOS signal.

He had sent signals to several trustworthy individuals, but he wasn’t sure how many had come.

Still, at the very least…

‘Maybe about thirty came? Knights are proud, so maybe not many showed up.’

Well, even if just thirty came:

‘That should be enough.’

Ihan recalled the eagles he had encountered about a month ago.

Those humans…

‘They were fierce.’

Ihan remembered when he faced them, his arm aching at the memory.

Despite not letting his guard down at all, he had almost lost an arm back then…

* * *

“—Our ‘friend’ has requested help for the first time! Not answering this call would be a disgrace to our knighthood! Isn’t that right, comrades!”

THUD! BOOM!

“The enemy is a legendary vampire! Also a sworn enemy who would plunge the kingdom into ruin! The opponent is worthy, and we need not hesitate in our actions!”

THUD THUD!!

“Hmm!”

Shing.

“Slaughter the prey!!”

[[Glory to Tristan! Bloody vengeance upon our enemies!!!]]

The guardians of Tristan and one of the kingdom’s top five knightly orders.

All members of the Red Eagle Knights fired arrows at the vampire while “walking on air.”

…The hybrid knight order, transformed by a certain knight, displayed its might to the world for the first time.