Ch.5656. The Boy King (2)

The sun sets.

This sight always evoked special memories for the Boy King.

Such a phenomenon remained valid even now, when he had witnessed such scenes for so long that they lay beyond the reach of his conscious memory.

Family, brothers, friends, acquaintances.

He recalled when everyone gathered together, laughing boisterously. He remembered the times when they raised toasts to the setting sun and the rising moon that followed.

The last day of the Kingdom of Armada.

The memory of everyone accepting their “destruction” with smiles, despite facing imminent doom—

It remained firmly rooted in his mind, even after thousands of years.

One could say it was the only thing standing between him and death.

“…”

He closed his eyes and let out a shallow sigh.

A poisonous energy emanated from within, potent enough to rot and crumble even the thoroughly dried stone building.

“Not much time left.”

The source of that poison was “something” still throbbing inside his chest.

“Just a little more now.”

He muttered, clutching at it.

Indeed, not much time remained.

Until he fulfilled his “promise.”

“…”

Suddenly, his gaze lingered momentarily on a distant place.

He could see a pair of a man and woman.

Valkarsus’s gaze was fixed particularly on the man.

“…”

Abruptly, a smile spread across his face.

According to the Luminary, that man already knew why he was doing this.

He would also know what was possible, and what “entity” had entangled him in this situation.

And yet.

-I will save you, Valkarsus. You and your kingdom.

Such nonsense.

So audaciously.

“…If you can really do it.”

-Become my subordinate. For life.

Even such a strange request.

“I wouldn’t mind.”

After saying that, Valkarsus looked up at the sky.

The sun was not far from setting.

Which meant the “final act” was not far off either.

“…Just don’t drag it out too long.”

Then.

“I’ve already had enough of waiting.”

Those murmurs scattered desolately into the void.

●

“So, what’s your plan?”

Elnore asked while carrying me like luggage, swinging me around as she moved.

It’s a mode of transportation that seems to have abandoned human dignity, but I don’t mind. As long as we can move quickly, it’s fine.

“The difficulty level we’re facing is no joke. Especially those deployed around the clock tower.”

While all sorts of undead were pouring out inside the barrier that Valkarsus had summoned, the strongest ones were indeed, as Elnore said, those near the clock tower where the main body was located.

To completely subjugate even a medium-sized magical beast typically requires gathering 3-4 regular knights.

If dozens of such creatures are surrounding that one location, it’s natural for even someone of her caliber to say it’s “no joke.”

“We can’t face all of them one by one right now.”

The time given is at most 30 minutes. Considering we still need to fight Valkarsus as the final boss, the actual time available is only about 5 to 10 minutes.

Breaking through in that timeframe is nonsensical.

“We need to leave it to others.”

“But looking at the situation, it seems there’s no manpower available right now.”

Indeed, most of the regular knights stationed within the academy are currently deployed to stop the undead attacking other areas.

We’re not in a position to ask for help to break through.

But.

“No, there is.”

The Luminary probably moved the schedule up by a day thinking I wouldn’t have any contingencies ready if he suddenly triggered events like this.

Nevertheless, I still have one card left to play.

People who are practically specialists against the undead.

“Find some people for me, Elnore.”

I request this as the scenery rushes past at a terrifying speed.

“First, we need to get to higher ground.”

“Will do.”

With those words, Elnore kicked the ground several times.

‘Is this person really a monster?’

It’s almost ridiculous how the altitude changes with each step she takes. Especially seeing how every spot she steps on shatters into pieces.

She’s only collected one fragment so far, but I wonder how powerful she’ll become with all three.

“This should be sufficient.”

While I was pondering this, Elnore, having reached an altitude where the surroundings were clearly visible, said that.

“Yes, that’s enough.”

I respond and describe the characteristics of the people we’re looking for.

Based on my memory of their appearance, one by one.

“Blue hair, slightly taller than the average Imperial citizen. Males in their 20s to mid-30s. Groups of at least 3 people. Their appearance is… ‘extremely’ ordinary-looking guys.”

“…What?”

Elnore questioned with a strange voice at my bizarre description, but this is truly the best way to describe them.

They’re in a profession where they intentionally try to be forgettable. It’s really hard to describe their appearance.

“And, most importantly.”

This is something probably only Elnore can detect.

That’s why I’m asking her.

“There will be people who make you feel extremely uncomfortable just by looking at them.”

Even if they hide their appearance.

They can’t hide the traces of their “exorcism rituals” that they’ve honed to a terrifying degree. Especially to a Demonic Vessel, which would react very sensitively.

They’re the elites in that field, so even more so.

“Look for them. They’re definitely somewhere nearby.”

Considering their mission, they’re likely to stay close to me.

Indeed, after looking around with some doubt at my instruction, Elnore immediately frowned.

“…Your description is ridiculously accurate. They’re not far away. People matching all the conditions.”

As expected.

“Can you take us closer?”

“Sure.”

Again, the scenery rushes past like an arrow.

With a thud, thud, Elnore jumped around, shattering the floors of several buildings before landing in front of a few men.

“Eek-!”

“W-What the!”

The men backed away in terror at the sight, but knowing their true identity, I find their act laughably despicable.

“Drop the act, we don’t have time. Let’s get straight to business.”

“W-What are you…!”

“It’s an order from the Pope of the Holy Empire. He probably just told you to help me discreetly if I seemed in too much danger.”

The men’s movements froze simultaneously.

“Let’s make a deal. The situation is urgent.”

“…”

The people here are individuals who, under normal circumstances, wouldn’t be here at all.

They’re top-tier talents treated with utmost secrecy within the Holy Empire. There’s no reason for them to be dispatched to an academy in a distant country.

But, if I recall correctly.

I had previously turned the situation to my advantage while dealing with the Pope.

And considering his personality and the current situation, there’s a high probability he stationed personnel nearby to ensure I “don’t die.”

Because.

“If I die, the responsibility falls on your side, right?”

The men’s expressions hardened.

“If you don’t help me now, I’m in serious trouble.”

“…”

“I might die, you know?”

Realizing that their “act” is useless against my continuous statements, they seem to have understood.

Yes, this is essentially a sign of OK.

It means I can get their cooperation.

‘…Good.’

In a way, this is also a butterfly effect.

People who would never have been here under normal circumstances are here because of my actions.

“…”

But.

They say light and shadow always go hand in hand.

If everything in the scenario has been jumbled up because of my existence, then among them, there must be positive elements that I can definitely “utilize.”

So.

Let’s try to extract some of that honey this time.

●

The terms of the deal are simple.

If they help me here and now, I’ll pass on a piece of information they want.

“Feels like a bad deal.”

The man who appeared to be the leader spoke with an incredulous voice.

I also heard his name, though it’s probably an alias. Bizla, was it?

“You want just the four of us to break through that many undead?”

I respond with a smirk.

“No, three of you.”

“…”

“One person needs to go elsewhere to find people we need.”

Elia, Yuria, and Lucien.

I might not need the others, but these three must be brought along for the boss fight.

Somehow, I need to get them to the top floor of the clock tower to meet the minimum conditions for clearing.

“Please tell the orange-haired woman separately. She’s experienced, so she should lead well.”

Of course, I’ve prepared a method.

Yes.

The most expedient one.

“…”

To the opponent who frowns, seemingly unsure of how to respond, I continue with a chuckle.

“You’re exorcists, aren’t you? Shouldn’t this be a breeze for you?”

Exorcists are individuals who, among those who handle supernatural abilities, specialize particularly in repelling “unholy beings.”

Demons, undead, vampires… they have skills that make them worth a hundred men against all kinds of “foreign entities.”

“…”

The man’s expression twisted at those words.

He’s probably wondering how I know information that’s clearly confidential.

‘There’s no one else but you guys anyway.’

For a cunning individual like the Pope, the only ones he would deploy for such a mission are those from “that woman’s” faction.

The only people trusted by a man who has set up a snake pit within.

“…At the very least, I need to know what this information is beforehand. If you’re asking us to do something this dangerous, we need some guarantee, don’t we?”

It seems he’s given up on figuring out how the information leaked. That’s the voice that came out.

You’re exaggerating. This isn’t even dangerous for your side.

But I don’t mind playing along.

“Tell Serath.”

The information I hold is something this side absolutely cannot give up.

“I know the whereabouts of the item you’re looking for.”

Serath Evatrice. In terms of position, she’s close to being the Pope’s right hand.

She’s also one of the world’s top assassins, single-handedly overseeing three “covert groups,” including these men.

Despite such illustrious titles, very few in the world know her true identity.

“…You, just now…?”

Indeed, Bizla, who had shown no intense emotions until now, uttered those words in a shocked voice upon hearing that name.

Instead of giving a specific answer, I just shrug. There’s no need to reveal all my cards.

While I was thinking that.

“…If you’re invoking the Archlord’s name, I can’t back down.”

Bizla, who had been keeping a rigid expression for a while, opened his mouth.

“I’ll hear later how you know such things. For now…”

As those words continued, several barriers began to form around.

“…Let’s get back to our main job.”

Soon, multiple abilities began to surge simultaneously from Bizla’s body.

-!

-!!

Medium-sized magical beasts, sensing the hostile energy, turned their attention towards us and began swarming from all directions.

With this many, it would take an entire company of knights to subdue them smoothly. That’s the level of manpower needed to conduct a war.

But.

“Ascend.”

Law power, magic power, and divine power blend together, blooming from Bizla’s body in the form of a “rosary.”

And then, flames rise.

These are the flames of “reincarnation,” created specifically to target only the undead.

Systematically speaking, it’s a crazy matchup that ignores defense and deals true damage when facing undead.

And in reality, its power is truly formidable.

—!!!!

——!!!!!

The acrid smell of burning flesh, terrible screams, and agonized wails fill the space.

Despite the large number charging at us, with a couple more exorcists using the same ability as Bizla, they can’t even approach properly.

Of course, befitting beings born from forgotten arts, they persistently approach even as they burn. As if using their burning bodies as fuel, their hostility shows no signs of diminishing.

But.

Still, the distance doesn’t decrease.

The rate of death exceeds the rate of regeneration.

In gaming terms, these are creatures with insane regeneration that can restore 100% of their health in just 10 seconds even after dropping to 0.

But it only takes 3 seconds to burn all that regenerated health.

According to the settings, under the right conditions, these flames can completely “annihilate” even some high-ranking beings of Pandemonium. Even if they were born through alchemy, medium-sized magical beasts are no match.

‘As expected.’

This is what’s frightening about the members of Serath’s covert organization.

While they might be average in other areas, they are dizzyingly powerful in their “specialized” fields.

From the beginning, they’ve trained since childhood, precisely measuring just the “right amount” of law power, magic power, and divine power to achieve this. It’s almost obsessive.

‘…If only they weren’t neutral NPCs.’

Since Serath herself appears as a character bound to the Pope from the start, recruiting these guys as companions was a function completely absent from the original work.

It would have been great if I could somehow establish a friendly relationship with them, but that’s a pity.

While I was thinking that.

<System Message>

[ Checking the current conditions of target ‘Serath’. ]

[ Your overall vibe seems to be a direct hit to Serath’s taste! ]

[ If you meet in person, there’s a high probability of love at first sight! ]

[ ‘Skill: Fatal Charm’ activates in advance! ]

“…”

What is this?

This skill now triggers in advance even for people I haven’t seen face-to-face?

I stare blankly at the window in disbelief, and more sentences continue to appear.

[ Pioneering a new branch! ]

[ The probability of gaining the interest of target ‘Serath Evatrice’ skyrockets! ]

[ If you successfully establish a relationship with the target, the conditions for a special quest will be met! ]

< Special Quest: The Ultimate Mastermind! >

[ ‘Serath Evatrice’ related quest is now open! ]

[ Upon completion, the target will submit to you! ]

[ Upon completion, massive benefits will be given to the main scenario! ]

[ Upon completion, you will become the master of ‘The Crescent Moon Covenant’! ]

“…”

I can’t help but laugh.

Sure, the item I mentioned is quite precious to Serath, but…

She’ll “submit” to me, and even “The Crescent Moon Covenant” will follow?

‘…Is this insane?’

The Crescent Moon Covenant refers to the collective term for the covert groups she manages.

In other words.

The moment I clear this special quest.

She will bring not only herself but also the entire group she ruled to serve me.

It means I could command these exorcists here as my “subordinates” too?

“…”

What.

What is that.

I’m scared.

Why go that far…?

“…This is an unbelievable power.”

While my reason was fading, Elnore, who had suddenly appeared beside me, spoke with an incredulous voice.

“Just three people pushing back so many medium-sized magical beasts. I’d believe it even if they said they brought back the guardians who disappeared from history.”

“…”

Yes. And right now, a quest has appeared that could allow me to swallow such people whole.

This feels so overpowered that it’s making me dizzy.

“…Then, what about us!”

Now is not the time to focus on that.

[ Crisis situation detected. ]

[ Judged to be a direct threat to life. ]

[ Applying skill: Desperate Situation at EX grade. ]

A massive club made of flesh fragments crashed down right in front of me.

-!

-!!

As Elnore and I rolled in opposite directions, a terrifying giant, grotesquely woven with repulsive flesh and tendons, let out a roar.

‘It’s here.’

I take a deep breath and face the opponent.

A mini-boss battle that was also in the original work. The fight with Flash Terror.

“…Looks formidable.”

Elnore said as she slowly drew her sword.

“If it’s a special type of magical beast… even giving it our all might not be enough. Darwood, what’s the plan?”

I rack my brain while taking a deep breath at Elnore’s words.

Time elapsed: 5 minutes. Time remaining: 25 minutes. Calculating the expected time to enter the boss battle, the time that should be invested in breaking through here is…

“We need to handle this in under a minute.”

Within that time, we must overcome this creature.

A monster that can potentially annihilate an entire city on its own and revives no matter how many times it’s killed.

“…”

Just looking at the sentence, it sounds absurd.

The look Elnore gives me, as if I’ve gone mad, proves this, but.

“Actually, one minute is being generous.”

“…”

Yes.

When you think about it, it’s not that big of a deal.

My concern was other creatures joining in while we deal with this one, but the exorcists have taken care of that, haven’t they?

“…Darwood.”

“Yes?”

“I think crazy people are fine in their own way.”

“…”

“I won’t criticize you for being a madman, so rest assured.”

Thank you.

That’s the gentlest assessment of my reputation lately.

While I was thinking that.

-!

The giant made of flesh charged towards us.

●