episode_0018

“Help me!!”

“They’re heretics!”

“It’s an order from our leader! Capture them and execute them on the spot!”

The martial arts competition hall had turned into a scene of chaos.

Everyone was only thinking about escaping for their own lives, without considering the crowd around them.

As a result, many people were falling and getting injured.

“Of course, in the face of the fear of death, everyone becomes miserable.”

I knew that feeling too well, so I didn’t have any intention of cursing anyone.

And I also thought about escaping from this place.

Heretics.

Although this was the first time I had actually seen them.

They were the ones I had heard about in history books and academy classes.

Everything started with the Lergiont War.

It was an event where two groups who once believed in the same god split into priests and heretics due to their selfish desires, leading to a war.

To sum it up.

This war, which started a hundred years ago, was still ongoing.

Countless people had died on the battlefield, and the bodies were still piling up.

“Well, it’s a story that has nothing to do with me.”

The introduction was too long.

Anyway, it wasn’t a good idea to catch the attention of the heretics here.

There could be retaliation, so why should I sacrifice myself for this country?

The escape route was relatively easy to find.

It was strange that I couldn’t escape in the midst of ordinary nobles in the crowd.

So.

“I’ll go to the entrance that the heretics blew up, while Sarah and Cecilia go to the right.”

Listening carefully to Robert’s instructions.

And among those who were captured.

“And Lina and Kaidra, and Log…!”

“I’ll clear the way for people to evacuate.”

“The Knights are enough for that…”

“We don’t know when or where the heretics will appear. So, I’ll stay here to protect the safety of the people.”

“That makes sense. Then Lina and Kaidra. I’m sorry, but you two need to buy us some time.”

Lina nodded as if she was touched by my words.

And Kaidra, who was next to her, also showed a doubtful expression but reluctantly nodded.

“Okay. Then Logz, come back as soon as possible. With your skills, you should be able to do it quickly.”

“What?”

What is this nonsense?

Am I the weakest among you? Are the heretics that weak?

With Robert’s words, I began to have doubts.

Bang!

‘If you keep thinking like this, you’ll die in an instant. Wake up!’

Taking a deep breath, I scanned the surroundings again.

Fortunately, the kids were focused on the battle. This was the best time.

Trying to sneak away as quietly as possible.

I saw a young child shedding tears in my line of sight.

Could this be just a coincidence?

My head was pounding. Do I really have to save this kid?

“Hey.”

“…Huh!”

“Where’s your mom?”

“…”

‘Yeah, what answer does a guy like me expect?’

I quickly gave up on asking questions and picked up the trembling child. This should fulfill my promise to Gumsung.

Bang!

‘I’m screwed…!’

The heretics who were attacking were rushing towards me at a fast pace.

I should have run away quickly. That’s why I didn’t take the lead.

Even if I’m a king. No, because I’m not.

It’s impossible to carry this kid and run.

Should I try? There’s no point in thinking about it.

I can’t do it.

Many thoughts were testing my patience. Can I win…!

Crash! Roar!

“Logz! Run away quickly!”

Just before the final thought reached my brain.

Robert blocked the heretics for me.

Without even being able to thank him for his desperate voice, I ran.

And I ran fast to a place where there were no heretics.

Before the fight, thanks to the exit I had been looking for, I was able to easily escape from the crowded place.

“I’ve arrived…”

There are a lot more people gathered over there compared to other places.

That must be the entrance without a doubt.

I adjust my posture to run back to the entrance with renewed determination.

“Rogues!”

At that moment, I heard someone calling my name.

“…Mother?”

It was my mother and father. I thought they had gone first…

“Are you hurt anywhere?”

“As you can see, there’s no problem.”

“Thank goodness. I thought you had caused some trouble again.”

“Honey! You were so worried just now!”

“Ah…no.”

A hollow laughter escaped from their conversation.

For some reason, I also felt a sense of relief.

But.

“Why were you looking for me?”

It feels like it was just yesterday when I tried to drive them away…

Honestly, I always had an initial rejection towards the kindness I felt from these two people.

If you ask for the reason, I could easily give you an answer.

In my past life.

I ruined my life with my parents’ false love.

So, their words, no, all their actions are always suspicious and meaningful to me.

Still.

After the initial rejection, I could feel a little, just a little bit of emotion called gratitude.

“Ahem…anyway, I’m glad you’re safe.”

My father was talking to Steven next to him, and my mother was taking care of the child I brought.

It felt like I had lost everything I had to do in an instant.

I was definitely looking forward to this.

But now that it’s actually happening, I feel a bit awkward.

“Still, this peaceful ending is nice…!”

Bang!!

A tremendous explosion sound came from the entrance.

“The Lord is watching over you!! Everyone, grab your swords and charge!!”

“Charge!!”

‘…’

Peace my foot.

It’s time to run away again.

Bang!

“Charge!!”

Wait.

Bang!

“Die!!”

I’m doomed.

The heretics surrounded the nobles as if they were waiting for them from all directions. But it’s still okay here.

We can still get away from here. I’ll deal with the guilt later.

Right now, the focus should be on escaping.

I quickly picked up the child and spoke in a voice that my parents and Steven could hear.

“The heretics are coming. We need to run away quickly.”

“No. How can I run away when there are people over there? You take the child and go quickly.”

…”

I thought I heard wrong.

Just thinking about the thousands of heretics here, there’s no guarantee of survival.

But.

“You go with Rogues. We’ll meet after this is over.”

“Just a moment…!”

Steven and my father immediately ran towards where the heretics were gathered. Yes, even my mother.

“Rogues. It can’t be helped. Take this child and go.”

“Yes?”

“We are priests of the Lucalik Church. It’s a sin to abandon people in a place like this.”

With that, my mother also ran towards where my father was.

…

…

I couldn’t do anything.

I couldn’t run away. I couldn’t help.

I just froze.

All the priests I saw were people who only cared about their own interests.

Just like our dad.

What is it?

Emotions that I couldn’t express were raging inside me.

“Child.”

“Yes?”

Can you stay here alone?”

[Asbel’s sword shines]

***

Swish! Swish! Swish!

Steven facing the heretics alone.

And his parents supporting him from behind.

Their flawless teamwork seemed like a perfect party.

“How did you come here with Rogues?”

“Logs have grown a lot. Now they can grow on their own, right?”

“That’s not the point. We’ll handle it with Steven, so you should quickly go back to Logs!”

“Die, priest!!”

Bang!

Fireballs rained down on the heretic who aimed at Father.

“Who are you worrying about right now?”

Mother adjusted her stance again, ready to support Steven.

“Even though it may not seem like it, I’m stronger than a priest.”

Father chuckled at Mother’s confident demeanor.

“Reminds me of the old days. We met like this back then too.”

“You still remember that?”

“Of course. She was the first woman I fell for.”

Father stood behind Mother and recited a spell.

In an instant, it was clear that Mother and Steven’s abilities had increased.

At the same time, numerous defense barriers appeared around him.

“I can’t show mercy in a serious fight like this.”

As time passed, the number of defense barriers became too many to count.

“Steven, don’t worry about me and fight to your heart’s content!”

“I will follow your orders.”

Swish! Swish!

Father raised his finger effortlessly through the heretics.

And then.

Taking a deep breath, he pointed at the heretics in front of him.

Most of the vertically standing defense barriers flew horizontally towards the heretics, catching them off guard.

The heretics, taken aback by the unexpected attack, were unable to defend themselves and their bodies disintegrated.

“I guess you don’t like fighting after all…”

Father’s brow furrowed as he muttered.

But he didn’t stop the attack.

On the contrary, his focus seemed to increase.

Despite being outnumbered, the three of them overwhelmed the heretics.

As the battle continued, the morale of the heretics began to plummet.

It was only natural.

Hundreds, no, thousands of these numbers that seemed easy to overcome.

Yet they were unable to advance, blocked by just three people.

“This… this is outrageous!”

That one word ignited fear and panic in the heretics who had hidden their anxiety and arrogance.

“It’s… it’s a monster!”

“R… run…!”

Like cutting off a lizard’s tail.

Some of the advancing heretics abandoned their comrades and fled.

The three’s assault became fiercer, easily defeating the enemy.

Bang! Boom!

“Ahh!!”

The screams of the heretics echoed from the entrance that had just exploded.

And their bodies shot up into the sky and fell to the ground.

“Reinforcements?”

Father, about to move forward, was stopped by Mother raising her arm.

“It doesn’t seem like that… that guy, his energy is strange.”

“Ah… ah!!!!!!! This is no fun!!! It’s not fun at all!!!!”

Crash!

With a loud explosion, the heretics’ bodies shot up into the sky and fell to the ground once again.

The bodies that fell to the ground.

Clearly corpses.

But they rose from the ground wearing black armor.

“You shouldn’t have emotions in a long game, otherwise fighting won’t be fun!!!”

A man who couldn’t stay still like someone possessed by madness, covered his face with both hands and groaned, “Ah…”

“Is he controlling the allies?”

“Don’t come forward, Libert.”

Mother urgently called out Father’s real name.

Even without looking at Mother’s face, Father could instantly sense her emotions.

Since they got married, she had only called him by his name three times.

When she was truly angry and when she faced a formidable enemy.

But Father didn’t retreat.

On the contrary, he ignored her words and moved forward.

“Libert?”

“The enemy is strong, so if I retreat, the people behind me will be in danger.”

Not a warrior nor a mage.

Just a sorcerer who provides support from behind.

Among all professions, the priest, known as the weakest, felt more burdened than ever.

Mother smiled at the sight and spoke softly.

“You always speak the same, now and then.”

After a few moments of strange emotions passing by, Steven, who was beside them, spoke up.

“Sorry to interrupt the conversation, but the enemy’s morale has risen again, making it difficult to move forward.”

Staggering.

“Ah… It’s exhilarating to control others!”

The man who twisted his body and stepped forward onto the battlefield, with a flushed face, had a smile that could tear his mouth apart.

“Hey, you there. Have you heard of me? The Avantche family that once dominated the north… Yes! The crazy murderer. Ah!!!! That defense! Just use it a little…?”

“……!!!!!”

“What are you talking about?”

A scream was heard from afar.

“……Help!!!!”

As the voice drew closer, the man, who was consumed by madness, showed a look of confusion.

“Stop!!!!!”

Someone was flying towards them with a sword in hand.

And upon hearing that voice, the three of them immediately knew.

“Rogues?”

[Kraverk’s fangs curled back as he smiled again]