episode_0116

After defeating the strange monster, Ryan led the group, urging them to move faster. Although strange monsters appeared from time to time, they were dealt with easily.

“Found it!”

As expected, the alley depicted in the original work was intact. It seemed wider than described in the original, enough for over 60 people to line up and move.

Ryan immediately handed a map to the officers, indicating the destination they should head to after leaving the forest.

The officers, though weaker compared to Ryan, were not lacking in strength, so they were expected to reach the next destination without any issues.

“I will take other people and join from that side.”

“Yes, please return safely.”

“Please make sure to rescue Lily!”

As befitting the members brought in based on character, everyone expressed concern for Ryan and the missing group with serious faces.

“Take this. It will be helpful.”

Mucan, who was part of the group, handed Ryan a pocket containing medicinal herbs and bandages for emergency treatment. After expressing gratitude, Ryan parted ways with the group. Once the group had completely left, Ryan started walking in the opposite direction.

“If I keep going straight, there should be a mansion… No, the building Lily mentioned.”

The large road they were originally walking on passed by the mansion and led out of the forest, while the alley behind the mansion connected to the outside of the forest.

It was said that if one walked up the alley, they would arrive at the building where Lily screamed.

“There might be another group that hasn’t been found there… Everyone should be safe.”

While Ryan worried about his loved ones, a voice filled with the power of the dark magic resonated.

“Ho ho ho! Finally, it’s my turn to shine! Now that pesky kid is gone, I can show off as much as I want, right?”

The magical sword gradually transformed from a slightly flashy sword into a dangerous one. The crimson aura began to emanate, and the gem embedded in the hilt sparkled enchantingly, captivating people.

The sword, which had a color similar to a regular iron sword, turned crimson like being soaked in darkness. Even from 300 meters away, it was evident that it was a magical sword.

“Isn’t this too conspicuous?”

“This isn’t enough! More flamboyant and beautiful! Yes, like an explosion!”

As the magical sword exclaimed like a madman, the energy surrounding the sword surged wildly. Hearing the laughter of the magical sword, the worry-stained heart of Ryan felt somewhat relieved.

“Alright, do as you wish.”

After uttering those words, Ryan looked ahead. Since there were no more companions to worry about, he had picked up the pace, and as a result, the building Lily mentioned was now right in front of him.

“It’s not really a mansion.”

As Ryan examined the building, the magical sword, now exuding a lot of energy, was dripping red liquid from the crimson blade.

“Hehe, I’ve been waiting for that.”

In response to Ryan’s casual remark of “Do as you wish,” the highly energized magical sword created a pool of blood under Ryan’s feet.

Squelch, squelch.

With each step Ryan took, the shallow pools of blood made a sticky sound. Glancing down at his feet briefly, Ryan thought to himself, “Gargandoa goes gargandoa again,” and dismissed it lightly.

He believed that the magical sword, no matter what it did, would not harm him.

Lili tried to go to the place where the building disappeared, but… Should I ask those people instead?

At the end of Lian’s gaze, two men with sturdy builds were guarding the entrance. Both of them had such huge builds that they could be reminiscent of orcs.

“Yeah, let’s ask them once.”

Lian immediately started approaching the area presumed to be the back entrance of the building.

—

“Hyung, who’s coming over there?”

“No one was supposed to come today, though?”

“But someone is coming. Over there.”

“What’s with that frail guy?”

The two men with large builds were twin brothers. Born with strong bones, they had gained a reputation as mercenaries who ate swords for breakfast.

Preferring fights where they could crush their opponents with their immense strength, to Lian, who was walking confidently towards them, they seemed like a harmless little fish.

“Did he take the wrong path?”

“It seems so from his appearance.”

Even if it wasn’t an attack or intrusion, travelers or mercenaries often wandered through the forest and found their way here after getting lost. The location of the research facility had turned into a handful of rumors.

“Hyung, can I kill him?”

“No, you did it last time. It’s my turn this time.”

Guarding the entrance to the research facility was a relatively comfortable task compared to the pay, but it was also boring. For the two men who lived seeing blood every day, it was even more so.

If they hadn’t lost all their money in gambling and ended up penniless, they would have been frolicking on the battlefield rather than being here.

For those who couldn’t leave this place immediately, playing with and killing fools who had mistakenly taken the wrong path was the only remaining pastime.

“Let’s play with him together.”

“Don’t get too excited and bash his head in.”

“Got it, hyung.”

As the distance closed enough for faces to be discerned, the two quickly reached an agreement and stared at Lian with bloodshot eyes.

Thump thump.

Even though it wasn’t raining, the sound of stepping on puddles was heard. At the same time, a metallic scent wafted to their sensitive noses. Alerted by the ominous feeling, the two men snapped back to attention.

“Hyung…”

“What’s that…?”

The gazes of the two men were fixed on the crimson aura emanating from the demonic sword. They were entranced as if possessed.

“Hyung, I want that.”

“…Me too.”

As ignorant as they were strong, the brothers’ mental defenses were low, and they were quickly ensnared by the demonic sword.

Thunk.

As the sound of stepping on puddles grew louder like thunder, the puddle under Lian’s foot began to ripple violently.

Splat.

The wine-dark blood splattered on Lian’s feet and clothes, creeping up his body as if to engulf him. In no time, the blood surged as if to swallow him whole.

Shooosh…

The blood that had shot up to the sky poured down over the heads of the brothers and Lian. In the blink of an eye, Lian’s clothes had transformed into a uniform that perfectly matched the taste of the demonic sword.

The rain of blood ceased before 5 seconds had passed. While the brothers were drenched in blood, Lian remained unscathed.

Under normal circumstances, the brothers would have been tense at the bizarre phenomenon, but now, their eyes fixed on the demonic sword, they were completely absorbed, oblivious to their surroundings.

“Hand it over! That’s mine!”

The impatient younger brother swung the greatsword roughly.

Thud.

Lian raised his left hand with the dark sword extended, grabbing the great sword. In a swift movement akin to blocking a child’s fist, his younger brother regained his senses for a moment. However, it was already too late.

Clang!

As Lian exerted force, the great sword split in half, unable to withstand the overwhelming power difference. Staggering back, the younger brother retreated. Taking advantage of the opening, the older brother swung his dagger.

“Die!”

The attack aimed precisely at Lian’s neck…

Missed due to the dark sword blocking the front of his neck. With bloodshot eyes, the older brother exerted more strength with his arm, but…

Thud!

“Crack!”

Yet, Lian kicking his throat was faster.

“Ugh, uwek!”

Struck in the throat, the older brother sat on the ground, retching. Regaining consciousness, the younger brother clenched his fist and rushed forward, only to be struck in the throat and jaw, losing consciousness.

Furrowing his brow at the two collapsed figures, Lian thought, ‘Why did you try to block with your hands! You were scared!’

[Because that is true ‘coolness.’]

Leaving the strange sentiment behind, Lian looked at the man trembling and retching, asking, “I have a few questions… Can you answer?”

“..Huk!”

With a gentle smile, Lian looked angelic but devoid of warmth, almost inhuman. Coupled with the aura of the dark sword, the intimidation was palpable.

“I-I’ll tell you everything I know!”

In the land of the Demon King, where the law of the jungle reigns, mercenaries spill all they know in fear.

After hearing all the information, Lian swiftly knocked the man unconscious, crafted a shovel with the dark sword to dig the ground, leaving only his head exposed before burying him. Having cooperated, his life was spared.

Brushing off his hands, Lian headed towards the door guarded by the two men. Seeing them lying limp with their heads exposed, he thought, [‘If left like this, monsters will surely devour them alive… My partner has a more ruthless nature than I thought.’]

Proudly, the dark sword spoke, [Hehe, indeed my partner.]

“Huh?”

Unable to understand the dark sword’s words, Lian shrugged and proceeded into the research facility. Or at least, he tried to.

“Hmm?”

Pushing slightly inward, the door, unmistakably resembling a wall, didn’t budge. Knocking and trying to open it yielded no response.

“Ah!”

Doubtful, Lian pushed against the door. It remained unmoved. He then pushed sideways.

“Oh?”

It began to move slightly. Applying more force, the door shifted a bit.

[“I’ll help!”]

As the dark sword’s energy enveloped him…

Creak, thud!

The door was shoved aside as if kicked by a giant. It didn’t open but rather broke.

Designed to admit only those with the mark, the door groaned, emitting a sound.

{ Intruder… Intruder… }

The loud alarm that should have blared fell silent. Looking at the crumpled door, Lian remarked, “Indeed, it was a side-opening door. Should’ve put up a sign.”

Saying no more, he passed through the broken door and entered the interior of the research facility.