Chapter 177
Chapter 177
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 177
Chapter Title: Chapter 5. Tree and Iron
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After killing the familiar, Juda hurried his steps, unsure when the next attack might come. Despite his increased speed, the elves and Arhil followed without complaint.
They seemed to grasp the gravity of the situation, as no one fell behind. But after hours of forced marching, some elves who had spent a long time in human society began to tire.
"Ah!"
Startled by the cry, he turned to see an elf stumbling as if caught on something, with another supporting them. As Juda stopped, so did the others, and all eyes turned to the elf who had nearly fallen. Blushing, they bowed their head deeply, sweat dripping visibly.
The other elves were no different. Those with some stamina and mana left created a breeze for the brief rest. Feeling the cool wind, Juda checked the time.
*The sun hasn't set yet.*
He wanted to enter the mountains as soon as possible. But their stamina was lacking. Even Arhil kept walking while recovering with holy magic, so it seemed they had to stop for the day.
"Let's rest here for today."
At his words signaling a break, everyone sighed in relief and sat down as if they had been waiting. Though tired herself, Arhil got up and moved around, blessing the weary elves. Watching her, Juda took a deep breath and looked back. The massive mountain range loomed right in front of them. Gazing up at the steadfast Decharman Mountains standing like a fortress wall, Juda nodded. They could enter by tomorrow morning at the latest.
*It's a bit early, but I should feed them dinner.*
Eating quickly and sleeping would aid their recovery. He wouldn't cook. Some looked hungry anyway, but above all, it was too much hassle. As usual, he lit a campfire for a warm night and distributed lunchboxes and sandwiches to the elves. The lunchboxes, bought from a restaurant ahead of time, were still warm as if freshly made, and the sandwiches were fresh. Surprised they could eat right away, they took what Juda offered and ate gratefully before resting.
Crackle! Crackle—
The campfire's warm light and heat soothed the weary hearts nearby. Just fire, yet the elves slept with relatively peaceful expressions. Arhil sat beside him, dozing off before burying her face in her knees and falling asleep. Listening to their snoring breaths, Juda simply stared at the burning logs.
*Why haven't they attacked?*
He had no idea who was watching, but they must have confirmed the elves' presence through the familiar. Capturing even one could change their life, and there were twenty here.
Yet there had been no response so far. They could have threatened with lightning to obscure their position, but nothing like that appeared.
*Do they think their forces are insufficient and are calling allies?*
The thought made Juda chuckle. There were no castles or villages nearby. To hire mercenaries or adventurers, they'd need a guild in a city, which would take days. By then, Juda would have crossed the Decharman Mountains with the elves.
They must know that.
Or perhaps a nighttime or dawn ambush?
*An unknown enemy is so exhausting.* A straightforward demand to hand over the elves would be better. But the lack of action suggested the enemy was few in number. If many, they'd have overwhelmed with sheer numbers.
But what if they did come in force?
Juda's abilities could block some, but not if they targeted the elves simultaneously. If Jeanne were here, there'd be more leeway, but few companions were a problem now.
*No matter how skilled I am, I don't have multiple bodies... Ah, wait.*
There was a way. He activated the [Skill Window]. Becoming the Spirit Sword Owner allowed use of [Shadow Sword Arts/Heresy] up to the 10th form.
[Shadow Heresy 9th Form - Dancing Wraith Knights]
A technique to summon up to six knights made of shadows.
The skill window also listed 'Spirit Sword Owner's Soul: Red Bear Tribe Chief - Quake'. It was a message from defeating Quake, skipped at the time.
[Spirit Sword Owner's Soul]
[Steals the soul upon killing a Spirit Sword Owner.]
[The summoned wraith knight follows the swordsmanship and combat style of the possessed soul, gaining additional stat bonuses.]
"Hmm...?"
He tested summoning one wraith knight experimentally. Some mana was consumed, but nothing happened. Tilting his head and staring into space, still nothing. As he turned,
"Danger!"
A distant elf shouted in alarm, jumping up and nocking an arrow from the quiver at their waist, firing at Juda in under two seconds.
No time to speak, Juda ducked to dodge the incoming arrow. But suddenly, a presence from behind swung a massive greatsword, deflecting it.
"...What?"
Staring blankly at the powdered arrow, Juda turned. No presence felt, yet behind him stood a knight in black armor shimmering like heat haze. The commotion woke Arhil, who screamed and fell back upon seeing the wraith knight. Elves awoke, grabbing weapons.
Elves and Arhil eyed the knight warily, but Juda's eyes sparkled with interest, grinning brightly.
"Ha—"
Was this the world's wraith knight?
"Cool, huh?"
Far cooler than in games. The plate armor bore unknown emblems, wrapped in flame-like haze, red glow seeping from the visor like mist. Even an eerie aura.
The wraith knight stood silently, head bowed, awaiting orders. Chuckling, Juda reached out—his hand passed through the armor. Waving through, nothing grasped.
Like a cloud.
It looked rigid, but touching yielded nothing, illusory. Regretfully withdrawing, Juda thought *move*, and it retreated—more gliding than walking.
Swing the sword—sudden presence, greatsword gaining physical force, slashing air with heavy wind. After attack, presence vanished.
"...Ho?"
Corporeal only during attack or defense, ethereal otherwise. Highly efficient against those without mana. Costly at nearly 15% mana per knight, max six, but worth it.
With <Valentine> on his left hand, even six would recover mana instantly, no issue. Understanding it, he canceled the summon. The knight faded mistily into air. Elves lowered weapons, realizing Juda's doing.
"W-What was that just now?"
"I summoned it."
"How?"
"With my ability?"
Blinking at Arhil, that's all Juda could say.
"Then, um... it's nothing, right?"
"Yeah. Don't worry, sleep more."
Smiling, she nodded slowly. Startled awake but tired, she fell asleep quickly. The brief commotion startled everyone, but Juda bowed apologetically to meeting eyes. They waved it off. Calm returned, elves resting again.
*This should handle a crowd, right?*
Depending on enemy strength, but they'd have attacked if stronger. Even basic wraith knights met expectations.
Juda passed the long night staring blankly at the fire. Not tired, no sleepiness. Adding logs, he sighed softly—then heard faint sounds in his ears. Light footsteps on earth, multiple.
Without turning, he checked the elves. Trusting him, they snored defenselessly, deep asleep, missing the rustle. Approach grew clear.
Without turning, Juda deployed Heresy Arts. His campfire-shadow spread wide. Dozens of presences atop it. But shapes from shadow intel felt off.
*Not human?*
Rolling his eyes, Juda opened <Bag>, drew bastard sword sheathed, slowly unsheathing.
Shiiiing...
Clear sword sound rang; nearby elves perked ears, opening eyes slowly. Seeing Juda draw, they startled. Juda raised left index to lips: *Shh*.
From forest depths, they approached cautiously, watching—then resumed slowly. Sensing close range, Juda sprang up, shouting.
"Ambush! Everyone up!"
His booming voice summoned wraith knights behind sequentially. 90% mana drained instantly, but <Valentine>'s supply restored it.
Turning, shadows rose from ground, knights appearing. Only soul-infused held greatswords; others one-handed swords and shields. Staring into forest, eyes met quietly approaching foes.
*Dinosaurs?*
Green-eyed gleamers were raptors, egg thieves of dinosaur lore.