Chapter 277
Chapter 277
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Translator: crow
Chapter Title: EP. 61 – Knights Fear Humans More Than Ghosts 2 (6)
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Ordinary humans can't defeat monsters.
Some say that with effort, grit, and sheer will, even a mighty beast can be slain, but that's just motivational talk, not reality.
In that sense, Simon knew he couldn't beat monsters, let alone magical beasts.
He might handle a thug or two, but against anything greater, his talent and effort fell woefully short—which was why he hired mercenaries or free knights as guards.
Yet...
"It's not about fighting—it's about killing. That might be possible, right?"
"Pardon?"
"Assume you kill the monster without regard for means or methods."
"......"
"Use poison, drugs, tools—whatever. You might stand a chance. Who fights a monster barehanded anyway? Humans are human because we use tools. What's the point of brawling with fists?"
"Are you saying this, sir?"
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"......"
...The advice lost some credibility coming from a man who could slaughter thousands of magical beasts barehanded, but the core message stuck firmly in Simon's mind.
Kill without restraint on methods.
This was...
"I'll have to devise a plan. Any specific advice?"
"You got explosives?"
It made sense.
Simon was deadly serious.
Not only had the vampire toyed with him personally, but tricking the guild was unforgivable as guild master.
A gathering of the weak.
A mob of commoners.
Vermin.
Despite the scorn and disdain, the guild had its pride.
Born from dreams of changing the world, even among the powerless.
That made it all the more unforgivable.
"Hm, so... do you know how to use thunderclap bombs—no, just bombs?"
"?"
"They're risky if mishandled, but the more dangerous the weapon, the smarter and more careful the handler should be. You seem capable, so I ask. How do I get them?"
"...I'll take care of it."
The deliberation was brief; hesitation, nonexistent.
What mattered was having a way to fight, whatever it took.
Five days passed like that.
Simon had learned basic scroll usage and the knight's unique mine idea, confident he could apply them creatively.
"This... is pretty good."
When he shared his ideas and methods with the knight, the man...
"Takes memory, adaptability, and guts. Nice."
...flashed an impressed look, filling Simon with knightly praise-worthy pride.
"Glad to hear it. I've got all three."
"Congrats, Hao Gate Leader. I dub thee 'Thunderclap User.'"
"...What's that?"
"First hybrid like you I've met."
"???"
Thus, Simon secured the knight's endorsement and a new weapon in hand.
And now...
BOOM!
"...The moment the royals catch on, we'll be branded dangerous without a chance to explain."
Simon was freshly reminded of the method's peril.
Memorize mine placements, lure the foe onto them—destroy.
Easy in words, but likely a feat only he could pull off.
Without real-time analysis of enemy psychology, the blast would've consumed him too.
Yet Simon lived.
Thus, this was...
"Our victory."
A lowly weakling's triumph over overwhelming might.
Simon felt pride, knowing he'd likely never use it again.
"We're not bombers."
"Right, criminal geezer."
"...Heartless brats."
The twins cut ties immediately, tired of being lumped in; Simon grumbled.
No sense of loyalty...
Thwack!
"!?"
"That was close."
"No slacking, geezer."
"...Cough."
In a blur too fast to track, Tig swept Simon's legs, sending him sprawling undignified—but anger wouldn't come.
Rather...
Shhh...
...Undignified, yes, but grateful to be alive.
The blood-red thorns vanished in sunlight, yet chilled even as they faded.
What was it?
It reminded him he wouldn't die to "that."
Like a demon from hell emerging.
Roar!
The pillar of fire still raged, yet it strolled through casually.
Crunch...!
Fwoosh!
Flash!
"—Vampires aren't just good at regeneration."
The survivor from the flames grinned brightly.
"...Armor?"
It wore armor.
Pure white base armor.
Unusual design; Simon's eyes flashed as he noted the shape.
"Bones?"
"Correct. Sharp as ever."
"......"
"Our bones are tough. See? Unscratched by that blast. A mage said mine could withstand ocean depths."
Tap tap.
It proudly patted the bone armor, beaming.
And then...
"Show over?"
Mocking query, arms spread wide—as if inviting more tricks.
"......"
Simon fell silent.
Despair before an unkillable foe left him hollow, speechless.
He stared blankly skyward.
As if all was lost.
"...Shame. You looked cool standing tall."
Hansel looked disappointed.
Even if fake bonds, over a year together.
Seeing utter defeat killed his interest instantly...
"...What a sight."
"......?"
"Can all knights fly?"
"??"
Hansel blinked.
Has Simon lost it?
What nonsense?
Instinctively, he looked up.
Where Simon gazed vacantly.
Wondering what was there.
......The next moment.
"......"
Hansel was dumbfounded.
In the sky...
"What the hell?"
Over a hundred "knights" emerged from the clouds.
Flutter!
─Banners emblazoned with red eagles flapping.
...The old man, self-proclaimed maid elder, wore a worried frown.
"Hm, pardon, but shouldn't we go? Looks sinister."
"It's fine. Called reliable allies."
"That trusted, eh?"
"Wouldn't ask otherwise."
"Hoo."
"Reliable. Won't lose easily to trash like that."
Lee Han shrugged.
...Truth be told, he itched to handle it himself, but no time for lust demons now.
If the maid elder spoke true.
No time to waste on that creep.
Hence the urgent SOS.
Signaled a few trusted folks, but unsure how many came.
Still, at least...
'Maybe thirty? Knights are prideful; might be few.'
Even thirty would suffice.
'Plenty.'
Lee Han recalled eagles from a month ago.
Humans, huh...
'Brutal.'
Arm ached remembering—even fully alert, nearly lost it...
"—Our 'dear friend' asks aid for the first time! Ignoring is shame on the order! Right, brothers?!"
Thud! Boom!
"Foe is legendary vampire! Kingdom's dire enemy! No holding back!"
Thud thud!!
"Mm!"
Shing.
"Butcher the prey!!"
Guardians of Tristan, top-five kingdom knights.
All Crimson Eagle Knights stepped void strides, arrows nocked at the vampire.
......A certain shapeshifted hybrid order unveiled its might to the world for the first time.