Chapter 12
Chapter 12
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 12
Chapter Title: Branch Point (2) - Pandora's Box
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1.
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙ You have reached the second branch point! You have seen all branch points. The time for choice has arrived! It felt like I'd been smashed in the head with a hammer. I'd had a bad feeling, but I never imagined they'd have a plan this insane.
'So it was Pandora's box.'
I couldn't afford to hear their plan—not for their sake, or mine. But now that I'd heard it, there was no going back.
"Suddenly? What's the reason?"
I masked my shock as best I could and spoke flatly.
"Well, it's a long story. I have a grudge against that knight bitch."
"A grudge?"
"Yeah, but I don't really want to get into the details, and it doesn't matter much to the plan anyway. It wasn't about the grudge from the start."
'What bullshit.'
Just looking at his eyes, burning with revenge right now as they met mine. And he says it's not about that? Even a five-year-old wouldn't buy it.
"Then what's the real reason?"
"I heard that noblewoman's house is loaded with food and gear. You'd know, since you've been there yourself."
I scowled, and he waved it off.
"I'm not spying on you. Just got reports from my men I planted around the estate."
"...And?"
"Don't you think it's too much? Why do you think nobles collect taxes from us? To protect us when the kingdom's in crisis, right?"
That was the official line, sure.
"But look at things now. The world's gone to shit, and she's living it up in her mansion. You think that's right? Is that fulfilling her duty as a noble?"
It was pretty convincing. Of course, it was probably just an excuse.
"Of course not."
"Exactly! That's why we have to step in. The soldiers she has aren't even that many. So we just need to take out the knight there."
"And?"
"That's why we need you. Someone like you could probably beat a knight."
I let out a hollow laugh.
'He's seriously deluded.'
I had gotten stronger, no doubt. With this level of power, I'd get decent treatment in any mercenary band. But that was it.
A warrior who could at best rampage through goblins matching a knight?
'Bullshit.'
If that were true, everyone and their dog would be knights. Why weren't they? Because they couldn't measure up.
What was a knight?
Someone forged into a killing machine through grueling training from childhood. Not like mercenaries who turned to it because they hated farming—the quality of their lives was worlds apart.
'And I could beat a knight?'
Maybe someday, but right now? No chance in hell. They didn't know a knight's true power. Or maybe Karoi did, at least.
His eyes said he had no intention of backing down, though.
"So you want me to join your plan now?"
"That's right."
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙ The wheel of fate turns. 1. Side with the knight. 2. Side with Karoi's mercenary band. I let out a deep sigh.
'No other options? Like staying neutral, not picking a side.'
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙ 3. Remain neutral. ⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙ Caution! Staying neutral may provoke both sides! It looked like a blatant threat. In the end, I had to pick one of the options in front of me.
"It's not a bad deal for you either. If we take out the knight, you can have all her gear. What do you say?"
Karoi chattered on beside me as I stayed silent, sounding anxious.
"A knight's gear, huh. Tempting, sure."
From the weapon to the armor—it was leagues beyond what I had. With that stuff, zombies wouldn't scare me at all.
I was tempted, but the decision was already made.
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙ You have selected 'Side with the knight'! Karoi's whole assumption hinged on them winning. He hadn't even considered defeat.
'Rush in together and win? Bullshit.'
If he knew a single knight could slaughter hundreds on a battlefield, he'd never say it.
"Do I have to answer right here?"
"I told you earlier. Once you hear the plan, you're in."
"And if not?"
"...No choice then."
His friendly gaze turned cold in an instant.
The mood plummeted. The mercenaries who'd been laughing and chatting around us sensed it and started watching intently.
'Good thing I brought my sword.'
I subtly moved my hand to my waist.
"He's going for his sword!"
A woman's shout made the men around draw their blades in unison.
Thwack!
"Argh!"
I smashed my fist into Karoi's charging face and flipped the table. Dishes and food spilled, blocking the onrushing men.
Whoosh—
I drew my sword in a flash and slashed the nearest guy's throat.
Splurt!
He hadn't expected the counter—his head flew off, hot blood splashing my face.
"Kill that bastard!"
"Fucking prick! I never liked how he was pawing at Alina anyway!"
I almost laughed.
When did I ever paw at her? If anything, she was the one sidling up and flirting.
Whoosh—
I dodged an incoming strike from the side and thrust my sword. The tip pierced his heart perfectly. I felt the throb through the blade.
'Can't fight here.'
Attacks coming from front, back, and both sides—even a knight couldn't block or dodge them all. I needed to make the situation work for me.
I whipped my head around, searching for an exit. Window or door—the window had fewer people.
Thud!
I kicked off the floor toward it. One guy in front of the window.
"Wh-what?"
He hadn't expected me to charge him, panic on his face. It was his last expression.
Splurt!
I cleaved him and vaulted through the window. Glass shattered as I rolled on the ground outside. I sprang up and spun around.
The men inside looked shocked or scared. They were moving, but none leaped through the window.
"Fuck, grab him! If we don't, we're all dead!"
Hearing the breaking glass, guards from outside came running from afar. I tried to flee where there were none.
Whoosh—
A sound nearby—I ducked urgently. Something whistled right over my head.
Gulp.
Chills ran down my spine. My heart raced, sensing death. I backpedaled and pointed my sword forward. One man appeared.
"Slippery rat."
He was different from the others inside. Muscular build, proper gear.
'A real mercenary.'
I edged back slowly, but he pursued, keeping distance.
"Think you can escape? For real? Better give up."
He grinned wickedly. Seemed he just wanted to stall me.
"There he is!"
I couldn't see them, but I heard urgent voices and footsteps. My heart raced.
I lunged two steps and thrust. It felt sharp, but...
Clang—
He blocked easily with his shield. His counter forced me back.
Not some village bum turned merc—he had real years of experience.
'This is trouble.'
The group from the village hall had closed in somehow. Time was short. Ten seconds? Maybe less.
I could win a fight, but not break through quick enough.
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙ Current Gold: 4,027G "Fuck!"
On a gamble, I opened the shop. Just enough gold. I quickly bought the skill I'd eyed before.
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙ You have purchased 'Crude Mana Manipulation'. You will now grasp how to manipulate mana, however crudely. The window popped up, and knowledge flooded my mind. My thoughts blanked for a moment.
"Given up already?"
The guy sneered. In that instant, I kicked off the ground and charged.
"What the—"
—Crunch!
Mana's power was incredible.
My legs launched like springs, my sword piercing his skull.
Of course, he'd let his guard down, and we were close. Still, what a force.
'Burns a lot of mana, though.'
I grimaced and bolted up the hill.
"Fuck!"
The curse right behind chilled me. I'd nearly bought it if I'd been a second slower.
Whoosh—
An arrow grazed past as I ran. I gritted my teeth and pushed harder.
How long did I run? Burned building ruins appeared.
'If I can see this...'
I'd reached the tavern district already. Meaning the upper district wasn't far.
'Still chasing.'
Glancing back, Karoi's group trailed me. The distance was decent, so no immediate worry.
If I kept this up, I'd make it fine...
"Ah, fuck."
Looking ahead again, I couldn't help but frown.