Chapter 44
Chapter 44
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 44
Chapter Title: Shadow of the God: Creighton Lukbart (5)
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The chief mage of the Arcane Legion, Creighton Lukbart.
To him, battle was as commonplace as breathing, an everyday occurrence that always followed him.
And that held true for Creighton today as well.
Step, step—.
With his grimoire-laden staff in hand, Creighton advanced, followed by a few mages from the Arcane Legion.
"The personnel we left at the site have been wiped out?"
After finishing his meeting with the lead mage.
Creighton asked Grom, the first-class mage trailing behind him as they walked the corridor.
It was to confirm the situation once more before heading to the battlefield.
Grom hurried to catch up with Creighton and relayed the information.
"Yes, Lead Mage. It appears they were ambushed by black mages believed to belong to the Veil of Truth."
"The Veil of Truth... So those bastards are still running rampant."
Creighton spoke to the mages following him, his face grave.
Even as he said it, a complicated feeling stirred in Creighton's heart.
They needed to investigate the traces of the doctor's experiment, and right on cue, black mages had attacked the Arcane Legion.
Moreover, the site of their assault was exactly where the doctor had conducted an experiment before withdrawing.
They were the perfect scapegoats—returning to erase the evidence and pin the blame.
'I see why the doctor said what he did.'
The coincidences were piling up too neatly.
At this point, even Creighton could somewhat understand the doctor's story.
—The Empire is full of people scavenging scraps from the Arcane Research Society.
What the doctor had said was undoubtedly true.
Even now, the black mage group known as the Veil of Truth was cleaning up the site.
There were never few hyenas trailing the Arcane Research Society's tracks.
Of course, the experiment the doctor had conducted this time belonged to the Secret Society, not the Arcane Research Society.
"It seems one of the Five Candles, the Black Candle... Lionel, has shown up at the site personally."
Grom's report continued toward Creighton, who walked with a troubled expression.
It was an assessment of the black mages occupying the site.
The Black Candle, Lionel—
He was a figure with some notoriety among black mages.
"That's branch leader level. From there on, they're the ones who properly wield black magic."
"Before we could even begin a full investigation, we've dragged you into combat, and for that, I apologize. However, we had to prevent the site from being tampered with..."
"Don't worry about it. Didn't I make my name hunting black mages in my younger days?"
"Per Lead Mage Owen's orders, the Legion's mages are being prepared. We must pursue them as quickly as possible before they leave the site."
Everything was turning in Creighton's favor.
There was no reason not to follow Grom's suggestion.
Creighton gestured toward Grom.
"Prepare as quickly as possible. As the head of the investigation team, I'll accompany you."
"Yes, Chief Mage."
Grom bowed his head and swiftly departed upon hearing Creighton's words.
Creighton, having secured the support, walked the corridor with his attendant mages for only a short while.
Step, step—.
Soon, at the end of the corridor, Holy Knight Austin appeared, clutching his headpiece.
He had finished sightseeing in the city and returned to the barracks.
Spotting Austin, Creighton gave him a light wave.
"Sir Austin, finished with your tour?"
"Lord Creighton!"
Austin, walking the corridor, approached with a delighted face.
It was the perfect moment to brief Austin on the incident.
Thus, Creighton decided to frame it in a way that conveniently shifted the blame.
"Sir Austin... It seems the culprits behind this incident are no ordinary foes."
"Pardon? What do you mean?"
"The Arcane Legion mages securing the site were ambushed by black mages who came to erase the traces."
An assault by black mages—
Austin's face hardened upon hearing this.
He was flustered by the unexpected news.
Creighton continued toward the stunned Austin.
"There's a secret society of black mages... called the Veil of Truth."
"The Veil of Truth...?"
"A secretive group that's long researched black magic, criminals the Empire has been trying to eradicate."
—The Veil of Truth.
Hearing about the black mages' secret society, Austin asked Creighton.
"So... you're saying black mages conducted dangerous experiments in the border region?"
"That seems the most likely. Isn't that black mages' specialty?"
"......"
"That's why I was on my way back after convincing them to let the investigation team join the Legion."
The full story from Creighton's lips.
Austin's eyes sank into deep contemplation amid the complex tale.
Blink, blink—.
With a dopey expression lost in thought, he rolled his eyes this way and that.
"...Lord Creighton."
After a long moment of deliberation.
Austin lifted his head, looking at Creighton with a serious face.
"I don't think it was them."
"You're saying unrelated parties just up and attacked the Arcane Legion and seized the site?"
"Well... as I mentioned before... the opponents aren't your typical black mage group..."
"If you have another theory, feel free to share."
"It's... no, this incident... I mean..."
Austin's attempt to explain trailed off toward Creighton.
It seemed his thoughts weren't organizing well in his head.
Sigh—.
Looking frustrated, Austin let out a deep sigh and called Creighton's name again.
"Lord Creighton."
"I'm listening, Sir Austin."
"It might sound foolish, but... could you trust my instincts just this once?"
In the end, Austin opted for a direct approach.
Instinct.
Creighton chuckled at Austin's plea to trust his gut.
Having accumulated considerable experience over the years, Creighton was adept at navigating social situations.
He knew exactly how to handle dangerous types like Austin.
"You're sharp with your instincts. I'll trust yours this time."
"Lord Creighton...!"
"So, come with me to the site. Investigating together will clear everything up, won't it?"
Creighton extended his hand toward Austin.
Austin's eyes filled with emotion.
Grasping the hand of the man who believed in him, he shouted.
"I won't let you down! I'll definitely uncover their tracks!"
"Good. Just don't shake so hard."
"Yes! Lord Creighton!"
Whoosh, whoosh—.
Amid the vigorous handshake in the air, a faint smile played on Creighton's lips.
Whatever results the upcoming investigation would yield.
Only Austin himself would learn the truth.
* * * * * *
To a holy knight, the battlefield was a place under God's watchful eye.
The guiding shepherd who looks down.
The master of the garden that leads to rest.
In following the heavenly light that rules humanity with mercy, Austin Rainerth harbored not a shred of hesitation.
Only that glory be to the benevolent guide—
He was a holy knight who considered fighting with that sole wish his honor.
"Huff, heave...!"
"Don't leave a single one! Sweep them all away!"
And now, such an Austin stood in the midst of a barren desert, swinging his sword.
Right after the Arcane Legion mages arrived at the site with Austin.
They had encountered a portion of the black mages who were packing up and withdrawing in sequence.
The black mages, faced with the Legion, unleashed their prepared spells in resistance.
The domain of prepared mages—
Their attacks, heedless of means or methods, were no laughing matter even to the Arcane Legion's elites.
"Aaagh, aaaaaaagh...!"
"Block them! Buy time however you can!"
"You Empire dogs—! Die with us!"
Crunch, craaack—!
Austin's sword mercilessly cleaved through the black mage blocking his path.
A trajectory slicing flesh.
Having cut down the enemy with a sharp sword strike, Austin rushed toward the next foe at high speed and shouted.
"Sir Grom! Danger!"
"...!"
Behind Grom, the first-class mage pouring out spells with his grimoire clutched.
There, a beast had crept close unnoticed and raised its arm.
Boom!
Spotting it, Austin kicked off the ground and leaped to Grom's rear.
—Kieeeek!
Austin's sword slanted to deflect the beast's screeching strike.
Screeeeech—!
Green blood sprayed amid the shockwave.
Dodging the threatening beast's attack, Austin plunged low beneath it.
Slash! Slaaash!
Austin's sword strikes swiftly severed the beast's legs.
The honed strikes from training crippled its mobility in an instant.
"—Cleaaaaave!"
Aided by Austin, Grom swiftly prepared a spell from behind.
Shriiiieeeek—!
A sharp wind slash severed the beast's neck.
Green blood sprayed everywhere, and the beast clutched its throat as it collapsed.
Thud! Boooom—!
Its massive body hit the ground, kicking up sand.
Firepower befitting an Arcane Legion first-class mage.
As Austin watched the scene, Grom's grateful voice rang in his ears.
"Whew... My thanks for your assistance, Sir Austin."
"Just doing my part!"
Thanks for the rescue.
Hearing it, Austin raised his clenched fist.
The two exchanged brief greetings before returning to their duties.
There was no time for prolonged pleasantries on a blood-soaked battlefield.
Austin's eyes scanned the battlefield once more.
"......"
Prepared mages always took some toll in their domain.
Yet, even so, Austin and the Arcane Legion's forces were thoroughly crushing the enemy.
Even accounting for the black mages' preparations, the gap in prowess was overwhelming.
Exploding flames.
Winds tearing flesh.
Countless spells crossed the space.
The black mages tried to hold them back with hordes of beasts, but even those were shattering under the fierce barrage.
"Pierce—."
And among the Legion, the most standout mage was undoubtedly the iron wall of the northern front.
Chief Mage, Creighton Lukbart.
The mage famed even in the north for his bold style stood at the forefront, smashing beasts apart.
Boom! Booooom—!
Each time Creighton's staff pointed at the enemy, sharp spikes lanced out, ripping them to shreds.
His extraordinary magic mercilessly pulverized the beasts maintaining formation.
A single gesture.
A single glance.
Each one was a death sentence for the foes.
Even while displaying such prowess, he conserved mana for contingencies.
Booooom—!
Amid the resounding explosions, Austin gazed at Creighton with awe.
"Lord Creighton..."
The man who had said he would trust his instincts.
The iron wall mage revered by the northern citizens.
A true man among men—watching him stirred faint admiration in Austin's chest.
"You holy knight scum from the Church, how dare you set foot here...!"
"...!"
Unfortunately, there was no time to indulge in sentiment.
As enemy numbers dwindled rapidly, one black mage targeted Austin, extending a curse-tainted hand.
Of course, the untrained black mage's motion was clumsy beyond measure.
Slash!
Austin's sword swiftly severed the arm.
Slaaaash—!
The follow-up strikes mercilessly carved up the black mage.
"Gyaaaaaagh...!"
"Haa, ha...!"
Even after felling the foe before him, Austin's assault didn't stop.
Perhaps out of consideration for him, no spikes extended toward Austin's position.
Flashing sword light.
Swinging to prove his faith, his blade felled Church foes one by one.
Slash! Slaaash!
Austin's strikes danced busily for dozens of exchanges.
Just as his ragged breathing began to feel burdensome.
Austin realized his surroundings had fallen eerily silent at some point.
"Chief Mage, we should leave a minimal force and pursue immediately..."
"Damage report?"
"No significant casualties yet..."
As Arcane Legion mages busily exchanged words.
Catching his breath, Austin surveyed the area.
Black mages collapsed bleeding.
Beasts utterly crushed, unrecognizable.
No living beings remained around him.
"All..."
Austin Rainerth.
He and the accompanying Arcane Legion mages had felled all remaining enemies at the site.
Huff, huff—.
As Austin worked to steady his ragged breath, a small voice escaped his lips.
"All... taken care of...?"
A quiet mutter.
At that, every mage on the battlefield turned to Austin in unison.
"......"
"......"
A heavy silence descended.
Creighton, at the mages' vanguard, regarded him with an indescribable expression.
The fallen hush.
In it, Holy Knight Austin quietly rolled his eyes.
The mages' gazes toward him were like those cast at their enemies, not allies.
Had he done something wrong?
As that thought crossed Austin's mind.
Twitch—.
The body of a black mage behind him stirred.
"That fucking bastard...!"
"Stop him now—!"
The fallen black mage's hand lifted a horn from his neck.
He put it to his lips and blew a faint breath.
Woooooong—.
The horn's powerful echo resounded.
From beyond the mountains where it rang, massive dust clouds began to rise.
"Beasts! The beasts are moving...!"
"They had more prepared!"
"It's berserk magic! Black magic that boosts physical abilities by abandoning control... used only for mutual destruction!"
The horde of beasts from the mountains began to move.
The black mages had activated their final contingency.
Austin Rainerth squeezed his eyes shut.
In his ears rang the familiar voice of a man.
"How have you survived this long?"
The voice came clearly to his ears.
Naturally, it belonged to the northern front's iron wall, Creighton Lukbart.