Chapter 60
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 60
Chapter Title: Code Gray (2)
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Code Gray.
Among the myriad code colors, this one ranked among the most dangerous and severe.
Most people, when they thought of code colors, pictured vivid hues like "Code Red" or "Code Black."
Code Red signaled a fire breaking out, while Code Black was invoked for bomb terror threats.
Code Gray, by contrast, seemed unfamiliar compared to Red or Black—almost lighter in image.
But in truth, Code Gray was just as perilous as those two, if not more so.
'A wanted criminal or terrorist has appeared, and Code Gray was immediately issued because of that guy.'
The man, who had been pretending to be a civilian while observing Kang Sa-hu from afar, felt cold sweat trickling down his cheek.
'Does that mean those ridiculous rumors I dismissed as impossible are actually true?'
Even if he wasn't a Necromancer or part of another organization, the man who knew Kang Sa-hu's true identity now regarded him with a meaningful gaze.
'Code Orange was once triggered because of that one man...'
Code Orange.
It was issued only in cases of disaster or mass casualties—a code so grave it was used only in the direst situations, so dangerous that most people didn't even know it existed.
But codes existed precisely to alert people when such crises arose, and knowing there had been actual instances of Code Orange being declared made the man's pursuit of Kang Sa-hu even more stealthy and cautious.
'No need to get cocky. The guy's the strongest Necromancer in history.'
After a deep breath, the man hid behind a pillar, eyes gleaming as he meticulously watched Kang Sa-hu's every move.
Yet unable to quell his pounding heart, he unconsciously fiddled with the cross hanging around his neck.
"You're refusing... the invitation?"
The director who had handed Kang Sa-hu the Queen's invitation asked in bewilderment, prompting Kang Sa-hu to shake his head in equal surprise.
"No, I'm not refusing. It's the Queen herself summoning me, after all."
The Necromancer Society was based in England.
And with Necromancers and England sharing centuries of history, they recognized and acknowledged each other's existence in a symbiotic relationship.
"However, I have an urgent matter to attend to first, so I'll handle that before going."
"Ah, feel free to speak casually with me. I know why you've come to England and where you're headed next."
Kang Sa-hu's eyes widened slightly in surprise at William's words.
"...My apologies for the rudeness. If it's not too forward, may I ask if you're a Knight holding a Seat?"
By indirectly confirming he knew Kang Sa-hu was a Necromancer and subtly revealing his own identity, William prompted the cautious question.
William smiled brightly.
"Yes, embarrassingly so. I've inherited the Seat of Sir Agravain. You can call me William Agravain, but I'd prefer just William from you, Kang Sa-hu."
"My regrets for not recognizing you, Sir Agravain."
Upon learning William was a Knight of the Round Table and the one holding Agravain's Seat, Kang Sa-hu bowed in greeting.
William chuckled heartily and waved it off.
"Though I hold the shining, noble Seat of Agravain, I've heard of your exploits too. The greatest Necromancer in history—is that right?"
"...I'd love to humbly call it an empty title, but that would be discourteous to you, Sir Agravain."
Meeting William's bright smile, Kang Sa-hu nodded.
"Though unworthy, I bear the heavy title of the strongest Necromancer in history."
"Hard to say. Once you hear how you earned it, it doesn't seem excessive at all."
William replied smoothly, then continued.
"This conversation is delightful. And since you're not rejecting Her Majesty's invitation but delaying due to something more pressing, that must mean you're going to see the Death King."
"Yes, exactly."
Though it was a personal matter for Kang Sa-hu, he nodded without contradiction when William mentioned the Death King first.
"Understood. As a Knight serving the Queen, I respect that you prioritize your Death King. When would be a good time, then?"
"Hard to say for sure. If it's alright, could we exchange numbers? I'll contact you."
Draugr were one thing, but this was Kang Sa-hu's first time crafting a Death Knight, so he couldn't predict the exact time required.
The shortest estimate was half a year.
But it might take longer—or if things went south, he might abandon the project altogether.
He simply hadn't encountered those issues yet.
With no obligation to reveal his inner thoughts, Kang Sa-hu kept it brief.
Unaware of the full context and piecing together from Kang Sa-hu's words, William's expression grew serious.
'Something happen to the Death King?'
The being who reigned at the pinnacle of Necromancers, having lived for centuries.
Yet so meticulously guarded and paranoid that it dwelled in a legendary city at the end of paths only Necromancers could use—a place no outsider could enter.
Recalling what he knew of the Death King, William nodded gravely.
"I sincerely hope all goes well for you."
"Me too. Then perhaps we can continue this enjoyable chat later with Sir William Agravain."
"Hahaha! Indeed!"
Kang Sa-hu hadn't expected one of the Round Table's twelve knights to be disguised as an airport official, but William's affable nature made the conversation pleasant and easy to conclude.
They exchanged numbers as requested, then straightened and faced each other.
"Then, I wish you success in your mission. Until next time."
"Likewise."
The twelve secret Knights of the Round Table, directly under the Queen of England.
Facing William, who held Agravain's Seat, Kang Sa-hu offered a friendly smile.
After meeting William at London Heathrow Airport.
Kang Sa-hu checked the time while trying to book the next flight and frowned.
'Took longer than expected.'
The last flight had already ended, and the sun was dipping low, twilight settling in.
Gazing at the darkening land, Kang Sa-hu organized his thoughts.
'Just one night... but London hotel rates are insanely high. Good ones are fiercely competitive too.'
With England's brutal cost of living, accommodation and meals cost amounts that would make anyone balk compared to Korea.
He had plenty of money, but his frugal habits made him reluctant to splurge for just one night.
Besides.
'The first-class seat let me sleep deeply, so no fatigue. And that bottle of wine plus all those snacks filled me up.'
Kang Sa-hu never caught on, but the flight attendant—a member of his fan club "Inner Life Church" introduced by Lee Yu-rim—had shared her personal stash of fine wine and premium snacks just for him.
Thanks to that, the snacks alone sated him, and with hours until digestion, he felt no hunger.
No need to waste time or money.
Pre-Awakening, he'd have camped out or booked a room despite the cost, lacking alternatives.
But now? No such need.
Woof!
"Shh."
Woof...
In a dimly lit, deserted spot without streetlights, Kang Sa-hu summoned a Giant Hound and hushed its excited bark.
The perceptive Giant Hound quieted immediately. Kang Sa-hu stroked its head and opened his phone's navigation.
Ding-dong—
The familiar chime guided the route.
A long, winding drive by car—but Kang Sa-hu had no intention of following it.
"Head that way. Stay hidden from people. Run at top speed as you like."
Woof...!
Thrilled at "top speed," the Giant Hound barely suppressed a loud bark, wagging its tail furiously before turning.
"Let's go."
At Kang Sa-hu's command, the Giant Hound's paws pounded the earth.
Whoosh—
One bound, yet its speed was tremendous—like a spring uncoiling.
The Giant Hound surged forward, careful not to make too much noise, pounding its legs powerfully.
From its perspective, anyway.
[Route deviated. Recalculating...]
[Route deviated.]
[50 km/h zone. Current speed: 184 km/h. Please slow down.]
Even as the Giant Hound slipped through the darkness, stealthily avoiding notice, Kang Sa-hu nodded at its speed exceeding 180 km/h.
'Should arrive soon.'
He summoned a skeletal soul core, using bones to securely strap himself and the Hound's torso, legs together. Embracing its scruff, he lay forward and closed his eyes.
A method to rest en route, preserve stamina, and maintain peak condition.
Woof!
Delighted by Kang Sa-hu's weight, the Giant Hound accelerated further.
"...W-what...?"
For a brief moment.
A quick bathroom break amid overwhelming urgency after holding it in.
In those mere 25 seconds, his target Kang Sa-hu vanished like smoke. The tailing man's face drained of color.
"H-how...?"
He was a Hunter—an Awakener and apprentice Paladin with the Vatican, no less. He'd heard the Necromancer rumors.
If Kang Sa-hu had used sinister powers.
Even an Awakener skill would have emitted detectable energy.
Yet during those few seconds urinating, he hadn't relaxed vigilance once.
No sign of Kang Sa-hu vanishing.
"Wh-what do I... do...?"
His pale face chilled as if sensing doom; his teeth chattered—clack, clack.
His Knight Commander's beaming face replayed in his mind, looking down with a smile.
—Oh my. You lost him? The Necromancer? How amusing. Truly amusing.
Her ever-smiling visage, eyes hidden by crinkled corners.
And simultaneously.
—You had evil incarnate in sight and went to the bathroom?! You let him slip?! Do you think that's acceptable for an apprentice Paladin?! Before your blessed Lord!
Recalling the Vice Commander's fiery glare and blazing fury, the bloodless man hiccuped in despair.