Chapter 100
Chapter 100
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 100
Chapter Title: Thorn Tree (1)
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In this world, there existed numerous enchanted weapons imbued with special abilities.
The most representative examples were the holy swords crafted by the Church.
Holy swords, infused with divine power, excelled at protecting their wielders and repelling evil.
Next in fame were the relic swords unearthed from ancient ruins.
These relic swords, forged with lost ancient techniques, all possessed vast, destructive capabilities—enough to classify them as weapons of war.
But there was an even more renowned type of weapon.
The demon sword.
Among all weapons in existence, demon swords held the most overwhelming power.
Even an ordinary soldier could slay a knight with one in hand, and a knight wielding a demon sword could leap several realms beyond their station.
Yet demon swords had a fatal flaw: they carried curses.
These curses inflicted devastating effects on their users.
At first, wielders resisted, but without exception, they all succumbed to the sword's power, descending into madness and committing horrific atrocities.
Thus, demon swords were designated as forbidden items, destroyed upon discovery.
-Kehhehehek, it's been ages since I stood before a crowd. Feels damn good.
The demon sword 'Thorn Tree' let out a bizarre cackle.
Unlike Demian Haksen's demon sword 'Erebos', 'Thorn Tree' was incredibly chatty and highly intelligent.
Demon swords were originally crafted by demons of hell to exert influence on the mortal plane.
As such, they all possessed distinct egos and could communicate.
It was 'Erebos' that was abnormal, showing not even a fragment of ego no matter its restoration level.
-So, partner! What's the plan? Gonna run?
"Run? Don't talk like an idiot. That would mean abandoning everything I've built."
-Kehhet, then what're you gonna do? Don't tell me it's what I'm thinking.
"Exactly. I'll kill them all. Not a single one spared."
The demon sword burst into loud laughter at his words. Its unsettling cackles echoed everywhere.
-This is why I love my partner! Though sometimes you do stupid shit, that's the only flaw!
Liam Bluegreen pointed his sword at Alexander Apple.
"Your Highness, are you truly set on resisting?"
"If I don't? Will that save my life?"
"We can at least spare your life."
"You must think me a fool. I'm entangled with black mages. Even if my brother spares me, the Church won't stand idly by."
Alexander Apple had already made his decision.
"Better to kill everyone here then. Erase the truth completely. And claim the throne."
Liam Bluegreen responded with disbelief.
"You're out of your mind."
The two glared at each other. Tension crackled between them.
-Kehhek, a mere high-class punk acting all high and mighty.
At that moment, the demon sword 'Thorn Tree' scoffed.
-Partner, what're you waiting for? Show 'em my power already!
Alexander Apple lunged forward, swinging his blade at Liam Bluegreen.
Liam Bluegreen countered with his own swing. Their swords clashed repeatedly in midair.
Each collision unleashed shockwaves and bursts of air. Everyone in the audience chamber screamed.
"Ugh!"
"Aaagh!"
Demian watched their duel calmly.
Surprisingly, Alexander Apple was parrying all of Liam Bluegreen's attacks.
A fresh high-class facing off evenly against a veteran?
Impossible under normal circumstances.
'Fitting for a demon sword. It's not being wielded—it's wielding its master.'
Demian instantly grasped the relationship between Alexander Apple and the demon sword.
The sword was channeling mana to control Alexander Apple's body.
'That's how he reached high-class.'
Alexander Apple hadn't ascended through his own power.
He'd borrowed the demon sword's strength, deluding himself it was his own.
"Sir Demian!"
Amid the fierce clash, Liam Bluegreen shouted.
"Escort Their Highnesses to safety! It's too dangerous to stay!"
Demian nodded.
High-class knights were battling right beside them. Lingering was suicidal.
"Everyone, let's go."
Demian led the people from the audience chamber to evacuate—not just them, but everyone in the palace.
"Imagine a volcano erupting! Flee as far as you can!"
At Demian's words, they hurried away. Until the palace shrank to a speck.
An explosion roared.
Screams rose as they looked back. The palace's upper section had been obliterated.
From the wreckage, the two combatants glared at each other.
-Keh! Kehhek! Stretching my legs after so long—feels great! So damn fun!
The demon sword's laughter boomed.
Demian watched the scene, then spoke.
"Prince Oliver, lead the people in my stead."
Oliver Apple blinked in confusion at the sudden request.
"Pardon? What about you, Sir Demian?"
"I must aid Sir Liam."
"Sir Liam will be fine. He's never lost once!"
Oliver Apple declared with pride.
Demian stared at the fighters intently.
"Today will be his first defeat."
Demian could see it: the black mana pouring from the demon sword, swelling in real time.
Its volume had already surpassed high-class. Demian couldn't gauge its limits.
"B-but... if Sir Liam loses... won't you be in danger too, Sir Demian!"
Oliver Apple's face filled with worry. Demian replied nonchalantly.
"You think I'd be crazy enough to fight a demon sword?"
"I'll evacuate Sir Liam when the chance arises and bolt."
Oliver Apple pondered briefly, then nodded.
"...You must return."
Demian grinned.
"Worrying about me is a century too early."
Demian turned to Veronica Sanchez.
"Veronica, come with me. I need your help."
"Huh? Why me?"
Veronica Sanchez looked baffled. Michael Ryanbloom beside her jumped in hastily.
"Brother Demian! Not her—take me!"
"Yeah! Make her do it! Why me? It's a hassle!"
"Michael, you need to guard Their Highnesses."
"S-she could do that t—"
Mid-sentence, Michael Ryanbloom's expression grew grave.
"...No, she couldn't. Understood. I'll protect Their Highnesses."
Michael led the people away. Veronica Sanchez started to follow.
"You're with me."
Demian grabbed Veronica Sanchez by the scruff.
She sighed deeply.
"Damn it, should've bolted sooner."
* * *
Liam Bluegreen gazed at his sword.
No ordinary blade—this was a famed sword handed down through the Bluegreen family, laden with rare metals.
So sturdy that even generations of use hadn't dulled its edge.
Yet now, it was notched like a sawblade.
-Kehhet, don't charge me with trash like that! Feel how tough my body is!
The demon sword in Alexander Apple's grip crowed triumphantly.
Unlike Liam Bluegreen's sword, 'Thorn Tree' was pristine, as if freshly forged.
'No more direct clashes.'
'Thorn Tree' pierced aura and struck the blade. A few more hits, and it'd shatter.
"Your Highness, from now on, I'll fight in earnest."
"How kind of you. Warning me and all."
Alexander Apple sneered.
"Sir Liam, seems you've forgotten. I trained under the Bluegreen Marquis myself. I know every technique you'll use."
The Bluegreen Marquis house specialized in flying sword.
Flying sword: swordsmanship that unleashed aura for attacks. Mana-intensive, but enabled erratic combat.
Thus, the fight favored Alexander Apple.
"No, Your Highness knows nothing."
Liam Bluegreen denied it.
"Do you know why knight realms divide into four? Each unlocks different capabilities."
Low-class: manifesting aura.
Middle-class: wielding aura freely.
High-class...
"I'll show you, Your Highness. The essence of our house's swordsmanship."
Liam Bluegreen infused mana into his blade. White aura haze spread wide.
-Fool, brace yourself.
The demon sword's voice turned grave. Whatever Liam Bluegreen prepared was no trifle.
"Your Highness, take care."
Liam Bluegreen swung. Crescent auras rained down endlessly.
"You mad—"
No time for surprise—Alexander Apple swung back. Each parry shoved him backward.
-Hey! Put more power into it! Why so feeble!
The sword snapped irritably. Alexander Apple gritted his teeth and endured.
Then, Liam Bluegreen appeared behind him.
"Liam Bluegreen...!"
Before reaction, Liam Bluegreen struck down.
A massive slash fell from the sky, cleaving from crown to groin.
"Arrrgh!"
Alexander Apple screamed, collapsing. He dropped the demon sword, head bowed.
"Hoo..."
Liam Bluegreen steadied his ragged breath. Flying sword drained vast mana.
Even a high-class tired.
"...Your Highness, I truly believed in you."
Liam Bluegreen had long abandoned the crown prince.
Judged that wastrel nature incurable. So he'd backed Alexander Apple.
"Regrettable to end you myself."
"Spare me the lip service."
A voice from Alexander Apple's mouth. Liam Bluegreen stared in shock.
"...Your Highness?"
"Fucking hurts. Does aura always sting this bad?"
Alexander Apple rose. Untouched despite the slash.
Liam Bluegreen gaped in disbelief.
"Surprised? This sword's power: it grants its wielder identical hardness."
-Who're you calling wielder? I use you, remember.
'Thorn Tree' grumbled. Alexander Apple ignored it.
"You showed flair, Sir Liam. Can't just stand by."
Alexander Apple reversed his grip, pointing the tip earthward.
"Witness the demon sword's might with your own eyes."
He slammed it down. Countless thorn trees sprouted instantly.
They thrust at Liam Bluegreen—too swift to react.
Liam Bluegreen reflexively slashed them.
But his sword couldn't sever them. It shattered on impact.
No room to dodge—the thorns impaled him.
* * *
What just happened?
Liam Bluegreen looked down. Thick branches like spears pierced his body.
"Cough."
Blood sprayed from vital spots. Life ebbed away in real time.
"This is the demon sword's power."
Alexander Apple gloated.
"Summons thorn trees at blinding speed. Not just fast—devastating force. Shatters high-class aura."
Liam Bluegreen vomited blood nonstop. Speechless.
"Want to chat more, but too many to kill."
Alexander Apple gestured. Nearby thorns bent toward Liam Bluegreen.
"Time to sleep."
Thorns lunged. Liam Bluegreen closed his eyes quietly.
Then.
Two figures dropped from the sky. One stabbed the ground just before landing.
The impact cracked the earth. Thorns crumbled to dust.
Freeing Liam Bluegreen.
"Demian Haksen!"
Alexander Apple cried in rapture.
"Was gonna hunt you next! So glad you showed up quick!"
Demian ignored him, checking Liam Bluegreen.
"Wounds are severe. Needs treatment now. Take him and get out—"
"Got it!"
Veronica Sanchez whisked Liam Bluegreen away before he finished, soaring outside.
Demian stared after her, dumbfounded.
Didn't know she could move that fast.
"Wait, that—"
He'd brought Veronica Sanchez over Michael precisely for this order.
Michael's loyalty would've kept him glued.
Thought Veronica would obey easily—but not abandon so eagerly.
As Demian vowed never to entrust her key roles...
"Stalling for time?"
Alexander Apple's voice. Demian turned.
"A middle-class blocking high-class? Most absurd thing I've heard."
-Right? First idiot dumber than you I've seen.
Alexander Apple regripped the demon sword.
"I'll show how deluded you are. First, skewer your limbs with thorns..."
"Too exposed here."
Demian spoke abruptly.
Alexander Apple furrowed his brow at the cryptic words.
"What?"
"All wide open. High vantage. Kill you here, everyone sees."
Alexander Apple doubted his ears.
"Kill? You, kill me?"
"Ears going already?"
Veins bulged on Alexander Apple's forehead. He gnashed.
"You must crave death... Fine, granted!"
As he charged, Demian Haksen bellowed.
"What!? Using black magic to trap me from fleeing!"
So out-of-left-field, Alexander Apple froze.
"W-what?"
"You coward! Black magic to cage me!"
Demian's shout boomed across the palace.
"Damn! Think that'll scare me? Dream on!"
"No, what the hell are you—"
Demian unclasped his wrist bracelet. Black mana surged outward.
Seeing it, Alexander Apple and the sword yelped in shock.
"Black mana...?"
-What!? How do you have black mana!?
Demian wove a ritual with black mana. Black magic manifested.
A dark veil shrouded the building. Hiding them completely.
"Now we can fight freely."
Demian cracked his neck side to side. Utterly relaxed.
"Time to clean up the trash."