Chapter 120
The Light Sword was taking his time. "Maybe I've been misunderstanding beastkin all this while," he muttered, glancing at Kauli and the other beastkin. It wasn't said for anyone in particular to hear—just an exclamation of admiration spilling from his own lips.
But the sight of Kauli glaring at him with a grim expression sent a thrilling shiver down the Light Sword's spine. Sure, the man's skills were nowhere near his own level, but the sheer will of someone risking his life to clash against him was enough to rouse the old warrior's spirit.
"Grr... If you really think that, I'd appreciate the kind words," Kauli growled, clutching the stump of his arm that had vanished completely, refusing even to regenerate. His rage hadn't stripped him of reason entirely, and his heightened senses had caught the Light Sword's mutter, giving him an opening.
"Fine. I don't know what my hero here's thinking, but I'll do my best to show some consideration for the beastkin side."
The Light Sword replied to Kauli like that. There was no real reason he had to, but for a warrior who'd stirred something in him, it was a small effort worth making. Besides, considering he'd even sent Dalshinyang to persuade them, the hero's reaction wouldn't be negative—that calculation was already done.
In truth, the Light Sword felt a twinge of shame at his own scheming nature. Here was this wolf throwing his life away to protect his kin, while he himself weighed pros and cons like a petty merchant. It was pathetic.
"Thanks, old man."
Kauli said it sincerely before charging at the Light Sword. Both knew the attack wouldn't land. The Light Sword briefly considered sparing him, but dismissed it. The man had said he'd carry his karma himself—death here was fitting. His sacrifice would let the surviving beastkin shed some of the stigma from siding with the Demon King's army. Sure, it wasn't just Kauli's solo decision, but pretexts like justification didn't need hard truths.
"Farewell."
The Light Sword poured his full power into his sword and swung at Kauli's neck. He didn't even think about the battles to come. It was simple courtesy to meet a life-risking challenger with his best effort. Without conserving stamina, the blade infused with his complete might tore through the air, radiating blinding light.
Kauli's body melted away like snow in sunlight under that intense glow. As the light faded, leaving no trace, the wolf warriors bared their fangs and glared at the Light Sword. Their pack loyalty was ignited—they'd avenge him with their lives if needed. Even the watching bear and tiger kin began to bristle with fighting spirit.
"Hah... hah... It's not over yet. Anyone with a grudge, come at me."
The Light Sword bellowed at the beastkin warriors showing their fire. Exhaustion etched his face, but he was signaling he could still fight.
"Stop! Are you going to waste Kauli's death?"
As the beastkin seemed ready to charge, Dalshinyang finally stepped in. But one word from her couldn't quench their fury. Ignoring her, they kept glaring, so she shouted again.
"Survival first. Survival! If the Light Sword falls to you, the rest of the beastkin will bear the consequences."
They flinched. Their own lives meant nothing, but their kin's did. With their top warriors gone, survival against humans and the hero was impossible.
"Surrender. Not for yourselves—for your tribe's future."
At Dalshinyang's words, the beastkin knelt in unison, as if on cue. She'd secured their surrender, just as she'd promised the hero.
'Looks like it's started.' I turned slightly at the ferocious explosions echoing from the rear. The Light Sword must have encountered approaching enemies and engaged. I couldn't confirm if they were beastkin as Dalshinyang predicted, but with him handling it, the rear was secure.
Instead, I eyed Lucille, who'd stayed in formation, with curiosity. I'd figured she'd stick to her master, but for some reason, she'd chosen to remain by my side.
"Not worried?"
"Worried about who? Master?"
Lucille shot back with a look of disbelief. Her eyes shone with unshakeable faith—no one in the world could beat him. That expression irked me oddly. A twisted urge rose to shatter that absolute trust.
But I had no time for her now. Baram's appearance had flipped the battlefield. Elves were crumbling helplessly under his assaults, dark elves included. Like a calamity unleashed, he devoured everything around him, laying the field to waste.
"Kahahahaha! Hero! Where's the hero?!"
Baram's call rang out, but I held back. Elves were dying in droves, but it meant nothing to me. I waited for the perfect dramatic moment, while Lucille's face twisted in frustration beside me.
Finally, unable to watch, a spirit summoned by Isabela flew at Baram. The blazing firebird surged toward him with soaring momentum.
'About time you moved, Isabela.' I smirked at the incoming fire spirit. I'd held off intervening precisely because of her. I needed to think post-battle, and saving the elves at the most desperate peak would make all the difference. She hadn't unleashed her full power yet—helping in despair versus when she still thought she could manage was worlds apart.
"Petty tricks!"
Baram crudely grabbed the fire spirit's neck mid-flight. Ludicrously, it flapped like a chicken in his grip.
"Hngh! Back off!"
A massive fireball plummeted from the sky, but Baram swatted Karen's spell aside like an annoying fly. His near-magical resistance was his specialty—beyond what Karen or Isabela could overcome. Arrows and elemental spirits harassed him, but the brute fought on with mindless ferocity.
"Kahahat! Humans' world is fun!"
Baram laughed, batting away spells and spirits with his muscled frame.
"Do something, hero!"
The elf queen, realizing she couldn't handle him, pleaded with me. Karen, who'd been spamming spells since the start, was utterly spent.
"Hng... haa... I-I'm tapped out... hngh."
She slumped, rubbing her thighs. Isabela watched me anxiously. The moment was ripe, but her desperation tempted me to toy more. I dawdled, saying, "That guy's a monster. What do you expect me to do?"
"...You're the hero."
Isabela bit her lip. I just shrugged.
"Being a hero doesn't make me omnipotent."
"This plan was your idea from the start... No, just handle it, please."
She started to argue but caught herself, begging instead. Satisfied, I stepped forward—
"Haat!!"
Then Lucille, who'd been quiet till now, charged at Baram.
'What the hell—why's she suddenly going rogue?'