Chapter 76
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 76
Chapter Title: The Hunt
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1.
Sir Eugene, I cant reach the commander.
Greenwood, a knight of the Reven Knights, spoke as he tucked the communication device back into his tunic.
Eugene, his senior knight who was walking ahead with a lantern, replied in a bored tone.
Didnt he say he was drinking with Lord Karron earlier? Hes probably too drunk to answer.
You dont think somethings happened, do you?
Isnt the whole point of us doing this damn patrol to make sure nothing happens? So stop worrying and keep your eyes peeled. Has this forest always been this dense? I can barely see a thing.
Yes, sir.
Greenwood carefully scanned his surroundings as he walked forward.
Eugene glanced at him out of the corner of his eye and chuckled.
Dont work too hard, either.
But its a mission, isnt it? We have to do our best.
How many years has it been since you joined?
Its been five years since the commander recruited me.
Five years Has it been that long already? Seems about time for you to look for a job elsewhere.
Greenwood was one of the Reven Knights most promising prospects.
A skilled knight who had reached the 5-star level at the age of twenty-six.
He was talented enough to receive occasional offers from knight orders in the capital or from other powerful noble families.
Greenwood replied to Eugene in a low voice.
For now, I have no intention of transferring to another order.
Kid, quit the act. Our order is good for making money, but its a hard place to grow as a knight. Didnt you come here for the money in the first place?
A knight order far removed from the honorable duties of a knight.
That was the Reven Knights.
Their main duty, as ordered by their lord, was capturing expensive slaves. Eugenes words were not wrong.
The pay is ridiculously good, though. You wont make this kind of money in any other knight order.
Is that why youve stayed all this time, sir?
What other reason would there be? Heheh. Money is the best. A guy like me is never going to make it big as a knight, so I might as well rake in the cash and retire. Besides, catching slaves is pretty fun. Its like a unique kind of hunt, you know?
Yes, I think so too.
Greenwood had also participated in several slave captures with his seniors.
He had successfully captured a member of the Cat Tribe, one of the beastkin races.
Though hed been stabbed in the stomach by the beastkins claws during the fight, it had also served as excellent real-world combat experience.
I improved a lot thanks to that.
Unlike other knight orders that remained confined to their territories, the Reven Knights offered plenty of practical experience.
They didnt have a unique cultivation method or sword style like famous orders, but it was a suitable place to develop ones swordsmanship.
Moreover, they didnt stop their knights from being scouted by other orders.
This was despite their involvement in the illegal act of slave trading.
It means were all accomplices.
The moment anyone spoke of what happened here, their life as a knight would be over.
By sharing a vile secret, they effectively sealed each others lips.
By the way, that Karron Leston guy. The rumors made him sound incredible but seeing him in person, he doesnt seem like much.
While Greenwood was lost in thought, Eugene casually brought up Karron.
Karron Leston.
The boy who had sent shockwaves through the capital four years ago, at the age of thirteen.
He was the youngest grandson of the ducal family, called the true heir of Grand Duke Halo.
Greenwood smiled bitterly and said.
He defeated Sir Ryuk of the Imperial Guard at thirteen, didnt he?
You really think that makes sense? It was a spar, so Sir Ryuk must have gone easy on him. The Leston Ducal Family probably blew his victory way out of proportion Thats what those prestigious families do, right? They deliberately spread exaggerated rumors.
Eugene said this as he pulled a cigarette from his pocket and placed it between his lips.
He leaned toward the lantern to light it, then took a deep drag.
Acrid smoke drifted above the faint lantern light.
And hey, how many times has a young genius appeared in this world? Ive never seen a single one of them grow up right. Look at him. Already out buying elf slaves at his age. Even if a guy like that has talent, do you think it would have developed? Its obvious.
He certainly seemed weaker than the rumors suggested.
Thats how it always is.
Greenwood recalled the image of Karron he had seen earlier and nodded.
The young man lacked the dignity expected of a scion from a prestigious family.
Furthermore, his visible mana and aura were only at an ordinary level.
Hed heard rumors that Karron had reached the 4-star level at thirteen, but now he seemed like a mere fledgling who hadnt even reached 5-star.
The Margrave has hooked himself a real sucker. Heh, that kids going to be wrapped around our finger from now on. You should ask him later if you can join the Sea Wolf Knights. He might just beg his grandfather for you, just to keep his secret safe.
The Sea Wolf Knights dont accept outside knights, sir.
Its just an expression, you boring bastard.
Eugene took another deep drag of his cigarette. He smirked and said.
I guarantee you, guys like him are the type to ruin their families.
It was then.
Youre a smart one. How did you know Im the one whos going to ruin my family?
A voice emerged from the darkness.
Startled by the sudden voice, Eugene quickly threw his cigarette to the ground and drew the sword from the scabbard at his waist.
Whos there?
Greenwood followed Eugenes lead and drew his sword as well.
A moment later, a young man strode out of the darkness.
Recognizing his face, Greenwoods expression hardened slightly.
Lord Karron?
Yeah, thats me. What are you all doing out here?
Once the voice was identified as Karrons, Eugene quickly bowed his head in greeting.
We were searching for any potential threats. But Lord Karron, werent you with our commander?
I drank a little too much. Just came out for a hunt to sober up.
A hunt, at this time of night?
Eugenes gaze shifted slightly downward to the dark blue sword in Karrons hand.
The situation was hard to comprehend.
Where was the commander, and why was Karron alone in this forest?
Where is our commander, Lord Karron?
Something felt wrong.
Perhaps it was because of the chilling sword Karron was holding, but goosebumps kept breaking out all over his body.
Your commanders a lightweight. He was passed out drunk in thirty minutes.
Karrons voice, laced with laughter, echoed through the air.
Eugene knew without difficulty that he was lying.
The commander was a knight who had reached the peak of the 6-star level.
Drunk in thirty minutes?
It was an absurd notion from the start.
Why is he lying?
He couldnt guess the reason.
But he could instinctively sense one thing.
Drop your sword. Now.
The young man before him was dangerous.
He didnt know what he was thinking, but he could feel a thick, murderous intent.
And what if I dont want to?
Despite Eugenes warning, Karron just grinned and spoke. Eugene gripped his sword and shouted.
Then Ill make you!
In that instant, the sword in Karrons hand glinted in the faint moonlight.
A single line of dark blue light was drawn in the darkness.
A single, ghastly, shining line.
Horrified, Eugene raised his sword, but he was already too late.
Thud.
Eugenes head, severed with absurd ease, fell to the ground. Behind him, Greenwood, who had witnessed the scene, froze like ice.
What?
Was he having a nightmare?
But the metallic scent of blood stinging his nostrils was all too real.
Still, you guys are better than your commander. That bastard died completely off-guard. Hes probably the most pathetic 6-star knight there is.
Karron, having lopped off Eugenes head in a single stroke, smiled at Greenwood.
How old are you? You look pretty young.
His voice was far too light for someone who had just killed a man.
Greenwood pointed his sword at Karron and slowly backed away.
Why? Why are you doing this?
I told you. I came out for a hunt.
I cant win.
I have to run.
His instincts were screaming at him.
But Greenwood only continued to back away, unable to turn his body.
He was certain that the moment he turned, that sword would sever his neck.
What is your reason for trying to kill us?
Greenwood glared at Karron and asked.
Karron replied with a bright smile.
Do you need a reason to kill your prey? What, will having a reason give your death some value?
Even if you are the grandson of Grand Duke Halo! Do you think you can get away with such a ruthless massacre?
Thanks for your concern. Hearing you say that makes me think I should probably kill all the others, too.
Karron approached Greenwood with a leisurely pace.
Greenwood stared at Karron, his face pale.
He had to do something.
He couldnt die here like this.
Wooooong.
Mana began to flow from Greenwoods body. But Karron paid it no mind and continued forward, speaking.
You all captured humans and beastkin for your own personal reasons, for money, didnt you? Its the same for me. I want to kill you for my own personal reasons.
Greenwood thought the words coming from Karrons mouth were nothing but sophistry.
But Karron, ignoring his reaction, spoke in a low voice.
So you have no right to feel wronged.
There was no way the lives of some nameless nobodies could be worth the same as his own promising future.
Just one. If I can land just one attack!
He might be able to buy enough time to escape.
His eyes fell on the plate mail Karron was wearing.
It was likely made of a high-strength alloy, so it wouldnt be too heavy, but he couldnt be faster than Greenwood, who wore leather armor.
His legs.
He saw Karrons legs, wide open.
Legs left exposed, with no defensive stance whatsoever.
Greenwood took a short, deep breath, then immediately put his plan into action.
Whooosh-!
Greenwood charged without hesitation toward Karron, who was walking toward him with a defenseless posture.
His sword swung at high speed toward Karrons legs.
As if he had been waiting for it, Karron knocked the sword aside. But Greenwood wasnt flustered at all and twisted his body.
Now!
He used the speed amplified by his mana to rotate his body rapidly. And with that momentum, he immediately slashed at Karrons shin with his sword.
Slice.
He definitely felt the tip of his sword cut something.
But that was all.
Fwoooosh-!
Greenwood immediately broke into a full sprint in the opposite direction from Karron.
There was no time to check his opponents injuries.
He just ran, mustering every last ounce of strength he had.
I definitely cut him.
That last attack should have bought him enough time.
He thought, clenching his teeth as he ran.
I cant escape completely.
The Tirisfal Forest was vast.
The trees were so dense they seemed to swallow the lanterns light.
For Karron to have tracked him so precisely in a wide maze like this meant one thing.
That bastard has a way of tracking.
In other words, no matter how fast he ran, he could still be caught eventually.
Besides, there was a high probability that Karron had an accomplice in this forest.
Running like this was only a temporary escape from immediate danger.
So, what was the right choice?
His deliberation was not long.
Biting his lip hard, Greenwood immediately reached into his tunic and pulled out a short-range communication device.
Emergency! Karron Leston has killed Sir Eugene. Its highly likely the commander has also been killed.
A moment later, several voices came through the device.
Greenwood? What are you talking about?
Thats not a funny joke, Greenwood.
Fortunately, it seemed Karrons clutches had not yet reached the others.
Greenwood let out a small breath and said.
Currently fleeing from Karron Leston. I cant explain in detail. We must rendezvous at assembly point 2 and fight Karron Leston together. Does anyone have a long-range communication device? We need to report to headquarters immediately!
The commander has the long-range device!
At least explain properly
Alright, understood. Well meet at assembly point 2. Well hear the explanation when we meet.
Everyone, be careful.
For now, joining the other knights was the best option.
What had just happened was a sudden ambush.
If the remaining knights faced Karron together, they might be able to subdue him. And that was the choice with the highest chance of survival.
I cant die here.
Greenwood clenched his fists and threw himself into the darkness of the forest.
Karron silently watched Greenwoods back as he fled at full speed.
He aimed for the legs from the start. Quick on his feet, that one.
His opponents sword had indeed cut his leg, but it had only been a shallow graze on his greaves.
It wouldnt affect his movement at all.
Why didnt you kill him right away? You could have easily taken his head.
When Guillotine spoke in a voice full of complaint, Karron clicked his tongue and replied.
Youre supposed to corner your prey to the absolute limit before you catch it. Thats the art of the hunt, you ignorant magic sword.
The art of the hunt, my ass. Dont try to justify your sick hobbies, master.
What does it matter? Its a chance to kill them all at once.
Karron fiddled with the communication device he had taken from Owens corpse and smiled.
Those guys need to feel what its like to be the prey.
Karron recalled his past life, where he had clung to a miserable existence, lacking even the courage to die.
Those who have never been slaves will never understand.
That life where only death offers peaceful rest, that hell one must endure while living.
Now, its your turn.
Their hell had only just begun.