Chapter 57
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 57
Chapter Title: Main Dish
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“Heh heh…”
“Why have you been laughing so creepily?”
Pumpkin asked, her face a mask of exasperation.
First had been like this for a while now. Standing on the ramparts, he let out a strange laugh, his nostrils flaring.
*That's the look he gets when he sees Agent Galahad.*
Pumpkin narrowed her eyes and followed First's gaze.
She couldn't see anything. Pumpkin squinted harder, but still, nothing came into view.
So, Pumpkin nudged First. When he didn't react, she lightly smacked the back of his head. Only then did First turn around.
“Hm? Did a bug land on me?”
She had hit him with some real force, yet he thought it was a bug. A monster was a monster, indeed.
Pumpkin feigned ignorance and asked.
“Is there something out there? Why do you keep making that creepy laugh?”
“Ah, you wouldn't be able to see it. Heh heh.”
“See what?”
“The man intends to test me. How dare he—”
As he said ‘how dare he,’ First grinned, and Pumpkin muttered a small curse under her breath.
Judging by the way he was acting like a loon, it had to be Galahad. But a test?
“It will surely be a difficult one.”
Pumpkin lightly summoned her aura. Only then did she see something, a mere dot in the distance.
It was—
*…A black magician?*
It was a group of black magicians, preparing as if to attack at any moment.
An attack by black magicians wasn't much of an issue.
After all, this place had already been attacked by the Black Magic Society.
The problem was the man standing among them.
*…Why is Galahad over there?*
Pumpkin’s eyes crumpled at the sight of Galahad.
If Galahad was on the enemy's side, the story changed entirely.
If asked to name the one person she would least want as an enemy, it would undoubtedly be Galahad.
His martial prowess was one thing, but Galahad was a man who played by no rules.
Galahad's relaxed yet chilling obsession was something beyond mere madness.
He was the last person she ever wanted to get entangled with.
“Son of a bitch. Why is Galahad over there?”
“To test me.”
“Test you with what?”
“As expected, you wouldn't understand.”
As First’s lips curled into a wide grin, Pumpkin muttered a quiet, “Shit!”
First pointed a finger toward Galahad and said.
“The distance is too great for an attack, yet too close to hide their presence. This signifies a lack of intent to attack. If he planned to attack, he would have moved long ago. He is not one to wait around.”
First let out a heated breath. Pumpkin took a step back in disgust.
“So why would he be in a place that falls within my line of sight? Galahad is well aware of my superior vision, so he must be trying to tell me something.”
First’s muscles creaked and groaned. As if they were breathing.
Pumpkin took another step back.
“Because only I can understand Galahad.”
“……Bullshit.”
Pumpkin swore openly, but her words didn't reach First's ears.
“The reason the black magicians are targeting this place must be the Miasmic Realm. If that's the case—”
A wide grin spread across First’s face.
“Ah, I see. My competitor, I understand your will.”
First’s expression hardened. He gave a heavy nod of his thick neck.
*What the hell is he talking about? Seriously.*
Pumpkin took another step back, thoroughly repulsed.
Just then, First leaped down lightly.
*Thud.* Despite the considerable height of the wall, there was only a soft sound.
First landed precisely among the soldiers on guard duty.
“Huh? What—”
The moment the soldier turned his head, First’s hand moved swiftly.
*Snap.* The soldier’s head twisted with a soft sound. First caught the falling soldier and propped him up to the side. He immediately moved on to the next.
The time it took for First to take down four soldiers was no more than a single exhale.
The soldiers wore peaceful expressions, as if they hadn't even felt any pain.
*He’s gotten faster.*
Pumpkin’s eyes widened. Having been with First constantly, she could tell right away.
Questions arose in Pumpkin's mind, but for now, she grabbed her sword and jumped down.
First might act like a lunatic, but he never botched a job.
When she landed, First was adding more firewood to the blaze the soldiers were tending.
Pumpkin didn't bother asking what he was doing. First didn't explain either, simply moving on.
First soon headed for the gate. As was typical of the North, the 7th Battalion's gate was massive. The scent of rust wafted from the gate, which was scarred with the rough marks of demonic beasts.
“There’s a pulley on the other side. I’ll go over.”
“No need.”
First answered curtly and placed his hands on the gate.
His back was twice the size of any other man's.
After a short breath, First began to push.
The snow beneath him packed down deeply.
*Crrrack.* The sound of muscles screaming came from First's broad back.
Aura surged across his back.
Pumpkin stared blankly at the brutish display.
Just then—
*Kuguguk.* With a low groan, the gate began to give way.
*Crazy bastard.*
Opening a gate that required two oxen with sheer strength…
Pumpkin let out a rough gasp of admiration at the overwhelming display of brute force.
Soon, the gate was wide open. Two sleeping oxen jolted awake in surprise. They looked at First and mooed softly.
First dusted off his hands, a wide grin spreading across his face.
“Come. My competitor.”
At First’s low voice, Pumpkin pressed her temples firmly.
*Has he forgotten the mission?*
Even First couldn't just go to Galahad as he pleased.
This course of action was only possible because of their mission.
A flicker of worry arose, but Pumpkin shook her head.
First would never forget the mission.
****
“The… The gate is open.”
A black magician reported, his voice stuttering.
At that, Helkarton turned to Galahad with a look of astonishment.
The others had similar expressions.
*So, it's First.*
Galahad stared at the wide-open gate and put a cigarette to his lips.
He hadn't sent a single letter, yet First had perfectly understood his intentions.
He was a useful one, indeed.
*The Society Head.*
He had to catch the Society Head this time.
From the thread that would connect him to Dawn, to the complete ownership of the Black Magic Society—
The rewards tied to the Society Head were quite substantial.
However, the man was nimble enough to abandon even his own subordinates to escape.
But this time, he wouldn't be able to stay away.
In a crumbling situation, his own right-hand man had staged a rebellion.
A cautious man like him would surely want to confirm it with his own eyes.
*Hiding in a suitable spot, of course.*
He had spread his mana, but he couldn't detect anything.
The man was even more cautious than he had thought.
So how to catch someone like that?
The answer was simple.
He had to offer bait that couldn't be refused.
And that bait was, of course, the Miasmic Realm they called their sanctuary.
What would the Society Head think upon seeing Helkarton pass through the 7th Battalion with ease, and the Miasmic Realm that lay beyond?
*He'll think the betrayal was orchestrated from the start.*
He would likely believe the report of the 7th Battalion's failure was a lie.
After all, the Society Head had only heard reports from his seat of power.
Most importantly, the clearly visible Miasmic Realm was an undeniable fact.
*He will come out.*
Galahad was certain.
And the centerpiece of it all was—
*Helkarton.*
Galahad stared at Helkarton.
Helkarton's eyes were even more sinister than before. They were filled with astonishment.
“Didn't I tell you? Not to worry about the 7th Battalion. Now, everyone, get ready! We are going to the sanctuary. Ah, has everyone received the choice?”
“Yes, we of the Advisory Council have our staves of choice.”
Helkarton answered Galahad's question firmly.
The black magicians showed their wrists. There, the magic circle left by the first magician was engraved. Galahad nodded.
“Now then, Society Head. You go first.”
At Galahad's designation, Helkarton's lips curled upwards.
With a deep nod, Helkarton turned around.
There was almost a sense of sublimity in his back as he walked toward the gate. Galahad casually blended in with the other black magicians.
The gate was wide open. There were no soldiers around. As if to welcome them.
Helkarton clicked his tongue softly and quickened his pace.
It was quiet inside the gate as well. Perhaps they hadn't recovered from the previous damage, as there were collapsed buildings here and there.
Helkarton’s gaze was fixed on the sanctuary in the distance. Even in the dark of night, the darkness that refused to diminish its presence was undoubtedly the sanctuary.
The black magicians' steps quickened. Excitement and anticipation replaced their fear.
Nothing else mattered—
“Huh?”
Just then, he made eye contact with a patrolling soldier. The soldier's face was quite grim.
Helkarton and his subordinates quickly grabbed their staves and prepared for battle.
Tension filled the air.
Just then—
“One who has the Grand Duke's approval!”
The soldier saluted smartly. The salute was so forceful that it startled him for a moment.
The recipient of the salute was the man.
“You're working hard.”
The man accepted the salute naturally.
*Not only did they open the gate for him, but they're even saluting?*
Helkarton’s eyes widened at the bizarre situation.
The Black Magic Society had also tried to win over the company commanders of the 7th Battalion.
In fact, the basis for opening the Miasmic Realm had been that control.
It had taken considerable funds and effort, but they had never shown such loyalty.
The loyalty of the Northerners was not something that could be bought with simple transactions.
And yet, this was their reaction…
*As expected of Dawn.*
Helkarton's eyes glinted.
“Don't stop. The night is short.”
At the man's whisper, Helkarton started walking again.
They soon arrived in front of the sanctuary.
*The sanctuary—*
Helkarton’s mouth fell open in awe at the sanctuary’s overwhelming presence.
“Have you been here before?”
“Yes.”
Helkarton nodded at the man's question.
Helkarton had once accepted an invitation from Dawn on behalf of the ever-cautious Society Head.
The place he arrived at, following Dawn's invitation, had a sanctuary just like this one.
“……Even more intense than this place. Hm?”
Helkarton frowned, realizing he had been speaking his thoughts aloud.
“My, you seem tired. We should get you into the sanctuary quickly.”
The man patted his shoulder. Helkarton nodded in response.
The gate to the sanctuary was wide open. Standing between the gates were a greasy-looking, hulking knight and an incredibly beautiful woman.
Helkarton’s gaze was fixed on the sanctuary.
“Now, everyone, enjoy yourselves to your heart's content.”
Everyone headed towards the Miasmic Realm with dazed expressions.
Like moths drawn to a flame.
After confirming the last one had entered, Galahad’s lips curled upwards.
“Setting the stage to take all the credit. Interesting.”
First, who had approached at some point, murmured in a low voice.
“Ah, don't hurt them. Every last one is a valuable resource.”
“Resource? These vermin?”
At First’s sneer, Galahad flicked the ash from his cigarette and replied.
“Is that too difficult for you?”
“Not at all.”
First's expression instantly hardened.
His muscles creaked and groaned. Galahad’s lips curled at that clear-cut simplicity.
“Ah, the main dish is mine.”
At Galahad's words, one corner of First’s mouth lifted.
“I have no shameless hobby of stealing another's glory.”
With a hearty laugh, First fell in behind the black magicians.
Galahad glanced behind him, tapping his cigarette.
It was about time for the fish to take the bait.
****
*Hmm.*
The Society Head, an old man, watched the 7th Battalion from afar, retracing the situation in his mind.
*They entered without a fight.*
The gate had opened on its own, and Helkarton, at the head of the Advisory Council, had entered with confidence.
The meaning was clear.
*They never failed in the first place.*
The old man's eyes glinted.
The operation to open the sanctuary had not failed.
They must have given him a false report.
*It was strange from the beginning that the sanctuary was still open.*
If the famed Adrianna had truly appeared and caused their failure, she would never have left the sanctuary untouched.
So why report now that they were recovering the sanctuary?
The answer was obvious.
*It was all to lure me out.*
The wrinkles on the old man's face deepened.
They were clearly after his position as Society Head.
*They must have underestimated me.*
The air around the old man instantly grew cold.
This was the problem with magicians.
They couldn't abandon their greed.
However, there was one thing they hadn't considered.
The old man had never trusted them in the first place.
*Foolish. So foolish—*
The old man readjusted his grip on his staff.
It was a staff made from a massive, ancient tree.
At the end of the clearly extraordinary staff was a dark red object.
It shone like a jewel but was not a magic stone.
It was the egg of a high-ranking demon.
A staff he had received from Dawn.
The egg of a high-ranking demon—
What kind of beings were high-ranking demons? Even low-ranking demons were absolute beings to them.
High-ranking demons were no different from gods.
He hadn't believed it at first.
He thought that if it truly was the egg of a high-ranking demon, they would never give away something so precious.
That suspicion shattered the moment he held the staff.
The staff the old man had used before was also of the highest quality.
But the staff from Dawn was on a completely different level.
This was progress; it was innovation.
It was not magic, but a divine power.
*Feeding it blood makes it stronger.*
The power it displayed when he first fed it blood was enough to inspire awe.
The egg grew larger each time he fed it blood, and now it was the size of the old man's face.
And with it came the original magic circle left by the first magician.
*Foolish bastards.*
The old man carefully assessed the situation.
The gate was wide open, and there were no troops visible inside.
“Let's go.”
Confirming this, the old man began to walk.
Those who had been suppressed by the old man's aura finally let out their breaths.
Their eyes were filled with fear and awe.
*Insolent fools.*
I'll have to clean them all out at this opportunity.
If he fed all the insolent fools' blood to it, the egg would surely grow another size larger.
And if that happened—
*Even Dawn will be nothing to fear.*
The wrinkles around the old man's mouth deepened even further.
The castle was so quiet you could hear your own breathing.
The old man walked, desperately suppressing the rising impulse.
When he reached the sanctuary, there were no troops.
It was just as initially planned.
The plan to take complete control of the 7th Battalion and raise an army within the sanctuary—
It must have been a success.
*How dare they lie to me—*
A fierce impulse surged through him.
The old man grimaced and looked at his hand.
Vines extending from the staff were embedded in his hand. As if they had become one body.
Through the staff, a powerful impulse pulsed like a heartbeat, again and again.
A high-pitched ringing sounded in his head.
The old man found himself running toward the sanctuary.
His subordinates followed desperately behind him.
*I'm home.*
Only after entering the sanctuary did the old man's senses return.
The dark red egg vibrated faintly.
A heavy power flowed through the staff.
*This is the power of a high-ranking demon—*
Roots emerged from the staff, climbing up the old man's wrinkled hand and arm.
Just then—
“Everyone's inside.”
A low voice came from behind.
A greasy-looking, giant knight stood near the gate.
*BOOM!*
The knight closed the massive gate as if it were a bedroom door.
The sheer force of it made the old man's subordinates stumble back in surprise.
The old man narrowed his eyes.
The men who had entered first were lying collapsed around the knight.
They couldn't have been inside for long, yet they were already subdued—
*Impressive.*
Just then, the knight unleashed his aura. The fire blazing over his aura was clearly high-level magic.
At the fragrant scent, the old man's lips curled upwards.
He wanted to tear the man apart and devour him right now.
“Good eyes. However, the main dish has already been reserved.”
The knight made a strange comment and pointed somewhere.
*How dare someone—*
The old man turned his head and froze.
A man was standing behind him.
The ash around the man was thin. As if it were avoiding him.
Or perhaps, fearing him.
The light from the cigarette in his mouth illuminated his face.
He was a man of refined appearance.
His neatly swept-back hair seemed to speak of his personality.
The man's eyes were fixed squarely on the old man.
His eyes glinted coldly.
Like he was looking at a delicious meal.
His gaze was so chilling it made one flinch.
*Ridiculous.*
Just then, a truly fragrant scent wafted from the man.
A scent so fragrant he felt he would die if he didn't eat it right now.
The old man's body trembled with a fierce impulse.
The roots embedded in his arm throbbed violently.
Behind him, the ashes swirled and took shape.
Like a pair of giant wings.
Watching the old man, who had fully unleashed his power,
Galahad—
“What a magnificent egg dish.”
Smiled, truly satisfied.
[Main Dish] The End