Chapter 11
Chapter 11
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 11
Chapter Title: To Death
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"What in the world possessed you to lead us here, Iveldra?"
The demon from the western continent, Bezhak Gurimson-great king of the Red Blood Savages and the strongest warrior of his tribe-muttered the question into the empty air, reminiscing on days gone by despite knowing no answer would come.
It had been over a week since he'd handed his horns to his sons as instructed by the black-clad woman, Iveldra, and crossed to the eastern continent with only his royal guard. Their food supplies were running low, and half the guard he'd sent on reconnaissance the day before hadn't returned.
"Why, Drakan Hon..."
The old chieftain's face was etched with worry as he spoke to himself.
"Knight Order!"
Just then, the eyes of the former king of the Red Blood Savages caught sight of the knight order led by Riu. Bezhak Gurimson charged down the hillside, kicking up clouds of dust, and positioned himself before his remaining guard-as if the death he'd been awaiting had come rushing in too hastily.
When his guard moved to hurl their spears at the knights, Bezhak Gurimson raised a hand to stop them. Seeing this, Riu-who rode at the vanguard-likewise raised her hand, halting the order.
"Are you their leader?"
Riu asked, but they couldn't understand a word.
"I see. No words between us, then."
In the sandy wasteland just shy of the Granblad Great Canyon, Bezhak Gurimson stood before Riu and gazed up once more at the sky heavy with storm clouds. Drakan Hon, what sin have we committed?
Then he lowered his head. No doubt the ones before him now had slain the rest of his guard as well.
Bezhak Gurimson extended his massive hand in bold greeting to the unmistakable embodiment of death approaching him. He struck his chest with all the honor of a savage, hoping the gesture would convey clearly to his foe.
"Bezhak Gurimson."
Riu scanned the surroundings. The desolate end of a barren highland. These savages-who knew not from where they'd come-must surely be starving. And if not slain now, they'd hunger even more fiercely. They'd burn the Empire and pillage it all.
Thus, battle was the knight's fate, much like the savage's.
Perhaps sharing supplies and making an effort could lead to peaceful talks. But aside from Eden's appearance, Riu had decided as a single knight to disregard everything else.
"Riu. My sword's name is Ir-'Guardian'."
Riu slowly leveled her blade at him. A gust of dusty wind swept between the two groups. Bezhak Gurimson took the massive axe from one of his men and aimed it back. He thought to himself that begging for his life might let him scrape by somehow.
But battle was the savage's fate, much like the knight's.
For the first time in ages, he thought simply as a warrior. Iveldra, I don't know why you've called us here, but,
"Markshi tan, Ullar!"
Red blood, fight unto death.
At Bezhak Gurimson's blood-boiling roar, every remaining Red Blood Savage charged the knights with a shout.
"Yerutsa Rahav!"
And Riu's knight order was no different.
***
Bulki climbed aboard the large iron carriage provided for support, chatting with the 1st Knight Order members who'd stayed behind for this mission, along with knights seconded from the 2nd Knight Order.
"Uh, I'm Bulki from the 1st Knight Order. Nice to meet you all."
"I'm Gil, senior knight of the 2nd Knight Order! We're around the same age, so let's keep it casual."
The muscular man before Bulki spoke up. He always wore a grin and spoke boisterously. Beside him, a smaller man placed a hand over his heart and introduced himself.
"I'm Rondnel, who joined up with Gil here. As my name suggests, I'm from the border village of Magen in Sional-dwarf half-blood, that is. Ah, though I've far less dwarf blood, of course. Here's hoping we get along."
True to his Sional origins amid the dwarf nations surrounding Haipoji Mountain, he cut an impressive figure with his rugged beard and short stature. Though his build was hidden, he wore thick, rounded traditional Magen plate armor, with a shield strapped to his back nearly as large as himself.
"Oh? You're from Gilnaun too? We're practically neighbors."
"It's west, sure, but the Granblad Great Canyon splits us-hardly close. I'm Saint Holden of the 1st Knight Order, joined with Bulki. I'd rather not chat during a mission."
Saint Holden gave a stoic greeting. Like Bulki, he'd fought in the Red Blood Savages battle but sustained only minor wounds, making him eligible for reassignment. Nia, who sat up front, had treated both men-and she was with the group now too.
"Ah, um, I'm Nia."
"Fine company we've got! I could handle a Mountain Giant solo, but I'm glad for the backup. Can't let our guard down galloping across the wilds on warhorses. No need for a separate plan?"
Bulki smiled at Gil's words and replied.
"Looks like the 2nd Knight Order fights up front with those big, heavy swords. Saint Holden and I are the same type. Nia's versed in all sorts of magic."
"We're knights together! Speak freely!"
Gil boomed heartily, thumping the massive greatsword propped against the carriage-longer than he was tall. From his speech, he'd clearly learned much from Graveheim.
"Can't be casual with a senior knight, sir. For reference, my sword follows the unarmed armor concept. He's shield-type, I'd say. So first, Saint Holden and I draw the Mountain Giant's attention near it, with Nia's support-then you and I finish it off."
"So, any signs of awakening for the rest of you? Gil's got his, but ah, I'm still just a regular knight without mine. All I've got is this shield tougher than most iron."
Rondnel thumped the shield on his curved plate armor's back-it resembled a tortoise shell. Bulki drew his sword in response.
"My sword, Hutvana... well, it's awakened, but I'm still inexperienced."
"Ho, to lay eyes on the Hero's gleaming golden sword! What was awakening like? Did the name flash like lightning, clear as day, same as mine?"
"Not a Hero yet. The name popped into my head in a flash, its form taking shape. Then it felt familiar, like a trusty comrade who'd shared life and death with me. Something lingering, maybe. Anyway, Saint Holden can unleash wind blasts from his fists to damage foes. Nia's is book-shaped, with a few spells inside as her sign."
"Nia's got the most signs. Awakening soon, probably-but spells via incantation? A witch's sword, almost. Helpful, though."
"Um..."
"Talking like a witch's no big deal. You're a principled yet flexible guy!"
"That's..."
"Quite the character. Solid grasp on swords and strategy too."
As they discussed plans, Nia pointed ahead and cried out.
"We're at the destination! Mountain Giant!"
At her words, all eyes turned forward. This Mountain Giant was far smaller than the one Bulki had fought by the coast. What stood out was that it wasn't made of stone or rock, but black wood.
"A new breed of Mountain Giant. But that one's... a Sun Fairy?"
Someone was already locked in fierce combat with it.
"Enemy or not, whoever's fighting-we help first!"
"No. Strategy first! Didn't you charge blindly at the Red Blood Savages? Stick to your knightly convictions."
Saint Holden blocked the way, but Bulki chuckled once, sheathed his sword quietly, and spoke.
"Back home, I once rode a hobby horse by a huge ebony tree and knocked a bird's nest. The chick fell, and I panicked, not knowing what to do. Then my other friend said we had to help. That if anyone's trembling in fear, we raise our swords against their foe. To protect. From then on, that's how I've lived-my promise to my friend. That's my conviction, my sword."
As the Mountain Giant drew near, Bulki leaped straight from the carriage and charged.
"No strategy after all, huh. Is that what a Hero is? Marching to death, yet compelled to save? If that's a Hero's justice, then this Gil stands with your justice!"
Gil followed gladly. Saint Holden sighed but surged ahead. Rondnel, in his round armor and matching oversized helmet, brought up the rear with Nia.
Chronicles would later record it as the Hero party's first glorious battle.
***
Iven entered the grand cathedral once more, clad in the 3rd Knight Order's light armor.
"Welcome, young knight."
"I trust in Miflas's harmony, priest."
The old priest smiled in reply and led Iven through the passage behind the pulpit. Iven asked the priest leading the way.
"What of the dispatched priest?"
"Ah, naturally, the Saintess is handling it."
"Thank you. I still can't believe the Princess granted my request-and even awarded me for such a trifling matter."
"You've accomplished the hardest task in this Helred, where the sun is veiled."
"Which task?"
Before ascending the stairs, the old priest turned and offered Iven a warm smile.
"What you could do, you did."
Iven bowed his head, embarrassed.
"I'll wait below, then. May Miflas's harmony be with you."
"Thank you, priest."
Once the priest vanished, Iven straightened his armor and hair before the massive mirror door.
"Come in, knight."
A voice like flowing brook water called from within. Iven steeled himself, greeted the 2nd Knight Order guards at the door, and entered.
"Iven of the 3rd Knight Order, bearing the edict for the great Princess of Sonain, by command."
"Close the door."
The Princess spoke in a seductive tone, her sword concealed.
Iven walked toward his own death.