Chapter 101 : Night Raid (2)
Night Raid (2)
Gregory and the knights of Dawn scattered and attacked the supply base.
The enemy was stunned by the sudden assault.
To think there was a raid at this late hour, even while knights were vigilantly guarding the perimeter.
Everyone shouted urgently, their faces tense.
"It's an enemy raid!!!! Move all supplies inside!"
With that cry, the assault began.
Gregory signaled with his eyes for the Dawn knights to attack around the supply base, while he swiftly ran after the supplies being taken inside.
If they lost time and the supplies were moved elsewhere, this operation would end in failure.
Therefore, at least one person had to follow wherever they were taking those supplies.
'Did you think I'd just let you run away?'
And he felt he was the most suitable for the task.
For some reason, he felt an ominous aura lingering nearby.
***
Ernest, after catching Gregory's eye signal, began to coordinate the knights' actions.
Though 'coordinate' was more in name than practice. Unless something was dangerous, he let them be.
After all, it was a surprise attack and all the Dawn knights were naturally pushing back the enemy.
But not everything goes smoothly.
'What is that?'
Ernest, like Gregory, sensed a murderous intent.
He hadn't seen anyone nearby.
But the killing intent kept growing stronger.
"Everyone, stay alert!"
With Ernest's warning, a giant swordsman leaped from the sky.
"Uhahahaha! Trying to pull off a raid in the middle of the night? Are you fools really so petty when a great Mader is here!"
'Wait, it's not just one—there are two!'
Just as Ernest had that thought, another figure burst in from the other side, encircling them.
"Don't forget about me! You dare try to steal our rations like a pack of rats?!"
The earth seemed to shake as the figure landed.
But the Dawn knights simply snorted in bravado.
'No, it's too soon to relax. The fact that they're guarding the supply base means they're a significant part of the enemy's forces. And those names...'
Ernest's thoughts differed from those of the other Dawn knights.
Previously while with Gregory, Ernest had heard from Walter about the knights of the Blandi Kingdom.
Among those names were Mader and Baithenh.
Their names were on the knight list Walter had provided.
Ernest decided to warn his allies.
"Those bastards are the 7th and 8th knights of the Blandi Kingdom! Stay sharp, everyone!"
The might of the Dawn knights was considerable, but those two were 7-star knights.
Even with Gregory here, they were adversaries he might not be able to defeat.
Still, in terms of numbers and ability, the Dawn knights were not at a disadvantage.
Ernest swiftly gave his orders.
"Vice-captain, can you help restrain those knights with the others?"
Kylas raised his head proudly and answered.
"Wise choice. Go and strike the supply base at once."
With Kylas' approval, Ernest split up the knights.
"Leonics, Amelia, Kylas, ganeff, lady Seria—face off against those knights! The rest, hit the supply point!"
At Ernest's command, the knights spread out in perfect order. He continued cautiously.
"The command here is yours, vice-captain. We'll go on ahead. We're counting on you!"
Kylas, focused on the enemy, nodded without looking back and drew his sword.
***
The scene shifted back to Gregory. Though they were the ones launching the raid, the enemy seemed fully prepared.
A sense that something was going wrong gnawed at his mind.
'The black cloud knight order said they'd caught all the traitors... Could it be that someone is hiding with upper management? That must be it.'
Just as Gregory finished his thought, the fleeing enemies came into view.
He struck his reins and chased them at full speed.
But at that moment, a sense of heavy pressure filled the air.
Noticing the odd sensation, Gregory belatedly turned his horse's head.
Boom-!!!!!!
With a huge explosion, the ground ahead split in two. As the dust settled, Gregory checked the identity of the attacker.
'Who... who is it? To get this close without revealing their power... they must be overwhelmingly strong.'
"Ah... Did I underestimate you? I thought I caught you, but you managed to dodge."
Amid the lingering dust, a familiar voice was heard.
As soon as Gregory saw the enemy's face, he was shaken. It was Jehar, the 4th knight of the Blandi Kingdom.
In his previous life, jehar had reached the position of 1st knight—a swordsman of immense renown, who had his seat cruelly stripped away by Gregory's father.
Now, having returned to the past, jehar looked younger and his swordsmanship less polished.
"Hahaha... I wanted to finish this quickly, but things aren't going to plan."
Jehar was one of the knights Gregory had admired.
Knowing his opponent was a master, Gregory couldn't afford to let down his guard.
"Finish quickly? You think I'll just stand by with such an obvious ploy?"
In an instant, Gregory infused Durandal with red mana, sprinted at a speed Jehar could not react to, and brought Durandal down.
Kang-!
The sound of steel splitting earth. From the heavy sensation in his hand, Gregory knew Jehar had blocked it.
That meant it was Jehar's turn to strike back.
Though brief, time seemed to slow down as Gregory analyzed his opponent's every move.
'Where will he aim? Up? Down?'
As if to break through even that fleeting moment, jehar's form vanished.
"How laughable, brat."
Boom-!
An even louder roar than before echoed right in Gregory's ear, like lightning striking directly in front of him.
A black cloth that had obscured his opponent's face was blown away by the raging wind.
"Whew..."
Fortunately Gregory had anticipated the next attack.
If he hadn't been focused...
He would surely have been cut.
"Still... for your age, your skills are at the very top. Surprised?"
Gregory might be only a 4-star knight,
But he had no intention of retreating here.
Running now would simply mean being cut down by Jehar.
Moreover, failing to cut the enemy's supply line would have severe consequences.
Determined not to lose in spirit, Gregory retorted in kind.
"Enough with the jokes, don't you think?"
For an instant, deadly killing intent filled the air, then disappeared.
"Aha... I wondered why you were so bold—so you're that one..."
"Who are you calling 'that one'?"
"The one who manipulated Radian to throw Blandi Kingdom into chaos. No wonder you had unusual confidence and skill. Fine, now that I know your real power has been a bluff all along, I'll face you with all my strength."
Gregory hardly registered Jehar's last words. It was undeniable—he had thrown Blandi Kingdom into turmoil.
Still, he'd gone so far as to burn down Radian's mansion, create decoys and lay traps...
How could the kingdom's knights know all that?
'Stria group... did they figure it out? Or did they frame me just to stay alive?'
Jehar gave Gregory no time for further thoughts. He vanished again, leaving only an afterimage.
A moment later, jehar's voice rang out.
"I'll change the terms. It's shameful for an 8-star knight to go all out against a 5-star. If you land even one hit on me, I'll withdraw."
Gregory was determined to bring out everything he'd trained for. He couldn't sense Jehar's exact position.
But in his previous life as a swordmaster, he was confident he could follow his footsteps.
A silent breeze. All that could be heard was the chirp of insects and wind rustling through the grass.
Tracing its source...
"Found you."
Gregory sensed Jehar's attack coming—much faster and more forceful than before.
The blade sliced through the air toward his neck.
With their difference in strength, blocking head-on would destroy or knock aside Durandal.
So there was only one option.
Gregory ducked quickly.
Whoosh—
Swish—
The sword cut through the air, and Jehar, looking flustered, came to an abrupt stop.
"H-how...?"
Gregory gave a faint, sardonic smile and answered.
"A true swordsman... keeps his word, doesn't he?"
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