Chapter 290
Chapter 290. The Misguided One (2)
Surely, he hasn't noticed, has he?
I broke into a cold sweat watching Pintel suddenly fall in behind me.
The reason I donned the 'Black Knight' mask to come here was not only for the sake of 'just in case', but also to solidify the support of the commoners.
'The commoners love heroes like the Black Knight.'
A mythical being who broke through the ranks and took a shot at the nobles they despised.
How could the commoners not love such a 'Black Knight'?
Therefore, I intended to use this opportunity to enhance the name of the 'Black Knight'.
'It's certainly a good card to play.'
I knew Pintel was conscious of the 'Black Knight'.
After all, it was the 'Black Knight' who had pulled Pintel down into ruin during the 'Dawn Society' incident.
Hence, such a reaction was expected.
"Wouldn't it be better to put revenge aside for a moment?"
But right now, the priority was dealing with Eulsis, who had become the 'Demon King'.
***
Pintel watched the 'Black Knight' walking ahead of him, pondering internally.
'...... Sir Yulian.'
Even before he killed Gerard. No, far before that, he had realized that the identity of the 'Black Knight' was Yulian.
As he trained more in magic, his understanding of mana deepened, allowing him to read the 'memories' contained in the flow.
Perhaps, a 'witch' capable of embedding 'memories' into the 'mana' flowing in the air would be more adept at handling that ability.
'Hmm.'
Pintel let out a short sigh internally.
'Sir Yulian must know that I've figured out his identity as well.'
It was certain.
After Yulian disappeared, the 'Black Knight' appeared, so even a person with little sensitivity could grasp a certain outline.
Moreover, both Yulian and the 'Black Knight' were masters of the sword.
Considering the deliberate effort to hide 'Aura', it would seem even more suspicious.
'In other words, this is.'
Pintel thought.
'Acting.'
A process to use the card of the 'Black Knight' a bit more effectively.
In reality, the 'Black Knight' was a hero beloved by the commoners.
'So, I mustn't let it slip that I've realized he's Yulian.'
At the same time, as a 'noble', he shouldn't seem to have any ties with the 'Black Knight', a hero to the commoners. There were plenty of eyes watching here.
In that sense, Pintel frowned and began to act as if he disliked him.
"Although I wish to rip you apart right this moment, I am bound by duty, so I'll hold back as much as I can."
Having said all that, Pintel bit his tongue hard.
'How could I utter such irreverent words to Sir Yulian!'
It's unforgivable!
But now's not the time!
"Your patience is impressive. Given the situation, though, you don't have much of a choice."
Said Yulian—or rather, the 'Black Knight', moving his gaze beyond the second gate.
"Sir Pintel."
At that moment, one of the 'Twilight', who had come with Pintel, quietly spoke to him.
"It is a demon."
A demon?
Pintel was startled by Rim Hashar's remark.
This was the capital.
The heart of the Empire, no less.
However, calmly considering it, this was a place where even detecting 'demonic energy' was intolerable.
Now that such an unwritten rule had been broken, it was no surprise if demons appeared.
"Where is it?"
"Beyond the second gate, I'm not sure about the exact location."
Pintel glanced at the 'Black Knight'.
'Even the Rahman Tribe's assassins noticed it just now.'
As expected, it was truly the work of Sir Yulian.
"No matter how many demons appear, the residual thoughts will be neutralized by the Resonance Stone......"
"The Resonance Stones have no meaning."
"Hmm?"
Pintel, continuing to speak, suddenly turned to face the Black Knight at his abrupt words.
"Diviner Abigail has interfered with the Resonance Stones, allowing the demons to roam freely."
The Black Knight murmured, almost like reciting lines.
'To have figured out that much already.'
Truly commendable, Sir Yulian!
"It's true. All the Resonance Stones responsible for forming the barrier have lost their power."
Upon hearing Rim Hashar's words, Pintel, who had been looking at the 'Black Knight' with admiration, returned to his usual self.
Upon observing his surroundings following Rim Hashar's words, Pintel realized that the 'Resonance Stones' embedded within the magic apparatuses forming the barrier had indeed lost their light.
"They're coming."
After that, the 'Black Knight' quietly uttered. Just as Pintel sensed the growing density of dark clouds gathering in the sky.
"A demon, over there!"
"From beyond the gate, demons......!"
Demons began to reveal themselves from within the inner sanctum of the palace.
***
Beyond the second gate, the residual thoughts of the Demon God began to coalesce, and soon enough, demons began crawling out from beyond the gate.
― Krr, krrrr!
― Kyaaaaaah!
A cacophonous clamor echoed loudly, and simultaneously, the commoners who heard it began to panic.
"A demon! A demon has appeared in the palace!"
"It's okay! There's the Resonance Stone Barrier......"
Despite watching the demons crossing over from beyond the second gate, the commoners did not entertain the thought of fleeing.
Perhaps they believed that the barrier formed by the Resonance Stones would protect them even if demons suddenly appeared.
"Oh, oh......!?"
However, seeing the demons closing in from beyond the second gate, they must have sensed something was wrong.
"Uh, uaaaaaaaaaah!"
Eventually, a demon closed the distance and bit into a commoner.
Witnessing the man become a mangled heap, screaming out a death wail, the commoners seemed to have finally realized.
The barrier was not working. Without the protection of the Resonance Stones, they were merely demon fodder.
"Run, run!"
"Move, get out of the way!"
The commoners, belatedly, began to flee.
"Kyaaaaaah!"
Among them, one commoner stumbled and fell.
A young girl. The one who had been waiting for her parents at the entrance of the first gate earlier.
― Kyaaaaaah!
With a roar, the demons charged at the girl. I closed the distance in an instant, drawing the Moonstone Sword and slicing the demon.
Splat.
To maintain disguise, I had Angelica wrapped around the Moonstone Sword.
With the enhanced cutting power, the demon was cleft in twain with a single stroke.
"Hmm."
Unintentionally, I glanced at the sword.
'Indeed, it has become stronger.'
It managed to sever a demon as large as a black bear in an instant. Its interior, entangled with 'residual thoughts' like mucilage, should have resisted the blade.
Sensing movement behind me, I assumed it was the fallen girl's parents.
'Either way, if we're to open a path, the demons must be slain.'
Perhaps I should elevate the prestige of the Black Knight a little more while I'm at it.
"I'll hold them off here, so make your escape."
"Thank you. Thank you......!"
The commoner expressed gratitude for the help. The presence I sensed began to recede.
'Hmm.'
Reflected between the demon's eyes lying prostrate, the mask of the 'Black Knight' came into view.
'How splendid.'
It's hardly novel to me now.
***
While cutting through the swarming demons heading toward the second gate, I started feeling something was amiss.
'The numbers are too small.'
Despite the emergence of the 'Demon King' due to the 'Demon God's Horn', the number of demons appearing was not substantial.
Even though not all of the 'Horns of the Demon God' had been gathered, there should have been a massive influx of demons capable of overturning a place like the imperial palace.
― Kieeeeee!
Slicing through the demon charging at me, I dashed toward the second gate.
In the process, as demons attempted to snag my heels, Pintel and the 'Twilight' proficiently opened a path.
"Thank you."
"It's a privilege......."
Upon hearing my words, Pintel opened his lips, suddenly slapping his own cheek.
"Now is the time to unite our strengths."
Nodding at Pintel's words, I continued moving forward.
As I crossed the second gate and approached the center of the imperial palace, the demonic energy grew increasingly dense.
The 'Residual Thoughts' became visible enough to discern and the stature and appearance of demons turned more brutish.
Simultaneously, I understood why there were not as many demons in the palace.
"Hold your line! Prove why the Azure Lion Knights are the Empire's finest!"
Beyond the third gate, the knight order was somehow holding back the oncoming demons.
'It's horrific.'
The piles of demon carcasses lay like mountains. At the same time, the corpses of knights who perished at their hands entered my view.
The knights, who watched the endlessly pouring demons, bore evident fatigue in their eyes.
"That, that's the Black Knight?"
Meanwhile, a knight mumbled my name.
"What?"
The first to react to the knight's murmur was a man with the emblem of the 'Azure Lion Knights' on his shoulder.
Commander of the Azure Lion Knights, Schvalt.
While maintaining the knights' formation and combating the demons, he approached with firm strides.
"The Black Knight and Sir Pintel......."
Though it was confirmed that the 'Twilight' were trailing them with their eyes, Schvalt appeared uninterested in them.
His primary interest was me. Seeing the 'Black Knight' for the first time up close, a hint of surprise could be seen in his expression.
Fortunately, he showed no inclination to brandish his sword.
"To have appeared in such a situation, the moniker of being a hero to the commoners is not unfounded."
Even amidst the ongoing battle, facing hundreds of demons, Schvalt's voice remained businesslike.
However, the content was a world apart from how he would address 'Yulian'.
'Are you a fan of the Black Knight too?'
Even if not to that extent, it was clear he bore no ill thoughts.
'How curious.'
One would assume knights, who prioritize order, would naturally harbor animosity towards the 'Black Knight's actions. Apparently, that wasn't entirely the case.
"Do you know the cause of this commotion?"
"Hmm."
"If you do, I would appreciate it if you could share."
Schvalt politely requested while looking at me. The contrast was so stark it was almost laughable.
"The only thing certain is that the source of the chaos lies at the center of the palace."
Knowing it was entangled with the 'Prince' could lead to troublesome disputes, so I offered only a fragmented piece of information.
"In that case, someone needs to go to the center and confirm."
"Can you open the path for us?"
"Of course."
Schvalt readily nodded in agreement. This fellow, had I asked as 'Yulian', he would surely have drawn his sword.
"Here among us is Commander Kikubad of the Imperial Knights. If you join forces with him, clearing the path shouldn't be an issue."
What?
At the mention of 'Kikubad' from Schvalt's mouth, I surveyed my surroundings.
― Kieaaah!
And then, I locked eyes with Kikubad far away, slicing through a charging demon.
Clacky's Corner:
Oh, I was wrong. Hmmm. It seems it's Yulian all along.
P. S.
10 chapters left.