Chapter 29: Eliminating Threats
Octavia watched the scene unfolding before her with a resolute expression. She was not someone trained in combat, yet she was astonished by her ability to remain calm amidst such chaos. Quickly, she stole a glance at Arthur, hidden within the Thornshell, and thought:
’Did Lord Arvan anticipate all of this? He’s truly not an ordinary man.’
Having received direct instruction from Arthur, he had trained her on how to act during sudden incidents. His most important advice had been: "Strike first, think later."
And that’s exactly what she did—acting quickly, she attacked the nearest soldier. Surrounded and protected by the recruits, she felt a surge of safety and courage, and launched a second strike when she saw the Vice-Captain of the Guard drop his defense.
Though she tried to maintain her composure, she felt a mix of excitement, tension, and anxiety. From time to time, she glanced at Arthur. She didn’t know why, but she felt he was the key. If he won, they would all win. If he lost, they were doomed. She didn’t care whether he was real or fake, that wasn’t her concern. She was merely a poor maid who had been given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and she clung to it with all her might.
When the Vice-Captain made another move and charged toward Arthur, Octavia reacted instantly. She began visualizing the shape of a water blade, channeling mana from her magical core, and quickly muttered a few short words. She couldn’t recite the full incantation, so she used the shortened version Arthur had taught her.
Swoosh!
A blade of water surged from her position toward the Vice-Captain. But unlike the first time, he dodged it easily and took a few more steps forward before Brock intercepted him. The Vice-Captain smoothly sidestepped Brock and reached the end of the hall. Pouring all his strength into his sword, he swung to slice through the Thornshell—however, before he could, dozens of thorny roots erupted from the ground at his feet.
They rapidly twined around him, causing him to stumble. He slashed through a few of them, but more kept emerging without pause. Within seconds, he was entangled like the Captain of the Guard before him.
Before he could devise a solution, Brock appeared behind him and stabbed him in the head, killing him on the spot.
When the hesitant castle soldiers saw the Vice-Captain die, they lost the will to fight and surrendered completely. He had been their strongest combatant after the Baronet and the Captain of the Guard, both Rank D. With him gone, half their strength was lost.