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Despite being constantly ignored by its wielder, the holy swordâs power was extraordinary.
It wasnât called a holy sword for nothing. It was an artifact created by ancient seers, foreseeing a coming threat.
A sword with its own will couldnât be ordinary.
Yet, it had remained silent, waiting for its wielder to acknowledge it.
A tool shouldnât act on its own. And part of it was curious to see how far its arrogant wielder could go without its help. But then, an enemy appeared.
A significant threat, even in the holy swordâs eyes. It was only natural.
This was a blood demon, a being that required a nationâs full might to confront.
The holy sword, unconsciously, unleashed its power to protect its wielder. It was a simple release of energy, but it was enough to harm the blood demon.
The Mud Guardian was stunned.
He had divided his hearts. As long as one remained intact, he couldnât be killed. It had always been that way.
But a flash of light from the sword had engulfed him, and now, all seven of his hearts were burning.
âWhat is happening?â
[What did you do?!]
He sounded like a cornered dog, trembling and barking at a larger, more fearsome being. And Hans, the target of his fear, was thinking...
âWhat the hell? What just happened?â
He was undoubtedly the most bewildered person present.
The holy sword he carried, against his will, had suddenly emitted a light, and now the blood demon was on the verge of death? And he had no control over it?
Chills ran down his spine.
The holy swordâs danger level in his mind increased slightly. But he quickly revised his assessment.
He had faced countless crises and overcome them all. He would turn this into another opportunity.
He smirked.
âWhatâs wrong? Is a great blood demon already scared?â
[What did you do?! How did you damage all my hearts...!]
âAll his hearts? Did it really damage all of them?â
[Commander! The hearts are being destroyed! Whatâs going on?!]
[The heart here is being destroyed too!]
Hans quickly processed the information and reached a conclusion.
The holy swordâs light had damaged all of the Mud Guardianâs hearts. If left alone, it would die.
âThis is going to be easier than I thought.â
It was time to press his advantage. He deliberately kept the communication device active, speaking loud enough for his voice to be transmitted.
âDo you still not understand? Your mistake was challenging me, no... challenging us!â
[W-What?!]
âWe carry the hopes of a better future, the lives of our friends, comrades, even our families!â
[...]
âA pathetic vermin like you, content to wallow in your fortress, was never our match!â
He had often wondered why villains in movies and shows always listened to the protagonistâs speeches.
The answer was simple, the power of their words.
Even nonsense, repeated often enough, couldnât be ignored. Especially when spoken by the Commander of the Royal Knights.
âHoly shit, I would have been dead without Time Stop,â
He quickly retreated and released Time Stop.
[Commander?! Whatâs happening?! Commander!!!]
[The heart is gone! And the ceiling...!]
[Teacher! I canât get through!!!]
âDonât panic.â
Unable to focus with their frantic calls, Hans responded coldly. But his words had a different effect on his unit members.
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Yuren looked up.
The ceiling had collapsed, and the flesh was decaying. The outside influence was weakening. This was both a crisis and an opportunity.
Regaining her composure thanks to the Commanderâs words, Yuren roared.
The dragonâs cry shook the fortress, and the unit members began to gather.
âYuren! The Commanderâs in danger!â
âThereâs no way through!â
âCalm down. Weâll figure something out.â
âIf Teacher is in danger, I...!â
âDonât be ridiculous. Heâs our Commander.â
???? Important Notice ????
); }
Cluna understood their concern. It was natural to worry when someone precious was in danger. But to her, Hans was more than that.
He was the one who had always led them, a human with a short lifespan, yet possessing unimaginable strength. She couldnât fathom the reason, but his achievements were undeniable.
And he had just declared their purpose to the enemy.
[Do you still not understand? Your mistake was challenging me, no... challenging us!]
[We carry the hopes of a better future, the lives of our friends, comrades, even our families!]
[A pathetic vermin like you, content to wallow in your fortress, was never our match!]
Even under the command of a brilliant leader, casualties were inevitable in war.
Many would mourn their loss. But they had to keep moving forward.
For the sake of a future where no one had to die, a future where even grief was forgotten.
Yet, their Commander had chosen to confront that grief head-on.
Cluna longed to break through the barrier herself. But after hearing his words, how could she cling to her own desires?
She erased her smile.
âAs you wish, Commander.â
The Commanderâs will was to support the troops fighting outside and secure victory.
He would undoubtedly handle the Mud Guardian himself. At least, thatâs what she believed.
âSomeone help me, please!!!â
It seemed his inner cries were going unheard.
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[Translator Notes]