Chapter 125

“What on earth are you talking about!”

“A coup? Grimahl must have lost his mind!”

A coup.

The letters that Antonio urgently sent out through his messengers described Grimahl’s actions in such terms.

For the residents of the Floating Archipelago, it was a point of pride that they had been able to govern their autonomous region peacefully under an oligarchy without interference from the Empire’s royal family.

And now, that was on the verge of being overturned.

The members gathered once more, all visibly enraged.

They had already confirmed the disturbing movements Grimahl was making toward the central temple.

‘This might actually be for the best. I’ll use this sense of crisis to secure complete power for myself.’

Imagining himself as the “hero who quashed the coup,” Antonio shouted with a serious expression.

“If we stop Grimahl, who’s attempting something reckless with foreign support, then we’ll become the saviors.”

At Antonio’s rallying cry, the members of Black Skull nodded gravely.

They were already beginning to feel like heroes in the making.

*** *** ****

“Attention! We have received intelligence that a terrorist attack is planned at the central temple. All residents, please exit the temple calmly under the guidance of the guards. Once again, we repeat…”

Wailing!

The sirens and warning announcements ringing in front of the central temple startled the residents who had been waiting for Kriemhild’s successor to appear.

-What, what’s happening?

-Is this… terrorism? An intelligence report?

-So that means they’re targeting the successor! Unbelievable!

-What kind of monster would do that!

Angry shouts echoed from the crowd.

-Hurry up! We need to get out of here before the terrorist attack!

-You can’t just linger here!

-Hey, you over there! Move quickly! Are you the terrorist?

The guards urged the residents outside.

These guards, accustomed to the bribes Grimahl usually provided, were all but blinded by his promise of a reward twenty times larger than usual once this was over.

They even hinted they would forcibly expel anyone who didn’t comply by accusing them of terrorism.

However, there was one thing they hadn’t anticipated.

The residents’ faith in Kriemhild was far stronger than they had expected.

-What are you saying!

-If there’s a terrorist out there, the successor could get hurt!

-We should protect him! He must be completely exhausted after defeating the evil dragon! Isn’t it our duty to protect him now?

-That’s right! That’s right!

-Kriemhild has protected our Floating Archipelago all this time. Now it’s our turn to protect him!

-Let’s all head to the central temple!

Whoosh!

The residents surged forward, determined to push their way into the central temple.

The guards tried desperately to hold back the crowd, but there were simply too many people, making it nearly impossible.

As a result, it was the House of Grimahl that found itself in a state of panic.

“This is—this is a disaster, Lord Peren! The residents are completely out of control!”

“What on earth did you do to let things escalate like this? Do you realize how much we’ve been paying you?”

The head guard couldn’t even bring himself to meet Peren’s eyes, bowing his head in shame.

Under normal circumstances, he might have protested or at least defended himself.

But right now, the icy gaze of the Ghost Slayer Squad Captain standing beside Peren had him so intimidated that he didn’t dare look up.

“If any harm comes of this, you’ll be solely responsible!” Peren declared.

The guard captain paled but said nothing.

Peren turned anxiously to the Captain of the Ghost Slayer Squad.

“If the residents don’t leave, it will be difficult to carry out our mission. Perhaps it would be better to wait for another chance…”

“No. There will be no next time. We’re advancing as planned. Ghost Slayer Squad, unsheathe your swords.”

Shink! Shink!

At the Captain’s command, every member drew their sword in unison.

“No, this is unacceptable! If you proceed like this, ordinary residents could be harmed… Hic!”

Peren cried out, his face drained of color, but quickly fell silent under the Captain’s murderous gaze.

“My orders are to secure the successor’s person. Ensuring the conditions for this was your responsibility, but you’ve failed to meet it. Why should I consider that in my decision?”

Peren could only hiccup in fear, unable to respond.

“We’ve already given them warnings. Those who don’t leave will be deemed terrorists. And as for terrorists…”

The murderous intent flickering in the Captain’s eyes ignited like ghostly flames.

“…we are required to eliminate them, regardless of age or gender.”

With a flash—

The Ghost Slayer Squad turned into shadows and surged forward.

“What…what’s that?”

“Terrorists?”

“N-no! Grimahl! It’s Grimahl!”

“Why are they running toward us…? Aaaagh!”

“Father, Father, are you okay…?”

“They stabbed someone! Grimahl’s men are stabbing people!”

The crowd descended into chaos in an instant.

The Ghost Slayer Squad mercilessly swung their swords at anyone who tried to block their path.

“This is an announcement! Th-the terrorists are targeting the central temple! This is an a-actual emergency! Residents, p-please leave the area immediately! Failure to do so will mean you may be considered a…a terrorist or an accomplice…!”

The guard captain stammered through the announcement.

But by now, hardly anyone was listening.

“G-get away! Run!”

“Aagh! My arm! My aaarm!”

“Stop pushing! Stop!”

“Why are they targeting us? We only wanted to see the successor! Can’t they tell we’re not terrorists?”

The sheer size of the crowd made it nearly impossible to leave the scene.

People were pushed around, trampled, and fell; some were cut by swords and bleeded as chaos ensued.

Amidst the turmoil, however, the Ghost Slayer Squad steadily carved a path forward and reached the central temple in an instant.

“Stand back! This is a neutral zone declared by the Council! If you wish to enter, lay down your weapons…!”

The head of the knight guarding the temple flew off with a single slash from the Captain of the Ghost Slayer Squad.

“There may be terrorists hiding among those guarding the temple. Search every corner.”

It was effectively an order to seize control of the area.

First, they needed to determine Theo’s whereabouts.

“What on earth is going on—!”

At that moment, Marti and the temple knights came rushing out in alarm.

They saw the blood-stained temple entrance, their expressions hardening at the gruesome sight.

“We have intelligence that the House of Spinola is currently leading a group planning an attack on Kriemhild’s successor. We are here to ensure the successor’s safety, so we request your cooperation.”

“Are you saying Spinola is attempting a rebellion?”

“That’s correct. They were already implicated once before in suspicious activity near the Grand Market. Additional evidence shows they ignored warnings to remain confined to their estate until the Council summons tomorrow, and instead attempted to overthrow the system. The guards have already been dispatched to their location.”

“…!”

Marti clenched her fists tightly.

She now understood the true intent of Grimahl and the Ghost Slayer Squad.

Grimahl was seizing the chance to expand the allegations against Spinola and use force to wrest control for himself!

If Theo succeeded in sealing the Sea King, it would eliminate Troyban’s justification for involvement.

Grimahl would also likely face expulsion as a result.

That’s why he was rushing to act before that could happen.

‘If they manage to subdue Spinola now and secure the successor, their position at the Council will become unassailable.’

If they could even implicate Romellin, who had maintained a neutral stance without making significant statements, alongside Spinola, then the Council of the autonomous region would effectively fall into Grimahl’s—or rather, Troyban’s—hands.

“Listen up, members of the Kriemhild Knights.”

Marti steeled herself, drawing her sword and calling out.

“Do not let them set even a single foot onto the altar area. These are people who dare to defile Kriemhild’s honor.”

“Yes, ma’am!”

“Yes, ma’am!”

“So, there are collaborators with Spinola even here. Eliminate them all.”

Flash

Clang! Clang!

A fierce clash erupted between the temple knights and the Ghost Slayer Squad.

Standing before the Captain of the Ghost Slayer Squad was Marti.

“You won’t succeed in your plan.”

“Finally, I get to see for myself the swordsmanship of this so-called ‘Kriemhild.’ Kriemhild, Kriemhild—I’m sick of hearing that name ever since I arrived here. Out in the real world, it’s a name nobody even knows. I’m curious to see what kind of swordsmanship this backwater’s so-called swordsman has.”

A blatant smirk.

Yet Marti paid no attention, fiercely clashing swords with him.

Her swift swordsmanship reflected her skill, equivalent to that of an Advanced Swordsman.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

However, the real issue was that the Captain of the Ghost Slayer Squad was not just any ordinary soldier; he led an entire unit.

If compared to the ranks in House Ragnar, he would be at least on the level of a Dragon Gate Swordsman.

“Pathetic. Just a backward and stale form of swordsmanship, fitting for a rustic fool.”

With a brief, disdainful critique, the Captain brought his sword down with force.

Clang!

Marti’s sword snapped in half, flying through the air.

The Captain adjusted his sword, preparing to strike her neck as she stood frozen with shock.

“Marti—!”

Suddenly, a flurry of trajectories appeared out of nowhere, aiming for the Captain’s back.

The Captain twisted his sword in the opposite direction, deflecting every attack.

“You…!”

“We’re here to save you!”

“Let’s save the details for later!”

The members of Black Skull instantly recognized the Captain as the greatest threat.

They exchanged a look with Marti, moving to launch a coordinated attack.

“How cute, playing teamwork.”

But to the Captain’s eyes, it was laughable.

Would he even bat an eye at a few kids playing at heroics?

Swish! Swish! Swish!

With a single sweep of his deadly blade, he instantly split the heads of four members.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

“Sradi!”

“Helen!”

“You bastard…!”

“Annoying. Just die, all of you.”

In that moment, the Captain’s eyes flared with a blood-red glow.

Bloodlight Convergence.

The secret technique of the Sacred Demon Church activated, multiplying his power manifold.

He immediately overwhelmed the Black Skull members, swiftly severing the necks of those left momentarily paralyzed.

Among them was Antonio, who had claimed leadership of Black Skull.

“Urgh!”

“Argh…!”

As Antonio fell, unable to even resist, his gaze reflected bitter regret.

The ambition he thought he held firmly in his hands slipped away like a castle of sand.

Thud!

“Nooo!”

“Dieeee!”

Black Skull, unaware of the Ghost Slayer Squad’s terrifying strength, collapsed in disarray once their leaders were annihilated.

The temple knights fared no better.

Though they bore Kriemhild’s lineage, they could not compare to the Ghost Slayer Squad, hardened by countless battles.

‘No…!’

Marti let out a silent scream for her comrades and friends of over a decade who had fallen.

Swoosh!

The Captain of the Ghost Slayer Squad, unfazed, made his way through the carnage, advancing toward the inner sanctum, where an immense power had been radiating.

“Is it here?”

As the Captain of the Ghost Slayer Squad coldly opened the door, something chilling lashed out at his neck.

Clang!

He effortlessly deflected the attack and looked inside.

Selperd was smiling.

“Tch, guess it didn’t work. I thought my timing was spot-on.”

“This dagger… So, you’re from Ragnar, after all?”

“Well, would you look at that, you recognized it?”

“You managed to dig up intel on the Dragon Slayer Sword and make it all the way here? I thought I hid it well, but I guess I failed. The Black Dragon’s skill is impressive as always.”

“Talking to yourself, are you? Do you have some invisible friend only you can see?”

“I’d like to see if you can keep that mouth running after your tongue is sliced by a sword.”

Despite his taunting, Selperd calmly followed the Captain’s every move.

The Captain was a swordsman of Dragon Gate rank—no ordinary Practical Swordsman like him could face someone of that level.

Swish, swish!

Arin and Ray joined him to help.

The “Three-pronged Sword Formation.”

This formation was meant for situations where they faced a formidable opponent; the trio would close in from three sides, trapping the target to attempt a kill.

‘Theo, you wretch! Hurry and finish up already! This is killing me here!’

Selperd was desperate for Theo, who had been giving him a hard time from the Grand Market to the central temple all night.

No matter how hard they struggled, there was no way they could take down the Captain of the Ghost Slayer Squad on their own.

“There it is.”

The Captain spotted the altar and pushed off the ground with force.

Having his steps constantly delayed by these small fry was growing tiresome.

All he wanted now was to grab Theo by the scruff and drag him back.

With Ragnar’s involvement confirmed, he also needed to find out how much they had uncovered about the Dragon Slayer Sword.

Selperd and his team shifted their gazes urgently toward the altar, scrambling in that direction.

Leap!

Ray moved the fastest.

Hermother had taught him a secret footwork technique, perfect for escaping dangerous situations.

But the Captain was already landing atop the altar.

Just then, a halo of light emanated from the gate, and Theo slowly emerged.

He wore the Aegir armor, holding Balmung in one hand.

“Got you.”

The Captain swung his sword downward to subdue Theo.

Clang!

For the first time, the Captain’s full-powered strike was repelled.

“In whose world?”

Under his helmet, Theo scoffed and fiercely swung the Dragon Slayer Sword.

Dragonblood surged within him.

A scorching gust swept through.