Chapter 182: Outbreak of War [2]
[Nox von Reinhaver. If you kill him, I will lend you the army of the Demon Realm.]
Amdusias.
Recently, when Garen visited the western city to seek him out, Amdusias issued him his first mission.
To kill Nox von Reinhaver.
This matter was of significant importance to Amdusias and the other members of Pandemonium, including Rick.
After all, how many Grand Dukes had already fallen victim to Nox?
Though a mere human, Amdusias had experienced seeing the Seven Stars of the continent, this was why he preferred not to face Nox von Reinhaver directly.
Amdusias doesn't want to confront anyone possessing even the slightest possibility.
That was his difference from the other belligerence Grand Dukes.
So, who would be the most suitable person to confront Nox?
'Naturally, a blood-relative that coveting of his power'
Amdusias understood.
Regrettably, blood ties often cause deep wounds and deficiencies in others.
For instance, when an older sibling gained comparatively more, the younger sibling inevitably received less.
Affection, possessions, or power.
The relative word is like a deceptive lie, led individuals to compare what they held with others, ultimately lead people to unhappiness.
Amdusias knew this well.
That was why he planned to use Garen to eliminate Nox.
For Garen, it was an offer he could not refuse. an offer to eliminate his troublesome youngest sibling as part of a task assigned by a Grand Duke for the first time?
He thought there was no better offer than this.
It was a win-win situation for both sides.
And to speak, now is that moment.
Garen bowed swiftly in response.
"Of course, This is Grand Duke Amdusias first directive to me, isn't it? I, Garen, will ensure the mission is carried out successfully."
[Then, you must. If we don't stop him, unforeseen variables may arise. Handle it thoroughly.]
After their conversation and departure from the western city, Garen resolved.
That he will get rid of his foolish younger brother no matter what.
And, there was a process he needed to follow beforehand.
None other, the existences on his sides. Formidable beings, including Noah.
Without the support of the Demon Realm's army, Garen lacked the strength to handle his companions. While overestimating the enemy would be unwise, underestimating them could be a poison.
The enemy was none other than Nox von Reinhaver
Not only he had recently gained favor from his father, but he also secured the position of the top seat of Eldain, and he was a person who won against the first Prince Louis in a duel. There were likely even more secrets he had hidden.
But Garen had no intention of confronting him unprepared.
For example, his own ally and mother, Priscilla.
Her ability to track Nox's whereabouts was critical.
"Nox von Reinhaver was reportedly in a village quite far from Eldain. Seeing that he vanished without informing anyone of where he went, he must be fleeing"
"Though he once boldly declared war, it appears he has now had a change of heart. It's almost laughable that the Grand Duke would bother with such trash."
"True. But never let your guard down, my son. You must climb even higher. Unless you surpass Theo von Reinhaver, you'll remain second best, unable to persuade the family and the Elder Council."
"Yes, Mother. I will remember that."
The mother and son, not only both worshiped demons, they also shared a common goal, to dethrone Theo von Reinhaver. Their father and husband respectively.
Now is Reinhaver. Moving forward, the mother and son believe they will obtain much more.
Nox von Reinhaver would die cursing his reckless decisions, his life ending miserably as a fugitive.
For both of them, Nox von Reinhaver was someone who needed to be completely destroyed.
Only then would Garen seize control of the family's power.
Even conspiring with demons to overthrow imperial authority was just part of the process. at least to them.
——————————————
The metallic scent of blood filled the air. There was no need to confirm whose it was.
It was my blood. More precisely, blood gushing from my neck.
Pierced by a lightning-quick thrust from Garen's blade.
As expected, the difference in our abilities was clear.
My opponent is Garen von Reinhaver
The eldest son is mentioned to become the head of the family.
In the end, I wasn't yet skilled enough to face him with a sword.
Despite acquiring various items and growing stronger, I couldn't win against someone who had trained for years. That was the unyielding rule of this harsh world.
Keep moving forward.
That was the only thing I could hold onto for my future.
Garen smirked coldly.
"You've certainly grown stronger, but you're far from ready to fight me. Foolish little brother. Running away to this remote village…"
"I ran away? What a joke."
I laughed in disbelief. My words seemed to momentarily bothered Garen, but he quickly regained his arrogant expression.
"If you think you can deceive me and escape like that, you are mistaken. Many who follow me are already here. Your death in this place is inevitable."
"Listen carefully, Garen. I'll say it just once. I didn't run away, nor did I plan to die quietly. This place will become your grave."
"Such arrogance, huh."
"No, the one who is wrong is you."
Clang!
Siblings swords are crossed. Though I lack memories as Nox. I know that half of the blood running through that man's body is the same as mine. Theo von Reinhaver. A fleeting thought crosses my mind. what is he thinking now?
And why did Christopher ask me to save him? From my experiences playing the game, I know he's clearly a villain.
There's still so much I don't understand, but at this moment, I can only focus on one thing.
I must kill him.
The man with white hair like mine in front of me,
My blood relative brother, the firstborn.
Because in this world, I can't survive if I don't do it.
[Activating the skill "Genius Time+"]
For a moment, time slows.
Everything that etches into my retinas. Every part of the scenery,
Every leaf that rustles in the air. All freezes in place.
Now I understand.
This sensation is mine alone. Though it lasts only for a fleeting moment, the time that make me stronger than anyone is my biggest weapon.
Step.
I take a single step. As my body moves, I see my opponent's view shift abruptly.
The first step of the Light step. Taught to me by Vernon is a basic movement technique. Yet, combined with this time that is unique to me, it gains immense value.
"What the…!"
A voice close to a scream escapes Garen's lips.
He should never expect to be outpaced by his youngest sibling in a battle of speed. But what can he do?
I have the skill.
A skill that grants me a time no one else in this world possesses.
A skill that belonged to Nox, but now belongs to me.
A cold smile involuntary forms on my lips.
As if I truly enjoy it, I raise my sword toward Garen.
The first half, the first form of the Black Sword, [Black Blade Flash].
The sword, transformed into a flash slash, its blade aims precisely for the enemy.
Shwat! The sound of a spray of blood follows as I feel my blade bites into his shoulder.
But the situation isn't that good.
'Shallow.'
"How dare! The son of a lowly woman!"
His voice drips with contempt.
But it doesn't bother me.
If anything, his excessive words only confirm that he's beginning to falter. Garen von Reinhaver. I'm sorry, but I won't kill you so easily.
Not with all those eyes watching us flickering candles, though they are my relatives, they are hoping for my death more than anyone else. I have to show them.
Nox von Reinhaver
I have to show them what kind of person I am.
"Curse it….! What are you doing? Kill him immediately!"
With his scream, countless soldiers began to pour down from the top of village where we fought. Clad in black, they are members of the Reinhaver family's branch lines.
Now, I can say they are clearly my enemies.
I understood now. Sharing the same blood doesn't make us family.
This world is no cradle.
"By the young master's order!"
"Kill Nox von Reinhaver"
"Kill him!"
Their voices echo along with torrents of murderous intent from the Reinhaver's swordmanships.
The soldiers uniformly wield black blades. I'm aware of the threat they pose. Still, I smiled involuntarily. They're behaving exactly as expected. isn't that right?
Cheeeengg!
Despite the onslaught of swords aimed at me, I remain unbothered and just stand. Maybe I could react quickly enough to dodge.
But is it physically possible to handle all these numbers?
No
Yet, there's one reason I can just remain confident like this.
Every blade shatters before they can touch me.
"Young master! This Christopher has arrived without late! Though the journey here was long and arduous, my loyalty to you, young master Nox, has never wavered! This Christopher will prove it to you…"
"Nox von Reinhaver"
I ignore Christopher's rapid and verbose declaration entirely. And incline my ear instead toward the clear, ringing voice of a young girl.
Reddish-brown hair, a gaze that I've been meeting more frequently than ever these days. While looking at her, I made a expression of 'as expected'
"Eleanor."
"What were the rest of us supposed to think if you suddenly decide to start a war and then disappear? I-I was shocked!"
"Hmm, you?"
I replied nonchalantly, but her expression was quite serious this time. Was she acting? I wasn't sure.
Regardless, she continued.
"If it weren't for this pendant, I never would've known you were here. I thought something had happened to you. That you might've abandoned…."
"But you came, didn't you?"
Eleanor's pupils widened. As if it were natural, I kept speaking.
"I knew you'd come."
More accurately, I knew she'd show up with an entire army, just as I could see behind her now. But I didn't say that. Mentioning it might shatter the trust I'd built. So instead, I simply stated that I trusted her. As I did that, for some reason..
"…. If you are saying things like that. how am I supposed to…."
What?
Suddenly, Eleanor's face turned bright red. Don't know what to do when dealing with people was just like past Yoochan.
Apparently, she's really just as bad at dealing with people as he was.
Calmly thinking this, I shifted my gaze back to Garen.
He muttered in a dazed voice.
"Nonsense! You couldn't have contacted anyone before arriving here…"
"Didn't I tell you?"
I smiled coldly as I replied.
"I didn't run."
For a moment, the matching necklaces Eleanor and I were wearing emitted a brief flash of light. The beautiful pendants glowed with a brilliant hue, radiating shimmering water-like colors that scattered like magnificent fireworks.
These necklaces were one of the critical components of my plan this time.
Eleanor's quick wits are the same.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone