章節 199: Chapter 358
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Jin, Murakan, Mary, and Tuben all turned their heads simultaneously and looked at Ozdock. Murakan, in particular, blinked his large eyes as if he were awestruck.
[What? Seriously, are you still spouting nonsense, so that you can extend your pitiful life somehow? Hey, hey! Are you not in your right mind?]
[Aigoo, please just listen to me once!]
Seeing this, Jin remembered someone.
'Is he the demonic creature version of Jet...?'
Ozdock's gestures and actions were uncannily reminiscent of Jet.
Up until just before Tuben appeared, the legendary demonic creature who had shown his might was nowhere to be seen.
Aigoo, Aigoo!
Tears even rolled down Ozdock's eyes, like little drops of chicken dung, as he let out a sigh of despair.
Perhaps someone not immune to such despondency might involuntarily turn away due to his appearance and forgive him.
However, this was not applied to the mighty Black Dragon and the Swordmasters of Runcandel.
"Speak. I'll at least try to listen for now."
Among them, Jin was the one with a sympathetic tone. Ozdock could only feel his voice as a lifeline of salvation.
[Kid, there's no need to hear more. A demonic creature like him will die once he loses his core.]
"If I determine that what he's saying is nonsense, there's no need to ask me. Just kill him right away."
It was a precarious lifeline that could be severed at any moment.
[Thank you!]
Ozdock cautiously observed the reactions of the four and began his explanation.
[This is truly a secret... Actually, I have more than one core.]
The concept of a demonic creature having more than one core had not yet been revealed to the world.
So, Murakan immediately raised his foot to crush him.
[C, calm down. If I were a demonic creature with only one core, could I have survived back then, after causing so much destruction?]
Both Murakan and the heroes from a thousand years ago who had faced the formidable Ozdock at the peak of his power.
They had found his immense strength somewhat odd. It is common to form a subjugation party to deal with dragons even if their combat prowess is on average level, but Ozdock was different.
However, people simply considered Ozdock to be an extraordinary demonic creature. Just as occasionally among humans and dragons, exceptional individuals of surpassing common sense emerged.
Yet, the source of Ozdock's power lay in his two cores.
Unlike other demonic creatures, Ozdock, who had taken on the very essence of "human greed," desired more even though the conditions for becoming a demonic creature with core were already met, and as a result...
Unbeknownst to anyone, he ended up with two cores.
[Fine, let's say you have two cores. They should be inside you, right? Take them out right now.]
[The other one isn't inside my body, it's somewhere else.]
Snap!
Tuben lightly hit Ozdock's chin with his elbow, causing him to stumble before quickly standing straight.
"When the guardian dragon of Runcandel asked, you won't just tell us the location, but you have to bring it here and show us."
[Y-yes…]
Originally, Ozdock had planned to lie, saying that his other core was buried far away from here. He had intended to exploit that to escape whenever there was an opening.
But he once again realized that the situation was not in his favor. Helplessly, he spat out his second core and allowed himself to be captured by Tuben. It was the only future left for Ozdock.
Swallowing a deep sigh, Ozdock took a step back to where he had first awakened.
How did I end up with this situation... and why do I have to hand it over like this?
As he retrieved the core buried at that spot, such thoughts crossed his mind. However, Ozdock was not just after gold and power; he was a demonic creature with an insatiable greed for survival, like all living beings.
After a while of digging, Ozdock emerged from underground holding the buried core.
[Huh, you really have two?]
The core looked like a golden apple, emitting a vivid radiance that set it clearly apart from ordinary gold, even to an average person's eyes.
[It seems your second core is even better than the one inside you. Why did you hide it? Was it some sort of insurance?]
Murakan instantly recognized the immense energy contained within the core. If Ozdock had contained this core within himself, then he wouldn't have fallen so easily into Tuben's hands.
[Right now, my body lacks the nutrients to contain it.]
[I see. So you were planning to recover, use the second core, and then return to full power? After causing quite a commotion outside, I presume?]
[Yes.]
[Give it to me. Not to me, the kid. No, not that kid, this kid!]
Ozdock, who had been directed towards Mary, extended the core to Jin. His trembling hand seemed reluctant to let go, as if he didn't want it to be taken away.
[If you had recovered and used this second core, you might have reached around 60 to 70 percent of your prime. I wonder how much chaos you would've caused. It's quite a spectacle to imagine.]
As Jin held the core, Ozdock managed to shake off his reluctance and said:
[Please... use it for something good.]
The words from a demonic creature like him seemed ironic. However, instead of laughing, Jin simply nodded his head. It wasn't too difficult to show such kindness.
[And you must not forget this Ozdock. Someday, I hope that I will be able to serve you...!]
Indeed, Ozdock was a calculating demonic creature. He realized that it was important to make a favorable impression on Jin, not Murakan, in order to hold onto a flicker of hope for the future.
'You must not forget.' By emphasizing this, he meant that he hoped Jin would rescue him from Tuben in the future.
'Would my father and the former Black Knights spare Ozdock?'
It was only natural that Tuben would attempt to capture Ozdock alive. He was unique enough to be reported to Chiron.
Furthermore, Ozdock possessed memories from a thousand years ago.
'Based on Murakan's reaction, he might not know every detail of that era, but if we dig a bit deeper, there might be information useful to Runcandel or my father.'
Ozdock looked at Tuben with a sullen expression. It was a look that begged to be taken away.
It was because he thought that the situation would become more troublesome if that human called Mary attacked again by saying Ozdock is her prey.
"Lord Murakan, may I withdraw now?"
Murakan readily nodded his head.
In fact, he had rather taken a liking to Tuben since a while back. Tuben's way of treating him without excessive arrogance, as a former Black Knight, was quite commendable in his eyes.
[Yeah, go ahead.]
Tuben offered a gesture of respect. After a while, he made eye contact with Mary.
"You've become stronger, Seventh Flagbearer. Impressive. However... you've changed too."
"I've changed?"
"The former Seventh Flagbearer didn't resort to lies to achieve her goals."
"What are you talking about, uncle?"
"The moment I said I would take the demonic creature back with me, you would have drawn your sword. If you were the girl I remember, that's for sure."
Lies to achieve the goal.
Not only Jin, but Tuben was also well aware of Mary's bluff to help the youngest.
"If you want, we can fight for real right now. Until one of us dies or cripples."
Tuben chuckled as if he was facing an adorable niece.
"I didn't mean it in a negative way when I said that."
"You've aged quite a bit too, uncle. Well, it's been quite a while since you officially retired."
"If the flagbearers had done better, I might have been able to retire for real."
Tuben slung his massive scimitar over his back.
While his words held truth, Mary didn't show any signs of irritation. Actually, she believed that what he was saying was accurate.
"Twelfth Flagbearer."
"Yes, Sir Tuben."
"I sense that you're curious about something."
Of course, he was.
He hadn't managed to find an opportunity to ask a question, so it was a relief that Tuben had brought up a topic first.
'He's probably going to ask about Lady Luna. Since Lady Luna holds the Twelfth Flagbearer in high regard. Or maybe he'll ask about the mission in the Black Sea.'
Since Chiron had brought Luna on this mission to the Black Sea, Tuben had naturally had numerous conversations with her.
Apart from mission-related discussions, Luna had mostly talked about her youngest brother. This was quite an unfamiliar sight to Tuben, who had observed her for a long time.
Additionally, he recalled how another former Black Knights, Vanessa Olson, had mentioned Jin several times.
"Since when have you been on the battlefield?"
Jin posed a question that was completely different from what Tuben had anticipated.
"Until you revealed yourself, I couldn't sense any presence at all. I'm skilled at reading aura, I felt completely overpowered."
"Overpowered?"
"If you had intended to kill me, it wouldn't have been difficult at all. To conceal your presence to such an extent, I'm curious about what kind of enlightenment is necessary for that."
Tuben's eyes deepened within the black hood.
"Did I ask something foolish?"
"... No. It's just that it's a completely unexpected question. Honestly, I thought the Twelfth Flagbearer might ask about the mission in the Black Sea or about Lady Luna's well-being."
"As for the Black Sea, I will naturally find out once my father deems it necessary for me to know. And while I'm curious about elder sister Luna's well-being, I think there must be a reason why she hasn't told me anything yet."
For a few seconds, Tuben didn't answer and simply stared at Jin. Then, he responded:
"Twelfth Flagbearer, you're quite impressive."
"You flatter me."
"I could hide my presence not because I have a natural talent like Lady Yona, or some kind of advanced stealth ability like the King of Nameless. It's something as simple as this."
Tuben lightly waved his hand in the air.
In that instant, Jin could sense a invisible energy spreading through the air, strangely distorting along his touch.
'Huh?'
The sensation transmitted through the air that Tuben had dispersed felt peculiar. As if the path was blocked, he couldn't sense anything from that direction, even if he concentrated his attention.
It felt like not even the wind was passing through.
"It was a slight deception. Using Aura, I created a sort of barrier in the air. But both the Seventh and Twelfth Flagbearer were so focused on the battle that neither of you realized. You weren't able to sense the hidden, unusual space."
Calling it a "slight deception" hardly justified it. It was something that demanded an extraordinary level of skill.
'He can twist the sense of space in such a small area using Aura. However, even that would cause a significant amount of fatigue.'
Yet, Tuben had filled most of the battlefield with the aura of this deception. And even with that, the fact that he could handle Ozdock as if dealing with back-alley thugs was astonishing.
"It seems like you're intrigued."
"Yes, Sir Tuben."
"I will report to my lord that the Twelfth Flagbearer was the first who discovered this demonic creature. If my lord deems the demonic creature valuable, you will receive a reward accordingly."
章節 200: Chapter 359
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The bodies of the unknown demonic creatures were strewn about to the point where the ground wasn't visible. As the knights stepped, there was a squelching sound as they walked on the blood-soaked ground, and their clothes and armor were all stained a sickly dark hue.
However, there was just one person who remained unblemished amidst it all—Chiron Runcandel.
Even though he single-handedly killed more than 50% of the demonic creatures that had been turned into mashed meat, not a single drop of blood marred his pristine appearance. Despite the fact that the black blood had risen up to ankles, his steps were light, as if he were treading on fallen leaves, and his boots remained impeccably clean.
This was the depths (深部) of the Black Sea.
For decades, only Chiron and his knights had set foot in the depths of the Black Sea. Excluding them, no one in the world had ventured into this hellish region.
Apart from the map they are making as top secret, there was no official map of this place. No one knew what dangers lay ahead, and even killing dreadful demonic creatures yielded only a few useless bone fragments as rewards.
For the people of the world, there was no reason to venture into the depths of the Black Sea. There were reckless martial artists who embarked on journeys alone in order to achieve growth, and even the few good martial artists among them did not know what the depths of Black Sea looked like.
However, Chiron and his Runcandel explored the Black Sea because they thought that the fate of the clan was at stake.
"Luna."
"Yes, Father."
"We will soon reach the territory of the Five Kings of the Black Sea."
"...I have been thinking that it is time to meet one soon."
"Are you exhausted?"
Luna brushed aside her hair soaked in blood.
She remembered the demonic creatures they had fought against on their way here. The relentless tide of demonic creatures had kept them, Chiron, and all the knights from closing their eyes for even a moment during the past ten days.
"No, I find it rather dull. Even when fighting alongside you, Father, it felt as if I was just slashing through an endless sea of things comparable to dust."
For the first time, she realized that such a long battle could feel so secure.
Chiron turned his head.
"Have you learned nothing from these battles?"
Learning.
Only Chiron was capable of raising such a question to Luna, a knight who had already reached a transcendental level.
Luna glanced at Chiron for a moment, then surveyed her surroundings. She saw the Black Knights checking their equipment and sharing water.
"I've learned how to entrust my back to others."
Chiron nodded approvingly.
The eldest daughter, the first child of a human named Chiron Runcandel.
From the moment Luna was born, she had always impressed and raised expectations in Chiron. Until she chose to give up the patriarchy, Luna had never once disappointed Chiron.
Even when she withdrew from the patriarchy competition and declared her intention to become a sword that protects the clan, Chiron had not let go of the expectations he had for her, for quite a long time. With a human sentiment that is somewhat unfamiliar to him.
He also hoped that his eldest daughter would live a fulfilling life as a martial artist and as a human being, regardless of his position as the patriarch.
However, Luna, even after reaching a certain age, showed that she couldn't break down a few walls that confined her. To Chiron, that had always been a little disappointing.
Not knowing how to fight together.
That was the greatest flaw that Chiron had identified in Luna. She was born with an absolute talent and the destiny of solitude.
"Now you're realizing that. It's something essential when facing the kings of the Black Sea."
His tone wasn't lecturing. Rather, Chiron seemed content, wearing a faint, almost imperceptible smile.
It was a loaded statement, and Luna knew it. That was why she found it difficult to answer.
More distant than stars in the universe, or a sun that was impossible to approach—Luna felt that type of relationship between her and her father. Not just her, but all of his children had felt that way toward Chiron since they were very young.
'Compliment? No, it's not just that... I'm not sure what to say.'
She awkwardly scratched her head.
Of course, Chiron hadn't expected a specific response. It was just that not giving any response seemed impolite from Luna's standpoint, but responding was challenging when she could not think of anything.
Amidst her awkwardness, someone was seen joining the ranks behind her.
It was Tuben.
'Sir Tuben, did you find something unusual in the midsection of the Black Sea? Did he bring a human, no, is it a demonic creature?'
Tuben was making a map of the middle region of the Black Sea accompanied by Vanessa Olsen, standing far away from Chiron's ranks.
The attention of everyone shifted to Tuben and, beside him, Ozdock, who was politely bowing his head as he followed.
Ozdock, though still humanoid in form, was instantly recognizable to everyone.
"My lord. I've come to report on an unusual discovery in the midsection of the Black Sea."
"Tell me, Tuben."
"I confirmed that the 7th Flagbearer and 12th Flagbearer entered the vicinity of the Black Sea's entrance and found them engaged in a battle with this demonic creature."
At the mention of the 12th Flagbearer, Luna perked up her ears. Thanks to Tuben, not only did she smoothly overcome a difficult situation, but she also got to hear news about her youngest brother.
Ozdock looked at Chiron and the Black Knights once more, his shoulders involuntarily tense.
'Ah, I can't even tell how many demonic creatures had been killed... but they could all have become core demonic creatures given the time and opportunity. How many humans of Tuben's caliber are here? And on top of that, the lord of Tuben."
Ozdock remembered a name that everyone called the strongest a thousand years ago.
Temar Runcandel.
As Ozdock remembered his sword, he shivered as if a chill ran down his spine. Ozdock took the former Sarba Kingdom as a hostage to avoid Temar and Runcandel's attack.
[I am, I am Oz... Ozdock...! I am sorry, I didn't mean...!]
Unintentionally, Ozdock blurted out his name, even falling to his knees. He even prostrated himself, but Chiron didn't spare him a glance.
"How did it go?"
"The 12th and 7th Flagbearers worked together, but they struggled a bit. I intervened afterward and brought the situation to an end."
"Did you think they were going to lose?"
"Not really. I simply judged that if the flagbearers utilized their full strength, there was a chance that the battle could be observed from the outside."
"Excellent."
Tuben sensed that the compliment was directed not at him for resolving the situation, but at the flagbearers.
'This demonic creature Ozdock is quite powerful. Could the youngest handle him alone? I wonder how much stronger he has become over the past few months.'
No one paid attention to the fact that Ozdock was a "demonic creature using human language." They had seen such creatures occasionally in the depths of the Black Sea.
While Luna hesitated whether to ask that question, Tuben, who sensed her thoughts, spoke first.
"The 12th Flagbearer could have easily killed him on his own. However, he wouldn't have escaped severe injuries, and without allies like Murakan or the 7th Flagbearer, he might have died from his injuries before leaving the Black Sea."
Chiron also shared Luna's curiosity. Jin's growth was surpassing even his predictions.
"It's been a while since someone other than you reported about the youngest, Kahn."
Kahn closed the water bottle and bowed silently.
He too was making a map alongside the Black Knights. He played a dual role of informing external news while traversing between the depths of the Black Sea and the outer continents.
"It's been quite some time since I received a special letter from Tikan these days, so I was curious as well."
"It took quite a long time for that person named Kashmir to send a decent letter. Thinking back, it's rather amusing."
Amusing, Chiron said, and everyone was surprised by his comment.
Lately, they have been seeing such moments from his youth—when he used to joke around occasionally and talk about trivial, everyday desires—before becoming a Genesis Knight. The deeper they delved into the depths of the Black Sea, the more frequently he exhibited such behavior.
Hence, the knights hid their deep sadness within their hearts.
It was a sadness rooted in the fact that not too long ago, their lord was an ordinary human, and the time left for him as a human was truly limited.
"Ozdock, the demonic creature from legends."
For the first time, Chiron directed his gaze at Ozdock.
[Yes!]
"From becoming a demonic creature with core to now using human language, it must have taken an exceedingly long time."
[That's right!]
Tuben lightly pressed Ozdock's shoulder as a warning, and Ozdock couldn't dare to whimper.
"When the lord asks, provide a more detailed answer."
[In the Black Sea, I, I lived for around... a thousand years...!]
And Ozdock answered.
A thousand years in the Black Sea.
And another thousand years, traveling between the outside and the Black Sea. The total time it took for Ozdock to become a demonic creature with a core was two thousand years.
"In that case, you must also know about the geography of the Black Sea and its kings."
It might seem like an inconsequential statement at first glance.
Ozdock could instantly grasp that.
The moment he answered, "I don't know," his entire body would disintegrate, and he would pass away just like that.
'Oh, shoot! I don't remember much before having the core...!'
Still, he had to answer that he knew. Technically, it wasn't an outright lie.
[Th-that's right.]
"Guide us. Beyond the regions of the Black Sea's Five Kings."
[Understood! Leave it to me!]
Ozdock answered with a forced smile.
And inwardly, he could only think that he should have just kept on sleeping.
***
Baldie, no, the legendary blacksmith and now god, Picon Minche, had glowing eyes because of excitement as soon as he received the core.
[Oh...!]
His heart pounded with the realization that he could now complete his masterpiece.
Furthermore, the core brought by Jin was even more immense than he had anticipated, to the point that he felt he could enhance the sword and still have some left to use elsewhere.
The fact that the core was more massive than expected also meant that Ozdock was less weakened than Picon had thought.
"Hey, Minche. Do you like it? Do you? Huh? You're always so pleased when you pull off a scam, right?"
Therefore, it was entirely reasonable for Murakan to taunt Picon like this.
This time, Picon didn't protest Murakan's teasing with as much conscience.
It could be because he was too thrilled to think about retaliating, but also partly because it was Murakan.
[F-Finally, I can complete my masterpiece...! Jin! Now, there's just one more thing I need... Ugh!]
Murakan grabbed Picon's collar, making his eyes water.
"What? You need something else now? Seriously, do you want to die? Huh? Kid, don't stop me."
"Yep, I won't stop you. Just keep doing what you were doing."
[Hey, hey, wait a minute! L-Let go off my collar. Listen to what I have to say until the end!]
"I'll give you five seconds. Talk. If it's not convincing, I'll continue."
[The last thing I need is fire. It's not something you need to find separately. It's just a matter of Jin unleashing the power of the secret technique of his Magic Sword.]
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