Chapter_22: Davi's Plan

Azariah, feeling the crushing force of the Grimoire's hand, released his blade, which tumbled into the monster's mouth. As it disappeared, the Grimoire unexpectedly cried out in agony.

Lancelot, looking concerned, even struggled to move. Suddenly, an arm emerged from the ground and seized Lancelot's leg with such force that it seemed ready to snap.

"Lancelot!" Gideon shouted in alarm as he hurried over to them, wielding his shield and blade. As an arm lunged at him, he deftly blocked it with his shield and swiftly sliced it off before continuing toward Lancelot and Azariah.

It was evident that a third-level Grimoire posed a formidable challenge, and even four Royal Knights found it difficult to defeat the creature and inflict any damage. Such powerful Grimoires were rare in the city; the last one of this level had been encountered around five months ago and had required seven Royal Knights to vanquish it.

Gideon continued to maneuver, parrying multiple arms and rushing to aid the two soldiers. As Lancelot was lifted, he swiftly cut the arm, and Lancelot fell to the ground.

They fended off more arms before creating space for the Grimoire. Their expressions showed concern for Azariah, but one thing troubled them: the Grimoire showed no sign of trying to swallow Azariah.

After examining the Grimoire for a minute, it became evident that it was not attempting to consume a human in its raw form but was waiting for the human to be melted into liquid. This conclusion was drawn as each drop from Azariah seemed to please the Grimoire.

But why did it scream earlier?

'Could it be that the blade made it scream? '

'Yes, it seems likely, as there's nothing else that could have caused such a reaction besides the blade.'

In that moment, Davi felt that he was beginning to comprehend the power of the Grimoire. It became clear to Davi why any attack involving piercing was ineffective against the Grimoire.

'The true nature of the Grimoire's abilities is that the gooey substance has a mind of its own.'

When Lancelot first attempted to pierce it, his blade became stuck inside the Grimoire. However, it wasn't stuck due to the Grimoire itself; it was stuck because of the dead humans inside the Grimoire.

It was evident that two humans had been killed by the Grimoire, and the most effective way to kill them was likely by being consumed. From the beginning, it seemed hungry, as gooey substances fell from its mouth when it pursued Matheus and Lancelot.

When Lancelot pierced the monster, it was difficult to retrieve his blade because it had pierced the humans inside it rather than the Grimoire itself.

But what made the Grimoire ineffective against attacks such as piercing and lunges? It was because the goo dodged the attacks on its own.

First, when Lancelot pierced it for the first time. Second, when Davi threw the stick. Third, when Azariah threw a rock at the Grimoire. Fourth, when Lancelot pierced it again and slashed it sideways.

All those attacks involved piercing the Grimoire, and the Grimoire reacted in the same manner to each of them.

'But how can we defeat the Grimoire if we only knew its attacks? '

Davi smiled confidently and thought, 'The answer is clear: we need to kill it from the inside, where the Grimoire has no power to control.'

As Davi finished covering the stick with Blood Surge, he instructed Adriel, "Throw this inside the Grimoire."

Adriel swiftly grabbed the stick and rushed towards the monster, his determination shining through. Without hesitation, he jumped and threw the stick into its mouth. As the Grimoire's mouth swiftly closed, Adriel seized the opportunity to save Azariah by cutting the arm that held him and carrying him to safety.

Lancelot and Gideon, although confused, trusted in the plan and stood ready for whatever came next.

After observing the Grimoire's abnormal behavior, they were taken by surprise when it screamed in terror before releasing a shockwave. Gideon swiftly guarded all the Royal Knights, including Davi, as the shockwave intensified. After ten seconds, the Grimoire was finally defeated, and the shockwave stopped.

"Thankfully, that Grimoire was not very clever," Davi remarked with a hint of relief.

"You always have a strategic plan, Davi," Gideon said with a smile, while the other Royal Knights cast thankful glances at Davi.

"It did leave a mess, though," Adriel remarked in annoyance after seeing his surroundings.

After a long and tiring battle, the battle was finally over, with the Royal Knights side winning.

The order was completed.

…

As the men decided to take a break, Garnette entered the room looking surprised.

"Ragnar, you really should rest now. Let me take care of the cleaning," Garnette offered kindly.

"No, it's okay. Garnette, you should take a break; you've been working since morning. Let me handle it now," Ragnar insisted in a gentle tone.

"Well then, I'll just watch both of you clean here," she said as she took a seat.

"Also, you both better clean that up quickly, or the tea will get cold downstairs," Garnette teased them.

"Yeah, let's get this done fast!" Bane exclaimed with determination, getting up from the floor.

Both men continued their work with determination and courage. As they cleaned, Cliffe came to Ragnar's mind.

Ragnar felt a moment of sorrow and asked Bane, "Where do you think Cliffe and the others have gone?"

Bane didn't respond for ten seconds, wearing a surprised expression. He composed himself for a moment and then said, "They're probably continuing to head back to the west."

…

As a majestic lady with serene white hair walked down the aisle, she was greeted by a familiar modern man. He offered his hand to her and gave her a powerful look, leaving her confused.

"Ana, how long has it been since we last met?" The man asked in a soft tone.

After studying the man again, she realized that he had dark hair and dark eyes. Although he seemed familiar, she still couldn't place him.

"You don't remember me, do you? It seems like you've become quite the professional now, forgetting your childhood, or perhaps you have a bad memory?" The man continued softly.

Lady Ana was still puzzled by his presence; she didn't say anything except try to remember who he was.

"If nothing is coming to mind, then let it be. My name is Alonso Mitchell; I remember you as my childhood friend, don't you?" Alonso said softly.

After racking her brain, Lady Ana finally recalled Alonso Mitchell. He was her childhood friend from their teenage years. After a decade of not seeing each other, they were finally reunited.

"Alonso, you've grown so much. How tall are you?" Lady Ana spoke with a serene tone.

"I'm tall; that's it. Ana, you've grown to be quite beautiful," Alonso said softly, offering his hand in greeting.

After a brief conversation in the hallway, Lady Ana asked him if he would like to continue their talk outside to enjoy the beautiful surroundings, to which Alonso kindly agreed.

They had a peaceful conversation as they made their way to Lady Ana's favorite shed, which was located away from the main castle. As they left the main castle, Lady Ana and Alonso were greeted by royal visitors from different cities.

They returned the greetings with smiles and continued walking along the pathway. As they walked, they engaged in their own conversations, and after ten minutes, they finally stopped and continued their discussion in a shed.

Lady Ana graciously suggested, "Let's continue our conversation here," as she settled into her seat.

After a decade apart, they were finally reunited. Sitting together, they exchanged meaningful looks before falling into a comfortable silence, gazing up at the sky.

"So, you're the mayor of a distant city, right?" Lady Ana inquired softly.

"Yes, it has been quite a long time. Lady Ana, you have truly become someone exceptional, far surpassing my own accomplishments," Alonso replied.

"Have I really? I don't see much progress. I once aspired to be a princess of this realm, but that dream seems to have faded," Lady Ana lamented.

"And you already have two children at such a young age. That's quite an achievement," Lady Ana continued.

"Yes, it is. I'm just grateful to have the opportunity to speak with you again. Ana, perhaps it's time for you to consider marriage; being a virgin princess will only invite scorn from others," Alonso suggested.

"I will find someone for myself, but not right now."

It was evident that Lady Ana harbored some envy for Alonso. Her smile masked the jealousy within her.

It was also surprising to learn that her childhood friend had become the mayor of a city, achieving more than she had.

"He's here. Would it be acceptable for me to invite someone to join us in the midst of our conversation?" Lady Ana asked as she noticed a man approaching.

As the figure drew closer, it became apparent that the man was clad in Royal Knight armor. Upon reaching Lady Ana, he kneeled before her with great reverence and loyalty.

With his brown hair and resolute gaze, it was clear that this man was Apollo, the knight who would be officially appointed as a Royal Guardian tonight.