11

* * * * * *

A corner of the stone wall that surrounds the laboratory.

There I was putting a gun in the researcher's mouth.

Not a great reason.

In order to get inside the heavily guarded laboratory, he was only seeking help from the researcher.

"Mson… uh... … ."

The researcher with the gun in his mouth looked at me with terrified eyes.

Come to think of it, this man was also quite unlucky.

He followed the researcher who came out to buy a cigarette, and slammed a gun into his mouth.

There must be traces of a young man who bit the gun before, so in a way it was safe to hit him with an indirect kiss.

"I want you to be quiet and move your head."

nod. nod.

The researcher with the gun in his mouth nodded.

I finally pulled out the gun that had been locked in my mouth.

Fortunately, there was no accident in which a tooth broke like the young man I met earlier.

I asked, tapping the roof of the researcher's mouth with the pistol I was holding.

"you. Do you have any influence in the lab?"

The researcher who heard the question looked at me with blank eyes.

It seems to be a more difficult problem than I thought.

If you were asked if the first person you met was good, how many people could say, 'I'm good'.

It was understandable that the answer did not come easily.

However, it is difficult if the answer is too late.

"It looks difficult. If it's useless, I'll kill you."

nod. nod. nod.

The researcher nodded his head violently at my words.

Only now has a useful answer returned.

I don't know if the researcher's statement is true, but I'm confident I'll make it useful somehow.

I pulled out the muzzle that had been lodged in the researcher's mouth.

Then he brought it to the researcher's abdomen and said.

"How far can you access the lab?"

"Oh, almost anything is possible!"

"Not long ago, a young woman was kidnapped. Do you know that too?"

"Ah, that woman… … ."

When he brought up Belle Viertin's story, the researcher showed signs of knowing.

If you knew where Bell was, the story was fast.

You should be guided by the researcher in front of you and go to Bell.

I gave the order with a wink towards the entrance to the lab.

"Guide me."

"However… … ."

"Are you not authorized? I'm going to kill him and find him again."

"no! it will be possible maybe… … ."

"Then don't talk and move."

With the researcher in the lead, a gun was attached to his back.

The gun was invisible from the front view.

Behind me, a swordsman with a guitar case was following me.

Whoever looked at it, it was a suspicious party itself.

From now on, I was planning to break down that doubt with the power of authority.

"for a moment. to stop."

As we approached the lab's main gate with the researcher, a guard guarding the door stopped us.

A researcher who went out alone is on the way back with a suspicious party.

The men standing on the guard looked at us with suspicious eyes.

A guard with a rifle looked at me and then asked the researcher who was facing me.

"Who are the people who accompanied you?"

dreamy. dreamy.

The researcher's eyes popped open and looked at the guards alternately.

It seemed that the guards were trying to figure out whether they could help him.

I pressed the muzzle closer to the researcher's back.

Nevertheless, it seems that he had greater trust in the guards, the researcher opened his mouth as he looked at the guards.

"Here are the suspicious people―――."

- "The people here are the director's guests."

But you picked the wrong opponent.

I used telepathy to bury the researcher's voice, and told the guards the story I had prepared.

oh A brief sigh was heard from the researcher's mouth.

It is a situation in which a story that has not been told has flowed out in his own voice.

You will even be suspicious of what you are saying.

The guard heard the answer mimicking the researcher's voice, and asked again without leaving room for disbelief.

"Your guest? I haven't been told anything in advance."

"No, I'm being threatened now——."

- "The director asked me! If you are dissatisfied, you should check directly with the director!"

"What… … ?"

- "If you are late, then it will be your responsibility. If you knew, open the door as soon as possible!"

In accordance with the researcher's expression, the voice flows again.

The guard's face flushed red when he heard my altered voice.

The researcher also couldn't keep his mouth shut with a shocked expression.

Did the researcher's expression look like he was angry?

Without even responding, he quietly made the way for us.

"… … pass by."

The researcher looked at the path the guard had made with blank eyes.

Seeing that he was still unconscious, I tapped him on the shoulder and said.

"It seems to have worked out. Let it pass."

"… … uh? uh. yes."

"Go quickly. The warden will be waiting for you."

The researcher who was pushed with the muzzle moved forward.

The guards guarding the entrance looked at us with bitter eyes.

What will they do if they try to stare?

It is said that the director of the institute is calling us.

We followed the researcher as he took a clumsy gait.

The crude laboratory buildings built over the stone walls welcomed us.

As the guards guarding the entrance slowly began to recede, I stabbed the gun in the researcher's waist and said:

"Looks like you want to die."

"Oh no, that's… … . I must have been crazy for a while."

"It would be better to behave well. Because you can play dolls with a corpse."

The researcher's complexion turned blue at the threats uttered.

I don't know what kind of courage this person had to do something like that just before.

According to the researcher, he may have gone crazy for a while.

It seems that this threat was seriously entrenched in his mind.

The researcher nodded and asked me, shaking tremblingly.

"… … But was it just magic?"

"You know what to do."

It seems to have turned around because it was too tight.

hooked. Once again the muzzle was stabbed, and the researcher began to walk forward.

It felt as if I had obtained a control stick to control people.

At the brief conversation between me and the researcher, Geomseong looked at the researcher with cold eyes.

The researcher entered the building with the back of his head catching the sword's stinging gaze.

It was the smallest of the buildings in the laboratory.

"Oh, senpai. Where are you going?"

As he entered the lab, another person spoke this time.

A pure white research coat. And the big dark circles that are tired of fatigue.

It was a researcher in the same situation as he was talking to me.

The researcher looked at his colleague with blank eyes, and then spit out a word indifferently.

"I am very busy."

"Oh, I'm sorry."

As he entered the lab, another person spoke this time.

A pure white research coat. And the big dark circles that are tired of fatigue.

It was a researcher in the same situation as he was talking to me.

The researcher looked at his colleague with blank eyes, and then spit out a word indifferently.

"I am very busy."

"Oh, I'm sorry."

Hearing the researcher's words, his colleague seemed to retreat more easily than expected.

Is it because he himself has a relatively superior position?

It didn't take very long to solve.

We passed the researcher's colleague who was blocking us, and from there we walked up about three more steps.

Tub. Tub.

The sound of footsteps echoed on the still stairs.

"...."

From the outside, the lab looked small, but when I walked on my own feet, it felt more spacious than I thought.

However, unlike the large area, the number of people was on the small side.

It is a research institute run by a criminal organization in top secret.

There will be limits to recruiting people openly.

By the time I reached the 4th floor above that, I went over the 3rd floor that asked for a security card.

Guards different from before were blocking our way.

"What kind of thing is it? The two people in the back look like outsiders."

The guard guarding the fourth floor said in a loud voice.

Just by looking at his face, he had a rougher-looking stomach than the guy he had met before.

When the guard patted the gun and asked the researcher, the researcher hesitated and could not easily come up with an answer.

Either way, you are doing something that goes against the institute.

It seemed that it was difficult to lie in front of a security guard from a criminal organization that looked like that.

"No, this is… … ."

"What?"

- "I came at the command of the warden, so please open the door quickly."

Seeing the researcher having a hard time finding courage, I decided to give him courage instead.

I delivered the main point to the guard in a hot and concise manner.

It was a summary that anyone could easily understand.

Hearing the researcher's story, the guard tilted his head and asked.

"The commander's orders? I have never heard of such a thing."

"No, I---."

- "What would you do if you couldn't hear it? In the first place, it doesn't seem like an end like you knows anything."

"What?"

- "It's a waste of time, so shut up and open the door."

The researcher's face turned bright blue.

The guard's face turned bright red in contrast to him.

The guard brought his blushing face closer to the researcher.

Then, he poked the researcher's forehead with his finger and asked.

"What did you say now?"

The researcher's teeth that touched the guard's finger trembled softly.

I got into an argument because of the words I didn't say.

Even if it is embarrassing, it will be a very unfortunate situation.

However, contrary to the researcher's appearance, the words that came out of the researcher's mouth were harsh.

That's because I was speaking on behalf of the researcher.

- "I would have told you to open the door. Maybe you lack a lot of intelligence?"

"ha ha ha! Was the door you wanted the Hwangcheon-gil gate?"

- "The director is waiting for you. If it is late, will you risk your life and take responsibility?"

"Hey, this kid… … ."

Even the youngest bastards were somewhat embarrassed by the name of the warden.

The guards finally cleared the way while grinding their teeth.

As the guards guarding the stairs cleared the way, the researcher and our party moved forward.

The guards gave way to the end, but kept their cover until the end.

"Let's leave it later… … !"

- "Ttt. They are ignorant people like that."

With the voice of the researcher, he thoroughly exchanged even the last move.

At this point, the researcher seemed to have given up.

Whoa. A short sigh escaped the researcher's mouth.

If it wasn't for the gun he was holding, it would have been a face that would have poured out at any moment.

Of course, the gun that touched the researcher's back was holding him back, so fortunately that didn't happen.

"From here on, the alarm will sound."

When we passed the last guard blocking us, all that was left were the tightly closed iron gates.

Each iron door had a hole for inserting a card.

If I had come here without the help of a researcher, it would have taken quite a while just to check the contents one by one.

The researcher, perched on one of the rows of iron gates, warned by pointing his finger over the door.

An alarm may sound. It's not like I'm just saying things like that.

It meant that something on a scale that could no longer be overcome even with his own influence would happen.

"Can you open it?"

"It's possible to open it. But the record remains. The guards will also come."

"Don't worry about the next day. Just focus on the work in front of you."

Anyway, the next day was the responsibility of the researcher in front of me.

The researcher, unaware of this fact, took out his card and began to press the password on the security door.

beep. beep. beep. beep.

The researcher's hand was busily moving around the number pad.

ten digits. Or, after the 12-digit password was pressed, the card key that the researcher brought was removed.

Jiying-.

With a heavy mechanical sound, a thick iron gate appeared beyond it.

"The alarm is starting to sound."

The alarm that sounded along with the sound of the door being opened was a bonus.

Beep-. Beep-.

An alarm sound enough to hurt my ears rang out all over the 4th floor.

Just as the researcher had warned before opening the door.

Since the alarm has started to sound, the guards will soon arrive here.

Before that, I needed to solve the problem with Bell.

"… … Why is it like this?"

As I stepped through the open security door, I looked at the bell tied to the chair and said.

Bell sat on the thick steel chair that bound his wrists.

I don't know what happened while I was here, but Bell's condition, sitting idly, didn't seem normal.

It was a natural order to look at the researcher in search of the reason for Bell's rather strange appearance.

"Because I was on medication. Give me the antidote and I'll come to my senses in no time."

"approximately?"

"You must have been trying to find some useful information."

Having said that, the researcher looked at a nearby table.

A container of clear liquid was placed on the table.

If Bell couldn't walk on his own feet, it was up to us to make the escape difficult.

If it can be made intact, it would have been better to take action as quickly as possible.

He didn't know what Herio would do when he saw Bell's broken form.

"A quick dose."

"under… okay."

"How do you unlock the chair?"

"That button over there."

While the researcher was inserting the syringe into the antidote, I searched for a way to release the bell.

On the back of the chair where Bell was sitting, there was a button to release the restraint function.

shudder. When the button was pressed, the restraint that bound Bell's hand was completely released.

The researcher administered an antidote to Bell's neck when the restraints were released.

The liquid that filled the syringe disappeared in an instant, and the needle that had dug into Bell's neck was pulled out.

The antidote had no dramatic effect, such as waking up Bell right away.

I lifted the unconscious Bell on my back and gave instructions to the swordsman who was following me.

"Uel. If there are chasing guys, you have to deal with them."

"Okay."

"You can guide me on the way to the roof."

"… … rooftop?"

When the researcher heard the word "rooftop", he frowned and asked.

"I am going to get out of here. Do you intend to stay here and die?"

"No, I… … ."

"Don't think we're going to keep you alive for cooperating with us."

"Ah Okay."

He was a researcher who quickly agreed to the word that his life was at stake.

It must have been surprising that I was trying to take care of myself as well.

Of course, there was no reason for me to leave the researcher on the 4th floor.

The researcher was also useful enough in other ways.

"Then let's go."

Lifting up Bell Viertin, I followed the researcher to the rooftop.

The fourth floor, where Bell was imprisoned, is the top floor of the laboratory.

It is said that if you go up a little further, the roof will come out.

Following the researcher's guidance, after crossing the stairs to the upper floor, the roof was immediately reached.

Of course, there were guards chasing us while we were going up the stairs, but most of them were handled easily by the swordsman.

"Swordsmanship- One Island."

Enemies hit by the invisible slash were neatly cut and rolled on the floor.

The swordsman is a 5th circle wizard armed with a long battle experience.

It was not at a level that the guards of a criminal organization could easily deal with.

Thanks to the efforts of the researcher and the swordsman, if we climbed the stairs without any damage, we were able to face the firmly closed roof door.

profit-.

Fortunately, it seems that the door was not locked, so turning the handle opened the door easily.

"Uel."

When the door to the roof is half open.

I grabbed the open door with my hand and held it in place.

Then he looked at the sword castle next to him.

"What's up?"

"Cut off the handle."

"The handle?"

"okay."

"Yes. I don't know why, but it's okay."

Kaan-!

The sword's wind blew once, and the handle was cut off with a clear sound.

The handle, which had been cut at an angle, became difficult to open even for anyone to see.

It was a trick to delay the time of those who followed.

"Good job."

"yes."

A sword castle passed through the open door.

I followed her up to the roof and put the bell I was carrying on the floor.

Bell was still unconscious.

There is still some more time.

If possible, I hope to wake up before the battle is over.

After putting down the unconscious bell, we called the researcher who had followed us up to the roof to the door.

"Stand here."

"Suddenly what… … ."

"Shut up and stand."

"yep."

With the gun pointed, the researcher quietly stood in front of the open door.

The reason why we had to bring the researcher who had guided us to the rooftop.

It was to pass time against the guys.

perk. The body of the researcher who was kicked flew through the door.

The researcher who fell on the stairs looked at me with a very bewildered face.

"Ugh… … ."

"It's been hard all this time."

There was only one thing I could say to such a researcher.

Wow!

I slammed the roof door through which the researcher escaped.

Immediately after that, I turned the lock lever to lock the door.

The handle that can be grabbed from the outside has long since been blown away.

It is now impossible to enter the roof without tools.

This will save you some time.

The researcher beyond the door didn't even have to do anything.

Guards full of rage will waste their time against him.

bang. bang. bang.

The sound of a researcher knocking on the door echoed, but I ignored it and turned around.

Then he pressed the button on the earphone he was wearing.

"Are you listening? We rescued Bell Viertin."

- "I can hear you. Good news."

"Then let me give you orders. Attack the front door of the lab."

"I don't feel good."

Herio said while looking at his empty face.

After he received the order to attack from the dark merchant, about ten minutes had passed.

In the meantime, the front door of the research lab, which had been bombarded by Herio, was in a completely tattered state.

Even the guards gathered at the entrance to counter Herio's attack were a considerable number.

Of course, the condition of Herio, who had been attacked by them, was not completely intact either.

Herio's defense wall, which was laid out to defend against the enemy's fire, was slowly starting to come to a limit.

"Are the enemies approaching?"

"It's almost there."

"is that so."

Cinell Clover Bloom.

Herio, who was asked a question by his comrades who had been left on the battlefield with him, responded by activating the devices hidden throughout the village.

As far as he knows, the Dark Merchant ordered him to attack the lab for two purposes.

One is to disperse the troops heading to the roof of the research lab where the dark merchant has infiltrated.

And the other one is to draw the troops of the ghost army here.

Judging by the number of enemies reflected in Herio's eyes, it was safe to say that the first objective had already achieved the desired result.

But it was the second time that mattered.

"The numbers are quite large. Can you feel the enemies moving?"

"I… I think it's hard to figure out."

Invisible enemies were approaching here in bulk.

The troops hiding in front of the research center and the transparent army surrounding the assailant heading to this place.

Even the number of Herio's senses was enormous.

You must hold out as long as possible against the forces approaching from both sides.

In fact, it was the most pressing role in this operation.

Besides, the fellow next to him could not even sense the approaching ghost corps.

Except for the guards guarding the research lab, there was no enemy they could face in this battle.

"I will stop those who come. You'd better focus on dealing with the guards."

"I know."

Only Herio himself could resist the attack of the oncoming ghost corps.

Herio, who had given Synel the direction of the laboratory, raised the helmet's visor.

Below, the midwinter sun melts the accumulated snow.

A man wearing a mask was approaching Herio.

The man's true identity was a figure Herio knew well.

Commander. The head who ostensibly commands the entire ghost army.

He stopped at some distance from Herio, and glanced over at Herio through the mask.

"This is won. Nighttail's Flash Knight has arrived."

The commander who faced Herio from a little distance opened his mouth.

close-.

Herio, who faced the commander, clenched his teeth.

Even though he was only facing the masked face, hatred welled up from within Herio.

Whoa. A short sigh escaped Herio's mouth.

Herio, who suppressed the rising anger as much as possible, said to the commander.

"You showed up in front of me shamelessly."

"Nice to meet you, Flash Knight. It really is like a dog that has lost its owner."

"… … With what confidence did you kidnap the girl?"

"Confidence? What do you need for that? The fact that you are here alone is important."

It was Herio who felt the tingle on the face behind the mask.

frivolous provocation. Herio's hand trembled briefly in anger as he faced it.

But that was all.

Herio, who quickly quenched his anger, raised the sword in his hand.

His role now is to draw power against the ghost army.

In the yard where a huge number came in front of him, he couldn't help but be drenched in anger forever.

"For such a thing, it looks like you ran in a hurry."

"you're right. I got my gear and left as quickly as possible. I never expected to be attacked in this way. No, who would have expected the lab to be so quietly breached."

"It would have been. Today you will pay the price for that arrogance."

"Oh man. Wouldn't that be a more appropriate word for the Knights of the Round Table?"

After passing over the commander's words, Herio began to grasp the number of enemies.

The weak magic of lightning passed by Herio's enemies.

There were quite a few numbers missing from the detection of magic used in this way.

But even counting that, the number of enemies caught by Herio's detection was considerable.

It was never on a scale that could be dealt with without any preparation.

"Someone who hides behind someone else's back and mumbles, usually says things like that."

"Are you behind someone else's butt? Are you looking at me?"

"If not you, who else? Did you think I was talking about the cowards standing next to you?"

Contrary to the words that came out of his mouth, Herio's insides were starting to burn.

The number of enemies caught in Herio's detection was increasing.

If the commander's statement that he came in a hurry is true, it would be a story that the ghost corps had more available troops than this.

Even today's numbers are difficult to handle.

But what will happen if a larger force than this comes fully armed?

At that time, killing the ghost corps wasn't the problem, but Herio himself, and the entire party, including himself, would have difficulty escaping.

"Coward? good. You might think so."

Are the invisible forces the source of confidence?

The commander began to gradually narrow the distance with Herio.

Although Herio was wary of the approaching commander, he continued to think about the next reaction in his head.

"Isn't that really the case? You are just incompetent scum. It's also dirty garbage that corrodes the world."

"Did you think so? Probably… I think I can show you something special today."

"special?"

"I'm making stuff like this. Lucky to have strong magic, to destroy people like you who look down on others."

After speaking, the commander took out an ampoule from his pocket.

Herio's gaze followed the ampoule in the commander's hand.

The ampoule the commander was holding was a familiar object to Herio.

In a brief battle fought in the Knights of Nighttail, Herio encountered a doctor who administered an ampoule to himself.

Although apparently possessing no magic, Herio's opponent was using someone else's magic.

An unidentified drug that transforms ordinary people into wizards in an instant.

The identity of the ampoule in the commander's hand was such a thing.

"that… … ."

"You seem to know. Of course, it's a different product from those mass-produced models."

pooh.

The commander thrust the ampoule he was holding into his neck.

The contents contained in the ampoule quickly drained out of the ampoule.

The commander who administered the drug frowned for a moment, then threw the empty ampoule and looked at Herio.

The commander's eyes, who were facing Herio, were filled with a sense of victory.

"I feel the power. Did the wizards feel this way?"

Ha ha ha--.

The sound of maddened laughter echoed through the village.

Dark magic was overflowing around the commander who smiled madly.

It was a familiar sight of inexperienced wizards who could not control their own magical powers.

Seeing the figure of the commander intoxicated with power, Herio briefly clicked his tongue.

"You seem to have gone crazy on drugs."

"It doesn't matter what you say. Because now is the only time I can open my mouth as I want."

Tub. Tub.

Flames rose from the commander's hand as he stepped forward.

left. and right.

Herio, who saw the commander walking around, quickly raised his magic power.

The commander was the commander, even though he was on medication.

The crowd around him continued to follow him forward.

"Combat assistance system. Attack mode activated."

The current provocation is a simple search battle.

Other than Herio himself and the lead of the ghost corps, he hadn't shown any other movement yet.

Herio realized this and sent an electric current through the sword he was holding.

The commander's flame, who faced Herio, also grew in size.

And the moment when the flames in the commander's grasp inflated its size to its limit.

"[Inferno]."

"—Maximum output. launch."

Heat and lightning collided in the air.

Aww!

A lightning strike in the face of fierce flames caused a huge explosion.

Thick smoke billowed out in all directions, and in an instant it completely obscured the view nearby.

Herio couldn't help but be surprised by the commander's magic that offset his attack.

"… … It's heavy."

This is an attack fired by a magician of the 5th circle using the power of the equipment.

Such an attack was suppressed with magic improvised with drugs.

It was unbelievable that it was achieved with only one drug.

However, Herio thought that he would not be able to maintain that power for long.

"But that's it."

Strong magic accompanies that much consumption.

The sword spirit's aura was only fleeting, and even the current that wrapped around Herio didn't flow indefinitely.

What of the flames ignited by drugs?

Unattractive by the explosion that erupted in front of him, Herio's gaze continued to pursue the enemy beyond the smoke.

Strong magic accompanies that much consumption.

The sword spirit's aura was only fleeting, and even the current that wrapped around Herio didn't flow indefinitely.

What of the flames ignited by drugs?

Unattractive by the explosion that erupted in front of him, Herio's gaze continued to pursue the enemy beyond the smoke.

"Is this the famous flash knight strike? It's not as big as you think."

Beyond the thick smoke.

The commander who ignited a new flame appeared.

As expected by Herio, it looked like he had not taken any damage.

"Did you expect much? I'm sorry for disappointing you."

"You know it. Even now, if you run away without your tail, I will risk your life."

flash knight. It got its name after overcoming numerous battles.

Even with such a Herio, it was impossible to defeat the ghost army unilaterally.

Realizing that fact, Herio was slowly approaching the time of choice.

will you fight Or will you run away?

Herio, who was in a brief agony, quickly came to a conclusion.

"Are you listening?"

- "okay. What do you think?"

"First, I will turn on the device."

Herio, who had reached a conclusion in his heart, opened his mouth.

In hindsight, both the Dark Merchant and his subordinates were all caught up in their own ego.

Nevertheless, the Dark Merchant finally rescued Belle Viertin.

It was time for Herio himself to repay him.

Herio must be responsible for their safety.

Even the noble lady of Lesser.

A mysterious information merchant.

A mercenary who claims to be a swordsman.

Even the gray-haired girl with a blank face.

He couldn't let anyone die because of him.

- "I will support you from above."

"Then let me ask you."

Even if they run away with their tails curled up, they will only be retaliated against by the ghost corps that one day hid their appearance.

I had to kill the ghost army here.

And everyone in this place had to live.

That was the way of the knights Herio Knightline walked.

Herio pressed the button he was holding in his hand with eyes full of determination.

"Let me show you that clever magic."

Chewy profit-!

The devices Herio had installed in advance began to spray smoke all at once.

A means to combat the ghost army that hides itself.

It was a way to cover each other's sight equally.

A smoke screen developed by Lessert Industries busily spread smoke.

The smoke that spread out in an instant completely engulfed the view of the lower floors.

"What, what… … !"

"I can't see ahead!"

The ghost army hiding in the magic was engulfed in chaos.

Herio's brought in Resert's smoke grenade was faster and more extensive than a normal smoke grenade.

Those imprisoned in the smoke screen could not see anything except right in front of them.

The army of the ghost corps, which was hiding under the effect of 'Invisible' magic, was no exception.

The voice of the dark merchant resounded in Herio's ears, who had spread a smoke screen in all directions.

- "Don't depend on the sound."

At the sound of the earphones, Herio looked up at the place where the Dark Merchant would be.

But soon after realizing that he couldn't see anything, he grinned and looked forward again.

In the thick smoke that spread, Herio moved.

Before Herio could carry out the strategy he had envisioned in his head, there was a person he had to find within.

He was too dangerous to be left alone in this place.

"Sinel. Where are you?"

The gray-haired girl who fought alongside her.

Herio rushed to find Sinel, who had entrusted the guards with his opponent.

The sound of rustling armor. The shouts of the enemies echoing in my ears.

Ignoring those things and running for a while, Herio could spot a familiar figure in his darkened vision.

Sinel, wearing a hoodie, was dealing with the guards with his mouth covered.

"You look short of breath. What's going on?"

Seeing Herio running in search of him, Sinel asked him.

As soon as Herio met her, he talked about his business.

"I was looking for you."

"Did you find me?"

"okay. I have something to ask you."

what I want to ask you. Even if he did, the words were nothing more than a kind of command.

Because the current Herio was in a position to act on behalf of the Dark Merchant.

Sinel, who knew this, looked at Herio without any doubt.

"What kind of request?"

"Get out of the back before the smoke screen lifts."

"...?"

"And evacuate the villagers. "

"evacuation? Why?"

"Once the battle begins, the entire area will be engulfed. Evacuate as many people as possible before that."

nod.

Sinell nodded and didn't ask why.

If you had understood Herio's personality, you would have realized that the question was meaningless.

Sinel turned to the foot that was walking quietly.

Then he returned a short reply to Herio.

"I know."

To and fro-.

Sinel made a light footstep and quickly escaped Herio's sight.

Herio blinked as he looked at Sinel's back as he headed towards the village.

Herio, who sent Sinel, tried to shake off the uneasiness that remained in the corner of his heart.

Talking about evacuating the residents was only an excuse.

The purpose of the instruction I had just given was to get her out of this battlefield.

"After all, lying doesn't fit your temper."

It feels cramped, like wearing clothes that don't fit.

Herio felt like he was committing a crime every time he spoke a word out of his mouth.

under. Herio let out a short sigh and headed back towards the place he had passed.

All elements that could cause problems have been sorted out.

Now is the time to continue his fight.

Herio, who once again raised his magic power, scattered a weak electric current around him.

"five. heat. twenty. No, it looks like a little more than that."

Enemies affected by the Invisible were getting close to him.

breakage. An electric current was applied to the sword Herio raised.

There are no allies of his on the battlefield without an inch ahead.

No matter where and how they attacked, there was no damage to the allies.

But what of his enemies?

He had to face the invisible Herio in a place where there were only allies everywhere.

"I see the enemy! Shoot!"

"—Maximum output. launch."

Kwagwagwagwang!

A clear trajectory was drawn by scattering a halo of light in the air.

short roar. And the sparks that spread after that.

A thunderbolt from Herio's sword swept through nearby enemies.

Herio, who wiped out the enemies with a white flash of light, looked in front of him again.

"Are you coming again?"

Only a fraction of the enemies have been wiped out.

The number of enemies caught by Herio's detection was increasing.

There is no visual pressure as the enemy cannot be seen, but the size of the enemy is not a number to be taken lightly.

And among them, there were those who learned magic and made special attacks.

"[Ice Spear]."

Kwajik-.

The spear of ice that flew in quickly collided with Herio's armor and crumbled.

He didn't get seriously injured thanks to the armor, but a dull pain was being transmitted to the place where he was hit by the spear.

Herio swung his sword again while holding down his shoulders, the tingling sensation spreading.

The lightning strike extended in the direction where the magic had flown, and the death of an invisible enemy was heard.

"Aaaaah… … !"

"—Maximum output. launch."

"Aww!"

"-launch."

"Kuh uh… … ."

"-launch."

Wow! bang!

Flashes of light several times and the screams of the enemies resound.

Every time Herio's attack spread, the surrounding area became a chaos.

bombardment thunder. and the cries of people.

In addition to that, there was a mixture of angry screams and sharp gunshots.

When the gunshots of guns that did not know where they were firing stopped, a magnificent helicopter sound followed.

- Doo doo doo doo doo.

- Weighing-. Weighing-.

Helicopters can't come to this place.

Herio heard the strange sound and remembered the words of the Dark Merchant.

-Don't depend on the sound.

At the point when the smoke screen began to spread, the Dark Merchant brought up such a story.

Except for himself, who fires lightning bolts, the enemies are spreading out in all directions and firing their guns.

According to Herio's guess, the current melee was highly likely to have been induced by the Dark Merchant.

"… … It's really killing me. It would be quite troublesome if I met an enemy."

By obscuring the field of vision and giving auditory confusion, some of the enemies were paralyzed at once.

It was a very useful ability in the battle with the group.

However, if there was one disappointment, it was that there were not many smoke screens left that blocked the sight of the enemies.

Just because it's a Lessert smoke screen doesn't mean it's perfect.

It was impossible to send out a smoke screen that could keep people nearby forever.

So, while the smoke screen was maintained, the Dark Merchant made a plan to continue with the next plan.

"-launch."

There were two main plans that the party came up with.

Either retreat once and have time to reorganize.

Defeat the leader of the ghost army and continue an all-out war to the end.

When the fight in the smoke screen continued for a long time, the first option for Herio was meaningless.

There is only one option left.

In the midst of a melee, he would reduce the number of enemies a little, and Herio himself would face the remaining enemies.

"[Inferno]."

"—Maximum output. launch."

A familiar flame flew in the direction of Herio.

The flames burned the soldiers of the ghost corps standing on the track and rushed towards Herio who was standing in front of them.

Herio immediately fired a lightning bolt of maximum output to offset the flames.

Whoops! A loud bang hit Herio's ears.

When Herio pressed his hand on his worn out ear, he heard the voice of the dark merchant from the earphone he was wearing on the other side.

"It is a moment of choice. Herio."

Herio heard the voice and looked around once.

The smoke screen that had obscured his vision was slowly starting to fade.

There is not much time left to fight in the smoke screen.

Now I had to make a decision.

Herio's answer had been decided from the beginning.

"Is it time?"

- "okay. No time to hesitate now. Can you face me?"

Will you be able to face that number head-on?

No matter who asked, Herio was confident to shake his head.

However, it was not applicable to today's Herio.

There are times in life when you are forced to lie.

And, for Herio Nightline, now was such a moment.

"There have not been many enemies yet."

- "That's good."

"Then go to plan B. Shoot."

Plan B. It was a declaration of an all-out war against the ghost corps.

Bullfight--!

The sound of gunshots could be heard over the earphones.

Immediately after that, a heavy pounding sound resounded in the air.

scream. sound of firing. roar.

Herio watched with his own two eyes as the invisible magic that enveloped the world disappeared within it.

- "… … The enemy is dead."

"Good job, Dark Merchant."

It seems that the head of the ghost corps was killed by the gunshot just before.

As evidence of that, the enemies who had been hiding appeared in an instant.

That's a huge number.

It was a number enough to understand why they called themselves a corps.

Perhaps the young friend on the other side of the radio also knew about it, so he began to question Herio with a heavy voice.

- "Why did you lie?"

"...."

- "Answer me, Herio."

"Anyway, someone has to take their time, right?"

- "Maybe from the beginning… … ."

The rescue was successful.

He also killed a wanted criminal with a tricky ability.

Now all that was left was to run away together.

by leaving yourself alone.

There were too many enemies for everyone to survive.

In order for Belle Viertin to escape safely, one had to take time.

"Take the girl and go away. And ask for support."

- "Are you going to die?"

"Don't worry. I'll come back alive The sooner you apply, the higher your chances will be."

Herio, who uttered a false greeting, looked at the army of enemies in front of him.

There were only words that came out.

Countless numbers of murderers in human form were glaring at him.

There is no longer any smoke screen to hide.

Do you have any memories of accepting the killing intentions of such a crowd alone?

It felt as if I had come to the battlefield alone.

As if cheering for Herio's resistance, a voice came from the walkie-talkie.

- "… … Make sure you come alive."

"I'll do that."

"I will retreat first with Bell Viertin."

"Please take good care of the girl."

Leaving those words behind, Herio broke his radio.

Any further conversation will only leave behind regrets.

He had already made a firm decision.

If you block it, you break it.

It gets up again and again and passes through.

That was the chivalry he had learned.

"It's really dirty."

Is this the battlefield where you will die?

Herio, who was looking at the distant number of enemies, lowered his visor.

People's thoughts lead to troubles, and people's troubles lead to questions.

What were you born for?

What are you strong for?

As the mysterious informant has attested, everyone has a place where they need it.

So, where do you need to be now?

"...."

No need to worry.

This was the place he needed.

To fight the greatest irrationality, he was allowed to become strong.

Now it's your turn to wield that power.

Herio shouted loudly for everyone on this battlefield to hear.

"Come on————!"

Everyone lives with a sword in their heart.

It is only at the most absurd moment that the sword is most clearly revealed.

It is what we call 'belief'.

How far can your beliefs go?

From now on, I thought I'd try it.

"I am the Light Knight Herio Nightline."

"...."

"To protect the people I love, I will call myself a knight!"

After greeting the enemies, Herio smiled and raised his sword.

breakage. phlegmatic.

A bright flash of lightning began to wrap around his sword.

When adversity comes, it breaks.

When the villain comes, he kills him.

Protect the weak and fight the strong.

That was the article he had always admired.

Even if the whole world denies it.

He had to stand in the right place and protect everyone.

"Shoot! Shoot!"

"There is only one! what are you doing!"

"Kill him quickly!"

Bullets rain

The world calls them legions.

Nevertheless, he must face the Legion alone.

There are countless others to protect.

So, they couldn't easily die.

"Combat assistance system. Defensive mode activated."

bang! Wow!

Legion bullets and artillery rain.

The translucent barrier erected in front blocks it, but there is a limit to the physical power it can block.

Besides, isn't the opponent a number called a corps?

The barrier that had previously faced the limit was broken, and concentrated fire poured down on Herio.

Kaang! Kang!

Small bullets collide with the armor and get crushed.

The powerful part broke through the armor and locked himself in Herio's body.

sick. I think I'm going to die.

You can't back off though.

Even if he himself had to die here, he had to protect only those who ran away.

"[Chain Lightning]!"

A chain of lightning wraps around you.

Fiercely! A lightning bolt spreading in all directions silenced some enemies.

However, it was a small number compared to the entire corps.

"Crazy bastard! Kill that quick! [Inferno]!"

"It will not be easy."

He smiled as if trying to shake the pain from his body.

And he realized.

People could laugh even when they felt like dying if they were prepared to go crazy.

He smiled as he tried to burn away all the pain.

"If you block it, it will break."

Aww!

A Strike of Light fell on the Legion.

The soldiers who were blocking the lead were swept away, leaving the space empty.

However, the other legionaries who rushed in quickly took the place.

"A knight is always… I am not afraid of a head-to-head match."

what. What have you been living for?

What were you born for, and what did you choose the path for?

No matter how many times I asked myself, there was still one reason.

Why was he born into this world?

It was to choose a place to die of his own will.

It was to choose how to decorate the end of their own.

therefore. He decided that he would die in the noblest way.

"Please, you bastard!"

Doo doo doo doo!

Numerous firearms pass through Herio's body.

The left arm that was holding the sword turns into a mop and flies away.

The body that was moving forward could not resist and was pushed back.

thud! The armour, which lost its balance, crumbled forward.

Nevertheless, Herio did not stop moving.

He started crawling forward with his only arm left.

Still, I couldn't stop moving forward.

Because I thought I could fight a little more.

He had no intention of stopping until the embers that burned him were extinguished.

"[Chain Lightning]!"

There is no hand to wield the sword.

Even so, he was still alive.

If you don't have a sword, you can fight it using magic.

Quazy Jijik!

A current stronger than before engulfed nearby enemies.

"[chain… Lightning]!"

Kwagwagwagwang!

A stronger thunderbolt struck.

The soldiers of the ghost corps swept away by lightning fell into incapacity.

yet. It was yet.

I could still fight a little more.

Herio clenched his teeth and used magic.

"[Chain, Lightning]!"

Aww! Wow!

A roar resounded everywhere.

The ammunition engulfed in Herio's magic began to explode.

The offensive of the ghost corps began to subside further.

The number of legionnaires approaching Herio had also decreased significantly.

Still, Herio clenched his teeth and caught his breath.

At this point, I had to drag one more to hell.

Because I know that there is no next chance for me.

"yet… still... … !"

A cry to the sky.

An unfamiliar voice was heard in Herio's ears.

what he had longed for all his life.

Someone started whispering it into Herio's ear.

- [According to an old oath, I give you a mission.]

- [Become a noble knight.]

It was certain.

It was the reward of a belief I had believed in all my life.

And it was justice.

It was a word of justice that did not go away even if it was broken.

Whoop. Herio took a deep breath.

to inflate the lungs. To make a louder sound than anyone else.

With the great breaths he had gathered in that way, Herio shouted out for the whole world to hear.

"[Spell Overlord: Chain Lightning]—!"

Kwareung-!

Curl rumble-!

scourge. An attack that can only be called by that name.

Lightning strikes of various colors from the sky swept the ground.

Herio's ears began to paralyze at the noise that filled his ears.

All the gunfire of the battlefield was buried, and only the remnants of lightning fill his ears.

Still, he was happy.

At this moment, the thunder that filled his ears felt like sweet music.

"[chain… ] ―Cool!"

Blood was mixed with the voice that called for lightning.

One vision was covered with blood, and the other was burning red.

He wanted to wipe off the blood, but his hand was not intact.

sick. It is painful. I feel like I'm going to die.

Nevertheless, Herio Nightline laughed.

Because I found the answer I had been looking for so much in my life.

What are you strong for?

If someone asked him, he could now answer with certainty.

"[Chain Lightning]… … !"

In order to fulfill the duty of the knight at this moment,

He said he was born into this world.

"Yes… … ."

saturation. and battle.

A thin moan emanated from the battlefield covered in roars.

The main character is voiced by Belle Viertin.

After receiving the antidote, she only came to her senses.

"You seem to be awake."

I looked at Belle, looking around with blank eyes.

Flash. Flash.

The eyes that began to move slowly met me.

She stood still for a while, then looked at me in a sullen voice and said:

"… … here is… where?"

"Area 16. It is the home of the ghost army."

"Yoo, Ryeong-kun… only?"

"okay. I rescued you with a contract with Herio."

ghost army. and Herio.

Bell's eyes changed when he heard the story.

Have you just started to understand the situation?

Bell stood up, muttering Herio's name.

"Ugh… … ."

But then he stumbled and sat down again.

It seemed that there was still some good luck left.

If Belle was in this state, I thought I would have to carry her around for a while.

I threw away the bag containing the sniper rifle, walked over to Belle, and lowered my knee.

Her blinking eyes met me.

"Get up."

"I am alone… … ."

"There is a long way to go. Hurry up."

"… … okay."

Belle hugged my neck reluctantly.

I picked her up with one hand and pulled out a pistol with the other.

As you move, the battle will continue.

It was difficult to even look at her convenience with both hands.

When the situation was settled to some extent, I said to the swordsman who was looking at me with a subtle face.

"Uel. I will go down."

"Right now?"

"okay. will jump Assist."

"okay. Signal before you run."

It is impossible to go down to the first floor through a building where enemies are standing.

From the moment I came up here, I was thinking of jumping off the roof.

For that purpose, it was accompanied by swordsmanship.

When I gave her a signal with a pistol, the swordsman nodded and approached the railing.

I could see the ground looking down from the 5th floor.

Although it is not very high for the height of the building, the view below from the 5th floor was more dizzy than I expected.

Take a deep breath and look down.

three. two.

one last one. I jumped down and shouted towards the sword castle.

"Now!"

"―――."

The wind wrapped around our bodies as we jumped down.

wind cutter. The magic of the sword castle burst out quickly.

The wind forcefully pushed our bodies as they collided with the ground, slowing most of our fall speed.

Affected by the wind, we were able to land on the floor without any injuries.

Immediately after her feet touched the ground, a gentle breeze blew past her cheeks.

"Good work."

"Percival. What are you going to do now?"

"You have to get out of here first. Immediately after that, I ask for support."

"support?"

When we talked about support, it was a swordsman who tilted his head.

In the dark merchant's office, it was only me, Sinel, and the sword castle.

The swordsman knew better that we didn't have the power to do that.

It was not unusual to ask questions.

"I am going to ask for support from Lessor Industries and the Knights of Nighttail. Of course, this woman will be in touch."

When he nodded at Bell, the swordsman nodded and looked ahead.

The chatter ends here.

We needed to get out of this area as quickly as possible.

Even in front of us right now, the troops who had escaped from the melee were coming with their weapons.

I started moving, pointing the pistol forward.

"Uel. While you're running away, you'll take out the chasing enemies. Help as much as you can."

"yes."

"Break through."

According to Herio's conversation overheard through the earphones, Sinel had already escaped to the rear.

Joining Sinel was fine after I left this place.

While checking the movements of the enemies one by one, the number of enemies to be dealt with was distributed.

"Three in the front. One on the left."

"Which one are you in charge of?"

"Take the front. I didn't bring many magazines."

front and side. Enemies poured out from both sides of the alley.

I pulled the trigger as soon as the enemy on the left showed up.

bang! Taang!

head and chest. Bullets hit with time difference silenced the enemy.

The enemy that appeared gave out a short flurry and fell.

The one that came before was no exception.

"Swordsmanship- Oh Yeonseomgeok."

"Gagging… … !"

👌👌👌👌👌👌

The wind compressed to the limit slashed the enemy in front.

There was no time for enemies with guns to pull the trigger.

dump. The masked men fell screaming.

It was a neat fight.

A fork in front of us who defeated the enemies in an instant appeared.

"Go left."

"Do you remember the road?"

"okay. I remember it."

My memory has always been good.

The route I had to move, if not completely, was roughly in my head.

left. Right side. face. And left again.

I entered the fork in sequence and moved in search of the right path.

Of course, in the process, he faced a considerable number of enemies.

Most of them were handled by the swordsman, and in case of an emergency, the few bullets left were used.

About ten minutes had passed since the first engagement, and we were able to get out of the laboratory quite far from the lab.

"If you pass by here, you will be able to catch your breath."

"Are you almost there?"

"You may have to walk a little longer to get to the car, though."

A road that has just begun to show its end.

If I was relieved to see the wheat fields beyond that, I encountered an enemy that came out from the front once more.

I've never worn a mask like before.

However, looking at her hastily aimed at the gun she was holding, it was clear that she was in a relationship with the guys inside.

He said, pointing his gun at us.

"Stop there! If you move... … ."

"noisy."

bang! Taang!

A bullet from a pistol pierced the boy's head.

If we completely get out of the way to avoid the fallen one, we could face the long-awaited wheat field.

There were no more popular pretenders to be caught telepathically.

It was safe to say that he had completely escaped.

I let out a short sigh and put the pistol in my arms.

"after… … . I will put it down now."

The bell he was carrying and moving was also lowered to the floor.

How slowly did you start to recover?

Bell landed on the floor with an unstable gait, then sat down on the floor with his own legs.

Bell's squatted gaze turned to me.

Now that she was able to sit on the floor on her own strength, it was her turn to move.

"Bell Viertin."

"yes."

"Ask Resert or Nighttail for assistance. One hour is urgent."

I put my phone in Bell's hand.

It was a business number.

She looked at the phone in her hand for a while, and then looked back at me.

Then he asked in a low voice.

"Hey. Can I ask you a question?"

"What are you curious about?"

You will have time to catch your breath for a while.

What's more, Bell was rescued right after he was kidnapped.

If it was a simple question, there was a reason why I couldn't accept it.

As she nodded and waited for Belle's question, she asked, fiddling with the phone in her hand.

"Where did Herio go?"

"...."

"You don't know?"

Herio went to fight for her.

It probably won't come out of nowhere.

Can I tell her about this now?

A number of worries arose within him.

While looking at the bell with a complicated gaze in the silence, the sound of heavy footsteps echoed nearby.

"Who is coming?"

thud-. thud-. thud-. thud-.

A heavy sound as if carrying a heavy load.

I aimed my gun at the path where the sound was coming from.

There was no time to be immersed in thoughts.

The tip of the muzzle chased the giant man moving in the shadows of the building.

Is it Sinel? or the enemy.

He opened his mouth, watching the moving enemy.

"Reveal your identity. If you don't stop, I'll shoot you."

There is also magic that allows you to battle only when you get close.

Taang!

He didn't forget to fire a threatening shot at the floor he was walking on.

However, the opponent walked while ignoring the flying bullet.

Then he opened his mouth in a thick voice.

"I… … ."

A scream that has been crushed by something.

When the limit is reached, the throat is resting, and a sense of foreign body is mixed, creating an unpleasant feeling.

As soon as I heard it, I lowered the gun.

It was a strange but familiar voice.

If the voice of someone I knew was seriously damaged, I didn't know it would sound like this at the time.

"no way."

"I… … ."

He was still moving forward with his mouth open.

A figure that had been shrouded in shadows was slowly revealed under the sun.

Armor that has become a mess with a mixture of blood and dirt.

A man staggered towards him.

Bell, realizing the identity of the opponent, immediately stood up.

Then, with sloppy footsteps, I approached right in front of him.

"Herio!"

Herio, who came staggering, stretched out his one and only hand.

Blood-soaked hands caressed her cheeks, and her weakened body let out a thin breath.

It looks like it's about to die.

The corners of Bell's eyes facing Herio were watery.

Bell grabbed Herio's bloody hand and asked him.

"Herio, are you okay?"

"I… … ."

"It hurts badly, Herio… … ! No need to say... … ."

"I am the flash knight… Herio Nightline... … !"

Broken armor. broken sentence. broken body.

Still, the twinkling eyes looked at the girl fiercely.

Did he realize that spitting out with all his might is the last flurry?

Bell didn't say anything, just staring at Herio in front of him.

"...."

"Your… It's a knight... … ."

The noble knight who lived in the fleeting battlefield announced the end of chivalry.

Herio Nightline. he died

It's not the first time we've seen people die.

I have already come to this world and have seen many deaths over and over again.

Even those who ended their lives with their own hands had long since become an uncountable number.

I'm not very familiar with Herio.

They don't even know each other in detail.

Still, I had mixed thoughts about his death.

The bitterness in my mouth couldn't go away, and I wanted to vomit the bitterness that was slowly accumulating somewhere.

"… … Herio? Are you kidding me? You're still alive."

Bell shook the body of Herio who had fallen.

The pale-faced Herio didn't respond to Bell's actions.

Everyone in this place already knows.

He met a knightly end.

Herio didn't declare it with his own mouth.

He said that he was a flash knight and a knight of Belle Viertin.

"Herio! I mean, get up quickly!"

I understand too.

Not everyone can survive to the end anyway.

And Herio chose the best option left to him.

The subjugation of the ghost army was absolutely necessary.

Usher Hayes of 'War City' also made sacrifices and defeated the ghost army with her own hands.

If I had missed them without proceeding with the work, it was not possible to know what kind of variable they would come back to.

It was a pity that Herio died, but the flow of the story itself was the best.

"Herio… … !"

"...."

But is the death of a person something that can only be measured in profit or loss?

The death of a hero is much more approachable.

flash knight.

A hero who has been chasing after a legend that is now rusted all his life.

The figure of Herio whom I admired in the story no longer exists.

All that was left was the palm of his hand, which still looked dirty.

"Percival. it's okay?"

"It is nothing."

"… … Your face doesn't look like that."

Geomseong, who was watching me like that, said worriedly about me.

His mouth, which had hardened in an instant, let out a sigh.

It seems that the facial expression is not properly managed.

Staying here will only give you a headache.

Since Herio had come here, the remnants of the ghost corps he was dealing with must have been disbanded or retreated.

It would be better to leave the work here to the swordsman and move on their own.

"Uel."

"yes. I am listening."

"I have a request for you."

"What is your request?"

"Tell her to ask for support when she comes to her senses. And, if possible, it would be better to relocate to the side of the car."

Simply put, it was a story about asking Herio and Belle.

hmmm. The swordsman holding the sword looked slightly worried.

It wouldn't be as comfortable as she might think.

"Where are you planning to go?"

"I'm going to find Sinel."

"ah… … . okay. Here I will be watching."

"Then let me ask you."

In battle, he is a very reliable swordsman.

If you leave it here, it won't be a big problem.

While the sword castle was protecting Herio and Bell, I was thinking of looking for Sinel who had moved first.

"You have to find it and bring it back."

"Well, is there anything special?"

It would be faster to worry about yourself than it is to worry about Sinel.

Having changed the magazine of the pistol, I started carrying it with me.

jerk. jerk.

With every step he took, the ground carved his own footprints.

The wet, muddy ground kept the traces of those who passed by.

I moved my feet carefully, avoiding the mud that was hiding from time to time.

He didn't forget to look for something familiar in the messy footprints.

"I must have gone this way."

During the battle with the smoke screen unfolding, Herio ordered Sinel to evacuate the villagers.

It seems that they have confirmed that there is a village of residents a little far from the research center.

Was the evacuation itself not very active?

It was difficult to watch the procession of residents coming out.

As I moved, looking at the floor carefully, I found a trace that seemed to belong to Sinel.

"… … How can you even see something like this?"

It was a very outrageous thing in my opinion.

I'm sure you'll even remember the footprints of other people's shoes.

It seems that they have lived together for a long time.

These are the items I replaced the already worn out shoes.

I think there were quite a few opportunities to take a closer look.

"Did you get out this way?"

It was a moment to admire his ability to recognize footprints.

I followed Sinel's trail and walked forward.

In the middle, there was a place where the footprints were cut off, but I was able to quickly find other footprints nearby.

It's because I've been chasing people for a long time.

I feel like I'm gradually becoming a detective and something absurd.

"...."

When the sound of footsteps walking on the floor changes.

I gave up looking down at the floor anymore.

As we slowly started to get closer to the village, we came across a paved floor that was different from before.

Sinel's footprints were also cut off shortly thereafter.

It seemed that it would be difficult to find it only by relying on the traces.

Reluctantly, I pressed the button on the earphone I was wearing.

"Sinel. Are you listening?"

- "president?"

Sinel's voice came from the earphones.

Fortunately, there doesn't seem to be any problems.

Through the earphones, I asked about the location of Sinel.

"okay. Where are you now?"

- "I am evacuating people in front of the post office."

"… … I don't see anyone evacuating after hitting something like that."

- "Everyone doesn't listen well."

Even Sinel's lament is understandable.

It didn't seem like it would be easy to listen to what the outsider was saying.

It was the place where the supply of ghost corps and reinforcements were made in the first place, so most of the residents were in a favorable situation.

There seemed to be no need to continue evacuation after the battle was over.

"Then wait there."

- "Are you waiting?"

"I am going to pick you up."

- "yes."

Communication was over.

shudder. I loaded the pistol and began to move while spreading the silent area.

It is not a large town, but the terrain is complex.

The remnants of the ghost corps that suddenly popped out needed to be wary of.

And as if to prove my thoughts, periodically armed people came out.

"A foreigner? identity... … ."

bang! Taang!

One room in the chest. And one room in the head.

The remnants of the bullets shot down alternately were silent.

It was the same when sniping the head of the ghost corps, but the more I thought about it, the more strangely it had a good accuracy.

Is this a natural talent?

Sometimes I feel afraid of myself.

"Hans? why there... … ."

The same was true of the man following after not hearing the gunshots.

My gun spewed fire one after another, and the man behind him also met his end.

I don't know if it's from the locals, but it feels like there are more remnants of the village than I thought.

After knocking down the guys blocking the road, I continued walking in search of the post office.

Passing the awkward road they encountered for the first time, they shot and killed all the remnants of the ghost corps they encountered.

Crumpled telegraph poles. Cans rolling on the floor.

Five legionnaires who fell at my hand.

As the unfamiliar atmosphere of the village began to gradually get used to, I was able to find the traces of the Sinel I had been looking for so much.

"Are you black?"

"Nyaaaa-."

The target who raised the gun thinking he was facing an enemy was a familiar looking cat.

The blackbird looked at me and let out a short cry.

Then, as if to follow him, he took the lead and started walking.

After living with people for a long time, are you slowly becoming more like people?

If I followed after seeing such a black man in a strange way, I was able to face Sinel who was approaching this way soon after.

"Sinel. Have you been in this place?"

"president."

Sinel's gray hair was fluttering in the wind.

Sinel, who found me, looked at me alternately with the black man, and approached me with light steps.

There was a hint of joy on his expressionless face.

But it was only for a while that Sinel was welcoming me.

Sinel's complexion darkened as she looked behind me.

- "The Dark Merchant… I will kill you."

At that moment, I felt the murderous intent emanating from behind.

Dark and sticky, a feeling of hate and anger intertwined.

Did Sinel, who was running in front of him, feel anxious too?

She lowered herself and started running towards me.

"[Haste]."

I too felt uncomfortable and looked back.

Next to the corner located a little behind the road from which we came out.

There stood a man with a broken mask.

The sharp-looking man sharpened his teeth and glared at me.

I also reflexively moved my hands.

shudder. He pointed the gun in the direction he felt his gaze.

"under… … ."

"I will kill you! [Inferno]!"

A familiar voice came out of the man's mouth.

It was the voice of the commander who had previously led the ghost corps.

The face without the mask was awkward at first glance, but it seemed that the real identity of the opponent was the commander.

A small flame was rising from the commander's hand.

It's the magic of fire. Perhaps it was magic using drugs.

The moment when the commander reflexively pulls the trigger to use magic.

I felt something uncomfortable and stood still.

"...!"

Click-. The ball hit the empty chamber and went back.

There was no blasting sound from the pistol he was holding.

There were no bullets left.

Click. Click.

It was the same no matter how many times I pulled the trigger.

In the meantime, the commander's flame that began to fly increased in size.

"president---!"

It is often said that in the last moments of life, time seems slow.

The flames approaching me seemed slow, and Sinel with Haste seemed even slower than that.

But the slowest was his own body.

Even if you try to avoid it, you can't move, and if you try to react, the speed doesn't match.

All he sees is the cinel and the burning flames.

The moment when sparks flying in distorted time are about to collide with me.

Sinel rushed closer and pushed me away.

"ah… … ."

- "I'm glad it's not too late."

The body began to slide back.

And the flames flying towards Sinel.

The gaze that began to tilt showed the colleague in crisis.

Soon after, the flame that flew through the atmosphere collided with Sinel.

Kwagwagwang-!

bursting noise. And fragments scattered in all directions.

In it, Sinel flew towards the wall.