Assassins Pride - Volume 4 - Chapter 4

Volume 4 Chapter 4
Lesson: IV ~ The Battle of the Fake King Duke ~
(Unedited)

“THERE WASTROUBLE IN EVERY WAY! That was a great tour! “

The Voice of the man who spoke in feminine words rang out from every corner of the tunnel.

The Diodecollete mine is rich full of the Suns Blood lodes. Before they had time to catch their breath, the King and his companions, who had departed from town, followed the proclamations into what looked like a mole tunnel.

There was not a single light on the road, and no one in the group carried any lighting equipment. However, this was not a problem at all, because the walls of the tunnel were themselves gleaming with a faint iridescent glow. A sight like this, in the mines of the Sun’s blood, was nothing spectacular.

“What are you up to? I’ve never heard of a King digging for stones himself!” Captain Daby continued in a high-pitched voice to the well-dressed figure walking fast paces ahead.

Nothing can be done, since the other party had no intention of offering it.

“There… there may be a better way! Like asking the nice-looking mayor to convince his son or something! “

“… …”

Kufa remained silent, careless of his shiny shoes getting dirty, and moved on. Lucille and Lyra followed him without any complaint, alongside one of the four daughters of the Dukes households, the blonde maid-dressed girl who jogged in small steps to catch up beside Kufa.

“So, Sensei… are you all right? “

“What’s wrong, Miss? “

The two quietly whispered to each other. Melida clenched her palm tightly and continued:

“Ever since you chased away those black bats, Sensei hasn’t had a break, right? Is Sensei tired? Are you pushing yourself too hard? “

“Thank you for your concern, my lady. I’ll be fine. “

“But… “

Melida glanced over her shoulder. The troupe’s twins are soothing the continually complaining Daby, and her three friends considerately kept their distance. And should it be considered obvious or what? None of the Dioruke or any of the other townsfolk followed.

Melida hooked onto Kufa’s arm, attaching closer to her beloveds warmth.

“Um… Ah, Sensei, I. . . “

“Yes? “

“I. . . I really like the Sensei’s dark hair! “

As if she was to let his skin feel her tremble, Melida pressed her lips close to his gown and continued:

“Whether it’s Sensei’s good looks, thin but strong body, or deep voice, I think it’s all wonderful! Although everyone talks about being an ‘impostor’ , I believe that Kufa Sensei is a man of distinction that even the true King himself would never be ashamed of being disguised by… ! “

“My lady… “

Kufa looked down at the virtuous blonde on his chest. Taking a deep breath, as if he were in relief, he smiled and playfully squeezed Melida’s cheek with his other hand.

“I adore my lady’s blonde hair too, you know? “

“YIKES! No… No way… “

“It’s love with our hair, isn’t it? “

“AHHH… ! “

Just as Kufa’s heart was being comforted by ashy marshmallow, the nun named Daby, who seemed to have had enough, snapped.

“Hello, are you all listening? Didn’t I say I’d cut out the maid’s entrance! “

“So, to uncover the truth… “

Kufa’s tone seemed more relaxed, and informed:

“The abyss onyx he just showed us is not real. “

“What?!… what… What’s going on? “

“The quality is actually terrible, to be exact. It’s not pure enough to be called a sacred crystal. Either way, it would be shameful for King Shicksal to bring that back to him, wouldn’t it. “

In a moment of disbelief, Mule and Salasha looked at each other.

“Compared to the Long-stand Emerald, there is something strange about it… “

“It’s not an illusion after all.”

It’s a very subtle deterioration, but for the stone to be used for coronation it’s very deadly. Be that as it may, it’s a distinction even a professional appraiser would struggle to discern… but it’s easy to distinguish with my eyes. “

Kufa said mysteriously, pressing his finger to his eyelids. Melida dug deeper into his true intentions.

“Do you have any idea why the stone is like this? “

“Yeah. I’ve heard reports of the sun’s blood and gems from this region deteriorating, and upon entering the gem halls, I am more convinced — please keep your eyes open, everyone. I’m afraid this tunnel is home to Lycanthropes. “

“What! “

The powerless Troupe Daby mob stared in astonishment, whilst Mule and Salasha pick up their favored simulated sword and spear under reflex. The unarmed maid sisters moved closer to their master’s side.

“Wait, wait! Our troupe doesn’t know anything about fighting, you know? “

Rest assured, same to my ladies. As long as I’m around, I’m not gonna let them get to you. “

Kufa assured him in a firm voice, pressing his left hand to the black sword at his waist.

I have upheld the awareness since I picked this town for the tour. Confirming the current condition, investigating the mystery of the mine’s contamination, and removing its source — a task I also anticipated from the beginning. “

Melida, who had been listening quietly to Kufa, intervened into the innermost feelings of her beloved from an unexpected point of view.

“Sensei… Will master still fight namelessly for the town, even though Mr. Saimas has said such terrible things? “

“This is the duty of our regiment. And in the end, doing this is also beneficial for St. Frideswide — beneficial for our living. “

“… …”

Kufa kindly stroked the hair of the thirteen-year-old maiden, who was caught between her emotion and reason.

He’ll wait for an answer. After all, the couple still have two more years together.

“But there is one more thing that concerns me. “

Kufa switched his tone, turning his head slightly to look behind him.

“Mr. Daby, how do you feel about the town of Diodecollete? “

“Gee… The liveliness is frightening out there! Why are they so energetic? “

“Yeah, that’s what makes me feel incredible. “

Daby, with his sarcastic answer, made Kufa nod his head.

All the townspeople were united. There wasn’t much of a difference. I walked through every corner of the streets and didn’t see signs of extreme poverty. Therefore, what was the reason that Sir Saimas was so desperate? “

This was where everyone seems to be paying attention, focusing on Kufa. He added without reference to anyone in particular:

“I always thought he had more special motives than the revitalization of the town. “

Not long after he had finished speaking, a huge figure in the corner ahead jerked for an instant.

Kufa suddenly raised his index finger to stop the group. It goes without saying for the DabyTroupe, but even the four daughters of the Dukes households, had a stiff look on their faces because of this rare encounter with Lycanthrope.

Kufa gathered the group cautiously into the shadows and peeked around the corner.

On the path in the back of the corner—–Bingo. As expected, an alien creature that in no way looks natural, have run wild here like it has ownership of this place.

So the appearance is close to a lizard? Long neck and tail, with short arms and legs, but with sharp claws at the front. The head is huge and lopsided, and a ferocious comb that could pierce the ceiling. At the front end of the tail is a serrated blade, constantly draining a slimy purple liquid into the tunnel.

That’s it. The venom that oozed from that tail was responsible for contaminating the Diodecollete Mines.

Despite the certainty, the gigantic size of its body makes anyone hesitate to make a move. Its body can be easily over five metres in length. The following problemis the dense, diamond-like scales that cover the surface of its body, and the biggest threat is the reptilian eyes, which look like it’s been infused with fresh blood.

Kufa quickly went into hiding when those lengthwise split eyes veered viciously in his direction. He leaned his back against the wall and, as if amused, told the group who held their breaths:

“What a surprise. It appears to be a powerful enemy. It’s a Basilisk. “

“Did you say the Basilisk… ! “

The first to respond was the knowledgeable Mule, and everyone’s attention focused on her.

Combined with body gestures, Mule, even though she was suppressing her voice, said in an urgent voice:

“I recall it was a very high-class Lycanthrope. It feeds on the lodes of the sun’s blood and the gems to survive. It is said that its stomach stores the swallowed the gems, and it causes the surface of its body harden into the hardness of diamonds. The sheer durability of its physique is tricky, too, but the scariest thing is that it holds the power of an unusual kill spell. “

“One… one shot? “

“It’s those eyes. “

Mule placed her finger onto her eyelids, too, to call attention.

“The light from those reddish black eyes has the power to paralyze its opponent. It can even forcibly lead to cardiac arrest and respiratory failure, and if you’re a defenseless layman, apparently it can kill you in seconds. Its an enemy that should have been fought by two or three army troops. Kufa-sama, shall we stop and retreat? “

“You’re making a joke. “

Kufa replied effortlessly and drew the Black Sword cleanly from its sheath.

“If we sit here and do nothing, we’ll miss the coronation. “

Before he took the next step, he whispered to the maid-dressed sisters:

“My ladies, please pay attention to my battle. You’d think a Basilisk would be tough to defeat, right. Look closely at how I find the tactics to defeat… which is to observe whilst combat at the same time. “

As Melida responded with a sound of surprise, Kufa has already rushed out of from shades where they were hiding. “Sensei is taking his teaching seriously, ” said Mule, who was in the back of the group, watched him leave with a look of admiration on her face. 

The Basilisk seemed to be enjoying its snack time, nibbling at the faintly glowing walls of the tunnel. Because of this, it has already cleared out a suitable space for combat. Should it be a miracle that the inhabitants of Diodecollete have not discovered it so far, and that there have been no victims? Although, this region is near the deepest part of the tunnel where the area is already resourceless, and looked as if there has been no human construction for a long time.

Kufa deliberately dug up the ground with his unsheathed blade, making a sound as he went along. “Kaboom! ” He let out the pale blue flames of Mana, and the head of the Basilisk sprang up in an instant.

“Aren’t you hiding as usual? You coward. “

The provocative gestures as an introduction caused the long and gigantic lizard to swoop in as if it were satisfied by the challenge. It made a thundering noise and turned its body, whilst spitting its saliva and growling. Breezes like a supersonic swift travelled through the tunnels, and fiddled with Kufa’s dark hair.

“AH! “A wail from the audience watching behind. The Basilisk wiggled its tail and slammed the saw on its front-end towards Kufa from above its head. The attack was efficiently fast with no unnecessary movements, and its impressive agility appeared at odds with the large size of its body.

Its only miscalculation was that its prey was faster than itself. Before it had time to even blink, the imperceptibly fast figure crept into the Basilisk’s arms and flashed his blade as he passed. He traced the path of the black blade in the air and glided past the Basilisk.

And yet, the tip of famous blade covered with mana was flicked off by the diamond scales, leaving not a single scratch. What’s even more surprising was that when the Basilisk captured the position of its enemy in that moment, his claws swooped down without even a glance at Kufas direction. Kufa contorted his body like a stunt, dodging through the space between his claws to within a few centimetres.

He immediately pushed off the ground, pulled away and readjusted himself.

Through the brief combat, both sides have perhaps a better understanding of each other’s strengths. Kufa raised his arms into a martial arts position, holding his dark blade back handed. The Basilisk also estimated its attack range slowly and carefully, upholding an incredible sense of pressure in the face of what seems like just one small prey.

“Wait, wait, wait! This isn’t helping! “

Kufa went into meditation as he listened to Captain Daby’s taunts. The Basilisk was as hard as they said it was. Although it was only a visual estimate, but it has got about 850 or 900 defense power… ! If it was to be defeated with assurance, several legions should have been brought here, where there would be a wall of men by the sword ranks, whilst confusing the enemy with the warrior ranks, and attack through the warrior ranks. A tactic like this is needed to wear down the enemy’s endurance.

But battles for Guild Jack Ravens like Kufa, are often fought alone. Does it make sense to concentrate mana on the weapon… ? But that would increase the risk on defense ability which is not a smart idea.

Now that he had instructed his students to “pay attention “, Kufa had to fight a battle worthy for a demonstration combat.

After that, the Basilisk couldn’t take it anymore. Like a liberated bow and arrow, it approached from the neck up and gnawed at the tunnel with astonishing speed. Kufa, who escaped from been bitten with a front flip, did not fight back even if he found a flaw in the monsters attack. This was because he has already proven that regular attacks don’t work.

The Basilisk smoothly launched a two-way, three-way chase. All whilst swooping with its hook and claw, thrusting with its poisonous tail, biting boldly with its fierce fangs. Kufa dodged all attacks at the line of fire. But bystanders would think that all he could do was defend himself. Although inaudible due to the strong winds, the shrilling voice of sister Daby echoed through the walls of the tunnels from time to time.

Kufa was waiting temptingly for a chance to strike back.

“How’s this? Since the agility status is so different, you’re going to have to use your trick come on!”

As if their thoughts were synchronized, the Basilisk has a relaxed its ferocious attacks for a moment. Its eyes were bloodshot with redness, then suddenly emitted a gleaming beam of light.

Right at this perfect timing, Kufa’s hand lifted quickly with the speed of sound, shielding his eyes with the side of his blade. The deadly attack is reflected by the polished mirror-like blade, which counter attacked the eye of the Basilisk at a perfect angle. GA-AH! The Basilisk screeched and its long, large body fell backwards.

The whole body of the Basilisk began to twitch consistently and stretched out its head as if it has been struck by lightning. Its desperately using its spell to counteract its deadly paralytic powers. As if portraying the astonishing entanglement of power inside the creature, the skin around its body repeated to contract and expand anxiously.

But it’s the exposure to the enemy in this state that’s the fatal flaw. Kufa immediately tightened his grip on the black blade and pushed off the ground whilst shaking up the space at the same time. The strong wind passed through the side of the Basilisk, and this time there was a burst of blood in the air.

“It’s… It’s working! “

Lucille and Lyra from Troupe Daby hugged each other in rejoice, although they probably couldn’t even see the details of the battle. Even the members of the Knight Duke family like Melida, has so far only been able to catch glimpses of the actions of a top warrior like Kufa.

Kufa took aim at the closely spaced scale gaps, targeting the moment of expansion, and pierced through using the tip of the blade. The tip of the blade mercilessly dug up the skin from its root and sliced through the body as it carved open the skin. Kufa fluidly reverses the knife, then another, another

Every time in observing his battle, one would be forced to realize that in a battle between powerful enemies, even for a moment, a flaw would be fatal and victory would be settled. The Knight Dukes four daughters could see clearly that the Basilisk was “gone”. The few seconds it took for the enemy to recover from paralysis was enough for Kufa to drain the enemy’s life force.

Without realizing it, Melida placed her hand to her waist and was disturbed by the absence of her preferred analogue weapon sword. Whenever she comes to realize her tutors bottomless capacity, although she is proud, but at the same time will also feel very useless. A feeling that she’s still catching up in a distance far behind her loved one.

I want to catch up with him. I want to have his back. To stand by his side, to be his trusted companion… could I accomplish that in the remaining two years?

No, no matter how long it takes, one day I will reach the end where he awaits

THE FURTHEST PINNACLE!

A slashing sound loudly resonated and a diamond scale was dug up and bounced off. The Basilisks throat let out a scream and poured out fountain-like blood. Whoever saw this scene would know that the enemy, who is covered by laceration, has obviously reached its limit. Just a few more seconds, and his body would have freedom, but it was too late.

“Extreme katana-draw… “

Kufa set aside his sword for a moment and let out a pale blue flame like a blazing fire. He’s going to unleash his killer attack. The six maidens became absolutely certain of the outcome.

But just as he placed his palm on the hilt.

“KU-KU-KU-KU! “

A big, terrifying voice intervened, stopping Kufa’s movement suddenly. As the pale blue flames extinguished, Kufa immediately kicked off the ground and jumped back.

Meanwhile, the Basilisk writhed in agony as it finally broke free. Its blood splattered everywhere and its bloodshot eyeballs radiated with hate.

Kufa held his blade carefully and had to look at Daby to ask.

“Mr. Daby, why did you stop me? “

As if relieved at the prospect of a one-sided battle, SisterDaby emerged from the shadows. He unfolded his notepad and thumped the page with the end of his pen.

“There’s no inspiration coming out of this… “

“What? “

“Lord Serge would never fight in your battle style! There will be no cautious running around on the ground, in turn to use the components ability to counter attack like this despicable battle! “

“You… you mean despicable? “

Melida wailed in a modulated tone, but Captain Daby did not look at her. Despite the nerve-jangling pressure of the Basilisks hostility, Kufa asked cautiously:

“In short, what am I supposed to do? “

“Change your fighting style, please. First, a little more aerial combat. After all, your current role is a ‘Shicksal’. And don’t take aim at the chinks in the scales. What a dull approach. Break through the enemy’s defenses from the front! BREAK ITS SCALES! That’s what fits the Samurai, Lord Serge of Shicksal! “

“… for this part of the development, cant you rely on imagination to compensate for it? “

“Are you out of your mind?! “

The troupe leader, who had forgotten the difference in status beyond his consciousness, snapped back at Mule with an expression of terrifying seriousness.

“This play is fake after all! Many grateful guests will come to see it, and they know that nothing is better than the real tour! And our case must involve quite a bit of creativity — but! THAT’S WHY! As a screenwriter, I cannot compromise! Because it is a fake, it needs to have the quality that surpasses the real thing! “

“It’s all right, my ladies. Thanks for asking. “

Before Daby’s enthusiasm caught the attention of the Basilisk, Kufa responded, indifferently:

“I’ll just do as Mr. Daby says. Lord Shicksal has asked me to assist you in any way I can. “

“Well, you know better than that. “

“… … !”

It is Melida, Kufa’s true master, who has been unable to come to terms with this development. Melida is agonized about her inability to intervene at the moment, whilst uncontrollably trembling her fists.

How come Mr Daby, or even Lord Shicksal, can command Kufa at will.

Sensei is my Sensei!

It was as if Melida’s tension had triggered it, and then the Basilisk let out a cracking snarl. From the front, Kufa endured even the physical pressure, while thinking.

That monster is not gonna use his magic eye easily anymore, is he. It’s a shame that it couldn’t be defeated while there was a chance. From now on, it’s a head-to-head game where the tricks won’t work. Kufa is forced into a rather disadvantageous position in the face of a monster whose ability exceeds all human capacity.

For example, in an attack of the Basilisk with its tusks, the standard response for the classes are as follows: defend if you are a fencer; attack if you are gladiator; and dodge if you are a samurai like Kufa. But from sister Daby’s point of view, he doesn’t seem to like the dodging fighting style. That being said, given the qualifications of the samurai class, it is impossible to withstand the intense advances of the monster upfront.

In this case, there is only one option —

While Kufa is getting his act together, the head of the Basilisk strikes at exactly the speed predicted by its brain. Even a cannon cannot compare with the pressure of its ferocious fang. Kufa used his extraordinarily strong determination to suppress his feet that wanted to dodge the attack.

“AHHH! “

With his rare imposing manner, he swept away his black blade with all his might. A cacophony of metal clangs through the tunnels, and a surfeit of pale blue flames burns in midair.

The full force of attack and pressure of Manas were slightly more advantageous than the Basilisk’s thrust. The huge head leaned back a few ten centimeters or so, while the ground was shoved up at Kufa’s feet. The impact stretched in a circular shape and portrayed as though the young man’s bones, muscles, and tendons were badly injured.

“PHEW… ! “

Kufa suppressed the painful wail of his flesh, then swung the knife. For he predicted that the enemy’s great bulk, combined with centrifugal force and inertia, would not be able to cope with the several assaults. He can’t dodge it, but he also can’t take it. In that case, he could only attack tirelessly without stopping for a moment! That is the current situation.

The black blade in mid-air left several layers of trajectory, the sound of hard metal kept ringing around. The situation, contrary to just moments ago, became the composition of Kufa’s unilateral offense. That being said, with similar conditions to the other side, an attack can be said to be completely ineffective against the defending side.

Although suppressed by the circling speed of the enemy and the pressure of Mana on the weapon, the scales of the basilisk did not leave much of a mark. It also managed to crash its claws onto the ground on a momentary judgment, while digging up the ground and pulling it out. The treads raised into an upheaval, blocking the speedy enemy.

The elegant man who emerged from the shadows, waved his hands and shouted.

“Jump! Jump! JUMP! “

“… !”

Kufa drew a wire from his sleeve, though he frowned upon those words. He aimed the wire onto the ceiling and, as Captain Daby requested, kicked off the ground and jumped. As he follows the long, large body line of the Basilisk, he gathered a spear like Mana at the tip of his black blade and stabbed towards the Basilisk.

Crack – a deep noise resonated, and finally one of the scales shattered. In an instant, all of Kufa’s pale blue flames (Mana) burst out from the tip of the blade. Blood and scale fragments were blown away with a spark.

Kufa gathered all of his Mana onto the blade that pierced into the skin and flew through the air. A straight slash wound from the BASILISK’s torso to its tail. Several scales shattered into debris, but at the same time, Kufa who was forcing himself to swing the blade, has savagely damaged his right hand muscles.

And in that moment,. The tail of the Basilisk twitched as if to take advantage of the instant, and the front-end saw of its tail slammed into Kufa who was still in the air. It was an attack that even Kufa could not dodge. He managed to twist his body to only see the edge of the blade sweep across his side. It left a wound too severe for a human being, and an overflow of blood.

Kufa could not help but let go of the wire, bouncing off the ground once, the second time he took a protective approach. Unconcerned by the blood spilling from his side, he pressed the palm of his right hand to the blade held in his left.

Daby, who gave a bored look at the attack and defense battle, swiftly jotted down notes in his notebook.

“What the hell? The enemy has defeated him. He’s so weak. I’m going to have to erase this scene. “

That’s when Melida finally snapped. She was already in absolute rage.

“Tell me about it! After all, this is not Sensei’s style of fighting! “

“What? I don’t know anything about fighting, and I can’t understand the complicated things you’re saying. “

Melida stamped her foot angrily, and Salasha bit her lip hard behind her. Salasha glanced over at her friend, but Mule decided to keep watching. The Angel sisters are disguised as Kufa’s servants, and though they have the passion to battle, they are unarmed.

The only person who can help is me. Salasha gripped her spear tightly as she tried to break out of the shadows. But before she rushed out, she turned her head sharply to Dabys direction and raised one hand.

“STAND DOWN! I can’t write “Lord Shicksal was saved by his sister” in the script! “

“But… ! “

“What can you do? Kids running around on stage is just gonna cause trouble! “

Sasha flinched, gripping the spear so hard that her fingers turned white. It happened not long after that.

Ah… Ahhhhh!

Suddenly a man’s wail surrounded everywhere around, and everyone who were caught off guard turned their heads in the direction of the sound.

With a Basilisk tail between them, in the opposite direction of Kufa. There’s a man on the other side of the aisle. He’s almost frightened to death. He is dressed in what could be considered decent among the lower classes, also with that dark brown robe that mocked him for looking like a mole. The once well combed hair has been completely messed up because of repeated shocks and bewilderment.

Why… why is there someone else in this place! GET OUT OF THIS SCENE! “

Captain Daby could not help but lean out of the shadows, and the troupe’s twins immediately sensed danger.

“No way! He’s the mayor’s son! “

“Wait a minute. That’s not good. “

All the Basilisk has to do to change its target is simply turn its head. It suddenly let out a stare, and the unarmed commoner becomes bathed in the uncanny line of sight. Saimas didn’t have time to close his eyes.

Uh-Ah! Ah Ah AH AH AH AH AH AH AH AH AH AH! “

His body instantly stiffened like a stone, and his lips twitched in search of fresh air. His eyes were bloodshot, his fingertips were trembling, his immobile body was shaking like having a stroke.

The split corners of the Basilisk’s mouth rose in a malevolent gesture. It seemed to be planning a blood sacrifice for Saimas, as if it were going to cover him with its huge body and crush him.

In this moment, the black flash, who does not take his injuries seriously, thrusts himself in front of Saimas.

It’s a blind spot from Melida and the crew’s point of view. So no one could be sure what he had done.

First, his hair, which was barely visible, seemed to turn white for an instantand swayed. Then there was a flash of purple light from the shadow of the Basilisks enormous body. After that came the overwhelming pressure that even those like Melida, the ones gifted with Manas, shivered under.

“Don’t think you’re the only one with the magic eye. “

A distorted, rusty sound. Is that Kufa? The reaction from the Basilisk was so intense that this doubt was left unanswered. Its red eyes were wide open to its limits, and his huge body was shaking. Even its spurted blood atrophied, and several scales peeled off without reason.

“Phantom Blade-Type twelve… “

With Kufa voice that sounded so familiar to Melida, the explosion of pale blue fire raged wildly. The twelve sharp blades were joined in a straight line to form a large sword. More than a few meters long, the mana blade and Kufa’s black blade move conjointly, bending flexibly like a whip, while depicting an incredible speed track.

“Annihilating Serpent! “

Kufa’s arm became stiff, and with a swing of the long mana blade that slowed down a pace, it easily sliced through the enemy to pieces. The Long Blade shredded the scales of the enemy, slicing even the bulky sized flesh. The long knife ravaged the enemy until it became debris that was even unbearable to hold. As the last cut was pulled out intimidating, large amounts of blood flew in the open air as if it was dancing.

The huge body of the Basilisk fell as it dyed the walls and floor of the tunnel bright red. It sent out loud rumbles and vibrations that made people worry that the ceiling would collapse and crashed to the ground, motionless.

“… Wo… Wow.”

It goes without saying that commoners like Lucille and Leila, but even Melida and others, have repeatedly admired Kufa’s fighting skills. The most important thing is that in the moment of using attack skills, the enemy’s scales are weakened to such defenseless state like confetti. Kufa seemed to have used some kind of pre-fighting posture. What was it?

Ding! As the blade retracted to its sheath, so did everyone else’s attention.

“Sen… Sensei! “

Seeing Kufa bleed on the side of his body, Melida forgot to be in disguise as a lords servant and ran straight to him. But Kufa raised one hand as if to say, “I’m fine, ” and then turned to look behind him.

“Are you hurt, Mr Saimas? “

There was a man on his knees panting for breath, dressed in robes. He gasped for air and looked around him with bleary eyes.

What… What the hell is going on… ? There was this huge dragon monster, and… ? “

“Your conscious is hazy. Please take deep breaths slowly. “

Saimas breathed heavily, as Kufa said, and changed the fresh air in his lungs several times.

He looked up, with a look that he has finally calmed down a little.

“There isn’t a lycanthrope living in this mine, is there? So its not an illusion that the quality of gems has fallen recently? Did you… help fight that thing off? “

We’re only doing this for our own convenience. Please don’t mind. “

Kufa replied subtly and turned around to pick up something thats the size of a fist from the ground.

That’s one of the Basilisk scales that he personally cut off. He dusts the surface with his hand, and a mysterious “dark light” immediately fills the tunnel. The eyes of the ladies from the Knight Duke households widened in surprise as the thing began to glow with fluorescence beyond recognition.

“ABYSS ONYX! “

The stones collected by the Basilisk contains the stone of the holy one. If its this one, its purity is impeccable, and so as promised, well take this stone as the souvenir for the grand tour. “

His hand gripped the stone tightly. The silent sound only reached Melida’s ears.

Finally got one.

Kufa placed the jewel away in his clothes, and when Saimas saw it, his eyes widened with a shudder.

Is it… is it because I refused to give you the stone… ? That’s why you are so badly hurt…”

It’s not like that… I was just going to ask you why you’re here? “

“… because… because of the tunnel…”

Saimas looked away hesitantly and answered in a low voice.

The so-called tunnels are prone to collapse and are not a place for the untrained eye to enter. So… so… although you’re a fake, I’m afraid of what might happen to you, as the King Duke and his companion.”

“Are you worried about our safety? I appreciate it. “

“That’s… that’s not true! I DID IT FOR DIODECOLLETE! “

Saimas stepped forward in a very confident manner.

Then he sank to the ground like all the strength has left him, and in a whisper began to confess.

“We can’t keep pushing this town to the brink… there’s no turning back now… “

“… What does that mean? It doesn’t feel like it’s such a poor town. “

Saimas raised his head with a fierce look. The hostility arising from a much older man made the maid-dressed sisters nervously grab Kufa by the sleeve. The Lord of Diodecollete roared like a wild animal:

“The town is fine! But look around you! It’s all mountains and forests, there’s not even a decent road. Even the station is hours away by coach. Do you have any idea what this means? “

“An island on land… “

“That’s exactly what it is! There are several small towns in this mountainous area. But almost all of them are isolated. To get to any other town, it would take days to walk round the dangerous mountain roads — A walk that would take forever! “

Saimas slowly took out two small bottles from his arms. One contained a cloudy white liquid, and the other contained an incredible red flower. The pollen glistened like angels dust.

Do you know, Fake King Duke? In the small towns of the lower settlement, the common people are continually poisoned by the miasma of the night. My childhood sweetheart who lives in Orlane is one of them…”

He wrapped the little vase of red flowers in the palms of his hands, as if it was a broken glass artifact.

“This can be one of the few effective ways to wash away the night’s toxins. This is the flower of Aurora that grows in the Diodecollete mines… ! But this thing is famous for being able to cure all diseases, but itself is easy to get sick. The petals will soon wither and die, and the medicine will rot in just two days. In order to get the drugs for my childhood sweetheart… I need money! I need more, more money! “

Kufa just continued to look down at him coldly, as Saimas gushed with an outrageous expression of seriousness.

“As long as there’s money! We can lay a railroad in every corner of the mountain! I can give the special medicine to childhood sweethearts! I can save her! The tour was a rare opportunity to attract money to Diodecollete… it should have been so… ! “

The man in the dark brown robe let go of the small bottle and fell to his knees in desperation. The earth stained his brow, and bitter tears streamed down his face.

“Damn, bastard… why now… at this rate, she will die… we’ll never see each other again… I don’t want that… no… ! “! “

The gloomy atmosphere permeated the tunnel. The man’s undisguised cries echoed around him, and both the Knight Dukes daughters and the members of the company, Lucille and Lyra, looked at each other sympathetically, unable to say anything.

In the midst of all this, Kufa went down on one knee, indifferently, and placed his hand in his clothes.

He took out a small bottle full of liquid, which was miraculously similar to the one that Saimas have.

“Here you go. “

“… what… What is this?”

“It’s a preservative that processes and acidifies certain resins, known as Ambrosia. I’ll give you the recipe later… just mix this in and it’ll last longer. “

Saimas abruptly lifted his upper body. Kufa, however, has temporarily withdrawn the vial.

“Just be careful not to overdo it. Because it’s toxic, a bad situation can turn into something worse than the miasma of the night. “

“When you say toxic… to simply put it, it’s poison! “

The girl who was listening in the back twitched her shoulder in surprise. Still, Kufa’s attitude remains the same. In an unflinching tone, he spoke of the harshness of hell he had experienced.

That’s right — do you know what a thing called a subject is, a positive subject influenced by the sun and a negative subject influenced by the miasma of the night? Ambrosia is the latter. But sometimes you can’t survive down there without taking advantage of something like this. “

Saimas’s eyes widened as if he realized something.

Don’t… don’t tell me you’re also from the lower-town… ? “

“What are you going do? MrSaimas. If you can tell me where and by what name, I shall deliver the first pill. It is of convenience anyway. “

“… …”

Saimas only used a few seconds to hesitate.

Then he took the two vials he had dropped, bowed low, and handed them to Kufa.

“Please… ! Please also tell me the production method of Ambrosia… ! “

“Okay. If you can, try to spread the word to other nearby towns as well. “

“WAIT… wait! One more thing… “

Saimas fumbled hastily in his clothes and took out a crumpled envelope.

This is a letter to my childhood sweetheart, Salam. If you bring this letter, she’ll know I sent you. You still have to find the other stones, right? “

Yeah, like you said… you know what you’re doing, right? “

“Yes! But, no, I’m not sure. In an earlier letter from Salam, it seems that there has been a discovery of what appears to be a sacred stone in Orlane… apparently it has made local news. Please tell Salam this is my plea to assist you… ! “

Kufa turned to the group, acknowledged their expectant gaze, and nodded in agreement.

To be honest, we have no clue for the next stone at all. This is such a big help. May I ask for your contribution? “

“Of course… But, it doesn’t feel right to say it’s a redemption… “

With trembling hands, Saimas handed the envelope, bowed his head deeply and sincerely prayed.

Will you please tell the real King Duke… tell lord Serge Shicksal. Ask him to build a world in where lower level residents like us can live in peace…”

Kufa reached out for the package that was heavier than it looked.

“Of course. “

There was silence. Kufa reached out his other hand, grabbed Saimas by the wrist, and pulled him to his feet. He turned to his fellow team and called out, in a cheerful manner that was not to be felt in the heat of battle:

All right, let’s go back to town for now. As for the remains of the Basilisk, please send for legion immediately to deal with it. “

“Kufa, you need to bandage that wound… “

Salasha dashed towards him in her small steps, but Kufa’s answer was a kind smile.

Please don’t worry, Miss Salasha. My fitness allows me to take my wounds lightly. “

“Huh? Uh, that shouldn’t be an excuse. UH-OH…”

As the group made their way to the exit, Melida, standing alone at the end, approached Mule.

“… well, Mule. Do you know that drug called Ambrosia? “

“This is the first I’ve heard of it. Lower towns have all kinds of wisdom too. “

“I have no idea. “

Melida’s blond head hung down in contrast to Mule’s laid-back answer.

“I really don’t know anything about the world Sensei has lived in… “

The low murmur, barely audible, made Mule frown. But just then, echoes from the walls of the tunnels pierced their eardrums.

“sister, sister, sister, sister! “

I just… just wanted to say when he disappeared. What’s going on? “

Lucille and Lyra in the troupe had their voices reduced in fear. Melida and Mule looked at each other and ran to see the rest of the group gathered on the battlefield where Kufa had just fought the Basilisk.

Melida flung herself at Kufa’s left arm and stopped, then she saw it, too.

The extravagantly dressed slim man rolled his eyes and fell to the ground, foaming at his mouth.

“COME ON, SISTER! SISTER! “

“No! Please, sister, open your eyes! “

“How did it come to this? “

There was a lot of talk, and only one of them understood the truth.

That’s Kufa. It was imperceptible to others, but a cold sweat ran down his cheek.

“… It’s… It’s probably because he got too close to the Basilisk and got caught by its magic eye…”

“Sister, you’re a fool! I told you enough is enough about finding inspiration! “

“… …”

The young man couldn’t say the other possible reason.

Which is Daby may not have been cursed by the Basilisk, but by the vampire’s evil eye

Kufa, seeking refuge from his left hand angel’s body temperature, tries to remain calm, adding:

“Any… Anyway, the lycanthrope is gone, so just rest and you’ll be back to your old self in no time… probably. “

“SISTER! “

The twins’ cries of grief rang out even louder in the tunnel.