Faceless Phantom

<Revell Village Square>

Sitting on a bench, Mirage and I were waiting for a wagon to pass by the square patiently, until we saw one that was drawn by two horse-sized yellow-feathered dinosaur. They looked like a big chicken yet their head was dinosaur-like, similar to velociraptor.

The wagon was slowly ran toward the north road. And before they went further north, we quickly approached it.

"Excuse me..." I said as I ran by the driver.

"Yes?" The wagoner answered as he turned his head toward me. And then he immediately stopped the wagon.

"I'm sorry... Are you, by any chance, going to Sandune?" I asked while I was observing the driver who was wearing fine clothes.

The man seemed to be short and skinny. He had big round eyes, short brown curly hair, unusual long nose, and protruding mouth with thick mustache.

"Yes, what's wrong?"

"Can we... Can you give us a ride there?"

The man got curious about what I meant by saying us, so he moved his gaze beside me and looked at Mirage. His eyes squinted a bit and the tip of his lips were also raised a little. The look on his face wasn't really pleasant to see.

As he was just staring at Mirage, I tried to ask him once again.

"It's really urgent. There's no Gatekeeper in this village, so... Please... Can we?"

"Ah I see... Yeah, this small village indeed doesn't have a gatekeeper." He answered as his gaze moved back toward me. "Well, there's no point to have one since it doesn't have Adventure's Guild as well."

The man put his hand on his chin and thinking. Since he didn't continue, I had to open my last card to convince him.

"We're willing to pay you..."

Suddenly, I could see he smiled. Then the tip of his eyebrows immediately went up and his expression changed as if he was feeling bad.

"No, you don't have to! The more the merrier. Hahaha..."

Hearing that, I instantly smiled. Yesterday, I was overthinking this scenario over and over again, yet the answer was actually very simple.

"Come on up!" He continued. "We'll leave immediately."

"Ah thanks!"

I bowed and quickly went to the back.

The wagon was quite wide. Perhaps, it was about two meters wide. There were several stacked crates which filled the back side of the wagon, and some even almost touched the ceiling. Beyond them, I could see the five hooded men were sitting behind the driver seat.

I didn't really want to know if there was a space or not, so I just looked around the back. Fortunately, there were enough space for the two of us to sit by the entrance. It was tight and cramped, but I didn't have a choice. So we went up and sat down within the space.

"Are you guys in?" The driver asked.

"Yes." We answered.

As the wagoner heard us, he immediately hit the raptors to move the wagon.


Shortly after, we were stopped by the guards to do gate checking. So the driver went down and approached one of the guard behind the wagon.

"Let's just do this quickly. I have the paper here." He said as he lifted a paper in front of his face.

The guard looked at the paper, and then he looked back again to the wagoner. The guard ignored him and walked toward me. Then he checked the content of the crates beside me with burning torch on his left hand. The light from the fire was enough to illuminate some vegetables inside. They looked fresh and healthy.

"Come on, man. It's just vegetables from the farm."

"It is still my duty as Karmian Soldier to check the goods."

The wagon driver sighed.

"Then, don't be a lousy guard. It is also your duty to not delay these goods any longer. It is quite urgent, y'know... It's even written on this paper."

The guard closed the crate and turned around.

"Watch your tongue, Carl. I let you go this time since I don't see anything suspicious. And you also have the legal paper."

"Took you long enough, huh?"

"Yeah yeah... Move along. Get out of this village."

"Oh Derek, glad that you can be cooperative." He said as he went back to his seat. "Good bye!"

Thus, the wagon left the village and ran toward the north.

Along the way, I began to feel nauseous. My head slowly hurt and my vision starting to blur. I forgot that I had an illness which I really hated very much—A freaking carsick. It seemed I couldn't get rid of this motion sickness in this world as well. I always got it whenever I rode a vehicle.

'Dammit...'

I could only hope I had a skill to resist it, or a medicine I could consume. Nonetheless, I didn't have them. I couldn't do much but to hold my suffering.

Somehow, Mirage saw me looked unwell.

"Zeroth, are you alright?"

I just gave her a little smile and lightly nodded.

"A-are you sure? You look...pale. And you're sweating a lot." She looked concerned.

"It's okay, I'm fi- Huuokk!"

I covered my mouth with my hand as I was about to throw up. That was really uncool of me. I was really embarrassed, so I put my hand on my eyes and forehead as I leaned forward.

"I'm fine... Don't worry..."

Suddenly, I heard Mirage was humming. She tried to use Song of Purity to heal the motion sickness, even though it wasn't stated as a debuff. But surprisingly, I felt better. Everything I felt was gone in an instant. However, it didn't last long. It came back again shortly after.

"Does it work?"

I shook my head.

"I'm sorry..."

"N-no... I should be the one who is apologizing. I'm sorry..."

"Mm mmm... It's okay."

'I'm really hopeless. Hahhh...' I sighed.

I felt bad for her, being with me in this kind of situation must be really awkward. I could understand her feeling of watching someone's suffer yet you couldn't do anything to help. So I tried to hold and stay strong in front of her. I kept my back straight and looked toward the stacked crates.

Unfortunately, the nausea and headache were becoming stronger. I couldn't help but to bend my body forward, and put my hand on my face again.

"Z-zeroth... Y-you can sleep on my shoulder if you want."

Suddenly, Mirage told me an unexpected offer.

"S-sorry... But I don't want to make you uncomfortable."

"Seeing you like that makes me more uncomfortable. Please, I insist."

As we were in a tight spot, the position wouldn't be comfortable. However, I couldn't help it. My stomach felt stirred and my vision was shaking and blurry.

Even though I looked really uncool and I was really ashamed of myself, I really wanted to rest. I felt embarrassed and happy at the same time. So I accepted Mirage's offer and slowly put my head on her shoulder.

"Sorry..."

"Please don't apologize anymore." She sighed. "It can't be helped since you have this kind of sickness."

"Thanks..."

"Just sleep. I hope it will make you feel better."

I closed my eyes and tried to sleep.

The bumpy road made me like I was on a rocking chair. It felt really pleasant and comforting. Then I could feel Mirage's soft hand gently wiped my sweat off my face. She was also humming softly. Her soothing lullaby calmed my mind and eventually put me to sleep as well.

・・・

Within a dreamless sleep, I could hear Mirage calling to me.

"Zeroth... Zeroth..."

I moaned softly.

"Wake up..."

I opened my eyes and found myself still on her shoulder. So I lifted my head away and took out a wet towel.

"I'm sorry to wake you up."

"I-it's fine." I answered as I wiped my face with the wet towel.

"We are stopping to make a camp."

"Oh I see..." I put the towel back inside my bag. "Sorry... You must be tired."

"Ehehe... Just a bit..." She smiled and looked at me closely. "Are you alright? How's your sickness?"

"Y-yeah. I'm fine." I said as I averted my gaze. "W-well, let's build the tent right away."

"Unh..."

As we went down, I could see a fire by the wagon which was parked beside the road. There were two of the hooded men sat by the fire. Beyond them, two tents were built near the front side.

Therefore, I built Mirage's tent near the back side. She wanted to help but I stopped her. I had to make up for my uncoolness before. She chuckled as she gladly accepted my reason and let me did the work alone.

"You can sleep now." I said once I was done building the tent. "I'll stay up to watch."

"Unh... Thank you."

She answered and immediately went in.

I sat in front of the tent and took out some woods to make my own fire. I could see they looked at me at times, but I just ignored them.

I checked my items one by one and repaired some equipment which the durability had depleted a lot. I kept busy to stay awake. It was really boring and made me sleepy at some point, but I had to stay up and protect Mirage.

I saw the hooded men changed their shift two times. And I also saw a pair of eyes in the distance a few times. Thankfully, nothing happened until the sun rose within the horizon.

So, we continued our trip to Sandune once everyone was up. And of course, I had no choice but leaned on Mirage shoulder again.

<Myrmeleo Desert>

Several cone-shaped pit holes could be seen in every few hundred meters. Those weren't natural causes. Those were traps created by giant antlion monsters.

Once you got sucked, it was difficult to get out. Let alone fought the antlion, you would hardly move your feet. Fortunately, they were mostly passive and kept themselves inside the sand as long as you didn't fall into their hole.

The only problem would be the monsters that were living above the sand.

I spotted some of them, and the highest average stats was around 160-180 points. They were Desert Ostriches, Bone Scorpions, and Desert Vipers. However, they seemed hesitated when they were about to approach us. Perhaps, it was because we mostly traveled near the holes. They might be afraid, or smart enough to avoid being near the antlion's trap.

'The antlions must be stronger than them.' I thought. 'More importantly, the driver seems to know the desert very well.'

He surely had passed the desert countless times. It was his job after all. He had to find the path that decreased the risk of losing their items or even his life.

'Sometimes, the most dangerous path is also considered as the safest route.'

Still, there were several monsters we passed closely even if we weren't near the holes. They were Desert Broggums, Desert Lizards, Sand Rats and Cactus Huggers. Most of them were below the size of a wolf. And their average stats was around 150-170 points.

Strangely enough, they weren't really aggressive. Not even a single monster was attacking the wagon.

Then suddenly, the wagon stopped in the middle of the desert. And I could hear Carl, the wagon driver, was asking something to us.

"I'm sorry but... I actually have to bring some desert plants called Lavaemoryi. Do you guys know it?"

"Yeah. I know the plant." One of five hooded men answered.

"Can you pick some for me? It's just right behind that small hill over there."

"Okay." One of the hooded men answered and walked toward our direction.

"I'll go with him." Another volunteered and followed him.

"Good! Please come back soon!"

I saw the two went down and probably walked toward the small hill Carl mentioned.

As they were gone, we were waiting in silent awkwardly.

I stopped leaning on Mirage's shoulder and lifted my head, trying to regain my condition. As long as the wagon didn't move, I would be fine. So I kept my head up and relax. Silently looking straight, I focused to feel the sickness go away.

"It's okay." Mirage said. "You don't have to force yourself."

"No." I slowly shook my head. "I don't want to be a bother."

"I don't mind."

"..." I sighed. "Can you use your song instead?"

"O-okay." She answered, and then immediately hummed Song of Purity to heal my condition.

I could feel the nausea and headache gradually faded. And my vision also slowly became clear. Even if I felt like the sickness was still lingering, at least my mind was getting better.

"Thanks... I feel better now."

"If you don't feel well again, please tell me."

"Okay." I nodded lightly.

A long time had passed, but the two didn't come back yet.

The hooded men seemed wondering why their comrades took so long by tapping their feet. Their behavior showed that they got really worried.

"Do they meet a dangerous monster?" Carl wondered.

His question sparked their impatience, and their tapping was getting faster. Then suddenly, I could hear one of them stood.

"I'll go check on them."

"Me too."

As I saw them appeared in front of us, they stopped.

"What about me?" His friend who was still behind asked them.

The two turned around, yet didn't answer their friend's question. They were thinking while looking around. And then one of them looked at us. He immediately turned his head toward his friend.

"Alright, fine. You can come too."

The three immediately went down and I leaned my head to watch them go. I saw them went above a sandy hill which almost like a dune and disappeared beyond it.

"Thank goodness you two appeared. If not, I wouldn't be able to feel safe now." Carl said suddenly. "I hope they'll come back soon."

"Y-yeah..." I reluctantly answered.

Shortly after that, I saw several silhouettes on the hill. A group of eleven people showed up and walking toward us.

Most of them were wearing leather armor. Only a few had plated one.

And five of them carried something on their shoulder. It was the five hooded men. Tied and unconscious.

"Oh my God! This is bad! They are well-known bandits!" Carl exclaimed. "I have to do something. You two stay here!"

As I thought he was already left, he appeared behind the wagon, looked at us and said, "Don't worry, I am a famous merchant. I'll try to negotiate with them! Stay here okay."

I nodded, and then he was fast walking toward the hill, toward the said group of well-known bandits.

They stopped midway, right between the wagon and the hill. It was quite far, so I used my Eavesdropping to catch their conversation.

"Nice job." Carl said. "We got two more extras. One probably a rich guy. And the other is a fucking beauty."

"Really?" One of the group responded. "That is our Carl! Good work! We can enjoy the night later ghahahahahah..."

My expression turned sour. I wanted to hurt them so bad.

It was just like what Hagwim had expected. They definitely aimed for women and money. And the rumor about the dangerous desert was just a cover, so that they could do their crime easily.

I didn't know how many victims had been fallen to those criminals scheme. That's why, I had to put an end to their sinful deeds.

Once they started to approach us, I called Misty to come out. The little spider crawled out from my body and stopped right on my face.

I sighed and pushed Misty up so it moved on top of my head instead. Then I asked the little spider to cover the surrounding with mist. It purred and I could feel the temperature dropped significantly. And then, the mist slowly formed around the area.

I looked at Mirage. "Stay safe."

She nodded and answered, "You too. Be careful."

I gave her a little smile before I went down the wagon.

As the mist became thicker, I could hear the group were confused.

"Wha-?"

"What is this?"

"A mist?"

"How the fuck there is a mist in the middle of a desert in a clear daylight!?"

"Calm down! Look around if there is a monster who can do this trick."

"How? I can't see shit!"

"This is too absurd. There is no monster in the desert that can do this kind of shit."

"Let's just quickly go to the wagon!"

"Wait!"

Everyone stopped.

"What!?"

"I just saw a shadow"

Everyone became cautious. They lifted their weapon and stay alerted. However, it was all pointless if they couldn't see what was coming.

On the other hand, I could clearly see them all. I could see their aura with my Astral Eyes.

Stealthily, I sneaked toward the one who got separated a bit far from the group. The sandy ground muffled my steps so he didn't realize I was right a few meters beside him.

My heart was pumping fast, waiting for a chance to attack. Once I got the opportunity, I immediately swung my sword.

Slash!

Due to the training with Hagwim, I had a habit to attack low. And as a result, I could easily aimed and precisely cut the part of his legs which weren't covered with protection in one swing.

"Aarrrgghhhh!!!" He screamed as he fell on his knees.

Next, I aimed for their throat. So this time, no more scream but just soft gurgles.

Slash!

"Gurrgh....gurrghh..."

He fell and writhing as he put his hands on his neck.

"What was that?" One of them asked.

"Keep your eyes open!" The other answered with an order.

My heart was beating fast, so I tried to calm down by inhaling and exhaling deeply. Then I moved toward another man and I did the same thing again. Slowly, I eliminated them one by one.

"Aaaargh!!"

"Uuuuurghh!!!"

"Aaarrrhhh! They're he-"

Screams could be heard simultaneously within the mist. And it also suddenly stopped as I slit their throats. It made the others anxious and scared.

"W-w-what happened!?"

"I-is it a monster?!"

"J-just attack anything approaches!"

They became more cautious and some even swung their sword around mindlessly. Still, they couldn't even see my sneak attack.

"Aaarrgghhh!!"

"Goddammit!!! Where are they!?"

"I-I just heard Benli screamed near me! Eeeekk!"

"E-everyone! Stay close!"

"Whe-where are you?"

"I'm hearrrrghh!!"

"Shit!"

I could see every one of them was terrified, especially Carl. I saved him for last.

"Fuck it!"

One of them immediately tried to run, but I quickly pursued and killed them.

"Aaaarrgghhh!!"

"Urrghh..."

"Grrgrgrggrghh..."

Not long, the only one left was Carl's aura, which was shaking within the mist. He kept silent, too scared to move or even talk. He clearly didn't want to be found out. But sadly, it was just a wishful thinking.

I slowly approached Carl. And his eyes widened as he saw me stood in front of him.

I pointed my sword toward him.

"Tell me everything about the Cage."

Carl just kept silent, so I told Misty to get rid of the mist. Slowly, the mist faded and showed eleven familiar bodies filled the surrounding.

"Now I'll ask you once more." I said as I was pointing my sword toward his neck. "Tell me everything about the Cage."

His eyes shook and his jaw trembled. He suddenly squeaked and bowed down. Then he told me everything about the Cage in details.

It was a two story building which was located within Sandune's slum section. Then he told me about everyone he knew who worked there. Even the one who owned the business. I listened to him intently, and I made sure to remember them all.

"P-please spare me! I already told you everything!"

He begged as he put both of his hands together. His crying face was really ugly to the point I felt bad for him.

I drew my sword back. And I could see he was slowly smiling widely. He dryly laughed.

"Eheheh-uurghh...!!"

STAB!

Without hesitation, I thrust my sword and stabbed him right on his heart. His eyes widened and the tip of his lips went down. I pulled my sword and swung it once to clean the blood.

I watched him fell while holding his chest with both of his hands. He writhed for a second on the ground as he looked at me with wide eyes, then he slowly died. Only his blood was flowing out from his chest, slowly painting the sandy ground below him crimson red.

I stepped backward and fell on my knees, trembling in guilt. I looked at my shaking right hand that was holding the sword.

Never had I imagined that I would kill someone. Even if they were just a data. A supposed to be enemies within a game. However, the feeling on my hand was real.

'I...just killed them all. Is it okay? Am I doing the right thing?'

It was the first time I killed human beings beside humanoid monsters. I felt guilty yet against it at the same time.

'No... It must be done...'

Regardless, I had to overcome this if I wanted to be strong. I had to show no mercy toward someone who couldn't change to be a good man even if they were given a second chance.

As I showed mercy to him before, I still could see within his eyes the freedom of doing his crime again. The act of fooling the person in front of him. I wanted to erase that so badly. It was also to feel safe that he wouldn't get revenge later.

Still, I felt terrible. I still wanted to understand why they lived such life. I knew it was a naive of me to believe that people would change, and wishing for peace in this world. Sadly, some people don't, and peace cannot be attained as long as there are people like them in this world.

I had to face reality.

As I was controlling my feeling, Mirage came toward me and put her hand on my shoulder.

"It's okay." She deeply sighed. "You did the right thing."

'Yeah. I have to protect her from the cruel reality. I have to stay strong.'

・・・

Once I burried all the bodies, I checked all the crates. I suspected one of them might be hiding a slave or two. However, they were all harvested crops.

It seemed the wagon was just a set up to easily kidnap whoever they found to escort them.

Suddenly, I had a thought to try driving the wagon. However, my sickness wouldn't let me do it. Also, the situation would definitely make us as if we were the one who kidnapped the five hooded men. They would surely hostile toward us.

Since we couldn't do much, Mirage and I went hunting nearby monsters while we were waiting for the five hooded men to wake up.

After a moment passed, I saw the five hooded men began to regain their consciousness from a distance.

As expected, they were really surprised once we came back. They warned us to stay away from them, so I told them about what had happened. Then they sent one of them to look for the buried bodies I mentioned.

Once one of them was back, they eventually calmed down and began to apologize to us.

"We're very sorry. I thought you were with them."

"It's fine. Don't worry about it."

"But seriously, you are absolutely amazing. To be able to kill a group of eleven people with just the two of you."

"Yeah. If those sneaky bastards didn't put us unconscious with their trap. We would've taken care of them by ourselves."

"Indeed. Our leader alone could beat them into a pulp."

"Hahaha... You guys are exaggerating. These two are truly more remarkable than me."

"They are indeed astounding."

"Heheheh... Not really." I dryly chuckled to their compliments. "Actually, we're here to help you."

"Really? So, did you know about that ambush?"

"No. We just followed you. After I was eavesdropping you all at the diner, we want to help you."

"I see... Even though we're stranger to you, yet you still want to help us. Thank you very much."

"No need to thank us. We're glad to be able to help." Mirage said as she smiled.

"Well, you see... If you're going to join our party, then we need know each other first." He said and the five of them lowered their hood. "We're all Beastkin."

They were all indeed bipedal animals. Even if I already knew them from opening their status, I still wanted to see them directly.

"That's why, we need to be secretive since most of the slaves humans caught are from our kin." He sighed. Then he continued. "We will always remember your kindness, young Aphi. What is your name?"

"Zeroth."

"I am Mirage. Nice to meet you."

After we introduced ourselves, they also did the same.

"I'm Garong. Nice to meet you too." Said the Tiger.

"The name's Jakka." Said the Wolf.

"Tutoll. Pleasure to meet you." Said the Bobcat.

"I'm Kirk." Said the Dog.

"And I am Murakkal, the leader of this team." Said the Black Phanter.

Since all of them already up, I wanted to quickly depart to Sandune. Or perhaps, I wanted to get over the motion sickness as soon as possible. So I asked them right away.

"Well, anyway... Can one of you drive a wagon?"

The four of them instantly looked at the Dogman.

"Uhh... I can..." Kirk answered.

"Then, let's leave immediately to Sandune." I jumped to the main point. "We'll discuss our plan along the way."

"Right then. Let's go." Murakkal agreed.

We entered the wagon and continued riding north. This time Mirage and I were sitting near the other beastkin. Still, I couldn't help but leaning on Mirage's shoulder again. So, one of them probably saw us and got curious.

"Ahem... Ummm... Are you two a couple?"

I wanted to answer, but I couldn't. My nausea locked my mouth from talking, so Mirage was the one who answered instead.

"Ehhh... Umm... H-he's just sick."

"You mean... He's sick because of the wagon?" Jakka asked curiously.

"Y-yeah." Mirage answered.

"Hahahahahaha..."

All of them suddenly laughed. Hearing them, I felt so embarrassed.

"I didn't expect he's similar to us." Murakkal said. "Being sick on a wagon. Most of us, beaskin, also has the same problem. So we invented a medicine for the sickness. Jakka, give them some."

"Yes." Jakka answered and probably gave Mirage the medicine. "Here..."

"Thank you." Mirage said.

"Just eat it and you'll feel better instantly." Murakkal explained.

"Zeroth. Here... Eat it."

I could feel Mirage gently put the medicine on my lips. So I opened my eyes and saw the ball-shaped pill. I slowly opened my mouth and ate it whole.

A few minutes later, the nausea, headache, and blurry vision were disappeared. I felt so much better. I lifted my head and looked at the five beastkin.

"Feel better?" Murakkal asked as he smiled at me.

"Y-yeah. Thank you very much." I bowed my head.

"Hahaha... I told you." Murakkal laughed. "Now, we can discuss our strategy, right?"

"Yes."

So, I explained to them about the information I got from Carl. Then I told them the strategy that Hagwim planned for me. And the plan was I became a distraction so the five of them could stealthily infiltrate the building and freed all the slaves.

Everyone thought that it was a good plan, but they disagreed about us being a distraction. They said that they already felt bad for us to be involved in their problem, and they also owed us for helping them from the ambush.

Therefore, I had to convince them that they shouldn't worry because I was a new hero, and it would be fine even if I died. Still, it looked like they felt bad for us. But thankfully, they eventually agreed.

After that, they shared some funny stories about them along the road. And without realizing it, Sandune's brown wall could be seen in the distance.

The wall was around five meters high which seemed to be made with different shapes of bricks. And it seemed it was covered by sands.

I saw two guards were stationed on each side of the southern gate. And as expected, it was quiet as there was no queue.

We easily entered the town without gate checking as Kirk showed the legal paper to the guards. And so, we had arrived at Sandune.

<Sandune Town>

Most of the buildings seemed to be made from clay and stones as they were brown in color. They had plain design yet also felt very unique. Perhaps, it was because there were some patterns engraved on them which beautify the appearance.

Different with Revell, the street was way more crowded. There were various kind of stalls and domestic monsters around.

Our wagon ran slowly among the crowd. We tried to look for the recipient's address which was written on the paper. However, it was a fake legal paper. So we gave the goods to the poor people in the slum section while searching for the location of 'The Cage.'

From Carl's information, the two story building was within the slum section. And he didn't lie.

We were then immediately looking for an inn. We needed to be fully rested to do our plan at night.

And the night had finally come.

We departed part ways with the five beastkin in front of the inn. They would take the back door, while Mirage and I would be causing a trouble at front.

As we strolled toward the building, I began to use my Astral Eyes to identify each NPCs I could see.

Surprisingly, there were players as well. I gave a sign to Mirage to slow down. And then, we took another route and hide.

"What's wrong?" She asked in confusion.

"Players..." I said as I got anxious.

I really didn't want to have a business with players, especially the ones with guild. And unfortunately, one of them was from the Top Ten Guilds.

If I was exposed, my head would be a bounty for them. Moreover, Mirage would also be in danger. I didn't want to risk her safety. I had to think of a plan quickly.

'Dammit!'

I leaned my head and used Astral Eyes to see their stats. And the highest stats was a player with 215 average points.

'Uhh... It's quite high.'

I wasn't sure if I could beat him. The last time I checked, my average stats was around 120 points. It was before I met Hagwim. Hence, I needed to know my own stats before recklessly entered to battle.

'Ah no... Stop thinking, brain!'

I shook my head and sighed. It was indeed true that comparing our stats would make a difference for me in handling the situation. Thus, I didn't want to shrink away or even put so much pride within me. And most of all, I didn't want to underestimate my opponent.

I already made a promise to help the five beastkin. Still, there was one problem left. My name would be displayed on their system window if I attacked them.

'Should I do it?'

Of course, there was one solution I had known all along. However, it was very disadvantageous for me.

'Yeah, there's no other way.'

I had to control the phantom inside me.

・・・

<Eastern side of Tagran Ruins - Ghaldaran Camp>

A solemn ceremony was held.

Several bards were humming in grimace as Ghaldaran had to bid farewell to several nobles, and even to their own King, Egbern Raiev Ghaldo.

King Egbern was put inside a luxurious black casket which was placed on a stand. Around it, there were other caskets as well.

Prince Randolph stood in front of his Father's. Everyone looked at him with heavy shoulders.

"Forgive me, Father. If only I was strong enough to protect you from Enhanced Human Alkronia created. You would still be alive. I cannot see you go to our ancestors, but I promise you to win this war."

Hearing his monologue, several people were crying.

Once the ceremony was done, the soldiers lifted them up and moved them inside several carriages. Then, everyone gave an honorable gesture as they left toward their home.

After that, Prince Randolph, who just became the new King of Ghaldaran, turned around to face his thousands army which was divided by several battalions.

He opened his mouth and shouted.

"My Father's killer is still out there! Laughing and enjoying our moment of grievance! He is the Enhanced Human Alkronia created. They won't be so easy to defeat. However, we cannot allow those traitors producing such monstrosity anymore. There is only one way to make them stop. And that is to demolish Alkronia onto the ground forever! We have to fight! And bravely sacrifice ourselves for the peace of Heallance!"

King Randolph raised his sword toward the sky.

"For King Egbern!"

"FOR KING EGBERN!"

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"For Ghaldaran!"

"FOR GHALDARAN!"

・・・

<Western side of Tagran Ruins - Alkronia Camp>

Inside a big tent, all the nobles were standing toward the Alkronia Empress. Then, Her Majesty suddenly shouted.

"Bring him forth!"

Two guards immediately brought someone with luxurious clothes forward and made him kneeled down toward the Empress.

"Baron Damian?"

"Why is Damian being treated as criminal?"

"Something's not right..."

Everyone was confused, but it was cleared once Princess Vanea opened her mouth.

"Baron Damian Gasch Valdeer. You are suspected for being a traitor of Alkronia Empire."

Everyone gasped as they shocked toward the announcement.

"According to multiple testimonies, there are evidences of your treachery. They are all contained: Providing internal information to several informants, smuggling the Crest of Alkronian Knight to unknown recipients, and in a cahoots with someone to destroy Tagran Fortress. Killing several nobles and even endangered the Empress. Thereby, you are proven guilty and shall face a severe punishment." Princess Vanea looked at him sharply. "Death by execution. Right here. Right now."

"Fucking bastard! You tried to assassinate the Empress?!?" One of the nobles shouted.

"Huhuhahahahahahaha...."

Suddenly, Baron Damian was laughing out loud.

"You're all doomed! It is already too late for you to realize it! You all non-believers shall suffer from the sins you've done! Ghahahaha..."

"Damn you traitor! What are you spouting about!?"

"It's really fun to manipulate him. All I did was just encourage him, and boom! He betrayed his own country. Hehahahaha..."

"What?"

"Hahahaha... Your little mind won't be able to comprehend his superiority! He will save us all from this suffering! Ghahahaha..."

"He's just blabbering nonsense!"

"Yeah. He has become crazy it seems."

"Oh well, let him be. He'll die anyway."

"I knew he was entering some kind of cult, but I didn't know it makes him becoming this...mad."

"Quick! Just execute him already!"

"Damn this guy's nut!"

The nobles became louder as they were confused and angered by Baron Damian's nonsense, they had no clue about what he said at all. So the Empress finally opened her mouth.

"Silence!"

Everyone instantly became silent. And then, an executioner came in with two-handed axe on his hands. As he stopped beside Baron Damian, Princess Vanea asked him for the last time.

"Any last words?"

Baron Damian just smiled eerily and softly said, "Hail Beleth!"

The executioner instantly swung his two-handed axe right toward the back of his neck.

CHOP!

Baron Damian's head rolled on the ground as his body fell, and his blood was gushing out from his neck.