My Demons

Chapter 53

Raid Chief Pageno presents a formidable challenge for melee characters.

Pageno himself poses a significant threat, thanks to his exceptional mobility and formidable attack prowess. However, the true hurdle lies in the mounted archers.

These archers dart about, releasing volleys of arrows before swiftly retreating, causing considerable frustration.

Furthermore, when you approach Pageno, his minions attack speed escalates, exacerbating the situation.

Typically, its necessary to eliminate all the archers before engaging Pageno

Ahhhh!

The scenario changes if you possess the Wind Curtain Shoulder Tattoo.

Utequais charged at Pageno, deflecting incoming arrows with the power of his tattoo.

Pageno attempted to evade, but Ellens flaming arrow took down his horse first.

Boom!Th.ê most uptodate novels are published on n(0)velbj)n(.)co/m

The horse collapsed, and as Pageno tumbled down, he encountered a colossal hammer.

You rascal!

The hammer, or rather the rare item Sloanes Maul, turned Pagenos upper body into a pulp.

The power was truly terrifying. I was fortunate to escape with only minor injuries.

Unlike the Blood Knight with a rigid and limited skill set, the Berserker offered various builds.

There were Strike Berserkers who specialized in the Tribe Battle Art skill series, Rage Berserkers who focused on the Ecstasy skill from the Rage series, and Stonehead Berserkers who optimized defense with Iron Skin and Iron Seal while dealing damage based on their defense.

I enjoyed playing all the builds and rotated among them.

My most recently created Berserker, Deep DarkSFantasy, specialized in tattoo skills.

Athar-Marta!

Utequais charged at the archers, shouting an incomprehensible battle cry.

His long feather ornaments and braided hair danced splendidly in the wind, but that wasnt all.

Tattoos of arrows, shields, hammers, and other symbols glowed when he performed corresponding actions.

The archers stood no chance against his Maul, and Utequaiss fierce movements were highly intimidating.

The tattoos had intriguing features, such as body-part specificity, inter-tattoo synergy, and conditional activation.

However, armor interfered with tattoo effects, which was why high-level Berserkers often only wore weapons, accessories, and undergarments.

So, one might ask, Isnt he just a pervert and not a Berserker?

The monster, what is it!

The leader is down!

Indeed, even at first glance, he didnt look ordinary. Is this what being a Berserker was like?

Even without armor, he was that powerful. If he were to remove his pantsugh, even the thought was horrifying.

Anyway, the reason Utequais was topless was to activate the tattoo effects.

He had the Armament of Blunt Weapons tattoo on his arm, the Wind Curtain Tattoo on his shoulder, and the Blessing of the Star Cluster Tattoo on his back, rendering him unable to wear armor.

Despite the lack of armor affecting his defense, the powerful effects of the tattoos more than compensated, granting him robust survivability.

In fact, his appearance without cumbersome armor was strikingly bold.

Watching Utequais skirmish, I efficiently cut through the horse archers.

Had I already grown accustomed to fighting on horseback?

Without hesitation, I lunged at one, dragging him down to the ground, and finished him off by stabbing him in the neck.

My movements might have resembled those of a beast or a cat rather than a human well, as long as it was effective.

Ellen targeted the horses legs with Wind Fist.

Those who were thrown off were decapitated by Grania Randel and others who swooped in like vultures.

With Pageno dead and half their crew down, the horse archers began to retreat.

Hatanca, stop! Theres no need to chase them!

After killing Pageno, Utequais hadnt managed to capture a single horse archer, which left him quite agitated.

He screamed incoherently until the archers disappeared from sight.

Even Ellen and I were outsiders, but well, we were the contractors.

Arnal had to be rushed to a doctor due to her severe arrow wound.

Others had injuries too, but they were not severe enough to prevent them from meeting the Count.

After traversing several dim corridors and staircases, we finally arrived in a less dimly lit room.

Several individuals had assembled in the room, some of whom I recognized.

The military commander who led the battle at the dock, the steward who purchased the crocodile skin, Sir Ankir, and then-

Your Highness, you are saying something that I cant possibly accept.

What cant you accept? Its been a tradition since my ancestors established this kingdom that those with ability bear responsibility.

Seated in a chair and responding confidently was Prince Ulkar.

His silver hair shone as brilliantly as ever, thanks to the candles scattered around the room, but his golden lion armor was smeared with blood and dirt.

Wow, he really came?

Did he truly break through the frontline and the horde of bandits?

So are you suggesting that I, who have assumed this responsibility, lack ability?

Im not questioning your valor, Count. Whats required now is an experienced military commander like myself.

Isnt that essentially the same thing?

Well, if you see it that way, theres little I can do.

As the prince crossed his arms, maintaining a neutral expression, the Counts face grew stern.

The man who held the title of Count of Seiben and also served as the lord of the Salt Castle appeared to be in his early thirties and of relatively small stature.

He occupied a wooden chair engraved with a circled cross, and his plump cheeks were more distinctive than his well-groomed beard.

When the conversation momentarily halted, the captain of the guard who had escorted us forward stepped up and offered a bow.

Your Majesty, the mercenaries have arrived.

Oh, is that so!

The Count, who had been wearing a frown, brightened upon seeing us.

Ah, but whom should I greet first? The owner of the castle or the higher-ranking prince?

Resolving my momentary indecision, the Count dramatically extended his arms wide.

Ah, the proud warriors of South Harbor have arrived!

Randel and Aibo, who had been standing with me, swiftly moved aside to bow to the prince before positioning themselves behind him.

Nonetheless, the Count approached with a hearty laugh and delivered a friendly slap on my shoulder.

Bravo, well done!

Whats happening? Why is he acting as if were old friends? Weve never met before, sir.

Steward, provide them with a generous sum of gold coins! These four have accomplished what even the esteemed Third Prince, could not!

Upon the Counts words, the princes expression hardened.

People will sing the Princes praises. Theyll chatter about his courage in leading just a handful of cavalry to break through the encirclement and reach the castle gates. Fools are easily swayed by appearances.

Leading just a few cavalry? Did this guy actually pull off such a crazy stunt?

While the army dealt with the bandits, the prince himself led a small elite force to break through? That audacious plan?

Whether the Count couldnt perceive the astonishment on my face or simply didnt care, he continued to chatter with enthusiasm.

But you, warriors, are exceptional! Whether you crawled through the underground like rats or serpents, the fact that youve returned unscathed is a testament to your wisdom and battlefield valor, isnt it?

What nonsense is this? Who didnt get injured? And this is he mocking the prince?

I stole a sideways glance and observed the prince, whose demeanor seemed ready to explode with anger, being restrained by a hand from Ankir.

Nevertheless, the Count gazed at the prince with a smirking countenance.

Isnt that so, Your Highness?

Indeed, Count, remarkable valor and wisdom.

Despite his words, the princes deep blue eyes appeared as though they could shoot flames. His attempt at expression management had clearly failed, and his anger was palpable.

.. Uh, this seems like a precarious situation.

Suddenly, the phrase a shrimps back being broken in a whale fight flashed through my mind.