00018 <-- Episode 18 When the world changes, humans change too (3) -->
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“Listen! Are you telling me to back off like this?”
“Does that make sense?”
Zenon and Alita, who were not convinced by the situation, tried to argue.
But Shihan interrupted their conversation. Then he bowed his head and obediently followed the knights’ words.
“Then I will leave it to you, knights, and good luck!”
One of the knights blushed. It was in response to the word ‘un’ that Shihan had mentioned. He shouted with an embarrassed expression.
“Just back off!”
The party retreated to the alley and watched the battle unfold. The three knights surrounded the demons and began the battle.
Knights swing their swords fiercely as they move among the demons.
Despite wearing heavy armor, his movements are as fast as the wind.
They are engaged in a tense battle without giving an inch of retreat from the Leocan group.
As expected, the Black Lion Knights, directly under the King, had the strongest skills in the Kingdom of Zexengard.
So the deadline became even more suspicious.
‘It’s still strange.’
Looking back, Shihan asked a question.
“Xenon, how long would it take you to deal with fifteen Leocans?”
“It would take some time now since I don’t have any armor. Maybe ten minutes?”
Zeno answered seriously, considering the situation.
It was said that 30 to 40 seconds would be enough to deal with one, and considering that he was a knight-level swordsman, it wasn’t an arrogant statement at all.
If you’re properly armored, you don’t even need to move; you can just stand there and cut them down with one blow and the situation will end.
The deadline was also agreed upon.
“Yeah, it takes a while even without armor. It’s not dangerous.”
Alita was the same. If you drove around and tried to defeat them individually, she could easily handle something like that on her own.
It may take longer than xenon, but there is no particular danger or anything.
The reason Xenon and Alita were defeated by the boss-level Ignis Wolf was entirely due to an unexpected lightning attack, and not because they were inferior in skill.
“But how can three knight-level sword-heirs, fully armed, waste time against that many Leokans?”
Then Zenon and Alita also noticed the situation. Alita said with a stern face.
“Are those people not willing to fight properly?”
Zeno was also dumbfounded and cried out.
“What on earth are those people doing?”
It was then that Shihan’s face suddenly hardened.
“Ugh?”
Across the street, from afar, someone was approaching.
A huge, ferocious force that races down the road at a terrifying speed, closing the distance in an instant, and seems ready to destroy everything in its path at any moment!
‘This speculation!’
Shihan’s eyes were bloodshot.
I can feel it. It’s something I haven’t felt in ten years, but it’s vivid as if I met him just yesterday!
“You’re just a bunch of little creatures!”
A thunderous voice shook the sky of La Tencel.
“Do you dare to touch my people?”
A dazzling light burst from the roof and split the air.
Two discs of light flew fiercely toward the group of Leocans, forming an arc.
The two Leocans were split open from the crown to the groin with a single blow, spraying blood fiercely. But as if their momentum was not quelled, the disc of light crashed into the ground and made a loud noise.
Kwakwakwang!
The disc was in fact a giant spinning battleaxe. It was a powerful force that had transcended the intangible and transformed into tangible light.
The two battle axes that had been stuck in the ground and were burning brightly rose up on their own, vibrating, and returned to the roof. Two strong arms grabbed the flying battle axes.
Citizens who had been trembling in fear at the sight of the man holding an axe erupted in cheers.
“Oh!”
“It is the King!”
“Save us, our king!”
“Destroy that evil spirit!”
A multitude of awe-inspiring eyes and voices pour out to the muscular man wielding a battle axe in both hands.
The man gave a hearty shout.
“Don’t worry, my people! This body protects you!”
A spark flew in Shihan’s eyes.
“… … Zexenguard!”
***
Zexengard flew up from the roof, blocking the path of Leokans and shouting.
“Black Lion Knights! Protect the people!”
As if they had been waiting, the knights stepped back and answered in unison.
“Yes! Your Majesty the King!”
The Leocans flinch and step back at the sudden appearance of transcendent momentum.
Zexenguard smirked, gripping the battle axe in both hands tightly.
“I’ve been feeling under the weather lately, so this is a good thing!”
The battleaxe began to glow a dazzling white once more. He charged forward, kicking the ground with a brilliant flash of brilliance.
“I’ll kill you all, you little creatures!”
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With his dark brown hair fluttering, Zexengard quickly leapt into the midst of the Leocans. His two battle axes began to dance a brilliant dance of light.
The battle axe wielded by the Zexen Guard is a blade that is 1 meter long, and including the handle, it is nearly 2 meters long.
He holds a huge axe that even an average swordsman would have to wield with both hands, but swings it around lightly as if it were a reed.
“That’s ridiculous!”
A three-meter-long demon is split in two with one blow.
“Do you think a lowly demon like me can be an opponent for this body?”
In the gap, three Leocan heads rise into the air.
“Hahahaha!”
With hearty laughter, the waists of five horses are cut in two.
Leocans also somehow managed to thrust their teeth and claws into the ground, but their efforts were in vain. Every time a flash of light split the space, the demon’s blood was sprayed in all directions.
In an instant, the group of nearly twenty Leocans was reduced to just three.
The terrified Leocans kicked the ground and started running in different directions.
Zexenguard glared.
“These things dare to run away?”
Even if he was a superhuman swordsman, he couldn’t chase after all three directions with just one body. And he had no intention of doing so.
“joy!”
Zexengard snorted and stamped his right foot on the ground.
Boom!
The floor cracks and cracks appear like spiderwebs on the pavement of the stone-paved street. Soon, it begins to glow and draws a large pattern. At the same time, a powerful energy extends from the pattern and takes control of the entire area.
“That!?”
Zeno blinked in shock.
“… … The speculation I’ve only heard of?”
Just like the magic circles used by the Magians, Sword Hierarchs who have reached a certain level can use their speculation to directly intervene in the real world of Terranor and cause transcendent phenomena.
It is one of the extremes of speculation that requires reaching at least a superhuman level.
A white light spread across the floor in three directions. With a smile of conversion, Zexengard raised his right hand.
“Tugijin, the hand of a giant!”
With a loud noise, a giant rock hand suddenly shot out and grabbed three Leocans tightly. The captured Leocans let out screams of pain.
Just like that, Zexenguard grabbed his right hand.
“Crush it, you worms!”
The giant’s hand clenched into a fist. Blood from the demon’s hands gushed out like a fountain between the huge rock fingers.
Zexenguard laughed heartily, feeling refreshed.
“Hahahaha!”
The giant’s hand collapses, sending red rocks rolling down the street. That alone causes the earth to shake and dust to rise.
Alita and Zenon’s mouths fell open at the sight before their eyes.
“… … It’s a real monster.”
“Is that the power of a superhuman swordsman… … .”
Both of them had heard stories about the Seven Heroes of the Revolution through word of mouth and books. However, seeing and feeling them in person was on a different level. It was an overwhelming sight that left their minds blank.
After dealing with all the demons, Zexengard turned his head. Their king shouted at the people who were standing there dumbfounded.
“The demons are all dead. There is no longer any danger to you!”
Only then did a deep sense of relief appear on the people’s faces. They began to cheer and bow their waists frantically.
“Ohhh!”
“Long live His Majesty the King!”
“Long live the revolutionary heroes!”
“Thank you, Your Majesty!”
“thank you!”
Shihan’s expression distorted as he watched the scene.
Now I understand the situation a little better.
‘… … Zexenguard, that son of a bitch!’
***
Every king needs to prove himself to his people.
But the distance between the king and the people is far.
That is why the king makes his presence known by imprinting his face on coins, shows his rigor through administration, reveals his wisdom through policies, and stands at the forefront of the army and displays his bravery.
Most of the things mentioned above can be done in normal times as well.
However, bravery can only be demonstrated on the battlefield. That is why the ancient monarchs of Earth would regularly show off their bravery by hunting wild beasts such as lions in front of their subjects and people.
That’s what Zexenguard did just now.
Why did a group of demons that live deep in the mountains appear in the capital of a country?
Why did the Black Lion Knights block the Shihan group that was trying to help?
Why were three knight-level swordsmen struggling to deal with even one group of Leokans?
The reason was simple.
Because they were secretly captured and released from the beginning. I couldn’t let the Leocan group that I finally released die before His Majesty the King even arrived.
All of this is just a grand show to show His Majesty the King protecting his vulnerable subjects!
Shihan’s teeth chattered as he looked at the broken streets and the bloodstains of citizens scattered everywhere.
‘What the hell is this?’
In fact, from the monarch’s point of view, it wasn’t a situation that was completely incomprehensible.
People tend to be more excited about the present reality than the unseen future.
In fact, the citizens of Ratessel are cheering for Zexengard.
Whatever the truth, the immediate effect is definitely not bad. Even in the 21st century Earth, all kinds of wartime administrations are rampant, so Terrano, with its low level of civilization, is nothing to look forward to.
However, being understandable does not mean that the tragedy is acceptable.
Shihan lamented inwardly.
‘You’ve fallen, Zexenguard… … .’
The old Zexenguard wasn’t like that. Although he had a simple and violent personality, he had an unwavering belief in his heart.
He was a strong warrior who devoted his whole body to helping the weak, risked his life to practice justice, and never gave up his will no matter what worldly forces might throw at him.
‘So, that friend of yours has fallen to the point where he’s even doing such despicable things to be so obsessed with popularity?’
As expected, ten years is by no means a short period of time.
Shihan looked into the distance at his former colleague with eyes filled with emptiness that went beyond hatred.
Zexengard smiled happily and waved his hand in response to the cheers of the people.
‘… … No, isn’t that it?’
Suddenly, Shihan felt puzzled. Zexengard’s expression seemed too sincere.
That proud face.
A confident look that doesn’t show an inch of shame.
Zexengard wasn’t the kind of author who could act so cunningly.
If he had been that smart, Wangnyeon Shihan and Lilstein wouldn’t have suffered so much. And habits formed at the age of three tend to last until the age of eighty.
‘oh my god!’
Shihan’s mouth fell open as he realized the truth once more.
‘That stupid kid doesn’t know?!’
Zexengard himself truly believes that he is saving the people!
It seems that the servants at his side did something of their own accord. They secretly prepared this show to please the king and let Zexengard relieve his stress to his heart’s content.
Now that he’s relieved, Zexengard will forget about the world and just sit back in the palace and play, while his subjects can run the government as they please.
There had been many similar incidents throughout Earth’s history, so Shihan could easily infer the situation. He touched his forehead.
‘Aww, that idiot… … .’
I think it’s better to be corrupted. That’s a fool who can’t even be corrupted!
No, he is a corrupt fool who cannot even understand what his subordinates are doing.
‘I knew you were stupid, but were you really this stupid? … .’
***
“Viva!”
“Long live His Majesty the King!”
“Long live the revolutionary heroes!”
Zexengard looked down at his surroundings, enjoying the cheers that were ringing out from all directions. He could feel the awe-inspiring gazes from all sides.
‘Yes, this is what a king does. Protecting the people and destroying evil enemies is the duty of a ruler.’
Feeling proud, Zexengard slowly walked down the street with two axes on his back.
The Black Lion Knights follow him, surrounding him. As they walk, Zexengard suddenly frowns.
“hmm?”
There was a man. He was in his late twenties, with black hair and black eyes.
He was looking at the Zexenguard.
Zexengard was puzzled. It wasn’t because someone was staring at him.
Before he became the king of a country, he was a hero revered across the continent.
I received as much resentment, hatred, and jealous looks as I did worship. That’s why I didn’t care at all about what people thought of me.
But the look in that man’s eyes is strangely bothersome. Even though it’s clearly the first time I’m seeing his face, it feels strangely familiar.
Zexenguard stopped walking without thinking.
‘what?’
Shihan and Zexengard’s gazes crossed in the air.
‘this!’
Embarrassed, Shihan immediately lowered his head and avoided eye contact. It was not yet time to reveal himself to Zexengard.
His old friend was still stupid, ignorant, and simple-minded.
And it was still strong.
Even though the world has changed, the power of the Zexen Guard has not declined at all. Their intense fighting spirit and strong body are still the same as when they were a ‘walking wall’ that could block even a thousand imperial troops alone a dozen years ago.
‘After careful and thorough preparation… … .’
Shihan carefully hid himself in the crowd. When his opponent was out of sight, Zexengard also turned his head back. He was a little nervous, but that was all.
‘Well, it’s probably nothing.’
Zexengard walked back to the castle. Countless cheers poured down from the crowd behind him.
“Viva!”
“Long live His Majesty the Sixen Guard!”
The hero of the past smiled happily.
It was a truly pleasant day.
***
It has already been two weeks since the Sungshihan party settled in the royal capital, Latensel.
The group spent that time meaningfully, whether it was short or long.
Alita has mastered the basics of the swashbuckler and has reached a level where her impressions have changed slightly.
It was a faster progress than that of Levina, who was considered a genius among geniuses, but in reality, at the time, Levina had headed straight for the ground without any explanation, and Alita was able to learn the use of the Terranor-based toilet separately, so comparing the two was meaningless.
Zenon has also made considerable progress in the use of the Bankruptcy Technique. The original Bankruptcy Technique was modified by the old Seongshihan to allow anyone to use the unique fighting technique of the Zexen Guard, the Explosion Technique.
Since he was the original, Zenon also had a lot to gain.
Seong Si-han also focused on increasing his speculation and magic power.
He had already walked this path once, and thanks to his otherworldly nature, he had tripled his speculation and magical power.
Compared to before, it was still a shabby power, but by Terranor standards, it was an absurd amount of progress.
As each of them improved their skills, Shihan and his party quietly waited for the right time. While waiting for an opportunity to naturally approach Zexenguard.
Then one day, a notice was posted in Berg Central Square, the center of Latencelle.
“In the name of His Majesty the Great Revolutionary, the one who leads the transformation of the world and protects the kingdom, His Majesty the Sixengard Rattenberg!
Currently, a vicious cult is rampant in the Berselt region, and they are tormenting the people and causing chaos in the world by using their evil hordes of demons. His Majesty the Wise King has decided to punish them!
The kingdom is thus recruiting heroes! Those who are willing to take part in this honorable battle, join the punitive force and make your name known!
In front of the official document, a considerable number of mercenaries were excitedly expressing their intention to participate. Shihan’s eyes lit up as he looked around the crowd.
“The opportunity has come.”
