Future Knight [EN]: Chapter 25

Future Knight Episode 25

* * *

In a dimly lit cave, a green-skinned woman and a black-skinned man were conversing. The faint light barely illuminated their figures.

Even that meager light seemed to bother the black-skinned man, who frowned slightly.

Despite their contrasting complexions, both possessed strikingly beautiful, almost sibling-like features.

“It’s an honor to finally meet the renowned Green, a legend across the entire continent,” the black-skinned man said.

“The honor is mine, Nemitz, supreme ruler of the shadows,” Green replied.

“Haha, ‘supreme ruler of darkness’? Anyone overhearing that would think I’m some kind of demon king,” Nemitz chuckled.

“Is that so? Then shall I call you the greatest swordsman on the continent?”

“Haha, that title belongs to the past, hundreds of years ago. Countless swordsmen surpass me now.”

“I’ve traveled extensively myself, but I haven’t encountered a swordsman as exceptional as you describe,” Green countered.

“Haha! Perhaps that’s because you, Green, are simply too strong.”

“You flatter me.”

As their banter subsided, Nemitz’s expression turned serious, and he steered the conversation toward the core issue.

“I’ve heard you’re facing some difficulties?”

Green, knowing that nothing could be concealed from the darkness’s vast intelligence network, admitted, “It’s not exactly a struggle, but the momentum has shifted somewhat against me.”

“The Orcs’ alliance alone has caused a setback… If the Elves and Dwarves join the coalition, your situation will become significantly more challenging,” Nemitz stated, his gaze seemingly fixed on the distant future. Green sighed deeply, acknowledging the accuracy of his assessment.

“Indeed, you’re correct. That’s precisely why I’ve come to see you, Nemitz.”

“You require our strength?”

“Yes, our forces are insufficient to strike the Elven Forest before the Elves fully commit to the allied forces. I’m requesting your assistance.”

“Attack the Elven Forest? That’s a tempting proposition,” Nemitz’s dim eyes flickered with a hint of murderous intent.

However, Green grew anxious as Nemitz, though seemingly interested, hesitated and fell into deep contemplation.

She desperately needed their support. Intelligence reports indicated that the Dwarves and Elves were collaborating to produce hundreds of Gigantes [giant war machines] with formidable capabilities. She couldn’t afford to ignore this threat, as they could become the greatest obstacle to her continental conquest.

However, she was acutely aware that engaging them within the Elven Forest meant facing encirclement by enemies.

Their forest teemed with Ents [ancient tree-like guardians], the protectors of the woods.

Therefore, what she needed wasn’t just the Dark Elves themselves, but the Black Centipedes they secretly bred.

Nothing was more effective at neutralizing the Ents than these Black Centipedes.

These giant centipedes possessed a formidable shell comparable to dragon bone and secreted a potent corrosive fluid capable of dissolving even steel. They were apex predators of the underground, second only to Deep Dragons.

Green desperately needed these terrifying monsters.

After a prolonged silence that stretched Green’s nerves, Nemitz finally spoke. “I, too, stand to gain much from this. With such an offer, the agreement is sealed. I will join you.”

Green beamed at Nemitz, who had so calmly agreed to the alliance after his long deliberation.

“Thank you immensely. Their fate is now sealed. A fate of utter destruction… And as promised, the Elven Forest is yours to claim.”

“The Elven Forest… I truly miss it.”

“I miss it as well, though I hold no fond memories of that place.”

During this crucial negotiation, Green couldn’t suppress a surge of unwanted memories, and her eyes began to blaze with anger.

Frenzy.

Overwhelming rage.

Sensing her volatile emotions, Nemitz swiftly rose to his feet.

There was no benefit in remaining near her when she, the most notoriously unhinged individual on the continent, was becoming agitated.

“Well then! I’ll hasten the troop preparations.”

“Yes? Ah! Forgive my interruption. I was momentarily distracted. Look at me, hahaha. I can’t help but be excited.”

Nemitz could sense her madness resurfacing as she licked her lips with a feverish grin.

“I share your excitement. Farewell, then. My children will escort you to the surface.”

“Ah, yes. I’ll be on my way. Until the appointed day.”

His feelings were a mix of apprehension and anticipation as he watched Green, who bowed politely, depart for the surface with her entourage.

‘Is this the beginning of vengeance for two races cursed and forsaken by the world? Haa, it’s unfortunate, but even if this path leads to destruction, it seems I have no choice but to stand by your side, Lacasa.’

As the dim light illuminating the cave faded, he too vanished into the darkness.

* * *

It had been a week since Urkantha’s tumultuous departure when Kang Chan finally regained consciousness and lay quietly in bed.

Thanks to Arteon’s highest-level healing magic, Kang Chan was completely healed, without a single scar marring his skin.

However, he remained silent, showing no sign of opening his eyes.

Everyone assumed that he had been intimidated by Urkantha’s immense power and had lost his spirit.

However, the real reason he kept his eyes closed was to fully absorb the invaluable experiences he had gained at the risk of his life.

With his eyes shut, Kang Chan silently replayed the battle with Urkantha, stored within his biochip, constantly reliving their confrontation.

Normally, this would be called contemplation, but thanks to the biochip in his head, his contemplation was far more advanced than that of ordinary martial artists.

The biochip contained a perfect, detailed recording of his battle with Urkantha, and he was using these vivid images and data to analyze his weaknesses and extract every possible lesson.

Kang Chan meticulously examined each of Urkantha’s movements in slow motion, carefully studying his mana control and flow.

He observed the force applied to Urkantha’s body and the changes in his breathing with each movement, comparing them to his own, identifying his misunderstandings, and storing all of this information in his mind.

Just as knowing the enemy is crucial for victory, there were invaluable lessons to be learned from Urkantha.

Urkantha, the man who had brought him to the brink of death, had endless techniques and insights to offer, so much so that Kang Chan couldn’t help but admire him.

The level of martial arts that Urkantha had achieved was truly extraordinary.

‘He was a true master. It still sends shivers down my spine.’

Kang Chan shuddered at the memory of the massive, unrefined sword Urkantha had wielded.

However, he never imagined that the terrifying Urkantha would become a catalyst for Kang Chan’s progress, which had been stagnant for so long.

After his battle with Keremion, Kang Chan had secluded himself by a waterfall for a year, undergoing intense training, and had miraculously learned to emit a mana sword in just one year.

However, since then, he had been blocked by an insurmountable wall, unable to make any further progress.

Kang Chan had been racking his brains every day, and Zeina, concerned about his well-being, had urged him to take a break and get some fresh air.

The two of them had visited the village and unexpectedly encountered Urkantha, leading to a life-or-death battle that provided Kang Chan with significant insights.

“Uncle, are you feeling better now?” Zeina asked, approaching Kang Chan, who was sitting on the bed, lost in thought.

The basket she carried was filled with his favorite fruits.

Kang Chan greeted Zeina without opening his eyes. “Yes, I’m feeling better now.”

Seeing Kang Chan still closing his eyes and seemingly lost in his thoughts even after she arrived, Zeina burst into tears.

She had learned from Eladion that Kang Chan had faced the frenzied Urkantha to protect her and had nearly died.

Zeina felt an overwhelming sadness, as if Kang Chan’s dazed state was entirely her fault.

As she began to cry, Kang Chan slowly opened his eyes.

“Why are you crying?”

As Kang Chan looked at her, Zeina moved closer and exclaimed, “You idiot! Why did you do that? You should have just abandoned me and run away! You almost died!”

Zeina gently struck Kang Chan’s chest with her hand.

“Even if I survived, would I be happy if you died?”

Zeina, who had been hitting his chest, grabbed Kang Chan’s clothes and sobbed against his chest.

The worries and anxieties she had suppressed while Kang Chan was unconscious erupted all at once.

Kang Chan was at a loss, trying to comfort Zeina.

He had comforted Zeina several times before, but he felt a little awkward because this was the first time she had cried in his arms like this.

He slowly patted Zeina’s back, but when she showed no sign of stopping, he had no choice but to hug her tightly.

He was a little surprised.

Zeina felt incredibly small and fragile in his arms.

‘Was Zeina always this small? She’s so slender.’

Zeina was small and delicate enough to fit perfectly within Kang Chan’s embrace.

After holding Zeina for a while, her tears gradually subsided, and Kang Chan sighed inwardly with relief.

However, even after she stopped crying, she didn’t release her grip on Kang Chan’s chest, and he felt embarrassed to be holding her so closely.

It wasn’t that he disliked Zeina, but he felt self-conscious about others seeing them like this.

Besides, even though he felt awkward, he couldn’t say anything and simply stared blankly at the wall with a flushed face, feeling the sensation of Zeina’s chest pressing against him.

Zeina whispered softly to him. “Your heartbeat sounds so nice.”

Zeina quietly leaned against his chest, perhaps reassured by the sound of Kang Chan’s strong heartbeat.

“If you had died, I probably…”

Zeina’s small body trembled, hugging Kang Chan even tighter.

Then Kang Chan felt an overwhelming affection for Zeina, and he unknowingly tightened his grip on her.

And he unknowingly whispered the words that came to his mind. “The reason I couldn’t abandon Zeina and run away is the same. If something had happened to Zeina back then, I probably…”

As Kang Chan trailed off, Zeina peeked up at him with a nervous expression.

Zeina’s face was slightly swollen from crying, but that only seemed to enhance her elven beauty.

“I wouldn’t be able to live. Not without Zeina.”

Kang Chan didn’t even realize what he was saying.

He was simply expressing what his heart told him to say.

However, Zeina’s expression transformed into a radiant smile upon hearing his heartfelt words, and she slowly pressed her lips against Kang Chan’s.

Kang Chan was so surprised that he flinched, but the moment her small, soft lips touched his, his mind went blank, and he slowly succumbed to the kiss.

At 23, his first kiss came late in the summer.