The 9Th Class Swordmaster: Blade Of Truth [EN]: Chapter 122

103. Southern Demon Realm (1)

Beykan and Kinu Mukari waited in the Manyu Forest on the southern border, each leading 500 elite soldiers from their respective tribes.

Considering their success in attacking the Twin-Headed Eagle, an A-class monster, and the Lord of the Hills, an S-class monster, with a small group of fewer than five people, a force of 1,000 soldiers seemed more than sufficient for subjugating the Demon Realm.

In fact, Beykan and Kinu Mukari had never organized a subjugation force of more than 50 people when attacking Demon Realms in the Great Plains.

Under Khalil’s orders, the two had summoned all their elite soldiers.

It was as if they were preparing for a major war. Moreover, armed with leather armor, they had lost their unique barbarian scent and resembled a regular army.

“Their eyes look quite sharp,” Khalil said to the two, observing the soldiers.

“Yes. These are soldiers selected from the elite warriors of the four major tribes of the Great Plains. And they are all equipped with weapons made by mixing Blue Luster [a type of magical metal] and steel,” Beykan said. The 1,000 soldiers had swords with a bluish tint at their waists.

“Moreover, they have gained experience clearing out the Demon Realms of the Great Plains. At least when it comes to hunting monsters, they are better than the knights of the Empire.”

“Good. What about the five tribes?”

“They are currently watching Marquis Bestal on the southern border. As you said, Master, knight orders and troops are gathering in the Marquisate.”

Khalil nodded at Kinu’s report.

“Tell not only Bestal but also the Tashai tribe to check whether the Cult Mercenary Corps is crossing the southern border. And Digon as well. The Cult Mercenary Corps will probably contact Digon.”

“Understood.”

“After subjugating the Demon Realm here, we will move towards the village on the border between Istan and Tvanel, according to Suan’s report. We will subjugate all the Demon Realms confirmed on that road.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Understood.”

“There isn’t much time. We must finish attacking all three Demon Realms within a month.”

Khalil looked at the huge Demon Realm in front of him and thought, ‘These Demon Realms are just a prelude. In order to truly imprint the existence of Tatur on the people, Ruon, you must be present when the Minotaur’s Demon Realm, which was once called the ‘Southern Disaster,’ is created.’

The more dramatic the effect, the better.

His name would then spread widely across the continent.

‘The Three Kingdoms are not prepared for the Demon Realms. In the first place, most of the Demon Realms were in the south.’

It was extremely rare for Demon Realms to be created in the center of the continent, but it wasn’t unheard of.

Moreover, the last Demon Realm that appeared after the three Demon Realm creations was a whopping S-class Demon Realm.

In his previous life, the Three Kingdoms fought over the Mana Mine and weakened their national power. In that state, they couldn’t stop the monsters pouring out of the Demon Realm.

They barely managed to clean up the Demon Realm over several months, but by then, Olivon had already ascended the throne.

The Three Kingdoms, unable to withstand the Empire’s offensive, were defeated by Olivon as they were.

‘Unlike in my previous life, Istan and Tvanel, who have purchased a large amount of attribute stones, might be able to stop the monsters pouring out of the Demon Realm.’

But was it a trick of fate?

In this life, where the Demon Realm could be safely blocked, the obstacle of Prince Ruon ironically appeared.

Moreover, as an enemy more troublesome than the Demon Realm.

As if.

‘Does this mean that the Three Kingdoms will eventually be destroyed in both my previous life and this life?’

The events that occurred seemed to be 맞춰져 [aligned] so that history flowed similarly to the results of the previous life.

“…….”

Khalil looked up at the sky for a moment.

After Yula’s oracle was given, the World Tower, Parel, appeared. Going against the terrible layers of that place, which poured out monsters called Corruption, he returned to the past.

Perhaps…….

If she is an omniscient god, wouldn’t she know about his regression?

‘It doesn’t matter if she knows. Yula, even if you are trying to create the same future as in my previous life, I came back to break the future you created in the first place.’

Khalil looked at the two.

Even a god would never be able to do anything about the troops in the south that he had built up.

“Shall we check what the results have been so far?”

“You can look forward to it.”

They answered in unison, as if they had been waiting for it.

It was then.

A group of soldiers visible in the distance came into Khalil’s view. The person approaching at the head, wearing shining armor and riding a horse with fierce eyes, was none other than Viola.

“Hmm.”

Khalil chuckled as he looked at her, who was wearing armor over a purple dress that was hardly practical on her chest and waist.

It seemed like she had never used it, but her eyes looked quite serious.

“What brings you here, Princess?”

As always, Grace was with her. Although they didn’t raise a flag, the pattern drawn on the cloaks of the 50 armored knights behind the two was that of the Panpinel family.

‘She probably brought all those who can be called her strength.’

Looking at Grace’s knights, Khalil could immediately grasp the strength of the Panpinel family.

Although the number was small, they were well-trained knights.

“We will go together too,” Viola said confidently to Khalil.

After the meeting in Tatur, he thought she would be struggling alone in the palace, but instead, she went directly to the front line instead of the palace.

Khalil looked at her unexpected appearance with interest, as if he was surprised.

“This is the border area of the Fenria Kingdom. It is natural for us to take action since the problem occurred in our territory. Did you think we would just stand by and watch when there are as many as 1,000 troops gathered?”

“To be exact, it is a neutral area. Isn’t the kingdom’s border a little further inside Manyu Forest?”

Khalil laughed lowly at her words.

“Besides, I have already received permission from the royal palace. So I was wondering if His Majesty was not interested in the Demon Realm, judging from the fact that he entrusted it to me.”

“Hmph, that can’t be true.”

Viola blushed.

She said that, but in fact, her father, King Logrent, welcomed Khalil’s support for the Demon Realm subjugation with open arms.

From his point of view, he just thought it was like getting something for nothing.

If you look at it from a short-sighted perspective, you could think that way.

But there is no such thing as a free lunch in the world.

There was no way he could know what Khalil was planning.

“Well, Manyu Forest is a neutral zone, but many people from the Fenria Kingdom live there. I guess I have an eye for things.”

Just by looking at her outfit and posture, Khalil could tell that she had never even held a sword, let alone subjugated a Demon Realm.

She must be scared.

Nevertheless, the fact that she took the risk and came to him…

“Although it is a small number, if the Princess joins us, we can save face for the Fenria royal palace for the people. Isn’t that right?”

“I won’t let it go your way.”

Khalil looked at her with an expression that seemed somehow admirable.

“But what should I do? As the Princess said, what can you do with only 50 people in a place where 1,000 troops are gathered? You should remember what I said.”

He said, teasing Viola.

“Did you come here on your own two feet to become a prisoner at this opportunity?”

“What, what did you say?”

Chaang—!!! Chang! Chang!!

At that moment.

As if they had understood his intention just by looking at Khalil’s eyes, Beykan and Kinu raised their hands, and 1,000 soldiers simultaneously pointed their swords at her.

The sound of the sword blades echoed in Manyu Forest.

“……You, you bastard!”

It felt like cold sweat was dripping down.

But Khalil looked at her and smiled lightly. When he raised his hand, the soldiers who had pointed their swords a moment ago all took a step back.

“I’m just kidding. As I said, the Fenria Kingdom will be the last to be attacked. Of course, if the Princess can ascend to the throne in the meantime.”

“Crazy…….”

‘Does His Majesty really know that this is the kind of person he is…….’

Even though it was a regrettable situation where she couldn’t do anything with the enemy who was about to swallow her kingdom right in front of her eyes, Viola felt a strange feeling every time she saw Khalil.

Khalil always seemed to not doubt that she would ascend to the throne.

‘Really……. Is that guy saying that because he thinks I can ascend to the throne?’

Khalil passed by her and said, “Please watch carefully. From now on, we will subjugate three Demon Realms. And that is just a simple practice.”

“Practice……?”

“To be honest, it’s something I didn’t expect……. But I think this is a good opportunity. If the Princess’s Knights are with us at our final destination, I think we can see a pretty good effect.”

Viola frowned slightly because she couldn’t guess what Khalil’s intentions were.

‘Final destination……. How many thoughts does that person have in his head? I can’t figure out the end at all.’

She was even surprised to find herself admiring Khalil in her heart.

It didn’t make sense to have such feelings for an enemy who was trying to invade her kingdom.

‘I’m crazy too……. What kind of thoughts are those.’

Rather, because he said such things so openly, it might feel unrealistic.

Cooling her burning cheeks with the back of her hand, she looked at Khalil.

“A Demon Realm has been confirmed 1km away from Manyu Forest. According to the scouts, it is a Lizardman village.”

Khalil nodded slowly at Beykan’s report.

“It’s not a difficult monster, but it’s never bad to be careful. The monsters inside the Demon Realm are basically more powerful than the monsters in the field.”

“I will keep that in mind.”

“Princess, please pay attention to how we hunt. It would be a good way to check the enemy’s strength.”

Viola turned her head at his confident attitude, as if she knew she couldn’t stop him even if she knew.

“Let’s go.”

Whether he knew her thoughts or not, Khalil just smiled as if he was having fun and rode his horse.

* * *

Beykan and Kinu’s troops skillfully arrived in front of the Demon Realm and deployed their formation on their own without Khalil’s orders.

Viola and the knights of the Fenria Kingdom were surprised by their appearance, as they moved in an orderly manner with their roles already divided without having to give instructions one by one.

‘Each and every soldier knows their role and is moving accordingly.’

‘How do you have to train to get to this point…….’

Of course.

They probably don’t know that the 1,000 soldiers gathered here are elite soldiers from the southern tribes.

Moreover, unlike ordinary kingdoms, the orders of the tribe’s leader are absolute due to the characteristics of the barbarians.

They were not just conscripted soldiers to earn money, but those who thought they were chosen to receive the tribe’s mission.

‘Hmm……. Not bad.’

Khalil watched the camp being prepared and turned his gaze to the entrance of the Demon Realm.

‘It’s not a Demon Realm that I remember anyway. I’ll be able to subjugate it quickly, but it would be good to show this side of me to Viola once.’

If his prediction is correct, subjugating the Demon Realm will be over in less than a day.

In a word, this appearance is an example.

It was just to show her the difference between her and him.

“The Free Army of Tatur seems to be used to subjugation,” Viola said to Khalil, looking at the camp that the soldiers were building.

“Free Army……. I quite like that word?”

Then Khalil opened his eyes wide and answered her.

“……Huh?”

“Actually, our unit didn’t have a name, but can I use the name that the Princess gave us?”

She blushed once again when an unexpected answer came back to her words that she had blurted out without thinking.

“No, naming a unit so easily……. A little more carefully…….”

“How about it? You two?” Khalil asked, looking back, not caring about her embarrassment.

“Free Army……. In the first place, Tatur is a place where all continentals can live regardless of race or class. It’s a great name.”

“Although we don’t live in the city, it feels like we are included in it, and it’s good.”

The two agreed with Khalil’s words.

“Good.”

Khalil nodded as if satisfied and slowly moved his steps.

Near the entrance of the Demon Realm, several Lizardmen were coming out because the monsters inside the cave were already saturated.

Wuoong……!!

The moment the aura surrounding the ice claws flashed.

Khalil narrowed the distance in an instant and jumped into the middle of the Lizardmen.

[Krarak……!!]

The Lizardman raised his spear and thrust it at Khalil.

But the spear that was thrust forward suddenly lost its balance and soared upwards.

Kwaang!!!

The Lizardman’s body staggered, and his feet floated into the air as his head hit the floor.

Khalil got up and said, “What I want is simple. Not a single monster should be left in the Demon Realm.”

[Kirik…… Kririk…….]

When he pressed down on the Lizardman’s face with his foot, the guy struggled as if in pain.

Kwajik-!!

Khalil cut off the monster’s neck without hesitation and stepped on its head to burst it.

“Also, when the subjugation is over, the entrance to the Demon Realm must be sealed so that it cannot be used again.”

“Yes, sir!”

“I will keep that in mind.”

Beykan and Kinu nodded and answered at his words. It was a mission they had already done several times.

When they subjugated the Demon Realms in the southern Great Plains, they had sealed all the entrances there.

Khalil was planning to prevent the Corruptions from using it as a passage after the oracle was given later.

“Free Army.”

At his words, the soldiers drew their swords all at once.

Standing in front of the monster, they were waiting for Khalil’s orders to fall sooner rather than being afraid.

Looking at them, Khalil sensed that he didn’t need to step up himself.

Instead, he looked at Viola once and said as if to show off, “Show them.”