My Lord Who Is Being Prudent! [EN]: Chapter 166

§ 166. Clash (2)

Kai’s eyes, fixed on Cyan, continued to tremble.

And Cyan, facing Kai’s intense gaze, muttered to himself.

‘Crazy… he actually blocked that?’

That was in response to the Asura Sky Rend [a powerful sword technique] he had just unleashed.

Of course, the circumstances forced Kai to block it.

Also, it was an Asura Sky Rend delivered from an imperfect stance.

Still, its power was far from easily deflected.

Yet, Kai had blocked it perfectly.

He looked surprised, his eyes wide, but that was all.

He appeared to have suffered no damage whatsoever.

‘Is he even human?’

He was truly a monster.

‘And I’m supposedly more talented than him?’

That was utter nonsense.

Kai quietly stared at Cyan.

The trembling in his eyes had somehow subsided.

Kai shifted his gaze and slowly surveyed the surroundings.

The knights and soldiers of Ruben, and the White Wolf Knights, were locked in a fierce battle.

Kai immediately recognized the situation.

His side was being pushed back.

It was hard to believe, but the reality was undeniable.

Kai’s gaze returned to Cyan.

Their eyes met once more.

At that moment…

Kwakwakwakwakwa─!

A suffocating aura erupted from Kai’s entire body.

Simultaneously, a sharp blue current intertwined with Kai’s sword.

The tremendous wave of magical power was palpable.

It soon manifested as a clear blue light, forming a blade on Kai’s sword.

A blade that seemed to split the very air.

Auror Blade [a sword imbued with powerful magical energy].

Kai materialized the Auror Blade and slowly lowered his stance.

Bending his lower body, leaning his upper body, and extending his sword.

Kai’s posture resembled a wolf in a snowy field, baring its fangs at its prey.

‘He’s trying to end this now.’

Cyan immediately understood Kai’s intention.

He seemed to realize that time was not on his side.

And in truth, Cyan didn’t need to accept this challenge.

He could stall for time and wait for Kendrick or Leia to arrive.

No matter how strong Kai was, he couldn’t withstand their combined assault.

That’s why Kai seemed to be making such a desperate move.

Even though the battle situation was unfavorable, defeating Cyan would resolve everything.

So, what Kai was about to unleash now…

It was a swordsmanship passed down only within the bloodline of Elan Dur.

A secret technique that had elevated Durac to the position of the continent’s number one swordsman.

The Elan Dur’s secret technique that Cyan had never dared to learn.

But he knew how devastatingly powerful it was.

So, Cyan didn’t need to accept this challenge.

But Cyan clenched his sword tightly.

Not out of bravado or a desire to compete.

The aura that Kai was emitting…

There was no way Kai didn’t know.

There was no way he didn’t know that stalling and running away would be advantageous for Cyan.

Yet, Kai was openly making a desperate move like this.

As if to say, try stalling if you can.

Confidence? Or perhaps arrogance?

But Cyan could discern Kai’s hidden intention.

Cyan running away and stalling for time…

That was precisely what Kai wanted.

So, he couldn’t avoid it.

Kwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa─!!!!

A terrifying magical energy erupted from Cyan’s entire body.

At the same time, Cyan’s breath hitched.

Kwarreureung···!!

The blooming magical energy exploded.

The condensed magical energy burst forth, and the entire area was engulfed in darkness.

The surrounding scenery distorted.

The distortion spread, warping the space of the forest.

Amidst the distorted scenery, flash!

Kai’s figure vanished.

Following Kai’s movement, Saaaa···!

Cyan’s figure also dissolved into darkness.

A jet-black flash and a blue flash.

Two streaks of light hurtled towards each other.

Demon Soul Asura Sword.

Form 2.

Annihilation of Heavenly Asura.

.

.

.

“Cough…!”

A groan filled with pain echoed through the sudden silence.

And the source of that painful groan…

“Damn it…!”

Cyan gritted his teeth.

A terrible pain wracked his entire body.

Red blood gushed out, seeping through his lips.

As if his internal organs were being twisted, blood poured out from within.

His mind grew faint, and his body trembled.

Cyan forcibly swallowed the blood that had risen to his throat.

His body refused to obey, but he stubbornly gripped his sword and stood up.

When he lifted his gaze and looked straight ahead, Kai was standing there.

Unlike Cyan, Kai didn’t appear to have suffered any damage.

Just standing there, aloof and serene.

He stood there and looked at Cyan.

Soon, Kai slowly raised his sword.

Cyan raised his sword in response.

But his hand trembled.

Could he block the next blow?

He seriously doubted it, but Cyan refused to release his grip on the sword.

In an instant, Kai’s eyes shone once again.

He’s coming.

Cyan tightened his grip on his trembling hand.

And just then…

“Everyone, stop!!!”

Conrad’s cry reverberated across the battlefield.

#

At Conrad’s command, Cyan’s movements abruptly ceased.

Kai also stopped moving, his sword still raised.

And Kendrick, Leia, the knights and soldiers of Ruben, and the White Wolf Knights…

The movements of everyone on the battlefield froze.

A heavy silence descended.

Conrad strode through the silence.

All eyes were fixed on Conrad.

Conrad moved forward fearlessly amidst the intense gazes.

Conrad positioned himself between Cyan and Kai, who were facing each other.

He looked at Cyan and Kai in turn, and slowly began to speak.

“Whatever the reason, I will no longer tolerate any further fighting.”

Cyan didn’t respond to Conrad’s words.

No, he couldn’t.

Honestly… he couldn’t guarantee victory.

Cyan’s hand holding the sword continued to tremble.

With his mind fading, Cyan was certain he would collapse at any moment.

To be more precise, he had briefly lost consciousness during the clash.

Thanks to the blessing of the World Tree [a source of magical power and healing], he had managed to avoid completely blacking out.

But could he continue fighting any longer?

The first and second forms of the Demon Soul Asura Sword, Asura Sky Rend and Annihilation of Heavenly Asura…

Cyan had revealed all his trump cards. That was all Cyan had mastered.

Of course, he hadn’t truly revealed *all* his cards.

Namely, the Arnaise special, .

A buff that greatly enhances the physical abilities of the achievement holder.

If he used Muriel’s Blessing, he could overwhelm Kai.

But was unavailable at the moment.

Namely, the mobile lord’s maintenance [a period of downtime or restriction on certain abilities].

The passive effects of Arnaise specials were always active, but the casting buffs couldn’t be used during maintenance.

In the end, it was impossible to subdue Kai alone.

Then he had to buy time until Kendrick and Leia arrived.

But he didn’t know if he could hold out until then.

No, he knew the answer, more or less.

So, Conrad’s intervention was perfectly timed.

Conrad stepping in was truly opportune.

“I didn’t interfere because I was unaware of the circumstances, but it seems things have gone too far. If you truly desire bloodshed, formally apply for a territory war according to Imperial Law. If you continue this kind of brawl, I will be forced to intervene.”

Conrad continued.

Currently, Cyan was a count and no longer affiliated with Elan Dur.

Therefore, the clash between Kai and Cyan…

Strictly speaking, this wasn’t an internal affair of Elan Dur, but a dispute between families.

And according to Imperial Law, disputes between families should be resolved through territory wars.

This kind of brawl was strictly prohibited.

Because disputes between aristocrats were considered dignified and noble.

So, if there was a conflict, it should be resolved through a territory war following the proper procedure.

The Royal Knights began to react to Conrad’s words.

Led by the Royal Knights Commander, Yale and Philip, the Royal Knights assumed a combat stance.

Kai quietly listened to Conrad’s words.

Then he slowly turned his head and assessed the surrounding battle situation.

Soon, Kai turned his head back and looked at Cyan.

A nonchalant and expressionless face.

It was impossible to discern his thoughts.

How much time had passed?

“I apologize, Your Highness. I have been discourteous.”

Kai bowed his head to Conrad.

Then Kai addressed Aaron and the White Wolf Knights.

“We’re retreating.”

“Young Master!”

Aaron shouted loudly at Kai’s words.

“If we retreat like this, the Lord will…!”

“Enough.”

But Kai cut off Aaron’s words.

As if he wouldn’t tolerate any further objections.

As if his decision was final.

“We’re retreating.”

Kai took a step and walked past Aaron and the White Wolf Knights.

Aaron stared at Kai’s receding figure.

Kwaddeuk!

“…We’re retreating as well.”

He followed Kai with the White Wolf Knights.

#

Aaron followed Kai.

Aaron suppressed his words.

He was frustrated that they had to leave the traitor behind.

On the other hand, he could fully understand Kai’s decision.

The battle situation was overwhelmingly unfavorable.

It was truly unbelievable, but the White Wolf Knights were being pushed back by Ruben’s forces.

Each and every one of Ruben’s soldiers was beyond elite, reaching the level of knights.

Not to mention the knights of Ruben, who were holding their own against the White Wolf Knights.

In addition, the magical attacks raining down from within Ruben’s defenses.

Above all, the presence of the Death Knight and the vengeful spirit.

He didn’t want to admit it, but honestly… it was only a matter of time before they were defeated.

That’s why Aaron could understand Kai’s decision.

But on the other hand, he couldn’t comprehend Kai’s decision.

The battle situation was certainly quite unfavorable for them.

But not for Kai.

Cyan’s level was unexpectedly high.

It was a Cyan unrecognizable from the past.

But not in front of Kai.

The star of the Empire and a genius destined to surpass Durac.

No matter how much Cyan had changed, he was no match for Kai.

Kai was pushing Cyan, and it was a fight that would end if he managed to land a decisive blow.

Nevertheless, Kai made the decision to retreat without hesitation.

So, Aaron couldn’t understand Kai’s decision.

The moment Aaron thought that…

Stagger.

In an instant, Kai’s body, which was walking ahead, faltered.

Kai quickly plunged his sword into the ground to regain his balance.

“Cough…!”

At the same time, a painful groan escaped Kai’s mouth.

A thick stream of blood poured onto the floor.

“Young Master!”

Aaron was startled and rushed to Kai’s side.

Kai, seen up close, was drenched in cold sweat.

“Hee… Hee…!”

And Kai’s ragged breathing filled the air.

“…!!!”

Aaron’s expression turned to astonishment.

#

“…Damn it.”

Cyan muttered to himself, watching the retreating figures of Kai and his forces.

Many complex thoughts swirled in his head.

But he couldn’t dwell on those thoughts for long.

“Ugh…!”

A terrible pain surged through his entire body.

Thud.

Cyan finally collapsed to the ground.

“Lord!”

At the same time, a loud cry echoed from within Ruben.

When he slowly turned his gaze, he saw a woman with a plain appearance.

Ruben’s healer, Ellie, was rushing towards Cyan in a panic.

Ellie reached Cyan in an instant.

“A-Are you alright?”

Ellie examined Cyan’s condition with a worried expression.

“I’m fine.”

Cyan nodded.

To be honest, he was far from fine.

The pain felt like he was being beaten from the inside out, threatening to overwhelm his mind.

But Cyan forced himself to nod and said to Ellie.

“Instead of me, please attend to the soldiers over there.”

There were many others who were in worse condition than Cyan.

Although they had gained an advantage over the White Wolf Knights.

The opponent was still the White Wolf Knights.

So, they couldn’t avoid taking casualties.

Fortunately, there were no fatalities.

Due to numerous cash purchases [referencing in-game transactions], everyone was equipped with S-grade equipment [top-tier gear].

Moreover, they were benefiting from various buffs thanks to the blessing of the World Tree, Instiz.

Nevertheless, there were still serious injuries that required immediate treatment.

“But…”

“I’m alright, so go quickly.”

Cyan repeated to Ellie, and Ellie nodded slightly before heading towards the injured soldiers.

Right after Ellie left.

“If I had fought anywhere other than Ruben, I would have been screwed a long time ago.”

Cyan smiled helplessly.

As he had said before, he was in this state even after fighting in Ruben with all its buffs.

“I need to upgrade the soldiers’ equipment.”

He also needed to further raise the level of the soldiers.

And it seemed necessary to replenish Ruben’s knights.

That’s because Ruben’s knights, selected by Kendrick, numbered only 20.

On the other hand, the White Wolf Knights had as many as 40 knights.

In the first place, it was a miracle that they had even confronted the White Wolf Knights.

That’s why it was fortunate that they had S-grade equipment and soldiers comparable to knights.

And with the magical support of the dark elves, as well as Kendrick and Leia.

If not, they wouldn’t have been able to stand against the White Wolf Knights.

Even if they had, there would have been many more casualties.

The reason why Kendrick and Leia couldn’t fully support Cyan was much the same.

That’s why.

“…”

Cyan could accurately assess his own level.

By directly facing Kai, Cyan had gained a clear understanding.

Of course, Kai was a master intermediate, or even more skilled.

He was hailed as the star of the Empire and a genius destined to surpass Durac.

So, it was already remarkable that Cyan had even managed to confront Kai.

But.

“…”

Many thoughts flashed through Cyan’s mind.

Cyan sat down on the spot and fell into a swirling reverie.

As he was lost in such thoughts…

“You…”

Suddenly, Conrad’s voice broke through his thoughts.

When he lifted his gaze, he saw Conrad looking at him with a blank expression.

And it wasn’t just Conrad.

The Royal Knights and Elena lined up behind Conrad.

They were all staring at Cyan and Ruben’s soldiers with stunned expressions.

He wondered what was going on.

“What the hell did you do to make it like this…?”

Conrad asked Cyan, muttering in disbelief.

Then he slowly turned his gaze to Ruben’s knights and soldiers.

Finally, he gazed upon the majestic figure of Ruben itself.

“Why didn’t you rise up earlier?”

Conrad asked with an absurd expression.

“What are you talking about?”

“Isn’t it obvious? With this level of power, you didn’t rebel against Marquis Elan Dur…”

Conrad said, slowly surveying the scene.

The impregnable fortress of Ruben, the knights and soldiers clad in black armor.

And even the presence of Kendrick and Leia.

“At this rate, it seems like not only Elan Dur but even our imperial family won’t be able to do anything…”

Conrad’s expression shifted constantly, alternating between admiration and astonishment.

“Don’t tell me, you’re planning to rebel against the Empire later…?”

Cyan was dumbfounded.

“Anyone who hears that would think I’m a subversive who only causes rebellion. Don’t suggest I’m going to do something crazy like rebelling against the Empire.”

“Rebelling against Marquis Elan Dur is crazy enough.”

Cyan was momentarily speechless at Conrad’s words.

Well… he wasn’t wrong.

“Hmm… I don’t think that will do. Even for the sake of the future, I have no choice but to forge a stronger relationship with you. You’ve also received the title of Count. Elena also holds you in high regard. If you’re amenable, I will persuade His Majesty to promote a union in a way that isn’t a direct son-in-law arrangement.”

Then Conrad began to seriously consider the possibilities.

“Your jokes are rather harsh.”

“Is it just a joke? If we become family, won’t that dissuade you from rebelling?”

With those words, Conrad gave a sly smile.

It was hard to tell if that look was truly a joke or if he was serious.

“Stop talking nonsense. Ugh…! Let’s go inside.”

Cyan frowned and struggled to his feet.