The Bastard Swordsman Of The Imperial Guard [EN]: Chapter 89

Kyle Belmos was a genius.

He was hailed as the greatest swordsman of the century in the Vanessa Kingdom, a talent unlikely to be seen again.

He had never lost to anyone his age and was on par with those five years his senior, so there was no need to elaborate.

Kyle believed his skills would hold up even in the Empire.

The thousand-year-old Kamen Empire was weakening, while the Vanessa Kingdom was on the rise.

‘How wonderful would it be if there was at least someone similar to me,’ he mused.

If he had a friend who could compete with him and push him, his skills would improve even more.

Kyle participated in the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly to find such individuals.

Among the participants were those known as the Three Heroes of the Empire.

Could they satisfy him?

Kyle sincerely thought so until five minutes ago.

“Ugh, uhhh…”

“Hey, pig. Sorry. Did I hit you too hard?

*Thwack.*”

Raël kicked Kyle’s side as he lay collapsed.

Only then did Kyle manage to get up.

“Kuh-huh-uh… Hah, hah… Ah, was it a nightmare…?”

Kyle gasped for breath, rubbing his side.

It felt like he had slept in the wrong position.

“Nightmare, my ass.”

“Ra, Raël…?”

Kyle blinked, looking at Raël looking down at him and the gazes of the people around him.

Then, along with the throbbing pain in his side, the memory of what had just happened crashed back.

Kyle, who had confidently drawn his greatsword, had been knocked to the ground by Raël’s surprise attack and fainted.

“How cheap, using a surprise attack!”

“Is that the excuse you’re making after getting knocked out by one hit?”

Hearing Raël’s words, Kyle grabbed his throbbing left side and stood up.

“Ah, it’s not over yet! There may be crises for me, Kyle Belmos, but there are no defeats…! Kuh-erk…”

However, immediately after, he felt an enormous impact on his right side.

Before he knew it, Raël had stabbed Kyle’s weak spot with his scabbard.

“Ugh, uhhh…”

*Thud.*

Kyle fell to the ground again as soon as he got up.

“Hey. What did you say earlier?”

Raël squatted down in front of him, tapping his head lightly with the scabbard.

“Ugh, ugh…”

“What? You risk your life when you hold a sword? Why are nobles these days so cocky? Huh? Is it because you’ve never been hit before? Try getting up one more time. I’ll smash your face next time.”

“…I’m sorry. I admit defeat.”

Kyle, who had been lying on the street, barely managed to get up.

Then, he knelt down and bowed his head deeply.

How had things turned out this way?

It was fine up to the point where he charged at Raël.

However, Raël’s sword was too fast and powerful.

It was similar to the strength of knights who were far above the seniors he had fought so far.

He was curious how a guy who looked about the same age as him could be so strong.

“Hey, how old are you to be so rude?”

“…I’m 28 this year.”

“Tsk, tsk. A kid whose blood hasn’t even dried yet.”

“…”

Kyle knew that Raël was 25 years old, but he didn’t bother to correct him.

He didn’t want to believe the fact that he had been beaten to a pulp by someone three years younger than him.

“Since I won, let me ask you something. Um, no. Come with me. Let’s talk while we eat.”

Raël didn’t want to talk in the middle of the street either.

It had been a while since he brought a ‘pig’ [a term of endearment or mild insult] to increase Sara-sensei’s inn sales.

“Oh my, Raël. You’ve brought a sturdy friend.”

Thanks to the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly, there were many tourists in District 4.

Sara greeted Raël with a smile, happy about the long-awaited boom in business.

“Yes. He’s a country bumpkin, so give him meat.”

“Okay. Have some stew first, and I’ll get you some more.”

Raël had a light conversation with Sara-sensei and looked at Kyle.

He was scooping up the stew that Sara had brought out.

“Since you lost, you pay.”

“As the loser, I must endure that much humiliation…”

“Good mindset.”

He still had some sense.

Seeing him follow him here without complaint, this guy was stupid but obedient.

“Come to think of it, what kind of swordsmanship did you learn?”

“I have mastered the Virgin Boy Skill…”

“…Virgin Boy Skill? Is that swordsmanship?”

“It is our family’s secret art to maintain the body’s pure state and accumulate purer mana faster than ordinary humans…”

“If the Virgin Boy Skill is your family’s secret, how were you born?”

“You have no choice but to give up mana when you find a partner. It’s an unavoidable disadvantage.”

“What kind of bullshit is that…”

Raël looked at Kyle with a pitiful expression.

His family secret was the Virgin Boy Skill; he was unlucky to be born in such a place.

‘So that’s why he’s so obsessed with strength. Tsk, tsk.’

Raël felt sympathy for Kyle.

Seeing him talk about purity and stuff from a young age, he felt somewhat sorry for him.

“I want to ask you about the Vanessa Kingdom. Kyle.”

“Since you spared my life as the loser even though I held a sword, I will tell you anything I can.”

“Is it true that the Vanessa Kingdom is trying to challenge the Empire these days?”

Raël also had ears.

He had heard stories several times in Beggars [an information guild], and he often heard that the Empire’s status was not the same as before.

Perhaps the biggest reason was that they were being shaken by the demons.

“That’s right. The Vanessa Kingdom, which reveres the sword and martial arts, has now chased the Empire to its heels.”

“Even if you revere the sword and martial arts, it’s just a lower version of the Empire.”

“No! Even if it’s the thousand-year-old Kamen Empire, the strongest is what matters! The current Great Swordsman of the Continent, Sword Dragon, is in the Vanessa Kingdom!”

“Really? I heard that the Great Swordsman of the Continent is the Heavenly Slaughter Sword Lord.”

He had even heard the story directly from the demons.

“Ah, that person is excluded. If you include the Heavenly Slaughter Sword Lord, you can’t choose the Great Swordsman of the Continent until he dies.”

“What about Gideon Garcia, the commander of the Kamen Knights?”

“He is on par with our Vanessa Kingdom’s Great Swordsman of the Continent, Sword Dragon.”

“Then Sword Dragon isn’t the Great Swordsman of the Continent. You crazy bastard.”

“What do you know about my grandfather!”

“…This guy is completely crazy.”

He wondered why he was so obsessed with Sword Dragon, but it turned out to be his grandfather.

Raël was so dumbfounded that he just brushed it off.

“Tsk. Forget that, what’s the relationship between the Vanessa Kingdom and the demons? Are you attacked as often as the Empire?”

What was important was the relationship between the Vanessa Kingdom and the demons.

Because the Vanessa Kingdom were potentially betrayers of humanity.

“The Vanessa Kingdom… Well, there’s a religion that believes in demons that’s been causing trouble recently.”

“Religion?”

“Yes. Since the Demonic Cult was created, there have been no demon invasions… but the kingdom is worried because there are more and more strange people.”

“…What cult?”

“The Demonic Cult that worships demons.”

“What the fuck… There’s a Demonic Cult? In a medieval fantasy? You son of a bitch?”

Raël unknowingly slammed the table with the spoon he was using to eat the stew.

“I don’t know why you’re so angry. The Demonic Cult is a newly created religion. It’s gradually spreading in the Vanessa Kingdom, but… it’s not that big of a religion.”

The largest religion on the continent was the Gaia Order, but unlike the Empire, other countries allowed other religions.

In particular, the Vanessa Kingdom was famous for having many religions.

The Demonic Cult was one of the emerging religions.

“…Hey. You’re a pretty high-ranking noble, right.”

“The Belmos ducal family is one of the most prominent noble families in the Vanessa Kingdom.”

He didn’t know what kind of nobles the Vanessa Kingdom had, but if he was a duke, he wouldn’t be low-ranking.

Raël calmed down and sat down.

“You’re going to be my informant from now on. There’s an information guild called Beggars in District 1, you know? Come there if anything happens.”

“What do you mean by something happening?”

“Report anything that you think is a big deal. Got it? Especially anything about the Demonic Cult.”

The Vanessa Kingdom was a potential traitor to humanity.

Raël thought that the Demonic Cult would play an important role in that betrayal.

It would be good to have someone who knew the information of the Vanessa Kingdom well.

“As the loser, I can do that much, but… I want to compete with you, Raël, and become stronger.”

“…If that’s the case, there’s someone I can recommend. Lucas and Carlson, the other two of the Three Heroes you like. Beat them first, and I’ll fight you.”

“The warriors of the Three Heroes…! I understand!”

Kyle felt joy at the fact that there were others as strong as Raël.

He couldn’t beat this monster, but he could try to fight the others!

“I can’t understand what’s so good about fighting.”

Raël shook his head.

That’s why he didn’t like talking to ignorant guys.

“What are you talking about? You looked incredibly happy when you fought me earlier. They say that the strong are a little crazy, and you’re the same, Raël.”

“Don’t talk nonsense. Are you looking at people like you’re a beast?”

Raël thought it was ridiculous, but Kyle’s expression was just bewildered.

*

The Second Princess Yuri’s power was growing at a terrifying rate.

The Grand Duke’s declaration of support was one reason, but the recent joining of the Blue Magic Tower, a huge force, was also significant.

The fact that the Blue Magic Tower, which had never shown any political moves, supported the Second Princess meant that Yuri had something special.

“The Blue Magic Tower, I know it as the largest of the magic towers created by humans, and such a place supports Yuri. It’s a joyous occasion.”

Gent nodded and said.

He also knew the status of the Blue Magic Tower well.

If such a place supported Yuri, Yuri’s power would become even stronger.

“It’s all thanks to Raël.”

After Perma listened to Raël’s persuasion and declared his support for the Second Princess, he thought that many wizards would leave the Blue Magic Tower.

But surprisingly, few wizards left the Blue Magic Tower.

In the first place, the Blue Magic Tower was created with the best wizard, Perma, in mind.

Most of the wizards thought that if he supported her, there must be a definite reason.

“I don’t know what the Blue Magic Tower is, but anyway, it’s a good thing, right? Let’s go eat!”

Reina didn’t know the details well.

However, she felt good because Yuri looked happy.

“The elves are also being very helpful. Reina.”

“Ahaha, of course. Elves are always excellent.”

The elves had a good image among humans.

Just the fact that the elves who traveled around the Empire were telling positive stories about the Second Princess was a great help.

It was a problem that they would collectively visit and apply for duels if there were those who were impatient and insulted the Second Princess… but that was meaningful in its own way.

It could show that they had created such a loyal force.

“Shall we have a meal first? Raël will be joining us soon.”

“Oh, oh? Raël is coming too?”

“Isn’t that obvious? Reina. Raël is also our comrade.”

“That’s true, but…”

Reina smiled without realizing it.

She had been feeling good and bad recently, but today she seemed to be in a good mood.

‘I don’t know why I’m like this.’

She didn’t know the reason why her mood was fluctuating, so her heart was frustrated.

“He’s coming over there.”

Gent looked at the swordsman approaching from over there.

“Ah, Raël!”

“Hello. Yuri.”

“I’m sorry you’re busy because of the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly.”

“No. I’m not busy. And I’m always welcome to a meal.”

Raël smiled and looked at the restaurant.

The high-end restaurant in District 1 that only nobles go to, Dandelion’s Wind.

He could be called to such a place every day.

“I know this place doesn’t take reservations. How did you get a seat for four people?”

“Hehe. Because I’m the Second Princess. It’s a secret to others.”

“As expected, Yuri. Amazing.”

Raël clapped and went inside.

Raël hated the evils of the nobility, but he couldn’t help but like the benefits he received.

“Amazing. This is a potato from the north. A sweet potato from the west. And a whelk from the southern coast…”

Gent looked at the food on the fancy plate.

The food that came out as soon as he sat down used amazing ingredients even to him.

“Umm, this is it. This is it.”

Raël nodded at the high-end food he was eating after a long time.

Sara-sensei’s inn food was also delicious, but he had to eat this kind of thing sometimes.

“Raël, more than that, what happened? You’re late today.”

“Ah… I met some pig bastard.”

“Pig?”

“There’s a crazy guy from the Vanessa Kingdom. He suddenly attacked me, so I was a little late.”

Raël shook his head, thinking of Kyle, whom he had just met.

He couldn’t understand why only such crazy guys were attracted to him.

“Hehe. Hehehe…”

Reina was smiling across from Raël.

She didn’t know why she was smiling, but she felt good today.

‘…Huh?’

Had she always smiled so stupidly?

Reina felt something strange and put her hand on her face.

The corners of her mouth, which reached her ears, were even more noticeable today.

‘What is she doing?’

And Raël blinked, looking at Reina.

She was trembling to hold back her laughter, but she couldn’t look more foolish to Raël.

“Reina. Are you sick somewhere?”

“Ah, no. I’m okay.”

Reina shook her head.

Somehow, it was even harder to manage her expression whenever Raël spoke to her.

“Raël, have you met many participants in the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly?”

Yuri, who was eating, spoke to Raël.

“I’ve only seen one person so far. I was going to go to the preliminaries, but something came up, so I couldn’t go.”

“Ah… If you go to the east of District 1, there’s a place where the participants in the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly finals gather. The preliminaries will be over tomorrow, and there will be time for the participants to meet each other, so go there once.”

“Oh, really?”

“Yes. There are many stories coming out of the nobles participating in the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly. Raël is also getting a lot of expectations.”

Yuri recalled her conversations with the nobles.

Most of them were about their knights or children, but even in the midst of that, the story of Raël, a commoner, was constantly heard.

He was an honorary knight of the Silver Cross Knights and a knight of the Second Princess.

“I’m curious. What is Raël’s evaluation among humans?”

“There are still many people who underestimate Raël. If it’s not their knights or children, there’s a lot of talk about Lord Belen.”

“Hmm, humans sometimes cling to authority and honor. It’s not a good habit.”

Gent shook his head.

He also knew how the human world worked.

The high wall between nobles and commoners is not easy to overcome.

Perhaps there will be many such reactions until Raël knocks down the nobles in the finals.

“Stupid guys. They’ll only come to their senses after being beaten by Raël.”

“Yes. Reina. You’re right.”

“Humans are originally stupid. Humans say that ‘beasts only listen when they’re beaten,’ but that’s all a lie. The beasts of the forest have excellent senses and recognize the strong right away. Rather, it’s humans who only come to their senses when they’re beaten.”

Reina also poured out her anger as if she couldn’t understand.

If Raël, who killed Barthold, was weak, then what kind of human was strong?

She was also furious and couldn’t understand.

“Reina.”

“Huh?”

“Thank you for being angry for me. But calm down for now.”

Raël smiled, looking at the angry Reina.

She was a strange elf, but he didn’t hate her getting angry for him.

“I’m not angry because of you? Are you overthinking? Ridiculous. I just hate stupid humans.”

“…Gent. Do other races come to their senses when they’re beaten?”

“Stop it. Raël. Reina is doing it for you too.”

“That’s not it! You guys are weird!”

“Hehe…”

Yuri smiled bitterly, looking at the three.

She was glad that they seemed to be on good terms in many ways.

“Come to think of it, Yuri. Didn’t you say that the Emperor would also show up at this Dragon and Phoenix Assembly?”

“Yes. Definitely… Ugh.”

Yuri clutched her chest.

It was the chest pain that had been increasing recently.

“Yuri. Are you okay?”

Raël asked in surprise.

“Yes. I think my condition has worsened because I’ve been working a lot lately. Don’t worry. I’ll rest for a while.”

*Thump. Thump.*

Her heart slowly began to beat.

Yuri frowned and lowered her head.

*

The end of Alheim [the demon realm].

A huge demon rose up in an area full of mana.

*Crack- crack-.*

Huge wings spread out, revealing numerous eyes.

Each of his eyes, possessing power greater than that of a high-ranking demon, was spread throughout the continent.

“Lord Maledrak… Count Barthold has died in the Empire.”

A demon wrapped in mana appeared in the air and paid his respects.

The death of Barthold was known later than expected.

The main reason was that not a single demon survived.

“Barthold… I see. Send a notice to the Empire.”

One of Alheim’s nobles had died, but Maledrak didn’t care.

High-ranking demons would be born again someday.

As the Demon King, he had to prepare for the upcoming war.

The important thing was the grand plan, not such trivial disputes.

“The culprit is not certain, but… there is news that a human who claims to be the culprit has recently appeared.”

“Who is it?”

“He is said to be the captain of the 1st Division of the Kamen Knights.”

“Kamen Knights… Humans are interesting after all.”

In order to kill a demon like Barthold, the Knights had to move.

But there was no way Alheim wouldn’t be aware of such a big move.

The Kamen Knights were not the culprit.

‘It’s definitely that guy.’

Maledrak recalled his memories.

When a mid-ranking demon invaded the capital of the Empire.

He bestowed mana on the dying demon.

The guy who was a mid-ranking demon forcibly evolved into a high-ranking demon by receiving his mana.

But there was a human who cut off the mana that continued from that eye.

Maledrak was just before his eyes were cut off.

He saw a human.

“Kamen Knights? That’s ridiculous.”

It’s that guy.

Stealing his mana, killing Barthold.

It must all be that human.

‘I’ll kill you with my own hands.’

It was the first time since the Heavenly Slaughter Sword Lord that a human remained in his memory.

Maledrak, the Demon King of Alheim, clearly remembered the face of the human he thought was a bug.

“Still, they’re boasting and looking down on us like that, so we should give them something in return.”

Bug-like humans were boasting that the death of the demons was their achievement.

As the Demon King, he couldn’t just stand still.

*Swish-*

After a while, several eyes on Maledrak’s body quietly closed.