Chapter 241: Gradually Brightening Fire

Chapter 241: Gradually Brightening Fire

The ruins of Swan Goose Castle lay at the northwestern edge of the human alliance, its origin shrouded in the mist of time. Historical records indicated that the stronghold had crumbled to its current state long before the resurgence of demon hordes in the third epoch, its exact construction date lost to the mists of time.

The ancient stone-brick walls were partially buried in the surrounding mud, their engravings and motifs eroded beyond recognition by the wind and sand.

Only a few moss-covered fragments of the original stone walls remained, with the rest of the site being completely overrun by weeds.

The crumbling mud walls, devoid of any aesthetic appeal, held no potential for tourism, and thus no hope of generating revenue. Government officials saw no reason to allocate funds for their restoration, leaving the unremarkable ruin to languish in obscurity. Even the local lord, tasked with overseeing the territory, would likely struggle to recall its name.

“Squad Leader.”

“Laws, did you hit your head against the door on your way out? I’ve told you a million times not to call me ‘Squad Leader’ during this operation.” A sturdy man wearing dark sunglasses shot a warning glance at his subordinate.

“My apologies for the lack of foresight, sir...”

“Knock it off with that tone! You think anyone’s gonna believe you’re not a knight with that stuck-up voice? Get into character. We’re supposed to be thugs, so act like one! Put some menace in your eyes!” The sturdy man admonished his subordinate.

“Yes... Squ- Sir.”

“Mhm, you got it right this time. Speak, what’s the matter?” He nodded slightly in approval.

“Are... Are we going a bit too far with this?” Laws hesitantly asked, after struggling to find the right words for a long time.

“What are you getting at?...” The sturdy man narrowed his eyes.

“...Our clandestine discussions and dealings with that evil cult. No matter how I look at it, I can’t help but feel that these aren’t things we should involve ourselves in, don’t you agree?” Under the intense gaze of the sturdy man, Laws summoned his courage and voiced the doubts that plagued him.

“...Got a smoke on you?” The burly man averted his eyes and slowly heaved a sigh.

He took the cigarette from Laws and lit it up.

The stimulating effects of the tobacco eased the tension in his eyebrows.

“A justice that’s bound by formalities and procedures would only serve to tie one’s hands... His Excellency, Enzo, used to tell me that all the time.” The man said, exhaling a slow plume of smoke.

“Does it really matter whether the process is right or wrong as long as we achieve a just outcome? We’re knights, not tacticians. Planning strategies and anticipating outcomes are beyond us. So why question it? He gives the order and we fight – That’s what it means to be a knight.”

“And His Excellency, Enzo... his vision had never faltered. I’ve always believed in him, and I’ll brave through fire for him if necessary. Besides, the Chivalric Head himself has tacitly given his approval too, hasn’t he?”

“You’re right. My apologies, Squad Leader. I shouldn’t question the actions of the Vice Chivalric-head.”

“No problem. Our lord, the Radiant Knight, had once said that doubts make your sword waver. If something’s on your mind, you should speak up.” The sturdy man abruptly stopped, dropping his half-smoked cigarette to the ground and stamping it out.

She then remembered that the queue had already moved up to number 212 a moment ago...

—————————————————————————

Swan Goose Castle, within the underground stone cave.

It went without saying that activities outside of the public eye were usually conducted underground — just like the creatures that made the darkness their home. Vermin, and...

Glock shifted his gaze towards the individual donning a clown mask opposite him.

“Is this the [Soul-Sacrificing Destruction Array] formation you mentioned?” Examining the scroll tube that was handed over to him, Glock asked in an attempt to gauge his reaction.

“That’s right.” Falsehood nodded.

“You’re entrusting us with something this important before we’ve reached an agreement?” Glock raised his eyebrow.

“Is our word not enough for you, Sir Glock? Since we’re willing to believe that your Chivalric Group is sincere in cooperating with us, it’s only fair that we provide you with the formation... Besides, that alone isn’t enough to activate the spell completely.”

“...Hmph, I knew it was too good to be true.” Glock’s tone was laced with sarcasm,

“Of course not, my esteemed knights. It’s important to understand that a [Despair-class] summoning formation like the [Soul-Sacrificing Destruction Array] can’t simply be replicated within a mere scroll or two.” Falsehood spoke in a confident and eloquent tone with an unwavering expression.

“...There’s no free lunch in this world. Let’s hear it – What do you want?” Glock spoke in an emotionless tone as he handed the scroll to Laws beside him.

“There are some conditions, of course, but they’re really simple,” Falsehood got up to his feet. “We simply wish for your Chivalric Group to continue to patronize my cult more in the future.”

“Just that?”

“That’s correct. Our Ancestral God is both magnanimous and upright. He would never skimp from rewarding His devoted followers.”

The remaining scrolls were then packed into the black box and handed over to Glock.

“Well then, Sir Knights, may our collaboration be a prosperous one.”

“......ast senguis florua ire scintilles” A low chanting voice filled the air, like the whisper of a grim reaper.

The humid air ignited. A small flame began to rapidly expand in the dark expanse of the underground cavern.

“This is bad!” Falsehood immediately sensed the danger and quickly ducked down beside the stone table.Rread latest chapters at n/ov(e)lbin(.)co/m