Chapter 17: The Unknown Enemy (3)

Chapter 17: The Unknown Enemy (3)

Dale gazed into the dim forest. From there, a monster bristling with spikes like a hedgehog slowly emerged.

But it wasnt just the hedgehog-like monster.

There was also a creature that hopped around on three legs and another that resembled a snail, and it oozed pus as it approached.

And there was a bat-like creature, blinking its dozen or so eyes as it flew through the sky.

There were dozens of other monsters, each with an appearance so diverse that showed no uniformity whatsoever.

Those who possessed such irregular troops were of a single kind on this continent.

Demons. These are monsters transformed by demons.

What?!

Esthers eyes widened in shock.

Demonic monsters were found near Irene.

This was an unforeseen event.

Harkin lifted his shield and his expression hardened.

These demon bastards Now I see why the one-eyes and the owlbears fled their territory. What do we do now, Sir Dale? Seems like were in trouble.

What to do?

Dale picked up the spike that had been aimed at Harkin.

The spike was harder and heavier than it appeared. Dale grasped it tightly and swung his arm with all his might.

Swoosh Thud!

The spike flew and hit the hedgehog monster right in the head. Accompanied by a bursting sound, black blood gushed out.

Dale spoke calmly.

We have to fight.

That was the signal.

All sorts of monsters charged toward them in unison.

Dale gave instructions while holding his longsword.

Esther, cast a blessing on Harkin.

What about Sir Dale?

Blessings dont work on me.

Esther nodded and quickly recited a prayer.

A gentle light enveloped Harkin, making him feel lighter.

Harkin, protect Esther.

Understood. And you, Sir Dale?

Instead of answering, Dale powerfully stamped on the ground.

As the large figure of the dark knight soared into the sky, all the monsters attention was drawn to Dale.

Dale landed smoothly in an upright position.

Thump!

He trampled one of the monsters with all his might and looked around him.

He was right in the midst of the monsters.

A perfect position for a brawl.

Ill have some fun.

Kyaaaah!

A monster with a leopards head and a centipedes body charged at him first.

Dale raised his longsword and then brought it down fiercely.

Crunch! The monsters skull shattered, splattering foul liquid in all directions.

Dale immediately withdrew his longsword and thrust it to the side, piercing through the gaping mouth and brain of a serpent-like monster.

Green blood oozed from the monsters wound and as it touched the ground, it bubbled and frothed.

At the same time, a dull thud struck his back.

Thump!

Dale turned around.

A hefty creature was clumsily swinging its weapon.

The armor on his back was slightly dented after being hit by a hammer and the creature made a gurgling noise.

Dale couldnt say for sure, but the monster seemed to be laughing.

Dont laugh.

Dale swiftly punched the creature.

Once. Twice. And on the third hit, the creatures jaw completely shattered until it was unable to laugh any longer.

However, even with its jaw destroyed, the monsters body didnt collapse immediately.

So Dale grabbed its torso and hurled it towards the other monsters.

Kyaaaak!

A monster with an alligators head opened its jaws wide and lunged at Dale.

Dale dodged the attack by twisting his waist and forcefully twisted the creatures snout.

Accompanied by the sound of snapping bones, the monsters head spun half a turn. Not satisfied with just that, Dale exerted stronger force on his arms.

Crack!

Dale murmured to himself.

A wizard serving a demon, it seems.

Are you saying there are servants of demons?

Yes.

As the demons conquered half of the continent with overwhelming power, the authority of the gods was greatly diminished.

People started to doubt the God of Light.

Questions arose whether demons might be more powerful beings than gods.

A new religion of people worshipping demons emerged.

And the demons willingly granted power to the humans who followed them.

If there are servants of the demon, we need to call the heresy inquisitors.

I think we should return to the city first. If we die here too, it will be out of control.

Harkin and Esther agreed, but Dale shook his head.

Well, there are two points to consider.

Two?

First, there might be survivors. The mercenaries who came before us were taken alive, so some might still be alive.

.

Both fell silent.

They had assumed the mercenaries were already devoured by the monsters controlled by the demons and didnt expect any survivors.

Esther rolled her eyes in surprise, and Harkin asked nervously.

Whats the other point?

It seems the demons servant is up to something.

Up to something like what?

Im not sure. Some kind of ritual, perhaps. But there wont be anything good about this ritual being completed.

Demons and wizards should not be given the time to do what they want.

And now they were facing a wizard serving a demon.

If the ritual was completed, the extent of the havoc that could be wreaked was unknown.

Esther, who had been quiet, finally spoke.

We should stop it.

What?

If we just leave the demons servant be, who knows how many people will get hurt? We need to stop it before the damage spreads. Besides, there are people who have been captured. We cant turn a blind eye knowing theyve been taken.

Harkin frowned. Did this naive newcomer realize what she was suggesting?

Do you have any idea how terrible it is to confront a demons servant? Those bastards are all different, but theyre all equally vile!

I know its dangerous. But as a servant of the light, I cant just ignore this. Plus, we have Sir Dale with us.

Both turned to look at Dale at the same time. Dale was nonchalantly polishing his sword.

The longsword, now coated with blood and grime, had lost its previous sharpness.

Harkin asked Dale a question.

Dale, what do you think? Surely youre not suggesting we go alone, are you?

Dale glanced briefly at Harkin before returning to his sword polishing, as if the question was too obvious to warrant a response.

Of course, we must go.

What?

If it were a real demon, that would be one thing, but this was just a servant of a demon.

It seemed like a foe that could be defeated.

Moreover, in Dales memory of the game, creatures with demon in their name usually yielded generous rewards when hunted.

The life force and soul force of a demons servant.

It would certainly provide greater growth for Dale.

Theres no growth without risk.

No, but still

If youre scared, go back alone.

Harkin scratched his curly hair.

The idea of running away alone during a request was unimaginable for a mercenary. If Harkin actually did that, his future in this industry would be doomed.

Harkin forced himself to muster courage.

Yes, with a dark knight around.

Whether it was a demons servant or not, it couldnt be stronger than a dark knight.

And defeating the servant would surely yield plenty to gain.

Harkin was confident of securing a big share as well.

Scared? Thats not even possible. I, Harkin, am definitely not the kind of person who abandons his comrades and runs away alone.

Sounds like youd do it though.

Esther muttered under her breath, and Harkin gave her a sharp glare.

On the other hand, Dale, who had been quietly polishing his sword, stood up.

Lets go.

Once a decision was made, there was no reason to hesitate.Read latest chapters at novelhall.com Only