Chapter 64

Chapter 64

Three years ago.

The day Evangeline left home for the capital.

The Margrave, following his daughter, handed over his cavalry spear and shield to Evangeline.

They were family heirlooms passed down through generations. Though old, their quaint appearance and durability were unparalleled in the region, making them prized relics.

And they were the relics Evangeline had desired ever since her childhood.

"Take them," the Margrave tersely uttered.

"Theyll serve you well."

Clang-!

However, Evangeline threw the spear and shield her father offered onto the ground.

"I dont need them."

...

"I wont take such a thing."

After casting a sidelong glance at her father, a stern-faced Evangeline boarded the carriage.

The Margrave, looking at his spear and shield rolling on the ground, slowly opened his mouth.

"...Evangeline."

Evangeline thought her father would yell at her in anger.

"The north is cold. Especially the Capital, where the winter is harsh."

But he didnt.

"Dont catch a cold and keep yourself warm."

...

"Whenever you want, you can come back."

His voice trembled.

Evangeline didnt respond, simply closing the carriage door.

Soon, the carriage set off, and Evangeline, sinking into the seat, briefly looked back.

Her father stood there, alone.

He continued to stand until his daughter disappeared from sight, right to the end of the road.

***

"..."

With her dirt-covered hands holding the worn-out cavalry spear and shield, Evangeline bit her lip hard.

The spear and shield were heavily worn out. Just like her father, who had aged rapidly after losing her mother.

In her childhood, she had found these relics so cool.

Her fathers back, silently grabbing his relics and leaving home whenever monsters attacked... It couldnt have been any cooler.

How did it come to this?

How?

Grrrr-!

The Golem chasing her roared fiercely. Ash shouted urgently.

"Evangeline! Hurry!"

"...!"

Evangeline hastily slipped the shield onto her left arm and grasped the cavalry spear in her right hand. Then she asked.

"You said we had insurance, senior!"

"Yeah, we do."

"Then get it out quickly! Im at my limit. I cant hold on much longer!"

"Ive already used it."

Prince Ash had his uniquely cunning, confident, and exceedingly handsome smile.

"Its right here."

Ashs forefinger tapped Evangelines forehead.

"You are my last insurance."

Evangeline blinked in disbelief.

"...What?"

"Come on! Get up. My insurance sheep! Wield your fathers relics, and fight as he taught you!"

She wanted to argue, but there was no time. The Golem was practically breathing down their necks.

Evangeline clenched her hands around the shield and spear.

As if finding its long-lost master, the relic fit perfectly in her hands.

Then, for some reason.

You hold the spear like this, and the shield like this.

Memories of a time spent with his father briefly crossed his mind.

The time of her very childhood. That moment when she first learned to handle a spear and a shield.

Gritting her teeth and bolting upright- Evangeline charged at the oncoming golem, thrusting her cavalry spear.

Boom-!

The golems, battered from the ongoing battle, werent in perfect condition.

The worn chestplate, tattered and torn, was ripped open in a single blow from the old cavalry spear.

Evangeline struck the now-exposed magic core with her shield. The golem crumpled like crumpled paper, falling at once.

After that, four more charged at her.

Evangelines green eyes sparkled, holding a flash of light.

Was she mistaken? The enemies movements seemed to slow down.

It was a torch with blue flames flickering.

Ash threw it as hard as he could at the Stone Golem.

Fwoosh-!

The sun had completely set by then. Under the dark sky, the blue torch soared high, emitting light,

Fizzzz...

...and soon fell powerlessly below.

It didnt even hit the Stone Golem, let alone reach its feet. It merely cast a blue light over the Golem before going out.

Thud.

The sound of the torch hitting the ground echoed feebly.

"..."

"..."

A silence fell. Not only Ash and Evangeline, even the Stone Golem stood frozen awkwardly.

Bewildered, Evangeline, who had been silent, opened her mouth.

"What on earth-"

That moment.

Flash!

There was a flash of light from far away. It was from the walls of Crossroad.

And a few seconds later.

Screeching-

Explosion...!

Suddenly, the chest of the Stone Golem burst open.

"What?!"

Evangeline stared in disbelief.

The demon bullet flying from the far-off city of Crossroad had pierced right through the chest of the magic stone golem.

A shot fired from Crossroad?

Had it been fired from such a long distance following the signal of Prince Ash?

Its impossible. Its not something a human can do! Its physically impossible!

Amidst her disbelief, Evangeline heard Ashs loud voice.

"What does it matter! Its a one-time chance! Evangeline!"

The magic stone golem, caught completely off guard, was falling. Ash reached out his hand and shouted.

"Finish it off-!"

Whoosh!

Before she knew it, Evangeline found herself following the mans command.

She charged at the falling magic stone golem, took a step forward, and jumped into the air.

"Heeeyyaa-!"

With all her might, she thrust her spear.

Thud-!

The worn-out knights spear of the Cross family emitted a dazzling white light and pierced the air - and passed right through the magic core of the last golem.

And thus, this long and dreadful battle ended.

Thump! Crash...!

Pieces of the destroyed golem fell in all directions.

Evangeline, having thrust her whole body through the golem and landed on the other side, soon collapsed forward.

"Ah... Huh."

She felt as if she could die from exhaustion. Without exaggeration, she lacked even the strength to lift a finger.

As she finally lay flat on her back, the world spun around her and Prince Ash appeared in her vision.

Ash sat down beside Evangeline with a tired smile.

"You worked hard. Ace junior. I never thought youd actually do it."

"Is it really over now?"

"At least here, yes."

They had indeed defeated fifty large monsters by themselves.

Although the secret weapon Ash had brought out was from outside the game, it was still an incredible feat.

"Senior... youre... amazing... You managed to do... something this impossible..."

"No one would believe it even if we told them."

Ash shrugged nonchalantly.

"Lets keep this as our own little war."

Evangelines eyes began to close.

"Can I pass out now?"

"Could you keep going if I said no?"

"If thats an order... Ill... endure..."

With half-closed eyes, Evangeline strained to speak.

Ash reached out and gently closed Evangelines eyes.

"You can sleep, kiddo. Rest easy."

"..."

"Good night, good night."

With her energy drained, Evangeline closed her eyes.

Soon, everything was swallowed by darkness.