Act 24

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Dawn Society (黎明會).

If you’ve played “Let’s Kill the Demon Lord” even once, it’s a name you can’t be unaware of. 

At the same time, it’s a term that provokes the anger of players. 

It’s the organization plotting the resurrection of Barbatos, the demon god that has plagued the continent for the past 100 years. 

Indeed, it can be called humanity’s archenemy.

“Yes, that’s right. It’s not a difficult task, is it? At most, it’s just delaying the entrance.”

The fact that Julian was planning to join humanity’s archenemy was surprising at first, but it soon seemed reasonable. 

In various routes of “Let’s Kill the Demon Lord,” Julian was consistently associated with the Dawn Society. 

It’s certainly closely related to the death of Hayden Reich seen in the DLC trailer.

But… to think that the time to join the ‘Dawn Society’ was now?

“You’re right, it’s not a difficult task. But… you should understand that we might see it differently on our side.”

With a smile, Elenoa responded to my words. 

A member of the Dawn Society, a Rank 5 “Water” element mage, and of Bargus class. 

Elenoa Demischel. 

Julian, reflected in her purple eyes, was wearing his usual half-closed eye smile.

“The reason I came unannounced, without making an appointment, is because of the misunderstanding you mentioned earlier. You might try to capture us using the initiation as bait.”

“After all, you are a part of the royal exclusive agency, ‘Closed Eyes’.” 

Elenoa added.

“In other words, my delayed response might make the Dawn Society suspect that there’s another scheme at play. That’s what you want to say.”

“It’s good that you understand quickly.”

Elenoa smiled seductively, a smile that could captivate a man’s heart, yet it was as dangerous as a poisoned chalice.

“Now that you know our secret, if you refuse… You know what happens, right? Well, it won’t come to that since you approached us first.”

“That’s right.”

Julian, who is unparalleled and considers no one beneath his notice, believes “strength is everything in this world.” 

After losing to Hayden, Julian became interested in the power of ‘Demons’ as well. 

His reason for joining the Dawn Society was to surpass his master, the ‘Sword Saint’ Hayden Reich.

“Then, there’s no need to worry. What you’re looking for is with us.”

“Exactly. That’s why I’m being cautious.”

Elenoa’s eyes narrowed, and a question mark seemed to hover above her head.

“…Why?”

Because, you guys are the axis of evil! Joining the ‘Dawn Society’ means turning your back on the empire. 

Of course, if not discovered, it might not be a problem, but this much was clear.

‘You will definitely become enemies with Hayden Reich.’

The protagonist of “Let’s Kill the Demon Lord,” Hayden Reich’s goal is the peace of the empire and revenge. 

Hayden, who harbored a deep hatred for the ‘Dawn Society,’ the object of his revenge, would undoubtedly draw his sword without hesitation if he knew the fact of affiliation with the Dawn Society.

I wanted to avoid that at all costs.

Even if I haven’t fully acquired Julian’s powers, I don’t want to choose a path that opposes the protagonist of this game.

“It’s ridiculous from our point of view. And I told you, didn’t I? You know too much. If you back out now, you’ll be making an enemy of us.”

But there’s another problem here. 

If I don’t join the ‘Dawn Society’ to avoid a confrontation with ‘Hayden Reich,’ it means the Dawn Society will take action to prevent the leakage of information. 

They are a dangerous organization that even ‘Sword Saint’ Hayden Reich would not take lightly. 

Among them, the Dawn Society’s combat group ‘Monsignor’ consists of individuals with combat abilities far surpassing that of knights.

“Being smart doesn’t mean we can communicate,” was implied.

The large figure that came with Elenoa Demischel was the aforementioned ‘Monsignor.’ 

The man who clicked his tongue took a step forward. 

His imposing size, which was intimidating just by looking at it, revealed his face as he lifted the robe from his face. 

The first things noticeable were his dark skin and the densely packed tattoos covering one eye. 

Pelkor of strength. 

He’s a named character of the Dawn Society well-known enough for me to recognize.

“Do you remember this scar?” 

He pointed at his left eye, heavily tattooed. 

It was a scar, then. 

I had thought it was just a tattoo until now. 

“This scar you engraved aches terribly every night!” 

Today is a day of many realizations. 

I’ve learned that it was not a tattoo but a scar, and that I was the one who caused it. 

‘…I’ve never done that.’ 

Of course, it’s unfair. 

Naturally, it’s impossible for me to explain that I’m not Julian right now. 

Damn it.

“I’m sorry. I tend not to remember every little detail,” I’d probably say something like this.

“Ha, hahahaha!” Pelkor, having tasted Julian’s spice, began to laugh loudly. 

His booming laughter filled the alley, reminiscent of thunder. 

Soon, the laughter faded, and suddenly, he lunged at me with a forceful leap.

<Amazing Intuition> For someone of his heavy build, his speed was incredible. 

Pelkor’s agility was enough to cover one side of my vision in an instant, but Julian’s body did not panic. 

‘Uh…?’ 

However, there was one problem: it was Julian’s ingrained habits.

<Born Swordsman> The way to respond to a surprise attack is to quickly draw the sword for defense or counterattack. 

Since Julian was accustomed to this series of actions, seeing Pelkor charging from the left, my body reflexively reached for the sword on my right hip. 

It was an ordinary steel sword, not the carefully crafted ‘Moonblade.’

‘Swish…!’ 

In the critical moment of a second, Julian’s habit of reaching for the ‘familiar sword’ he usually used, rather than the ‘Moonblade,’ for dealing with danger, led me to draw the steel sword. 

Sighing at the drawn steel sword, I swung it towards Pelkor’s fist, which was imbued with aura.

At the intersection where sword and fist met, bright red sparks flew around, briefly illuminating the alleyway. 

Crack—! 

My sword, filled with aura, developed a significant crack. 

If the standoff continued like this, it was inevitable that the sword would break. 

This was dangerous. 

As I attempted to step back to readjust my stance, I caught Pelkor’s sneering laugh. 

He had noticed—that my sword was breaking. 

“Haaaah!” 

As if to prove my thoughts, he let out a wild scream and put all his strength into his fist. 

Crash——! 

The sword broke instantly. 

His thick fist landed squarely on my solar plexus. 

In an instant, my body was thrown against a secluded wall in the alley, and a dizzying pain coursed through my entire body, making it hard to breathe. 

Yet, as if it were only natural, my body attempted to break the fall. 

“Cough, cough….” 

A dry cough continuously burst from my lips. 

Each time, it felt as though my ribs, which had taken Pelkor’s punches, were creaking. 

“You’re in a sorry state from a mere punch, Julian! Finally, I can avenge this eye!” 

Pelkor’s voice was mocking. 

His eyes were scornful. 

Despite everything, I looked back at my broken sword. 

What I felt was not fear of the overwhelming force in Pelkor’s fist. 

It was irritation. 

Having become a character in this harsh world, Julian Crypart Frason, whom I detested immensely. 

Not only facing the threat of demons but also having to pursue ‘perfection’ to prevent direct complaints from nobles who wished for Julian’s downfall. 

A life far from ordinary. 

A life completely different from what I had led so far. 

‘Why do I have to go through this?’ 

I threw the broken sword on the ground. 

“Huh? What’s the matter, Julian. Giving up?” 

Ignoring Pelkor’s words, I drew another sword. 

The Moon Slaying Sword. 

Grasping the handle, I sent ‘aura’ through it. 

The emotional climax has reached its peak. 

The dark alleyway began to be infiltrated by moonlight. 

[A unique trait, 「Opened Eyes」, has been activated.]

I glanced at the UI that I had seen often in <Let’s Kill the Demon King>, then, holding the Moon Slaying Sword high, I moved forward. 

“What’s with that sword?” 

Pelkor questioned the shape of the Moon Slaying Sword. 

Normally, I would have responded with a mocking tone, playing ‘Julian.’ 

But now, I had no such thoughts. 

I just wanted to unleash the accumulated irritation. 

“That sword will be shattered—!” 

Along with the mockery, a strong hostility was felt in his voice. 

But feeling no need to listen to the end, I kicked off the ground and closed the distance between us.

Despite the distance closing in an instant, Pelkor did not panic and moved to respond. 

His honed skills were proof of his authenticity. 

“Ugh…!” 

However, as my Moon Slaying Sword sliced through his right arm, confusion spread across his face. 

“You, you cut through my aura…!?” 

Stepping back after seeing the wound on his right arm, Pelkor. 

Not ending there, I continued to move my arm. 

Pelkor attempted a counterattack to prevent further injuries, but “You… bastard…!” 

Due to my nearly precognitive anticipation, all his efforts were futile. 

Dodging the counterattacks, I relentlessly swung my sword. 

With each strike, bright red blood traces drew parabolas in the air. 

Seeing the blood stick thickly to the ground and walls, my body heated up. 

It felt as though I was painting. 

Each swing of my sword, my brush, filled the alley, my white canvas. 

“Stop… cough, stop…” 

The voice of Pelkor, groaning in pain, was like water on the flames of my escalating heart. 

Above him, his arm, kneeling in fear, was slashed to tatters, resembling a rag. 

Normally, such a sight would have terrified me, but now I was strangely calm. 

No, a smile formed on my lips. 

“Now you’re not a strong arm but a cripple, Pelkor.” 

I mocked the kneeling Pelkor with a smile full of ridicule. 

No compassion arose within me; the sight of the fallen giant was merely amusing. 

“Pl-please, spare me.” 

Pelkor begging for his life. 

I knew there was no need to kill an opponent already completely subdued. 

However, my desire for self-actualization overruled any rational decision. 

I raised my sword. 

Then, the bright light of the <Moonlight Sword> began to fill the alley. 

Pelkor’s eyes, kneeling, caught my attention. 

Not the slitted eyes of someone wearing a mask as usual, but the eyes of a madman, red as blood. 

‘He’ was reflected in Pelkor’s eyes. 

Trait:「Opened Eyes」 

Rank: Unique 

This ability manifests only in a state of heightened emotion. 

Only characters possessing the ‘Slitted Eye’ trait can use it.

 Exhibits very aggressive behavior. 

Physical abilities are enhanced, and the eyes can see more than usual. 

That figure wasn’t me, pretending to be Julian. 

It was merely the smiling executioner ‘Julian Crypart Frason.’ 

Realizing this fact, I lowered my sword. 

This trait…! It’s dangerous. 

My intuition is telling me so.

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