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What’s going on over there?

While I was talking with Jahat in the arena, I noticed a commotion in the “VIP Room.” Two men were quarreling. Although a thin curtain obscured their faces, it was clear what was happening.

“I see, the ‘Closed Eye’ has come all the way here to catch a criminal, is that it?”

The blind warrior, Jahat, snapped me out of my thoughts with his voice.

“Of course.”

Not really.

In fact, I didn’t even know about it, and I came to the Arena out of curiosity, hoping to gain some technical inspiration.

“That’s troublesome. I can’t afford to be caught right now.”

Clank.

Speaking lightly as if joking, Jahat, who had subdued Kagum, prepared to draw the sword hidden in his staff.

“Considering our old friendship, can’t you turn a blind eye? The royal family isn’t too desperate to capture me, after all.”

Indeed.

The ‘Blind Warrior’ Jahat isn’t a heinous criminal who committed a grave crime against the Empire. I merely wanted to detain him for my own purposes. Therefore, letting him go wasn’t an option. His skills were genuine.

While he might not be stronger than the Sword Saint, he could certainly rival him.

“I can’t…”

Just as I was about to say “I can’t,” a sharp aura lunged straight at me.

But I was already aware.

I knew the purpose of this aura, which the blind warrior used to gauge the distance to his opponent.

As soon as he initiated the attack,

Flash─!

A swift, dazzling strike came at me.

‘Damn, that’s insanely fast.’

It was so fast it almost made me curse. But I had seen this “One-Point Stab,” the Blind Warrior’s specialty, hundreds of times, and I was well aware of it.

He used his ‘aura’ to replace his vision, gauging distance and delivering a lightning-fast strike.

That’s the Blind Warrior’s winning pattern.

“Hmm…?”

Knowing this gave me a significant advantage against an opponent like the ‘Blind Warrior.’

I could predict his habits, thoughts, and movements.

Furthermore,

Trait: Insight

Aura detected.

===

Thanks to my high mana sensitivity, I could track the aura that the Blind Warrior emitted with my eyes, allowing me to discern the direction of Jahat’s attack.

This enabled me to evade Jahat’s strike with a slight sidestep.

Blocked from his sure-win pattern, Jahat showed a hint of displeasure. As a swordsman, his pride in his skills was immense.

However, instead of continuing his attack, Jahat chose to retreat a step.

“Aren’t you going to continue?”

I taunted Jahat.

After all, his aura was proving quite useful to me.

If I apply this, I feel like I could reach the level of ‘One Stroke, One Kill’ a bit sooner. But more importantly,

‘This is fun.’

I’ve never felt my emotions soar this much just by crossing swords. Maybe, after acquiring the trait <New Sword Saint>, my attitude towards the sword has changed. If it hadn’t, I wouldn’t have come to a place like this for the sake of honing my skills.

“By the way, to recognize me even when I’m wearing a magic item enchanted with a disguise spell, the royal family’s mad dog must have an extraordinary nose.”

Although I was slightly surprised by his appearance, which differed from the ‘Blind Warrior’ I knew, it wasn’t difficult to recognize him with the clues from <Let’s Kill the Demon Lord>.

Unfocused pupils.

And a blind man’s cane hiding a sword.

“Criminals always have a certain aura about them.”

“Haha, I was just joking.”

With a bitter laugh, Jahat turned his gaze towards me.

“Can’t you pretend you didn’t see me? Didn’t we bond over catching demons together on the northern front?”

“If you were still the mercenary you once were…”

I smiled at Jahat, who was showing a slightly vulnerable side by bringing up old times.

“But as a criminal, I cannot ignore you without losing face as a member of the ‘Closed Eyes.’”

Do you know how hard it is to find a sparring partner like you? Just quietly help me improve my skills.

“You’re as stubborn as ever. Ha, I just wanted to make some quick pocket money.”

Sighing, Jahat gripped the sword in his cane tightly with his right hand.

Is he planning to fight again?

“Looks like I have no choice but to use my trump card.”

A trump card?

I was intrigued by this unfamiliar term.

Besides his trademark ‘Aura Sonar’ and ‘One-Point Stab,’ did the ‘Blind Warrior’ have another technique?

This should be interesting.

A mix of tension and excitement wrapped around me, intertwining two contrasting emotions.

“Julian, do you remember the conversation we had on the northern front?”

No, I don’t.

“I don’t remember any conversation with a petty criminal.”

“It’s not the strong who survive, but those who survive that are strong.”

A very reasonable statement. No matter how revered a Sword Saint is, once they’re dead, it’s over.

“This time, I’ll prove that I am strong.”

Sensing the ominous atmosphere in his confident smile, I strengthened my grip on my sword. Although I came here for growth, I also considered using ‘Sombra’ in case things got out of hand.

Fizzzzt!

Huh? That’s a strange sound. It’s like a fuse burning in a movie…

‘A fuse…?’

No way, a bomb?

Boom!

My suspicion was confirmed as a loud explosion erupted around Jahat. 

However, I didn’t retreat.

The <Insight> trait revealed that this explosion was just a ‘smoke screen.’

“If we both survive, let’s agree that we are both strong.”

Through the smoke, Jahat’s voice came through.

“Weren’t those words meant to provoke a fight?”

Amidst the thick smoke, Jahat’s form, shimmering like an aura, came into view, and he appeared to be trying to leave the arena.

“Should I chase him?”

No, if I chase him now, it would really come down to a life-and-death struggle.

Besides, it’s troublesome to catch or kill Jahat right now.

He’s supposed to capture the Tri-horn Demon for me.

“Sir Julian!”

As the smoke cleared, a masked man entered. It seemed to be Bairon.

“Are you alright?”

“Yes, I’m fine.”

“Why did you suddenly rush out?”

The usually terrified Bairon, who would tremble even at a casual conversation, couldn’t hide his true feelings in this unexpected situation.

“There was a criminal.”

“A criminal… do you mean that blind man from earlier?”

When I nodded, Bairon’s face turned pale.

“Surely, you don’t mean to call in ‘The Closed Eyes’ to investigate this place?”

“No, I have no intention of doing that.”

At my words, Bairon sighed in relief. He must have been worried about being kicked out of his new job that he barely got into.

“So, Sir Julian, you came to the Arena to catch a criminal!”

Well, let’s go with that for now.

I didn’t expect to find the ‘Blind Warrior’ here.

“How unfortunate. Since the guy escaped, you must have gained nothing…”

“That’s not true. There was a harvest.”

Unlike the disappointed Bairon, I glanced at the ‘Moon Blade.’

Somehow, I feel like I’ve grasped the concept of ‘One Stroke,’ which had been eluding me all this time.

***

Elenoa was waiting outside the Arena for someone.

That person was, of course, Julian.

Normally, she would avoid meeting him in private, but today she had something to discuss.

“Using me, huh.”

She wasn’t particularly displeased with being used. After all, she felt indebted to Julian. She had become an Archbishop thanks to his help.

The problem was that he hadn’t told her anything about this matter.

“Did you foresee this far? I played right into your hands.”

Because of that, when she saw Julian, Elenoa naturally opened her mouth.

“Well, I guess it’s mutual.”

She knew she was being shameless. After all, she had planned to use eavesdropping magic on Julian as well.

Surely, Julian would point this out too.

“What are you talking about?”

Contrary to her expectations, he played dumb.

With a faint smile and half-closed eyes.

His attitude, as if trying to test her, made Elenoa frown slightly.

“Don’t play dumb. You noticed the eavesdropping magic I placed on Bishop Korund and used it, didn’t you?”

“Bishop Korund… ah, you mean that pig of a man?”

He was playing dumb again.

Considering Julian’s strategy that cornered Aiden in an instant, he couldn’t possibly be unaware of what happened here, yet he was pretending not to know.

“Yes, because you deliberately appeared at the Arena, Aiden and Korund’s secret meeting was foiled. Moreover, after today’s events, Aiden will become even more desperate.”

“Hmm…”

Julian slightly trailed off.

He seemed to want to convey the nuance of ‘I really didn’t know,’ but Elenoa wasn’t fooled.

This person, who hated crowded places, had come here, the place furthest from the capital, and had even discarded his mask to hide his identity.

“Is this supposed to be a coincidence?”

There couldn’t be anyone foolish enough to think that.

***

“What are you talking about?”

Watching Elenoa suddenly appear and say something so random, I briefly fell into thought.

The only thing I could make out was that ‘Aiden’s plan had gone awry, and he would become anxious.’

If so, Aiden would certainly act more aggressively to ensure his research bore fruit as soon as possible.

‘That’s how it went in the original story.’

Eventually, he ended up being killed by the Sword Saint.

“Is it time now?”

As I said before, Aiden is a character who becomes problematic if he dies.

It’s not that his death would significantly hinder the story, but his death serves as a catalyst for events.

That’s why I decided to change my approach.

‘There’s no need to blindly wait for unfavorable events to occur like in the game.’

If Aiden’s research results are the problem, then they just need to be eliminated.

That’s why I’ve been going through the trouble of keeping him alive, and it’s been making me anxious.

“With this incident, Sir Aiden will probably become more engrossed in his research on the fake horn.”

“Indeed. If today’s events become known, other bishops won’t be willing to lend him a hand.”

“That’s good.”

“Did you do all this to steal that research?”

Elenoa seemed to be quick-witted.

Judging by my actions so far, she seems to have easily deduced my intentions.

“Are you going to tell Sir Aiden?”

“Of course not. I don’t intend to take sides, but if I had to choose, I’d side with the one who helped me.”

As expected, she instinctively realizes which side is more advantageous.

“You’ve made a wise decision.”

“But, it’s Aiden we’re talking about. Aiden from the Donassien family. He must have hidden the research on the fake horn very well, making it hard to find.”

“The research lab is probably in the slums.”

Elenoa looked slightly puzzled.

“How can you be so sure?”

Aiden’s secret laboratory is usually set in a random location, but it’s often in the slums or nearby.

‘Because that’s how it was in the game.’

Of course, I can’t say that out loud.

“I am Julian. Julian Crypart Frason of the Royal ‘Closed Eyes.'”

When I returned her words, Elenoa showed a look of disbelief.

“Even if you’re lucky enough to be right, how do you plan to search the vast slums?”

A valid point.

How could one person search that vast area alone?

But there’s one thing she doesn’t know.

‘Two of the three organizations that divide the slums.’

The Nameless Gang.

The Blood Ghost Gang.

She doesn’t know that I have connections with these two groups.

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Eleanor Demiselle. She conceals her uneasy feeling and makes her way to an arena typically used by commoners.

“Why here of all places?”

While not as particular as Julian, she had walked the noble path for long enough to find unclean places and foul smells unbearable. Nevertheless, the reason she came here was because of Julian’s insistence on ‘managing the Bishop’.

She could easily predict that Aiden, who had clashed with Julian, would make a move. Honestly, she had no intention of getting involved in their pride battle, but the Dawn Society had not yet fully revealed itself. Moreover, Julian and Aiden were highly ranked in the society’s combat force.

‘We cannot afford any loss of strength.’

For the survival of the Dawn Society and to manage the Bishop, their conflict had to be prevented. Fortunately, through an eavesdropping spell, she learned that Aiden was plotting something with Bishop Korund. She discovered through various channels that they were meeting at the arena.

Luckily, there was a VIP room for nobles with discreet hobbies, and Eleanor waited there to listen to their conversation and uncover their plans.

“Ha ha, it’s been a while, Aiden. Judging by your face, it looks like you’ve had some trouble.”

The owner of the voice was Bishop Korund, a man who once studied the same school of thought as Aiden. Because of that, she anticipated Aiden would approach him first and placed an eavesdropping spell on him.

‘If only it had worked on Julian too… It would have been easier to manage the Bishop and mediate in situations like this.’

In any case, she was here today to thwart Aiden’s plot.

“Well, I never expected you to come here in person, Aiden.”

Korund’s voice came through the magic tool. Despite being together, he used a communication spell in case someone overheard, which worked in Eleanor’s favor. The eavesdropping spell only activated when that spell was used.

However, she tilted her head in puzzlement. While she knew of Korund’s vulgar nature, Aiden’s actions were unexpected.

‘Why would a nobleman, obsessed with pureblood, come to a place like this?’

As she speculated, the atmosphere of the arena surged with an almost explosive energy.

Waaaaaah!!!

In the arena at the center of the hall, people were entangled, wielding weapons at each other. When a weapon cut through the air, boos resounded; when it struck a target, enthusiastic cheers erupted. The explosive emotions reverberated all around. For some, it was the perfect place for entertainment.

“I hate it.”

She didn’t mean to mock such lowly tastes, but Eleanor found it difficult to adapt to this bustling place. At least she wore a mask to avoid being recognized; otherwise, encountering someone she knew would have made her discomfort skyrocket.

“Well, I understand because I have a taste for this place, but Aiden, didn’t you once call the arena a despicable place?”

Korund’s sneaky, subtly irritating words came through the magic tool. Even before he became a bishop, Eleanor had hardly spoken with him, but this time, she couldn’t help but agree with his words.

Waaaaaaaah!!

[Well done, Garin! You’re showing why I bet on you!]

[Get lost and die, you idiot!]

Amidst the deafening cheers shaking the arena, Eleanor’s expression twisted into a frown.

“So that’s why you chose this place for the meeting.”

Aiden’s calm voice pierced her ears.

“No one would think I’d come to a place like this.”

“Hmm, I suppose that makes sense.”

“Now, let’s get to the main point.”

This was the crucial moment. Eleanor focused on their conversation.

“Wait a moment, Aiden, let me guess what you’re about to say.”

Korund’s voice was mocking, almost sneering.

“You know just as well as I do that the pureblood ideology among wizards has gone too far. However, since your foundation is built on them, you had no choice but to intervene in this situation.”

Korund, who had not yet encountered Julian, seemed to be enjoying the current situation. The mere fact that the arrogant Aiden had come to him for help pleased him.

“Julian, that half-blood, must be eliminated.”

As expected.

“I don’t like him either. He’s been favored by Sir Tenellon and doesn’t know his place. As a bishop and a wizard, it’s impossible to like him.”

Pureblood wizards despise ‘branch family’ members, those with commoner blood mixed in. Eleanor, being a wizard herself, was well aware of this sentiment.

“But, I also think this: Could it be that you intend to use Julian to eliminate other ‘pureblood’ factions?”

The conversation was taking an odd turn.

“That’s quite a leap in logic.”

“A leap? I’m just entertaining a natural suspicion.”

A small chuckle was heard. It was likely Korund’s, sounding slightly frivolous.

‘Korund probably knows that Aiden hasn’t allied with Julian.’

So, why bring this up?

‘To gain an advantageous position in future negotiations…?’

As Eleanor organized her thoughts, she noticed an unusual silence in the audience.

[A shocking turn of events! The new face in the arena has defeated the championship favorite, Kagum!]

Though the reason for the silence was announced, Eleanor paid no attention. She was here solely to manage the bishops. Moreover…

“Huh?”

Although she had no interest in the arena, she couldn’t help but notice a figure jumping up from the stands.

[Who is that guy?]

[Get lost already!]

[Don’t ruin the flow, get out of here, you bastard!]

As a figure, appearing to be a grown man, landed in the arena, all sorts of curses were hurled at him.

“How noisy.”

In an already chaotic atmosphere, a single person’s intrusion was just adding to the mayhem.

As she grumbled and tried to focus on the eavesdropping spell again, the man who had intruded removed the mask covering his face. The person revealed was someone who should not be here.

“… Why on earth are you here?”

In this crowded, filthy, and lowly place, stood the very person who had brought her here: Julian.

***

During my time living as this body, I had come to understand enough.

‘Julian’ was someone who liked duels, was strongly self-absorbed, and took pride in his work for the “Closed Eyes”. 

“A madman.”

In an instant, my view changed, and I began to look around. Just moments ago, I had been in the stands looking ‘down’, but now I was in the arena looking ‘up’. In other words, my body had moved on its own, causing me to intrude into the arena.

“I must be out of my mind.”

Perhaps the reason for this was partly because I knew the one who defeated the championship contender, Kagum. In the story, Julian is unaware that the ‘Blind Swordsman’ is from the same school as the ‘Sword Saint’. However, as a player who knew that they were from the same school, my body had a violent reaction.

“Furthermore,”

The Blind Swordsman, Jahat, is a criminal. More precisely, a criminal who violated military law. Therefore, Julian, who took pride in being part of the imperial organization “Closed Eyes”, could not help but act.

[What is happening!? Someone has intruded from the stands… wait, that face, could it be!?]

The voice of a bewildered man, possibly a commentator or host, echoed through the magical tool. As the audience’s attention turned to my face, the previously silent stands began to buzz with murmurs.

[“It’s Julian.”]

[“The Smiling Executioner?”]

[“Why is he here…”]

Ignoring the murmurs, I placed my hand on the hilt of my sword at my waist.

Creak

Although I ended up in this situation unexpectedly, the ‘Blind Swordsman’ was a fitting opponent for the reason I came to the arena. True to his title, he cannot see with his eyes. Thus, he moves and fights using only his five senses and an additional sense called ‘aura’.

“…I never expected to meet you in a place like this.”

<Remarkable Instinct>

⇒ <Insight> senses the opponent’s aura.

An unseen aura surged around Jahat. Unlike the refined nature of the ‘Sword Saint’, Jahat’s aura was like a continuous storm, constantly swirling and shifting.

Players of “Let’s Kill the Demon Lord” called the ‘Blind Swordsman’s’ aura this:

‘Aura Sonar.’

It was essentially an ‘aura detector’, spreading aura around to detect opponents in place of his blind eyes.

<Understanding of One-Stroke Mastery has improved.>

It was a completely different technique from the ‘Sword Saint’s’ style I had learned. Even just observing with my eyes, I could grasp a new method of using ‘aura’.

“Sir Julian… why are you doing this all of a sudden?”

Bairon, who had followed my sudden action, ran down to the very front of the arena.

‘What should I say…?’

I had no intention of troubling Bairon or Trale. However, neither I nor Julian’s instincts wanted to back down from this situation.

‘This is not some petty self-justification.’

To make further progress and to correct the misaligned flow, I felt the need to become stronger.

“Julian, it seems this is our first meeting since the Northern Front.”

As I was deep in thought, Jahat, who was standing in the center of the arena, kicked Kagum’s large body aside and spoke.

“As I said earlier, I didn’t expect you to have such a hobby.”

“Haha. Isn’t it my duty as a member of the imperial organization ‘Closed Eyes’ to tirelessly pursue criminals?”

“Heh.”

Jahat laughed wearily.

“It seems you’ve started to think more since I saw you on the Northern Front.”

Of course. After all, I’m a completely different person now.

***

“What on earth is he doing here?”

Eleanor clicked her tongue as she watched Julian intrude into the arena. Among those she could imagine being the least suited to the arena, Julian was one of them. Despite the ominous rumors circulating about him, he preferred refined hobbies and art.

‘Why would someone like him…’

Julian also had a distinctive tendency for cleanliness and disliked crowds. So why did he specifically come to the arena?

“What the… That’s Julian!”

Bishop Korund’s voice, tinged with panic, came through the magic tool.

“There’s no reason for him to be here… Wait, Aiden, you!”

His voice started to shift from confusion to anger. As Eleanor watched the situation unfold, she quickly realized why he was getting angry.

“So you plan to use Julian to deal with the other factions of the Dawn Society!”

“Calm down, Korund. I really had no such intention!”

The situation in the VIP room, as conveyed through the eavesdropping spell, was a complete mess. It seemed like there was some physical scuffle, and Korund’s crude swearing continuously assaulted Eleanor’s ears.

‘He must be quite shocked. Julian’s appearance here, by itself, is enough to understand Korund’s reaction.’

As mentioned, Julian didn’t fit into such a setting, and yet he showed up here. Naturally, Korund suspected there was another reason.

‘But that’s it.’

Julian had merely revealed himself; he couldn’t do anything to them in the arena. If he intended to send a warning, he would need to take more action than just showing up.

“He just showed up! If I really had plans to deal with other factions as you said, wouldn’t he have come to this VIP room instead of the arena?”

Aiden’s agitated voice rang out, seemingly having had a similar thought to hers.

“Oh… Right. Yes, I’ve just come to that view as well.”

“Okay, calm down.”

“Well, of course, they wouldn’t know what we’re discussing here from over there. Unless you cast a recording or eavesdropping spell… hmm?”

Crackle!

A weak current flowed through the magical earring used for the eavesdropping spell. Eleanor knew this phenomenon well. It was a signal that her ‘shadow’ magic had been detected by the other party.

In other words, 

“I’ve been found out.”

Eleanor clicked her tongue inwardly. If her eavesdropping spell had been discovered, things could become troublesome…

“Damn it, Aiden, you son of a bitch!”

But contrary to her expectations, a stream of coarse curses burst from Korund’s mouth.

“There’s an eavesdropping spell on us! How did this happen?”

“What…?”

“Damn bastard! Just as I thought, you’ve been colluding with Julian!”

“How is this conversation even unfolding?”

As the subject of the conversation shifted back to Julian, the very person who had cast the eavesdropping spell, Eleanor was left bewildered.

“Could it be…?”

However, after a moment of reflection, she understood.

“Wait! The conversation isn’t over yet, Korund!”

“Shut up! I have nothing more to say to you!”

Sizzle.

The sound of embers dying out came through the magical device. Korund had canceled the eavesdropping spell. No more messages could be heard.

Removing the earring, Eleanor slowly lowered her gaze to look at the figure standing in the arena.

Julian Crypart Frason.

-I know you’ve put an eavesdropping spell on the bishops.

A gentle ripple began to form in her violet eyes.

“Could it be… you foresaw this and came here deliberately?”

With his eyes half-closed and a faint smile forming at the corners of his mouth, Eleanor felt as if a phantom voice was whispering in her ear.

“Otherwise, why would I appear here?”

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“What do you mean by ‘It’s a bit’?”

Trale hesitated, trying to refuse my request.

“Well… it’s just that, Sir Julian, it’s not really the kind of place you’d enjoy.”

What on earth is she talking about?

“The lighting isn’t very bright, it’s gloomy… and it’s filled with the kind of barbaric people you despise.”

Exactly! I’m going there to see those barbaric people.

To hone my skills, even if just a little.

“It doesn’t matter.”

Despite my reassurance, Trale’s face hardened slightly.

She must really want to refuse.

I understand why. 

The idea of me visiting the arena, or even just going there, is probably unappealing.

Julian is part of the ‘Closed Eyes.’ That means he’s an enforcer for the royal family, executing their will.

“Nobles often watch the arena too.”

The arena itself is legal, but most of what happens inside is illegal.

An enforcer of the royal family entering such a place? They would see it as an unwelcome intruder ruining their playground.

“I won’t cause you any trouble.”

“You’re already causing plenty of trouble…”

Her voice grew quieter, but she remained resolute this time.

“This time, I can’t allow it. If you keep insisting, I’ll have to take strong measures.”

Then I’ll have to respond accordingly.

“Trale, there’s a prison made of silver in the royal dungeons. Wouldn’t you like to visit it?”

As I spoke with a faint smile, a familiar color flashed across Trale’s face.

“S-silver?”

Just like in all media, vampires in this world also detest silver.

They also get burned by sunlight and can’t walk over running water.

“Do you really know all the weaknesses of a vampire…?”

“Yes, and I also know how to nullify that immortality.”

“Then you must also know that driving a wooden stake through the heart kills them…”

“Is that so? Would you like me to give it a try?”

She must have taken my words as a threat to do just that if she didn’t comply, as her violet eyes flared up fiercely.

But even if it’s not a vampire, wouldn’t driving a stake through someone’s heart kill them?

***

Whether it was my threat or something else, Trale ended up issuing me a membership card for the arena.

“Please, just don’t cause any trouble…”

She did make this request, though.

I have no intention of causing trouble.

I never have, and I never will.

The problem is the fuss made by those who see me and jump to conclusions.

“Sir Julian.”

As I approached the arena, someone came up to me and greeted me.

‘Who is this?’

Trale mentioned she’d send someone to guide me to the arena, and it seemed to be this man.

He had a familiar face.

What was his name again?

Oh, right! Bairon!

“Bairon, what are you doing here?”

He used to be part of ‘Six Fingers,’ one of the three factions in the slums, wasn’t he?

I heard his sentence was shortened thanks to cooperating with me earlier.

“I’m working at the arena now.”

“And the place you were before?”

‘Six Fingers’ is a place so vicious that they cut off your finger when you leave.

“Well… it seems that when I accompanied you to see the ‘vampire,’ rumors spread among ‘Six Fingers’ that I betrayed them.”

This is how Bairon, formerly a subordinate of ‘Six Fingers,’ ended up working for the ‘Blood Ghost Group.’

When he helped me enter the area managed by the ‘Blood Ghost Group,’ members of ‘Six Fingers’ saw him and spread rumors that he had betrayed them.

“I was shocked. Suddenly, they sent ‘Finger Cutters’ to chop off my fingers…”

“But you managed to survive.”

“Yes, fortunately, Sir Arthur happened to be passing by and saved me.”

Arthur? Ah, that giant of a man, about eight feet tall.

I think it’s fortunate he found a way to survive.

After all, he almost lost his job and position in ‘Six Fingers’ because of me.

…No, I shouldn’t feel sorry, should I?

Thinking about it, I gave him an opportunity to leave a criminal organization. I helped him turn over a new leaf.

And the ‘Blood Ghost Group’ has more conscience than ‘Six Fingers.’

“I’ll take the lead. Please follow me.”

With an energetic voice, Bairon began to guide me to the arena.

“But Sir Julian, why have you come here?”

“Is there any reason I shouldn’t come?”

At my response, Bairon flinched slightly.

“Haha… I just thought you might dislike this place.”

Dislike it…

That’s not entirely wrong.

Julian doesn’t prefer the environment of the arena, filled with the smell of sweat, due to his characteristic cleanliness.

But as I entered the arena, the fighting spirit filling the place made my whole body itch.

‘Yes! This is why I came. I think I’ve come to the right place.’

Even if it’s just a little, this is a process to refine my skills. Further…

‘My goal is to master the One-Stroke Skill.’

To do that, I need to learn not just ‘refinement’ but also ‘roughness.’

Julian’s swordsmanship, influenced by his innate personality and nature, possesses an almost artistic precision.

While great strength complements it, the swordsmanship itself follows traditional methods.

‘Compared to that, here in the arena, you can easily see fighters brimming with raw ferocity.’

The balance of yin and yang.

Even if it’s not something grand like that, I felt I needed to add something to my current swordsmanship.

“Sometimes, you need to see the opposite, the rough side.”

“The rough side… Ah, I see!”

Pondering my words, Bairon suddenly clapped his hands as if he realized something.

“Indeed, then you’ve come at a good time. The upcoming event at the arena will be perfect for the ‘roughness’ you’re looking for, Sir Julian.”

Bairon’s enthusiastic words piqued my curiosity.

“What kind of event is it?”

“They put 12 people in a giant arena and have them fight until only one remains standing!”

Ah, a battle royale.

“Look, there’s one of the main contenders for today’s main event.”

Bairon smiled broadly and pointed to a corner of the waiting room.

The waiting room was filled with darkness and tension from the fighters.

In the corner sat a man in heavy armor, exuding a ruthless fighting spirit and desire.

‘He’s strong.’

I couldn’t tell exactly how skilled he was, but the scent of blood emanating from him indicated he was far from ordinary.

“His name is Kagum, also known as the ‘Demon-Eating Madman.'”

“Demon-Eating Madman?”

“Yes, he lived in the north and supposedly survived by eating demons.”

Eating demons? While not unheard of, engaging in ‘demon consumption’ means accepting the residual thoughts of the demon into one’s body.

This inevitably leads to demonification.

‘He doesn’t seem like a named character.’

In the story, there are named characters who consume demons. But why are they ‘named’? 

‘They are named because they don’t become demons after consuming them.’

In that sense, this man in heavy armor was someone I’d never seen before.

Is he a character I don’t know?

No, the name Kagum doesn’t ring any bells.

‘Still, he definitely looks strong.’

Seeing him wearing such heavy armor even casually, he likely engages in combat as tough as his appearance suggests.

Thinking that a fight with him might benefit my growth, our eyes met.

“Oh? He’s coming this way.”

Kagum stood up and began striding toward me.

Clank, clank.

With the sound of metal clashing, the giant in heavy armor approached.

Gulp.

As Kagum came closer, I could hear Bairon swallowing nervously beside me.

Did he get offended by the staring?

‘Checking his strength here wouldn’t be a bad idea.’

Although I couldn’t gauge his exact strength, it would be beneficial to experience it firsthand…

‘Huh?’

Something was strange.

Despite his imposing presence, I saw the color of ‘fear’ above Kagum’s head.

Was it just my imagination?

“Sir Julian, what brings you to a place like this?”

Guess not.

Through the thick steel helmet, a trembling voice reached me.

“What? Kagum, you can talk?”

The most surprised by this was Bairon.

“I heard he became a madman, losing his mind and craving blood after eating demons!”

“…If that were true, how would I have applied to the arena?”

Good point.

“And if I didn’t pay my taxes, I would have been expelled from the capital. If I were truly mindless, do you think I would be here?”

Kagum’s words, delivered with an unexpected intelligence, didn’t match Bairon’s excited reaction. 

The madman who consumed demons turned out to be a model citizen.

***

“Now, please wear this.”

Just before entering the arena, Bairon handed me a mask, explaining that it’s a basic rule for the audience here.

Being a place run by those from the slums, the noble patrons likely wished to conceal their identities.

Still…

…It feels familiar somehow.

The act of wearing a mask is oddly familiar. It’s probably because of my time acting as the ‘Black Knight.’

“Oh… it suits you well, Sir Julian. Now, please enter.”

As I stepped into the arena, just as Bairon said, all the spectators wore masks, concealing their faces.

Though their expressions couldn’t be seen, the intense heat from the excited audience could be felt through my skin.

“Normally, someone of your stature, Sir Julian, should be seated in the VIP section…”

“It’s fine. I want to watch as closely as possible.”

Leaving the apologetic Bairon behind, I looked around.

‘Indeed, the crowd is making me quite uncomfortable.’

My obsessive cleanliness was acting up again. The large crowd was very bothersome. The less-than-clean hygiene didn’t help either.

‘If I endure this discomfort and gain nothing from it…’

That alone would double my annoyance.

– “Thank you for waiting! Today’s main event!”

The saving grace was that I had confirmed the presence of ‘Kagum,’ a fighter who matched my purpose for being here.

– “First up, the favorite to win, the ‘Demon-Eating Madman’ Kagum!!!”

Just by looking at him, I could tell he was a formidable opponent. Kagum’s body was well-trained.

His breathing and posture hinted that he could also handle aura to some extent.

Uwaaaaaaaa!

A tremendous cheer erupted, filling the arena. The audience seemed certain that Kagum would win the battle royale.

“Who do you think will win, Sir Julian?” Bairon asked.

I also think it will be Kagum.

Unless there’s someone among the other 11 contestants with skills on par with Kagum’s.

As I thought this, I glanced around the arena.

‘Hmm…?’

Surprisingly, I spotted a familiar face inside the arena.

Gray hair and unfocused eyes, as if afflicted by cataracts.

Seeing that face, a surge of fighting spirit welled up from deep within me.

“Did you ask who I think will win?”

“Ah, yes.”

“I think that man will win.”

“That middle-aged man over there?”

At my gesture, Bairon looked towards the corner of the arena.

There, a middle-aged man was moving towards the waiting area, tapping the ground with a wooden cane.

“That blind man? I find it hard to believe such a person is even participating in this arena…”

“You’ll see soon enough.”

Though Bairon was filled with doubt, he simply nodded and looked back at the arena.

My gaze remained fixed on that middle-aged man.

‘Blind Swordsman Jahat.’

One of the top fighters in the world of <Let’s Kill the Demon Lord>.

Seeing his face, Julian’s fighting spirit seemed to rise, indicating that he knew Jahat as well.

It made sense. Jahat also lived on the northern front, so they likely had some acquaintance.

I, however, was focused on him for a different reason.

More precisely, he was Julian’s ‘senior disciple.’

Because he trained under the same master as the Sword Saint, Hayden Reich.

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The battle wasn’t enough to increase my understanding of <One-Stroke Skill>.

Although I was grasping the concept of ‘sword energy’ through the sparring with Fern, at some point, even that stopped being helpful.

Since it wasn’t a life-or-death combat situation and Fern was deliberately getting hit by the sword energy or blocking it with his sword, I couldn’t get a proper feel for it.

Moreover,

‘It’s still weak.’

The ‘sword energy’ I released wasn’t strong enough to cause significant damage. 

Even worse, if my concentration wavered even slightly, the energy would disintegrate in midair like a brittle cracker.

“Huff… huff…”

I spoke to Fern, who was panting heavily.

“Thank you, let’s end the sparring here.”

“Ah, understood… huff, Sir Julian.”

Clang!

At my words, Fern dropped his sword and collapsed to the ground. Judging by the dejected look in his eyes, he seemed quite exhausted.

‘Well, even though I held back, it was still ‘sword energy.’ 

It hurts if you get hit, and if you get hit in a vital spot by mistake, you could die.

Enduring this much was impressive.

“Was it… helpful?”

Helpful? Of course it was. 

Even though it wasn’t advanced training, it felt like a good foundational practice.

However, if I simply answered ‘yes,’ it might damage his pride.

Knights are peculiar beings who live by their pride.

After all, would it be normal for people who live covered in blood and constantly get stabbed to live by their ‘swordsmanship’?

“Unfortunately, it wasn’t of much help.”

“Indeed… I’m sorry.”

“Keep training. With your current skills, you’re likely to die on a mission.”

At my harsh critique, Fern hung his head.

“But as a knight, you are competent.”

Fern looked up at me in surprise at the sudden compliment.

“Excuse me?”

“Your precise swordsmanship and mana control are exemplary for a knight. However, because of that, it wasn’t much help to me.”

The ability to handle ‘One-Stroke Skill’ is not about precision; it’s a more instinctive trait.

So, I kept provoking Fern.

When a person loses their temper and fights desperately, they show their true nature.

What I wanted from Fern was raw, instinctive swordsmanship. But…

He, too, was a knight.

He couldn’t easily change the ingrained paths of his sword.

He was the epitome of a ‘knight.’

Moreover, as the sparring dragged on, Fern increasingly realized the gap between us and his fighting spirit dulled.

No matter how talented ‘Julian’ is and how unique his swordsmanship is, the basics remain the same.

The ‘Julian’ sword is somewhat refined and systematized.

Moreover, with traits like ‘Mental Fortitude’ and ‘Poker Face,’ regular sparring couldn’t reach the realm of ‘actual combat.’

“The situation I want is an enemy charging at me with intent to kill.”

If it doesn’t reach that level, it won’t even count as ‘experience.’

“Sir Julian, I know this may be presumptuous, but could you teach me?”

Just as I was about to leave, I heard Fern’s earnest voice.

Teach him? Hmm, I’m not sure.

What should I teach him?

Honestly, the swordsmanship I use is based on my innate physical abilities and game knowledge. It’s not something I built up from scratch.

Fern’s swordsmanship isn’t included in that knowledge.

‘How do I explain this?’

I need to know his specialties and the type of swordsmanship he primarily uses to give any advice. 

Since I don’t have a deep understanding of swordsmanship, I can’t explain much.

However, I couldn’t reveal that honestly, so I decided to give a little lip service to get through the situation.

“I’m sorry. I am not generous enough to give teachings to a ‘competitor.'”

“A competitor…? Me…?”

Knights, who are all muscle in the brain, love to be recognized by higher-ranking knights.

Even if it’s from the infamously notorious ‘Smiling Executioner,’ it still holds value.

Besides,

“I helped you with the sparring, so I can at least say this much, right?”

Good luck.

Bowing my head briefly, I prepared to leave the training ground.

“Sir Julian!”

Fern called my name again.

“If you are considering real combat… I have a place I’d like to recommend.”

***

“Sigh…”

Eleanor sighed.

She thought, ‘If it’s about the Empire’s nobility, it can’t be helped.’

She was used to disputes among bishops.

They are the ones who lead in taking things from each other.

But for her, who had risen to the position of ‘Archbishop’ and managed them…

“Controlling them as an Archbishop is such a hassle.”

Although it was misaligned, she, who wanted the Dawn Society to persist, had no choice but to prevent this major conflict.

Thus, she had cast ‘eavesdropping spells’ on the other bishops to prevent any potential situations.

‘But I failed with the one who should be the most closely watched.’

Julian Crypart Frason.

She could say boldly that he was an exceptional presence among the bishops.

After all, he was the one who helped her rise to the position of ‘Archbishop.’

The Grand Archbishop, Tenellon, had immense favor for him.

‘That’s the problem.’

Backed by that favor, he acted arrogantly and earned the resentment of all the bishops. 

Recently, it seemed he had even gained some supporters within the order.

‘He never hesitates in his actions.’

The recent incident with Aiden was bound to escalate into a major uproar within the Dawn Society.

Not only were there many wizards who had joined the Dawn Society led by Aiden, but most of those wizards were also close to ‘pureblood supremacy.’

‘A mage is like that.’

Eleanor’s gaze shifted to the book lying on her desk.

[Record of Magical Incantations]

The subtitle written under the cover read:

[Pure mana accumulates in the blood. Bloodline is the measure of the supreme mage.]

Although these words no longer held the same grandeur as they did in the past, they still exerted significant influence among mages.

‘The trend of belittling anyone who isn’t of pure blood as a ‘half-blood’ still prevails.’

However, Aiden, who was defeated by that ‘half-blood,’ would seek revenge to uphold his beliefs.

‘Yes, I knew a message would come soon.’

Just then, through one of the eavesdropping spells she had set up, a voice was transmitted via a magical device. It belonged to Bishop Korund, a person with a bold yet unrefined personality.

‘But who is he talking to?’

Eleanor’s eavesdropping spells didn’t monitor every single action of the target. They activated only when the target used a communication spell to talk directly to someone else.

In other words, Bishop Korund was having a conversation via a communication spell.

“The haughty Donassien family alone wouldn’t be enough to handle Julian.”

Korund’s voice continued. 

Donassien family, Julian.

Eleanor quickly realized who Korund’s conversation partner was.

“Aiden.”

He could soon become the key player in the coming storm within the Dawn Society.

“Helping him isn’t difficult. As a proponent of pureblood supremacy, I don’t particularly like seeing a half-blood like Julian thrive either.”

It seemed Aiden was seeking Korund’s cooperation to expel Julian from the Dawn Society or even kill him.

‘Sigh, how bothersome.’

These proud nobles always stir up trouble, even when they could just stay quietly out of sight. Eleanor sighed inwardly again.

“But, Aiden, I find this whole situation highly suspicious.”

She leaned in closer to the magical device, listening intently as the conversation took an unexpected turn.

“It’s hard to believe that a mage of your caliber would allow Julian to get close.”

That made sense.

Aiden, a fifth-ranked ‘Barago’ grade mage of the gold (金) element, was undoubtedly a skilled mage.

“A fight between a mage and a knight usually ends in one of two ways.”

If Aiden and Julian had truly fought, it wouldn’t have ended with just an eye injury.

“A victory without even a scratch, or a loss resulting in severe limb damage or death.”

Being a mage himself, Korund was well aware of these facts.

“A mage retains combat power as long as they have their heart, mouth for incantations, and brain.”

‘What is he getting at?’

Eleanor raised her head, concentrating.

“The fight wouldn’t have ended with just an eye injury. So, why did the rumor spread that way?”

After a brief silence, Korund’s voice was heard again.

“Isn’t he trying to organize the bishops who are colluding with Julian and rebelling?”

It’s a somewhat plausible assumption.

It was Aiden who brought Julian into the ‘Dawn Society’ when Julian was on the brink of being expelled from the capital due to the pressure from the council of elders.

‘No way.’

Of course, Eleanor didn’t believe it.

Julian had stopped Aiden’s experiments, and it was Aiden who sent Alphas to kill Julian.

Even if Aiden saw Julian as useful when he recruited him, that wouldn’t be the case now.

“Haha, it’s not just a story about being ambushed.”

Korund’s laughter, sounding rather pleased, echoed.

“Anyway, let’s meet ‘there’ and discuss it further. It’s not too late to talk about Julian then.”

With that, the eavesdropping spell ended.

“Really, this is so troublesome.”

Setting down the magical device, she stood up.

With rights come responsibilities.

If she had known it would turn out like this, she would have done anything to pass the position of Archbishop to Julian.

That’s what Eleanor thought.

***

“If you’re looking for a combat experience close to the real thing, why not observe the arena?”

After our sparring, Fern suggested none other than the arena.

Similar to the coliseum I saw in the Holy Nation, it’s a place where fighters battle each other, though it doesn’t feature deadly fights with demons.

“Surely, the arena would provide some real combat data.”

Finding Fern’s suggestion agreeable, I headed straight to Myungwolkwan, a tavern on the outskirts of the capital.

One of the groups managing the arena is the ‘Blood Ghost Group’ from the slums.

“What is it?”

Unlike the last time I visited, Arthur, Trale’s personal bodyguard and the ‘fake boss’ of the Blood Ghost Group, was guarding the place.

“I came to see Trale.”

“Lady Trale is not here.”

Finding Arthur’s response unbelievable, I looked up at the sky.

‘The sun is high in the sky.’

Trale, being a vampire, avoids sunlight. She possesses all the weaknesses typically attributed to vampires in subculture.

“Sir Julian!”

At that moment, a boy named Eren, who usually guided me, stepped in between me and Arthur.

“Lady Trale said you may come up.”

Of course, she’s here. Vampires get burnt or turn to ash under direct sunlight. She wouldn’t be outside in broad daylight unless she was crazy.

“Tch.”

Ignoring Arthur’s obvious displeasure, I headed for the elevator.

Shortly after, I reached the floor where Trale was. Upon seeing her, I got straight to the point.

“I want to observe the arena.”

The ‘arena’ I mentioned operates on a membership basis. The main reason is that nobles with refined tastes want to hide their identities. 

Of course, since it brings in money, the Blood Ghost Group actively promotes it.

Even if I showed up without warning, no one would be foolish enough to stop me.

Would anyone dare to block the ‘Smiling Executioner’? 

It would be a miracle if they weren’t too scared.

However, Trale looked visibly uncomfortable.

“What did you say?!”

She raised her voice, sounding somewhat angry.

“Not only do you show up suddenly when I should be resting, but you also have the audacity to make such a request!”

Her reddish-brown eyes, despite her raised voice, were flickering uncertainly.

At the same time, her eyes reflected the boy named Eren who had come up with me.

As expected.

“For now, this isn’t something for others to hear. I’d like to speak with you alone.”

Knowing her true intent, I made the suggestion.

“You want to observe the arena? I don’t know why but…”

Trale frowned and gestured for Eren to leave. The boy bowed and took the elevator out of the room. 

As soon as the elevator started operating with a mechanical noise, Trale’s tone changed.

“No, It’s a bit… Sir Julian.”

You live a difficult yet amusing life.

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