Episode 191
“Wait.”
Just as Hanbit was about to leave the room with Zenith,
the King rose from his seat and called out to him.
“Take this. You must have some difficulty traveling long distances.”
He took off the ring from his finger and handed it to him. It was
a teleportation magical artifact granted to the ruler of Raven.
Simply put, it was an item that allowed one to move freely anywhere in the kingdom.
It was a high-dimensional magical artifact that couldn't even be compared to a Warp Crystal.
“If you imagine a destination anywhere in the kingdom, you will be teleported naturally. Originally, those who are not the King cannot possess it, but such a rule is meaningless right now.”
– *shivers
* – A high-end item;
– A free warp?
– Do I just have to take it and run?
– From that moment on, you are an anti-state force.
“Thank you.”
Hanbit accepted the ring embedded with a red gem.
It was a crucial item indispensable for the progression of this episode.
“It may sound irresponsible, but your role is significant. I ask you to lend your strength for the future of Raven.”
The King spoke with an expression mixed with worry, helplessness, and anticipation.
Regardless of his disposition and values, running a nation in Raven, which is steeped in Artois's influence, is a frustrating and daunting task.
This episode would change many things.
“I will do my best.”
Bowing respectfully, Hanbit left the tavern with his party.
Looking at the group following behind, he said,
“Now that you have received the ring, there will be no restrictions on movement. I think you will be able to move freely.”
“Can I just use it however I want? Like a cooldown?”
Kim Jae-ha asked if there were any restrictions.
Usually, that would be the case, but this was different from an ordinary magical artifact.
“It is not an item with specific restrictions. Although its manufacturing principle is unknown.”
This ring, created by the first king, is special.
It is not an artifact, but perhaps its structure is mysterious enough to be comparable.
In any case, as long as he possesses it, he can use it to his heart's content.
Ding—
Just then, a message arrived along with an alarm.
It was from Kenji.
「Kenji」
「Lord Black Dragon, a complaint against Adventurer A is scheduled to be filed tomorrow.」 "CEO Ju Yeon-woo introduced me to my parents' law firm, so this matter is currently being handled by them. If you have suffered any damages, would you like to proceed together?"
Kenji was desperate to find his daughter.
It seemed he intended to bring Adventurer A, who had extorted money by exploiting his desperation, to justice. He
likely had various pieces of evidence prepared.
"I will inform Yeon-woo first. Also, if you can arrange a situation where Adventurer A can be summoned in person, could I ask for your help? I just want to see his face." "
Understood. I would like to meet him at least once, so I will try to steer the terms toward that."
Kenji also showed enthusiasm, as if it were a good suggestion.
He likely wouldn't appear in court in person, but a settlement was unpredictable.
Even if the amount extorted was unknown, it would be difficult for him to pay it readily.
'This should be enough.'
Hanbit quickly sent a message to Yeon-woo.
It was accompanied by the belief that he would handle it, regardless of whether it constituted a crime or not.
"Please gather over here."
Hanbit called the group together.
Then, recalling their destination, he activated the ring.
***
“Protect Raven?”
A room on the second floor of the Adventurer’s Guild in Temosha.
Guild Master Asid wore a bewildered expression upon hearing the Black Dragon’s story.
“It is already a decided matter. I would appreciate your assistance for the sake of Raven.”
“…It seems something has been resolved.”
Zenith, who was once a key figure in the anti-state forces.
Yet now she is speaking of protecting the Kingdom of Raven.
It appears there has been a significant change in the royal capital.
“Of course I’ll assist. But can you really rally the criminals again? It seems they completely disintegrated the moment the Northern Army and those bastards from the Holy Kingdom died.”
Asid gathered some information from the adventurers who had just returned. They noted
that none of the members of the criminal group, who used to appear one by one, were visible.
“Dispersing was a foregone conclusion. They wouldn’t have the loyalty to an exiled Crown Prince they don’t even know.”
“Wait, then you know where those criminals are?”
“Of course, given their strong individualistic tendencies, many are likely out of position. However, I believe Kaliba has fulfilled her role.”
“…Kaliba? You don’t mean that wanted man, Kaliba? The serial killer of nobles?”
Asid asked, his eyes wide.
The man who assassinated 14 nobles across five cities.
His name became widely known because he dropped a piece of cloth bearing a seal every time he left.
Not only is he publicly wanted, but the bounty on his head is also set quite high.
“Yes, that is Kaliba. He is also the one who has helped me the most.”
Even while mentioning the serial killer, Janice’s expression remained calm.
It felt like she was expressing genuine gratitude, rather than fear or anxiety.
“To think even Kaliba was part of that faction…”
On the other hand, Asid’s expression was grim.
As an organization responsible for maintaining public order alongside the city’s military, he always kept the weight of the name Kaliba in mind.
A powerful figure who had killed countless people and disappeared.
Especially since all the victims were nobles, the pressure coming from all sides was considerable.
“They said they would grant criminals reduced sentences and use them as troops. Would you accept that? Unless they were going to erase your crimes.”
“Real criminals would certainly not be pleased. However, there are many who never wanted to become criminals. If you are lumping them all together as a social evil, I recommend you reconsider.”
Janice spoke in a slightly cold, subdued voice.
From the outside, they were a criminal group akin to a cancerous tumor.
However, looking deeper, they could by no means be simply dismissed.
She took out a map and pointed to the forest at the northern edge of Temosha.
“Let’s go there. Those on guard might attack, but it should be fine.”
Zenith added that defensive measures had been put in place.
Hanbit looked at Asid, who was deep in thought, and asked,
“It’s fine. Asid, you’re going too, right?”
“…I have to go. That way, I’ll be able to find out what happened.”
Asid nodded with a complex expression.
Seeing this, Hanbit used the ring again.
*Pow!*
A burst of red light instantly engulfed the space.
*Whoosh!*
Arriving in the forest accompanied by the sensation of transference.
All that could be seen were trees and bushes.
*Thump!*
Just then, footsteps rang out simultaneously from all directions.
And before they could even turn their heads, dozens of people appeared.
They were in a hurry, yet their movements were quite sloppy.
Swoosh—
A shadow stretched out from beneath Hanbit's feet before they could even react.
It instantly swarmed around them, grabbing the shadows of those charging at them.
“Ugh!”
“What is this!”
The people, frozen in place, struggled with all their might to break free. It was
the Rank 6 Hidden Skill, Shadow Bind.
While some opponents could shake it off, their strength was no match for it.
-Overpowered;
-Area-of-effect binding, yikes
-It really catches with shadows.
-easy.
A defense finished simply, requiring no significant movement.
However, they were not the real threat.
Whoosh—!
Something flew in with a sound coming from behind their heads.
Clang—!
Sensing the surprise attack, Haneul quickly swung his dagger to deflect the projectile.
At the same time, a shadow fell over Hanbit's head.
Whoosh—!
A black blade fell toward the crown of his head.
Hanbit drew his sword and immediately blocked the attack.
Clang—!
The clashing blades created a shockwave accompanied by a sharp noise.
It was that powerful an attack.
Creak—
Hanbit lightly twisted his sword, disrupting the enemy's balance.
However, the masked attacker seemed to sense the danger and immediately pushed the sword away.
Ta-da!
Hanbit unleashed the Gale Flash toward him as he moved a few meters away.
Whoosh!
Hanbit surged forward in an instant, scattering the wind.
Despite the unexpected speed, the attacker displayed astonishing reflexes.
Kaang!
The blades clashed once again, ringing with a crisp sound.
Swish!
The attacker discarded his sword in that state, pulled out a dagger hidden in his wrist guard, and swung it.
The trajectory of the short blade flew toward the temple. It was
an attack that would have been impossible to withstand without knowledge and experience.
But Hanbit was different.
Pow!
Having anticipated the move, he swung his elbow to strike the opponent's wrist.
The powerful impact, piercing through the guard, momentarily halted the attacker's movements.
At the same time, Hanbit's sword was swung.
Whoosh!
The sharp blade flew toward the opponent's face.
It sliced precisely only the surface of the mask.
Swish—!
The mask split in half along the trajectory.
The powerless shell fell to the ground in an instant.
[Knight Caliba]
A name came to mind the moment the face was revealed.
The attacker, Kaliba, who had moved a few meters away, glared at Hanbit.
His gaze shifted slightly further back.
“The Guild Master was with you.”
Upon confirming the presence of Asid, the attacker’s voice was filled with even greater vigilance.
Having personally felt Hanbit’s power, a sense of grim determination was added to the mix.
“If you intend to capture us, I will fight to the death. Otherwise, retreat.”
The attacker delivered a peculiar warning.
One could sense a heart that did not wish for a fight.
“So, how long are you going to keep watching?”
Hanbit asked Zenith, who was standing behind him.
She had been observing the situation with her face covered for some time.
“I intended to wait only until this point. It would be easier to talk once I prove my strength.”
Zenith removed her robe, lifted her hat, and stepped forward.
Only then did Kaliba notice her.
“Zenith?”
“As expected, you were here. I have returned safely.”
Zenith greeted him with a grin.
Flustered, Caliba ran his hand over his face and let out a sigh.
“Would you… tell me the story?”
***
Entering the criminal group’s hideout, Hanbit and his party were escorted to a rather cozy spot.
Zenith’s explanation of the situation began immediately and did not last long.
“Those bastards of Artua…”
Having understood, Caliba clenched his fist tightly.
Watching him, Hanbit asked a question.
“I heard you killed many nobles. Did you have a grudge?”
“…I have no personal grudge. It was simply because I witnessed the horrific and ugly sights of the nobles while living my life as a knight.”
Having served as a knight in the northern city of Altepah, he had witnessed with his own eyes the reality of commoners and the poor dying at the hands of the nobles. Because
a noble was in a bad mood. Because
a cleaner’s broom brushed against the hem of a rampaging noble’s child’s clothes.
Because a child fell down as a noble’s carriage passed by.
If one were to list such trivial incidents, there would be no end to them.
The punishments varied, but the result always led to the tragedy of the powerless.
And on the day he returned after completing a few days of external investigation,
the young child and parents he always greeted in the village were found dead in prison.
Kaliba entered the mansion, killed his master, and fled the city.
"-Wow.
" "-Are they crazy?
" "-This was understandable.
" "-I told you, the nobility is the problem.
" "-I feel like a revolution…
" "Since then, I have lived a life of seeking out and eliminating nobles who commit extreme wickedness. Knowing that murder is a grave crime, I will humbly accept execution if arrested."
His heart was upright in many ways, making it difficult to simply dismiss him as a serial killer.
He was indeed a criminal, but at least here, no one would bring up his crimes.
"Although we are called a criminal group, many of the members have their own personal circumstances. Some are trying to protect family and friends, while others are unjustly burdened with crimes. Of course, the real criminals have likely escaped."
Countless people who suffered at the hands of the nobility.
This is the other face of the criminal group gathered here.
The criminals who truly committed evil acts merely served to dirty-cover the shell of this organization.
“Why didn’t you explain it to the King earlier? Given the atmosphere, there is a possibility that it might have been taken into consideration.”
Hanbit asked Zenith.
She shook her head and replied,
“No one here believes they haven’t committed a crime. They simply take pride in the will to resist those filthy nobles. Asking for leniency based on that is tantamount to tarnishing people’s pasts. Therefore, we will defend this place from genuine anti-state forces and demand it proudly. Of course, I do not know how many people actually wish to protect the Kingdom.”
Some of the criminals helping Emeter genuinely desire the Kingdom’s downfall.
It was not surprising that they felt a sense of revulsion toward the very act of protecting Raven, regardless of the reason.
“I agree with that sentiment.”
Caliba also nodded.
Rising from his seat, he took a communication tool from his bosom and said,
“I will gather the others. First, let’s hear their thoughts.”
