Chapter 39

### The Sword Emperor Reincarnated in the Sword Family (39)

After encountering the thirtieth shadow in the *Owl Plain*, Leonard embarked on a rather crude plan. He had stored the body of the shadow knight, whom he had meticulously plotted against, and moved it to the vicinity of the *Swamp of Bones*, where the squire training was taking place. To ensure the monsters wouldn't erase the traces, he sprinkled some bear blood around.

Killing with the "Hundred Meridian Points" technique turned out to be a good method. There were no wounds that could be identified as the cause of death, making it appear as though Leonard's sword beam had been the fatal blow.

"Someone as skilled as Bradley would recognize it immediately."

While the power known as the Aura Blade, or sword beam, can be used from the External Force Realm, it is rarely employed in practice. The time it takes to form an Aura Blade, ranging from several seconds to a few minutes, makes it impractical, and its effectiveness is only slightly better than a sword qi.

However, Leonard's sword beam was so refined that it surpassed even the Transcendent Realm, making it impossible to mistake it for the External Force Realm.

—There are Sword Masters.

Knowing this fact or not is the difference between heaven and earth. By creating a situation where Bradley would hesitate to request support, he ensured that Bradley would be unable to respond with his own strength.

Bradley, who was one step away from the Transcendent Realm, knew how significant that step was. The Dragon Knight Captain, Fabian, was such a formidable opponent that Bradley had never even managed to cut his collar in their sparring matches. There was no reason to risk the lives of the squires and subordinates for a cause like this.

"Since I've detailed the Shadow Knight Corps' strength, if the Dragon Knights prepare thoroughly, they won't suffer significant losses."

Leonard's preparations didn't stop at the body. He had also written a detailed "accusation" in the knight's mouth, detailing the reasons for the Shadow Knight Corps' dispatch from Crusis, their strength and numbers, and the circumstances of their invasion of the island. He even added a beautifully written explanation of why he had betrayed his comrades to find them.

—I have held a sword in my hands for the glory of Crusis, living my entire life as an unnamed shadow.

—I came to this island to reclaim the glory of the sword stolen by Cardenas and to restore the honorable name of my homeland.

—But upon hearing the details of this operation, I realized I could not follow such a shameful command. The honor of my beloved homeland, Crusis, and the honor of a knight cannot be obtained by kidnapping children and spilling their blood.

The atmosphere was truly solemn, as if the knight had written it in his own blood. If one didn't know better, even Leonard might have been fooled.

Though not a particularly good writer, Leonard had learned to make even trivial matters sound grandiose after surviving in the martial world for a long time.

Even though the shadow knight had been killed by Leonard and transformed into a well-meaning accuser, it would become a vengeful spirit, shedding tears of blood. But that was of no concern to Leonard.

"There are some rough edges, but the existence of a helper who goes to such lengths to hide their identity is even more suspicious."

Even if the content or authenticity of the note was doubted, the traces of the sword beam on the body and the presence of the intruders were undeniable.

Whether the Dragon Knights and Bradley would respond effectively or not, it was a hundred times better than being completely unaware.

"Ha, let's head back for now. I need to get some sleep."

Hayden's words were met with nods from the other two.

"Even if it's a hassle, you should wash up. Falling asleep in this state could lead to a disaster."

"Going into the sea once should be fine."

The fatigue from the night training was evident, as they swayed occasionally while talking to Leonard. Even External Force Realm 3rd Rank knights couldn't maintain their balance.

Leonard smiled wryly at their state and was about to bid them farewell when it happened.

Wheeeeee——!

A piercing sound, as if it were tearing through the eardrums, echoed across the entire island, causing Leonard and the trio to stiffen.

It was the emergency assembly call. Although they had been briefed on it, the alarm had only sounded three times since the island's colonization. Each time, it was due to an S-rank monster emerging from the depths of the Galapagos Island. This time, it seemed different.

"Damn, we need to attend the assembly first."

Ian gestured to Leonard.

"Leonard, let's go together."

"Understood."

* * *

The emergency assembly call was an alarm that gathered all personnel, regardless of rank or seniority, in one place.

Within ten minutes of the alarm sounding, about 1,000 people had gathered around the spatial gate. Despite having been on the island for over half a year, many still looked unfamiliar.

Bradley appeared before the orderly rows of people.

"First, I want to thank you all for responding so quickly to this sudden assembly."

Bradley's face and voice were even sterner than usual.

His imposing presence pressed down on the crowd, making them focus even more before he began his main message.

"This is a real situation. Intruders have entered Galapagos Island, and their strength is formidable. There are at least 30 knights at the External Force Realm 8th Rank, and there might be a Sword Master or a knight who has reached the Transcendent Realm."

The squires and even the intermediate knights who hadn't heard the full details were momentarily shaken.

It was inevitable. Through Captain Fabian, they had learned how powerful a Sword Master was and that numerical superiority didn't matter much.

A walking natural disaster.

That's how a Transcendent Realm expert should be described.

"We have two options."

Bradley ignored their unease and continued.

"Activate the spatial gate immediately to evacuate the squires and request support from the seven great knight orders or families to eliminate the intruders. There will be minimal casualties, and we can ensure your individual safety."

However, his calm voice grew more intense.

"But this situation is also an opportunity for you to gain real combat experience. I will have to request support from Captain Fabian for the Transcendent Realm expert, but the rest of the forces can be handled by the knights gathered here."

He wasn't wrong.

While an External Force Realm 8th Rank knight is undoubtedly powerful, they can't handle dozens of External Force Realm knights alone. Intermediate knights could restrain or defeat them by working together in groups of five or six, and with more, they could win decisively.

"Why would those who couldn't challenge Cardenas openly sneak onto our island? You don't need to think too hard. It's very simple."

Cardenas is terrifying, but you are still easy targets.

Bradley's words ignited a spark in the hearts of the inexperienced squires.

The Sword Family.

Born into the continent's strongest family, they had built their strength and pride as its members. The anger at their land being invaded and their strength being underestimated was significant.

"Choose. The intermediate knights and I will follow your decision."

The squires' response was swift.

Without hesitation, they drew their swords from their waists, raised them straight before their eyes, and their eyes sparkled.

As the fighting spirit of over 800 people erupted, the wind passing by changed direction, creating a gust.

The Dragon Knights and Bradley smiled contentedly at their united resolve.

"Understood. The total 1,012 members of the Dragon Knights will enter combat readiness from this moment."

Despite just finishing night training, the squires shook off their fatigue and responded in perfect formation.

They stood at attention, their swords at the ready, awaiting their superior's orders.

While riding the wave of their fervent atmosphere, Leonard maintained a calm and clear gaze, piercing through the current situation.

'He talks well for someone who looks like a roughly hewn rock.'

Bradley's words had easily excited the young knights, who had spent over a decade in rigorous training, their confidence and ambition boiling over.

However, Leonard's heart remained calm, and he could speculate on the hidden truths behind Bradley and the Dragon Knights.

'His smooth talk aside, the reality is either that they can't use the spatial gate or that it would take a considerable amount of time to evacuate such a large number of people.'

Surprisingly, his speculation was mostly accurate.

Galapagos was the most remote region within the empire, and the mana around the island was unstable. The amount of spirit stones required for the spatial gate was enormous, and the gate's duration was short. After one use, it needed several hours to stabilize to maintain its durability.

Sending over 1,000 people, with 800 squires alone, would take at least a week.

'If they evacuate in stages and are attacked with reduced numbers, the remaining people would find it difficult to resist and could suffer significant losses. Therefore, it's more rational to prepare with the entire force and wait for external support.'

That said, Bradley wasn't entirely lying.

'Providing real combat experience is genuine. A Transcendent Realm expert isn't enough to request the mobilization of the seven great knight orders, and Captain Fabian's arrival is also true. But—.'

Bradley mentioned requesting support from Fabian but didn't specify when he would arrive.

The uncertainty of his arrival time was a significant issue.

A Transcendent Realm expert must be countered by another Transcendent Realm expert.

"Leonard."

At that moment, Bradley approached and spoke to him.

Seeing Leonard's stiff face, he changed his expression and said,

"I understand your feelings, but this isn't the time for you to step forward. We can send you back through the spatial gate. How about waiting for the recall order from the other side?"

"Banneret."

Leonard, who had no intention of following the order, replied.

"Even if I can't fight alongside my seniors, I don't want to turn into a spectator by leaving the battlefield. Please allow me to stay on the island, even if I can't face the enemy."

"…Hmph. A kid who hasn't even broken through to the External Force Realm, yet speaks with the confidence of an adult. Your choice is something I should discourage as an adult, but as a knight, I can't help but feel satisfied."

Bradley closed his eyes for a moment before opening them and said,

"Fine. Stay in your quarters. It's the deepest area of the base, so you won't be threatened until we all fall."

Leonard bowed slightly and said,

"Thank you for understanding my stubbornness, Banneret."

"Hmm."

Bradley nodded and headed towards where the senior Dragon Knights were gathering.

It seemed they were about to start a strategy meeting.

'I need to think about my next move.'

Leonard walked alone in the direction of his quarters.

As long as he was known to be at the Body Strengthening Realm, the Dragon Knights wouldn't consider him a combatant.

Conversely, he would be free from everyone's attention.

With all the knights gathered, he could move around the island without being detected by the Dragon Knights.

'Should I enter a region with a danger level of 4 or higher?'

Except for the one Sword Master, the battle on the island, filled with various variables, was thoroughly in his favor.

If he could find and reduce the number of the shadow knights, and weaken their strength as much as possible, he could buy time until Fabian's arrival.

"This will be interesting."

The experience of breaking through the Heavenly Net several times and the youthful audacity that feared no power.

The sword hanging from Leonard's waist resonated sharply.

Sword Cry.

A cry for blood, responding to its owner's killing intent.