Chapter 4

Defense skill details are in a separate frame, it says.

"Can you display that too?"

I tried asking.

In mid-air, another message appeared.

【Guard I】... Rank 1 skill. Creates a defensive wall in front of the user. Can block Rank 2 and below attack skills. Duration: 60 seconds.

【Guard II】... Rank 2 skill. Creates a defensive wall in front of the user. Can block Rank 3 and below attack skills. Duration: 100 seconds.

【Defender】... Rank 3 skill. Creates a defensive wall around the user. Can block Rank 5 and below attack skills. Duration: 184 seconds.

I see.

In addition to the three combat skills I learned first, I now have three defense skills.

Even if my level has increased and I've become stronger, I would still die if I were slashed by a sword or hit directly by magic.

It was a relief to have my defensive capabilities improved.

And then,

"Your body techniques are impressive. Have you really never received combat training?"

Reiza looked at me with suspicion.

"Your movement to dodge Tack's [Four Stabs] and your subsequent strike—"

"Well, I've been working on my body through farming, you know."

I deflected the question.

I wasn't sure if I should talk about the benefits of reincarnation.

The messages that appear in mid-air seem to be visible only to me.

For now, I'll keep quiet about the [1000x Experience Bonus].

"So, what about it? Can I join the knight squad?"

I changed the topic.

This is the main issue, after all.

"Yes, you seem to be a strong addition. We might even ask you to join."

Reiza nodded.

"With your skills, you should fit in well with the regular knights. I was thinking of having you do odd jobs in the supply unit, but would you consider joining the combat unit?"

That would be perfect for me.

"Of course. I want to fight on the front lines."

"Then—welcome to the Holy Dragon Knights Second Squad."

Reiza smiled.

"Welcome, Marius."

Tack also looked pleased.

"Ah, likewise—thank you."

This way, I can fight the Empire to my heart's content.

Just thinking about it, a dark impulse rises from the depths of my chest.

I have avenged Mel, Alma, Treme, and the villagers.

But it's not enough.

There are undoubtedly many people who have suffered the same fate as me due to the Empire, and if their invasion continues, the number will only increase.

I will stop it.

With the power of the reincarnation benefits I've obtained.

It might not be pure justice.

It might just be an extension of my desire for revenge.

But right now, I—just follow this impulse within me.

I will fight the Empire.

I will kill the Empire.

I will keep killing—.

An hour later, we were advancing through the forest.

Beyond this area, there is a hilly region where the Third and Fourth Squads are engaged in battle with an Imperial Army unit. The role of the Second Squad is to provide support.

I was given an old, worn sword as equipment, but no armor.

If necessary, I have defense skills, and combat with just my fists might be sufficient. The combat skills I'm used to seem more practical than an unfamiliar sword.

Then—

When we reached the middle of the forest, Reiza, who was leading, stopped.

"Wait. Something's there."

From what I could see, there were only trees ahead...

"Plasma Edge."

Reiza drew her sword and swung it.

A blade of light shot out from the blade, cutting through the brush ahead.

"Ugh...!?"

From there, over a dozen Imperial knights appeared.

"It's an [Ambush] skill. They were trying to hide their presence and ambush us."

Reiza readied her sword.

"You noticed that well."

"I have the [Keen Eye] skill. Low-rank concealment skills don't work on me."

Reiza answered my admiration.

"Then, I'll clear the way."

Tack rushed forward.

"Four Stabs!"

It's the weapon skill he demonstrated during our mock battle.

The ultra-high-speed consecutive stabs pierced and felled one Imperial knight after another.

He's strong, indeed.

But the enemy is numerous.

Moreover, another dozen reinforcements emerged from the brush.

Tack was quickly surrounded.

"Damn—"

The young knight's handsome face tensed.

"You went too far ahead alone. I'll go now."

"No, I'll go."

I stopped Reiza, who was about to join the fray, and dashed forward.

My body felt light.

Through the mock battle with Tack, my level had increased, and my speed had improved even further.

I closed the ten-meter gap in an instant.

"Sonic Fist!"

With a green glow, my movements reached supersonic speed.

I circled behind the Imperial knights and delivered a series of punches.

"Ugh!?"

"Grgh!"

I shattered their armor, their bones, pierced their flesh, and crushed their organs.

I killed all the remaining enemies.

I gained experience from all twenty-three of them, raising my level to 49.

"Are you okay, Tack?"

"Y-Yes, thank you, Marius."

Tack breathed a sigh of relief.

"You went too far ahead alone, Tack. It's a bad habit of yours."

"I'm sorry... but I couldn't just stand by when facing Imperial knights."

Tack said.

"Because they are... my sister's enemies..."

A strong expression of hatred flashed across his well-featured face.

I see, this guy also has a reason to fight and hate his enemies.

"But if you get killed, it won't do anyone any good. Next time, be a bit more cautious. Understand?"

Reiza said.

"Even though life and death are a constant in battle—I don't want to lose a single subordinate."

"...Thank you. I'll be more careful next time."

"Well, it's fine, right? You're safe, and we took care of all the ambushers."

I interceded.

"—No, there are still ambushers."

Reiza's expression remained stern.

"What?"

"Why don't you come out instead of hiding?"

Reiza called out to the front.

"Hmm, you sensed my presence?"

From a distance of several dozen meters—out of nowhere, a sinister voice echoed.

A black mist-like substance seeped out.

It converged and formed the shape of a beast.

"That is—"

A giant lion.

However, its face was not that of a lion but of an old man.

In other words, a sphinx.

"Manticore...!"

Reiza groaned.

"Manticore?"

"A servant of the demon—'a demon beast.'"

Reiza explained to my question.

"A powerful enemy with far greater magical and combat abilities than humans."