Chapter 15

In the northeastern part of the kingdom lies a vast wetland. Although it is considered part of the capital, in reality, it is nothing but untouched land with no houses or fields.

Beyond it lies the Uleri River, which originates from the Northern Mountains.

"The Uleri River has been plagued by the appearance of monsters before. It wouldn't be strange if an undead monster that escaped from the north ended up here. Fortunately, it's in an area where there are no human casualties."

Lloyd, a senior knight, riding at the head of the formation, sighed softly as he gazed at the wetland stretching before him. It was the dry season, and the cracked, dry earth was exposed in various places. Thanks to this, they could ride the horses to a certain extent, which was fortunate.

The luxurious carriage, which seemed out of place for a mission to exterminate an undead monster, carried the king and the prime minister. Most of the soldiers deployed were from the royal guard, tasked with protecting the king, while only Saint Knight Elliot and senior knight Lloyd from the kingdom's knight corps were present. The king, in his wisdom, also intended to provide the royal guards, who had no combat experience with undead monsters, with some practical knowledge.

The prime minister even tried to bring foreign dignitaries, but Lloyd, in a desperate attempt, managed to prevent this, as the increased number of people would make it difficult to ensure safety in case of an emergency.

──This is not a spectacle...

Turning back with a gloomy expression, he saw Elliot, who was dressed in a ceremonial uniform unsuitable for combat, sitting on his horse.

"You must be having a tough time too..."

"According to the report, it's just one. If it gets a bit dirty, it shouldn't be a problem."

Feeling relieved by his calm demeanor, Lloyd turned his gaze back to the wetland ahead.

In the distance, by the river, a large black beast was visible. It resembled a dog or a wolf but was larger, and what was most unusual was the multiple eyes covering its forehead and the body covered in a red-black, mud-like substance.

Although Lloyd and Elliot had moved ahead of the formation, the beast did not seem to notice their presence.

"Among the undead monsters, this one is relatively small. But it's strange..."

As he observed, the sound of hooves came from behind.

"Hmm... Since His Majesty is here, we are checking the surroundings as a precaution, but it seems to be just that one."

Turning back, he saw Bishop Powell of the Grand Cathedral of the capital, standing thoughtfully on his horse. Despite his advanced age, Powell had a commanding presence and handled his horse with ease.

Given the mission to exterminate the undead monster, several clergymen, including Bishop Powell, accompanied the soldiers. Emily, still in her dress, was allowed to ride in the king's carriage.

Most of the clergymen, due to their ability to purify, could visually confirm whether an undead monster was present within their line of sight. After checking the surroundings, they were reinforcing the barrier to ensure the king's safety.

Lloyd, Elliot, and Bishop Powell dismounted their horses quietly, ensuring that the king's carriage was at a safe distance, and then gradually closed in on the black mass.

"That is... still... –"

Just as Bishop Powell whispered something, the wolf-like head with multiple eyes turned to face them. It opened its large, twisted mouth with sharp teeth and leaped.

"Here it comes!"

Lloyd drew his sword and shouted, and almost simultaneously, Elliot kicked off the ground, running and drawing his sword from its sheath. However –

"Ugh...!?"

"Elliot...!?"

When Elliot drew his holy sword and tried to swing it, he lost his balance, a scene that was far from the confident warrior Lloyd had seen on the battlefield. Despite this, Elliot managed to regain his composure and swung his sword at the neck of the wolf-like creature approaching them.

A dull sound of something hard colliding echoed.

The sword stopped halfway through the neck of the red-black wolf-like creature. Elliot, frowning deeply and gritting his teeth, managed to pull out the holy sword. Finally, the head was severed from the body and fell to the ground with a squelching sound, shattering.

"......This one, as I thought. It's a failure."

After confirming the remains, Bishop Powell muttered. The remains were indeed covered in red-black, mud-like decayed flesh, but parts of the original monster's body, likely a dog or wolf, were still visible, covered in black fur.

"Earlier, when the holy sword did not emit light... Could that be the reason...?"

When Lloyd asked in a low voice, Powell shook his head with a stern expression, indicating he did not know.

Beside them, Elliot was breathing heavily, his face pale, and his arm, still holding the holy sword, was trembling.

Lloyd cast a concerned glance at Elliot but suddenly caught his breath.

"Elliot, you... That... –"

The blade of the beautiful sword, engraved with the ivy symbolizing the goddess, was chipped and damaged.