Chapter 16: The Return of the Doom-Grade Death Knight

Chapter 16. Warning (2)

"Isn't it a bit suspicious?"

While investigating the cave, a young investigator asked his senior.

The senior investigator, rummaging through the debris scattered in the cave, retorted, "What kind of nonsense is this all of a sudden?"

"But, you see, who is Agito? He's a high-ranking officer of Yuran who has evaded the sect's pursuit many times."

Yuran was not just an ordinary group of black mages.

Though small in scale, each member was exceptionally skilled.

So much so that the paladins sent by the sect were often the ones being hunted.

"Of course, Agito is a practitioner of the Cursing School, so his combat ability is relatively weak."

Compared to the Command School, which controls the undead, or the Frenzy School, which enhances their own abilities for battle, the Cursing School lacked direct combat power.

"But even so, is it plausible for a high-level black mage like Agito to be killed by a rural noble?"

However, this was only relatively speaking.

Killing a cursing mage of Agito's caliber head-on would be a difficult task even for a regular knight.

"Perhaps that Demian Haksen... could be a spy for Yuran? He might have disguised someone else's body as Agito and handed it over to the sect."

The senior investigator nodded at the junior's suspicion.

"I had similar thoughts."

"Indeed, I'm not the only one who finds this strange!"

"But what can we do? Lady Agnes hasn't said anything."

Agnes was a paladin who had executed countless heretics.

It was unlikely that she would overlook the young investigator's suspicions.

However, Agnes did not seem to doubt Demian Haksen at all.

"Still, shouldn't we suggest it?"

"Finish the investigation first, then report it. Focus on the investigation for now..."

"Demian Haksen is not a spy."

Suddenly, a voice came from behind them, startling both investigators.

Agnes was looking at them with her usual expressionless face.

"I understand your doubts. But Demian Haksen is not that kind of man."

The two investigators could only blink in response to Agnes's words.

"But, how exactly did he kill Agito? I can't comprehend it."

The young investigator mustered the courage to ask.

Agnes answered immediately.

"Didn't you already hear how he did it?"

"What? You mean we heard it?"

The young investigator suddenly recalled what Demian Haksen had said.

- I just dodged and cut his neck.

A deep sense of confusion appeared on the young investigator's face.

"Wait, so when he said he dodged and killed him... it was the truth?"

Agnes nodded.

"When the servant brought Agito's head, I didn't interfere immediately but observed the man."

In fact, Agnes had already suspected Demian Haksen.

It didn't make sense for a major figure like Agito to be killed so easily.

It was a situation that warranted suspicion.

"Truly... he was terrifying to the point of being shocking."

And when she saw Demian Haksen in battle, she had no choice but to retract all her doubts.

"He didn't even receive a single scratch while fighting dozens of opponents. Instead, he overwhelmed them."

Agnes still couldn't forget it.

Demian Haksen dodged attacks from all directions by mere inches and cut down his enemies.

Each of his movements was thoroughly calculated.

It was so unrealistic that it seemed like a well-choreographed play.

"The most astonishing thing... was that he deflected magic."

The two investigators initially didn't understand what she meant.

"One of the Black Snake's members used a magical artifact to launch a fireball. Demian Haksen deflected its direction with his sword."

Only after Agnes's explanation did they understand, though they still couldn't quite grasp it.

"Is that... even possible?"

People struggle to block a sword thrust right in front of them, let alone deflect magic. It was hard to believe.

"It is possible. I've heard that the 'Sword Saint,' a Swordmaster of the empire, is a master of fluid swordsmanship and can counter any attack, even magic."

The two investigators' mouths dropped open.

In other words, it was a feat only a Master-level practitioner could achieve.

"If that's true, then Demian Haksen is..."

"An incredibly skilled and unparalleled genius. It would be a waste to use such a person as just a spy. Even as a combatant, he would cause significant damage to the sect."

Agnes spoke with an intensely serious expression.

"Then, could it be that you came here specifically because of him, Lady Agnes?"

"The reason I came with you is because of Yuran."

Agnes stated firmly.

No one was unaware of Agnes's deep-seated grudge against Yuran.

"But I do have business with him. I want to bring him to my master if possible. If we miss this opportunity and other Grand Saints learn about him, it could be a problem."

Blue Flame Brigandine holds a position in the sect that rivals that of a king.

And Agnes was the most outstanding among Blue Flame's disciples.

For such a person to lavish praise without showing any hint of pride was rare.

"So, please set aside your doubts and focus on the investigation."

The investigators had no choice but to nod in agreement.

* * *

The investigation took four hours to complete.

Unfortunately, due to the aftermath of the battle, the information they could gather was limited.

"Thank you all for your hard work."

Despite the lack of results, Agnes encouraged the investigators without showing any disappointment.

As Agnes and the investigators emerged from the cave, they were greeted by a strange sight.

"Huh?"

"What's that?"

The air was swirling.

The leaves around them rustled in response to the airflow.

At the center of it all was Demian Haksen, sitting on a rock with his eyes closed.

With each breath he took, the airflow sped up and then slowed down again.

"What is that?"

"Amazing..."

The investigators watched in amazement.

As ordinary people, they couldn't understand what was happening.

'...My Lord.'

Only Agnes realized how absurd the feat Demian Haksen was performing was.

He was gathering all the scattered mana around him and absorbing it.

'What am I witnessing?'

Agnes was well aware of the cultivation method she had given to Demian Haksen.

She knew its value, which was why she had passed it on to him.

The Power Accumulation Sword itself was not particularly remarkable.

But the Power Accumulation Technique was different. It was a cultivation method so extraordinary that anyone would covet it.

'To have mastered the Power Accumulation Technique to its peak in the time we were investigating... '

The Power Accumulation Technique was a method of absorbing surrounding mana.

Thanks to this, it accumulated mana much faster than other cultivation methods.

Once mastered to its peak, it allowed one to not only draw in but also control surrounding mana.

This was exactly what Demian Haksen was doing.

Using the Power Accumulation Technique, he was controlling and absorbing the surrounding mana.

"Hmm..."

Demian Haksen stopped breathing.

The airflow abruptly ceased.

"Is the investigation complete?"

Demian Haksen asked Agnes and the investigators.

Agnes, still in a daze, nodded.

"Lord Demian... seems to have achieved something."

"Yes, I found it quite interesting."

Demian Haksen smiled, clearly satisfied with his achievement.

"It's already evening. Let's head back. My father has prepared dinner..."

Suddenly, Demian Haksen's face hardened.

He turned his gaze towards the direction of the estate.

"The scum have arrived."

Surprised by the sudden harsh words, Agnes looked at him.

"I have to go ahead. Please follow at your leisure."

Without waiting for a response, he pushed off the ground.

Agnes had no time to stop him as Demian Haksen disappeared into the distance.

His speed left Agnes in awe.

'Is he moving with mana?'

Using mana could amplify physical abilities.

Demian Haksen's superhuman speed was all thanks to mana.

'But he didn't have that much mana, did he?'

In the city of Landwalk, Agnes had infused holy power into Demian Haksen's body to check his internal condition.

At the time, the amount of mana he possessed was extremely weak.

Such a small amount of mana couldn't allow him to move so quickly.

'Because of the Power Accumulation Technique? No, even with the Power Accumulation Technique, it's impossible to accumulate that much mana in such a short time.'

Even if Demian Haksen had reached the peak of the Power Accumulation Technique, he had only accumulated mana for 3-4 hours.

Yet his speed was faster than that of a regular knight.

'Could it be... he's using his mana so precisely?'

The more precisely mana is used, the more efficient it becomes, reducing waste.

The Sword Saint, known as a genius among geniuses, could achieve twice the efficiency with the same amount of mana.

From Agnes's perspective, Demian's efficiency was not just double.

'Just how far does this man's limits extend?'

The talent that showed no limits sent shivers down Agnes's spine.

* * *

The estate of the Haksen family.

Three men appeared on the road leading to the estate.

All three were clad in full plate armor and rode horses that looked of noble blood.

At first glance, they were not ordinary people.

"Ah, we've finally arrived."

One of the knights stretched, having accumulated considerable fatigue from the forced march over the past two days.

"Hey, Olphus. What's that smell? It's really strong."

The other knight wrinkled his nose.

Olphus, who had just stretched, sneered, "Lavender, you country bumpkin. This is the smell of cow dung. It's a precious smell, so get used to it."

"This is the smell of dung? Ugh."

Lavender, the knight addressed, began to brush off his armor.

Olphus burst out laughing at the sight.

"Idiot. Do you think that will make the smell go away?"

"Damn, don't you have any perfume? If you have some, give me a bit. If the smell gets into my clothes, what will I do?"

While the two knights bickered, the third knight spoke briefly.

"Quiet."

His low, stern voice immediately silenced Olphus and Lavender.

The knight who had silenced them remained silent, gazing at the Haksen estate.

"Is that the Haksen estate?"

"Yes, Sir Geiric."

Olphus, who had been light-hearted, now spoke with a serious tone.

It couldn't be helped. Unlike the squire Olphus and Lavender, the man before them was a full knight.

Moreover, he was a skilled warrior who had received a direct mission from Viscount Ryanbloom.

"Finally, I can meet him. The brat who disrespected Lord Erwin and tarnished the name of the Ryanbloom family."

A sticky, murderous intent rose in Geiric's eyes.

Olphus and Lavender swallowed hard, overwhelmed by the aura Geiric was emitting.

"Olphus. What was the mission His Excellency gave us?"

"Yes! To capture Demian Haksen!"

"Capturing that trash shouldn't be difficult... but that's not enough."

Geiric's murderous intent grew even stronger.

"Not only Demian Haksen, but the entire Haksen family must pay the price. Don't you think so?"

"Yes!"

"Absolutely!"

The two knights quickly responded.

Geiric was known for his loyalty but also for his rough nature.

He had once whipped a commoner for not showing proper respect to the viscount's banner.

Given Geiric's temperament, they had to agree, or they might suffer the same fate as the Haksen family.

"Let's go."

The three knights headed towards the Haksen estate. At the entrance, a servant was sweeping.

"Hey."

Lavender called out to the servant.

The servant stopped sweeping and looked up.

"Ah! You scared me!"

The servant's scream startled Lavender as well.

"Sir Knights, what brings you to our estate?"

The servant, trembling, asked.

Lavender felt a slight sense of superiority from the servant's submissive attitude.

"We've come to see Demian Haksen. Tell him to come out immediately."

Lavender raised his voice.

The servant's eyes widened.

"Why are you looking for Young Master?"

"That's none of your business. Just tell Demian Haksen what I said."

"That's not possible."

Lavender's expression darkened at the servant's words.

"What did you say?"

"How can I call Young Master without knowing who you are? I can't do that."

The servant shook his head.

"If you want to see Young Master, tell me your names and where you're from. Then I'll inform him."

Ha.

Lavender burst into a hollow laugh and looked at Geiric.

He had been eager to humiliate the Haksen family, and now he had a perfect opportunity.

"What's your name?"

"Victor."

"Victor, right, Victor."

Lavender approached Victor, who took a step back, sensing the ominous atmosphere.

"Why, why are you coming... Ah!"

Lavender punched Victor's stomach with his gauntleted fist.

Victor curled up and gagged.

"Why, why are you doing this... Ah!"

This time, he punched Victor's head, sending him rolling on the ground.

"Trash like you should do as you're told, not act up!"

Lavender stomped on Victor, who curled up but to no avail.

A knight's trained body was far too strong for an ordinary person.

"What's going on here!"

"Victor! What's happening!"

Servants from the estate rushed out.

But they stopped in their tracks upon seeing the knights.

"Sir, Sir! Bring the viscount out!"

A maid hurried into the estate.

Shortly after, the Haksen viscount and his family emerged.

"Stop it!"

Only after the viscount's roar did the knight stop his assault.

But Victor was already covered in blood.

"Finally, you've come out."

The viscount, seeing Victor's condition, erupted in anger.

"What is this! Knights attacking a commoner like this!"

"Considering what the Haksen family has done to the Ryanbloom family, this is nothing."

The mention of the Ryanbloom family made the viscount's face stiffen.

"Viscount Gilbert Haksen. The viscount wants Demian Haksen. Hand him over peacefully, and no harm will come to your estate."

"Demian? You're here for Demian?"

"Yes. He must pay for the insult to Lord Erwin."

The viscount's eyes wavered, and he bit his lip.

"I cannot hand over my son!"

Geiric, unsurprisingly, showed no reaction.

"Do you really think you won't regret it?"

"Of course not!"

"Then there's no choice. Destroy everything."

At Geiric's command, Lavender and Olphus drew their swords, eager to comply.

A blue mist began to rise from