Chapter 83

He couldn't understand why Prince David, who seemed to be followed by such dangerous assassins, was so perfectly trusted.

However, if what he said was true, the task that Count Gorneo had to undertake was now set.

"Exactly... what is Prince David's true identity...?"

"Well, I'd like to know that too... but it goes against our business policy for informants to give out information so casually."

"Calculate it, then!"

"That man, I can't figure out his true identity at all. Until just a few months ago, he was in a coma, almost dead, but now he's changed as if he's a different person."

Count Gorneo, stunned by the absurd information, soon shook his head vigorously, hoping he had just misheard.

"Fine. Then make sure no one interferes with the treatment!"

There was work to be done.

Count Gorneo acknowledged this and began to prepare for the treatment without hesitation.

* * *

"Demihellfire!"

A 5th Circle spell, commonly known as a "baby hellfire," scorched the entire corridor as if it were a bombing.

Although its firepower was nothing compared to the legendary 9th Circle Hellfire,

it was still a formidable attack against experts.

"Kuaaah!!!"

The knights engulfed by the flames screamed and rolled on the ground, collapsing in a gruesome manner.

"Kulukuluk!"

Yulisse, pale and staggering, coughed violently and frowned.

These were spells he would never use against humans under normal circumstances.

Magic could easily erase life at any moment.

Therefore, one must be cautious in its use.

This was what Yulisse had learned from his master.

But if he couldn't use it even when necessary, what was the point of learning magic?

He had learned magic to protect someone and to explore.

If he couldn't protect even this, which had entered his heart and refused to leave, he would be unfit as an elder.

Immediately after Winry disappeared, he quickly followed her trail out of the territory.

He was the only one who could do it.

Thus, he made a bold choice.

When he chased the knights who were restraining him and entered an unknown facility,

he felt his face turn pale at the gruesome scene inside the large glass container.

Lord Linton seemed to be even more of a psychopath than he had imagined.

"Keh!"

Kudangtang!!

A knight was thrown out, blackened and burned, as he shattered the thick door.

Yulisse, exhausted from excessive mana consumption, barely managed to stand using his staff as a cane and looked inside.

As expected,

he was greeted by dozens of Annihilation Knights in red uniforms, swords drawn, and their commander in the center.

"Lord Colio... Where is Princess Winry?!"

In response to his shout, Lord Colio only nodded his head.

There, Winry was unconscious and bound, with Lord Linton standing leisurely beside her.

Linton, who usually wiped away cold sweat, said indifferently,

"I didn't think you'd fall for it so easily."

"Lord Linton! Do you even know what you're doing?!"

Linton merely shrugged in response to his shout.

"Well, it's a win-win situation. Don't get so worked up. It's good for both of us."

"Where is this damn situation a win-win?!"

Linton tilted his head as if he really didn't understand, in response to Yulisse's enraged shout.

"Isn't it good? Prince David is dead, and he has advanced human medicine. And I have gained outstanding fame for this achievement."

"..."

"And Yulisse, 5th Rank... will become an unprecedented and excellent experimental subject, contributing to humanity. How can this be any more perfect?"

Yulisse's teeth ground together at Linton's mocking tone.

"What do you think? Isn't this perfect? Don't resist needlessly and cooperate."

Kwaang!!!

Linton's words were cut off. A fiery red ball flew in and exploded in front of him.

Thanks to the knights who seemed to have been waiting for it, Linton's body was not harmed at all.

"Such... You didn't like it?"

"I'll pass on your unbearable nonsense!"

Yulisse's eyes glowed menacingly with rage.

At the same time, a menacing mana began to rise from his body.

"Tsk... Resisting to the end, Lord Colio. Subdue him as much as possible without injury. The efficiency of an experimental subject is higher when alive."

In response, Lord Colio silently raised his sword and pointed it at Yulisse.

At the same time, the knights who had been waiting in formation rushed at him.

* * *

How many had he already burned to death?

"Kuluk."

Yulisse, spitting out blood, collapsed, unable to maintain his body due to the sword wounds that riddled him.

Most of his mana was depleted, and his cherished staff, which he had used recklessly and for excessive defense, was now cracked and the mana stone had lost its light.

"You've held out for quite a while."