“(Tch, how pathetic.)” [Evelyn]

On the third floor of the ruin, Evelyn lamented her lack of foresight. She should have seen this coming. Her group was currently in the corridor where the relic was stored. The twenty Terdims that acted as bodyguards shockingly possessed beastification and had turned into white beasts. Eighteen were standing in front of her while baring their fangs, blocking the way and preventing her from leaving.

“Oh my, this is pretty serious~…” [Maya]

She looked to her left and met Maya’s eyes. Her playful voice sounded tense. Just like her, she was ready for a fight. The beastman’s hands were curled into fists while the vampire pointed her sword at her foes.

“What the hell…” [Leodor]

Behind them was the royal family that had tagged along thanks to Leonhart’s suggestion. Leodor was gnashing his teeth so hard it wouldn’t be strange if blood came out. His wives, Meireld and Tali, were faintly trembling, but glaring at the traitor. Meireld held Sally who was crying and looked like she would rush towards her daughter at any moment. Tali hugged her two children protectively.

“What the hell is this…?!” [Leodor]

Leodor’s oldest child, Kirial, had his sword at the ready, though there was hesitation on his face. The twins, unlike their usual energetic and carefree behavior, were frightened as they held their swords tightly. But, more than for themselves, they were scared for their little sister. Mimi, crying and shaking like a leaf, was facing her family with two Terdims and her uncle who stood right behind her with a hand on her shoulder.

“LEONHART!!!” [Leodor]

Towards his little brother’s furious shout, the lion-eared beastman kept his calm expression all the while firmly holding onto his niece.

“I’m sorry. I wished there was another way.” [Leonhart]

He apologized, but it was hard to tell if he really meant it.

At the beginning, their trip was smooth sailing. Not only did they have twenty Terdims that were all B rank, they even had Evelyn and Maya that were S rank. Furthermore, Leonhart was carrying a magic sword. The safety of the royal family was assured. Whenever monsters tried to reap their lives, they easily warded off their ambushes and wiped them out. Besides Kirial who had already seen Evelyn and Maya’s prowess, the rest of the group was surprised.

With nothing important happening, they reached the relic on the third floor and set up camp. Those who never saw it, like the twins and Mimi, excitedly ran around it and touched it. Unfortunately, no one got beastification. Meanwhile, Evelyn was examining it from every angle, trying to find a clue on how it worked. However, she made no progress and everyone went to sleep for the night.

The next morning, when it was decided that they would head back since the relic was just a huge lump of mystery that couldn’t be cracked, Leonhart and the Terdims turned on them. He captured Mimi before anyone could react and held his magic sword at her throat.

That was how they ended up in their current situation.

“U, uncle Leonhart…?” [Mimi]

The little girl with drooping cow ears asked fearfully as she held her hands to her chest. But, Leonhart didn’t react to her small voice and glared at his little brother.

“What other way?! What the hell are you thinking?!” [Leodor]

“… Leodor, I need you and everyone else to die.” [Leonhart]

Except for the Terdims, all present froze at how straightforwardly he declared his goal.

“… So that’s why last night wasn’t restful. You wanted to kill us in our sleep.” [Evelyn]

Evelyn said without letting her guard down. Eighteen enemies were in front of her, all with beastification that increased their strength and healing abilities. She could win with Maya’s help, but the moment she attacked, the eight year old hostage would probably lose her head.

“It was the perfect opportunity, but you looked like you were going to wake up whenever we tried something. I didn’t account for you or the castoff of the Catallard in the original plan. Because of that, I couldn’t move as I wanted, not with two S ranks around.” [Leonhart]

“… Leonhart… Why…?!” [Leodor]

“But, it’s too late for regrets. Things have been set in motion already.” [Leonhart]

“… Why…?!” [Leodor]

“That’s why I need to resort to this.” [Leonhart]

“WHHYYYYY!!!” [Leodor]

The king’s roar reverberated in the corridor, telling all those present of his fury.

Fury over having his youngest daughter taken hostage.

Fury over being betrayed by his own brother.

“… Yeah. You deserve to know, little brother. At the very least, you deserve to know.” [Leonhart]

All while keeping a firm grip on a pale Mimi that was too scared to utter a sound, Leonhart took a deep breath. It was about time he told the truth as well as his real feelings to his little brother.

“Because you’re too much of a pacifist! You’re too carefree! We should be arming ourselves! Getting ready for war with the humans!” [Leonhart]

“You want to wage war on the human countries?! That’s why you’re doing this?!” [Leodor]

“Sooner or later, we’ll have to! The world’s not big enough for both our races! But, a pacifistic king can’t lead us on the battlefield! That’s why I have to do it! Although I lost the crown to you in our duel, if you die, there’ll be no one but me that can take the throne!” [Leonhart]

“You bastard…” [Leodor]

His older brother wanted the crown. He never knew. When he won their duel which was how they chose the next king, Leonhart didn’t resent him. He didn’t look frustrated over his loss. He didn’t know if he faked that hearty laugh as he patted his shoulder, but right now, he was furious at him for involving his family.

“Then why don’t you just kill me instead of doing all this!? Hire some assassin!” [Leodor]

“Kirial would just take the throne next! You’re so damn brainless, but that’s why it was easy to plan this out with Taniel.” [Leonhart]

“Taniel!? That guy… Not just these Terdims, he’s in on this too?!” [Leodor]

“Yeah. He and the Terdim clan see it my way. And right about now, he should be doing his part.” [Leonhart]

Leonhart thought of his ally who shared his pain and offered a prayer. He would be killed as a sacrifice to their ambition. If the prime minister and his family died and their murders were blamed on the humans, then the citizens would definitely be riled up. It was sad, but it was the best course of action they could think of.

“… What is he doing? What are you bastards planning?!” [Leodor]

“It should be morning now. It’s when we decided to begin. Right now, the city is under attack by humans and some beastmen that joined my cause.” [Leonhart]

Once again, everyone froze with wide eyes at his shocking declaration. A few gasps and curses were heard as well.

“We smuggled the humans in as slaves. They’re mercenaries that take on any kind of dirty jobs. Taniel used his position as minister to find and hire them. We promised them riches that only a king could offer and they easily accepted. Humans are so greedy. Obviously, we won’t be paying them. They’re sacrifices to our goals and are meant to be wiped out.” [Leonhart]

“Leonhart, you bastard…!” [Leodor]

“They’ll all be killed before Ofauvra suffers any serious damage. We didn’t have enough time to gather enough of them to attack the city. That’s why some of my men needed to smear their honor with mud and side with them. That’s just how serious they are.” [Leonhart]

It was unfortunate, but they couldn’t keep recruiting humans or words might spread. That was why beastmen had to bolster the mercenaries’ numbers so that they would fight and spread enough carnage and fear. These “traitors” were comprised of people that had nothing to live for except their hatred for the humans.

“The Terdims might have sided with you, but the Catallards didn’t. Isn’t that right? They’ll stop you.” [Leodor]

Leodor said while keeping his eyes on the magic sword that was held near Mimi’s neck. The Terdims and Catallards took shifts to protect the royal family because they were also tasked with keeping the city safe. But, since Argos was stronger than Rowan, he and his clan was more often picked for bodyguard duty. That was why Leodor knew him better than Rowan and why he knew that he wouldn’t ever agree to something that would put the citizens in danger.

“Rowan’s on my side, and he told me that he always duels Argos every month, on this exact day. Also, they fight outside of the city instead of at the arena. They’ll be alone with the ones they brought along, with no one to interrupt. So, Argos is probably dead.” [Rowan]

Another shocking revelation.

“If he did it well, then Supriya should be dead too.” [Rowan]

“… You’re lying…” [Maya]

This time, the one who spoke up was Maya. Her voice didn’t sound playful anymore and her expression was one of disbelief and shock.

“I’m not. Look in front of you. All of the Terdims possess beastification. I specifically brought them here. Do you think their clan has so many with beastification?” [Leonhart]

Leonhart said as he remembered how he continuously went to the relic to get as many Terdims as possible to receive beastification. There was no such thing as the chosen ones. That object granted power randomly. It didn’t happen often, but if one tried enough times, he would get beastification.

“This is the result of years of effort. I ventured inside the ruin so many times I learned the mazes by heart. Both Rowan and his wife have beastification. If Rowan handles Argos and Grisel takes care of the other Catallards, then the two could team up and kill him.” [Leonhart]

Maya’s fists were shaking. She didn’t really love her parents. She never had a close relationship with them. But, she didn’t hate them and a part of her respected them for their strength.

“That guy won’t die so easily!” [Leodor]

“You don’t know that. Once Rowan settles his score with him, he’ll return to the city to help wipe out the humans and the ‘beastmen traitors’. His clan should be attacking the Catallards too and smearing mud on their name by calling them traitors. Personally, I wanted to get the Catallards on my side after Argos’ death, but Rowan wanted the Terdims to be recognized as the superior clan.” [Leonhart]

“Screw you.” [Maya]

Maya muttered under her breath resentfully. Evelyn looked at her worriedly from the corner of her eye.

“Things are going to change, Leodor. We’ll win the war against the humans. We have the relic, the cardivore and the terdivore bloodlines. No other bloodline grants large mana pools to all of its descendants.” [Leonhart]

“The humans have those summoned heroes! You want to fight against thirty S ranks!?” [Leodor]

“They’re not allowed to participate in any war. Why do you think the kingdom that summoned them is being left alone even though they have such a powerful force? Don’t you see?! We can win this! It’s not too late. If you join me, then we’ll stop. I don’t want to hurt your family. Just do what I say and declare war.” [Leonhart]

“SHUT UP! You think I’ll believe you after all this?!! Talking about people like they’re just pawns… Don’t you have any shame!!?” [Leodor]

“This is the best way we could think of!!” [Leonhart]

“Best way?! BEST WAY?!! NOT JUST US, BUT THE CITY TOO!!? YOU’RE BETRAYING YOUR COUNTRY!!!” [Leodor]

“I’M DOING THIS FOR OFAUVRA!!!” [Leonhart]

The two brothers yelled at each other like lions roaring to show their dominance.

“The attack, this situation, EVERYTHING!! It’s for the future! After the One Year War ended seventy years ago, our people forgot the threat! That’s why I’m doing this! To let them remember first-hand how dangerous humans are! You think we wanted to attack our own home?! We had to! Like how we had to sell off Myra and Snow as slaves!!” [Leonhart]

“Myra and Snow…?” [Leodor]

The words Leonhart let slip caused the Ofauvra family to look at him with appalled expressions. Tota and Tita, who were scared, now glared at him. It was the same for Tali and Meireld who watched their brother-in-law with cold eyes. Kirial gritted his teeth while Sally was still focused solely on her daughter.

“Taniel kept pestering you to attack the humans to look for them, but you refused each time! We could have avoided this if you just agreed!” [Leonhart]

“You bastards sold them off!? TANIEL SOLD OFF HIS OWN FAMILY?!!” [Leodor]

“HE DIDN’T WANT TO!! BUT WE NEEDED A REASON! One that our people will rally behind! Like the attack today, we needed to unite everyone and push them for war!! To let them know that the enemies were the humans!” [Leonhart]

“You’re tricking them all! Humans didn’t attack us! YOU DID!!” [Leodor]

“HUMANS ARE TOO DANGEROUS!!! Taniel was born in another city! When his family decided to move here, they were killed by a bunch of human bandits! Those bastards ventured into OUR lands and slaughtered his parents and older brother when he was only nine! Those fighting with me suffered similar experiences! That’s why we know! THEY CAN’T BE ALLOWED TO LIVE!!!” [Leonhart]

His words carried such intensity that Leodor and his family couldn’t help but keep quiet. Evelyn and Maya were still facing off with the beastified Terdims and could only listen to the conversation happening behind them.

“I will kill you if you get in my way! So just join me, damn it! If you do, you won’t ever have to go through what we did!” [Leonhart]

Hearing his older brother’s demand, Leodor was struck with a sudden realization. He couldn’t believe that he didn’t think of it.

“That’s what this is about. You’re not doing this for the country or because humans are too dangerous to beastmen. You’re doing this to get back at them. Because they killed your wife and child.” [Leodor]

The moment those words left his mouth, Leonhart’s face turned expressionless and his eyes became dark. His wife and young daughter were murdered by humans just like with Taniel’s case. They encountered bandits while travelling inside a carriage. It was strange for them to be venturing outside of the capital city. But, his curious daughter had wanted to try travelling on the road for a bit and her mother agreed. He didn’t come with them because of work, something he eternally regretted.

The escort was decimated and his wife and child were found. Both of them were violated and killed. He remembered that, at that moment, the world had turned completely dark in his eyes. When the perpetrators were finally caught, it turned out that they were former A rank adventurers. Still, after putting on them shackles that nullified magic, he easily slaughtered them with his own hands. At that time, the world was painted red.

“You already got your revenge! Don’t involve the city! Don’t involve my family!” [Leodor]

His little brother was talking to him, but he didn’t even hear half of what he said. Right now, the world was turning dark again.

“Dear! Please!” [Sally]

Sally broke free of Meireld’s grasp and clung to her husband. Mimi, who had a weak body, was being held hostage with a sword near her neck. She couldn’t bear to watch such a scene anymore.

Leodor worriedly looked at his wife, then at his daughter. If he gave in to Leonhart’s demand, then a war would begin and countless lives would be lost. As a king, he should do everything he could to stop that from happening and protect his citizens. However, as a father, he should save his daughter no matter what.

He was grinding his teeth. It felt like he couldn’t accomplish one without sacrificing the other. If it came down to it, what would he choose? His daughter or his kingdom?

“… A few noble houses also support me.” [Leonhart]

However, before he could make up his mind, Leonhart begun speaking again.

“Originally, if you didn’t agree, I was to have you killed along with everyone else. We’d make it look like the monsters got you and I would bring back Mimi only. She’d be heavily injured, but alive. It would look like I only managed to save her. Then, we’d make it that she died of her wounds to shut her up.” [Leonhart]

He spoke so coldly that he was like a different person.

“During this time of crisis, I would take the throne with the nobles’ support. Then, I’d deal with the mess, have the humans executed and declare war in retaliation to what happened today. The citizens, outraged, would follow me. That’s what was supposed to happen. But, I changed my mind.” [Leonhart]

The magic sword in his hand was shining ominously under the artificial light. It was the royal family’s possession and was for their exclusive use. Such an Artifact was currently pointed at his sobbing niece’s neck.

“I want you to understand my pain, brother. To know what it feels like to lose your family. That’s why…” [Leonhart]

Small flames rang along the blade of his ancient weapon and the steel glowed red from the heat.

“Kill Sally.” [Leonhart]

“… What!?” [Leodor]

Contrary to the cool and collected Leonhart, Leodor, his wives and his children were completely panicking. There was anger, fear and sadness on their expressions.

“I’m not kidding. Kill her, or I kill Mimi.” [Leonhart]

“NOOO!!” [Sally]

Sally stretched her hand out towards her daughter and yelled pleadingly.

“Dear!” [Sally]

“S-Sally, you’re not seriously-!” [Leodor]

“Please! Or Mimi will! Mimi will!” [Sally]

She couldn’t bring herself to finish her sentence. Just the thought frightened her more than anything.

“Get a hold of yourself, Sally!” [Meireld]

Starting with Meireld, the rest of the royal family tried to calm her down, but to no avail. Moreover, Leonhart wasn’t giving them any respite.

“Your wife or your daught-DON’T MOVE OR I’LL KILL HER!!” [Leonhart]

Leonhart warned Evelyn and Maya who wanted to jump into action instead of keeping watch on the eighteen Terdims. He saw their strength and he was wary of them the most. Using a hostage had proven effective against them as they clicked their tongue and stood their ground.

“Leodor, if you don’t want to, then I’ll-.” [Leonhart]

“Hiii!” [Mimi]

The sword got closer to Mimi’s neck. She could feel the heat and a high-pitched shriek leaked from her lips.

“WAIT!! PLEASE!! WAIT!!” [Sally]

“LEONHART!! She’s just a child! And your niece!!” [Leodor]

“Just like Taniel is, I am prepared for the worst.” [Leonhart]

“If you hurt her, I will kill you myself! I SWEAR! I-!” [Leodor]

“Choose, little brother.” [Leonhart]

Despite the furious threats and the sobbing pleas, Leonhart kept pressing them to make a choice.

“Dear! Please! It’s alright! Just do it!” [Sally]

“B-but!” [Leodor]

“I don’t want Mimi to die!!” [Sally]

Crying, Sally finally said the word she avoided. Everyone was against it. Evelyn and Maya also tried to talk her out of it, but she held firm to her decision. Her brother-in-law was getting impatient and she didn’t know when he would kill Mimi.

“… Sorry… Sorry…” [Leodor]

Apologizing was the only thing Leodor could say to her as he clenched his fists so hard, blood was flowing out. He pulled out his sword and stood next to his lovely wife. Meireld and Tali wanted to beg him to stop, but only stared at him while spilling tears. The wolf-eared twins were crying. Kirial was staring at the ground and was repeatedly muttering “Damn it” to himself.

Evelyn and Maya tried to take one step back instead of maintaining the stalemate. But, the eighteen Terdims got ready to rush at them, fully intent on getting in their way. Leonhart was on edge. If they carelessly made a move now, Mimi’s head might go flying.

“If you’ve decided, then hurry up.” [Leonhart]

The future king reminded them of their limited time. His emotionless voice was hateful to listen to and brought despair to their hearts.

“I swear… It doesn’t matter that we’re brothers, I’ll kill you…!” [Leodor]

Leodor said like a curse flowing from his mouth. If a glare could kill, then he would have already killed his little brother with his murderous eyes.

“… M-mommy?” [Mimi]

Mimi called out to her mother. Her trembling voice was filled with fear and uneasiness.

“It’s okay.” [Sally]

Sally said while smiling and crying.

“Everything’s going to be okay.” [Sally]

She said, trying to reassure her daughter during her last moments.

“Just… Close your eyes.” [Sally]

“… No…” [Mimi]

Mimi slowly shook her head as her expression twisted in anguish.

“…No… Please don’t… Daddy… Please don’t…” [Sally]

She pleadingly looked at her father who had raised his sword over his head.

“Please… Don’t kill mommy…” [Mimi]

Leodor couldn’t face her. Her words stabbed him so deeply that he clenched his teeth to prevent his voice from coming out.

He was crying.

Meireld, Kirial, Tali, Tota, Tita… They were all crying at the hopeless situation.

Evelyn and Maya were gritting their teeth, frustrated at their helplessness.

Mimi turned her eyes on each one of them, wishing for their help, but none could offer it to her.

“Mimi.” [Sally]

Hearing her mother’s gentle voice, she returned her sight back to her. She was sporting that usual warm smile that she always showed her. However, tears stained her cheeks and she seemed so fragile that she would break at any moment.

“I love you.” [Sally]

“… No…! NO! MOMMY! MOMMY!!” [Mimi]

Mimi wailed and struggled to reach her mother, but Leonhart’s strong grip and the magic sword prevented her from escaping.

“Leodor. Do it.” [Leonhart]

While spilling tears, Leodor brought his sword down on his wife’s neck.

“MOMMMYY!!!” [Mimi]

The sharp blade that was supposed to reap Sally’s life suddenly stopped. But, it wasn’t by Leodor’s will. Just as thunderous noises reached their ears, it happened.

Countless golden strings wrapped around both the sword and the lion-eared king, preventing all movements.

“W, what…?” [Leodor]

In fact, it wasn’t just him.

“This, this is…” [Leonhart]

Every single person present in that corridor was bound by golden strings and couldn’t move anymore. The bundle of strings all came from behind the beastified Terdims that were blocking the way to the second floor. Like living creatures, these thin strings lifted the struggling beastmen a few feet into the air and parted the group in two to clear the way.

From behind, a single being appeared.

From the back and shoulder areas of his jet-black clothes, the strings emerged.

“(Made it.)” [Ryner]

Ryner thought, relieved that both Evelyn and Maya were fine. After flying through the ruin and breaking down every labyrinth walls in his way, he arrived at the third floor. As he neared the corridor where the relic was stored, he sensed several presences. Before he even confirmed who they were and what was going on, he sent out his strings to bind them all and avoid the worst possible outcome.

He calmly walked passed the immobilized beastmen and took in the information around him to understand the situation. When Maya saw him, a relieved expression covered her face and her lips moved to form the word “Master”. As for Evelyn, her cheeks were dyed red and she stared at him with entranced eyes. They both saw this strange form before and instantly recognized him.

He glanced at them and nodded slightly, but didn’t say anything.

His destination was right ahead. Leodor and his family had their backs turned to him, so they couldn’t see him. However, just like with the Terdims, their fur was bristled and their bodies were tense. Except for Leodor and Sally, Ryner lifted them up like dolls and moved them out of the way. Then, he went to the lion-eared king’s side and silently stared at Leonhart and Mimi.

“(So he is in on this. I guess I was right?)” [Ryner]

He casually thought to himself after confirming what was going on. His sharp eyes of different color caught the perpetrator dead in their sights. Leonhart, who was facing him, was closing and opening his mouth like a fish. Even if he wasn’t restrained, the aura and intensity emitted by this unknown person nailed him to the spot. Mimi, who was right in front of him, was blankly watching on with round and wet eyes.

“Y-you…” [Leodor]

Leodor, who was immobilized, tried to ask the mysterious man about his identity, but his voice could barely leave his mouth. The countless golden strings that faintly shined were coming from him. From him as the center, they entangled around everyone present like tendrils, forming a surreal spectacle. They were like a spider’s golden threads and the people caught were the preys that fell into the web.

“Who… Are you…?” [Leodor]

When Leodor managed to voice his question, Ryner finally looked at him. The dark brown and strange golden eyes made him gulp nervously.

“What are you doing, you useless father?” [Ryner]

However, it was his words that really took his breath away. He was about to kill his wife and his daughter was begging him not to. Truly, what was he doing?

Ignoring the turmoil going on inside him, Ryner put his hand on his shoulder.

“Go save your daughter.” [Ryner]

He whispered and the strings released Leodor.

“Huh?” [Leodor]

Then, before the beastman could understand what was going on, he was suddenly thrown towards his older brother like a projectile. However, when he caught his crying and scared daughter in his sight, his dumbfounded and panicking expression instantly disappeared. Only resolution and ferocity could be seen on his face.

Leonhart, seeing his approaching little brother, started panicking. He was helpless and so were the two Terdims standing on both of his sides. No matter how hard he tried to move, the strings wouldn’t budge. Even with body strengthening and his Artifact, he was too weak to break free. Furthermore, the strings were forcibly controlling his arms, making him release Mimi and move his sword away from her.

Just as he decided to use his trump card, which was beastification, Leodor stabbed him in the chest as they collided. Both brothers rolled on the ground.

“MIMI!!” [Sally]

Sally screamed as her daughter was lifted up by the strings and brought to her. The little girl began crying the moment her mother embraced her, having been partially released from her bindings.

“LEONHAAARRTT!!!” [Leodor]

Leodor roared as he stood protectively in front of his family, his back facing them.

“LEODOOORR!!!” [Leonhart]

Leonhart screamed furiously as well after he got back on his feet, bleeding from his wound, but still alive. He was already in the midst of transforming and his healing abilities were heightened. The golden strings had released him and he could move again. In his hand was his magic sword that glowed red.

Some ridiculous being showed up out of nowhere and everything has gone awry. So, at the very least, before that thing killed him, he would take his ignorant sibling down with him. He wasn’t sure he could survive this anymore. As such, if he fell here, he decided to entrust the future to the Terdim clan and his allies that supported the war against the humans.

His body expanded. His clothes ripped, leaving only his pants. Dark blonde fur covered him from head to toe. His nails became claws and his teeth became fangs. His head morphed and turned into that of a lion. Growling and drooling, he stared at his brother with bloodshot eyes and charged at him.

They both used body strengthening, channeling mana into their spell. Leodor’s mana pool was bigger, so he should have the advantage. However, the difference in power between them was also determined by two more factors: Artifact and beastification.

Armed with these two weapons, Leonhart had the upper edge and was overpowering his little brother. Any wounds he sustained were superficial thanks to his body strengthening and his Artifact’s protection. Moreover, they healed rapidly because of beastification.

The transformed beastman used both his claws and fiery sword to attack, leaving cuts and burn marks on his opponent’s body. He relentlessly attacked, forcing Leodor back. The heat from the Artifact put a toll on his mental and physical strength and worn him out.

In the end, Leodor could only defend until his sword was knocked away and he was kicked in the chest, falling on his back. Then, before he could get up, Leonhart thrusted his sword in front of his face. The winner was decided. All he needed to do was stab forward. His magic sword would burn through his flesh and bones and turn his brain to ashes.

As Leonhart looked down on his brother who had several cuts and burns from their fight, he directed his sight towards the unknown creature, Ryner. He was calmly standing at the front, next to Sally and Mimi, amidst golden strings that bounded everyone.

“What’s the matter? Aren’t you gonna attack me?! WELL?!!” [Leonhart]

He proceeded to provoke him. Though cornered and understanding how hopelessly outmatched he was, he didn’t give up and tried to use Leodor as a hostage this time. He still had twenty Terdims, all B rank and with beastification.

“COME ON! ATTACK ME!!” [Leonhart]

He said while making sure that Ryner and everyone else could see the heated sword near Leodor’s throat.

“DO IT IF YOU DARE!!! YOU MONSTER!!!” [Leonhart]

“… Ok.” [Ryner]

After a brief moment of silence, the monster said in a lax tone, sealing his fate for good.

Two black weapons that Leonhart never saw before materialized from smoke and floated above Ryner’s head. They were guns forged from his power.

“… Huh?” [Leonhart]

They fired a beam of light at the beastman, leaving him stunned before pain took over.

“GUAAAAA!!!” [Leonhart]

Leonhart lost both of his arms from the shoulders in an instant. They fell on the ground like the discarded limbs of a doll. The wounds were charred black with a bit of red blood leaking out.

“GUAAAAAA!!!” [Leonhart]

A second shot blew off his left foot. He stumbled backward, fell to his knees and screamed, more because of fear than agony.

“King.” [Ryner]

Ryner called out to Leodor, who was down on the ground and left speechless by the gory sight, attracting his attention.

“Will you do it?” [Ryner]

He asked something horrible in a casual manner. Leodor was quiet for a few seconds and only stared at the black-cloaked man. He then looked back at his family that was staring at him and Leonhart with wide eyes and scared expressions. All of a sudden, more strings shot out of Ryner’s black coat and formed a golden sphere around each of them. They panicked, but disappeared from view right away.

“Wha-!” [Leodor]

“Will you do it?” [Ryner]

Towards Leodor who wanted to ask him what he did, Ryner asked the same question in the same tone.

“…” [Leodor]

The question told him what he wanted to know. His facial expression slowly changed from shock to a grim determination. He picked up the magic sword that was lying near him. His body felt lighter thanks to its enchantments. Then, he got on his feet, grunting in pain, and made his way towards his older brother that stopped screaming. He had finished closing the wounds, but couldn’t fight anymore.

The two brothers faced each other with their positions reversed. Leonhart, who was on his knees, looked up. Although his face was that of a lion, one could easily tell he had a horrible complexion.

“… Leodor.” [Leonhart]

He said his little brother’s name in a tired voice. Then, he turned his head slightly and stared at the others present in the corridor. His Terdims were all entangled in strings and couldn’t escape. Evelyn and Maya were also similarly bounded and each member of the royal family was locked in a sphere.

“… Your family won’t see that you killed me… We don’t want Mimi to see this…” [Leonhart]

“… You were my family too.” [Leodor]

Leodor raised his Artifact. The blade turned red as flames heated it up.

“… Leodor…” [Leonhart]

Leonhart said his name again and stared at him right in the eyes.

“… You’ll understand one day.” [Leonhart]

He delivered his final words.

“… You’ll know my pain.” [Leonhart]

Then, the sword was swung down… Until he died.