*Author’s Point of View*

Five people are inside a dark room with only two candles as means for illumination. These people are Key, Sora, Cherlaine, Matilda, and the knight.

Currently, Sora and the knight are sitting on different chairs and are facing each other. However, both of them are tied up on the chairs for some reason.

“Are you sure about this?”

“It’s the only way we can get information from this guy.”

Key asked Sora with an impatient tone. But Sora just answered him with a tone that doesn’t contain any anxiety about the thing that he’ll do shortly.

“I’ll say it again, after I invoked the spell, I want everyone to hold us down. I expect you to do that Key without killing him. But if you do, not only you’ll lose our only lead, you’d also end up killing me too.”

And after raising two of his hands as a signal to Cherlaine and Matilda, both girls started walking with the candles, Cherlaine behind the knight, and Matilda behind Sora.

“I’ll be starting now.”

Sora closed his eyes after saying so.

Because his voice is too small that it sounded like a mutter, no one could hear his chant. Even so, there is evidence that his magic is starting to work as the shadows of his and the knight’s that are entwined are starting to release black smoke.

And with the last part of his chant, he invoked the magic out loud.

“# >”

All of a sudden, Sora and the knight started convulsing on their chairs like they are having a seizure at the same time.

Everyone was shocked by that scene as they don’t know what is happening. However, they still managed to remain calm as they were told beforehand by Sora that this would happen. Even though they are already told, seeing it personally is a different thing so they couldn’t help but get surprised.

Then after they have stopped convulsing, both Sora and the knight stared at each other.

““I’m inside.””

Suddenly, both Sora and the knight spoke exactly at the same time.

Looking closely, both of them are mirroring each other’s expression.

““W-what have you done you bastard!?””

Obviously, these words are from the knight who is currently possessed by Sora. But because both spoke at the same time, it made everyone in the room become confused.

““I just simply created a temporary connection between us. This connection allowed me to enter your mind and control your body. You might have already known this, but the only downside of this magic is that it allows the targeted person to also control the opposite body. I often use this magic whenever I have as a final resort to criminals who won’t talk.””

“I see… So this is what a knight of the Royal family’s capabilities huh. I can guess the King’s preferences from this. What a cunning man the Darkus saint is.”

While looking from behind the knight, Cherlaine looked at Sora who is fighting against the knight in his head. She’s feeling half impressed half frightened from Sora’s cunningness.

““Leave my body!””

““No.””

Both bodies struggle, both bodies stop moving. It was a scene that could scare a normal person since it was like a scene from a horror movie.

In the middle of struggle, all of a sudden, the knight and Sora’s bodies stopped moving. Looking closely, both faces looked like they’re in a state of shock.

Key and the girls who saw that became dubious as they do not know who is making that expression.

“Sora, dude. What the hell happened?”

Key became concerned of his friend’s state as he doesn’t know what is really happening to Sora.

Then all of a sudden, Sora and the knight’s mouths were opening and closing while breaking cold sweats. Suddenly, both made a large scream.

““NO!!!!””

Because of that, both Cherlaine and Matilda dropped the candles on the floor.

Light disappeared in the room, but after Key invoked a magic to create a small fire, the light returns.

However, what they saw now is completely different from a while ago.

“He’s dead?”

Everyone became shocked of what they have witnessed. The knight that was sitting on the chair has his head struck with a dagger. And this dagger was none other than Sora’s.

“He saw something that he shouldn’t have. But don’t worry; we got the information we need.”

Like ignoring the fact that the knight became a corpse, he started removing the Knight’s iron boots. After that, he shook it for a second then a piece of folded paper fell.

“What’s that?”

Key pointed out when he saw.

Sora picked it up while making a slightly amused grin.

“From what I got from this guy’s memory, it’s the same scroll that the others used to escape from me. Not only that, its effect is teleporting towards the place where the nearest large number of the same scroll is. I’m impressed.”

Without a second though, Key snatched the paper from Sora’s hand and read it.

“Teleportation magic huh… >”

Key’s ring shined as it activates and uses its function.

With that, Key obtained a new kind of magic. The > magic effect from the [Arcane Magic Column]. Normally, Key would be excited with the new magic he learns. However,

“It’s imperfect. This spell has a lot of flaws.”

“Of course it does. It’s only a scroll. [Magic Scrolls] can only contain limited amounts of [Magic Array]. Though they seem imperfect for us magicians, for normal people, it’s considered as luxury and a lifeline in the midst of battle.”

After Sora explained, Key crumpled the scroll and tossed it to the side of the room.

He then looked at Matilda and Cherlaine with furious expression.

“Get rid of the body for me. I’ll be going to the enemies and beat them myself.”

‘Rather than beating, I think you’re going to kill them’ were the thoughts of the girls who are looking at him. But because of the air he’s releasing, they couldn’t retort.

“I’m coming with you.”

“Then let’s go.”

Sora walked close to Key who is opening his arms as if he is going to embrace someone.

“>”

A magic circle with a diameter of 3 meters appeared beneath and above Key and Sora. Then like a disappearing light, they disappeared from Matilda and Cherlaine’s sight.

***

*Jane’s Situation*

“Please, take only me and not Sir Key’s daughter!”

“Shut up you filthy wench!”

Jane tried to plead to the knight in full armor that is dragging her by the hair. But knight got angry at her and tossed her to the ground.

“Just kill her already! She’s just slowing us down.”

“She may be, but she’s a valuable hostage. The heretic has your Darkus Saint as an ally. All of us Temple Knights from the Helius Church knew of his capabilities. If we don’t carry enough hostages, then we don’t have any chance of killing that man.”

“What are you talking about? Wasn’t the one who killed most of our allies the Helius Saint?”

Even though they are allies, due to their own belief, they revolted against each other.

Before they charged into the mansion of Chardelier household, their number was nearly 40 which are composed of a lot of regular knights and a dozen Temple Knights. Not only that, they were equipped with a lot of weapons, wore expensive strong armor, and have healing scrolls as insurance.

Unluckily, they did not expect that the Saints were in top shape after reserving their magic for many days. In addition, even though they knew of Matilda’s existence, they didn’t anticipate her powerful capabilities. Moreover, they did not expect that the head of the Chardelier household have already employed knights who are equipped with dwarven-made weapons and armor. And at that time, Key gave them a > from time to time to strengthen them. Although the effect of the boost disappeared during the battle, it played a great role in the retaliation of the Chardelier group.

After seeing their defeat, they tried to flee from the battle. However, they were chased by the Darkus Saint, Sora, and have to use their last resort which is the teleportation scroll. After such a harsh battle, they ended up with only 7 Temple Knights.

Right now, they are walking in the snowy forest outside the walls.

One of the knights is carrying Marie who is currently asleep. This knight is a female one.

“Hmm… to think that the heretic have a child at such age. Nobles really do whatever they want just to make sure their bloodline continues.”

Impressed and disgusted, was the feeling the female knight have towards Key who she has never met before. She herself is disgusted not because of the fact Key is a heretic, but because of the general idea of being a noble.

“Careful in carrying that thing. She’s our insurance if we ever find ourselves fighting against that man.”

“Don’t jinx us. Although she really is useful, if she wakes up and makes a noise, I’ll kill that heretic spawn. I don’t want to fight against Blizzard Wolves with our current situation.”

“Then what about the maid? She’s just being a dead weight.”

“Just kill her. It’s not like the Darkus Saint could sense us from this distance.”

“Then can I do that during our break?”

“Suit it yourself.”

They made a relaxed conversation while they are walking in the forest. All of them were having a cruel and vulgar conversation.

When the knight who made a request to the senior knight looked at Jane who was wiping off the blood from her arm that got a cut, his eyes contained lustful thoughts which gave Jane a cold feeling crawl up her spine.

While they were continuing their conversation, all of a sudden, the snow in front of them suddenly moved violently and built itself up and hardened into an ice wall.

“He’s here!”

After the senior knight yelled, everyone aside from the knight carrying Marie pulled out their swords.

“Finally found the fuckers who took my daughter.”

“Don’t carelessly charge Key, they have Jane and your daughter.”

Everyone looked around as they were trying to find where that conversation came from. But when they did, they almost have their eyes pop out in disbelief as they found the head of the Chardelier household and the Darkus Saint, standing on the air as if they are standing on an invisible platform.

“Defensive formation everyone and use Anti-Magic Shell against their magic!”

“Yes sir!”

The senior knight was the first one who got his focus back. Noticing that his allies were in shock from the sudden appearance of the enemy, he immediately yelled out his command and made everyone return to their senses.

Everyone readied their swords and shield. The three knights that have tower shields became the vanguard in triangular formation facing Key and Sora. The senior knight who has dual-long swords is the mid-guard and the three remaining are guarding the rear as well as taking Jane and Marie as hostages.

Key and Sora made land and stood in front of the group of knights. But for some reason, Sora walked far behind Key.

“I’ll do this alone.”

“Fine by me. Standing as an observer was my original reason in coming with you anyway.”

They only exchange few words as Key started taking steps forward to the group of knights.

Even though there are only two enemies, the group of knights couldn’t help but feel threatened. Even the senior knight was feeling coercion in every steps Key takes.

Unable to contain the unease, the senior knight yelled out to Key.

“Take another step or I’ll your daughter and maid!”

Because he threatened Key along with the knights on the rear pointing their swords at the girls, Key followed his command.

Seeing that, the knights gained confidence as sinister grin started appearing on their lips.

“I thought that you were a tough guy to handle. I guess the reports were wrong.”

The senior knight became confident with the idea that Key wouldn’t attack as long as they have his daughter as hostage.

“Wasn’t your purpose to kill me? My daughter and Jane have nothing to do with this.”

“Huh?! Are you mistaken something you heretic? The moment they affiliated with you, they are also considered as Heretics. Especially your daughter, she has your flesh and blood. The gods will not tolerate their existence as they are considered taboo.”

Because Key isn’t doing anything, the senior knight stepped out of the formation and overconfidently threatened Key.

“But, we might be able to overlook that if you could just drop dead here! Hahahah!”

He was trying to corner Key with words. At the same time, he was actually chanting boosting spells under his breath as he takes more steps closer to Key.

Then after positioning himself that’s close enough to prevent Key, who is a magician, to chant his magic, he charged with blazing speed that blew away the surrounding snow from where he stood.

“DIE!”

Seeing the light of victory shine upon them, the knight group’s expression became bright as they watch their leader kill their enemy.

When the sword landed, a large explosion took place and blew away the snow from the ground and trees around them. Even the ground shook from the strength of the blow.

Just when the knight group was about to raise their victory cry, their breaths suddenly stopped as if they have a cork stuck in their throats.

“I-impossible…”

“I would have left you guys alone if you didn’t mention about taking my family into this. Since you guys are becoming a threat not only to me, but also my family, I have no choice but to kill you.”

What they all saw was something so out worldly that they don’t know how to put it into words.

What have been supposed to be an attack boosted by numerous magic spells was just stopped by an arm guard which is only a part of a scarlet armor.

After Key gave a deadly glare at the Knight, shivers came down his spine.

He immediately jumped back as his senses were screaming in fear.

From the arm, fire coated Key’s body and the > materialized. However, this version has been further modified. The helm now have three pairs of horns which was supposedly only a single pair, the breastplate now have a lot of crystal ornaments that contained power, the legs armor became thicker as it radiates strength, and most of all, the hands of the > became long crystal claws. Before, it had a scarlet colouring. Now, there is only silver and violet all over the armor showing the raging wrath they gave to Key.

Everyone was surprised by that. Not even Sora expected that and has the same expression as the knights.

“After you die, tell the gods this: ‘Fuck off’.”

After saying that, Key suddenly disappeared from where he stood.

From the knights’ perspective, it was as if he teleported. But to their surprise, he suddenly appeared in front of their captain.

Unable to foresee that move, the senior knight failed to guard himself from the coming attack. As if he can defend from it.

“N-no way!”

It was unknown who said that, but it surely had come from the knight’s side. After all, Key’s claws were so sharp that when he made a large swing of his right arm, the knight’s stomach got bisected into five parts along with his arms and swords, and then lost his life.

Seeing such gruesome scene, everyone started shaking in fear.

“As expected, killing someone doesn’t feel good at all.”

While saying so, Key swung his right claw and sprayed the blood dripping from it on the snow.

Then after that, he disappeared the second time.

The vanguard immediately raised their thick shields while anticipating the enemy.

All of a sudden, Key appeared in front of them and disappeared once again. One of them made a shriek from the surprise.

They then hurled themselves into a circle and protected only themselves.

“I don’t want to die like this!”

“Then you shouldn’t have come here.”

One of the knights cried out. But when they heard Key’s reply from above, they now have faced their doom.

Key rotated while going down with his claws spread out. When he landed in the middle of the circle, the three knights inside it were torn into shreds.

Kicking one of the shields, everyone could see Key’s armor bathed in deep red blood.

The remaining three knights panicked as they see Key making his way towards them.

One of the knights became agitated and became mad and then charged towards Key while screaming.

Same with their captain, that knight got torn into shreds like a piece of paper.

“D-don’t come any closer! If you make another step, I’ll kill this woman!”

The one who is holding Jane also became mad. He grabbed Jane and put his sword around her neck threatening to kill her.

It seemed to have worked since Key have stopped moving and only stared straight at him.

“You know, what you’re doing right now is pretty much useless.”

Key spoke to the knight with a very cold tone. Because of that, the made became more agitated and put his sword closer to Jane’s neck that it was cut a bit.

“So you don’t care if she dies or not, do you!?”

While the knight was getting himself ready for his retribution, Jane on the other hand, is feeling something different.

She can feel the pain of the cut on her neck as she can feel the cold of the air touching her skin.

Her knees are shaking not from the cold, but from her fear of getting killed. She even got herself wet under her skirt.

After hearing the knight’s words which concerns her life, she couldn’t help but make a helpless expression towards Key.

For her, she’s just a commoner from the outskirts of the city. She knew that her life isn’t worth risking for in this situation so she felt that doom had already arrived for her.

Unfortunately, the words that came out from Key’s mouth were the complete opposite of what she was thinking.

“Of course I don’t want her to die. She’s my cute maid after all.”

Those words didn’t come from the front. Instead, it came from behind them.

Before they noticed, Key had already slashed the knight from behind from the bottom to the top killing him. Of course, he made sure that he didn’t hurt Jane even the slightest.

Jane dropped on the gentle cold snow after getting free from her death. And even though her skin is feeling the cold, a warm feeling was filling inside her chest that even made her blush.

Now, only one knight had remained. And this knight is the female knight that is holding Marie.

Since she’s holding Marie with both hands, she’s currently not armed.

After Key removed the blood from his armor by burning it, he headed towards the female knight’s direction.

“P-please! Have mercy!”

“Tell me one good reason why I should.”

The female knight started crying in front of Key who is standing in front of her. Since Key was tall, she looked up at him and tears started dripping from her cheeks to the cloth that’s wrapping the sleeping Marie.

Key removed his left hand’s claws and took Marie gently from her hands. She was so helpless that the moment Key took Marie she lost balance and dropped on the snowy ground.

“I-I can give you information regarding our group’s movements if you set me free!”

“Do you think I’m that stupid?”

“Eek!”

After Key had given Marie to Jane, he started taking steps towards the female knight who is trying to crawl away backwards.

“M-my body! I’ll give you my body and loyalty.”

She tried appealing with something different, but Key kept his silence and slowly walked towards her while raising his right claw.

Seeing Key’s hand that has risen above her, she understood that doom had already fallen for her. Looking at Key, she saw what the personification of wrath is.

“M-monster!”

With those as her last words, her life was reaped as her head flew off from her neck and her blood spray on the snowy ground.