(Author’s rant: Hello again! I just wanted to say thanks for 200+ followers(at present)! It may not seem like a big number but I’m truly grateful!

The long walk to the chamber was wrapped in silence as neither person started a conversation.

It had already been more than fifteen minutes since they had left the room and it seemed they still had some time left before reaching their destination.

Kris made several sidelong glances in an attempt to read the guard’s expression, but with the exception of a slit-like opening for the eyes and cutouts on the sides for his long ears, the entire top portion of the head was covered with only the mouth area remaining unobstructed.

...It’s probably best if I keep quiet for now.

With that thought, Kris kept his words to himself and instead took time to admire the brilliant white marble interior of the Elven capitol building.

Eventually, they reached the end of the corridor which then led to an intersection, from where the guard made a right turn and Kris did the same.

They continued down the new corridor until Kris could spot a large set of double doors made of some kind of polished stone that he presumed was the entrance to the ceremony chamber.

As they were approaching the doors, the guard abruptly stopped and let out a dumbfounded voice.

“What…? Where are…?” (Guard)

“What’s wrong?” (Kris)

Not understanding the reason for the guard’s bewilderment, Kris alternated his gaze between the guard and the doors.

After some hesitation, the guard finally replied.

“...There are supposed to be two guards stationed on both sides of the chamber’s entrance at all times.” (Guard)

“Two guards?” (Kris)

Kris looked back at the entrance, and sure enough the two aforementioned guards were nowhere to be found.

Raising his vigilance, he questioned the guard while keeping his gaze focused on the twin doors.

“...Is it possible they’re in the middle of a shift change?” (Kris)

Though he could already guess the answer, Kris asked for verification.

“No, the guards positioned here can only leave their posts after being relieved by their replacements. This is a fundamental rule and it is forbidden to break it under any circumstances.” (Guard)

“And you’re certain they were here earlier?” (Kris)

“Yes sir. Afterall, it was one of these guards that notified me to escort you to the ceremony.” (Guard)

“...I thought as much.” (Kris)

Having his suspicion confirmed did not give Kris any peace of mind, and he turned back to face the guard.

“For now, we should advance with caution and ascertain the situation.” (Kris)

“Understood.” (Guard)

Despite not having the authority to issue him orders, perhaps the guard made an exception and followed Kris’s instruction while gripping his short spear with both hands.

After some more steps, they reached the chamber’s entrance and began to search for any sign of the missing guards.

“I can’t find indication of a struggle or the aftermath of a battle. Either they left voluntarily or were taken away without a trace.” (Kris)

Once he completed a quick scan of the immediate area, Kris conveyed his opinions, but the guard denied them.

“That’s impossible. Like I stated earlier, capitol guards cannot abandon our posts even if it costs us our lives. It is also doubtful they were slain without resisting their attackers. We are the elite of the Elven military afterall.” (Guard)

Though a bit of pride was mixed in with his response, the seriousness in his voice conveyed that he was stating the facts and Kris nodded in understandment.

“So...could they have gone inside?” (Kris)

“Yes sir. If there is an emergency within the chamber, they do have permission to enter it.” (Guard)

“Which means…” (Kris)

As if both of them came to the same conclusion, Kris and the guard turned their attention back to the double doors.

“Then we should quickly--” (Guard)

“Wait.” (Kris)

Just as the guard placed his hand on one of the doors to push it open, Kris firmly grasped the wrist to stop him.

The guard was about to ask Kris for an explanation but Kris spoke first in a murmur.

“...I smell blood.” (Kris)

“Blood?” (Guard)

The guard’s body tensed as he parroted the chilling word.

“Yeah, fresh blood. It’s faint so I just picked it up now, but there’s no mistaking it...and the scent’s coming from the other side of the door.” (Kris)

“I-is that so?” (Guard)

The guard stammered as he quietly withdrew his hand after Kris released it.

“Can you use any kind of Spirit magic that can search for life?” (Kris)

To Kris’s question, the guard became downcast and shook his head as he spoke.

“I’m afraid not. I excel at offensive Wind and Water magic, but I am weak with Spirit magic.” (Guard)

“I see…” (Kris)

In addition to healing, certain Spirit magic spells can analyze an area for indications of life force. Kris had seen his Elf comrade Lily use this magic numerous times during their journey so he had hoped that this guard could do the same, but it would seem luck was not on his side right now.

So I’m being forced to reveal myself huh.

With a bitter expression, Kris knitted his eyebrows in displeasure.

He knew if they were to enter now without knowing who or what was waiting for them inside, they would be at a severe disadvantage.

I was hoping to keep Stryfe a secret for as long as I could, but...

Kris took one last look at the guard, and then he let out a deep breath before speaking.

“It can’t be helped...excluding the two guards that are supposed to be outside, how many people should be located inside?” (Kris)

“Huh?” (Guard)

Kris’s sudden question caught him by surprise for a moment, but the guard quickly recovered.

“There are two guards posted on the opposite side of the doors as well as five mages who will perform the Purification ceremony.” (Guard)

“So there’s potentially nine people in there? Okay then. What’s your name?” (Kris)

“Silva. My name is Silva.” (Silva)

“Alright Silva, are there any other guards posted near here?” (Kris)

Kris had noticed that the number of guards that were patrolling the building became sparse the closer they got to the chamber until it was just him and Silva occupying the entirety of the corridors. This had been troubling him for awhile until Silva explained the reason for the lack of personnel.

“Unfortunately no. The High Elf council deemed this section to be of low importance and so most of the guards in the vicinity were ordered to provide security for the building’s perimeter. It is only because of the sacredness of this chamber that the four mandatory guards that are stationed here did not receive those orders.” (Silva)

“So there was such a reason. Is it possible to warn the guards by magic?” (Kris)

Silva shook his head once more to Kris’s query.

“None of my spells have the range needed to reach them at this distance. I would have to contact them personally...I’m sorry for my incompetence.” (Silva)

“Don’t worry about it. If it helps, I know the feeling.” (Kris)

Kris tried to cheer up Silva who became dejected at his apparent uselessness.

“How long would it take for you to reach the closest guard post?” (Kris)

“No more than ten minutes at most.” (Silva)

“Okay, then I’ll leave warning the guards to you. In the meantime, I will investigate inside.” (Kris)

“...Are you sure about that Sir Arondight?” (Silva)

Silva seemed reluctant to leave the weaponless Kris alone, but the Human Savior showed him a smile.

“I’m confident I can hold off whatever’s inside until reinforcements show up. Please have faith in me.” (Kris)

In response to Kris’s fearless attitude, all of the worries Silva held seemed to disappear as he nodded with a determined expression.

“Of course. I will be back as fast as possible!” (Silva)

With those parting words, Silva began sprinting back down the corridor.

**

As soon as Silva turned the corner and was out of sight, Kris looked down at his right hand.

“Stryfe?” (Kris)

“Yes master. Searching for any signs of life now.” (Stryfe)

Stryfe, who had been patiently awaiting his master’s summons, already knew what to do as he exited from his dormant state and scanned the room.

Less than a moment later, Stryfe gave his report.

“...There seems to be some kind of barrier preventing my magic, but I can break it if I am in direct contact with it. However, more power is required and you will also have to speak the incantation if you will allow it.” (Stryfe)

“What do you need me to do?” (Kris)

“Please remove the first seal and place your hand on the door.” (Stryfe)

Stryfe understood that Kris had decided to discard their secrecy and so he unreservedly asked for permission to be released.

“Got it.” (Kris)

Without hesitation, Kris removed the gold ring from the index finger of his right hand, and immediately the familiar sensation of newfound power flooding his whole body was felt. A red haze simultaneously began collecting in his palm, which he then placed on the door as instructed.

“Okay, now speak this to activate the spell...” (Stryfe)

After hearing the incantation, Kris said it aloud.

“Shatter the invisible wall that denies my will, Dispel [Barrier].”

Once he spoke the activation word, a circle of red haze spread out from his outstretched hand for a moment before vanishing.

“...I think it’s gone.” (Kris)

Though Kris did not see any physical changes, he could somehow tell that the barrier had been destroyed.

“Aah. Now I will resume my search.” (Stryfe)

Confirming Kris’s inference, Stryfe continued scanning the room, but he then transmitted his findings with a grim tone.

“Unfortunately, I can only detect the life force of one person inside...and it is fading rapidly. If they are not given treatment soon, they will most likely perish.” (Stryfe)

“...I see.” (Kris)

Stryfe’s distressing information caused Kris to close his eyes as he thought hard about finding an adequate solution, but only one choice surfaced in his head.

“...‘We have to go inside.’ That’s what you’re thinking, isn’t it?” (Stryfe)

Showing a weak smile at the fact that his thoughts were read so easily, Kris nodded once as he replied.

“There’s no telling if the injured person on the other side of the door can last long enough for Silva to return, and there’s also a chance the culprit could escape.” (Kris)

“I agree with your logic...but you must have also realized this is the perfect trap for you, right?” (Stryfe)

The main reason for Stryfe’s concern was that Kris intended to enter a room to save a critically injured person without support. If one were to consider this rationally, the alternative would be to wait for help to arrive and risk losing the life of the injured person.

“I know...but I’m still going inside.” (Kris)

However, Kris would never allow himself to make that decision.

“No matter what responsibilities I may have acquired by contracting with you, I’m not about to gamble with someone’s life just so I can keep mine.” (Kris)

After declaring his resolution in a somewhat stubborn manner, Kris let out a chuckle before speaking again.

“I’m sorry for being such a selfish master, Stryfe.” (Kris)

“Fufufu~, there’s no need to apologize. I had already presumed what choice you’d make. Besides, master’s chivalrousness is one quality that I admire the most. It’s like I’m paired with a real hero.” (Stryfe)

Though his face cramped slightly after being associated with that title, it quickly disappeared as he showed his usual fearless smile.

“Are you ready?” (Kris)

“Yes master. I will do whatever I can to ensure your safety so please rely on me!” (Stryfe)

Nodding in affirmation, Kris then used his left hand to open the door while Stryfe’s true form of a curved crimson sword materialized in his right hand.

*CREEEEEAAAAAKKK*

With an exaggerated sound, the door to the chamber was slowly opened and Kris stepped inside, but he instantly let out a groan.

“Ugh!” (Kris)

He reflexively covered his nose as the thick smell of fresh blood suddenly intensified. The stone double doors had been keeping most of the stench at bay, but once Kris opened it, his nose was overwhelmed by the full brunt of the nauseous odor.

Despite his many years of being an adventurer, it was not a smell he could tolerate enough to ignore immediately, and so it took a moment for his nose to adjust.

“Haaah...now then.” (Kris)

Once his sense of smell was under control, Kris scanned the room for the source, but he didn’t have to look far.

Though the chamber itself was dimly lit by a few meager Spirit magic stones, it was enough for Kris to accurately view the gruesome scene ahead of him.

From his limited visibility, he could make out nine bodies scattered around the room. By their attires, he confirmed the victims to be the five mages and four guards.

As he was surveying what could be called a massacre, Stryfe whispered to him.

“...Master, the wounded person I informed you about is directly ahead. No other life signs can be detected at this point, but I suggest you proceed with caution nonetheless.” (Stryfe)

Kris nodded silently and, without lowering his vigilance, gripped Stryfe with both hands as he cautiously approached the bloodied forms of what were once people.

Inspecting the bodies as he passed them, Kris found that the mages died of a single stab wound to through the chest while the guards appeared to have had their throats slit.

So the enemy managed to get close enough to attack them from behind?...That’s unsettling.

Although Silva said it himself, Kris also knew how well trained the capital guards are. The number of people with the ability to slip in unnoticed and catch them by surprise are few, and the fact that one of them is here caused Kris’s body to tense up.

Carefully maneuvering around the corpses while continuously looking at his surroundings, Kris finally arrived at the body located in the center of the room.

This must be the person Stryfe said was still...alive…

All of his thoughts stuttered and his body froze with a twitch as he came upon the injured person.

Lying on her side in a pool of blood while breathing roughly, the identity of the surviving mage was--

...Lily!

Repressing a shout, Kris threw away his wariness and ran to her side.

Shit! I should’ve realized it sooner!

Cursing himself as he rolled the unconscious Elf onto her back, Kris examined her wound to determine the severity of her condition.

Damn it, she has the same stab wound as the rest...but it looks like it’s been partially closed. The bleeding has stopped as well. Did she manage to heal herself? Or did someone else--

“Kris! Watch out!” (Stryfe)

In the midst of his analysis, Stryfe’s panicked voice cut in just as he felt killing intent swell up to his left.

When he stood up and turned to face that way--

*SHLICK*

--a spear pierced his left flank.

To be precise, only the spear tip managed to puncture his flesh.

Before the rest could follow through, Kris had grabbed onto its shaft and, using his enhanced strength, stopped its momentum before it could impale him.

“...Hngh.” (Kris)

A pained groan leaked out between his gnashed teeth as Kris forcibly removed the spear from his side, but instead of discarding it, he swiftly pulled the spear that was still held by the attacker towards him while simultaneously stabbing at him with Stryfe.

*SCHLINK*

The crimson sword easily perforated the attacker’s chest armor, slicing through the body until the blood-stained tip exited out of the back.

This all happened in an instant, and since Kris, who was still disoriented from seeing his friend on the verge of death, had moved according to his instincts, he only just now realized what he had done. He then looked at the attacker who was standing near him--and his eyes widened in shock.

“Wh-wha...h-how…” (Kris)

Coherent words failed to come out of his mouth as he stared into the eyes of the previously deceased Elf guard that had been lying on the floor nearby moments before.

Glancing down at the sword in his chest, the guard then raised his head and spoke in a monotone voice.

“...Not bad. Not bad at all.” (Guard)

“!!?” (Kris)

While Kris was temporarily distracted, the guard released his hold on the spear and jumped away. As a result, Stryfe was violently removed from the wound and a trickle of blood streamed from the hole in the guard’s armor.

“...Impossible…” (Stryfe)

Witnessing such an unbelievable act, Stryfe uttered his disbelief as the guard landed a few meters away and stood up straight with a blank expression, like he was unaffected by the gaping wound that continued to seep blood.

In comparison, the gash in Kris’s side also leaked blood that stained his shirt red, but since it wasn’t deep, the pain was enough for him to tolerate.

Quickly glancing back at his injured comrade on the floor, he judged she needed basic treatment immediately if she is to survive. As much as he wanted to help her, he had to deal with the enemy in front of him.

Letting out a deep breath to calm his impatience, Kris looked over his adversary.

...He’s a tough bastard for being able to move with that kind of damage.

He also observed that, with the exception of the injury he had just inflicted, there were no other visible wounds on the guard, which made Kris assume that he was the perpetrator.

“...Are you the one who did this?” (Kris)

Glaring with narrowed eyes, Kris questioned the guard without hiding his hostility.

“Is that really something you should be worrying about right now?” (Guard)

With that roundabout answer, the guard unsheathed the sword at his waist and lunged at Kris in one fluid motion.

“Tch!” (Kris)

Clicking his tongue, Kris threw away the spear and gripped Stryfe with both hands once again as he took a defensive stance.

Maybe he sensed the unusual bloodthirst emanating from Kris because Stryfe hurriedly spoke to him.

“Kris, it’d be best if you take him alive.” (Stryfe)

“I know.” (Kris)

As soon as Kris agreed with Stryfe’s advice, the guard closed the distance and slashed at Kris who angled his crimson sword to receive the blow.

*KLLAAAANNNG*

The metallic screech of the two swords clashing together reverberated throughout the chamber.

At first, the strength behind both swords was equal, but it was apparent that Kris had the upper hand as he began pushing the guard back.

Perhaps realizing he was at a disadvantage, the guard broke the standstill by redirecting Stryfe’s momentum to the side, throwing Kris off-balance. Taking the initiative, he then stepped into the Savior’s blind spot at his back and slashed at the exposed head.

However, Kris countered by agily ducking at the last second so that the sword passed safely above him. Faster than the guard could react, he then twisted his body around and swung Stryfe in a horizontal strike, aiming for the unprotected muscles on the thighs.

*SHLICK* *SHLICK*

Successfully landing hits on both legs, the guard staggered backwards as his mobility was all but sealed now.

“Now, are you going to start talking...or shall I continue?” (Kris)

Placing the tip of his crimson sword on the guard’s neck, Kris directed those cold words at his heavily injured opponent.

“...This should be good enough.” (Guard)

Instead of answering, the guard lowered his sword after looking at the battered condition of his body, and mumbled to himself as if he was satisfied with something.

“My part has been completed so I shall take my leave.” (Guard)

“...Do you actually think I’ll allow that?” (Kris)

Angered by the man’s ignorant attitude, Kris spoke those words with a sneer while applying more pressure to his sword that was against the guard’s neck.

“Do your best to survive until we meet again...hero.” (Guard)

After speaking those cryptic words, similar to a puppet whose strings were cut, the guard’s body suddenly went slack as it collapsed to its knees before slumping backwards and falling lifelessly onto the floor.

“...What?” (Kris)

Unable to understand what he had just observed, time seemed to stop as Kris stared at the unmoving body of the guard that had been alive less than a moment ago.

Coming back to his senses, he approached the corpse with Stryfe still outstretched in the event this was a ploy to lower his defense, but after confirming the guard was deceased, he asked the crimson sword in his hand for an explanation.

“...Stryfe, do you know what’s going on?” (Kris)

“...No I’m afraid I don’t.” (Stryfe)

Unfortunately, Stryfe replied with a tone that indicated he was just as confused as Kris was.

“I did not detect any life coming from that body, but there was some kind of presence inside it that is now gone. My only conclusion is that it was some type of undead or cadaver perhaps.” (Stryfe)

“So someone else was controlling the body?” (Kris)

“Yes...but for what reason I do not---!!!” (Stryfe)

Before finishing his words, Stryfe let out a gasp and then yelled at Kris with a hysterical voice he had never used until now.

“Kris! You need to seal me away right now!” (Stryfe)

“H-huh?” (Kris)

“Just do it! NOW!” (Stryfe)

*CREEEEEAAAAAKKK*

However, before Kris could comprehend Stryfe’s words, the loud sound of the double doors opening echoed throughout the chamber.

Looking back, he found the figures of Eliza, Gale, Sylvia, Izabella, Silva, and more than a dozen guards standing at the entrance.

As their gazes wandered around the room, their faces gradually distorted in horror, until all eyes fell on Kris.

Relieved that Silva and his friends had made it in time, Kris opened his mouth to call out to them, but then--

*WHOOSH*

Sylvia vanished from view--before reappearing in front of him with her right arm that had taken on the appearance of a dragon’s extending towards his face.