173 093. Kasim Derian -2 Part One

Late at night.

A torrential downpour had come to visit the streets of the Theocratic Empire’s capital city, Laurensis.

The gloomy clouds overhead had swallowed up the moon a long time ago, making it difficult to survey the surroundings with just the light coming from the many fire pits and lit torches placed on the city’s outer wall.

A man kitted out in a set of golden armour walked out from the pitch-black darkness outside the city’s wall.

“You there, halt!”

The Paladins on guard raised their swords still sheathed in their scabbards, and stood before the golden knight, impeding his progress. They were supposed to be patrolling the vicinity of the city’s wall, so they couldn’t help but furrow their brows at this event.

That armour belonged to the Order of the Golden Cross, seemingly proving that this lone knight was a member of that famed knight order.

‘However, he’s alone?’

“Ah, could it be that you’re carrying out a secret mission?”

Despite the Paladin’s questioning, the golden knight didn’t say anything or move a muscle.

When the eerie silence continued on, the Paladins frowned even deeper.

“Are you from the Order of the Golden Cross?”

The Paladins grew tenser and placed their hands on the hilts of the swords.

Only then did the golden knight start tilting his head this way and that. With just the movement of his head, he scanned his surroundings.

His unfeeling eyes darted around under the helm.

He confirmed the presence of four Paladins in front of the wall, then seven more on top of the wall itself.

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But what about the surroundings? No other combatants could be seen near or on top of the wall that seemingly stretched on forever. Probably because the Paladins’ shift change had happened not too long ago.

The Paladins flinched in surprise and tried to yank their weapons out in response – and that was when the golden knight finished what he wanted to say.

“From now on, the Seventh Imperial Prince who has signed a contract with the devil shall be judged as a heretic.”

By the time the blade fully emerged into the rainy night sky, the upper halves of the Paladins before the golden knight had already split apart from their lower halves.

“…?”

The Paladins flinched and looked down at their bodies. Crimson liquid trickled down from the gaps of their silver-hued armour.

“Wha…!”

Their torsos toppled over as they died on the spot.

“What’s going on down there?!”