Chapter 221
They had crossed over without casting cognitive disruption, just to appear like a normal party.
But to cause such a commotion all at once.
No one had expected that.
It seemed they had badly underestimated the users' thirst for a hidden piece.
Seonghyun thought it best to reapply the cognitive disruption now, so he asked Fiora to cast it again.
Only when the users could no longer recognize them did they manage to move more comfortably.
By the way,
Seonghyun mused.
‘So that's how a High Elf feels.’
He had assumed they weren't often seen.
But to see their stature was truly impressive.
He resolved to be more careful going forward.
“High Elves usually don’t appear unless it’s by the World Tree or in very specific locations,” explained Silvanor.
Hearing that, the users’ reactions made more sense.
In other words, unless one was a ranker-level user, seeing one so easily was rare.
And since it had appeared suddenly in the sixth region,
their surprise was justified.
Having learned this lesson, Seonghyun came to infiltrate the Knight Order based on the faint remaining memories of Hindel.
He wondered whether to head toward the Knight Order.
Just as he started moving, he sensed a faint presence from an alley.
No, more precisely, it wasn’t a presence in the usual sense...
‘Ghosts?’
Now that his abilities had improved, he was able to detect ghosts in a broader radius.
He could sense their presence clearly.
Though ghosts were common enough to dismiss, a different feeling made him tilt his head.
Not that this was an ordinary ghost.
Multiple ghosts were gathering cautiously, approaching Seonghyun.
What was this?
It was his first time experiencing something like this.
Several ghosts gathered and approached.
They bore no ill will.
All ghosts held favorable feelings toward Seonghyun.
Curious, he waited.
Soon…
A voice came forth.
-Noble one, might you help us?
This was unusual for him.
Ghosts suddenly coming up to him to ask for help.
Seonghyun found the situation somewhat refreshing.
Ghosts had always tried to give him something, but rarely asked for assistance.
In other words, this must be a matter serious enough for even ghosts to seek help from Seonghyun.
That thought naturally arose.
Looking at the ghosts, Seonghyun sensed their desperation, almost pleading.
He examined them, noting they were all dressed in knight uniforms.
The number was roughly five.
However, judging by their unjust appearances,
‘What were they afflicted by?’
Usually, such cases were linked to hidden quests.
Even from Seonghyun’s perspective, there was no reason to refuse.
Most importantly,
-I-I heard from spirits that drifted in from other cities… that you helped other spirits.
-We feel it is only right to offer you something, but have failed to do so. We apologize.
-But if you help us, we will share all that we know!"
The ghosts who earnestly pleaded for help.
Their unfamiliar earnestness made Seonghyun’s desire to help grow even larger.
Reaching out with the intent to listen, Seonghyun absorbed their memories and experiences.
Their faces became filled with joy.
As if they knew he was willing to help.
[‘Unknown Power’ manifested ability beyond current stats.] ×5
[Strength +2, Agility +2, Stamina +2 increased permanently.] ×5
A total strength, agility, and stamina increase of ten.
Given the total was six, they were all skilled knights.
Their experiences were undoubtedly impressive.
After reading their memories, Seonghyun recalled a word.
“Equinox Knights……”
He murmured the name of Equinox Knights.
And said the name aloud,
Maybe,
‘I might also resolve Hindel’s memories.’
Seizing a great opportunity, Seonghyun smiled with satisfaction.
Helena, standing beside him, asked,
“What will you do?”
“First, let’s find Leon Banzar.”
0.
At the outskirts of Sysbalt,
Among shabby-looking buildings,
A man, once robust, staggered out with a furrowed brow.
He had no particular plans.
‘Damn it.’
The man, weakened to the point he could barely move, left his home to buy food.
His pride hurt by the act.
But his hunger made it unbearable.
He hooded himself deeply, went to a nearby shop to buy simple ingredients, and hobbled home.
He wondered if he should live like this.
But the injustice left him unable to die.
His survival was a pitiful existence.
He knew if he died, all would be buried.
Waiting for the day of revenge,
He continued living.
‘Will that day ever come?’
Perhaps his vengeance had dulled.
Or maybe despair made his life feel meaningless.
He headed home with a troubled gait.
He could tell from his strained movements that the man’s once strong muscles and body had all withered away.
If not for that accident, he wouldn’t have ended up in such a state.
Worse still, his subordinates had been caught up in that tragic event.
He harbored deep resentment for it.
Though he longed for revenge,
Could anyone achieve it with such a pitiful body?
To be honest,
‘Even at full strength, the opponent was difficult.’
He needed someone to replace him and handle the matter,
But wondered if anyone would help him given his feeble state.
One despair led to another.
He felt the end was near.
A sigh escaped him as he looked upward to the sky.
He truly wished to end it all.
But the burden of duty to avenge clashed with his broken will.
He resented that ironic predicament.
On his way home,
Four figures wearing black robes and deep hoods appeared before him.
Though weakened and uncomfortable in his body,
He was still sensitive enough to feel their formidable power blocking his path.
Each one was strong—altogether, their strength surpassed even his former self.
It was no surprise they appeared.
‘They came hunting me after all.’
Despite his broken body from the accident,
Were they coming now to snatch what little remained?
That surge of emotions radiated outward.
Though diminished, he still commanded respect as one of the former powers in the city.
Raising his energy, he braced himself.
He did not hide his displeasure, removing his hood.
“I assume Ragna sent you.”
His harsh words carried weight.
The figure at the forefront stepped forward, removing his robe and revealing a dark mask.
“No.”
Silence followed.
Though he denied it,
The man did not believe him.
Perhaps trust was difficult under these circumstances.
The masked man stepped closer.
“We were sent by Wehard to fulfill a final request before his death.”
“Wehard?”
“Yes. We are from the Equinox Knights. I am Leon Banzar, captain of the Equinox Knights.”
“...”
Surprised, the man’s eyes widened.
He heard the name of his subordinate as they said they had come seeking him.
However, one must not lower one’s guard.
It could be a trap to lure him using emotional appeals.
Though such thoughts crossed his mind, the man—no, Leon—looked at the young man standing before him.
If this were indeed a trap,
A sweet deception trying to lure him by invoking the name of Wehard, who had suffered alongside him,
He thought it might not be so bad to fall into it.
With that, he answered,
“All right. Follow me.”
After Leon’s words,
“I am Seonghyun. Pleased to meet you.”
1.
When they entered Leon’s shabby home,
Seonghyun looked at Leon with a hint of pity.
The once sturdy captain of the now-declining city’s Equinox Knights Order,
Now in this state.
Leon seemed conscious of this and spoke, looking around with a somewhat pitiful expression,
“Make yourself comfortable.”
There were only two chairs at the table, so Seonghyun took the chair opposite Leon, with Helena and Fiora, and Silvanor standing behind.
Leon glanced at them and let out a small sigh, nodding as he spoke,
“So, you were entrusted with avenging Wehard?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
“...Wehard survived back then...?”
It was an unthinkable situation.
No one could believe survival was possible.
Leon cast a subtle doubt in Seonghyun’s direction.
Seonghyun nodded knowingly.
He handed Leon a notebook.
Leon’s eyes widened upon seeing it.
“That... is Wehard’s diary.”
“Yes. If you look at the last entry, you’ll understand.”
Leon opened the diary to the page as told by Seonghyun.
It contained a plea asking that Leon end the one who sullied the Equinox Knights together with him—Ragna Ekrion.
The handwriting was indeed Wehard’s.
Upon seeing that, Leon looked up.
Seonghyun continued,
“I found it by chance while hunting near the cliff.”
It was real.
After reading the spirit of Wehard, he retrieved the diary from the cliff.
Though this started the quest,
Leon’s belief seemed halfway uncertain.
Waiting, Leon closed his eyes for a moment and nodded.
“All right, I’ll trust you. But Ragna Ekrion isn’t someone to be taken lightly.”
“I’m aware. That’s why I’m attempting to infiltrate the Equinox Knights. Could you possibly write a letter of recommendation?”
Leon’s face twisted.
From his view, Seonghyun was a stranger.
A stranger asking for a letter of recommendation?
Nonsense.
Even if written, only a knight can use such a letter.
No matter how strong, a stranger wouldn’t be able to wield it.
“A letter of recommendation is only valid for knights, and you don’t have a knighthood…”
“I do.”
“...?”
A stranger with a knighthood?
How?
Leon looked at Seonghyun with disbelief.
Seonghyun simply smiled.