Chapter 197

    197: The Conqueror [2]

    “Please step aside.”

    Along with that line, a black rose blooms, as if denying the world, blossoming nobly.

    This moment blesses the birth of a new pair of saplings while simultaneously heralding the approach of a calamity that will swallow a towering tree whole. Ulysses gazed at the young boy holding the black sword before him.

    His face, which seemed to have just reached adulthood, still looked youthful, and despite having grown, his physique remained somewhat small. Truthfully, his body structure wasn’t one that would typically show the makings of a remarkable knight, but the overwhelming force he now exuded was at least on par with that of a one level below grand duke demon.

    The third form of the initial stage of the Supreme Black Sword, [Black Blade Falling Petals]. This was an overwhelming sword technique that most people couldn’t even mimic. It required not only overwhelming mana but also the ability to wield it with precise, elegant movements. On top of that, it demanded a shockingly beautiful sword dance

    Was this even possible? Yet, that thought didn’t linger.

    ‘...It seems Theo was hiding something too. And something far more astonishing than that old fool Celsus. This... could be dangerous.’

    Ulysses couldn’t help but think that way.

    It wasn’t just because she was intimidated by the young boy. Nox von Reinhaver had techniques that could make anyone tense, and this was a natural reaction born of instinctual animalistic senses.

    In a way, her body was diligently warning her about Nox.

    Dangerous. So, I must do my best to bring him down.

    ''Theo von Reinhaver, was he his successor?... No, He’s too young for that.’

    Given that he wielded the black sword, he must undoubtedly be one of Theo’s sons.

    But for a rightful successor, he still felt somewhat unripe. His face, his physique—both still incomplete, like a novice swordsman. Ulysses had no memory of ever seeing his face.

    ''If it were Theo’s rightful successor, wouldn’t it be Garen von Reinhaver? Perhaps something happened in between that caused a change.’

    Although Ulysses had seen Garen before, the boy before him was clearly different.

    From the aura he exuded to his appearance, his tone, and even his attire—everything was different. But these were all superficial elements. The biggest difference between this boy and Garen lay elsewhere.

    “[Black Blade Falling Petals]... A clean, uncluttered sword. I met the eldest of the Reinhaver family, thinking he had talent, but I was disappointed. he was a complete fraud... Or was it intentionally hidden?”

    Ulysses paused briefly before continuing.

    “Who are you, young lamb of the Reinhaver family?”

    “For someone who can’t tell whether I’m a lamb or a wolf, you’re speaking too lightly”

    “Surprisingly, you have some manners.”

    As the two exchanged words, their power struggle continued. To be precise, it was the clash between Paracelsus and Nox, their basic forms, against the [Heaven-Breaking Sword]. This was slowly forcing Ulysses’ body to retreat.

    Even though she possesses the name of one of the three Sword Emperors, a genius, and a Bloodthirsty killer, facing two opponents was no easy task. Both of them were also born with the genius talent.

    That’s why Paracelsus had waited for Nox. Even when he heard the news that Nox had suddenly disappeared, he alone, along with Zitri, remained completely unfazed.

    ''As expected, he’s on a different level. Nox von Reinhaver. To think he’d grow this much...’

    After all, Nox doesn’t abandon the things he loves. As long as there’s someone here who still needs his help, he will never leave anyone behind. Though I don’t fully understand him, Nox was originally that kind of person.

    Faintly, he might be a cunning schemer who doesn’t fully reveal his true intentions, but the endings he creates are always better than the worst I could imagine. In terms of striving to go further, he was also naturally gifted.

    I have no choice but to admit it.

    I can’t forget what happened with Aeloi, and it’s etched into my heart, but labeling all nobles as arrogant and the countless misunderstandings that arise from there won’t make me any better.

    ''Nox von Reinhaver is stronger than me. He’s the closest to the Sword Emperor and has even defeated a Grand Duke. That’s why, as the old man said, I’ll target him. I’ll surpass you someday.’

    Paracelsus.

    Living up to the name his master gave him is somewhat gratifying, but Paracelsus knew well that it also meant losing sight of his own goals. That’s why he set his own goal and erected it like a wall in a corner of his heart.

    Somewhere here, Aeloi’s name. Somewhere, Celsus’ name. And somewhere, Nox’s name will be engraved. Now, I have no choice but to admit it.

    Nox von Reinhaver has become the object of his admiration.

    Paracelsus tightly gripped his sword and spoke.

    “She’s an enemy I can’t defeat. You know that, right?”

    “Yeah.”

    “That’s why I’ll only open the path for you. Even so, the probability of success is low.”

    “You’re quite good at using difficult words for a commoner.”

    “Shut up. I’m not joking.”

    Paracelsus spat out the words as if exhaling broken breath.

    At the same time, a pool of blood fell to the ground with a plop, spreading in a circular pattern like a fireball, burning everything around it before exploding with a bang. Nox’s eyes narrowed.

    Ulysses narrowed her eyes and continued.

    “The Night of Slaughter. It started from then. Theo von Reinhaver. Even he gradually weakened. Nox von Reinhaver... Sword Emperor, I, Ulysses, ask you.”

    “What do you fight for?”

    “That’s a ridiculous question.”

    “A knight.”

    She interrupted Nox’s words and continued.

    “becomes stronger when there’s something to protect. That’s why Theo weakened. After ''her’ death, he gradually became weaker. But you’re strong now. So answer me, Nox von Reinhaver.”

    What are you fighting to protect?

    This question caught the attention of Paracelsus and Leon, who were fighting behind.

    Just as the other soldiers were being subdued and his comrades were returning, they encountered Nox. Eleanor and Christopher had also just arrived at the Sidus’ hall.

    ''Nox...!’

    Thalia bit her lip. She instinctively knew that this was another situation she couldn’t save him from. That’s the intuition of a knight.

    Sharp, and a wall that can only be overcome by risking one’s own death. Her pitiful eyes turned toward Nox. Then, it became a spark, and soon everyone’s eyes focused on one place.

    Nox von Reinhaver.

    In truth, Ulysses’ question was something everyone here had been wondering about. They had all received help from him, but they didn’t fully understand why. Why had he saved them?

    It wasn’t as if they had done anything for Nox. So why had he done it?

    But whether he knew their gazes were on him or not, Nox simply put strength into his black blade and held a faint smile.

    Whether he could spit it out or not, whether it would be his last breath or not, Nox simply let out a breath and smiled.

    For the first time, a pure, innocent smile. After showing it, he took his stance.

    “What I want to protect is........”

    The thing I loved so much.

    “This world and.”

    The ones who saved me even in the face of death.

    “A lot of comrades and.”

    And...

    “Myself.”

    Shwaaat——!

    [Black Blade Flash].

    The most basic form of the Reinhaver family’s sword.

    It was aimed precisely at Ulysses, striking at none other than the Sword Emperor at close range.

    But this time, it was different. After a single exchange, the sword, which had been rising vertically, bent unnaturally and returned to Nox’s side, hanging at his waist.

    Soon after, the sword, now tinged with purple, began to change form.

    Ulysses’ brow furrowed.

    “This... pure white...!”

    Nox’s pitch-black blade had now turned pure white. The sword, based on the southern swordsmanship of Chader, gradually transformed into a new form.

    Moonlight Sword, the initial stage, third form.

    [Moon Split].

    Nox’s transformed sword struck toward Ulysses, the legitimate successor of the [Heaven-Breaking Sword]. As if to say, Try to block this if you can. But at that moment, Ulysses could only think one thing.

    ''It’s dazzling. Perhaps...’

    Even more than Esteban in the past.

    The moment they clashed, Ulysses realized that even if she blocked this sword, she would be injured. In the end, the towering tree knelt before the two, no, one tender sapling.

    Shwat——!

    With a splatter, a fountain of blood erupted from Ulysses’ nape.

    “You’ve... won. Another young knight.”