CHAPTER 76: CHAPTER 76: THE RING [2]

"Ahaha, how interesting. How did you figure that out?"

From in front of them, a voice rang out.

Following that was a series of heavy footsteps.

Without hesitation, Kael’s group immediately looked towards the source.

"..."

And then, they were so shocked that they didn’t know what to say next.

There, walking out from the darkness, were at least 50 guards.

All of them were fully armed, and their expressions showed that they were ready to attack Kael’s group at any moment.

As soon as the order was given, his group would definitely receive a death sentence.

But that wasn’t all.

Because the next moment, from behind them, at some point, more than 100 guards had appeared.

And he only needed to glance to realize that the ones behind were even stronger than the ones in front.

"...You."

While everyone was stunned by the number of enemies, Kael was speechless for another reason.

It was the owner of the voice that had just rang out.

He was... one of the slaves he had rescued.

"...We saved you from this place, and this is how you repay us?"

The slave shrugged.

"What can I do? When I tried to escape, I was captured by these people. And they said that if I told them who the mastermind was, and their information, I would be allowed to live."

Life was indeed important.

"You guys should understand me, right? If it were you guys, you would have betrayed me anyway, right?"

But, loyalty and gratitude were much more precious.

"Tch."

Kael clicked his tongue, then glanced at all the guards surrounding them.

It was obvious, there was no way they could successfully escape.

There were too many of them.

And even if Hans, Kaede, and Alaric were very strong, they could not fight against such a terrifying number without Ability.

It was hopeless.

While that slave was still blabbering, Kael was pushing his brain to its limits.

’Think... think... think... think...’

He bit his nails.

’Use that trashy brain of yours and think!’

Unfortunately, nothing came to mind.

"Hey Alaric, what are our chances of winning?"

Hans asked the strongest among them.

"...Less than 20%"

The answer couldn’t be worse.

"..."

The protagonist paused, then pursed his lips.

20% was too small a number.

The possibility of them dying here was very high.

However, just when everyone thought there was no chance left, and they were forced to bet everything...

"I have a way to push it above 80%"

That was Darwin’s voice.

And the content of it was like a ray of light shooting through a gloomy sky.

"...And what is that?"

Darwin glanced at the ring on his hand, his eyes suddenly becoming sad for some reason.

"...If the guards behind disappear, then can you guys defeat the guards in front?"

Kaede glanced ahead.

"...Of course. There are only 50 of them, and we have more than enough strength to do so. But, what is your plan?"

Hearing what he wanted to hear, Darwin let out a relieved smile.

Then, he turned towards Erza.

"Sir, it seems like we will have to part ways here..."

The prince’s expression changed.

It seemed like he had realized something.

"...It is a great honor for me to accompany you."

"No..."

Erza shook his head.

"...You can’t do that, Darwin."

"I was very happy, sir."

Under everyone’s puzzled gazes, the prince tried to place both hands on Darwin’s trembling shoulders.

But, Erza was rejected by him.

"If I don’t do that, we will all die."

None of them could keep up with the conversation, but everyone knew that this was not the right time to interrupt.

"...But why does it have to be you? I can do it too."

The prince lowered his head.

No one could see his expression.

"The answer is simple, sir."

"...And what is it?"

"...Because from the moment you saved me from the slums, granting me a new life, this life of mine has belonged to you. And now is the best time for me to repay that favor."

Erza slowly raised his head.

And what entered the prince’s sight was Darwin’s extremely pure smile.

He pursed his lips.

"...So you’re sure?"

"More than ever!"

Darwin replied firmly.

"I’ve been mentally prepared for this day for a long time!"

Erza took a deep breath, trying to suppress the emotions that could erupt at any moment.

Then, his rough hand placed itself on Darwin’s shoulder.

"...Thank you for everything. The Dicathen Kingdom may forget you in the future, but I will not."

"..."

Darwin’s smile grew even brighter.

"I knew you would say that, Your Highness."

At the same time, the two of them turned their backs on each other.

Darwin turned to the back, where there were over 100 guards.

And Erza turned to the front, where there were about 50 guards, and also Kael’s group.

"Let’s go."

With a firm voice, the prince broke the tragic atmosphere.

Then, without waiting for anyone to react, he gripped his sword tightly, and charged forward.

It was only at that moment that everyone came to their senses, and without delay, chased after Erza.

"Attack!"

Realizing this, the leader gave the order.

The next moment, all the guards from both the front and the back rushed towards them.

However, Kael didn’t even feel afraid.

"Hey Erza, what is Darwin planning to do? Why isn’t he running with us?"

He had already had the answer long ago, but he still wanted to confirm it.

The prince pondered, but still decided to speak in the end:

"Unlike us, Darwin’s life is very short. And today... is also the day his life story ends."

***

"..."

Darwin did not feel any fear.

Even though he was facing more than 100 fierce and powerful guards, he had no intention of backing down.

On the contrary, he felt proud.

Because he was able to help the prince of the Dicathen Kingdom.

Just like that, he started running.

— In this life, I am just a supporting character.

— No, a background character is more like it.

— But so what?

— A background character has its own uses!

Darwin’s steps became more certain.

His speed also gradually increased.

— And that effect is... to make the protagonist shine.

He smiled, even though he knew he was about to die.

"...Please continue writing your story, Your Highness."

Darwin glanced at the ring that was given to him by the king.

Ever since he received it, he had never taken it off his finger.

Because this ring was a bomb.

Made for a fool who would sacrifice himself for others.

"Perhaps I really am a fool."

The distance between Darwin and the soldiers gradually shortened.

"...Please help and love this world, Your Highness."

Slowly, he closed his eyes.

Boom!