------------------
[Translator - Kiteretsu]
[Proofreader - Kyros]
------------------
Chapter 91
Chris felt a sense of frustration.
‘That infinite sword from earlier… it’s probably too difficult to materialize right now.’
If he could manifest even a fraction of that mental image, he would become far more powerful.
‘I have to get stronger. Stronger.’
Though he was already growing stronger at a rapid pace, Chris always felt a lingering anxiety.
Thinking of the enemies he would face ahead, he knew he had to become much stronger than he was now.
At that moment, he heard Marie’s voice from outside.
[Master… I’m sorry, but… do you have a moment?]
“Hm? What is it?”
When he stepped outside, Melin and Alros were standing there.
Alros looked worn out, his face gaunt—likely from all the hardship under Melin’s training.
Melin was the same as ever, but when she saw Chris, her eyes widened.
“…You’ve gotten stronger. As expected of the one I chose to serve.”
Her gaze gleamed dangerously.
With a face that seemed like she wanted to spar right then and there, Chris let out an awkward cough.
“Right… so, what’s going on?”
“There’s a report I need to deliver. Young Lord Mysak has become the commander of the Dark Ghost Unit.”
Chris frowned.
“The Dark Ghost Unit?”
“Yes. It may be a temporary post, perhaps to avoid drawing attention, but in truth, it’s no different from a formal appointment.”
It wasn’t unusual for a favored direct bloodline member to be made a commanding officer in an elite combat unit.
The problem was that it was the Dark Ghost Unit.
‘Why that one, of all things?’
If it was just about earning merit, there were far more suitable units.
But the Dark Ghost Unit was a special force that operated in the Darks.
‘There must be another motive. Don’t tell me…’
Melin seemed to share the same thought, nodding heavily.
“It could be that the young lord is their target. They might be planning to conduct an operation together, only to use the Dark Ghost Unit’s power to strike him from behind.”
It was a plausible suspicion.
With the Dark Ghost Unit’s capabilities, it was entirely possible to assassinate Christian without leaving a single trace.
“The Dark Ghost Unit is among the top forces even within our Dark Demonic House’s combat divisions. It would be wise to lay low for the time being.”
The Dark Demonic House’s forces were divided into two types.
First, the large-scale knight orders.
Numerous in number and forming the core of their military power.
Second, small elite units divided by purpose.
The Dark Ghost Unit was counted among the very best of these elite forces.
‘Even though it’s just a “combat unit,” every single one of its members is said to be at least 3-star. Several of them are 4-star. The previous commander recently retired due to severe injuries from a mission, though.’
For reference, the former commander of the Dark Ghost Unit was a 5-star demon.
Mysak was appointed as the successor to that commander, who had stepped down due to injury.
‘Still, with this level of strength, the Dark Ghost Unit is comparable to one of the top knight orders in the kingdom from the Allied side. And it’s not even a knight order, just a single combat unit…’
Chris clicked his tongue in disbelief.
He once again felt the overwhelming might of the Magus Empire.
‘Even if I’ve reached 4-star, there’s no way I can fight and win against the Dark Ghost Unit.’
However—
Chris’s gaze sank low.
‘What if I used the power of the Sacred Radiance?’
Now, as a bearer of the Sacred Radiance, he had reached 5-star.
From 5-star onward, one was referred to as “Elder Class,” and recognized as a true powerhouse wherever they went.
‘If the commander—a 5-star-level opponent—were still active, even using the Alliance’s strength would make it difficult. Fortunately, the original commander has stepped down due to injuries. In that case, it might be possible to take them on.’
Of course, this wasn’t something to take lightly.
Even without the commander, the remaining strength of the Dark Ghost Unit was formidable.
Their weakest members were 3-star.
There were plenty of 4-stars as well.
The deputy commander was a high 4-star demon, close to 5-star.
Even as a 5-star Sacred Radiance wielder, it wouldn’t be easy for Chris to take them all on alone.
But even so—
‘I can win.’
Why?
It was simple.
Because he was a genius.
If the difference in power was only slight, there was no way he would lose.
‘On the contrary, this is a chance to deal with that bastard Mysak.’
Chris had already been looking for a chance to eliminate Mysak.
If the other side created the opportunity, all the better.
‘If I wait, they’ll contact me soon.’
As expected—
A knock came from outside.
“Young Lord Christian, the Marchioness is calling for you.”
“What’s the matter?”
“She says there’s a mission she intends to assign to you and the other heirs.”
“A mission?”
The attendant bowed and continued.
“Yes. It seems the shadow of a swordsmanship noble house has been spotted infiltrating the territory of the main family. The heirs are being tasked with tracking and capturing that shadow.”
* * *
‘They’re targeting me with this mission.’
Chris caught on immediately.
Otherwise, there was no reason to assign such a mission to the heirs.
It was obvious they intended to attack him once he was lured to an isolated area while pursuing the shadow.
‘But why would a shadow from a swordsmanship noble house enter the Dark Demonic House’s territory?’
Normally, the shadows of the swordsmanship noble houses operated within the Alliance. It was rare for them to infiltrate deep into Magus Empire lands.
Given the symbolism of being a swordsmanship noble house, recklessly trespassing into the Magus Empire could escalate into a major conflict.
‘In any case, this works in my favor. I’ll deal with the Dark Ghost Unit and that bastard Mysak, then pin it all on the swordsmanship house’s shadow.’
Coincidentally, the swordsmanship Chris was most proficient in was also that of the swordsmanship noble house—so it was a perfect fit.
“We're ready. But really, is it okay with just the two of us? Should I call some other comrades I’m close with?”
“Y-Yes! Isn’t it dangerous? Maybe you should reconsider this mission? I-I’m not saying this out of fear, it’s just... I’m worried about your safety, Young Lord!”
Melin and Alros each spoke.
If the Dark Ghost Unit was truly targeting Christian, then the danger was real.
Even Jupien suddenly showed up and said something unexpected.
For reference, Ashid was excluded due to injuries, and Yulian was on another mission—so only Mysak, Jupien, and Chris were participating in this mission among the heirs.
“We’ll let you board with us.”
“Huh?”
“I’m saying you can ride along with us.”
It was an offer to help.
If he traveled with Jupien’s group, the Dark Ghost Unit would be less likely to act recklessly.
However—
“It’s fine. I don’t need it. Instead, can I ask one favor from all of you?”
“??”
Chris smiled slyly at the puzzled faces looking his way and opened his mouth.
It was the beginning of the operation.
* * *
Fwoosh!
Chris moved through the forest alone.
Even though the Dark Ghost Unit was after him—he was moving solo?
‘Because I’ve used Melin and Jupien to confuse the Dark Ghost Unit’s movements.’
What Chris had asked for was simple.
To buy time.
They used various magic tools to create diversions.
He had taken advantage of the tools the Dark Ghost Unit used to track their targets based on magical patterns—redirecting them in the wrong direction.
‘Since I modified the disruption devices myself, they’ll waste quite a bit of time.’
Within that window, Chris planned to capture the swordsmanship noble house’s shadow.
‘I need to capture the shadow before anyone else does.’
He would catch the shadow and hide them somewhere no one would find.
Then, after eliminating the Dark Ghost Unit and Mysak, he’d pin everything on the shadow.
Finally, Chris would eliminate the shadow and take all the credit.
‘It’s a perfect two-for-one plan—getting rid of Mysak and earning merit.’
Since he’d be the one to kill the shadow who supposedly killed the Dark Ghost Unit and Mysak, the credit would be all his.
‘Well, there’s no need to feel guilty about the shadow anyway.’
Shadows were the ones who handled the dirty work for the swordsmanship noble houses.
They committed all sorts of unspeakable crimes—things unimaginable for someone from the Alliance.
‘But what is that bastard Evan doing right now? This is the prime time for him to be active as a shadow.’
Chris’s expression soured as he thought of the Hero Evan.
Memories of the recent hellish hardship he endured resurfaced, making him feel annoyed all over again.
‘This hell should’ve been Evan’s problem, not mine. Why did I have to regress... When I see him again, I’m punching him first.’
Of course, Evan wasn’t at fault at all for Chris’s regression.
But there’s no need for a reason.
It’s simply Evan’s fault.
I’m going to hit him once.
‘Anyway, is it this way? The concealment is very textbook.’
Chris briefly stopped and looked at the bent foliage.
At a glance, the direction seemed to be northeast—but that wasn’t it.
It was a typical misdirection technique used by shadows.
A few more decoys had been added, but they were all methods Chris was familiar with.
‘If I put all these decoys together and work out the answer... then southeast should be correct. Still, doesn’t seem like a very capable shadow. Then again, that explains why a so-called shadow is being exposed and chased like this.’
Come to think of it, this shadow was pretty ridiculous.
From the information he’d gathered, the shadow had barely entered the territory of the Dark Demonic House before being discovered.
‘What kind of shadow is this stupid? Is this even a real shadow?’
Well, it didn’t really matter.
‘Just a little further from here.’
Chris slowed his pace.
‘Blood?’
There were specks of blood scattered ahead—likely left behind by the target.
‘A wound from being pursued?’
Judging by how much the blood had dried, they weren’t far.
They were nearby.
‘Where?’
Fwoosh!
In that instant, something chilling happened.
A radiant sword of light burst through the trees.
A holy blade matching the level of a Black Sword.
It was a Mana Blade!
“!!”
Chris quickly twisted his neck backward.
The blade narrowly grazed past.
‘Death Sea Flash?’
A secret technique of the swordsmanship noble house!
And it wasn’t just moderately skilled.
‘A shadow with this level of mastery?’
Of course, there were powerful ones among the shadows too.
But they were usually specialized in stealth and ambush—not direct confrontation.
That’s why Chris had taken this a bit lightly.
But that strike just now—it was like something a fully trained knight of the swordsmanship noble house would execute.
His vigilance flared up sharply.
‘This guy’s strong. Maybe even stronger than me.’
Chris moved his hand urgently.
Clang!
Chris’s sword barely deflected the opponent’s.
His hand throbbed and trembled.
‘At least mid 4-star or higher.’
The biggest problem was that the opponent seemed used to head-on combat.
The thrusting sword was incredibly aggressive.
A relentless barrage of destructive heavy strikes!
‘What kind of shadow fights like this?’
Chris clenched his teeth.
After being caught off guard once, he’d been getting pushed back continuously.
‘In this situation, it’s hard to use the Black Sword infused with will.’
If he tried to forcibly draw out its power, he’d more likely leave an opening and get his head cut off instead.
That’s how tight this fight was—no room for error.
‘I need to turn the tide.’
Chris twisted his body slightly.
It was a feint.
So natural it flowed like water—impossible not to react to.
Sure enough, the opponent responded instinctively.
Fwoosh!
The Mana Blade fell, aiming for Chris’s opening.
The brilliantly glowing blade nearly sliced off his arm.
‘Now!’
The black magic he had prepared in advance unfolded.
Curse of the Mire.
Curse of Delirium.
And simultaneously, Fog of Pressure.
Simple 2-star black magic spells.
But effective enough to momentarily break the opponent’s balance.
Especially since they erupted in a chain, making them difficult to react to—and indeed, the enemy staggered for a moment.
‘Now!’
Black Sword transformation.
Duel Flame.
Fwoosh!
Flames from the Black Sword flared up in front of the enemy’s legs.
A flame that erupted suddenly, with no warning. Chris had suspended magical energy in midair and ignited it with a delay—an advanced trick only he could pull off.
He intended to cut the enemy’s legs and subdue him like this—
“!!”
Chris’s eyes widened.
The opponent did something completely unexpected.
------------------
[Translator - Kiteretsu]
[Proofreader - Kyros]
------------------
