Volume 3 Chapter 170 ‘Glasses’… Or Not？
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
Owl planned to summon the Thorn Demon to the north of the wheat field by sacrificing the ten thousand residents of Ramsey. This was to fulfill Maribel’s order to “protect Ramsey.”
Since the Demon was drawn to the blood and flesh of the living, it would move north from the wheat field toward the Beastmen Alliance’s territory, where they were relocating with their families. Owl’s plan was clear: while the people of Ramsey would be sacrificed, the Beastmen Alliance would also be wiped out. At least the wheat fields, castle town, and warehouses of Ramsey would remain intact, so the land would be “protected” on the surface—just as Maribel ordered.
Where the Demon would go after destroying the Beastmen Alliance was unknown. But considering the population and distance, it would likely aim for Izerland, the nearest major city. That meant Kian needed to return to Izerland early to arrange a counterattack meeting.
The ritual to summon the Demon was already prepared; only the activation remained. Depending on its strength, the residents—who lacked strong magical resistance like the Natra—might literally dissolve. If Kian failed to absorb the ritual’s magic power, his body could melt away, draining his magic and soul. Convincing Owl to reconsider was urgent.
”If you and I work together, we can fulfill Her Excellency Maribel’s order,” Kian said.
”A hundred percent?” Owl asked.
”No… there are never guarantees in battle. But if we choose the right battlefield and prepare well, it won’t be a hopeless fight.”
”How much time do we have? If the battle starts in ten days, won’t we be rushing until then?”
”Well, since we’re protecting Ramsey, we must do everything we can. The people’s lives depend on us.”
”Hah… That’s why, Kian, I don’t want to fight for Ramsey anymore.”
Owl leaned against the balcony railing, staring down at the growing crowd near the castle gate.
Looking closer, the number was staggering.
The square in front of the castle was packed solid, and even the narrow alleys beyond were filled with a black wave of people. This wasn’t just a hundred or two—it was thousands.
The Adventurer Guild leaders said time would calm things down, but Owl doubted it. People near the front wore pots on their heads, holding knives and torches. It was morning, yet they still carried burning torches—likely to set the castle on fire. They were serious. They had come to remove Owl from guardianship, protect Ramsey from internal threats, or escape the looming battle. They were desperate to protect their homes and families.
From Owl’s view, this passion should have been directed against the Beastmen. Instead, their hatred focused on him—the visible, tangible target—not the unseen coalition.
Suddenly, fierce shouts broke out. A man at the front lit a small barrel filled with explosive powder. “Die, Owl!” he screamed. The blast grenade flew toward the castle but was swallowed by the barrier Rufna and others re-established, exploding between two walls of magic. The crowd gasped.
Kian felt a cold sweat.
(Things were worse than expected. At this rate, the residents would only be satisfied if Owl left. But what would happen if he lost his power?)
Owl had more than his own combat skills. He commanded over a hundred undead soldiers and two hundred lower-ranked Bloodsucking Kin. Alongside his hundred knights, his forces numbered over four hundred.
Whether that army remained was crucial.
The coalition had less than three thousand fighters. Thanks to Owl, the gap stayed about seven to one. In a magical battle, having that “meat wall” made a huge difference. It helped protect the magicians from flank attacks. Without defenses, Rufna would fall quickly to enemies like Arminus, ending the fight fast.
Kian grabbed Owl’s hand.
”Maribel wishes not only to protect Ramsey’s land but also its people. She commands you, Owl, to protect the entire merchant city.”
”But I was only told to protect Ramsey,” Owl said. “I can’t read her mind every time. Those people should be purged—they’re throwing blast grenades and firepots. Isn’t that a crime? Without barriers, we’d already be burned alive.”
”Vigilante justice isn’t allowed. They must be brought to trial first—”
”How can we bring that many people before the lord’s court?” Owl glared down at the restless crowd, thick as smoke and dust.
”From a legal perspective, it’s impossible. We have to suppress them by force.”
”However—”
”There is no hiding or sneaking around,” Owl said sharply as he rose from the railing.
”If we call the Demon as a sacrifice, it will kill two birds with one stone. There’s no room for debate.”
”Not everyone in the town is here! It’s absolutely wrong to kill over ten thousand citizens because of a few lawless people. And what about the aftermath? If things go wrong, Izerland will be ruined.”
”Leave that to you and Princess Maribel. I don’t know the details. But if you think giving orders from a safe place is enough, you’re making a huge mistake. Princess Maribel will learn from this. If you truly want to protect Ramsey, trust me fully and support me completely.”
Before Kian could respond, Owl’s gaze caught a sudden movement below. The crowd parted like a sea, swallowing Kian’s words.
Five armored knights appeared, flanked by several burly Adventurers.
Their faces were bruised and battered, and they staggered as they walked. The Adventurers behind them kicked the knights roughly. The knights’ hands were bound with thick ropes, and their legs chained with heavy iron weights.
The crowd’s shouting grew louder. Someone yelled, “Kill them! Make an example!” The Adventurers tightened their grip, drawing large axes from their backs.
Owl’s eyebrows knitted as he saw Kian freeze.
”Kian? …!? You fools! I told you to leave your posts quickly!”
One knight clung to the railing, eyes wide with panic. His claws gouged deep scratches into the white handrail.
”Those slowpokes! That’s why they got caught—because they dawdled! Tch, this is trouble…!”
”Wait, Mr. Owl! What will you do now?” Kian asked, grabbing his arm.
Owl bared his teeth and glared at Kian.
”Of course I’m going to help! They’re useless, but they’re still my subordinates!”
”If you jump in now, it’ll spiral out of control!”
”Ha! If I split them into four or five groups, those idiots will realize what they’re doing and come to their senses. They’re just a rabble—not willing to risk their lives. No need to fear.”
”It’s impossible for five people to handle this! We’ll end up slaughtering dozens. If that happens, the castle lord will be blamed for a massacre! You won’t be able to stay in Izerland!”
As Kian shouted, movements stirred in the square below.
The five knights, brought before the castle, were approached by the deputy commander, who suddenly rushed out from the gate. Owl muttered, “That fool…!” and clicked his tongue. The deputy commander shouted something and stepped toward the Adventurers.
In a flash barely visible to Kian, the deputy’s gaze flicked to the magician’s wand at his waist. He didn’t draw it, stepping outside Rufna’s barrier unprotected to confront the axe-wielding Adventurers.
His words were drowned out by the crowd, but likely he told them to stop trying to free the knights or to go home.
Still, his words crossed a dangerous line.
”Ah…”
Kian or Owl gasped—both froze at the shocking moment.
The deputy commander’s head was smashed as if crushed by a heavy object.
An enhanced Adventurer had thrown aside his axe and struck him down instantly. The deputy commander had no defense.
The hand gripping Owl’s arm was suddenly pushed away.
A terrifying roar filled the air as Owl transformed into a dark, towering monster and leapt from the balcony.
Wings as large as a small dragon’s spread wide as Owl broke through Rufna’s barrier and flew out.
The crowd below had not yet noticed the abnormality.
Owl leapt over the heads of the five axe-wielding adventurers and slashed with his long claws, decapitating all the large men in a single swift strike.
The square fell silent like the tide retreating.
Owl landed heavily, the impact shaking the ground, and stood guard over the five knights. He spread his dark wings wide.
”GRRRROOOARR!” A piercing roar tore through the air, grinding like iron on a whetstone, paralyzing the terrified residents.
”Owl—Tobal Cain!” Kian shouted, reacting instantly. His body moved as if shot backward—or maybe he was just too slow.
Groaning as his feet squeaked, wrapped in ‘Silver Ice,’ Kian jumped straight into the sky. He tore through Rufna’s developing barrier with his Misty Magic Sword and dove down through the crack.
He landed behind Owl, who had raised his claws in panic, and stabbed him in the back while falling onto a resident who had lost her footing in fear.
”SSYAAAAA!”
”Kuh…” Despite being over two meters tall, Owl’s vampire strength was extraordinary. He shrugged off Kian’s arms like swatting flies, pushing him back hard onto the cobblestone street where a crowd had gathered. But Kian quickly stood, shoving Owl aside as the vampire tried to bite a nearby adventurer.
Owl’s massive body was flung into the air with a horrible scream, bouncing off the plaza floor before crashing into a building across the street. The crowd screamed in panic, pushing and shoving to escape. Some people were crushed in the chaos, unable to understand what was happening. The square was in total disarray.
”Fall back! Run quickly!” Kian shouted, holding the Misty Magic Sword, as five knights lay injured and adventurers cowered nearby.
Owl snarled and lunged from the rubble.
Kian blocked Owl’s claws with the Misty Magic Sword and parried the attack.
”Sir Kian!” Natra’s voice called out as she jumped down from a balcony. She crossed the barrier and ran toward them.
”Protect the residents!”
But ignoring Kian’s orders, Natra charged at Owl, forcing Kian to shout again, “It’s fine here! More importantly, shield everyone with shadow thorns! Please!”
”Damn…” Natra gritted her teeth.
”Aaaagh!” Kian pulled all his vampire strength. His muscles bulged, and his eyes glowed red. Fangs bared, he threw Owl away with a powerful force.
But Owl wasn’t fooled twice.
As soon as he was thrown into the air, Owl vanished into black mist, disappearing into the sky. Suddenly, he reappeared above the crowd’s heads, who looked like jars of canned vegetables from that height.
Kian’s eyes widened as Natra, using her magic sword’s power, almost unleashed a wide-range shadow thorn attack at the last moment. The thorns deflected Owl back toward them, forming a protective barrier in front of the crowd and shielding the scattered knights and adventurers.
(Dependable…!)
Kian thought, grateful, as he resumed his fight with Owl.
Amid the stunned silence of the onlookers, flashes of silver light flew between Kian and Owl, orange sparks scattering with every clash.
”GAAAAAAA!” Kian shouted, blocking Owl’s claws with the Windsong Blade and spinning low to deeply slash Owl’s chest.
Owl screamed, clawing his own left shoulder as if in pain.
Seizing the moment, Kian stepped forward and saw thorny black vines spreading out before him.
”────!”
But it wasn’t Natra’s magic—it was Owl’s.
On Owl’s left shoulder, thorny vines burst from spots he’d been scratching since their first meeting.
”Ugh…” Kian swung his Windsong Blade in defense, but the thorns twisted and curled like snakes, wrapping tightly around his right arm. The vines slipped through the gaps in his Silver Ice armor, scratching and constricting his skin, while a numbing poison crept inside.
”…! …!” Kian forced himself not to panic. He activated his vampire life force absorption technique and leapt, pulling the thorns from Owl’s shoulder with a strong yank. Using the momentum, he sliced the vines apart with the Misty Magic Sword and disintegrated the remains with the Windsong Blade.
Screams rose from the crowd behind them as Owl was pushed back dramatically by the wind pressure.
”……”
”────”
Once again, the distance between them grew wider.
Kian didn’t take his eyes off Owl and slowly shook his head. This was as far as it would go. Back off. Or I’ll have no choice but to kill you.
Owl opened his mouth, revealing sharp fangs, and let out a massive roar. The battle wasn’t over. He planned to kill Kian first and then massacre everyone here without mercy.
There’s no other way. I have to kill him.
It didn’t have to end like this. Even if he was the one he’d eventually have to kill, he wanted to repay the kindness he showed him. He wanted to talk to him more — as a friend.
But now, he can’t let him escape.
”────”
Kian’s resolve was instant. His eyes turned cold, and Windsong Blade emitted a sharp whistle as a wind barrier charged with icy air formed around him.
”Master!” “Kian!” “Sir Kian!”
Rufna, Sarah, and Linca burst out from inside the barrier. They quickly understood the situation and cloaked themselves in the auras of ‘Leap’ and ‘Impact.’ Even without Natra, it was four against one. Considering Sarah and Linca’s skill in close combat, Owl had no chance.
Still, Owl wasn’t a fool. Using his intelligence, he launched feather-like projectiles toward the adventurers, protected by shadow thorns. Kian stepped forward, deflecting every attack with his magic sword. In that moment, Owl flexed his legs and sprang into the sky.
”Don’t let him escape! Kill him!” Kian shouted, stepping forward with Windsong Blade ready.
”Thorn magic sword…!”
”Pierce through, silver magic spear!”
Natra and Rufna, each gripping their weapons, began charging a massive magic attack. The three aligned in a straight line, eyes fixed on Owl flapping his wings high above.
But—
Damn, the castle is in the line of fire!
They quickly dispersed the magic energy they had gathered. The wind around Kian spiraled into a circular blast, sweeping the area. Rufna clicked her tongue and lowered her magic bow beside him. Only Natra, adjusting her magic output instantly, launched a black magic strike from her thorn magic sword.
Owl, soaring in the sky, saw this and activated the ultimate technique once used by Linca in the ancient temple—’Wall.’
Secret Technique: Mirror Moon.
It was a supreme skill that reflected an enemy’s magic back at them. Because Natra’s attack had weakened slightly, Owl’s incomplete Mirror Moon managed to absorb the deadly black magic, paused briefly, then retaliated with magic aimed directly at Natra.
The magic changed its attribute and struck Natra’s body, still tense from blocking with her sword.
”Ms. Natra!”
Natra tried to anticipate the attack calmly, but before she could react, Linca leaped forward and executed a perfect Mirror Moon counterattack.
Before Linca could strike again, Owl crossed the castle wall and disappeared into the courtyard. By the time his wings reappeared, he was flying far into the blue sky, beyond the reach of any magic sword.
I understand Kian’s feelings.
A voice drifted down from above, capturing everyone’s attention. They looked up to see the enormous Wing Cain perched on the roof.
If you want to protect the residents of Ramsey so badly, protect Kian alone like I did.
”Wait… Tobal Cain!”
But if I fail, I will go through with my plan. I will resurrect the Thorn Demon!
The crowd murmured in shock. Kian gritted his teeth, knowing it was dangerous to let him speak any longer.
Would they understand? Suddenly, Sarah vanished and appeared behind Wing Cain. She grabbed the monster’s neck and slammed him onto the roof with brutal strength. The heavy clang echoed as Wing Cain’s heartbeat stopped.
Still, Owl’s words continued.
If the number of residents drops below seven thousand, or if anyone tries to damage the sacrificial magic circle, I will activate immediately. Also, beware any strange feelings.
”Tobal Cain! No one wants this! Please stop!”
Heh heh heh. Enough foolish talk. Watch closely, fools of Ramsey. Lord Kian will protect Ramsey now. Your fate depends on whether his plan succeeds. If you don’t want to die, you’d better cooperate.
”Eh────”
(Oh, oh, oh, oh!)
Kian felt all eyes fix on him. Even the knights and residents knew the name of the eccentric Azraelian swordsman. There was no retreat now.
Owl’s voice ended with a chilling laugh and faded away.
Kian and the others just stared blankly at the sky.
”This just got complicated,” Sarah whispered as she teleported lightly beside Kian. “…Lady Linca, thank you so much.”
”No need to thank me. It’s nothing for my comrades.”
”────”
Natra hesitated but chose not to speak about the magic sword’s absorption. Still, for future teamwork, Linca should know.
”Linca, Natra’s magic sword can absorb magic. In cases like that, there’s no need to intervene and protect her.”
”Really?”
”Yes, but I appreciate your effort. Please remember the sword’s effect from now on.”
”Hey, Master, this is bad,” Rufna muttered, cutting Natra off.
Sarah also looked up at the sky with Kian.
”────”
Rufna didn’t need to be told. Kian felt it too. The great barrier around Ramsey was disappearing without a trace.
Owl had stopped maintaining it. Or rather, caused its self-destruction.
The many layers of magical walls, existing since before Oswald’s time, dissolved into the fog, losing their color.
The barriers guarding the fortresses and checkpoints around Ramsey had probably shut down too. Owl was seriously telling Kian, Try everything from start to finish.
And if Kian failed, he would sacrifice all the residents held hostage.
”Lord Kian, this is serious!” the elderly steward shouted as the city gates swung open, followed by the Adventurer Guild leader.
”All the undead soldiers have been silenced! Even the Wing Cain used for communication broke free from its chains and flew away!” he called out again.
Kian sighed quietly. So be it—there was no stopping what was happening now.
They had planned to team up with Owl against the coalition from the start, but now it was clear they had to prepare for the worst.
Kian raised his voice over the murmuring crowd. “Everyone, please return to your homes for now. But the one behind this chaos must stay. If no one remains, we’ll have to issue an official summons again, so keep that in mind.”
Turning back to his group, he ordered, “Take those knights back to the castle entrance. Linca, what’s the condition of the five?”
”One is critical—ribs broken and piercing their lungs. They’re not breathing,” Linca reported grimly.
”Focus on first aid for the other four, then move them inside the barrier. Rufna, please bring the deputy captain’s body through the castle gate.”
”Understood.”
”Hey, Kian, are you okay? That monster with black tentacles attacked you, didn’t it?” Sarah asked, worry clear in her voice as she touched his right arm.
Ignoring the injured knights around them, she seemed only concerned for him.
”No problem. ‘Silver Ice’ finished its self-repair after absorbing my blood.” Natra sheathed his magic sword, the black thorns disappearing completely.
Even after the thorn barrier vanished, the residents looked uneasy, their worried faces silent.
After Linca finished first aid, the four knights and two bodies were brought inside the gate. Once it closed, only eerie silence remained.
* * *
The barriers were gone, and the undead soldiers and lower-rank Bloodsucking Kind had fallen silent. Still, Owl’s last effort—a ceasefire with the Beastmen Alliance—had stopped the worst from happening.
The elderly stewards took responsibility for cremating the fallen knights while Kian gathered Natra, Rufna, Sarah, Linca, and Serena at the castle entrance.
”This is urgent,” Kian said. “We need to repair the barriers at the four forts north of Ramsey and at the town checkpoints.”
He looked at everyone and continued, “Sarah, take charge of two northwest forts. Pick one of Owl’s knights to fly and explain the situation. Do you know the coordinates?”
”I do. One of Owl’s knights just shared them with me.”
”Good. Linca, you handle the two forts in the northeast.”
”Understood. I’ll take a knight to explain.”
”Rufna, you’re on the checkpoints. That might be the toughest job.”
”No problem. I’ll be quick. After, I’ll come straight back here.”
”Thanks.” Kian nodded.
Natra stepped forward. “Sir Kian, I’ll open the gate.”
”Thanks. Go to the southern checkpoint and each fort. Inform the Guard Captains that Owl has stepped down, all barriers are lifted, and the undead and Cain-type beings have left. Be careful not to cause confusion.”
”I understand. I’ll bring a suitable knight with me.”
Kian turned to the wolf-girl. “What about you? What can you do?”
”Sorry, but wait here and manage information. Keep track of what’s happening and share updates when Rufna and the others return.”
”Got it. What will you do?”
”I’m going into the Catacombs to check for the magic circle Owl set. If it’s not there, I’ll find Owl and end this. No use overthinking.”
”That’s important. Maybe Owl never planned the sacrifice ritual. If so, we can evacuate the residents and use strategies like luring enemies inside and picking them off.”
Sarah nodded.
Kian glanced at Natra and Linca. “I won’t stop you if you want to act alone, right?”
”Honestly, I want to go with you… but we’re short on hands. Be careful.”
”There’s not even a one in a hundred chance something’s there. But I trust your skills, Sir Kian.”
Kian nodded and finished, “Let’s all be thorough. We’ll decide the next steps after regrouping.”
They all nodded and left the entrance, leaving Serena behind.
The teleportation barrier was already gone. All that remained was to trust Owl’s knights.
Kian faced Serena. “I’m going now. If I don’t return in two hours, tell Ramsey, the Adventurer Guild master, to send help to the Catacombs.”
”If you don’t come back… don’t say things like that,” she pleaded.
”Just in case. Even if there are undead, they’re not my enemies.”
”Please be careful. I don’t want to lose you, Kian…”
Kian silently placed his hand on her shoulder and stepped quickly through the entrance.
Outside in the yard, Natra was talking with a knight. Kian gave a subtle signal and passed by.
Instead of leaving through the main gate, he jumped down the wall beside it into the empty square. The narrow alley beyond was deserted—everyone had likely retreated home.
He entered the alley on the right side of the square and opened a metal fence a short distance ahead.
Behind it was a green space and, at the far end, the hemispherical building marking the Catacombs’ entrance. The Guild master had already given him the key.
All adventurers investigating inside had been pulled back—if the sacrifice magic circle was disturbed, it would be disastrous.
(I need to explain this to the residents soon. If the Adventurer Guild doesn’t announce something by tomorrow morning, another riot might start.)
As he thought about what to do after regrouping, he considered their forces and supplies—and how to act while the truce held.
(And reporting to Maribel… How should I explain this?)
The frustration of losing control grew.
Kian took a deep breath to calm himself and stepped inside the Catacombs’ entrance building.
—
”Kian.”
The voice was clear and calm—like a soft bell.
”Huh…?” Kian’s heart skipped a beat at the familiar sound.
Moving stiffly, like a broken magical doll, he turned around.
No one was there—yet she was definitely present.
A blonde girl about seventeen from the western lands stood silently. Her waist-length hair draped over her shoulders and chest like a delicate veil.
This was the second time they met.
Kian’s black eyes sharpened.
”‘Glasses’… is that you?”
”Yes, it is I,” she replied with a soft smile.
Talia, as she was called, clasped her hands behind her back and stepped closer with light grace like a bird. Her ruby eyes looked up at him.
”It’s been a while, Kian. Have you been well? Sorry for disappearing without a word.”
Notes:
• Arminus – Male. Leader of the Black Panther Tribe. Possesses extraordinary physical abilities, enhanced by the tribe’s unique technique that repels energy and magic attacks. His speed and strength surpass those of High Warlord Isthbaran. Wields the magic sword Balmung, capable of cleaving through an ice dragon with a single strike. His black fur provides camouflage in low visibility, making him nearly undetectable. Relationship: Leader of the Beastmen Alliance’s delegation.
• Mag – The wolfwoman under Yelmar—the one who was caught by Kian’s group earlier.
• Linca – Jibril’s favorite girl. High-ranking warrior monk woman from Shin, with strong abilities like ignoring attacks and poisons.
• Serena – Wolfmen Girl
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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