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Clashing Prides and Border Warfare – Part 03

When Gerhardt, who had been indulging in a heavy drinking session at a Parametria bar, heard about the mock battle, he wasted no time in agreeing. Other Beastmen were equally thrilled, chiming in with comments like “That’s unfair,” and “When’s our turn?”

“I don’t think this is part of a bodyguard’s job,” Hikaru said. He had asked for a moment alone with Luvain after the meeting.

“It’s an opportunity for them to recognize your power,” Luvain replied.

“Do I look like someone who wants recognition?”

“I was quite moved. When the man drew his sword, you appeared silently, ready to defend.”

“Don’t change the subject. I don’t want to do it. Besides, we haven’t even left the country, and you already need guarding? Aren’t you the Pope? You know, the guy at the top of this nation?”

“Consider this: what if someone were to draw their sword against Queen Kujastria of Ponsonia?”

“They’d be arrested.”

“And you would agree that their act clearly constitute treason?”

“Yeah, I guess.”

“Currently, there’s an individual with similar intentions roaming freely within our country. Shouldn’t it be the bodyguard’s duty to neutralize such threats?”

Not another one of his absurd arguments, Hikaru thought.

“All right, fine.”

Hikaru’s job wouldn’t be over until he escorted Luvain to the Empire, so he considered it best to wrap things up quickly.

Hikaru had actually checked the knights’ Soul Boards earlier. The most points anyone had in their stats was 4. There were four of them, one of them being Guildford, who had 4 points on his Sword, while the rest—the young squadron leader included—had three points max.

That guy who tried to draw his sword against the new Pope hasn’t faced any consequences. Luvain’s current position is quite precarious.

“I’ll do it,” Hikaru said with a sigh. “But I expect extra payment.”

“Why, of course. I will think of something that will please you,” Luvain replied with a smile.

Feeling a strange chill, Hikaru said, “I changed my mind.”

“Why?”

“I just don’t want it. Let’s go.”

Hikaru suspected that Luvain was likely to foist more trouble onto him.

Together, Hikaru and Luvain proceeded to the parade grounds within the fortress. Thunderous cheers erupted, shaking the thick city walls. Gerhardt had already arrived, glaring at Guildford and his men from the center of the parade grounds. His slightly bloodshot eyes revealed signs of drinking.

In attendance were not only the Knights Templar but also soldiers originally stationed at the fortress. About half of them displayed open disdain toward the Beastmen, with half of the knights doing the same. Some observed Gerhardt and the Beastmen with genuine curiosity.

Lavia and Paula were absent, presumably tending to the wounded soldiers.

Hmm?

One of the knights’ commanding officers, an older figure, noticed Luvain and gave a slight nod. Luvain either didn’t notice or chose not to acknowledge it.

“So, who am I up against? I can take you all at once if you want.”

Gerhardt’s words were met with boos from the crowd, but he shrugged it off with a fierce grin. There probably wasn’t a knight present who could wield the massive sword planted beside him.

“How about a one-on-one?” Luvain suggested as he approached. “We wouldn’t want to be accused of ganging up on a lone fighter.”

Hikaru checked Gerhardt’s Soul Board just in case.

【Soul Board】Gerhardt Vatex Anchor
Age: 32 | Rank: 59 | 12

【Vitality】
【Natural Recovery】10
【Stamina】13
【Immunity】
【Disease Immunity】3
【Toxin Immunity】2
【Perception】
【Sight】1
【Hearing】3
【Smell】3

【Strength】
【Muscle Strength】18
【Weapon Mastery】
【Greatsword】5

【Willpower】
【Mental Strength】5
【Charisma】5

【Instinct】
【Instinct】4

“…”

His pure musclebrain stats left Hikaru utterly speechless. He had expected it, but witnessing it in person was mind-blowing.

18 points on Muscle Strength?

Lawrence, the commander of the Knights of Ponsonia, had slightly lower physical capabilities compared to Gerhardt, but his Weapon Mastery was superior. Hikaru couldn’t help but think that if the two were to engage in combat, it would be an evenly matched showdown.

I’d better make sure I’m not anywhere near when those two monsters fight.

“Fine, a one-on-one match it is. No need for weapons, then.”

Gerhardt’s words enraged the knights.

“Commander Guildford, let me handle this.”

The young squadron leader who had lost his temper earlier volunteered, and the knight commander gave his approval.

Looks like I won’t have to fight at all.

Watching the match from a distance with Luvain, Hikaru was relieved that Gerhardt had garnered all the attention, sparing him from the fray. As Gerhardt and the squadron leader faced off about five meters apart, the cheers grew louder.

“I’ll let you have the first move, but you’ll regret challenging us knights without weapons.”

Gerhardt yawned widely in response, dug his ear with his pinky finger, and nonchalantly flicked out some earwax.

“You scum!”

Wow, Hikaru thought.

“How dare you mock us!”

I didn’t know people could get this angry. And that huge vein bulging on his head.

The squadron leader brandished his sword with a cry and charged forward, launching a forceful thrust toward Gerhardt. Hikaru thought it was a bad move. Why charge headlong like that? The difference in their physical sizes was unmistakable even at a glance. Why not opt for a more cautious approach? Furthermore, Gerhardt’s bold statement that he didn’t need a weapon suggested a great deal of confidence.

“Hmph.”

As the thrust came forth, Gerhardt slapped the sword from the side with his right hand. There was a loud rupture of some sort.

“Hngh?!”

The sword was sent flying to the left, arcing through the air, hitting the outer wall of the parade ground. It rebounded and spun in mid-air before plunging into the ground.

Swords are sharp on both edges, but touching the flat part wouldn’t cause any harm. There was even a technique to stopping a sword with your bare hands. However, attempting such a reckless act, directly touching a sword thrust with full force, shocked many of the knights. One misstep could have resulted in severed fingers.

“Impossible…”

“Looking away in the middle of a match?”

“Huh?!”

The squadron leader, staring blankly at his sword, suddenly found Gerhardt standing right in front of him.

“Ugh?!”

A swift downward chop on his head, and the squadron leader crumpled to the ground, unconscious.

“Not even enough for a warm-up.” Gerhardt glared at the Knights Templar’s commanding officers. “I told you to come at me all at once.”

As one might expect from the most powerful force in the entire nation, the captains were taken aback by what just transpired, but none lost their morale.

“Don’t get too cocky now, filthy Beastman.”

Among them, Guildford, the Knights Templar’s commander, was likely the most frustrated. Even if he knew the young squadron leader was not capable enough, being helplessly defeated by an unarmed opponent resembled the current situation, where Einbiest’s army loomed on the outskirts of the holy city, their figurative sword held at the nation’s throat.

“Everyone! Draw your weapons!”

Upon the commander’s orders, the captains unsheathed their blades.

“When I said everyone, I meant everyone!”

The command was directed at all present—both knights and soldiers. Even though they were mere spectators, they hurriedly rose and drew their swords. The reason was plain to see.

“Our archenemies, the Confederacy of Einbiest, are right here! Mobilize the entire army and annihilate them!”

Throwing aside concepts like chivalry and justice, Guildford had resolved to kill Gerhardt and his men.

No, it’s not just Gerhardt.

Guildford pointed at Luvain. “Archpriest Luvain, in a vile act of treachery, brought these foul Beastmen into the fortress! A grave sin. You will be executed right here!”

He charged Luvain with an offense and planned to kill him, too. Many knights and soldiers stirred, doubtful about the accusation.

Hikaru glanced at Luvain and noticed a faint smile playing on the man’s lips.

“Just to clarify, was this all part of the plan?” Hikaru asked.

“I’m not sure what you mean by that. However, I didn’t anticipate the knight commander to be this short-fused. And he is overly violent. On the other hand, Lord Gerhardt, who seeks a resolution without bloodshed, appears more civilized.”

Hikaru couldn’t bring himself to agree with the last part. If Gerhardt was facing a stronger opponent, he’d gladly spill blood everywhere.

Luvain stepped forward. “Knight Commander Guildford. Like I have said: in the final moments of His Holiness, he entrusted me with the title of the next Pope. There are numerous witnesses, and that is why the holy city has regained its stability.”

Murmurs among the knights grew louder. Any rumors that might have circulated might have been controlled by Guildford, who coveted the Pope’s seat. Whatever accurate details had not reached the knights, causing unrest among them upon hearing Luvain’s words.

“Silence! You purged the other esteemed archpriests. You solidified your position by killing your rivals and began a reign of terror. You’re an archpriest with blood in your hands!”

Hikaru saw Luvain’s expression turn cold and tense. What the man said was true, but on the other hand, the archpriests had committed crimes that, when viewed through the lens of the law, warranted a death sentence. Otherwise, a man like Luvain wouldn’t have meted out such a risky punishment.

However, bringing it up now and admitting the purge as a fact wouldn’t be wise.