Scorched earth1what other word could describe this scene? Everything within a hundred meters of Joshuas blinding ray had been swept away like dust in the wind, leaving nothing behind but a suffocating stillness.

A unique skill? Beo gaped blankly at the scene.

A unique skillalso called a visionwas distinct from aura. One of the great examples was the Big familys swordsmanship. Also Valmonts swordsmanship, which had earned him the moniker of Rapid Star for his lightning-fast blade.

A unique skill? That makes no sense.

Ive never seen anything like this Is he from some fallen family or something? Why the hell is he working as a mercenary?!

Look!

Of all of the numerous undead, only three dullahans were left. Everything elsethe skeletons, the ghoulsdisintegrated before their very eyes. Common sense told them that an attacks power waned the further it went, but this new guy had proved them wrong.

Akshuler cleaned up the rest of the enemies and went over to Joshua. Akshuler was unmatchedhe had enough talent to take down a dullahan without a scratch, equal to a high-ranking knight.

Ive never heard of Duke Agnus having a hidden ability that could create such wide-spread devastation He cast a curious look at Lugia. The spear is unusual as well.

Joshua gave him a cheeky grin.

All Ill say is that youd better leave it at that. Youll get a bloody nose if you keep sticking it in places.

Bloody nose or not, I want to know. Were the rumors from Reinhardt false? Akshuler grinned and then turned his attention to the mercenaries. Without their leader, these undead are just fodder! Make sure you dont get hurt.

The mercenaries shook off their surprise and moved to follow Akshulers directions.

Set up guard!

Having the manager with us is so reassuring.

And we get hidden talents for free!

Marquis Crombells vast host steadily closed on Eiden2 Gorge.

In the Pontiers grand training hall, someone was causing a ruckus.

What is this idiocy? Is this training supposed to stop the Crombells?! Baron Ashval, silver full-plate gleaming in the early sun, bemoaned his knights training.

Baron Ashval led the 1st Knights Order of Pontier, known as the Vanguard. Given that he was a B-Class knight, it was safe to say he was the strongest person in the family.

Crombells forces will arrive in three daysare you going to hold the gorge in this condition?

No!

Im going to lose my mind at this rate! And the family is at the mercy of a woman, like a candle in the wind. Baron Ashval scowled.

Are you referring to the Lady?

Baron Ashvals head jerked.

You

I came to check up on things. Icarus shook her head and groaned. Cain stood behind her wearing a cheeky smile. Like you said, the situation is as tenuous as a candle in the wind. Pray tell, do you intend to create a division of forced conscripts?

Baron Ashvals lips stretched into a sardonic grin.

Scram, little chick, he snarled. I let you run your mouth because the houses leaders were watching, but do you really think that you, with your rank, are qualified to speak to me? This brat!

Baron Ashvals voice was low and quiet, but the training hall was equally quiet. All of the 1st Knights were able to hear him.

Who is that lovely lady?

She looks like the Young Ladys guest. But Icarus is

Ah, that genius strategist from the Academy? Were they a woman?

Is that Sir Cain?

Cain had become a familiar sight to the knights. Hed spent the last three days practicing with them at the Pontiers request. With his snarky, sarcastic demeanor, he fit right in.

They didnt exactly know much about Cain, but he seemed extraordinary. He always had a word of advice when they ran into issues with their training, so the knights were ever so grateful to him.

They were also familiar with Baron Ashvals personalitynow they were worried that Cain might get caught undeservedly in the sparks of his anger.

Your words

You went too far. Cain stepped in front of Baron Ashval, to Icaruss surprise. His face was devoid of its usual playful smile.

Are you Sir Cain? How did you get here? Baron Ashval hadnt been absent for the vassals meeting. As a result, he was unaware of the knights budding relationship with Cain.

I am Cain, in the service of Baron Joshua Sanders.

Baron Sanders? That kid, Baron Sanders?

Oh? So he serves that Baron Joshua. I knew he wasnt just any old knight, but

Isnt Baron Joshua only titled? I havent heard of a knight being appointed to him.

The knights werent overly worried about Cains identity, since he and Icarus were the Young Ladys guestsor rather, they didnt care. Courtesy was one thing, but Cains abilities had earned him their respect.

Baron Ashvals eyes shook.

So youre saying Does that mean Duke Agnus is supporting us?

The knights blinked. This was no longer a question of Joshua Sanderss support, though he was known as a monster with no match. His father was the Empires pride, one of the great Nine Stars.

Cain shook his head.

Unfortunately, we are here solely through my masters will. Duke Agnus is uninvolved.

Oh. Damn it. The knights sighed regretfully. Monstrous as Joshua Sanders was, he wouldnt be able to turn the tides. On their opponents side was one of the Twelve Superhumans, the Mercenary King Barbarian. He hadnt appeared recently, but he could show up at any time and wreak terrible carnage. Only someone stronger would be able to stop him.

At the end of the day, is it pity or embarrassment? Baron Ashval laughed.

What?

Theyve been friends for a long time now. The Baron shrugged. He might send help if hes worried about how he looks to the other families.

Cains expression hardened as he realized what Ashval was implying.

Hes worried that the other nobles will abandon Agnus, so he pretends to see nothing. Then the Duke hands off the problem to someone elsehis child, of course. The corner of his mouth crept upwards. Joshua Sanders then used the Master Battle as an excuse to send you instead

Even if you serve the Pontiers, I will not let you speak ill of my master. Cains eyes burned.

Oh, is that so?