Chapter 334:
Viktor, with his special gear and improved physical skills as a superhuman, could stay unseen to regular folks without even shifting. These qualities helped him amplify the effectiveness of the Sword Saint’s Phantom Shadow technique multiple times.
The main temple, known for its stricter security compared to royal palaces, didn’t have any guards noticing Viktor as he moved between shadows, evading even the sharp senses of the Holy Knights.
However, upon reaching his target building, Viktor had to halt.
Among the ancient-feeling temple structures, one white building, although not large, stood out due to its high security. Despite being smaller than a common chapel in the MacLaine Diocese, this building had exceptionally tight security.
This was Viktor’s original goal. Initially, seeing the airtight defenses indicating the presence of the Saintess inside had comforted him.
But soon, something unexpected caught Viktor’s attention.
“...Magic?”
Though not as sharp as his superior, Viktor’s senses were remarkably heightened compared to other knights of his rank. His enhanced awareness picked up an unusual energy flow within the target building.
“Magic in a temple?”
The temple recognized other supernatural forces like force and mana but considered them lesser powers compared to divine power.
So, discovering a magical security system within the temple was surprising. Yet, Viktor quickly realized it might be logical.
“If the individual confined there has mastered holy law, then a divine barrier would be ineffective.”
This only raised the likelihood of Saintess Illia being present.
While it seemed a bit unnecessary to prepare to bypass a divine barrier, this situation might actually work in his favor.
Everything appeared to be going smoothly until Viktor sensed a presence that dampened his confidence.
“Wow, I’ve heard the temple knights are strict, but this exceeds my expectations. The discipline here must be incredibly rigid.”
A middle-aged man with a cheerful expression maneuvered through the temple knights on guard.
Unlike the Holy Knights in their armor adorned with concentric circles in different colors, this man wore armor with an intricate golden dragon design and casually interacted with the temple knights.
“Hey, hey!”
He tapped their shoulders and waved his hand in front of their eyes, but the Holy Knights remained unresponsive. Losing interest, the man sat down, appearing disheartened.
“The higher their rank, the more emotionless they become? The more elite, the more stoic they turn? How dull.”
It seemed like he was intentionally provoking the Holy Knights in the heart of the central temple. An ordinary person would have faced severe consequences for such behavior, but the Holy Knights chose to ignore him completely.
“Hey, don’t be like that. I don’t want to be here either. This is such a pointless task. Why would an Empire general—…ugh, if it weren’t for the prince, no, if it weren’t for the crown prince, I would’ve just…”
The man punched the air, looking genuinely pitiful. His tone was light, his demeanor carefree, but his words carried weight.
Not merely a knight but a general. In the Empire, the title “general” was reserved for the leaders of the Eastern 8th Legion or the Western 7th Legion.
In essence, this seemingly carefree man was none other than—
“An Aura User.”
With his blonde hair and pale complexion, the man could pass as a reasonably attractive middle-aged individual if not for the long scar across his right cheek and his clouded left eye, nearly sightless.
“...Who was he again?”
Thanks to his superior’s insistence, Viktor had memorized the characteristics of all the Empire’s legion commanders. He swiftly recalled the answer to his question.
“Western 7th Legion Commander. Crazy Sword, Max Illeia.”
“The Empire’s western forces probably won’t attack our territory. If the Empire initiates warfare, they’ll need to reinforce their defenses on the western front too.”
“Although if the situation intensifies, they might deploy superhuman legion commanders.”
That was what his superior had stated, highlighting a few individuals to be wary of, and Max Illeia ranked among the most perilous.
“He’s identified as a mid-level Aura User. However, in combat, they say his prowess surpasses that level.”
“Interestingly, he’s a self-made individual who ascended from a mercenary to an Empire noble, renowned for his rugged personality. In simple terms, he’s a combat enthusiast.”
“It’s rumored that the Emperor kept him close during his youth, fascinated by his talent, but later assigned him to lead the western legions due to growing weary of his demeanor.”
In essence, this man was indeed the Empire’s legion commander.
“Why is an Empire superhuman present here?”
It was perplexing, but there was no time to decipher that puzzle now. Viktor suddenly felt thankful for his abnormally acute senses. Max Illeia’s capability, especially in this scenario, posed a significant obstacle.
As Viktor cautiously distanced himself, wary of entering Max’s sensory range—
“Damn it! This is so tedious! Who’s arriving? At least bring your commander out! Let me engage in a sword duel with him!”
Max unexpectedly shouted, leaping to his feet.
“The Divine Sword? Let’s see if he deserves that lofty title. As an Empire general, I’ll personally validate it! Even my old man’s moniker is Sword Soul, but Divine Sword? Come on.”
Observing him cause a scene, Viktor couldn’t help but think that even the Emperor would grow weary of this individual.
“Is he on a mission? Then call him back! Why don’t you? Are you afraid of me?”
It was evident why the Holy Knights remained unresponsive. They likely received strict instructions not to engage with him to avoid provocation.
Finally, when the Holy Knights still didn’t react, Max settled back down, exhausted from his outburst.
“Ah, what a boring bunch. I’m bored stiff.”
Yawn.
As he let out a lengthy yawn, his expression suddenly shifted, as if he had sensed something.
“Huh?”
He smirked.
“...Somewhere close, intriguing.”
Chuckling to himself, Max mumbled something and then abruptly stood up once more.
“I’ll be back soon. Don’t rat me out to the Crown Prince for disappearing, alright?”
With that, he vanished, leaving behind a completely unnecessary warning.
“Thank goodness.”
Viktor breathed a sigh of relief, feeling the cold sweat that had been trickling down his back.
While confident that his gear and the Phantom Shadow technique would enable him to infiltrate without being detected by a stronger adversary, rescuing and escorting the Saintess out posed a wholly different challenge.
And now, whatever the reason, the greatest hindrance had just vanished, creating the perfect opportunity.
“His known abilities place him one level above me.”
There was no time to analyze the situation. Viktor’s form, akin to a specter, slipped into the building, evading the mana flow.
The building's interior was smaller than anticipated.
It seemed like a unique prayer chamber, with three levels and only one room on the top floor.
And within that room was the Saintess.
Even in her worn, loose robes, her brilliance couldn’t be hidden. However, her complexion appeared somewhat pale as she prayed with closed eyes, exuding a profoundly holy aura.
It wasn’t just a metaphor. There was a tangible cloud-like essence of divine power, unseen by the naked eye, swirling around her.
The two Holy Knights assigned to watch over her appeared so overwhelmed by reverence that they gazed at her in a trance.
Thanks to this—
Thud. Thud.
It was even simpler to subdue them.
“It’s been a while, Saintess.”
As Viktor’s voice reached her ears, Illia turned to regard him.
Her widened eyes filled with surprise and joy, a rare sight even in such dire circumstances.
“Sir Viktor?”
“Yes, it’s me. I’m here to escort you out. We must hurry.”
“How…how did you arrive here?”
“It’s a long tale. Let’s move first.”
Perhaps due to feeling somewhat relieved.
As Viktor softly smiled at the Saintess, an unpleasant, no, an impossible voice reached his ears.
“So, this was the spot. I thought it was outside earlier.”
When Viktor turned, he met the scarred face.
“You possess some unique skills.”
Max Illeia grinned as if he found it entertaining.
It seemed the temple’s soundproof magic, meant to block external noise, had dulled his perceptions.
“Damn it.”
The issue wasn’t just that Viktor had allowed the man to approach undetected.
In his relief, Viktor had removed his mask, implying the man had glimpsed his face.
“There’s no escape now.”
Although Viktor wasn’t yet renowned, the Empire’s intelligence network would soon track him down.
Therefore, there was only one remaining course of action.
Screech.
“Let’s hope your sword prowess matches your tricks. Try not to scream too much. Let’s keep this between us, shall we?”
Max Illeia, visibly thrilled, lowered his voice and grinned widely.
The lone option was to eliminate this lunatic right then and there.
And do it swiftly.
“Saintess, please stay back.”
“...Yes.”
“Smart choice. I wouldn’t want the Saintess to get harmed. In return, I’ll ensure your demise is swift.”
He sneered.
Defeating an opponent noticeably stronger in a single strike?
It would be unattainable using any ordinary means.
Viktor rapidly brainstormed.
“Max Illeia. His capability is known as ‘intuition.’ You could liken him to a lesser version of Jerome Decaid. However, in combat, especially against multiple foes, his ability grants him an advantage.”
Intuition—an obscure and ambiguous ability. However, they weren’t on a battlefield, and Max seemed more eager for a one-on-one battle.
Just as Viktor had assessed his adversary’s level, Max had also gauged Viktor’s strength.
Complacency.
Furthermore, Max’s earlier comment hinted at another possibility.
“Thought it was outside, but it was here. His ability evidently has its limitations.”
“The manifestation of an ability reflects one’s desires. Naturally, some abilities may seem useless or odd.”
“Hawk-like vision able to spot individuals beyond the horizon or hearing capable of capturing sounds kilometers away—these are still somewhat useful.”
“But the vaguer the ability, the less efficient and practical it becomes. For instance, an ability like ‘peace’...”
Shaking his head, Viktor brushed off the irrelevant musings.
Max’s intuition didn’t reveal everything.
If so, there was a chance.
“Concentrate all energy into one strike.”
Viktor focused the force from his heart’s Force Core.
His sword began emitting a peculiar grayish light, brimming with power.
Yet, Max remained unfazed.
“Oh? That’s quite remarkable.”
Of course.
Infusing Aura into the blade before acting wasn’t to dispatch weak opponents. It was merely an energy waste.
This only fueled Max’s arrogance.
“A gray Aura? How unusual.”
With a light step that seemed effortless, Viktor closed the distance between them.
Simultaneously, Max swung his sword.
The red Aura condensed at the blade’s tip before suddenly extending, aiming for Viktor’s heart.
It all transpired in an instant, but any Aura User could react in time.
During that moment, Max’s one functioning eye flickered with uncertainty.
‘He’s not attempting to evade?’
His ability, “intuition,” had given him insight into Viktor’s intentions, which seemed absurd.
‘Is he trying to perish together? But...’
Realizing this, Max’s red Aura surged forward even faster.
‘The only one meeting their end is you.’
Max was merely disappointed that his anticipated amusement would conclude too swiftly.
However—
Puuuck.
Woooong.
As Max’s heart was pierced, Viktor’s gray Aura blade expanded several times, swiftly penetrating his opponent’s heart.
Puuuck.
“Guh, guh!”
“Urgh!”
It all unfolded in the blink of an eye.
‘Did I...succeed?’
Observing the shock in his opponent’s gaze, Viktor forced himself to endure the searing pain.
“You, you insane...”
Max’s remaining eye widened, cursing.
A moment later, a sharp cry reverberated from behind Viktor.
“Kyaaah! Sir Viktor!”
“...I’m...fine...”
Confirming the fading light in his foe’s eyes, Viktor swiftly retrieved the sword lodged in his heart. As blood gushed out like a fountain, he experienced an inexplicable weakness in his limbs.
‘This...this can’t be happening.’
Heal.
You can do it!
Viktor clenched his teeth, commanding his body to respond.
The five Force Cores within his heart revolved continuously around the central core, emitting Force.
And the “endless vitality” of his ability wasn’t merely about mobilizing more Force than his level.
The ability’s most distinctive aspect was its regenerative capacity, healing any wound.
It was this that Viktor had gambled on, yet his heart refused to comply.
And Viktor swiftly realized why.
‘O-Oh, Aura. Damn it, how foolish.’
His expectations were only partially met.
While the five Force Cores managed to prevent his heart from utter destruction through a momentary Aura conversion, the residual Aura from his adversary impeded his regeneration.
Aura, a force that obliterates everything.
It impeded his recovery, and his ability wasn’t mature enough to overcome it.
In his haste, Viktor had underestimated the circumstance.
But—
‘I...I can’t die like this.’
Viktor gritted his teeth, clinging to the last sliver of life.
And then—
“Blood...blood! No!”
Illia, with tears streaming down her face, pressed on Viktor’s chest where blood gushed out.
“Please…”
Divine power radiated from her hand, gleaming with a brilliant white light.
The holy energy swiftly spread through his body, revitalizing his dying flesh and reviving clarity in his fading mind.
As his brain regained function, the path to survival became apparent in Viktor’s mind.
‘A power that annuls Aura.’
Fortunately, Viktor knew one technique capable of achieving this.
The 5th Form of the Divine Sword Art: Life Severing Slash (生靈斬, Saengryeongcham).
Until now, he had only managed to execute it with great effort during training. But if he could fully master and employ it, it might be feasible.
His life hanging by a thread triggered intense concentration, with the divine power stabilizing him offering the groundwork for that focus.
Before long, every detail of Life Severing Slash became clear in Viktor’s mind. Soon, the lingering Aura of his enemy in his heart was obliterated.
At that moment, Viktor realized he had shattered another barrier, ascending to a higher level.
Woooong.
His Force Core birthed a sixth nucleus, doubling his Force and enhancing his ability, promptly healing his heart’s wound.
Moments later, Viktor gasped for air as if he had narrowly escaped drowning.
“Guh, guh!”
“Huh? What? This...”
Tears in her eyes, Illia appeared astonished.
Seeing the tears in her eyes, Viktor involuntarily coughed up blood.
Cough.
‘That was truly insane. I got lucky.’
Relief washed over him, accompanied by a surge of confidence. He had gained so much from this audacious gamble.
Not only had his level increased, but he had also vanquished an Empire superhuman in a single blow, without causing a stir.
The fact that two superhumans clashed, yet the soundproofing magic hadn’t even been disrupted.
So Viktor smiled.
“It’s all right now. Let’s depart, Saintess.”
To reassure her.
“Kyaaah!”
“...?”
“Oh, no. I apologize. Let’s depart swiftly.”
He hadn’t considered how a blood-stained smile might appear to another person, but fortunately, the Holy Knights outside remained silent.
Viktor carried the Saintess out of the building without incident.
And the next day—
“A phony Saintess, Illia Gabon, has been excommunicated.”
News that would rock the world, starting from the Holy Kingdom, began to circulate.