Acting as a Slit-Eyed Villain Perfectly

Chapter 267

Chapter 267. There's a Space Behind the Pillar (2)

The Black Knight, descending swiftly through a small hole in the ceiling, instantly drew the attention of both parties.

Imperial Knight Kikubad.

And, Uruhar, who had also been imitating the 'Black Knight', despite being a fellow Imperial Knight.

'The Black Knight...'

Looking at the 'Black Knight', Uruhar felt a mix of emotions. There was a sense of familiarity, but the embarrassment outweighed it.

When Uruhar had boarded a carriage crossing the border, memories of falsely claiming to be the 'Black Knight' had suddenly resurfaced.

This was the second time after that incident. Compared to the previous injury, the embarrassment was almost unbearable.

'The second Black Knight.'

Watching the situation unfold, Kikubad now wore a serious expression, devoid of any hint of laughter.

'I have seen those who impersonate the Black Knight before.'

The Black Knight was beloved by the citizens of the capital, almost to the point of being an object of worship.

Kikubad had encountered many who engaged in the foolish act of impersonating such a figure.

However, the 'Black Knight' he met this time felt different from those impostors.

Thus, he thought he might be genuine.

'Yet a second one appears.'

He wondered if he had encountered more 'fakes'. However, the second 'Black Knight' also exuded formidable presence.

'Heh.'

This made a smile begin to form on Uruhar's face.

'What does it matter who is real?'

He simply adjusted his stance, caressing the hilt of his sword.

'I'll just kill both of them.'

Kikubad actually enjoyed the situation. Throughout his long life walking the 'path of the sword,' there were few who could ignite his competitiveness.

Moreover, neither protocol from the 'imperial family' nor mundane matters often led to 'duels to the death'.

'I hope this proves to be somewhat entertaining.'

With that thought, Kikubad shifted his gaze to the 'Black Knight' before him.

Compared to the opponent he had just bested with ease, this new foe's imposing demeanor and the terrifying mask instilled a sense of seriousness even in the battle-hardened Kikubad.

***

It was a textbook landing that would impress anyone. I might have called it a critical arrival, but let's be honest.

I had no intention of descending here.

'Damn it...!'

Curses slipped out before I could stop them. Initially, I had been using 'Angelica' to check the mansion for safety.

In doing so, I discovered that this place was not meant for 'living'. It was a mansion built for the singular purpose of hiding an object.

In addition, due to removing several pillars for the 'empty room', the floor's durability was questionable and struggled to bear weight.

'I learned that much, but the issue was the process.'

When I instructed 'Angelica' to thoroughly investigate this place without any consideration, its actions became more reckless.

Angelica went around destroying this and that, breaking the pillars, resulting in a floor unable to bear the weight and collapsing.

Which is where I found myself now.

'... Kikubad.'

That aside, I needed to regain composure. After taking a deep breath, I fixed my gaze on Kikubad before me.

His white hair immediately stood out, marking the passage of time, yet the fact that he was still leading the 'Imperial Knights' at his age reminded me of a saying.

'If you see an old man, think of him as a survivor.'

The killing intent from Kikubad prickled my skin.

This was different from the wild and uncontrolled 'killing intent' I had encountered before.

Such skilled individuals could wield 'killing intent' as they pleased.

I had felt something similar in the past when I encountered the 'Sword Saint' in the Holy Kingdom.

'... Tsk.'

That memory left a bitter taste lingering on my tongue.

"Oh, Black Knight... how did you get here?"

Uruhar, donning a hood, opened his mouth from behind. Bloodied, but not quite beaten, he rose cautiously.

"First, tend to your wounds. I have no intention of helping you when we leave here."

"I can... walk. No, I can even fight."

Saying so, Uruhar gripped his sword, struggling to stand.

"I'll explain why I'm here later. For now, dealing with Kikubad comes first."

"Okay."

"What are you whispering about over there? This old man feels lonely, so why not include me in your conversation?"

In the middle of my conversation with Uruhar, Kikubad interrupted.

"Sorry, but there's a generational gap. If you had any tact, you'd step away."

"Heh, is that so?"

He brushed off the trivial provocation, seemingly indifferent.

At the same time, I drew my sword from my waist. My body instinctively responded to the tension that could explode at any moment.

It was the right move. Kikubad kicked off the ground, charging at me directly.

'Is this Kikubad's footwork?'

I had only heard of it in explanations, yet seeing it with my own eyes felt unreal, but instead of panicking, I readied for a counterattack.

Kikubad's sword targeted my neck like a snake.

As it sliced through the air towards me from the right, I leaped to evade, and this time he drew a short sword from his garment.

I naturally parried it with my sword before landing. Then, Kikubad's sword aimed for my side once more.

Clang──!

Barely managing to parry it, Kikubad used the momentum to spin and slash at me.

Several exchanges ensued.

Throughout the flurry of blows, we continually clashed without yielding results.

Sparks flew and scattered, and eventually, Kikubad's kick landed on me, putting distance between us.

"Black knight, are you injured?"

Watching me step back, Uruhar cautiously asked.

"I'm... unharmed."

However, noticing I bore no sword marks, Uruhar was taken aback.

"You."

Kikubad, likewise sensing something amiss, muttered ominously. During our clash, his short sword had been damaged, and he tossed it aside.

"You seem to know my aura."

As the sword hit the ground, a clear metallic sound resonated in the chamber while Kikubad's displeased gaze was directed at me.

Uruhar's expression reflected his bewilderment.

'How could I not know?'

The Deceptive Blade.

Kikubad's aura extended the length of the sword with 'mana'.

The trouble lay in the fact that the extended 'blade' was invisible, making it difficult to judge, rendering many aware and yet still falling victim.

'Countering it is simple.'

Don't allow Kikubad's sword to lead the trajectory.

'Of course, it's easier said than done.'

Despite being aware of Kikubad's ability, it remained a formidable skill to counter.

Avoiding the tip of his sword also meant restricting my own movements.

'Tsk, unable to even use aura.'

With the 'Moonstone Sword' hidden by 'Angelica' now, using the 'Moonlit Sword' would risk revealing my identity.

Hence, I refrained from utilizing it, leaving little chance against Kikubad's 'aura'.

"I'll help."

Uruhar, catching his breath, declared his intention to join the fight.

"Taking on two against one."

Catching Uruhar's movements, Kikubad spoke up.

"I'm starting to get a bit thrilled."

Once more, Kikubad charged. As I intercepted his sword, Uruhar dove in from the side, swinging at Kikubad.

"Hm!"

With a cough, Kikubad retreated, causing Uruhar to pursue with his sword, but Kikubad managed to increase the distance.

'Damn it.'

The footwork attained through Deceptive Blade aura allowed him to move a step further than other swordsmen.

"Ha-aaah!"

Seeing his attack miss, Uruhar began chasing Kikubad again.

"Ugh!"

However, before his attack could connect, something hidden within Kikubad's garment struck Uruhar's side.

Using a hidden dagger infused with his aura, Kikubad made his move.

Still...

'There's now an opening.'

I closed the distance between Kikubad and myself. Thanks to Uruhar buying some time, I managed to catch up with his stride.

"Uh!?"

Noticing this, Kikubad reacted by swinging his right hand, but I ducked, slipping closer beneath his reach.

From below to above.

As I swung a vertical cut, Kikubad hastily drew the dagger used on Uruhar, blocking my strike.

Clang──!

The time bought by the dagger allowed Kikubad to dodge my vertical strike.

However, as my attack made contact, the dagger shattered, and fragments rained across his face.

"Hmm...."

Blood started trails from Kikubad's forehead and nose.

"Interesting."

The rippling elation within the aging Kikubad's body became palpable.

"It seems like I've found a worthy opponent for a duel to the death after so long."

With a quiver, Kikubad tossed the broken dagger's hilt aside, exposing the inside of his garment.

There, countless short blades hung in sight.

'Madman.'

Isn't it heavy?

"After the Sword Saint's demise, this is the first time encountering someone who's kindled a fighting spirit within me. So, amuse me a bit more."

"Madman."

"What?"

This time, the insult I meant to keep to myself slipped out.

"Seeing an old fool losing control over excitement after so long is truly amusing."

"Hmm."

Hearing my words, Kikubad lowered his sword slightly.

"It's strange. Though not that fellow, I thought you were similar to me."

After glancing at Uruhar, Kikubad focused his gaze on me.

"Sorry, but I haven't aged like you."

Another trivial provocation, but this time it seemed to hit home, as Kikubad took a sharp breath in.

"Well, whatever the case, if your goal is that horn, you'll need to defeat me first."

Kikubad pointed to the 'Demon God's horn' and smiled.

Indeed, to take the horn, defeating Kikubad was imperative. The 'horn' shielded by the 'resonance stone' was not something easily acquired without time.

And Kikubad certainly wouldn't stay idle during that time.

"There's no need to take it, really."

But, there was no necessity to seize the 'Demon God's horn'.

The crucial thing was to ensure that during the 'total solar eclipse' Demon God's resurrection ritual, the 'four horns' didn't come together.

"What?"

Rumble──!

When the perplexed Kikubad asked, a deafening rumble came from above.

Angelica seemed to have completed her task.

"... What kind of mischief have you been up to upstairs?"

I began dragging the fallen Uruhar, moving away.

"In the rush to create a place to hide the horn, it seems they were too hasty."

I was referring to the mansion.

"Are you perhaps aware that there's a space behind a pillar?"

Kikubad indicated his ignorance by shaking his head.

"A space behind a pillar implies."

Dragging Uruhar along, I stopped below the hole where I had fallen through.

"It's prone to collapse."

Boom──!

With those words, the room began to cave in.