Sin System: Demonic Harem After Reincarnation-Chapter 239. The Troubled King

The air became unbearably hot for those below the 3rd Circle. The crusaders could hear a constant churning sound in the presence of the Hell Knight.

Suddenly, a holy warrior fell to the ground, writhing in pain. Under Issac’s title [Raging Soul], the crusader felt like his mind was burning.

The others mustered courage and attacked the Hell Knight from all directions. However, a horizontal swipe of his sword sent most of the attackers flying.

The 4th Circle Paladins kicked the ground and appeared right in front of Issac. A deep metallic shockwave destroyed nearby buildings as two lances landed on the knight’s fleshy armor.

Sparks lit up but the pointy heads couldn’t break through. Their own forces repelled the Paladins, who tried to stabilize their trembling arms.

"This cursed thing..."

Before the paladins could gather for a second attack, a burning, red broadsword cleaved through the hot air, taking bits of their blessed armor.

A charred crevasse formed on the cobblestone path where the sword landed. The cracks rapidly spread in all directions, under the boots of those disoriented crusaders.

However, they still stood. They weren’t taught to flee. Brandishing their weapons, the Holy Warriors charged toward the evil giant who was easily thrashing the Paladins.

"For God’s Glory!"

"Slay the demon!" 𝗳𝗿𝐞𝕖𝘄𝗲𝕓𝗻𝚘𝚟𝕖𝐥.𝚌𝕠𝕞

Holy powers gathered all around, turning into blinding skills which converged on the Hell Knight.

A flurry of white swords made entirely out of faith mana rained down on Issac’s figure. At the same time, golden arrows screeched through the air, breaking on impact after hitting his charred, fleshy armor.

Each attack was like a small explosion which terrified the citizens of Gera. The people from the nearby blocks were fleeing en masse.

By now, Panchel had finally managed to heal the wound on Orpheus’s arm. As the two recovered their mana and joined the battle, the crusaders were put at a severe disadvantage.

"Hold the line!" The paladins raised their shields, and thrust lances from behind.

Immediately, several dozen crusaders came to line up their own shields, which shattered under the swings of the rampaging Hell Knight.

The impact pressured on their ribs which buzzed violently. Coughing blood, the crusaders fell back, their formation broken.

Just at that moment, a blurry shadow cut through, killing the vulnerable warriors behind the lines. A large spell paralyzed the others nearby, just in time for Issac’s sword to split them in half.

Seeing this, the paladins felt their minds ring. Clutching a cross pendant with bloody hands, one of them held it high above his head and chanted devoutly.

However, the pure faith from the common people didn’t empower him as usual. Instead, there was a backlash, which forced him to kneel in pain.

"No..." Fear crept up on the paladin’s face under the iron helmet.

The crusaders were dying all around him, their cries for help short-lived under the onslaught of this abominable creature.

...

The afternoon in the King’s Palace was supposed to be a time of peace and quiet after the morning’s chores were finished.

But today, the whole palace was like the center of a volcano, bursting with activity. After learning what happened to the Lupin brothers, the nobles present realised the threat present in the kingdom.

Although they were supposed to attend a state funeral held for the Ravenner family, His Majesty cancelled it and announced a national crisis.

Before long, all the nobles began to leave Ulford, fearing the worst to happen. At the same time, royal orders were passed down to nearby fortress cities through magical means.

Precious, high-grade mana crystals were brought out from the treasury to be used by teams of 1st and 2nd Circle Court Mages.

This emergency communication method was being used for the first time in nearly a hundred years. Thankfully, the magical runes etched back then still worked.

One by one, important royal strongholds all over the four provinces went on high alert.

An indefinite curfew starting from late noon was placed on the city of Ulford. Military activities intensified as people learned that a rampant wyvern was flying unchecked in the kingdom.

However, only the top brass of Grimbow knew that it wasn’t just a wyvern. The creature was merely a bait. The organization behind it was the real threat, and they’d already dealt a terrible blow to the kingdom.

With the Ravenners exterminated and only one injured Lupin brother alive, things looked ugly. Not even the best strategists in the king’s meeting hall could think of this mysterious enemy’s next move.

Thankfully, the Isenwings were resilient and survived.

"The loss of your brother is truly a tragedy, Marquis Heath." Averon sighed, anger apparent on his face.

"I thank His Majesty for his concern." Heath did a half nod, taking a long breath as if trying to calm his emotions.

"The ambushers were a bizarre knight and several unknown powerhouses that I’ve never heard of. Perhaps it is because we, as assassins, are always on high alert. They couldn’t successfully finish all of us."

"This... bizarre knight you speak of, Lord Heath - Did his abilities seem dark and unholy?"

Hearing Marcin who was bandaged from head to toe, a young boy beside Heath trembled, as if he’d been reminded of something.

"Lord Heath, he..." One of the ministers standing next to the king pointed at Zevik.

"Oh, this is my cousin." Heath looked at his ancestor, and lied according to their plan.

"He fought that bizarre knight and barely survived. That man indeed used skills that were wicked, as if he’d refused the grace of God." The other family heads behind Heath nodded at his words.

"Could he be the mastermind? And what about the woman you spoke of, Lord Marcin?"

"I do not know. Me and my brother fought the wyvern for the most part."

"That darn lizard..." Averon frowned and said. "It came from that dungeon in Karsuda. We lost Marquis Bradley and a significant number of warriors while raiding it."

"Minerva!" 2nd Prince Roland’s voice instantly reminded the others of what happened last summer.

"She’s also behind this." The military strategists turned their attention toward the dungeon.

After the last raid, Minerva should’ve fled the kingdom. But this necromancer was still hiding there and brewing trouble in secret.

Ever since that dungeon appeared, things have always been messy. The king leaned back on his chair. Holding constant meetings had tired him, but the urgency he felt couldn’t let him rest.

"Your Majesty, there was also a message from the wood elves a week ago. They said that Sir Issac and his company had not returned after going to the same dungeon..."

"What?!" Averon suddenly stood up and grabbed the collar of the minister who spoke.

"Why wasn’t I informed of this?"

"I... We didn’t think it was that important. T-Those elves went there first without telling us..."

"Fool!" Averon slapped the old man dressed in silky green robes and looked around the room.

"Who came back from the dungeon last time?"

The advisors looked at each other, hesitating for some reason.

Finally, the King’s Hand, who’d been silent all this time, stood up and replied, "Your Majesty, I believe it was Court Mage, Sir Ivan and the Third Prince who returned."

Murmurs resounded in the meeting hall. Averon’s brows furrowed as he heard the names. Looking at the two 4th Circle Court Mages present in the room, the king asked, "Where’s Ivan?"

"Your Majesty, he appears to be engrossed in his research and hasn’t been in touch lately." One of the mages replied.

Averon clicked his tongue in irritation. Court Mages were special in the sense that they couldn’t be summoned during their research.

"Well tell him to finish that soon. This matter concerns the kingdom."

"Yes, Your Majesty!" The mages bowed and looked toward Ivan’s magic tower.

Averon then sat down, waving a finger at his personal attendant with a sigh.

"For now, bring Splennar here."