Read Novel Full Chapter 328
Chapter 328
TN: Please read my translations only on my website since I never give my permission to any site to host my translations. And if you like my translations, please support this site on Ko-fi and Patreon to read several chapters ahead!
Enjoy~
ED: LonelyMatter
Chapter 328 – Red Dragon Slayer Part 1
Meanwhile, Leonard was separated from Marco and the others and was stationed in the port town of Roundheart.
Naturally, Marco was appointed commander of the combat forces.
By driving the Red Dragon inland toward the sea, they could eventually engage it with naval forces. Their ability to execute this plan now, unlike before, was likely due to the increased strength of Marco’s forces and his appointment as commander.
After all, the Red Dragon displayed fear toward Marco, who appeared human from a distance, just as it had toward El and Al.
AdvertisementHaving finished his instructions, Batz returned and asked Marco.
“I didn’t catch that earlier, but how do you know the Red Dragon’s movements?”
“The answer is that I am that kind of monster. Because I possess an exceptional ability to react to other souls and magic, as well as the power to control the undead.”
“Wow… That’s reassuring.”
But Batz had one question.
“The term ‘other souls’ is a bit unfamiliar to me.”
He muttered it almost to himself, but Marco answered.
“Even I don’t fully understand where souls go. But without souls, undead monsters wouldn’t exist.”
“So, do memories from before death remain?”
“No, they are not retained. The term ‘rebirth’ is more accurate.”
“I see. It’s all so vague, and I’m embarrassed that I can only give answers like this.”
“Fufu… When the time comes for you, Batz-dono, I will personally see to your needs.”
“Oh, thank you. Well, that’s kind of you.”
And so, after exchanging a rare joke, Marco continued on.
AdvertisementHe abruptly looked up at the sky, halted his horse, raised his arm, and brought the entire group to a stop.
As everyone stood utterly silent, waiting for orders, the pause lasted several tens of seconds. Then, Marco summoned his sword from the air.
“Time to hunt the lizard! Everyone, fight without fear.”
His voice was low and steady.
Like a gentle sea breeze, his voice carried to everyone, and the elite knights simultaneously readied their weapons.
“No complicated tactics are needed. Maintain your distance and attack repeatedly, just as we did the other day. Remember the victory achieved through the excellent judgment of the two commanders who led you then. But—”
Marco’s aura changed, the battle-hardened knight’s aura.
“Today, I am here. I do not claim to be more loyal than anyone else. You need only trust the magic of the great one dwelling within my body. Nothing could be simpler. After all, none here doubts His Highness’ majesty.”
As Marco’s rallying cry rang out, he spurred his horse forward.
It was a giant horse with a jet-black coat, a first-class steed capable of supporting Marco’s massive frame.
This horse had a story. At the knight order’s stable, he was notoriously wild and unruly compared to the others—a true stallion.
AdvertisementYet when Marco was brought to see it by Warren, seeking a mount, the horse instantly recognized Marco as its master.
This happened shortly before the Black Knights were founded, a few months after the Heim War.
Soon, everyone noticed a crimson-black shadow approaching from the edge of the sky.
In the form of a red dragon, it ceased its flight and drew near to incinerate Marco and the extermination squad.
“Batz-dono—”
“Yes!”
“You mustn’t push yourself. You have a tendency to seek out Ain-sama more than anyone else. But that very impatience is your greatest enemy.”
“…That’s quite a difficult thing to say.”
“There’s a reason I say this. You are not a loyal vassal to Ain-sama.”
Batz was startled.
Those words made it seem like he didn’t believe in the man he was.
But Marco quickly added,
“Don’t misunderstand—I’m not denying you. Your true nature lies in your position as Ain-sama’s friend. Am I wrong?”
Advertisement“Well… I’m definitely one of Ain’s comrades.”
“That’s quite right. I always tell loyal vassals to stake their lives. For your lord, lay everything you have on the line.”
Then, pleased, Batz chuckled softly.
“Boss, I’m afraid I’ll need you to overlook a few unreasonable demands. This isn’t just about my pride. It’s also about wanting to remain friends with Ain in the future.”
“I’m listening.”
“He’s already hailed as a hero on par with His Majesty the First. Just thinking about Ain’s reign, you can see it’s bound to be glorious.”
“…Yeah.”
“So, if we’re going to be friends, I have to give it my all, right? It’s not about us fading into the background. I don’t want to stand beside Ain and make him look less impressive.”
Hearing this pure sentiment, Marco fell silent for several seconds.
Without needing to say it, he recalled the distant past when the first king of Ishtalika had reigned.
“Long ago, there was a man who spoke the same words as you.”
“Ha! So I’m just like that guy, huh? What did he do?”
“When His Majesty the First was laid to rest, he was present too. Alongside the woman who loved him and His Majesty’s wife, Raviola-sama.”
AdvertisementRecalling this old story, Marco became lost in sentiment, too.
He quickly regained his composure, though, and Batz smiled even more cheerfully as he continued.
“Too bad, but I don’t think I can do it. As a pure human, I have no idea how long Ain will live!”
Hearing this, Marco felt gratitude well up inside him. He was glad to reaffirm just how good a friend Batz was to Ain.
The distance between the extermination squad and the Red Dragon closed.
Once they reached a certain point, Marco commanded his horse to run.
This time, he directed it to veer right. In an instant, the magic stone cannons, now lined up side by side, locked onto the Red Dragon.
“All right, first shot.”
“Boss! The distance is still too close!”
“It’s fine. This is merely a warning shot. We just need to demonstrate the power of our assembled magic stone cannons.”
As Marco said, the first strike was purely a warning shot.
If they didn’t maintain a certain distance, all forces except Marco’s would be incinerated.
The strategy wasn’t vastly different from the previous day’s, but, as Marco had just stated, Batz and Leonard’s strategy had proven effective.
Advertisement“If it comes down to it, I’ll charge and hold the Red Dragon back! There’s nothing to worry about!”
What a reassuring statement! Led by Marco, a powerhouse acknowledged by all, the extermination squad prepared for their second battle against the Red Dragon.
Back in their homeland of Ishtalika, Ain had just vanquished the Black Dragon.
Despite having expended vast amounts of his magical power, Marco moved freely. Was it because he had ample reserves or because the power he’d absorbed from the Black Dragon still surged within him?
Only Marco knew about his connection to Ain. If he chose not to speak of it, it likely wasn’t a major issue.
The extermination squad deployed their magic stone cannons in unison.
“Haha! How about that!”
In response to Batz’s booming voice, the knights smiled, their morale soaring.
The crimson dragon visibly flinched at the sheer power of the magic stone cannon fired right before its eyes. Yet, just like the other day, the dragon’s muscles, bulging like balloons, still radiated an undeniable intensity.
“By the way, boss, it’s fine if the magic stone cannon’s magic power gets absorbed, right!?”
“Even if it absorbs some, it’s certain to suffer far greater damage. No, we should attack and inflict more damage than it can absorb.”
“I see. That’s undoubtedly true.”
AdvertisementHe was truly dependable.
His clear, unhesitating answer felt as reassuring as talking to his father—worthy of deep trust.
Unlike the day before, the fierce battle progressed without a single casualty.
“Giiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii――”
Approximately two hours had passed since the battle began.
The lack of notable developments stemmed from Marco’s steady command, resulting in a flawlessly executed fight.
However, a particular concern arose in Marco’s mind.
“The damage is progressing smoothly. But—”
The significant issue was the lack of a decisive blow.
The red dragon had learned its lesson and kept its distance. Still, it occasionally took hits from the magic stone cannons because of Marco’s orders.
Soon, the next salvo of magic stone cannon fire might run out.
Then he said, “The time has come.”
“Um, boss?”
“Batz-dono! Please continue giving orders as before. I—”
AdvertisementAs he watched Marco leave the battle lines, Batz hurriedly opened his mouth.
“H-hold on, boss! Where are you going?”
“Let’s finish this once and for all! I shall take this sword of mine and strike down that Red Dragon!”
The answer left Batz in awe.
Yet, simultaneously, it stirred an unstoppable sense of anticipation that made him swallow hard.
Marco, the most formidable knight of the Black Knights, was going to fight. He was acknowledged by Ain, stronger than Marshal Lloyd, and held in unconditional reverence by the Royal Knights who fought in the Heim War.
As a fellow swordsman, Batz was thrilled by the prospect of an overwhelmingly powerful warrior wielding his blade.
Marco, too, was immersed in a sense of exhilaration.
It stemmed from the orders he’d received from his lord, Ain, the other day. He had regained the strength he boasted was at its peak, and he rejoiced at the prospect of wielding that power against his enemies.
If you like my translations, please support me on Ko-Fi and subscribe my Patreon to read several chapters ahead!