Treatise Of A Failed Knight

A plan this thorough is dangerous.

I shouldn't have expected any less from a Seeker—one who can peer into the past, present, and future. There are very few things that can catch such a person by surprise.

However, Ciel's plan isn't perfect… and that's for one main reason.

She got my Pathway wrong.

Honestly, I have never felt more certain about my choice to hide my Pathway than I currently do.

It's only because she thought I was a Leaper, limiting my usage of Conception to only Jumping and Tracing, that I've been able to come this far already. If she knew I was a Harbinger and had access to Frontflow, I can only imagine what form her plan would take.

Because of Frontflow, I've been able to make it to this cavern very quickly.

I also had an easier time traversing her first barrier.

However, even the Harbinger Pathway has its limits, and with my Fragmented Conceptions on cooldown, I can only rely on my natural skills, Potions, and Armaments.

'So… how do I beat this guy?'

Attacking it is impossible with the horde of Cadre 3 Direwolves that stand in my way. However, I cannot attack them when they are vulnerable because he protects them. Not only that, but I keep getting pushed back, and if I try to press on, I'll sustain injuries that—if continuously stacked atop each other—can lead to my death.

It's tricky.

But not impossible!

"Hehehe…" My lips curl up to form a maniacal grin as I stare at the Cadre 4 Magivore with a bloodshot eye. "I don't care anymore. To hell with being careful!"

If I keep playing like this, I'll lose.

Since that's the alternative, it's better I take a bigger risk and jump right into the action.

I have some Healing Potions, anyway!

WHOOSH!

My body becomes a blur once more as I charge towards the Direwolf Leader.

Although I know that the Cadre 3 Direwolves will soon recover, that doesn't stop me from increasing my pace and making bold, large strides towards my target.

The Direwolf glares at me, threatened by my sudden aggression.

BOOOOOM!

Once again, it launches the Pressurized Ray from its gaping mouth, sending destruction everywhere. However, since I expected this attack, I expertly sidestep and hurriedly launch my body forward.

The Direwolf Leader's expression changes in an instant.

Hehe…

I'm sure it never expected me to remain unfazed and keep pressing forward.

But this is what I've decided!

It immediately changes the trajectory of the ray, drawing it closer to me. However, the moment it's about to hit me again, I sidestep, twisting my body and switching lanes, while still maintaining my aggressive approach.

After several seconds, I finally reach my goal!

—The Cadre 3 Direwolves!

I leap towards them, and while they swipe their claws at me, or try to tear me to pieces with their gigantic maws, I expertly evade their assault and allow the ray to near me once more.

However, when it is only inches from me… the ray suddenly stops.

Why?

Could it be that the Cadre 4 Magivore has hit its limits already?

I doubt it!

Cadre 4 Magivores are very tough.

So what's the matter?

"Hehehe…" I laugh aloud, brandishing my blade as I prepare to deal a great deal of punishment with my newfound window of opportunity. "You stopped your ray of destruction because of my proximity to these Direwolves, right? You knew you'd severely injure them if you continued!"

All plans have weaknesses.

Ciel's scheme is no exception!

This is it—the major flaw in her well-crafted plot.

'The Direwolves care too much about one another! The Leader won't attack its followers, so if I bring them in the line of fire, I can discourage it from attacking me.'

This means caution would have cost me here.

Being more direct is the way.

'Rather than running away and carefully analyzing everything, sometimes it pays to just move forward and dare the opponent!' My thoughts echo as I make my first kill within this group.

"HOOOWWWL!"

Their leader's loud howl pierces the air, and it contains strong emotions which I can only associate with sorrow. It now glares at me angrily, its eyes growing crimson as energy sparks within them.

"No need to be so upset. All of this is the fault of those Vey'lithars you're allied with. They put you guys up to this, and they're attacking my people as well." I offer it a warm, considerate smile. "Hey, here's an idea. Why don't we team up? We can punish Ciel together and—"

"HOWWWWWL!!!"

The air in the room grows sharp, making it even difficult to inhale.

Even then, I raise my blade and strike my next victim.

"I'll take that as a no…" A small chuckle leaves my lips as I advance even further.

SWISH!

I start cutting down the hundred Direwolves around me, mercilessly turning them into blocks of ice while using the frozen as footholds to launch myself forward and create even more ice sculptures.

Shattering sounds and loud cries fill the air, and I bask in all of it.

Not out of malice.

Rather, out of a sense of fulfillment that comes with making progress. I've broken out of the first bottleneck and am now making major progress.

At this rate—

BAM!

All of a sudden, an Air Blast reaches me from one of the Cadre 3 Direwolves, causing my body to lose balance in the air.

"Guh!" Before I can fully recover from this damage, a barrage of attacks charges towards me.

Damnit!

To think they recovered already.

I must have wasted too much time trying to overcome the Cadre 4 Leader back then.

Oh well…

Although I'm tempted to switch gears due to their attacks now rushing at me in great numbers, I still have no choice but to continue down my current path.

I slice my way through the enemies, making great strides and even ignoring the walls of Direwolves. I climb one of the Direwolves' heads, using it as the perfect platform to finally cross the threshold and reach my prime target—the Direwolf Leader.

"Heheehe! Let's enjoy their barrage together!"

Behind me is a seemingly endless wave of Air Blasts. I can't evade all of them by myself, but if I use the enormous body of the Direwolf Leader as a shield, it should work. Also, since their leader will now be in their line of fire, the Cadre 3 Direwolves will likely cease their attacks.

'Hopefully, this works.' Twisting my body in the air, I make an aerial spin and traverse the space above the Leader until I reach the other end of the vast cavern passageway.

Naturally, my new position makes the Cadre 4 Leader try to fire his ray, since it no longer affects his subordinates. However, this process is interrupted by the constant barrage of air blasts that land on his back, causing it to howl in discomfort—maybe pain.

Since its majestic form has a larger surface area than I, more Air Blasts actually land.

"You have a sturdy body, so this should be no big deal for you, right?"

My laugh fills the air.

This mockery only causes its mood to turn darker.

But I don't care.

Instead, I take my stance and prepare myself for an intense battle.

As expected, the Cadre 3 Magivores have stopped firing their Air Blasts because it will affect their leader. I no longer have to worry about their interference as long as I can maintain my position.

Of course, it's not like I'll be having an easy time.

I have to face this monstrosity.

'But, now that I know its weakness, I can always hide among the Cadre 3 Magivores if it gets too difficult to endure. As for the Cadre 3 Direwolves, if their leader is in the line of attack, they'll be discouraged from making major moves.

Doing this, I've already put both parties in check.

Now, I just need a checkmate!

BAM!

A powerful Air Blast, from the Cadre 4 Magivore, suddenly charges towards me.

'It's so big!' My eye widens in disbelief. 'Fast, too!'

It takes all of my effort to dodge the Air Blast, but the moment I do, another comes for me almost immediately.

BOOOOM!

I barely escape the impact, but the force alone sends my body flying backwards.

'Such power!'

My lips twitch while I stare at the massive crater in front of me.

'The Pressurized Ray and Air Blast are both extremely destructive abilities. Surely, it doesn't have any other special abilities, does it?'

Right as I think this, its colossal body suddenly releases a purple mist.

'What the—?'

I notice the ground around it darken, corroding rapidly upon touch.

'Two offensive abilities and a defensive one. Okay, this guy is tough…' Despite thinking this, a smile forms on my face as I become more encouraged to press on.

I'm actually relieved.

With these three abilities revealed, it is extremely unlikely that this Cadre 4 Magivore has any other hidden cards. Even if it does, they won't be nearly as problematic as the powers it has already displayed.

Plus, one of the major benefits of the Midnight Garb is actually protection from corrosive elements! In essence…

"… You're unlucky!" I laugh maniacally, running towards the creature with a mad glow in my exposed eye. "What an excellent matchup for me. Finally, some good fortune!"

If the Cadre 4 Magivore uses its Air Blast or Pressure Ray during this period, it'll inadvertently clear up the mist. I'm confident that it won't do that, especially after going through all that trouble to fill the air with its poisonous contents.

It most likely believes that it'll wear me out with the mist and have me corrode while I try to struggle. It's too bad that it doesn't know I currently have a major resistance to such a thing.

In fact, it's why attacks like Air Blasts are so effective against me.

The Midnight Garb isn't a defensive Armament for purely physical attacks. It doesn't eliminate things like impact vibrations or force propulsion.

Instead, its emphasis is on harmful things that make up my surroundings.

Like acid… fire… or corrosive poison.

"Checkmate!"

I launch myself at the monster and slice its throat with as much force as I can possibly muster.

SPLOOOSH!

Blood sprays in the air, and the Cadre 4 Magivore falls to the ground, slowly freezing as a result of the lethal impact.

Although it was difficult from start to finish, the result speaks for itself.

I've won.

"Now then…" I cast my gaze on the remaining Direwolves who stare at me in absolute shock.

Their Leader is dead.

They likely never expected such an outcome.

I hear a mix of light whines and angry growls from them, but I shrug them aside and fearlessly point my blade at the several beasts before me.

"No need to be so emotional. I'll be sending you all to him very soon."

Although they can't understand my words, all of them immediately respond to my words with savage growls, pure rage evident on their beastly faces.

Even then, I remain unfazed.

One of the things I've learned while facing these Direwolves is just how fragile they are.

These aren't creatures built for combat.

Their hides are certainly tough, but they become easy to kill once you are able to cut through.

Unlike other Magivores who live in the dangerous wild, they aren't ruthless.

They are incapable of struggle.

It's easy to kill them once you learn of their abilities and create a favorable circumstance for yourself. Isn't that why, despite being a Cadre 4 Magivore, the Direwolf Leader fell after one hit?

Even now, the frost has not yet covered its entire body.

This shows how powerful it was.

But it still died due to one fatal attack, unable to cling onto life, likely because such damage had never been done to the likes of these creatures for several generations.

Hence, despite their great abilities, the Direwolves are simply too inexperienced.

Too weak.

"Even without Frontflow, I can finish the rest of you off." With my stance firmly established and my eye flashing with cruel intent, I exhale deeply.

"Come."