The Berserker’s Second Playthrough in the Game - Chapter 218



Only Krnovel

Episode 218. Star Crusher (7)

Thanks to the soldiers’ mediation, the misunderstanding was quickly resolved.

“Yes, this is Mr. Duncan, the husband of Mrs. Wheeled. He was with us when we accompanied Commissioner Enrico, so he must be right.”

“… … Is that, is that true?”

When the Atalain warriors realized that they did not recognize their benefactor right in front of them, their already earthy complexions turned even more earthy. Then, they all raised their axe blades to their foreheads, vowing to pay with their lives.

Duncan barely managed to stop the savages from trying to break his skull, and finally received word that his family had fled to Untana under the protection of the army and the cavalry.

“Whoa… … Remillion, thank you, thank you, thank you… … .”

The peddler is half in tears and sighs with relief.

I didn’t know how lucky I was that my family wasn’t caught up in this mess. However, the anxiety did not all disappear. The fact that a large city the size of Delutana has been devastated means that the Empire’s demons can reach there at any time.

I think I should go to Untana… … Kadim went to find the hammer inspiration… … and I was worried because I didn’t know when he would return… … .

Soldiers from the Chassa Army cautiously approached and spoke.

“Well, Mr. Duncan… … . Long time no see. Well, I never thought we would meet here like this… … .”

“Yes, the commissioner had already ordered me to inquire about Mr. Duncan’s whereabouts… … How have you been?”

“Does Mr. Duncan being here mean that the Demonology… ah, no, Lord Kadim has also come to Delutana?”

The soldiers’ faces were filled with anticipation. In the past, everyone had clearly seen Khadim’s prowess in easily defeating trolls and arch paladins. Their eyes were filled with hope at the prospect of that superhuman mercenary joining their forces.

But his expression immediately changed as he spoke.

“Ah, that’s… … I also came with you… … We might have to leave right away… … . I think I should go to Untana first and check on the safety of my family… … .”

“… … .”

The soldiers’ faces were slumped. However, since it was a matter of family life or death, they all nodded their heads in understanding. Duncan looked over the faces stained with blood, sweat, and tears from fighting monsters, and for some reason, his heart felt heavy and he lowered his head.

Next, while talking about where Kadim is now, I unintentionally told the story of Old Man Sledgehammer. The soldiers were astonished. They all thought that the old man had taken refuge with his family and was in the evacuation zone.

Some of the soldiers thought hard and turned away, clutching the handles of their spears.

“I guess we should go to the master’s workshop.”

“Yes… … ? Since Your Majesty has already gone to rescue the old man, there is no need to do that… … .”

“No, but if there are more people, the chances of you being safe will be higher. This polearm, this shield, this helmet, and even this armor… … It was all made by you. “I have been indebted to you so much, so I should repay you in this way.”

“… … .”

Now that I think about it, the ‘Hellfire Dagger’ that I’ve been using a lot so far was also the work of old Sledgehammer. While watching the soldiers leaving without hesitation, Duncan’s heart became even heavier and he fiddled with the reddish sheath of his sword.

The remaining soldiers later recommended Duncan to meet with Inspector Enrico. Duncan hesitated, wondering if he would be asked to persuade Kadeem if he went. Of course, he had expectations of this, but the soldiers had another reason for making this recommendation.

“Mr. Duncan, the only way to leave Delutana right now is through the ‘East Gate’ of the refuge area. However… … there are so many people trying to leave the city right now.”

“Yes, that’s right. If you wait like everyone else, you won’t even be able to get near the gates today. If you want to get out of here and go to Untana as quickly as possible, it would be more convenient in many ways to get help from the councilor.”

“… … .”

The north gate that Kadim had destroyed was still open… … but he didn’t have the courage to go back through the passage again. Duncan accepted the offer for now and followed the soldiers.

But then, something strange was discovered in the sky.

“Uh… … ? W, everyone, there’s that thing in the sky… … That… … “What is it?”

“hmm?”

“Uh huh… … ? Uh, that’s… … .”

A questioning exclamation, followed by a look of bewilderment.

The translucent shadow of a bird flew across the sky like the wind. A soldier who had been following its traces from afar narrowed his eyes.

“That’s… … It seems to be an urgent report sent by General Goltarran who has dispatched troops to the border… … .”

*

An office in Delutana that has been converted into a temporary headquarters. The chief aide to the chairman’s office hurriedly entered the office without knocking.

“Chairman Pelico! “Just now, a letter from General Goltaran arrived from the border area!”

“okay… … I saw it too. “Leave it in front of you.”

“I think you should take a look right away! If the news was delivered through ‘Wind Feather Jeonseo-gu’, it is a very urgent matter… … .”

“There is no need to tell everyone what everyone knows. “I’ll take a good look at it, so you can go out now.”

After looking at the back in doubt for a while, the aide eventually bowed and retreated. The middle-aged man sitting in his chair turned around only after repeatedly confirming that his aide had left.

“Whoa… … .”

The middle-aged man was not the Chairman of the Council, Felico Turis. Although he had a similar appearance, he looked gaunt and younger… … It was Pelico’s younger brother, the councilor, Enrico Turis.

Pellico disappeared from the city as soon as this ‘evangelism’ incident broke out.

It was ridiculous that the chairman of the council, who was supposed to lead everything and overcome the crisis, would disappear at this time. However, this was the stark reality. In fact, considering that all the council members and guards who were by his side had died or become ‘gospels’, it was obvious what would happen to Felico’s fate… … Until the body was found, Enrico decided to assume that his brother was ‘missing’.

Someone had to take over as chairman. Enrico kept Pellico’s disappearance a secret to avoid confusion. He pretended to be Pellico, so he could understand the situation and give all orders.

The cause of the situation was obviously the Elgar Order of the Empire, but… it was unclear exactly what trick they had used. It was just that the wandering servant horses resembled the dogs raised by Senator Ramuleck, so it was inferred that they had some kind of connection to him.

In fact, the shining dog wasn’t even a problem. The real problem was the ‘gospels’. The vanguard of light who not only killed people, but also spread the ‘gospel’ and made even ordinary people like them.

Enrico’s countermeasure was to create an evacuation zone and force all the people into it.

In the end, it was the right choice. Not only did it prevent the further spread of the gospel, but it also equalized the situation by concentrating troops only on the border. However, those who had already become gospel could not be brought back, and the problem remained that their number was in the thousands.

I was thinking that if all the evangelical bodies came together and launched a general offensive, then we would have no choice but to give up the city… … .

‘Your Majesty, the Chairman! All the monsters gathered in the central square have fallen! What, a strange beast’s head-like thing rose up and swallowed the square… … .’

‘……what?’

… … News spread that the gospel groups had been annihilated by a sudden miracle.

Did the priestesses of the wilderness introduced by Goltarran miraculously awaken? Or did the Magic Tower help them somehow? But why, what were they hoping for, and now? This was an incident that made absolutely no sense.

What is certain is that the city’s fortunes have been revived from the brink of collapse. However, the situation has not been completely suppressed. They were trying to quickly clean up the remaining remnants, deal with the aftermath of the incident, and slowly find out where Pellico is.

In this way, Goltaran’s letter was suddenly delivered.

“… … Phew.”

Enrico’s face hardened in confusion.

The ‘Wind Feather Messenger’ that delivered the letter was a magical tool that he had only obtained a few of by paying a large sum to the Magic Tower. That’s why he had asked that it be used only in truly urgent cases… … General Goltarran was not the type to disobey orders for no reason… … . No matter how I looked at it, it didn’t seem like there would be any good news in this letter.

‘okay… … . Delutana is in such chaos right now, there’s no way the border where the crusaders have invaded will be quiet… … .’

Enrico washed his face dry. He picked up the letter with a half-resigned heart. He opened the envelope, determined not to be surprised by anything that happened.

However, the content of the letter made that promise seem meaningless.

“… … What!?”

I sat up without realizing it. I took a deep breath and calmly read it again. But the content was still the same.

‘… … A single shining horse flew by itself and broke through the friendly defense line. We mobilized archers and spear throwers, but failed to shoot it down. It is presumed to be heading to Delutana, so caution is advised… … .’

A cold sweat drenching my spine. If it was a ‘brilliant horse’ that could fly in the sky, it was obvious who its rider would be. Enrico even forgot that he was acting as chairman and hurriedly ran out of the office.

However, before I could find my aide, I encountered an unexpected person. A person he never imagined he would meet now, but who he could never forget.

“Oh… … Tea, Your Majesty the Inspector!”

“… … !! Well, you… … !”

Duncan, a peddler who accompanied the ‘demon slayer’ Kadim.

At a crossroads that would determine the fate of the city, Enrico was faced with both terrible despair and his only hope.

*

It is not easy for someone with only a left arm and a left leg to lead the way and act as a guide. Therefore, Angelion, the ‘star that spreads the gospel’, was held in one hand and dragged around like a piece of luggage.

“Aaaaa!! Wow!! Elgashi!! Elgasi!!!”

The hard frozen winter ground is no different from a field of thorns. The rough dirt scratched my tattered flesh, and the rough pebbles hit my broken bones. While the severed limbs were being ground on the ground, Angelion was shaking and screaming in pain worse than a nightmare.

But that suffering was only a prelude, compared to what would come later.

“… … “Didn’t you say you moved it somewhere around here?”

“Keuhuuuuugh… … Yes, yes, here, outside the west gate, put that… … Huh?”

From under the castle walls and beyond the drawbridge to the bleak empty plains, there was nothing that looked like Old Man Sledgehammer’s last work. Kadim raised the ax without any regrets.

“okay… … . “Is there still room left to waste time like this?”

“Ah, no, wait, wait… … This, this can’t be happening… … .”

“Then, as you wish, I will slowly cut off the left leg first.”

“for a moment!! Sleep!!! My, I was clearly, clearly here earlier… … .”

Tsk – tsk! Tsk, tsk, tsk… … .

“… … Ahhh! “Kwaaaaaa!!”

An axe blade that mercilessly cuts through thighs.

This time, it was not a single-strike, but a slow, saw-like chopping. Naturally, Angelion had to enjoy the sensation of his muscles being torn apart, his femoral artery rupturing and blood gushing out, his bones grinding against metal… … for a longer, more vivid time.

I would rather die, but I couldn’t do that. The blessings I received as a knight were holding onto my lifeline and wouldn’t let me go easily. I had no choice but to defecate, sob, and curse.

“Gospel!!! Gospel!! I will control the gospel body and find it again!! While I was out of my mind!! The Gospel Church that carried that ‘new soldier’!!! “It’s like they arbitrarily moved it somewhere else, wow, wow, wow!!!”

“……boot?”

Kadim pulled out his ax and narrowed his eyes. Then he asked why the old man’s posthumous work was called ‘New Army’.

“Hugh…” … Oh, didn’t you know? That old man… … The moment you complete the weapon… … The dwarven god appeared and personally consecrated it… … .”

“… … .”

I doubted my ears. Strengthening weapons or giving them special effects with the blessing of the dwarven gods, that’s what the process was called when this world was a game.

‘Enchant’.

A system that produced a lot of fraudulent items with special effects in the game. Furthermore, if the dwarven god himself appeared and blessed it, it was an unusually powerful ‘enchantment’ even among ‘enchantments’. However, I couldn’t understand at all how the non-dwarven old man, Sledgehammer, could do such a thing.

It didn’t seem like he was lying. If he wanted to answer the question, he had to first find that posthumous work. After Kadim cut off the bridge he had cut off, he tried to urge Angelion to find his whereabouts.

There was no need for that. The person carrying the posthumous work appeared on his own.

Delivering a shock that shatters the earth.

――――――――― Kwa-Ang!!!

Kwakwakwakwa, koogugugugugu – !!

The frozen road surface exploded, followed by a violent pounding of the ground. Dust rose like the sigh of a giant buried in a crypt. Because he sensed a life-threatening situation one step ahead and took it out, Kadim suffered no harm. On the other hand, the ground that was struck by the blow sank several spans, causing wide cracks to spread throughout the area.

A disaster that looked like a meteorite had fallen from a clear sky.

“Turn it off… … Cluck, cluck, cluck… … .”

“… … .”

Angelion was half-fazed and only breathed in the dust. Kadim astutely grasped the truth. This was someone hiding on the castle wall, jumping over the moat and bringing down a weapon.

The weapon used in this absurd surprise attack was a ‘hammer’ with a huge piece of metal attached, enough to weigh about 1,000 pounds.

The one who attempted this absurd surprise attack was a red-haired man covered in white, rising mist.

“Hmm… … Certainly, the power is decent. The only flaw is that it’s a little heavy… … . That can be resolved later by receiving blessings from Elga… … .”

Even at first glance, he seemed to be no ordinary person.

Although he was wearing a topless attire, his strong muscles and Elga’s shoes overshadowed the lack of armor. Although he was smaller than Khadim, the force with which he struck down the large hammer was comparable to that of a barbarian. Above all, the ten-pointed star symbol, or ‘stigmata’, engraved on the chest clearly evidenced the man’s identity.

Angelion widened his eyes and stretched out his only hand pitifully.

“B, Lord Vitares… … .”

“Ah, are you alright, Lord Angelion? How did the ‘star that spreads the gospel’ of the world end up like that?”

“Ugh, that, that… … .”

“Well, at least you managed to keep that precious tongue that you used to spread the gospel… … .”

“… … .”

Kukukuk… .

The man slyly mocked his crippled rival and lifted the hammer from the ground with one hand, revealing a blue engraving on the silver surface of the iron.

Woof – !

Clear evidence that the hammer is the heirloom of the ‘enchanted’ hammer master.

The veins on Kadim’s forehead stood out, twitching and twitching. The man had no qualms about taking up the weapon without anyone’s permission. He rested the hammer on his shoulder as if it were his own, and gave him an arrogant look.

“Ha, are you the heretic who took down the ‘Star that Spreads the Gospel’? Indeed, he is a vicious-looking man befitting the evil he committed.”

“… … .”

“I guess I have to acknowledge the hard work it took to drop one star. You will know with glory. In return, I will tell you the name of the person who will lead you to destruction.”

His actions and manner of speaking conveyed the composure that he could defeat his opponent at any time. However, when Kadim saw that, another thought occurred to him. The most common mistake made by inexperienced, arrogant, reckless, and immature paladins.

“I am the seventh seat of the Decagram, Vitares El Acracia Durectacion. The seventh seat of the stars, that most noble name is ‘the giver of life’… … ”

The fact that he wasn’t wearing the most important piece of defensive equipment, a helmet.

――――Crash, crunch, crunch!

“… … Aah! Oh my, groan… … .”

Vitares’ head was cut in half by the ax blade that flew like a thunderbolt.