Chapter 100: Thorn

100-1 Thorn

In this world, there were numerous weapons imbued with special powers.

The most representative of these was the holy sword manufactured by the church.

Holy swords, containing divine power, possessed the remarkable ability to protect their users and repel evil.

Another well-known type was the relic sword discovered in ancient ruins.

Made with ancient technology, each relic sword possessed a wide-ranging and destructive power, classifying them as weapons of war.

However, there was a weapon even more famous than holy swords and relic swords: the demon sword.

Demon swords were the most powerful weapons in the world.

Even an insignificant soldier could kill a knight with a demon sword, and a knight could leap several levels in skill by wielding one.

However, demon swords had a fatal flaw: they were cursed.

The curse had a lethal effect on the user.

Initially, users of demon swords would resist, but eventually, they would become intoxicated by the power and, without exception, turn into madmen, committing heinous crimes.

Therefore, demon swords were designated as prohibited items and were destroyed as soon as they were discovered.

"Hehehe, it feels good to be in front of people again."

The demon sword 'Thorn' emitted a strange laugh.

Unlike Damian's demon sword 'Erebus,' Thorn was very talkative and highly intelligent.

Originally, demon swords were created by demons from hell to exert influence on earth.

Thus, they all had distinct personalities and could communicate.

It was strange that Erebus, no matter how high its restoration rate, showed no signs of a personality.

"So, partner! What do you plan to do? Run away?"

"Run? You're talking nonsense. If I run, I'll have to give up everything I've achieved."

"Hehe, then what do you plan to do? Could it be what I'm thinking?"

"Yes, I'll kill them all. Not a single one will be left alive."

At these words, the demon sword laughed loudly. The unpleasant sound echoed in all directions.

"That's why I like you, partner! Even though you sometimes do stupid things, it's a minor flaw!"

Liam Blugreen pointed his sword at Alexander Apple.

"Your Highness, are you really going to resist?"

"If I don't resist? Do you think I'll live if I don't?"

"You can at least save your life."

"You think I'm a fool. I'm involved with a black magician. Even if my brother spares me, the church won't."

Alexander Apple had already made his decision.

"In that case, I'll kill everyone here. I'll erase the truth completely and ascend to the throne."

Liam Blugreen looked at him with disbelief.

"You're not in your right mind."

The two men glared at each other, and a tense atmosphere filled the air.

"Hehe, just a high-class warrior, and you're making a fuss."

At that moment, the demon sword 'Thorn' spoke with disdain.

"Partner, what are you doing? Show me your power!"

Alexander Apple lunged forward, swinging his sword at Liam Blugreen.

Liam Blugreen swung his sword in return. Their swords clashed several times in the air.

Each time their weapons collided, shockwaves and air bursts erupted. The people in the audience chamber screamed.

"Ugh!"

"Aaah!"

Damian observed the battle between the two men.

Surprisingly, Alexander Apple was countering all of Liam Blugreen's attacks.

A newly ascended high-class warrior facing off equally against a seasoned high-class warrior?

It was impossible under normal circumstances.

'Typical of a demon sword. It's not being controlled by its owner but controlling the owner.'

Damian immediately understood the relationship between Alexander Apple and the demon sword.

The demon sword was using magic to control Alexander Apple's body.

'That's how he reached the high-class level.'

Alexander Apple didn't achieve the high-class level through his own strength but by accepting the power of the demon sword. In other words, he was mistaking someone else's power for his own.

"Sir Damian!"

In the middle of the battle, Liam Blugreen shouted.

"Take the king and the prince to safety! It's dangerous to stay here!"

Damian nodded.

High-class warriors were fighting right next to them. Staying here was too dangerous.

"Everyone, let's go."

Damian led the people in the audience chamber to safety. He also issued an evacuation order to everyone in the building.

"Think of it as a volcano about to erupt. Run as far away as possible!"

People hurried their steps. When the castle was just a small dot in the distance, an explosion sounded.

People screamed and turned back. The top of the castle had completely blown off.

In the wreckage, two men were glaring at each other.

"Hehe, hehe! It's been a while since I've had a good fight! I'm really enjoying this!"

The demon sword's laughter echoed loudly.

Damian watched the scene and said,

"Prince Oliver, please lead the people to safety in my place."

Oliver Apple looked bewildered at the sudden request.

"What? What about you, Sir Damian?"

"I need to help Sir Liam."

"Sir Liam will be fine. He has never lost a battle before!"

Oliver Apple said with pride.

Damian stared at the two men and said,

"Today will be the first time he loses."

Damian could see it. The black magic power emitted by the demon sword was increasing in real-time.

The amount of black magic power had already surpassed the high-class level. Damian couldn't even guess how strong it would become.

"But... if Sir Liam loses... won't you be in danger, Sir Damian!"

Oliver Apple said with concern. Damian replied calmly,

"Am I crazy to fight a demon sword?"

"I plan to help Sir Liam escape and run away when the situation allows."

Oliver Apple thought for a moment and nodded.

"...You must come back."

Damian smiled and said,

"You're worrying about me 100 years too early."

Damian turned to Veronica Sanches.

"Veronica, follow me. I need your help."

"What? Why me?"

Veronica Sanches said with a puzzled look. Michael, who was standing nearby, quickly said,

"Brother Damian! I'll go instead of that woman!"

"Sure! Send him! Why me? It's annoying!"

"Michael, you need to protect the king and the prince."

"But... she can do it too..."

Michael Ryanblum's face turned serious as he spoke.

"...I can't. I understand. I'll protect the king and the prince."

Michael led the people away. Veronica Sanches also tried to follow.

"You were supposed to follow me."

Damian grabbed Veronica Sanches by the neck.

Veronica Sanches sighed deeply.

"Damn, I should have run away faster."

* * *

Liam Blugreen looked at his sword.

It wasn't an ordinary sword but a famous sword passed down through the Blugreen family. It contained a large amount of rare metal.

It had never dulled despite being used by generations of ancestors.

Now, the famous sword had teeth marks all over it.

"Hehe, you can't attack me with a cheap sword like that! My body is too strong!"

The demon sword in Alexander Apple's hand said excitedly.

Unlike Liam Blugreen's sword, the demon sword 'Thorn' was unscathed, as if it had just been sharpened.

'I can't face him head-on anymore.'

Thorn had pierced through his aura and damaged his sword. If they clashed a few more times, his sword would likely break.

"Your Highness, from now on, I will take you seriously."

"You're so considerate. Warning me like this."

Alexander Apple said with a mocking tone.

"Sir Liam, you seem to have forgotten. You also studied swordsmanship in the Blugreen family. I already know all the techniques you can use."

The Blugreen family was known for their flying sword technique.

Flying sword technique involved emitting aura to attack. It consumed a lot of magic power but allowed for unconventional combat.

Therefore, this battle was advantageous for Alexander Apple.

"No, Your Highness, you know nothing."

Liam Blugreen contradicted Alexander Apple.

"Do you know why the knight's level is divided into four? It's because the abilities you can use differ by level."

Low-class knights can only manifest aura.

Mid-class knights can freely use aura.

And high-class knights...

"I'll show you, Your Highness. The essence of our family's sword technique."

Liam Blugreen infused his sword with magic power. A white mist spread widely.

"Fool, prepare yourself."

The demon sword's voice became serious. The technique Liam Blugreen was preparing was not to be underestimated.

"Your Highness, please be careful."

Liam Blugreen swung his sword. Crescent-shaped auras rained down.

"What the...?"

Alexander Apple swung his demon sword in surprise. Each time he deflected an aura, his body was pushed back.

"Hey! Put more power into it! Why are you so weak!"

The demon sword shouted irritably. Alexander Apple gritted his teeth and held on.

At that moment, Liam Blugreen appeared behind Alexander Apple.

"Liam Blugreen...!"

Before Alexander Apple could react, Liam Blugreen struck down with his sword.

A massive strike fell from the sky, slicing from Alexander Apple's head to his navel.

"Kaaaah!"

Alexander Apple screamed and fell to his knees, bowing his head and clutching the demon sword.

"Huff..."

Liam Blugreen caught his breath. Using flying sword technique required a lot of magic power.

Even as a high-class knight, he was exhausted.

"Your Highness, I truly believed in you."

Liam Blugreen had given up on the crown prince long ago.

He judged that the prince's unruly nature could never be changed. That's why he supported Alexander Apple.

"I regret having to execute you with my own hands."

"You're just spouting empty words."

A voice came from Alexander Apple. Liam Blugreen looked at him in shock.

"Your Highness?"

"Damn, it hurts so much. Is this how it feels to be cut by aura?"

Alexander Apple stood up. Despite being cut by aura, he was unharmed.

Liam Blugreen looked at Alexander Apple in disbelief.

"Surprised? This is the power of this sword. It grants the same hardness to the user's body as the demon sword."

"Who's the owner? I told you I'm using it."

The demon sword Thorn protested in an annoyed voice. Alexander Apple ignored it.

"Since Sir Liam showed me a great technique, I can't just stand by."

Alexander Apple gripped the demon sword in reverse, pointing the tip at the ground.

"Watch closely as I demonstrate the power of the demon sword."

Alexander Apple forcefully stabbed the demon sword into the ground. Instantly, countless thorns sprouted.

The thorns aimed to pierce Liam Blugreen. They moved at a speed that was hard to react to.

Liam Blugreen reflexively tried to cut the thorns.

But his sword couldn't cut through the thorns. It shattered upon impact.

Before he could react, the thorns pierced Liam Blugreen's body.

* * *

What just happened?

Liam Blugreen looked down at his body. Thick branches had pierced through him.

"Cough."

Blood gushed from a vital spot. He could feel his life force rapidly draining.

"This is the power of the demon sword."

Alexander Apple said triumphantly.

"It sprouts thorns at incredible speed. Not only fast but also powerful enough to shatter a high-class knight's aura."

Liam Blugreen continued to vomit blood. He couldn't even speak.

"I'd like to talk more, but I have many people to kill."

Alexander Apple gestured. The thorns around him bent and aimed at Liam Blugreen.

"Close your eyes now."

The thorns extended towards Liam Blugreen. He closed his eyes quietly.

At that moment,

Two people fell from the sky. One of them stabbed the ground with a sword just before landing.

The impact caused the ground to crack, and the thorns scattered.

Thanks to this, Liam Blugreen was freed from the thorns.

"Sir Damian Hassen!"

Alexander Apple said with excitement.

"I was planning to kill you next! I'm really happy you showed up so quickly!"

Damian wasn't looking at Alexander Apple but checking Liam Blugreen's condition.

"You're badly injured. We need to treat you quickly. You take Sir Liam and get out of here..."

"I got it!"

Before Damian finished speaking, Veronica Sanches had already taken Liam Blugreen and fled the building.

Damian looked at the direction she disappeared in, surprised.

He didn't know Veronica Sanches could move so fast.

"No, wait... wait..."

He had brought Veronica Sanches instead of Michael for this exact reason.

Michael, being loyal, would never leave Damian behind.

He thought Veronica Sanches would follow orders easily, but he didn't expect her to leave so readily.

Damian was resolving to not give her important tasks in the future when he heard Alexander Apple's voice.

"Trying to buy time?"

Damian turned to look at him.

"A mid-class knight trying to stop a high-class knight? I've never heard such nonsense in my life."

"Same here. I've never seen anyone dumber than you."

Alexander Apple adjusted his grip on the demon sword.

"I'll show you how wrong you are. First, I'll pierce your limbs with thorns..."

"Everything is exposed."

Suddenly, Damian spoke.

Confused, Alexander Apple frowned.

"What?"

"Your body is full of holes. They're high up. If I kill you here, it will be obvious."

Alexander Apple doubted his ears.

"Kill? You think you can kill me?"

"Your hearing must be bad."

A vein popped on Alexander Apple's forehead. He growled.

"You must be insane to want to die... Fine, I'll grant your wish!"

Just as Alexander Apple was about to charge, Damian Hassen shouted loudly.

"What!? You're going to use black magic to trap me so I can't run away!"

The unexpected statement made Alexander Apple stop.

"What, what