DEMON CASTLE-Chapter 77

Such an Entertaining Young Man!

"Death with honor is the best death, and I shall grant it to you!"

The massive figure emerged from the shadows of the trees, exuding an epic aura that reinforced his immense power. It was Orka, stepping out of the darkness, wielding two enormous axes—one in each hand—as the bandits parted ways to make room for him to approach the Count's son.

"No, don't do it! Surrender! There is no way to victory!!!"

The Count couldn't bear the thought. Holding a high rank in terms of power came with its own drawbacks—particularly the difficulty of reproduction. Being excessively strong resulted in sperm that was too powerful, killing the egg during fertilization, while an overly strong egg would reject weaker sperm. Even for humans and demi-humans, who had high birth rates, this issue became increasingly prominent at higher ranks.

"Are you the commander?"

The Count's son, who was both outwardly and inwardly a celebrity among the empire's girls, controlled his armored white horse with unwavering determination and questioned the towering two-meter bandit before him.

"Young man, I know what the fire in your eyes means... Dying by my hand would be an honor for you."

From experience, Orka could tell the young man's intent. He could have granted him a swift death, but he, too, had his own code of honor. This young man was entertaining. His resolute gaze and steadfast words reminded Orka of his own youth. However, Orka had been raised in the dark alleys, in poverty—becoming a man through banditry and looting. He was not someone who could pursue honor the way this young man did, the way he had once dreamed. Even after reaching the level of an epic warrior, his name remained that of a bandit—labeled as a bastard and a traitor, someone whose past and profession carried no honor.

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"I appreciate your respect for this duel! But it will be I who takes your head and avenges the men and women of Loot!"

He dismounted from his horse, drew his sword, and stood ready—while his mother had fainted, and the Count, with tear-filled eyes, watched his only son, who had chosen to court death.

"I like your spirit! Now come! Let's see if your words have the strength to back them up!"

With those words, the two combatants stepped forward as the crowd moved away, making space for them. Both sought honor—one through his death, the other through his warrior's code. Their battle lasted for many minutes, a contest of pure skill and strength with no magic involved. However, the outcome was already determined. The duel ended with the Count's son lying on the ground, his hand severed, a deep cut across his chest, coughing up blood. Even though his pain was enough to make most scream in agony, he smiled, looking at his opponent as darkness overtook his vision.

"Thanking even the one who takes your life... such a death..."

Orka had no words to say. He no longer believed he had been equal to this young warrior. He simply closed the young man's eyes and spoke.

"Take the city in peace. Any act of murder, rape, or theft will be punished by death."

Then, he turned to the Count, appearing before him and placing a hand on the old man's shoulder. The Count had collapsed to his knees, unable to stand after witnessing his son's death.

"My lord, my master needs men like you to rule. You fought well—I watched the whole time. Tomorrow, give your son a glorious burial and erect a statue of him where he fell. I know that even if I grant you this, the hatred of his death will never leave your heart. But this is war, and you and I have seen it too many times..."

With that, Orka turned back toward his army. However, Hezhna approached him with a stern expression.

"The king wants the Count's son's body."

Orka closed his eyes and continued walking.

"I know what he seeks... Just take his head. That will suffice."

Hezhna frowned. Even though he respected the warrior's remains, he dared not defy Hazard's orders. After all, Hazard was putting more and more pressure on him to prove his loyalty.

"But..."

Yet, another message came from Hazard, approving Orka's decision.

"Ahhh..."

Hezhna sighed in relief. Even with an epic-tier staff in hand, he dared not cross Orka, the Legendary Bandit.

{The following contains spoilers}

Years passed, yet the battle of the Count's son at the city gates remained legendary. A massive statue of him was erected at the site of his death, and throughout the Central Continent, he was remembered as the Statue of Valor. No child grew up without seeing him as a role model—the man who once stood against the God of Plunder and challenged him to a duel.

But none knew that the same young man would later become the one the world feared as the Shadow of the God of Terror.