SSS-Knight in a Hero World-Chapter 85: Paths

It’s as if time didn’t even pass as the edge of Tianqin’s blade was already a hair’s width from Ferris’ face.

Despite the situation, there was a warm feeling and awe at the man’s sword essence.

It felt like it wasn’t even there. Ferris could only see it as a sword as it is and he couldn’t he feel its presence.

Tianqin’s blade had become one with the world’s essence. Ferris knew that from experience, after all, he himself had reached this level.

But to see it as an ant was something spectacular.

If Tianqin’s blade wished to cut, then it would cut. If not, then it wouldn’t.

Each swing was filled with the will of the Impaler to change the world before him.

I can’t dodge—

Felix!

Clang!

"Oh? That’s impressive without a doubt," the man said, easing the pressure of his sword to allow Ferris to breathe.

Perhaps it was the world’s will that Ferris managed to raise his sword fast enough to stop Tianqin’s blade.

However, it was not Ferris who did it.

There was a suffocating, almost crushing feeling on his heart as if someone were gripping it tightly.

It feels like it’s gonna explode! Ferris screamed inwardly. Fortunately, he was hardy enough not to shiver from the pain or even faint.

His body moved on its own or rather, the armor moved by itself.

Then Ferris felt something inside the suit fading away slowly, yet it still ignited in strength.

Felix, now!

Ferris roared in anger and threw his entire body into one reckless swing.

Tianqin laughed, easily blocking the knight’s attack with his demonic sword. "What has gotten into you, young man!"

. . .

Crack.

"Oh dear."

Unexpectedly, the Impaler’s and the knight’s blades began to split at the point of contact.

But before it could explode into a thousand bits of metal shards, Tianqin was suddenly shot away like a meteor, crashing through buildings as he did so.

Ferris remained where he was, continuing to fall along the parabolic arc he was already in.

Landing on the streets below, Ferris took the chance to observe his physical state.

He gripped his chest as if about to have a heart attack and sighed heavily.

That sudden burst of power was definitely not his doing, and it obviously wasn’t free of aftereffects.

If there had been even a minor mistake, he would’ve died not to Tianqin’s blade, but to himself.

But that didn’t mean he was ungrateful, he had a vague idea on who caused that burst of essence. Thank you. You saved me.

. . .

There was an eerie silence. He could hear his own blood flowing through his ears.

Yaromech must’ve done something to increase his strength. Cursed spirits tended to lose their energy the more they interacted with the material world.

The dead should never interfere with the living after all, the world’s essence naturally corrected the mistake.

He’s still here, I can feel him. Ferris eased the grip on his chest and readied his body for battle once more.

There was a great presence beyond the towers and buildings.

It burned with passion, yet at the same time it was as still as heaven itself. It was a duality of presence, the space between mortals and demigods.

This must be why they called Tianqin the Heaven Defying Demon, Ferris thought, tracing his eyes toward the presence.

At first it was slow, but it quickly picked up speed until it was hopping along the tops of buildings.

Then, it suddenly shot up into the sky.

Tianqin almost floated as he held his position above the city skyline.

With a graceful swing, he effortlessly created another one of his titanic red essence blades.

Then he swung another, then another, and so on—an endless waterfall of hell incarnate.

Tianqin didn’t give Ferris the opportunity to analyze what was happening until the skies filled with death itself.

Ferris clicked his tongue at the sight. The old man was like a child being rough with a newly gifted toy.

You’re going to die today.

Inside of Ferris’ thoughts which time seemed to move completely still, a fractured and malicious voice suddenly spoke to him, carrying the tone of his former teacher.

Yaromech’s curse was clearly falling apart already. His kind soul wasn’t enough to keep itself together.

All that remained must’ve been whatever regret Yaromech had before he died.

You should’ve died with us.

The prophecy has been fulfilled, let’s give up.

Ferris chuckled inwardly. If I had a way to record your words, I’d show it to Alaric and the rest.

Alaric would definitely beat the hell out of you for even thinking such rubbish.

The curse didn’t reply, but Ferris could feel it rumbling deep inside his mind.

Perhaps there was still a bit of kindness left.

A kindness that didn’t allow Yaromech to say anything remotely harmful to his relationships, maybe aside from Felix at this moment.

Then... the curse uttered nonsense inside Ferris’ mind that couldn’t be interpreted.

Then it spoke clearly, with less malice.

I’m not being pessimistic, Felix. You can’t survive that. This... suit can only output so much essence... overloading it will result in your death.

That gamble I did before can’t happen twice in a row.

You should—

"Stop."

Ferris began walking toward the storm of red blades and smiled. "Before you truly die, let me show you this fact."

Ferris dropped his fracturing blade and clenched his fist.

"The fact is... that Yaromech raised a ’knight’." He said aloud as he hardened his legs and crouched down.

With a single leap, the distant essence blades began closing in as he ascended like a single firefly going against the storm.

I still remember this technique. Just like... last time.

The blood inside Felix’s legs curled up in pain.

***

. . .

. . .

. . .

It had already been seven hours, standing on top of the same hill that had been overlooking the funeral procession in the distance.

Despite the space between them, Felix could instinctively feel the warping of essence inside the coffins. He recognized each and every one of them as his comrades who were assassinated.

And despite the mourning relatives he could hear, Felix could not bring himself to take a single step forward and let them hear his own sobbing.

Then added the sudden breakup with Yaromech in front of Alaric.

Good lord, I’m a mess... Felix thought, his orderly mind trying to piece itself together as his crying half wanted to rush forward right now and make an awkward scene.

Then he thought of something to fix the issue.

What if he killed the elf royalty who assassinated his friends?

Felix certainly had the know-how, the strength, and the knight’s authority to come close to the prince and behead him there.

And considering his stature as an important aspect against the war, a death sentence for him might be overlooked.

. . .

Kneel.

A gushing sound erupted from within the depths of his throat.

The price being, desecrating the tomb he was standing near off.

A messy color of yellow and complementary colors drenched the tombstone, his own work disallowing him the privilege of even seeing his victim’s carved name.

That situation was enough to distract him from his split consciousness as he frantically tried cleaning his mess with the sleeves of his modest clothing.

Damnit, I might need to buy some cleaning... Felix gritted his teeth, the internal noise preventing his senses from noticing a closing-in figure.

"Move aside, human," a woman’s voice called him out in a disgruntled tone.

Unfortunately, her warning fell on the knight’s deaf ears.

Whoosh!

A sudden burst of heat blanketed the entire tomb area, covering the tiny strands of grass and the stone in a thin layer of fire.

It rose up in an instant, instantly vaporizing the vomit, and maybe Felix’s eyesight with it.

"Ah fuck, my eyes!" Felix rolled.

Obviously, it wasn’t an assassination attempt just now. It felt more like rubbing one’s eyes after handling a large amount of hot peppers.

"W-why..." Felix mumbled, regaining a fraction of his sight in red hue.

As Felix was about to continue running his mouth, he paused at the sight of sharp ears.

The worst species Felix would see right now.

Even a goblin, or an orc, or even an incubus would fare a better sight for him.

Why an elf... Felix lampooned.

As he regained most of his vision, his eyes focused on the tall figure looking down on him.

Her orange hair blended with the setting sky, and her eyes were greener than the surrounding grass field.

Kick.

"You’re in my way."

The gall!

Say that before you kick me, elf! Felix silently screamed with his reddened eyes.

Felix watched as the mysterious elf now ignored him then kneeled before the grave to pay her respect quietly and with flowers.

Of course, as a knight or if he even was right now, it was best not to disturb her mourning.

Felix stepped back and gave her some space before looking back at his comrades’ funeral.

It’s almost finished, they’ll open the casket so their families can look at their children one last time.

He stared at the people over there and saw them console each other, even if they weren’t connected by blood.

If there wasn’t anyone to tell him, Felix wouldn’t believe how jealous he was at this moment.

...I wanna see them too, damnit.

"Aren’t you going to say sorry for my parents?" the elf said as she still kneeled.

Snapping out of his monologue, he unintentionally glared at the elf then quickly eased his facial muscles, which only left the elf a bit confused and concerned.

"I’m sorry for ruining your parents’ grave, forgive me—

"Too bad, I won’t forgive you," she hastily replied, as if she couldn’t wait for Felix to say sorry.

Felix twitched his eyes only so slightly.

Then why did you want me to say sorry?

. . .

Patience is a virtue... Nope.

Having had enough for today, Felix flicked his head away without a single word. And if the elf tried to continue talking, then he’d just ignore her like a brick wall.

But after minutes of Felix watching his comrades’ procession, he couldn’t ignore the fact that the elf was still there in the corner of his eyes.

Why is she still here... Felix thought, pursing his lips as he tried to stop his head from turning out of curiosity.

Just a peek.

...huh?

A glistening streak came down from her eyes like a running snail.

His inner consciousness couldn’t understand what it saw in front of him. Without hesitation, his mouth moved on its own. "Why are you crying?"

...Then he covered his mouth in shame as if he had just thrown a curse at her.

Unexpectedly, the elf paused her tears to answer his question as she stared at the lined coffins.

"These are tears of joy."