Sword Master With One Strike Kill - Chapter 116

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————

One-Strike Kill Swordmaster Episode 116

 

Episode 116. Midnight Rendezvous (1)

 

Thud, thud-.

 

Hakun Durdarmel walked silently through the dark corridor of Brickwood Manor.

 

The shadows cast by the candlesticks hanging on the walls made his muscular frame appear even more imposing.

 

“….”

 

Hesitation-.

 

For a moment, his expression twisted as he paused in his steps.

 

A terrible memory flashed through his mind.

 

‘Damn….’

 

Every visit to the manor left him feeling disgusted.

 

It had been barely a month since he was tortured in the basement of this place.

 

So it was only natural that this place felt unpleasant.

 

“….”

 

But what choice did he have?

 

To communicate with Middle Temple, he had no choice but to use the facilities at Brickwood Manor.

 

Creeeeak─.

 

The iron door opened with the sound of old hinges squeaking.

 

The air grew colder as he descended the stairs.

 

Soon, Hakun Durdarmel arrived at a small circular chamber.

 

Ancient characters carved along the walls emitted a faint blue light, and a large crystal orb sat in the center of the room.

 

Woom, wooom-!

 

As Hakun Durdarmel approached, the crystal orb began to react.

 

Soon, the misty interior gradually cleared, and a familiar voice echoed through the chamber.

 

[It’s been a while.]

 

“….”

 

A calm yet dignified voice.

 

It was the voice of Gaon, the Thirteenth Sword Master.

 

“I offer my greetings to the seeker who serves the will of the Great Ones.”

 

Swoosh-.

 

Hakun Durdarmel knelt down and bowed his head deeply.

 

Though it was communication through a crystal orb, the other party was undoubtedly a seeker, so showing proper respect was the right thing to do.

 

After that, simple greetings were exchanged.

 

Gaon’s inquiry about how the eastern guild master duties were going, and Hakun Durdarmel’s response that he was doing well thanks to him.

 

After a brief casual conversation, serious discussion began.

 

“The investigators and researchers dispatched from Middle Temple have completed all investigations regarding the Celestial Dragon. They’ve collected and taken all the necessary minimum samples.”

 

This was content he had already reported by letter.

 

The remaining corpse of the Celestial Dragon was frozen under the blessing of “Corpse Preservation,” maintaining its perfect original form.

 

It would remain unchanged at least until the auction in two weeks.

 

Gaon listened quietly to all of this.

 

Then he gave a brief response in an indifferent, dry voice.

 

[Good work. I made the right choice entrusting this task to you.]

 

“…Thank you.”

 

Silence fell after that conversation.

 

How much time had passed like this?

 

Hakun Durdarmel, who had been hesitating for a moment, carefully opened his mouth.

 

“Lord Gaon, forgive me, but may I ask just one thing?”

 

[Speak.]

 

“Why specifically the Ruin Guild?”

 

This auction was to be entrusted to the Ruin Guild. And the one who gave that directive was none other than Gaon.

 

Hakun Durdarmel had been harboring various doubts since he first received that order.

 

“Our Durdarmel Guild also has sufficient capability to conduct the auction. Legally and transparently, while guaranteeing maximum profit.”

 

[….]

 

“On the other hand, the Ruin Guild… Of course, I don’t doubt their abilities, but I have doubts about whether their methods based on the black market are truly appropriate.”

 

Gaon answered immediately.

 

[I know what you’re concerned about.]

 

“….”

 

[The Ruin Guild’s illegal operating methods. The sources of the items they handle. And above all, the distrust regarding the veiled figure called ‘Karayan’.]

 

Flinch-.

 

At Gaon’s words hitting the mark, Hakun Durdarmel couldn’t offer any response.

 

Regardless, Gaon simply continued his explanation.

 

[But this case is special.]

 

“Special, you say…?”

 

[The Celestial Dragon is not a simple war trophy. The interests surrounding it are far more complex and dangerous than you think.]

 

“….”

 

[Legal auctions and transparent procedures. Such things might actually bring great disaster.]

 

Gaon continued his explanation.

 

[The Ruin Guild is the most suitable force for handling such sensitive items. They know how to keep secrets, and they also know how to erase traces when necessary.]

 

Hakun Durdarmel pressed his lips together.

 

In truth, Gaon’s argument was completely correct. This was also a problem he himself was aware of.

 

‘The value of a divine beast’s corpse is astronomical.’

 

As an item that had never once appeared at auction before, its value was immeasurable. It was practically a case of name-your-price.

 

Among those who would flock to covet that value, there would surely be dangerous beings who shouldn’t be allowed into Bertas, the Free City.

 

For example, dark mages conducting illegal experiments, or evil deity worshippers like the “Five Nightmares.”

 

[It’s better to hold the auction in a place that can handle such people, in a way that can handle them.]

 

Dungarrd, the Dark City.

 

A place where illegality was daily life and a city ruled by darkness. A location where it wouldn’t be strange for dangerous people to gather.

 

Gaon’s judgment was that there, at least, all of this could be controlled.

 

“….”

 

Nevertheless, Hakun Durdarmel still couldn’t understand Gaon’s intentions.

 

The intention to dispose of items through an illegal auction was no different from saying he would hand over the divine beast’s corpse to dangerous people.

 

In these already turbulent times, he would hand over a divine beast to villains?

 

[Don’t worry.]

 

Just then, Gaon began to speak as if he had seen through Hakun Durdarmel’s concerns.

 

[This is still just part of my bigger picture.]

 

“….”

 

With those words, Gaon fell silent. His voice carried a firmness that refused any further explanation.

 

Recognizing this, Hakun Durdarmel tactfully bowed his head. He had no intention whatsoever of going against the seeker’s will.

 

“I will follow your will, seeker.”

 

Woom, wooooom-.

 

With that response, the light of the crystal orb began to gradually fade.

 

Communication with Middle Temple had been severed.

 

Hakun Durdarmel stood there for a while, gazing at the darkened crystal orb.

 

‘…The Ruin Guild, huh.’

 

Huu-.

 

He shook his head and let out a sigh.

 

Getting involved with the forces of the dark city was always dangerous. Especially when it was the Ruin Guild that ruled Dawnguard.

 

However, since Gaon had given direct orders, Hakun Durdamel had no choice but to follow them.

 

‘If this is part of a bigger picture… what kind of plan could The Protagonist be devising?’

 

If nothing else, one thing was certain.

 

The auction of the Celestial Dragon’s corpse would undoubtedly become a massive event that would shake not just Dungarrd, the Dark City, but the entire Continent.

 

* * *

 

“Phew…”

 

Swoosh—.

 

The Guest Hall where the light of the Crystal District had completely faded.

 

Leaning back in my chair, I let out a sigh and fell into deep thought.

 

Just before leaving for the Corpse Exhibition, I had instructed Hakun Durdamel to entrust the auction to the Ruin Guild.

 

A structure where Durdamel would hold all rights to the Celestial Dragon, but only the location and management of the auction would be left to the Ruin Guild.

 

On the surface, it might look like simple task division, but in reality, it was a move with much more complex calculations behind it.

 

‘First, it can maximize profits.’

 

In Lost Elder, there exist forces that only operate from the shadows.

 

Among them were those who knew the value of the Celestial Dragon better than anyone, yet couldn’t participate in public bidding.

 

But if the auction location was Dungarrd, the Dark City, the story would be different. There, anyone could hide their identity behind a mask.

 

I had considered this point when deciding to entrust the auction to the Ruin Guild.

 

And second.

 

Actually, this was the most important reason…

 

‘…It’s safer to maintain the original story’s flow as much as possible.’

 

All divine beast corpse auction scenarios had always been held in Dawnguard.

 

Of course, this was the first time an auction was being held this early, so I couldn’t rule out the possibility of unexpected events… but keeping at least the location the same would result in fewer variables.

 

‘Even if variables arise, I should use them as opportunities instead.’

 

Even if the auction timing was significantly moved up, the level of interest surrounding the divine beast’s corpse wouldn’t change.

 

This meant there was a high probability that the characters and forces from the original work would show themselves this time too. This was also an opportunity to make contact earlier than planned with those I couldn’t meet in the early stages.

 

The representative force among them was the 「Relic Investigation Team」.

 

“…”

 

Swoosh—.

 

I put my hand into my coat pocket.

 

I felt the texture of a metal key and an old map.

 

The gift the Crimson Empress had given me at Wintershield Magic Academy. The 「Opener」 that led to Rashutku Ruins.

 

To achieve what I wanted at these ruins, the help of the Relic Investigation Team was essential.

 

‘…Originally, they were a force I could only meet in the mid-to-late stages.’

 

The probability of them appearing at this Celestial Dragon auction was very high. The corpse of a divine beast was precious material for ancient civilization research.

 

If I could just make contact with them at this opportunity?

 

Not only could I advance the 「Jinmyeong Geopbang」 of the Feather Sword at Rashutku Ruins, but I might also succeed in hatching the 【Istereg】.

 

“Phew.”

 

Press, press—.

 

I sighed and pressed my throbbing forehead.

 

The Celestial Dragon’s auction, contact with the Relic Investigation Team, exploring Rashutku Ruins, and even getting through Jaque’s trials.

 

There really were mountains of things I needed to worry about.

 

But if I had to pick just one most urgent problem right now…

 

Creeeeak—.

 

…It was dealing with that ‘uninvited guest’ standing in front of my door.

 

“Oh?”

 

When I opened the door to the Guest Hall, the man who had been waiting in front of it spoke as if he’d been expecting this.

 

Silver-white long hair flowing over his shoulders. Pointed ears and bandages completely covering his vision.

 

“You’ve finally come out.”

 

“…”

 

Pean the Sword Master.

 

He looked at me… or rather, faced in my direction and smiled brightly.

 

The faint smile drawn on his pale skin was as meaningful as always.

 

Step—.

 

Pean took a step toward me.

 

There wasn’t a hint of hesitation in his movement. As if he could see perfectly ahead.

 

“I was wondering whether to knock on the door, but you seemed very busy, so I waited quietly.”

 

“…”

 

“You seem to be frantically busy preparing for the auction of the Celestial Dragon you recently defeated.”

 

As expected, he had been eavesdropping.

 

All the various soundproofing magic and barriers laid in the Guest Hall were useless.

 

Well, Pean had gained various abilities in exchange for giving up his ‘sight’.

 

I asked directly.

 

“What’s your business?”

 

Actually, I already knew why he had come here. I had known this situation would unfold long before coming to Middle Temple.

 

Pean’s expression, which had been wearing a gentle smile until just now, changed instantly. He began to stare at me blankly with an expressionless face.

 

Seeing the handsome young man who always smiled make such an expression somehow gave me chills.

 

“I should greet you first.”

 

Bow—.

 

Pean politely lowered his waist.

 

Then he continued speaking clearly in a calm voice.

 

“Thank you for eliminating Jark von Haibrunn. To think that a great castle of Middle Temple had joined hands with the Evil Deities. If The Protagonist hadn’t stepped forward, we would have suffered great damage…”

 

“I told you to state your business.”

 

“…”

 

Pause—.

 

When I cut off his words, Pean closed his mouth tightly for a moment.

 

After remaining silent for a while, he let out a deep sigh and shook his head.

 

“Don’t you think rules are quite unreasonable? Sometimes absurdly so.”

 

“…”

 

“I’m talking about the 「Laws of the Heavenly Realm」 created by The Great Ones.”

 

He began to launch into a lengthy explanation.

 

“We Sword Masters are beings who have made direct contracts with The Great Ones. We are guardians who carry out their will and protect the balance of the world.”

 

“…”

 

“But among those contracts, there are sometimes… contradictory clauses.”

 

Old rules created thousands, perhaps tens of thousands of years ago.

 

Anachronistic clauses formed during an age of prosperity.

 

In the current situation where the shadow of the end times looms, they have become shackles that rather hold us back.

 

“There’s no such thing as flexibility. It’s not for nothing that the Evil Deity worshippers call The Great Ones by the derogatory term ‘the Old Ones’.”

 

Pean smiled bitterly.

 

“For example, like this. Jark von Haibrunn clearly made a contract with the Evil Deities. He became a corrupted monster and threatened the Holy City. Eliminating such a being was the right thing to do.”

 

“…”

 

“But the Laws of the Heavenly Realm don’t consider such circumstances. They only recognize the fact that ‘the head of Haibroon has died’…”

 

“Your words are unnecessarily long.”

 

I cut off Pean’s words.

 

“That’s the third time. I told you to state your ‘business’.”

 

“…”

 

Huu-.

 

Pean let out a sigh and raised his hand.

 

At that moment, the air began to vibrate.

 

A faint light seeped out from the back of his hand, soon revealing a clear pattern.

 

Wind blew. The cold night air swept through the corridor.

 

“Look.”

 

After a long silence, Pean opened his mouth.

 

Letting out a hollow laugh as if finding it utterly absurd.

 

“The Sword Master’s Pact has been activated.”

 

“….”

 

“According to the contract, it means I must kill you, Gaon.”

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————