Chapter 48

In Ardenia, I had seen quite a few notifications about acquiring rare items, but it felt different to see familiar names here.

“Moreover, it’s a Barrier Wand.”

Even I knew this item despite having no interest in mage gear. It was commonly referred to as a ‘rare rarity’ item!

[Barrier Wand (Rare)]

Weapon Damage +13

Hit +6

Intelligence +15

Energy Barrier 1%

The Energy Barrier created a protective shield based on the damage dealt to enemies. With a 1% Energy Barrier, dealing 100 damage would generate a shield of 1 point.

‘Obviously…this is incredibly useful. Wouldn’t it become even more cheat-like if applied in reality? By mastering wide-area magic spells, one could create extremely powerful shields!’

Even in games, it was said to be better to use a barrier wand enhanced up to level 9 rather than most hero-tier items due to its usefulness. I didn’t pay much attention to that hopping goblin, but it dropped such a valuable item.

“These bastards, they are diligently raiding dungeons.”

I smiled with satisfaction when I heard some commotion from my forces below. Looking down, I saw soldiers pointing at me.

“I’ve been caught. Well, no matter how high I fly, my size is noticeable.”

However, it didn’t matter if they recognized me or not, so I ignored them and headed towards the dungeon. Unlike the circular gate-shaped castle dungeons, neutral dungeons took the form of pillars of light. It wasn’t necessary to land on the ground to enter the dungeon.

Pop!

I entered the dungeon.

[Dalkgul Cave]

“Grrr… Woof!”

“Woof!”

“Yip-yip-yip!”

I was flying but suddenly found myself standing on the ground. No, it wasn’t just the ground—it seemed like a dark underground location.

“This is the dog cave.”

“Grrr… Woof!” A single dog rushed at me with saliva dripping from its mouth.

Obviously, this opponent wasn’t for me.

‘It’s annoying to deal with them one by one.’

Ignoring the thousands of wild dogs, I sprinted forward. With brutal shoulder barges and knee strikes, the dogs scattered like raccoons hit by a dump truck.

Bang!

I moved straight towards the deepest part of the dog cave. It took less than 20 minutes to defeat the boss of the hell difficulty dog cave, Black Dog Nito (Rare).

[Dog Cave (Ordinary ~ Rare) Hell Difficulty has been cleared!]

[Guilds that meet the conditions can apply for siege warfare!]

Once the dungeon was cleared, all beings standing on the dragon’s vein were pushed outside its boundaries. This phenomenon couldn’t be resisted since it involved shifting space itself.

And within this secured space…

[A shabby earth fort (general) has appeared!]

“What? What is happening now?”

“A siege? Shabby earth fort?”

“What just pushed us out?!’

Suddenly, I found myself amidst the confused knights. We had been expelled from the dungeon upon clearing it. I looked at the distant sight of the earth fort.

“Woof woof!”

“Yip yip yip!”

Dogs were patrolling around the castle walls. Their energy seemed quite fierce but… they weren’t goblins; dogs couldn’t properly defend a fortress.

‘It truly fits the name ‘Siege Tutorial’.’

I had come across information stating that early dungeons in Revenge were often referred to by such names.

Even without a novice like me, any ordinary army could easily succeed in capturing this castle.

The problem here is that someone else might apply for siege warfare after I take over.

But would that be possible? The actual siege wouldn’t pose much of a challenge. One just needs to break through the weak gates, scale the not-too-high earthen walls, and touch the throne inside the feudal lord’s castle. However…only Players can claim ownership by touching the throne, specifically the guild master who applied for the siege.

It’s unlikely anyone could meet these conditions now.

How could they obtain a class unless led by my soldiers? And where would they get enough gold to establish a guild? Even if all those conditions were somehow met, one must apply five days prior to the siege, giving me ample time to return and defend the castle.

Sssling.

At that moment, a rapier was aimed at my neck. I could feel the sharpness from the blade thinner than a finger.

“Who are you? That strange guy riding on the bird just now?”

The person aiming the rapier at me was a woman. In Ardenia, where male dominance was deeply rooted, it was rare to see a female knight. Moreover, I knew her well.

“Haze Starlight.”

”…Han? Is it really you?” She looked surprised at hearing my voice, embodying the term ‘Amazoness’.

‘She is still big.’

Everything about her was large. With a height of 185 centimeters, she towered over many men, and her broad shoulders reminded one of a swimmer. Additionally, her muscular physique, combined with her rough and strong hands, made her presence imposing.

She might sound scary when described this way, but her refreshing appearance and huge chest meant she was never mistaken for a man. Now, she had become a middle-aged woman, but in her youth, she was known as the flower on the cliff that kept all the knights of the Chrome Kingdom awake at night. More than 30 foolish knights challenged me to duels just because I became somewhat friendly with her—what more needs to be said?

“It has been 10 years.”

I manipulated the inventory to remove my helmet. As soon as my face was revealed, the surrounding knights cried out in surprise:

“Wolf Knight!”

“Black Arrow!”

“The lowly bandit… Who does he think he is…?”

The knights around us grumbled, but they fell silent when Haze raised one hand. In this medieval land, it may seem unusual for a knight to wield such authority, but it was actually quite natural.

She was the owner of the holy sword Stella and champion of the Knight Tournament. She was the strongest knight of the Chrome Kingdom, known as the Deciding Knight.

“Wow, this is…”

And now she looked at me with disbelief.

“No way, why aren’t you aging? You still look like you’re in your 20s? Isn’t it crazy?”

“What, but you haven’t changed either.”

“Haven’t changed? What bullshit flattery is this kid spouting? Can’t you see the wrinkles around my eyes?”

I chuckled at her waving fists. Despite being over forty years old, she still seemed quite cute.

“Well, let’s talk later… It is quite unexpected to find you here. Did Zhimail fall?”

“Yes. We couldn’t overcome the monsters labeled ‘Ice Elemental’ above our heads. Above all else…”

“Stop! Haze! How much do you intend to talk?” One knight stepped forward and shouted. The guy in his mid-20s wore luxurious full-body armor as he pointed at me. “You… Who exactly are you? How did you eliminate the pillar of light where monsters were pouring out from? What is that big bird? And…”

I turned away from him and looked at Haze.

“It seems the king has fled this far.”

“What?! You bastard! Impudent!” The young man swung his sword. It wasn’t a threat. There was clear killing intent behind the swing!

Click.

I caught it between my thumb and forefinger. I didn’t even need Combat Premonition for this.

“What?!”

“How can this be…” The knights nearby were startled and agitated.

However, no matter how surprised they were, it couldn’t compare to the shock of the one whose sword was caught.

“W-What? Ahhh…!”

He gripped the sword with both hands and tried his best, but it didn’t budge, as if trapped between two rocks. My full set of equipment provided strength comparable to that of an ogre, so even with aura-enhanced physical capabilities, he couldn’t match my force.

“You bastard…!”

Woooom!

A subtle energy began surging through the sword I held. It seemed like he was attempting to resolve the situation by infusing Inner Force into the blade.

Idiot.

While injecting Inner Force could enhance a weapon’s durability and sharpness, that’s all it accomplished. Instead, he should’ve either released the sword or focused on strengthening his own body, not pouring more power into the weapon.

“What a clueless fool.”

I pulled on two fingers holding his sword and dragged him towards me. Before the other knights could react, I raised my right hand.

“Then take this.”

Pak!

I slapped his cheek. The magic protection of his full-body armor flickered but couldn’t stop my monstrous strength derived from this medieval land.

“You! You dare! Do you know who I am…”

Pak!

“Haze! Why are you just watching…”

Pak!

“S-Stop! You damn…”

Pak!

I hit him again. Again, I struck him. The surrounding knights didn’t dare to attack. It was probably because they knew he would die if I exerted even a little more force with my hands.

Pak! Clang!

The knight lost his grip on the sword and rolled along the ground. I looked down at the fallen man’s face. There was fear in his eyes as he gazed upon me.

“S…Spare me… I…I was wrong…”

It was a face that I remembered. Onyx Chrome, the third prince of the Kingdom of Chrome, famous for his talent with swords and dirty character.

“Would you like to exchange information?”

“You’ve become stronger. You…or were you hiding your strength? I had a feeling about it.”

“What do you mean by ‘hiding my strength’?” In front of me, Haze smiled slightly and nodded, causing nearby knights to discreetly approach and take away Onyx. Regardless, I gave a brief explanation:

“You already know that monsters have poured out from all dragon veins across the continent. As they venture deeper inland, they become increasingly powerful, beyond what humans can handle.” I provided Haze with a concise overview of the game’s settings.

The types of monsters appearing, their locations, methods to clear dungeons, achievements revealed upon completion, newfound powers humanity could obtain, and even classes.

It’s not something I should hide anyway. Monsters pose a bigger threat than humans.

Of course, I was merely informing her; I had no intention of providing any assistance. Managing my soldiers alone was already taxing enough.

“How…did you come across this information?” Haze asked, prompting me to reminisce about our past together.

I first met her seventeen years ago. It was around the time when I realized that raiding mountains alone couldn’t sustain my bandit group, so we transitioned into forming a mercenary company to accept various contracts.

As a rebellious noble daughter, she had run away from home, determined to see the world before being forced into a strategic marriage. She encountered a young mercenary captain, and for two years, they traversed the continent together.

“Do you remember what I said before? Calling us barbarians is just—”

“Who’re these uncivilized bastards calling barbaric… That thing?”

Her response brought a smile to my face. She was the only noble who treated me without prejudice when I first arrived in this medieval land. A woman stronger and freer than anyone else yet never shying away from her responsibilities. Although fate led us down separate paths, if there’s one person here who knows me best, it’s her.

“Yes, that thing.”

“That thing…?” Confusion clouded her expression.

I glanced up at the sky as she struggled to understand. There, Sky could be seen gliding effortlessly at an optimal altitude.

“She built a castle on the ruins of Red X County. She is currently accepting people and training her army. If there are any problems or if you need to run away, please keep this in mind.”

”…Going somewhere?”

“Yes. Otherwise, I would have to see that stupid hairy face again here?” My laughing expression infuriated the knights.

“T-This traitor! No matter how much he is a barbarian, daring to insult Your Majesty…!”

“Where do you think you’re going amidst this chaos?!”

“Surround him! No matter how strong he is, we have several knights here…!”

Shing-shing-shing!

A dozen swords were aimed at me. I felt their murderous intent, but it was just funny. These guys could barely handle orc warriors, yet they dared point their swords at me?

[Manifest Sword Energy]

Sword energy formed around the Sword of Conviction (Advanced) +9, and then swung like lightning.

Kakagak!

A dozen blades flew up into the sky and then fell back down. The knights scattered as they were surprised by the swords falling from above their heads.

Clang! Clank!

”…”

“What…is this…?”

“Aura Blade… Sword Master?”

“Nonsense! It is just a legend!”

Ignoring the frightened knights, I turned to Haze.

“We will see each other again soon.”

“W-Wait. Han. Wait…” Haze stuttered.

Boom!

I leaped high into the sky with one step, covering dozens of meters before Sky caught me flying overhead. Then, I directed Sky towards the castle.

[Congratulations! A guild has occupied Dalkgul Castle!]

[New Castle Lord: Han Jaeyeon.]

In no time, we completed the siege and took flight once more.

‘I’m going to capture five more castles today!’

It was still only lunchtime.