Chapter 106. Killing Two Birds with One Stone (2)

What is that over there?

As I descended to the arena to converse with Zahard, the commotion in the 'VIP room' caught my eye.

Two men were in a squabble.

A shallow tent was in place, obscuring their faces, but it certainly seemed so.

"So, 'Blind Eyes' has graced us by coming here to capture a criminal, is that it?"

It was the voice of Zahard, the blind warrior, that roused me from my idle thoughts.

"Of course."

...... It's not exactly the truth.

In reality, I didn't even know 'Blind Eyes' existed, and my reason for visiting the Martial Arena stemmed from a question: could I gain some technical inspiration?

"That's troubling. I'm not exactly in a position to get caught."

Clatter.

Speaking in a light tone, as if joking, he began to prepare to draw forth the sword hidden in his cane, which he had used to subdue Kagum.

"Can't you look the other way, for old time's sake? The imperial family isn't exactly eager to have me captured, after all."

Indeed.

The 'Blind Warrior' Zahard isn't some heinous criminal committing terrible deeds against the Empire.

I merely wish to detain him for my 'needs'.

Thus, letting him go isn't an option. His skills are genuine.

I might tilt my head at the notion that he's stronger than the 'Sword Saint', but I certainly can't deny that he's comparable.

"I can't......."

Just as I was about to say 'I can't', a sharp aura surged towards me in a straight line.

But I already knew.

The 'purpose' of this aura from the blind warrior, used to gauge the distance to his opponent.

Signaling the start of an attack.

Pow—!

As expected, a flash-like sword strike flew towards me.

'Crazy, that's insanely fast.'

The speed was astonishing enough to make me curse.

But knowing that this was the blind warrior's specialty, 'One-Point Stab', which I'd seen hundreds of times, I was well aware of the situation.

Substituting his sight with 'aura', he gauged the distance and delivered incredibly fast strikes that were difficult to react to.

This is the blind warrior's victory pattern.

"Hmm......?"

Knowing this was a significant advantage against the opponent known as 'the blind warrior'.

Predicting his habits, thoughts, and movements.

Everything could be anticipated.

Even.

===

⇒ 〈Foresight〉 trait is detecting the aura.

===

Thanks to my high mana sensitivity, I could track the aura with my eyes, which allowed me to determine Zahard's attack direction clearly.

Thanks to that, a slight sideways leap allowed me to dodge Zahard's blow.

His guaranteed victory pattern thwarted, Zahard showed slight frustration.

He seemed to have significant pride in the skills he'd built as a swordsman.

However, instead of continuing the attack, Zahard chose to take a step back.

"Not continuing?"

I taunted him.

After all, his emitted 'aura' was proving to be quite beneficial to me.

By utilizing this, I felt I could reach the realm of 'Single Stroke' a bit earlier.

And more importantly.

'This is fun.'

There hadn't been many times where simply crossing swords had made my emotions this heightened.

Perhaps, ever since obtaining the 〈New Sword Saint〉 trait, my mindset towards the 'sword' had changed.

If not for that, I wouldn't have come to such a place supposedly for progress.

"By the way, to think you could recognize me while I was wearing a magical disguise artifact, the Mad Dog of the imperial family has quite the keen nose."

Though I was slightly surprised as his appearance was not as I remembered the 'blind warrior', recognizing the indicator for the 'blind warrior' in 〈Let's Kill the Demon King〉 made it not too difficult.

Unfocused pupils.

And a cane for the blind with a hidden sword.

"Criminals have a certain atmosphere about them."

"Heh, I was only joking."

With a bitter smile, Zahard's gaze turned toward me.

"Can you pretend you don't know? Didn't we nurture camaraderie on the Northern Front while hunting demons?"

"If it were you as a mercenary, perhaps......."

Zahard faintly showed a weak side by bringing up old tales, and I gave a small smile.

"...... If I turn a blind eye to you as a criminal, I wouldn't be able to look at myself as 'Blind Eyes'."

Do you know how hard it is to find a sparring partner like you? Just work with me on honing my skills.

"You're just as stiff as ever. Haaa, I was just planning on earning some pocket money."

With a sigh, Zahard gripped his cane sword tightly.

Is he thinking of settling this once more?

"I have no choice but to use my trump card."

A trump card?

The unfamiliar story piqued my curiosity.

Did 'The Blind Warrior' have another method besides his trademark 'Aura Sonar' and 'One-Point Stab'?

'...... I'm looking forward to this.'

A mix of tension and excitement.

These contrasting emotions intertwined, wrapping around my entire being.

"Yulian, do you remember the conversation we had on the Northern Front?"

No, I don't recall.

"I don't remember conversations with insignificant criminals."

"The strong survive, but those who survive are the strong."

A valid point.

No matter how much you are revered as the Sword Saint, if you die, that's the end.

"This time, I'll prove that I am strong."

Sensing the unusual atmosphere from his confident smile, I tightened my grip on the sword.

While I had come for growth, I was also prepared to use 'Sombra' just in case of emergencies.

Sizzle—!

Hm? What's that noise?

It sounded like a fuse burning in a movie....

'A fuse......?'

Surely, not a bomb?

Kaboom!

My prediction was spot-on, as an explosion occurred around Zahard with a deafening sound.

But I didn't retreat.

The 〈Foresight〉 trait informed me that this explosion was a 'smokescreen'.

"Let's both live, and we'll both be strong."

Through the smoke, Zahard's voice reached me.

'Weren't you just trying to engage in a fight?'

Amidst the dense smoke, I could see the form of Zahard, outlined like 'aura', indicating he was moving to escape the arena.

'Should I pursue?'

No, if I did, it would truly lead to a life-and-death battle.

Besides, it would be troublesome to catch or kill Zahard now. He will eventually capture the 'tri-horned demon' for me.

"Sir Yulian!"

Once the smoke cleared, a masked man entered. A Byron, seemingly.

"A-Are you alright?"

"Yes, I'm fine."

"Why did you suddenly run out!?"

Usually, even conversing would terrify him, but Byron blurted out his thoughts because of the unexpected situation.

"There was a criminal."

"A criminal...... Are you referring to that blind man earlier?"

Nodding, Byron's face turned pale.

"Did you alert 'Blind Eyes' and plan to investigate this place?"

"No, I don't intend to do that."

Relieved with my answer, Byron let out a sigh of relief.

It seemed like he was worried about getting kicked out of this new job he had just secured.

"So the reason for your visit to the Martial Arena was to catch a criminal, Sir Yulian!"

Yeah, let's go with that for now.

I didn't even know the 'Blind Warrior' would be here.

"Such a pity, since you didn't get any results because that guy escaped......."

"I did have a result."

Unlike the regretful expression Byron wore, I slyly glanced at the 'Moonstone Sword'.

Somehow, I felt like I'd gotten a handle on the 'Single Stroke' that had been blocked for so long.

***

Outside the Martial Arena, Eleanor was waiting for someone.

Naturally, that someone was Yulian.

Normally, she would avoid meeting him in a private setting, but today she had something to say.

'He dared to use me.'

She wasn't offended by the fact that he did.

In fact, Eleanor believed she owed a debt to Yulian. She became an Archbishop thanks to his help.

The problem was that he hadn't said 'anything' to her about this incident.

"You saw this all along, didn't you? I played right into your hands."

When she saw Yulian, Eleanor naturally opened with an accusation.

'Well, it's mutual, I suppose.'

She was well aware of her boldness.

After all, she, too, had tried to eavesdrop on Yulian with a spell.

Surely, Yulian would bring this up as well.

"What are you talking about?"

But contrary to expectations, he played innocent.

With a subtle smile and those slit eyes.

Seeing his seemingly probing demeanor, Eleanor frowned slightly.

"Don't try to deny it. You noticed the eavesdropping spell placed on Bishop Corund and used it to your advantage, didn't you?"

"Bishop Corund...... Oh, you mean that pig-like man?"

Feigning ignorance again.

Considering his strategic cornering of Aiden, it's impossible that he didn't know about this place, yet he still acted oblivious.

"Yes, thanks to your deliberate appearance at the Martial Arena, Aiden and Corund's secret talk failed. Moreover, this incident will make Aiden even more anxious."

"Hmm......."

Yulian slightly trailed off.

It was as if he was trying to imply, 'I really didn't know,' but Eleanor wasn't fooled.

Someone who dislikes crowded places.

The man most distanced from the 'Martial Arena', along with Aiden, had deliberately come here and even removed the mask that hid his identity.

'Is anyone really dumb enough to think this is a coincidence?'

Such a person surely doesn't exist.

***

'...... What is she talking about?'

Watching Eleanor suddenly spout nonsensical things, I briefly lost myself in thought.

I only managed to catch that 'Aiden's plans were derailed, and he'd become anxious as a result.'

Then Aiden would obviously act more aggressively to ensure his research reached fruition quickly.

'That's also how it went in the original story.'

Ultimately, he met his end at the hands of the Sword Saint.

'So is it now?'

As I had mentioned before, it's problematic if 'Aiden' dies.

While it doesn't significantly disrupt the story, his death triggers an event's fuse.

Because of that, I decided to adapt my strategy.

'Not blindly waiting for a disadvantageous event like in the game.'

If Aiden's research results are the issue, I simply need to eliminate them.

Hence, I was jumping through hoops trying to keep him alive, which made me feel increasingly anxious.

"Due to this incident, Sir Aiden will likely become more engrossed in his fake horn research."

"I suppose so. If what happened today spreads, it's unlikely other bishops will lend him a hand."

"Well, then it's working."

"...... Did you orchestrate this to steal the research?"

It seems Eleanor is quick on the uptake.

She easily deduced my intention from my actions so far.

"Will you report it to Sir Aiden?"

"Not likely. I don't intend to take sides, but if I had to choose, I would stand with whoever has helped me."

Naturally, she's aware of which side holds the advantage.

"That's wise thinking."

"But, Aiden. Really? Sir Donatien's 'Aiden'. He's likely hidden that fake horn research veiled tightly; it won't be easy to find."

"The research lab is probably located in the slums."

Eleanor appeared slightly perplexed.

"How are you certain?"

Aiden's secret lab is set in a random location, but it's typically nestled within the slums or near them.

'That's how it was in the game.'

Of course, I can't put it that way.

"I am Yulian, after all... Affiliated with the imperial 'Blind Eyes', Yulian Cryphart Frason."

When I handed her own words back, Eleanor showed a trace of disbelief.

"Even if you're lucky and your hunch hits right, how do you plan to scour the extensive slums?"

That's a valid point.

With just one body, how could I search such a wide area alone?

However, there's something she doesn't know.

'Two of the three major organizations that divide the slums.'

The Nameless Band.

The Blood Ghosts.

The fact that I have connections with these two.

Clacky's Corner:Unlike some misunderstanding novels where MC tries to clear up to clear the misunderstanding and fail miserably, Yulian just goes along with the misunderstanding and wings it.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.