#115
The moment a dark mass rose into the air, bones began to sprout from it in an instant.
Starting from the spine and ribs, the skeletal structure continued to multiply until arms, legs, and a skull were formed.
Soon, a deep red light erupted from the dark hollow eye sockets.
Huuuu—
Whirr—!
Dark black magic surged like flames from the body that was nothing but bones.
It was the moment Archlich Dwell McKane was fully resurrected.
‘It’s insane that just having the source left allows for such rapid regeneration with only black magic. It’s always ridiculous to see.’
While Hans secretly clicked his tongue at the sight, the newly mobile Dwell immediately knelt before him, letting out a breath of awe.
Ooo— Undead King! I thought for sure I was finished by the Hero…! Truly impressive!
His last memory was of the Hero’s holy power engulfing him after he lost his body, leaving only the source.
But before he knew it, he was in the hands of the Undead King.
‘I don’t know why the Hero didn’t just annihilate me, but I’d have ended up sealed deep within the shrine nonetheless.’
How much time had passed since then, and how he was rescued remained a mystery…
Dwell McKane.
What mattered more now was the simple fact that the Undead King stood before him.
Woo—
With the calling of his name, a new contract was stamped over the old one.
Ah— This Dwell McKane swears loyalty to the Undead King!
Three hundred years later, a new master-servant relationship was established here once again.
As the Archlich burned with ambition, a hazy figure flickered beside them and transformed into the form of a woman.
It was Banshee Queen Olivia, dressed in a funeral dress with a veil.
Young lady, Olivia… I humbly present myself to the King…
Yes, Olivia. What brings you here all of a sudden?
I have come to deliver a progress report regarding the King’s command…
The order he had given Olivia was to gather all information she could on the ‘Oath of Reversal.’
It had only been a short while since Harley entered the Northern Mountain Range.
Ho— Already?
Olivia’s report continued.
She had thoroughly searched the entire western region, closely monitoring and tracking the connections of those entering barriers.
She had already identified several hideouts of the suspects, and it was likely more would follow as time passed.
Currently, I have expanded the investigation area to parts of the central empire… I have discovered a location suspected of being an important stronghold… and I am keeping a close watch over it…
To think they had already penetrated the central area.
Indeed, she was terrifyingly capable.
Hehehe— Good, good. Well done, Olivia. I ask for your continued efforts.
Young lady… I will give my all for the King…
As Olivia graciously bowed, holding onto her dress with both hands, Hans couldn’t help but mutter aside.
Olivia has neither bones nor body, so how will you give your all…?
Dwell.
…Yes! Undead King, command me!
Dwell, who had been forgotten in the corner, mumbled quietly until called by Hans, then bowed his head again.
You have a task to do right away. For a while, work with Olivia and assist her.
I shall obey!
With plenty of subordinates to command, work became much easier.
Even ordinary tasks could be handled by them without needing much direction.
Olivia, tame the foes with Dwell. If necessary, feel free to take Karam with you.
Everything shall be as the King desires…
At the right place and with strong defenses, just send stronger subordinates.
If there remained a location they couldn’t breach…
‘That would mean it’s a critical stronghold.’
And that location would receive a visit from the resurrected Undead King.
*
“Die!”
Crack—!
Harley’s massive fist splattered a monster’s head.
It was a scene they had already witnessed many times.
As time passed, the number of monsters they encountered increased, but no further damage occurred to the party.
Remarkably, this was due to just one person.
Hahaha—! Bring it on—!
His boisterous shout resonated with a peculiar wave, spreading outward…
Gwaaar—!
Kiech!
He provoked the monsters, capturing their complete attention on Harley.
The fate of the monsters that charged at him was predictable.
Brrk!
Puhwaah—!
Shredded body parts and blood splattered everywhere.
The monsters were literally being mowed down.
…I thought he was impressive before.
Yeah, I get it. I understand what you’re trying to say.
Beginning with the wizard Fabiella and Knight Robin, everyone felt much more comfortable thanks to the tank who was widely drawing aggro.
Additionally, the monsters fighting them became distracted every time Harley unleashed a wave, making it easy to take them down in the ensuing chaos.
Once we return, I need to make sure to warn the ones I know. They should stay away from that guy if they don’t want to die.
…Even if it’s not said outright, there are quite a few who look down on him. I need to give a heads-up to my acquaintances too. I don’t want to see them suffer a horrific death.
Though he rampaged like a beast, Harley’s appearance remained unchanged.
He was still a brutal warrior sporting muscular strength and a menacing smile.
But the results were on a different level entirely.
His punches crushed the monster’s body effortlessly, and his fingers burrowed into tough hides with ease.
His swift and massive movements made even those he collided with bounce back.
So, you really don’t plan on using your axe?
I’m not satisfied with it. I’ve heard tales of monk-like figures from minor sects fighting like this, but…
It’s wild.
Whispered the ranger Hans and Charlton quietly.
While everyone admired, one person watched with a dissatisfied expression.
…Hmm.
It was none other than Dwarf Jaonick Steelstone.
After the scuffle settled down and they changed their place, he couldn’t hold back any longer and confidently approached Harley.
“Hey, Harley! I’ve got something to ask you!”
His next words questioned the discomfort he had felt while observing Harley lately.
How could someone so strong not protect Ellinne? It was a seemingly valid inquiry.
And this suspicion was something he had already anticipated.
‘But I can’t just keep hiding my strength forever. What’s the point of gaining power if I’m going to do that?’
Naturally, explanations had already been prepared.
Hmm, ah— I understand how you feel! But this is related to my past…
…Past?
Harley cleared his throat, lightly glancing at Jaonick and the others.
Others showed no immediate reaction, yet their gazes expressed hidden curiosity.
Wasn’t it too different from the image he had shown until he left alone?
Having hurriedly moved without hearing the details, their curiosity was just as strong.
‘I plan to ask Jaonick to look after Howard, so no need to leave him with unnecessary doubts over trivial matters.’
Moreover, all those here were capable individuals.
It wouldn’t hurt to cultivate a good relationship.
He nodded lightly and began to speak slowly.
This was the start of the new epic he was currently writing, “Harley’s Great Adventure” Act 7.
At first, everything went smoothly. The enemy wasn’t weak, but I could manage to escape all by myself. However…
With terrifying monsters such as the Twin-Headed Ogre furiously chasing behind him, Harley managed to escape dangerous situations thanks to Ellinne’s help.
But in the middle of the now-magic-soaked Northern Mountain Range, nothing could proceed smoothly.
Then, appearing before him was…!
Oh no, more monsters are approaching. I’ll save the rest of the story for later.
Ah, ah—!
…Right. This is no time for idle conversation. Everyone prepare for battle.
Thus continued their cycle of battles, rests, and movements.
Despite the repetitive nature of their circumstances, as they approached the edge of the mountain range, Harley’s story was gradually reaching its conclusion.
That was a moment I never expected. I thought I was doomed…
Just like an object destroyed by a bullet aimed in the protagonist’s direction, Ellinne shattered to pieces in his place, taking the fatal blow that threatened his life.
Thanks to her sacrifice, Harley finally came to realize his potential.
In moments of crisis, I realized something buried in my blood. And that was the reason I had been experimented on and simultaneously the driving force that allowed me to overcome it.
To help clarify, he recounted parts of “Harley’s Great Adventure” that came before this.
He even included the part where he was experimented on by the wicked sorcerer Hans in Chapter 3 of Act 4.
Of course, this was not a relaxed time for storytelling, so he could only summarize heavily, but it drew unexpected responses.
Though he merely added background details, the gazes of everyone around changed.
Instead of viewing him as a quirky, strong, and capable weirdo, they began to see him as a warrior resisting the world to protect his identity from the pain he endured.
‘Indeed, character depth is achieved through story.’
It wasn’t merely about having a unique appearance.
The trials faced by a character in the narrative became challenges, and their struggles morphed into battles for life.
In that, individuality was born, creating vividness and becoming a driving force for others’ empathy – that was the beginning of an “epic tale.”
So… what of it?
Jaonick, who had been immersed in the story, swallowed hard.
He wasn’t alone in that reaction.
As the party responded this way, Harley calmly laid out the conclusion… no, the story’s ending.
Yes, within my blood… flowed the blood of a dragon. And thanks to the last chance granted by Ellinne, I was able to awaken it and escape the crisis.
As he finished speaking, Harley extended one arm, tensing.
The crimson scales that enveloped his bicep instantly lent credibility to his words.
Oh my, truly a dragonkin… In these times, it’s rare to see dragons.
It seems there was a dragonkin among your predecessors. Perhaps the legacy of the great war 300 years ago wasn’t properly passed down. That’s why the power hiding in your blood didn’t fully manifest.
The wizard Fabiella nodded knowingly, elaborating on the context.
Oh? That’s good, accepted.
Knowing he had a clever friend who held much understanding, it seemed she made sense of it based on her knowledge.
Awakening the dragon’s blood in a crisis. It’s like a scene from an epic tale.
No wonder he’s extraordinary. He truly is not an ordinary human!
Only then did the party understand Harley’s strength and nod affirmatively.
So… If that’s what happened, I guess it can’t be helped. Besides, given that it was that sort of final moments, Ellinne would’ve wholeheartedly… Khuh!*
Jaonick started crying alone while recalling the majestic last image of the shattered pickaxe.
And Harley realized something observing their faces.
‘Maybe I have a knack for this storytelling thing?’
Influencing others with made-up tales.
It could be the talent of a novelist or playwright, but if misused, one could deceive others and make them act on their wishes.
And typically, such individuals — we call them “fraudsters.”
‘This has nothing to do with me. Ugh, it’s those guys that make me look bad, the innocent ones.’
Unlike those who deceive for personal gain, wasn’t he constantly striving day and night for the peace of the world?
It was very displeasing to be treated the same as them.
As the conversation began to come to a close…
…We’ve almost arrived. Once we get over there, the Steel Fortress will be in sight.
Having experienced many events, the party finally stepped out of the mountain range and into human territory.
However…
Ah—.
Umm, I kind of expected this.
The high and sturdy fortress, known for its ‘steel’ name, that always stood firm, was now a grotesque sight, shattered and drenched in blood and corpses.
It appeared to be in a brief lull, with human movements rushing about to clean up the battlefield.
…Let’s hurry before the monsters come crashing in again.
Following the statement of Robin, the party’s leader, they moved quickly, heavy footsteps leading them towards the Steel Fortress.
The war wasn’t over yet.
