Chapter 557

The elders found themselves incarcerated at the headquarters without any resistance. In a contrasting turn of events, some of the previously imprisoned individuals were now freed, presenting a humorous reality. Those elders, whom Davey had imprisoned, did not significantly impede Davey's actions, assuming they had chosen not to intervene. It seemed they had their own plans.

"Allow me to introduce Elder Sharus, Elder Slim, and Elder Pat."

Among them was a bearded old man, a skinny elder, and a rotund figure. A total of three elders stood before Davey, and there was a specific reason for their presence.

"As per the report, the Knight Order needs to be active in two directions."

"During my journey, I learned about the situation from Klomen. Whatever issues have arisen, we must prioritize dealing with external problems. Please share the details."

In contrast to other elders struggling to maintain their authority, these elders were not the current leaders but had been imprisoned previously. This indicated that they had clashed with other elders who resisted change and remained complacent. Now released, they could offer assistance to Davey.

"Elder Sharus assisted you, Davey, in the past."

"In the past?"

"During the vampire war. He supported the Alpha Reinforcements in conducting independent guerrilla warfare."

In response, Davey respectfully bowed his head to Elder Sharus. "I appreciate your past assistance."

"You're welcome. By the way, I heard you possess the divine bow, Brunak... is that true?"

In response to his inquiry, Davey retrieved the Divine Bow, Brunak, from the pocket plane and presented it to them once again.

"Ho... This is..."

"Is this Brunak, the weapon used by the Divine Bow and the symbol of the Knight Order?"

"I've never seen the real one, but if the will of our ancestors from the Spear of Judgment acknowledges it, it must be correct."

"Although it's an old story, thank you for upholding the tradition." Davey bowed his head several times.

"Originally, each knight would compile information and make decisions through meetings, but I understand the situation is not as leisurely now."

"Yes. The Knight Order needs to focus on two tasks. Deploy some main forces disguised as mercenaries, and accompany me to the capital of the Contas Empire."

The strength of the Knight Order was significant. While there were other powerful individuals in the Contas Empire, the Knight Order excelled in secrecy compared to other groups.

"The Illuminati are forces from another dimension. If those individuals start causing chaos, you should suppress them."

"And what about the rest?"

"Do you know where the knight branch was destroyed?"

In response to Davey's question, Elder Sharus nodded. Following him, Elders Pat and Slim also nodded.

"Even though I was in prison, I learned about the news through Klomen..."

"They detonated the place in search of a valuable ore called the Red Dragon's Eye, but there was something else hidden there as well."

"That means..."

"Gather the remaining skilled individuals from the knights and send them there. And..."

Davey unfolded the map and sketched out a plan. Even the power of the Deathlord could not easily enable movement between dimensions. Thus, there was only one process that Davey could contemplate. The Illuminati desired the Red Dragon's Eye.

'Maybe there is something associated with the Red Dragon's Eye,' Davey thought.

"Is this a magic circle?"

"Yes, I have a helper there. His name is Io, and though he has a quirky character, he knows the geography of the place very well. Please destroy it after locating it with his assistance."

"I'll take care of it."

"Be cautious. The underground drills in Tartaros are still teeming with dangerous monsters."

In response to Davey's plea, Elder Sharus squinted his eyes. "Is this okay?"

"Yes. The imperial and royal factions on the continent are also in motion. Even though they are unaware of you, it doesn't mean they have different goals."

'I need to act decisively when the time comes,' Davey thought. 'A simultaneous removal of the elders' lives will bring chaos.'

"Let's address the aftermath once we deal with this problem."

"Many elders have been imprisoned. Chaos will ensue. Additionally, the existence of the elders is...."

"We don't necessarily need the elders. The knights are the ones actually in the field. However, leadership is crucial. So, how about we vote for that?"

In response to Davey's lighthearted suggestion, Elder Sharus displayed a complicated expression. "Let's consider that later. But let me ask you something."

"What is it?"

"I heard you had the authority to punish the elders as a successor of the founding knight."

"Well, it was a promise and a rule. It's amusing to talk about that now."

"So, are you planning to execute all the Guardians, too?"

At his question, Davey recalled the seven men and women. Each of them was a powerful, significant figure guarding the main mountain as one of the last fortresses and was among the best forces. They surpassed the master level. Davey didn't remember each one individually, but the skill level of the cold-looking man whom Davey had cut at the end was surprisingly high.

"That is indeed something to ponder. That's why I kept them alive. Same goes for the elders."

"You... Are you anticipating another internal conflict?"

"The imprisoned elders might use the Guardians to create another problem. In that case, I'd have an excuse to eliminate them. It would be cleanest to handle everyone at that point."

"You're still in your teens, but you are too ruthless."

"If you find this unacceptable, feel free to refuse. My intention is to make the knights entirely independent."

Even without the unnecessary board of elders, the Knight Order could be sustained in various ways.

"No, I would regret it if I don't handle this problem well in the long run. It's unfortunate, but I share the same sentiment as you. The Board of Elders was too corrupt and stagnant. There was a need for ventilation and cleansing at least once. But can't we spare the Guardians a bit?"

"Guardians...."

"They're loyal. Their personalities were fierce, but they were all good people."

"The ones most likely to cause trouble are them."

"It doesn't matter to them whether the work is right or wrong. They just do it faithfully when they get orders. So, I can persuade them to stand up for us."

In response to Elder Sharus' words, Elders Slim and Pat also nodded.

"Elder Sharus will be busy with the overall responsibility for this matter, so we will meet them."

"We can't pull out most of the personnel from the Knights. So, how about entrusting it to the Guardians to disguise as mercenaries? I'll make sure to tell them not to cause problems."

"Well, that's fine."

'The fewer knights disguised as mercenaries, the better. Now what's left is...to see the end,' Davey thought.

Davey waited for the Guardians to wake up and be able to converse with Elder Slim. When they came out without much delay, Davey activated the transfer magic circle he had prepared without hesitation.

"..."

Davey turned his back on the Guardians who were silently looking at him. "If you're unhappy, you can leave here now."

Even though their expressions were not good, none of the seven Guardians left after hearing his words.

"We follow the Knight Order. If the Knight Order changes its orders or rules, we will follow it."

As the robust man spoke quietly, Davey nodded and turned around.

Their figures were quite prepared and tough, as if they were going to fight. But they stood out too much.

"The Shadow Knights who have to skulk are in quite the state, aren't they?"

"Ugh... Wha... What the hell are you doing!"

The man with an easy-going look shouted at Davey in panic, but Davey did not hesitate to strip him of all his ornaments.

"Are you trying to be memorable on purpose? What, are you going on a picnic or something?!"

"This... This is my identity..."

"That damned identity of yours, why would you go look for that?"

Originally, he was to handle missions quietly without attracting attention. Having been confined to headquarters for too long, Davey felt the man's field sense was much duller now.

"The rest of you, and you, lady, unwrap the bandages around your face."

At Davey's command, the black-haired woman holding the chains and glaring at Davey removed the mask and bandages that covered her mouth, revealing her beautiful face.

"...Just keep the mask on."

After saying so, Davey passed by her.

For the young man boasting muscles and tattoos with his red hair, Davey covered him with a large robe to hide the tattoos.

"Uh?! This... This tattoo is important..."

"That's enough. Cover it up."

'They're adults, but why are they acting like this?' Davey thought.

After checking the condition of all six, Davey finally turned to the man who had been silent and closed his eyes. The man with the cold demeanor quietly opened his eyes as Davey came near.

"I have a question."

"What is it?" Davey asked.

"You could have killed all of us." Davey did not respond to his claim as the man continued, "But you've been pressing us just a bit harder than our abilities can handle. Why?"

Without any need to ponder, Davey replied as if it were obvious. "Those who are arrogant need a good burn to progress a bit more."

The man quietly closed his eyes.

"Is that all you have to ask?"

"Any more small talk is meaningless beyond orders."

To the astonishingly cool acceptance by Basara, Davey flicked his fingers lightly. Simultaneously, the magic circle laid out on the floor was activated.

Spang!!!

With that sound, Davey, the Seven Guardians, and the bodies of Rinne and Illyna vanished in light as if wrapped up by it.

* * *

Having teleported into a vast forest, Davey surveyed the Guardians who were examining their surroundings. Despite their youthful appearance, each of them was a formidable warrior, equivalent to strategic weapons.

"To use transfer magic this easily..."

One of the female Guardians, a former magician, muttered in amazement, but no one paid any attention to her words.

"Are we...in a forest?"

"Hey. What are we supposed to do here?"

"Just wait a bit." While saying that, Davey formed his thumb and index finger into a circle and blew a strong whistle.

Peeeeeep!!!

The piercing sound reverberated several times. A few Guardians looked puzzled at Davey's action, as though they were about to say something, but Basara, who had been silently waiting, suddenly opened his eyes wide.

"Hmph!" As if he felt something, Basara's expression changed to alarm. He yelled, "Everyone, get ready for battle! The enemy is here!"

At his shout, the Guardians, who had been casually chatting, became alert. Their movements were impressively efficient, a stark contrast to their earlier casual demeanor, as the Dragon King with an aura of dark energy appeared before them.

The Dragon King showed his ferocious hostility toward Davey.

"This is crazy! No way!"

"To fight against that thing?!"

"All over me is tingling..."

Although they knew that there was a formidable enemy, they never imagined they would face such a strong creature, and their faces showed shock. But despite the fear causing them to tremble, they did not retreat and prepared to fight.

[Dammit. You shouldn't bother even a goblin if it is dining!]

The Dragon King with an overwhelming presence shouted, seemingly ready to attack any moment.

"Move! It's attacking!"

The Guardians began to scatter as they saw Megalodria roar in fury.

"Hey!! What are you doing?"

Only Davey, Rinne, and Illyna did not move, prompting a man with an easy-going demeanor, who had rushed over and tried to carry Rinne and Illyna away as if he were bundling them up. He was the man who had been the first to challenge Davey and, without being able to resist, had passed out with his forehead smacking onto the ground.

"Are you stiff?! What's the use of coming here when you're all so weak!"

"Kyah?! What are you doing! Let go of me!" Confused, Illyna kicked him in the chest while struggling.

"Couughh!!"

The man was surprised by the unexpectedly strong blow and wheezed while rolling on the ground.

He seemed not to know, but in reality, Illyna's capabilities were at a level that did not fall short compared to his. However, since Davey was alone responsible for this situation, it was true there was a lack of information about her.

A Guardian prepared to cast magic, the red-haired man who had used a flaming sword was calling it forth to intercept, and the woman with chains tightened her grip on her scythe looking tense. Basara and the other remaining Guardian were ready with swords, prepared to dive into the action.

"Are you crazy? What are you doing? We need to get out of here fast! There's no way we can protect the two of you and fight at the same time...!" The man was shouting desperately when he suddenly stopped.

Megalodria, previously growling with hostility toward Davey, abruptly turned its attention to something Davey had thrown in the air.

"Radiation-laced meat."

[Khmm! I'll forgive you this time! I'll even give you a ride on my back!]

As if the earlier hostility had transformed into a falsehood, the atmosphere instantly shifted to relaxation. The Storm Dragon King, having devoured the chunk of meat in a single bite and smacked his lips contentedly, lowered his head with a satisfied expression. He then surveyed the seven Guardians, including the man writhing on the ground, and inquired.

[Contractor. What are these ridiculous beings?]

The Guardians remained dumbfounded for quite a while.

"I don't know, They just came out to the world after a long time; maybe they're still adapting."

"You're showing such an intimidating aura, and you expect no one to be on guard?!"

To Davey's remark, finally, one of the Guardians could not stay silent anymore and shouted out of frustration.