The battle for the Grand Knight Territory is over, but the battle for Kazimierz has only just begun.
After the Fire Grand Knight vanished into the abyss, the city, now devoid of its formidable power, began to stir with barely suppressed unease.
And so, the thugs, who were just about to make a move, encountered Silverlance brimming with rage.
The silvery moonlight surged through the city, salvaging what little dignity remained.
With the city crisis resolved, the city's defense forces were able to quickly take over order.
With the Engineering Department's expedited repairs, emergency power was put into operation.
The dazzling neon lights once again illuminated Kazimierz, and in doing so, they also illuminated the owners of those neon lights...
Czarny.
He, who should have been sent to the National Assembly to be sentenced to death, was found on a street lamp in a commercial street, where other similar figures also had their own places.
The city defense troops arrived too late, missing the best opportunity for treatment.
These spokespeople, who should have been hanging on streetlights, were taken down by someone and piled up in the middle of the commercial street amidst blood.
His once smooth and chubby face was now covered in red and purple hues, and his well-maintained white teeth were scattered all over the floor.
Bright red blood flowed from the corners of their mouths, like the luxurious red wine they used to rinse their mouths, a cruel irony for their fate.
Those who seek food through violence will ultimately perish at the hands of their own teeth.
No one asked how they died. The sanitation workers disdainfully tossed the bodies into the back of their truck and drove off toward the waste disposal plant, swaying precariously.
As if confirming that the king of flames had departed, the rain began to fall cautiously.
Tick-tock--Tick-tock--
Czarny's dull pupils stared at the sky, tears welling up in his eyes and streaming down his cheeks.
Few people know that Czarny was once a young man dedicated to serving his country.
Through repeated transactions, the boy grew into an adult, claiming to have seen the true nature of the world.
He sold his soul for gold and wine.
But when the light of heaven guides them, the wicked without souls will be condemned to eternal damnation.
Like the fine wine he treasured in the cellar, it decayed with time in people's memories.
The vehicle drove underground, and darkness enveloped the corpses of the spokespeople, also shielding Roy from his sorrowful gaze.
"Did you kill him?"
On the dome of the high-rise building, the remaining members of the Armorless Union gathered together.
Hearing his partner's question and recalling the brutal scene, even Lazurite, who had killed countless people, couldn't help but tremble.
"No, no, no, it was his colleagues who hung him on a street lamp. When the rest of them started arguing, it attracted the residents, Czarny's death became their best example."
Monique frowned upon hearing this, and her underling asked curiously:
"Boss Roy, you didn't find out about their hidden assets?"
"There's no need. That's not something we can even dream of."
Without interrogation, Roy and his companion, acting as the black gloves that helped the Business Federation handle its dirty business, already knew many of the hiding places.
Monique has already withdrawn some funds, not much, but enough for them to start a new life in a different place.
As for more... the fate of the greedy has already been revealed.
Roy stretched lazily and greedily inhaled the air that belonged to Kazimierz.
"Phew... Let's go!"
The order was given, Armorless Union members disappeared into the shadows, fleeing towards the outskirts of the city.
"Boss, where are we going next?"
"What do you mean 'we'? Of course, we'll each go our own way."
"Huh? Where are you going, boss? Are you getting married?"
"Cough cough! What marriage? Of course, it's about making as much money as possible while we're still young."
"Still want to be Assassin?"
"No, I'm planning to open a shop with Monique."
"Won't the Adeptus Sprawiedliwy knocking on our door?"
"Fool! Of course we need to go far away. As for where... some remote little country nearby, I think there's one called Kjerag."
"Hiss--I remember it being very cold there. Boss, is your hand sanitizer really selling?"
"It's cold? Then let's sell Hand Cream this time."
The Armorless Union, symbolizing the shadow of Kazimierz, has departed; the people, symbolizing the sun of Kazimierz, continue their efforts.
The Nearl used Originium Arts to heal the wounded, Adeptus Sprawiedliwy used broadcasts to clarify the current situation for the confused public.
The equestrian knights under the Business Federation excitedly led the Adeptus Sprawiedliwy confiscate the boss's assets, while the white-collar workers, who were usually exploited, frantically reported the company's misdeeds.
The Adeptus Sprawiedliwy extremely busy, and before SilverAsh could even volunteer, he was also pulled into the labor force.
Despite having just emerged from a period of turmoil, the Grand Knight Territory was now radiating an unprecedented vitality.
But the instincts of living beings cannot be defied.
As the night grew deeper, and the first person collapsed, the Adeptus Sprawiedliwy issued a mandatory rest order.
The power was cut off, and the city fell silent once more, but some people still couldn't sleep.
"Disappeared? Without a trace?"
The two Shapeshifter arrived at Sector Zero did not find Gregor; not only had he disappeared, but he had also left along with thousands of Flame Demons.
The molten iron, still not cooled, continued to drip down, telling the story of how the king once lingered here.
"They should still be nearby, let's keep looking."
The Shapeshifter's body scattered, and the Tin Man began searching using magic.
But the two were destined to return empty-handed.
The two Shapeshifter never imagined that the strange knight who had just brushed past them was the "Flame Demon" they were looking for.
Yes, Gregor has changed.
After absorbing the Fire Grand Knight into his body, Gregor, realizing he couldn't control the energy, immediately used the Cytoplasm.
Everything went smoothly.
The frenzied energy vanished in an instant, and the Beheaded from another world arrived on this Daichi.
He wore a tattered martial arts uniform, and although his skin was pale, he had a standard, robust human body.
The only strange thing was that there was no head on its neck, but instead black flames surged around it, with cross-shaped star-shaped marks serving as its eyes.
Beside him, a golden owl-shaped giant owl circled around Gregor.
[Vane: Wow, transforming even comes with a pet.]
[Vera: How are you feeling? Is your body normal?]
Gregor stretched his arms, suppressing his excitement.
[Gregor: Not quite normal, but at least I can feel temperature and touch.]
[Gorth: Congratulations!]
[Vane: Congratulations! So, boss, can you talk now?]
A chill ran through him, and Gregor cleared his throat as usual.
"Cough cough!"
The sound rang out, with a strange buzzing and emphasis, but it was undeniably there.
[Gregor: I can talk! I can talk!]
[Gorth: Congratulations!]
[Vane: I'm curious how that kind of body structure can talk... but there are more important things to do right now.]
[Vane: Boss, can you still use the power of Paladin? Or rather... can you turn back?]
[Gregor:... I think it's probably possible.]
[Gregor: I can sense another body, it's just... things don't look good over there.]
[Vane: You might as well put it more clearly.]
[Gregor: It's kind of an intuition... If I revert back, I'll probably still berserk.]
[Vane: So... the status won't refresh?]
[Vera: Then let's wait until we're in the wilderness to disperse the energy. The Paladin's power hasn't disappeared, so overall it's a good thing.]
[Gorth: Congratulations!]
[Vane: It wasn't easy, but the mess in Kazimierz is finally over. Boss, when are you planning to leave?]
[Gregor:... Wait until I've said goodbye.]
After ending the communication, Gregor didn't forget to cut off the view this time.
Using the giant owl's strength to fly away from the pit, Gregor borrowed a helmet from the corpse of the Armorless Union and headed in the direction where the mace had been.
From a distance, the original buildings have been reduced to ruins, but the golden figure still remains.
Gregor raised his hand, as if to say hello.
But the hands that were so different from before made him realize the change in his appearance.
How should he explain this...?
Before Gregor could come up with a solution, Jian took the lead and walked over.
"Um, actually I am..."
"Is this what you're really like?"
Gregor stood there, stunned, looking him up and down.
"She's thinner than I expected."
"... How did you recognize me?"
Gregor couldn't understand it. Even if a martial artist like Jian could be identified by his habitual movements, his race had changed!
To this, the mace's answer was--
"Intuition."
The familiar answer, still so perfunctory, is frustrating.
Before Gregor could ask any further questions, the man, like a corporate slave leaving work, turned and left without a second thought.
Gregor instinctively caught up. "Just like that?"
"It's late, it's time to rest."
Jian's answer remained brief and puzzling.
Gregor was speechless with emotion; his planned farewell was now in disarray.
Never mind, maybe she really is tired. It's not too late to say goodbye tomorrow...
Thinking this, Gregor stopped talking, and the two walked side by side in tacit understanding.
But gradually, Gregor realized something was wrong.
"Is this the way to the hotel?"
"You still know the way?"
Gregor: "..."
It wasn't my imagination; Jian's attitude was indeed a bit off.
Before Gregor could figure it out, Jian's next words caused his brain to freeze again.
"It's normal that you don't recognize it; this is the way to my house."
"Your house... um... your house!?"
Jian frowned, as if annoyed by Gregor's overreaction.
"Didn't I tell you? It's time to rest."
"No! Wait! Wouldn't a hotel be better for resting..."
"My home is closer."
"... Oh, I see."
Feeling the unnaturalness of his own voice, Gregor missed the Ten Percent Off after less than 10 minutes apart.
In the chaos, Gregor followed along in a daze.
It wasn't until I got on the elevator going up that I suddenly realized what was happening.
"Um, I'm going back to the hotel..."
"Are you very free?"
Gregor shut his mouth, and the elevator ascended in silence.
The mace seems to be really tired...
Upon entering the house, Jian ignored the furniture scattered by the vibrations and rushed straight to the bathroom.
As Gregor waited stiffly, Jian, wearing a T-shirt and rubbing his hair, walked out and sat directly opposite him.
"Are you in a normal human body now?"
The question about the mace was abrupt, and Gregor hesitated before nodding.
Have you become weaker?
"No."
Gregor immediately denied it, as if trying to prove something.
"I can turn back at any time."
"Okay, the guest room is over there. Get some rest."
Without a backward glance, Jian turned and left, leaving Gregor with a bewildered look in his eyes.
Jian paused before entering the bedroom.
"By the way, you should get some rest too."
She turned around and scrutinized Gregor's body like a wild beast.
"We still have a battle to fight."
Bang--!
The door slammed shut with such a loud noise that the windows shook.
Gregor was feeling a bit numb.
Is that what he thinks?
Yeah?
No way?
Yeah?
No way?
Feeling conflicted, Gregor leaned back on the sofa.
The long-lost soft touch enveloped my body, and the drowsiness that had been building up over time surged up at the same time, instantly clearing my chaotic mind.
When Gregor regained consciousness, he saw only Mace's back.
"Yes, that's just my personal opinion."
"I know, but the people of the Grand Knight Territory also need something to lift their spirits."
"Okay, thank you for your trust."
Jian ended the communication, turned around and asked:
"Have you rested well?"
Gregor nodded subconsciously and casually handed over a plate of sandwiches.
"Eat up, and then I'll say goodbye with you."
"Bid farewell?"
"What, this isn't what you wanted to talk about last night?"
"... yes."
Reluctantly admitting it, Gregor refused to be fed by Mace and stated that he did not need to eat.
The latter didn't try to persuade him further, and decisively led Gregor out to say goodbye.
Strangely, it seemed everyone knew in advance.
Margaret: "Yes... your journey is not over yet; there must be many more corners that need your help."
Maria: "Phew... thank goodness I made it in time. This is a handmade gift for you. Please give it to Miss Ifrit."
Mlynar: "Actually, there's no need for me... Well, Mlynar will always remember this friendship and looks forward to seeing you again."
Zofia: "Hmm~ This shouldn't be goodbye forever, so... when will you come play again?"
Cyril: "Hahaha, the doors of the Nearl Family are always open for you."
Gregor was somewhat dazed as he left the Nearl Family's Manor.
The farewell didn't seem as painful as he had imagined. Perhaps because of the longevity of the Terra, the members of the Nearl Family were optimistic about their reunion.
With this question in mind, Gregor asked Russell about the whereabouts of Sona and the others.
According to Russell, Sona and others did not hide during last night's events, but spontaneously organized to treat the people.
Although the fact that the Infected's identity caused some unpleasant disturbances, this act of kindness also won the goodwill of a large number of people.
Block Zero Destruction, and Sona and others were relocated to a new community under the Business Federation.
Sona: "Leaving! So soon? We haven't even properly thanked you... Never mind! Tell me where you're going? Where are we supposed to find you later?"
Upon learning that their benefactor was about to leave, the Infected were quite excited, especially the children. Gregor had to repeatedly assure them that he would return before he could leave.
Only after leaving the community did Gregor feel the melancholy of parting.
He didn't want to lie, so... when he left again, he would return to Kazimierz.
Courier: "Farewell? Haha, have you forgotten my code name? I always have to come to you when the boss needs to deliver a letter."
Centaurea: "Boss, where did you sign up for your weight loss class? Could you recommend one? Okay, okay, I admit I'm not good at saying goodbye, well then... have a safe trip!"
Gnosis: "Okay, I got it... What? You're not expecting a hug from me, are you? Well—consider these books a parting gift, remember to read them all."
SilverAsh: "A brief separation will only make the joy of reunion even sweeter. SilverAsh will never forget this precious friendship and always looks forward to our reunion... Hmm? A gift for me? A box of Flame Demon? Is this a joke?"
After explaining that the box contained the Fire Grand Knight Core, which could be activated at any time, the SilverAsh, suffocating gaze made Gregor flee in panic without even saying a final goodbye.
Continuing on, Gregor's next stop was the tavern.
This farewell didn't cause much of a stir; the people in the tavern were surprised to find such a "small" body beneath the armor.
But after obtaining proof of the mace, he immediately tried to invite him for a farewell drink.
"No drinking on behalf of others this time! You can leave when you're drunk!"
Left with no other option, Gregor had to drink with the others.
However, the group relentlessly pursued him, and as time ticked away, he used the destruction of a table to scare them off, then left with Gregor.
Hostel--
Silence: "Goodbye? With me? Um... sorry, I'm just not used to it. I know this might be a bit presumptuous, but... could you give me an address? I promised that I would write to that child."
Saria: "... Thank you for your concern regarding Ifrit's education. If she needs any help... Loken Water Tank? The Feline girl Nastasya Narcissa? Don't worry, I'll take care of it."
Jeston: "What are you looking at me for? Who are you? I don't even know you."
After bidding farewell to Rhine Lab, Gregor suddenly remembered someone he had met once before, urged on by Mace.
"I'm back..."
"Hmm, is there no problem with the job?"
Upon hearing his wife's question, Markowitz couldn't help but sigh.
"I don't know yet. The Adeptus Sprawiedliwy said my work won't be affected, but a legal review will be conducted."
"Huh? Isn't your company a food company?"
"After all, they are all companies under the Business Federation, eh... I hope the Adeptus Sprawiedliwy can resolve this properly."
Filled with anxiety about the future, Markowitz took off his ill-fitting suit and sat down at the dinner table.
Just as the couple was about to start eating.
Ding-dong--
"Mr. Markowitz, there is a package and letter for you."
The couple exchanged a strange look, but Markowitz still walked towards the door.
"Um... who delivered this?"
"Haha, please rest assured, the Business Federation has collapsed, there are no bombs inside."
Markowitz: "..."
So the rumor about putting a bomb in the package wasn't true after all!
With fear in their eyes, the couple closed the door and carefully unpacked the package.
"This is..."
Markowitz opened the gift box and stared at the contents for a long time without saying a word.
The wife reached out and stroked the fabric, exclaiming in surprise:
"Such a soft fabric! Does your company still issue suits?"
Markowitz remained silent, staring blankly at the suit.
He remembered it; countless times on his way home from get off work, he would look at it in the shop window.
"There's also a letter here."
Startled, Markowitz handed the letter to his wife, and...
Please forgive my rudeness, Mr. Markowitz.
Please don't be alarmed; this gift is simply a token of my gratitude.
[When I was in trouble, you were willing to help me, a strange stranger. Although you may not remember me, I will always remember you.]
[This gift was selected after consulting with the department store staff, and the size was determined by consulting with your company. I hope you like it.]
[Regarding your concerns about the job, it will be resolved soon. Please believe in yourself; your abilities are worthy of this position.]
[Finally... do you remember what I said? Good deeds will be rewarded.]
[--A friend you've met once.]
Ring ring--
Markowitz, who had just finished reading the letter and was still trying to remember who it was, was startled by the ringing of the telephone.
The wife took the phone, chatted for a couple of minutes, and then strangely handed it to her husband.
Hello, is this Mr. Markowitz?
"Yes!"
[This is the Adeptus Sprawiedliwy. Due to the overwhelming amount of remaining assets at the Business Federation, we have confirmed your capabilities after recommendations from relevant personnel.]
[We are willing to hire you as our business agent. The Adeptus Sprawiedliwy be fully responsible for your safety. Are you interested?]
"..."
[Gentlemen?]
"Yes! I have it! I won't let you down!"
[Okay, please report to the Adeptus Sprawiedliwy in two days.]
After hanging up the call, Markowitz picked up his suit and remained silent for a long time.
"Honey, what's wrong? Is there a problem at work?"
There was no answer; Markowitz hugged his wife tightly.
Feeling the dampness on his back, the wife frantically tried to comfort her husband.
Markowitz choked up and could barely speak, only holding his wife tighter.
Despite the tears streaming down his face, Markowitz at this moment...
She smiled very brightly.