In the carriage, Merlin kept thinking back to Director Eru's words. If Parasitism really could let him wield a behemoth's power and strengthen himself, it might well be a path worth taking.
Merlin urgently needed the power to protect himself. Otherwise, it would be difficult to survive safely in this unfamiliar world. After all, anything could happen.
Until my Illusory World recovers, I must rely on this world's system of power.
Merlin had made his decision, but he would not act rashly. He had to go home and ask his father about it first.
By evening, the last glow of sunset had faded, and a chill crept into the air, making it feel as though the temperature had suddenly dropped considerably.
A vigorous fire burned in the hearth, casting a rosy glow across the maid's face-a rather charming sight. Yet neither Count Stanwen nor the burly man in gleaming silver armor standing in the hall paid it any attention. Instead, the atmosphere was somewhat somber.
"My lord, we have eliminated all the Black Bat Army's men in Stone City, but some troubling news seems to have come from the front."
The armored man was Hanson, commander of Count Stanwen's Heavy Guard Knights. He, too, had inherited a Behemoth Bloodline and was extremely powerful, second only to Count Stanwen.
"What news?"
Count Stanwen remained composed and asked calmly.
"It concerns Marshal Kelly. Apparently, the Black Bat Army has allied itself with the Barbarian tribes. They have breached Marshal Kelly's defensive line. I fear even Marshal Kelly may be unable to withstand the Black Bat Army and the Barbarian tribes together."
Hanson's words immediately angered Count Stanwen. He said coldly, "The Barbarian tribes? Those bastards in the Black Bat Army actually colluded with Barbarians! These Barbarians have no place in the