Ⅰ
Before Arthur, words known only to him flashed rapidly-
[After spreading overnight, word of your wisdom, quick wits, and kindness has reached all of West Berlin. Your name has also appeared in the surrounding territories. At Dordot Harbor, which you saved, the commoners and merchants have grown even more grateful to you following the publicity efforts of the Marquis of West Berlin's eldest daughter; XP +6000] [More people have heard your name: XP +1100]
Just as Arthur had expected, he continued to gain XP at a rapid pace.
Looking at his XP total, which had already reached 18,300, Arthur was filled with anticipation.
He knew that another, even greater surge of XP was just around the corner.
One that might even exceed his expectations.
After all...
That Old Lion would never stand idly by!
Don't you dare disappoint me!
The young Medium from South Los murmured inwardly.
Meanwhile, in the Lion Palace a thousand miles away, an old man with white hair and a white beard sat with his eyes closed, massaging his temples and the space between his brows. His thumbs rested on his temples, his index fingers side by side between his brows, rubbing clockwise in a steady rhythm as he muttered under his breath.
"I knew it! I knew it!"
As he spoke, the white-haired old man opened his eyes.
Hum!
Even the air trembled as his eyes opened, as though a keen-edged saber had slashed down through it.
The guards stationed in the Lion Palace's bedchamber felt the descending blade with absolute clarity. Veterans of countless battles, they instinctively tried to dodge, but could not escape.
Because-
It was too fast!
Unimaginably fast!
Shhk! Shhk! Shhk!
Amid the sounds of a blade slicing through flesh, every guard in the Lion Palace's bedchamber