Chapter 81: Crimson Knight

Chapter 81: Chapter 81: Crimson Knight

"It’s true. An outbreak happened, and apparently it was much worse than people first thought. Several areas of the city were caught in the fighting, and the adventurers there were forced to participate in the battle."

His friend frowned.

"That serious?" 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

"From what I’ve heard, yes. People were saying the situation was almost impossible to control."

The adventurer lowered his voice slightly, clearly enjoying the opportunity to share something that had only recently become common gossip.

"But that’s not even the most interesting part."

His friend leaned closer.

"Then what is?"

"The Crimson Knight."

At those words, several nearby adventurers briefly glanced in their direction.

The adventurer continued, "You know how the Crimson Knight is supposed to be the number one adventurer in Lufast City? During the final battle, nobody could find him. People searched for him, but he was nowhere to be seen."

"Wait, seriously?"

"That’s what they’re saying. The city’s strongest adventurer disappeared when the battle reached its most dangerous point."

The friend frowned.

"That doesn’t sound right. The Crimson Knight has been protecting Lufast City for years. Why would he suddenly disappear?"

"I don’t know. That’s why people are talking about it. But apparently, someone else appeared during the final battle."

The adventurer leaned back with a grin.

"They’re calling that person the Blood-Frenzied Warrior."

"The Blood-Frenzied Warrior?"

"According to the reports, he fought like a monster. They were covered in blood by the end of the battle, but they kept fighting until the outbreak was finally brought under control."

His friend whistled softly.

"Sounds like a terrifying person."

"Terrifying and strong. Some people are already saying that the Blood-Frenzied Warrior might be strong enough to challenge the strongest adventurers in the city."

The friend laughed.

"People always exaggerate after a big battle."

"Maybe, but this time there seem to be too many witnesses saying the same thing."

He took another drink before looking thoughtful.

"Still, I wonder who’s stronger, the Blood-Frenzied Warrior or the Crimson Knight."

The question caused the surrounding conversations to quiet for a moment.

Even several adventurers who had not been paying attention began listening.

The Crimson Knight’s reputation was well known. For years, he had been regarded as the strongest adventurer in Lufast City. His achievements were enough to make his name known far beyond the city’s borders, and countless young adventurers had grown up hearing stories about him.

Now another mysterious warrior had suddenly appeared.

A warrior who had earned the title of Blood-Frenzied Warrior after a battle that nearly destroyed Lufast City.

"That’s a difficult question," one adventurer at a nearby table said. "The Crimson Knight has years of experience. You can’t compare him to someone just because they had one impressive battle."

Another adventurer shook his head.

"But if the rumors are true, the Blood-Frenzied Warrior defeated monsters that several experienced adventurers couldn’t handle. Maybe his stronger than you think."

The discussion quickly grew louder as more people joined in.

Some argued for the Crimson Knight.

Others were fascinated by the mysterious Blood-Frenzied Warrior.

The lone adventurer sitting in the corner listened quietly.

The hood still concealed his face.

However, beneath it, the man’s lips slowly curved upward.

A faint smirk appeared. He placed his cup on the table.

He had heard enough.

Without saying a single word, the mysterious adventurer stood.

The chair scraped softly against the wooden floor.

Nobody paid much attention as he walked toward the entrance. The tavern was too busy with its own conversations, and the hood made it difficult for anyone to recognize his face.

He opened the door and stepped outside.

The moment he disappeared into the night, the adventurer at the table continued talking.

"I still want to see the two of them fight."

"You’re not the only one."

"Imagine if the Blood-Frenzied Warrior actually challenged the Crimson Knight. That would be a battle worth watching."

The laughter and conversation continued behind the closed door.

None of them knew the truth.

The lone adventurer who had just left the inn was not some ordinary traveler passing through Hetin Town.

He was the very person they had been discussing.

The number one adventurer of Lufast City.

The man known throughout the region as the Crimson Knight.

----

Ragnar sat upon his obsidian throne with one leg crossed over the other, his massive body resting comfortably against the back of the throne as a floating screen hovered several meters in front of him.

There was a particular adventurer among the group who had immediately caught his attention.

The man wore a dark robe that concealed most of his appearance, and a sword hung naturally in his hand as he moved through the dungeon.

Unlike the other adventurers Ragnar had seen before, this man did not move cautiously or constantly look around in fear. He walked through the dungeon with a calmness that made it seem as though he already knew that nothing on the first floor could truly threaten him.

Ragnar narrowed his eyes.

"That guy is different."

A second figure stood beside the throne.

Kaelira had returned from her spar with Veyra and was now watching the floating screen as well. Her long black hair fell behind her back, while the crimson streaks running through it reflected the faint light from the magical display. She crossed her arms over her chest and studied the mysterious adventurer carefully.

"I can’t really gauge his strength just by watching the screen," Kaelira said. "His movements are controlled, but he isn’t revealing much of his ability."

Ragnar nodded.

"That’s exactly what bothers me."

On the screen, the robed adventurer entered the spider nest.

The moment he stepped into the chamber, dozens of spiders began moving across the walls and ceiling. Their legs scraped against stone as they surrounded him from every direction. Several of the larger spiders immediately dropped from above, attempting to bite into his shoulders while others moved toward his legs.

The man did not panic, he simply raised his sword. The first spider lunged.

Slash!

Its body was cut cleanly in half. Another spider attacked from his blind spot.

The man stepped sideways without even turning his head and swung his sword backward.

Slash!

The second spider fell.