Chapter 316: You Are Lorius (2/2)
He glided toward the center of the destruction he caused, toward the half missing body of the wolf. It seems he managed to dodge in time, but he was too late.
Arthur walked toward the monster's body as his arm turned monstrous. He pierced the heart of the beast and pulled out a red crystal, which was the core of the wolfman.
”That is a blood crystal.” Gala arrived beside him, and so did Dia. The two looked on with apprehension toward the crystal. ”In ancient records, it is said that Kar creates these crystals in his servants, allowing them to regenerate using his power.”
”Yo, mutt,” Arthur said to the crystal. ”I know you have no strength left to resist, so how about we make a deal?”
No response came, so Arthur raised his spiritual arm and turned it into a hammer. He was about to break the crystal when Traitor's panicked voice arrived.
”W-what kind of deal?” He answered with an urgency that begged Arthur to stop.
”Tell me the name of the Traitor in the royal court. I know you're just a servant, not the mastermind behind this.”
”I can't speak of such things. I would never do that. Wait!” Traitor seemed to refuse until Arthur raised his hammer again. ”I'll tell you, but you need to promise to let me go.”
”I swear by the nine gods that I'll let you go,” Arthur said seriously. ”It's not you that I'm after, so fear not.” He said with a nod.
”It's the previous King's son, Avadil.” Traitor's voice was silent before he said a name. Arthur nodded, and his eyes shone a golden hue.
”How about you answer my question again? Truthfully this time.” Arthur used the Art of Creation, Submission.
He didn't use it before because Traitor was too strong for his art to work. It wasn't an omnipotent power but rather a restricted one. It made things easier, but they didn't make him.
”I...” Traitor's voice was shaking. ”It's the Knight of Nobility.”
”What about the previous King's son?”
”He has his plans, but I don't know anything. Please, let me go.” Traitor pleaded as several figures arrived at the destroyed public square.
”No,” Arthur grinned. ”You lied.” He used his Absorb rune on the red crystal in his hand.
”No, please! No! Agh! AHHHH!” A scream of pure agony died down as the red color of the crystal faded. Arthur looked at the empty dark crystal and threw it into his subspace as he stood up.
[A memory crystal has been absorbed. You can now see the memories anytime.]
[A blood energy has been absorbed. A partial rune lies within it. (1/10)]
Arthur looked at the notifications as the duke arrived at the scene along with his guards and Rinzo. Accompanying them was the Knight of Honesty, who looked at the destruction with a rageful expression.
”What have you done?” The Knight spat with unhidden rage. Arthur looked at him quietly, wondering what this idiot was blathering.
”Are you stupid?” Arthur said as Dia and Gala stood on each side of his. ”I killed the monster that killed countless citizens.”
”At what cost?!” The Knight roared and pointed with his sword toward the destroyed city. ”Do you know how many people have lost their homes because of you?”
”Do you know how many lives would have been lost if not for me?” Arthur laughed as if he couldn't believe this Knight was blaming him. ”I chose the better outcome.”
”No,” The Knight shook his head with a hateful expression. ”You chose the lesser evil, but it was still evil. We don't even know if those buildings had people who couldn't make it out.”
”We would have known if all of you were here when things went south.” Arthur glared at them. ”Yet here you are, only useful to blame the person who saved you.”
”It doesn't matter what we think, Seika.” The duke shook his head and turned toward the citizens who were coming out after the calamity was gone. ”For those who lost their homes and jobs today...” He turned toward Arthur. ”You are Lorius.”
Arthur turned to look at the people who were crying after their loss. He didn't see relief because they didn't die, but there was only loss at the outcome they got to live. There was nothing but a calamity for them today.