Chapter 51 - Kaliss versus Erica 2 (1/2)

There had been no further incidents in the following days. Still, he was quite concerned about the fact that demons were involved.

“Did the pirates that were supposed to help us not arrive yet?”

“I told them I’d be in touch when everything is set in place.”

Doing just as Woohyuk had recommended, Erica had refrained from stepping outside as much as possible.

The war between the two factions would soon break out. If she were to die, Erica’s faction would quickly crumble.

“I haven’t seen Darius in quite some time, it’s been a while since he took leave due to sickness.”

“Do you think there is a chance he would betray you?”

“I think it’s quite unlikely, because Darius….”

He’d been in love with her for quite some time. It was the main reason he had sided with her this whole time despite Kaliss’ obvious dominance.

Hearing Erica’s explanation, Woohyuk’s face formed a frown.

‘He might have gotten himself captured.’

Due to his ego, he most likely went out drinking after his loss against him. Intoxicated, he doubt made for an easy target and had likely endured several rounds of torture by now.

“If he does return, you should be wary, there is a good chance that he might be under the demon’s control.”

“... Alright.”

It was possible that in the past it had been Darius that had unintentionally betrayed Erica in such a way.

Erica would have surely died, and Isaac would have fled after robbing her heirloom, under the pretense that their side no longer had any hope

As the picture started to become clear in his mind, Woohyuk made his way to the door.

“Where are you going?”

“There is something I need to go check on.”

A group of guards stayed behind with Erica, to ensure her safety as he went out.

“Master, I’ve found some suspicious looking people.”

“The orphans now addressed Woohyuk as Master.”

He offered food to any that worked well, not to mention the possibility of a bonus, earning their goodwill.

“Where did you see them?”

“Near the docks.”

It seemed like one of their groups had arrived. It could either be Sea Snake’s Fury or Deep Sea’s Vortex.

After giving them some money for the information, Woohyuk followed the street urchin and headed towards the docks.

“What did they look like?”

“Most of them were dressed in ragged clothes, like sailors, but their boss seemed pretty imposing, and had a black beard.”

Edward Teach, it was surely him.

As Woohyuk picked up his pace, Aris appeared from through a black portal.

“Asura, the demon…”

Along with Sebastian, the two had gotten into a carriage and headed towards the merchant's district.

Woohyuk took a second to digest Aris’ latest report.

‘What are they up to?’

The Merchant’s district wasn’t a suitable area for them to meet with Blackbeard. It was usually quite crowded and the amount of guards were higher than other places.

‘Are they trying to create some turmoil before the real attack?’

A coup disguised as a riot of sailors. Sebastian, who would always care about the public’s opinion, needed a justification to seize power.

Having deduced what their opponent’s plan was, Woohyuk turned back and returned to Erica’s mansion.

“Gather your mercenaries, the battle will begin soon.”

“Alright, understood.”

Erica nodded back with a determined look.

She then gave out some instructions, as the maids were sent running around the mansion.

Shortly after, their hidden armory was unlocked. The best weapons which she had spent most of her fortune on, were handed out to her mercenaries.

“You guys protect Erica, They will try to infiltrate during the chaos.”

He would have his hands full with Blackbeard’s pirates as well as the demon.

After deploying his party throughout the mansion, Woohyuk rode his Three Clawed Eagle and headed to the Merchant’s district.

“Sa, save me!”

“Ahaahaack!”

As expected, the area was in complete chaos. Pirates, acting undercover as sailors, went around fighting and looting everywhere. Their numbers were too high, so the city guards didn’t have the courage to interfere, only watching from the side.

‘Looks like Barbarossa’s Sea Snake’s Fury has come as well.’

Sea Snake’s Fury seemed to have been aware of Blackbeard’s plan, and had come over to intercept them.

Woohyuk decided to see how things played out before interfering.

“Blackbeard! It is time for us to get our revenge for your betrayal against Captain Barbarossa!”

“Hahahah! You talk big for a bunch of leftover small fries, I’ll wipe you all out here and now!”

The two pirate fleets engaged in an all out battle, plunging the streets into further chaos.

It was a very even fight, so whoever killed the opposing leader first was sure to emerge victorious.

Woohyuk attempted to throw his Vampiric dagger laced with Basilisk’s Poison at Blackbeard.

“Hohoho, I didn’t know that there was another demon here as well.”

Amanda appeared from the shadows, blocking knocking his dagger out of the air.

“Are you the demon which is sponging off Sebastian?”

“Sponging? That’s a bit insulting.”

“You must really like something about this city.”

“Well, to be honest it isn’t as bad as I’d thought, but I came here under orders.”

Amanda had been sent to Landium by the Demon King Belial. Since they had only recently been released from their seal, the actual 72 Demon Kings were still quite weak. They were in no position to engage in any aggressive conquest, and could only send their subordinates ahead to establish a base.

“Are you trying to compete with me?”

“Well… it’s not like I’m in any position to back down. We also need our own base.”

Even if two demons were from the same species, they would still fight when it came to interests.

Amanda’s arms turned into dark spears, as she rushed towards Woohyuk.

Huick huick

The sharp spears aimed for Woohyuk’s vital points as they tore through the air.

Higher ranked demons like her were able to morph parts of the body at will by using their Demonic Energy. Still, because she had been in slumber for so long, her abilities were quite a bit lower than usual.

Kalang!

Grandia and the Dark Spear clashed, they were quite evenly matched as they caused sparks to fly out.

‘Not bad.’

Amanda’s Stats were likely higher than Woohyuk’s, so he couldn’t subdue her through sheer presence alone.

Her battle sense was also quite good.

Staring into her eyes, Woohyuk spoke up.

“Let’s finish this.”

“Good, I also don’t like drawn out fights.”

Amanda replied, as she took a step back. At the same time her Dark Spear erupted in a frightening flame, emitting a blistering heat that one could feel even from a distance.

‘I also have my own hidden card.’

Verserios, Asura’s exclusive weapon. It certainly had quite the powerful ability, able to absorb the souls of its victims.

Amanda’s eyes widened in surprise, upon seeing him switch out Grandia for Verserios.

“What, what is that!?”