Chapter 34 Part3 (1/2)

<chapter 34.=”” heaven=”” defying=”” general=”” -=”” 3=””>

[Ethan Cruz: I think I've found a target.]

While he and his troops were crossing through the level 3 danger zone, Lee s.h.i.+n Woo accessed the chatting channel. There, Lee s.h.i.+n Woo heard what he'd been somewhat prepared to hear.

[Ethan Cruz: I had it narrowed down to a few candidates. It took a long time to find the one that can be lured in, but I've finally found the right one.]

[Prince Altania: As expected of you, Senior! But it's boring if it's too easy.]

[Ethan Cruz: We're taking on one of the 12 generals. Even if he's the weakest of them, it's not going to be easy. If you're reckless, then you or I may die.]

[Lloyd H.K.: ...I've done a lot of prep. I've also steeled myself. I think it's time we reveal ourselves (the heroes) to the Empire.]

The heroes in the chatting channel were getting fired up by Ethan's declaration. However, not everyone thought favorably of his idea.

[Seira Von Retadane: Do you really intend on facing one of the 12 generals? They're not like normal undead. They're highly intelligent and cooperate with each other. It won't go as smoothly as you think.]

[Yasunori Akira: No matter how I think about it, it's too early. I don't think those who've just become level 7 will be able to properly use their strength.]

[Ethan Cruz: Oh dear, I'm not trying to force anyone to join me. But if you're that worried, all the more reason that you, as their seniors, should be partic.i.p.ating, no?]

How can this be? Seira Von Retadane and Yasunori Akira both plan on throwing away this opportunity? If that's the case, then that's more evidence that Ethan Cruz is allied with the Empire! No, if he really was allied with the Empire, then there was a chance that he would lead not one, but two of the twelve generals to them.

'And what if he brings the Archmage? Is he allied with him?'

Lee s.h.i.+n Woo recollected how powerful Feotane Von Seldin was and clenched his fist. He couldn't beat him right now. It was impossible.

It was impossible, but... At the very least, he might have a few ways to make him retreat. Yeah, perhaps it was time to try 'that'.

[Seira Von Retadane: Are you serious? ...I don't want to lower morale, but please remember what happened in the past. Seven level 7 heroes joined together, but still died. At that time, you, at level 6, were the only one who survived. Ethan Cruz, have you already forgotten?]

While he was formulating complex plans in his head, those opposed to Ethan Cruz's plan were beginning to give clear reasons for why his plan wouldn't work.

Was Seira Von Retadane referring to the group of heroes (that included Lee Man Bok) that attempted to take down the 12 generals? As expected, it seems like she didn't partic.i.p.ate in that expedition. Then again, if she had, then she would've known the horrors that Ethan had unleashed. Lee s.h.i.+n Woo nodded his head and Ethan Cruz replied.

[Ethan Cruz: Of course I remember. That was a huge failure.]

'Of course it was a huge failure. After all, he'd lost Lee Man Bok, as well as the two Giants,' Lee s.h.i.+n Woo thought.

[Ethan Cruz: That's why I've prepared so much more. I really did my best after that. To the point that I could probably take on one of the 12 generals by myself. It's because I'm so sure of that that I want to take down one of them with my juniors.]

Well, of course, he was that strong. If he wasn't, then he wouldn't be able to control the other heroes. After all, he'd lost some undead heroes in the past because of his weakness.

[Ethan Cruz: You know that G.o.d's blessing won't last forever, right? We have to purify the Empire before then. If not, then... do you not want to take down one of the 12 generals?]

[Seira Von Retadane: What are you saying?]

[Ethan Cruz: You already know, don't you? Retadane.]

[Yasunori Akira: Hey, are you doubting an ally right now? Stop. I listened quietly, but you went too far.]

[Ethan Cruz: No, I just wanted to hear the truth from her.]

As expected, they were definitely talking about Seagald Von Retadane of the 12 generals. Considering the mood in the chatting channel, half of the heroes knew about Seagald, and the other half didn't. Lee s.h.i.+n Woo supposed this was proof that his seniors hadn't been just playing around thus far.

That was a topic that should've been difficult to ask her about, so Ethan Cruz was definitely taunting her. So in other words, did that mean he was confident that he could overpower Seira Von Retadane?

[Seira Von Retadane: ...I want to destroy the undead more than anyone else. Whether it be the 12 generals, the Emperor, or anyone. Regardless of what name they held in the past, or what person they were, so long as they're undead... I'll purify them all.]

She was just talking in the chatting channel, yet Lee s.h.i.+n Woo felt gooseb.u.mps. Was this what Lee Man Bok was telling him to be cautious of, her hatred of the undead? Now he could understand what he was warning him about.

[Seira Von Retadane: I suppose your cheap taunt worked. Since I don't want a repeat of the past. I must stop precious heroes from degenerating into such a cursed form.]

[Ethan Cruz: You made the right choice. I have high hopes for your power over light.]

Could Seira Von Retadane use light magic? Lee s.h.i.+n Woo decided to stow that away for later. Their powers should clash against each other, so the fact that Ethan was willing to taunt her and bring her into this meant that he was just that confident. ...If not, then perhaps he wanted to use this opportunity to take her down, as she was a bothersome opponent.

'Seira Von Retadane. She's diligently doing her duty as a hero, so I'd like to keep her alive if at all possible...'

Lee Man Bok warned him that he should avoid her at all cost, but that was way too half-hearted for him. To defeat the Empire, he needed to even use his greatest enemy. Even more so if she were someone who hated the undead to that extent.

[Ethan Cruz: Akira, what about you?]

[Yasunori Akira: Don't talk so casually. It makes me sick. If you really did pick a safe target, then me not going won't make much of a difference.]

[Ethan Cruz: You'll regret it. Our super rookie, Lee s.h.i.+n Woo, are you almost ready?]

[Lee s.h.i.+n Woo: Yes, Senior. I'm making sure I'm prepared, especially for any unforeseen situations.]

He was preparing a plan for if Ethan Cruz went onto the frontlines personally, when he didn't, when his undead grouped together, when he moved stealthily when there were one or two of the 12 generals, or if the Archmage himself appeared!

[Ethan Cruz: You're so reliable. As expected of our super rookie!]

'That reliable super rookie is coming to put a sword in your gut,' Lee s.h.i.+n Woo smiled and inwardly muttered.

But then, he suddenly got two requests for private chats. They were from both Seira Von Retadane and Yasunori Akira! Lee s.h.i.+n Woo was fl.u.s.tered and sent a message asking Seira to wait just a second. He accepted Yasunori Akira's private chat first because he thought he would be easier to deal with.

[Yasunori Akira: This might sound a little weird, but listen carefully. Can you promise me that?]