The Second Son of The Marquis Runs Away from Home ~ Lacking Talent, He Abandons Everything and Becomes an Adventurer ~ - 93

Chapter 93: Stirring Shadows and Insects (??? Side)

Meanwhile, in the Blaizia territory…

The main residence of the Duke’s family was overrun by various magical creatures, resembling the appearance of a dungeon.

“Hey, what’s your plan?”

In one room of the main residence, Buglas, in an irritated tone, questioned Fifths. Fifths, looking over the courtyard from his study, responded while gazing at the furnishings.

“What plan are you referring to?”

“Don’t play dumb. If we want to bring down this country, we have to take the head of Badol Grantos. But with the arrival of the Black Storm Knights, it seems unlikely. Even using all the monsters here, it’s optimistic to think we can defeat them.”

“Hehehe, I haven’t underestimated it to that extent.”

As Fifths answered Buglas, he continued to look over the courtyard. With a smile on his face, he began to speak.

“I’ve realized something from this incident. What we should be cautious of is not the monstrous elder brother but the monstrous younger brother… Serk Grantos is the one we should deal with first.”

“…You say that, but do you have a plan?”

“Yes… Fortunately, we have some useful pawns.”

As Fifths spoke, his gaze focused on something that appeared to be a gigantic pile of scrap metal.

However, it was a massive monster crouching there. Its enormous body, covered in scales that emitted a dull luster like iron, was sitting with its knees drawn up, unmoving.

“…What have you done to my daughter?”

Buglas and Fifths turned their faces toward the voice. There, Duke Blaizia was crucified to the wall with chains.

Upon receiving the report of the kingdom’s army defeat, Duke Blaizia immediately gathered his private troops to respond. However, right after that, he fell victim to the attack by these two and became a captive.

Fifths approached the Duke, met his gaze, and took a crystal from his pocket. He displayed it proudly while smiling.

“I just provided this little thing here.”

“Disgusting. A magical tool that turns people into monsters is beyond insanity!”

“Well, it’s a bit different from calling them monsters.”

Saying so, Fifths, like an actor on stage, played with the crystal dramatically. Then, with delight, he began to explain.

“This is a ‘key,’ you see.”

“A key… you say?”

“Yes, it’s a key that opens the sealed darkness within humans. When the unleashed darkness, like a gate, turns them into beasts—more precisely, creatures one might call magical beasts—or if the key transforms them into powerful beings, it depends on the user.”

Fifths thrust the crystal in front of the Duke.

“Isn’t it wonderful? It turns what one has been burdened with, tailored to the user, into power. It’s my exquisite creation! Well, it seems exceptions like you, who have reconciled too much within themselves, can’t activate it. Such a boring individual.”

With a sigh, Fifths looked down on the Duke.

“It seems we can’t activate it for a person like you, who has settled their inner conflicts too much… You’re a truly dull individual.”

“Hmph, praise indeed. I’d rather die as an incompetent duke, labeled a traitor with you as pawns, than become a pawn and live.”

“You’re so cold… However, your daughter is quite promising.”

Suddenly changing his expression from boredom to excitement, Fifths pointed to the magical beasts in the courtyard.

“People of her age are excellent! Due to their immaturity, they embrace darkness! Due to their development, they can’t reconcile with that darkness, and it becomes heavy, dense, and deep! Your daughter is truly a human being with such darkness and potential!”

“You…!”

“And the same goes for Serk Grantos.”

Saying so, Fifths arranged his words, making sure everyone present could hear.

“He is indeed powerful. However, the power of darkness he wields is a double-edged sword. If his heart wavers, that power can destroy him. It’s a blade that cuts both ways.”

The crystal disappeared from Fifths’ hand, replaced by a mirror crafted from what seemed like obsidian.

“If he has come this far, let’s welcome him sincerely, and let’s treat him… to the ugliness of human darkness.”

Fifths’ words echoed in the space and faded away like sinking into the depths of water.