Night had fallen over the Royal Capital.
Inside the high tower's private chamber—originally reserved for figures such as the Commander of the Kingdom Warrior Troop—the atmosphere was unexpectedly refined. Though the room itself was scarcely larger than a standard barracks, it was still the most luxurious accommodation available within the training tower.
Several wooden tables had been joined together by Vier's own hands and covered with an expensive tablecloth. Fine tableware was neatly arranged.
After all, regardless of circumstances, a noble should dine with dignity.
Lock himself wasn't particularly concerned with such details—but he would never disregard his maid's quiet thoughtfulness.
Having finished the specially prepared steak with proper knife and fork etiquette, Lock felt noticeably refreshed.
Seated to his left and right were Brian and Clementine—exceptions within the Tiger Knight Order, permitted to dine alongside him due to their special status.
"Did you enjoy yourself today, Brain?" Lock asked casually.
At the question, Brian's eyes lit up. He set down the utensils he still wasn't accustomed to using and replied with unmistakable excitement.
"Yes. This… was the happiest day I've had in years."
Earlier that day, Brian had finally achieved the goal that had haunted him for most of his life.
He had overwhelmingly defeated Gazef Stronoff, the strongest warrior of the Kingdom.
Once, during the Royal Tournament's final battle, Brain had pushed Gazef to a stalemate—only to lose due to a single fatal misstep. That defeat had lingered like a thorn in his heart.
Now, the gap between them was no longer measurable.
The change in Brian was unmistakable. His presence had sharpened—like a blade finally drawn from its sheath.
"That's good," Lock said with quiet satisfaction. "Gazef Stronoff was only the beginning. From now on, you must find a sword path that belongs solely to you. Don't stop."
"Thank you… Boss."
Brain nodded deeply. Whatever the circumstances, the man before him had given him the chance to transcend his limits.
That debt would be repaid.
"Well, how wonderful," Clementine chimed in lazily, twirling her knife with delicate fingers. "You achieved your lifelong wish. Congratulations, Anglaus."
Her smile was playful—but her crimson eyes held something darker.
She, too, had been subdued by Lock's power.
She, too, was bound.
Yet Brain was rewarded with fulfillment, while she was left playing the role of a subordinate, running errands and suppressing her impulses.
How unfair.
"So…" Clementine tilted her head, lips curving mischievously. "When will our dear Baron help big sister fulfill her wish?"
She tapped the knife lightly against her lips.
"Perhaps… let me abduct someone for a bit of fun? Oh! How about that cute Blue Rose captain—Lakyus-chan?"
Her idea of "fun" was unmistakably perverse.
Clementine loved torment—especially tormenting powerful Adventurers.
To her, Lakyus was the perfect prey.
"No."
Lock rejected her instantly.
"Eh~?" Clementine pouted exaggeratedly. "Don't tell me you've taken a liking to her? I did hear someone left her completely limp today."
She smirked, then turned to Vier with mock sympathy.
"Poor Vier-chan. Looks like Master found a new toy."
The temperature in the room dropped.
"Enough."
Lock's voice hardened.
"Clementine—do not joke about Vier."
His gaze sharpened.
"That warning is given only once."
"Oh my," Clementine laughed lightly, raising her hands in surrender. "How frightening."
But she stopped there.
Vier, calm and unshaken, simply smiled.
Lock exhaled slowly, appetite gone. He set down his napkin and rose from the table.
Then—
"Lord Lock!!"
A Tiger Knight burst into the room, kneeling immediately, voice shaking.
Lock frowned. Interrupting him during a meal was unthinkable under normal circumstances.
"What happened?"
"It's Ado's unit… and the second team. They were following your orders to capture Six Arms and the Eight Fingers' core members. Both teams were intercepted."
The knight swallowed.
"Only one survivor escaped. Everyone else… was killed."
Bang!
Lock's fist slammed into the table.
He rose instantly, crimson eyes burning cold.
Without another word, he strode out. Vier, Brain, and Clementine followed at once.
Moments later, they arrived at the first-floor hall.
All Tiger Knights had assembled, standing in silence.
At the center—
Nine bodies lay neatly arranged.
Lock knelt beside them.
Five bore signs of overwhelming fire magic.
Four had been decapitated by monstrous claws.
"Lord Lock!" A Priest Knight rushed forward and collapsed to his knees. "Please—avenge them!"
Lock placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Calm yourself. Tell me what you encountered."
The survivor steadied himself.
"We had already captured Six Arms—including their leader. While withdrawing… we were intercepted by a demon."
"A demon?"
"Yes. He wore clothing like a southern 'suit.' He had a long metal tail… and a strange mask."
Lock's eyes narrowed.
"He wasn't physically strong at first—but after transforming, we were completely overwhelmed. His fire magic was terrifying."
Silence.
Lock already knew.
A demon in a suit.
A metal tail.
Fire.
There was no doubt.
Demiurge.
Guardian of Nazarick's Seventh Floor.
"So that's how it is…"
Lock rose slowly.
"You did well. This is not your failure."
He placed a reassuring hand on the knight's shoulder.
"When we meet that demon again, I will settle this debt."
The priority now was resurrection.
Vier stepped forward, staff in hand—a divine artifact radiating sacred light.
"Ninth-tier Magic—True Resurrection."
Holy radiance descended like ribbons, enveloping the fallen.
One by one, five Tiger Knights returned to life—without loss.
Cheers broke out.
Lock stepped back, expression calm.
Yet behind that faint smile—
Confusion stirred.
Nazarick had moved.
And when demons began acting openly—
It meant the game had entered a far deadlier phase.
---
A/N: Advance Chapter Has Been Uploaded. Please Check It Out. It will really help me out and will keep me motivated to continue.
Support: patreon.com/Narrator_San