Ex rank talent Awakening: 100\% Dodge rate-Chapter 137 - : BLAZING RIVALRY

Brian opened his eyes to meet the expectant gazes of Stagnant Water and Elizabeth. The lingering heaviness from the vision still clung to him like a suffocating fog.

[So? How is it? The slaughter of those innocent villagers? Or Prinian? Or the trap against you that finally woke you up? Which one stings the most?] SWORD teased, its voice echoing in Brian's mind like a cruel whisper.

"Why?" Brian asked, his voice low, trembling as he struggled to contain the anger and sorrow bubbling within him.

"It was a necessary evil. I would do it again—and again—as long as it serves the empire's best interests," Commander Joshua replied, unapologetic and void of guilt.

"Greater good?" Brian's voice cracked, then rose. "The blood of a child is on your hands because of some necessary evil? Are you joking right now?" His hands clenched tightly into fists. The man he once trusted, respected—even admired—stood before him without remorse, and the weight of betrayal felt unbearable.

"What exactly are you and Augustus plotting? What are these shadow slaves and shadow merchants? Why did he cause the demon invasion? Tell me! How?! Why?!" Brian screamed, his fury erupting with full force.

Stagnant Water and Elizabeth's faces darkened as Brian spoke. They had only caught bits and pieces of the conversation, but it was enough to drain the color from their cheeks. Disgust and disbelief were clear in their eyes.

"I'm unable to say anything about that. Kill me if you wish, but I won't give you any more answers," Commander Joshua said calmly. "I do not regret my actions, but I advise you against continuing down this path. Do not make an enemy of the empire. There's still a way to turn this around."

"No. There is nothing left to reason about. I can never be part of monsters like you," Brian replied coldly, turning his back on the commander. There was nothing more to be said.

[I guess this is my cue to end your life. You see, the wish of that sword you hold has always been to kill one man—you. I will now fulfill that wish,] SWORD whispered to Joshua.

Joshua's sword began to levitate, shimmering with a dull glow as it floated steadily to neck level. Without hesitation or fear, Commander Joshua stood still. With a ruthless swing, the blade decapitated him. His head fell to the floor with a dull thud. Not once did he blink or flinch, even as death approached.

---

[You have killed Lv. 75 Knight Commander]

[You have gained EXP]

[Warning! Your actions signify hostility toward the Grey Empire!]

[You have been branded a traitor to the Empire!]

[You are now an enemy of the Grey Empire. A bounty has been placed on your head! Tread carefully!]

---

The system notifications echoed in Brian's ears, but he barely registered them. His mind was drowning in thoughts—his emotions a chaotic storm of grief, rage, and disillusionment.

He, Stagnant Water, and Elizabeth returned to the cold, damp dungeon where the Will Manifestation had first taken place. The silence there felt heavier now.

"Sword God… we have to go before reinforcements arrive," Elizabeth said softly. Her voice was gentle, almost like a balm. She didn't know what Brian had seen, but it was clear from his expression that it hadn't been pleasant.

---

[Congratulations! You have awakened a new skill through your concept. Check your status window for more information.]

---

Another system prompt rang in his ears. Still, Brian ignored it.

"You're right… we should leave," he said at last, forcing the words out as he nodded. Together, they sprinted through the underground passageways.

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Several knights blocked their path, but unlike before—when Brian hesitated to harm fellow knights—he now struck with firm resolve. Each swing of his blade was decisive. There was no room left for doubt.

Eventually, the trio escaped the castle, blending into the bustling crowd outside. With Elizabeth's knowledge of the city's layout, dodging patrols and slipping through guard checkpoints was no challenge.

---

"My lord… forgive me," a knight reported in a low voice. "The prisoners have escaped. The Ice Princess was seen with them. It appears she aided in their escape."

Still dressed in his night robe, Emperor Augustus stood before the window of his room, gazing into the night. He said nothing, his expression unreadable.

"And Commander Joshua?" Augustus asked after a long silence.

"We… believe he was killed by the escaping prisoner," the knight replied, bowing his head.

"Very well. You may leave," Augustus said quietly.

The knight bowed once more before exiting.

Augustus remained at the window, his hands behind his back. His face gave nothing away.

"Hmph… it seems the foreigners are growing stronger," he muttered to himself. "They may hinder my plans. It's time to accelerate… immortality... I'm so close."

---

*****

"What now?" Stagnant Water asked, his tone neutral as they rested under the canopy of trees far outside the city's gates.

"We have to warn the neighboring kingdoms and tribes," Brian said, eyes set ahead. "The Emperor's plan to manufacture shadow slaves and lure demons for invasion... we can't keep this secret."

"I get that it's urgent, but... report to other kingdoms and tribes? Haven't you been stuck in a dungeon for too long?" Stagnant Water frowned, frustrated by Brian's idealism.

"You're right. I can't change," Brian admitted. "I'll probably stay naïve forever—and I'll continue to bring you hurt and pain with my foolishness. But knowing what the Emperor plans… I can't ignore it."

His gaze was firm, the conviction in his voice unwavering.

"Enough with the arguing," a new voice cut in. "You guys are boring me. Can you move? I need to level up, and you're all in my way."

It was Cain.

He had been grinding relentlessly since their escape, desperate to catch up. His level was embarrassingly low after being relentlessly hunted by Viper and his gang. Now free of pursuit, he was eager to make up for lost time.

"Abyss…" Stagnant Water muttered under his breath, narrowing his eyes.

Cain's reputation among players was infamous. Not only did he raise undead monsters, but he also converted fallen players into grotesque puppets for his army. Just seeing him sent shivers down spines and forced everyone on guard.

"I'm not interested in you guys," Cain said, brushing past them. "I just need to improve my level. Besides… if I turned any of you into undeads, Nemesis would probably break down my door. I'm not trying to start that mess."

Though visibly irritated, Cain still honored their uneasy alliance. He wouldn't harm those still useful to humanity—not yet.

Brian's ears perked up the moment he heard Cain mention Nemesis. He had always considered Nemesis his rival—someone he constantly strived to match. Now, with both of them at the same level, Brian truly believed he had surpassed him, especially since he was likely the only player to have awakened a concept.

Cain caught the change in Brian's expression—the glint of excitement in his eyes, the silent intensity burning within. That look of resolve, of thirst for battle, was something Cain remembered all too well.

"I know what you're thinking. Nemesis… your rival," Cain said flatly. "My honest advice? Give up on that idea. Bury it. He's more monstrous than you can ever imagine." With those words, Cain turned and walked away, continuing his quest to level up.

Brian stood in silence, watching Cain's back as he disappeared into the distance. Rather than discouraging him, Cain's words only added fuel to the fire within him. His sense of rivalry sharpened.

"Change of plans," Brian said firmly to the others. "We'll focus on leveling up and gaining achievements. Our goal is to reach level 100 before Augustus enacts his plan."

Stagnant Water raised a brow. "We're not warning the other kingdoms anymore?"

"No," Brian said without hesitation. "It's pointless. They likely won't believe us. The only thing we can do is get strong enough to stop them ourselves."

Elizabeth blinked, clearly surprised by Brian's sudden shift in priorities. But Stagnant Water wasn't confused—he understood Brian too well. From their school days, Brian had always thrived when challenged. He was never naïve when it came to competition or being underestimated by experts. Cain's words had awakened that dormant part of him. And frankly, Stagnant Water didn't mind. In fact, he was enjoying it.

---

---

Kyle opened his eyes. After two long days, he had finally succeeded in manifesting his will—thanks entirely to Kodiac's guidance.

"I guess our business is concluded," Kodiac said, as disinterested as ever. "You may leave now."

"Before I go," Kyle began, "why do you hold back against humans? I'm sure you could wipe them all out if you really wanted to."

"Because that is my master's command," Kodiac answered curtly.

"But I don't get it," Kyle pressed. "Isn't your master's goal to rule this world? Why act like he's not interested in conquering it?"

"Because we're not interested. Not yet," Kodiac replied, already weary of the conversation.

Sensing his reluctance to continue, Kyle decided to get straight to the point.

"Can I speak to your master—the demon god? I want to pledge my allegiance to him."

Kodiac paused, then turned his head slightly. "You, of all people, seek allegiance? A user of the ancient's power? What makes you think my master would ever want someone like you under him? You could betray him at any time."

"I won't," Kyle said without hesitation. "I have no interest in resurrecting the ancient. If I did, I'd be the one to lose. He'd either reclaim his power or make me his puppet with a leash. I'm too greedy to let that happen—and I know you can see that. I'd rather he stay sealed away, while I use his power unchecked. Only a fool gets lured in just because power comes free. Besides, I'm needed. If your master truly wants this world, I'm his best shot. Lilith already betrayed him—you know that. Let me be the one to replace her."

Kodiac stared at him in silence for a moment before finally speaking.

"Very well. I'll speak to my master about your… faith. But don't take it as a yes. The final decision belongs to him alone." With that, Kodiac walked away. The solitude he so cherished was calling once more.