Josey, disguised as Herob, and Allen ran through the underground tunnels at full speed.
They had already gathered information from injured Ephor knights by beating the truth out of them before killing them. Any knight who crossed their path inside the estate was eliminated without hesitation.
From them, they obtained detailed information and proof of Rudolf Steiner's crimes—how he misused his authority as the chief executive of the royal judges' panel, how he protected Duke Noah Rockson, and how he erased evidence and twisted justice to serve Ephor's corruption.
With the support of Jeremiah, all collected proof was immediately sent through spatial magic to Duke Jacob's office in Presia Dukedom, where Roman, Jacob, and Selena were carefully monitoring everything and organizing the evidence.
Meanwhile, Josey and Allen continued chasing Rudolf Steiner, who was desperately trying to escape through the tunnels.
As they ran, Josey spoke.
"Hey, Allen… don't you think the young master has changed a lot?"
Allen glanced at him briefly but kept running.
"He's behaving like a proper royal now," Josey continued. "Like a king who knows everything. His decisions are always spot on."
Josey exhaled lightly.
"I really can't believe Duke Jacob is supporting him so completely. I heard how the young master managed to save so many people during the first dungeon breakout… how he killed the dungeon boss himself while ensuring civilian safety."
Josey shook his head.
"At first, he was like a fragile soul. Always lying on his bed. Never coming out. His magic core was broken."
He looked at Allen.
"And now he walks around giving commands like a veteran who has experienced everything. Thinking about it messes up my mind."
Josey asked, "Do you know something, Allen?"
Allen replied calmly, "No. Nothing."
Josey raised an eyebrow.
"I reached the dukedom palace before Lady Selena," Allen continued. "She gave me some work, so I arrived earlier."
He paused.
"But I remember the first day the young master entered the training ground."
Josey listened silently.
"He was wearing fragile armor. The duke was furious when he saw him, but the young master ignored him."
Allen continued,
"He said, 'Twenty knights. I want to spar with you.'"
Josey smirked. "And the knights laughed."
"Yes," Allen said. "They didn't take him seriously. Butler Adam whispered something to the duke, and the duke declared that if the young master lost, he would never be allowed to enter the training grounds again."
"And the young master?" Josey asked.
"He said, 'Deal.'"
Allen's voice grew firm.
"He defeated all twenty knights. With one swing of his sword, he destroyed the training wall."
Josey let out a low whistle.
"After that, his mana overflowed. His body couldn't control it. But after some time, he recovered."
Allen continued,
"From that day on, everything changed. Now he's the person the duke trusts the most. He was given the position of Deputy Duke."
Josey's expression shifted slightly.
"And after we finish cleaning Ephor," Allen said, "he will represent our dukedom in the royal palace, in front of all those so-called nobles."
Allen clenched his fist.
"I will gladly follow his orders. Everything he tells me to do. He earned the respect of the people of Ephor—and ours as well."
Josey chuckled.
"Oh, I see. So you're a fan of the young master."
Allen shot him a glare.
"Not bad," Josey said. "I'll follow him too. Honestly, I'm enjoying this mission. Clearing garbage feels good."
"I'm glad you recommended my name," Josey added. "It feels like old times, working together again."
"Shut up," Allen replied. "We need to catch that bastard."
They slowed down near a corner.
Josey peeked ahead carefully.
"Let me count," he whispered.
"One… two… three…"
After counting silently, he said,
"Fifty-six knights. Not bad."
Josey turned toward Allen.
"Let's do it the old way."
"No," Allen replied immediately.
"Rock, paper, scissors," Josey said.
"Are you afraid?" Josey teased. "Don't worry, your buddy will handle it."
Allen snapped, "The old ways."
They raised their hands.
First time—paper. Same.
Second time—stone. Same.
Josey sighed. "Last time."
"Okay," Allen said.
Third time scissors.
"Shit," Allen muttered.
Josey grinned.
"We have fifty-six knights," Allen said. "You handle twenty-eight. I'll handle twenty-eight."
"Okay," Josey replied. "No problem."
He smiled coldly.
"Then let the feast of blood begin."
They stepped out from hiding and charged forward.
Josey shouted loudly,
"You cowards!"
Allen roared beside him,
"Come face the duo of grim reapers!"
The Ephor knights turned
And the battle began.