After securing Brian Anglaus as his subordinate, Lock completely lost interest in the remaining bandits.
He released Clementine without another word.
Like a freed predator, she vanished back into the cave.
Screams followed.
Sharp.
Short.
Lingering.
The lock did not turn back.
Those people were bandits—and mercenaries.
Trying to profit from crime while pretending to sell honor? Disgusting.
If such trash didn't die, then who should?
Lock walked away with Brian, already shifting his thoughts to the other battlefield.
The outcome there was obvious.
The vampire would win.
Even with keisei keikoku, the Black Scripture—excluding the God-kin Captain—lacked anyone capable of prolonged resistance. In the original course of events, losing only two members had already been a miracle born of timing and luck.
Now?
With partial information, hesitation, and human arrogance—
The result would be worse.
Lock smiled faintly.
It didn't take long.
Two figures emerged from the forest, staggering.
Raymond Zaq Laurentsan and the God-kin Captain.
Their condition spoke louder than words.
The God-kin Captain bore deep claw marks across his body, his aura unstable but intact.
Raymond—
Raymond was missing an arm.
The wound was torn, not cut. His face was deathly pale, and the terror in his eyes had not faded.
"Baron Lock!" Raymond gasped when he saw him.
"We finally found you!"
Lock raised an eyebrow mildly.
"Oh? Chief Priest Raymond. You look… worse than expected. Where are the others?"
Raymond exhaled shakily.
"Everyone else fell. That vampire—she was far stronger than we anticipated. Even with your warning… we were careless."
Lock tilted his head.
"And the vampire?"
"She was controlled—briefly—by Kerry using the secret treasure. But her final counterattack killed Kerry and the Myriad Shield Wall. Now… we cannot make her move."
Raymond swallowed.
"So… could I ask you to revive Kerry again? We need information."
"Take me there first," Lock said calmly.
They arrived soon after.
At the center of the battlefield stood a girl in a crimson dress.
Still.
Silent.
Eyes vacant.
A puppet.
Around her lay the bodies of the Black Scripture—fallen where they stood. No prolonged struggle. No chaos.
Just absolute suppression.
"Tsk," Lock clicked his tongue lightly.
"Didn't I tell you to use the treasure immediately? Why test her?"
Raymond lowered his head.
"It was my arrogance. When I return, I will confess to the High Priest."
"No need," Lock waved dismissively.
"I don't want to deal with a replacement."
Compared to the others, Raymond at least understood now.
That alone made him useful.
Lock turned fully to him.
"Before, reviving your people was a courtesy. An introduction. This time is different."
Raymond stiffened.
"The items I use are not common tools. Cooperation requires balance."
"What… do you want?" Raymond asked carefully.
Lock smiled.
"Help me ascend the throne of the Kingdom."
Silence.
"…You want to become king?" Raymond said slowly.
"Is that strange?" Lock replied evenly.
"You don't think I can't, do you?"
Raymond shook his head.
"I do not doubt your strength. But rulership is not conquered by force alone. The Kingdom is fractured, yes—but Ramposa III still holds legitimacy. Even if he dies, succession will not fall to a border baron."
"And if you try to seize it violently," Raymond added firmly,
"The Theocracy will oppose you."
Lock laughed softly.
"Relax. I'm not a demon."
"I won't burn capitals. I won't slaughter royal bloodlines."
He leaned closer.
"I will take the Kingdom cleanly."
"All I need… is the pawns you've already buried within it."
Raymond's eyes narrowed.
Then—slowly—he nodded.
"If that is your method… the Theocracy will not interfere. We will provide access. Whether you succeed… depends on you."
"Good," Lock said simply.
"Then we have an agreement."
He touched the necklace at his collar.
Space folded.
A teleportation gate opened.
A maid stepped through.
The God-kin Captain's grip tightened instantly.
Raymond's breath caught.
Teleportation—long-distance, stable, silent.
"Do not be alarmed," Lock said lightly.
"This is Vier. My subordinate."
"She is also the one who will revive your comrades."
Raymond stared.
Teleportation magic of this level could shift wars.
"Vier," Lock said,
"Are the items prepared?"
"Yes, Master," she replied calmly.
"Everything as instructed."
"Good."
Lock gestured toward the battlefield.
"Then begin. These people are expensive."
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