Vol 4 Chapter 85: “Objective” (Vol 4: The Otherworldly Battlefield Arc)

“Who is that man…?”

Leaping off the outer wall, Sukui instantly annihilated a Gold Dragon and a Hydra mid-air.

Then, turning the advancing monsters into grotesque chunks of flesh, Sukui left everyone frozen in fear.

“This is my first time facing such a massive horde,” Sukui murmured coolly, his movements fluid even as blood sprayed and chunks of monster flesh splattered around him.

This monster attack was earlier than usual, and its scale and intensity were entirely different. Alongside the Gold Dragon and Hydra—both boss-class monsters—a swarm twice the size of any previous one surged forward.

Despite the overwhelming numbers and strength of the monsters, Sukui cut them down as if they were nothing.

“Is he even human?” someone whispered.

Sukui had little experience fighting monsters. In his previous life and even after arriving in this world, his combat experience was minimal.

Yet, reflecting on his earlier battle with the Aronda wolves, he had developed countermeasures for fighting multiple enemies. One of his key techniques involved swinging knives attached to cords. To an observer, it seemed as though any monster approaching him was automatically sliced apart.

He didn’t remain stationary, either. He constantly moved, layering simultaneous attacks.

The knights and warriors, paralyzed by the sight of Sukui’s inhuman movements, quickly snapped out of it. They realized that even someone like him couldn’t hold the line alone. As they watched the unending swarm of monsters, their fear gave way to grim determination.

“It’s dangerous,” Sukui muttered, his voice calm but edged with unease.

His movements became less aggressive. His earlier strategy of attacking from the wall had been deliberate.

Sukui struggled when surrounded by allies.

It wasn’t just the risk of his whirling knives harming his comrades. Supporting others also meant he couldn’t focus entirely on his own movements.

This wasn’t due to a lack of skill but stemmed from his meticulous nature and overwhelming competence. Sukui’s abilities, though perfect for teamwork, were so advanced that others often became liabilities.

In the end, half-hearted reinforcements did little to change the situation. The swarm, arriving earlier than expected, overwhelmed the undermanned defenders.

Knights stationed near the gate tried to hold them back, but it was clear they couldn’t last long.

Just as Sukui prepared to reinforce the gate, he noticed it slowly opening.

“What is this?!”

Opening the gate before a horde of monsters was a reckless act, yet the soldiers around it erupted into cheers.

From the gate emerged a lone woman—a cleric.

“You’ve all done well to hold out until now.”

The cleric smiled, her expression serene, as though the battlefield around her didn’t exist. She addressed the soldiers with a calm, soothing tone, ignoring the swarm of monsters bearing down on her.

Her pure white attire, soft and flowing, was utterly unsuited for combat.

“Leave the rest to me.”

As she spoke, every monster surrounding her froze in place.

“So that’s it,” Sukui murmured, his tone a mixture of awe and calculation as he continued cutting down the horde.

Holy magic—the unmistakable power of a cleric.

Monsters Around the Cleric Collapse One After Another

As the cleric advanced, each step she took marked the demise of yet another monster.

The reason was clear. In her outstretched hand, she held what appeared to be the still-beating hearts of monsters, freshly torn from their chests.

“It’s the cleric’s magic!”

“As expected of holy magic—it’s invincible!”

“Even monsters can’t resist offering their hearts before the cleric’s faith!”

Offering their hearts…

Sukui narrowed his eyes.

While the magic’s name did little to evoke its function compared to other holy spells, such as those used by warriors or hunters, its nature as an expression of faith was unmistakable.

Holy magic wasn’t limited to a single ability.

It was reasonable to think that compelling monsters to offer their hearts was just one facet of its power, albeit a terrifyingly strong one.

Sukui pondered its potential limitations, the conditions under which such a powerful ability might operate.

The battle finally came to an end that day.

“Good work out there,”

Returning to the cathedral after the fight, Sukui was greeted enthusiastically by Horo.

Thinking back, Sukui hadn’t fought in front of Horo many times.

Yet, during this battle, where even formidable foes were vanquished with ease, countless voices on the wall had praised Sukui, and Horo had proudly recounted his exploits.

The others who had fought alongside him shared similar sentiments.

“Damn, man, you’re unbelievable! What kind of magic is that?”

“It’s not magic. I’m just swinging knives.”

“Those knives, huh… Hard to believe, but if that’s true, your technique is incredible. If you joined the knight order—”

“Exactly! If you joined us, we’d feel so much safer! Come on, let us treat you tonight in celebration!”

Sukui accepted their praise with a measured response, silently acknowledging that his performance had earned him some recognition.

In Polivity, achieving results in monster battles was highly valued.

He turned his thoughts toward forging more connections, particularly during the upcoming celebration.

“Sukui-san,”

While Sukui was surrounded by the others, a gentle voice broke through. The cleric approached him.

Everyone fell silent. They refrained from speaking further, not wanting to interrupt her.

The soldiers likely intended to thank her, much as they had Sukui, but they held back, letting her speak first.

“Thank you for today. Recently, the monster attacks have been increasing in both frequency and intensity. Without you, things might have gone very badly.”

She bowed deeply.

For what felt like the countless time, Sukui was met with words of gratitude. As always, he responded with modesty.

“Not at all. I’m glad I could be of help. I hope to continue assisting in the future, so I look forward to working with you.”

Even as he replied, Sukui assessed the cleric’s stance.

She seemed deliberate about fostering communication, personally handling reception duties and approaching those who had distinguished themselves, as she had just done.

Despite her composed demeanor, she was undeniably at the pinnacle of Polivity in both power and authority.

For someone like her to devote so much attention to those on the ground was rare. She used her presence masterfully, elevating morale while positioning herself as an indispensable figure in battle.

“Your presence is reassuring. Everyone feels safer with you here, Sukui-san.”

“No, compared to you, Cleric-sama, my contribution is minimal.”

Sukui, ever mindful of balance, shifted the attention to the cleric’s magical prowess, speaking of its brilliance.

“We were in dire straits, unable to stop the monster invasion, but everything changed the moment you arrived. Your holy magic is extraordinary. Truly, it was a sight to behold.”

While it was beneficial for Sukui to showcase his abilities, the cleric was the one leading this battlefield. Being overly celebrated could disrupt the hierarchy.

“Not at all. I only lent a small hand at the end,” the cleric replied, bowing slightly with a modest smile.

“My power alone is insignificant. It is only thanks to everyone here that this city can be defended.”

Her tone was captivating, her words effortlessly commanding respect.

The crowd erupted in cheers, their loyalty toward her palpable.

Sukui came to a realization: her appeal wasn’t just her power or her kind demeanor—it was her unyielding acknowledgment of others’ importance.

“Excuse me, Sukui-san. I actually wanted to discuss the next strategy meeting with you.”

“Oh!”

Nods of approval followed immediately.

The cleric, as it turned out, regularly held strategy meetings with the knight commanders and other powerful individuals to plan future monster extermination efforts.

“You possess not only combat prowess but also a sharp mind. Hearing fresh perspectives from someone new to this land could be invaluable.”

“If needed, I’d be happy to help. Though I’ll admit, it’s a shame to miss out on tonight’s festivities,” Sukui said, glancing at the others.

Laughter rippled through the group as they reassured him he’d always be welcome at future gatherings.

Sukui, however, knew better than to delay the meeting for a party.

By now, Horo had taken hold of Sukui’s arm, gripping it tightly. It was a clear indication—Horo intended to accompany him to the meeting.

Sukui glanced at the cleric, silently seeking her approval. She nodded warmly.

“Then, Sukui-san, this way,” the cleric said, leading the way.

Sukui and Horo followed her through the corridors and up a staircase, eventually reaching a room at the very top.

The door, more ornate than the others, opened to reveal a group of knights waiting inside.

“Good evening, Cleric-sama,” they greeted her in unison, bowing deeply.

Their discipline was evident, and even in their brief movements, their skill and refinement were clear.

“Thank you,” the cleric replied softly, her smile gentle.

Sukui had heard the meeting would involve skilled individuals, yet only knights were present.

Was this an exceptional privilege? Or was it rare for non-knights to be invited?

As Sukui considered this, Horo, ever cautious, grew more alert.

“Now, Sukui-san, the reason I’ve called you here is simple,” the cleric began, gazing out the window.

Sukui’s eyes followed hers, and the object of her focus became clear.

The Demon King’s Castle.

The stronghold of the Demon King and the source of the monsters.

“I would like to request your cooperation in our plan,” the cleric said.

Her voice, still as kind and gentle as ever, carried an unmistakable weight as she spoke the words:

“Our mission is the subjugation of the Demon King.”