The Former Holy Knight. Having Lost My Job and Childhood Friend, I Decided to Start a Dark Guild - Chapter 31

When Manina and I split up, Kirke sneered with disdain.

“Adding a brat to a bunch of cowards doesn’t stand a chance of defeating me.”

As her voice echoed, countless fireballs were launched at Manina and me. I narrowly dodged them, but Manina stood still, unflinching. A magical barrier seemed to be protecting her, as the fireballs vanished before they could touch her.

Kirke’s attention turned towards Manina.

“Oh? So the kid can handle magic, huh?”

Kirke unleashed a barrage of fireballs and ice spikes, but none hit Manina; they all disappeared into thin air. It was clear why she was called the Demon Lord, but even so, this must be draining her stamina. I had my role to fulfill.

Staring at Manina in disbelief, I launched a swift attack towards Kirke.

Kirke seemed completely off guard, but an invisible something repelled my slash—undoubtedly a magical barrier, and a powerful one at that, giving the sensation of slashing through hard rock.

Kirke faced us, laughing.

“It’s useless! You weaklings! Your attacks can’t touch me!”

In retaliation, Kirke sent a fireball, which I barely managed to block with my sword. Sparks flew, searing the skin on my cheek.

I continued dodging fireballs and ice spikes for a while, relentlessly slashing at Kirke, but none of my attacks could get past the magical barrier.

“Weakling! Weakling! Weakling! You’re not only weak, but you’re also too stupid to learn!”

True to Kirke’s mockery, my attacks felt futile. Was I so powerless against her? Amidst my desperation, Manina’s voice reached me.

“It’s not in vain! Three layers of the magical barrier have been peeled away! Finish her off while I still have strength!”

For the first time, Kirke’s expression twisted.

“She can see my barriers? Who is this kid?”

Kirke, wary of the barriers being stripped away, began to catch my sword with her hands, now sharp with ice. Close combat seemed to be in my favor.

I increased my speed, targeting the magical barriers surrounding Kirke. As per Manina’s status shown earlier, my abilities seemed significantly boosted. With heightened gear, Kirke’s magical volleys were irrelevant; I could shave away the invisible barriers.

After dozens of strikes, I finally felt a hit. My longsword grazed Kirke’s arm. It didn’t cause a fatal wound due to her skin’s hardening, but blood was indeed drawn.

“Manina! It’s your turn now!”

Confirming the barrier’s breach, I quickly retreated. I had been feeling an unusual power. Looking up, I was stunned.

Kirke hadn’t noticed “it” yet.

“Don’t tell me you plan to run after injuring me! I was ordered not to kill you, but I’ll make sure you die by my hands!”

Despite her ranting, Kirke finally followed my gaze upwards. The color drained from her face at the sight.

“What is this…? No way…”

Above was a sea of flames far larger than any fireball Kirke could conjure, swirling like magma and slowly forming into a dragon shape, plummeting towards Kirke.

“Stop! Help! What is this?!”

Manina’s laughter filled the air.

“Rejoice, weak magician, for I will show you true magic passed down from ancient times! But don’t die too quickly—I want to see you struggle for life!”

Minutes later, Kirke, once feared by many, was on her knees, tears streaming down her face, her clothes nearly burnt off.

“I beg forgiveness for underestimating Don Michino and Demon Lord Manina with my pathetic magic. I swear never to act so arrogantly again.”

Manina was thoroughly pleased.

“Ha! Underestimating your opponent and acting haughty is a trait of your kind! Centuries pass, yet the same blood flows in you!”

Kirke seemed not to understand but bowed deeply nonetheless. However, Manina began showing signs of exhaustion, her gaze foggy, yawning repeatedly. She was on the brink of sleep.

“Manina, are you alright? You seem sleepy.”

“Of course I am. After using such powerful magic, sleep is inevitable! But worry not. A week’s rest will restore my strength! Ha! Carry me to bed, then!”

Kirke sprang to her feet as I moved to support the falling Manina.

“I’ve been waiting for this moment! Clearly, her magic was strong, but her physical strength was lacking. In a one-on-one, I have a chance!”

As she attempted to conjure a fireball, I acted with all my might, swinging my sword at Kirke.

Just in time. Striking her head with the hilt, Kirke groaned and collapsed.

“Foolish. Even Kirke couldn’t withstand an attack from a former knight like me, wounded as she was.”

Thanks to Manina’s magic, it was strange that a former low-ranking holy knight like myself managed to capture the notorious Kirke. Cecil and my fellow knights would be astonished.

After securing Kirke with prepared ropes, Kano arrived, looking worried.

“Don! Are you alright?”

“Yes, we managed, thanks to Nina and the Demon Lord.”

“Then we should leave immediately! The Holy Knights are approaching the city, likely pursuing this heretic!”

If Kano says so, it must be true. The knights always tracked a heretic like Kirke. Carrying the sleeping Nina and the bound Kirke, I headed to the Dark Guild’s headquarters.

Even back at headquarters, I couldn’t relax. Seeing the smoldering remains of Pitt’s distillery indicated something significant had occurred. I hoped the Holy Knights wouldn’t take undue interest. As I pondered, Sani, the receptionist, approached.

The name she mentioned was the last one I wanted to hear.

“Don, you have a visitor. Deputy Captain Nadale of the Holy Knights. Should I send him away?”