Chapter 50: Going Home
[Time Stop] was the Authority wielded by Lugner in his position as Legendary Knight.
Although he had relinquished his title and its associated power, years of wielding it allowed him to briefly access its power, exceeding his human limitations.
However, the cost was his remaining life force. Upon his death, he would completely disappear from this world.
He could stop “time,” but he couldn’t stop his own demise.
As [Time Stop] ended, the storm unleashed by [City Breaker] also dissipated, Glaimond having lost the ring. Countless stones fell from the sky, raising a cloud of dust.
Lugner, shrouded in the dust, slowly turned and walked towards Bai, his steps faltering, leaving Glaimond behind, dazed and lifeless, as if his soul had been ripped away.
“I am Lugner.”
The frail old man stood before Bai, who noticed the large bag he carried on his back.
“A knight of this Empire.”
“And… Commander of the Garrison Knights.”
The Garrison Knights kept the curious onlookers at bay, Sasha also remaining at a distance. No one heard Lugner’s soft murmurs.
“Miss Bai, would you care to hear an old man’s story, before he dies?”
Bai opened her mouth as if to speak, then nodded silently.
Lugner smiled faintly, sitting down on a nearby rock, his breath ragged.
His eyes, filled with a nostalgic light, seemed to look back through time, his voice slow and distant.
“It was an ordinary afternoon. I finally met the legendary young man, but he wasn’t as arrogant as the rumors suggested. He seemed… a bit oblivious.”
Bai’s expression darkened; she knew who Lugner was talking about.
“He was always alone, seemingly indifferent to everything, yet he always helped those in need, in his own quiet way.”
“Such a capable young man. If only the future of the Empire could be entrusted to him…”
“Even if our future holds only despair, even if our time is running out.”
Lugner paused, taking off the large bag and opening it with trembling hands, revealing its contents one by one.
A broken sword, a bloodstained piece of armor, a damaged mechanical core, a corroded bayonet.
Tears streamed down Bai’s face as she looked at these items.
Lugner finally took out a new medal, the inscription “Sharp Assault” gleaming brightly.
“In the year 536 of the North Calendar, with the demon legions closing in, I abandoned the Empire’s future and chose the present.”
“It was the most regrettable decision of my life, a choice that still haunts me. I don’t know if I did the right thing, or if I made a terrible mistake.”
Lugner’s voice grew weaker, his life nearing its end, the flickering flame about to be extinguished.
But then, he looked up at Bai, as if seeing the quiet young man again, and smiled.
“I’m glad you’re alive.”
“But I’m not him anymore,” Bai whispered. “I’m Bai, a demon…”
“But you are still him,” Lugner said, raising a trembling hand and pointing at the Knight’s dagger at Bai’s waist.
“He’s dead,” Bai said, looking down at the dagger, sighing.
Lugner’s body was failing, cracks appearing on his ashen skin.
But his expression hardened, the familiar “Iron-faced Grim Reaper” returning.
“Commander Xu,” he said, his voice firm, “I order you to immediately cease your advance into the Abyssal Demon Realm, return to Saint Noyes, and stand with the Garrison Knights to the very end.”
These were the words he had wanted to say, the choice he hadn’t made.
Although it seemed pointless now, a hollow gesture, he was grateful for the chance to finally give the order, even if it was only a bittersweet comfort.
Xu Bai paused, drawing the Knight’s dagger and saluting flawlessly.
“Yes, Commander Lugner.”
Lugner smiled, his body crumbling into dust as his life faded, the medal falling to the ground.
Alois Lugner, former Commander of the North Empire’s Garrison Knights, one of the nine Legendary Knights, passed away in Vikarn Port in the year 537 of the North Calendar, at the age of ninety-six, the shortest-lived among the Legendary Knights who died of natural causes.
During his sixty years of service, the Empire had lost only one defense line, the fewest among all Garrison Commanders.
Glaimond, recovering from the despair of losing his power, looked at Bai with hatred.
“It’s you… again… why do I always lose to you…?” he growled hoarsely, his voice filled with rage.
He looked like a madman, his composure and confidence gone.
“Very well…”
He pulled out a small, purple gem, etched with strange patterns.
—Demonic Runes.
“I will defeat you! I will kill you! No matter the cost!” He roared, crushing the gem in his hand, the patterns spreading across his skin.
“Power… my power has returned!”
Glaimond laughed maniacally, his body warping, grotesque muscles bulging, pustules oozing.
But before he could attack, silver flashes pierced his twisted form.
“—What?!”
He turned in surprise, seeing the Demon Hunters, their faces impassive, aiming their Holy Silver crossbows at him.
“Why… why…? She’s a demon too…”
The Holy Silver was incredibly effective against his corrupted demonic bloodline. Before he could even experience his newfound power, Glaimond collapsed.
The Demon Hunter leader glanced at Xu Bai, then looked away, a chill running down his spine.
He shook his head, his voice honest.
“I can’t defeat her. Nor can I defeat the demon standing behind her.”
More importantly, she was a true knight, worthy of respect.
He didn’t voice that last thought, only gesturing for the other Demon Hunters to continue their attack.
They wouldn’t lower their guard until Glaimond was truly dead.
Bai, watching the now monstrous Glaimond, sighed softly.
She hadn’t expected him, who held such disdain for Fallen Demonspawn, to possess a Demon Blood Crystal, nor had she anticipated his obsession, his willingness to become a demon himself.
But what was the difference between him and her now? Weren’t they both monsters in their own way…?
Just then, the sound of marching footsteps approached.
Bai looked up to see several Garrison Knights approaching, saluting her in unison, then turning to face the spot where Lugner had died, bowing their heads in silent respect.
Their leader carefully picked up Lugner’s bag, the Sharp Assault squad’s belongings, and the gleaming medal.
His expression solemn, he announced,
“The Sharp Assault squad bravely defended against the demon legions at Saint Noyes, sacrificing their young lives for peace. The people of the Empire shall remember them as heroes, granting them the highest honor.”
“Xu Bai, Rayne, Victoria, Lockner, Qin Su… you can finally go home.”
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