A few minutes earlier, the Hell Knight was walking toward the city of Artyxia. When he arrived at the gate, two guards stopped him and led him into a room.
Inside, they tied him to a chair.
"I'll call Mr. Knight. Keep an eye on him."
"Yes, sir," the other guard replied.
The guard immediately left the room.
A short while later, he returned with a man wearing white armor and a short blue cloak. The man had a sword at his waist and an Arquebus on his back. He was Guard Knight, the leader of the guards in Artyxia City.
Guard Knight drew his sword and pointed it at Hell Knight's neck. "Speak. Who are you?"
Hell Knight replied in an ancient language, "What?"
"What are you talking about?" Guard Knight asked.
Hell Knight began using body language, "I come from a distant village."
Guard Knight was puzzled by Hell Knight. Why wasn't he speaking? Was he mute? "So you say you come from a village?"
The Hell Knight nodded quickly.
"Do you think I'm stupid? The leader of the kidnappers looks a lot like you. Now, die."
As the Guard Knight was about to stab the Hell Knight in the neck, another guard entered.
"Sir Knight, there's another kidnapping report."
"What? Bring him in."
A villager entered the room.
Guard Knight approached the villager. "Tell me."
"Last night, my friend was kidnapped by bandits as we were leaving the tavern. They attacked from behind."
Guard Knight asked, "What does your friend look like?"
"She has long brown hair and wears a gray shirt."
"What are the characteristics of bandits like them?" Guard Knight pointed at Hell Knight.
"Yes, similar. But his armor is gray, and he wears animal skin. The cloth on his head is brown."
Guard Knight bowed his head. "All right, I understand. I'm sorry."
Guard Knight released Hell Knight's bonds.
"Lately, there have been many kidnappings. We must be careful."
Hell Knight stood up and left the room. He walked around Artyxia City, looking at taverns, herbal shops, and markets. Eventually, he found himself in front of the library, which he entered.
He saw a book on the language of this era and took it. He also took a history book titled The Fall of the Human Kingdom.
The Fall of the Human Kingdom? I don't know. I'd better take it.
He sat down and began studying the modern language. Though Arien had taught him, he still struggled to speak it.
The people in the library looked at him strangely—it was rare to see someone in armor reading books there.
Several hours later, it began to grow dark. He finally understood the language of the present era. He opened a history book and started reading.
It was about the destruction of human kingdoms across the ages. He read the chapter on the "War of the Kingdoms of Astria and Ignia," which was about a territorial dispute. Astria lost due to a shortage of troops and the use of civilians as soldiers. Three years later, Ignia emerged victorious.
He moved on to the chapter about the "Seven Swords Rebellion" in the Kingdom of Trivika. The rebels were believed to be cursed humans. The next chapter detailed the destruction of the Kingdom of Likoria by a former hero.
The final chapter is titled: "The Demon Invasion."
Thirty years ago, the Demon King was defeated by heroes. His successor was also killed. However, seven years ago, a Dark Mage controlled the Demons and destroyed various kingdoms. Now, only the Vifla Kingdom remains, consisting of three cities: the capital, Artyxia; the city of adventurers, Uvial; and the city of refugees, Pertula.
Hell Knight closed the book. It was already nighttime. He returned the book and left the library. He saw a tavern and went inside. Inside, people were drinking and conducting business. He approached the receptionist.
"Um, I'd like to book a room."
"Alright, it'll be 30 Erin."
The Hell Knight handed over 30 Erin.
The receptionist began handing over the key. "Here's the key. Please rest."
Hell Knight went upstairs, opened the door, locked it, and took off his helmet.
Red hair and cyan eyes—he was Rea. Nothing about his appearance had changed.
He took off his armor and lay down on the bed. Exhaustion overtook him and he fell asleep.
To be continued...