Chapter 52 The Foolish King's Execution
"It's been two years since then. You really got in our way, Adel."
In the Vandale Royal Palace, in the Throne Room——
Charles spoke with an arrogant attitude.
As the sun set, the neatly arranged stone pillars cast long shadows.
A vast magic circle was laid out, with Marc Richard nearby.
——This time it's not a clone...
I shifted my gaze from the smirking Marc towards the magic circle.
The portrayed magic circle was enveloping a golden cup placed on top with a mysterious light.
——That is... the Vandale royal family's heirloom, the (Chalice of Hygia)...
It's said to enhance the properties of what is poured into it, a treasure.
It was the heirloom that Charles once falsely accused me of stealing.
"Wasn't that heirloom stolen by someone?"
"Well, what could you be referring to?"
Without flinching at my sarcasm, Charles responded with an arrogant attitude.
"So, you're generating black mist with that cup?"
"Hehe, that's right. Just a little more... just a little more and my goal will be achieved."
Black mist enveloped around the (Chalice of Hygia).
Using that, they are generating black mist and spreading it towards the city through magic or some other means.
"Let's start with this country first. Once that happens, the residents of this country will all become silent weapons. We will use them to start wars with neighboring countries and expand our territory."
"..."
"And eventually, the world will bow before me. How about that? A perfect plan, isn't it?"
"What about the will of the people?"
"The will of the people? Why bother about such a thing? Once the Droplet of Soma spreads completely, everything will disappear."
"...Scum. I will definitely destroy that cup."
"Do you think you can? What do you think I'm here for?"
Saying that, Charles drew his sword.
There's no point in exchanging words anymore."
"Marc, I won't mess with you. Creating a debt with you twice would affect my reputation."
"Okay, okay, I got it, Your Highness. Let's settle this matter thoroughly."
Charles is smiling, showing no sign of considering losing.
――I will never forgive this guy.
"Adel-sama..." "Adel..."
"It's okay. We will definitely win. If you two can, find an opportunity to destroy that cup. Just don't push yourselves too hard because Marc is also there."
Seeing Maia and Teti nodding, I activate my Job Ability towards Charles.
Two years ago, I was exiled from this royal palace, and it led to a significant change in my life - the Job Ability of [Executor].
====================
Target: Charles Vandale
Execution Coefficient: 20,195,286 points
====================
Blue text.
The displayed Execution Coefficient was a much higher number than it was two years ago.
――(Magic Scythe Igurima), manifest.
When I imagined it, I felt an unprecedented power flowing into me as I held the jet-black scythe in my hand.
"Well, it's certainly quite a power. However, it's meaningless before me, isn't it? You haven't forgotten, have you? The ability of the strongest job on the surface that I possess, [Silver Sword Saint]."
"..."
――How about that?
Marc muttered softly, but now I focused on the battle with Charles.
Considering the possibility that the previous exchange was a lie to confuse me, I prepared Igurima.
"Let's go, Adel! Taste my sword!"
Charles ran straight towards me.
His movements were clearly different from those of my brothers.
It's only natural for him to boast about having the job that is praised as the top in modern times.
Well, it's not like I can't perceive his movements.
However, Charles' Job ability has its tricky aspects
"Take this, Adel!"
Charles swung his sword, cutting through the air and piercing the marble floor.
I immediately tried to sweep Igarima aside with an evasive maneuver, but Charles had already retreated and distanced himself before I could initiate my attack.
"Hehe, futile, Adel. Your actions are known to me thanks to my Job ability."
――As I thought.
Charles' [Silver Sword Saint] not only enhances basic physical abilities like strength and agility, but it also has a significant feature.
It sharpens the user's senses to the utmost limit.
Back when I was still in the royal palace, I heard from Charles.
It allows the user to "see" the opponent's movements.
It's not just about seeing clearly.
It's about reaching a level where you can predict future movements based on the opponent's preparatory actions."
"I've heard about your ability. It seems you can steal the job abilities of those you hit. It's a ridiculous ability, but there's nothing to fear if you can't hit your target."
"..."
"If you can't land your attacks, you won't win, Adel!"
Charles's triumphant voice echoed.
Watching the recent exchange, he must have felt confident that he wouldn't lose.
——However, Charles was gravely mistaken.
"Don't be so cocky, Charles. Battles aren't that simple. You might not understand, as someone who enjoys lounging on the throne."
"W-What did you say!?"
"Sorry, but I can't afford to waste time on you. I'll settle this in the next move."
"Y-You...! You dare mock me! I will definitely kill you!!"
Ignoring Charles's outburst, I open a pale blue document.
There are various ways to deal with this, but in terms of speed and certainty, this one seems to be the best.
==============================
Total Execution Coefficient: 1,162,361 points
Do you want to execute [Shadow Step] by consuming 50,000 points of Execution Coefficient?
==============================
Agreed——
"DIEEEEEEEEE!!!"
The enraged Charles dashed straight towards me, but I disappeared into the shadows.
"What!?"
I must have suddenly disappeared from his sight.
Although Charles raised his voice, he shouldn't be able to find me.
"Where are you!? Adel, where did you disappear to...!"
Then, I reappeared behind Charles from a long, extended shadow and swung Igarima.
If I hadn't been banished by you, I wouldn't have met Maia, Teti, and the others. I'm grateful for that at least.
"(Reap, Igarima)——"
"Wha―!? "
――Shing!
Igarima definitely grabs Charles' back.
"N-no way..."
His sharpened senses return, understanding that he has lost his Job ability.
Dropping his sword, Charles shudders.
Charles was able to predict my future movements simply because he could see me.
It's logical that if I hide in the shadows, he won't be able to predict my future movements.
"I... I lost, you say? That can't be...! My decisions are the king's choices! They can't be wrong! They can't be――!!"
In a frenzy, Charles rushes towards me without a plan.
Clearly a bad move.
I clench my fist and slam it with all my might into Charles' face as he approaches.
"AAARGH―!!"
Charles rolls on the floor.
"Ahh... my... face..."
Charles seemed to have suffered severe injuries, with his face drastically altered.
He had also lost his Job ability, making it impossible for him to continue fighting.
Charles's eyes trembled with the question "why."
Why was it that he, who should have possessed the strongest Job ability, was defeated by his son who had labeled him as incompetent and a stain on the royal family?
"After this is over, I will expose you as the mastermind of this incident to the public. Tremble at the thought of the punishment that awaits you at that time."
"G-Guh..."
"Execution completed――"
I declared to Charles.
――All that remains now is....
I turned my gaze towards the device that emitted black mist, the (Chalice of Hygia).
Standing beside it was Marc, wearing a smile.
Despite Charles's defeat, Marc's smile remained unchanged, giving off an eerie expression.
"Really, utterly useless."
"Hey, Marc! Pass me the magic potion! There's no way I'll lose to that amateur! I am the king positioned at the pinnacle of all humanity!"
"Oh dear. What am I supposed to do with heightened magic power after losing your Job ability? And didn't you owe me a favor?"
"W-Well, that's——"
Charles sent a pleading look.
However, Marc brushed off Charles in that manner and said,
"You're really a stubborn king, huh? How about admitting defeat already? You were wrong. ————Since two years ago..."
"N-No! I... I still..."
"Or do you still want to defeat the Black-Robed Executor?"
"Of course! I won't lose! I cannot afford to lose! I haven't made a single mistake!!"
Charles' shouting was a "curse" created by his own position and pride.
"Right. I see——"
When Marc heard those words, a cruel smile appeared on his face.
"Alright, got it. Then I'll make you a part of me! Let's fight together!"
"Huh...? W-Wait... That's... AAAAHHHHHHH!?"
"That was... just like when Archbishop Klaus did it..."
Black miasma rose from Marc's body, engulfing Charles.
With a tearing and crushing sound, something seemed to snap in the throne room.
"Phew. Thanks for the meal."
Marc said contentedly, and Charles disappeared from this world.
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