𝐁𝐨𝐝𝐲𝐠𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐆𝐚𝐥𝐞
“Tch, it’s you. Why are you here?”
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Gale, recognizing Luke, grimaces openly.
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“Why are you here?”
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“Hmph, I’d like to say I don’t owe you an explanation, but it seems like it would be a hassle later, so I’ll tell you. I was just asked to lend a hand to these guys by the nobles of the southern territories.”
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Gale spits out in displeasure as he tosses away his stick.
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“That’s right! You guys know how strong this guy is! There’s no way you can win as long as he’s on our side!”
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A fallen warrior of the Kranken clan raises his voice in triumph.
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Hearing his words, Gale clicks his tongue.
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“Tch, why do I have to babysit these guys.”
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“The nobles of the southern territories. . .?”
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Luke looks again at the fallen Kranken clan warriors.
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They are all fully armed, more than you would expect from a poor island.
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It seems that the rumor that the Arrogas Kingdom is supporting the Kranken clan is true.
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“Now, let me ask you a question. Why are you guys here, and what are you planning to do?”
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Gale stands in front of Luke.
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His unyielding gaze is fixed on Luke.
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Luke, without answering his words, turns his gaze to the fallen men of the Rivasura clan.
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It seems that they are all just unconscious and there is no danger to their lives.
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“You didn’t kill them.”
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“Hmph, if I killed every one of these guys, there would be nothing left but corpses.”
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“I see. . .”
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Luke sighs in relief and turns back to Gale.
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“We came to help a friend who is being held captive. Is there any way you could let us through?”
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“I refuse. Even if it’s against my will, breaking a promise goes against my principles.”
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Gale answers bluntly.
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“I see, then there’s nothing we can do.”
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“If you’re going to force your way through, I’ll respond. I’ve been wanting to test the results of my training.”
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Gale picks up a fallen sword.
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His whole body is brimming with killing intent.
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The pressure is so great that Gaston involuntarily takes a step back.
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However, Luke calmly deflects his killing intent.
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“No, that’s not what I meant. Actually, there’s something I’d like to ask for your help with, Gale.”
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“. . .What do you mean?”
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“Actually. . . we came to this island on a secret mission from Flora-sama.”
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After confirming that Gale’s eyes showed interest, Luke continued his story.
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He had noticed before, but it seemed that Gale’s usual arrogant attitude subsided when Flora was involved.
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Although he wasn’t sent to this island by Flora, he wasn’t lying, and Luke decided to take advantage of Gale’s complex psychology.
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“Currently, the southern territories and the demon realm of Berlanji are in a state of war, but there is a possibility that this situation has been orchestrated. We were asked by Flora-sama to investigate the southern territories, and we have just obtained evidence.”
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Luke picked up the sword that the Kranken warrior had been using.
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“Their weapons are a mix of those from the demon realm and the Kingdom of Arrogas. And the Rivasura clan, who are hostile, are also involved. Gaston, can I borrow the sword you’re holding?”
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“S, Sure.”
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Luke handed the sword he received from Gaston to Gale.
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“Both of these were made in the Kingdom of Arrogas. But the armor is from the demon realm.”
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Luke had noticed that the Rivasura clan’s weapons were the same as those of the bandits since he met Gaston and his group.
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And when he saw the Kranken clan’s weapons, Luke’s suspicion turned into certainty.
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“So, you’re saying that the people who are guiding these guys are working together behind the scenes.”
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Gale, who understood the meaning of the words, raised an eyebrow.
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“It’s not just this island, the bandits who were ravaging the Kingdom of Arrogas from their base in the demon realm were also armed the same way. There’s a possibility that this isn’t just a simple territorial dispute on this island. And Kiel, the girl who’s been captured, is an essential presence to suppress this conspiracy.”
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This was not a lie.
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Kiel should know about the connection between the Kranken clan and the Kingdom of Arrogas.
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“Please, this is also for the sake of the security of the southern territories. Please let us go.”
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Luke bowed his head again.
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If this didn’t work, he might have to force his way through.
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But Gale was a formidable enemy, and there was no doubt that he had become even stronger since coming to this island.
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Even if Luke fought, there was no guarantee that he would come out unscathed.
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Gale opened his mouth to Luke, who was bowing his head.
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“I understand what you’re saying. You’re an annoying guy, but your power is real, and I’m sure what you’re saying is not a lie.”
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“So. . .?”
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“But it’s no good. My job is to prevent anyone from passing through here. I can’t neglect that.”
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But Gale’s answer did not change.
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(Is it no good after all. . .)
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Just when he thought that, Gale continued his words.
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“But all I was told was to stop the Kranken clan. I have no obligation to stop anyone else.”
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Luke was surprised at Gale’s unexpected words.
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He never thought that Gale would say something like a concession.
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“Is. . . is it okay?”
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“You’re annoying! If you want to save that Kiel or whatever, do as you like. It’s none of my business.”
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“Ki. . .Kidd-san! That’s not fair. We were supposed to stop anyone from passing through here.”
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The ones who panicked were the Kranken clan’s warriors.
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“I don’t care, all I was told was to stop the Kranken clan if they came. Anything else is up to you. But I warn you, this guy is not a ball that you can stop.”
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“No. . .way. . .”
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“Then, if you’ll excuse me.”
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Luke passed by Gale, taking Alma and Tyra with him.
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“Wait.”
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Gale stopped Gaston, who was trying to pass through next.
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“You’re from the Rivasura clan, aren’t you? I can’t let you pass.”
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“Gaston. . .”
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“Luke-san, don’t worry about me.”
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Gaston answered while drawing his sword.
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“I’ll catch up as soon as I defeat this guy.”
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Luke turned his eyes to Gale.
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“Prince Gale, please don’t kill him.”
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“Huh, I was getting bored with all these guys who don’t put up a fight. I hope you’ll entertain me a bit.”
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Gale picked up the stick he had thrown on the ground.
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“Uoooooo!”
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With Gaston’s roar behind them, Luke and the others ran into the depths of the forest.
