Chapter 563: Escape

[Memory of Blood]

Oliver activated a creation-type dark magic based on data accumulated in the blood.

A large amount of emotion accumulated in Oliver’s hand dispersed to match the number of Zombie Puppets.

The blood, reacting to the emotion, began to cover the Zombie Puppets like a living creature.

It tightened around their necks, spread along their spines, and covered their limbs and chests like a web.

But the most impressive part was the blood patch covering the Zombie Puppet’s eyes, which sprouted eyeballs that began to survey the surroundings.

“Everyone.”

Oliver called out to the creatures he had created.

The creatures stood up and silently responded to Oliver’s call.

“······Could you help me?”

Nod.

The newly born creatures nodded in response.

Oliver couldn’t help but admire the sight.

These blood puppets were different from the Child, yet they seemed quite decent.

The most impressive thing was the sense of intellect and maturity emanating from them.

Considering most creatures never rise above the level of beasts, this was remarkable.

Perhaps it was because they were created based on data accumulated in the blood.

This was excellent news, meaning a more proactive and skilled response could be expected.

‘Maybe I can find some supplementary manpower to manage the Verdant Forest in X-District.’

This was also good news. After all, the reason Oliver had created the blood puppets- was that Zombie Puppet- Child First had been assigned with Seamus (Child Third) to manage the forest.

If he could create substitute personnel to manage the forest, he could fully utilize those two again.

Of course, Oliver still had Duncan and Durance as Zombie Puppets, but it was regrettable.

‘Especially in this situation.’

Oliver thought as he looked at Jane. She was intriguingly whispering secretly with Armand, with whom she had somehow become acquainted.

As Oliver silently observed, Jane and Armand, who noticed his gaze, looked over at him.

Oliver spoke.

“······If you place these Zombie Puppets on the outermost edge during the move, and strike with magic before the creatures get close, defense will be much easier, Your Highness.”

“Leaving aside your assurance about firepower, can they truly hold as you claim? Creatures will swarm from all sides.”

“If I monitor the surroundings with the Warlock’s Eye and give instructions, I believe we’ll handle it fine. Although some creatures may slip through, I think the Holy Knight and the other guards will be able to manage them.”

Armand was immediately convinced. It seemed he wasn’t concerned but rather confirming that Oliver understood his plan correctly.

As if to show, he immediately moved on to the next question.

“What about transportation?”

“Please wait a moment.”

Oliver sought permission and approached Big Mouth, who had been resting, to ask for the next item.

It was an item Oliver always carried with him after finding some spare time, though he had never actually used it.

Tung!

Tung!

At Oliver’s request, Big Mouth vomited up two large flasks with a squawk.

Inside the two flasks was none other than emotion. A tremendous amount of emotion.

Everyone who saw the sight tilted their heads in confusion.

They knew emotions were important for a Dark Mage, but they weren’t meant for transportation.

Ignoring the questioning looks, Oliver uncorked the flasks and extracted the vast amount of emotion with both hands. He then cast another creation-type dark magic toward the window.

[Mimic-Wolf]

The immense amount of emotions, too much to hold in his hands, flashed with a dark glow as they broke through the window and stretched outside.

“It was a custom-made window.”

Armand’s voice filled with regret, but it was soon drowned out by wolf howls.

“Awoooooooooooo━━!!”

“Awooooo━!!”

“Kyahaha────!!”

It was the sound of a hundred wolves- creatures, howling in unison after gaining life.

The guards and Holy Knights posted outside the villa were startled by the mass of creatures, but upon seeing Oliver and Armand appear, quickly grasped the situation and withdrew.

“Is that your means of transportation?”

“Yes, if you can ride it and move, it’s transportation.”

Oliver answered simply. He had rode werewolf-Zombie Puppets through the Verdant Forest before.

Although that werewolf was destroyed during the pursuit of Red Hood, Oliver had learned Red Hood’s creation-type dark magic as a result.

“Riding them should allow us to move faster than a car. With their size, three people per wolf, meaning up to three hundred people can be transported at once… I never thought I’d be using them like this, but life sure is interesting.”

“Not everyone here seems to find it interesting.”

Armand gestured toward the nobles with his eyes.

As Armand mentioned, the nobles, men and women, young and old, all had gone pale.

At first, they didn’t understand but after thinking it over, it became obvious.

There might have been some aristocrats in Gallos who had purchased products made by dark mages for their desires, but they had never encountered them like this.

So, when a hundred wolves, each larger than a car, appeared in front of them, it was natural for their haughty demeanor to vanish, leaving them pale.

“Is he seriously suggesting we ride those things?”

An older nobleman, unable to believe what he was hearing, spoke. His emotions shone with fear and repulsion.

“Yes.”

“I don’t think I can do it…”

“M-me neither…”

This time, two women murmured near each other. Just then, one of the wolf-creatures growled lowly as if sensing their rejection, making the women scream softly.

Anxiety began to swell.

Oliver glanced at Armand, seeking help. He was the only one who could persuade them at this point.

But for some reason, Armand acted like he didn’t notice Oliver’s plea, simply allowing the situation to unfold.

It was an attitude that was hard to understand.

Because of this, the anxious nobles started to raise their voices.

Claiming it was too dangerous, that it was reckless, insisting they couldn’t do it.

Amidst the commotion, someone proposed an alternative.

Wouldn’t it be better if they sent Oliver and the guards out to call for the army?

The nobles gasped and praised the suggestion as if it was the real answer.

“Yes! That’s it! Why should we go out ourselves? Can’t someone else go inform them about the situation here?”

“Exactly!”

“Agree!”

Voices of agreement echoed from all around. Then, Jane stepped forward.

“Sorry, but that’s not a good idea, everyone.”

Her voice pouring cold water over their enthusiasm made everyone glare at Jane with cold eyes.

Her words were met with a withering gaze. Yet, Jane spoke boldly without shrinking.

“There are also creatures of Fen’s lurking in the lake surrounding the villa. Monsters that look like a mix between fish and humans.”

“······.”

“Those monsters are digging out soil to widen the lake. We don’t know exactly what they’re trying to do, but staying in the villa longer is bound to be dangerous.”

“······So why are you only telling us this now?!”

A man suddenly yelled out unexpectedly. He was so scared that he had completely lost his reason.

After suffering an attack and being forced to ride a wolf-creature, his stress from these unwanted events had reached a breaking point.

Even so, it wasn’t right to direct that anger at Jane. She had come here voluntarily, even though she could have easily escaped on her own.

Was that why? Oliver reached out and grabbed Jane’s shoulder as she tried to calm the nobles, stepping forward.

The sudden gesture made Jane hesitate, and the nobles flinch.

It seemed the image of Oliver at the party, slicing through people’s hearts with his tongue, lingered in their minds.

Just as Jane seemed to recall what had happened at that time and tried to stop Oliver, he signaled her that it was okay by reminding her of their earlier conversation.

‘······So, about what I said earlier at the party, I would prefer if you didn’t act the same way again. It’s just… I like the usual Dave more.’

Surprisingly, what Jane said then had some parallels to what Kent had said before.

Kent once mentioned that he liked Oliver’s unique personality. A very interesting coincidence. Oliver recalled that memory and began to speak.

“I’m sorry. It’s my fault for not mentioning the fish-human earlier. It just wasn’t the right time to bring it up.”

The nobles showed no obvious reaction.

Having witnessed Oliver’s monstrous behavior at the party, combined with the fact that he had created a hundred monstrous wolves, they couldn’t help but be cautious, even with a Holy Knight present.

However, Oliver did not give up and continued to try and reassure them.

“And I’m also sorry for displaying inappropriate behavior during the party. Miss Jane is a friend, and I was being overly sensitive… And maybe even a bit addicted.”

Addicted? The odd word choice made the people tilt their heads.

“Oh, another friend once told me that emotions like hatred or anger can be addictive. I’ve had a few things happen recently that made me feel annoyed, and I think I got a bit addicted to it… I was too foolish and temporarily forgot. I’m sorry.”

Surprisingly, some of the nobles who seemed unlikely to listen started to waver.

Whether it was due to Oliver’s unique voice, the atmosphere, or his sincerity, some were beginning to waver.

“Nevertheless, it’s still safer to leave here. We don’t know exactly what the fish-humans are planning, but it won’t be beneficial. We need to move while we still have some time. I’ll do my best, so please cooperate.”

Oliver spoke his mind without exaggeration or understatement.

“Hah… Thank you. I appreciate the apology, but I’m curious. Why is a dark mage going to such lengths?”

A man spoke, the one whose chest Oliver had sliced up at the party. The passage of time had somewhat calmed him down, and he sarcastically offered a semblance of formality.

Oliver responded casually.

“Well, for one, I was invited to this party, and more importantly, Miss Jane wants to help you all… She still has investments in Gallos.”

Oliver gestured politely to Jane, drawing everyone’s attention back to her.

It was an unconventional statement by normal standards, but perhaps because of that, it carried an even stronger sense of sincerity.

Although their encounter was brief, even the nobles had come to realize that Oliver was not exactly normal.

At that moment, Armand, who had been observing quietly, stepped in.

“I must also humbly request this… Though the situation is sudden and confusing, the most critical thing right now is the immediate danger. As someone who has served as a Holy Knight, I also believe it’s safer to move than to stay in the villa.”

Just moments ago, Armand was stern enough to forcefully rein in a count’s authority, yet now his tone had softened considerably.

Perhaps thanks to his distinct appearance, he seemed even more natural this way, and because of that, the noble’s tension started to dissipate as if it had never been there.

Armand then delivered the final blow.

“Moreover, I am the Chancellor of this nation, a vassal of His Majesty the King, and a noble of Gallos. I do not wish to see you remain in such danger, for that would tarnish the dignity of His Majesty and our nation. So, for the sake of His Majesty and our country, please muster your courage.”

***

Interestingly, as soon as Armand intervened, the nobles, who had been unwilling to move a finger, suddenly found the resolve to act.

It made one wonder why he hadn’t stepped in sooner.

However, there was no time to ask such questions. With the need to prepare for immediate action, Oliver quickly began explaining the planned movement formation.

The nobles and important guests who needed protection would be placed at the center,

They would be surrounded by the Holy Knights and guards brought by the nobles.

And Oliver and his support Zombie Puppets would form a protective ring around them for a swift escape.

A simple but effective strategy.

The proof was in the fact that Armand did not raise any objections and agreed to follow Oliver’s lead.

‘Although there were still some unexpected developments.’

Oliver muttered to himself.

The first unexpected development was the ease with which the guards left behind in the villa accepted the fact they would not be leaving together.

The number of wolf-creatures was 100, but the total personnel in the villa, including guards and servants, was about 700.

If all the nobles were to be moved, more than two-thirds of the remaining personnel, including guards and villa staff, would have to stay behind.

No one knew what dangers might befall those left behind.

Oliver expected it to be hard for them to accept, but surprisingly, they took it well.

They said that’s how their employment contracts were structured.

However, the most unexpected event was related to Jane.

As Oliver was reinforcing the creatures and Zombie Puppets with his mana to possibly use Holy Power, Jane approached him.

‘Dave, if it’s okay, I’ll move among the nobles.’

Oliver hesitated. He had intended to take her with him. Although he voiced his concern, Jane was resolute.

‘Thank you for your consideration, but I think this is the best way. You’ll be responsible for everyone’s safety here, and if I ride with you at the back… it wouldn’t look right, would it?’

Oliver couldn’t argue.

It was true that if Jane rode right behind Oliver, the following nobles might feel uneasy.

It might look like Oliver was more concerned about Jane than their safety. Well, it wasn’t entirely false.

‘Thinking about the whole situation, I think this is more appropriate. So, I’ll move among them.’

‘······Did you discuss this with Armand?’

‘Hmph······. You shouldn’t just peek into a woman’s heart like that.’

Their conversation ended there. Although Oliver was personally reluctant, Jane’s resolve was too firm to argue against.

Since Oliver valued individual will above all, he respected her decision. However, what bothered him was that Jane’s decision was not out of self-interest but out of concern for Oliver.

Oliver wanted to ask why she had made such a choice, but he doubted she would give him a clear answer, so he ended up not asking. It was truly a puzzling situation.

“What are you thinking about?”

Armand called out to Oliver, who had momentarily been lost in thought.

A Paladin of the Pater Church and Chancellor of Gallos, Armand was in a position more in need of protection than anyone else, yet he voluntarily stood on the front lines, commanding the Holy Knights and guards.

He claimed that for someone of his ability, it was more dangerous to simply stay protected.

Oliver responded to Armand’s question.

“Ah, sorry… I was just lost in thought for a moment.”

“That’s troublesome. Everyone is taking this risk because of you, after all.”

Oliver couldn’t reply. Although this was the best course of action, it was still a gamble that carried risks. As the one who proposed the idea, Oliver had the most responsibility.

“If you’re concerned about Miss Jane, don’t worry. I’ve instructed the Holy Knights to protect her well.”

Armand spoke as if reading Oliver’s mind.

“So it was your idea for Miss Jane to move over there, Your Highness?”

“It seems you’re mistaken. I merely answered her questions and gave my opinion.”

Honestly. Oliver asked what Jane had inquired.

“It was nothing really. She asked what kind of treatment you would receive if you saved all the nobles, and how to ensure a better outcome. I told her it would be better to show concern for everyone. I genuinely believe that. From my perspective, it’s the right thing to do.”

Oliver found no fault in Armand’s words.

“So, are you going to do your part now, or shall we continue with the questions?”

Oliver looked around.

He saw nobles fastened in place, three to each wolf-creature, while their surrounding bodyguards and Holy Knights kept a tight watch.

It was a rare sight indeed. Nervous nobles riding the creatures and Holy Knights aboard creations born of dark magic.

Such a sight could only be seen due to Oliver’s proposal.

Seeing this, Oliver felt a slight sense of responsibility.

“······I’ll do my job now.”

“That’s good to hear. Should we get started then?”

Armand, who was riding atop one of the wolf-creatures, asked. Unlike the other Holy Knights, he appeared perfectly natural, devoid of any awkwardness.

“Yes, but one last thing.”

Oliver responded, pulling up the vast amount of stored emotions within him as he began chanting toward the sky.

[Call The Clouds]

A preparatory magic for large-scale lightning spells. Armand saw it and commented.

“Oh, not a bad method.”