[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-a-knight-who-eternally-regresses":3,"chapter-a-knight-who-eternally-regresses-a-knight-who-eternally-regresses-chapter-116":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","A Knight Who Eternally Regresses",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":20,"prevChapterSlug":21,"totalChapters":22,"novelImage":23},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":16,"volume":17,"translator":18,"content_hash":19},427891,689,"Chapter 116","a-knight-who-eternally-regresses-chapter-116",116,"\u003Cp>” This is how to hold a sword”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In Encrid’s hometown, a third-rate mercenary didn’t even know how to properly hold a sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s what he learned from the first instructor he met.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The method of pressing the blade with the thumb.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How to grip with the right hand in front and the left hand behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The way to grip the pommel, even how to use the ricasso.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most held the sword with both hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Even with one hand.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed possible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He tried holding the longsword with only his left hand and swinging it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoosh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sword swung in a circle, but he wasn’t satisfied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it was possible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He thrust, slashed, thrust and slashed again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He cut diagonally, then horizontally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He even imitated binding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He visualized an opponent in his mind, but against someone like Rem or the squad members, he wouldn’t last a single bout.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t the one-handed swordsmanship that was the problem, it was his unfamiliarity with using his left hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He changed the opponent. Faceless, but somewhat proficient with a sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he imagined, opponents similar to his past self emerged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Trash who didn’t have skills to match their attitude from his mercenary days also appeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The kind who would shoot thin swords like arrows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He visualized the image and swung his sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he swept the ground with his foot and swung his sword, sweat dripped, scattering droplets everywhere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pebbles caught under his foot popped up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Encrid reflexively struck the rising pebbles with the flat of his sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ting!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An inaccurate hit sent a pebble flying, striking the toe of his boot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you hold it properly, you should be able to cut as you intend.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The instructor’s words echoed in his mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even cutting down a scarecrow that stood still wasn’t an easy task.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Encrid knew how to do at least that much.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though it was very difficult with his left hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Things don’t always go as planned.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He started anew. Walking the path he had walked with his right hand again with his left. It was necessary to repeat and swing until he found the right feel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What might be tedious to others was not to Encrid.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He felt rather excited.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Retracing the path he had walked with his right hand with his left, he also looked back at what he had missed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Encrid closed his eyes before he knew it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What he was seeing wasn’t the present but the past, his past self.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deeper, deeper still.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Recalling memories, thinking of the self who wandered within them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘What if I had done it that way back then?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Countless Recollections.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Battlefields, fights, monsters, beasts, humans.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sword swung against everything, another sword, a blade, a hand, a person.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tripping feet, breaking heads.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Barely surviving against monsters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Living as if with two lives.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Encrid walked again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a focus so intense that nothing else was visible, the Heart of the Beast kept him centered, preventing mistakes from excitement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boldness and calmness were among Encrid’s most valuable assets.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They felt like an ally that complemented his willpower.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He swung his sword again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Repeating and recalling the process over and over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It felt like he was mastering it twice as fast as he did with his right hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tap tap tap.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sweat poured down. The leather strap wrapped around the grip snapped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His strength waned, and as he let his hand drop, the tip of the sword touched the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t overexertion, but it felt like he was using muscles he hadn’t used before. His left arm felt slightly numb.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You really seem crazy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Encrid’s vacant gaze focused on the voice beside him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Haven’t you been to the battlefield?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Encrid’s eyes refocused, he tilted his head and asked the person.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Our platoon is in charge of defense. Here, give it to me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was Vengeance, the Platoon leader of the 3rd Platoon, 2nd Company.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Encrid had already sensed his presence but didn’t pay attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vengeance approached, took Encrid’s sword, and tightened the leather strap on the grip.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He did it skillfully, pulling it tight on both sides, wrapping it, and securing it inside the grip.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It just looked difficult to do with one hand, so I’m helping.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When did Vengeance become so kind? Since he saved him from the fire?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly curious, Encrid asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why did you dislike me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vengeance mumbled something before replying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Jenny.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Jenny?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who’s Jenny? Encrid blinked. His memory wasn’t bad, so if he didn’t remember, it was either something he didn’t need to remember or an unfamiliar name.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, it was the former.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Encrid still confused, Vengeance’s voice rose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Jenny, the herb seller!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Herb seller Jenny?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Encrid still looked puzzled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vengeance muttered a curse and shouted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I hated you because I didn’t like your face!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His temper is all over the place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He just helped fix the sword and now this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Anyway, it’s that flashy face of yours I don’t like.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Growling, Vengeance stood up abruptly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Take good care of your sword.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Worried while disliking?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Vengeance turned his back and walked away, Encrid smirked and rested his chin on his hand, saying, “I wasn’t interested. The interest was on your side. I was more interested in herbs.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having said that much, it was unlikely that Vengeance wouldn’t remember.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Encrid often visited the city.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t uncommon for women to be infatuated with him just by seeing his face. What could you call this?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was simply the fantasy of a frontier town maiden, lost in an illusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mentioning “Jenny, the herb seller.” did jog his memory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pretended not to remember just to tease Vengeance during their conversation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was amusing to see Vengeance’s reactions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This must be why Rem enjoyed teasing the other soldiers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who cares!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vengeance shouted again, visibly irritated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had an unexpectedly cute side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it wasn’t all cute, he was sharp, skilled, and took good care of his subordinates.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘If he’s not unlucky, he’s not the type to die easily.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Nya.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Encrid pondered various thoughts, considering whether to find a stream to wash off his sweat, he heard Esther’s meowing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why are you so low on energy? Are you hungry?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At Encrid’s question, Esther squinted, looking like she was glaring.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Are you sick?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He petted Esther, and she purred softly, closing her eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The reason Esther was tired was simple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had been absorbing Encrid’s fatigue all night, helping to relieve it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Ignorant human.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even as she muttered inwardly, Esther didn’t dislike Encrid.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His relentless drive to improve was something she shared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite the transformation she had undergone in her pursuit of the arcane.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her ambition was no less than this man’s.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Esther lowered her head and tried to sleep.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was exhausted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today, the wizard was out of commission. She had no energy left.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Using her current form to draw on a part of the magical world was already a cheat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beeeeeeep!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as she was about to drift off, a sharp sound woke Esther up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Encrid, who had been scratching his head, also stopped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Esther lifted her head, seeing Encrid’s chin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned his head left and right, then stood up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Captain!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Encrid placed Esther on the ground. He saw Krais running from one side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sharp whistle sound continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beeeeeeeep!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a long tone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A long, sustained warning signal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Naurillia army used a whistle system for signals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A long tone like this signified one thing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An enemy attack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Which direction…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Encrid began to ask Krais but then fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as the whistle blew, the voices of their allies reached their ears.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ambush! Enemy! Enemy!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Counterattack!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t Fall Back!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Damn it, we’re in deep trouble!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The discordant noise came from panic and a sense of danger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rat-a-tat-tat!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amidst it all, the noise of metal clashing erupted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Blood soon splattered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Aaagh!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A scream of agony mixed in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Encrid spotted the attackers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They walked neither too fast nor too slow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crunch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sound of gravel underfoot announced their presence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their steps felt as though they were in a different time, detached from the chaos.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The spring rain had stopped, leaving a warm breeze and sunlight on the gravel field, now warm to the touch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The enemy stood there, crunching over the gravel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Broad shoulders and thin but sturdy leather armor, with a helmet covering from the head to the forehead, leaving only the ears exposed—a distinctive helmet of the Aspen Duchy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Water dripped from the faded brown hair peeking out from under the helmet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind him, two enemy soldiers wielded spears with remarkable skill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slash!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just from the blocking, striking, and stabbing, it was clear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were highly trained elite soldiers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Encrid had encountered such elite troops before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gray Hounds, a special unit of Aspen, known for their relentless nature.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were a perfect unit for such ambushes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, they did just that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They used the unit’s specialty to execute an ambush.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The leader of the unit walked up to Encrid.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Growl!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Esther, who had almost fallen asleep, bared her fangs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Esther, stay back.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Encrid shielded Esther with his body and spoke up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re still alive.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He recognized the face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Aspen commander, possibly the Platoon leader of the Gray Hounds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had been easily excited and had once been stabbed in the chest by Encrid’s sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His name was Mitch Hurrier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was a Platoon leader of the Aspen Duchy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed he had crossed a river, his entire body was soaked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clearly, he wasn’t in normal condition. They had shortened their journey by running through the night, crossing the river, and launching an ambush.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This exhaustion led to their current state.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, Encrid was in worse shape.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Can my wrist hold out?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wasn’t sure. Mitch Hurrier caught his breath, then slightly lifted his chin, gazing at the sky as he murmured.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Gratitude.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An Oath to the Gods?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I wanted to meet you again, Encrid.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He lowered his gaze, continuing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s an honor that you remember my name.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He drew his sword. The moment Mitch unsheathed his blade, Encrid sensed death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even with a healthy wrist, this opponent was formidable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As his skills had improved, so had his ability to gauge an opponent’s prowess.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thanks to you, I woke up.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no need to understand what he meant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mitch wasn’t saying it expecting Encrid to understand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was simply words born out of his joy in the moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had come to crush the morale of the enemy forces by launching a surprise attack on their camp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And here they found a significant target.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A foe he had longed to meet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A foe he had longed to defeat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meeting again, he had to prove himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Defeating Encrid was a necessary step to move forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mitch Hurrier’s sword moved. A vertical slash from above.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clang!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Encrid switched his sword to his right hand and met the blow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One strike was enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The splint he had added snapped, and strength left his right hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His wrist throbbed and ached.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His fingers trembled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re injured.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Would he show mercy?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was a ridiculous thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wouldn’t have either.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It didn’t matter if the opponent was injured. This wasn’t a place to discuss honor, it was a war.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even in a duel, mercy would be out of the question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Exploiting weaknesses in combat was encouraged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Unlucky bastard.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mitch showed a bitter smile. He wanted to fight properly, but given the circumstances…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Encrid barely blocked the incoming blade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I’m going to die.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The thought hit him the moment he realized he couldn’t block the next attack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You bastard!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vengeance’s last stand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vengeance, covered in blood, charged in and thrust his spear into Mitch Hurrier’s back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The spearhead was quite sharp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without even looking, Mitch Hurrier sidestepped, pivoted on his left foot, and spun around, dodging the spear while slashing diagonally with his sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clang!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His blade struck the middle of the spear shaft.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even so, Vengeance didn’t let go of the spear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He tried to swing it upwards to strike Mitch’s chest, but it was a futile effort.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Mitch Hurrier struck the spear shaft, he moved his feet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From a half-turned position, Mitch Hurrier quickly turned completely around, his sword slicing through the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the blade moved away from the spear shaft and leveled with the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vengeance’s neck was cut.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sensing danger, Vengeance barely managed to step back, but it was too late.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His neck was already half-severed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He dropped the spear and clutched his neck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ah, idiot, he could have just run away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vengeance fell to his knees on the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mitch Hurrier, standing next to Vengeance, looked at Encrid and said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll cut your neck like this too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slash!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He finished severing the half-cut neck. Vengeance’s head rolled away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What was this?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even knowing that death meant repeating the day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The feeling was utterly disgusting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was infuriating, maddening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kyaah.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The blue-eyed leopard watching tried to leap at Mitch, but was intercepted by a soldier wielding a spear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A mere beast.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The enemy soldier muttered as he tormented Esther. He wouldn’t last long if he didn’t flee.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Go, Esther.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Encrid spoke, and Mitch Hurrier, who had approached unnoticed, raised his sword high.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mitch Hurrier was a liar. He said he’d cut Encrid’s neck, but instead, he stabbed Encrid in the chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Come to think of it, this is where I was struck.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His tone was calm. His sword pierced Encrid’s heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no way Encrid could throw the remaining Whistle Dagger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not with his right wrist in such a state.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s a shame we couldn’t have a proper fight, but goodbye.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mitch Hurrier said as he withdrew his sword from Encrid’s chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Splurt. Crunch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the blade tore out of his chest, a surge of red life force spilled onto the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gurgle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Encrid collapsed forward, blood foaming from his mouth, he saw Vengeance’s severed head and Esther, who had been thrown aside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Screech!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘What a feeling.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was maddening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was strange. Watching someone else’s death felt worse than facing his own.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment of death arrived. He had experienced it so often that one might think he would be accustomed to it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But instead of familiarity, it only embedded pain, suffering, and fear deep in his mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even knowing that awakening from this abyss would bring another morning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a darkness that made him not want to die.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were no dreams.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And thus, no ferryman.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Encrid opened his eyes again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Nya.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Esther rubbed her face against his chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a late morning, starting without his platoon members.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And yet…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘This is terrible.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Encrid thought the situation was genuinely terrible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His right wrist was injured, and his platoon members were gone. Before noon, the enemy’s elite forces would ambush the camp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among them would be Mitch Hurrier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Running away won’t solve anything.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wouldn’t. Even if he survived, he would just return to the same day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had to overcome the barrier to escape today.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But how could he do that?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Encrid’s gaze fell downward, focusing on Esther, who was rubbing her face against his chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Specifically, he looked at his left hand, which was petting Esther’s head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[T\u002FL: Please support me AND read further chapters here: \u002Frevengerscans .]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on ]\u003C\u002Fp>",2569,"2026-05-30T08:27:55.568Z","2026-06-01T04:30:45.896Z",1,"novelbin.me","c8ff37574dd79fa48d79952d742fca39d37644e78b0522627d98b8643b033040","a-knight-who-eternally-regresses-chapter-117","a-knight-who-eternally-regresses-chapter-115",882,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fa-knight-who-eternally-regresses-cover.jpg"]