[{"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-286":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},428077,689,"Chapter 284","a-knight-who-eternally-regresses-chapter-286",286,"\u003Cp>A few small-scale battles had subtly altered the atmosphere of the battlefield.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Are they fighting or not?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Black Blades and the cultists' army couldn't help but wonder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had expected fierce battles, but it felt like all the momentum had been drained. It had happened over a dozen times now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But charging in recklessly wasn’t an option either.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Master of the Demonic Realm has said—never trust thieves.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was obvious that the Black Blades were up to something behind the scenes. The Tarnin Viscount’s forces were no different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don't engage first. Just hold the line.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah, are they attacking again today? Don’t they ever get tired of this?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At Lykanos's remark, Tarnin stuffed a piece of jerky into his bread and grumbled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was someone who never stopped eating, not even for a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tension that had existed before was gone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Border Guard standing army had been acting so erratically that it was only natural for the enemy to lower their guard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Lykanos was different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Something's wrong.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He couldn’t pinpoint exactly what, but years of experience on the battlefield told him that the enemy was up to something unusual.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A deep sense of unease gripped him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An intense, overwhelming dread.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Fat Viscount beside him was rambling on about something again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Something along the lines of \"We should just attack and finish them off already! We outnumber them!\"—nonsense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Shut up.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lykanos wasn't the kind of fool who ignored his instincts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The viscount screeched something back at him, but he ignored it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Prepare for defense.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lykanos had no choice but to stick to the same strategy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no other way. Neither the cultists nor the Azpen forces could be trusted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Getting stabbed in the back?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That wouldn't be very fitting for the Black Blades.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His faction was destined to become the continent’s greatest band of thieves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A group like that couldn't afford to get caught in an obvious trap.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And so, beneath a cleared sky, with crisp winter sunlight shining down, another day of battle dawned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>***\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Pain stands before me!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Kill the pain!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bell found the battle cries growing stranger by the day, but before he knew it, he was shouting along with them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A pain worth dying for!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It had gotten even more bizarre, but it wasn’t just the chants that had changed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The soldiers’ movements were different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no longer any need to bark out curses mixed with commands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was only natural.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These were men who had already been trained—mercilessly beaten and battered by the Mad Platoon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those who hadn’t even received basic training were never included in the ranks to begin with.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That had been Kraiss’s decision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We’re already short on manpower as it is.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bell had thought it was some novel kind of bullshit. Real battlefields don’t work like that, he had wanted to say.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, he had never actually spoken those words aloud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Just do it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Enkrid was behind it, and Graham had approved it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The point is this: If they lack experience, make them gain it. If they have weaknesses, eliminate them.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mixing untrained soldiers with the trained ones only weakened the overall combat strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So instead, they hammered the trained ones into shape.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like iron strengthened under a smith’s hammer, they would forge themselves through the crucible of real combat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was Kraiss’s theory turned into reality, and Bell was proof of it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soldiers, more soldiers—troops tempered by hellish training, then hardened under the hammer of actual battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The flower of the battlefield is—!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Infantry!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The flower of pain is—!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Unholy delight!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Corrupted chants, heated shouts, and an inferno rising in their chests.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Kill them all!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bell roared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the previous battles had been a single step forward, this one was two.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Where they had only tested the waters before, now they struck first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Bell was at the forefront.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He locked eyes with a mercenary from the Black Blades.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man glared at him from beneath his iron helmet, his gaze filled with murderous intent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mercenary swung a massive sword down at him, a heavy, powerful strike aimed directly at his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bell didn't react.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he stayed like this, he would die.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead of blocking, he stomped his left foot into the ground, twisted his waist backward, and tensed his arms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His muscles bulged, his veins stretched taut.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With his entire body coiled like a spring, he thrust his spear forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was a move he had refined over days of practice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A lunge thrown with his whole body, twisting as he struck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is this guy insane?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mercenary hesitated but still followed through with his downward slash.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was like they were both asking to die together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As long as he struck first, he would win.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mercenary planned to let the force of his attack kill Bell while dodging the weakened thrust of the spear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But his sword never completed its arc.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two soldiers flanked Bell from the sides, raising their heavy round shields over his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clang!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The blade struck the shields instead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A piercing attack landed on the mercenary’s body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sharpened spearhead tore through gambeson and leather, drilling a hole straight into his stomach.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The spear shaft stuck out of his torso like a gruesome decoration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Y-you… crazy bastard…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Blood bubbled from the mercenary’s lips as he gasped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His grip on his sword loosened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He staggered, clutching the spear impaling him, then collapsed backward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he slumped sideways, the tip of the spear scraped against the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He died seated at an awkward angle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s called strategy, you dumb ape.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bell scoffed and let go of the spear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pulling it out would take too much effort.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead, he stepped back and grabbed a fresh spear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Each team consisted of three men.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One to pierce, two to block and hold the line.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A single spearman supported by two shield-bearers forms a unit.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A hastily devised strategy, but there was no reason it wouldn’t work.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most of the grueling training they had endured was to enhance their individual physical abilities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tactic itself wasn’t complicated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And so, the Border Guard standing army and the Tarnin Viscount’s forces clashed in their first major battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Slash them down! Smash them with the shields! Crack their skulls with maces!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Archers! Are you just going to stand there and watch?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So far, the battle had been fought infantry against infantry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now, the enemy deployed their archers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Bastards. Kill them.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Venzance archers had been waiting for this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A platoon of sharp-eyed, quick-footed soldiers nocked their arrows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With furious precision, they loosed their shots.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thwip-thwip-thwip!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fifty longbows fired in unison.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Arrows rained down, piercing into the exposed flanks of the enemy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fall back! Fall back!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bell shouted, stepping away from the melee.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Border Guard forces swiftly withdrew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To any observer, it was an impressive sight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The overall numbers on both sides weren’t drastically different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The standing army had just over a thousand men.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Tarnin Viscount’s forces had swelled to over twenty-five hundred.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>More soldiers had gathered from somewhere, swelling their ranks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, not all of them were engaged in battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both armies had deployed only a fraction of their troops.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Border Guard had committed about 250 soldiers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Tarnin Viscount had sent in close to 400.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The numerical advantage was clear, and the enemy forces included elite mercenaries.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their overseers loomed behind them, weapons in hand, ensuring they fought to the death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But despite all that—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The outcome was undeniable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A trained army will always overcome individuals.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From atop the hill, Kraiss muttered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finn, acting as his bodyguard, frowned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What kind of bullshit is that?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Just the truth.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I should be guarding the captain, not playing bodyguard.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finn grumbled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, Enkrid was busy with his own task.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>***\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Here.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jaxon trudged forward, speaking as Enkrid turned his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ragna?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why are you calling me?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Good. If Ragna was here, then everything they needed was here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze landed on Teresa, her face obscured by her helmet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Is she really fine?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had been given the option to back out, but she had refused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I am Teresa the Wanderer. My sword and shield go where they must.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With Jaxon leading the way, the Mad Platoon didn't bother to conceal their movements.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no need.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A full-scale battle was raging elsewhere, drawing all eyes to the chaos.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And so, every scout they encountered along the way was slain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A dead man had no tongue to deliver messages.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While the Black Blades and the standing army were busy tearing each other apart, Enkrid’s unit pushed forward toward the cultists’ camp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I was getting sick of waiting.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rem spoke, his eyes gleaming. It was as if he suffered from a disease that required him to take a life at least once every three days.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Move.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Enkrid commanded, stepping toward the crude wooden palisade ahead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As they approached, a deep growl rumbled through the air. A stench, thick and musky, struck their noses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eyes turned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yellow, glowing eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A wolf beast, crouched low on four legs, baring its fangs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Grrrrrrr!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment their gazes met, the beast lunged, kicking off the ground with a powerful thud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It became a streak, a blur of white fangs flashing in the front lines.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It had appeared from the left—right where Dunbakel was positioned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as its claws raked through the air—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clang!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A metallic screech rang out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The beast met a sliver of silver in midair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, it was Dunbakel’s doing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her scimitar, drawn in a fluid arc, carved a crescent through the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A diagonal slash of silver severed the beast from its right shoulder down to its left hind leg.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A spray of blood and entrails splattered onto the ground as the wolf beast split in two, its twitching corpse collapsing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Blood splattered in all directions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Could you at least make it clean?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rem muttered, watching the mess.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dunbakel flicked her scimitar, sending droplets of blood pattering onto the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That was clean.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You really don’t know anything, do you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rem scoffed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Grrrrrrr!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even before Rem finished speaking, more yellow eyes appeared in the shadows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had swept through the enemy scouts in broad daylight, and now the beasts were swarming in response.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The foul stench grew stronger, clogging their noses. The area already reeked of waste and rot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t that the cultists had predicted the Mad Platoon’s movements.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was an unforeseen dagger striking at an unexpected hour—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Would they really come here?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a thought that had lulled the cultists into carelessness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And so, the sudden emergence of the wolf beasts was not a countermeasure but mere coincidence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The beasts had simply been stationed here to guard the camp’s perimeter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The cultists' base was nestled between uneven hills, the terrain jagged and filled with natural hiding spots.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, from those dips and ridges, more wolves emerged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dozens of yellow eyes rose from the landscape.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Corrupted beasts, their maws dripping with saliva, fangs bared from all sides.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Grrrrrr!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rem raised his twin axes, holding them level with the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Watch. This is what clean looks like.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, he lunged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no time for words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He moved half a beat faster than the beasts could react.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an instant, he closed the distance, appearing right in front of the nearest one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A downward swing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His axe arm bent mid-motion, the edge cleaving through fur and flesh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A wolf’s head flew into the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then another.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And another.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rem moved as he always did.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slashing, cutting, splitting—anything in his path.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How the hell is that clean?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dunbakel muttered. Enkrid silently agreed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was anything but clean.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it was devastating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Brother, you are truly... ferocious.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Audin murmured.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was exactly what it was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The wolf beasts, loyal to their duty as sentinels, were shredded apart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Enkrid adjusted his sword belt as he watched cultists emerge from behind the palisade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A small but necessary preparation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter the opponent, no matter the battle—one must always be ready.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He tightened his grip.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ambush!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A cultist shouted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Enkrid took a stance, looking as if he would immediately draw his sword and charge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some of the cultists panicked and reached for their crossbows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Master of the Demonic Realm watches over us!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a fanatical cry, they aimed and prepared to fire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, Enkrid, instead of drawing his sword, flung both hands outward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To an observer, it would seem like a random, senseless movement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the result was anything but.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whiiiiiish!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A shrill whistle cut through the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Four crossbow-wielding cultists clutched at their throats, blood gushing between their fingers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the Whistle Dagger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Guh!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One of them fell to the ground, their throat torn wide open.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A gaping wound that bled freely, leaving their mouth agape in a silent scream.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Four of them had their skulls meet the dirt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You sure know how to deceive people.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jaxon muttered behind him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His tone was hard to read—whether he was impressed or mocking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Enkrid didn’t care.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feigning a sword draw only to unleash daggers instead—it was a simple yet effective tactic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everything had been a setup for that single move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Positioning was preparation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deception was preparation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Awoooooo!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A chilling wolf’s howl erupted from deep within the cultist encampment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sound infused with a sinister power, causing a momentary stiffness in the body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Can someone shut those mutts up?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rem growled, his axes dripping with dark, sticky blood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His grin was all teeth, stark white against the blackened gore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A perfect image of terror.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one here was frozen in fear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Dunbakel only grumbled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lopping off heads doesn’t make it clean.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"M-Master of the Demonic Realm...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One of the cultists stammered, his jaw trembling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Huh? What was that? I can’t hear the nonsense of someone who worships a shitty god.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rem cupped a hand to his ear, mockingly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, with a manic gleam in his eyes, he threw himself back into the slaughter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the enemy’s perspective, he had gone completely mad.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Enkrid and his team did their part.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jaxon set fire to the supply tents.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ragna cut down enemies who tried to rush Enkrid from behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Teresa and Dunbakel dashed left and right, crushing both beasts and men alike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They didn’t need to make a prolonged stand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment Enkrid saw the black smoke rise, he signaled the retreat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He flung a Whistle Dagger high into the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whiiiiiiiiiiiish!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the prolonged, shrill sound, the entire unit began falling back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The plan had always been to hit hard and pull out before things got out of hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While the enemy’s commander wasted time bolstering his personal guard, they had torched his supplies and escaped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Simple but effective.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Rem!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Enkrid called as he withdrew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Go on ahead!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rem remained behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was he just enjoying himself too much?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Half of it was that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other half was necessity—someone had to hold the rear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Four larger, twice-their-size wolf beasts were closing in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Either someone cut them down or stalled them long enough to escape.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I hope you drop dead here.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jaxon muttered with false sincerity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Or maybe I should stay behind.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ragna suggested.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was unacceptable. If Ragna stayed, they wouldn’t see him again before winter ended.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Enkrid wasn’t worried about Rem.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was Rem, after all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no way he couldn’t slip away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We’re going ahead.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Enkrid decided.\u003C\u002Fp>",2571,"2026-05-30T08:27:55.568Z","2026-06-01T04:30:45.896Z",1,"novelbin.me","61553d9d1c9056348ee5d0291520c318d54afc4c85755c60846ccc8b4bf0efc3","a-knight-who-eternally-regresses-chapter-287","a-knight-who-eternally-regresses-chapter-285",882,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fa-knight-who-eternally-regresses-cover.jpg"]