[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-eternally-regressing-knight":3,"chapter-eternally-regressing-knight-eternally-regressing-knight-chapter-270":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Eternally Regressing Knight",{"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},964354,1263,"Chapter 270 - Not Everything Goes as Planned (1)","eternally-regressing-knight-chapter-270",270,"\u003Cp>The Black Blade Bandits were large enough to be considered a small sovereign state.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, they were one of the greatest blights and afflictions plaguing Nauirilias and the kingdom alike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were that dangerous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A piece of cheese slipped from the mouth of one of their high-ranking members.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had just heard something utterly absurd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Grabbing a linen napkin, he wiped his mouth roughly before speaking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"All the assassins were taken out?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He sent knife-wielding assassins—swiftly eliminated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then a mercenary unit—completely decimated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Faced with such failures, the Black Blade officer decided to up the ante.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He dispatched an entire unit of top-tier assassins.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And yet—failure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bam!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The officer slammed his fist onto the table, shouting furiously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Are you trying to drag the name of the Black Blades through the mud?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fine, so you're a skilled fighter, huh?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, let's see how you handle this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He gathered all the assassins in their branch, sparing none of their elite killers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter how great a warrior or fighter, there's no defense against a blade striking from the shadows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially one laced with poison.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He sent over fifteen assassins, all adept in the arts of poison and stealth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Surely, with such numbers, even if they couldn't kill their target, they should at least have inflicted a grievous injury.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And the target?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Completely unharmed.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Our men?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"All dead.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What about the scout left behind to report?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He's dead too.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If they hadn't stationed another observer further away for cleanup, they wouldn't have received any intel at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If I had gone closer, I would've been killed too.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The scout, sweating profusely, knelt on one knee as he spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beads of his sweat fell onto the smooth stone floor, darkening the pale gray surface with each drop.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The puddle of sweat slowly spread, leaving a blotchy pattern on the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The scout had not even seen Jaxen directly—only the grisly demise of his comrades, who were closer to the target.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We couldn't even see him.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His comrades flailed in midair, seemingly caught by something unseen, before dying one by one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The scout had immediately turned and fled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though he had sensed no presence, the sight of his comrades' deaths had sent him running.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His instincts screamed at him to leave—or die.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What kind of monsters are they?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The officer's voice carried an undertone of despair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every assassin he had spent a lifetime gathering was dead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had existed—and now they didn't. Gone, wiped out. Meeting them again was now impossible, except in the afterlife.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Who are these bastards?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His mouth hung open, the absurdity of it all leaving him speechless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Turning to the scout, the officer demanded more details, but the scout only buried his head further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was nothing else to report.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The only information he had was that they were all dead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What should we do now?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A servant standing behind him hesitantly asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What do you mean, what should we do?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The officer snapped back, chewing over the servant's question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Damn it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The situation was spiraling into the worst possible scenario.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he failed to resolve this, he would be overthrown by those scheming beneath him. There were plenty who coveted his position.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though they couldn't replace him immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, the web of operations he had built wasn't something that could be unraveled so easily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The businesses...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His position was secured for a simple reason: the drug trade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thanks to his dealings, there were few nobles in the kingdom unfamiliar with his \"goods.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The profits from those drugs had funded the operations of the Black Blade Bandits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The main branch will send assistance. Until then, leave it be.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no one left to send. It was true that nothing could be done until reinforcements arrived from the main branch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In the meantime, we focus on the 'burrow' we've dug.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The term was slang, but everyone in this room understood it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As long as the 'burrow' remained intact, his foundation would be secure. For the time being, he decided to forget about Enkrid—the madman of the abyss.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, that grudge would resurface soon enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had no intention of letting it go.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Where is that man now?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Likely swinging his sword somewhere on the estate.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sharp-eyed, quick-witted attendant answered. He was a striking man, with a clean-shaven face that made him stand out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His judgment was reliable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had previously conducted a detailed investigation into Enkrid's daily life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'That sword lunatic.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The kind of man who earned such a nickname naturally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Marcus had concealed the departure of Enkrid and his party for their mission.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn't a calculated move but rather a habitual one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Marcus knew too well that limiting information always worked to one's advantage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Above all, Enkrid was an easy man to hide.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was the sort to vanish into the training grounds or his quarters for days on end.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sure, eventually, his absence would be noticed, but a week might pass without anyone realizing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This meant that even the lieutenant of the Black Blade Brigade didn't know that Enkrid was in their 'burrow.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>***\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shinar entered the room and stood silently, concentrating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The faint sound of activity drifted from the adjacent room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She assessed the situation through the surrounding noises, scanning for any prying eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were none.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once certain, she raised her right index finger and made a small circular motion in the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a gesture only known to select members of the Fairy Company.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is the last one, right?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finn asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It seems so.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Fairy Company Commander spoke, reclining on the bed at an angle and stretching her long legs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her supple, flexible muscles extended smoothly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unbothered by the cold, she wore only leather pants, allowing for unrestricted movement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Otherwise, her demeanor was entirely composed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only the small brazier in the inn room seemed to bother her. She had pushed it aside upon entering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When asked why, she replied,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It might start a fire.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Are we fine just idling here?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finn, fastening her layered armor, asked again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her armor was made of hardened leather sandwiched between fabrics. Though stiff due to the poor quality of the leather, it was warm and sturdy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without a hint of amusement, Shinar replied,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is important too.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fair enough.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finn pulled a chair to the window and leaned partially against it, watching outside and oiling her hinges.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had plans to sneak out under the cover of night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As a ranger experienced in various operations, Finn was adept at such tasks, though not quite on Jaxen's level.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Seventh one, huh,\" Finn muttered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the count of incidents Shinar and certain Fairy Company members had initiated so far.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>***\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jaxen missed no details.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was meticulous to the extreme.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching Jaxen, Enkrid felt as if he was on the verge of grasping something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was tantalizingly close yet just out of reach. Strangely, it wasn't frustrating but rather fascinating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He marveled at how his thinking had evolved. Once, such thoughts had never occurred to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This, too, was evidence of growth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Enkrid observed, Jaxen spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With Krais's spirit absent, it was purely Jaxen's words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Small things build into something great. Streams converge into rivers, then lakes, and finally oceans.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While it sounded abstract, it felt as though the elusive thought Enkrid had been chasing moved one step closer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, he could almost see its indistinct form.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mastery in swordsmanship or training is vital, but a single small preparation can decide victory. Imagine if it were a life-and-death battle.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Enkrid had once lacked innate talent in his body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now that deficiency was mostly resolved, and his once-decent mind worked sharper than ever. He revisited lessons and realized things he had previously overlooked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially regarding swordsmanship and combat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In Jaxen's explanation, one could find hints of the Valen-style mercenary swordplay.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Enkrid now possessed the ability to classify swordsmanship.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For example, the orthodox techniques of unnamed schools taught how to wield a sword, building upon fundamentals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In contrast, Valen-style mercenary swordplay was on a different trajectory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'It's more like personal tactics.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—A fighter must always use their head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This phrase was written in the Valen-style manual when Enkrid first learned it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The line itself had been helpful, but realizing it anew, he thought,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'That line saved my life.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since learning it, how many times had it allowed him to escape death?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His reflections led to a series of small revelations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wouldn't drastically improve his swordsmanship or bring about a dramatic change—he knew this instinctively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, the accumulation of experience and knowledge left Enkrid with something meaningful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If an opponent used a long sword, how should one respond?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If their belt seemed unusually thick, what might they be hiding?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What if they wore a curved blade like a saber as a belt?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could the angle of their sword belt hint at habits?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before any of that, what about positioning oneself advantageously for ease of movement?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everything seemed possible, and Enkrid realized he could make such preparations too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the realm of personal tactics.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, the indistinct thought solidified into something tangible he could grasp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elation and the joy of growth welled within him. However, he didn't burst into laughter or drool like an overexcited fool.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'I'm not Rem, after all.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Enkrid occasionally drooled when overly focused, though he would never admit it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Dinner, perhaps?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jaxen suggested. Enkrid nodded in agreement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dining area on the inn's first floor doubled as a tavern. Sitting down, Jaxen summoned Krais's spirit back into his body, while Shinar silently played the role of the taciturn fairy guard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn't hard—she only needed to avoid her usual jokes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A fairy, huh? What an esteemed guest,\" remarked the innkeeper, personally bringing over stew and roasted pork.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stole glances at Shinar multiple times, clearly fascinated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shinar had kept her face concealed beneath a robe while entering the village. Only inside the inn was it revealed that she was a fairy. Otherwise, she would have drawn stares everywhere she went.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The innkeeper's awe prompted Jaxen to play along with an air of mild arrogance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah, best not speak to her too casually. My father assigned her as my guard, and her temperament is... particular.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a single line, Jaxen established himself as the spoiled son of a wealthy trading company while hinting at his bodyguard's no-nonsense attitude.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He played the part so well it was almost natural, as if born into such a role.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'He's changed since merging with Krais.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind the innkeeper, a clumsy servant tripped, dropping a cup and spilling wine on the floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Clumsy fool!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The innkeeper shouted, advancing angrily, as the servant bowed repeatedly, apologizing profusely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a minor commotion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two nearby patrons—a bearded man drinking fruit wine and another with plain brown hair—briefly turned their heads before resuming their business.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Come on, go easy on the lad,\" Jaxen interjected lightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This level of interference felt very much like Krais's influence, meddling just enough to be annoying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shinar stood impassively, her gaze fixed on a corner of the table like an unmoving doll.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finn, playing her part, leaned in and remarked, \"Master, remember you must return to the caravan in two days.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The words were all part of the act—simple lines scripted by Jaxen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"One day's delay should be fine,\" Jaxen muttered. The plan was straightforward: their departure in two days would buy them enough time to act.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shinar's presence served as both a deterrent against poison or treachery and a warning to their enemies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jaxen's carefully crafted persona reinforced this perception.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'll manage with this,\" Shinar added, holding up some dried fruit, signaling she didn't require a full meal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What a joyless existence!\" Jaxen quipped, digging into his stew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Enkrid also ate comfortably—Jaxen's actions served as a signal that the food was safe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Later that night, when all had fallen asleep, the oiled hinges allowed a window to open without a sound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let's go,\" Jaxen whispered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the roof of the inn, Jaxen met Finn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They acknowledged each other silently and then parted, each heading to their assigned tasks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jaxen leapt over two rooftops, while Finn descended to the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, a blade emerged from the shadows, slicing through the air toward Jaxen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It moved without a sound, undetected by even the keenest senses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The blade tore through his clothes with a sharp hiss.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>----------------------------------------------------------------------\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>TL here! Thank you for reading!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For some extra Chapters or if you want to show your support head here:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>.gg\u002FeXsm6WsQE6\u003C\u002Fp>",2081,"2026-06-03T07:42:59.782Z","2026-06-03T07:42:55.458Z",1,"novelbin.me","b05363b2138f92e146d8f3c1ec21989bbe2babf59d9849afcdae39330ea32668","eternally-regressing-knight-chapter-271","eternally-regressing-knight-chapter-269",782,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Feternally-regressing-knight-cover.jpg"]