[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-eternally-regressing-knight":3,"chapter-eternally-regressing-knight-eternally-regressing-knight-chapter-52":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},963947,1263,"Chapter 52 - The Turtle and The Frontier Slaughterer (1)","eternally-regressing-knight-chapter-52",52,"\u003Cp>Chapter 52 - The Turtle and The Frontier Slaughterer (1)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why don't you try me?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A soldier stepped forward as he spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His appearance was unassuming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was slightly shorter than Enkrid but had a stocky build.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In his lowered hand, a short sword with a sharp blue blade gleamed, reflecting the light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Frontier Slaughterers—this was no ordinary unit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Border Guard's defensive force was small yet elite.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite having only two hundred soldiers, the battalion commander and the Frontier Slaughterers unit leader were of equal rank.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>According to Naurilia's military structure, this unit was part of the royal army.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This meant they operated under a separate command structure, distinct from the first and second infantry divisions stationed at the Border Guard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Frontier Slaughterers soldier stared at Enkrid with dull eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn't a provocative look.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was closer to the gaze of someone looking down from a position of superiority, tinged with arrogance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That expression stirred Enkrid's fighting spirit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It made him think,This will be interesting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Enkrid was thrilled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I can fight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gone were the days of collapsing immediately under superior skill or being crushed by overwhelming talent before even beginning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compared to his past self, who could only dream of competing, the transformation was exhilarating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps because they thought Enkrid hesitated, murmurs spread through the surroundings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Spell Breaker!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The troublemaking squad leader.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let's see what he's got.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Being from The Frontier Slaughterers doesn't make you invincible.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite having had only three short sparring matches, voices of support rose for Enkrid.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was an unfamiliar experience for him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had never encountered such a situation before—not even once in his life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let's go!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Show them!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The flower of the battlefield is infantry!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, they were even chanting infantry slogans.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was amusing since his opponent was also infantry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, the earnest support was palpable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The desire to fight and win burned within him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mere thought of battling against an average soldier no longer satisfied his thirst.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The combined morale of the infantry gathered behind him surged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A tingling sensation spread from his toes to his entire body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Observing from the sidelines, Vengeance understood the soldiers' cheers for Enkrid.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It's no wonder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Vengeance had shouted encouragement to Enkrid.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A lowest-ranking soldier who spent sleepless nights swinging his sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A squad leader managing a group of troublemakers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His position had been insignificant, his skills pathetic compared to his efforts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That had been the general consensus. Others likely thought the same.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Enkrid, the troublemaking squad leader, was showing a completely different side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By displaying exceptional skill, he had proven himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By breaking curses, he had saved allies and changed the battlefield's outcome—an undeniable reality.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even knowing this, no one had dared to believe it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now the unbelievable had become reality.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, everyone knew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The greatest contributor in the previous battle was none other than Enkrid.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The battalion commander's commendation and a pouch of kronas were tokens of recognition.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As with any military, the higher-ups took their cut.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The current battalion commander, notorious for his poor reputation, was no exception.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rumors abounded that he saw soldiers as mere expendables.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among the soldiers who had started noticing Enkrid's skill was Bell, one of those he had saved with his shield from a deadly arrow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I knew it!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the moment Enkrid saved him, Bell had recognized his potential.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The troublemaking squad leader was destined for greatness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Absolutely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn't just Bell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone who had unknowingly formed bonds with Enkrid now united in their support.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, Enkrid represented the ordinary soldiers of the Border Guard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Buoyed by their cheers, Enkrid tapped his sword tip with his foot and steadied his stance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Simultaneously, he suppressed the electrifying excitement surging through him and calmed his breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You're ready?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There's no reason not to be.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Enkrid's composed response made Torres, The Frontier Slaughterers soldier, think to himself,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Interesting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Frontier Slaughterers—there was a reason for the unit's nickname.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet his opponent wasn't backing down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead, he stepped forward with a faint smile on his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amused, intrigued, and slightly annoyed, Torres wanted to show the clear difference between a regular soldier and a special forces operative.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a swift motion, Torres charged first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His speed was terrifyingly fast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Enkrid waited and thrust his sword straight at the center.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A solid move—it forced the opponent to dodge left, right, up, or down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as Torres evaded, a powerful follow-up would strike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Torres didn't dodge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead, he aimed his short sword at Enkrid's incoming blade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the blades met, Enkrid tried to overpower him, but Torres skillfully countered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clang! Clang!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sliding his blade along Enkrid's, Torres twisted it upward, creating an angle that deflected the downward force.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a textbook deflection maneuver.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As sparks flew from their clashing blades, Enkrid didn't hesitate. He stepped forward with his rear foot and kicked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just before his kick connected, Torres blocked it with his palm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The distance closed—to the point where even their swords couldn't fit between them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Torres dropped his short sword and lunged deeper into Enkrid's space, crossing his arms to grab his collar. He intended to choke him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unbothered, Enkrid pulled his sword upward from between his legs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a bold upward slash aimed at Torres's back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if he got choked, he could leave a significant mark on the special forces soldier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Torres twisted away, releasing Enkrid's collar and shoving his chest instead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Enkrid resisted the push, redirecting his sword into a horizontal slash.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With Torres unarmed, the outcome seemed certain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet, in that moment, Enkrid experienced something new.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His opponent vanished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vanished?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a split second, his concentration faltered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The opponent had disappeared right before his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not even a sound remained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, instinct kicked in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A survival instinct forged through countless brushes with death guided Enkrid.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He tilted his head back, exposing his chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A flash of light erupted from below his chin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swish!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The flash grazed his cheek.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Within the briefest moment, Enkrid regained focus.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If I lose sight of him, I'll die.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The warning etched into his instincts was clear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The light soared upward and then fell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Enkrid caught it with his left palm while lifting his knee.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thwack! Thump!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pain seared through his palm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the instant before impact, he saw Torres's eyes twitch with shock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Blood dripped from Enkrid's left palm, which had just intercepted the blade of a dagger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sudden injury came as a result of Torres discarding his short sword and swiftly drawing his dagger for a lethal strike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A drop of blood hit the ground with a faintplop, followed by a slow, steady trickle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Torres exhaled sharply, miming the act of sheathing his blade, and Enkrid released the dagger's edge without resistance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pain surged through his left hand—a searing, burning ache.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A similar sharp sting spread across his cheek, accompanied by the warm flow of blood from a cut sustained earlier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had that strike landed fully, it could have split his jaw. It seemed luck was on his side—or perhaps it was something more instinctive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Terrifying...'thought Enkrid.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You've got some luck, huh?\" Torres remarked, his voice cutting through the tension.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At some point, Rem had moved behind Torres, his axe resting on his shoulder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stood close enough that a swing would reach.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beside him, Ragna was poised, his left hand placed on his sword, his left foot shifted half a step forward—a stance that unmistakably signaled readiness for a draw strike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You shouldn't take it any further,\" Ragna muttered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Torres wasn't just surrounded by the two of them;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jaxen, the squadmate with auburn hair, stood at his flank.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jaxen held no weapon, but his presence felt even more dangerous than Rem or Ragna.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The culmination of their earlier sparring had left Enkrid's instincts hyper-aware, warning him of the risks around every corner.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And there was more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Enkrid's gaze dropped between him and Torres to find a slender, leaf-shaped blade—clearly of fairy craftsmanship—wedged between them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's enough, platoon leader of The Frontier Slaughterers ,\" came the calm but firm voice of the fairy commander.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her blade had slipped between them unnoticed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why so tense? It's just sparring. A few more seconds, and I'd have been full of holes,\" Torres quipped, retrieving his dagger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He rubbed his abdomen where Enkrid's strike had landed, raising both hands in mock surrender.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally, the onlookers, who had been holding their breath, exhaled in relief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Damn, that was incredible!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Are you kidding? How is he ranked as a low-grade soldier?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed no further evaluation was needed; the audience recognized what they had just witnessed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"At least mid-grade! No, higher!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even soldiers in the crowd could tell the difference.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Torres—his reputation well-known—spoke first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm Torres, platoon leader of The Frontier Slaughterers.\" He tapped his insignia and extended his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Enkrid sheathed his blade and extended his uninjured right hand to shake it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Enkrid, 4th Company, 4th Platoon, 4th Squad Leader,\" he replied formally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Torres grinned, his demeanor friendly, as though they hadn't just been at each other's throats moments before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I've heard of you—the troublemaker squad leader,\" Torres said, laughing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those within the city who knew of Enkrid knew him well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You're skilled. Let's spar again sometime,\" Torres said as he turned to leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Torres walked through the crowd, soldiers instinctively parted for him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His title as one of the Frontier Slaughterers commanded respect, even among allies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fact that someone of his stature had acknowledged Enkrid spoke volumes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the soldiers weren't merely impressed by Torres.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why does he have to look good doing it too?\" someone muttered, watching Enkrid brush his damp bangs aside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The spectators, who had gathered at the training ground, now viewed Enkrid in a new light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It hadn't been intentional, but the event shifted perceptions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From that day forward, no one casually dismissed Enkrid.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gone were the whispers questioning his competence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anyone doubting him was swiftly rebuked:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Are you serious? That's the guy who saved the battalion in the last campaign.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even those returning from leave, oblivious to the recent events, couldn't help but fall in line.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You don't know? He destroyed the curse! You think that just happened on its own? Idiot!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Enkrid's feats had become the stuff of legend.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Witnesses stepped forward, bolstering his reputation further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I was nearly skewered by an arrow, but he stepped in and blocked it just in time,\" Bell recounted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not to mention he charged headfirst and shattered the curse. I saw it with my own eyes!\" Andrew confirmed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Andrew's caretaker, Mac, added, \"He always took on the riskiest missions during recon. And his swordsmanship? That's not for me to judge—it's on a whole other level.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The shift in atmosphere was undeniable, though Enkrid remained focused on his duties.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When his promotion was finalized two days later, it barely changed his routine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You're something else, Squad Leader,\" Rem teased during a shift at the southern gate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"People can't stop talking about you. Don't act like you don't know.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Enkrid shrugged it off, focusing instead on his training.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After their shift, as they prepared to leave, a man intercepted them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The stranger's presence was unsettling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let's talk,\" he said, his tone sharp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Rem could retort, Enkrid intervened, dismissing his companion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Go ahead without me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rem hesitated but eventually relented, muttering as he walked away, \"Fine, but don't forget about me!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once alone, the man scoffed. \"Discipline is a mess in your squad.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wouldn't be called the troublemaker squad otherwise,\" Enkrid replied calmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man walked along the low walls of the barracks, and Enkrid followed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You know who I am?\" the man asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You're the First Company Commander,\" Enkrid replied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man nodded, his reputation preceding him as the leader of the formidable turtle infantry of the Border Guard Battalion.\u003C\u002Fp>",1968,"2026-06-03T07:42:55.179Z","2026-06-03T07:42:59.781Z",1,"novelbin.me","0cf0330e08ac0a808d50eb5d684da69bc96cfa5ba6e7c333e82125dbd3e3c619","eternally-regressing-knight-chapter-425","eternally-regressing-knight-chapter-424",782,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Feternally-regressing-knight-cover.jpg"]