Blade watched the Emperor's battle—or rather, what could barely be called a battle. It was a one-sided slaughter.
Emperor Juander did not even move, simply standing there with a chilling presence as Astaroth struggled helplessly. The once-feared Great Demon of Hell Lightning writhed in agony, his body corroded by the Red Energy of the Saharan Empire Emperor.
Slowly, painfully, Astaroth perished.
[You have succeeded in sealing the weakened Great Demon, Astaroth!]
[2nd place raid compensation acquired!]
[The soul of the Great Demon 'Hell Lightning' Astaroth has been destroyed due to presence of Saint, and will not reincarnate!]
[One of the Great Demon seats in Hell is now vacant.]
[Sun Saint has gained an extraordinary reward for killing a Great Demon!]
While the raid team celebrated their victory, Blade received his own personal notifications…
[You have leveled up 10 times.]
[You have permanently killed a Great Demon.]
[You have acquired 'Astaroth's Body' (Crafting & Necromancy Material).]
[You have obtained a Fragment of Astaroth's Power.]
[Astaroth's Power has been refined and transformed into 'Black Sun Domain.']
***
At S.A.
"It went well," Yoon Nahee sighed in relief as she watched Astaroth's defeat unfold on the screen.
The Great Demon of Hell Lightning wasn't supposed to be defeated this early. However, Blade's strategic use of his Saint-class abilities had completely changed the situation. By carefully manipulating events, he had ensured victory while minimizing unnecessary destruction.
"I can't even imagine what would have happened if he had killed all those Red Knights..." Yoon Nahee shuddered at the thought.
"If they had died, a large amount of content would have been destroyed."
The voice belonged to Lim Cheolho, the legendary chairman of S.A. Corporation. His gaze remained fixed on the screen, analyzing every detail.
"I guess it's better that he received that class," Yoon Nahee finally admitted, nodding approvingly.
Watching Blade's performance, she couldn't help but smile. 'He treats NPCs well… That alone makes him special.'
Unbeknownst to Blade, he had just gained another admirer.
***
"Here, have this."
Suddenly, Blade was startled as Emperor Juander tossed something towards him. It was a long sword and a skill book.
"These are my rewards, but I will give them to you," the Emperor said, his voice firm and resolute.
Blade accepted the gifts, though he didn't immediately inspect them, deciding to save that for later.
The Emperor then returned to his seat, while the other Dukes took notice before silently heading back to their respective positions.
"Saint Blade, you have done a great favor for the Empire," the Emperor declared. "Although I had reservations about you before, your actions have earned my respect. From this day onward, you are a honored guest of our Empire and it will maintain even if I die, and you shall receive the rewards you rightfully deserve."
The Emperor turned to the remaining Red Knights, their expressions solemn.
"First Knight, come forth!" he commanded.
Among the Red Knights, A Red Knight stepped forward, kneeling in front.
"From now on, you are relieved from your previous duties and reassigned to Saint Blade as his personal knights. Your task is to ensure his safety and aid him in eradicating evil."
The Red Knights bowed deeply, their voices echoing in unison. "I swear to aid him!"
The voice sounded feminine causing Blade to look at first knight.
Blade watched her kneel, his mind racing. 'Wait… if I remember correctly, isn't the First Knight supposed to be… Mercedes?'
A thought struck him. 'Did I just recruit a future legendary knight?'
"Damn, what a jackpot," Blade mumbled, his excitement barely contained.
He looked toward Emperor Juander and gave a respectful nod. "Thank you for your generosity, Your Majesty."
The Emperor, however, simply smilede. "You deserve it," he said in amusement before standing up and walking away. The Four Pillars followed after him, while the remaining Dukes and Red Knights lingered, their gazes now fixed on Blade.
Then, one by one, notifications flooded his vision.
[Affinity with Lorex reached 80 points]
[Affinity with Mercedes reached 80 points]
[Affinity with Lucas reached 80 points]
[Affinity with Dia reached 80 points]
[Affinity with Sky King Rigal reached 80 points]
[Affinity with Spear Saint Rachel reached 80 points]
[Affinity with Immortal King Grenhal reached 80 points]
[Affinity with Beast King Morse reached 80 points]
[Affinity with Golden Crown Basara reached 90 points]
Blade glanced around, noticing the relieved expressions of the Dukes and the humbled faces of the Red Knights.
"Thank you," one knight said—a burly man with two massive axes strapped to his back.
"You have really done us a great favor," said another, a scarred Duke who stepped forward.
"Mercedes, take care of him," instructed the Duke, Basara, as she turned toward the First Knight.
Mercedes, a woman with striking blue hair and a dignified presence, lowered her head respectfully. "I will."
She met Blade's gaze and continued, "Thank you, Lord Saint. You may not realize it, but you have given us a great gift. We will be forever indebted to you."
Blade extended a hand and shook hers firmly. "I was just helping a poor guy I met on the road," he said, brushing off the praise.
At that moment, one of the Dukes raised an eyebrow. "Wait… You met Sir Piaro?"
Blade nodded, recalling the tragic story Piaro had shared with him.
Instantly, every knight and duke in the room clenched their fists, their faces darkening.
"That bastard!" Lorex, a Red Knight known for his fiery temper, growled. "If he wasn't alive, I would have killed him myself!"
"Relax, Emperor gave that Demon a painful Death" Said Lucas another Red Knight as Lorex just snorted but nodded.
"Lord Saint, how about spending some time with us before returning to your duties?" asked Immortal King Grenhal, the strongest of the Dukes.
Blade shook his head. "I have to return and prepare for vanquishing another great Demon."
"We can help with that as well," suggested Beast King Morse, but Blade declined. "Only I can reach the place where he is."
*******
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