Red Knights

The Red Knights are the strongest knights of the Saharan Empire. The rose symbolizes the empire's second greatest power. Many knights have previously belonged to the Black Knights before they were appointed a Red Knight. Their Red Armor, filled with the Red Energy of the Saharan Imperial Family, is remarkably noticeable and distinguishes them as Red Knights. They go on many expeditions and set up campsites with their colleagues.

The Red Knights are fearful and known for their terror. The smaller the number the stronger the knights are. Among them, the fifth knight upwards is on a different dimension. There is a tremendous gap between the empire's solo number knights. The fifth knight is at a level that is out of reach for most players, including most Rankers. The fourth knight is many times stronger and the third knight several times stronger than the fourth knight. Among them, the one to be the strongest is the first knight. The Red Knights were once not without reason the strongest Knight Division on the continent. It is not an exaggeration to say that the Saharan Empire could now exist because of the Red Knights.

And the Vice Captain of such knights was Blade's target—Asmophel, the former Vice Captain of the Red Knights when Piaro was their Captain.

However, Asmophel later betrayed them all, leading to the downfall of the strongest Red Knights to have ever existed.

Though Blade didn't go directly to Titan, he instead headed to Earl Zebra's territory.

The reason was simple—he wanted an item that was present there.

Earl Zebra's Castle.

The entrance was exceptionally dark and desolate, resembling the mouth of a dungeon. It gave off an eerie feeling, as if once someone entered, they might never leave. Only a truly bold person would dare step inside.

But Blade felt no fear. Without hesitation, he moved forward.

"Who goes there?"

The soldiers guarding the gate eyed Blade suspiciously. He was wearing a deep hood that obscured most of his face. Without a word, Blade pulled it back, revealing himself.

His Dignity stat was over 1,500, and his Continent Reputation exceeded 25,000, making him an incredibly influential figure. To the soldiers, it was as if a halo surrounded him, filling them with an inexplicable sense of awe.

"Where do you come from?"

Mistaking him for a high-ranking noble of the empire, the soldiers quickly adjusted their posture, their previous suspicion giving way to politeness. This reaction was nothing new to Blade, and he remained unfazed, responding with a calm, indifferent expression.

"I came to fight against the Slaughterer."

"Heok…" The soldiers gulped audibly.

This man was here to challenge the dreaded Slaughterer?!

And alone?!

'Everyone else always brings reinforcements…'

'Yet he's going in by himself?!'

"Are you serious?" one of them asked, still in disbelief.

Blade simply nodded.

"That's right."

It was an normal reaction, the Slaughterer is an monster that many knights even failed to kill yet he claims to fight by himself.

Earl Zebra's Castle

"Hrmm."

Earl Zebra was an unpleasant sight. His bloated body weighed nearly 100 kilograms, and his greasy face, combined with his drooping double chin, made him look more grotesque than noble. Stroking his sagging jaw, he scrutinized the black-haired man before him.

"What are you?"

Earl Zebra was neither talented nor particularly competent. He had inherited his title from his father, just as his father had before him. Yet, despite his mediocrity, he had one useful trait—he was skilled at reading people. Years of mingling with high-ranking nobles had sharpened his ability to gauge power and status.

And this man…

He radiated an air of dignity comparable to royalty.

'But I don't recognize him…'

The idea of a royal family member coming all the way here just to fight a monster was absurd. Royalty were like gods in this world, too important to risk their lives.

'A foreign prince, perhaps?'

Before his thoughts could wander further, the man finally spoke.

"I am someone who will solve your problem. Isn't that enough?"

"Hah."

Earl Zebra frowned at the arrogant response. The lack of an introduction was irritating, but ultimately, he didn't care.

'It doesn't matter. He'll die anyway.'

Half a year ago, a horrifying incident took place.

Like every other day, Earl Zebra had been torturing and killing someone for his own amusement. But that day was different. One of his victims, a man watching the scene in terror, suddenly began trembling violently before undergoing a monstrous transformation.

That man became the Slaughterer.

Since then, the beast had lurked beneath the castle, an uncontrollable nightmare. Earl Zebra had tried everything to exterminate it. He sent his best knights and magicians, hired top-ranking mercenaries, and even recruited adventurers.

All of them failed.

So far, over 800 warriors had challenged the Slaughterer.

All 800 had died.

The problem wasn't just the Slaughterer's raw strength—it was the battlefield itself. The castle's underground chamber was cramped, limiting movement. Only three people could fight in the basement at a time, which made overwhelming the beast impossible.

Yet, this black-haired man stood before him alone.

"Kukuku. Yes, yes, I understand. It doesn't matter who you are. Just please, fix my problem."

Reinforcements from the Red Knights were expected to arrive in four days, but Zebra had no intention of waiting. He held no expectations for this lone warrior, so he gave only vague instructions.

And then—

A quest window appeared before Blade.

[Fight the Slaughterer]

Difficulty: S+

In the past, Earl Zebra found a half man, half beast species from the slave market and purchased it. He enjoyed playing with his toy in the basement of the castle as he tortured them.

But eternal joy doesn't exist.

Zebra became bored of torturing stupid monsters who couldn't speak the language, and became addicted to torturing the 'good humans.'

He framed innocent people, made them prisoners, dragged them under the castle, tortured them, then killed them.

The half man, half beast watched this every day and became frightened, finally showing self-protective instincts. He opened the strength of an evil beast.

The Slaughterer has been subjected to numerous tortures and has the ability to grasp humans.

He is strong and dangerous.

He will become a great disaster someday if left unchecked now.

Quest Clear Conditions: Slaughterer's death.

Quest Clear Rewards: Black Quartz Earrings.

Quest Failure: Level -6. Reputation throughout the continent - 1,000.

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