018: Why don't you go die?

"Glug—glug—"

Count Lucien's head rolled to the ground, blood splattering across the cobblestones, staining his deep crimson cloak embroidered with gold patterns. His eyes were wide open, as if even in death, he couldn't believe his life had ended in such a manner.

Soldiers and knights nearby froze, their raised weapons rigid in their hands. The surrounding residents, who had been watching, were equally stunned, their breaths held as though time itself had come to a standstill in that moment.

After a brief silence.

"He's dead!"

"The demon is dead!"

People could hardly believe it. An immense joy flooded every heart and body almost instantly, as if they were dreaming.

"The Count!"

"My Lord Count!"

But before they could celebrate, the soldiers' cries of alarm pulled them back to reality. The soldiers charged forward frantically, seemingly trying to protect or save the Count. Yet, seeing the Count reduced to fragments, they were utterly helpless.

"Avenge the Count!"