The Paper User: Exiled for a ‘Trash Skill,’ Awakens True Power and Rises with Two Unique Skills ,Volume 2 - Chapter 45

Chapter: The Holy Sword Brigade – Kilsas

“The Divine Tree Brigade really is strong.”

From a distance, Kilsas of the Holy Sword Brigade watched the battle unfold.

“When they were surrounded by all those cultists, I thought they were done for.”

“Instead of just watching, shouldn’t we be helping them already?”

The woman at his side, Elena, shot him a sharp look.

“Sure, they have the advantage now, but they’ve still taken heavy casualties. If the ten of us joined in, we could finish this fight much faster.”

“Not yet.”

Kilsas pointed toward Asrom, who was still locked in combat with the Rock Ogres.

“We wait until he takes them all down. That way, our risk drops to almost nothing.”

“Risk?”

“Of course. I’m the leader of the Holy Sword Brigade—I have a duty to protect my members. Besides, it wouldn’t hurt if the Divine Tree Brigade lost a few more fighters. That way, the balance of power between us stays even.”

“Kilsas…”

Deep lines creased Elena’s forehead.

“Listen up, everyone!”

Kilsas raised his voice to the eight members behind him.

“Wait for my signal before moving. No one acts until then.”

The others nodded in silence.

Perfect. We’ll enter at just the right moment and earn a debt from Asrom himself.

A grin stretched across Kilsas’s face.

But just then—

From the east, dozens of adventurers burst onto the battlefield. At their head was a silver-haired, twin-tailed girl—the Hero of Twelve, Sylphiel.

With her weapon, the Twin-Headed Radiant King, a golden double-bladed staff, she cut down cultists as she charged straight toward Didra.

Didra spotted her and began chanting, conjuring dozens of fiery arrows. Sylphiel batted them aside one after another with her weapon, never slowing her advance.

“Tch…!”

Didra drew a black dagger from its sheath.

“Too slow!”

Sylphiel swept her blade sideways, slashing across Didra’s abdomen.

“Guh…!”

Didra collapsed, face contorted in pain. At the same time, Asrom felled the last Rock Ogre.

“R-run!”

Panic spread as the cultists broke and scattered.

Watching the scene, Kilsas bit his lip hard.

Damn it. Of all people, it had to be Sylphiel of the Moonlight Brigade. That was my chance to earn Asrom’s favor, gone in an instant.

His teeth ground audibly, and Elena let out a long sigh.

“Sylphiel, you have my thanks.”

Asrom hurried to her side.

“Thanks to you and your people, we survived.”

“Didn’t look like you were losing to me,” she replied, glancing over the fallen cultists.

“Well, whatever. So—did you find Zeldia?”

“No. Not even their hidden village yet.”

Asrom shook his head.

“But there’s no doubt he’s nearby. That dark elf you struck down was one of his subordinates.”

“Hmm. So we still have a chance to take him down.”

Sylphiel licked her lips.

“Which brings me to this—how about we hunt Zeldia together?”

“…With me?”

“Yes. The Divine Tree Brigade and the Moonlight Brigade, side by side.”

Asrom looked over her companions.

“With your cooperation, our chances of victory rise considerably. You’re one of the Twelve Heroes, and the Moonlight Brigade is the strongest group in Tansa.”

“Coming from you, that’s rich. You’re one of the Twelve as well, and your brigade is top-class in all of Reste.”

Sylphiel tilted her head and scratched at her hair.

“Well, fine. The important thing is making sure Zeldia of the Six Demon Stars is destroyed.”

“Thank you. I’m glad to have such a powerful ally.” Asrom smiled. “Now then—hm?”

He noticed a group of ten adventurers approaching.

At their head, Kilsas stepped forward and bowed respectfully.

“Sir Asrom, allow us to join you as well.”

“…And you are?”

“Kilsas, leader of the Holy Sword Brigade.”

Kilsas flashed a white-toothed smile.

“To think we’d meet one of the Twelve Heroes here—it’s an honor.”

“You too are after Zeldia, then?”

“Indeed. He’s destroyed countless towns and villages. The Six Demon Stars cannot be left unchecked. We may not be much, but please let us help.”

“Of course. I welcome it.”

Asrom clasped his hand firmly.

“…The Holy Sword Brigade, huh.”

Sylphiel stepped closer, eyes narrowing.

“This time you’ll be fine, right?”

“This time?”

Kilsas tilted his head.

“What do you mean, Lady Sylphiel?”

“I’m talking about that rescue request—the missing survey team. Out of thirty members, your brigade lost twenty-eight.”

“…Ah. That incident.”

Kilsas’s brow twitched.

“One of our new recruits made a serious mistake back then. But this time, I’m here myself. I’m S-rank and the leader. Things will be different.”

“…I see. Well, you are S-rank. I suppose your combat ability is solid enough.”

“Of course. I can’t compare to you or Sir Asrom, but I promise we’ll be of use.”

Kilsas’s lips curled upward.

Perfect. With two of the Twelve Heroes as allies, even a Demon Star can be slain. And if fate smiles on me, perhaps I’ll be the one to land the final blow.

“Lord Asrom!”

Teresa came running up.

“We’ve captured some of the wounded cultists. They should know where the hidden village is.”

Good. Let’s start the interrogation at once.”.

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