Reincarnated User Manual

Chapter 258: Resistance (1)

Chapter 258: Resistance (1)

The Great Plains.

Contrary to what one might expect from a name suggesting a barbaric wilderness, various factions were lurking in their respective territories at this location.

Ducal knights, leaders of conflict zones, nomads with their unique cultures, and heretics who believed in gods other than the orthodox ‘correct’ god.

Despite their different languages and origins, they shared common values and goals.

‘To resist the empire that has tyrannized for centuries.’

From the empire’s perspective, the term ‘tyranny’ seemed peculiar.

The empire had invested considerable manpower and capital to hold the northern front, demonstrating ‘leniency’ by not using its vast military force and influence for aggression against other nations.

No such hegemonic nation had existed in the continent’s history spanning thousands of years. From the empire’s viewpoint, it must feel like a knife suddenly pointed at its back.

However, those wielding the knives had their reasons.

The empire, while championing the common value of humanity’s survival, also pushed a principle of intolerance against those who opposed it.

Only the imperial army could station near the borders.

Allied nations had to bear half of the defense budget expended by the empire.

And if independent intelligence detected any unsavory movements, the knights could be dispatched without the host nation’s consent.

Naturally, this was deemed necessary by the empire.

The north was too vast for the empire to handle alone.

The neighboring countries’ security was poor.

And such insecurity provided a good breeding ground for heretics to gain power.

It would be beneficial if places like Lucerne or other allies understood these issues, but to the groups with poor relations with the empire, the empire’s tyranny only seemed more threatening the more they considered it.

...This suspicion only intensified after the empire tightened its borders.

Boom-!

“...A beast that doesn’t earn its keep.”

Jerome wiped the blood off his blade, looking at the fallen monster. For months, there had been reports that the empire was halfway giving up on the northern borders. Monsters he had never seen before were starting to appear in the great plains where he operated.

He belonged to the Southern Federation, a collection of small nations with poor relations with the empire. Therefore, he always disliked what the empire was up to, but contrary to the danger the empire emphasized, the giant black monkey he had just defeated was ‘easier’ to subdue than expected.

“The concentration of magical energy it emits is thick, but that’s all it amounts to. You don’t even need strong energy to thrust a sword into it, and although its size is threatening, its sluggish movements give you time to think.”

“...Is that so?”

“From what I’ve experienced, the ogres native to the continent feel a bit more challenging. It makes me wonder if all the beasts of the magical boundary are like this.”

“Dangerous thinking.”

“Yeah, unlike your princess, I haven’t even been near the magical boundary.”

Jerome snorted, staring at the woman in black martial attire with cold black hair, Soy. She was the leader of the Silleya assassination squad.

“So, I wanted to have a conversation. Didn’t your princess agree to come out herself?”

“The elders of Silleya decided to exclude the princess from this matter.”

“I heard she’s quite aggressive, always looking for a place to swing her sword... It’s disappointing that such a warrior would miss this opportunity, as a fellow swordsman.”

“...”

“I wish you would tell me the reason.”

“Don’t cross the line.”

Suddenly, a drawn sword was pointing at Jerome. He chuckled and stepped back.

“They say not to mess with a woman with a sword, and indeed, old sayings aren’t wrong.”

“Didn’t I tell you not to cross the line?”

“The order to become a sacrifice was decided by drawing lots. The newly acquired faith is also there, and there’s enough qualification to become a martyr.”

“Yes, that’s correct!”

The young knight replied energetically. His body displayed fear about what was soon to occur, but his mouth skillfully spat out lies.

“Then, let’s begin.”

Sisara pulled a black obsidian dagger from her attire. Her powers didn’t depend on any tool, but creating a mystical atmosphere was crucial when dealing with humans.

Holding the dagger, Sisara whispered to the trembling knight.

“Don’t be afraid. Your name will be remembered forever.”

“Yes.”

“What’s your name?”

“Olson.”

“Olson... A name fitting to join the Lord’s side.”

Sisara mulled over the young man’s name, then adjusted her grip on the crude dagger.

“The pain won’t last long. Happiness is eternal.”

Thunk-

Sisara, murmuring a prayer, plunged the dagger into his chest. The obsidian blade easily pierced the chainmail as if it were jelly, creating a large hole in his heart.

Blood gushed from the young knight’s mouth, yet his expression did not contort in pain.

Thanks to the illusion bestowed upon him by Sisara, the priestess of a strange god.

“Lord, I have sent you a true believer.”

Sisara, trembling with ecstasy, shed tears.

She felt divine energy. Although there was only a cold gaze beside her, she felt a warm, sticky touch enveloping her body.

“So, are you prepared to watch?”

Sisara aimed the rainbow at the horizon. Nothing was visible at its end, but Soy and Jerome knew what lay beyond.

‘The imperial army’s garrison.’

“That’s enough for me.”

“I don’t particularly want to see it either.”

“...That’s a pity.”

As they prepared to leave, the rainbow fell from Sisara’s hand.

Grooooo-

A tiny rainbow ring expanded momentarily, forming a small dot, then fizzled.

“Hmm...?”

Sisara looked beyond the horizon. Her power had failed to capture any sacrifice. Then...

She felt an approaching presence. As she breathed, the presence grew more immense, and a storm seemed to approach from beyond the horizon.

“Too far?”

Sisara aimed the rainbow as if drawing a bowstring. The incredible speed of the approaching force meant it was now too close to evade.

“Fwsh!”

She emitted a sound as she launched the rainbow. Simultaneously, Lucia stoked her energy center.

From the horizon, a line split the sky in two. A massive wave of lethal intent collapsed around Sisara.