Chapter 102: An Unexpected Revelation

“My Noble Phantasm is the very tool I once used to purge those vermin. I call it the ‘Ultimate Punishment King.’”

Lanser’s impression of Vlad was that, while he knew much about Count Dracula—the incarnation of Vlad—he knew very little about Vlad himself, the original figure. Sensing Lanser’s difficulty, the other explained, “I will pierce all the pests of the nation, and my Noble Phantasm summons all those stakes I wield to attack any enemy within a one-kilometer radius.” At this, Lanser caught a glint of bloodlust flickering in his opponent’s eyes. Yet, he did not mind; after all, he had slain many pests himself. As long as they were truly pests, Lanser saw no wrongdoing.

Lanser could tell Vlad bore no regret or fear, clearly a man with a clear conscience. Naturally, he extended his hand. Vlad was momentarily stunned. As a ruler who had slain a fifth of his own people, even among heroic spirits he was a rare anomaly. It was even rarer for someone like Lanser to listen with a smile and then offer a handshake so readily.

Seeing Vlad’s hesitation, Lanser explained, “Since you’ve heard of me, you must know what my mission is, right?” Vlad considered this. Though their identities differed, Lanser had killed as many of his own people as enemies, so Vlad harbored no objections to his cause.

Two merciless executioners, without a shred of guilt, exchanged a warm handshake in the room. If one ignored their blood-soaked pasts, the scene would resemble a beautiful oil painting: a pale-faced nobleman dressed in traditional aristocratic garb and a sunlit youth clad in armor. After the introductions, Lanser added, “I am Lanser, servant of King Arthur, known among the nobles as the ‘Knight of Blood.’ My Noble Phantasm is a weapon steeped in the blood of countless pests and dark creatures.”

Had they undertaken this mission alone, danger would have been certain. But united, they had no need to risk everything. Though meeting for the first time, they got along well. Still, they both understood that some things were best kept hidden. Each knew the other was concealing secrets, but neither minded. Revealing everything at once to a stranger would only diminish respect. After all, fools rarely survived the battlefield—discounting those with heroic destinies or extraordinary luck.

“So, shall we go deal with them now? Once this is over, we’ll have a short break,” said Vlad. The heroic spirits spent their days between missions lingering in the desolate Throne of Heroes, though they did mingle during their downtime.

“Whatever you say.” Lanser rose, stretched lazily, and opened the door. As he did, he turned back and asked, “Vlad, do you still remember the rules for missions in other worlds?”

Naturally, Vlad replied, “Of course. I must not let ordinary people know of my existence.” Lanser understood the consequences if the common folk discovered them. Fortunately, heroic spirits could usually become incorporeal, making detection rare.

In an instant, Vlad transformed into a spirit and vanished inside Lanser’s quarters. Satisfied, Lanser nodded.

“Maotang, send me the map of that area,” Lanser said aloud, knowing Maotang would be watching him and respond.

Unfortunately...

“Lanser, what are you talking about?” Asuna appeared at Lanser’s door, holding a bag of bread. Maotang, seemingly oblivious, projected a data screen before Lanser: a flat map with a red area blinking incessantly.

“This… how is this possible…” Liz and Silica, who had followed, saw Asuna gape and fall backwards, the bread dropping to the floor.

———

Inside Lanser’s quarters—

In the reception room, Liz, Silica, and Asuna sat on the sofa watching Lanser, who sat opposite them.

“Speak. What needs explanation?” Asuna crossed her arms, eyeing Lanser. Normally, Lanser might speculate about her figure from that pose, but this was a critical moment—his favorability rating with her was at zero, and he dared not be careless.

“You saw correctly. I did call Maotang Akihiko’s name,” Lanser said without hesitation. Though Asuna found it hard to believe, she rested her hand on her weapon, ready to strike at the slightest sign of deception.

“Ah—” Lanser sighed helplessly and continued, “This time, Maotang came to me about a matter concerning the lives of all players. If it goes wrong, everyone in this game could die. Even Maotang cannot stop the event from unfolding.”

Silica covered her mouth in shock, while Asuna, skeptical, asked, “What kind of problem is so severe that even the game’s creator cannot fix it, and you’re needed?”

Though Asuna sensed flaws in Lanser’s story, she still considered it possibly true—Lanser was no fool who would use a blatant excuse.

“There’s data corruption in the first-floor dungeon, where three individuals have appeared. Several players have been killed already. Maotang can’t control the data there, so I’m needed to resolve it,” Lanser revealed some minor details, hiding more important information.

“Fine, even if you’re not one of Maotang’s people, who exactly are you? Why would Maotang seek your help?” Asuna asked, hitting the core question. Lanser thought, no wonder she dominated Kirito’s heart in the original story—she was sharp.

“Must I say?” Lanser sighed again.

The three were silent, watching him intently. Lanser knew that mere words wouldn’t suffice. Seizing the moment, he asked Renka if he could disclose some information. She consented, but only on the condition they return safely—and he must bring the girls back. Lanser winced internally. They were already short on personnel; losing three spots was a serious blow, and whether the others would cooperate was uncertain.

At least some truths could now be shared.