TFSAWE - Chapter 247: Inconceivable (Patreon)

Turning his head to gaze at the village, the sky above it seemed to crumple like folded paper. "Maumul," as it was known, referred to the existence of beings from another world, crossing over through the fractures that naturally occurred when worlds collided.

Even now, as if to prove this fact, the space distorted, and amidst the swirling rifts, wings and spider-like legs writhed, making their way into this realm.

Latvan who had faced many demons before, immediately recognized them. They were of intermediate size, a trio in number.

As soon as they emerged fully from the rift, they fluttered their grotesque wings, as if acclimating to the air of this new world.

Latvan gazed at the temple knights. Since demons had appeared, they would surely charge towards them. However, the expression on Latvan's face hardened as he observed the temple knights, who remained fixed on him without so much as a blink, as though the village being attacked by demons was none of their concern.

Shock and anger surged within Latvan.

He was well aware that he was now considered a renegade, a traitor with a burning target on his back. Yet, forsaking the most fundamental duty of aiding people with the power of the gods? It was inconceivable.

As Latvan was about to turn his body away from the temple knights and rush towards the village, he froze.

What would happen if he went to the village? Naturally, the temple knights would pursue him, and then the chances of Iris, who had entered the village, and her fellow knights being discovered would be high.

But what if he didn't go?

With that kind of demon presence, the remaining knights in the village might not be able to eliminate them completely, but they could at least force them to retreat. Furthermore, since the temple knights pursuing him would undoubtedly follow in his footsteps, he might be able to create distance between Iris and the others. So, he had to flee to the mountains.

Despite his mind urging him to head for the mountains, Latvan's legs refused to budge.

Having sworn an oath to the gods and walked the path of a temple knight, he had never once turned his back on people's screams, always taking the forefront in battle against demons.

And then, it happened.

Kaaaaah!

A roar far louder and sharper than before reverberated through the air. The sound alone sent a chilling, powerful force that seemed to rend the very fabric of the atmosphere. The clouds trembled, and amidst the howling wind, a colossal figure emerged through the gaps in the clouds.

"Heksa?"

Suddenly, Latvan appeared startled as he gazed upon the monstrous creature. Its size differed greatly from what I remembered, and its wings and legs had multiplied. This creature had undergone a rare "metamorphosis" that was occasionally observed in this place.

"Good Lord," Latvan exclaimed, his grip tightening on the sword. Heksa settled atop the village bell tower. As bricks tumbled and dust billowed, the bell tower ultimately succumbed to the weight of Heksa, collapsing. Small creatures emerged around Heksa, emitting an unsettling cry before swiftly flying towards the village at a rapid pace. Distant screams of the townspeople reached our ears.

Latvan understood the situation all too well. If things continued this way, the village would suffer near annihilation. He turned his head, casting a gaze upon the temple knights accompanying Carl. Even from afar, their astonishment at Heksa's presence was evident.

Latvan's hope of organizing the ranks and rushing towards the village was promptly shattered once again. Carl, who stood at the forefront, shouted something and immediately turned to run. The temple knights beside him hesitated briefly before following suit.

"Ah..." Latvan uttered a despondent sigh. Did this mean that the temple knights had turned their backs on those in need? Abandoning the people seeking help? Just as he turned, several knights from the group halted and turned their bodies towards him, rushing in his direction. Perhaps they issued an order to capture him. However, as they drew closer, they shouted toward Latvan.

"Commander!"

Latvan's eyes widened. It had been a long time since he relinquished the title of commander. To think they still referred to him as such.

Latvan soon caught sight of the face of the knight who had revealed himself. A knight who appeared just as naive, if not more so, as those sacred regulations of the temple that he once believed to be the ultimate law of the world. Latvan could hardly fathom that this knight had come running towards him, addressing him as the commander, while leaving Carl behind. Carl, who held the position of vice chancellor, while he himself was nothing more than a fallen knight.

As if reading Latvan's thoughts, the knight shouted, "I am a member of the Temple Knights. It is unthinkable for us to turn away from the people and flee from the monsters. I will follow you, Commander!"

The knights who had run alongside him echoed their agreement with a resounding battle cry. Latvan turned his body.

The colossal figure of Heksa came into view. Without hesitation, the knights by its side charged towards Heksa.