There were people who were physiologically disgusting. Grid was one such person to Agnus. According to one theory, Grid had a past that resembled Agnus. Grid hadnt experienced something as serious as failing to protect his beloved, which led to her death, killing those responsible, and mourning his lover afterward.

He also suffered! Agnus knew that it was difficult to compare the pain that individuals suffered. The bullies who had harassed him and devastated his lover were an example. They had used his palm as an ashtray every morning and laughed at him, but hadnt he endured the pain and turned the pages of his textbook?

Yes, pain was a relative and selfish thing. The pain he suffered couldnt be considered any worse than what Grid had suffered. This was the actual reason why he found Grid physiologically disgusting.

I cant understand! Why didnt Grid spend his life abusing others after what happened to him? Why does he look so happy?

Grid was always with someonehis family, lovers, and friends. They were always smiling while standing with him. This was difficult for Agnus to understand. Had Grid forgotten the days when they were powerless? They were now in a position to trample on people rather than embrace them. People like them had to be alone.

[You have suffered 8,900 damage.]

[Your health is less than 10%. You have used Silvenas Power that is attached to the Rune of Death. The nature of the dark demonkin who can assimilate with darkness has manifested, hiding your appearance and status.]

[Your contractor Baal is happy.]

-Evil that uses personal beliefs to devour evil. It is the opposite of my former contractor. Once again, I did well in choosing you. How interesting.

[Affinity with 1st Great Demon Baal has risen by 10.]

The notification windows appeared before Angus, but he didnt confirm them. His hateful gaze only chased Grid.

You're an incompetent person who cant protect your precious people!

Why wasnt Grids mind dark like Agnus? Why didnt he choose to be alone? Why didnt he concentrate on the precious ones he had earned and embrace all the little people? At the very least, Agnus didnt like this. He hated Grid. Agnus had just disappeared from Grids eyes when there was an explosion of black flames from the Enlightenment Sword.

The splash damage caused new damage to Agnus who was hiding his body.

[You have suffered serious damage!]

[You are in a half-lich state. You have a resistance to death for the duration of this transformation.]

[You have survived!]

It was a gray dawn. Agnus ribs were cracked as he hid in the shadow of a slanted pillar. He was in danger of losing his balance. This was a crossroad of life and death. It was an urgent battle situation where his head could be blown away at any time. The usual Agnus would be laughing madly, expressing his joy at exhilarating moments that made him forget the awful reality.

However, it was different now. The only emotions that could be seen on Agnus face were confusion and pain. Agnus wasnt confused over protecting the hateful Grids family. He had protected them because he projected his dead lover onto them, thus Agnus had no regrets about that.

Rather, the origin of the pain and confusion Agnus was feeling right now was Grid specifically. Why was Grid so different from him? Was Agnus the one who was wrong?

No! No!

You are wrong! Agnus sword penetrated the darkness and stabbed Grids side. It contained a powerful curse which weakened all the resistances that Grid had. In particular, Grids dark resistance was completely destroyed.

Cough! Grid coughed up blood and was reminded of the notification windows that rose a few minutes ago.

[The goddess of light, Rebecca is awaiting your response.]

[You have once again been given an opportunity to gain great power through the goddess blessing.]

[War God Zeratul is feeling satisfied with your choice.]

[War God Zeratul supports the goddess affection toward you.]

Like Agnus, Grid had yet to check his notification windows. From the first day they met till this moment, Agnus was always hurting someone. Grid disliked this type of person who could trample on others easily and feel bliss while doing so. Now Grids precious family members were sacrifices for Agnus joy?

Crazy jerk! A desire to kill bubbled up inside Grid. He felt a sense of responsibility to kill Agnus. The killing intent Grid felt toward Agnus was real, and the fighting energy around him became thicker.

Wave! Waves of sword energy stretched out around Grid. He was using this wide-area skill to capture Agnus who had suddenly become invisible.

...There! Grid detected Agnus. It was when Grid felt that some of the waves were being blocked by something, Then Grid focused and started a sword dancePagmas Swordsmanship, Pinnacle Kill. The manifestation of the fusion swordsmanship was an obvious mistake though.

Kuk...!

Flop! Grid stopped the sword dance as his legs weakened. He had been too agitated that he overlooked the state of his stamina.

[You are on the verge of running out of stamina. You cant use any combat skills.]

Overgeared Corn...

Grid urgently needed to recover his stamina by communicating with his unicorn. It was the first thing he thought of, but how could he communicate with the unicorn during the battle? His enemy wasnt a fool, nor was he dull-headed... especially not the enemy he was dealing with right now!

Kikikik! Kihahahahat! Agnus body was penetrated by Wave, and the darkness was removed. Half of Agnus body was just a bunch of white bones, but his momentum was fierce as his disheveled hair moved in the wind.

Grid felt a sense of crisis. Now that hed placed the God Hands, Noe, Randy, the Overgeared Skeletons, and the light elemental in the role of protecting Irene and Lord, there was no one left who could defend him. Moreover, it was hard for him to even move his fingertips.

Grid!

With his blurry vision, Grid could see Agnus charging toward him.

...!!

...!!!

The surroundings were noisy. He could hear the voices of people talking, but the contents didnt enter his ears.

Why?

Would he die like this? No, his opponent was exhausted and on the verge of death. Agnus use of Lich Transformation could be considered his last resort.

Maybe he still has his immortality and Bentaos Mockery remaining...

Grid painfully opened the Rune of Darkness, using Crays Power which absorbed 100% of the damage done to the target. Determined to maintain his life against Agnus, Grid swung his sword in a basic attack. He still had the effects of the First King title, Tiramets Power, and his immortality. So, he judged that he could win if he continued fighting.

In the first place, Grid was in a position where he just had to keep enduring. In order to protect Irene and Lord, he absolutely couldnt collapse. Grid pledged this firmly while swinging his sword. Meanwhile, Agnus used an attack skill as he plunged through Grids basic attack and hit Grids body.

The two people, who were trying to harm each other, tangled together. Then there was a flash of light. Compared to the past, its strength was now ridiculously weakened, but it was clearly the sword that had hurt Yatans Third Servant Aliburn.

Grids and Agnus eyes turned toward Damian at the same time. Damian had also evolved a step further after regaining the holy sword and preventing the invasion of the Yatan Church. As Grid and Agnus finally started looking around, Damian said to them, This is a sacred place that serves the will of the goddess. Stop fighting. In the capacity of the pope, I wont allow any further killing.

Why? Grid questioned him. Agnus was the enemy. Putting aside personal feelings, he was still Baals Contractor. He was a person who should be targeted by the Rebecca Church. So, why didnt Damian take the chance to punish Agnus? Grid couldnt understand it.

Damian pointed to Irene, Lord, and Lich Mumud. Look.

...? Irritated and suspicious, Grid followed Damians gaze and was shocked. He witnessed Lich Mumuds shield floating in front of Irene and Lord. Lich Mumud was protecting Irene and Lord from the aftermath of Grids battle with Agnus.

What...

Irene and Lords shouts came to the mind of the troubled Grid. They had said that he was a good skeleton. Lich Mumud protected them...

Their words were true?

Why though? Damian watched Grids trembling eyes and said carefully, I understand Grids feelings, but lets end the fight for today.

The Rebecca Church saw Baal as an enemy. Baals former contractor, Pagma, had tried to defend the Hall of Fame, but ultimately, he still sold his soul to the great demon. The Rebecca Church didnt regard Pagma as a hero in his later years and thought that the new Baals Contractor should be punished.

However, Pope Damian judged that now wasnt the time for it. I think it is better to leave each other alone today.

Damian didnt know why Agnus had betrayed the Yatan Church and helped them. He wondered about the reason but didnt dare ask. The most important thing was to rectify the situation. He believed a chance for that conversation would come someday. Still, this reason didnt seem enough to satisfy Grid. What are you up to? Why did you protect my family?

Ah? What nonsense are you saying? I never did anything like that.

Answer seriously!

I didnt know it was your family.

...?

I just saw a pretty woman and didnt want her to die. Kikik... I wanted to play with her.

The duration of Lich Transformation had ended, and only death was waiting for Agnus. He didnt want to miss this opportunity when he didnt know if it would come again. This was a great chance for a fight with the Overgeared King Grid while he was unprotected.

Sigh. Agnus gave a reason that nobody would believe and swept his hair back. He neatly arranged his hair, exposing his cold golden eyes. Dont speak.

...?

Just fight and kill. Huh? Kik! Kikikik! Kihahahahat! Agnus broke away from the appearance of politeness and rushed toward Grid. Agnus ignored the pope. Consequently, the Rebecca followers watching quietly couldnt stay still anymore. Isabels spear and the paladins sword pierced and stabbed Agnus skinny body. Agnus was fully restrained before even reaching Grid.

Why did you...? Damians lamenting cry rang out, but Agnus didnt pay any attention to it.

Instead, Agnus gaze went back to Irene and Lord who were sad and tearful, before looking at Grid again. You...

...

...Become stronger.

This was the end. Agnus body slowly turned to gray after being stabbed by the spear and swords. Mumud followed behind him.

Skeleton knight...

When will they be saved? Lord grew sadder as he saw Agnus and Mumuds sorrow. The red-eyed child tried to hold back his tears.

Then Pope Damian went to talk with the elders. They sent the royalty and the imperial prince away to rest. After that, they started to investigate how they had allowed this invasion to happen and also examine the extent of the damage.

I saw your struggle. Your Majesty is truly a hero. I was impressed by your moves several times.

Im flattered, Grid responded passively to 2nd Prince Dulandals words and was only able to face the goddess after confirming that Irene and Lord were asleep.

-Hero, bless you.