I Will Eventually Embark On The Path Of No Return Called A Hero

[Arc5] - 54. The Advancing Seven Deadly Sins

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"Lord Cyd, how did you train to become so powerful?"

"Lord Cyd, I heard that [Pride] Escanor is completely different between day and night—is that true?"

"Lord Cyd..."

Cyd found himself reminiscing about meeting various kings on the continent; back then, Arthur had been full of curiosity, asking question after question. Now, Arthur seemed to have become Hauser.

"I say, you're technically a prisoner now, and I, as a criminal of the kingdom, am heading to Liones. Can't you at least show a little tension?" Cyd responded to Hauser's questions while tapping Gilthunder's shoulder. This was one of Meliodas's boredom-inspired responses to a scenario where one's throat had been pierced.

Ignoring the strange premise, Meliodas somehow thought that the completely uncooperative Seven Deadly Sins would listen to his instructions. So he had even forced young Gilthunder to learn this seemingly useless skill.

But it was fortunate that he had, or Cyd wouldn't have a way to communicate with Gilthunder right now.

"Lord Cyd doesn't seem like a bad person. I think something must have gone wrong ten years ago."

"So, you think Hendrickson and Dreyfus are the ones at fault?"

"No, I genuinely respect them. I just think there might have been a misunderstanding, like maybe the former Holy Knight Commander isn't dead and the Seven Deadly Sins disappeared without explanation to save someone."

Cyd gave Hauser a surprised look; he had always thought this guy was just a hot-headed fool, but his intuition was unexpectedly accurate.

"Hauser, they are criminals. Don't talk to them," Gilthunder said coldly, glaring at Cyd, ready to strike at any moment.

Cyd glanced at Gilthunder's eyes and saw the reflection of someone hiding behind a large tree in the background.

It seemed they were being monitored. They hadn't been tracked, so it looked like kind of Merlin's teleportation magic at work.

"There's nothing you can do to stop us. We're forty kilometers away from Liones. Do you want to try and stop me?"

He aimed this remark at Guila alone. Hauser, though unharmed, was acting like a starstruck fan. Gilthunder had been incapacitated for the act, so Guila was the only one actively looking for an opportunity to counterattack.

"Forty kilometers... there's still a chance." Guila bit her lip, searching for an opening, but Cyd had turned his back to her. Hauser, thinking she was also incapacitated, had lifted her over his shoulder in a "sack of potatoes" carry, making it impossible for her to act.

"Curse this brute!"

At least until Hauser realized how rude his carrying method was, Guila would have to abandon any plans of ambushing Cyd.

…

In the Liones Kingdom's war council room, the most influential Holy Knights were gathered, their expressions dark. The Seven Deadly Sins, fugitives for ten years, were approaching Liones from all directions.

Leading them was the Vice-Captain, Cyd, followed closely by [Envy] Diane and [Greed] Ban. The most problematic were [Pride] Escanor and [Lust] Gowther, who were dangerous in every sense.

No news had yet been heard of [Wrath] Meliodas, [Gluttony] Merlin, [Sloth] King, or the missing Princess Elizabeth, though it was possible they were approaching Liones by other means.

It was laughable that the entire kingdom was on high alert because of eight people. But none could laugh, for they all knew the Seven Deadly Sins' strength. Those who didn't, however, found humor in it.

A middle-aged man with an eyepatch rested his feet on the table, sneering at the Holy Knights.

"They're just eight Holy Knights, right? With the New Generation, we've got hundreds. Why worry?"

"Oh, if Sir Helbram is so confident, why not be the one to meet Cyd?" A knight said sarcastically, tossing him a letter of assignment.

"Well... I'll have to decline. Most of you are here to face legends, and so am I. Cyd is not an opponent I want to fight," Helbram shrugged, pushing the letter aside and tossing two daggers on top of the wanted posters for King and Meliodas.

"It's likely that the Seven Deadly Sins are here because of Princess Elizabeth, so she's probably with [Wrath] and [Sloth]. I, along with the New Generation, will deal with them and capture the princess."

As Dreyfus carefully strategized and mediated the knights' disputes, Hendrickson remained silent, seemingly with his own agenda.

"By the way, Sir Dreyfus, is your son Sir Griamore still with Princess Veronica?"

"He swore loyalty to her, so yes." Speaking of his beloved son, the normally stern Dreyfus showed a rare, gentle smile.

"Just eight criminals. We who carry on our brother's legacy can surely protect Liones."

…

In the king's quarters, the most secure place in the kingdom had now become its strongest prison. King Bartra looked out the window, deeply concerned for Liones.

The signs of the Holy War prophecy were becoming clearer, but one of the items needed to break the seal was already in Dreyfus's possession. The other two items remained with Meliodas.

Bartra knew Meliodas's plan with the Seven Deadly Sins, but it required breaking the seal—a course that would pit them against everyone. Yet it might also be the only way to free Meliodas and Elizabeth from their tragic fate.

"What will you choose, Meliodas? Will you save your beloved by defying the world... or let her live in peace, never remembering you, and wait for the day you meet again?"

There was no question. If it were Meliodas, he would surely...

Meliodas looked at the dragon-shaped hilt in his hand and sighed deeply, his gaze firm as he looked at Elizabeth.

"Elizabeth, you go ahead. I'll cover the rear."

"O-okay." Elizabeth, unaware of Meliodas's true intent, climbed into the mouth of a wolf, following King.

The creature's mouth led to other spaces, said to be a strange entity born in the Fairy King's Forest.

And Meliodas's intent was simple—to catch a peek under Elizabeth's skirt!

It wasn't abuse of authority! After all, the space was just too small.

"Ah! Lord Meliodas, what are you doing?"

"Oh, Elizabeth, you were moving too slowly, so I accidentally bumped into you."