Overgeared

HIs blood-sucking ability was beyond the level of the class characteristic. 

The final blow killed the remaining four followers. As the bones of the followers were crushed and brain matter poured from their heads, Grenhal seemed as intact as he looked originally.
The new wounds obtained during the battle disappeared without a trace, and only the old scars remained.
It seemed like time was reverting.

“…”

“…”

The silence continued. Grid and the Overgeared members, who felt more frightened than in awe of Grenhal, were close-mouthed. One man broke the silence.

“…Cough.”

It was Grenhal who was bleeding. He groaned as the wounds that had been erased were once again etched on his hard body.

‘Duke Grenhal…?”

Why all of a sudden? Grid made a worried expression as he belatedly came to his senses. Morse, who tore apart the new followers that arrived while Grenhal was fighting, explained, “The reason why Duke Grenhal doesn’t use his abilities is due to the aftereffects.” 

Ever since he saw the power of the assimilated Grid and Braham, Morse was deeply respectful and courteous to Grid.
Yet he spoke a bit crudely at this moment, perhaps due to his wild state after turning into a beast. Still, Grid didn’t dwell on Morse’s tone. He thought of Morse like a puppy scratching his ears.

“Grenhal recovers from the damage during the battle, but he will suffer them again after the battle ends.
Additionally, those wounds will never heal.
They can’t be healed through any means.”

“The scars on his body…”

“They are signs of the aftereffects.
Well, Duke Grenhal fights for the nation and its people.
In his position, the scars are like decorations.
He must feel that he got a new medal today.” 

Grenhal fought for Grid and his colleagues. After these words, Morse ended his beast transformation. He took off his fur and returned to human form, once again acting politely to Grid.
“I think Duke Grenhal will need time to rest.”

“I will help.” Grid moved ahead of Morse and approached the fallen Grenhal. He lent his shoulder to the still bleeding Grenhal. Looking closer, there was a deep cut on Grenhal’s chest that had never been there before. It was a mark from being penetrated by the spear.

Grid opened his mouth, “…You have worked hard, my friend.”

Maybe someday they would become enemies again. Grenhal couldn’t play a role in political matters as long as the emperor and grandmaster existed. It was a fact that both Grid and Grenhal knew. However, Grid accepted Grenhal as a friend. What else could he call a person who fought for them while taking the risk of disclosing his weakness? It was Grid’s way of repaying the same goodwill, friendship, trust, and favor.

“…Your Majesty.” Duke Grenhal was thrilled. Those who witnessed his insanity and violence so far had avoided or feared him. Yet Grid was different. His own interests didn’t obscure his essence. He didn’t forget the reason for Grenhal’s insanity and violence and completely accepted Grenhal’s heart. Duke Grenhal was glad and grateful for it.

In addition, Grid’s favor didn’t end with these words.

“Do you know? ”

“…What?”

“My sister is a Saintess.”

“…”

“My dear little sister.”

“…!”

Grid’s gaze was focused on the duke’s left shoulder as he boasted about his little sister. It was an unusually deep wound—to the point of permanent disability. This couldn’t be considered a medal even for Duke Grenhal. He would feel resentment toward the scar whenever his right arm moved better than his left arm. Grid thought that it was the reason Duke Grenhal’s level was lower than that of Spear Saint Rachel and Sword Duke Limit.

“You can meet with my sister at any time.
Her healing power can be of great help to you.”

“Thank…
Thank you, Your Majesty.” Grenhal’s body trembled.
He straightened himself using Grid’s shoulder and expressed deep gratitude. At this moment…

“Gridddd!”

A terrible smell drifted from somewhere.

“I finally found you!”

Along with a gale, Drunk Duke Diworth appeared.

“Ohu?”

Diworth glimpsed the scene and smiled significantly. He noted that Grenhal facing Grid had taken off his armor.

“It is just before death.”

Grenhal was in a temporarily invincible state after opening the power of a berserker. The usual Grenhal might be different, but even Rachel and Limit didn’t dare say they could defeat ‘Immortal King Grenhal.’ Diworth imagined that Grid would die from Grenhal’s violence. By the way, why was the progress so slow?

‘What? Don’t tell me?’

Diworth sensed that something had gone wrong and stared at Grid and the other dukes.

“This wicked guy! You sold Piaro’s name!!”

“Piaro?”

Why did that name come out here? Grenhal, Morse, and Basara doubted their ears. Huge questions swirled in their minds. Still, there was a problem to be addressed before resolving the questions.

“Duke Diworth, remove your gaze.”

“Huh? Duke Grenhal? Did I hear that correctly?”

“Don’t look at the Overgeared King with your glaring eyes.”

“…???”

As stated earlier, Diworth was the one with the weakest authority among the Seven Dukes. On the other hand, Grenhal was a powerful man among the Seven Dukes. The confused Diworth lowered his eyes for now.