Then Die - 1

Persuasion, which involves analyzing interests, understanding profit and loss, and explaining based on the opponent's values and beliefs, takes a long time. It also feels like a display of intellectual vanity, making it boring and pedantic.

*But what about just killing them?*

It ends quickly, leaves a lasting impression, and, no matter what, I win.

"Guh-ack... Kwe-egh!"

I stomped on the Demonkind beneath my foot and twirled my mace. As much as I wanted to truly kill them, I was, after all, on my way to something akin to persuasion. So, to maintain a minimum level of decorum, I didn't kill the Dark Knights in front of me.

I wrapped the trembling Dark Knights, who were crushed beneath me, in shadows and slammed them against the wall, then slowly walked forward.

*It's wider than I thought.*

From the outside, it looked to be only the size of an Observation Tower. But in reality, it seemed to be the size of an entire village, and I let out an exclamation of surprise as I walked forward. That's when I saw numerous Dark Knights and a Dullahan, who appeared to be their Commander-in-chief, rushing towards me.

I chuckled at their fierce determination to absolutely prevent any intruder from entering.

I extended my shadow and slowly walked forward...