Chapter 70
If anyone could be called the face of Gadeland these days, it was Zackhart, commander of the Third Knights. Thor would attack him and make a name for himself.
Having made that decision, Thor secretly monitored Zackhart's movements from that day onward, waiting for the right moment when his surroundings would be less closely guarded.
The opportunity came a few days later. On a day of light rain, Zackhart slipped his massive frame into a narrow alley by himself.
Thor gripped his dagger tightly and silently steeled himself. Fortunately, the rain meant there were few people out. There were even fewer in a narrow alley.
Despite his massive build, Zackhart moved with light, nimble steps, and Thor gradually closed in behind him.
―― I've got him! ――
Feeling that he was within striking distance, Thor dashed forward and readjusted his grip on the dagger. Then, just as he reached the spot directly behind Zackhart...
"Hmph. So you're the one who's been following me these past few days."
Turning only his head to check on Thor, Zackhart spun around while thrusting an elbow behind him.
The elbow came straight for Thor's face. Against an ordinary thug, it would have driven straight into his face, sending blood spraying.
But—
"Damn it!"
With a fluidity that drew an admiring "Hoh" from Zackhart, Thor barely dodged the elbow. Even with his balance broken, he thrust his dagger at Zackhart's arm.
Thor's dagger sliced only the thinnest layer of skin from Zackhart's arm. A faint red line appeared, then was washed away by the rain.
"Whoa!"
Regaining his balance, Thor raised his dagger again.
Zackhart watched him while stroking his beard.
Thor was utterly serious, but Zackhart narrowed his eyes as if he had found an amusing toy.
"You dodged that strike and attacked at the same time. Even though it was a sneak attack, wounding me is no small feat!"
Taking Zackhart's cheerful laughter as condescension, Thor flew into a rage.
"Don't screw with me! I'm taking one of your arms!"
Thor dashed forward again and closed the distance. Zackhart snatched up a broom propped nearby and thrust it forward with a grunt: "Nuun!"
Thor saw Zackhart thrust the broom, but even though he knew it was coming, he couldn't see the tip. It was that fast. He did not realize where it had struck until after it sent him flying.
He crashed down through a wooden crate. Only when the impact left him unable to breathe for a moment did he realize that he had been struck around the right shoulder.
The fight was already over. Blown away by Zackhart's thrust, Thor was in such a state that he could do little more than glare at Zackhart.
―― Damn it. The difference between us is too great. ――
Much as it galled him, the difference in skill between Thor and Zackhart was obvious. Worse, the pain from that single strike left him unable even to flee.
Capture would mean the end. That was the only future he could see. No—perhaps he'd be cut down right here...
Yet Zackhart did not inflict any further pain on Thor. Instead, he leaned in and peered at Thor's face with interest.
"Hmm. You've got a fine face for a thug, but... Did someone hire you?"
"...No. This was my own decision."
"Oh? Why did you target me?"
"To make a name for myself in the Backstreet."
At that answer, Zackhart let out another hearty laugh.
"Interesting. What do you usually do?"
"...I'm an enforcer at a gambling den."
For a while, an odd exchange continued, with Zackhart firing question after question while Thor answered despite grimacing in pain.
"I see. You were cheated and lost your money. Very well."
Zackhart nodded firmly to himself, then addressed Thor with words he never expected.
"You're skilled enough to land a hit on me. It'd be a waste to let you fool around out here. Join the Knights."
"Don't screw with me! Why would I?!"
No way did Thor want to serve under this man. He would rather be cut down here. But then he latched onto Zackhart's next words.
"If you train properly with the Knights, you might even be able to beat me."
Thor couldn't let things end with him losing. So he decided to join the Knights.
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"The podge here is exquisite, wouldn't you say!"
Once Thor had made up his mind to join the Knights, Zackhart took him straight to a small diner at the end of the alley.
Apparently, Zackhart had been on his way there to eat all along.
The delicious smell, so rare in the Backstreet, made Thor's stomach rumble. When he brought it to his mouth, the tritt's pleasant tang rose into his nose.
"Well? Tasty, isn't it!"
Zackhart kept badgering him to admit it was delicious.
"...Shut up. My shoulder hurts too much for me to taste anything."
Despite his words, Thor continued wolfing down the podge.