Chapter 23: The Birth of the Abyss (Part 4)

“Did you hear that? I asked if you heard it?” Samimi whispered urgently to Fabiana.

“I heard it,” Fabiana glared at her. “What are you trying to say?”

“Nothing. Just wanted to know if you heard it—really heard it,” Samimi said.

“If you have something to say, just say it.” Fabiana looked glum, but couldn’t stop herself from reflecting on things inwardly.

“Then I’ll really say it, okay?” Samimi teased.

“Don’t.” Fabiana backed down instantly.

“Seeing that there are still young people today who carry on the spirit of the demon-hunting sisters gives me hope. It means this world isn’t completely rotten yet,” said Knight King Shaya with emotion.

“…” Fabiana’s expression twisted even more hearing her grandfather offer Samimi the highest praise.

“Knight King, you’re overthinking it,” Samimi replied flatly. “I don’t care about any spirit. I just want to make money.”

“If you really wanted to make money, you wouldn’t wear the Mark of the Condemned,” said Knight King Shaya.

“With your skills, you could’ve bowed your head, admitted fault, and returned to your life of luxury. But you didn’t. You refused to kneel or admit guilt—you wanted to prove something. You wanted to prove you weren’t wrong. That’s why you’re redeeming yourself. This truly is an age of twisted values.”

The long and cutting analysis left both Samimi and Fabiana speechless.

Because everything he said was absolutely true. Samimi felt as though her mindset had been entirely seen through. As expected of the Knight King—he had insight.

Fabiana understood now: Samimi wasn’t condemned because she did something wrong, but because she refused to admit wrongdoing.

If she had simply begged a little or played along, she wouldn’t be labeled a sinner. She’d still be enjoying a noblewoman’s comforts in the grand count’s castle.

Fabiana’s mind was in turmoil, emotions swirling.

Admiration…

That strange feeling returned again.

If it were her, would she have that kind of determination—never to bow, no matter the cost?

But the answer was simple and clear. If she truly had that kind of courage, she wouldn’t be admiring Samimi now.

Even her stubborn grandfather, who never praised her, admired this woman. Compared to Samimi, Fabiana felt like a clown.

No! I can’t think like that!

I can’t underestimate myself!

I have to prove myself!

I must prove that I’m stronger than Samimi—through action!

She’s just a priestess. I’m the rightful heir to the Knight King’s legacy!

After a storm of internal struggle, Fabiana squashed her admiration. Her gaze sharpened with new resolve.

Defeating the source of the abyss was her best chance to prove herself before her grandfather!

It was also her chance to make Samimi acknowledge her strength—and perhaps ask her back into the Hero’s Party.

Fabiana envisioned it all in her mind.

Chitchat made time pass quickly. A four-man scout squad returned.

“Well?” Knight King Shaya asked.

“We found it,” said the Whale Knight squad leader. His expression was grim. “But we can’t get close. The poison mist is too thick.”

“Poison?” Knight King Shaya frowned.

“It’s a paralytic toxin. Inhaling a little isn’t too dangerous, but prolonged exposure leads to full paralysis—then you’re monster food. It’s like a spider web, in gas form,” the squad leader explained.

“Actually, that’s good news. At least it’s not instantly lethal. How long can we last inside the mist?” the Knight King asked.

“We don’t know, sir,” the squad leader replied, clearly troubled.

“I can disperse the poison mist,” Samimi suddenly said. “But my dispersal field can only cover five people, including myself. Pick four to come with me.”

Everyone was stunned—then lit up with hope. Except for Fabiana.

“Beta, Kaya, Lazafi—you’re with me. Belu, go inform the other two squads to rendezvous outside for support,” the Knight King ordered quickly.

“Grandfather! What about me?” Fabiana pointed at herself.

“You go with Belu to inform the others,” he said, not even sparing her a glance.

“I want to go! I’m a Pure-White Knight—I have passive toxin resistance!” Fabiana insisted.

“Useless,” Samimi said bluntly. “Your resistance is for deadly toxins. This mist is paralytic and accumulates over time. You might last longer than most, but you’ll still go down.”

“I… I-I-I… Lazafi, give me your spot!” Fabiana snapped, ready to force her way in.

“My lady, if something happens to you, our entire knight order loses its successor!” cried Lazafi. “You’re supposed to inherit command of the Whale Knights! You can’t fall here!”

“If I can’t even endure this hardship, what right do I have to be commander? Might as well die,” Fabiana gritted her teeth, resolved.

With that, Lazafi had nothing left to say. He yielded his spot.

Knight King Shaya had stayed silent throughout, letting his granddaughter earn her spot through negotiation.

Though she didn’t have great strength, her force of will was undeniable. And for a knight, that force of will— presence —was crucial.

You need strength of presence to rally comrades and command others. A true commander must inspire trust and respect.

“Let’s move,” said Knight King Shaya.

Samimi could see it clearly now—his harshness was all for Fabiana’s growth. Though extreme, everything he did was for her sake.

Then again, they weren’t an ordinary family. They were the ruling line of a prestigious knightly order.

He had to force her to grow—because if she lagged behind, other ambitious houses would devour them.

Sure enough, a cloud of murky green mist loomed ahead.

The five dismounted and proceeded on foot.

“Group Dispel!”

Samimi cast her magic, creating a field that enveloped the five of them, repelling the poison entirely.

“Miss Nun, you’re amazing!”

“Miss Nun, that’s incredible!”

The Whale Knights were full of praise.

“I’m honored. This is actually the first time I’ve been complimented by teammates,” Samimi smiled gently.

“?” Fabiana sniffled slightly—recognizing that passive jab.

“What squad were you part of before, Miss Nun?” asked Knight Beta.

“!” Fabiana tensed up.

“I used to be an adventurer,” Samimi replied. “But all my teammates are dead now.”

“She didn’t mean to bring that up—he’s just got a loose tongue,” scolded Knight Kaya.

“I’m sorry, Miss Nun. I spoke out of turn,” Knight Beta apologized.

“It’s fine,” Samimi said.

“Save the talk, kids—the monster’s coming,” said Knight King Shaya, cutting off their conversation.