Budo's first reaction upon hearing his subordinate's report was disbelief. He knew his subordinate's strength well, not to mention his Teigu specialized in defense. Even Budo himself couldn't defeat him easily.
"General… please be cautious. Those attackers… there were several Teigu users among them… Even though we spotted them early, we were still overwhelmed… Cough, cough!"
Budo's expression darkened further as he looked at the blood pooling on the ground and smelled its iron tang.
Earlier, he'd briefly suspected this "Lancer" might be an impostor, but everything—from his familiar armor down to every distinctive scratch—checked out perfectly.
"Get yourself treated first," Budo said gravely. "I'll handle things from here. Those scum won't harm His Majesty."
To those watching, it appeared that Budo knelt to examine Lancer's injuries—and in fact, he did exactly that.
Even a cursory inspection revealed serious damage: Lancer's right arm was broken, several ribs fractured, and internal injuries were severe. Most wounds were burns and cuts, though the chest showed clear bruising from a blunt impact…
"Budo, what's happening out there?"
"Your Majesty, our vanguard unit was ambushed by the enemy. For your safety, please remain inside the carriage. Those attackers might still be nearby, so caution is paramount!"
The Empire had endured for a thousand years thanks to the original forty-eight Teigu left by its founder. But many had been destroyed over centuries of warfare, others lost or fallen into wicked hands. Budo was confident he could defeat any enemy himself—but protecting the Emperor simultaneously wouldn't be easy. At least His Majesty was safer within this carriage-type Shingu.
At that moment, the thunder of numerous hooves echoed from afar, signaling a sizable approaching force.
According to the cavalry scouts dispatched earlier, their group had proceeded onward to investigate the explosion site—where Lancer had been attacked. They couldn't possibly return so soon, meaning whoever approached now was likely hostile.
Budo's eyes narrowed, his expression turning grim.
The surrounding Imperial Guards swiftly readied their spears and drew swords, assuming defensive positions. Yet, before they could act, Budo—standing at the heart of their formation—abruptly raised both hands.
Snap—!
A fierce crackling split the air as countless electrical sparks surged skyward from his body.
Though momentarily stunned by Budo's unexpected action, none questioned their commander. They trusted he acted with clear purpose.
Seconds later, accompanied by a thunderous crash, a huge creature slammed into their ranks, its massive body charred and smoking—clearly the target of Budo's lightning attack.
Yet, despite injuries that should've proven fatal, the monster merely shook its head, roaring and charging Budo again. Calmly, Budo raised his right hand toward the crimson, muscle-bound beast while aiming his left toward the ground.
"Haaah!"
With a guttural shout, the beast was violently hurled away by another devastating bolt of lightning, just as the earth beneath their feet trembled violently.
BOOM—!
Stone fragments burst upward as an enormous tentacle erupted from underground—only to fall limp seconds later, its life snuffed out instantly by Budo's thunderous might.
"You think two Teigu users alone can stop me?" Budo's voice thundered coldly. "You underestimate me."
He'd already felt something was amiss when the earlier "attackers" charged openly toward him. More suspiciously, though Lancer claimed multiple Teigu wielders ambushed him, none appeared among the distant riders. Budo had remained wary, correctly suspecting hidden attackers from above and below.
"You damned bastards!"
At that moment, a familiar roar drew Budo's attention—there was Lancer, bloodied, furious, and charging forward spear in hand.
Anyone would feel fury upon seeing those who slaughtered their comrades. Yet, Budo sensed something off… Wait. Wasn't that spear different from Lancer's usual lance? Had he lost it earlier, or were his injuries too severe to wield it properly?
No—that wasn't it!
Only as Lancer reached him did Budo realize this "Lancer," though outwardly convincing, behaved differently from the man he knew!
Could it be…?!
Without time to think, Budo clasped his fists together. Lightning danced furiously between them, instantly shooting backward toward the charging "Lancer."
"Aaaaargh!"
Under everyone's stunned gaze, "Lancer" cried out in agony—but amid the lightning, he revealed a mocking smile as Budo's attack abruptly deflected harmlessly aside.
Crack!
In the next instant, he yanked open the carriage door, spear raised to strike the stunned "Emperor" within.
"Get away from him!"
Though baffled how the enemy neutralized his Teigu, Budo hurled himself desperately toward the carriage. He snatched a nearby soldier's sword, flinging it furiously toward the attacker.
Yet at that precise moment—
A strange opening appeared beside "Lancer," swallowing the thrown sword entirely.
"Move, now!"
A cloaked figure had appeared beside the false Lancer without warning.
"Die, you bastards!"
Normally stoic to the point of appearing robotic, Budo's expression now twisted like an enraged lion's, sparks cascading wildly across his body.
He'd miscalculated!
Not two, but three enemy Teigu wielders had attacked—and worst of all, Lancer had proven a traitor.
He wasn't sure what exactly had occurred, but the man he'd vowed to protect with his life was surely gravely wounded. Furious beyond measure, lightning enveloped Budo's body completely. A silver serpent formed from pure electricity lunged ferociously toward the unknown Teigu wielder.
But he never saw the result. Both the mysterious figure and the traitorous Lancer vanished instantly, leaving no trace.
With no time to waste, Budo tore open the carriage door. The Emperor lay motionless, soaked in blood, Lancer's spear embedded deeply in his palm.
The Emperor's body was slumped helplessly, his lips tinged an ominous purplish-blue, a sign of severe poisoning.
"You bastards!"
BOOM—!
Normally the Empire's strongest, Budo could control his Teigu effortlessly, yet now, rage overwhelmed him, involuntarily releasing power enough to shatter the very ground beneath him.
"Halt!"
Suddenly, a loud command from nearby forced Budo to spin around sharply—he sensed something approaching.
Dozens of Imperial Guards pointed swords and spears at figures just outside their encampment perimeter: Lancer, shirtless except for his cloak, along with a dozen battered soldiers from his vanguard.
Seeing Lancer again nearly triggered Budo's fury—but rationality warned him this Lancer differed entirely from the impostor. Though weary, this Lancer bore fewer wounds and wore his familiar Teigu armor. Moreover, the soldiers behind him appeared equally confused and exhausted.
Still, despite knowing this Lancer was genuine, Budo couldn't trust him fully.
"Arrest them!" Budo commanded harshly.
Then he swiftly turned aside.
"Bring the medic immediately!"
He had no time to deal with Lancer right now—the Emperor's survival came first.
Meanwhile, Lancer and his vanguard companions exchanged baffled looks. After all their desperate efforts to return, why were they suddenly under arrest?
---
T/N: GODDAMN LANCER LUCK