This Bastard is Too Competent
Chapter 214: This Guy is Mine Now

In the spot where Ian had just been, the young fortune teller Yunseul—who had told him to go ahead, promising to follow soon—suddenly coughed up blood.

“Cough… cough…”

“Are you alright?”

The elderly fortune teller, Pan, rushed over in alarm, reaching out to support Yunseul. But—

“Cough… Cough…”

Yunseul’s condition only worsened. His face grew even paler, yet he steadied himself and spoke softly.

“I am fine… The toll for transferring power was simply too great.”

“T-That’s…! I’ll call a healer immediately!”

“There’s no need. I just need rest.”

It was an unavoidable price. He had passed on one of the Seven Virtues to Ian. But it had been necessary—for Ian, who was destined to become King.

Yunseul recalled the powers Ian now possessed.

Faith, Patience, Jealousy, Fury, Humility.

The Humility Ian had temporarily acquired from Aria Reese was merely a remnant. To fully awaken the Seven Virtues he had obtained in Helgaia, Ian still lacked the necessary strength. Even the power Yunseul had transferred wouldn’t be able to unleash its full potential immediately.

But now, Ian has gathered all seven powers. It no longer mattered whether they were virtues or sins.

What mattered was that he had finally attained the seven aspects of power, allowing him to wield the strength of the First King.

Yunseul smiled.

‘With this, the Royal Roader… That legend begins again.’

Until now, a false pretender had walked that path. That imposter had misused the power, making all the wrong choices and plunging not just the continent, but the entire world, into darkness.

“But this time, it will be different.”

“What do you mean?” Pan asked.

“Everything will return to its rightful place.”

A true King would be born—one who would correct both the present injustices and the mistakes of the past.

Yet Pan only looked at him in confusion.

“I don’t understand what you’re saying, Yunseul-nim.”

Yunseul simply smiled. Only he knew what lay ahead. Even if he tried to explain, Pan would not be able to grasp it. Slowly, as he collapsed to the ground, he continued smiling.

“I have lived for this moment alone. Now, it is done.”

“But… but, Yunseul-nim!”

“It’s fine. I’ll rest for just a little while… Surely, I have earned that much.”

He had already explained to Ian the purpose of his reincarnation. He had passed on one of the Seven Virtues he had carried for so long. Surely, the one who had entrusted him with this power would understand.

And so, he intended to rest—just for a moment.

“So… just for a moment… just for a moment, I will rest.”

Lying on the ground, Yunseul slowly closed his eyes.

Pan panicked and called out frantically.

“Yunseul-nim! Yunseul-nim, pull yourself together! Yunseul-nim!”

But Yunseul’s consciousness was already fading. It felt as though he were finally able to sleep after an eternity of wakefulness.

And yet, Pan could still hear his final words.

“Don’t call me Yunseul anymore. That name belonged to the one who stood at the First King’s side long ago. I merely inherited it, along with the power.”

Now that the power had been passed on, he was free from the bonds of that name.

Pan whispered in bewilderment.

“Then… what should I call you now?”

“Well, what was my name…? I no longer remember.”

But at this point, it no longer mattered.

“Just for a moment…just for a moment, I will rest. And when I wake again…”

He wanted to witness the great journey of the one who now carried that power. The young fortune teller who had spoken those words soon fell into a deep sleep.

***

“A subordinate daring to raise his sword against his lord… I can’t just sit back and watch, can I?”

At Ian’s sudden appearance, all eyes turned to him. Sang shot him a sharp glare.

“So, it’s you… that guy from before.”

“Yeah. That guy.”

Ian replied with a bright smile, meeting Sang’s hostility without a hint of concern.

Sang wasted no time.

“What are you all doing? Get rid of them at once!”

“B-But, my lord… my body…”

“My sword won’t move.”

Sang’s knights were genuinely shaken. This was no mere hesitation—their bodies and weapons simply refused to obey them. It was as if they were bound by an invisible force, frozen in place with their swords raised—like loyal retainers awaiting their master’s command.

Ian smiled.

“What’s wrong? Is something the matter?”

“You… What the hell did you do?”

“Me? I didn’t do anything.”

“What?”

“Can’t you tell? I’m just standing here, perfectly calm.”

Indeed, Ian remained completely still, his posture relaxed. Galon and Nathan, standing behind him, also made no move.

Sang narrowed his eyes.

“Is this some kind of magical tool? A spell?”

It could have been a curse. But most knights had strong resistance to magic and hexes.

‘He’s really not doing anything… Then what is this?’

No matter how hard he searched for an answer, Ian only stood there, smiling.

As Sang’s expression darkened, another voice interrupted.

“W-Why… Why can’t I move either?”

“Sir Han! Are you alright?”

“My body is unharmed, my lord… but I, too, cannot move.”

Han’s alarmed voice made As uneasy. This was no trick. Just like Sang’s knights, Han’s body was immobilized—as if he, too, was waiting for Ian’s command.

Then,

Crack—

Sang’s knights clenched their teeth, struggling desperately against the invisible restraint. Finally, one of them gasped in realization.

“The Oath! Stop holding onto the Oath! If you do, you can move!”

“It’s true!”

“I can move again!”

As soon as they abandoned their oath to kill Han and As, their bodies slowly regained movement. Soon, they were completely free.

Sang’s knights cried out in fury.

“We’re free!”

“He’s definitely using some kind of sorcery!”

“Take him down first! Attack him—together!”

The knights charged toward Ian. He let out a small sigh, wearing a slightly disappointed expression.

‘It seems this is my limit for now.’

He had received one of the Seven Virtues from the fortune teller. And now, by gathering all Seven Virtues and Seven Sins, Ian could finally wield his power properly.

The Royal Roader—the power of the First King, the lord of all knights.

At that moment, the Helmet spoke.

[Still, not bad. For someone who’s only just taken their first step, you’re at a decent level.]

‘How do I compare to the First King?’

[The First King awakened the power of the Royal Roader and immediately dominated all knights. Compared to him, you are like a firefly against the sun.]

‘Really?’

[Don’t be discouraged. It would be an insult to even compare you to him.]

‘Alright, alright. I get it.’

The Helmet sounded genuinely irritated, but deep down, it was shocked.

[‘This boy… He’s only just awakened the Royal Roader through a single Virtue, yet he’s already manipulating the Words of Command?’]

Stopping an enemy knight’s movement with his first Word of Command was no small feat. The Words of Command were the foundation of the Royal Roader’s power—and the most difficult to master.

Even the First King himself had not been able to use them right away. In his time, he had to gather all Seven Virtues and Seven Sins before he could wield that ability. He had ruled over knights through other means at first.

And yet, Ian had used the Words of Command immediately. It was astonishing.

[Could it be… Is this boy truly the reincarnation of the First King?]

The thought escaped the Helmet before it even realized.

Ian’s voice cut in.

‘What did you just say?’

[Nothing.]

‘No, I definitely heard you mention the First King, didn’t I?’

[It was just a passing thought. Stop worrying about nonsense and focus on the enemies in front of you.]

The Helmet’s voice was serious. It couldn’t be helped.

“Kill him!”

“Die!”

The knights’ swords came dangerously close to Ian. Without hesitation, Ian drew his own sword to face them.

‘Fine. We’ll continue this conversation later.’

Just as five knights were about to strike Ian down—

“How dare you point your swords at my lord!”

With a sharp cry, Galon leaped in front of Ian. He raised his sword and met the enemies’ blades head-on.

BAM!

Despite facing five knights at once, Galon didn’t falter. The enemy knights gasped in disbelief.

“W-What is this guy?!”

“He’s unbelievably strong… How is he holding us back?”

Screech!

But Galon’s sword was gradually being pushed back. It was inevitable. Even with his incredible strength, he was up against five enemy knights at once. Without the use of an Oath, it was impossible to fully block their attacks.

That was when Nathan smirked and lifted his sword.

“What are you doing, Galon? Can’t even handle these weaklings? Just use an Oath and finish them already.”

“Our lord has not given the command yet.”

“Tch. You’re as stiff as ever.”

Nathan shot a glance at Ian. He had secretly activated Swift, but it felt… natural that he should wait for Ian’s command before making a move.

Ian noticed immediately and smiled.

“Sir Nathan, see me later.”

“Ugh…”

Nathan’s face twisted in frustration. He had hoped Ian wouldn’t catch on—but, of course, he had.

‘Damn it. I’m going to get scolded again.’

But Ian’s attention had already shifted. He turned toward Galon and gave a brief command.

“Sir Galon, you may proceed.”

“Yes, my lord.”

The moment Galon’s gaze hardened, his body began to glow.

It was the Oath of Invincibility.

Suddenly, the momentum shifted. Galon, who had been struggling to hold his ground, now began forcing the enemy knights back.

The knights’ faces twisted in shock.

“T-This guy…?”

“How can he use an Oath?!”

“Wait… Does this mean we can use ours too?”

One knight was overpowering five knights. The enemies were startled and desperately tried to use their oaths. But—

“Ugh… My body…!”

“It’s not responding! What’s happening?!”

“What kind of sorcery is this?!”

Their bodies had frozen once more. Ian’s command still held them in place.

In fact, the more they tried to use their Oaths, the stronger the Words of Command became—binding them even tighter.

And then—

“Wow. Are these guys complete idiots? Have they learned nothing?”

Before the knights realized it, Nathan had already slipped behind them. With a swift motion—

Swoosh!

He swung his sword, aiming for their heads.

Thud!

“Gah!”

One knight collapsed instantly.

The others panicked, scrambling to cancel their Oaths so they could counterattack. But—

“You think you can hit me? When you’re this slow? You snails.”

“You… bastard!”

With Swift activated, Nathan moved like a blur. The knights’ swords slashed through nothing but afterimages.

Thud! Thud!

One by one, they fell to the combined assault of Galon and Nathan.

Just two knights had completely annihilated Sang’s elite forces.

Sang, aghast, roared in frustration.

“What are you all standing around for?! Help the knights, now!”

“Y-Yes, sir!”

At last, the soldiers surged forward, charging toward Ian’s group.

But then—

“Move… and you’ll die.”

Ian’s voice rang out.

“Hiiik!”

The soldiers froze. Despite being slightly shorter than them, the aura Ian emitted was terrifying. A shiver ran down their spines. Their bodies trembled.

‘I… I’ll die.’

‘If I charge in… I might really die.’

‘Wh-what should we do? Someone say something!’

The soldiers glanced at each other, hesitant and uncertain. The murderous intent radiating from Ian, sword in hand, felt as if it could sever their throats at any moment. Only knights had the strength to withstand such an overwhelming presence.

“The knights are already defeated… What can we, mere soldiers, possibly do?”

“That’s right. We don’t even have knights on our side anymore.”

With that realization, the soldiers gave up the fight.

Ian’s eyebrow twitched.

‘Is this really all they’ve got?’

It made sense, though. These soldiers had no true loyalty or respect for their lord. They were nothing more than mercenaries, bowing before the power and wealth of Sang.

‘But if they were soldiers of Kaistein, it would be different.’

If they had been his men, they would have fought to the death rather than surrender. But these soldiers did not belong to him. And so, Ian’s voice turned cold.

“Lower your weapons and surrender. I will spare your lives.”

“Are you… serious?”

“I won’t say it twice. Or would you rather fight me?”

“N-No! We surrender! We surrender!”

The soldiers hastily threw down their spears. They had already been reluctant to attack a prince. No amount of power or wealth from Sang was worth risking their lives.

Clang…

One by one, weapons clattered to the ground.

Even the knights Sang had placed his trust in were defeated.

Ian turned his icy gaze toward Sang.

“Sang. You’re the only one left now.”

Sang trembled. “W-What… what are you?”

“Me?” Ian smiled faintly. “Just a simple bystander passing through.”

“What…?”

“Of course, I do have a debt to settle—with both the Seventh Prince and you.”

Sang clenched his teeth, his face twisted with frustration.

Everything had collapsed. He had believed there was a chance to win when the Seventh Prince had first gathered soldiers against him.

‘But now… it’s impossible. I can’t win against these guys.’

If captured, he would be handed over to the Seventh Prince—and executed.

There was only one option left.

Reaching into his coat, Sang pulled out a dagger infused with magic. The blade pulsed ominously—it was laced with self-destructive explosive magic.

“Seventh Prince. You’ll have to die for the sake of Prince Leonic.”

With that, he lunged at As.

Han was still unable to move, weakened by the aftereffects of his Oath.

Sang was determined to kill him—no matter what.

But it was pointless.

“Ah, that won’t do. Our lord has debts to collect, you know.”

“W-What are you talking about?!”

Before Sang could reach As, Nathan had already moved. In an instant, he had restrained him.

Sang’s eyes widened in shock. He thrashed wildly, screaming.

“Let go of me! Get out of my way! How dare you?! I still have things to do… I must kill him for Crown Prince Leonic!”

As, shaken by the sudden assassination attempt, took a deep breath and calmed himself. Then he spat out angrily, “You stubborn bastard. You refuse to give up until the very end.”

Sang’s bloodshot eyes locked onto As.

“If I just kill you… Crown Prince Leonic will return!”

As’s expression darkened, his fury boiling over.

“Kill him now! We cannot let him live!”

“Let go of me! Let me go!”

The scene descended into complete chaos—

Sang thrashing violently, As shouting in rage, the fallen knights groaning in pain, and the soldiers trembling in fear.

And then—

“But didn’t you say this guy was useful?”

Ian’s voice cut through the disorder. He stepped forward, stopping Nathan from delivering the final blow.

As turned to him in disbelief.

“Even if he has skills, it doesn’t matter! He will never listen! All of Brother Leonic’s subordinates are complete lunatics!”

Now, As was certain.

Leonic’s followers would stop at nothing.

They were the kind of men who would kill without hesitation for their master.

But Ian simply tilted his head, contemplating something.

“Really?”

“Absolutely! So please, command him to be killed!”

As could do nothing but shout. That lunatic might try to self-destruct at any moment.

Yet Ian remained calm.

He walked toward Sang, his gaze unwavering.

“Hey. You said you serve Leonic, right?”

Sang glared at him. “It’s Crown Prince Leonic! Address him properly!”

Ian smirked. “Is that so?”

Slowly, he stepped even closer. And then, leaning in, he whispered something to Sang.

As, growing increasingly anxious, shouted. “What are you doing?! That man is beyond reasoning!”

At best, not setting off his explosive dagger would be a relief.

At the very least, Ian should move the blade aside before speaking.

But then—

Something changed.

Sang’s furious expression shifted as he heard Ian’s words.

His breath hitched.

“Are you… really serious?”

Ian smiled. “Do I look like someone who jokes around?”

“Pr-Proof… No, where’s the proof?”

Without hesitation, Ian showed him something from his arms.

Sang’s entire body froze.

Nathan cautiously released his grip.

And then—

Thud!

To everyone’s shock, Sang dropped to his knees before As.

“Seventh Prince, I was wrong. Please forgive me. If you are still unsatisfied, I will offer my neck.”

“Huh…?”

The Seventh Prince’s face twisted in confusion.

Then Sang added something even more shocking.

“Ah, but before that… The Second Prince’s forces are stationed within the castle, waiting to strike. If you wish, I can provide information on them as well.”

Everyone, including As, stood frozen in disbelief.

Only one person was smiling.

Ian.

‘Now this guy is mine.’

The corners of his lips curled up.