Weapon Master of the Count’s Family

Prologue

A seasoned commander. One of the three main figures who built the Empire. And a Weapon Master said to wield hundreds of weapons like a phantom. All of these titles referred to Mikhail Reverk.

He, who had never been defeated once in his life, was tasting defeat for the first time today. And not at the hands of an enemy—but by an ally.

"A wretched bastard, wiping out half the knight order alone… Should’ve eliminated you long ago."

Once a hero, he had now become a traitor, hunted by the Empire.

He held out for as long as a week, fighting back, but that was his limit. Captured by Sword Saint Robern and his knights, both of his arms severed, he was barely breathing.

"……Why? I’ve sacrificed everything for the Empire from the moment I was born. As a gladiator, and then as a soldier."

"That’s precisely because you’re still alive."

"What did you say?"

"If you had died gloriously at an appropriate time, His Majesty would’ve praised you. But you survived to the end. And what became of that?"

Starting as a bottom-tier gladiator, he rose to the pinnacle of a soldier’s path—as a field commander. He became a symbol of survival and strength, someone others aspired to emulate. And that was the problem.

"His Majesty found that irksome. The sight of citizens chanting your name louder than his own."

"So this entire farce… was over nothing more than jealousy?"

"Well, the war’s over. Isn’t it natural for a hunting dog with no further use to be put down?"

If he had known he’d be discarded like this, why had he lived so fiercely? On the verge of death, Mikhail was overwhelmed with regret.

He should have just enjoyed life in moderation.

"Leave your final words. Not that anyone’s going to listen."

"Final words, huh……."

Watching Robern make a show of mock pity, Mikhail murmured softly.

"That……."

"What was that?"

Naturally, Robern couldn’t hear and moved closer, lending an ear.

"So……."

As Robern leaned in close, Mikhail straightened up and bit off his ear.

"Urgh!!!"

With blood streaming from his mouth, Mikhail chewed the ear thoroughly and swallowed it whole. Then he stuck out his tongue, mocking him.

"Haha, with one ear missing from that pretty face, it’s quite the sight."

"You bastard!"

As Robern drew his sword, a flash of light erupted. That was the last thing Mikhail, the field commander and Weapon Master, ever saw.