Chapter 22: The Birth of the Abyss (Part 3)

“Anna, return to your own team and report in. This mission has nothing to do with you,” said Knight King Shaya.

“Grandpa! What do you mean it has nothing to do with me? I’m part of the family too! Besides, my team doesn’t have any assignments right now… I can help!” Fabiana protested, sounding like a sulky child.

“The source of the Abyss isn’t something a little girl of your level can deal with. If you come with us, you’ll just be a burden,” Knight King Shaya replied calmly.

“A burden? Me?” Those words thundered in Fabiana’s ears.

“Just because some people call you a hero doesn’t mean you’re actually that great. At most, your strength is barely above a high-ranking adventurer,” Shaya said coldly. “I’ll admit you and your friends are talented, but don’t get cocky. The world is full of dead prodigies.”

Fabiana was left speechless, trembling with frustration. Her fists clenched, eyes wide with fury, but she couldn’t refute her grandfather.

What stung the most wasn’t being scolded—it was that Samimi was allowed to go with them, while she, because of her lack of strength, had to stay behind. That was unbearable.

“…” Fabiana looked toward Samimi, silently begging her to say something on her behalf.

But Samimi couldn’t care less about their family drama. As if nothing had happened, she was already meditating on her bed.

“Little sister, we depart tomorrow,” Knight King Shaya said before leaving.

“Understood,” Samimi replied with her eyes closed, sounding very professional.

Left alone in the room with Samimi, Fabiana stood silently for a long while.

“Why… didn’t you speak up for me?” Fabiana finally asked, her voice barely holding back tears.

“My former teammate, let me give you one piece of advice. I think your grandfather is right. You should return to your Hero Party. What’s coming isn’t a child’s game anymore.” Samimi’s words were calm, but every syllable was like a dagger piercing Fabiana’s heart.

With that, Samimi even used magic to shut the door, leaving Fabiana outside.

Moments later, Niubao came back carrying a late-night snack, only to see Fabiana running off in tears into the darkness.

“Miss Sister, Master is crying outside,” Niubao said softly as the door opened by magic.

“Not my problem. Niubao, tomorrow I’ll be heading out with the knights to hunt monsters. I’ll be gone for a while,” Samimi replied.

“I understand,” Niubao said, clearly disappointed, but nodded anyway, not wanting to make her worry.

“While I’m gone, keep practicing your swordsmanship. Someday, we’ll hunt demons together,” Samimi said with a smile.

“Yes!” Niubao’s spirits reignited instantly, grabbing her wooden sword and preparing for a night practice session.

“Wait—no, Niubao! I didn’t mean now. Rest is important too. Don’t wear yourself out or it won’t be worth it,” Samimi quickly stopped her.

The next morning, the Giant Whale Knights cleaned up their camp. Mounted on their warhorses, they prepared to set out.

Samimi slung the Demon-Slaying Sword across her back, strapped on her spellbook, and mounted her beloved little donkey, joining the knights as they departed.

That morning, when she went to the stables, she noticed the usual white horse that kept her donkey company was missing. She had intended to borrow it from Fabiana.

As she joined the knights, Samimi spotted Fabiana already geared up and hiding in the group—completely suited up and surrounded by Giant Whale Knights trying to keep her from being noticed by Knight King Shaya.

But with that dazzling white armor, flamboyant winged helmet, golden sword, and Victory Shield strapped to her gauntlet—how could anyone not notice her?

Even Samimi saw her at a glance. Did Shaya really not see her?

“Let’s move,” Knight King Shaya gave the command.

Everyone knew, but no one called her out. They simply let her tag along on the mission.

And so, the Giant Whale Knights departed from Sweetmelon Town to eliminate the source of the Abyssal corruption infecting local beasts.

From atop a low wall, Niubao waved goodbye, silently hoping they’d all return safely.

It was from this moment that Samimi truly began to witness the allure of this other world—
Because the so-called Abyss was the real protagonist of this world, the true source of all calamities.

They traveled for most of the day, moving far from Sweetmelon Town and into a remote, dangerous region.

No signs of civilization remained—no roads, only rugged terrain.

The Giant Whale Knights had split into four teams; three had gone ahead to scout, showcasing their professionalism.

Left behind were Knight King Shaya, Samimi, and Fabiana—taking their time, walking slowly as they awaited the scouts’ reports.

Fabiana remained silent, having defied her grandfather’s orders, she dared not speak.

“In the past, our main enemy was the Blood Clan—also known as vampires. They were pseudo-human monsters who infiltrated human society. Ordinary knights like us couldn’t identify them, which is why we often worked with demon-hunting nuns,” Knight King Shaya began recounting stories.

“I thought the demon-hunting nuns were meant to slay giant beasts,” Samimi said.

“Demon-slaying swords are long and slender. Against beasts with thick hides and flesh, they’d break on impact. That’s suicidal,” Shaya said, pulling out his own sword.

His weapon was a broad, heavy longsword—clearly built to fight monsters.

“The demon-slaying sword is designed specifically for vampires. Vampires are fast. You have to predict their movements ahead of time. The sword has to be lightweight and long—longer than their blood claws—thus the need for this strange kind of weapon,” he explained.

“Thank you for the lesson,” Samimi replied politely.

Though internally she thought:
So this demon-slaying sword is basically a laundry pole—great for slicing swallows in midair. Makes perfect sense now. I’m basically Sasaki Kojirō out here, huh?

Fabiana remained silent, listening intently.

“The Abyss corrupts beasts, turning them into monsters. The Blood Clan only infected humans, turning them into zombies. It was a time of fear and paranoia. Then, one day, the vampires vanished. We never knew how we won. Honestly, if I hadn’t seen your sword, I wouldn’t even want to remember those days,” Knight King Shaya said with a touch of sorrow.

“Knight King, which is more terrifying—the Abyss or vampires?” Samimi asked.

“Vampires were scary, yes—but back then, humanity was united. The Abyss itself isn’t terrifying. What’s terrifying is that humanity is no longer united. Killing monsters drops loot, hunting them brings honor. The Abyss magnifies human greed—that’s what’s truly frightening,” Shaya replied, sharing his insight.

“Knight King, you speak with great wisdom,” Samimi flattered.

Though inwardly, she muttered:
Old man, quit blowing smoke.