Only I Am A Reader

'Did he come here by himself?'

Even as a reader who had experienced this event through words before, Leo was no longer just a 'reader'. He had spent years in this world and influenced it to go in a certain direction. What was going to ensue at this moment naturally wouldn't follow the script.

Originally, 'he', the Arthur who lost his mind, would be the precursor behind this flaring start. However, Leo had bypassed the events that resulted in that. He was currently standing inside, so the 'boss' had to have changed his plans.

Would he forgo distraction and rush to his target? Or did he prepare a different kind of replacement for him? Leo could only consider all possibilities, the only thing he was sure of was that only he and the final boss himself could cause such a degree of damage judging from the sound…

Bang! Bang! Bang!

"What is going on?"

The sound of collapse was simply too intimidating, especially if one's heart wasn't ready for it. As a group of the world's finest Swordsmen, the trial survivors couldn't afford to panic just one step away from greatness. The same couldn't be said about the normal people within the Emperor's entourage, however.

Either way, everyone's guard had suddenly risen after a brief period of relaxation. Jade couldn't help but curse under her breath. Of all times! Did such a thing have to happen when they were only a step away?!

'Huh?'

As she was considering all kinds of responses to what could have possibly happened, Jade finally noticed that something by her side had… gone missing.

"You… Ray!"

She wasn't particularly loud as she pulled back, but she just couldn't help it! The impatient Ray was making use of the commotion's confusion effect to stealthily approach the Sky-Piercing Sword!

The repercussions of being caught wouldn't be small. Luckily, no one was actually paying attention to him, as long as he finished his business… Wait!

'Why is she looking that way?'

Jade quickly noticed the lone uncaring glance in the tense crowd, the imperial princess was watching Ray's action with interest!

'Let's think about it later…'

Regardless of the reason, Jade decided to ignore this and focus on what was happening. Others may be troublesome, but she was pretty good friends with the princess. Considering her manner of observation, she didn't even seem to care about the fact that he was breaking the rules.

"Everyone-"

Thud!

However, before she could exhibit her leadership skills, the arena's gates were suddenly pushed open!

"Reporting! All four lines of protection had been broken through! Someone is quickly making their way here!"

The man wearing the Imperial Sword Squadron's uniform loudly stated the situation, his face completely covered in sweat.

"Which neighboring kingdom is it? Is it the Adamant Sword?"

The Emperor who had remained silent till now finally spoke up. He just couldn't understand… Someone actually dared to rise against them at this point? They even seemed to have some success with that?

"Your Imperial Highness! It's not a kingdom…"

"Hm? Is it a newly emerged force then?"

"No… Your Imperial Highness."

"What is it then?!"

"It's… a single person, ha… ha...."

Bang!

At the same moment the reporter stated the shocking revelation, another crash sounded out, this one being as close as it could be. Just based on the man's words, everyone could already assume that the last line of protection had just been preached as well!

'Fascinating.'

In the middle of all of this, Leo exclaimed deep inside. Just like how this world was too lifelike for one to notice that it was just a novel from time to time, it was plainly obvious at certain moments. He wasn't even trying to, but Leo couldn't help but notice how theatrical everything was.

Whether it was timing, speeches, interactions, everything pushed to emphasize that these were scenes from an action novel, being bland wasn't an option.

"Protect his highness!"

Shiing! Shing!

It was evident that everyone wanted to question the breathless man for further details, but there was obviously no time to do so. Whatever was coming at them… They had to brace for its impact! Without any further delay, all the guards had already withdrawn their swords!

"Ha… ha… Be careful, he-"

Thud!

He had barely caught his breath, but the squadron member's face already froze before he could finish his report, his collapse revealing a bloody wound on his back!

Bak! Bak! Bak!

There were no further crashes, but a very loud sound of footsteps resounded in the arena. All the eyes automatically turned to the direction it was coming from only to see the figure of a man rising from behind the arena's wall!

Almost everyone blinked several times in disbelief, if their eyes didn't deceive them, then they had just witnessed a man walking on air!

"Apprehend the intruder and protect their Highnesses!"

The trial survivors' hands turned to hold the hilt of their swords but they stood in place, it wasn't their turn to act as guests… Not that they actually wanted to. However, half of the guards had already advanced towards the figure that was jumping down! Regardless of how mystical this intruder was, they had to take him down first.

The figure acted as if he didn't even notice their advance as he continued to 'walk on air', he simply waved his hand in the direction of the Emperor and the guards suddenly scrambled back to get to their previous positions!

'It's him.'

Leo's battle intent had completely awakened. Without a doubt, this was…

"Ray!"

Jade screamed at the top of her lungs, the figure was 'walking' towards the Sky-Piercing Sword, but that was exactly where Ray stood in trance!

"Hm!"

Just as his hands finally touched the gigantic sword, Ray suddenly opened his eyes as he exchanged glances with the figure that was almost above him, immediately springing back in caution. No one could tell what was going around in his head.

At the same time, the unknown figure was no longer in the air as he landed just in front of the sword, his palm firmly pressing into it as his mouth cracked into a maniacal smile!

"Finally! It's time for harvest!"

The figure was no longer hard to catch as a hearty shout resounded within the whole arena! Announcing the beginning of a long-deserved end!