Chapter 318: Robert’s Endless Escape (4k)
From the Knight Academy Tower to Lover’s Bridge, Robert successfully evaded numerous constructs, which greatly lowered his guard against them.
Even though he had once been pursued by these constructs, if everyone could learn from their mistakes, the world would be full of wise people.
Moonlight shone through, creating a triangular shadow between the corner walls.
Robert watched as the construct approached, holding his breath and curling himself into the shadows. However, this desperate attempt was bound to fail.
The “Light Cavalry” construct stood about two meters tall, half a meter wide, with light armor. Its lower body was mostly wheels but also had spider-like legs.
The “Light Cavalry” moved swiftly, and its legs were sticky, allowing it to climb castle walls effortlessly!
Its primary weapon was dual swords, and it could rotate its waist 360 degrees to create a whirlwind of blades.
Unlike the “Heavy Cavalry” with a paralysis gem on its forehead, the “Light Cavalry” lacked long-range magic skills.
It usually subdued enemies with its spider legs, avoiding lethal force.
The rule inscribed in all constructs’ cores was that they wouldn’t kill anything except golems. Thus, students didn’t fear being killed, only captured and punished.
Robert didn’t want to be locked up!
…
As he trembled, the construct headed straight for him without turning away. It accelerated rapidly.
By the time Robert realized something was wrong, the construct had already drawn its swords and rushed towards him!
“Goddamn!”
Robert’s face showed fear instantly.
He lunged forward, fleeing like a rat.
At this moment, he didn’t care if Wit noticed him.
Though theoretically, constructs stopped when they hit a target, no one trusted their lives to a construct’s internal circuits.
Who knew if an ancient construct might malfunction at a crucial moment?
Blocked by the path, Robert ran onto Lover’s Bridge.
But just as he reached it, he realized—this felt familiar!
“Damn! I was caught here last time too!”
Robert raised his head and looked at the other end of the bridge.
Last time, two constructs blocked both ends, trapping them on the bridge with no escape.
Would there be constructs there again this time?
“No, no! Wit is still there. He hasn’t made any sound; he must not have been caught…”
In his anxiety, Robert didn’t realize how strange it was that Wit hadn’t made a sound.
He quickly drew a mana card from his bag and silently cast a summoning spell.
With a burst of white light, a grotesque semi-mechanical rodent appeared behind him.
This “Semi-Mechanical Rodent” had a mechanical left side and a rotten right side, carrying a box of acid and wielding a massive acid sprayer.
[Card Name: Semi-Mechanical Rodent]
[Type: Elemental Card]
[Level: ??]
[Race: Mechanical Species]
[Attribute: Steel]
[Mana: 900]
[Attack: 900]
[Defense: 800]
[Ultimate Skill: Acid Spray]
Under orders, the monstrous rodent lifted its acid sprayer and sprayed the approaching “Light Cavalry.”
However, the highly corrosive acid merely slid off the construct without causing damage.
The difference in levels was too vast!
Robert knew the outcome even without turning around. Last time, his semi-mechanical rodent couldn’t even last a round. The “Light Cavalry” sliced it in half within seconds!
Coincidentally…
This time…
The semi-mechanical rodent repeated history.
…
Watching the light of the severed rodent disappear back into the mana card, Robert felt neither joy nor sorrow, only fear.
The time the rodent bought was shorter than expected.
If he wanted to summon another card, he’d have to wait until the cooldown ended.
“Wit!”
In desperation, Robert shouted loudly.
This was both a plea for help and a warning.
He didn’t know if Wit was distracted by something else, but he needed Wit to react.
Whether for support or escape, it depended on Wit.
But there was no sound from the other side of the bridge.
“Could it be that Wit was caught in such a short time?”
This thought flashed through his mind, nearly paralyzing him.
“Maybe he encountered a Dragoon construct?”
Despair flooded his thoughts.
…
On the third floor window, Dark observed Robert on the bridge.
He wasn’t sure if Robert was parasitized by a vampire.
In theory, tonight’s actions might be futile.
But if he could eliminate this possibility, another option would become more likely.
Then he would search for the Blood Princess.
For now, he just needed to stay calm.
…
Robert’s worst fears didn’t come true.
After slaying the semi-mechanical rodent, the “Light Cavalry” couldn’t immediately chase him.
He successfully reached the other end of the bridge.
There were no constructs waiting there.
Yes…
Although Wit Gold and his girl weren’t here for some reason, this side was safe!
“Huh!”
Relieved, Robert instinctively turned to check where the “Light Cavalry” was.
But this turn almost scared him out of his wits!
Inside the passage, over a dozen constructs were gathering!
“Did I provoke a swarm?”
Seeing the varied constructs, Robert wished he could die on the spot.
Among them were agile “Light Cavalry,” heavily armored “Heavy Cavalry,” and a small scout construct—the “Beetle!”
The “Beetle” was less than half a meter tall, with a disk-shaped body resembling a cleaning robot. Its extendable neck supported a round head with two protruding eyes like insect compound eyes.
These eyes increased its field of vision and recorded images. A gem in its forehead served as an alarm and a call to other constructs.
Once it detected the target, the “Beetle” would emit a series of alarm sounds and summon nearby constructs.
Beneath the disk were four rotating wheels and retractable spider legs.
Though these legs couldn’t support it on walls, they helped navigate complex terrain.
Once targeted by a “Beetle,” escape became nearly impossible.
However, there weren’t many “Beetles.” Most were deployed near secret paths.
The “Beetles” alarmed Robert, but what truly terrified him was the “Dragoon” among them!
The sword-wielding “Dragoon” exuded an aura of despair like a god of war.
…
Terrified, Robert fled madly.
His speed was fast enough that the constructs couldn’t catch him—at least, that’s what he believed!
Robert ran frantically.
Thanks to previous experiences, he knew the area well.
With his endurance, he actually managed to lose the pursuing constructs.
Seeing them fade away, he dove into a corner, leaning against the wall and gasping for breath.
Only then did he remember, “So, where is Wit?”
As he pondered, he suddenly looked up.
The towering castle walls seemed to pierce his brain.
The passage was empty, silent, and cold.
Robert’s heart calmed, yet he felt alone and afraid in the vast castle!
But at this moment, he displayed the courage of a Knight Academy student.
Summoning courage, Robert stood up, leaning against the wall.
“What should I do next?”
“Should I find Wit or return to the tower?”
…
Just as he stood up, he noticed a dark shadow from the side.
Red lights flickered in his eyes.
A “Beetle” appeared silently at the corner.
“Biubiubiu—”
The “Beetle” alarm sounded, spreading quickly.
Then Robert heard the rustling of rolling constructs.
The constructs were coming back!
…
Robert had to run again.
He fell into an endless cycle of escape!
…
Behind him.
After the construct wave.
Wit, shaken by the Ditto, was silent, not daring to complain.
Because beside him was Professor Shylph!
Professor Sarah Shylph walked behind the constructs, green winds swirling around her.
Despite the distance, she monitored Robert’s situation constantly.
Wit wanted to ask what she was doing, but seeing her focus, he hesitated.
Finally, after half an hour, he couldn’t hold back, “Professor, the constructs chasing someone are Robert?”
Professor Shylph didn’t refuse to answer, “Yes, it’s Robert.”
Wit gathered his courage, “Why?”
By now, he guessed that the “girl” lured him out indirectly to get Robert.
But what value did Robert have?
Though he knew this thought was wrong, at that moment, he truly believed it.
Professor Shylph glanced at him, “We suspect that the vampire Vlad is parasitizing Robert.”
They didn’t tell Wit initially to avoid accidental leaks.
Now that the plan was underway, it was fine to inform him.
“A vampire Vlad? Impossible, how could he hide inside Robert…”
Wit immediately denied it but reconsidered, unable to speak.
Since Christmas, Robert had shown some unusual behavior.
Others might not notice.
But he and Robert were always together, noticing every change.
Looking back, Robert spoke of obscure knowledge effortlessly.
Robert, who had no strengths besides physical prowess, suddenly developed divination abilities.
Robert, who used to struggle with reading, now read calmly.
Even his time playing mana chess was regulated!
No matter how he looked at it, Robert was unrecognizable compared to before!
Wit murmured, “Does this mean Dark’s sudden use of Vlad’s chess pieces was related?”
Professor Shylph, “No, that’s a different matter.”
“There’s another matter?”
Wit suddenly felt like a newborn, clueless about everything.
Professor Shylph didn’t elaborate, “You don’t seem surprised about the vampire hiding in Robert?”
Wit scratched his head, “I sensed something was amiss.”
Professor Shylph, “Is that so? Then perhaps we’ll make progress tonight…”
A while later.
Professor Shylph suddenly perked up, “Kazel, are you sure?”
…
On the third floor of the castle.
Professor Kazel followed Robert from above, his eyes gleaming.
Dark beside him exclaimed, “Professor, you sensed it?”
Professor Kazel smiled, “Yes, just now, a trace of blood seeped from Robert’s location! It’s a vampire, no mistake!”
…
