Chapter 116: Bangkok

We arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Thailand and got into the car arranged by the Thai government, heading toward the ESCAP building where the United Nations facility was located.

The passengers with me were a Thai Foreign Ministry official and a UN employee. They said the destination wasn’t far, so we’d be there soon.

As we stepped onto the road, I caught an unexpected sight through the car window.

A massive crowd lined the roadside, waving Thai flags. I thought maybe there was some festival going on, and I asked the UN official…

“Are you serious? They’re gathered to welcome Gojo-san.”

“Huh!?!”

So many people… all for me? I couldn’t believe it.

“Of course. People want to see a global hero up close, don’t they? I’m honored to be here with you today.”

I’d been holed up at a Japanese Self-Defense Force base, so I hadn’t realized things were like this elsewhere…

“I thought I was mostly feared… you know, because of how different I am.”

“True, some people react that way. When something’s outside their usual understanding, people get nervous. But Gojo-san really did save the world. That’s not up for debate.”

The crowd was shouting something loudly, voices overlapping. I couldn’t make out the words, but the warmth of the welcome was clear.

Some people held signs written in Japanese.

“Thank you,” “Gratitude,” “Welcome, welcome.” I tried not to let it affect me, but still… it hit me hard. So damn happy.

The car passed through a major street and drove straight into the ESCAP building’s grounds.

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“Wang contacted us. He’s close by. We’ll keep watch around the building and meet up with Wang and the others.”

We’d driven up to the UN headquarters in Bangkok with the members of the Sanctuary Knights. Normally a busy spot with constant traffic, but now roadblocks were in place—only a few vehicles were allowed through.

I’d already contacted Gojo. If the Black Knight shows up, we’ll corner him with Gojo and “Suzaku” as a three-pronged trap.

Of course, he might not even come…...

“Gress, you’re on the鉴定.”

“Yeah, leave it to me, boss!”

Today, it was just the seven of us: me, Freyja, Carlo, Anna, Elias, Luca, and Gress. We brought Gress along even though he’s not a combatant—he’s here to鉴定 the Black Knight.

We don’t know jack about this enemy. Gotta gather intel before we take him down.

After meeting up with Wang from “Suzaku,” we discussed where everyone would wait to intercept the Black Knight.

“Sorry, couldn’t bring more. China wouldn’t approve the permit. Just two of us made it.”

“No worries. I’m grateful you came at all.”

Besides Wang, a few “Suzaku” members had arrived—armed with spears and bows.

In the end, “Suzaku” would hold the ESCAP building. The Sanctuary Knights split into three squads—one staying inside the building, the other two waiting outside the venue.

We’d warned the Thai government in advance, so civilians were barred from entering the venue.

But the media? They stayed. We couldn’t kick them all out—this was supposed to be a public hearing after all.

If a fight breaks out, they’ll get caught in the crossfire… but what can you do?

We’d been moving quietly, trying not to attract attention from the media, but rumors were already spreading—some said the Sanctuary Knights or even "Suzaku" had arrived.

"Come on…?"

Luka mutters. We’re outside the facility, parked in a car, scanning the area. Me, Luka, and Gress were all in it.

It’s a no-parking zone by the roadside, but we’d gotten permission to stop.

"Still, we don’t know if they’ll show up or not. Gotta wait it out."

I braced myself for a long vigil. Then—

"What the hell? Media? What’s with all the noise?"

The press corps in front of the building was suddenly on the move.

"Wait here a sec."

I got out of the car and headed toward the road leading into ESCAP Tower. A crowd was swarming, cameras flashing, shouting. I circled around to where I could see—

A knight in pitch-black armor was walking straight down the middle of the street, completely unbothered.

So calm. So bold. The reporters were snapping pictures like it was some kind of cosplay.

No one had seen the Black Knight’s face. The press didn’t even suspect the figure before them was the one who hunted supernatural beings.

"That’s… the Black Knight…!?!"

I hadn’t expected him to show up like this—so openly. I immediately called the others, relayed the sighting.

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"Yo, what’s up?"

"Wait—Is that Leo Garcia from the Sanctuary Knights!?"

"The rumors were true? The Sanctuary Knights are actually here?"

The media gathered around the UN Building started noticing the anomaly. Reporters inside the building began streaming out, crowding the main avenue in front of the facility.

The scene they witnessed was… off.

A human clad in black armor was surrounded by members of the Sanctuary Knights—“Suzaku”’s King (Wang), and others.

No one had any idea what was going on. But seeing them all raise their weapons, a few people muttered, “That black knight… he’s a monster hunter, isn’t he?”

Even ordinary civilians farther away began to notice the disturbance.

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“Is that guy seriously an idiot!?”

Leo’s husband, and the others too, were ready. No matter how strong that knight was, there was no way they’d turn this around from here.

Then Gojo stepped out of the building. He held a massive sword… something I’d never seen before. But Gojo wasn’t holding back at all against the Black Knight.

Just like I’d been told, I scanned the Black Knight.

“…………… What the hell is this?”

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So that’s the Black Knight… yeah, definitely strange aura. But how strong is he really…? I thought, and then activated my scan—

HYBRIS

Hero Level 99

[Class Skills]

Light’s Blessing Rank SSS Title: “Guide to Light”

Swordsmanship Rank SSS Title: “Sword Saint”

Magic Sword Rank S

Assassination Rank A

Magic Rank B

Barrier Art Rank B

Healing Arts Rank C

[Unique Skills]

Lament’s Cage

[Skill] [Magic]

Strength Enhancement (XXIV) Light Magic (XII)

Physical Resistance (XVIII) Dark Magic (XVI)

Magic Resistance (XII) Fire Magic (XV)

Agility (XIX) Healing Magic (VII)

Stealth (VIII)

Growth Acceleration (X)

What!? Hero?! The instant I thought that, the Black Knight was right in front of Elias.

The grid-like black slash hit me—reflexively I threw up a barrier, barely blocking it, but the barrier shattered, and the impact sent me sprawling backward.

Everyone else at the scene just started throwing themselves at the Black Knight one after another. But "Light's Blessing" was a skill that amplified power and speed during daylight hours.

Plus, having a title like that? Too damn risky. I thought, and I froze time.

The Black Knight drove his sword into the ground and muttered something.

“Huh?”

The Black Knight yanked his sword out in one motion—boom—shockwave ripped through the air, hurling Leo and the others backward.

I managed to stay put, but I’m stunned—time’s not frozen. Not once has this ever happened before.

And even when I blocked the shockwave... "Barrier Defense" didn't activate...

What the hell!?! I swing my adamantine greatsword at the Black Knight. He effortlessly blocks my full-force strike... and counters with a swift slash back.

Swords clash—my hand feels the weight of the other blade, solid and unyielding.

Weird… Adamanite greatswords should be light as a feather when using gravity manipulation, but right now they’re just heavy—can’t even handle them properly.

The blade grazed my shoulder—just a trickle of blood, but it wasn’t healing… What the hell?!?

Damn it—this Black Knight’s behind all this! When we put some distance between us, I managed to鉴定 his "Unique Skill."

[Unique Skill]

Cage of Lament

Within a certain range, the "Unique Skill"

Seal off all influence and effects.