I had just been wondering why the Walker hadn't come to hunt down Isayama Yomi and Tsuchimiya Kagura himself, only to have the fellow suddenly materialize the next moment... Lin Luo sneered inwardly. Indeed, he couldn't sit still any longer. A Walker of only the Spirit Tier, Initial Stage, wasn't worth looking at; this was simply courting death.

Even without creating rules, Lin Luo’s strength was at the High Tier of the Spirit Stage, meaning facing him with only the Initial Stage was akin to serving up appetizers. However, what did pique his interest was that this fellow’s 'Heart Codex' seemed quite unusual; besides his discernible power level, all other information was hidden... Well, hiding it didn't matter; he would just kill him directly anyway.

Lin Luo intended to establish his authority—not over the Walker, but over Isayama Yomi and Tsuchimiya Kagura. This wasn't to scare them, but to leave behind a towering, heroic image in their minds... Isn't that how it always plays out in TV shows, novels, and games? After the male protagonist saves the damsels in distress, the female protagonists usually pledge themselves to him. As long as he displayed a bit of kingly might in front of them, the beauties would practically throw themselves at him.

Lin Luo didn't expect immediate surrender, but surely increasing their favorable impression by a reasonable amount was achievable. Moreover, once this Walker was dealt with, this world would essentially settle down. Then, he could spend time romancing them, dispelling spirits, and slowly nurturing their feelings. A contract would then be a natural consequence, hahaha... Tsk, why did it feel like he lost his footing somewhere? Must be an illusion.

“You two stay put right here; an enemy is approaching.” Lin Luo erected a defensive barrier around the two girls and stated in a deep voice. Although the Walker’s strength was weak, even a cornered rabbit might bite. If showing off led to an irreversible consequence, it would be too late for regrets.

Therefore, before the grandstanding, Lin Luo had to ensure their absolute safety.

“An enemy? Another evil spirit?” Isayama Yomi and Tsuchimiya Kagura immediately looked up, their expressions shifting slightly.

“No, a human.”

“Human? Could it be those Exorcists?”

“Nor that. You don't need to worry about it. You two just stay here, pretend nothing happened, and whatever you do, don't step outside this circle later.” Lin Luo used electricity to etch a circle within the barrier and then stated solemnly to the two. To reinforce the barrier’s defense, he compressed its range to less than three meters in diameter.

“O-okay...” Seeing Lin Luo’s solemn expression, completely devoid of joking, even Isayama Yomi was affected and became unconsciously tense.

Next, Lin Luo conjured a Mist Avatar to remain in place while he concealed himself in the shadows, waiting for the Walker to walk right into the trap.

Although Isayama Yomi and Tsuchimiya Kagura were surprised by Lin Luo’s abilities and couldn't quite figure out his intentions, they already placed immense trust in him now. Firstly, he was their savior; secondly, there was the connection via the World Heart and the Book of Contracts. Thus, they didn't question him further and sat on the ground chatting as if nothing was amiss.

However, both were privately speculating about who the approaching person might be. If it was a single individual, the highest probability was Sanzuhe. But Lin Luo had severely wounded Sanzuhe; according to him, although Sanzuhe hadn't died, he was half-dead and incapacitated, meaning such caution wasn't necessary. So... could it be the person Sanzuhe had mentioned?

Sanzuhe had once said he was acting on behalf of someone, and his mission was to kill them both. Thinking of this, tension inevitably gripped their hearts. Even while speaking, they couldn't help glancing to the side. Anyone who could make Sanzuhe willingly follow orders must be a powerhouse beyond their imagination.

A moment later, rustling sounds came from the nearby undergrowth. They could now clearly hear the person’s footsteps, less than fifty meters away... Instinctively, both girls tightened their grips on their weapons. It wasn't a lack of trust in Lin Luo, but the weapons provided a greater sense of security.

Soon, the person emerged from the bushes. His clothes were filthy, stained with some blood and debris, yet he paid it no mind. Upon seeing the two girls, he immediately grinned, “Ah, wonderful! I finally found you!” However, when he noticed Lin Luo standing beside them, his face registered astonishment, “You...”

He barely managed to open his mouth when Lin Luo, hidden in the shadows, lunged toward him. Against a Walker, he intended to show no mercy. He fully concentrated the Law of Illusions, merging it into his right fist, which emitted a sound akin to a mournful cry as a dazzling light burst forth, aiming directly for the man’s heart.

This was the Phantom Charge Fist delivered at its maximum power. Even a supreme physical expert like Lakhan wouldn't dare take it head-on. The Walker Lin Luo faced was only at the Initial Stage of the Spirit Tier; taking a direct hit meant instant death.

In fact, the opponent didn't even attempt to dodge because he only reacted when Lin Luo was already upon him. When he turned his head, the fist was less than thirty centimeters from his heart. At this range, unless Lin Luo voluntarily stopped, it was impossible for the Walker to evade given his own power level.

“Show mercy!”

“Stop! Don't!”

Just as Lin Luo was about to pierce the man's heart with his punch, he heard the voices of Isayama Yomi and Tsuchimiya Kagura from beside him. Both sounded incredibly frantic, causing Lin Luo's movement to subconsciously slow, though he did not entirely stop.

“He is our savior.”

“It has been him helping us these past few days!”

“What?!” Hearing these words, Lin Luo could hardly believe it. A Walker saving a Host? That was akin to a fairy tale. However, Yomi and Kagura surely wouldn't lie, so he decided to listen first.

Thus, at the critical moment, Lin Luo retracted his fist. Of course, he didn't let his guard down. He swiftly returned to the two girls, dispelling the Mist Avatar simultaneously, while keeping his gaze fixed on the man opposite him, asking without turning his head, “What exactly is going on?” The opponent was only at the Initial Stage of the Spirit Tier and within his perception range; as long as he was locked down, he couldn't escape, regardless of his abilities.

Isayama Yomi immediately replied, “Half a month ago, he was the one who saved me from Sanzuhe’s grasp, and it’s been him helping us for the last half-month. He even... seems to have died several times.” As she uttered the last sentence, her tone became slightly uncertain, as the man opposite didn't look like someone who had ever died.

“...” Lin Luo was completely stunned. Although he had suspected initially that the savior of Yomi and Kagura might be a Walker, the probability was infinitesimally small, bordering on zero. As Liu Ziwen said, Walkers and Hosts were like cats and mice, hunter and prey. What hunter would save the prey? Unless their brains were addled.

Therefore, the moment that suspicion surfaced in his mind, he had cast it aside into the furthest corner. But now... involving their lives, Yomi wouldn't lie, and she shouldn't misidentify anyone. So, the fact was as stated: the one who saved them was the Walker right in front of him!

Could he have actually run into a bleeding-heart good Samaritan?

Frankly, Lin Luo’s mind was in turmoil; this situation left him completely unsure how to proceed. Walkers were the natural predators of Hosts, and for the sake of those Hosts, they must be slain. But this Walker had saved Yomi and Kagura multiple times. Killing him now would be repaying kindness with enmity, something he couldn't bring himself to do. But then...

While Lin Luo was wrestling with internal conflict, the young Walker opposite him also looked surprised and uncertain. He seemed to have only just realized what happened. He looked down and saw that the cloth covering his chest, over his heart, was completely gone—vaporized by the light of Lin Luo’s illusion.

“That scared me; I thought I was going to die again.” The man let out a slight sigh of relief, but there was no fear of a narrow escape in his demeanor; instead, he looked remarkably relaxed. Then, he looked up at Lin Luo, a flash of fanaticism and surprise in his eyes, as if unable to fully believe what he was seeing. He asked hesitantly, “Um, you are... Lin Luo, right?”

“Huh?” Hearing the question, Lin Luo couldn't help but pause, instinctively nodding, “I am Lin Luo.”

“Wonderful! It really is you, Idol! I finally get to meet you!” Upon receiving confirmation, the man became ecstatic, his expression mirroring that of a fan seeing their ultimate idol, completely unable to suppress his excitement, and he hurried toward Lin Luo.

“Wait!” Before he could close the distance, Lin Luo sharply commanded. Although he was Yomi and Kagura’s savior, the opponent was still a Walker, and Lin Luo would not lower his vigilance. “Who exactly are you? Say whatever you need to say right where you are.”

“Ah...” A hint of disappointment clearly flashed in the man's eyes, but he quickly understood the situation. He said loudly, “Idol, I am not your enemy. I haven't killed a single Host to this day, look.”

Saying that, a silver book appeared in his hand—it was his Heart Codex—and a faint white light rose from it.

At that moment, Lin Luo’s Book of Contracts sent a notification: “The Book of the Knight has lifted the Death Mark. Information retrieval in progress... System detected the Book of the Knight. Owner: Arthur, Lv2 Walker. Heart Codex Ability: Eternal Spirit. Strength Evaluation: Spirit Tier, Initial Stage.”

Previously, the Book of Contracts couldn't read the opponent's information, but now, all details were laid bare, which greatly surprised Lin Luo... Aside from several other points worthy of complaint, a Lv2 Walker—yes, all Heart Codexes, except his own Contract Book, could quickly advance to Lv2 based on the Master's ability alone; only reaching Lv3 required a World Heart.

Lin Luo's brow relaxed slightly. The reason he could see the information now was likely because the man had removed the Death Mark. And the reason for doing that was to demonstrate he hadn't killed any Hosts.

This slightly lessened the killing intent in Lin Luo’s heart, but trusting the man so easily was impossible. Who knew if this was just a ploy after realizing he couldn't win?

“Why do you call me Idol?” Lin Luo asked him.

Hearing this, the youth named Arthur became animated and spoke excitedly, “Idol, I have always admired you! I know that Walkers must hunt the Hosts of World Hearts to increase their strength, but you not only refrained from doing so but actively protected those Hosts! This deeply moved me. So, after hearing about your deeds, I always wanted to meet you, because in my heart, you are the greatest Knight, the goal I strive to emulate.”

“...” Lin Luo felt utterly speechless. “Uh, I protect Hosts because my Heart Codex is different.”

“I know,” Arthur wasn't surprised by Lin Luo’s words but nodded. “Because your Heart Codex is the most unique, that doesn't mean you cease to be a Knight. At least when you lacked power, you risked your life to protect the Hosts. That is what is most touching. I believe that even if they weren't Hosts, you wouldn't necessarily harm them, right?” As he spoke, he pointed toward the two girls behind Lin Luo.

Isayama Yomi and Tsuchimiya Kagura looked utterly confused, completely unable to comprehend the exchange between the two men.

“Well, that is indeed the case.” There was no need to deny this point. Even if Yomi and Kagura weren't Hosts, he wouldn't stand by and watch them die. In fact, even if they were ordinary people encountering such a situation, he would try his best to lend a hand.

Lin Luo nodded, but a massive question suddenly formed in his mind. He frowned and asked, “How do you know so much about me?”

“That’s a given!” Arthur’s expression grew even more fervent. If Lin Luo hadn't signaled him to stay back, he probably would have rushed over already. “Didn't you know? You are incredibly famous among the Walkers! You are one of the Three Kings, known as the Brilliant King. The Brilliant King, the Dark King, and the Evil King—you three World Sovereigns are the apex super-experts among the Walkers!”

“Huh? Three Kings?” Lin Luo understood even less. What in the world was this about Three Kings? This wasn't the Holy Grail War. “What's this about the Three Kings?”

“Eh? You don't even know about that, Idol?” Arthur didn't answer immediately but asked in confusion.

“I know nothing.”

“I see. Then allow me to explain to you, Idol...”

“Wait, stop calling me Idol. It feels very awkward. Just call me by my name.”

“Is that so? Alright, then I shall call you Brother Lin Luo.”

“Brother? You seem older than me?”

“Heh heh, although my appearance might suggest maturity, I’m only seventeen, Brother Lin Luo.” Arthur scratched his head, looking slightly embarrassed.

“...” Seventeen your sister! Do you think you're Muramasa? Or Muramasa’s younger brother? Lin Luo was speechless. “Fine, Brother it is. But there is one thing I must ask: is Arthur your real name?”

“No, Arthur is just my surname.” Upon mentioning this, his face immediately became solemn. He declared forcefully, “I am the thirty-sixth generation descendant of the greatest King of Knights from Great Britain, the King of Knights. My ideal is to become a great knight like my ancestor, upholding justice, aiding the weak against the strong. The Knight’s Covenant is forever etched in my heart!”

“...”

Lin Luo nearly spat out his water. Damn, a descendant of the King of Knights!

...Well then, King Arthur, I’ve met your descendant. Are you well?

Lin Luo pressed his hand to his face, looking heavenward in speechlessness.