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Chapter 223 – Babarino Plains (2)
The Babarino Plains was one of the most spacious areas in the Soldun Kingdom as well as a useless wasteland covered with weeds. The Soldun Kingdom was famous for their lack of farmland, so they had tried to cleanse the barren land for centuries. However, there were no visible results yet.
Apart from a few small hills, there was no curvature in the topography. The Barbarino Plains was such a place.
However, today, there was a new record for the land. It was because there were more people entering the plains today than there had been in the past hundreds of years.
There were soldiers armed from head to toe with steel and leather, while flags flapped in the faint breeze. The procession of the royal army and nobles army which numbered 80,000 people in total stretched out under the horizon.
The crown prince's army which left Marquis Reista's estate was on the right side, while Duke Cornwall and Marquis Fergana were on the left side. They were several kilometers apart, and the commanders looked at the formation of the other side.
"That old raccoon, he seems to have decided. He didn't leave anything behind and will end it all here."
"It seems he has emptied out everything."
"That formation is… 'Sword and Buckler.' It is obvious he intends to push us step by step."
'Sword and Buckler' was originally an expression referring to a weapon which was a combination of the sword and the shield. However, its meaning was slightly different as a combat formation. It was a tactic of separating two units from each other, one to stop the enemy's vanguard and the other to pierce through the enemies who lost their momentum.
This was a classic but infrequently used method. However, Duke Cornwall pulled it out to use without hesitation. There was no need to explain his intentions.
'Sword and Shield' was a tactic which had been used since the ancient times on the premise of getting rid of the inefficient troops to stop the enemy���s vanguard.
Prince Elsid muttered with a frown, "A formation based on losing a significant number of troops… He really is only thinking about victory, that duke. He is already beyond obsession."
A strategist could understand casting stones for victory. Dropping two stones in order to get three was a natural act for them. However, it was an unacceptable attitude as a ruler. The duke wasn't planning to win efficiently. Instead, he wanted to throw away his followers?
"This is why we can't lose this fight. Everyone, follow me until the end."
Upon hearing Prince Elsid's determined voice, Marquis Piris and the other subordinates in the area prostrated themselves on the ground.
"Your words are right, Your Highness!"
"We need to win for the people!"
"Until the end, Your Highness is Soldun's king!"
Everyone here knew they were in a disadvantageous position. Even so, they didn't hesitate to kneel. This was because they felt a sense of crisis and discomfort from Duke Cornwall. This unbearable person absolutely shouldn't be king!
Each of them gathered under Elsid because they had similar thoughts. Duke Cornwall… If he were a better person, then today's situation might be drastically different. Elsid was greatly happy with their replies and raised his right hand. However, it wasn't just to secure visibility that he was on the hills.
"Good! Then we will surely get rid of those insurgents!"
It was because the people believed him. Setting aside strength and weakness, justice ought to win. After all this time, the people realized the 'ruthless reality', but embers of hope still burned within them. If a god really was watching them from the sky like the fanatics claimed, then Elsid couldn't turn away from them.
"First Corps, raise the flag and march!" A loud voice echoed, and a rider moved. Then a sudden earthquake hit the Barbarino Plains as the soldiers saw the red flag fluttering and moved as well.
Kung! Kung! Kung! Kung!
They pounded the ground with their spears and crushed the reeds. Power seemed to overflow on the plains every time they took a step.
This was an army, and this was war.
As the saying went, the roar of tens of thousands of soldiers could overtake the sound of thunder. Perhaps due to the topography, it felt like even the thick clouds on the horizon were pushed back.
"From now on, we will quell the rebels!"
It was the beginning of the decisive battle, which would later be called the 'Babarino Plains Great War' or 'Elsid's Civil War.'
* * *
However, unlike the grand declarations, the battlefield didn't move. The army was just stepping forward before retreating again. Just like the calm before a storm, a silence fell on the plains where 80,000 people stood. Much like how a swan floating on the surface seemed calm, the unseen area was actually turbulent.
"Second Corps, retreat quickly to the left slope!"
"The military forces of Duke Cornwall's group are approaching! Right?!"
"No, not yet! Fourth and Fifth Corps, keep advancing! Don't show a gap until the enemy rearguard is revealed!"
The strength of the individual was most important when engaging with a few elite troops, but it wasn't an exaggeration to say that the strategist or leader determined victory when it was a large army of thousands.
Elsid and his commanders were doing their best to try and open a gap in the duke's army. The problem was that the difficulty was ridiculously high.
"Damn, the difference in troops is so absolute…!"
50,000 and 30,000… This numerical gap was huge. The duke was prepared to abandon 20,000 people. If they attacked carelessly, Prince Elsid's army would suffer damage which would be difficult to recover from.
They couldn't step forward or retreat.
The difference in options changed the movements of the two groups, as Duke Cornwall's army gradually started to move forward. If the commanders of both sides were capable, the side with the superior numbers would have the advantage.
This meant the disadvantage on Elsid's side would increase over time. He despaired as this disadvantage was increased by the topography.
'Is this my limit?'
A one second delay would kill 10 people. Elsid knew this fact and made a decision quickly. Then with a heavy expression, he turned to the rider next to him and said, "Raise Meltor's flags! Prepare for a barrage!"
This was the only card which could change the flow. The firepower of Meltor's elites was a 'shield' which could sweep away the entire army before them. Elsid had wanted to annihilate the rearguards as much as possible, but he couldn't afford to wait any longer.
…Flap. The four-color flag of Meltor blew in the wind.
Orta saw the signal and nodded. The Crown Prince's response was perfect. If the other side made a mistake, he would be able to dig into that gap. However, the duke was pressing too hard, and it would be impossible to change the flow.
"Concentrate your magic power. Prepare for a barrage."
The 64 war mages responded, then…
Kururung!
Magic power gathered, and the clouds overhead scattered. If enough 5th Circle magicians combined their strength, it would be enough firepower to reach the level of a master.
The magic circle laid out under the feet of the 64 war mages glowed, and the magic power distorting the atmosphere coalesced. The terrifying magic which had yet to dissolve started to melt the land.
"Manifestation."
Simultaneously, 'Cobalt Sun,' the tactical magic developed by the red tower, appeared in the sky. This was the cleansing fire magic which 64 war mages completed! Despite the fact that the heat was quite a distance away, the soldiers on the Babarino Plains looked up at the turquoise sun rising in the sky.
The moment the magic power reached its peak, Orta declared, "Fall."
Shortly after that, the Cobalt Sun fell. Naturally, it fell toward the heads of Duke Cornwall's 10,000 soldiers. Just looking at the magic power, it was at the same level of the 7th Circle 'Inferno' magic. If it exploded at the center of the troops, at least 3,000~4,000 people would turn to charcoal.
It was at this moment that…
♪ ♩ ♬ ♬ ♩ · · ·! ♩ ♬ ♬ ♪ ♪–!
The magnificent sound of music emerged from somewhere.
"This?" Orta knew what the music was, and his expression stiffened.
The music was the Sacred Order's Hymn. Unlike the magicians who pursued different paths, 'teamwork' was required for the priests of the Sacred Order. It was possible for them to generate this power by harmonizing when singing the same song.
The power was huge, and it came from 'religion,' not rationality.
"Divine Protect…!"
Unsurprisingly, a golden shield appeared over Duke Cornwall's group. It was a shield made by divine power which had the ability to negate magic. Unlike the Magic Society that tried to break all reason, divine power explored reason. Their logic was that everything was divine, and they just needed to worship and follow. That blind faith formed the shield.
"Annoying," Orta murmured as the two powers collided.
Kurururung.
This time, the clouds were torn. The Cobalt Sun's path was interrupted, and it exploded as soon as it hit the golden shield. A storm of light barraged the soldiers' ears and eyes. Shattered pieces of armor and weapons scattered everywhere, while soldiers became masses of charcoal. The divine shield couldn't stop the Cobalt Sun perfectly.
However, this much couldn't change the flow of the battlefield. It wasn't a great amount of damage as it was just a few thousand people out of the duke's 50,000 troops. Moreover, Elsid's purpose of removing Duke Cornwall's vanguard failed.
"…No, it isn't completely pointless," Elsid muttered as he looked down at the epicenter. The effect of the barrage wasn't small. The shield might've blocked most of the damage, but the soldiers shrank back and the forward momentum was significantly reduced. Even if it didn't reverse the situation, it bought them some time.
Then while Elsid and the commanders were trying to think of another way to break through…
Dozens of strands of lightning struck the sides of Elsid's army.
Kwarururung!
Lightning magic truly contained a mighty destructive force. The armor that the soldiers wore was useless as the lightning bolts hit them.
"Kwaaaack!"
"M-My eyes, what is this?"
"Kieeek, kuk… Kuock."
It was a tremendous power. As a result, gazes naturally moved toward the source of the lightning. This was clearly the magic, Lightning Splash. Unlike Thunderbolt which focused on one point, this was a 6th Circle magic intended to spread out. It was a lightning spell famous for its difficulty to be controlled.
The magician who could use it would be truly powerful, and there was only one person on Duke Cornwall's side who could use it.
"This is a silly fight." Fergana touched his mustache with an uncomfortable feeling as he watched the soldiers in front of him. "If it wasn't for my daughter, I would've stayed still until the end."
As the two masters of the Soldun Kingdom, Earl Mersen and Marquis Fergana were loyal to it. So, if it wasn't for a certain person, he wouldn't be standing in the midst of this complicated situation. Even today, the old raccoon had mentioned his daughter while Fergana had been trying to enjoy his tea.
'Damn you, old and greedy…' Marquis Fergana made a tsk-ing sound before raising his magic power again. It couldn't be helped. He needed to return home quickly.
He was the 'Thunder Noble' whom everyone was afraid of. The marquis used the lightning magic he had developed since young and had risen to prominence with. However, he had to cancel the magic he prepared.
Piing.
A chill ran down Marquis Fergana's spine as a flash of light shot past his head, destroying a few strands of his hair. If he had been a little slower in dodging, he would've died. He might have been born and raised in the Central Continent, but he knew about the founder of this magic.
It was the war hero Alfred Bellontes' Magic Bullet!
"Who?" Marquis Fergana's relaxed expression disappeared as he glared in front of him.
His intuition warned him that this attack was dangerous. No, the figure who sent the flash was dangerous. It had been a long time since he had entered a battle, but his intuition hadn't disappeared.
"It is nice to meet you, Marquis Fergana." Theodore's red robe flapped as he flew forward without hesitation. The four-color pattern with the '4' in the center of his robe was a symbol that only belonged to Theodore.
It was his first time revealing his official position, so Theodore confronted Marquis Fergana while filled with half nervousness, half excitement.
"As the captain of Meltor's magic division, Quattro, I—Theodore Miller—will deal with you."
"Theodore Miller? That name…" Marquis Fergana was puzzled for a moment before nodding. "Indeed, Meltor's young hero. Ascending to this position before the age of 30… It is a scary achievement."
"You're overpraising me."
"It isn't a compliment. I hope you realize that all your possibilities will be crushed today."
The conversation between the two magicians ended there. As soon as Fergana finished talking, he went into combat mode. Fergana's opponent was a genius who had become a master at a young age, so he couldn't spare any power. Marquis Fergana used his Sorcery without hesitation.
Pajijik! Paijijik!
Strands of lightning emerged. The blue lightning sprung up on the surface of his luxurious robe, starting with weak static before becoming a lightning storm. This wasn't made from electric magic. Marquis Fergana's magic power was being replaced by actual lightning.
Theodore thought for a moment about the principles behind it but soon realized it was worthless. Sorcery was a result of magicians interpreting the world. No matter how much Theodore thought about it, he wouldn't be able to receive the same answer as Marquis Fergana had gotten.
So, he stepped back instead of worrying about it. There was a swirl of lightning before him, so there was no reason to try a melee. The lightning was fast and powerful. In a magic battle, there were few attributes which exceeded lightning.
Then why…?
'…Is it worth a try?'
All the forces inside Theodore were saying that…
He could overpower that lightning bolt.
Chapter 224 – Babarino Plains (3)
After the many struggles he had gone through, Theodore was convinced that the magician before him, Marquis Fergana, didn't feel as strong as his past opponents. However, the comparison wasn't that good.
Monsters at the apex of all species… They were from the Age of Mythology. Everybody would be ashamed when compared to the wicked dragon which dominated the seas.
'Okay, let's try it!'
Theodore didn't hesitate and moved accordingly.
Wuuuong…!
His seven circles rotated and pushed toward Marquis Fergana. In a magic battle, it was a basic principle to control the mana in the area. However, Theodore felt a strange feeling as he did this.
He had fought many times with strong people, including sword masters, but this was his first time fighting with a traditional magician. The space started to distort at the midpoint between the two magicians.
The power of the 7th Circle magicians, both of whom could be described as 'one-man armies,' collided together and created a storm that hit the soldiers several hundred meters away. The storm was inevitable.
One person called out a lightning bolt while the other produced a whirlwind. The battle between masters was enough to be called a natural disaster.
"Now then…" Soon after, Marquis Fergana stretched out his hands. "…Let's start!"
Theodore responded by stretching out both palms.
Kwarururung… Kwakwakwang!
As a blue lightning bolt shot forward, a wall of red flames blocked it, and there was a magnificent explosion. That was 'Thunderbolt' from the marquis and 'Flare Burst' from Theodore. Both of them had shot 6th Circle attack magic at each other. The sky momentarily brightened, and a roar echoed throughout the Babarino Plains.
Shortly after that, both magicians were confused.
'That punk, he responded to my strike?'
'What is that ridiculous casting speed?'
Theodore had confidence in his own casting speed as he had received special training from Sylvia and acquired affinities with the four elements. With a few exceptions, he could cast any 7th Circle magic as a weapon, but Marquis Fergana showed more than that.
Marquis Fergana had literally cast at lightning speed, and something went through Theodore's mind as he thought this.
'Like lightning…? Perhaps Marquis Fergana's Sorcery…'
Unfortunately, there was no room for further thoughts.
Kwarururung!
Lightning bolts were poured out in succession and filled the air around Theodore. This time, the casting was so quick that Theodore couldn't even see hand gestures or the mouth moving. Marquis Fergana was trying to win without allowing any counterattacks.
Theodore made a quick decision and devoted himself to avoiding the lightning. No matter how fast an attack was, he could easily avoid it. However, this was a first-time experience for Marquis Fergana. "How can he avoid lightning with a human body?"
Fergana's magic was based on his special 'Sorcery', allowing him to have speed and power comparable to that of real lightning. It was immeasurably quick when compared to flying arrows, and it was powerful enough to melt well-refined metals.
He had tested his magic out previously, and Earl Mersen hadn't even been able to defend. Yet the lightning he was so proud of couldn't reach a person who had just become a master? Marquis Fergana's magic power became increasingly rough.
Without knowing the marquis' inner thoughts, Theodore was internally admiring and trying to figure out the marquis' Sorcery. The marquis had managed to avoid Magic Bullet, and he also had high-speed casting. Based on such clues, perhaps Marquis Fergana's Sorcery was—
'Is it a control ability related to the lightning attribute? His reflexes are developed to a tremendous level… Maybe he can integrate with lightning like my [Forced Harmonization].'
If so, the opponent's combat ability was amazing. Unlike Theodore, who had awoken his Sorcery recently, Marquis Fergana's skill level was high and he wasn't easily shaken either. Theodore didn't know about Orta, but it would be extremely dangerous if Baek Jongmyung encountered the marquis.
'I have to put him down here.'
Marquis Fergana was a strong enemy. Theodore knew this fact, but he was still convinced of his victory. If Fergana's attacks were based on lightning, then there was a chance for Theodore.
Dduk.
Theodore stopped flying in the sky. Then Marquis Fergana finally found a gap in his prey and reflexively fired a lightning bolt. A blue lightning bolt emerged from his fingertip and crossed the space.
Kwarurung!
That didn't mean he'd stopped thinking. Marquis Fergana kept thinking after firing the lightning bolt. His instincts furiously warned him that Theodore wouldn't fall prey to this type of attack.
Marquis Fergana's intuition was proven right. He had fired Lightning Vortex. However…
"-What?!"
It passed through Theodore's body!
'He got caught!'
Theodore didn't miss the gap revealed by Marquis Fergana. It was a trap which was possible due to Theodore's Sorcery. Theodore had temporarily turned into lightning due to Forced Harmonization, so electric magic had no effect on him.
Simultaneously, Theodore's body shot straight forward as fast as lightning. Due to his tremendous acceleration, Theodore seemed to distort for a moment before arriving at his destination. One of his knees was pointed forward like a spear and struck Marquis Fergana's abdomen.
Kwaduduk!
Marquis Fergana coughed up blood. "Kuheook!"
The marquis had no time to defend himself. His ribs broke and pierced his lungs. The shock from the attack spread, damaging his entire body. It was a destructive force which wasn't instantly lethal!
Theodore cocked his head as he heard a strange sound. Then he could see the cause of it.
Pajijijik!
Marquis Fergana had turned into lightning like Theodore and was running away. He wasn't running in a straight line but in a zigzag pattern.
Despite being badly injured, Fergana's movements were far beyond Theodore's proficiency. If he pursued with the same type of lightning movement, he would be surrounded by Duke Cornwall's troops.
Theodore sighed and shrugged. "…Well, haven't I achieved my purpose?"
Even though Marquis Fergana had escaped, his injury was serious. He could be assured that the marquis couldn't appear on the battlefield again in this civil war.
The marquis might not have died on the spot, but he had received a fatal injury which could hinder his ability to maintain his life as well as his magic circulation system. He wouldn't be able to get out of bed for half a year unless he had a potion like Theodore. A sword master could borrow the strength of divine power, but that wasn't applicable for a magician.
Just as divine power resisted magic, magic resisted divine power. Even a cardinal couldn't do anything against the resistance of a master magician. Thus, Theodore had succeeded in his original purpose of getting rid of Marquis Fergana. He had done enough for one person and could stop here.
However, Theodore wasn't satisfied yet. The Babarino Plains were still filled with the soldiers' shouts and the sound of metal clashing, so it was too premature to decide that the royal faction had won.
'No, not yet. The battlefield is still boiling, even if I have defeated Marquis Fergana. I need to drive a wedge in firmly.'
This was Alfred's advice. It wasn't yet time to withdraw, and this was a moment that could decide victory or defeat in the war. Theodore looked around. There was a sense of sharpness due to looking down at the entire Babarino Plains through the eyes of Hugin, whom Theodore had summoned beforehand.
–5 kilometers to the east, Viscount Carter is fighting the priests.
–4 kilometers to the southwest, Teacher and 15 war mages are advancing.
–7 kilometers to the northeast…
Theodore's vision narrowed in on some unexpected movements. There were three people fighting, and one of them was a master who was really familiar to him.
'That… Is it Master Baek and Tower Master? And the crusader.'
Mana was swirling, and the two people were attacking Ruben.
No matter how good Ruben's recovery ability was, he would die before recovering if two masters attacked him properly. Unlike before, Baek Jongmyung was now thoroughly aiming for Ruben's head. There was no attempt to act like he had done previously the last time.
The crusader was shouting about cowardice, but this was the right method to win on the battlefield. He was suffering from the pincer attack.
Theodore turned his gaze toward other areas. No, it was more correct to say that he tried to. He was thinking that the prince's victory was clear when 'it' happened.
―――――――――!
Somewhere, a volcano exploded. That was the only explanation for the deafening sound. The sky and the earth were torn apart, and the soldiers couldn't even scream as dust covered the sky and the clouds turned red.
"That is…?"
A large amount of dust was riding in the northwest, opposite to the area where the three masters were confronting each other. Theodore might've thought a volcano really had exploded, but volcanic ash didn't fill the air. In other words, this wasn't a natural phenomenon.
This was a violence which damaged several hills and turned thousands of humans into a bloody mess. It meant there was a presence who could artificially exercise this power.
Gulp. Theodore instinctively had an ominous feeling and gulped.
'The enemy…'
The duke might've received some hits, but it was nothing compared to the damage received by the prince's side. There was only one candidate who could be strong enough on Duke Cornwall's side and would appear as the prince's enemy.
'It is Pan Helliones!'
The empire's 4th Sword, Helliones of the Super Heavy Sword… It wasn't impossible for that monster to destroy a mountain with one blow. Normally, the reality didn't match the rumors, but he seemed like a greater monster than described in the rumors.
Pan Helliones was obviously stronger than Baek Jongmyung or Randolph. A sword master who had been at the peak for 30 years, the sword of Andras, had joined the battlefield.
Theodore looked in that direction and continued to think. He had a plan to confront Pan with Randolph, depending on whether he could get Orta or Baek Jongmyung's cooperation or whether he needed to take out the automaton.
However, before Theodore could make a decision, vibrations were transmitted from a communication tool. It was from his ally, Randolph Clovis.
[Theo, can you hear me?]
[… I hear you. What is the situation?]
The voice Theodore heard from the magic tool was very distressed. It meant Randolph was rattled and didn't know how to move.
[Damn, I don't know! Pan Helliones, that bastard just rushed into the middle of the battle! I don't know where you are, but do you see that dust cloud?]
[Yes, is that on your side?]
[I'm not there yet, but I will arrive soon. It is already different from what we planned, so what should we do?]
The two people had planned to sneak up on Pan Helliones for a pincer attack. He didn't know why Pan Helliones had changed his movements, but if they left that monster alone, the prince's side would be destroyed without a trace.
The battlefield might be overturned with just two or three more attacks.
Theodore gritted his teeth and declared, […Let's go.]
Anyway, Helliones was an opponent who needed to be defeated. So, Theodore and Randolph would also both attack like planned. When Randolph heard Theodore's determination through the communication device, he responded in an excited voice, [It can't be helped. In the end, it's a frontal match? I'm trembling.]
[But he is still a better opponent than that monster from last time. Moreover, isn't it two against one?]
[Haha! It is exactly as you said. Let's stick together, Partner!]
Up to the present day, Theodore had gone through many crises. Therefore, he knew. There was no benefit in avoiding the fight here. The enemy he would have had to face one day had come to face him now. So, if he stepped back, he would be standing on the edge of a cliff.
Even so, victory wasn't certain, so Theodore couldn't help grumbling as he flew through the sky.
Pan Helliones, the worst hurdle on the battlefield, was waiting.
Chapter 225 – Great Battle (1)
Theodore didn't move in another direction and continued to fly toward the center of the dust cloud. The closer he got, the denser the dust was which interfered with his vision. However, that discomfort only lasted for a short while before a path opened up.
It was because Aiolos, the divinity of the god of wind, unconsciously obeyed Theodore's will. Theodore realized it and used the power consciously. "Fly away!"
'I know that,' replied the wind. This was different from magic which artificially controlled the flow. It was like the world itself followed Theodore's words as the wind turned naturally and the dust moved.
The crushed remains of humans were staining the ground. There were some soldiers who survived, but the majority were so injured they were on the verge of death. However, Theodore couldn't pay attention to them.
'…There.'
On the surface of where the dust cloud was coming from, one man was emitting a frightening presence. Theodore was still quite a distance away, but it was overwhelming.
The person held a greatsword which was as big as him, and he seemed like a magnificent mountain. A weak person's heart might stop from just looking at him. Pan Helliones, the 4th Sword of the empire, was a man like that.
Chill.
Theo's super sensitivity was telling him that this was an adversary who was on a different level. If he went ahead, he would be placing his life on the line.
Goosebumps ran down Theodore's neck and spine, making him shudder from the cold. Was this the difference between them despite them both being masters? The intensity of the threat he felt from Pan Helliones was more than triple that of what he'd felt from Marquis Fergana.
This was Meltor's true enemy, the power of the empire's Seven Swords. Theodore shook off his instincts and stopped a few dozen meters from him. It would be difficult to respond to an attack if he got any closer. So, he chose a midpoint at a distance where he could respond to any situation.
"You're late," Pan Helliones greeted Theodore with a heavy voice. "If you didn't come soon, I was going to swing my sword."
There was no bluff in Helliones' voice. His tone was blasé despite having caused this disaster. Helliones' strength was enough to shake the ground. There were six or seven collapsed hills, and the number of soldiers blown away by the shockwave was estimated to be ~2,000–3,000. This destructive power was comparable to 7th Circle magic.
"…It is a big deal for you to wait when a promise to meet with you hadn't been made," Theodore responded calmly with a weak expression on his face. He was nervous because he was overwhelmed by the ridiculous destructive power. It was only a guess that Pan Helliones couldn't use this power as often as he wanted.
However, Pan Helliones' reaction was completely unexpected. "No promise… Is that so?" He had a ridiculing smile on his face. Theodore had an uneasy feeling when he saw Pan Helliones' expression and tried to calm down.
"Weren't you the ones who invited me into this battle?"
Hearing Helliones��� unexpected words, Theodore's expression froze. Pan Helliones was already aware of the existence of an accomplice.
"Crawl out here, Sir Clovis. You should've come out sooner if you were planning on the element of surprise. It is too late now."
"…Tch, you noticed quickly." Randolph had been caught and emerged belatedly. As always, he was wearing armor and held two swords. He appeared behind Helliones, who was confronting Theodore. It would've been better if they had a chance to choose a location which was more advantageous to them, but they couldn't pass up this opportunity to kill him.
Pan Helliones was calm despite being in a deadly situation. "You had this thought out from the beginning, Sir Clovis."
"Well, that's right. I don't know about the 2nd Sword, but it is different if the opponent is you."
"Certainly, your Aura Ability is bad for me. I don't know about one-on-one, but a fight against many opponents is hard for me," Helliones coolly admitted his weakness and then pulled something out.
It was a silver key with dim magic power shining around it. The key was around the size of two or three adult fingers? It was a size which couldn't be called small, but it looked small because it was in Pan Helliones' hand.
"So, I prepared something in case this situation happened. Sir Clovis, take it."
"What? …Ah." Randolph caught the key that Pan Helliones threw at him. Theodore used Appraisal on it, but it was just a tool which didn't have any special function other than to resolve certain bindings. Theodore thought up to here and was intuitively aware of the move Pan Helliones had prepared.
'It can't be?!'
As if to confirm Theodore's speculation, Pan Helliones let out an eerie laugh. "Surely you didn't think there would be nothing on Rebecca's shackles? It will happen in one hour. No, perhaps 45 minutes from now. If you don't release her from the restraints, there won't be a single piece of her flesh left."
"What?"
Unlike the astonished Theodore, Randolph's anger was quiet.
"…You dared do this, you damn bastard." Randolph gritted his teeth hard enough to break both molars. "Setting aside this situation, she was your disciple. No, she is still your disciple. Yet you dare to do this to her?"
"It is better than being regarded as a traitor. Isn't that right?" Pan Helliones relaxed stance didn't shake, despite facing an enemy who wanted to peel off his skin. He shrugged and made Randolph choose between two brutal choices. "Now, what will you do? Time is still passing."
Randolph gripped his swords as tightly as possible. He knew what the other person wanted, but if he left, Theodore would have to confront that monster one-on-one.
As mentioned before, it was different with the 2nd Sword. However, if he and Theodore fought together, Randolph was certain they would attain victory against Pan Helliones. If they scattered, the likelihood of defeat was much higher.
His family or ally… Randolph's mind was frozen because he couldn't make a choice. However, Theodore didn't hesitate even in this situation. "Randolph, go and rescue your sister."
"What?! But…!"
"You are just wasting time. I will try to do it alone somehow." As he urged Randolph to go quickly, Theodore stepped forward. With the time limit, Randolph would be distracted and incapable of fighting with his true abilities.
Randolph also knew it, so he closed his eyes and turned his back on Theodore.
"Kuk, I'm sorry! I'll be back as soon as possible!" Randolph apologized before quickly disappearing, but Theodore didn't expect his return to be timely. Pan Helliones wasn't stupid enough to restrain Rebecca nearby. It would take at least 30 minutes, buying Pan Helliones time to fight with Theodore.
Theodore calmly assessed the situation and looked ahead again. The man was over two meters tall, and he was holding a greatsword as big as that. Helliones was obviously a knight who could destroy a rock with one blow.
No, it was obvious just by looking. There was a sense of weight to Pan Helliones' presence.
'By the way, that greatsword… Can he swing it properly?'
It was a greatsword was two meters long, and it was just a plain greatsword. There were no decorations on it, and its repulsive force was reinforced by the hilt. The average greatsword weighed around 2.5 kilograms, but this ridiculous size was out of the normal standards. Was it around 20 kilograms, no, 25 kilograms?
"It is exactly 34.2 kilograms," Pan Helliones said. Aware of Theodore's gaze, he explained coldly, "It is made by mixing meteorite and adamantium, and it's 20 times heavier than a typical longsword. It is impossible to swing, even if a group of men is holding it."
"So? Why are you kind enough to explain this?"
"It isn't a big deal. It is uncommon for me to be confronted in this way. I just wanted to brag about my sword."
Theodore looked at Pan Helliones with a dumbfounded expression, but he was actually measuring his opponent's power. From the helmet to the armor, to the boots and sword, Theodore didn't miss anything.
Theodore observed the greatsword as Pan Helliones held it in both hands. Then Theodore realized, 'That crude big sword is why he is called the Super Heavy Sword?'
Almost simultaneously…
"Then let's begin," Pan Helliones declared, lifting his greatsword.
Shiver.
At that moment, a tremendous trembling overwhelmed Theodore's body.
It had been revealed that this greatsword weighed 34.2kg. The weapon which was closer to a siege weapon than a sword was lifted easily like it was a feather. There was an unnatural 'lightness' which seemed to escape from the confines of gravity.
'Should I offset it now? No, it is a few beats late…!'
Theodore didn't dare to even endure it. He rushed backward as his senses screamed at him. Then he reflexively activated Battle Song and Wind Blast to accelerate. His vision turned red for a moment, but he could withstand the backlash.
Nevertheless, he didn't feel relieved.
"Good senses." Pan Helliones nodded with praise and raised his sword above him. A red blood-like aura blazed around it. The force of the power bent the space around it, causing spider web-like cracks to form on the ground.
Kukukung. There was an explosion that shook the earth.
The Super Heavy Sword, Pan Helliones…
1st type, Earth Break.
It was like a meteor falling.
* * *
This was literally hell.
Kurururung.
The ground at Theodore's feet collapsed, and the air evaporated from the tremendous heat, turning the environment into a place where no one could live. It covered an area of around 100 meters or maybe more. The soldiers could barely see anything through the dust.
'Cra…zy!'
12 of the 13 shields Theodore had deployed hurriedly were broken, and the remaining one was tattered. Theodore threw away his torn robes and cursed loudly. If he had been too late to avoid it, or if he had been lacking one shield, it would've been his body, not his robe, which was ripped apart.
How could this destructive power come from one sword? However, it wasn't in vain to watch it from a close range, as Theodore managed to figure out the reason why.
'…Indeed, this is the ability to control weight!'
It was simple enough to know the secret to Pan Helliones' terrible power.
Helliones had changed the weight close to zero until the sword was fully accelerated, then he gave it a tremendous weight when maximum speed was reached. That was the source of this nonsensical destructive power.
It was a blow which was several times faster than the speed of sound due to the extraordinary weight of the sword. Regardless of whether it was a hundred tons or a thousand tons, even an adult dragon would die instantly if they were hit by that terrible impact.
Above all, Pan Hellions had a power which was different to that of any other sword master Theodore had ever seen.
There was the owner of the ability to find the 'path,' Lloyd Pollan…
The assassin who had the ability of 'concealment,' Hyde…
The one who had awakened the power of 'penetration,' Baek Jongmyung…
And the one who had the ability of 'speed,' Randolph.
Pan Helliones' ability was tremendously strong compared to those excellent powers. This was the first sword master Theodore had met who specialized in 'destructive power.'
'How do I deal with that monster?'
Theodore couldn't help gulping in front of such brute force.
That guy was waiting in the middle of the dust. With a range exceeding several hundred meters, Helliones' attack was a blow which would kill Theodore as soon as it hit.
Chapter 226 – Great Battle (2)
'Even if I am a fellow master, I would be smashed by that blow.'
Theodore considered a few options he could use and excluded 'Gladio.' Gladio's combat ability was considerable, but he was a rather bad matchup for Pan Helliones.
Lloyd Pollan's Aura Ability, Pathfinder, was a possibility.
The ability to find the opponent's weaknesses and loopholes was useful, but he would struggle to survive against even one hit from Helliones. Theodore could use Gladio as a shield, but it was too much of a pity to consume the automaton in that way.
However, there was something Theodore had learned just before the attack.
The destructive power of the heavy sword was obviously amazing, but it was difficult to strike precisely. Moreover, Pan Helliones needed time to gather the level of destructive power he had shown at the beginning.
A path for a clear breakthrough was yet to be seen, but that didn't mean Theodore didn't have the power to attack.
Huuk.
As the last of the dust was removed with the wind, the appearance of the giant sword was revealed. Helliones had switched from making a vertical blow to a horizontal blow. Based on Pan Helliones' posture, Theodore's senses warned him again. 'It's coming!'
Simultaneously, Pan Helliones' sword caused a tsunami.
Kwaaaaaaah!
Unlike the first attack which had spread a shockwave by hitting the ground, this one broke the air. It was equivalent to a dragon's roar. The shockwaves extended parallel to the surface of the earth and crushed all objects in the path. The horizontal sword seemed to split the world in two.
This was the Super Heavy Sword, Pan Helliones…
2nd type, Over Horizon.
If Theodore tried to defend, he would be split in two.
"Kuok!" Theodore hurriedly jumped and looked down with a shocked expression.
However, the attacks continued without giving him any time to relax.
The blows were comparable to great magic, but the speed at which Helliones swung his sword again was unimaginable. Following the horizontal slash, there were two upper slashes which overlapped orbits.
To think that Pan Helliones was capable of continuous attacks with such power?! The destructive power of each strike was reduced, but it was still devastating. A slight graze would kill Theodore instantly.
Theodore desperately pulled himself out of its orbit. The storm-like shockwave was already a natural disaster.
'Damn, a shockwave happens every time he swings his sword!'
A ridiculous sight was happening before him. Every time Pan Helliones' sword moved through the air, the entire space was pushed to create a wall of shockwaves.
Consequently, the atmosphere distorted, and the rocks burst.
Several layers of shockwaves overlapped with each other and devastated the area. No swordsmanship was required. The blade didn't even need to make contact. Just like a fly falling without being hit by the hand, the shockwaves were able to kill the opponent without the blade needing to strike directly.
'Besides, the range is getting narrower… I can only manage to avoid it four more times before reaching the influence of the low pressure. Before that, I need to change the situation somehow.'
It wasn't easy, but Theodore thought about it while raising his magic power. That damn shockwave was Pan Helliones' sword and shield. It was a means of attacking within a range of a few hundred meters, and it also acted as a barrier to prevent close range attacks. To break through it, Theodore needed magic of at least the 7th Circle.
"I will test it out."
His magic power was still sufficient, so Theodore aimed both his hands at Pan Helliones, who was still creating shockwaves. A magic of medium firepower wouldn't be able to cross that wall of pressure. Fire-based large-scale magic, the most powerful among the attributes, would be suitable.
'Inferno.'
Hellfire, another 7th Circle fire magic, was one of the choices available, but Inferno was stronger when it came to pure firepower. Theodore's seven circles rotated to create a vortex of flames.
Kuooooh!
Then the wind blew, and the fire of Inferno hit that wall of shockwaves.
The amazing air pressure caused by the sword shook from the aftermath. It wasn't enough to break the great magic before it. The atmosphere was being distorted by the heat, and it seemed like Pan Helliones would be turned into charcoal immediately.
'No, this won't work.'
However, Theodore shook his head. The power of Inferno would surely break down the barrier, but it slowed and weakened with every layer of shockwave it crossed. Once it crossed exactly six shockwaves, the flames faded away.
"The firepower is too slow to be sufficient. He will swing a dozen times before my attack is over."
What was a great magic which combined firepower and speed?
"Ah." Theodore recalled a recent memory. It was while he had been exploring the Aiolos divinity.
He thought of Lightning Wind Phase, from the 'Eight Trigrams Theory' in the East.
Since ancient times, wind and lightning had been forces which were closely related to each other. There was a theory which claimed both attributes were in a mutually beneficial relationship. Regardless of whether it was right or wrong, Theodore agreed on the basis of his Sorcery.
Wind and lightning converged as his worldview expanded.
Pajijik! Paijijik!
This was Lightning Vortex. The whirlwind of blue lightning struggled like a dragon above Theodore's palm. The current was amplified on the outer wall of the whirlwind, and the lightning accelerated the wind. It was a cycle of power which surpassed the laws of nature. Marquis Fergana's lightning was nothing compared to this.
"Go." With Theodore's permission, the lightning dragon descended toward the ground.
Kwarururung! A roar shook Helliones' eardrums, and his face instantly hardened from the power of Theodore's attack.
"…How interesting. I want to go against it once," Helliones said.
However, he stuck his legs into the ground and took the Nebenhut posture. It meant he would receive the attack without retreating. He intended to receive the lightning from the front without any tricks! Immediately after that moment, the lightning dragon flashed toward Pan Helliones.
This was the Super Heavy Sword, Pan Helliones…
4th type, Mountain-Buster.
…And the ground soared.
"Crazy. Such a nonsensical thing…!" Hadn't Theodore repeated these same words several times already? He didn't see the process perfectly, but he knew the principle behind Helliones' attack.
Pan Helliones was clearly wielding his sword. However, it wasn't toward the lightning falling from the sky but toward the ground below him. He wielded his huge sword like a shovel digging into the ground.
The dirt was dug out so hard that it skyrocketed toward the sky as if to bury the sun. The earth blocked the advancing lightning vortex!
Some people might laugh at Helliones' actions, but Theodore realized that this was the perfect countermeasure to lightning magic. The best way to offset the nature of lightning was to ground it. Half of the lightning was reduced by the dug-up earth, and the rest was erased with a few sword swings.
Paaaang!
Unsurprisingly, Pan Helliones' big sword was able to break down the lightning vortex without much difficulty.
"Hrmm." Before the astounded Theodore, Pan Helliones looked down at his hands with narrowed eyes. It was because the lightning's impact on Helliones' body wasn't light, despite the fact that he had dealt with it perfectly. His right hand was numb from the intense lightning, while his left hand was in pain.
Then his heavy eyelids lowered as he muttered, "…How wonderful. My judgment was correct."
"Judgment?"
"I didn't have to come to this risky place. If Sir Clovis had given priority to killing me instead of saving his sister, or if you called the White Tower Master here, I would've lost."
It was as he said. Pan Helliones had created this face-to-face confrontation in his own way, but this battle would've been his execution if one thing had turned out differently.
The distance between them was too far for Theodore to hear Pan's voice. So, he came down to the ground for a moment to listen. In fact, he was also curious about why Pan Helliones was in this situation.
Their eyes met, and Pan Helliones opened his mouth to say, "There is one reason why I let it be despite knowing Sir Randolph's treachery and then allowed myself to be placed in this risky position. Theodore Miller, I have to kill you here."
It was a pure bloodthirst.
Theodore's expression froze before he attempted to joke, "You… did I do something bad to you that I don't know about?"
"This isn't due to a personal grudge. Sir Clovis' betrayal and Rebecca, both of them are nothing compared to getting your head. In order to have this duel, I willingly took the risk."
Helliones hadn't killed Randolph despite knowing of his betrayal because he didn't want to waste power fighting him. Instead, Helliones had taken an unpredictable risk to create this situation because he felt like he had to kill Theodore now.
���Dangerous.' The chill running down Theodore's spine became colder as he read Pan Helliones' resolution. 'That bastard, he wants to kill me here.'
Relying on only his intuition, Pan Helliones had created this battlefield where he could fight Theodore alone. That intuition which was closer to that of a beast had allowed him to make it through countless battlefields.
However, that wasn't all. This sword master had experienced war with Meltor several times, so he had accumulated a lot of information and tips about how to fight magicians. It was very likely that he would use methods which had been shown to work against magicians in the past.
Theodore would have to bring out all his wild cards in this fight.
If he didn't kill Helliones, then he would die. Theodore had understood this before, but this was the first time he truly realized it. Helliones was Andras' knight, one of the empire's Seven Swords and one of the top 10 magician killers on the continent.
Just like how Meltor��s magicians had become adept at countering melee combat, Helliones was a killer who was used to dealing with magic.
'Keep thinking. What skills haven't been used yet? What other tactics do I have left?'
Several choices went through Theodore's mind.
Should he attack while trying to avoid getting damaged? Dismissed. He wouldn't be able to protect his body from the shockwaves. Pan Helliones would be able to hit him three times before he narrowed the distance.
Should he quickly approach using lightning? Pending. There was no guarantee that Theodore's speed wouldn't slow down while passing through the shockwaves. Moreover, he wasn't invincible in his lightning state, so there was a possibility of being damaged by the impact of the aura.
"Dammit, there isn't anything without weaknesses."
According to Lee Yoonsung's memories, the one hit method seemed to be the most effective…?
One effective technique was better than many ineffective tricks. It was like how Pan Helliones' heavy sword replaced all techniques once it reached a certain level.
'…No, wait a minute.'
"Strength…?"
Theodore was reminded of something, a great magic with an overwhelming destructive power which his opponent wouldn't be able to resist. It was a power which had already transcended the 7th Circle before he completed his Sorcery.
That power was Abraxas, the great magic which surpassed even the god sword by resonating two opposing attributes.
Hwaruruk.
The moment he thought this, Theodore's hands started to burn with a red and blue color. The heat and cold were several times more intense than when he had fought Hyde. Muspelheim's flames and Aquilo's blood incited his fighting spirit as he joined them together.
'Okay.'
This would determine Theodore's victory or defeat.
Chapter 227 – Great Battle (3)
Both powers fluctuated intensely in Theodore's veins. His left hand became agitated like it was burning up, while his right hand was frozen cold.
Like Yin and Yang, they both responded and resisted each other. Indeed, the recoil of Abraxas, the magic which transcended circles, wasn't comparable to other magic. If Theodore lost concentration for even a moment, it would self-destruct with a repulsive force. Theodore's nerves were tense because he knew this fact.
'Still, I can do it.'
He was nervous, but he was not afraid. The magic had once succeeded in imperfect conditions, so he was confident that he could succeed now. Theodore kept his mind sharp. Rather than waves eroding away at rocks, his nerves were like a few raindrops falling onto rocks.
He refined his spirit and gathered it at one point like a drop of water. It was like inserting a thread into a tiny needle hole, but Theodore's highly trained concentration made it possible.
The two unstable forces circulated and started to reveal the shape of a sphere.
Wuuuuuu. It emitted a calm resonant sound. Unlike before, no strong magic storm occurred this time. There wasn't even the slightest fluctuation as he maintained the contradictory existences.
Theodore stood at the boundary of Yin and Yang and looked down at the laws of the world.
"Forced Harmonization."
There was no need to use Umbra's Dimensional Leave. Thanks to his awakened Sorcery, he had surpassed the limit of 'impossible phenomena.'
The chaos of heat and cold, set in the rules of thermodynamics which made up the world, didn't prevail any longer. The magician who had reached the peak deviated from the world. The great magic, Abraxas, was a clue to the 8th Circle.
Then at the next moment, the nucleus of Theodore's 'world' was born.
"…Umm." In contrast to the stable Theodore, Pan Helliones stiffened. He was a warrior who had gone through many battlefields and was one step away from the borders of this world. If he couldn't gauge the nature of the phenomenon happening in front of him, then he would be so ashamed that he would bite his tongue off and die.
"This will determine victory or defeat. Will you fight me with strength?" Anger, admiration, and rage boiled in Pan Helliones' voice.
A red aura sprang up as he expressed this sentiment. Helliones' greatsword burned as it soared up high into the sky. The ground couldn't withstand the increased weight of the aura, and Pan Helliones' legs sank down until his knees.
Theodore's instincts realized what Helliones' attitude meant. 'This is it.'
Immediately after Theodore fought Marquis Fergana, there had been a huge explosion reminiscent of a volcanic explosion.
That destructive power had been equivalent to 7th Circle magic, and it seemed like Pan Hellions was trying to recreate the attack again. The aura which swallowed up the greatsword then became visible to the naked eye.
This sword showed Pan Helliones' 'determined attitude.'
Who would win? That question had already long disappeared from the minds of the two people. Both masters were confident of their victory and threw away everything in order to suppress each other.
The great magic, Abraxas (ΑΒΡΑΣΑΞ): first water and fire phase…
And the Super Heavy Sword, Pan Helliones: Type 0, World Break.
Coincidentally, these two techniques were the opposite of each other. The one that wanted to create and the one that wanted to destroy… The 'World's Egg' and the 'Sword of Extinction.'
A bead which contained indescribable power was up against a sword which could wipe out a mountain.
―――――――――!!
Sound and light were broken, and an impact which overwhelmed human senses filled the area. Only the two masters were able to defend themselves in this space.
The floor melted like butter, while the atmosphere turned into a vacuum which denied life. Pan Helliones overcame this environment and watched the two powers struggling against each other in the center.
'Indeed… It isn't ordinary. I didn't think I would be pushed into a power showdown.'
His World Break was hard for an enemy to deal with, although it took too long to use. It had even once stopped a flooded river. An orc village hiding in a mountain had been completely wiped out.
Nevertheless, the unknown magic used by Theodore Miller had more power than that. However, Pan Hellions grasped his greatsword firmly. 'I am surprised, but it isn't enough to knock me down.'
He might be the loser, but that didn't mean he lacked power. His special move couldn't be blocked so easily. It was a destructive power which had its own durability. If he could just survive this attack—
…However, at the very moment that he thought this…
[No.] There was a voice which couldn't be heard by his ears. [It is up to here.]
Beyond the light and noise that couldn't be penetrated, Theodore Miller was declaring his own victory. In the end, Pan Hellions wouldn't know it until the end. Theodore was hiding his 'second attack.'
It was the great magic, Abraxas (ΑΒΡΑΣΑΞ): second wind and earth collapse.
This technique wasn't just limited to fire and water. Earth and wind were also opposing attributes. This form which utilized all four attributes was the true perfection of Abraxas.
'Let's name it Elemental Burst!'
The storm swallowed Pan Helliones.
* * *
Chaaeng!
The paladin with the golden shield was pushed and rolled across the ground. It wasn't difficult to shield from the sword master's attack, but a shock in the right place was enough to break his balance.
As soon as his defense crumbled, he received a shower of attacks. One blow accurately pierced through this gap, aiming exactly at the paladin's head. If this blow hit, his brain matter would be scattered instantly.
"D-Dammit!" The crusader Ruben was cornered and forced to use a move he'd been saving.
Unlike magic which was a source of power that existed in the body, divine power was separate and needed to be recharged. A huge amount could be accumulated in the body, and it was possible to increase the limit using a tool.
In Ruben's case, his sword and shield were relics. They were treasures which contained divine power and could be used to save his life if he was in trouble. The surface of the round shield flashed brightly. and a wave of divine power was emitted from it, pushing the two masters away.
"Umm, this is annoying in many ways."
"Don't be in a hurry. It is almost over."
They had just missed an opportunity to win, but Baek Jongmyung and Orta were still calm. It was because this situation had repeated many times already.
Unlike the last time, Baek Jongmyung and Orta were now fighting together, so they could attack as well as defend. Once the divine power stored in the relics were exhausted, Ruben would be suppressed one-sidedly by the two masters.
However, this didn't mean there were no variables.
"Sun God Lairon! Hopefully your servant-"
"I don't want to hear it." Orta moved his fingers before divine power could be generated by the prayer.
Then the light stretched out from Ruben was broken, and the flow of divine power was lost. Feelings of fear and horror, phenomena he had never experienced before, filled the eyes of the confused crusader.
"N-No? How did my technique…?"
"You don't need to know." There was no reason to teach Ruben, so Orta gave a cold answer and cut the space.
"Kuack!" Ruben barely avoided it, but a line of blood was drawn down his face. If he was even a little bit later, it would've carved down to his bones.
As a shadow who ran around the continent performing missions for Meltor, Orta already knew how to deal with paladins and priests. The tactics to consume the power of the relics and the tricks to hinder prayers, all of them had been identified by him.
Knowing the opponent was the key to winning wars. This was a true saying. As such, Ruben's weaknesses were exposed because Orta knew all about them. Due to being pushed into this situation, Ruben was too slow to react to attacks.
It meant he wasn't a threat anymore. Orta pretended to make a mistake by stepping closer to Ruben, who glared and raised his sword while yelling, "Youuu!"
'A magician dares to rashly enter the range of a sword? Then I will punish that arrogance in the name of God!'
The golden blade struck out with such determination and—
"Fool."
…It slashed through empty space. A few strands of hair were cut off, but Orta plunged into Ruben's arms with no injuries. To be precise, Orta pierced through them.
"You require more training in the sword," Orta ridiculed Ruben while waving his hands. It was a magic which cut through space. Before Ruben could move his upper body, Orta's fingertips cut Ruben's body in a diagonal line. No, to be precise, it should be said that it looked like it was cut?
"Eh?" There was no pain or bleeding, and Ruben's elated expression returned. He didn't know what mistake Orta made, but the attack was pointless. Orta had made a mistake was made when he had the perfect advantage.
Now Ruben could run away. Ruben didn't miss this moment when the airtight defense was relaxed. He moved all his remaining divine power into his legs—
Kwatang.
Ruben couldn't do it. He fell on his butt and made a frustrated expression. Why had he fallen down in such a dangerous situation? This was a ridiculous mistake. However, he soon realized it. No sensations were being transmitted from the lower part of his body!
"W-What?"
"I cut some of your spinal nerves," Orta spoke dully, as if he was talking about the bread he'd eaten that morning. "Your cockroach-like vitality can't restore wounds that it can't sense. From a medical point of view, this power is inefficient."
Orta looked down at the fallen Ruben with scornful eyes. Ruben went into a frenzy from the contempt.
Puk! Baek Jongmyung's sword then pierced through Ruben's back, penetrating his heart and pinning him to the ground.
"Kuheok…keok, kuheok…!" Nevertheless, Ruben didn't die.
Baek Jongmyung glanced at Ruben with cold eyes and clicked his tongue. "Hah, you don't even die from this."
"It isn't enough to penetrate the heart."
"Then?"
Instead of answering the question, Orta raised his thumb. Simultaneously, he cut Ruben's two legs again.
"Keooook!"
"Don't make a fuss. Your spinal nerves are cut, so you can't feel any pain."
It might seem cruel, but Baek Jongmyung didn't say anything.
The regenerative power Ruben had shown throughout the fight meant there was a good chance he would survive the serious injury. He would struggle even if both his legs had been cut off and his heart had been stabbed. If Baek Jongmyung pulled out his sword, then Ruben would recover quickly.
Peok!
In the end, Orta kicked the chin of the silent Ruben.
"I'm sick of them, these cockroach-like paladins." Orta acted like he was remembering a bad memory, before recovering Ruben's sword and shield.
The nature of the relics depended on divine power, but it was better than leaving them alone. Orta placed the relics in his dimensional pocket and then took out restraints. They were the restraints which had previously been used on Mujak.
Baek Jongmyung received the restraints and sighed, "Sigh, we did it. Thank you for your help, Lord Orta."
"It is natural to respect the will of the alliance. I know what the crown prince is concerned about."
Either Prince Elsid or Duke Cornwall would become the winner of this civil war.
Meltor and Andras would return home after this war was over, so their positions were different. The Northern Powers were far away, compared to the Lairon Kingdom which was close to Soldun. If possible, Elsid wanted the crusader to be defeated without being killed.
Orta didn't refuse this favor. This fight would've ended 30 minutes sooner if he had aimed to kill instead of subdue. So, Baek Jongmyung expressed his gratitude for Orta's consideration.
Then at that moment…
―――――――――!!
A few kilometers away from the two of them, a tremendous force exploded. A mushroom cloud rose into the sky, and the earth trembled sharply. The distance was considerable, but the heat and pressure still tickled their skin.
Orta realized the meaning first and muttered, "It seems like the fight is over."
One of the two strong presences had disappeared. Even with Orta's skills, it was impossible to tell from this distance who had won or lost. He sighed as his brows furrowed beneath the mask. "Didn't I tell you not to forget to report, Sir Theodore?"
This was the first time White Tower Master Orta realized that his head could hurt from having a competent junior.
Chapter 228 – Great Battle (4)
Kukukung…
The clash between the two masters had long since passed, but the cry of the earth still hadn't stopped.
The great magic, Abraxas, and the deadly sword technique, World Break…
The clash of these forces caused the terrain to change, creating a tremendous crater. It wouldn't be hard to believe that a meteorite had fallen here. A dark cloud of dust and smoke covered the ground, which had melted from the enormous heat and looked like black tar.
There was a shadow moving inside the pit.
"Cough!" Blood rose in his throat and emerged from his mouth. The pain wasn't just in his bones, but in his entire flesh. Was it because he was too close to the epicenter? No, the exterior damage wasn't that great. Then it was reasonable to assume that this pain came from within him.
'A little… No, it is quite difficult.' Theodore looked inside himself as he tried to maintain his stumbling body.
His seven circles which normally spun smoothly were creaking and in discord with each other. This was Rebound, the cost of using magic which didn't fit into the circles. Abraxas was a great magic that far exceeded the standard of seven circles.
It was much stronger than when he had collided with Hyde, so it was harder to cope. Abraxas was a magic he could only try after completing the 8th circle. That had been a reckless move, but it couldn't be helped since this was the only method he had thought of.
Still, he won, so it wasn't the wrong choice.
"This is absurd. How long will it take to get out of here?"
As his dizziness calmed down, Theodore looked around. The land had sunk, and he was surrounded on all sides by dark walls. The cloud of dust had become a shield which blocked the sunlight, and shadows loomed on the ground.
"My body is a mess, and it will take several months to recover."
It was nothing compared to his insides, but part of his skin and muscles were torn from the explosion. Even now, his wounds were still bleeding despite using recovery magic. If he released his tension, he might lose consciousness on the spot.
However, Theodore couldn't faint yet. It was still too risky until he confirmed the death of his enemy, Pan Helliones. Fortunately, Pan Helliones was nearby. "��Co-me."
"..." Theodore might be injured, but it was nothing compared to Pan Helliones' state.
A sword master's body was closer to an adamantium golem than a human, and they could freely control their weight. They were monsters that could survive an enemy's magic with just their pure aura defense.
Nevertheless, Pan Helliones' current appearance was terrible.
His lower body didn't exist, and his right arm was torn, leaving only the part from the elbow up. The greatsword in his left hand was shattered like shards of sugar candy, and there wasn't anything left of the armor which had been made by the emperor's master craftsman.
Helliones' skin had been hit by enormous heat and was distorted by burns, while the vitreous of his eyes was flowing down.
"Great, ha…h," Pan Helliones gasped for breath as he spoke words of praise, "My power… crushed… in fro…nt. This… qua…lity, I don't know…"
"What do you mean by that?" Theodore clicked his tongue. "Are you saying that you can't acknowledge a young man? Didn't you get smashed by my technique?"
"T-That…"
"No, that's okay. There is no point asking you since you are having trouble breathing."
It wasn't an exaggeration. Pan Helliones' life was literally at stake. He was only a few moments away from death, so it wouldn't be strange if he stopped breathing. Therefore, Theodore asked about something that he hadn't been able to erase from his mind throughout the fight. "Why did you lie?"
"U-Umm?"
"About Randolph's sister, Rebecca."
At first, Theodore hadn't known. The tension that boiled during their battle had covered up his eyes. Funnily enough, he had figured it out while preparing Abraxas. His insight had been supplemented by the two divinities, and he figured out then that Pan Helliones wasn't the type of person who would do such a thing.
"Senses, good." However, it stirred the last bit of life inside the dying man. In the East, it was a phenomenon called dying flash, a last moment of lucidity before death.
Pan Helliones' breathing was briefly restored, and he spoke calmly without any shaking. He looked up at the distant sky with blurred eyes and muttered quietly, "Rebecca is a brilliant disciple. It is a shame to kill her because of such a thing. The authenticity of the statement didn't matter, as long as Sir Clovis departed."
"You always thought about a one-on-one fight?"
"Correct. It was true that I made this place to kill you. As a result, I was defeated and you won-" Pan Helliones' words suddenly stopped, but it wasn't over yet. He hesitated for a moment before barely opening his mouth, "And because I can't see the future of the empire."
"The future?" Theodore asked reflexively. "What do you mean?"
"…Time is up." Pan Helliones didn't explain as he changed the subject. "I am a person who gives my sword and life to the empire, and this is what I can teach the winner. Next time, you should recognize your own power."
"Why are you saying this?"
"Think of it as a final grudge. It was a good fight, but… the taste of defeat is bitter. In the end, I don't want to lose to someone too weak."
Strength was gradually escaping from his body, and the time he had to speak with Theodore was over. It was the last will of a dying person, so Theodore couldn't help feeling strange hearing it.
Pan Helliones' breathing gradually ceased, and his heart stopped beating. Shortly afterward, Theodore recognized the moment when Pan Helliones' soul escaped his body. The empire's 4th Sword had died.
'…He couldn't see the future of the empire?' Theodore didn't bask in the glow of victory as he pondered on the words. It was a pessimistic comment coming from one of the empire's Seven Swords.
Was something going on inside Andras? It would be nice if there were more clues, but even the White Tower spies found it hard to penetrate into the deepest part of the Andras Empire. It wasn't something Theodore could investigate alone.
"Ugh, is it hurting more because I released my tension…?"
His body throbbed as the forgotten pain resurfaced. He hurriedly drank a potion from his inventory, but he couldn't reverse the burden on his circles and mind. It was a wound which couldn't be healed.
Theodore thought that he needed to avoid fighting for the time being. There were no people in the area.
'Indeed, it wouldn't be easy to approach this horrible scene.'
A person who could approach probably wouldn't be ordinary. Theodore thought so as he sat on the rocks around the crater. He was now completely at his limits. His head hurt as all his power drained out of him.
As his vision darkened, he saw a man and woman with blonde hair approaching him.
"...!…!"
"...…!"
'Then I'll ask you to clear this up, Randolph.'
* * *
The battle of Babarino Plains ended exactly half a day after it had started. It was a fairly short period of time for the largest battle in the civil war, but the scale of the groups going against each other was the greatest.
The result of the battle was naturally Prince Elsid's victory. The crusader was suppressed, and Marquis Fergana was unable to fight anymore.
Duke Cornwall quickly fled once the tables turned.
"Catch Duke Cornwall and the other leaders! Arrest the soldiers and send the result of this battle to every estate in this country!"
The news spread faster than a person traveling by horse. Elsid's victory spread quickly through the Soldun Kingdom and lowered Duke Cornwall's position, causing the nobles' heads to start turning frantically.
The duke had lost his 50,000 troops, so there was no longer a chance of victory for him. In other words, it was confirmed that this was Prince Elsid's victory. The small nobles watching the battle were forced to start moving, and they could only think of one method to get on the prince's good side.
"There is no future for the nobles faction. Let's capture Duke Cornwall for Prince Elsid."
"The Cornwall Duchy still has 10,000 troops remaining…"
"Isn't it okay if we capture him before he gets there?"
"Prepare an encirclement. Do it instantly."
Yesterday's enemy was today's friend, and today's friend might become tomorrow's enemy. Duke Cornwall reigned at the peak, and he was now branded as the public enemy. In fact, many people felt joyous at his downfall.
The seven small nobles within the influence of the Cornwall Duchy moved their troops and conducted an airtight perimeter around it. It only took a week for the rebel leader, Duke Cornwall, to be sent to the capital. Perhaps it would have been better for him to have died on the battlefield.
Additionally, Marquis Fergana was captured in his mansion without any resistance, and once the other nobles heard that Duke Cornwall had been captured, they surrendered themselves.
It was the moment when the so-called 'Elsid's Civil War' ended. However, there weren't many people who knew the hurdles which Meltor had faced during this brief war. It was a much tougher battle than the conflict between the crown prince and duke.
The fact that Theodore Miller had won against one of the empire's Seven Swords…
It took time for the hidden history to be revealed.
Chapter 229 – Elsid's Gifts (1)
Regardless of the era, wars were never a good thing. They consumed resources, and the process was always harsh on the loser's shoulders.
The victorious leaders had to justify the benefits they'd gotten from the armed conflict and why the people had to bleed. The anger and grudges of the people wouldn't go away just because it was over.
They would consume everything…
Kill as many as those who had died…
And destroy as much as what had been broken.
This was the equal revenge policy, and this line would be crossed the moment they allowed emotions to take over their decisions. They were in pain from the loss they suffered and wanted to use violence as a response. Even so, they couldn't regain what had been lost in the war. No, even if it couldn't be regained, they had to do it.
All of them knew it was the chain of revenge, but no one could escape. However, that didn't really apply to this war.
"…It is complicated, this civil war."
"I think so as well, Your Majesty."
The winning side of the civil war, Elsid and his close adviser Marquis Piris, sighed. It would be more comfortable if this had been a normal war. The winner would have the right to acquire all of the loser's territories and replenish the resources consumed in the war.
However, that wasn't possible in a civil war. The nobles were also part of the Soldun kingdom, while the soldiers were its blood and flesh. Elsid might have been able to cut off the head of the nobles faction's leader but exploiting their estates would just be eating at his own flesh.
He looked at the documents in his hand with a complex expression. "The ones who arbitrarily added to the duke's army will be punished, but it is difficult to dispose of those who only supported with a few troops or supplies."
"They probably didn't want to join the rebels either."
"However, they lacked the strength to declare neutrality and didn't have the courage to refuse the duke's demands. They aren't innocent, but… it is too much to put them to death."
This was the sorrow of the weak. Those within the sphere of influence of Duke Cornwall hadn't been able to receive Prince Elsid's protection and had no choice but to supply troops. If the duke had won and they hadn't cooperated with him, they could've been trampled on by the duke's overwhelming force.
If these people were executed, it would clearly make the kingdom's affairs more turbulent.
"Confiscate 80% of their assets and prohibit them from crossing the borders of their estates for the next three years. If there is an official request, I will grant permission to leave according to the circumstances."
It wasn't much different from unofficially acquitting those minor rebels. The advisers around Elsid looked surprised, but they sullenly accepted that there were no alternatives. There was something more important than those sinners, and they weren't talking about Duke Cornwall, whose execution had already been decided. It was something else.
"Marquis Fergana. The problem is how to handle him."
As one of the only two masters in the Soldun Kingdom, losing a 7th Circle magician was painful in many ways. In the first place, he wouldn't have been involved in the rebel forces if Duke Cornwall hadn't been his son-in-law. Maybe the duke had foreseen this far and planned the marriage for this reason.
However, it was like this now.
"It is too much to kill him, but we can't let him live."
His punishment had to be different from the minor nobles who had participated in the war. After all, Marquis Fergana had the power to resist Duke Cornwall, regardless of their family relations. It was impossible for them to excuse his actions.
No, not just them. Even Elsid couldn't easily forgive Marquis Fergana. So, Elsid asked for advice from the Meltor magicians, "Is there a magic to bind the life and will of a person in the 7th Circle, making them submit completely?"
It sounded ridiculous, but the magician in the white mask nodded easily. Despite being a foreigner, nobody challenged his right to participate in this meeting. He was the main commander of the Meltor army, White Tower Master Orta.
"As long as you give consent, it isn't an impossible task."
"Please explain in detail."
"It is a spell called the Oath of Obedience."
This was magic which rulers had used in the distant past when they didn't believe in the loyalty of their followers.
Regardless of whether the person's origin was in aura or magic, the stigma of complete obedience would be carved into their heart. The magic agreement made it impossible for outsiders to interfere. Once installed, it wouldn't be resolved until death.
It was a technique which had been used in several countries until three centuries ago, and now it was almost untouched. However, this wasn't due to a humanitarian reason. It was just that the number of senior magicians who could use the Oath of Obedience had been reduced.
Elsid listened to Orta before speaking in a subdued voice, "That process… Can I request your aid for it?"
He understood the dreadfulness of the technique, even without hearing the explanation. Nevertheless, Elsid had no other choice.
At this point, he couldn't lose Marquis Fergana. He was sitting on the throne thanks to Meltor's help, but the threat of the Lairon Kingdom still remained. There was no reason for Elsid to hesitate when he had willingly made an exchange with the East. As the king, he had to prioritize the future of the Soldun Kingdom, even if it deprived a person of their dignity.
"I understand. Please let me leave so that I can prepare the tools."
"I will allow it. More than anything else… I'm very grateful."
Orta nodded to Elsid before turning around. The White Tower Master might bow to another king, but he wouldn't be submissive. Soon after that, the meeting was concluded. The commanders of the rebel army, including Duke Cornwall, were sentenced to death, while Marquis Fergana received a special punishment. The minor nobles who had unwittingly joined the rebels received a light punishment, while the ones who had captured Duke Cornwall received their rewards.
Elsid saw this and couldn't help muttering, "There is a long way to go, really."
The revolution of the Soldun Kingdom had just begun.
* * *
This day was officially recorded as the date when 'Elsid's Civil War' ended.
Duke Cornwall and the 32 nobles who had caused a rebellion as soon as the king died were brought in one by one to be executed. Some were crying while others breathed quietly like they were already resigned to their fates.
Duke Cornwall was the only one who had a different reaction. He had chains on both of his wrists and ankles, and he glared at Elsid while kneeling down.
Then he looked up at the throne and ranted, "…Do you think you are sitting on that throne with your own strength? Without the Cornwall family, there would be no Soldun! I am the true descendant of the king!"
"This rude guy!" The executioner punched the duke.
However, the duke didn't stop talking despite his bleeding wound. "Call me a traitor! But you aren't qualified to punish me! You also borrowed the power of another kingdom!"
"…Well, your words aren't entirely wrong." Elsid didn't even twitch an eyebrow as he faced the duke with a signified attitude. He looked down with cold eyes at the person who still didn't realize his folly until the end.
Duke Cornwall didn't understand why he hadn't been able to win.
"Nevertheless, you lost. In a situation where you have no bloodline or legitimacy, you didn't even know you were being used like a puppet and eventually ran away."
"W-What?"
"You have no luck, wisdom, or the courage to take responsibility for your mistakes. Such a person doesn't deserve the throne."
So, the duke would die here. Elsid raised his left hand. It was the signal to enforce the punishment.
Duke Cornwall's mouth opened as the executioner's axe descended. The duke's attempt to refute the insult to his pride was cut off. The sharp blade of the axe performed its mission as perfectly as always.
The dignity Duke Cornwall had lived with came to an end, and his head fell down with an ugly expression.
Elsid looked down at it with an unknown expression in his eyes.
"Congratulations on your crown, Your Majesty."
Hearing a voice from behind, Elsid turned his head. The white-masked and white-robed person was White Tower Master Orta. However, it wasn't just him. Vince, Viscount Carter, and Theodore were also gathered together with him.
Eldis received the words and shrugged with a slight laugh. "…Congratulating me after the duke dies? You sure are very thorough."
"There is no guarantee before the embers are put out."
"That's right. There is nothing wrong with being careful. Now, the Cornwall estate will revert to the crown."
The atmosphere lightened as they switched to talking about the land, and Elsid descended from the throne. The execution of Duke Cornwall had been the last one, so Elsid didn't have to sit there any longer.
Today's executions completely ended the civil war. The coronation ceremony might not have taken place yet, but Elsid had already become the king. He walked two steps ahead and told the guests, "That reminds me, you said you were leaving in the near future?"
"Yes, we aren't free enough to stay here for long."
"Indeed… Is it okay for you leave after this evening?"
"Was there something else you needed?" It was a question which sounded rude, but Orta asked it without any hesitation. Elsid might've won the civil war, but the Soldun Kingdom was far from being able to gain its proper capacity.
Orta had requested not to make too much of their presence if possible, so he would be very displeased if Elsid were to say there was a banquet.
Elsid understood and hurriedly denied it, "No, it isn't that. It isn't what you think. There are too many things to do right now."
They had to restore the buildings destroyed by the sieges as well as compensate the families of the dead soldiers. Elsid had risen to the throne, so he had a responsibility to bear all of this burden and stabilize public sentiments. There was no chance for him to hold a banquet.
Orta read the truth on Elsid's face and looked at him curiously. Although Orta thought there was nothing else to talk about with Elsid, he would still carry out his duties seriously. "…I understand. I'll meet you here."
A bright smile appeared on Elsid's face. "Thank you for listening to me. I won't let you down."
Won't let them down? A subtle expression appeared on the magicians' faces. Based on the context, Elsid had prepared a gift for them. Theodore also had a similar thought and soon met Elsid's gaze. It wasn't a passing moment. Elsid's eyes were clearly staring at him.
'What?'
Simultaneously, the tongue in the palm of his left hand stirred. It was due to the smell of treasure.
Chapter 230 – Elsid's Gifts (2)
It was that night.
Meltor's commanders, who had been resting in their rooms, were escorted somewhere by knights. The destination didn't seem to be a public place like the hall where executions took place. Every time they took a step, the shadows lengthened and their guess was proven correct.
Theodore, Orta, Vince, and Bors took their own paths and soon arrived at the same place.
"I'm sorry for making you come so late at night." Sure enough, the haggard looking Elsid was waiting for them in a secret room.
That wasn't all. From Marquis Piris to Baek Jongmyung who had become the marquis of Atron, all of the king's closest associates were present. These were the people who would lead the next generation of the Soldun Kingdom. It was too big a group for empty flattery or gifts.
'If so, is there another reason?' Theodore's brow furrowed as he grasped the meaning. If all the leaders were gathered together, this meant it was for more than simply saying 'thanks��� to Meltor.
The conditions were normal, so it wasn't easy to think of an answer. In such a case, it meant there weren't enough clues to come to a conclusion yet, or that the hand prepared by the other party was unprecedented.
What did Elsid call them to talk about exactly?
Four pairs of eyes turned to Elsid, and he raised his right hand like he had been waiting for this moment. Then one of the knights standing behind him disappeared into a secret passage. Then Elsid's firmly closed mouth opened, "The full story will begin after 'that' is brought out… but I will say a few words before that."
The young man, who had become king, looked around with dignified eyes, and spoke with a much more solemn face than before. "First of all, I would like to express my deep appreciation for Meltor's help. You have your own interests, but that doesn't change the fact that you helped us. As long as this body of mine is on the throne, think of us as solid allies."
"Thank you for Your Majesty's words."
"But I am well aware of how meaningless words are when it comes to international relations. So, I prepared my own sincerity."
The moment that Orta was about to reply…
"Your Majesty, here is the sinner." The knight who had disappeared into the secret passage a short while ago returned pulling a large chain. The clanging sound of the metal echoed in the confined space, but nobody complained about the noise. It was because the subject was more important than the chains.
"This…!"
"Crusader!"
Vince and Viscount Carter cried out first.
It was the sword of the Lairon Kingdom, Crusader Ruben.
The paladin who had been captured on the Babarino Plains now appeared before them. Both of his legs had been cut off and left untreated, while the thick chains wrapped around his arms and chest looked like they could be used with an anchor for a sailboat. Something had been placed in his mouth to prevent him from recovering his divine power. It was made of ogre tendons which even a killer whale would find hard to chew.
Elsid looked down at him with cold eyes and ordered, "Release only his mouth."
"Yes, Your Majesty." With an iron gauntlet, the knight pulled out the string, which was made of tendons, from Ruben's mouth. In the process, some parts of Ruben's lips were torn, but nobody rebuked the knight.
Blood dripped from his mouth. Ruben rubbed his mouth and spoke for the first time in almost a fortnight, "Cough! C-Cough! D-Damn, cough!"
His saliva was dry and his lips were torn. Even so, the wounds were already beginning to heal. Ruben looked at the representatives of Soldun and Meltor, and spoke with a distorted expression, "You are worse than dogs! Do you know that? How long can you keep me as a prisoner? I, Ruben, will never forget today's humiliation!"
The quietly listening Orta suddenly looked at Elsid and said, "Your Majesty."
"I will allow it."
'Allow it…?' While the crowd looked confused, Orta kicked Ruben's chin. The sound of his jaw breaking rang out.
"Keoook…"
Of course, those bones would recover soon, but Ruben stopped speaking. It was because Orta's violence had come without any notice, and Ruben feared Orta's ability to push him one-sidedly. Above all, there was killing intent coming from behind the white mask. Orta's eerie aura was a serious threat.
Elsid raised his hand again to stop Orta and said, "Crusader Ruben."
"…What is it?" Ruben was like a mad dog who had become well-behaved after being punished. The eyes of the Soldun officials twitched, but they didn't do anything.
Elsid simply smiled and looked down at Ruben placed below him.
"Did you hear His Holiness speak? I heard that the crusaders of the Lairon Sacred Order can hear his words at any time."
"Hah, his eyes and ears aren't far away." Ruben laughed and color filled his cheeks when he heard the words 'His Holiness.' "He said he would be benevolent. If you release me now, as well as cut off that barbarian's limbs and send them to Lairon, he will acknowledge your crown."
"Hoh, really?"
"Yes. Give up on the delusion of communicating with the land of barbarians and be baptized by Lairon. Then Lairon and Soldun will be able to get along peacefully."
Ruben was far too arrogant for a prisoner, but the Lairon Kingdom was difficult. It wouldn't end here if Elsid killed the crusader.
Unlike normal masters, the Sacred Order was able to cover the vacancy of a crusader after a certain amount of time. The true power of the soldiers, berserkers, and paladins in the Sacred Order had never been revealed. Ruben was acting like this because he knew that Soldun couldn't afford another war after their civil war.
"Get along peacefully…" Elsid murmured with a sneer.
They would become a tributary and have to make 'donations.' Just the name 'Lairon' made him sick. These disgusting donations were to be packaged as 'peace?' Thanks to Ruben, Elsid was able to make a decision without hesitation. "Sir Orta."
"Yes."
"This is the present that I—no, the Soldun Kingdom has prepared for you," Elsid spoke firmly as he raised his left hand.
Simultaneously, there was a flash inside the room.
Puok! To be precise, a blade pierced the back of a person's head. Ruben didn't understand it even at the last minute when he collapsed onto the ground. His brain, where his divine power had been stored, was now destroyed. The brain was the place where the soul dwelled, so even an immortal being would be seriously hurt. Undoubtedly, a half crusader wouldn't be able to endure it.
"Your Majesty."
At Orta's questioning look, Elsid shrugged and added, "I didn't say it in advance, but all prisoners have been executed. With this, we are completely Lairon's enemies."
"…What does that mean?"
"As a religious country that doesn't acknowledge magic and sticks to Andras, the Lairon Kingdom can't coexist with you. Of course, we are weaker than Lairon, but Soldun would like to form an alliance with Meltor."
Orta's mind moved quickly. It was natural for Lairon to join Andras, and Meltor needed as much power as possible. They had an alliance with Elvenheim thanks to Theodore, and they were also in negotiations with Austen. Soldun's land warfare was slightly lacking, but the fleet of a coastal kingdom couldn't be neglected.
"I will speak to My Liege positively about this."
"Sigh, thank you. I have barely managed to stop myself from stepping over the cliff."
It wasn't an exaggeration. If Orta refused this offer, Soldun had no place left on the Central Continent. They were Lairon's enemy and their national power was weakened due to the civil war.
However, what if Soldun joined hands with another kingdom? In just a few days, Orta's actions of taking down 11 estates had already spread through the central region. No nation would preemptively strike with his name attached to the Soldun Kingdom.
Then Elsid turned his gaze toward Theodore. "Sir Theodore."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"It was through chance that I fortunately made a connection with you. It is clear that if it wasn't for the connection with Lord Baek and his son, Meltor's support wouldn't have made it in time. Your impression of me at the first meeting probably wasn't very good, but I am really grateful that you answered my call."
"I am undeserving of those words."
Elsid grinned and gestured to the knight behind him again, who then brought out a pole wrapped in cloth. The pole was like a spear or a cane, and it was hard to know its purpose.
'If I look at it with X-ray Vision… eh? It isn't working?'
Theodore's eyes shook after using Hawkeye, which was a power he had obtained from absorbing an artefact. However, it had evolved to become several times more powerful than it had been originally. Moreover, this vision magic was supplemented by his seven circles and the two divinities.
Yet Elsid didn't give any explanation about the item as he unwrapped the cloth.
"Ah…" A strange expression appeared on Theodore's face as he saw it.
It was because the blue presence coming from the stick, which was less than 2 meters long, made his skin tingle. Be it a blessing or a curse, an unbelievable amount of power was contained in that rod.
"This is an artefact handed down through the Soldun royal family. It's called the 'King's Flagpole.'"
It was said that a king had crossed the ocean and set up a kingdom in a corner of the Central Continent. The name of the 'Wave King' was Okeanos.
Some speculated that he was from the East, while others worshipped him as a divine human who had fallen from the heavens. The works he had done during his life were so wonderful that it was hard to think of him as an ordinary human.
Be it protecting the country by controlling the rough ocean currents in nearby waters, mitigating the flood damage which occurred several times a year, or sending away a malicious sea dragon…
The king of that kingdom had evidently been a sword master or great magician, a mysterious hero whose stories were still being passed down. Furthermore, according to Elsid, this was the first flagpole that the Wave King had used to hang his flag.
Theodore wanted to have it, but he asked before that, "Is it okay to give me such a historic object?"
"Well, normally it is forbidden." Elsid smiled and pointed at the flagpole. "But the Wave King said that someday a qualified person would come to get this. The proof is that it is shining blue right now. As soon as I thought about you, it started emitting this light."
��Still…"
"Everyone has agreed. Anyway, this was just used as a decoration, so it is several times more useful to give it to our benefactor."
Theodore couldn't refuse. So, he politely extended both his hands and accepted the King's Flagpole. A cool power seeped into his palms. Unlike Aquilo's blood, this felt cool and refreshing like the waves of the sea.
'Appraisal.'
He instinctively used it as always, but suddenly—
[Please note! The divine artefact is damaged!]
[You can only see some of the information with Appraisal. It might be further damaged if you try to obtain more information.]
[+28 ――――'s ――dent (Divine Artefact)]
The god of the sea, ――――'s is his treasure. All ――beings stabbed by it, a person stuck by this ― will become extremely vulnerable. ――'s divinity, and it won't exercise its power unless the person possesses a corresponding divinity. ――――――
* The rating of this magic tool is '――.'
* It can't be viewed.
* It can't be viewed.
* It can't be viewed.]
This was the first time he had seen an information window like this.
'W-What?' Theodore's eyes widened with confusion, causing Gluttony to react to his emotions and wake up. What happened to make the User stir Gluttony awake? Gluttony yawned a few times before looking out.
-...Huh!?
'Ah, what a surprise!'
Theodore was scared by Gluttony's shout and rebuked it, but it didn't listen. Gluttony was gazing at the King's Flagpole with a strange expression. Theodore noticed its gaze and asked, 'What? Do you know that rod?'
–Of course, Gluttony spoke heavily. –The god who ruled the oceans, ――――'s trident. Damn, I can't say the name. Am I still bound by causality?
'Wait a minute, that is a trident?'
-That's right. I don't know where the ends are, but this was originally a trident. It was a treasure that could cause tidal waves just be stabbing once.
Then Gluttony noticed something while explaining to Theodore.
There was the contract with Dmitra, who became an ancient elemental, as well as Aiolos' Pocket which had been removed from the Library. Now, Theodore was handed a divine treasure by a descendant who didn't know its value.
There was only one step left until the four world outlook was complete. If the last remaining fire divinity in this age came into Theodore's hands, he would no longer be a mortal.
Gluttony felt agony and anxiety because it couldn't rejoice over this fact, but those emotions soon faded. No matter what was involved, Gluttony's role was to guide the breakthrough. Only one question remained.
–What is your intention, Prometheus?
It was a monologue that no one could understand the meaning of yet.