The Ally

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Chapter 114: The Ally (2)

The mysterious figure wore a tattered robe, its hood pulled low to obscure their face. Yet, the slight upward curve of their lips was unmistakable. Nunes aimed the tip of his sword at the figure, his voice tense.

"Do you know who I am? Reveal yourself at once!"

"Heh, have you already forgotten me? How disappointing."

"?!"

As the hood was slowly removed, a familiar face came into view—Velsha Martin, the Captain of the Royal Guard. I withdrew the dark energy I had been gathering.

"What are you doing here?"

"Surprised? I thought you, Zed Arahant, would've seen this coming."

"How could I? The Royal Guard rarely leaves the palace. I doubt the Emperor would've granted permission."

"Well, that's true. But as a captain, I have my ways."

Velsha calmly took a seat and continued, "Your quick thinking is impressive. I debated whether to help you or not. After all, it was a matter of life and death for me too."

"I was wondering about that. Why did you help me?"

"How should I put this? I'm someone who exists everywhere and nowhere."

"…Are you saying you're part of the Black Guard?"

I had suspected as much, but it was still shocking. Velsha was a member of the Martin family, the sister of its head. The fact that the Black Guard had recruited someone like her was even more surprising.

"You caught on quickly."

"Why did you join the Black Guard? To Martin, the Arahant is a rival."

"Let's just say they made an offer I couldn't refuse. Their cause also appealed to me."

"An offer and a cause?"

"That's all I can say."

Velsha flashed a sly smile, leaving me with the impression she had a dozen tricks up her sleeve. I decided to set aside her story for now and asked what I'd been curious about.

"Are there other Black Guard members in the palace?"

"We don't know each other's identities. It's safer that way."

"What about the Prime Minister? He helped me too."

Velsha chuckled softly and shook her head. "I can't say for sure. If being friendly to the Arahant made someone a Black Guard member, half the ministers would qualify. And while he sided with you today, he could easily turn his back tomorrow."

"Then why did the Prime Minister help me this time? If you know anything, tell me."

"I'm not sure of the details, but one thing is clear: the Prime Minister wants to prevent the Emperor from ruling unchecked."

"Did he have a personal grudge?"

"The Emperor is an immortal being. If left unchecked, the Empire will descend into darkness. That's the Prime Minister's belief—a true balance and harmony."

I understood what she meant. To achieve balance and harmony, a dominant force must be kept in check. History shows that nations with strong monarchies rise and fall based on whether their ruler is a sage or a tyrant. The Prime Minister could politically check the Emperor, but that was the limit. Only the Arahant could counterbalance the Emperor's power.

'So that's why he's friendly to the Arahant?'

It made sense, but doubts lingered. If her words were true, the Prime Minister was a loyal servant of the Empire. But was he truly acting on his convictions? The corruption I'd witnessed made it hard to believe.

'Realistically, he's either part of the Black Guard or being paid by the Arahant.'

As I pondered, Nunes, who had been listening quietly, hesitantly interjected.

"Um… did my uncle say anything?"

"Your uncle? Who are you talking about?"

"Ah, well…."

"Wait, the Captain of the Royal Guard? Ah! Now I remember—you're from the Colt family."

Velsha seemed genuinely surprised, as if she hadn't known. It seemed the Captain hadn't mentioned his nephew at all. Nunes hung his head, clearly dejected.

"So, he didn't say anything."

"Ah…! We're both in the Royal Guard, but we're not close. We hardly ever talk."

"You don't need to comfort me. I expected as much."

Velsha gave an awkward smile as she looked at the crestfallen Nunes. I stepped in to ask on his behalf.

"What's the Captain like? Even if you're not close, you must know something."

"Hmm… Well, one thing's for sure: he's the Emperor's closest confidant."

"Ah, I see…."

I regretted asking. We were all suddenly focused on Nunes' mood. After a long silence, he waved his hand as if to say it was fine.

"Ah! Don't mind me. I'm used to it…."

"Maybe it's better if we talk alone. Zed, shall we move elsewhere?"

"Sure."

"No, I'll leave. It's fine. Haha…."

Nunes left the room with a gloomy expression. I signaled to Oned, who followed him out. The room felt awkward with just the two of us, the air heavy with tension.

"Did you ask everything you wanted to know?"

"For now."

"Then let me share my purpose."

Velsha closed her eyes and began to gather mana, likely checking if anyone was eavesdropping. After a moment, her gaze sharpened.

"It's simple. Don't forget my warning."

"Your warning? You mean never to return to the palace?"

"Yes. Never come back."

"Can I ask why?"

She wore a troubled expression, hesitating before finally speaking.

"The Emperor… may not be the ruler we know."

"What?"

Had she figured it out? No, the Emperor wouldn't have left any traces. But how did she know?

"Occasionally, I sense a strange energy from His Majesty. It's hard to describe… like a sudden shift in his aura."

"Can you explain further?"

"I'm not sure. It's just an ominous feeling that comes and goes in an instant."

Perhaps being in the Royal Guard allowed her to notice such things. And Velsha was a high-level mage of the 9th Circle, after all.

---------

"The Emperor's Shifting Energy…"

From what I know, the Emperor's mana is saturated with dark energy—magi. Normally, he would filter it out, using only pure mana. But what Bersha sensed suggests that, at times, his power slips out of his control. That ominous aura she mentioned? It's likely the raw, unrefined magi, uncontained.

'If he can't control it, does that mean he's constantly expending vast amounts of mana?'

It's hard to imagine the Emperor, with his immense power, losing control unless he's pushing himself to his limits. But why would he need to use so much mana outside of war? Is he hiding his true state? Or… could he be injured?

'An injury…?'

Come to think of it, that makes sense. Above the Emperor's head, just like in the game, I saw [Recovery Rate]. Recovery implies injury.

'Is he constantly using mana to heal himself?'

The thought led me deeper.

If he's healing, what kind of injury could it be? With his power, there's no wound he couldn't mend instantly. Unless… it's something even he can't fully heal. Something like… the Black Flame.

'The Black Flame…?'

The eternal fire, Temud's legacy. The Emperor killed Temud. What if, in the process, Temud used the Black Flame?

'Is the Black Flame still burning within the Emperor?'

If he's using immense amounts of mana to suppress it, everything falls into place. Of course, this is just speculation.

'Wait. If his recovery rate dropped, does that mean the Black Flame has resurfaced?'

Why? Could it be reacting to Temud's lingering soul? Normally, magic dissipates when the caster dies. But if it's still burning, it means his soul remains.

The Emperor's sudden departure after our eyes met—Temud's soul must have stirred then.

'It's entirely possible. The Black Flame is still within him.'

The more I thought about it, the more convinced I became.

That's why he's looking for the Black Dragon. Only it can extinguish the Black Flame.

'The Black Dragon… Temud's divine beast, the strongest of the Twelve Dragons.'

The Emperor went to great lengths to entrust me with this mission. It must be his last resort.

'Now it all makes sense.'

Knowing the Emperor's weakness, I wondered if this was the perfect moment to strike. If he's using mana to control the Black Flame, even I could defeat him with Genedin's power.

The problem is the Central Army and the Royal Guard.

'Wait. If Bersha noticed, the Captain of the Guard must have sensed it too.'

The Captain is loyal to the Emperor. If he's aware of the dark energy and still serves, does he know the Emperor's true identity?

'If he's following the Emperor despite knowing he's the Demon King…'

Ades Colt left his family with a twisted heart. His hatred still lingers. Perhaps he's blinded by a desire for revenge.

I asked Bersha, "Do you know more about the Captain of the Guard?"

"What exactly do you want to know?"

"He's a 9th Circle Knight, right?"

"You're behind the times. He's been a 10th Circle for a while now."

"10th Circle?!"

"Don't be so surprised. I've heard he's on the verge of becoming a Sword Master."

Damn it. Of all people, why does someone like that have to be the Emperor's right-hand man?

My head started to throb. If Bersha's telling the truth, I can't take down the Emperor alone. Not unless Bahal helps.

"Why do you ask?"

"It's nothing. What about the Central Army and the Royal Guard? You'd know their strength, wouldn't you?"

"Hmm. You sound like you're preparing for war. Why are you so interested in the palace's forces?"

I might've been too direct. Bersha's tone turned cautious.

"Just so you know, don't even dream of taking on the palace. Not even you, as the Arhan, can match their power."

"That's not what I meant. I was just—"

"It's not as simple as you think. The head of the Arhan has stayed quiet all this time because he knows he's outmatched."

"I was just curious…"

"Don't bring this up with anyone. I'm advising you for your own good."

Bersha's sharp reaction only emphasized how formidable the palace's forces are. She was making it clear: the Arhan stand no chance.

I had no choice but to nod. "I'll keep your advice in mind."

"I should get going. I can't afford to be away for too long."

"Right. Thank you for today."

She looked somewhat displeased. Did I touch a nerve by assuming she was on my side?

Then again, asking the Captain of the Guard about the palace's strength was beyond rude. I bowed my head sincerely.

"Take care. I won't forget your help."

I felt Bersha's gaze on me as she silently watched.

"Grow stronger. I hope one day I'll need your help."

"I will. Until then, stay safe."

She smiled faintly, and a swirl of water energy gathered around her before she vanished. I stood in the damp air, letting out a quiet sigh.

'The Demon King Izaar…'

Will I have to kill him myself, just like in the game's ending? The road ahead feels long and uncertain.