Part 2, Episode 176.
If one were to name the greatest knight king in the history of the empire, the Lion King would undoubtedly be the one to choose.
Charisma and leadership that always leads the knights from the front and commands the soldiers.
In addition to that, a great king whose own martial prowess has also reached the supreme level.
Because there was no one more worthy of the title of Knight King than him, who, despite being a king, called himself a knight and instilled a deep sense of admiration in his descendants.
However, this is only within the scope of a narrow, half-baked history.
It is true that the Lion King was a great knight and king, but he was not the greatest knight king.
“Because there is the forgotten king, for starters.”
The true power of the Forgotten King was by no means inferior to that of the current Sword Emperor.
Considering that the Forgotten King was relatively young, in his 30s or 40s, compared to the Sword Emperor who had lived for many years, it was safe to say that his talent was greater than that of the Sword Emperor.
Nevertheless, the ill-fated king forgotten by everyone and not recorded in history.
There may be a few more great figures who were not recorded in history.
However, Dohyeon could be sure.
[… … Have you finally come this far, successor?]
That man right in front of me is likely the greatest Knight King in human history.
The presence felt immediately sets it apart.
Although the forgotten king also could not reveal his true form, the same was true for Ruslein.
Nevertheless, I felt a transcendent aura that made me doubt if this was truly human.
‘… … M-Master. It’s hard to breathe.’
‘Ri, Liza… …’
“Ugh… The author is the pinnacle of the ancient knights… Indeed, the pressure is immense.”
It is no wonder that Jihad and Eliza are breathing heavily even though they are merely standing.
This was a reaction that was not even shown when facing the other Kings of Wu.
And the same was true for Dohyeon.
“… … It’s on a completely different level even compared to the previous Kings of Wu.”
Can this really be grouped under the same king?
The presence of the Five Kings, who were all nothing but monsters, was so overwhelming that it felt light in comparison.
Enough to instinctively assume a battle stance, even though you clearly know they are allies.
“K-Lord Kaiser. Just who is this person…?”
“An incredible aura… It doesn’t fall short even when compared to the Fairy King… No, it is an aura that surpasses that. Is that person really human?”
Gulp, the sound of swallowing dry saliva follows one after another.
It seemed that Alowin and Aridna were also extremely nervous about the overwhelming presence that appeared as the Fairy King suddenly disappeared.
There is only one person here who is at ease.
Swoosh-
It was only the King of Knights standing there with an indifferent face.
As he slowly looked around, Aridna and Alowin flinched whenever his gaze fell.
His gaze, which had been indifferent until then, took on a subtle glow the moment it passed them and reached Jihad and Eliza.
It was detached only after lingering for a few seconds as if intrigued, and
-Whoa… … .
-Ri, Rija… … .
The two of them let out a sigh as if they had let their guard down.
The Knight King’s gaze, having surveyed everyone, soon turned toward Dohyeon, and for the first time, he opened his mouth.
[Just as it is. The one who carries on our will.]
“……yes.”
After that, there was no word again.
His gaze, which had been fixed for a long time as if peering into one’s inner self, became subtle.
[… … That’s strange.]
“……?”
[To think I have already inherited so much will. Moreover… … Is this energy the Immortal, that one? It shouldn’t be time to encounter him yet.]
“……??”
Every time he muttered with a serious face, a question mark popped up above Dohyeon’s head.
Wait, was it really strange?
I thought the tempo was a bit too fast, but it was utterly absurd that the very person who left the fragments said that.
Isn’t that practically the final nail in the coffin?
Did he see Dohyeon’s dejected expression?
The Knight King, who appeared to be lost in thought, spoke up.
[Judging by the intensity of the energy, it seems you have directly encountered the Immortal. Meeting him implies that the ancient promise has also been broken.]
“……you’re right.”
[You have remarkably survived. Indeed, you who carry on our will. What is your name?]
I am Kaiser.
[Kaiser… … That name reminds me of Kasiyar somehow. We likely don’t have much time, so I will only mention the main branch.]
When Dohyeon met his gaze to show he was listening, he calmly continued speaking.
As he said, the conversation was short.
[You have gathered five pieces. This also means that you have carried on the will of all five of our kings.]
“…….”
[This signifies that the ancient promise has ended, and the trials that lie ahead for you will become even more severe and treacherous.]
Dohyeon nodded, as he had already suspected it.
The difficulty of this goddamn main quest was skyrocketing relentlessly.
Even in a desert, there is bound to be an oasis.
It was as if they were telling me to die; a sweet reward was hidden behind the dizzying ordeal.
[Casiyar, you were right. You said that his successor would surely reach this stage quickly… … .]
A faint smile formed on the corners of the Knight King’s lips, as if reminiscing about the past.
[Now that you have gathered the five pieces, one change must have occurred to you.]
“Change… you mean?”
[It is a kind of conditional blessing left behind by that guy. I installed a mechanism so that only a qualified successor can obtain it. I don’t have time, so check it later… For now, take this.]
In his hand, which he slowly extended, was something small.
It looked familiar.
The iron shield he is holding.
It looked as if it had been modeled after the original and reduced small enough to fit in a hand.
However, the energy felt within was by no means small.
[Oath of Rouslaine – You have obtained Exceratum.]
“This is…….”
[Are you surprised all over again, even though you have inherited the will of all the others? This is my gift to you, who have proven your worth. Jung Suji, containing my secret technique that I never handed over to anyone, not even during my prime.]
“!”
Dohyeon’s eyes widened.
An essence containing the Knight King’s secret technique—isn’t that an extraordinary description at first glance!
Moreover, is the King of Knights just any king?
One of the five kings who stood at the pinnacle of ancient humanity and was one of the masters of Abtartel in the past.
Moreover, that Knight King right before my eyes exudes an overwhelming presence even when compared to the other Kings of the Five.
To think such a person’s secret technique…
A desire to check it out immediately surged within me, but I endured it by exercising superhuman patience.
It was because Ruslein’s new form was gradually fading away.
You can check the information about the acquired item at any time, but you cannot meet him again unless it is now.
Since I didn’t know what I might say, it was right to concentrate as much as possible.
Did he sense Dohyeon’s determination?
[Well, that’s a familiar look… … Do successors resemble each other even in things like this?]
Just before disappearing, he left behind a meaningful remark, having put on a faint smile that did not suit his calm face.
[Soon, a great war like never before will break out in Avtartel. And there, you and I will soon meet again. … … No. We will all meet.]
“……! What is that……!”
Dohyeon glared at him and tried to shout, but unfortunately, the allotted time was up to this point.
The new form of the King of Knights, which had been gradually fading, was now scattering and becoming so faint that it was difficult to even recognize.
[I guess… … this is the end. It was nice meeting you.]
“No, wait a moment. Just tell me what it means to meet again.”
The tone of voice, which is several times faster than usual, exudes a strong sense of urgency.
However, the voice of the Knight King was no longer heard. His form, which had been losing its shape from the head down, had now vanished completely, right up to his chin.
However, Dohyeon did not give up and focused on him.
Sss-
I saw his fading hand slowly extend forward.
His thick index finger, sticking out from between the silver gloves that covered only half of his hand, was pointing toward Dohyeon.
To be precise, to the Exceratum held in Dohyeon’s hand.
At the same time, a voice echoed in my head.
Everything you are curious about is contained within it. Even the path you must take…
That was the end of the voice.
Leaving behind only words that remained incomprehensible, he vanished completely.
“……Lord Kaiser.”
“Ah, who on earth was that just now…?”
“The weight that was pressing down on the air has disappeared. Did that person… leave?”
Phew, I barely made it back to life. It was hard to even open my mouth.
-Lizariza… … .
That is the pinnacle of a knight… I could not even dare to fathom that level. I still have a long way to go.
As Ruslein left and his pervasive presence faded, the sound of people letting out long-held breaths could be heard from all around.
They still had blank faces, as if they were extremely nervous.
Well… it really was epic.
Dohyeon was able to hold out at least, though I suspect it might be because he has met several of the Five Kings.
I thought that at the level of King Wu, they were all similar, but I see there is still a difference in combat power.
Then again, the Five Kings were the pinnacles of their respective fields to begin with.
The pinnacle of the knight, which can be called a symbol of military power, inevitably exuded a stronger aura than the pinnacle of other fields.
At this point, such a thought suddenly crossed my mind.
If the Knight King is this strong, just how strong was Kasiyar?
Even such a knight king was not called a warrior.
Then, just how great was the golden age of Kasiyar, who stood at the center after defeating the Five Kings at the pinnacle of their respective fields?
I had met him through the Demon King’s Ring last time, but since I summoned my childhood, it didn’t feel real.
That’s not important right now.
This isn’t the God Gallery balance discussion forum, either.
It would be a lie to say I wasn’t curious, but right now, there were more than enough things I was curious about.
“The Knight King’s secret technique… let’s see if it works.”
Exceratum, the essence of Ruslein’s oath, which contains everything of the Knight King, including the direction he must move forward.
[There are many unread notifications.]
[Cleared the sudden quest ‘Aridna’.]
[Receive your reward from Nymph Queen Aridna.]
[A special reward has been granted for completing the Continent Quest ‘Prelude to the Great Cataclysm’ with the highest contribution.]
… … .
The quest rewards to be received from Aridna, and the rewards received from completing continent quests.
[Changes have occurred to the title ‘Heir of Kasiyar’.]
[Satisfying the activation conditions unlocks some of the abilities sealed in the title ‘Heir of Kasiyar’.]
On top of that, even the title that has been ringing out loudly for a while.
There was a whole lot to check.
Dohyeon swallowed hard and cautiously reached out his hand.
The first thing to check among these is… … .
I knew it was this.
