Episode 944 Options (2)
Sanctuary Abenka.
In the capital of the religious nation, home to the representative symbol of the Luas religion and one of the continent’s three major fortresses, traces of the past events remained clearly visible.
Although the innocent bodies were recovered, the bloodstains on the road were not yet washed away, and several zones and underground waterways were completely destroyed due to the fierce battle of the transcendents, restricting access.
“…….”
Saint Leonhard sat on the steps of the sanctuary, holding [Luens] in his arms, and looked down at the city.The wailing of the citizens and the prayers of the clergy mourning the victims would not leave his ears. His mother and younger sister, Seria, were helping the grieving people by preparing relief supplies and meals.
───When crisis strikes the continent upon which humanity stands, the Holy Sword shall shine once again, and a new saint shall be born!
The prophecy of the previous saint.
It should be the Holy Sword, not me, that fills the tragedy.
The holy sword [Luens] that fills the void of tragedy, as pointed out by the first servant.
Leonhardt had a thought that perhaps all of this was happening because of him. Of course, that probably wasn’t actually the case, but his familiar sense of powerlessness kept fueling negative thoughts.
He opened his mouth.
“How is his condition…?”“It is difficult to say that it is good, Saint.”
Cardinal Serfania of Charity emerges from the sanctuary and descends the stairs. She gazed at the Holy Kingdom from a height lower than Leonhardt.
“The Saint is suffering from a fever for the second time since the inception of the Church. We dare not predict when she will awaken or what will become of her. There is nothing we can do for her, other than to watch over her.”“…….”“The Pope’s divine healing was slightly delayed because he was far away from the Holy Scriptures while suffering from severe injuries. He will recover soon, but he will have difficulty moving for the time being. As for Cardinal Gregorban, his seizures of unknown cause have not subsided, so we will have to continue monitoring his condition.”
Dark red lightning.
Leonhardt did not experience any major problems with homeostasis thanks to the protection provided by the Holy Sword and the Bible, in addition to the resistance of the transcendent being of the faith realm.Cardinal Gregorban was able to function when the Old King was resurrected because Leonhardt stepped forward to block the shock.
but…….
Cardinal Gregorban, who lost consciousness when the suddenly rampaging Divine Power struck the Old King, is currently suffering from irregular pain and seizures, repeatedly waking up and collapsing.
Holy, Verden.
Leonhardt’s fingertips trembled slightly without him realizing it. A sensation of being overwhelmed, in a different sense than the old king, flashed through his mind.Suddenly, the thought of a massive thunderbolt flying toward his eyes sent a shiver down his spine.
“Saint, I know it must be very difficult for you, but the Luas religion is facing a difficult situation. Thanks to the direct support of not only the Divine but also the Sword of Arnach and the Seven Great Demon Kings, we were able to annihilate three Bone Dragons and hordes of the undead without any additional casualties; however, amidst the international chaos that this situation will cause, we must not rely on the help of others.”
The sanctuary of Abenka, which had remained impeccable even when the legions of Molgarn, one of the three Great Evils, were defeated during the First Great Crusade, allowed an intrusion.Regardless of the means the First Servant used, that much remained an unchangeable fact. The weakening of the influence of the Ruas Theocracy is inevitable.
“From now on, we must proceed cautiously, one step at a time.”“She is… right…”
Cardinal Gregorban walked toward them, leaning on crutches. Despite his large frame, he looked as if he might collapse at any moment.
“cardinal?!”
Startled, Leonhard hurriedly approached and supported him.
Cardinal Serfania shouted.
“Cardinal Gregorban! How can you move around as you please in a body like that!”“Hahahaha… if I just lie there… my muscles ache.”
Cardinal Gregorban smiled, showing off his well-trained, large biceps. Having lightened the mood in this way, he then put on a serious expression.
“Saint… Since the Saint and the Pope cannot step forward, you are the only one left to lead the Theocracy of Luas.” “Yes? How could I…”“It has not been long since you were chosen by the Divine Artifact… so you may be inexperienced. No matter what anyone says, you are a worthy example of a saint. The image of you wielding the Holy Sword against the former king without backing down an inch is still vivid in my mind. Have confidence.”
The Cardinal bent his arm and grabbed Leonhardt’s shoulder tightly.
“As Cardinal Serphania advised, we must act cautiously, but decisiveness is also required.”“…….”“Leaving aside the issue of the former king, the prestige of the Ruas Theocracy is wavering, so selfish entities on the continent will seek to incite chaos to gain an advantage. Therefore, to prevent a greater catastrophe, you must restore the lofty stature of this Theocracy. Do you understand?”
He whispered firmly.
We need the Saint’s power.
To rule the continent, one must have power, andfaith is power.
Whether or not the Luas religion can lead international affairs as a world religion, as it has done so far, depends on Leonhardt’s choice.
It is the way of the world that the weak get eaten.
Leonhardt, having experienced the Blood-Crying Plague crisis with his whole body, understood it all too well.
* * *
Mirendor, the imperial capital of the Arnak Empire.
In the deepest part of a secret prison strictly controlled by the imperial court, one of the masterminds who resurrected the old king is imprisoned.
The second servant of the glory of the corpse.The one who harvests souls.
“……!!!……!!……!!!!”
Lunesica Anternoa screamed while thoroughly restrained. It was a wailing scream, as if being torn to shreds while still alive.Cycles of excruciating pain repeated themselves.The dozens of restraints attached to her rattled intermittently.
Emperor Geracle and Grand Duke Rivandale watched Lunesica from a distance.
“According to the Ministry of Magic’s assessment, the body is fine, but it appears that a part of the mental system has been severely damaged.”“Is that a conjecture rather than a certainty?”“Since Lunesica Anternoa’s mental state is relatively intact compared to her symptoms, the problem must lie elsewhere. It is simply that the Empire’s magical technology cannot identify it. Perhaps that is precisely the state where her soul has been damaged.”
Lunesica is known to manipulate souls through her unique magical powers. This was information shared directly with the Ruas Theocracy after the World Conference concluded.Referring to the report of Regrit, who was present at the scene, Emperor Zeracl surmised that Lunesica was in such pain because her soul had been wounded.
“After dying instantly from Verden’s magic, he was resurrected by the power of the Old King, but damage remains in his soul… Rather than viewing this as the price of resurrection, it should be seen as the cause of Verden’s magical power.”
Grand Duke Rivandale recalled the magic of Verden he had experienced in the Black Volcanic Zone, and the sight of Verden unleashing something resembling super-level magic against the worst dwarf on earth.A scene that seemed like the landscape of the apocalypse flickered before his eyes.
“A power that destroys not only the body but also the soul, transcending the immaterial spiritual realm. It seems Verden’s magic has reached a higher dimension.”“……His rank has risen?”“Verden hasn’t been seen at all since that day. I don’t know the process of moving from the 7th to the 8th rank, but given that he collapsed after rapidly releasing his power, it is highly likely that he is undergoing some kind of transformation. The very fact that he completely obliterated an island of such immense scale proves that he has reached a level beyond ordinary transcendence.”“The being closest to the First Demon King might not be Vangelis, but Verden.”
Emperor Xeracle showed a momentary look of surprise, then stroked his short beard. He had long been aware of the peculiarities possessed by Verden.That was why he had shown him the mural of the future of the Archdemon Molgarn, located in the underground chambers of the Imperial Palace.
Still, to think it’s already rank 8.
The upward trajectory of the cultivation is too steep.
Emperor Geracle envisioned the future, wondering when Verden would indeed return and how the international community would rapidly change in his absence.Significant friction was anticipated.Such political predictions and assessments were Emperor Geracle’s specialty.
Grand Duke Rivandale asked.
“Anyway, if Lunesica Anternoa’s problem is related to the soul, I think Aerodon would be able to figure it out. Did he say anything?”
Aerodon, the sky dragon with sky-high self-esteem, enjoyed boasting about himself.He would say that he was the only dragon capable of separating his soul and body to avoid death, and that he could control his spirit and body in this way.
Aerodon demanded verification of Grimmel Gromfar in exchange for the advice. He said he would keep his mouth shut unless he saw the dwarf with his own eyes.
The worst dwarf on earth, subdued by Verden, Vangelis, and Grand Duke Rivandale, is currently imprisoned in the Arkenard Sorcerer Kingdom. Thisdecision was made in consideration of Verden’s judgment that it would be safer for the Sorcerer Kingdom to manage his safety.
“Hmm, since this is a matter that requires consultation with Eon and the Magic Kingdom, it will take some time. We could have shortened the process if Verden were here. To think he would be so finicky even in the midst of this. I think Aerodon needs to be taught a lesson at least once. Is it necessary?”“He is such an arrogant dragon, so whatever you say will only backfire.”
Emperor Geracle left a subtle remark.
Just pass by, pretend not to know, and give him a hard smack on the head.
Instigating assault.This, too, is politics.
* * *
Adrian lacks the ability to handle various matters swiftly like Verden. He must borrow the power of Eon’s mages even to travel to other continents.While this is unavoidable given his status as a transcendent being of the martial arts realm, it is an undeniable fact that diverse responses are difficult.
Adrian decided to handle the work in the order Beta had set.
Sit down.
The reception room on the basement level of the Black Hour Grand Hall.
Gentir Tower Master Sigril Lavinia cautiously sat down opposite Adrian. She rolled her eyes with a rather nervous expression.
“……I never imagined I would end up in the Hall of Black Hour.”
Even in Eon, most guests are welcomed in the ownerless lands. Only a small number of guests are allowed to enter the Great Hall of Black Hour.
Originally, Sigril fell into the former category, but after the true nature of the Society was revealed and Verden was identified as the first Tower Master, his attitude toward the Tower Masters was reconsidered.
Appease the 10th Magic Tower.
Sigril, who had become indebted to Verden for repeatedly pointing out the authenticity of the First Magic Tower at the World Conference, was one of those targets.Considering this, Beta advised that it would be better to bring her into the Great Hall.
“Um, I heard that Lord Verden has been unwell since that day—”“Mind your own business. You said you had something urgent to say, so let’s get straight to the point.”
Adrian asked.
“What is your business?”“On that day, the advance expedition of the Zentir Magic Tower, commanded by our Elder Schant, failed to return from the underground labyrinth on the island in the Hiaremar Inland Sea.”
Naturally, Sigril, who had already studied Adrian’s personality, continued speaking without showing any sign of being flustered or displeased.
“It wasn’t just us; numerous exploration teams were added to the lists of missing and dead. Furthermore, at the Diamun Magic Tower, which is connected to Eon… However, peculiarly enough, only those belonging to a specific faction disappeared there.”
Elder Leon of the Diamun Magic Tower, missing.
Albert Windirove, supported by Eon, and the Elder who backs him disappeared along with two bodyguard mages.Although it is said that the terrain was temporarily shattered and scattered due to an influx of Mummy Knights and insects, considering Elder Eon’s level, he was not a mage who would be easily defeated by such aberrant creatures.Moreover, he was not alone; two lower-tier 5th-rank mages were accompanying him.
“We haven’t found the body, so we don’t know how they died, but considering the unfamiliar environment of the labyrinth and the caliber of the victims, there are few beings capable of such indiscriminate killing, yet incorporating intentional murder into it.”“So.”“I believe this murderer is the Great King of Delharun, Mauler, Gareth Cirilliard. To be honest, I came here convinced of that. Therefore… to put it bluntly, this is my wish.”
Sigril spoke in a low voice, with a strong tone, revealing a murderous intent.
“Revenge.”“…….”“The Zentir Mage Tower desires retaliation. For Mauler’s ‘territory’.”
* * *
Whoosh───
I wonder how far I swam.
Even though Verden had crossed the sea for quite a long time, he could not find anything of note. Silent waves still rose in the sea of magic.
[… … .]
Alpha quietly gazed at the horizon of the sea.
Verden seemed to show absolutely no signs of fatigue here, not even the slightest bit, so he continued to cut through the blue waves without stopping.It was as if he wanted to see who would win and see how far they could go.
Suddenly, fog rolled in.
The surroundings are blurry.
In the fog, only Verden’s blue eyes and Alpha’s single eye glowed blue. Soon, Alpha tapped Verden’s head and pointed straight ahead.
[Island. Discovered.]
Alpha tilted his head slightly.
[island?]
Vanished fog.
The vast sandy beach stretching far in the distance immediately caught my eye. Beyond it, a dense forest filled the horizon of my vision.
It’s closer in size to a continent than an island.
[Correction. Discovery of a continent.]
Anyway, a new change appeared.
Verden swam straight ahead and reached the land he had been searching for. He stepped onto the sand. The water that had soaked Verden and Alpha’s bodies vanished without a trace.
[excuse me.]
Yes, I am watching.
Verden and Alpha looked in the same direction. The child’s shadow appeared for a moment and then vanished into the forest.Naturally, he did not think he had seen it wrong.
There is someone.Inside Verden.
[Your Majesty Verden.]
Weight placed on the forelegs.
[Run.]
Verden sprinted at full speed.
