Episode 1046 Summit (1)
Just a few minutes before Verden and his party arrived… … .
The sky over Nordwald was calm, as if commemorating the summit. Perhaps it was not a commemoration, but rather mimicking the stillness before the storm. After all,the subject of the first emergency summit held in today’s international community was ‘war’.
Continental War.World War.
… … War of the Transcendents.
Has there ever been a large-scale conflict in modern times that could dare to be compared to this?
The all-out war between the Kingdom of Estiria and the Republic of Beldirn, the Master’s elimination of the Transcendents, the rise of special entities, the Magic Tower War, the confrontation between the Bohemirn Magic Tower and Black Hour… …most conflicts recorded on the continent would not even be able to hold a candle to this.
Only the War of the Transcendents about 800 years ago, the First Great Crusade, the Race War, and the runaway power source of the Magic Tower could be evaluated as events of the same magnitude.
The world is situated at the scene of history.
No one came to the polar fortress without knowing that. The leaders of the continent understood the gravity of the situation better than anyone.
The meeting hall for the summit, which was finally about to begin, was left with only a few empty seats.
“…….”
Dozens of people were seated, but they did not bother to chat.
The ordinary kings generally wore troubled expressions and subtly revealed their sense of injustice.Why, of all times, was the monarch of an ancient state to be resurrected in their generation? Since there were certainly not many nations that had fought a real war in the past few decades, an immeasurable tension lingered in their minds.
Emperor Xeracle Dian Sereanor Arnach nonchalantly took a sip of the steaming tea amidst the uncomfortable atmosphere.It was one of Prohas’s specialties.The warmth that traveled down his esophagus soon deeply warmed his body. It was enough to make the meeting room, which maintained a constant temperature, feel a bit hot.
King Eres smiled faintly as his eyes met those of Emperor Zeracl. Prohas and the Arnak Empire were on friendly terms.The Emperor had long recognized Eres’s extraordinary strength, and Eres had discerned the Emperor’s extraordinary nature.
Boom.
The meeting room was opened. Through the wide-open doors, one of the top members of the Ten Magic Towers who had not yet attended appeared confidently.
Master of the Artisan Magic Tower – Feldianne bowed slightly out of a sense of courtesy.
“Excuse me, nobles. I had important business, so I ended up running a bit later than scheduled. I almost ended up being late, hohoho.”“Welcome, Master Artisan.”
Receiving greetings from the attendees and a welcome from the Tower Masters, he found his seat. Indren, the Commander sitting next to him, asked with intent.
What were you doing that you’re only coming now? You even emptied the Artisan Magic Tower.
At this, Feldianne gives an androgynous smile.The two are blood relatives, ancestor and descendant.Even without being expressed directly in words, one can roughly understand what is being said. Indren immediately narrowed his brows.
───Hmm? You were preparing a project outside the Magic Tower… …? W-What project? You mean in preparation for war? Since when? Since after the Magic Festival?
Indren had to close himself off because destruction had seeped into his body on an island in the Hiaremar Inland Sea. It was so severe that it even led to progress in his sealing magic. In any case, hewas so engrossed in his recovery that he could barely oversee the operation of the Artisan Magic Tower. Even without intervening, it was the duty of an external elder to keep watch.
“Isn’t a wizard one who prepares?”
Feldianne shrugged, saying that we would see, then looked around the prepared seats and changed the subject.
“……The Saint of the Holy Kingdom has returned. I heard that there was trouble with her personal safety. As a follower of the Luas religion, I feel a sense of relief.”“I apologize for being unexpectedly absent, Master Artisan of the Magic Tower.”
Saint Ersetia subtly exuded a more radiant presence than before. A divine being who, for the first time in history, had overcome a second fever.Recalling those who had been sacrificed during her absence, she spoke.
That won’t happen from now on.
An extraordinary madness flickers.
The anger suppressed by the Saint mingled with her faith and became a formidable will. The Transcendents instinctively sensed something different from the time of the World Council.
King Antias tilted his head slightly while crossing his arms.His sixth sense had finished reacting.
“You have certainly become stronger since the World Conference. The caliber of your existence has changed. It feels like your connection with the Divine Artifact has become even more solid.”
Antias subdivides his world with his innate senses. Locating the traitors of humanity was also part of that ability.Ki, magic power, and divine power.Distinguishing the three forces wielded by humans was a simple matter. Antias sensed the Saint’s divine power and measured it.
That sounds fun.
The Saintess was like a ticking time bomb. She might explode at the slightest provocation. The reason was obvious. While she was unconscious after fighting a decisive battle against an unknown beastman, the former king was resurrected and the Kingdom of Ronia was half-destroyed.She must feel a sense of indebtedness for the loss of life that occurred during her absence—limited to humans, of course.
What would happen if we provoked them like we did at the World Congress?
It won’t end halfway like it did back then.
Antias laughed inwardly as he thought about how to exploit the Saint’s wrath.It was partly for this kind of pleasure that he showed his face to the international community every time.
Then, Feldianne said.
“Anyway, I see there are people who are later than me.”
There were seven people who were not in their seats.
Verden.Adrian.Tearel.Meia.Deus Widen.Leonhardt.Ignacia.
Adrian is faithfully waiting for Verden here, and Leonhardt is also outside the fortress. Therefore, there are five people who have not arrived in Nordwald.
“Lord Verden seems to have other business, and as for Lord Deus, I suppose that is understandable given his mysticism… but where have Lord Tearel and Lady Ignacia gone?”
Adventurer’s Guild Headquarters Chief – Salber Wendisir shook his head.
Te’arel has been away for a short while on very personal matters. Even I do not know when she will return.
The transcendent being’s personal affairs.
In other words, ideal.
Everyone understood on their own without the Guild Headquarters chief having to go out of his way to explain further.
Next, the Oath-taker—Yurion Hairos—briefly summarized the letter sent yesterday by someone from outside the system, or more precisely, a close aide from outside.
“I heard Ignacia is busy researching magic.”“Researching magic?? At a time like this??”“Yeah, at a time like this.”“You crazy bitch.”
Mauler – Gareth Cirilliard criticized Gyeoe without reservation. She was indeed a madwoman. Skipping an emergency meeting under the pretext of research with a world war right around the corner was illogical behavior.In that sense, she could be said to be truly befitting of a transcendent being of the magic world.
“Still, since he says he will participate directly in the war, he tells me not to worry.”
The 7th Demon King – Vangelis stroked his chin.
“Perhaps it’s for the best. Ignacia will prioritize pleasure over the agenda. Staying around would only add to the chaos forno reason.” “She might restrain herself a little.”“Would you bet?”“I refuse.”
Master – Vendie Caenar gave up on defending Ignacia. The clash between the Beast King and the Saintess at the World Conference was ultimately due to her.
There are 15 minutes left now.
Pope Romanus spoke of the remaining time, and the door opened again. One of the four who had been missing appeared.
“Master of the Lefragium Magic Tower.”“I have been waiting, Provider.”“The seat is over there, Agent.”
Provider – Deus Widen took his seat amidst a quiet welcome. Agent – Meia also took a seat beside Deus without a word.
They did not explain first why they were late, and no one asked.
I won’t give you a detailed answer.
It was the result of the mystic image Deus had built up until now. Deus glanced at Verden’s empty seat once and closed his eyes.
One minute passed, and two minutes passed.
A few minutes passed like that.
“……!”
A powerful spatial wave emanated from the distant sky above Nordwald. Verden had arrived. However, the presence of the Transcendent was not singular.
Tearel and Verden together?
Arnark’s Sword – Grand Duke Rodrick Rivandale had doubts. So did others. Very few people knew why the two were together.
8 minutes until the meeting starts.
In any case, having reached Verden and Tearel, news of all the attendees had been ascertained. It was justas they detected the Verden party walking toward the fortress. From the corridor, personnel from various nations hurriedly entered the meeting hall, maintaining at least minimal courtesy, and whispered to the leaders.
“……Is that so?”
Emperor Jeracle let out a sinister laugh. The expressions on the faces of those who heard what was in Verden’s hand changed in a variety of ways.As expected, the reaction of the Luas people was the most intense. It had to be.
“That is indeed the decisiveness befitting the leader of the Alliance of Transcendents.”“Indeed.”
The manager of the World Tree – Serendia smiled conspicuously.
The human was nervous, and the beastman was hopeful. The elf’s smile deepened. The dwarf scratched his beard, surveying the atmosphere.
The wait is over.
* * *
“Thank you for your hard work, my lord.”“Welcome, clan head.”“I kept you waiting a long time.”
[hi.]
[I avoided being late.]
Verden arrived in front of the fortress, openly holding the Alliance Leader’s head like a trophy. Adrian and Isabella immediately took his side.Tearel exchanged only a brief nod with them and walked a step behind.
and.
Leonhardt’s hand trembled as he came face-to-face with Verden at close range.
Thump, thump, thump, thump.
My mind is dizzy. I don’t know what it is, but I felt a sense of rejection. And yet, somehow… … I have this strange feeling that I should look up to it… … .
“……ah.”
Leonhardt, meeting Verden’s eyes, hurriedly bowed only his head. He had avoided eye contact. He needed to apologize regarding the Kingdom of Ronia, but the words would not come out properly.
Verden glanced at Leonhardt for a moment, then walked past him without acknowledging him and entered the fortress where the meeting hall was located.Left behind, Leonhardt had to calm himself down right where he was at this moment.
Verden said.
“Has everyone arrived?”“Everyone who was supposed to come is here, except for Ignacia.”“Ignacia?” “She saidshe didn’t want to come because she’s busy researching magic.”
Ignacia, having experienced the fourth dimension through Verden, observed Rivereas, the refuge of the Great Demon. Afterward, she devoted herself to the study of magic, declaring that she would go to Rivereas alone.
Does that mean you won’t come to the summit?
Verden let out a sigh.
“Typical of Ignacia.”“She’s a crazy bitch.”
Adrian frowned, still looking dumbfounded. As he went up the stairs and hallway, the door to the meeting room came into view when there were about three minutes left.For reference, Junia and the other members were waiting in a different location.
Since the emergency summit will be very different in ‘nature’ from the world conference, only Verden, Adrian, Isabella, Alpha, and Beta are scheduled to enter.
“Master, but that…”“Since you raided the followers’ base, I saw a familiar face.”
[booty.]
Verden lifted the League Leader’s head.
“This should be perfect for setting the mood. I’ll explain what happened at the Arcadium after we’re done. I have a lot to talk about.”
The door moves.
“Then we will proceed as planned.”“Understood.”
Boom.
Verden readily entered the summit meeting room. The leader of Eon had returned. The Guild Headquarters Chief, who had just heard the news but had personally witnessed Tearel with him, glared wide-eyed.
Whoosh, thump thump thump.
The head of the Iderat Alliance leader, thrown forward, landed in the center of the circular table. The little blood remaining inside splattered slightly.
“Te, Teriwen…….”
Braonic Strom, the supreme diplomat of the multi-races and the newly appointed interim leader of the Alliance, squeezed his eyes shut. The distorted expression on the face of his peace-loving friend… it was a truly horrific sight, no matter how much he had betrayed humanity.
Together with Tearel, we located the mastermind and traitor behind the sanctuary massacre and executed him on the spot. I will explain the details during the meeting.
Verden, who overwhelmed the atmosphere the moment he appeared, took Eon’s seat.Tearel and Heukhae took their seats in turn. Isabella stood between Verden and Adrian with Alpha and Beta.
Finally, Leonhardt, who arrived late at the meeting room, took the seat next to the Saint.
Soon after, the clock struck the hour.
“We have confirmed everyone among the attendees of the emergency summit, with the exception of Ignacia, who declared his absence, and the deceased King Ronia.”
Deus performed the role of chairman without delay.
The main agenda is the ancient king.
A tension entirely different from that of the World Congress enveloped the conference hall. Indeed. This was the forum for discussions on subjugating an ancient emperor.
I declare the opening of the emergency summit.
* * *
Thump. Thump. Thump.
Deus signaled the start of the meeting with a flick of his fingertips. As it was a summit with a clear purpose, procedures would be omitted to the greatest extent possible.
Raise your hand if you wish to speak.
Verden raised his hand as if he had been waiting.
“There is an issue that needs to be addressed first before we begin the main discussion. If we don’t finish it now, it might unnecessarily disrupt the meeting.”“I grant permission.”
He turned his head.
“The Theocracy of Luas.”“…….”“I heard that the Saint killed the King of Ronia, who was the subject of Eon’s commandment execution. The Saint personally, without consent, killed a prisoner captured by Eon.”
Verden’s gaze dwindled.
“I ask. Are they the inquisitors who interfered with the events of Aeon along with the Saint?”
In the process of preparing for the meeting, Eon made a demand of the Ruas Theocracy.That the members of the Order of Holy Law who had helped the Saint in the Kingdom of Ronia that day be allowed to attend… Since the Theocracy had to offer a major explanation and apology regardless, they accepted Eon’s demand without resistance.
The Saint spoke. Although his chest still felt uncomfortable, he had adjusted a little, so he was barely able to look Verden straight in the eye and answer.He tried hard to ignore the head of the Iderat Alliance leader that came into his field of vision.
“That is correct, Holy. However, it is entirely my fault to take responsibility for these…”“I see.”
Verden leaned back against the backrest.
“Adrian.”“Yes, my lord.”“Cut it.”
Cut… …?
Leonhardt snapped back to reality. In the blink of an eye, Adrian drew his lightsaber and charged toward the Inquisitors.
The Pope and the saint were unable to react.
Since the two were distracted by something strange emanating from Verden… … in the end, the first transcendent to step forward was Leonhardt.
The light sword and the holy sword clashed.
Just as Leonhardt thought he had blocked it, a purple sword path was embroidered. The flow had already reached behind Leonhardt.
Whoosh!
Rateon, Serlo, and Cain, who had tried to stop the Saint at the time. The arms of the Inquisitors who interfered with the three of them floated in the air and scattered fresh blood.
“You’re saying you’ll take full responsibility?”
Verden coldly asserted.
“By what right do you?”
It was the beginning of a bloody meeting of fanatics.
