The Watchers of the White Family were a force not to be trifled with. Their reputation extended far beyond the northern reaches of the Iron Kingdom, echoing across the entire continent. Even among the seven races, the achievements of the Sword of the North were held in high esteem. Yet, these elite Watchers had been annihilated in less than a single night. Every sword wound carved into the corpses was identical. Each man had died from a single, decisive strike. What had occurred here was not a battle; it was a massacre.
The light that had bound Toma Rhapsody was no mere magic; it was a judgment handed down by the Seven Chief Gods and the Nine Goddesses. No one in the Rhapsody Legion possessed the power to defy that divine aura. At least, that had been true until yesterday.
“Answer me.”
Reason.
A being who defied all logic stood before me.
Hugo Rhapsody.
The Swordmaster, who had shifted the very atmosphere the moment he appeared, stood idly in the desolate field. His mere presence dominated the world around him. Faced with this incomprehensible situation, I looked down at the man lying cold on the ground.
‘I must hope that Hugo Rhapsody does not commit an act of folly.’
Polite, diligent, and the very paragon of a knight—the Watcher of the White Family who had introduced himself as Kalshen lay dead, looking as peaceful as if he were merely sleeping. For some reason, the words he had spoken to me earlier swirled dizzily in my ears.
‘I must fulfill my duty as a Watcher.’
Duty.
The Watchers of the White Family had held onto their convictions until the bitter end. Even before an absolute powerhouse, they had refused to bow their heads, wielding their swords to fulfill their purpose. But even when winter comes, the sea does not freeze. Before the infinite, vast ocean, winter was simply swept away. Like a sandcastle crumbling before the tide.
“Answer me immediately.”
The upright conviction shown by the Watchers was something to be respected. The character of Toma Rhapsody, who had confessed his wrongdoing the moment he regained his memories, was also respectable. The attitude of Edan Rhapsody, who had conceded defeat in the duel the moment he witnessed Toma’s choice, was likewise honorable. This reversal of fortune had been brought about by the choices of the various humans gathered here—each acting according to their respective glory, convictions, and decisions. That scene, which had been beautiful and even noble, collapsed with the arrival of a single being. Unreasonably so.
“I am not known for my patience.”
Meeting Hugo Rhapsody’s gaze, I recalled the words my master had spoken to me recently. Right after the duel ended, Master had said that the whirlwind was not over. As expected, Master was never wrong.
“If you do not answer, I shall draw my sword.”
The whirlwind was only just beginning.
“I shall count to three.”
*
Sitting upon the Iron Throne, Ian Chervil stroked the rusted crown resting on his head. It was an uncomfortable, heavy thing. Yet, Ian Chervil truly loved its weight. Even if his neck were to bend and snap under the pressure, he had no intention of removing it until the moment he died.
From his high seat, looking down upon everyone in the hall, a vassal bowed his head and spoke.
“If this expedition succeeds, everyone will sing Your Highness’s praises. Not just the current citizens, but generations to come. The marvelous achievements Your Highness has established will be recorded in history and remembered for ages.”
“Is it truly of that magnitude?”
“Of course. By securing the Six Free Cities, the fundamental problems of the Iron Kingdom will be resolved. We will no longer have to wage endless, inefficient wars, nor will our people suffer from food shortages on barren, parched land. Since the people will no longer starve, the severe public security issues will be swiftly settled. Perhaps the Iron Kingdom’s stage will even expand to the sea. The Chervil Iron Kingdom will no longer be a nation dependent on imports, but an exporter providing abundant resources to the continent. We will be reborn as a nation that exerts influence over the entire world…”
The vassal spoke with a face that seemed truly enchanted, not merely flattering. Ian Chervil replied dryly as he watched the jubilant official.
“I see. So, by taking the Six Free Cities, the various problems plaguing the Iron Kingdom will be solved at once, and we might even become one of the great powers of the continent.”
“Indeed. Therefore, it is naturally a dazzling achieve—”
“Then, why did my father not do so?”
“Pardon?”
“No, let me rephrase the question.” Ian Chervil spoke with a face of genuine curiosity. “Why did the monarchs who ruled the Iron Kingdom until now—why did my ancestors not perform such an easy task? Something as simple as taking the Six Free Cities?”
The vassal froze for a moment. He soon replied, “Because… it was not a simple task.”
“Not a simple task?”
“Yes. While the Six Free Cities are nominally a collection of city-states, they are a united nation that succeeded the old Grid Republic. Geographically, they are situated in a natural fortress. They possess naval forces that rank among the top three on the continent. They are the territory of ‘Rhapsody,’ and thanks to their abundant resources and superior productivity, they have diplomatic ties with the great powers. Touching them is no easy feat; in fact, even considering war with them is a daunting prospect.”
“But it was easy this time, was it not?”
“That was thanks to several strokes of luck overlapping. It is not that the former kings were incompetent. Your Highness currently has Swordmaster Carlos, the Foremost Sword of the Continent. Furthermore, the Legion of Freedom happened to be away, and even Swordmaster Hugo Rhapsody, the greatest power of the Free Cities, was absent. Even their elite magic power is currently deployed elsewhere, which is why the Free Cities have not even realized that our Steel Legion’s fleet has entered their territorial waters. While Your Highness’s abilities are certainly great, there was also the influence of divine help. Therefore, please refrain from making remarks that disparage the abilities of the former kings…”
“Pfft, haha. No. You are wrong. My ancestors were all incompetent. They were merely lucky enough to be born into the royal bloodline and ascend to the throne. They were men who lacked the qualifications of a monarch, lacked the ability to bear the weight of the crown, and were no different from insignificant insects who only cared about keeping their seats. It is almost laughable that the same blood flows through my veins and theirs.”
“What do you mean by…”
“O foolish vassal, do you truly believe that coincidence and luck exist in this world?” Ian Chervil laughed. “Long ago, in the Great Land, I met an old man. That old man taught me a maxim passed down among them: Unrivaled Under Heaven. It means knowing the world without even stepping out of one’s door. Right now, from where I sit, I have looked out upon the events unfolding across the world. I foresaw what would happen in the Free Cities, and what would happen in that insignificant land in the Verdi region. How do you think I knew these things? Was I born with spiritual talent to see the future? Or did I receive a revelation from the gods like the Star-Gazers of the Sky Empire? No. According to the creation myths, even the Seven Chief Gods and the Nine Goddesses cannot predict what will happen tomorrow. For that is the realm of great fate.”
“…”
“O foolish vassal, what is fate? To the insignificant, fate is something that strikes like a disaster. But to those who have reached the summit, fate is something to be made—something to be forged. This situation is not a golden opportunity born from a coincidence of luck. This is a board I have designed. I am merely placing the pieces one by one. Why was I able to look out upon the world from where I sit? The reason is simple. Because I am the one who designed the world as it is now.”
The vassal saw the landscape reflected in Ian Chervil’s ashen eyes.
“It is not that they are absent by chance. I made them leave. From the moment I made my decision, the Free Cities were already in my grasp. War is not decided by the outcome of a fierce battle. The result is determined before it even begins. I am the being who decides the result. Do you understand?”
The vassal found himself unable to utter a single word.
“Do not dare to prattle about the situation with your narrow eyes and short tongue. A stepping stone to becoming a great power? A prosperous Iron Kingdom? I do not desire such trivial results.”
“Then…”
“Every nation and every race will be placed upon my board. I will wield the world as I please. No one will be able to resist, and no one will be able to escape. Yes, just as the world was in the distant past.”
In that moment, the vassal recalled the history he had learned as a child. The world described by the young monarch resembled a certain era recorded in history. An era where the seven races and all nations were entangled, racing toward extinction. An era of ruin where only swords, spears, and shields existed. An era of blood and flame.
The Age of War.
“The world will once again face an Age of War. And at the end of that Age of War, the Age of Iron will arrive. An era of iron and blood ruled by Chervil.”
It was an absurd claim. Yet, the vassal could not offer any rebuttal. He felt that if it were this young monarch, who had killed all his kin to ascend the throne, he might truly be able to do it. Perhaps soon, not only the Free Cities but every nation would be swept up in this. Without even knowing who had stirred the whirlwind that was consuming them…
“The Six Free Cities are only the beginning. Rhapsody is also only the beginning. Everything has only just begun.”
The one who looks out upon the world from the highest point. The being who designs the world, creates fate, and manipulates the world at his whim. The Iron Prince referred to himself as such. And the vassal knew all too well what the world called such a being. The moment he reached that conclusion, the vassal finally realized what his new monarch intended to become.
“So, watch. And do not doubt.”
A God.
*
I looked at Hugo Rhapsody.
He had not yet shown any hostility, but I could tell instinctively: the power over the life and death of every living creature in the vicinity lay in his hands. The moment Hugo Rhapsody drew his sword, all decision-making power would be granted to him. That was what it meant to be a Swordmaster.
“…Yes, I am the fighter Liam,” I spoke, looking directly at him.
He questioned me once more. “What is the reason you reduced my son to this state?”
“Toma Rhapsody’s words are a lie. The duel with him was mutually agreed upon and was not dishonorable. Toma Rhapsody also accepted the result.”
“Accepted the result, you say.”
“If you do not believe me, ask your son after he wakes up. I swear by the names of the Nine Goddesses and the Seven Chief Gods. The gods themselves have proven my innocence—by holding your son accountable for his sins!”
“I have seen that with my own eyes as well.”
“Then, why—”
“I am not asking about lies and truth,” Hugo Rhapsody spoke in a languid tone. “I am asking why you made my son look like this.”
“What…”
“Yes, my son made a mistake. The gods have proven your innocence. However, the fact that my son was insulted, wounded, and broken remains unchanged. Is there truly no responsibility on your part? None at all?”
“…”
“Speak honestly. You cannot avoid my eyes.”
The moment he said that, Hugo Rhapsody no longer looked like a middle-aged man, but like a single sword. A blade aimed right at my heart. Not a living creature, but a tool forged for violence stood there, wearing a human mask.
“I know my son’s soul is broken. I also know now that it was the work of a Swordmaster. It must have been the sword of someone superior to me. As a dull-witted father, I made a wrong judgment without even being able to gauge the depth of my son’s true wounds.”
“…”
“Therefore, to avoid making a wrong judgment again, and to aim at the correct target, I seek an answer as a sword. Did you contribute even a single scratch to my son’s suffering, you insignificant fighter?”
Excuses would not work. I could tell instinctively. Hugo Rhapsody’s eyes were piercing through my body and into my very soul. I didn’t know what kind of power was at work, but I knew for certain: petty lies would not work on this man. Hugo Rhapsody would read the truth from my words. Before that clear gaze, I hesitated.
‘Did I… truly not add any wounds?’
It was a situation where I should have answered immediately. However, in this moment, my chronic doubt flared up. Toma Rhapsody and his retainers had been attacked while returning to their hometown. I knew nothing of that attack. Therefore, I did not know if the wounds Toma sustained in our duel had been a contributing factor, or if his heart had weakened because a great young master had been defeated by a nameless fighter. I could not be certain. Thus, I could not give a definitive answer. Only Toma Rhapsody would know what truly happened that day.
My eyes wavered. In the midst of that, someone shouted from the tent beyond.
“Father! Stop this unreasonable violence! We have already abandoned our honor and violated enough duties. That fighter is innocent. Even for the sake of Toma, who confessed his sins himself, please stop now!”
Edan Rhapsody.
Hugo Rhapsody did not even flinch at the voice of his second son. Without looking back, he spoke in a low voice. “Innocent. That may be so. The gods have guaranteed it, you say. However, I must see with my own eyes and hear with my own ears. So speak, insignificant fighter.”
“Father!”
“Did you, truly, my son—”
And then.
「Hugo Rhapsody. Master of Seven Swords.」
The heavens opened.
「You have crossed the line.」
“…”
「You have abandoned the duties you were meant to perform. Swept up in personal emotions, you are wielding the power granted to you as you please. This is a violation of the Law.」
A brilliant radiance erupted from the open sky. The descending pillar of light enveloped Hugo Rhapsody and Toma Rhapsody, who was held in his arms. Divine aura. It was the same as the moment Toma Rhapsody had been bound after confessing his sins. The Seven Chief Gods and the Nine Goddesses had personally descended to hold a member of a Great Family accountable for violating the Law. A sacred sight.
Yet, Hugo Rhapsody did not even blink.
“Hold your tongues, you cloud-dwelling bystanders.”
「…」
“You too are sinners. You are included among those I shall hold accountable. Wait your turn.”
「How… blasphemous.」
“Why did you remain still when my son sought you? Did the moments this Hugo Rhapsody devoted to you mean nothing? Were the duties Rhapsody silently performed all merely expected?”
Thump.
As Hugo Rhapsody stomped his foot, the pillar of light vanished in an instant.
“We shall no longer devote ourselves to you. I am tired of your favoritism. Everything changed after that man, Carlos, appeared. O arrogant ones, do you think I am the only sword who feels betrayed and exhausted? You shall pay the price for not rewarding devotion. You must know as well. The blades of the Six Masters reach even the heavens.”
「Retract those words at once. If you wish to turn back even now.」
Hugo Rhapsody did not answer. Instead, he stomped his foot once more. At that, the open sky began to close. As the heavens shut, the voices of the gods echoed one last time.
「…Heaven shall hunt you. You shall pay the price for violating the Law. Those who bear the greatest duty shall grant you a miserable end.」
Hugo Rhapsody replied without even looking up. “If it is the end of a father who could not protect his own son, then it would be fitting.”
The gods were gone. The Swordmaster still did not take his eyes off me. His gaze demanded an answer. It felt as if time had stopped. Amidst the intense pressure that made it difficult even to breathe, a coughing sound was heard.
“Fa…ther.”
Toma Rhapsody. It was the youngest master of Rhapsody.
“Toma.”
“Please… stop.”
“…”
“That… fighter… is innocent. Rather… he is like a benefactor… who showed me a new light. I… think that coming out into the new world… and meeting that fighter… is a very precious memory.”
“…”
“He is… a human… that this unworthy son… wanted to become friends with.”
Toma Rhapsody was murmuring in a strained voice. The small young master held in his father’s arms was squeezing out the last of his strength to speak. For my sake.
“I… shall guarantee it. I swear… on the blood of Rhapsody flowing in my body. That fighter… did not wound me. And… that fighter… is by no means insignificant.”
“…”
“So… if you truly love me… please let go of your anger… so that this unworthy son… can become friends with that man. Father.”
“Then, who… you…”
Hugo Rhapsody opened his eyes wide and looked at his son. But Toma Rhapsody could say no more; his head fell limp. He had used the last of his mental strength to defend me. A cold silence lingered. Hugo Rhapsody, who had been looking at Toma without a word, slowly raised his head. His eyes, looking at me again, were no longer as sharp as before.
“Fighter.”
“…”
“It seems… we must talk more.”
Only then could I breathe properly. It felt as if all the strength was draining from my body. While I was seized by a dazed sense of exhaustion, a knight ran out of the barracks with a pale face.
“An attack! It’s an attack!”
At those words, Hugo Rhapsody turned his head.
“The… the White Legion is swarming in! The Swords of Winter are coming here to avenge the Watchers! N-no. That’s not all. They say the Free… the Free Cities are burning!”
Shocking words. It was a statement that felt like fire suddenly being poured over the silence.
Hugo Rhapsody spoke in a languid voice. “Details.”
“The S-Steel Legion. The Steel Legion is burning the Free Cities. While we were away, their fleet landed in the Free Cities and… our innocent people—”
“Why them?”
“I… I don’t know.”
“More importantly, how? Their fleet shouldn’t be able to break through the Free Fleet’s defensive line.”
The knight barely managed to convey the details while catching his breath. But the information being delivered lacked reality.
“Dragons.”
“…Dragons?”
“They say the masters of the sky are helping them.”
The knight’s words were far too shocking. Even to me, an outsider, they were hard to believe. Hugo Rhapsody, having heard the words poured out in an instant, still stood idly.
“The dragons moved? Those things that have been crouched in place for over a hundred years? More than that, why did the Iron Kingdom’s Steel Legion touch the Free Cities? No, how did they even know of our absence? Did information leak? Even so, their movements are far too fast. To attack the Free Cities this quickly, and for the White Legion to arrive here as soon as the Watchers were killed… Can these two things happen simultaneously, this quickly?”
Hugo Rhapsody’s eyes were cold and sharp. After murmuring something repeatedly, he soon reached a conclusion.
“…It’s a board he designed. Everything was planned from the beginning. The Iron Prince has committed a massive deed. Using a favored Swordmaster who isn’t bound by things like the Law. Then, it’s also been revealed who performed the strike bold enough to deceive even my eyes.”
Hugo Rhapsody’s hand trembled. But the knight’s words did not stop there.
“You must move!”
“Why?”
“They’ve already… they’ve already reached this far. The Swords of Winter are close. They are surrounding this area. They didn’t come alone. The Grey Knights who protect the City of Blades have come with them. And… the masters of the sky who burned our city have also come—”
The moment the knight said that, there was no longer any need to hear him out.
A dark speck appeared in the distant sky. It grew rapidly, soon taking on a distinct form. It was a living being—one more massive, majestic, and powerful than any other creature that flew through the continent’s skies. The Masters of the Firmament, rulers of the heavens. The greatest of the Seven Races. Symbols of authority and power. Natural-born sovereigns.
“This… is checkmate.”
A Dragon.
The most noble and magnificent of beings had made its descent.
And then…
Wait…
In that instant, my heart began to race with unnatural speed. The thumping of my pulse filled my head. Simultaneously, a searing heat surged from within my gut. Something I had devoured—a blade yet to be fully digested—was being drawn toward that creature. It was the blade that held a legend: “Ascension.”
The silhouette of the dragon blotted out the sun. Over that image, a stranger’s memory began to overlap. As scenes from the distant past flickered by, an irresistible, majestic voice echoed in my mind—the voice of someone who had once harbored an arrogant dream.
More accurately…
“Do you know the genius who became a taxidermied specimen?”
It was the Voice of the Sword.
