Episode 1056 Summit: Establishment (4)
Meia was bewildered.
I wasn’t really interested in getting involved in the emergency summit, nor did I have any intention or reason to jump in, so I was just planning to observe, but suddenly a corps commander?
“As expected, does he want to use the power of the Lefragium Magic Tower? If so, he could just entrust the commander of the subjugation legion to the Provider. Why me?”
It had been predicted for quite some time that if Verden became the leader of the World Alliance, he would put the Lefragium Magic Tower at the forefront.
What I don’t understand right now is appointing Meia as the conductor.
Although she was extremely confused by the unexpected heavy responsibility she was given, she formulated several hypotheses in an instant and derived the most rational inference.
“Ha, you’re going to figure out my full strength too?”
Names such as the Seed of Resistance and the Adversary of the Apostles were leaked from Arcadium. Additionally, through Tearel, a portion of the Provider’s power was also revealed to Verden.It does not matter much.Verden does not know the true identities of the Seeds, except for those associated with the Lefragium Magic Tower.
The fact that the soul of Draven, which the host possessed in the Arcadium, did not fall into the hands of the Fourth Apostle was enough of an achievement.
Now, Verden will stand against the Xerion Empire instead of the Resistors as he has chosen, and at the moment the path is cleared after a bloody battle, the ‘Adversary of the Old King’ will put an end to the war.
Hmm, what should I do?
There was certainly nothing wrong with accepting Verden’s appointment. After all, I had planned to assist Verden specifically for this war from the start.There would be absolutely no problem with showing her power to the world.
However… accepting it obediently didn’t feel quite right.
In addition to destroying the Wheel of Destiny, the mention of fated inevitability at the World Council effectively severed the threads of destiny remaining in each being.As a result, the causality calculated over hundreds of years and even the research plans by the Lefragium Magic Tower in preparation for the Destiny War were effectively discarded.
Even if it was unintentional, it cannot be denied that I was dragged around by Verden.
A bit of rebelliousness as a wizard.
Meia wanted to tease him a little as a petty revenge.
“I appreciate you looking upon me favorably, but shouldn’t everyone first understand the grounds why I am suitable for the position of Corps Commander? What qualities did you see in me to choose me?”
Praise!
Meia looked forward to the sight of Verden listing her strengths in public.If he wanted to place the second-in-command of the Lefragium Magic Tower on the front lines, he naturally had to do so.
“If you don’t want to, that’s fine. Then—”“Alright. I’ll do it.”
As Verden tried to ruthlessly reverse his decision, Meia accepted immediately.She clenched her jaw inwardly.
A cunning man.
If I hadn’t cut him off immediately, I would have sincerely intended to withdraw the appointment. He was so proud that he refused to yield. One would think hewould have accepted it.I simply couldn’t understand what was so appealing about a man like that.
It was then.
Verden soon looked down at Meia with a displeased gaze.
“Meia, it’s been ages since you reigned as a Transcendent; do I really have to prove it to you?”“……?”“Attendees, take note. If a position is assigned, simply decide whether to accept or reject it. There is no one here who would fail to judge for themselves whether or not they can perform the role.”
Act your age.Don’t act like that for no reason.
Verden saw through Meia’s intentions in a single stroke through psychological warfare and immediately rebuked her. The Oath-taker—Yurion—let out a small laugh.
Bad boy… … !!
Meia barely managed to control her flushing face and compose herself. Suddenly, she looked to her side and saw the Provider—Deus—maintaining a solemn weight.Only she noticed the fragment of emotion Deus had concealed.
Are you laughing?
Meia looked serious.
Regardless, Verden continued speaking.
“Next is the King of Highlandia, the Oathbreaker, Yurion Highros.”“Oh, is it me?”“Commander of the Southern Legion of the Eastern Continent.”
Yurion crossed his arms with a smile full of pride.
“I’ll gladly accept. If corruption is the problem, there is no one more qualified than me.”
If you break down mentally and choose betrayal, you become corrupted and turn into an undead? Are you anxious because you never know when the person next to you might turn undead?
It is meaningless in the face of a noble vow.
“I’m counting on you.”“Alright.”
Verden nodded toward Yurion and straightened his gaze.
“Lastly, the Black Sea, Tearel.”“Yes.”“Commander of the Pendren Corps.”“Understood.”
To approach the Four Gates from Lake Pendren, a naval battle is unavoidable.As the lake is larger than the Kingdom of Itel, airships and warships are indispensable; yet, Tearel, who can exert the greatest power underwater and move freely even without such equipment, was the perfect commander.
These three are the vanguard of the assault on Samun. Since one agenda item has dragged on, let us discuss strategy and tactics, corps organization, and the selection of the remaining corps commanders in the third sub-agenda.
Kong! Kong! Kong!
Alpha tapped the corner of [Materias] as if he had been waiting for this moment.A clear metallic ringing spread.
[First minor agenda. Concluded.]
There is no rest.
The second minor offering is the disposition of Grimmel Grompar and Lunessica Anternoa.
* * *
“Currently, the Arkenad Magic Kingdom is managing the new recruits in Grimmel, while the Arnach Empire is managing those in Lunesica. Also, at the recent request of the Ruas Theocracy, a public heresy interrogation was conducted. However, as you know, no information leaked from their lips.”
Leonhardt bowed his head slightly, as if feeling ashamed as the commander of the Holy Order.
“I was inadequate.”“He was never someone who could be interrogated in the first place, so do not worry about it. Of course, it is worth noting that the interrogation itself was meaningless.”
Verden strolled leisurely around [Materias], drawing attention.
“Now that things have turned out this way, the two are nothing short of a burden to the Alliance. It would be a waste to execute them, but it would also be a waste to leave them alone. However, setting Grimmel aside, Lunesica is a close confidant of the Xerion Empire, yet the former King has never contacted us separately regarding this. I wonder why.”
Larian Tower Master – Xylon Mine raised a hand and answered in his own way.
“Didn’t he think the international community wouldn’t rashly kill him? After all, the value of a prisoner is what it is…”“Common sense would make sense. He might not want to unnecessarily reveal a weakness, but this is merely speculation limited to human perspective. It is difficult to fathom his thoughts without facing the former king.”
Verden pointed out the framework of [Materias].
“So, I have no choice but to test the reaction directly.”“Yes?”“I would like to receive Grimmel and Lunesica’s new recruits from the Alliance of Transcendents. Is that alright?”
The 7th Demon Kings—Vangelis and Emperor Zeracl—approved without a word. After all, Grimmel had been captured by Verden, and he had also made a significant contribution to securing Lunesica.Above all, as the leaders of the World Alliance, they had ample common ground.
“Take it whenever you want.”“It doesn’t matter.”“Hmm…!”
The Luas Church, which wanted to personally tear apart and kill Lunesica, the second servant of the Glory of the Dead… … The Saintess showed particular discomfort.Lunesica must be executed in the Holy Kingdom.As she flinched as if about to have a seizure out of habit, Alpha stared intently at her.
[also]
“yes?”
Talking back again?
Ersetia stood there in a daze before meeting Verden’s gaze.She realized once again that she had fallen behind in the achievements. The Holy Kingdom had not contributed significantly to capturing Lunesica, so they had no right to make demands.
“What is your complaint?”“Ah, no.”“If you have a complaint, say it.” “I have no complaints.”“Don’t act first.”“Yes.……”
Ersetia is confident in everything, using the doctrine of light and her mission as a divine being as her justification. However, when she was outmaneuvered in legitimacy like this, she could not even offer a modest resistance.In fact, this was even more so because it was the first time this had happened.
Reindel, who was one of the top two people Ersetia disliked, rested his elbow on the table and naturally covered the corner of his mouth.
Verden said.
“I will use Lunesica Anternoa as bait.”“If you mean bait…?”“I announce the execution date. One day before the date the former king sends his messenger.”
Before disappearing with the Four Dragons, Akand gave a heads-up that he would send a messenger in 21 days. Now, only a few days remain.
If Luneska is important, they would send the messenger early.
Verden surveyed the attendees and cast his gaze upon Deus. He showed no reaction whatsoever, as if to say, “Do as you please.”
“Raise your hand if you object.”“…….”“I intend to announce the date across the entire continent immediately. Raise your hand if you object.”“…….”“No one.”
Verden’s decision soon became the consensus of the world.
“Adrian, Isabella.”“Yes, my lord.”“Proclaim Lunesica’s execution to the world. Tell Lunesica herself as well.”“As the Lord wishes.”
Adrian and Isabella issued orders to the phases using a communication device.
This is the only way for the Xerion Empire to let Lunesica live without arousing suspicion, and to cause the internal division that Draven envisioned.
To save him, he must be executed.
* * *
Luneska was transferred to the heavily guarded underground prison of Nordwald and imprisoned. Her resistance had been severely weakened.The northern chill, which had frozen countless prisoners to death, penetrated to the bone.
Ha… I can’t believe I’m actually freezing…
Luneska mocked herself, saying that she was experiencing all sorts of things as a prisoner for the first time in her life.While she repeatedly lost consciousness and woke up, someone was crouching in front of her. It was a woman with silver hair tinged with purple.
“They say if your soul collapses, you just die. If left unchecked, you’re really going to die.”“Who, gu…….”“Eon’s Fifth Phase, Junia.”
Yunia gently melted Lunesica’s frost-covered hair with a first-tier flame. At the warm heat, her stiff lips gradually loosened.
“Your execution date has been set. The former King is sending a messenger tomorrow.”“Ridiculous. His Majesty wouldn’t be swayed by something like that…”“Forget loyalty, Senior. Senior Verden asked me to tell you this.”
Yunia got straight to the point. She whispered very softly into Lunesica’s ear, so that only Lunesica could hear.
“I will wait for you on the Hill of Liberation first.”“……Uh.”
Lunesica stiffened.
“uh?”
Hill of Liberation
A secret language known to no one but Draven Demark and Lunesica Anternoa. Since Draven is dead, it is now a word cherished only by Lunesica.
“Uh, how, how….”“I don’t know what that means. You know, Senior.”“How…!!!!”
Lunesica repeatedly flailed her arms, stiffened by the bitter cold. Junia, having subtly dodged her hand backward and stood up, turned halfway around.
“If you wait, your senior will come looking for you.”“How… how… Ber, Den…!”“He told me to sort out my thoughts well until then.”
Clang.
Yunia left the prison.
Luneska tried desperately to chase after her, but naturally, she could not reach her. The prison closed, and she was alone again.However, instead of resignation, an intense question took root in her mind.
How does Verden know about the Hill of Liberation?
Lunesica’s pupils tremble and fall.
How on earth?
A magic item imbued with pure magical power lay where Yunia had been. Grab! Lunesica immediately snatched it up and hugged it with her whole body.
Verden’s magic… …
The dark red magic that had seeped deep into my soul seems to have subsided a little. Hatred overflowed, but even so, I could not let go of this.
I had to protect my soul at all costs.
You absolutely cannot die until you meet Verden.
I found a new reason to live.
* * *
The news of Lunesica’s execution, decided by the World Alliance, quickly spread across the continent. Since Eon had deliberately used spatial teleportation to announce it, major cities were already buzzing with talk of the Transcendent’s execution.
So you have no intention of waiting for the messenger obediently?
The ancient king – Akhand – sat on a hill in the vast meadow. A dragon sword was stuck beside him. He enjoyed the clear scenery.
That is how it ought to be.
Akand gestured.
The ancient transcendent of the glory of the corpse—Naktel—approached and knelt.
“Give your order, Your Majesty.”“Send a wizard acquainted with Verden as a messenger.”“I will investigate immediately.”
Just as the Lord of Death had declared that there is no death, he committed no killing and reveled in a world teeming with vitality.It was a veritable contradiction, yet no one questioned Akhand.
Eventually, a messenger was selected.
“… … Me?”
Viola of the Bone, a Rank 5 Black Mage who was killed by Rank 4 Verden a few years ago while operating in the Kingdom of Estiria to secure the body of the former king.Resurrected by the power of the former king, she now had to go find the man who killed her of her own accord.
