Episode 813 Attendees (2)
The conditions for succeeding to the position of King of Water are simple and do not require a long explanation.
Usurpation.
Killing the Beast King of the era single-handedly in front of all the tribal chiefs is the end of it. It does not matter what tricks are used in the process, whether it be poison or anything else.For a Beastman, what is cowardly is the mindset of not fighting desperately.
If the current King of the Water Kingdom dies for reasons other than succession and the position becomes vacant, the candidates for King of the Water Kingdom compete against each other to elect one king.
If many candidates die at that time, it will have a severe negative impact on the Beastkin’s military strength, but even so, they must endure it, considering it a dark age for the species. This is becauseif the hierarchy is established incompletely, the risk of the Beastkin tribe splitting completely increases. The Beastkin’s past history tells us so.
And Antias was an anomaly among an anomaly.
Not only did he overwhelmingly kill his grandfather, the previous King of Water, but he also voluntarily accepted challenges from the candidates for King of Water and subdued them all without killing them.
An appearance resembling a mix of a wolf and a lion.Over 6 meters in height.Teeth, claws, and talons capable of damaging even the purest, highest-grade metals.A tail similar to that of a dragon.
Antias belongs to no single beastkin lineage, yet is included in all of them.This is because a beastkin’s race is determined by a bias toward specific traits mixed in their blood, whereas Antias was born with a body that integrated all traits into one from the very beginning.
The greatest creature.
That is how the beastmen refer to Antias.
There is plenty of tempting prey.
The Water King took a long breath through his nose. A ferocious vitality surged within him. His breathing overwhelmed the sound of the crowd.The three tribal chiefs and dozens of beastmen following the Water King revealed their wild nature.
Master Bendie Kaenar walked over to the side.
“Don’t threaten me needlessly, King Su. This is not your territory.”
The Master’s stature suppressed the killing intent playfully spread by the Water King, so thatpeople would not faint.
Master.
Suwang scanned the Master and her three most outstanding disciples with just a glance, then raised the corners of his mouth and bared his fangs.
“Will you try to block it?”“If I have to.”
The Master’s power also serves as a deterrent, preventing excessive conflict between the Beastmen tribes and human forces. In fact, despite their geographical proximity, conflicts between the Temple and the Great Beastmen Tribe have rarely arisen. Thisis because the Beast King had long recognized the Master as both a predator and a powerful figure.
The master said.
“However, I do not want to be banished from Gargant right now, so let’s postpone it. I have come to attend the World Conference.”“Too bad. We both have business at the World Conference, though.”“……?”
Master inwardly tilted his head, feeling somewhat uneasy.
Suwang let out a small snort and looked up at the sky. At the top of the diamond-shaped World Conference Hall stood Gyeoe and his closest aides.Beings of immense power, not only from the front but from all directions, tickled his instincts.
“So, are you saying that in a wolf’s den, you hide your fangs? That’s what makes you human.”
Bang──────!
Suwang opened his eyes sharply with a look of satisfaction and led the way. With every step, the surrounding streets vibrated violently.Whoosh.The presence of Suwang and his party, who were approaching the World Conference Hall, vanished in an instant.
Temple’s disciple said.
“It seems that once you get close enough, you immediately enter the realm beyond the ordinary. You truly live up to your reputation… But is there a problem, Master?”“Nothing.”
The Master questioned the Beast King’s attitude but quickly dismissed the thought. Regardless of his true intentions, it would soon become clear anyway.Right now, the only thing to worry about was the World Conference.Without delay, she also entered the conference hall with her disciples.
“……Damn, I’m just watching from afar, but I’m fucking scared.”
Galliac, the Butcher and Mithril-ranked adventurer in the crowd, rubbed his hands together.Cold sweat seeped into his skin.
“Why is the Beastman so huge? He’s not even a special individual. Is that why he’s the King? But the Master doesn’t look that intimidating for someone who wields existing weapons.”“Oh my, Mr. Galliac! Please, just shut up!”“Watch your words…! If you keep blabbering like that, you’re really going to die…?!”
My colleagues God and Nerien slapped their lips hard and glared.
“Gah, stop making such a fuss. Then we can just call our connections. Don’t you think so?”“You lunatic!”
Apart from his personal friendship with Verden of Eon, Galliac Party once made a pact regarding the Golden Sinner.They agreed to take him along when the Golden Path opened someday.
In fact, it was a relationship that could practically be called a network.
Oh, here it is again.
Following the Water King and the Master, other forces began to appear one after another.There was no specific order. Relatively weaker forces formed groups or walked alongside powerful forces with whom they had close ties, while keeping a slight distance.
Tap tap tap tap tap tap.
The Ternetia Federation, the Din-el Kingdom, and the Bel-mair Kingdom walked along the avenue leading to the meeting hall, each displaying their respective national flags.
Leaders of each country, or leaders, led their personal guards or knight orders from the front while mounted on horses of superior bloodlines.
Those who saw rulers who were far more human than transcendent beings let out words of admiration. Though their military power may be weak, the ruler of a nation possesses a distinctive aura.It is a class-based dignity that commoners would find difficult to even look at.
However, there are different ranks of monarchs.
thud!
The Legion, the elite corps of the Arnak Empire, seized control of the area with rhythmic stomping. It was an intense resonance, as if erasing the impression the Beast King had left on the crowd. A magnificentreddish-brown horse slowly crossed the very center of the main road.
If beastmen have natural wildness, humans have artificial personality.
Emperor Zeracl.Sword of Arnark ─ Grand Duke Rivandale.
Sword Saint .Lord of the Legion.Lord of the Magic Castle.A War Lord whose face is covered by a golden helmet with two horns sprouting from it.
The symbol of the empire, with two dragons supporting the crown, fluttered in the wind.The Emperor and the Transcendent.Indeed, it was a majestic presence regarded as having the strongest national power among all nations.
However, there were those who were walking side by side with such an empire as if to show it off.
“Hmph.”“Why are there so many people?”“Well, I like it being this lively!”
Dwarf.
Led by the Red Volcano clan leader, the races of Metal and Creation are standing shoulder to shoulder with the Emperor on the right.As if determined never to walk on their own two feet, none of the dwarves rode, and they stubbornly took short steps.
Galliac stroked his chin.
“So that Transcendent is the Sword Saint’s master. I heard he possesses a sword that never breaks. By the way, were the Empire and the Dwarves always that close?”“How would I know…!”
Waaahhhhh!
Galliac and God quickly turned their heads at the sound of shouts coming from one side.
Due to external control, there was only one main road to access the World Conference Hall, but there were two other main roads connected to it.
The flag of harmony flutters.
“A world conference where all of humanity gathers. It is truly a meaningful day. Isn’t it? Emperor Xeracle. And Grand Duke Rivandale.”
The leader of the Iderat Federation, who aims for the coexistence of humans and various races, extended a greeting.
He brought along an elite force composed of various races, including Braonic, the supreme diplomat of the Alliance who held a seat at the General Assembly of the Magic World, and his disciple, the Blue Terror, Barigant, one of the four great powers of the Central Continent.
“The Empire and the volcanic dwarves standing together. It is truly a beautiful sight. If there is positive progress in multi-racial relations at the World Conference, wow, it couldn’t be better.”“It might actually get worse.”
Emperor Geracle said.
“It seems the Ruas Theocracy isn’t very pleased with it. Especially regarding the Saintess recently.”“Because the barriers between races are thick.”
Iderat, the leader of the federation, smiled.
“Still, if we keep knocking, won’t it eventually collapse? Someday, a world will come where all human species become one. And in such a society, there will be many more intelligent beings of different races to coexist.”“It is a difficult path.”“I must strive. If I cannot do it, the next generation will surely achieve it.”“I hope so.”
Emperor Zeracl averted his gaze. Grand Duke Rivandale nodded to offer encouragement to the Alliance and took command of the Legion.Alliance Commander Iderat waited briefly before following the Empire at an appropriate pace.
Thus, the sixth participant was the Arnach Empire, the seventh was the Dwarves, and the eighth was the Iderat Confederacy.
and.
The magic world also appeared in earnest.
* * *
The 8th of the 10 Great Magic Towers.
Bohemian Magic Tower, Volcanic Island Magic Tower, Ostea Magic Tower, Zentir Magic Tower, Larian Magic Tower, Diamun Magic Tower, Helion Magic Tower… … Artisan Magic Tower.
As most of the Tower Masters and dozens of Elders and Seniors were quite old, their movements were solemn and heavy.
“Th-They’re the Tower Masters.”“They’re so cool…….”“We’ll definitely join that ranks someday……!”
The students from the Academy on field training harbored admiration and enthusiasm. For the Academy’s prospective mages, formally entering the Magic Tower was practically a lifelong dream.
“Hohoho, how about we try acting all high and mighty like that, Ancestor? I think those sprouts growing over there would love it.”“Just act like a Master of the Magic Tower.”
Feldianne, who had brought just as much power as the others, and Indren, who was in charge, rode in a carriage with a completely exposed interior and leisurely enjoyed the gaze of the crowd.Of course, that was the will of Feldianne, the Master of the Artisan Magic Tower, not Indren.
Feldianne turned her head slightly to the side.
“I see that even those handling the most capital on the continent have arrived early. Come to think of it, this is the first time I have seen the three of you together.”“Have you been well, Master Artisan and Lord Indren?”
Bank President Magnus.Bank President Dyna.Bank President Anonium.
The heads of the three major banks that play a pivotal role in the continental business world have come here.
The World Conference is different in nature from the General Assembly of the Magic World.
The General Assembly of the Magic World is composed mainly of figures who exert influence within the magical world, while the World Council is composed mainly of forces that wield significant influence over the continent.
So, the Diamun Magic Tower, which has not yet had a designated master, can attend, while Queron Reklos, known as the reckless intellectual, cannot officially attend.
Of course, even an individual meets the requirements for attending the World Conference if they have enough influence on the world to overwhelm most forces.
Indren asked.
“I heard that the entire continent’s capital flow took a direct hit due to the recent events, but you don’t look as bad as I expected.”“Of course. No matter how many times small waves crash over us, how could they break the dams of the business world? The Three Major Banks are always prepared for massive waves.”“Hohoho, very well. As the Master of the Artisan Magic Tower, I feel truly relieved.”
Master Artisan and Bank President Magnus looked at each other with faint smiles.
It is said that those who manage astronomical sums of money possess such deep cunning that their intentions are invisible. This is fundamentally because money and psychology are correlated.
One by one, they disappear into the world conference hall.
Waaahhhhh!Waaahhhh!
The crowd packed tightly along the main street spared no applause or cheers. When will the day ever come again when we can see a King, an Emperor, or a Transcendent Being?
The crowd tightened their eyelids more than usual, determined to imprint this sight on their retinas.
This time, several countries went in a line.
Kingdom of Itel.Barimtiel Concordia.Kingdom of Valdera.Principality of Noden.Kingdom of Ragvel.Kingdom of Maren.Freehold of Formene… … .
Regions like the Silfera Autonomous Region and the Midlos Autonomous Region did not even qualify as minimum national units, so naturally, they had no right to attend.
It was a procession that looked as if they were going to war. Indeed, the kings of the small nations had grim, hardened faces.
This is the natural order of things.
Just as a predator’s mood determines the life or death of its prey, the decisions made by the World Council are more heavily influenced the weaker its power.A single misstep could cause the governance system they have built for themselves to be shattered into pieces.
How could one go against the tide?
If the major powers of the continent are a storm, then the small nations are nothing more than weeds. Either they are uprooted or laid down by the wind… Thereis only one of two conclusions.
If one does not read the room and play the right game depending on the situation, the world conference can become a scene of terror. They had to approach it with that mindset.
A feeling of being squeezed inside.
“Gasp… gasp….”
Prince Noden, who was already physically frail, began to breathe increasingly rapidly. Although he had taken medicine to stabilize his mind and body in advance, it could not completely suppress his chronic illness.
Stopping immediately to rest would bring the Principality of Noden to rock bottom, but continuing to move is dizzying.If I were to fall off my horse at this rate, today’s events would go down in history.
At that moment, a clear ‘word command’ rang out.
Calm down.
An unprecedented energy spread out.
The body and mind, which had been dripping with cold sweat, became peaceful in an instant. It was not just Prince Noden.The tension of everyone who harbored even the slightest bit of anxiety vanished like melting snow.
“It will be fine for a while. If you feel you can’t bear it later, just tell me again. It is a simple matter.”“Th-thank you, Your Majesty Yurion. I apologize for causing you such an inconvenience.”“It is no inconvenience at all.”
The Oath-Sworn Leader commanding the Knights of the Word Spirit sent those ahead first. Just as the main road became quiet again, he invited the nation, which had just joined the main road in the very center, to accompany him.
The supreme octagonal star, the symbol of the 9th-rank transcendent being who existed only once in history, obscures the light of the sun floating in the high sky.
Akhenad Magic Kingdom.
Officially, a superpower ranking among the top four in all of humanity and a force of transcendent beings from the magical world has descended upon Gargant.
Vangelis, the 7th Demon King, revealed a hint of his unique dignity as a courtesy. Countless mages felt their magical powers stiffen like rocks.
The oath-taker chuckled.
“It’s been mostly quiet so far. I thought the Beast King would cause chaos at any moment. He might even be planning to stir up a huge fuss at the World Conference. What do you think, Vangelis?”“That seems like the right way to look at it. The Beast King of this era is far from docile in many ways. As for you, Oathbound, I don’t think you’ll stay quiet either.”“We’ll see. By the way, when is your granddaughter planning to get married? Now is the time…”“I won’t listen to your rambling.”
The 7th Demon King cut off the conversation immediately.
“More importantly, I heard that Mauler has somehow seized control of both the southern and northern parts of Delharun and is now ruling them. Since the Darkwarton Magic Tower is located in Delharun, a necromancer would have known. He certainly is aman of few words.” “It’s not the first time Reindel has acted this way. Well, he must have learned something after being defeated by the Beast King. This puts Verden in a difficult position. Since Mauler claims the Eastern Continent as his domain, that conflict will likely surface at this World Conference.”
The oath-taker stroked his chin.
“For now that the feasibility of claiming territory on the ownerless land has become the main agenda, Verden is at a disadvantage, but they certainly aren’t going to give in so easily. Hmm, I’m curious. How will Verden respond?”“The way I see it, it looks like they will choose that.”
The 7th Demon King affirmed.
Frontal assault.
─────────!
A loud noise was heard from the rear.
The Seven Great Demon Kings and the Oath-setter turned their heads back like the crowd. Beta, a massive golem approaching tens of meters in height, was coming.Verden was sitting on top of Beta’s frame as if to show off.
The oath-taker muttered.
“What is that?”
