Chapter 223: Because of You, I Was Born! (1)
Imperial Calendar Year 378, August 6th.
A wind blows over the tranquil earth.
The sky is dyed blue.
The sun rises from the east.
The sunset, mistimed, lingers briefly around the rising sun each morning before departing, and sunlight tumbles down from the sun while dew rolls down leaves.
The brilliant colors gave light even to the dark earth.
Light from above to below. Beginning in a place unknown, it illuminates the creature furthest from its origin.
In defiance of that, the sight of the Imperial Capital, raising its head and emitting a red light, was grotesque.
The center that ignores the providence of God, the providence of the world.
The place where it’s impossible to even know if people live.
I head toward the Imperial Capital with 50,000 soldiers.
Above my head, according to the providence of light, Lynin’s blessing accompanies me, and through my body, I receive the infinite power of the sun, repelling the encroaching illness.
The High Priest of Lynin and the High Priest of Achuni, each holding the sacred artifact bestowed by their gods, come out and bestow blessings and strength upon the 50,000 soldiers.
The soldiers, their bodies brimming with power, march in formation toward the Imperial Capital.
Their footsteps are in perfect sync. Even the horses, unlike yesterday when they were weak and feeble, walk with their desire to run suppressed to the utmost.
We are going to the Imperial Capital.
“I will convey the objective of the operation! Swift suppression of the commander! Disarmament of all Imperial soldiers! Rescue of those in critical condition! Rescue of the citizens of the Imperial Capital! And……”
I paused for a moment. It’s a difficult thing to say under the circumstances where the two High Priests are blessing and protecting us. But isn’t this what we’ve been striving for?
“The end of the Imperial history!”
Today, the history of the Empire ends.
The great Empire of Anopuri, which has endured as the continent’s hegemon for a long time, will no longer be able to exist.
The Imperial Army couldn’t take any action even as we approached. I saw some strong individuals moving, but compared to those who couldn’t move, they were practically nonexistent.
This is the result of the battle fought with the remaining personnel after the priests had escaped.
I swung my sword. The two Cheonbyeongdae (Heavenly Soldier Divisions) positioned beside me increased their pace as the vanguard. The two Cheonbyeongdae, approaching steadily at the second battle speed, quickly immobilized those who were still moving and checked the condition of those who couldn’t.
I swung my sword. Following the two Cheonbyeongdae, two divisions moved forward to open the way. They searched for the commander and approached the walls to check the defenses.
We stepped into the Imperial Army’s encampment. It felt like walking on a straight road in a desolate wilderness where no one blocked our path.
I swung my sword. Then, a legion on each side of me rushed towards the walls.
Carrying ordinary siege equipment like ladders and hooks, they quickly approached the walls and prepared to climb.
High Priest Damachi Ir and Namia hoped to bestow God’s grace on the Imperial Army as well, but I asked them to wait just a little while until everything was over.
This task, which began at sunrise, will likely be over soon.
I walked. I walked confidently on the path where no one blocked my way.
When I reached the north gate of the Imperial Capital, I didn’t stop. Because the gate opened on its own to greet me.
Behind it, the second and third gates opened.
All the gates opened.
Nothing was stopping me.
I swung my sword.
One legion scattered in all directions and began tending to the civilians.
The manpower would be incredibly insufficient, but reinforcements would arrive soon. Members of the night organization allied with AJOR would soon be heading this way, and they would meticulously care for their future customers.
I proceeded towards the Imperial Palace, which looked like a fountain spewing red streams of water into the sky, and with each step, the number of people around me gradually decreased.
By platoon, by company, by battalion.
Men, women.
Soldiers, priests.
Finally, when I stood in front of the Imperial Palace, only very familiar faces remained around me.
The drawbridge of the Imperial Palace’s outer wall was firmly locked and wouldn’t come down. There were no soldiers left to open the gate. However, I wasn’t worried at all.
“Lucy.”
“Yes. Gate, I command you. Open!”
Clang! Thud! Clatter!
The massive drawbridge began to open on its own.
The staff that Madsan Ast gave to his disciple is the legendary ‘Magnolia Beming’s Branch’.
Before the legendary Archmage suddenly disappeared, she left traces of herself here and there, and it is said that every single one of them is a treasure. This is also one of them.
It’s a gift from Magnolia Beming, passed down through the Spatial Magic school. The staff itself handles all the magic formulas, so the mage holding it only needs to give simple commands.
The thick drawbridge lowered, and the triple-layered thick doors swung open, revealing the scene inside.
Inside, it was as if it were a completely different world from the outside. Distorted red light was rising towards the sky. Like watching water droplets fall while standing upside down, the colorful red light, rising from the ground, twinkled and soared into the sky.
“Let’s go.”
I gripped my sword firmly and took my first step onto the drawbridge. And my friends, Levidian, Aila, Lucy, Al, Namia, and Joey, followed me on the path leading to the Imperial Palace.
The moment everyone crossed the drawbridge and entered the outer courtyard of the Imperial Palace, the drawbridge closed on its own without Lucy’s command.
Clank! Boom!
We weren’t surprised at all. Our hearts were surprisingly calm. Perhaps because we were prepared for anything to happen, we calmly moved towards the main palace of the Imperial Palace.
That’s when the anomaly began.
Ehehehe!
Hahaha! Hahahaha!
Heeheehee!
Ehee! Ehehehe! Hehehe!
Hohohohoho!
Laughter could be heard from all directions.
Cold laughter, hearty laughter, hysterical laughter, breathless laughter, flirtatious laughter.
All kinds of laughter filled the air, enough to deafen us.
“I sense the pervasive demonic energy in this place. It’s…… full of them everywhere.”
“Nuna, is this Artshever’s doing?”
Namia’s expression hardened at Joey’s question. Yes, Artshever could also control demons, using some unknown technique. Namia said with a grim face.
“I had guessed from the signs of destruction spreading across the world, but…… it seems he has borrowed the power of demons as well. Another path has been added to the crossroads carved into the world. To perish or not to perish. Or to fall into the hands of demons.”
And she briefly explained. The fever currently rampant on the continent is a harbinger of the apocalypse that appears when demons gather their strength and vow to wage war against Heaven.
Ultimately, it’s a sign of the world’s destruction, but if it were a material destruction, the fever wouldn’t have occurred, she said.
“Among the countless techniques he possesses, there must be a way to gain power through a contract with demons. It’s highly likely that he supplemented his insufficient power with such power for the magic of destruction.”
“Hmm. I think so too. He definitely couldn’t have caused such signs in just a few years of preparation. Since another external force was involved…… That’s why this unlucky color is appearing.”
Lucy said, slinging the silver-white staff named Magbrantz over her shoulder. Her expression wasn’t very pleasant.
Meanwhile, sinister laughter, foolish laughter, chilling laughter, bird-like laughter, and cruel laughter continued to echo randomly.
Namia took out the Essential Light, the sacred artifact of light bestowed upon her by Lynin. As if trying to drive away the red light that enveloped the entire Imperial Palace, the Essential Light emitted, literally, essential light.
She looked at it and nodded slightly.
“I will stay here. You will find it difficult to fight against demons that haven’t materialized. Only I, who holds the essence of light, can confront them.”
We looked at each other. No one’s eyes held the thought that we should stop her. The unspoken conference reached an unspoken consensus.
I looked at my sworn brother.
“Joey, stay here.”
“Yes, Hyung-nim.”
“See you later.”
“Don’t be late. I’ll come find you as soon as it’s over.”
Joey grinned confidently. I smiled slightly and held out my fist, and Joey bumped his fist against mine.
Namia nodded and swung the Essential Light, chanting a blessing.
“May the blessings of light be with you, who bear the heavy burden. Ru Ikellainin.”
The white light emanating from the wand made of crystal or some unknown mineral permeated us all. Except for me.
Thanks to Brandione, I can’t even receive blessings. Tsk.
We headed towards the gate leading to the inner courtyard, and Namia and Joey turned their backs. We could see the red light gradually gathering in front of them, clinging together like red oil paint.
Aila shouted towards their backs.
“Then both of you, be careful! We’ll drink like crazy when it’s all over, so if you get hurt, I’ll disinfect you with alcohol!”
“Ah, yes, Noona!”
“Priests are forbidden from drinking alcohol.”
“Whoa! Namia, were you joking?!”
I might have seen it wrong, but she definitely seemed to smile slightly at all of us.
The inner courtyard was quite pleasant compared to the outer courtyard. The detached palace is located right behind the main palace in front of us, but the red light seemed to be rising only from the outermost courtyard within the Imperial Palace.
We hadn’t seen anyone on our way here.
We should have seen the Imperial Palace Guards, or the Palace Internal Affairs personnel, or even guard dogs by now, but there was nothing alive except us.
Therefore, when we opened the door to the main palace and entered, it was rather refreshing to see Silvan Harcian right in front of us.
The Shadow Manipulation elder, still cloaked in a dark robe, spoke in a raspy, metallic voice.
“You’ve come……”
“Hmph. Seems like this is my place. That bastard, he’s thorough in his preparations.”
Aila stepped forward, cracking her knuckles. As she said, Artshever seemed to have made various arrangements.
“Then shall I step up too? The red lady who has a grudge against me seems busy right now.”
Lucy also stood beside Aila, holding two staffs in each hand. Referndi would be busy performing the magic ritual right now.
Al looked at Lucy and said.
“Shouldn’t we interfere with the magic?”
“We should, but…… this old man seems determined today. It’ll be a bit tough for Risel’s daughter to handle him alone here. And we need to get rid of this pervert grandpa quickly so we can go to the red lady, right? Besides……”
He tapped the floor with Magbrantz. Silvan Harcian’s shoulders twitched slightly at that action.
Lucy grinned and said.
“Magnolia Beming’s legacy is here. He won’t let me pass. Well, it’s a different item from what that old man is looking for, but it’s also a matter of fate.”
Aila crossed her arms and said confidently.
“I doubt it’ll be Lucy’s turn. If you want to stay, fine. Consider yourself a guardian. You’re like an uncle since you’re my dad’s friend.”
“Ugh! Already an uncle? What an insult at the mere age of 30!”
“30s is a perfect age for an uncle. Then, Risel, go do your best. I’ll make fun of you if you’re slower than me.”
Aila smiled brightly and waved at me. I chuckled and nodded.
“Alright. I’ll spoil you plenty later.”
“What if I have a daughter? Hehe. Besides other things, please give her a nice, big kiss right here!”
She playfully pointed to her cheek, and I had to glance at Levidian even at that moment. She had a disapproving look on her face, but then she nodded.
“It’ll be alright, since she’s our daughter. Sigh, I’m not used to this.”
“Waha! As expected! I love you, Mom, for being so open-minded!”
“Don’t call me Mom……”
Levidian sighed and turned her head. I smiled briefly at that and gave Lucy a thumbs-up.
“Do your best.”
Lucy also smiled refreshingly and gave a thumbs-up with energy.
“You too!”
Al said briefly and turned his back.
“Good luck.”
Levidian, Al, and I passed Silvan Harcian. In the center of the main palace’s hall, there’s a grand staircase. We stepped towards it.
Behind me, I could hear Lucy and Aila’s voices.
“Alright! Sermaila Herduke’s oath! After this, I’ll convert to a pacifist!”
“What?! Kersilla Creon’s oath! After this…… after this…… uh, what is it, that thing, ah! After this, I’ll graduate from being a commoner! Risel promised me a promotion!”
“Aah! That’s dirty! You gambling addict mage! Get away from me! Your gambling addiction might be contagious!”
“That’s all I can think of! Ah, right! Lover! Marriage! And the future Archmage!”
“Are you making wishes now?!”
As always, they’re a noisy bunch.
We ascended the stairs of the Imperial Palace. For some reason, I could feel Artshever calling me. Perhaps he has fully opened his senses to be able to feel my presence.
He’s in a high place, just like in Pelasion. It seems to be the audience hall where the throne is located.
I already know the way to the audience hall. I memorized the structure of the Imperial Palace when I was twelve, before I died.
To reach that spacious, majestic, and unnecessarily opulent space where the throne is located, we must first pass through the Hall of Heroes. It’s a vast circular space where the founding of the Empire is depicted in relief. When I used to frequent this place, I thought:
“This is a good place to fight.”
Al clapped his gauntlets together and said in a firm voice.
“Indeed.”
Only one person awaits us here.
Baius Extoria smiled faintly.
“Welcome. I’ve been waiting. Especially you, young man with good fists.”
“Likewise.”
Al was already in a battle-ready stance, without needing any words. The fighting spirit surging from his back was almost visible.
Then, an unexpected person spoke up.
“I should stay here as well.”
“Huh?”
“What?”
I looked at my lover with bewildered eyes. Did you just say you’ll stay here, Levidian?
My Sword King gathered her hair in a leisurely motion and tied it tightly. With that, she was fully prepared for battle.
She said.
“Even if I go further, I’ll only be watching. Then, it would be more productive to help you fight comfortably. In the worst-case scenario, I could become a hostage.”
“To Artshever?”
“Didn’t you know? You don’t hesitate to use any means necessary in unexpected moments.”
“Of course, I know he’s me, but……”
I tried to protest with a grimace, but it was just a complaint.
Indeed, ‘I’ would consider taking a hostage to win. I’m not that righteous.
She smiled faintly.
“And if I stay here, I can be the first to see you come out. I don’t want to interfere with the ending you’re trying to create. But I will be the first to greet you.”
“I won’t stop you. I respect your decision.”
She and I exchanged glances. The gazes of two people who trust each other intertwined intensely……
“When can we fight? That young man over there is sighing.”
Oops, we’ve earned the jeers of the elder. Ugh.
Levidian blushed and coughed awkwardly, then turned around as if nothing had happened and drew her sword.
“Ahem. Now, shall we begin? Baius, take up your weapon. I am a swordswoman, I do not raise my hand against an unarmed opponent.”
“Young lady, your face is red.”
“I, I have erythrophobia!”
I learned about one of her illnesses that I didn’t know about. I wonder how long she’s had it.
Al shook his head and stopped Levidian. He spoke in a solemn, serious tone.
“Baius is my opponent.”
“It’s Baius.”
“Whatever. He’s my opponent. Don’t interfere.”
Certainly, Al has a lot of pent-up feelings towards Baius. He has suffered a humiliating defeat, and he had to retreat at the moment he thought he could surely win.
His momentum alone is enough to win, but…… I wonder.
Levidian stared at him for a moment and then sheathed her sword.
“Alright. If you say so. It’s a duel between the two of you. Then my role is decided.”
She took two steps back. And declared.
“Al, if you lose, I will fight him here. To prevent him from interfering with Risel.”
“Alright.”
Al nodded silently.
With this, the negotiation was concluded.
“Well then, I’ll be going. Oh, Baius, do you have any last words for Artshever?”
“I’ve already said them. But if there’s something I haven’t said…… Ah, I see. Tell him thank you.”
Thank you? For giving him a second life?
I was about to ask that question, but I shook my head. It’s a pointless question. Baius’s words must have a broader meaning.
Al looked at me for a moment and said briefly.
“Win.”
Levidian smiled brightly and said.
“I’ll be waiting.”
I showed them an action that I thought could be an answer.
Holding my sword, I opened the door leading to the audience hall.
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