541
Inside the castle, the saints and medical staff were busy taking care of the wounded.
Even though they won a great victory in the first battle, there were about 2,000 casualties in the sword emperor castle. It was impossible for the healing saints to deal with all of them in just two days.
Outside, Amela was in the midst of repairing the defense equipment of the sword emperor castle.
Her speed in restoring the equipment was truly remarkable. Even if there were thousands of gifted professional engineers, they could not match her ability alone.
However, repair of equipment was also a problem that could not be solved within two days, as was the case with the recovery of the injured.
The dozens of hands formed by murky energy did not rest even for a moment after the war, but about 20% restoration was completed.
"Old man Valkas! From now on, I'll just focus on improving and distributing the dragon lances. Since Enya can't use the dragon fire shield, I have to calculate numerous variables when under attack... I must find positions where I can shoot the cannon at least two or three times even if I'm hit hard... Ugh, it's really frustrating not to find a good angle!"
She has fought countless wars, but it was the first time she had prepared for a war that felt so meaningless.
"Rather than staying idle, it's better to concentrate on improving even a bit. This is really like hitting a rock with an egg. If Kelliark is on board, the range of their cannons will far exceed the dragon lance in the first place. The results are too meager compared to the efforts I put into it."
Sword emperor castle had to fight with lower power than the first battle, while the Zipfel clan was coming with the largest force.
Even if Ron was in good health and the Empire was not betraying them, there was no chance of winning this fight.
Runcandel was the only clan in the world capable of making a fight worth calling a 'battle' against Zipfel's full force.
"Ghost blade."
Valkas found Kashmir.
"What do you think, sir?"
"Are you talking about Runcandel?"
Even without any other explanation, Kashmir immediately understood what Valkas meant.
The Vamel Alliance knew that Runcandel was camped nearby.
They hadn't witnessed it directly, but they were confident that Jin's predictions about the camp were accurate.
"Now that Zipfel's main force has moved, the value of the White Stone has been proven, just as Lord Jin said, so they won't stand still. However, Runcandel will want the White Stone to be destroyed in some way during the war, without their involvement."
"I think so too. It's a dangerous item that even the master of the hidden palace is wary of due to its unknown use, so Runcandel must be hoping for it to be destroyed during the war."
"Regardless of the value of the stone, the likelihood of the two clans engaging in an all-out war is low. I'm sure it will flow into a negotiating atmosphere...… In my opinion, the key is not the two giant clans, but Lord Jin's choice."
Whether Runcandel and Zipfel would engage in an all-out war or negotiate depended on Jin's choice.
Kashmir interprets the situation that way.
"If the lord gives up Hairan with his friend, there will be negotiations, and if he does not give up, it will be an all-out war... That's what you are saying."
"That's right. And as you know...."
"The Lord is never the one to choose the former."
"But he is not the kind of person who will choose the latter without any countermeasures, driven by emotion."
The two nodded at the same time.
"Lord Jin believes in his clan. To be precise, he's in the process of using them."
Are you really going to take the white stone even while engaging in an all-out war with Runcandel?
Will you be able to afford it?
Kashmir thought that Jin would put pressure on Zipfel with his clan, Runcandel, behind him.
That's why he chose to persist with his first plan, that is, to rescue Dante and the knights of Hairan and leave the sword emperor castle, even though it failed.
So far, Jin has been able to overcome almost all adversity without the help of his clan, only with the power of himself and his companions.
In this way, it was the first time that he used the power of his origin, called Runcandel. Even when Rosa is in charge.
"If Zipfel comes under that pressure and starts an all-out war, Lord Jin will force the Vamel Alliance and all the knights of Hairan out of the fight. From then on, this war will not be the Sword emperor castle's War, but will be a rotating battle between Runcandel and Zipfel, so he will exclude all non-Runcandel allies even by using the clan's force."
"It's the Lord's way. I'm sure he will do as you said. He wanted to send everyone out in advance during the process of excluding those other than Runcandel in case of a full-scale battle, but the ones gathered in Hairan did not withdraw."
"What do you think of the possibility that Madame Rosa subdues Lord Jim and negotiates with Zipfel?"
Kashmir was most worried about that.
Except for Chiron and the former Black Knights, the most elite knights in Runcandel, led by Rosa herself, are close to the full strength of Runcandel. The Vamel Alliance now has the power to rise to the 5th faction, but it was not enough to protect Jin against Rosa.
"I don't think you need to worry about that. The lord is now the closest flagbearer to becoming the Runcandel's next patriarch. It is impossible to subdue or punish the lord by force in front of Zipfel."
"Then, Madame Rosa has no choice but to respect Lord Jin's judgment after all."
"The lord is also Runcandel. Although the methods are different, Madame Rosa and the lord have the same goal as Runcandel. As long as the Lord's actions do not deviate from the assumption that it is an act that prevents Zipfel's interests, even if it looks like the Lord is forcibly carrying the clan on his back, it won't be a fatal problem."
"… I have a feeling that this war may decide the fate of not only the sword Emperor castle, but also the world."
"I feel the same way."
"Even if Sir Dante wakes up and we all escape from the sword emperor castle, it will only put the situation on hold in the end. All-out war or negotiation. One of the two is bound to happen. Unless the White Stone is destroyed."
The white stone was destroyed, and the chaos that had been dormant within it never awakened.
That was the only scenario that could bring the situation to a stable conclusion, but Talaris evaluated the possibility of it happening very low.
"We just need to focus on supporting the lord in any situation. The lord will not give up on his friend, but if the lord is in danger of falling because of that...."
We must make sure that the lord does not fall even if we have to trample on his heart.
Valkas continued in a dark voice.
The words had many meanings.
If Jin risked his life saying that he would not give up on Hairan even after the worst situation, they were prepared to make Jin step back, even if it meant killing everyone in Hairan right in front of him.
"The lord is obviously a strong man. However, that very strength within him is sometimes his weakness. I haven't served the Lord for a long time, but it seems that way to me."
"… I understand what you're saying."
"May there never be such a situation."
It's past midnight.
May the sword emperor wake up and raise the dignity of this land again, may Dante safely escape from the seal of chaos, may the enemies arrive a little later, and may today's dawn, which is probably the last, not be bleak and desolate.
Time flowed cruelly and swiftly, mocking the countless hopes and prayers gathered at the Sword emperor castle.
"… Zipfel's main force has been confirmed above the Ketu Mountains. They will arrive at Sword emperor castle in about three hours."
The knights who went out for scouting informed the castle that the enemies were close to their noses.
"Sir Kashmir."
"Yes, Lord Jin."
"Order the healing saints to return to the Holy Kingdom, and give orders to Sir Luton and my Guardian Knights to also return. In addition, please evacuate all the wounded from the Vamel Alliance as well as Gilly and below her level."
The youngest division officially belonged to Runcandel rather than the Vamel Alliance. Luton, who led them, was an outcast, so it was only right to leave the battlefield before Runcandel came to the front.
The healing saints did their duty.
"All right."
The name of this war is still the Sword Emperor Castle War.
That's why Jin only commanded the Vamel alliance, but the knights of Hairan regarded Jin as their commander.
Jin did not give them separate orders. Strictly speaking, the current commander-in-chief of the Hairan army in the Sword Emperor Castle is Ruyan, the head of the five sword saints.
However, Ruyan did not give orders to the knights of Hairan, and he also treated Jin as his commander-in-chief.
There was no need to issue an order because all the knights of Hairan are already standing in their respective positions in a desperate fight, and the reason why Jin is the one who puts everything aside as soon as the war begins and puts all of himself into the Sword emperor castle. It was a sign of respect and admiration for them.
Before climbing the castle wall, Jin looked at Dante, who was imprisoned in a seal, for the last time.
"Dante."
The seal of chaos that imprisoned Dante contained a much deeper darkness than the first.
Neither the color of the white stone that shone as if it was laughing at someone nor the blurry figure of Dante were visible.
Jin was silent for a while as he touched the seal.
He couldn't find words that would express his feelings, and he feared that if his troubled voice reached his friend, it might affect the internal battle Dante was waging against the chaos.
Instead, Jin stared at his friend for a long time. It conveyed that there was someone steadfastly standing and waiting, someone who would never give him up.
The time had come.
Jin's companions approached him, signaling that the enemies had arrived.
"See you later."
Eventually, as Jin climbed the wall, the five Sword saints and the leader of the Dragon Knights, Calmaine, saluted him, expressing their respect and gratitude.
"I am Sword Saint Ruyan. I express my respect and gratitude to you on behalf of Hairan. It is an honor to fight alongside you."
"I, Calmaine Aita, the leader of the Dragon Knights, Hairan and this land will not forget that you were our benefactor even in death."
Jin slowly met their gaze.
"I, Jin Runcandel, Commander-in-Chief of the Vamel Alliance, 12th flagbearer of Runcandel. I am infinitely grateful to Hairan and to those who have gathered for Hairan for allowing me to fight for my friend."
Jin raised his eyes and looked at the dark dawn sky behind Ruyan and Calamine.
He could see the fleet of Zipfel, engulfed in the fire mana, all blazing red. It looked like an ominous sun rising.
And in this world, the person who could protect the entire fleet with a vast and profound fire, displaying awe-inspiring might.
There was only one.
'Kelliark Zipfel...'
The pinnacle of heartless and dirty magic.
He personally led the Zipfel and came to the sword emperor castle.
542
Meanwhile, Talaris was looking down at Ron in the deepest part of the castle.
Ron's breath was so faint that even Talaris had to concentrate to hear it. It had weakened since the day she first visited.
The strong body of the sword emperor lay sprawled in a way that could not be concealed by clothes or blankets, and the air was filled with a thick scent of death.
"Ron."
Talaris sat on the bedside, cautiously holding Ron's frail hand.
"Your beloved grandson, that child's friend, and your knights—all are fighting for Hairan. Do you really not know this was going to happen."
There are only two people whom Talaris could call friends.
Chiron Runcandel and Ron Hairan. Talaris shook her head, recalling their past.
"Ah, these pitiful people. The stronger they become, the more they disappoint me."
Of course, the fact that Kelliark Zipfel might come in person was foreseen by many, but people felt a sense of suffocation when they came face to face with its majesty.
The entire fleet is shrouded in the magic of fire. The flagship, Kozec, seemed so distant that it could only be seen as a dot.
Still, everyone in the sword emperor castle felt that they were facing Kelliark directly.
An overwhelming presence, the fleet led by the patriarch of the world's number one clan was slowly approaching the Sword emperor Castle.
Not a single one was afraid of death among the knights of the Sword emperor Castle.
However, no one thought that they could win against them. It seemed impossible for any change or miracle to happen.
But their morale did not go down.
They were just a little worried. The concern that even if they couldn't win, the battle might end without a single meaningful counterattack.
"Finally, I'll get to see the face of the current Zipfel clan head."
Murakan said in a low voice.
This was the first time Jin had seen Kelliark Zipfel in person. In past life and in present life, he had only seen him through news articles and clan records.
"A giant among giants. I wonder what he looks like in person."
Fortunately, Zipfel's main force did not immediately attack the Sword Emperor castle upon appearing. The problem Amela had feared did not occur.
The current Kozec was able to unleash a power that was different from what Jin had experienced so far.
"Sir Ruyan."
"Yes, Sir Jin."
"Runcandel must have finished preparing for an all-out war as well."
"I suspected as much. If it's an object that Zipfel coveted so much, Runcandel won't just sit idly by. If Runcandel steps in, some of Hairans might survive, but..."
"I'll save everyone. Not some."
"I know that you are sincere and that you are capable of it. But we will never retreat, leaving the young patriarch."
"That goes for me too, Sir Ruyan. However, I would like to ask you for one promise."
"Promise?"
"The seal of chaos that imprisoned Dante occurred because he resisted chaos."
Jin informed Ruyan that Talaris was here.
It was because she had agreed to let Ruyan know more about the hidden palace's mission and the dangers of chaos. Talaris allowed it out of consideration for Jin, not Ruyan.
For a while, Jin explained the stories about it, and Ruyan listened.
"... If the young patriarch can't overcome the power of the white stone, a monster that even the master of the hidden palace can't handle will awaken, is that correct?"
"That's right."
"Then how do you give young patriarch... ah."
Ruyan didn't question why Jin was bringing up this information now.
It was only because he knew that Jin was the reason why the master of the hidden palace looked after the situation even while informing the foreigner about the hidden palace mission. Also, the situation won't change even if Jin informed them in advance.
"... If such a thing happens, please promise to withdraw all remaining Hairan knights at that time."
When Dante died, Chaos awoke, and the Sword Emperor Castle became a battlefield between Zipfel and Runcandel, or a battle to subjugate Chaos, it was right for the knights of Hairan to leave.
Whether killed by the war between the two clans or killed by the monsters of chaos. It would only lead to a meaningless death.
Even in that case Chaos killed the young patriarch, we must fight and kill that monster.
Ruyan couldn't bear to say that. Ruyan also understood how Jin felt about making such a promise.
Confronting the possibility of Dante's death was itself a heartbreaking experience for Jin.
"...I will."
Ruyan answered in a dark voice.
The fate that befell Hairan was absurd.
Jin risked his life to protect Dante and the pride of Hairan, but Hairan can only survive if the chaos of the white stone does not devour Dante and wakes up. A miserable and terrible existence.
"In return, please promise me one thing as well."
"Tell me."
"Somehow, if the young patriarch returns… returns when we're gone. Please help the young patriarch, so he does not become a monster."
No one knew how things would turn out.
Ruyan was talking about when Dante alone survived and Hairan was destroyed.
At that time, he asked Jin to help Dante, who would kneel under the weight of loss, sorrow, and wounds, not lose his way, and not become a monster.
That's something only friends can help.
"The young patriarch has already endured too many wounds. It must have been difficult. Even now."
"I will not let go of Dante, even if Dante falls into hatred, and attacks me."
"Yes, you're that kind of person. I just wanted to say it. There's so little that Hyiran can do for that child."
Kelliark's fire now dyed the Sword emperor castle red, and the fleet stopped advancing. Everyone on the walls raised their heads and glared at the fleet.
An old man with long gray hair wearing a white robe was walking out of the middle of the mages standing at the deck of Kozec.
It was the Kelliark Zipfel.
"Deploy the shields!"
The leader of the Dragon Knights, Calmine, shouted with his eyes wide open.
It was because the heat from the fire that had already engulfed the fleet was penetrating the entire sword emperor Castle. For average knights, it was too much heat to endure.
The stones that made up the walls were red hot and emitting heat, and the air was hot enough to melt all lungs and organs.
That was something no one expected.
The magic hadn't been properly casted yet, and the entire fleet hadn't moved, and it was only Kelliark alone at the front of Kozec caused this phenomenon.
The knights spread their shields and activated their defensive equipment. The entire castle was instantly covered with a blue film that seemed to block the heat.
However, in the next moment, Kelliark swung the Zipfel clan's exclusive wand, 'Hroti'. And the protective shield surrounding the sword emperor castle continued to disappear. As if it had never been deployed in the first place.
"I just came here to share a few words with someone I'm curious about, so there's no need to get too worked up."
"You are talking nonsense after spewing fire with the momentum to melt our castle."
At Calmine's words, Kelliark smiled softly. Like a gentle old man listening to a child's mischievous talk.
"Ah, it's been a long time since I've been on the battlefield. I haven't paid much attention to that. I'll take care of it for you."
As soon as he finished speaking, the heat disappeared as if it were a lie. The fire mana still blazed around the fleet, so Kelliark's power definitely reached the domain of divine power beyond magic.
"And, I'm saying this out of consideration, don't interrupt my conversation anymore. If I decide, I could wipe you all out within seconds. Show me the same consideration I've shown you."
"Kelliark…! How far do you plan to mock us!"
The one who shouted that was Golo, the commander standing on the left side of the wall. He had evacuated the non-combatants and civilians during the first battle.
He didn't shout with any particular intention; it was an unconscious act of defiance against the overwhelming pressure and fear.
"Your words sound ominous."
Those who reached a certain level of enlightenment could now anticipate what might happen. However, there was no way to stop it, and there was no time to warn of the danger.
Also, their intuition is wrong.
Boom!
Spatial explosion.
Kelliark Zipfel casted his magic spell.
But the target was not Golo. Everyone expected Golo to explode and die, but Kelliark's magic harmed someone else—Calmaine Aita.
An explosion erupted from Calmaine shoulder.
The explosion completely took away his right arm. The right arm, torn and bounced by the explosion, was scattered without a trace in the ensuing spatial explosion. The only remnants were the pitiful sound of the dropped sword hitting the stone floor.
"Kuk…!"
"Leader!"
"Calmine!"
The dragon knights and the sword saints shouted at the same time and tried to approach Calmine. Kelliark restrained their movement, detonating spatial explosions right in front of their faces. It seems to be the last warning.
And he even said,
"Consideration ends here."
Most of the people in sword emperor castle had never heard a voice more eerie than the one Kelliark used just now.
An oppressive and sudden silence settled in. Kelliark waited for about five seconds to make sure no one was moving, then met Jin's eyes. With an indescribably benevolent smile.
'Jin Runcandel.'
'Kelliark Zipfel.'
Jin felt his blood cooling and his bones tingling in the face of Kelliark's gaze. He now emitted an entirely different energy compared to the transcendent figures Jin had encountered before.
Soft yet powerful, elusive yet sharp, light yet heavy, gentle yet wicked—Jin defined the feeling of Kelliark Zipfel.
'I can see why people who have seen Kelliark in person compare him to a god.'
Undoubtedly, he was a figure that left an indescribable impact.
'But, I can see why Kelliark is number two.'
Jin grasped the divine yet mysterious atmosphere around Kelliark, and the emotion hidden behind his smile. That insight allowed Jin to comprehend why Kelliark stood behind Chiron.
Therefore, Jin smiled at him.
"You hate me, Sir Kelliark Zipfel."
If the person in front of Jin were Chiron instead of Kelliark, Jin would never have been able to discern his emotions as he is now.
In the first place, his father is in a position where he would not harbor such distinctly human emotions as hatred towards someone like himself. Even if Jin had tried to provoke Chiron in any way, Chiron would never have felt more than annoyance.
Even if Jin was born as a Zipfel and killed everyone in Runcandel.
"Does it show?"
Kelliark asked in a calm voice.
"Yes, to the extent that the divine power you have shown so far looks dull."
Jin answered, erasing his smile.
543
It was obviously hurtful to one's pride to be interpreted by a young man who was far behind in terms of status, age and experience.
However, Kelliark did not reveal the scars on his pride, but erased his smile and revealed his honest hatred.
The deep and dreadful hatred felt like a swamp, making Jin's body heavy just by facing it.
And deliberately exposing his hatred was evidence that Kelliark acknowledged Jin.
'I see, it's a sense of intimidation worthy of the absolute leader of Zipfel.'
Hatred.
In retrospect, Kelliark had every reason to hate Jin.
It starts with Jin killing the zealots of Zipfel when leaving the Storm Castle, impersonating in Tessing and learning the magic of Chenmi who was erased from history, killing Andrei and destroying the Demon God's Orb, saving the Colon natives by killing Myuron Zipfel, annihilating the Dark Magic Society and obtaining the legacy of Riol Zipfel. Stealing the Compass, Holy Kingdom Incident, Battle of the West Sea, The Tombs of Temar, Murder of the Spectres, Removal of Barton, Wantaramo Forest, Gaifa Islands, Sota Desert, and even this moment.
Everything that Jin has done after regression is a history that has blocked the path of Kelliark and Zipfel without exception.
Killing Kidard Hall and monopolizing his magic indirectly dealt a blow to Zipfel, and Valeria Hister, whom Zipfel longs for, is only tied to Jin although not yet known to Kelliark.
Even Veradin resisted mind manipulation under the influence of Jin, and Jin denied the humiliating pact that Runcandel made with Zipfel through the Declaration of reinstating Magic Swordsman.
There was not a single reason not to hate Jin as a Zipfel.
'This hatred was probably the reason why you didn't reach the domain of the demigod that my father touched….'
Just like Jin sees through Kelliark.
He was also peering into Jin.
'Outstanding, in and of itself. I thought for a long time that Solderet would break the oath and join Runcandel because of Chiron and Luna... Jin Runcandel, seeing him in person, I can see why Solderet chose him over those two.'
Kelliark was even resentful of Chiron.
He had stayed in second place overshadowed by him for the rest of his life, but even his children, the next generation, were not able to surpass his legacy.
"Sometimes when I talk about you in the Tower of Stories… My companions think I'm taking you lightly. It's a little futile to see that you're reading my hatred that even they didn't notice."
"Why don't you keep more competent and profound people around you?"
The Vamel Alliance and the knights of the sword emperor castle all felt Jin's answers like fire in front of oil.
They were worried that Jin might be making excessive provocations against Kelliark, who just crippled Calmine with a single attack and showed the power to annihilate the entire Sword Emperor Castle within seconds.
But Jin knew.
No matter what happens, he would never attack the castle until negotiation was off the table.
'If he had intended to destroy the sword emperor castle by force without compromise and take the white stone, he wouldn't have started a conversation in the first place. Kelliark Zipfel feels burdened by an all-out war with Runcandel.'
There must have been many reasons, such as Chiron's existence, Runcandel's potential, and Kinzelo's power.
'Perhaps Kelliark is also aware that a chaos monster can awaken from the white stone. No, that's for sure. He knows the value of the white stone better than any of us. That's why he wants to have it.'
Therefore, Kelliark wanted to end the situation through negotiations with the Sword Emperor castle (actually Runcandel) without armed conflict as much as possible.
In fact, just by Kelliark taking out the 'negotiation' card, Zepfel's external prestige will fall to the ground. It wasn't possible for the world's foremost mage clan to prioritize negotiations over fights after losing so many dragons, mages, and fleets.
'Above all, I can't see the fire dragon, Kadun.'
Fire Dragon Kadun.
The most powerful fire dragon created by the god of fire, Sheenu. Jin was conscious of not seeing Kadun's appearance earlier.
Of course, Kadun might be on board the fleet in human form. However, Jin judged that the possibility was very low.
'It is strange to place the strongest fire dragon out of sight after they show off by putting enormous mana to cast fire on the entire fleet, spewing fire on the entire Sword emperor castle while pretending not to know, and creating a sense of intimidation.'
There were Zipfel's dragons among the fleet of about fifty battleships led by Kelliark. There was no reason why Kadun shouldn't show off his majesty at the center.
However, it was difficult for Jin to infer the reason why Kelliark did not bring Kadun.
'Is it because there will be problems with Zipfel's air defense without Kadun? No, even if they prioritize negotiation, it doesn't mean they haven't considered an all-out war at all, so if that is not a reason. Then….'
Suddenly, Jin remembered the name of another friend.
'Did Veradin take some action to prevent Kadun from being included in the fleet...?'
It was correct.
Veradin was currently forcefully run wild and created a situation where he had to be protected by Kadun.
Because of this, Kelliark had no choice. If Veradin was done, all the plans that Zipfel had prepared so far would go down the drain.
Jin didn't know the truth, but for some reason, he felt a strong impression that the absence of Kadun was a result of a sacrifice made by a friend.
"You're conscious of the absence of Kadun."
At those words, Jin almost showed a surprised expression.
"I heard that the Fire Dragon's power is needed to use fire perfectly."
"The one who makes a fire mage perfect is not the Guardian Dragon, but the Phoenix."
Whoosh-!
Suddenly, a phoenix appeared behind Kelliark. A phoenix with a reputation for being the strongest along with Tess, Maniere, and Shankish.
It was 'Beloit'.
Indeed, it was the summoning of someone who reached the pinnacle of magic. Beloit cast a dark shadow on the sword emperor castle with its huge and blazing body, larger than any document recorded.
It was literally full of fire.
The night sky above the Vamel Alliance and sword emperor castle filled with the fire of the fleet and Beloit. It was to the point where they wondered if the target they had to fight with was not Zipfel, but Sheenu, the god of fire.
A bigger fire than the legacy of Riol Zipfel, which Jin showed through the mirror and the will of the two gods, was dyeing their vision red.
But Jin was not discouraged.
"I thought you knew about my phoenix, sir."
"Your phoenix is the sole god of the flame world and the owner of all the phoenixes. But you still can't handle their power properly."
That was the point where Kelliark acknowledged Jin in front of everyone. It was because the expression 'still' implied the possibility of the future.
"If you really think so, then go ahead and try exploding my head right now. I wonder if the power bestowed by Sheenu, the God of fire, can pierce the absolute domain of Tess."
"As I heard, you have a very thick face. How dare you make such a visible bluff against me. Your courage is worthy of praise."
Kelliark was able to find out that Jin couldn't summon Tess at the moment.
Jin got goosebumps and the fact that he was accurately aware of that fact. He didn't explicitly express such things, but it was an area where he could know instinctively.
"Sir Kelliark, you are more cautious than I've heard. You refrained from using spatial explosions just because there is a slim possibility that I can summon Tess."
"I'm not refraining from blowing your head up just for that reason."
Kelliark smiled again.
Now there was not only hatred but also composure in the smile.
"Jin Runcandel."
"Tell me."
"I heard that you were generous enough not to catch fleeing enemies. I shall also grant such leniency. Hairan, immediately leave the white stone and depart from the sword emperor castle. That way no one will die."
Fwoosh!
A small spark formed on Kelliark's finger. He wrote in the air with sparks, which was a 'Seal of Fire' that only Sheenu's contractors could handle.
In addition, Zipfel swears to rescue Dante Hairan, who was encroached on by the white stone, with all the efforts the clan can mobilize. Once he recovered, Zipfel swore to send him back to Hairan.
Everyone in the sword emperor castle looked at the red glowing letters.
"Along with this, if you accept my conditions, Zipfel will do everything in its power to destroy the imperial family that betrayed Hairan."
Without time to ponder how Kelliark knew Dante's condition, the knights of Hairan couldn't help but be agitated for the first time since the incident began.
The promise to destroy the empire didn't matter too much.
However, more precious than the pride they had been trying to uphold by sacrificing their lives was the life of Dante.
The use of the Seal of Fire meant that Kelliark was swearing on his god Sheenu. The conditions he presented were undoubtedly sincere.
"Zipfel knows how to save Dante Hiran. I cannot guarantee that he will be saved unconditionally, but I can guarantee a success rate of at least 80%."
Jin immediately addressed the knights of Hairan.
"It is a trap. Surely there is no lie in Sid Kelliark's oath...."
The moment Hairan accepts the terms, it will be destroyed by Runcandel, not by Zipfel. Sir Kelliark left out the word that he would protect Hairan from Runcandel.
Jin couldn't bear to say the last word.
It was natural for Runcandel to attack Hairan, who agreed to the conditions of Zipfel.
If that happens, Runcandel will have to watch as Zipfel gets the white stone without getting anything.
Rosa couldn't stand idly by. She was a person who would not retreat even if the Sword Emperor Castle and the land of Hairan turned into ashes.
And if Jin stood against Rosa. It soon becomes a betrayal towards Runcandel.
'You showed a good hand… Kelliark Zipfel.'
Objectively, Jin and Runcandel couldn't offer Hairan a better condition than that.
Runcandel didn't have a way to save Dante, and only Jin cherishes Dante's life among Runcandel.
For Runcandel, it's enough if Hairan disappears into history or if they prevents the white stone from falling into Zipfel's hands.
Jin gritted his teeth, and Kelliark was confident of victory with a calm face.
Kelliark's gaze reached Ruyan.
"Now I'll give Hairan a chance to talk with me. What do you say, Ruyan? There's no better condition than this for Hairan."
Ruyan looked up at Kelliark in silence for a while.
"Hairan... And the knights gathered for Hairan...."
Eventually, the moment Ruyan tried to continue.
I refuse, Kelliark Zipfel!
A giant's voice resounded in the quiet sky, yet muffled and deep, and everyone in this land was familiar with it and they were heartbreakingly longing to be able to fight together....
Everyone turned to the owner of the voice who had just climbed the wall.
"Who dares to save Hairan and my grandson on my behalf? It is only allowed to me."
Ron Hairan, Sword emperor was standing tall there.
544
"Lord Patriarch!"
"Lord Patriarch… !"
All the knights of Hairan got down on one knee at once.
A mighty enemy that they could not handle was lurking in front of them, but they all bowed their heads to Ron with their backs turned.
In a situation that should never occur in a display of such despair, the knights couldn't help but express their faith and respect for his appearance.
Even Kelliark Zipfel would not be able to attack sword emperor castle recklessly if Ron was present. The knights barely suppressed their burning emotions.
Thud, thud...
As Ron stepped forward, the knights stood up and returned to their positions. Even without deliberately emitting energy, both allies and enemies could hear his footsteps like the beating of their own hearts.
Jin, standing next to him, gave a respectful nod, and Ron placed a hand on his shoulder.
"I owe you again, Paul Gray Mick."
Seeing Ron calling him by a pseudonym, Jin smiled. For some reason, he felt as if he had become very close to an unstoppable giant named Ron Hairan.
"I believe you will pay me back anytime, Sir Ron."
Don't die and make sure you live and repay me, Ron read the underlying meaning in Jin's words and chuckled.
"The leader of the Hairan sword saints, Ruyan."
Then he looked for Ruyan.
"Yes, lord patriarch!"
"Answer me. As acting commander-in-chief of the sword emperor castle, did you intend to accept Kelliark's terms?"
"Absolutely not."
Ruyan answered without hesitation.
He really had no intention of accepting Kelliark's terms. That would be betraying the Vemal Alliance that fought for Hairan, and humiliating Hairan.
The reason why sword emperor castle was shaken by Kelliark's words was only because of the fact that Zipfel knew how to bring back their young patriarch.
Ron nodded his head in satisfaction and replied:
"Good job. You held out great."
Ruyan seemed to choke on Ron's sincere evaluation of him.
It was because he thought he did nothing.
I didn't do anything against Kelliark Zipfel until you came, my lord, and that in the first battle, I had let the young patriarch get so wrecked. If it wasn't for Sir Jin, Hairan would have been doomed right away, and I was just filling the position....
Not only Ruyan, but all the knights of Hairan have the same thought. If they had been more competent, the Sword Emperor Castle might not have become such a mockery.
"Knights of Hairan, it is also my fault. So stop blaming yourselves and obey the orders of the belated Sword Emperor."
"… Please command anything, Lord Patriarch."
"The leader of the Dragon Knights, Calmine Aita."
"Yes, my lord."
Calmine replied, holding his sword with his left arm. He intuitively knew what command Ron would give.
"Immediately take the Dragon Knights, excluding the Sword Saints, along with all the knights gathered for Hairan, and leave the Sword Emperor Castle."
Calmine did not object to the orders.
It was because it was clear that he and knights below the sword saints would not be of any help in the battle that was about to take place from now on.
But even if the knights of Hairan aren't necessary for the current fight. They are the people who must be needed for 'reconstruction'.
When Ron was unconscious, the reason they didn't leave the castle even if it was dog death was because there was no future.
But now, they could think about the future. It was necessary to prepare for the future. They needed people who would welcome the Patriarch and the Young Patriarch when they returned.
"Calmine Aita, Leader of the Dragon Knights, I will heed your command."
Suppressing the strong desire to fight and die together, Calmine respectfully saluted Ron.
"Ron Hairan…"
By then, Kelliark had narrowed his eyes and opened his mouth.
"I didn't expect you to wake up. I thought you had already gone to hell."
"I came back to see how well my siblings and sons are doing."
Kelliark's phoenix Beloit was showing fierce hostility from the moment Ron first appeared. Ron looked back and forth between Kelliark and Beloit and stroked his beard.
"You might also be able to go there soon. Unfortunately, your summoned phoenix, whose neck and wings were cut off by me, won't be able to go with you because of its immorality."
Whoa!
Suddenly, Beloit's two wings swelled up. It seemed to be trying to bind the Sword Emperor Castle with fire according to Kelliark's will.
In an instant, the two wings, which became as large as the battleship, wrapped around the sword emperor castle.
Even while wrapped around it, it spewed out fire without rest, and the wings that swelled seemed to melt the entire castle at any moment.
"Do you think I would allow your knights to escape?"
Ron slowly pulled Rashid from his waist.
Sureng...… The sound of Rashid's blade coming out of the scabbard was especially chilling in the dense fire that filled his vision.
The shining blade of Rashid cut through the air, creating a silent ripple.
Then, formless winds poured from the sword in all directions.
Countless streams of invisible sword winds slowly began to push back Beloit's fire.
Beloit let out a roar, spreading its spread wings, but Ron never lost his composure even as the clash of powers intensified.
At that moment, Kelliark was left with an ominous doubt.
'No way... Has Ron crossed the wall...!'
Genesis knight.
The domain of transcendence and absolute reserved only for Chiron. For a moment, Kelliark was able to glimpse the domain that Chiron had reached from Ron.
Although the hand holding Rashid was so pale that it was unimaginable that the owner was the sword emperor due to a long struggle with illness and unconsciousness.
His body was too thin to be covered even with clothes.
Now, the achievement of the Sword Emperor was displaying a light and majesty stronger than ever before. To the extent that even Kelliark Zipfel mistakenly thought that he was standing in the domain of Chiron!
'No, Ron has not yet... reached there.'
Perhaps if Kelliark hadn't experienced Chiron firsthand, he would have been convinced that Ron finally entered the domain of genesis knight.
If Chiron wouldn't have existed in the world then Kelliark would have fallen into fear and helplessness now.
Genesis knight was a domain that only Chiron has achieved, and Ron's current power has not reached that domain.
Even so, a shudder soared through his body as if thunder was raging, and he felt a chill as if a blade had already been driven into his back.
Not just Kelliark but everyone was in the same shock. The dragons and mages of the fleet, allies, Runcandel watching the situation from afar, and Talaris guarding Dante's seal.
In particular, the phoenix Beloit, who was competing directly with Ron, could not accept the fact that the enemy who cut off its wings had become so strong.
[Kahaaaaak-!]
In the end, the wings of Beloit, which wrapped around the castle, spread wide and tore apart.
Beloit let out a groaning roar, and the fire from the torn wings fell to the ground like hailstones.
The strongest phoenix summoned by the absolute mages, suffered the humiliation of having its wings ripped off by the same person once again.
Moreover, Ron had not swung his sword even once.
The main force of Zipfel couldn't believe the fact that this was the result of Ron drawing out his sword and revealing his energy ,even after seeing it with their own eyes.
Beloit flinched and unfolded its smaller wings, frantically revealing the resentment, and Kelliark felt a single invisible sword wind brush past his neck.
"...You've become stronger, Ron Hairan."
"I haven't just been idly lying around."
"Is it the power of the white stone?"
"It is the power of Hairan who is breaking it."
Jin paid attention to Ron's meaningful words.
-This is a seal that comes from rejecting chaos. Your friend, Ron's grandson, is fighting chaos within himself right now. So there is no reason for me to fulfill my mission yet.
Dante's inner war against chaos began after he took possession of Ron's white stone by following the white stone's voice.
Of course, it was Ron Hairan who had been fighting the chaos of the white stone until then.
Ron achieved a new domain through that fierce and terrible long fight.
It is the power of Hairan that is 'breaking it'.
The meaning behind those words was nothing else.
'The chaos of the White Stone couldn't defeat Sir Ron and tempted Dante. Or perhaps, it was lost to Sir Ron and transferred to Dante.'
Maybe, there was an expectation that Dante could win the fight against the white stone like Ron. The expectation that a friend would be able to shake it off and come back.
"If I lose the fight against you in the end, my knights who retreated will eventually die. So why don't you try to beat me somehow and just let my knights go? I think it will look better that way when historians later record this fight."
Kelliark showed no particular reaction to Ron's provocation.
"Record of history… You're talking about something interesting. It will be recorded according to the will of the victor anyway. If that's how you want to fight, I won't interfere."
"Today is the first time we can actually communicate since we met."
Kelliark shook Hroti, erasing the seal of fire in the air.
"Knights!"
Ron turned around and looked at the knights of Hairan who were still facing him and shouted. A loud voice shook the sky.
Then, the knights collectively saluted and bit their lips to hold back tears.
"I, Ron Hairan, the Lord of the Sword Emperor Castle."
Ron also slowly saluted the knights.
It wasn't just to respond to the subordinates as the Lord of the Sword Emperor Castle, but a genuine expression of gratitude and respect for those who had not betrayed Hairan and still raised him as a late sinner, lowering himself even more.
"I express my sincere gratitude and respect to all of you who are leaving Hairan for the sake of Hairan."
Enduring more pain than having their bones cut and their skin peeling off, every knight in Hairan was able to hold back tears.
They could endure it now because if they cried, it felt like this might truly be the end.
When Calmine lowered his sword, the knights followed suit, and Ron continued to maintain the salute.
"... Hairan! Everyone follows the dragon knights...… we are going to retreat."
It is only after all the knights retreated under Calmine command, and their backs passed through the collapsed cliff beyond the back gate and disappeared into an unseen place.
Ron released the salute and looked back at the battlefield, now filled with enemies.
545
While the knights were leaving, Zipfel's fleet distanced itself from the castle.
As Amela predicted, the cannons of the Zipfel fleet, including Kozec, had a far superior range than the defense equipment of the sword emperor castle, so there was no reason not to widen the distance.
If it weren't for Ron, they could have swiftly finished off the Sword Emperor Castle without considering efficiency. However, the situation is different now.
While the knights of Hairan were leaving, the fleet also got a chance to get out of Ron's range even a little bit.
Except for Chiron, Zipfel had never fought against an enemy stronger than Ron.
Most mages aboard the fleet had not experienced Chiron firsthand.
Even the dragons, who had not encountered Chiron, recalled the nightmares from Ron.
It reminded them of Murakan in his prime.
To the dragons, there was no existence more fearsome than Murakan in his prime.
The problem was that the terrifyingly powerful Black Dragon, too, stood by Ron's side with its eyes wide open.
Of course, Murakan had not fully regained his former strength yet, but the dragons, who did not know this fact, found Murakan even more terrifying than Ron.
The wind dragon, 'Salion', took its place next to Kelliark. He was the one who had recently become the guardian dragon of Octavia when she became Melzaire's new contractor.
"It's like seeing one of ten great knights from old Runcandel and Murakan together... huh?"
Salion, who was saying that, tilted his head as if something strange had happened.
It was because he felt puzzled about himself using the word 'ten great knights'.
The other dragons who heard him only felt that Salion mistook the black knight for the name of ten great knights, and did not feel any other sense of discord.
Soon, Salion also forgot that he used the term of ten great knights.
The dragons would not be conscious of it even if someone else were to bring up that name again.
'Certainly, the power of the story seems to have weakened a little....'
Kelliark thought quietly.
'There may be an influence of Ron who is close to the domain of the Genesis knight and has the power to go against the fated... but the biggest problem is likely to be Jin Runcandel.'
Power of existence.
Kelliark was closely examining the power that Jin possessed.
Things were worse than he thought. The fact that Ron woke up, the fact that he became stronger, and the fact that Jin's power of existence is being expressed more greatly because of it.
All of this is beyond Kelliark's expectations. Kelliark felt a great discomfort in these unexpected events.
It was a discomfort derived from a kind of intuition.
It felt as if things were about to go awry... that kind of feeling.
"Octavia."
"Yes, lord patriarch."
"When the battle begins, you and the real Spectres will infiltrate the castle and secure the White Stone."
It was not too long ago that he lost his fleet, some blueprints, and machine in the Sota Desert.
If he didn't get the white stone today, Zipfel would have to go back without any gains even after fighting a knight close to the genesis knight.
"Yes, I will prepare the Demon God's Orb for infiltration."
In order to take the white stone that was already being opened, Demon God's orb was needed.
"It will take some time for the Demon's God's orb to open, so until then, I will fight alongside the patriarch."
"No, I will personally use the Demon God's Orb. You will take measures to ensure that the consequences of the battle within the castle do not affect the White Stone and wait."
"You seem to be concerned about the possibility of Runcandel joining forces with Hairan."
Since Ron had awakened and reached a new domain, there was a possibility that Runcandel would join Hairan from the beginning.
But Kelliark thought it was unlikely that Rosa would make such a judgment. As Ron appeared, Runcandel got a chance to observe more.
"No, the Demon God's orb is necessary even if it is only assumed that I am dealing with Ron Hairan. The current Ron...… No one will be able to defeat him except Chiron."
Octavia widened her eyes in surprise at this statement.
She also had seen Ron's transcendent battle prowess, but she did not recognize the level as perfectly as Kelliark.
Only those who stand on a similar level can know for sure. All of Zipfel's mages, including Octavia, were at a significantly lower level than Ron.
'I didn't expect not bringing Hedo and Kadun to lead to such a painful situation. I didn't want to reveal the power of the Demon God's orb unless it's time to fight Runcandel.'
-I heard that the power of the fire dragon is needed to use the perfect fire.
It reminded him about Jin's provocation earlier. Now he couldn't deny those words.
'It seems like maintaining dignity is not that simple. I understand now how the lower ones who have been facing Jin Runcandel felt until now.'
Octavia nodded her head.
"... Okay. Be careful, lord patriarch."
"You should be careful too. Infiltration won't be easy."
The spectres were gathering towards Octavia. Those thirty gray robes were real spectres on a different level from the resurrected ones.
Kelliark knew what they were worried about without looking at the faces of the dragons mixed between the fleets.
"Murakan has not regained the battle prowess of a thousand years ago. If he had it, there's no way the first battle would have ended like that in the first place, so don't let the dragons make a mistake being possessed by the ghost."
As soon as Kelliark finished speaking, a new and deeper sense of terror entered the dragons' eyes.
It wasn't because it is more fearful than the old Murakan.
Hiiii...…
A faint sound of wind echoed through the fleet from somewhere.
It sounded like the breathing of a monster. As soon as the sound began, Zipfel's dragons trembled and bristled their scales.
It was the sound of the Demon God's orb starting to open.
The replica, which reproduced the 'Orb of Origin', had the power to suppress the dragon with instinctive fear, just as Cuicantelle first experienced when fighting Andrei in the past.
The current Demon God's orb was still unfinished, but it was far more refined compared to back then. The fear felt by the dragons was amplified accordingly.
"Kuh...!"
"Cuicantelle!"
Even Cuicantelle, who was far away from the Demon God's Orb, stumbled as if toppling over. Murakan helped her, but she let out a rough, unsteady breath.
"Those Zipfel bastards have brought the Demon God's Orb... damn, I can't get any strength into my body."
"Don't speak, just take a deep breath. Kid, she can't participate in battle. In this state, she can't even retreat alone. I will evacuate her to the outside of the range of Demon God's orb and come back."
Cuicantelle did not insist on joining the fight. She's upset, but she admits that she's only a burden at this rate.
Among the currently active dragons, the number of beings capable of resisting the energy of the Demon God's orb could be counted on one hand. Among them, only Murakan and Misha are completely immune.
[If Cuicantelle is struggling this much, most of the dragons over there should already be foaming at the mouth and falling. That shining thing... is that a necklace? It seems to be blocking the Demon God's Orb's energy to some extent.]
Murakan said, transforming into his true form and putting Cuicantelle on his back. All the dragons in Zipfel's side were wearing something shiny around their necks.
[It's more like shackles than a necklace. It looks pretty unstable...… Ron, those things seem to fear you more than anything. Seeing that he took out the Demon's God's orb while harming his allies. Everyone fights well until I return.]
Ron felt the energy of the Demon God's orb more deeply than the dragons. The Demon God's orb gave off an aura similar to the chaos of the white stone that he had been fighting within while unconscious.
As Murakan flew towards the rear, most of Zipfel's dragons mistakenly believed that he had left because he feared the power of the Demon God's Orb and felt even more relieved.
"Jin."
"Yes, Sir Ron."
"There will be those who infiltrate the inner castle. Maybe Octavia will take on that role. I will cover the entire battlefield, but there will surely be gaps. You and the Vamel Alliance work together with the Sword saints to stop them. Can I entrust this to you?"
It was no different from Ron leaving his back to Jin.
"It's an honor."
"When the fight is over."
Ron placed his hand on Jin's shoulder and added a parting remark.
"Let's have a drink together with my lovely grandson."
It was an indescribably gentle voice, as if he was talking to Dante.
Jin seemed to feel the warm affection of 'grandfather', something he had never experienced before. It felt like receiving an unexpected gift ahead of an impending war.
Sureng...….
Rashid came out of the scabbard.
"Kelliark! Let's get started."
Ron's calm and low voice resonated throughout the area once again. At the same time, the fire surrounding Zipfel's fleet grew thicker, and the phoenix Beloit let out a roar.
The war had begun again.
The first attack belonged to the Sword Emperor Castle.
Ron directed his sword towards the center of the fleet, at a not-so-fast pace.
However, the trajectory that even ordinary people could easily read contained the state of transcendence he had attained.
His formless sword began attacking the fleet before the action was finished.
The invisible sword energy continued to frantically gnaw through the curtain of fire that Kelliark and Beloit had opened.
And that wasn't all.
The formless swords that passed through the curtain of fire soon became a typhoon and completely covered the entire area of Zipfel's fleet and sword emperor castle.
For allies, it served as a protective shield, for enemies, it was a terrifying gust of bone-chilling wind, slicing through flesh and bone.
In a single blow, Ron completely made the battlefield his own. Ron's words of 'covering the entire battlefield' was not just an expression.
From the start, Beloit was tired of those ignorant invisible sword energies, and Kelliark was wielding the Hroti with his eyes wide open.
Octavia couldn't penetrate Ron's territory, so it seemed like she couldn't even start infiltrating.
Kelliark forced a path through it, firing nonstop spatial explosions into it, but it wasn't easy to squeeze their body through the unstable opening.
As the real spectres spread out the Red Abyss to make room, Kelliark began chanting another legacy of Riol Zipfel.
"Ruyan!"
But Ron wasn't the only one on the battlefield. There was a reason why Ron stopped five sword saints of Hairan from leaving.
The Sword saints were able to display their greatest strength only when Ron was present.
"I allow the use of the Sword of the Overlord. Show the might of the Hairan sword saints to the enemies."