681
[T.L: punisher87]
[Support me here:- buymeacoffee.com/punisher87 ]
As the power of the cemetery giants was infused, the core of the seal emitted an even stronger light.
The light that soared into the sky looked like a pillar that could be the center of all the world's oceans. Those who had been tormented by the red beams momentarily mistook it for another form of attack, but what poured out of the seal was just a beautiful light.
The cylindrical shape of the underwater floor, as well as the shadow force, seawater, and the sky, which had been stained by the battles, were all immersed in the light.
The cemetery giants' attack ceased, and the chaotic landscape was cleared in an instant, causing the people to become devout.
Jin kept his guard up and watched the core.
His face gradually filled with shock.
"Valeria..."
"Yeah, I can feel it too."
The energy of the cemetery giants connected to the core was endlessly amplifying, like plants that have been infused with light for a long time and are standing up.
The two of them had expected that the power of the cemetery giants would be exhausted in opening the seal, but it was the opposite.
Even if the cemetery giants became stronger, they were just a stronger weapon without an ego. But Jin felt like it wasn't just that.
The cemetery giants were kneeling with their shields and spears lowered, like worshippers performing a religious ritual.
It was not an act that a weapon without an ego could do.
The light that spread in all directions converged in an instant, and the seal began to open. As the seal slowly broke, Valeria was opening the record window.
[T/L:- Changing old with ancient.]
<... Releasing the seal of Bale Runcandel, the ten great knight of ancient Runcandel.>
Bale.
The owner of the Hedo's sword, and a person presumed to be from the ancient Runcandel. He was receiving the worship of the cemetery giants and waking up from a long sleep that had lasted a thousand years.
"Bale Runcandel...."
Without even looking at the record window any further, Jin and Valeria immediately recognized him as the "Forgotten God."
He was a member of the ancient Runcandel and a forgotten god at the same time.
In the middle of the sea, there was a figure rising up from the depths. He had a similar build to Jin and had a human-like shape. However, a faint golden color flowed throughout his body, his pupils were in the shape of a cross, and rune characters and seams were visible all over his body.
He had large, white wings on his back and a shining ring floating above his head. His appearance was almost identical to the depiction of an angel in religious mythology.
Before they knew it, the sword stuck in the center of the seabed was clutched in his hand. Ten small blades protruded from each side of the sword, indicating that this was its true form and owner.
"I am Jin Runcandel, the youngest child of the Runcandel clan, here to pay respects to my ancestor." Jin said with a bow.
No one had heard of a non-human among the ten great knights, as history had been manipulated, and even the dragons could not remember him.
But right after Bale woke up, Cuicantelle, who was in the sky, felt her memories quickly returning.
'Bale...! The creation of the sun!'
When Cuicantelle first met Bale a thousand years ago, that was how he introduced himself. He did not explain what "creation of the sun" meant, but he was a unique existence in many ways.
Even after Bale became one of ten great knights, he was the only person who swore allegiance to an individual, not to Runcandel, and to a person other than Temar.
"Miss Cuicantelle, it seems that the lord has awakened the ancient Runcandel. That shining being...…."
[I remember now, damn it. If I had known it was Bale, I wouldn't have opened this tomb. Moreover, that appearance...it's as if all the seals have been broken.]
"What do you mean?"
[Because Sarah is gone...I need to go down and tell Jin about Bale...… Kut!]
When the bewildered Cuicantelle rambled, Jin's comrades were overcome with anxiety.
Suddenly, hundreds of golden magic circles formed across the entire sky.
The magic circles aimed at all the forces and looked more like authority than magic.
Everybody, stop.
Bale's low voice echoed. Cuicantelle gritted her teeth and stopped the descent, but the rest of the forces who did not know about Bale seemed to ignore his words.
Chiiiiing!
Golden beams of light poured out of the magic circles and destroyed the battleships and dragons of the three forces.
'... Is that the former owner of my sword?'
Hedo's nerves were on edge. Although he did not engage in swordplay, he doubted whether he could protect Sandra from the owner. Not to mention he didn't even have a sword.
A magic circle formed behind Jin and Valeria.
[Jin Runcandel?]
Jin turned his head to look at the magic circle behind him.
"Yes, Sir Bale Runcandel."
[Where is Sara?]
"During the time you were sealed away, a thousand years have passed."
[I asked where Sarah is.]
"Are you asking because you really don't know?"
[Sarah! If she is dead, I will destroy the entire world!]
Jin shivered at Bale's insane words, sensing that they were not mere nonsense.
[No, there's no way Sarah could be dead...I said something strange. Guide me, Jin Runcandel. I must go see her]
"Sir, you have not lost your mind, and unlike the other ten great knights, you are alive and your memories are intact, am I right?"
[Why are you making irrelevant remarks when I want to go see Sarah?]
"Dame Sarah passed away as a warrior, during the time you were active a thousand years ago."
[Shut up! You with the red hair, guide me. I can't speak to that guy. Say once more that Sarah is dead, and I'll twist your neck. Consider yourself lucky, at least you has the last name she loves, so I let you off the hook once.]
Valeria made eye contact with Jin. She did not know that the awakened being from the seal was such a lunatic.
[Oh, now that I think about it, you resemble the butler. Are you a descendant of Luet? If you don't know where Sarah is, at least guide me to where Luet is. She should know.]
As soon as Jin heard that, he remembered that he had met the living Luet, not just the "recorded Luet."
-When I leave here, will Ms. Luet be alone again? Will I forget my memories of Ms. Luet...?
-[You will only remember what you saw on the recording device. As for me, I am practically a forgotten person who has died. It is more worthwhile to save the living people outside than to comfort my loneliness.]
-... I'll be back. Definitely.
Jin remembered the conversation he had in the third tomb. The memories possessed by Bale had the power to cancel the manipulation of faded history.
As Valeria was about to respond, Jin spoke first.
"Very well, let's first go see Ms. Luet."
Jin promised to meet with Luet, bring her out of the subspace, and help her regain her memories through Valeria.
Jin seemed to be able to keep that promise with the power of the Bale.
[I don't want to talk to the person who said that Sarah died. I asked the descendant of Luet. Now, tell me. Where is Luet, the red-haired one?]
"Goooh! Ohh!"
"Oh!"
The cemetery giants who were kneeling chimed in as if urging them to answer.
"Um... What will you do if Ms. Luet also doesn't know the whereabouts of Dame Sarah?"
As soon as Valeria answered, Bale's eyes filled with bloodlust.
[You are lying... I can smell the dirty odor unique to humans who lie.]
"What lie?"
[You also think Sarah is dead, don't you?]
Finally, Valeria let out a low sigh.
"First of all, I have never lied. It's true that Dame Sarah died in battle, and you are causing trouble for us who have awakened you after a thousand years. When did I say that Dame Sarah was alive? That's a lie."
[I won't talk to you anymore, descendant of Luet.]
Chiing-!
A golden beam was shot from the magic circle spread behind the two. Jin quickly embraced Valeria and dodged the beam, but Bale had flown in and was wielding his sword.
"Sir Bale, I had inherited the flame of hell directly from Dame Sarah. Will Dame Sarah be pleased if you attack me?"
Jin said as parried Bale's attack with Sigmund while changing his sword. As Jin showed signs of unfolding flames of hell by creating a fiery flame, Veil smiled slyly.
[Then it makes even less sense for Sarah to be dead. How did a dead person pass the sword to you with the form of rune letters, clearly it's Sarah's sword.]
His words didn't make any sense at all.
He is crazy for Sarah Runcandel.
For some reason, Jin saw the appearance of Hedo in him for a moment. It's a little different, but the fact that he blindly cares for someone is essentially the same thing.
Hedo also seemed to say that if Sandra died, he would become a vengeful demon and destroy the whole world.
'He is not an opponent that can be suppressed.'
Bale is a former ten great knight and a divine being who may have the same level of power as himself or even more.
Moreover, with just a few words, he had already partially undone the history manipulation of Luet, and he had all the memories of the past.
[You're also trying to monopolize Sarah like Padler, aren't you?]
"What kind of nonsense is that?"
[I know everything. That bastard who took Sarah away while pretending to be weak, I have to kill him now.]
"Sir Padler died a thousand years ago."
[Really? Then, what is this energy of the blue lightning that I have started to feel from far away? You are a liar.]
As Jin heightened his senses, he could really feel Padler's energy. It was like when he was summoned in the Kaldran snowfield.
Jin wanted to answer that it was not the real Padler, but a being summoned by the prophet, imbued with his soul in chaos... But Jin was sure that he wouldn't listen anyway.
[Hu, I'll kill him and get Sarah back...….]
As Bale finished speaking, Sandra, who had been unconscious, suddenly opened her eyes. She immediately looked at the situation underwater and shouted.
"What is that monster? Jin is in danger!"
"My lady, my lady?"
Then, without hesitating, she jumped and threw herself. Hedo swallowed a sigh and jumped off Cuicantelle's back after Sandra.
"Jin, I'm going to save you!"
"My lady, even if you save him, it won't help. Once this is over, I will definitely kill the 12th flagbearer!"
"Sandra!?"
In the midst of the confusing situation, Jin and Valeria watched as Bale looked at Sandra, who was falling and said [Sarah...!? Sarah, Yes. She is here!]
682
[T.L: punisher87]
[Support me here:- buymeacoffee.com/punisher87 ]
Bale's eyes already had a subtle golden shine, but now, the cross-shaped pupils staring at Sandra were so bright that they almost hurt to look at.
'What? Did he say Dame Sarah?'
Jin narrowed his eyes and alternated between looking at Bale and Sandra. Valeria also seemed to have a hard time understanding the situation and lowered her head.
Of course, Sandra and Sarah didn't look alike at all.
Sarah had black hair, a distinct feature of pure-blooded Runcandel, while Sandra had white hair like most Zipfel. Not to mention their physique, eyes, attitude, atmosphere, and so on. Except for being the same gender, there was nothing alike about the two.
Nevertheless, Bale kept calling Sandra Sarah.
[I missed you, Sarah!]
"Get lost, you monster!"
[Hurry up and go away, Sarah told you to go away.]
"Go away!"
Sandra told Bale, while Bale told Jin and Valeria. The one who was most hurt by this situation was undoubtedly Hedo.
"Damn it!"
Hedo increased the descent speed by using the momentum of the fight, but Sandra was also accelerated by the attraction force caused by Bale.
Sandra tried her best to escape that force and fall towards Jin, but she couldn't get out of Bale's grasp.
Just before Sandra was about to touch Bale, Jin and Valeria rushed forward, swinging their sword and staff. Even if Bale mistook Sandra for Sarah, they had to stop this crazy person from harming their ally.
Because no one knows how Bale will react the moment he finds out that Sandra is not Sarah.
The situation was daunting for Valeria. She wasn't trying to kill Zipfel, but rather trying to save, which put her in a difficult position.
"I'm sorry, Arya."
"It's necessary, so there's nothing to apologize for."
However, used his strength and wings to quickly change Sandra's landing point.
Jin couldn't recklessly use big techniques against the complex and fast-moving Bale. It will backfire if Sandra and Hedo get caught up in it.
Inevitably, Jin and Valeria took a step back and prepared for the next situation. The fortunate part was the fact that Sandra was a living golem with a half-immortal body, so she was not suitable for being held hostage.
[Sarah, Sarah Runcandel!]
Soon after, Bale smiled as he held Sandra with the expression "embracing the princess" often seen in romance novels, and he even fiercely swung one of his wings. Like punching, he aimed at Hedo, who had followed him stubbornly.
Crack!
"My lady, ugh!"
Hedo, who was hit by a wing, bounced off the wall made of shadow force and seawater. The impact caused black seawater to pour down the wall like a waterfall.
'I never thought I'd see such a pathetic scene of that giant man being thrown out like that....'
However, that was all that happened to Hedo, despite being hit by the wing. If it was a martial artist who did not have a rigid body of Hedo level, he would have died instantly or his entire body would have been crushed.
Jin and Valeria rushed towards Bale again. Bale, who held Sandra as if she were a newborn baby, fought only with his wings because he couldn't use his sword.
While it seemed soft to the touch, Bale's wings were so strong that they couldn't be compared to the outer layer of a cemetery giant.
"Why do you keep calling my lady someone else, you madman!"
Hedo shouted as he broke free from the sea wall. His huge muscles had torn apart his shirt, and his eyes were darker than ever before with anger.
Hedo, who always maintained a dignified appearance and attitude, had already been broken several times in this trip to the tomb.
"I was wondering the same thing, Sir Bale. That woman you're holding isn't Sarah. You should come to your senses."
At those words, Bale looked at Sandra with wide eyes.
She was flailing her arms and legs like a captured beast, hitting Bale's face and chest more and more. Of course, it was Sandra who hurt more, and Bale didn't even block her attack.
[Come to think of it, your face has changed a bit... You've also grown taller.]
"Just a bit?"
At Bale's nonchalant voice, Jin was dumbfounded once more.
[You've also become more aggressive and your power has become incredibly weak. What happened to you, Sarah? And stop it, you're clenching your fist so tightly. It's painful to see. So, you have the power of regeneration?]
"Let go, let go! You monster! How dare you try to kill my husband?"
[Husband? Who is your husband?]
"My Jin!"
Bale glared at Jin.
[Didn't you say you were considering marrying Padler after the war?]
"What nonsense are you spouting? You don't know if I'm Sarah or not."
[Padler, he seems better than that disgusting guy. It's better this way since Padler seems to have come here, we should end this right here.]
"I am not Sarah Runcandel, I am Sandra Zipfel. And Jin is cool. You know that too."
[But he's your distant descendant. Isn't it weird to be together?]
"That's right, that's right. We were born enemies from rival clans and are in a tragic love... that's why it's more exciting."
At some point, Sandra and Bale were exchanging something like a conversation. Apparently, there was a place where crazy people could connect.
[Anyway, it's all right, Sarah. You've changed from what I remember, lost your arm, and become weak, but... now I'll protect you. Just like you protected me.]
"Are you going to protect me?"
[Yes, Sarah Runcandel. My life, my soul, and my power exist solely for you.]
Bang bang bang!
Suddenly, there was a deafening noise from all directions, like a bomb had gone off. Surprisingly, it was the sound of the cemetery giants 'applauding.'
So far, Jin, Hedo, Valeria, and even Sandra herself have revealed to Bale that she is not Sarah. Even Sandra didn't hide the fact that she is the child of Zipfel, who is the enemy of Runcandel from a thousand years ago.
'Yet Sir Bale continues to mistake Sandra for Dame Sarah....'
Is it because Bale woke up after a thousand years and is not in a completely sound mind?
Somehow, Jin felt that there was another reason.
'Bale's speech and behavior seem childish compared to the power he possesses.'
Kid, no. People often seem immature when they try to protect themselves from too much shock
For instance, not being able to accept the death of a lover or parent, and believing that they are still alive.
Jin suspected that the current state of Bale was not much different from that. For example, Bale had decided to recognize Sandra as Sarah.
"This is crazy..."
Hedo said as he spat out the curse.
"Tower Keeper, it seems that Sir Bale will continue to recognize Sandra as Dame Sarah."
Hedo's anger was no longer directed at Jin.
"We have to save the lady. It doesn't matter if I can't get my sword back now, cooperate as much as possible in rescuing the lady from now on, 12th flagbearer."
"Of course, I will do that. However... fighting Sir Bale now may actually endanger Sandra."
Jin pointed to the sky.
The sky, which had been stained with shadow force and the energies of each faction, was gradually turning blue. It was the blue lighting, the energy of the Padler.
'It has become stronger. Perhaps the power of chaos has been further refined, or he has regained his old strength.'
In the meantime, it seemed that Padler had also changed. More orderly and powerful energy was emanating from him compared to when they first fought in the Garden of Swords.
'Besides, there is Lionel and Stam, and the added Black Ship and Chaos Dragons.'
Dealing with them along with Bale is too much of a burden. In particular, he hadn't properly grasped Bale's power yet, but it was certain that Bale is above the stronger Padler.
Besides, Jin has companions to protect unlike when he attacked the Garden of Swords alone.
Hedo, despite his surging anger, began to view the situation calmly.
"... You're right, 12th flagbearer. Then what should we do?"
"I have a feeling that Sir Bale recognizing Sandra as Dame Sarah might be a blessing in disguise."
"Ha, do you think that madman will fight for Young Lady Sandra?"
"What about you, tower keeper? Wouldn't you fight in any situation to save Sandra?"
"In this situation, I would try to come up with a plan to escape with the lady. If he escapes with her..."
Hedo stopped talking.
He suddenly felt that Bale's energy was infinitely amplified. The cross-shaped eyes became sharper, and the transformed sword generated a huge light like that of a god, not a human.
Hedo's words were not wrong.
Then it was right to escape with Sandra in this situation. However, Bale had no reason to make that choice.
He is convinced that he is stronger than all of them put together.
"... Could it be that there's no need to be nervous at all?"
"It seems that way."
[Jin Runcandel. This time, I'll finish you off...]
Even the Padler who completely emerged from the dimensional portal stopped speaking like Hedo. His eyes briefly glowed with the thought of revenge upon seeing Jin, but his face twisted when he saw the cemetery giant and Bale.
[... Bale? Why are you here?]
[You came to find me without any fear, Padler.]
Bale smirked.
Paddler showed a noticeable tremble upon seeing him.
[And to become so weak, you really have no fear... ]
Jin felt that Padler had become stronger than before, but Bale recognized that he had become weaker.
Bale, who had been glaring at Padler as if to kill him, lowered his head and looked at Sandra. His face, which was demon-like just moments ago, suddenly turned infinitely kind.
[Sarah, is it okay if I kill Padler and his lackeys today?]
Sandra casually replied, "Uh, do whatever you want, whether you smash or kill them. It'll be uncomfortable for me if you keep holding me like this, so could you send me to Jin?
[That's right. Even if he is weak, it's impossible to tear him apart while holding onto you. Hmm... If it's that guy, I think he can protect you enough in the midst of the battle. I'll do that.]
"Yes, yes."
[Jin Runcandel, take good care of Sarah. If there is even a small injury left on her after the fight, you will also die in my hands.]
"Hey, it's forbidden to say something like that to Jin now."
[Okay, Sarah. Let me correct myself. At that time, even if you're heavily injured, I'll make sure to hurt you a lot too, right? Jin Runcandel.]
"That's not allowed either. Stop saying bad things to Jin."
[Tch, it might have been better to wrap Padler up and fly away at that time. You'll be very tired then, Jin Runcandel!]
As Bale handed Sandra over to Jin and flew away, the group could only stare blankly at his backs for a moment.
683
[T.L: punisher87]
[Support me here:- buymeacoffee.com/punisher87 ]
Jin, Valeria, and Hedo were speechless for a while.
That madman, an old ten great knight of Runcandel, recognized Sandra as Sarah.
"Hehe! At first, I thought he was a monster who just kept attacking my Jin, but he turned out to be a good friend, right?"
Sandra also completely ignored the fact that Bale denied her identity.
From her perspective, since Bale wasn't attacking Jin and even helped him, anything else didn't matter.
"... my lady, are you okay?"
"Yeah, as you can see, I'm perfectly fine. Even my hands and feet, which were bruised from hitting that guy, have fully recovered. Wow, he was really tough. I don't think my fists and feet hurt this much even when I was fighting Hedo."
Hedo couldn't hide his anxious expression, like a middle-aged man facing a crisis.
He had lost his sword because of his trivial curiosity and put Sandra in danger. Moreover, the fact that he secretly contacted the Vamel Alliance during his vacation had become known to his clan.
If the monster that had awakened from the seabed hadn't shown such extreme kindness to Sandra all of a sudden, he would have just struggled and lost everything.
He hadn't actually lost anything yet, but Hedo was feeling the emotion of defeat for the first time in a long while.
"My lady, you must give that madman one more command."
"What command?"
"Tell him not to attack our clan, Vamel alliance and Kinzelo. Judging from the his behavior, it seems that he will accept lady's order unconditionally."
"Oh, that would be necessary. Yaaa! Just attack the Garden of Swords! Oops, have you already destroyed everything?"
At that, Hedo fixed his shattered glasses with a calm gesture and took his cigarette out of trouser pocket.
Even before the Bale moved directly, many of Zipfel's battleships had been shot down by the cemetery giant's red beam.
[Sarah, what did you say?]
"Those from the Garden of Swords, only attack Runcandel!"
[I'll try my best!]
"... I guess we won't have much to say when we return to our clan. Everything is my fault, my lady."
"What are you talking about all of a sudden?"
"I mean that I put you in danger. If we return to the clan, you and I will be subject to a high-level investigation because of my mistake. "
"It's not the first time, is it?"
"This time it's different. According to the evidence, you and I have colluded with the Vamel Alliance in secret, and in the process, we have caused a loss of power to the clan. Since I am an important power, it will not be a problem, but you will certainly lose your freedom. You will become a hostage to prevent me from betraying the clan."
"That guy named Bale seems like he would fight even the entire clan if they touch me. Hedo would too."
"It doesn't mean much. First of all, we don't not know when that madman will recognize that you are not Sarah Runcandel, and in a situation where evil god is rampant, our confrontation with the clan will cause various problems. "
"Or can't we just run away for a while until Father's anger subsides?"
"My lady."
"Why?"
"First... it would be better to think about it after the situation is over."
Jin's eyes widened. Hedo's words hinted that he might betray Zipfel.
Jin didn't say anything to Hedo. Whatever choice Hedo made, Jin was determined to help as much as he could.
If someone who helped in the search for the legacy of ancient Runcandel is in trouble. Then, of course, Jin had to take responsibility.
[Phew, I can't believe I've forgotten that crazy guy. History manipulation is really scary.]
Cuicantelle said, escaping the mayhem above and descending to the seabed.
Fortunately, Bale didn't attack her. But that was not because of loyalty to Runcandel or memories of the past, but simply because Cuicantelle had a familiar face that he knew.
"Miss Cuicantelle."
As Cuicantelle transformed into a human, her comrades naturally stood nearby. Jin inwardly breathed a sigh of relief as he confirmed that everyone was safe.
"Jin, as you can see, that guy is not human, but a divine being."
"Looking at him fighting, it didn't feel like he got stronger through training."
"Yes, Bale was strong from the beginning... but he couldn't control that power and caused major problems everywhere. Countless humans must have died at the hands of that guy. At that time, Runcandel originally considered Bale as a target for subjugation, not recruitment."
"How did someone like that become a ten great Knight?"
"Because of Sarah. I don't remember the details of that process yet, but Bale swore allegiance to Sarah, not Runcandel, and Temar appointed Bale as a ten great knight as a way to repay the debts he owed to the world."
"Indeed... if he could only control his power, he would be a tremendous help."
Jin said, looking up at Bale. His fighting style was clearly different from that of humans.
First of all, he was able to engage in aerial combat with his two wings, and his power emanating from his sword and body was not mana or aura but divine power.
The energy of the blue lighting that had colored the sky was already being replaced by Bale's golden power.
It wouldn't be strange to say that it's close to genesis knight in terms of power alone. He didn't have deep understanding, but it wasn't as shallow as the weapons that were simply massive.
Every time his wings fluttered, a storm would spread, and the sky would be struck by golden lightning following the trajectory of his sword.
The beams that shot from his eyes were so powerful that the cemetery giant looked feeble, and every time he moved, the sea was overturned.
It felt like a furious god was directly engaging in battle.
Some chaos dragons even burst as Bale just grabbed them by outstretched his hand in the air. And he didn't even touch anything.
"The problem is, he was buried here because he was out of control."
"Is it because of Dame Sarah's death?"
"That's right. Until Sarah died, he had imposed a restraint on himself. He couldn't use any power without Sarah's command. When the restraint was in place, he looked like an ordinary human. When Sarah died, the restraint was lifted."
That means that unless he restrains himself again, Bale is like a bomb that could go off at any moment.
There is a high probability that he will turn against them once he realizes that the real Sarah is dead.
"... And also got kicked out of the ten great Knights. Because he went on a rampage every day and destroyed the world."
"It would be better to decide what to do with Sir Bale after checking the records through Arya. Since Sir Bale waking up is already bringing back memories that we had forgotten, it would be great if we could conclude this fight by saving him as much as possible."
It would be very reassuring if Bale could become an ally.
Above all, Bale seems to have little memory loss except for his perception of Sarah, so he could play a crucial role in tracing the past from now on.
[Padler! You couldn't even stop Sarah from becoming like that, and you couldn't even stop yourself from falling apart. Don't you feel pathetic?]
[Shut up, Bale.]
[Whenever Sarah defended a cowardly guy like you, I felt sick to my stomach.]
[I forgot all the people who were my companions back then. But I remember you as clear as day. When Temar destroyed my kingdom... You were standing next to him.]
[Come to think of it, you couldn't even protect your own kingdom, let alone Sarah. I was always sorry that I couldn't show you the process of Idol being destroyed. Now you're clinging to Runcandel again, trying to prolong your miserable life? Also rejected by Sarah.]
[This is a great idea. There seems to be a woman named Sarah down there, and you will be able to see her die unlike me.]
[Your mouth that always acted so noble is finally revealing its true nature. Try it, I wish you luck.]
Hateful words and swords were exchanged between them.
They once fought together on the battlefield as ten great knights. It was a scene that Jin had never seen before, but for some reason he felt bitterness welling up in his heart.
It was probably Sarah's death that made them hate each other so much. Sarah's death must have resulted from the defeat of Runcandel.
If Jin gets defeated in this life, the Vamel alliance and his comrades would suffer the same fate as those ghosts who hated each other terribly.
Thinking that far, Jin checked the records and changed his thoughts about Bale whom he decided to dispose of.
'I will definitely make him my ally. If he can't become a true comrade, I will at least make him a controllable weapon.'
Jin thought that he should make not only Bale but also Elona Zipfel, which is being sealed by Talaris, if possible.
Zzzzz-!
A sharp beam of blue lightning hit Bale's forehead.
Bale let out a mocking laugh after blocking blue lightning with his wings.
[Do you think you can kill me with such power? Your maggots are even more annoying.]
Stam and Lionel were being bounced back by Bale's sword.
Although the Bale is strong, but Padler, Stam, and Lionel fought at a significantly lower level than when they faced Jin in the Garden of Swords.
This is because the battle was not taking place on the ground. The three of them fought in an unstable position, stepping on the sea surface, the chaos dragons, and the black ships, while Bale completely dominated the air.
The Padler group also knew why they were at a disadvantage.
However, the reason they couldn't easily drag Bale into the seabed where they could fight entirely was because Jin was standing below.
Moreover, the companions next to him, especially Hedo, are formidable opponents, so Padler decided that it would be better to fight an unfavorable battle in the air.
[Today is a special day, Padler. It's the day when Sarah is completely liberated from you...….]
Finally, Bale grabbed Padler's neck as he fell into the sea.
Padler opened his eyes angrily, and Bale smiled at the thought of finally finishing him off. But soon Bale's expression crumpled.
[What? Are you going to run away?]
Padler's body was gradually becoming vague.
Jin and his comrades thought it must be the Prophet who is retrieving his soul.
However, it was not her who was summoning Padler back to the garden of swords but Rosa Runcandel.
Looking through Padler's eyes, Rosa smiled as she gazed down at the seabed.
684
[T.L: punisher87]
[Support me here:- buymeacoffee.com/punisher87 ]
* * *
The cabin of the battleship, Ram.
[I won't die anyway. Why did you save me?] The voice of Padler sounded calm, but there was anger mixed in.
Originally, he should have had his neck snapped by Bale just now. As Padler said, it did not necessarily mean death, but the fact that he had involuntarily retreated from a deeply resentful opponent made him uncomfortable.
If he had fought again like a vengeful ghost in the first attack on the Garden of Swords, Padler could have fought for a while even without his head.
[Reconstructing your body and soul takes a little effort even for me, sir. I didn't want to waste it on meaningless things.] Rosa replied calmly, but there was contempt and mockery in her tone. Contempt for the weak, mockery for the useless.
She saw most of the people who occupied the Garden of the Swords that way now.
Once the process of becoming an evil god was completely over, even the few that were considered somewhat useful would no longer feel necessary.
'Perhaps that's how Chiron looked at us in the past.'
They were just tiny creatures that made the land they stood on a little less empty, easily crushed with a finger or a breath.
Current Rosa sees most of the clan members that way. Padler belonged to the better of the creatures, but he was no different from other creatures in that he failed at the tasks assigned to him.
The same was true of all those who remained in the mausoleum like Padler.
Rosa was aware that she was becoming a being who did not need anyone's help, but there was no particular emotion.
The only thing that stimulated her was Jin, her youngest son. She laughed not just sarcastically but really laughed only when she thought of Jin or saw him.
Just a few minutes ago, when she summoned Padler, she had laughed while looking at Jin through his eyes.
[I hope this doesn't happen again.] she said.
[Oh... Is that so?] Padler replied, and Rosa hesitated to scold him before letting out a hollow laugh.
He had often annoyed Rosa by not yielding to fear and power.
[It seems that your grudge against Runcandel isn't as deep as I thought, sir. The vengeful ghosts that I've seen so far have always tried to survive and stab their opponents in any situation... they didn't glow like they didn't care how it ended, like you, sir.]
[I am not your slave, Rosa Runcandel. I'll decide that on my own.]
[Yes, sir, you are not my slave. You are just the remnants of the past that came into existence because of me. You are useless to be my slave, sir.]
Padler showed no particular reaction to Rosa's insulting words. Instead, he seemed amused and suppressed a smile.
[You speak well. Actually, you didn't need the help of a remnant like me, so why didn't you just let me disappear?]
[That's the same reason as Sir.]
Padler laughed once more.
[I thought you needed me, but you didn't?]
Rosa meets his eyes.
[That's right. Just as your revenge turned out to be over already, I just didn't know that my power would stabilize so quickly.]
It was no different that the Padler's revenge was over.
-[What I want is not the revival of Runcandel, but its corruption and destruction. Descendant of Temar, your mother. This power that Rosa Runcandel chose will eventually plunge Runcandel into Hell.]
Like what he said during his first fight with Jin, Padler only wanted the destruction of Runcandel.
From the time he first came to the human world, he had nothing but blind hatred for Runcandel.
Because of this, Ilina didn't even have to take special measures such as breaking down his spirit or brainwashing him. Instead, at that time, Ilina tried to keep Rosa in check through the Padler.
However, the moment he saw Rosa, who had blossomed into an evil god after the fight, Padler realized that his purpose had already been achieved.
The Garden of the Swords had already become a land that could no longer be called Runcandel, and if she reached the end, Rosa would ultimately destroy herself and engulf the whole world.
Even Ilina's plan to keep Rosa in check through the Padler had also lost its meaning. It had become impossible to restrain her within Runcandel, even with strong individuals like Padler
Furthermore, there was no longer a need for restraint. The evil god that she had become was naturally staining the whole world with despair.
[Then why not just retrieve your power and eliminate me? I don't understand why you're going through all this trouble.]
Just as Rosa was about to answer, Ilina opened her mouth first.
"Sir Padler, you seem very tired. It hasn't been long since you came back to human world, and your mind and soul are already full of thoughts of wanting to put an end to your existence, which have already become miserable."
[Ilina.]
"But Sir Padler, patriarch is no longer a human being, but a god. The existence of Sir is entirely in the hands of the patriarch, and as far as I know...… most gods tend to respect the fate of mortals."
[Fate? What are you talking about all of a sudden?]
"It means that only those who fulfill their fate can rest in the peace of destruction. If your revenge was really over, the patriarch would have annihilated you at once, sir, even if you did not wish for it. But that is not the case. You still have something left to do, sir."
Padler glared at Ilina.
"How ridiculous is it for someone who was once a revered ten great knight to end his revenge only with the help of someone else? Don't you need to have done something yourself, even a little, to deserve rest? Besides, the person that you hate so much has also awakened, sir..."
[Are you talking about Bale?]
"Yes, Bale Runcandel. Try Please eliminate him, who is suspected to be another god's remnant. If you do, then the patriarch will give you peace by appreciating the fact that you struggled to complete your fate."
Padler didn't answer for a while, then he turned around as if to go outside.
[... Anyway, the moment Bale stood in front of Madame Rosa, it was no different from me. Patriarch, I don't know why you're doing this when you're already prepared to end the world alone.]
"Sir, you don't need to know the will of the patriarch."
[However, since I am a remnant, I will join you in your play one more time.]
As he exited the cabin, Ilina bowed her head to Rosa.
"I apologize if I overstepped, patriarch. He is going to be stubborn until the end. Those who have nothing to lose and no special desires are the problem. It's better than being greedy for something you're incompetent at."
[As Sir Padler said. I was considering simply annihilating him, but now that you have intervened, I will let it go. ]
"I did it because it was a waste."
[It may be so from your point of view. Your actions were presumptuous, but your intention was not to underestimate me like before, so I'll overlook it.]
"Thank you for your understanding."
[I do not respect the fate of humans, let alone the sir Padler. Only the youngest deserves respect. However, if today's work adds anything to the story of Sir and the youngest, then I will reward you. My thoughts may change a little.]
Ilina's expression brightened.
"It will definitely be so. Even if my mother wakes up later, I will remain as your most faithful servant, patriarch….."
[Bring the 2nd flagbearer tomorrow. Tell him that I will punish him for his past failures.]
"All right."
* * *
Meanwhile, the Vamel Alliance was looking at the sky after the battle from the bottom of the seabed.
Perhaps due to Padler's sudden disappearance, Bale showed a clear sign of anger as he spread his golden energy across the sky.
The only one that Rosa summoned back to Ram was the Padler.
[You insignificant bastards, tell me where the Padler fled!]
The remaining chaos dragon, black ships, knights, and Lionel and Stam had to bear the wrath of the Bale
[Otherwise, all of you can flee, and I will destroy every last one of your strongholds. Where is the Runcandel's Castle?]
Lionel and Stam were already in no condition to answer. They had been torn apart by Bale's energy after they had foolishly separated from the group to try and rescue Paddler.
'Why did Rosa only save Sir Padler? It can't be just because she lacks the power to summon everyone else again.'
When Rosa looked down at the ocean floor through the eyes of the Padler, Jin instantly felt Rosa's power.
It was enough to crush him instantly, as if it were an infinite power that could be called a god.
'Does this mean that anything less than Sir Padler is of no use to Rosa?'
Jin shuddered at the thought that begins below Padler were literally of no use to Rosa.
Rosa was growing stronger faster than himself. Jin is already convinced that if she can fly directly out of Huphester, she could destroy the world in a matter of days.
A massive wall that seemed impossible to break awaited him beyond the sea.
"Jin?"
Valeria grabbed Jin's shoulder. When he turned around, all of his comrades were looking at him with worried expressions. Jin had been unconsciously making an anxious face since Padler disappeared.
Jin looked at his comrades for a moment and then shook his head.
"Rosa has become stronger. To the point where I don't understand why she bothered to save Sir Padler right now."
Jin's comrades nodded their heads as if they understood.
"... Perhaps the day we have to fight Rosa will come sooner than Orgal predicted."
Jin had a hunch that maybe Rosa would handle everything alone at that time, without even bothering to care about people like Padler.
And unlike that monster, he will not fight alone.
"But now is not the time to worry about that. It's best if we calm down that old ten great knight."
"Oh, Jin. Should I tell him to stop now?"
Jin smiled at Sandra, shook his head.
"I will stop him on my own. All those who want to hurt us are dead. However, it is necessary to help him to face the truth."
Sreung!
Jin drew his sword again.
"So tell Sir Bale to deal with me. And threaten Sir Bale that you will not to see him again the moment he harms the rest of my comrades except me."
"Then what if something goes wrong with Jin!?"
"If I fight Sir Bale with certainty that he will never attack my comrades, then that will never happen."
685
[T.L: punisher87]
[Support me here:- buymeacoffee.com/punisher87 ]
The seabed, where the Bale had been awakened, had become a sort of stronghold.
"Hedo! This has been going on for more than three days. What if something goes wrong with Jin?"
Sandra shouted, stamping her feet. Hedo silently looked up at the sky and watched Jin fight with an unidentified divine being called Bale.
Today was April 24, 1803.
The battle between Jin and Bale had already exceeded two days and a half without reaching a conclusion. No one had expected the battle to last this long.
Furthermore, Jin and Bale had chosen the surface of the sea as their stage, instead of the seabed. Due to spatial constraints, it was naturally believed that Bale would have the upper hand. However, Jin, as a magic swordsman, utilized his abilities to prolong the fight.
"If I had known it would come to this, I wouldn't have listened to Jin's request. Ah, that Bale doesn't even obey my commands anymore! I shouted for it to stop numerous times."
"… It's not that he is not obeying, but rather he can't hear you. Cemetery giants have erected thick protective barriers. You should go over there and freshen up or take a short rest. It seems like your eyes might burst from their redness, my lady."
At Hedo's words, the cemetery giants nodded as if he was right.
Most of the structures formed underwater were akin to altars for Bale, but there were also facilities resembling religious structures that included toilets and washrooms. Thanks to this, those who remained underwater were not too inconvenienced as they watched the fight.
Of course, although their bodies were not uncomfortable, their minds were restless. The Vamel Alliance was anxious about the possibility of Jin getting injured, and Hedo's stomach turned at the mere thought of the situation after the battle ended.
However, amidst their turmoil, the underwater spectators occasionally found themselves entranced. The battle between Jin and Bale created such magnificent moments that they unknowingly became immersed in it.
Hedo, in particular, marveled as a martial artist.
'Is it because of the aura possessed by the Twelfth flagbearer? Bale's ability to explode the Chaos Dragons in mid-air has not been manifested even once... While Bale fights fiercely, the Twelfth flagbearer is focused on breaking his own wall.'
Others wondered if such a fight was possible, but to Hedo's eyes, Jin didn't seem to be engaged in a battle but rather immersed in training.
Swish!
The frozen seawater beneath Jin shattered, causing a whirlwind of water. The freezing of the seawater was due to Jin's mana, and he had been creating and manipulating such icy ground to fight for the past two days.
It was a stark contrast to the earlier scene where the group of swordsmen had quickly succumbed to the spatial limitations and were pushed back into the water.
The ever-changing landscapes of nature, ceaselessly shifting, made it appear as though the battle was not between human and divine being, but rather a confrontation between two godlike entities.
[You're persistent. But can you see the end now? Once you're defeated, Sarah and I will depart far away...]
"Crazy bastard."
Jin spoke while standing on the newly formed ice.
He no longer showed any respect for Bale as he did at first. Mixing his words with his sword strikes during the fight, Bale was an entity unworthy of his respect.
He was just a former ten great knight whose maniacal obsession with Sarah was all he had.
After Sarah's death, he went on a rampage and destroyed the world, expelled from the ranks of the ten great Knights, and a dishonorable existence that was sealed at the bottom of the sea for that reason.
Moreover, even after awakening after a thousand years, Veil denied reality and mistook Sandra for Sarah. Jin not only lacked respect for Bale but felt a strong sense of disgust.
[Shh, I'll admit that you're an unyielding bastard. That's probably why Sarah likes you. She has always had a fondness for such individuals. But what will you do with that exhausted body now?]
Jin had fought as efficiently as possible, but the prolonged battle inevitably resulted in minor injuries and decreased stamina.
On the other hand, Bale was still nothing different from the beginning. Just like Luntia in Subspace, Bale was using near-infinite power.
Minor injuries were promptly healed, and even wounds that would have been fatal for a human were restored within a few minutes.
Jin can't cut off the infinite source of power as he did with Luntia. The power of the Bale is not transmitted from subspace, but entirely his own.
[Looks like you don't have enough mana to freeze seawater anymore, right? Barely able to stand on two feet. You've been fighting so fiercely all this time. Nevertheless, I suppose you still have some hidden techniques left. I recommend you use them and exhaust yourself.]
As Bale spoke, the frozen seawater beneath Jin's feet was extremely limited. It was not securely fixed, and it seemed unlikely that he could move as stably as on land.
However, Jin remained strangely composed. Despite his rapid breaths and the blood flowing from the wounds that covered his body, indicating that his physical limits were approaching, he did not seem to lose his composure.
In fact, Jin hadn't expected himself to maintain such composure to this extent.
Throughout the long and intense battle, Jin was gaining enlightenment.
'Just two days ago, he felt like an opponent I could never overcome... But now, it seems I can handle anything.'
From Ranke Halovice to Smarion Proch, the all-out attack on the Garden of Swords, Luntia Runcandel, Fake Yona, and up to this moment.
Since returning to the human world from Laprarosa, Jin had fought tirelessly.
All the experiences gained from those battles were now blooming and awakening Jin in an instant through the fight with Bale.
"At first, I hoped that by fighting you, you would regain your senses. I wanted you to accept Dame Sarah's death and hoped you would calmly listen to Dame Sarah's final moments and her will that she left with me. I thought that if you really loved Dame Sarah, that would be the only outcome."
[Sarah is waiting for me down there.]
"But what kind of sight are you showing me now? You just babbled nonsense. It just shows that you're afraid of accepting Dame Sarah's death. She loved Runcandel and went on to live like an everlasting flame, striving to save the world."
[Shut up!]
"Dame Sarah is one and only, and no one can replace her. So stop insulting Dame Sarah, you never loved her, you only used her for your selfish desires. You talk as if you'll die without Dame Sarah, but when you realize that Dame Sarah is no longer in this world, you choose the weak option of denying reality instead of mourning or carrying on her legacy."
Bale swung his sword and wings at Jin. The fierce energy and golden aura violently overturned the sea, but Jin remained unaffected as if it were an illusion, never losing his center.
It was the result of enduring the shocks. Bale didn't care. Throughout their previous battles, Jin had evaded attacks like this to buy time, so Bale didn't need to pay special attention to it.
However, for some reason, Bale felt a chill down his spine.
'Is he finally unleashing his hidden move? Flames of hell, or maybe the shadow sword or the swordsmanship of the Plutonian ?'
Whatever it was, Bale was confident that he could handle it.
It was because he could clearly see the remaining strength in Jin's eyes. If he had prepared from the beginning, it would be a different story, but at this moment, it seemed like Jin couldn't muster enough power to threaten him, no matter what he did.
Swish...!
The blue flames that started to engulf Bradamante were composed of faint mana.
Mana was the most heavily consumed power by Jin so far. He had to keep using it to freeze the sea.
Bale couldn't understand Jin's intention to unleash his final move through mana, not through shadow force or lightning energy.
[The flame of hell that you opened two days ago, saying that you learned this directly from Sarah, was pretty plausible, but... you won't even be able to imitate her flames of hell.]
Bale continued to unleash sword strikes and abilities, but Jin didn't waver.
"This isn't Dame Sarah's flames of hell, Bale."
When Jin replied in a calm voice, Bale screamed instead of answering and detonated his authority.
Like a wild beast hesitating to touch a torch, Bale stuck to long-range attacks.
He should have fallen, but he didn't.
Bale felt that way about Jin now. Just as Jin didn't fall, the faint flames enveloping Bradamante didn't extinguish.
The moment everyone thought, "What's wrong with Bale?"
Jin made eye contact with him and smiled. Hedo, who was watching from the bottom of the sea, knew that this was the moment Jin broke through the wall. Only Hedo recognized that fact.
"It's hard for you to understand why I, who should be exhausted, don't fall and why this weak flame doesn't go out. And your instincts are telling you. Don't close the distance between us."
Bale's face, which had never lost composure, was quickly becoming restless.
[... What is the identity of that fire?]
Bale believed that he had an absolute advantage in every aspect. While Jin's power was dwindling, Bale remained in a state similar to the beginning of the fight.
However, his thoughts were rapidly changing.
He felt a pressing certainty that touching that fire would result in his defeat.
"A fire that started from Dame Sarah and became solely mine."
The fire enshrouding Bradamante remained in a hazy state.
Since it was in its completed form, it didn't transform into a more intimidating shape. That meant it remained the same regardless of whether Jin was exhausted or fully charged.
It was a newly created and unnamed magic sword technique.
In a sense, while fighting Bale, Jin had created his own ultimate technique.
With the sword unfolded for the first time, Jin slowly started approaching Bale. Frozen seawater formed a staircase-like path with each step he took.
"Whether this fire becomes your new guidepost or a weapon that confines you is up to you."
Bale rushed at Jin while screaming.
But just before the blade made contact, he flinched and froze in place. He rushed forward in excitement, but if the blades started clashing, he felt that he would be instantly overwhelmed by those strange flames.
"It means I'm giving you one last chance. From now on, think carefully and answer my question, Bale."
Who is the person below us right now?
In response to that question, Bale remained silent for a while with his eyes closed. His crossed-out pupils trembled anxiously.
[... Zipfel.]
"Yes, Dame Sarah died a thousand years ago. The person you believed to be Dame Sarah is Zipfel, the descendant of her sworn enemy, and my comrade."
[Why do you wake me up and even reveal such a terrible truth? What have I done wrong to you? In this cruel world, I cannot even die at will... How cruel.]
Jin felt a slight sense of remorse at Bale's reaction.
For the first time in their conversation, Bale, who had shown a glimpse of humanity, appeared as a vulnerable young beast without even the minimal shell to protect himself.
The immense sorrow that Bale had finally accepted upon Sarah's death seemed to transmit to Jin as well.
However, despite the sadness, Jin had to continue pressuring him.
-[Sarah! If she is dead, I will destroy the whole world!]
Because as soon as Bale woke up, he might run amok and do what he said. According to Cuicantelle, he already had a history of destroying the world by going out of control every day a thousand years ago because of Sarah's death.
"So, are you going to destroy the world as you please now?"
At those words, Bale let out a devastated laugh.
[If that woman named Sandra Zipfel wants it, then I must.]
"Even after realizing that it's not Dame Sarah but Sandra Zipfel, you won't stop that mad act... Wait, Bale. Could it be?"
Suddenly, an ominous memory surfaced in Jin's mind from two days ago, a conversation between Bale and Sandra, like ominous smoke.
-[Anyway, everything is fine, Sarah. You've changed from what I remember, lost your right arm and become weaker... But now, I will protect you, just as you protected me.]
-Are you going to protect me?
-[Yes, Sarah Runcandel. My life, soul, and powers exist solely for you.]
"Golden oath... Have you already pledged a golden oath to Sandra and put prohibitions on yourself?"
Bale nodded his head helplessly.