Citadel City — Silverwood Kingdom
The city gates creaked open with a low groan as Blade rode silently through atop his brown horse. He lowered his hood. His expression remained calm, yet he could feel the gazes piercing into him.
Rumors spread faster than plagues… he thought.
Some believed him to be a hero.
Others whispered that he was nothing more than a murderer.
The streets he passed murmured softly.
"That's him… the one who met the Queen."
"No, I heard he's just a tool Silverwood is using for the throne."
"You're wrong. He killed the Northern Demon Lord. He's the real deal."
Blade ignored the chatter—but within him, Shujin's voice laughed quietly.
> "Look at how easily humans are swayed by rumors.
Today they praise you. Tomorrow, they'll condemn you.
That's why power must never listen to their fleeting voices."
---
Adventurers' Guild — Citadel
The Guild Hall buzzed with noise—arguments, laughter, boasting—until Blade stepped inside.
Silence fell.
Every gaze turned toward him.
A cheerful young receptionist with golden hair waved excitedly.
"Blade-san! Over here!"
He approached calmly.
"What is it?"
His voice was steady, polite—even smiling.
"The Guild Master has officially approved your promotion to Rank-A.
From today onward, Blade-san is one of the Top 13 adventurers of the Ironwood Kingdom."
---
Note
Ironwood Kingdom once had 14 Rank-A adventurers, but after the deaths of Darkan and Lyra—the parents of Kuro Velgrith—the number dropped to 12.
With Blade's promotion, it has now risen to 13.
---
Gasps and shouts echoed through the hall.
"Rank-A already?!"
"He should be S-Rank! He killed the Northern Demon Lord!"
"That's unbelievable…"
Blade lowered his head slightly.
"Only Rank-A? I thought the Ice Dragon and Ice Giant Snake corpses would be more than enough proof."
The receptionist laughed nervously.
"They want to grant you S-Rank.
But politics are complicated. Some nobles fear you. Others admire you.
The Guild can't risk splitting itself just yet.
Still—everyone knows this isn't a small achievement."
She slid a newly polished adventurer badge across the counter.
"Congratulations, Blade-san. You've earned it."
Blade slipped the badge into his pouch with a faint smile.
"Rank is just a word. What matters is what I can do."
Inside him, Shujin's whisper mocked softly.
> "Exactly. Their ranks mean nothing.
Let them worship symbols—
while we carve true power into reality."
---
Inn — Citadel
Blade rented a quiet room in a high-class inn.
Sitting by the window, he looked down at Citadel's crowded streets glowing beneath lantern light. He placed a pile of gold coins on the table—enough wealth to live comfortably for a lifetime.
(The Ice Dragon and Ice Giant Snake quests were among the most valuable in the Adventurers' Guild.)
Yet his eyes never lingered on the gold.
"This money… this recognition… none of it matters. It never ends.
Only the Great Demon Lords matter.
Puppet masters lurking in the darkness—like Nyxarion."
He closed his eyes, already planning his next move.
---
United Demon–Human Federation — Darkensport
Across the waters dividing Silverwood and Ironwood, the federation's capital pulsed with activity.
Ships were being constructed at Darkensport's new harbor. The sound of iron echoed across the bay.
Aethelred stood on the pier, his cloak fluttering in the wind. Loyal commanders saluted beside him.
"Your Majesty, construction is proceeding smoothly.
Soon, we'll be able to trade directly with Silverwood and Ironwood."
Another commander spoke cautiously.
"However… they're watching us closely.
Every movement we make is being measured.
Even now, their envoys are probing our progress."
Aethelred smiled, folding his hands.
> "Let them watch.
If they seek peace, we offer trade.
If they seek war—then we will destroy them."
As the first foundation stones of the new harbor sank into the sea, cheers erupted.
---
Mistwood and Flarewood — The Sounds of War
Elsewhere, the nations of Mistwood and Flarewood prepared in their own ways.
In Mistwood, druids and beast-warriors whispered within ancient forests. Their elder frowned.
> "The world is trembling.
Demon Lords grow weaker—yet other powers are rising.
We must be ready… for every side."
In Flarewood, the roar of forges thundered as blacksmiths crafted new weapons.
"If the Federation grows larger—
if Silverwood dares to ally with them—war is inevitable,"
the Flarewood general said, tightening his belt.
"Unprepared, we will not survive."
---
Citadel — Nightfall
As Blade moved through the darkened streets, unease followed him like a shadow.
Soft whispers echoed beneath cloaks.
"So it's true. The Queen met him."
"If he gains more favor, we'll have to send additional spies."
The air thickened with unseen eyes.
The Great Demon Lords' spies were already in motion.
Blade slowly opened his eyes within the darkness. His hand rested on his sword.
A smile tugged at his lips.
> "Come, shadows.
Crawl closer.
The closer you get…
the easier it'll be to sever your heads."
The game had only just begun.
---
✨ End of Chapter 17 ✨
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