章節 225: Chapter 384
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Blink, blink.
For a while, Murakan only blinked his eyes as if he heard something wrong. He had a puzzled look on his face, but soon his eyes sparkled with a wicked grin.
"Hahaha! You're saying you'll reinstate Runcandel to the Magic Swordsman Clan? Is that for real?"
His voice was excited, like a child receiving an unexpected gift.
"You think it's just a joke?"
"Did you find something while investigating the tombs of Temar? Can you lift the curse inflicted by Zipfel and their gods?"
A thousand years ago, Runcandel suffered humiliation and got a curse in the name of oath from Zipfel.
Never use magic again. Furthermore, do not worship those ancestors who used magic.
That was the reason why Runcandel, the once mighty Magic Swordsman Clan, is reduced to an ordinary knight clan. As a result of the curse, all Runcandels born thereafter had bodies incapable of using magic.
"No, it's not like that."
"Then?"
"When I looked into Temar's tombs, I simply made a decision. At this rate, Runcandel has no future."
From the recording devices left in each tomb, Jin glimpsed the majesty of ancient Runcandel.
He confirmed the secrets as the descendant who inherited their will, and experienced the invincibility of the great Magic Swordsmen firsthand.
The ancient Runcandel was undoubtedly a glorious clan.
Nevertheless.
Even the glorious Runcandel of that era kneeled before the power of Zipfel.
Even the great Magic Swordsmen had no choice but to kneel before that dark and colossal power that could manipulate reality and history at will.
All they can do is to leave a small spark of hope for the future.
"Their ability to manipulate history is not limited to that era. Just as we are trying to recover the history of ancient Runcandel, Zipfel is also running to regain the power of that era."
Back then, Zipfel did not emerge unscathed either. Zipfel suffered significant losses while breaking the ancient Runcandel.
If they had ended the war without significant losses, it would have been impossible for Runcandel to exist now.
A thousand years had already passed, but both Runcandel and Zipfel had not recovered their old power.
"Indeed. Just by looking at their attempts to reproduce the Orb of Origin, it's clear that they are determined to dominate the world."
"In my opinion, as things stand, Zipfel is more likely to recover the old power faster. So, I need to start moving seriously from now on."
Up to now, he hadn't done that.
Since his return, Jin had mostly hidden his power from his clan.
Only when his career as a reserve flagbearer was about to end did he reveal to the world that he was a Magic Swordsman. Even after becoming the flagbearer, he hadn't fully revealed his skills to the members of his clan.
It wasn't because he enjoyed hiding his power. It wasn't because he didn't find it frustrating.
It was simply because there was a need for it. Until he had the confidence to withstand the pressure of his clan when his power was revealed.
Jin judged that now was the right moment.
-The youngest
-Yes, Father.
"Appointing you as a flagbearer would be a significant loss for Runcandel. I'll observe if you're worth the trouble it would cause.
-I understand.
-I don't have much time left. The appointment ceremony will begin in an hour, so stay here until then.
Jin remembered the conversation he had with his father, Chiron.
The fact that Chiron didn't have much time left meant one thing—there wasn't much time for the world's strongest knight to protect Runcandel.
'As long as my father is alive, Zipfel won't attack Runcandel.'
Jin had come to that conclusion not long ago.
It was a well-known fact that, even though Zipfel had a clear advantage in power, they avoided a direct confrontation with Runcandel because of Chiron.
However, Jin's conclusion was that even if there were sufficient reasons and justifications for both sides to engage in a major battle, there would be no all-out war as long as Chiron was alive.
'I have already violated the oath between Runcandel and Zipfel.'
Moreover, he had defeated Zipfel's elite forces, including the pureblood Zipfels like Andrei, Karl, and Myuron, as well as some of the best mages, Spectres. He had also destroyed Zipfel's flagship, Kozec, the symbol of their power, not once but twice.
Especially during the Holy Kingdom incident, when Jin was still a reserve flagbearer, he had humiliated Zipfel to the utmost, reducing their prestige to nothing. Recently, he had been scratching Zipfels inside through his cosmetics business.
Although he had tried to avoid leaving traces and had created justifications to prevent the problems from escalating, each incident could have easily led to an all-out war.
'Yet Zipfel still hasn't attacked Runcandel. Even though I've caused all these disturbances, and my father is exploring the Black Sea.'
That was partly because Chiron was a formidable presence, but Jin believed that Zipfel also realized that Chiron didn't have much time left.
'They must think that if they wait quietly, victory will be theirs…'
-I don't have much time left.
Jin now seemed to understand why Chiron had left him with those words.
"Now, even if I declare that I will reinstate Runcandel to the Magic Swordsman Clan, no one in the Garden of Swords can punish me lightly anymore. My presence has become too significant."
"Well, look at you, saying embarrassing things with such a serious face. Do you really have the confidence for that? Huh?"
Both Jin and Murakan chuckled.
"Instead of punishing me, they might split into factions, with those who advocate restoring the Magic Swordsman Clan status and those who stick to the traditional values."
"You and Joshua will probably lead each faction."
"That's likely."
"Do you think your mother will object?"
"My mother probably won't be a significant issue. It's too burdensome to eliminate me at this point, and more importantly, there's so much she has to find out from me, especially after I personally mentioned Temar's tombs. There's a lot to be used."
"Anyway, you're an irritating person. By the way, tell me what you learned from the fourth tomb. I was dying of curiosity while waiting for you."
"In the fourth tomb..."
Jin proceeded to explain the events he had experienced in the Wantaramo Forest. Murakan listened intently with his eyes wide open.
"So, that Hister girl is the descendant of the fairies? And the fairies in the Wantaramo Forest were cursed by Helluram?"
"That's right."
"Damn, I hardly remember anything about those fairies back then. I don't know if it's because of history manipulation or if I slept too long."
Murakan touched his forehead as if frustrated. He often felt dizzy when he confronted the fact that his memories were not complete.
It stemmed from a deep sense of self-blame for forgetting his comrades and feeling powerless for having survived alone.
"You can find those memories one by one, Murakan. Don't blame yourself."
In response to Jin's words, Murakan gave a faint smile.
"Yeah, kid. With you around, I will eventually recover everything. And about that Valeria..."
"Yes?"
"Maybe she's one of Solderet's arrangements, too."
"That's possible. In fact, Hister is probably the only one who can perfectly counter Zipfel's history manipulation."
"Where is she now? I'd like to have a conversation with her as well. Just as she examined your records, maybe she can look at mine to revive some memories."
"Valeria is probably traveling all over the world in search of the fifth tomb. I have a few contact addresses, so I'll arrange a meeting place soon."
"Well, she can use record magic, so she'll probably find it much better than us or our enemies. Excellent. When I meet that Hister kid, I should expect some gains from my records."
"Looks like everything is roughly sorted out. I should start heading out."
While Jin was in the operating room, the Garden of Swords had maintained a state of emergency.
They were worried that Murakan might cause a commotion, but they all knew that once the 12th flagbearer woke up, he would never let it slide. The Garden of Swords would begin to stir up.
The moment Jin leaves the room, a new meeting would commence.
"Alright, let's go. I want to see how the faces of those Runcandel kids change after your declaration."
"No, if you join in, things won't go well."
"What?"
"I should make the declaration alone and endure the aftermath that follows. Should you have to carry a guardian dragon on your back when a Runcandel is dealing with other Runcandels."
"Well, there's a thing called 'what if,' kid. What if someone like the 2nd flagbearer or those who follow him, or even your mother, tries to kill you after hearing your declaration?"
In response, Jin shrugged his shoulders.
"There's no chance of that happening. But even if it did, do you think I'd die?"
Jin had confidence that he could escape even in the worst circumstances. With the help of a few individuals who clearly favored him, including Mary, it was possible in any situation.
"Ha, it feels like just yesterday when you were learning shadow force release. You've grown a lot, you little rascal."
"And you have your own tasks to attend to."
"What is it?"
"Strawberry pie, no. I mean, you need to bring Gilly."
As soon as Gilly's name was mentioned, Murakan's brows furrowed.
"I'll tell you in advance, if there's even a slight scratch on Strawberry Pie, you better be prepared because I will kill anyone directly involved even if you stop me."
"That goes without saying. First, go to Elder Tellot and find out where Gilly is being held. You'll need to bring her personally for me to feel safe."
Once Murakan left the room, Jin took a deep breath.
Phew...
If he said he wasn't nervous at all, that would be a lie. Underneath the tense anticipation, there was also a welling sense of excitement.
Clank!
After confirming Murakan flying outside the window, the sunlight seemed unusually bright as Jin opened the door.
"Young Master!"
Petro approached Jin and bowed his head.
"Thanks to you, my arm has healed well. I'm grateful. It was quite touching."
"It's nothing."
"Is Mother, the flagbearers, and the Elders in the central meeting room?"
To Jin's question, Petro shook his head with a heavy expression.
"They're at the arena."
"The arena?"
"Yes. As soon as you woke up, they asked to bring you there... I have a bad feeling about this. It's too obvious why they've summoned you to the arena."
It meant they were willing to resolve it with force if necessary.
While Petro was concerned, Jin smiled as if things were going well.
"It felt a bit burdensome to break the meeting room, but it seems better this way."
"What?"
"Bring me some snacks. Like sandwiches."
While Petro's eyes widened in surprise, Jin continued.
"I can't swing a sword on an empty stomach, right?"
章節 226: Chapter 385
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"I understand, Young Master."
Step, step!
A while later, Petro returned holding a sandwich filled with plenty of meat. Petro couldn't help but wonder if it was appropriate to be looking for a sandwich in this situation, but Jin had a relaxed expression.
"Oh, that's perfect. Well done."
"Young Master."
"Yes?"
"Are you really okay?"
"Well, Gilly and Myurakan will be back, and we'll all be having a delicious meal together, so wait for me."
"...I wish you good luck, Young Master!"
Petro's determined voice was overshadowed as Jin, with a carefree expression, took a bite of the sandwich and continued walking.
Crunch, crunch, yum...
The Garden of Swords was so quiet that the sound of Jin chewing the sandwich seemed deafening.
And there were sharp gazes watching him.
'How many guardian knights of the clan are on standby?'
Rosa and the Elder Council had stationed knights everywhere along the garden's paths. Although they were trying to conceal it as much as possible, most of the knights harbored hostility towards Jin.
The turmoil caused by Jin within the clan was not well-received by the knights. Jin didn't pay much attention to their gazes and focused on devouring his sandwich.
'To others, it must seem like Runcandel is preparing for war.'
Indeed, that was the case.
The knights weren't only stationed in the Garden of Swords. The city of Kalon had also been sealed off and guardian knights placed everywhere.
The news had spread throughout the world that the gathering of knights in Kalon was not a good sign, and special attention needed to be paid to it.
Zipfel, Vermont, Kinzelo, and the other factions were all on high alert, wondering if Runcandel was really preparing for war.
It was all because of one person, the 12th flagbearer, Jin Runcandel.
While he leisurely walked and enjoyed his sandwich.
Finally, when he arrived at the entrance to the arena, Jin ignited a small flame in his palm and burned the wrapping paper.
The gatekeepers nearly jumped at the sight.
While it wasn't a secret that the 12th flagbearer was a magic swordsman, seeing Runcandel use magic so casually in the Garden of Swords was quite startling.
"Open the gate."
Jin said as he wiped his mouth.
The gatekeepers were also guardian knights. They had undergone extreme training for an ordinary human, and they could sense the energy contained in Jin's voice.
So, they couldn't help but be taken aback.
Even though they weren't surprised by the use of magic, the dignity in Jin's voice was unfamiliar and held a profound power.
"...The 12th flagbearer has arrived!"
Clang!
As the massive iron gate opened, the first person Jin saw was Rosa, sitting on the arena's high seat.
The flagbearers and elder council members standing below her turned their heads toward Jin, and the guardian knights behind her changed their gaze. They were ready to act if any orders were given.
Sorry for being late, Mother. Thank you for waiting.
Even with such a greeting. Isn't there too much of a crowd gathered just to intimidate me? I didn't expect Runcandels to be so tense just because of me.
Jin didn't utter such a sarcastic remark. He simply stood there for a moment, facing their gazes head-on.
Like a beast entering the den of its enemies. And just waiting for his enemy to bark first.
"12th flagbearer!"
When someone nervously called his name, Jin smiled inwardly.
'Yes, I thought it would be you who would bark first.'
It was Myu.
She had an eager and expectant look in her eyes, not hiding her killing intent. Her face was tingling with anticipation to witness Jin's defeat today.
She exuded a bloodlust that could make one's skin crawl.
However, Jin knew that this bloodlust did not belong to Myu and Anne. It was something all knights with a level above 9-star in this arena felt.
"Is this the place where you can stand like a statue?"
"Immediately bow to the acting matriarch, top flagbearers, and elder council members with respect!"
Myu and Anne's stern and resonating voices echoed through the arena.
Jin remained silent for a long while.
He didn't respond to the voices of his sisters, behaving as if he couldn't hear their loud and widespread words.
For Myu and Anne, just this act of ignoring them was humiliating and unbearable. Their faces turned red with anger, and the veins on her neck bulged as if they were about to burst at any moment.
"This arrogant guy."
Ha...
Jin let out a sigh.
Myu and Anne, who had reached for their swords at their hips, were momentarily taken aback by his action. It was shocking that Jin had sighed as if frustrated.
However, within Myu and Anne's shock, they had an unacknowledged sense of awe.
Indeed, could I do the same if I were in that position?
Could I be able to sigh even when I saw a sword being drawn towards me? Will I be able to stop him with just a sigh?
And why, exactly, was no one getting furious at this insolent behavior they were witnessing?
In the incredibly brief moment, various questions raced through the minds of the two.
They had lost.
Or perhaps, they couldn't win. The moment they drew their swords, they would be embarrassed in front of everyone. Myu and Anne's intuition warned them.
Nonetheless, both sisters had to draw their swords. It was necessary to uphold the honor of Runcandel.
"It's nice to hear a sigh. I've sighed many times because of you guys."
Myu and Anne were fortunate.
Mary stepped forward, gently intervening between them. It was to help her younger sisters, who were inexperienced and weak, avoid making a single mistake that could cost them everything.
Myu and Anne felt their hearts racing as they gripped their swords tightly.
"7th flagbearer... Step aside!"
"If you are asking the 12th flagbearer to be courteous, then look around you as well. Even though the acting matriarch hasn't said anything yet, do you think you can act like this? I might just beat you right here. Behave yourself, it's better to be polite."
Myu and Anne's defeat at Mary's hands wasn't a disgrace, at least not in the eyes of the public. Everyone in Runcandel was well aware of the clear hierarchy among them from the beginning. It was no different from Mary giving Myu and Anne a chance.
It was because she judged that if both of them were killed or crippled by the youngest, it would result in loss for Runcandel.
There is no way that Mary couldn't see what Myu and Anne had felt intuitively.
In fact, Mary could clearly envision an excited Myu and Anne rushing at Jin and then being struck down with a single blow.
"I'm warning you, don't make annoying sounds like 'heung' or 'chit' towards me. Just stay quiet like a corpse until the situation ends."
Myu and Anne managed to regain their composure with great effort.
Silence settled in once again.
Jin had not said a word up to that point. Amidst the oppressive silence, those gathered in the arena had various thoughts, but for the most part, they couldn't help but be somewhat in awe of Jin. As Myu and Anne had felt, it was almost inconceivable that anyone in this position could display such an attitude.
Some elder council members even felt a sense of foreboding.
'... it reminds me of the 1st flagbearer.'
'The day the 1st flagbearer declared that she would give up the position of Patriarch was like this too.'
The 1st Flagbearer, Luna Runcandel.
She was the subject of Chiron's and everyone's expectations within the clan. When she declared that she would give up the position of Patriarch, she had been as confident and imposing as Jin is now.
No one, and nothing, seemed capable of stopping her.
However, there was an enormous difference between Luna back then and Jin now.
Jin had come to this place with the intention of making the exact opposite declaration.
"12th flagbearer."
Finally, Rosa's voice echoed from the seat of honor.
"Yes, Acting Matriarch."
Jin looked up at Rosa.
"Your fate here can be decided in a matter of seconds by just a few words from me, something so weak and trivial."
"Is that so?"
"Therefore, you must speak only the truth when I ask you."
"Understood."
"Why did you leak information about the Tomb of the First Patriarch to the 7th Flagbearer?"
"Because I believed that the 7th flagbearer would represent me and discuss it publicly."
"As you say. So, what is your plan now?"
"I would like to hear the opinions of those gathered here, including the Acting Matriarch."
Jin glanced around briefly before continuing.
"I've felt this while I visited the Tombs of the First Patriarch since my days as a reserve flagbearer. Runcandel can never defeat Zipfel."
"How dare you!"
"What are you saying now!"
Among the elder council members, it was the Chief of Black Sword Association, Jorden, that reacted first.
"I said I wanted to hear your opinions, not insignificant outbursts. Elder Council members, do any of you believe Runcandel has a chance when going in a war against Zipfel in the future?"
"What...!"
"If you truly think that, then go put your nose in a bowl of water and drown yourself right now."
Sreung-!, Sreung!
The elder council members who had shouted drew their swords.
"You're crossing the line, you bloody scoundrel."
"Relying on baseless hope and dreaming of an uncertain future is something befitting weak and corrupt individuals. Runcandel has no need for such people."
"What do you know? Are you capable of assessing the outcome of a war between Runcandel and Zipfel, to talk about its outcomes? Do you think you've contributed as much to this clan as you believe? Do you think you've fought as much as that against our enemies?"
"Let me rephrase the question. It has been a long time since the Patriarch became the demigod and yet has not engaged in an all-out war with Zipfel. What is the reason for this?"
Jin stared at the elder council members.
"It's because the patriarch judged that we cannot win. Even my father, who can sweep away those gathered here like dust! But do you dare to say that we have a chance against Zipfel!?"
The elder council members did not respond and instead glared at Jin. Jin had made a direct reference to Chiron, leaving them with nothing to say.
"No, none of you can. None of those gathered here can possess greater power than the Patriarch."
Furthermore, as Jin continued, the elder council members drew their swords once more, unable to tolerate it any longer.
"However, I have a solution."
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