章節 264: Chapter 423
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"Hey, hey. Baldie. Do you have any idea what this is, huh?"
Murakan grabbed Picon, who had manifested through Vin Branche's body, and shook him as he spoke.
Jin had left the Imperial palace and visited Voltaga's territory with Murakan and Gilly.
After hearing that Kinzelo leader had the ability to handle 'metal' like a blacksmith's god, Picon had asked them to retrieve a piece of it.
After the Kinzelo leader had retreated with his group, fortunately, the metal formed by his authority was still left on the battlefield.
Most of the metal had been collected by Hairan and commissioned to the mages for research, and Jin had brought some back.
[You impatient guy, do you think analysis is something that can be done instantly just by looking at it?The analysis requires time.]
"How long will it take?"
[At least a week.]
"Can't it be faster?"
[A week is already incredibly fast. If we are unlucky, it could take several months, and we might not gain anything at all. Do you think it's easy to identify the user's information with just this piece of metal?]
"Hah! Who on earth is that bastard?"
Kinzelo's leader.
Two things had become clear about him after the battle. First, that he was a demon, and second, that he possessed immense power.
[He was a demon with power that could overwhelm even a 10-star knight, right? If he's that kind of demon, there's definitely unique demonic energy left in the metal, so be patient.]
"Alright, I got it."
[But what are you going to do with the remaining metal?]
Picon pointed at the metal pieces left in Jin's hand.
"I'm going to give them to Arya Hister."
[The record mage, right? That's a good idea; perhaps that mage can provide more information than I can.]
Valeria was currently having the busiest days among Jin's companions.
She is tracking Hister's magic, restoring the recording devices she received from Jin, and even searching for Temar's tomb on her own.
'I hope we can meet soon, but it's going to be busy and hectic. I should send a letter with the item. Also, I have to prepare a gift to send to the Emperor.'
The golden crown awarded by the Emperor as a reward had already passed through the transfer gate and arrived at the Garden of Swords.
He needs to return the favor.
'Majin's corpse.'
Rick Helter, the leader of Imperial Guard's Fifth Division, whom they had encountered in the Wantaramo Forest, along with his subordinates.
They had thought that their bodies would oxidize without a trace after they had chosen to become Majins. However, Valeria's ice barrier seal had preserved the part of his body as evidence.
Jin planned to publicly reveal this evidence soon.
'After speaking to him, it became clear that the Emperor is ready to abandon Hairan. He seemed eager to get rid of Hairan as soon as he recovered the stone.'
Kinzelo was refusing to take responsibility for the attack, and Zipfel was subtly pressuring Hairan, but the Imperial Family was not stepping in to help Hairan.
'It was inevitable that he had to send the Dragon Knights at the last minute, especially for the sake of the Imperial Family's authority. He also needs to find the whereabouts of the stone. Personally, he would have expected Hairan to be destroyed at that time.'
The Emperor wanted a more obedient Hairan rather than the 'arrogant and uncontrollable' Ron's Hairan.
It was definitely painful to lose the strongest knight of Vermont, Ron Hairan and his grandson, Dante, who is designated as the next strongest.
'However, it's not an irreplaceable force from the moment the variable 'Majin' was created. The Emperor considered Ron and Dante's potential threat to the Imperial Family a bigger issue.'
-Body transformation? Something like a living golem?
-It's similar but a bit different. Dark mages called it 'majinification.' It's not a perfect magic circle.
-It looks that way to me too. It's slow to activate, and it looks needlessly complex and crude at first glance.
The conversation Jin had with Valeria about Majins in the Wantaramo Forest revealed that the current Majins were not in a complete state.
Nevertheless, the Emperor believed that they could sufficiently fill the power gap left by Ron and Dane with Majins.
'In any case, we will be able to give a big blow to the Imperial Family's image just like when Zipfel's living golem problem was revealed.'
The Imperial Family seemed to be helping Kinzelo rather than Hairan after the terrorist attack. But the people were not all fools, so rumors were spreading even while the media was being manipulated and controlled. Rumors that the Imperial Family was trying to abandon Hairan.
Hairan and Jin's pens constantly released such articles, and the Vermont people were most angry about it.
The living golems and giant demonic creatures that seemed to obey human commands.
Most of the ordinary people trembled at the thought of a "living golem" especially after the Holy Kingdom incident.
This was thanks to Jin, who had exposed how brutal and cruel the process of creating living golems could be.
"Hey, kid. What are you thinking?"
"I think the public can't distinguish between Majins and living golems."
"Huh? What are you talking about all of a sudden?"
"We will release an article stating that the Majin corpses obtained from the Wantaramo Forest are not Majins but living golems of the Imperial family."
"Young Master, is that really okay?"
"We are just manipulating the information, but the Imperial Family might cut ties with Hairan faster than I expected. I need to prevent that. The controversy over living golems is critical, so they won't be able to properly deal with Hairan while they explain and cover that up."
The moment articles and evidence about "Imperial Family's living golems" started circulating, the Imperial Family would have to pay the price for even subtly supporting Kinzelo.
They would also have to clearly draw the line with Kinzelo. If they continued to show an ambiguous attitude, they could be falsely accused of owning the living golems that attacked Hairan in the first place.
In that case, the Imperial Family will appear to have failed to purge the most famous clan of Vermont by collaborating with terrorist forces without any justification.
"Come to think of it, the Emperor didn't know that you had the Majin corpses, did he?"
"No, he didn't. That's why he was so confident. If he had known, he might have proposed a trade in a more humble manner. I wouldn't have accepted, though. But Dino will be very busy for a while."
Jin smiled as he imagined the Emperor's expression when the articles about Majin corpses began to shake the entire Vermont.
"Ron Hairan was born in the wrong era. If he had been born when your father wasn't around, he would have been worthy of being given the title of the strongest. This kind of treatment is not even close compared to Chiron Runcandel."
Murakan shrugged his shoulders.
"Anyway, Mr. Picon, we'll be going now. Please contact us if you find any clues after the analysis is complete."
[Understood.]
***
Jin, Murakan and Gilly were greeted with unexpected cheers and applause as soon as they arrived in the city of Kalon through the transfer gate.
"Wow!"
"The hero of the Hairan incident!"
"The flagbearer recognised by the Sword Emperor!"
"The great black dragon!"
Thousands of people welcomed the group. They had been waiting near the transfer gate for several days and eagerly anticipating Jin's arrival.
Jin had been staying at the Sword Emperor Castle until recently and had returned straight after visiting the imperial palace, so he hadn't realized the extent of the situation.
However, he was already being praised as the hero of the Sword Emperor Castle terrorist attack in the outside world, along with Murakan. The news of their remarkable feat had spread throughout the continent, including Huphester.
Of course, there were many martial artists who had also displayed remarkable valor that day, but it was only natural that Jin and Murakan had stood out.
Murakan had completely imbued the skies with his shadow force to protect the Sword Emperor Castle, while Jin had fought side by side with the Emperor himself on the front lines.
There was even a rumar going around that Sword Emperor Castle would have been completely destroyed that day if it weren't for Jin and Murakan.
"Oh mighty Black Dragon, please look this way!"
Normally, causing such a commotion in the downtown of Kalon would have been unthinkable.
The transfer gate area was usually well-maintained, as it was primarily used for official missions.
Furthermore, it was impossible for people to gather like this to welcome the 12th flagbearer, who was rumored to be out of sight.
However, the fact that the residents had gathered to enthusiastically welcome the 12th flagbearer was a result of the '10%' supporters that Jin had gained after the Patriarchy declaration.
"What are they?"
Murakan said with his blunt tone,but he was not entirely displeased with the voices of humans praising him.
"It seems like they are people who support you, Young Master."
"Strawberry pie, is it really necessary for people to make such a fuss for helping the Sword Emperor Castle?"
"I think it's because we still played an active role despite having Ron Hairan... People are probably hoping that this incident will lead to an alliance between Runcandel and Hairan."
The alliance between Runcandel and Hairan was a topic that was frequently mentioned among the people of the world.
Right now, Zipfel is ahead of Runcandel, but everyone has expectations about how much the gap will narrow if Hairan is incorporated into the Huphester.
Of course, it was mostly wishful thinking, but people held hope given that the imperial family is keeping Hairan in check and Jin's activities.
"It seems like there are more people here to see you than me, Murakan."
"I get the same feeling."
"Why do you think that is?"
"Well, you've been the guardian of Runcandel for the past thousand years, and you showed considerable dignity in Hairan as well. So, don't just stand there with that stern expression; smile a bit."
"Why should I do that?"
Murakan shook his head and smiled despite his response, and even more enthusiastic cheers broke out among the residents.
Then, a man wearing a monocle approached the group along with the guardian knights.
It was Petro, a first-class butler.
"You are here, Young Master."
"It feels like it's been a while since someone greeted me so calmly."
Indeed, as he mentioned, Petro would usually rush to find Jin whenever he returned. Most of the time, Jin came to the garden of Sword after causing an incident or stirring up the clan, and there were always people who tried to kill him.
This time, too, Jin had returned after causing an incident. Given the circumstances, he had provided significant assistance to Hairan. He also stopped an attacker believed to be the Black Knight.
"I hope there won't be any swordsmen waiting for me sharpening their swords this time."
"Not exactly, but there are fewer people openly declaring enmity against you compared to before, young master."
"That's good to hear."
"However, a guest arrived a little while ago without any prior notice, Young Master."
"Who is it?"
"Ghost leader, Lata Proch. He came to see you and appeared at the Garden of Swords without any prior notice. He also brought a considerable number of armed mercenaries with him..."
Petro sighed as he spoke.
章節 265: Chapter 424
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"Did you say he came with armed mercenaries to the Garden of Swords?"
"Yes. He has bought roughly over five hundred mercenaries."
"Five hundred mercenaries... he certainly has some nerve. It's almost insane. When did they arrive?"
"They arrived about three hours ago."
"The mercenaries wouldn't have been able to be hospitalized."
As Jin said, the only one who entered the Garden of Swords was Lata Proch.
Lata and the Ghost mercenaries had been in the Sword Emperor Castle until just a while ago. In other words, Lata came straight to the Garden of Swords as soon as he left the Sword Emperor Castle.
Of course, Runcandel couldn't welcome them since he had come without any prior notice with such a large army.
'At least, they avoided the worst case scenario since they are host mercenaries.'
If any mediocre mercenary group had made such an unexpected visit with that size, Runcandel would have wiped them out from the face of earth.
The Ghost mercenaries are one of the more prominent neutral factions, and their base, the Ghost Castle, served as a meeting ground for major factions, and because of this they get away with such a breach of etiquette.
"Yes."
"That nasty-eyed bastard probably came to you because of his younger sister, but why did he bring five hundred subordinates? Does that mean he wants to intimidate us with these cute threats?"
"I don't know why he brought his subordinates either. We'll find out when I meet him."
The group began to move, and the cheers from the crowd grew louder.
A group of boys and girls who were shouting Murakan's name at the top of their lungs was particularly impressive, and Gilly gently pushed Murakan's back to ensure that he wouldn't disappoint his young fans.
"They're young fans, so please shake hands with them, Lord Murakan."
"Strawberry pie, if you wish, then... ."
The most shocking part came when Murakan smiled at them, and suddenly people among the group of boys and girls fainted one after another.
"My goodness, I thought only Enya was capable of that."
"I don't think Enya has ever fainted."
They left the transfer gate and climbed onto the steel wagon.
The red evening sunset embraced the entire city warmly, but Jin had a nagging feeling that something tiring was about to happen and shook his head.
Jin suddenly stopped the carriage while they were making their way toward the Garden of Swords.
"Wait a moment."
He stopped because he saw Lata's subordinates standing idly at the entrance to the Garden of Swords.
Even though there were more than five hundred of them, they simply stood amidst the bushes. It was unthinkable for them to set up tents on Runcandel's territory, especially near the Garden of the Sword.
However, there was no place for them to sit or rest, and there were no inns to accommodate the sudden arrival of five hundred mercenaries.
So, Lata's subordinates had no choice but to stand there as if they were trees, thinking they might as well be.
Jin stuck his head out of the carriage, and all the mercenaries' eyes turned towards him.
"Follow me."
The carriage once again start moving after Jin said that, and Lata's subordinates exchanged glances for a moment before quietly following behind.
"12th flagbearer is hospitalized!"
The gate's bars were lifted, and the guardian knights patrolling inside saluted.
'The enforcement knights brandished their swords at me when I returned last time.'
It was the day when the patriarchy declaration was made. Even if it wasn't that day, Jin hardly had any memories of being welcomed back from his days as a reserve flagbearer.
It is safe to say that there was no one to welcome him except Gilly and Petro.
Whether they were his siblings or elders, someone always showed hostility and murderous intent, and every one of them was a formidable adversary(outwardly).
But today was different.
10% of 1st Division Guardian Knights, a very small number of enforcement knights and elders.
In other words, it was a force that was slightly less than 10% of the total strength of Runcandel, but now there were knights welcoming back Jin.
"Thank you for your hard work, 12th flagbearer!"
"You are here, 12th flagbearer. Your name has been making quite a stir in the Garden of Swords all this time."
The knights and elders greeted Jin on his way, and he felt that he had finally returned to Runcandel as a flagbearer.
However, those who greeted him still seemed curious about the reason why he had brought the mercenaries waiting outside.
And Jin saw some people walking towards him with a crumpled face from the main house.
It was Myu and Anne.
"12th flagbearer."
"What on earth is this?"
Jin couldn't help but admire them in a way after seeing their sudden and confrontational expressions.
Were they foolish?
Or fearless?
One thing was for sure: they had a spirit that even Jin had to acknowledge.
Jin clearly showed the power gap between them during the patriarchy declaration, but it's evident that they are still fighting without regard to it.
Moreover, they were absolutely certain that the two of them together could 'never' defeat Jin even now, but their attitude remained unchanged.
"What were you thinking when you hospitalized these bugs?"
"Hah, even these bugs start disrespecting the Garden of Swords since you behave like this. Last time, didn't Kinselo's beasts audaciously come here looking for you? The clan's situation is beyond ridiculous. We can't even kick you out!"
Jin silently gazed at his sisters for a while, and then burst into laughter.
"Are you laughing?"
"I was almost disappointed, my sisters. I don't feel like I am home unless someone yells at me like this."
"What, what did you say?"
"This punk…."
"They are my guests. Just like me, they were staying in the Sword Emperor Castle because of the recent terror attack, so they couldn't notify the Garden of Swords about their visit in advance."
"What kind of guest brings over five hundred mercenaries without any prior notice?"
"Is that even a problem? Five hundred ghost mercenaries are no more than a threat equivalent to five hundred falling leaves in the Garden of Swords. In fact, Lata showed me respect by bringing as many subordinates as possible."
Jin continued to smile unlike his enraged sisters.
Their bizarre confrontation, or rather, a one-sided display of power by Jin, left the mercenaries who had followed him in awe.
'It's clear that the 12th flagbearer is more crazy than our leader, anyway. Can he do that to the higher-ranking flagbearers?'
'We can just wait outside and leave quietly when the leader comes out.'
'Our headquarters, the Ghost Castle, is quite respectable, but compared to this place, it's like dust, just dust.'
'But it feels like we're being somewhat ignored. I can't believe we are being compared with leaves…'
None of the mercenaries shouted that they were displeased by Jin's remark.
Instead, Myu and Anne continued to raise their voices.
"Falling leaves? Have you reached a new level of mediocrity to be talking like that? According to your words, didn't the Ghost leader show you respect, yet you're making statements that disregard them."
"I don't think it would be very rude to say this compared to the fact that they were waiting outside."
Anne took a step toward Jin, but Myu blocked her path.
"She can't do this. They're not just ridiculous now, but they even look cute. Anne wants to step forward, and Myu is trying to stop her. It's like they planned this in advance.'
Then, Myu and Anne continued to grind their teeth and spoke.
"Can you take responsibility?"
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, can you take responsibility if any problems arise because of the guests you brought here?"
"You're talking as if problems are bound to happen. Well, let's do that. I'll take responsibility."
Whoa!
Gilly heaved a sigh of relief when Myu and Anne turned away and walked.
She wasn't concerned about Jin.
"Phew, I was so nervous that the young master would cut down the young ladies."
"They are quite troublesome sisters, but there's no need to take care of them just yet."
"Your other sisters aren't like that, so I don't understand why only those two are so cheap. Kid, I'm going to enjoy some strawberry pie now, so you meet that nasty-eye alone."
Murakan looked at Gilly with sparkling eyes, but Gilly cleared her throat and avoided eye contact.
"No, Murakan. You have work to do."
"What?"
"Take care of the Ghost mercenaries and lead them to my personal training ground."
"What? Hey, kid. I am the mighty Black Dragon. Haven't you seen all those people praising me earlier? Can you really make me do such menial tasks? Huh?"
"And protect them."
"What? Why are you talking about protection all of a sudden?"
"There's a very high chance that the Ghost mercenaries will be attacked. Do you think my sisters just left without a reason? It's the perfect opportunity for them to give me a blow."
"What... You can't be serious, right? Doing something like that?"
"They can do anything. There's no harm in being careful. Want to make a bet? I'll bet that my sisters' knights will attack the mercenaries. If that's not the case, then why were they asking me to take the responsibility, right?"
The reason Jin insisted on taking the mercenaries to the training ground instead of the guest rooms or reception area was precisely that it would be much easier to protect them in the spacious training area.
Murakan frowned.
"Damn it, fine. I'll also bet. If I win, I get an absolute 15-day vacation to enjoy with strawberry pie. I'll order you to take the vacation even if you don't want to go. Got it?"
"I don't really need a vacation..."
"Deal."
"Kid, what are your conditions?"
"I don't have any conditions. I'm going to win anyway. Instead, take proper care to ensure that none of the mercenaries get injured."
"Don't give me any excuse later. Hehe, let's go! You mercenaries!"
Murakan led the mercenaries to the training ground while humming a tune. He was already overjoyed at the thought of enjoying 15 days of vacation with Gilly.
Jin couldn't help but laugh as he watched his departing figures, and Gilly offered an awkward smile.
"The Acting matriarch has stated that you can skip the report."
Petro said.
Rosa was still in the process of recovering from the injuries she sustained during the patriarchy declaration.
"Then I should meet with Lata immediately. He's in the reception room, right?"
"Yes, Young Master. Should I prepare a different room for you?"
"No, I'll just go meet him in person."
The spacious reception room was filled with guests. There were merchants for doing business with Runcandel, nobles, and mercenaries hired for missions, etc.
The most outstanding figure was undoubtedly Lata among them. He was exuding a heavy and sharp aura with his arms crossed.
He was leaning against the wall with his eyes closed, and there were no people standing within about ten paces around him.
"Sir Lata."
Jin entered the reception room and called his name.
Lata slowly opened his eyes and…..
Stomp, stomp! He then quickly approached Jin with fast and threatening steps...
Swoosh!
He suddenly drew a short dagger from his waist when he was one step away from Jin.
This sudden gesture frightened the people around them and guardian knights.
"Stop...!"
The guardian knights shouted and threw themselves in front. It appeared as though Lata's dagger was moving toward Jin.
Shak-!
However, Lata's dagger didn't land on Jin's body.
Tuk
What fell to the floor with a dry sound was Lata's right index finger.
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