章節 271: Chapter 430
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Smarion Proch.
Jin didn't know much about him. However, as anyone with even a passing interest in the history of martial artists would know, he was an almost mythical figure with a mutation-like existence.
Smarion was born into a simple peasant family. But from a young age, he displayed a talent for causing harm to humans, and the first people he killed were his own parents.
Eventually, he overthrew the ruling "Seigalga" and planted the Proch flag in the Ghost castle and become a legendary figure.
He was the father of Lata and Faye.
'I believe Smarion died around the time Sir Lata entered his teenage years.'
It was not easy to understand that the owner of this ghastly aura was Smarion.
"..... Is this true?"
"My father was a fiend from birth. He killed his parents and attempted to kill me and Faye as well."
However, Smarion's attempts to kill Lata and Faye were more about 'education,' as other assassin clans or ruthless Knight clans often did.
Although they don't want to admit it, Lata and Faye knew that they became stronger because of it. In other words, Smarion had always used a certain level of madness to achieve results.
"However, the elders who died and became the materials for this seal said that Smarion completely lost his reason from a certain point. He literally became a madman." Lata added.
The elders who were close to Lata at the time claimed that Smarion started showing "signs" when Lata was about ten years old.
Smarion was already known for being a murderous fiend, but unlike the previous leaders, he was famous for cherishing his subordinates. That's why the ghost mercenaries showed absolute loyalty to Smarion, and he always trusted them.
After the 'change' began, his behavior gradually changed.
"They said he used unimaginable and bizarre methods to torture and kill his men and their family."
"I've never heard such negative rumors about the former ghost leader."
"The deceased elders thoroughly prevented the records and stories of that time from being known to the outside world. He didn't just behave wickedly towards his subordinates. They said he harmed himself horribly."
"If the former Ghost leader indeed showed such signs, then it wouldn't have ended with just a rebellion."
"There were several revolts. But they were crushed every time due to my father's overwhelming power. Maybe the lord doesn't know, but there was even a time when my father had a confrontation with Sir Chiron."
"My father and the former ghost leader...?"
Jin didn't know that there was such a secret between Runcandel and the Ghost mercenaries.
In fact, this record is not stored as a document in the Ghost castle, and Runcandel classified it as an extremely confidential secret known only to the patriarch.
"I haven't seen it myself because it happened before I was born. However, the fight lasted for a full day, and Sir Chiron emerged victorious in the end. But for some reason, he spared my father's life."
Chiron spared the defeated.
Jin couldn't imagine such a scene, but Chiron was young during those days, so it was possible.
"Afterward, Sir Chiron occasionally visited this Ghost castle. He would spar with my father or talk about various things."
"Really?"
"I don't know about the fight that lasted for a full day, but me and my sister witnessed my father and Sir Chiron drinking together. It was odd, but my father never seemed to hold a grudge against Sir Chiron after losing to him."
Chiron talked with someone and shared a drink.
It was difficult for Jin to imagine this too.
"At that time, even that crazy man became quite a kind father. He would sit us siblings on his knees and even make us laugh."
"It must be a good memory for you."
"Now that I think about it, maybe my father wanted to impress Sir Chiron."
"Do you remember what kind of conversations the two of them mainly had?"
Jin wondered about the connection between his father, Chiron Runcandel, and Smarion Proch. Despite the terrible ghastly aura coursing through his entire body, a strong curiosity arose within him.
"I was too young, so I hardly remember anything. But..."
Lata gazed at the red seal and continued.
"There's one scene that I remember vividly. I was sitting next to him holding Faye in my arms, and enjoying some snacks after a long time. Sir Chiron asked my father a question after watching us for a moment."
-Smarion. Is that okay these days?
"That...?"
"And my father replied."
-How can that be okay, Chiron? As you know, I don't have much time left.
"I madly resented my father when he finally became a complete monster and the senior members who had been protecting me became the materials for the seal. Yet, somehow, I remember my father saying, 'I don't have much time left.'"
Jin felt a sense of déjà vu after that remark.
Back when he returned from Laprarosa and was becoming a flagbearer, Jin had heard Chiron say the exact same words to him.
'I don't have much time left. What on earth does that mean...?'
At that time, he hadn't given much thought to the reasons behind Chiron's limited time. Instead, he had focused on the importance of becoming the patriarch before Chiron's time ran out.
Smarion. Is that okay these days?
That.
What if "that" was the connection between Chiron and Smarion?
'What if Smarion had become a monster due to something my father referred to as "that", and what if my father also has the same problem…?'
Smarion had become a monster, and his father had also been affected by the same issue. It led Jin to a horrifying assumption.
'Could my father also... become a monster? Like Smarion Proch, beyond this seal?'
Smarion's words, "As you know," haunted him. Such a statement would typically only be made when the other person also knew about the situation.
Jin's heart pounded, and his thoughts raced faster.
"Sir Lata, have you ever heard what my father meant by 'that'?"
"Unfortunately, no. I've asked some of the deceased elders, but they didn't know either. Sir Chiron is probably the only one who knows."
The Black Sea.
It has some connection to that dark land.
Jin felt a strong conviction. It must be deeply related to the reason why Chiron is so obsessed with the Black Sea.
'Why my father is fixated on the Black Sea and what he's searching for there might become clear when elder sister Luna returns.'
And the monster behind this red seal could potentially be a clue. Of course, it's the biggest weakness for the Ghost mercenaries before the possibility of being a clue.
Jin organized his thoughts, and he met Lata's gaze.
"Since we can't ask my father right now, we need to find out what 'that' is."
"Yes, my lord."
"But finding the escaped elders is our top priority. They not only possess information about this seal but also know about our blood alliance. We can't let that information spread."
In most cases, Jin didn't want to publicize the fact that the Ghost mercenaries had become his force.
He would prefer to reveal the extent of his influence once it had grown further. Moreover, the Ghost mercenaries needed to maintain a facade of neutrality and maintain their connections for interaction with other factions.
"That's correct."
"The problem is more significant than I expected. It is highly likely that they have already colluded with others, but... Let's hope that hasn't happened yet. Whether it's Zipfel, Kinzelo, the imperial family, or even Runcandel. If any of them attempt to break this seal and invade Ghost castle, there will be no solution."
"I am ashamed, my lord."
"I will go back, and immediately start spreading my people. Please give me the map with marked escape routes and all the information about the traitors."
"Understood."
"And Sir Lata."
"Yes, my lord."
Jin smiled and added, "I'm counting on you from now on."
"I'll do my best, my lord."
***
Meanwhile, as Jin received the oath of allegiance from Lata and the Ghost mercenaries within the Ghost castle, the elder council members of Runcandel were holding another somber meeting.
The Heat is On, a perfect phrase for their current situation.
"I didn't expect the acting matriarch to come out like this."
"She can't do this. Do you know how much blood we've shed for the acting matriarch all these years?"
"Huh, prove the significance and value of the elder council….. What else do we have to prove!"
Grit!
The door opened as the elder council members vented their frustrations one by one.
"Have you arrived, Elder council president?"
"Elder council president!"
"Elder council president, did you hear what happened..."
The newcomer was the Elder council president, Jorden Runcandel. The elder council members had been eagerly awaiting his arrival.
It was because they had believed that if it's Jorden, he would find a way to salvage the situation.
Had it not been for the recent series of events centered around Jin.
Jorden must have been very satisfied with the appearance of these old ghosts who had been waiting for him like eager puppies. Elders couldn't make a proper judgment because they were intoxicated by the sweet recognition they received all this time.
But not anymore.
'These pathetic bastards…'
Jorden was immediately filled with anger and nausea upon seeing the sight that greeted him.
Since when?
Since when did the sharpest swords of Runcandel become like this?
He was filled with overwhelming doubts and regrets, as if the bones in his chest were shattering.
As much as Jorden wished he could just cut down these corrupt elder council members right now, he never forgot that they were his biggest remaining support.
In fact he is also drunk on the power from a certain moment, if not to the same extent.
'We must renew ourselves and become the pillars of Runcandel again!'
Otherwise, an era has arrived where not only ascending to the throne but even surviving in the Garden of Swords is uncertain.
"I can't help but feel disappointed in you and myself."
"Elder council president..…?"
Jorden looked at the elder council members with a different expression in his eyes.
"It seems the time has come for us to regain our lost instincts and spirit. If we continue like this, we will wither and disappear. From today on, the Elder Council will no longer fight safe battles, so those who are afraid should leave now."
章節 272: Chapter 431
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The elders did not take Jorden's words too seriously. They simply regarded it as a meaningless remark, much like when Jorden occasionally displayed his authority without any real reason.
"Ha-ha, who dares to suggest that anyone could defeat us? Elder Council President."
"Of course, such a thing is unlikely, but whatever happens, we are all prepared to follow your will, Elder council president."
"Yes, that's right! If the Elder council president wishes, I even have thoughts of returning to active duty immediately..."
Jorden's expression turned cold as the elders habitually exchanged pleasantries. He was infuriated by their empty responses, which lacked any sincerity.
"Is that so? You all seem to understand my intentions well. There's no need for any of you to return to active duty. However, as I just mentioned... we will commence a war with the 2nd and 12th flagbearers starting from this very moment."
From that moment on, the elders realized that something had gone terribly wrong.
"Elder council president, when you say 'war'..."
"Exactly as I said. Among the 2nd and 12th flagbearers, we will begin by chipping the forces of the 12th flagbearer."
"What do you mean?"
"Tikan free city."
When the name left Jorden's lips, the expressions on the elders' faces hardened.
"That place is the most crucial stronghold of the 12th flagbearer, and the people in it are his most trusted companions."
"Are you saying we are going to attack Tikan?"
"Yes."
"But, Elder council president. Haven't you forgotten something?"
"No Runcandel can invade Tikan, Elder council president."
-Deceiving you, father? You are mistaken. It was just a stroke of luck. In fact, I had formed a connection with Sir Kashmir as soon as I arrived in Tikan.
-Very well. Regardless, you pass the test. From today onwards, no Runcandel, even me, will set foot on Tikan's soil without your permission.
-Thank you, Father.
A conversation between Chiron and Jin, who broke the taboo and briefly returned to the clan during his days as a reserve flagbearer.
At that time, Jin passed Chiron's test and secured the freedom of his base. And no matter what accidents Jin had caused, members of Runcandel never directly attacked Tikan. Even when the wanted order was issued near the end of his reserve flagbearer career, the Guardian Knights couldn't visit Tikan directly.
The order of the Patriarch is absolute. Since Chiron had never taken back that order, Tikan remained an unattainable land for any other Runcandel except Jin.
"That is correct. However, there is a way. We can send individuals who are not from Runcandel."
The elders could only widen their eyes once again.
"Elder Council president, it's not entirely incorrect... But isn't this just a jest? Surely, the Patriarch's orders also forbid Runcandel to attack Tikan with the help of a third party."
"That's true, elder council president. Moreover, we all saw firsthand what happened when we recklessly used external forces to attack the 12th flagbearer..."
The air seemed to grow colder as the elders recalled the moment when Jin had filled the table with the heads of the deceased elders.
"It seems you all find it burdensome to fight the 12th flagbearer. Well, that's understandable. Those who carry my orders attacking Tikan would be nothing more than a jest against the Patriarch's orders. However, how many times has the 12th flagbearer mocked and ridiculed us through such jests?"
Jorden was right.
Jin had broken the rules multiple times during his time as reserve flagbearer, and each time he used the jests to gain a reward instead of a punishment.
"We should do the same. We've reached a point where a direct confrontation is no longer the answer. I've said it clearly. There's no safe fight now. Those who are afraid can leave, but the Runcandel elders must let go of the stubbornness and pride."
At that moment, most of the elders recalled Jorden's youth. Even before becoming the chief of the Black Sword Association, Jorden had used purge to eliminate those who opposed him.
In the early days of his tenure as the chief of the Black Sword Association, he had continued the cycle of bloody purges for several years.
So, if one were to choose to step down and leave here, it essentially meant that they would inevitably face the blade of the Black Sword Association someday.
"The 12th flagbearer... haven't experienced the deaths of many close ones yet. As the elder council president, I must make him understand that pain," Jorden continued.
"Elder council president, then... who do you plan to send to Tikan?"
***
An unnamed desert in the eastern part of Cascal, feudal state of the Empire.
While Jorden and the elders planned to attack Tikan, Jin was tracking down the renegade elders of the Ghost mercenaries along with some of his comrades.
"I never would have guessed Seigalgi would set up a secret fortress in such a remote place. And the fact that the renegade elders have been collaborating with them."
Lata spoke sitting next to Jin. Jin was in disguise, sitting in a local restaurant, and sipping tea.
Seigalgi Clan.
The head family of the Ghost mercenaries. Most of their leaders were killed by Smarion Proch in the past, and they had fallen into ruin.
However, having ruled the Ghost mercenaries for generations, the Seygal clan had hidden their last remaining strength in this barren and small desert.
When the Seven Colored Peacock and the Ghost mercenaries joined forces, their intelligence gathering capabilities exceeded expectations. They discovered this desert just a few days after forming the alliance.
"Is it confirmed that the traitors leaked the secrets of the Ghost castle to the outside world?"
Lata nodded heavily.
"Yes. But we don't know exactly which side received the information—whether it was Vermont, Zipfel, Kinzelo, or any other faction."
"Well, we'll find out from now on. How large is the remaining force of the Seygal in the fortress?"
"There aren't that many combat personnel including the servants. However, there are some big guys left, like the Rox and Lox Seygal brothers, who were once known as sacred figures before my father became the leader. The renegade elders aren't pushovers either."
Rox and Lox Seygal, these are the names Jin had seen a few times in war history books. These were individuals who would have easily become the leaders of the Ghost mercenaries if Smarion hadn't existed.
Though they had kept a low profile for a long time, they hadn't completely put down their swords. If they hadn't, they would still be formidable fighters.
"Lord, you can wait here. And me and my subordinates will deal with this."
"No, I'm going with you. I need to gather information about enemy forces and try to match our teamwork."
Faye and her team set up a perimeter, while Jin, Lata, and some of the squad leaders prepared to assault the fortress.
"Be careful not to destroy the interior too much, as there may be valuable information. If possible, subdue them quickly and quietly."
"Yes, my lord."
"And if there are any civilians, they should all be categorized as rescue targets. Do not kill them just because they are inconvenient."
Unlike prestigious knight clans and noble families, mercenaries typically handled such situations differently. If a civilian is found during the mission, especially those who do not bring in money, they are killed and dealt with if something troublesome occurs.
However, the Ghost mercenaries were no longer just a mercenary group. Since they were under Jin's command, they needed to follow the ways of a famous knight clan.
"I'll keep that in mind."
A while later, Faye signaled that the perimeter was set, and Jin, Lata, and the squad leaders stealthily entered the dark desert.
The last stronghold of the Seygal was an underground fortress.
They accumulated wealth by distributing narcotics and various black-market goods here and they were dreaming of pushing out the Proch siblings and were once again regaining control of the Ghost mercenaries with the help of renegade elders.
As Jin brushed aside the sand to check the entrance, a voice came from beyond the door.
"Who's there?"
Since it was a secret fortress, they didn't station guards outside, but there was always someone behind the door.
Before the man could inquire about their identity, one of the squad leaders plunged a poisoned arrowhead into the door.
Thump! A slight noise accompanied by a short tremor beyond the door, and it quickly subsided.
Shortly after, another squad leader used specially crafted explosives unique to the Ghost mercenaries to silently blast the lock away.
Indeed, they displayed exceptional skills in infiltration as befitting one of the world's top mercenary groups.
A vast space opened up before them as they entered. It felt like they were entering a colossal anthill, and they were soon able to come face to face with the remnants of the Seygal.
"Gu—!"
Seung!
But not a single one of them had a chance to alert others. They all met their end with their throats slit by Jin and the Ghost mercenaries's blades, and could not even leave a scream of death
Jin spared only one man and gave him a brief opportunity to speak.
"P-Please spare me. I'm just a hired mercenary."
"Where are the Seygal brothers?"
"In the central innermost room... Please."
The man had no direct animosity towards them, had willingly disclosed the Seygal brothers' location, and posed no significant threat going forward, and he was nothing more than a hired mercenary.
However, Jin didn't spare him.
Jin prioritized avoiding unnecessary killing, but he was not one to show mercy to even enemy soldiers who posed no immediate threat.
Swish! Jin ended the man's life with a swift stroke, and squad leaders nodded inwardly
'I was worried that he might show some hesitation as he mentioned rescuing civilians.'
'No way would our leader have asked to swear allegiance to such a fool. We will have no worries in the future.'
Jin wiped the blood from his blade and gave squad leaders a nod.
"We are going to move separately from here. Sir Lata and I will go deal with the Seygal brothers, and the squad leaders will search the rest of the area."
"Understood."
The squad leaders scattered, and Jin and Lata moved quickly and stealthily towards the room of the Seygal brothers.
Jin and Lata moved using their exceptional skills, and most of the enemies they encountered on the way failed to even recognize them and met their end without altering others.
Eventually, they reached the last room, and the two of them could now face the Seygal brothers. Both of them were armed and ready.
"Lata Proch, you bastard...!"
"How did you find your way here?"
Lata didn't respond and casually twirled his paired swords.
"Alright, it seems it has come to this in the end. But do you think you can handle us alone?"
"Come!"
They were completely disregarding the possibility that Jin might be a more skilled martial artist than Lata.
Therefore, Rox Seygal had been concentrating solely on Lata's movements, and soon enough, he suffered the humiliation of having his leg severed from the start.
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