章節 417: CHAPTER 576
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May 10, 1800.
About a month has passed since the war ended.
Now, even those who did not directly witness the Sword Emperor Castle battle and the Glyek subjugation knew what had happened in the world.
The fact that the emperor had driven the pillar of the empire as traitors, the identity of the white stone, and the results of all these events were still being constantly reported by newsletters from each faction.
Ron Hairan had ultimately succeeded in single-handedly preventing the final explosion of chaos.
However, it was impossible for him to fully deal with the aftermath of the chaos and self-destruction that had already penetrated his protective shield during the battle with Glyek, even for him who had risen to the genesis knight.
As everyone on the battlefield feared. The chaos beyond the protective shield was making the world uninhabitable.
"This is insane, it's endless. Is this really just a remnant of that monster, the King of Chaos or something?"
Daytona and Haytona.
The two were on a mission to subdue the 'remnants of chaos' that had fallen near Delki Kingdom.
The tired look on the faces of the brothers and the guardian knights they led was evident. It had been several days since the night watch had continued without end.
Monsters named the Remnants of Chaos were being created in the lands all over the world where Glyek's Chaos was dropped.
Delki was just one of them. The currently discovered 'contaminated areas' numbered around fifty, and the count was increasing every day. It was unknown how many undiscovered areas of contamination there may be.
If Ron couldn't handle Glyek's self-destruction, if Ron's attribute of genesis knight's divine power was other than protection. Then the world would have been irreversibly destroyed.
"The youngest, the people on that battlefield… What kind of monsters did they fight against?"
"It must have been terrible enough if the remnants of that monster are this much."
Heytona answered while cutting the monster's body into pieces.
The monsters in the contaminated area had a vitality that was incomparable to any monster known to the world.
When torn apart, they multiplied in numbers, only ceasing when almost reduced to pea-sized flesh.
Some individuals possessed not just multiplication but also a high-speed regeneration ability. These creatures belonged to a particularly strong category, and the monsters in the contaminated areas varied in abilities.
The strongest known individual required the combat prowess of a Black Knight level to be subdued.
These creatures were vastly different from typical demonic creatures in behavior. They specialized in parasitism rather than combat, making living beings, including humans, their hosts.
The infected beings exhibited contagiousness, and humans attacked by such entities showed signs of being consumed by chaos, resulting in a rampage.
Fortunately, it wasn't that the entire human population was vulnerable to infection. Trained martial artists and mages showed a considerable level of immunity, but the Tona brothers did not even want to imagine what it would have been like without it.
The Magic Society named it 'contagious chaos'.
In other words, the world was facing a great catastrophe. Even compared to the greatest catastrophes known to have been caused by Helluram, it was more than sufficient.
Not only the Tona brothers, but all members of each faction, including Zipfel, were suppressing chaos around the world.
"It's still terrible, but if Elder Brother Diphus in our clan and Kadun the Fire Dragon in Zipfel hadn't swiftly opted for initial suppression, things would have been even more chaotic. Damn, it gives me chills. Nevertheless, it is the first time that the clan has been hit so hard since the Holy Kingdom protection war 500 years ago."
"Isn't it fortunate that not only our clan, but the whole world, and that Zipfel suffered that much damage...."
Runcandel and Zipfel. Excluding the Empire, these two clans were undoubtedly the most affected in this war.
Runcandel lost nearly three hundred elite knights, including five Black Knights, and Rosa suffered severe injuries.
Zipfel also lost the entire 1st and 2nd Fleet including Kozec, lost more than 30 dragons and over 500 mages and Kelliark seriously injured.
In particular, the aftermath of the last explosion was a problem. Glyek's self-destruction continued for three days. The forces of each faction could only withdraw from the battlefield after two days of the unprecedented explosion in history.
Currently, the remaining strength of the two clans was less than that of one clan just a month ago.
And, of course, the injuries suffered by Rosa and Kelliark were typically incurable due to the influence of the power of chaos that inflicted them.
"The 10th and 11th flagbearers. I just got a message from main house."
A Guardian Knight approached Tona Brothers.
"Report."
Upon hearing the Guardian Knight's report, the Tona brothers' eyes widened.
"... So, it's finally decided."
"We'll have to hurry if we want to meet the deadline."
Without even the luxury of removing the flesh of the monsters stuck to their bodies, the brothers moved deeper into the contaminated area.
Right after the war ended, they felt a strange power that began to develop in them.
* * *
"A ceasefire with Zipfel has been decided."
In response to Rosa's voice, Diphus nodded as if he had expected it.
A dark spot could be seen on Rosa's wrist, revealed through the sleeves of her dress. When Diphus' gaze fell on it, Rosa instinctively covered her wrist.
"It's because of Kinzelo."
"Yes. They're the only ones who didn't take any hits in this war. And they probably watched this war from the beginning and hoped that it would weaken us and Zipfel, and the result is just as they desired."
Suppressing a cough, Rosa recalled the final moments of the war—the horrifying explosion that swept away the knights of the clan and the mages of Zipfel, and the moment when Zipfel's Demon God's Orb shattered.
'Since the Demon God's Orb is destroyed, it is impossible for Zipfel to recover its power within a short period of time.'
If Chiron were present, this would be the opportunity to end the thousand-year war in victory.
However, the Black Knights sent to the Black Sea at the beginning of the war eventually returned to the clan without being able to contact Chiron.
Therefore, on the contrary, now was the best time for Zipfel to attack Runcandel, but it couldn't venture out in front of a public enemy called Kinzelo.
For Zipfel, restoring the Demon God's Orb was the most urgent thing. It was said that it was for healing, but the real reason was different.
"Mother. As you know, strange things have been happening to purebloods, including myself."
The strange thing Diphus said was about the power that the Tona brothers felt.
"Are you talking about starting to feel mana?"
"... That's right."
Mana.
Right after the war ended, the purebloods of Runcandel, excluding Jin, felt mana for the first time in their lives.
Rosa didn't feel that sensation, but she was aware that the mana acquired by her children was still at an extremely weak level.
As a result of the broken Demon God's Orb and Zipfel received a serious blow.
The power of the stories, the magic of Zipfel that manipulates history, was weakening. Therefore, the oath and curse of a thousand years ago that had suppressed Runcandel were also becoming unstable.
That was why Kelliark hastily proposed a ceasefire. Even though Rosa knew that fact, she had no choice but to accept.
"What should we do?"
"If you're asking whether you should be vigilant and on guard, there's no need for that."
Diphus flinched and met Rosa's eyes.
"What are you so surprised about? The youngest already told all members about the fact that our clan had the power of a magic sword. The current situation is a result of Zipfel's influence weakening, and the curse they placed on the clan is fading."
"Once they recover their strength, it will be back to square one."
"Just because everyone can handle mana doesn't mean they can all become like the youngest. Besides, unless we completely destroy the Zipfel, this power will remain at a level where you can't use it properly."
Rosa decided that there was no point in finding a way to use the weak mana right away.
She thinks that they can regain their status as a magic swordsman only when they put an end to Zipfel and the curse of the clan really ends.
"The flagbearers won't have time for personal training until the chaos is fully suppressed anyway. Stay alert and start cleaning up the contaminated areas."
Diphus nodded solemnly.
"And, is the 12th flagbearer still there?"
"Yes."
When Glyek's self-destruction continued for three days, Jin and Dante suffered no additional damage in the storm of chaos. It was because Ron's will was concentrated on protecting the two.
Currently, the land where Sword Emperor Castle was located is in a more severely contaminated state than any other place where the fragments of chaos have splattered.
For the past month, those who have been tasked with suppressing the chaos from each faction have not been able to start the purification of the Sword Emperor Castle yet.
It was just encamped and tied up the chaos that was still swirling inside the territory so that it could not escape.
Just as Rosa was about to say something, a guardian knight hurriedly found their office.
"Acting matriarch! There's a report that the 12th flagbearer entered the Sword Emperor Castle Territory two hours ago...…!"
"What!?"
Diphus shouted.
Like Rosa and Kelliark, Jin is still in a state where the encroachment of chaos is not completely over.
And since it has already been revealed that those engulfed in chaos respond to greater chaos and proceed with demonic nature, entering the territory of the Sword Emperor Castle was no different than suicide.
"Mother, I will go myself...."
"No, there is no need for that."
Rosa said in a calm voice.
"It must be because he is sure that something will protect him. If the youngest had fallen into demonic nature after entering the territory, there would have been additional peculiar reports, such as attacking allies."
What exactly are you saying is protecting the youngest?
Seeing Rosa's bitter eyes, Diphus couldn't ask the question.
* * *
At that time, Jin was not the only one who entered the territory of the Sword Emperor Castle.
There was a person who entered the territory that became a chaotic hell before him. Then, as Rosa expected, the two of them walked on the contaminated ground with the help of a certain power.
If not for those two, no one else could have enjoyed such protection.
"Dante."
Looking at the back of his friend, Jin called out his name.
"Jin."
Dante didn't turn to face Jin. Jin sat beside Dante, shifting his gaze to where Dante was looking.
Amidst the chaos storm enveloping the entire territory, only one spot that the two were looking at was radiating a bright light.
That single patch of light.
It was the light that had protected the two from the chaos of the contaminated land.
"This is not the end for you and me, so don't linger too long in sorrow, is this what my grandfather meant...…."
Jin patted Dante on the back for a long time without seeing him crying.
章節 418: CHAPTER 577
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He probably cried for an hour.
In his heart, Dante wanted to cry until the end of his life in this place. He wished to disappear into the gentle light, like the smile his grandfather used to show, like his embrace.
If there was nothing left for him.
The clan, the people who fought for it, the friends who came running after leaving everything behind, his people, the land he had to protect, and himself.
If all of that had truly disappeared, Dante probably wouldn't have gotten up again.
But there was that much left.
And what remained was because his grandfather gave his life in return. He really gave his all....
"Even if I wanted to sit down, I couldn't."
Dante wiped his tears and looked back at Jin.
"I made you wait for too long, sorry."
It had been a month since the two met. Dante needed time, and Jin had been unconscious for over two weeks receiving intensive healing.
Thanks to Ron's protection during the escape, there were no additional injuries, but the accumulated shock was too much.
Dante finally made up his mind today. He will no longer be buried in his sorrow. That's why he came here.
To say goodbye to his grandfather with Jin. As Ron said, not to say goodbye forever, but to say goodbye to move on.
Now, Dante had to inherit the duty of protection that Ron had taken on.
However, Jin, in reality, couldn't take a step forward like Dante. The guilt still weighed heavily on Jin's chest like a rusted piece of iron.
"I know what you are thinking."
As Jin was about to open his mouth, Dante spoke first.
During the war, in the last moment when Ron sent the two of them out of the path of light, Dante was able to receive Ron's will, which Jin did not recognize.
"You have done nothing wrong, he said so. This is what he said to both you and me."
It's not just Jin who suffers from guilt. Dante also had a hard time getting over the thought that he had lost his grandfather because he hadn't saved anything himself.
How many people had died for him to stay alive, and how much had been destroyed?
"You have done well enough. Perhaps it was beyond what I could have done."
Like leaves catching fire, Jin's eyes became moist. This time, Dante turned his head away to avoid seeing Jin's crying face.
"There is only unavoidable sadness. So, you'd better forget everything that didn't happen."
Dante was talking as if he knew about Jin's regression.
It was because Ron recognized that fact just before he became the light. Dante had vaguely glimpsed the secret that Jin held from Ron's will.
He didn't know it clearly, but he was aware that his friend's guilt was somehow related to that secret.
And Ron knew all that at the moment of death and said so. His grandson or Jin done nothing wrong. Because they really didn't.
"The secret you hold, tell it when the time comes. Just like Veradin did."
Another friend who is not here.
Jin and Dante were grateful to him. Now they know that Veradin had sacrificed himself for his friends.
It was thanks to the letters sent secretly by Sandra.
(My dear Jin! Hello, The reason I wrote this letter today is to schedule our next date! And I think I should let you know something.
You know our Radin put in some effort so that the clan's main force doesn't attack the sword emperor castle?
I can't tell you in detail, but he decided to risk his life to help his friends. Isn't it admirable? Going to such lengths to support the love of this older sister! I'm so proud.
Anyway, if it wasn't for Radin, this fight would definitely have been harder.
Congratulations on your victory. My clan atmosphere is a bit tense, but hey, as long as you are happy, that's all that matters.
Even though my younger brother almost died, and I was almost beaten to death by Kadun while begging him to help you instead of suppressing chaos, and I heard a lecture from Hedo for a few days, my head is about to explode because of resource restoration.
Haha, don't be too pressured. It's just a matter of going on a date. You know what I mean? I'll be waiting for you. - Your one and only love, Sandra Zipfel)
Although the letter was a bit messy, it left no doubt that Veradin was helping them.
"... But Jin, are you really dating Sandra Zipfel? Then the lady of the hidden palace."
"One Sandra Zipfel is enough to talk nonsense, Dante."
The two burst into laughter.
"It would have been nice if Veradin was here too. People know that I will even resent Zipfel for attacking the sword emperor castle, but that's not the case at all. He is my friend anytime, anywhere."
Even if Veradin loses himself to mind manipulation one day and becomes a monster, so even if he attacks himself, Dante was prepared not to hate him.
That was the form of trust he thought, and that was the righteousness. Even after going through so much grief and pain, he did not become a vengeful demon or fall into madness like he did in the first battle.
The hard and shining heart of a human named Dante Hairan has not lost its original form. Just like how his grandfather finally overcame demonization.
"Let's create an opportunity to meet him soon."
"You talk like you're going somewhere."
"Yes, I will leave for training."
"When?"
"Not right away, but after sorting out the situation and taking care of a few things."
Jin had already planned to go to Laprarosa and achieve 10 stars, but the weakening of Zipfel and Runcandel worked especially well for Jin.
'There will definitely be a ceasefire agreement, so the possibility of my comrades being threatened while I'm gone has been greatly reduced.'
Even if the truce was broken while he was training, the Vamel Alliance was now a force that even Runcandel could not help but protect.
It could not be said that they were entirely part of Runcandel, but it was because they were the people of Jin.
With this incident, Jin has further solidified his position as the next patriarch, and the moment he becomes the patriarch of the clan, the Vamel alliance will become the strength of Runcandel.
Above all, people were more precious than ever now that the power of great clans has weakened.
There was no reason not to maintain friendly relations with the Vamel Alliance, which was emerging as the fifth force after Zipfel, Runcandel, Empire, and Kinzelo.
"How long do you think it will take?"
"Madame Talaris said it would be a short training session, but I think I'll know if I try it."
"You will be strong again."
"Now I am in a position to follow you."
Dante shook his head.
"Not to that extent. Although my grandfather gave me some of his true energy, it seems like it will take a long time for it to fully become my strength."
"Rather than that, what are you going to do?"
It was a question about the empire.
Currently, the imperial throne is vacant. Although the emperor did not officially step down from the throne, it was impossible for him to rule the empire again.
As the full story of the incident was revealed, public sentiment literally plummeted, Zipfel did not receive what he promised, and Runcandel and Hidden Palace were also severely hit by the emperor and Zipfel's decision.
That's why the major factions didn't covet the empire that became communist even though talented people became precious.
The Empire's strongest sword was killed as soon as it reached the genesis knight realm, and most of the Empire's best figures, including the Empire's second sword Jonsina Perral, died in this war.
Besides, occupying the empire now only added to the trouble. Which lands did the chaos of Glyek polluted most? The one who swallowed the empire had to deal with and purify the contaminated area intact.
"The Emperor cannot be spared. Aside from personal grudges and vengeance, he has done irreparable damage to the Empire. And the throne will be mine for the time being. In the form of putting a scarecrow down and acting as a regent."
"Didn't you just consider ascending the throne? If legitimacy is a problem...…."
"Since the birth of the empire, the imperial family has never been loved more than Hairan by the people. Legitimacy and justification aren't the problem."
"Then why?"
Then Dante slowly pulled out Rashid.
"This sword is not for reign. Rashid was forged to protect this land. I will not forget my duty, as my grandfather and ancestors didn't. Instead."
Dante turned his head to Jin.
"When the empire gets back on track, please do me a favor. Vamel alliance's Sir Kashmir, King of the Tikan Free Country. Let him rise to the throne. At that time, I will step down as regent and become the lord of Sword Emperor Castle again. This is my conclusion."
"The fact that Sir Kashmir takes charge of the empire you restored means that the empire will soon become my land, Dante."
"All the people of the Empire know that you fought for us until the end. And, you don't know very well that the empire will need your strength in the future anyway."
Dante was sincere. He thought that he could not continue to defend the empire with his own strength.
"Amir Vermont is already a dead man, but there will still be other cards left in the imperial family. He might negotiate with Zipfel again, maybe even Kinzelo or Runcandel. Even if it's not that, after the restoration of the contaminated area, the giant forces will aim for the empire again. In a situation like that, who should I trust?"
Although it was emotionally uncomfortable for Jin to take what Dante would build, Jin had nothing to refute.
"You are the only one. There is also Veradin, but he is always exposed to threats. So don't be afraid, but please take good care of me in the future."
Jin grabbed Dante's outstretched hand.
Dante then took out a bottle of wine and three glasses from his bosom. The bottles were intact, but the glasses were all broken or cracked.
The glasses were Ron's favorite pottery.
From the broken cabin across the plains of sword emperor castle, Dante had come to visit.
"Miraculously, some pottery remains in the ruins of the cabin where my grandfather used to play with me when I was a child. I picked out the most intact ones, pasted them on, and brought them. With the wine that my grandfather enjoyed drinking."
Clang...….
Dante uncorked the bottle and looked at the ground.
The black soil they were sitting on was gradually regaining its original color.
Ron's light was purifying the contaminated territory of the Sword Emperor Castle.
Very slow, and sluggish, but.
As with taking steps, it would surely be completely purified someday.
One in front of Ron's light, one in his own, and one in Jin.
Dante and Jin raised their glasses to Ron's light.
After the fight is over, let's have a drink together with my lovely grandson, Jin was thinking about what Ron had said.
After slowly emptying their glasses, the two stood up. Before leaving, they each drew their swords and engraved these words under Ron's light.
Sword Emperor Ron Hairan.
Becoming the light of Hairan or the light of the world in this place.
'Goodbye, Grandfather.'
Dante had a subtle smile on his face, just like the light while leaving the territory.
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