章節 647: CHAPTER 803
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Drakka, Zipfel Headquarters.
Veradin looked at the seated executives in silence for a while. Except for Ronel, Octavia, and the new Pureblood Zipfel brought by Veradin, all the executives were terrified.
The corridor outside the conference room was filled with corpses.
Since the Tower of Stories incident, it was natural that an uneasy atmosphere had permeated the entire Zipfel. There were only rumors circulating, with no official announcements.
In the midst of this, Veradin called for a clan meeting for the first time. Just before this meeting, composed only of Pureblood Zipfel and elders, Veradin carried out a short and intense purge.
He swiftly annihilated those who had doubts about the Tower of Stories incident. The deceased couldn't even resist the sudden attack.
Even if they had resisted, the outcome would have been the same. In the Holy Land and the Drakka headquarters, Veradin's power was absolute, to say the least.
"There was a slight delay. I made this choice to efficiently lead the clan as the new patriarch. I would appreciate your understanding, even if it made you uncomfortable."
The executives exchanged glances. To think that he killed over thirty executives, and called it a slight delay.
Furthermore, Veradin referred to himself as the patriarch. Due to that statement, Kelliak's life and death no longer mattered.
Whether he lived or died, it didn't change the fact that Veradin had usurped the position of patriarch.
"I'm sure you have many questions. How the patriarch and Kadun came to be, and how our Zipfel will be operated in the future. My sister, Satrin Zipfel, who is also newly appointed as the Magistrate, will gradually help with organizing these matters. We will soon make an official announcement to the outside world."
Satrin Zipfel nodded slightly while looking at the executives.
Not only her, but all the Purebloods Veradin brought along were in positions of the highest authority. From the perspective of the existing executives, this was nothing short of a rebellion followed by tyranny, but no one resisted.
Veradin felt disgust at their appearance.
Of course, if they opposed, he would ruthlessly kill and trample them, but this kind of sight revealed the true state of the weakened Zipfel.
It was due to their long-standing rule as the world's foremost power.
It was a time to reclaim the initial creed of the clan, that Zipfel should be strong not because of the name but because it is Zipfel. By completely overhauling everything from the roots.
"So, for now, let's focus on recent matters. Our enemies have started showing strange movements while we are reorganizing the clan."
"...Understood."
"First, Kinzelo suddenly unilaterally halted our steel trade. Behind this, there is naturally the Vamel alliance, led by Jin Runcandel."
"It's a strange situation, lord patriarch. Kinzelo should be in a position to deter the Vamel alliance, so there's no reason for them to suddenly give steel to them. It's not like we were buying it at a low price."
As one of the executives spoke up, Veradin nodded. There were those who couldn't accept change, but there were also those who quickly adapted.
"Furthermore, our spies recently discovered that the land of the beastmen has collapsed. It makes me think that maybe the Vamel alliance retaliated against Kinzelo for the steel trade, and Kinzelo, unable to withstand the pressure, gave them the steel."
"Interesting story. However, Kinzelo is not the one who would bow its head to that much. If the Vamel alliance had attacked, it is more likely that an all-out war would have begun immediately."
"So, are you saying that Jin Runcandel is behind this, lord patriarch?"
"I believe there was some sort of deal between Jin and Kinzelo. And that deal is likely related to the destruction of the branch that Elder Ritan mentioned just now."
"When you say deal... could it be that Kinzelo requested support from Jin Runcandel?"
"That's how I see it. I think one of the factions, whether it be us, the Vamel alliance, Runcandel, or the Empire, attacked Kinzelo, and Kinzelo requested support from Jin."
"But apart from those factions, there are groups with enough power to attack Kinzelo, aren't there? The remnants of the imperial family have some strength, but they wouldn't dare to undertake such a desperate move."
The remnants of the imperial family had cut off contact with the Zipfel after the battle of the evil god and had gone into hiding.
"It's not the remnants of the imperial family. I think a new faction has emerged."
"A new faction...!?"
"If it's a new faction, then the only possibility is that the neutrals have joined forces... Although, apart from the leaders of the major factions, there aren't many individuals who can gather the neutrals, are there?"
"There may not be individuals, but if it's someone who appeared after the Tower of Stories and whose status is not properly confirmed, it's not impossible. However, if it's Joshua Runcandel, there's no way he would sit still."
For a while, various words were exchanged among the executives. Veradin observed their reactions and then shared the information he had recently learned with them.
"It's not Joshua Runcandel either. If he were using the power of chaos to act, I would be able to recognize it with my authority. So, in my opinion, it seems to be the work of the netherworld."
"The netherworld...?"
"The place we call the Demon world was beneath this world. And at the boundary between the surface and the nether, there are sealed beings known as the Great Serpent and some ancient races."
In the face of this sudden revelation, except for Veradin's closest confidants, the executives couldn't grasp how they should react. It was almost as if they were wondering if Veradin had gone mad.
However, in the next moment, Veradin pulled out a scroll from his embrace and unfolded it towards the executives. The scroll contained the relevant information, depictions of the boundary between the surface and the netherworld, and the representation of Ameris with the Seal of Fire at bottom of scroll.
The meaning of that seal was absolute trust. The executives no longer doubted and listened intently to Veradin's words.
"That's why I concluded that the ones who attacked Kinzelo this time were either demons or other ancient races. However, most of the demons that have been revealed so far have been affiliated with Kinzelo, so it seems that the ancient races carry more weight."
"Meaning, Lord, you're saying that the ancient races from the nether have been released for some reason... and they attacked Kinzelo. And Kinzelo is now requesting support from the Vamel alliance."
"That's correct. Therefore, our task from now on is to investigate them. Who are the ones who attacked Kinzelo, why did they initially target Kinzelo as the surface power, why did Kinzelo request support from Jin instead of us, and what are Orgal and Zephyrin doing?"
As Veradin summarized, the executives nodded their heads.
"I want the executives to immediately give orders to our reporters. Have them write articles as if everything discussed in today's meeting is true. And the captain of spectres should coordinate with the Magistrate and send Spectre corp and mages of magistrate to the Kinzelo branches."
"Understood."
"We are inevitably lagging behind in information compared to the Vamel alliance and Kinzelo. We need to find a way to narrow the gap and effectively respond to the forces of the nether, no matter what it takes. For those who achieve results, I will give them the opportunity to learn the clan's Vision Magic."
Vision Magic, like Runcandel's Decisive Killing moves, was not something that anyone could learn. It could only be learned by those who possessed a power affinity equal to that of Pureblood Zipfel.
"It requires a tremendous amount of resources, but the Research Division has developed technology to increase mana affinity reliably. So, I'm asking everyone to give their all."
***
1st day of October, 1803.
Jin sat in the lodge set up on the outskirts of Kinzelo's 3rd branch, sipping tea.
"Haven't they shown up yet?"
Jin spoke as Bishkel entered the lodge. Since the completion of the trade, Jin had been staying up all night for several days, monitoring Kinzelo's branches.
That was because Jin hadn't helped until now. The Vamel alliance was just waiting as a standby. Jin and Syris were waiting in two anticipated attack points.
"...It seems they haven't appeared here yet."
"That's right. It would have been better if either me or Lady Syris had been in the 7th branch during the previous attack. Unfortunately, it didn't happen."
Two days ago, while Jin and Syris were waiting in the 3rd and 5th branches respectively, the Red Plutonian tribe attacked Kinzelo's 7th branch. The result was a massacre, and there was not even a trace of resistance found in the corpses of the beastmen who were in the 7th branch.
Even after making such a deal, Kinzelo lost another branch, which drove them crazy. And on top of that, Orgal and Zephyrin were still unable to wake up.
'Zephyrin could have been one of Ms. Ameris' heads…'
Jin shrugged his shoulders as he recalled Ameris' words. Ameris said that if Zephyrin really lost consciousness because of her, there would be no other reason. And perhaps Orgal had passed out because of his mental connection with Zephyrin.
"While checking the branches, I looked into some newsletters. There's an article about Veradin Zipfel becoming the new patriarch of the Zipfel."
"...Veradin?"
"That's right. And... take a look at this. The first thing Veradin did after becoming the patriarch was to publicly disclose information about the Underworld and raise suspicions about the relationship between Kinzelo and the Vamel alliance. This just came out in the latest newsletter."
Jin's eyes widened.
"It's shocking enough that Veradin announced himself as the new patriarch, but now he's suddenly casting doubt on our dealings with the Underworld?"
"Because of this, there are various rumors circulating among demons in Kinzelo. I have no idea..."
"Wait."
Jin's expression sharpened as he glanced over the newsletter.
"They've come at just the right time, haven't they, Sir Bishkel?"
Then, Jin stood up and stretched his body lightly.
"...The Red Plutonian tribe?"
Bishkel belatedly regained his senses but didn't feel any significant presence. He was significantly inferior to Jin in terms of skill, and he lacked the illuminating heart. What Jin had sensed was the explosive lightning energy unique to the Red Plutonian tribe that suddenly spread near the 3rd branch.
"That's right. It seems I need to check the situation after dealing with them. I'll go ahead, so follow me."
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章節 648: CHAPTER 804
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Pzzzz…!
Red lightning bolts were raining down on the main building of the 7th branch of Kinzelo. It was the thunderstorm created by the Red Plutonian tribe who had just completed their spatial jump.
Just like when the territory of the beastmen was destroyed, normally the fight would be over the moment the Red Plutonian tribe's lightning struck. What followed after that would be one-sided hunting.
However, unlike before, the Red Plutonian tribe could not immediately claim their spoils from the recent lightning strike.
A much larger blue lightning bolt was shaking the entire area of the 7th branch. The Red Plutonian tribesmen who were about to enter the building stopped in their tracks and turned their heads.
"That power... It's him!"
"Jin Runcandel, he's here!"
The nearby air distorted as the Red Plutonian tribesmen let out a roar. Kinzelo's beastmen, who were close by, fell to the ground, and blood poured out of their ears.
Their Illuminating Hearts were shining red. The culprit who killed their compatriots and the successor of the Blue Plutonian Tribe who needed to be torn apart had appeared.
Furthermore, unlike the day when the Shimat's group first emerged on the surface, there were over thirty Red Plutonians gathered now, all led by the Great battle king, Rakiman Hog.
It was time to exact revenge for their compatriots.
"A lot of you have gathered."
Jin looked around at the Red Plutonians revealed in the front of the 7th branch and spoke. The Red Plutonian tribesmen lined up behind Rakiman. Due to Jin's rapid movement, Bishkel had not yet arrived.
Jin made eye contact with Rakiman.
"It seems you are Rakiman Hog, the Great battle king of the Red Plutonian tribe. You should have just stayed under the ground, so why are you coming out and making a fuss? I clearly warned Shimat that the Red Plutonian tribe would be better off living quietly."
"We have lived without distinguishing between the surface and the nether. We were merely held back by the Great Serpent. Now that the original owner has returned, wouldn't it be right for you to step aside quietly?"
"Yeah, yeah. You're not the type to communicate well, Rakiman. Rather, your friend Shimat had a bit of a sense of reality. Rakiman, can't you recognize that your opponent is far stronger than you?"
Shoo...!
Jin drew Sigmund.
"In my eyes, you are nothing more than a strange hybrid. A combination of humans and Blue Plutonian... It's even more bizarre than I imagined when I see it in person."
Rakiman also formed two huge swords with his lightning energy. He had a much stronger aura than when facing Bardray and Berakt. It was the result of his hunting Kinzelo.
"You've been calling me Blue Plutonian since last time, but I am the 13th Battle King of the Great Plutonian Tribe. The Plutonian, a name that none of you have been able to claim. Today, you will learn the reason why. I will show you what is the gap between us."
Tsu-aak-!
As soon as Jin finished speaking, the blue lightning that had gathered in the sky converged onto Jin, resonating with the ground. The Red Plutonian tribe's ordinary warriors involuntarily swallowed their dry saliva at the sudden explosion of Jin's power.
Just the act of looking at him gave them a suffocating sensation. The air became infinitely heavy in an instant, and they had the illusion like their compatriots standing next to them were moving away.
"First, I need to align our eye contact level. The likes of you, Red Plutonian, should never dare to look down on the Plutonian... If you're tall, it's only right to kneel."
Rakiman dashed forward, swinging his twin swords, but a formed lightning shield blocked his path. Even though the shield shattered upon contact with the swords, it immediately reformed, and the swords continued to cut through empty space without reaching their target.
Meanwhile, the Red Plutonian tribe's ordinary warriors behind him were each kneeling, unable to withstand the pressure emanating from Jin's blue lightning energy. At least the battle kings like Andolin, who were still standing, protected the ordinary warriors and deflected the lightning energy, but it was only temporary.
Soon after, the Plutonian's Reign Sword unleashed.
Plutonian Battle god 10th Sword Technique
Plutonian's Reign Sword - Open.
The ultimate technique of battle god, symbolizing the Plutonian's apex.
Amidst the blue and colossal storm, only the Plutonian and those of equal caliber could stand tall with their backs straight. Only they could enjoy the privilege of fighting without being intimidated even within the Plutonian's Reign Sword.
The Red Plutonian tribe's ordinary warriors did not meet these requirements. Already, the twenty-seven ordinary warriors were kneeling, blood pouring from every hole on their faces.
Now, Jin's Plutonian's Reign Sword was not in an unfinished state as before. It is not comparable to Vahn, but it was only lacking compared to its perfect form and could rise to the position of battle god in an era without her.
Thus, it was natural for ordinary warriors to either die or lose consciousness immediately.
Even the battle kings of the Red Plutonian tribe couldn't withstand his aura.
"Kuh...!"
Andolin and other 2nd and 3rd-class Battle Kings sat on the ground, spitting out blood. The blood shed by the Red Plutonians dispersed in the air or on the ground, evaporating without leaving a trace, thanks to the lightning energy.
[Consider it an honor to face The Plutonian's Reign Sword. From now on, whenever you confront me, you should always act like this. Kneel or prostrate.]
The resonating voices of hundreds of Plutonians echoed on the battlefield. Even amidst the thunderous roar of the lightning energy emanating from all directions, the Red Plutonian tribesmen could clearly hear those low voices. It was horrific and distinct, as if tearing through their ears and resonating within their minds.
Among the Red Plutonian tribesmen, only Rakiman Hog remained standing, gradually closing the distance between him and Jin.
'If he didn't have the special ability like Beast Butcher, he wouldn't have been able to overwhelm Bardray and Berakt like that, but still, he's not lacking as a Great Battle King. Even though it's clear he hasn't fully recovered.'
Kraaaah!
Every time Rakiman roared, a red spot appeared within the area of the Plutonian's Reign Sword. It indicated that he was securing his own space without being suppressed by the blue lightning energy.
He still has not completely recovered. The red lightning in Rakiman's illuminating heart was only at about half of his prime.
However, even considering that fact, Rakiman didn't utter arrogant remarks.
Jin was clearly aware that even if he were in his prime, Rakiman could never defeat him one-on-one.
"The fact that compatriot Shimat has survived is quite remarkable, Jin Runcandel!"
[Back then, I had many questions to ask him out of curiosity. But not today. If you have something to show, bring it out quickly. Use the abilities of a Great Battle King to summon more reinforcements or use transformation of your fortress.]
"That big snake told you about us."
[Or perhaps, like Shimat, you plan to use your compatriots as catalysts and escape using the return technique?]
"Ugh!"
Rakiman knocked aside Sigmund and rolled on the ground. Jin, who had been in his sight all along, suddenly disappeared and attacked him.
Regaining his focus, Rakiman wielded his twin swords again. Jin was still nowhere to be seen, and Rakiman heightened his senses, feeling his blood boiling.
He couldn't predict where Jin's sword would come from. The lightning energy of the Plutonian's Reign Sword continued to conceal Jin like mist.
If he had fully regained his strength, Rakiman could have unleashed his fortress transformation and somewhat neutralized the lightning energy of the Plutonian's reign sword to fight back.
Of course, it would have only extended the duration of the battle. After all, Rakiman alone couldn't defeat Jin, no matter what he did.
Furthermore, Rakiman instinctively recognized that the Plutonian's Reign sword consisted of several stages. It was currently in the initial stage, but if it progressed to the next stage, he wouldn't be able to withstand it like he was now.
'He called it the Plutonian's reign sword. It reminds me of the Blue Plutonian Tribe's battle king back in the day. There must be further stages, but is he conserving his strength due to physical strain?'
As Rakiman had expected, the Plutonian's reign sword still put a significant burden on Jin. There was no reason for him to unleash it against an enemy he could easily overwhelm with just first form.
Furthermore, Jin was conserving his power in preparation for when Rakiman made a move.
'I don't see any signs of him trying to use the return technique like in Shimat. I deliberately used the Plutonian's reign sword to restrain the other ordinary warriors. So, the trump cards that Rakiman can bring out would probably be fortress transformation or summoning.'
If it was the fortress transformation, Jin could gauge his combat power and deal with it. If it was summoning, no matter how many appeared, he could open up the next form of the Plutonian's reign sword and sweep them all away. He could even use Runcandel's Magic Sword, but he intentionally did not use the sword because he wanted to show his dignity as a member of the Plutonian tribe.
However, considering the number of Kinzelo's members the Red Plutonian tribe had hunted until now, they couldn't summon a large number. It didn't seem like any other Great Battle King besides Rakiman had awakened.
Therefore, Jin could never lose this fight. The Red Plutonian tribe were still in the recovery stage, and they could not contend with Jin through sheer force.
As he continued to pressure Rakiman,
Jin noticed that the bracelet on Rakiman's arms was glowing red. He examined the fallen ordinary warriors, but their Illuminating Hearts weren't burning like when Shimat used return technique.
'He must be using dimensional storage. Summoning, perhaps.'
Naturally, Jin expected the Red Plutonian tribe to summon reinforcements.
However, in the next moment, the energy pouring out from Rakiman's bracelet was creating a massive hole in the sky. It was as if a much larger entity than a person could enter and exit through that portal.
Upon seeing what emerged from it, Jin's eyes widened.
'...The fleet!'
At a glance, a Red Plutonian tribe fleet of over fifty ships had taken positions within the enormous dimensional portal created by Rakiman.
"The strength of the Red Plutonian tribe comes from power and knowledge. I've heard that most of the aerial ships on the surface are considered scrap by Red Plutonian tribe standards."
Jin halted his sword, which was about to swing at Rakiman, and aimed it at the fleet. Rakiman, with an expressionless face, gave a command to his bracelet.
"Full fleet precision strike, target: Jin Runcandel."
{Red Plutonian!}
Immediately, the bombardment from the fleet began. Hundreds of red beams, entwined like snakes, descending in curves, were all accurately directed towards Jin without missing a single shot.
And Jin, with a smirk that seemed like he had no intention of avoiding the bombardment, swung his sword.
In an instant, the Third Decisive Killing Move of Runcandel, "Meteor Shower," reinforced with lightning energy, intercepted the fleet's bombardment.
[Rakiman, I thought at most you could summon more of your kin, but I have to admit, this is quite surprising.]
For Rakiman, Jin's ability to effortlessly withstand even the fleet's bombardment was even more shocking.
[T/L: You can read more chapters and support me here: https://ko-fi.com/punisher87 & https://bmc.link/punisher87 ]
[T/L: Join $29 membership on my "buymeacoffee" page and read 55 chapters ahead and daily 1 new chapter update. I have introduced new memberships, and you can read upto 75 or 85 chapters ahead.]
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