651
[T.L: punisher87]
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"The contractor of truth... an unfortunate fate, especially for an orphan."
"Stop the bullshit, Orgal. She is just a child."
"If it's unpleasant, I apologize. Except for the dragons you know, everyone else is like a child to me. But then again, since you personally rescued Az Mil's Contractor, she is probably not too unlucky."
"Why?"
"The Contractor of Truth cannot verify me. I hope you'll be aware of that."
"It's not that you don't like it, but does that mean it's impossible?"
"Yes. You'd better not even try. The contractor and the young guardian dragon cannot withstand the impact that could be too much to bear. I said that for your sake."
It's impossible to know if Orgal's words are true or not. However, if Euria and Latrie were seriously harmed after really testing him, there would be no answer.
"Will you agree to indirect confirmation through Bishkel or Margiella?"
"Of course."
"What about Zipfel? Do you agree?"
"... we agree. It would have been better if you had told us in advance."
When Ronil spoke up, Octavia seemed to calm her anger. Ronil didn't seem like her superior, but he didn't seem to be in a position to be ignored either.
"Consider it the price for kidnapping the dragon of truth in the past."
As they began to enter the conference room, the crowd waiting outside cheered. Not only Tikan, but also reporters from all over the world, except Huphester, gathered. They relentlessly drew and took notes of their appearance in their notebooks.
It was not an unofficial meeting. The people of the world were disillusioned with the fact that the truce agreement between Zipfel and Runcandel had been broken a while ago, but they had hope in this conference, which was hosted directly by Jin.
The conference room was filled with refreshments and simple food prepared by Latrie. Sandra had gone crazy with the cookies when she had visited Tikan with Veradin last time, but she had no reaction now.
On the other hand, surprisingly, Octavia's eyes widened in surprise after taking a bite of the cookie.
During the short meal, formalities were exchanged, and as soon as the meal ended, Euria entered the conference room.
At only thirteen years old, Euria stood confidently before the so-called conquerors of the world, her eyes unflinching. "Hello, I'm Euria Alfreon, who came as the censor of today's meeting. You can have a comfortable conversation, and ask me to inspect it whenever you think it is necessary."
"I am Latrie, the guardian dragon of Euria. If a situation arises in which there may be problems with the censorship process, I will let you know in advance." Latrie added.
At the bold and cute self-introduction of the two, Jin smiled heartily without even realizing it.
"Starting a crucial meeting for the fate of the world with cute orphans makes me smile."
"I've been bothered by the use of the term 'orphans' since earlier."
"It reminds me that there is a world where people cannot even use the word 'orphan.'"
"What does 'orphan' mean?"
Jin had heard the expression 'orphan' used by the witch Helluram in Solderet's recording device. It doesn't seem like a simple metaphor, Jin has been curious about it before. He recalled how Cuicantelle had told Murakan that the expression was oddly familiar.
"It means exactly what it sounds like. It refers to someone who has lost both their parents."
"You must not be ignorant of the fact that Euria is the daughter of Sir Kashmir and Madame Alisa."
At those words, Orgal smiled meaningfully.
"Before your birth parents existed, there were parents who brought you into existence."
"Are you talking about God?"
"It's a presence beyond that,"
"Has Sir Bishkel and Margiella ever received this information from Orgal?"
"I have it!"
"Euria."
At Jin's call, Euria nodded her head.
"Sir Bishkel and Lady Margiella, please make eye contact with me for a moment. If it's the truth, a blue light in the form of a string will appear between the three of us, and if it's a lie, a red string will form."
Euria resonated with Latrie and met the eyes of the two and after about three minutes, a blue string formed between them.
"They are not lying, Jin oppa."
Even if what Orgal said was false, at least it was explained that way to Bishkel and Margiella.
Orgal didn't seem like he would give them false information.
"I have no intention of telling a lie, even if there is no contractor of truth, Jin Runcandel. The reason the world is in its current state is because the parents of life have perished."
"It's a nonsensical story. Anyway, it seems to be related to Kinzelo's purpose that I've heard about."
"It is something that is off topic. First of all, why don't we take a look at each other's cards? I will refrain from using the word orphan in the future."
"I agree. Then first...… let's start by figuring out the damage situation for each faction. I'll go first. Except for my injury and the injuries of Madame Talaris, and the wounds of Snow toad Mort, the Vamel alliance and its allies have suffered no casualties."
"Is the master of the hidden palace recovered?"
"She couldn't fight because of internal injuries and encroachment of chaos. We do not know how long it will take to recover."
"Miss Euria, please confirm."
As Ronil said, Euria made eye contact with Jin this time. Naturally, a blue light appeared.
"Zipfel lost about 70% of its fleet, and Lord Kadun was seriously injured. In addition, about 300 elite mages, including 27 members of the Spectre squad, were killed, and about a thousand other casualties occurred, but most of them were resurrected with Demon's God's orb. However, it will take two months to recover the fleet."
The damage to Zipfel, which the seven-colored peacock identified, was about 50% loss of their fleet, but both the Zipfel and the Kinzelo had engaged in fighting with the Ram for some time even after Jin had escaped the Huphester. In the process, they suffered an additional 20% loss.
"Your patriarch did not participate in this battle. But I'm curious. Did Zipfel's patriarch take any damage in this battle?"
Ronil pondered for a moment before replying:
"... he has been hit. But I can't give you more details."
"Euria."
"Yeah, wait a minute."
Jin asked for confirmation not because he thought there would be lies in the damage situation. It was hard to believe that it would take only two months to restore a fleet of that size.
A blue string formed between Ronil and Euria.
"It's amazing that you can recover the entire fleet in just two months. It's impossible with just manpower."
Jin didn't ask Ronil about the method. Euria was only here to confirm the damage to each faction, not to dig up all their secrets. After all, there was no guarantee that the other party would answer.
"Kinzelo lost about 10% of the fleet and about 1,500 mass-produced Plutonian-type golem. I also took a hit, but I should be able to recover in about three years even without special measures."
"3 years? Are you saying that if we have to fight the final battle against Rosa in it, you will not be able to participate in the full state? There's a high probability that it will be like that. We are in a situation where we can't even guarantee tomorrow, let alone three years."
"Yes. If I had been in perfect condition from the beginning, things wouldn't have turned out like this. You may not know this, but she's no longer human. She's become a god."
"God?"
"It's an evil god, born out of chaos. And everyone seems to be worried about when Rosa will move, let me tell you one thing. It will take at least a year before she moves herself. Until then, there will be no threat of the world's destruction."
"Still, it's shorter than three years, knowing that you can recover without any special measures. You probably have a way to accelerate your recovery if the worst-case scenario arises."
"That's right."
"What is the basis for your belief that it will take at least one year for Rosa to move?"
"As a god, don't you think there is an adaptation phase? She also needs to supply offerings for divine powers. As you know, Rosa and the prophets use all life, including humans, as sacrifices. Do you know that on that day, all humans in the city of Kalon will become sacrifices?"
"... I was expecting it."
"In the future, more lives, including humans, will become sacrifices for Rosa. If we want to reduce that number even a little, we must fight only once."
"I guess we have to strike when we can defeat the garden of swords in one shot." Hedo said.
"Yes, Zipfel's butler. If it doesn't matter how many humans die, it's okay to try multiple attacks."
"Leaving aside ethical issues, it's also possible that there could be complications if we provoke Rosa and the speed of obtaining sacrifices increases unnecessarily."
This time Octavia spoke and Orgal nodded his head.
"That goes without saying. But there is something more important."
Orgal's gaze fell on Jin.
"Jin Runcandel must be able to defeat Rosa in a one-on-one battle."
This meant nothing less than that.
"Is that because I am immune to chaos?"
The fact that Jin was immune to chaos was no longer a secret. Everyone saw it when Jin faced Rosa directly in the Garden of Swords.
Orgal nodded.
"Because you are the only one immune to chaos. In the current world, there is probably only you who can kill Rosa Runcandel. If there is no special means in Zipfel...…."
"Euria."
As previously verified for orphan explanation, this time Bishkel and Margiella were also verified on behalf of Orgal.
Again, everything Orgal said turned out to be true.
"If one is not immune to chaos, then even if there is a person who becomes a genesis knight, can they not kill Rosa?"
"Yes, if your father could return from Black Sea immediately and join the battle, the situation might change. But aren't you currently unable to contact him?"
"Yes."
Jin did not bother to hide the contents about Chiron.
This time, Ronil asked for verification. Zipfel had long wanted to know about the communication between Chiron and Runcandel.
[T/L:- Everyone is scared of Chiron and they say the protagonist is Jin.]
Of course, a blue string was revealed between Jin and Euria.
A moment of silence passed.
"It seems that my shoulders feel a little heavier since I am the only one who can face Rosa. Kinzelo still has a variable called Orgal's recovery, but doesn't Zipfel have no spleen moves at all?"
"... there is."
"I didn't expect to be so pleased to hear that the enemy has hidden strength. Please tell me what it is. I guess this is a question that needs to be answered. After all, we are dealing with the public enemy."
"It is history manipulation. However, it is a means that will never be possible without your companion, the survivor of Hister."
Jin immediately changed his expression and asked, "Sir Ronil, does Zipfel know the whereabouts of the survivor of Hister now?"
652
[T.L: punisher87]
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Valeria Hister, the last time Jin's companions saw her was about two months ago. It wasn't the first time that she hadn't been in touch for such a long time, but even after the news of Jin's return spread around the world, there was no way she wouldn't keep in touch.
Above all, Rosa announced that she had found the legacy of the first patriarch in order to lure Jin into the Garden of Swords, and summoned Padler who was presumed to be the guardian of Temar's fifth tomb.
All clues indicated that something had happened to her.
"I don't know why you are asking us about your companion, 12th flagbearer. Have you lost contact with the Hister's survivor as well?"
"Yes."
Normally, Jin would never have asked Zipfel for information regarding Valeria. But now was not the time to hesitate.
At that, Ronil sighed, and Octavia touched her forehead.
"Judging from your reaction, it seems like you don't know either."
"Yes, we don't."
"Still, I have to check it out. Euria."
When the Power of Truth was used, a blue thread appeared between Ronil, Octavia, and Euria. Just as Jin was about to be disappointed, Ronil revealed new information.
"Instead, we know the area where Hister's survivor is estimated to have disappeared last."
Zipfel had been tracking Temar's tomb for a thousand years, and this time was no different. While Valeria was tracing, Zipfel was also looking for Temar's tomb.
"Where is it?"
Ronil exchanged glances with Octavia. Octavia nodded as if it was okay to tell.
"Huphester, there is a cave in the eastern 5th region of Kaldran. When we got there, there were traces of the record magic."
"Has Hister's survivor left the trace?"
"Yes, the blue window of the record magic was left in the cave."
"Did you see the blue window yourself?"
"... yes. I was tracking down Hister's survivor myself."
If it was Valeria that Jin knew, she wouldn't have made such a careless mistake. Unless she deliberately induced a trap or distraction.
"Please tell me more about the situation at the time."
"I confirmed the location of the Hister's survivor from afar, and followed her. As it was within the eastern five regions, there were a lot of restrictions on my movement and Hister's survivor. There was a three-day pursuit in the Kaldran snowfield, and she entered a cave with only one entrance and one exit."
"And she disappeared, leaving behind the blue window of record magic?"
"Yes, that's all. There were no signs of escape from the cave. I wondered if the Hister's survivor had learned invisibility or teleportation spells at the succession temple, but there were no traces of any other magic being used except for record magic."
"A person can't disappear like that unless there's snow toad Mort."
"That's why we thought Mort rescued Hister's survivor. Since Hidden Palace is no longer neutral, it is no different from an ally of you, sir."
"Did you continue to investigate Kaldran cave after that?"
"I couldn't. Right after that, Runcandel's 3rd flagbearer started guarding it."
-I really have to go now. Whatever, I'll send you a letter to Tikan if there's any further progress. Maybe your sister can find a clue about Temar's fifth tomb soon."
What Valeria said before Jin was leaving for Laprarosa.
Luntia had been tracking Temar's tomb for a long time.
She was also one of three siblings about which Jin did not know 'current state'.
"According to the circumstances, it is highly likely that Runcandel's 3rd flagbearer also knew the location of the Hister's survivor. No, I must say for sure. The 3rd flagbearer and her knights were camped right around that cave."
Jin sighed, suppressing his emotions. Neither Mary nor Tona Brothers, nor the late Jordan and surviving resisters, knew about Luntia.
It was to the extent that Diphus took the place of Luntia, the top flagbearer, to deal with the aftermath of the Glyek subjugation.
'As expected, Elder Sister Luntia... Is she stained by chaos?'
However, even though they had never met, Jin expected Luntia's condition that way. Otherwise, there would be no way she wouldn't have rebelled.
"Sir Ronil, did you not run into Elder Sister Luntia?"
"The situation was urgent, so I couldn't get close to the 3rd flagbearer. However, the Kaldran Snowfield was full of knights stained with chaos."
Euria revealed that everything Ronil said was true. The encroachment of Luntia was no different from a certainty.
"What is the possibility that the Hister survivor was kidnapped by Elder Sister Luntia?"
"If the 3rd flagbearer found something that I didn't find in that cave that day, it's not impossible."
Jin looked back at Orgal. He smiled as if he knew why.
"Why, do you doubt me because I have the ability to move through dimensions? We don't know anything about Hister survivor."
It was as he said when Euria confirmed Ivelianos siblings.
'If Zipfel and Kinzelo didn't know, Valeria wouldn't have been caught.'
Jin was convinced of that.
'If Rosa had secured my teacher, she would have used that to intimidate me by now. She should have used the teacher even after calling me to the Garden of Swords.'
In the Garden of Swords, Rosa said nothing further about Valeria. There were some things that Jin didn't ask, but the decisive reason would have been that there was no way to use her.
Of course, Jin and the great forces gathered here are not the only ones who are tracking Temar's tomb in the world.
The imperial family, who possesses Temar's left arm, were also looking for a tomb.
'But if the imperial family captured Valeria, there's no way Zipfel wouldn't know. As long as they don't betray Zipfel and stick to Runcandel...….'
Jin decided to ask openly.
"Sir Ronil, is the relationship between Zipfel and the imperial family still the same?"
"The Imperial Family has no ability to catch Hister's survivor. Even less so without our clan's knowledge."
"Jin, you seem obsessed with Hister's survivor. I don't think it's because you want to restore my history through her, or use Zipfel's manipulation of history to attack the Garden of Swords."
"Do you think I would have such a disgusting thought? She is my companion."
Jin showed a bit of anger at Orgal's words.
"Anyway, it seems that you will be frantic about finding her for the time being."
"I will take care of that problem. Now, let's return to the topic of the Garden of Swords."
"No, this is still related to the Garden of Swords, Jin. Have you forgotten? You are Rosa Runcandel's only opponent at this point. It means you cannot act recklessly."
"... I agree with Sir Orgal in this matter, 12th flagbearer. If you're looking for Hister's survivor right now, of course, you'll have to go to the eastern five regions first, right? And I think you probably know the state of Huphester better than anyone else."
"The world has come to a point where Zipfel and Kinzelo worry about me. Especially Zipfel , who is worried about Hister's safety...it feels strange. I am trying to save her because she is my companion, but also because I need her abilities to oppose the Garden of Swords. Her skills are needed not just by you all."
"Perhaps to further develop the spatial-time device stolen from us."
"It's embarrassing to hear you say that."
"You don't have to because our clan didn't manage it properly. But at this point, you'd better reconsider going to Huphester for Hister."
Ronil spoke without emotion, but Jin heard his calm voice saying. I promise to take it back someday.
'Even if Zipfel is not manipulating history, there will be other means. Kinzelo will surely be able to speed up Orgal's recovery if he pays a price.'
The Power of Truth that Euria possesses is not yet perfect. Although she can accurately distinguish between truth and lies, it was impossible for her to understand the 'truth of revenge' intentionally left unspoken.
Jin didn't think Zipfel and Kinzelo wouldn't know this, so he was sure there were things they didn't say on purpose.
But they were still concerned about their own safety, as that was the best means. Even if Euria's authority was at a level that could even reveal the hidden truth, this was only a temporary alliance meeting, not a real one.
If he had used her authority that deeply, the meeting would have collapsed in the first place.
'From their perspective, the best outcome is to use me to remove Rosa without showing another card.'
The battle prowess that Rosa showed in the garden of the sword was undoubtedly so transcendent that it could be called an 'evil god.'
But when the day comes for Jin and temporary alliances to face Rosa for the final battle, it will surely be even worse than now.
Even if Jin wins against her, there will be no way to achieve victory without suffering serious damage.
Of course, Zipfel and Kinzelo would also take damage, but it would not be comparable to Jin, who fought Rosa one-on-one.
Then what happens after the war?
Kinzelo and Zipfel are no longer allies. Even if Jin wins the war against Rosa, there is a high probability that he will be with the strongest enemies when he is at his weakest.
Of course, Jin did not intend to leave them like that.
'They don't know that Valeria is not just a key just for a spatial-time device, but also the key to completing the Golden Armada.'
One year.
In that not-so-long time, Jin prepared to face Rosa and used the other two factions as much as possible.
"If you're that worried, just attach someone. As soon as the meeting is over, I'll go to Kaldran Snowfield."
"So soon...?"
"Attach someone.... an interesting demand. I feel like you're going to use us to the bone until the temporary alliance ends."
"Isn't it common sense? It doesn't matter if they don't give anyone, I'll go alone anyway. Orgal said earlier that it would take at least a year for Rosa to move again. I have to do everything I can within that time. That's why Hister is absolutely necessary."
"Kinzelo agrees!"
Margiella said with twinkling eyes, and Ronil nodded as if he couldn't help it.
"Zipfel will agree too."
"There is one person on the Zipfel side that I want."
"... Who are you thinking of?"
Jin made eye contact with him and said,
"Veradin. Put Veradin Zipfel on it."
653
[T.L: punisher87]
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As Ronil showed signs of considering his response, Octavia stepped forward with a confident expression, as if she had nothing to hide.
"It's not possible to send the young patriarch, Jin Runcandel."
"I'm curious as to why," Jin replied, eyeing Octavia. She sighed and lowered her head.
"That child is no longer the Veradin Zipfel you knew. Now... he is almost like a newborn baby."
"A newborn? Could you explain it in simpler terms, spectre captain?"
"It is literally as I said. Veradin has lost everything, including language, knowledge, magic, habits, and memories."
According to Octavia's expression, Veradin is currently in a blank state.
Jin also felt a momentary sensation of his mind going blank upon hearing this news.
Ronil looked slightly uncomfortable.
Jin wanted to subdue Octavia immediately and hold a sword to her throat if she didn't explain everything about Veradin properly.
Jin finally regained his composure and his gaze fell on Euria. Soon, the power of truth was manifested, and a blue string was visible.
-Until yesterday, I was stuck in a life support device. Well, thanks to that, my clan won't be able to manipulate my mind for a while.
- Then it seems that you have lost all of your mana.
- Not only mana, but I also have some memory issues. I can't even remember my siblings' names, and I forgot a lot of magic. It's a side effect of the rampage. I'm sure my mana will return, but I can't be certain about my memories. As for magic, I can just learn it again.
A conversation Jin had with Veradin before leaving for Laprarosa.
At that time, despite starting to lose his memories, Veradin didn't forget a single thing about Jin and Dante. After returning to the human world, Jin felt uneasy upon hearing that Veradin had not engaged in any external activities during his absence.
Eventually, his anxiety became a reality and weighed heavily on Jin's mind.
Unconsciously, he found himself staring at Sandra. She seemed different than usual, as if she had also been affected like Veradin's experimentation.
"Are you really saying he can't remember anything?"
"... I know very well that Veradin is close to you and the lord of the Sword Emperor Castle. So I asked him a lot about you guys because I was hoping it would be of some help to him. But he couldn't remember at all."
Jin couldn't speak for a while and struggled to contain his anger.
This was a negotiation room.
It wasn't a gathering to resolve personal anger or resentment.
Moreover, Jin was the host of the meeting and the representative of the Vamel Alliance and its allies.
Octavia didn't underestimate Jin for acting this way.
She simply thought that despite having nearly the strongest power in the world, he still had a youthful side.
It was imperative to end that aspect before it disappeared.
"Veradin is our young patriarch, and he was by far the most talented person in the next generation of our clan. His breakdown is even more heartbreaking and painful for us than for you."
Jin didn't know what to do about Veradin right away.
The thought of Valeria's record magic being helpful briefly crossed his mind, but it was just a hope.
"You're spouting nonsense. It was you guys who made Veradin like that. It's probably a side effect of the living golem experiment. You experimented on a person to make them look like that."
"I won't deny it. But that doesn't mean it's not painful."
"So, what are you going to do with Veradin from now on?"
"We'll find a way to make him normal again, no matter what it takes."
The blue thread appeared again.
Jin stared at the thread for a while, then closed his eyes once.
"Even with your fancy demon's god's stone, it's not easy, is it?"
"That child is not responsible in the first place. Anyway, for that reason, I couldn't send Veradin. Instead, Sir Hedo here will do the hard work for you."
"Since he is the strongest tower keeper on the Zipfel side, we'll send Zephyrin. Yes, even if Rosa Runcandel suddenly appears in the Eastern five Regions, you won't die in vain. It seems that this part has been roughly sorted out."
The remaining tasks were to set the time for the temporary alliance to launch a joint attack in the Garden of Swords, and to plan for contingencies.
Opinions started to fly around, but it was Orgal who took the lead in leading the meeting.
Orgal had a deeper and vast knowledge than anyone else about chaos, the attributes of that power that was only recently known to the general public, and about the evil god and the prophet.
"... So, it means that Kinzelo has been checking the formation of the ship called Ram since that day."
At Jin's question, Orgal nodded his head.
"Yes. If my prediction is correct, the current level of completion is less than 50%. Maybe not even 30%."
"Then we must strike before it's completed."
"I hope so, but it seems difficult at this rate."
"Ram...… did she take the last letter of her name? Prophet…no, Helluram seems to be very narcissistic."
When Jin said that, Orgal let out a low laugh.
"It seems you've been thinking of the prophet as Helluram all this time."
"I suspected as much."
"If that's the case, wouldn't your Ruby cat have reacted to something in the Garden of Swords? The Prophet is not Helluram, but her daughter. She is just one of many daughters..."
"Many daughters? Does that mean there may be more beings like the prophet in the world?"
"At least not in the human world. If there's a space that Helluram hasn't arranged, there might be some left, but it's not really significant. After all, they can never come out in the human world until Helluram wakes up. Anyway, the only thing her daughters hope for is the resurrection of my former lover, Helluram."
"Is that why she uses humans as sacrifices?"
"Not exactly humans themselves. Of course, things like flesh and bones are necessary, but their efficiency isn't that great. What's really needed is despair. Only pure, massive despair can awaken Helluram."
"You seem to know a lot about Helluram. It seems like you want to awaken her."
"That's not something people who have never been in love would say. Awakening Helluram would be of no benefit to me whatsoever. I don't even want to hope for it."
Euria's authority continued to form a blue string, but Jin was uncomfortable with the fact that he had to rely on Orgal's knowledge and experience in this way.
'Once I find Valeria, I have to somehow learn more about Helluram and the Prophet. Dr. Qwaul said that before the teacher left Tikan for the last time, she talked about the marble that I got from Joshua's villa.'
Schugiel Hister's magic tomb. Before leaving for Laprarosa, Jin had entrusted half of Schugiel Hister's magic tomb to Gilly.
Valeria found out about a year ago that Gilly had the magic tomb, and she obtained a clue to the record magic through it.
Thanks to this, she was able to push forward with the restoration of Joshua's marble and Solderet's recording device. She's currently missing, though.
"Anyway, there is no way to prevent the restoration of Ram at the moment, so we have to assume that the final battle will proceed with Ram completed. What are we going to do is, we will deal with Ram and send the 12th flagbearer down to where Rosa is?"
Orgal nodded at Ronil's words.
"Very accurate. Until then, let's hope that Kelliark Zipfel recovers and the Demon's God's orb reaches its completion stage."
"12th flagbearer, I want to ask you something."
"What is it, Ronil Zipfel?"
"Do you have any means to purify chaos?"
Jin had intentionally placed knights from his clan on the route to the conference hall.
This was to show that they had a perfect means of purification, unlike other forces that use chaos as a means of control.
"Yes."
Ronil and Octavia's pupils widened as the blue string appeared.
"Then... please use the purification method on my father."
"You said earlier that you couldn't accurately inform me of Kelliark Zipfel's condition?"
"Because I needed to be careful."
"My purification method is not perfect. If there has been physical transformation due to chaos or if the enchantment has already been completed, purification may not be possible"
Ronil showed hesitation for the first time as another blue string emerged.
"Looking at the reaction, it seems that he is already in that state."
"I believe that this is not just a matter of the survival of our clan, but also the fate of the world. Whether my father can fight in his full state or not."
"During the final battle, I also need Kelliark's power. Of course, it is unpleasant, but if the purification method is improved before the battle and if his power is necessary at that time, I will allow you to use the purification method on him."
"....I understand."
The meeting continued for over two days, and the temporary alliance of the three forces made the world buzz from that day on.
* * *
March 7th, 1803.
As discussed in the meeting, Jin's group had entered the Kaldran Snow Field. He didn't use the red owl this time. He was with Zephyrin, Hedo, and Sandra Zipfel.
Fortunately. Unlike during the meeting, Sandra was showing the same side that Jin knew.
"Hahaha, Jin! My acting was really convincing, right? I wanted to express my immense love for you during the meeting. But no, no, Sandra! Wake up! Otherwise, we won't have a chance to meet separately like this! That's why I persisted with this charade!"
"... I wasn't originally planning to ask Zipfel and Kinzelo to send someone."
"Only those who are prepared can seize the opportunity at any time. Since I acted crazy that day when nothing was confirmed, I was able to be with you like this as soon as the opportunity came."
After saying that, Sandra smiled broadly and crossed her prosthetic arm with Jin's arm.
Jin didn't separate it right away. It was because he felt relieved.
654
[T.L: punisher87]
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Eastern five region, Kaldran Snowfield.
During this time, it was common for experienced adventurers or trained martial artists to get lost and freeze to death in the Kaldran snowfield.
Of course, it's not apply to Jin's party who came to the snowfield, but finding the way with only the map that Ronil gave them was a daunting task.
If it weren't for Shuri, it would have been even harder. Shuri was doing a great job as the party's guide once again.
"Kyahaha! Come on, Shuri. Give this sister a kiss. How is Shuri so smart? Is it because she takes after her owner?"
[Myaa.]
When Shuri gently pushed Sandra away, Zephyrin snickered.
"Sister? You're saying something funny, Miss living golem. The Ruby cat of Jin Runcandel is a creature that is at least a thousand years old."
"Oh my, why are you picking a fight over something like this?"
"What do you mean, picking a fight? I just found you funny."
"Hedo, tear off her mouth crosswise."
"Since earlier, you've been saying ridiculous things because you trust the physical beauty butler. You should know that there are more monsters in this world than you think."
"Hmph, if you're so sure, why don't you hit me first? I guarantee that as soon as you lay a hand on me, Hedo will definitely draw his sword. Then we'll fight until there's a winner, and I have a feeling who will win."
"Ugh, really. How did I end up being treated like this? If it wasn't for my master's orders...."
"In the Sota Desert, you didn't attack because of the things Jin stole, and this time it was because of the master's order. Being a Grand Duchess of the Demon world is a decent position. There's a lot of excuses even if you always lose."
"Ha, okay. Then you hit me first, living golem. I will definitely kill you."
Unlike Zephyrin, Sandra tried to swing her fist at once, but Hedo pulled her back before she could reach Zephyrin.
Hedo sighed deeply as he watched the wriggling Sandra in his grasp. Since the journey began, Sandra and Zephyrin had been constantly engaging in a verbal war.
Looking back, the atmosphere was not very good when they first met in Sota Desert.
"Don't you think there's already enough tension as we are in enemy territory?" Jin said.
"But Jin, she keeps getting on my nerves. Did you see just now? She started the fight first."
"Is it a secret from Sir Jin that you deliberately stepped on my heels the whole time when walking?"
"If both of you do it one more time, I'll leave you somewhere and go alone. Everyone will not be able to retreat from the Kaldran snowfield without me, right?"
Sandra and Zephyrin shut their mouths at the same time.
'Great composure!'
'Damn it, if I told my master that I was kicked out because of fighting with a living golem, I'd be treated worse than this....'
Sandra took Jin's words at face value, and Zephyrin knew it wasn't an empty promise.
As the two became quiet in an instant, Hedo felt resentful of Jin for finally intervening.
The party quietly moved forward. It was a very slow pace. Since Ronil's last visit to the snowfield, knights stained with chaos had been encamped here.
The moment they are discovered, the Garden of Swords will send the main force. In the worst case scenario, Rosa may come in person.
It would take a considerable amount of time for her to directly come from the Garden of Swords to the Kaldran Snowfield, but if she used something like the cave of the Prophet they had used in Sota Desert or the Chaos Dragon, it was hard to predict.
'If Lord Owal were here, we could have moved much faster than this, it's frustrating.'
Owal was currently unable to assist Jin as he was tracking down Yona's whereabouts.
For the past three years since the subjugation of Glyek, Yona's rampage cycle has been getting shorter and shorter.
Jin's heart ached when he thought about Yona.
'I have to use the purifier on my sister too... we must find her before the encroachment is complete.'
According to the news Owal had sent to Tikan a few days ago, Yona had not yet reached full encroachment. The Vamel Alliance couldn't find Yona better than Nameless.
Jin felt a little bittersweet realizing that even with such great power, he was still lacking in protecting his family and his clan.
So he felt like he could understand his father, Chiron, a little better.
They spent three days wiping out their tracks. Luckily, the group was able to pass through the snow-covered rocky mountains without being detected by the scouting knights.
But they could not obtain any additional information about Valeria during their journey. All they saw was the pale and dark sky, with snow and rocks, without any difference between day and night.
"... looks like we are almost there."
In the distance, a dead-end cliff separating the heart of the snowy mountains was visible.
Shuri pointed with her front paw to one side of the cliff, which was the location of the cave, though the party could not see it yet.
Jin sent Shuri back to the ruby.
It was because Jin felt the energy of chaos. It had been like that for the past three days, but it was especially dense near the cave.
"Hmm, I expected this. Although it's difficult to monitor the entire snowfield, they are definitely guarding the area around the cave where Hister disappeared."
"If you intend to enter the cave, it seems that we can't avoid a battle from here on. 12th flagbearer."
Zephyrin and Hedo said.
"Since it's an expected problem, we will go in."
"Do you understand that there are a lot of variables from here on out? Honestly, I don't really know. I wonder if the risk of saving the Hister survivor is worth it."
"That's not something you need to decide, Zephyrin."
"There is no such thing as a tyrant. Of course, there's no need to worry about the danger if Hister is in that cave, but do you really think there's a chance of that happening?"
"Hey! Our companion is missing over there. Whether there's a possibility or not, isn't it reasonable to check it out? Do demons have no sense of camaraderie?"
"I hear barking from somewhere. Sir Jin, my point is to look somewhere else other than the snowfield. Sir Ronil has missed, and as far as I can see Runcandel too. If they had caught her, they would have tried to negotiate or threaten by now."
As Zephyrin said, there was no chance that Valeria was still in that cave.
However, Temar's tomb was always composed of 'subspace'. In Baolai of the Great Plains of Anz, on the coast of Schutzeron Kingdom, in subspace of felinoids, and in Wantaramo Forest.
Ronil said that Valeria disappeared without a trace in that cave.
'If there is a subspace that leads to Temar's tomb in that cave...'
It would mean that Valeria had reached the fifth tomb of Temar and had taken refuge there.
Or it could be that she was forcibly moved due to some condition being met.
"There may be a subspace, Zephyrin. That's how all the Temar's tombs I've encountered have been."
"You mean Hister's survivor could have gone in there? Now I understand why you haven't given up hope."
"I can't believe we can go on a subspace date after a snowfield date! Romance, more romance!"
"And there's something that I didn't understand from the beginning. Why did you bring this living golem? It's not that she is powerful, she always says stupid things like this."
Zephyrin was asking Hedo, not Jin. Hedo didn't answer and wiped the frost off his glasses.
"... 12th flagbearer, then it has been decided that we are entering. How do we proceed?"
"I think Zephyrin should take care of all the knights first."
Although there is strong energy of chaos, Jin thought that Zephyrin could overwhelm all the knights near the cave. Even though she had always been defeated or beaten by Jin in some way, she was undoubtedly one of the strongest in the world.
"Then the next step is obvious. Keep their attention until the reinforcements arrive, right?"
"It's too simplistic."
"Well, there's no other way. We can't assassinate all those people without leaving any traces."
"So, what is my job?"
"Please cover me while I search for traces of subspace inside the cave."
"Well, that's fine with me. I needed someone to vent my frustrations on some kind of living golem anyway."
"Zephyrin."
"Yes?"
"I have a request."
Jin met Zephyrin's eyes and said.
Zephyrin almost showed a look of bewilderment in her eyes. It was the first time she had ever seen this devil speak to her in such a respectful manner.
"...A request?"
"If possible, I want you to kill the knights without causing them too much pain."
-Does that mean that most of the remaining knights in the Garden of Swords did not revolt because they were engulfed in chaos rather than by their own will?
-There might still be some who do it willingly, but as you said, most of them would be like that. What crazy knight would want to fight under that monster? No matter how strong it is. The knights who make up Runcandel are especially proud.
Jin was recalling the conversation he had with Jorden while receiving the clan's sword techniques.
Most of the knights in the Kaldran Snowfield were forced to become monsters of chaos. It was impossible to purify them all. Judging by the size of the chaos, they were almost completely engulfed in chaos.
Just as Zephyrin was about to respond, Jin lowered her head.
Zephyrn shrugged her shoulders as if she had no choice.
"... I'll do that. I'm not doing this for you, but I guess it's more dignified that way."
"Thank you. I'll make sure to repay the debt."
"Shall we start right away?"
"Yes."
"I'll give you a signal if something unexpected happens. When I roar three times in a row, get out of the cave immediately and prepare to escape."
"Go and die. No! You can't die. You must live until we all get out of here, demon dragon! Keep your promise with Jin. Got it?"
Zephyrin snorted at Sandra as she changed into her true form.
[Make sure you have a good time on your own gloomy date, living golem. From my long experience, it seems the Hister survivor, that Sir Jin is trying to save, is more than just a companion...… oops.]
"What, what did you say!"
The knights in the snowfield who sensed Zephyrin began to emit chaos energy in earnest.
Sandra was swearing at Zephyrin's back as she flew up.
655
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"My lady, calm down."
"Hedo, did you hear what that crazy demon dragon just said!?"
"I heard it."
"But how do I calm down? Jin is mine, I'll tear that demon to pieces... Wait, Jin is married!?"
"Jin Runcandel wouldn't like the way you're acting right now. And he's not married."
"Really? That thing was just spouting nonsense? The day will come when that demon dragon really dies at my hands."
Sandra wanted to continue her tantrum, but she closed her mouth after seeing Jin's sad expression. He looked very gloomy.
The grayish sky of the snowfield was turning black with Zephyrin's demonic energy in an instant. She was literally 'wiping out' knights who had begun to flock to her. She didn't reveal her arrogance or poise that she usually hid behind laughter and etiquette. She was keeping her promise with Jin.
"We'd better go now too, Tower Keeper. I don't think there will be much time."
Of course, not all of the knights started to fight Zephyrin. About 20% of them still remained near the cave, guarding the surroundings.
"Hedo."
"Yes, lady."
"Can't you take on those knights alone?"
"Why do you ask?"
"Yes or no?"
"It's possible."
"Then, Heedo, open the way alone for Jin's sake."
Hedo was briefly shocked that Sandra could have such deep thoughts.
"Of course I could do that, but I think the 12th flagbearer will object it."
"Why?"
"He is not the type of person who hands over his burdens. Anyway, you made a very commendable suggestion."
Jin was already moving forward. Bradamante was enveloped in a jet-black shadow force.
There were about a hundred knights left near the cave.
The moment they realized Jin was approaching, thirteen of them fell after being struck by the First Technique of the Shadow Sword, soul slash, one after another.
'As expected... everyone is completely engulfed in chaos.'
The knights, tainted by chaos, had become grotesque monsters that could no longer be called "Runcandel's knights."
Their twisted arms swung their swords grotesquely, and their legs, transformed into thorns, spilled chaos with each step they took.
Their pupils were dark as coals, and only bleak breaths and screams flowed from their mouths.
Jin swung his sword to put them all to rest in an instant. It was the only thing he could do for those who had given their lives to the clan as knights.
'Rosa...… I will definitely make you pay for what you've done.'
Hedo didn't even need to draw his sword.
To be precise, he had judged that it would be better for him not to help after watching Jin's swordsmanship.
'There's not a single unnecessary movement...it's like the Sword of Sir Chiron.'
In terms of precision, it was not inferior to Chiron's swordsmanship.
Hedo was looking at Jin's sword like he was admiring a great work of art, forgetting for a moment his position and his own beliefs.
"What's with that dumb expression? Don't tell me Hedo has fallen for Jin too?"
"I was just a little shocked, my lady. Those who haven't seen Sir Chiron's sword in person will think that the 12th flagbearer has become genesis knight."
"It was only a few years ago that he almost got killed by Hedo in the Sota Desert. Back then, Hedo overwhelmed Jin and his companions, but what about now?"
"What are you talking about?"
"Can you win?"
"I don't think so. I expected it because he was fighting alone in the Garden of Swords, but it's a different feeling seeing it up close."
Sandra laughed as if it was something she was proud of.
"See! If it's Jin, there's definitely a chance. I didn't think so at first either, so it's not Hedo's fault. So why don't you do as I said last time...… Oh, you scared me!"
Hedo slashed a beam of demonic energy that had fallen near Sandra. Zephyrin was quietly spreading shock waves towards Sandra while facing the knights who were tainted with chaos.
"Ha, that's pretty low. Despite being over a few thousand years old, she acts like a kid."
As they talked and moved, Jin had already dealt with more than half of the remaining knights near the cave.
In front of the cave were those who were believed to be past Black Knights or top executives of the Black Sword Association, or top enforcement knights.
As Jin slashed the knights and approached them, their energy of chaos grew bigger.
'I wonder if they were hiding their power.'
A total of fifteen. Their mutant state took on a different form from the previous chaos knights. It was a stable shape, like a well-crafted doll, rather than a distorted and bizarre form.
'It seems that they still haven't lost their minds.'
The eyes were also similar to those of ordinary humans, not black holes, but horns and blades of chaos were strengthening all over the body like Rosa.
"I'm Jin Runcandel, 12th flagbearer. State your name."
[You're disqualified from being a flagbearer, traitor Jin.]
The man in the middle of the group stepped forward.
Although he has a somewhat deformed face, Jin never saw him before. Due to this fact, Jin assumed that his opponent was a black knight.
"Looks like you wore a black helmet in the past. Now that Rosa has accepted chaos, it seems to have been significantly reorganized, but until then, it was a truly glorious helmet. Why are you standing there looking like that?"
[Whether you wore the Black Helmet or not, the duty of the clan's swords is only to fight for the clan. The knights you are killing have only changed for the Runcandel.]
"I heard from uncle Jorden that there are not many people who have become monsters voluntarily."
[If such a clan were allowed to exist, would Runcandel have existed until now? Runcandel was originally composed of domination, command, and power.]
"That means you are a group who sincerely sympathized with Rosa's rebellion, unlike the others."
[You only want to fulfill your personal desire to become the patriarch, traitor. That's why you have already formed an alliance with the rest of the forces. Thanks to Madame Rosa, Runcandel has finally become the best in the world. But do you know what? If you hadn't been betrayed, Madame Rosa would have made you the patriarch.]
Hooook...
The shadow force that stained Bradamante disappeared.
[What do you think would have happened to Runcandel and even to the Huphester alliance without Madame Rosa? You must have been trampled on by Zipfel and Kinzelo, who begged for an alliance...….]
"I won't show you any mercy. And don't try to fool around with me."
Instead of shadow force, a blazing aura wrapped around Bradamante.
At the same time, a beam of light flashed and the right arm of the Black Knight who was talking with Jin fell off.
Although one acceleration was less than the light speed thrust with lightning energy added, that was enough. As befitting its original name, the "secret technique" sword.
"Don't you think I knew you were stalling for time, making excuses until reinforcements arrived?"
The Black Knight's fallen arm was quickly regenerating. Then, he prepared to retaliate, but Jin had pushed aside other knights and made his way to the back.
"You think you avoided it? I opened the way to cut off your arms in the first place."
The regenerating right arm was cut off again, and the left arm that was retaliating also fell to the ground. Then Jin grabbed his horn and slammed his head into the ground.
[Argh!]
I told you, I won't show mercy to you guys..."
As the black knight was being trampled on and writhing in pain, the remaining knights drew their swords towards Jin.
Jin calmly received all of their attacks while standing still.
Shockwaves spread out, and the charging knights bounced back as if hitting a wall. They all vomited black chaos like blood and shivered in pain.
"Be grateful that I'm busy. I would love to give each of you a thorough beating, but I don't have that luxury."
Jin said so, but the knights who attacked him were feeling pain that went beyond their bones, unlike the other knights who were being killed by Zephyrin.
By that time, Hedo had also joined in and started taking care of the rest of the knights. Hedo didn't purposely intensify their pain, but as he naturally wielded a more destructive type of sword than Jin, it ended up that way.
5 minutes.
It took barely that much time for them to handle the fifteen knights, including the black knight, who were once the top-level knights in the past.
There is a reason why the two are said to be the strongest in the world, but Jin was already well aware of the decline in the 'class' of knights stained with chaos. Except for special cases like Stam.
Rather, if the knights hadn't accepted the chaos, it would have taken more time. Rosa and the Prophet chose to increase their overall strength, even if it meant decreasing individual strength.
'Or maybe they can only do that as long as they accept chaos.'
Jin plunged his sword into the back of the black knight, who was under his feet.
[There is no one you're looking for inside... You won't find them.]
"Is that your last pathetic words? We already know that Hyster is not in the Garden of Swords."
At those words, the black knight smiled.
[Yes, as you said. Because the red-haired woman is already dead...… haha.]
"What?"
When Jin reacted, the Black Knight smirked as if amused.
After a few seconds, Jin stopped moving and stared at him.
He was fumbling with something in his arms. Jin almost let out a roar when he saw what it was.
What the Black Knight had pulled out was a handful of red hair.
But instead of reacting, Jin decided to regain his composure and lit a blue flame in his palm.
"I told you not to play tricks. If it was a head instead of hair, I might have believed you a little more."
As the flame fell like a water droplet onto the Black Knight's back, a blue flame erupted all over his body in an instant. A piercing scream followed.
[Ahhhh...! If you continue to search for Hister's body, you will... die on this land too...]
The Black Knight could not finish his words and turned completely into ashes.
Jin turned his gaze inside the cave, hoping that Valeria was still alive.