66. The Celebration Opens, Nine Decrees, Xiling Leaves
"Hey, is that guy really human?"
"Oh my god, how did he do that?"
"So cool!"
The smell of gunpowder still lingered on the training ground, and exclamations and discussions surged like a tide.
Everyone's eyes, recruits and veterans alike, were fixed on the white-haired young man flexing his muscles in the center of the field—Kevin.
Kevin had just completed the test: strength, speed, reflexes... he had broken records in every single one.
The gazes people cast upon him were a mixture of disbelief and shock.
Kevin ignored the looks and discussions; he had things to do today. He glanced at the examiner's seat not far away. There, the instructor supervising the test stood with his mouth wide open, as if his computer had crashed.
"Did I pass?"
Kevin's voice was low, but it pierced the din of the training ground.
"Huh?!"
The instructor snapped back to reality, swallowing hard. He shifted his gaze from the screen to focus back on Kevin. His voice was dry and awe-inspiring, a tone he himself hadn't noticed:
"Full...full marks!"
At this undeniable answer, Kevin simply nodded politely. He turned around and, without even stopping, strode towards the training ground exit.
...
The bell rang for the final class of the morning.
Soon, Houraiji Kyuushou stood before her homeroom teacher.
"Teacher, I'd like to take this afternoon off."
The homeroom teacher looked at this usually well-behaved, albeit slightly immature, student:
"Oh? Kyuushou, what's up? Do you need any help?"
"It's...it's an emergency at home! I have to go back and take care of it!"
Houraiji Kyuushou clasped her hands together.
"Please, teacher! Just one afternoon!"
The homeroom teacher examined her for a few seconds, then finally signed and stamped the leave request, handing it to her:
"Okay, be safe. Remember to catch up on any missed homework."
"Thank you, teacher! I definitely will!"
Houraiji Kyuushou took the leave request, a smile instantly spreading across her face. She turned and rushed out of the office, trotting as if she were heading to a long-awaited event.
...
The sun shone through the leaves, casting specks of light on the ground. Young men and women, dressed in gorgeous attire, gathered in groups of three or five, laughing and chatting, discussing the latest court gossip or popular poetry and music. Yet, in this harmonious center, Luo Tianyi seemed somewhat out of place.
She sat quietly on a carved stone bench, occasionally joining in a conversation with her companions. Her gaze kept drifting involuntarily to a single point in the air, as if silently counting the passing seconds, or perhaps waiting for a signal only she could perceive.
Finally, after gazing at that invisible patch of air once more, a flicker of certainty flashed in her eyes.
Luo Tianyi stood up, instantly capturing the attention of everyone around her.
"Everyone," Luo Tianyi said with a slight bow, a perfectly apologetic smile.
"I'm so sorry, I have something to attend to. I have to excuse myself."
Everyone looked at each other, somewhat surprised. A familiar young woman asked with concern, "Tianyi, what's the emergency? Do you need our help?"
"Thank you for your concern," Luo Tianyi said, her smile still etched.
"It's just a minor inconvenience. I can handle it myself. I don't want to trouble you all."
Luo Tianyi nodded again, not giving the others a chance to stop her, and hurried away along the garden path.
...
Lemuen, exiting the hospital, looked at the bustling streets and smiled.
"I wonder what others will think if they come back and see me like this..."
With this thought in mind, Lemuen headed home.
...
"This is a bit outrageous. Have you seen this scene?"
From a high platform in the Leyndell Royal Capital, the Tarnished gazed down at the endless stream of people below, his tone filled with disbelief.
Standing beside him, Melina, also gazing down, shook her head slightly.
When had she ever seen a scene like this? In her view, the word "huge crowd" seemed pale and powerless. Below, a vast crowd of countless races converged.
Crossing Lands Between and even distant lands, races, each bearing a distinct aura but united in purpose, set foot on this place—Leyndell Royal Capital.
The knights of the royal capital appeared incredibly busy yet methodical.
They meticulously received each incoming team, guiding them to pre-arranged areas.
Despite the immense scale of the scene, it miraculously maintained a state of order.
On the faces of the surging crowd, the Tarnished and Melina could clearly see a common emotion: eager anticipation. They had climbed mountains and crossed treacherous waters, all to witness this day—a moment destined to go down in history.
The Tarnished took one last, deep look at the bustling, spectacular scene below. He turned, not looking back, and casually waved to Melina, "I've got something to do for now. I'll go get on with it."
...
"Is this going to be so much trouble?"
Inside the room, Xiling sat on a chair, a large, full-length mirror before him, his expression slightly resigned.
A skilled male attendant stood behind him, meticulously styling his hair for the grand occasion.
Radagon, standing nearby, overhearing Xiling's words, said, "As the Elden King, and the central speaker at this unprecedented celebration, please ensure you look your best."
"Okay, okay."
Xiling smiled, his frustration subsiding.
Finally, his hair was done.
Xiling stood up. Just then, a white gown was handed to him. Holding the gown, Placidusax looked Xiling in the eye.
"This is my gift to the new king. It incorporates everyone's suggestions..."
Her cold voice was tinged with an almost imperceptible gentleness.
"This is the final creation. I hope... You like it."
Xiling extended his hands and took the pure white gown. His fingertips felt the toughness and warmth beneath the fabric.
"Thank you very much. I like it very much."
His fingers brushed across the gown's delicate surface, and Xiling keenly sensed the lingering aura unique to Placidusax.
"Is it dragon scales? And... dragon blood?" Xiling thought to himself.
Xiling politely declined the attendant's offer of assistance and walked alone into the spacious dressing room.
The moment the pure white gown slipped on, Xiling instantly understood its extraordinary nature. Beneath the cloud-thin fabric lay incredible defensive power. Even more astonishing, as Xiling tentatively injected a trace of magic power, a subtle yet pure ancient dragon-red lightning appeared obediently at his fingertips, pulsing and flickering.
"This thought... is truly precious," Xiling murmured to himself.
"I've truly troubled her."
This was no simple matter.
Grateful to Placidusax, Xiling straightened his clothes, a confident smile spread across his face, and he pushed the door open and left.
Facing the gazes of Radagon, Placidusax, and the others in the room, Xiling stretched out his arms freely, his white hair and white clothes shimmering softly in the light.
"How do you feel? Does it look good?"
Placidusax gazed at him, a glimmer of satisfaction flashing in her golden eyes. Her cold features softened slightly, a rare moment, and the corners of her mouth curved into a subtle yet genuine smile. It perfectly matched the image she had imagined.
Most importantly, the dress Xiling wore carried its own aura.
The corners of Placidusax's mouth curled slightly at the thought.
Radagon looked at the outfit, then glanced at Placidusax beside him. He was silent for a moment, then said nothing, only nodding in praise.
"It fits perfectly."
"That's right, after all, I'm just that handsome."
Xiling boasted a little.
Just then, the door opened. Kevin stared at Xiling with a stifled smile, a phone in his hand, recording something.
Just then, the Tarnished walked in, gently ruffling his hair.
"That's right, after all, I'm just that handsome."
Luo Tianyi and Houraiji Kyuushou immediately popped their heads out from either side of the doorframe. Luo Tianyi covered her mouth, shaking her shoulders wildly. Houraiji Kyuushou doubled over with laughter. A step behind, Lemuen had a gentle yet mischievous smile on her face.
Kevin said with a sly grin, "One more time. The door wasn't open just now, so I missed the video."
Xiling's radiant expression immediately fell.
"What are you doing?"
"Isn't this just recording our wonderful moments? One more time!"
Xiling gave Kevin two middle fingers.
Kevin didn't care, smiling and putting his phone away.
Kevin and the others finally focused their attention on Xiling.
The pure white gown had flowing lines, more like a priest's robe carefully prepared for some ancient sacred ritual than a gown.
The Starry Cape draped casually over his shoulders, shimmering as he moved. Xiling's complexion was already fair, and after awakening his hero essence, his white hair shone even more like flowing moonlight.
At this moment, under the glow of the lights, he seemed to radiate a soft, ethereal glow from within. The gown was a perfect blend of him, his aura transcending the ordinary. Houraiji Kyuushou and Luo Tianyi's eyes lit up.
Then, Kevin, the Tarnished, Lemuen, Houraiji Kyuushou, and Luo Tianyi all gave Xiling a thumbs-up almost simultaneously!
Kevin: "Clothes make the man."
The Tarnished: "Looks like a human being."
Lemuen: "He's starting to take human form."
Houraiji Kyuushou: "He's charming."
Luo Tianyi: "He's...at least he's human."
Xiling: "......"
Looking at the five people lining up to praise him, Xiling fell into a long silence. After several seconds, Xiling slowly spoke, his tone filled with incredulous inquiry:
"...You...are you arranging Chinese?"
"I'm praising you!"
Kevin replied with a grin.
"What a compliment!"
Xiling immediately grumbled, "Doesn't your PE teacher also teach you Chinese?! What the hell is going on!!!"
The Tarnished smiled and walked forward, trying to pat Xiling on the shoulder, but Xiling dodged him angrily:
"Oh, don't be angry. You seemed a little nervous, so I came to cheer you up!"
"Thank you!" Xiling gritted his teeth.
"I wasn't nervous at all! You guys messed around like that, and now my heart is about to jump!"
"That's perfect! Then you would be even more in the zone!" The Tarnished said with a look of "I'm doing this for your own good."
At that moment, Houraiji Kyuushou and Luo Tianyi, their eyes gleaming, had already approached Xiling. They circled him, looking him up and down, and offering heartfelt admiration. Houraiji Kyuushou excitedly grabbed Xiling's arm.
"Wow! So handsome, Xiling! This gown! It's...it's tailor-made for you! So handsome!"
Luo Tianyi nodded vigorously.
"Yeah! Really! Just like the Prince Charming in the story! Sparkling!"
Hearing the two's words, Xiling's previously drooping mouth immediately lifted uncontrollably.
"Isn't it handsome? This gown was given to me by Placidusax."
Upon hearing this, Luo Tianyi and Houraiji Kyuushou's gaze flickered from Xiling to the Ancient Dragon King beside them.
They both almost simultaneously approached Placidusax, their faces filled with admiration and curiosity.
Luo Tianyi's eyes sparkled, her voice tinged with adoration.
"Sister Pla! Did you make this gown? It's so beautiful! So amazing!"
"Sister Pla...?" Placidusax tilted her head slightly, a rare flicker of confusion in her golden pupils. This overly intimate human address felt unfamiliar to her, even... strange?
She had lived a long life, emblazoned with many prestigious titles, but "sister"... was a first.
Luo Tianyi saw her confusion, assuming she didn't like it, and scratched her head sheepishly:
"Um... sorry! Don't you like it?"
Placidusax was silent for a moment, as if trying to process the feeling it brought.
Finally, she gently shook her head:
"It's just... I'm not used to it."
Her gaze then turned to Xiling, confirming Luo Tianyi's question:
"That dress was indeed forged by me."
"Amazing!" Houraiji Kyuushou exclaimed excitedly.
She truly thought the gown was beautiful.
At that moment, the light in the room seemed to subtly distort. Silently, Ranni's figure appeared as if from the void, taking in everything in the room. However, when her gaze finally settled on Xiling, her already lifeless eyes seemed... even more lifeless.
She saw Xiling held up by Kevin, his legs clamped around the Tarnished, who was screaming and wailing.
"Damn hermaphrodite, die!"
"Ouch! It hurts! My waist! My waist is breaking! Xiling, you dog!"
"Tarnished, you useless thing!"
Ranni: "..."
After a moment's silence, Ranni spoke again.
"King's time has come."
Ranni's voice rang out, and the three of them noticed another person in the room. Radagon had already left, leaving only the chat group member and a dragon.
Xiling sighed and let the Tarnished go. The Tarnished slid to his knees, clutching his waist and screaming.
Kevin put Xiling down and dodged a hero elbow from Xiling.
He adjusted his clothes slightly.
Xiling examined it carefully.
Very good, not a single wrinkle.
Just then, Radagon reappeared, his steps steady and solemn, holding an object in his hands—a crown.
Radagon walked directly to Xiling and handed the crown to him with both hands.
Xiling gazed at the crown, then raised his eyes to meet Radagon's calm gaze.
Xiling's usual smile vanished, leaving only a faint, yet profoundly solemn arc.
Xiling also extended his hands, steadily lifting the crown that had borne the weight of countless years.
Then, under the gaze of all, he slowly and solemnly placed it on his silver-white hair.
Radagon gazed deeply at Xiling, and finally, he slowly nodded.
Preparations were complete. Then—
Xiling no longer looked at anyone. He straightened his back. His robe, forged from the Ancient Dragon King, his Starry Cloak bestowed by the Supreme Will, and his crown, symbolizing the Age of Rule, made him look like a true king.
No!
He was the king—the Silver King!
He took a step, heading out the door, toward the stage that belonged to him.
It was time to set off!
…
Elden Royal Capital.
At this moment, it was a sea of souls.
Tarnisheds, demihumans, hybrids, mountain goblins, surviving nobles, wandering merchants, scarred warriors… Faces from every corner of the Lands Between converged here, sharing the same anxiety and hope. The crowd surged, endless.
What was astonishing was that, despite the surging crowd, beneath each living being, miraculously, a simple wooden chair was placed—naturally, forged overnight by a certain hero who wished to remain anonymous. The clamor surged like a tide. People discussed the historic celebrations that were about to unfold, whispered devout prayers for a new era, and called upon the name of the king who would end the broken era and usher in the right path.
The voices surged, forming a seething background.
And then—
Click.
A light, yet remarkably clear, footstep pierced through the din.
Strangely, the sound seemed to land just inches away, yet it struck the ears of every listener in the square with precision.
Click.
A second footstep fell.
An invisible mute button was pressed. The surging sound subsided instantly. Countless heads turned in unison, countless eyes focused on the podium. Breathing, drawn by the rhythm of the footsteps, involuntarily slowed, held.
Click.
A third footstep sounded.
A common image suddenly emerged in all the people spirits' minds: a grand corridor covered in scarlet carpet, flanked by the iron-blooded Knight of Leyndell. In the center of the scene, a foot firmly stepped onto the starting point of the carpet, a symbol of power and sacrifice!
Before the figure appeared, the long-simmering excitement, anticipation, and vision for the future erupted like a volcano suppressed for millennia!
"Silver King—!!!!"
"Silver King!!!!"
"Silver King—!!!!"
The shouts of the masses were like a torrent, transforming into a world-shaking wave that resounded through the dome of the royal capital!
Bathed in this overwhelming wave of recognition and anticipation, Xiling, crowned with an ancient crown, finally stepped onto the red carpet and reached the center of everyone's attention.
Before him lay a boundless sea of people, beings of countless races and faiths, gathered for him. Beneath the clamor surged the joy of surviving a catastrophe, the uneasiness of the future, and the purest anticipation for a new king and a new era. The solemnity Xiling maintained on his face quietly melted, and a warm, resolute smile, from the heart, blossomed on his lips.
He did not immediately launch into a passionate speech declaring his sovereignty. Instead, under the gaze of billions of people, he pulled several objects from his Starry Cloak.
As they hovered above Xiling's palm, the bustling square instantly fell into absolute silence.
Breathing paused, heartbeats froze.
They recognized it! They all knew what it was!
Elden Ring.
Great Rune.
Destined Death.
These objects, symbolizing the origin and destiny of the world, floated quietly, surrounding Xiling.
Xiling's voice rang out, calm, yet etched like a brand into every soul:
"My name is Silver King Xiling."
"The first king of the Silver Age."
"And also the pioneer who will lead you into a new era."
His gaze swept over the silent crowd.
"Now—"
Xiling opened his arms, as if embracing the entire world.
"Witness us all!"
"This new era has arrived!"
The moment his words fell, the most brilliant silver-white Great Rune hovering around him responded first!
Like a star stone dropped into water, it radiated a pure halo of light in the void. Its form then dissipated, transforming into thousands of rune streams flowing with silvery brilliance, gently yet firmly flowing towards its core—the Elden Ring!
Buzz!
The ring's core vibrated violently! The previously dim lines suddenly illuminated!
Followed, one Great Rune after another responded, plunging into the spinning, growing silver-white Ring! With each fusion, the Ring's radiance intensified, its form growing more complete and majestic!
When the power of the last Great Rune was fully absorbed—
Boom—!!!
An incredibly thick, silver-white beam of light erupted from Xiling's body, from the core of the now-completely repaired, slowly rotating Elden Ring!
The beam of light pierced through the heavens and earth, tearing through the haze above the dome and illuminating the entire Lands Between with a clear light!
The Silver Erdtree began to expand! Its roots, like silver veins, instantly spread to every corner of the Lands Between; its canopy obscured the entire sky! The new rule, like the heartbeat of the world, echoed with the rhythm of the beam of light, spreading across the Lands Between!
Below the podium, Radagon gazed at the spectacle with a complex expression as he gazed at the beam of light that pierced heaven and earth.
Kevin, the Tarnished, Lemuen, Luo Tianyi, and Houraiji Kyuushou were captivated by the indescribably magnificent silver glow.
Placidusax, her golden vertical pupils reflecting the newly born silver tree, her cold face calm and composed, yet her aura seemed imbued with the newfound peace and depth. The last floating, destined death slowly and obediently merged into the rotating ring—the end is both the inevitable destination and the solemn prelude to rebirth.
As it fully merged, the silvery-white light that permeated the heavens and earth settled, no longer merely a breathtaking spectacle but also imbued with a profound sense of order and fate.
Bathed in this radiance, symbolizing the foundation of a new era, the voice of Silver King Xiling rang out once again, resonating through the hearts of all beings:
"People of the Silver Age—"
His gaze swept across the endless sea of people once again.
"At this moment, in the name of the First King of the Silver Age, I proclaim the Nine Decrees of the Silver Rule, forging the foundation of a new era and guiding our path forward!"
The words struck like an invisible hammer, striking the very soul of each listener.
"Listen, the Nine Commandments of the Silver Rule!"
"First!" Xiling's voice resonated like the clashing of metal.
"The Silver Rule is the beacon of civilization! Its light guides all beings towards order, truth, and eternal progress. It shines unwaveringly and forever!"
The light of the Silver Erdtree shone brightly in response, dispelling the invisible fog.
"Second!" Xiling opened his arms, embracing all beings.
"All living beings, regardless of race, origin, or faith, are equally bathed in the glory of the Rule! Your differences are not barriers. You will ultimately be sublimated and blended in the Silver Flame, tempered and united as one—the Silver Clan!"
"Third!" Xiling's gaze reached out to the distant horizons of wisdom and skill.
"To those who aspire to expand the boundaries of knowledge, innovate skills, and reach the pinnacle of civilization, the Rule will bestow the 'Blessing of Enlightenment,' ensuring that their spark of wisdom will never dim!"
"Fourth!" Xiling's voice turned to those who respected and affirmation.
"To those who dedicate their hearts and minds to the foundations of civilization—the artisans who forge artifacts, the scholars who delve into the mysteries, the workers who cultivate the land—the Rule bestows upon them the 'Breath of Prosperity,' allowing their toil and sweat to bear the most abundant fruit!"
"Fifth!" The voice contained soothing power.
"Those who sincerely embrace the Way of the Rule, making it the guiding principle of their lives, will be blessed with the 'Silver Blessing,' their resolve as strong as silver, their path unimpeded!"
"Sixth!" Xiling's tone was inspiring and inclusive.
"Those who dare to challenge established conventions and forge new paths will be blessed, even if... Even when the path is difficult and thorns are everywhere, the law also bestows the 'Light of Pioneers,' protecting those who explore and illuminating the darkness!"
"Seventh!" Xiling's gaze, like a torch, gazed towards the palace of knowledge.
"All repositories of knowledge, the gates of wisdom, should be open to all who thirst for knowledge! To those who study diligently and strive for continuous progress, the Rule bestows the 'Light of Wisdom,' opening their spiritual wisdom and illuminating true knowledge!"
"Eighth!" Xiling's voice was calm and profound, touching upon the very essence of life.
"When the flame of life burns out and the journey reaches its end, all visible bodies and invisible spirits, like the silver tree of angelica, will be reborn. Embrace it. This is the cycle that nourishes all things, and it is also the echo of life's immortality!"
"Ninth!" Xiling's final decree was exceptionally tender and filled with hope.
"The new generation is the hope of the Silver Age! For those who carefully nurture the young, watering the younger generation with wisdom and kindness, the Rule will grant them 'Sprouts of Hope,' allowing the Silver seedlings to thrive and support the future!"
Nine decrees, like nine invisible pillars of the world, followed Xiling's solemn words, deeply imprinted into the veins of the new Elden Ring and into the souls of all spirits. A silvery glow pulsed with each decree, cheering and praising the new rules.
A brief, almost sacred silence enveloped the square. All spirits were immersed in the majesty of the rule and the hope for a better future.
"The above is the cornerstone of the Silver Rule!"
Xiling's voice shattered the silence, resonating with the power of a creator.
"This rule is not meant to imprison, but to guide! Not to oppress, but to bring prosperity! I will join hands with you to build this Silver Age!"
Boom!
He was met with cheers even more fervent and sustained than before, seemingly ripping the sky apart! It was loyalty to the new king, an embrace of the new era, and a soul-deepening acceptance of the new rule!
Gazing at the boiling sea of celebration below, Xiling took a deep breath. The tension that had been building up from his announcement completely relaxed, a warm smile lighting his face once again. Xiling clenched his right hand, as if holding aloft an invisible wine glass, and declared to all living beings:
"The celebration begins! Cheer for this dawning era! Rejoice! A new life begins here!"
The celebration was more than just a speech; it was a feast!
A celebration destined to be etched in history.
A grand prelude to a new era.
...
At the moment night fell,
Xiling left this world.
--
T/N [Translator Note]:
This chapter is the end of the Elden Ring arc, and the next arc is coming.
After the Elden Ring Arc ends, the daily update is changed to one chapter per day, and I am planning to take another novel to translate.
Thanks to everyone who read my translation novel!