"Tsunami Legion?"
Leaving the imperial palace, Locke wore a rather subtle expression.
If he remembered correctly, when he had just arrived in the capital, that Saint-level warrior who attacked him… seemed to have said something like this:
"Kid, every soldier in our Tsunami Legion is a real man. We'd never allow someone like you to join us!"
If Locke still couldn't guess who that Saint-level warrior was, he'd have to be an idiot.
Clearly, that man must have been the very Saint Celes spoke of—the one who had just broken through.
No wonder His Majesty Celes had kept the formation of this new legion so quiet, especially after that fellow chose to attack the Radiant Church.
Locke vaguely remembered: over twenty years ago, the commander of the Fifth Legion was a Saint-level mage.
Both were Saints, yes—but because a mage possessed greater spiritual force, fought primarily through magic, and could unleash devastating "Forbidden Spells"…
A newly-advanced Saint-level warrior was worlds apart in power compared to a Saint-level mage.
A single Forbidden Spell carried at least five "fragments" of profound mysteries.
In other words, as long as one mastered a Forbidden Spell, even a beginner-level Saint mage could unleash power rivaling the peak of Saint-level.
But warriors?
They needed decades to temper their battle-qi. If their talent was mediocre, even a few centuries of training might only allow them to reach peak Saint-level through sheer battle-qi density.
Locke had crossed blows with Bolton before. Judging from the strength Bolton displayed, he was just an entry-level Saint-rank warrior.
Where did he get the confidence to think he could lead the Tsunami Legion to retake the territories the Radiant Church had seized?
Did he not fear repeating the fate of that Saint-level mage from twenty years ago?
Still doubtful, Locke followed the aura trail and arrived at the Tsunami Legion's encampment.
Because Locke carried the military token issued personally by His Majesty Celes, the soldiers treated him with great respect and promptly brought him before Bolton.
"You little bastard!"
Upon seeing Locke, Bolton gritted his teeth. "Didn't I tell you already?"
"Every soldier of our Tsunami Legion is a real man. We don't welcome a schemer like you!"
"Yes, yes, you're absolutely right."
Locke waved casually, not taking the insult to heart. "His Majesty Celes never said I needed to join the Tsunami Legion as a regular soldier."
Bolton's face instantly brightened with relief.
But Locke's next words froze that smile in place.
"His Majesty merely told me to take over as the new commander of the Tsunami Legion… and then lead you all to reclaim the territories lost over twenty years ago."
"Wh–what?"
Bolton finally roared, "Are you kidding me?!"
"The Tsunami Legion was founded by me! I am the commander!"
"No. I'm going to see His Majesty!"
He stood abruptly, ready to storm off toward the palace.
"Accept reality, Bolton."
Locke stopped him before he even reached the door.
"This is the imperial capital. As long as His Majesty wishes it, nothing can be hidden from him."
"So think—just how big of a death wish would I need to dare fabricate an imperial order here?"
Bolton's steps halted.
True… This was the capital.
"And besides," Locke continued lazily, reclining against the chair, "If I recall correctly, not long ago, you lost to me."
"My strength surpasses yours. So tell me—why shouldn't I be the commander?"
"T-that was because you cheated!"
"Cheated?"
Locke chuckled softly.
Ever since he met Bolton, the man had shown all the signs of being a one-track mind.
Could someone who lived over a hundred years and reached Saint-rank really be a simpleton?
Locke wasn't sure.
But he didn't deny such people existed.
"It seems our previous battle gave you the wrong impression."
"So? Do you want to try again, Bolton?"
"If you defeat me, the position of commander is yours."
"You said it!"
"Yes, I said it."
"Then let's go! To the training grounds!"
"This time, I definitely won't fall for your tricks again!"
…
Perhaps Bolton wanted to reinforce his authority—so news of the rematch between him and Locke spread through the Tsunami Legion almost instantly.
The Frostsnow Empire was founded by Celes to gather faith for the Water Overgod, Phiros.
In this nation, every form of water carried symbolic meaning.
The Sixth Legion was named the Tsunami Legion because Bolton wished for his legion to become a devastating tidal wave that crushed everything before it.
Thus, when recruiting, he chose only the bravest, most fearless warriors.
These warriors all shared one trait—they revered the strong.
If you were strong, they respected you, feared you, and followed you.
And before Locke appeared, Bolton was unquestionably the most respected figure in the Tsunami Legion.
Before the two even stepped into the arena, tens of thousands of soldiers had already surrounded the training grounds.
"Hey, who do you think will win? Commander Bolton or that newcomer?"
"Definitely the commander. His Majesty founded this legion specifically for him."
"Yeah, same here."
"Of course it's Commander Bolton! He came from the Frostsnow Legion—he's a veteran of countless battles!"
"And that new guy… I heard he's a Saint from the civilian population, not from the army or mage corps."
"A civilian Saint? Civilians can become Saints?"
"Who knows? But they say His Majesty personally confirmed it."
"Then it must be true."
"But since he's a civilian, he probably lacks battle experience. The commander will win for sure!"
The Frostsnow Legion—bearing the name of frost and snow—was naturally the most powerful "First Army" of the entire empire.
Every warrior in the Frostsnow Legion was at least Seventh-rank.
And the number of Ninth-rank warriors exceeded fifty.
Many of the empire's Saints originated from this legion.
Even individuals Locke knew—Lord Vidia and Lord Enzo—were Saint-rank mages who once served in the Frostsnow Legion's mage corps.
This legion was the greatest military force in the empire aside from Celes himself.
(End of chapter)
⭐ Enjoying the story?
You can read ahead and support the translations by joining my Patreon! Your support helps me update faster and take on more projects. Thank you for reading!
Read up to 50 chapters ahead!
patreon.com/AminaSims
Bonus chapter at 50 powerstones.