631
[T.L: punisher87]
[Support me here:- https://bmc.link/punisher87 ]
Approximately five hundred aura disruptors.
Over the past two and a half years, Qwaul had raised the performance of the disruptors and related artifacts to near the limit, and done numerous tests before that.
So far, none of Jin's companions had been able to win against five hundred disruptors.
In the first place, there was no need to go up to 500, and even Valkas and Cuicantelle could not use their aura properly while dealing with more than 200 disruptors.
But now Jin was not affected by the disruptors.
Rather, as soon as the disruptors were deployed, Jin released tremendous aura and even covered all the people waiting outside the battlefield with new protective shields.
Just like how Ron Hairan protected people from chaos in the war of the Sword Emperor Castle.
'Ignoring all disruptors and granting individual shields to hundreds of people is something that cannot be accomplished solely with an aura of over 10-star...… It's not within human capabilities. You've returned as a monster, Jin.'
Cuicantelle involuntarily swallowed dry saliva.
Even for her, who remembered Murakan's prime, the martial arts that Jin shows now was shocking enough.
In a way, she even felt that Jin had already become more terrifying than Murakan back then.
At this rate of growth, even battle prowess would soon reach equal to Murakan, but the judgment and insight had never truly belonged to the young human.
Puzz-!
Suddenly, a blue radiance spread across the battlefield. After the battle began, Smarion's energy, which had been exceeding Jin's, was being eaten up by the aura and lightning energy.
[I'm being treated as nothing more than a mere beast. Is this not a fight but a hunt for you?]
Smarion showed displeasure and fired his sword energy toward Jin's companions.
However, the sword energy seemed to disintegrate in the air before reaching the shields.
It was offset by the energy of Jin that spread in layers.
"It would be wise to focus on me. Attempts to threaten me through those outside will only work against you."
Smarion narrowed his eyes.
Now, Jin couldn't see the composure that Smarion had shown in the beginning, while Jin had a calm face like the first time.
What Jin said was true. Taking his companions as hostages in a state where he couldn't handle Jin properly right now was an effective method only until he "arrived at Ghost Castle."
Jin wondered why Smarion hadn't done that. It was not a sufficient explanation to say that he only had the desire to fight Chiron or that type of human.
'Maybe it's the result of Smarion resisting demonic nature. That's why my companions are not dead by the time I arrive.'
It wasn't a situation where Jin could have a calm conversation about him.
Whether his companions are unharmed is the result of Smarion's resistance to demonic nature or not. There was no change in the fact that Jin had to subjugate him.
Even if it was the former, it would mean that Smarion's last humanity, which remained in demonic nature, was desperately desired.
[It seems I've underestimated you after being absent from the world for so long.]
Squeak-!
An afterimage was left where Jin had stood. At the same time, Smarion's twin swords broke again, and he punched Jin's sword, which was penetrating into his chest, with his bare fist.
A deafening clang resounded from the clash between Bradamante and Smarion's fist.
Others trembled at the powerful shock waves transmitted through the guardian brethren, the dragon fire shield, the divine power of time, and various protective shields.
As they began to speed up the battle, the scars on Smarion's body increased rapidly. Jin didn't allow a single effective hit after the disruptors were deployed.
Before long, Smarion changed his tactics.
'All attacks have become heavier. He can't win if he dragged the fight, so he must somehow land a decisive blow.'
The battle of top-notch martial artists had to be delicate and precise.
While most of Smarion's enlightenment gained during his time as the Ghost Leader had become murky due to demonic nature, his sword still retained the subtlety characteristic of a transcendent individual.
However, Smarion was in the process of breaking down even that remaining subtlety. As soon as he decided that a head-on confrontation was out of the question, he chose to end the both of them.
[Ha, ha, ha!]
Bradamante pierced Smarion's left shoulder.
At the same time, Smarion thrust the sword in his right hand towards Jin's chest.
The blade penetrated the shadow force armor and dug into Jin's chest just a finger's breadth deep.
The blade bears the decades of chaos that Smarion has built up. A murky energy incomparable to any poison in the world spread through Jin's body in an instant.
Of course, Smarion has expected Jin to back down in panic. He thought Jin would vomit blood, bend forward, and struggle to subdue the chaos that had somehow entered his body.
However, Jin didn't care and exploded the sword stuck in Smarion's shoulder without a hint of panic.
Jin is a member of the Plutonian tribe. Through this training, Jin went beyond the concept of brethren as a human but also acquired nearly identical physical characteristics to them.
Unless it was the first chaos that Helluram used directly, or a power equivalent to it. All sorts of 'general chaos' in the world could no longer affect Jin. No matter how vast and dense it is.
[It's ridiculous...…. you bastard, what is your true identity?]
Smarion's last attempt did not work.
Smarion, who increased the distance, gasped for breath with his left arm dropping. As soon as Jin's shadow force armor was pierced, he concentrated all his energy, but Jin didn't even look tired, let alone hurt.
If he could somehow deal with Jin alone, he might have been able to escape and plan for another day, even with only a fraction of his remaining power.
But in fact, the fight was already over.
Smarion couldn't think of any other way to threaten Jin. Even now, it was obviously impossible to take his companions hostage, and there was no way to escape.
"You looked for my father when you saw me."
Jin slowly moves towards Smarion.
Smarion was desperate and swung his sword, but Jin effortlessly evaded or parried every strike, demonstrating the disparity in their skills.
"When you were the leader of the ghost mercenaries, you must have been much stronger than you are now, but you couldn't become my father's opponent."
Only Jin can say that the ghost leader Smarion Proch was stronger back than when he was encroached by chaos.
Without reaching Jin's level of transcendence, one could never think that way. It is because there is an realm that can never be reached by the demonicization instead of absolute composure. Even if the power is much greater.
"But I wondered why my father, Chiron Runcandel, kept you alive in those days."
-My lord, you probably don't even know that my father ever had a fight with Sir Chiron.
-My father and the former ghost leader...…?
- I didn't see it myself. It was even before I was born. However, the fight lasted all day and in the end Sir Chiron won, but for some reason Sir Chiron did not kill my father.
Although Smarion, the leader of the ghost mercenaries, wasn't controlled by demonic nature, was strong enough to fight Chiron at that time for 'a day', and even after losing the battle, the ghost mercenaries did not give their allegiance to Runcandel.
However, Chiron often visited the ghost castle to inquire about Smarion's well-being.
"After clashing swords with you, I have a vague idea of why my father did that."
[What are you talking about?]
"My father would have respected the fact that you were resisting chaos."
Resistance to chaos and respect for it.
If you think about it, there were many strange points in the fight between Jin and Smarion from the beginning. Smarion was able to open the seal at any time long before Jin arrived.
Therefore, Smarion could annihilate the humans who surrounded him at any time until Jin came. Even if most of Tikan's strongmen were on standby, they would not be able to compete with Smarion.
But Smarion did not do that. He rightly said that he waited for someone like Chiron.
A few times, the chaos of Smarion exploded and made the surrounding a mess, and casualties occurred in the process, but there was no decisive damage to the Tikan side.
It was only after Jin appeared that Smarion focused all his chaos and bloodlust on him.
Jin felt that there was no reason why Smarion would do that, no matter how he thought it.
Except for one assumption, the premise that 'Smarion resisted demonic nature in order not to kill people'.
"I've decided to assume that you resisted chaos until I arrived. It must be thanks to that your sword has been so blunt all along, and that the Proch siblings and my people did not die."
In other words, Jin speculated that Smarion let go of the last thread of resistance as soon as "a being who could kill him" appeared.
[Maybe it's because you are Chiron's blood, so you are good at talking arrogant nonsense.]
"So I would like to pay my respects before ending the fight. Not the monster of chaos standing in front of me right now, but the human Smarion Proch, who defended the Ghost Castle alone from the chaos until yesterday."
Swoosh...…!
Suddenly, the aura and lightning energy that covered the battlefield disappeared.
The murky energy of Smarion, which it had tied up, also disappeared. It was Jin's shadow force that quickly began to fill the space again, and the battlefield, which was chaotic with mixed powers, quickly became quiet.
Within it, chaos rose like an awl a few times, but like a stone thrown into the sea, it seemed to sink into shadow force.
[Damn it...….]
Jin stopped walking and aimed Bradamante at Smarion.
There was no need to use the Shadow Sword ultimate technique.
Gently, as if closing the eyes of a dead person, Bradamante penetrated Smarion's chest.
Smarion flinched once and grabbed the blade, and Jin calmly stared into his fading red eyes.
Smarion's eyes were not looking at Jin, who had stabbed him, but at the darkness beyond stained with shadow force.
In a life stained by madness and chaos, the only warm memories were the time when he held Lata and Faye. Even that eventually ended up being years of abuse and violence towards each other.
Smarion was not sentimental as he recalled that time. As Jin expected, the moment he arrived, Smarion lost the last remnants of his humanity.
It was just a coincidence that Smarion focused on his children, or it was like human Smarion's rigor after death.
But in Jin's eyes, it seemed like the fateful result of Smarion's resistance to chaos.
"Farewell, Sir Smarion."
Eventually, the fallen Smarion became particles and scattered among the shadow force that filled the battlefield, and Jin briefly paid a silent tribute to him.
632
[T.L: punisher87]
[Support me here:- https://bmc.link/punisher87 ]
February 10, 1803. Five days have passed since Jin went to the ghost castle.
During those five days, Jin was able to hear the details about what had happened over the past two and a half years from his companions. Changes in the world, development of technology, situation of each faction, etc.
Most of it Jin heard before going to the ghost castle, and details were added to it.
In other words, these were the pieces of information.
Kinzelo secured a new headquarter to replace the 'Old Headquarter' in the Land of Beastmen and recruited a large number of demons like Ranke, and Zipfel, on the other hand, closed all but 1st magic tower and is restructuring the entire 'Lutero Magic Federation' with a new system.
In addition, the imperial family has been incorporated into Zipfel along with the eastern part of the Empire, and like all forces belonging to the Lutero Magic Federation, it received technology from Zipfel and operated a number of fleets.
In addition, a technology called chaos control is being used in fleets, and 'reinforced humans' such as Majins, Plutonian-type golems and living golems.
In the midst of that, the only ones who have yet to use Chaos at all are the Vamel Alliance and its friendly factions.
"While you were gone, Sir Dante made great efforts. Without Sir Dante, the whole empire would have been taken over by Zipfel, not just the East, or it would have been divided into various factions."
Kashmir spoke modestly, but in fact, the reason why the 'forces who rejected chaos' were able to survive was because of the roles played by the Vamel Alliance, Hidden Palace, and Holy Kingdom.
Vamel alliance, Hidden Palace, Hairan, Holy Kingdom. These forces represent the anti-chaos forces and rely on each other to survive.
"In an era where flying ships and chaos control have become commonplace, we are the only ones who have made technological advancement in the strict sense of the world."
The technological prowess of Zipfel and Kinzelo is, in fact, only beginning to be revealed.
Of course, there has been progress in Chaos control, but the production of flying ships has been possible since before.
On the other hand, the Vamel Alliance has achieved a technological revolution called 'wavelength tracking synchronous spatial jump' beyond manufacturing flying ships, and has even prepared a means to completely purify chaos in limited situations.
Although other factions could use the chaos, they couldn't even attempt to purify it.
In the first place, their research is being conducted for use of chaos rather than purification.
"Yes, lord Jin."
"In the meantime, Runcandel has been hiding all external activities while sealing off the city of Kalon for half a year...…."
Runcandel. As one of the old two great factions, Tikan knew very little about them while Jin was gone.
Their activities had become closed off, with seven explosions and earthquakes occurring, and the only evidence was that they were controlling news about Jin.
"Moreover, there's hardly any known external activity of the flagbearers for the past six months. There are only occasional articles about the remnants of the contaminated area and the contagious being subdued, but flagbearers do not appear in public."
Diphus, Mary and Tona brothers.
There was no news at this point about these four flagbearers who could said to be friendly with Jin, and they were currently remaining in the Garden of Swords. Until then, they often visited Tikan and asked about Jin like Yona.
"And as I said before, all of our ways to contact young master and the friendly flagbearers has been blocked. Even in the days when flagbearers came to visit, I hadn't heard anything special about the clan...…."
"Even if there was a problem in the clan, they couldn't disclose them to the outside. I would have done the same."
It is true that the 4th, 7th, 10th, and 11th flagbearers are indeed friendly to Jin, but they are not complete allies. This is because Jin always kept more than a certain distance from them.
He had to. Even though not the Tona brothers, the others were ultimately competitors no matter how close they were.
-Maybe sooner or later your sister will find a little clue about Temar's fifth tomb.
- Elder sister Luntia? No wonder, I heard that Elder Brother Diphus, not Elder Sister Luntia, was in charge of preventing chaos. She is looking for Temar's tomb. It's surprising how helpful it is to you.
-There may have been information inside Runcandel that you don't know about. The 3rd flagbearer is moving based on that.
The last news about Luntia, another benevolent competitor, was related to Temar's fifth tomb.
Valeria was also tracking Temar's tomb while purifying the society of the small beastmen, and she has found a decisive clue in the movements and traces left by Luntia. Because of that, even after Jin returned, she still hasn't returned to Tikan.
'Father, elder sister Luna and the expedition team must still be in the Black Sea. And... I can't rule out the possibility that they have already been killed.'
All Jin could do was hope it wasn't true. He sighed and looked at his companions.
"Anyway, it would be better to assume that my clan has been handed over to the Prophet."
Otherwise, it was just an incomprehensible situation.
"Then... do you not intend to return to the Garden of Swords, young master?"
"No, but I still need to go back and see for myself."
"It is too dangerous, lord Jin."
"My lord, I agree. How about observing a little longer?"
Jin's companions who watched the battle against Smarion had no doubt that Jin's martial arts had reached a level worthy of being called the strongest.
Even so, it was dangerous to go to Runcandel alone. If the Prophet really took control of the clan, then Runcandel would undoubtedly set traps to capture Jin.
No matter how dangerous Smarion was, it was nothing compared to the whole of Runcandel.
"Of course, I'll observe the situation for a while. But I can't wait too long."
"Is it because of the promise with Rosa? If you have already judged that your clan has handed over to the Prophet, then you don't need to adhere to the three-year deadline given by Rosa, do you?"
"It's not because of that, Miss Cuicantelle. There are two reasons why I want to visit my clan. First, to properly assess the clan's situation, and second, because they still don't know my strength."
If there is no problem regarding the first reason, if the family is merely choosing to hide, then Jin can proceed to prepare to rise to the Patriarch position of Runcandel in earnest.
Either the Prophet naturally transfers her power, or Jin forcefully takes her down.
However, if the control of the Prophet was clearly revealed during the confirmation process, Jin had to classify the 'Prophet's Runcandel' as an enemy from then on and wage a war.
"... I have to deal as much damage as possible while my clan doesn't know my strength. If the Prophet has taken over the clan, and they're only hiding to gain new information from me, that is."
"If things go wrong, do you mean that you will immediately fight on the spot?"
"That's right."
"In that case, it's no different from the old Murakan. What if you were faced with a trap you couldn't handle?"
"I will have to escape. I will need help from the Red Owl and Mort, though."
"... Yes, fortunately, you really are not like Murakan back then. Because if it was Murakan, he would have just said that nothing in the world could stop him."
"I know what Miss Cuicantelle and everyone is concerned about. But we can't just keep waiting outside without knowing the exact situation in Runcandel. In the meantime, if the power of the Prophet continues to grow, it will really become unbearable later on."
If the prophet is just consolidating power over the family, then they need to strike as soon as possible.
Even if it means taking some risk. Jin thought so.
"Also, even if the command passed to the Prophet, I really don't think everything would be like that. There must be some who are resisting, and incorporate them into our forces before they're finished."
Diphus, Mary, and Tona brothers. Jin thought about these four.
"Whoa."
Cuicantelle and others sighed. It wasn't because they thought Jin was wrong.
Even though Jin has come back so strong, even though the Vamel alliance has made so much progress. It was frustrating that they still found themselves in a position where they had to make judgments while facing a lot of risks.
In any case, the best outcome would be for the clan to be intact, but the odds of that happening were very low.
"Everyone, don't think too hard. It's something we have to face anyway, and fortunately, we've achieved some of what we wanted over the past two years and six months. And even if my clan has fallen to the prophet, one thing is for sure: we still hold the upper hand."
New information that Jin got.
Assuming the Prophet swallowed the clan, the only reason Runcandel hasn't pressured Tikan is because of that.
"First of all, please let everyone know that I have returned. Let's see how my clan reacts."
"And?"
"If possible, please contact Veradin. The great factions must have more information about Runcandel than we do, so if we are lucky, we might hear something."
"I'll try, but it's best not to expect too much. Sir Veradin hasn't engaged in any external activities since you entered closed door training, Lord Jin."
Jin nodded with a bitter face.
"... If that's the case, then we should give up on Veradin's side. Well, if Veradin and Sandra don't come to me first when my return is announced, it's safe to assume they have their own problems."
"I will contact the hidden palace today… Oh, it looks like Mort is here."
Outside the window, they saw white dimensional portal of toad Mort opening. Mort looked quite tired. After the formation of the Chaos Particles, Mort's dimensional movement was also somewhat restricted.
"My son-in-law! Do I have to be the one to find you every time you come back? Even in an age where transfer gates have disappeared, seriously."
As soon as Talaris realized that Smarion had been subdued, she found Tikan.
"It's been a while, Madame Talaris. I had something to tell you...…."
"Uhhh, I'm sure you're asking for a favor. Are you planning to visit Runcandel?"
Talaris recognized Jin's intentions before he could speak.
"Yes."
"Well, that's why I came looking for you too. I was worried you might be overconfident after subduing Smarion, and you will go alone without me. Anyway, let's catch up on the missed conversations first."
From that day on, Tikan immediately announced Jin's return to the world. Reporters led by Dino Zaglan constantly poured out special reports, but there was nothing about Ranke and Smarion.
Rather, they spread false advertisements saying that it was Dante who subdued Smarion.
It was better to hide Jin's battle prowess until he went to Runcandel, and advertising Dante's power would be more beneficial in many ways.
Runcandel did not express any particular stance on Jin's return.
Instead, they suddenly released a special report claiming they had found a 'legacy of the first patriarch'...
Until then, Tikan hadn't received any contact from Valeria.
633
[T.L: punisher87]
[Support me here:- https://bmc.link/punisher87 ]
* * *
Tower of Stories, Zipfel.
The gazes of Kadun, Hedo, and Octavia were fixed on the newsletter on the table.
(The hero of the Sword Emperor castle war, the 12th flagbearer of the Garden of Swords, Jin Runcandel. Returned after finishing closed-door training!)
"It means Jin Runcandel is back...."
Octavia muttered in a low voice.
The 12th flagbearer in question disappeared shortly after the end of the sword emperor castle war.
Hedo, who still had no ill feelings toward Jin, had a calm face, but Octavia and Kadun's eyes were full of bloodlust.
'The attitude of the people, who are top leaders of the world, is always like this towards that child. I can't even control them myself without the patriarch.'
Kelliark Zipfel.
He was currently assisted by chaos control devices and his body is in life support.
It was only natural since he was exposed to the most chaos along with Rosa in the Sword emperor castle war.
Until about a year ago, Kelliark had engaged in some external activities to conceal his shortcomings, but now he really had to 'save' time.
Until Zipfel gets perfect chaos control technology, or until Kinzelo accepts the deal.
'Well, I also underestimated him a bit when I first saw him in the Sota Desert...'
Looking back, that was the problem.
If he had finished off Jin before Sandra made a fuss in the Sota Desert, if he had slashed Jin before she opened the way, or if he had stuck with Sandra and followed her to the Gaifa Island when she fell in love with Jin and cut him then...….
It wouldn't have been such a big concern. Neither for Zipfels nor for Hedo personally.
If it's a good thing. It was the fact that Jin, who had come back stronger now, wasn't such a bad thing for Zipfel.
Hedo opened another newsletter lying beside the table.
(Sir Dante Hairan subdued the Demon of the ghost castle! Sir Dante is the first guardian sword of the empire succeeding the late Sir Ron Hairan, and is evaluated as having entered the 10-star realm after the Sword Emperor Castle war....)
"Smarion Proch of the Ghost Castle was probably subdued by the 12th flagbearer, not Dante."
"Why do you think so, Hedo?"
"Dante Hairan continues to make public appearances. But there is no sign of injury, and none of his knights are dead. No matter how strong the Imperial Guardian Sword has become, it is not strong enough to subdue that amount of chaos unscathed. If he was alone, he would have to risk his life to be able to do it."
"That's right. But isn't that the same case for Jin Runcandel?"
"I don't know. It's a different matter depending on how strong the 12th flagbearer has become."
"No matter how much he has grown in 2 years and 6 months, it's not to that extent, right?"
"He is obviously a different person. Everyone here must have experienced how he always produces results that exceed common sense."
"Even so, if he dealt with Smarion without injury, then it would be the result of Murakan recovering his strength and appearing again."
Hedo nodded his head.
"Either the 12th flagbearer has a power close to genesis knight, or Murakan has regained his former strength. Neither of those things are too bad for us right now."
Runcandel, long-time nemesis of Zipfel, whom everyone thinks is on the decline. Zipfel and Kinzelo had a judgment that was completely different from the public's evaluation.
"Garden of Swords. Right now, there is no better hand than the 12th flagbearer to keep them in check."
Hedo opens another newsletter on the table.
(The Garden of Swords has discovered the legacy of Temar Runcandel, the first patriarch of the clan… Although there is no specific announcement, it shows a strong will to reclaim the forgotten history of the clan.)
"The 12th flagbearer probably doesn't know the exact situation of Runcandel right now. So as soon as he returned, he felt something strange and announced his return to the world before his clan. This is the reaction that Runcandel showed afterwards."
After losing most of its history when Runcandel was defeated by Zipfel a thousand years ago, Runcandel has rarely publicized problems about its ancestors.
Among them, directly mentioning the Temar is the greatest taboo.
But now, the power of Zipfel's stories that suppressed Runcandel had weakened, and they no longer cared about Zipfel's authority.
Runcandel did not say anything about the phenomenon of 'mana affinity' that occurred in pure-blooded Runcandel after the Sword Emperor Castle war.
There can be only one reason for that.
Confidence.
Runcandel now has the confidence and strength not to fear Zipfel's oath...….
"Hmm... Did they find Temar's tomb before Hister's survivor? Through the power of the Prophet?"
"Perhaps. But it doesn't matter if it's true or false. What's important is that the 12th flagbearer has no choice but go to his clan the moment he sees this news."
"To ascertain the survival of the Hister's survivor and the legacy that Runcandel has obtained, right?"
"Not only that, but Jin Runcandel's return to his clan is bound to be a must-make choice. Even if it's to become the patriarch. He will never give up on his clan, even if Runcandel isn't what it used to be. It's not something that he can compromise on."
"It is as the Captain of Spectres and Lord Kadun said. Of course, the 12th flagbearer will not visit his clan without any preparation. It seems that he will use the toad of the master of hidden palace as a way to escape, and will not drag the Vamel alliance with him."
"Then he will surely die on the spot, Sir Hedo. He doesn't know how dangerous Runcandel is right now!"
Octavia was furious that the opportunity for revenge was disappearing.
"No, Octavia. If Murakan regained all his old strength. Besides, as Hedo said, if his battle prowess is at a level of first-class superhuman or higher...… Just the two of them alone could do something akin to war with Runcandel."
"And unless the 12th flagbearer chooses to submit to Runcandel with the Vamel Alliance, it is inevitable that a fight will break out in the Garden of Swords."
"He will never make such a choice."
Indeed, how much damage Runcandel would suffer in that process was uncertain for all three of them.
However, all three of them predicted that the chances of Jin surviving are very low. Even in a situation where Murakan supports him with all his regained strength.
"Then let's confirm the power Runcandel possesses through their battle this time."
Zipfel knew that the Prophet had effectively seized control of the Garden of Swords with Rosa, and deduced that their power was beyond imagination.
But they didn't know exactly to what extent.
Therefore, they were avoiding an all-out war under the pretext of the ceasefire previously agreed upon.
"Of course, it's a good option to keep an eye on movements. But I don't think it would hurt to go further than that."
"Go further...?"
Kadun and Octavia's gaze fell on Hedo.
"If Runcandel is weaker than we expected, then they will take a serious hit in that fight."
Then it would be the perfect time to finish Runcandel once and for all.
That's what Hedo was saying.
"We shouldn't give them time to recover. Don't you all know how quickly the Prophet revived all those knights who died in the Sword Emperor Castle and how she strengthened them?"
It was an intelligence report that they got when Jin was in Laprarosa.
The informant, who was informed about the resurrection and strengthening of the knights that was done by the Prophet, died and 'melted' in front of Kelliark as soon as the report was over.
In other words, the Prophet intentionally displayed his power, even knowing he was being watched by the informant.
Recalling the memory of that time, Kadun and Octavia shuddered as if feeling a chill.
"So Hedo, are you suggesting that we prepare for an all-out war?"
"It means that we need to prepare for a response according to the situation of the battle. Not necessarily an unconditional all-out war."
"If the battle goes when both sides are losing, then it means we'll wrap up both of them... if that's not the case then just withdraw."
There was a moment of silence, and then Kadun made his decision.
"It's definitely the best outcome if it works as you say. But it's not a matter for us to decide. We would better wake Kelliark for a moment and let him decide."
Then they went to the top floor of the Tower of Stories and informed Kelliark about the situation.
Kelliark nodded in the life supporting device, saying that Hedo was right.
* * *
The New Headquarters of Kinzelo.
At the same time, they were also having a meeting on the same topic as Zipfel.
They were also reaching a conclusion similar to that of Zipfel.
It was Bishkel Ivelianos who said let's take the initiative and aim for both sides to defeat.
"Hmm, I think the vice-leader's opinion is good, but...… will he really go to the Garden of Swords alone? Even though he defeated Ranke, it would be crazy to go to the Garden of Swords alone, which even we can't touch. Much more so if it's that shrewd guy, right?"
"Hmph! That Jin Runcandel, he seems to be completely invisible after he turned Ranke into a bloody mess!?"
Bubare and Ainas expressed their doubts.
Ranke was sitting in the corner and muttering to himself in a state of fascination.
Although sometimes, Ranke remembers Jin "beating" him whenever he heard his name, and he looked at Ainas and Bubare as if he wanted to kill them.
"As Lady Ainas said, unless his brain was damaged because he easily trampled on Ranke, I don't think he would go to the Garden of Swords. Lord Ranke and the entire Runcandel are on different levels, right? Ah, of course, I'm not saying Lord Ranke is pathetic. He just lost...…."
"Right, he just lost. So cheer up! Ranke."
Bishkel, as always, was fed up with Bubare's mindless blabbering.
"... Lady Ainas and Bubare. Stop emphasizing Ranke's defeat. It doesn't fit the topic of the meeting, and it's disrespectful."
Crunch.
The two of them didn't even listen to Bishkel and took the sweet potato croquettes out of their pocket and ate it, and Bishkel broke the pen that he was holding.
"Umm, what do you think, leader?"
Margiella said as she patted on Bishkel's shoulder.
[The vice-leader's opinion is correct. Perhaps Zipfel had a similar plan. When Jin and Runcandel both take a big hit, if we and Zipfel attack Runcandel together. I don't think it's going to be easy to handle, no matter how powerful the garden of swords.]
"Well then, leader. Are you saying we should prepare for an all-out attack?"
[I think that would be good for now, Berakt. We'll have to keep an eye on the future situation. Since Jin Runcandel cannot swear allies to the Prophet...… fight is bound to happen. And Ainas, Bubare. Ranke's defeat is not without any reason. Jin Runcandel has become incomparably stronger than before.]
The leader's direct evaluation made the executives' eyes widen.
In particular, Zephyrin had been with Orgal for a long time and remembered a few instances where Orrgal evaluated someone so highly.
"The outcome will depend on how strong the power that Runcandel has kept hidden truly is. If it's weaker than what we think, then it's our chance to wipe them all out. Master, it's been a while since you've made a decision that's to my liking. I'm just getting annoyed at how long I have to keep worrying about that person."
[Zephyrin, do not speak lightly of the Prophet.]
"Hmph, anyway, I am a pitiful dragon who has no memory of receiving favoritism from master."
Again, Margiella patted Zephyrin on the shoulder.
"Then, the Leader's permission has been granted. Shall we prepare too? The Garden of Swords and Sir Jin Runcandel. In the end, it will be a fight that will inevitably hurt both of them, so it should be enjoyable."
Margiella smiled softly. Thinking that this might be the last chance to recruit Jin.
634
[T.L: punisher87]
[Support me here:- https://bmc.link/punisher87 ]
* * *
February 25, 1803, early dawn.
As expected, Jin was preparing to head to the Garden of Swords.
He even advertised to the whole world that he would return to the Garden of Swords on February 25 through Dino Zaglan.
Even the newsletter issued by Dino himself subtly hinted that Jin would now ascend to the position of "patriarch."
It was nothing short of a declaration of war against Runcandel.
"Will Kinzelo and Zipfel really be going to participate?" Talaris asked.
Jin's companions, standing nearby, alternated their gazes between her and Jin, seeming concerned.
"They will definitely come. If they cannot even recognize such a significant opportunity, then they are not qualified to be the leaders of the major factions."
Jin didn't plan for the two forces to participate in the battle from the beginning.
He wasn't sure about this when he decided to go to Runcandel 15 days ago, but now it became clear when he saw Runcandel responding to his return article.
The fact that the Prophet had already taken control of the clan.
Also, the fact that Kinzelo and Zipfel were not touching the garden of swords because they presumed that Runcandel possessed a force strong enough to be burdensome.
That's why Jin threw the odds.
He decided to create a big stage that none could ignore, unless they were fools.
"Even if the enemy leaders are much more foolish than I anticipate and do not come, I must go. For the sake of those who may be resisting the Prophet within the clan."
Those who have never relied on or tried to rely on the prophet's filthy power. Those who give advice to the end, the real knights of Runcandel, and the siblings. They were supposed to be suffering in the Garden of Swords.
It was inevitable that Jin would go to them.
Moreover, considering the articles about Temar released by Runcandel, there was a possibility that Valeria had been captured.
"As I said before, now is the right time when my clan doesn't know my strength."
"Huh, well... yes. I think the current strength of my son-in-law should be enough to escape no matter how things go wrong. Seriously, when I said it wouldn't take you a long time to reach 10-star, I never thought you would come back stronger than me. Does this make sense?"
"It's not quite like that. You are praising me too much, Madame Talaris. And if it wasn't for your help and Mort, I'd probably think of other options like Red Owl."
"Yes, yes. In my life, there will come a day when this Talaris Endorma becomes nothing more than a means of transportation for someone."
As Talaris laughed, Jin shrugged his shoulders and chuckled.
They now seemed more like close friends rather than superiors and subordinates.
Syris was astonished that she didn't hate this site.
"Jin."
"Yes, Lady Syris."
"Since our hidden palace has protected you countless times, now it is your turn to protect the hidden palace."
Jin didn't answer and made eye contact with Syris for a moment.
"So, go and come back alive. You have to pay your debts by teaching me some swordsmanship."
"Of course, I will guarantee rapid growth."
"Why is my daughter suddenly talking like an adult?"
"Mother, you should be careful too. You must not overdo it with an unhealthy body."
"Young master...."
Gilly put her hand on Jin's shoulder.
"Please, come back safely."
"As soon as you return, you keep marching without a moment's rest. My lord, I apologize for not being able to provide support."
"Lord Jin... are you really okay going alone?"
Jin's companions gathered around Gilly, expressing their concerns for Jin.
Talaris sighed as if frustrated by their worries.
"Ha, really. Now my son-in-law is not at the level where you have to worry about him. So stop acting like Jin's going off to die. I'd rather see that nerd over there in the lab buried in his research."
Qwaul seemed entirely absorbed in his research, seemingly indifferent to whether Jin went to Runcandel alone or not.
He was completely obsessed with the items that Jin brought from Laprarosa.
For a magic engineer, those were the only materials worth sacrificing anything for.
The only downside was that Valeria, with whom he could share this happiness, was absent.
"As Madame Talaris said, don't worry too much. I'll be back. It won't happen, but if I don't return within three days, make sure to prepare for evacuation."
"Even my son-in-law adds unnecessary words in the end. Now, let's go!"
Jin boarded the Red Owl.
"I will be back. As always, I'll make sure to bring back what we need."
* * *
Garden of Swords.
For over a thousand years, it has been the home of the Runcandel Swordmasters, revered and feared by all beings in the world.
In the midst of it all, Rosa stood still.
Her face was pale, lips dry.
With a body so fragile it seemed doubtful if she was the black panther and had ever commanded the Runcandel alongside Chiron, she looked up at the sky.
The sun, unbefitting of winter, blazed down.
Yet Rosa felt no sensation of burning in her eyes, even as she faced it head-on.
She just had a thought that it's unnecessarily bright.
"The youngest... is coming."
A woman in a black hood nodded her head.
Ilina Runcandel, the woman known as Joshua's unfortunate partner.
Now everyone in Runcandel knew about her identity.
The prophet of calamity. The one who saved Rosa and other members of Runcandel from chaos.
"You sound like you're disappointed. Do you think things would have been different if he had come a little faster?"
Swoosh!
Rosa swiftly drew the frenzy and stabbed Ilina's neck.
Ilina immediately collapsed, gasping for breath, and then she convulsed for a few seconds before she rose again.
Instead of blood, chaos flowed from the affected area.
"Ah, really. How many times do I have to explain that it doesn't cost one or two human lives every time like this?"
"It is unacceptable for a member of Runcandel to speak to me like that. Even if this was your last life, I wouldn't have hesitated to kill you."
"You could make it painless if you..."
"Are you eager to die again? The pain of death is something I've experienced as well, and it's not something I imagine you'd take lightly."
Ilina lowered her head at Rosa's low voice.
"I'm sorry, I will be more careful in the future."
Rosa looked at the main gate in silence again.
The main gate.
Looking back, to Rosa Runcandel, that gate represented countless lonely years of waiting.
How desperately, how fervently she had longed for the day when Chiron, who had gone through that gate to complete his task, would return and save the clan...….
But that day never came.
Instead, what came was her youngest son who would ultimately refuse to bend or compromise, forcing her to break him herself.
That fact was somewhat bitter.
"All Knights of Runcandel, prepare to welcome the 12th flagbearer of the clan."
Rosa's words were solemn and swift like the wind. Just like Chiron's voice no matter how small it is, there is no place where it does not spread, and there is no one who cannot hear it.
Knights rushed out from all directions and lined up in front of her.
It was also the same as when the clan prepared for Chiron's welcome.
The flagbearer stood at the forefront, followed by the Black Knights, Black Sword association, Enforcement Knights, and Guardian Knights. It was a number far beyond what Jin remembered, but the flagbearers were only four.
"Madame Rosa."
It was Stam, the captain of the Black Knights.
"Speak."
"What should I do with the underground knights?"
The underground knights, they were the ones who rebelled against Rosa until the very end.
"Release everyone except for the 4th flagbearer."
"All right. And... may I return the weapons they were using?"
The reason Stam said that was no different. Although they have now turned their backs on Rosa and the clan, they were all knights who once devoted themselves to the clan.
Their rejection of Rosa wasn't betrayal; they simply couldn't reconcile with the logic of power and corruption that Rosa now embodied.
So Stam wanted to offer them one last chance – a chance to fight for the "honor" they believed in, alongside Jin.
Ilina wanted to protest loudly, but Rosa didn't dislike Stam's suggestion. Such individuals were necessary.
"Do it. Also, all of their swords will be planted in the garden."
"... thank you."
"May I dare to say something? I think it's dangerous. The fate of Jin Runcandel has already gone off track once. Even the smallest thing can become a big problem!"
Rosa dismissed her opinion. And she began to focus on her youngest son's energy, which was rapidly approaching from afar.
She recalled the day when Jin first returned to the clan after completing his reserve flagbearer career.
-Looks like someone else is trying to welcome this old man.
-Patriarch, what do you mean by that?
-Rosa, I think you've become dull, too. Quite a powerful force is approaching the Garden of Swords and at a very fast pace.
'Now I can see what you felt back then...… Chiron.'
Excellent.
The first emotion that filled Rosa's heart was no different from Chiron at that time.
Slowly, the main gate was opening.
Jin strode towards Rosa, regardless of the changed clan and the black energy of the chaos-stained knights.
As the distance closed between them, the two felt as if all the surrounding around them was being erased.
Among these countless human and non-human beings, the mother and child focused all their senses on each other.
Everything was just like that day.
The day when Jin proved that he had the qualifications to become a flagbearer by receiving Chiron's sword.
But today was not that day.
"The 12th flagbearer, Jin Runcandel, has returned to the clan after completing the closed-door training."
Jin did not raise his sword.
Rosa didn't answer and looked down at Jin quietly.
As a Runcandel, as a human being, as a mother, she wanted to grasp onto this brief moment with her youngest son a little longer.
So, just like Chiron did that day, she wanted to draw her sword. She only once wanted to savor the sword of her son, who grew up this much.
However, Jin did not allow that time to be prolonged.
"But mother... you've broken our promise."
Disappointing.
You no longer have the right to test me.
As Jin continued, Rosa's hand, which had instinctively moved towards her waist, paused unknowingly.
That was the last emotion that Rosa felt as a human being.
A single streak of black blood trickled from Rosa's cracked lips.
She wiped it away with the back of her hand as she responded.
"The promise still stands. If you can show me what you set out to prove to me, I will put everything in the clan back to its original state right now."
635
[T.L: punisher87]
[Support me here:- https://bmc.link/punisher87 ]
"What... exactly do you mean by returning everything to its original state?"
The Garden of Swords in Jin's memories, and the Garden of Swords laid out before him now. The only thing the two had in common was the thousands of swords stuck in the middle of the garden.
Every visible knight was engulfed in chaos without exception, and particularly Rosa was in a state that even the chaos purification device bought from Laprarosa couldn't handle.
There was a black horn on Rosa's forehead. She seemed to have no intention of hiding it, and even if she did, it seemed impossible to conceal.
Besides, the buildings were the only thing that's same as before.
From the moment Jin came to the Garden of Swords. No, from the moment he entered Kalon, he felt a strong energy of chaos hidden throughout the city.
Ha....
Jin sighed and rubbed his forehead.
"... Are you saying you can turn back time? Or Ilina Runcandel standing next to you, no, the prophet, do you have some other method?"
"I can't restore something that has already happened. However, if you fulfill your promise, I will immediately make you the patriarch, and from now on, Runcandel will rely on you to survive, not on the prophet."
I will make you patriarch.
The words that Jin had wanted to hear so much in previous life were hitting his head. Of course, he wasn't happy at all. It was to the point where he felt nauseous with the disgusting sensation of insects crawling in his head.
"Haha...."
Unconsciously, a bitter laugh escaped his lips.
"Since when were you in a position to appoint a patriarch? Chiron Runcandel, the patriarch of Runcandel, the owner of Barisada, and my father. All of this, of course, must have been carried out without his consent. Under your own judgment!"
Of course, Rosa hinted that she would make Jin the patriarch even before joining hands with the Prophet. However, Jin thought that Rosa would no longer interfere with him becoming the next patriarch, but did not expect this kind of succession.
He could only inherit Barisada directly from Chiron.
"So, what is your answer? Have you obtained the means to save the clan from this turmoil, or have you not?"
"Whatever I have gained, you and your Runcandel cannot benefit from it."
"In that case... I have no other choice."
Except to kill you.
Rosa's eyes narrowed. She had no intention of persuading Jin.
Not because it's not worth it. Now that she had decided to kill Jin, she was suppressing feelings of pain more intense than ever before.
But she can't catch him. She knew her youngest son was by no means a compromising person. He had never yielded in any situation, and had never broken down, not even once...
Rosa knew better than anyone that such a brilliant young man was Jin Runcandel, her youngest son.
"I will ask you one last question."
Rosa thought Jin would ask about Temar and Hister. But even that was beyond Rosa's expectations.
"Was this really the best course of action?"
"Yes."
"Then there's no need for further conversation between us."
Jin's gaze fell on the knights standing behind Rosa.
"What have the knights of the clan done to let the Garden of Swords come to this state? Were you just watching Rosa Runcandel colluding with Chaos?"
"Oh, spare me the lecture, Jin Runcandel. All you've done so far is ruin the fate of Runcandel. Besides, what about Chiron Runcandel? He was away from the clan this whole time. What's the result? Have you and he found a way to save the clan?"
Jin didn't pay attention to Ilina, who opened her mouth for the first time.
"If it wasn't for Madame Rosa's choice, Runcandel would have been finished long before irresponsible Chiron Runcandel and you returned. Well, in a way, this too feels like the fulfillment of fate, doesn't it? Ultimately, Runcandel has become much stronger compared to before..."
At that time, a group of knights appeared far away from the main house.
They were knights trapped underground. Everyone was tired and weak, but thanks to Stam's consideration, they were armed with clean armor and swords.
A weak energy of chaos was felt from them.
However, unlike the others who were completely consumed, they showed signs of resistance.
'They are the ones... who resisted to preserve the values of the clan despite being consumed by chaos.'
It is worthwhile to save them all and return. But that was impossible.
They knew that too. Because of this, the Tona brothers shouted and said to Jin.
"Jin, the youngest...! Don't mind us, do what you intend to do!"
"It's an honor fight and possibly die fighting alongside you as Runcandel...!"
The Tona brothers, who had tormented Jin so much in past life and still showed a servile attitude to the strong in this life, had become admirable Runcandels.
"Releasing them now is Madame Rosa's last consideration for you and them. Decorate your end with the rebels, Jin Runcandel. Anyway, even if you die, your power will be used for the Runcandel, so it's not such a bad ending."
"Listen, knights of my clan."
Jin looked at the knights who came up from the underground. They were the only clan knights.
"I salute you for your painful resistance. So from now on, what you must do is to survive at all costs. I will open the way for you."
The Tona brothers and the knights nodded solemnly.
"From now on, I declare Rosa Runcandel and those who follow her as traitors, and as the 12th flagbearer of the clan... I will execute them."
"As of the present time... I revoke your flagbearer status, Jin Runcandel."
Jin and Rosa said at the same time. As if they had promised, all the knights in the garden except for the two drew their swords.
And everyone was remembering an incident that happened in the Garden of Swords a few years ago.
-I think the meaning of the declaration that I made today will only become stronger if I get rid of the seat of honor where my mother sits.
-[Everyone, open your eyes wide... See clearly what the true Runcandel is, what has protected Runcandel, and what the current Runcandel is forgetting.]
Patriarchy declaration.
Blue flame lit up in Jin's eyes.
Runcandel Magic Sword Secret technique
Flames of hell - Sarah Runcandel
Blue flames formed in Jin's eyes. The will of the Flame Empress, who fought for the clan until the very end and preserved the value of Runcandel for a thousand years even in death, was vividly manifested through Jin.
Those stained with chaos had no choice but to flinch in front of the blue flames.
The energy of chaos was completely paralyzing their inside.
They were paralyzed until Jin unleashed flames of hell.
And a huge fear that could not be concealed even with the energy of chaos, an immeasurably overwhelming presence pounded on the rotten minds of the knights.
"Stop him!"
As Myu and Anne stepped forward, knights stained in chaos followed them. Among them, there were also knights wearing black helmets.
Black Knight, a black helmet that was once only given to the most honorable and strong knights in Runcandel.
Roughly estimating, there were nearly fifty knights wearing black helmets in the garden.
However, Jin did not feel particularly threatened even though he was surrounded by so many black knights.
Not all who wore black helmets were true Black Knights, and not all who reached the 10-star became transcendent martial artists.
"You guys are nothing."
Hundreds of sharp blades were raining down on Jin.
They could easily topple a mountain in an instant. No one other than the giant forces would be able to withstand the onslaught they unleashed in mere seconds.
Even so, their swords couldn't pierce even the outermost part of the blue flame unleashed by Jin. They vanished without a trace before even touching the flames.
It wasn't just the Plutonian swordsmanship and the Shadow Sword that Jin trained at Laprarosa. Right now, he was also close to completing the Runcandel magic sword.
Anyone who has seen Sarah Runcandel even once would have recognized that it was she who stood here.
A fire that burns the whole world, a fire that fights to the end without being extinguished in the face of any mighty enemy, was glaring at the traitors tainted by chaos.
Gaaaa...…!
Tess, who had just been summoned, let out a roar.
It was not manifested with the risk of using chaos as a medium, as in the Sword emperor castle war. Tess was summoned purely through Jin's mana, and rather exuded an even stronger aura than before.
And as Tess appeared, Jin swung his sword once towards the traitors.
About a hundred knights, including five knights who became black knights through the power of chaos, were burned, and their entire bodies melted and they could not even scream.
However, even if the body melted, the core of chaos remained like that of a living golem. The cores were returning to the Prophet as if being sucked into a vortex.
Jin grabbed one of the cores of chaos that was being dragged by the Prophet. Chaos tried to infest Jin's grip like a parasite, but when Jin clenched his fist, it simply burst.
For the first time, the Prophet showed a sign of hesitation.
'Is he immune to chaos!? Like the old Plutonian tribe...…!'
It was something the Prophet had never expected.
There was a contrast between Jin wrapped in the flames of the old Runcandel and the knights stained with chaos.
And as Jin said, the flame of hell was making a way for those released from the underground.
"Ilina Runcandel."
"Yes, Madame Rosa."
"Show your skills. We must not allow that child to return alive from this place today."
At Rosa's command, Ilina bowed her head.
"All right. Then, will you allow me to open the Garden of Swords?"
"I allow it."
For the Prophet, it was merely a stroke of luck.
By any chance, if Rosa saw Jin and changed her decision by breaking the contract with her, she would have no choice but to go around her path for a long time.
"I will recreate the nightmare of that day, you rotten ones. If not today, then tomorrow, and if not tomorrow, then whenever. In the end, none of you will survive."
The moment Jin spoke those words,
Suddenly, the sun vanished, and darkness engulfed the surroundings.