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The Garden of Swords, which had been shining with the sun and blue flames, became dark in an instant.
The peculiar darkness created by chaos, Jin narrowed his forehead and looked at the blackened sky and the garden of swords.
Red eyes were shining brightly all over the place. All of them were the gazes of the knights who were confronting Jin.
'As soon as the darkness deepened, the aura of the knights grew stronger... Is it the result of the Prophet amplifying the chaos scattered throughout the Garden of Swords?'
The Prophet and Rosa were nowhere to be seen. As if they weren't there in the first place.
Jin guessed that the two of them used some means to amplify the chaos. The Prophet would have used Rosa's power as a medium for amplification.
'Or did the acting matriarch move to prepare for defense against external attacks?'
Kinzelo and Zipfel.
Jin was still convinced that the two factions were watching the battle and preparing for an all-out attack.
'In that case, whether it was a valid decision or not, they will regret leaving me unattended.'
Whether it's to contain external attacks or for other reasons.
Jin was confident that he would make Rosa regret leaving him behind. And even all the choices she's made so far.
New knights were constantly appearing from somewhere.
Like insects lurking in the darkness, only to emerge and swarm towards their prey, unaware of the lethal poison within.
The number has already exceeded a thousand, and if it continues to multiply at this rate, it will reach ten thousand within an hour.
Each and every one of those knights has an aura of 8-star or higher.
'Even if it's true, they are just battle dolls that don't even deserve its power.'
To Jin, they are no different from the monsters of the Great Desert of Mitra that he encountered on the first day when he returned to the human world.
Of course, it was Jin's standard. The knights tainted with chaos had the battle prowess to wipe out quite a few kingdoms within a day or two, even if there was only one group.
'The only things that I have to deal with a little bit of concern are a few real guys among them. They are only traitors who have not lost their enlightenment despite being stained with chaos.'
Swoosh...!
The flames of the hellfire grew even thicker.
"How could you not know that the clan's values are struggle and dominance through power, not immorality...…."
For an instant the blue flames hid Jin's location. The lost black swordsmen who rushed in beat the barrier of Blue flames in vain.
Runcandel 5th secret technique
Light-speed Thrust - Plutonian
At the same time, five beams of light-speed thrust slashed the battlefield into pieces.
Small holes were made in the chest of the knights at the forefront, followed by chaos being wiped out in piles by the ensuing aftermath.
Before the knights could react and fill the collapsed ranks anew, Jin had already reached the point where the light speed thrust spread through the middle.
That spot was where those who resisted the chaos to the end, including the Tona brothers, stood.
Also, as soon as Jin settled down, he cut down the nearby knights by Bradamante and they disappeared like dust swept away by the wind.
"Oh, uh!, the youngest!"
"Behind, look behind!"
The Tona brothers felt a mix of emotions upon seeing Jin rushing to open a path, but they could only urgently shout for him to look behind.
It was because a black knight was holding a sword behind their brother's back.
Jin didn't even look at him, but hugged the Tona brothers, who rushed forward and tried to protect him with their bodies.
"Brothers, you've worked hard...."
The moment the brothers reunited, the black knight's sword that attacked the rear couldn't reach Jin. The fire burned his entire body.
Thud, the helmet of the fallen Black Knight hit the ground, emitting an empty sound.
"I have a lot to say, but for now, let's get out of here."
The moment Jin saw the people who had been trapped underground, he expected that a considerable number of them would die in this place.
That's why the Tona brothers shouted. They told him not to worry and to do what he intended to do.
Fortunately, things have changed.
'If the acting matriarch is not here, I can save a lot more knights than expected.'
Why did Rosa let them live? And why did she leave without killing them?
Suddenly, Jin had such questions.
The Prophet explained that it was just a final consideration. If that was the case, Jin felt he could never forgive Rosa, for someone who dared to defile Runcandel could not possibly show consideration for Runcandel.
Of course, there were still many variables that could get in the way of saving the knights.
There's no way to know for sure whether Rosa will return to the battlefield, how far traitors will multiply, and there's no way to be sure that there won't be something that even Jin can't handle.
So Jin had to evacuate them first.
"By the way, it's surprising that you are still here. Elder chief Jorden."
Jorden Runcandel.
Jin made eye contact with him.
"... judging from the atmosphere, it seems that you were the leader of the rebels."
Even while they were talking, the traitors were unable to approach Jin.
Jorden looked back and forth at the flame of hell and Jin, who were protecting them, and let out a wry laugh.
"I just remembered the essence of the clan that I had forgotten about. Thanks to some crazy monster."
-Have you regained your confidence after losing everything? You speak so arrogantly.
-I just remembered the essence of the clan that I had forgotten.
That's what Jorden said when Joshua fell down in the past, he said the same to Rosa.
"And the leader of this rebellion was originally not me, but the 4th flagbearer."
"Where is elder brother Diphus? What about elder sister Mary?"
"I don't know. I don't even know if they're alive or dead."
Diphus was still imprisoned in the dungeon, but the other rebels were unaware of it. It was because he was imprisoned separately.
"... I'm sorry."
"There is nothing for you to apologize for, elder chief. So, are the confirmed survivors all here now?"
"Yes."
Like those who resisted, Jorden's body bore the marks of the pain he suffered in the dungeon.
Almost only bones remained, and even the energy of chaos ate away his entire body.
Even so, Jin felt a certain transcendent level from Jorden. A strength that never disappeared no matter how weak his physical body became.
"It seems that your closed door training was also successful, elder chief."
"I don't think it can compare to you."
"I cannot take responsibility for escaping to the end on my own. It would be nice if I could, but I don't think the traitors' outbursts might be limited to this. If I clear the path, you will take everyone and evacuate them to Tikan."
"Puhh... Interesting. We've always been enemies, yet you're willing to trust me?"
"No, not Jorden, the Black Sword Association chief, who was mean like an old snake... I believe in the clan's knight, Jorden Runcandel."
Jorden's eyes widened.
"... I will support you, 12th flagbearer."
Jin did not forgive Jorden. Jorden knew that too.
But ultimately, the two ended up sharing the value of 'struggle' that Runcandel represented, and that was enough. As a reason to fight together for Runcandel, despite harboring grudges.
"By the way, the 12th flagbearer. As you just predicted, this is not all the power of Rosa Runcandel and the Prophet."
"Tell me everything you know."
"The fact that the Traitors have been strengthened now is the result of the chaos bound to the Garden of Swords being unleashed. We went through the same situation the day we were imprisoned in the dungeon."
At that time, the rebels had shown quite a struggle against the chaos traitors. Not as much as Jin, but they managed to cut down many of the strengthened knights.
It was thanks to the fact that there were knights like Jorden, Diphus, and Mary who had reached the level after the closed door training.
What completely devastated them that day wasn't just the endlessly resurrecting and multiplying chaos knights, nor the battle dolls with nothing but destructive power.
"... Soon, the knights enshrined in the mausoleum will appear."
"The knights from the mausoleum?"
"What we have personally confirmed are the flagbearers and the black Knights of the past. But if I were the prophet, I would call many more and stronger beings against you...…."
The moment Jorden said that.
All of a sudden, Jin unleashed ten light-speed thrusts and cleared the surroundings. In addition, the energy of the flame of hell, which had been amplified, was still growing beyond recognition.
No matter how many ants there are, they cannot kill a lion.
Just as Jin felt that the Knights of Chaos were no different from monsters in the desert, Jorden could see that as well.
"... But I don't think there's anything to worry about."
Jorden shrugged his shoulders. He realized that Jin had used power that was not even 30 percent of his battle prowess.
The reason Jin cleared the surroundings was simple.
He recognized that among the traitors, the real knights began to show their energy in earnest.
Captain of the Black Knights, Stam. He was slowly making his way toward Jin.
"Go, Elder Chief."
The rebels began to leave the Garden of Swords. The land soaked in chaos was disorienting, but they took the blue road formed by flame of hell as a guidepost.
Rebels didn't even have to extend their swords against the chaos knights flocking in. The flames that surrounded them like a barrier protected them.
Their fight for escape would begin in earnest after they escaped the territory of flames.
"You seem to have no intention of attacking them, the former Captain of the Black Knights of Runcandel, Stam. You should be able to give ample damage in my fire. Is it like the last remaining conscience?"
Stam glared at Jin without answering. A huge aura and chaos were being released from him.
"No, former 12th flagbearer, Jin Runcandel. Because I decided that I should not waste my strength while dealing with you."
"Fortunately, you didn't have a bad conscience."
Jin stared into Stam's red eyes for a moment.
The Captain of the Black Knights of Runcandel, who had once fought alongside him at the Sword Emperor Castle war, was now blocking him as an enemy.
"It's a splendid choice to fully focus on me. It's regrettable that despite having such judgment, you didn't stop the tyranny of Rosa Runcandel."
"The justification for seeking the survival of the clan is the privilege of the last survivor. You still don't have the right to judge whether Madame Rosa's decision was right or wrong. Likewise, I don't yet have the conviction to say that you were wrong. That's a problem that can only be confirmed after your death."
"I didn't know you have a talent for talking bullshit in the midst of battle…"
Just as Jin was about to charge at Stam—
He sensed another elite approaching from behind.
[Captain of the Black Knights, now I understand why you've been waiting for me all this time. At first, I thought he was Chiron Runcandel, the current patriarch.]
When he turned around, Jin saw a knight he had never seen before, a figure who had just emerged from the mausoleum.
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He also must be a knight born from chaos, the power of the Prophet.
However, he was different from the other knights in appearance.
Instead of the dense and black sensation typical of chaos energy, his entire body was tinted with a subtle silvery hue.
Even the pupils do not harbor the ferocity of a beast thirsting for blood. Rather, they bore the deep and solemn gaze of a martial artist who had reached the peak.
Strong. To the extent that there was no need to check him by clashing swords.
Jin carefully examined him and searched for his memory. He remembered a description of a former patriarch of the clan that he read in the storm castle library.
The former patriarch of Runcandel, who was called the 'Lion King' because of his long hair that stretched out in all directions like the mane.
Lionel Runcandel, that was the name of the man who came from the mausoleum.
"The youngest child of Runcandel greets the sixth patriarch of the clan."
Jin showed courtesy to Lionel with a calm attitude.
[Ah, so you recognize me. I've heard there are hardly any tales left about me. Admirable.]
Almost all of the records about him remained in the storm castle library. As his era was shortly after Runcandel's defeat against Zipfel, most of the records about him were wiped out.
"You said it was admirable, so may I ask you a question in return?"
[What is it?]
"Unlike other chaos knights, you seem to have clear reason and will, ancestor. In that case, the current state of the clan must not seem very good to you. Which side did you punish with that dead body?"
[Haha! If I don't take your side, you seem like you'll rush in right away.]
"Please answer me."
[I am just a ghost bound to the summoner. So my job is to punish you. You're asking the obvious. Well, in my opinion, Rosa's judgment isn't that bad.]
"Then I can no longer respect you, Lionel. Even if you endure the shame of being cut down by the sword of your descendant from now on, I hope you will humbly accept it..."
[This is a very good spirit.]
The blue flames in Jin's eyes sharpened.
At the same time, Lionel cut through the air with a longsword formed by chaos.
Suaaaaaa...…!
Lionel's lightly swung blow distorted the space and released sword energy that had reached the pinnacle of swordsmanship.
The nearby chaos knights were swept away by the force and repulsion generated by his swordsmanship.
Lionel paid no heed to their safety.
With the exception of Temar and the current patriarch of Runcandel who was undoubtedly the strongest of all time. Lionel was full of thoughts that he had to kill the descendant who was obviously the child who resembled Chiron the most.
While Lionel's sword energy engulfed Jin. Stam targeted Jin's rear and was inwardly astonished.
'Even though he's completely turned his back... there's no opening.'
Stam couldn't recklessly extend his sword against Jin's exposed back. He was convinced that even if he rushed in, the result would be a meaningless battle.
The 12th flagbearer of the clan, whom he saved just a few years ago, was revealing the dignity of an absolute martial artist.
Even Jin casually...…. 'teared' Lionel's sword energy. Not even with a sword, but with bare hands.
"I thought you would give me the first chance to attack, but it's embarrassing."
Swoosh.
Jin was looking up at Lionel, who was taller than him, but Lionel felt that his gaze had started from a higher place.
[Even though I've lived my whole life in arrogance, I don't feel confident enough to allow such behavior against you.]
Lionel was not taken aback when he saw his sword energy converging into Jin's grasp and disappearing.
He immediately acknowledged the fact that Jin is stronger than himself.
[Small fries, get out of the way. Standing here won't pose even the slightest threat to him.]
Ran, Vigo, Myu, Anne.
Those four were the ones whom Lionel referred to as the small fries. They were chaos knights, and they were looking for an opportunity to attack Jin all the time.
"You can't do that, Lionel. My mother's orders take precedence."
[Rosa couldn't have told you to kill him. Can't you tell the difference between heaven and earth? If you don't want to waste your lives, do as you please.]
Siah-!
Once again, Lionel closed the distance first. The air ruptured as he charged, sending shockwaves rippling out, and Jin countered with Bradamante.
In terms of strength, Lionel had the upper hand. When their swords clashed, Jin was pushed back, and it was then that Stam found his first opportunity to strike.
A small crack spread across Multa's rune and on the breastplate of the Shadow force Armor. If Jin hadn't avoided it, Stam's sword would have pierced his armor and ruptured his throat and heart.
Although Jin's sword touched Lionel's chest and Stam's armor, it was clear that Jin was being pushed back in the composition of the first fight.
The three swords, clashing several times in a second, made a roar and vibration like a mountain or fortress collapsing.
The swords of the clan's guardians stuck in the garden were being erased in the aftermath of the battle of the superhumans.
The rusty and shiny swords, which retained history and pride, were being shattered. Jin was the only person in this garden who was heartbroken to see the scene.
[You are strong. Incredibly strong indeed! Can't you now stand by your mother's side and fight? With your and Rosa's strength, you'll be able to hold the world in your own two hands!]
"Lionel, you introduced yourself to me as nothing more than a ghost bound to a summoner."
Jin pushed Stam away and received Lionel's diagonal slash.
"The same goes for me. I, too, am a human bound by the clan's values. No matter how tempting an easier path may seem, or how sweet the seduction, I simply cannot turn away from those values... The struggle. That's the bitter truth."
[It seems I spoke futile words out of sheer regret. Nevertheless, surviving is the essence of the struggle. Your mother fulfills it more faithfully than anyone else.]
"I acknowledge that. If Rosa Runcandel belonged to a different clan, I would have regarded her as a remarkable individual."
Thud!
A pale stream of blood gushed from Lionel's right cheek.
He hadn't realized the moment when Jin's sword passed his face. It was the first time in his life he completely missed an opponent's sword during battle.
'If I hadn't reacted subconsciously, it could have ended right there.'
But Lionel wasn't even surprised.
He only reaffirmed the fact that he was facing an unprecedentedly strong opponent, one he had never encountered even in his living days.
Fear and joy tingled down Lionel's spine. Stam, too, was enveloped in a similar sensation.
[Even though you have the power to be an absolute ruler in your era, you still cling to the dream of a mere boy. That's likely why you'll die here today.]
Jin didn't answer and swung his sword again.
The sheer magnitude of raw power still favored Lionel and Stam. The speed at which the cracks on Multa's runes and armor increased as time went by.
Jin's breathing was also quickening.
On the other hand, Lionel and Stam's swords gradually moved in perfect sync.
Whenever Lionel created an opening, Stam's sword pierced through the armor without fail.
Blood trickled down from beneath the helmet.
'As expected, it is impossible to deal with two people in this state.'
Just a little longer.
Though he had managed to maintain his composure throughout, Jin was clearly being pushed back.
Lionel shows no signs of exhaustion even though he used decisive killing moves relentlessly, and Stam controls the flow of the battle as if he had combined characteristics of Yona and Luna.
Stam was surprisingly quiet when piercing through openings, and it was overwhelmingly heavy when attacked.
Because of this, Jin came to the conclusion that Stam was a more formidable opponent than Lionel.
'On top of that, I'm sure the two of them have saved some moves.'
Same goes for Jin.
However, Jin was constantly aware of an uncontrollable variable. It would be wasteful to unleash his trump cards now.
'The chaos energy beating the flames is fading little by little. If that continues like this, I will have to hold out without drawing another card...….'
About 5 minutes.
As long as he endured that, it would be okay to retrieve the power of the flame of hell that was protecting the escaping knights.
That had been Jin's rationale for engaging Lionel and Stam solely in a power struggle thus far.
'Until then, it's hard to tell whether I can withstand the attacks of the two with pure swordsmanship...….'
The moment Jin thought that far.
He could feel that the energy of chaos suddenly weakened, pushing the flame of hell.
And from afar, someone's aura began pushing the chaos energy away in earnest.
Jorden Runcandel.
He began to release the power that he had stored under the protection of the flame of hell.
Gaaaaaa...…!
Tess, who was protecting the knights from above, let out a roar. It was a signal that they were leaving the Garden of Swords and heading towards Kalon.
Jin smiled unconsciously.
'Finally.'
The flame of hell that had filled the Garden of Swords disappeared at once.
At the same time, Lionel and Stam distanced themselves.
It was because they recognized that Jin's energy had changed as soon as the flames disappeared.
However, the fire didn't disappear, it just returned to Jin. The fire centered around Jin once again enveloped him in blue light.
When Multa's rune and shadow force armor were released, Jin's body was revealed, perfectly reproducing the flame empress.
'Could it be that the flame of hell we've been facing all this time was only half of its true power...!?'
For Lionel and Stam. It was completely unexpected. They knew that the flames was protecting the knights, but they couldn't believe that it couldn't exert its full power because of it.
It's not because their insight was lacking.
No one would have guessed that the transcendent fire that had pushed back the chaos of the entire Garden of Swords all along was only half the force.
"Lionel, I think I should tell you one thing before we finish this."
Lionel's widened eyes were shaking in awe. As a descendant who was blessed to witness the legend of the Flame Empress, Sarah Runcandel.
"Unlike you, Dame Sarah fought for Runcandel for a thousand years even after death. Even though her whole body was broken and her mind was more devastating than that...… over those long years, she never compromised with anything."
Would you still dare to call her thousand-year struggle and determination just a mere boy's dream?
Lionel couldn't choose an answer to Jin's words that followed.
"I see you cannot answer. That's why today, you face death once more in this place."
Bradamante was rushing towards Lionel and Stam, like the blade of a guillotine falling upon a traitor.
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* * *
At that moment, fleets of each faction were gathering in the airspace near Kalon of the Huphester Alliance, as Jin had foreseen.
And they all saw the drastic changes beginning to take place in the Garden of Swords.
No, they were observing the dark scenery of chaos spreading throughout the entire city of Kalon.
"This crazy... what is that?"
The commander's room of the flagship of the 1st Fleet, Kozec.
Kadun unknowingly slumped into his chair, unable to take his eyes off Kalon.
Hedo and Octavia next to him had similar reactions.
Since Ron subdued Glyek in the war of the Sword Emperor Castle, the remnants of chaos had been spreading chaos throughout the world.
However, the level of chaos spread before them now was unprecedented, unlike anything seen before.
Even the Great Desert of Mitra, which was used as a waste disposal site by the major factions, felt like a pristine area compared to the chaos emanating from Kalon.
It seemed credible to say that one of Five Kings of the Black Sea had awakened in Kalon.
"I never imagined the Garden of Swords would conceal such power. And Runcandel seems to be controlling all this massive chaos... Damn it, could it be true that the prophet's identity is actually the witch Helluram?"
The chaos in Kalon presented a completely different aspect from ordinary contaminated areas. It spread perfectly purified, without any erratic patterns.
Among the major factions, the one known to have the least technical development through chaos control was Runcandel until yesterday.
Because of this, there were not a few people in the world who rashly evaluated that Runcandel was collapsing, but that statement was completely wrong.
In the eyes of Zipfel's leadership, Runcandel was, in fact, entering its prime.
The massive chaos spreading across the entire city like a giant serpent continued to proliferate incessantly as they watched.
Even that was not the only sight that was difficult to accept.
"Besides, that fire... it belongs to the 12th flagbearer."
In the middle of the chaos that covered Kalon, the area where the Garden of Swords was located, a blue flame was piercing through the chaos.
It was so far away, but they could see it. That it was the fire of Jin Runcandel.
-And unless the 12th flagbearer chooses the option to submit to Runcandel with the Vamel Alliance, there will inevitably be a fight in the Garden of Swords.
-He will never make such a choice.
-Then at that time, we can check the power of Runcandel through their battle.
A conversation they had at the Tower of Stories not long ago.
The power of Runcandel, and the power of Jin who was rampaging in the main house of Runcandel. Both were far beyond their expectations.
In the midst of a chill in the back, Kadun turned his gaze to Hedo.
"Hedo, you were right. If we hadn't prepared for an all-out attack, we wouldn't have even known that they were accumulating such dreadful power."
"If Runcandel had finished stocking up its power to its satisfaction, then suddenly unleash it upon us without warning. If we were not adequately prepared at that time... I can't help but think that day would have been our downfall," Octavia interjected into Kodan's narrative.
Hedo silently stared at Jin's fire. Despite appearing small like a fingernail due to the distance, if Jin desired, the blue flames could tear through the chaos and incinerate everything up to where they stood.
'I don't sense Murakan's power that Lord Kadun was worried about...…. Does it mean he is fighting alone in the Garden of Swords?'
Just as Lionel and Stam were experiencing Jin's level rising in real time during the battle, the three felt the same sensation.
"Lord Kadun."
A mage entered the commander's room.
"I just confirmed the position of Kinzelo's fleet."
Kinzelo's fleet is approaching from the opposite direction to Zipfel.
With Kalon at the center, the fleets of the two forces on both sides were gradually narrowing the distance towards Runcandel.
"What's the size?"
"Starting with the 1st Fleet flagship Grenil, Zion, Kiki, Alice, and Criul. All five major fleets have been observed."
Kozec, Kozec 2, Lucia, Andion, Pistro, Arcadia. Similarly, Zipfel brought all of the clan's strongest 6 Fleets and flagships.
The strongest and largest forces in the world were gathered in one place.
Soon, Kadun stood up as if he had made up his mind.
"Immediately relay to Kinzelo."
The reporter, who sensed the order, bowed his head heavily.
"Let's form a temporary alliance and attack the Garden of Swords together. Today we will destroy Runcandel with them...…!"
The reporter left the commander's room.
What will you do if Kinzelo rejects the proposal?
Hedo, Octavia, and the scribes did not ask Kadun such a question.
Because they were sure Kinzelo couldn't deny it. Zipfel and Kinzelo considered their powers to be roughly equal at the moment.
This meant that neither side could face Runcandel alone. The gap wasn't even significant enough to express as "they didn't know until they fought."
The power of Runcandel, which was witnessed by the leaders of each faction, was at a level that they could never win without joining forces when the opportunity arose.
"By the way, I'm curious about one thing. Why did they keep their power hidden until now… We would have had a hard time holding out if they had launched a full-scale attack at any time," Hedo said, exhaling cigarette smoke.
"Either they judged that it was still not enough to cleanly defeat us and Kinzelo individually, or there may be dangers and constraints we're unaware of, or there could be some issue between Rosa and the Prophet."
"It just feels too overwhelming to be simply exercising caution."
"I'm also anxious about that, but we can't just back down."
"I think so too, Lord Kadun. The 12th flagbearer has caused internal strife, and I don't think there will be a better opportunity than now to cooperate with Kinzelo."
It was an hour after the mage sent by Kadun reached Kinzelo's fleet.
Even then, the battle between Jin, Lionel, and Stam continued.
Just an hour ago, Jin's flame of hell seemed to be breaking through the chaos that covered the garden of swords little by little, but now it seemed that chaos was struggling to suppress the flames.
Just like the chaos that is spreading beyond Kalon to all over Huphester, the flame continues to grow in size.
"Among those who remain in Runcandel right now, the only person who can handle such a battle is the Black Panther. Leader, in my opinion, this is an opportunity that won't come again. The Black Panther will surely be with the Prophet, and when the battle is over, there will surely be a blow to the entire Chaos covering the Garden of swords."
At Berakt's words, Orgal shook his head.
[Berakt, it is not Rosa Runcandel who is facing the 12th flagbearer.]
"Did you say it wasn't Rosa Runcandel?"
[The Prophet must have summoned the old sword of Runcandel. By using the city's residents as sacrifices. If Rosa Runcandel had been directly involved in the battle, the chaos that had already colored Kalon would have shown signs of instability. All that chaos spreading is through Rosa Runcandel as a medium...]
The leader was sure. All the residents of the city of Runcandel, Kalon, without exception, had already become materials for the creation of chaos.
This time, even Bubare and Ainas couldn't utter any foolish remarks.
Runcandel, soaked in chaos, was stirring up intense fear even in those idiots.
"Huh, does that mean they can keep summoning such formidable beings in the future?"
[If the materials are sufficient, probably... any amount.]
"All right, leader. That, then...… wouldn't it be wise to accept Zipfel's offer of a temporary alliance?"
[We will do so, Joe. You should go right away and prepare the complete Plutonian-type golem.]
"All right!"
There was silence for a while.
-[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 hit Runcandel together. I don't think it's going to be easy to handle, no matter how powerful the garden of swords.]
While Joe was gone, Orgal recalled what he had said at a meeting not too long ago.
Those words needed to be corrected.
[Today, even if we and Zipfel join forces, it is impossible to completely destroy Runcandel.]
"You don't want to end the Prophet, do you?"
[Zephyrin, you keep acting recklessly.]
"Tsk. Can I mess around in front of anyone other than my master?"
[Her life or death is not that important to me. What matters is that we are in a slightly different position from Zipfel right now. We proceed with the war in a direction that inflicts damage on both Zipfel and Runcandel. It seems necessary to suppress the power of both sides to buy time.]
"Of course, if we don't want that to show, we have to be prepared to lose quite a bit, right?"
At Margiella's words, Orgal nodded his head.
[Also, the second goal is the survival of Jin Runcandel.]
"I beg your pardon!?"
Zephyrin exclaimed, and Margiella's eyes twinkled.
[Even now, can't you see it? He's invaluable for restraining both Runcandel and Zipfel in the future. He must not die here.]
"Why don't you think that Jin Runcandel could ultimately finish us off too?"
[Zephyrin.]
"Uh, why, why, why do you see it that way?"
[You look afraid.]
Zephyrin snorted.
"Yes, I am a little scared. It's because my mean master is showing very insignificant appearance."
[Don't worry too much.]
"Alright, then can you at least help me restore my dignity?"
[Zephyrin, you will lead the vanguard. You can use my power as much as you want, so make sure to inflict irreparable wounds on your enemies.]
The moment Orgal said that. Suddenly, the sky over the fleets of the major factions began to turn black.
And in that sky, a woman's voice resonated, as if a god were speaking.
[Zipfel, and Kinzelo. I've been feeling very uncomfortable because I haven't been able to tear you guys apart the way I want...….]
It was Rosa Runcandel's voice.
[But now you're tainting even the last reunion with my son. You will have to pay for it. If you think you can't handle it, I suggest you flee now.]
As soon as she finished speaking, a gigantic battleship descended through the black sky from above Kalon.
[If you can...….]
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A black ship, seeming to trample the sky as it floated.
With a hull length of nearly 5km, 'Ram' was completely overwhelming other battleships in the sky from its size.
"Is that... a battleship?" Octavia spoke with a disbelieving voice.
As she said, the form of Ram was more like an 'aerial fortress', like the main hall of the battle gods hall than a flying ship. It was not a battleship, but seemed like an entire black island floating in the air.
"When did Runckandel manage to create something like that...!" Kardun exclaimed through gritted teeth.
The major factions, who had visited Huphester with great vigor, once again felt their blood run cold in front of the hidden power of Runcandel.
It was almost despairing.
How much did we truly know about Runcandel until now?
The leaders of each faction could only ponder the same question.
'We knew nothing... absolutely nothing...! How could we have been so unaware of the terrifying power they were hiding!'
Regret was futile.
"... I was wrong. We shouldn't have come to Huphester," Hedo quickly admitted, realizing that his decision to prepare for an all-out attack was wrong.
"It is not your mistake. Kelliark also gave the final approval himself, believing that this judgment was correct. It is the mistake of all of us who had no idea of their power until now. Damn it! Even the fleet rotation seems to be difficult."
They were already too deep into enemy territory to retreat. Even far behind each fleet, the sky was pitch black. The energy of chaos was blocking the return path of battleships.
It was also confirmed that the fleet was pulled towards Ram beyond the rotation interruption. Zipfel was being forced to make a decision.
To stand and fight.
Ram's attack had not yet begun. It was overwhelmed by its energy and appearance alone, but they didn't know until they got attached.
The major factions also brought forth their maximum firepower.
"If we try to forcibly retreat, we will only be attacked unilaterally. Besides, there must be limitations on the operation of such a huge battleship. We must find and exploit those limitations somehow. Kinzelo must be considering that too!!"
Kinzelo was thinking exactly what Kardun said.
[This is unexpected even for me. To think they've already created something like that. Was the despair harbored by Rosa Runcandel and Joshua Runcandel truly of such magnitude? It's truly a manifestation of the evil god...….]
Orgal was the only one who had seen Ram firsthand in the past.
At that time, Orgal had concluded that even himself in his prime could not handle Ram's firepower.
If there was any silver lining to the misfortune, it was that Orgal believed the Ram was still not complete.
[Jin Runcandel, everything depends on him.]
"Leader, what do you mean by that?"
"Master?"
[Even though it's not yet complete, as long as the Ram exists, neither we nor Zipfel can penetrate the airspace and enter the Garden of Swords. Retreat would only result in great losses.]
The leader's dimensional portal was also affected by chaos. Chaos put restrictions on all types of transfer gates such as Mort's dimensional movement and the Red owl's spatial jump.
If the dimensional portal were forcibly opened, Kinzelo would suffer catastrophic damage without being able to inflict any significant blow to Runcandel in the meantime.
[The only one fighting from within is Jin Runcandel. We can only hope that he can deal a blow to the Ram's power. Neither attack nor retreat. Only then will it make sense.]
Ram's power.
A chaos engulfing the entire Garden of Swords centered on Rosa Runcandel. There had to be a problem with that. In order for Zipfel and Kinzelo to get even a little gain and plan their next move.
[I will give new orders. The entire fleet responds to Ram and supports Jin Runcandel. Saving him is our top priority.]
Lead the war to inflict damage on both sides of Zipfel and Runcandel.
Orgal quickly reversed this order. He judged that if Jin died without hitting Ram's power, then the only result that the giant forces would receive was catastrophe.
Thus, the aerial battle between the two major factions and Runcandel began.
Of course, it was Ram who started the preemptive strike. The center of Ram's hull was distorted like a whirlpool, and gathered the energy of chaos.
The main cannon, typical weaponry for a conventional battleship, was unleashed by the Ram.
But the next moment, the Ram's onslaught surpassed all known types of cannons in the world in terms of sheer scale. It seemed to scoff at any comparison.
Kwaaaaah...!
The black streak dividing the sky first struck Zipfel's fleet.
Kadun, who had already transformed into his true form and came out of the battleship, had to spread the flames with all his might from the start.
The battleships were close to each other, deploying a protective shield. The protective shield that contained all of Zipfel's technology and mana seemed to struggle against the black energy spewed by Ram.
But within seconds, they were mercilessly torn apart.
The shield centered around the flagship of the second fleet, Kozec 2, was the first to break. Kadun and the other strong ones, along with the nearby fleets, had no time to intervene.
[Ahhh...!]
Kadun's roar was drowned out by the thunderous destruction of the fleet.
Rosa, standing at the forefront of the Ram, burst out laughing as she saw that.
[It's so good to see you struggling like a bug...… Zipfel's fire dragon.]
Rosa's voice was faintly trembling, as if she was overcome with ecstasy. However, the Prophet felt uneasy about her demeanor.
'The speed at which your mind collapses is too slow. I'm proving everything, but why are you still wary of my power, Rosa Runcandel...…!'
A single cannon fire silenced Kozec 2 and drove the 2nd fleet of Zipfel to near annihilation.
The current power of the Ram that the Prophet anticipated was at least 50% greater than that. It wasn't fully realized due to Rosa's caution towards her.
Rosa saw through the Prophet's inner thoughts completely.
[I guess it upsets you that I'm wary of completely assimilating into you even though you are proving such a level of capability?]
"That's not it."
[The day will never come when Runcandel is completely subordinate to you. All you have to do is provide power. You are just a parasite that feeds on my clan...….]
"Ha, it's regrettable that you reject a more effective path. You always do."
[It's all up to my judgment. Don't forget that you are nothing more than a servant of the clan, Ilina Runcandel. Is my youngest son still there?]
"Since Sir Stam and Sir Lionel are there, it will be resolved soon...."
[That alone won't suffice, surely you know that. You are expecting me to take action myself.]
The Prophet bowed her head.
Rosa was definitely on a different level from Joshua. The Prophet couldn't control her in the slightest.
[This is your last chance. If, after today, you dare to question me again, even once... I will terminate our contract.]
"I am sorry."
[Summon him.]
When Ram's first barrage ended, Kadun's scales turned all over his body, and he was breathing heavily.
For the first time in my life. He felt a sense of complete loss of will to fight.
A sensation that he had not felt even when he faced Murakan a thousand years ago shook his insides.
Nevertheless, Kadun gathered fire breath with all his might. If it had been another dragon and not him, they would never have done that.
[Sheenu's protection will be with us...…!]
As Kadun rushed in, Zipfel's fleet was also advancing at the same speed using Ram's attraction force.
Indeed, they also had potential. The place where Kozec 2 disappeared was filled with a new spectre fleet that had been summoned before anyone knew it, and the shield that had collapsed from Ram's attack was being restored in an instant.
All were assisted by the fire emitted by Kadun. Hedo, along with Octavia, mounted the Wind Dragon Salion and fired sword energy, and after that, the spectre performed chain magic.
It took some time for Ram's main cannon to be ready again. From what they could see with their eyes, the speed at which the energy of chaos was gathering in Ram was not very fast.
From the rear, Kinzelo was charging. Unlike Zipfel who had withstood Ram's attack, they hadn't taken any damage yet.
Zephyrin, who stood at the forefront, was bigger than ever. She is drawing all of Orgal's power, which she hasn't been able to use due to restrictions.
However, since Orgal has not fully recovered yet, there are obviously limits to her ability to recreate her prime.
About an hour.
Though not overly long, during that time, she could engage in battle as a being approaching the strongest in the demon world.
So, Zephyrin was full of confidence. Unlike those stupid Zipfel bastards who didn't bring Kelliark, she was pretty sure that she'd be able to deliver a decent blow to Runcandel.
Until Ram released what it held within.
[Didn't I tell you, Zephyrin? Before Jin Runcandel creates a variable on the ground, you won't be able to hit Ram. Don't be greedy.]
[Damn it, Master! What else is that!?]
[Chaos, her creatures....]
Aaaaaaagh-! Aww!
Hundreds of dragons escaped from Ram's hull.
The creatures of Helluram that should be called 'Chaos Dragons'. And likewise, there were hundreds of black ships.
The Chaos Dragon and the Black Ship were escorting Ram. It is constantly breathing and shooting its main cannon, and spreading a shield to receive attacks from the two major factions.
The entire sky was ablaze with chaos. The scene of war seemed not like a battle between humans but more like mortals struggling against evil god.
The chaos dragons let out grotesque cries as they bit Zephyrin and fleet.
Amidst the explosions of blood, flesh, chaos, and bones everywhere,
Orgal gazed at the ground, in the middle of the Garden of Swords.
Jin's flame of hell was fading away.
* * *
Haah, ha...!
Jin gasped and looked down at the fallen people. Stam stopped moving with only half of his body remaining, and Lionel was on one knee, coughing up froths of blood.
'Lionel's decisive killing moves were definitely dangerous... Even if his mind was corrupted, the patriarch was still the patriarch.'
Jin's injuries were revealed between the broken Multa runes and armor.
It is true that his stamina was rapidly depleted, but it was not to the extent that he could not continue fighting.
Before going to finish off Lionel, Jin looked up at the sky. He saw Ram, the Chaos Dragon, the Black Ship, and the fleet of major factions fighting beneath it.
'We are going to go against those things... I don't know if the elder chief can survive.'
Like those outside, Jin was getting a little nervous about the clan's unexpected strength. Even at a glance, it seems that the two major factions were already being pushed back.
Lionel raised his head.
[You are the strongest descendant of Runcandel I've personally faced... You were born in the wrong era. If there were someone like you in my time... then the evil god would not have been born in our clan.]
Jin doesn't answer, but approaches Lionel and decapitates him.
Then, as he tried to find the Prophet, Lionel's head that fell off was still talking.
[Also, the clan's heroes wouldn't have to fight such a dishonorable fight against their brightest descendant...….]
Jin felt the energy of another old hero appearing from the mausoleum. It was an energy that Jin had seen once before.
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The faint bluish glow illuminating Lionel's body was fading away.
His soul is leaving. Lionel's body, now devoid of soul, turned into a grim and dark form like other masses of chaos.
The soul went to the mausoleum like the wind. Jin immediately unleashed the Shadow Sword, guessing that this was the key to summon Lionel again later.
As the blade touched, there was a distinct sensation, as if cutting through flesh, but the soul did not stop returning even as it was being torn apart.
Lionel will appear again.
However, it was not Lionel that was the problem right now, but the owner of the new energy that was coming out of the mausoleum.
'This energy....'
A blue energy like the lightning energy of the Plutonian was emerging from the distant chaos.
The energy of one of the ten great knights that Jin saw in Temar's tomb in the past.
Padler Runcandel.
The second knight summoned from the mausoleum was Padler.
Like Lionel, he also possessed a body shining with a faint light. There seemed to be some difference between ordinary chaos summons and Lionel and Padler.
-I, one of ten great Knights, Padler Runcandel have been bestowed with Runcandel's name by the patriarch and have enjoyed infinite glory ever since. I will atone for attacking the patriarch, even after my death.
As soon as Jin saw Padler, he remembered what he had said in the recording device.
A thousand years ago, when Temar was consumed by chaos and Murakan decided to kill Temar, who was in the Black Sea Tower, he was one of the two knights whom Murakan took along.
Jin didn't know much about Padler.
All he had seen were some fragmented aspects in the records left by Solderet.
But one thing was certain.
It was an undeniable fact that Padler should never have been standing here.
In the first place, none of the ten great knights were enshrined in the mausoleum. Not only in the mausoleum, but nowhere in the Garden of Swords could one find any mention of them. Zipfel had erased their history entirely.
All the ten great knights Jin had encountered so far had become guardians of Themer's tomb, waging a lonely war for a long time.
-(The Garden of Swords has announced the discovery of the legacy of Temar Runcandel, the first patriarch… No specific details were disclosed, but it signals a strong determination to reclaim the forgotten history of the clan.)
A sentence that suddenly popped into Jin's mind.
'Temar's fifth tomb...… Sir Padler was probably guarding it.'
The Prophet was using the Padler, who was the guardian of the Fifth Tomb.
Either the clan reached Temar's tomb before Valeria did, or they attacked her who found the tomb. Either way, Jin felt like his heart was about to rot.
As Padler got closer, the bodies of Ran, Vigo, Myu, and Anne, who had been pushed far away in the aftermath of the battle, were disintegrating into particles.
Their particles seemed to flow into Padler. They became a material for summoning Padler.
Yet Jin did not think of it as the deaths of the four.
"... Sir Padler Runcandel. You may not know me, but I do know you."
[No, I know you. Jin Runcandel, the 12th flagbearer of current Runcandel. Ilina told me about you.]
"What did she say about me?"
[You are someone who resembles the man who was my lord, Temar Runcandel.]
"I have often heard such comments."
[But I have very little memory of him.]
"I thought I might hear stories from that time, but it's a shame it didn't happen. So, is the reason you're blocking my path now... for Runcandel?"
Padler raised his eyebrows as if he had heard something strange.
[Jin Runcandel. You revered someone, dedicated your kingdom and your entire being to, and then you are betrayed...… Can you fight for them?]
Jin didn't answer and made eye contact with Padler. Black tears flowed from his eyes like dead blood.
[There is only one thing that I remember about Temar Runcandel. He ultimately destroyed my kingdom, Idal, with his own hands, without leaving even a handful of soil or any life behind.]
Padler Runcandel.
He was not originally a pure-blood Runcandel. Like Sylderay, he was influenced by Temar and was given the name of Runcandel.
His real name was Padler Idal.
King of the Idal kingdom that existed a thousand years ago, a magic swordsman called the 'Blue Thunder King', and a rare genius who perfected the magic sword that was considered unique to Runcandel.
Jin couldn't tell if Padler's words were true or false, or if history was fabricated.
But it seemed that no words could quell the hatred that filled his heart.
[What I desire is not the revival of Runcandel, but its corruption and downfall. Descendant of Temar, your mother. This power that Rosa Runcandel chose will eventually lead Runcandel to ruin.]
"Before meeting you, sir, I met Sir Sylderay and Dame Sarah at Temar's Tomb. Although to be exact they were guardians made with a soul. I also caught glimpses of them and sir, you're talking in the Solderet's recording device. They...…."
[Do you want to say they were different from me? Because you want to impose sacrifices on me too?]
A smirk formed on the Padler's face.
"Do you remember them?"
[No. I don't remember, and I don't want to.]
Seureung...….
Padler slowly drew his sword. 'Silus', the sword that symbolized his blue thunder a thousand years ago, was spreading blue light.
The sword was not forged by chaos energy, but the very thing that existed a thousand years ago.
[I will defeat you today and get my revenge against Temar and that's my only reason for becoming a devil. I have no personal grudge against you.]
"I don't know everything about what happened a thousand years ago, Sir Padler. And when I mentioned Sir Sylderay and Dame Sarah, it wasn't to say that you should resemble them."
Jin closed his eyes tightly.
"... I just wanted to say that you guys seemed to cherish each other deeply, sir. That would probably be the time before the fall of the Idal kingdom in your memory."
-[Before you came, I killed all of them. Oh, to be exact, I swept them with the Padler. You're late again, man. Where did you goof around this time?]
-[Padler is a bit injured. I'm as strong as always, but that weakling should probably be trained by you or the patriarch.]
-What the heck, shouldn't you stop using expressions like "melting people"?
-To me, people are only those who are not enemies of Runcandel, weakling. Don't act all surprised when you know.
-Still, it doesn't seem like it's good for you emotionally.
- Am I a teenage girl? Take care of your health instead of worrying about my emotions.
The words Jin heard when he faced Guardian Sarah and the conversations he saw on the recording device.
Sarah and Padler seemed to have an especially close relationship, almost akin to lovers rather than mere companions.
But now, Padler was now devoid of any enthusiasm even as he looked at the remnants of the flame of hell around him.
As Jin opened his eyes again, he grasped the Bradamante.
It is possible enough to reopen the flame of hell. He had lost his stamina from the previous battle, but that was not a problem at all.
However, it was too cruel to slash Padler with the sword inherited from Sarah.
Regardless of the circumstances unknown to Jin, even considering Sarah, who was the first to utter Padler's name upon awakening after a thousand years.
[The camaraderie that once we shared cannot replace my lost entirety.]
Jin nodded ruefully.
"Cutting you down today goes beyond discerning truth from lies, sir... It is because I see it as the path for your sake, sir. Please do not forgive your poor descendants for his inevitable choices."
Padler clearly died a thousand years ago. The life of the dead awakened by chaos was only filled with futile hatred.
The only thing Jin could do for the Padler way to quickly stop the time that dragged him along like a broken carriage.
[Sure, they say you look like Temar, yet speak such arrogant words. How dare you cut me with that weary body...….]
As he said, Padler was not a person that Jin could handle alone in a tired state.
He was one of the strongest ten great knights, always fighting alongside Sarah. What that fact meant was simple.
Sarah, who was mentioned as the strongest among ten great knights, thought of him as the most reliable companion. Even if Jin's physical condition was normal, he would not have been able to guarantee the victory.
"Also, don't forgive me for not being able to handle you alone, sir."
Shadow force wrapped around Bradamante.
Shadow Sword Special technique
Black Light Call
Bradamante's black blade cut through the chaos-filled air. Then, as always, following the path carved by the blade, a black door leading to the Laprarosa was opened.
Jin was nervous. The brethren battle king must be summoned in order to subdue Padler as quickly as possible and to receive help in the ensuing battle and even escape.
Even if an ordinary warrior was summoned, it would certainly be of great help, but Jin had to bet too much on the fight against the Padler.
Fortunately, seeing the summoned brethren, Jin sighed inwardly.
A large bow that is unbelievably huge for a weapon used by humans, 'God Killer' was sparking lightning bolts.
10th battle king of Plutonian tribe, Kaio. He was coming out of the portal created by black light call.
"Sorry for calling you, Brother Kaio."
"Brother Jin, has the moment already come when you need the strength of the other brethren even after becoming the battle king?"
It seemed like he was talking bluntly, but after Jin left, Kaio was looking forward to a moment like this coming sooner than anyone else.
Just as Jin still harbored a sense of guilt towards him, Kaio felt the same way. Even though brethren don't keep score.
"Anyway, this is how it feels to be chosen. I am Kaio, the 10th battle king of the Great Plutonian tribe. I came into the world at the call of my brother, so name the enemy."
Kaio suddenly stopped talking.
He recognized the lightning bolts of Padler, which resembled the energy of the Plutonian tribe.
"A human who uses powers similar to ours… Could it be that you are the descendant of Temar's human companion called the Blue Thunder King?"