May 10, 1800.
About a month has passed since the war ended.
Now, even those who did not directly witness the Sword Emperor Castle battle and the Glyek subjugation knew what had happened in the world.
The fact that the emperor had driven the pillar of the empire as traitors, the identity of the white stone, and the results of all these events were still being constantly reported by newsletters from each faction.
Ron Hairan had ultimately succeeded in single-handedly preventing the final explosion of chaos.
However, it was impossible for him to fully deal with the aftermath of the chaos and self-destruction that had already penetrated his protective shield during the battle with Glyek, even for him who had risen to the genesis knight.
As everyone on the battlefield feared. The chaos beyond the protective shield was making the world uninhabitable.
"This is insane, it's endless. Is this really just a remnant of that monster, the King of Chaos or something?"
Daytona and Haytona.
The two were on a mission to subdue the 'remnants of chaos' that had fallen near Delki Kingdom.
The tired look on the faces of the brothers and the guardian knights they led was evident. It had been several days since the night watch had continued without end.
Monsters named the Remnants of Chaos were being created in the lands all over the world where Glyek's Chaos was dropped.
Delki was just one of them. The currently discovered 'contaminated areas' numbered around fifty, and the count was increasing every day. It was unknown how many undiscovered areas of contamination there may be.
If Ron couldn't handle Glyek's self-destruction, if Ron's attribute of genesis knight's divine power was other than protection. Then the world would have been irreversibly destroyed.
"The youngest, the people on that battlefield… What kind of monsters did they fight against?"
"It must have been terrible enough if the remnants of that monster are this much."
Heytona answered while cutting the monster's body into pieces.
The monsters in the contaminated area had a vitality that was incomparable to any monster known to the world.
When torn apart, they multiplied in numbers, only ceasing when almost reduced to pea-sized flesh.
Some individuals possessed not just multiplication but also a high-speed regeneration ability. These creatures belonged to a particularly strong category, and the monsters in the contaminated areas varied in abilities.
The strongest known individual required the combat prowess of a Black Knight level to be subdued.
These creatures were vastly different from typical demonic creatures in behavior. They specialized in parasitism rather than combat, making living beings, including humans, their hosts.
The infected beings exhibited contagiousness, and humans attacked by such entities showed signs of being consumed by chaos, resulting in a rampage.
Fortunately, it wasn't that the entire human population was vulnerable to infection. Trained martial artists and mages showed a considerable level of immunity, but the Tona brothers did not even want to imagine what it would have been like without it.
The Magic Society named it 'contagious chaos'.
In other words, the world was facing a great catastrophe. Even compared to the greatest catastrophes known to have been caused by Helluram, it was more than sufficient.
Not only the Tona brothers, but all members of each faction, including Zipfel, were suppressing chaos around the world.
"It's still terrible, but if Elder Brother Diphus in our clan and Kadun the Fire Dragon in Zipfel hadn't swiftly opted for initial suppression, things would have been even more chaotic. Damn, it gives me chills. Nevertheless, it is the first time that the clan has been hit so hard since the Holy Kingdom protection war 500 years ago."
"Isn't it fortunate that not only our clan, but the whole world, and that Zipfel suffered that much damage...."
Runcandel and Zipfel. Excluding the Empire, these two clans were undoubtedly the most affected in this war.
Runcandel lost nearly three hundred elite knights, including five Black Knights, and Rosa suffered severe injuries.
Zipfel also lost the entire 1st and 2nd Fleet including Kozec, lost more than 30 dragons and over 500 mages and Kelliark seriously injured.
In particular, the aftermath of the last explosion was a problem. Glyek's self-destruction continued for three days. The forces of each faction could only withdraw from the battlefield after two days of the unprecedented explosion in history.
Currently, the remaining strength of the two clans was less than that of one clan just a month ago.
And, of course, the injuries suffered by Rosa and Kelliark were typically incurable due to the influence of the power of chaos that inflicted them.
"The 10th and 11th flagbearers. I just got a message from main house."
A Guardian Knight approached Tona Brothers.
"Report."
Upon hearing the Guardian Knight's report, the Tona brothers' eyes widened.
"... So, it's finally decided."
"We'll have to hurry if we want to meet the deadline."
Without even the luxury of removing the flesh of the monsters stuck to their bodies, the brothers moved deeper into the contaminated area.
Right after the war ended, they felt a strange power that began to develop in them.
* * *
"A ceasefire with Zipfel has been decided."
In response to Rosa's voice, Diphus nodded as if he had expected it.
A dark spot could be seen on Rosa's wrist, revealed through the sleeves of her dress. When Diphus' gaze fell on it, Rosa instinctively covered her wrist.
"It's because of Kinzelo."
"Yes. They're the only ones who didn't take any hits in this war. And they probably watched this war from the beginning and hoped that it would weaken us and Zipfel, and the result is just as they desired."
Suppressing a cough, Rosa recalled the final moments of the war—the horrifying explosion that swept away the knights of the clan and the mages of Zipfel, and the moment when Zipfel's Demon God's Orb shattered.
'Since the Demon God's Orb is destroyed, it is impossible for Zipfel to recover its power within a short period of time.'
If Chiron were present, this would be the opportunity to end the thousand-year war in victory.
However, the Black Knights sent to the Black Sea at the beginning of the war eventually returned to the clan without being able to contact Chiron.
Therefore, on the contrary, now was the best time for Zipfel to attack Runcandel, but it couldn't venture out in front of a public enemy called Kinzelo.
For Zipfel, restoring the Demon God's Orb was the most urgent thing. It was said that it was for healing, but the real reason was different.
"Mother. As you know, strange things have been happening to purebloods, including myself."
The strange thing Diphus said was about the power that the Tona brothers felt.
"Are you talking about starting to feel mana?"
"... That's right."
Mana.
Right after the war ended, the purebloods of Runcandel, excluding Jin, felt mana for the first time in their lives.
Rosa didn't feel that sensation, but she was aware that the mana acquired by her children was still at an extremely weak level.
As a result of the broken Demon God's Orb and Zipfel received a serious blow.
The power of the stories, the magic of Zipfel that manipulates history, was weakening. Therefore, the oath and curse of a thousand years ago that had suppressed Runcandel were also becoming unstable.
That was why Kelliark hastily proposed a ceasefire. Even though Rosa knew that fact, she had no choice but to accept.
"What should we do?"
"If you're asking whether you should be vigilant and on guard, there's no need for that."
Diphus flinched and met Rosa's eyes.
"What are you so surprised about? The youngest already told all members about the fact that our clan had the power of a magic sword. The current situation is a result of Zipfel's influence weakening, and the curse they placed on the clan is fading."
"Once they recover their strength, it will be back to square one."
"Just because everyone can handle mana doesn't mean they can all become like the youngest. Besides, unless we completely destroy the Zipfel, this power will remain at a level where you can't use it properly."
Rosa decided that there was no point in finding a way to use the weak mana right away.
She thinks that they can regain their status as a magic swordsman only when they put an end to Zipfel and the curse of the clan really ends.
"The flagbearers won't have time for personal training until the chaos is fully suppressed anyway. Stay alert and start cleaning up the contaminated areas."
Diphus nodded solemnly.
"And, is the 12th flagbearer still there?"
"Yes."
When Glyek's self-destruction continued for three days, Jin and Dante suffered no additional damage in the storm of chaos. It was because Ron's will was concentrated on protecting the two.
Currently, the land where Sword Emperor Castle was located is in a more severely contaminated state than any other place where the fragments of chaos have splattered.
For the past month, those who have been tasked with suppressing the chaos from each faction have not been able to start the purification of the Sword Emperor Castle yet.
It was just encamped and tied up the chaos that was still swirling inside the territory so that it could not escape.
Just as Rosa was about to say something, a guardian knight hurriedly found their office.
"Acting matriarch! There's a report that the 12th flagbearer entered the Sword Emperor Castle Territory two hours ago...…!"
"What!?"
Diphus shouted.
Like Rosa and Kelliark, Jin is still in a state where the encroachment of chaos is not completely over.
And since it has already been revealed that those engulfed in chaos respond to greater chaos and proceed with demonic nature, entering the territory of the Sword Emperor Castle was no different than suicide.
"Mother, I will go myself...."
"No, there is no need for that."
Rosa said in a calm voice.
"It must be because he is sure that something will protect him. If the youngest had fallen into demonic nature after entering the territory, there would have been additional peculiar reports, such as attacking allies."
What exactly are you saying is protecting the youngest?
Seeing Rosa's bitter eyes, Diphus couldn't ask the question.
* * *
At that time, Jin was not the only one who entered the territory of the Sword Emperor Castle.
There was a person who entered the territory that became a chaotic hell before him. Then, as Rosa expected, the two of them walked on the contaminated ground with the help of a certain power.
If not for those two, no one else could have enjoyed such protection.
"Dante."
Looking at the back of his friend, Jin called out his name.
"Jin."
Dante didn't turn to face Jin. Jin sat beside Dante, shifting his gaze to where Dante was looking.
Amidst the chaos storm enveloping the entire territory, only one spot that the two were looking at was radiating a bright light.
That single patch of light.
It was the light that had protected the two from the chaos of the contaminated land.
"This is not the end for you and me, so don't linger too long in sorrow, is this what my grandfather meant...…."
Jin patted Dante on the back for a long time without seeing him crying.
577
He probably cried for an hour.
In his heart, Dante wanted to cry until the end of his life in this place. He wished to disappear into the gentle light, like the smile his grandfather used to show, like his embrace.
If there was nothing left for him.
The clan, the people who fought for it, the friends who came running after leaving everything behind, his people, the land he had to protect, and himself.
If all of that had truly disappeared, Dante probably wouldn't have gotten up again.
But there was that much left.
And what remained was because his grandfather gave his life in return. He really gave his all....
"Even if I wanted to sit down, I couldn't."
Dante wiped his tears and looked back at Jin.
"I made you wait for too long, sorry."
It had been a month since the two met. Dante needed time, and Jin had been unconscious for over two weeks receiving intensive healing.
Thanks to Ron's protection during the escape, there were no additional injuries, but the accumulated shock was too much.
Dante finally made up his mind today. He will no longer be buried in his sorrow. That's why he came here.
To say goodbye to his grandfather with Jin. As Ron said, not to say goodbye forever, but to say goodbye to move on.
Now, Dante had to inherit the duty of protection that Ron had taken on.
However, Jin, in reality, couldn't take a step forward like Dante. The guilt still weighed heavily on Jin's chest like a rusted piece of iron.
"I know what you are thinking."
As Jin was about to open his mouth, Dante spoke first.
During the war, in the last moment when Ron sent the two of them out of the path of light, Dante was able to receive Ron's will, which Jin did not recognize.
"You have done nothing wrong, he said so. This is what he said to both you and me."
It's not just Jin who suffers from guilt. Dante also had a hard time getting over the thought that he had lost his grandfather because he hadn't saved anything himself.
How many people had died for him to stay alive, and how much had been destroyed?
"You have done well enough. Perhaps it was beyond what I could have done."
Like leaves catching fire, Jin's eyes became moist. This time, Dante turned his head away to avoid seeing Jin's crying face.
"There is only unavoidable sadness. So, you'd better forget everything that didn't happen."
Dante was talking as if he knew about Jin's regression.
It was because Ron recognized that fact just before he became the light. Dante had vaguely glimpsed the secret that Jin held from Ron's will.
He didn't know it clearly, but he was aware that his friend's guilt was somehow related to that secret.
And Ron knew all that at the moment of death and said so. His grandson or Jin done nothing wrong. Because they really didn't.
"The secret you hold, tell it when the time comes. Just like Veradin did."
Another friend who is not here.
Jin and Dante were grateful to him. Now they know that Veradin had sacrificed himself for his friends.
It was thanks to the letters sent secretly by Sandra.
(My dear Jin! Hello, The reason I wrote this letter today is to schedule our next date! And I think I should let you know something.
You know our Radin put in some effort so that the clan's main force doesn't attack the sword emperor castle?
I can't tell you in detail, but he decided to risk his life to help his friends. Isn't it admirable? Going to such lengths to support the love of this older sister! I'm so proud.
Anyway, if it wasn't for Radin, this fight would definitely have been harder.
Congratulations on your victory. My clan atmosphere is a bit tense, but hey, as long as you are happy, that's all that matters.
Even though my younger brother almost died, and I was almost beaten to death by Kadun while begging him to help you instead of suppressing chaos, and I heard a lecture from Hedo for a few days, my head is about to explode because of resource restoration.
Haha, don't be too pressured. It's just a matter of going on a date. You know what I mean? I'll be waiting for you. - Your one and only love, Sandra Zipfel)
Although the letter was a bit messy, it left no doubt that Veradin was helping them.
"... But Jin, are you really dating Sandra Zipfel? Then the lady of the hidden palace."
"One Sandra Zipfel is enough to talk nonsense, Dante."
The two burst into laughter.
"It would have been nice if Veradin was here too. People know that I will even resent Zipfel for attacking the sword emperor castle, but that's not the case at all. He is my friend anytime, anywhere."
Even if Veradin loses himself to mind manipulation one day and becomes a monster, so even if he attacks himself, Dante was prepared not to hate him.
That was the form of trust he thought, and that was the righteousness. Even after going through so much grief and pain, he did not become a vengeful demon or fall into madness like he did in the first battle.
The hard and shining heart of a human named Dante Hairan has not lost its original form. Just like how his grandfather finally overcame demonization.
"Let's create an opportunity to meet him soon."
"You talk like you're going somewhere."
"Yes, I will leave for training."
"When?"
"Not right away, but after sorting out the situation and taking care of a few things."
Jin had already planned to go to Laprarosa and achieve 10 stars, but the weakening of Zipfel and Runcandel worked especially well for Jin.
'There will definitely be a ceasefire agreement, so the possibility of my comrades being threatened while I'm gone has been greatly reduced.'
Even if the truce was broken while he was training, the Vamel Alliance was now a force that even Runcandel could not help but protect.
It could not be said that they were entirely part of Runcandel, but it was because they were the people of Jin.
With this incident, Jin has further solidified his position as the next patriarch, and the moment he becomes the patriarch of the clan, the Vamel alliance will become the strength of Runcandel.
Above all, people were more precious than ever now that the power of great clans has weakened.
There was no reason not to maintain friendly relations with the Vamel Alliance, which was emerging as the fifth force after Zipfel, Runcandel, Empire, and Kinzelo.
"How long do you think it will take?"
"Madame Talaris said it would be a short training session, but I think I'll know if I try it."
"You will be strong again."
"Now I am in a position to follow you."
Dante shook his head.
"Not to that extent. Although my grandfather gave me some of his true energy, it seems like it will take a long time for it to fully become my strength."
"Rather than that, what are you going to do?"
It was a question about the empire.
Currently, the imperial throne is vacant. Although the emperor did not officially step down from the throne, it was impossible for him to rule the empire again.
As the full story of the incident was revealed, public sentiment literally plummeted, Zipfel did not receive what he promised, and Runcandel and Hidden Palace were also severely hit by the emperor and Zipfel's decision.
That's why the major factions didn't covet the empire that became communist even though talented people became precious.
The Empire's strongest sword was killed as soon as it reached the genesis knight realm, and most of the Empire's best figures, including the Empire's second sword Jonsina Perral, died in this war.
Besides, occupying the empire now only added to the trouble. Which lands did the chaos of Glyek polluted most? The one who swallowed the empire had to deal with and purify the contaminated area intact.
"The Emperor cannot be spared. Aside from personal grudges and vengeance, he has done irreparable damage to the Empire. And the throne will be mine for the time being. In the form of putting a scarecrow down and acting as a regent."
"Didn't you just consider ascending the throne? If legitimacy is a problem...…."
"Since the birth of the empire, the imperial family has never been loved more than Hairan by the people. Legitimacy and justification aren't the problem."
"Then why?"
Then Dante slowly pulled out Rashid.
"This sword is not for reign. Rashid was forged to protect this land. I will not forget my duty, as my grandfather and ancestors didn't. Instead."
Dante turned his head to Jin.
"When the empire gets back on track, please do me a favor. Vamel alliance's Sir Kashmir, King of the Tikan Free Country. Let him rise to the throne. At that time, I will step down as regent and become the lord of Sword Emperor Castle again. This is my conclusion."
"The fact that Sir Kashmir takes charge of the empire you restored means that the empire will soon become my land, Dante."
"All the people of the Empire know that you fought for us until the end. And, you don't know very well that the empire will need your strength in the future anyway."
Dante was sincere. He thought that he could not continue to defend the empire with his own strength.
"Amir Vermont is already a dead man, but there will still be other cards left in the imperial family. He might negotiate with Zipfel again, maybe even Kinzelo or Runcandel. Even if it's not that, after the restoration of the contaminated area, the giant forces will aim for the empire again. In a situation like that, who should I trust?"
Although it was emotionally uncomfortable for Jin to take what Dante would build, Jin had nothing to refute.
"You are the only one. There is also Veradin, but he is always exposed to threats. So don't be afraid, but please take good care of me in the future."
Jin grabbed Dante's outstretched hand.
Dante then took out a bottle of wine and three glasses from his bosom. The bottles were intact, but the glasses were all broken or cracked.
The glasses were Ron's favorite pottery.
From the broken cabin across the plains of sword emperor castle, Dante had come to visit.
"Miraculously, some pottery remains in the ruins of the cabin where my grandfather used to play with me when I was a child. I picked out the most intact ones, pasted them on, and brought them. With the wine that my grandfather enjoyed drinking."
Clang...….
Dante uncorked the bottle and looked at the ground.
The black soil they were sitting on was gradually regaining its original color.
Ron's light was purifying the contaminated territory of the Sword Emperor Castle.
Very slow, and sluggish, but.
As with taking steps, it would surely be completely purified someday.
One in front of Ron's light, one in his own, and one in Jin.
Dante and Jin raised their glasses to Ron's light.
After the fight is over, let's have a drink together with my lovely grandson, Jin was thinking about what Ron had said.
After slowly emptying their glasses, the two stood up. Before leaving, they each drew their swords and engraved these words under Ron's light.
Sword Emperor Ron Hairan.
Becoming the light of Hairan or the light of the world in this place.
'Goodbye, Grandfather.'
Dante had a subtle smile on his face, just like the light while leaving the territory.
578
Dante did not declare himself regent the next day. It was because there were issues he needed to address before making such a declaration.
In the central region of the empire, within an underground mansion.
A man was walking aimlessly through the living room. His pale, weary face and trembling shoulders revealed his anxiety.
He was Tion Hairan, the second son of Ron Hairan and the former flagbearer of Hairan.
He was the first to betray Hairan and join the Emperor's treason. He took refuge in this underground mansion even before the end of the Sword Emperor Castle War. With about fifty knights of the empire following him.
'Damn it, why did this happen...…!'
There were many reasons why he betrayed Hairan. Despite being a flagbearer, he never once satisfied Ron, and was always overshadowed by his nephew, Dante.
Tion believed that all this discrimination stemmed from the difference in talent. Although he was well aware of Dante's efforts to overcome the extreme frailty he was born with, Tion chose to ignore it. It was easier to think of it as a difference in talent.
He harboured resentment towards the clan, and Ron, who seemed likely to hold his position for the next twenty years, suddenly collapsed due to illness. The emperor then made a sweet proposal to Tion.
There is a thing called 'white stone', so if you give false testimony about it in front of the people, I will make you the patriarch when Ron Hairan dies.
At that time, the emperor had said that he was really interested in Tion's potential. That's why Tion accepted the emperor's offer without thinking for a minute.
Not even dreaming of the fact that the clan had been silently waiting for Tion to return to his right path even after knowing the signs of his betrayal and disloyalty.
'I thought we would never lose, as the imperial army would be backed up by Zipfel if pushed, but the King of the Black Sea? Why the heck is that popping up now!'
Bang!
The table shattered as Tion's fist came crashing down, sending shards flying. The knights, who had been watching him cautiously, flinched and involuntarily cleared their throats.
"Uh, Sir Tion... Has there been any contact from His Majesty?"
A knight asked cautiously.
"Do you really think there would be? And you, you fool. His Majesty is already done for. Our chance of survival now depends on the imperial family, not His Majesty."
"Still, Your Majesty doesn't seem to have been defeated yet. From what I gathered about the situation outside, there are rumors that Dante Hairan will soon declare himself as the regent..."
"Ha, the clan is not enough for him, so now he wants to swallow the empire? My nephew's world has come. If only my father were alive, this wouldn't have happened, damn it!"
Tion shouted defiantly.
"Sir Tion, the imperial family has already ignored our calls three times. First of all, how about trying to get in touch with His Majesty somehow?"
"How many times do I have to say that Your Majesty is finished! What's wrong with you?"
"The reason His Majesty hasn't been caught yet might be because of the imperial family's protection. Perhaps the imperial family hasn't given up on His Majesty yet. There might still be a card His Majesty holds to turn the situation around. So, it's worth trying to talk to him."
"If you mumble about finding His Majesty one more time, I will break your neck...…."
Tion, who had been talking that far, was stunned and met the knight's eyes.
Suddenly, an ominous intuition took over his mind. Among the knights who followed him, there was no one who would argue with him like this.
"You... Who are you? Why do you keep talking about finding His Majesty? Did you receive some order from the imperial family?"
"What are you talking about?"
"Take off your helmet."
"Sir Tion?"
"I said take off your helmet! Your obsession with His Majesty is suspicious. Look here! Surround him. I doubt he'll speak willingly, so be prepared!"
Other knights cautiously approached, sensing the tension. The knight continued to keep his helmet on, then he sighed and said:
"That's right, it doesn't fit my character."
The knight stretched out his hand into the air. Then he grabbed something invisible and pulled it, and three approaching knights were torn apart like a sliced fish.
Squeak-!
What he pulled was an invisible weapon in the form of a thread. The blood that gushed out like a fountain instantly turned Tion's face red, and as he blinked, he realized that the knight had disappeared from his sight.
'Eh, what is this...!'
The knight was standing behind Tion, holding a dagger to his throat. He had taken off his helmet, but what covered his face was a milky-white mask.
It was already a week ago since Bizen, the nameless best executioner, had infiltrated Tion's underground mansion.
During that week, Bizen had more than ten thousand chances to kill Tion. Even so, he has been acting for two reasons.
Firstly, there was the possibility that Emperor Amir Vermont's whereabouts could be traced through Tion, if still had any direct communication with the Emperor.
Secondly, there was a request from his client.
-Watch him for a few days. If he shows any sign of remorse, please apprehend him and bring him in. As a clan member, I will give him time to repent.
That didn't mean to spare Tion. It was just to be considerate so that he could die with a little bit of repentance.
Tion had just completely missed that opportunity.
"N-Nameless...!"
"Looks like you really can't reach Amir Vermont. I've been patient with the hope that our princess would be less troubled."
"Now, wait. Wait, as long as I can get in touch with Em, Emperor, will you spare me? In that case, let me contact the Em, Emperor right away..."
"Unfortunately, the carriage has already left. Besides, it would take a little time to find him, and he will die anyway, now that the best nameless executioner is on him."
Suk!
The dagger smoothly and swiftly pierced Tion's throat.
Tion Hairan met his end just like that. The rest of the knights looked like they were trying to run away in a panic, not even thinking about fighting against Bizen.
However, when Bizen pulled another invisible thread in the air, they were helplessly sliced to pieces.
"Uh, ah!"
"Spare me, spare me!"
Before even 10 seconds had passed, every remaining knight had drawn their last breath.
Bizen completed his mission without a single drop of their blood on his body.
* * *
The same thing as Tion was happening in the main houses, estates, and secret shelters of the clans who were on the emperor's side during the first battle of the Sword Emperor Castle War.
"Go, Acting patriarch! It seems that Dante Hairan has already started the purge. The clan knights in the main house are being assassinated... !"
Harlow's Shelter.
They attacked Hairan by deploying knights, including Scott Harlow, of the Central Knight Order in the imperial army.
Those who were killing the Harlows were also executioners of nameless. They were commissioned to kill all but a few of Harlow's finest knights.
"Puhaha... So, it has come to this. Well, having lost everything, he might as well become the vengeful demon."
The home of the Cenderer clan.
They also attacked Hairan with Gloria Cenderer of the White Spear Knight Order.
In that way, the Lillista clan, the Lillista Magic Corps, the Panga clan, and other clans that sided with the Imperial Army were paying the price close to extinction.
The nameless executioner took their lives without hesitation.
"The world is truly unpredictable. Dante Hairan...… I heard rumors that he turned into a demon in the war, but I didn't expect him to act so swiftly."
The second in command of the Hensirk clan said in a resigned voice. Standing in front of him was another nameless top executioner 'Ahn'.
"You are mistaken."
Ahn said in a dry voice as he looked at Hensirk's second in command.
"The one who requested us to kill you is not Dante Hairan."
"What?"
"I'm just saying. I don't need to tell you this in the first place, but I am afraid you will resent an upright person for no reason after you die."
Ahn's sword decapitated Hensirk's second in command. The corpses of dead mages lined up behind him, but not a single drop of blood was left on the milky-white clothes.
Dante had no intention of killing them right away. Just as he intended to give Tion time to repent and die, he also wanted to give them an opportunity to contribute to the restoration of the Empire before their deaths.
It was the imperial family, not Dante, who requested the annihilation of the clans that were on the side of the emperor.
They were trying to create justification to minimize the impact by cutting the tail. Those disgusting mystics valued their own well-being more than the stability of an empire tainted by chaos.
The imperial family sincerely believed that they needed to be strong for the Empire to come back. They still believed they had the power to make it happen.
Nameless is a neutral assassination sword.
Anyone from any faction could borrow the Nameless Sword, as long as they were qualified and paid a sufficient price.
If the umbrella called 'Ron Hairan' had continued to exist in the empire, Nameless would never have accepted the request from the imperial family. The fact that the Nameless took on the Imperial Family's request was solely because Ron was no longer present.
The Nameless didn't accept all the requests assigned by the Imperial Family this time. They didn't accept assassination request for only one clan among those who stood in the imperial army.
Nameless refused the imperial family's request to assassinate the remaining leaders of 'Perral'.
It wasn't exactly a refusal, but because the requests "overlapped". Nameless received the request to protect the Perral clan from assassination for the time being before the imperial family's request.
-Kevin Perral was a piece of trash, but Sir Jonsina Perral eventually stood on the side of the Imperial Army for the people. Even though that choice was ultimately wrong...… As a knight, as a martial artist. I want to honor the life of Sir Jonsina. Please protect them from assassination for the time being.
That's how the Perral was able to preserve the clan from the sword of nameless.
And fortunately those who remained in the Perral clan, most resembled Jonsina Perral.
* * *
More than four days has passed since the nameless best executioners found Emperor Amir Vermont hideout.
Amir Vermont was hiding in an unnamed forest in the south of Vermont, and there were no guards or escorts left by his side.
"Hello?"
Yona Runcandel.
Seeing her smiling and speaking, the Emperor could sense it.
Eventually, death had come for him too.
579
***
Dante's request to the Nameless was to assassinate the Emperor and bring back his head.
He wanted to capture the emperor alive if possible, but Owal assigned Yona as the assassin to kill the Emperor.
Owal was concerned that no assassin could find and kill the emperor faster than her, and Owal was concerned that the imperial family would first secure the emperor's whereabouts before the nameless sword could reach him.
This was the reason Owal refused to capture the emperor alive. Yona has an assassination ability that surpasses even himself, but she was unable to control it.
There was no way that she would let the emperor live after seeing him in person. After all, the Emperor's attack on Hairan threatened not only the Empire but also Yona's beloved younger brother, Jin.
Unfortunately Dante had no choice but to accept the condition for the same reason as Owal.
No matter how much resentment Dante had, he was not a person with the inclination to capture the Emperor and torture him.
So Dante had to secure the emperor's neck by the surest and fastest means, and hang it in the plaza to announce that the empire was out of emperor rule.
But, contrary to everyone's expectations.
Yona brought the emperor alive with a bright smile on her face. In the second castle of Hairan, the imperial capital, where Jin and Dante were waiting.
"Hey, the youngest. You have no idea how much I wanted to kill this skinny chunk of meat."
The most surprised by that was Owal. Seeing Yona dragging the unconscious emperor like a piece of luggage, Owal almost dropped his cigarette.
"Oh, Yona... How did you think of bringing him alive?"
"I think the youngest might want to take care of this more than me, hehe. Did I do well?"
As Yona lightly tossed the emperor in front of them, Owal narrowed his brows anxiously.
"Are you okay?"
After the chaos of Glyek covered the human world.
The chaos of Yona, which she had recently been able to control, had once again begun to torment her as before.
It was because Yona's chaos was reacting to the chaos of Glyek, the source of that dark power.
Owal was aware of this fact, and he was here to discuss it with Jin.
"I'm still fine so far, hehe. I don't just kill anyone I see, you know? And if the youngest likes it, I can tolerate it a little!"
Yon's face was pale when she said she was fine. It was never easy to suppress the killing intent that chaos was forcibly amplifying.
She was born as an executioner, stained with chaos from birth, but her essence was made up of a kind and pure energy that was not like Runcandel.
As a reserve flagbearer, Jin first recognized Yona's inner side, and thanks to that, she was able to control her chaos, and she was still enduring even when it became unstable again.
"I won't assign capture missions to you in the future."
"Thank you, elder sister. Still, I hope you always prioritize your health from now on."
"My youngest worries about me."
"Of course."
"Hehe, good, good. Then, I need to take a break. I'll be fine by tomorrow evening, so, the youngest, just wait for me. Let's have fun!"
"Of course."
Owal touched his forehead as Yona went out of the window and disappeared somewhere. Jin's expression also darkened. It was because there were things they discussed before Yona arrived.
"Sit Owal, was it really that bad?"
"Yes. At the time that Glyek woke up, she had a seizure and ran out of control. There were no casualties because I and all the best executioners were nearby, but if we weren't there... I don't even want to imagine."
Jin focused his attention on Owal's face and the scars on his hands. It was a wound caused while overpowering Yona, who ran out of control.
'Are you saying that even though 10 executioners were together, Sir Owal got hurt?'
Jin never thought that Glyek's awakening would lead to Yona's rampage.
'At the time, Lady Amela and the Porch siblings also showed signs of having seizures because of Glyek's energy. But my elder sister went on a rampage even though she was so far away from the battlefield.'
There is still not much known about chaos in the world. All they know is that the kings of chaos were created due to the mistakes of the gods, Orb of Origin, and after experiencing Glyek directly, they could never stand against them without the power of genesis knight.
Still, Jin was able to infer the connection between the situation.
"Right now, the remnants of Glyek are not causing the same reaction as elder sister Yona to all those who are infected with chaos."
Amela and Proch siblings' seizures subsided shortly after the Vamel Alliance escaped the battlefield with Runcandel's help.
Now, with only the remnants of that being left, the situation is no different from before the incident.
"It must be a phenomenon that occurs only in those infected beyond a certain level of chaos, right?"
"I think so. Have you ever seen the true nature of the chaos that elder sister Yona has?"
"I saw it."
"Lady Amela is infected with chaos. Elder Sister Yona found out about this and came to subdue Lady Amela's chaos, but the difference between my sister and Lady Amela's chaos was so great that it couldn't even be compared."
Then Jin pointed to the documents lying on the table.
"And in addition to elder sister Yona, these documents contain cases of demonicization and rampage caused by chaos. The informants and journalists of the Vamel Alliance have found that similar things are happening all over the world."
However, among those who lost control, no one showed as strong a force as Yona. Of course, they also needed at least seven or eight-star knights and mages to suppress them, but it was not comparable to Yona.
If the reaction to Glyek's energy really depends on the size of the chaos, then it means that Yona's chaos is on a different level from them.
"Ha."
Owal sighed in frustration.
As of now, there is no means to prevent the lost control phenomenon of the chaos infected.
And Owal regarded Yona more than his successor and cherished her sincerely.
Jin was frustrated as well.
"I will continue to find out the reasons."
"As soon as nameless finds out any related information about it, I will share it with the Vamel Alliance."
Owal was now treating Jin as the commander-in-chief of the Vamel Alliance, not just the flagbearer of Runcandel. It wasn't just because he personally held Jin in high regard and was grateful for Yona.
Since the world's power landscape has changed due to the Sword Emperor Castle War, Nameless may not have much time left to remain neutral now.
"Anyway, I'm going to go watch Yona for now. With this, all of the requests have been completed. Jin, and Dante Hairan."
Dante kept his eyes fixed on the emperor lying on the floor as they talked.
"Yes, Sir Owl. I will pay the additional reward for the capture as you instructed..."
Owal shook his head at Dante's words.
"You don't have to. After all, aren't my nameless indebted to Sir Ron? Besides, I was in debt to Sir Ron from my youth."
Owal pulled out a single flower from his bosom.
"I can't offer it to Sir Ron's light at the Sword Emperor castle, so if a temporary memorial stone is built in the empire, please put it for Sir Ron instead of me."
When Owal left, Jin and Dante looked down at the emperor. His torn clothes and haggard appearance revealed the hardship he must have endured during his escape.
"It looks like he hasn't received any protection from the imperial family."
Dante nodded at Jin's words.
They were well aware that the reason the imperial family didn't protect the emperor wasn't solely due to public opinion. It signified that the emperor no longer possessed the most crucial imperial personnel, including 'Majins'.
"I will inform the people of my reign at noon."
Slap, slap!
Dante slapped the Emperor and lifted him up.
"Kuh, ugh!"
"Amir Vermont."
"What, Dante Hairan, the traitor?"
"In two hours, you will be standing in the Imperial Palace Plaza, where you incited Hairan to be a traitor. Your fate will be decided there."
The emperor seemed unfazed, as if he had already abandoned any lingering attachments. He was well aware that the imperial family had forsaken him.
In addition, even Zipfel broke its promise with him during the first battle, so he really had no support left.
"Pfft... Are you planning to publicly execute me, declaring the era of Hairan, using this opportunity? Or will you personally behead me with that sword?"
"No, killing you is not about Hairan's revenge, but..."
Snap! Dante opened the central window, dampening the curtain, revealing the distant crowd gathered like clouds.
People were shouting. Hurry up and bring Amir Vermont to death.
Otherwise, they would incite a riot on the spot.
"It is the public sentiment of the empire."
The emperor's previously calm eyes rapidly darkened and trembled.
What Amir Vermont feared was not death or torture. It wasn't even being abandoned by the imperial family or losing the emperor's position.
It was the voices of the people filled with hatred. Even though he didn't know.
Amir Vermont was a cruel and monstrous figure, but he sincerely loved the people of the empire as an emperor.
-They don't have the power or the will to stop me anyway. They like Hairan more than me, but they don't really risk their life. Their foolish and annoying actions are cute and lovable.
The words Amir said to Alton Hairan in the Imperial Palace Square right before the Sword Emperor castle war.
Unlike then, the people now showed a determination to kill the emperor, even if it meant sacrificing their lives.
This sight was destroying the inner side of the emperor, which was composed of arrogance, tyranny, and pride. He was not prepared to part ways with the people yet.
A pitiful man who had spent his entire life living in a false unrequited love was about to die at their hands.
Amir Vermont found it more agonizing to realize that he was going to die at the hands of imperial people than facing death and losing his imperial position.
Two hours later.
The emperor, who was thrown into the square, was stoned by the people until nothing remained of him.
The people cursed without leaving their position even after what remained on the land where the emperor stood was stains of blood, flesh, and bones.
580
The most inglorious death in Imperial history.
That's how news outlets around the world described the emperor's end.
Since the birth of the empire, it is not that the position of the Vermont family has been jeopardized or the emperor has not been dethroned due to abusive conduct, but there has never been a more unsightly end than Amir Vermont.
Amir Vermont was the first emperor to die and not be able to hold a funeral.
Instead, the people wanted to leave the floor in the middle of the plaza, where Amir became a dark stain, as a lesson for the rulers of Vermont.
Near the spot where the stain of Amir was left, there were a lot of large and small stones thrown by the people.
Those stones will never be removed.
It was an ugly sight that did not suit the palace square, which was famous for being beautiful and clean, but the people of Vermont were proud of it.
Although the public booed the emperor when he called Hairan a traitor, they couldn't step out, but it was nice to be able to express the fact that they always supported Hairan more than the imperial family.
Of course in Dante's eyes such people did not appear distasteful or hypocritical.
"If the dead Amir Vermont did one thing well, it was to give people a voice."
Dante said, filling the teacup in front of him. One of the two cups belonged to Kashmir.
"I've rarely heard of it, though. Still, I admit that he didn't catch and kill or oppress just because people raised their voice. There are many emperors who can't even do that."
"Sir Kashmir."
"Yes, Sir Dante."
"You must have heard something from Jin."
"Well...."
What do you think about ascending the throne after the empire is normalized? Dante didn't ask that. As if he had no right to deny it.
"Why me?"
"Isn't lord from the imperial family? Besides, the heads of the Seven Colored peacock, who have not yet forgotten their loyalty to the Empire, not the Imperial Family...… Seven families are also with you."
Kashmir's original surname is Vermont, not Alprion, and he is the younger brother of Amir Vermont, the former prince.
Dante thought that Kashmir's job to rule the empire was more like doing his duty as an imperial family than about gaining power.
In other words, as the imperial family, they had to pay the price. By being a good ruler.
"Among the remaining imperial family trash, no one can take responsibility for this incident. The reason I asked to see lord was not to ask about your wishes. I just wanted to share a story in person. And."
Dante bowed his head once.
"I also wanted to personally express my apologies."
"Why do you feel that way about me?"
"Because lord, you must have needed a chance to avenge yourself."
Jin is waiting for the day when Kashmir will tell him why he became the ruined prince, but Dante already knew.
Dante is currently the patriarch of Hairan. Therefore, he could see all the information of Hairan, and many records disappeared as the sword emperor castle was destroyed, but the documents about Kashmir remained here in the 2nd castle of Hairan.
According to the record, Kashmir became a deposed prince due to Amir Vermont's direct slander.
It's common. Kashmir lost loved ones in the process and settled down in Tikan with the remaining loyalists and Alisa, who were almost devastated.
It wasn't something he couldn't tell Jin, but Kashmir was still having a hard time recalling that memory.
"... I'd be lying if I said it wasn't true, but getting revenge on Amir Vermont is just one aspect of my life. If revenge was everything, I would have told the whole world what he had done to me and my family at the time, and how he had driven me out by holding the people hostage."
Whoa, Kashmir let out a long breath.
"So there is no need to feel sorry for me. Let's get to the point. It seems that what Lord wants to hear from me is about politics."
"That's right."
"Sir Dante, you will announce your regency tomorrow, right?"
"Yes."
"Move it forward right now."
Dante's eyes widened.
"For what reason?"
"If my predictions are correct, the Imperial Family will issue an article about Amir Vermont who died today. It's not just about blasphemes and ridicules his death, as other news outlets do, but a statement that the imperial family has nothing to do with the rampage he committed."
It was a problem that Dante had already anticipated. So there was a plan to respond calmly, but Kashmir had a different idea.
"Your regency should not give the impression of being slower than the Imperial Family from the start. Although it is a day earlier than the official announcement date, so fewer people will come to your campaign, but it doesn't matter because public sentiment is toward lord anyway."
"It's slower."
"If the imperial family cuts off the tail right after the regency is declared, it will be a one blow to them. In particular, the people may not know it, but the nobles will definitely see it that way."
"But if we announce it a day earlier because of that, doesn't it break the promise we made with the people from the beginning?"
"That's a good point. It's obviously not good to make that choice just because you don't want to lose the first blow."
If the declaration of the regency is moved forward by a day, the imperial family will also urgently send out an article accordingly. The fact that Dante broke his promise and the tyranny were all personal deviations of the emperor.
However, the Vamel alliance has one card that the imperial family did not know about.
"It is a trap. If the imperial family starts responding to the proclamation of regency sooner than expected, we will present one undeniable piece of evidence that the imperial family participated in the emperor's madness."
"Evidence?"
When Kashmir explained about it, Dante's eyes widened.
"Indeed... As expected, I think my choice to entrust the empire to lord was right. I have no power in that realm of politics and governance."
"Well, in my view, you have a similar kind of power as Lord Jin, sir. There is such a thing as the power to attract people. That's why Hairan is loved by the people even though it was revealed that they had a white stone."
The White Stone existed, and caused chaos throughout the empire. In fact, Hairan could earn the people's resentment just by having the white stone regardless of the causal relationship. Even if Glyek couldn't have awakened if it weren't for Zipfel and the Emperor.
"If there is such a thing, it would be the power that my grandfather and the whole of Hairan have, not me."
"Anyway, let's go. To give a blow to the disgusting mystics."
The expectation that the people would not flock to the declaration of the regency was groundless.
As soon as Dante left the second castle of Hairan and started moving, the people waiting for him rushed into the imperial palace like a tide.
When the emperor drove Hairan as a traitor, he climbed atop a huge golden palanquin and looked down at the people.
Dante stood on a stone thrown by the people.
"Until the empire is restored to normal, I, Dante Hairan, will act as regent for Amir Vermont's heir, Kuron Vermont."
The people shouted as if they had waited, and the faces of servants of the imperial family, who hurriedly came out to the square, crumpled.
But it was still too early for their faces to distort.
"There is no way that Kuron Vermont will officially ascend the throne. He will remain just a scarecrow for a cause until the end of my regency, and when the time comes, he will be disqualified and return to being an ordinary person, not a member of the imperial family."
It was Kashmir's opinion on the way to tell Kuron openly that he is a scarecrow.
"What, what! It is an insult to the imperial family!"
"His Highness Kuron did nothing wrong in this incident! He is only nine years old now. He didn't participate in Amir Vermont's depravity."
"Whatever the reason, they will not be unaware of the damage done to the empire by the white stone. Do you think Hairan is qualified to usurp the throne?"
A few nobles raised their voices.
"Hairan does not usurp the throne. It is impossible for a family other than Vermont to ascend the throne. So, when the cleanest imperial family that everyone can recognize appears, I will actively support him so that he can ascend to the throne."
"Ha! Aren't you saying that you're going to build another scarecrow after the fall of Lord Kuron to rule the empire from behind?"
Dante made eye contact with the nobleman who said that. He seemed to flinch at the murderous intent he felt from Dante for a moment.
"Don't you know the loyalty of Hairan, which history has proved for so long? If we wanted to do something like that, Hairan would have become a new imperial family long ago. It is possible even now, when my grandfather is not around."
When Dante raised his aura, the whole area was shaken. Having inherited all of Ron's talent and being released from the chaos, he was revealing an incomparably greater energy than before.
"Does the imperial family have any means to stop me now? It will be difficult to borrow the power of Zipfel right now. The reason I'm still keeping the rotten imperial family and the nobility of the empire alive isn't because I've erased my resentment...… It's just because you guys still have work to do in this land."
"Ha, that's good. Let's correct that what you are doing is usurping power, not the throne. But don't forget, the people may be on the Hairan side now, but the usurpation without justification will eventually cause the public to turn again!"
After that, the nobles left the plaza with trembling legs. It was because they had to go back and prepare for a response.
Dante turned his gaze back to the people.
"As regent, the first thing I will do is relocate the capital. I do not mean to move all administrative facilities and institutions including the imperial palace, but I will simply choose the territory of the sword emperor castle as the symbolic capital."
The people were buzzing. It was because relocating the capital to sword emperor castle really looked like a usurpation of power, as the nobles said.
"Currently, sword emperor castle has become a land of death that cannot even be entered due to the aftermath of chaos, but there is a light to purify the contaminated empire. It will be possible to observe that light in a few months, so you should take a look at it then. After seeing that, if the relocation of the symbolic capital is considered unreasonable, I will withdraw it. And the second thing to do...…."
Dante's eyes were filled with sadness.
"It is a joint funeral. For ten days from today, we will hold a national funeral and erect a memorial stone to honor those who fought for the Empire and Hairan."
All people agreed on that part.
It is time for both those who committed the atrocities and defended the empire against it to pay the price.
"The third is to do all-out efforts to clean up contaminated areas. After completing these three tasks, I will step down as regent and defend the empire again as the lord of the Sword Emperor Castle."
From that day on, Dante's brief and bold declaration of the regency and articles on the state of the empire were pouring out. And as Kashmir expected, the imperial family immediately began cutting off the tail of the emperor.
As soon as articles were pouring in that the imperial family and emperor were not related, 'evidence of their solidarity' arrived in the empire.
It was the corpse of a Majin that Jin obtained from Wantaramo Forest in the past and left with Valeria.