Chapter 177: Clouds of War (2)

After leading us through the forge, the Wiseman moved to the innermost room.

Several high-level dwarves guarded the entrance to what appeared to be his personal space.

As we entered, a large table that resembled a crafting station held a sword and a suit of armor.

“Is that it?”

“Yes, it is.”

A weapon and an armor made from the ore found in the demonic land of Octea, crafted by the continent’s greatest blacksmith.

The sword and armor shone with a jet-black luster, giving off a mysterious aura that was strangely absorbing.

The Wiseman carried them over and held them out to Asher. She accepted them with a slightly nervous look in her eyes.

She was still standing stiffly after taking them, so I said.

“Can she try wearing them right here?”

“Of course. Were you planning to leave without even showing the blacksmith who crafted the equipment how you use it?”

Without delay, Asher removed the armor she had been wearing and began putting on the new set.

The armor that the Wiseman had made was different from the light armor she usually wore. It was heavier, like something that could only be worn in war.

“How does it feel?”

I asked, and she shifted around in it before answering.

“I’m not used to heavy armor like this, so I honestly thought it would feel uncomfortable…… but it doesn’t at all.”

The Wiseman let out a chuckle.

“Give the sword a swing.”

Asher grasped the sword with both hands and swung it.

After a few swings, she activated her talent, channeling her mana.

Asher’s pure white mana intertwined with the dark edge of the sword.

I looked at the scene and quietly marveled inside.

When I first saw the sword and armor, my first thought was that the black color wouldn’t look good on her, but the combination of the two opposing colors was more atmospheric than I expected.

Asher looked at the black energy surrounding the sword in surprise.

“I was surprised when I made these, too. I had expectations, but I never thought such an outstanding item would come out. The magical conductivity is extraordinary, isn’t it?”

“Yes…”

Even though I didn’t understand fully, judging from Asher’s reaction, the weapon’s performance seemed to surpass the imagination.

“Can I really accept these?”

The Wiseman nodded contentedly.

I also felt fortunate that Asher had acquired good equipment.

“Thank you for creating such great weapon and armor, First Lord. I’m grateful once again.”

“It’s all thanks to you, Seventh Lord, for removing the spirit from the ore. I’m the one who got the good stuff.”

With that done, the First Lord said he was busy with other things, so I decided to head back.

As I walked out of the forge, I glanced briefly at the towering golems lined up next to the forge.

“These are the war golems that the Overlord commissioned.”

The Wiseman, who had come along to bid farewell, spoke while looking at the golems.

“They were made with the assistance of the Fourth Lord. He’s well-versed in matters related to spirits. They’ll be used as weapons if the war against the demons begins.”

“I see.”

“Seventh Lord, what are you fighting for?”

At the unexpected question, I turned my gaze to the Wiseman.

“If the demons win the war, this continent will become a land devoid of any race except the demons. That’s the kind of beings they are. That’s why the Lords are all preparing for war obediently, following orders.”

“…That’s right.”

“And you, Seventh Lord, wouldn’t want such a world either. It’s only natural. Isn’t it?”

Not knowing what the Wiseman wanted to say, I just looked into his eyes quietly.

Soon, the Wiseman let out a sigh and lowered his head.

“…It wasn’t a big deal. Lately, I’ve been having various doubts and worries. Anyway, when the war starts, you too should do your best. Even if it’s not for Calderic, do it for this continent.”

It was an entirely expected statement.

“Of course.”

After exchanging farewell with Shin-tae, I climbed onto Ti-Yong’s back with Asher.

“Let’s go, Ti-Yong.”

What was the deep-seated concern of the Wiseman, who was practically synonymous with being Calderic’s core?

As I flew along, I pondered, then soon gave up thinking about it.

Other matters seemed to be just fine. The only thing I needed to concentrate on right now was the Demon King and the Holy Sword.

If only I could defeat the Demon King…

But what if I managed to defeat the Demon King safely? What would be left afterwards?

That was still an unknown matter.

***

Santea, Elsando Domain, Manor of Nuremberg.

Clang! Clang!

Two women were clashing swords on the training ground.

Aindel raised her sword and deflected Kaen’s strike.

Taking advantage of the recoil, Kaen swiftly turned her body and aimed for Aindel’s side.

This time, Aindel deflected the blow, causing Kaen’s sword to hit the ground.

“Ah.”

Looking at Aindel’s sword clashing against her own blade, Kaen let out a short sigh.

As Aindel sheathed her sword, she spoke, “Well done. Let’s finish the morning practice here.”

“Yes.”

Wiping her sweaty hair and catching her breath, Kaen replied.

In her tall and grown appearance, there was no trace of the tense atmosphere from the past.

“Sir Nuremberg, what’s for breakfast today?”

Responding to Kaen’s question, Nuremberg, who had been observing the practice, answered, “I’m making egg soup. The priests brought some eggs.”

“Oh, that sounds delicious. I’ll go wash up then.”

After she’s done, Kaen hummed a tune and walked out of the training ground.

Nuremberg spoke to Aindel, “She seems to be growing more similar to you as time goes on. Don’t you think so, Aindel?”

“Similar? How so?”

“In terms of appearance. Could it be that the power of the Holy Sword is affecting that, too?”

“Is that even possible?”

Aindel shook her head.

Three years had passed. Aindel had brought Kaen to Nuremberg’s manor.

To hide Kaen’s existence and train her, they needed a secretive place.

So, instead of going back into the mountains, she chose the residence of a trustworthy comrade.

Nuremberg, now aware of the succession, was fully assisting in Kaen’s growth.

The three of them were the only ones living in the spacious manor.

Chores were all managed by Nuremberg, and visits were limited to the village chief or church priests bringing supplies.

“Are the demons still quiet?”

During the meal, Kaen asked Nuremberg while sipping on soup.

Nuremberg wiped his mouth with a napkin and replied, “Seems that way.”

“Are we just going to keep waiting like this? Aindel’s condition is deteriorating.”

“Well, probably. No one knows exactly what the demons are plotting, but…”

Nuremberg glanced at Aindel. She, too, spoke up.

“Kaen, don’t worry. You’ve grown strong enough. You can inherit the Holy Sword anytime.”

Under Aindel and Nuremberg’s guidance over the past few years, Kaen had achieved tremendous growth.

At this rate of growth, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say she’d reach the level of Five Stars of Santea within the next ten years.

Of course, if she inherited the Holy Sword, she wouldn’t even need that much time.

“I’m still not good enough.”

But Kaen immediately retorted with an expression that showed something didn’t sit well with her.

“There are still things I need to learn from Aindel. Don’t you think it’s too soon to inherit the sword?”

“……”

“Thanks for the meal. I’ll get going first.”

With her soup bowl emptied, Kaen left the dining room.

Nuremberg and Aindel gazed at her departing figure.

“I’m sure she’s figured out what’s going to happen when she inherits the Holy Sword.”

“Indeed.”

“Tsk, what a frustrating situation. Why is the Holy Sword…?”

Clang!

A drop of fresh blood fell onto the dining table.

jumped to his feet, eyes wide.

“Aindel…!”

“Hush.”

Aindel raised her trembling hand.

“Lower your voice, Nuremberg.”

She wiped the blood from her lips and gestured to clean up the blood that had splattered onto the table and floor.

Nuremberg watched the scene with a somewhat helpless look in his eyes.

“No need for that expression. Didn’t you know everything already?”

“…How much time do you have left?”

“At most, half a year, I suppose.”

Aindel steadied her breath and asked.

“Nuremberg, if you’ve seen something, now is the time to tell. After all, my end is not far off.”

***

Back in the room, Aindel sat at the table and stared into empty space.

She remained that way for quite a while.

Now, Kaen had grown enough to inherit the Holy Sword without any problems.

Once she inherited the Holy Sword, the mission would be complete. There would be nothing left for Aindel but to entrust the remaining tasks to Kaen.

Furthermore, after inheriting the Holy Sword, Aindel’s death was sealed.

Until now, the power of the Holy Sword had kept her broken body alive, barely keeping her alive when she should have died in the battle with the Demon King.

If that power was all transferred to Kaen, Aindel’s fate was predetermined.

Kaen also vaguely understood this fact, so she hesitated to accept the succession warmly.

“…….”

Aindel looked around, finding that the surroundings had transformed into a pure white space.

Someone was sitting on the other side of the table.

She stared at the vaguely human figure and opened her mouth.

“How does the succession of the Holy Sword work?”

The Holy Sword answered.

-If you, the current wielder, wish for it, or if you were to die, it would happen immediately.

“Please explain more clearly.”

-Regardless of how far away the heir is from you, or whatever situation you may be in, the succession will take place.

Upon hearing this, Aindel nodded her head with a somewhat relieved expression.

-In the end, it’s your choice.

“…….”

-It will become a tragic end. At least in the end, you can close your eyes by the side of your loved ones. You have that right, Aindel.

Aindel did not respond.

The appearance of the Holy Sword disappeared, and the surroundings returned to the room where she was alone.

At the same time, a knocking sound echoed.

“Come in, Kaen.”

Aindel spoke in a casual tone.

The door opened, and Kaen entered.

“What’s the matter?”

Kaen scratched her head and hesitated before speaking.

“Um… I want to apologize and say sorry. It seemed like I spoke too forcefully earlier.”

Aindel smiled gently as she stood up from her seat. He then patted Kaen’s head.

Kaen also smiled and spoke.

“Aindel.”

“Yes?”

“I don’t want to rush the succession. It’s okay to wait until at least the demons make their move.”

“I see.”

“…You won’t suddenly disappear somewhere, right? Promise me that won’t happen.”

Aindel’s gaze wavered for a moment. But she quickly regained her composure.

She answered with a smile.

“That won’t happen. Promise.”

***

After collecting Asher’s equipment and returning to my territory, I received an unexpected message.

The hero had sent word that she had something important to tell me and was coming to my location.

What could this be about?

I rode on Ti-Yong and headed to the forest near the Lord’s Castle.

Within half a day after she made contact, the hero was waiting in the middle of the forest.

“Long time no see, Seventh Lord.”

“…Yeah.”

I went straight to the point.

“You mentioned an important matter. What’s going on? Is it related to Kaen?”

The hero answered.

“I will now head to Altelore.”

“……!”

“I have come to say a final goodbye to you before I leave, that’s all.”

I stood there, speechless, closed my eyes tightly, and spoke.

Was this how it would end, after all?

“You’re going to die.”

“Yes. I’m going to die.”

“…….”

“Kaen’s growth for succession is already complete. And I have less than half a year left in my lifespan.”

Once the Holy Sword was passed down, the hero would lose all her power and die.

So, with the remaining time she had left, she would cause harm to the demons before the war begins.

That was what the warrior was trying to say.

I remained silent for a while before speaking again.

“Wouldn’t it be better to lead the alliance and strike the demons first?”

“I understand what you’re trying to say, but that’s not possible.”

“Why?”

“There’s no need for the coalition forces to fight in their territory. As soon as I die, the demons will immediately launch an invasion. And this will give Kaen a little more time to adjust to the power of the Holy Sword.”

The hero’s judgment was highly rational, and I couldn’t say anything more.

“Have you told Kaen about this?”

“No. I haven’t. I don’t want to cause that child more pain.”

“Nobody still knows about the existence of the heir. What will happen after you’re gone?”

The reason the truth about succession had been hidden until now was, of course, because of the demons.

If they knew there was someone who could carry on the hero’s power, if they knew there was no point in waiting for the hero to grow weaker, they would stop dragging out the invasion.

However, there remained an issue. It was the unity of the alliance that had formed around the hero.

If it became known that the hero would die and a new hero would suddenly inherit the power of the Holy Sword, many people might become suspicious and chaos could ensue.

“If Kaen transforms into my form using the power of the Holy Sword, there shouldn’t be any significant problems.”

“….”

“Of course, Kaen might refuse. In that case, chaos would ensue, but I will make the succession official. I’ve already spoken with Nuremberg, and he’ll make it as smooth as possible.”

Was that so?

It was unlikely that Kaen would defy the hero’s intentions and cause chaos.

The hero spoke.

“Seventh Lord, when you mentioned before that you had the ability to see the future, I was genuinely surprised. Because my comrade, Nuremberg, also possesses a similar ability. Did you happen to know that, too?”

“…No.”

“Nuremberg occasionally sees unforeseen futures through a mysterious ability. However, the futures seen through that ability cannot be changed. It’s only possible to change the process leading to that future. He was able to minimize various damages during the past war using that ability.”

“….”

“Nuremberg saw a future where I die by the hands of the Demon King. So it’s a done deal. However, it is up to me to determine how much damage I can inflict on him and how much I can reduce his power before I die, so my death will not be for nothing.”

I knew.

I knew it all. Just like in the game.

The hero headed towards Altelore and there, she would kill many demons and face a splendid end alone.

Let’s go together.

I wanted to say that.

Even if you, the hero, were to die at the hands of the Demon King, I might be able to kill the Demon King with your help.

I still regret burdening Kaen with the responsibility of succession.

Maybe this was my last chance to end it all with the least amount of sacrifice…

“I will go alone to Altelore.”

Whether she had guessed my intention or not, the hero spoke firmly.

In an instant, a certain scene flashed through my mind.

The hero turning into ashes in front of the Demon King. And me, powerless and fallen, watching that spectacle.

Throughout various moments of choice until now, I often felt a sense of déjà vu.

This time, like when I saved Reef from the Tyrant, it was especially vivid and intense.

“So I ask for your help regarding Kaen. Help that child defeat the Demon King.”

In the end, I couldn’t say anything.

Aindel gave a faint smile.

“Thank you, Seventh Lord. Regardless of what you think of me, I have always considered you a comrade.”

The hero turned away. It was a hasty farewell.

I called out softly to her back.

“Aindel.”

She turned her head.

“I feel the same way. We will definitely defeat the Demon King.”

Aindel smiled once again.

A beam of golden light shot up from the ground and pierced the sky, quickly disappearing.

***

Altelore, the realm of the demons.

At the entrance to the Demon King’s fortress, the archdemon Metheus, who had stationed an army, raised his head.

Shhooo.

From the sky on the other side, beams of light resembling meteors were approaching this way.

Instinctively sensing what it was, Metheus shuddered with a cold sweat.

In the next moment, a flash as if the sun had exploded occurred.

Thousands of demons evaporated in an instant in the massive radiance that covered the land.

It was literal evaporation. They disappeared without leaving even a handful of ashes.

“Aaaargh!”

Metheus, barely clinging to life, screamed in agonizing pain as flames consumed his entire body.

With blurred vision, he could barely make out a presence that descended onto the ground.

“Hero…!”

Thud.

And just like that, he was split in half and met his end.

Aindel sheathed her sword and stared at the distant form of the Demon King’s fortress, then took a step forward.

The towering crystal that had extended high into the sky, sealing the Demon King for decades, was no longer visible.

“I have come, demons.”

In response, a massive energy emanated from the direction of the Demon King’s fortress.

“The human you feared so much has arrived.”