401 - Regressor of the Fallen Family

Chapter 401 - Mackline Defeats the Empire The unbelievable news of Mackline's victory shocked none more than the Empire itself. Meanwhile, the people of Mackline rejoiced in their success. Yet, in a dim corner of the world, there were others who, while stunned, shared the excitement comparable to Mackline’s own. A vast, indeterminate cave, with no visible boundaries in sight, housed a grand chamber devoid of torches. Instead, ancient runes emitting a faint glow densely covered the ground. These runes eerily illuminated from below a frail, diminutive old man standing at the center of the chamber. "Huh? Wasn't that beyond just a win—an overwhelming victory? Who would have thought Mackline had such strength?" The age of the old man was inscrutable, and he grinned, revealing yellowing teeth. There was a rare joy in the old man's expression. As if finding the sight pleasing, a black-haired beauty continued to speak calmly through the communication sphere. [Indeed. It seems they concealed much of their superhuman force. Most notably, the king's martial prowess, the loyal beast by his side, and the swordsmanship of his mentor played significant roles. Lacking even one of the three would undoubtedly have led to a breach or severe damage.] "Yes, yes. One who changes fate should achieve such feats. Absolutely." [...Yet, I recall you had little expectation of them.] "To be a changer of fate is to defy projections. That’s why unexpected events like these are always welcome. If they trouble me, they should at least achieve that much." Whatever memory crossed his mind caused the old man's smile to freeze momentarily, yet he quickly dismissed it. Stretching out his arms in an exaggerated gesture, he continued. "The Emperor won't easily give up, which means the war will become fiercer, and power will gather even more readily. It suggests that 'the moment' we desire draws ever closer." With a smirk, he stamped the ground with one forceful step. In response, the glow from the massive magic circle seemed to intensify. However, the beauty within the communication sphere, Louisa, wore a face of growing concern. [But Master.] "Hmm?" [Must I be the one relaying this information? How long must I remain here? Even if there are those 'Apostles' seeking King Logan, he won't take me to the battlefield. I struggle to see any purpose in my continued stay...] Taking advantage of her master’s good mood, Louisa attempted to voice her long-held complaints. Her attempt was immediately thwarted by her master’s ensuing words. "Have you located the whereabouts of the Holy Sword?" [...I am diligently searching, but there's no response. Either the king has it, or it is hidden somewhere outside the palace.] "Hm, I see. Continue looking, regardless." [Master. Is there truly a reason for my presence here?] "Yes, indeed." [The so-called 'Apostles'...] "The Holy Sword is essential for the grand achievement. If the wielder of fate is on the battlefield, they will certainly use it. There's no necessity for your presence there. If it is hidden, it would surely be in the palace." [What do you mean? It could be in an entirely unforeseen location...] "If they understand even a fraction of that item’s value, they couldn't bear to keep it far." [Yes?] "Know this and continue your search. Your mission bears great importance." The firm expression, refusing further retort, compelled Louisa to nod with a sigh. [...Understood.] "Continue to report on the war’s progress. Trust in that until the day arrives." [Yes. Until that day comes.] When Louisa ended the communication with a somber expression, the old man, shifting from his prior demeanor, flashed a ferocious smile. "Two other sacred items are already secured. Even if we can't find the Holy Sword in time..." Finding the sword would be ideal, but not vital. The situation now is equipped to fulfill conditions exceeding that requirement. "We’ll substitute any lacking relic with adequate bloodshed. It calls for greater chaos, a more significant war. That’s why Mackline's victory is particularly delightful." Louisa’s status at the Mackline palace isn't solely about the Holy Sword. The precaution regarding the apostles is genuine but remains highly improbable. However. "By having you there, the Emperor won’t suspect the Eastern Wing King. The nobler the bloodline, the greater the karma, thus advancing the cause through your blood, alongside that child's." The old man's gaze shifted to the corner of the magic circle, where a young man with black hair and eyes lay in a transparent crystal coffin. "Thus, fulfill your role, my student." Even if it may spell misfortune for you. The old man chuckled, feeling no guilt. He merely withheld the most crucial truth, enveloped by a lesser one. This kind of rhetoric was simply a requirement for a wizard versed in the consequences of spoken karma. Hummmm. With a smile, the old man reactivated the communication sphere. Soon, an elderly man in a black robe appeared within it. [Did you seek, Master of the Tower?] "Yes, what's the outcome?" At the direct question, the robed man flinched slightly before he responded. [Progress was swift with the Western Kingdom Alliance. Yet since news of Mackline's victory spread, negotiations have stalled.] "What?" [Rather than commend Mackline's prowess, doubts about the Empire's strength have surfaced, casting skepticism on the alliance's necessity.] "Hmph, humans are..." [Convincing them with those we have influenced proves challenging. It seems more time is needed.] "The Emperor will act soon." [Pardon?] "I mean the true strength of the empire will be unleashed." [Judging by Mackline’s current momentum, wouldn’t they hold out for some time? There's room to persuade within that.] "No, do not underestimate the Emperor. Our vision crafted with the royal family encompasses more than specters alone." [So what you're saying is...] "Mackline's victory was simply due to a skew in information. Now that all cards are on the table and if the Emperor decides to take action himself, Mackline won't be able to withstand for long. After that, it won’t matter whether the western countries unite or not—they will be picked off one by one. That would mean too little blood would flow." The old man spoke of a war that had already claimed tens of thousands, with tens of times more devastation on the horizon, yet he deemed the impending bloodshed insufficient. However, the man in the black robe showed no visible reaction to these chilling words. [Are you suggesting the alliance should attack the Empire when the Emperor makes his move?] "Yes. That would be ideal." [But that's difficult in the current situation. There's no guarantee an alliance will even form before Mackline collapses.] "No persuasion is needed as the situation stands." [Excuse me?] "Launch attacks on the kings of various nations in the name of the Empire. It doesn’t matter whether you succeed or fail. Leaving traces of phantoms would be more precise." [Ah...!] "Turn both the East and West of the continent into seas of blood, filling the world with unjust souls. That will accelerate our great purpose." [Understood, gladly.] "I shall create chaos at the continent's heart. Hurry now. The time for our grand endeavor is near. Until that day arrives." [Yes. Until that day arrives.] With those final words from the man, the light in the communication sphere faded once again. * * * "Holy water directly blessed by the priests!" "Pilgrimage maps for sale! A must-have for anyone starting their pilgrimage!" "Souvenirs, get your souvenirs!" The city, Noviens, buzzed with life, showing little signs of the great war it had recently endured. "Truly a lively atmosphere. One wouldn't think there was a war just recently." A man, seemingly in his thirties with unusual gray eyes, looked around with admiration. Beside him walked a middle-aged knight with brown hair and blue eyes, who chuckled and responded. "The temple distributed supplies to lift the spirits and help folks forget the sacrifices. But coming from the esteemed merchant lord Philip who contributed significantly to this vibrancy—it sounds strange." "Haha. Well, that’s because I'm a merchant chasing profit. Rumor has it the Holy Kingdom overcame its crisis through divine blessings. Pilgrims are flocking here, so I saw a business opportunity and came." "Was it not due to the Mackline king's orders, as well?" "Aha, yes, of course. We must reciprocate after breaking conventions to send our priests to the battlefield." "Ah, you're very straightforward. But you seem oddly unworried, merchant lord." "Pardon? Ah... It wouldn’t be right to say I have no worries. However, I choose to believe." "Do you truly believe the kingdom can defeat the Empire?" "It's more that I have faith in our sovereign." "Do you mean King Logan Mackline?" "Yes." Harman tilted his head, intrigued by the man’s easy confidence. "The young, ahem, the youthful king must indeed be remarkable." "Oh, indeed. He does the impossible with utter calm." For instance, giving a bankrupt merchant sitting on a pile of debt tens of thousands of gold generously. Purchasing seemingly worthless goods to create breakthroughs never seen before. Carving tunnels through mountains to redirect rivers and cultivating wastelands. And discovering gold mines and magic stone deposits effortlessly. 'And, as if that weren't enough, an ordinary baron's son becomes a king.' As Philip pondered the miraculous feats Logan had achieved over the past 7-8 years, he couldn’t help but chuckle in disbelief. A series of astounding and seemingly impossible miracles. Thus, despite the war appearing unfavorable, he didn't worry much. "His Majesty assured us of protection. Therefore, it will be so." This was a trust beyond reason, an unwavering conviction approaching that of belief in an absolute truth. Observing Philip’s earnest belief, the Holy Knight, trained to value pure belief above all, couldn’t help but be impressed. "Indeed, I see." The extraordinary individuals he encountered, whether through sheer strength or wealth, or in Philip's case, unwavering faith, pledged their lives and fortunes under the guise of belief. In that moment, he found himself deeply curious about the distant eastern kingdom's king whom he never met. "So, will you stay here until the war concludes?" "I wouldn’t dare leave the sanctuary; who knows what could happen outside. The Empire knows I’m from Mackline now." "Haha. Please, stay as long as you wish. And if your kingdom triumphs, I’d like to meet him too. Perhaps you could make the introduction?" "Sir Paladin? Of course. His Majesty will be delighted." Though they seemed to be of a similar age, the two men, separated by decades, laughed together like old friends. "Oh, by the way, when might I meet the Holy Lady... I mean, His Holiness the Pope?" "Haha. Pardon your impatience. Is this due to Sir Victor's request?" "Yes, well... He rarely asks for favors, so I need to seize this chance." "Such friendship is enviable. But as I mentioned, His Holiness is currently healing through prayer from their previous ordeal. When they recover their holy power, Sir Victor is someone they will want to see." "So no fixed date yet?" "Yes. That..." Just as Harman trailed off, his words interrupted— "Captain! His Holiness has left the sanctuary!" A voice rang out from afar, surprising them both.