429 - Regressor of the Fallen Family

Chapter 429 “A ‘distinguished guest’ will soon be arriving.” Louis nodded at his subordinate's words and rose from his seat. If the subordinate had known the true identity of the 'distinguished guest,' he likely wouldn't have delivered the report so calmly. However, there was no need to reveal that truth. It was imperative to keep the guest’s visit a secret. ‘How long has it been since I last saw him?’ With a faint sigh, Louis recalled the king's face. Though he never spoke of it to anyone, from the first time he saw the king, who at the time was in the position of a baron’s son, strange dreams began to haunt him occasionally. – For Grandia! – To Grandia! His older self, scarred and fierce, shouting passionately. Sometimes he dreamt of slaughtering knights and soldiers adorned with golden dragon patterns, other times being pursued by them. In some parts of these dreams, an aging king much like himself appeared. He could make no sense of it, yet the dreams seemed to weave a continuous story. Especially whenever there was a matter related to the king. This time was no different. – I implore you. For the liberation of Grandia. – Leave it to me. Louis entrusted something to the king, who nodded and moved away, while he watched the retreating figure with a heavy heart. – Captain, are you sure about this? – Logan is a man who keeps his promises no matter what. Let’s trust him. Though the dream was bizarre beyond comprehension, its vividness and the emotions it stirred felt too real to dismiss as mere fantasy. It had been a long time since he vividly experienced such emotions in a dream. ‘It must be because my mind is troubled.’ Victory in war had been achieved, but his lord was gravely wounded. In this complicated situation, unable to feel wholly triumphant or sorrowful, it was understandable that his heart was tumultuous enough to provoke such dreams. With another sigh—he'd lost count of how many—Louis left the room. Neigh! “Halt!” “Identify yourselves!” Seeing two horses charging from the south, the soldiers blocked the path. However, just then— “Stand down. These are our esteemed guests. I will greet them personally.” A voice called out from behind, startling the soldiers into immediate retreat. It was a voice unmistakable. It belonged to Louis Haion, deputy of the McLean Second Corps and acting commander of operations. Then, the soldiers witnessed an even more astonishing scene. Louis Haion politely bowed his head to the two strangers. “I welcome the esteemed guests.” To their surprise, the guests accepted his deep courtesy as if it were the most natural thing in the world. “It has been a long time, Lord Louis.” “Yes. You appear somewhat different, though.” The continuing conversation had a flow that the soldiers simply could not grasp. They watched in daze until Louis and the guests entirely disappeared within the fortress. Clip-clop. “How is the master?” As soon as they were inside the fortress and away from people, the middle-aged man abruptly asked. “As reported. No improvement...” “Hmm, as expected.” As expected? “Do you suspect something?” “No, not yet... I believe I have to see for myself to be sure.” Even this slight promise lightened Louis’ expression. 'If His Majesty says so,’ he believed there might still be hope for recovery. The relief was so apparent that the person in front, Logan, gave a wry smile. “I said I need to see. Don’t get your hopes up....” Yet, he couldn’t finish his sentence. “Please, please save him, Your Majesty.” His Majesty. Using a title inappropriate for anyone to hear nearby, Louis pleaded with earnest eyes. Understanding the weight of his plea, Logan couldn’t bring himself to blame him. “If it’s possible, I will do everything I can, no matter the price.” He could only nod, saying no more. Even that mere agreement seemed to lift some of the weight from Louis’ shoulders. “Yes, I believe you. You’ve always kept your promises no matter what.” With those words, Louis turned away, appearing more buoyant than a moment before. “Hmm?” So much so that he failed to notice Logan tilting his head in puzzlement at his retreating figure. ‘Did I ever make such promises to Sir Louis?’ There had been many in a previous life, but in this life, apart from the master, there had been no particular connections? Logan's bewilderment was interrupted as Elaen, similarly transformed, nudged his side. “What’s the matter all of a sudden?” Logan, briefly scowling at the disguised male voice, shook his head, discarding stray thoughts. “No, nothing. Let’s go.” Why was he dwelling on such trivial words at this moment? 'Is it because I fear the master might not awaken? How cowardly, Logan.’ Mocking himself silently, Logan cast aside his worries and hastened his steps. Not long after, the group arrived at a door guarded by a person fittingly colossal. “I greet you, Your Majesty.” “Thank you for your service, Lord Luther.” Logan lightly patted the shoulder of the giant who was on his knees yet still larger than him. Hum. As a gentle vibration echoed, the brown-haired middle-aged man's form vanished like an illusion, revealing Logan’s. Though his hair was still partly gray, there was more color in his cheeks. Compared to Elaen, who appeared fully restored in her true form, it was clearer just how severe Logan's injuries had initially been. Thus, it was no surprise that the giant's eyes wavered slightly upon seeing him. “...Is your body alright?” “I suppose I'm better off than the master. Please open the door, Lord Luther.” “...Yes, understood.” Thunk, thunk, thunk. With Luther’s words, the door opened. Constructed with warfare in mind, each door of the fortress was impressively massive. Once open, the room revealed a small bed beside a window letting the sunlight gently in. As soon as Burdel, standing vigil with a bow and watching the outside, saw Logan's face, he knelt on the spot. “I greet Your Majesty.” “Indeed. You’ve worked hard.” Logan’s solemn voice answered formally, but his gaze quickly shifted to the elderly man lying in bed. A profoundly emaciated figure. During the time when he opposed the previous king, the severe aging that had taken place on his face seemed even more pronounced, now as his strength had grown. It was heart-wrenching to see the once youthful appearance aligning with his actual over-seventy years of age. And yet, the master remained unconscious. “Master...” He was filled with an overwhelming sense of guilt. He always felt indebted, but now it was daunting just to think about how to repay that debt. “Since collapsing, there has been no improvement. He manages only to swallow broth and water...” “I see.” “...Pardon?” “Hah...” Burdel tilted his head at Logan’s words, which seemed to carry an understanding as soon as he saw the situation, but Logan couldn’t be bothered to elaborate. ‘I feared as much...’ Next to him, biting down on his lip, Luther, who had followed them in, added his thoughts. “The priests say the physical healing is complete, but he hasn’t regained consciousness. They don’t know why...” “It’s his soul that’s wounded.” Advertisements “What?!” Luther questioned in shock, but Logan just continued his contemplative silence, biting his lip. Ever since he heard of his master’s condition, he suspected that this might be the case. That’s why he rushed here as soon as he was able to move. ‘Reports mentioned that despite severe injuries, he overpowered three superhumans, which seemed odd, but it turns out he glimpsed beyond the wall.’ The problem was that this revelation did not benefit his master. Most likely, the master had forcibly harnessed the fragments of soul power he glimpsed, which allowed for such feats. However, when pulling beyond one’s physical limits with a broken body, the resulting shock is bound to be severe. This means the master’s current unconscious state is not due to bodily injuries but from the exhaustion of his soul. ‘Damn it...’ Logan swore under his breath. But as he examined his master, Logan found his frown lessening a little. Luckily, it wasn’t that his soul was damaged as severely as Clayton’s had been. ‘Damage is only about 10%. If it’s just this much...’ While it’s true that a damaged soul cannot be restored, perhaps those who have reached the divinity level, like Zibrik Cassel, might find a way to manage their soul after breaking through. However, with the knowledge he had, this was generally accepted as irreversible. Even with such a significant damage rate, losing 10% of one’s soul was more severe than losing 10% of one’s nervous system, which would typically leave an average person immobile. It was understandable why his master had yet to wake. However, it was only 10%. If there were stimuli to fill that void, and if the master had already learned to handle that power, perhaps he could move once consciousness returned. Logan held onto this hope and focused his strength. Humm. “Logan!” Startled by the sudden surge of golden aura around Logan, Eilen grabbed his arm. The cracks in Logan’s force core had not yet healed. No matter how serious the master’s wounds were, her husband was more important to her. However, Logan gently removed her grip, offering a wry smile. “It’s alright. I’m not trying to expend my force.” “What?” “I’m merely attempting to stimulate Master’s soul. It’s like trying to awaken an unconscious person by shocking their heart, if you will.” Though she couldn’t quite grasp it, Eilen reluctantly let go with an unsettled expression. Logan chuckled at her face. ‘For now, it’s like that.’ If he could revive his master, pushing a little harder on himself wouldn’t be an issue. With thoughts that would alarm his wife, Logan returned his full focus to the spirit before him. No force was needed. It was just a matter of rousing the soul, shocked into unconsciousness, with a bit of stimulation. Ordinarily, a person would only briefly regain consciousness, only to faint once more. But if the master truly had learned to wield the power of the soul, the story would differ. – Master! Humm. Advertisements Unheard by those around, waves of soul energy spread, seeking to rouse the master’s unconscious spirit. – Master, please awaken! Initially, there was no response, but soon, his master’s soul began to quiver slightly. – Master! Yet, despite the vibrations, there was no further significant change. ‘Is it impossible after all?’ Logan’s heart sank as he bit down hard on his lip. Would he have to give up on his master just like this? ‘I haven’t given him anything yet.’ He’d always demanded sacrifices. – Isn’t McLean’s estate in the Southwest? What brings their son here? From their very first meeting. – I want you to become a pillar of this country. Through the start of formal tutelage. – You’re not attempting to become king, are you? To the period of conflict against the previous king. He had ignored his master’s expectations, prioritizing only the safety of his family and himself. Yet the master... – Subject Felix Esperanza pledges allegiance to the ruler of the new kingdom. Endured everything under the pretext of building a new kingdom, bearing infamy, and supporting him from the shadows. And this is the result? Is this truly the end? “No... I cannot let it end like this!” Logan’s urgent cry only deepened the somber atmosphere of the room. However, Logan was too engrossed to notice as he bit down on his lip, feeling the blood. ‘You deserve your reward.’ You should live, enjoying the long life in the peaceful nation you’ve built. You should rest serenely, hailed by many. ‘Not like this.’ Not ever! Logan erased the line he hesitated to cross until now. Then— Humm. ‘Arghhh...’ He began to squeeze his own soul. Ten percent of his soul is damaged? Advertisements Then I shall fill it with my own. In an utterly irrational, deeply emotional act, Logan allowed his spiritual energy to flow into the Sword Master. The essence of his soul, which once damaged is irreversible, began to pour into another. Soon, a dazzling golden light filled the room. It was only after considerable time had passed that those who had been watching in a daze began to see signs of change.