456 - Regressor of the Fallen Family

### Chapter 456 - The True Victor of This War Will Be Revealed The world is captivated by this war. The conflict between MacLaine and the Empire seems to be narrowing down to the battlefield of Rutherfordheim. To put it extremely, the definitive turning point of this war hinges on which side's superhumans are exterminated first. Among all, there were two whose prowess had been revealed to the world through this war: himself and the Emperor. Among these paragons of superhumans, if either of them survived, even if they belonged to the losing nation, they would become a prized commander of the victorious side. Given such stakes, deciding to embark on a clandestine mission during this critical time was, in truth, a reckless decision. "– Why! Why are you insisting on going despite knowing all this!?" The echo of Demian's shout still lingered in his ears, yet he could not bring himself to reveal the true reason. Though hailed as a godsend hero, he could not confess that the actual gods were hostile towards him. Furthermore, a clue to resolving this predicament was within reach—how could he turn away? In the end, even with his stubborn refusal to disclose his intentions, Demian reluctantly conceded. However, he made sure to provide Plan B, just in case. "– Understand well how crucial this moment is when you suggest embarking on a clandestine journey and return as swiftly as possible. At the very least, memorize this crucial information: the current position of the enemies is..." He drilled this information into his mind forcibly, as if coercing the king. According to this intelligence, the forces of the Northern and Southern Kingdoms would likely be near Rutherfordheim by now. ‘If I appear somewhere unexpected during this time, those two kingdoms might start a war on their own.’ This indicates that he must covertly infiltrate even within the walls of Kyle Castle, the territory of MacLaine. Certainly, the forces gathered in Rutherfordheim are not something the two kingdoms can defeat on their own. However, if rumors spread that he has appeared in Kyle, there is a high chance the forces of these two kingdoms might bypass Rutherfordheim and veer this way. This potential scenario was troubling. ‘If the battlefield splits in several directions, with our smaller total force, only we will be compromised.’ Avoidance is not an option. Realistically speaking, even in such a scenario, abandoning Kyle and rushing to Rutherfordheim could suffice—since the army couldn’t possibly be faster than himself. Moreover, as the kingdom’s forces head to Kyle, he would find it easier to confront the enemy's main force. Possibly, it could inflict more damage on the Empire than the burning of Kyle or the homeland itself. However. ‘Doing so would shatter the esteem I’ve built within the Kingdom.’ It wasn't merely out of concern for public opinion. Now that he had a complete grasp of a novice’s realm or somewhere beyond, he vividly felt that his strength stemmed from the hearts of those who followed him, and he couldn't bring himself to betray that foundation, regardless of moral responsibility. Thus, not going might be the wiser decision. ...If he were a sensible monarch. ‘When did I ever go by reason?’ It wasn't simply an emotional impulse to fulfill Harmon's last request. Perhaps, if Harmon meeting the fallen saintess could trigger a miracle. And if that miracle took the shape he expected. There lay a chance to create a variable that could overturn the tide of the war once again. That hope was drawing him to Kyle. ‘So, I must attempt it.’ Logan, circumventing southward through the forest where events unfolded for three days, stealthily surged northeast under the cover of night. To an observer from afar, it might seem as though a golden comet was scything through the plains. Astonishingly, even bearing an armored figure on his back, his speed was breathtakingly swift. Yet to him, even this pace, several times faster than a galloping horse, felt unsatisfactory. Even while channeling force into the person cradled on his back to sustain their life. Whoosh. Boom boom boom boom boom. – Yipe!? Beasts scattered, startled by the sudden gust that stormed onto this remote plain, yet he couldn’t spare concern for such trifles. Luckily, he tread a solitary path, making it unlikely that anyone would witness the extraordinary luminescence blazing across the sky. Groaning. ‘Then faster.’ Gritting his teeth, Logan propelled himself even faster. He had already squandered three days on this circuitous route. If he reached the saintess ensconced deep within Kyle Castle with Harmon, and nothing transpired there—or rather, something did—he had to return immediately to Rutherfordheim. Ensuring that no one discerned his identity en route was an added challenge. And Harmon, having uttered his last, responded to no messages. Thus, as time dragged on, anticipation dwindled and anxiety mounted. ‘The chances of this being in vain are high.’ Already, this relentless charge was taxing his strength, and he felt pressed for time. If he got discovered without achieving anything, it would further complicate the war situation. ‘Then why am I!’ Grit. He already knew the answer. Thus, Logan only dug his feet deeper into the ground to launch himself further. It wasn't for Harmon. The grand reason of altering the war circumstances was, in truth, secondary. The most crucial reason was... ‘I might be able to save my people.’ That was it. If Harmon manifested even a small change, he might find a chance to awaken them as he had resurrected his mentor. Not a reckless attempt like in those days with his mentor, but with a clear certainty to heal their very souls. Some might call this choice foolish. They might accuse him of risking everything for an improbably slim chance. But Logan couldn’t act otherwise. “Because I returned to do just that.” Words uttered as if he were making a vow. The encompassing circle that began solely with his family had now greatly expanded. Yet even so, he acknowledged that he did not possess the capacity of a king destined to nurture all, encompassing millions of souls. Therefore, he was bound to follow his heart's lead and head towards Kyle. And in truth, he had ample reasons to convince himself, even if he couldn't convince others. ‘If I can slip in unnoticed and save the two of them, that would be ideal.’ Fortunately, considering his disguise, his skills, and the level of vigilance from Kyle's guards, the chances of being discovered were slim. Of course, the odds of actually saving them were even lower, but if successful, it would be the greatest gain imaginable. If Demian knew, he would've begged him not to attempt such a reckless stunt. ‘Even with low odds, if it's a big win, why wouldn't I try?’ He didn’t entertain the thought of things going wrong at even lower odds. He had always been reckless and always achieved results. So this time would be no different. “—Oh come on! You can't just follow your heart like this!! Especially if you're a monarch! This is driving me mad.” For a moment, the voice of Demian echoed in his mind, causing a slight chuckle to escape. ‘You guys can make up for what I lack.’ Faces flashed in his mind. Demian, Dwayne, Rick, Hamar. Each retainer, whether present on the battlefield or not, crossed Logan’s mind as he reaffirmed his resolve. Even if they were in the same predicament as Illia and Clayton, he would act in the same way as he was now. ‘Let's go!’ Casting aside even the slightest internal conflict, Logan solidified his determination. With his will cemented, the golden comet increased in speed, hurtling faster and faster northeast. --- “Yawn~” Deep in the night, a soldier named Aaron keeping watch on the walls of Kyle Castle stretched, yawning without realizing it. It seemed he had dozed off without knowing. He slapped his cheeks, forcing his eyes open, only to suddenly see the figure of a reaper in his view. "……Were you asleep?" “Gah!” The smiling, round face belonged to Pan, his squad leader—gentle in appearance, but fundamentally a devilish brat. “Ah?” “Ah, no, sir!” “What? What isn’t true?” Though Pan's slyly smiling face was especially irritating that night, Aaron couldn't afford to show it. “I-I wasn’t asleep, sir!” “Oh, really?” “Yes, that's the truth!” His voice resounded loudly in the silent night, as if trying to prove his supposed innocence. But the smile on Pan’s face only grew more menacing. “Oh...so my eyes were deceiving me then?” A chill sweat trickled down his spine. “Th-th-that's also not what I meant, sir!” “Oh? Then what?” “You’re just momentarily mistaken, sir!” “So I'm an idiot who makes mistakes?” “N-no, sir!” “Why do you keep denying everything? What now?” Amid the midnight commotion, a dark shadow swiftly passed over their heads. ‘It's absurd sneaking into my own castle like this.’ If there had been more time, he would have connected a call to dispatch someone with a mere hint. But with Harman barely clinging to life strapped to his back, he couldn’t afford such luxury. The fortunate part was his dark attire intended for stealth was well-suited for infiltration. Additionally, Harman’s shining silver armor had been buried somewhere in the field long ago. With Logan having reached yet a higher state than when he last departed from Kyle Castle, there was no individual within who could detect him in his designated hiding. However, when he finally reached the deep interior, the stone chamber where he personally ordered heavy fortifications, he had no choice but to take inevitable action. Thunk. Logan gazed down at the knights, too stunned to even groan as they fell. Apology flickered in his eyes, albeit briefly. But only for a moment. Sssss. The flickering golden aura cautiously crept into the stone door, easily dismantling the blue magic encasing the chamber. Victoria might have been enraged had she known, yet there was no alternative. Creak. Logan opened the heavy stone door with a single hand and entered, approaching the center of the chamber where two transparent, rectangular artifacts lay. Their appearance resembling coffins, these were life-support units. ‘Illia, Clayton.’ His people, left in stasis because he couldn’t save them. Logan, wearing a complex expression as he looked at them, carefully lowered Harman, whom he’d carried all the while, beside Illia. [Sir Harman. Only a brief moment remains. If you have the strength, now is…] His message aimed to stir up Harman’s fading soul. As meager as an ember from the once blazing torch of a soul, his hope was faint. Despite trying to communicate throughout the journey, there had been no response from Harman. Yet, once again, he tried—just in case... At that moment, change began. Wooosh. “Wha—?” Suddenly, a white light emanated from Harman’s body, streaming towards Illia, who lay in serene slumber. Astonishing enough as it was, the blue magical barrier enveloping Illia shattered, revealing her true form. From her entire being, a kindred blue light began to radiate, as though resonating in response to Harman’s white glow. “How could … this be…” Regardless of his anticipation, logic dictated that the odds were infinitesimal. Yet, a miraculous scene unfolded. In that instant, Logan’s crimson eyes flashed with golden light. ‘This is undoubtedly divine power…’ Illia, a Saintess of Amun-Da, God of the Sea and Change. Harmon, a Holy Knight of Aria, God of the Sky and Freedom. The divine power Logan had understood until now was a residual trace of high-ranking gods’ will left within the bodies of humans who served them. Hence, the differing colors and natures of these two divine powers were comprehensible. Yet, that these vestiges of two separate gods were now moving and resonating with one another, guided by the intentions of those abandoned by their respective deity? It was a phenomenon beyond any understanding he had ever held. ‘What on earth did Sir Harmon do?’ Moreover, this inexplicable situation was still unfolding. Bzzzz. Crackle. The magic embedded in the life-support units by Victoria seemed to resist the divine powers of the two individuals at first, but it soon gave way without resistance. Before long, the lids of the life-support units opened, and the ever-amplifying divine power eventually lifted both bodies into the air. Now, the divine energies formed a distinct sphere around them. Within this sphere, he could see the feeble remnants of their souls, akin to flickering embers, gradually recovering. It was the moment he had fervently hoped for. But then... "Intruder alert!" Voices of commotion began to reach him from outside the chamber. Already!? Was the training too rigorous? "The chamber His Majesty ordered to protect with our lives...!" I never said that...! Pushing aside his bewilderment, Logan moved swiftly. Screech. With one hand, he closed the chamber door. Hum. Standing with his back to the door, he infused it with his ‘crimson’ aura, strengthening the stone barrier. In that stance, he turned his attention back to observe the ongoing transformation of the two individuals. ‘It won’t take much longer.’ A quick, intuitive decision. Fortunately, his instincts seemed to be correct as the rumbling outside the chamber grew increasingly intense. Boom. Boom. Boom. With each pounding outside the chamber, the white and blue lights within grew ever more intense. Flash. Finally, as the resonance between the two lights reached its peak, Logan moved like lightning, grabbing Harmon and leaping towards the ceiling. Crash! At that exact moment, as if awaiting a cue, the chamber’s door shattered. “Find the intruder!” Some of the knights choked on blood, crying out, seemingly due to the backlash of their auras. However, the mastermind who had orchestrated this scenario had already vanished like a shadow through the destroyed door. What the knights eventually came across was... Soft, steady breathing. A transparent structure resembling a coffin, next to which a silver-haired woman lay, breathing evenly in peaceful slumber. Despite her closed eyes, her beauty was evident, and a halo seemed to radiate from her being. There was no mistaking this woman's identity in MacLaine. She was the most renowned woman in the world — the native of MacLaine who had become a cardinal of the Holy Kingdom. "The Saintess!" “Her Holiness, the Pope!” A commotion erupted within Kyle Castle.