477 - Regressor of the Fallen Family

**Chapter 477: The Unforeseen Event in Ruspelheim** The clash with the Apostle concluded quietly, without any significant commotion. Although some of the priests who had witnessed the scene at Adga fainted in shock, the incident didn’t become much of a talking point. Officially, it was determined that Logan had vanquished the demon. The unsettling transformation of Adga's Apostle, who sprouted black scales and horns during the decisive battle, fueled public opinion. As a result: "Long live Logan!" "I saw it with my own eyes!" "Me too, me too!" "What was it like?" Heroic Logan was hailed for defeating a demon. With exaggerated rumors spreading, Logan's prestige began to ascend once more. Yet, despite the celebratory atmosphere, a shadow loomed over Logan's expression. The dire news from Illia weighed heavily upon him. ["A month—any longer is impossible."] "......I see. Thank you." The anticipated time before the Holy Kingdom's deployment was merely a month. But it would take even longer for the army to march from Nobienst to Ruspelheim. 'If it's true that the vice-captains are dead, the Holy Kingdom no longer has any superhumans. Still, their military force and public influence can't be ignored.' Illia was trying to contain the rumors, but over a thousand priests had heard the Apostle's voice directly. At this rate, it was just a matter of time before rumors spread. Moreover, even if the rumors didn’t spread, the problem wouldn’t be resolved. 'Announcing a holy war would turn me into a public enemy of the continent.' In such a scenario, would Maclain's forces continue to follow his orders? More importantly, could he then refrain from using 'that power'? "......The power to make people puppets." The showdown with the Apostle had significantly increased Logan's proficiency in wielding his willpower. Back in ancient times, when the dimensional walls were thin and mana was far richer than now, one could imagine how the Ascended Nine Gods had propagated faith. The single confrontation had allowed Logan to noticeably feel his growth. Thus, the time for contemplation was brief. Crunch. Logan's tightly clenched fist reflected his renewed resolve. "In the worst-case scenario, I'll have to use it. To protect my people." In hindsight, it was fortunate that he didn't limit himself too narrowly. And there was even a way to escape moral responsibility. "If I can eliminate all the Apostles within a month......" Judging by the case with Adga, destroying an Apostle seemingly prevented the gods from interfering in the mortal realm for at least several centuries. Given that they had incurred some loss through forced descents this time, it might take even longer. The issue was that they didn’t know the Apostles’ exact locations on the continent, but understanding their purpose upon descent offered clues for a rough estimate. However, 'Will they clash with the Kassel Tower first, or come after me behind the Holy Kingdom?' In this uncertainty, Logan bit his lips when he heard Damien's voice from behind him. "Your Majesty, how about the schedule for the return troops......?" "The return is postponed." "Pardon?" "......To ensure the safety of the occupied areas, we'll stay two more months." "For two months? Why so long—Ah, understood. I'll relay your command." "Good." Unconsciously having resorted to using 'that power', Logan heaved a deep sigh and bowed his head. The adversary of the gods. It wasn’t something he could easily discuss with anyone. The faith in the Nine Gods was a fundamental truth embedded in the very thoughts of the continent's inhabitants. 'Damn it.' Seeking solace from his turbulent emotions, he thought of only one thing: training. Swish. The golden aura that engulfed the whole training ground now moved fluidly according to his will. Without holding a sword, or even without moving his arms, the aura danced as if drawing the image he had in mind. It was one of the abilities Logan gained due to his strengthened willpower. But despite this staggering achievement, Logan’s expression remained unsettled. 'The secret tied to the Nine Gods and Gibrid Kassel.....' Would his wife understand if he told her? How about his mentor? Or his brother? Who would listen to his story and smile? No matter how many times he wielded the sword of his heart, no answers appeared. Until suddenly, amidst the endless inner turmoil, a single conclusion arose. '......I am indeed filled with secrets.' Even setting aside the divine matters. There was one fundamental cause that enabled all of this—his reincarnation, a fact he couldn’t share with anyone. How many crises had he faced, almost coercively leading his family, saying, 'Just trust me'? Someday, he resolved to speak up. Someday, he'd reveal the truth. Thousands of times he made that promise to himself, yet never disclosed the secret. And now, finally...... He chuckled softly. "......Why did I hold back?" As the golden aura, flowing around him, descended into tranquility, the nonchalant monologue resonated deeply within. He’d come this far to protect his people, his family. And he succeeded. The final hurdle lay ahead, yet he succeeded. It all happened thanks to those who followed him loyally. Every time, despite his often unreasonable demands. They..... 'Always believed in me.' If he confessed the long-hidden truths to them now, how would they react? "Opposing the gods? You heretic!" Would anyone accuse him like this? Even after countless considerations, it seemed unlikely. – We trust you, Your Majesty. – I've always believed in you, brother. – Of course, he is my son. – I pledge my loyalty with my life. From those who offered undeserved trust, who pledged unmatched loyalty. Just thinking about them filled him with reassurance. Their faith seemed vast enough to overshadow any religious belief. But then why...... "Why was I worried?" The answer to his solitary query appeared instantly. It was shame. Admitting the failings of the past, confessing mistakes felt excruciatingly burdensome. Having put so much effort into erasing his past life, he wished he could forget about it altogether. "...I've been such a fool." Facing the fact that he had only ever hidden his past mistakes made him feel even more ashamed. But now, he understood. It was because of the regrets of his past life that he had managed to achieve so much to this day. It was these memories that had shaped who he had become. "I was just scared. Pathetically scared." Just when he thought he had accomplished everything, a disaster emerged that could potentially unravel it all. He became terrified of losing what he had achieved. But when had he ever faced things alone? When had he ever waged battles by himself? Was there truly a need to worry alone now, of all times? "...No." As his sword, freed of its turmoil, slipped back into its sheath, Logan exited the training grounds with a lighter step. Then, he immediately summoned all those he could call “family.” * * * "What is it, Your Majesty?" In attendance were his father, brother, wife, mentor, and the siblings Victor and Victoria. Just like always, Tyr was clinging to his wife's side. Along with them was a noticeably weary Damien due to the sudden change in orders, and the bewildered Luther, Wiccan, and Burdel, who were equally puzzled by the assembly. "Your Majesty, why am I summoned here as well...?" Even Heinkel, who hadn't met face-to-face in a while, entered the office with a curious look. As Logan looked at each of their faces, he took a deep breath and slowly began to speak. "It's a very old tale. A story of a fool's regret began on that day..." And so, the long story unfolded. "...That is the current situation." When his tale finally concluded, silence overtook the office. 'I guess it’s not a story that’s easily accepted.' As Logan's expression darkened slightly, Sword Grandmaster spoke with a bitter laugh. "...It's an unbelievable story." As all eyes turned to him, he continued with a wry smile. "But it's a story I cannot deny. It explains so much." "...!" The surprised Logan glanced at the Grandmaster. "Indeed, you suddenly changed one day." "Yes, now thinking back, the change in you, Grand Duke, was quite abrupt." Though taken aback, both his father and Heinkel nodded in understanding. "Wow, then without you, I would have perished in the civil war? I feel reassured now that I picked the right husband." "A noble butcher? That's a terrible title. We’re much better off now, especially with Ria." "Then do I owe His Majesty more gratitude?" As Victor and his wife chimed in, Damien shook his head with a stern expression. "I don't believe it." As everyone's astonished gaze turned toward him, he added jokingly: "In what world am I an Evil Brain? I'm the nicest person I know. And a freedom fighter? I'm not that patriotic." His cheeky tone filled the room with laughter. At that, Luther and Wiccan added their cheerful voices: "Gods? Apostles? I've never even visited a temple. If anyone dares oppose the Maclain, I'll crush their skull with my hammer." "A knight's loyalty is solely to his sovereign. Religious faith follows after." "Hey, if you say something that cool, what do I—" "Thank you for not letting me become a traitor against my country, Your Majesty." "You take all the cool lines... Ahem. I'm of the same mind, Your Majesty." As usual, the duo bantered before kneeling in respect. Watching this with a peculiar expression was Burdel. "...I don't see much of a difference. Whether as a General of the Empire or Maclain's general, it’s all the same to me... Haha. Regardless, I'll uphold our contract. Don't worry, Your Majesty." Even he smiled as he said this. Then, a burly young man stepped forward, locking eyes with Logan resolutely. "It took courage to make this decision, brother. You’ve worked so hard all this time. I won't even think about any past life I never knew. I will only see you now, brother." With a bashful smile, Ronian continued. "Whether it's an Apostle or a black serpent, we just need to cut them down one by one! I believe in you, brother! Let's fight together again!" — Woof! As Tyr barked robustly from his side, Logan felt deeply moved. 'Apostles or whatever comes our way, we will overcome it all. We can do this.' Having finally set down the burdens he’d carried for so long, Logan could now let a smile spread across his face. Returning with satisfaction to the training grounds. Whoosh. 'Excellent.' With a mind unburdened, his body felt infinitely lighter. He was filled with a sense of euphoria, capable of achieving anything. Grateful for the unwavering support returned to him, far beyond what he ever hoped for. And in such sheer joy that all worries seemed to vanish. As his freely flowing sword danced, it began to emit light brighter than gold, akin to the sun itself. In that moment, Logan realized he had naturally stepped into another realm. 'Ah!' Beyond the power over soul and space, he felt as if he could see the flow of causality. The sensation of distorting that flow, creating new outcomes with his will alone. The barely sensed power was now gradually becoming something he fully understood. 'So this is the power of will.' Logan was caught in pure awe as he finally gripped the edge of the power when suddenly— "I summon thee, chosen avatar of Gibrid Kassel." The intrusion of an old priest slicing through space shattered his focus. "What— what on earth...!?" Yet, despite Logan's enraged demeanor, the priest continued to speak, face devoid of emotion. "Eradicate the remnants of Gibrid Kassel. Do so, and our sword shall not turn against you. You will be revered as a true hero by all. I shall provide you with their coordinates." Boom. Splat! With those words, the old priest's body exploded, disintegrating entirely. Yet, the blood and flesh, now fragmented, arranged themselves into an undeniable map. Coordinates of a region Logan was already familiar with. "Heh, these... creatures." Could the so-called gods truly be so petty? So cowardly as to hide in the shadows, incapable of confronting him directly. 'Wait, why this indirect approach...?' After a moment of contemplation, Logan quickly arrived at an answer. Having already suffered defeat at his hands, they likely wanted to avoid further risking themselves. Even though, together, the remaining six gods could likely overpower him. "Small. They're truly small-minded beings." It was a tempting proposition, but Logan had already heard through Illia. About the forsaken ones, the children born into the altered history he had created, and how the gods dealt with them. And now they were pulling such an absurd stunt? 'Trying to stab me in the back, aren’t they.' Perhaps after spending millennia in the divine realm entertaining themselves, their intelligence had plummeted. Or perhaps it was sheer arrogance, believing no mere human could possibly turn down a god's offer. 'Then I should leverage it.' A piece of legend. The sordid aspect of the Nine Gods instilled newfound confidence in Logan.