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Episode 347: Face to Face (2)
There is not a breath of wind.
The white clouds decorating the blue sky were still, and the great nature spread out beneath them was extremely quiet.
The passage of time could not be felt by human senses.
There was only one thing in that place that had weathered the passage of time.
Faded ruins.
An ancient building that lost its color after hundreds of years of use.
Archbishop Joseph, who was leading the Knights Templar, took a deep breath as he faced him.
“Finally, I found it.”
It is similar to the scenery recorded in the old records of the Luas Church.
The vague description and damaged picture were different from the actual appearance, but I couldn't help but be convinced.
I felt it from the moment I was on the other side of the door.
Beneath these ruins… … one can faintly sense an indescribable divine power dwelling there.
A lofty light that only those of the rank of Archbishop or higher can interfere with.
“Fortunately, the seal has not been broken yet.”
The issue that was of concern has been resolved.
But that's why it was suspicious.
Paladin, Railbur asked with a look of caution.
“The seal is still intact… I have no doubts about the Archbishop’s judgment, but I have a question. Why did the Glory of the Corpse leave the entrance to this place untouched instead of being closed?”
What lies dormant beneath the ruins is none other than their ultimate goal.
It was difficult to understand, from a common sense perspective, how they could give it away so easily.
Paladin and Shane also agreed with that opinion.
“Also, the fourth servant seems to be beyond the left door, not here. Perhaps leaving the two doors open was intentional to disperse the power.”
“That might be one of the reasons.”
Joseph answered calmly.
“It seems that the glory of the corpse wants us to break the seal within the ruins.”
“……!”
Why wasn't the seal lifted even though the ruins were discovered first?
Why would they leave the entrance to the ruins abandoned?
The answer is simple.
The glory of the corpse is that it has no power to break the seal until the Luas Church comes.
If he had the ability to do so, he would have disappeared long ago without any need to act secretly.
As it was in the Kingdom of Estyria.
“In other words, if we break the seal, they will do as they wish. However, we have no intention of backing down. Since the location of the relics has been discovered, there is no choice but to leave them alone… and we have more than enough power.”
The sunlight reflected off the necklace with the special crucifix hanging from it.
“So, we will break the seal as planned and retrieve the body parts of the ‘Old King’.”
Archbishop Joseph took the lead.
“All troops, enter the ruins.”
“Yes, Archbishop.”
The Knights Templar are on the move.
As we approached the ruins, countless undead poured out like a tidal wave from the darkness-filled interior.
'You block the way while wanting to break the seal… … .'
Is this just to kill time?
It seems like there's another hidden purpose, but the job is the same.
'To defeat the undead and reach the destination in the shortest time possible.'
I'm not worried about the fourth servant right now.
Asher, the one recognized by the Transcendent.
His current level is so great that even Joseph cannot grasp it, so he will be able to stand up to him.
At least I can hold out until I go to apply.
Aside from the original purpose, I was able to entrust it to him without hesitation because I had that kind of confidence.
Joseph revealed his glory.
The Knights Templar, swept up in dazzling divine power, clashed with the undead.
* * *
“This is the first time I’ve seen your face in person, Asher.”
Finally, we confronted the leaders of the Corpse of Glory.
Verden's wall, which had been sensing the surroundings, tilted slightly.
'There are two undead here.'
On the left, a giant undead is perched on a fallen stone pillar.
It is the appearance of a knight covered in full body armor, grotesquely distorted from head to toe.
He exudes a sinister air, carrying on his shoulders a massive, matte-finished Flamberg that undulates like waves all over his body.
And the undead standing on the right, holding a magical book.
Beneath the robes that ripple with darkness lies a rotten, torn flesh.
A red light full of hatred and contempt emanated from the hollow eye sockets.
'This is on a different level from the undead I've met so far.'
It is an ominous thing that surpasses the Grim Reaper that held the Orb of Command, which Verden had personally subdued in the kingdom.
I don't know what kind of entity they are, but they must be at the top of the species.
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But what was even stranger was that it was a being leading two undead.
'Should I call that… a human?'
It's the first time in my life that I've felt such a presence.
Old age and youth coexist on the gray skin.
If I had to say, I would say it was like a being on the borderline between life and death. It felt much closer to a heteromorph than a human.
I glanced down.
The compass of Black Hour pointed precisely to that being. It was almost identical to the magic I felt in Kylians.
In any case, it is clear that it is the fourth servant himself.
I activated Reindia and stored the compass in subspace.
Verden said after finishing his observation.
“It must have been a surprise attack. It looks like they were waiting for us.”
“It may be early, but this situation itself was already decided. Just as you came to the Republic of Beldirn to find me, it was according to my intention.”
The fourth servant snorted lightly.
“Well, originally, Dark Warton’s disciple should have been here. But with the new variable from Kylians, it’s only natural that the result would be different. In comparison, I’m more satisfied with the current situation.”
He looks calm.
It's probably not just a bluff, so it's reasonable to assume he's still hiding something.
Verden didn't try hard to guess.
Because from the beginning, no matter what it was, the plan was to destroy it head-on.
The logic of overwhelming power.
What he pursues is absolute strength that can reach the transcendent.
'But before that… … .'
One of the reasons why Verden pursued the glory of the corpse together with the Luas Church.
Instead of immediately launching a magical bombardment, he took out an old book from subspace and showed it to me.
The fourth servant narrowed his eyes.
"that……."
“This is an ancient book that Viola had. I found out that the characters written in it belonged to a country that existed about 800 years ago.”
I put into words the story I heard at the Ark.
About an unknown country that was eventually erased from history by the Luas religion, which burned down half of the continent.
And asked.
“Is it a coincidence that you guys have this book?”
The Luas Church hides information about the glory of the corpse.
So, I have no choice but to ask the person involved.
The friction started from the Kingdom of Estyria, and now that I've gotten involved, I need to know what I need to know.
Whether he answers or refuses.
It was a loss anyway.
“…….”
Silence fell.
The fourth servant, who had been staring at the book, spoke.
“Who told you that story? Was it the archbishop?”
“If that were the case, I wouldn’t have asked you.”
“Ah, well… I wouldn’t share everything with someone who doesn’t belong to the Luas Church. Then let’s change the question.”
He turned his gaze to Verden.
“Why do you question what the Luasians are hiding? Don’t you believe in religion?”
“I believe in the existence of God, but I neither trust nor believe in him.”
Divine power is like the proof of God.
That is why I never deny its existence.
But it is completely different to rely on God, to follow a religion, and to have unconditional faith in its followers.
Verden's personal views were extremely scathing.
Most believers in the goddess Luas would object if they heard this. Even Archbishop Joseph would have difficulty controlling his expression.
“Acknowledging its existence but dismissing it as irrelevant… that’s quite inhuman.”
The fourth servant let out a low laugh.
Deep interest filled his eyes, which could not tell life and death.
“It was no coincidence that you got that storybook from Viola.”
* * *
The relevance was acknowledged.
It can't be a lie. After all, I never once said that this book was a fairy tale.
'He can decipher ancient texts.'
The fourth servant's eyes were clearly reading the title of the book.
It was evidence in itself.
“Is there anything else you would like to ask? I’m willing to answer.”
“I refuse.”
There's no point in hearing any more.
Unlike ancient books, there was no way to determine their true meaning.
It will only have the opposite effect, such as clouding your judgment.
“You are wise.”
The fourth servant twisted the corner of his mouth.
At the same time, the undead knight who had been sitting raised his body.
Intense hostility spread in all directions.
“By the way, I guess the introduction is late. I am the fourth servant of the great corpse, ‘Caesillus’. Then, in order, ‘The Knight of the End’ and ‘Ark Lich’. Individual names.”
The knight of the apocalypse whose name was called leaned forward to take a step forward.
It was an extreme momentum that seemed like it would charge at any moment.
“I'll take care of him.”
Adrian took up his stance, holding the magic sword Cedence with both hands.
There are no witnesses here.
It doesn't matter if the identity of the former Central Continent's four powers is revealed.
A purple aura overflowed from Adrian's entire body. The black aura-sparkling magic sword flashed with intense energy.
“Leave it to me.”
That was the signal.
Adrian, who shot out like a lightning bolt, drew a line in the air.
It was a speed that even a person of average skill would not dare to react to, but the Knight of the End was different.
[To you. I announce the end.]
An eerie voice containing the will of the dead whispers in my ear.
Immediately afterwards, the Knight of the End rushed forward and rapidly spun around, swinging his sword.
Kwaaaaaaaang!
A powerful blow struck.
The stone floor, unable to withstand the impact, was shattered into pieces.
Several clashes ensued, with Adrian and the Knight of the End being driven away from their respective lords.
The atmosphere was tense.
The magicians also began to move with the irregular metallic sound in the background.
Magical power seething within the body.
Kaesilus gripped the pitch-black staff tightly.
“The numbers don’t match up, so you plan on handling me and Arch Lich all by yourself? You’ve definitely gotten stronger than when you killed Viola and Nosa. Even I can’t see into your realm.”
A young magician with a natural talent that defies time.
It is a deformed growth rate and strength that cannot be explained even with such words.
There is no reason to dare look down on it.
That's why I'm looking forward to it.
“Asher, how great would your death be? Without a doubt, it would contain unparalleled power… But there is no need to be afraid.”
A strange curse flared up like a flame in Kaesilus' eyes.
“Death itself is not the end, but rather a temporary state.”
An overwhelming magical force is coming.
Verden, who had accepted him without any hesitation, activated his magic circuit with all his might as if he was fighting back.
The massive magical power operated by <Arcane> spread out in an instant and turned space upside down.
Gurrrrrr… … .
The waterspouts rising all around disturb the sky.
In the gray sky, countless lightning flashed and thunder rumbled among the dark clouds.
The rank of a transcendent being who thrills the world.
Verden, a semi-transcendent being, can reproduce him within a limited scope.
The same phenomenon occurred during the previous war lord, Regrit's exchange.
At that time, it was not a war of attrition, so it was not actively utilized, but not now.
“……?!”
Kaesilus, who was suddenly pushed back by the magical power, opened his eyes wide.
He couldn't hide his shock, as if he hadn't expected this. Even the undead Archlich instinctively hesitated.
“If death is only a temporary state.”
A magic circle of reversal appeared in Verden's right eye as he looked straight at them.
“I guess you don’t care if you die.”
Falling snake.
<Cheongsa-roe>
Thunderclouds suddenly flashed.
Within moments, light gathered and a six-tiered snake made of a giant lightning bolt fell vertically.
Kwakwakwakwakwakwakwa!
The old castle ruins are collapsing under the pressure.
The lightning blast spread in all directions, completely engulfing Kaesilus and Archlich.
At the same time, Verden, who had secured Orient, jumped into the flash of light, kicking his seat.