The Grand Rock, a gathering of sorcerers in Carnelock, was located in the southernmost area of Rock’s city. While it couldn’t compare to the Tower of Lutia, the tower here also boasted a grandeur that could claim the authority of the sorcerers. It was probably the largest tower on the continent. Undoubtedly, the building below the tower, which must have been modeled after Kainswick, was the gathering place for the sorcerers of Grand Rock.
Over a hundred sorcerers and three times as many aspiring sorcerers were waiting. They stood in line to see the master who had come directly from Lutia. Tanya treated them coldly, but they seemed to enjoy it.
“I’ve studied various ways to protect Rock. It may just be a collection of results from my predecessors, but I’ve come to my own conclusion about the power needed to stop a dragon.”
Rependas, the chairman of Grand Rock, explained as he drew on a blackboard. The meeting room was an ordinary room reminiscent of a slightly larger classroom. The gathered sorcerers sat quietly, nodding their heads like students listening to a lecture. To Tanya, who was accustomed to the intense and combative classes of Kainswick, this did not seem desirable.
“Sorcerers shouldn’t have hierarchical status. You never know when a student might surpass their teacher.”
Tanya did not offer such advice from experience. No matter how much a branch of Lutia it was, outside of Lutia, one had to follow the customs and culture of the land.
“It wasn’t possible to test with just our magic, but theoretically, it’s possible. At least the power to perfectly protect Rock.”
Tanya immediately saw through Rependas’s intention by looking at the drawings on the blackboard.
“It’s a barrier.”
Tanya said with twinkling eyes. Unlike before, her enthusiastic reaction excited Rependas, and he eagerly continued his explanation.
“That’s correct. Currently, the tower above us is called ‘Arok’s Tower.’ If you place Arok’s Tower at the bottom vertex of an inverted triangle, the tower at the right vertex about 15 kilometers away is the ‘Tower of Wrath,’ and the tower at the left vertex at the same distance is the ‘Tower of Blessing.’ These two towers infuse power into Arok’s Tower, and the gathered power from Arok’s Tower can create a sacred barrier to protect Rock. According to records from a thousand years ago, this magic was used to fend off a dozen dragons.”
“That’s impressive. No matter how monstrous Kagua is, he doesn’t have the power of ten dragons.”
Tanya agreed with the theory they presented. Combining the power of the three towers seemed like it could rival Lutia’s White Mystery. But there was one serious flaw.
“Wait a moment, Chairman Rependas.”
Tanya climbed the podium, ignoring the stares of the hundred sorcerers.
During classes at Kainswick, Tanya often snatched the chalk from her teacher to ask questions. The teacher would counter her arguments, and she wouldn’t shy away from debates. Classes at Kainswick usually proceeded that way, but she was rather extreme even there.
In the etiquette-conscious Grand Rock, interrupting a superior during a presentation was considered very rude, and she knew this, but she didn’t care. For her, the authority held by Lutia’s master was meant to be used in times like this.
“Arok’s Tower seems designed from the start to set up a magical barrier.”
Tanya pointed to the positions of the towers drawn by Rependas and asked.
“Assuming that it accurately receives the magic from the two northern towers, who activates it?”
Rependas, who had spoken hopefully, was momentarily flustered.
“Well, Master Tanya, you would…”
Tanya tilted her head.
“Please bring me the book explaining the operational principles of this tower. If it was operated a thousand years ago, we need to check if it can still be used. But as far as I know, it takes quite a significant amount of power to operate such towers.”
When Rependas tried to give the same answer again, Tanya held up three fingers.
“Three sorcerers to operate the three towers.”
Tanya added, pointing to Arok’s Tower.
“The center of the power to set up the barrier will be here, so I’ll take charge of Arok’s Tower. Who will operate the other two towers? At least two sorcerers with power equal to mine are needed.”
Even though there were a hundred gathered, no one answered. Tanya returned to her seat. Rependas wiped the cold sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief and continued speaking.
“Well, we need to conduct an experiment, but, well…”
Rependas said as he fervently flipped through numerous ancient parchment documents.
“Ah, there’s a record here. A thousand years ago, due to a lack of personnel to operate the towers, a hundred sorcerers combined their power for each tower. If we do it that way, we should be able to manage.”
“That might be possible. Let’s give it a try.”
Tanya agreed.
Rependas finally put away his handkerchief with relief.
“And today, unlike the other councilors who presented opposing views at the council, there was someone who actively supported our opinion. I’d like to introduce this person who has promised their full support and explain our plan in more detail.”
As the chairman introduced her, a middle-aged woman opened the door and entered the meeting room.
It was Governor Narbeni. A necklace with a simple yet large gemstone hung around her neck, and her attire was still alluring.
She approached Tanya with three of her knights in tow, walking slowly. One of the three, whom Tanya had never seen before, looked strangely familiar.
The man also faced Tanya with a cold smile.
‘Who was that?’
She couldn’t quite remember.
Rependas spoke with a smile to Narbeni.
“It is the greatest honor for us that the Governor herself attends this sorcerer’s meeting.”
Narbeni also smiled faintly.
“It is my honor. I hope that my small strength can help protect this country.”
The sorcerers applauded.
“That won’t do, Narbeni!”
As the applause died down, a completely unexpected voice came from one side.
It was Captain Deradul. He entered the meeting room, drawing his sword immediately.
Narbeni spoke with wide eyes.
“Why are you here? More importantly, what are you doing, Captain Deradul? This is Arok’s Tower, a sacred space for sorcerers. Such weapons are not allowed.”
“Then why did you bring those bodyguards with you?”
Narbeni did not answer and quietly pointed to the man in the brown robe following Deradul.
“I’ve always been curious about the identity of that man. So you finally show yourself today. Let’s see your face behind that mask.”
The sorcerers were also surprised to see the man accompanying Deradul and murmured among themselves. The stranger showed his face obediently and spoke.
“Isn’t this different from what you said, Deradul? Weren’t we supposed to start by killing that woman?”
The face under the robe looked kind, but his tone was wicked like a cheap villain.
Narbeni frowned at the man.
“Who are you?”
Narbeni didn’t know him. But surprisingly, Tanya did. She stood up in shock.
“You were with Deradul?”
It had been a long time since she had seen his face, but he hadn’t aged much and still looked the same as before. All sorts of negative thoughts filled her mind. She couldn’t understand how the situation was unfolding.
On the first morning at the Dragon Knights’ quarters, Kassel had seen a mysterious robed figure. Tanya had speculated that it might be the Lord of the Undying and feared that the Dragon Knights might already be in his hands. Thankfully, that guess was wrong. But now a new anxiety was growing.
Tanya recalled the warning from the goddess Nadiuren. The Lord of the Undying had claimed two great human powers as his own.
One was Grand Master Tailed of Lutia, and the other was one of the Wolf Knights. When she later discussed this with Kassel, he hoped the goddess was wrong.
Tanya consciously clenched her fist. A magical sword imbued with the power of life extended from her palm. It had enough power to kill a dragon, but she wasn’t sure if it would be enough to face the man who had appeared behind Deradul.
“It’s been a long time, Tanya. But your face has changed. If I hadn’t heard your name from Deradul beforehand, I wouldn’t have recognized you.”
As always, he smiled gently. It was the same expression whether he was saving a life or taking one.
Tanya swallowed hard and said,
“You’ll need to explain yourself, Meylumil.”
☆ ☆ ☆
Since it was late, Kassel and Jay decided to save the longer conversation for later and got up to leave. Until the last moment, Romnor and Kassel were reluctant to let go of each other’s hands.
“There are so many stories I want to share and hear.”
“Yes, me too. Father never shared such stories with me.”
“Hoho, perhaps giving you stories that could be a weakness for Emil is a grandfather’s gift to his grandson?”
Kassel laughed heartily.
“Knowing father’s weaknesses! That sounds fantastic.”
Kassel spoke firmly,
“Please do.”
As he waved and climbed back into the carriage, Kassel looked back several times at the receding figure. Jay, sitting opposite him, watched Kassel’s wistful expression closely. The street was quiet, with only the coachman’s humming breaking the silence.
“Why didn’t you stay and talk a bit more?”
Jay asked.
“No. Even if it’s unfortunate, we have to part here today. We still have plenty of time. And what matters most right now is the enemy that could attack us at any moment, not my father’s stories.”
“I don’t think it’s something that should be postponed for long…”
“Is that so?”
Kassel hugged the jewel box containing his mother’s letter tightly and smiled. Jay, with his hands in his pockets, said.
“But it’s good to see you looking happier.”
“Does it seem that way?”
“Yeah. Oh, and about the dragon story you mentioned earlier. How did your father defeat a dragon? Is he some incredible warrior?”
“Could that be it?”
“Have you ever heard it directly from your father?”
“No. He never said more than ‘I traveled.’ But I do have a rough idea why he hated the Council of Elders so much.”
“It’s really intriguing. How could someone without any power defeat a dragon?”
Kassel rested his chin on his hand and observed the nighttime city passing by the carriage window.
“If it were me…”
“If it were you?”
“If it were me, I’d probably make a deal with the dragon.”
“How?”
“The only dragons I’ve met were those who tried to kill me, like Guanil, and those that tried to help me, like Sa-Knadil and the goddess Nadiuren. But at least all of them could communicate with humans. They aren’t gods or monsters. So, if it were me, I’d offer something to Vuharol and ask him to pretend to be defeated by my punch.”
“If I were a dragon, I’d stomp on anyone who made such a proposal.”
“What if it were an offer they couldn’t refuse?”
Kassel grinned exaggeratedly.
“An offer they couldn’t refuse?”
“Like if a beggar approached you and asked you to pretend to be knocked out by a punch in front of a crowd.”
“There’s no such…”
Jay trailed off, falling silent.
In Jay’s mind, his mother, who had looked up at him wordlessly from her sickbed, surfaced. If he could see her again, even for just a few minutes, he would take a punch not once but thirty times, regardless of whether she appeared as she did in her youth or in her frail, dying state.
“There is.”
Jay corrected his answer.
“Right? If it were me, I’d propose such a deal to a dragon. Then I’d strike Vuharol in front of everyone. The dragon would fall convincingly, and I’d become the captain of the Dragon Knights!”
Kassel laughed heartily.
Jay shook his head.
“That’s a scam.”
“So what if it is? Being ridiculed by many and then gaining the one person you truly love isn’t something you can call a scam.”
“Is this about you?”
“Maybe it is.”
“Who did you scam?”
“I tricked Kagua into thinking I’m incredibly strong so that he’d retreat. In the meantime, Tanya recovered, and Knadil saved us. If anyone saw that and accused me of trickery, I’d gladly accept it.”
“Well, Kagua isn’t someone to fight fairly.”
Jay took his hand out of his pocket, ran it through his hair, and put it back.
Although the carriage moved slowly, it was steady. The road was well-paved, and each old-fashioned building looked elegant. But Jay wasn’t impressed by such things.
To Jay, Nadium was a much more wonderful city.
“So what’s the proposal the dragon couldn’t refuse? What would you offer?”
“I’d have to ask what they want and offer it in exchange for falling to my blow.”
“A dragon probably already has everything it wants. What could a human offer? And your father was poor, wasn’t he?”
“He’s still far from wealthy. So, it’s about talking it out. My father might have brought a barrel of liquor and offered it to the dragon. It’s hard to imagine. If I were in my father’s situation, proposing to Tanya, and the condition was defeating a dragon…”
Jay objected.
“Tanya is strong enough to defeat a dragon. Why would that be a condition?”
“There is one thing.”
Kassel ignored Jay’s comment and continued.
“What is it?”
Jay asked.
“Queen Sanadiel.”
“Why the Queen? Is your father’s power so immense that he could offer a meeting with the Queen?”
Kassel laughed loudly.
“I briefly thought of it while Grandfather was talking earlier. If my guess is right… Ah, what a sneaky person! Father, you are truly shameless.”
Jay nudged Kassel’s shin lightly.
“Don’t laugh by yourself. Tell me.”
“Her Majesty once said something. Didn’t she say it in your presence? Some traveler once remarked that meeting the Queen was so difficult that it would be easier to ride a dragon. The Queen replied that since he had met her, he should go ride a dragon. Then the traveler requested to meet his soulmate as a condition…”
“And then?”
“Offer the dragon a deal. ‘Lose to me once, and I’ll arrange a meeting with Queen Sanadiel for you!'”
While Kassel spoke excitedly, Jay was not as moved.
“So what? Dragons can fly. They can just go to Aranthia and meet her.”
“You probably don’t know the full story, so you don’t understand the significance. Her Majesty Queen Sanadiel is a ‘High Lord’ directly bestowed with status by the goddess Nadiuren. On the other hand, Vuharol, who is revered as a great dragon in Carnelock, is merely a commoner among dragons.”
“How do you know he’s just a commoner?”
“He doesn’t have any titles like Sa, Le, or Ka.”
“I don’t understand.”
“You don’t have to. Just understand this. Vuharol was officially introduced to the revered Queen Sanadiel, who was recognized as a human hero by the goddess Nadiuren a thousand years ago. Vuharol is a dragon who loves interacting with humans, helping to treat the governor’s daughter. Ah, how can I explain this? I can see Vuharol jumping, no, flying with joy.”
“But what right does your father have to introduce the Queen?”
“He promised to bring a dragon. He gave a heads-up, so when the dragon appears in Aranthia, it won’t be as surprising. The real surprise will be about my father. No one would have believed he could bring a dragon.”
“I don’t quite get it. Anyway, it’s a scam, isn’t it?”
“Yeah, yeah, it’s a scam. A scam against the dragon, the Council of Elders, and Her Majesty Queen Sanadiel. And it was all for the sake of winning one woman. My mother, Dalia…”
Kassel, smiling, had tears welling up in his eyes. He quickly wiped them away and looked out the window again.
“Do you miss your mother?”
Jay asked.
“Yes, I’ve always missed my mother, but I’ve never wanted to see her as badly as I do now. My mother named me after a great adventurer. She said my father was so moved by the adventurer’s story that he went on a journey, and that’s where he met my mother. It makes sense, right? A mother who threw away all power to choose my father, and a father who kidnapped her and ran away… they were truly meant for each other. Haha…”
“I see.”
Seeing Kassel so sorrowful made Jay miss his own mother deeply, to the point where he felt he could endure a severe beating from a stranger just to see her again.
“Ugh!”
Jay suddenly sensed the approach of swords from all directions. There was nothing visible outside the window, but Jay could almost certainly feel where the blades were coming from, their direction and speed. With no time to pull his hand out of his pocket, he kicked Kassel hard in the chest.
“Oof!”
Kassel was pushed back, hitting the seat of the carriage just as a spear pierced through the ceiling, slicing through the space where Kassel’s head had been. Jay pulled his hand from his trousers and drew his sword. The spear, having punched through the ceiling, was retracted and then aimed at Jay’s head. Jay twisted his body to avoid it and caught the spear.
The carriage shook violently. Jay shouted to the bewildered Kassel.
“Open the door and jump! When you hit the ground, don’t think about anything, just cover your head and roll. Just think about rolling, don’t try to stop.”
Following Jay’s instructions, Kassel opened the door and leaped out. Fortunately, the carriage wasn’t moving fast.
Jay didn’t release the spear but swung his sword over his head. The ceiling of the carriage shattered.
A scream was heard. The coachman’s head rolled off the violently swaying carriage. Jay released the spear and was about to jump out the door Kassel had opened when he noticed the jewel box containing the letter was still there.
‘Idiot, leaving something so precious…’
Jay turned back to grab the box before jumping out the door. The spear barely missed his head as he did.
After rolling twice on the ground, Jay sprang up like a tumbler and held his sword ready. A knight in black plate armor, having seen Jay jump out, leaped down from the carriage.
The stone pavement cracked where the knight landed. Without a stagger, the knight stood straight, white breath billowing from the helmet.
The empty carriage, driven by terrified horses, vanished into the darkness, emitting an eerie animal-like wail.
Jay glanced at Kassel, who had fallen from the carriage first. About fifty meters away, Kassel was stumbling to his feet. Jay set down the jewel box and raised his sword toward the approaching black knight.
“Who sent you?”
Jay asked.
From behind, Kassel shouted.
“That guy won’t talk. And he won’t die either.”
Jay’s eyebrow rose.
“What? Then what should I do?”
The black knight swung his spear heavily. Jay dodged to the side and retreated. The impact shattered the stone where the spear struck, scattering debris. Passersby screamed and fled.
One step.
Jay measured the distance and, without hesitation, exploited an opening. He deflected the spear aimed at his side, disrupting the knight’s balance before striking the knight’s helmet. Despite using Lergo’s sword, he couldn’t break the helmet, only leaving a crack.
Jay stepped back.
‘This is going to be tough.’
Black smoke leaked from the crack in the helmet.
Jay drew his other sword from his waist. Seeing Jay lower his stance, the black knight didn’t approach easily. The unpleasant tension from the unseen gaze inside the helmet was so strong that Jay couldn’t move forward.
‘Gerald said he fought off twelve of these monsters alone?’
Kassel had told stories of the White Wolves’ exploits, which Jay had thought were exaggerated. But after meeting Sheyden, Dunmel, and Loyal, he reconsidered.
There was no exaggeration. Gerald’s claim that he single-handedly took down the twelve elite knights of the Red Rose Count and later, with Azwin’s help, defeated twelve Black Knights was likely true.
‘Then there’s no way I can struggle against just one…’
The black knight suddenly removed his cracked helmet. Just as Jay was about to fight energetically, he recoiled at the sight of the face inside. It was his father’s face.
“Stop it, you bastard!”
Jay shouted.
As if in response to his shout, a loud beast’s roar echoed from the direction where the carriage had disappeared. Two more black knights on black horses were charging toward them. The surroundings appeared misty, as if they brought fog with them. Both knights hurled axes at Jay simultaneously. Jay blocked the axes with his swords, but the immense force knocked him backward.
When Jay got back on his feet, the headless knight had replaced his helmet. Even blinking and looking again, his father’s face was gone, as expected, yet he felt confused.
“Ah!”
Realizing he had forgotten something, Jay turned around. The two knights who had passed him were still galloping towards Kassel.
“Dodge, Kassel!”
Jay shouted.
Kassel was already running away, but he couldn’t outpace horses twice as fast as normal.
Kassel turned a corner, followed closely by the two knights who quickly disappeared from Jay’s view.
Jay abandoned the headless knight and ran towards Kassel. But a voice calling his name made him stop.
“Where are you going, Jaymer?”
Turning around, he saw another black knight with his father’s face.
“Damn it.”
A black shadow wrapped around Jay’s ankles and throat. He couldn’t move.
“I told you before, you can’t escape me.”
“You’re not my father.”
Even as he said it, Jay realized he couldn’t break free from the grip.
“If I’m not your father, why are you here? Why can’t you just run past me?”
From beyond the corner, he heard the sound of metal clashing and people shouting.
‘Is Kassel fighting? No, if two knights attacked him, there wouldn’t be any noise. They’d just bring back his head.’
Something was happening beyond the corner. Jay was curious to the point of madness, but he couldn’t turn away from his father’s face.
“I’ll kill you!”
Jay gritted his teeth.
“You’re going to kill the father you already killed once?”
The black knight, or rather, Thion, laughed maniacally as he approached Jay.
“You also killed your mother with your own hands.”
“No! Mother died of illness.”
“You burned the house down. Can you be sure your mother died then?”
“What?”
Jay stepped back.
Thion advanced as he retreated.
“What if your mother wasn’t actually dead when you set the house on fire?”
“That’s impossible.”
“What if she suffered and burned alive?”
“She died! I cremated her, I didn’t kill her!”
“Can you be certain?”
Thion’s face morphed into his mother’s. Jay, terrified, swung his sword wildly. It was the most crude and clumsy motion he’d ever made with a sword.
“No!”
The knight with Anasha’s face suddenly grabbed his own face and screamed.
“It’s hot. Why are you doing this to me, my child?”
Anasha’s face melted into a blackened skull, her hair burned to ash. Her face disintegrated, screaming until the end.
Jay, terrified, stepped back.
Anasha’s face was entirely gone, and the screams ceased.
“Everyone around you will die horribly because of you.”
The headless black knight replaced his helmet and continued.
“As long as you live, it will be endless.”
The black knight blew a long note on the horn at his waist. A monstrous horse appeared, carrying the knight away. From the direction where Kassel had fled, the sound of horses whinnying and the clattering of hooves breaking the stone pavement quickly faded into the distance.
Jay knelt there, gasping for breath, unable to move until someone appeared behind him.
“Jaymer?”
Kassel placed a hand on his shoulder, and Jay almost swung his sword in surprise. Fortunately, another person standing next to Kassel caught his hand, stopping him.
“S-sorry.”
Jay said with a pained expression to Kassel.
“I couldn’t protect you… I almost killed you…”
Jay struggled to speak, his voice choked with guilt.
It was Kassel who seemed more concerned, asking,
“What happened, Jaymer?”
“I’m sorry.”
Jay continued to apologize repeatedly.
☆ ☆ ☆
Kassel rounded the corner to escape the two pursuing black knights. Realizing he couldn’t outrun them, he turned to flee into an alley. But to his dismay, two more shadows appeared in front of him, descending from the buildings.
The two figures immediately charged at Kassel. He thought he was doomed and stopped in his tracks. But the two figures attacked the black knights behind him instead. The knights, who had rounded the corner in pursuit, turned their axes on the new attackers.
Loud clashes of metal rang out above Kassel’s head, and he covered it with both hands as shards of broken metal rained down. The two masked figures rolled on the ground before rising to their feet. The black knights, now preoccupied with the new adversaries, ignored Kassel and moved away before turning their horses.
Kassel could barely follow what was happening. The two masked figures wore tight-fitting clothes, and he could tell by their silhouettes that one was a woman and the other a man. The woman pulled Kassel into an alley before rejoining the fight.
The man whistled, and more similarly dressed figures appeared from all around—emerging from behind alleys, rooftops, and shadows. They threw chains, entangling the two black knights.
Despite being bound, the knights continued to swing their axes. The masked figures focused on harassing the knights without attempting any reckless, decisive attacks.
‘They know these knights can’t be killed.’
When the woman who initially saved Kassel gave a signal, archers hidden on the rooftops fired arrows in unison. The knights’ armor bristled with arrows, and even the warhorses took hits.
‘What about Jaymer?’
Worried, Kassel glanced back around the corner, only to hear a horrible screeching sound that made him cover his ears in shock.
The two knights suddenly abandoned their fight, communicating in some silent manner before turning their horses and fleeing.
“Let them go!”
The man who had saved Kassel ordered his subordinates. They released the chains, and the arrows ceased. The knights, still entangled in chains, disappeared into the darkness with a cacophony of clanking.
The two initial rescuers approached Kassel and removed their masks. It was Heder and Balak from Blackfoot. Kassel had forgotten about them due to the conflict with the council.
“Are you alright? We rushed in so suddenly…”
Heder apologized.
“No, thank you very much.”
Kassel nodded and quickly moved to where Jay was. Jay was kneeling, not because he was injured but because he seemed terrified. Kassel, thinking he was hurt, grabbed his shoulder, but Jay almost swung his sword again. Balak had to intervene once more.
“Sorry.”
Jay kept apologizing. Kassel couldn’t comfort him or ask what had happened, so he turned to Heder.
“Have you investigated those black knights?”
“Yes. Considering the examples of the Red Rose Count and the Black Lion Count, we cautiously approached from various angles to find out who sent assassins after the captain and who has the power to deploy black knights. We only discovered it an hour ago.”
Heder replied in a low voice, seemingly wanting to whisper.
“Captain Deradul?”
Kassel guessed anxiously.
“We watched him first, of course. His recent actions have been suspicious. He secretly investigated councilors, allowed unknown individuals into the knights’ office, and seemed to be plotting something with them.”
Kassel recalled the robed man he had seen in the evening.
“Was he a sorcerer?”
“No. Our sorceress Metzel confirmed it. The sorcerer was one of the councilors.”
Kassel’s eyes widened.
‘Ruenmus, Narbeni, Nondolin. One of them is a sorcerer?’
“We discovered tonight that this councilor intended to seize control of the city. Regrettably, we acted without orders. However, the councilor’s mansion was already empty, and the underground was a horrifying scene.”
Heder quickly continued.
“There were signs of human sacrifices and the bodies of dozens of recently missing people from Rock. We don’t know what kind of magic it was, but the mansion suddenly caught fire and collapsed a few minutes after we started investigating the basement. Several of our skilled agents were lost in the incident.”
Even without being told, Kassel had already guessed the identity. The one controlling the black knights, the one sending assassins, the traitor in Carnelock—they were all the same.
“If only I had realized sooner… I could have stopped this!”
Kassel berated himself.
“Did you already know?”
Heder asked.
“Someone accurately described the armor of the black knights as that of the Excelon Empire. To an untrained eye, it wouldn’t appear as such. And when Tanya was attacked in the garden, I should have realized it was all part of a plan. Then I could have prevented tonight’s events!”
Kassel said with regret.
☆ ☆ ☆
“Why are you so cautious, Tanya? It’s me. Don’t you recognize me? Meylumil.”
Even after seeing Meylumil’s smiling face revealed from under the robe, Tanya didn’t let her guard down. Meylumil, once one of the White Wolves, was a dangerous enemy to have within arm’s reach.
“I know. That’s why I can’t relax. I’ve already seen two people I trusted the most turn to the enemy. I can’t make an exception for you.”
The last time Tanya had met Meylumil was when discussing the disappearance of Tailed over a warm cup of tea. The quiet atmosphere, his gentle eyes, and friendly smile hadn’t changed. Only his hair, now tied back, had grown longer.
“Tanya, your appearance has changed, but your sharp personality hasn’t changed a bit.”
Meylumil said as he took a step forward. Tanya extended her hand.
“Thank you. But don’t move. My magic is aimed at your heart right now. Captain Deradul, you too. And Governor Narbeni! Anyone in this room who moves will be the first to die.”
Rependas, who hadn’t been paying attention, was the most shocked and froze. Narbeni smiled disdainfully.
“Such confidence, Master Tanya. I guess that kind of arrogance is standard for a sorcerer from Lutia?”
Deradul didn’t put away his drawn sword but didn’t ignore Tanya’s warning either. He merely let the sword hang loosely at his side and spoke.
“Master Tanya, can’t you feel the evil aura emanating from that woman? She approached Kassel alone yesterday, intending to kill him. If Jaymer hadn’t been there, Kassel would be dead.”
“Deradul, did you approach Kassel because of Meylumil?”
Tanya asked.
“Meylumil told me about Kassel’s exploits in Camort. It was worth welcoming such a hero to Rock.”
Deradul smiled and then turned to glare at Narbeni as he continued speaking.
“Furthermore, it’s even more welcome that you’ve shown up just as we’re uncovering unbelievable events here, similar to those that occurred in Camort.”
Narbeni didn’t respond, and her expression hardly changed despite Deradul’s continuing accusations.
“Meylumil warned from the beginning that there might be a traitor among the Rock council members. I didn’t want to believe it, but I investigated a few individuals just in case. Eventually, I suspected that Ruenmus was the traitor. His actions were suspicious, and he even investigated me in return. But he was just a stubborn conservative, a radical patriot. It was Meylumil who saw through her true nature.”
“Do you have any proof?”
Narbeni finally spoke, her expressionless face now showing a hint of irritation.
“Seeing the horrors in your mansion’s basement was proof enough. I regret not killing you then out of rage, Narbeni. But at least it’s not too late now.”
Narbeni playfully scratched her head. Tanya noticed something serpentine writhing through her beautiful blonde hair. It looked like a thick thread but was actually a wisp of black smoke, like that from burning wet wood.
“You should have tried to kill me then, Deradul. It would have saved us the trouble of meeting here, and it would have just been another missing person case… Trying to act tough in your old age!”
Narbeni continued in a mock regretful tone.
“You can’t do anything to me with your power. Do you know why I never tried to seduce you to my side? Because you’re too old to handle a woman like me.”
“Shut up! I’ve already heard about the source of your power, you witch. Let’s see if you can keep talking after facing this sacred dragon’s sword.”
Deradul, forgetting Tanya’s warning, threw his sword. Tanya, having been prepared to restrain all three standing beside her, could have stopped the sword but chose not to. With Narbeni not denying the accusations, there was no need to strive for an objective stance.
The sword spun through the air toward Narbeni’s wide-eyed face. But the man behind her stepped forward, taking the sword to his chest. The knight grasped the sword embedded in his heart and knelt. Narbeni, looking like a girl who had found a dead mouse under a wagon wheel, was startled but then burst into laughter.
“Oh dear, you’ve killed one of my guardians, Deradul. It’s alright, he was dead anyway. He was a fallen knight whom you rejected, whom I offered as a sacrifice. And now, Andy, rise and kill that old man who cast you out.”
The knight Andy stood, pulling the sword from his chest and tossing it aside. A hole where a fountain of blood should have been merely oozed a sticky fluid. The blood barely flowed.
“I’ve always dreamed of meeting you again and killing you.”
Andy said as he drew his sword.
“I knew you had joined Narbeni, but I didn’t realize it was ‘that kind’ of alliance.”
Deradul groaned softly.
“Yes, that kind. Now that I’m stronger than you, will you accept me into the Dragon Knights?”
Tanya was startled at his voice. It was the same man who had attacked her in the knights’ garden, who had tried to stab her even while being shattered by ice. The cheek he had struck still throbbed.
“Of course, I would refuse now, Captain Deradul.”
The red-haired youth named Andy, with glazed eyes, didn’t wait for an answer. He grasped a cross-like pendant around his neck and muttered something. The other two knights behind Narbeni did the same.
Narbeni spoke with an ecstatic expression.
“See, Deradul? I have knights whom even your vaunted power can’t touch. You can’t imagine how long I’ve waited to crush you. I’ll split you in two, throw you into the fire, and enjoy the smell of your burning flesh.”
Narbeni spread her arms gracefully.
“Now that you know I’m the traitor of Rock, what will you do? It’s too late. Tonight, I’ll kill all the sorcerers of Grand Rock. Including the sorceress from Lutia.”
From Narbeni’s outstretched arms, black flames rose, encircling the round meeting hall and instantly trapping the sorcerers. Panicked sorcerers tried every spell they knew to extinguish the flames, but it was futile.
The flames absorbed their magic, growing larger, like pouring water on burning oil. The hall darkened, resembling the threshold of hell, filled with the screams and confusion of sorcerers.
Deradul, having lost his sword, and Meylumil, who had not yet drawn his, could only watch. Narbeni was the master of this terrifying scene, controlling everything within.
“Deradul, resist if you can. Kneel and lick my feet, and I’ll spare your life. Bring you to my lord, who will grant you youth. Thus, we gain ‘another great power.'”
Narbeni’s body began to change. Black smoke, like shadows, enveloped her. It formed into black wings, each feather alive. Her nails grew long, her blonde hair turned black and writhed like snakes, and her face shone with a violet light. Her clothes burned away in black flames, leaving her naked, but the smoke from her skin covered her like a garment.
“What will you do? With a flick of my finger, this place will be destroyed. Depending on your answer, I might spare a few innocent sorcerers.”
The knights beside Narbeni had fully transformed into black knights. They stood still, like statues, but would attack ferociously at her command.
“This is your last chance!”
Narbeni demanded an answer.
“The Dragon Knights serve only ‘Garnel’ and the dragon directly appointed by him.”
Deradul replied.
“But aren’t all the dragons dead?”
“Dragons will return. And they will choose the next captain to follow me.”
“Negotiations failed! How boring. It would have been fun to bring you along.”
Narbeni laughed.
“Such a pity.”
The living black flames rose, engulfing the sorcerers, Tanya, Meylumil, and Deradul. At almost the same moment, Tanya stepped forward with her right foot. From that step, white frost spiraled outward, quickly extinguishing the black flames.
Narbeni and the three black knights flinched and retreated, while the sorcerers sat down in shock. Meylumil, brushing the white frost from his shoulders, joked.
“Brr, it’s cold.”
Tanya glanced at Meylumil with a smile, then addressed Narbeni.
“Did you think you could defeat a Lutia master with some evil ritual magic? There are over a hundred sorcerers in Lutia who can counter magic like yours. You’re not the queen of the night, Narbeni. You should be more humble.”
A large vein bulged on Narbeni’s forehead, and her violet cheeks trembled. But she soon regained her composure and spoke.
“I certainly underestimated Lutia’s master. But where did you leave your lover? My other subordinates have gathered where Captain Wolf is. What will you do?”
Tanya replied nonchalantly.
“Trying to shake me with such talk only shows that you’re the one who’s shaken.”
“Hmm… I don’t wish to fight against unexpected forces. I’ll withdraw for now. Anyway, by tonight, all the key figures in Rock will be dead. The fact that you three might survive should be something my lord will forgive.”
Narbeni said this and turned on her heel, striding out of the room. Andy, now a black knight, guarded her retreat.
“Meylumil, take care of those three.”
Tanya dashed toward the black knights. They immediately swung their swords at her, but she leapt into the air, landing behind them, and continued her pursuit of Narbeni. The sound of clashing swords soon echoed from behind.
‘Will Lumil be alright alone? No, Deradul is with him, so they should be fine.’
As Tanya followed Narbeni’s trail, black flames began to rise in her wake. The flames drained life from everything they touched, withering flowers in potted plants and even claiming the lives of three unfortunate sorcerers who happened to be in the corridor.
Running at full speed, Tanya extended her arms. Her ice magic quickly extinguished the flames as suddenly as they had erupted. Narbeni glanced back, uttering an incomprehensible curse as she smashed a window and took to the sky.
Tanya didn’t hesitate and leapt out of the broken window after her.
Narbeni didn’t fly far, landing in a nearby empty field. She folded her wings and waited in the darkness for Tanya, who slowed her pace to catch her breath.
“If you’d stayed quietly in the tower, you might have lived. Why follow me?”
Narbeni asked, her gaze fierce.
“I don’t need to risk my life just to take you down.”
“Just me?”
Narbeni cackled, a sound that grated on Tanya’s nerves.
“I told you earlier that I don’t want to fight against unexpected forces. Do you know why I so readily gave up fighting you? It’s because I know how powerful a sorceress of your caliber is. But if another sorcerer with the same power were to face you, they could match you.”
Narbeni wiggled her long, claw-like fingers. Tanya sensed the familiar magical presence approaching before she even heard footsteps.
Tanya extended her hand not towards Narbeni, but towards the new presence. Her hand began to glow white.
“Stop. If you come any closer, I’ll attack.”
Tanya felt a deep sense of shame even mentioning the name.
“…Master Ruskin.”
Ruskin, the former Grand Master of Lutia, halted, a staff in one hand. His long white beard still looked impressive, and his smile was as kindly as a grandfather’s. The wind rustled the grass in the deserted outskirts of Rock.
“Tanya, you’ve regained your true strength. Tailed once joked that on the day you broke your seal, we would have to renounce our titles as Grand Masters. He wasn’t wrong.”
Ruskin said.
“I knew we would meet again someday. And I decided then that I would not let you live. It’s better this way.”
Tanya gathered her magic into a spear of light, but Ruskin shook his head.
“Your magic is like drawing water from a well that never refills… Didn’t Tailed tell you that? Using such powerful magic might kill me, but it will also kill you.”
“I know, Ruskin. I don’t mind using all my magic to kill you.”
Tanya said.
Black energy began to gather in Narbeni’s hands as well. Ruskin raised his staff.
‘One is difficult enough, but two?’
Especially since Ruskin was a veteran of several wars and skilled in such battles.
‘Should I swallow my pride and retreat?’
As Tanya focused on Ruskin’s staff, the sound of a flag fluttering in the wind came from the sky.
Rai landed forcefully, folding his white wings.
Rai held a massive scythe, one that would require a farmer to brace against their waist to use. Yet in his hands, it seemed only slightly oversized. With his wings spread and holding such a weapon, he looked like a grim reaper from a children’s horror story.
“That guy again? His timing is always impeccable.”
Ruskin said, slightly surprised. Tanya was equally astonished. How did he know to come here instead of staying at the Dragon Knights’ office?
“Someone named Lumil asked me.”
Rai said.
“Meylumil?”
Ruskin asked Narbeni.
“He just interfered with me at Arok’s Tower, along with Deradul.”
“Another annoying person, just like Lofin.”
Ruskin clicked his tongue. Meanwhile, Rai looked at Tanya and asked in the language of the Remifs.
“Tanya, may I kill this man?”
Tanya hesitated. Could she fight Ruskin with Rai’s help? But Narbeni reacted first.
“Why did you leave the Sky Mountains to interfere here?”
Narbeni directed the black energy she’d gathered at Rai instead of Tanya. In a moment too quick for anyone to react, Rai hurled his scythe at Narbeni. The scythe sliced through the black energy, spinning wildly and hitting Narbeni’s waist as it passed.
However, a non-magical iron farming tool couldn’t fully block Narbeni’s formless energy. The black energy, split in two, engulfed Rai. He was flung into the grass several meters away without even flapping his wings, landing with a dull thud.
Narbeni, on the other hand, was sliced by the scythe without making a sound. Black blood gushed from her mouth, and her upper body slowly slid down from her waist.
Rai and Narbeni collapsed almost simultaneously. Ruskin and Tanya aimed at each other but did not attack.
“Tanya, I’ll give you a choice. We can end up like them, killing each other. I don’t want that, but if you insist, I won’t avoid it. The upcoming battles will be about whether or not you can be killed, so it’s no loss to me.”
Ruskin said.
“That’s true for me as well.”
Tanya replied steadily, though she was internally conflicted.
‘If Ruskin is willing to avoid a fight, there’s no need to insist. In ten battles, I might win one.’
Tanya said.
“I have one question.”
“I won’t answer.”
“You won’t even listen to the question?”
“You were going to ask why I betrayed Lutia, weren’t you? It’s a question I can’t answer.”
“You do get ahead of yourself. My question was something else.”
“I won’t answer that either. It’s a question that doesn’t need answering.”
Tanya asked anyway.
“Is the Lord of the Undying really Master Tailed?”
“You’ll meet him soon enough. So there’s no need for an answer.”
Tanya cautiously lowered her hand, and Ruskin matched the motion, lowering his staff. Tanya moved to Rai, while Ruskin went to Narbeni.
Rai was not unconscious. He was barely able to move, groaning in pain.
“Try to stand up.”
Tanya roughly grabbed his back and lifted his waist. Rai leaned against her, breathing heavily.
“It’s hard to breathe.”
“Just hold on a moment.”
Tanya placed her hand on his chest and cast a healing spell. Narbeni’s attack would have been fatal to an ordinary person. It was a miracle he was still alive. But even the healing spell to aid his breathing stopped his pained groans.
“Your shoulder might be dislocated. Try turning your body a bit.”
Tanya grabbed his arm and gently twisted his shoulder. She felt the joint snap back into place. It must have been excruciating, but Rai held back a scream.
“The enemy?”
Rai asked, finally catching his breath. Tanya looked back. Ruskin and Narbeni were nowhere to be seen.
“They fled. But they’ll reappear at the most critical moment, in the most dangerous form.”
With Tanya’s help, Rai stood up.
“I survived, thanks to you. I appreciate it,” Rai said.
“No, Rai. It’s I who should thank you. You saved my life twice,” Tanya replied.
Rai nodded stoically.
The two of them returned to Arok’s Tower. Andy and the other black knights had fled. Deradul was also gone, leaving only Meylumil, who was instructing the other sorcerers.
“Where is Captain Deradul?” Tanya asked.
“If what the witch said is true, many council members have already been attacked. He’s gone to mobilize the knights, but it’s probably too late.”
“I’m really surprised, Lumil, that you are here…” Tanya said.
“Didn’t Kassel tell you? I was tracking the black knights. After Camort, Carnelock was the obvious next destination. I’m sorry for the misunderstandings caused by my secrecy. Where is Kassel? Is he alone at the knights’ quarters?”
“Well, Jaymer is with him, but…”
Tanya said, worry creeping into her voice.
“I hope nothing happens to them.”
☆ ☆ ☆
Kassel had returned to Romnor’s mansion. After being attacked by the black knights, he was overwhelmed with concern for his grandfather. His fears were realized when he saw the mansion’s front gate smashed and the house ablaze.
Kassel dashed into the burning house.
“Grandfather!”
He shouted as he ran through the mansion. Jay followed him, and other Blackfoot agents spread out to search for survivors.
With a prayerful heart, Kassel rushed to the parlor where he had talked with Romnor earlier. Romnor was still seated in the same spot, a ghastly wound from a spear piercing his chest. Remarkably, he was still alive, staring blankly as if he had just woken up.
“Grandfather.”
Kassel knelt before him, taking his hand.
“Oh, Kassel, you’re here.”
“Hold on to me. I’ll…”
“No, it’s alright. I know my condition.”
Romnor exhaled slowly and continued.
“Being able to see you even with this wound is probably Vuharol’s blessing. Kassel… this is the price of my sins. For not wholeheartedly celebrating Dalia and Emil’s marriage. It’s alright. I’ve lived long enough and seen you. I’m content. Only…”
Romnor struggled to breathe.
“I’m just sorry I can’t apologize directly. Kassel, when you meet Emil again, can you tell him I’m sorry?”
“Yes, Grandfather.”
Kassel choked back his tears, gripping Romnor’s hand. Perhaps not fully lucid, Romnor made a final request Kassel could never fulfill.
“And… tell Dalia… I’m sorry… I love her…”
Romnor couldn’t finish his sentence, his head falling to the side. Kassel burst into tears.
Flames invaded the parlor, quickly consuming the curtains and carpet. Jay pulled Kassel by the shoulder, saying,
“Kassel, we have to get out of here.”
Kassel weakly resisted but eventually allowed Jay to lead him outside.
Nearby villagers had gathered, shocked by the blaze. Some were carrying water buckets, trying to extinguish the fire.
Kassel stood watching the burning mansion collapse. Jay, unable to find words of comfort, lightly placed a hand on his shoulder. Kassel wiped his tears and stood up, turning to Jay.
“Let’s go back.”
“Captain Kassel.”
Heder approached them quietly. With the growing crowd, the other agents had dispersed, leaving her alone.
“You left this behind.”
In her hand was the jewel box containing his mother’s letter.
“I found it where we fought the black knights. It seemed important.”
Jay stammered,
“Oh, right. I forgot. I’m sorry. I took it out of the carriage but…”
“Thank you, Heder.”
Kassel said coldly, then turned to Jay.
“And stop apologizing, Jaymer.”
Jay closed his mouth.
Kassel continued sternly,
“Whatever the black knight showed you, don’t let it break you.”
Kassel’s clenched teeth and harsh breath conveyed his frustration.
“Understood.”
Jay replied weakly.
“If there’s anything we need to do, please tell us.”
Heder said quietly.
“Check if Councilor Ruenmus is safe. If he’s alive, tell him to convene the council immediately tomorrow. The rest… we’ll handle later.”
“I’ll take care of it right away.”
Heder bowed and departed.
Kassel pushed through the crowd watching the fire and walked into the darkness. Jay followed closely behind.
–TL Notes–
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