Chapter 110
4k3When Aint showed the Saint Bird in the town hall’s banquet hall and proudly revealed his name before everyone, the situation was resolved.G9q
q3w8The three corrupt were either killed or captured, and immediately transferred to Vienderk’s prison.LE6
gBbg2xIn the following inspections, no other corrupt were found.zu6e
IPlcoOf course, that wasn’t completely certain.y8Dn0Ya
UgR6YgS“Because the inside can’t be directly examined.”eSbD
wF4Jd7LExamining another person’s Aura Hole or Mana Heart was taboo, and not even Aint could lightly peer into others’ insides.U28
mlJ0n4pBut at least outwardly, there was no one left who seemed corrupt, and the same was true when checked with the Dragon God Cult’s artifacts.vIUjTHk
fKvKMfSo, the incident was closed for now.r619sys
qAxw【The Duke of Vienderk announces the cancellation of the 198th Continental Conference and the holding of a memorial ceremony for those killed in the corrupts’ attack…!】KLTprm
Zq4ksbEven though the culprits had been identified and caught, the fact remained that there had been eleven victims.B4Kb0nJ
dvXkEspecially since among the dead were nobles and royalty, the page could not simply be turned, nor the event continue in a festive mood.i76Od
uv0b【A wave of mourning for the victims spreads…】xZ8
cGl7wmThe Continental Conference was canceled, replaced by commemorative and funeral ceremonies.dZVnw
hMVBut if there was darkness, there was also light.ac6hPRS
AnjWhoosh—qdS
ymANAint drew back the curtains and revealed the scene outside the window.byiM
Y7a4HBelow, an uncountable crowd.lirUQO
2zA“Aint Armian!”2YKRTxL
PHKz“Aint Armian!”Gg7moU7
S2UhoAnd the name they chanted.jn1Lq2
XP22The same incident that had left eleven victims had given birth to a hero named Aint Armian.J14X
BYP6“Step back!”Ekz
dAE9cThe Duke of Vienderk sent knights to protect him, but even so, Aint couldn’t take a single step outside.Y9CMp
FIKho“Ugh… A life without freedom. I really didn’t expect this.”GpA
AG1R47B— Get used to it. From now on, that will be your life.6Yl
NunaZThe people’s passion for a hero was natural.H1bvSJ
JiOKnoIn times of chaos, people seek someone to lean on. That is a hero.oMKcT
eApUkTThe first emperor of Armian had once been one, and now Aint Armian would be too.dtTV
xiMkfzZBecause that was the safest path for the world to survive.XuGQ1
p32R— And the rich guy left first, right?3YlJBO
vcQXxs“Yes. He said he would go ahead to transport the Magic Stone Core to where it was needed. When I wanted to accompany him, he told me I should stay a bit longer to maintain the mood.”gtfJI2
Wf3tGFernan had departed first.blZm
XgLUjWith a Magic Stone Core, it wasn’t possible to use a teleportation circle, so transporting it took quite a bit of time.fQNGyv
VXuT— The place where it was needed?fbz
qG9Wti“I think he said to the Dragon God Cult.”ObNq
Nasa6— To the Dragon God Cult, huh? I don’t know what they want it for, but at least it’s a safe place.WFwI0
2Rs3O5“I agree.”1wzn
S9ugTAlthough they presented themselves as a religious organization, in reality it was full of brilliant magicians, and they also hated demons and corrupt.pHWQ
GTf2At the very least, if the Core reached the Dragon God Cult intact, it was unlikely the corrupt could devise new plots—unless they managed to summon a demon.BdUREA
2x1k5b— But will they accept it?WLs
DoYIG“From what I heard, as long as they’re paid, they’ll do anything…”hcR
cjo— …Yeah, they’re known for that. After Pellenberg, they’re the most obsessed with money.nIKgwa
FcYthT8More like with the experiments and magical research they could fund with it.hC2H
eaEV“But what was the corrupts’ real goal? What do they gain by killing eleven people?”VLP
cmV9— Who knows. For now, I can think of three possibilities.NWW
P7KD— One, to prevent the Continental Conference from being held.KXre2z7
Y14— Two, to assassinate powerful figures to cause chaos and weaken the forces on this side.fkT3
erMDozD— And three…c3nTFE6
PlzsFKnock, knock.RXfG2DV
J5g0At that moment, someone knocked on the door.aVnJH5b
v54G“Lord Aint, you have a visitor.”by1
ipW5m6“A visitor?”gbduPK2
Agc“…That is…”CPln
YmjSy9The employee had barely hesitated when suddenly, click, the door opened.95gJh
sNDI0YyAnd there stood someone completely unexpected.b1i05Xb
iXwWi“…His Excellency the Duke?”wgWqAjG
UUx5Lq“So you are Aint Armian. This is the first time we meet.”fPqvS4
wZ0w9The lord of Vienderk, Duke Gransis Vienderk.YH1zQ
RllDV“Forgive the sudden visit. Under other circumstances I would never commit such discourtesy, but given the situation, I’m afraid I couldn’t wait.”gHp8A
2QFThe duke sat on the sofa as if it were the most natural thing.YJurxcT
9Eziy“Ah, don’t worry.”PF6
BYv5The sudden appearance of such a figure left Aint speechless.no5F
635WNBY— Calm down, Aint.7p4pED
isG3If Gardner, hanging from his neck, hadn’t given him encouragement, it would have taken longer to recover his composure.4Otu
ur58j— Duke of Vienderk or not, you are Aint Armian. The future emperor.AHjI
Rx6— There’s no one you need to fear.mGvGUt9
bdN— Besides, aren’t you now the hero of Valerich? From his perspective, he should be bowing to you for catching the corrupt.6jfJG
Mb2OUmvAlthough Aint didn’t expect it to go that far, those words were enough to dispel his unease.j066YJs
X8EEAnd that change in his demeanor did not go unnoticed by the duke.Vhx
3eLu“I’m fine, Your Excellency. Though I thought you would summon me.”Nqhs
y8uxFOqAfter all, even though he helped resolve the situation, he had done so without consulting the lord of the region. It was logical to expect that sooner or later the duke would call him to account, even if Fernan had already moved strategically.WeBZdO
wiY“And how could I summon you? You’ve been the benefactor who delivered Valerich from its affliction. That you moved a little within my domain is nothing.”FM6RG
XHxK— This Duke of Vienderk is surprisingly humble. The first one was unbearably arrogant, and the first emperor had to teach him several lessons.SDpPW
McrAint ignored Gardner and focused on the conversation.3MiyI5W
Ighe“I’ve received reports. Thanks to your actions, the corrupt were detected and captured without further harm.”Slb
42dOJIi“Yes.”DcZ6oG
cn7J5E“Impressive. At your age, not only have you recovered the secret sword art of Armian, known until now only by legend, but you’ve also already achieved such merits. The head of your house must be more than pleased.”apbak7o
KR2“You flatter me, Your Excellency.”eNOh0m
RYb5KSAint responded modestly.ojv
TMRtdgAt that moment, the duke looked at him with a gleam in his eyes—one that Aint couldn’t see—and inwardly, he had already rendered a judgment and conclusion about him.Serh7
XaPu“But I find it hard to believe you intervened in that situation purely out of a sense of justice. I think you were looking for a stage to make your name known, and Valerich happened to be it.”MZaeUZ6
Y74“That is…”TO586f
4RKiMQ“Don’t worry. I didn’t come to scold you—on the contrary.”UB1
h1Q“…The contrary, you say?”xcwi
I5lBAint asked cautiously.WQt
KNJX33“A long time ago, when the first emperor rose up against the demons full of indignation, we, the Vienderk, were among those who supported him most firmly at his side. And I take pride in that.”aKl
A5Py5kOf course.7RM
Y7PDELN“What do you say we repeat that legend together once more?”xYGupk
0DJRvgRDuke Gransis Vienderk smiled.dzFACQ9
T2BII9***7EB
qyFD5eWhile Aint was meeting with the duke, Fernan was walking with Rosalia through the mountains after leaving Valerich.OKxXOA8
88hpUnThe reason it was already spoken of in the past was simple—they encountered an unexpected enemy.HKCNhQ0
q4O8ps“……”ZyJH
LaQ3Fernan and Rosalia stood face to face with a man who blocked the path alone.qug
bUHThrough the black robe that covered him entirely, his deep, dark eyes stood out.o8K
fD61ZeYThe man extended a finger toward them, pointing at what they were carrying behind.4y87bh
fL9ga“That. I’ll have to take it.”3Px4L
K4kHis voice was deep, thick.3AIgR
UP9zJhb“Who are you?”vNX
e7AlcO“Do I have to say it?”zu1xj
Z0bThere was no need to ask.4r7m54C
yz6The aura he began to emit, the presence of corrupt magic leaking from his body, was proof enough: a corrupt.Svv
Gj3“I’ll give it to you.”4WW
Qw0PNHS“What nonsense are you spouting?”D3g4
rT7Rosalia’s brow furrowed at Fernan’s words, but he continued speaking calmly.4j88
OzLWRa“I’ll just ask one question. I’ve thought and thought about this, but I can’t find an answer.”h3I
KmhdzFernan had spent days pondering why the corrupt had murdered eleven people.IPG
HaBXhVIf the demon summoning had succeeded, it would’ve been understandable—they could have annihilated the continent’s elite gathered at the conference in a single moment.38cWBu
EgSThat would’ve been a devastating blow to humanity.1okmE
mphBBut what did they gain by merely killing eleven nobles?cxT
IPKiP“Did they want to stop the conference? Or was it simply venting their rage by killing a few? Or maybe…?”wtTBXH
y6LFernan paused.36mIPh
A7jtv0Y“To expel Vienderk from the Empire? But, would something so small be enough?”Y3bfDcm
sXvd8pS“It was to stop the conference.”8ae9x7j
SQQ“I see.”k5fxM
1jn9I“Then hand over what I asked for.”DaCKq2
3ZdvRVi“Sorry, but without a signed contract, I have no obligation to fulfill promises. You should’ve brought a paper first.”2Gt
97Rhap“So you tricked me.”TSELi
Lwxaa2Q“And you lied too. We’re even.”A4lv
H1eWhether it was true or not didn’t matter; the exchange of words was what counted.wIicg
XV2F“Professor.”R09I
ssitsG“You’ve wasted time talking, Fernan.”CsCt6
0ww7“You never know.”QCHa0u
NC8TBPRosalia stepped forward.yaNQ76
vbIbrU“I said it recently, but I’ll repeat it—I detest when someone covets what’s mine.”oCpl
iiezXxa“This is the first time I’ve aimed for something of yours.”pJWp
bXXh“Bah, the one behind you is the same as always, isn’t it? Damn corrupt.”rrlgz
FNyvShe opened a subspace and took out her staff.F8c
fPb4“Tell your master what the price of this insolence will be.”1igh1tW
jfViYKvFrom a clear sky, soft snowflakes began to fall.hIUMEVC
m8Z4Y2a“Everyone back. I’ll handle this.”ps2T
gqgq“But…”HzvVQx3
rb3NwN“I said back!”rD5
05Mf4The Red Turtle knights hesitated but retreated at Fernan’s command.e0Z3fK4
vwd5eCJoining forces would’ve helped, but if Rosalia unleashed her full wrath, they could end up getting in the way.6VkYCe5
oehXBqSAnd besides…XjS1EKh
y1Z5“…Damn it, Sir Harten.”ZU8hWt
PNSgtvC“Yes, I feel it too.”6RioWqr
LKvFDXThe enemy wasn’t alone.xXpIYom
RH5“Die!”dBxnK
dcsAt Rosalia’s gesture, a rain of ice descended.FZHoP
gb3vmiwKieeeek!arBX
dIZIGrrrr—R0l
cQMFrom various parts of the mountain range, monsters emerged.6gi
HGnJJSWWinged shadows of class 8 soared through the sky, and dozens of giant caterpillars, muscular class 7 orcs called Orgas, advanced, shaking the ground.lNKX
NBVThud, thud!TU6QJ
OdWBPxFernan subtly gripped the pendant that trembled with excitement.x4k2
AtZ“Wait. It’s not your turn yet.”n5vJx8c
vo8BTsoHe too drew his staff and unleashed a spell.zRao
0YyeRumble!8Txzal
glgYEAn avalanche of rocks fell onto the orcs. That was the signal.jH9WXi
dAvNKVw“Two each! Finish quickly and regroup at the carriages!”K03ns
BvKa“Yes!”TCMuOwv
CIeYGXEThe Scarlet Shield knights charged immediately.nBd8vXf
plYRoarrr!9zZ
TAsKrfThe Orgas shattered the rocks, but steel was already waiting for them.ugo
fIA47cClang—!r1WG
uZuXO9Flesh and sword clashed, but the result was clear:EpP4Jt
xxk“Guaaargh!”cHu
SrB2gThe orcs fell in pieces, and the knights finished them without mercy.xUa3
VjbK6ybAgainst an elite squad like that, mere class 7 monsters stood no chance.ng1l
Kn3NyQThey didn’t take long to fall.HFr
zgOBut they couldn’t return to the wagons.fUWpmjo
ZzBl“…There are more enemies.”yzXMMo4
mgfWZg“Here too.”q7fon
TdNcOsThe orcs were just the beginning.qw8RUw
zgGPTFernan reinforced the wagon carrying the Mana Stone Core with multiple magical barriers.Dd4Bih
FgK6bIRHe watched calmly—Rosalia and the corrupt were evenly matched, while the knights decimated the orcs.7VQxeP
6tib‘Nothing complicated.’Y8c
KWuHe hadn’t expected an attack on the return trip, but that didn’t mean he was defenseless.61k
5AZcgWith that strength, they could hold out.E0sHyf
NiE“More monsters!”V840
s9mW“There are too many!”6FALX
0D6BIThe knights reengaged against new hordes, and Fernan maintained the same impression.i6PQaC
KvLgUyAnd then.F8qRw
6SdXe53“Where do you think you’re going?”6Dqiopu
Iwc2A rock fist emerged from the ground and struck someone who had been sneaking up. The ambush was exposed.B16X
2VTcs“…Wow, I’ve been discovered. Thought I was flawless. How did you find me?”XiS
jnl“I anticipated it.”2FnKh8P
VfS0Their magical detectors hadn’t picked up anything, but Fernan had other methods.Oa6UW
ThUj“So, aren’t you going to give me what I want?”gYb
nhNw“Not in your dreams.”l5Od
PLSn“I figured.”HaPA
y4EdThe hooded man—another corrupt—shrugged. His aura suddenly shifted.VhCz
lr4“Then I’ll take it by force.”GpKt2d
lkd3rFrom his hand, a fist of dark magic emerged and smashed through the rock. At the same time, balls of black fire flew toward Fernan.Zj5
L8KHe raised a stone wall, but it melted instantly.jJX1rfO
R7ZLe“…!”PuiEPuz
hctThe destructive power was greater than expected. Quickly, he launched another spell.Xcdlj2
BYvzpCCrack—oUhDK8
oG5The ground opened up, and Fernan sank with the wagon, avoiding the flames.CXW
fsczK“Annoying.”Fafu
eqwKRUThe corrupt leapt into the chasm, but was engulfed by a torrent of enchanted sand.PSi0Oa9
01CSKA3Clatter—0fz
MIDToThe sand shredded monsters effortlessly, but couldn’t pierce through his corrupt aura.JyBj
rM9gYn“Is this all…?”gaQvMF
DZOiy9No. There was another trick: among the sandstorm, glass bottles were hidden.FWwIop
Ds4lnelBoom—!7XYOVn7
93bHThey exploded next to him, dousing him in a liquid that burned against his magic.wROEs
GFsN“This is… holy water. From the Dragon God Cult? You got me good.”lN7L6Q
HNkLB“Only one load? Naive.”SFtDOWD
hURQ4From the cracks, metal spears shot out, piercing his weakened aura.ayO
fJ4RYSmall orbs entered his wounds.w8mO
N1Ck2BOOM!ygtjzz
5hqCwChain explosions deformed his body.1yk7B
h2xHyxThey were magic stones engraved with explosion spells.JCcjf
kSH“Kh… dangerous. But this won’t defeat me.”1drFqI
Ep1RYHis shattered body began to regenerate…aigyYiO
nL7evBOOOM!LYR
nqqIxuA colossal greatsword erupted like a volcano and split him in two before he could heal.8PjTIs
khF1A“What…?”sV2R
nCwWith his lower half destroyed, he opened his eyes in disbelief.pDeJ8e
kqy8“Where did that come from…?”OlS
W3u“Was that your last breath?”6utyV
gPWThe greatsword rose from below.7DXgf5
bCYttHis body was cleaved in two, torn apart by a brutal overload of aura.egA
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