Chapter 100

“Atlas-nim, is what I just heard true?”

“It is true. Do you think I came here to lie?”

“…Of course, I know you wouldn’t, but even after hearing it, it’s hard to believe.”

Before using a large-scale spatial teleportation spell, at the Sun Magic Tower.

Atlas Rimpos, the 0th Sun Tower Master who had been hiding his identity as the Gatekeeper of the Rostia Magic Tower, returned to the Sun Tower using a repayment spell and immediately had a private conversation with the current Tower Master, Tetia.

“Balthazar sold his soul to a god from another world to gain power, and then he formed the Vanguard, pretending to protect the world? Does that even make sense?”

“You’re still young, so you might not know, but this world is full of things that make even less sense than nonsense. Legends and stories from imagination are all rooted in this world, after all.”

“If what you’re saying is true, Atlas-nim, then how we act from now on will determine the fate of this world. So, Atlas-nim, what do you want us to do?”

“Isn’t it obvious?”

Atlas crossed his arms, shrugged his shoulders, and spoke as if there was no need for discussion.

“If that Balthazar wants this world to awaken and rise, then those who are awakened must step forward to fulfill that desire. And the most awakened group in this world right now is our Rimpos Empire.”

“I understand that we need to act on a national level. But I’m asking how much of a scale and how exactly we should move.”

“Goodness, young people these days don’t understand things quickly. Are you asking about the scale now? We must mobilize everything we can! We can’t just leave Balthazar alone!”

“…Understood. Then I’ll head to the Imperial Palace immediately.”

“The Imperial Palace?”

“Yes. I must meet Her Majesty. Even if it weren’t for your request, Atlas-nim, our Sun Tower would still act, but in my opinion, the Rimpos Imperial Army should also join in to help. Especially if what I know isn’t wrong.”

Tetia’s expression darkened.

“I heard Balthazar single-handedly wiped out a small nation.”

“Not just a small nation. Though its territory was small, it was a country that thrived solely on mercenary work, boasting the finest elite soldiers.”

“Then we need the Imperial Palace’s support even more. Let’s go.”

Without wasting any time, Tetia activated a small spatial teleportation magic circle placed in one corner of the office.

“Welcome, Tetia-nim. And who is this beside you?”

“Inform Her Majesty. Atlas-nim has arrived.”

“T-This is Atlas-nim? I’ll inform her right awa—”

“Grand Elder!!”

“Oh, my dear granddaughter!”

Artemis, with a bright smile, ran over and hugged Atlas tightly.

In that brief moment, Tetia clearly saw Atlas using a superhuman mental spell to mitigate the shock.

“My lovely granddaughter, have you been well? Don’t call me Grand Elder, just call me Grandpa.”

“Even so, as the Emperor, I must maintain dignity.”

“You’re saying that after jumping into my arms? Anyway, I’ve come to ask for something very important.”

“What is it? Just say the word. If it’s a request from the Grand Elder, I’ll do anything.”

“We need to mobilize the Imperial Army. A whole legion.”

“What…?”

Though Artemis had promised to do anything, she couldn’t immediately agree to mobilizing the Imperial Army, let alone a legion.

“Grand Elder, you know this. The legions of our Rimpos Empire are so vast and powerful that they could easily crush a nation and erase it from the map. If we move recklessly, the whole world will be on edge.”

“But this is worth it. It’s related to the Vanguard.”

“The Vanguard?”

“Hmm…?”

Atlas didn’t miss the slight twitch in Artemis’s eyebrow.

“Why are you surprised? Is there something about the Vanguard?”

“No, it’s nothing. Please, go on. What’s happening with the Vanguard?”

“One of their members is fighting alone against demons. A rather handsome and skilled warrior…”

“What kind of sword does he use?”

“Sword? Well, he carries a large greatsword on his back…”

“Listen!”

Artemis suddenly shouted, cutting off Atlas.

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“We march immediately. I’ll go myself. The 2nd Legion… no.”

Artemis shook her head, clenched her teeth, and spoke.

“Prepare both the 1st and 2nd Legions.”

***

“So that’s how it is, my friend.”

“So, as soon as you heard I was in trouble, you gave the order to march without even knowing what the problem was? And you mobilized two of the infamous Rimpos Imperial Legions?”

“No, to me, it’s the most important issue in the world. Because you’re involved.”

“Haha… Artemis. Even so, that was too reckless.”

“I don’t regret it. In the end, we defeated the demon army, didn’t we? That alone justifies it… huh?”

As I was talking to Artemis in a daze, someone quickly approached and landed lightly beside me.

Then, they knelt on one knee and bowed respectfully to Artemis.

“My name is Abelin. It’s an honor to meet you, Empress Artemis, the role model for all women.”

“You? Why are you here…”

“Your Majesty.”

Abelin slightly raised her head and covered Artemis’s mouth.

“Please, don’t bring that up.”

“…Very well. Anyway, I’ve heard everything while preparing the spatial teleportation spell. And it seems it’s over now.”

A Rimpos soldier approached Artemis and reported respectfully.

“Speak.”

“As ordered, we searched every corner of the city, but there was no sign of a man named Balthazar.”

“Commander Balthazar? Artemis, what orders did you give the soldiers?”

“I instructed them to find the leader of the Vanguard. I heard he was here, but it seems the leader of the Vanguard fled without helping in the fight.”

“There’s a reason for that. He probably left us behind and returned to Cresnig.”

“Hmm, then our next destination is set!”

Artemis nodded and gave orders to the soldier.

“Everyone, receive treatment from the mages and rest well. The cold is unfamiliar, so don’t spare the mana stones and use warming spells on the soldiers and horses. We march again tomorrow.”

“Yes!”

“March? Artemis, didn’t you come to help us? Where are you marching to now?”

“You, are you seriously asking me that? Isn’t it obvious?”

Artemis blinked several times, as if the question was absurd.

“Where are you marching to…?”

“Cresnig.”

“…What?”

“Cresnig, the Vanguard’s stronghold. We’re marching there to capture Commander Balthazar, who fled there. The very man who left you to fight alone.”

“Wait. Artemis, wait. I don’t know how much of the story you’ve heard, but Commander Balthazar is still the leader of the Vanguard. Very few people in the world know his dark side.”

“I’ve heard enough to know that, my friend.”

“And you still plan to march? Commander Balthazar is still the hero of the world, the symbol of justice who stands against the oppression of the strong and even topples them. Not to mention, he’s powerful enough to take on a nation alone!”

“I understand your concerns. But think about who you’re talking to for a moment.”

“Who? You’re Artemis, the Empress of the Rimpos Empire.”

“Exactly, my friend. The Rimpos Empire doesn’t care about anyone’s opinion. And no matter how strong Balthazar is, the Rimpos Empire’s larger and sturdier hooves will crush him.”

Artemis smiled leisurely, as if my worries were unfounded.

“My friend, you must remember that in this world, results come first.”

“I know that. But…”

When I came to my senses, the Rimpos Empire, with the most formidable national power in the world, had not only become our ally but was also making decisive moves without hesitation.

The Rimpos Imperial Army had already marched all the way to this northern region.

If you ask if that’s reassuring, I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t…

“Let’s go together, my friend. I’ve left you alone because of your stubbornness, but I won’t stand by and watch you in this situation.”

“Alright, thank you.”

I couldn’t help but hide the rising unease.