Destiny (2)
Chapter 171
Luna supported the staggering Ray.
Thick, sticky blood was oozing from Ray’s body.
At the horrific sensation, Luna momentarily shuddered.
As Luna’s breathing grew rough, Ray belatedly smiled.
“This will heal quickly. Don’t worry.”
“…What did you say?”
Luna hadn’t heard the conversation beyond the barrier.
The barrier Ray had erected using an artefact could have been easily nullified, but she refrained from interfering out of fear that a Swordmaster might notice something amiss and cause trouble for Ray.
But now, Luna regretted it.
What story did you have to hide from me?
Why did you isolate me and cast a soundproof barrier to conceal something?
Luna berated herself for not listening to that conversation just moments ago.
The blood spreading from Ray soaked Luna’s collar.
A foreboding sense gripped Luna as she turned her gaze toward Ray.
“Will… you stay by my side, Ray?”
In response to this unexpected question, Ray gently stroked Luna’s head.
Luna’s eyes began to twist with emotion.
“Answer me.”
“Of course. Why are you asking such obvious questions?”
Though it wouldn’t be for a long time, Ray would remain by their sides until his final moment.
When the end approached, Luna would surely be able to oversee everything from above, and if so, Ray could then rest assured in concluding his journey.
*
“…”
Ray stared at the unfamiliar ceiling.
After repeatedly losing and regaining consciousness, his mind finally became somewhat clear.
He blinked as he felt the bandages covering his entire body.
The bandages were soaked with blood.
Despite being severely injured, Ray internally repeated that this outcome was better than expected.
It was difficult to call it a heavy casualty count considering the legendary Demon he faced.
Moreover, the important people in Ray’s life were mostly unharmed.
It was fortunate that they managed to complete the task while largely concealing Luna’s true abilities.
Thinking about how everything went according to the original plan, Ray sighed in admiration before turning his head upon sensing someone nearby.
Luna sat quietly beside Ray’s bed, having been there even through his multiple episodes of unconsciousness.
Recalling this, Ray let out a groan.
“Luna, shouldn’t you rest a bit?”
Luna shook her head.
Just like Ray, Luna was still on guard.
She needed to stay by Ray’s side in case of any emergencies. That was her judgment.
After attempting to calm Luna a few more times and eventually giving up, Ray buried his head into the pillow.
‘This situation is fine.’
Ernst remained generally favorable towards Ray.
He accepted Ray’s circumstances and promised cooperation.
‘Judging from his reaction, it seems he had some idea that I use Spatial Blades…’
Muttering that Ernst was truly a difficult person to deal with, Ray chuckled softly.
‘It’s actually fortunate that I’m living on borrowed time.’
Excessive talent always invites jealousy and hatred.
Given the achievements Ray had displayed so far, it wouldn’t be surprising if Ernst himself felt envy and suspicion.
And if Ernst feels this way, others certainly would too.
However, if Ray is living on borrowed time, the situation changes.
He becomes merely a disposable card, reducing concerns over potential threats from others.
If Ernst has even a modicum of integrity, he would support those around Ray after his death.
Since Ray viewed Ernst as a man of dignity and integrity, he felt somewhat relieved.
‘With proper support, many of them can establish their own families and gain independence…’
A natural smile formed on Ray’s lips.
Ray finally felt that things were falling into place.
Through a series of coincidences, Ray personally eliminated elements capable of decisively fracturing the Empire.
The revelation that a notorious Demon from 600 years ago had directly appeared would not go unnoticed by the Emperor.
The Empire would take action.
If the Empire raises its alert level just a little more, countless calamities could be prevented.
Given that Ernst and other higher-ups in the Empire didn’t seem incompetent, Ray trusted they would handle matters well.
‘Phillip’s County does concern me a bit though…’
Before leaving the Imperial Capital, Ray had separately contacted the county.
By now, Phillip Count must be aware that Ray’s abilities have been revealed to Ernst.
Although Phillip Count, unaware of the full details, might be suffering internally, Ray didn’t see it as a major issue.
Ernst had promised to properly handle and cover all incidents that occurred within Phillip’s County.
Thus, Phillip’s County only needed to keep ‘Lea’ hidden.
More accurately, they just needed to conceal Lea’s lineage, and there would be no problems.
With the belief that everything would turn out well, Ray calmed his heart but suddenly furrowed his brow.
A sharp pain akin to being torn apart surged through his chest and back.
Ray briefly pondered.
‘This symptom sounds familiar…’
Something like an aortic dissection, or something along those lines.
Ray circulated mana to examine the flow of blood around his heart.
It seemed the inner lining of the aorta was damaged in various places, causing blood to pool between the layers and swell the aorta.
‘Shit.’
This was due to simultaneously operating his core and magic circle during battle, which exerted pressure on his heart, causing his blood pressure to spike uncontrollably, and the blood flow to scrape against the aorta harshly.
Ray signaled to Luna with his finger, requesting assistance.
“Could you summon some Clerics capable of using holy power?”
*
Luna brought healers and clerics.
After re-examining Ray’s condition, the healers and clerics treated the problematic areas.
Both looked like they had much to say, but seeing Ray’s stern gaze, they kept silent, focusing solely on treatment before leaving.
With the pain slightly subsiding, Ray lay limply when Alesya entered the room, leaning her head forward.
“My knight, are you in much pain?”
“Do you really think that’s appropriate wording? Can’t you see the bandages? Has our Young Miss injured her eyes this time?”
“My knight has become warped!”
Seeing Alesya panic, Ray chuckled but then stiffened his expression.
“How is my Master doing?”
“Sir Jenkins mentioned it might take about six months for a full recovery…”
Alesya’s face turned gloomy.
Still, knowing recovery was possible, Ray relaxed and buried his head back into the pillow.
“At least we’re receiving proper treatment, which is fortunate.”
Technically, since Jenkins fought for the Prizzran Clan, the clan should bear responsibility for his treatment.
Ray mumbled that compensation should also be arranged before shifting his body to forget the pain.
Alesya abruptly asked Ray,
“Are you not thirsty?”
“I’m fine.”
“Are you not hungry?”
“I’m fine.”
Thereafter, Alesya continued to inquire if Ray needed anything, observing his reactions carefully.
Seeing how desperate Alesya looked, Ray smirked.
She seemed ready to dissolve into lamentations like “My knight~ treating me like trash~” at any moment.
‘Hmm, well…’
Considering Spera as a competitor, she clearly held an advantage over Alesya in several aspects.
Even combining Alesya’s and Johanna’s talents and backgrounds, they might still fall short compared to Spera’s overall capabilities.
While Ray was lost in these thoughts, Alesya’s eyes immediately sharpened.
“My knight harbors impure thoughts!”
“That’s not true. Your voice is making my head throb; please lower it.”
At that moment, a knock sounded.
The person who entered was none other than Shay, Spera’s personal knight.
Shay, despite visible injuries that limited mobility, stood tall before Ray.
Wondering what brought him here, Ray silently observed as Shay promptly knelt on one knee and bowed his head.
“I apologize for my previous rudeness.”
Shay’s demeanor was exceptionally respectful.
Watching Shay bow, Alesya grew belligerent and raised her voice.
“It’s about time you showed proper respect…!”
Smack!
“Augh!”
Alesya clutched her throbbing forehead after being struck by something resembling a cane.
Ray swung the cane-like object around irritably as Alesya vigorously rubbed her head.
“Didn’t I tell you not to act out here?”
“Where has a knight ever struck their master on the head…!”
Ignoring Alesya’s protests, Shay subtly bowed again toward her.
“I also apologize for my previous rudeness to Lady Alesya.”
“Even one bow doesn’t mean I’ll…”
Alesya, catching Ray’s hint, softened slightly and nodded.
“I shall accept your apology…”
Ray also put down the cane and roughly acknowledged Shay’s apology.
Holding grudges against members of the Prizzran Clan indefinitely wouldn’t benefit anyone.
Shay, still deeply bowed, vowed,
“I will never forget the grace of saving my lady and myself.”
“Yes, well… I look forward to working together in the future.”
“Then I wish you a peaceful rest.”
Maintaining his respectful attitude throughout, Shay closed the door behind him as he left.
*
The fortress built by the Prizzran Clan to safeguard the Warp Gate.
Inside the office of this fortress, Ernst frowned as he reviewed documents.
“…Say that again.”
Ernst’s gaze fixed on the healer who had treated Ray.
Despite feeling pressured, the healer spoke clearly.
“The accumulated damage across Ray’s body has reached dangerous levels, especially concerning his heart and surrounding blood vessels. It seems something is consistently applying strain… Even with careful management from now on, enduring more than 15 years will be difficult.”
“…”
“If he continues to push himself, the lifespan may drop below 10 years. This is an optimistic estimate, and sudden death at any point wouldn’t be surprising.”
After a prolonged silence, Ernst dismissed the healer.
Alone in the office, Ernst retrieved the Dragonheart recovered from the Demon.
“…”
Until just moments ago, Ernst had been reviewing materials related to the First Crown Prince’s incident.
According to Ray’s testimony, the First Crown Prince had undergone apostle awakening, and Ray successfully caused the Dragonheart to go critical, killing him.
The investigation team sent by the royal family to the Sigini Mountain Range also documented evidence of the Dragonheart’s critical state and noted a high likelihood that it had been destroyed in the process.
Ernst trusted this report.
Which made him feel even more troubled.
Had Ray taken the Dragonheart after killing the apostle prince to extend his own life, Ernst might have found a way to justify it.
However, the Dragonheart had disappeared along with the First Crown Prince, leaving Ray still on borrowed time.
“…”
Ernst gazed at the Dragonheart in his clenched hand and shook his head.
Handing over the already recovered Dragonheart to Ray would clearly cross the line Ernst had set for himself.
All Dragonhearts recovered by Ernst would be returned to the Emperor.
Whether Ray could receive a new Dragonheart from the Emperor once he ascended to the throne was a problem to tackle later.
Tucking the Dragonheart he had been caressing into his bosom, Ernst rose from his seat.
Since the situation around the Warp Gate fortress had stabilized somewhat, it was time to return to the Imperial Capital and meet with the Emperor.
There were numerous issues to discuss.
