188th Episode
A shadow moved through a vast corridor.
The corridor was lined with countless massive sarcophagi.
Inside the sarcophagi, grotesque creatures of different colors and forms were fused together, writhing.
Knowing that all this was part of the great journey towards unity, the shadow felt a sense of euphoria despite the horrific sight.
Continuing forward, the shadow soon reached a wall.
The shadow flowed through the wall into a square.
In the center of the square, a pillar of light shone brightly as if its eyes were about to ignite, illuminating everything around it.
Until ten days ago, the pillars of light had been divided into five but were now united into one.
Though invisible, the shadow could feel the presence of ancient beings within the pillar of light.
From an age long past, these ancient Apostles and Demons possessed a power that even Dragons couldn’t surpass, driving the continent to the brink of destruction.
Parts of their remains have been preserved until now, and under the blessing of the Great One, they began to unite.
Their form resembled a fragmented Chimera, but this was the supreme body imbued with the will of the Great One.
Soon, the ancient destruction would descend in an even more terrifying form.
As the shadow trembled with uncontainable joy, a voice echoed.
“What is the matter?”
The shadow immediately knelt.
“The Knight Order has information about the underground city and is heading toward the Forbidden Forest. What should we do?”
A laugh briefly filled the square.
“How amusing. If they can come, let them. Is there anything to fear?”
The Forbidden Forest is akin to the Demonic Realm.
Though it doesn’t reach the depths of the Demonic Realm across the sea, it is still a space where fallen beings can harness most of their power.
Even if a Lord-grade entity came directly, it would be impossible to break through the heart of this place with only a small force.
“The wait is almost over.”
“…!!”
The shadow trembled.
An existence capable of swallowing kingdoms whole and bringing down empires is about to descend.
If the Silver Cross Knight Order is strong enough not to be wiped out instantly, they might become the first victims of the awakened destruction — a highly glorious fate indeed.
*
Leonie left after having a brief conversation with Ray, saying she’d persuade the captain.
As Ray waited seated, Leonie’s loud protests directed at Gilland echoed into the inn, irritating his ears.
Could such behavior truly be called persuasion?
While pondering this, Ray glanced again at the blueprint on the table.
Leonie’s persuasion went on for quite some time.
Eventually, though, it seemed successful, as Gilland entered the inn room looking haggard.
When Gilland sat opposite him, Ray looked up.
Gilland’s hardened expression prompted Ray to smirk and ask,
“You look scary. Are you planning to arrest me again once this is done?”
“I won’t violate our agreement. However, I will not tolerate any further illegal activities.”
After contemplating for a moment, Ray decided to accommodate Gilland somewhat since they were already working together.
“—I apologize for my aggressive actions in Rioshuko. But I had no choice. I needed to quickly gather information and respond without knowing what situation Bang was in. We need to save him while we’re here.”
“Isn’t recovering the artifact stolen by mercenaries your objective?”
“Captain, you’re being naive. Even if that were true, why would I mention the artifact in front of greedy mercenaries? It was just bait to see if anyone suspicious would bite.”
“So what’s your real goal?”
“I’ve already said it: rescuing that guy.”
“Hmm…”
Gilland’s expression softened slightly.
Although he didn’t fully trust Ray, his gaze became less hostile.
Sensing the tension ease a little, Ray tapped the blueprint on the table.
“Before getting into specifics… assuming there really is an underground city beneath the Forbidden Forest, are there other ways to enter besides digging?”
Gilland remained silent.
Ray, raising his eyelids slightly, asked again,
“You’re not actually planning to dig, are you?”
“No.”
“Then that’s settled. I’ll trust you on this.”
“We may have to physically excavate the ground if necessary due to unforeseen circumstances.”
This meant that if the method prepared by the Silver Cross Knight Order failed, they’d resort to manual excavation.
Ray gave a casual nod and moved on to the main topic.
“What exactly is your mission objective? Are you simply confirming the existence of the underground city or do you have tasks to perform once inside?”
“After entering, we’ll conduct reconnaissance. Our goal is to gather as much information as possible before retreating.”
“Once inside, escaping won’t be easy. The Devil Worshippers aren’t likely to be sitting quietly drinking tea.”
Ray continued sarcastically,
“Thanks to the corrupt kingdom’s deals, large quantities of supplies have been smuggled into the Forbidden Forest. Who knows what the Dark Wizards have concocted inside?”
“We’re aware of the risks. Now state your objective.”
“To search this place for Hophe. If Hophe is confirmed to be inside the underground city, we must rescue him and escape.”
“The exploration and search phases can be collaborative.”
“If either party achieves their goal, we either retreat together or dissolve cooperation and go our separate ways.”
“I agree.”
“Well then, good luck.”
Gilland took Ray’s extended hand.
After shaking hands, Ray hesitated briefly, remembering another condition to request.
“Ah, I hope you can exclude the mages hired by the Silver Cross Knight Order from this operation.”
“Impossible. Mage support is essential.”
“Come on, do you really think those mercenaries with unclear backgrounds who just dabble in magic will be helpful?”
Despite not being in a position to criticize others’ origins, Ray argued boldly.
“They’ll abandon us at the first sign of trouble while indulging in greed. How many times have you dealt with insane mages? Can you trust them to accompany us?”
Listening silently, Leonie suddenly asked,
“Do you dislike mages?”
“Have you ever met a mage who likes other mages?”
“…No, you’re right!”
Leonie nodded in agreement.
As Leonie solidified her biases, Ray sighed and looked at Gilland.
Gilland, also reluctant to involve unknown mercenary mages in the confidential operation to infiltrate the ruins, hesitated before standing up.
“I’ll consider excluding the mage mercenaries.”
“Good. And how do you plan to handle Count Girenhal?”
“That’s not your concern.”
“Yeah, you’re right.”
“I’ll consult the knights and return. If there are remaining issues to resolve, we’ll address them afterward.”
Ray nodded, and Gilland left the room.
Leonie gathered the blueprints from the table, winked at Ray, and followed Gilland out.
Sighing, Ray erected a soundproof barrier around the area and spoke.
“You heard everything, right?”
Bang, Jetteu, and Comet emerged from the adjacent room and stood before Ray.
As Ray unfolded a fresh piece of paper on the table, Luna approached and cast a spell.
Hundreds of glowing threads intertwined in mid-air, forming a replica of the blueprint shown by Leonie before settling onto the paper.
The paper slightly scorched as the copy of the blueprint was instantly completed.
Surprised that this was possible, Ray glanced at Luna and cleared his throat awkwardly.
“Cough… As you can see, things are serious.”
The atmosphere grew heavy.
Jetteu and Bang, who had participated in the battle against Eridanus, understood the gravity of Ray’s words even more deeply.
Ray asked Luna to make a few more copies of the blueprint and handed them to Bang, Jetteu, and Comet.
“This time, only Rune and I will join the Silver Cross Knight Order to enter the underground city.”
“Ron!!”
Bang was about to raise his voice when Ray shook his head to stop him.
“I know. Neither of you can provide much physical assistance to me in there. Inside… I can’t afford to worry about both of you too.”
“…”
“You two need to deliver this copy to the upper echelons of the Empire as quickly as possible. That’s how you can help me.”
“And what about Ron-sama…”
“I’ll search the underground city with the Silver Cross Knight Order and retreat if the situation becomes unfavorable. However… if I don’t return on time… well, anyway.”
Assuming Bang and Jetteu understood, Ray lightly patted their shoulders.
“I leave the rest to you.”
*
The collaboration with high-ranking mages and spirit masters was secured.
Upon hearing the news, the knights of the Silver Cross Knight Order cheered and celebrated.
As Leonie strutted around claiming it was all her doing, the knights applauded her in turn.
Though everyone tried not to show it, they had been secretly anxious since their lives were at stake.
But with the addition of high-level mages and spirit masters, many members sighed in relief.
Gilland listened to the laughter of the knights and stepped away, gazing at the sky.
The sun had risen above the horizon, casting bright light over the land.
Gilland slowly inhaled the air.
Despite the intense sunlight, the cold air filled his lungs, chilling his heart.
‘I must die.’
It was inevitable… he had to die.
The kingdom was rotten to the core.
For centuries, it engaged in trade with Devil Worshippers in the Forbidden Forest, considering it “not a big problem,” allowing complacency to seep into the higher ranks.
Accumulated complacency blinded their senses, fattened their bodies, and kept them stagnant.
Even when warned of danger, they couldn’t move.
Would they even stir when the knife reached their throats? Perhaps not.
Even if the Silver Cross Knight Order discovered the underground city, the kingdom would dismiss and ignore vague testimonies.
Thus, Gilland had to descend into the underground city and personally confirm what was happening there.
However, that alone wouldn’t suffice.
He had to make the blind, fat piglets realize they were also in mortal danger.
Therefore, he had to die.
Even the most horrifying deaths recorded on paper would merely be numbers, but perhaps even that could awaken awareness.
Hence…
‘I must die.’
The death of the captain leading one of the seven royal knight orders, the Silver Cross Knight Order.
Furthermore, the catastrophic loss of more than half the knights would be necessary.
Only then could the blindfold covering the eyes of the pigs be torn away.
Only then could Alimo be saved.
It had to be done.
Gilland stared at the rising sun with a somber gaze.
The voices of the knights rang in his ears.
Infiltration (2)
