322nd Chapter
The time had come.
All the troops scheduled to gather in the Imperial Capital had arrived.
The fully assembled legion had completed its arming and organization, leaving only the day of departure.
Before embarking on the expedition, Ray bid his final farewells.
Bella and Karen cried. Unexpectedly, Alesya also burst into sorrowful tears.
Everyone was crying, so even the younger sibling followed suit.
Ray hugged Lea and patted her back.
“You shouldn’t cry. If you do, fire might come out of your mouth again like last time.”
“Uuuuuuuhhh…”
After calming Lea, Ray briefly said goodbye to everyone.
He firmly warned them not to get involved in any unnecessary farewell processions and to stay safe here, then finally left Jimy’s manor without hesitation.
Not wanting to prolong the emotional moment, Ray turned his back resolutely.
Karen clutched Luna’s hand, who was accompanying Ray, and pleaded earnestly one last time.
“Luna… please take care of Ray. And please don’t get hurt yourself… I beg you…”
“…Alright, I will.”
“Huuuuh…”
Upon hearing Luna’s reply, Karen, feeling powerless and apologetic, shed tears and tightly embraced Luna.
Alesya also gave Luna a tight hug, waving goodbye with wishes for a safe return.
Meanwhile, upon seeing Jimmy waiting outside the manor, Ray smirked and bowed deeply.
“I’ll return safely, Father.”
“Don’t put on airs like you’re about to die anytime soon; just come back safely.”
Jimmy patted Ray’s back once, shook his head, and turned away.
The last expression Jimmy showed appeared rather troubled.
Swallowing numerous emotions that stirred his heart, Ray extended his hand to Luna.
“Let’s go.”
Together with Luna, Ray departed from Jimmy’s territory and immediately entered the Imperial Capital.
Upon entering the Imperial Capital, he saw the massive square in front of the palace filled with a formidable legion exuding intense energy.
If the regiments currently stationed in the South were added to those gathered in the square, the number of expeditionary forces set to enter the Demonic Realm would reach tens of thousands.
Though this number might seem small compared to the total military strength of the continent mobilized for the expedition, every soldier in the legion designated to enter the Demonic Realm was an elite capable of systematically enhancing their bodies with mana.
Soldiers who couldn’t achieve this level wouldn’t be able to participate in combat as soon as they entered the Demonic Realm.
With tens of thousands of soldiers at elite level, it signified that nearly half of the continent’s available total military power had been concentrated.
Moreover, more than half of the rare sub-Lord level or higher warriors had joined the expeditionary force.
It wasn’t groundless that the Continental Council worried about minimizing losses if the expedition failed.
As Ray observed the imposing legion, he briefly parted ways with Luna and headed alone toward the palace.
At one of the entrances to the palace, Royal Guard Michael appeared to personally guide Ray.
While walking down the corridor, Michael spoke.
“I shall dedicate my life to assisting His Majesty the Emperor, so please rest assured and fulfill your mission.”
A hint of regret subtly tinged Michael’s voice.
It seemed that not being able to participate in the Demonic Realm expedition and staying behind in the capital felt disappointing to Michael.
Having glanced at Michael’s expression, Ray teased him.
“Are you regretting not finding a place to die?”
“I have no doubt that you will bring victory to the Empire.”
“Is that so?”
How many people truly trusted this expedition as much as Michael did?
Ray nodded, naturally smiling.
“…We’re almost there.”
As they walked through the wavering corridor, the throne came into view.
Ray took a deep breath. He was somewhat nervous.
‘The commander of the expeditionary force is… Alexander.’
No one was more suitable than Alexander, the Margrave of the Empire, to lead the expeditionary force to the Demonic Realm.
Alexander had extensive experience leading legions and, though on a smaller scale, had engaged in countless battles against demons and demon creatures.
He was also the first to take ‘action’ by advocating for attacking the Demonic Realm, symbolizing the cause.
Thus, there was no dissent regarding appointing Alexander as the commander of the expeditionary force.
However, a minimal mechanism to check Alexander became necessary, which led to Ray being appointed as the Emperor’s proxy.
‘But…’
Being merely appointed as the Emperor’s proxy and receiving Moros are entirely different matters.
Moros was not just an expensive legendary sword but also a sacred artifact symbolizing the authority and legitimacy of the Emperor.
By handing over Moros, the Emperor was temporarily delegating part of such symbolism.
This was a strong statement of the Emperor’s resolve.
It was both a declaration of the necessity to secure victory in the expedition and proof of trust in Ray.
In this situation, should the expedition fail, the Emperor would become politically disadvantaged.
If the Empire’s divine sword were lost in the Demonic Realm, it would be catastrophic.
‘To risk such danger and still entrust me with the divine sword… our Emperor has great expectations of me.’
Mulling over the Emperor’s resolution, Ray approached the throne.
What once seemed distant was now surprisingly close.
Stopping briefly in place, Ray took five steps forward and paid respects to the absolute authority of the Empire.
“I greet Your Majesty the Emperor.”
“Welcome, beloved Guardian of the Empire.”
Thus, under the watchful eyes of the key ministers of the Empire and the officers leading the expeditionary force,
Ray was formally recognized as the Emperor’s proxy.
The Emperor, seated on the throne, appointed Ray as his proxy after a brief silence and then spoke again.
“Guardian of the Empire. Are you aware of what burden you carry on your shoulders?”
“Yes.”
“What burden do you carry?”
After a short contemplation, Ray replied.
“…The future.”
“Whose future?”
“The future of all who tread and live on this land.”
“Excellent. Then I ask: are you prepared to bear this weight and fulfill the mission given to you?”
“I have always… prepared for death before heading to the battlefield. But…”
Taking a deep breath, Ray continued.
“Not today. I will definitely return alive. I will seize victory and return to stand here again to report clearly to Your Majesty the Emperor. Now, the greatest hero of the Empire has come to pay homage to Your Majesty.”
“I believe you.”
As the Emperor rose from the throne, the veil obscuring Ray’s vision lifted, revealing the Empire’s divine sword.
“Go forth and fulfill your mission.”
Standing up, Ray grasped the Empire’s divine sword in his hand.
Holding Moros, Ray promptly turned his back on the throne and moved forward.
The Emperor quietly watched as the Empire’s divine sword, which had been lost in the Demonic Realm and returned to the royal family after several hundred years, now headed back toward the Demonic Realm.
Tzutzuk!
The barriers spread throughout the palace receded, guiding Ray toward the main gate of the palace.
The main gate represents the authority of the royal family.
Unless in extremely limited circumstances, only the Emperor can use the main gate of the palace.
Nevertheless, Ray stepped toward the wide-open main gate of the palace.
Knights guarding the path where barriers should have been deployed successively knelt and paid respects to Ray.
When Ray had taken five steps remaining to cross the threshold of the main gate,
Ernst, guarding the main gate, also knelt and paid respects.
Creak.
Ray stood on the boundary of the main gate.
The legion lined up in front of the palace tensed up and looked up at Ray upon his appearance.
Now, the remaining procedure was simple.
After delivering a prepared speech in front of the legion and declaring the departure, Ray would move directly toward the Warp Gate.
A mage helping amplify Ray’s voice signaled that he could begin the speech.
“”
Ray calmly looked around the assembled legion in front of the palace.
Among them were some non-imperial citizens, but nonetheless, the legion aligned before Ray consisted of humanity’s finest elite forces.
With such formidable forces gathered in one place, even misplaced confidence should have made one’s shoulders tense.
However, the emotional currents emanating from the legion were far from bright.
Anxiety, unease, fear… Such emotions Ray read from the legion.
“”
Of course, with an expedition to the Demonic Realm ahead, even experienced soldiers could be shaken.
Ray had long known that most members of the legion feared going to the Demonic Realm.
Trying not to be affected by the emotions emanating from the legion, Ray recalled the content of the prepared speech he had memorized beforehand.
The speech was heavily laden with ornate language and complex sentences showing off sophistication, typical of speeches in this world.
Regardless, the content itself was nothing special.
It praised the subject worthy of praise, explained the justification for this war, mentioned the value of sacrifice and the fruits of victory, and contained material to heighten the mood of the legion.
Ray was about to start speaking while looking down at the legion.
Just then, Ray’s eyes met those of one of the Royal Guards standing at the forefront.
The Royal Guard tried to appear composed but subtle fear leaked through his wavering gaze.
“”
Once again, Ray fell silent and thought.
The legion assembled before Ray was elite, and most had received adequate training.
They understood the purpose of this war and were well aware of the consequences should the expedition fail.
Moreover, these individuals were unaware of “Luna’s” existence.
They didn’t know she was humanity’s last lifeline.
Then why? Why were they still hesitating instead of committing themselves fully?
Why, despite facing certain doom, were they unable to show determination and instead succumbing to fear and regret?
Did they really believe that the great empire, which had lasted for a thousand years, would somehow protect humanity even if they couldn’t immediately fend off the calamity?
“”
Ray sighed.
Truly… arrogant and foolish.
Whether it was those discussing retreat plans as if the expedition’s failure was inevitable or those who joined the expedition yet remained unprepared and fearful, they were all equally arrogant and foolish.
Looking down at these arrogant and foolish individuals, Ray finally spoke.
“…Under the blessing of Primus, after the First Emperor founded the Empire, humanity entered its most glorious era.”
Ray calmly read aloud the first sentence of the prepared speech.
“Because of the Empire’s existence, humanity was able to avoid arrogance easily and suppress wasteful conflicts, preparing to resist the fallen ones.”
However, starting from the second sentence, the content began to slightly deviate from what was written in the speech.
A few commanders who had previewed the speech were startled, but there was no way to stop Ray’s speech now.
“For a thousand years, the Empire has thwarted two Great Calamities, crushed hundreds and thousands of cursed plots, and never surrendered even a single inch of territory to the fallen ones.”
Ray paused briefly to steady his breathing and then continued.
“I ask you this. Is the thousand-year history the Empire has protected a history of victory for us?”
“”
Confused, those assigned to respond to Ray’s speech and engage the audience exchanged glances.
Amidst the slightly restless atmosphere, Ray asked again.
“Answer! Is the thousand-year history the Empire has protected a history of victory for us?”
“Yes!”
A few knights responded to Ray.
Ray asked once more.
“Answer! Is the thousand-year history the Empire has protected a history of victory for us?”
“YES!!!!”
Now everyone caught on to Ray’s intent and joined in chorus.
Immediately afterward, a sound like air escaping filled the ears of the legion.
The legion easily recognized that this sound was Ray’s derisive laughter.
“History of victory? Do you truly think so?”
“”
“Answer! Do you truly think so?”
“”
The members of the legion looked at each other, fumbling with their words.
Seeing this sight, Ray forcefully stamped his foot on the ground.
Kung!!
“Answer! Do you truly think so?”
This time, Ray didn’t give anyone else a chance to speak.
Without delay, Ray distorted his expression and shouted angrily.
“You arrogant and foolish fools!! Look at yourselves!! Even the most loyal and brave knights guarding His Majesty tremble with hesitation just at the mention of the Demonic Realm!!”
The soldiers maintaining formation were startled and shivered.
Even the steadfast commanders were perplexed by Ray’s sudden outburst.
But Ray paid no heed.
“Look closely at yourselves!! The knights who guard His Majesty the Emperor waver just hearing the name of the Demonic Realm!!”
By the time the knights realized their mistake, it was already too late.
“Do you see it? Can you see the deep-rooted fear planted in your hearts?? All of you!! Every citizen of the Empire!! Everyone living on this continent!! Like children fearing the dark night… you yearn for a place to hide, trembling before the Demonic Realm.”
Ray stepped forward with glowing eyes towards the legion.
“Let me ask again. Is the thousand-year history the Empire has protected a history of victory for us? Truly, do you think so?”
“”
The legion fell silent.
There was no one in the legion brave enough to step forward and answer Ray’s question.
Ray clenched his fist as he glared at the frozen legion.
“Raise your heads and face reality!!”
Kung, Ray stamped his foot on the ground again, further distorting his expression.
“Our history is a history of devastation!! A history where we were ravaged by them!! Our history is a history of defeat and humiliation!!”
At this terribly insulting and disrespectful statement, some nobles trembled.
Still, Ray did not stop.
“Did we confine them to the Demonic Realm?! No!! They confined us to the continent. For a thousand years, we lacked even the courage to look into the Demonic Realm!! Trembling with fear, we suppressed our breaths, doubting each other just to survive.”
Yes, the weakened state of the legion, incapable of properly resolving their determination even on the brink of a war concerning humanity’s survival,
testified to how the history of the Empire was stained with defeat and disgrace.
“Will you turn away from the truth… pass on our suffering and shackles to our descendants… and slowly decline? Is that the choice you, who boasted of being noble and honorable, have made?”
“No!!!”
Several knights simultaneously stomped their feet and protested against Ray’s reprimand.
Ray stared at them for a moment before stepping forward again toward the legion.
“We have been ravaged. They were invaders, and we were prey. But right now!!”
Ray’s voice grew louder.
“Under the light and grace of His Majesty the Emperor, we will bring an end to this history of humiliation!!! Today, we!!!”
Ray had already stepped beyond the range of the barrier amplifying his voice.
Yet his voice pierced through the ears of the legion, and the legion, as if completely overwhelmed by a single person, held their breath and gazed at Ray.
“Will tear off the false glory that has blinded our eyes!!! And make the Empire truly great!!! We ourselves!!!”
Ray took another step forward, and the legion, wavering momentarily, gritted their teeth and regained their posture.
“Will complete a new myth that will endure alongside the Empire!!!”
Therefore.
“Answer!!! In this unprecedented field of honor!!! Are you ready to inscribe your names with me!!!”
The legion did not retreat.
As if refusing to be overwhelmed by just one person, they finally raised their voices and responded to Ray’s question.
“YAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!”
The cries of the legion numbering in the tens of thousands surrounded Ray.
Ray faced the momentum of the legion head-on and stamped his foot on the ground again.
Kung!!!
“Now it is our turn to ravage them!!! Now it is our turn to instill fear in them!!! Answer!!! What is your mission!!!”
The legion surged and a roar erupted.
The tens of thousands of troops shouted out their respective missions, their voices intertwining and shaking the square.
However, in a situation like this, the missions worth proudly proclaiming hardly exceeded five.
Ray stomped his foot again, consolidating the voices of the legion into one.
Kung!!!
“For humanity!!!”
“Glory!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
Kung!!!
“To demons!!!”
“Death!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
Kung!!!
In front of the watching legion,
the Empire’s divine sword pointed toward the sky.
“For the Empire.”
“Glory!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
The furious roar of the legion swept through the palace.
Facing the legion unleashing a crazed roar, Ray slowly drew in a breath.
And then, swinging the Empire’s divine sword in a diagonal slash as if shedding blood, he declared.
“We depart.”
Advance (1)
