SYS 668

SYS Chapter 668

**Episode 170. Meeting Another Friend, Dante (1)**

Valeria Hister.

Two months before Jin returned from Lafrarosa, she finally discovered that Temar's
fifth tomb was somewhere in the Caldran Snowfield.

It was thanks to tracking Runthia's movements and restoring the words she left
behind with record magic.

And right after she left for the Caldran Snowfield with Nero, Valeria was pursued
by three forces.

Runkandel, Ziphel, and the Royal Family.

Runkandel's main forces were the Black Sword Association and the Black Knights, and
Ziphel's pursuit was led by Ronil.

And although they sometimes found or encountered Valeria, that was all.

The real threat to Valeria was the Royal Family.

The reason Valeria was so desperately chased for two months without contacting
Tikan was because of the Royal Family.

"Are there such outstanding pursuers in the Royal Family...? Even the top forces of
the Garden of Swords and Ziphel couldn't find Valeria."

"I may be from the special task force, but even the special task force or the royal
guard can't compare to the first division of the Black Sword Association or the
Black Knights. Even if they have become stronger through the power of chaos or
demonization... I'm not sure. That goes for Rosa's subordinates and Ziphel as
well."

Balkas and Alisa said.

Jin was summarizing the stories he heard from Valeria to his companions on the way
to Tikan.
"There were a few outstanding individuals among the royal pursuers, and they turned
out to be knights of the Garden of Swords."

"Did the Royal Family betray Ziphel?"

"Yes."

"The ones who just recently pledged the eastern part of the empire to Ziphel...
Hmm. Either pledging the east was a smokescreen, or they switched sides after
recognizing the power held by the Garden of Swords."

"I think it's the former, Sir Balkas. I have a feeling that the Royal Family might
have contacted Runkandel much faster than we think. They... hold a part of the body
of the founding head of the family, so they could have traded with that."

Valeria couldn't find out exactly when the Royal Family betrayed Ziphel. It wasn't
a very important issue.

-As we have examined, the body of Temar Runkandel itself was no different from a
collection of information on magic from the heyday of the old era. We didn't have a
chance to analyze it properly because the trade fell through.

Words heard from the Kinzel side when sharing the space-time device.

"Jin, you said you saw an enormous number of magic swordsman biomechanical golems
at Ziphel's sanctuary."

"Yes, Lord Quikantel. It's possible that they shared their left arm with both the
Garden of Swords and Ziphel. That's why Ziphel might not have noticed the betrayal
by the Royal Family at all."

"...He can't find rest even after a thousand years. Torn apart and sent here and
there. It's fortunate that Murakan isn't here."

"What do you mean the Sword Emperor is in danger?"

"Some of the royal pursuers we encountered were killed, and their records were
examined. Among them was this content."

<Runkandel's... Runkandel ordered Ailan Vemont to kill the Sword Emperor Dante
Hyran and gave him a monster.>

"If it's Ailan Vemont, he was in the top 30 in the line of succession to the throne
before the deceased Amir. Neither I nor Alisa know much about him, but he wasn't a
particularly noticeable figure. It seems he's the main contact with Runkandel."

Kasimir had little interaction with Amir and Ailan during his time in the royal
household.

The difference in rank was so great that there was hardly any encounter, and the
Vemont royal family tended to hide themselves as much as possible even among their
own royal kin.

"It means he's practically a new character, so we'll have to start gathering
information on him from scratch."

"Don't worry, my lord! I, Zet, will even find out the color of that Ailan's
underwear."

"By the way, the part about giving away a monster... does it mean a knight of
Runkandel tainted by chaos? It's curious that the name of the person who gave away
the monster isn't clearly stated."

"There is one person who comes to mind."

Jin narrowed his eyes and said.

"Joshua Runkandel... I have a strong intuition that it's him."

"Sir, that dog... ahem, that worthless scoundrel! Did Rosa reinstate him?"

At Gilli's agitated response, Jin smiled.

"While father was absent, he succeeded in rebellion, so there's no reason to keep a

well-behaved dog abandoned. Although he has shown nothing but trashy behavior
before, he might have changed now. Or rather, he must have been forced to change.
Through marriage."

"What a filthy and atrocious story. Just thinking about that scoundrel and Rosa
makes me so angry that it's hard to bear."

"But if it's Joshua, why wouldn't his name appear accurately in the record magic?"

"Well, it could be because he accepted chaos and became a completely new being. Of
course, I can't be sure, it's just intuition."

"Anyway, it seems there are three things we need to start doing right away. First
is to examine the Sword Emperor's domain, second is to rescue the remaining
friendly forces inside Huphester, and lastly... to enter the sixth tomb of Temar
that Valeria found."

Jin nodded at Quikantel's summary.

"Yes. It seems all three are tasks I must undertake myself."

The notable allies remaining in Huphester were Vin Branche and the god blacksmith
Picon Minche, with whom he had a contract.

Also, Jin's butler Petro, Chiron's butler and head butler Heinz, the 'brothers'
nanny and kin, as well as various individuals presumed not to have joined Rosa and
the red people in Luna's domain.

Apart from Vin Branche and the high-ranking kin, there weren't many who would be
practically helpful.

However, even if they weren't a force, they couldn't just be left alone.

That's not the way of Jin, of the Barmel Alliance.

Above all, the Garden of Swords seems unable to pay attention to them for some
reason now, but it's uncertain when Rosa might use them as hostages.

"No, it might be better for you to stay out of rescuing the allies inside
Huphester."

"I think so too, my lord."

"My lord, I think so too!"

His companions unanimously opposed Jin's re-entry into Huphester.

"It's almost a miracle that you returned safely from the Caldran Snowfield this
time. You are the head of the Barmel Alliance, the center of the temporary
alliance, and the only counter to Rosa. So until the day comes to settle things
with Rosa, don't think about going to Huphester directly."

Just as Jin was about to answer, Mary placed her hand on his shoulder.

"That's right, youngest. You're the strongest among us, and I understand that you
want to take on so much because of that. But that doesn't mean you have to step in
for everything. Even father didn't do that. Exactly, he couldn't."
"Sister."

"I will organize a team and go for the rescue of the insiders in Huphester. Just to
ease your worries in advance, even if we come across Diphus... Diphus in the same
state as Sister Runthia, do not lose your composure, absolutely."

"I will also ask for help from the Nameless. Almost all the manpower is searching
for Lady Yona, but surely a few will be able to support us."

Faced with the resolute attitude of his brotherly companions, Jin could not be
stubborn.

"Understood. After all, I have no choice but to take action myself regarding the
Sword Emperor's domain and Temar's tomb. I did think that my direct involvement was
excessive, I just didn't want to voice that thought. That thought."

"Are you planning to go to the Sword Emperor's domain right away?"

"Yes, once Valeria wakes up, I plan to listen to the rest of her story and then
go."

On the way back, Valeria had lost consciousness due to the remaining chaos energy
while talking inside Cozec.

It wasn't a critical issue, but because of that, she was receiving help from the
chaos purifier without being able to inform Jin about the sixth tomb.

"Understood."

"I really miss Dante."

Since returning from Lafrarosa, Jin had not yet met Dante.

There had been constant incidents since his return.

Moreover, just as Jin had taken on almost all the tasks within the Barmel Alliance,
Dante had played such a role in the empire.

Currently, there are hardly any superhuman-level individuals left in the empire
except for Dante.

As many of the empire's best talents were lost during the Gliex campaign, Dante had
many responsibilities to take on.
Perhaps because of the shock received from Veradin, just the thought of meeting
Dante soon was somewhat comforting to Jin, even though it wasn't for a pleasant
reason.

He felt confident that he could fend off any crisis that might befall Dante.

"I hope I can meet a friend who's doing well and cool off a bit while I'm there."

"Right, young master. If the person Valeria found in the records is that worthless
one, no matter what he does, he won't be able to threaten you."

Of course, Gilli wasn't really saying this without worry. However, his companions
found it hard to imagine Jin falling into crisis because of Joshua.

Knock, knock, someone came to the conference room.

It was Qual and Valeria.

Qual had been waiting for Valeria to wake up, piling up cigarette butts like a
mountain in front of the sickroom, and brought her as soon as she woke up.

"Uh-huh-huh!"

Suddenly, Qual hugged Jin and burst into tears. No one had ever imagined this rough
and rugged engineer crying like a child.

"Well done... You really did it! You truly saved our Valeria...!"

The companions had already recognized it as such, but they comforted Qual for a
while, as his crying was both unpleasant and pitiable to watch.

Valeria also did not say she disliked Qual's reaction, though she looked surprised.

"Uh-huh-huh, the chaos has completely disappeared!"

"You collapsed because of the chaos and couldn't finish the story, Jin. Where did
we leave off?"

"It was about the location of the sixth tomb."

"Ah, right. The place where Temar's sixth tomb exists is not a region, Jin."
"Not a region? Do you mean a subspace?"

At that, Valeria shook her head and replied:

"Yes, a subspace. But it's not a region; it's a subspace that exists within a
special sword."

SYS 669

**Episode 669**

**Episode 170. To Meet Another Friend, Dante (2)**

"A subspace within the sword...?"

"First, to explain that, I need to tell you why Nero and I could enter the fifth
tomb."

Valeria is not a contractor of Solderet, nor can she handle chaos like Heluram's
daughter, and she was not guided by someone like during the Wantaromo Forest
incident.

Nor did she force her way in or damage it as Zipfel or other forces did, so
originally, she should not have been able to enter the tomb.

"It seems you were quite exhausted by the spirit energy, Valeria. I told you that
story. Thanks to the help of the Myoin tribe, I obtained an object related to the
old Runkandel from the temple of the cat god."

"You told me the story. Did you also tell me what the object was?"

"It was a handkerchief."

A handkerchief.

A seemingly trivial object, but this handkerchief held countless stories from a
thousand years ago.

"Yes, it was a handkerchief owned by one of the ten knights of old Runkandel.
That's why the tomb, even without a spirit or a guide, responded to the
handkerchief and opened its door. The records and stories remaining in the
handkerchief became the key."
However, that was a one-time measure.

Because the stories contained in the handkerchief were too distant and faint,
Valeria had kept it well preserved, planning to analyze it after enhancing the
achievement of record magic later.

But as soon as the door opened, the handkerchief immediately vanished, and Valeria
still regrets that fact.

"Then... the prophet might have opened the door in the same way as you."

"That's likely. He must have opened it at least twice. After all, he imposed the
fate of Paddler Runkandel, the original guardian of the tomb, onto your second
sister. Anyway, I discovered how to enter the next tomb from within before your
sister replaced Paddler."

Unlike the other tombs experienced so far, the fifth tomb had clues leading
directly to the next one.

"In the fifth tomb, not only were there records of Paddler Runkandel, but also of a
person named Veil, the owner of the handkerchief. That was also why the tomb
responded to the handkerchief."

"Veil...?"

"However, Veil's records were so faint that I could only confirm the content that
the sixth tomb was hidden within his sword, and the rough location where the sword
was first hidden. It's in the Black Sea, but the chances of it still being there
are not very high..."

At that point, Jin felt as if he had been struck hard on the back of his head.

"Wait, Valeria."

"Why?"

"The handkerchief you obtained belonged to Veil and reacted to the fifth tomb...
and the sixth tomb exists in a subspace within Veil's sword, which was hidden in
the Black Sea... is that what you're saying? You're sure it was Veil?"

"Yes."

As Jin blinked for a few seconds, Valeria shrugged her shoulders and looked around.
The colleagues seemed to have no clue either.

"It seems we've already found that sword."

"What?"

-Hedo! Your sword! The sword is glowing and creating something, it's like the
heavens have answered our prayers!

-I see it too, miss. What in the world...

-It seems that sword is the key to opening the tomb. Where did you get that sword?

-In my youth, I obtained it after slaying a monster in the Black Sea.

The conversation between Sandra, Hedo, and Jin in the Caldron Snowfield.

At that time, Jin had naturally confirmed the word 'Veil' inscribed on the blade as
he infused spirit energy into Hedo's sword.

Since Hedo, the current owner of the sword, also believed that to be the name of
the sword, Jin had thought the same.

But to think that it was the name of one of the ten knights of old Runkandel.

The reason why Murakan suffered upon seeing Veil in the Sota Desert, and why Veil
could have been the key to the fifth tomb, now seemed clear.

"I was too preoccupied to tell you how I entered the tomb. That sword is currently
in the possession of Hedo, the tower keeper of White Night."

"I didn't realize it was such a stroke of luck, but the rescue process was more
reckless than I expected."

"Things related to you tend to be strangely lucky. And you said it yourself before.
There aren't many people as lucky as me."

Oh...!

For some reason, a simultaneous exclamation of admiration burst out among the
colleagues. Jin and Valeria, however, paid no heed and continued their
conversation.
"I was thinking of resting for a few hours and then heading straight to the Black
Sea, but it seems we've saved ourselves some trouble. I understand that Sandra
Zipfel and Hedo are quite favorable towards you."

"It's probably only Sandra Zipfel, Miss Valeria. But that muscular butler will
absolutely obey Sandra Zipfel's words, so it seems we can just call Sandra to
examine the sword."

"Mr. Zet seems to talk about you as if you're the type to exploit someone's
affection."

"Eeeh? Miss Valeria, you shouldn't misunderstand such a good person! Our lord is
definitely not that kind of person!"

"We can't call Hedo and Sandra right away. We've made many demands on Zipfel
recently, so let's contact them in a few days. In the meantime, going to Sword
Emperor City seems just right."

"Huh, if our lord says so, I feel a bit embarrassed..."

"Our Young Master Jin, even your bad side looks cool..."

"Zet, Enya. It's not just because of the sword that we're trying to call them. It
seems better to make them our people, if possible."

I saw what happened to Veradine.

Jin was sure that if Sandra continued to stay with Zipfel, she would inevitably end
up the same way in the near future.

He wanted to erase the name Zipfel from her.

Valeria found Jin's words about making 'Zipfel' their ally uncomfortable and spoke
her opinion in a calm tone.

"Do as you please. But don't forget that someday, all Zipfels in the world will
surely die by my hand."

Valeria stood up.

"I need to go in and rest a bit more. Mr. Qual, let's resume the research from this
evening. There's a lot of material Jin brought from Lapralosa, and the Red Owl had
a singularity that connected to that world, so it's going to get busy again."
"Hmm, Miss Valeria, aren't you tired? You said we've saved ourselves the trouble of
going to the Black Sea, but now you're heading straight back to work."

It's not that she isn't tired, but rather that she can't afford to be. The grudges
of her trampled and destroyed family are all tied up inside her.

Jin didn't say those words out loud.

"Then, I should also prepare to go to Sword Emperor City."

As Jin left the conference room, the colleagues naturally looked at the door
through which they had disappeared.

"They seem to have some similarities, those two."

"I think so too, Old Balkas."

"The lord seems a bit more human. Well, it's like they've been taught by the same
teacher or parent for a long time."

"That's why I'm considering starting a Valeria fan club. Kind of like a side job?"

"You're kind of scary at times like this, Enya."

"To hear that from you, Fei!"

"Alright, let's get to work, work. Zet, start investigating Iran Biment from now,
and Sirs Mary, Heitona, and Daytonna, that..."

"You can speak comfortably, King Kasimir."

"Yeah, speak comfortably, king!"

"You Tonas, what kind of manners is that to the king. Have you lost the dignity of
a knight along with the Garden of Swords? Shall I take on Mu An's role instead?"

"No, sister. I'll correct myself."

"We've decided to become new people, sister."

"Watch and see. Go tell Cosmos to get the ships ready. We'll be deploying in a few
days. And bring me the list of knights who have recovered."

"Yes, sister!"

***

April 1, 1803.

“Ooooooh!”

“Waaaaaah!”

Two children, their hair and eyes dyed black with cosmetics and disguise tools from
the Gold Snow Tribe, were continuously exclaiming in awe. In fact, one of them was
a dragon who had lived for hundreds of years, but appeared to be nothing more than
a kid excited about traveling.

Latry and Yuria.

Jin decided to take those two to Sword Emperor City this time. Quikantel also came
along as a guardian in case of any emergency.

Not just the kids (one by the standards of a dragon), but everyone had disguised
themselves after a long time. Jin and Quikantel had dyed their hair a deep blue,
under the guise of being dragon siblings.

“Jin brother, Lord Quikantel! The Red Owl is so amazing. It’s like a real
teleportation gate; we came to the empire in an instant, didn’t we?”

“It’s a good thing that there’s something that even the contractor of Az Mil finds
amazing.”

“I find it more amazing that Lord Quikantel chose this location for our arrival.
This log house… it brings back memories.”

A tranquil log house situated in the middle of a forest on the outskirts of the
Biment capital.

This was the place where Jin changed the fate of Yuria and Enya during his early
days as a prospective knight.

The very house with the same structure as the one where Murakan and Quikantel used
to live in the distant past.
Yuria had only heard about this place through stories.

She had rarely ventured outside of Tikan. Both when she first met Jin and even now,
her uniqueness as the contractor of Az Mil meant she had to be extremely cautious
in all aspects of life.

“Memories? Hmm… I do see some heavy emotions like attachment or regret around this
log house.”

“Yuria, let’s put aside such talk and go have your favorite seafood soup before we
head to Sword Emperor City.”

“Okay, Lord Quikantel! Jin brother, are we only eating seafood soup? Can’t we play
until evening after eating and then go back?”

Yuria’s innocent appearance was both adorable and pitiable.

“Yuria, you are the only princess of the Barmel Union’s Tikan Free Country.”

“Suddenly?”

“It means if you have fun, the top person of the empire will come looking for you
on his own.”

From that moment, the group really started to stir up the bustling streets of
Biment, spending money excitedly.

Although the world was in turmoil due to the remnants of Gliyak and Rosa, the
capital of Biment was still as lively as before the times changed.

It was proof that Dante was ruling well.

Jin looked over the peace of the land his friend had struggled to maintain and
cultivate with a sense of pride.

And in the evening, when the second round of seafood soup had just been served at a
new seafood restaurant, there was no one left in the restaurant except for them.
Even the staff and the owner had vacated the place.

“Just like Jin brother said, Lord Dante has come, hasn’t he?”

Yuria said as she saw Dante entering through the door.

Jin and Dante looked at each other and smiled silently for a while.

It was a reunion after about three years.

“How did you find this place, Dante?”

“I heard reports that a craftsman named Paul Grey Mick and his party were
scattering checks all over the capital’s bustling streets, so I hurried over.”

Jin grinned broadly.

“Sit down, Dante. The food has just arrived.”

SYS 670
**Episode 670**

**Episode 170. To Meet Another Friend, Dante (3)**

The friend I met after a long time had the same familiar face. The handshake was
firmer than before, and Jin felt the last three years of Dante's life in it.

"It's been a while, my friend. Indeed, you have returned stronger."

"I thought you would look a little haggard from being busy. You've become a true
iron man, Dante."

"If I can't even handle this, I don't deserve to be the Sword Emperor."

"I've been so busy since I got back that I couldn't come to see you first."

"Everyone knows the great things you've done as soon as you finished your secluded
training. I've been too busy until a few days ago, so don't worry about it."

The two looked at each other in silence for a while.

Although they hadn't spent time together over the past three years, they had both
steadfastly endured in their respective places. Without saying it, they seemed to
understand how solid and deep each other's past time had been.

"Ah! My apologies for the late introduction, Princess, Lord Quikantel, Lord Latri.
I am Dante Hailan, the Sword Emperor."

"Why so formal, Sir Dante? It's not like we're strangers."

"Indeed. Are you trying to make us choke on our food?"

At the response from Yuria and Quikantel, Dante scratched the back of his head
awkwardly.

"I wanted to formally greet the princess once. It seems I was a bit too much."

Bubbling.

The seafood stew was boiling. Yuria served the stew to Dante first, and the meal
began.

Dante was already well-informed about most of the events that had taken place since
Jin's return. This was because Kasimir had sent people to inform him whenever
something happened.

"...I see. Lord Veradin... has he completely forgotten us? To become a victim of
such a vile experiment. How could he do this to his successor and his own child!"

Jin had known that Veradin was bound to be ruined, but hearing about the situation
through Jin's words made it feel like poison was rising in his heart.

"Zephyr. From those despicable beings... one day, I will surely save my friend."

"Yes, we will do that, Dante."

"Until we destroy the evil spirit, I will suppress my anger. Like you, I will use
them until the time comes, and then I will crush them miserably."

Just as Jin had relearned the value of 'righteousness' from Ron and Dante.

Dante was also learning the necessity of 'heresy' from Jin.

The old Dante would never have joined hands with those who turned his friend into a
miserable experimental subject, even if it meant death, but now it was different.

He had many lives on his shoulders. The world he saw as the Sword Emperor and
regent of the empire was entirely different from when he was a minor lord.
Sometimes you have to use your enemies, sometimes you have to retreat, and
sometimes you have to do things you don't want to do.

Otherwise, he couldn't save the many people and citizens who looked up to him, nor
could he save the world.

'Dante, you're becoming like Sir Ron.'

His face always looked like a dear friend, but Dante had certainly changed.

He had started walking the path of an emperor, not a minor lord.

An emperor who is strict with himself and will never fall into corruption.

Jin was proud to see Dante becoming such a person.

And that was what Ron had always wanted for Dante. His grandson, always upright and
ready to break against evil, was certainly lovely but always a concern.

Jin was speaking to Ron in his heart. Now, it seemed like he could watch happily
without worry.

"But, Jin."

"What?"

"I've been curious since earlier, why did you come in disguise? It doesn't seem
just for the princess's leisure."

"There are those in the royal family who want to kill you."

"If Zephyr hadn't given up such a person, it would be impossible. Zephyr has no
reason to do so now, right?"

"It wasn't Zephyr, but the Garden of Swords that sent the assassin."

Dante's pupils narrowed.

"The Garden of Swords...?"

"Yes, the royal family betrayed Zephyr and sided with Rosa. I confirmed it through
Valeria. Did you know anything about it?"

"I'm ashamed to say I had no idea."

"The betrayed party is the same. Zephyr didn't know that the royal family had
colluded with the Garden of Swords."

Even after Jin informed Zephyr of the betrayal, Zephyr did not rashly purge the
royal family.

Given the situation, they first needed to find out how much information the royal
family had obtained from them and informed Runkandel.

"Valeria said it seemed like you were in danger. We suspect that Joshua is the one
who provided the assassin to the royal family."

"If it's the highest level of knight enhanced by chaos and the power of a prophet,
it wouldn't be a dreamlike story for the royal family to assassinate me. The reason
the Garden of Swords wants to remove me is probably because they're uncomfortable
with me helping you."

"That's why I came in disguise after a long time. And brought our princess here."

Of course, Jin didn't bring Yuria to this dangerous political situation just to
give her pleasant memories.

"...Are you planning to use the princess's power to find the assassin?"

"Exactly."

Dante was about to say that bringing the young princess to such a place was too
dangerous, but after looking at Jin, he stopped himself.

With Jin and himself present, he doubted whether any enemy, no matter who they
sent, could put Yuria in danger.

"It seems like you wanted to say something."

"I thought about it, and it doesn't seem to be much of a problem. Unless the
assassin is an evil spirit or one of the old swords of Runkandel."

"Even if it were Sir Paddler, Yuria wouldn't be harmed. Especially with you here."
"So, what should we do now?"

"We have too little information other than the fact that the Garden of Swords gave
the assassin to Aylan Bemont. So, for now, call all the personnel you can to the
imperial city. It would be good to check if there's a mole among them."

"You're not suggesting we call everyone and ask if there's a traitor here, are
you?"

Jin nodded.

"It's an investigation method that's only possible with the princess."

"Yuria, Latri, and Lord Quikantel and I must participate in the imperial city
meeting. Since it's a gathering of the empire's highest ministers, we need a
pretext to join. What I had in mind..."

"Jin, I am currently the only supreme ruler of the empire. Even the deceased Amir
Bemont didn't have as much power as I do. So, we don't need a pretext, all the
ministers of the empire should come running as soon as I call."

"Ah, I forgot for a moment that you've changed. There was no need to think about a
pretext."

"I am curious though. What pretext had you prepared?"

"I was going to say they were dragons you accidentally saved from the contaminated
area. They came to repay the favor. You've often subdued them alone without
knights."

"That's somewhat... lacking in plausibility for something you thought hard about.
Dragons without allegiance are extremely rare in the world today."

"Well, it's good that we don't need it."

"But if someone dares to ask me about your origins, I will tell them this."

"If there is a traitor within the capital, and that fact is immediately revealed,
then there will be no need to lie."

The meal was over.

Outside, a carriage was prepared, and the party immediately headed for the Imperial
Palace.
"Tell all the servants waiting in the capital to gather in the Imperial Palace's
first conference room within two hours. Exclude only the common knights and mages
on duty, up to and including the 10th rank. This is an emergency summons. Anyone
who is even a second late will be severely punished."

"Yes, Your Highness the Regent!"

The command was quickly disseminated throughout the capital.

"Has the Regent ever summoned us like this before?"

"He can't stand to see us rest even for a moment, telling us to work until we drop
dead for the people and the empire. What's the reason for leaving our duties to
deputies and coming here?"

"What the hell is going on this late at night! I'm so anxious. Could it be that
he's planning to dethrone Crown Prince Kuron and take the throne himself?"

"At least Crown Prince Kuron begged us with his young voice to be considerate, but
if the Sword Emperor ascends to the throne, we're definitely doomed to die of
overwork...!"

"Whatever it is, let's hurry and prostrate ourselves. If we show the slightest
displeasure, it's over. You all know what happened to Baron Magl when he complained
about having too much work."

Thus, the servants who feared Dante held onto their melting livers, and those who
respected him went to the Imperial Palace with determination.

"It's an emergency summons from His Highness the Regent. Something significant must
have happened."

"Don't show any signs of fatigue, no one in the empire suffers more than His
Highness the Regent."

Carriages and horses were continuously entering the Imperial Palace.

Before two hours had passed, nearly a thousand servants had gathered in the
conference room.

"Has everyone arrived?"

The scene the servants saw was Dante sitting in the seat of honor, with four
unfamiliar faces standing behind him.

No one recognized that the true party was in disguise.

"Yes, Your Highness the Regent!"

"Yes, indeed!"

Despite the large number of servants gathered, they dared not even exchange glances
in front of Dante.

Many had seen the harsh consequences of rolling their eyes unnecessarily.

'Really, no one dares to ask Dante about our identity. It's as strict as when my
father was hospitalized in the Garden of Swords. But on the other side... they seem
to be expecting something.'

Amidst the suffocating atmosphere, there was a group that carelessly showed their
anticipation.

They were the ministers and knights from Hyran, and the reason their eyes sparkled
was because of Quikantel, who stood behind Dante in disguise.

'Could it be that our lord has finally found his beloved?'

'To introduce his beloved and their family, if not. No... it can't be. It can't be.
It can't be because of personal matters that he would urgently summon the
servants...'

Unfortunately, they soon became dejected and corrected their gaze.

The knights of Hyran knew well how lonely and desperate Dante's time had been, and
they earnestly hoped for the appearance of a beloved who could bring him some
peace.

Dante stood up.

"Since everyone is busy, I'll get straight to the point. I've gathered you all
because there is a traitor within the empire."

"Ah...!"

"How can that be!"

"Do not speak until I give permission. Let's finish quickly so everyone can
contribute to the normalization of the empire again. From now on, you must answer
my questions with 'yes' or 'no' only. Now, I'll ask the first question."

Dante looked at the servants with fiery, stern eyes.

"Is there anyone among you who has planned to harm me or knows of others who have
such plans?"

"No!"

The servants answered, and Dante waited for Yuria's signal.

After observing the servants for a few minutes, Yuria gently poked Dante's back
seven times with her finger.

It meant that seven of them had lied.

SYS 671

**Episode 671**

**Episode 170. To Meet Another Friend, Dante (4)**

'Seven.'

Despite various tragedies, Dante had rapidly seized absolute power in the empire
over the past three years.

Power gained so quickly is usually precarious.

But the fact that there were only seven traitors showed how well Dante and his
advisor, Kasimir, had been doing their jobs.

Yuria had marked the corresponding personnel on the layout of the ministers she had
prepared earlier and handed it to Dante.

'Three 10th-grade ministers, three 7th-grade, and one 5th-grade?'

Jin also glanced at the positions of the traitors.

'They're too insignificant to be recruited for the assassination of the empire's
regent.'

At first glance, they were all people Jin didn't even recognize. They were not from
powerful families, nor did they have exceptional abilities. They were just ordinary
ministers.

Dante had the same question. It wasn't clear what exactly these people could do to
assassinate him.

However, the apparent status and abilities could change at any time. Zephyrin was
an example, and it was unknown how the prophet's power to control chaos could
transform a person.

"Yes, everyone's too busy to even think about betrayal, I believe."

At that, quite a few ministers cursed inwardly, but those who lied were not among
them.

Silence followed.

Since the hall had been quiet for nearly 10 minutes when Yuria identified the
liars, the ministers had no idea why Dante was acting this way.

And after much contemplation, Dante eventually turned his head to look at Jin as if
he had no other choice.

He gestured for Jin to come closer and whisper.

'Why?'

'I knew those seven could be traitors, but what should my next question be?'

'Have you become stupid while I wasn't looking? That's not a question.'

'I've always been a bit slow in some areas.'

'I should have prepared a list of questions for you in advance. Don't worry, Dante.
Ask if anyone has passed information to Runkandel. That will confirm whether they
just had a change of heart or if they betrayed us.'

'Oh, I see.'
Dante cleared his throat.

"Hem hem! Since there aren't many questions left, you all must understand my
bizarre actions."

"No!"

"No!"

Yuria was about to mark the liars again but stopped because there were too many.

"Among those present here, has anyone informed the Garden of Swords about me or the
empire?"

Naturally, the answer was no. However, the seven who were initially caught by the
power of truth were lying again.

Jin soon realized why the Garden of Swords had recruited such ordinary people as
their pawns.

'Imperial palace entrants. If the prophet hasn't given them special powers, it
means they only needed someone with access to the imperial palace.'

The reason they needed someone with access to the imperial palace was obvious.

The internal structure.

Bemont Palace was the largest external structure in the world and had the most
complex internal structure.

Especially the spaces not open to the public, such as the emperor's residence or
secret underground passages, were mostly unknown to other major forces.

'The seven confirmed traitors, being low and mid-level, wouldn't know all such
areas either.'

It was natural since forces like Runkandel, Zephyr, and Nameless had planted
numerous spies in the royal family over the years and still hadn't learned
everything.

Moreover, the locations of the royal family's secret areas changed irregularly.
So why them?

Jin had a hypothesis.

'The tunnels the prophet made in the Sota Desert... If they needed the help of
imperial palace entrants to make them? Even if not detailed information about the
secret areas, they might need a rough layout of the interior of the palace.'

Even with that assumption, questions remained.

Since Dante had often gone on solo missions to contaminated areas, it would have
been more appropriate to assassinate him then.

'The reason they chose the palace over a solo mission can be found out later.'

For now, it was enough to confirm what information they had passed on and whether
the speculation was correct.

'Jin.'

'Finally, ask if anyone has received chaos or other special powers.'

Dante nodded.

"The last question. Among the ministers gathered here, has anyone been granted
chaos or other special powers by someone?"

"No!"

This time, no one lied.

It meant that the traitors had not received the power of chaos.

So, even if they were arrested immediately, there would be no other casualties.

'Bind those personnel.'

As Jin whispered, Dante's eyes widened with suppressed anger.

"Hailan!"
"Command us, Lord!"

"Kima Raitz, Julian Raitz, Edmund Kel, Deva Roskella, Bernard Quian, Killain Knash,
Ata Boin. Capture these seven immediately."

Hailan's elite forces at the meeting bound them in less than 15 seconds.

The ministers were shocked by the sudden turn of events.

The sudden summoning and intimidation of such small fry seemed to the ministers
like a creation of fear.

Or they even thought that Dante had finally expressed his revenge against Ron and
turned into a tyrant.

"Your Majesty! Why are you doing this!"

"Your Majesty, why us."

"To prevent any misunderstanding among the other ministers, I will reveal the
truth. The person standing behind me is the Princess of the Free Nation of Tikan
and the contractor of Az Mil."

"Ah...!"

Exclamations erupted from various places.

If the disguised girl was Yuria Alphrion, then the identity of the man whispering
with the regent was obvious.

There was no longer any reason to hide their identities.

"I am Jin Runkandel of the Barmel Alliance. Our alliance's intelligence agents have
determined that the royal family has betrayed Zephyr and sided with the Garden of
Swords. Therefore, it was urgent to find out if there was anyone in the empire
colluding with the Garden of Swords."

The bound traitors were made to kneel before Dante.

Dante immediately covered Yuria's eyes and drew his sword to strike one of them.

Thick blood spilled, instantly staining the golden floor red.

"Hi, hiik."

"Oh, it's a misunderstanding. I didn't betray..."

"Shut your mouth. The one who died painlessly earlier was just lucky. You are
unfortunate."

The traitors trembled and looked around.

Not only Dante and Jin's party but even the ministers who had been harboring anger
and hatred under the regent's harsh rule were glaring at them as if they would kill
them.

Even if they didn't like Dante, it was true that all the ministers gathered here
had dedicated their lives to the empire.

They all felt great pride that the imperial capital had maintained such a stable
state during these chaotic times, and they believed that there was no better way to
serve the empire than Dante’s method.

But those traitors had tried to ruin it all.

“If you want to remove even a bit of your misfortune, it would be wise to answer my
questions with very detailed truths from now on.”

At Dante’s signal, the servants quickly cleaned up the body and wiped the blood.
Yuria, opening her eyes again, saw that only six people remained and thought that
Dante had an unexpectedly fierce force.

“First, what did you promise to receive from the Garden of Swords?”

Jin expected it to be eternal life, as foolish people like the elders of the Barton
or Seigal families had done in the past.

“…Survival.”

One of the traitors met Dante’s eyes.

He had the calmest eyes among the remaining six.

He was the only one who had been prepared for such a day to come.
“Survival?”

“Your Highness the Regent… We have met Lord Rosa directly. It was through a crystal
ball, but during our conversation, we realized the power that Runkandel possesses.
He said he would destroy everything except Hufester.”

“So you betrayed me to join Rosa and live a miserable life under him, thinking the
empire will soon fall?”

“If you truly care about the empire, you should surrender to Lord Rosa now.
Although I am a traitor, this is the last honest advice I can give you.”

According to Yuria, the traitors, including him, sincerely thought so.

They said that even if the entire world combined its strength, they could not do
anything against Rosa.

“I will not blame you for your weak choices. So you too should calmly accept the
punishment that will be given.”

“…You plan to exterminate our entire family, don’t you?”

“Everything that exists in your families will be erased from the world. However, if
you confess the information you provided to Rosa, I will spare the children and
innocent servants.”

Yuria revealed a blue ribbon, confirming that Dante’s words were true.

The traitor talking with Dante bowed his head.

“There is not much information that low-ranking servants like us can know, Your
Majesty. The information we provided to Lord Rosa is, I swear, only the structure
of the Imperial Palace.”

Jin recalled the prophet’s tunnel at that point.

“Did they explain what they would do with that information?”

“Yes.”

It was true. As Jin expected, they had no information to report to Runkandel other
than the rough structure of the Imperial Palace.
In fact, Rosa did not even ask them for other information.

“Keep your promise. Take them away.”

“Yes, my lord!”

As the traitors were being taken away, the servants all had faces filled with evil.

It was not towards Dante, but towards Rosa and the Garden of Swords.

Jin stepped forward.

“The prophet in the Garden of Swords has the ability to create special tunnels. It
is highly likely that the traitors conveyed the structure of the Imperial Palace to
create them. Perhaps they were not only trying to assassinate the Regent but also
planning to invade the Imperial Palace through the tunnels.”

Therefore, the task now was to check if tunnels had already formed inside the
Imperial Palace.

Dante had already thought of a way.

“We will demolish the entire Imperial Palace to find them. It’s filled only with
symbols of a vanished royal family, so there won’t be much to miss. Start
immediately, and you all prepare.”

SYS 672

**Episode 672**

**Episode 171. Beneath the Imperial Palace... (1)**

As soon as Dante's order was given, the ministers' faces turned pale. They had
never seen Dante go back on his word.

"Your Excellency, the Regent!?"

"You're going to destroy the Imperial Palace!?"

"And you mean to do it right now?"

Even those who were cautious to speak out against his authority raised their voices
in challenge.

"Indeed. Do you object?"

"It's a castle that holds thousands of years of the empire's history! It's not
right to simply erase it like this!"

"Regent, Your Excellency, even though the core members of the Bemont family have
betrayed the empire, this Imperial Palace belongs to the empire, not just the royal
family."

"The empire's, you say..."

Dante's eyes narrowed.

"Even if it weren't for this incident, I had been thinking that we should
eventually downsize the Imperial Palace. How many people does it take, and how much
tax money is spent to maintain this unnecessarily grand Golden Palace?"

"Your Excellency, the Regent! I understand that you trust Jin, but isn't this
decision based merely on suspicion?"

"If we wait for suspicion to become certainty, it will be too late. What will we do
if not just one assassin, but an army of chaos emerges from the unidentified
tunnels?"

"But..."

"Enough! I have no intention of reversing my decision, so the ministers should

accept it. For the safety of the empire, I would destroy this castle ten times, a
hundred times over."

Silenced by his stern voice, the ministers closed their mouths. Any further
argument would surely lead to trouble.

Jin admired Dante's imperial demeanor and thought this decision was absolutely
correct a hundred times over.

However, he felt that if he stepped in, the picture would be even better.

'All the ministers may not know Dante, but their loyalty to the empire is deep and
unanimous. However, there is a buildup of dissatisfaction due to overwork and
pressure.'
Jin cleared his throat.

"Hem hem. May the Barmel Alliance formally offer an opinion on the demolition of
the Imperial Palace?"

"Speak, Jin."

"As Sir McGill just said, the prophet's tunnel is just a suspicion. And as the
Regent said, once it becomes a certainty, it's an irreversible problem, and it
seems the Regent will not relent."

"Can't you persuade His Excellency, the Regent...?"

"How can I stop what the empire's ministers cannot? Instead, the Barmel Alliance,
which first mentioned the tunnel, is willing to take responsibility for the
demolition of the Imperial Palace. As allies, that is."

The ministers exchanged glances and murmured among themselves.

Jin looked at them and smiled.

It was a smile filled with pure goodwill, but the ministers worried about what the
Twelfth Knights might take.

"Currently, the Free Nation of Tikan has the world's highest level of defense.
Armed with various state-of-the-art technologies, along with improved magic cannon
arsenals plundered from the previous royal family."

"Are you saying you will share those technologies with us?"

"Yes. We will share more than before. Sir Amela, who has contributed greatly to the
rise of Tikan's defense, and other personnel will be dispatched, and the Barmel
Alliance will also support some of the key materials needed for development. From
the moment a new castle becomes the center of the empire after the demolition of
the Imperial Palace, regardless of whether the tunnel exists or not."

The ministers thought Jin would next talk about what he would take from the empire,
now that he had shown his hand.

"In addition, we will support the defense of the entire empire, not just the new
castle, and technology for airships will also be shared. I believe this is
sufficient compensation for the destruction of a symbol of an old era."

But when more talk of additional support came up, the ministers wondered why Jin
was doing this.
"The Barmel Alliance and the empire are allies, and I and the Regent are the
closest of friends, and the world is at risk of destruction before chaos. I hope
you all understand that I am not offering support to later extort something from
the empire."

Regardless of whether the Imperial Palace was destroyed or not, Jin had always
intended to do so.

Now that Rosa has become a malevolent spirit, and even after she is eventually
defeated. The crisis of the empire and Dante is no different from that of the
Barmel Alliance and Jin. Even if Rosa is defeated, Zephyr and Kinsello remain.

"Thanks to your displeasure, I receive an unexpected gift from Jin. The benefits
that Jin has agreed to provide are incomparable to this palace."

Dante already knew about the matter but pretended to be grateful.

The ministers were confused whether to like it or not, but within a few days, they
leaned towards the former.

Amela came to the empire and showed various equipment directly. The various
artifacts developed by Qual far exceeded the ministers' understanding.

"...The demolition is not proceeding as quickly as I thought. I'm concerned that

it's taking too much of your time."

It was the task of removing the largest building on earth. It was not something
that could be finished in a day or two.

Jin and Dante were walking around the demolition site, looking for the tunnel.
Chamberlains and ministers who knew all the secrets within the castle combined
their information to predict the location of the tunnel, and Jin personally checked
each new location as it was identified.

Jin was the only one who could properly detect the spirit of chaos.

"It's okay. I've resolved most of the urgent matters, so your safety is the most
important issue right now. And this is fast enough. We can't just smash it as we
please."

"Thank you for saying so. By the way, the one suspected of providing an assassin to
the royal family is Joshua Runkandel... If that's true, then he's truly like a
cockroach. Stripped of his knightly status and turned into a cripple, yet he's come
back."
"Even if he's not as strong as Sister Runtia, he must have gotten stronger. That
doesn't seem to be a problem, but I'm worried about who the sword he provided to
the royal family is."

It was difficult to guess who the assassin provided by Runkandel to Ailan Bemont
was.

'Among those I've encountered in the Garden of Swords so far, there aren't many who
could defeat the current Dante.'

Rosa herself, Paddler Runkandel, Lionel, and Runtia.

However, Runtia was currently unable to come out in person, and the destructive
swordsmanship of Paddler and Lionel was not suitable for assassination.

'Of course, there are others who could defeat Dante, and if their goal is not
assassination but a surprise invasion through the tunnel. With just them, the
empire would suffer catastrophic damage...'

-<Runkandel's ... Runkandel orders Ailan Bemont to kill Dante Hailan, the Sword
Emperor of the Imperial Palace, and provides a monster.>

Providing a monster.

That part continued to bother Jin. '...Runkandel' was blanked out due to a lack of
achievement in record magic or for some other reason, but the vague expression
'monster' was clearly specified.

It was unclear whether the term “monster” was used to describe the target’s
remarkable inactivity, or if it referred to a bizarre entity born from chaos, or
something else entirely. It was impossible to know before encountering it.

Above all.

The reason Jin was more concerned about the possibility of assassination rather
than invasion was because the term “monster” was in the singular form.

“Is it likely that the person you met was the former head of Runkandel or one of
the ten knights?”

“It could be.”

As the demolition of the Imperial Palace began, Jin was troubled by an ominous
feeling, as if something heavy was pressing down on him.
‘Why do I feel so disgusted? Nothing has been confirmed yet…’

Was it because the thought of the Garden of Swords being tainted by chaos filled
him with rage? Jin struggled to suppress the sticky, ominous sensation clinging to
him.

Creak…!

The sound of buildings being demolished echoed from all around.

Days had passed with only intact buildings being torn down and no results, and if
it weren’t for the absolute support of the people for Dante and Jin, the atmosphere
in the capital would have been much more uneasy.

Jin, Dante, and the pillars of the empire were actually hoping that no tunnels
would be found.

However, exactly ten days after the demolition began.

Jin’s prediction proved to be correct.

“It’s a spirit energy, Dante.”

“Have you found something!?”

“It’s on the side of the third hall on the first floor. Have the troops ready,
let’s go check it out.”

As soon as the demolition of the third hall began, the hidden spirit energy was
revealed. No one else could feel it.

Even upon inspection, the third hall being demolished seemed to have no particular
abnormalities.

Swoosh-!

As Jin drew his sword, Bradamante, Dante and the waiting troops took a defensive
stance.

When the spirit-infused blade sliced straight through the floor of the third hall,
those watching couldn’t help but gasp.
‘What on earth is that!’

‘There really is a tunnel under the Imperial Palace…’

What was revealed as the floor was split by the spirit sword was not a cross-
section of the strata or underground, nor a pile of dirt and stones, but a well-
like form of spirit energy.

An entrance to a massive tunnel, large enough for about a hundred people to enter
at once, was exposed.

“How could we have known nothing while such a thing was forming under the Imperial
Palace?”

“When the prophet formed tunnels in the Sota Desert, Ziepel had no clue either. I
had hoped there were none, but they’ve appeared after all.”

Jin looked around at Dante and the troops.

“There’s a high chance there are more entrances. Now that the existence of the
tunnel is confirmed, we should speed up the demolition and evacuate the people near
the Imperial Palace as planned. It would be best if just you and I go inside to
check.”

Dante nodded. The two immediately entered the tunnel, and the rest carried out
their assigned roles.

The tunnel was surprisingly deep without any collapse of the ground, and unlike the
tunnels Jin had experienced in the past, it was not very complex.

Even as they reached the end of the underground, Jin was engulfed in an unpleasant
and ominous premonition. He wasn’t afraid of the unknown enemy, but for some
reason, he was sweating and his heartbeat was quickening.

“Are you alright?”

“Ah, it seems I’ve shown my hand. I’ve felt strangely disgusted since we started
the investigation. I don’t know why. It’s not something to worry about…”

At that moment.

Suddenly, a chill ran down his spine. He didn’t feel any particular energy, but
somehow, he was sure that if he moved wrongly now, he would be deeply cut
somewhere. No, he was certain of it.
Dante also felt the same sense of crisis, albeit half a beat later than Jin.

And there was only one person in the world who could make them tense without any
sign.

A figure known among assassins as ‘Salshin.’

‘Could it be…!’

Slash-!

A sword swept past both of them at the same time. Dante was slightly cut on the
back, and Jin narrowly avoided it.

And the moment Jin counterattacked and locked eyes with the person who had ambushed
them, he recognized the identity of the ominous premonition that had been
tormenting him.

[Die…]

“Yona… Sister.”

Jin clenched his teeth as he saw her charging at him again.

SYS 673

**Episode 673**

**Episode 171. Under the Imperial City... (2)**

Yona Run Kandel.

As soon as I faced her appearance and those ruthless eyes soaked in chaos and
murderous intent, I almost lost my reason.

But showing any weakness, even for a moment, in front of a being like her was
tantamount to suicide.

"Damn it, what have those bastards done to my sister!"

The hatred for Rosa and the Garden of Swords that surged up in an instant was
profound, but the love and care for my only younger sister was much deeper and more
immense.

That was the reason Jin could hold onto his sanity in that fleeting moment.

It wasn't a defensive instinct to protect himself, but solely to protect his

sister.

So that when his sister regained consciousness, she wouldn't be engulfed in guilt
and pain for having hurt him.

Clang!

Bradamante, falling like a flash of light, deflected Yona's sword.

Yona seemed momentarily flustered, as if she hadn't expected her sword to be

deflected so easily, and Dante didn't miss the opportunity.

"Jin...!"

However, Dante didn't take advantage of Yona's momentary hesitation. He knew better
than anyone what she meant to Jin, so he couldn't recklessly harm her.

Having missed the chance to end the situation as soon as it started, he didn't know
what would happen if he couldn't quickly subdue Yona.

While Yona was buying time, an invasion could start through another tunnel, or Yona
could escape from the two of them and indiscriminately massacre the people in the
capital.

In a way, Dante prioritized his friend's heart over the safety of the empire.

It was a choice that, as the supreme ruler of the empire, he should never make, but
Dante had no choice.

"Thank you, Dante."

"Huh, what should I do? Shamefully, I ask you this question too often."

Jin quickly regained his composure.

A fierce anger rose within him, but at the same time, his spirit and inner self
were more solid than ever. Any mistake from now on could mean losing Yona.

'She's in a state of frenzy due to the marriage, and the prophet must have played
some trick on my sister.'

That's why the Yona he knew seemed duller. Although more destructive, her
characteristic shadow-like movements had faded.

Is subduing her possible?

After two more exchanges, the conclusion was reached.

"Dante, if you and I get a little hurt, we might be able to subdue our sister."

If it were about killing rather than subduing, they could have done it without
suffering any damage.

From Dante's perspective, it was right to kill Yona, and Jin was making an
unreasonable request.

"Alright."

But Dante didn't hesitate. If it had been Ron in the tunnel, he would have made the
same request to Jin.

"I owe you a big one."

"That's nonsense. I'm far from repaying all that I've received from you."

Whoosh!

Jin overlaid Bradamante with spiritual energy.

Yet, even though such intense spiritual energy flared like fire targeting her, Yona
showed no particular reaction.

'Is it because she's lost her reason? If it were my sister, she should have a
strong adverse reaction to the spiritual energy.'

Yona nonchalantly placed her sword against Bradamante, which was covered in
spiritual energy.
The sword was not Yona's 'Death' either. At first glance, it looked like Death, but
it was longer, and most importantly, it lacked the distinctive chilling sensation.

"Gasp!"

Dante, who had stepped to the side, let out a breath. A bit of his hair had been
cut by Yona's blade. She had decided to eliminate Dante first.

"We should be prepared for a serious injury."

"It seems there's still no battle outside. No disturbances at all."

"You can sense that from here?"

"Thanks to a bit of experience with the divine senses. I hope this tunnel was made
only to let Sister Yona infiltrate."

Dante was so tense just keeping Yona in check that he couldn't pay attention to
anything else.

Even if that weren't the case, reading the atmosphere outside from deep within this
tunnel was too much for him.

"You've become a monster, indeed."

"That's why these trials keep coming."

As Jin began to seriously counter, Yona had to change her plan to deal with Dante
first.

It was a combined attack by the world's strongest magic swordsman and the empire's
greatest swordsman. Moreover, the two were in sync like twins, so all Yona could do
was a desperate, wild attack.

The problem was that each attack was lethal. Even if dulled, a killing intent was
still a killing intent, and the darkness of the tunnel made her even freer.

If it seemed like the sword appeared in front, it would come from behind, and if it
was deflected, another thrust would come from an angle.

Even as Jin and Dante stood back to back in response, creating angles to penetrate
was something only Yona could do.
[Ugh... die... Jin... Run Kandel...]

That person didn't seem like Yona at all.

Although this fact continuously tormented him inside, Jin maintained his composure.

"I remember the first day I went to Munmyeong. I almost died at my sister's hands
then, too."

[Kill... you...!]

"Just like that time, Sister, you won't be able to kill me today. I will make sure
of it, for your sake."

There were many moments when Jin and Dante could have finished Yona together. But
the chance to subdue her never came, and the two were accumulating more and more
superficial wounds.

Yona began to attempt bolder and more dangerous attacks after realizing that the
two weren't even trying to cut her deeply.

"Is everything still alright outside?"

"If something happens, I'll let you know immediately... Wait, Dante."

"Has it started!?"

"No, it's not that. You called me a monster earlier, right?"

"Suddenly, what about it?"

Monster. A word that was accurately recorded in Valeria's magical record window,
unlike the name '... Run Kandel'.

“Why did Valeria’s records specifically refer to Sister Yona as a monster?”

“But if it’s Joshua, is there a reason why his name wouldn’t appear correctly in
the record magic?”

“Well, it could be because he accepted chaos and became a completely new being. Of
course, I can’t be sure, it’s just intuition.”
Suddenly, the conversation with his companions before coming to Sword Emperor City
came to mind.

“As I deduced then, if it’s because he became a new being by accepting chaos, then
there should have been a blank in the records. Is there some distinction between
Sister Yona and… Runkandel?”

Could it be that it’s not Sister Yona?

That thought occurred to him. Perhaps, like Joshua’s clone, the prophet created a
clone of Yona or something else.

“Besides, looking at the state of things, it doesn’t seem to be properly

controlled. The tunnel… It’s strange to make this vast tunnel just for Sister Yona.
If there was an intention to send more people, there should have been chaos outside
already. It would have been most effective to strike outside while Dante and I were
tied up here.”

If the Yona in front of him isn’t the ‘real Yona,’ there’s no reason to endure
injuries to subdue her. And this Yona, she didn’t resemble the Yona Jin knew at
all.

“Sister Yona would have at least suffered once. Even if it wasn’t the prophet but
beings like Heluram or Gliyak that directly consumed her, by now, she would have at
least once suffered from fighting me…”

The Yona Jin knew was such a person.

Always in a precarious state because of chaos, killing people for a long time
without any particular reason because of chaos, always instilling terror in others
because of chaos.

But she was someone who overcame that terrible chaos and ultimately came to love
Jin, her family, people.

The younger sister who wove green roses for Jin while constantly hearing voices
telling her to kill humans.

“Dante, get out.”

“Jin, you’re not thinking of giving up on Lady Yona, are you? Don’t do that!”

“I have no such intention. I’ll buy us time, so go and bring Yuria.”

“Princess Yuria?”
“It might not be Sister Yona. I’ll explain later. I can’t handle this alone for
long.”

It was a natural conclusion since even the two of them would have to brace for
significant injuries to subdue Yona.

Since he was just taking hits like a scarecrow.

“I’ll be back as quickly as possible!”

As Dante showed his back, Yona’s blade surged relentlessly. Jin parried the barely
visible sword and blocked Yona.

“I felt like I was going crazy because of the dirty and ominous feeling without a
known cause, but now it seems like I can breathe and my head is clearing up. Sister
doesn’t seem like the real one.”

Flick-!

Yona’s sword grazed Jin’s cheek as it passed by.

Jin still did not exploit her vulnerabilities.

For about ten minutes, Jin faced Yona alone.

Jin was bloodied, but his breathing and movements remained unchanged. Instead, his
senses, which had encompassed the outside, were now focused solely on Yona.

“Jin!”

“Brother Jin!”

Dante clenched his teeth as soon as he saw the blood-soaked Jin, but Yuria,
realizing at a glance that there were no deep wounds, was not as shocked.

“How’s the outside?”

This time Jin asked Dante.

“It’s fine, are you alright?”

“Brother Jin is okay. And that person…”

Yuria concentrated for a moment, manifesting the power of Az Mil.

Her eyes turned green as she discerned the truth about Yona.

“She’s not Sister Yona!”

“Is she a clone like Joshua?”

“It doesn’t seem like that either, just… a soulless combat doll. That’s how it
appears to me.”

“Are you sure she’s not Sister Yona?”

“Absolutely not.”

As soon as Yuria confirmed it.

Jin’s legs gave out, and he knelt on the floor.

An indescribable sense of relief washed over him, knowing that this Yona was not
the real one.

Of course, the fake Yona took advantage of the moment to try to finish Jin, and
Dante, in alarm, shot out a sword energy to protect him.

Yona’s sword was faster than Dante’s sword energy.

However, Jin, while kneeling, swung Bradamante and deflected the fake Yona’s sword
in one stroke, even managing to cut off her neck.

“Yes… I thought so. Our Sister Yona couldn’t have been like this.”

The beheaded fake Yona writhed for a moment before disintegrating and disappearing.

In its place, a single black mass remained.

SYS 674
**Episode 674**

**Episode 171. Beneath the Imperial City... (3)**

Thanks to discovering and dealing with the chaotic tunnels beneath the imperial
city, the people's support for Jin and Dante soared once again.

Articles about this event poured out day after day.

As always, there was no need for Dino Jägerlund to bolster public opinion, as
praises were coming from all over.

Even the ministers, who had been internally complaining about Dante's overwork,
grew more loyal to him.

If it weren't for Dante and Jin, no one would have discovered the empire being
turned upside down.

Hailan's Second Fortress.

Since the demolition began, the empire had been using this place as a temporary
imperial city.

After a long meeting that had just ended, Dante's office was left with Jin and his
colleagues, along with the King of the Nameless, Oul, and the top assassin, Bizen.

"I apologize for the lengthy meeting, Sir Oul."

"Not at all. It's our fault for arriving too early."

Oul spoke in a low voice. His tired appearance, constantly smoking cigarettes with
heavy eyes, was evident.

Those gathered in the office fixed their gaze on a black mass on the table.

The remnant of the fake Yona's neck that had been cut off.

Oul had seen it before.

"We assumed that we might have lost Yona at some point... but I never imagined she
would have entered the Garden of Swords."
The Nameless currently referred to the black mass the group was looking at as
'Yona's Rampage Trace.'

The Rampage Trace had only recently started to be found, and as the name suggests,
it was a kind of chaos conglomerate left behind whenever Yona ended her rampage.

After the Gliac Subjugation War, the chaos within Yona responded to the remnants of
the enemy, tormenting her once again.

As time passed, the frequency of her rampages shortened and became more dangerous,
and now it was impossible for the entire Nameless to restrain Yona.

At Oul's gesture, Bizen opened a box next to him.

Inside were six Rampage Traces similar to what was obtained from the imperial
city's underground.

Although they had heard there were six more, facing them directly made the group
feel even more uneasy.

The reason for their unease was clear.

According to Valeria's examination of the Rampage Trace records, the prophet was
creating fake Yonas through these traces, using the power of chaos.

"...Sir Oul, how many Rampage Traces has the Nameless missed?"

"At least three, at most more than five."

"That means there could be more than five remaining fakes. And in the worst case...
or rather, it's highly likely that additional Rampage Traces are still being
generated. Ones we're missing."

Oul nodded heavily.

"Is there a possibility that Sister Yona has been completely captured by the Garden
of Swords?"

"That shouldn't be the case. At the time you cut down the fake, we were tracking
and fighting the real Yona."

Oul rolled up the right sleeve of his Nameless uniform to show a long, dark scar, a
wound he had received while tracking Yona a few days ago.
The search party consisted only of Oul and the top assassins, which is why there
were no fatalities.

Even so, if Yona had targeted the top assassins first instead of Oul, Bizen
wouldn't be standing here now.

"She was in agony after almost killing me. Right now, that child is far more
dangerous than the fake you faced."

"Didn't Sister Yona seem to be brainwashed by the prophet?"

"You must have seen it once, how immense the chaos within that child is. Also, I
heard from Sir Cyron in the past that her chaos is a very special kind. It doesn't
seem likely that the prophet could easily control it."

"Father said that?"

"Yes. Is there still no contact with Sir Cyron's expedition?"

"That's correct."

At Jin's calm response, Oul closed his eyes for a moment. He too did not believe
that Cyron and the expedition were still alive.

"Once the Yona matter is settled, we'll send someone from the Nameless."

"Thank you, Sir Oul."

"Anyway, setting aside whether the prophet can control Yona's chaos. Even if the
current Garden of Swords is formidable, it will be difficult to capture her in a
short period. However, unlike us, they can create fakes just by obtaining these
Rampage Traces."

For the purposes of target tracking and assassination, the Nameless had abilities
superior to those of Run Kandel before being tainted by chaos.

Since even the Nameless had been unable to capture Yona for several years, Oul was
convinced that the prophet would be helpless as well.

"You said the last place Sister Yona escaped from was Akin, right?"

The last place the Nameless lost Yona was the Kingdom of Akin in the Lutero Magic
Federation.

It's where Jin had brought down the dark organization Tesing and obtained the Rune
of Multa, the Grimoire of Shuziel, and Zet.

"She must still be in Akin, as the remaining search parties haven't reported
anything unusual. Even if she left, it would still be within the Lutero Magic
Federation."

The farther Yona's location was from Huphester, the better.

Especially now, thanks to the temporary alliance, they could receive help from
Ziepel.

However, unlike with Valeria, Jin did not want to rely on the 'entirety of Ziepel'
unless absolutely necessary.

'Sister Yona's case is different from the teacher's...'

Valeria was also a person essential to Ziepel.

Therefore, they accepted Jin's unreasonable request in exchange for just the magic
trace.

But Yona was different.

'Ziepel would probably want to eliminate Sister Yona given the chance.'

For now, due to her rampages, even the Nameless couldn't control her, but it was
clear that once she recovered, Yona would stand by Jin's side.

Therefore, from Ziepel's perspective, there was no reason to capture Yona alive.

Even if Jin requested her capture, they had more than enough reasons to refuse.

Due to the rampage, civilians within Akin could be harmed, or it could be concluded
that Yona’s inactivity makes capture impossible.

Of course, the moment Yona is killed, the alliance could be broken as a threat.

But that would be nothing more than throwing a tantrum over the fate of the entire
world.
Owul was thinking the same thing.

“We do need help from the Ziepel side, but I’m worried. They have no reason to keep
Yona alive, unlike us. However, if we don’t inform Ziepel, civilian casualties
could occur or we could be put in a compromising situation, so honestly, it’s
frustrating.”

“Has Sister Yona ever caused a rampage and killed civilians… before?”

Faced with the heavy question, Owul met Jin’s eyes.

“No.”

“Really?”

“Yes, I swear there hasn’t been. It seems Yona has focused all her indiscriminate
murderous desires on me and the nameless assassins.”

Owul exhaled a puff of cigarette smoke.

“That must be because she thought of you, the Twelfth Knight.”

Jin stroked his chest.

Yona hadn’t killed people without reason since meeting Jin.

She was always wary of chaos, and even now, her efforts were still valid.

“What should we do?”

Owul asked the question, feeling despondent.

He felt a sense of self-loathing for asking Jin about the ‘nameless’ matters. No
matter how strong Jin was.

“There hasn’t been any physical transformation yet, and since she’s resisting
chaos, it’s the same with complete erosion. We need to find her as soon as possible
before we can no longer use the purifier.”

“So you mean it’s better to seek Ziepel’s help, even at the risk of Yona being
eliminated?”
“Yes. But, I don’t plan to discuss it with the Ziepel leaders.”

Owul’s eyes narrowed.

“Then what?”

“I’ll only seek help from Tower Keeper Hedo and Sandra Ziepel. Those two will
probably help us find her without informing Ziepel.”

After all, Hedo and Sandra had already sent a request to meet. They needed to
examine Hedo’s sword, presumed to be the entrance to the sixth tomb, and to fully
integrate them into the Barmel Alliance.

Whether they could be trusted or whether Sandra Ziepel had that level of authority,
Owul did not add such words to Jin.

It was because he felt a sense of young Sirron in Jin.

The words Jin spoke carried that much weight.

“Understood. Then we, the nameless, will start searching Akin again from now.”

“Additionally, could you infiltrate those not involved in the search for Sister
Yona into the interior of Hufester?”

“I will do so. It seems we can’t maintain a neutral position in this situation. The
nameless will officially join the Barmel Alliance from today. It’s only right that
we step up as it’s the alliance’s matter. Send people as soon as you give us the
list of rescue targets.”

“Thank you, Lord Owul. I’ll have the Red Owl and my colleagues on standby, so
please contact Tikan immediately if you find Sister Yona.”

Owul stood up and offered Jin a handshake.

“That brash kid from a few years ago has already grown up to put me at his feet.
It’s something even your father couldn’t achieve, so you can be proud enough.”

“The nameless are just members of the Barmel Alliance, I don’t consider them
beneath me. Still, I trust you’ll turn a blind eye to the promised return of the
Mandokju.”

“If only we can save that child, I’d do anything. It’s only now that I can honestly
say…”

Owul cleared his throat, looking embarrassed.

“Yona is actually our nameless’ youngest daughter, princess, and greatest treasure.
Not just me, but everyone cherishes Yona. Not only your family, but perhaps even
more than you. Even if she loses the ability of Salshin, that fact will never
change.”

It didn’t feel like a special confession, as Owul and the members of the nameless
had always shown an endlessly soft side to Yona.

So everyone felt that his words were not surprising, but Owul kept coughing.

Yona was unaware, but her subconscious also considered the nameless as ‘family.’

That’s why, even while being consumed by chaos, she only tried to cause trouble to
her family. If it wasn’t for family, she wouldn’t be forgiven by anyone when she
returned to her senses.

“Sometimes there are people who seem more blood-related than blood relatives. For
me, it was my colleagues and the Mingwang clan brothers, and for Sister Yona, it’s
the nameless. When sister returns, it would be nice if we all welcome her
together.”

SYS 675

**Episode 675**

**Episode 172. Attempt at Persuasion**

Tikan, Litra Tea House.

"Mr. Jin, did you know? These days, Sandra Ziepel is very happy."

Crunch!

Sandra said this while biting into a Litra cookie.

Hedo, sitting next to her, wiped the cookie crumbs from the corners of her mouth
with an expressionless face, and Jin felt that they seemed more like a father and
daughter than a butler and his mistress.
"Isn't it polite to ask why someone is happy in such situations?"

"The fact that the word 'polite' can come out of your mouth is truly..."

"Truly what?"

"Moving. I hope you continue to think about politeness and dignity in the future."

"What are you saying? You're the one without manners from the start. Those
unnecessarily bulky muscles, they intimidate ordinary people just by looking."

"Please stop spilling cookies. Why can't you eat without spilling, just like when
you were five years old?"

"Why bother when Hedo takes care of everything?"

"Then I should stop helping you from today."

"Then I'll tear you apart!"

Jin was getting the impression that they were like a pair of comedic actors.
Listening to their conversation often made him chuckle quietly.

"Why are you in a good mood, Sandra Ziepel?"

"Well, because I've been meeting you so often lately! It's funny that you're asking
the obvious, haha."

"Hmm... I see."

Talking to a pureblood Ziepel and an unidentified superhuman tower keeper about

betraying Ziepel.

Excluding Veradin, he never imagined there would be another day when he'd have to
say such things to another Ziepel.

'The key is not Sandra, but Hedo.'

On the surface, Hedo absolutely obeys Sandra, but Jin thought that the real control
between them lay with Hedo.
Of course, Hedo generally followed Sandra's words, even if they didn't make sense.

However, there was a certain line. If Sandra made a request that crossed that line,
Hedo would never comply, and Sandra, although she might curse or plead, that was
all.

The ultimate decision-making power lay with Hedo.

"Every time you show such a pleasant demeanor, the 12th Knight comes and goes as he
pleases. Even in romantic relationships, sometimes the mystery of push and pull is
necessary. This means that Jin Run Kandel cannot find you attractive."

"Hmm... That seems worth considering. But as far as I know, Hedo has never been in
a relationship, so how do you know so much?"

"There are 24 hours in a day, miss. And I am not with you for an average of about
five hours of those."

"So you're saying you've been using those five hours to date? Tower keeper."

Jin asked.

He was genuinely curious. Hedo was not just a second-ranked butler and tower keeper
in name; he was actually playing the role of a top executive in Ziepel.

Then, considering the amount of work and tasks he must have during the remaining
five hours, it was questionable whether dating was possible.

"...Yes. Is that strange?"

"It's a bit surprising. The position of a top executive in Ziepel doesn't seem as
busy as I thought."

"My goodness, Mr. Jin is showing more interest in Hedo than me! Are you crazy,
Hedo!? Flirting like this?"

"I am not a top executive, but merely a butler, 12th Knight."

"Just a butler, you say..."

Jin's eyes narrowed.

"In that case, I would like to make you a job offer."

There was no need to beat around the bush.

"Okay!"

Sandra immediately nodded with sparkling eyes, but Hedo's eyes sharpened.

"A job offer?"

"Yes."

"Do you realize what you're saying?"

"I'm fully aware."

"Then let's pretend I didn't hear it."

"Hedo, why again!"

"It's not 'why again,' miss. Right now, the 12th Knight is asking us to betray our
family."

"So what? I've been saying we should do that all along."

"You might be somewhat fickle, miss, but this is something the 12th Knight should
not say. The alliance is only temporary, and Ziepel and Run Kandel are ultimately
incompatible."

-It was just a few years ago in the Sota Desert that you almost got caught by Hedo.
Back then, Hedo overwhelmed Mr. Jin and his party, but what about now?

-What do you mean?

-Do you think you can win?

-It doesn't seem likely. I expected as much since you alone disrupted the Garden of
Swords, but seeing it up close is a different feeling.

-See! There's definitely a chance with Mr. Jin. It's not Hedo's fault since I
didn't think so at first either. So, how about doing what I suggested last time...
Oh, what a surprise!
The conversation between Hedo and Sandra in the Caldron Snowfield.

In fact, Sandra had been arguing for a while that they should side with Jin. Hedo
was stubbornly refusing.

"Is it just because of the longstanding grudge between Ziepel and Run Kandel that
it's not possible?"

"Yes."

"You're not a pureblood Ziepel, are you? It doesn't seem like you have any personal
grudges against Run Kandel or the Barmel Alliance."

"Right, you're not pureblood. I'm pureblood and I'm saying I'll betray, so why are
you making a fuss and cursing?"

"I don't have a personal grudge. But now it seems one is about to form. Don't you
think you're taking advantage of the lady's affection too much?"

"Mr. Jin is not using me at all! And even if he is, what's wrong with that? I only
like it."

"It may seem that way. But this is not just for my benefit or that of the alliance,
or Run Kandel's. It's for your sake that I say this."

"It was sincere.

Jin, of course, could not understand Sandra’s feelings towards him, and she herself
felt like a mystery.

Over the past few years, having experienced several incidents with her, he had
developed a kind of camaraderie and compassion.

Therefore, Jin was convinced that as long as Sandra remained in Gipul, her future
would inevitably be bleak.

“Sandra, please step aside for a moment.”

“I don’t want to.”

“Just stay here, miss.”

“I’ll make dinner later, just give me about 30 minutes.”

“Have a cup of tea with Enya or something, I’ll be back!”

Once Sandra disappeared, only Jin and Hedo were left in the tea room. Hedo, looking
uncomfortable, cleaned his glasses and took out a cigarette.

“This is a non-smoking area.”

Hedo’s shirt buttons popped off towards Jin as his muscles swelled. Click, Hedo lit
the cigarette and smoked it in one breath.

Grey smoke momentarily obscured the view of the two men.

“There seems to be no reason for me to be polite when you’re crossing the line.”

“Understand this much. Keeper, from what I see, you’re not loyal to Gipul but to
Sandra Gipul.”

Sandra Gipul, not Gipul.

That was something Hedo had sensed from the first time he saw her.

The origin of that absolute loyalty was unknown, but Hedo would clearly choose the
latter between Gipul and Sandra Gipul when the time came.

“Am I wrong?”

Instead of answering, Hedo lit another cigarette.

“I’ll take that as a yes. So, I really can’t understand. If Sandra Gipul continues
to stay in the family, what do you think the end will be like?”

“It will be the same as now.”

“I met Veradin recently. He lost his memory and became a different person as a dark
mage bio-golem. I think Sandra will eventually be sacrificed in the experiment and
end up the same.”

“There won’t be such a day for the miss, Jin Runkandel.”

“Because you protect Sandra Gipul?”

“Yes.”

“I don’t understand. The protection you speak of, does it mean you tolerate
experiments on Sandra up to a certain level?”

Sandra was already a bio-golem. She had somehow gained the ability to use the power
of time partially, along with super-regeneration and physical abilities
uncharacteristic of a mage.

“I’m thinking that Sandra Gipul’s somewhat unusual mental state and the experiments
she’s undergone are not entirely unrelated.”

“Miss Sandra is originally strange. It has nothing to do with the experiments.”

“If that’s the case, it’s a relief, but is there a guarantee it will remain so? If
she changes like Veradin, can you still call that Sandra Gipul?”

“That’s not for you to judge.”

“It’s not for you to judge either. It’s for Sandra herself to decide. Besides, what
kind of protection is that? You allow experiments that don’t completely ruin a
person, and anything beyond that, you’ll protect? Are you really keeping Sandra by
your side with such thoughts?”

“I came here today to find out the identity of my sword, not to become a traitor.
And the experiment…”

As if recalling something, Hedo’s brow furrowed.

“…it was what the lady wanted.”

“That’s a cowardly thing to say. Even if Sandra wanted it, leaving her to become a
test subject can’t be right. Or did you decide that she needs at least that level
of regenerative ability to protect her in any situation?”

“What can you do for her?”

“What?”

Hedo stood up.

“Let’s say Miss Sandra betrayed Gipul. What next? Can you and the Barmul Alliance
always protect Miss Sandra as a top priority? Even if the entire alliance perishes,
can you prioritize her?”

“Of course not.”

“You’re certainly strong. You might even be stronger than me now. But when the
fight with Rosa ends and the alliance breaks, I still can’t picture you defeating
Gipul. Even if I joined under you and lent my strength.”

“So you’re saying you’d bet Sandra’s life on the side you think has a higher
chance.”

“Yes. Even if Sir Chiron had made the same offer, I would have refused. I’ve said
this much, so I hope you understand and give up.”

“Then, if I come to possess the power to completely overpower Gipul, can I take it
that you would accept the offer?”

Without hesitation, Hedo nodded.

“By all means. If you give me that assurance, even if you refuse, I might beg you
to take me and the lady in.”

SYS 676

**Episode 676**

**Episode 173. Chasing the Sword (1)**

"To think I'm eating a meal personally cooked by Mr. Jin... Ah! I just want to live
here in Tikan forever. Right, Hedo?"

"Not at all, Miss."

"Why are you always so negative? I'm starting to dislike your recent behavior."

"If you keep this up, I might have to inform the family of your escapades. Then,
even if you have the chance like today, you won't be able to meet the 12th Knight."

"Ho, is there no end to this trash? Do you think being a tattletale suits your big
frame?"
"It seems like a fine combination. No one would think of me as a tattletale based
on my appearance, so it has its own unexpected charm and appeal."

A day had passed since Hedo and Sandra arrived in Tikan.

And just like Jin, their colleagues perceived the two as a friendly father and
daughter duo (though the daughter was quite the troublemaker).

"Hmm, no matter how much I think about it, I can't understand why that great man,
Jet, can't stand up to Sandra Ziple. It doesn't seem like she has any leverage over
him."

"It's indeed a strange relationship."

"The very existence of this Hedo character is mysterious, Sir Valkas. Our Ghost
Squad has no information on him, and neither does the Black King's Party. Even our
lord only became aware of him after encountering him directly in the Sota Desert.
How can we not know of such a significant figure?"

"Sir Syron and the high ranks of Run Kandel and Ziple seem to know, but... he's
certainly a character shrouded in mystery."

Tikan still knew very little about Hedo.

That he was Sandra Ziple's exclusive butler and the second head butler of Ziple,
yet he received the highest treatment within the family.

Hedo was in a position where he could apply for a vacation for the vague reason of
'personal affairs' even in these times.

"The letters inscribed on the sword that Miss Valeria is examining are also a
mystery."

Since yesterday, Valeria had been staying up all night examining the records of the
sword 'Veil' that Hedo possessed.

As expected, Veil, being an item related to old Run Kandel, had a manipulated
history.

"Sir Hedo."

Valkas sought out Hedo on behalf of everyone.

"You may call me just the tower keeper, leader of the Black King's."

"I prefer to address you as 'Sir.' I have something I'm curious about."

"What is it?"

"I'm curious about your relationship with Sandra Ziple."

"Is it so curious how a butler serves his master?"

"It doesn't seem like the usual butler-master relationship. I've heard from Jin
that you don't serve Ziple, but you're loyal to Sandra Ziple. I'll prepare some
fine liquor and tobacco, so if there's a special story, could you share it?"

Valkas was a person with a subtly good affinity. Hedo also seemed not too
uncomfortable with Valkas's sudden approach.

"I always welcome good liquor and tobacco, but there's no particular story."

"Don't be like that, tell me. Because of the curiosity about you and Sandra Ziple,
Tikan is almost paralyzed with inactivity."

Valkas pulled out a top-quality Mila tobacco from his pocket and offered it to
Hedo. Hedo savored the scent and smiled contentedly.

"The Mila tobacco farm produces at most one box a year of this quality. Alright,
I'll tell you."

The companions perked up their ears.

But in the next moment, Hedo gave a very disappointing answer.

"People often care more for a long-kept dog or cat than for their own body. The
reason I serve the Miss is no different. I've been watching over her since she was
young, so now it's just natural."

"Are you comparing me to a pet?"

"If I had to put it into words, that's what I meant, Miss. Anyway, the story is
quite insignificant compared to the tobacco you've given me. I hope you're not
disappointed."
"Then...! In Ziple...! How did you come to have an enemy?"

Jet cautiously interjected. He also pulled out a different type of top-quality Mila
tobacco and offered it to Hedo.

It was stolen from Qual's drawer.

"There's no need to speak so fearfully, Jet. Ziple joined during his wandering
youth by chance. Hmm, this also has a very dignified scent."

"Tikan people seem to enjoy sucking the life out of others, tower keeper."

Jin shrugged his shoulders and spoke.

"If you have any questions, ask away, if you have something that might pique my
interest."

"There's no need for that, once you become one of us, you'll naturally come to know
everything."

If Jin asked Sandra, he could find out about Hedo's past at any time.

But Jin didn't do that.

There was no need to uncover a past that was deliberately hidden and make a
potential ally, a giant, uncomfortable.

His past wasn't that important an issue anyway.

What was important was entering the sixth tomb through Veil.

"And more than your past, I'm curious about the past of the sword you possess. I
haven't told you yet, but the word 'Veil' inscribed on the blade is presumed to be
the name of a figure from the old Run Kandel's ten knights."

"Like the one I saw in the snowfield? I had some suspicions."

"It's a bitter story for me that a servant of Ziple possesses the sword of the ten
knights. Well, tower keeper, aside from being a man of Ziple, you're certainly a
warrior worthy of owning such a sword."

"I didn't know you could flatter."

"I'm just stating the facts. When I first met you, I thought, what kind of monster
is this?"

“Doing that won’t change my mind.”

“One of the reasons I need to look good to you is because there’s a matter related
to Sister Yona.”

Jin had asked for help in finding Yona as soon as Sandra and Hedo arrived.

“Didn’t the lady agree to that matter yesterday?”

“Ho ho, don’t worry, honey. I will somehow save my sister-in-law.”

“Sandra trusts me. But I can’t help thinking that you might report us to someone
higher up.”

“Being treated as a tattletale twice now. You can bring the contractor of truth to
verify if you want.”

“Let’s just trust and leave it at that.”

“It’s not about trust; it’s that the moment something goes wrong with Yona
Runkandel, you’ll threaten Miss Sandra, so I think you won’t report it just because
you dislike that idea.”

“I’m not so vile as to do that. But if the other party acts vilely first, then
there’s nothing I can do.”

“I don’t mind being kidnapped by you at all.”

At that moment, Valeria left the laboratory. As always in such situations, she
looked haggard, but there was one unusual thing.

‘Her eyes are sparkling…?’

That was the look in Valeria’s eyes only when she had made a particularly great
discovery. Jin smiled inwardly, reminded of his past life by her expression.

“Jin.”

“Have you finished analyzing the records?”

“Yes, follow me. I’ll explain.”

As Jin left his seat, Sandra glared at Valeria’s retreating back as if to kill, and
Hedo sighed and calmed her down.

“You seem excited. Looks like the harvest is bigger than expected?”

“This sword holds the most complete record of the old Runkandel we’ve found so
far.”

“Didn’t you say the sword’s history was heavily manipulated?”

“I did say that, initially it was true. But this is the first time for me too. When
my magic touched it, the sword’s history began to restore itself.”

“It restores its history on its own?”

Like a dry forest absorbing rainwater, Hedo’s sword began to slowly revive the
records within it as soon as Valeria’s record magic touched it.

Valeria had just maintained that state overnight, without taking any special
measures to further restore the records.

“Yes. This sword perfectly contains a fragment of Runkandel from a thousand years
ago. It’s in much better condition than the records we saw in the Wontaramo
Forest.”

Until now, Jin had never seen a ‘complete record’ of the old Runkandel. The records
he had seen were always partially or mostly damaged.

“Then it will show us more than the recording devices left by Solderet.”

“Of course. And maybe…”

Valeria paused and locked eyes with Jin.

“We might meet the living old Runkandel. In the tomb inside this sword.”

“What…?”

Jin’s pupils widened.

“I’ve been thinking about why the manipulated history recovered so easily. There
must be parts that naturally weakened over time, but that alone doesn’t explain it.
It’s not because my record magic is outstanding.”

Valeria felt a vivid power within Hedo’s sword begin to resist the manipulation of
history as she cast her record magic on it.

“So you’re saying, a living Ten Great Knights is inside there, reacting to your
record magic and overcoming the history manipulation?”

“It doesn’t have to be the Ten Great Knights, but there’s a very high chance that
someone is surviving inside the sword. Not as a guardian, but as a real living
being. And if their mind is intact, and if they show you favor, you might hear the
stories of that time directly from them.”

His heartbeat quickened.

If he could hear the stories of the enigmatic old Runkandel directly, many of the
questions he had harbored might be resolved.

The background of why Silderay called Solderet a traitor in the first tomb, the
reality of the manipulated histories, Temar’s death, the last days of Runkandel.

And why Solderet had chosen him as a contractor a thousand years ago and yet kept
that fact hidden.

“An amazing story. I didn’t expect to find such a clue in the sword held by the
tower keeper of Ziphel. The fifth tomb couldn’t have been entered without that
sword either.”

“Are you going to inform the tower keeper?”

“It seems best to tell him. He’s a thorough person, and probably after we finish
talking and go back, he’ll ask Yuria to verify through her. Since Yuria has already
been mentioned. If it turns out we lied then, he definitely won’t cooperate with
us.”

It wasn’t a problem that could be simply refused.

Since Hedo owned the sword, it seemed better to speak honestly unless it was to be
forcibly taken from him.

Of course, Hedo is a person of Ziphel. Informing him of the existence of ‘the

possibly living old Runkandel’ was a very uncomfortable task, but there was no
other way.

“Killing the tower keeper or taking the sword from him now would be madness, so
that’s better. When are we going into the tomb?”

“We have to prepare and enter now. Since we don’t know what might happen during the
opening process, it’s better to try from the outside.”

SYS 677

**Episode 677**

**Episode 173. Chasing the Sword (2)**

---

On an uninhabited island within the Tikan territorial waters.

Jin chose this place to open the sixth tomb, the subspace of the sword.

To prepare for any contingencies, Jin, the strong ones from Tikan, and the owner of
the sword, Hedo, as well as Sandra, took their places in the middle of the
uninhabited island.

"Are we going to open the subspace by spreading spiritual energy like last time?"

"Probably. To be precise, it's about infusing it into the sword."

"Hmm."

Hedo adjusted his glasses with a look of dissatisfaction.

"In the Kaldoran Snowfield, didn't you say that the tomb of Temar can only be
opened if certain locational conditions are met, Twelfth Flagbearer? I doubt this
uninhabited island meets those conditions."

"Not all tombs were like that. Even then, it was just a guess due to the sudden
situation."

Hedo shrugged and handed the sword to Jin.

Jin received the sword and gave Hedo a sly smile.

"Don't you feel it's somewhat fateful, Tower Keeper?"

"What are you talking about all of a sudden?"

"Suddenly, I wonder if it's just a coincidence that this sword, after a thousand
years, has come to you. The combination of the old Ten Knights and the steward of
Ziepel isn't it?"

"Such unnecessary talk of fate."

"I only bring up such unnecessary fate to persuade you. Who knows? Maybe you are a
descendant of one of the Great Ten Knights known as Veil. That's why the sword
found you. It's not a coincidence."

"What a romantic story, sir."

"Miss, it's not romantic at all."

"Why does our foolish steward think so?"

"When the head of the family first took me in, the family verified my identity
completely. You know that, don't you?"

"Ah, those despicable ones who abandoned Hedo. I remember, though I never saw their
faces since they're already dead."

"Did you hear that, Twelfth Knight? My parents were insignificant commoners and
criminals. They abandoned their child because they were overwhelmed and
occasionally visited the orphanage out of guilt, but they never took me back.
Eventually, when their guilt became bearable, they stopped coming. Such criminals."

Despite saying this, Hedo seemed to show no change in his emotions.

In fact, he felt no particular emotions towards his parents who abandoned him right
after birth. He never missed them, nor did he ever resent them.

"Moreover, the family even verified their roots, and it turned out they were from a
merchant family of the fallen Urot Kingdom. Whoever is inside the sword, they can't
be my ancestors."

"That's disappointing."
"Now I see that not only the lady but also you need to learn the art of mystery and
push-and-pull. If you rush at me wanting me, my heart will only grow colder."

"I'll keep that in mind."

Jin pretended to be disappointed and smacked his lips mischievously.

Hedo found Jin's demeanor annoying and thought he should have beaten him up more in
the Sota Desert.

Then Jin corrected his expression and looked around at the people.

"From now on, I will infuse spiritual energy into the sword. It would be nice if
the tomb opens smoothly, but since we don't know what variables may arise, please
don't let your guard down."

"Yes, my lord!"

"Understood, my lord."

As Jin released the spiritual energy, the area quickly darkened.

Even though it was broad daylight, it suddenly felt like night had fallen, and the
dazzling sunlight was obscured by a black curtain.

'As expected, a large amount of spiritual energy is needed this time too.'

Perhaps because of the memory of the last tomb, where he entered with almost
depleted spiritual energy and struggled in battle with Runtia, he felt somewhat
nervous.

Moreover, there was a high possibility that a living person from the old Runkandel
existed within the sword.

Like the guardians of the tombs he had encountered so far, they might attack Jin
outright, and if they were one of the Ten Knights, they wouldn't be weaker than
Runtia.

'A living member of the old Runkandel...'

It was possible because the subspace was a 'dead world,' or they were beings like
dragons or demons with lifespans of thousands of years. There was no information
that all of the Ten Knights were human.
'Or they could be in a sealed state, like Elona Ziepel.'

The spiritual energy spread endlessly. Occasionally, it poured into the sword and
was absorbed, but those watching couldn't even fathom the size of the spiritual
energy Jin was handling.

'It reminds me of the spiritual energy released by Murakan in his prime. That
foolish guy, I wonder if he ever found his strength, as he couldn't even help Jin
because he was substituting for Lady Misha... It would be reassuring if he were
here at this time.' (Note: I think this is Quickantel)

In the Kaldoran Snowfield, the tomb denied entry to anyone other than Jin.

There was a past experience where the entire party entered the tomb and faced the
guardian Sara, so Quikantel hoped it would be possible this time too.

A long time passed.

'The shadow energy is being infused like crazy, but there seems to be no sign of
change starting from the sword...'

It seemed like the shadow energy would soon run out, but Hedo's sword remained
immovable.

It didn't radiate light or form a door like it did in the Kaldoran Snowfield.

"Mr. Jin, it feels different from last time, doesn't it? Could that redhead have
brought some wrong information?"

Sandra glared at Valeria as she spoke.

Valeria did not react and quietly watched Jin and the sword.

“If we fail like this, do we have to look again at how to open the door of the
sword through record magic? Things like locational conditions.”

“In my view, the redhead is completely nonsensical, Hedo. It’s also strange that
the living old Runkandel is said to be inside the sword.”

“I also find it puzzling.”

“But, if what the redhead said is all true, and the door suddenly opened. What if
that Runkandel attacks Mr. Jin, like in the Kaldran snowfield?”

“Miss, the problem you should worry about is if that old Runkandel becomes an ally
of the 12th Flagbearer.”

“Wish for what you want, Hedo. That would be good for Mr. Jin, how could I worry
about that?”

“I lost my roots and family to you all, and have been chased for a long time.”

Valeria said in a low voice, not even looking at Sandra.

“What did you say, redhead?”

“It means I feel like tearing you apart, so please shut up and focus on the work.
We all gathered here because we have no choice but to work.”

Still, Valeria did not look at Sandra, but Sandra blinked at the chilling murderous
intent contained in that low voice.

And just as Sandra was about to shout out loud.

Suddenly, Hedo’s sword vibrated and began to change for the first time.

“Is the subspace about to open?”

“Fortunately, it seems that no particular problem will occur…”

Quikantel cut off his words.

Because she saw Jin’s expression.

“Jin, are you okay?”

“Darling!?”

Jin’s face, which had been expressionless all along, was suddenly filled with
confusion.

The reason was none other than this.

‘The Keeper’s Sword seems to be about to fly off somewhere…!’

Since Jin was directly infusing spirit energy, he was more aware of the change that
had started in the sword than anyone else.

And according to what he felt, Hedo’s sword had chosen to ‘move’ instead of opening
the door like last time.

Before even 3 seconds had passed, Jin was certain. The sword would soon fly off
somewhere.

He tried to stop the flow of spirit energy into the sword, but the sword had
already gained enough power to move.

Fiiing, swoooosh-!

Like a magic cannon being fired.

Suddenly, the sword in front of Jin soared into the sky, tearing through the black
curtain that covered the sky.

It looked like Runkandel’s secret technique, the light-speed thrust, was being
performed in the sky.

The speed at which the sword flew distorted space, and everyone gathered on the
island looked up at the sky.

“Oh, Hedo’s sword popped like a firework…!”

Hedo leaped up in a flash.

He failed to grab his sword and landed on the ground.

As the sword got further away, Hedo couldn’t help but wear a dumbfounded
expression.

“Catch it!”

Quikantel shouted.

However, the sword that had shot up straight had already changed direction and was
flying off somewhere.
The spirit energy absorbed by the sword left a long trail in the sky like the tail
of a comet.

In the blink of an eye, the sword was more than a mile away from those gathered.

Intuitively, Jin guessed that the sword was flying to find a space to open his
subspace.

If so, the tomb opening was a success, but it was not a good situation.

There was no way to immediately chase after the sword.

The Red Owl was on standby on the side of the nameless, and Mote was injured, and
even if they were there, it would be difficult to chase after the sword in such a
state. The sword was not moving through space but was in pure high-speed flight.

Everyone watching the sword had no memory of seeing a flying object move faster
than this.

“Miss Quikantel!”

Jin called Quikantel. Because they had to chase the sword.

“Got it!”

Quikantel quickly manifested the power of time and transformed into her true form.

However, the sword narrowly avoided the power of time and continued to move far
into the sky.

Everyone gathered climbed onto Quikantel’s back in unison.

Quikantel immediately began to fly at full speed, but it was impossible to catch up
with the sword.

[Let’s at least follow the trail of shadow energy left by the sword!]

Fortunately, Hedo’s sword advanced, leaving a long trail of shadow energy like a
flight path.

The sword was already too far away to see, but if they followed the trail, they
could reach the sword’s final destination.

The problem was that they didn’t know where the final destination was and if the
sword’s flight would be prolonged.

‘This is an entirely unexpected situation. I thought if there was a problem with

the tomb opening, it would naturally be a battle with the tomb guardian, but I
never expected the sword to fly off like this!’

And leaving so many traces at that.

The fact that the sword flew for a long time, leaving traces all over the sky,
meant that this situation could be exposed to other forces besides Tikan.

If by the time they arrive at the destination of the sword, forces like the Sword
Garden, Ziphel, Kinzel, and the Royal Family all gather there.

‘The temporary allies would be reluctant to do anything rash, but not the Sword
Garden…!’

If things go wrong, the picture of all the major forces gathering at Temar’s sixth
tomb could emerge.

Hedo’s murderous gaze reached behind Jin.

“It seems like you didn’t expect this problem either. But if I lose my sword
because of this situation, it won’t be very fun 12th Flagbearer…”

SYS 678

---

**Episode 678**

**Episode 173. Chasing the Sword (3)**

---

The sword had been flying for four full days. It had swept across continents and
seas without rest for those days.

The speed was so fast that the party could only barely follow it for the first ten
minutes or so; after that, they relied on the air defense networks and eyewitness
accounts of allies and allies.

"[Damn it, where is the destination?]"

Quikantel said with a voice full of anger.

Caught in an unexpected emergency, she had been flying around the world for four
days without a moment of sleep.

Of course, four days of flight is not a big deal for a dragon, but flying at full
speed almost every moment was exhausting.

Who would have thought that the day would come when she would be chasing a 'sword'?

"**My sword... my sword... can it be found...?**"

Like all warriors, Hedo cherished his longsword. There was no blacksmith in this
era who could make such a fine weapon, and it was also dear to him because it was a
reward from a battle with a monster in the Black Sea in his youth.

Such a sword had been stirring the sky for four days already, which was
understandably upsetting for Hedo.

With a pale complexion that didn't match his muscular build, Sandra kept offering
him bland and insincere words of comfort.

"**It's unfortunate that the sword ran away, but thanks to that, we've been having
an aerial date for four days, Hedo. Let's think positively. It will be a memory
you'll never forget!**"

Those riding on Quikantel's back admired Hedo, who did not harm Sandra despite her
words.

"**We are beginning to see the outline of our destination, Miss Quikantel. Please
bear with us a little longer. Tower keeper, please be patient a little longer, I
have nothing to say but sorry.**"

Until then, Hedo's sword had been rampaging like a mad dog in all directions.

It headed north, then turned south, went east, then veered west, driving those
chasing it mad.

It felt as if the sword was deliberately playing tricks on people.

Naturally, during those two days, not only the sword's garden, Zipl, and Kinzel
knew about it.

"**Uhmi... what is that?**"

"**Is that a dark meteor falling?**"

"**Oh my, isn't that the remnants of chaos!? We must flee!**"

Fishermen from various seas.

"**Could that be, oh, the remnants of chaos!?**"

"**And behind it is the silver dragon Quikantel chasing it!**"

"**Oh, I see the 12th Flagbearer and the Barmel Alliance too! Looks like they're
suppressing chaos?**"

"**For Regent His Highness and the true Runkandel! Cheers!**"

People from various cities living peaceful lives under the protection of the Barmel
Alliance and Dante also became aware.

In other words, within four days, more people knew about this situation than those
who didn't. It became impossible to secretly enter Temar's sixth tomb.

"**Sorry? If I apologize, will Veil(Note: his sword) return to me?**"

"**I will take responsibility in some way and compensate for the damage later.**"

"**It's already too late...! The ships of our family have already exposed me and
the lady!**"

As he said, during the pursuit of the sword, the party had already encountered
several other forces' pursuit teams several times. It meant that the chaos dragons
of Runkandel, the black ships, the ships of Kinzel and Zipl, and the dragons had
all seen Sandra and Hedo.

"**Sir Hedo...!?**"

"**Isn't that Lady Sandra next to him? Why are the two of you, who are supposed to
be on vacation, with the 12th Flagbearer...?**"
"**Now that I think about it, that flying object is very similar to Sir Hedo's
sword.**"

Especially Hedo's muscular giant figure was so distinctive that anyone who had seen
him once could recognize him from afar, so there was no pretending otherwise. That
means it was useless to pretend.

Therefore, Hedo was already dreading the explanation he would have to give upon
returning.

Currently, the Barmel Alliance and Zipl are in a temporary alliance, and Hedo is in
a very special position within his own family.

The problem was that he had not reported in advance.

"**Why is that a problem? It's obvious that the moment Hedo goes out with me, I'm
going on a date with Mr. Jin.**"

"**It's a problem because you didn't report in advance that the 12th Flagbearer was
going to examine the sword, my lady...**"

"**Tower keeper, why didn't you report it?**"

It was because he didn't want to get tired.

Hedo had not informed his family even when Veil played a crucial role for entering
the fifth tomb last time.

Of course, he had already checked with the ancestors, but if Zipl thought there
might be some connection between him and the old Runkandel, it would have been
annoying to go through various procedures.

Moreover, he was hiding the fact that he escaped from the snowfield earlier than
other Ziels(Note: sorry, the AI keeps changing the name for Zipfel/Zipple but I’m
honestly too lazy to fix it) thanks to Jin, so it was quite an uncomfortable
situation for Hedo.

"**I didn't expect things to get this complicated.**"

Although Hedo had been angry with Jin all along, he actually thought that all this
was his own oversight.

'**Have I been too spoiled by the head of the family and the leaders, or have I
been too complacent?**'

He wasn't too worried about being reprimanded for this incident later.

The problem was Sandra.

-Are you protecting Sandra Zipl because of that?**"

-Yes.**"

-I don't understand. Does the protection you speak of allow all experiments on
Sandra up to a certain level?**"

A conversation with Jin before the sword went berserk.

As he said, Sandra had been spared from 'very fatal' experiments so far, all thanks
to Hedo's existence.

Zipl knew exactly what Hedo wanted. It wasn't more power, the opportunity to fight
stronger opponents, or the position of being above all others.

It was solely Sandra's survival.

That's why Zipl turned a blind eye even when Hedo occasionally broke the rules.
Even when something shady happened involving him, they didn't investigate
seriously.

In the end, all the outcomes of Heddo’s actions always turned out to be for
Sandra’s benefit, and therefore, for Zipel’s benefit as well.

However, this time it was different.

If Jin became stronger once again due to Heddo’s sword, or if there was a problem
with the historical manipulation cast upon old Runkandel, Heddo would have no
excuse even if Zipel threatened Sandra.

‘If a formal investigation begins, it could be revealed that I killed the phantom
troops in the Sota Desert last time and pretended to be hurt by Ainas to release
the 12th Flagbearer…’

Heddo hoped that this would not be the case and that the end of this matter would
be clean.
But his wish could not be fulfilled.

[Heave, gasp. The sword… it has stopped!]

Quikantel said, gasping for breath.

In the middle of the sea, which Hufester calls the Sea of Swords and the Lutero
Magic Federation calls the Sea of Magic.

“Miss Quikantel, you flew over this place on the first day of your flight, and now
you’re saying this sea was your destination?”

“It might have just stopped for a moment… Fortunately, it seems that’s not the
case.”

As Jin responded, the sword stopped for the first time since it had started moving.

The blade, slowly rotating like the hands of a clock, soon pointed at the sea.

As if it was about to pierce through.

Fiiing, swooosh-!

With a tremendous roar as the air ripped and burst, the sword struck the middle of
the sea.

Then, something astonishing happened.

Koooom…

Literally, the sea was turned upside down.

As if a giant had gathered several mountains and thrown them like a stone, an
indescribably huge wave arose, and the rising seawater almost reached the clouds.

Quikantel and her companions spread a protective shield to push back the seawater.
The sensation was as heavy as a sincere attack from a superhuman, emanating from
the seawater.

Perhaps the world itself had shaken for a moment. And the power unleashed by
Heddo’s sword was all the spirit energy Jin had absorbed four days ago.
It would normally take a long time for such chaos to subside.

The sea would continue to be sick, pushing tsunamis to the land, and there was
nothing people could do until the disaster ended.

However, what the sword had caused was not a disaster but some divine discovery.

The spirit energy poured from the sword moved on its own, touching the bare skin of
the sea revealed below.

As if caressing a precious object forgotten and covered in dust, the spirit energy
continued to seep into the seabed.

“My lord, the spirit energy is lifting something shaped like a building from the
bottom!”

Balkas exclaimed, his eyes wide open.

His companions were all looking at the same scene. Like a legend commonly heard in
any region, a hidden civilization beneath the sea was being revealed.

Even Heddo, who had been worried until just a moment ago, was momentarily lost in
the sight.

All those watching were in awe.

It was shocking when Ollmango split the sea and pulled out a giant clam, but even
that felt trivial compared to the scene now before the group.

“Wow… Honey, is that your ancestor’s sixth tomb?”

Jin was about to answer when he locked eyes with Valeria.

“Didn’t you say it was a subspace existing within the sword?”

In front of Valeria, a small blue window of recording magic was open.

<Jin Runkandel finally opens the subspace contained within the sword…>

The recording window revealed such a phrase.

“…Yes, the subspace existing within the sword has opened. It’s not that we entered
the sword through a dimensional gate, but the subspace inherent in the sword seems
to be coming out.”

If so, the sword had been flying to find a location where it could extract that
space.

“But this doesn’t seem to be Soldret’s subspace. If it were the subspace he

created, the name would have been clearly specified.”

Valeria said, puzzled, and let out a low sigh. Because a more important issue than
whose subspace it was lay right before them.

“We’ve found it!”

[The flying object has stopped! Stop the attack, and first check that and the
traitors!]

That was what the pursuers from Zipel and the Garden of Swords were saying.

They had been chasing the sword just like the Barmul Alliance, and their paths had
overlapped, leading to a battle.

“Your Highness, we’ve found it. The commander is in critical condition, so please
don’t use your power!”

Kinzelo said the same.

Once again, three great forces had gathered in the middle of the sea.

Jin’s group couldn’t hear their voices because of the distance, but they knew they
were nearby.

Jin still looked at the spirit energy mixed with seawater pouring down like
waterfalls in all directions.

The spirit energy had already spread to the distant ships and dragons of each
force.

All the areas touched by the spirit energy were the sword’s subspace.

That is, all those who had been chasing the sword were already inside the subspace…
A fight within the tomb was inevitable.
SYS 679

**Episode 679**

**Episode 173. Chasing the Sword (4)**

The Barmul Union, the Garden of Swords, Ziepel, Kinsello.

I never expected that all of these would enter Temar's sixth tomb together.

From the possibility of meeting a living being from the ancient Runkandel to the
flight of the sword and the current situation.

This tomb opening has been unpredictable from start to finish.

Whooosh...!

The spiritual energy continuously escaping from the sword was creating a massive
whirlpool.

Although hidden by the sea water, structures and devices of some sort were rising
from the seabed with each passing moment.

Crumbling fortresses, shattered spires, and unidentified devices resembling

defensive equipment. The subspace contained within the sword seemed to have been
destroyed several times already, far from normal.

Yet, an unknown sense of crisis was chilling Jin's neck.

'Is it because of the guardian?'

Except for the time when he met the 'unrememberable' living person of ancient
Runkandel, Luet Damirol Yul, Jin had always faced crises whenever he opened a tomb.

This time too, his entire body was sending signals of danger. The source of the
signal was not the pursuit team sent from the Garden of Swords, but precisely from
the seabed.

'The spiritual energy used for the tomb opening has been recovered during the
journey, so there should be no problem in the upcoming battle.'

He decided to exclude the assumption that the guardian would be able to distinguish
friend from foe.

They would probably strike indiscriminately, and it seemed best to use that to
prioritize dealing with the enemies.

'The problem is with Ziepel and Kinsello's side. How much should I protect them...'

Thinking up to that point, Jin shook his head.

'They're not children, I don't need to worry about them too.'

If it were a significant issue, they would have sent appropriate personnel. If it

were a matter of a temporary alliance, they would have requested support in
advance, but this was closer to Jin's personal issue.

In other words, they were interlopers in personal affairs, so there was no need to
protect them diligently, even if there was no intent to harm them.

'After all, on Kinsello's side, I can feel the presence of Bianca Caligo and Lanke
Halloviche, so even if Zephrin can't use his power, they will protect themselves.
On Ziepel's side, Kadun is in the middle of treatment, so Octavia or Ronil must
have come, and they are not at a level where they can't take care of themselves.'

The ships and dragons of the Garden of Swords, Ziepel, and Kinsello were
approaching. Jin fired a lightspeed thrust in the direction of the Chaos Dragon and
the Black Ship.

As the lightspeed thrust, imbued with lightning, surged forward, the charging Chaos
Dragon and Black Ship oxidized, leaving behind remnants of chaos.

The sea turned upside down as if creating a new world, the brilliant energy emitted
by the forces of each faction, and a sword struck down in the center of it all.

Amidst all this, as if a scene from a myth, the guardians finally revealed
themselves from the seabed.

No, the guardians.

"Lord, there are giant beings in the seabed...!"

Jin looked down.

Ominous red glows, like distant wildfires, were looking up at the intruders.

Giants with bodies as large as fortresses, wielding massive spears and shields
befitting their grandeur. The human-shaped giants seemed to be made of solid rock
that even Jin could not easily cut through.

Except for Jin and Hedo, the rest of the party momentarily stiffened under their
overwhelming presence.

It wasn't just one or two.

At a glance, over a hundred giants were preparing to slaughter the intruders.

Even the number of giants was increasing in real-time, not by emerging from
buildings or underground, but by forming out of thin air shortly after their
outlines appeared.

[Are those... Tomb Giants?]

Quikantel swallowed a breath and spoke.

Tomb Giants.

They were ancient weapons that almost endangered the youngest division back when
Jin was a cadet.

At that time, the youngest division was threatened by the creation of Bubar Gaston,
and Murakan had suppressed it in one go.

'At that point, Murakan had hardly regained his strength. Even if there was only
one such thing, it would have been impossible to suppress, but is there a
difference because these are not Bubar's creations but the originals?'

However, Quikantel's demeanor suggested otherwise.

"Lord Quikantel, do you know about those?"

Balkas asked.

[I know well, our dragonkind killed all the remaining Tomb Giants two thousand
years ago. Murakan and I also participated in that war. But these Tomb Giants now,
they are different from the ones we destroyed.]
-The Sculpting God Well? That's a name I haven't heard before.

-It's natural you don't know. Like Clam we met in Colon, one of the gods who
disappeared from history. Well was said to have remained in the tombs of the dead
gods.

A past conversation about Murakan and the Tomb Giants.

According to the dragons, the Tomb Giants are weapons created by the Sculpting God
'Well' to protect the tombs of himself, who had fallen to a mere human, and the
forgotten gods.

Quikantel's expression twisted.

[Aria said a little earlier that this tomb doesn't seem to be the subspace of
Soldorat, right?]

"Yes, since Soldorat's name isn't indicated on the record window."

[It seems this place is not Temar's but the tomb of a dead god. It's different from
the tombs our dragonkind dealt with.]

"Then it might originally be the tomb of a dead god, but it could have been used
temporarily as Temar's tomb during the reburial process."

[Maybe that's... Ugh!]

Suddenly, Quikantel shook his head in agony, as if reacting to his own forgotten
memories manipulated by Murakan.

“The one who decided to guard this place, the Ten Knights… He was a person related
to the dead god who was originally the owner of this tomb…!”

It was too much to recall any more memories. Quikantel caught his breath and
exhaled heavily.

“We should meet him and ask. What are the stories entangled with this tomb.”

“The fact that Quikantel’s memories are starting to return now is proof that the
living old Runkandel is inside, Jin.”
Jin nodded at Valeria’s words.

“That’s a great harvest, Keeper. I have a favor to ask.”

“How shameless. It’s getting worse, and you’re asking me for a favor in this
situation?”

“I will handle all the tomb giants myself. So, don’t just protect Sandra, please
also look after my comrades.”

“No, I will leave as soon as I find the sword.”

Jin shook his head apologetically.

“If that’s possible, then do so. But I can read spirit energy, and that sword is
now firmly fixed so that no one can pull it out.”

Jin pointed at the sword as he spoke.

It was no lie.

Jin was certain that even if he used all his spirit energy again, he would not be
able to pull Hedo’s sword out of the seabed.

Moreover, the sword was no longer the peculiarly long longsword that Hedo knew.

“My… sword, what kind of bizarre shape is that!”

“Perhaps that’s the true form of the sword you possess.”

Valeria shrugged her shoulders and answered for Jin.

It would be appropriate to say that horns had sprouted on the blade.

Hedo, who had heightened his sense of sight, was clenching his teeth as he looked
at the small blades that had risen on both sides of the blade.

“Twelveth Knight…!”

Eventually, Hedo exploded and screamed out loud.

He had experienced situations that worsened like this in the past, but it was the
first time since he met Sandra.

No matter how crazy Sandra acted, there had never been a situation that Hedo
couldn’t control.

It was also impossible for Hedo to give up the sword and escape for the time being.

At the very least, the size of the subspace formed in the sea reached ten miles.
Since it was in the middle of the sea, there was no way to run out, and above all,
the layers of spirit energy curtains that were spread out were the problem.

The curtain seemed to not disappear unless it swallowed up all the intruders.

Already, some of the personnel from the Sword Garden and Ziphel were being sucked
into the curtain, leaving behind their dying screams.

There was no need to use imagination to know what happened to those absorbed by the
curtain. Flesh, swords, and staff-like debris were pouring out from the opposite
surface where they were taken.

This place was already hell.

“I’m truly sorry. Since the situation has become like this, I have no choice but to
suggest the best direction I can. After this is over, I will definitely apologize
and compensate.”

Jin wanted to apologize more properly, but he ended it shortly as the tomb giants
began to move.

“Lord Quikantel, Sir Valkas, Keeper. Please take care of my comrades. Let’s try to
deal with it as quickly as possible.”

“Hey, Hedo! You’re trying to go alone against those monsters, throw yourself in and
help!”

“Ugh, ugh, ugh!”

While Hedo was making strange noises trying to hold onto his sanity, Valeria
grabbed Jin’s shoulder.

“I’m going down with you, Jin Runkandel.”

“What!? Why you!?”

Of course, that was Sandra’s reaction, not Jin’s.

The other comrades also felt puzzled.

It was difficult to understand why Valeria would step forward in a fight that even
Valkas could not participate in.

But Jin followed her words without hesitation.

“I would appreciate it.”

In a previous life, perhaps, but the current Valeria was not someone who would rush
towards a certain death because she was worried about Jin.

Therefore, her stepping forward meant she was confident.

Valeria naturally extended her hand to Jin.

Without any particular meaning, it was an offer to descend together for the battle,
but for Sandra, it was enough to make her blood boil.

“Thi-this… What are you doing! Stop it, stop! Ah, I’m, I’m dizzy!”

“Miss!”

Eventually, Sandra fainted as if she couldn’t bear to see it (Hedo took care of
Sandra even then), and Jin clasped Valeria’s hand.

It was the hand of his master, which he hadn’t held in a long time.

Could he share the heavy burdens contained in these slender and fragile hands in
this life? Or maybe they were already sharing them.

Jin suddenly thought so.

“Let’s go.”

As Jin and Valeria jumped off Quikantel’s back, the tomb giants shot red beams as
if they had been waiting.
Jin’s brain energy and Valeria’s blue magic power mixed and illuminated the dark
seabed.

Jin felt the sense of crisis that had chilled his neck when the subspace first
opened was quickly fading away.

SYS 680

---

**Episode 680**

**Episode 173. Chasing the Sword (5)**

From the seabed, red pillars were shooting up. The rays from the tomb giants were
dense and hard to avoid, but the two managed to change direction by appropriately
scattering magic and aura while descending.

Like people who had been in sync for a long time, there was no need for words. Jin
and Valeria moved as one, taking care of each other's safety.

Thanks to his memories from a previous life, Jin mostly knew her way of fighting,
but Valeria did not.

Nevertheless, when Jin fought alongside Valeria, he felt a strange sense of unity,
just like her.

'Unlike me, the master doesn't know me well in this life, but our coordination is
always good.'

'Fighting alongside Jin always feels strangely stable...'

Although the two heading towards the center of the enemies had not been
significantly hit yet, chaos had already broken out above.

The Barmel Alliance had not suffered damage thanks to Quikantel's good evasion, but
the problem was the sheer number of pursuers from Zipl, Kinzel, and the Sword's
Garden.

Small fish that escape the net and those that don't. That was exactly the state of
the Barmel Alliance and the other forces. Only Quikantel, with those riding on her
back, was leisurely dodging the rays under their protection.
The powerhouses of each force struggled to minimize damage to their allies, but the
power of the tomb giants was far beyond common sense.

If each of the tomb giants had been equipped with transcendental power, Jin would
not have thought to fight against them.

No matter how strong, a weapon without a self has its limits.

Whoosh!

Along with the red rays, spear-like branches flew in from all directions at a speed
that belied their size and weight.

When Jin deliberately did not dodge the first spear that reached him and struck it
with his sword as a test, his wrist became sore.

'Heavy attacks, but without any tricks or depth.'

A monotonous pattern repeated like a machine responding to certain situations.

However, their number was so great that the fight naturally became complex, but Jin
was able to land on the seabed without difficulty, knocking down their spears.

As soon as the two touched the ground, the defensive equipment attached to the
buildings was activated and targeted Jin.

'Automatic reaction magic cannons like those made by Lady Amela.'

The magic cannons did not distinguish between friend and foe. Even if the tomb
giants were in the way, they just fired in Jin's direction.

However, the cannons' shots scattered in all directions like light reflected in a
mirror. The shots bounced off the bodies of the tomb giants, making a noise that
did not match their power.

Most escaped into the sky or the sea walls, but still, there were too many, and
many threatened Jin and Valeria's path.

'This is going to be a bit tiring.'

Just as that thought crossed his mind.

Valeria struck the ground once with her silver fir staff, and a huge magic circle
formed like water flowing through a groove.

"It's not a shield."

"I'm going to twist the flow of the reflected shots. So you just focus on
destroying the tomb giants."

Magic power extended from the magic circle began to inscribe rune characters in the
air. Thousands of rune characters fixed themselves at a distance of about five
steps from each other, and the shots could not easily pass through and got caught.

Even so, the caught shots never reached the two. It seemed as if the shots couldn't
even recognize the certain radius within which the two were moving.

'Is this possible when the size of the magic power is much smaller than the
destructive power of the shots?'

It was like a master deflecting a novice's attack with a smaller force. Valeria was
achieving with magic what was usually seen in warriors' fights.

'Probably, Sister Runetia also survived through such miracles.'

Jin was newly shocked by his master's magic.

"Understood."

Fizzt!

Sigmund was charged with dense thunder energy.

Then Jin, filled with true energy, cut the ankle of the tomb giant blocking his
way. The blade did not enter smoothly.

It means it did not cut.

Instead, with a dull roar, part of the ankle shattered and burst, and Jin thought
that was enough.

'I could cut it if I swung with determination...'

But that would require high concentration with every strike. There was no need to
fight so inefficiently.

Crack!

When the blade embedded with thunder energy exploded, the tomb giant's ankle broke.
It was a somewhat messy form for someone of Jin's caliber to have cut, but the
effect was certain.

"Grrr...!"

As the tomb giant with the burst ankle knelt to regain balance, Jin leaped and
stabbed his sword into the giant's head.

Before the fragments mixed with thunder energy even hit the ground, Jin descended
like lightning and knocked down the spears flying towards Valeria.

It was as if the god of thunder was crushing the spears. Jin might have seemed tiny
compared to the tomb giants, but his presence was incomparable even to all the
giants combined.

'If it had been my father, he would have naturally disassembled these creatures
without needing to focus.'

Suddenly, thoughts of his father narrowed his brow for a moment.

“It seems you have the luxury to think about other things. On this side, we have to
risk our lives every moment.”

“Try to focus a little more.”

In fact, just as Valeria had twisted the trajectory of the magic cannon, Jin could
also ensure that she would never get hurt. At least when it comes to the cemetery
giants.

Valeria knew this fact, yet she spoke needlessly. Jin was now a little surprised
that she would even make such idle talk to him.

A pleasant battle.

Regardless of the situation, both were becoming light-hearted with every moment
perfectly synchronized in their offense and defense. When Jin swung his sword,
somewhere on the cemetery giant would break, and when Valeria cast her magic, their
attacks would go awry.
No matter how many cemetery giants there were, it seemed they could be joyfully
destroyed.

Already more than ten cemetery giants had been destroyed. Meanwhile, new cemetery
giants were still forming, but fortunately, they were not forming faster than the
two could handle.

Also, the rate at which new cemetery giants appeared was slowing down. Jin
anticipated that once a certain number was reached, no more would be created.

“Jin.”

“What?”

“Normally, such weapons would not operate if their protection target disappeared.”

“Are you saying there could be remains of a forgotten god somewhere in this tomb?”

“It’s possible, or… the god itself might still be here.”

“Could a living person presumed to be from old Runkandel be a god?”

“We can’t confirm until we meet in person since there’s no time to perform record
magic now. Even if I were to examine the records, there wouldn’t be much in my
current realm of knowledge. And, their movements seem too simple, don’t they?”

Upon hearing Valeria’s words, Jin suddenly felt that the movements of the cemetery
giants were peculiar, as if they had some purpose.

“Now that I listen to you, it doesn’t seem like the cemetery giants are moving just
to eliminate intruders.”

Each one was too massive, and until now, they hadn’t realized it because they were
breaking them as needed, concerned about friendly fire.

“The formation of the giants isn’t to surround us, Valeria. It’s just that their
size naturally puts us under pressure.”

Jin and Valeria began to closely observe the overall movements of the cemetery
giants as they passed between their legs.

First of all, not all cemetery giants were attacking Jin and Valeria. Some cemetery
giants stood still, staring at the ground, while others were digging into the
earth.
If they weren’t broken, there was only one reason to dig the ground.

“They’re trying to find something.”

“The cemetery giants exploring underground have a more sophisticated form than the
others. Jin, if I’m right, this is an ancient method of unsealing. They’re trying
to find the core of a seal buried somewhere here.”

“What happens after they find the core?”

“All the power of the cemetery giants will be connected to the core, and the seal
will be released. The sword must have been flying for such a long time to find the
place where the core is hidden.”

“That means the moment we destroy all of them, the sealed being won’t awaken.”

Valeria nodded.

“The choice is yours.”

The being awakening from the seal is a god or a divine being presumed to be from
old Runkandel.

There’s no guarantee that whoever it is will show favor to them. In fact, the
likelihood of hostility is much higher.

Or it could be more than just hostile, possibly filled with resentment and hatred
like Paddler.

“Let’s awaken it.”

However, Jin did not hesitate.

If they destroyed all the cemetery giants now, he and his companions would be safe,
but a piece of old Runkandel’s history would be lost forever.

From that moment on, the two switched to a purely defensive stance. The cemetery
giants continued to attack, but as the two did not counterattack, they gradually
reduced the intensity.

After about ten minutes, the cemetery giants no longer attacked the two. However,
the attacks towards the sky did not stop.
“The cemetery giants are not attacking Lord Jin and Aria. It must be the result of
Lord Jin finding some clue. We just need to keep dodging and blocking!”

Thanks to that, the sky became even more chaotic, but it didn’t affect their
companions much.

To begin with, the Barmul Alliance had not counterattacked even once since the
cemetery giants had awakened.

On the other hand, Zipel and Kinzelo, the Garden of Swords, had been responding all
along, so the cemetery giants had not recognized Quikantel’s group as enemies at
some point. The only reason they were sweating bullets to avoid the red rays was
that their companions overlapped with the path they needed to attack the recognized
enemies.

“We almost committed a great discourtesy to an ancestor awakening after a thousand

years.”

After about ten minutes, one of the cemetery giants showed a vibrating appearance
with a flash in its eyes. Coincidentally, it was the cemetery giant right in front
of Jin and Valeria.

“Groooook!”

As that cemetery giant let out a strange cry, the other giants also shone their
eyes and trembled, which seemed to be the process of injecting power into the core
of the seal.

The first giant to roar finally pulled out its two hands that had been stirring
below the seabed.

In its hands was a sphere shining like a small sun, and Jin and Valeria could see
the power of all the cemetery giants concentrating there.

“Let’s pray that what awakens is something we can handle, Jin.”