Chapter 71
Chapter 71
At that time,
In the imperial council room.
The central nobles were gathering to express their grievances.
“How dare he look down on His Majesty the Emperor, to cause such a disgraceful incident.”
“Indeed. Murder at the Imperial Military Academy!”
“Viscount Rosta has died. Even his son too. They were so aggrieved…. The Rosta family pleaded with me to clear their injustice.”
“This is not the first time you all have protested. I went to see His Majesty right after the incident and got chased out without accomplishing anything.”
“Today, since we are all together, they won’t be able to ignore our opinions.”
At that moment, the door to the council room opened.
Crown Prince Isaac entered.
Some nobles bowed their heads in respect,
While others barely acknowledged him with a nod.
“Everyone, please take a seat.”
“No, there’s no need for us to sit.”
A middle-aged man who had remained silent until then spoke up.
“Marquis Tegelo, are you saying I am not fit to sit here?”
At the center of the council room.
It was the seat reserved only for the Emperor of the Fresia Empire.
“His Highness the Crown Prince, as the successor to the ailing Emperor, certainly has the right to sit there. However, the matter we wish to discuss is beyond Your Highness’s capacity to handle.”
The sharp-faced middle-aged man, Marquis Gunnar Tegelo, subtly pressured Isaac.
But Isaac didn’t back down and responded firmly.
“I have been delegated all authority by His Majesty.”
“Does that mean I can discuss the matter of my crippled son with Your Highness?”
“I’m deeply sorry for that.”
“Your condolences aren’t enough. Our Tegelo family will consider this matter as grounds to attack the Rehinar. So, Your Highness just needs to stay out of it.”
It was a bold declaration, reflecting the extent of Marquis Tegelo’s anger.
“Very well. Since your son got crippled, I understand you can’t remain idle. I won’t interfere if you decide to wage a territorial war.”
“Are you speaking sincerely?”
“Of course. The imperial family will not intervene in Marquis Tegelo’s fight.”
Everyone’s eyes widened at Isaac’s declaration.
Isaac had always supported Kane Rehinar, even borrowing the Emperor’s name to keep things quiet.
But today, his attitude was different.
“Let’s conclude Marquis Tegelo’s grievance here.”
Before Isaac could properly finish, other nobles interrupted.
“I will also join the territorial war.”
“Viscount Rosta was a blood relative of mine. I too must avenge his death.”
As more and more nobles expressed their desire to join the territorial war,
Isaac, who had been quietly listening, spoke up again.
“Wait a moment, do you know what this is?”
He held up a book for all the nobles to see.
When he injected mana into the magically sealed book,
“It is a book found in Faro’s or should I say Swen’s house, disguised as a swordsmanship instructor at Royal Military Academy.”
At the mention of Faro, several nobles’ faces turned pale.
“In here are the names of the nobles who conspired with Hatzfeld.”
“It could be a fake list made to slander us.”
“We need to verify it properly.”
Isaac began to read the contents of the book.
“Earl Faruesta, bribed with 2 billion gold. Provided a recommendation letter for a swordsmanship instructor at the Royal Military Academy. Viscount Ober, bribed with 500 million gold and the promise of a high-ranking position in Hatzfeld. And used the cook in the barracks to poison the food.”
And they also put it in the soldiers’ food.
“Shall I read more?”
Marquis Tegelo, who had been listening with a stern expression, spoke again.
“All the nobles present here are from distinguished families. You can’t impose any punishment based on a single book.”
Despite maintaining decorum, Marquis Tegelo made his point clear.
Isaac seemed to have anticipated his reaction.
He placed a silver sword on the table.
“The Moonlight Sword?!”
“His Majesty’s sacred sword is in Prince Isaac’s possession…?”
“Hmm.”
Marquis Tegelo furrowed his brow.
Meanwhile, the other nobles, startled, averted their gazes.
“His Majesty has entrusted me with the sacred sword that can punish any family except the four great noble houses. Do you understand what this means?”
The Crown Prince stood up and drew the Moonlight Sword.
He shouted at the nobles.
“Black Heaven Guards, arrest all traitors.”
The Black Heaven Guards stormed into the council room with weapons drawn.
* * *
Near the Trade City of Philaec
Kane was surveying the city.
Despite the withdrawal of Dyer’s elite troops,
There were far more guards here than in the whole of Rehinar.
Of course, to Kane, they all seemed insignificant.
As he walked toward the city gate, a gate guard approached.
“Identification.”
The guard had an arrogant attitude.
A prime example of Dyer’s haughtiness.
Having recently risen in status, the soldiers seemed to see no one as worthy of respect.
Moreover, Kane had his robe hooded.
The guard couldn’t see his face.
Then Kane’s low voice came.
“None of your concern.”
His bare hand slashed through the air.
Thunk.
The guard’s head fell to the ground.
But that wasn’t the end.
A loud explosion erupted from the massive city gate.
Boom!
The gate was completely destroyed.
“Leaving the main base city empty and provoking the enemy was a foolish mistake. I will teach you that clearly.”
[Breath of Blood Phoenix (SR-) has been activated.]
[Blood Oath (4 Runes) manifested.]
A violet energy gathered in his palm.
A long spear formed.
“Let this city be engulfed in flames.”
[Used skill ‘Phoenix Spear technique (SR) – 3rd form: Meteror of the Exploding Phoenix.’.]
He hurled the violet spear toward the sky over Philaec.
A Phoenix left from Kane’s hand.
Rising high in the sky,
It exploded with a bang and split into dozens of fragments.
Those flames turned into smaller phoenixes and bombarded Philaec.
Boom!
Kane’s mana was not just at the mid-tier of the 4th class.
It’s potency was at least two levels higher.
Practically equivalent to the beginner-tier of the 5th class.
Even now, he continued to grow stronger as he used his mana.
There were no soldiers, knights, or mages in Philaec who could stop him.
“Attack! We’re under attack!”
“A monster? Who dares to attacks this place?”
“We won’t let this go!”
Soldiers resting in their barracks grabbed their weapons and rushed outside.
The once quiet city was now ablaze.
Black smoke rose from various places.
It looked like a massive attack.
As the situation appeared more serious than expected,
“What… what’s going on here…?”
“Report to the higher-ups immediately,”
Bang!
A nearby comrade was caught in the explosion.
Screams erupted from all directions.
“Aah!”
“Run for your lives!”
The soldiers’ cries were drowned out by the loud blasts.
Meanwhile,
Gillip of the Black Crow Exchange was in a panic, bewildered by the situation.
“What the heck is going on? Why is Philaec being attacked?”
“We’re trying to assess the situation, boss.”
“Damn it. This is a disaster. As if Kane Rehinar causing havoc in the capital wasn’t bad enough, now this.”
As Gillip was frowning deeply, a subordinate hurriedly ran in.
“B-boss.”
“What happened?”
“W-we’re under attack.”
“Who is it?”
“It’s K-Kane Rehinar.”
“What!?”
Gillip asked in disbelief.
“Who attacked Philaec?”
“That Dullard Young master, Kane Rehinar!”
He heard it clearly.
The name Kane Rehinar.
“Where is he now?”
As Gillip looked for Kane, he heard a familiar voice.
“Here I am.”
Kane was walking toward him from a short distance away.
“Y-Your Highness….”
“It seems you’re not happy to see me. I told you we’d meet again, didn’t I?”
“Did you really attack Philaec, Your Highness?”
“Can’t you tell?”
Kane extended his arm and opened his palm.
Then he warned Gillip.
“Be careful.”
[Used skill ‘Blood Dance (SSR+) – 4th Move: Blood Void’]
“Aaah!”
“I can’t breathe, ugh.”
“Mmngh!”
Blood droplets from all directions gathered into Kane’s hand.
“Bow down, or you’ll all die.”
[Used skill ‘Blood Dance (SSR+) – 2nd Move: Blood Wave’]
As Kane clenched his open hand tightly,
A violet aura spread around.
Buildings, statues, trees—
Everything melted away indiscriminately.
Including the soldiers rushing toward Kane.
And the knights and mages who appeared too late also turned into a pool of blood.
“You lived because you listened.”
Kane then pushed off the ground and disappeared from the spot.
Gillip, who had been crouching, slowly lifted his face.
“Wha-?”
The unbelievable scene entered Gillip’s eyes.
The surroundings had turned to ruins.
The only survivors were Gillip and the Black Crow exchange members.
Everyone else had turned to ash.
“D-damn it. I think I’ve tangled with a demon.”
Gillip’s face turned pale at the sight of Kane’s power.
His body trembled slightly.
Gillip couldn’t move his lower body.
Overwhelmed by fear, he even wet himself without realizing it.
The members of the Black Crow were in a similar state to Gillip.
—
Camilla and her group safely arrived in Rehinar.
While Camilla’s face was full of worry,
Blata was grinning widely.
“Aren’t you worried about His grace?”
“Kane? Not at all. That guy has a tenacious life force that could bring him back from hell.”
“But… he could still get hurt.”
“If you’re so worried, why did you come along instead of staying behind?”
“I was afraid… I might hold him back….”
She had no doubts about Kane’s skills.
No matter what formidable opponent he faced,
She didn’t think he couldn’t overcome them.
But that was when he was alone.
In the carriage were slaves and herself.
She was sure she would only be a hindrance if she stayed by his side.
“Such concerns will only hinder your growth. From now on, train with the mindset that you will always protect Kane.”
Blata spoke unusually maturely.
Camilla nodded in agreement.
“And don’t stop petting me, got it?”
But Blata soon reverted to his usual self.
Camilla momentarily forgot her worries due to his antics.
In the meantime,
They arrived at the south gate of Rehinar.
To their surprise, Kane, who had left for Philaec, had arrived first.
“Why are you so late?”
“You got here earlier than us?”
“You took a detour to avoid the demon forest, but I came straight through Philaec.”
“Are you hurt?”
“I’m fine.”
There wasn’t a speck of dust on his white clothes.
He looked as if he were wearing brand-new clothes.
“Hehe, I knew you’d come back.”
Blata rushed into Kane’s arms.
The Blood Tigers, sensing their master’s return, were at the south gate to greet him.
“Did you all behave while I was gone?”
The Blood Tigers licked Kane enthusiastically, offering a warm welcome.
This made Blata jealous.
“Get lost! So, you greet Kane before me just because he’s your master? You’re all dead.”
Blata growled at the tigers.
As the angry little tiger made a fuss,
The Blood Tigers tucked their tails between their legs.
Their ears drooped,
And they crawled on their bellies in submission.
“Kane is mine. If I catch you sucking up to him, you’re dead.”
Blata threatened the Blood Tigers.
Kane shook his head at the sight.
“You’re being unreasonable.”
“Hmph, see? I’m their king, so they should treat me well.”
Blata tapped Kane’s arm with his cute paw.
It was a signal for Kane to pet him.
Kane stroked Blata’s head as they entered the estate.
At that moment, a series of messages appeared:
—
[New Construction Options Unlocked]
– You can now use the Belmore Military Academy Construction Permit.
– Mage Tower (★★★☆☆) Unlocked.
– Trainee Knight Training Center (★★★☆☆) Unlocked.
– Great Temple (★★☆☆☆) Unlocked.
– Demon Cult (★★★☆☆) Unlocked.
– Angel Cult (★★★☆☆) Unlocked.