Chapter 289
Chapter 289. The Misguided One (1)
Even if a 'Demon King' were to be created, the world would not face its end.
The 'Demon King' is ultimately just an entity in "Earth's End" intended to resurrect the 'Demon God'.
Of course, if the 'Demon God' were to be resurrected, it would be game over. The power of 'Barbatos' is divided into 'horns,' but if all that power combines, shattering the continent would be trivial.
Therefore, the emergence of a 'Demon King' signifies:
'The last chance to prevent game over.'
With that thought, I glanced at 'Angelica' who was peeking slightly.
'Well, as long as one horn is here, unexpected situations can be controlled.'
===
⇒ Trait, 〈New Sword Saint〉 empowers the user.
===
Looking at the system window that popped up, I clenched and opened my hand.
'The protagonist's ability.'
To be precise, it's the trait of Hayden Reich.
Simultaneously, if a 'Demon King' appeared on the continent, it would mean that the creators designed it as the last line of conscience to help the 'protagonist' caught in unreasonable situations.
'If the Demon King shows up, the area will automatically become contaminated, and residual thoughts will flourish.'
This means not only dealing with a single 'Demon King' but also handling the demons that come surging like a tide.
'In that respect, there's no worry.'
The fact that the 'Demon King' has appeared means Eulsis has been driven to the brink.
In other words, 'Kaldrach' must have attacked Eulsis, accompanied by his private army.
The Wedge Knights.
Moreover, the Heavenly Reverence Guards could handle the demons pouring out to some degree.
Truth be told, I anticipated such a situation, which is why I cornered Eulsis and pushed Kaldrach's back.
'I am not the Sword Saint.'
I neither harbor noble intentions like the Sword Saint nor foolishly handle matters alone.
Convenience is best.
If there are two enemies, the ideal scenario is for them to fight each other to mutual destruction.
"Sir Yulian."
As my thoughts continued, Pintel approached. Behind him, shadows of 'Twilight' faintly appeared.
"Just as you commanded, Sir Yulian, the other archbishops of the Dawn Society have prepared to handle the exterior of the imperial palace, while I and Twilight have finished preparations for organizing the interior of the palace."
"Hmm......"
I sighed and examined Pintel.
'I didn't think other archbishops would follow us past the third gate.'
This guy intends to follow me inside no matter what.
'Well, I appreciate that.'
Still, I couldn't understand why he trusted me so much.
"But, Sir Yulian."
Pintel called out to me, and I turned my head to meet his gaze.
"With all due respect, may I voice a rather irreverent thought?"
Pintel spoke with a cautious tone. I tilted my head in curiosity.
What on earth is he trying to say?
I nodded, signaling him to speak, and Pintel leaned in to whisper softly.
"Just in case of an emergency, I have placed Twilight around His Highness, the second prince, Osborne."
What!?
I was taken aback by Pintel's bombshell statement.
Thankfully, my face didn't betray any emotion, but the shock I felt was significant enough to turn my 'Open Eyes' into wide openings.
Why?
I looked at Pintel with that intent, prompting him to speak immediately.
"If you intend to eliminate the third and fourth princes and seize control of the empire by taking His Highness Osborne as a hostage, it's only natural."
You're insane, I don't intend to do anything like that.
'...... Haaa.'
However, such words didn't easily escape my lips. If Pintel's loyalty stemmed from his belief in my 'ambition' to swallow the empire—
'Denying this could make him and Twilight retreat.'
But still, placing assassins by the second prince's side? This guy must be out of his mind.
"Kuheum."
I cleared my throat, regaining composure.
"Sir Pintel, your thinking is truly profound."
First, I needed to commend him. Right now, Pintel's strength and Twilight's presence were necessary.
"However, it might be wise to withdraw the Twilight placed around His Highness Osborne."
And now, to the main point.
"... Doing so would make it difficult to secure His Highness Osborne if the situation turns dire."
Pintel's complexion darkened at the suggestion to withdraw Twilight.
"Moreover, having a good hostage is essential for obtaining justification when entering the palace, isn't it?"
Hmm, there's logic in Pintel's words.
No matter how much turmoil erupts, it would still be challenging for unsanctioned armies to pass through the first gate of the imperial family.
'Are you really thinking of a revolution?'
I hadn't originally considered matters to such an extent.
"Justification doesn't matter."
"Pardon?"
"We have the citizens of the empire, do we not?"
"Citizens... you mean?"
Pintel looked at me quizzically.
"Yes, citizens who can effortlessly open the first gate without clashing with the imperial army."
***
What on earth did he mean?
As Pintel exited the building and headed towards the imperial palace with Twilight, questions began surfacing.
'The first gate... using the power of citizens?'
What on earth does that mean? No matter how much Pintel thought, he couldn't understand.
Surely, there must be a purpose behind Yulian's words. While that was Pintel's belief, his curiosity was impossible to suppress.
He was about to ask the intent behind those words when—
― Sir Pintel, please head to the palace first. I have something to attend to and will be absent for a moment.
For some reason, he was sent ahead while Yulian vanished.
'Perhaps, Sir Yulian has a plan in mind.'
Unwavering and powerful belief. Pintel had that.
"The first gate is just ahead, Sir Pintel."
Per Yulian's instruction, as Pintel advanced towards the imperial palace, Rim Hashar whispered.
"Indeed, a substantial noise was heard from within the imperial palace."
"What's happening inside?"
"As the gate is closed, we can't see to know."
As expected, the first gate was shut tightly.
'... Demonic energy trembles.'
Beyond the gate, chilling demonic energy was stirring. Pintel felt a cold sweat run down his back sensing that.
'This is the capital city.'
Not just any part, but the imperial palace at the very heart of the empire. To sense 'demonic energy' in such a place was preposterous.
'What about the resonating stones?'
Pintel surveyed the surroundings, examining the resonating stones that served as energy sources for the wards.
While the stones couldn't be seen due to the barriers blocking view—
'Their power is faint.'
He could definitively tell that the power of the resonating stones was faltering.
Is it the act of someone? Or is something happening in the palace the cause?
With such thoughts, Pintel advanced towards the first gate accompanied by Twilight.
"What in the world is happening inside?"
Pintel addressed the gatekeepers. The gatekeeper, recognizing Pintel's noble status, politely greeted him before speaking.
"Due to an internal commotion, all gates have been shut."
"Is that even permissible!"
"If a commotion arises, shouldn't the gates be opened?"
"That's... as per His Highness Eulsis's order."
Eulsis.
Hearing that name, Pintel realized the reason behind the complete lockdown was 'Eulsis's doing.
Pintel was aware of Eulsis plotting sinister schemes. This lockdown was undoubtedly linked to his plot.
'Tsk.'
Should I have taken the second prince hostage after all? Such thoughts crossed Pintel's mind.
"Huh?"
"Oh...!"
At that moment, murmurs began to rise among the crowd gathered before the first gate.
Turning to find the source of the murmur, Pintel spotted a familiar face in his line of sight.
A black, grotesque mask seemingly denying its own existence; a man clad in tattered coat-like garments stood.
The Black Knight was approaching the first gate.
"It's the Black Knight!"
"Why is the Black Knight here!?"
As murmuring arose, the gathered crowd started clearing a path for the Black Knight.
The Black Knight slowly reached the front of the first gate.
'Hmm?'
Simultaneously, Pintel sensed the Black Knight's gaze.
"Who... are you...?"
"Open it."
"This gate is currently shut under His Highness Eulsis's order."
"The first gate opens under any circumstance. Isn't that what allowed Emperor Adratan to ascend to power?"
The Black Knight's fluent discourse left the gatekeeper flustered.
"The empire belongs to its citizens, and the emperor is merely their agent. The ever-open first gate is evidence of that."
"That's..."
"Or could it be that things are happening inside the imperial palace that citizens should not know about?"
After speaking to the gatekeeper, the Black Knight turned his attention to the citizens.
"Yes! Even during the war, the first gate was always open!"
"What in the world is happening inside?"
"My son is inside!"
"Open the gate!"
"Open the gate now!"
As if responding to the Black Knight's words, the voices of the citizens grew louder.
"Mom?"
"Are you outside, honey?"
Hearing the citizens' voices, cries came from beyond the gate as well.
"Do you serve the history built by the empire, or the remains left by the flames?"
Even amidst the clamor, the Black Knight's quiet voice reached the gatekeeper's ears clearly.
Showing reluctance, the gatekeeper clenched his lips and looked at the other soldiers.
"Open the gate!"
At the gatekeeper's command, though the soldiers hesitated, they soon complied. They knew that unnecessary words could easily turn the citizens' hostility towards them.
"Quickly, come out!"
"Mom!"
As the gate opened, people trapped inside began to pour out. The Black Knight calmly began to slip through the crowd.
"Follow him."
"Pardon?"
"Follow the Black Knight!"
Pintel hastily trailed after him.
'Could it be, was Sir Yulian aiming for this...?'
Despite integrating Twilight, a private force, into the crowd, the gatekeepers failed to notice amidst the throng of people.
It turned out they didn't need to perform the troublesome task of taking 'Prince Osborne' hostage, just as Yulian had suggested.
"Wa-wait, Black Knight!"
Having finally caught up to the Black Knight, Pintel called out to him. The Black Knight halted his steps and directed his gaze towards Pintel.
"Do you want revenge?"
"What?"
"I'm asking, is it revenge that made you come after me?"
Revenge? Ah, upon understanding his words, Pintel sighed deeply.
"Now isn't the time for that. Can't you feel the demonic energy stirring inside the palace?"
Indeed, from before passing the first gate, there was a chilling demonic energy stirring beyond the palace.
That 'Eulsis' was responsible was an obvious deduction.
"Soon, demons will start to overflow. This place could become even bloodier than the Northern Front."
"... I see."
"So, how about setting aside animosity for now?"
Pintel observed the 'Black Knight' while listening to his words, contemplating briefly.
Clacky's Corner:
I'm guessing this Black Knight is Uruhar.
Probably.
P. S.
11 chapters left.