Chapter 69
Chapter 69: Preparation
"Archduke, do the memories of old not return to you?"
"Grrr......"
At the Emperor's question, the Northern Archduke growled.
The savage king of the Northern tribes had become the Empire's Archduke, and now bearing the title of "Wall of the North," he shouldered the duty of guardian.
The Emperor had come north to share the burden that the Archduke carried.
'The undead army has trampled on imperial soil....'
In the northern reaches of the Empire, a demon realm exists.
A place called by another name—the "Land of Death."
A desolate land where powerful undead lurk, able to resurrect even from a single scrap of flesh.
Due to the Great Cataclysm Patch, such undead had invaded the Empire's territory.
Grrr!
Beside the Emperor, the Archduke rolled his eyes wildly, searching for enemies.
But—
"Archduke, the war has ended."
"—Your Majesty."
At the Emperor's announcement of the war's conclusion, the Northern Archduke regained his composure.
Centered on the Emperor and Archduke, a massive crater had opened, and purple bloodstains scattered in all directions.
Yet the ground beneath their feet alone maintained its perfect form.
"Your Majesty......"
The Northern Archduke gazed at the Emperor with wavering eyes.
"Is my family safe?"
The Archduke was a massive, fearsome beast of a man, yet his eyes were like those of a child seeking salvation.
"The North is safe."
The Emperor reassured the Archduke with a heart like that of a father.
Only then did the ferocious aura surrounding the Northern Archduke dissipate.
"Archduke, I shall handle the rest."
From the center of the shattered earth, the Emperor rose with momentum.
Kuung!
On his enormous frame was silver armor refined from lunar fragments.
In his right hand, a sword blade forged from moonlight gleamed brilliantly.
The Emperor's gaze was directed toward the end of the purple bloodstains.
'How dare undead creatures...'
Along the northern mountain range of the Empire, traces of oozing undead were abundant, and beyond them, a black fog had descended.
Within the fog, undead creatures scattering purple eye-light gazed upon the Emperor and the Northern Archduke.
"You who do not die—"
Bang!!!
The Emperor took a single step forward.
With his footstep, the earth shattered and the sky split.
With that single step, the peaks of the northern mountain range pierced through with a boom, and the black fog that had filled the mountain range scattered.
Moonlight glinted between the night sky, and within the scattered fog, purple eyes trembled.
"—This land is protected in the name of House Arman."
The Emperor's words, filled with power, spread through the northern chill wind to the Land of Death.
"Therefore, return to your land."
A single ray of silver moonlight flowed down, piercing the pitch-black night sky.
Following the Emperor's hand, moonlight illuminated the demon realm, and the purple eyes lurking in the fog soon vanished into thick darkness.
"Your Majesty—"
At that sight, the Archduke knelt and bowed his head to the Emperor.
The Emperor spoke to the Archduke with an expressionless face.
"Archduke, the Empire faces a national crisis."
"I await your command."
What the Archduke bore was the duty of protecting the North, and the shackles called responsibility that bound him.
"One Empire, one continent."
The Emperor intended to unbind the Archduke's shackles.
For the duty of a guardian was a title ill-suited to the Northern Archduke.
'The Northern Archduke, those bearing the blood of House Attun.'
In ancient times, a clan of warmongers who competed with the Empire for continental supremacy.
The Emperor intended to place the Archduke at the vanguard of the unification war as Supreme Commander.
The best means to unite the Empire amid the calamity that has befallen the world.
That means is war.
War driven by a sublime and noble mission to make the continent one.
"Archduke, from this moment forth, I appoint you Supreme Commander of the Continental Unification Army."
To this, the Archduke respectfully bowed his head and responded.
"—I shall obey the stern command of Your Majesty."
It was a simple and blindly loyal declaration.
But at the corner of the Northern Archduke's mouth was drawn a smile so deep it seemed it would split his face.
A beast hungering for blood.
Contrary to his nature, he had lived bearing the duty of a guardian.
"Destroy the kingdoms and bring only pure Empire to this land!"
That beast would bare his fangs against the world.
***
The Imperial Capital, Arman.
The Labyrinth Plaza in District 3 was packed with people.
The Imperial Capital soldiers stood in solemn position, guarding the entrance to the Labyrinth, yet the Empire's citizens still flooded into the plaza.
Because the Labyrinth's gates had opened wide.
"Fall back further—!"
The Security Bureau and the Imperial Guard cooperated to control the plaza.
Half of all available personnel were mobilized.
Yet managing the surging crowds was nearly impossible.
"My family entered the Labyrinth!!!"
"Why are you stopping us!"
The crowds were divided into two groups. One side desperately sought family members who had entered the Labyrinth.
"We don't know what might emerge. Make absolutely certain that citizens don't approach the entrance!"
There was no guarantee that families would return alive, so one could not drive the Empire's people into fear.
The Great Cataclysm Patch had completely overturned the world over nearly a week.
"Since His Majesty has just returned....... at the very least, I hope we can control that crowd over there."
The commander of the Imperial Guard gazed seriously at one corner of the plaza.
That was more troublesome than those searching for family.
"If you give me the opportunity, I believe I can resolve this!"
At such a moment, Erica, the newly appointed commander of the Imperial Guard, stepped forward, offering to resolve the crisis.
"Commander Erica, you have a strategy?"
"Yes, I have a personal connection with Priestess Ruelle."
Erica's gaze turned toward the crowd filling one corner of the plaza.
Beyond the Labyrinth entrance, a massive guillotine was visible—the highest point in the Labyrinth Plaza.
Upon it stood Ruelle, dressed to the nines, holding a money bag in one hand while staring intently at the Labyrinth.
'Priestess's popularity is now irreversible.'
Though merely dressed up, Ruelle had assumed an imposing atmosphere with a solemn expression.
To the point of feeling truly majestic.
'As expected....'
Rather, that majesty seemed to heighten the believers' desperation further.
Below the guillotine, believers gazed at her desperately and offered prayers.
Janson, bearing scars that twisted his face hideously, kept close protection, preventing anyone from approaching.
Yet the believers moving with her were, from the Empire's perspective, a considerable threat.
'His Majesty tolerates the religious order's influence....'
Erica was well aware that roughly half the people gathered in the plaza had come to see Ruelle.
Moreover, she knew this was only possible because the Empire permitted it.
Erica moved her steps toward the guillotine.
'As expected.... Priestess Ruelle is a person comparable to my god.'
Before Erik became famous.
Duke Fernasia, recognizing his potential, had tried to match him with her.
But—
"Hmm. Are you the one called Lady Erica?"
From the moment Erica felt Ruelle's gaze sweeping over her from head to toe, she realized she had been defeated.
Still, she tried occasionally to seduce Erik, but this too was thwarted by his mischievous teasing.
Each time, her heart would sink—and Erik would slip away like a phantom.
'......I need only trust and follow.'
Such romantic feelings of Erica's had been reborn as fanaticism on the battlefield against a disaster-class demon.
The feeling in her heart was not love, but faith.
"Priestess, it has been some time since we last met."
Thus, Erica showed reverence to Ruelle as one would to a divine woman.
Swish!
From atop the guillotine, Ruelle looked down at Erica.
A faint smile drew at the corner of her lips, but she soon closed her mouth and, as always, greeted Erica by drawing the religious order's sign of the cross.
"May Astia's blessing be with you—. Lady Erica, it has been a while."
Erica was the daughter of a noble house and commanded the knight order of the Imperial Guard.
Though Ruelle used formal speech, Erica found it burdensome.
"Please speak comfortably."
She bowed her head more deeply and added a word.
"Is that so?"
Only then could the two enter the main topic.
Erica asked for Ruelle to disperse the crowd, and Ruelle gladly accepted.
"Everyone!!!"
From atop the guillotine, Ruelle scattered Divine Power.
As Divine light spotlit Ruelle like a stage light, the sight of the praying citizens converged upon her.
"Please maintain safe distance—! Let us clear the plaza so that returning families can find their place—!!!"
The citizens who had not yielded despite the Security Bureau and Imperial Guard's efforts now began to retreat with disciplined steps at that single statement.
The Labyrinth Plaza became empty.
'What in the....'
Even the general commanding the Imperial soldiers guarding the Labyrinth entrance was greatly startled.
He had known Erik's influence was extraordinary, but to wield such power over the Empire's citizens.
'I must meet with His Majesty as quickly as possible.'
Before the general, troubled by such conflicting emotions, an anomaly occurred.
Kukugugung!!!
Though the plaza was peaceful.
A roaring sound came from the Labyrinth entrance.
As if an earthquake itself had struck, the rough wooden door trembled and shook.
At this, the Imperial general drew his sword and shouted.
"All soldiers, draw weapons!"
Clang!
Sharp sword blades pointed at the Labyrinth.
Toward the pointed blades, a desolate wind blew from the dark Labyrinth entrance.
The musty air—
"Um...?"
—Fresh and holy.
It was wind carrying golden light.
The citizens surrounding the plaza witnessed it.
Thud!
Appearing at the very front of the Labyrinth was a giant Paladin.
With golden Divine Power enveloping him, his magnificent figure radiated brilliant glory.
"H-He's alive!!!"
And thousands of people following behind that Paladin.
Whether members of the Labyrinth forces or adventurers, they embraced each other, savoring the joy of survival.
"Our savior!!!"
After experiencing joy came the sharing of gratitude.
The target was clear.
'That is.... Saint Erik.'
The Imperial Capital general, who had watched it all from the front, stood speechless at the sight of Erik appearing like a hero.
***
Survival soon transformed into the joy of reunion.
It was the same for Erik.
"Erik!"
"Priestess!"
The two embraced and shared the joy of their reunion.
After Erik entered the Labyrinth.
Only days had passed outside.
Yet because of the calamity called the Great Cataclysm Patch, Ruelle's worry was immense.
"Are you injured?"
"Thanks to your concern, I'm perfectly fine."
Erik gazed intently at Ruelle from her feet to the crown of her head.
His expression naturally furrowed slightly, but he quickly brightened.
Just as he had revealed his power after turning fifteen.
Ruelle too had entered the time to display her overflowing beauty.
'It's like clothes made for Ruelle.'
Thus, Erik felt pure admiration.
A sleek, form-fitting long one-piece dress that beautifully accentuated her figure.
With a slit on the thigh that exposed her white skin with each step.
On her right arm hung an expensive designer bag, and in her other hand, Ruelle carried a large travel bag full of gold coins.
'She really stands out....'
Usually, Erik would be conscious of others' gazes, but with such sincere eyes?
Ruelle too felt somewhat nervous as she asked Erik.
"How is it?"
"It suits you very well."
Erik nodded with great satisfaction.
The atmosphere, everything was near perfect.
'The neck seems a bit empty...?'
Such a thought crossed his mind for a moment, but he didn't voice it.
Instead, he leaned his waist forward and extended his hand politely to Ruelle.
At this sight, Ruelle nearly dropped the money bag she was holding.
'Eh, an escort?'
Wasn't this the manner in which noblemen would escort young ladies?
Ruelle was startled by the suddenly narrowed distance.
"It must be heavy, so I shall carry it."
Erik took the gold coin bag and grasped Ruelle's hand as they strolled through the Labyrinth Plaza.
The procession of a giant, radiant Paladin and a gorgeous, beautiful Priestess.
Their destination was the Central Church of the Imperial Capital, the nest of Erik and Ruelle.
"Waah......"
Though tens of thousands of people gathered, none dared obstruct the path of Erik and Ruelle.
The instinctively felt aura naturally opened the way.
"Seriously, this is driving me crazy—"
The reunion of Erik and Ruelle felt like entering a different world.
Jang Du-sik and the three Possessors could only watch in astonishment.
"Hey, lackey, what on earth is this?"
"Brother Du-sik, I have no idea either."
Janson, tasked with protecting Ruelle, stood alone atop the guillotine.
With Erik here, what need was there for protection?
He should just tactfully withdraw.
However, the problem was that both Janson and Jang Du-sik needed to go to the church as well.
"For now, let's follow slowly."
"Alright, you lot, follow along."
Following the path Erik had opened, Jang Du-sik swung his club.
"You there—get out of the way!"
***
Ruelle felt her spirits soaring.
'That little brat— to be like this....'
Today, Erik seemed even more mature.
Was it from doing work outside?
Perhaps because of this, even Ruelle, who hadn't paid much attention before, unconsciously found her eyes drawn to Erik.
Her hand had gone limp.
'Why did he let go?'
When Ruelle regained her senses, she saw the massive church's front gate before her eyes.
"Shall we go in?"
Erik smiled mischievously.
It meant they had arrived at their destination.
Ruelle felt the emptiness in her hand keenly.
She entered the church with a somewhat gloomy air.
'Was it troubling after all?'
Erik too felt a sense of regret at Ruelle's retreating figure.
Though he had no immediate plans to do anything about it.
The distance between people, after all, was meant to be closed slowly, and their relationship had yet to be clearly defined.
An awkward atmosphere lingered.
"How have things been?"
Thus, Erik planned to exchange pleasantries and engage in casual conversation about recent events.
Everyday conversation served as a good way to clear away such awkward moments.
"Nothing major happened"
"As for me, well, I've been exploring the Floor Masters while searching for Du-sik—"
Chattering voices spread through the church.
Awkwardness was stained with everyday life.
So the mood lifted, and Ruelle brought up her concerns.
"Ah! Lately, there are so many believers that I'm wondering if I should expand the church."
At those words, Erik placed the money bag Ruelle had given him into his inventory.
'......What is this?'
At once, a fortune of 10 million gold had entered.
As Erik looked in amazement, Ruelle's words were added.
"That's only about one-tenth of it."
"Th-that's—"
"Ta-da—!"
From Ruelle's hand appeared massive containers overflowing.
'That's all....'
Tithe donation boxes.
Gold coins overflowed to the very brim of each one.
"I didn't receive these tithes with such intentions?"
Ruelle was surprisingly calm about it.
Of course, it had happened according to Erik's plan.
'Better than expected.'
It exceeded his expectations far beyond calculation.
Erik's mind quickly worked.
Normally, there would be lengthy explanations and a time for persuasion.
But conversation in such a heightened mood skipped that process.
Erik spoke.
"Priestess Ruelle, have you no intention of converting?"
At those words that suddenly emerged, Ruelle grabbed the back of her neck.