Chapter 121 : Chapter 121

Chapter 121: For Tayon (7)

Tayon was one of the Twelve Swords of Adjak and had been the leader of the Crows for over 20 years.

He wasn't just an important figure within the family.

His achievements as the leader of the Crows, a position everyone avoided, were widely known throughout the continent.

Because of this, the news of Tayon spread widely across the continent, and a wave of mourning was pouring in.

Not only various supplies but also the number of people newly enlisting in the Crows increased greatly.

However, the chaos of the Crows, who had lost their leader, was unavoidable.

Agamben stepped in to manage it.

Agamben didn't just hold the position of Tello's leader, a small organization even within the Adjak family.

His ability to use the [Abacus of Fate] was vaguely known to the world and many people had received direct or indirect help from Agamben.

Based on Agamben's mediation, the Crows' will, and the newly pouring support, the Crows began to rise again.

“I, Remmelts, will firmly guard the front of Myeolji as the new leader of the Crows.”

“We look forward to it.”

Agamben got the Crows' consent and appointed Remmelts, the former vice-commander of the Crows, as the new leader.

He was a person who had assisted Tayon as vice-commander for over 10 years.

In a situation where Tayon's absence was keenly felt, Remmelts overcame the burden and became the new leader of the Crows.

“Until the Dome opens one day and the Demons come out of Myeolji, we Crows will block this place.”

“Salute to Commander Remmelts!”

Thanks to the swift post-mortem arrangements, the Crows were able to reorganize their ranks.

Meanwhile, I had many conversations with my comrades about what to do next.

Bea and Everchen came out into the world following me and still decided to stay with me.

On the other hand, Blaze, Kiyot, and Siriel decided to remain in the Crows even without Tayon.

Blaze was born and raised in front of Myeolji, but Kiyot and Siriel's circumstances were different.

They had never been back to their hometown since their Coming-of-Age Ceremony.

“It's okay anyway! This place feels like home now!”

“…Me too. Once a Crow, always a Crow.”

Blaze could have smiled proudly seeing them, who had become full-fledged Crow agents, but his expression was stiff and cold.

“Lord Blaze, congratulations on becoming the commander of the Crows' 3rd unit. I heard that's an incredibly fast promotion, isn't it?”

“That’s only because many people died in this battle, not because my ability is outstanding.”

“The Crows are by no means a sloppy organization.”

Blaze's eyes widened a little at my words. Soon he nodded in agreement.

“Polarin, you’re right. I will hold this position, so I hope you do everything you can as well.”

I shook hands firmly with Blaze.

And Kiyot and Siriel also gave me a tight hug.

“For Tayon.”

“For Tayon.”

We repeated the same words and strengthened our resolve.

Meanwhile, Keldric and Eidon, who had brought me to Myeolji, were also contemplating their future.

“Lord Eidon, can I follow Polarin?”

Even though his training period at Tello had passed a long time ago, Keldric had been following Eidon.

That was Keldric's will. Although they weren't on friendly terms, Keldric said that the time he spent as an agent with him was the most rewarding.

While Eidon was staying in Ostrum with me, Keldric also carried out his duties as an agent, but he said there were limitations.

Now that he was with Eidon again, he became well-versed in the affairs of the north.

It was Keldric who first expressed his intention to become independent to Eidon.

“You should have left a long time ago. Do what you want.”

Eidon spoke to Keldric in a cold tone.

But both Keldric and I could tell that a lot of affection for his subordinate was in his grumbling.

“Polarin, take good care of Keldric. He’s still lacking, but he’ll be able to protect himself.”

I nodded at Eidon's words.

Eidon's words probably weren't his true feelings.

Keldric also made a brilliant contribution in dealing with Zenburga and his subordinates this time.

Even when I first dealt with one of Zenburga’s subordinates, Keldric's help was great, and I heard that he later succeeded in overpowering and killing another subordinate.

“Of course, Keldric and I will work hard to show you our growth in the future. But what are you going to do, Lord Eidon?”

“I'll go to Ostrum. It’s not easy to use magic in Myeolji. I’ll get caught up by you all at this rate.”

Eidon was making a fuss. But everyone knew.

The damage was reduced because Eidon and Bea provided diligent support.

“Yes, I will create a situation where you no longer have to worry about the north, Lord Eidon.”

“…The northern guys are dangerous. You should be careful.”

“Yes, I will persuade the Empire without fail.”

Eidon seemed to have high expectations for the new magic he would learn in Ostrum.

Eidon also used the Ice Coffin he learned during his last visit.

I heard that there was no small number of spells he couldn't acquire due to a lack of time back then.

Since there are many outstanding mages including Glefild in the Frost Magic Tower, it will be an opportunity for Eidon to grow even further.

“And can I ask you one more favor?”

“What is it?”

“I would appreciate it if you could deliver this to Lady Labella.”

I held out the Necklace of the Void I had torn from Zenburga’s neck.

Eidon took the necklace with his hand, then frowned after feeling a strong resistance.

“They say it's a Demon King's artifact. I'd like to ask Lady Labella to analyze it. It would be great if the Frost Magic Tower could look at it too.”

Eidon wrapped the Necklace of the Void with a rope so it wouldn't touch his hand directly.

Even when Zenburga bit it with his teeth and even when I gripped it with my Mana, the Necklace of the Void didn't even get a scratch.

Moreover, it would be good to analyze its ability to absorb the life force of the person it killed and return it to the owner.

“If the Magic Tower also has a hard time analyzing it, please let me know. I'll ask the Holy Order to do it.”

It was an opinion Everchen had given.

He said there are many excellent priests in the Holy Order, and Divine Power has the strength to overcome Demonic Energy.

He said if the priests analyzed it, they might be able to get different results than the mages.

But first, I wanted to trust Labella. She might be able to find even a small clue.

Analyzing the artifact itself was one thing, but if we could learn about Demonic Energy itself or the new Demon King through it, it would be an even greater result.

“Alright, the Magic Towers will work together to analyze it thoroughly.”

Eidon also showed off his passion for research.

I exchanged greetings one by one with not only the party who came with me but also the other Crows and reinforcements.

“He's an Apostle of the Holy Order.”

“I heard he’s Tayon’s disciple.”

I could hear whispers around me.

Tayon had single-handedly stopped Zenburga in this incident.

He realized that if others approached, they would only infuse life force into the Necklace of the Void.

So besides Tayon, I was the only one who confronted Zenburga directly.

They saw me fight alongside Tayon, and they saw me become a God's Avatar.

They also clearly saw that it was me who saved them after they were eroded when the Demon King's Demonic Energy was exposed, and they saw me with four wings overwhelming Zenburga.

Perhaps that's why they all looked at me with respect.

“When the Dome is removed, please, make sure to bring Tayon back!”

“Make the world brighter!”

“Please persuade the Empire! Please let them know who our true enemy is!”

They conveyed their wishes to me.

I responded to them and shook each person's hand firmly.

Perhaps because I had been doing that for a while.

The Maron hanging from my waist began to tremble.

I remembered what Everchen had told me.

That for a god to regain its power, respect and faith must reside in its avatar.

If I became stronger, Maron would also regain his power.

As the Apostle of Death and Peace, I intended to grow the power of both gods and get a lot of help in Myeolji.

Receiving everyone's welcome, I left for the capital with my companions.

***

The capital, Oriandeus, was named after the Emperor’s family name.

At the entrance, Rodos welcomed me. Behind him, the Western Noble Coalition was lined up.

They were all well-dressed and came out to greet me. It was the combat uniform of the nobles.

“With this kind of power, you could conquer the Empire.”

I tried to make a joke for no reason.

This was because I could read their grim expressions and the sorrow within them.

“I heard the news about Tayon. He was a very special person to you, wasn’t he?”

“He was. I’ll bring him back one day.”

But now was not the time to mourn Tayon's absence.

It might sound cold, but I wanted to move forward.

In fact, if I didn't have such a goal, I felt like I would be consumed by sorrow myself.

Rodos patted me on the shoulder.

“For Tayon.”

“For Tayon.”

The words Hike had uttered in Myeolji had already spread far and wide.

Everyone was mourning while saying Tayon's name.

It had an effect.

Even Rodos, who was once a Demon, chanted those words like a spell.

People were gathering together under Tayon's name.

And I didn't intend to miss this opportunity.

“Agamben is gathering people. As promised, we will help you too. Where will you give your speech?”

“Are there any candidate locations?”

“The Imperial Palace or the Plaza. One of those two would be best. I recommend the Imperial Palace. Not only is it a place no one can just go to, but you'll be able to persuade the people who have the authority to decide on war directly.”

“I'll do it at the Plaza.”

Rodos recommended the Imperial Palace, but I chose the Plaza.

The reason was simple.

Having lived in modern times, I know the power of public opinion.

No matter if the Imperial family has the final say on war, it's difficult to suppress them easily when the people are united.

Moreover, the social order of this continent wasn't so barbaric.

Although the Emperor's power wasn't weak and the class system was prevalent, there was also a culture that clearly respected the lives of individuals.

If that wasn't the case, the mages of Ostrum living near the capital wouldn't have been able to run wild so freely.

If I could first gather the hearts of the capital's people who knew about the Tayon incident, the Empire would not be able to so easily go to war.

Because, like any social structure, war cannot be waged by the ruling class alone.

“Lord Polarin!”

“Please look this way!”

This was my first time setting foot in the capital, but there were many people who recognized me.

This was because the rumors of me getting the moniker 'Five Morning Stars of the Empire' and becoming an Apostle of the Holy Order, along with my achievements in Myeolji, had spread.

There were many merchants who offered me fresh apples and citizens who grabbed my hand.

“…So be it. Then I’ll prepare for you to give a speech in the Plaza.”

“Thank you for understanding.”

Rodos also read the atmosphere of the capital, so he no longer tried to persuade me.

Stomp, stomp, stomp, a rhythmic sound of footsteps approached us.

I watched the direction of the sound.

I was worried that the Imperial Army might appear and pressure me.

Although I had done nothing wrong, a pretext could always be created.

But my tension soon eased.

Knights in white armor were approaching, and a dragon crest was engraved on their chests.

The White Dragon Knights had arrived.

At their head were Balua, a tiger beastman who was one of the Twelve Swords of Adjak whom I had met as the Coming-of-Age Ceremony supervisor, Pasion, also one of the Twelve Swords of Adjak and the leader of the White Dragon Knights, and Akuhata, the only female among the Twelve Swords of Adjak.

Seeing the sudden arrival of such influential figures of the Adjak family, Rodos asked in a low voice.

“You… you didn’t really come to conquer the Empire, did you?”

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