Chapter 474

During the ruinous Era of Catastrophe, the sanctuary city known as Reyssar stood out as one of the few settlements that managed to endure with reasonable stability. It boasted the grandest proportions among the surviving strongholds of that period, and its overall conditions were markedly superior to those of neighboring domains.

“It was a land rich in provisions. Most importantly, it served as the home for the Guardian of the Azure Sky.”

This legendary protector was Agon, the Guardian of the Azure Sky and the mentor of Arion. Long before the rise of celebrated champions such as Risinas and Kyle, this singular individual was widely revered as the solitary salvation of mankind.

Agon possessed a deep affection for youth. Consequently, he established a haven for parentless youths within the walls of Reyssar. As long as Agon, the Guardian of the Azure Sky, drew breath, the displaced children wandering Reyssar could look toward the future with genuine optimism.

However, his passing marked a dark turning point. The subsequent horror truly commenced after his demise.

The governing ruler of Reyssar began rounding up and systematically indoctrinating the countless vagrant youths filling the streets. They were systematically reengineered into perfect instruments of conflict and ultimately thrust into the frontlines against the forces of Tartarus.

The method used to forge them was brutally straightforward: a ceaseless, unforgiving rivalry. Sustenance was strictly reserved for the youths who could withstand the most merciless conditioning. Eradicating or brutalizing one’s peers was entirely permissible, provided it secured a victory. It was, in the most literal sense, a waking nightmare. While such an environment was capable of breeding exceptionally potent combatants, it entirely precluded the development of balanced, wholesome human beings.

“Among those ranks, a significant number possessed remarkable innate capabilities.”

There were undoubtedly youngsters whose inherent gifts and prowess could have served as a great boon to civilization. Yet, the ruler of Reyssar treated them as nothing more than disposable assets. Forced onto the battlefields as mere fodder, these youths perished in vain, their final moments consumed by deep-seated malice and bitterness. This grim cycle persisted without interruption, continuing unabated until Kyle finally stepped in and executed the tyrannical lord of Reyssar.

“He was acting in collusion.”

During the execution of Reyssar’s ruler, Kyle uncovered the true architect orchestrating the entire atrocity.

“It was the Grand Duke of Dirges, Artkhan.”

The premier lieutenant to the fearsome Necromancer King. His motivation for engineering such a complex scheme was remarkably basic.

“He required a steady supply of fresh remains.”

The primary art practiced by the dark army under Necromancer King Hell Kaiser, along with his cabal of dark mages, was necromancy. These practitioners channeled devastating sorcery by manipulating the deceased. Because of this, their presence on the field of combat was utterly horrifying. The psychological toll of witnessing a fallen brother-in-arms rise as a zombie to strike down former allies was a terror to which no soldier could ever grow accustomed.

“Their mere presence shatters the enemy’s resolve.”

Furthermore, the more proficient a practitioner of the dark arts was, the more flawlessly they could replicate the physical semblance of the living.

“And the corpses of those who die gripped by intense malice and hatred serve as their ultimate instruments of war.”

Elite necromancers possessed the capability to amplify the martial prowess of a reanimated corpse beyond what it had been capable of achieving in life. This technique was highly comparable to how noble knights and martial artists channel aura to empower their blades. Naturally, if the deceased warrior had been exceptionally mighty in life, resurrecting their absolute maximum capability proved far more challenging.

“Additionally, there was another factor.”

If remains saturated with negative sentiments like malice, fury, hopelessness, and jealousy provided the finest raw materials for dark mages, then the exact opposite held true for noble spirits; the remains of honorable souls were virtually impossible to dominate. Even when successfully reanimated as the undead, they consistently bucked authority and fought back against their masters. From a practical standpoint, they resembled blunted swords, making it exceedingly difficult to extract any meaningful power from them.

“When Risinas manifested as a beacon of light to contest the might of Erebus and Tartarus, virtuous champions emerged across the lands.”

Inspired by the radiance and optimism championed by Risinas, an abundance of heroes arose. This was precisely what rendered Risinas so extraordinary. She fabricated a vision of nonexistent illumination and hope, comforting the masses with falsehoods until she ultimately transformed those lies into reality, making her the genuine savior of civilization. While the Brave Arion epitomized sheer valor, King Risinas of Wisdom served as the ultimate emblem of deliverance and optimism.

“Regrettably, that is a talent I could never hope to replicate in my lifetime.”

Regardless, the mere presence of Risinas stripped the Necromancer King’s forces of a vital resource. Consequently, the Grand Duke of Dirges, Artkhan, formulated a scheme to utilize Reyssar as a breeding ground for viable corpses. This insidious plot gave rise to the tragic faction known as the Orphan Soldiers.

“The sheer volume of fury and malice harbored by those Orphan Soldiers was staggering.”

Though forced to subjugate one another simply to survive, the underlying connection among these Orphan Soldiers remained incredibly profound. Perishing prior to attaining true strength was utterly pointless. To exploit this, Artkhan, who directed the operation from the shadows, conditioned the Orphan Soldiers to rely heavily on one another. It became commonplace for them to surrender their meager rations to a starving peer. Throughout their brutal drills, it was a regular occurrence for one to offer up their own life to ensure a companion’s survival. For these Orphan Soldiers, their peers represented their sole motivation to keep breathing.

“The greater the number of companions they lost, the more intense their malice and fury grew.”

In the beginning, the brunt of their fury and malice was directed toward Tartarus.

“However, the instant they were herded into the conflict as disposable fodder and began to fall, the Orphan Soldiers perceived the truth.”

They recognized that their entire existence had been engineered solely for demise. As they watched the dark mages harvest their fallen kin, their suppressed fury and malice erupted violently.

“It was an absolute horror.”

This was the exact reason why Vihar, one of Kyle’s premier pupils, found himself unable to transition into the light even after the conclusion of the Era of Catastrophe.

“Because his origins lay among the Orphan Soldiers.”

Kyle had desperately wished for his student to enjoy a peaceful life in the light once the dust settled. He had explicitly instructed him to avoid the grim path of shadow that he himself had been forced to tread. Yet, Vihar ultimately chose the dark path, transforming into a shadow.

“In the end, he simply couldn’t mirror the path taken by Verkia.”

These were Kyle’s two pupils, both reared beneath a bleak, overcast sky. Between them, Verkia walked toward the radiance, whereas Vihar plunged into the deep dark.

Sensing a wave of bitterness wash over him at the memory of Vihar, Leo shifted his gaze away from the gathered Orphan Soldiers.

“What is the reason behind Crown Prince Jeremin overseeing these youths? Their presence feels highly unusual.”

The pressure they radiated was truly remarkable.

“I took custody of these youths by force; Duke Dotarn was raising them in complete secrecy.”

“Did he surrender them without a fight?”

“Hardly. However, I simply could not stand by and allow such a grotesque operation to continue.”

Leo observed Jeremin, whose gaze burned with palpable outrage, and inquired, “How much do you actually understand regarding these youths?”

“I am only aware that they were conditioned specifically to be deployed on the front lines.”

“Their very existence remains a closely guarded secret within this realm, correct?”

“Indeed. Had I been aware that such monstrous deeds were occurring, I would have intervened much sooner.”

Listening to Jeremin’s resolute declaration, Leo turned his eyes back toward the Orphan Soldiers.

‘In truth, if that Duke Dotarn had truly grasped the exceptional nature of these youths, he would have never allowed them to fall into the hands of the Crown Prince.’

Neither the Crown Prince nor the Duke, being uninitiated in the deeper mysteries, realized the truth.

‘Virtually every one of these Orphan Soldiers outmatches a standard warrior. They have all managed to tap into the power of aura. A few among them even possess the qualifications necessary to gain entry into Lumen.’

Within a modest realm such as Canel, a contingent like this would possess more than enough might to instigate a coup. The northeastern continent was a region perpetually plagued by warfare, ensuring that a steady supply of parentless children was easily maintained.

“What kind of future does Your Highness envision for these youths?”

“Though it presents a massive challenge, my ultimate hope is for them to lead an existence entirely divorced from conflict.”

The Crown Prince demonstrated profound empathy. They had been stripped of their families by warfare, abducted, and subjected to a horrific training regime. He harbored genuine sorrow for their plight.

‘At the very least, the Crown Prince possesses a noble heart.’

He stood in stark contrast to the decadent monarch and corrupt ministers who populated this realm.

“Are you genuinely prepared to relinquish the legacy of the Knight of the Underworld to Lumen?”

“Without question. It is glaringly obvious that our kingdom lacks the capacity to properly employ it even if we retained possession. No matter how magnificent a relic might be, it remains utterly pointless if it cannot be utilized, does it not?”

Jeremin folded his arms and offered a light smile.

“It is far preferable for Lumen to oversee our kingdom’s ancient relics. Furthermore, I must ascend the throne before I can grant you the key. Until that time arrives, would it not be highly advantageous to maintain an open commercial alliance with the esteemed Hero Leo Flobe?”

“You have planned quite extensively.”

Jeremin smiled subtly as Lil’s eyes went wide with astonishment.

“Those youngsters know very little about champions or legendary chronicles. Because of that, I desire to grant them the opportunity to look upon a genuine hero.”

With a deeply earnest countenance, Jeremin dipped his head respectfully toward Leo.

“I implore you, Leo Flobe. Assist these youngsters in finding a path to a normal life.”

Even within a minor kingdom, it is no small matter for a royal heir to bow his head, even when addressing an individual who has earned the renown of a hero.

Observing the Crown Prince’s sincerity, Leo responded, “I accept.”

“You have my deepest gratitude, truly!” Jeremin’s face lit up with a brilliant smile.

Watching him, Leo added, “In any case, now that I have been made aware of these youngsters, I cannot simply ignore their situation.”

The Orphan Soldiers stood in immaculate formation, awaiting the arrival of Leo and Lil. Their collective attention was locked entirely onto Leo. Deep blemishes and battle marks marred their countenances, and their eyes bore a uniform, razor-sharp intensity as they carefully scrutinized him.

‘Their collective age appears to hover around thirteen or fourteen years.’

They were remarkably youthful. Among their ranks, a few had managed—albeit by a narrow margin—to reach a standard worthy of admission into Lumen.

‘The remainder could likely attain that exact threshold depending on their dedication moving forward. Still, their fundamental temperament is completely unsuited for Lumen.’

Merely possessing physical strength was insufficient for acceptance into Lumen.

“Is it your desire to join the conflict?”

Answering Leo’s inquiry, the youth standing at the head of the formation spoke up.

“It is. Are you the individual tasked with deploying us to the battlefield?”

Leo let out a soft laugh at the boy’s query. “I am not.”

Upon hearing his response, the youth’s expression visibly tightened.

“What drives all of you to seek out the front lines?”

“To exact vengeance upon the monsters who reduced us to this state!”

“We were told the fiends who slaughtered our families are waiting out there!”

“Because of those wretched bastards, I was forced to strike down my own companions just to survive to this point!”

“We intend to slaughter every last one of them!”

Outcries saturated with raw animosity broke out among the youths.

Observing the commotion, Lil lifted her hand. “Please, everyone, settle down.”

“This is hardly an affair for a sheltered noblewoman to interfere with, is it?”

Right then, the young girl positioned alongside the leading youth barked out aggressively.

“Would it not be more beneficial for you if we went and snapped the necks of your adversaries?”

The girl, whose speech was remarkably coarse, went so far as to direct palpable malice toward both Leo and Lil.

Lil appeared visibly uncomfortable with the hostility. In that exact instance, Leo offered another chuckle.

“Very well, if your desire is truly that absolute, I shall grant your request and send you.”

“Master!” Lil called out, her voice betraying her sudden panic.

Leo gently guided the startled Lil to the forefront, positioning her directly before the assembled Orphan Soldiers, and remarked, “However, I will only deploy you if you can manage to best this girl.”

Following Leo’s declaration, the intense glare of the Orphan Soldiers shifted entirely onto Lil.

Lil looked utterly bewildered. “M-Master… an unexpected combat?”

“Consider it my inaugural directive to you as your instructor.”

“What?!”

“Overpower these youths.”

Hearing Leo’s definitive words, Lil gave a firm nod. Adopting a resolute expression, she squared her shoulders before the Orphan Soldiers.

“Advance.”

At her declaration, the leading boy and girl exchanged a swift glance and nodded in tandem. The girl was the first to stride forward. Efficiently twirling a blade between her fingers, she performed a brief demonstration before speaking in an icy tone.

“You would do well to steel yourself, highborn lady.”

Gazing calmly at her opponent, Lil replied, “Who ever suggested you should challenge me by yourself?”

“What? Are you saying the two of us together—”

“Every single one of you present here, charge at me simultaneously.”

“Pardon?”

The entire contingent of Orphan Soldiers stared back in absolute bewilderment.

With an entirely neutral expression, Lil stated, “I shall demonstrate to you precisely how helpless you truly are.”

‘I directed her to pacify them, yet she immediately challenges the entire group at once. For someone who usually behaves so reservedly, her boldness is surprisingly immense.’

Leo chuckled quietly as he observed Lil’s stance, then pivoted on his heel. The reasoning behind Leo delegating the management of the Orphan Soldiers to Lil was straightforward.

‘It is far more effective for their adversary to be someone only a few years their senior.’

Regardless of physical appearance, Leo’s mental maturity was far too advanced compared to the young Orphan Soldiers.

‘Leaving the task of connecting with them to a peer is a superior approach. Furthermore, in a structural sense, Lil’s core beliefs will clash entirely with the worldview of these Orphan Soldiers.’

Those who have experienced the depths of shadow can comprehend the dark. Conversely, those who have spent their entire existence enveloped in light find it exceptionally difficult to grasp the darkness.

‘Youths of this nature benefit most from colliding head-on with contrasting principles and having their convictions shattered.’

Most importantly, Leo had a critical task requiring his attention.

His crimson eyes flashed with sharp intensity.

‘If a contingent of Orphan Soldiers is being cultivated in this fashion within these borders, it confirms that the Grand Duke of Dirges, that miserable wretch, is lurking somewhere within this very kingdom.’

A freezing, lethal intent surfaced in Leo’s gaze.

‘It is time to commence the pursuit.’