Chapter 1022
Chapter 1022
Raon stepped back inside the assembly chamber of the Five Divine Orders, flanked by the Thespian Emperor and the Queen of Swords.
“Allow me to present myself formally now.”
The Thespian Emperor spoke while sliding a freshly poured cup of tea toward Raon, having brewed it herself.
“My name is Ariel, and I govern White Whale.”
Rather than using her famed title, the Thespian Emperor, she chose to announce her role as the head of White Whale. It was a clear demonstration of her earnest intent to align with the Five Kings.
“Brigitte.”
The Thespian Emperor cast a meaningful side-glance toward the Queen of Swords, nudging her to present herself in turn.
“Fine, I get it.”
Responding with a brief nod, the Queen of Swords acknowledged the unspoken prompt.
“Brigitte here, commander of the Unyielding Blade.”
Her greeting carried an unmistakably gentler cadence, reflecting a budding warmth toward the young swordsman.
“I am Raon Zieghart, Palace Master of the Light Wind Palace within the Zieghart clan.”
Standing up straight, Raon offered a dignified, courteous bow to both the Thespian Emperor and the Queen of Swords.
-Well, look at that. Where did your sharp tongue and insolence go?
‘These are allies we’re going to stand alongside from now on; picking fights serves no purpose. Furthermore…’
Lifting his gaze, he moistened his lips slightly.
‘Anyone who steers an entire organization commands my genuine respect.’
Stepping up from the post of Light Wind Division Leader to oversee the broader Light Wind Palace had taught him the harsh reality of running an expansive order. Figures such as the Thespian Emperor and the Queen of Swords truly merited high regard.
“Could you walk us through the path the Five Kings intend to carve out and where their focus lies?”
Setting the kettle upon the circular table, the Thespian Emperor posed her question. Her gaze shone with piercing clarity, evocative of a bright moon cutting through the evening gloom. Shaking off the trance of enlightenment had evidently restored her razor-sharp intellect and innate composure.
“Indeed, we must grasp that framework before anything else. It determines our next course of action.”
The Queen of Swords leaned across the round table, interlocking her fingers as she waited for him to begin.
“Allow me to clarify a minor detail beforehand.”
Raon’s focus drifted toward the Queen of Swords.
“Is Briana also observing this conversation?”
“Hardly. She retreated directly into the spiritual realm.”
With a slow shake of her head, the Queen of Swords confirmed Briana’s absence.
“She mentioned needing seclusion to digest the combat revelations gained while clashing against your blade.”
A faint smirk crossed her lips as she noted that Briana was unlikely to surface anytime soon.
“Understood. Even so…”
Raon’s eyes narrowed slightly as he caught the subtle curve of her lips.
“The moment Briana leaves your sight, you readily refer to her as your sister.”
Though she had previously refused to treat Briana as kin, the moment the other woman vanished, the familial term slipped out effortlessly.
“W-what? That’s ridiculous, I didn’t…”
The Queen of Swords fumbled over her words, color rushing to her cheeks like someone caught red-handed.
“I see how it is.”
A faint smirk played on Raon’s face as he caught her slip.
“Deep down, you have accepted her all along, regardless of the aloof facade you maintain.”
“It was just an involuntary slip! Don’t read into it!”
She shook her head furiously in denial, yet the nervous flutter in her eyes completely betrayed her insistence.
“You might as well come clean by now.”
The Thespian Emperor chimed in placidly, clearly aware all along of Brigitte’s true sentiments regarding Briana.
“Stop making things up, both of you…”
Biting her lip in mortification, the Queen of Swords let her protests taper off into a muted mumble.
“We can leave the subject there, then.”
Offering a polite smile, Raon steered the room back on track.
“Let me lay out the sequence that brought about the ruin of the Black Tower and the demise of The Fallen. To lay the foundation…”
He offered a meticulous breakdown of the conflict, knowing full well that even the well-informed Thespian Emperor lacked the deeper operational specifics.
“The… Soul Sword? Have you lost your absolute mind?!”
A baffled chuckle escaped the Queen of Swords, the realization finally hitting her as to why Briana had suffered total defeat.
“I found the outcome of that clash with The Fallen rather bizarre at the time, but the pieces fit now. You wielded the Soul Sword.”
Lightly stroking her chin, the Thespian Emperor murmured in understanding, having remained unaware until now of that vital weapon behind the monster’s downfall.
“Once the Black Tower collapsed, we rallied an immense wave of uncommitted factions who had remained on the fence during the ensuing Five Kings Conference. Our aim is to mobilize their wide-reaching intelligence web across the continent to locate every trace of the Five Demons.”
Resting a palm upon the round table, Raon outlined the strategic design born from that gathering.
“And once their trail is uncovered, do we launch an assault without delay?”
Absently turning a dirt-smudged finger from her earlier combat practice, the Queen of Swords sought clarity on whether full-scale war would ignite immediately.
“The factions still standing among the Five Demons are Eden, the White Blood Religion, the Holy Sword Alliance, and Derus Robert. In contrast…”
Raon tapped the broad expanse of the continental chart spread before them.
“Our coalition unites Zieghart, Owen, Balkar, the Beast Union, and the magic tower. With five colossal domains acting in concert and bolstered by three branches of the Five Divine Orders, the scale tips decisively in our favor—not merely in individual combatants, but in sheer military capacity.”
He emphasized that securing the allegiance of the Five Divine Orders had carved a devastating fracture into the enemy’s front, granting them the freedom to strike swiftly.
“What’s more, our recent raid dismantled a significant portion of Eden’s senior command alongside their ghoul legions. Eden is effectively reduced to less than half of its original combat potential.”
Raon gave a firm nod, noting that this crippling blow was precisely why the remaining villainous factions were currently lying low in absolute silence.
“The tactical edge clearly belongs to us.”
The Queen of Swords tapped her palms together in clear approval.
“Still, what is this about three branches among the Five Divine Orders? Didn’t the Pirate King step down into retirement?”
She knitted her brows, seeking confirmation on whether Alice had truly walked away from the martial world.
“She came close to walking away, true…”
Recalling the resounding, boisterous laughter of Alice, Raon shook his head.
“Yet she has stepped back onto the stage. Stronger, in fact, than she ever was.”
“A comforting piece of news. Her presence on the field will be a tremendous asset.”
A satisfied grin spread across the Queen of Swords’ features.
“…”
The Thespian Emperor blinked slowly and quietly, seemingly already privy to Alice’s resurgence.
“Still, by what means do you plan to pinpoint the Five Demons solely through neutral informants?”
Tipping her head inquisitively, the Queen of Swords pressed for further clarification on the intelligence operation.
“A syndicate as vast as the Five Demons cannot remain invisible forever. No matter how deep their current concealment is, nourishing such immense numbers demands massive supply routes. Those logistical chains will inevitably crack open their hiding spots.”
Raon traced a smooth arc across the parchment map.
“The neutral organizations scattered across every region will gather the baseline whispers, while the Black Market sifts and cross-references the findings to single out suspect territories one after another.”
Backed by the combined reach of the Five Kings, the Five Divine Orders, and countless unaffiliated factions, the Five Demons were bound to leave a trail behind.
“On top of that, White Whale possesses an espionage apparatus that rivals the Black Market itself. Merging our efforts will slash the necessary search time dramatically.”
Raon met the Thespian Emperor’s gaze, signaling his high hopes for her faction’s backing.
“Locating the Five Demons is vital, yet another critical element demands our scrutiny.”
Hovering a hand over the map, the Thespian Emperor made a motion as though slicing the continent clean across.
“Another element?”
The Queen of Swords fluttered her eyelashes, urging her to elaborate.
“The direct martial equilibrium between the Five Kings and the Five Demons.”
With an effortless flick of the Thespian Emperor’s finger, the miniature banners marking the territories of both the Five Kings and the Five Demons lifted off the table and hovered in midair.
“While the Destructive King of the North maintains his full, unyielding vitality, the Silent Sword Master, the Archmage of Eternal Flame, and the Beast King carry lingering wounds that have not fully mended.”
“A valid concern…”
The Queen of Swords released a low, strained rumble in her throat as the realization struck home.
“Reports suggest the Silent Sword Master has nearly reclaimed his peak form, but the afflictions suffered by the Archmage of Eternal Flame and the Beast King run down to their very souls, making quick recovery an impossibility. In Ogram’s case, we must realistically consider that his power may never return.”
Lowering her gaze, the Thespian Emperor hinted that Ogram’s strength could well remain shattered until the Leader of the White Blood Religion was slain.
“Conversely, though the heads of the Five Demons have thinned in ranks, their remaining figures possess overwhelming martial force. The Heavenly Demon commands terror on par with Glenn; the Leader of the White Blood Religion underwent a monstrous surge in power after consuming the Beast King’s essence; and Derus holds enough might to push back the Silent Sword Master.”
A heavy breath escaped her lips as she highlighted the sheer weight of individual disparity they were bound to confront.
“Furthermore, even with the internal schism splintering the Holy Sword Alliance, the figure presently sitting atop that faction is an undeniable monster. It would take someone of the Silent Sword Master’s caliber simply to hold him at bay.”
Her lips tightened into a thin line, underscoring that Rector remained a catastrophic variable on the board.
“Your assessment is accurate.”
Raon voiced his agreement while processing the Thespian Emperor’s breakdown.
“The Five Kings may claim superiority in the total tally of Transcendents, yet the Five Demons wield greater raw lethality in solitary confrontations. For that reason, our approach must mimic our triumph over the Black Tower Master and The Fallen—isolating and breaking them piece by piece. They lack the capacity to forge genuine solidarity.”
His fingers curled tightly into a fist as he emphasized targeting the fatal discord among enemies incapable of true harmony.
“There is yet another looming danger we cannot afford to overlook.”
The Thespian Emperor sighed softly, weary undertones bleeding into her voice.
“The Five Demons—or to be precise, Derus Robert—has secured the allegiance of an Archangel whose martial tier rivals the monarchs of both sides. Factor in the lesser Angels, and our supposed advantage may well turn into an uphill struggle.”
A bleak shake of her head accompanied her words, dampening any premature optimism regarding the coalition’s standing.
“An Archangel…”
The Queen of Swords twisted her brow in genuine shock, having completely overlooked that divine variable.
“Aren’t there two Archangels unaccounted for right now? Should reinforcements materialize, this campaign could turn disastrous.”
Clicking her tongue sharply, she vented her bewilderment over how a man like Derus could ever forge a pact with such a transcendent entity.
“My thoughts were somewhat clouded while caught in that state of enlightenment, yet even then, the reality facing the Five Kings never seemed quite as triumphant as people claimed.”
The Thespian Emperor released another weighed breath, confessing the deep-seated dread that had kept her on edge.
“When it comes to the Archangel…”
Glancing sideways at Wrath, who was mid-yawn, Raon offered a confident tilt of his head.
“I possess a specific countermeasure. It may prove ineffective against the other demon lords, but neutralizing the Archangel is entirely within my means.”
“Is that true? What kind of plan is it?”
The Thespian Emperor’s eyes stretched wide in genuine astonishment.
“The details must remain concealed for now. Yet the viability is beyond question.”
Raon responded with a composed, reassuring smile, asking for her blind faith on this singular matter.
“I see…”
Her eyes thinned into calculating slits.
‘Is it too much to swallow?’
The Thespian Emperor was an uncompromising tactician who operated strictly on logic and concrete proof rather than sentiment. Placing faith in a trump card that refused to explain itself seemed entirely against her nature.
“Very well. I shall place my faith in your assurance and map out our military moves without factoring in the Archangel.”
Against all odds, she inclined her head, accepting his declaration at face value.
“Pardon?”
Startled by the unexpected concession, Raon let out an audible breath of disbelief.
“You are willing to accept my claim without hearing the rationale behind it?”
“Had you spoken to the woman I was yesterday, I would have dismissed you outright. Yet entering that state of enlightenment granted me a brief, direct glimpse into the very fabric of Raon Zieghart’s soul. You are simply not the sort of man who makes reckless, hollow promises.”
An unusual, self-conscious smirk graced her lips, surprised at her own willingness to yield as she reaffirmed her trust.
“Count me in as well, then.”
Lifting a palm, the Queen of Swords mirrored the pledge of support. The profound experience of enlightenment appeared to have softened the edges of both their temperaments.
-It hasn’t changed their personalities one bit; they’re just rolling out the red carpet for you, kid.
Wrath tossed his head dismissively, scoffing that this leniency was an exception reserved exclusively for the youth before them.
‘Perhaps so.’
Moistening his lips, Raon offered an earnest bow to both the Thespian Emperor and the Queen of Swords.
“I am deeply grateful for your trust.”
Straightening his back once more, his eyes blazed with resolute conviction.
“I will ensure you never regret casting your lots with our cause.”
His calm, unwavering smile carried the absolute promise of steering their alliance toward ultimate triumph.
-Say, shouldn’t you come clean about that old man of yours?
Wrath tilted his head quizzically, hinting that laying out Rector’s personal stance would simplify their strategic dilemmas significantly.
‘Under no circumstances.’
Raon’s mental response was instantaneous and unyielding.
‘I refuse to draw Grandfather or the broader Holy Sword Alliance into the fires of this war.’
Having the Holy Sword Alliance refuse to take the field alongside the Five Demons was already an extraordinary stroke of fortune. He possessed no desire to drag individuals whose entire existence revolved around the purity of the sacred sword into a mire of mutual slaughter.
‘I will shield that territory myself.’
Gazing down at the marker representing the holy lands of the Holy Sword Alliance on the parchment, Raon tightened his fist.
‘Not a single trace of corruption will be permitted to stain its grounds.’
Rector knit his brows as he observed the pathway drenched in blinding, sacred brilliance.
‘What manner of domain is this?’
Upon reaching the designated rendezvous point instructed by Derus Robert, a corridor paved in gleaming white radiance had materialized out of thin air. The moment his boots crossed the threshold, an overwhelming current of sanctified vigor washed over the environment, bearing the stifling majesty of an arriving deity.
‘Uncanny.’
The sheer divine concentration saturating the air easily surpassed the most sacred cathedrals he had ever stepped foot in during his lifelong wanderings. Yet beneath that glorious sheen of purity lingered an indescribably revolting, foul undercurrent.
‘This energy belongs to neither the arcane arts nor dark witchcraft.’
The atmosphere humming through this passage did not originate from the standard mana currents governing the mortal realm. It functioned through holy authority—the miraculous energy attributed exclusively to divine Angels.
“Hmph.”
Rector’s expression darkened as he pressed forward across the luminous ground, which seemed to ripple and heave like a restless ocean.
‘An ill omen.’
Merely standing upon this ground gripped his chest in a suffocating vice, causing every hair on his skin to bristle. A creeping, instinctual terror crawled relentlessly along his spine.
‘Turning back right now would be simple enough, yet…’
Abandoning this path was not an option. Walking forward into the heart of this web was the only means to safeguard Raon and preserve everything the boy held precious. Even if walking out alive proved impossible, the step forward had to be taken.
‘Whew.’
Steeling his heart with an inaudible breath, Rector advanced through the blinding expanse, his boots sinking into the milky mire as though trudging across an ethereal swamp. Before long, a set of double doors radiating a faint holy luminescence blocked his path.
‘Is this the threshold to their council?’
Gathering his resolve, he closed his fingers around the metal handle. In stark defiance of the warm, consecrated brilliance lining the corridor, a bone-chilling frost bite shot straight up his arm the second skin met metal. Clamping his teeth against the cold, he twisted the handle without an ounce of hesitation.
A shroud of ink-black darkness poured through the widening threshold like writhing, predatory limbs, threatening to swallow the corridor’s holy radiance whole.
Channeling the absolute perimeter of his soul, Rector drove the invading gloom backward and strode inside. The lingering warmth vanished in a heartbeat, replaced by a biting draft that drew his focus toward a circular obsidian table, above which hovered four solitary, floating flames.
“You have finally graced us with your presence.”
Occupying the right side of the dark table, Derus Robert inclined his head with refined, measured decorum.
“What took this impudent wretch so long? Despicable manners.”
With half her visage concealed behind an immaculate white shroud, the Leader of the White Blood Religion sneered in visible disgust.
‘Hah…’
Taking in the suffocating miasma and frozen chill strangling the chamber, alongside the crushing aura bearing down from both Derus and the Leader of the White Blood Religion, Rector let a faint smirk grace his lips.
‘Much better. This suits my nature.’
A man far detached from righteousness, he found far more comfort in the oppressive, icy depths of darkness than in the false warmth of divine luminescence.
“We are already well acquainted, rendering pleasantries entirely redundant.”
Rector lifted his chin, his countenance bearing a steady, unflinching grin.
“I stand here as the Leader of the Holy Sword Alliance.”
Comments for chapter "Chapter 1022"
MANGA DISCUSSION
Madara Info
Madara stands as a beacon for those desiring to craft a captivating online comic and manga reading platform on WordPress
For custom work request, please send email to wpstylish(at)gmail(dot)com