Episode 401 – McLane wins against the Empire.
It was probably the Empire that was most shocked by the unbelievable news. And of course the people who were most excited were the people of McLane.
But on one side, there were those who were both shocked and just as excited as McLane.
A huge cave of unknown location.
There was not a single torch in the huge pupil of unknown size.
However, the floor was densely lined with ancient letters that glowed faintly.
The lights were gloomily shining from below on the short old man standing in the center of the pupil.
“Hah? At that level, it wasn’t just a victory, it was a landslide victory. McLane had that kind of potential?”
An old man whose age I could not guess smiled, showing off his yellow teeth.
A happy expression that is rarely seen in elderly people. The dark-haired beauty beyond the communication port brightened her eyes at the sight, but spoke calmly.
[yes. It seems like he has a lot of superhuman power hidden away. Above all, the king’s inaction, the monster’s obedience to the king, and the power of the swordsman who was the king’s teacher were the greatest. If at least one of the three wasn’t there, it would definitely have been pierced at one point or caused major damage.]
“Yes, yes. If you’re the one who can change fate, you have to do at least that much. Aside from cancer.”
[…I remember you didn’t have much expectations for something like that.]
“You can only be considered a changer of fate when you go beyond expectations. In that sense, variables like this are always welcome. If you’re the one who screwed me over, you should do something like that. .”
The expression of the smiling old man suddenly hardened slightly as he remembered something. However, as if trying to shake off the memory, the old man spread his arms in an exaggerated motion and continued speaking.
“There is no way the emperor will give up like this, so the war will become more intense, and ‘power’ will be gathered more easily. This means that the ‘that time’ we have longed for will become even closer.”
He grins and takes a step forward with a thud.
As if in response, the light emanating from the huge magic circle seemed to become a little brighter.
However, the face of Luisa, the beauty in the communication tunnel, looked a little darker as she watched the scene.
[By the way, Master.]
“Hmm?”
[It doesn’t have to be me who is giving you the information, right? How long do I have to stay here? Even though there really is a thing called an ‘Apostle’ who will find King Logan, he won’t take me to battle. I can’t find any meaning in staying here anymore…]
An attempt to take advantage of the teacher’s seemingly good mood to appeal to the dissatisfaction that had been buried all along.
However, that attempt was immediately thwarted by the teacher’s next word.
“Have you found the whereabouts of the holy sword?”
[…I’m constantly searching, but there’s no response. It seems that the king has it or hid it somewhere other than the palace.]
“Hmm, I see. Still, look for it more.”
[Master. Is there really a reason why I have to stay here?]
“Of course.”
[That apostle…]
“The holy sword is an essential element in the great cause. If the one who changes fate is on the battlefield, he will definitely use it, so there is no need for you to go. And if it is hidden somewhere, it will definitely be in the royal palace. .”
[What do you mean? It may be a completely unexpected place…]
“If you have any idea about the value of that item, you can never let it go away.”
[Yes?]
“Anyway, know that and search further. Your calling is very important.”
Luisa had no choice but to nod her head while sighing at the resolute expression on her face that said no more questions would be allowed.
[…Understood.]
“Continually report on the progress of the war. I will believe it. Until that day comes.”
[yes. Until that day comes.]
The moment Luisa gave up urging and ended the communication with a dark look on her face.
The old man smiled cruelly, unlike before.
“I’ve already secured the other two holy relics. Even if I don’t find the holy sword in time…” It’s
good if I find the holy sword, but it doesn’t matter if I don’t. Because the situation has already been created to meet the above conditions.
“The lack of holy relics just needs to be filled with more blood. We just need a bigger war rather than a bigger chaos. That’s why I’m so happy about McLane’s propaganda.”
The reason why disciple Luisa needs to be in King McLane’s palace is not because of the holy sword. The insurance against the apostle may be true, but the probability is extremely low.
but.
“If you are there, won’t the emperor be suspicious of King Dongyik? The nobler the blood, the higher the karma, so your blood will further advance the great cause. Just like that child.”
The old man’s eyes turned to the black-haired, dark-eyed young man lying in the transparent crystal coffin in the corner of the magic circle.
“So do your part, disciple.”
Even though it may be unfortunate for you.
The old man thought about it and laughed.
There was no guilt.
There was no need to reveal the most important truth, so I just covered up the bigger truth with small truths. As a mage whose words had a great influence on his level of karma, it was merely a conversational skill he had to possess.
Ugh.
The old man smiled and turned on the communication port again.
Soon, an old man wearing a black robe showed his face in the communication port.
[Did you find it, Tower Owner?]
“So, what is the result?”
The man in the robe flinched for a moment at the endless question and then opened his mouth.
[Work in the Union of Western Kingdoms was progressing rapidly. However, from the moment the news of McLane’s victory spread, negotiations have been slowing down.]
“What?”
[Rather than McLane’s propaganda, as opinions emerged that the Empire was weaker than expected, there were those who questioned the need for union.]
“Well, humans…”
[Persuading with brainwashed people is not enough. There are probably limits. I think we need a little more time.]
“The emperor will make his move soon.”
[Yes?]
“It means that the real power of the empire will move.”
[Looking at MacLine’s current momentum, wouldn’t it still hold up for a long time? There is enough persuasion in that.]
“No, don’t ignore the emperor. The vision we created in cooperation with the imperial family is not just about ghosts.”
[What he said….]
“The reason McLane won this time was because of biased information. Now that all the numbers are known, if the emperor moves directly, McLane will never be able to hold out for long. After that, even if the Western countries united, It’s no use. Each one will just be destroyed. So there’s too little blood to flow.”
An old man who talks about a war in which tens of thousands of people have already died and dozens more will die in the future, says that there is too little blood.
However, the black-robed man’s expression did not change much despite those harsh words.
[Are you saying that the Alliance should attack the Empire when the Emperor moves?]
“Yes. That would be the most ideal.”
[But it is difficult for now. There is no guarantee that an alliance will be established even before McLane’s destruction.]
“The situation has turned out this way, so there is no need for persuasion.”
[Yes?]
“Attack the kings of each country in the name of the empire. It doesn’t matter if you succeed or fail. It would be more accurate to leave traces of ghosts.”
[Ah…!]
“Let the east and west of the continent turn into a sea of blood at the same time and fill the heavens and earth with wronged souls. That will further advance our great cause.”
[yes. Willingly.]
“I will create chaos at the center of the continent. So hurry. The time for great work is not far away. Until that day comes.”
[yes. Until that day comes.]
With the man’s answer, the communication port lost its light again.
* * *
“This is holy water consecrated by the priests themselves!”
“This is a pilgrimage map to the Holy Land. Buy a map! A must-have for those starting a pilgrimage!”
“Buy a souvenir, a souvenir!”
The capital, Noviense, was unusually noisy for a city that had recently fought a major war.
“It’s a really lively atmosphere. It doesn’t feel like there was a war not long ago.”
A man in his thirties with unusual gray eyes looked around and expressed admiration.
Then, a middle-aged knight with brown hair and blue eyes who was walking next to him smiled and spoke.
“There is also a reason why materials were released from the temple to create a bright atmosphere in order to forget the sacrifices. However, it seems very strange that Philip Sang-ju, who greatly contributed to this atmosphere, said such a thing.”
“Haha. That’s right, I’m a merchant who chases money. There are many rumors that the Holy Kingdom overcame danger because of the blessings of the gods. They say the number of pilgrims is increasing thanks to that, so I just came here because I thought it was an opportunity to make money.”
“Isn’t it because of King McLane’s orders?”
“Ahahaha, of course there is that. You broke the unwritten rule and sent priests to the battlefield, so you have to repay them.”
“Hmm, you are honest. But the Lord of the Sangang seems strangely unworried?”
“Huh? Ah… I don’t think there’s any reason to worry. I just have to believe it.”
“Do you really think the kingdom can defeat the empire?”
“Rather, I trust you, Your Majesty.”
“You mean His Majesty Logan McLane?”
“yes.”
Harmon tilted his head as he saw the man answering so easily.
“The young king seems to be a truly amazing person.”
“Of course. He’s the type of person who does really outrageous things with aplomb.”
For example, he willingly offers hundreds of thousands of gold to a bankrupt merchant who is deep in debt.
Buying unmarketable items and creating groundbreaking items that never existed before.
It is not enough to drill a hole in the mountain to change the course of the river and clear the wasteland.
Quickly finding gold mines or magicite mines.
‘And something like a baron’s son becoming king.’
Philip thought about all the things Logan had done over the past 7 to 8 years, and for a moment, he burst out laughing out of bewilderment.
A series of unbelievable miracles.
That’s why I wasn’t too worried about a war that seemed objectively unfavorable.
“Your Majesty said you would protect it. So it will come true.”
It was already a belief that did not require any reason, and was close to a firm conviction.
And the Holy Knight, who worshiped pure faith as a gratuitous value, was amazed by those eyes.
“I see.”
The same goes for the superhumans I saw last time and this guy. Talented people with enormous capabilities that cannot be compared to criminals through force or money risk their lives and sacrifice their wealth in the name of faith.
It was a moment when I became curious about the king of a distant eastern kingdom whom I had never met before.
“So do you plan to stay here until the war is over?”
“If you go outside the capital, you never know when you might die. It’s no longer a secret even in the Empire that I’m from McLane.”
“Haha. That’s right. You can stay here for a long time. And if the kingdom is really victorious, I would like to meet him sometime. Can you open a bridge then?”
“Shingeom? Of course. Your Majesty will be pleased.”
Despite their appearance of being of similar age, the two men, who were decades apart in age, really laughed like friends.
“Oh, by the way, I’m sorry, but when will I be able to see the Holy Virgin, or rather, the Pope?”
“Hehe. You’re urging me again. Is it because of Lord Victor’s request?”
“Yeah, well… he rarely asks for such a favor, so I’ll take this opportunity to clear his debt.”
“Haha, I envy that kind of friendship. But as I already told you, you are healing the blow you suffered last time with prayer. Sir Victor is someone whom His Holiness loves, so he will be found soon after he recovers his holy power.”
“There is still no promise.”
“Yes. That’s it…”
The moment Harman trailed off like that.
“Commander! His Holiness has been released!”
A voice was heard from far away that startled them both.
