#215
Zeron's Suffering (4)
A huge battle inside the Immortal Castle.
In an oppressive atmosphere with numerous Death Knights lined up on either side, a lady in a black dress was giving a polite report to the person sitting on the throne.
[…As you commanded, the plan to invade the continent is progressing smoothly…. The advantage of a surprise attack is still not great due to the saint's foresight…. This time, we will take advantage of their lack of preparation and satisfy ourselves with overwhelming power. We were able to achieve decent results…]
Next, the translucent lady, Banshee Queen Olivia, listed the results of this operation step by step.
The raiding force formed under the orders of the Immortal King attacked more than a dozen locations simultaneously, and succeeded in achieving its intended goal in all but a few locations, including those where the hero party intervened.
Of course, most of the undead army was later destroyed by the punitive forces of each country, but from the beginning, all soldiers except for a few commanders were expendable, so there was no real loss.
After all, undead were abundant around this immortality.
[Kuuuut—Good job Olivia. How dare you deal with this body with such a complacent attitude. I must have looked very funny after playing with her for a while.] As
her report was finished, Hans, who was sitting on a throne made of skulls and bones, let out a small laugh.
He took a moment to assess the undead crowding around the castle, and then swallowed the regret rising inside him.
'If the number of people that could be moved at once was greater than now, we would have been able to turn over the continent much more efficiently. Even after preparing for several days, attacking a dozen locations is the limit.'
Of course, even if there were an abundance of undead that could be used as troops, moving them to the invasion point was another problem.
There was no way it would be easy to dispatch such a large army across the continent in the first place.
'At least it's possible since I have a body the size of this one.'
In essence, a magician would be at his best in an environment where he was thoroughly prepared.
And the Immortal King, who could be said to be the pinnacle of warlocks, was no exception.
'Using the energy of death that fills the area as a catalyst, immortality becomes the core of a huge magic circle. In addition, if this body's almost infinite black magic power was supplied…'
What was thus born was a portal that allowed large-scale transportation of undead only, provided on one side of the castle.
This was possible because immortality was the ultimate magic 'Labyrinth of Eternity' that could be manipulated according to his will.
If I were to point out one drawback of this portal, it would be that it is basically a one-way system specialized for the sending side.
Since only a small number of commanders were able to return anyway, it was a problem that could be easily solved if at least a few lichs accompanied them.
[We are also carrying out the investigation you previously ordered… Unfortunately, we are still unable to reach key figures in the south… However, we have been able to gain some insight into the Obaipo clan located in the east. [It's coming…]
He was silently lost in thought while listening to Olivia's additional report.
The Southern Tribal Federation has cut off all communication with the outside world, wondering what kind of trick they are trying to pull.
Obaipo in the east is taking control of the Republic's political situation, as if following the example of the Kingdom of Thalia.
'It can't be a coincidence that they moved all at once at this time.'
Additionally, there was an attempted assassination of the princess in the Empire and the Enamel Continent that Harris was currently investigating.
Every single one of them was extremely suspicious.
'One side neglects them and the other side deals with them. 'Which one is more beneficial?'
Of course, he didn't just care about them causing trouble.
His only interest now was to earn a huge amount of karma through his ongoing 'continental invasion plan'.
'Once they are there, it will be easier to destroy the continent. In the short term, the karma supply and demand will be greater… but in the long term, it will inevitably become a variable in the home theater.'
Hannibal Strauss, the immortal king who was lost in thought for a moment, glanced at the situations of the other avatars connected to him and then suddenly blurted out a word.
[Yes, I guess I need to step forward at least once.]
A word that hints at a major event to come.
***
When Stav raised his claw-shaped dagger.
'Ah… is this how it ends?'
Even in that desperate moment, surprisingly, the fear of death that Riley felt was not that great.
Rather than that, I felt even more regret about what I had done so far and the relationship I had to let go of.
'Se-ah, you must be very sad, right?'
In particular, those feelings became stronger when I thought of Lee Se-ah, with whom I had developed a friendship that was more than family.
Rather than repaying her for all the hard work she'd done for him, he couldn't even say goodbye properly and ended up breaking up like this.
'I hope you don't go out of your way to get revenge and return to Earth safely.'
The next person who came to mind was Hesperon, an Earthling like Isea.
Actually, I didn't have a very long relationship with him, but I naturally associated with him because I was clearly aware of his presence right before the incident happened.
'…I think I have the means to escape on my own, but why are you like this?'
While fighting against traitors using all kinds of strange objects, his emotions were vaguely felt through the connection that gradually became stronger.
He kept trying something with a strong will to somehow save her.
'I told you to just run away alone…'
I had shouted that to myself several times before, but he just remained silent and focused on what he was doing.
To be honest, it was true that I was looking forward to it for a while, but that was really over now.
Whoosh!
Finally, the strange dagger in Stav's hand was swinging towards him.
Riley couldn't bear to see it and closed his eyes…
At the same time, he instinctively grabbed something that was momentarily stretched out in the 'passage' with Hesperon.
Cough—
Immediately after that, she felt something familiar and when she opened her eyes again, the first thing she saw was in her field of vision.
"Wow, that was close."
It was a confident smile that could not be hidden even though it was covered in blood—it was even dazzling.
and.
and…?
"ah!"
And Riley opened her eyes.
A familiar ceiling that I have always seen.
But now, I could see at a glance a landscape that felt somehow unfamiliar.
"…Is it a dream…"
She raised her upper body from the soft silk-covered bedding and stroked her hair.
Her glossy blonde hair was flowing, dazzlingly scattering the morning sunlight coming through the window.
"ah."
That time was still vivid in my mind.
Well, it may be natural since only a day and a half had passed at that time.
She glanced out the window and quickly got ready and went outside.
Of course, the princess attack incident brought enormous repercussions to Jeron.
When she suddenly appeared at the main gate of the imperial palace, being held by a man covered in blood, the security guards who rushed to her without permission for moving through space were surprised to see her.
It was strange that there was no uproar as they even staged a terrorist attack in the capital to assassinate the current heir to the throne, who had already been designated as crown princess.
Isn't that evil beast the leader of the imperial guard who must take the lead in protecting the people of the imperial family?
Thanks to this, the Imperial Guard's work was paralyzed in order to carry out a large-scale investigation, and not only the Imperial Inspection Department and the Imperial Palace Magic Tower, but even the Royal Guard Knights, who only worked for the Emperor, came forward to do the work.
If it weren't for the continuous attacks of the immortal army every day, and if she hadn't sent a message that she was safe, Ise-ah wouldn't have stayed still.
Of course, Princess Riley, who was involved, also had an incredibly busy schedule today.
As soon as she woke up, the first place she headed to was…
"Are you here, princess?"
"Did anything special happen last night?"
It was the imperial hospital where Hesperon was hospitalized.
She looked at him lying on the bed, sleeping as if he were dead, and quietly asked the hospital director next to him.
"He had a high fever a few times, but recovered quickly and is now stable. His body was so disciplined that it was hard to believe he was a wizard. In fact, if it weren't for that, I wouldn't have been able to endure to this point."
This place, located on the outskirts of the imperial palace, was a luxurious hospital with the best medical staff in the empire, so much so that it was called the antithesis of the afterlife.
An apothecary who can handle almost all medicines in the world. A doctor who can perfectly suture even a body cut off during a surgical procedure. An alchemist who can make potions and even cultivate artificial organs. A high-ranking wizard who specializes in healing magic. Even a bishop-level resident invited by the main church. Even priests.
It was a place with such a reputation that it was even said that it rivaled the ward of the Roselia Shrine in the Holy Land where the saint was located….
"The treatment was done with great care, so there will be no danger to her life. However, you must be prepared to be left with a permanent disability in the future."
"…Disability… To what extent…?"
Of course, there were things that were impossible here too.
The director of the Imperial Hospital calmly responded to Riley's trembling voice with a grave expression.
"I sacrificed myself and turned my right eye into power, so there is nothing I can do about it. "Most magic tools of that level would be strictly controlled, so I don't know how they got them."
At the very least, if it was just a traumatic injury, they would have had to do some kind of regenerative procedure or transplant a newly cultured eye.
If the loss was the price of a particular ritual, there was not much they could do.
"The right hand is also… I don't think a complete cure will be possible because the curse mixed with the abyss and deteriorated has dug deep into it. Of course, it can be weakened to some extent, so the best thing to do now is to suppress it with a seal to prevent it from coming out."
However, he soon added that if he uses too much power, there is a risk that the curse sealed in his right hand will run rampant again.
No matter how much his status was strengthened, Hesperon was only a wizard who had barely escaped the low level.
Not only did he face off against numerous high-ranking knights, but he was even able to grab the ankles of a knight who was at his peak, so there was no way that such an excessive exercise of power would come without any consequences.
Even so, if it weren't for Heinrich's divine power, I wouldn't be alive today.
"Ah, there is also a way to amputate the arm and transplant a new arm. "Rehabilitation takes quite a bit of time, and you may not be able to exert as much strength as before due to side effects, but if you want to live as a wizard from now on, that's not a bad idea."
The choice is either to live with a dangerous seal for the rest of your life and maintain your previous strength, or to cut the root of the problem in the bud instead of attaching a new arm that is weaker than before.
Riley quietly looked down at Hesperon, who was in a deep sleep, with trembling eyes.
It wasn't something he could decide for himself.
When he wakes up… he'll have to choose for himself.
Knowing this man's overflowing talent, she couldn't help but feel guilty about the current situation.
"Hmm, I'm sorry that I sound so incompetent. Still, the energy and vitality damaged by excessive use of black magic tools was somehow able to be restored to its original state. "We used a lot of precious materials in the process, but since it was the princess's lifesaver, I guess that's enough."
This was followed by additional emotionless words from the hospital director, but Riley did not react in any way and just stood quietly looking down at Hesperon.
Then the hospital director stopped what he was saying, carefully bowed his head towards her, and quietly walked out of the room.
His motto was to keep his cool in any situation, but that didn't mean he was lacking in tact.
Sigh—
right after the hospital director left.
Standing motionless, she slowly stretched out one hand and quietly stroked his right arm, which was wrapped in a bandage with dense runes engraved on it.
And the hand slowly moved up and towards the corner of his right eye, which appeared to be asleep.
"…I owe you again."
I haven't even been able to repay all my previous debts yet.
Even though he could have run away alone, he used dangerous items to save himself.
As a user, I probably expected this to happen to some extent.
'…Foolishly'
Nevertheless, he chose that path without any hesitation.
He smiled without regret, as if he was satisfied with saving her, as if he wasn't even thinking about what happened next.
Crying—
Riley, suddenly overcome with emotion, hurriedly took her hand away from him and took a breath.
She looked at him for a moment, then took another deep breath, turned around, and walked out of the hospital room.
"I'll come back later."
Because she still had a lot of work left to do.
As she left the hospital room, her expression gradually froze, and when she finally left the hospital room, she began to feel chills just by looking at her.
"…What happened?"
"We are currently tracking Sir Stave, who escaped, but he is not in good condition, so we expect him to be caught soon."
"All of those who were left behind have already been detained and interrogation has begun to identify additional collaborators."
"We are already compiling a list of those who showed abnormal behavior before the incident occurred. "I will report it and post it today."
As she muttered her words softly, one by one, the attendants who were behind her like shadows added a few words.
"It's a special express. Definitely behind the scenes. "You understand, right?"
"Yes, I will pass it on to everyone."
"I will do my best."
The iron-blooded princess, highly poisoned by the preemptive attack, bared her teeth for revenge.
By bringing together the power of the forces that had been gathered so far and the cooperation of the empire.
***
The border area of the Elven Kingdom on the Enamel Continent.
It's been four days since I started searching, following an unknown intuition.
Harris was eventually able to find a group of people that he believed to be the cause.
'Ah… what is that again…'
Walking on two legs and with the heads of beasts, they looked similar to beastmen, but their energy was completely different, and they were a race he had never encountered before.
A werewolf lycanthrope that is ostracized to the point of being similar to a vampire and feels an instinctive aversion from the moment you see it.
However, apart from the feeling I felt when I saw them, their presence was so vague that I couldn't feel it just by feeling unless I looked directly at them to see what they had done.
Because of that, he also had a hard time finding them.
If I hadn't decided on the approximate location based on feeling, I probably wouldn't have found it this early.
But even that important fact wasn't that important right now.
'Why is the abyss crack here…?'
Compared to the pitch-black hole that absorbs even the light that was so beautifully opened in front of them.