CHAPTER 170: CHANGING FATE’S PATH [2]

Almon contemplated. How strong was the evil species? Extremely strong.

He had felt it keenly when his sword clashed with the creature’s magical energy.

That he couldn’t withstand many such blows.

With a single impact, his entire body twisted, and he felt his internal organs contort. Although he protected himself with his aura, it felt precarious, as if it could shatter at any moment.

At the very least, Almon wasn’t confident he could defeat the creature alone.

If Aint’s power hadn’t weakened it, if Rudger’s magic hadn’t slowed its movements...

And if they hadn’t attacked together, they probably couldn’t have captured it.

"It was an incredible monster."

"Would there be only one or two such creatures?"

"Probably not. Both at the Academy and elsewhere, it’s hard to guess how many evil species there might be."

"Yes, that’s what I’m saying."

"Are you worried about Aint Armian?"

"Isn’t it too coincidental? Evil species have begun to stir, and Aint Armian seems to have recovered the forgotten Vision Swordsmanship."

It was indeed the case. But that didn’t mean Aint or the Armian family was controlling the evil species from behind. It was merely a coincidence.

"Yes, it must be a coincidence."

But that coincidence was helping Armian. What people usually call luck.

"I don’t intend to let Aint, let Armian, fully claim that luck."

Because that wouldn’t benefit Schwaben at all.

"So I need proof."

"Proof that demons can be captured without Armian, you mean?"

"Yes. Proof that it can be done without Armian. Proof that Armian is no longer necessary."

A thousand years had passed since the first Emperor united the kingdoms, defeated King Colomo, and established the Empire.

During that time, humanity had progressed.

The Royal Knights, once only five in number, had grown to ten, and ten Arch Mages had emerged.

Was that all? The power of the seven princely houses, the power of the Empire, had clearly increased compared to a thousand years ago.

This was because as the country stabilized, the population increased explosively, and the Empire grew wealthy.

Consequently, there were more talented individuals and more powerful figures.

Humanity, the Empire, no longer needed to depend on Armian.

It had to be so.

"But didn’t Your Highness say you weren’t particularly interested in the imperial throne?"

Rudger nodded at Almon’s question.

"My brother is more excellent than I am. He is the one fit to be the Emperor of this country."

It wasn’t because he lacked ambition. It was simply that he had recognized someone more suitable and thus decided to set aside his own desires.

That’s why he couldn’t bear to see Schwaben lose the imperial throne even more.

"After this dispatch ends, I need to visit the imperial capital."

Rudger’s cold gaze turned to Aint, who was mingling with the desert tribe members.

==

"...Are you saying Bayon is dead?"

In a laboratory filled with research materials and experimental tools.

The man sitting at the table checking documents let out a hollow laugh at the shadow’s report.

"No. He wasn’t killed but captured as a prisoner."

"Ah, but it’s the same thing, isn’t it? No, is it even more foolish? Was the purpose exposed?"

"No."

"Would you explain in detail?"

"You must know that some Academy students were sent on dispatch. It was because Aint Armian was among them."

"So he disobeyed my orders to stay put, blinded by the prospect of merit."

He was too foolish.

"Did he think I would value someone who dared to disobey my orders, no matter how great the achievement? Is that what he calls a head?"

His thinking was excessively short-sighted and narrow-minded.

"Please tell me the process."

"After gathering sacrifices and summoning magical beasts, he planned to kill Aint Armian."

"Why did he fail?"

"While attacking desert tribes to gather sacrifices, he fell into a trap set by Altriark."

"A trap?"

"Yes. They had coordinated with one tribe and were waiting for Bayon."

"How did they know about Bayon’s plan?"

"That’s..."

The shadow fell silent. Even he didn’t know the exact details.

"Making a report without knowing properly. How disappointing."

"I-I’m sorry!"

"Lower your voice."

"Yes, yes...!"

"What level was the trap?"

"The Iron Blood Knight Order, the Light Blood Knight Order, and five hundred elite soldiers were there. Above all, all the dispatched Academy students were present."

"So Aint Armian was there too."

The man realized why Bayon couldn’t escape.

Even after a thousand years, they couldn’t overcome Armian’s power. If Aint hadn’t been there, he probably could have escaped.

"Bayon was captured and dragged away... and them?"

"They’ve returned to Altriark’s barrier."

"...Make Bayon self-destruct. There’s no value in saving such an incompetent one anyway."

"Yes. I will do so."

Even though the report was finished, the man remained silent.

Only the sound of his pen moving, scratch scratch, echoed throughout the laboratory.

After a while, the man who had turned the document pages spoke.

"What about the Bell of Pasa?"

"The plan has temporarily halted, but there’s no major disruption."

"Rather, it’s an opportunity. While their attention is focused on the insect, you should finish it."

"Th-thank you!"

"Don’t disappoint me like the insect did."

"Yes, I’ll do my best!"

The shadow banged his head on the floor.

"Go."

At the man’s dismissal, the shadow disappeared. His gaze remained fixed on the document he had written.

"Soon."

The end was in sight. It was just a matter of time now.

Just then, someone opened the laboratory door.

"Aron! Are you holed up in the lab again? Professor Rosalia isn’t even here, so take a break. Didn’t the professor say it’s a vacation?"

"I’m getting a bit restless because I can see the end of the research."

Aron smiled faintly.

"You know other professors are eyeing you because of that attitude, right?"

"I prefer being under Professor Rosalia."

"I’m sure you do."

"What is it?"

"Let’s go get something to eat. You haven’t eaten, have you? It’s already one o’clock."

"Is it already that time?"

Aron prepared to leave.

"Why are you bringing the book? Leave it here!"

"A wizard should always be with a spellbook."

The man, Aron, left the laboratory with the other assistant, wearing a kind smile.