### Chapter: 330
Ixion’s Rampage in the Magic Kingdom
Due to this, the Empire faced the highest casualty count in history.
Regular citizens caught up in the rampage of the Magic Kingdom were left helpless.
Surprisingly, not just normal folks but also several nobles met their demise.
Most of these unfortunate souls were the regional nobles far from the capital.
In the midst of such chaos enveloping the Empire, reinforcements arrived to tame the out-of-control Magic Kingdom.
And those reinforcements were none other than the Knights of the Holy Royal Family, long considered the Empire’s arch-nemesis.
Leading the charge were the direct descendants of the royal family, Lilish Balheim and the Guardian Sword, making their way straight to the Magic Kingdom to quell its frenzy.
In this endeavor, the specialized group known as Sephira joined in, initiating their efforts to rein in the Magic Kingdom.
Was it because of the Holy Royal Family, once bitter rivals of the Empire, that nations from all over world began to send support to the Empire?
Ironically, those who previously thought the Empire’s downfall would be to their benefit began to feel a sense of crisis as Balheim and Sephira took action.
As a result, Ixion also received an unexpected reaction.
Originally, Ixion may have anticipated only the fall of the Empire.
But they certainly didn’t foresee that countries with strained relations with the Empire would also come to its aid.
Clearly, the tide had shifted in favor of the Empire.
The cleanup of the rampaging Magic Kingdom began much quicker than Ixion could have imagined.
The catalyst known as Balheim ushered in more changes than anticipated.
Having failed in their plan to topple the Empire, Ixion hastily retreated.
However, some wondered if perhaps they had pulled back too swiftly.
It appeared as if they had accomplished their goal after all.
Nonetheless, the moment the last vestige of chaos in the Magic Kingdom was quelled, the Empire finally began to regain stability.
But not without sacrifice.
One of the Ten Great Lords of the Empire, the Mighty King Guon Bakra, was slain while bravely confronting the Magic Kingdom and a World Erosion entity.
His heroic actions deeply moved many, leading them to recognize Ixion as a true enemy.
The regional noble factions largely favored incorporating themselves into the central noble power at this opportunity.
With the threat of Ixion looming, they felt it imperative to align themselves with the central powers to safeguard their territories.
Especially the death of the Mighty King, the center of the regional noble forces, amplified their sense of crisis.
When various scholars evaluated this incident, they noted that the Empire didn’t suffer entirely in vain.
Simultaneously, a hero’s name began to emerge distinctly in another domain.
And that name was none other than Mary Diana.
Once infamous for trying to assassinate a princess under the sway of a World Erosion entity, she suddenly appeared to rescue numerous citizens from the rampaging Magic Kingdom.
Despite her notorious past as a princess killer, she had previously been a candidate designated by the Empire to lead.
It was clear she hadn’t been chosen without merit.
She demonstrated astonishing abilities for her age.
The sight of her charging headlong into the Magic Kingdom was shocking to all who beheld it.
People began to reassess her, claiming Mary Diana had turned over a new leaf.
In reality, she had simply heard news of Kraush’s involvement in the Empire and rushed over, spear in hand, hoping to lend a hand.
Yet unaware of her true motivations, the people praised her highly.
And amidst this, another individual emerged as a prominent new hero.
After vanquishing the ferocious horde of World Erosion entities, including the notorious Bloodthirsty Beast that had invaded the Lagrain family territory, they arrived at the imperial palace, saving the Emperor alongside the sacrifice of Sigrid Ephania.
That hero was Kraush Balheim.
A name that had long been associated with tumultuous events, it echoed even louder due to this crisis facing the Empire.
His remarkable feat of saving the Emperor solidified his status.
Though he was technically engaged to the imperial family, he was still bound by the frameworks of Starlon and Balheim.
Yet he tossed aside those constraints, raising his sword for the imperial family, gaining massive support from countless citizens of the Empire.
For the worried citizens facing a national crisis, it made for an incredibly entertaining tale.
Among storytellers, Kraush’s name became a frequent topic.
It even spread that Kraush had persuaded the Knights of the Holy Royal Family to intervene, stating they could not condone death in the Empire, despite their rivalry.
His heroic exploits moved even foreign nations to follow suit.
Numerous exaggerated tales spiraled as the truth began to swell among the people.
Regardless of how it all played out, one core aspect remained unchanged.
It was certainly Kraush Balheim’s heroic actions.
While Kraush had already amassed a certain level of fame through various incidents in the past, this event marked a definitive moment in which he became even more widely recognized.
As a result, people started to say he deserved a title befitting such achievements.
And they took it further.
Coincidentally, with the death of the Mighty King, a vacancy arose among the Ten Great Lords.
No one else had accomplished as much as Kraush.
Surely, didn’t he deserve to take a place among the Ten Great Lords?
The discussions continued to spiral among the public.
Of course, there were those who disagreed.
As they wrapped up this Magic Kingdom incident, another year had come to a close in December.
At just 17 years old, was it appropriate to grant such an honor to one who had just become an adult?
There were concerns that awarding it too early might foster bad habits.
Conversely, others argued that if one had the skill and accomplishments, age should not matter.
Neglecting someone based solely on youth would ultimately be a detriment to society.
People squabbled over matters that were yet to be decided.
Nevertheless, one thing everyone could agree on was that appropriate titles should be bestowed upon individuals with such accomplishments.
Thus, with collective expectations, a title for Kraush Balheim was discussed.
He, the hero who had even rescued the royal blood of the White Dragon, had to be bestowed a fitting name.
Thus, came the title: Dragon Sword (劍龍).
This was the moment Kraush became the first, aside from Charlotte, to be dubbed with a title among the generation that would later be known as the Sky Generation.
*
In the Medical Ward of Rahern Academy
There lay a man with dark blue hair sleeping peacefully.
“Dragon Sword, how long do you plan to sleep?”
The one waking him was a woman with hair the color of sunlight.
Astoria Stigma Freeman.
A woman once called a Holy Maiden looked down at the boy.
Feeling her gaze, Kraush opened his eyes slowly.
“Don’t call me that.”
“Why not? Now that you have a title, you should get used to it. Constantly hearing it will help!”
“Say it with a smile next time.”
At Kraush’s retort, Astoria shrugged her shoulders.
Then she plopped herself down onto the bed next to Kraush.
“You’ve really been causing chaos everywhere. What were you thinking?”
“I was only doing what I had to do.”
“And that resulted in you looking like this?”
Kraush averted his gaze from Astoria’s piercing eyes.
Truly, his condition was a total wreck.
The cost of using the Aura’s inner core left him with injuries all over.
To defeat Sigrid, who had poured everything into her ultimate move, he had to use everything he could muster.
Even Sigrid, once at the pinnacle, had become a regression warrior.
Kraush momentarily recalled when Sigrid’s head had nearly rolled away.
Was it due to their dark fate?
That image strangely lingered deeply in Kraush’s mind.
Moreover, this incident had once again reminded him of the threat posed by Ixion and Abella.
“Ixion is making itself the world’s enemy.”
It occurred to him that they could potentially draw World Erosion entities further into their midst.
Indeed, from Crimson Garden and Ebelasque, reports indicated that many World Erosion entities were siding with Ixion.
While Ixion had instigated chaos, the perception of World Erosion entities had shifted to extreme hostility globally.
The habitats for the World Erosion creatures were gradually shrinking.
“The war against the World Erosion entities is inevitably upon us.”
Kraush bit his lip.
He couldn’t fathom what Abella, the madwoman, was thinking.
“If I can’t persuade the Swordmaster, every single World Erosion entity will revert to being with Ixion.
Then there’s no avoiding a war.”
“…You remember that I told you to rest for at least a week, right?”
At that moment, Astoria noticed Kraush’s condition.
She was gazing at him intently, prompting Kraush to clear his throat.
While looking down at Kraush, Astoria suddenly hopped onto his lap.
Kraush’s eyes widened in surprise, taken aback by the unexpected soft sensation despite being wrapped in blankets.
Astoria, with her flush cheeks, looked directly at Kraush.
“Try to sneak out while I’m not looking; I’ll firmly pin you down so you can’t go anywhere.”
“Astoria, calm down. I genuinely plan to rest.”
Astoria ignored him, still holding her position on Kraush’s shoulders.
“Hmph, am I supposed to believe that? You always push yourself to extremes.”
“No matter what, I always rest before moving.”
“I wish you would at least understand my anxiety when my crush gets beaten up each time.”
Indeed, Kraush felt apologetic about that.
It was often Astoria who had to deal with his sorry state.
“Don’t worry about it. But there is someone I should meet, if I can manage.”
“……You mean Haring Lagrain, right?”
After wrapping up treatment, Haring was first transported right to where Astoria was.
Though Astoria unexpectedly had a new patient, she began treatment without hesitation.
Now, peace had succumbed to Haring’s deep slumber.
Having fought fiercely, her body had sustained significant injuries, leading her to sleep in her current state to recover.
Kraush knew he needed to go and face Haring as she awoke.
“Fine, I’ll allow that much.”
Seeing Kraush’s apologetic expression, Astoria let out a small sigh.
He had a face she couldn’t defeat.
Feeling a bit mischievous, she decided to act a little spoiled.
She was about to burst from not having Kraush show any concern, as he seemed perfectly fine.
“……You know, I worked really hard to heal you this time.”
“I know. I’m always grateful.”
“Then at least give me a reward.”
At the mention of a reward, Kraush blinked in surprise.
Astoria quickly stretched out her left hand.
“I want something too.”
Kraush was perceptive enough to grasp what she was asking for.
“……Astoria, I’m married.”
He was still in the midst of a newlywed phase.
Although, the chaos had limited his time spent with Bianca, asking for a ring from a newlywed was a bit much.
Astoria caught Kraush’s reaction with a sly grin.
“Who doesn’t know? I was the one who officiated your wedding.”
“Is that what you call a friend?”
“That’s why I spoke to your bride beforehand.”
Kraush briefly recalled Bianca’s words when she had taken Astoria with her.
“She said as long as she could keep treating you and support you, she’d be fine with whatever relationship we have.”
Astoria remarked that was her sincere expression.
Kraush was left momentarily flabbergasted.
He had heard that from Bianca, but he never expected her to speak like that overtly.
Was she making such comments to others too?
Caught in surprise, as Kraush pondered, Astoria looked away briefly before hastily lowering herself.
Then she quickly pressed her lips against his forehead and hopped up.
“That was a quick healing spell!”
With a cute act, Astoria’s face turned red once more.
“Prepare a ring next time! Or else I’ll treat you hard!”
Astoria boldly announced she wouldn’t be backing down from treatment as she dashed out of the infirmary.
Watching her retreating form, Kraush let out a brief sigh.
He felt a little overwhelmed at what lay ahead.
Kraush looked outside.
Spring was slowly blooming after winter’s end.
Kraush had now become a third-year student at Rahern Academy.
This meant that some people would soon be leaving, graduating.
“Is it graduation time?”
That milestone signaled those in the class directly above him, including his sister, Charlotte Balheim, who was on the brink of graduating.
