### Chapter 376
One year.
The period that perhaps flew by the fastest in life.
During that time, Kraush literally worked himself to the bone battling countless magic barriers.
The number of barriers he had shut down had become so many that he could no longer count them on his fingers.
Yet, two formidable barriers remained, posing a severe threat to the world.
One was the Demonic Bastion, and the other was the Forest of Giants.
What they had in common was that they were the two most troublesome barriers in the world.
And now, Kraush found himself in the fields in front of the Demonic Bastion, ready to confront it.
Unlike before, the crimson sky stretched out before him.
It was proof that World Erosion was in full rampage.
‘The Empire is pouring all its strength into blocking the Forest of Giants.’
In contrast, the Demonic Bastion was a location where the Four Kingdoms and various cities were desperately holding their ground.
Countless people had already been wounded or killed here.
He needed to erase the Demonic Bastion swiftly and move on to finish off the Forest of Giants.
“Let’s go.”
Kraush led Icarus and started his charge toward the Demonic Bastion.
From the sky, dark rain began to fall.
This scene was quite familiar to him.
That’s right, it was the same view he had when fighting Agares in the Demonic Bastion.
But unlike back then, the Demonic Bastion no longer appeared as a place of sheer terror.
After nearly a year of facing barriers head-on, the now 19-year-old Kraush had grown significantly stronger by swallowing up more and more magical powers.
‘The more barriers I absorb, the more my body resonates with the powers of World Erosion.’
Thanks to that, Kraush’s output increased at a much faster rate than before.
This meant he could transform that inner strength into divine power more swiftly.
‘In Sable, the powers of World Erosion and aura I’ve accumulated are intertwined.’
As the speed of conversion to divine power increased, so did the intensity of Kraush’s output.
This was exactly what he needed to counter the surging rogue barriers.
With the rampaging barriers, the intensity of World Erosion was also amplifying.
One-hit kills were the most effective means to take down the World Erosion creatures.
“Kraush, look! The front lines!”
At that moment, Kraush turned his head at Haring’s voice.
Just as she said, there was the front line, fiercely battling against the advancing demons.
The united forces of the Four Kingdoms and various cities.
“Let’s clean up that mess first.”
Kraush instructed Icarus, who had followed behind him.
Maybe it was because they had all been keeping to the barriers daily now.
They instantly fell into formation as soon as he spoke.
“Magic troops, commence bombardment!”
Following the leader mage’s command, magic of various attributes shot through the sky towards the demon hordes.
Thanks to that, the number of demons significantly decreased.
But there were still many demons close to the front lines.
Those that had come this far could cause friendly fire with ranged magic.
Knowing this, Kraush raised Thunder Prime above his head.
“Let’s go!”
“Icarus, charge!”
At Kraush’s command, the Guardian Sword and Swordmaster shouted in unison.
With their booming shouts, Icarus rushed toward the front line.
“Icarus is coming for support!”
“Protect the front line!”
“The Dragon King has arrived!”
When Icarus appeared, morale surged instantly.
Naturally so.
Icarus was a beacon of hope amidst the chaos.
The emergence of those who could seal barriers altered the tide of battle in a heartbeat.
Icarus and the front line troops trampled the demon legion.
Ultimately, the remaining few had to make a run for it without breaking through the front line.
“Phew, we made it.”
“It’s getting fiercer by the day.”
The frontline soldiers slumped down in relief.
It was evident how many had fallen to maintain this front line.
Especially with the Demonic Bastion sprouting its worst seeds and the curse of the black rain being stronger than before.
Most here were renowned knights from various nations.
That even they were reduced to such a pitiful state was all thanks to the current Demonic Bastion.
“Who’s the front line leader?”
Kraush already knew who it was and asked someone who was slumped nearby.
Upon hearing Kraush’s question, the person jolted to attention.
He stood upright, serious and disciplined, and exclaimed loudly.
“The front line leader has gone to engage the high demon that has appeared!”
Affiliated with the Holy Royal Family, no doubt.
Most recently, those he had encountered were somewhat of the same vibe, but this level of fervor could only be explained by his connections to the Holy Royal Family.
As proof, beyond the coalition’s symbol, he spotted the emblem of the Holy Royal Family’s elite knight brigade.
‘Is that Lilish’s brigade?’
Kraush briefly thought of his second sister and nodded.
“Got it. Take a break now.”
“Thank you!”
Kraush stepped back to avoid disturbing the resting frontline soldiers.
Then he went looking for the vice commander of Icarus, the Guardian Sword and Swordmaster.
“The front line leader is engaged with a high demon.”
“What shall we do?”
Encountering a high demon in the rampaging Demonic Bastion was a tremendous challenge.
As a tyrant, a confrontation with such a demon surely spelled big trouble.
But then—
Spark!
Seeing the distant blue flash calm down, Kraush chuckled faintly.
“I don’t think we need to worry too much.”
It seemed the situation had settled over there.
As Kraush waited, clouds of dust appeared on the horizon.
Knowing who it was, he straightened his clothes.
“Kraush!”
In that instant, Bianca arrived by his side.
She dusted off Kraush’s armor and carefully adjusted his tie.
“All done.”
“Thanks.”
Kraush smiled at Bianca.
Casting a sidelong glance, he noticed Astria and Haring were looking this way too, but it seemed like they had decided to leave such things to Bianca.
In the black rain.
Kraush waited quietly.
Before long, the dust cloud reached him, and figures finally emerged.
At the front was a man with dark blue hair.
The moment he appeared, the atmosphere around them shifted dramatically.
Naturally.
His title was “The Invincible.”
He was said to be the strongest martial artist in the world.
The head of the Holy Royal Family.
It was Balok Balheim.
The Guardian Sword took position, and the Swordmaster kindly offered him space as well.
After all, this was a meeting with the head of the Holy Royal Family.
In this situation, Kraush and the Guardian Sword had to take priority.
Acknowledging the Swordmaster’s courtesy with a nod, Kraush moved forward.
Moments later, Balok Balheim crossed the front line and appeared.
Soon their eyes met.
“Kraush.”
The instant he called out Kraush’s name, Kraush bowed slightly.
“I am honored to meet the head of the Balheim family.”
It was a long-awaited greeting.
Naturally.
The barrier where Balok resided was among the places most resistant to the chaos of the world.
That was why Kraush had arrived at the Demonic Bastion just about last.
“Formalities aside.”
Balok scanned Kraush with his eyes.
“You’ve grown quite a bit.”
“Yes, I’m 19 now.”
Next year, he would be in his twenties.
He was quickly approaching the age he had been in his past life, at a much faster pace.
At the same time, he shot a glance at those behind him.
With numerous comrades belonging to Icarus and some of Kraush’s peers, they now bore an air of maturity.
Having traversed the barriers alongside Kraush, they had all achieved remarkable growth.
If they had seen each other like this a year ago, they would have been astonished.
“You’re leading quite the crew.”
“A bit much, I’d say.”
“That’s natural if they’re from Balheim.”
Kraush swallowed a chuckle.
He was curious just how high Balheim’s average had climbed.
But Balok’s expression showed genuine delight, more invigorated than Kraush had ever seen him.
For a figure who had always seemed emotionless and a little intimidating, Kraush felt a bit closer to him now.
“Planning to break through the Demonic Bastion?”
“Yes.”
Kraush responded firmly to Balok’s question.
He had resolved to eradicate all the barriers.
Since the very first barrier he had encountered, he had been determined to see this through.
Kraush intended to fulfill this mission at all costs.
“I’ll clear the path for you.”
At that moment, Kraush’s eyes widened slightly upon hearing Balok’s next words.
He had expected something like this, but the magnitude of Balok’s willingness to lend him aid stirred up emotions in Kraush.
It felt as if his father had just acknowledged him.
A first in Kraush’s life.
For a brief moment, echoes of his juvenile self flashed in his mind.
Back then, he couldn’t have imagined receiving such words from Balok.
Perhaps that’s why Kraush felt a twinge of emotion bubbling up.
He had effectively proven that his efforts had not been in vain.
“Yes.”
As Kraush answered, Balok nodded.
“Let me know when you’re ready to set out; I’ll take a look at the front lines.”
As a front line commander, he immediately turned to inspect the situational chaos.
Everyone had faith in Balok, allowing the frontline to be maintained thanks to his decisive action.
‘Perhaps…’
Kraush thought for the first time that he might have inherited a few traits from his father.
As Balok passed by, several distinguished knights from the Four Kingdoms exchanged glances with Kraush as they passed.
They were all here to help withstand the Demonic Bastion.
Kraush bowed his head to acknowledge their hard work.
Though the Celestial Knights were few in number, they were stationed only at the most dangerous barriers.
The Celestial Warriors had held the line until Kraush arrived, subsequently being dispatched again to other front lines.
By this point, Kraush had built enough familiarity that a simple glance could suffice for greetings.
That alone spoke volumes about Kraush establishing his position among the Celestial Knights.
“Long time no see, little brother.”
Just then, another familiar voice came through.
Turning his head, Kraush wore a smile immediately.
“Charlotte!”
There stood Charlotte.
Wearing her robe tightly against the relentless black rain, her deep blue hair shone brightly.
Behind her was yet another member of Kraush’s family.
“Lilish!”
It was none other than Kraush’s second sister, Lilish Balheim.
“Kraush, you look a bit worn out. Are you okay?”
Immediately noticing Kraush’s condition, she expressed her concern, making him chuckle as he responded.
“Yes, I’ve been getting plenty of rest thanks to someone.”
Kraush couldn’t help but think of Bianca, Haring, Astria, and Ebelasque.
Whenever he hesitated about taking a break, one of them would always notice and enforce a mandatory rest period.
Because of that, Kraush was indeed doing very well on the rest front.
Even Sigrid, who occasionally popped in due to Imperial affairs, looked pleased as a peach.
“I’m glad to hear that.”
Lilish smiled with relief.
“By the way, when are you going to introduce your wives?”
Did she catch wind of something?
With a wry smile, Kraush promised to introduce them before heading to the Demonic Bastion, then turned back to Charlotte.
“You’re right in front of me, yet you’re so eagerly chatting with another sister. You’re not trying to make her jealous, are you?”
Charlotte smirked playfully with her trademark slight smile.
Anyone could see it didn’t stem from jealousy, but after spending some time with Charlotte, Kraush could sense there was more to it.
“Good things are meant to be savored at the end.”
“Were you so eager to chat with me?”
“Absolutely.”
Charlotte let out a snicker, her eyes gleaming, “You’ve become quite the charmer.”
But the tone wasn’t entirely displeased.
“Miss, there’s something I need to discuss with you separately.”
Kraush had a favor to ask of Charlotte.
Specifically, it was about the Holy Sword that hung at her waist. He needed it to contend with Abella.
Lilish smartly took a step back.
With just the two left, Kraush explained to Charlotte what he needed to do with the Holy Sword.
Since he was asking for a gift he had given her back, it was only right to explain himself.
After listening thoughtfully for a while, Charlotte fell silent.
Then she turned to look at Kraush again.
“Are you sure about this?”
Kraush blinked slowly.
Then he nodded slowly.
“Yes, it’s a decision I made quite some time ago.”
Charlotte noticed the determination in Kraush’s eyes.
Realizing she couldn’t waver his resolve, Charlotte drew the Holy Sword.
“Well then, let’s have a little spar before I hand it over.”
And with that, Charlotte said something quintessentially her own.
