#154
Imperial Rebellion (4)
The capital of the Azerion Empire, Jeron, which had been immersed in long peace, was suddenly thrown into chaos.
“May everyone find a peaceful death—!”
“Stop! They’re targeting the Count!”
Followers of Hans, including the black magician, were frantically attacking their assigned targets, their eyes wild with frenzy.
These subversive elements, including the Oath of Reversal, had been living in a constantly suppressed state, unable to even take their own lives under thorough control, basically living in a limbo of dying without truly living…
This incident was the first order from the Undead King that had descended upon such circumstances.
Having long been broken from past incidents, they disregarded their own lives and focused solely on completing their mission.
Even if they died, to them, death was merely an escape from their subjugation.
Wherever they found things getting a bit tough, the undead and their officers would inevitably join in to shake things up. Thanks to the element of surprise, their operations had been progressing quite smoothly so far.
Hmm… this side is roughly organized… Ah, you there? Your next target is not over there, you know…? Just how stupid can one be not to follow the ghosts’ guidance properly…? Would it not be better to quickly get rid of that brain of yours? Perhaps this girl can lend you a hand…?
And above all, leading this group was Hans’s reliable right arm, Banshee Queen Olivia.
She was completely uninterested in the battle and was solely focused on coordinating the stage through the ghosts.
The barrier surrounding the capital had weakened the ghosts flying within it to the point where combat became impossible…
From the onset, their role was merely to run away and act as Olivia’s eyes, ears, and mouth, so it wasn’t really a problem for them.
Everything is as the King commands…
She glimpsed at the direction where the atmosphere was in turmoil then returned her focus to the task assigned to her.
As the window for taking advantage of the surprise attack passed, the humans’ counterattack was gradually intensifying.
*
Guhak—!
“Don’t overdo it! Our role is just to buy time…!”
In an instant, concentrated black magic surged.
It soon took a definitive form and manifested as an overwhelming mystery.
Grooowl!
A fierce black tempest laced with curses swept through the vicinity, causing several of the knights caught in it to fall, spitting blood as they collapsed.
Hmm, it seems that being next to the imperial palace has strengthened the barrier. Even though I tried to manage it, I didn’t expect its effectiveness to drop this much.
It didn’t matter much that those knights were the empire’s elite knight order, adorned with all sorts of magical equipment and received enhanced magic.
Regardless of any preparations made, such beings, lacking in tier, could do nothing but buy time.
Woooom— Kwaaaang!
At that moment, a gigantic golden magic circle formed on the outer surface of the barrier surrounding the imperial palace, and a strong wave of light surged forth once again.
That light, while blocked by a darkness as if compressed by the abyss, didn’t deliver significant damage to its target.
However, the small opening it created was enough to grant the frontline fighters some time to approach.
Hah!
Shrouded in a holy aura like a lighthouse in the darkness stood the hero, Heinrich.
The beams of light pouring from his body gently enveloped those exposed to the horrific energy, restoring their bodies and minds, giving them the strength to rise again.
But his true worth wasn’t limited to such supportive abilities…
Hwaak—!
His holy sword, blessed with “Light Sword” and “Weight Increase,” was swung, embodying the realization of the newly acquired “Path of Martial Arts.”
Flowing yet still, that blade cut through the concurrent black magic like dawn piercing the darkness, opening a path toward the Undead King.
“Now!”
Hah—!
At that moment, two imperial knights, who had been waiting for a chance, charged in an instant.
The commander of the royal guards overseeing the palace and the leader of the royal knights protecting the emperor.
Both were qualified to directly face the Undead King, surpassing extreme martial prowess.
The other master within the palace, a deputy commander, hadn’t joined the fray to protect the emperor closely, but the presence shown by the leader was impressive enough to make one forget that.
Swish—
The chill of the moonlight-like blade sliced through the numerous black serpents extending from Hans.
That swordsmanship, as precise as severing the flow of magic, elicited admiration even from Heinrich for its efficiency and beauty.
That old man is remarkable. No matter how low the density, to be able to cut something made from concentrated abyssal energy so easily. A strong figure like this hiding in the palace truly exemplifies the might of the empire. He looks a bit low on stamina because of his age, though…
A sturdy build befitting the furrows of age belonged to the elder, knight commander Conwell, who had reached transcendence as a swordsman.
At that level, he could easily handle not just Harley but even Bisk Yufershi, a pureblood, all on his own.
Though Heinz, bolstered by all sorts of skills and “Hybrid Evolution,” would be another story altogether.
In terms of pure prowess, Heinrich likely wouldn’t stand a chance without the various buffs of being a hero and awakened one against such an exceptional swordsman.
Now I see why the Azerion Empire is the mightiest nation on the continent. Furthermore, it wouldn’t be surprising if those here aren’t the only strong ones.
“Whew!”
So, just as he was admiring their strength, someone lunged at Hans’s opening with the force of a beast—.
Kwaaaang—!
An axe, adorned with a swirling crimson aura, came crashing down like splitting firewood.
Harley, the valiant barbarian warrior who had come from Rosellia Temple to support Jeron, grinned widely.
“Ha ha ha! I heard I could smash the Undead King’s skull if I came here! I wonder if it’ll break!”
Oh, impressive.
Crackle!
The axe blade was barely blocked by the black energy, just a finger’s breadth away.
Without hesitation, he leaped back to evade the penetrating abyssal serpent, then charged again, this time with claws elongated on one hand.
I hoped for balance by calling in Harley, but it seems the empire’s might is more formidable than expected.
The reserve powers of the sanctified site had already sent aid across the continent, and it was no longer feasible to stretch their power from the temple without the saint present.
So, it ended up that Harley “voluntarily” participated in supporting the empire…
But it turned out that such a measure wasn’t necessary after all.
This was because, alongside the strong ones he faced directly, the level of magical support emanating from the palace’s barrier was exceptionally high.
Hmm, this is rather troublesome.
Hans lightly deflected the lightning falling from above and grumbled.
Despite constantly relocating during the battle, the magic activated through the palace seemed to cover the entire capital without weakening in the slightest.
According to the information gathered beforehand, there should only be a single high-ranking magician left in there.
But after receiving the assistance of low-ranking magicians through the palace’s barrier, it felt as though six or seven high magic casters were continuously pouring forth spells.
GWAOOOOR—!
Kiyahh—!
Kwaaaang!
Kuwoong!
Even two Bone Dragons kept hammering against the barrier.
Yet, the imperial palace’s barrier continued shaking precariously, only to recover rapidly again due to the stable energy being continuously supplied from within.
From the flow of magic power, it seems like they’re trying to push themselves further, believing this is their opportunity… Hmm, are they even using the Dragon Heart? They’re desperate.
In any case, since their efforts were commendable, it seemed this would be enough for now regarding the palace.
After all, beyond a greeting, it was about time to kick off the initial plan.
Now, let’s see you put in a little more effort. Aren’t you starting to lose your momentum?
Creeeak!
Gah!
One of the strands of the Abyss extending from Hans bit into the neck of a fatigued knight.
As it originated from the abyss, unless one’s tier was considerably high, being struck at a vital point meant almost instant death.
With the growth of the “Eye of the Abyss,” the malevolent deeds of beings could be observed in a way that made those trapped by it drop like flies.
Their way of fighting naturally evolved through several relocations, and soon, they had reached the point he was aiming for.
Found it.
Thus, Hans stood before the Death Knight Lord Karam and the Archlich Dwell, who were entangled with the undead forces.
Naturally, the imperial knights fighting against him caught sight of them as well.
The commander of the royal guards and the leader of the royal knights looked at that side with bewildered expressions.
“Huh? Crown Prince? Even Princess 5 is here?”
“Hoh— Count Garfield and Duke Pristine are here as well. To have two imperial grandchildren with you while still remaining in this hazardous place…”
Having already engaged in fierce battles, they looked rather ragged, with their more than a hundred elite forces in disarray.
Among them, the two imperial figures and the high magician kept a respectful distance, wearing awkward expressions.
“…Lord Conwell!”
“Whew, that’s something we couldn’t control…”
Naturally, they had made attempts to escape.
But after a series of twists and turns, when they finally joined forces while heading toward the shrine, they were obstructed by the Undead Army and its officials, who clung to them as if determined not to let go.
No matter how much they struggled, those relentless pursuers made it impossible for them to escape the approaching presence of the Undead King.
Ugh, in any case, we don’t have time to dally!
…The undead are closing in!
Taking advantage of the temporary lull in fighting caused by this encounter, the imperial representatives rushed to regroup, but…
They were not afforded much time to reorganize.
Just in time, the unmoving Undead Army, causing chaos in the city, suddenly stopped fighting and began converging around this location.
For the great King of Death!
To bring despair upon this world— and an unending terror to the weak—!
Due to the barrier of the capital, every Undead summoned here was a high-ranking type.
And leading them were the former commanders of the Undead Army from the last great war.
Kwaaaang—!
In this sudden offensive, the human side was initially overwhelmed, but with the support of the barrier and the palace’s magic, they weren’t immediately crumbling.
It merely made the chaotic melee more frantic, rendering it harder for them to watch out for one another.
Aah, so this is the capital of the empire. It seems it won’t be easy to collapse through this method quickly. Hmm… Besides, it feels somewhat dull due to all these interferences.
And at last.
Hans initiated the conversation, gearing things up.
“Undead King, pitiful king of the dead! Are you enjoying the chaos you create? Shrouding the world in death following the whispers of the Abyss and fighting against those who contend with you?”
Hughuh— that lowly musing is something I overcame long ago. I just told you, didn’t I? What I desire is solely the intensity that arises from the clash of life and death!
What followed was naturally the specter of a grand deception aimed across the entire continent, crafted through the collaboration of the hero and the demon king.
As they paused their fighting to engage in conversation, those who were with Heinrich confront Hans also ceased their attacks, contributing their strength elsewhere to watch the unfolding situation.
The greatest foe, the Undead King, had voluntarily withdrawn from the fray, so there was no need to provoke him unnecessarily.
Originally, what I sought was strength, but in exchange, I lost my life and merely existed as a drifting being. I lost the meaning of existence and, by inertia, pursued only power and death.
The Undead King’s reminiscences flowed softly.
Amidst the uproar of battle, his voice infused with magic resonated clearly, unyielding to the noise.
So that everyone present could hear him.
But then, I met you! A mere knight, sacrificing your life to stand against death itself, inserting your sword into this heart of the undying— my adversary. Yes, Heinrich Saint Landgard. I speak of you!
Building up the narrative.
It began with the meeting of the Undead King and the hero, leading to the transformations that followed.
From then on, he started to prioritize personal amusement over the inertia-driven ambition of world destruction he had followed.
It would be fair to say he began to tread a more moderate path, rather than pursuing complete annihilation.
Of course, he hadn’t ceased his actions of opening the Abyss to incite madness and obliterating principalities, but these actions strayed far from the objective of destroying the world.
If one were to delineate…
The scale at which he seeks attention has grown significantly.
It was the act of a madman wielding power, throwing a tantrum to demand recognition.
Naturally, such world-class nuisance couldn’t be altered by mere minor changes; the fundamentally ingrained extreme evil within deeply influenced everything.
…that’s quite a setup. The logic of a madman can completely obliterate any persuasive structure it might have.
In any case, the core of their conversation began now.
“Undead King, Hannibal. Then, how about we make a wager?”
To be precise, it would be more fitting to call it a one-man play rather than a conversation.
