The 9Th Class Swordmaster: Blade Of Truth [EN]: Chapter 222

170. Divine Lineage War

“I-I must report. The civil war within the Duchy appears to be tilting towards one side.”

Kamma stuttered, almost involuntarily.

It wasn’t the emission of mana, nor the projection of aura.

Yet, within the hall, Carryl’s presence was more overwhelming than anyone else’s.

“Sorry. I’m still not very good at controlling my mana. I just broke through the 6th Class barrier a little while ago.”

Carryl straightened his back as he spoke.

Whoosh…!

As he flicked his fingers, flames erupted, dancing up his fingers and brushing his shoulder as if alive before disappearing.

“There’s still one rebellious fellow left.”

“……Pardon?”

Kamma tilted his head slightly, as if not understanding his words.

“More importantly, don’t you have something to report to me?”

“Ah…! Yes, yes!!”

He hurriedly continued.

“The victory in the Duchy’s civil war seems to be leaning towards one side.”

“Towards whom?”

“Tuli Lurein, the 1st Duke of the Duchy.”

“What?! Don’t tell me… the Ironclad Fleet has been defeated?”

Mikhail exclaimed in surprise, almost without realizing it.

But realizing he was in front of Carryl, he quickly lowered his head.

“The decisive reason is the betrayal of Rakiel, the 5th Duke of Fran’s faction. His Silver Wing Fleet, which was deployed behind the Ironclad Fleet immediately after the start of the war, instead struck at Cobb.”

“……!!”

However, it wasn’t just Mikhail who was surprised; everyone else was as well. The defeat of the Ironclad Fleet, a symbol of victory in the Duchy’s history, was not easily imaginable.

‘This was a predetermined future anyway.’

However, despite the news that Fran Lurein’s forces were showing signs of defeat, Carryl didn’t seem greatly surprised.

Tuli Lurein, the Duchy’s foremost power, had rarely engaged in major battles until now, so her strength was underestimated.

‘What’s visible from the outside isn’t everything. Most foreign invasions are blocked by Cobb’s Ironclad Fleet, so only that is known, but the Wyvern Brigade in White Bunker holds power comparable to the Empire.’

Moreover, the civil war was taking place inland, not in the straits.

Fran’s prized Ironclad Fleet couldn’t exert its full power, but Tuli Lurein’s Wyvern Brigade and Golem Brigade had an optimal battlefield to unleash their full potential.

‘Besides…….’

There was one major variable that would determine the outcome of the Duchy’s civil war.

Namely,

‘Ganes Abelant.’

One of the five current Sword Masters [individuals who have reached the pinnacle of swordsmanship].

Using a massive halberd, he would bear the stigma of the Knight of the Fallen Crest after this civil war.

That tail followed him until his death, and he was the only Sword Master Carryl had ever fought in his previous life.

‘Anthem Howard will be struggling quite a bit.’

Another strategist known as the Kingmaker, he seeks the Fenria Kingdom after his defeat due to discord with Fran.

Perhaps his meeting with Viola now holds even greater significance than in his previous life.

‘By the time the Duchy’s civil war ends, Viola will have unified the Istrian Three Kingdoms.’

One concern was Anthem Howard, who, even without a power base in his previous life, believed in Viola’s potential and followed her.

But now that Viola has unified the Istrian Three Kingdoms, her power is arguably comparable to the two great powers.

‘He might get unnecessary ideas.’

Viola and Anthem Howard.

They might possess even greater power than the Empire.

But conversely, knowing that, Carryl lent his Free Army to Viola.

A kind of test.

To see what choice she would make when she met Anthem Howard later.

‘Indeed…….’

Human conviction is more fragile and weak than one might think.

When one gains power, greed arises, and when greed arises, one becomes excessive.

Viola said that she would entrust that power to him after unifying the Three Kingdoms. But as many rulers in history have shown, relinquishing power is never easy.

Even Emperor Tyran Schtean of the Empire is like that.

They are even pointing swords at each other’s throats, begrudging even passing the throne to their own children.

‘Viola. Can you pass my test?’

As he was lost in thought, Kamma continued.

“So… Fran has requested an audience with you, my lord. He seems quite anxious. He contacted us in White Bunker, which is enemy territory.”

Carryl said with a calm face.

“Fran is looking for me, huh…….”

He smiled faintly.

Those inside instinctively knew that his next course of action had been decided by that smile.

“Kamma. Have you also found out about the progress of the mana stone development?”

“Of course. It was the first thing you ordered me to do, my lord. Although I’ve been away for quite some time, I’ve been in constant contact with Beril.”

At his question, Kamma wore a proud expression and took out a parchment from his chest.

“Currently, the mines are temporarily closed due to the ongoing war in the Three Kingdoms, but we have been secretly continuing our work.”

Then, he carefully covered his mouth and whispered to Carryl.

“You mentioned it at the right time. That’s what I was going to report.”

“Hmm?”

“They have discovered several locations where 7-faceted stones [high-quality mana stones] are buried. It seems that mining will be possible soon. Also… there was one more harvest in the Duchy.”

“What is it?”

Kamma scanned his surroundings once more. Then, he spoke in an even quieter voice.

“Calibson. We’ve made contact with him in White Bunker.”

“……!!”

His face, which had been expressionless at Fran’s defeat or Anthem Howard’s situation, widened his eyes in surprise for the first time.

“That’s welcome news. Kamma, you’ve done a great job.”

“Hahaha. I was surprised too. I don’t know how he knew, but that old man contacted me.”

“But it’s okay to talk a little louder. Everyone here is trustworthy.”

“Yes? Ah, yes, yes. Hahaha… I tend to be a bit…”

Kamma bowed at Carryl’s words and stepped back, looking embarrassed.

“So, what about the arrangements?”

“Cal Mc went to the Gnome Kingdom. At first, I tried to dissuade him, saying it was dangerous… but when he saw the attribute stones crafted by Calibson, his eyes lit up and he left. By now, his location will have been reported to Dushalla.”

Kamma, who had been with Cal Mc more than anyone else in Tatur, clicked his tongue and said.

“He might have already made a deal with Calibson by now. That little kid is fearless and quite something. But… it’s not just about discovering the Gnomes that’s important.”

“Then?”

“It’s the reason he met him in White Bunker.”

Carryl frowned slightly at his words.

“Why?”

“A man named Redios arranged for Calibson to meet him. You know what that means, my lord.”

“Don’t tell me…….”

Only then did Carryl realize that Kamma hadn’t come simply to boast about his achievements.

“Yes. The real reason Cal Mc followed him was actually because of that. If Wooden Cloud has ties to the Gnome Kingdom… that could be another obstacle for you, my lord.”

Carryl knew better than anyone how outstanding one of the Empire’s Seven Spears was.

‘It’s a dangerous task, but if it’s the clever him, he won’t make a mistake.’

Perhaps this opportunity could really uncover the mastermind behind Wooden Cloud.

“You handled it well.”

“You flatter me.”

In fact, he had been so preoccupied with the problems of the Empire that it was difficult to extend his reach to the Duchy across the strait.

But Kamma and Cal Mc were filling his void in his place.

One can be a hero alone, but not a hegemon [dominant leader].

History was a chain reaction created by countless gears meshing together.

And those gears were people.

A master must not become one of those gears, but rather the one who turns those gears.

Carryl realized that the framework was now somewhat complete in the continent.

‘Things are going better than expected, but I need to hurry. I can’t keep Cal Mc there forever… My next destination is decided.’

He looked out the window.

He couldn’t see the sea, but it was in the direction of the Duchy across the strait.

‘It’s a good thing in a way. I thought it was time to create gears for the future there as well. To do that, I need to go inside first.’

To do that, start with what you can do alone.

That would be the first step to becoming the master across the sea.

“Well… shall I start by becoming a hero of the Duchy?”

Carryl said quietly.

* * *

[Kuh… Kuhahahaha!!!]

Duart wondered when he had laughed so heartily in countless ages.

Who is the Flame Tyrant?

The most prideful and strongest of the five elemental kings.

Of course,

The five elements of spirits had a relationship of mutual overcoming, but the symbolism of fire was special.

[…….]

[Didn’t you tell me? That human is a monster. Why did you resist when you knew it yourself?]

Darkness similar to a space of unconsciousness.

But this was not a place created by Carryl.

[You know it too, don’t you? Humans are the same. Why would they be born with only one attribute? It’s because they can’t mix in the first place. But the spirit king is the one who has reached the extreme of that attribute. You wouldn’t know. The feeling of mixing not only light and darkness but also water and wind.]

[He said he would put me in that place someday.]

[When that time comes, I’ll laugh.]

[Clclcl…….]

Raminne said, twitching his lips.

After the spirit realm was lost and almost cut off from the human realm, they thought it had been a long time since they had talked to each other.

[Tell me honestly.]

[……What?]

[Aln said so. The answer is only one anyway. If Carryl had tried to forcibly synthesize you from the beginning, you couldn’t refuse from the position of being contracted. But the reason you kept refusing was simply because you didn’t like being synthesized with mana?]

[What do you want to ask?]

[Come on, let’s be honest with each other. You helped him, didn’t you? You deliberately refused synthesis until you came up with a way.]

Duart smiled strangely.

[To make him reach the 6th class.]

[Isn’t it? What would I have to endure something I hate? You’ll experience that nasty feeling soon, so tell me after you do.]

At his words, Raminne glared at him.

[If you’re going to talk nonsense, get out. Don’t waste spirit power in a place like this. Are you having a lot of free time these days?]

[I thought there might be another reason why you helped Carryl. A very important one.]

A strange smile spread across Duart’s face hidden in bandages.

[I remember what Aln said. He said that he could learn the release magic in his knowledge vault when he became a 6th class.]

[…….]

[The box obtained from Gray School.]

What he was talking about was the small box in the coffin where Ice Claw was in Gray School.

Aln Zabiwus gave him the box that Nardie Mauga had hidden in his previous life as a condition for contracting with Carryl for the first time.

However, Aln disappeared from the Narak Rock, and the seal on the box remained unbroken and stored in Tatur.

[That there is a clue to find the Queen of the Tides inside.]

[…….]

[You’re thinking of resurrecting the Water Spirit King? A little unexpected. I don’t think you and she were on good terms.]

At his question, Raminne’s eyes twitched.

[Don’t talk nonsense… Duart, I’ve been watching you since the beginning, but I didn’t know you were such a talkative person like today.]

[Clcl……. Maybe I’ve been contaminated by being with humans.]

Despite Raminne’s rebuke, Duart moved closer to him.

[But isn’t it going interestingly? Etheral is Etheral, but if Carryl goes to the Duchy.]

[Why is that?]

Duart chuckled at Raminne’s words.

[Don’t you know? Who is sealed there. There’s someone you hate so much. Of course… I don’t know if he can get in touch with him.]

[…….]

[If that child gets that guy, I might follow him without saying a word. Because it’s a slim possibility, but I think it’s okay to expect a little.]

At that moment,

Raminne’s flames flickered uneasily.

As if knowing his feelings, Duart slowly nodded.

[The revival of the Divine Spirit War.]

At that moment,

A low sigh was heard.

[Duart. You have to say it right. You’re still stuck in the past, like you were at Anti-Hum [organization opposing humanity],]

[……What?]

Duart, who had spoken meaningfully to Raminne’s unexpected reaction, asked back in a somewhat bewildered manner.

[I helped Carryl to revive Etheral? No. He’s a guy who will go up without my help. And now I know who is sealed in the land of the Duchy. But I don’t care if he revives or not.]

[…….]

[It would be nice if the seal was released and it would be helpful, but if it’s the opposite, I’ll crush that selfish guy.]

[You’re confident.]

[Of course, who can bring someone here who is more than a monster than Carryl? Looking at the density of presence, not the height of strength. I will do my best to help Carryl, and I will also have hope for him. But at least it’s different from you.]

Duart’s face hardened at Raminne’s words.

[The era when we were the main characters is over now. No, it’s right to say that it failed. If we can point a sword at God again as you said, it’s not us, it’s ‘Carryl’ who has to do it.]

Raminne smiled coldly under the hot flames.

[The war from now on is not a divine spirit, but a divine lineage (神類) [beings descended from gods]. It’s not a fight between spirits and gods, but a fight between humanity and gods.]

[…….]

Unlike the momentum a moment ago, Duart looked at him without saying anything.

On the contrary, as if knowing his feelings, Raminne nodded this time.

[We are just supporting roles now. So we can’t be resurrected. This is the beginning. Got it? What we have to look forward to now is…….]

His voice echoed as if engraved in space.

[The beginning of the Divine Lineage War.]