Emperor of Steel [EN]: Chapter 144

3. Obtaining the Holy Sword

1

Having mastered divine power, Luke immediately gathered people to demonstrate it. He used the spirit power he had taken from Constantine to turn the captured zombies back into humans, then cleanly healed their wounds with divine power. In doing so, Luke used only absolute spirit power and divine power.

Marquis Leas and the priests were greatly shocked. Even if Luke hadn’t sold his soul to a demon, they were uneasy about him learning black magic. Now, he was using divine power as if showing off!

“How can this be? Aren’t black magic and divine power incompatible?”

“Perhaps black magic isn’t entirely bad after all…”

“This should be seen as an exception. Aside from His Majesty Luke and his followers, most black mages are indeed evil, aren’t they?”

“But it’s also true that the common knowledge we’ve had until now has been shattered. Although the situation is being resolved by His Holiness’s miracle, isn’t it His Majesty Luke and the black mages who discovered the cause and the cure?”

“Yes, we must acknowledge what needs to be acknowledged.”

It wasn’t just the priests who were shocked; the black mages of the Dark Moon were as well.

“I knew he was extraordinary, but I never imagined it would be to this extent…”

“Is it possible for us too?”

Quintero shook his head at his subordinate’s question. “Well, I think this should be seen as the ability of the sect leader, who has an exceptional spiritual nature.”

“Still, wouldn’t it be better to carry around scriptures or rosaries? That way, the picky Malco priests will be less likely to pick fights.”

“Exploring the darkness with the power of faith… Hahaha, it seems like a good way to promote ourselves.”

“If we do well, our Dark Moon might be able to step out into the world with dignity.”

The greatest wish of the Dark Moon black mages was to reveal themselves to the world with pride. Imagine how frustrating it would be to master black magic only to be unable to show it to the world. In the past, it was something they couldn’t even dream of. The moment they revealed their black magic, they would be targeted for extermination rather than respect. However, with Luke, it seemed entirely possible.

Luke, who had shocked the priests and black mages by demonstrating divine power, was enjoying tea time with Reina and Karen. Although the zombie situation wasn’t completely resolved, they were all so busy that they rarely had the chance to spend time together like this.

‘But why is that guy here? He’s quite annoying.’ Luke glared at Grand Duke Gregory, who was standing like a statue on one side of the reception room, watching with hawk-like eyes. It was because he couldn’t express his affection for Reina because of him. Unlike Luke, who was bothered by the troublemaker, Reina was completely absorbed in watching Karen. She was so cute as she munched on the cookies she had baked herself that Reina kept beaming with a happy smile.

“Is it delicious, Karen?”

Karen, chewing with both cheeks full of cookies like a squirrel, silently nodded. In fact, it was the first time she had ever eaten such sweet and delicious food. In the future timeline that had now disappeared, there was a shortage of food, let alone snacks, due to the outbreak of the zombie army. Having not been able to enjoy gourmet food even after coming to the past world, she felt like she was living a dream every day.

‘I must defeat the Lich King Arsen, even if it’s just to eat more delicious things!’ As she made this resolution, she felt like she had become too childish. It seemed to be because of her younger body, and on the other hand, she wondered if she was trying to make up for not having been able to act spoiled with her parents.

‘The fight isn’t over yet. So I have to be more alert…’

“Is it delicious, Karen? Would you like some more of this?” Karen’s vow to act like an adult was instantly shattered by the plate of snacks that Reina offered. Without realizing it, she drooled and nodded her head vigorously. She was so cute that Reina couldn’t help but hug her tightly.

“How can you be so cute… How about it, Karen? Once this is over, would you like to come to Bless with me?”

“Hmm, I’ve decided to take care of Karen.”

“You?”

“That’s right. I’m thinking of formally adopting her as my daughter.”

Karen was startled by Luke’s bombshell announcement. She had never imagined that her father would adopt her. Reina, not wanting to lose her, hugged her tightly and said, seeing her unconsciously happy expression, “If that’s the case, send her to me. A child needs a mother’s love.”

“That’s true, but I owe her a debt.”

“I feel the same way. If it weren’t for Karen, I wouldn’t be alive either.”

At Reina’s insistence, Luke continued, looking troubled. “What kind of reaction would people have if the Pope had a daughter? Don’t cause unnecessary noise and leave her to me.”

“Noise? How many Popes have adopted children in the past? Isn’t that right, Grand Duke?”

“Yes. That is correct, Your Holiness.”

At Reina’s question, Gregory nodded with a reluctant expression. It was common to adopt promising young priests or paladins to continue the family line, and there were even cases where they were raised to become the next Pope. However, there was one secret that the world didn’t know: the adopted children were often actually biological children, that is, the Pope’s illegitimate children. Since priests could not marry, they formed legal father-child relationships in this way.

‘That child isn’t His Holiness’s biological child, but… she looks too much like her. I wouldn’t have anything to say even if I were suspected.’ In fact, Reina didn’t just like Karen because she had saved her life. Every time she saw her, she was reminded of the daughter she and Luke had seen in her dreams. Although it was a dream, she was a child who was so lovely and heartbreaking. It was inevitable that Karen, who looked exactly like that child, would be special to her. No, she was considered a gift from God.

“Anyway, I will raise Karen and make her a wonderful person.”

Luke objected to Reina’s words. “No, that child’s talent is exceptional. If I don’t teach her myself…”

“What are you going to teach such a small child already?”

“You’re the strange one. Even commoners who are somewhat well-off are eager to give their children early education.”

“Do you think that’s a good thing? Haven’t you heard the scholars’ claims that parents’ greed kills children’s creativity?”

Karen watched the two of them arguing almost like a married couple with a frown. Just as she was about to stop them, Grand Duke Gregory stepped in first.

“Why don’t you ask the child directly what she wants?”

“That’s a good idea. Karen, let’s go with me… no, with Daddy.”

“No, let’s go with Mommy. If you follow Daddy, you’ll have to study swordsmanship and magic hard every day.”

It was like asking a child, ‘Do you like Daddy or Mommy more?’ Karen, looking at the two of them with an absurd expression, sighed and hugged Reina. It meant that she would follow her. Reina was very happy about this, and Luke looked very disappointed.

‘Daddy, I’m sorry. I want to be with you too, but I think I have to protect Mommy.’ If she had to choose between the two, Karen thought she had to protect Reina, who was weaker. There was no guarantee that another attack like the last one wouldn’t happen again.

“Geez, we’ve only just met again…” Just as Luke was thinking that he might become twisted, Hwangbo Sung came and delivered news.

“My lord, a magical communication has been sent from the homeland.”

“Really? Is there some big problem…?”

“It’s not that, but seeing that they specifically asked to be contacted, it doesn’t seem like they’re just asking how we are.”

“Hmm…” At Hwangbo Sung’s words, Luke took out a communication crystal and sent a magical communication to the Symphonia Royal Palace. As if they had been waiting for Luke’s call, Prime Minister Hans’s face quickly appeared on the crystal.

“– Are you well, Your Majesty? I’ve heard that the situation in Saxony is thankfully being resolved.”

“I see, I wonder if you’ve also heard some unpleasant news.”

Unpleasant news: the story that Luke had inherited the legacy of the Demon King Seymon and was leading the remnants of the Dark Moon black mages. This information was currently being kept quiet by only Marquis Leas and the high-ranking priests. However, Luke didn’t think the secret would last long. Rather, he thought it wouldn’t be bad for it to spread and become public knowledge, especially since the black mages had made a significant contribution to the zombie situation.

“– Unpleasant news? If you’re talking about the story that you’ve brought black mages to the scene to resolve the situation, I’ve already heard it. Everyone thinks it’s an unavoidable part of the situation. I feel the same way.”

‘Has the secret not been revealed over there yet? No, more than that, Hans would be disgusted just by the fact that I’m with black mages, so why isn’t he saying anything?’ The most conservative faction in the Symphonia Kingdom were the retainers of the Lacan family, and Hans was the representative of that group. How could he understand that the king was with black mages? It wouldn’t be strange if he raised his voice and questioned him right away. Luke, who was inwardly puzzled, asked about the matter first.

“Prime Minister, what’s going on in the homeland?”

“– It’s… not internal or external strife, but an issue that Your Majesty must check and judge. So, please return once things are somewhat settled there.”

‘An issue that I must check and judge? What on earth is it?’ The question would be answered the moment he returned to Symphonia. Thinking so, Luke nodded and said, “I understand. I’ll try to return as soon as possible, so wait for me.”

“– Yes, I will be waiting for your arrival, Your Majesty.”

As Luke finished the magical communication, Reina, who had been listening beside him, asked with a regretful expression, “Do you have to go back?”

“Yes. Not right away, but…” Luke was just as disappointed. Just when the zombie situation was somewhat resolved and they were about to spend some time alone, another problem had to arise.

‘With great power comes great responsibility…’ That phrase was a line from an ancient play about the life of a hero. It was such a famous phrase, and the nobles with power especially liked it. Why did they like it? Because there was a follow-up to that phrase: ‘With great power comes great responsibility. And with that comes the right to enjoy wealth and honor.’ But in Luke’s view, it seemed that those who truly fulfilled great responsibilities didn’t have the leisure to enjoy wealth and honor. Even the monarchs who were known as wise rulers in history rarely enjoyed luxurious leisure or entertainment. In fact, there were often cases where they were so devoted to state affairs that they neglected their children, leading to the appearance of foolish rulers in later generations.

‘When will I, and Reina, be able to enjoy peace? Will it be possible after defeating the Baroque Empire and defeating Arsen?’ He was inwardly envious of ordinary people who spent their days in small ways. But since he had already made up his mind and taken the first step, he couldn’t stop halfway. Even to prevent the tragedy of ordinary people’s small happiness being trampled by the unjust, Luke decided to postpone his own happiness for a while.

A few days later, on the day Luke was scheduled to depart.

Everyone in Bremen, including Reina, high-ranking officials of the Holy Empire, and even the people who had been turned into zombies and were now saved, came to the central square to see him off.

“Don’t look so sad. We’ll meet again.”

“Yes, I’ll come to see you next time.”

As Luke finished saying goodbye to Reina, Karen, who was by Reina’s side, toddled forward.

And with a slightly shy expression, she opened her mouth.

“You have to be careful… Daddy.”

‘Ah, Daddy!’

He heard the word ‘Daddy’ for the first time from his lovely child.

Overwhelmed with emotion, Luke’s mouth stretched into a wide grin without him even realizing it.

“Oh, yes! You listen to your mother, too.”

In a proud mood, Luke scooped Karen up and stroked her head.

Hwangbo Seong watched the scene with a warm smile.

He, who had memories of the future that Karen now shared, felt deeply sorry for Karen, who couldn’t tell her biological parents the truth even when they were right in front of her.

But Luke had stepped forward first to adopt her as his daughter, and Reina had happily accepted without any hesitation.

‘Even if the world changes, does the bond of blood remain the same?’

Thinking that, Hwangbo Seong suddenly thought of his father in the Southern Continent.

According to information from merchants from the Southern Continent who visited the Symphonia Kingdom and from the Zhuge family, his father had been so heartbroken upon hearing the news of his death that he had withdrawn from the family’s affairs and secluded himself.

Hearing that story, his heart ached, and he had considered more than once whether he should at least let his father know that he was alive.

‘But now is not the time.’

If his father were to hear that he was alive, he wouldn’t just be happy.

Considering his father’s personality, he would surely try to find out why his youngest son had gone missing.

‘My eldest brother, who already wields immense influence in the Song Empire’s court and even in the martial world, would never let that go. My father could be in danger.’

So, he had to refrain from any rash actions.

But even as he tried to think so coldly, he couldn’t help but feel a pang of sadness.

“Hwangbo Seong, what are you thinking about so deeply?”

“It’s nothing, my lord. I am ready to leave at any time.”

Luke, who was briefly puzzled, nodded at Hwangbo Seong’s words and immediately cast a teleportation spell.

Whoosh!

The moment a magic circle was formed beneath their feet and a bright light burst forth.

Luke, his royal knights, and even the black mages who had accomplished great things this time, all disappeared at once before the eyes of Reina and the Holy Empire officials.

Karen and Reina, who stood still until the afterglow of the teleportation faded, turned away with regret at Grand Duke Gregory’s urging.

Luke, having moved his group to Bless, decided to return using the long-distance teleportation gate, just as he had when he came here.

Before that, he had to send the black mages back to Dark Moon.

“You all have worked hard. Until I call you again, diligently research and train at the magic tower.”

“Yes, Master, may you achieve your goals….”

The black mages, including Elder Quintero, bowed respectfully to Luke and immediately left for Jason Territory.

After seeing them off, Luke returned to Brenden, the capital of Symphonia, with his royal knights.

Prime Minister Hans, who had come to the long-distance teleportation gate to greet him, welcomed him.

“Welcome, Your Majesty.”

“Yes, what is this matter that I must confirm?”

Impatient Luke asked directly.

Hans glanced around for a moment and then spoke in a low voice.

“I will guide you. Please follow me.”

Hans led Luke to a separate room at the innermost part of the royal palace.

Luke was surprised to see the heavy security in place as they made their way to the separate room.

Not only were royal knights stationed, but also war mages and magical barriers for alarms and blockades were set up in double and triple layers.

‘What on earth is it? What is so heavily guarded…?’

Luke was puzzled, but at the same time, he felt a sense of tension as he opened the door to the separate room.

Creak!

The door to the separate room opened, revealing the scene inside.

And there were Erewen and Marquis Rogers, who stood up and bowed their heads.

Luke, with a bewildered expression, asked.

“Prime Minister, is it these two people that I need to confirm?”

“No, Your Majesty. They are here as guardians to protect the Holy Sword.”

“Holy Sword?”

At Luke’s startled question, Marquis Rogers handed him a long box that was on the table.

“Your Majesty, this is the Holy Sword Valiant, used by the founder Rakan.”

“Valiant!”

Luke, with wide eyes, hurriedly opened the lid of the box.

Then, a Holy Sword broken in half appeared before his eyes.

‘No doubt! It’s definitely the sword Rakan used!’

The moment he touched the blade, he felt a sharp, bright, and sacred energy tingling.

It was a pain in the soul, not the body.

Luke vividly remembered the moment when this sword pierced his heart, and the moment when his head was cut off.

His face naturally contorted with displeasure, but no one except Erewen knew his true feelings.

They simply thought it was because the precious Holy Sword used by their ancestor was broken so horribly.

“Where on earth did you find this?”

“It was discovered in the underground training ground of the lord’s manor in Rakan Territory, which is directly under the royal family. It was found buried in the floor during the remodeling of the annex.”

“I see….”

Luke carefully picked up the Holy Sword that had brought death to his previous life.

Unlike when it was in the hands of the hero Rakan, the current Valiant did not exude a particularly overwhelming aura.

It wasn’t just because Rakan was strong.

This Holy Sword, made by the master craftsman Zieg, originally possessed immense divine power in itself.

But now, that divine power had disappeared and was barely detectable.

‘Is it because the sword’s life ended when it broke? If so, who broke this?’

As Luke was lost in thought, Erewen spoke to him.

“Your Majesty, try reflecting that Holy Sword in the sunlight.”

“In the sunlight?”

At Luke’s gesture, Hwangbo Seong, who had accompanied him, drew back the curtains of a window on one side of the separate room.

Swish!

The sunlight that came through the window reflected off the sword’s blade, projecting a series of records onto the shaded wall.

“Th, this is…!”

“It is the founder’s memoir. It has not been known to the world until now.”

At Hans’s words, Luke carefully read Rakan’s memoir.

At first, he read it with a nonchalant expression.

But his eyes widened at the part where Rakan evaluated killing Seimon as a stain on his life and the history of the continent.

‘Rakan regrets killing me…!’

The Rakan that Luke knew was nothing more than a fool who had been manipulated by the insidious Count Carno de Baroque and Veritas Magic Tower Meister Arsen.

That’s why, after being reborn in the body of his descendant, he had cursed and mocked him so much.

He even went so far as to break his statues and remove all his portraits because he hated the sight of him.

Yet, he had not only regretted it but also reevaluated Seimon’s actions.

He even hoped that someone would fulfill the cause that he had ruined.

“I urge the one who finds this sword. If there is someone in your era who seeks to change the world, someone who is not bound by old customs and seeks to reform the unjust order, give him your strength. Even if the whole world slanders him, be on his side….”

“Whew, we were very surprised to see that as well.”

Seeing Hans sigh deeply, Luke seemed to understand why he and Rogers had such complicated expressions.

It wasn’t because their ancestor’s precious treasure was found broken in two, but because the ‘truth’ was quite different from what they had known.

Of course, Erewen, who knew the historical truth as a member of the fairy race, was just quietly sneering.

“So, that’s why you didn’t say anything when you heard that I was associating with black mages in the Holy Empire.”

At Luke’s words, Duke Hans nodded.

“That’s right, Your Majesty. Moreover, according to the information from Director Hudson of the Intelligence Department, those black mages are the ones who have carried on Seimon’s progress….”

‘They even figured out about Dark Moon? If so, it’s only a matter of time before it’s known that they are my subordinates.’

Of course, it was highly likely that the higher-ups would keep it quiet, just like in the Holy Empire.

That was because the repercussions would be too great if it became known to the public.

The problem was the conservative nobles of the Symphonia Kingdom.

They would never have accepted it originally, but now that Rakan’s memoir had been discovered, it was highly likely that things would change.

For example, even Hans, the leader of the conservatives, was wavering.

“As Your Majesty has seen, the founder said to help anyone who is not bound by old customs and seeks to correct the unjust order. In this old man’s eyes, it seems that Your Majesty is that very pioneer.”

“Do you really think so?”

“Yes, we can see it just by looking at Your Majesty’s actions so far.”

The policies that Luke had taken so far, such as accepting the fairies into his territory and not discriminating against them at all, were exactly that.

At Hans’s words, Rogers also nodded in agreement.

At their reaction, Luke couldn’t help but smile with satisfaction.

“How many people know about this memoir?”

“Besides those present here, Meister Mute is the only one.”

Hans, who answered Luke’s question, took this opportunity to ask something he had wanted to ask the king for some time.

“But Your Majesty, there is something I have been wanting to ask you since before?”

“Are you talking about the truth behind the rumors?”

When Luke asked as if he had expected it, Hans nodded.

Rogers, who was also curious, was also looking at him with serious eyes.

“Before that, you need to know another truth.”

With that, Luke took out a book from the subspace of his bracelet.

It was his diary from about 500 years ago, which he had taken from the secret laboratory of the Demon King’s castle before moving his base to Brenden.

It was a record containing the truth about the Demon King Seimon.

“Look at that and think carefully. What is the truth, and how was it hidden in the other side of the world?”

With those words, Luke left the room.

In his arms, he carried the Holy Sword left behind by the hero who had belatedly regretted his actions.

3

Having obtained the Holy Sword Valiant, Luke summoned skilled blacksmiths to restore the broken sword.

Most of the renowned blacksmiths in the Symphonia Kingdom were dwarves.

The most skilled among them was Kurkan, the leader of the Red Hammer Clan.

Summoned by Luke, he examined the broken Holy Sword and gnashed his teeth.

“Is this the damned Holy Sword Valiant that that bastard Rakan wielded?”

Among his ancestors, more than a hundred had been sacrificed to Valiant while fighting against Rakan.

That was how infamous Valiant was among the fairies.

At Kurkan’s blunt words, the royal knights, who prided themselves on being descendants of the hero Rakan, were about to flare up in anger.

But they had no choice but to hold back due to the restraint of King Luke, whose inner self was Seimon.

“How is it? Can it be repaired?”

“Well, if it’s just about sticking it back together, there’s nothing I can’t do…”

Orihalcon is known as the metal of the gods. It was that difficult to handle, and there weren’t many who knew how to work with it.

In Kurkan’s case, he had inherited the secret techniques from his ancestors. When he was in the Volga Republic, he had experience restoring Orihalcon relics at the request of the local archbishop.

However, he wasn’t very confident about repairing the Holy Sword.

“What’s the problem?”

“Hmm, how should I describe it? Well, it’s like trying to revive a corpse by sewing its head back on. That’s about right.”

‘Hmm… is that all there is to it?’

Luke wasn’t as knowledgeable about metallurgy as Kurkan, but as someone who studied magical engineering, he had some understanding.

Therefore, he already knew that the Holy Sword couldn’t be properly restored by ordinary means.

However, he had gathered the blacksmiths in the hope that there might be a way.

“I don’t know if you know this, but things like Holy Swords and Demon Swords aren’t just well-polished pieces of metal. They contain the soul and will of the one who made them.”

“So, it’s impossible to restore it by ordinary means.”

“That’s right. To restore it properly, you’ll need more will than the one who put into it when making it. It’s always harder to fix something than to make it.”

“Hmm…”

After hearing Kurkan’s explanation, Luke couldn’t help but curse Rakan again in his mind.

‘That guy is a pain in the neck to the end. He should have just regretted it and kept it hidden. Why did he have to break it…’

Perhaps Rakan didn’t want his sword to be misused by hypocrites.

Whatever his intentions, Luke was furious that such a precious Holy Sword was useless.

“Anyway, you can put it back together, right?”

“I don’t know about restoring its original performance, but just putting it back together is easy. I can fix it if you take it to my workshop right now.”

“Is that so? But let’s put that off for a while.”

There was something he had to do before repairing the Holy Sword.

That was to summon prominent scholars, including Marquis Albain, and show them Rakan’s memoirs.

By revealing the memoirs, he intended to clear his past disgrace and improve the perception of black magic, bringing the Dark Moon [a term for black magic or its practitioners] into the light.

Of course, he couldn’t easily guarantee that it would go as expected.

Whether it was history or magic, new theories and evidence needed time to be accepted.

“Anyway, if you’re going to repair it, let me know. I’ll come running anytime.”

Even for the best craftsman in the Symphonia Kingdom, there weren’t many opportunities to handle rare items like Orihalcon, especially the Holy Sword of Zigg, who was famous as a master craftsman on the continent.

So, Kurkan was determined not to miss this opportunity.

“If you entrust it to someone else, I’ll never let it go! I’ll go on strike, no, I’ll quit, so keep that in mind!”

“Hah. Don’t worry and go back.”

Not long after Kurkan, who had been firmly warned, left Luke’s office, Prime Minister Hans came to visit.

“Did you see it all?”

“Yes, not only I but all the central figures have seen it.”

Hans nodded and returned Seimon’s diary that Luke had given him.

“Everyone must have been shocked.”

“Yes, especially High Priest Maron…”

The one who was most shocked among the central figures was High Priest Maron.

If Seimon’s diary was true, the history of 500 years ago was nothing more than a series of lies and hypocrisy.

The ones he had believed to be righteous were evil, and the ones he had believed to be evil were righteous.

When he refused to believe it to the end, Hans and Mute told him about the memoirs left by the hero Rakan.

Then, Maron said he would make a judgment after seeing the memoirs himself and reserved his opinion.

“There’s a saying that you’d even join hands with the devil to win a war, but I never thought there would be such a case.”

“That’s how great Seimon’s resentment was.”

“But it’s ridiculous that the war that broke out on the continent was because of the death of one woman.”

At Hans’s words, Rakan, who had put Seimon’s diary into the subspace of his bracelet, frowned and asked.

“Why is it ridiculous?”

“There were more than one or two people who suffered such injustice in that era…”

Bang!

Luke slammed his fist roughly on the desk in his office.

If he hadn’t controlled his strength, he would have smashed the desk to pieces.

He said with his eyes blazing.

“There were more than one or two people who suffered injustice, so just let it go? That’s ridiculous. The more people who suffer injustice, and the more people who groan in pain, shouldn’t we think about changing the world? Those who sided with Seimon weren’t simply seduced by his black magic!”

Hans realized what Luke was trying to say.

Seimon was just a representative of those who were dissatisfied with the unjust order of the time.

In the end, it was not Seimon, who had learned black magic, who brought the storm of war to the continent, but the festering order and system of the time.

It was a war that would never have happened if the ruling class, represented by the king and nobles, had done even a little bit of politics for the people.

‘Well, the system has been somewhat relaxed since then.’

Although it was hidden by the development of commerce and industry, there were some changes in the feudal system.

The tax and collection systems were slightly improved, and relief policies were established to prepare for droughts and disasters.

Although they didn’t openly admit it, the rulers also realized what would happen if they continued to exploit and oppress the people as they had before.

So, they gave them a little breathing room.

“Anyway, Your Majesty came to understand Seimon when you obtained that diary.”

And also Seimon’s progress, and that he had also learned black magic.

Luke looked at Hans and smiled.

“There were some guys I wanted to take down, even if I had to join hands with the devil.”

“You mean the Baroque Empire and the Veritas Magic Tower.”

The bad relationship that the Rakan family had with them for the past 500 years had become an unforgivable grudge.

That was the same for Hans and the other retainers.

“Yes, and while I’m at it, I want to change the unjust order and system that they maintain.”

The laws and order that had revealed many problems 500 years ago were showing clear limitations in the present, where civilization had developed further.

For society to develop further, laws and systems must change.

However, most of the old and conservative nobles were obsessed with power and did not want change.

“The rotten pus is already bursting. It’s not for nothing that the Volga Republic appeared, and the peasant revolts that are currently taking place all over the Baroque Empire are not for nothing either.”

“Come to think of it, the founding of our country is also part of such a change.”

“Of course. If you don’t change, you’ll fall behind, and if you fall behind, you’ll perish. This is a natural law set by God. It’s not something that humans can ignore.”

Having said that, Luke picked up the Holy Sword that had been put aside in his office and continued.

“Anyway, I will reveal the memoirs of the Holy Sword and Seimon’s diary as soon as possible. We’ll have to deal with whatever repercussions arise.”

“Are you confident that you can handle it?”

At Hans’s question, Luke said with a resolute face.

“Of course.”

Pshhhhh!

The moment he answered, purple magic power rose from the Holy Sword, which had lost its former glory.

It was such a strong dark aura that even Hans and the surrounding royal knights could clearly feel it.

‘Could it be that His Majesty has black magic…?’

At that moment when everyone’s faces turned pale, the magic power that had sprung from the Holy Sword disappeared like a lie, and instead, a dazzling light was emitted.

Seeing the light, which was as bright and warm as sunlight, the worry and fear disappeared from Hans’s face, and a smile of awe appeared.

“H, Holy power!”

“Things that were thought to be incompatible can coexist. I will personally awaken those who do not believe. The fact that this world can change!”

Luke’s face was filled with a more confident smile than ever before.

4

Arsene, who had crossed the ocean, first infiltrated the imperial capital, Bless, and met a spy who was disguised as the owner of a magic shop.

This 7th-circle black magician named Chatan told him the detailed reasons why Beymon’s plan had failed.

“…So, Beymon-nim died and Constantine went missing. I heard that all his followers were captured.”

“Tsk, as. expected. That. damn. hero’s. descendant. was. the. problem.”

According to rumors, it was also him who had found out the cure for the zombie disease that he had painstakingly created.

Now, the story of Luke’s activities and the black magicians who had greatly helped in researching the zombie disease was widespread in Bless.

“Black. magicians. stepped. forward?”

“Yes, they say that the zombie disease that occurred in Sachsen was not their doing, and they volunteered to help. According to rumors, the Pope’s aides wanted to execute them, but Luke de Rakan defended them.”

“Grrr! I. should. have. taken. care. of. that. guy. first.”

Arsene had had several opportunities to eliminate Luke in the past.

However, he had failed because he had postponed it for various reasons or because of the unexpected interference of a person named Nanda.

As a result, Luke was constantly becoming an obstacle to their progress.

‘This time, no matter what, I will definitely eliminate him!’

Just as he was about to teleport to Sachsen with that thought, Chatan hurriedly stopped him.

“Ancestor, Luke de Rakan is not there right now.”

“What? Not. there?”

“That’s right. According to information leaked from the upper echelons of the Holy Empire, he returned to his country after the situation in Sachsen had calmed down to some extent.”

“Tsk, do. you. know. what. happened?”

“No, judging from the fact that the Prime Minister of Symphonia contacted him directly, it is speculated that something unusual happened in the court, but I have not been able to find out the details.”

‘Tsk, I almost missed again this time.’

Thinking that he had done well to meet the spy, he changed his direction and headed for the Symphonia Kingdom.

Vowing that he would eliminate him this time, no matter where he was!

Immediately after Arsene left,

Chatan received a secret magical communication from the Hell Islands.

He immediately moved to the basement and took out a dark-colored crystal ball that was vibrating in his pocket.

Unlike ordinary communication crystal balls, this crystal ball was engraved with double and triple anti-eavesdropping magic circles that were infused with black magic.

When Chatan carefully injected magic power, a familiar face appeared from beyond the crystal ball.

It was Nesta, the former Meister [master] of the Veritas Magic Tower.

“Did you find him?”

– Yes, did the Ancestor happen to stop by there?

“He did stop by and just left. But what’s going on?”

– I’m worried about sending the Ancestor alone, so I’ve dispatched five mid-level undead. The Ancestor would be very displeased if he knew. So, you should secretly control them to disperse the power of the Holy Empire.

“Ah, is that so? But Nesta-nim, actually…”

At Chatan’s explanation, Nesta looked slightly surprised.

– What? Luke went back to his country, so the Ancestor also went to the Symphonia Kingdom?

“That’s right. What should we do?”

– What do you mean, what should we do? It’s a good thing. I’ll send the mid-level undead as planned, so use them to attack the Symphonia Kingdom.

Nesta thought that the Symphonia Kingdom would also be a major obstacle to their progress.

First of all, since it was centered around the retainers of the hero Rakan, they would never try to compromise with them because of their past bad relationship.

Moreover, although it is not as good as the Holy Empire, the national power of the Symphonia Kingdom is currently growing rapidly.

– Considering the relationship between the Symphonia Kingdom and the Holy Artenia Empire, there is a possibility that Symphonia will be absorbed into the Holy Empire when Luke dies. If the Holy Empire gets any bigger than this, it will be difficult to carry out our great work in the future.

“In other words, you’re saying to inflict damage on Symphonia to the point where it can’t recover.”

– That’s right. You can do it, right?

“Yes, please trust me.”

Chatan, who had received Nesta’s order, immediately closed the magic shop and left for the Castia Kingdom.

He was going to wait at a port there and join the ship carrying the mid-level undead and board it.