Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor [EN]: Chapter 716

Luigi ran forward, his mind a whirlwind. Soldiers rushed toward the sudden commotion from inside the dungeon, but he pushed them aside roughly, flying towards the Magic Department.

Thud!

It was over. The Emperor had broken the magic seal and was alive.

He didn’t care what happened to Crony; now was the time to think only of his own life. If the mages joined forces, wouldn’t they be able to defeat the Emperor?

‘But weren’t they the ones who just watched when the Emperor was dragged away like a dog?’

It wasn’t just the one who wielded the sword who was a traitor. Those who turned a blind eye were also guilty. Just as he was in danger, they too would not be safe. The mages were smart and quick to calculate, so they would soon realize the need to unite.

‘They’ll say they’ll cut down all those with dark intentions. But what about the mages? Can they kill them all without exception? That won’t happen.’

What kind of country was Bariel! Who was it that allowed this small land to become the center of Gaia! Luigi’s eyes sparkled with hope as he saw the lights of the Magic Department’s annex in the distance.

But—

Whoosh!

“……!”

Someone flew in at an incredible speed, blocking his path. It was Naum. As soon as he caught up to Luigi, he tried to stop him with his bloodied hands.

“Luigi!”

“Kuh!”

Boom!

Luigi instinctively twisted his body and unleashed his magic. The distance widened, but Naum’s murderous attacks poured in relentlessly.

In that chaotic situation, Luigi could see where Naum’s gaze was fixed. His neck, exposed above his shirt, a vital point.

‘Clear intent to kill.’

Bang! Thud!

Naum easily dodged Luigi’s attacks and closed in. His speed was incredible. His heart pounded, and his head spun. It was as if he wouldn’t tolerate Luigi’s retreat.

‘Damn it.’

When the Emperor first ascended the throne, the mages also realized they were standing at a special moment in history. An Emperor born from among the mages, most of whom were of humble origin.

Thus, naturally, following his will, Naum was appointed Minister of the Magic Department.

“Honestly. Isn’t that the same as getting the ministerial position with political backing? Who would recognize that guy as the Minister of the Magic Department?”

Luigi and the mages who followed him enjoyed mocking and gossiping about Naum. As a result, they naturally looked down on him. A minister? A guy who was far below him…

“Luigi. There is no other way. Your death is the only way to save the mages.”

Naum met Luigi’s gaze and whispered those words.

Then came the attacks. They were relentless and sharp. When his magic narrowly missed his hair, Luigi felt a chill run down his spine.

“…What?”

He really intends to kill me? Luigi’s face hardened.

But Naum’s will was firm. If a mage involved in the rebellion, that is, Luigi, entered the Magic Department, even the mages in the gray area would be tainted. The moment they heard the news of the Emperor’s victory, they would have no choice but to seek a way to survive.

In that situation, those who fell for Luigi’s schemes would conspire with him to plan their next move, and if such people started to disrupt the atmosphere, even those who had remained neutral would be swept away.

That would be the true downfall of Bariel. The Emperor would have no choice but to annihilate the mages. If that happened, even if Crony died, he wouldn’t truly be dead. His vile and wicked will would survive to the end, tormenting Ian.

“This is the end of disturbing His Majesty the Emperor.”

Therefore, Luigi’s death was both punishment and salvation.

Punishment for the traitor, salvation for Bariel.

“Die. That’s the best atonement you can make now.”

“Shut up!”

Boom!

The more they exchanged blows, the more Luigi instinctively realized he was at a dead end. At the same time, a scene flashed through his mind. The Emperor had grabbed his hand to stop him, but he had clearly—

“You!”

He understood.

“You called upon forbidden magic.”

Instead of answering, Naum concentrated his magic in his fist.

A small universe was contained within it. A dark, bright, and cold universe where all sorts of colorful and warm things were swirling. He could feel flames rising from within.

‘There’s no time left.’

Buzz! Buzz!

The universe expanded from Naum’s hand. It quickly and surely bound Luigi.

What had started by swallowing his toes gradually spread, reaching his heart. Luigi tried to break free, but only a warning bell rang in his head, telling him it was too late.

“Ah-!”

Boom! Bang!

With an explosion, Luigi completely disappeared. At the same time, Naum’s whole body grew hot, and his breathing became ragged. It was the pain of an unknown flame eating away at his insides.

“Kuh!”

Naum also fell, curling up in pain. A few mages who had been watching the situation from the Magic Department cautiously flew over and looked around.

“M-Minister Naum?”

“…Stay back. Tell the mages.”

“Are you alright? What happened to Luigi?”

“Go into the Magic Department right now and pretend you know nothing. So that His Majesty can overlook and forgive you. Instead, you must fully atone and give everything to His Majesty.”

“Minister Naum, y-your body—”

Whoosh!

The tips of Naum’s fingers burned again. He groaned in pain and curled up, thinking of Ian, whom he had seen last.

It was amazing. No, it was awe-inspiring. The moment his dying eyes turned golden… yes. He would never forget it, even if he went to the deepest abyss.

“Naum.”

Then, someone grabbed his hand. The low voice was that of someone very familiar.

“Your Majesty.”

…Thank you. Thank you so much for hearing my prayer. I don’t know how relieved I am to be able to see the Emperor outside the dungeon. I have no doubt that there is a chance. And someday, for me too—

“Naum. Get a hold of yourself. You will not be consumed by the forbidden magic.”

Ian cut off Naum’s thoughts.

At those words, Naum gave a faint smile. That couldn’t be. It was magic made with blood; how could it not consume him?

“You know, I’ve been thinking about it.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. Please speak.”

“In the previous abyss, everything disappeared the moment I woke up. But look now. The world is still clear.”

The night sky they were looking at together, the flickering lights, the cold wind, the stinging pain. Everything existed. What Ian saw, Naum could see, and what Naum felt, Ian could feel.

“I wondered why, but now I know the reason.”

I don’t know, Your Majesty. What are you talking about?

“Your darkness is also melted here.”

My friend, Naum, who was submerged somewhere in the sea of the abyss. We have met again like this, so why can’t you remember? Your death, our previous meeting, and our future hope, why can’t you remember?

Naum’s eyes widened, and a single tear fell.

“…Yes?”

“Naum, look closely. Everything is an illusion. Even the forbidden flames that are consuming you.”

Naum looked down at Ian’s hand, which was holding his. He was burning up, but Ian was calm as if nothing was wrong. Was that why? Naum’s excitement gradually subsided, and he became calmer.

“Um, Ian, sir. If I may.”

Naum looked at the four people standing behind Ian. Three were familiar, and one was unfamiliar.

No, wait a minute. Familiar? Did he know their names? Where had he seen them? Besides fighting with the mages nearby earlier…

‘Ah. The annex.’

But before that? Had he seen them before that too? As Naum’s gaze lingered behind him, Ian whispered softly.

“Yes. They are my friends.”

My friends who have overcome the darkness together.

A faint smile appeared on Naum’s face as he stared blankly at them. Then, as if he remembered everything, he nodded repeatedly.

“I see. That’s what it was.”

I’m so glad, Your Majesty. That you are not alone.

Ian held Naum’s hand tightly.

“Naum. Let’s go together. We can save those who are submerged in the abyss. It’s all done now. Don’t suffer a painful death anymore, and come with me—”

Boom! Boom!

Ian couldn’t finish his sentence. A roar came from somewhere. It was like the world was collapsing with an explosion.

“Why, why is this happening? It’s scary.”

“Ian, do you know why this is happening?”

Crumble! Boom!

Unlike the four bewildered people, Ian and Naum immediately sensed it. The world, the darkness, was collapsing. Everything that had been an illusion would sink back into the sea of the abyss.

“Ian, sir.”

Naum shook his head slightly and grabbed the hem of his clothes. You know it, and I know it, that it can’t be done. If it were possible, we could have been together when we met last time.

Ian was a product of forbidden magic. Therefore, he could not achieve unconditional sacrifice, and Naum could not be taken with him either.

“It’s okay.”

“Naum.”

“It’s really okay. It feels different from before.”

But at the same time, ‘now’ here is Verosian, who has not experienced forbidden magic. Because time and space were all tangled up, he was able to ‘awaken’ Naum.

The world began to collapse. The sky shook chaotically, and the earth was filled with darkness.

-Can you hear me, Ian, sir!

“……!”

-Hail, Tommy, Nakina! Beric!

At the same time, Acorella’s cry echoed in his head. The others also stopped and looked around, as if they had heard it too.

-I will save you right now. Stay strong!

The stronger the connection to the real world, the more blurred this place became. Buildings were erased one by one, and people disappeared. Soon, a space of nothingness, without light, sound, or air, would arrive.

Ian continued to hold Naum’s hand, but he realized that he too was being erased.

“Naum.”

“Thank you, Ian, sir. My death is over.”

“Naum, Naum…”

Swish.

It was inevitable. In the end, his grip loosened, and Ian and his party became blurry and completely disappeared.

Naum smiled faintly and bowed to him.

“We will meet again. I will wait.”

When he raised his head, Naum was completely alone. Those who had come from the outside had all left. Except for himself, who was shining, nothing else existed.

‘No, there’s one—’

There was something left. The world had been erased, but one building stood there, the Magic Department’s annex.

Swish.

No one had told him, but Naum naturally walked towards it.

-Tell Ian Verosian to go to the Magic Department’s annex. If he goes there, there will be a chance.

…There will be a chance.

-And Naum, for you too.

If he stayed here, wouldn’t Ian come someday? Wouldn’t they meet again like that?

Naum carefully pushed open the door of the annex and stepped inside.

Creak.

The door of the Magic Department’s annex closed, and soon after, it disappeared into the darkness.

Beneath that earth, in the abyss of the sea, in a true world of nothingness where only darkness existed. There was no death, no regrets, no pain. The absence of everything was salvation for Naum.