My Lord Who Is Being Prudent! [EN]: Chapter 235

235. The Eve of War (1)

The atmosphere in the office grew heavy.

Sian scanned the faces of those gathered, his gaze lingering on each one.

Tense expressions, yet a determined look in their eyes.

“We can no longer tolerate Elan Dur,” Sian began, addressing the group.

He explained in detail why war with Elan Dur was now unavoidable.

The explanation was concise and to the point.

“I knew this day would come eventually…,” Lucas muttered quietly.

It wasn’t news to them.

They were all aware that a confrontation with Elan Dur was inevitable.

That’s why they had been preparing themselves mentally.

But now that reality was upon them, their tension was palpable.

A war was different from a simple battle.

Especially when the opponent was Elan Dur.

Therefore, it wasn’t just Lucas who felt the weight of the situation.

These were the core members of Ruben, its elite forces.

Everyone gathered in the office felt much the same as Lucas.

Sian slowly surveyed them.

He also considered the significant amount of money he had invested.

Each establishment, and , had received 200 million gold.

Perhaps it was due to the growth buffs he’d applied.

He could sense they had improved dramatically while he was at the Imperial Palace.

Until recently, Ruben was inferior to Elan Dur in terms of military strength.

First of all, they were significantly outnumbered in terms of population.

Elan Dur had 16 barons and 9 viscounts under its command.

Ruben, on the other hand, was a relatively small territory.

Of course, with the power of Singijeon [Korean rocket artillery] and Oryonggeo [Korean warship], the population disparity wasn’t as critical.

However, they were still no match for Elan Dur’s elite forces.

Aaron, the commander of the White Wolf Knights.

And Kai and Durak.

Ruben hadn’t possessed the strength to face Elan Dur’s elite warriors.

But now things were different.

‘If Lucas and Sera combine their strengths, they might be able to hold their own against Aaron.’

Lucas was already approaching the Master realm.

And Sera also seemed to be aiming for the 6th Circle, the rank of Archmage.

Individually, they might still be lacking.

But together, they could definitely handle Aaron.

If Leah joined them, it would be even more advantageous.

However, Leah couldn’t leave Ruben.

‘Kendrick can handle Kai.’

Kendrick, a Death Knight of Upper Master level.

Kendrick was more than capable of facing Kai.

And then there was the continent’s number one swordsman and Elan Dur’s strongest warrior.

‘I’ll stop Durak.’

Sian would face Durak.

No, he *had* to face him.

Whether he could win… honestly, he wasn’t sure.

But Sian was not the same person he once was.

He had made significant progress, and he possessed transcendent equipment like the Arnaise’s armaments.

In addition, he had transcendent skills and Muriel’s blessing.

If he used them effectively, he stood a good chance.

Ruben had grown strong enough to stand against Elan Dur.

But war was not a simple game decided by a handful of elites.

“Lucas, begin war preparations with the soldiers immediately. Objectively assess their capabilities and report back to me.”

“Understood.”

“Asrandiz, prepare the magic corps for war, assess their level, and report back.”

“Understood.”

Lucas and Asrandiz nodded solemnly.

Sian turned his gaze to Hans and Kmaru.

“Hans, organize the supplies needed for the war and establish the supply routes.”

“Understood, young master.”

“Kmaru, once Hans has finished organizing the supplies, lead the dwarves in producing them.”

“Kuhahahat! Leave it to me, Lord!”

Hans nodded seriously, and Kmaru laughed heartily.

Sian turned his gaze again, this time to Amelia.

“And Amelia.”

“Yes, Lord.”

“Amelia, I’m entrusting you with the overall management of supplies for this war. Can you handle it?”

The most important aspect of war was, without a doubt, supplies.

No matter how strong the forces.

No matter how overwhelming the army.

They needed to eat to fight.

Therefore, Amelia, in charge of supplies,

was the most crucial element in this war.

And that’s why it was a job that couldn’t be entrusted to just anyone.

“Don’t worry, Lord.”

But there was no need to worry about Amelia.

Amelia nodded with firm resolve.

After each of their roles was assigned.

“Then everyone, move out immediately.”

The people immediately left the office to begin their respective tasks.

The office was empty as the last person departed.

“Hmm…”

Sian sat at the desk in the empty office and pondered quietly.

In fact, Sian’s actions were somewhat rushed.

War was not something that could be prepared for in such a short time.

It usually required several months, if not years.

War, especially against an opponent like Elan Dur, demanded extensive preparation.

It wasn’t that Sian didn’t know this, but he was deliberately accelerating the process.

“There’s still no movement…”

It was Elan Dur who remained suspiciously inactive.

“They definitely have something up their sleeve.”

No matter how he analyzed it, it felt suspicious.

Above all, there was the faint aura of Rushuria [Demon Lord] he had sensed from Durak at the investiture ceremony.

He couldn’t be certain.

But if Elan Dur was truly connected to the Seven Demon Lords….

‘…It’s still uncertain.’

Sian shook his head.

He couldn’t allow uncertain suspicions to cloud his judgment.

In any case, it was clear that Elan Dur was planning something.

Therefore, it was still the right decision not to give them more time.

Moving now was the correct course of action.

But even with a swift response, a certain amount of time was still required.

“It’ll take about a week.”

There was a brief window until the preparations were complete.

That’s why.

『[Story Main Quest] – ‘Unresolved Question’

▶Find the Last Dragon.』

.

.

.

“Should I go look for it for a bit?”

He didn’t intend to be gone for long.

With the war looming, he couldn’t afford to be distracted.

However, since he had some time to spare.

Above all, dragons had an average lifespan of a thousand years.

Now that a thousand years had passed.

It was necessary to confirm the dragon’s existence and whereabouts.

Of course, he still didn’t know where the dragon was.

However, he had confirmed information in the Imperial Palace library.

Their kingdom was beyond the Dark Forest.

“Let’s just confirm the location of the Beastmen’s kingdom and come back.”

Sian slowly rose from his seat.

#

The Marquisate of Elan Dur, located in the eastern part of the Empire.

And Isabel’s office, located within the mansion.

Isabel quietly looked up and stared at the woman before her.

Hair as white as a pure lily.

A woman with a radiant aura that matched her hair color.

“…So. I would like you to focus on finding the kingdom of the Beastmen.”

Rachel, a cardinal of the Holy Empire.

Rachel finished speaking with a gentle smile.

And Isabel, who was observing Rachel.

“…”

Isabel didn’t respond.

To be exact, she was simply staring at Rachel with a cold, hard gaze.

Because she didn’t approve of the situation.

Rachel was attempting to manipulate Elan Dur.

Of course, there was the pretense of assistance and a mutually beneficial agreement.

But now she was overstepping her bounds.

Rachel’s words were tantamount to issuing orders to Elan Dur.

How dare she give orders to Elan Dur?

Even a cardinal from another country?

Of course, Rachel was considered an outcast even within the Holy Empire.

In short, a defrocked priest.

She claimed she hadn’t been defrocked, but in reality, it was essentially the same thing.

In essence, she was no longer a cardinal.

And this nobody was trying to control Elan Dur.

Isabel’s eyes narrowed with anger as she looked at Rachel.

She wanted to drag her out and throw her out immediately.

But Isabel couldn’t bring herself to do it.

“I hope you don’t misunderstand. All of this was directly instructed by Marquis Elan Dur.”

All of this was directly instructed by Durak.

Specifically, to listen to Rachel’s requests.

Durak had ordered Isabel to comply.

Therefore, Rachel’s words carried the weight of Durak’s orders.

“…Understood.”

Isabel had no choice but to obey.

Isabel spoke calmly.

Anger simmered within, but she didn’t show it.

Her mind was in turmoil, but her expression remained composed.

The position of mistress of Elan Dur.

This was not a position where she could afford to act on emotion alone.

Isabel composed herself and spoke calmly.

“Searching for the kingdom of the Beastmen is not inherently difficult. If it exists, finding it is only a matter of time.”

The two pillars supporting the Empire, Elan Dur.

Elan Dur’s intelligence network was not to be underestimated.

“But it’s impossible right now.”

But not at this moment.

First of all, Elan Dur’s current situation was precarious.

“With Sian, we can’t afford to divert our forces when we don’t know when that bastard will attack.”

Right now, in the midst of preparing for war with Ruben, they couldn’t afford to shift their focus elsewhere.

And Rachel must have been aware of this fact.

“I know. But… there’s no other way right now.”

“Are you suggesting that we should accept the damage?”

“Don’t you have arrow shields that you created to use at times like this?”

Isabel’s eyes narrowed coldly at Rachel’s words.

Because she understood the implication of Rachel’s statement.

The numerous vassals who had pledged allegiance to Elan Dur.

Those who were considered Elan Dur’s forces.

“Are you suggesting we sacrifice them by placing them at the forefront?”

“We need to buy time.”

Rachel nodded nonchalantly.

Isabel stared at Rachel with cold eyes.

She didn’t feel particularly angry.

In fact, Rachel’s words weren’t entirely wrong.

That’s why they had accepted those vassals, to use them as shields in urgent situations.

That was the underlying intention.

But that was only in times of extreme urgency.

The last, the last resort.

And she didn’t like Rachel making that decision.

Of course, it was Durak’s decision, but Rachel was the one voicing it now.

“I know it’s not an easy decision. But I hope you understand that everything will be resolved once we find the kingdom of the Beastmen.”

What was so important about the kingdom of the Beastmen?

Isabel couldn’t comprehend the situation at all.

But this was also Durak’s order.

“…I will dispatch the White Wolf Knights.”

Isabel had no choice but to comply.

“I would like you to dispatch one more person along with them.”

“Who are you referring to?”

“Elan Dur’s eldest son.”

“The eldest son…?”

Originally, the eldest son would be the heir to the family.

But currently, Elan Dur had no designated heir.

And usually, the heir inherits the family’s bloodline.

There were a total of 4 Elan Dur bloodlines.

But one was currently at war with Elan Dur.

And with Roswell and Nathan gone.

There was only one person who could be considered the eldest son.

“Are you referring to Kai?”

Rachel nodded lightly at Isabel’s words.

“I was remaining silent because the head of the family’s order was given…”

And this time, Isabel wouldn’t remain silent.

“You’re going too far.”

A chilling silence descended upon the entire office.

But Rachel continued to speak without acknowledging the tension.

“I heard… the eldest son is secluded in the training ground to master Elan Dur’s secret technique.”

Rachel’s words continued.

“But that’s a meaningless effort.”

“What?”

“Because the secret technique was passed down incompletely from the start.”

“······”

“And no matter how much the Young Master is a genius of the era, he won’t be able to complete Elan Dur’s secret technique. That is… martial prowess on a higher dimension than Elan Dur thinks.”

“You’re spouting nonsense just because you have a mouth.”

Isabel finally exploded with the anger she had been holding back.

The atmosphere, distorted by anger, tightened around them, suffocating.

“But what if we can help?”

However, Rachel didn’t stop talking.

“Let Elan Dur’s Young Master participate in the search for the Beastmen’s kingdom. Then, not only Elan Dur’s secret technique…”

Rachel’s words were meaningful.

“We will teach the Young Master something that transcends Elan Dur’s secret technique.”

There was something ugly on Rachel’s face.

#

Deep within the Dark Forest, beyond the borders of the Charlotte Empire.

Swoooooosh!

A streak of darkness quickly swept through the dense forest.

The surrounding scenery flashed by in an instant.

Ding!

The darkness paused, stopping in place at the cheerful notification sound that rang out for a moment.

Soon, the darkness scattered, revealing Cyan.

Cyan, who had been moving quickly using the Mahon Shadowless Step.

“What is it?”

Cyan took out his smartphone from his pocket.

And checked the screen.

[Transcendent equipment crafting is complete.]

It was a system notification that a transcendent-grade armor had been completed.

The armor, which was said to be crafted to match the wearer’s karma, had only been emitting bursts of light.

It continued to emit bursts of light until Cyan left to find the Beastmen’s kingdom.

So Cyan had no choice but to leave it in Ruben.

“It must be completed now.”

It seemed that it had just been completed.

Was that why?

[The second set effect of the Transcendent equipment is applied.]

[Transcendent equipment transforms into a Signature Move.]

A notification window popped up, saying that a new set effect was being applied.

“Signature Move…?”

The effect was none other than a transformation into a Signature Move.

Looking at the definition alone… it could be said to be a representative skill.

So, a skill that represents Cyan or a skill that only Cyan can use.

That’s how it could be interpreted.

But the Signature Move in Mobile Lord seemed to have a slightly different meaning.

[Please name the equipment.]

“Naming the equipment means…”

It seemed to mean a weapon that represents Cyan.

Like how Insitz symbolizes Elodie, like Arnise [likely a family or organization known for their weapons].

Like how Zodiac Sword symbolizes Charlotte when you say Zodiac Sword.

Just the name of a simple weapon symbolizes the existence of its owner.

In Mobile Lord, a Signature Move seemed to mean something like that.

In other words, it could be called a unique weapon.

It seemed that Cyan would also have such a unique weapon as he evolved into transcendent equipment.

However.

“What should I name it?”

Cyan had nothing in mind.

Before, he had only called them by their grades, such as SS-grade sword or SSS-grade sword.

And he thought he would continue to do so in the future.

But suddenly, he was told to name a unique weapon.

“Hmm…”

Cyan was quite perplexed.

A rather deep and continuous 고민 [Korean word meaning ‘worry’ or ‘deliberation’].

“Should I go with Mahon Asura Sword?”

The safest option was, of course, Mahon Asura Sword.

It was also a swordsmanship that symbolized Cyan.

“I guess not.”

But he quickly shook his head.

There would be no big problem even if he named the transcendent-grade sword Mahon Asura Sword.

Rather, Mahon Asura Sword would be perfect.

But Cyan had to name the armor as well.

Since the name of the transcendent-grade sword is Mahon Asura ‘Sword’, the name of the armor would naturally be Mahon Asura Armor.

“What is Mahon Asura Armor.”

What kind of naming sense is that?

“Mahon Asura Armor… is also weird.”

Not only the nuance but also the meaning was very strange.

Maho Asura itself didn’t fit at all.

“Should I just name it randomly?”

He thought for a moment, but quickly shook his head.

These weapons were Signature Moves that symbolized Cyan.

Perhaps in the distant future, they might leave their names in history like the weapons of the Arnises.

And the name of such a weapon is Mahon Asura Armor?

Then, if it appears in a mythical story.

[A huge wave of destructive power. But it was useless in front of Cyan’s Mahon Asura Armor.]

That’s how the story would be written.

“Absolutely not.”

He absolutely couldn’t name it randomly.

“Hmm…”

Cyan was lost in thought.

“Ruben’s sword? Ruben’s armor? That’s also a bit…”

Then suddenly, an idea came to mind.

“Come to think of it, the names of the transcendent equipment skills were quite cool.”

None other than Annihilation and Immortality.

They were transcendent skills with effects that matched each name.

“Can’t I name them after those transcendent skills?”

So, the name of the sword is Annihilation.

The name of the armor is Immortality.

“Not bad?”

Looking at it this way… it was quite good.

No, honestly, he thought it was a cool name.

A moment of 고민 [Korean word meaning ‘worry’ or ‘deliberation’].

“I should name the sword Annihilation. I should name the armor Immortality.”

Cyan was able to make a decision quickly.

With that, Cyan touched the notification window that popped up.

With a firm touch, the screen changed.

Soon, a keyboard in the continental language appeared on the screen.

It was the same keyboard he used when contacting customer service the other day.

Cyan skillfully moved his fingers to engrave the names Annihilation and Immortality, respectively.

[The name Annihilation is engraved.]

[The name Immortality is engraved.]

Then, a system notification popped up.

At the same time, ding! A notification window from Mobile Lord popped up again.

《Oh my gosh! You’ve created a Signature Move!》

《A Signature Move that only those who have reached the extreme in each dimension can obtain!》

《Originally, it wouldn’t be strange to faint here and faint there!》

《But I know how much karma you’ve poured into it!》

Ding!

《So I’ll skip this fuss!》

Why do I suddenly feel resentful?

Cyan almost choked up but quickly let out a sigh.

《A Signature Move can be said to be a weapon that symbolizes you!》

《A weapon unique in all dimensions with your karma engraved on it!》

《Signature~ weapon!!》

《Because your karma is engraved on it, no matter what time or dimension.》

《Wherever you are! The weapons will answer your call!》

.

.

“It answers my call wherever I am?”

Currently, the transcendent-grade armor… that is, Immortality, was in Ruben.

And Cyan was currently quite a distance away from Ruben.

If what Mobile Lord said was true, it meant he could summon Immortality in Ruben.

“Should I try it once?”

Cyan immediately tested the performance.

“But how do I do it?”

Do I just call its name?

Or do I just think about it?

After 고민 [Korean word meaning ‘worry’ or ‘deliberation’], Cyan quietly closed his eyes.

And imagined the image of Immortality.

Of course, he didn’t know what it looked like yet—.

Right then.

Swoooooosh!

Suddenly, a dark darkness bloomed all over Cyan’s body.

Something other than the magic power Cyan released.

Soon, the darkness gathered and something was put on Cyan’s entire body.

Starting from the chest, to the shoulders, legs, and even the face.

A jet-black full plate armor, perfectly equipped with a helmet, was put on.

Cyan looked down at his hands and examined the shape of Immortality.

An armor with a deep darkness as its base and a golden color combined.

It was a 멋드러진 [Korean word meaning ‘stylish’ or ‘fancy’] armor that made one think of the image of Immortality.

“Oh.”

A 절로 [Korean word meaning ‘naturally’ or ‘unconsciously’] exclamation.

“But this… is a bit much to wear normally.”

The armor itself wasn’t uncomfortable.

It was as light and easy to move in as if it wasn’t a full plate armor.

But that wasn’t the case with the appearance.

It would be great for fighting, but it was difficult to wear it normally.

Just when he was thinking of putting it somewhere and summoning it every time he fought.

Swoooooosh!

Once again, darkness bloomed and the shape of the armor was transformed.

And it settled into the form of a chest armor that was easy to move in.

It seemed that there was even a function to transform it into the desired shape.

“Oh!”

It was indeed transcendent-grade equipment.

“Wait, then can I do it with Annihilation too?”

Annihilation, which is the same transcendent set as Immortality.

Cyan immediately took out Annihilation from the inventory.

The sword of Annihilation, with its jet-black blade and simple yet cool atmosphere.

Cyan lightly grabbed the hilt of Annihilation.

And after thinking for a moment.

“Hmph!”

With all his might, he threw Annihilation forward.

Then.

KWAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!

The thrown Annihilation exploded in all directions and shot out.

A tremendous force erupted, turning the scenery of the forest ahead upside down.

The scenery of the forest was shattered beyond recognition.

“Ah, right…”

Annihilation was a transcendent-grade sword.

Only then did Cyan realize his mistake.

“It’s a good thing no one is here.”

It would have been a disaster if he had done it in Ruben.

Well, anyway.

The shot Annihilation disappeared far away, out of sight.

However, the echoing explosion still seemed to be destroying the forest… well, anyway.

Cyan stretched out his right hand.

And imagined the image of the thrown Annihilation.

At that moment.

Pajijik!

A dark black current suddenly jumped into Cyan’s outstretched hand.

Soon, pajijijik!

The black current wrapped around Cyan’s hand.

Soon, a shape began to form between the currents.

And a certain sensation felt in Cyan’s hand.

The thrown Annihilation was somehow in Cyan’s hand.

“Oh!”

Cyan burst into a truly pure exclamation.

Annihilation and Immortality, which respond to Cyan’s call anytime, anywhere.

This function was truly 무궁무진 [Korean word meaning ‘infinite’ or ‘limitless’] in its 활용도 [Korean word meaning ‘usefulness’ or ‘application’].

Just looking at the Annihilation that Cyan threw away was enough.

With this, long-range enemies were no longer a problem.

He could just throw the sword and retrieve it.

“I wonder if there is a homing function?”

If there was even such a function, it would be 사기 [Korean slang meaning ‘overpowered’ or ‘broken’].

Of course, he had to check if it really existed.

“As expected of transcendent grade.”

He definitely thought he did well to 강화 [Korean word meaning ‘strengthen’ or ‘upgrade’].

Pajijijik!

For a moment, a black current jumped around Annihilation again.

Soon, it transformed into the form of a bracelet and 착 [onomatopoeia for something attaching lightly], stuck to Cyan’s wrist.

It seemed that it was possible to transform the shape like Immortality.

“Does it change on its own when it’s not a battle situation?”

To be exact, it seemed to react to Cyan’s will.

Originally, Annihilation didn’t have this function.

But this time, as it became a Signature Move, its power was increased and additional functions were 탑재 [Korean word meaning ‘equipped’ or ‘installed’].

“As expected.”

He thought he did well to 강화 [Korean word meaning ‘strengthen’ or ‘upgrade’].

250 million gold was not at all a waste.

“With this, Durak will really be no problem?”

If Semir can make black stones here.

If he can 강화 [Korean word meaning ‘strengthen’ or ‘upgrade’] Annihilation and Immortality indefinitely with it.

“Even the Demon 7 군주 [Korean term for ‘Demon Lords’] might be 별 [Korean word meaning ‘not much of a’] problem…?”

It wasn’t a joke, it might really be the case.

A smile that 괜시리 [Korean word meaning ‘for no particular reason’ or ‘unconsciously’] leaked out.

“Then shall we go find the Beastmen’s kingdom again?”

Swoooooosh!

Cyan 가로질러 [Korean word meaning ‘across’ or ‘through’] the Dark Forest, stepping on the Mahon Shadowless Step.