Chapter 131: The Road to Fermora
The road to Fermora wasn't all that treacherous. First, Tehner had provided them with four excellent warhorses, and with the overwhelming might of Liberatus Ahad at their side, they had no need to worry about petty erosion beasts. Moreover, Kyle Solenute, Orpina Testia, and Hidea Rune—who had all received Liberatus's guidance—were each stronger than the average knight, allowing the four of them to travel to Fermora in relative peace, honing their skills along the way.
There were various incidents during the journey, but nothing major enough to call noteworthy. At worst, minor squabbles that arose during training. Fights between Orpina and Hidea were especially common, likely because their temperaments were polar opposites. Orpina was somewhat passionate, while Hidea leaned toward the static. With natures so mismatched, a bit of discord was inevitable. Of course, even those were merely spats born from growing comfortable with each other compared to the start—no real grudges or hurt feelings. And whenever their arguments grew heated, Liberatus and Kyle would step in to mediate.
In any case, after a fortnight of riding like that—slaying the occasional erosion beast that ambushed them—they drew near Fermora. Since no trial had ever dragged on for two full weeks before, Ludenberg Lavante could truly sense that this marked the end of the first trial.
The current calm and peace will soon vanish, leaving only fierce battles.
He kept his mind ever prepared for that moment. No matter how mighty Liberatus's flesh was, the enemies ahead were no pushovers. A Devourer was said to appear—one that had clashed evenly with Ludenberg's father, Leonard Lavante. Even clad in Liberatus's body, he couldn't guarantee an easy victory. That said, he had no intention of brooding over defeat in advance. Having grasped the new clue of conviction, he planned to exploit it to the fullest. He had no desire to relive the soul-shattering agony of that first death in Liberatus's body.
Far in the distance, Fermora's silhouette began to emerge.
"We're almost there. That's Fermora. Have you been before, Hidea?"
"Yes. Once, when I was young…."
"And Kyle and Orpina?"
"This is our first time!"
Kyle and Orpina could barely contain their excitement, buzzing with energy. Hidea, too, showed a hint of elation after so long away.
"Let's go."
"Yes!"
The grand walls welcomed the four. The imperial capital. Fermora. The palace loomed twice as vast as Solemnute's majestic one, encircled by unyielding fortifications. As a city teeming with countless lives, Fermora itself was little more than a colossal fortress.
Yet something struck Ludenberg as peculiar. Every structure in Fermora was forged from black-hued metal. The stark contrast to Solemnute's gleaming splendor stirred an odd fascination in him.
Unique. Bizarre. No—probably just because I've lived my life in Solemnute.
Beyond the walls stretched endless lines of refugees seeking shelter in Fermora, likely hailing from nearby territories in search of safety.
"So many refugees…."
Kyle murmured suddenly.
"Survival comes first."
"Yeah. Like we did."
"…Right."
The conversation trailed off there. Kyle, Orpina, and Hidea each seemed lost in their own reflections, eyes on the refugees. Liberatus let them be for a moment before deeming further delay unwise and heading for the gate.
The refugees tilted their heads and grumbled at the sight of the four bypassing the line straight for the entrance.
"What're they doing?"
"Skipping the queue?"
With survival hanging in the balance, their reactions were sharp—even though the four cut imposing figures, fully armed. They didn't voice complaints outright, merely shooting resentful glares.
Ignoring it all, Liberatus pressed on toward the gate with Kyle, Orpina, and Hidea in tow.
They soon arrived. As they approached, the guards crossed their spears diagonally, barring the way.
"Halt. Who are you, ignoring the line?"
"Seems after so long, few here still recognize me."
"…? What do you mean? Who even are you?"
"I am Liberatus Ahad, former captain of the Imperial Knights. I come to the imperial capital Fermora at His Majesty's command."
"…!"
The guards' eyes flew wide. Even he had heard the rumors: the former captain would visit soon. Liberatus radiated an aura far beyond the ordinary. But he didn't open the gate rashly, instead whispering to the guard beside him.
"…What now?"
"What? Report to the superiors. Follow procedure."
"Right."
After a brief huddle, they nodded and addressed Liberatus.
"Please wait a moment. We can't admit you until verification's complete."
"Understood."
The guard who left soon returned with what appeared to be a superior.
The man took one look at Liberatus, eyes bulging, and bowed with utmost respect.
"It's been too long! Captain Liberatus."
"I'm no captain anymore. 'Sir' will do. Anyway, long time no see, Derek. Can we head in now? His Majesty summoned me back."
"Ah, yes. And those with you?"
"My disciples."
"Understood. We'll take your vouch for their identities. Please, enter."
"Good."
The four passed through the gate without issue and made straight for the palace.
Even amid the profusion of black buildings, the atmosphere wasn't ominous or dim—it brimmed with vitality. Perhaps the safety from erosion beast raids. The three looked tense as could be. An imperial palace meant facing the emperor himself.
"Don't tense up too much. Only I'll meet His Majesty—you'll wait separately."
"R-really?"
"Yes. Just don't go poking around everywhere. Hidea."
"Yes, Liber."
"Can you teach Kyle and Orpina imperial etiquette?"
"Yes! Don't worry."
"You two, learn the empire's customs from Hidea. Some nobles are finicky, and not all like me. As my disciples, you'll draw goodwill from some, hostility from others. Watch your every move."
"We'll keep it in mind."
"That's all. Let's head into the palace."
It took a fair while on foot before they reached the entrance. After an inspection even stricter than at the gate, they finally entered the palace proper.
The knights' reactions—dripping with profound reverence, more intense than the guards'—let Kyle, Orpina, and even Ludenberg, witnessing it all, grasp Liberatus's true stature in the empire.
Once inside, a head maid greeted them. She insisted Liberatus change into fresh attire before his audience with the emperor.
Unable to resist her insistence, Liberatus threw up his hands in surrender.
While he changed, the three were escorted by other maids to their assigned rooms, where they marveled at the opulence before flopping exhausted onto the beds.
Liberatus, fully prepared, proceeded directly to the audience chamber.
"Your Majesty. Sir Liberatus Ahad has arrived."
"Enter."
The doors swung open, revealing the emperor in all his dignified bearing.
"Long time no see, Liberatus."
"Liberatus Ahad greets Your Majesty."
"No need for such formality."
"…Understood."
"Well then. Have you been well?"
"In my own way, yes."
"That's a lie."
"…."
"You're still trapped in guilt, it seems."
"…Yes. How could I forget."
From their exchange, Ludenberg recalled Liberatus's diary—the way he'd spoken of losing someone precious. This must be about that.
"…Indeed. No helping it. I myself haven't shaken free of my thirst for vengeance against the erosion beasts… Lecturing you like this might be the real hypocrisy. I lost a daughter; you, your wife."
The emperor sighed, then spoke to Liberatus with resolute firmness, as if voicing what must be said.
"But how long will you wander in revenge's grip?"
"Until every last one is eradicated, I won't stop."
His words carried unyielding conviction.
"I respect you for it, but I can't abide watching you destroy yourself. Even Amora wouldn't want that."
Amora—his wife.
"I know that much. She wouldn't wish for this. But… I still dream of that day. Every single night."
"As do I. But we must overcome it. With erosion threats mounting daily, the empire needs unified strength."
"Is that why you summoned me?"
"Yes. I want you to resume as captain of the Imperial Knights."
"The current captain is no slouch—strong as they come. I trained him myself."
"But not enough. No knight in the empire surpasses you yet. I can't stand by while our greatest wanders like some savage."
"…."
"Crave revenge on the erosion beasts? I'll give you battles aplenty. But not as a lone soul… as the empire's knight captain. The empire needs hope."
Liberatus seemed deep in thought. Would he heed the emperor and take up the mantle again, fighting for the people? Or continue as a vengeful specter, slaying only erosion beasts?
In that instant, images of Kyle, Orpina, and Hidea flashed through his mind.
"Recall Amora's dying words."
At the emperor's follow-up, Liberatus's eyes widened—he'd made his choice.
"…Understood. I accept. But one request."
"A request? Speak."
"There are children I've taken under my wing. May I have them appointed as knights?"
"Do they have the talent?"
"More gifted than any I've seen. They can already fell a high-grade erosion beast solo."
"Granted."
"My thanks. But if I take the captaincy, what of the current one?"
"He's already pledged to step down upon your return."
"…Understood."
"Welcome back, Liberatus Ahad. Fight for the empire once more."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Liberatus bowed to the emperor before withdrawing from the audience chamber.
"…Amora."
Murmuring his wife's name softly, he turned his steps toward where his disciples waited.