Chapter 180
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 180
“A civil war in the underworld…”
I was currently in the hotel suite assigned to the Devalis Knights.
With the knights gathered around, I explained the current situation in the underworld and requested their assistance.
After listening intently, Crossen spoke up. “I believe I understand the situation. But is it truly necessary for you to involve yourself in something so dangerous, Sir Roen?”
“It is. This isn't just a simple power struggle.”
On the surface, this affair looked like nothing more than a turf war to fill the vacuum left by the underworld's former leader. But at its core, it was a war systematically orchestrated by demonic forces, led by Carmilla, to seize control of the subterranean city.
If we were to lose, not only would my allies in the western branch be annihilated, but it would also pose a massive threat to the Union.
After all, there’s no telling what Carmilla might do once she has the underworld in her grasp.
She could use the ant tunnels connected to the uncharted territories to unleash monsters into the Union, or she could expand her own brood to create an army of vampires. Ultimately, the underworld would become a massive time bomb ticking away beneath the Union’s feet.
I had to subdue them before such a catastrophe could occur.
“Hmm.”
As Crossen sank into deep thought, Hakon, who was sitting beside him, voiced his concerns.
“To be frank, I’m not very keen on the idea. Not only is it dangerous, but for our Devalis Knights to intervene in the internal conflicts of the underworld… there’s no telling what kind of rumors might spread.”
The other knights nodded slowly in agreement.
“And for the sake of your safety, Sir Roen, I don’t think it would be wise for us to get involved.”
They were clearly worried about the potential fallout of participating in a civil war and the impact it would have on the Devalis family’s reputation. On top of that, they were genuinely concerned for my well-being.
I nodded, showing that I understood their perspective.
“I fully understand your position.”
The truth was, while the underworld was a familiar and capable ally to me, to others, they were nothing more than a pack of vile, dangerous thugs from a sunless city.
A force of darkness that brings nothing but trouble.
In real-world terms, it was like a fight between mafia families over their territory. Who in their right mind would want to get involved? If I were in their shoes, I would also advise that it was best to quietly step back and watch from the sidelines. Furthermore, the idea of rumors spreading about the Devalis family being entangled with the underworld was far from welcome.
However.
I can't back down now.
I quietly clenched my fist.
Winning this war with my strength alone was impossible. To secure victory, the cooperation of these knights was essential. The guards of Panopticon's western branch were well-trained soldiers, but they lacked high-level, knight-class combatants.
I spoke again, bringing up the events of our expedition beyond the Wall.
“But this is not a fight for mere profit. You all saw it, didn't you? That being beyond the Wall.”
“…”
Amur. The being who had knocked out most of the soldiers with a single clap of his hands. Not a single knight had been able to stand up to him.
But I had fought against that overwhelmingly powerful being alone and, as a result, protected everyone there. Well… his goal had been to meet me in the first place, but that was beside the point. Regardless of the circumstances, they likely felt indebted to me.
I continued, referencing that day.
“Some of those forces are involved in this matter as well. It is only right that Devalis, the self-proclaimed Shield of Humanity, steps forward.”
Moreover, it was the duty of those sworn to protect the Union.
My words sent the knights into a deep, contemplative silence. After a moment, Crossen turned to Ciel.
“Miss Ciel, what is your view on this?”
Crossen was seeking the opinion of a third party. Without hesitation, Ciel lent her support to my cause.
“I will simply follow Sir Roen’s will. However, if you are asking for my personal feelings…”
Ciel bowed her head deeply to the knights.
“I would be grateful for your help.”
The knights stared silently at the bowing girl. It was rare for her to express her intentions so clearly. As Ciel remained bowed, Crossen helped her up and responded with a smile.
“We understand your wishes, Miss Ciel.”
Then, Crossen extended his hand to me, signaling his cooperation.
“Very well, Sir Roen. The Devalis Knights will offer our full cooperation. We look forward to working with you.”
*
Stepping outside the hotel, I wiped the sweat from my brow and muttered, “That wasn’t easy.”
I had built a considerable bond with the Devalis knights, having trained with them all summer and traveled across the continent to the Union. Even so, securing their cooperation for this matter had been a grueling task.
Just as I was breathing a sigh of relief at having resolved one issue, Ciel spoke.
“But I can understand the knights’ position.”
“You’re right.”
I couldn't say that the knights, who prioritized the well-being of the Devalis family, were wrong. That’s how most things in the world worked. Few things could be clearly divided into good and evil; most conflicts arose from differing ideologies and values.
Perhaps even the Demon God and his followers, depicted as absolute evil in the Mirellin Saga, believed they were acting according to their own sense of justice.
I praised Ciel. “Still, you might have been the one to change their minds. Well done.”
After all, the persuasion of a girl like Ciel was bound to be more effective than that of a grim-faced man like me.
Having convinced the Devalis Knights, we headed back to the Union's main building.
Knock, knock.
We entered the Chairman’s office.
“It’s been a while, Roen.”
“I hope you have been well, Chairman.”
Hengard greeted us with his usual warm smile.
“I’m always well. Don’t just stand there, have a seat.”
As Ciel and I sat on the sofa sipping tea, the Chairman spoke.
“Did you have a good break? I heard you went through quite an ordeal outside the Wall.”
The Chairman mentioned the incident beyond the Wall. I set down my teacup and replied, “Yes, well. Thanks to your concern, I’m perfectly fine now.”
“I’m glad to hear you’re safe. But don’t let your guard down. It seems they are specifically targeting you, Roen.”
Just as the Chairman said, the Twelve Honored Ones were continuously trying to make contact with me. I would have to remain vigilant wherever I went. Since the Chairman had brought them up, I decided to get straight to the point.
“As a matter of fact, I have a favor to ask you regarding that.”
“Is it about the underworld?”
Flinch.
Ciel flinched beside me as the Chairman cut straight to the heart of the matter. But I, knowing the extent of his information network, wasn't particularly surprised and answered immediately.
“Yes. As you are already aware, I need your help to resolve the civil war in the underworld.”
“My help…”
The Chairman closed his eyes and thought for a moment, his arms crossed. After a brief silence, he spoke.
“Very well. However, it will be difficult for me to act directly this time, so I will assign Sir Watson to you instead.”
Watson—the Chairman’s faithful secretary and confidant. Despite his intellectual appearance, he was an incredibly skilled individual. As an asymmetrical asset, he should be able to keep Carmilla in check to some extent.
I clasped my hands together to express my gratitude. “Thank you for your cooperation.”
“Don’t mention it. Watson will be pleased. It’s been a while since he’s had a chance to stretch his legs.”
The Chairman readily promised his support. With the knights’ cooperation secured and Sir Watson joining our side, the underworld civil war should be resolved without any major issues.
I immediately moved on to the next topic.
“Ah, and there is one more thing I’d like to ask of you, Chairman.”
“What is it now? Just say the word.”
His stance suggested he would grant whatever I asked. From his timely appearances whenever I was in danger to his unwavering support, he was incredibly reliable.
“I wish to establish an academy, and I came to ask for your permission.”
“Establish an academy… You received the development rights for the uncharted territories from me before, if I recall correctly?”
“That is correct. I would be grateful if you would grant your permission.”
The Chairman waved his hand as if it were no big deal.
“That’s a small matter. In fact, that’s one of the few rights of the Student Council President, so you don’t even need my permission. Just organize the paperwork and bring it to me. I’ll stamp it for you.”
At that, as if she had been waiting for this exact moment, Ciel took a set of documents from her bag and placed them on the table.
“Here they are.”
“…”
The Chairman blinked, staring down at the documents that had suddenly appeared before him. I spoke up, rousng him from his stunned silence.
“It seems Ciel brought them just in case. I’d appreciate your approval.”
To bring up a topic so suddenly and immediately ask for approval could have been seen as rude, but the Chairman quietly reviewed the documents and stamped them.
“Will this do?”
“Yes. Thank you.”
Ciel expressed her gratitude and collected the documents. The Chairman rose from his seat and stood with his hands clasped behind his back, gazing out the window.
“What do you plan to name the academy? If the Devalis family is providing support, it would be best to use the family name.”
An academy wasn't a for-profit enterprise, but it still needed recognition to attract students. Using the name of the Devalis family, the renowned Shield of the Continent, would make it easy to draw them in.
But rather than borrowing the Devalis name, I decided to honor its original meaning.
“The academy’s name will be Valerian.”
“Hoh.”
The Chairman slowly nodded, speaking as if he understood my intention.
“Valerian… I see. With this, the five academies are finally complete.”
In the world of the Mirellin Saga, the number five represented completeness. It was the foundational number of the five elements—the power of the Yin-Yang Five Elements.
“Indeed.”
Until now, four great academies had supported the Union.
Ishtal, steel, symbolizing the fortitude forged through self-discipline.
Voltimir, wood, symbolizing nature and spirits, connection and bonds.
Eredor, water, symbolizing cold reason and rationality, flow and magic.
Seintea, fire, symbolizing blazing divinity and passion.
And to these four, one more would be added. The final academy, which I would establish.
An academy where one could develop their innate abilities, instead of magic or swordsmanship restricted by bloodline and family. A place of learning where anyone, regardless of status or origin, could enter based on their potential.
The earth, symbolizing the common people. Valerian of the Land.
With this, the final piece of the puzzle was in place.
*
After my meeting with the Chairman, I returned to the Student Council office to find someone standing at the door.
An elf, restlessly tapping her foot. She paced back and forth in the hallway, clearly torn between leaving and waiting longer. She was holding a bundle, looking as if she had something to give me.
I quietly approached Kiriel and snatched what she was holding.
“Ah! W-what was that all of a sudden?!”
Kiriel, who hadn't noticed my approach at all, cried out in surprise. I held the bundle and gestured with my chin toward the door.
“You were going to give this to me anyway, right? Let’s talk inside.”