The Tide of Corruption (2)

The tables had turned.

I melted the ice in mere moments, and the floor of the training grounds was soaked through.

The environment was perfect for widening the range and power of Thunder Strike.

On top of that, the Wind Wolf Formation had triggered its special effect, and a single green wolf now lingered at my side.

"Why... why do you have the Azure Dragon's Guardian Dragon at your command...?!"

I deliberately put on an innocent smile and answered.

"Because I'm the Azure Dragon's Successor, obviously."

"I refuse to accept it! You are no Successor in my eyes!"

He shrieked in fury, swinging his dagger wildly.

But compared to earlier, his attacks carried no real weight, and their trajectories were laughably easy to read. It seemed the fact that I had blocked and dodged every one of them had only stoked his resentment.

Claaang!

Three times now.

"Die! Die! Die! Just die already!"

So this is how light a blade full of killing intent can feel.

At the very least, a man ought to answer for his own actions, shouldn't he?

Thanks to his reckless, mindless barrage, blocking his attacks had become effortless — and now I could bring lightning down on his head. But the moment to strike hadn't come yet.

I caught his dagger-wielding wrist in a reverse grip as he brought it slashing down from above, then drove my own blade upward into his arm.

"Gah! Aaaagh!!!"

The impact of his own failed strike compounded with the force of my counter, and even a Successor's bones fractured under it.

Successors aren't invincible.

They were, after all, the kind of people who could die absurd, meaningless deaths on the battlefield.

Enough daydreaming. There he was, clutching his broken arm, weapon flung aside, glaring at me with pure malice in the most pathetic posture imaginable.

"You've committed atrocity after atrocity all this time — and you've never once had to face the victims, the people whose lives you ruined?"

"W-why would I...! Why should I care about people like that?! Why on earth would I!"

Screaming his twisted philosophy like it was righteous gospel, Florence went on.

"Is living according to my desires really so wrong? So strange? Everyone lives with desires, and those desires can become hope!"

I reversed-summoned my sword and began walking toward him, the wolf at my heels, and answered.

"You're right. Small desires do breathe hope into people — the hope to see tomorrow. People are moved by their desires, and by fulfilling them they carve out a direction for their lives."

"S-see! That's exactly what I mean!"

My expression hardened as I continued.

"No. Your desires are nothing like a person's. No human being, of any creed or conviction, has ever harbored a desire to turn other people into their personal trash can."

When he had swung at me with indiscriminate killing intent earlier, I realized it.

This bastard had killed not just demons, but ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠people.

Every human carries some line within them, and they don't cross it.

That's why killing another living thing leaves a person shaken, trembling with a fear their soul ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠can't adapt to.

'Of course, someone like me is a special case — I can't count myself in that.'

The moment a Successor inherits an authority, the walls of their mind are reinforced as well.

In other words, their mental fortitude becomes vastly stronger than an ordinary person's.

That was the reason I'd looked so unshaken after killing my first demon.

And he had abused that very resilience to kill human beings.

I hadn't even imagined it was possible.

There is no saving this bastard.

"You've lost, Florence Crystal. Strip yourself of the title of Successor and admit your defeat."

"I won't... I am the pillar that holds up this world!"

His nonsense was flourishing by the second.

"For the crimes of murder, assault, coercion, and battery, I — Lee Hyeon, Successor of the Seventh Azure Dragon — hereby strip Florence, Successor of the Fifth White Tiger, of his position as Successor!"

"Grrraaaah! I refuse to accept it!"

Screaming to the very end, he came charging at me at full speed.

"Strike him down."

Not that no matter how fast he was, he could outrun lightning traveling from the sky to the earth.

KRA-KOOM!

A single bolt of lightning slammed directly into the crown of Florence's head.

"Guh...! I...!"

Unable to withstand the overwhelming might of the bolt, Florence crumpled to the ground and lost consciousness.

Immediately, a notification congratulating me on clearing the sub-quest rang out, followed by Alice's voice declaring the outcome of the contest.

"The victor — Lee Hyeon, Successor of the Seventh Azure Dragon!"

"The defeated — Florence Crystal, Successor of the Fifth White Tiger!"

At Alice's proclamation, Florence's body glowed brilliant white, and from the center of his chest a white, spirit-like essence drifted free.

I'd only ever known of it through lore — this was my first time witnessing an authority of the Four Divine Beasts with my own eyes.

"So that's what it looks like... Will I look like that too, someday?"

The white authority of the White Tiger drifted out of his flesh, and in the space of a breath it vanished from every eye in the arena.

"Good work out there."

"There's still plenty of work left to do, though."

"You're telling me. Reports are already reaching me that the Tide of Corruption will arrive within a month — even if I sent a request for reinforcements right now, they'd be too late."

"So in the end, it's a fight we'll have to win on our own."

"It's all right. We can win. Believe that."

"Yes, Noona."

And so, with my victory, the Successor Contest came to a close.

Stripped of his status as Successor, he remained unconscious from the lightning strike and woke only after two days had passed. Then, two days later, without anyone's knowledge, he simply vanished.

The servants, baffled by his disappearance, split into camps — some whispering, 'Was this the scheme of one of the Four Perils?' and others insisting, 'He fled out of shame, having lost to someone far less experienced than himself.'

But we had no time to spare for any of it.

Naturally.

We were about to march into a war that, if we weren't careful, could kill everyone — Alice included.

"Status Window."

At my call, my status window unfolded before my eyes.

"Well, I should at least have an utterly broken skill or two, right?"

My gaze settled on one of the sub-quest rewards earned by toppling Florence.

"No telling how much pain the burden of a skill will bring, but even accounting for the drawback, it's flat-out broken."

While I was still at the training grounds, a maid came looking for me.

"What is it?"

When I asked what she needed, the maid bowed with perfect formality and spoke.

"Lady Alice has summoned all the retainers, including yourself, my lord."

"So the hour has come... Understood. I'm on my way."

I threw on an outer coat and strode past her, quickening my pace.

When I reached the council chamber and took my seat, I could tell at a glance that something about Alice's expression was gravely wrong.

'So... it's finally beginning.'

Not long after I arrived, the door opened and the five great retainers filed in.

The moment each of them sensed the weight in Alice's bearing, they took their seats without a word, waiting only for her to speak.

At last, when everyone had found their place, Alice spoke for the first time.

"The Tide of Corruption is coming for Cumul Territory. The most recent sighting was reportedly more than twice the size of the last."

Deus's eyes went wide as he spoke up.

"The last Tide of Corruption brought roughly eight thousand demons! Twice that would be...!"

'So Asmodeus dragging eight thousand demons out of the Elion Forest — that was the omen, wasn't it...'

"An estimated force of some fifteen thousand. And within it, both supreme-class and high-tier demons were plainly visible, they say."

Crow ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠raised his hand and claimed the floor.

"What is the enemy's rate of advance?"

"At their fastest, they'll arrive within the week."

An astonishing pace of march.

It made sense — these were demons who felt no affection for their own kind. If one collapsed from exhaustion or starved, they'd simply leave it behind.

Alice's face turned grave as she gave her orders to the retainers.

"All personnel will prepare for war. Mobilize the troops."

Then she turned her gaze to two of the retainers.

"Retainers Leo Drizzle, Mystic Haji."

"Yes, my lady."

"Yes."

"You two will oversee the rest of the territory. Eliminate any demons that slip in through other routes and crush the threats early. Should anything arise beyond your capacity to handle, report it to the House Proxy at once."

"And see to the war supplies we'll need on the battlefield."

Her orders showcased her swift judgment and decisive hand, and the two retainers bowed their heads and accepted them.

"Retainer Leo Drizzle. I accept your command."

"Retainer Mystic Haji. I accept your command."

"As in the battle at the Elion Forest, Deus — you will take command of the First Army."

Deus turned his gaze briefly toward me before speaking.

"But... the Successor is right here, is he not?"

Alice shook her head firmly.

"The Successor has never once led an army. His personal combat strength may be exceptional, but combat strength and command are two entirely different things."

I thought so too.

No one could say what tragedy might unfold if a man who had never commanded troops were handed one.

'A wise ruler indeed.'

Alice shifted her gaze to the retainer named Rowzy.

"Benedict, you will likewise command the Second Army, just as at the Elion Forest."

"I accept your command, Head of House."

Last of all, Crow.

"Crow. How many of the 'Crows' has the family organized at present?"

Crow inclined his head before answering.

"The 'Crows' number ten. Every one of them is currently assigned to his own mission."

"I see... Could any of the 'Crows' join us in this war?"

"If I rescind their investigation orders and command some of them to return, I believe one or two could join the fight."

The intelligence network of the Crow family — the spies.

The Crows.

They were the ones who moved covertly through the darkness Cumul Territory could not see, gathering intelligence and delivering it — and, when needed, eliminating the source themselves.

"Understood. I'll leave it to you."

"Crow, you will take a portion of the troops and join with the Crows to lead a raiding unit."

"I accept your command."

At last she turned her head and looked at me.

"My lord Successor. In this war, I would ask you to take on the role of the raiding force."

I agreed — it was the right call.

"Given your overwhelming offensive power, you are more than sufficient to strike, withdraw, and throw the enemy into chaos."

"Furthermore, your agility is exceptional, so should a dangerous situation arise, we judge it best that you withdraw, watch for an opening, and act when it comes."

Since we stood in a formal seat of council, Alice had slipped into her lady-of-the-house mode rather than her noona mode, laying out her opinion in stiff, formal address.

'Still, I can read exactly what she means beneath the words.'

What Alice was really saying was: use your offensive power to its fullest to disable and destroy the demons. And if things grow dangerous, don't push yourself — for your own sake, break away from the front line, watch for an opportunity, and come back to the main camp.

'Maybe it's because I've been with her so long... I can read her like a book.'

I nodded at her words and answered.

"Understood."

With everyone's role decided, it was time to settle on strategy.

The lights in the council chamber burned until deep into the night.

"Haa... so it begins."

Two weeks was faster than expected.

The schedule was sheer madness — hauling war supplies, weighing tactical opinions, and on top of all that, squeezing in time to strengthen my own personal combat power.

Two weeks flew by in that blur of busyness; I blinked once, and they were gone.

"Hyeon. Are you nervous?"

"No? I'm fine."

"Good. Noona believes in you. So don't push yourself. On the battlefield, overexertion is poison."

Alice kept repeating it, over and over.

"Yes. I know."

I smiled and told her I'd follow her words to the letter.

Though, of course, I would break that very promise only a few days later.

At last, every preparation was complete.

All we had to do was form a defensive formation to hold back the Tide of Corruption, then strike.

The demons' numbers were beyond imagination, and we judged the castle could not withstand them alone — so we would establish a front line to buy the fortress time to hold.

After all, to capture the masterminds behind the Tide of Corruption, an offensive was unavoidable. Maintaining a front line wasn't a choice — it was a necessity.

Before long, the Supreme Commander, Alice, ascended the platform to rouse the fighting spirit of the entire army.

"This Tide of Corruption will be hard."

Her words were startlingly blunt.

I'd at least expected a little more cheerleading than that.

"We anticipate a battle of terrible brutality and immense cost."

"""......"""

Yet far from wilting at her words, the knights only burned hotter with resolve.

"Even so, we must fight. Take up your swords. We cannot permit the demons' incursion."

"It may be that your commander is a villain who rides you all to your deaths."

"But even so, I will promise you this much: even if you fall, I will spread word of it — to your descendants, your kin, your lovers — that because of you, this territory endured."

"""....."""

"So — if you wish to be called heroes by the children you leave behind — then fight. Hold the line. Do I make myself clear?!"

"""YES, COMMANDER!"""

At her words, the morale of our army seemed to climb higher still.

Seriously... they really weren't kidding when they said not just anyone can command.

And so we departed the great Cumul estate and set our march toward the boundary walls.

My place was at Alice's side.

It was the result of Alice declaring that the Successor would ride at her right hand, and no one daring to object.

Clop. Clop.

'Seriously, just a few years ago I was miserable because I couldn't ride at all...'

At fifteen, I could barely stay in the saddle.

When your feet couldn't even reach the stirrups, how were you supposed to hold on atop a horse?

That's the kind of thing reserved for a Liu Bei in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, or men who fight with a blade in each hand.

'Ugh, there was no way I could've managed that.'

Fortunately, at twenty, with regular exercise and a controlled diet, I'd finally grown taller.

Alice stood in the latter half of the 160s in centimeters, and ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠even so she had to look up at me now.

I figured I was somewhere in the mid-180s.

I was in the middle of lamenting old times from horseback when Alice sent a glance my way.

Following her gaze, I gently quickened my horse and drew up beside her.

"Noona. You're the Supreme Commander, you know. Is this really all right?"

Keeping my voice low so no one else could hear, I spoke quietly, and Alice answered.

"Mm. You're the Successor. Besides, you're the one who drove out that piece of human garbage Florence — who could possibly object?"

"Still..."

"Once you go to the imperial palace anyway, you'll hold a rank above mine. And then I won't be able to stand beside you, will I?"

"Where would I even find someone better than you?!"

Alice stifled a laugh — hehe — and went on.

"Don't worry. I know full well you're not the kind of man who'd do that."

Something about the way she said it — like she trusted me unconditionally — was a little embarrassing.

"The Head of a House that serves the Four Divine Beasts believes in you completely, and supports you without reservation."

"Of course she does. You're the only person who ever healed my wounds. You're the one who stopped me from making a terrible choice."

"If I can't trust a person like that, who else am I supposed to trust? And you're quite handsome, too. So loosen up."

"Tension matters on a battlefield, but being too tense does you no good either."

How did she notice?

No one else had.

"You're thinking, 'How did she catch that just now?'"

"!!!"

"Noona's eyes see everything. Hehe. So relax a little — and remember what I told you."

At her little joke, I felt the tension in my shoulders ease, just slightly, and I smiled and nodded along.

Even though I probably wouldn't be able to keep that promise — the one about not pushing myself.

The me of that moment didn't yet know.

Not knowing what future awaited us, we rode on toward the front line.