324. Blindfold (2)
324. Blindfold (2)
- 1 -
Ttokak —
The sound of shoes echoed through the conference hall with its high ceiling.
The guild masters watched with bated breath.
The representatives of each nation took their respective seats, and Philia Elskopf, dressed in a black dress, stood upon the dais.
'Normally, this is where a king would stand...'
It was the spot everyone had expected one of the representatives from Hysen, Kiza, or Hilsa Seth to occupy.
But the one who took that place was none other than this dark-haired beauty.
The guild masters could feel for themselves the stature they had only ever heard of in rumors.
"...Just what does that woman possess?"
"Shh."
The guild masters maintained their silence and began to lend their ears to her words.
"Guild masters."
Philia Elskopf's voice resonated through the conference hall.
A soft and gentle tone. Yet it was also firm and resolute.
"As you are all aware, dungeon outbreak warnings have been ongoing across the entire Grakheizen region."
The guild masters could barely even breathe.
Those whose eyes met hers could faintly sense the strange, powerful strength hidden within that small frame.
"This situation was a grave concern for Her Majesty the Queen and all member states of the Grakheizen Alliance. We have invited you here today to resolve this crisis together."
Each guild master nodded with a grave expression.
Harai of the Krash Earldom glanced around, noting the faces of other guild masters who shared his same anxiety.
"But fortunately, there are those who identified the cause of this problem beforehand and took countermeasures."
Philia's gaze turned toward the back of the conference hall.
As the guild masters' eyes all gathered there, a woman walked slowly in from the entrance.
Dressed in black, her silver hair shimmered faintly under the light of the hall.
"She is one of the Continent's Thirteen Stars, the 'Empress of the Night,' Lady 'Nix' Jin Soha."
A great stir ran through the conference hall.
They knew of the 'Empress's' disappearance and return, but to think such a secret lay hidden behind it.
"Greetings, brothers and sisters."
Nix stepped forward before the conference and gave a light bow to the guild masters.
Her face was drawn with fatigue, but her sharp gaze remained unchanged.
"The reason I stand before you today is to inform you of the cause behind the recent unidentified dungeon outbreak."
Every guild master's gaze focused on Jin Soha.
Amid the silence, her lips slowly parted.
- 2 -
"While fighting monsters in the Southern Demon Realm ruled by Agares, I discovered a clue to one crucial event in an ancient document."
Amidst the silence, Jin Soha's voice filled the room.
"It was the existence of an underground Demon Realm, estimated to have been hidden for over a hundred years."
"Hup...!"
Harai sucked in a breath. Similar reactions followed all around him.
"An ancient Demon Realm... Are you asking us to acknowledge the existence of such a thing?"
Everyone silently agreed with someone's muttered words.
They were people who had long managed the surface and its dungeons.
As such, they knew full well how absurd the existence of a 'hidden ancient underground Demon Realm' was.
But the problem was the person who spoke those words.
Jin Soha.
One of the thirteen who stood at the pinnacle of all adventurers.
"We followed the clues inland and discovered the entrance to a dungeon near Clarent. It was an elite-grade... no, a place so old it possessed even greater potential."
Nix, pressing her brow, continued slowly.
Dark circles lay heavily under her eyes, making it impossible for anyone watching not to realize the sheer depth of her fatigue.
Why would someone like her lie?
In the end, there was no choice but to believe.
However, Harai, who did not miss the momentary flicker in Nix's eyes, had the impression that she was hiding something.
"May I share the story as well? Guild masters."
It was then that the red-haired adventurer, Kallin, rose from his seat.
In his gesture of placing a hand on Nix's shoulder, there was an unguarded ease, as if dealing with a comrade he'd known for many years.
No one knew the true reason Jin Soha flinched at that moment.
"Lady Nix is currently extremely exhausted. She expended a great... a very great deal of power protecting us."
Everyone nodded at Kallin's words, spoken with a genial smile.
Kallin then stood beside Soha as well.
"The dungeon was a labyrinth of tremendous size. The deeper we went, the more we felt the dungeon's energy deepening. The dungeon's energy was clearly elite-grade, but there were also an immense number of monsters possessing an even higher level of essence."
Nix, her face hardened, continued speaking.
"Dealing with the boss was not difficult. However, the real trouble began after we conquered the dungeon."
"Could it be...?"
"That is correct."
To a guild master's voice, laced with bewilderment and doubt, Kallin nodded.
"At that moment, the entire labyrinth began to shake."
The two began to speak alternately, as if exchanging scripted lines.
"And then we realized. That dungeon was the key that opened all the other dungeons. Originally, it was probably meant to be released when the time came, but the seal broke when we succeeded in conquering the dungeon."
"That is why we went missing for a week."
"In that dungeon, we discovered hints about the locations of dungeons belonging to the Demon Realm, and we mobilized all available personnel to deal with those dungeons one by one. As a result, it took quite a long time."
"I have a question."
The conference hall stirred once more. Harai had raised his hand high.
Nix pointed to him, and he opened his mouth cautiously.
"If you dealt with all the dungeons, why are signals still appearing on our detectors?"
He instantly felt Nix and Kallin directing their gazes to one side.
There, Philia looked at them and gave a slight nod.
"We only dealt with the dungeons we discovered. However, there are still dungeons we have yet to find. Those are the signals appearing on your detectors."
'Good heavens.'
Watching the two only open their mouths after receiving that 'permission,' Harai felt a chilling shudder run down his spine.
That woman was wielding influence over a monarch-grade adventurer famous across the continent and a high-rank adventurer.
- 3 -
After Nix's report concluded, declarations from the representatives of each nation followed.
"Lady Nix and her party, as adventurers, have taken the initiative to set an example of conduct fitting to serve as a model for others."
Yurena was the first to rise from her seat and speak.
A gleam of interest shone in the eyes of the guild masters who had never encountered her before.
Though small in stature, her dignity was unmistakable.
"Having already dealt with dozens of dungeons, their merit is more than deserving of recognition. A suitable reward commensurate with their achievements shall be bestowed."
Archduchess Adelaide followed up with a firm voice.
"However, there are still dungeons we have yet to find. This is why we have invited you all here today."
King Amelia's gentle voice resonated.
"Lady Nix and Sir Kallin, along with the other adventurers, have already pinpointed all the dungeon locations. But they judged that sharing this information with each regional guild would be wiser than hoarding all the credit for themselves."
Prime Minister Cromwell's aged yet robust voice continued.
"Dealing with these dungeons will be the responsibility of each regional guild. We intend to share those locations with you all today."
Philia rose from her seat and stepped onto the dais.
"Those whose names are called from now on, please come forward and receive your documents. First, Harai, Guild Master of Krash. Guild Master of Shanarende..."
None dared to rebel against that summons.
As the named guild masters stepped forward, attendants began distributing sealed documents to each of them.
"There are dungeons at each of the locations delivered to you. All have been confirmed to be upper-grade dungeons at minimum, so we advise you to proceed with caution."
Harai confirmed the two locations marked around the Krash County and beyond its national border, frowning.
Just as he was about to ask a question, other guild masters vied to speak first.
"How could such ancient dungeons remain hidden for so long?"
"Has the identity of the Lord of each dungeon been revealed?"
"Is there no greater danger?"
When Philia looked at them, Kallin and Nix rose to answer.
"The original dungeon was acting as a kind of cradle lock, keeping the Lords of these dungeons dormant. When that dungeon shattered, the other dungeons awoke as well."
"The identities of the Lords are still under investigation, but there were no dangers aside from the inherent risk of the dungeons themselves. The same applies to the other dungeons. However, as these dungeons are more dangerous than those you have previously conquered, a more cautious approach is necessary."
Before the two could sit down, Harai raised his hand.
"Looking at this, some dungeons are not in our jurisdiction but beyond the national border."
He tapped the document once, voicing his doubt.
"How should we handle the rights to these dungeons? We have no management authority over them."
Some of the guild masters stirred at his words.
There were adventurer guilds beyond the borders as well. This was an issue that could potentially escalate into conflict between guilds.
Philia answered with a gentle smile.
"We will leave the discretion on that matter to you. Whether you negotiate with the local adventurer guild or sell the rights. Please undertake activities befitting an adventurer's duty."
Harai looked at her with suspicion.
Her face was gentle, and her tone of voice was soft.
On the surface, she seemed like an incomparably virtuous woman.
But she was the real power behind the Grakheizen Alliance, and now a shadowy figure holding influence over two adventurers of high rank or higher.
In other words...
'Does she want us to cause conflicts by conquering across borders?'
...such a suspicion arose.
Because adventurers, by nature, are those who chase money and fame.
Seeing the prospect of a secretly discovered ancient underground Demon Realm, there would be almost no one who could simply hand over that credit to another adventurer guild.
Unless circumstances made it impossible.
"Each regional guild is to take responsibility for and deal with the dungeons within your own territories. The Alliance will spare no necessary support."
With Queen Yurena's final declaration, the meeting was adjourned.
On his way out, Harai stole another glance at Philia.
She had her eyes gently closed, wearing a soft expression, but as if sensing the gaze watching her, she met his eyes and smiled slightly.
"Eek."
Startled and stiffening, he hurriedly made his exit.
...Though her face was clearly benevolent, he felt like a herbivore standing before a carnivore.
- 4 -
After the meeting ended, I returned to my private room in Hylash.
I sat comfortably, receiving Evangeline's attendance.
"Master."
"Hm?"
"Did something pleasant happen?"
At Evangeline's question, I tilted my head slightly.
"You seem delighted."
"Do I?"
I pondered for a moment and soon realized the reason.
"Watching high-quality humans is always a delight, is it not?"
Realizing it anew made my smile deepen. I spoke without hiding it.
"Are you referring to the Krash Adventurer's Guild Master from earlier? Shall I have him followed?"
"No."
I slowly shook my head.
'His martial strength is lacking, but his intuition is no ordinary thing.'
The image of that guild master's eyes came to mind.
Eyes that had tried to see through me with sharp intuition.
If I approached a person like that clumsily, he would clearly do everything in his power to flee.
"So I must make him come to me on his own. I have already sent him a letter."
"Yes. Understood."
After a single nod, she said nothing more.
Tok-tok.
"Come in."
Just as I emptied the cup she had poured for me, a knock sounded.
The presence beyond it was that of the one I had been waiting for.
"Master."
Jin Soha approached me and bowed deeply.
Her silver hair cascaded down with a rustle.
"You did well."
"Adventurers' minds are simple. If you only dangle danger and glory before them, they forget all other questions."
Soha's voice came out in a low murmur.
The plan was to make the adventurers conquer the dungeons on their own, then neutralize the guilds' detectors while they were empty.
She was the one who drafted this operation.
When I reached out and tousled Soha's hair, she bowed her head further, accepting my touch.
Sarak —
As my hand continued stroking her head, a strange change occurred.
Swaaa —
Her brilliantly shining silver hair lost its luster and turned a dull white.
Her two eyes, which had shone with gold, turned gray, as if shrouded in an ashen fog.
Her skin gradually darkened and finally transformed into a pitch-black color, like the abyss itself.
The one before me was no longer the 'Empress of the Night' of the Thirteen Stars.
She was but a wraith, loyal to me.
"What shall I do now, Master?"
"If you were to vanish from Kretea right now, many would harbor doubt and fear. More people would perish."
I whispered as I stroked her head.
"Return to where you were. In your original form, just as you are. Carry out the duties you originally performed, but minimize your relations with others. When the time comes, I shall call for you again."
"To show such consideration for worthless humans. Your boundless magnanimity knows no limits."
"Enough with the flattery."
The wraith Jin Soha bowed her head even deeper.
A flickering black mist behind her caught my eye.
The wraiths she commanded were there with her, but the relationship was not the same as before.
It was an equal partnership, after all.
However, since I had sufficiently cultivated her loyalty to me, there would be no worry about her performing her duties on the border.
"Rest here a while longer and show some activity, then pack your belongings when the time comes. You may go."
"I pray you remain healthy until we meet again."
After Soha withdrew from the room, I sank into my chair.
"I do wish to rest a little."
I felt no physical fatigue.
But with Botis's attack, the investiture ceremony, and now the first half of this 'Solar Eclipse' plan...
After passing through several major events, it was true that I felt a certain mental lethargy.
And I knew from experience that if I didn't rest well at times like this, it would come back to bite me later.
"I have prepared something."
At her sudden words, I expressed my question through my expression alone, and Evangeline rang a bell to summon a maid.
What the maid brought in was a basin filled with warm water, its warmth evident just by looking at it.
"Eve?"
"I had always wanted to do this at least once. Will you allow me to touch you?"
I could easily guess what she intended to do.
When I nodded slowly, she placed her hands on my feet and carefully removed my shoes.
She took off her gloves and began to tend to my feet with great care.
"Is it not too hot?"
"It's fine. But... it feels strange."
I closed my eyes and felt the touch of her hands.
Her delicate and gentle touch was so soft it was hard to believe it belonged to someone who wielded a sword.
My thoughts wandered naturally.
With today's meeting, I would soon have most of Grakheizen's adventurer guilds under my control.
The entire central region, excluding the eastern Rugnisah and the Holy Kingdom, had fallen into my hands.
'Then...'
I opened my eyes and looked down at the crown of Evangeline's head as she focused intently on my feet.
Once the internal situation was settled, the next step would be to seize an opportunity to expand outward.
Because I would need to show my strength at least once to solidify the boundaries of my domain.
She would become my sword and stand at the vanguard.
'I have no intention of taking the entire Eastern Continent. There's no need to, either.'
But I would make them fear my gaze, my touch.
Only then could I pave the path to becoming the 'Successor of the Demon King.'
The qualifications of the Demon King.
Those qualifications did not lie in martial strength alone.