Chapter 227: He Was Stronger Than Me (2)
Chapter 227: He Was Stronger Than Me (2)
“Eh, whatever. Future me can deal with what happens three years from now.”
Patrick nonchalantly pushed the problem onto his future self.
“I’m counting on you, Patrick Schneider of three years from now.”
—You son of a bitch…
He thought he heard someone cursing at him, but it was probably just a hallucination.
Well, to be honest, if he thought about it seriously, he did have to get married eventually.
Patrick was the only son of the Schneider family.
Ensuring the family line didn't end was the most important duty for a family heir. Usually, it wasn't rare for someone Patrick’s age to already have children.
So, he had to do it. He had to, but…
“It’s just such a pain. And there are a few things weighing on my mind.”
Who wouldn't want to marry a beautiful woman and live a fun life doing this and that?
But as expected, something held him back.
“Hmm… I’m surprisingly a pure-hearted guy. Or in this case, is it a man of loyalty?”
One could also define him as a pathetic loser overflowing with lingering attachments. The problem was that the man himself didn't think that way in the slightest.
“Well, putting that aside for now…”
Patrick cleared his head.
Rather than agonizing over a problem with no answer, it was better to focus on the reality right in front of him.
“The most important thing right now is securing the safety of this city.”
Thanks to his mother, he had rested well, and his mind and body felt refreshed. Now, it was time to go back to hacking through monsters for the safety of the pioneer city’s surroundings.
* * *
May 1, 1524.
This was the year Patrick Schneider turned twenty.
It was also a year when many events occurred simultaneously across the continent.
First, regarding the continental situation, the Benator Empire and the Saint Louis Holy Church State had gone to war.
The two nations had always engaged in small-scale skirmishes bordering on psychological warfare at their frontiers, but this time, it had escalated significantly. Both countries mobilized regular armies in the hundreds of thousands and entered a full-scale war.
A major military conflict had begun.
In truth, this wasn't all that surprising. The general reaction from other nations was that what was bound to happen had finally happened. These two countries, which had always clashed over continental hegemony, were like oil and water to begin with. If anything, since they had been accumulating power while holding back for so long, it wouldn't have been strange for this war to break out at any time.
However, the second event was entirely unexpected.
The Harbor Kingdom, located in the southern part of the continent.
This country was also engulfed in the flames of war.
Their opponent was the Dwarves.
Originally, the Iron Mountains within the Harbor Kingdom were the domain of the Dwarves. Much like Evergreen in the north, it was land for their race, and the Harbor Kingdom had coexisted with the Dwarves living there, respecting their territory.
Or to put it bluntly…
They had pampered and protected them.
This was because Dwarves were far more profitable than Elves. The weapons, jewelry, and artworks they produced—all of it turned into gold.
Especially Dwarven weapons.
They were a literal gold mine. If a human craftsman hammered ten kilograms of iron ore, they would produce an item worth one or two gold at best. But in the case of a Dwarf, masterpieces worth over a hundred gold poured out.
So how could they let that go?
The Harbor Kingdom had accumulated massive wealth by monopolizing trade with the Dwarves within its borders.
But a problem arose.
The Dwarves collectively declared their intention to migrate. They intended to leave the Iron Mountains to find a new land.
The Harbor Kingdom was thrown into a frenzy.
For the past several hundred years, the Harbor Kingdom had sustained most of its national economy through trade with the Dwarves. To give an idea of the scale, over 90 percent of the national income was derived from that trade.
In such a situation, if the Dwarves left, the Harbor Kingdom would surely go bankrupt.
Driven by a severe sense of crisis, the Harbor Kingdom moved aggressively. The King himself visited the Iron Mountains to try and persuade the Dwarves to stay, but he failed.
And it wasn't just a failure; it was a catastrophic one.
The details of the negotiation process weren't fully revealed, but it was said that it began with dialogue and ended in bloodshed.
The Harbor Kingdom declared war on the Dwarves.
Naturally, the short-tempered Dwarves didn't back down either; they picked up their axes to fight back. Fundamentally, they were a much more bellicose race than the Elves.
The Dwarves who wanted to leave the Iron Mountains.
The Harbor Kingdom that wanted to stop them.
Ultimately, both sides entered a full-scale war, shedding blood. Since it was a civil war occurring within their own borders, it looked like a fire across the river to outside nations, but for the Harbor Kingdom, it was a war that determined the fate of the nation. Naturally, they had no choice but to be desperate.
As a result, the prices of Dwarven weapons and jewelry across the entire continent skyrocketed.
And third.
This, too, was a war.
But this was a war that broke out truly out of the blue.
The war between the Caesar Kingdom and the Decatur Kingdom.
To most people, this felt incredibly random.
Why on earth are you guys fighting?
The cause of this war, which prompted such questions, could not be clearly identified.
A dispute broke out at the border of the two nations, and a commander from the Caesar Kingdom was killed in that dispute. Up to this point, it was a matter that could have been resolved through diplomacy.
The problem was that diplomacy didn't go smoothly.
Those in charge of diplomacy for both nations didn't budge an inch, adopting a hardline stance and shifting the blame onto the other. It was a psychological battle with no concessions or compromises.
Eventually, because words didn't work, a localized conflict broke out involving thousands of troops.
In truth, this was a clear diplomatic disaster. It was the result of the diplomats from both countries prioritizing their own achievements and careers over the national interest, proceeding with nothing but hardline policies. They had played a game of chicken with the naive thought of, 'Surely they wouldn't go that far?' and it ended in this catastrophe.
And the final blow came during that localized conflict.
[I, Dustin Lobsky, the Divine Spear of the Decatur Kingdom, have taken the head of Helios Gilsian! Shout the cry of victory!]
This disaster had occurred.
A battle between 7-star knights.
And the death of one of them.
For Marquis Lobsky personally, it was a great gain. He was able to somewhat restore the honor he had lost after being miserably crushed by Patrick. Even if his opponent was the youngest and weakest among the Caesar Kingdom's 7-star knights, taking the head of a fellow 7-star knight was a massive achievement.
That was strictly for him as an individual, though.
From a national perspective, this was now a situation where both sides were facing each other on a single-log bridge with no way to retreat.
The death of a 7-star knight.
This was a loss of national power. Especially since the Caesar Kingdom had recently been deeply humiliated by Patrick and had lost several 7-star knights. If they backed down here, there was no telling how far the Caesar Kingdom's international standing would fall.
The King of the Caesar Kingdom drew his sword and declared total war.
[I command in the name of Georgia Burkin Caesar. There is no need to leave even a single blade of grass on the land of the Decatur Kingdom. Burn it all to the ground!]
Fifty thousand regular troops of the Caesar Kingdom and all the remaining 7-star knights headed for the Decatur Kingdom.
The Decatur Kingdom tried to fight back with all its might, but the difference in national power was too great to begin with. Furthermore, from the perspective of the Decatur Kingdom, which bordered the Great Forest, it was impossible to commit its entire strength to the war with the Caesar Kingdom.
What saved them in their moment of desperate crisis was…
[Who dares to invade the brothers of the East?]
It was the Overlord, Sierion, who had completely swallowed the Flame Kingdom and established himself as the Hegemon of the North. He personally led an army of fifty thousand and moved south to rescue the Decatur Kingdom.
With this, as many as six out of the eight nations existing on the continent were embroiled in war.
The so-called Age of War had arrived.
* * *
While the continent was in turmoil, engulfed in the flames of war.
Ava, the pioneer city located within the Great Forest of the East, was surrounded by a different kind of silence.
“It’s a shame. Because of the war, the Arcana is canceled this year.”
At Patrick’s words, Matthew, who was in front of him, spoke with a grumpy expression.
“Is the Arcana the problem right now?”
It would be a lie to say he wasn't disappointed. Matthew, who had achieved the 4-star realm, would have been almost certain to participate as a representative in this Arcana under normal circumstances.
What about Patrick and Isabella?
They weren't going. No, they couldn't. Starting from this Arcana, the eligibility requirements had been adjusted so that those who had previously participated could not participate again.
Though it wasn't explicitly stated, it was obvious who this rule was made for.
There had been much talk and trouble because of this, but in the end, it had become meaningless. The Arcana was meant to signify continental harmony and healthy competition, so there was no way it would be held while the entire continent was at war.
“Forget the Arcana. It’s not like I would have won even if I went.”
“That’s true. Not a chance.”
Matthew looked at Patrick with a sour face.
“What? Why?”
“Could you at least try to say it nicely… No, forget it. You’re Patrick, after all.”
“Ahem!”
“That wasn't a compliment, you bastard.”
Matthew let out a sigh and then asked.
“Seriously, forget the Arcana. More importantly… what are you going to do?”
“About what?”
“According to the Sages, the current situation is definitely not good.”
“……”
Patrick said nothing.
He simply stared silently at the vast expanse of the Great Forest visible from atop the city walls.
It was quiet…
Yes, it was a forest that was unnaturally quiet.
* * *
The beginning of the incident went back one month.
Ava, the pioneer city Patrick had established in the Great Forest, continued to develop smoothly.
The city’s outer walls were built high and sturdy, and the walls were lined with defensive equipment provided by the Tower of Truth. This defense was so strong that even ordinary soldiers, not knights, had managed to repel a Twin-Headed Ogre on their own.
Furthermore, the project to reclaim the Moana River basin as farmland was proceeding steadily. Orcs cleared the land, humans sowed seeds, and Elves stepped forward to plant fruit trees. Come to think of it, since fruit was a staple of the Elven diet, orchards were necessary.
However, in the shadow of this smooth development were the blood and sweat of Patrick, who repeatedly fought monsters every day. But then…
“There are none.”
“…What?”
“Within the spirits' search range, we haven't found any monsters that would require your intervention, Lord Patrick.”
Hearing the explanation from the Elven Knight accompanying him, Patrick wore a dazed expression.
“There really are none? For real?”
“Yes, that is correct.”
It was strange. Finding it difficult to find monsters within the Great Forest?
For the time being, Patrick patrolled meticulously just in case and spent the day without incident.
And the next day.
And the day after that.
Despite Patrick’s repeated patrols, no monsters invaded the territory of the pioneer city. Of course, there were a few packs of Trolls that wandered into the land unknowingly, but Patrick didn't even need to step in for those.
At this change, Patrick clenched his fists.
“As expected, there are almost no problems in this world that can't be solved by beating them down.”
If beating them once doesn't work, do it twice, ten times, a hundred times—if you keep beating and beating, eventually you see the end. Isn't that the beauty of beating things down?
Patrick and his inner circle rejoiced, thinking that the pioneer city of Ava had finally stabilized. The knights even threw a festival. However…
“This is a bit…”
“Strange. Too strange.”
“Hmmmm…”
While everyone else was rejoicing, the mages were the only ones frowning. And when Patrick asked for the reason, the Fifth Sage said:
“It’s a bit difficult to give a definitive answer right now. We will conduct a detailed investigation, so please wait a moment.”
He then contacted the Tower of Truth, and a short while later, the Sixth and Seventh Sages arrived at the pioneer city. Arriving with hundreds of magic swordsmen, they formed teams and began scouting the vicinity of the city.
Patrick asked for the reason.
“You’re investigating very seriously. Is there a reason?”
“Because it’s suspicious.”
“What is? Isn't it good if the monsters are gone?”
“It is. But you see…”
The Fifth Sage paused for a moment before speaking.
“If it were possible to pioneer this place with just this much force, the ancient Roman Empire wouldn't have failed.”
“Hmm…”
Patrick couldn't deny it. He had experienced the power of the Roman Empire, albeit indirectly. The Roman forces that had come on the expedition to the Great Forest back then were not only massive in scale but also high in quality. Even the ordinary soldiers seemed to be at least at the 2-star level.
Even such an ancient superpower had ultimately challenged and failed against the Great Forest. But now, Patrick had secured the territory stably just by being diligent with his sword for about half a year?
“It’s impossible. It doesn't make sense.”
“Then, do you think there’s a reason for this phenomenon?”
“Think about why the Roman Empire challenged the Great Forest and lost in the first place.”
“That was because of those guys called the Apostles of Kalaron…”
Patrick’s expression turned serious. And the Fifth Sage said:
“We are conducting a thorough investigation for now. Let’s wait until a precise conclusion is reached.”
“……”
Patrick nodded heavily. For now, that was all he could do.
People harbor hope when they are desperate.
Please, let it not be so…
Anything but that…
Such feelings make people seek God and harbor hope. It’s a relief if it turns out well. But…
In the opposite case, the story changes significantly.
“Fifth Elder… sir… cough…”
“Byorn! You…”
The man called Byorn was a veteran magic swordsman belonging to the Tower of Truth. At forty-five years old, his skills were at their peak, and he was one of the top experts among the magic swordsmen of the Tower.
Such a man…
“Report… I have to report…”
He arrived at the pioneer city covered in blood. The Fifth Elder rushed over and said:
“Don't say another word. We must treat your body first!”
At that moment, Patrick, who had arrived on the scene, ran over quickly and hung a necklace with a light green gem around the man's neck. Then…
“Sephiroth!”
As he quickly chanted the spell, a light green glow enveloped the man's body, healing him.
“Th… thank you.”
“Forget that. More importantly, what happened?”
At Patrick’s question, the man trembled and grabbed Patrick, saying:
“Double Dragon, you must retreat right now.”
“Tell me slowly.”
“There is no time for that. A monster is approaching this city. That… that was not a being that humans can face.”
“……”
“Avoid it… you must avoid it. If everyone doesn't run away…”
As Patrick frowned while watching the man ramble with eyes full of terror, the Fifth Elder placed a hand on his shoulder and said:
“It seems we have stepped on the tiger’s tail.”
“……”
“Let’s calm this fellow down first and hear the details.”
“Understood.”
Patrick could only let out a deep sigh.
* * *
After calming down a bit, Byorn Septar reported what he had experienced.
The scouting party he led was patrolling a distance away from the pioneer city. It was a long-range investigation to determine the cause of the sudden monster vacuum.
And they saw it at a location about three days away from the city.
“It was a white tiger with white fur and black stripes… and golden eyes. Its size… I don't know its size. It was so massive that I couldn't see the whole thing. And the moment I thought it moved…”
Byorn clutched his head as if recalling a horrific memory.
“Everyone died. All my team members died, and my entire body was torn to shreds. And when I met its eyes, it… it…”
Byorn trembled as he continued.
“It spoke to me. No, it conveyed its intent. I don't know what it was, but it was definitely… that…”
“Calm down, mister.”
Patrick took Byorn’s hand. He stabilized the man's mind and body by injecting Qi through his meridians and said:
“If it didn't kill you on purpose and sent you back alive, it must have had a message to deliver.”
“……”
Byorn nodded. And he said to Patrick in a trembling voice:
“‘Humans who have broken the taboo. Pay the price with your deaths,’ it said.”
“……”
“That is a being humans cannot face. Double Dragon. Everyone must flee right now. We must retreat all the way to the Schneider territory…”
“You did well.”
Patrick pressed Byorn’s pressure point and put him to sleep. Then he looked at those who were listening to the report with him.
There were the Sages of the Tower of Truth, the Elf King Kyrios, Knight Captain Sanson, and Tutan, the representative of the Orcs.
And surprisingly, the first one to grasp the situation was Tutan.
“It is a God of Death, Brother.”
“A God of Death?”
“There are great Gods of Death in this Great Forest that one must never oppose. He is undoubtedly one of them.”
Tutan, who had originally lived in the Great Forest, surprisingly knew of its existence. What was shocking was Tutan’s reaction. Orcs were born warriors. They considered retreat more humiliating than death. Yet even Tutan was not even thinking of opposing it.
And the Fifth Sage also added weight to that.
“It is likely one of the Apostles of Kalaron. Based on the records, it might be the Galloping Death.”
“Galloping Death, huh…”
Patrick closed his eyes and thought.
In fact, based on the description alone, it was a White Tiger.
In a way, he really is one of the Four Gods.