Chapter 543: Omen (12)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 543: Omen (12)
Having one’s innermost thoughts pierced by a young man in his twenties—someone so far beneath him in status, age, and experience—was undoubtedly a blow to Kelliark’s pride.
However, he did not let his wounded pride show. Instead, his smile vanished, replaced by a display of raw, honest hatred.
That deep and terrible hatred was like a swamp; Jin felt his very body grow heavy just by facing it. Yet, this deliberate show of animosity was also proof that Kelliark now recognized Jin as a peer.
As expected, Jin thought. The pressure is worthy of the absolute ruler of Zipple.
Hatred.
Looking back, Kelliark had every reason to hate him.
It began with the Zipple followers Jin killed upon leaving Storm Castle. It continued with his impersonation at Tessing, the acquisition of Chenmi’s forbidden magic, the assassination of Andrei, the destruction of the Demon God Stone, the massacre of the Colon natives, the annihilation of the Dark Magic Association, the recovery of Riol Zipple’s legacy, the theft of the Compass, the Holy Kingdom incident, the battle in the West Sea, the tombs of Temar, the slaying of the Wraith Squad, the elimination of Barton, the Wantaramo Forest, the Gaifa Archipelago, the Sota Desert… and everything that had led to this very moment.
Every single thing Jin had done since his regression was a history of obstructing the path of Kelliark and the Zipple Clan.
Even killing Kidad Hall to monopolize his magic was an indirect blow to Zipple. And though Kelliark did not yet know it, Valeria Hister—the one Zipple so desperately craved—was connected only to Jin.
Under Jin’s influence, even Veradin was resisting his mind control. And with his declaration of the Magic Sword Return, Jin had frontally defied the humiliating covenant Runcandel had once made with Zipple.
From Zipple’s perspective, there wasn’t a single reason not to hate Jin.
This very hatred is likely why you haven't reached the Realm of Creation, the level my father attained…
Just as Jin saw through Kelliark, Kelliark was looking straight through Jin as well.
Outstanding. Truly exceptional. For the longest time, I thought that if Solderet were to break the covenant and side with Runcandel, it would surely be for Cyron or Luna… But seeing you in person, Jin Runcandel, I understand why Solderet chose you over those two.
Kelliark felt a surge of resentment toward Cyron. He had spent his entire life in Cyron's shadow, forever relegated to second place. Now, even the next generation of Runcandel was a legacy he could not surpass.
“Often, when they speak of you in the Tower of Stories, my kin think I merely hold you in light regard. It’s rather hollow to realize that you are the one who sees the hatred they fail to notice.”
“Perhaps you should surround yourself with more perceptive people,” Jin retorted.
To the members of the Barmul Alliance and the knights of Sword Emperor Castle, Jin’s words felt like sparks landing in a pool of oil. They worried he was being needlessly provocative against a man who had crippled Kalmain with a single attack and could annihilate everyone in the castle in seconds.
But Jin knew better.
He knew Kelliark would never strike Sword Emperor Castle without at least attempting to force a negotiation.
If he intended to crush the castle and take the White Stone by brute force, he wouldn't have started a conversation in the first place. Kelliark Zipple is wary of an all-out war with Runcandel.
There were likely several reasons for this: Cyron’s existence, Runcandel’s hidden strength, Kinzelo’s power, and more.
Perhaps Kelliark also realizes that a chaos monster could awaken from the White Stone if he isn't careful. No, it’s a certainty. He understands the value of the White Stone better than anyone here. That’s why he wants it.
Therefore, Kelliark would prefer to settle this through negotiations with Sword Emperor Castle—and by extension, Runcandel—rather than a full-scale military conflict.
In fact, the mere act of Kelliark playing the ‘negotiation’ card was a blow to Zipple’s public prestige. For the world’s greatest family to prioritize talks over combat after losing so many dragons, mages, and ships was normally unthinkable.
And above all, Fire Dragon Kadun is nowhere to be seen.
Fire Dragon Kadun. The most powerful fire dragon, crafted by Shinu, the God of Fire. Jin had been conscious of Kadun’s absence for some time.
Of course, Kadun could be aboard the fleet in human form, but Jin judged that possibility to be very low.
It would be strange to hide his strongest fire dragon after blanketing the fleet in massive fire mana and raining heat upon the castle just to intimidate us. He was flaunting his power.
Zipple’s other dragons were dispersed among the fifty-odd ships Kelliark had brought. There was no reason for Kadun not to be at the center of it all, displaying his majesty.
Still, Jin found it difficult to deduce why Kelliark hadn't brought him.
Is it because Kadun’s absence would leave Zipple’s main territory vulnerable? No, even if he’s prioritizing negotiation, he wouldn't have completely ruled out an all-out war. That can’t be it. Then…
Suddenly, the name of another friend came to mind.
Did Veradin do something to keep Kadun from joining the fleet?
He was correct.
Veradin had forced himself into a state of overload, creating a crisis that required Kadun’s constant protection. Because of this, Kelliark’s hands were tied. If Veradin were to perish, all of Zipple’s meticulous plans would turn to ash.
Jin didn't know the specifics, but he felt a strong intuition that Kadun’s absence was a result of his friend’s sacrifice.
“You’ve noticed Kadun is missing,” Kelliark said, his voice cutting through Jin’s thoughts.
Jin almost let his surprise show.
“I heard that you, My Lord, require the power of that fire dragon to wield perfect flames.”
“It is not a guardian dragon, but a phoenix that makes a fire mage perfect.”
Screeeeee—!
A phoenix materialized behind Kelliark. It was one of the strongest in existence, renowned alongside Tess, Manier, and Sankish.
It was Belot.
The summoning was worthy of one who had reached the pinnacle of magic. Belot cast a dark shadow over Sword Emperor Castle, its body larger and more incandescent than any depiction in literature.
The world was engulfed in fire.
Gazing at the fleet filling the night sky and the searing flames of Belot, the members of the Barmul Alliance and Sword Emperor Castle felt as if they weren't facing Zipple, but Shinu, the God of Fire himself. A blaze even more massive than the legacy of Riol Zipple—which Jin had revealed through the mirror and the will of two gods—was dyeing their entire vision crimson.
But Jin was not daunted.
“Somehow, I feel that you, My Lord… might know what kind of existence my phoenix is.”
“The sole god of the fire realm and the master of all phoenixes. However, you cannot yet wield his power properly.”
This was Kelliark’s acknowledgment of Jin, spoken before everyone. The word ‘yet’ implied he believed in Jin’s future potential.
“If you truly think so, then try to blow my head off right now. I am curious to see if the power granted by your god, Shinu, can pierce Tess’s Absolute Realm.”
“You are as thick-skinned as they say. To use such an obvious bluff against me… your courage is commendable.”
Kelliark saw right through him. He knew Jin couldn't summon Tess.
A chill ran down Jin’s spine. Neither of them said it aloud, but they both understood the truth instinctively.
“And you, Lord Kelliark, are more cautious than I heard,” Jin shot back. “Seeing as you won’t use Space Explosion on me because of the one-in-a-million chance I might actually summon Tess.”
“The reason I’m not popping your head isn't just because of you.”
Kelliark smiled again. This time, the smile held not just hatred, but a chilling composure.
“Jin Runcandel.”
“Speak.”
“I heard you showed mercy by letting your fleeing enemies escape. I shall grant you the same. Let Hairan leave Sword Emperor Castle immediately, leaving the White Stone behind. If you do, no one here will die.”
Whoosh!
A small flame flickered to life on Kelliark’s finger. He used it to write in the air, forming the characters of the ‘Fire Seal,’ a sacred oath only a contractor of Shinu could wield.
Furthermore, Zipple swears to use every resource the family can muster to rescue Dante Hairan, who has been consumed by the White Stone, and return him to Hairan once he is recovered.
Everyone in Sword Emperor Castle stared at the glowing red letters.
“In addition, should my conditions be accepted, Zipple will use its full might to destroy the Imperial Family of the Empire that betrayed Hairan.”
Before they even had time to wonder how Kelliark knew of Dante’s condition, the knights of Hairan couldn't help but waver for the first time since the crisis began. The promise to destroy the Empire was of little consequence.
However, if there was one thing more precious to the knights of Hairan than the pride they were willing to die for, it was the life of their young lord.
The use of the Fire Seal meant Kelliark was swearing upon his god, Shinu. The offer was undeniably sincere.
“Zipple knows a way to save Dante Hairan. I cannot guarantee his survival absolutely, but I can promise a success rate of at least eighty percent.”
Jin immediately turned to the Hairan knights. “It’s a trap. While there is no lie in Lord Kelliark’s oath…”
The moment Hairan accepts, they will be destroyed—not by Zipple, but by Runcandel. Lord Kelliark conveniently omitted the part about protecting Hairan from us.
He couldn't bring himself to say the final words aloud. It would be the natural course of action for Runcandel to strike down a Hairan Clan that had accepted Zipple’s terms. If that happened, Runcandel would be forced to watch Zipple take the White Stone while gaining nothing themselves.
There was no way Rosa would let that happen. She was the kind of person who would let Sword Emperor Castle and all of Hairan’s lands burn to ash before backing down.
And for Jin to stand in Rosa’s way… that would be a betrayal of Runcandel.
He’s played a masterful move… Kelliark Zipple.
Objectively, neither Jin nor Runcandel could offer Hairan a better deal. Runcandel had no way to save Dante, and among all the Runcandels, only Jin truly valued the boy’s life. To the rest of the clan, it didn't matter if Hairan vanished from history, as long as the White Stone didn't fall into Zipple’s hands.
Jin gritted his teeth. Across from him, Kelliark, his face stoic, was certain of his victory. His gaze fell upon Luyan.
“I shall now give Hairan the opportunity to speak. What say you, Luyan? There is no better offer for Sword Emperor Castle.”
Luyan looked up at Kelliark, silent for a long moment.
“Hairan… and the knights gathered for Hairan…”
Just as Luyan was about to continue, a new voice spoke.
“I refuse, Kelliark Zipple.”
It was a voice everyone on this land knew well, a voice they had yearned with aching hearts to hear. It was the voice of a giant, echoing quietly, yet with a resonance so deep it filled the sky.
Everyone turned to look at the owner of that voice, who had just stepped onto the castle walls.
“Who dares claim they can save Hairan and my grandson in my stead? That is a task permitted only to me.”
There he stood, tall and unyielding.
The Sword Emperor, Ron Hairan.