Chapter 204
Chapter 204
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 204
Chapter Title: Great Clash
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"Natarshian has made his move."
"Finally, the bastard's stepping up. Artisan must have mobilized on the Namshar side as well, right?"
"Yes."
"This should be worth watching."
Having received Jangjarban's report, Ruan felt anticipation and curiosity swelling within him.
He wanted to see not only Natarshian's skills but also those of Collepton, the Demon King's Guardian.
Both were more than enough to get his blood pumping.
Part of him wanted to bolt from his seat and rush over to watch, but the situation didn't allow for it.
Right now, securing complete control over this place took priority.
Only then would his restrictions lift, allowing him to move freely.
Ruan focused his senses, scanning around Jangjarban.
From his shadow, he faintly sensed an aura of darkness.
He'd wondered where Mangblo was lurking, but hiding in Jangjarban's shadow was unexpected.
The feet were the most dangerous spot, yet also the perfect place to let one's guard down.
But not just anyone could pull it off.
It required both the skill and the audacity.
Only a Demon King's Guardian could lurk in the shadow of the empire's number one swordsman, Jangjarban. Anyone else wouldn't even dream of it.
Ruan smiled, thinking of Mangblo.
Nightmare had bound the Guardians as his limbs, enabling soul conversations.
Just picturing them in his mind allowed communication, no matter the distance.
'Not bad. Thinking to hide there.'
-This is the fastest way to infiltrate.
'I see. What's the chance?'
-So far, no openings. But even a great man like him has flaws—he's only human.
'No later than a month. If you don't succeed by then, abandon it cleanly. We can't wait forever.'
-Understood.
'I expect results.'
Ruan ended the conversation with a faint smile.
Then he asked Jangjarban.
"Between the two, which do you think will win?"
"Namshar Empire's forces have been prepared over a long time, while Tomoya Kingdom's were hastily assembled. In terms of raw power, Namshar has the edge."
"So Artisan's overwhelming victory?"
"Not necessarily. Tomoya Kingdom has troops dedicated solely to war, don't they?"
"Right. Grand Duke Natarshian. The Feridri family must be their final hidden card as a last bastion—nothing to sneeze at."
"And if Marquis Valtre has other hidden forces besides that..."
"Who knows how it'll turn out."
Ruan continued with a sinister smile.
"Whoever wins, it doesn't matter. The longer the war drags on, the weaker they'll get. Meanwhile, we'll prepare thoroughly and wait."
"Exactly. No matter the opponent, Your Majesty will be the final victor in this war."
"Naturally."
As Ruan's lips curled up, Jangjarban cautiously added.
"There's something concerning."
"......?"
"Julius Kingdom. They're watching everything too. Their actions could drastically shift the battlefield."
"Hmm."
Ruan's face hardened.
They might not wield as much influence as Tomoya Kingdom, but their power couldn't be ignored.
There was Arthur, who'd claimed the Teheran front, and the top-tier knights following him.
Plus Millerph, whom Hera had her eye on.
If Julius Kingdom's potential awakened, it'd surpass Tomoya by far.
'Might as well clean them up while we're at it.'
Once Tomoya was dealt with, he'd use Namshar's forces to handle Julius Kingdom. That was decided.
That aside.
There was something to consider regarding the Demon King's resurrection.
The second gateway of the three omens—River of Blood—was forming.
It'd likely complete after dealing with Julius Kingdom.
The problem was the final gateway: more dead than living.
To achieve that, he'd need to move Sharkrez and Druxia continents.
Sharkrez could be toppled using monsters wisely, but Druxia, an unknown world, would take time.
His desire to resurrect the Demon King and make him kneel grew stronger by the day.
Rather than waiting, he should start gathering intel bit by bit now.
Ruan spoke to Jangjarban as if resolved.
"Focus on Tomoya Kingdom and Namshar Empire for now. The winner might attack Julius Kingdom instead of us. We'll conserve strength and adapt to circumstances."
"Understood."
"In the meantime, assess the territories hit by Namshar Empire's attacks and rally the shattered knight orders to the capital."
"Yes."
Jangjarban bowed politely and exited.
Then Altros entered the office.
Having regained his youth from Hera's darkness, his face beamed with smiles.
"I was just about to call you. Perfect timing."
Ruan beckoned Altros closer.
Altros hurried over and bowed.
"Do you have orders?"
"You came because you have something to say. Speak first."
"Yes. The Pillar of Darkness is growing denser."
"You mean the barrier we set underground?"
"Correct. The denser the pillar, the stronger the Demon King's power. Someone seems to be accumulating it."
"Not related to the Guardians' revival?"
"Separate issue. Their revival doesn't strengthen the Demon King."
"Hmm, then who...!"
The three omens of resurrection.
The Demon King's power grows as they manifest.
Currently, two gateways: River of Blood.
If another River of Blood was forming outside Tomoya and Namshar's war...
Sharkrez Continent!
He'd need to check Kast Empire's situation too.
"I'll select mages skilled in infiltration for some scouting."
"To Tomoya Kingdom?"
"Sharkrez Continent. Confirm the situation there. And pick the best ones to gather intel on Druxia Continent too."
"Druxia..."
Altros's face stiffened.
No mage hated wandering continents, but they avoided that one.
Rumors of bizarre happenings abounded—even knights immune to magic.
If true, it was a death trap for mages.
"Your Majesty, Druxia might hinder mages' abilities."
"What do you mean?"
"There..."
Altros shared intel on the place, recommending a scout team of knights over mages.
"Hmm, first I've heard. The only knights for such a mission are the Central Guardian Knights, but Jangjarban would grow suspicious."
"Doesn't Your Majesty have other knight orders?"
Altros's meaningful smile reminded Ruan of Artisan.
"Right, him. Hahaha!"
Ruan laughed and continued.
"Go to Collepton yourself and relay my will. And tell him this: find a way to crush Tomoya Kingdom with minimal losses. If we fight among ourselves and all die, who's left to handle the Demon King's minions?"
"Understood. I'll convey it clearly."
A sly grin crept across Altros's lips.
***
Boom! Boom!
Each clash between Natarshian and Artisan unleashed waves of immense aura, whipping up sandstorms that engulfed the area.
'What the...'
Natarshian shuddered at Artisan's strength, deflecting Explosive Sword's strikes with bare fists.
Artisan smirked mockingly.
"Enough probing. Go all out."
"Arrogant fool."
"This isn't arrogance—it's entertainment to cure my boredom."
Artisan thrust his fist.
Gray aura like lightning shot forth.
Natarshian swiftly swung Explosive Sword, wrapped in deep crimson aura.
Boom!
A massive shock rippled through the air.
In an instant, Artisan closed the gap.
"Block this too."
He swung his fist down like a hammer.
Whoosh—.
The air exploded.
'Damn it!'
Natarshian raised his sword just in time.
Boom!
The impact shook his entire body.
Blood surged to his throat.
"Urk!"
Natarshian spat blood involuntarily and retreated, but Artisan wouldn't miss the chance.
He darted in like an arrow, dropping one knee to lower his stance.
Their eyes met at the same level. Artisan wore a disappointed look.
"What? What've you been doing for 20 years?"
He swung his fist upward in an uppercut.
Whooosh—.
Fierce wind trailed as it aimed for Natarshian's chest.
Fury boiled in Natarshian at his predicament, exploding further at Artisan's taunt.
The suppressive barrier shattered.
Hot aura erupted from his heart like a volcano, flooding his body.
Immense pressure blasted toward Artisan.
"That all?"
Artisan sneered as his fist smashed Natarshian's jaw.
Boom!
He expected pulverization, but Defense Armor activated in a flash, blocking it.
"Lucky. But twice isn't in my dictionary."
As Artisan swung again, Natarshian struck first.
"......!"
Artisan's eyes widened. He leaped back.
Seeing a gash on his burly arm twisted his face.
'How...'
It was aura-wrapped, and though hidden, darkness armored his body like plate.
Artisan's amusement vanished. Rage filled his glare at Natarshian.
Natarshian glared back, flames engulfing him like an incarnation of fire.
"Your tricks end here."
He swung his sword lightly.
Swoosh—.
Aura blade flashed like lightning.
"What!"
Artisan frantically crossed his arms before his face.
Kwaang—!
The force pushed him back a step. His face hardened at the power.
Natarshian hurled his sword toward 3 o'clock position, eyes locked on Artisan.
Paaang—.
It whistled sharply, skewering Tornado Knight Order members in a line.
Then it returned, hovering before Natarshian's chest in midair.
Explosive Sword blazed as if alive.
"Hmm..."
A legendary realm.
One of Grand Sword Master's techniques: Mind Sword.
Seeing it in person, after only books, made his heart race.
The sword rose skyward, tip aimed at Artisan.
Natarshian smiled faintly.
"I'll show you what I did these 20 years, brat."
Bang—.