Chapter 98
Chapter 98
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 98
Chapter Title: The End of the Ill-Fated Tie (6)
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Meanwhile, another battle was raging near the main gate of the outer citadel.
Elder Aren and Elder Marius.
Once friends, they were now clashing more fiercely than ever.
Boom! Boom boom!
Every time light flashed, the ground cracked or the walls crumbled.
The aftermath alone was terrifying, as befitting a clash between 7th Circle powerhouses.
But like all battles, this one too had to come to an end.
Crunch!
The gruesome sound of flesh tearing and bones breaking echoed out.
Blood poured from the hand gripping the sword hilt, staining it red, but Elder Aren didn't flinch.
He simply gazed calmly at his opponent before him, Elder Marius.
Impaled on the sword, Elder Marius gave a bitter smile.
"...I wanted to deal with the traitor myself."
"I don't know what words of apology to offer you. But my regret is genuine, Elder Marius. The time we spent together in our youth remains a fond memory for me."
"Heh. How shameless, Aren Cruise. To betray a longtime comrade and old friend, then spout such words."
As blood streamed down, Elder Marius's face grew pale.
Yet his eyes sharpened even more.
It was hard to believe he was on the verge of death, but Elder Aren remained composed.
Having lived a long life, he knew well.
How people on the brink of death could appear hale for a fleeting moment.
Like a candle flame burning brightest just before it goes out.
"The Young Lord is a frightening man. No matter what we hide or scheme in secret, he sees through it all. You can tell from this war. Didn't House Lois suffer a de facto defeat without firing a single shot?"
"......"
"That's not all. The Young Lord knows how to stoke people's desires. And he has the power to make them come true. No one could resist his sweet offers."
Elder Aren spoke with self-mockery.
He had felt it in that secret hideout.
No matter what he did, he could never escape Martin's grasp.
All he could do was tremble with humiliation and shame.
"...I betrayed the Young Lord and now meet my end at the hands of a friend. But you, who cast aside our friendship, won't die easily either. You'll surely meet a miserable fate."
"That may be. Even so, I have no regrets, Marius Protal. The day I achieve my long-cherished wish is near."
"Kukuku. That's the kind of man you are. Always smiling on the outside, but tougher than anyone..."
Thud.
Elder Marius dropped his head, and it came to rest against Elder Aren's chest.
His clothes were stained with blood, but Elder Aren embraced his foe without a care.
Step step.
Someone approached him—Elder Oriana.
"You've done well, Elder Aren. The feats you've accomplished today will be passed down through history."
"At the same time, I'll be branded as the man who killed his friend. But I don't particularly mind. There's just something I want to say to you."
"What is it?"
"I sincerely apologize for blaming you all this time, Elder Oriana. After experiencing it myself at the Young Lord's hands, I understand why you had no choice but to make that decision."
"No need to worry about it. That's all in the past, and I've long since forgotten. What matters is that we're alive. Let's give it our all until we achieve our wishes."
"We will. Having sworn to live even at the cost of betraying a friend, I believe we must see it through to the end."
The two elders exchanged bitter smiles.
They instinctively knew they could never escape the stigma of traitor until their dying breath.
* * *
The vanguard led by Wilhelm von Pezeks and Martin's main force marched triumphantly through the streets of Amelzen City.
Martin headed straight to the city hall and announced that the ringleaders of the rebellion would be justly tried in Barrehain City.
He then assured the citizens they would face no punishment and urged them to resume their daily lives.
With all the branch family's rebellions quelled, Martin's prestige grew even firmer, and the citizens returned to their routines with relief.
Once affairs were settled, Martin headed to the Gustin estate with his key retainers.
To celebrate the victory.
"Isn't that going too far, Young Lord? You take the supreme commander position and end the war in just one day! I ended up playing the perfect supporting role."
"Come on. Who would think that? You proved you're the strongest swordsman in the current Adalbert family by severing the right arm of Mateus von Gustin, the rebel leader."
"Even that gets overshadowed by the birth of the youngest 8th Circle master in history."
"Well... can't be helped."
Martin shrugged with an awkward smile.
The fact that he had reached the 8th Circle hadn't been announced publicly yet.
They were waiting for an official proclamation from Barrehain City, the main stronghold.
"Naturally, the entire continent will be shocked. Reaching the 7th Circle at 18 was unbelievable enough, but 8th Circle... Honestly, I still can't believe it."
"I'm still dazed myself, Captain Phillip. Feels like I'm dreaming."
"The best dream imaginable."
"Honestly, yeah."
The 8th Circle.
A realm full of profound sentiment.
In terms of raw power, it matched his days as the Sword Saint.
'But the breadth of application is greater here.'
What could he do now with All Things Distortion at the 4th Circle?
Just thinking about exploring it firsthand lifted his spirits.
And this wasn't even the end.
He still held the enlightenment of 5th Circle swordsmanship in his mind.
He simply wasn't attempting awakening because his current body couldn't handle 9th Circle power yet, but the foundation was laid.
He could surpass the man once called the Sword Saint.
The mere thought made his heart race.
"I think your reaching the 8th Circle is truly shocking, Young Lord. But personally, what surprised me most in this war was something else. How on earth did you win over Elder Aren, Young Lord?"
"I feel the same as Captain Lucas. I believe we ended this war early thanks to Elder Aren's joining us."
Lucas and Christian looked at Martin with sparkling eyes.
It was burdensome seeing grown men act like that in unison.
Of course, he didn't show it outright.
"He just recognized my sincerity."
"No. This old man committed a grave error, yet the Young Lord forgave me. I've resolved to do anything to repay that trust."
When Martin cast a subtle glance, Elder Aren gave a bitter smile in response.
Afterward, everyone chattered happily, sharing tales of their exploits or intriguing moments from the war.
Martin finding the Gustin family's secret passage, Christian beheading Karsten Frings, vice captain of the Crimson Dragon Knights, Elder Oriana defeating three Gustin elders at once— the stories varied.
"Say what you will, but the Young Lord earned the greatest merit. Honestly, isn't it too much? With your nonexistent martial talent, now you show genius in strategy too? They call the First Prince a genius, but he can't compare to you."
"Er... Fighting's one thing, but other areas..."
This praise embarrassed him.
Reading his opponent's intentions had been possible only thanks to future knowledge.
Applying it was a skill, but he didn't consider himself a true strategist.
"Even in this situation, you're humble. Now I see why Sien calls you a deceiver. My daughter's words ring true."
"Haha..."
"Anyway, the important thing is that Nicholas von Lois got hit hard. In fact, this war wasn't just quelling a rebellion—it was the opening skirmish with House Lois, wasn't it?"
"As Sir Vincent says. And by our victory here, they've essentially been defeated. Without firing a single shot."
"Exactly! With no allies in the North responding, what can they do? All roads to Barrehain are blocked, and they can't even get proper supplies!"
House Adalbert was the hegemon of the North.
Moreover, Martin had recently toured the North, solidifying his influence.
Even if House Lois was strong, they couldn't guarantee victory against the Adalbert main house—let alone fighting the entire North without internal support?
It was suicide, nothing more or less.
"Of course, if the western nobles backing the Second Prince joined in, it would be different. But that's not possible right now."
"If he moves troops, the First Princess won't sit idly by. If those two clash now, the First Prince would be thrilled."
The Second Prince and First Princess needed to gather strength now.
Only then could they catch up to the First Prince.
In the end, Nicholas von Lois had only one choice.
"I'm looking forward to seeing what face he makes."
"I'll let you know soon."
Martin replied to Vincent with a grin.
Then he rose from his seat.
To check the opponent's reaction.
* * *
Rudolf Buyst, vice captain of the Black Night Knights dispatched to protect or escort Kallain, carried a communication crystal orb.
It was linked to Nicholas von Lois's orb, allowing instant contact.
"How does it feel? To retreat without even properly fighting."
-......-
The Nicholas formed of light fell silent.
But he couldn't fully hide his emotions.
Tremble tremble.
His cheeks shook, proving he was seized by extreme rage.
Seeing it, Martin felt a surge of satisfaction.
Of course, the teasing was just beginning.