Walker of the Path of Truth
“First, the investigation results. It’s been confirmed as a plot by Bares, the Holy Nation, and Brooke. The assassins appear to be a separate matter from the previous incident.”
Even with the Royal Knights' blunder involved, the investigation had been conducted rigorously. With Leon stepping in, no mistakes would be tolerated.
“Did those assassins talk? They seemed like the type who'd choose death over spilling anything...”
Cown recalled the fanatical assassins. They looked like they'd laugh through torture. But this was an era of advanced techniques.
“The Royal Knights have all sorts of magic tools and potions for interrogation. No matter how well-trained, they'd have a hard time resisting completely.”
The king's orders demanded swift execution. Even the time spent on torture could be seen as irreverent. Still, since they were safe, verified methods, even Leon wouldn't shy away from using them.
“If it's a separate incident, will they keep investigating that angle too?”
“Given they mentioned positions like archbishop and bishop, they'll pursue it as far as possible. They can't challenge the Holy Nation directly, but it'll make a useful card someday.”
The king hoped to gain political advantage from this. But the Holy Nation wouldn't care about the captured assassins' value. After all, no nation in this world was stronger than theirs.
“That's good news for Edlen.”
“Good news?”
“What do you mean?”
Kang Hanbit tossed out the comment casually, drawing puzzled looks from everyone. He explained, recalling the Holy Nation's inner workings.
“There are still spies planted by the Holy Nation scattered throughout Edlen. All the kingdom's secrets are probably flowing their way.”
“More spies...?”
“They're masters of intelligence warfare. Anyway, with this huge uproar in Edlen, they have no reason to keep using it. With the Spirit King's trace concluded as vanished, they'll turn their eyes elsewhere.”
“...I see. Yeah, there's nothing left to draw their interest now.”
Escaping the Holy Nation's crosshairs was hugely important. He didn't want Liora living in fear forever.
But she was curious about something else.
“What about Uncle?”
“Brooke is getting the death penalty, as expected. Even spilling every detail of the plot, his crimes are too grave.”
Reportedly, the terrified Brooke had desperately called for the Holy Nation and its bishop during transport. He'd cooperated fully to save his skin, but the outcome was obvious.
“...What about Dad's crimes? It got announced that there were Holy Nation spies in other cities too, right?”
“His Majesty issued an official decree himself. He declared he'd work to restore the honor of William and the Norton family. He might even visit Edlen in person... as an apology.”
“Huh?”
“His Majesty is coming?”
-The king's making a move;
-Was the king that kind of guy?
-Nah, total egomaniac.
-Selfish as hell, but great at showmanship.
Liora and Cown's eyes widened at the mention of the king acting.
'Yeah, that's his style.'
The Raven Kingdom's king was no sage ruler. He pursued an extremely self-centered kingdom—for himself, by himself. At least considering public opinion was a small mercy. Simply put, he just loved being worshipped.
“It's just a possibility for now. No need to worry about it immediately. I've compiled the detailed incident reports in writing—I'll send them over separately. And...”
Henry, continuing his explanation, turned to Hanbit. Suddenly, he placed his right hand over his left chest and bowed his head—a formal noble's salute.
“Adventurer Black Dragon, you are our savior. You pulled me, Libentia, Edlen... and William from the darkness. Thank you. I'll repay this grace with anything I can do, even my life.”
“I feel the same. Without you, Black Dragon, I'd still be writhing in despair with no future in sight. Thank you for giving me this chance to bring the young lady here, fulfilling my long-cherished wish.”
Following Henry, Cown offered his thanks too. Then Liora stood and approached.
“If it weren't for you, oppa... I wouldn't have even started. At some point, I thought restoring Dad's honor was impossible. Thank you so much.”
Their first meeting had been a game of hide-and-seek with a quick skill as the prize. Time spent with Atsbel, Plona, and Ruby. Who could've imagined it leading here?
Hearing thanks from everyone, Hanbit shook his head.
“I just got a bit lucky. I happened to find your father's legacy at the right time.”
-Just lucky. (While editing the scroll myself)
-Knew the original novel, so yeah, lucky.
-Fr, if I'd read that, I'd be in the vanguard too.
-Takes talent too tho...
Viewers fixated on the original novel angle, but Hanbit truly didn't see it as his own power. Even using past knowledge and experience, it was only possible because of William's preparations. Missing even one cog—Cown, Camon, the retainers—would've ground it to a halt.
“...”
Liora quietly stroked the ring on her finger. Years of built-up resentment for revenge. She knew it differed from her father's wishes. He'd dreamed of his daughter's happiness over his own honor.
Yet reclaiming that honor here in Edlen, under the citizens' gaze, meant the world to her.
“Still, thank you. Cown, Uncle Henry, sis, Plona, everyone who helped. I don't know if I can ever repay you all... but I'll never forget.”
Liora, weak to embarrassing words, poured her sincerity into them. The situation felt too dreamlike.
“Your thanks are enough. Like I said, I had something to gain too.”
“Indeed.”
Henry, who'd heard Hanbit's story, reached into his pocket. He handed over two letter envelopes.
“I spoke to Cown, then to Vice-Captain Leon. He asked me to pass these along. Open the blue envelope.”
“Thank you.”
Realizing the significance, Hanbit tore open the blue envelope.
I hear you want to join the investigation team. Your achievements will be reported to His Majesty, but it's wise to prepare more. First, I recommend heading to the city of Ifrit. Deliver the other letter to its mayor there. We'll meet on the royal road.
-Oh.
-Leon's linking to the next episode;
-I only got one from Cown...
-Wanna get a letter from Liora too.
The letter practically echoed Leon's voice. Sending it personally meant high regard for Hanbit.
As always, the next destination was Ifrit—but this time felt different. Entering at his current strength was a first.
“I'll put in a word with Ifrit's Adventurer's Guild too. Great for building achievements all around.”
“Thanks. Saves me a ton of time. Appreciate it, Mr. Henry.”
After the thanks, Hanbit looked around at everyone present. Even in this familiar scene repeated many times, it stirred unique emotions. Dragged here by the Goddess against his will, this world still held deep value for him. That would never change.
“You leaving now?”
Liora asked in a voice tinged with reluctance, watching him pocket the letter. Affectionate by nature, she hated goodbyes.
“I'll swing by after Ifrit.”
“...Fine then. You'll see sis before you go?”
“Stopping by the shop. Got some questions.”
“Wish I could come too... but I've got a ton to do now.”
As Norton family head, Liora was suddenly swamped. With helpful allies around and Henry handling most tasks, no worries there. Eventually, she'd even take Edlen's mayorship—but that was later.
“Guess this is really goodbye then. Too awkward, so no running out to see you off.”
“Stay healthy. And no more running away.”
“Hey!”
Teased, Liora playfully scrunched her brows. Leaving that behind, Hanbit exited the reception room.
“Really... thank you.”
A faint voice trailed from behind. With it came the alert chime.
Ding-
[You have completed Main Quest #16.]
[Progress has increased.]
[Progress has reached 100%.]
[Episode 1 has been completed.]
[Achievement: Walker of the Path of Truth unlocked.]
[Rewards maximized for first achievement clear.]
[Received 1,000,000 gold.]
[40 stat points added.]
[400,000 EXP gained.]
[Level up by 7.]
[7 stat points added.]
-Wait, what?
-Holy shit lol
-40 stat points, 400k EXP??
-Sorry my main sucks, this is my alt.
-What's Walker of the Path of Truth?
-Adventure A sobbing +1 stack.
-Cleared it crazy fast tho;
-Vanguard finally feeling the heat, pog.
[LowSpender has donated 50,000 won.]
[Speed's insane. lol]
[YeahYeah has donated 77,777 won.]
[Mind-blowing.]
[SpiritUserAssoc? has donated 100,000 won.]
[Our spirit user hwaiting]
[Avant-garde has donated 1,000,000 won.]
[Truly unimaginable route!]
'Insane.'
Alerts and messages scrolled up endlessly. Chat and donations poured in nonstop.
Then something odd happened.
Bzzz-
The screen vibrated lightly. Wondering what was up, golden text suddenly appeared at the top.
[Player Black Dragon's party has successfully brought Bares to justice.]
[Special privilege granted to the first player to reach the truth of Episode 1. After 24 hours preparation, contribution-based privileges will be delivered to your inventory.]
[Players who previously cleared Episode 1 are granted a reset and replay opportunity.]
[Some hidden zones are now unlocked.]