Episode 327
“The ruins of the first Holy King?”
This was information I had never heard of in my previous life, but given that the Emperor had a penchant for scouring every ruin on the continent, it wasn’t surprising that he would covet the ruins of the first Holy King.
Souma spoke to Zeke.
“According to our intelligence, the Emperor’s health has significantly deteriorated. It seems he believes there is an artifact in the ruins of the first Holy King that can cure his illness. Using the pretext of aiding the Holy Kingdom, he is personally leading his army there.”
Zeke realized why the Emperor was marching his troops into the Holy Kingdom.
“The Orc Legion must be his doing as well. He needed an excuse to enter the Holy Kingdom.”
What was astonishing was that Siemens had agreed to the Emperor’s insane request.
To utilize the monster legion, the power of Siemens and Narak was essential.
Whether the Emperor was truly desperate to cure his illness or if Siemens and Narak had other motives was unclear, but this situation was undoubtedly causing chaos in both the Holy Kingdom and the Empire.
“With the second prince, the heir, in my hands and the Emperor in a frenzy, Julius must be having quite the headache.”
The Empire’s turmoil meant there were plenty of opportunities to exploit.
In his past life, Zeke had been killed by the Emperor’s hunting dogs.
He couldn’t say he bore no grudge against the Emperor.
“In my past life, I never had the chance to confront him. But in this life… I might just get my chance for revenge.”
Just then, Souma spoke again.
“The head of the family wants you to capture the traitor, Bacchus.”
Though he danced around the subject, it was clear that the Black Stage wanted Bacchus.
“Is it because of the Pope’s successor?”
Souma shook his head at Zeke’s question.
“That’s part of it, but Bacchus himself is a bigger problem. As a member of the Black Stage and a direct descendant of the Draker family, he knows too much. If Bacchus were to make a deal with the Emperor and seek asylum in the Empire, it would be a severe blow to the Draker family.”
Zeke pondered Souma’s words, several questions arising in his mind.
“It can’t be just because of that that they want me to capture Bacchus.”
Zeke suspected this might be another of Arthur’s twisted tests.
Perhaps it was a test to see how he would handle capturing and dealing with a direct blood relative like Bacchus.
“Or maybe Bacchus really does know something secret, something that mustn’t leak to the Empire or the Black Stage, and that’s why they’re entrusting it to me.”
There seemed to be many complex layers hidden within this situation.
Souma spoke to the contemplative Zeke.
“The head of the family has promised a great reward if you succeed in this mission.”
Souma’s words lent some weight to Zeke’s suspicions.
“For the head to go this far, Bacchus must have something significant.”
Even if it wasn’t just Arthur’s test, if Bacchus handed the Pope’s successor to the Emperor, leading him to the Holy King’s ruins, things could get complicated.
“First, I’ll retrieve the successor from Bacchus and then wait for the Emperor at the Holy King’s ruins to deal with him.”
Zeke knew that the Holy King, Geo Luvern, was the child of Claudia Luvern, Bahamut’s polymorph form, and Terracan Draker.
“The ruins of Geo Luvern are likely linked to the system as well.”
In that case, setting a trap there to capture the Emperor seemed the most advantageous.
Having assessed the situation, Zeke asked Souma again.
“Have you confirmed Bacchus’s whereabouts?”
“We believe he’s hiding in an old monastery not far from Vadoka.”
“Good. I have one more question.”
“Go ahead.”
“Do I have to capture Bacchus alive?”
Though they had different mothers, Bacchus and Zeke shared the same father.
Watching Zeke ask if he could complete the mission by killing his half-brother without hesitation, Souma was reminded of Zeke’s direct lineage to the Draker family.
Souma nodded slowly.
“As long as you leave no trace, it shouldn’t matter. However, we will need proof of Bacchus’s death.”
“Understood. Please inform the head that I will undertake the mission.”
Satisfied with Zeke’s response, Souma extended his hand with a pleased smile.
“It was a pleasure meeting you, Sir Zeke. If you need anything in the future, please contact the Black Stage. We will repay your assistance.”
As Zeke released Souma’s hand, he found a black card had been slipped into his palm.
“A direct communication frequency to the Black Stage’s intelligence chief? They must be in quite a hurry to give me this.”
Having achieved his purpose, Souma promptly left for headquarters.
Left alone, Zeke pondered for a moment before summoning Boris and Decker.
As Decker entered the room, he bowed with the disciplined demeanor of a knight.
“You called for me, my lord.”
Zeke addressed Decker.
“Decker, once preparations are complete, march with the Silver Knights to the Holy Kingdom of Vadoka.”
“You’re not leading us yourself, my lord?”
“I have another matter to attend to first. I’ll accompany you to the Holy Kingdom. We’ll part ways briefly, and after completing my mission, I’ll rejoin you at the gates of Vadoka.”
Knowing that Zeke had met with the Black Stage, Decker realized the mission was a confidential one for the Draker family.
Decker nodded immediately.
“Understood.”
“Also, contact Master Duke in Atlas. He mentioned having experience in the Holy Kingdom during his youth, so he should be familiar with Vadoka. Let’s ask for his assistance.”
Decker’s expression brightened at the suggestion.
“Having Master Duke with us would be reassuring.”
After instructing Decker to begin preparations, Zeke turned to Boris, who remained.
“You seem quite at ease these days.”
“Not at all, boss.”
“You’ve grown close to the assassins of Salmak. How’s that going?”
“Since our work is similar, we’ve gotten somewhat close. Are you thinking of recruiting them?”
“If possible, that would be ideal.”
Boris’s expression turned complicated at Zeke’s words.
“Well, the assassins of Salmak are indeed skilled. But as you know, if Salmak finds out, the treaty you established will become meaningless, and assassins will keep coming after you.”
“The Old Man of the Mountain was never one to honor a treaty to the end. He’s probably already told the assassins to kill me if they get the chance.”
“What? Surely not…”
“He’s the type who would do just that.”
Boris’s eyes sharpened at Zeke’s words.
“Then should we deal with them now?”
“I thought you’d grown fond of them. Was I wrong?”
“Well, yes, but business is business.”
In Boris, Zeke saw a glimpse of his own past as a hitman.
He shook his head.
“There’s no need for that. Salmak… I’ll deal with them soon enough.”
Boris felt a chill run down his spine at Zeke’s words.
His master was not one to leave a threat unchecked.
“He’s planning to take over Salmak entirely when the opportunity arises.”
Salmak, which had stood firm for centuries without bowing to any kingdom.
But if Zeke decided to deal with them, could they withstand it?
Boris couldn’t imagine a scenario where Zeke failed.
“A storm of blood will sweep the desert.”
As Boris mused with a wry smile, Zeke spoke to him.
“Boris, we’re heading into the Holy Kingdom to capture Bacchus Draker.”
Boris was taken aback by Zeke’s sudden statement.
“The Draker traitor? Why now…?”
“I’ll explain the details later. Only you and Shadia will accompany me.”
Boris nodded, as if he had expected this.
“I had a bad feeling when you called for me… I’ll prepare immediately.”
“Good. Have there been any updates on Lord Hades and the Ishtar sorcerers?”
“I just received word from Mycenae. Lord Hades is driving the Ishtar sorcerers hard, demanding all sorts of materials. As a result, strange things are piling up daily at Agamemnon Castle.”
“Let Lord Hades do as he wishes. How is Lady Yelin?”
Boris’s expression turned peculiar at Zeke’s inquiry about Yelin.
It was the first time Zeke had asked about a woman’s well-being.
“Lady Yelin has embarked on a journey to the northern forest, seeking traces of her ancestors.”
“The northern forest…”
As Zeke pondered, Boris cautiously asked.
“Boss, are you really considering marrying the heir of Ishtar?”
Even Boris had to admit that Yelin’s beauty was the epitome of elegance and mystery.
Though Angelina was also a renowned beauty, Yelin possessed the allure and grace of a goddess.
Setting aside her formidable background as the heir of Ishtar, her beauty was enough to make one willing to give up their soul.
Zeke looked at Boris with a disdainful expression.
“Do I look like I’m in a position to be thinking about marriage?”
“Well, no, but I just thought…”
“Stop with the nonsense. How is Lady Yelin being protected?”
“The Ishtar sorcerers are accompanying her. We’ve also assigned a few of our own to report immediately if anything happens.”
“Good. Let me know if anything arises.”
If anything were to happen to Yelin, it was certain that Jamila, the head of Ishtar, would come for his head.
At that moment, Boris spoke to Zeke.
“Boss, there’s one more thing I need to tell you.”
“What is it?”
“Arina has contacted us. She says she’s managed to tame the assassins from Six who tried to kill you.”
”…I can’t fathom how Arina manages to change the minds of those mafia thugs.”
“I’m quite curious myself, but I didn’t dare ask.”
“Did she say they need treatment too?”
“Yes, she mentioned it’s similar to Sion’s case. They’ve been enhanced with drugs. And that sand manipulator is in pretty bad shape.”
“Typical mafia antics. Got it. We’ll have to prioritize their treatment when we visit Agamemnon Castle.”
With that, Zeke wrapped up the conversation and instructed Boris to make the necessary preparations.
A few days later, dozens of warships set sail from Iason.
Onboard were the Black Sword Knights led by Zeke and the Silver Knights led by Luno.
The fleet sped towards the Holy Kingdom.
Crrrrr—
Screeeech—
Creak! Creak!
Horrible sounds seeped out from behind dozens of thick iron doors.
Ramon Jimenez walked down the corridor, made of solid natural stone, with a grave expression, flanked by mages from the Jimenez Secret Magic Corps.
As Ramon raised his hand, the iron door at the end of the corridor opened on its own.
The moment the door swung open, a foul stench wafted out from the stone chamber.
A thick, visible mist of blood filled the room.
“Ugh.”
Even the Jimenez mages, accustomed to the scent of blood, felt their stomachs churn at the overwhelming odor.
Ramon moved forward with a steely expression.
Beyond the arched entrance, someone in a black robe was examining Abel’s body laid out on a stone altar.
Ramon addressed him.
“Priest.”
The robed figure turned at Ramon’s words, revealing a black mask beneath the hood.
Ramon frowned at the sight.
“Even in this situation, you choose to hide behind a puppet.”
Rumble—
The entire stone chamber shook with Ramon’s energy.
The masked priest remained unfazed by the intense vibrations.
Ramon soon calmed himself and reined in his power.
He glared at the priest and spoke directly.
“Let me ask you bluntly. Can Abel be revived?”
From within the black mask, red eyes glinted.
A low voice emerged from the figure.
“It is impossible to resurrect Abel Draker.”