Episode 535

The name Bahamut, the Evil Dragon, and the history of the Liberation War were etched deeply into the minds of the people of the Central Continent. Because of this, they revered Terrakan Draker, the Dragon Slayer who killed Bahamut, as the hero of the Dragon Slayer legend—a savior who freed humanity from the dragon’s tyranny.

So, when Zeke spoke, it was a shock to everyone gathered at the grand assembly. The vague concept of a Demon King suddenly became tangible, embodied in the form of the Evil Dragon Bahamut. Bahamut was infamous for having destroyed six of the Seven Kingdoms, sparing only Thebea, enslaving humans, and devouring beautiful maidens at every meal.

‘Of course, that was a gross distortion of history.’

Zeke didn’t want to tarnish Bahamut’s name, who had sacrificed himself to save the world, but he had no choice. Without this drastic measure, the key figures of the Central Continent would never grasp the gravity of the Demon King’s return.

Indeed, after Zeke’s declaration, the faces of those gathered grew noticeably more serious. If Bahamut were to rise again and lay waste to the continent, without a hero like Terrakan Draker, victory in war would be impossible.

At that moment, Kali addressed the anxious crowd. “There is a chance to prevent the return of Bahamut, or rather, the Demon King.”

All eyes turned to her as she continued, “For centuries, a group of dark sorcerers known as ‘Narak’ have lurked in the shadows of the Central Continent, summoning demons and attempting to bring forth the Demon King.”

The mention of Narak caused a stir among the crowd, but Kali pressed on. “It has been revealed that Narak has allied with the Rom Empire.”

Her words sent shockwaves through the assembly. “The Rom Empire? How could this be?”

Kali calmed the uproar, explaining, “Specifically, they allied with Emperor Nero of the Rom Empire, who was thought to be dead.”

Many nodded in understanding, recalling the terror of Nero’s reign. “So, the mad emperor had a reason for his madness.”

With the atmosphere charged, Kali drove her point home. “Narak is currently preparing to summon the Demon King in Jupiter.”

The room fell silent. Jupiter, the Rom Empire’s strategic stronghold, was a fortress with abundant resources, ideal for a siege or prolonged battle. This was why Emperor Leo, who now held power, couldn’t easily reclaim it from the remnants occupying it.

Kali continued, “To avert the impending crisis on the Central Continent, we must form an alliance to liberate Jupiter and eradicate the dark sorcerers.”

As she drew her sword and rallied the knights, they raised their arms in agreement, their blood boiling with resolve. “Yes! Let’s crush them!”

“Our family’s banner will lead the charge!”

However, the mood was different among the Delpoa faction, dominated by mages. They discussed the matter with grave expressions. Once the excitement subsided, the chief mage of Delpoa addressed Kali.

“While I do not doubt your words, Lady Kali, I must ask for proof. What evidence do we have that Narak truly intends to summon the Demon King? And the claim that Bahamut was the Demon King is merely Sir Zeke Draker’s assertion, not verified information.”

Kali hesitated, unable to provide immediate evidence. ‘Proof…’

While there was evidence of Narak summoning demons, proving they intended to summon the Demon King, or that the Demon King had once possessed Bahamut, was another matter. Records from the Liberation War were scarce, and even official documents on Terrakan Draker were hard to find. Some records existed in Draker’s secret archives, but they were forbidden from being disclosed, even to Kali.

The chief mage, sensing her hesitation, pressed on. “If you cannot provide evidence, it may seem as though you are using the provocative notion of Bahamut’s resurrection to manipulate the assembly and form an alliance without just cause.”

He continued, “If an alliance is formed and invades Jupiter, the forces of the major kingdoms and families will be depleted. If this is all unfounded, it could appear that the Draker family is using the alliance to eliminate their enemies while preserving their own strength.”

His words sowed doubt among the assembly. “Could it be?”

“Well, the Draker family is certainly capable of such a thing…”

The infamous reputation of the Draker family, shaped by Arthur Draker’s manipulations, fueled the suspicion. The chief mage’s words ignited the latent distrust, spreading like wildfire.

Kali clenched her teeth, realizing the situation was dire. She had laid the groundwork for a continental alliance, only for the chief mage’s words to cast doubt over the entire assembly. She glanced at Zeke, who seemed deep in thought.

Then, unexpectedly, Beatrice, the Pope, raised her hand. “The Holy Kingdom supports the formation of a continental alliance.”

The sudden declaration from the Holy Kingdom surprised the other representatives. Following suit, Princess Melissa of Alencia also raised her hand. “Alencia supports it as well.”

Those with ties to Zeke Draker began to voice their support one by one. Yellin raised her hand. “Ishtar will join as well.”

Even the reclusive Ishtar family pledged their support, causing the assembly to stir once more. Observing the situation, Zeroth nudged the sleeping Jorge awake. “Lord, we should… Ah, Nirvana will join too! We’re in!”

With Nirvana’s unexpected participation, the Delpoa mages’ expressions soured. Delpoa was the magic capital of the Central Continent, but Nirvana, who called themselves sorcerers and operated outside Delpoa’s magical order, was a constant thorn in their side.

The chief mage, driven by resentment, argued further. “We must think rationally! This could escalate into a continental war, so we need solid evidence before making such a decision…”

Bang!

As the chief mage spoke passionately, the doors to the assembly hall burst open. A group of knights strode in, their armor and weapons distinct from those of the Central Continent. They were the knights of the Northern Continent, Himonas.

The assembly fell silent at the sight of the wild northern knights, who seemed fresh from battle. Then, a figure emerged from among them—a woman with radiant platinum hair, the ruler of the Northern Continent and the North’s king, Alicia Himonas.

Ignoring the others, she fixed her brilliant blue eyes on Zeke Draker and called out boldly, “Zeke Draker! Friend of the North! At your request, the knights of Himonas have arrived!”

Her booming voice echoed through the hall, and the Himonas knights behind her cheered wildly, their cries akin to those of barbarians. The Central Continent’s people watched them with a mix of awe and fear.

Even Kali, who knew Zeke had invited the Northern Continent’s Himonas, was taken aback by their presence. Zeke stepped forward and bowed to Alicia. “Lady Alicia, thank you for attending the continental assembly.”

Not everyone understood the northern language, but they recognized the name ‘Alicia’ from Zeke’s address. The assembly was stunned to realize she was Alicia Himonas. “A-Alicia Himonas?”

“They say she took the heads of those northern lords in one swift stroke…”

“With a face that delicate?”

All that was known about Alicia in the central continent were the chilling rumors. Yet, despite the tales, Alicia was unbelievably beautiful, with a fragile appearance that seemed almost ethereal.

Zeke recalled how his former enemies had been deceived by Alicia’s looks, only to meet their end in vain.

“With that face and frame, it’s no wonder they couldn’t fathom the power of a Grandmaster.”

But Alicia’s true terror wasn’t just her Grandmaster strength. It was her unyielding will and indomitable spirit. Combined with her power, no army, no matter how vast, could breach the northern lands she defended.

Just then, the chief mage of Delphoa, his face flushed with anger, stepped forward.

“Are you saying the northern knights are joining the continental alliance? How can we ally with such savages?”

Delphoa had always looked down on knights, especially those from the north, criticizing their culture of living alongside other races.

The chief mage’s voice rose with indignation. “What if these barbarians use the alliance as an excuse to raid our supplies and stab us in the back? Why bring them here?”

Several noble families nodded in agreement, voicing their disdain.

“Indeed! It’s revolting to even consider being with such savages.”

“The Draker family has disappointed us! We thought you upheld the honor of the dragon-slaying knights!”

Carly was momentarily taken aback by the blatant hostility towards the northern continent. She hadn’t expected such a reaction.

As Zeke prepared to step forward, a loud thud echoed.

Alicia unsheathed the massive sword strapped to her back, her eyes flashing as she glared at the chief mage and the nobles who had insulted the north.

“Seems like this place is full of loudmouths.”

Her command of the central continent’s language was surprisingly fluent, her voice dripping with menace. Even the chief mage and the noble knights felt a chill, unable to muster a response.

Alicia swung her enormous sword with ease, advancing toward them.

“Let’s see if your skills match your big mouths! Step forward!”

The nobles, caught off guard by her challenge, retreated in panic.

Watching them, Alicia bared her teeth like a fierce wolf.

“Cowards who can’t even stand up for themselves… I’ll personally remove those useless heads of yours.”

Just as she was about to unleash her Grandmaster strength with her sword, a sharp whistle cut through the air.

Zeke stepped in front of her, blocking her path.