Chapter 261
Just experiencing that side of him as the Demon King, even unconsciously, would serve as a powerful moment of realization for the Nordians.
“Now, the rest is up to Grandfather.”
After imprinting his image as the Demon King deep into Nordian’s subconscious, Chris let out a heavy sigh and opened his eyes.
“Is your father going to be alright?”
“We’ll have to wait and see, but I believe he’ll pull through.”
“What on earth happened?”
Chris gave a brief rundown of the recent events to Count Kazar, who had been waiting anxiously.
“Langham allied with the Mystic Maga and did something like that? And even the Blue Stream Demon King? Hah.”
Count Kazar shook his head in dismay.
“If it weren’t for you, it would have been a disaster. I’m glad you’re safe. You’ve been through a lot.”
Chris fell silent for a moment.
‘Yeah, I really did go through hell. Ugh, I just want to rest.’
He wanted nothing more than to blow off steam and act like a wild rogue, but—
‘There’s no time for that.’
Besides, something seemed to be going on within the family as well.
Count Kazar’s expression was grim.
“Has anything happened to the family?”
“…Yes.”
“What is it?”
“We received a message from the Destruction Maga about the upcoming Dark Tournament.”
Count Kazar’s voice was cold and firm.
“They told us to surrender and raise the white flag.”
“!!”
“And if we refuse, they threatened to kill everyone involved in the tournament.”
Count Kazar sighed deeply.
“The head of the Destruction Maga, Duke Besen, is furious that our Dark Maga challenged them to this tournament. If we don’t kneel to them now, they’re ready to cause a huge disaster.”
His eyes were filled with worry.
‘There’s no doubt their power far surpasses ours.’
The Destruction Maga was ranked among the top five of the twelve great magical houses.
Their number of seven-star and above high-ranking mages was incomparable to the Dark Maga.
‘No one really expects our Dark Maga to win.’
Count Kazar seemed to secretly hope the Dark Tournament would be called off.
But—
“Why don’t you respond like this? Tell them that the ones who’ll be kneeling in disgrace that day will be them, and that they should start thinking about how to serve our Dark Maga properly from now on.”
“!!”
“And if they’re so confident, ask if it’s alright for us to arrange the matchups. Of course, add that if they’re scared, they can arrange them instead.”
Count Kazar’s face grew even more troubled.
“Do we really have a chance?”
“Of course. But there’s a condition.”
“…What is it?”
“Your father and everyone else must become stronger.”
“!!”
Chris dropped a chilling statement.
“Summon all the high-ranking mages of the family. As Grandmaster, I will begin additional special training starting today.”
It was a declaration that hellish times were about to begin for the Dark Maga’s elite.
It was time to grow stronger once again.
Chris mercilessly drilled the high-ranking mages, and the whole family echoed with cries of anguish.
‘I have to get stronger too.’
Time flew by, and just before the Dark Tournament was about to begin, Chris left the family estate.
“Where are you going?”
“I’m just stepping out for some fresh air. I’ll be back before the tournament starts.”
He headed toward the Rudolph Troupe within the castle.
An unexpected figure awaited him.
Evan.
“Been well?”
Evan nodded.
‘He’s gotten stronger again.’
Chris whistled inwardly.
He had only recently reached six stars, yet he was already mastering his thoughts with remarkable skill.
Perhaps it was the blessing of the constellations finally taking effect—his growth was terrifying.
‘Evan was already ridiculously talented, but now with the full support of the constellations, his growth will only explode further.’
Chris glanced over.
Next to Evan stood Ruina, wearing a face that looked like she’d just chewed on something foul.
“Long time no see. How have you been?”
“Oh… haha. It’s been a while.”
“Why so tense? You’re not heading to your death.”
“D-Death? No, I’m not!!”
Ruina raised her voice sharply.
“I’m going to the Fanatic Cult! How could I not be nervous?!”
A shocking revelation.
The Fanatic Cult was an extremist faction within the Holy Empire.
They interpreted the will of the constellations with radical doctrines and didn’t hesitate to spill blood.
‘They’re crazier than most mages.’
They ignored the Holy Emperor’s orders and caused all sorts of trouble, to the point where the biggest worry of the Holy Emperor wasn’t the Magic Empire, but the Fanatic Cult.
“Don’t worry so much. If you’re this nervous already, how do you expect to con the Fanatic Cult?”
“What if I get caught and lose my head?”
“It’s fine. Just don’t get caught. Are you going to back down now? Opportunities to win the Holy Emperor’s favor don’t come often.”
“Ugh! Favor or not, if I die, it’s over! Are you sure I won’t get caught?!”
“That depends on you. I won’t make mistakes. Your role is important this time, so do your best.”
Just as Ruina, frustrated, was about to pound her chest, Evan quietly spoke up.
“You seem to hate this too much. This is also for the good of the world.”
“…W-What did you say?”
“Lady Ruina, you should consider it an honor to participate in Duke Christian’s great cause.”
Evan’s absurd words left Ruina speechless, her mouth opening and closing.
‘…I’m not exactly trying to con the Fanatic Cult for some grand purpose.’
The real goal of this trip was to use the Fanatic Cult to strike the Destruction Maga.
‘The Destruction Maga won’t just surrender after losing the tournament. We have to use the Fanatic Cult to put them in a bind.’
There was another objective.
‘We need to obtain the Lost Flame.’
The Three Sovereigns, including the Holy Black and Poisoned Vial.
No matter who won the tournament, the Destruction Maga wouldn’t hand over the Lost Flame willingly, so Chris planned to seize it amid the chaos caused by the Fanatic Cult.
‘And at the same time, deal a blow to the Fanatic Cult. They’re a huge threat to the alliance.’
They weren’t rotten, but they were dangerously unhinged, causing all sorts of damage.
They needed to be broken.
‘Well, in the end, it’s for the good of the world, so Evan’s words aren’t entirely wrong.’
Chris cleared his throat and reached out to Ruina.
“Enough talk. Let’s head to the Fanatic Cult.”
Ruina grimaced but took Chris’s hand.
They planned to use the power of the relic to teleport.
“Ugh! But why do we have to use my relic again? It costs money!”
“Ah, right. Consider this a favor. How much have I done for you so far?”
“No, you haven’t done anything…!!”
Evan interrupted again.
“Honestly, Duke Christian has done you many favors. Lady Ruina, you should be a bit more grateful…”
“Ahhh! Everyone shut up!”
With a flash and a loud noise, the three vanished.
Whoosh.
Hot desert winds blew.
A vast desert stretched out before them.
The Flame Desert, home to the Fanatic Cult.
‘We made it.’
Chris said to Ruina, who was clutching her head, muttering, ‘Ugh, teleportation fees are so expensive. My money.’
“They’re coming. Get ready.”
“…Are you sure this is okay?”
“Well, didn’t I say it depends on you?”
Ruina pouted.
But now that they’d come this far, there was no turning back.
She pulled out the relic and, with a flash, changed her appearance.
She transformed into a noble and kind-looking beauty.
“That look really doesn’t suit you.”
“I know that! Why do you get to look good?”
Chris had also altered his appearance through the constellation’s blessing.
Golden hair shining brilliantly, his once irritating aura replaced by a gentle, saintly face.
Like a true saint.
Evan was the same.
“No more awkwardness.”
Gone was his usual rebellious air, replaced by the devoted expression of a holy knight, arms crossed.
“Do well. Evan, your role is important too.”
“Of course. Don’t worry.”
Evan looked at Christian with fierce determination.
“This is surely another great cause for the world. I’ll do my best.”
“…Right.”
Chris was a bit taken aback by Evan’s growing trust in him, a side effect of his clairvoyance.
Then, in the distance, a flash of light appeared.
A brilliant glow.
Several figures soared into the sky.
‘The Fanatic Cult’s Holy Light Mages!’
True to their name, they all had striking appearances.
Their heads and even eyebrows were completely shaved, and their faces were covered with tattoos symbolizing the constellations.
There was none of the gentle expression one might expect from priests—only fierce fighting spirit.
“Who are you? Don’t you know this is the sacred ground of our cult? Without just cause, you will pay with your eyes to the great constellations and leave.”
A chilling threat.
In the desert, those who lost their way and stepped into the cult’s sacred ground were never sent away peacefully.
The problem was that they believed their actions were righteous.
‘They’re a real pain in the neck in every way.’
Chris frowned inwardly and looked at Ruina.
According to the plan, it was her turn to step forward first.
“Ahem, ahem. Brave brothers, I am Vivian, a close friend to all of you. Please accept this token. It is a badge of gratitude bestowed upon me by the Order.”
The priests of the fanatic cult exchanged surprised glances.
“Vivian, you say? Aren’t you the friend who recently did us a great favor?”
Following Chris’s instructions, Ruina had concealed her identity and established ties with the cult beforehand.
“Oh ho ho, that’s right. I’m glad my small kindness has been of great help to you all.”
“Welcome. What brings you here?”
“I’ve come to introduce these gentlemen to you.”
Ruina gestured toward Chris and Evan.
“And who might they be?”
Chris stepped forward.
“I am a prophet blessed by the Constellation.”
“!!”
“The Constellation has granted me visions concerning you all, and I have come to deliver its message.”
The cult priests looked unsettled.
“…That’s hard to believe. Do you have any proof of your claim?”
Chris glanced at Evan.
Evan, wearing a face full of feigned devotion, raised his sword.
A brilliant burst of radiant mana flared forth!
“What’s that? The radiant mana said to be bestowed upon those chosen to save the world?!”
But that wasn’t all.
The Constellation’s blessings began to manifest on Evan’s sword.
One, two, three… a total of five blessings in all.
“Th-This can’t be real. Such blessings from the Constellation?”
“Is there truly someone favored so highly by the Constellation?”
Evan cast a quick glance at the cult priests, then pointed at Chris.
“The prophet is far more exalted than someone like me. Show him the respect he deserves.”