Chapter 692
“This is…”
The officials gathered in the conference room let out uneasy groans. Ian’s report from Karenna contained some deeply shocking revelations.
First, the claws of Toorun had deeply embedded themselves throughout Bariel. Second, his mother had perished in the attack. And third, the defenses along the border with Hielo had been completely wiped out.
“Sir Ian, my deepest condolences. I offer you my heartfelt sympathy.”
“Thank you. I’m sorry to bring such grim news.”
Jin silently studied the report. The words describing Filia’s death were clear and unambiguous, yet no matter how much he read, it didn’t feel real. He still remembered Filia smiling in her pure white dress.
Minister Tweller raised his hand and asked, “So, Sir Ian, can we consider the Chonryeo of the Great Desert nearly wiped out?”
“That’s correct. A handful of warriors survived, but their strength is no longer what it once was. My sister Roel has crossed into the desert to begin rebuilding, but I can’t say how long that will take.”
“Then the eastern border of Bariel must rely on Clifford. They’re also handling the cleanup after Luswena, correct?”
“Yes. For now, that’s our only option.”
Clifford’s assistance was desperately needed—to fully suppress Luswena and defend the east against Hwan.
“Especially since Hwan’s situation remains unknown. With the civil war causing chaos and the number of those corrupted by Toorun’s claws unknown, we have no idea who might be involved or where they stand.”
Tweller stroked his beard thoughtfully at Ian’s words. His gaze was fixed on the new variable: the ‘firearms.’
“…This might turn into a battle of time.”
The main force had already gathered in Burgos, waiting for the right moment to strike Toorun. While the mages were concentrated here, what options did Toorun have?
“Now that the enemy has firearms, Toorun will likely try to expand their control over Hwan to defeat Bariel.”
“Exactly. With Hielo’s forces shattered, that’s their only path.”
“We have no choice but to strike first.”
“I agree. You mentioned the Toorun king has been affected by side effects. It would be best to move quickly.”
The officials glanced at Jin and added their thoughts.
“And in fact, isn’t Katimako’s testimony from Astana no longer necessary?”
“Right. Toorun’s true nature was already exposed in the Luswena war.”
Katimako’s testimony had revealed traces of Toorun’s puppeteers during the investigation of Filia’s kidnapping. It would have been grounds to protest Toorun and justify crossing their lands without permission.
But since they killed Filia outright—and the mages witnessed it—there was no need to wait for official letters from the capital.
“Sir Ian.”
What do you suggest we do?
When Jin asked, Tweller’s brow furrowed slightly, unnoticed by anyone but Ian, who sensed the subtle change.
“I also think it’s best to move quickly. Bariel and Clifford are steadfast allies, but their relationship is based on mutual interests. Since Toorun continues to pollute the waters, we can use that to strengthen eastern defenses.”
In exchange for swiftly dealing with the contamination, Clifford would focus on defending Bariel’s eastern border—a mutually beneficial strategy.
“Understood. Then let’s set the departure date soon. Minister Tweller, check the soldiers’ condition and supplies, and propose a suitable timeline.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“And the Magic Department must recover as much mana as possible before deployment to avoid any setbacks.”
“Understood.”
Ian smiled faintly inside. The emperor’s order to rest would surely delight the mages.
“You too, take care of your body and mind.”
“…Yes, Your Majesty.”
Jin quickly added, worried Ian might misunderstand.
“The emperor must be deeply concerned. After all, he’s known her since childhood.”
The officials cleared their throats and flipped through the remaining pages of the report.
“Still, it’s not all bad news. They discovered a new magic swordsman in Karenna.”
“Too young for combat deployment yet, but a remarkable find. Is the Imperial Guard handling him?”
Captain Jaret, standing behind the emperor, stepped forward.
“Yes. Mana sensitivity tests show great promise. Normally, he’d join the Imperial Guard after passing the selection exam, but given the circumstances, we plan to provide specialized training.”
“A magic swordsman is an exception, of course.”
“I hope this brings renewed vigor to the Imperial Guard.”
Jaret’s smile was complex and subtle. Only Jin and Ian, understanding its meaning, averted their eyes.
“Yes, well. The Imperial Guard is already playing a positive role in many ways.”
“Beric, that cold, nasty bastard. How many laps has he got us running now?”
“No idea. Last I counted, it was twenty.”
“I’m worried the kid’s gonna die.”
The Imperial Guards, shirtless and resting in the shade, were drenched in sweat after an hour of intense training. Even superhuman as they were, such grueling drills took their toll.
“Huff, huff…”
It was hard not to feel sorry for Cedric, the youngest, barely in his teens, still sprinting under the blazing sun.
One guard shouted at Beric, “He’s gonna die, man! Ease up!”
“Shut up. You go cover the target.”
But Beric ignored him with a sharp retort, then smugly sipped a cold drink in the shade.
The guards clicked their tongues and looked away, though they soon gulped down water themselves.
“Huff, gasp…”
“Hey, slowing down now. Pick up the pace! This is basic training at the palace, you know? If you can’t keep up, you’ve got no place here.”
Not wrong. They’d even carried huge water jars while running.
Cedric glared at Beric in frustration, then pushed himself to speed up, as if daring death itself.
Thud. Plop.
Just before the finish line, he collapsed.
Beric chewed on some jerky, watching the boy quietly. The guards held their breath, watching the two. One minute, two, three… time dragged on—
Finally, after more than ten minutes, Cedric managed to get up. Crawling forward, he tapped the target with his fingertip.
Beric hoisted a water container and looked down at him.
“…”
Despite looking near death, his eyes burned fiercely—fueled by hatred and determination. Damn, that glare looked oddly familiar.
Splash.
Beric poured water over Cedric and ordered, “Get up.”
“Do Imperial Guards really train like this?”
“Yeah. Don’t believe me?”
You think I’m just messing with you for fun? Honestly, I’m a bit annoyed having to take on this chore…
“No. I actually think it’s impressive.”
Cedric’s answer surprised him.
“That’s why I want to reach the top.”
“Oh? You’re flattering me. What do you want to do once you get there? Beat up that soldier guy?”
Cedric just looked up at Beric, too exhausted to stand.
“Do I have to be honest?”
“No need to lie.”
“…”
Cedric stared at Beric. Realizing what he meant, Beric laughed in disbelief.
“Beat me up?”
“Why not?”
Ha ha ha!
Beric’s sudden loud laughter made the guards turn their heads. What the hell was so funny about this crazy guy? Then, startled, someone shouted—
“Beric! Hey!”
Ziiing! Ziiing!
Swoosh!
Beric summoned his mana sword.
A massive blade blazing like fire. Cedric’s pupils dilated at the sight.
“See? Why not? That’s why we do all this.”
“W-what is that?”
“A mana sword. Every magic swordsman has their own weapon. You probably have one too.”
“Me?”
“Yeah. But you gotta figure out how to get it yourself!”
Swoosh!
Beric swung lightly, flames erupting from the blade’s tip. Cedric barely dodged, then watched the flames die down, his heart pounding.
“You need this if you want to kill me.”
“I never said I wanted to kill you. I said I want to beat you.”
“Oh yeah? To me, that sounds like the same thing!”
Swoosh! Swoosh!
Beric swung again and again.
The guards who tried to intervene hesitated, half rising. There was no real malice in Beric’s strikes—just the edge sharpened to push Cedric around.
“Oh dear, what an ignorant kid.”
“Why on earth did Captain Jaret leave the youngest under that guy’s care? New recruits are rare enough as it is—what if he runs off?”
“If he runs off, that’s the end of it. How can someone with that kind of mindset stand guard next to His Majesty the Emperor?”
“That’s true, but he’s still so young.”
“It’s fine. Age doesn’t matter when it comes to the sword.”
Swish! Slash!
Cedric noticed that Beric was watching over him. Right, left, then right again. Through this steady pattern, Beric intended to teach him the basics of movement.
Then, someone tossed a wooden stick to Cedric.
“Cedric! If you can, try to strike back!”
Thwack!
But in front of the blazing flames, the wooden stick was utterly insignificant. Just like Cedric himself.
Beric decided to call it a day and pressed his sword toward the boy’s forehead.
“…!”
“…!”
Then something astonishing happened. The wooden stick in Cedric’s hand suddenly ignited and transformed into a magic sword. Small, but unmistakably a mark of a true magic swordsman.
Not only Beric, but the palace guards watching were left speechless in shock.
“No way…”
How could this be? A child who had just become aware of his identity was already manifesting a magic sword on his own? Normally, it took over a year of grueling training just to reach this stage.
Panting, Cedric raised his magic sword to parry Beric’s blade. But at that moment—
Swish!
The sword vanished without a trace. At the same time, Cedric’s eyes rolled back as he collapsed backward.
Beric, startled, grabbed the boy by the collar to steady him, frozen in disbelief.
“This…”
Then, a spark of interest flickered in his eyes. If properly trained and honed, this kid was bound to become a swordsman who would astonish the world.
Beric let go of Cedric’s collar with a light tap, crouched down, and examined him closely.
“This one’s going to be very interesting.”
From the palace balcony, Jaret and Ian were watching the scene with keen interest.
“No objections. They’re a perfect match,” Jaret said.
“Yes, I agree,” Ian replied.
Not just Cedric, but Beric would also be positively challenged by this. Who would calmly watch a junior under their care surpass them? To avoid being overtaken, he would only hunger to grow stronger. Setting aside personal feelings, these two were a remarkably compatible pair.
“But, Sir Ian,” Jaret asked quietly.
“Earlier, in the meeting room… did something happen between you and Minister Tweller?”
The faint furrow in Ian’s brow wasn’t unnoticed. Ian turned with a small smile, meeting Jaret’s gaze.