The Abyssal King, Keramion, had expanded his territory and power after establishing his fortress. His military might was formidable, and the undead knights he commanded were intelligent and capable of using magic.
The number of undead soldiers reached tens of thousands and was still growing.
‘…More troublesome than the Shadow Dragon.’
The Shadow Dragon’s shadow magic was highly mobile and restraining, making it difficult to handle. However, the Shadow Dragon had been caught off guard, and the Light Magic Sword, El Tesoykve, had been advantageous in that fight. The Abyssal King, on the other hand, wouldn't be as vulnerable to the light of El Tesoykve and wouldn’t underestimate Alain Kingdom, having retreated once before.
‘It’s not that we lack troops.’
While undead soldiers were weaker than the undead knights, their sheer numbers allowed them to overwhelm. The undead knights, combining Abyssal knights and regular knights, numbered in the thousands and were the main force of the Abyssal King. The Abyssal knights, in particular, were threatening, commanding troops with their formidable power.
‘Even without his troops, the Abyssal King is too strong.’
Even if the troops of Alain Kingdom could handle the tens of thousands of undead, the Abyssal King himself would remain. The current king of the Setinos Quasar couldn’t defeat the Abyssal King. Moreover, the Abyssal King didn’t age or fall ill like a human, so he wouldn’t weaken over time. And wielding the Earth Magic Sword, Gerkanver, his power had likely grown even stronger.
‘Can we win if we unite?’
Zion, Hanette, Enrite, Seran, and Oz. Five Magic Sword users had gathered. While they wouldn’t be at a disadvantage, victory wasn’t assured. If the condition was that no one gets injured or dies, they might end up losing.
‘Does this even compare?’
In the original storyline, Seran, Hanette, and Enrite fought the Abyssal King. Even with the intervention of the Violet Divine Archer and the Silver Phantom Thief, they couldn’t kill the Abyssal King. Eventually, the Abyssal King retreated hastily, losing more than half his troops.
‘If Oz and I join, things might change…’
There was no certainty, though. The Abyssal King might be stronger than expected. And with tens of thousands of undead, they might not even get to face him directly.
‘The Abyssal King hasn’t attacked since that day.’
After his second retreat, the Abyssal King hadn’t left his fortress. While his forces had grown slightly, they never reached their previous numbers. Eventually, the Sylase Knights went directly to the fortress and, after a fierce battle, the Abyssal King was destroyed.
‘…I need to seize it quickly.’
The Abyssal King didn’t let go of the Earth Magic Sword until his death. Eventually, the Earth Magic Sword disappeared with him, leaving no trace behind.
‘Having one more Magic Sword user would give us an edge.’
According to the original storyline, there were only supposed to be four Magic Sword users: Hanette, the white apostle, the protagonist, and the 3rd princess of Alain Kingdom. But with Zion’s intervention, two more Magic Sword users had emerged, and they had managed to kill the Shadow Dragon. Unexpected results, but possibilities Zion had created.
‘Even if we can’t find the last one, it’s not a serious issue.’
Retrieving and storing the Earth Magic Sword would suffice. It was better than it falling into the hands of powerful beasts or malicious humans. And since Enrite could use the Wind Magic Sword, they could partially utilize the Earth Magic Sword as well.
‘The real problem is the Demon God.’
According to the original storyline, the Demon God was only said to have been destroyed by someone wielding both the Light and Dark Magic Swords. There were no indications of resurrection or actual revival. Thus, predicting the Demon God’s return or knowing how to counter it was impossible.
‘…This makes me uneasy.’
Thinking about the Demon God naturally brought another beast to mind. A beast that had once terrified the Continent of Karonbellaz and could rival the Demon God. Its remnants were left as the Four Great Calamities, scattered across the land.
‘Would the dragons also resurrect?’
The Four Great Calamities retained their dragon forms but were essentially mere imitations. Just as the Shadow Dragon’s body was made of shadows, the other Four Great Calamities were composed of unique substances. Extremely rare and bizarre, they could be considered true beasts.
‘For instance… if the Three Great Kings combine to form the Demon God and the Four Great Calamities to form a complete dragon…’
Zion, deep in thought, tilted his head. Theoretically, it wasn’t entirely wrong. The Three Great Kings originated from the Demon God, and the Four Great Calamities from dragons. If certain conditions were met, a reverse process might be possible.
‘If we destroy them all, the Demon God and dragons can’t resurrect, right?’
Naturally, the Three Great Kings and the Four Great Calamities must be erased from this world. However, it also meant there was a possibility of their resurrection. Perhaps it was necessary to quickly eliminate them, even at great risk.
‘If even one piece is missing, they can’t fully resurrect.’
Destroying a single piece of an object prevents it from becoming whole again. If even one fragment is lost, the object can’t regain its original form.
‘Since we killed the Shadow Dragon, we don’t need to worry about the Four Great Calamities. As for the Three Great Kings…’
Zion, resolute, showed a sharp look in his eyes. They had to eliminate the Abyssal King this time, by any means necessary. Leaving a fragment for the Demon God’s resurrection was unacceptable.
‘If it resurrects incompletely…’
Zion rose from his seat and prepared to leave. He needed to discuss this with Enrite. The Light Magic Sword, having endured through ages, might know something.
‘It’s timely. If the white apostle intervenes, the Setinos Quasar would gather.’
Of course, not all five members could be assembled. Each was undertaking significant missions, and sudden changes would cause confusion. The plan needed to be executed carefully and discreetly.
‘I hope the Golden Sword Saint and the Blue Sage can join…’
Alain Kingdom’s capital, secret rendezvous location.
Enrite, wearing a robe, awaited his arrival. Unlike other Setinos Quasar members, he had to summon this one directly. If the individual was at the frontier, it would require elaborate methods and take considerable time.
‘The Golden and Blue must stay here.’
The Golden Sword Saint and the Blue Sage played crucial roles. One ruled Alain Kingdom, and the other maintained the balance within the Magic Association. If they left their positions, governance and operations would be disrupted.
‘The Violet must defend the front lines…’
In emergencies, the Violet Divine Archer would come immediately. However, holding them there indefinitely was unwise. Troop morale would falter as soon as the Violet Divine Archer left.
‘Zion Laird should understand.’
Zion had requested this but couldn’t provide a definitive answer. Even as a Setinos Quasar, not all matters could be resolved as desired. Enrite also had to follow procedures and find compromise.
‘But… his thoughts aren’t wrong.’
Based on his experience as a Magic Sword, Enrite acknowledged the possibility of their resurrection. He had considered the Demon God’s resurrection but hadn’t foreseen the dragons’. Considering incomplete resurrection meant the Three Great Kings and Four Great Calamities could become more threatening beasts in the future.
‘How much time is left?’
El Tesoykve had awakened, and Enrite had grown stronger. Five Magic Sword users had gathered, and the Shadow Dragon was vanquished. Preparations continued, and the Setinos Quasar remained strong. Despite this, Enrite couldn’t feel at ease, only sensing the looming crisis more clearly.
‘What can I do…’
Enrite sensed someone’s presence and slowly turned his gaze. Though the area was dark, a faint magic aura was present. It was intentionally exposed, signaling their presence.
“You arrived quickly.”
“When an ally calls, I can’t afford to delay.”
Caden, wearing a mask, gradually appeared. With the beasts’ movements subdued, he had returned to the capital for reports and rest. Receiving Enrite’s message, he had swiftly come to the rendezvous point, intending to meet with him anyway.
“Thanks for your help last time. We could respond quickly to the Shadow Dragon.”
“I was surprised to hear that. I didn’t expect the Shadow Dragon to die.”
“…We were lucky.”
“Lihines Knights, you mean?”
“Yes. Without them, we couldn’t have killed the Shadow Dragon.”
“Hmm…”
Caden approached Enrite with curiosity. Enrite remained silent, observing. Caden circled Enrite a few times before returning to his original spot.
“You’ve changed a lot.”
“Are you referring to my hair and eyes?”
“That too… but the feeling is different. Hmm… how to put it…”
“……”
Enrite understood the reason and smiled faintly. Caden had instinctively sensed he had transformed from a Magic Sword into a human. With such keen intuition, it was no wonder he excelled in infiltration and reconnaissance missions.
“More human, perhaps? Oh, don’t misunderstand. You’ve always seemed human.”
“…I feel it too. I’ve truly become human.”
“Oh, you smile well. With such beauty, you should smile more.”
Enrite slowly ceased his smile and focused on Caden. Now, he had to make a request that Caden would undoubtedly dislike. Though cooperation was uncertain, he had to try.
“Silver, gathering the Setinos Quasar is difficult. Can you assist me?”
“I can help. What do you need?”
“…I need you to wield your sword.”
“……”
Caden’s expression turned cold. Few knew he could wield a sword. Only the Golden Sword Saint, the Violet Divine Archer, and the White Apostle knew this secret.
“The king acknowledged you. You can use sword energy, correct?”
“……”
“For the king and Alain Kingdom. Will you lend us your strength?”