Originally, the land of Alain Kingdom was managed and owned by the king, as a principle and regulation. Receiving land directly from the king would deviate from this rule.
This act wasn't common, as it could influence future generations, so the king usually refrained from giving out land.
'Considering they've defeated the Shadow Dragon and the Abyssal King, it's only right to reward them like this.'
The families of these two individuals were wealthy and powerful and could support them as needed. The families could negotiate with the palace to lease land or buy castles or mansions for them. However, the reward was for their achievements, and the formal recognition and authority had to be upheld.
'Their achievements are comparable to those of the founding heroes.'
The first king of Alain Kingdom awarded some land to the founding heroes to honor their deeds. They mostly received land near the capital, with only a few receiving land in specific regions. These heroes became the current nobility, and their land and wealth have been inherited by their descendants.
'This will ensure the two families trust me.'
These families were proud of the achievements of their descendants, which enhanced their reputations. They would expect proper recognition, and they were likely aware of the king's decision.
Awarding land to these two individuals would also elevate the prestige of their families.
'I should also consider the title of Sentinels Quasar.'
Brandish was considering granting the title of Sentinels Quasar to these two individuals. The White Apostle had first recommended it, and the Purple Archer and Silver Rogue had recently supported it. With only himself and the Blue Sage left to decide, if four out of five agreed, the high officials would have little ground to oppose.
'It may seem like favoritism, but...'
Opposition was inevitable. The marriage between Duke Adelaira's and Marquis Laird's families was strategic. Despite their considerable achievements, it would appear the king was supporting these two families.
'I don't want to lose these two.'
Since Alain Kingdom's founding, many talents have emerged, but none have achieved as much as these two. Their martial prowess was too valuable to leave them as ordinary knights. If the king provided the rewards and support, they would bring even greater results.
'Before I die, I must bring peace to the continent of Caronvela.'
Alain Kingdom had long been threatened by monsters, with many sacrifices made to protect it. If the king didn't resolve this in his lifetime, future generations would suffer.
'When the time comes... I'll stake my life.'
The king had three children who could succeed him. He needed to settle this before going to war, to prevent his children from fighting over the throne, which could lead to many deaths.
‘...The Silver Rogue helped them.’
Brandish recalled his pact with Caden, wondering about it. Caden had vowed never to wield a sword again after becoming a Sentinels Quasar. Yet, he had fought the Abyssal King, aiding the two knights and leading to this unexpected result.
‘Has your heart changed too?’
Brandish reflected on his long-forgotten emotions with a bitter gaze. He hadn’t always been affectionate, but over time, he grew fond. After they left, the feelings lingered, becoming a burden and a regret. It felt like he was clinging to the past in vain.
‘If you can change, so can I.’
Caden had likely been influenced by the two knights to take up his sword again. If he abandoned his vow, it must have been for a worthy cause.
‘Thought I’d just grow old... Guess not.’
Caronvela Continent, a place shrouded in darkness.
This place was the exclusive domain and sanctuary created by the Undying King Regina. Even at noon, no sunlight reached here, and at night, it became even gloomier and vanished from sight. Once monsters entered this domain, they never left, replaced only by a mass of flesh and bone.
‘The Abyssal King is gone.’
The Undying King Regina sat in the domain, trying to sense the Abyssal King's magic. Wearing a tattered, black robe with a hood hiding her red glowing eyes, her body was made of magic. Regular attacks couldn’t harm the Undying King.
‘Can't feel any magic.’
The three demon kings could usually sense each other’s magic. Even if far apart, they could faintly detect each other’s presence. But the Abyssal King’s magic had dwindled and then completely disappeared.
‘Dead? The Abyssal King?’
Regina couldn’t believe it. The three demon kings were the strongest undead and couldn’t die. They could endure any attack, and even if their bodies were torn apart, they would reassemble.
‘What happened?’
Regina knew the Abyssal King had led the undead against the humans. The undead army was large, and the Abyssal King had grown stronger, expecting the humans to lose. However, the humans held their ground, and the Abyssal King's forces scattered.
‘Fighting isn’t good.’
Regina preferred to avoid conflict, despite having a special body, swift flight, and immense power. She found fighting meaningless. If attacked, she would crush her foes without hesitation.
‘But they can't enter here...’
Regina noticed an intruder in her domain and quickly moved. Another monster had entered her exclusive area. How much clearer did she need to make it that they shouldn't approach?
‘Can’t feel anything...’
A faint presence spread from behind. Regina turned and unleashed her magic, but saw no one. A cold sensation emanated from her core.
"What are you...?"
"It was mine to begin with. I'm taking it back."
A dark red magic pierced Regina’s body and extended outward. She tried to fight back, but her magic didn’t respond. Instead, it weakened and was absorbed by the dark red magic.
"You...”
"This isn't what I gave you power for."
"Ugh..."
Regina struggled to escape, but the dark red magic enveloped her. It continued to drain her magic, leaving her unable to resist.
"At least you protected it... I'll end your suffering quickly."
"Ugh..."
Regina thrashed until she went limp. Her magic faded, and her form dissipated. Something wrapped in dark red magic inspected itself.
‘My body is finally restored.’
The Demon God moved, realizing his resurrection. He hadn’t regained his full power, but now he could maintain his mind without wasting magic. Having a physical form meant he no longer needed to expend energy to keep his consciousness.
‘A bit early, but it’s too late now.’
The plan had not gone smoothly, and he had to regain his body sooner than expected. The small loss was manageable, but the unforeseen result was troubling.
‘Didn't expect the Abyssal King to perish...’
The Demon God erased Regina's domain and disappeared. The Abyssal King had immense power and magic, including the Earth Magic Sword. How could he have fallen to humans?
‘Must have been Magic Sword users.’
The Demon God had tried to seal the Magic Swords and lost, resulting in the loss of the Sanctuary Magic Sword La Bler. Magic Sword users were formidable, able to wield both light and dark Magic Swords, likely causing the Abyssal King's demise.
‘Can't recover lost power.’
The Demon God planned to observe after reclaiming Regina’s power. Regina had always hidden, contributing little to his plans. The Abyssal King, aiming to conquer Alain Kingdom, had been left alone but had perished, scattering his power.
‘Must reclaim remaining power.’
The Sea King was to be dealt with last. The Abyssal King’s remnants had to be gathered first. Delay could result in the power dissipating.
‘Passed to his subordinates.’
Power could fragment but not disappear entirely. It would pass to a monster, making it the Abyssal King’s successor, growing stronger. The Demon God had to find the monster that inherited the Abyssal King’s power.
‘Can’t waste time.’
The Demon God moved swiftly. Deliberation wouldn’t change things. He had to adapt to the situation.
‘Two Magic Swords remain.’
One Magic Sword’s purpose was already planned. He hoped the other would find its rightful owner.
‘The Dragon Magic Sword might hinder the Magic Sword users.’
Caronvela Continent, Plague Zone.
The Four Calamities referred to the environments they created, not the beings themselves. The Shadow Dragon created a black pit where it dwelled, swallowing everything. The other Calamities changed their surroundings similarly, making them nearly inaccessible.
The Plague Zone was highly dangerous, making survival a painful ordeal.
‘Still unaware.’
The Slime Dragon Monzreur hid, blending with the filthy ground. Being made of slime, it could change shape and split into smaller pieces. Its magic was concealed, making detection impossible.
If attacked in this state, recovery would be slow, and it could be destroyed immediately.
‘Ashimokus... Eating you will make me stronger.’