The Demon God quickly revised his plans and acted accordingly.
The Ocean King would soon have a more powerful ship, and the Slime Dragon just needed to follow the plan. With the search area narrowed, the Abyssal King's power could be acquired soon.
‘This is no time for hesitation.’
Neither he nor the dragons could return to their full power. Human intervention had scattered their power, and it was diminishing. In this state, they needed to hinder the humans and gain new strength.
‘There is still a chance. Even the Demon Kings haven’t found my true power.’
To harness this ability, he had first ambushed the Immortal King. This would allow him to quickly regain his lost power. While assassinating Magic Sword users was an option, it was risky because it required deep infiltration into the Alain Kingdom.
‘…A Magic Sword user might track me down.’
He had already been defeated by them once. His human allies had vanished, and even the Magic Sword of Serenity, La Bler, was lost. Underestimating the Magic Swords and their users had disrupted his plans.
‘First, I need to deploy the Ocean King and Slime Dragon.’
They were means to weaken the humans and sources of power for him. If left unchecked, they would be annihilated like the Shadow Dragon and Abyssal King.
‘Before that happens… I will make them all mine.’
Humans grew stronger through trials and tribulations. The fall of the Abyssal King was a trial and tribulation for him. Like humans, he was undergoing the same process.
‘To think I would learn from humans…’
The Demon God found it absurd but did not see it as a mistake. To overcome this crisis, he had to keep evolving like humans. Only then could he surpass them.
‘I will destroy this world in a human way.’
In the drawing room of Duke Adelaira’s mansion.
Zion had finally decided to become a Setinos Quasar and received the title and authority from the king. Caden and Waltz were on missions and couldn’t attend the ceremony, leaving only the three remaining Quasars and officials at the palace. Robbenz and Freed, heads of their respective families, were also present, and Hanette watched with a light heart.
“Why did you choose the title of 'Black Knight'?”
Barhen asked cautiously, setting down his teacup. Normally, he should have shown respect and addressed a Setinos Quasar formally. But Zion had refused, and the king had permitted treating him like a brother.
“I wanted to show that my determination hasn’t changed.”
Zion thought of Hanette in another drawing room as he answered calmly. He had already made a pact with the king, and the other Quasars and officials knew about it. He intended to reaffirm his resolve while instilling a clear understanding of the pact.
“Hanette will be pleased.”
Barhen smiled, contemplating the word ‘knight.’ Typically, the king decided the color of the Setinos Quasar, and the title was chosen by the person appointed. The king likely understood the significance of the title as well.
“I’m not sure if she’ll be happy. Isn’t it becoming a Setinos Quasar?”
“You are the king’s sword in his place. His Majesty won’t break his promise.”
“His Majesty might not break it. But circumstances won’t always align with it.”
Zion foresaw the near future. The Ocean King Mu Pendals would soon invade, and the Slime Dragon’s actions were unpredictable. Moreover, the presence of the Demon God meant that Alain Kingdom would inevitably fall into chaos.
Could he protect Hanette in such conditions?
“Even if that time comes, His Majesty will give orders first.”
“Brother… would you be able to follow those orders?”
“…….”
Barhen couldn’t break the silence. He understood the weight of the question. Despite becoming a Setinos Quasar, there must be a reason behind it.
“Brother, I must ask you for a favor.”
“I can guess what it is.”
“If something happens to me, please protect Hanette.”
“If it’s an order from a Setinos Quasar, I will comply.”
“I ask this as a brother. I can’t ask much from you.”
“…….”
Barhen couldn’t bring himself to say he couldn’t do it. What he and Zion prioritized were clearly defined. But considering Zion’s responsibilities, he had to alleviate some of his burden.
“I might not be able to fulfill it.”
“I won’t blame you. You have Princess Third to prioritize.”
“Understood. I did make a promise before…”
Barhen had once promised in front of both of them. If Zion’s concerns became reality, he had to keep that promise.
“But why don’t you want to protect Hanette yourself?”
“…I almost died at Arleard Castle. I somehow survived, but it could happen again.”
“What do you mean?”
“Other Demon Kings or the Four Calamities might have grown stronger. If I fight them, I or others might be in grave danger.”
“Zion, you became a Setinos Quasar at a young age. How many knights in Alain Kingdom’s history do you think achieved that?”
“Hardly any.”
“You are stronger than me. With time, you will grow even stronger. In a few years, no swordsman will surpass you.”
Barhen spoke with confidence and a stern expression. He had been considered the best among young knights and had quickly joined the royal knights. Yet, he couldn’t match Zion’s talent and achievements. Zion was essentially seen as the successor to the Golden Sword Saint.
“His Majesty and the Setinos Quasars have acknowledged you. You have proven your skills. What are you so worried about?”
“No matter how strong I am, if I die, it’s over. Even if I’m the strongest, I can’t avoid death.”
Barhen was momentarily taken aback but understood the profound meaning. Zion feared death itself. There must be a reason why he feared death.
“Are you afraid Hanette will be left alone?”
“…….”
“Think of a more serious situation. What if both you and Hanette die together?”
“…I haven’t thought about that.”
“Let me tell you the worst-case scenario. You and Hanette survive, but lose a limb or become disabled. Wouldn’t it be better to be dead?”
He had a point. If you keep thinking about it, there’s no end to worries. Zion had been fixated on his past experiences.
“Zion, she’s your fiancée, your partner, your lover. You must think about surviving with Hanette, not about dying first.”
“You’re right, Brother.”
“It’s good you’re not arrogant. Knowing fear is essential to overcome it. Without knowing fear, you can only fail.”
Barhen gave advice while reflecting on himself. A swordsman stronger than him felt fear. Other Setinos Quasars might feel the same, but seeing it firsthand made him solemn.
‘You’re no different from me.’
He had once been jealous of Zion. Zion’s talent and growth far surpassed his own. Even now, with immense power as a Setinos Quasar, Zion doubted himself.
Why did he now deeply feel that Zion was his true brother?
‘You must have endured a lot of pain.’
Barhen could now understand Zion’s heart. He fought with fear, yet never stopped. Knowing he had to move forward, he kept pushing.
‘I have much to learn from you.’
Aboard Fendalzous.
Fendalzous had finally been repaired, and the crew quickly boarded with the necessary supplies. The deck officers and quartermasters gave orders, moving in and out, while the first mate and navigator inspected the ship.
The Ocean King wandered near the helm, deep in thought.
‘Using this will change something.’
The Ocean King looked at the sword in his right hand, shrouded in doubt. It was a Magic Sword made from dragon bones, filled with strange power. The Demon God had told him to plant it in the ship, but he hesitated.
‘Fendalzous has always been with me. How can I…’
The Ocean King cherished Fendalzous dearly. It had made him the ruler of the seas, and he had destroyed any enemies in his way. He hadn’t allowed even a scratch on the ship. If something went wrong because of the Magic Sword, it might fuel his vengeance.
‘Without breaking the curse, Fendalzous can’t leave.’
The Ocean King had long wanted to leave the continent of Karonbelaz. It was merely a verbal pact, and the Demon God had disappeared at the time. But leaving the land was impossible, and boarding Fendalzous changed nothing. The ruler of the sea couldn’t return to the sea.
‘I must grasp the sky.’
The Ocean King recalled his long-held wish and gripped the Magic Sword firmly. He had started as a bandit, plundering valuable items, then dominated the sea as an unprecedented pirate. He had tried to seize what was left but failed and was buried in death.
“I will possess everything!”
The Ocean King struck the deck with the Magic Sword. The white blade sunk deep, and its roaring power engulfed Fendalzous. The ship transformed instantly, and the crew was startled, looking around in awe.
“I feel it… the overflowing power!”
The Ocean King absorbed the power from Fendalzous, feeling ecstatic. Power he had never felt before surged through him. With this power, he could rise high and devastate the human lands.
“Raise the anchor and set the sails! We’re going to kill the human king!”