Following the pact with the Demon God, the Ocean King invaded Alain Kingdom. However, he was thwarted by the previous Setinos Quasar, and Fendalzous was damaged in the process.
‘Wasn’t his goal to become a god?’
Ocean King Mu Pendals was obsessed with ruling this world. He defied death for that goal, made a pact with the Demon God, and borrowed power. He would destroy Alain Kingdom at any cost if it meant he could conquer the sky.
‘It could be the Immortal King coming, but…’
Immortal King Regina also had the ability to fly. Though she didn’t command other undead, she alone could threaten the strongest warriors. However, she avoided conflict and stayed away from humans, so she likely wouldn’t attack first.
‘Could the Slime Dragon get wings too?’
Among the Four Calamities, only the Shadow Dragon had wings. The Shadow Dragon’s mobility was the best, and it could hide in the shadow realm, making it impossible to catch. If each of the Four Calamities had designated body parts, then the Slime Dragon might not get wings.
‘If Bone Dragon is the skeleton, Chimera Dragon the exterior, and Slime Dragon the body material…’
Given that their powers were divided, each had different roles. They couldn’t fully return to their original form, which might cause side effects.
‘It must be the Ocean King coming.’
In sequence, the Ocean King should attack first. The Slime Dragon was likely busy consuming the other Four Calamities. The Demon God must have given the artificial Magic Sword to the Ocean King to exploit this situation.
‘…But why is it communicating with Lesia?’
That part was incomprehensible. Even Oz hadn’t communicated with the artificial Magic Sword, using it only as a weapon without drawing out its full power. The artificial Magic Sword was a counterfeit created by the Demon God, used to counter the genuine Magic Swords.
‘Could the materials used in the Magic Sword be special?’
Given that it was called a Magic Sword, the materials and creation process must have been unique. The Magic Sword of Serenity, La Bler, had strange magical powers and attempted to seal seven Magic Swords. Other artificial Magic Swords might have similar or even greater powers.
‘It wouldn’t be bad to use the artificial Magic Sword on our side. The problem is if we get exploited…’
Initially, making Oz use the artificial Magic Sword was part of the Demon God’s plan. Even if the Demon God had no such intention, the artificial Magic Sword should not be used. Its effects on the user were unknown, and it might turn against allies.
‘Isn’t it too reckless? I can’t gamble with Lesia…’
“Don’t even think about using that Magic Sword. You don’t know what could happen.”
Enrite spoke first, replacing Zion. Enrite was well aware of the artificial Magic Sword’s purpose and power. It was better to give up early than to get greedy.
“Is it because it might try to use me?”
“Are you finally thinking?”
“Hmm… Are you saying this out of concern for me?”
“Who… Who said I was concerned about you? I’m saying don’t cause trouble.”
Enrite scowled, showing displeasure. Lesia, slightly puzzled, felt caught in the strange atmosphere.
‘Why would I care about you?’
Enrite glared at Lesia before turning away. Nothing was decided about Lesia yet. As always, he would only watch, and if necessary, he would act immediately. No emotions should be shown; decisions should be made from a neutral standpoint.
‘…I still can’t trust her.’
Enrite tried to suspect Lesia. She was the consciousness of Exceed Rain, born with him. If he let his guard down and Lesia ambushed him, it could lead to the worst outcome.
‘The only humans I can trust are Zion Laird and Hanette Adelaira.’
Enrite had observed their resolve in battle. Their unyielding spirit, their determination to fight to the death, and their feelings for each other. He would protect them at all costs and ensure the destruction of the Three Demon Kings and Four Calamities.
‘Is it really true that she’s communicating with the Magic Sword…’
“We should report this to the palace. We should prepare while listening to Lesia.”
Though Zion also doubted Lesia, he couldn’t dismiss her words. With him and the other Magic Sword users protecting the surroundings, why would she take unnecessary risks? Besides, Lesia had cooperated well so far; it wouldn’t hurt to accept her help this time.
“…Are you sure about this?”
“Preparing isn’t difficult. I want to trust her.”
Enrite thought for a moment, then swallowed his silence. With Zion expressing trust, he couldn’t oppose. Zion had always led and achieved great results, so following him seemed wise.
“Hmm… It’s my first time sensing this, so I might be wrong. What should I do if I lied?”
“I’ll judge that.”
“Zion seems better at distinguishing.”
“…Do you want to die now?”
“Alright, I’ll be quiet.”
Lesia answered calmly, showing displeasure. Enrite frowned but didn’t argue further. Zion glanced between the two, then made his decision.
‘They must be siblings.’
They had a distant relationship that seemed too close for mere friends, yet awkward enough for siblings. They were like brothers or sisters, maintaining an ambiguous relationship that could change depending on the situation. Enrite and Lesia seemed to be cautious of each other, yet occasionally tried to bridge the gap.
‘I can’t tell who’s the older one.’
Both had traits of being older siblings. Enrite was strict and decisive, while Lesia was relaxed and fearless. It might be better to treat them as equals, speaking freely.
‘I don’t think Lesia will betray us.’
This thought lacked solid evidence or logic, relying only on belief and speculation. The atmosphere from that time still lingered.
‘…I see the White Apostle.’
Enrite and Lesia were consciousnesses born from different Magic Swords, yet they had similar appearances and an eerily identical aura. Trusting Enrite made trusting Lesia possible.
‘Lesia might be able to control the artificial Magic Sword.’
As a consciousness of a Magic Sword, Lesia would understand it better than anyone. Perhaps the artificial Magic Sword was trying to communicate with Lesia, knowing this.
‘One artificial Magic Sword remains…’
He had to think from the Demon God’s perspective. How would the Demon God use this situation? Why give the artificial Magic Sword to the Ocean King, and how would the last one be used?
‘If I were the Demon God… I’d use the Ocean King and steal his power. I’d give the other artificial Magic Sword to the Slime Dragon.’
The Demon God would need to weaken Alain Kingdom and counter the Magic Sword users. Having failed to seal the Magic Swords and lost the Abyssal King, he would be desperate. He would likely use the Four Calamities and eventually claim the dragon’s power for himself.
‘The Demon God will come too.’
The Demon God would never take his eyes off the Ocean King. The Ocean King held the Demon God’s power as one of the Three Demon Kings. Losing the Ocean King after the Abyssal King would be unacceptable.
‘Should I kill the Demon God then?’
If the Demon God grew stronger, even wounding him would be difficult. Despite being imperfectly resurrected, the combined power of the Three Demon Kings would be formidable. Eliminating him beforehand would tilt the overall situation in their favor.
‘Who will handle the Ocean King in my absence?’
Focusing on the Ocean King might let the Demon God escape. While he was away, other knights needed to fight the Ocean King. Additionally, the Ocean King’s followers meant they needed some forces ready.
‘I have to trust my comrades.’
He was certain the Ocean King would come to the capital. The Ocean King would aim to kill the king first, causing chaos in Alain Kingdom. They needed knights capable of stalling or definitively ending the Ocean King.
‘I must kill the Demon God.’
Aboard Fendalzous.
The Ocean King enjoyed his leisure without even touching the wheel. Having merged with Fendalzous, he could control the ship with his thoughts. The ship’s durability and speed had increased, and steering was now smoother, making it feel like a completely new ship.
Despite only embedding one sword, the changes were immense.
‘…He didn’t mention the price.’
The Ocean King knew what kind of being the Demon God was. He had been revived as an undead, given the ability to make Fendalzous fly, and granted immense power. He was even taught how to command subordinates. He had received all this but paid the price with a curse; the Demon God wouldn’t just give away the Magic Sword.
‘Is he using me to take revenge on humans?’
The Ocean King chuckled coldly. Regardless of the reason, since he was being helped, he had to cooperate. Their goals aligned, and he needed to break the curse.
‘I must use him.’
According to the pact, he could leave the continent of Karonbelaz after massacring humans. But the Demon God was the original owner of this power, and the pact was orchestrated by him. The Demon God could break the pact and reclaim the power he had lent.
‘I’ll kill him with this Magic Sword.’
The Ocean King eyed Duran Calgonis, revealing his ambitions. Whatever the Demon God’s intentions, they didn’t matter to him. The one who strikes first wins; he had always struck first, conquering both land and sea.
‘Once this is over…’
“Captain, we’ve reached the destination.”
At the navigator’s report, the Ocean King immediately grabbed his telescope. Through the white clouds, numerous buildings came into view. At the center was a palace surrounded by walls. The human king must be there.
“Ha ha ha! I’ll start by destroying that! If they’re scared, they’ll come out on their own!”
Fendalzous halted and turned its bow. At the same time, the dragon head at the bow opened its mouth. Fendalzous tilted slightly forward, and red magic gathered in the dragon’s mouth.
“Fire!”
At the Ocean King’s shout, a red beam shot from the dragon’s head. The beam extended straight and collided with the palace. An explosion erupted from one side of the palace, with thick smoke rising.
“Ha ha ha! You can do nothing! Your attacks won’t reach from this distance!”