But it was something even the protagonist couldn't achieve.
Though the protagonist had developed two immunities allowing them to wield the Dark Magic Sword, combining it with the Light Magic Sword would always cause a rejection.
In the end, the protagonist chose the easier option and barely used the Dark Magic Sword until the very end.
‘My circumstances are different.’
The protagonist had a choice, but Zion did not.
Thus, the protagonist could ignore the Dark Magic Sword, while Zion had to rely on it.
Even though he used a trick to obtain Exceed Rain, the difference in handling time and proficiency was evident.
‘This might be my chance too.’
It was a vague thought and assumption.
The beginning was humble, relations with Hanette were strained, and much preparation was needed to wield Exceed Rain.
Afterward, Zion's standing improved, his relationship with Hanette grew closer, and they were now attempting to form an alliance with the Sylase Knight Order at the borderlands.
Perhaps he too had the potential for a significant role.
‘I also use a Magic Sword…’
“What do you think? Do you agree with me?”
“It doesn't seem wrong, but we might need some help.”
“Why?”
“We can't fight directly.”
“…Oh.”
Hanette finally realized the truth and fell silent.
The White Apostle and Silver Rogue focused more on support rather than direct combat.
While their holy and stealth abilities were exceptional, they lacked in raw power compared to other Setinos Quasars.
“That's not a bad thing. We all have our roles.”
“So, they need us?”
“Probably? With our skills, we could contribute.”
“Hmm… It's suddenly a lot of pressure.”
“Don't overthink it. We just need to follow the treaty. If not, we can always retreat.”
“Aren't you too casual about it?”
“It's better than dying in a fight, right?”
“Well… yes, but… sigh…”
Despite her words, Hanette felt a bit reassured.
She preferred surviving over dying fighting a monster.
She believed living, even with some disgrace, was better than a meaningless death.
‘…Once you're dead, it's all over.’
Hanette recalled what Robbenz had said, showing a bitter expression.
Dying honorably only mattered to the living.
The dead would be cut off from this world, unable to feel anything.
‘I don't want to lose Zion.’
Hanette looked at the Sylase Knight Order, reaffirming her resolve.
She wanted to become as strong as Zion, if not stronger, so she could protect him when he was in danger.
‘I can do it. I've come this far.’
Feeling the magic within her, Hanette nurtured hope.
Although she had started learning magic formally not long ago, she had earned the title of mage in less than a year.
She had been somewhat helpful to Zion, and both the White Apostle and the Sylase Knight Order had acknowledged her.
With a bit more effort, she believed she could achieve her goals.
‘When that time comes… I can marry Zion.’
Alain Kingdom’s borderlands, Arleard Fortress.
Balts found a secluded spot to rest his tired body.
After fighting monsters since dawn, he had only returned to the fortress by sunset.
While taking a late rest and overseeing his knights, he sensed a familiar presence and took a moment to check it out.
“…You returned quickly.”
“I can’t just idle around. I need to work diligently, right?”
Caden emerged from the shadows, replying calmly.
Balts scanned the surroundings, ensuring there were no other presences, and spoke again.
“Can you win the king’s favor that way?”
“I don't know that.”
“Haha! Unrequited love must be tough.”
“It's not tough. Even if I don’t win his favor, I won't regret trying.”
“…I see.”
Balts respected his dedication, even if it seemed foolish.
Silver Rogue put all his effort into achieving his goal, driven by love.
That determination, stemming from affection, seemed both poignant and brilliant.
“What do you think Zion Laird answered?”
“He probably refused my proposal.”
“Oh, how did you know?”
“I could tell you were about to laugh at me.”
“Ha! You can see that?”
“Your actions are always obvious.”
Balts laughed softly, watching the setting sun.
Silver Rogue often joked, but it never crossed a line.
Even his seemingly mocking demeanor was carefully measured.
“Now you can laugh at me. I’m just like you.”
“…Did he refuse you too?”
“He said I’m useless.”
“Hmm… makes sense. A swordsman wouldn’t value your skills.”
“True, right? He seemed busy.”
“Of course, he has a lot to do. He must protect his fiancée.”
“She’s a mage. Does she need protection?”
“That’s irrelevant. She’s his partner.”
Even if Hanette Adelaira were a grand mage, Zion Laird would see her as his fiancée and someone to protect.
Hanette Adelaira likely followed Zion Laird for similar reasons.
“The interesting part is Zion Laird travels with a knight order. Guess which one?”
“They must be special.”
“You’ve met them a few times.”
“I meet many knight orders. Few stand out.”
“You’ll recognize this one. Someone we both know…”
“The White Apostle.”
Balts responded impassively, turning away.
Caden smirked behind his mask, shrugging.
“The White Apostle wants an alliance with Zion Laird.”
“Impressive. How did that happen?”
“She said she needs someone to help with her work.”
“So she didn’t tell us?”
“She said she can’t ask us for help since it’s not a royal command.”
“…Very typical of the White Apostle. Rigid but very proper.”
Balts hadn’t met the White Apostle often but trusted her as a comrade.
She strictly adhered to regulations and obeyed royal commands.
No other Setinos Quasar was as meticulous and steadfast.
“What do you think? Should we help?”
“We should leave it. The White Apostle prefers it that way.”
“Still, there’s a sense of camaraderie. Shouldn't we at least pretend to help?”
“The White Apostle isn’t wrong. We serve the king. Without a royal command, it’s best not to intervene.”
“Hmm… you do want to help.”
“I can help if needed. But I can’t leave my post.”
“Hmm…”
Caden mulled over Enrite’s words, chuckling.
Strong yet bound by duty.
They were bound as Setinos Quasar, unable to seek more.
Enrite probably knew this and didn’t ask for help.
‘We have to help.’
Caden initially intended to cooperate with Enrite for his own goals.
But after hearing Balts’ opinion, another resolve seemed to grow within him.
‘A brief help isn’t enough…’
He needed to continuously support the Rihines Knight Order until the king recognized them.
The alliance wasn’t formed yet, but it was an added condition.
Helping Enrite and gaining favor with Zion Laird seemed beneficial.
‘I should start with the request.’
Enrite had asked him to locate the Shadow Dragon.
He was curious why the Shadow Dragon, but didn’t ask.
There must be a reason, and he had been monitoring the Shadow Dragon.
‘Something’s not right.’
Caden received reports even after returning to the fortress.
He kept an eye on the three great demon lords, four calamities, and other monster movements.
Recently, traces of shadow magic were found, prompting him to be ready for swift action.
“…Something big might happen soon.”
“You mean the Shadow Dragon?”
“You got the message? There have been many monster invasions recently.”
“It’s likely because of the Shadow Dragon.”
“We should be prepared. You never know.”
Caden faded into the shadows.
Balts took the warning seriously and moved swiftly.
‘We don’t know when or where they’ll attack. If they strike while I’m away…’
Alain Kingdom’s borderlands, temporary camp.
Zion informed Enrite about the Shadow Dragon.
Enrite, after much thought, believed Zion and asked the Silver Rogue to prioritize monitoring the Shadow Dragon.
They were now planning a strategy to counter a potential surprise attack from the Shadow Dragon.
“The Shadow Dragon will come for the Magic Swords. Our targets will be us four.”
“If we stay together, other troops won’t be harmed.”
“Having more troops wouldn’t help. It’d be great if we had the Purple Sage, but she’s too busy.”
The Purple Sage and her knights were symbols of the borderlands and nemeses to monsters.
Their continuous presence boosted morale and deterred monsters.
If the Purple Sage left her post, frontline troops would be the first to panic.
“I’m not sure if we four can handle it.”
“The Shadow Dragon must avoid the Cardinal. Shadow magic isn’t lethal, so it’s not a threat.”
“But… if captured, you get dragged into the Shadow Realm. No one returns from there.”
“We must end it before that. The Cardinal can hold off the Shadow Dragon.”
The Shadow Dragon’s body, made of shadows, was immune to normal attacks.
Only Magic Sword users or those with high magical prowess could harm it.
The Light Magic Sword could neutralize the Shadow Dragon’s shadow to some extent, so Enrite could hold it off.
“I know, but…”
Enrite sensed familiar magic and stood.
Zion noticed silver fragments in the air and recognized them.
The silver fragments flew and gathered near Enrite.
Enrite focused his magic on his right hand, stabilizing the fragments.
They formed into a message, producing a voice.