* * *
The recovered Octavia and the spectres fiercely pursued Jin's party.
Valkas and the swordmaster who were supposed to be in charge of the rear were already exhausted, but fortunately Ron's gray sword was scattered all over the road to the castle.
Surprisingly, his sword move did not block allies at all, only suppressing the spectres. Just as a divine being gives help only to those who receive its protection.
Octavia's tremendous mobility was also obscured by the gray sword and losing its light. Thanks to this, the party moved toward the castle more easily than expected.
That doesn't mean they are moving fast. In the sky, the shock waves of the giants exploded non-stop, and the ground turned upside down and screamed every time they stepped on it.
As the battle between Ron and Kelliark intensified, the aftermath was being transmitted to the sword emperor castle. And for the most part, Octavia and the spectres had to endure.
It was a strange composition. The spectres are covering the retreating Jin party like an umbrella.
Octavia couldn't help but burst into anger. After the battle on the surface began, she and her spectres continued to take more damage from Ron and Kelliark battle.
‘Sir Hedo said that he seemed to be a human being whom Heaven cherished…… Luck follows him endlessly.'
-If the heavens cares for you. It must be because your father has become the heaven itself.
Just like what Hedo said to Jin in the Sota Desert, Octavia felt the same way. Strangely enough, Jin seemed to be lucky.
Of all things, the giants' battleground caused more damage to themselves with their backs to the sky, and as soon as the battle started, reinforcements called Misha came at the right time, and they couldn't put an end to it even after they were strengthened with demon’s God’s orb.
Again.
Anxiety was overtaking her. In the end, her dirty intuition that she couldn't kill Jin's party was stuck in her brain like a nail.
It seemed like something else was about to pop out. Someone to help Jin and his friends who are cornered.
'Shit…!’
Even if it wasn't someone else, it was terrible that even the Valkas and the Sword saints were not yet down.
The Black King mercenaries leader and the Sword saints are of course very strong, but they were by no means comparable to herself and the spectres. Even if they were able to withstand the shock of the giants, they should have been cleared already.
Especially the five sword saints.
On the outside, they were already corpses. Their face wasn't good enough to go beyond gray and almost look black, and the swords they swing as they withdrew were not as sharp as before.
Still, they didn't die. Their chest is pierced, so this will be the end, the running speed will be slowed down, the leg will be broken, and now they will fall...….
Octavia can't count how many times she has missed all those expectations.
With a battered body, they wielded their sword almost as if they were floundering, but why and how could they keep defending the rear, even against myself and the spectres!
Even among the Sword saints, there were those who repeated their consciousness to turn off and return every second, like a flickering magic lamp.
Inner castle was getting closer.
After the Demon’s god’s orb was opened, the sword emperor castle lost most of its castle shape.
However, inner castle was still almost the same as the first time.
Between the collapsed buildings and the broken land, the only intact inner castle was somehow exuding a noble aura.
It gave the feeling that something precious to be protected even if the whole world is destroyed is something like this.
However, even Ron could not block Octavia from hitting it directly. If Jin's party and the spectres enter the castle, the inner castle will eventually collapse.
“You can’t pass, Zipfel….”
The sword saints stopped retreating in front of the castle. Jin and his comrades paused and looked back at them.
They could tell without even saying it.
We will buy time one last time, check out little patriarch, if possible, if possible...… take him with you
The backs of the sword saints were saying that. Anyway, among them, there is no one who can live even if they receive treatment right now.
Sacrifice, truly terrible.
“Yes, the right choice…… It's going to be really hard to have meaning now.”
Octavia said in a low, hateful voice. She and spectre squad were aiming their wands at the Sword saints.
As they said, it would not be an exaggeration to say that the miracles of the Sword saints, which had been passed down hundreds of times, would end here.
Jin turned around and moved towards the sword saints. Pulling out the blue pale sword, Sigmund.
‘Lord… !’
'Young master!'
Jin’s comrades feel the same way as him. They also did not want to step on the sacrifice of their comrades and go to the next one.
But they had to make a cold decision. This must have been something the sword saints also didn't want. Feeling the energy of Jin getting closer to them, they also wanted to shout, please just leave.
That's why all of his comrades had to stop Jin, but Jin wasn't just losing his mind and heading to the sword saints because of his emotions.
Won't you come forward even if I do this?
Runcandel, Jin was asking his own clan by his action.
‘Whoever comes from the clan. If I fight with them even unfolding my Plutonian reign sword here, they won't know that it's not just the Sword saints who will die.'
It was a kind threat, and as always.
Jin was able to achieve what he wanted.
The moment when Octavia and the spectre's magic rained down on the Sword saints and Jin's comrades tried to forcefully bring him back.
A group of knights who were hiding in the fire blocked the front of Jin and the sword saints. It’s the five black knights.
‘Again, do you really mean again…!’
Octavia gritted her teeth and glared at the black knights.
-Do you think Runcandel will come out to save me alone, Octavia Zipfel?
-I’m sure. Now you have such a position in Runcandel.
Just as she had a conversation with Jin as soon as they met on the ground, in fact, Octavia had in mind from the beginning that Runcandel’s support will come.
Even so, the reason she was shocked because she is just sick and tired of it.
The fact that the situation was created in favor of Jin every time made her blood flow backwards.
Aww-!
The swords of the knights cut the magic of Octavia and the spectres. They, too, must have endured the might of the giants along the way, but they showed no sign of weariness.
On the contrary the sword aura is stronger than any active black knight Jin had ever seen and blocking his front in an instant.
Jin’s comrades were able to sweep their hearts out, and only then did Jin fed up with his fighting spirit a little.
He wasn't just pretending to be with the Sword saints, but it was a prelude to knowing that the black knights would never have stepped up if he hadn't really shown his willingness to participate in the battle again.
“The 12th flagbearer.”
Stam's calm and heavy voice did not lose its vigor even in the midst of the chaotic battlefield.
Jin had never heard Stam's voice and had no idea about his status, but he knew it instinctively. The fact that he is the commander of the Runcandel Black Knights.
"To think you'd pull me out like this, you always have a knack for surprising clan members."
Stam's sword created a fierce resonant sound and pushed away other energy around it. As soon as he appeared, Octavia and the spectres had no choice but to change their formation again from chase to a battle position.
“Stam…… Didn't Rosa Runcandel come in person?”
Stam didn't answer Octavia and looked back at Jin and the others. As if there was no problem at all even if there are spectres in front of it.
For a few seconds, Stam's gaze moved back and forth between Jin and the others and the unbroken inner castle. In the end, he reached the figures of the sword saints who were thin and wounded in places.
As a martial artist before being a black knight, and also as a human being.
It was a sight that he had no choice but to show respect.
“Thanks to the 12th flagbearer, I am grateful to be able to pay my respects to you guys. It's not my intention, but it's an honor to help you in your end.”
Even if you were moved by them as a martial artist and wanted to help them as a human, the original mission and clan interests are the first priority for the black knights.
Therefore, it was not very appropriate to step forward now, but considering Jin's injury or death, he couldn't help it.
“…… Sir Stam, definitely. The day will come when Hairan will repay the favor. Even if a thousand years pass.”
Stam and the Black Knights appeared, but the death of the Sword saints was already inevitable.
Jin was aware of the fact. The reason he forcibly brought in the clan was because it was necessary. Realistically, he knew better than anyone else that the swordmasters alone would not be able to buy them enough time.
Stam nodded and met Jin's eyes.
“Go, 12th flagbearer.”
Jin did not ask Stam to make time to say goodbye to the sword saints one last time.
Since the battle on the ground began, Jin and his comrades had already said goodbye to the Sword saints.
The fight itself was like a long farewell to them.
For once, Jin and his comrades caught sight of the backs of the sword saints and turned to the castle again.
As they left, Octavia couldn't able to capture them.
“A little while ago, you asked if Madame Rosa hadn’t come in person, Octavia Zipfel.”
Stam pointed his sword and continued to talk.
“You better thank Madame Rosa for sending me instead.”
Stam's scornful voice pierced Octavia's lungs.
* * *
Dante Hiran.
In an inner war with the white stone, he was walking on an endless gray road.
How long has it been, why the hell am I doing here, what am I resisting…… he couldn't remember those things now.
Am I doing well...?
He clearly remembered that he was fighting a fierce battle. The fact that he fought so fiercely that he could not bear to put it into words.
But he was calm now.
He could no longer hear the voice that had seduced him, the voice that he didn't know why, but he didn't think he should ever follow.
I’m doing great. And, I got over it...
Suddenly, such a thought sprouted like a horn, and his steps became lighter. He didn't know what he had won, but somehow good things seemed to happen if he kept walking.
After going through that gray area for so long, Dante was able to hear a new voice.
Dante...!
Dante!
It's not a tempting voice that he thought he should never pass over, but a completely different, very friendly and familiar voice.
It was a friend's voice.
'Jin!'
Dante smiled broadly and started running towards the direction of Jin's voice.
The voice kept getting closer before it got too far, and he saw a door standing out of nowhere in the gray ground.
He put his hand on the door.
'By the way, even if I open it and go out... Is it okay?'
Suddenly, an unknown feeling of uneasiness filled his heart that was beating with joy.
Dante!
He heard his friend's urgent voice once more, and Dante opened the door, stopping his troubled thoughts.
And as soon as he passed through the door, White Stone looked at the wide open door and thought:
Finally.
I could go out.
* * *
The recovered Octavia and the spectres fiercely pursued Jin's party.
Valkas and the swordmaster who were supposed to be in charge of the rear were already exhausted, but fortunately Ron's gray sword was scattered all over the road to the castle.
Surprisingly, his sword move did not block allies at all, only suppressing the spectres. Just as a divine being gives help only to those who receive its protection.
Octavia's tremendous mobility was also obscured by the gray sword and losing its light. Thanks to this, the party moved toward the castle more easily than expected.
That doesn't mean they are moving fast. In the sky, the shock waves of the giants exploded non-stop, and the ground turned upside down and screamed every time they stepped on it.
As the battle between Ron and Kelliark intensified, the aftermath was being transmitted to the sword emperor castle. And for the most part, Octavia and the spectres had to endure.
It was a strange composition. The spectres are covering the retreating Jin party like an umbrella.
Octavia couldn't help but burst into anger. After the battle on the surface began, she and her spectres continued to take more damage from Ron and Kelliark battle.
‘Sir Hedo said that he seemed to be a human being whom Heaven cherished…… Luck follows him endlessly.'
-If the heavens cares for you. It must be because your father has become the heaven itself.
Just like what Hedo said to Jin in the Sota Desert, Octavia felt the same way. Strangely enough, Jin seemed to be lucky.
Of all things, the giants' battleground caused more damage to themselves with their backs to the sky, and as soon as the battle started, reinforcements called Misha came at the right time, and they couldn't put an end to it even after they were strengthened with demon’s God’s orb.
Again.
Anxiety was overtaking her. In the end, her dirty intuition that she couldn't kill Jin's party was stuck in her brain like a nail.
It seemed like something else was about to pop out. Someone to help Jin and his friends who are cornered.
'Shit…!’
Even if it wasn't someone else, it was terrible that even the Valkas and the Sword saints were not yet down.
The Black King mercenaries leader and the Sword saints are of course very strong, but they were by no means comparable to herself and the spectres. Even if they were able to withstand the shock of the giants, they should have been cleared already.
Especially the five sword saints.
On the outside, they were already corpses. Their face wasn't good enough to go beyond gray and almost look black, and the swords they swing as they withdrew were not as sharp as before.
Still, they didn't die. Their chest is pierced, so this will be the end, the running speed will be slowed down, the leg will be broken, and now they will fall...….
Octavia can't count how many times she has missed all those expectations.
With a battered body, they wielded their sword almost as if they were floundering, but why and how could they keep defending the rear, even against myself and the spectres!
Even among the Sword saints, there were those who repeated their consciousness to turn off and return every second, like a flickering magic lamp.
Inner castle was getting closer.
After the Demon’s god’s orb was opened, the sword emperor castle lost most of its castle shape.
However, inner castle was still almost the same as the first time.
Between the collapsed buildings and the broken land, the only intact inner castle was somehow exuding a noble aura.
It gave the feeling that something precious to be protected even if the whole world is destroyed is something like this.
However, even Ron could not block Octavia from hitting it directly. If Jin's party and the spectres enter the castle, the inner castle will eventually collapse.
“You can’t pass, Zipfel….”
The sword saints stopped retreating in front of the castle. Jin and his comrades paused and looked back at them.
They could tell without even saying it.
We will buy time one last time, check out little patriarch, if possible, if possible...… take him with you
The backs of the sword saints were saying that. Anyway, among them, there is no one who can live even if they receive treatment right now.
Sacrifice, truly terrible.
“Yes, the right choice…… It's going to be really hard to have meaning now.”
Octavia said in a low, hateful voice. She and spectre squad were aiming their wands at the Sword saints.
As they said, it would not be an exaggeration to say that the miracles of the Sword saints, which had been passed down hundreds of times, would end here.
Jin turned around and moved towards the sword saints. Pulling out the blue pale sword, Sigmund.
‘Lord… !’
'Young master!'
Jin’s comrades feel the same way as him. They also did not want to step on the sacrifice of their comrades and go to the next one.
But they had to make a cold decision. This must have been something the sword saints also didn't want. Feeling the energy of Jin getting closer to them, they also wanted to shout, please just leave.
That's why all of his comrades had to stop Jin, but Jin wasn't just losing his mind and heading to the sword saints because of his emotions.
Won't you come forward even if I do this?
Runcandel, Jin was asking his own clan by his action.
‘Whoever comes from the clan. If I fight with them even unfolding my Plutonian reign sword here, they won't know that it's not just the Sword saints who will die.'
It was a kind threat, and as always.
Jin was able to achieve what he wanted.
The moment when Octavia and the spectre's magic rained down on the Sword saints and Jin's comrades tried to forcefully bring him back.
A group of knights who were hiding in the fire blocked the front of Jin and the sword saints. It’s the five black knights.
‘Again, do you really mean again…!’
Octavia gritted her teeth and glared at the black knights.
-Do you think Runcandel will come out to save me alone, Octavia Zipfel?
-I’m sure. Now you have such a position in Runcandel.
Just as she had a conversation with Jin as soon as they met on the ground, in fact, Octavia had in mind from the beginning that Runcandel’s support will come.
Even so, the reason she was shocked because she is just sick and tired of it.
The fact that the situation was created in favor of Jin every time made her blood flow backwards.
Aww-!
The swords of the knights cut the magic of Octavia and the spectres. They, too, must have endured the might of the giants along the way, but they showed no sign of weariness.
On the contrary the sword aura is stronger than any active black knight Jin had ever seen and blocking his front in an instant.
Jin’s comrades were able to sweep their hearts out, and only then did Jin fed up with his fighting spirit a little.
He wasn't just pretending to be with the Sword saints, but it was a prelude to knowing that the black knights would never have stepped up if he hadn't really shown his willingness to participate in the battle again.
“The 12th flagbearer.”
Stam's calm and heavy voice did not lose its vigor even in the midst of the chaotic battlefield.
Jin had never heard Stam's voice and had no idea about his status, but he knew it instinctively. The fact that he is the commander of the Runcandel Black Knights.
"To think you'd pull me out like this, you always have a knack for surprising clan members."
Stam's sword created a fierce resonant sound and pushed away other energy around it. As soon as he appeared, Octavia and the spectres had no choice but to change their formation again from chase to a battle position.
“Stam…… Didn't Rosa Runcandel come in person?”
Stam didn't answer Octavia and looked back at Jin and the others. As if there was no problem at all even if there are spectres in front of it.
For a few seconds, Stam's gaze moved back and forth between Jin and the others and the unbroken inner castle. In the end, he reached the figures of the sword saints who were thin and wounded in places.
As a martial artist before being a black knight, and also as a human being.
It was a sight that he had no choice but to show respect.
“Thanks to the 12th flagbearer, I am grateful to be able to pay my respects to you guys. It's not my intention, but it's an honor to help you in your end.”
Even if you were moved by them as a martial artist and wanted to help them as a human, the original mission and clan interests are the first priority for the black knights.
Therefore, it was not very appropriate to step forward now, but considering Jin's injury or death, he couldn't help it.
“…… Sir Stam, definitely. The day will come when Hairan will repay the favor. Even if a thousand years pass.”
Stam and the Black Knights appeared, but the death of the Sword saints was already inevitable.
Jin was aware of the fact. The reason he forcibly brought in the clan was because it was necessary. Realistically, he knew better than anyone else that the swordmasters alone would not be able to buy them enough time.
Stam nodded and met Jin's eyes.
“Go, 12th flagbearer.”
Jin did not ask Stam to make time to say goodbye to the sword saints one last time.
Since the battle on the ground began, Jin and his comrades had already said goodbye to the Sword saints.
The fight itself was like a long farewell to them.
For once, Jin and his comrades caught sight of the backs of the sword saints and turned to the castle again.
As they left, Octavia couldn't able to capture them.
“A little while ago, you asked if Madame Rosa hadn’t come in person, Octavia Zipfel.”
Stam pointed his sword and continued to talk.
“You better thank Madame Rosa for sending me instead.”
Stam's scornful voice pierced Octavia's lungs.
* * *
Dante Hiran.
In an inner war with the white stone, he was walking on an endless gray road.
How long has it been, why the hell am I doing here, what am I resisting…… he couldn't remember those things now.
Am I doing well...?
He clearly remembered that he was fighting a fierce battle. The fact that he fought so fiercely that he could not bear to put it into words.
But he was calm now.
He could no longer hear the voice that had seduced him, the voice that he didn't know why, but he didn't think he should ever follow.
I’m doing great. And, I got over it...
Suddenly, such a thought sprouted like a horn, and his steps became lighter. He didn't know what he had won, but somehow good things seemed to happen if he kept walking.
After going through that gray area for so long, Dante was able to hear a new voice.
Dante...!
Dante!
It's not a tempting voice that he thought he should never pass over, but a completely different, very friendly and familiar voice.
It was a friend's voice.
'Jin!'
Dante smiled broadly and started running towards the direction of Jin's voice.
The voice kept getting closer before it got too far, and he saw a door standing out of nowhere in the gray ground.
He put his hand on the door.
'By the way, even if I open it and go out... Is it okay?'
Suddenly, an unknown feeling of uneasiness filled his heart that was beating with joy.
Dante!
He heard his friend's urgent voice once more, and Dante opened the door, stopping his troubled thoughts.
And as soon as he passed through the door, White Stone looked at the wide open door and thought:
Finally.
I could go out.
