Chapter 304

Chapter 304

- Your third son will tear the Empire to shreds and bring about its downfall.

- Yet at the same time, your third son will ensure the Empires prosperity for all eternity.

The third son of the Imperial family had received these two conflicting prophecies.

Destruction and prosperity.

Although the Emperor tried to keep it a secret, whispers of the prophecy stealthily spread.

The high officials of the Empire paid no attention to the latter prophecy. Their focus was solely on the first.

The child destined to ruin the Empire.

Thus, even before his birth, Ash became a target of curses and hatred.

Numerous demands arose, advising against even conceiving a third child, and the Emperor himself considered heeding these warnings.

After the birth of his second son, Fernandez, he ceased his marital duties with the Empress.

However, on the battlefield, the Emperor met Dustia.

He fell in love with her.

Defying all political barriers, he crowned Dustia as the second Empress.

When she became pregnant, there were daily outcries from courtiers demanding the unborn childs life.

But the Emperor ignored them, staying steadfastly by his beloveds side for ten months.

And, against all odds... Ash was born.

Holding his newborn for the first time, the Emperor named his third son,

Born Hater.

From that moment, Ashs middle name was solidified.

A child born amidst hatred.

And a child destined to spread hatred.

...Yet, contrary to the grand prophecy,

Ash was rather mediocre.

He displayed no aptitude in arts or martial abilities. Instead, after his mothers death, he became immersed in indulgence, causing trouble and wasting his time.

Public attention waned, and the prophecy was reduced to a laughable rumor.

In a modern age driven by magical technology, people scoffed at the idea of ancient prophecies.

The prophecy gradually faded into obscurity...

...Or so it seemed.

Dusk Bringar bit her lip.

Ash was nothing like the rumors suggested. He was bold, meticulous, and had a profound charisma.

It was as if his years of recklessness in the Imperial Capital were a ruse, a grand strategy to conceal his true nature.

They say like father, like son. Truly, an Everblack is an Everblack.

Entering the refugee camp outside the North Gate, Dusk Bringar was greeted with smiles from her followers. She surveyed their conditions as she moved to the center of the camp.

...So, Ash.

If the prophecy of that dark thorn tree, Everblack, was true,

How do you plan to destroy the Empire, and then bring it to prosperity?

She couldnt even begin to guess.

Yet, she had a strong premonition.

That her destiny was deeply intertwined with this youngest prince.

Perhaps you will be the one to reveal the meaning of my name, Ash.

Throughout her life spanning over 120 years,

She sensed the twilight, or "Dusk," that would soon mark its end.

Dusk Bringar felt it.

With a flawless, youthful hand, she clutched her chest,

As if grasping her own aged and tarnished soul.

***

A few days later,

The 1st Imperial Army, stationed to the west of Crossroad, was observed moving; some headed west, while others went north.

After they had completely left the Crossroad zone, I decided to enter the dungeon, leading a massive group of playable hero character parties.

Whether Lark and Fernandez have a showdown is one thing, I thought. I need to do what Im supposed to.

Preparing for the next stage, and the stage after that. Regardless of how the world moves, my goal ultimately concludes in a battle with the monsters here.

"Y-Yes, Im fine..."

I approached and inquired, and Godhand replied with a pale face, "Its just... remembering the torment I suffered at her hands..."

"Right."

It was Godhand who delivered my letter to Dusk Bringar. He had a rough time back then.

"It was really tough. After torturing me for information, she did heal me, but... to be honest, its not a pleasant memory..."

"Im sorry, dude."

"But, Sire, thanks to you, weve gained a powerful ally in the Monster Frontline."

Despite Godhands understanding, both Bodybag and Burnout were still visibly shaken. They seemed traumatized by their previous encounters with Dusk Bringar.

I get it from Dusk Bringars perspective. These three are from the Aegis Special Forces, implicated in an assassination that could have started a war. But theyre also my most trusted allies.

As I brooded over this, Lilly approached in her wheelchair, holding Godhands hand.

"Ill protect you, Godhand! No matter who were up against, well fend them off together!"

"Lilly..."

This inseparable duo exchanged syrupy sweet looks. There they go again. These two lovebirds are just too much sometimes.

Ignoring the overly affectionate couple, I headed into the base camp. I had some business here too.

"Ah, Ash! Its been a while!"

Greeting me with a bright smile was Verdandi, the leader of the Holy Grail Seekers. I returned the smile.

"Verdandi. Howve you been? Are your teammates all recovered?"

"Yes! Thanks to the continuous supply of food youve been sending, especially the sunflower seeds, everyones doing much better!"

Even though I couldnt move much, I had kept sending them supplies, including sunflower seeds.

Perhaps because of that, Verdandis formerly pallid cheeks now bore a healthy color.

"A few days ago, we even went on a light exploration. Weve pretty much fully recovered now."

"Thats good to hear. But still, be careful out there."

"Wow! Oh, but! Weve finally found a trace during our exploration! Weve pinpointed the location of the Holy Grail-"

Verdandis voice trailed off, her face growing serious. Huh? Whys that?

"...Huh? Wha-?"

With a ghastly expression, Verdandi, trembling, pointed at Dusk Bringar, who was busy examining the base camp.

"The Dragon King of the Evening Glow...?"

"Hm?"

"Why are you here...!"

At that, Dusk Bringar, turning her gaze to Verdandi, showed a hint of recognition.

"Wait... Isnt that...?"

"Ah! Wait, hold on!"

Frantically, Verdandi waved her hands, as if urging Dusk Bringar to stop speaking.

But Dusk Bringar blurted out without hesitation, "The pure second daughter of the World Tree, the rightful heir of the Fairy Kingdom... Verdandi, isnt it?"

"..."

"I thought youd died after disappearing at the end of the war a hundred years ago, searching for the Holy Grail. I never expected to reunite in such a place!"

"..."

"Though we were enemies once, its a pleasure to meet a long-lived species in this short-lived world! How have you been, heir of the Fairy Kingdom?"

Verdandi was visibly stunned.

So were Godhand and the other elves, who had been quietly watching the exchange from a distance.

"Huh? Whats wro... Oh!"

Realizing her blunder, Dusk Bringar quickly covered her mouth and darted her eyes around, asking hesitantly, "...Was that supposed to be a secret?"

I chuckled softly. Well, I knew about it because Id played the game.

Verdandi had always wanted to keep it a secret. I gave a wry smile.

"...This is why."

Tears glistened in Verdandis green eyes, filled with resentment, as she pointed accusingly at Dusk Bringar, shouting, "This is why I HATE dragons!"

All the other elves nodded in fierce agreement.

Crossing her arms, Dusk Bringar sighed deeply and lowered her head, "Rebels, you pointed-eared traitors, you think I like you?"

Watching the bickering dragon and elves, I pondered to myself.

...But really, are there any races in this fantasy world that actually get along?