Chapter 309

Chapter 309

A river flowed through the central continent.

This river, named Iris, separated the southwestern and northeastern parts of the continent. It was a large river flowing from the inland sea adjacent to the Imperial Capital of New Terra to the outer sea in the east, serving as the lifeline of civilization, making the central continent prosperous and fertile.

The Everblack Empire, which had greedily consumed the center of the continent, viewed this river as both the actual boundary of their dominion over the Imperial Capital and an absolute defensive line against any external invasion.

Thud, thud, thud...

Troops began to appear from the west side of the river.

The force that had led the charge against the empires enemies for a long time, acting as the empires spear and shield against outsiders.

The First Legion of the Imperial Army.

This division, known as the "Pilgrims of the Border" because they had never once moved from their post at the national border since their inception, was now heading towards the Imperial Capital.

"..."

At the forefront stood the commander of the First Legion, the supreme commander of the imperial forces, and the first Crown Prince.

Lark Avalanche Everblack slowed his horses pace as the river came into view. His knights and soldiers halted as well.

Lark looked straight ahead in silence. In front of him stood a massive bridge built to span the Iris River, and on that bridge,

Clank! Clank! Clank!

Stood an array of troops that had seized control of it.

The Imperial Capital Defense Force.

The standing army directly under the Imperial Family, responsible for the outer defense and internal security of New Terra.

The supreme commander of the Empire, Lark, couldnt even issue them an order. Their commander was.

"Its been a while, brother."

Fernandez Ember Keeper Everblack.

The imperial chief administrator, the commander of the Aegis Special Forces, and the second Crown Prince.

Dressed not in armor but in the formal attire of a civil official, unlike his fully armored brother, Fernandez greeted Lark from his horse.

"Why are you here, brother? As far as I know, the situation in the Bringar Duchy hasnt stabilized yet."

Behind his monocle, the 2nd Crown Princes reddish eyes hinted at a smirk.

"Or perhaps youve secretly executed the Duchess of Bringar and stolen her Dragons Blood without my knowledge?"

"..."

"Even if that were the case, its astonishing that youve returned leading the entire First Legion. You are aware, are you not? Only the Imperial Capital Defense Force is allowed to conduct military operations in the Imperial Capital."

Lark remained silent, simply gazing intently at his brother.

"Id rather not mention it, but brother."

Fernandez hesitated momentarily before smoothly declaring,

"Beyond this river lies the territory of the Imperial Capital. The moment you cross this bridge with your troops, I cant help but suspect treason."

"..."

"To avoid any misunderstandings about your intentions, I had to block the way like this. You understand, right?"

"Fernandez."

After long moments of silent observation, Lark finally spoke.

"Are you aware of the disturbances in the Imperial Capital?"

"Disturbances?"

"Yes. Thats why I came here personally to find out the truth."

Fernandez slightly tilted his head, then laughed lightly.

"Are you referring to the shadow factions? Havent I been working hard to curb their nefarious activities?"

"And what if those shadow factions never actually existed?"

At Larks pointed question, Fernandezs smile froze.

"What if all of this... is just a play youve staged?"

"Brother, I dont know who fed you such nonsense, but..."

Fernandez sighed lightly, raising both hands in a placating gesture.

"Wouldnt it be a bit unfair to nullify all the hard work Ive put in over the past seven years?" sorry, Fernandez, but I have no intention of continuing this conversation with you."

Rumble-

A massive steed beneath Lark snorted heavily. Petting its mane to calm it, Lark spoke coolly.

"I must see Father. Where is he?"

"Dont you know? Father is still logged into Everblack in the Abyss, protecting the empire."

Fernandez smirked.

"He wouldnt be aware of the affairs outside, after all. Hes likely caught in an endless battle with the deities on the other side."

"..."

Lark closed his eyes tightly.

Overwhelming firepower, incredible agility, and layers upon layers of protective magic spells provided extraordinary defenses.

A flawless weapon equipped with firepower, agility, and defense. This was the pinnacle of modern magic engineering.

Such a strategic vessel, rumored to cost as much as a small nations annual budget, now approached.

Yet, Lark didnt flinch. Instead, he charged directly towards the vessels.

Thump! Thump! Thump!

Larks steed was exceptional among warhorses.

Darting forward, he reached the forefront just as the vessel closed in, and leaped up from his saddle.

Pew! Pew! Pew!

Dozens of Mana Cannons fired from the ship. Hundreds of magic-infused shells rained down like hail.

However,

Flash!

Boom!

When Lark swung his sword horizontally, all projectiles exploded mid-air.

Lark saw the pilot inside the cockpit. With his sword, he whispered,

"Im sorry."

Thud!

Landing on top of the vessel, Larks sword pierced its hull.

A blue blades energy clashed with the ships protective spells, sending red sparks flying.

But Larks sword triumphed, cleaving deep into the vessel.

Lark held onto his embedded sword, charging from the vessels nose to its tail, slicing it open.

Whack!

As he reclaimed his sword and landed back onto his horses saddle,

Boom!

The vessel exploded in a massive fireball.

This impossible feat left every soldier of the Imperial Capital Defense Force agape. Fernandez muttered incredulously.

"Thats a bit much."

Yet, as he mumbled, Lark was already closing in on him.

***

The Imperial Capital Defense Force was decimated.

While Larks power was awe-inspiring, the stark difference between the First Legion and the Defense Forces battle capabilities was also evident.

The First Legion, which spent its life battling enemies at the borders, was significantly more experienced than the Imperial Capital Defense Force, which had mainly maintained order within the city.

To compensate for this gap in power, the Defense Force relied on modern technology like the flying vessels. But against Larks sword, they proved meaningless.

Even so, Lark did not kill most of the Defense Force. He subdued them.

Those who resisted to the end were executed, but those who surrendered peacefully were captured alive.

He still didnt see them as enemies.

"I have just one question, Fernandez."

From within the subdued Imperial Capital Defense Force, Lark asked coldly.

"I understand everything else, but theres one thing I cant grasp. I wanted to ask you directly."

Fernandez was also captured.

From the start, the second Crown Prince didnt put up much resistance. After the vessel crashed and the tide of battle turned, he peacefully raised both hands, waiting for his brother.

Lark approached his younger brother with his sword drawn and gently asked,

"Why? What purpose does all this serve? Why did you do this?"

"...You wouldnt understand, Brother."

Even in this situation, hearing his elder brothers compassionate voice, Fernandez gave a bitter laugh.

"People like you, Brother, who are whole, just, and believe in a kind world where everything is warm... dont understand that this world is fundamentally flawed."

"What?"

"In that sense, Ash would probably relate more to me."

Thinking of their youngest sibling who wasnt present, Fernandez chuckled.

"That guy always knew... he understood that this world is twisted from its very foundation."

"What the hell are you..."

Lark couldnt finish his sentence.

Thud!

Before he could react, Fernandez had lunged forward, impaling his own throat on the sword Lark held aimed at him.