157 - Reward (2)

157 - Reward (2)

TL/Editor: raei

Status: ongoing

Illustrations: none

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Episode 157, Chapter 43: Reward (2)

Silence followed.

Simeon's reasoning was due to the unprecedented attention Luminous had shown, unparalleled in the Order of Light's history.

The Pope thought that for a being to receive such interest from a deity, there must be something special about them, beyond that of mortals.

And this couldn't be achieved merely by having the empire's finest bloodline or a fate destined to change the world.

Even the hero, who had appeared only twice in history, received only one or two oracles at most.

So it was certain that Prince Zion possessed something beyond that.

Moreover, he had undoubtedly accomplished an incredible feat, enough for the god they served to directly express gratitude and offer a reward.

Combining these two factors led to the conclusion that Prince Zion might be the Heaven Destroyer.

The Heaven Destroyer had an exalted status, overwhelming even Belial, the strongest fallen angel, and had saved the City of Light.

'Of course, it's a huge leap.'

Though he had voiced the question on the slim chance, Simeon already knew it was impossible.

Despite his recent fame, Prince Zion had been considered a disgrace to the royal family until less than a year ago.

It was already unbelievable that such a person had surpassed other royals to become a strong candidate for emperor in such a short time, let alone reaching a status like the Heaven Destroyer.

Nevertheless, he asked because he was so curious about why their god showed such interest in Prince Zion.

Just then,

"What do you think?"

Zion, with languid eyes, smiled slightly and asked the Pope in return.

Simeon's eyes wavered for a moment at this ambiguous answer, then he let out a small laugh before speaking.

"Of course, that's impossible. I apologize for the sudden strange question."

Having reached this conclusion on his own, the Pope immediately changed the subject.

"...The reward our Order will give to Your Highness is just one thing. And it's the best reward we can offer."

"The best reward?"

"From now on, our Order of Light will support Prince Zion Agnes."

It was a groundbreaking statement.

Until now, the Order of Light had never supported an outsider who wasn't part of the Order.

No, it was the first time they had interfered in the succession struggle at all, except for First Prince Rubrious.

An unprecedented event in history.

"Weren't you already supporting Rubrious?"

Though it was certainly shocking, Zion asked Simeon with the same calm eyes as before.

"That's correct. Of course, we plan to continue supporting the First Prince as well. But if the time comes to choose between the two, we'll likely lean a bit more towards Your Highness."

"And the reason for that?"

"Naturally, supporting Prince Rubrious would be more beneficial for the Order. He's so devoted that he's willing to give up the throne and dedicate everything to the Light, and he's also one of the special-class holy knights. However..."

As he spoke, the same strange light from earlier filled Simeon's eyes.

"Isn't Your Highness the one in who the Light shows the most interest?"

The same look as First Prince Rubrious.

That look was undoubtedly one of fanaticism.

"You've already received several oracles, which even the highest-ranking priests struggle to receive once in a lifetime, and beyond that, you've experienced descent and designation. If we don't support someone like you, who else would we support?"

For Simeon, who revered the Light above all else, this was the most important factor.

Thus, there was no hesitation in his eyes.

"And perhaps if the First Prince learns of this, he might give up competing with Your Highness. Of course, there's one condition."

The Pope didn't mention what that condition was.

It seemed he thought it would be better for Rubrious to hear it directly.

'So this was the reason for his confidence.'

Zion thought as he looked at Simeon.

He had intended to gain the Order of Light's support eventually, but he hadn't expected to obtain it so easily.

It seemed that Luminous's frequent interventions to communicate directly with him had played a major role.

'Even if those words are false and they favor Rubrious more, it's still a good deal.'

He could use it until his confrontation with the First Prince.

Having finished this thought, Zion spoke.

"Not bad."

"I'm glad you're satisfied."

"Then I'll give you a gift from my side as well."

The Pope's eyes filled with question at these words.

"A gift? What do you mean?"

Zion immediately began walking.

He walked, looking only in one direction, without even glancing at the other weapons.

The gravity spear Agnus.

The season bow Harpnos.

And even the heaven-fallen sword Rigveda, which cried out the loudest.

Zion's eyes, which had passed by even mythical weapons, finally,

'Found it.'

Lit up.

A half sword blade stuck in a corner of the vault, absorbing all the light around it.

It was the remaining part of the Light-Extinguishing Sword.

Its location was exactly the same as when Zion first discovered Eclaksia.

"What? Why is something like that there..."

Veila's voice, tinged with doubt, flowed out as she discovered the sword blade behind Zion.

She managed the vault all day, every day, and knew where even a fingernail-sized gem was located.

But even for Veila, this sword blade was something she had never seen before.

'There was definitely nothing there until just now...!'

It was utterly incomprehensible.

Meanwhile, Zion, who had already reached the sword blade, stretched out his hand and grasped the air.

SWISH-

Eclaksia naturally settled into Zion's hand.

As if recognizing that its other half was right in front of it?

WOONG!

The summoned Light-Extinguishing Sword trembled and let out a great cry.

Along with this, spider web-like lines began to flow from the tip of Eclaksia, connecting to the cut part of the embedded sword blade.

--------------!

The connection continued, and a black light burst forth.

"Wh-What on earth...!"

Along with Veila's cry, the light that spread in all directions finally filled the entire vault.

Just as the shock in the vault keeper's eyes reached its peak, WHOOSH!

The black light vanished without a trace in an instant, and her vision returned.

What Veila saw then was Zion walking towards her with indifferent eyes, and

A single ink-black sword in Zion's hand, now with a perfect blade.

"Here."

Zion, who had walked right up to the motionless vault keeper, showed her the completed Eclaksia.

"It was originally one like this, so it's fine for me to take it, right?"

Veila nodded blankly at Zion's question.

* * *

"Hi, Master~"

After obtaining the other half of Eclaksia and returning to Chimseong Palace, the first person to greet Zion was none other than Liushina.

Sitting in the chair of the study that was originally Zion's seat, she waved her hand cheerfully.

"Hi?"

"Oh, don't you know? This is a greeting I learned in the Blood Realm I just visited. How is it? Pretty good, right?"

"Seeing that you learned such words, I guess you resolved things well."

"Of course, who do you think I am?"

Liushina grinned and answered Zion's words.

On this journey, she had not only perfectly carried out Zion's instructions but also obtained new clues to further develop her blood magic.

Perhaps because she realized there was another realm above what she thought was the limit?

The witch's eyes were filled with excitement and anticipation.

"Welcome back, Your Highness."

Tierrie, standing next to her, greeted Zion with a gentle smile.

Zion nodded to acknowledge the greeting and immediately asked him,

"Any notable events while I was gone?"

"Within the imperial palace, nothing except the First Prince looking for you. However, there was one strange occurrence outside the palace."

"Tell me."

At Zion's words, Tierrie hesitated for a moment before slowly speaking.

"Well... a huge tower appeared overnight on the western outskirts of the empire. They say its size is as large as an entire city, and its height reaches the sky..."

Tierrie trailed off, as if he found it hard to believe even as he spoke.

'Is it finally opening?'

Zion's eyes began to gleam as he heard Tierrie's report.