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Chapter 476

The Pascallia Imperial Palace possessed, quite literally, a terrifying security network.

Infiltrating such an imperial palace was, from the outset, extremely unlikely, and even if one somehow succeeded in breaching it, it would be difficult to gain any meaningful advantage in a situation like this.

And yet, they had carried out an assault.

At this point, it was meaningless to ponder what method they had used.

It was certain that those things had been devoured by the Outer God Yog.

“Sir.”

I immediately called for the Sword Saint.

“What is it?”

“Have there been any recent communications from the Pinas Archipelago?”

The ones who answered that question were none other than the Pascallia Emperor and the Credos Emperor.

“There have been none.”

“The Western Continent is the same.”

Ha.

I let out a hollow laugh.

Then I spoke.

“The Pinas Archipelago… it’s in such an inconvenient position where communication is poor to begin with, so we couldn’t grasp what state it was in.”

And of all places, it had to be there.

No—perhaps the Outer God knew that and deliberately targeted it.

The recent Pinas Archipelago had been stubbornly refusing to change, leaving it half-isolated.

From that creature’s perspective, it must have been the perfect place to build a nest.

However, if one thought about it differently, it also meant the Outer God didn’t have many options left.

The reason it had been forced to recklessly swallow the Pinas Archipelago might very well be because there were no other places left where it could scheme.

With even the theft of the Heavenly Crystal blocked, there were very few methods left available to it.

People quickly began evacuating the conference hall.

As I moved outside together with Duke Berli, I was able to identify the main culprits behind the assault.

Giant wolves appearing from all directions.

There were far more of them than expected.

Considering the strength of the Imperial Knights, they were not particularly dangerous entities.

To begin with, most of the powerful individuals gathered here were at least at the level of Sword Masters.

As such, even if the wolves attacked their designated targets, they were quickly subdued.

What about spatial transfer magic?

The interference magic circle installed within the imperial palace had grown even denser.

It was a barrier meant to block intruders, but in the current situation, it interfered with my magic as well.

It wasn’t impossible to use if I insisted… but doing so would inevitably destroy the interference formation that the imperial family had spent an enormous sum to construct.

The situation wasn’t urgent enough to justify going that far.

As I advanced while guarding Princess Bata, I fell into thought.

Whatever the case, the top priority right now was the Princess’s safety.

“Muyeong.”

At my call, the surrounding shadows rippled, and with a black flash, a wraith wolf revealed itself.

I could hear gasps from around us, but I ignored them.

“Kill everything you see.”

At those words, Muyeong let out a short howl and sank into the shadows, immediately beginning to attack the wolf pack assaulting the people.

The others seemed startled by the sudden appearance of a wolf of a different color, but they soon realized that, unlike the attackers, it was a wraith-type undead.

“Good heavens… what in the world is that undead…?”

“Let us use this chance to withdraw, Your Highness.”

Returning to the Bata Kingdom right now was not a good choice.

From the beginning, the Pinas Archipelago had aimed for exactly this situation.

Shaking the strongest power, Pascallia, and planting distrust would be more than worthwhile for them.

If everyone scattered like this and the international conference collapsed, then a ridiculous situation of every nation fending for itself would follow.

This meeting, where everyone had gathered, was, in a sense, the golden time for cooperation.

From afar, I sent a voice transmission to the Sword Saint, who was unleashing aura blades and cutting down monsters.

—Sir. If the leaders of each nation leave like this, it will become troublesome. It would be best to stop them by any means necessary.

The moment my transmission reached him, he responded while swinging his sword.

—I have already set things in motion. We cannot allow ourselves to dance to their tune. However, there are too many monsters, so we must reduce their numbers first. You escort Princess Bata and withdraw quickly.

—Understood.

As we continued forward, massive wolves over two meters tall appeared, blocking our path.

They had approached from outside Muyeong’s attack range.

I was about to summon additional undead, but I stopped.

Because someone stepped forward first.

“How dare you!! You filthy beasts!”

Duke Berli ignited an aura blade and cleaved them apart in a single stroke.

The evacuation proceeded swiftly.

Those who had departed earlier had already exited the outer castle, and we followed, passing through the outer gate as well.

There, imperial attendants and maids who had been waiting were efficiently guiding the evacuees.

“You there. Focus on your proper duty for now.”

At that moment, Duke Berli spoke to me.

“Duke?”

“Handling the assault is Pascallia’s responsibility. Your duty is to remain by Her Highness’s side until the end. That is the role of a guardian, and the mission you have been given.”

My duty was to protect Princess Bata.

Eliminating those monsters was not our responsibility, but that of the Pascallia Imperial Family.

Indeed.

One had to clearly distinguish between public and private matters.

With that alone, my role was already complete.

In truth, Duke Berli’s words were not wrong.

Hadn’t I recently experienced what happens when you neglect the one you are meant to protect?

Silently, I looked at the countless wolves battling the knights in the distance.

Yes.

At that level, there was no need for me to intervene.

“Thank you for the advice.”

I turned my body.

And so, escorting Princess Bata, we arrived at a temporary shelter.

Most of the attendees had already gathered there, but neither the Pascallia Emperor nor the Credos Emperor were in sight.

“Damn it! Explain what the hell is going on!”

“Please calm yourself, Your Majesty! Pascallia will ensure your safety—”

“That is enough! I will return on my own!”

“Y-You must not! If you return now, the chaos will only worsen! Moreover, it may lead to the very division the enemy desires. Please, follow our guidance and move to a safe location first—!”

The empire’s chancellor hurriedly tried to restrain him, shouting.

“How can I trust those who could not even properly prevent an enemy infiltration!”

Under normal circumstances, the difference in national power would have been so vast that such words would never be uttered—but given the situation, all sorts of commotion broke out.

“That is exactly what they want! Do you truly intend to play into their hands?!”

“Silence! How dare you try to lecture me!”

The intense chaos escalated to the point where even the escorts nearly came to blows.

“Sir Leon.”

Princess Bata, her expression stiff, looked at me.

“Give your command, Your Highness.”

“In any situation… can you protect me?”

“Yes.”

At my firm answer, she smiled faintly, as if satisfied.

Then, taking a deep breath, she shouted.

“Everyone, please be quiet!! The leaders of nations—or their full representatives—must not fall into panic like this!”

Her cry momentarily silenced the commotion.

Their gazes were filled with, Who is that bratty princess?

Well, there was quite a large age gap between them and Princess Bata.

She was older than me, but still undeniably young compared to them.

Perhaps she felt that pressure, as her hands trembled slightly—but she bravely shouted again.

“Please maintain the dignity befitting your positions! Clearly assessing the situation—that is what we must do, is it not?!”

Some were persuaded by her words.

However, others burst out in anger.

“Silence!! How dare a princess of a once-insignificant nation try to lecture us!”

The moment an elderly man shouted, his guard attempted to draw his sword threateningly.

But—

Neither guard was able to draw their weapon.

Because I had already stepped into their immediate vicinity and pressed down on the pommel with my hand, preventing it from being unsheathed.

Given my current height, it should have been difficult—but since he employed a sword-drawing technique that lowered his stance beforehand, it was not hard to create this situation.

“Put it back.”

“W-What is this brat! What are you doing! Do you intend to disobey my command?!”

At the furious shout, the guard tried to force the sword out with strength, but it did not budge in the slightest.

“What kind of strength is this?!”

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Panicking, he tried to kick me.

But before his foot could even reach me, his body wavered and collapsed.

He had been subdued in an instant.

When I turned my head afterward, the elderly king who had shouted at Princess Bata flinched and dropped to the ground.

There was no need for words.

He was simply a weak-willed man who shrank back at the mere presence of killing intent.

It wasn’t that I was some fervent devotee of the Bata Kingdom or an unparalleled loyalist.

But I could not overlook someone disparaging the nation my father, mother, and grandfather had protected their entire lives.

As the pressure leaking from me slowly began to take shape, he trembled violently.

Completely terrified, he became as silent as a mute, and I quietly turned my body, signaling Princess Bata to continue what she had been doing.

At that, she stepped forward and addressed those gathered.

“The Pinas Archipelago has declared war on all continents. And they have carried out a show of force for all to see. What they seek is for us to scatter like this. If we disperse now, it will be difficult to gather again.”

After having their lives threatened once, who would willingly travel to another country?

The disappearance of a venue where everyone could gather to discuss agendas could only be interpreted as an attempt to break the unity of this international conference.

Calmly, she delivered a speech explaining the current situation and why they needed to compose themselves and continue the conference.

Sound logic upon sound logic.

The world does not always follow logic, but her words—spoken with newfound courage—barely managed to move the hearts of the people.

Fortunately, the personal danger she had feared did not materialize.

Then—

“The Boscal Empire respects the opinion of the Princess of the Bata Kingdom.”

The ruler of the Western Continent appeared, covered in blood, raising her hand in support.

“W-What?! Your Majesty, Emperor Credos?! Why are you in such a state…?”

“There were some annoying wolves, so I cut them all down on my way here. It seems most have evacuated safely.”

The wolves he referred to were the monsters that had attacked the hall.

At that, those who had been watching for an opening began to respond in unison.

“The same goes for us. We have heard the brave princess’s words well. The future of the Bata Kingdom is bright. We will not dance to the tune of those ungrateful Pinas fools.”

Once one or two began to agree, the majority quickly followed.

Even those who had been standing back and observing decided it was in their best interest to support, and public opinion swiftly tilted in one direction.

At that point, the atmosphere of cooperation began to spread once more.

“What about those who have not yet escaped?”

“When we were evacuating, an unknown barrier appeared. Since then, no one has been able to exit—they are likely still trapped inside.”

At those words, the leaders of each nation fell into contemplation.

“Head chamberlain. Is this place secure?”

“For now, once matters are stabilized, we will escort you to the opposite side of the outer castle. While monsters are rampaging, they should not reach that side.”

Even if something went wrong, there would be time to escape beforehand.

Relieved by the temporary safety, attention soon turned to the monsters causing this situation.

“These are not ordinary beasts or known monsters. They are closer to magical creatures one might only see in demonic realms.”

“Is the Pinas Archipelago capable of controlling such creatures?”

Now that things had somewhat settled, it was puzzling how such a large number of monsters had even been brought here.

“I do not mean to cast suspicion… but could it be that someone within Pascallia facilitated their entry…?”

“Speak sense. What possible benefit would Pascallia gain from that?”

As the situation gradually stabilized, I approached Princess Bata.

Beside her, as she took deep breaths, Duke Berli smiled and spoke. 𝐟𝐫𝕖𝗲𝘄𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝕧𝐞𝚕.𝕔𝕠𝐦

“You were truly splendid, Your Highness.”

“Thank you, Duke Berli.”

“With Your Highness present, the Bata Kingdom will surely grow even more prosperous.”

Embarrassed by his praise, she averted her gaze slightly.

“I was able to find courage because both of you were here. Thank you, Duke Berli. And Sir Leon.”

At her gentle smile, I lowered my head.

At that moment—

“Damn it! Have you still not located Princess Justina?!”

“It appears she is trapped inside!”

“Damn it! His Majesty is trapped as well… and we cannot even enter…”

At that moment, I sensed a familiar yet unsettling presence.

It hadn’t been detectable until just now—but as if announcing that the time had come, it revealed itself.

As if to support that thought, a message from the Librarian appeared.

[One-eyed Ancient Being Bigfoot has been confirmed.]

Damn it.

You even devoured an Ancient God?

When I turned my head, I saw it.

From the direction of the outer garden, where battle was in full swing, a massive one-eyed giant was tearing open space itself and slowly pushing its head through.

Where the hell did they even find that…?

Ancient Gods were not entities that could be easily discovered just because one searched for them.

Most had died and vanished, and those that remained were sleeping deep in places impossible to find.

However, the fact that it had appeared meant that, at the very least, it had been slumbering somewhere within the Pinas Archipelago.

Monsters were one thing—but if Bigfoot had appeared, this was no longer something that could be left to the Pascallia Imperial Knights alone.

Those who saw the enormous creature shrank back in fear, screaming.

“W-What is that?!”

“A giant?! What in the world is happening?!”

“I… I don’t want to die! I need to go back!”

“Your Majesty! Please calm down! Acting recklessly here may be even more dangerous! Please stay by my side!”

The situation, which had been stabilizing, began to spiral into chaos once more.

Well, Bigfoot was a giant that exuded overwhelming intimidation just by its appearance.

Hadn’t they said that some kind of barrier was preventing those inside from escaping?

If my guess was correct, that was undoubtedly its authority—Hunting Ground Manifestation.

If so, escaping through ordinary means would be extremely difficult.

The problem was that important figures were still trapped inside.

If left alone, aside from the Sword Saint, the rest would inevitably be annihilated.

Everyone understood that they needed to intervene—but none could easily step forward under the overwhelming presence of the monster.

Princess Bata, who had been listening quietly, grabbed my hand and asked carefully.

“Sir Leon… what exactly is that?”

“It’s Bigfoot. Quite a dangerous one. If left alone, there is a high chance that everyone except the Sword Saint will be wiped out.”

“My goodness… does that mean even the Imperial Knights cannot handle it?”

“To be honest… at the level of Sword Masters, they cannot contend with it.”

“That can’t be…”

Her face turned pale as she looked at the monster.

As the atmosphere teetered on the brink of chaos again, she seemed to be searching for a way to push through the situation.

“Your Highness.”

“Yes, Sir Leon.”

“You only need to give the command.”

Her eyes widened at my words.

Though she treated me like a child, she knew well what kind of existence I was.

Swallowing nervously, she asked.

“If Sir Leon steps forward, can you deal with that?”

Bigfoot was a creature with a rather violent temperament.

In particular, it was more specialized in slaughtering the weak than fighting strong opponents.

Which, in other words, meant it wasn’t as formidable as it seemed.

“Yes. It won’t be difficult.”

“I see.”

“However, regardless of the monster’s presence, my duty is to escort Your Highness—”

Interrupting me, she spoke firmly.

“You heard my speech just now. Division must not occur right now. But… the Pascallia Emperor and those who couldn’t escape are still inside. Their safety is of utmost importance.”

Naturally, the perceptive Duke Berli voiced opposition.

“This is not acceptable, Your Highness. Sir Leon and I must prioritize your safety.”

“Duke Berli. Where am I right now?”

“That is…”

“If I only think of my own safety, then what I said earlier would be nothing more than empty words. So I will ask again. Sir Leon—can you truly eliminate that without being harmed?”

At those words, I slowly lowered my head.

At the same time, dozens of faintly glowing magic circles seeped into the space around Princess Bata.

Whether they would have much effect was uncertain—but at least it would prevent the worst-case scenario.

“I shall carry out your command.”

After bowing to her, I slowly turned and began walking toward the massive barrier.

“Damn it! There’s no sign of the barrier breaking at all—huh?! Hey, kid! Don’t go over there!”

“It’s dangerous! Fall back!”

The Imperial Knights, unaware of my identity, tried to stop me—but I continued walking forward, extending one hand into the air.

At that moment, sparks flickered around me, and an intangible shockwave spread outward, halting the steps of those approaching me.

The knights hesitated at the sudden force and tried to move again—

But in the next instant, their pupils dilated, and they froze under the overwhelming storm of aura pressing down on the surroundings.

Crack—crack—!!

Then, space tore open, and from the rift, a black-and-white spear emerged into my grasp.

Though it was far larger than my height, wielding it posed no difficulty.

“A spear?!”

“What is—?!”

Starting with their shocked voices, the attention of many turned toward me.

Even so, I paid them no mind and continued walking toward the barrier.

And then—

[Heavenly Thrust]

[Annihilation]

I manifested the spear technique I had used against Archangel Michael, suppressing its power to some extent.

The moment I assumed a throwing stance, the Imperial Knights and mages instinctively sensed something and reflexively threw themselves out of its path.

KKEEEEEEEENG!!!!

And then—the spear I hurled like a javelin became a black-and-white flash, creating a massive sonic boom as it shot toward the barrier.

Crack!!

The spear pierced through the barrier that countless Imperial Knights and mages had failed to break, tearing through the sky itself.

“W-What?!”

“What in the—”

Their stunned voices were soon swallowed by what followed.

Starting from the hole pierced by the spear, massive cracks spread, and the enormous hemispherical barrier began to shatter like glass.

“The barrier… it broke?”

“Good heavens… what just happened…”

Whiiiiiir—THOOM!

Then, as if drawn from somewhere, the spear flew back with a thunderous sound and returned to my hand.

The massive one-eyed Bigfoot, which had been casually swatting away the undead led by Muyeong, reflexively turned its gaze toward me.

Now you see me?

[Heavenly Thrust]

[Annihilation]

The spear manifested once more, brimming with immense aura.

Then die.

The spear left my hand again, tearing through space itself as it shot forward like a streak of light—and Bigfoot instinctively raised its hand.

But the divine weapon Pragarach pierced through its hand, then blasted through its head, leaving a massive hole and erasing everything along its path.

In the suffocating silence, everyone stood frozen, staring at me.

The monster, its head blown apart, did not move.

But I knew well that something like this wouldn’t be enough to kill it.

I’d been fooled once or twice before, after all.

However, to the others, it must have looked as though I had ended it in a single blow.

In that breathless silence, a level of attention entirely different from before converged upon me.

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