Chapter 174: Where the King Is

‘Is this the path we came from?’

Ruel took a deep breath and glanced around. With the snow piling up even more, confusion about the way was inevitable, yet Ganien strode ahead without hesitation.

Cassion remained silent, implying that this must be the correct path. However, Ganien suddenly halted and pointed to the ground. “This is where the wall that concealed death used to be.”

“Is this the place?” Aris’s eyes lit up. With a questioning look towards Ruel, as if seeking permission to take a quick look, Ruel nodded.

“Thank you!” Aris released the hold and swiftly dashed towards Ganien, pulling out a video device.

Upon seeing the device, Ruel frowned. He had endured so much because of that very thing.

Ganien scanned the surroundings and gestured to the left, then asked, “Is that the direction we should take? I sense a presence over there.”

“No, that’s not the way.” There were monsters in the direction Ganien indicated. It was clear that Ruel had instructed them to return to their original location and do what they wanted. However, these might have been monsters native to the area.

Ruel exhaled deeply as he gazed ahead. There was an unusually large gathering of monsters in that direction.

‘It was like this before too. Especially monsters always gathered over there.’

It was as if they were guarding something precious.

Ruel pointed ahead and said, “It’s over there.”

Cassion remarked, “There are monsters gathered in that direction.”

“I know. That’s precisely why we’re heading that way. It’s suspicious.” Ruel smirked. The monsters seemed uncorrupted by the black water. Perhaps by uncovering the source of the monsters’ rampage here, they could also discover the reason for the corruption in the Beast Forest. And put an end to the mission of the Guardian, Mayre.

‘The emblem of Setiria.’

Ruel recalled the pattern he had found at the wall that trapped death. For some reason, it weighed heavily on his heart, making it flutter uncontrollably.

***

“Ruel-nim.” Cassion, who had been walking silently, called out to Ruel. The monsters were drawing closer. Just as he could sense their presence, they must also be aware of him. “Is that why you brought both me and Ganien along?”

Cassion asserted his presence, causing the monsters to retreat. Ruel smiled as he observed the monsters backing off due to Cassion’s momentum. “That’s correct. I don’t want to collapse this time.”

What use was the ability to control monsters if one were to faint after every use? If he collapsed, neither side would be able to act. Thus, using Cassion and Ganien’s strength to drive them away made sense. Ruel began to inhale Breath but suddenly flinched.

-Setiria…

‘Wow. Here comes this old man again.’

It was the voice he had heard earlier. It didn’t seem to come from the wall concealing death. Now, he could pinpoint exactly where the sound was coming from—it was right where the monsters had gathered.

“Ruel-nim, why are you acting like this all of a sudden?” Aris asked, noticing Ruel’s suspicious smile.

“I hear a voice calling me.”

“Calling you? I didn’t hear anything.” Aris scanned the area.

—This body didn’t hear it either.

Leo added, perked up like a cat, following Aris’s gaze.

“Are we starting this again?” Cassion frowned, appearing tired of the situation.

“I suppose so. It seems like I’m the only one who can hear it,” Ruel chuckled, appearing amused.

“Again?” Ganien asked, sounding perplexed. “Last time, only you could see the wall. Now it’s just you who can hear something? What’s happening?”

“I wish I knew myself…” Ruel looked ahead. “The sound is getting closer.”

Despite Cassion and Ganien’s imposing presence, the gathered monsters weren’t retreating. Something lay within that shimmering barrier.

“There is a barrier up ahead,” Aris said, furrowing his brow.

It was a wise choice to bring him along. What Cassion and Ganien lacked was magic. Aris was the one who could fill that void.

“Can you break it?” Ruel inquired.

Aris nodded vigorously and answered, “Yes, I can. Please give me a little time.”

“Alright.”

Aris released the Hold and strode forward, stopping in front of the shimmering barrier.

-Setiria…

When the voice echoed once more, Ruel frowned. He was already planning to step inside without any further encouragement.

Ruel glanced at Cassion and asked, “Any surveillance?”

“None. However, I’m slightly concerned about whether it’s safe to break this barrier.”

The second line of defense was located at the far northwestern edge of the Kran Kingdom. Such a remote barrier was often used to conceal something. In other words, if they entered the barrier, the enemy could notice them quickly.

“The barrier is meant to be broken, isn’t it? If any issues arise at the royal palace, Sir Torto will inform us… Ah, Ganien.”

Ruel smiled, suddenly recalling something he needed to tell Ganien.

“What is it?”

“Could you pause the process of breaking the Empire’s barrier for a moment?”

“Why the sudden request? The way you’re saying this makes me very uneasy.” Ganien shivered, rubbing his arms.

“That barrier seems suspicious. Lord Tehel told me that even the Empire’s people can’t enter it.”

“That can’t be true. Then what on earth is the barrier meant for?”

“Exactly. That’s the problem.”

“It might be a massive trap,” Cassion suggested. It wasn’t an implausible idea.

“Why do you think it’s a trap?”

At Ruel’s question, Cassion smirked.

“The Empire’s sheer presence is intimidating enough. Now, as it’s effectively a fallen nation, a significant barrier like that would pique anyone’s curiosity.”

“But breaking that barrier isn’t a task just anyone can accomplish.”

As Ruel responded, Cassion smiled with satisfaction. “Precisely. Only those aware of the Empire’s downfall would even consider attempting it. Presently, the Empire is like a tightly sealed box, its contents unknown.”

“That does make sense… Hmm. I’ll discuss this with His Majesty. If there’s a hidden trump card within that barrier, it could lead to significant trouble later,” Ganien nodded, stroking his chin thoughtfully.

“Yes. However, for now, I’d like you to halt any direct attempts.”

“So you mean we shouldn’t cease breaking the barrier?”

“Exactly. Nonetheless, we still must breach the barrier, as you mentioned.”

“Right. We can’t just leave it be.”

Ganien rubbed the nape of his neck with a troubled expression.

—Ruel, Ruel.

Leo scratched Ruel with his paw, calling for him.

“What is it?”

—This body wishes to see that barrier. This body wants to know what it looks like, given how often it comes up in conversation.

“We’ll go see it later.”

—Are we really going to see it?

Ruel could feel Leo’s tail wagging eagerly.

“Of course, we should go see it.”

It might very well be related to the voice he had been hearing, something that was personally significant to him. Ruel smiled but then turned his head towards Aris.

Just then, a chilling presence, distinct from the wind, brushed past him, and Hikars appeared abruptly. “I sense death.”

“Is there more death gathering over there?” Ruel asked, concern evident on his face. Could there be yet another barrier?

“No, the previous death has almost entirely dissipated,” Hikars replied, rolling his eyes at Ruel’s question. “This feels different, as if someone is manipulating the dead.”

“Controlling the dead? Why couldn’t you detect this within the castle? Could death be spreading throughout the castle?” Ganien asked, a sense of unease creeping over him. He suspected the Great Man was controlling the King of Kran, but perhaps the King himself was also under someone else’s influence.

“That’s part of it, but honestly, it’s difficult for me to say for certain.”

“What’s unclear to you?”

Ruel looked at Hikars, who appeared troubled.

“It appears that the power controlling the dead is intertwined with the aura that emanates when a devotee of darkness wields darkness.”

“Are you saying that Ruel can also control corpses?” Ganien asked, horrified.

Hikars immediately shook his head and said, “No, that’s impossible. The Devotee of Darkness does not serve death.The power to control the dead has been tainted by death itself, requiring life to be sacrificed to raise them.”

Ganien licked his lips and waited for Hikars to continue.

“But unlike us, the Devotee of Darkness wields darkness, which is a higher concept than death. Saying that the Devotee of Darkness has been consumed by death means that they have been engulfed by darkness itself. Darkness is quite pure, which is why it also possesses the trait of corruption. Perhaps Ruel-nim knows about the ‘reins’ that control darkness,” Hikars glanced at Ruel.

“I do.”

“Those reins are like a safety device that prevents corruption. You must never let go. The moment you release the reins, you will be devoured by darkness and corrupted. The Red Ash must pay with countless lives for forcibly removing the reins held by the Devotee of Darkness.”

Ruel nodded solemnly.

“But if it’s impossible, how is that person able to do it?” Ganien pressed, seeking clarification.

Hikars hesitated. “That’s why it’s difficult to answer. I’m unsure of what’s happening.”

“Then let’s investigate,” Ruel suggested, pointing ahead.

Crash!

A sound of breaking glass echoed as Aris’s outstretched hand shattered the barrier. The barrier was broken. Through the broken barrier, a familiar sight was visible—the Beast Forest.

Ruel furrowed his brow, staring ahead in disbelief.

‘The Beast Forest here?’

He comforted the trembling Leo with a pat.

“That’s… isn’t that the Beast Forest?” Aris was so surprised that he almost forgot to report to Ruel.

“I can’t believe it. Are you serious?” Ganien laughed incredulously before turning to Ruel and asked, “Isn’t the Beast Forest a unique forest found only in Leponia?”

“That’s what I thought too.”

“Ruel-nim.”

Only Cassion looked ahead with fierce eyes.

“The monsters aren’t retreating from there. I’ll go ahead and cut them down.”

“I’ll come with you. Seeing that they don’t retreat from your or my aura, they must be pretty strong.” Ganien grinned, gripping the sword at his waist.

“No. There’s no need to attack. The monsters don’t seem to have any intention of attacking us yet.”

The monsters gathered around, forming a line as if in a welcoming gesture. Could this be their way of greeting them?

“I understand. I’ll take the lead from now on,” Cassion declared, exchanging glances between Ganien and Aris before stepping forward. Ganien nodded and joined Ruel, drawing his sword.

“Then, Ruel-nim, I’ll head back in.”

Perhaps feeling like he might be hindering progress, Hikars politely bowed to Ruel and slipped back into his shadow.

As Ganien moved, Aris followed closely behind.

“Don’t worry, Ruel-nim.”

Ironically, it was Aris who seemed more anxious as he spoke, but Ruel trusted him. Inhaling Breath, Ruel thought, ‘The Beast Forest… What an unexpected revelation.’

‘Well, considering that the King of Kran is dead and being controlled by the Great Man, who would have known if there was the Beast Forest or anything else here?’

He was completely unaware of what the Beast Forest was like to begin with. What was even more surprising now was the sight of the monsters welcoming them, sitting obediently like dogs listening to their master. Ruel was already amazed even though he saw it from afar.

“These monsters aren’t going to suddenly rush at us, are they?”

Despite the monsters’ salivating appearance, Ganien placed his sword on his shoulder and acted casually.

“It’s possible. Their intent to kill is sharp,” Aris replied, scanning the surroundings vigilantly.

‘Killing intent?’ Ruel checked himself before turning his attention back to the monsters. Despite their fierce looks, he sensed no hostility. ‘Could it be because of the controlling power?’

“Ruel-nim, are you alright?” Aris noticed Ruel’s distraction and turned back to check on him, prompting Cassion to also look at Ruel.

In the midst of focusing on their surroundings, they had overlooked Ruel.

However, Ruel waved his hand dismissively, as usual.

“I’m fine. Let’s keep moving,” Ruel replied.

“Are you sure?” Cassion pressed, observing Ruel closely.

“Yeah,” Ruel affirmed, a hint of annoyance in his tone.

—This body is terrified.

Leo, who had been trembling, hurriedly burrowed into Ruel’s embrace.

After taking a few more steps, Leo perked up his ears.

—Huh. This body smells something. A scent out of the natural order.

“Ha.”

Ruel was taken aback.

It seemed a variety of surprises awaited them.

“Hmm. Things do come together, don’t they, Ruel-nim?”

Cassion stopped in his tracks again and looked at Ruel.

Why was he looking at him?

“Hikars.” Ruel called out Hikars with a displeased expression.

Given Leo’s unstable condition in the Beast Forest, Ruel thought it better for Hikars to take on Leo’s role.

“I apologize, Ruel-nim. I need to get closer to be certain,” Hikars admitted, bowing his head to Ruel. Was it the difference in power between a warlock and a Great Purifier? There was nothing to be done about it.

“Leo, guide us. Let me know if our path aligns with where we need to go,” Ruel instructed, following the path the monsters had opened for them. They were on their way to meet someone, but the corruption factor might require adjustments.

—There’s a scent coming from there.

Leo peeked out and pointed ahead with his snout.

“So, straight ahead?” Ruel confirmed with Leo’s nod, looking towards the snow-covered trees with black trunks and purple leaves, indicating they were on the right track.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by Aunomay Read