Ch.28193. Here, Your Master Has Returned.

The surrounding mountains and valleys were completely devastated, as if they had been struck by dozens of tactical-level wide-area spells in succession.

It would take at least a decade or more for these scars to fade.

“Ughh…”

More importantly, I feel like I’m about to die.

Tronel, sprawled flat on the ground, struggled to breathe.

“Young lady, why such exaggeration over something so minor?”

“…”

Exaggeration?!

The ground had split open, mountain ranges had been carved away, and the surrounding environment had been forcibly scorched into ruins and wasteland…

And I had to face and endure all of that head-on! What part of this is minor?!

The battle wasn’t particularly long.

If it had been, I would have collapsed from exhaustion much sooner.

…My body had already reached its limit, and I somehow managed to hold on by scraping together the last dregs of my holy power.

Truly, God was with me.

“If it had turned into a prolonged battle, I would have been in danger too. My physical condition was precarious. Even though I’ve grown accustomed to the middle realm’s environment… maintaining this body was all I could manage.”

“…”

Corin speaking weakly.

His body was in just as terrible shape, but having achieved his goal, he seemed to have no particular regrets.

Blood streamed down from the wound across his face, making his features barely recognizable.

One arm had been torn off, and one leg was bent backward at the knee.

His left shoulder appeared to have been ripped away along with bone and cloth, and there was a gaping hole in his chest with blood steadily flowing out.

“In that condition… you speak so calmly.”

At this point, I couldn’t help but feel admiration.

Even if Tronel had holy power left, she wouldn’t have been able to do much.

It wouldn’t have worked on him anyway.

Tronel barely managed to sit up.

Her lungs still craved air, showing no signs of calming her intense breathing.

Her entire body was limp.

Even breathing was so difficult it felt like torture.

As a result, her thoughts were in complete disarray.

“Thanks to you, only this area was destroyed, so let’s call it a good deed.”

He tilted his blood-soaked lips into a smile.

“…So what is this thing you said you’d give me?”

“Advice?”

Corin suppressed another chuckle at how quickly she asked.

And then.

“Each action has its own reason, but all actions need basis and direction, as they say.”

“…?”

“Kariel said that.”

“And?”

“His goal was to create chaos in the Empire to divert attention from himself.”

Calculating that this would allow him to negotiate peacefully with his father.

However…

“That alone wouldn’t be enough.”

Even if he were to face Lueld…

…would the others simply stand by and watch?

There’s no need to count just the Nine Heroes.

The Empire overflows with talented individuals like grains of sand, and even a small fraction of them… would certainly cause Kariel trouble.

And if more of them became involved, the inconvenience would go beyond mere annoyance… becoming a definite burden.

“So to disperse those forces, he plans to manifest some of the Demon Lords, albeit incompletely.”

But that’s just a smokescreen to create confusion.

Even Demon Lords in their prime cannot exert their full power immediately after descending to the middle realm.

This middle realm itself acts as a shackle on their power.

And these aren’t even in their prime, but temporary, incomplete manifestations?

…His situation differs somewhat from mine and the Demon Lord of Tyranny who just manifested.

He and the Demon Lord of Tyranny were more clearly reproduced due to contracts.

However.

“What’s important is that Kariel figured this out.”

Corin took a calm breath.

The repercussions of his physical condition seemed to be taking effect, as even the blood flowing from him had reduced to mere drops.

An ordinary human would have died long ago.

The fact that he could still pretend to be alive was because…

“As you’ve experienced firsthand… that fellow and I seemed to be exerting our abilities quite fully, didn’t we?”

“Yes… that’s right.”

An undeniable fact.

Having seen it with her own eyes and experienced it with her body, she could affirm it with certainty.

If someone other than Tronel had been here.

Even if they had surpassed her in skill.

They wouldn’t have been able to withstand it.

Tronel managed to endure only because her power was the natural counter to theirs.

“So if he properly summons one or two Demon Lords to assist him, wouldn’t that buy him plenty of time?”

“…That would be terrible within the system.”

A Demon Lord of Tyranny appearing?

…It would be nothing short of catastrophic.

Unless it appeared before Master Lueld, they might have to accept devastating casualties.

“Hahaha. Indeed.”

That’s not something to laugh about!

Tronel sensed what she needed to do despite her dizziness.

She needed to report this news immediately…

That’s why she brought a communication orb.

The fact that Demon Lords were appearing here and there… might be within expected parameters, but confirming the information was another matter.

“And one more thing.”

As Tronel was just taking out the small communication orb from her bosom.

“This will be my last words, so remember them well.”

After that.

Forcing his fading body to sit upright, he spoke calmly and deliberately.

…As soon as she comprehended his words, Tronel felt her heart sink.

Involuntarily, a chill seemed to creep up her spine and invade her heart and lungs.

“I wish you luck.”

But regardless of her condition, Corin seemed to have reached his limit.

With those final words, Corin’s form gradually faded.

By the time his form disappeared, a small metal fragment fell from midair and hit the ground.

“…”

This is serious.

Truly serious.

I need to report this fact right now, immediately…

====

“Kariel.”

Lueld painfully uttered that name.

“…”

He did not answer.

Having removed his helmet, his pure white armor had vanished without a trace.

In its place, he was clad in what appeared to be black.

Even at a glance, it looked quite thick.

Unlike the metal armor from before, this was made of leather and silk fabric.

But the atmosphere had completely changed.

In a sense, this might be his true appearance.

Darkness writhed around him.

“Kariel. You…”

“Yes. Please speak.”

After a long delay in his response, Lueld fell silent again.

What should he say here, at this point?

There was so much to say…

But now that the situation had unfolded, words failed him.

“Lord Lueld. Please step back.”

The belated arrival of soldiers and knights around them raised even more questions among the watching crowd.

Who is that person?

What’s happening?

“That man has violated the sacred rules of the jousting tournament and damaged the dignity of the Empire and His Majesty. How dare he cause such outrageous trouble in this place…”

“…”

Lueld was about to speak but closed his mouth at Kariel’s calm expression.

“Loroana.”

However.

The moment that name flowed from the young man’s lips.

The situation left no room for hesitation.

“Where is she?”

“…”

Does Kariel not know?

Or does he know… and is deliberately asking?

Lueld’s thoughts grew increasingly complex.

This shouldn’t be what matters.

What needs to be said now is…

“Kariel.”

Nedess, who had descended with Lueld.

She quickly signaled to the forces surrounding them and their leader.

‘Step back?’

Regardless of their doubts, they quickly retreated more than ten paces at her command.

“…”

At Nedess’s continued signals, they withdrew all the way to the edge of the arena.

“…Haa.”

Nothing has been resolved.

The situation is already at its worst.

How will the spectators, the citizens of the Empire watching this situation, interpret this?

And the nobles watching as well.

‘But, are they more of a problem than me?’

Nedess glanced briefly at the Emperor and Empress.

And Ermina too.

“Well, instead of doing this here…”

“Promise.”

Kariel calmly murmured.

“I made a promise with her. Nedess. You were there when it happened.”

“…”

“Kariel.”

Lueld called to him again.

“Is this truly how you face us?”

“…”

“After so long… how long has it been since you’ve seen us… your father and your mother…”

“Five.”

“…?”

Four.

Three.

Kariel suddenly counting down in reverse.

“???”

Two.

One.

Simultaneously.

Loroana appeared as if from nowhere.

“Oh for heaven’s sake!”

Rashid descended from the sky, creating an excessive cloud of dust as he hit the ground.

The two arrived in succession.

“Why…”

Lueld’s eyes widened at the sudden intrusion of the two.

Nedess was equally perplexed.

Above all, the Emperor and Empress watching this, the Saint Ermina.

And Bariel, who was approaching the Emperor.

…Even Gazef, who stood with his arms crossed in the spectator seats, exuding a powerful presence as he watched the interior of the arena.

“Loroana.”

The crowd grew more confused, unsure whether to be pleased or perplexed by this development.

Meanwhile, Lueld frowned at the signal tone from the communication orb at his waist.

“It’s time to keep the promise.”

“…”

Her reptilian eyes trembled precariously.

…

And after a moment of silence.

“I know.”

As if taking the silence as an answer.

Kariel quietly nodded and replied.

“I foresaw that you wouldn’t keep it. I predicted this from the moment I proposed the promise.”

“Kariel.”

A dry voice flowed from Loroana’s lips.

But.

“Kariel! You, you!”

Rashid urgently intervened between them.

Lueld activated the communication orb in the meantime.

-Master! Can you hear me?!

Tronel?

And this voice would also be transmitted to the Emperor, his comrade.

-I heard from Lord Corin! What Kariel is aiming for is none other than!

“You already have that! That thing! How dare you put on such an abominable act! There’s a limit to toying with adults! Do you know how dangerous that object is—!”

Rashid’s outcry led the situation in a simple and clear direction.

Rashid and Loroana.

Where had they been until now?

And why… are they here now?

“…”

Kariel made a quiet sound with a calm face.

“Loroana. I clearly gave you a choice.”

Whether to reveal everything, or make your own decision without revealing it.

“And this result is your response, your decision. Is that how I should take it?”

“Kariel.”

Loroana, honestly, had nothing to say.

Perhaps.

Really perhaps…

Did we miss our last chance?

It’s too late for such thoughts now… but still.

A heavy regret weighs on my heart.

It comes in waves.

-Master! Are you listening?

“…”

Lueld, without time to respond to Tronel, was gripped by an inexplicable anxiety.

Kariel quietly raised his palm.

Above that hand held near his chest.

…A unique structure forms.

Something translucent.

Yet golden… circular yet not circular, with countless regular polygons clearly embedded in the structure.

“The Golden Afterimage.”

The identity of that object.

Its true nature.

And its unique name flowed from Kariel’s lips for the first time.

“…She compared this to a die.”

Who “she” refers to here.

Lueld couldn’t help but know.

Is it just Lueld?

“Useless.”

Yet containing infinite possibilities.

“…The crystallization of contradiction.”

After murmuring this alone, Kariel.

Quietly, closed his palm.

“…”

With this.

Click.

Clack.

Gigigik—

The key.

…Has been assembled.

Also.

-Kariel is trying to manifest the Demon Lord of Wisdom! Master! Are you listening?!

That was.

That was certainly the anxiety he had been considering ever since he believed Kariel was connected to the Demon Lord of Wisdom.

He had even considered the possibility of ‘its’ revival.

He had considered that it might have taken over Kariel’s body, or was using him as a servant in some other way.

We, all of us.

…Had considered that anxiety factor as the greatest threat.

“Kariel. You truly…”

Should I stop him now?

Or if that thing emerges, then…

Lueld was confident internally.

With his divine sword and holy relic complete, Lueld in the middle realm might be able to handle several Demon Lords without difficulty.

Corin might be an exceptional being, but if he used his full power, he was certain of his overwhelming victory.

Even Corin hadn’t denied that.

However.

“From today.”

Kariel murmured softly.

“I alter my given fate, with just cause.”

And he continues to murmur.

“And as payment for that fate that would vanish and scatter.”

I offer it to you.

“You’re listening, aren’t you? You insane divine spirit.”

‘Divine spirit?’

‘What? Did I hear that wrong?’

As the expressions of those watching Kariel became confused and chaotic.

“So it’s your turn to offer me payment.”

Kariel remained focused on his task.

The structure in his grasp.

At some point, it began to emit translucent light, golden light, piercing through Kariel’s closed fist.

And soon after.

Crunch!

With an ominous sound.

Crack!

…It collapses.

In an instant, it crumbled, became fragments and powder.

Falling, dropping, scattering.

“The contract will be honored. So the proper selection to monitor and supervise it.”

Like a spell.

Or as part of a negotiation.

He alone recites, whispers, declares, deliberately murmurs.

“The selection target as planned.”

Thus, from all who watched this.

—He provokes an unknown anxiety.

‘This is dangerous.’

Those watching trembled with anxiety, whatever it might be.

Even Lueld wondered if he should act rather than try to persuade Kariel with words.

How desperate must it be…

“What are you all doing! If you don’t stop Kariel right now—!”

For even the noble Emperor to rush in with such commotion.

“El.”

As the Empress reached out to Ermina, she grasped her hand with a pale face.

Soon, the two women were transferred to Lueld’s side.

And at that moment.

Whoosh!

From behind Kariel.

A golden current, stream, radiance.

Descended like thunder.

“——.”

As if the sky had opened.

It was truly magnificent.

Beyond spectacle, it involuntarily inspired awe, overwhelming both heart and soul.

Such a sacred spectacle.

Also a wonder and miracle.

Or an unprecedented supernatural event.

Something that could never be encountered or savored normally.

Such harmony.

Such divine harmony.

But.

What is the result that comes from it?

“Hmmmm!”

When did it begin?

A small human figure rising behind Kariel.

Someone stretching greatly, as if trying to drive away bodily stiffness.

That noble and mysterious being captured everyone’s eyes.

It was clearly a golden crystallization.

With long flowing hair so dazzling it would make pure white cloth pale in comparison.

As if embroidered with gold, to the point of being meticulously detailed, extremely rigid.

It was radiant.

It was fantastic.

“I never wanted something like this.”

Kariel.

Behind him, sitting cross-legged in midair, the golden girl.

She expressed her dissatisfaction while directly addressing the insolent one who had called her.

“Why did you do such a troublesome thing?”

“…”

“Besides, the price for summoning me is quite expensive?”

Kariel glanced back at her, looking up.

His expression remained calm, but.

“You’re the contract holder. So you should observe and judge according to your duty.”

“…That’s just nominally, right? How crude. Always resorting to petty tricks. Kuk!”

The golden girl sneered.

Suddenly raising her chin and lowering her gaze.

She saw them.

…Thus, toward those who once defeated her, she cast a sidelong glance, as if greatly pleased.

“What? Can’t you recognize me in this form?”

The golden girl smirked with a benevolent smile.

Then she finally proclaimed loudly, as if mocking the world.

Simultaneously.

Gold descended.

And the girl’s form.

Now transformed into a tall woman.

Displaying the epitome of nobility and brilliance.

But what constitutes it is, undoubtedly, the unknown and fear.

Or.

…The extreme despair that some might recall.

Her pure white outer garment had changed to a golden dress.

It began to form dazzlingly over her entire body, as if embroidered.

“Behold! I am the rightful ruler who unified the demon realm! The one who held the entire continent of your middle realm in my grasp! I am your living nightmare and despair! Also your hope and only salvation!”

Call out!

Willingly! Endlessly praise!

“I am the master of wisdom and gold! And the one you called the absolute emperor, the unrivaled peak of magic!”

That’s right.

I am…

“Aureas Aurum.”

And the owner of that name you dare not utter in that era.

“I am… your frustration and despair… also the one you so desperately adored…”

Shouting thus with a distorted smile, she finally declared.

“The Golden Beast.”

So applaud.

You ignorant vermin of this land.

You lost fools.

You foolish zealots who uphold your sins.

“Here, your master has returned.”

Eventually.

As she stomped the ground forcefully with her bare foot.

Finally.

Everything that seeped into her eyes.

Without exception, was dyed golden.

As if.

Everything in the world was completely swallowed by the golden hue.