Ch.335335. Final Chapter

In the main storyline of Savior Rising, the beginning of the final act can be described as an expanded version of the Red Night incident.

The “erosion” phenomenon caused by beings crossing over from another dimension.

The difference from the Red Night incident is that this time, the speed is incomparable.

From the moment the gate to that other dimension opened, it’s immediately a time attack. Unlike the Red Night incident, which began as the Red Demon’s unilateral transformation phenomenon, this one’s purpose from the start is closer to an “invasion”!

‘This should have started much later…!’

With that thought, I launch myself out the window.

No matter how much I’ve prepared, considering the timeline, this should have taken at least a few more weeks or months to happen normally. I guess there was a reason they were hiding and keeping quiet all this time.

“We’ve been blindsided. This is happening way too fast.”

[You sound pretty calm for someone saying that?]

“I knew from the beginning that variables would occur!”

If it were simply a matter of the final chapter happening earlier than expected, there would be more than enough ways to deal with it.

“…”

The problem is not knowing what other variables might appear.

Anyway, I need to get over there as quickly as possible and plug the hole.

I hurriedly grasp the communication magic stone I always carry in my chest.

On the other side, Principal Atalante will respond to this call.

This is the emergency contact network we prepared as soon as our “enemy” was compressed to just the Holy Empire.

Because there’s something that needs to be done first when such a phenomenon occurs.

“Principal! Can you hear me!”

[-Evacuation is already in progress. How long until you arrive?]

As expected of the Principal. She handles things extremely quickly without needing to be told.

The first priority is to evacuate everyone from the Academy to prevent casualties.

The Empire’s Elphante and the Tribal Union’s Crucible of Struggle will likely comply well with this measure. The problem is…

“-What about inside the Holy Empire’s academy?”

[…No measures have been taken.]

“…”

[It’s clearly an abnormal situation… The Pope, that damn bastard…!]

I hear Atalante grinding her teeth and speaking with indignation.

The Holy Empire’s academy, the “Great Temple,” is of course filled with high-level personnel befitting one of the continent’s prestigious academies.

It’s not a place that would easily fall to ordinary incidents, comparable to Elphante or the Crucible of Struggle.

The problem is…

I’ve verified what that Otherworld is like once before when I crossed over with Elia.

Just one of the countless lifeforms from there crossing into the material world would be a disaster of terrible proportions.

It’s completely different from Pandemonium, which, while having its own ecosystem, can still be managed if approached from the bottom up.

If left unchecked, it’s only a matter of time before everyone gets swept away and dies.

The fortunate thing is…

“I’ll be there soon, Principal. For now, just focus on evacuating people.”

That we can somehow respond quickly to the situation.

Though it might be an unkind thing to say, it’s fortunate that this happened during Elnore’s wedding ceremony. It saves me the trouble of having to spend time looking for the others one by one.

I place my hand on the Seal of Tacheon and search for the energy of those nearby.

They’re clearly right in the vicinity.

“Assemble!”

“…What on earth does that mean?”

I chuckle at Elia’s voice asking with an incredulous tone.

Well, I wanted to try saying something like that at least once.

But as I turn toward them with a smile, my words immediately get stuck in my throat.

“…Why are you all in that state?”

Indeed.

There aren’t many who look unharmed.

Some even appear to be seriously injured, bleeding profusely all over their bodies.

What could have happened at a person’s wedding ceremony to cause this much injury…?

“…”

“…”

Seeing that no one can answer my question properly, it’s clear the reason isn’t something they’re proud of.

“…Well, never mind.”

“…Why do you look so resigned?”

“Why don’t you reflect on your past actions before speaking?”

They always call me eccentric or crazy, but looking at what they’ve done so far, they have no right to say such things to others.

[People tend to become similar when they hang out together.]

“…”

[Can you honestly say they haven’t been influenced by you?]

Will you shut up?

Ignoring Calivan’s voice, which now almost represents my conscience, I snap my fingers toward the Saint to get her attention.

“You still have some connections in the Holy Empire, right?”

“Yes, yes…? I know some people who would listen, but whether they’re influential enough to help in a situation like this—”

“It’s fine. I just need you to relay a simple message through them. I have a few people inside the Holy Empire who can help.”

I haven’t been wasting my time all this while.

After all, there are definitely people inside who are firmly on my side.

‘-And I’ve planted someone inside too.’

That’s a card I put considerable effort into.

It will definitely have a great effect.

Thinking that, I fiddle with another magic stone.

If the previous stone connects to Atalante, this one connects to a person who has been a thorn in my side.

It’s time for them to work as much as they’ve troubled me.

“I’ve made all the preparations.”

Preparation and readiness aren’t exclusive to the Pope.

“Let’s go.”

The final chapter begins.

●

“—That’s the signal.”

Bogart Marquis, who was on the other end of Darwood’s magic stone, smiled as he tucked it into his chest.

Then, he walked with brisk steps through the automatically opening iron door.

He’d heard that the target for “cooperation” was inside.

It’s a command and control room with a strong near-future feel. Though not at the level of a Demonic Spire, it’s clearly an advanced facility by the continent’s average technological standards, belonging to the Tribal Union.

And upon seeing the elderly woman sitting in the center, Bogart put on an even bigger smile than usual.

“Well, you must be the famous Grand Chief of the Tribal Union!”

“…”

Kasa Garda looked at him with a subtle expression while puffing on her pipe.

In terms of reputation, this was someone she knew well.

“You may have heard of me. I’m Lionheart.”

“…I know who you are.”

Kasa scrutinized Bogart up and down with suspicious eyes.

An undefeated field commander. She knew that the Council of Elders in the Empire was able to seize real power thanks to the brilliant military achievements this man had accumulated.

But despite that, the reason for her subtle expression was…

“To be honest, just looking at your appearance, you seem like a fool.”

“…”

Hmm. That’s quite a painful jab.

Until now, no one except Darwood had assaulted Bogart so directly.

As Bogart scratched his head at this novel experience, Kasa tossed something to him.

When he caught it with a puzzled expression, he saw it was some kind of control key.

“Come here and insert it.”

Kasa calmly pointed to the seat beside her.

“The command authority for the main panel will be transferred to you.”

“…For someone who insulted me right away, you’re quite cool about handing over authority.”

Indeed, this is essentially equivalent to transferring full authority in a wartime situation.

Considering that this “full authority” includes many people belonging to the Tribal Union that Kasa herself rules, it’s not surprising that Bogart is feeling shocked right now.

“I trust my granddaughter’s husband.”

Kasa continued in the same even tone.

“The fact that I’m transferring full command authority to you in this situation means that cunning fellow has bet his own life on you. That’s worth taking a chance on.”

However, when she spoke the following sentences…

“In other words.”

Her voice was almost frosty.

“My granddaughter’s life, and the life of her future husband, are also at stake. Understand?”

“…”

“Command properly. I’ll really kill you if you don’t.”

Hearing those words, Bogart stood still for a moment, then nodded and sat down next to Kasa.

With skilled hands, he inserted the control key into the panel and began reading all the situation-related information appearing before his eyes.

The enemy should definitely not be taken lightly.

The creatures from the Otherworld pouring out of the opened gate were already a disaster, and there were continuous signs of large-scale movements of people within the Holy Empire.

No matter how prepared they were, being attacked first put them at a disadvantage.

“If you need help—”

“Ah. It’s fine. That would actually be more of a hindrance.”

However, Bogart waved his hand dismissively at Kasa’s words.

“…What?”

“Information, information, information is always key, Chief.”

He understood why Darwood had specifically paired him with the Tribal Union.

The real-time battlefield information gathered with their technology was of extremely high quality.

Perhaps because they were a warrior race by nature. In this aspect alone, they might even be better than the Demonic Spire.

“Give me fragments of the battlefield situation, and I become a pretty good commander. If I can also know about our own forces, I become an excellent commander.”

There are many types of genius, but when it comes to simply “winning wars”…

This man’s innate talent was close to a “divine power.”

“But you’re giving me all the information about the enemy too?”

And if all those things are supported…

Bogart had only one thing to do.

“I’m invincible.”

Win.