Ch.580580. Prelude to the Great War (1)

A light suddenly burst forth from the central temple of the Holy City, visible even from this great distance, then vanished as if it had never been, leaving only silence and stillness.

Diolia was the first to address Sione, the leader of the special task force.

“Lord Sione, the central temple is currently being used as quarters by the guardians who tend to the World Tree.”

“The guardians?”

“Yes, they’ve been staying there as it’s closest to the World Tree and easily convertible into living quarters… If that light wasn’t auspicious—”

“You’re suggesting we should go support the guardians immediately.”

“Precisely. Currently, those five are the only ones here capable of caring for the World Tree, and they’ve been of great help to the County. It’s only right that we act on their behalf.”

The guardians who had quickly responded to the anomaly at the central temple and were likely still tending to the World Tree even now.

If they were to become entangled in some unforeseen disaster, it would be an enormous loss.

We should lead troops to their location immediately.

However.

‘Such a distant light, and just for an instant. It’s still an unfamiliar energy to the people of the County. It’s not strange that Diolia would react this way.’

Unlike Diolia and the special task force, and Sharenne’s special operations unit.

The soldiers from the Barony who had sufficient opportunities to see or feel Tasha’s Divine Power around me and Sione, as well as Siabel who was born of the same blood as Sione.

They seemed to have vaguely recognized the nature of that energy.

“There’s no need to rush, Lord Diolia. That’s not that kind of light.”

At Sione’s confident voice, Diolia gladly set aside his concerns.

“Still, we should visit the central temple. We need to confirm what happened. If you’re worried, I’d like to request your vigilance.”

“Of course. I’ll ensure that not a hair on your head is harmed, Lord Sione.”

Soon we slowly headed toward the central temple.

And couldn’t help but let out small gasps of amazement.

‘It used to be just an empty shell of a temple.’

The situation now showed countless small roots of the World Tree taking hold throughout the temple. Yet this appearance seemed to be the temple’s original form, beautifully harmonized and creating a sense of mystery.

As if the burst of light earlier hadn’t been for nothing.

‘Now I can even feel the Divine Power properly.’

Unlike its reputation as an abandoned temple that had lost its object of worship.

The fact that its distinctive Divine Power, though faint, could be clearly felt.

It truly made one feel that the heart of the city, which had stopped beating when demons overran it in the past, was now pulsing back to life.

And from the large entrance stairs of the central temple, familiar figures were hurriedly coming down.

“The guardians of the Great Forest. They look quite unharmed, making our worries seem unnecessary.”

Unlike Diolia, who was sighing in relief with a light laugh.

The guardians, on the other hand, seemed to lack such composure. With cold, composed faces, they quickly scanned our group.

‘Me?’

As soon as they spotted me, the guardians gave brief, formal greetings to the other nobles and knights.

Then they began to speak to me.

“We greet the Saint of the World Tree.”

“You seem to have something to say.”

“…Changes have occurred inside the temple. At the inner altar, it appears the power of the World Tree and the ancient being have merged… Since you are the only one blessed by both powers, Saint, we earnestly request that you verify this.”

In short, something had happened inside the central temple that they couldn’t resolve.

They wanted me, who had received the blessing of the World Tree and could wield the power of this temple’s master, to see it personally.

But what kind of fusion could have occurred that would cause these guardians—forest assassins who prided themselves on maintaining composure—to show such confusion?

“I’ll go right away.”

Entering the temple under the guardians’ guidance.

At its largest and most beautiful altar, just as the elves had said.

‘…They really are merged.’

Just like how my body contained both Mana and two types of Divine Power, yet maintained a strangely peaceful harmony.

The space was filled with the lingering light of the World Tree’s overflowing vitality intertwined with the ancient deity’s firm and valiant energy.

‘I know what to do.’

Instinctively realizing that I needed to absorb this energy, I approached the altar and attempted to draw it in, much like gradually gathering Mana from the atmosphere.

As if the tiny amount of energy already dwelling within me served as a primer, suddenly all the surrounding Divine Power rushed toward me like a whirlwind.

‘……!’

There was no pain.

Rather, I felt only elation that this frail body of mine, which had grown solely through reliance on the Status Window, was now evolving.

『Your physical limitations are dissolving.』

『As long as you wish to advance, your body will willingly respond to new challenges and experiences.』

For some reason, while I could readily accept Divine Power, the men of this world couldn’t awaken to Mana without breaking through extremely slim odds. At least for me, that limitation had now been shattered.

With the intuitive sense that I had overcome the fundamental limitations of the human body—not only to increase my total Mana through my own efforts but also to transcend numerous barriers beyond Master level if I so desired—

I couldn’t help but smile more broadly.

『The temple of the sacred realm welcomes its master.』

『Your return is being announced to the apostles of the deity who remain throughout the sacred realm.』

And at the end of the Status Window’s messages:

『The final guardian closes their eyes with tears of relief.』

『The ability ‘Fate-Breaking’ has awakened.』

Along with this new ability:

『All Divine Power in the temple will move according to your command.』

The method to control this sacred realm.

Everything had fallen into my hands, including the temple that was both the control tower and the final key.

‘Finally.’

Now that I had obtained all the means available from the Demon Realm.

The minimal preparations for the war against demons were complete.

With such joy, I turned away from the altar to face those who had accompanied me. From the sight of me absorbing Divine Power, they seemed to have instinctively realized I had reached another level. Everyone was looking at me with solemn, serious expressions.

Looking at these people full of determination, I could only think:

‘All that remains now.’

While continuing to develop everything I’ve built up so far.

Is to join the expeditionary force and defeat the demons.

‘It’s starting to feel real.’

The end is gradually approaching.

* * *

The Empire’s 3rd Legion is known for knowing no fear.

The 3rd Legion is the Empress’s most beloved legion and has always been filled with battle-hardened warriors who have shared the battlefield with her. They have never shown fear, no matter the opponent.

However, the 3rd Legion had been rotting away in the Far Eastern frontier kingdoms by the Empress’s special order.

As soldiers’ complaints grew—that the Emperor had abandoned them, or that the 3rd Legion would collapse in a place beyond the Emperor’s gaze—changes began to occur.

“Aide, you look troubled.”

“…I have an urgent report for the Legion Commander.”

“I’m listening.”

“Reports have come in from the surveillance and reconnaissance teams in the easternmost Zone 7. All animals are either digging holes to hide or fleeing westward, disappearing in haste. And in response to this—”

Signs of calamity beginning in Zone 7.

“They confirm that Magia is emerging from beyond Zone 7 and gradually expanding its range, despite the absence of demons.”

At last, the tedious and boring peace had been shattered.

“Zone 7—that was near that port city our 3rd Legion destroyed, wasn’t it?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“And further east than that?”

“Beyond Zone 7.”

“It’s the archipelago very close to that city. They’ve verified and confirmed the report from a fisherman engaged in fishing activities.”

“So that’s how it is.”

The general closed her eyes briefly to organize her thoughts.

When she opened them again, she had transformed from a quiet administrator handling her duties.

“Aide, I’ve told you before.”

She had become a soldier with enough presence to pin someone down with just a glance.

“That in war, the Emperor’s orders are absolute.”

“…You have, indeed.”

“His Imperial Majesty must have predicted this situation early on and sent our 3rd Legion here. Given these circumstances, it is our duty as soldiers to meet the Emperor’s expectations.”

The general rose from her seat.

She strapped the sword that had been standing in her office to her waist and stretched her body, each movement full of vitality, as if she felt most alive now, facing war.

With a faint smile, the general continued.

“Aide.”

“Yes, General.”

“Inform everyone in the 3rd Legion. From now on, our Imperial 3rd Legion’s Zones 7, 4, and 6 will maintain the highest alert status, and be ready to respond immediately to any potential demon attack.”

“……”

“Tell them to thoroughly prepare for battle so we can annihilate the enemy in our way.”

The reason why the 3rd Legion struck fear into the hearts of the Far Eastern kingdoms.

Prepare for that, she ordered.