Chapter 1181: Blossoming (12)

“Van. This way.”

The outermost edge of Vulcan’s undeveloped district, a deserted, ruined street where people rarely passed.

Felix, who had been standing with his arms crossed and eyes closed, immediately led Lennok into an alley.

“I apologize for the sudden contact. Is your schedule clear?”

“I’ve mostly finished everything that needed immediate attention. I’m fine.”

After finalizing discussions with Aris about the fourth thesis and briefly outlining future tasks, Lennok immediately prepared to leave and headed to the location Felix had provided.

Felix taking charge of this matter among his tower colleagues was likely because he had been consistently training with Peshia.

Walking through the empty streets after Felix, Lennok asked, “What’s the situation?”

“Peshia Grisbern said she wanted to discuss the proposal you made.”

Felix explained the situation, his expression grim as he walked. “You offered to let me meet Ethan Bajour, but there’s no need to explain what that means.”

“…”

“Thanks to that, the Magic Tower is incredibly busy right now. If, by any chance, a hostage/information exchange with The Legion goes through, there are countless procedures to prepare.”

Lennok’s proposal had been delivered to Peshia, whom he’d found beating up Weian outside Vulcan’s undeveloped district. He had intended to meet Ethan Bajour in exchange for bringing Peshia Grisbern to the Legion Parade and handing her over.

However, Peshia hadn’t immediately accepted the offer, even though it gave her a chance to return to The Legion. Instead, she had uncharacteristically trailed off, saying she needed time to think.

Did this mean the Legion Parade was so important to The Legion that it made even her, who rarely thought deeply about things, hesitate? Or was there a more complex issue that caused Peshia to ponder so carefully?

Either way, Lennok had given Peshia a few days to deliberate, and the conclusion was near.

Felix, caught in the middle, seemed much more nervous than Lennok.

“You look tired. Is it because of the training you’re doing with Peshia?”

“Don’t worry about me. You should focus more on the current task.”

Felix rubbed his eyes with one hand as he walked.

“The Demoness is a general, treated as one of The Legion’s Sacred Kin among Sacred Kin. If the deal goes through, The Legion’s command might step forward to retrieve her this time.”

“…”

“The possibility is low, but perhaps even the Marshals themselves might move. If that happens, the entire city of Vulcan will be under martial law.”

“You mean the entire city of Vulcan would react just to The Legion’s Marshals moving?”

“Not just Vulcan; their name carries the same weight anywhere on the continent.”

Felix’s eyes grew heavy.

“They were some of the most prominent prodigies in this city decades ago. They are also Transcendent beings who conquered parts of the Central Front and built the continent’s largest warlord faction.”

“…”

“They are one of the very few existing individual powers, and the entities that allow The Legion to function as The Legion even in the Marshal’s absence. Their military might is the order and rules of The Legion itself.”

Felix trailed off, looking back at Lennok. “Only one Marshal is actively operating, but the treatment he receives on the Central Front is immense. The same goes for the other Marshals.”

Lennok had a vague idea of how The Legion’s Marshals were regarded on the continent. He also knew that their names weren’t on the Eastern Continent Superhuman Power Ranking simply because they were extremely inactive.

But for even Felix to become momentarily tense just by mentioning their names… Was this proof that negotiating Peshia’s return with The Legion felt that dangerous?

However, the other Marshals Lennok knew were surely…

Felix looked down at Lennok’s thoughtful face and then forced a wry smile. “I’ve talked too much. Perhaps it was unnecessary worry, especially with you.”

“…”

“What’s important depends on the Demoness’s own will. What needs to be done will change based on how she accepts the proposal.”

Felix nodded toward the silent Lennok. “Go on. I’ll wait here.”

The dark ruins of an old, empty, dilapidated building.

An old office, thick with dust, without any signs of human habitation.

Peshia Grisbern sat in a worn-out leather chair, lost in thought.

“…”

Why had things turned out this way?

When she first returned to this city, she hadn’t imagined things would come to this. As a soldier loyal to The Legion, as someone who followed Kaiser Bajour, all she had thought about was reclaiming everything she had left behind in Vulcan.

But the wizard she clashed with during the process of reclaiming ownership of Vulcan’s underworld had ruined everything.

The utterly devastating defeat she faced in the decisive battle where she had even sacrificed her own rank.

Despite abandoning everything and even bracing for death, she was still alive like this.

Why hadn’t she died then?

Why was she still alive, following his words?

Things that hadn’t come to mind when she was beating up his colleagues in the Magic Tower now resurfaced as regrets when she was alone.

Yes, now she could understand why The Legion had never given her the position of Legion Commander.

Peshia was more comfortable moving her body, fighting, and screaming without thinking. In moments of rage and passionate battle, she could be true to herself.

Pondering, thinking, and hesitating were uncomfortable.

But then—

Bang!

The door burst open, followed by footsteps echoing from a distance.

At the same time, a chilling, eerie Will-thought filled the entire space.

He had come.

Through experience, Peshia had now internalized this to an almost instinctive level.

A heavy pressure that felt like it would crush her mind and body just by facing it.

A blood-soaked heart and talent hidden beneath a calm and sharp face.

Even before meeting him, she always tried to brace herself, tried to forcefully deny it, but she knew.

That wizard, among all the humans Peshia had ever met, was the most—

“Surprisingly, you’re quite meticulous about this kind of thing.”

As the cold voice reached her, Peshia’s fingertips stiffened slightly.

As always, he didn’t show it outwardly, but he seemed to be in a bad mood.

More than annoyance or anger, there was a deep, sunken melancholy and bleakness.

Peshia vaguely sensed it with her characteristic keen Empathic Ability.

“I thought you were utterly thoughtless when wielding your spear. Do you still know how to distinguish between public and private matters?”

“…It’s just that your way of speaking has always been utterly fucked up.”

Peshia retorted, turning around, and gripped the long spear leaning by her chair.

Clang!

“If I wanted to stop thinking, I could do it right now. Do you want to see?”

“I’m not particularly interested.”

The killing intent she raised, as if to strike her opponent at any moment.

But the wizard didn’t even look at her, sitting opposite and lighting a cigarette.

“But there isn’t much time until the Legion Parade. I need to confirm your intentions beforehand to make preparations.”

“…That is.”

“I’ll be honest. At this point, I don’t particularly want to ‘kill’ you again.”

Ignoring Peshia, who flinched, Lennok held the cigarette and looked out the window. “I prefer not to leave loose ends, but your existence, bound by Olivera’s Prohibition Edict, will no longer be a significant threat.”

“You bastard, running your mouth…”

“But I can’t just let you go free either. Of course, I acknowledge your spear mastery, and your unexpected talent for teaching others…”

Lennok stared at Peshia with an indifferent gaze. “You’re ultimately someone from The Legion. And one who was loyal to Ethan Bajour, even risking your life.”

“…”

“So, I intend to settle your status in a rational way before the Legion Parade. Of course, it’s something that could be done even without taking you to the Legion Parade.”

Lennok paused, exhaling smoke, and turned his head. “I fundamentally don’t enjoy killing people. You know that by now, don’t you?”

“What the hell is this insane murderer talking about?”

“…Anyway, I think it’s a profitable deal if I can meet Ethan Bajour in exchange for returning you.”

Lennok forced a wry smile, crossed his arms, and asked, “I think I’ve given you enough time to think. So, will you accept?”

The proposal was for Lennok, in his identity as Adamant Thunder, to participate in the Legion Parade with Peshia. However, instead of ordering Peshia to accompany him, Lennok had given her time to think and was awaiting her answer. This was because her cooperation was indispensable if he was to contact The Legion command before the Legion Parade in exchange for Peshia’s return.

Of course, he might not have needed to seek Peshia’s consent or cooperation in that process.

But Lennok, while not pitying Peshia Grisbern, did, in a way, acknowledge her.

To this spear user who, decades after Kaiser’s death, still offered unwavering loyalty.

To this fierce general who, no matter how arduous or difficult the battle, would curse and fearlessly throw herself into the fray.

Her nature was infinitely close to that of a villain. She had a sharp tongue and a violent temper. But precisely because of that, she was someone who never shied away from hard work.

She was a madwoman who only felt satisfied when she stood at the forefront of the most dangerous, arduous, and hellish battlefields.

Surely, even in Deadrise, she had received the recognition and favor of many commanders.

Perhaps her remaining a Major General instead of becoming a Legion Commander was even a form of consideration.

Because, just like Myeong, she might have been a much more complex person than Lennok knew.

Before decisively setting a direction, Lennok wanted to ask for Peshia’s will one last time.

To a warrior who, after fighting Lennok to the death and losing, had not yet lost her fighting spirit.

“I…”

Did Peshia vaguely understand Lennok’s intentions in saying this? Her expression wavered slightly. It was probably because she realized he wasn’t trying to torment her, but genuinely making a proposal that would benefit both sides.

If things went well, Peshia would return to The Legion, and Lennok might be able to meet Ethan Bajour in advance in exchange for her. The time she had spent being manipulated and exploited by Lennok, tossed around without proper compensation, would all end. She could return to The Legion, resume her Major General position, sweep through the Central Front, and do whatever she wished.

But—

“No.”

Peshia shook her head. “I refuse your offer. I will not accompany you to the Legion Parade.”

“…Is that so?”

Lennok asked, his face expressionless. “May I hear your reason?”

“I hate this city.”

Peshia said in a raspy voice. “I despise the people of Vulcan who allowed Lord Bajour to die, and all those involved who wished for his failure.”

“…”

“Just being here reminds me of that time. I thought there would be nothing better than to erase this regret. And that thought hasn’t changed even now…”

Peshia looked up, her expression complex. “But after meeting his granddaughter, I’m not sure what I’m thinking anymore.”

“…”

“I believed blood relations meant nothing. I believed my loyalty wasn’t for such things…”

Peshia mumbled, ignoring Lennok’s silence. “Jenicia Bajour seemed happy in your Magic Tower. Lord Bajour’s deepest wish was present there.”

“…”

“I think, for a moment, I considered that might be enough.”

Peshia closed her eyes.

“I’ve gone soft. I’m utterly pathetic. If I return to The Legion with this kind of heart, I’ll only be a hindrance to my comrades. Even if a hostage exchange happens, you’ll be the only one who benefits.”

“…I see.”

“So, I won’t let you have all the fun.”

Peshia laughed sharply, looking at Lennok. “A defeated soldier doesn’t need a second chance. I will remain here and watch The Legion’s war from this place.”

Lennok’s plan was to hand Peshia over to The Legion’s high command and create an opportunity to speak with Ethan Bajour. However, Peshia herself refused to return to The Legion and resolved to remain where she was.

It was absurd, but Lennok found himself not entirely surprised by Peshia’s answer. He still remembered her reaction when she first met Jenny. Longing for Kaiser Bajour in Jenny’s likeness, regretting that fact, and eventually trying to kill herself by breaking The Prohibition to answer Jenny’s questions.

To what extent had Peshia’s feelings changed, she who had chosen the place of her death for Jenny? What was the reason Peshia had cooperated with various tasks in the Magic Tower without complaint since then?

Lennok had known all this, which was why he had accepted her as a member of the Tower, wasn’t it? Therefore, while surprised by Peshia’s answer, he could also accept it. He knew that among all the causes and effects that made up Peshia Grisbern, her loyalty to Bajour was the most genuine.

“I understand.”

Lennok nodded and turned away. “I’ll abandon the idea of taking you to the Legion Parade. From now on, focus on teaching others, confined to the training ground.”

“Bullshit. Do I look like a nanny in charge of brats?”

Lennok chuckled, seeing Peshia raise her middle finger, and began to walk away.

Peshia’s proposal not yielding results was regrettable, but it was meaningful if the conclusion was based on Jenny’s existence. At the very least, she would never allow Jenny to be hurt or harmed, no matter what.

Loyalty that defied even death, passed down through generations.

In the chaotic era of war, Lennok vaguely understood why Kaiser had cherished Peshia.

Just as Lennok was thinking this and about to return to the Tower without hesitation.

“Idiot, where are you going? We’re not done talking yet.”

Peshia stopped Lennok with a grumpy expression.

“Do you think I called you to this run-down old building for no reason? Wait, I have something to show you.”

“I don’t know what you’re trying to say. Is there something you’re proud of in this dirty building?”

“Bastard, your language… Can’t you shut up?”

Peshia’s forehead twitched for a moment, then she gripped her spear shaft and stepped forward.

It was about time he had to put her down again, Lennok thought, casually channeling his mana. At that very moment, Peshia, standing in the center of the old office, plunged the blade of her spear into the floor.

Crunch!

A ghost-like figure appeared behind Peshia as she channeled her mana.

It was Peshia Grisbern’s ultimate technique, her Ancestor Spirit, which elevated her combat power to a transcendent level.

Whoosh!!!

As the Ancestor Spirit appeared, the entire office space began to resonate.

Lennok, sensing the unusual reaction, glanced up. “This is…”

“This building was one of Deadrise’s communication bases in the past.”

Peshia muttered. “More precisely, we established an emergency communication network using the Feng Shui principles derived from the building and street layout.”

“…”

“It lost its meaning with nearby redevelopment, but I can make it work somehow by adjusting the Yin and Yang and Five Elements of Feng Shui with my Ancestor Spirit.”

Whoooooosh…!!!

A cluster of light rose from beneath Peshia’s feet, forming a colossal, rotating mirror.

Watching it, Peshia tilted her head at Lennok. “If The Legion command still maintains this line, contact will be made.”

“…Surely not.”

“Because you’re the wizard who looks after Lord Bajour’s granddaughter.”

Peshia glanced away and mumbled, “I’ll let you meet Lord Bajour at least once.”

Even after refusing to return to The Legion, she intended to create an opportunity for Lennok to meet Ethan Bajour? Despite it being for Jenny’s sake, Lennok hadn’t expected Peshia to be this cooperative.

As Lennok shifted his gaze, surprised, a different scenery slowly began to appear within the mirror.

Fwaaaah!

A path connected within the mirror, revealing a landscape from a completely different spacetime.

Warping waves of light amidst distorted brilliance. Melodies surged within an immense tide of light.

An intense yet warm sensation could be vaguely felt even beyond the mirror that only connected visually.

Someone’s figure, faintly turning back within that cluster of light.

Lennok momentarily froze at the unfamiliar scenery and sense of incongruity.

[…No.]

Crack!

A voice mixed with an odd mechanical sound cut in from beyond the mirror.

[…Here, I will step forward myself…]

Screeech…!!!

Within the brightly glowing mirror, an endlessly ominous noise mingled.

A peculiar phenomenon, as if the scenery they had just faced was forcibly altered.

Suddenly, as if someone had forcibly switched channels, the scenery beyond the mirror completely changed.

A darkroom, so dark no light entered, almost unrecognizable.

Someone sat at the end of the darkroom, head bowed in a colossal chair.

[Fewer than ten people in The Legion command know about this communication network…]

A faint, faltering, whispering voice, as if about to break.

Someone breathing heavily, as if on a respirator, struggling to speak.

[It reached me after circulating through the lines of the absent generals. How ironic…]

“…You are not Ethan Bajour.”

Lennok spoke, his expression grim. “Did you forcibly intervene in Peshia’s network and change the channel? Who are you?”

[…]

The shadow sitting in the darkroom fell silent.

He breathed heavily, then answered quietly. […Unfortunately… Ethan has not arrived yet. He needs a little more time…]

“…”

The person who received the call beyond the mirror wasn’t Ethan Bajour?

Lennok paused, immediately grasping the fact from the opponent’s answer.

[…Nevertheless, I received this call because I judged that I owe you a debt…]

The shadow in the darkroom looked up.

[You and I… I thought we would have to meet like this someday.]

Long hair faintly swaying beyond the shadow. Elegant features vaguely outlined.

The numerous tubes inserted between his face and neck, and the respirator filling his mouth.

A face utterly different from what Lennok remembered.

Yet, it was undeniably a face he had seen somewhere before.

“…Gileon Miloz.”

Lennok muttered, his expression grim. “Has The Legion’s Marshal come to greet me personally?”

The continent’s largest military force, encompassing the entire Central Front.

The three Marshals who reigned at the pinnacle of Deadrise.

The best talents and aptitudes, personally selected and chosen in Bajour’s name.

The foremost of Deadrise, loyal to Kaiser, a traitor who abandoned him with the project’s failure.

The Legion’s top Marshal, who followed Ethan Bajour, had personally come to face Lennok.