Chapter 1194: Military Parade (8)

Deadrise, the continent’s largest legion.

The legions stood at the apex of military might, having swept through the Central Front, absorbing forces and swelling their ranks indiscriminately.

The leaders of these legions, granted autonomous authority worldwide, were gathered in one place.

Chairs were arranged behind walls adorned with the ornate banners of each legion. A colossal table stretched through the center of the meeting hall.

The Legion Commanders were seated throughout the vast meeting hall, separated by several meters.

As soon as Lennok arrived at the meeting hall, guided by Enel, he surveyed the faces of the Legion Commanders.

‘Quite a few empty seats.’

Around the Marshal, who sat at the head of the table with eyes closed and chin propped, there were approximately twelve chairs.

Yet, only half that number of Legion Commanders were actually seated.

Aside from Mirva, Commander of the 4th Legion, Atiya, Commander of the 6th Legion, and Deimus, Commander of the 7th Legion, whom Lennok knew, all the other commanders were new faces.

Including Euphoria and Lennok, who attended as internal nominees for the 3rd and 5th Legions respectively, their number barely exceeded the majority.

Did this mean so many Legion Commander positions were vacant, or that numerous generals were unable to attend the military parade for some reason?

Considering that none of the three commanding generals were present, the latter reason couldn’t be ignored.

“Commander. This way…”

Enel, his face tense, walked over and exchanged a few words with a Command officer, then guided the two to the far end of the meeting hall.

Since they hadn’t yet formally received the Legion Commander positions, perhaps their seats weren’t specifically assigned to the 3rd and 5th Legions.

By protocol, it was the lowest seat, but it wasn’t bad; it offered a clear view of the entire meeting hall.

As Lennok thought this and took his seat, he felt a sharp gaze from across the table.

“…”

A dignified middle-aged man, exuding an intense aura from his entire body, stared intently at Lennok.

Lennok, noting the man’s seat and the legion’s banner hanging behind him, gave a slight chuckle.

Townsend, Commander of Deadrise’s 8th Legion, responsible for a sector of the Northern Front.

It seemed this man was the direct superior of Brigadier General Matisse of the 8th Legion, whom Lennok had killed as soon as he arrived at the Command Headquarters.

If he had received reports of Cheonbeon clashing with the 8th Legion at the military parade, his reaction wasn’t surprising.

Judging by his aura, he seemed a powerful martial artist, but that wasn’t what mattered.

The Adamant Thunder Annihilation Campaign.

How much time had passed since he first heard of it from Deimus in Pandemonium?

A vague proposal that had been discussed was now about to be briefed as an official operation before the Marshal of the Legion.

It was the top priority for the Legion to return to Vulcan, and the other true purpose of this military parade.

Proof that the military parade and the annihilation campaign were not independently planned events, but organically linked.

The reason Deadrise’s available forces were gathered in the Eastern Continent, and nowhere else.

“Since the Marshal has just returned, I will briefly explain the outline of the Adamant Thunder Annihilation Campaign.”

Flash!

As Deimus touched the projector, a photo appeared on the screen.

The streets of a satellite city, built on pristine white sand, were crumpled in a circular fashion, as if crushed by a fist.

Lightning rampaged, striking down like pillars of light, and the surging earth rose from all directions, creating a floating spectacle.

At its center, a black-haired wizard, his black coat fluttering, stood looking back.

A sharp facial outline, scattering blue magical light through his hair, was dimly revealed in the photo.

“This photograph is the result of an engagement in a satellite city near the mega-city, taken from thousands of kilometers away.”

“…”

“And it is also the only image the Legion has officially ‘captured’ of Adamant Thunder.”

Deimus enlarged and pointed to the photo with his command baton, then spoke.

“Adamant Thunder. An 8-level Grand Mage. The most talented War-Mage in Eastern Continent history. An Apostle-Slayer and multi-attribute wielder.”

“…”

“He uses over nine system magics and spellcrafts, including Thorben’s lightning magic. Possesses more than three innate abilities, including a Mystic Eye. Carries multiple relic-grade spell-armaments and artifacts.”

In the quiet meeting room, only Deimus’s calm voice echoed.

“He is the master of the sole Magic Tower in Vulcan, and a Transcendent who virtually controls the underworld of the mega-city. He is a legendary figure who rose from a freelancer to a Grand Mage, and a madman with an unparalleled combat record even among other Transcendent of his caliber.”

Flash!

As Deimus continued speaking, the reference images on the screen changed one by one.

“He is responsible for defeating not only civil war heroes like Madrich Onnion and Armas von Anathema, but also Major General Peshia Grisbern.”

Vulcan and its neighboring satellite cities. The Western Front, where the Machine City Machina and Outer Tribulation City Kundara fell.

Though the terrain, scenery, and colors were all different, the flashing brilliance of lightning in the sky was always the same.

The other Legion Commanders, staring at the screen, also displayed varied and diverse reactions.

Displeasure. Competitiveness. Some showed interest, some caution, and some offered no attention at all.

All Legion Commanders gathered there listened to Deimus’s briefing, maintaining their distinct reactions and attitudes.

“He is a Transcendent whose individual martial prowess is virtually unmatched in the Eastern Continent; it would be quicker to find those who have clashed with him and survived.”

“…”

“Evan Martinez, present at today’s meeting, is one of the very few superhumans who fought Adamant Thunder and survived, and is now virtually confirmed as a new Legion Commander.”

As Deimus spoke, the gazes of the Legion Commanders in the meeting hall immediately converged on Lennok.

Ethan, still with his eyes closed and chin propped, showed no reaction.

“Now that the Legion Command has internally designated him as the head of the 5th Legion after the incident at the First Gate, if the Marshal permits, Cheonbeon’s name will be on the Legion’s banner–”

“Lieutenant General Deimus. I apologize, but I haven’t heard any prior discussions about this.”

At that moment, the Legion Commander seated in the ninth position spoke.

An elderly man with a fierce, tiger-like countenance, his white hair all combed back.

Lieutenant General Felix Lenore, leader of the 9th Legion. He was the oldest veteran among the gathered Legion Commanders, having survived decades on the battlefield.

Despite his advanced age, he was a fierce general whose aggressive and savage prowess, rather than his command ability, was particularly impressive.

He was also a hero of the Legion, having achieved successive major victories against the Alliance near the Western Front.

“If what you say is true, this man is the one who killed Lieutenant General Loveride. How can we hand over a Legion Commander position to an enemy general who harmed our 3rd Legion Commander?”

The 9th Legion Commander stroked his beard, narrowing his eyes as he looked at Lennok.

The old man, baring yellowed, beast-like teeth, growled in a low voice.

“No one in the Legion was unaware of Lieutenant General Loveride’s loyalty. He was a true soldier, willing to sacrifice himself for the Legion’s cause.”

“…”

“Even the Lieutenant General’s demise in a clash with Cheonbeon must have been for the Legion’s sake. How then can the Legion abandon his loyalty and take the hand of an Apostle-Slayer?”

“Lieutenant General Lenore. Cheonbeon’s current standing on the Central Front long transcends such interests.”

Deimus said in a calm voice.

“Amrita, the 10th Apostle of the Cult. After defeating the Alliance’s Conjunction Spell Master, his value became virtually immeasurable. Ever since he briefly halted the Gabihaeng at the First Gate, Cheonbeon’s reputation in the Central has soared.”

“…”

“In a situation like this, such a Grand Mage joining the Legion would be an incalculably great strength. Yet, even with that, it’s a reality that guaranteeing victory against Adamant Thunder is difficult.”

“I don’t understand how highly you evaluate this wizard, Adamant Thunder, to put in so much effort.”

“I believe at least three legions participating in this military parade should be deployed for the annihilation campaign.”

Deimus said.

“This is about waging war against a Transcendent who dominates Vulcan’s underworld. To establish a front in the mega-city’s outer districts and near the satellite cities, at least three legions would be required.”

“…More than three legions?”

Upon hearing that, the expressions of the other Legion Commanders subtly changed.

“We understand the need for the annihilation campaign, but isn’t it realistically difficult given the Legion’s excessively large scale?”

“One of the fronts assigned to the Legion will be left vacant. This will have a fatal negative impact on future operations.”

All the Legion Commanders understood that Deadrise’s long-held ambition was to return to Vulcan.

And that clashing with the wizard who controlled Vulcan was an unavoidable part of that process.

The problem was how much of the Legion’s forces could realistically be committed to the annihilation campaign.

“Lieutenant General Deimus. Your operation has several problems. Everyone, don’t get agitated and just listen.”

Mirva said, tapping an unlit cigar held in her hand.

“After General Armut, who oversaw the Legion’s ground operations, died, each legion was granted independent operational authority. Now, all legions operate independently, conducting operations across various parts of the continent.”

“…”

“Currently, each Legion Commander is very accustomed to this environment, and they’ve invested significant effort into maintaining the Central Front. If they’re suddenly told to abandon their fronts for an annihilation campaign, who would willingly agree?”

In the quiet meeting room, only Mirva’s sharp voice resonated.

“General Armut served as the Ground Operations Commander because he was a great commander who contributed more than anyone to the Legion’s advance into the Central. It was only possible because he was a key figure who transformed a mere private military company into a Legion Alliance.”

Mirva’s gaze crossed simultaneously with Deimus’s and the empty air.

“If the Lieutenant General attempts to fill General Armut’s role, resistance will be unavoidable. What can the Legion gain by going to such lengths?”

‘Shrewd.’

Lennok, listening to the conversation from the far end of the meeting hall, inwardly admired her.

Mirva Neosoto, while seemingly opposing the annihilation campaign, logically explained why it would be difficult to carry out.

Through this, she forcibly calmed the anger of the dissenting Legion Commanders, bringing the atmosphere to a level where more constructive discussion was possible.

From Lennok’s perspective, Mirva even seemed to be creating an opening for Deimus to refute her and laying the groundwork for him.

Deimus, perhaps aware of this fact, nodded unhesitatingly and raised his command baton.

“I will begin explaining the operational outline for that, right now.”

Flash!!

Simultaneously, a map of Vulcan appeared on the screen, along with the estimated advance positions and fronts of each legion.

The detailed operational outline of the annihilation campaign, which had been secretly hidden even within Deadrise until now.

This was the first step: displaying it in its complete form and beginning to establish the battle lines.

As Lennok’s eyebrows twitched, he momentarily focused on the map flashing across the screen.

“What I’m showing you now is a rough operational map for the annihilation campaign and the subsequent Vulcan Reclamation Campaign.”

Deimus walked forward among the Legion Commanders and said calmly.

“Furthermore, this schematic best illustrates the core of the annihilation campaign: not only securing forces from within the Legion to confront Adamant Thunder, but also drawing in external forces.”

“…Vulcan’s, reclamation?”

“Currently, the ‘Seats’ of the Ability Awakening Warband and Pandemonium are preparing to join. It will likely be definitively decided at the military parade. There are additional external forces that have pledged support during the process of initiating the annihilation campaign and establishing the front lines.”

Deimus’s voice, as he looked around the meeting hall, gained strength.

“This is the continent-spanning, unified plan that General Armut conceived long ago–”

“Armut.”

At that moment, Deimus’s movement, as he held the command baton and was about to operate the projector, froze.

The Marshal, who had shown no reaction since arriving at the meeting hall, had spoken.

“Indeed. He was once here with us.”

Ethan, eyes closed and chin propped on the table, whispered softly.

“He died clashing with the Gabihaeng, wasn’t it? A comrade who was with me from Vulcan has closed his eyes.”

“…”

“When I heard the news long ago, I thought I’d repay that debt someday. But the Nether King, of all people, departed before me.”

Ethan’s voice, echoing in the now silent meeting hall, gradually faded.

From Ethan’s hand, propping his chin, something viscous dripped down.

Ethan, narrowing his eyes at the red liquid dripping down his arm, whispered.

“Now, even such emotions…”

“Marshal Bajour!!!”

As soon as they saw the drops of blood falling from Ethan’s hand, the Legion Commanders sprang to their feet.

Aides, their faces pale, grabbed their communicators and shouted at the officers outside.

“Bring emergency healing artifacts immediately!!”

“Evacuate the Marshal to a safe place. Call the guards, now!!”

“This is Command’s mistake. At a time when he still needs extensive recuperation, of all times…!!!”

“…No.”

Ethan, supported by Atiya nearby, stood up and calmly looked around the meeting hall.

At his single word, the bustling officers all stopped and waited for his command.

“There’s no need to seek my permission for every operation. Do as you wish regarding the annihilation campaign.”

Ethan said with an expressionless face.

“The Legion is not a single entity but a group with separate heads. It has coexisted as a legion precisely because each head does not rely on the others.”

“Marshal. But…”

“Judge and act yourselves. At this point, whether each legion abandons or holds its front won’t significantly impact the overall flow.”

Having said that, Ethan, supported, slowly moved.

Ethan met Lennok’s gaze at the far end of the meeting hall with an indifferent look, then turned away without hesitation.

“It seems I’ve been… a little short on rest. We’ll discuss what happens after this once I’ve recovered.”

“…”

Rumble!!

As the meeting hall door closed, Ethan vanished, and silence fell.

Mirva, half-sitting in her chair, pulled out a cigar and put it in her mouth.

“Let’s postpone the operational meeting and resume it later.”

“Lieutenant General Neosoto. But…”

“This briefing was for explaining the annihilation campaign to him. The objective was to seek his counsel on the macro-level direction for moving the legions.”

“…”

Mirva puffed heavily on her cigar, ignoring the uncomfortable expressions of the generals.

“It would be right to proceed with the other military parade schedules first. Until then, let’s prioritize organizing each legion.”

Following Mirva’s words, the bustling atmosphere of the meeting hall quickly settled.

The other generals, being excellent commanders leading their respective legions, wouldn’t have completely lost their reason.

However, even amidst this, Lennok sat at the far end of the meeting hall, recalling the scene he had just witnessed.

To be precise, Ethan’s appearance as he listened to the discussions with his chin propped throughout the meeting.

At first glance, he seemed to have fallen asleep from exhaustion, but what if that wasn’t the case?

What if Ethan wasn’t propping his chin, but ‘supporting’ his own neck?

What if the blood flowing down his hand had come from the ‘cross-section’ of his neck, which he had been holding?

Lennok was contemplating what that inference implied.

“…”

Although the operational meeting was suddenly halted, he had gained a valuable clue.

A crucial clue that might allow him to uncover Ethan Bajour’s true identity at this military parade.

Ultimately, confirming that identity would be impossible without a private audience with Ethan.

Having made his decision, Lennok followed the other generals and left the meeting hall without hesitation.

“We have prepared accommodation for your rest.”

The officer guiding Lennok and Euphoria spoke in a polite tone.

“During the military parade, if you need anything at all, please tell us and we will promptly attend to it.”

“Should we be receiving such treatment when we haven’t even officially received the Legion Commander positions?”

“Unlike other Legion Commander candidates, both of you have already been internally designated for your positions by the authority of Command.”

The officer bowed his head.

“Once the new Legion Commander candidates are confirmed, both of you will also be formally appointed to the Legion Commander positions.”

“…”

So, Lennok and Euphoria weren’t the only new Legion Commander candidates attending the military parade.

It was an alliance of legions, ceaselessly waging war across the continent and expanding its size.

It wouldn’t be strange for even top-ranking generals like Legion Commanders to occasionally die in battle and leave their posts vacant.

The officer, who had guided Lennok to a luxurious private residence near the Command Headquarters, turned his gaze to Euphoria.

“Aosel-nim, please come this way… Command has issued orders regarding the previous transaction.”

“Ah.”

At that moment, Euphoria, with a thoughtful expression, looked back at Lennok.

She propped her chin silently and tilted her head, then finally spoke to Lennok.

“Evan Martinez. Let’s go together.”

“Go together?”

“Didn’t we make a deal concerning the Water Vortex Soul Escape Herb?”

Euphoria said with an expressionless face.

“This seems to be the opportunity to show you the use of Life Spellcraft for healing.”

“…I see.”

A certain transaction Euphoria had made with the Legion Command for the reconstruction of Kundara.

Was it now to request her Life Spellcraft to heal a top-ranking general within the Legion?

Euphoria, turning her gaze to the hesitating officer, spoke without hesitation.

“Short-lived Being. This wizard will also accompany me. Please explain who I need to heal.”

“Ah, Aosel-nim…”

The officer stammered, his expression flustered beyond comparison to before.

“I apologize, but no one apart from Aosel-nim should know about this matter…”

“Without Cheonbeon’s help, I cannot properly heal a Short-lived Being with Life Spellcraft.”

Euphoria cut off the officer’s words sharply.

“If you cannot accept my proposal, I will return.”

“Th-that won’t do!”

The startled officer hurriedly pulled out a communicator from his pocket and began contacting someone.

He was likely consulting his superiors on how to handle Euphoria’s behavior.

Lennok, leaving the officer behind, looked at Euphoria with a strange gaze.

“That’s an unpleasant gaze. What are you thinking?”

“Nothing. Just that you’re keeping your promise, uncharacteristically well.”

While she had promised to let him observe the Life Spellcraft healing process when acquiring the Water Vortex Soul Escape Herb, Lennok hadn’t actually expected Euphoria to keep her word.

Yet, Euphoria was now insisting, even mixing in a slight falsehood to the officer, that Lennok accompany her during the healing process.

For the first time, a subtle emotion, like a snort of derision, flickered across the Long-lived Being’s habitually expressionless face.

“That’s an unforgivable insult. Unlike Short-lived Beings, Kundara’s Long-lived Beings always keep their promises–”

“Both of you, please follow me.”

The officer immediately cut the call and bowed deeply to Euphoria.

His face pale, his shoulders trembling, the officer spoke with difficulty.

“I will guide you to the patient whom Aosel-nim is to treat.”

“…”

Perhaps sensing the unusual reaction, Euphoria also stopped speaking and turned.

Lennok also followed Euphoria and the officer, walking towards the military hospital ward visible in the distance.

A hospital ward, the size of a skyscraper, built behind the Command Headquarters to treat patients and the injured.

However, as soon as Lennok entered the ward, he felt sharp will-thoughts pouring in from all directions and tilted his head.

Will-thoughts that were strangely hostile and filled with killing intent. A keen animosity unsuited to the hospital ward’s atmosphere.

Even the officer’s unusually fearful reaction to guiding Lennok into the ward.

But he had no intention of missing the opportunity to understand the operating principles of Euphoria’s Life Spellcraft because of such a hunch.

Life Spellcraft was a power that, more than any other system magic, might be able to interfere with Lennok’s ‘lifespan’ itself.

He hadn’t expected the opportunity to come so soon, but it was one of Lennok’s top priorities to address at the military parade.

Thinking this, Lennok ignored the animosity pouring in from all directions and followed the guide to the top-floor VIP room.

The moment he arrived, Lennok had no trouble understanding the reason for the hostility and killing intent directed at him.

“…”

A spacious private room, occupying an entire floor.

Lying on the hospital bed, eyes closed, was a middle-aged man whose entire body was disfigured by burns.

“Th-the first subject the Legion requested Aosel-nim to treat…”

The doctor, holding a medical chart, stood with a pale face, trembling as he opened the door.

“He is former 3rd Legion Commander, Lieutenant General Robert Loveride.”

“…”

“Hey.”

The middle-aged man, his face disfigured by burns, grinned and waved his hand.

“Fire-starter, it’s been a while. How have you been?”

Robert Loveride.

The one who had fought Lennok near the First Gate and fallen into the lava.

The very person who, even at the moment of his apparent death, had offered Lennok a place in the Legion, lay there, looking at him.