Chapter 71: Coronation and Conspiracy

“Guardian Knight of the Empire. Hio Pavlenko, listen well.”

Under the newly rising sun, the will of the new Empress, Sylvia Verden, echoed through the voice of Sword Saint Vitalianus.

The coronation is drawing near.

The moment of utmost glory is at hand.

In such a moment, would it be fitting for the Empire’s representative knight to be absent?

“The most glorious occasion demands the attendance of the most glorious knight. The shield that guards the Empire and its sharpest sword, Hio Pavlenko. My knight, return once more and stand by my side.”

“Of course! It would be amazing if I could come, but it’s really fine if I don’t! Yeah, really, it’s okay. Don’t you have things to do? There are plenty of knights in the palace, and now they’re all on my side, so you don’t need to worry!”

“Of course, if Hio could stand beside me during the ceremony entrance, that’d be reassuring… but since Hio’s busy, don’t stress about it! Ah, Sir Mahel, please don’t read this out loud in front of others; just keep it between Hio and me…”

Hio bowed his head, a small smile playing on his lips.

“I guess I have to go.”

Morning had broken.

「Achievement Unlocked! – Protect the Academy!」

「You have gained 110 points from the achievement.」

***

「You have made a significant impact on the Imenia Academy.」

「You have gained 80 reputation points.」

「Stories spread about the ‘Guardian Knight appearing in Imenia.’」

「You have gained 2 reputation points.」

「You have gained 2 reputation points.」

The Black Fang’s assault on the Imenia Academy.

The tragedy it caused.

This was not something to simply overlook.

Nor something to be taken lightly.

“The war will likely be declared alongside the coronation.”

The Imenia Academy is one of the Empire’s key institutions.

If the Empire stood idly by after such an overt attack, it would be a disgrace.

War, once again.

But this time, it would be very different from the days when it was just a game.

This was no meaningless conquest war, but a clear and justified war against the Black Fang.

Moreover, if they could eliminate Atawolf through such a war and wipe out the Black Fang’s influence,
it would make preparing for the future much easier.

“Sylvia will have a hard time. To become Empress in such a time…”

Declaring war on the Black Fang at the moment of her coronation,
and even after that, she’d be troubled by the Abyss.

She rose to the throne during the worst of times. It would not be easy.

Still, I think she’s the best Empress for these times.

With Sylvia’s abilities, she could unite all forces without unnecessary power struggles or internal conflicts, focusing solely on the Abyss.

“Now that you’re becoming Empress, isn’t it about time to reveal some things?”

Pavlenko nodded at Furnel’s words.

“That’s exactly what I was planning.”

The Abyss.

For now, only the possessed knew the details, but now that Sylvia had ascended and consolidated strong imperial authority based on her abilities, it was okay to accept help.

It would be fine for Sylvia to manage the Abyss directly under the Empire’s name.

“And there’s a lot I’ve learned as well.”

Witnessing the battle between the Sword Saint and Atawolf firsthand had definitely been helpful.

At first, I thought that even if Atawolf came, it was a fight worth trying.

Aside from summoning the Death God, he had two top-tier skills.

In Ventair Online, top-tier skills were a symbol of power that required years of grinding to obtain.
Having two of them gave me some confidence.

But what was Atawolf really like?

Though he was also top-tier, the power contained within was different.

Despite having three top-tier skills, I couldn’t break through even one of his skills and was only running away.

It was clearly different from the game days.

Back then, having more mana and more top-tier skills meant victory.

But here, this is not a game, but reality.

That means there could be a rank beyond top-tier.

Perhaps there’s another level above top-tier skills.

After all, skills are ultimately about how the wielder cultivates and hones them.

They may be granted from the heavens, but the one who refines and sharpens them is the user.

Atawolf’s Black Mist carried willpower.

Just like a superhuman above the 7th rank or a Grand Mage of the 7th Circle.

“Willpower, huh.”

Sword Saint Vitalianus had also said that to cut through Atawolf’s mist, you needed to imbue your blade with willpower.

“What exactly is that?”

Furnel answered casually to Hio’s question.

“I don’t know. If I knew, I’d be a Grand Mage of the 7th Circle by now. The realms of superhumans and Grand Mages are levels of enlightenment, and it seems Atawolf applied that to his skills. Regardless of good or evil, it’s impressive.”

“…I see.”

He sounded impressive when he said it, but when you look closer, it basically meant he didn’t know.

‘Why does he make not knowing sound so elaborate?’

…Anyway, there were other things learned too.

“I also found out more details about the penalties.”

The Hidden Trait “Violence is Not Allowed!” triggers a penalty when inflicting damage or wounds on sentient beings.

The Black Fang that had become the Black Mist of Atawolf.

They couldn’t be considered living beings, so they knew from the start that fighting them wouldn’t incur penalties.

‘But what about the Death God? The Nkingki? Wouldn’t they get penalties for siphoning mana or other energies…?’

They didn’t either.

That was good news for Hio.

“Probably because they don’t cause physical harm to the body.”

“Exactly. The key is physical damage.”

Hio stood up.

“I’ll head back out now.”

Outside, the cleanup was in full swing.

Searching for survivors, tending to the wounded,
clearing rubble from collapsed buildings… and disposing of the dead.

The heavy aftermath that always follows war.

Just as Hio was about to leave the room,

knock knock—

A knock sounded a step ahead of him.

Before he could answer, the door suddenly swung open.

The person who entered was a stranger Hio had never seen before.

But—

Hio’s expression darkened rapidly.

“Hio Pavlenko.”

A strange figure and an unfamiliar voice.

Yet—

“I’ve missed you.”

A somehow familiar smile.

Those eyes—the crimson pupils—they were unmistakable.

“…Airlights.”

It was Airlights.

***

Airlights sat naturally opposite Hio.

To her, Hio’s cold voice pierced like ice.

“Do you even know what you’ve done, Airlights?”

“Yeah, of course I do.”

Her confidence left Hio speechless.

“…So, you’re one of them too. The ones Sirbert spoke about.”

Those who refuse to accept reality as reality, choosing instead to see it as a game.

Those who feel no remorse for it.

“Still clinging to the illusion that this place is a game…”

But at Hio’s words, Airlights tilted her head.

“Huh? There are people who think this is still a game? Are you saying such idiots are ranked players?”

Again, Hio was at a loss for words.

‘…So, you knew it was real and still did this.’

You controlled the First Prince’s army, causing countless deaths and chaos, and got Theodore killed.

You handed Sirbert’s information over to the Black Fang—knowing all too well this was reality.

A wave of disturbance rippled through Hio’s calm mind.

…Why?

For what?

Those questions rose first but Hio didn’t ask outright.

He instinctively knew he wouldn’t get a proper answer.

Instead, “Tell me, Airlights. What else did you hand over to the Black Fang?”

“What were you conspiring with the Black Fang?”

“What rewards were promised? What did you exchange for them?”

Without hesitation, Airlights answered.

“Um… Regarding this incident, I handed over Sirbert’s information, the Academy’s guard troop deployment plans, and a rough idea of the professors’ skill levels and abilities.”

There was no hint of mischief.

She answered seriously with a serious expression.

“…Hah.”

Hio was dumbfounded.

But he couldn’t punish her right now.

Though this was undoubtedly Airlights, her body was that of an innocent person.

“So, he ended up asking again.””

“Why?”

“Why go so far for the Black Fang?”

“What did Airlights, who maintained rank 3, possibly lack?”

“Why?”

Airlights remained unfazed.

“Because it’s the fastest way.”

She answered nonchalantly.

“Wouldn’t it be better to just hand over Sirbert’s info?

Instead of waiting for the Black Fang to make the first move, and even if they did, it’s not like he’d die or anything.”

“So… you knew it would turn out like this?”

“Yeah. Atawolf believed you’d handle it somehow. It was a pity he escaped, but the result isn’t bad.”

Airlights said this was the outcome she had hoped for.

The Black Fang had recklessly assaulted the Academy, causing the Empire to respond.

Using the Academy’s tragedy as a trigger, the Empire’s army would move out in full force.

“…Do you even know how many died this time?”

“Well, it can’t be helped. If we delayed dealing with the Black Fang, there would be casualties elsewhere anyway.”

“It was a rash and reckless gamble. If Atawolf hadn’t come, it would have been nothing more than a one-sided disaster.”

The terrifying thing about the Black Fang was this:

Atawolf was the true body of the Black Mist.

No matter how many times you dispelled the Black Mist, the damage would be minimal.

If the Sword Saint hadn’t dealt a serious blow to Atawolf at the end, it could have ended utterly meaningless.

Even hearing this, Airlights answered calmly.

“But since one of the Empire’s major institutions was attacked, it gave the army a reason to move.”

“If Vitalianus hadn’t come, it would have been total annihilation by Atawolf.”

“You fought pretty well for that, though? Your humility isn’t bad, but it feels a bit off. Jijoncheonma.”

“Just… if I’d stayed ordinary like everyone else, I would have handled the Black Fang somehow.”

“Ordinary like everyone else…”

At those words, Airlights’ expression briefly stiffened.

It was only momentary before she resumed her usual smile.

“But I wanted to look good in front of you, Jijoncheonma.”

That smile sparked anger in Hio.

“Do you think I’d like that kind of behavior?”

“…Huh? It was the fastest way to deal with the Black Fang… Isn’t that what you want?”

“Let me be clear.”

Hio rose from the sofa, grabbed the staff lying next to him, and spat the words toward Airlights.

“You’re the worst, Airlights.”

He began rotating the circle and raised the staff, preparing to activate Cancellation as before.

“It might take some time, but do you think I can’t find where you’re hiding?”

Jason Klarok, the head of the information guild, was around, and though crude, they could trace mana backward.

Learning the magic to locate someone’s position by returning to the Mage’s Tower was another option.

“I’m going to catch you no matter what and make sure you can’t do anything.”

Throwing her into an empty floor of the Mage’s Tower, where she had no circle, would be perfect.

Her ideology was dangerous.

Even if she thought she was doing it for her goals, her methods were utterly wrong.

‘What meaning was there in such a hollow victory?’

Just results for the sake of results.

Just an empty shell of an outcome.

As he was about to activate Cancellation,

“W-Wait! Sorry!”

Airlights frantically waved her hands in panic.

“Did I do something wrong? Sorry! Don’t hate me!”

She climbed onto the sofa and even knelt down. It was an extreme display.

“I thought you’d like me! That you’d praise me… I was wrong. Uh? I’ll think of another way, so don’t hate me, okay?”

“Don’t hate you.”

Airlights nodded vigorously.

“Yeah! This time I’ll really do well. What do you want me to do? I’ll do everything you say! Really.”

Her attitude and actions suddenly sparked an idea in Hio’s mind.

“Can you really do everything I say?”

“Yeah! Of course! Should I come there now? It’s a bit far, but if you wait just a little…”

“No. More importantly—”

He stepped toward Airlights and whispered low.

“You must be pretty trusted by Atawolf then?”

“Yeah! The information I gave this time was accurate, so I guess I earned some trust.”

“Good. Then lure Atawolf out.”

“Lure him out? Where?”

“Anywhere. Get him to come out of the Ba’al Forest.”

***

Ba’al Forest.

Also known as the Mist Forest or the Cursed Forest.

The Black Fang’s stronghold and Atawolf’s domain.

The very reason the Empire had never dared to confront the Black Fang rashly.

If they could pull Atawolf out from there and fight the war, the job would be twice as easy.

“That’s it? Then you won’t hate me?”

“Yeah. But lure him out for sure. Time it well. I trust you’ll manage that.”

“Yeah! Don’t worry. I’m good at luring.”

Proving her words, her crimson gaze deepened instantly.

Their eyes met.

「Mental invasion detected」

「Trait – ‘Cannot Live Without Style!’ has been activated」

Despite the high resistance granted by the ‘Cannot Live Without Style!’ trait against mental attacks,
the dense crimson light drilled in.

A nasty feeling forced Hio’s heart to pound unnaturally.

Frowning, he lightly tapped Airlights on the head with his staff.

“Stop the nonsense and get ready properly. After the coronation, we’re going to take down Atawolf.”

“Yeah! If I do well, you’ll love me, right?”

“…Just get it done first.”

“Yeah! I’ll really do well! Love me!”

Hio was searching for a retort to her increasingly mad glare when—

“Wait, someone’s coming. Looks like Atawolf. Yeah. I’ll contact you again, Jijoncheonma! No, Hio Pavlenko! Love you! Love you!”

With that, her body went limp and collapsed.

Hio shook his head and looked down at the man who was once Airlights, if only for a moment.