Book 11 Chapter 18

Episode 270

# The Last Battle, Epilogue of a Hundred-Year Journey

Side Story 1.

The Forgotten War, The Spider Lord Extermination Battle (1)

It is forbidden to speak the Lord of the Abyss's name or record it in writing.

For the fearful whispers about the Lord become its power, ultimately leading to cracks in the seal.

That is why all history books, by my command, briefly conclude this story with a sentence or two…

But I intend to record the truth here and now.

For someday, in a distant era.

A day will come when even stories like this will be necessary.

* * *

On the way back to the Imperial Capital from Harbadonia, I occasionally had dreams.

No, to be honest. I often, very often, had 'that dream'.

That dream was darkness, despair, madness, and the abyss.

Volcanic ash and blizzards sweeping in from north and south, covering the world.

Within the blizzard, heaven and earth are strangely distorted, and within the volcanic ash, all things melt chillingly.

And.

At the feet of the beings who dominate that frozen polar permafrost and the burning tropical volcanic ash… I see children who died in agony.

Aki.

Nen.

Mir.

As my children scream and groan, and I let out a cry of powerlessness, unable to do anything, the dream flees and vanishes.

When the dream ended, my whole body was feverish, and my limbs ached as if they would fall off.

Is it just a nightmare? No, it has too much continuity to be just that.

But a prophetic dream…

That can't be. I couldn't possibly have that kind of ability.

"Rain, are you alright?"

"Your condition has been strange ever since you returned from the North. Are you perhaps afflicted with a plague?"

My welcome classmates, Lilian Carain and Logan, whom I hadn't seen in a long time, asked worriedly.

I tried to smile nonchalantly, but it seemed I couldn't hide my pale complexion and gaunt face.

In the colonnade heading to the War Council Chamber, I finally had to let out an honest sigh.

"I wish I knew what I was supposed to be doing right now."

"You're supposed to attend the War Council. As Your Excellency, the Archmage."

"That's not what I meant…"

It must have been a joke to relieve tension.

Seeing that I couldn't even give a serious answer to that, I realized how little余裕 (leisure\/peace of mind) I had.

Not only all members of the Imperial River Administration but also key figures from each military department attended the War Council.

A special individual, someone who would never be seen in peacetime, was Kiran Wolf Bladow, the leader of the White Wolves.

"We have compiled information from the reconnaissance teams sent to various regions. Not only Necracne but also the old ones have awakened, filling the snowy plains. Five out of ten reconnaissance teams are missing. This is worse than when Baekdoryeong awakened before. There is a being commanding them."

The chamber grew boisterous.

Anxiety permeated the murmuring voices.

"Commander-in-Chief, how long can the <Snow Spirit Great Wall> hold out?"

"The <Snow Spirit Great Wall> was built to defend against the undead and the old ones. But if an ancient noble awakens… I cannot give a definitive answer."

"But what is there to worry about? We have Yonghyeon, do we not?"

Respectful gazes turned my way, and sighs of relief escaped from various places.

"I believe that with the power of Yonghyeon, the Third Great Sage, restoring the gods' seals will not be difficult."

Can I do it, I asked myself.

Perhaps the reason I was given such power was precisely to tend to the seals at this time.

But is that all? Really? I cautiously opened my mouth.

"I believe there is a clear reason why I possess this power."

"…?"

"It's not yet clear even to myself… That's why I feel I must meet Her Holiness, the Water Dragon Saint."

Discomfiture flickered in the eyes of the officials. Rem, who had nonchalantly yawned in front of the emperor, spoke.

"So, exactly what do you plan to do?"

"I'll go to the Idea Peninsula and meet Her Holiness within a month."

"Are you saying you'll leave Harbadonia like that for a month? Knowing what might happen?"

I knew better than anyone how perilous this judgment was.

In my youth, how quickly Shar'kas, awakened from a long sleep, expanded his influence?

I know.

I know, but.

I absolutely cannot bring myself to act on that judgment.

Every time I try to make a rational decision in my mind, the contents of 'that dream' resurface and grip my shoulders.

It's ridiculous.

As one who has faced the truth, I should be more rational than anyone else in this land, yet I'm acting emotionally, like some foolish beast.

"What if the Spider Lord is unsealed during that month?"

Krista Eijin, who had been arrogantly crossing and uncrossing her legs beside the throne, spoke.

Setting aside her status as empress, her talent as a mage alone had already established her as a legendary figure in this era, earning her the right to participate in the War Council.

Unlike Yonghyeon, who was considered an anomalous, non-human existence, among 'fellow humans,' she was the most talented mage of the current generation.

Lyda was proud of the Empress's talent and skill, and proud enough to bring her to every public occasion.

"In that case, I trust Your Majesty the Empress will demonstrate her skill and buy us some time."

No matter how much she had grown physically, she was still weak to straightforward compliments.

"Well… hmm, well, yes! I can do that much. Who do you think I am?"

As Krista responded boldly, Emperor Lyda laughed heartily and nodded.

"You're as unbelievably headstrong now as you ever were. Very well. I approve."

"Your Majesty! Before their forces grow larger, shouldn't we prioritize inspecting the seal array immediately, how can you…"

"But only for a month. No longer can be delayed. I plan to declare martial law and mobilize national forces. You must be at your post."

* * *

What Akirea did for three years in <Flames Covering Ten Thousand Miles> was to comprehend the majestic flow of nature.

The scorching sun.

Walls of fire erupting beneath it.

On the high-temperature dunes where the atmosphere was so dry it was sparse, he sat cross-legged and explored the grand beginning and end of life.

"We are fire, Akirea. Why do you think so? How do you think it came to be?"

The Ancient Flame Grydaone would sometimes visit the dunes and pose difficult questions.

"Because we breathe fire!"

Grydaone would leave with a wistful smile, but Zhakan was comparatively more solemn.

"Fire is the beginning of life. Without fire, the world plunges into darkness. You must become fire. Akirea, do you understand what this means?"

He didn't answer, as he still didn't quite understand.

The Dragon Language was difficult to comprehend, characterized by its ornate rhetoric and complex forms even when spoken.

Therefore, it was not a joyful experience.

Often, he thought of his younger siblings left on distant continents and across the sea.

Are they growing well?

What would happen if they missed him so much they came all the way here?

Would the True Dragons drive them away, saying he was in training?

"First, you must know yourself. You must look into the origins of your life."

He felt sorry for his siblings, but he missed his father so acutely and so often.

Memories of the worlds they had seen together vividly resurfaced, as if they had happened just a moment ago.

But it wasn't just simple longing… something felt strange.

In each of those moments, wasn't there one more person?

'Who is it?'

Red hair, like flames blazing, just like his own.

Someone who always held him close during the days of bitter cold, pressing their forehead against his and smiling gently…

The form was unclear, yet the presence was so comforting and certain…

'I don't know who it is.'

* * *

The Idea Peninsula, where the elves resided, was truly a mysterious secret realm.

"Yonghyeon Rain Ludwig, the Elder Council has granted your visit. But only you."

There were nine tribes among the elf race.

The elves, whose ancestors were the first beings to assist the gods in the Age of Gods, possessed extremely high self-esteem.

The Firstborn, the elves called themselves that, claiming to be the eldest legitimate children of the gods.

"Opening the Tyrende Floodgates."

Of course, not all elves were the same.

The White Elves, with their noble appearance and skin whiter than milk, were the most numerous. Five tribes belonged to them.

The Blue Elves lived by the water, characterized by their blue hair and translucent skin, and mastered waterways. Three tribes belonged to them.

These tribes championed openness and reform, opening numerous economic special zones, and now wielded extensive influence in humanity's political and economic spheres.

In contrast, the Dark Elves, who occupied the northern part of the Idea Peninsula, consistently maintained a closed and mystical stance.

Dark Elves.

Guardians of ancient traditions and servants of the World Tree.

In short, for them, who even shunned other elves, to permit entry was highly unusual.

But since only I was allowed, I had to transfer from the merchant ship to a dinghy and row it with psychokinesis.

The jungle blocking the way vanished. And a pier, woven from lush greenery like ropes, appeared.

Five Dark Elves, cloaked in dark green and carrying recurve bows, were waiting in front of it.

"My name is Aethelkina. I am the 125th attendant, tasked with guiding you to the World Tree."

The land of the Dark Elves held the appearance of how humanity would have treated nature with love, not desire.

Mansions were built on trees, and each mansion was connected by suspension bridges.

Not a single structure harming nature was visible, and the elves acted with animals as companions.

"I heard you were blessed by the Black Sun, so this child will also follow you."

Is this… the legendary Elk?

Its frame was much larger than a deer's, and its three or four-pronged antlers showed formidable power as a guardian of the forest.

I heard Dark Elves rode elks instead of horses; it was true.

"Can I really ride it?"

"Of course. That's why I brought it. Nemethys. He's a very gentle child."

"Really?"

As my eyes sparkled, Aethelkina stroked Nemethys's head and whispered something in Elven.

Then the elk bent its legs. Riding that elk through the sacred forest path was an incredible experience.

I wished Aki and Nen could have come too… that was my only regret.

Since there was no proper social infrastructure, it took nine days to walk the forest path to Yeranata Lake, where the World Tree was located.

"You are different from other elves."

"What do you mean?"

"You lack that… arrogance peculiar to other elves. And White Elves and Blue Elves don't use bows, saying it's cowardly, do they?"

Aethelkina, who was setting up a hammock between tree branches for camping, answered with an expressionless face.

"It is blasphemous to soil hands that should serve the gods with blood. We are the priestly tribe; such things are not tolerated."

I had many questions, but the atmosphere didn't allow for many, so I couldn't ask much.

They were quite stiff, weren't they?

The Dark Elves treated me as one who had faced the truth, and it felt like they expected dignity befitting such a person.

And so, when nine days had passed.

Suddenly, the roof of leaves, which had been scattering sunlight in drops onto the ground, disappeared.

Finally… the forest ended.

Is this a giant clearing?

Is the World Tree in front of me? Could I possibly meet Mir, even for a moment?

As I thought that, I saw the back of a man kneeling beyond.

Before I could wonder what was happening, Aethelkina and the other elves knelt on one knee before him, paying their respects.

"We have brought the Sage of Dragons."

"You may withdraw."

The man turned towards me, his long priestly robe sleeves fluttering, and clasped his hands together.

The sacred aura of that moment…

It was fundamentally different from the immense beings of the abyss I had encountered so far, yet equally powerful and bright in its presence.

"Is your appellation Yonghyeon?"

"…?"

"Interesting. The appellation given to me by the gods when they anointed me as a Judge (士師) is Cheong-eun (靑恩, Blue Grace). Let's confirm each other."

Confirm?

Before I could ask what,

The Judge Cheong-eun recited a divine word and clenched his hands, and at that moment, the power of the gods materialized on this land.

Light Blossom (光華).

Countless silver flowers blooming.

The ground I had thought was a clearing was filled with a dazzling, swirling wave of flowers that rushed towards me.

"We, the firstborn, unlike you humans, can wield the miracles of all gods."

It was only for a moment that those flowers tried to bind my ankles, shins, wrists, and entire limbs.

"Asura Soul Mirror."

The illusory dragon soared through the sky, erupting. Sacred waves spewed from the golden dragon's head.

At the end of that light.

The fiercely fluttering flowers soon lost all their petals and finally fell, powerless.

When the other two dragon heads of Asura glared at the Judge Cheong-eun, the Judge waved his hand and chuckled.

"Truly remarkable power. That's enough now. I'm sure we've both confirmed who the other is."

What…

I was dumbfounded.

"Can't we just talk?"

"With this one clash, I confirmed that you are Yonghyeon, and you confirmed that I am the Judge Cheong-eun. Isn't this more efficient than a few words of conversation? The abyss is skilled at deception."

The Judge Cheong-eun kissed a ring.

It was a gem bluer and clearer than any water in this world. As he kissed it, a gentle ripple spread across the gem.

Immediately after, the world I had thought was a clearing scattered into particles of light. My heart began to pound.

It wasn't a clearing; it was a lakeside.

If so, this place…

A single tree rose beautifully from the lake.

Up close, a tree so massive it couldn't be taken in with a single glance. Its leaves rustled rhythmically as if the tree were breathing.

Without anyone explaining, I knew instantly from its majesty and appearance. It was the World Tree.

Crucially, didn't it possess the same aura as Baekchang Palace Sereubon? And more than anything…

"Mir!"

Sitting on a branch of the World Tree, a pure white child reading an old scroll in the ancient dragon tongue.

Mirngardia.

Clear eyes flickered beneath pristine white eyelashes, then she leaped from the branch.

Though the lake was so vast that the opposite shore couldn't be seen, and its depth unknown…

Mir caused gentle ripples as she seemed to toddle towards me, then suddenly stopped.

"Mir?"

Then she transformed into her dragon form, climbed onto a branch, and reverted to her dragon-human form.

And then again.

As if utterly disinterested, or as if begrudgingly moving because she was terribly annoyed during her reading, she descended from the branch and approached.

Her gaze was seemingly fixed on the scroll, but the occasional glance upwards revealed her true feelings.

My child…

Trying to hide her feelings…

And so awkwardly…

She was so adorable that I desperately wanted to hug her tightly, but with the Judge Cheong-eun watching, I thought it best to preserve Mir's dignity.

To me, she was Mir.

But wasn't Mir Mirngardia, a White True Dragon?

Just as the Light Dragon Orthodox Church was the gods' representative to humanity, the White Dragon was the gods' representative to the elves.

Look at that. The Judge Cheong-eun immediately knelt respectfully on one knee, didn't he?

So, after barely suppressing a laugh with a cough, I exchanged a solemn reunion greeting with Mir.

"I came to see Her Holiness Yeriserica, but where has she gone now?"

Mir shook her head.

And with a snap of her fingers, turtles with pure white shells lined up on the water's surface, opening a path to the World Tree.

Dragons are beings that rule over all living creatures; it was hardly surprising.

Hardly surprising.

Yes, it shouldn't be.

Yet, seeing a glimpse of her growth after just a month, my chest swelled, and my shoulders stiffened for no reason.

Hah, that kid…

My lips are going to split from smiling. What am I going to do?

"Currently in the Dream World. If you wish to meet Her Holiness, you must enter the Dream World."

"How?"

"There is a method of contacting a part of your body with the World Tree. Most efficient for humans."

Oh well, I don't care.

After covering the Judge's gaze with my back, I ruffled her hair wildly, making it into a bird's nest for the first time in a while.

"Ungh…" She let out a small sound at my strong touch but was as docile as she had been before we parted.

She even seemed to like it. Since she didn't show her emotions on her face, the truth remained hidden beyond.

"Then I'll be back."

I stepped briskly onto the turtles' shells and advanced toward the World Tree.

The Dream World, huh…

After taking a deep breath, as I placed my hand on the trunk of the World Tree, from which a warm breath emanated, Mir's warning was heard.

"Be careful. The Dream World is fundamentally the primordial world. If a human mind stays there too long, it can become a target of the abyss."

I should have taken that warning seriously then. So as not to be caught in the Abyss of the King…