Book 14 Chapter 15
Episode 31
“Beginning with the collapse of <Ikegrad Prison>, chaos is starting not only in the Empire and the Republic but also across various parts of the continent. In smaller nations, there’s even a perceived risk of situations escalating to the equivalent of national overthrow.”
Sieta Warden, head of the Magic Alliance’s Special Operations Division, reported.
“To subdue the owner of the [King’s Flesh], elite personnel are required, but as you know, most of our chosen personnel have been deployed to the Demon Realm front, resulting in an absolute shortage of manpower.”
This place was the Golden City, <Haraldoniki>.
Originally ruled by Haraderiman, the Light Dragon who presides over light and one of the Three Divine Dragons, the Light Dragon had led its legions to the Demon Realm front.
The one currently in proxy command of this city and the Papal See was Cardinal Yoshuhar, one of the five True Dragons who assist the Light Dragon.
「What has befallen the world of light is urgent. It seems the entire world is being manipulated by the schemes of the Abyss.」
Yoshuhar let out a groan.
The Light Dragon Haraderiman perceives the present, and the Water Dragon Yeriserika foresees the future.
Although the two Divine Dragons had led an era of peace by alternately looking into the present and the future, many revelations had been going awry recently.
“Your Eminence Yoshuhar, this is an item we acquired from the scene where we subdued the black mage.”
Ben Astas said.
If Sieta was dressed in the combat robe of the Special Operations Division, Ben, the deputy director of [Children of Gold], was clad in gleaming golden plate armor.
Golden armor, a golden morning star, and a golden shield—these were the armaments symbolizing the inquisition organization [Children of Gold].
「What is this…?」
The moment Yoshuhar’s gaze fell upon it, the slab held by Ben in both hands began to fiercely scatter the light of the Abyss.
And as Yoshuhar extended his hand, the Abyss fiercely swirled like a screaming beast before exploding.
If Yoshuhar had not unleashed a golden light to protect everyone, the building itself could have been swallowed by the Abyss.
“As you can see, this causes a strong rejection reaction when dragons approach it. Despite harboring such a powerful Abyss, Your Eminence didn’t even perceive it before I brought it out, did you?”
「!」
“A power that obstructs dragon perception and induces mutual destruction upon a dragon’s approach… The Director has temporarily dubbed it the Anti-Dragon Barrier.”
Yoshuhar’s eyebrows twitched.
It doesn’t obstruct perception. This distorts the space around whoever possesses it.
It clearly appears to be the same space, but it’s a similar subspace overlaid. It could truly be called ultimate geometry. It’s no wonder the eyes of the Light Dragon and Water Dragon cannot reach it.
‘The one who could do such a thing… but he and his master’s friend should have been annihilated centuries ago.’
As Yoshuhar fell into deep and cruel contemplation, Sieta quietly asked Ben.
“I heard that the Prequor Lista Alter Shirpen headed north to gather a hero’s party, but I understand communication has been lost since then. Has he perhaps also fallen?”
Ben shook his head.
“He is currently heading south, sweeping through the flesh bearers. He is maintaining contact with [Children of Gold] and handing over the flesh owners.”
“Then the flesh too?”
“He says he will carry the flesh with him.”
“Why?”
“He says he will become a decoy himself. He aims to capture as many flesh bearers as possible.”
Sieta gasped.
With manpower overwhelmingly insufficient now, the power of Lista, hailed as the strongest Prequor in history, was nothing short of a godsend in a drought.
“He always surprises people. Like when he broke all sorts of records.”
“This is confidential, so please do not tell your subordinates.”
“Of course.”
“Also, Chief, I would like you to release false information that Lista Alter Shirpen has finished gathering his party and crossed the sea.”
“But I understood he was gathering the hero’s party’s mage; did he complete the party after going north?”
Ben nodded at Sieta’s question.
“According to reports from my subordinates, it is Rin of the Osarius School.”
“Rin? Ah, if it’s Rin…!”
“Yes, he’s that prodigy boy who became a 4-star mage at thirteen. I believe you, Chief, who competed directly in this year’s 4-star selection, would know him much better than us.”