The sky was amber, the fields were white, and the snow continued to fall. As the sun's golden radiance showered the world, a lone man stood there unfazed in the face of death, his eyes like the blue morning sky, sharper than any sword.
All eyes were on him, but the one who was shocked the most was Grey. Even when he always had his "Heaven's Eye" activated throughout the duration of the whole battle, he did not notice the arrival of the man before him.
It only meant one thing. It was that the man was fast enough to close a whole kilometer of distance, in a very small fraction of time that even Grey's eyes couldn't catch up to him. It was the only explanation Grey could think of.
⟨⟨Appraisal⟩⟩ ［Grey］
Driven by curiosity, Grey could only do one thing and look at the man's status screen. The moment he did, his eyes widened in shock and heart pumped in bewilderment, a nervous smile forming on his face. All his questions were now answered.
-----------------------------------
[Salferine]
[Name]Richter yl Altruisse Valliarta
[Race]Human
[Sex]Male
[Age]143
[Status]Healthy
[Mana Capacity]15,108 [Mana Quality]S
[Combat Power]41,529 [Threat Level]Disaster
[Attribute]Lightning [Magic Proficiency]Superior (93%)
[Class]Swordsman [Weapon Proficiency]Superior (94%)
[Physical Enhancement]96%
[Ability]『Triple (5☆)』
『Lightning Magic - Coiling Dragons』
『Sword Art - Phantom Sword』
-----------------------------------
He was "Disaster-Class", one of the only two people in the world, and amongst the couple dozen few who reached it throughout all of history.
The word "powerful" was all but an extreme understatement before him. The man standing before him was an overwhelming monster, one powerful enough to bring down countries if he so wanted to. A man Grey could never hope to defeat with his current self.
Even the Skeleton Tyrant all of them were having so much trouble with was now very wary as it observed the man who just arrived. It was now watching from afar, trying to recover as much mana as it can, carefully watching the man's every move whilst waiting for night to come.
"Are you alright, Young Man?" ［Richter］
"Y-Yeah..." ［Grey］
Before Grey could even snap back to reality, Richter suddenly called out to him after seeing how the former was still in shock. Even when there was an enemy nearby, he was as calm as a still lake, even turning his back carefreely.
The snowy battlefield has become peaceful, but such peace didn't last long. While none of the adventurers and knights knew who the man was, a certain figure knew him full well. Him along with the aged commanders and knights were the only ones.
"Archduke Farmalte greets His Imperial Majesty!" ［Reisner］
"""We greet His Imperial Majesty!"""
With the Lord on the lead, the commanders soon followed suit and also knelt to the ground, lowering their heads towards the man before them. It was a scene which would only bring bewilderment towards the others present.
Hair as black as the silent night, eyes blue like a warm ocean, and the azure swords he held in his hands. As the people connected such points together, only one figure came towards their mind, a figure which they've heard hundreds of stories of. The Legendary Hero and Former Emperor of the Empire.
"""We Greet the Azure Sword Emperor!"""
"""Greetings to the Empire's great Hero!"""
"""Glory to the His Imperial Majesty!"""
Greetings came left and right as everyone present knelt towards the cold and snowy ground. The silence which once swallowed the fields was quickly broken, only a pandemonium of noise remaining, rocking the skies.
Even then, the people couldn't hide their happiness and relief as they saw the man stand before their eyes. Some smiled, some cried, and some laughed, a variety of emotions swirling in their hearts. The men who were prepared to die a few moments ago, now felt hope bloom in their hearts.
Meanwhile, the man who received such a treatment still remained calm, only looking at them with still eyes, obviously used to such a treatment. His eyes then shifted towards the Lord in front of him, a gentle little smile appearing on his face.
But rather than saying anything, the man only patted the Lord's head, ruffling it gently as if he was patting a little kid. It was a scene which only made the others' eyes widen in shock, but no one said anything about it nor was there any laughter to be heard. No was brave enough to.
"It's good that you've become a great lord, but you shouldn't overdo it. Now, why don't you stand up? The ground is still very cold." ［Richter］
"Your Majesty, I'm no longer a child... Please stop treating me so...." ［Reisner］
"Be that as it may, you'll always be a child in my eyes. Now, stand up and fix yourself. It's not good for a lord to remain kneeling for too long." ［Richter］
"Y-Yes..." ［Reisner］
The Lord was powerless against the man. Without any retorts, he simply followed the latter's words and stood up. Following him, the commanders, knights, and everyone else also stood up, patting away the snow sticking on their knees.
Clack Clack Clack
And just as the people stood up, the enemy finally started to move again. Wariness still present in its empty eyes sockets, the Skeleton Tyrant once again gripped its black longsword tightly. Soon after, the black flames started to scorch once again, fiercer than before.
RUMBLLEEEEE
The ground trembled once more, the most violent it ever has. Clouds of darkness soon appeared out of thin air, a violent storm forming soon thereafter. It was yet another storm of darkness, blue flames igniting with terror one after another.
While the Skeleton Tyrant does not fully understand how powerful Richter was, it understood well enough to know that he was a dangerous existence. It spared no effort and summoned thousands upon thousands of skeletons. Even the Skeleton Dragon from before has now risen from death.
In just a single moment, the army of death has risen once again, surrounding the people, not a single side nor corner safe from them. Terror was once again carved into the depths of everyone's hearts, swallowing them whole without any mercy,
"My... How impatient..." ［Richter］
The only one who had a different reaction was Richter whose eyes still remained calm. He simply turned his head left and right, looking at the enemies as if he was counting sheep, a complete opposite of the wary Skeleton Tyrant.
"Reisner, let's continue our talk later. I'll take care of these things first." ［Richter］
"Yes. I wish you luck, Your Majesty." ［Reisner］
His voice, as calm as undisturbed puddles after the rain, echoed throughout the white landscape. Richter faced the Skeleton Tyrant once again, sky blue lightning crackling and coiling all over his body.
In that very moment, the eyes which only exuded gentleness as he talked with the Lord now looked colder than ice, sharper than a sword, and fiercer than that of a predator's. In just a fraction of a second, the atmosphere about him had become totally different.
Clack Clang Whoong
The moment he took a step, the sound of bones clacking and metals clanging echoed all over the place as the skeletons rushed towards them, raising their weapons to the sky, beams raining down from the sky. Danger was in all directions.
⟨⟨Barrier⟩⟩ ［Richter］
BOOOOOOMMM
Loud explosions and fierce shockwaves echoed shook the ground and sky, clouds of smoke and snow to be seen all over the place. But no one was hurt. There was only a large, blue barrier to be seen, standing proudly over the frozen horizon.
The enemies continued to rush mindlessly but no matter how hard they tried, they couldn't do so much as to leave a single scratch on it. Not even the Skeleton Dragon could damage it with its beams. The barrier remained standing firmly.
"To dare and bring harm towards my beloved Empire..." ［Richter］
The sparks and crackles only grew louder and louder. As his voice echoed, thunder started booming throughout the sky, lightning running through the white clouds, and chaos brewing over the once silent wind.
"To commit such an atrocious and unforgivable act..." ［Richter］
The cacophony got louder and the skeletons became wilder, striking the barrier with everything their bony bodies could accomplish. Swords, spears, and lances clanged time after time, their blue flames only burning brighter.
The Skeleton Tyrant didn't just stand still either. With every bit of strength and mana it could muster, it launched an all out relentless assault towards the barrier, blades of mana shot dozens upon dozens of times without any rest. Unfortunately for it, it was already far too late....
"Perish and repent in the depths of hell! ⟨⟨Heaven's Wrath⟩⟩ !" ［Richter］
A loud roar thundered throughout the sky, ripping the heavens and shaking the earth. The very next moment, a large bolt of lightning covering hundreds upon hundreds of meters descended towards the ground, a loud bellow to be heard soon after.
The world was painted white and blue as blinding light illuminated the horizon. The snow was thawed, the land was scorched black, and the skeletons which once struck fear towards the people's hearts were now subjected to excruciating pain as they were erased from existence.
Not even the Skeleton Tyrant was safe. While it lasted much longer, bit by bit, its body was eaten away by the ferocious lightning. The bones turned to fragments, and fragments turned to dust. The Skeleton Tyrant was only at the mercy of time.
The lightning soon stopped and the surrounding was clear once again. As people opened their eyes, there was nothing to be seen, only a glassy landscape made by minerals crystalizing due to the intense heat, not a bit of snow to be seen anywhere outside the barrier.
"T-The enemies are gone! We are saved!"
"We won! We really won!"
"Glory to the Azure Sword Emperor! Glory to the Empire!"
Celebratory noises then soon followed the moment everyone snapped back to reality, knights, adventurers, and supports alike yelling on the top of their lungs, smiles and tears of joy and relief to be seen all over the place.
The only ones who had different reactions were Grey, Yuna, Fizzel, and the familiars. Their eyes were focused on the man who made it all happen, unable to stop their hearts from trembling, goosebumps all over their exhausted bodies.
"And to think we struggled against that monster... It makes all our efforts seem laughable..." ［Fizzel］
Neither Grey nor Yuna couldn't agree more with Fizzel's words. They were both frozen and speechless as they continued looking at Richter. They saw a figure whom they aspire to surpass in the future.
The celebration didn't just simply die down. After the people were done celebrating their survival, another celebration took place as soon as the people realized how numerous the drops the skeletons left behind. Their eyes started sparkling brightly.
Even though the sun had almost set, it wasn't a problem due to the magic lighting tools they brought in case of a long battle. To top it all off, the glassy landscape was also void of snow. It made collecting much easier.
"Grey! Yuna!" ［Amelia］
One of the few who didn't join the fun were Julius and Amelia. Rather than collecting some drops, they were more worried about how their friends were doing. Both were waving happily and excitedly as they rushed towards them.
"Julius! Amelia! Why are you two here?!" ［Yuna］
"That's not important right now! Are you both alright?! Do you have any wounds or injuries?! Do you need a potion?!" ［Amelia］
"N-No, we're fine. As you can see, we haven't sustained any injuries." ［Grey］
Said Grey as he spread his arms, showing that he doesn't have any wounds. It was a good thing they were up in the sky when Grey sustained a lot of injuries, otherwise, he could only imagine how worried they would be.
"Are you sure you aren't hurt anywhere?" ［Amelia］
"Un! We're not that weak, you know?" ［Yuna］
"Amelia, I told you you worry too much. Have you forgotten it's Grey and Yuna we're talking about here." ［Julius］
"Oi, you bastard. What do you mean by that?" ［Grey］
"Huh? Figure it out yourself, Idiot." ［Julius］
They have just finished a long and exhausting battle yet Grey and Julius are off to their own worlds again, arguing with one another like little kids. It was as if the near-death scenario they experienced was all but a fleeting lie.
Well, the argument between the two didn't last as long as usual, they were just too tired to continue. In the end, they just stopped and settled it as a draw between them.
"Well, anyway, you're both feeling fine, right?" ［Julius］
"Yeah, we already told you, but we're really fine. Just a little exhaー" ［Grey］
Grey couldn't finish his own words when his rings started ringing all of a sudden. He couldn't hear any voices anymore and his vision had started going haywire. It was as if his senses were being played with, unable to tell what's real and what's not.
'Crap... What's hap... pen.. ning...' ［Grey］
Slowly but surely, Grey's thoughts started to become bleak and clouded. There was only darkness creeping towards his vision as he saw the others rushed towards him, still unable to hear what they were trying to say.
Darkness finally won, Grey's vision turning pitch black. There was no light, no noises, no stimulants, nor anything to sense at all. It was as if he had drifted into an empty void, floating adrift in a sea of nothingness. The world has cease to exist
...
"Ugh..." ［Grey］
A low groan resounded all over the room as Grey opened his eyes. But rather than a beautiful morning, what greeted him was extreme body pains brought by fatigue and his exhaustion, his body aching with every movement.
But more than the pain, what Grey struggled with was the nausea he was suffering from, holding his head as he raised his body. It was so painful he felt like his head was being forcefully split open, all the while bells rang relentlessly.
"Dammit... I can't believe I lost consciousness... ⟨⟨Heal⟩⟩ ⟨⟨Recuperate⟩⟩ ." ［Grey］
The pain only stopped the moment Grey used holy magic he had grown accustomed to. Now, he could freely move his joints without any problems. Both his mind and body felt as if they had just been reborn.
It was only when he recomposed himself that Grey realized he was in an unfamiliar room. The luxurious bed, the stylish cabinets and drawers, and the large windows all over the spacious room. It was obviously much more grand and luxurious than the room they were staying in the Emerald Lily.
Though it was an unfamiliar room, it felt strangely comfortable. The feeling of being cautious as to not break something when they first stayed over a mansion was no more. He has gotten too used to everything by now. He was at peace.
"Hey, Yuna, where areー" ［Grey］
But such peace didn't last long. The moment Grey's eyes fell on the other side of the bed, panic was painted over his face. He looked left and right but the one he was searching for wasn't there, making him panic even more.
Extreme panic painted all over his face, Grey quickly stood up, and headed towards the doors. He was about to open it and rush in search for Yuna, when suddenly, the doors opened on their own, a familiar face greeting him.
"Oh, Your Highness, you're awaー" ［Raven］
"Sir Raven, do you know where Yuna is?!" ［Grey］
Raven couldn't even greet Grey when the latter suddenly cut him off, holding onto his shoulders tightly at the same time. Although he was startled by Grey's sudden actions, he was more concerned about his complexion which was turning paler by the moment.
"When I woke up, she just wasn't there! Was she kidnapped?! No, that can't be right! No, in the first place, where am I?! What happened after the battle?! How about our familiars?! Is Julius and Amelia okay?!" ［Grey］
One after another, a panicked question came out of Grey's mouth, firing rapidly like some sort of machine gun. It may have been due to the previous amount of fatigue and exhaustion he experienced but he couldn't think straight like he usually does.
"Wait! What day even is itー" ［Grey］
"Your Highness, please calm yourself. Everyone is alright and we are at the castle at the moment. Also... It's starting to hurt a little...." ［Raven］
"Ah, sorry!" ［Grey］
It was only after Raven answered him that he started to regain his senses. He quickly let go of the former and apologized for his mistake. Thankfully, Raven didn't mind it too much. In the first place, he was sent there to check up on Grey's condition.
And it was only when he regained his calm that Grey realized he could have simply just called Yuna telepathically. He felt so stupid that he just subconsciously face-palmed himself from embarrassment.
"By the way, how long was I asleep for?" ［Grey］
"It's only been more than half a day, Your Highness." ［Raven］
"I see... That's good..." ［Grey］
Relief surged inside his heart the very next moment. Grey was thankful it wasn't like those scenarios he saw in fiction where people would be unconscious for days, even weeks or months. It would have been troublesome otherwise.
"Right... You said Yuna is alright? Where is she right now?" ［Grey］
"Her Highness is currently having lunch with His Highness and His Majesty. Would you like me to guide you there?" ［Raven］
"Please, and thank you..." ［Grey］
The sun beating down on the snowy city, it was already time for lunch. But rather than the dining hall, where Raven led Grey was towards one of the castle's parlors instead, a walk which took a couple minutes with how big the castle was.
On the way, Grey saw a lot of interesting things. While the layout and styles were different, the Farmalte Castle is just as exceptional and beautiful as the Royal Castle of Alfrione. There were a lot of interesting sights to see.
"Your Majesty, Your Highness, I've brought His Highness, Lord Grey," ［Raven］
"Please come in." ［Reisner］
As the Lord's voice echoed on the other side of the door, a creak echoed very quietly soon after. As Grey stepped foot inside the room, three familiar figure's welcomed him. There was Yuna, the Lord, and the man from before.
Azure Sword Emperor... Such was the name of the black-haired man. He is a hero who saved the Valliarta Empire several decades ago, marrying the crown princess at the time, becoming an Emperor. Though he already relinquished the throne, he is still a very respected figure in the Empire.
Well, it isn't just the Empire. Richter's name is known all over the world as one of the only two Disaster-Class rankers alive. No, his fame is even higher than that. Other than his nickname, he is also known by another, more controversial title. That title is... "The World's Strongest".
"Oh.... It seems like our young hero is awake." ［Richter］
"Grey..." ［Yuna］
But Grey didn't pay the man much heed. His eyes were locked on the silver-haired elf sitting beside him. He breathed out a sigh of relief as soon as he saw that she was doing fine and eating well. A thorn was removed from his heart.
"Lord Grey, how is your body? Do you feel any discomfort?" ［Reisner］
"No, thankfully not. Though I think I could use a little bit of rest." ［Grey］
"Hahaha, I'm glad to hear that's the case..." ［Reisner］
Said the Lord as he slowly ended his statement. Another creak soon followed as he slowly stood up, moving the chair over. Not uttering a single word, he walked towards Grey and suddenly, he quickly bowed his head in a 90-degree position.
"For saving my citizens and daughter, both as a Lord and as a father, I give you my sincerest gratitude. I will never forget this grace. The Archduchy of Farmalte will forever be in your debt." ［Reisner］
It was a scene Grey had seen far too many times from commoners to nobles and royalties alike. Though he has witnessed it many times already and does feel happy about it, his stand on the matter remains the same as before.
"There's no need for excessive gratitude, Archduke. We only did what others would if they had the power. It's only the right thing to do." ［Grey］
He wasn't a hero nor was he a saint or a man of virtue. While his acts could be seen as heroic and honorable by many, in his eyes, he was only doing what the natural thing to do would be as a rational being. The gratitude was already enough for him.
Be that as it may, the Lord still wanted to reward Grey and Yuna for their actions. As a Lord, he can't just let anyone go unrewarded after such meritorious actions. The same also goes for the knights, adventurers, and the others which participated.
"I see... But you should still accept the rewards later. We can't let our heroes go unrewarded, after all." ［Reisner］
"Hahaha, then we will do just so." ［Grey］
"That's a reliefー Oh right, how inconsiderate of me... Would you care joining us for lunch, Lord Grey? It may not be much, but I'm quite confident about the skills of our chefs." ［Reisner］
"Then it would be my pleasure." ［Grey］
Pleasantries out of the way, Grey and Reisner then took their seats beside the parlor table, a warm and pleasant atmosphere about them. Of course, Grey made sure to sit beside Yuna, greeting each other with a smile,
The table, although smaller than a dining table, was filled to the brim with a number of aromatic and delicious dishes. The delicacies of the north were already delicious as they are, but the ones in front of them were on another level.
"Thank you for the meal." ［Grey］
It didn't take long for Grey to join them on eating, his mouth filled with fireworks as the flavors exploded inside. Top it with the fact that he hasn't eaten since lunch two days ago, the meal became even more appetizing and enjoyable.
"My, it seems like the young hero eats really well." ［Richter］
"Ah, sorry... Am I making you uncomfortable?" ［Grey］
"No, no, not at all. It's rather pleasant to see kids eating so energetically. Here, eat more and grow up well. You too, Reisner, eat more." ［Richter］
"Great Grandfather..." ［Reisner］
He may often be called the strongest man in the world, but he was as gentle and caring as a mother is. He was completely different from the man who annihilated thousands upon thousands of monsters before.
But what was more shocking than his gentle nature was the fact that he was the Lord's great grandfather. Unfortunately, even though it's shocking, both Grey and Yuna were just too hungry to care. There wasn't a trace of shock on their faces.
"Right... I was going to ask this later, but... Lord Grey, Lady Yuna, I have an offer for you. Would you care listening?" ［Richter］
Well, there weren't any traces of shock until they heard Richter's words. Their spoons quickly stopped moving, their eyes both on the former. A gentle smile was plastered on his face.
CHAPTER 188 END