- Your third son will tear the Empire to shreds and bring about its downfall.
- Yet at the same time, your third son will ensure the Empire's prosperity for all eternity.
The third son of the Imperial family had received these two conflicting prophecies.
Destruction and prosperity.
Although the Emperor tried to keep it a secret, whispers of the prophecy stealthily spread.
The high officials of the Empire paid no attention to the latter prophecy. Their focus was solely on the first.
The child destined to ruin the Empire.
Thus, even before his birth, Ash became a target of curses and hatred.
Numerous demands arose, advising against even conceiving a third child, and the Emperor himself considered heeding these warnings.
After the birth of his second son, Fernandez, he ceased his marital duties with the Empress.
However, on the battlefield, the Emperor met Dustia.
He fell in love with her.
Defying all political barriers, he crowned Dustia as the second Empress.
When she became pregnant, there were daily outcries from courtiers demanding the unborn child's life.
But the Emperor ignored them, staying steadfastly by his beloved's side for ten months.
And, against all odds... Ash was born.
Holding his newborn for the first time, the Emperor named his third son,
'Born Hater.'
From that moment, Ash's middle name was solidified.
A child born amidst hatred.
And a child destined to spread hatred.
...Yet, contrary to the grand prophecy,
Ash was rather mediocre.
He displayed no aptitude in arts or martial abilities. Instead, after his mother's death, he became immersed in indulgence, causing trouble and wasting his time.
Public attention waned, and the prophecy was reduced to a laughable rumor.
In a modern age driven by magical technology, people scoffed at the idea of ancient prophecies.
The prophecy gradually faded into obscurity...
'...Or so it seemed.'
Dusk Bringar bit her lip.
Ash was nothing like the rumors suggested. He was bold, meticulous, and had a profound charisma.
It was as if his years of recklessness in the Imperial Capital were a ruse, a grand strategy to conceal his true nature.
'They say like father, like son. Truly, an Everblack is an Everblack.'
Entering the refugee camp outside the North Gate, Dusk Bringar was greeted with smiles from her followers. She surveyed their conditions as she moved to the center of the camp.
'...So, Ash.'
If the prophecy of that dark thorn tree, Everblack, was true,
'How do you plan to destroy the Empire, and then bring it to prosperity?'
She couldn't even begin to guess.
Yet, she had a strong premonition.
That her destiny was deeply intertwined with this youngest prince.
'Perhaps you will be the one to reveal the meaning of my name, Ash.'
Throughout her life spanning over 120 years,
She sensed the twilight, or "Dusk," that would soon mark its end.
Dusk Bringar felt it.
With a flawless, youthful hand, she clutched her chest,
As if grasping her own aged and tarnished soul.
***
A few days later,
The 1st Imperial Army, stationed to the west of Crossroad, was observed moving; some headed west, while others went north.
After they had completely left the Crossroad zone, I decided to enter the dungeon, leading a massive group of playable hero character parties.
'Whether Lark and Fernandez have a showdown is one thing,' I thought. 'I need to do what I'm supposed to.'
Preparing for the next stage, and the stage after that. Regardless of how the world moves, my goal ultimately concludes in a battle with the monsters here.
And the purpose of this free exploration was,
'To reach Level 50!'
It was for my third-class change.
Even in the main party, I was the only one who hadn't awakened, and compared to other party leaders, my level was notably lower. It was about time I paid attention.
'I feel mostly healed now.'
My fever had subsided and I felt refreshed. I was definitely ready for battle.
"Are you sure you're okay, my lord?" Lucas asked.
"Just rest, senior! We'll clear the dungeon for you!" Evangeline interjected.
"Since you've rested now, maybe you should consider not going into the battlefield in the future, Your Highness," Junior suggested.
"That's right, Prince! We had a manpower shortage before, but now we have enough forces!" Damien chimed in.
Everyone seemed to wish for me to stay back and relax.
"...Heh."
However,
"You think I'm going to step back?!"
I'm not done yet, you fools!
Without me, you lot would struggle! Without my attributes, passive skill buffs, and strategic commands, you'd face challenges!
Ignoring their pleas, I stood in front of the teleport gate, and all four members of the main party sighed heavily, their heads shaking.
'I get they're worried, but I have to reach Level 50 too!'
I swiftly entered the teleport gate.
Flash!
***
[Now Loading...]
[Tip - Raid parties become more powerful as the number of members increases, but detailed control becomes difficult. Adjust your party's composition depending on the dungeon and stage situation!]
***
Upon arriving at the base camp, the Penal Squad and Shadow Squad were waiting.
"Hey, Your Highness!" Kuilan, with his blazing red mane in its beastly form, casually greeted, raising his hand.
"Have you arrived, Your Highness?" Godhand greeted with a polite bow.
I chuckled, observing their condition.
"Yep, I've arrived. Everything ready for the expedition?"
"We're ready to go anytime," Kuilan responded.
"We're prepared as well," Godhand added.
Flash! Flash!
Party members continued to arrive through the teleport gate behind me. Watching this, Kuilan groaned.
"The scale... It's grown considerably."
Hearing that, I looked back. In front of the teleport gate, a total of four parties had assembled.
The main party of five.
Penal Squad of five.
Shadow Squad of three, with the addition of Lilly and Margarita, making five.
Lastly, the newly joined Dusk Bringar and her four Knight Squad.
In total, 20 members. Four full parties.
"It's like we're preparing for a war, huh?"
"Well, something similar," I responded.
Some dungeons require large party formations. Today's aim was to explore such a dungeon.
"Wow, wow...! To think that such a dungeon still exists in this day and age...!"
Upon her first entrance into the dungeon, Dusk Bringar had opened her mouth slightly, scanning the surroundings with wonder.
Approaching the awestruck Dusk Bringar, I asked, "Have you ever played in a dungeon before, Duchess?"
"Ha-ha! Of course! Who do you think I am? I'm the Dragon King of the Evening Glow, Dusk Bringar! Dungeons, rare items, labyrinths! All these places suit a dragon! I feel a sense of comfort, as if I've returned to my homeland!"
Aren't you supposed to be in the principality's office or something?
Dusk Bringar, laughing heartily, hurried inside the base camp to explore.
Meanwhile, someone was shivering as he watched Dusk Bringar's cheerful figure. It was Godhand.
"...Are you okay, Godhand?"
"Y-Yes, I'm fine..."
I approached and inquired, and Godhand replied with a pale face, "It's just... remembering the torment I suffered at her hands..."
"Right."
It was Godhand who delivered my letter to Dusk Bringar. He had a rough time back then.
"It was really tough. After torturing me for information, she did heal me, but... to be honest, it's not a pleasant memory..."
"I'm sorry, dude."
"But, Sire, thanks to you, we've gained a powerful ally in the Monster Frontline."
Despite Godhand's understanding, both Bodybag and Burnout were still visibly shaken. They seemed traumatized by their previous encounters with Dusk Bringar.
'I get it from Dusk Bringar's perspective. These three are from the Aegis Special Forces, implicated in an assassination that could have started a war. But they're also my most trusted allies.'
As I brooded over this, Lilly approached in her wheelchair, holding Godhand's hand.
"I'll protect you, Godhand! No matter who we're up against, we'll fend them off together!"
"Lilly..."
This inseparable duo exchanged syrupy sweet looks. There they go again. These two lovebirds are just too much sometimes.
Ignoring the overly affectionate couple, I headed into the base camp. I had some business here too.
"Ah, Ash! It's been a while!"
Greeting me with a bright smile was Verdandi, the leader of the Holy Grail Seekers. I returned the smile.
"Verdandi. How've you been? Are your teammates all recovered?"
"Yes! Thanks to the continuous supply of food you've been sending, especially the sunflower seeds, everyone's doing much better!"
Even though I couldn't move much, I had kept sending them supplies, including sunflower seeds.
Perhaps because of that, Verdandi's formerly pallid cheeks now bore a healthy color.
"A few days ago, we even went on a light exploration. We've pretty much fully recovered now."
"That's good to hear. But still, be careful out there."
"Wow! Oh, but! We've finally found a trace during our exploration! We've pinpointed the location of the 'Holy Grail'-"
Verdandi's voice trailed off, her face growing serious. Huh? Why's that?
"...Huh? Wha-?"
With a ghastly expression, Verdandi, trembling, pointed at Dusk Bringar, who was busy examining the base camp.
"The Dragon King of the Evening Glow...?"
"Hm?"
"Why are you here...!"
At that, Dusk Bringar, turning her gaze to Verdandi, showed a hint of recognition.
"Wait... Isn't that...?"
"Ah! Wait, hold on!"
Frantically, Verdandi waved her hands, as if urging Dusk Bringar to stop speaking.
But Dusk Bringar blurted out without hesitation, "The pure second daughter of the World Tree, the rightful heir of the Fairy Kingdom... Verdandi, isn't it?"
"..."
"I thought you'd died after disappearing at the end of the war a hundred years ago, searching for the Holy Grail. I never expected to reunite in such a place!"
"..."
"Though we were enemies once, it's a pleasure to meet a long-lived species in this short-lived world! How have you been, heir of the Fairy Kingdom?"
Verdandi was visibly stunned.
So were Godhand and the other elves, who had been quietly watching the exchange from a distance.
"Huh? What's wro... Oh!"
Realizing her blunder, Dusk Bringar quickly covered her mouth and darted her eyes around, asking hesitantly, "...Was that supposed to be a secret?"
I chuckled softly. Well, I knew about it because I'd played the game.
Verdandi had always wanted to keep it a secret. I gave a wry smile.
"...This is why."
Tears glistened in Verdandi's green eyes, filled with resentment, as she pointed accusingly at Dusk Bringar, shouting, "This is why I HATE dragons!"
All the other elves nodded in fierce agreement.
Crossing her arms, Dusk Bringar sighed deeply and lowered her head, "Rebels, you pointed-eared traitors, you think I like you?"
Watching the bickering dragon and elves, I pondered to myself.
...But really, are there any races in this fantasy world that actually get along?