The usual flow of news from the royal palace is often carefully controlled, reaching the public only after meticulous consideration. But the news of Princess Alfreya's death spread like wildfire, reaching every corner of the kingdom, including the outskirts of the capital. Although it was only King Alfred Eldran's first year on the throne and the princess wasn't widely known among ordinary citizens, the kingdom buzzed with shock over another event.
"Shun Xshasi killed Sora Tiamat?" Dharma Leyndra murmured to himself as he wiped the blood from his old, battered scythe. "Not surprising... hehahaha!"
"Exactly what I'd expect from a boy I admire," Violet Remoria mused as she made her way to the royal palace.
"Life is so precious, yet everyone throws it away like rubbish," Vergil Killer sighed within his coffin. "When will these endless conflicts ever end?"
"Bravery and skill—a boy to be admired indeed," Tom Smith thought as he observed Osward White, who was enduring brutal training sessions.
"I knew it! This boy isn't someone to be trifled with!" Ariel Syna exclaimed to Noah Heeden, who merely shrugged.
"Hehehe, just a case of self-defense, no?" Dominic O'Neill laughed uproariously, for once without a bottle of wine in hand. "The kingdom lost a complete ethereal warrior, but who knows what we might gain in return?" Beside him, Norton Es closed his eyes, deep in thought.
"I usually avoid trouble, but..." Vesanze Fortune muttered to herself, "it might be wise to please the hatchlings..."
Such sentiments echoed across the kingdom. Shun Xshasi's daring act to save the prince from Alfreya and Sora Tiamat was seen as a heroic deed rather than murder. Admiration grew for the ascended ethereal warrior who single-handedly defeated the 23rd complete ethereal warrior. Little did the public know that the Belkarn Clan had glorified his story. When a narrative is echoed by enough voices, people tend to accept it without question.
However, not everyone was pleased with Shun's actions.
King Eldran was naturally grief-stricken over his daughter's death and her attempt to murder her brother. He was adamant about executing Shun, but the sheer number of influential figures who pleaded for mercy was overwhelming.
The entire top ten complete ethereal warriors opposed his decision. In addition, some of the most influential figures in the kingdom, such as Glynn Belkarn, Eriq Ranborg, and even the absent Prime Adviser Alexander Levison, also begged for Shun's life. Even weaker complete ethereal warriors, who had no direct involvement, voiced their support.
The most startling and terrifying visitor, however, was the "Living Demon" himself, Dharma Leyndra.
The 12th complete ethereal warrior made it clear that if Shun were not spared, he would repeat the carnage of years past within the kingdom—a chilling reminder of his capabilities.
King Eldran couldn't fathom why Shun had garnered such influence and connections, nor did Shun himself. He was bewildered by the fact that so many seemingly unrelated warriors traveled great distances to advocate for him.
Eriq Ranborg had witnessed the entire incident and testified that Shun's actions were pure self-defense. Alexander Levison's letter warned that executing Shun would disillusion the citizens.
Unlike the Eternal Dynasty of An, the King of Lordrixis did not wield absolute power. As Nathaniel Heaven once said, "A king who does not listen to his people is merely a fool on a fancy throne." Despite his rage, King Eldran had no choice but to pardon Shun.
Meanwhile, in the Belkarn Clan's chambers, Albert Eldran, Cloudy Adaires, Silver Iricson, and Shun Xshasi sat around a table. Cloudy comforted Albert, assuring him that the worst had passed and their future was secure. But she was unaware of the true source of Albert's despair.
"Ask the dead souls of this kingdom, sacrificed just for you."
These haunting words and Alfreya's tears had shattered Albert's mind. Perhaps this was why so many were distraught over his return. Even Eriq Ranborg couldn't cure his silence, leaving the method of restoring his speech a mystery.
Albert didn't know the answer, and part of him didn't want to.
Shun sensed the turmoil in Albert's heart but didn't know how to offer comfort, so he remained silent.
Silver smiled at Shun. "Isn't this the perfect outcome? Not only was Princess Alfreya stopped, but none of us suffered any consequences."
Though Silver hadn't played a significant role in the operation, Albert had felt it necessary for her to be informed. As the ninth complete ethereal warrior, involving her directly would have been risky.
Shun nodded. "We were fortunate to act first. Judging by the princess's demeanor, Albert would have been in grave danger if we hadn't executed this plan." Despite his words, Shun's mind was preoccupied with the 23rd complete ethereal arm he had claimed, though his smile appeared sincere.
Silver's smile brightened at Shun's words, but their moment was interrupted by a respectful knock on the door.
"Come in," Shun called out, and the door slowly opened.
Glynn Belkarn entered, accompanied by a caped old man—an unfamiliar figure to all except Shun.
Glynn's smile today was different, a genuine expression from the heart. Kylainn Esmira cast a glance of acknowledgement towards the Grand Head.
"Everything is resolved—the past goal achieved, the present situation favorable, and the future path clear and bright," Glynn said cheerfully, his words directed more at Kylainn than the others.
At that moment, Rin Dreamer and Ruby Nicolas appeared in the doorway, their faces lighting up as they saw their friends. Shun had almost forgotten that Rin and Ruby were elite members of the Belkarn Clan. Each sector of the clan was divided into distinct and unchangeable categories, preventing the two girls from participating in the operation itself. However, they had been the ones to assist Cloudy.
"This is just the beginning. If any of you require assistance from the Belkarn Clan, we will aid you at all costs, even if it means defying the kingdom," Kylainn's rough, rusty voice sounded more joyful than it had the day before. Glynn nodded in agreement.
Shun stood and asked, "I've already expressed my gratitude, so I'll get straight to the point: Why?" His gaze shifted to Rin and Ruby, who shook their heads, indicating they had nothing to do with this.
Glynn laughed. "Because you are the descendant of Sirius Xshasi, and that identity carries more weight and power than it appears."
Shun raised an eyebrow as a clear thought formed in his mind, intended only for Glynn. Glynn caught the message and responded.
"No, it has nothing to do with the 0th complete ethereal arm," Glynn shook his head. "In fact, the clan's ultimate goal was never to recreate the 0th complete ethereal arm. My father, Glenn Belkarn, had a goal far more legendary, and it's up to me to fulfill his wish."
"Today, I finally pieced together the puzzle and understood my father. Initially, I helped you because I learned something about you from another's mind. But now, the reason has changed."
"The reason the Belkarn Clan was created was solely because of you."
"Not your grandfather, just you."