Boom, boom, boom!

The entire tomb trembled with a loud noise as if punishing tomb raiders looking for treasure.

Clouds of dust fell from the ceiling.

“Ahh, it’s a trap!”

“Everyone, move back! We need to move to the rear!”

Vainstern’s associates panicked and retreated.

Thud, thud!

Bolts shot from between the walls.

Magicians pierced through spurted blood and gasped their last breaths.

“Argh!”

“Cough…”

The damage was beyond imagination due to magic specifically designed to break shields. Even knights with superior physical abilities barely managed to save their own lives.

Clunk!

“What?”

“Save me, please.”

This time the floor collapsed, revealing traps bristling with spears below.

A storm of traps ensued.

“Typical of you, setting traps for the enemies. Well done. It gives us a breather,” Chun Yoosung said, patting Jinhyuk on the shoulder with an approving smile.

Amidst the chaos, they had managed to secure the ‘Sky’s Command Stone’, fulfilling their primary objective.

Hmm.

While appreciative of the praise…

“This trap covers the entire tomb.”

“What… did you say?”

“We need to avoid it actively. Ah, precisely, there’s a secret passage leading out of the tomb at the back. We should escort the Emperor out that way.”

“What kind of insane plan did you set up?”

“Hey, don’t sweat it. Just dodge the traps well. Watch this.”

Jinhyuk casually dodged an incoming bolt.

One bolt, then two, then another, all narrowly missing him and embedding in the wall on the opposite side.

Despite the barrage of poisoned darts and spears from the floor and ceiling, Jinhyuk had already slipped through like an eel.

“The elasticity makes it risky to deflect or alter their trajectory. Dodging like this is best, and you’ll get used to it after a few tries. Plus, the other traps have a 0.13-second delay before activating, which you can use to move quickly.”

There were about 17 other types of traps, but once their patterns were recognized, reaching the exit wouldn’t be too difficult.

Frankly, this was practically spoon-feeding them.

“I’ll be damned. You think it’s easy to dodge all those at that speed?”

“…That’s possible because it’s Jinhyuk.”

Chun Yoosung gritted his teeth, and Teresa sighed softly.

“Tsk, did you even consider whether that old Emperor could move like that?”

Alice clicked her tongue, her expression one of pity.

“It seems I may have chosen the wrong side. Maybe I should apologize to the Duke now.”

Even Abraham was regretting his choice.

‘Hmm… Is it really that hard?’

It seemed simple enough to do blindfolded after a bit of practice.

However, even if others might find it difficult, it was understandable for the Emperor.

Then.

“I’ll create a gap with a barrier; in the meantime, you all arrange to move out. Pesis can lead the way out, so it shouldn’t be too hard to exit.”

He planned to weaken the bolts with a protective barrier and shield the Emperor from all sides.

With Pesis optimized for navigating escape routes, the risk was minimal.

“What will you do?”

“I need to stay. Someone has to buy time until this incident is reported outside.”

The nobles at the palace might not know yet, but other kingdoms would take this situation seriously.

Naturally, it was a potential glimpse of their own futures.

And if he could get this news out to them…

It could be the dagger needed to utterly destroy Vainstern’s schemes.

“Not a bad idea. Indeed, if we go by that plan, we can establish a just cause.”

Abraham nodded in agreement.

“Damn, being with you feels like being in the eye of a storm.”

Chun Yoosung grumbled, but didn’t argue.

He too had realized this was the only way.

“Take care, Jinhyuk.”

“Don’t worry too much about this side. I’ll manage to lead everyone safely.”

Teresa and Pesis added their words of encouragement.

“Thanks to you, I can dream again. I hope we meet again above.”

Lastly, Reinhardt expressed his gratitude and respect.

With those brief farewells.

Wooooong!

Jinhyuk activated the barrier.

Simultaneously, everyone dashed towards the exit.

Well, not everyone.

“Why aren’t you going?”

Alice stood still next to Jinhyuk.

“It looks tough for you to handle all those alone. Losing my contractor here isn’t in my plans.”

“Thoughtful, but you’re not fully recovered yet. Won’t you just be a burden?”

“I don’t need to use strength. There are ways I can deal with the Empire’s forces myself. At least I won’t be dragging you down.”

Alice now held a sword symbolizing ‘Reinhardt.’

“Isn’t that the ceremonial sword of the first emperor?”

Meant for ceremonies, it was essentially a decorative piece in the tomb.

“Yeah. It’s his sword.”

Alice reminisced, lightly swinging the sword.

After the storm of traps, Vainstern and the nobles suffered tremendous damage.

“Kuh…”

Vainstern wiped the blood dripping from his forehead with the back of his hand.

Failing to anticipate such traps was a severe oversight.

But it wasn’t too late.

The enemy must also be struggling to avoid the traps.

He could still send a pursuit team to cut off their escape.

Just then, someone appeared before Vainstern.

It was the white-haired girl who had been constantly by that human’s side.

“I thought you’d fled. You’re still here?”

“I detest getting involved in tiresome affairs. Honestly, I’d rather be sipping wine in a comfy bed. That’s what I truly want.”

“Your actions contradict your words. Then why haven’t you escaped?”

“My contractor wishes it.”

“Such a trivial reason to die for. Well, if that’s your choice, I hope you don’t regret it.”

Vainstern was about to order his knights when…

“Before you start, may I ask one thing?”

“Hmm. Your last question? Fine, I’ll allow that much.”

“Why do you humans, who emphasize loyalty and honor so much, betray your Emperor?”

“That’s not worth answering. Loyalty is owed only to those deserving. But the Emperor doesn’t qualify.”

“That’s strange.”

Alice tilted her head, puzzled.

“What’s strange?”

“Didn’t your family swear to protect the name ‘Reinhardt’ for generations? The first Reinhardt said so.”

“Ha! Ridiculous. There’s a limit to bluffs. I can’t believe you’d make up such a thing. Although the first emperor lived a long life by breaking barriers and undergoing metamorphosis, he didn’t live long enough to meet a little girl like you.”

Vainstern burst out laughing, but Alice didn’t smile.

“It seems you’re quite mistaken…”

Alice slowly began.

“That child wields the sword of that man.”

I am.

“The very person who witnessed the first steps of that sword.”

‘Tersensio. Te Arphem.’

At the short command from Alice’s lips…

…the runes inscribed on the sword reacted.

What followed was a young man’s figure formed by light emanating from the sword.

Though merely an illusion, it possessed a presence more tangible than anyone else present.

The nobles were shocked.

“Can it be…?”

“Is that really…”

It was undoubtedly him.

The great emperor who unified the empire, Reinhardt I, in his youth.

“Your Majesty…”

“The sword… a relic containing the Emperor’s form.”

Among those present were elders who remembered Reinhardt’s appearance.

Sages of the magic tower and swordmasters who had overcome walls.

Then.

The man enveloped in light looked at Alice.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve seen a familiar face. Ha, if this had been during my lifetime, it would have been wonderful. It’s a pity to meet like this, merely a projection of past memories.”

Reinhardt’s voice carried a sad smile.

“Likewise.”

“Still, it seems you’ve escaped the corridors that bound you. You’ve met good people, somewhat reminiscent of me.”

“That’s truly fortunate. Really fortunate.”

Reinhardt and Alice conversed calmly.

Their exchange of mundane pleasantries could have been seen anywhere, but for the onlookers, each word was shocking.

“That girl really knew the first emperor?”

“Unbelievable.”

Even after centuries, all of the Empire’s loyalists remembered the Conquering King Reinhardt I’s deeds.

The long-lived swordmasters and grand magicians had met the emperor in person.

Even those who hadn’t met him knew of the great Conquering King through countless histories and textbooks.

• The first emperor is the empire itself. His will and intent precede all laws and regulations.

He made the impossible possible.

He granted a stable life to the empire’s citizens, who had lived in daily fear.

The current peace and vast territories were indeed his legacy.

Now, that emperor’s avatar heard the truth from Alice.

Reinhardt’s gaze turned to the nobles.

“The six-pointed star is the symbol of the White Tower. Then, you belong to the mage family led by Terher. Is that correct?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. Terher was my father. I too had the honor of meeting you when I was young.”

Responding to Reinhardt’s inquiry, an old man in a robe bowed his head.

“Then you remember as well. The White Tower swore to protect the empire and my lineage.”

His voice grew heavy.

But there was more deep regret than reprimand in his question.

Perhaps… reminiscing about those loyalists who had served him faithfully in establishing the empire.

“…”

The head of the White Tower bowed, speechless.

Reinhardt’s gaze moved to another man.

“The Red Cavalry is the symbol of the Tryan family. When enemy signals rise, your family’s flags should be the first seen on the plains leading to the capital. Am I wrong?”

The Tryan family was known as the empire’s spear, always the first into battle and the last to retreat.

“…You are correct, Your Majesty.”

“How regrettable it is that your spear is aimed not at enemies but at the royal family. If Tryan were here, he would mourn with me.”

“…”

The emperor continued, and the targeted nobles emitted low hums, remaining silent.

“My descendants may be incompetent, and it’s true that could darken the future of your families.”

However.

Still.

“Your families and ancestors swore. Even if the empire crumbles and everything returns to dust, you would stand by my descendants to the end.”

If that fate is to be theirs, then.

They would accept it with a smile, as the founding heads had sworn.

“Remember that oath.”

Reinhardt commanded one last time.

A deep silence lingered in the tomb.

The nobles and their knights could not raise their swords or shields.

The magicians, unable to chant, remained silent.

“What are you doing? Do not be swayed by the words of a dead specter. Raise your swords, cast your spells, and wipe them out!”

Despite Vainstern’s roar, no one moved.

The atmosphere turned peculiar.

Desperation crept across Vainstern’s face.

“Nirasha!”

There was no more time to delay.

He had to turn the situation around by any means necessary.

Otherwise, he was the one who would die a traitor.

Then.

“This situation has brought about many variables. Well, nothing can be done now.”

[‘Goddess of Destruction’ smiles.]

A terrifying storm ensued.

Divine power infused through Nirasha began to manifest.

At the same time.

“Sorry, but you’re not the only one who can reach the deities.”

Jinhyuk also infused power into a purple gem.

[The ‘Sky’s Command Stone’ responds.]

From a distant upper chamber of the unseen tower.

Someone answered Jinhyuk’s call.