Chapter 168: Assault

< Chapter 168: Assault (1) >

The next morning.

I was observing the beast race's mark, which had turned back to white, in front of the mirror.

"I get it now."

I realized that the time it took for Adam's mark to recover its color from black to white was proportional to the 'time of using the ancient relic'.

'It took about two days for the beast race's mark to turn white after using it for about 15 minutes...'

By simple calculation, it would take more than a week for the elf race's mark to turn white after using it for an hour.

'It's a long time.'

Of course, there's no way there wouldn't be a penalty for such an overpowered ability. Well, this much penalty is acceptable.

'My wounds have completely healed, too.'

In fact, they healed during combat. My physical condition improved even more during the 15 minutes when the beast race's trait was activated and the hour when the elf race's trait was activated.

That's when I was moving around.

"Huh? You woke up early?"

Lust entered the room without knocking.

"I always woke up at this time, so I got used to it."

"Really? Hmm, that's a pity."

Lust sat next to me and sighed.

"I would have given you a very happy morning if you were still sleeping. But I failed."

She tilted her head to look up at me with a playful smile. I lightly pressed on her forehead and said,

"Again and again. You talk big for someone who's never dated a guy."

Lust quickly averted his gaze.

"...No, that's not true?"

"What do you mean it's not? Just looking at you yesterday, I could tell."

"That! I, I was a bit flustered..."

Maybe it's because Lust, as an executive, had worn a mask for a long time. She often tries to seduce people, but as soon as she has physical contact with me, she becomes stiff.

'Typical style of someone who learned about romance through indirect experiences.'

That's Lust.

"It's interesting. You must've had a lot of contact with men before. Why are you nervous?"

"That was just an unavoidable touch for absorbing energy."

Lust looked at me with a somewhat hurt expression.

"When I come into contact with you, Seo-yul, my body stiffens up without me realizing it..."

"And yet, the first time we met, you clung to me like glue."

"That was..."

She looked around in a flustered manner, seemingly trying to dodge the topic. I think I have a good idea of what she's thinking. I glared at her.

"Aha. Did you initially see me as prey for energy absorption?"

"Prey? I'm not some sort of cannibal!"

She exclaimed in outrage.

"Don't try to change the subject"

"..."

I knew well enough that her objections were just attempts to change the subject. She was trying to divert attention. I'd already revealed my initial intent to kill her and how much trouble I'd been through.

It's only fair to tease her in return. My playful smile deepened.

"Judging by your silence, it seems I'm right?"

"..."

"No wonder. You stopped physical contact midway. So that was the reason."

"That's because..."

"Because what?"

"That...um..."

Lust hesitated, searching for the right words.

Just as I was about to tease her further, there was a knock.

"Father, are you awake?"

It was Illyna's voice. Upon hearing her voice, Lust's expression immediately brightened.

"Ah. It seems the queen has some business with Mr. Seo-yul!"

Suddenly, she jumped up from her seat.

"I shouldn't interrupt your conversation. I'll head back to my room for now!"

She swiftly opened the door.

"See you later!"

After bidding me farewell, she nodded to the surprised Illyna and vanished in a flash.

"Look at that speed."

Too bad.

I could've teased her a bit more. I scratched the back of my head as Illyna approached me.

―I'm sorry. Did I interrupt your conversation?

―No, she just dropped by for a morning greeting.

―I see. That's a relief.

Illyna sighed in relief.

―So, what brings you here?

Considering the queen personally visited me at this hour, she must have some important business.

―Well, there's something I'd like to ask of you.

I thought as much.

―What is it?

―There's a meeting in 3 hours.

―A military meeting?

―Yes.

Given the current state of war, if there's a meeting, it's likely military-related.

―I'd like you to attend that meeting.

A glint passed in Illyna's eyes.

―I'd like to borrow your wisdom.

* * *

4 hours later.

The atmosphere in the conference room where the military meeting was taking place was quite tense.

"We should sever diplomatic ties with Reperiel. Maintaining this alliance any longer brings us no benefit."

"That's right! We should prioritize our own interests!"

Given that the factions advocating for breaking the alliance with Reperiel and those arguing for its continuation were both unyielding, the atmosphere was bound to be intense.

"Why can't you see that this would be the peak of foolishness?"

"If Reperiel is occupied by the Demon God Army, it's crystal clear that Alfheim will be targeted next. In such a scenario, breaking the alliance with Reperiel is akin to choosing our own destruction."

The irony is that both factions have valid points.

"If we continue to provide support, soon we won't be able to stop the Demon God army advancing from Aion!"

Aion (the Dwarven nation) has long since fallen to the Demon God. The continent is now a strategic base for the Demon God Army.

"While we have compromised with the Dark Elves to the north and have been holding out, that too is reaching its limit!"

The northern part of the peninsula is the territory of the Dark Elves. They have formed an alliance with us against the Demon God, but that's nearing its limit too.

"If we withdraw all the supporting troops from Reperiel, it will crumble in no time. After which, we would be next."

"We just have to hold out until the Savior's reinforcements arrive..."

The Savior, the alliance led by the Angels and Dragon Lords against the Demon God. If their reinforcements arrive, this dire situation could be instantly turned around.

"Do you think the Savior, who is holding off the Demon God's main force, has the time to care about our situation?"

"Everyone knows that it might be more viable to fortify Alfheim and hold out by giving up on Reperiel!"

If the Angels send reinforcements, the Demon God will also send additional troops to this area. In such circumstances, would the Savior risk sending support to Alfheim? It's unlikely.

'Had they sent reinforcements, Reperiel wouldn't have faced destruction.'

The Savior's reinforcements are not coming. The fact that Lena was sealed in the seventh year proves it.

"If we maintain this alliance as it is..."

"We could also consider increasing support to Reperiel to quickly end this..."

I glanced at Illyna, who was seated next to me. She seemed visibly frustrated, her brow furrowed. It looked as though she wanted to say something but was at a loss for words.

'Of course. Because there's no surefire solution to break through this situation.'

That's why they're engaged in such empty rhetoric.

Pretending to do something for the sake of appearance.

They probably don't want to admit the fact that their doom is predetermined in the future, so they're desperately spouting nonsense.

'There really is no solution. That's why they wanted to rely on my wisdom.'

Thinking so, I looked at Illyna. Our eyes met as she noticed my gaze.

It's a look that's asking for my help.

'Can't be helped.'

I had intended to observe a bit more, but it seemed there would be no point in just watching any longer. I stood up with a bitter smile.

"May I speak?"

At my words, the room became silent in an instant.

All eyes, at least twenty pairs, were fixed on me.

'Oh, unexpected?'

Not a single one of them looked displeased. On the contrary, their eyes were filled with expectation. Some even seemed to look at me with admiration.

'They seem to genuinely believe I'm a High Elf.'

I thought someone might doubt or question it. Like the cliché where someone says, 'There's no way this unknown could be a High Elf!' and picks a fight.

I was expecting that, but there was none, which was surprising.

'It must be because they trust Illyna deeply.'

Since Illyna declared me a High Elf, they probably believe without a doubt that I am one.

'This makes things easier.'

I thought I'd have to start by making them trust me, but it's become much simpler. I began my speech with a light heart.

"The subject and point of discussion in this military conference are fundamentally flawed."

It was a blunt statement, almost close to a harsh criticism.

These folks need a bit of shock therapy.

* * *

After the long and tedious meeting was over,

Illyna returned to her room with a knight named Robin and drank some tea.

To soothe her tired mind, Illyna sipped herbal tea.

"What do you think of great father's words, Robin?"

"To be honest, I was surprised."

"Robin, you felt the same way."

The two recalled the events from the meeting room earlier.

His comment about the conference being fundamentally flawed was true.

There was no room for dispute.

"From the beginning, they weren't thinking of winning..."

Kang Seo-yul said.

It was the most pitiful conference he had ever seen. Can you believe the main topic of discussion among the dignitaries of a nation was 'How can we hold out longer?'

"Whether we maintain or break the alliance with Reperiel, the outcome of destruction remains unchanged. It's a harsh truth."

Chewing over Kang Seo-yul's words, Illyna gave a bitter laugh.

From a certain point, Alfheim had forgotten the word 'victory'. The prolonged defensive battles had sapped their will to counter-attack.

"To be honest, until he said that, I thought his words were just empty rhetoric."

Robin muttered as if reflecting upon himself.

"I thought he could say such things because he didn't understand our situation... Once he realized that we were completely isolated without any reinforcements, he'd be at a loss for words."

To put it coldly, Alfheim hadn't lost its will to counter-attack; it had no means to counter-attack.

How could they when the difference in strength was so immense?

"But that was just a narrow-minded preconception from my limited viewpoint."

Robin trembled with emotion. Recalling Kang Seo-yul's words from earlier, he couldn't help but shudder.

"I couldn't believe the strategies he suggested... I was constantly in awe as I listened. It sent chills down my spine without even realizing it."

"Yes, I felt the same way."

Illyna wore the same expression as Robin.

Kang Seo-yul's strategy was that shocking, flawless, and groundbreaking.

"But, do you really think there will be an attack from the demons soon, just as he said?"

"Yes, there will be."

Kang Seo-yul's strategy was based on the major flow of the war he had heard from the future Rena.

Given such circumstances, everyone couldn't help but harbor doubts about Kang Seo-yul's words. Concerns like 'What if that information is wrong?' and 'Is there a guarantee that this information is accurate?' were prevalent.

However, Kang Seo-yul quickly dispelled their skepticism.

―Within the next 3 days, one of the high-ranking officials from the demonic realm will attack here, the World Tree, which is the core of Alfheim.

―If there is no attack, then you can assume my words are false.

―But if the demonic attack occurs as I've said, please follow my strategy.

If the demons do attack within the next 3 days, it would validate the authenticity of Kang Seo-yul's intelligence.

By then, even if he were to advise them not to follow him, they would trust and follow him regardless.

"To the extent that he even mentioned the name of the demon that would attack..."

"He must be that confident."

Illyna's eyes sparkled as she thought of Kang Seo-yul.

Her eyes shone with a mix of admiration and aspiration.

"If the low-ranking demon official, Mephisto, attacks here... Alfheim will encounter a new turning point."

She was referring to the dawn of a counter-offensive.

"But how should we deal with this Mephisto..."

Robin sealed his lips with a worried expression.

The characteristics of Mephisto, a high-ranking demon, are renowned.

His abilities grow stronger when facing multiple opponents and his magical prowess is nearly omnipotent.

To counter him, a few elite fighters would be needed, but currently, there's no one in Alfheim capable of facing Mephisto alone.

"We don't need to worry about that."

Illyna smiled brightly at Robin's concerns.

"Great father said he will handle it 'alone'."

"...Ah!"

Robin exclaimed in admiration.

Surely, if the legend of the 'High Elf' is true, then even a low-ranking demon could be easily handled.

"I felt he still had some lingering effects from his wounds. Will he be alright?"

"Yes. He was mumbling in another language... in the High Elf tongue, so I'm not exactly sure. But since he was confidently laughing while mentioning 'Mephisto', I don't think there's a need to worry."

Illyna recalled Kang Seo-yul's sinister laugh and murmured words.

"Mephisto is a good source of protein... no, a relic supplier."

She wasn't exactly sure what he meant by that...

'Surely, it must have been a firm and cool resolution of some sort.'

Thinking that, Illyna wore a bright smile.

"Ah, and this palace will be sealed for 3 days."

"You mean a lockdown?"

"Yes. Great father said so. The place that will be attacked is here, the core of Alfheim, and the method of attack will be Mephisto's spear."

"It's a plan for evacuation and to counteract the concentration of malice."

* * *

That dawn.

The incident happened abruptly.

Swoooosh!

Accompanied by a deafening noise, as if a jet was passing by,

Boom!

An explosion occurred at the core of Alfheim, the World Tree.

"Hehahahaha!"

A mad laughter, already heard for the third time.

"Insects! Tremble in terror!"

Mephisto, the lower-ranking official of the demonic realm.

He spread his dark wings wide, laughing maniacally.

"...He's here."

And there I was, standing near the predicted impact site, smiling with resolve.

While looking at the spear thrown by Mephisto that penetrated the palace, I chuckled with malevolent delight.

'Lucifer, and other demons too... I wonder why they love spears so much.'

But no time to ponder on that now.

I immediately rushed towards the thrown spear.

"Hehahahaha!"

Hearing Mephisto's mad laughter,

Thud!

I grabbed the spear that Mephisto had thrown.

Whoosh!

"Argh!"

At that moment, accompanied by indescribable pain,

Dark energy surged from my body, soaring endlessly into the sky.

< Chapter 168: Assault (1) > End